The Palm Springs Story

[+ Charlie]

"My name is Charlie, and I'm a compulsive record-keeper." Since I am in a unique position to do so, I have decided to produce, for the sake of gay posterity:

 

THE UNAUTHORIZED HISTORY OF THE PALM SPRINGS/HOOVILLE WEEKEND

 

When Lucky first proposed the event to me in late 2004, it was to be simply a chance for several southern California posters on Hooboy's site to meet and socialize. Lucky sent the invitations and reserved a large table at the Blue Coyote restaurant for Saturday night, Feb. 13, 2005. Ten people met for dinner that night: six posters (Lucky, Tomcal, eastbayguy, bigguyinpasadena, jackhammer, and myself), and three partners and friends, plus a single escort, who has since disappeared. Oliver, whom none of us knew then, was in town and stopped by during dinner to introduce himself. After dinner, we adjourned to the Palm Canyon Theater for a performance of "Sordid Lives," for which Lucky had obtained a bloc of tickets. The next afternoon, Lucky had a party at his home, catered by his partner; everyone from the night before, except Tomcal but including Oliver, was present, along with several other guests who had no connection to the website. Latlrnr, who had been out of town, flew back in time to join the party. At both the dinner and the party, we toasted Hooboy, for having brought us all together, and a suggestion was made to invite him to the next event. No one could imagine that three weeks later he would suddenly be dead.

 

Almost exactly one year later, Lucky organized the second weekend. This time we met for dinner at the now defunct Rainbow restaurant. The number of diners was one larger, but basically the same people from a year before, without eastbayguy but including latlrnr and his friend, followed by "A Few Good Men" at the theater. Oliver had graciously offered to hold the Sunday event at his place, because he had a pool, which Lucky does not; Lucky's partner again made the food, as he has at every one of the Sunday events. In addition to the dinner group, a couple of masseurs attended, as well as a couple of site lurkers, and Tyger of Portland showed up to make a splash. Unfortunately, the weather was cold and windy, not ideal pool weather, but a good time was had by all.

 

In 2007, the third event took place, with about the same number of dinner participants at Azul, but there were some different faces, notably including Epigonos, KYTOP, and the notorious Scott Adler. The play was a dreary production of "42nd Street." Because of a prior commitment, I had to miss the pool event at Oliver's; unfortunately, it was the only year we have had ideal pool weather.

 

Since there were complaints about dinner at Azul, in 2008 Lucky put me in charge of dinner arrangements, and a dozen of us met at Blame It on Midnight, the gayest restaurant in town. The diners were mostly regular faces, with the exciting additions of noted escorts Jason Carter and Raul G. Manzo. When we got to the theater afterwards to see "Evita!" we discovered that other people were already in the seats that Lucky had reserved and paid for--the box office had screwed up big time, and most of us opted to just take a refund. The event at Oliver's the next afternoon was unusually quiet, with no additional faces.

 

Lucky had met Daddy in Seattle on an earlier visit, and in 2009 he persuaded Daddy to join us in early February for the fifth Hooville Weekend. We returned to our first restaurant, Blue Coyote, to a private dining room. Many of the group were veterans, with the exception of Lurkerspeaks and his date, and the coruscating Kristian Elix. After a toast to latlrnr, who had died unexpectedly during the year, I introduced Daddy to the group, and he regaled us with anecdotes about Hooboy, illustrated with a photo. We all then proceeded to the theater for "Damn Yankees!" (my non-theatrical partner had expected a play about the Civil War). Despite the usual miserable pool weather, the Sunday gathering at Oliver's was unusually lively, mainly because a number of escorts--possibly drawn by Daddy's presence--showed up, including Scott Adler and his friend "Dylan," Chip and Rocco, AndrewD, and DavidSF. A surprise guest was Chicago poster newatthis. Rumors about the escorts' capers in the pool began to circulate on the Web, sparking new interest in the weekend.

 

After hearing good reports about the new restaurant Trio, in 2010, Lucky and I investigated, and liked what we saw, so we arranged to have dinner there, this time in late March, in hopes of having better pool weather than we usually had in February. Daddy had enjoyed the previous year so much that he made the trek from Seattle again, and this time we had so many diners (20) that we needed to break them up among several tables. Several new posters appeared, some of them (such as jawjatek) traveling long distances, and several brought escort dates, including AJ Irons, Ace, Steven Kessler, and two escorts whose names I never even learned. The performance of "The Ritz" was dreadful IMHO, but the Sunday afternoon event at Oliver's was a blast.

 

The 2011 event has been recounted in great detail on the Internet. The reports about the Palm Springs/Hooville Weekend have now spread to the point that it has morphed into a much bigger and somewhat different event, with many new participants and new special interest happenings. It now includes the whole range of Hooville, with posters from MER as well as daddysreviews, and escorts come stag as well as with posters. I guess this counts as success, but it is also an event which I hardly recognize any more.

 

Lucky and I will probably only be marginally involved in organizing it in the future, but it has found willing and able organizers in Oliver and Epigonos, and I expect that others will want to get involved as well in the next one. I would remind those who are thinking about coming in future years that Oliver has graciously borne the financial burden for every one of the Sunday afternoon gatherings at his pool, and if the event continues to grow in numbers, he deserves more than just thanks, no matter how much he may deny it.

 

Isn't history fun?!

[jawjateck]

Thanks Charlie for the history lesson, and for filling in some of the blanks. And yes indeed, Hoo-history is quite fun.

[Epigonos]

Charlie, thank you so much for recapping the history of the (Hooville) Palm Springs Weekend. I have actually downloaded a copy for my own records. My tired old memory needs all the help it can get.

 

There are only a couple of things I would add to your history. Over the last few years Jason Carter has become a major player in helping set up the Pool Event at Oliver’s. This year he additionally took on the responsibility of making the arrangements for the Sunday evening dinner at Tropical. Jason’s assistance is invaluable and we all owe him a sincere thank you.

 

For the first time, this year, there was no little theatre production available. Thus Oliver arranged for interested guys to attend a production of the famous Palm Springs Follies.

 

When I began participating the majority of guys attending were retirees. Each year more and more younger guy (clients) have attended. I still think we senior citizens are in the majority but probably not for long. Personally I think it is great that the size and age range of the group is expanding. Also expanding are the variety of activities in which attendees choose to participate on Saturday evening after dinner; karaoke bars and leather bars being two examples.

 

For the first time this year BOTH Daddy and TotallyOz attended. This may have surprised and disconcerted some but personally I found it an excellent example of the healthy maturing of the event. Both sites play a major role in the lives of clients and of escorts and it was great to have the major force behind each present and actively participating. I sincerely hope BOTH Daddy and TotallyOz will be present next year.

 

Anything that remains static and unchanging eventually grows old, stale and eventually disappears. It is wonderful to see how this event has evolved year after year. Let’s all hope it continue to do so as the years pass.

[MsGuy]

Many of the group were veterans, with the exception of Lurkerspeaks and his date, and the coruscating Kristian Elix.

 

cor·us·cat·ing/ˈkôrəˌskātiNG/Adjective1. Flashing; sparkling.

2. Brilliant or striking in content or style

[+ sf westcoaster]

Charlie, Adding my thanks for this history of the Palm Springs Weekend. I have been fortunate to be able to attend the last two gatherings and hope to be there next year. I have met so many interesting men and have enjoyed every minute of the event.

[Rick Munroe]

For those of us with short attention spans:

 

Dinner, theater, pool party.

Dinner, theater, pool party.

Dinner, theater, pool party.

Dinner, theater (refunded), pool party.

Dinner, theater, pool party.

Dinner, theater, pool party.

Dinner, follies, pool party.

[jackhammer91406]

And that's the way it was........

 

Charlie,

Let me add my thanks to you for compiling this history. It all sounds familiar so as far as I am concerned in can be the authorized history. Reading your post brought back many great memories of places, times, and especially people. Having spoiled my perfect attendance record this year, I expect to be well enough to attend next year. Can't wait.

[Okliehomo]

Seriously....

 

Thanks for the perspective.

 

I appreciate knowing how this event actually evolved into it's present state... You, Lucky, so many memorable names and now Oliver keeps it going. Hat's off to him, as always...

 

But wasn't Claudette Colbert there, too? At the original Palm Springs Weekend?

 

Just asking.

 

Okie

[leigh.bess.toad]

Charlie -- as one of the new contingent this year, let me add my thanks for the history of the weekend. The basic structure remains intact with new and ancillary activities being added around the main functions. I'm so glad that I was able to instigate the trip to Gear Leather and Barracks. A blast was had by all -- so much so that damned near everyone from the Barracks crowd will be gathering in Chicago for the Chicago lunch being organized brilliantly by ChiTown, another newcomer to the scene. Ace deserves all the credit for everyone showing up at Spurline on Friday night which was, in reality, almost a perfect kickoff the the whole weekend. And at Spurline and Barracks and Gear, when this group travels as a group, heads turn. I wouldn’t be surprised if we caused a few trips to chiropractors because of neck strain to look at this group.

 

We really do have a rather remarkable community here. The number of friends I've made here is staggering to me. Several of them are now my dearest and best friends who I've connected with in ways I never have before with anyone. For guys like myself who are either in the closet or just coming out, the chance to experience "life" in the gay community of Palm Springs is such an amazing feeling of liberation. None of that would have happened without Lucky and you. And for that you have my undying gratitude. The old traditions are being maintained and, for my part, cherished, while new activities are added to reflect the diversity of our community. I'm sure next year will bring even more new ideas and new blood. Maybe a group of skydiving nudists, who knows??? Escorts who hire the clients to come with them?

 

I would remind those who are thinking about coming in future years that Oliver has graciously borne the financial burden for every one of the Sunday afternoon gatherings at his pool, and if the event continues to grow in numbers, he deserves more than just thanks, no matter how much he may deny it.

 

Charlie – on this I cannot concur enough. Now there’s only one problem: getting Oliver to accept the offers of assistance. I know of several of us who offered to help but Oliver, being such a gracious and amazing host, wouldn’t hear of it. Oliver, you have to let the rest of us share some of the burden. You are far too kind. Your generosity in hosting this event is appreciated more than you could ever possibly know. Please know how much I and I know everyone else appreciates your hosting and coordinating these events. AND LET US HELP!

 

A few months ago, as I was putting together the DC area Forum lunch, I commented on the fact that I seem to sense a need to connect, a desire to meet other members of our community. I saw it in DC and we are seeing it in the amazing response to the Chicago Lunch. But it started here. So to the originators of the event and those who were involved in the early history of the event, all I can say is Thank you, thank you, thank you. You have now started a tradition that has a great impact on our community’s life (I know it had a great affect on mine) and to have that kind of effect speaks volumes about you. To change a man’s life, to make it better, is about the most wonderful thing someone can do. To be able to change the lives of dozens of men as you have is beyond belief. To and for the newbies like myself, I’m thrilled we can join this great tradition and maybe add a little something of our own to the current event. To those who have yet to experience this wonderful Gathering of Gentlemen and will in the future, welcome. Don’t be afraid to throw out ideas of your own. Who knows, maybe you’ll start a tradition of your own.

[leigh.bess.toad]

Having spoiled my perfect attendance record this year, I expect to be well enough to attend next year. Can't wait.[/color][/size][/font]

 

Jackhammer -- your absence was duly noted and commented on frequently during the weekend. You were truly missed. I so deeply regret not getting to meet you. But I look forward to meeting you next year. Just make sure you are well enough because you were missed.

[Diverdan]

Thanks, Charlie, for this history of the PS events, but more important for helping to start this history making event... I have every confidence it will grow and morph in new ways in the future....but to the guys who started this will be everlasting thanks.

DD

[+ Charlie]

The Palm Springs Weekend may be the most elaborate and regular event, due to Lucky's persistence, but it was not the first of its kind. Before I moved to California in 2004, I attended a dinner gathering of Hooboy posters and escorts, organized by Totally Oz, at Sofia's restaurant in New York. Philip from Campus Escorts brought several young men from his stable to keep us alert. It was the first time I ever met anyone else from the site, and I got to put live faces to men I had known only by handles, such as Oz, Tampa Yankee, marcanthony, Foxy, Cash4Trash and Cooper. Also, the fans of male strip clubs (that includes Lucky), many of whom rarely venture outside their own forum here, have socialized with one another for years. In 2005, latlrnr and I were guests at a lunch for NYC regulars, arranged by Cooper, before going off to see a BuffBoyz show (which was better than most offerings at the Palm Canyon Theater). Lucky and I can't claim credit for an original idea, only for extending it to the desert, and Oliver should get full credit for the success of the pool affair.

[Rick Munroe]

The Palm Springs Weekend may be the most elaborate and regular event, due to Lucky's persistence, but it was not the first of its kind. Before I moved to California in 2004, I attended a dinner gathering of Hooboy posters and escorts, organized by Totally Oz, at Sofia's restaurant in New York.

 

Actually, there was another Hooboy gathering that preceded that one and it was organized by none other than Hooboy himself. In 2003, Hooboy invited us and a bunch of other escorts out to drinks at Don't Tell Mama (the piano bar), then dinner at the Renaissance on 9th Ave and finally out to some club in Chelsea, where we met up with his friend Michael Musto. So, Hooboy should also get some credit for starting the very first Hooville gathering himself.

[jackhammer91406]

Charlie,

You are right about guys from the board meeting up before the first Palm Springs event. Sometime back in 2003 I met Tomcal at the original Numbers for dinner. It wasn't long after that he organized a regular meeting of Hooville members at Numbers. I met some now famous escorts at those dinners. But the real benefit that came out of those meetings and (Palm Springs as well) was a developing sense of my own comfort and trust in meeting like minded gentlemen from this board in the real world.

 

I later would go on to make several trips to "Take a bite out of the Big Apple" and post my experiences in the message center. It was on that first trip to NYC that I met Lucky, Cooper, Foxy, and many others.

 

Because of Tomcal and Trlingual and others in the South America forum I fell in love with the idea of visiting Rio. I took my first of 5 trips to Rio because of men from this site. I never had or needed a passport until then.

 

It was the bravest, smartest, luckiest thing I ever did meeting guys from this message center and to this day one of my best friends is a man I met through this site.

[+ deej]

Actually, there was another Hooboy gathering that preceded that one

 

Quite a few, actually.

 

We had gatherings in Chicago before I moved away in 2002. One of them was just Hooboy, Barry, and me (and some guy in a baseball uniform that Honey West was whipping with a riding crop against the piano), but others were a larger crowd. There were get-togethers at all of Hooboy's regular travel stops. He was very much in favor of us meeting us.

[+ Charlie]

Do any other old-timers have stories to add to this? I'm finding it fascinating to dig into the site history. (Oops! I'm so sorry, Rick--I didn't mean to imply that you were old, or rather...oh, skip it.)

[leigh.bess.toad]

(Oops! I'm so sorry, Rick--I didn't mean to imply that you were old,

 

Ouch.

 

But should that we all look like that when we are "old". Or any age for that matter.

 

Jackhammer, like you I have met my best friend here on the board. In the relatively short time we've known each other (7 months) we've shared virtually every detail of our lives with each other. We support and help each other and I can't even remember, nor do I want to, what my life was like before he came into it.

 

This truly is a remarkable legacy that Hooboy left for us. As I was telling Dave Rockin tonight, if you can change and improve even one person's life, it truly is truly a remarkable gift and achievement. Hooboy (and now Daddy) has done that for me, and I bet many others that he never even knew. Hooboy's gift to the rest of us continues and grows and he will not be forgotten, even by those of us too new to have never known him.

[Epigonos]

I first met Oliver at one of the Numbers dinners and we began a friendship that has grown stronger with each passing year. For that alone I will always be grateful. If I recall correctly they were held on a monthly basis. A number of escorts were usually in attendance. These dinners were the first occasions in which I ventured out openly into the gay world. It was also at one of these dinners where I met and then began hiring Scott Adler.

[+ Oliver]

One Last Note

 

(This was written before I became aware of the thread. Thank you, Charlie, for providing the oral (ooops, Freudian slip!) history.)

 

Sorry for the delay in commenting, but my son and his family have been visiting, making great use of the water volley ball set graciously contributed by sfwestcoaster and David. I wasn’t able to get them out of the pool!

 

First – Thank you to Lucky for starting this annual party seven years ago and continuing it for all this time. I’ve had no original ideas, just copied his example and picked his brain for further ideas. I also wish to thank him for his gracious welcoming remarks before the Saturday dinner. He set the tone for a civilized and enjoyable evening. (And for those of us who attended The Follies, we enjoyed an entertaining, though hokey production.)

 

Second – I wish to thank Daddy, TotallyOz, and Lucky for their gentlemanly, civilized demeanor during all the functions which made for everyone’s comfort and enjoyment.

 

Third – but not least, I wish to thank my Erotic Technical Consultant, Jason Carter, as I have already done.

 

Then there are those who contributed the food for this non-cook to provide a fine array on Sunday. Thanks first to Lucky’s partner who kept us supplied with such a variety for our delectation. Also to Epigonos for the deviled eggs (which he himself hates), and the chicken fingers (who knew chickens had fingers?) which magically disappeared.

 

Also thanks to leigh.bess.toad, Dane Michaels, Ryaan Morgan, indymedic, and AJ Irons for the elegant goody box containing wine and other delicacies. Thank you also to those who brought other potables and edibles for us to enjoy. One further note to TotallyOz for the gorgeous bouquet and bottle of bubbly, and to Brandon for the lily bouquet which filled the house with fragrance for days afterwards.

 

It was a pleasure to once again renew acquaintance with sfwestcoaster, Epigonos (welllll, we’ll see about that one!), jawjateck, NYTomcat, Bill (Daddy), Charlie (and partner), Lucky’s partner and his friend, jj69, and bigguyinpasadena (and friend). It was also a pleasure to welcome new acquaintances, who I hope will become friends, Bosguy, leigh.bess.toad, indymedic, TomCal, and TotallyOz.

 

And last, but not least, we were fortunate to have the best of the best for the past few years, namely David SF, Romann, AJ Irons, and Brandon Williams; as well as some who undoubtedly will join them in the future – Dane Michaels, Ryaan Morgan, Scott and Ace. And we cannot forget the Hall of Fame members Steven Kesslar, Jason Carter, Nate Bruno and Tyger. All provided excellent company, as well as great scenery!

 

I have only one regret – that my dear friend, jackhammer, did not attend. You do know that we all wanted you to be here. If for no other reason than Andrew D might have been here, too!

 

Thank you all for providing another enjoyable time and for keeping whatever undercurrents there may have been just that. I hope you all had as much fun as I did!