Groovy Baby

Photographs and Interview By Michelle LoBianco

Hayley Griffin, Queen of the New York City nightlife, talks to Michelle LoBianco about throwing parties, bands she’s worked with, and her ongoing event, “New York Groove”.

New York City, USA

How did you get into the New York City nightlife?

I was bartending at Berlin (Under A) and my best friend Bailey Leiter and I decided to team up and throw what would become the very popular “Je Taime Oh No” party. Neither one of us knew what we were doing or what it would become at the time- but we went for it, and the party was a hit!

What is your favorite party you’ve thrown?

Impossible to pick just one!! You can check out my newspaper collaboration with Nico Malvaldi and see a bunch of great ones! I will forever love our Je Taime Oh No party. It was such a scene, and on a Monday night! From there I created my own event “NY Groove”- a show, dance party with go-go performances by the dance troupe I created “The Groovy Babies”. This party was hosted at various hot spots like Berlin, Niagara, Coney Island Baby, The Broadway and now Nickys Unisex. I also curate a great vintage shopping extravaganza with another partner Ashley Jayne Meyers, “The Foxy Festival” at TV Eye. Bailey’s Boogaloo” now turned “Hello Banana The Party” is also a ton of fun! Put on by DJ Bailey, I’m brought on as a host- everyone dresses to the nines, drink cocktails, & dance all night!

Favorite acts you’ve booked?

Another tough one!! Baby Shakes are my favorite band in NYC and one of the most fun NY Groove parties I have done (opened by Brower). Daddy Long Legs, TV Baby, Faux Real, Gustaf, Justin Dean Thomas, Twin Guns, Bipolar, Wyldlife, The Tough Shits, The Advertisers, Miranda & The Beat, Beechwood- all fantastic acts I have booked and simply adore! My last party was with another BFF, Alexandra Blair and her band The Silk War and Fiona Silver this past August.

What’s next?

Next up is Josephine Network & Willis Willis at Nickys Unisex. I am so into this new little spot in Williamsburg! It has a very chic yet gritty vibe. Look out for another Foxy Festival at TV Eye in Ridgewood and a few more parties TBA. The best way to stay in the loop is through my Instagram- @hayleygriffin_ (I put everything there, I don’t have the energy for a bunch of different accounts- who has the time, and who cares!?) and on my website newyorkgroovepresents.com

Where do you find inspiration for your style?

Before I got into nightlife, I worked in vintage clothing since I was a teenager. I have seen a lot. Mostly, I just go shopping without anything in mind and snatch up whatever catches my eye and feels special. Most of my favorite pieces are from Le Grand Strip in Williamsburg- a sexy & chic shop I managed for many years.

What’s different now than before the pandemic?

So much has changed, but it’s all coming back! Venues have new rules for capacity, so deals have changed. Parties have been smaller- normally our Foxy Festival has 40 vendors, this last one we kept it to 15. Looking forward to continuing to build the party business back to what it was before, and in the meantime just so grateful to be surrounded by people that are having fun again.