SEEING LILAC
Published in The BottomLine Magazine, December 21, 2007.
There is a new social happening in the desert that is painting the town, well, lilac so to speak. Lilac is the brainchild of marcjoseph, a Los Angeles based proprietor of a fine home furnishings store who recognized the need for a social mixer for the discriminating gay professional. If you're thinking it's just another meat market meet and greet – you're entirely mistaken. Marc describes Lilac to be as he puts it "exceptional social events for exceptional people. We are catering to people who are social, passionate, interesting people who like to have a conversation. At the Lilac events people actually talk – it's really pretty fantastic that people leave knowing a whole bunch of people that they haven't met before." Lilac hopes to promote more of a conversational salon atmosphere among the gay community.
As Marc explained, "My friends and I identified as 45 year old gay men that the night life just isn't speaking to us. There aren't places where we can go and socialize and be comfortable, have actual conversations and meet people because we're being drowned out by loud, pounding music at the bars." And while the Lilac mixers are currently attended more by gay men, Marc is hopeful that more and more lesbians participate. "I really have attempted to reach out to women. Ideally I'd like to have a 50/50 mix, but now it's more 90/10 percent mix of men and women. But I hope it will even out in the future."
Marc has already hosted several Lilac functions successfully in Los Angeles and West Hollywood to rave reviews. And now Palm Springs was home to a Lilac affair held at the hip Viceroy Hotel on December 10th. Marc had nothing but praise for the venue. "The Viceroy was a beautiful host. It was not only a gorgeous place but the staff was so nice and friendly. There were complimentary appetizers and they even made a special Lilac cocktail for our guests." According to Marc the turnout was encouraging. "We had such a great, healthy response in Palm Springs that we're definitely planning more Lilac mixers to take place there." Marc is currently working on organizing a January social in Palm Springs with a date to be determined later.
Marc foresees Lilac gatherings growing into large social events for gay professionals and lesbians featuring live entertainment, comedy acts, art shows and even day trips to other social events of interest like museum exhibits, concerts, and theatre performances. He is also establishing a charity element to the Lilac mixers – he wants to give back a percentage of the $10 Lilac cover charge to various charities in the LGBT community.
You can be apprised of upcoming mixers by requesting to be put on the email blast list by sending your address to lilac@marcjoseph.com. You can also phone Marc directly at 818.980.1055 to find out more details about the Lilac mixers. marcjoseph firmly believes the art of conversation isn't dead, it just needs a place to thrive and grow in our community – and Lilac will fit the bill nicely.