New York City has some of the best nightlife in all of the world– you don't need to live here to know that.
From elegant clubs and whimsical cabarets, to beloved bars and epic raves, nightlife is the city's crown jewel.
In the nightlife sphere, some of the most notable can be found within the city's LGBT nightlife scene, a glittering array of talent, bright lights, and good times.
For almost two decades, the effervescent Cherry Jubilee has put together the most star-studded nightlife event in NYC, The Annual Glam Awards.
Now in its 18th year, it's more fabulous than ever and is being held at the legendary Stage 48 this Sunday, December 11th.
1. The who's who of nightlife
Cherry's event brings out the very best that NYC nightlife has to offer, starting with the evening's hosts and emcees, RuPaul's Drag Race Season 6 winner Bianca del Rio and RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8 winner, Bob the Drag Queen, both NYC-based queens before rising to international stardom.
Cherry tells Get Out! Magazine, "I think that every year everybody looks forward to coming together, and to celebrate each other’s accomplishments. It is like a dysfunctional family gathering where we all come together to enjoy the evening and to check your egos at the door."
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Aside from handing out awards, the Glams also features a number of show-stopping performances by nightlife royalty. Among the ones taking the stage this year are Alexis Michelle, Bad Apple Boylesque, Holly Box Springs, Strawberry Fields, Tammy Spenks, Vicky Boofont, Boy Radio and Tina Burner.
2. Veterans and noobs alike
One of the best things about the Glam Awards is that it's a celebration of both new and established talent alike, both recognizing the achievements of those who have been working their heels off making their mark as well as those who are new to the scene and are already making waves of their own.
"Last year, out of the 24 winners, there were 13 that were first-time winners. So that’s pretty impressive," Cherry says. "We’re about the community and supporting each other, each other’s talents, and that’s what we’re here for."
All artists that are nominated for an award are done so by their nightlife peers who anonymously submitted their name as worthy of receiving the recognition.
3. And the nominees are...
There are 25 categories in all, each representing a unique yet crucial area of the nightlife scene. One of the most prestigious is Entertainer of the Year, which a number of deserving artists are up for. Among the nominees are Ari Kiki, Brita Filter, Marti Gould Cummings, Miz Cracker and Monet X Change.
A category where a number of the nominees are fiery nightlife newcomers, as well as some who soared over the bar this year, is the Glam for Breakthrough Artist. Queens getting a taste for fame like Aquaria, Bella Noche, Blake Deadly, Catrina Lovelace, Juicy Lui, Shirley U. Jest. and Whendy Waxwood.
We couldn't have these parties if it weren't for the promoters behind it, pushing invites and making events legendary through social media and networking. Some of those driving forces up for Best Party Promoter are Brandon Voss, Justin Luke, Frankie Sharp, Monica Blewinsky and Vincent Cooper.
Music mixing virtuosos like Steve Sidewalk, Chauncey Dandridge, Scotty Rox, and Natazu Sutta are spinning for Best DJ and the ones who show creativity through clothing, like Aja, Amanda Lepore, Bubbles Burstyn, Erika Klash and Thorgy Thor are up for the Best Dressed Glam Award.
What would a bar night be without someone on the mic? Eloquent artists like Holly Dae, Kareem McJagger, Paige Turner and Shequida are trying to steal the spotlight for Best Host, while names like Aja, Zalika Parsons, Maddelyn Hatter and Sussi are going for the Scene Queen Glam Award.
Nightlife would be nothing without pictures to gawk at, and is why Richard Burrowes, Thomas Trinity, Detoxx Busti-ae, and David Laffe are a few up for Best Photographer. Chiffon Dior, Grizzly Kiki, Jim Silvestri and Michael Musto document it all and are going for Best Nightlife Writter/Blogger.
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It's not a party until there's a boy in underwear dancing on the bar, and is why Alex Beckett, Rify Royalty, Seth Fornea and Vinny Vega are nominated for Best GoGo Boy. Celebrating teamwork in Best Duo, the Cast of Queen, Brita Filter & Terra Hyman, the Nobodies and Switch N' Play tag-team for the Glam.
Even the bars get to win! Beloved neighborhood spots like Boots & Saddle, Hardware, Industry, Pieces, Stonewall and Vodka Soda/Bottoms Up are up for Best Bar. Singing their hearts out for Best Vocalist are the talented Sutton Lee Seymour, Sherry Vine, Strawberry Fields and Marti Gould Cummings.
With even more categories like Best Bartender, Best Dance Performer, Best Cabaret Show, Best Comedy Performer and Best Nightlife Event, each and every of the nominees up for a Glam Award is a talent to be reckoned with, as well as celebrated.
Congratulations to all the nominees and best of luck this Sunday, December 11th at Stage 48!
If you want to be part of the party, snag your tickets here and get ready for a NYC night out you'll never forget.
[Feature Image Courtesy Time Out]