Jenkem, a leading voice in the skateboarding world, recently marked its 10th anniversary, a significant milestone for any company. To commemorate this decade of content and community, Jenkem threw a party at the iconic Jane Hotel, a venue known for its distinctive atmosphere. The celebration was made possible with the support of Vans, Red Bull, and Tolago, who helped with the costs and provided refreshments for the night. If you missed the event, or perhaps were out chasing the pros in Copenhagen, here’s a recap of the night that will hopefully make you feel like you were there, or at least standing next to a giant speaker.
The celebration also included a commemorative zine/photo book, a tangible keepsake of the journey. Those looking to grab a copy are encouraged to keep an eye on their local skate shop’s Instagram for news on availability.
One of the highlights of the night was a makeshift best trick contest on the dance floor. Justin Henry, a pro skater who traveled all the way from Ohio, was one of the few who dared to participate. Despite not winning, he remained upright after enjoying the open bar, unlike many others who looked as if they would topple over at any moment.
Photographer and friend of Jenkem, Andrew Arthur, was also present. He was captured with his hands mysteriously tucked into his sleeves, leading to lighthearted speculation about him hoarding pre-rolls or simply needing a bathroom break.
The party also drew some well-known figures in the skateboarding scene, one of whom was described as having a considerable “star power,” which made socializing a mix of excitement and subtle attempts to capture a photo or an introduction. The article playfully speculates about the perks of such fame, balancing the attention with the advantages of never paying for anything and being able to get any guy or girl you want.
Ian, a member of the Jenkem crew, was seen with Patrick from their “Food From Skate Videos” segment, and Thea, a long-time Jenkem supporter. They decided to go for an old-school step and repeat backdrop, which ended up being a popular spot for photos throughout the night.
Stickers were a hit at the event, with attendees excitedly sticking them on each other all night long. Jenkem’s intern, Justin, was particularly proud of his sticker placement on Antonio Durao’s ponytail without him noticing, a testament to how the little things can excite people.
Cass Bermudez from the Genesis crew attended the party with her friends, highlighting the diverse crowd of skaters and non-skaters. The difference in attire was quite telling, with the skaters sporting extra baggy pants, Y2K fits, and shoelace belts, contrasting the typical Manhattan club clothing worn by the non-skaters.
Tristan Mershon and Dustin Eggeling also participated in the sticker craze. They were described as being drunk enough to unleash their “inner-Floridian,” and a shout out was given to Tristan for his help with video programming over the past couple of years.
The article suggests some icebreaker topics for future parties, including rent increases, past skate trips, or simply admiring the hottest person in the room.
The absence of Eli Reed was noted, as his Jamaican-style dancing was missed. However, the party still maintained high energy throughout the night, thanks to the other guests who showed up.
Red Bull’s support was greatly appreciated, providing a much-needed energy boost on a Sunday night to counteract the previous night’s hangover. Tolago, a new hard seltzer company co-owned by skaters like Louie Lopez and Mike Anderson, also contributed to the event.
In response to the economic challenges of 2022, Jenkem teamed up with Higher Empire to provide branded pre-rolls to party guests, a practical solution during a time of rising film development costs and inflation.
Frankie Spears was among the many pros who attended the event. Despite never having collaborated with him in the past, Jenkem expressed their support and enthusiasm for his presence at the party.
Taji Ameen, who has a long history with Ian, including interning together at VICE back in 2009, also attended the party. Taji had also filmed some of Jenkem’s early segments, like “Hanging Out With…” and “Building Spots with Jerry Mraz.”
Elise, co-host of the “Okay, Last Try” podcast, also made an appearance with friends. The party was jokingly referred to as an “awkward prom photo redemption opportunity” for skaters who may not have had typical high school experiences.
The article humorously points out the awkwardness of hand poses in photos, showcasing a variety of gestures from horns to peace signs, a common struggle for many.
Many other individuals who have been part of Jenkem’s history also attended, but the hosts were too busy to take photos with everyone. Jenkem took this opportunity to thank all those who have contributed to their journey over the past decade. The night was a celebration of community and a toast to ten more years.
Photos by: Cole Giordano, Greg Navarro, Naz Kawakami, and Ian Michna
