I've been getting quite a few questions lately about what's going down with Baby's at the Hard Rock. The basement club is closed for remodeling until Memorial Day, leaving The Joint to serve as Big Baby's on weekends. There's also a snazzy event inside The Joint's plush VIP mezzanine Wednesday nights.
Baby's can use the face-lift, as it's become stale in the shadow of newer venues. But here's the scoop from Chad Pallas, Hard Rock's special events director, and Todd Worz, nightlife manger. First, the club won't be called Baby's. The new name is being kept under wraps until the opening. Next, this won't be just any ordinary launch.
Its doors will open on a new reality TV series from Mark Burnett, the man behind Survivor, The Apprentice and upcoming The Casino, shooting now at the Golden Nugget. The show, scheduled to air on Spike TV, will follow the behind-the-scenes drama associated with opening and running a big-time Vegas club. And, it also will feature none other than Paul Oakenfold as musical director. How's that for cool?
"We're taking it to the next level," says Pallas. The club is going to be at least 1 1/2 times larger, and will look more like a rock star's bedroom than a club. While it will have a heavy VIP emphasis, Pallas and Worz promise it will be like no other club in town. "We want every customer to feel like a rock star," says Pallas. Well, nobody knows rock stars like the Hard Rock.
Stay tuned as this exciting story develops. (I've always wanted to say that!)
MGM Grand was party central
It was a rowdy, high-profile weekend at the MGM Grand last weekend. Thursday was the first-year anniversary party for ultralounge Tabu. It was a great party. I had a chance to meet Howie Mandel and the Weekly's own Wink columnist, Sonja. The fine folks at Tabu have done some great work, and here's to many more years of continued success.
Saturday, MGM was jumping with rabid Britney Spears and NASCAR fans. How did it get crazier? With Playboy's 50th anniversary Club Tour at Studio 54. There were memorabilia, Playmates and music from DJ Frankie and Playboy's own house spinner, DJ Shortee. The second floor was transformed into a VIP area reminiscent of the classic Playboy Clubs of days past. Britney was hanging out amidst the Bunnies and created such a furor that much of the second floor had to be roped off. Studio 54 and the after-party at Tabu were packed like cans of partying sardines. A bit mad but a truly fun night.
Mea culpa
Last week, I told you about the great Loaded party at The Algiers Hotel, saying it was a weekly gig. Unfortunately, that's not the case; it was a special event. Still, the party's promoter, Korby Roxstar, told me that another Loaded is in the works for a possible late April date.
Antonio Llapur walks softly and carries a big club. E-mail him at [email protected].