Bash Compactor: The Parade Must Go On

Despite last weekend’s weather, the annual Deitch Projects’ Art Parade went on in spirit at Santos Party House. Dressed impeccably in a blue-and-white pinstripe suit, Jeffery Deitch lorded over the event, the smile never leaving his bespectacled face.

“We can’t fight a storm, so we try to do it this way,” he said.

DJs Justin Miller and Jacques Renault kept the crowd moving as they sampled the Pernod cocktails, poured in the traditional absinthe style. Performance artist Lauren Darling led her “Busy as a Rainbow Brigade” of unicorns in a conga line across the floor and onto the stage.

“The funny thing about the parade being canceled is that it was really heartbreaking,” said Darling. “But it made the project complete, since the theme is heartbreak.”

Also on stage were Cherry Dazzle and her gang of plastic-bag-bikini-clad boys. Dazzle, also known as Cary Curran, the star of “Cary from the Cock,” said, “I think New Yorkers are pussies for not coming out in the rain, the gay pride parade went on in it.” Of course, she was wearing a plastic bag. At the end of the performance the whole dance troupe was naked and, when asked what they would wear when they leave, she replied they were prepared with garbage bags with arm and head holes cut out.

Equally excited was fashion designer Xtravaganza, who shouted to the crowd, “Give it up for Deitch Projects! The rain didn’t stop us!”