MTV's Bacchanal Returns With Parties Around Town

With MTV's Video Music Awards back in New York after a two-year hiatus in Miami, a smattering of big parties have been happening all around town this week, leading up to the ceremony tomorrow night. New Yorkers are seeing plenty of album release parties and marketing ploys from sponsors looking to get some heat from the MTV hoopla. Yahoo toasted Jessica Simpson and her new album with a roller-skating party Tuesday night at the Roxy. Whiteflash.com was the lead sponsor for a party, ostensibly hosted by Missy Elliott (who was a no-show), at Cipriani 23rd Street last night, so it was only natural there was a table with $10 million of jewelry that celebrity guests could wear at the party.

Tonight, Verizon Wireless and Rolling Stone host John Legend's album release party and performance at the Bowery Ballroom. Outkast's album release party also coincides with VMA week; it will be held in the Dome (a temporary space up through most of September) at the SoHo Grand. Dim sum and ice cream will be on hand at the Absolut Ruby Red party for Pharrell Williams at Chinatown Brasserie. And Stuff magazine and Amp'd Mobile head to Marquee for the magazine's Power Issue party.

After Radio City Music Hall empties out from the awards Thursday night, there will be bees (in tanks) and painted women at the 40/40 Club, where Beyoncé will celebrate the awards, her B-Day album—and her birthday. An alternative to the many hip-hop artists hosting events this week, the Rapture is headlining Virgin Mobile's after-party at Gotham Hall. LL Cool J and 50 Cent will take over Tao for Blender magazine and Vitamin Water's post-party. And Atlantic Records and Warner Brothers are ignoring the club scene for a party at Buddakan. Watch this space for our full report.
Posted 08.30.06