Former go-go boy Dannee Phann becomes a party philanthropist, supporting the very life he's toned down in recent years

NIGHTLIFE CELEBUTANTE, PART TWO: After years as a circuit party attendee, planning guru Dannee Phann puts on one of his own: a fundraiser for the Turtle Creek Chorale.

Dannee Phann has spent a lot of time in nightclubs. He's been bartending for 13 years, and when he first crossed to the other side of velvet ropes it was to work as a go-go dancer at Damewoods, a now-defunct tavern. About 10 years ago, he started hitting the circuit scene. He became such a circuit queen that organizers began asking him to plan parties.

"Going to those parties was how I got my ideas," he explains.

Still, that work wasn't as fun as twirling beneath disco balls. "Every event I did, I loved. But it was a lot of hard work," he says.

It's the kind of gig where you burn bright and, as a result, can't last forever. About three years ago, Phann started focusing on other things raising money for the Lone Star Ride Fighting AIDS and helping with the family liquor store business in Minneapolis.

But there's another reason Phann stopped planning circuit parties: "The circuit boys just didn't come out anymore," he says.

Although globetrotting clubsters still tend to make it to the big events, the circuit scene's heyday has dramatically faded. But Phann certainly hasn't faded from view he just doesn't go out every night, he says.

Still he remains popular in Dallas' club world: He could resist event planning for only so long. When Howard Okon, owner of the Brick, needed both planning help and someone who could bring in the crowds, he turned to Phann for his help on the upcoming One Night in Bangkok, a benefit for the Turtle Creek Chorale.

Guests at the Saturday shindig will be treated to DJ Alex Lauterstein and a sneak peak at a new line of Andrew Christian underwear courtesy of Union Jack. The Cha-Chi Dance Troupe will also be on hand to perform.

"This was all Howard's idea," Phann is quick to point out. "I don't want to take all the credit."

Phann hopes this event will mark the beginning of his getting back into event planning specifically for charitable events.

"I'm always happy to help when it comes to fundraising," he says. "I really want to get back to it and to really give back to the community." Phann feels as if the community has been very supportive of him and the work he has done over the years, and he'd like to repay that. "As well as bring the community together," he says.

Phann is looking forward to One Night in Bangkok and says he's "hoping all the boys will come." He's expecting more than 500 attendees, but regardless of how many show up, Phann is content with the path his career has taken, including its recent circuitous bent.

"I'm very happy now," he says. "And very fulfilled."

And though he's embroiled in moving right now, he's anxious to get back to fundraising parties.

"You feel so relieved at the end of an event because you did something good," he says. "And it's a great feeling that people are willing to support you and to donate [to these causes]."


2 NIGHTS FOR ONE NIGHT

One Night in Bangkok, a benefit for the Turtle Creek Chorale.
Meet the Hosts party at Mickey's, 3851 Cedar Springs Road. May 4 from 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. Free.

Main Event, at The Brick, 4117 Maple Ave. May 5 from 10 p.m.-4 a.m. Tickets $20 (available in advance at Union Jack or Brickparty.net, or at the door before 11 p.m.), $30 (at the door after 11 p.m.).



This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition May 4, 2007