Having just returned from a relaxing vacay on the Island, Long that is, I was more than up for benefit at Le Poisson Rouge hosted by the debonair Justin Parks, CEO of Scottparks Organization. As an advocate for Donna Karan's Urban Zen Foundation and a pension for throwing stellar parties, Parks put together a soiree featuring a screening of the rockumentary on Mick Rock and Iggy Pop “Raw Power Redux”, directed and produced by Dean Holtermann, followed by a concert featuring rock punk fashioneur- Michael H. with members of Alice Cooper and Spacehog.

Translation: An epic eve of punk, debauchery, rock, friends, and rollin' into a speakeasy.

Mick Rock is a photographer best known for his iconic shots of 1970s glam rock icons such as Queen, David Bowie, Mick Ronson, Lou Reed, Kevin Ayers, Iggy Pop and The Stooges, The Sex Pistols, The Ramones and Blondie. One of his most (in)famous photos from this era is his shot of a naked Iggy Pop.

About two years ago Holtermann began filming Rock and Iggy, as he found there was nothing like the connection the two of them had. Off-stage, they interacted like average bros- James Newell Osterberg, Jr. and Mick, but on-stage, James became Iggy and no one could capture that magnetic essence better than Rock. The result: "Raw Power Redux".

After a brief introduction by Urban Zen Executive Director Joanne Heyman, Holtermann, and Parks, the screening of the rockumentary, the stage was set for an astral set by Michael H. and crew, paying homage to Iggy and The Stooges. When I asked Michael, founder/designer of De Hoghton, about his involvement with the event, he replied, "...I've known Mick and Dean for years and love them both, so doing this event was a no brainer. I've been a singer for years and love rock classics like Iggy, Stooges, etc., now I design clothes... 'rock punk couture'."  Well, I'm intrigued, how about you?

As if I didn't think it was possible for this night to surpass itself, Parks got up on stage to announce the raffle winners for prizes such as; Turks and Caicos / 3 day 3 night Private Island Resort Vacation Package - valued at over $5,000 compliments of DPS Sports Club Development Company, 7 course dinner for two at Agua Dulce, free 1 year membership to ZipCar, Mick Rock autographed original Iggy Pop print, dinner for two at L'Artusi in the West Village, and an evening of free libations at a private downtown speakeasy. Sweet. But let's get to that bit about the speakeasy...

After closing out tabs, taking some final picts, and making some Facebook "friends" a reality (yay Susan), we all headed over to a secret joint- complete with knock and password. Right on.

It was dimly lit, crowded, had a distinct scent of mold and yesterday's garbage, yet we were all stoked to be there and round out the eve amongst friends, old and new. Sorry, I cannot disclose its' location.

To learn more about Urban Zen, please click here.

*photo 1 courtesy of Susan Anton: Dean Holtermann

*photo 2 courtesy of Susan Anton: L-R: Dennis Dunaway, Michael H., Jonny Cragg, and Jimi Bones

*photo 3 courtesy of Susan Anton: Mick Rock and Michael H.