Patrick Crough and Jake Resnicow’s party revolution.

Patrick Crough and Jake Resnicow pride themselves on elevating the circuit party experience. Their Matinée events don’t just pump dance music, these provocateur architects re-imagine and craft an elaborate atmosphere, complete with aerialists, light lasers, and Broadway show inspired sets.

"Part of our mission is to show people that a Matinée party is all about creativity," says Patrick Crough. "Each event is packed with wow moments intended to leave fans talking for months afterwards." 

Matinée launched in 1997 in Ibiza. Since then it has evolved internationally, making its US debut in New York last summer.

Nearly 4,000 party people boarded water taxis to New York City’s Governor’s Island at the center of the East River for the evening event. As the sun set, a surprise fireworks display ignited the Manhattan skyline.

"It was truly a magical experience," gushes Reniscow.

Since then, the duo have strived to take each of their events to the next level. Their most recent event was Matinée Las Vegas.

"It was [an event] never seen before on the west coast," said Eduardo Cordove, who joined Crough and Rensicow in the three-day spectacle. "With amazing costumes and jaw dropping special acts, Matinée Las Vegas set a new standard for nightlife." 

A special highlight for fans was when pop star Natasha Beddingfield surprised the crowd, taking the stage for an impromptu performance.

This Labor Day, Matinée returns to New York with its MATINÉE NYC FESTIVAL: THE WEEK MADE IN BRAZIL WORLD TOUR. The first evening event will take place at Fire Island Pines, where Crough and Resnicow plan to transform the Pavilion into a Brazilian carnival complete with the hottest dancers from Brazil and Spain, over-the-top production, lasers, and aerialists.

The party then moves to Manhattan’s District 36 for what Reniscow predicts "will be the party everyone talks about for months." The evening will be powered by Cirque Du Soleil with live acts and shows. 

Bay Windows: How did you get your start in party planning?

Jake Reniscow: I first experienced Matinée in Spain. I came back wondering why we didn’t have anything like it here in the states. I connected with Patrick, who had worked with Matinée in Spain for several years. He was known as the "blue eyed rubio de America."

Patrick Crough: I started attending Matinée parties in 2005. I’ve always been a performer, so I joined the dance team, as well as their stage production team. After working for them for a year, I returned to the states to help with the first North American Matinée event at Governor’s Island in NYC. I then became a full partner and the Artistic Production Director. 

BW: Do you follow a specific Matinée formula for every party?

JR: Matinée is about high-production value. Our dancers are the sexiest in the world. Music is always top-notch. We aim to impress with every event.

PC: Every party has proven to be so different that there could never be a single formula that works every time. Each event requires such detailed and unique attention. Sure, there are similar elements that we build off for each event―Jake and I often bring in many of the same team members that we now refer to as our Matinée family―but we’re always looking to raise the bar. 

BW: What’s the first step in creating a memorable party? 

PC: Feedback and assessment. Asking fans what they remember and what most stood out to them from the previous parties. We then take that information and find ways to re-create and build upon them. 

JR: Finding the perfect venue is also very important to the Matinée experience. 

BW: What have been some of your notable venues?

JR: In Miami, we transformed the historic Paris Theater into a spectacular nightclub with Ibiza-level lighting, production, lasers and full CO2 installation. In Vegas, we took over RAIN Nightclub and delivered an experience only rivaled in Barcelona in Ibiza with live acts powered by Cirque du Soleil and massive 15-foot flames shooting above the dancefloor.

BW: What have been some of your most memorable moments?

JR: At our New Years Tron-themed event, aerialists decked out in light-up body suits soared right above the audience, re-enacting the famous light-cycle race from the movie. At the Winter Wonderland-themed Winter Party event, DJ Theresa dropped into a sample from the classic song, "Walking in a Winter Wonderland." At the same time, snow began to fall inside the venue, and two dancers wearing over-sized penguin masks walked through the crowd up onto the stage, as CO2 blasts enveloped the crowd from all angles. 

BW: Who have been some of your mentors? 

JR: Hilton Wolman is one of the best in the game. From Salvation in Miami Beach to his epic special events for Winter Party and White Party, Hilton knows how to produce a great event. I also have learned from Matinée owner Manolo Soria and Masterbeat’s Brett Hendrichsen. 

PC: It’s often said the customer is #1. For me, the party-goer is #1. Most of my mentors are people in the scene that have been going out for years and have legendary stories to tell. Even when top party producers speak about their favorite dance floor moments, they often speak from the point of view of a reveler, not a producer.

BW: Do you get to enjoy the party? 

PC: I’m a performer so I usually dance a shift or two at my own events. It gives me an opportunity to let go and enjoy the party for a quick minute before returning backstage for the next task. 

JR: I’m usually running around throughout each event. Our entire team is obsessed with every detail. 

BW: What event are you most proud of this year? 

PC: The Las Vegas Festival over 4th of July weekend. It was our first jump to the west coast and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and has given me so much great motivation to continue to turn it for the party kids. 

BW: What’s the biggest misperception about your job?

JR: That it’s a game. Throwing a gala party is really hard work. For weeks and even months, we are working around the clock. 

PC: The reality is that taking on a behemoth like Matinée is an incredible challenge. So much hard work and detail goes into the planning. Jake, myself, the local producers and the whole Matinée family work as a strong team to make sure we deliver an amazing experience.

MATINÉE NYC FESTIVAL: THE WEEK MADE IN BRAZIL WORLD TOUR launches Saturday, September 3 at Fire Island Pine’s Pavilion with DJs Renato Cecin, Billy Lace and Eddie Elias. The party continues Sunday, September 4 at District 36 in Manhattan, with special performances by Cirque Du Soleil. First 100 tickets just $20 at www.matineenyc.com.