A homeless man, known locally as Julio, has found unexpected success after performing at the famous Sapphire 39 strip club in New York City. Normally, the club reserves its Monday nights for popular musical acts from the 90s, but this week they made an exception for Julio and his vaudeville comedy act. This decision proved to be a lucrative one for Julio, who reportedly made thousands of dollars from his performance.
Owner Richie Romero, who has known Julio for over 15 years, expressed his admiration for the homeless entertainer. According to Romero, Julio has a keen understanding of the city’s nightlife and knows how to entertain guests. Many people in the community are familiar with Julio and often give him money to support him. Romero and the staff at Sapphire decided to bring Julio’s street act indoors, providing him with clothing, gear, and even conducting a one-on-one interview with him.
During his performance, Julio was accompanied on stage by two of the club’s strippers. He used a Target basket to collect tips from the audience, playfully urging them to contribute by saying, “put your money in the basket, bitches!” His act included jokes and a one-handed push-up contest. One of his signature jokes was, “Who wants to go home with a homeless guy? We’ve gotta go to your place though.”
Jonas Young-Borra, the club’s creative and programming director, praised Julio’s performance and noted that he was one of the biggest draws on a Monday night. The club saw a significant increase in turnout from New York’s hospitality industry and regular customers. According to Romero, every person in the club tipped Julio, showcasing his popularity and the impact of his act.
Julio’s talent caught the attention of comedian Kevin Hart when he visited the club last summer. Impressed by Julio’s comedy act, Hart generously gave him $500 before entering the club. Young-Borra conducted an interview with Julio, a former marine, after his performance on Monday, and the club plans to release the video later this week. Young-Borra described Julio as a native New Yorker who served in the military and found himself in difficult circumstances, like many others, leading to homelessness. He sees Julio’s story as a unique and special one, highlighting the struggles of a homeless New Yorker who served his country and now has a chance to pursue his passion for entertainment.
While it remains to be seen if Julio will perform at other clubs in the future, for now, he has the support of Sapphire. Romero considers Julio to be the pulse of New York, an entertainer who continues to bring joy to people even in difficult times. He believes that Julio’s presence serves as a reminder that society should be more accepting. Anthony Ramoutar, the club’s executive VIP host, played a crucial role in organizing the special night and ensuring Julio’s success.
Julio’s unexpected triumph at Sapphire 39 is a testament to his talent and the power of giving someone an opportunity to shine. His story serves as a reminder that everyone deserves a chance to pursue their dreams, regardless of their circumstances.