KAMP: PLEASE SAVE PARK SLOPES' PATHETIC EXCUSE FOR A SINGLE GAY SCENE

As a single gay dude living in the Slope, I've bitched on FIPS before about the lack of a single homo scene here in Park Slope. Last time, I was a little unsure of where to place the blame. But since then, I realize that the problem really the local gay bars themselves - and the fact that they're all basically lame-o.

As much as I appreciate Excelsior and Ginger's for being long-running gay bars in the neighb, they're not doing anything to help Park Slope establish a hoppin' scene. There's nothing unique there - you could find gay bars exactly like them in most towns across America. If you want to get the gays interested, you need to have something of a hook.

That's My Jam has found that hook over the past two years. The monthly queer dance party rotates locations around Brooklyn, and has grown to be a popular, diverse, super-fun party. The same can be said for Gumbo, the bi-monthly dance party at the Galapagos Dance Space in Dumbo. But both these events are happening outside of Park Slope's borders - and only once or twice a month at that? How do we get a more exciting, frequent, gay party going in Park Slope? 

Well, it looks like The Fifth Estate is taking a stab at making that a reality. The South Slope bar, located in Royale's old space down on 5th Ave between 12th and 13th Street, is starting Park Slope's only gay bar night with Kamp.  The festivities kick off this Thursday, February 10, at 8pm, and will continue as a bi-weekly party thereafter. Named after "Kampie," the retro-British term for homo, the event sounds promising. Organizers Jace Meagher and Steve Anthony are promoting a sick, slick party for the gays, sans the go-go dancers and drag queen bingo we're often thrown. DJ Shuffaluffagus will spin a heavy mix of electro-pop, breakbeats, funk, and mashups, so you know there will be dancing (a rarity in any Park Slope bar, let alone a gay one). And the space is really nice. I hadn't been to The Fifth Estate since they opened in October 2010, but meandered in this weekend for some "research" (i.e. I wanted to get drunkz). The remodel of Royale's former dark lounge is subtle, yet effective. Much more inviting, a stage for music performances/film viewings, and a more centralized DJ location. All and all, a hit. 

I have it on good authority that if Kamp is a success, they'll switch the bi-monthly jam to a weekly jam. With the plan they have now, I think they just might be able to do it. Dude, if it can help me get laid without having to take the F train, I'm all for it. Who's with me?