Spandex party pretties up the dance scene

Annually local music enthusiasts and ass-shakers alike gather to celebrate the birthday of resident indie fashionista and Harvey Milk Festival co-founder Jen O’Connor, coining the momentous musical extravaganza The Spandex Party. The name itself conjures images of party people shaking themselves silly in shiny, skimpy wardrobe selections---and generally, that rings true. However, mere pageantry and sparkly words wouldn’t do the time-honored tradition justice.

The Spandex Party is a celebration of dance, music and innovative fashion that, for most, includes rocking out somewhat intoxicated while wearing whatever does/doesn't fit. That includes fitness gear to feathers to faux leather. Last year, I tore up a vintage Garth Brooks shirt (Fresh Horses tour, thank you), coupling it with tight jeans and pink man panties, and voilà---the night was mine.

In Sarasota, everyone in the ‘scene’ has a Spandex story much like everyone has a tequila story: embarrassing yet entertaining enough to boast about. There are reports of people losing things---eyeglasses, shame, bits, pieces of themselves---and gaining a night that most can hope to remember. Was it last year that I witnessed an argument between a werewolf and a vampire and thought I had somehow stumbled onto the set of the latest Twilight film? At some point I recall tumbling over a wooden chair placed on the dance floor (why was it there?) and having a bruise on my thigh the next day. I blamed it on trying to get the "story." Two years ago I witnessed a bearish man singing electro in a singlet while some dirt-sexy boy whispered "this is an adventure" in my ear. Wait. Did that happen? Perhaps it was some John Lichtenstein art/photo project manipulating my perception.Nevertheless, this year promises to be a repeat offender, with musical performances by Tosspot, Sons of Hippies, DJ David Warren and headliner, MeteorEYES. The event doubles as a fundraiser for the 2013 Harvey Milk Festival.

Dare to be there.

The Spandex Party/December 7th, 2013

Irish Pub on Main

1359 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236

$5.00 cover.

- Stop-motion video of last year's Spandex Party by Scott Braun, John Lichtenstein and McFadden Creative.

- Anthony Paull is a syndicated columnist, filmmaker and author. His debut novel, Outtakes of a Walking Mistake, was an NPR finalist for Best YA Novel Ever.