Cherry Pop: Working Up a Gay Sweat

BY STEPHAN HORBELT

Cherry Pop, West Hollywood's newest night out, popped Boy’s Town-cherry, courtesy of successful gay-party guru Tom Whitman.

Seemingly a continuation of Whitman's hugely successful night Popular at Here Lounge, a change of name and change of venue has everyone back at attention. The kick-off party took place Saturday, May 3 across the street at Ultra Suede, known in the nineties for Cherry—one of the city's most famous clubs. Cherry Pop is a nod to both successful parties, keeping the same musical playlist found at Popular. While the night is a far cry from the fun and craziness of the legendary Cherry, opening night at Cherry Pop seemed to be a fun time for the gay boys and girls of West Hollywood. The lines were downright atrocious so early arrival is suggested for those who plan to tear up the dance floor.

Once inside those iron gates and on your way up the narrow flight of stairs, you begin to feel the low rumble of bass-rich music thumping from within the venue, a cadence that promises to provide good times. Whether you arrive early or late, you can rest assured that the music will be to your liking. Whitman knew what he was doing when he recruited DJ Josh Peace to take control of Cherry Pop's vocal chords. This night is all about fun, danceable pop music, and Peace is able to deliver with his eyes closed. The night's soundtrack will no doubt include some old Madonna and Janet Jackson, together with the newest pop tracks available and unavailable. Cherry Pop, just like its Popular predecessor, remains the perfect option for those of us who are bigger fans of straight-up pop music than 10-minute house and trance tracks.

Whitman has always had success in drawing a fun crowd out to his parties. The majority of warm bodies belong to cute guys—a delectable selection of 20 to 40 somethings—although the girls seem to love this party just as much. Differentiating his crowds from others around town (and perhaps even those across the street), you're more likely to run into a group of young L.A. professionals letting loose from a rough workweek. After working long hours all week, these people actually have a reason to dance. Cherry Pop is the perfect place for a night of pretty-people watching and fun music. The throngs of people inside can get a little crazy at times, but that's nothing a few drinks can't help with.

Vital Info

Cherry Pop

Ultra Suede, 691 N. Robertson Blvd.
When: Saturday nights
Cover: $5 before 11, $10 after
The Scene: Pretty boys and girls dancing until the wee hours.

MIXOLOGY

DJ: Marco

When this extremely handsome, muscular, 5’10”, 195lbs, 40-year-old, New York City import isn’t spinning at Fubar’s popular Hit it!!! with his gorgeous TV-star wife (they consider themselves married, but haven’t made it official yet) Candis Cane (ABC’s Dirty Sexy Money) he spends his days working out at Easton Gym, going to the beach with his 6-year-old daughter Satori, hiking with his two Boxers, Samson and Delilah, eating well, doing Pilates, and reading the latest bestselling novel. This good-hearted, gentle giant also enjoys adding to his already expansive record and CD collection (no MP3’s for this DJ thank you). Not only does he spend 40 to 60 hours a week listening to the latest releases, he also shells out approximately $1,000 weekly on new music for his ever-growing collection! —TONY MIROS

DJ Marco Top 5 Singles

1. Love Songs — Swirl People Featuring Ingrid Hakanson

2. Nah Neh Nah — X-Mode

3. Louie Love (Spirit Catcher’s Back To Roots Mix) — Vas Floyd

4. Moonlight Madness — Frank Anthony

5. Acid Disco De Janeiro — Hampenberg