Photos: 54 DOES 54: THE STAFF SHOW at 54 Below

I had no idea that 54 DOES 54 has been an annual event for many years, but I am so glad I was there on Sunday night to witness the range of talents and the performances from so many of the staff of the club and personnel from the offices upstairs of 54 Below. The legendary room was packed and you know it’s gonna be a big night when all three owners are there to cheer their “home team” on. The musical direction and the band were flying through all kinds of styles and 

tempos, never relenting in their power or rhythmic drive. That, alone, was truly amazing. Now, I must say remember these names: Alex Martins, Ru Cabralis, Katie O’Donnell, Shania Mundy, James Klapak (their Executive Chef), Deja-Simone Crumpton, Gretchen Schneider, Grace Flavien, Elizabeth Precius, Hannah Rose Pickle, Brianna Justine, Mark Beyer, Adelina Correa, Gabriel Generally, Cassi Mikat, Luis Palomino, Macon Prickett and Mandisa BoXill.

On any given night at 54 Below, this fantastic family of individuals are your servers, bartenders, hosts, guest relations folks, marketing managers, digital marketing associates, back servers, guest relations managers, maitre d's, assistant programming directors and, of course, general manager. Also spotted in the room were the club’s Jennifer Ashley Tepper (with her mom) and Nella Vera, as well as drop-in regulars who work at 54 quite a bit - Mr. Lee Roy Reams, Mr. Richard Jay-Alexander and Mr. Ron Abel. On lights and sound, we saw Amanda Raymond & KJ Hardy, who are absolutely beloved by everyone who plays that room. Friends, family and fans brought the club, repeatedly, to a fever pitch, and the warmth, love and good will in the room were palpable. Plenty of showstoppers, plenty of surprises and some “specialties” that were unexpected. The room was so alive and it was a thrill to be there. But, I wouldn’t be fairly representing, with just my photos, if I didn’t tell you that they saved General Manager of 54 Below Mandisa Boxill for last, and it was no surprise why. Macon Prickett put the evening together and he told us everyone really worked hard over the month it took to put the show together, but, nothing could have prepared us for Ms. Boxill killing it with Beyoncés “Crazy In Love.” The place just exploded, like the finale in a fireworks display, when you know “this is it” you have hit the zenith. I am happy to share with you many photos here to “take you there” and this may have been my first time, but you can rest assured, I will be there next year, too! Congratulations to all! You should be really, really proud.

Photo Credit: Stephen Sorokoff