Update: This article has been updated to reflect Mr. Sanker’s age of 65. Please note that WEHOville is experiencing heavy traffic and there may be problems posting comments. In addition, we will not be posting negative comments. Please be respectful.
Founder of White Party and Gay Icon Jeffrey Sanker passes earlier today after a long illness with liver cancer. It is reported his mother and sister were at his side.
The MIAMI HERALD dubbed him “the high priest of gay parties.” GENRE MAGAZINE lists him as “Circuit Master.” NEXT MAGAZINE describes him as “the sultan of soirees.” And CIRCUIT NOIZE MAGAZINE simply calls him “the man.” With every accolade, Jeffrey Sanker further solidifies his name as the premier producer of gay nightlife and entertainment.
In 2014 Jeffrey Sanker received a star on the famed “Palm Springs WALK OF STARS,” aptly placed on the S.E. corner on Palm Canyon Drive and the (very gay) Arenas Road!
Jeffrey Sanker is the founder of LA-based White Party Entertainment, Inc. and creator of such signature events as WHITE PARTY PALM SPRINGS; New Year’s Eve celebrations in Los Angeles, Miami & Rio de Janeiro and the One Mighty Party at Orlando’s Gay Days.
Sanker has been credited by the MIAMI HERALD as being “the father of the modern gay event party.” Nowhere is this more evident than with Sanker’s trademark extravaganza: White Party Palm Springs, which has evolved into the nation’s largest gay dance music festival, attracting more than 30,000 attendees from every corner of the globe.
Sanker’s passion for parties began during the early eighties in New York City. Working at such legendary locations as Studio 54, Palladium and Private Eyes, he fine-tuned his skills as a promoter and special event producer. He has hosted parties for numerous celebrities over the years.
Sanker moved to Los Angeles in 1987. His innovative technique of using landmark venues for trend-setting themed events was credited for breathing new life into the Los Angeles scene. Since then, he has worked with all of the hottest and trendiest venues and nightclubs in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Miami.
Superstar entertainment has become a hallmark of Sanker events. Lady Gaga, Carmen Electra, Jennifer Lopez, Icona Pop, Kelis, Ke$ha, Deborah Cox, Boy George and Lisa Vanderpump, have all graced the stage at Sanker events. Over the years, Jeffrey has also helped launch the careers of hundreds of new and up & coming performers.
World-class DJs reign supreme over Sanker’s packed dance-floors as well. His events feature high caliber DJs/producers, including: Dave Aude, the late Peter Rauhofer, Junior Vasquez, Victor Calderone, Freemasons, Manny Lehman, Rosabel and Tony Moran.
Jeffrey has also helped ignite the careers of countless other rising-star DJs by giving them their first big break. This prompted NEXT Magazine to comment: “the two best friends a DJ can have are Madonna and Jeffrey Sanker.”
Sanker has proudly produced fundraising events on behalf of numerous charities and community organizations, including Gay & Lesbian Elder Housing (GLEH), The Trevor Project, and Desert AIDS Project.
Text your messages to 310-733-7388.:
Brian Holt”. Hard to believe how quickly the world turns. ..I was one of the Jeffrey’s OG “White Party Boys”; helping to promote the first two events. The group of us would meet at his home and help sort flyers then go to all the bars in both LA and PS and hand them out at closing time. Jeffrey was without a doubt a controversial figure to some, but always kind and generous. He breathed new life into a community shook by the AIDS epidemic and reminded us all it was ok to have fun and most of all to DANCE!
Josh Kirwood: As a straight man who’s spend the last 20 years enjoying the circuit scene with my wife and beautiful gay friends I’ve witnessed an awe inspiring transformation of a culture and a people who have more confidence and sense of belonging than ever. Jeffrey was a major part of that transformation as he pushed forward a collective vision that gay men belong and have a reason to celebrate. We will never forget him.
Bobby Trendy: The community lost a trailblazer who brought folks from all over the world together at the annual White Party.
Councilmember John D’Amico : “Sending much love to his family and friends. Mr. Sanker helped our community live bigger-than-life lives through his world famous events bringing joy and fun and a sense of belonging to the LGBT community. I know my life is better for having known him and enjoying his events and I know thousands of others can say the same.”
Former Councilmember John Duran: “Jeffrey was a long time friend. He was an iconic figure in gay history with his creation of the White Party. for many gay men, he created a space for gay men to find their tribe and sexuality. While hie had his critics – he loved the gay community and left a lasting mark. So many of us found a place to belong because of his vision.”
David Wood: “Jeffrey perfected the circuit party.”
Enrique Cheng-Robles MD: Thank you Jeffrey for helping me on my coming out journey. Your warm embrace helped me immensely. May you rest in peace. xo
Larry Block: I am saddened to learn about the passing of Jeffrey Sanker. His life was legendary. Many will speak to his many contributions to our community but I’d like to speak to the kind neighbor and friend. Jeffrey was my next door neighbor on Huntley Drive for almost ten years. We both moved from New York about the same time and shared many good times. In fact it was Jeffrey who sat with me to help choose the name for the shop. After he said BlockParty was his choice among the finalists, we went with it. Our community has lost a leader, a legend and an icon.
Publishers Note: We will update this page with comments if you prefer to text to 310-733-7388. HATEFUL NEGATIVE COMMENTS WILL NOT BE POSTED. SHOW SOME RESPECT.
When a website has to intro an obituary saying “no hateful comments” it kind of says it all!
I wonder how many gay young men attracted to these splashy events ended up with tragic lives that ended too soon?
May he rest in peace. And people posting or trying to post nasty negative comments should remember Karma is a bitch, don’t speak ill of the dead.
Will the “Don’t speak ill of the dead ” also apply to the last occupant of the Oval Office when his time comes?
Jeffrey was a friend years ago (Private Eyes). My condolences to his family
“HATEFUL NEGATIVE COMMENTS WILL NOT BE POSTED. SHOW SOME RESPECT” Seriously? Your editorial policy is a joke.
Cory- go talk to fox about their editorial policy. Our policy is to show respect during the mourning period. Your nasty negative thoughts do not deserve to be published, shows some respect to the family as you would expect if it were your mother or brother.
Spot on, Larry.
I contacted the White Party organization and I was informed that White Party scheduled for October 2021 will go on.Jeff Sanker’s event legacy will continue in others who want to emulate him and his style of celebrating.
I noted others on here who complain about the rampant drug use surrounding Sanker’s events.Unfortunately,it does happen,but drug use will occur anywhere gay men gather.You can say stop all you want,but it will happen either at one of Sanker’s events or someone’s living room.
Back in the 90’s I remember telling a Black co-worker that I was going to Palm Springs for the White Party. He thought the party was for white folks.
Well, um…..to be sadly honest, it kinda is.
It’s sad when someone dies but he lived very very well. He made a lot of money and put on massive events. Events where the opportunity to engage in high risk behavior resulted in poor choices by many now dead or what suffered from addictions. Mexico was a reckless mistake I’m sure he is no longer in pain. Liver disease is very painful I am told.
I am saddened by Jeffrey Sankers death. I kinda came of age in WEHO during the 90s. I was a part of the scene and had worked at White Party and attended Sanker events. Everytime I engaged with Jeffrey I found him to always be a gentleman and kind. I have said it before: l admire Jeffrey Sanker,David Cooley,Brett Henrichson, Don and Mike from LASC,Rich Campbell from Atlantis and the owners of Capital Drugs. These Gay Entrepenuers just pounded out their ideas 💡 and sustained their visions to make something big from nothing and made money 💰 the old fashioned… Read more »
A logical extension of Steve Rubell he was….only the substances were changed.
I attended a few of Jeffrey’s White Parties including the 2000 event and one in the mid 2010’s. I had amazing times immersed into the lighting and music with beautiful men fueling a natural high. Awesome experiences. Thank you Jeffrey and condolences to his family and friends.
Natural high, really?
Yes, if you have never been to one of these events, the intensity of the lighting synched to the beat of the music and visuals gives me a great rush. In comparison, I have attended about 10 Atlantis Events cruises and don’t spend any money on alcohol or other vices, and for me, it’s the intensity of the music, lighting, visuals, etc., that keep me going while others make different choices. So yes, “Observer,” it is possible to have a great time at these events even if you’re just drinking water and keeping a clean body.
Mr. Sanker was a top party promoter and knew how to bring a crowd together.I have been to his White Party Sunday Circus many times and always had a good time.I would have gone to his signature Saturday event,but you need special clothes for that,so I passed.
I hope the next promoter who takes over White Party will run it just as well or even better than Mr. Sanker.My condolences to his friends and family.