One of the great things about taking you along for this 3-day “vacation” in my own city, is that I get to (I hope) introduce my out-of-town readers to a few of New York’s hidden gems … and I get to (I hope) share my favorite spots with the New Yorkers as well. Hmmmm, I guess that’s actually “two” great things. But, who’s counting? Ready for our trip?
Wednesday. Tonight’s gem is the “In The Flesh Erotic Reading Series.” Come with me. The show starts at 8:00. The sexy host, Rachel Kramer Bussel, previously alerted, “Arrive by 7:30 if you want to get a seat”. I arrive a 8:19pm because I have a commitment early in the evening, and I underestimate the amount of time it takes to walk from Astor Place to Happy Ending on Broome & Forsythe. How apropos that an erotic reading series take place at a lounge called Happy Ending. Happy Ending Lounge. Do you know it? The writing on the nondescript awning is in Chinese; nowhere do the words “Happy Ending” appear. The place is easy to miss. I’m not sure if it’s true, but the place used to be a “massage parlor”.
I show my ID at to the lone soul, presumably the bouncer, hanging out outside. When I enter, I’m surprised that the place is super duper packed. Standing room only. I’ve never been to “In the Flesh” before, but I’ve always wanted to come. I find a tiny spot among the back of the crowd. I nestle my way in just in time to hear the woman standing at the mic read the following from the pages that she is holding in front of her, “You want me to pretend to be a prostitute?!?!”
The reader finishes her story and she’s followed by a couple of other women who also read. Before the half-time break, Gael Greene appears. She reads a story to the crowd about her sexual encounters with Elvis, Clint Eastwood *and* Burt Reynolds. Now, it’s the break. I nestle my way up to bar to get a drink, and I’m surprised when someone calls my name. “Funky Brown Chick” says the man standing in front of me. I know exactly who it is. But, I freeze because I’m actually a bit shocked that *he* remembers *me* from the picture that I sent him. I think he mistakes my shock for a lack of recognition because he says, “It’s Grant!”
Grant Stoddard. He is one of my most recent guests on “Dating Roadkill.” It’s weird / fun / great to actually meet him in person. (By the way, ladies, he’s a cutie pie — VERY adorable.) We chat for a while, then he has to scoot off because he’s the next person reading after the break. He reads the part in his book about his experiences peeing in a stranger’s mouth for the first time. He’s great. The crowd loves him. The night continues on. Susan Shapiro, Marty Beckerman and others read from their books.
“In the Flesh” was a success! It was a good crowd, each of the readers were unbelievably funny, and I definitely want to attend the next erotic reading series. So, did you enjoy today’s “trip”?
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey this is a cool idea- I think even for us New Yorkers we can always discover new spots. This city is so huge that even after living here several years there are still new places to discover, new experiences to try… Everyone’s version of what they love best about the city is different isn’t it?
Oooooh! It’s like the American version of the Dutch sex show! (You know, because we are all uptight and in Europe they are all open about that stuff.)
Thanks for sharing!
I KNEW he was cute in person!
distar: So true!! But, I think that’s what makes the city so interesting. So many different things to do. So many different people to do those things. :)
MamaChristy: It *is* kind of like the American version of the Dutch live s-x show. Only, this show had word, not actions. ;-)
Donna: He is. And, I can say this with 100% confidence and 0% self-consciousness because: (1) it’s true and (2) he doesn’t read my blog. :-D
I’ve been to happy endings and yes, which I’m sure you know now, it used to be a massage parlor. did you like it?
Yeah, the place was really cool. SUPER crowded, but still nice.
I’m one of the In the Flesh authors who is so grateful to have been part of that incredible Happy Endings crowd… and will certainly agree that Grant Stoddard is a hottie with a delicious accent….