Roller-Skating May Return to the Roxy, Crobar Takeover Looking LikelyNews cameras galore may have been trained on Ivan Kane’s appearance at last night’s contentious CB2 meeting, but uptown an equally compelling drama unfolded as CB4’s business committee pondered the liquor-license renewals of the Roxy, Pacha, Crobar and Pink Elephant, and Sol — oh, just about every megaclub in the city!
cultural capital
Junior Vasquez Loves Cher, Will Pass on Cyndi Lauper
It’s New York’s 38th Gay Pride celebration this weekend, and even though the official dance is the one held on Pier 54 Sunday night, we thought we’d highlight a certain twelve-hour thump-a-thon occurring the night before. Why? Not only will it be one of the last big nights at that venerable gay mecca, the Roxy, before the structure is torn down next month, it’ll also be presided over by perhaps the biggest D.J. in Gotham history, Junior Vasquez, 57, who just happens to be a big old queen. Tim Murphy talked with Vasquez about the merits of Cher over Cyndi Lauper, today’s gay whippersnappers, and how you stay up all night when you’re no longer on crystal meth.
the morning line
Cops Broke, Case Open
• We’ve lost count of the “milestones” in the Second Avenue Subway saga, so forgive us for not sharing in the MTA’s glee over the news that a construction contract signing is imminent. Key phrase: “The third groundbreaking ceremony will be the charm, MTA officials said.” [amNY]
• Despite eyewitnesses, a sketch, surveillance footage, and tons of tips, Queens cops have been unable to nab an ostensible human being who mugged a 101-year-old (and punched an 85-year-old in the face). [NYP]
• Possibly related: So strapped for cash are NYPD recruits, reports the Daily News (whose new site design is lovely), that the Police Academy is offering them a $500 credit card. As opposed to, say, a $500 pay raise. [NYDN]
• The Roxy, the cavernous disco–skating rink on 18th Street, shut its doors in style Saturday — with a gay bash that attracted 4,000 and lasted until Sunday noon. The building — suddenly a neighbor to Frank Gehry’s NYC debut — will, naturally, be “redeveloped.” [NYT]
• And, Fred Thompson (Manhattan D.A. Arthur Branch on Law & Order) is mulling a presidential run. He spent more time in the Senate than Obama (1994 to 2003). [WNBC]
