In the grand debate over whether Manhattan nightlife is dead, dying or rising like a phoenix from its own glittery ashes, Vandam at Greenhouse makes a strong case for the latter. This particular Sunday celebrated the launch of artist Kenny Scharf’s eponymous book, but the crush of dressed-to-kill androgynies gyrating on every available surface hardly needed an excuse. It seemed everyone in attendance was a performer or creative type; burlesque dancers Sequinette, Sultana and Dee Luxe all held court in their outrageous Sunday best, as did performance artist and Miss L.E.S. ’06 Glenn Marla and famed photographer/designer/stylist Maripol.

A lithe blond “performer” named Vanilla was introduced. What type of performance did she do? “I show up.” Had she gotten out in the sun at all that day? “New Yorkers only like the summer because it means they’ve survived the winter.”

Decked out in a shiny, shredded ensemble, Vandam promoter Kenny Kenny was similarly unenthused about the weather: “I burn easily. I need to get a little umbrella.” How did he feel about attracting such a diverse group of trannies, gays, girls and others? “The good girls come. The Sex and the City ones can go somewhere else and the fags who just wanna get laid can go to Craigslist.” Good crowd for a Sunday, no? “Journalists always write all kinds of things about parties, so I figure I should just tell you what’s really going on.We wanted freedom, and the only time you don’t have to sell bottles or deal with any of that bullshit is an off night.”

Just then, Peppermint floated in from a performance of her catchy, nasty new song, “Excuse My Beauty.” Despite steam room environs, neither lash nor liner was out of place. “I just flew back from San Francisco today to do this show,” she said, “but I’m notorious for bringing the rain with me, so keep your fingers crossed.”