NIGHTS ON THE CIRCUIT: Like a Kid In a Classic Candy Shop

Going old-school in O-PM’s den

Xania Woodman


Thursday, September 1, 1:30 a.m. "How do you do it? Going out every night, staying up till all hours, and then working all day?" My new friend Ron looks at me, amazed. I can usually sidestep that question with a casual "Oh, strategic napping," or "I roll with a Red Bull I.V. drip, of course." I would hate to burst his champagne bubbles by telling him about quick changes in my car while flashing bike-riding security, makeup hastily applied using my vanity mirror and interior car light. I don't go out every night; it's more like four or five nights a week. The remainder is spent rather unglamorously on a personal quest to find the opposite of the word "party." The closest I've come so far is "bath" and "laundry." Oh, and "comatose."


But somehow, no matter the stresses, pressures or demands of a wearisome week, it all melts away on the all-important Approach. What song will usher in the night? What vibe? Tonight's selection is "Gangsta Lovin'" by Eve, featuring Alicia Keys, setting the scene for a distinctly sexy and hip environment.


I love a dark, candle-lit nightclub. Not quite frat-party dark, where I can't tell what I'm drinking or could potentially tumble down a dramatic mahogany staircase, but sensual, dim and sultry. A long walk from the parking garage and a short one from the Forum valet, O-PM is atop Wolfgang Puck's Chinois restaurant. My apologies to the management but there is nothing dim or sultry about the entrance. In front of you, velvet ropes; beyond, closed restaurant; and behind, FAO Schwarz. Not promising to the eye of the uninitiated, but for regulars it must serve as a great decoy. Through the lines, up the stairs, and whadyaknow—it's a nightclub! Three bars, two dance floors and your choice of hip-hop or old-school R&B jams provided by KCEP Power 88-FM. The Asian décor blends well and does not overwhelm, even in the loo.


My girlfriend Tina tells me she was the first person on the dance floor. Looking at it now, it's hard to imagine. The crowd is dense in front of the DJ. The $1.25 drinks until midnight make for an undeniable reason to head out just a smidge earlier in the evening. O-PM's Classic Candy Shop Thursday is a welcome change from all of Vegas' house and trance. As I can't shake it like Shakira, hit you one more time like a pre-baby Britney, or wield glow sticks like a raver chick, my choices are limited to forms of dance that are Xania-accessible, and by that, I mean easy. In the Orchid Room, the crowd is diverse, not so much by ethnicity as by age, and all are smoother dancers than I'll ever be. Everyone is grooving to Prince, Coolio and Busta Rhymes in zoot suits, polos 'n' khakis, or just jeans and collared shirts. This is definitely a place for couples. The singles and younger set are swapping partners as if at a square dance in the main room.


In my line of work, I am also fortunate enough to be the recipient of some great pickup lines. "You writing your phone number down for me?" Actually I was describing your outfit. "Why aren't you dancing?" Well, why aren't you? And my personal favorite, "Let's go." I then get tugged in the direction of the dance floor. Maybe he can sense my need for dance lessons. Maybe it's my trophy-wife T-shirt. Either way, I think I'll pass.


Downstairs, O-PM's owner Michael Goodwin is glued to the door. His machine has run pretty smoothly since it opened and the heart of his house begins with the gate. The queue is well-behaved, the progress painfully slow. "Out Past Midnight, Open Past Midnight"—that's what the O, P and M stand for. I was rooting for Other People's Money but that can be attributed to my very different, very corporate nightclub background. "Actually I prefer to think of it as Opening People's Minds." says Goodwin. That seems befitting. An upscale hip-hop club that appears not to be plagued by any of the woes from which many other urban hip-hop joints suffer. No fights, a comfortable diversity, great music and affordable drinks.


I'm sold. So is Ron.


Ron has been all over the club tonight. He's dancing, he's drinking, he's laughing, and he's chatting up all the pretty ladies. Ron came to have a good time. Ron also has a lot on his mind. "So, how long have you lived in Vegas?" I ask. A typical getting-to-know-you question. "Four days." A not-atypical answer. But there's more. "I lost my house and my uncle in Katrina." Ron's business brings him from New Orleans to Vegas fairly often, so it was natural that if he had to get out, this is where he'd come. "I'm off to St. Maarten in a few days," he says, with a hint of a sigh. Ron, my heart goes out to you and your family. I'm so glad you and I were able to share a drink, a chat, and I should have danced with you when you asked.



Xania Woodman thinks globally and parties locally. And frequently. E-mail her at
[email protected].




Xania's Hot Spots for September 8-14



Thursday, September 8


Rain: Hurricane Katrina benefit with the Abe Frowmen Showmen



Friday, September 9


Light: Fantasy, with the cast of Fantasy, hosted by Cris Judd


RA: Steve Lockwood's AV with Roonie G.



Saturday, September 10


Skin: Evening with Maxim and Nicky Hilton fashion show



Sunday, September 11


Light: Ford Models LA and MAC Cosmetics



Monday, September 12


Rainbow Bar & Grill: premiere of Rock Mondays with DJ Scotty Boy, Hurricane Katrina benefit



Wednesday, September 14


The Beach: Hurricane Katrina benefit



For more Hot Spots and weekly parties visit
www.TheCircuitLV.com and sign up for Xania's free weekly newsletter.

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