Sunday, February 25, 2007 … (I wanted to get this post up as quickly as I could, so more pictures will follow tomorrow.)

The last few days have been filled with porn history. The GAYVN Summit was attended by virtually every prominent studio and star in the industry in San Francisco. There were mixers, socials, parties and seminars. Most notably, COLT threw their 40th anniversary party and the GAYVN Awards were held at the Castro theater hosted by Kathy Griffin last night. NakedSword capped the evening off with an after party to end all parties! (Read more soon at gaypornblog!) (Kathy picture courtesy Kathy and GAYVN.)

Oddly I did a TV show with Kathy Griffin about 10 years ago where I was one of 4 potential dates. She ended up choosing a very twinky guy. While she was funny then, she has hit her stride now. As I arrived at the “W” for the weekend, I found myself riding up the elevator with Ms. Griffin. I don’t know how shes done it, but she looks better today than she did ten years ago. And a lot of it just is her energy and confidence. Yes, she has that sarcastic humor. But let me tell you, that’s a brilliant comedianne performing because she is warm, loving and one of the most genuine people you would ever want to meet. 

The “W” was a great central location for all the events. There were bars around the meeting rooms and everyone was networking and saying hello after a hard years work. Stars who had worked together on shoots were reunited, and their favorite directors were joining in as well.  Michael Lucas was as calm as ever on Saturday as I saw him off to the spa for a massage. He’s a gentle man which isn’t what you would expect from someone who has created such an empire.

The Colt 40 party was spectacular. The music pounded and reverberated through rooms filled with muscle, leather and sweat. I don’t think we’ll see another event like this until they throw number 50! The dancing and drinking went well into the night. It was an invitation only event to only the elite in the industry - those who had shared in their history. 

Back in the light of day, there were seminars by the top directors including Steven Scaroborough, marketing, legal and more. While we have earned many freedoms as an industry, knowlege and networking are key so quality porn can be available to the consumer. These companies take it seriously and attended in a huge ballroom for hours on end, day after day. The room was filled to capacity.

The big night had arrived. And with it, rain. The Castro filled fast - to capacity. And this time, things were different, you, the consumer could attend. And the balcony filled with real consumers. GAYVN set the stage with amazing lighting and a killer sound system. The house music resonated through the room, bass echoing, like you would imagine in a surreal night club with flames and explosions.

A late start was precipitated by a glitch in the video system, but the tech guys figured it out, no doubt under intense pressure.

Chi Chi LaRue came out on stage to start off the evening. In larger-than-life style, Ms. LaRue got the evening off to a bang with style and class. And with that, the evening begun as she introduced the fabulous Ms. Kathy Griffin.

Kathy started with a routine that was flawless and tailored to perfection. She was so at home with the gay audience. In case you read her site or blog, her father passed away and it was a poignant moment when she shared her loss and joy to be with us in San Francisco at this point in her life. I was moved to tears as the entire room gave her a standing ovation that literally stopped the show. God love the gay community! She spun us back into the show, and on with the awards.

For the full results of the awards, you can go to GAYVN, but here are some of the highlights. Michael Lucas’ La Dolce Vita won a record breaking 14 awards including best picture. Hot House was the next highest winning studio with 4 awards. There was a large group of employees in a section up front from Hot House. Every time they had a win, they all jumped up together. Pretty cool. Hoo-rah!

Many other awards were given, along with 6 inductees to the hall of fame. Some of the award highlights include: Titan exclusive François Sagat was voted Performer of the Year. The Sex Comedy award went to a Jet Set Productions movie, Going Under (they seem to have the patent on this comedy thing!). And wonderously, awards-show host, comedienne Kathy Griffin was also presented with a trophy naming her an Honorary Gay by NakedSword - the first female NakedSwordsman!

Griffin kept the show on track never missing a beat. Either Kathy, GAVYN or her people must have coached her throughout the evening because it was as if she was on the inside of every industry joke. Although, I don’t think anyone expected her to drop to her knees to almost perform oral sex!

One awkward moment occured when the audience was a bit “chilled” when Michael Lucas won best actor. She commented that the room chilled to an icey level. Lucas won the next category and very graciously deflected the criticism. In prior years he was more confronting, and I was impressed with his humility and authentic words.

The room was hot as hell to say the least. Griffin worked right through a scheduled intermission and the show finished with a bang. The show was videotaped for airing in the future for her show, “The D List”. I can’t wait to relive many of the moments we all saw on screen.

As everyone poured out of the theater, the rain poured out of the sky. Stretch limos waited to scrurry industry stars and directors to the NakedSword after party. This was the end of the weekend event, and it was time to party. And party everyone did. Into the wee hours of the night friends greeted and congratulated each other, danced, drank and conversed.

The weekend concluded as I waited to board my plane, and go figure, I run into Kathy again at the restaraunt in the airport. She was relaxing with her entourage after a big weekend. Everyone was boarding their flights. I sat quietly looking forward to being in my own bed. I missed my dogs. The plane was sprinkled with who had been at the GAYVN’s and the parties. I smiled as I overheard commentary about who won, who should have won, who was caught sucking who, tales of too much to drink, and more.  The flight left late, and you gotta love Southwest, the pilot came on and said he was sorry “It’s my first flight” and he hoped all that ice on the wings didn’t matter.

Back here in Los Angeles I was greeted by my poopie-dogs, eager for kisses. Ahhh, it’s good to be home. And I can’t wait for the GAYVN’s in 2008!

Congrats to all,
Mark

PS: This is from Kathy’s website:

“A letter from Kathy to you all…

Thank you for all of your lovely comments and inquiries about my Dad. He passed away last Saturday, February 17th at 2pm here in L.A. He had a very far reach in this world and is already missed by so many.

His ascerbic, rapier wit and true heart of gold made for a wonderful combination in a great man. He died from complications due to congestive heart failure AND multiple myeloma. Please keep my mom and my siblings in your thoughts and prayers. What can I say? I just loved him so much.

XOXO,
Kathy G.

Please note that Kathy, her mother and family have chosen the following charity. They ask that anyone wishing to put in a donation to honor John Griffin do so at the following link: American Heart Association (the site will ask you for an email address to send to, you may use memorial@kathygriffin.net). Once again we would like to thank you all for the stream of good wishes and thoughts. They are so appreciated.”