Monstah Black, Deep Space at Cielo (18 Little W 12th St between Ninth Ave and Washington St; 212-645-5700, cieloclub.com; 10pm, $15)
How he got his start on the door: “My first introduction to being a door person was in a play called Cymbals created by my dear friends Karma and Erica years ago. I played the role of Papa Legba, the African god/gate-keeper of the crossroads. Since then I’ve seemed to fall into roles that were similar to that one; a charismatic, shape-shifting, gender-bending, inexplicable creature manning the portal to events that transport thrill seekers through sound, dance and spirits (cocktails). When the position opened at Deep Space at Cielo I was excited to jump right in, fairy dust and all.”
The worst thing about the job: “The worst thing about the job of a door person is not being able to be on the other side of the door, particularly if you’re also capable of being the dance floor person. Also, it’s not so fun when it’s freezing outside.”
The best thing about the job: “The best thing about the job of the door person is meeting people from around the world, particularly when working for Deep Space at Cielo. I love to travel and fortunately my passion (music and performance) requires me to travel to near and far places to perform.”
The most memorable thing he’s seen working the door: “The first thing that popped into my mind was recently having a family visiting from Miami, who were out much too early to expect a skirt-slinging jamboree resembling the debauchery of Studio 54. They exited the party with attitudes stating ‘this is not Miami Disco.’ So, I responded, ‘this is not Miami, I’m sure there is a flight leaving in a couple of hours, you can be in a Miami Disco by nightfall on Tuesday.’ It’s also annoying when people fall face first over the velvet rope as they are exiting the party. You partied too hard.
Best (or worst) lines he’s heard: “‘We’re going to buy a lot of drinks at the bar so let us skip the line and get in for free,’ and ‘My girlfriend is too pretty to pay the cover.’ Also ‘You always let us in for free.’ So what’s my name? Thought so. Thank you, good night (said with a slight smile).”
Tips on etiquette: Know who I am and be able to recite lines from my latest song I just released in cyber space with The Illustrious Blacks, Girls Like Bass, my solo project “Submerged In Blue, monstahblack.com” or from The Blacks webisode “At Home With The Blacks”. If you don’t know any of these, shower me with gifts and compliments beyond what I’m wearing, and exercise patience.”
Where he goes to party: “When am I not working? Just kidding. “I go to Manchildblack and Ian Fridays party Libation at the Sullivan Room [218 Sullivan St between Bleecker and W 3rd Sts; 212-252-2151, sullivanroom.com; Next event TBA, visit facebook.com/libationparty for details], or the Illustrious Blacks party Astro Disco at One Last Shag [348 Franklin Ave between Greene and Lexington Aves, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn; 718-398-2472, facebook.com/onelastshag; Next event TBA]. They are both havens for losing yourself in beats and bass.” If there is a party and music is playing and I’m dressed up on the dance floor, spinning my self into a dizzy frenzy, then I’m working.”