Hustle Harder ::: the brainchild Behind Baltimore’s “All-White-Everything” Celebration

Marcy Evans Crump, CEO The Flywire

On Sunday, May15, my girlfriend and I shimmied our way to Baltimore for the Fly Wire’s “White Tie Affair.” The annual party, that’s sold out practically every year, took place at the Frederick Douglass Isaac Myers Museum in Fells Point. Although it was damn near a tsunami for a few minutes (or hour, but who checks the time with cocktails), that did not stop the party, drinks or folks for partying in their all-white. In addition to having DJ’s Infame and Mr. Incredible spin, there was also a drummer that played along with the music, with Nichelle The Bmore Princess. Hard to explain, but dope concept. Matter of fact, this is the first party I attended that featured a DJ and drummer. Peep the pix below, as well as my conversation with Marcy Evans Crump, CEO of The Fly Wire, about what makes her and this event tick, each and every year.

How did you come up with the concept for the ‘White Tie Affair’? The Flywire’s event stylist, Nicole Nichelson of Nik’s Nak,  & I were planning an upscale party (for a supposed client who, at the last minute, bailed) and decided to do something new—not a Black Tie but something fresh. When we selected a venue—the Sub Basement Artist Studio—the vibe of this white warehouse space inspired the theme: White Tie Affair.  The decor, food, drinks and furniture were all white. The location was a secret until the night before when invited guests who RSVP’d received notification via phone call. White attire was preferred but not mandatory.

James Taylor, Jr.

When you’re putting on the event, what inspires you? Imagining what would make people enjoy themselves inspires me and making it come to life motivates me to get it done. The challenge is doing it on a limited budget.

How long (years) has this party been taking place? Since May 2005

Promoter, DeJuanDHov

What makes this party unique as opposed to other parties in Baltimore and in other large cities? It’s the biggest, the hypest and so much fun! It belongs to the people. Hands down, the event is a grass roots effort with a life and energy of its own. The first event had 75 people and boy did it grow. Each year it got bigger and bigger.  It grew based on the appeal/chemistry of the “real” party people of the city. My mission is to provide quality events with diversity in mind. We don’t discriminate, we don’t send out condescending messages and we try to make everyone feel special. We don’t put one group of people against each other. We have people 21 years old to 65 years old attend. We have all walks of life in one place. I love it and believe they are truly beautiful—all dressed in their white.

Putting on an event of this size has to take some serious planning, business savvy and relationships in the city. What’s the biggest thing that goes on behind the scenes that would surprise people? The amount of money it takes to produce the event and the lack of sponsorship we receive even though it’s the biggest party/most celebrated party of the year. It generates a lot of money for area businesses: fashion retail, liquor, car washes, salons, auto rentals, hotels, makeup artists, fashion designers, airlines, restaurants, tent/party equipment companies, etc. The biggest hurdle is that our city (Baltimore) is still very segregated and we face resistance to bringing African American events to life. The racism we often deal with is sickening but we move through it and are not letting those attitudes stop us. Another surprising thing is the number of people who work to make this event occur. It’s our own peers, not a hotel or venue’s staff. It’s a wonderful group of our own team/family. We rock; over 125 of our own.

As a woman in this industry, what’s your biggest challenge? I used to experience what a lot of women face.  Being considered a bitch when you take care of business with assertion—that’s a bias shared by women and men.  Another challenge is when people think a woman can’t be in charge so they ask talk to my partner/the “real” boss instead.  It’s a challenge when men take credit for or downplay my accomplishments—saying that they’re the best in the business or that they’re the first to do something—when it’s not true. I don’t involve myself with the male bravado and competition that goes along with this business. I can’t spend my time bragging in my promotions or mimicking others. It’s often frustrating but I shake it off and always tell myself “What God has for me—is for me!”

What do you think people enjoy most about the ‘White Party?’ The White Party is not about celebrities or a promoter—it’s the launch of a new season; “let’s pull out the white ensemble before Memorial Day.” It’s all about the people looking/feeling good. We’re the most organized event producers in town and our people trust us to protect them, cater to them and make sure it’s a PARTAAY. My motto is everyone’s a VIP. Even the VIP Table reservations we are in the open so everyone can mingle and be seen. The experience is a blessing that dispels what people think about Baltimore and urban life in general.

What’s the biggest complaint that you hear about this party and how do you address it? The biggest complaint is from the “typical” person who thinks they’re better than someone else. “I don’t go here, I don’t do this. I don’t do that. Did you see what she had on? I only hang out with certain people… they’re too young, too old, too bourgeoisie, too hood, blah, blah, blah…” My response is “Do You, Boo!” I grew up with really rich people but my family was first generation out of the projects so I don’t believe in stereotypes. You can’t always judge someone at a party. I have some ‘off-da-hook’ friends who are lawyers, chemists, principals, etc. but I also have conservative friends who are reformed hood boys.  So I’m never impressed by condescending conversations and I believe everyone should have a chance to experience a fun stylish event. So I address some criticism when it comes my way but I concentrate on positive, fun-loving down-to-earth people.

Promoters, Trix & Zeke

What’s next for FlyWire? We are going to keep the events coming. Almost every week we have something going on. We’re re-launching our award winning website: www.theflywire.com and exploring bringing back our award winning magazine The Flywire.

The Flywire & The Jasmine Brand

Photos: Zizwe Allette