BDD: Where did the idea come from?
It grew out of two things, a need for a new “Cheers” and my joint birthday party with my friend Meng. I’ve been going out in New York all my life and usually had a place where when I walked in I’d know at least 20 people. Over the years those places changed but the concept remained the same.
About 12 years ago I met my Australian pal Meng. He had just moved to NYC and wanted to know where to go & what to do. However, since my last haunt (a country theme nightclub called Denim and Diamonds) had closed I hadn’t been able to satisfactorily replace it. We had also discovered that our birthdays were two days apart and started doing joint birthday parties.
The first few were at a place called Cayote’s but that eventually closed. Nine years ago we chose a place called Oz and when we filled it with 100 people they asked us to start promoting events. The first three were there then we started moving it around. So since we had no place to call home, we create our own, and made it mobile so that once or twice a month we got all our friends together at various places around town and combined them with a lot of new people. I guess you could say I created my own nomadic “Cheers”. That night at Oz was the true origin of my life as a party promoter. The rest is history!
BDD: Tell us more about your events? What should our members expect?
A friendly crowd and lots of fun, theme events where admission is usually free. Also, I have many celebrity guests on my radio show, “The Andy Troy Show” so some of them stop by on occasion. I also do animal rescue fundraisers every year so watch for those!
BDD: How do your events differ from other events?
As I mentioned, this grew out of a way to get my friends together. Because of this, it never had the cold feel of a bunch of strangers. Instead, it has a core group of friends who were looking to make new ones. If you come a couple of times and make a minimal effort you’ll soon be part of the group!
BDD: How would you convince a skeptic to try your events?
I don’t believe in the hard sell, I think the popularity and staying power of my events speaks for itself. Check out the pics of past events on my website: www.TastingNYC.com and see what you’ve been missing. Also, since the events are free, your investment is pretty small.
BDD: What kind of locations do your events usually take place?
My crowd are professional people and they like nice places that are also welcoming so I stick with top clubs that treat us well. In the beginning I often approached clubs but now I get at least 10 proposals a week so I don’t need to do much of that anymore.
BDD: How many people usually come? What’s the age range?
We get anywhere from 150-600, depending on the event. Some of the most popular are Halloween, Mardi Gras, & my Summer rooftop events at places like Hudson Terrace and The Empire Hotel. Those parties draw 500+.
The majority of my crowd are in their 30s & 40s though some are older, some younger. I like people to know that everyone is welcome.
BDD: How much do you charge? Do you offer discounts or free entry?
Most of my events have free admission. On the rare occasions where I do charge there is usually a discount if you prepay.
BDD: What would be your number one tip for our members who want to try your events?
Just come in with a smile on your face and a positive attitude. That will do you well at an event like this and life in general!
BDD: What do you think is the number one mistake people make when dating?
Unrealistic expectations.
BDD: What’s your best idea for the first date?
I like to keep it simple. A place where it’s relaxed and easy to talk. If you get along well, there is no bigger turn on than a great conversation where you get to know each other. If it’s not working out then why get stuck in the middle of something complicated?
BDD: Do you have a favorite place in NYC for the first date?
No one in particular. For what I look for see above.
BDD: Can you share with us a success story?
If you mean a success story from my events Halloween always brings this one to mind. A few years back I put Charlie next to Katie in our costume contest. They started talking, one thing led to another and now they’re married with a son. I guess the moral of the story is, bring your costume!
BDD: What’s your take on online dating?
Like everything else, there are pluses and minuses. On the positive side, you can connect with a lot of people with similar interests in a short amount of time.
On the negative side, people lie like crazy so let the buyer beware!
P.S. Here is a link to a song I’ve written & video I’ve created to support the cause of animal rescue. Feel free to share it with anyone who might be interested.
YouTube – Hoping for Another Morning
Also, since we’re in the Halloween spirit, here is a short Horror film with a surprise ending that I created. It stars veteran horror actress Tina Krause:
Here’s an article I wrote recently about Blood Manor, New York’s best known haunted attraction:
Click here: Halloween Fun in a “Manor” of Speaking! – SoHo TriBeCa & FiDi Arts & Culture – Andy Troy
An article I wrote about vampire fang maker Tom The Misfit:
In Alphabet City V is for Vampire! – East Village & LES Shopping – Andy Troy
The Andy Troy Show is heard live every Monday night on www.centannibroadcasting.com It is done live from our broadcast location in the West Village.. After it airs, it goes in the archives and can be heard at any time.
http://www.facebook.com/andytroy?ref=profile#!/group.php?gid=284311799342&ref=ts
And fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Andy-Troy-Show/116216095129479
In addition, there’s a page on my www.AndyTroy.com website that permanently http://www.meetup.com/socialnetwork-6/
Websites: www.TastingNYC.com and www.AndyTroy.com & through my personal mailing list.