Keo Nozari,

Occupation: popstar/rockstar

Sexuality: Gay

Home: New York City

Hails from: Minneapolis

Relationship Status: Single

Favorite City: New York

Spotted on a typical New York Friday night: DJ-ing at ROCKIT @ Amalia

JJK: Hey Keo, what’s going on? We hear you just got a new gig at Club 57@ Providence. When can we find you there?

KN: It’s been amazing – we just had Kylie Minogue and Fergie show up for Halloween! I’m there downstairs in the Triumph Room every-other week. My next dates are November 14th & 28th.

JJK: Jealous! I’m such a huge Kylie fan. Hey Keo, you’re a recording artist, producer and DJ. You must be crazy busy these days. Club 57 aside, where else can we find you?

KN: I DJ most nights—everywhere from Barracuda, Therapy, Splash, a new
night at Bartini, Fire Island Pines in the summer. But my favorite is
Rockit @ Amalia where you’ll find me every Friday on the upstairs
mainfloor. The crowd is packed with gorgeous gay guys, and I love how much
fun everyone has!

JJK: We’ve been following you since your steamy video Question of
Monogamy last year. What have you been up to since LOGO voted it the
network’s #1 ultimate sexiest video?

KN: Well the next single after that, Rewind, was a huge hit for me – it
was a Billboard Top 20 song on the dance charts last fall. That was a
thrill to be on a chart I’d idolized as a kid! Since then I’ve been
working on my new album—for next summer! The first “buzz” single came out
last week on iTunes called Like Lightning. And we’re shooting the new
video this week.

JJK: How long have you been in New York?

KN: I’ve been in New York since I was 18 when I went to NYU to study music
technology. A long time.

JJK: When you were first getting started out, who did you look up to?

KN: As a recording artist and producer—being from Minneapolis—I was
inspired by the big time local acts like Prince and Janet Jackson and
producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. And as a DJ I was inspired by New
York DJs I now consider friends—Lina, JonJon Battles, Honey Dijon and Gant
Johnson. I loved their parties and what they were spinning—and it was fun
to watch them develop and grow.

JJK: What have been some of your favorite gigs in the past few years?

KN: As a recording artist: it’s two venues that have since passed—R.I.P.(lol). It was my solo show the big Virgin Megastore in Union Square and my very first NYC gig at CBGBs. As a DJ: summers doing High Tea in Fire Island Pines are always a blast! I did a big birthday party at The Box where Deborah Cox also performed a concert. A private party for Vanessa Williams. And of course Fridays at ROCKIT have been amazing.

JJK: What are a few songs on your playlist this fall?

KN: Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance (both the Starsmith and Chew Fu Club Remixes), Timbaland’s Morning After Dark, UK artist Alexandra Burke’s Bad Boys and of course Jay-Z’s Empire State of Mind (featuring Alicia Keys) which is an amazing love letter to New York City.

JJK: You know, the New York club scene has changed so much in the last five years. Do you know of any good places to go where you can stay out late and dance all night?

KN: Club 57 is the place to be on Saturdays nights. Even when I’m not spinning, that’s where I am to party! And Fridays at ROCKIT.

JJK: You’re in amazing shape. Where do you work out?

KN: I work out with my trainer Luca at a private gym a few times a week, plus I go to Crunch (which I love).

JJK: Favorite place(s) to shop?

KN: I’m admittedly not much of a shopper. But for inexpensive chic I love TopShop. I love the skater shops on Lafayette. And I own a lot of Diesel (though they’ve been off their game the last few seasons).

JJK: Favorite “New York moment”?

KN: A few weeks ago I had a chance to do a small part in the new Sex and the City II. It was truly a living fantasy—in part for me to inhabit the world of these make-believe characters that I’ve been watching on TV, video and movies for a decade; in part to be on set interacting with the four extraordinary women.

More New York on GayCities

Photos courtesy Keo Nozari

In an atypical corporate decision decision regarding an unauthorized (and very gay) version of Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA” popping up on YouTube as “Party in Fire Island,” Disney has allowed the viral video to spread uninterrupted by copyright concerns. Disney perhaps sees a potential gain in gay men taking an interest in the company’s latest tween star, and actually called the video’s creator to say how much they loved it. The real winner? Fire Island, which looks as hot and fun as the stars of the video itself.

Here’s the video in question–and thanks to Andy at Towleroad for the story:

GayCities guide to Fire Island

It’s tough NOT to objectify Joe Bermudez. Not yet 30, he’s an amazing talent who has worked with just about every major pop talent in the industry from Britney to Whitney. Well, it’s good to be Joe. From his home base in Boston, Bermudez is literally in the studio, spinning a show on Sirius, Billboard reporting–or in an international DJ booth every waking moment. With the release of Mass Movement on Ultra Records, and a number of play dates on the horizon to preview the full-length, Bermudez continues to soar. The only downside? Did we mention he’s straight?

GayCities New England editor Tony Giampetruzzi (winenothate) caught up with the baby faced spinner via IM as Joe heads out on tour, starting Friday, Aug. 14, in his own backyard of Boston at Underbar, where he is resident DJ.

winenothate: So, Joe, the last time I saw you, you were spinning an AIDS benefit in Maine in June. It was raining. It’s been raining ever since. Even though you’re originally from Maine and now live in Boston, you must agree the weather in Beantown has sucked.

joebermudez: I am actually probably the only guy in Boston who is excited that it’s been cold and raining lately. Yucky days like that have been helping me get a TON done in the studio.

winenothate: I saw you pimping your new disc today, Mass Movement on iTunes. Not too shabby. What’s the hook?

joebermudez: Um, it’s OFF the hook! It’s a mix compilation for Ultra Records. I took a lot of the big vocal records from my Mass Movement radio show and assembled them in an energetic fashion.

winenothate: This isn’t your first time at the rodeo. How is this different from the stuff you’ve done in the past?

joebermudez: I had some limitations with this one. I was only allowed to choose from Ultra’s catalog. Granted, they have quite an impressive one, but it was hard to find a group of songs that made sense and sounded like I would actually mix them together at the club.

winenothate: It must be hard for Bermudez to feel limited! I mean, you’re not even 30 and while other jocks and producers are standing in the soup line, you’ve worked with every star in the book – Miley, Britney, Whitney – so, come coco – who’s your favorite and why?

joebermudez: My favorite 2 are Kelly Clarkson and Hilary Duff.

winenothate: They’ve been calling a lot lately, huh?

joebermudez: Ha! No, it’s not because they hire me all the time! It’s because they trust me and just let me do what it is I do. It also doesn’t hurt that they are both extremely nice and fun to be around.

winenothate: Fine. So, who’s been the most difficult?

joebermudez: Is this your way of trying to get me in trouble???

winenothate: You’re so doe-eyed – there isn’t one bone of trouble in that body. I guess you just have a way with the ladies – is it because you’re *gasp* straight?

joebermudez: Actually, most women prefer a gay man. Then they have someone fun to go shopping with without having to worry about them trying to get in their pants sexually. They still have to worry about them literally getting in their pants though. I’ve seen a few guys who look better in skinny jeans then girls do.

winenothate: Keen observation, Joe. After all you predominantly play gay clubs and events. Is it tough being straight in a gay world?

joebermudez: Not at all. Everyone is really friendly and there to have fun. If someone had an issue with me being supportive of the gay community, that would be pretty messed up

winenothate: We kinda like having you around. So, gays … all over the news these days. If you were in the military you could handle some gay comrades?

joebermudez: If you have the balls to be on the front lines fighting terrorists, then you should be able to fondle someone on your own time. And I think it’s silly that people are afraid that someone gay will always try to sleep with them. They’re always the ugliest guys that neither man nor woman would want anyway.

winenothate: How about marriage – have you been asked to spin any nuptials in Mass.?

joebermudez: Nothing in Mass yet, but I have been flown out to Fire Island to do some pretty elaborate wedding after-parties.

winenothate: If the grooms left it up to you to choose the first dance, what would you play?

joebermudez: I’ve always wanted to have Selena’s Dreaming of You played at mine, so I would probably use that.

winenothate: Where will you be playing in the next couple months?

joebermudez: I’ll be at Underbar in Boston on Aug. 14, Tracks in Denver on Aug. 21, Sona in Providence Aug. 23, and Metro in Jacksonville Sept. 6.

winenothate: What’s the best city/party you’ve ever played?

joebermudez: My favorite city to go to is Sydney. It has an amazing vibe about it that I can’t get enough of. I have to admit the accents are pretty hot too!

winenothate: Those guys down under really do have a way with words. Do you have a favorite club?

joebermudez: My favorite club to go out to is Giant at Vanguard in L.A. They always have someone great playing, and I end up staying out WAY past my bedtime.

winenothate: C’mon, Joe. Is there any hope for your single gay fans?

joebermudez: Tony, you know it doesn’t matter if you are gay, straight or bi. If you come to one of my parties there are plenty of other good looking, nice people for you to meet and maybe take home to Jello wrestle.

winenothate: Jello wrestling. Joe’s place. Saturday nights. Be there.

More DJ Joe B

Pool Party @ The Circuit Festival – August 4th – Barcelona

The Circuit Festival in Barcelona is an entire week of unabashed letting loose. It’s no mystery that the pool party should be scheduled midway through this eight-day dance beat of epic proportions – if you’ve been charging it since Saturday, you’ll savor the chance to get wet and cool off (while continuing to dance, of course). Carry on the fun the next day with gay day at the Illa Fantasia water park. (Photo by Circuit Festival)

Ascension Fire Island Pines – August 14-16 – Fire Island

Join the droves of beach-bound New Yorkers as they migrate to Fire Island for the annual Ascension weekend. The main event is a huge party on the 16th from noon-6pm on Fire Island Pines beach. Whether you choose to bear it all in the sun or opt for the custom-built shaded dance floor, you’ll find flocks of potential new friends (and play dates). (Photo by fireislandmen.com)

Sundance – August 21-23 – Russian River

For the ultimate gay summer camp experience, hit the road about an hour and a half north of San Francisco to Guerneville, the largely undiscovered gay town on the Russian River. If you like to rough it, camp beneath gorgeous redwoods and enjoy a rejuvenating weekend of dancing with the sun at your back. Be sure to check out our interview with DJ Lee Decker – he’ll be playing at the pool party on the 22nd. (Photo by Gus Presents)

The Beach Ball – September 9th – Toronto

The Beach Ball is back to wrap up an amazing summer. Take the ferry from Bay St. out to Toronto’s clothing optional Hanlan’s Point and you’ll find the sun-kissed event. Swim, surf, dance–or do some of each–at this classic beach party headlined by DJ Scotty Thomson. We caught up with Scotty recently – he’s a busy boy this summer so be sure to catch him while he’s in town. (Photo by Joseph Patrick Presents)

Out at Six Flags – August 16th-September 25

If dancing isn’t your style, but thrill-seeking roller coasters are, you can still enjoy the outdoors with your fellow man (and woman) at one of the many gay days at Six Flags parks across the country. Just choose the nearest one:

August 16 – Out on the Bluegrass: Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom (Louisville, KY)

August 28 – Out in America (Baltimore, MD)

September 4 – Out at La Ronde (Montreal, QC)

September 11 – Out in the Park: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo, CA)

September 19 – Out at Night: Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, NJ)

September 20 – Out in the Park: Six Flags New England (Agawam, MA)

September 25 – Out on the Mountain: Six Flags Magic Mountain (Los Angeles, CA)

When DJ Scotty Thomson burst onto the scene about five years ago, not only was he a breath of fresh air, but a double dose of eye candy. He got his start in NYC, where he became known as the jock who would strip down to his skivvies as the afternoon or night wore on. Today, he has carved out a niche playing mostly international clubs and parties with an eclectric sound that even he can’t entirely explain. No matter, crowds love him. GayCities New England editor Tony Giampetruzzi (winenothate) chatted via IM with Scotty on the verge of an international tour that will take him from Leon, Mexico to Beunos Aires with stops in Fire Island and Toronto, among other hot spots. (See full schedule after the jump.)

winenothate: So, Scotty, what’s up with the most recent publicity pics? You had this shtick of spinning in Speedos, but now it looks like you’re practically naked!

cherub69: well, the Speedo thing was always kinda a “shtick” as you say. I really only did it during pool parties or “beach” themed nights. Having been a sponsored model for an underwear co. only energized that impression.

winenothate: You are good at self-promotion! The camera doesn’t seem to bother you, and you’re certainly not intimidating it.

cherub69: In my photo shoots, I just do what comes to mind. The last one with Bruno Rand was supposed to be all fancy, fashion with an edge. It started out that way, but somehow the shirt came off, then the pants. I guess it also had to do with the fact that I was also DJing the BASKIT Underwear launch party.

winenothate: I recall you landed on the cover of unzipped a couple years back.

cherub69: I mean most people would die for the opportunity to be on a nationally distributed magazine. right??? haha

winenothate: So, you’re doing well, globetrotting–being a DJ is a bit like being a hedge fund manager these days–what’s giving you the edge?

cherub69: I’m not playing the same stuff as everyone else. People start to hear me more and more and they realize that I play a ton of fun shit, but in a different way. Tons of energy…ups, downs and kinda crazy.

winenothate: And your audience gets it?

cherub69: I love watching people kinda look at me and say “WTF???” then what I had planned comes together and they cheer. It’s kind of like tricking people to listen. Then they become intrigued …

winenothate: Such a Svengali. Do you think the willingness of the a crowd to give more leeway is a symptom of a new generation bubbling up or the circuit, after hours scene dying away?

cherub69: Well, I think that my style, selection and vibe cross into both sides seamlessly. I can appeal to everyone without the night seeming choppy … in this way this “evolution” has been working in my favor. I cater to the commercial people, but then serve the older crew/circuit boys some sick beats in between. But yeah, I do find myself trying to lightly educate the young pop crowd … cuz I’m versatile

winenothate: You’re versatile. What are your top 5 favorite gigs ever, and if you don’t list una in Portland, Maine for the famous 2005 Scotty Tea, you’re dead to me!

cherub69: una what? Haha … that was a blast. BUT, I’d say my residency at Limelight NYC, Levi’s Party in Moscow, Queen Paris, Velvet Nation, Washington D.C. and LoverBoy Party in Buenos Aires.

winenothate: So, cherub, God touches you on the shoulder and says, “Blondie, the world will end in 48 hours – I want you to drink and dance.” What are the three clubs or bars you make a priority?

cherub69: Still open or ever?

winenothate: God is not re-opening clubs for you, merely offering a glimpse into the near cataclysmic future.

cherub69: Damn

winenothate: This time you can’t have it all.

cherub69: The Week, Rio de Janeiro, Parking, Montreal and Eleven, Los Angeles, cuz I spin there and the boys are HOT.

winenothate: Will we see some studio work from you soon?

cherub69: VERY soon. I’ve been playing my own shit for a bit now, just nothing that’s been released. Also, look for a mix CD within the year.

winenothate: In terms of gaycities (dot com), what’s the one city you haven’t visited that’s on your short list?

cherub69: Dallas or Houston…it’s a toss-up.

winenothate: Hmmmm – Texas seems to be the hotbed of online amateur porn. I think something’s up …

cherub69: you wish

winenothate: I’m sure anyone reading does! Anything else do you want to mention?

cherub69: I still spin vinyl and I’ll never give it up.

winenothate: You’re the Ovaltine of mixology.

cherub69: Too much sugar…how bout tea with Splenda?

winenothate: Whatever it takes to maintain the abs.

Scotty T’s summer tour schedule:

• July 18 Club Heaven – Leon, Mexico
• July 25 Fire Island Pines – Private Event (Pines Party Weekend)
• August 1 Atlanta – Info TBA
• August 8 Buenos Aires, Argentina – Manhunt.net “BLOWOUT Party”
• August 15 Mendoza, Argentina
• August 16 Cordoba, Argentina
• August 28 Club Eleven – Los Angeles, CA (Monthly Residency with Jeffrey Sanker and Paul Nichols)
• August 30 RAGE Nightclub – Los Angeles, CA (Monthly Residency with Jeffrey Sanker and Paul Nichols)
• Sept 6 Beach Ball – Toronto, Canada
• Sept 11 Club Eleven – Los Angeles, CA (Monthly Residency with Jeffrey Sanker and Paul Nichols)
• Sept 13 RAGE Nightclub – Los Angeles, CA (Monthly Residency with Jeffrey Sanker and Paul Nichols)

Just over an hour outside New York City you’ll find the closest thing to an all gay summer camp, a car-free strip of barrier island called Fire Island. While there are many other towns on the island, two adjoining communities, Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove, and make up one of the most memorable gay summer getaways you’ll ever have. The only way to get here is by ferry boat and once you are here, prepare to walk to your final destination on the miles of boardwalks that serve as the main streets of “The Island”. “The Pines” and “The Grove” each has its own unique vibe, but wherever you visit, you are bound to want to stay longer than you planned.

Michael Lucas, gay porn producer and star, is a long time resident of Fire Island Pines, and has shot numerous films here including his hot Fire Island Cruising series. This year he directed and starred in “Michael Lucas’ La Dolce Vita” which took home 14 GAYVN awards (the gay porn oscars). He’s currently working on “The Intern” starring Ben Andrews (and Michael himself). He also writes his own, sometimes controversial, blog at lucasblog.com.

As one of Fire Island’s most recognized residents, we thought he’d be perfect to introduce you to the charms of this private spot on the Atlantic Ocean. Lucky for us, Michael wasn’t shy sharing his opinions.

How would you describe Fire Island to a first time visitor?

adamsofen/ flickr

Fire Island is a beautiful island with no cars or bicycles allowed. All transportation is done by walking. It’s very narrow, you can cross from bay to ocean in ten minutes. The nature is divine with a lot of wild animals, especially deer walking around. It’s not a place where you can go for a day without knowing anyone. Thank god it’s not a tourist-friendly place. You will not find any public showers, bathrooms, etc., and you cannot sleep on the beach, the police will chase you off immediately. You have to know a friend or stay in a hotel. For a very basic room you should expect to pay $500 or more depending on the weekend.

The Pines is a more upscale community. Much more expensive and much more established. Many famous gay men own houses there from TV personalities to fashion designers.

Cherry Grove is an older community, with many lesbians. It’s a very diverse community, although its not as rich as the Pines, it’s a very fun and friendly place.

Walk us through your typical weekend when you head out to the Pines starting from the city – how do you get there, is the trip part of the fun? What do you do when you first get there?

You can either have a relaxing time or you can party your brain out

There are several ways to get there, either by car or by train. Because I have a big dog—a Great Pyrannes—I usually take a car, but the train is actually fun. You always meet up with a lot of friends on the train especially if you go on a Friday or Saturday. So then, if you take a train, you take a taxi from your apartment to Penn Station, then the train for about 1.5 hours to Sayvile, then a minibus for 5 minutes to the ferry station. The ferry usually leaves every hour and usually takes about 20 minutes. Then you walk to your house from the ferry stop. By the time I get there I am very hungry and all I want to do is eat.

Ok, you arrive hungry, are there restaurants you’d recommend?
I don’t think there are even five restaurants on the Pines! The only ones I go to are the Blue Whale and the Pines Bistro and Pizza. The food is good, but always remember not to go there when you are starving because it always takes time for the food to arrive.

If a friend from out of town was coming to the Island for a weekend, what would you do for the weekend?

Low Tea
koitz/flickr

You mean if he is coming to my house in the Pines? Well I would definitely make him a great breakfast/brunch. Then I’m sure he would be off to the beach (I don’t do the beach). Then we will probably hang out around the house or by the pool. Around six o’clock we will go to Low Tea where hundreds of gay guys are drinking in the open area by the bay. Everyone in the Pines is there. There are also a lot of private parties going on in different houses at all times of the day, which have anything from 20-1000 people.

Then around 8:30 everyone moves to the High Tea, then around 10′oclock we will have dinner in my house with about ten other friends, or we will all go to one of the local restaurants. After dinner we’d go to Sip and Twirl, which is one of the big bars out there. Then I will leave my friend there because it will be way past my bed time when disco starts at Pavillion. That goes to about ten o’clock in the morning, when I usually wake up. But by that time I’m sure my friend would have met so many people that he would never be alone. So many nature-loving gays.

When’s the best time to go?
It’s good to be on Fire Island in June and July when it is unbearably hot in the city because it is usually ten degrees cooler on Fire Island. But I also like September very much when there are not that many people out there, and it’s still very warm and very peaceful.

What’s the biggest misconception you think people have about Fire Island?
That its all about the drugs and sex. Of course those things are there, but they’re anywhere. But like in Manhattan, you can always have a choice. You can either have a relaxing time on Fire Island sleeping ten hours a day since it’s so quiet and peaceful and the ocean air relaxes you and can go on long nature walks with friends, or you can party your brain out as some people choose to do.

You’ve shot a number of films on Fire Island, what about the location inspired you?

timotheyhartleysmith/flickr

Well, it’s just beautiful, everything from the beach to the bay. And then there is the wooded section between the Pines and Cherry Grove called The Meat Rack, which is a persevered wild forest where people cruise. And of course it helps that I have a house there to shoot indoor scenes.

Thanks a lot Michael! I appreciate you taking the time to share Fire Island with us. How’s this summer going out there?
This year the demographic of the Pines has changed a lot. There are a lot of new, fresh faces, since before the crowd was mostly way over 45. This year you can see a lot of kids in their 20s and 30s. Which I’m sure makes everyone very happy. That’s probably because of the efforts of Eric von Kuersteiner, who has done a great job promoting events on the island all summer long. Thanks to you too and enjoy your visit to Fire Island.

• Check out our Gay Fire Island Guide
• Check out Michael’s Profile on GayCities
• Lucas Entertainment Website (NSFW)

New York’s summer escape Fire Island has long been known for its “sex, drugs and disco” reputation. The Fire Island Pines longstanding disco “The Pavilion” was torn down at the end of last season to make way for a new Pavilion. Longstanding visitors to Fire Island debate whether it is the “end of an era” or just time for a much needed refresh.

Towleroad first posted pictures of the demolition and now word comes from Edge New York that work is progressing well. It still remains unclear if they will complete the New Pavilion in time for the new season in May.