photo: Lander/FJD
Meet Brandon!
The Firestarter
interview: Derrick Reaves
One of the newer members of the crew, Brandon has already established himself as one of G’s hottest properties. Sure, he has all of the necessary bartending skills down: he’s quick on his feet, never messes up an order and always serves with a smile. But it’s Brandon’s ability to fill a room with his inimitable personality that has become this Massachusetts boy’s calling card and keeps the crowds coming back for more.
He’s the crew member the others most characterize as a true sweetheart. One who is also a bundle of fun. With bright smile always on display, he’s often the perpetrator of harmless shenanigans behind the bar, like wrapping his arms around fellow crew members or delivering swift but playful pats on the backside. It’s all he can do help keep the energy on their side of the bar just as electric and fun as in the rest of G Lounge. But Brandon’s no goof off. “He's always happy,” says crew member Rodrigo. And makes it his goal to make sure everyone, including customers and co–workers, stays up to his felicitous speed. “He makes random, fun noises,” says crew member Patrick, before adding, “and he can deliver a helluva spank.”.
- What’s your favorite vacation destination?
Anywhere in Italy.
- What were some of your hobbies and activities in school?
Theatre. Musicals. Cross-Country training.
- What is your preference? Girls or boys?
Boys!
- What brought you out of Massachusetts down to New York City?
I had big dreams of the stage that were later abandoned.
- What is your favorite musical ever?
“Mary Poppins” or “The Sound of Music.” Is that too gay?
- What would be your dream role to play?
Puck from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" or Romeo from Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet."
- How long have you lived in NYC?
7 years.
- What’s the biggest adjustment that you’ve had to make since moving to New York City?
The cost of everything! It’s normal to me now, but whenever I tell my mom how much I’ve paid for something she freaks out.
- What is your favorite drink?
Milk.
- What do you think is your sexiest feature?
My smile.
- What do you find most attractive in others?
Modesty.
- What is one thing about you that nobody else knows?
Now, if I told you everyone would know!
- Your favorite movie is “Batman,” who do you think portrayed the caped crusader best? Christian Bale, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer or George Clooney?
I like “Batman Returns” for a bunch of different reasons, but including the fact that it was still Michael Keaton. I think Batman is more than just about being a sex symbol to. It’s deeper.
- What do you mean by that?
I’m a comic geek, even more so now than when I was in school. I love superheroes. I have high standards when it comes to movies made about comics. Unless they are meant to be a sex symbol outright (like “Catwoman”), I don’t want to see them made into one just for ticket sales.
- Now that you’ve mentioned “Catwoman,” true or false: Michelle Pfeiffer was the best. Catwoman. Ever?
Yes, most definitely the best catwoman ever! That includes the TV show.
- Your favorite TV show is “Golden Girls,” which girl are you?
Blanche, Sophia, Rose or Dorothy?
I have to admit, back home my friends started calling me Rose. When I moved to New York City, my new friends here also started calling me Rose—without even knowing it was my old friends’ nickname for me!
- What’s your favorite night at G?
Küte on Sunday is a really fun party. The music gets me going.
- What’s a typical Sunday night like from behind the bar?
It’s pretty crazy, but fun. I have room to dance around and get silly with DJ Xavier [up in the DJ booth]. People often see me doing really weird/stupid things back there but don’t realize I’m just playing with him, and that we’re doing it back and forth with each other.
- Do you have any favorite DJs?
I’m friends with way too many to say!
- You were labeled “most individual” by your fellow crew members. What
do you think sets you apart from the other members of the staff?
I’m not [as cool as they are]! I just like to have a good time and I don’t care if I make a fool of myself in the process.
- Speaking of the goings on behind the bar, you’re known to get pretty
playful behind the bar. Any wild shenanigans we should know about?
Well, that's between us…
- What’s the quickest way to get on your good side at the bar?
Manners and common sense.
- What’s the quickest way to get on your bad side?
Telling me to make sure your drink is strong!
- What’s your favorite themed night at G Lounge? Halloween, Pride Luau,
New Years, etc.?
I have to say Halloween. It’s my favorite holiday too. I love to dress up and be different characters.
- What’s your favorite thing about living in New York City, compared to
back home in Massachusetts?
The fact that in the neighborhoods I hand in, I can be openly gay without worrying about the people around me.