My little fat cat has been staring up at me all summer with hungry eyes, as if to say, “I won't be round and cuddly for much longer if you don't get some regular food up in this joint.” It is under that pressure that I decided to enter myself in the LA Record NY City Night Train dance contest held Friday night at Nomad Gallery.

Upon arrival the place was buzzing with good energy: Randy Randall of No Age, who was a judge along with RTX's Jennifer Herrema, and the Germs' Don Bolles, chatted happily with band mate Dean Spunt, David Scott Stone and LA Record publisher Charlie Rose. Intermingling was Indian Jewelry and lots of other happy attendees making merry on the dance floor. There was a little popcorn machine and Jennifer Herrema staggered around the space gurgling good cheer to all she encountered.

A dark cloud seemed to descend, though, as the evening stretched closer to the AM and the contest still hadn't started. Frustrated, Randall finally split at 12:45, taking all the positive energy with him. Swarming in from the side lines was newly relocated band Vietnam — another one bites the dust Brooklyn! — who all seemed to fall in stride with the unintelligible Herrema. Soon it was like Thriller out there as a giant pack of zombies Brooklynites circa 2003 began yelling and dithering chaotic nonsense in the early morn. Positivity vanished.

law logo2x b

The dance contest, scheduled for 11, finally started around 1 a.m. I danced my hardest, with my little kitty's face in the back of my mind, but I just couldn't bring home the gold.

But all wasn't lost in this (too) long, convoluted evening, one that turned like an ankle dancing the cha cha in a high heel: The winner was actually an amazing break dancing kid who spun around in mesmerizing circles. Near the end, I stole away home, where a warm fat furry body was awaiting my return.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.