A Night with Duran Duran

If you were a girl growing up in the 80's, you were most definitely a fan of Duran Duran. In my group of friends, you were either madly in love with lead singer Simon Le Bon or bassist John Taylor.

Given my longtime "appreciation" for the band, I could hardly pass up an invitation to meet them at a private party (organized by Epic Records, Magus Entertainment and my friend Karrie Goldberg of Kage Konsulting) at The Xchange (640 West 28th Street) on Monday night. Not only is the 5000 square foot space one of the coolest new industrial lofts in the city but it's outfitted with an incredible custom Funktion One sound system. It was a real shame Duran Duran did not perform.

Actually, they had played but on the night before at an intimate concert at Hammerstein Ballroom for members of their fan club. Their set included favorites including Hungry Like The Wolf, Come Undone, Girls on Film and Lonely in Your Nightmare. For an encore, a new song called , "Nite Runner," was introduced.

At least all four members of Duran Duran (Simon Le Bon, John Taylor, Nick Rhodes and Roger Taylor) were at the party to celebrate their upcoming album, Red Carpet Massacre, which will be released in October by Epic Records. Special guest producers and guest stars on the album include Justin Timberlake, Timbaland and Nat "Danja Handz" Hills.

DJ Eve Salvail kept the party hopping with upbeat tunes mixed in with the occasional new Duran Duran song such as "Skin Diver" and "Box Full of Honey." Chopin Vodka and 10 Cane Rum created specialty cocktails for each new track on the album. The crowd was a diverse group of fans, press, industry types and an eclectic list of VIPs including Moby, chef Rocco DiSpirito, artists John Currin and Rachel Feinstein as well as Mickey Dolenz from the Monkees.

Although I got to hang out with various members of Duran Duran who mingled with the crowd throughout the night, I was drawn to the far corner of the room. A staff photographer was stationed in front of life-size paper cut-outs of Simon, John, Nick and Roger for an ongoing photo shoot with the guests. It was a hilarious and entertaining element to the party.

I just had to get my photo taken. It's not every night a girl can say she's with the band.......

If you are reading this post in an email or reader, click here to view complete the slide show.

To book an event at The Xchange, contact Karrie Goldberg of Kage Konsulting at 646-873-4999.

In Bed With Kiki

Being a bridesmaid ain't easy.

Especially when the bride-to-be is your uber-stylish friend with impeccable taste. You know the type. Dress by Monique Lhuillier. Registry at Moss and Bergdorf Goodman. Flowers by Antony Todd. The task of planning her "last night of freedom" with all of her best friends from across the globe is a daunting one. Somehow the idea of dancing on a banquette at Bungalow doesn't seem very original.

For a truly memorable experience, call my friends at Kiki De Montparnasse (79 Greene Street, 212-965-8150). Named after a French artist, muse and icon of female independence, Kiki De Montparnasse is a beautifully curated retail environment in Soho that celebrates sensual living.


With the belief that pleasure is paramount to a fulfilling life, Kiki is filled with the most exquisite collections of lingerie and boudoir inspired ready-to-wear designed by Creative Director and Co-Founder Jennifer Zuccarini. The store has endless gift ideas from jewelry to erotic accessories to products for the home, bath and body in beautiful packaging by Base Design (responsible for the brand identity and campaign, shown above). Some bestsellers for brides are the bow back panty (shown above) - a combination of the satin chiffon bow ($50) with the crochet lace g-string ($135), massage candle ($45) and the 24K gold handcuffs with key and chain ($175) - a cheeky yet apropos gift for someone entering the "confines" of marriage.


The 2000 square foot store is split into two defined areas - an open retail space in the front and a more intimate boudoir with a brass bed (shown above) in the back. Depending on your preference and size of your group, both spaces can be used for parties. Kiki's signature is to serve champagne with chocolate covered strawberries or caviar during a private shopping event. A dedicated sales person will give a preview of the collection and tutorial on the toys.

On the second floor, Kiki has an incredible 1200 square foot private event space called the Salon. Complete with a kitchen, private dressing room and audio-visual equipment, this room can be transformed for many types of events. For a shower or bachelorette, Kiki can plan a cocktail party with hors d'oeuvres or a seated dinner through one of their preferred caterers such as Serena Bass.

For the ultimate luxury experience, Kiki will have one of their stylists hand-select lingerie and merchandise for the bride-to-be as well as arrange for one of their "sexperts," such as a dominatrix trained in the art of bondage, to speak to the group.

A night at Kiki is such a sexy affair....don't be surprised if the boys want to crash.

For more information about special events at Kiki, contact 212-965-8070 or email salon@kikidm.com.

Highline Keeps Rockin'

The Highline might just be the most rockin' neighborhood in NYC.

Fresh off the Bowie curated arts festival, the area has a new 700-person music venue owned and operated by the family behind the B.B. King Blues Club and Blue Note Jazz Club. The Highline Ballroom (431 West 16th Street, 212-414-5994) opened its doors on April 30th with a performance by rock legend Lou Reed and has been buzzing ever since.

According to its promoters, the venue is dedicated to bringing music fans intimate performances by a diverse group of artists. Next up is Jesse Malin who plays the Highline Ballroom on June 6th. Presented by John Varvatos and SPIN magazine, the concert benefits Free Arts NYC, an organization that brings the healing power of the arts to abused and at-risk children and their families.

You might not have heard of Malin but he's collaborated with some of the coolest rockers in the biz including Ryan Adams (who produced Malin's debut album) and Pete Yorn. But, the real rockstar nod-of-approval came from an artist who Malin counts as one of his biggest inspirations - Bruce Springsteen.

The story goes something like this:

Malin meets Springsteen at the "Light of Day" charity concert. Malin sends Springsteen his latest CD. Springsteen calls Malin and invites him to join his Christmas show. Malin assumes he will be singing a Springsteen cover. Instead, the mentor and his band learn 3 of Malin's songs and sings back-up for the young artist. Pretty cool, right?

The love continues with Malin's latest album "Glitter in the Gutter," which features a duet with The Boss called Broken Radio. Check out the music video.

For the New York born musician who sings and writes about the struggle and triumph of the Everyman, nothing could be more fitting than kicking off Malin's U.S. summer tour with a concert to benefit the underprivileged children of his home town.

To purchase tickets for the June 6th concert with special guest Radio 4, click here. VIP Tickets (seated with open bar) are $150 while General Admission (standing only) are $50.

To watch videos and sample music, click here.

For more information or to make a donation to Free Arts, click here.

It's Your Birthday - vol. 2

It's your birthday and you want to celebrate with 50 of your closest friends. Rolling up to a nightclub is out of the question, even if you are "friends with the owner."

If you feel like throwing a big birthday bash, you are better off finding a venue that can give you an exclusive area to entertain your guests. Here are two venues that are cool without the attitude and rate high on service.


Cocktails for 40-75: Merc Bar (151 Mercer Street)

I used to joke around with restauranteur John McDonald that he was the Mayor of Mercer Street. Not only were his CITY magazine offices located there but two of his establishments - Lure Fish Bar (which used to be Canteen) and, the long-standing SoHo favorite, Merc Bar.

Recently, I checked out his newly renovated event space in Merc Bar called The Red Room. It comes stocked with a premium bar and staffed with a bartender, cocktail server, busser and doorman to ensure only your guests are allowed in and out. They need your guest list (please alphabetize!) in advance. You can bring in your own DJ (as well as the equipment) or just plug in your iPod into the state of the art sound system.

Besides a killer martini selection, they offer catering from Lure Fish Bar. Menu selections include Spicy Tuna Tartare Crisps, Mini Crab Cakes, Wild Mushroom Tartlets, and Grilled Filet Mignon to name a few.

Cash Bar
Room rental fee : $300.00 per hour + tax and 20% gratuity

Open Bar
No room rental fee
$30.00 per person per hour + tax and 20% gratuity

Minimum of 2 hours and 40 guests.

Contact: Jennifer, 646 873 4999 or jennifer@kagekonsulting.com.



Cocktails for 50-100: Kelley and Ping (325 Bowery, 212-475-8600)

I've been to a few birthday parties at this gorgeous loft style event space that is located on the second floor above the restaurant. The room has large windows, exposed brick, a working fireplace, a private bar and restroom.

Staffing is provided at $35/hour per person but is deducted from your room rental fee. Hors d'oeuvres are available from the restaurant below or from an offsite caterer. You can bring in your own DJ but you need to provide the equipment. You can have cash bar or open bar as long as your meet the minimums.

Sunday - Thursday
Room Rental is $500 for 5 hours
$1500 food and beverage minimum + tax and 20% gratuity

Friday and Saturday
Room Rental is $500 for 5 hours
$2000 food and beverage minimum + tax and 20% gratuity

Contact: Miche Griffen, 212-979-7866 ext 201 or info@eatrice.com.

When booking these venues, tell them Notes On A Party sent you so they'll know you are an insider. As always, pass this along to friends, colleagues and family. And, please feel free to leave a comment about your favorite birthday spots around the city.

Interested in great restaurants to host a birthday dinner? Check out It's Your Birthday, vol. 1.