Matinée Idols

2 PARTIES. 2 DAYS. 2 ISLANDS. LABOR DAY WEEKEND – SEPT. 3-4

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Jake Resnicow and Patrick Crough are transforming the North American circuit scene, raising the stakes on high-production parties. From Universal Studios Orlando to Las Vegas Festival, each party has outshone the last, with high-tech staging, cutting-edge shows, Cirque du Soleil aerialists, incredible couture go-go outfits and the hottest crowd from all around the world.

“Part of our mission is to show people that a Matinee party is all about creativity,” Crough says. “We aim to leave people in awe.”

Their most recent Matinee event in Las Vegas did just that, especially when pop star Natasha Bedingfield surprised the crowd with an impromptu performance.

This Labor Day, Matinee returns to New York with MATINEE NYC FESTIVAL. The Saturday launch party takes place on Fire Island Pines with DJs Eddie Elias and Billy Lace. The party then moves to Manhattan’s District 36 on Sunday with DJs Hector Fonseca, Javier Medina and Theresa, for what Resnicow predicts “will be the party everyone talks about for months.”

How did you get your start with Matinee?
Resnicow: I first experienced Matinee at CircuitFestival Barcelona and Ibiza. I came back wondering why we didn’t have anything like it here in the states. I connected with Patrick and Tommy Marinelli. Since our debut on Governor’s Island for NYC Pride 2010, we have been committed to producing and creatively evolving the brand to a whole new level.

Do you follow a formula for each party?
Crough: The Matinee formula is all about high production value. Every event has proven to be so different, and we’re always looking to raise the bar.

What have been some of your best events?
Resnicow: In Miami, we transformed the historic Paris Theater into a spectacular nightclub with lighting, lasers, CO2 blasts and custom visuals. In Vegas, we took over Rain Nightclub with live acts powered by Cirque du Soleil and massive 15-foot flames shooting over the dance floor.

Crough: At our New Year’s Tron-themed event, aerialists decked out in light-up body suits soared above the crowd, reenacting the light-cycle race from the movie. At our Winter Wonderland-themed Winter Party event, snow actually fell inside the venue as CO2 blasts enveloped the crowd from all angles.

How will you be bringing this experience to Fire Island?
Resnicow: We will be transforming the venue with lasers, CO2 blasts and LED lighting. Expect the hottest dancers and over-the-top production by Cirque du Soleil.

What’s the biggest misperception about being a Matinee idol?
Crough: Taking on a powerhouse like Matinee is an incredible challenge. So much goes into the planning. The whole Matinee family works to deliver an incredible experience.

MATINEE NYC FESTIVAL launches Saturday, September 3, at the Fire Island Pines Pavilion with DJs Eddie Elias and Billy Lace. The party continues Sunday, September 4, at District 36 in Manhattan (29 West 36th Street), with DJs Javier Medina, Hector Fonseca and Theresa. Production by Cirque Du Soleil. Visit www.matineenyc.com.

– Sam Gallagher