New York City is a sanctuary for self-expression and acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community. The LGBTQ+ community has long been at the forefront of pushing boundaries, promoting acceptance, and creating vibrant spaces for self-expression. Within this vibrant backdrop, Jake Resnicow, the trailblazing king of New York nightlife, is poised to revolutionize Central Park’s SummerStage with his visionary creation—Dreamland, a kaleidoscopic haven of art, music, and wellness.
This immersive LGBTQ+ festival promise to transcend boundaries and captivate the senses of all who enter its technicolor world. With its inaugural edition coinciding with Pride, Dreamland aims to celebrate the spirit of community and diversity and raise awareness and support for the LGBTQ+ cause. As the inaugural Pride Festival approaches, the excitement builds for an event that showcases musical powerhouses like Purple Disco Machine and Paris Hilton and channels Jake Resnicow’s unwavering dedication to community, diversity, and the relentless pursuit of LGBTQ+ acceptance.
With a passion for creating inclusive spaces and empowering queer artists, Resnicow has become a driving force behind some of the most extravagant and inclusive events in New York City’s nightlife scene. His dedication to promoting acceptance, diversity, and community has earned him recognition as one of the most influential LGBTQ+ individuals in the industry.
Resnicow has always dreamed of celebrating Pride in his hometown. His vision became a reality with the inaugural Pride Festival at Central Park’s SummerStage, where Dreamland, an immersive LGBTQ+ art, music, and wellness festival, took place on Sunday, June 25. The event boasted an impressive lineup featuring Grammy-winner Purple Disco Machine, renowned socialite Paris Hilton, and talented artists like Dan Slater. With its emphasis on community and diversity, Dreamland encapsulated Resnicow’s commitment to achieving 100% acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community.
The producer himself said, “My very first event was in Governors Island in 2010,” I produce events for [the LGBTQ+] community, and I’m really proud we produce some of the biggest Pride festivals in the country. I’m focused on creating unique experiences like we recently did on Isla Mujeres [in Mexico] with Utopia.”
Resnicow’s journey as a promoter began with his first event on Governors Island in 2010. Since then, he has been dedicated to curating spectacular experiences for the LGBTQ+ community. He has successfully organized major events during New York Pride, collaborated on Europe’s largest HIV/AIDS charity event, Life Ball, and orchestrated record-breaking WorldPride celebrations. Resnicow’s talent for party planning has been praised by Out magazine, which included him in their esteemed Out100 list in 2018.
While Resnicow’s events are known for their vibrant atmosphere and star-studded lineups, his true passion lies in creating opportunities for LGBTQ+ artists and fostering change within the music industry. He is the founder of Dreamland Gives Back, a fundraising initiative dedicated to supporting Femme House, a non-profit organization that provides opportunities for gender-expansive individuals in the technical and behind-the-scenes areas of music.
Jake’s brilliance lies in his ability to balance grandeur with intimacy. He ensures every event retains a personal touch, making guests feel valued and connected. These are not just parties; they are transformative experiences that leave an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to attend.
Through Dreamland Gives Back, Resnicow launched a successful fundraiser, raising an impressive $130,000 during Pride to establish a scholarship program for Femme House. This program aims to honor the memory of DJ Theresa, a talented artist who tragically lost her life in the Surfside building collapse. Resnicow’s commitment to carrying on DJ Theresa’s legacy by providing opportunities to aspiring LGBTQIA+ artists is exemplified through the current scholarship program fellows, including SEVYN, a Washington DC-born, LA-based DJ, and GeeXella, an Atlanta-based Black/Latinx, Non-binary, and Queer multidisciplinary artist.
In addition to his work with Femme House, Resnicow has organized numerous prestigious fundraiser events, raising over $30 million for various organizations, including FEMME House, Life Ball, Trevor Project, The White Party Gala, Ali Forney Center, Lambda Legal, and It Gets Better. His dedication to supporting LGBTQ+ causes and his ability to bring together artists, influencers, and the community has impacted the lives of many.
Central Park’s SummerStage Transformation & Future Endeavors!
Situated in the heart of New York City, Central Park’s SummerStage has long been cherished as a beloved and accessible outdoor venue. Recently, the venue underwent a remarkable transformation, with a $5.5 million investment that resulted in a larger stage, state-of-the-art sound system, LED screens, enhanced lighting, and comfortable seating areas. This transformation aligns perfectly with Resnicow’s vision of creating immersive and unforgettable experiences for attendees.
Dreamland’s inaugural Pride Festival at SummerStage was an overwhelming success, with all 5,000 tickets selling out within 8 minutes of the presale. Encouraged by the tremendous response, Resnicow has announced the return of Dreamland to Central Park for Fashion Week. Scheduled for Saturday, September 9, this highly anticipated event will feature renowned artists Diplo, Blond: ish, and LP Giobbi performing back-to-back-to-back. To add to the excitement, the event will include a fashion show by celebrity designer Marco Marco to set a new world record for the largest attendance at a fashion show.
As Resnicow continues to reinvent New York nightlife and expand his influence, his dedication to fostering inclusivity, empowering LGBTQ+ artists, and raising awareness for important causes remains unwavering. Through his remarkable events and tireless efforts, Jake Resnicow has become a beacon of hope and an influential figure in the LGBTQ+ community, leaving an indelible mark on entertainment and beyond.
Jake’s story unfolds, his imagination forever ablaze with new ideas and possibilities. With each event he produces, he leaves an indelible mark on the fabric of celebration, reminding the world of the transformative power of human connection and the sheer joy that comes from embracing life to the fullest.
So, brace yourself, for in the realm of entertainment, where dreams come alive, and magic fills the air, Jake stands as a true pioneer, ready to enchant and captivate all who dare to enter his world.