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(Joe Roszak and Scotty Em)
Since closing its doors more than a month ago, Frankie Sharp’s legendary Westgay party has left in its wake a significant runway-sized hole on Tuesday nights, one that party promoters Joe Roszak and Scotty Em hope to fill with their new party, Fantesē at 49 Grove.
“There’s definitely a Tuesday night void now,” Em says. “We’re not attempting to fully capture the spirit of Westgay, but rather to fill the space it left behind.” Roszak agrees, adding, “The intention isn’t that we’re copying this party or that party—we’re just trying to throw a good party.”
The party, hosted at 49 Grove in the West Village, definitely brings together all the elements of a “good” party: colorful strobe lights; a thumping, diva-filled set from DJ Rico Alexis; looks for days. The space is loungy, and a mixed crowd of muscly, tank-topped men and sleek ’n’ chic fashion types gather in its cushy nooks to drink champagne cocktails and smoke hookah.
“The best parties are ones that you put a lot of positive energy into, so we just want to provide a fun environment to let loose in,” Em said. “We want people to come as they are and enjoy themselves.”
Though this is the first collaboration between Party Like Joe and Scotty Em productions, the two admit to having similar energies when it comes to organizing and throwing parties.
“We’re not going to stress out,” continues Roszak. “Your party’s only as good as the crowd you’re able to bring in. We’re playing it by ear and looking to hear strong feedback from our guests so that we can continue to make the party better. Honestly, it’s a chance for us to create our own magic.”
It's too early to tell if Fantesē has what it takes to become the new "it" destination for Tuesday nights, but in part thanks to hosts like Jack Young J Lee, Vinny Vega, Patrick Kuzara, and Adriana Le Glam, there's plenty of magic to see.
