Partying hard for a cause

Suzie Harrison

For the past five years Laguna has been the home of a circuit

party like none other. They call it the “Morning Party” and it turns

a wild time into a time to give back.

The circuit scene is a quintessential experience for gays around

the world. There’s even a magazine called Circuit Noize and a Web

site with information about the events and their locations. The

parties take place in cities like San Francisco, New York, Los

Angeles, Sydney, Amsterdam and of course, Laguna Beach. Each circuit

party has a theme and they can last a day, through the evening or for

an entire holiday weekend.

What they are known for is attracting the best looking, most fit

men, as well as the best DJs around the globe. They offer a lot of

fun with some of the best light shows available in the electronic

music scene. Held at West Street Beach, the Morning Party is a little

different than most of the circuit parties. This one is also a

fund-raiser for the Laguna Beach Community Clinic.

Along with grooving to the sounds of DJ Brett Henrichsen spinning

house, the party-goers get to give to a cause most of them feel is

invaluable not only to the gay community but the rest of Laguna

Beach. Local promoter Will Gorges started the morning party about

five years ago.

“I live in Laguna and I just love the beach. I investigated to see

if I could do it. I thought it would be impossible,” Gorges said.

In the past, some of the proceeds from this event have gone toward

supporting Laguna Shanti.

“This year I decided to go with another foundation that goes

toward the crisis and goes directly to the kids that have nothing. I

came from nothing and it’s nice to give back,” he said.

The entrance fee to the morning party is $45 and there is also a

raffle to help raise additional funds.

“I think it’s wonderful. All the groups need as much help as

possible. Times are tight and people who come are in total agreement,

especially those that affect our community,” said attendee Scott

Judy. “Plus it’s a lot of fun. The outdoor parties are absolutely the

best. The music, the crowd couldn’t be better.”

The dance floor had no problem being filled, as the circuit boys

enjoyed some of the old popular gay anthems the DJ was spinning along

with some new house mixes.

Ron Colvin, who is a staple on the circuit scene, attended the

Leather Party in San Francisco and the White Party in Palm Springs

among others. He has made an appearance at the Morning Party for

several years and said he enjoys having an event that supports his

community in his own backyard.

“I think it’s great to have this here, and I’m having a lot of fun

too,” said Colvin who, like most at the circuit, spent the majority

of his time dancing.

“The Laguna Beach Community Clinic emphasizes the community in

Laguna and really brings out what community is about in Laguna

Beach,” said party-goer Ryan Lenhart.

Gorges expressed how the neighborhood has been so supportive and

cooperative in embracing the community and the event.

“There’s absolutely no prejudice at all. They’ve made the event

that much more easy to produce,” he said.

Gorges said the police and park rangers have been particularly

helpful. He also appreciates the support of the hundreds of people

who purchased tickets. But most of all, Gorges appreciates all the

support the clinic offers the community of Laguna Beach.

“They take care of us, have TLC and compassion for the feelings

and well being,” he said. “When other people turn a blind eye they

don’t -- they’re around.”

* SUZIE HARRISON is a reporter for the Laguna Beach Coastline

Pilot. She may be reached at 494-4321.