The Astoria pourmaster and producer has big stuff happening this month… Come get your fill of Filup!
Bar(s) that I work at: Icon Astoria (31-84 33rd Street) & Albatross Astoria (36-19 24th Ave)
How long I’ve worked there: 6 years
What are my shifts: Friday nights at Albatross, Sunday nights at Icon. I also host a monthly variety show called “Diva’s Live” at Albatross every last Tuesday of the month at 8pm
What makes these bars great: Albatross is Astoria’s “Queer Cheers” where everyone knows your name. Icon is Astoria’s dancing destination, with some of the best lighting and special effects–it’s a great Grindr meetup place, too.
Best drink I make: I have to say I love making espresso martinis to lift the spirit, but I get a lot of requests for my peach cosmos! I think they just like to see me show off my shaking skills
I love it when customers: come in with positive energy, and love it when they over tip! I mean…..I’m workin’ hard over here!
I hate it when customers: I don’t really hate anything… but alcohol mixed with politics is not allowed in my house! We don’t need that drama!
Craziest thing I’ve seen here: Well, we have a monthly gear party called “The Den” at Icon every last Sunday hosted by Lacy Stoner, and let’s just say… there’s always juicy stories Monday morning! Look for us on Sniffies.
My hometown: I was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ, but I’ve lived in NYC for 18 years.
Stuff I do when I’m not bartending: Singer-Songwriter / Composer / Producer
Single or Taken: I’m very lucky to have someone special in my life.
Who / what turns me on: Confidence and compassion are a must, but I think eyes are my weakness when it comes to physical attraction. When you can look in someone’s eyes and connect without speaking, that’s love magic.
Favorite music: I literally listen to all types of music, from pop music to Broadway (if you see me strolling through the city with earbuds in, I’m probably listening to Enya, lol). Anything that makes my heart dance.
Favorite movie or TV show: I just finished The Residence and I loved it. I’m also kinda cheesy, and I love romantic period pieces and fantasy fiction. Give me a love story with a sweeping movie score and I’m all set. Thomas Newman is my go-to composer!
Favorite drag queen: Wow. Don’t put me on the spot like that! I can’t choose just one, but my chosen family know who they are!
My drag name would be: Buffy Thunderbird
Favorite DJ(s): Major Lazer, Snake, Kaskade, Diplo, Chris Lake, Austin Mills, Kaytranada & Altego
Other stuff you need to know about me: I’m producing a “Lady Gaga Experience” at Icon Astoria on April 24th at 8pm. It’s gonna be a star-studded night for the Monsters! Drink specials, raffle prizes and costume contests!
Follow me on: Instagram
Tip me at: @filupgroft on Venmo. It’s never a wrong time to tip!
Thotyssey 