PEN launches new website, parties IRL (with photos!)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

PEN America has a sweet new website, and their World Voices festival, kicking off April 29, is truly stacked. Two perfect reasons to throw one raging party on Wednesday night at Chez Andre, the sexy basement of the East Village’s Standard Hotel. The room was packed with PEN friends and lovers from start to finish. F.S. Fitzgerald himself would have swooned at the sheer volume of gin and tonic among the crowd, courtesy of liquor sponsor Hendrick’s. And even from the darkest corners of our subterranean space, spring was springing in the form of pretty party dresses. Event co-hosts Lauren Cerand and Uzoamaka Maduka had two of the best. Adam Wilson and Tea Obreht played guest DJs for the evening, though there was no actual record spinning involved. Fear not, the DJ booth — complete with gaping mouth wall art in relief — still saw its share of action, serving as scenery for more than one outrageous photo series. PEN’s Paul Morris was doing his typical thing, somehow engaged with everyone at once. The whole thing was swanky without being stuffy and just the right amount of boozy to boot. If this is what the rest of the lit party scene looks like this season, we’re in for treats.

Editor’s note: Missed your chance to Party with PEN? Don’t fret, join them Monday, April 29 for the launch of the World Voices Festival. Use promo code PEN13 for 20% off your tickets.

***
 — Kai Twanmoh is a sometimes contributor to The Outlet. You can find her here.