Jake Resnicow and Patrick Crough are making a name for themselves on the North American circuit scene, completely turning the standard parties on their ear and making their Matinee parties definite game changers. Orlando’s Universal Studios to Las Vegas Festival, each party gives the attendees high-tech staging, fantastic Cirque DeSoleil aerialists, high fashion gogo outfits, and one of the hottest crowds you will see.
Entertainment Editor Cookie sat down with Jake & Patrick to talk about how they got started, what makes a “Matinee” party, and maybe a surprise guest at this year’s party?
Patrick & Jake-what brought you to the world of circuit parties?Jake-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 whole new level. We’ve also worked really hard to keep ticket prices reasonable, so everyone can come and enjoy the Matinee experience. Presale tickets for NYC Festival started at $20.
Patrick-My involvement with the scene began in 2005 when I was studying advertising/event planning abroad in Barcelona. I started attending Matinee parties over there as the “blue eyed rubio de America”. I’ve always been a performer, so I immediately wanted to be a part of their stage production. After working for them for a year, I returned to the states to hear years later (last summer) that the first North American Matinee event was taking place on Governor’s Island in NYC for Pride. I again worked as a dancer for that event and I have since become partner and Artistic Production Director. So Matinee for me has evolved immensely.
The Matinee party originally launched in Ibiza; tell me about how you got the idea to bring it to New York last summer?
Jake-When I first experienced Matinée, I was blown away: It was the hottest and sexiest crowd and the energy was young and fresh. Matinée brings passion, Latin flavor and something new and exciting to the scene.
Patrick-Jake can actually take the credit for this one. I always wondered why Matinee hadn’t yet hit the states, so when I heard that Jake had decided to bring the brand state-side, I knew I had to have some part of it’s invasion.
You brought the Matinee party to Vegas last year for the first time. Tell me about that experience.
Jake-Matinee Las Vegas Festival was a huge success.Our goal was to bring the energy and vibe of Matinée to the West Coast for the first time and more than 6,000 turned out over the 5 party weekend. We spared no expense: More than 50 international DJs and performers over 3 days – with weekend passes starting at just $99. The response has been tremendous.
Patrick-Las Vegas was our biggest under-taking yet. The Festival set-up is something new we decided to start experimenting with and WOW was it ever a challenge; one that really was worth it. We did five parties back-to-back in Vegas. The energy for each party just built onto the previous until our final big event party at Rain Nightclub where Natasha Bettingfield appeared. A festival set-up keeps people asking “what’s next” and that is exciting for us as producers. We plan to continue to push ourselves with each event we plan.
Pop superstar Natasha Beddingfield was a surprise performer at the Matinee party in Vegas. How did the crowd react to having a pop star take the stage for them?
Patrick-Everyone was expecting some kind of surprise for the night, but I really don’t think they expected someone as big as Natasha. She really delivered for the party-goers.
You’re bringing Matinee back to New York to Fire Island this Labor Day with a Brazilian carnival theme. Tell me about what the boys of the Pines & The Grove can expect.
Jake-We will be transforming the venue with a lasers, CO2 blasts, and LED lighting. For the first time in Fire Island, you will experience clubbing made in Brazil. Expect the hottest Brazilian dancers and over-the-top production by Cirque du Soleil. (Sep 3rd is also Brazil Day in NYC – which is the largest Brazilian event outside Brazil and a global destination. Expect a very hot Brazilian crowd!)
Patrick-A completely transformed space. I can guarantee the Pavilion has never seen anything like what Matinee is bringing.
And I hear that when the party moves to Manhattan (to District 36) there is some Cirque Du Soleil involvement?
Jake-We are thrilled to partner again with Cirque du Soleil on both events. Expect spectacular, over-the-top production! Also, on Sunday for the Matinee Main Event at D36, direct from CircuitFestival Barcelona and Ibiza, DJs Javier Medina, Hector Fonseca, and Theresa will work NYC’s best sound system like never before.
Patrick-We started our relationship with Cirque this last summer in Vegas. They are such a talented, warm, stellar, innovative and gorgeous group of people. They kept us guessing in Vegas and we suspect the same here NYC.
There has been some backlash regarding circuit parties in the past few years. What are your thoughts on the concerns many have had about the excessive partying that occurs?
Jake-The energy at Matinée is very unique: Always the hottest crowds, hands in the air, smiling faces… From the cutting-edge shows and spectacular visuals to the fun, vocal music and hot Matinee dancers, you can have the time of your life without the need to get excessive.
Patrick-People are always searching for a good time and a way to let loose. It’s up to the individual to decide how to pace themselves. The Matinee productions are so broad in entertainment that we provide an atmosphere where people can come and enjoy on a variety of different levels. The parties truly do appeal to a diverse amount of people.
The Labor Day Matinee events are bound to be huge. What do you guys have planned in the future?
Jake-Come celebrate New Years Eve with MATINEE in Miami Beach on Dec 31st. And we’re psyched to return to Governor’s Island for New York Pride 2012.
Patrick-To raise the bar higher and higher for ourselves.
Last question: give us a hint on who the boys of NYC may see giving a “surprise appearance” at the Labor Day Party?
Jake-During Matinee Las Vegas Festival, Natasha Beddingfield stopped by and made a surprise performance. You just never know who might show up 😉
MATINÉE NYC FESTIVAL launches Saturday, September 3 at Fire Island Pine’s Pavilion with DJs Eddie Elias and Billy Lace. The party continues Sunday, September 4 at District 36 in Manhattan, with DJs Javier Medina, Hector Fonseca, and Theresa. Production by Cirque Du Soleil. Advance tickets just $30 for a very limited time. Visit www.matineenyc.com
Jake Resnicow and Patrick Crough are making a name for themselves on the North American circuit scene, completely turning the standard parties on their ear and making their Matinee parties definite game changers. Orlando’s Universal Studios to Las Vegas Festival, each party gives the attendees high-tech staging, fantastic Cirque DeSoleil aerialists, high fashion gogo outfits, and one of the hottest crowds you will see.
Patrick-My involvement with the scene began in 2005 when I was studying advertising/event planning abroad in Barcelona. I started attending Matinee parties over there as the “blue eyed rubio de America”. I’ve always been a performer, so I immediately wanted to be a part of their stage production. After working for them for a year, I returned to the states to hear years later (last summer) that the first North American Matinee event was taking place on Governor’s Island in NYC for Pride. I again worked as a dancer for that event and I have since become partner and Artistic Production Director. So Matinee for me has evolved immensely. 
