March Artist Spotlight: Khane, The Promoter That Will Make You SWEAT

Posted on 01. Mar, 2010 by admin in Interviews

By: CJ Waterton

If you don’t already know Khane Kutzwell, then it’s about time you do! He is the promoter of the infamous Sweat; a monthly queer party in Brooklyn where you will find reasonable drinks, a relaxing atmosphere and beautiful people. Khane, 38, provides many services to the queer community; he is a Brooklyn based party promoter and a local barber. He wanted to be able to provide his people with a space where they could express themselves without the negative energy. Khane says the idea came about when he was tired of going to parties “where the energy…wasn’t good [and where there was] too much fighting and too many dirty looks”.

Created three years ago, Sweat initially started out of Khane’s apartment. His years of experience have shaped the ever expanding party for “all queer people [and] … gender expressions” into what it is today. Khane thinks it’s due to his parties being “energy driven [and] love driven”. DJ’s play a mix of afro beats, reggae, R&B, and hip hop. When you go to a Sweat party, a couple of things are guaranteed to happen. You’re guaranteed to lock eyes with the cutie across the room, you might engage in an impromptu dance circle and catch the spirit, and lastly, just like the name, you are guaranteed to sweat!

Khane says there is always a challenge involved in throwing a sweat party. Club owners have this “distorted view” of queer people. He says that one of his biggest challenges is dealing with club owners that don’t quite “understand the queer experience”. Referring to the stereotype that all gay people want to do is party like the characters on Queer as Folk. Khane says “they think it’s going to be everybody in their underwear having sex in corners”. Not that that stuff doesn’t happen at a Sweat party, but Khane wants people to know that when you come to a Sweat party you are there to “experience love, beautiful people, and nothing but a good time”. Another highlight and staple at every Sweat party is Khane and his camera. He says he “love['s] when the party can live on in the facebook photos the next day”. And what is his best experience as a promoter? “Seeing the crowd have fun”.

Don’t be fooled by the tough guy image. Tattoos cover his arms, he rocks many piercings, keeps his brim down low and is equipped with every cutting tool known to man, but Khane is every bit the sweetheart. With a sponge bob barber set sitting at his work station, Khane cuts hair like a seasoned pro, “I’ve been cutting hair for two years now”. When asked why he loves being a barber? Khane replies “the look on peoples faces when they are satisfied with their haircuts”. He is every bit the people pleaser. Born in Trinidad and raised in Far Rockaway as an only child, Khane grew up with a very “different education”. It wasn’t until he read the autobiography of Harriet Tubman that he was truly inspired. “She is my biggest inspiration…she was my influence as far as…freeing yourself and being free as a person.” Khane feels that just like Harriet Tubman he is dedicated to his people. Harriet Tubman’s dedication to her mission of uniting her people is the same dedication Khane has brought to his mission: bringing queer people of color together. “Her spirit really speaks to me” exclaims Khane defiantly, “I’m dedicated to [making] sure.. all [gender expressions] have fun!

Khane wants everyone to know that Sweat will be relocating soon. The reason: “its not big enough…both of my DJ’s don’t get to play”. Which means the next Sweat party will be even bigger and better. This is what you can come to expect from our resident party promoter Khane and just in case you want just the right look for Sweat, you can call Khane (917-536-1369) to set up an appointment at Tuff Gurl Tattoo located at 255 Malcolm X Blvd for a haircut or call his business partner, Brandy, who will hook you up with some permanent artwork. If Sweat isn’t enough, then you can catch Khane at his other, more grown, cabaret party; Shuga Shack at Littlefield. At this event party goers can expect a more stylish crowd dressing up in 1920’s and burlesque garb. Whatever your style, Khane has the event for you.

Khane has found much success in his many endeavors. He attributes his success to a quote he lives by. “The Soul knows, The Spirit protects and informs, The Body is a vessel…The Mind must not interfere. One thing is definitely certain, as long as Khane continues to put his heart, soul, and spirit into promoting, his parties will continue to be one of the hottest and most popular around.