Happy New Year.

May God bless you with wisdom, peace, health and good fortune.

Nubian Dreams@ LGBT Kwanzaa, NYC

This week in NYC

The 21st Annual LGBT
Community

KWANZAA
Saturday Dec 27th, 2008

African Market 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Cultural Program 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Karamu (Community Feast) 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
(Vegetarian selections also available)
To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and
speak for ourselves.
With
Akoben Drumming Circle & Various recording and spoken word
artists.
Co-Host Organizations
ADODI/New York
African Ancestral Lesbians United for Societal Change
(AALUSC)
The Audre Lorde Project (ALP)
The Black Men's Exchange –New York
Circle of Voices, Inc. (COV Inc.)
FIERCE
Freedom Train Productions
None on Record: Stories of Queer Africa
Rehoboth Temple CCC
Sistahs in Search of Truth, Alliance & Harmony (SiSTAH)
Sistas of Caribbean Ancestry (SOCA)
The Inner Child Experience
Location
LGBT Community Center
208 West 13th Street (between 7th and 8th Avenues)
NYC, NY 10011
Admission $10
(Suggested donation)
No one will be
turned away

Tickets are available at the door.
Doors open at 12 noon - 10pm
Celebration starts promptly 6:00pm
For info please email -
lgbtkwanzaa@gmail.com

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Last Night Amoung the Stars

James Saunders celebrated his birthday last night by attending the 50th Anniversary Gala for the Alvin Ailey Dance Company.  The show was wonderful as they presented a retrospective of the life of the dance company as well as Mr. Ailey's life.

Don't wait to get your tickets to this show.  Every night is different so check the schedule.  

Yet Another Amazing Event

Last night I was invited to an amazing reading and book signing at Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The event was amazing and featured WBLS/WLIB radio Ann Tripp interviewing mega music and marketing exec, Jacqueline Rhinehart on her new book "My Organic Soul." I'm not Oprah but I am telling you this is a book to get. A wonderful holiday gift. If you get a chance to see Ms. Rhinehart do a reading don't miss it. Ms. Ann Tripp (below)
Jacqueline Rhinehart & Ann Tripp (L-R)

The Reunion Party was Amazing

Thanks Charles for opening your home to old and new friends. Several of the past Nubian Dreams Cruise I guests also want to host a reunion party. The event was fully of merryment, good conversation, great food, drinks galore, slideshows of the first cruise and a preview of the upcoming Nubian Dreams Cruise 2 on the Explorer of the Seas ship on Royal Caribbean from Oct. 29th-Nov.7th. If you would like host a reunion party at your home please contact charles@nubiandreams.com

Tribute to One of the Good Guys

James and I were sadden to hear about the passing of former Councilman Phil Reed tonight. We go way back to our Black Pride NYC, Inc. days where he helped us in so many ways. Phil made it a point to attend many of our events because he believed in what we were attempting to do for the community. He was a wonderful man that lived with HIV with dignity. Here is the thing. He got out of his sick bed to go and VOTE. Two days later he died. God Bless You Phil. Rest in Peace. Read more about his amazing life.

We Are Back.

I (Laurence Pinckney) thought I would share the other side of my life. That of a Real Estate Broker in NYC. Well times are tight but thank God because Manhattan is an island we get a break. Check out the launch of my company's, Halstead Property, LLC, new television site Halstead ProperTV. I participated in the filming of the Harlem Neighborhood Tour which is part of over 140 videos currently on our halstead.com’s video mini-site, http://www.halstead.com/properTV.aspx?video=A374B863D0 ProperTV. Let me know what you think.

If you need some help with your property search please reach out. I can help you where ever you live or want to live. Even out of country. Check out my current listings. Contact me at lpinckney@halstead.com

Harlem

Party & T-Shirts

Nubian Dreams.com
In association with WAYOUT EVENTS & Bleu Magazine
Invite you to the Nubian Dreams Cruise Bon Voyage Party

Tuesday, Oct. 7th 2008 from 6pm-9pm
HK Lounge
405 W. 39th Street (at 9th Ave. behind the HK Restaurant)
New York, NY

Drink Specials from 6pm-7pm
Meet travelers & preview of the Nubian Dreams 2 Cruise

21+ to enter. ADMISSION FREE
Produced by Way Out Events for Nubiandreams.com
Www.nubiandreams.com






Final Call for T-Shirt orders. Pre-order here for $15.00

Artists for Obama Videos

Alyson Williams Obama Promo

The Covers of NY Pride

You looking for what to do this weekend. Check out these magazines and websites for the most updated information. These publications need your support. Click and bookmark these links to see what they have. More clicks, more subscriptions, more advertising = Survival of our stories. NOW THAT'S REAL PRIDE. Stay informed. All these sites have other links where you can find out what is happening worldwide. Happy Pride




http://www.gbmnews.com/




http://www.nextmagazine.net/




http://www.gomag.com/




Clik Magazine








www.thebleumag.com
















Interesting Blogs and Sites
Monaga
Girlzparty.com
Tropical Desires
UK Blakout

Ocean Balcony CabinsAvailable

Good news travelers. We were able to secure 8 more Ocean Balcony cabins for immediate purchase. The deadline is rapidly approaching for final payment.

Enjoy the wonders of the sea from your private balcony. Perfect for romance under the stars or private sunbathing during our 8 day voyage. If you are interested in reserving one of our Ocean Balcony cabins contact us immediate via email at laurence@nubiandreams.com or at our hotline at 212-501-2223.

Remember to get your Sun Pass now at the early bird rate of $160.00 for Nubian Dreams registered guests. Others pay $230.00 online.

Not sold yet?

If you are in NYC for Pride on Sunday, June 29, 2008 from 6pm-11pm Nubian Dreams in association with Home Box Office are proud to present "Pride Lounge." This is the last in a series of Nubian Dreams Lounges that have taken place at the Taj Lounge monthly since December 2008. For our finale we are proud to present members of our Sun Pass entertainment on the Nubian Dreams Cruise including the dynamic Ms. Alyson Williams singing her hit song "Just Call My Name", cuts from her upcoming live jazz album and more. Also featured is the very funny Ms. Tammy Peay and Broadway's own Kevin Anthony. Free before 7PM for everyone and all night for Nubian Dreams registered guests. $10.00 with flyer or ad and $12.00 without.

Something for This Weekend

SAVE THE DATE FOR PRIDE SUNDAY - June 29th for the final Nubian Dreams Lounge. This special event happens on Pride Sunday from 6pm-11pm with special guest artists from the Nubian Dream Cruise performing; Alyson Williams, Kevin Anthony & Tammy Peay. Don't miss it.

Congratulations to our friends at Langston Lounge in Brooklyn that received a special award at Brooklyn Borough Hall from Marty Markowitz yesterday. Calvin Clark, Eryck Albury and staff really deserve alot of credit for bringing gay life to Brooklyn in a classy way.

SATURDAY SENSATION
ONE NIGHT ONLY - SATURDAY JUNE 14
CLUB AURA, 5 E 19TH ST. BETW. BROADWAY & 5TH
TWO FLOORS OF MUSICDJ UNKNOWN ON LEVEL 1WITH HIP HOP / R&B / REGGAE
FREDDIE & SPK MAFIA ON LEVEL 2WITH HOUSE & BEATS and SPECIAL CD GIVEAWAYS

EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT
created for you by "MEGABOY" KATE and
SOFINA
featuring DJ MARY MAC
@ClubCACHE
221 W.46th St. NYC bwt 7th & 8th Aves
between The Edison Hotel & Sofia's Italian Restaurant
look for the door with the LOVERGIRL BANNER

Lots of room to DANCE, PARTY & LOUNGE
NYC's Best Kept Underground Secret!

11p - 4a $12 b4 12a $15 after
Take Any Train to Times Square 42nd Street it is a short walk to 46th
If you drive there is a parking lot right next door.
Ask for special Lovergirl rate of 25.00 plus
show your ticket to the cashier & the driver gets $10 admission into LOVERGIRL
must be 21 years of age or older w/valid picture ID

Your Invited to the Nubian Dreams Lounge Finale

June Updates

Dates to Remember

• Sunday - June 29th, 2008 at the Taj Lounge from 6PM-11PM join us as The Nubian Dreams Lounge in association with HBO (Home Box Office) presents "Pride Sun Pass Preview" as well celebrate the final Nubian Dreams Lounge for 2008. This all star event features the amazing Alyson Williams

singing her hits including "Just Call My Name" and songs from her upcoming live jazz album, Broadway's own, Kevin Anthony and the return of The Nubian Dreams Cruise host the funny lady

Ms. Tammy Peay. Music by master DJ Calvin Smith. Final payments for the Nubian Dreams Cruise can be brought to the Lounge. Admission is free for Nubian Dreams registered guests all night and free from 6pm to 7pm for others. Includes 1 free drink by featured liquor sponsor. Happy Hour 2-4-1 drinks from 7pm-8pm. Showtime at 9PM this week. Admission $10.00 with Flyer or e-ad and $12.00 without.

• Still a few good cabins left for the Nubian Dreams Cruise departing NYC on Oct. 8th -16th for San Juan, St. Thomas & Tortola. Final payments due July 1, 2008. Please help us welcome our latest sponsor for the cruise by visiting the US Virgin Islands Tourism Bureau website. GOOD NEWS. Two Ocean Balcony Cabins have opened up. Act today by calling 917-816-3577 to reserve.


• Tickets on sale now for James Saunders' III - 6th Annual White Party Moonlight Cruise on August 1, 2008 on the Spirit of New York.


• Alyson Williams and Friends at Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar every Tuesday Night.

Spring is Here with Lots of Events

We have put together a NEW EVENTS PAGE on the Nubian Dreams website. Have you seen it yet? Let us know what you think. From theater to clubs to special events we feature it all.

This week we highlight NYC parties.

Thursday continues with the hit the afterwork party "After Effects" at The Ritz at 46th St. & 9th Ave. Hosted by Jonathan and Earl. Always a good time for the mature males.


This Thursday is the debut of Candy Shop. The music will be a twist of Pop, R&B, Hip Hop and traditional Latin music provided by Dj Unknown, Yamil and guest djs. Welcome Candy Shop a great place to visit after The Ritz.

Ladies the hot Lovergirl party continues this Saturday at Club Cache. We also have to say that Kate and the ladies have been a supporter over the years of James Saunders and Laurence Pinckney events. It began when we relaunched Black Pride NYC in 2001 and through our 2005 event. As a promoter partner each email that has gone out for Lovergirl has posted the Nubian Dreams banner. Can't wait to hang out with them on the cruise. Thanks Lovergirl.





For more info on ladies events please visit another supporter of ours and a Nubian Dreams Media Partner, Go Magazine. Their listing have it all.






Men and women should keep current with events that concern our issues at GBM News. They are always current. Check out the California ruling on Gay Marriage. Good job Cali. Thank you.












The return of Men Are From Mars

These brothers have been doing this party for awhile now. They always bring dramatic themes, hot music and beautiful nubian men out. Go early so you don't have to wait in long line.

If you have every dreamed of going to the Dominican Republic, Cuba, or Puerto Rico...escape this Sunday and experience Escandalo Nights "Havana" You won't believe this party. Be warned get there early or you will wait. The latin kids come out early and party late. Men & Women enjoy this party. Visit Escandalo Nights website.

FLASH ALERT- Terrance Dean on Wendy Williams

Today on WBLS (107.5FM) and online at 4PM listen to Author Terrance Dean of the brand new memoir "Hiding in Hip-Hop: Confessions of a Down Low Brother in the Entertainment Industry" on the Wendy Williams Show. Please call in an fax the station with comments so he doesn't get a lot of haters. Although we have not read the book yet we have heard that it is a great read with true stories from this talented African American same gendered loving man.

Terrance will join Nubian Dreams and the N Boutique for a very special fundraising event on May 21 benefiting the Ali Forney Center for Homeless LGBT youth. This is an invitation only event. Email us to request an invitation. Please include your full name and email address. Space is limited but the first people to respond will be invited.

It's Nice to Be Quiet Sometimes

If you are getting this via email, you might want to check out the blog directly for video and pics.

This is the first time we have had time to breathe in months. James Saunders and I thought that after all the preparations and promotions surrounding the Nubian Dreams Cruise and Lounge we needed to take a breather. We will not be hosting a Nubian Dreams Lounge in May but we do have a special event that we are planning for invited guests on May 21. More details to follow. If you will be in NYC on Wed. May 21 email us for a invitation for this very special event.

On next and final Nubian Dreams Lounge event will be again at Taj Lounge on Pride Sunday, June 29, 2008 from 6pm-11pm which will be co-presented with HBO. This is an event that you don't want to miss.

Below is Part II of last Sunday's "In The House" event. Thanks to our girl Aleada Mintor of InnerRising Productions, Inc. we got some great footage. Our entertainment featuring DJ Fred Pierce, Lady Jasmin, DANI and Kenton Rogers made us look good. I heard from the winners of HBO's "The Wire" collection, they are loving it. For all the Nubian Dreams Lounge videos click here.

Looking for something to do this month? Check out the Nubian Dreams Events page.

If you haven't already booked for the Nubian Dreams Cruise, please hurry, only a few cabins left. Don't wait for your friends, roomates can be arranged.

Congratulations go to these two happy couples who flew all the way to South Africa to get married legally. We wish we could have been there. Best wishes Andrea & Pei and Eddie and David

Enjoy.

Sweet Success of "In the House"

Thanks to all that came out to Sunday's "In the House" event. We had a wonderful time getting to know each other and enjoying the entertainment and music of Fred Pierce. In the house where professionals from all walks of life including a chemist, publicist, a plumbers, a few teaches, DJ's Andre Collins, Suede and others. Legends; Ron Brown of Evidence Dance Company, Kevin Anthony of Black 2 Broadway, Henry Carter of Spirit Cruise and film director Aleada Minton of InnerRising Productions, Inc. were also in the House.

The entertainers included: Lady Jasmin - the amazing drag performer who did a very special rendition of Tyler Perry's Media, DANI performed her new house track and Kenton Rogers brought his soulful sound to the lounge. Here is part two of the "In the House" event recap.



Taj Lounge has been totally renovated and it looks magnificant. The In the House event also included the free V2 Vodka special shots early in the evening, the 2-4-1 drinks from 7pm-8pm and the HBO raffle where we raffled off the complete set of season 3 and season 4.

Spring Party Season in Full Effect

Last night over a thousand black men partied at the "Men are from Mars" party at Mars 2112. The promoters of this event brought the party to a height multiple times during the evening. It was also great to see all the fellow promoters out to promote their upcoming parties and events. We saw Daryl Wilson who was pushing his upcoming party in Philly next week and his Chocolate City Fest in DC, Bleu Magazine was out promoting their magazine, Alberto wants brothers and sisters to come out tomorrow to the grand opening of the hottest latin party in the city, Escandalo Nights, Fred Pierce celebrates his birthday tomorrow also at HK Lounge at 406 W. 39th St. with three top DJ's, DJ Calvin Smith was promoting his new party in Brooklyn "Ascension" at the Chocolate Bar, Tony Shelton was out offering his annual "Ride to Pride" for DC Pride. Of course the Nubian Dreams team was out telling people to act now and grab the last 50 cabins for the Nubian Dreams Cruise. Don't forget ladies tonight is the Lovergirl Saturday party.

Finally it looks like competition has turned to cooperation. We want to send a special thanks to other promoters who have always welcomed promoters to promote at their events. Jonathan and Earl of Thursday's afterwork networking smash at the Ritz have always been there for us, our oldest friend Langston Lounge in Brooklyn, Kate at Lovergirl, Wayne at the Hanger, the Chi Chiz crew, Joe Mode from In the Mix, Alberto & Fernando of Escandalo Nights and Cornel in London, UK and so many others. Stay tuned for the next official Men are from Mars party on Gay Pride weekend in NYC. Congratulations James Saunders, Fred Pierce, Ricky Day, Nathan Scott and Lee Soldier. Stay tune to the Nubian Dreams events page for upcoming events in NYC and around the country. Also don't forget to checkout the Nubian Dreams Cruise blog for updates on the Cruise.

Clik Goes Out With A Bang.

We would ask all of our Nubian Dreams family to go out and buy the final Clik Magazine. After 10 years Clik as decided to call it quits on the newsstands and in print. As we have said so many times before it is up to us to support us. Clik has been a supporter of so many African American organizations over the years and as we say goodbye to yet another special publication by us and for us it is a heavy reminder that we must continue to support each other whenever we can.

Dwight and staff will be fine because they still have the number #1 African American LGBT circuit party in the US with Sizzle Miami and Sizzle Her. We will be discussing the disappearance of people of color magazines in our Media Matters/Producers Forum during the Nubian Dreams Cruise. We hope you join us.

A message from Clik publisher Dwight Powell


Going out with a bang, on my terms and on my time. From our modest beginning in Houston, Texas in 1998, Clikque, now Clik has evolved into America’s most recognized and respected publication in the Black gay community. As you might imagine, this feat has not come easy. However, in spite of the many challenges over the years, I can truly say that I would travel the same road again. From the bottom of my heart, without an ounce of regret, I would like to express mysincere gratitude for 10 years of love, support and Encouragement.Publishing this magazine has been a dream come true; to honor, recognize, uplift and highlight the Black Gay Experience in America.

This magazine came OUT around a time when Black Gay men were ashamed, in hiding, and greatly underrepresented. After ten years, all of that have changed. Changed in part to the diligence, tenacity, and drive of our magazine as we aspired to be the best, command respect, and garner appreciation from the audience we serves and beyond. Today our community is vibrant, out, and proud. As with everything, all good things must eventually come to an end.Yes, ClikMagazine had reached the end of the road that it’s been traveling since May of 1998. I am elated to say that our job here is done. We’ve inspired, motivated, informed, educated, and entertained, which from day one, have been my objectives. To that end, I’ve succeeded. This is especially evident with the dawn of gay bloggers and e-zines that are taking our experience to another stratosphere, and mush faster. To fast for print magazines to keep-up with, as technology has elevated publishing to everyone simply with the touch of a mouse.


I am excited and saddened all at the same time. Sad that this issues closes this chapter of my life, but however, excited of the future and possibilities that awaits me. As I say farewell to you, my good friends, I must first express my gratitude to the many people that have been instrumental in not only the success, by longevity of this publications. From my past love Nestor Zapata to my love of today Luis Medrano. Who I owe my heart for the years of support and unwavering dedications. Special thanks to my best friend Rod Martin who has had my back thru the many ups and downs. Thanks to Lewis Nicholson, Scott Bogan, Derrick Goodley, James Martin, Charles Ingram, Derrick Miles, Grover Fortenbarry, Jerry Boles, and especially to the late Don Sneed whose support kept us afloat for many years. Thanks is extended to my “Apprentice”, Lorenzo Turner, ex-assistant Cordell McClary, the talented Curtis Davis and the hundreds of writers, photographers, models, and other professionals that have assured our place in history. Finally, thanks to the advertisers, subscribers and readers of Clik, because without your support we could not have evolved to this level of success.

Dwight Powell Publisher / Editor-In-Chief Clik Magazine 1998-2008

Escandalo Night Explodes

Congratulations to our friends at Escandalo Nights. Their move to the new location in upper Manhattan at El Morocco was a blast. It seemed like over one thousand people packed the place with a mix of Dominican, Black, straight and gay folks for a evening to be remembered. The promoters of Nubian Dreams have been friends of Alberto and Fernando for many years starting back with Dominican Island Heat I, II and Bahian Heat. We support each other the way it should be done. Stay tuned for the next Escandalo Nights party next month. A word to the wise, go early. This crowd comes early and stays late. Stay tuned to the Nubian Dreams Events Page for upcoming dates for Escandalo Nights and other events.