If you have been out at night in the Gayborhood, you've most likely ended up at Voyeur Nightclub and without a doubt left with a story to share. Those stories are due, in no small part, to the amazing talent and dedication of Matt Riccoti, manager of Voyeur for the past 9 years. Matt has turned the former Pure Nightclub into a space dedicated to dancing, music, drag queens, comedy and so much more; converting the space from an after hours club into a performance and entertainment hub for the community.

We are sad to announce that tonight is his LAST NIGHT at Voyeur. He has accepted a new job with Live Nation. Our loss is their gain and we know he do an amazing job with them.

With Matt's help, Voyeur has hosted such celebrities as Michael Musto, Jonny McGovern, Alec Mapa, Ana Matronic, Colton Ford, Natalia Kills, Jackie Beat, Robyn, and almost every drag queen that has ever been on RuPaul's Drag Race. He has overseen movie shoots, photo shoots, plays, comedy shows, drag shows, fashion shows, international DJ's and more.

Plus, personally, he has been a huge help in producing the annual Boys of Summer party. I have directly worked with him for a decade now and I'm always amazing how he's ALWAYS happy to help out with anything I've needed. Any random weird request I have for a party Matt has seen as a challenge and takes it on with full force and gone out of his way to help out.

He has impacted everyone that has had the privileged to work with him, and I'm not the only one that feels that way:

Mimi Imfurst, RuPaul's Drag Race – I honestly can't think of another person responsible for creating a culture of quality entertainment at Voyeur. Matt was and still is a champion for drag, music, comedy, and even more recently live theater. I'm happy for Matt and his next adventure and excited that we will continue to work together. I can, without a doubt, be lucky enough to call him one of my most loyal friends.

Eric Jaffee, Imfamous Ukulele Player – As a musician, I did not always feel welcome, as a performer, in gay bars that were predominantly drag centered. One time there was an issue with sound during a show, and we realized that it was because I was using an extension chord to plug in my instrument. Matt immediately went online and purchased me a 50 foot cable, so we would never have that problem. He always went above and beyond to make sure that the performers working at his bar were comfortable and taken care of. I thank Matt for all that he has done for me and my fellow performers. He is an amazing person and I wish him the best.

Wendy Ho, Comedian – The only phrase that comes to mind when I think of working with Matthew Ricciotti at Voyeur, is “go big or go home.” Picture it: a hot n steamy Gay pride Sunday on the cobblestone streets of Philadelphia�one float is louder, more colorful, and well, PROUDER than the rest! That float of course being the Woody’s/ Voyeur gay pride float spearheaded by the man in charge: Matthew Ricciotti. For 2 years in a row Matthew has brought me back to ride on the top what feels like a confetti cannon of love, and yes it just so happens that 2 years in a row we have won the highly acclaimed “Fruit Bowl” for best overall float at Gay Pride. Each time we’ve rolled past the judges table in a fury of party poppers, glitter and this past year in 95 degree heat�SNOW� we’ve hit them with our best shot�all fueled by Matthew’s go big or go home mentality and his passion for a good fucking time. It is because of this mentality that I will surely follow Matthew to the ends of the Earth. I know the good times not only are followed by him, but are in large part� produced by him. You’d never know it, he’s the strong, silent type pulling strings from the back of the house, the one we’ve all come to affectionately call “Daddy.” In his tenure at Voyeur, he has not only provided a place for me and my tribe to perform, but a place to feel like we could take risks and again�HAVE FUN. I’m sorry to see him go, as his shoes will be big to fill at Voyeur, but I know he has to in order to move on to the next big thing�after all the only other option would be to go home, but we all know you can’t do that again, especially when you’re Matthew Ricciotti! Onward and upward, Daddy!

Carl Michaels, Philly's Favorite DJ – Matt and I have had some fun adventures. Myself, Matt, Kyle Turk and Frankie Morelli went on a dance music cruise back in January called Holy Ship and we had a blast. Matt, being the world traveler he is, upgraded us all, and when we got to Miami, there was a limo waiting. While the details of the cruise remain confidential, afterward we spent several days in Miami. Kyle, Matt and I ordered drinks at 8:30 am (we had to get off the cruise at 7) and they ended up being $55 each! I digress�I always have a lot of fun with Matt � he is a great friend and an amazing and dedicated event manager. Love that guy.

Brooklyn Ford, Philly Drag Queen – I’ve got a funny story about Mr. Ricciotti that no one really knows. We went down to DC to see Beyonce a while back. Matt likes some of the finer things in life so he scored us a hotel room in DC. It was apart of my Drag Wars prize which I’ll explain another time lol. I was expecting a fab room and the works. Well the hotel we stayed at was under complete construction…. So it’s been a running joke that he gave me the short end of the stick. Being the nice and loving drag queen that I am…. I never let him live it down lol. Soooooo to right his wrongs we went to NYC for a night….and were going to be staying at the W…. A fabbbbbbb hotel! We get into our suite and I notice something strange on the lampshade. A goddamn pair of women’s panties. I looked right at him and said ” THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!!!! Treason!!” We both got a really good cackle out of it….and decided to MORTIFY the W hotel staff. He called down and acted like he was completely disgusted and appalled…all the while I’m in the background gasping for air laughing. They sent the concierge up IMMEDIATELY…. And the man said….” You guys havin a wild night with the ladies?” We looked right at each other and burst out laughing. That poor concierge. So that’s my Matt story. Good luck buddy!!!!!

As you can see, he has touched many people in the community and he will be missed. And while he won't be going far, it still won't be the same. So on behalf of everyone in they gayborhood and beyond, I want to thank you for making our nightlife incredible. And to gayly quote Designing Women, "It was a rip-roaring firecracking, roller coaster of a ride — and we are all better for having bought a ticket."