A few weeks ago, I was trying my luck at a blind date. I figured if someone wants to get to know me, why not accompany me to an event? I'm not sure if it was the brightest idea having someone meet me at Hearst Tower for an Esquire Magazine celebration, as if 1st dates aren't overwhelming enough. I was thankful to cut the tension when I bumped into Justine McCarthy from Simply Chic PR. When my date inquired, "So, who are all these people and how did they get invited?" Justine promptly introduced us to Robin Ross of YOUAREONTHELIST.com.

SBS Readers- Here is the WWW.:

Scene B Seen: Robin, you are the founder of YOUAREONTHELIST.com, when and why did you start this site to provide insider access to some of the most exclusive events in NYC and LA?

Robin Ross: Because why shouldn’t everyone experience the best events that are out there?! I am spoiled and have been to all the best events from Sundance to the Academy Awards to backstage at Fashion Week etc., as well as, shopping with designers at their showrooms and getting insider pricing at hotels and spas... So, I wanted to bring that to those who want it and can afford it, but do not know how to do it!

SBS: So, how does it work?

RR: Well we have an annual membership for the Invitation Only list for $500. Then we send out invites and after you RSVP, we get you on the list.

SBS: What’s the difference between being on The List and Invitation Only List?

RR: The List is a complimentary service, where you receive invites to open events, our e-list newsletter and clipboard photos. The more exclusive or sought after events are only available to our Invitation Only List members. The Invitation Only List membership is $500 a year for access to all the exclusive events in NYC and beyond. Plus insider pricing on spas, hotels, fashion etc. You receive save the dates about upcoming events and on-site assistance at all the events to guarantee entry. Also for Fashion Week, only Invitation Only List members have access to the events- unless you buy one of our Fashion Week Packages. Privileges are listed on www.youareonthelist.com/invite_only

SBS: Speaking of... Have any hot parties lined up for Fashion Week?

RR: Yes of course! Check out the entire fashion calendar- we have access to it all. We are offering our YOUAREONTHELIST.com Fashion Week Insider Pass, which get you access to some shows at Bryant Park and other venues, after parties, a membership to YOUAREONTHELIST.com, as well as, amazing gift bags. We also have other surprises with a portion going to charity for the arts. We are only offering 15 of these and we are not taking new memberships during fashion week. The only way to be a member and attend the shows is to purchase the package. You can visit www.youareonthelist.com/dates or email us at events@youareonthelist.com for details.

SBS: That sounds like a stellar deal! I'm so curious what the parties are going to be like considering this is the So Long Bryant Park Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Do you think the NYC Scene has changed in the past few years?

RR: OMG! Yes and NO!

SBS: Ha! How?

RR: I grew up in NYC on the Upper East Side, where going out at night to clubs bars like Odeon, Studio 54, Xenon, and Dorian’s, was just like going to the movies or the mall. We always got in and we always knew where to go. They weren’t websites that told you every night what was going on- you were only in the know or you weren’t. Nowadays, the really exclusive events are few and far between. So we try to have access to those and the more publicized events. What's funny is that some of the same venues are still popular like Dorian’s. Every Tuesday, it's mobbed with young hip professional for their karaoke night.

SBS: Seriously? I suppose Karaoke is a healthy and cheaper alternative... With the economic state of affairs this past year, there’s been an influx of independent promoters trying to fill clubs via email lists and Facebook, should guests be wary of such things?

RR: Yes, you should... but not all promoters are bad or shady. I see a lot of the reputable promoters on Facebook as it has become the new marketplace to advertise and promote your business, and nightlife is no different. YOUAREONTHELIST.com is all things social media! Facebook page and twitter...

SBS: So, what separates YOUAREONTHELIST.com from those types of promoters?

RR: I am not a promoter, not that’s there is anything wrong with that, but we are a service that provides access to events and experiences in NYC and beyond. We do not work for the venues, clubs, or restaurants. We work for our members, to provide them with experiences they would never know about or are too busy to find out about and get them access. YOUAREONTHELIST.com is like a best friend who knows everyone and takes you with them.

SBS: Love it! What’s in the future for YOUAREONTHELIST.com?

RR: We are rolling out to other markets YOUAREONTHELIST.com Boston, Chicago, Miami, SF... We are excited to be launching YOUAREONTHELIST.com KIDS. So that kids can be on the list too!!

SBS: A kids list? That rocks. How fun is that?!

RR: Plus in NYC we will be creating YOUAREONTHELIST.com pop-up lounges at marquee events in NYC and this summer in the Hamptons. So- SBS Readers will have to see where we will pop-up next!

Photo 1: Robin Ross and Tracy Stern
Photo 2: Ryan Nicklaus of Ryan Darius Salon and good friend TJ enjoyed Front Row at Russell Simmons courtesy of YOUAREONTHELIST.com
Photo 3: 901 SILVER TEQUILA LAUNCH PARTY, NYC June 13, 2009: Actor and promoter Danny A with the beautiful people

Def Jam Recordings celebrated it's 25th Anninversay May 18, 2009 at the notorious 40/40 Club. In honor of that, I would like to say:

What the dilly, yo?

It was a mad house to get in, but then once you were in, there was nothing notorious about it. Obviously, Scene B Seen is a huge advocate for innovation and up and comers, so why didn't Def Jam market the event to promote it's young roster? Which, I personally believe, would have generated the same turn-out.

If one were to celebrate Def Jam's 25th, it would be celebrating the accomplishments of producing some of the most groundbreaking Hip-Hop and R&B artists of our time, right?

We weren't the only ones to come to this conclusion either. The stunning Egypt, from Egyptsaidso.com, posted: I was on the set and really had a good time….But Russell Simmons wasn’t there nor were any of the labels signature artists….hmmm. Jay-Z, not only the former CEO of Def Jam, the hip-hop mogul owns 40/40, was also a no-show .

Monday evening seemed to justify Greg Tate's primary beef: the music industry has joined the “mainstream that had once excluded its originators.” (Village Voice .4, 2005)

Props for those who did grace the red carpet, Tha Heights, DJ Webstar, Pooch Hall and Hosea Canchez of CW's The Game, Sharon Carpenter, Julissa Bermudez, Egypt, Chris Canty, Travanti Johnson, Napiera Groves, and Darrelle Revis.

To see more photos: click here

*photo 1 courtesy of purewest.us by Peter Brauer: DJ Webstar

*photo 2 courtesy of wireimage.com by Nunez: Egypt