Friday, January 6, 12:01 a.m. "After midnight, we're gonna let it all hang out ..." No, neither of the DJs has committed the unforgivable crime of dropping that tune on the unsuspecting AVN crowd, but my mental soundtrack is locked on repeat and visions of porn stars are dancing in my head. Everywhere in Curve's hardwood-floored dance room, impossibly gorgeous and pleasantly top-heavy women grope one another for photographers while swarthy, shiny-domed older men and drooling thirty-something's look on in adolescent disbelief. I stick out like a flat chest.
John Huntington's One Night Stand is the veteran promoter's fifth Vegas event since parting ways with the now-defunct Seven Nightclub late in 2005. In the two-room VIP section, Huntington blends in, seated on an oversized leather couch, pecking away rhythmically on the promoter's best friend, a T-Mobile Sidekick. He's comfortable at Curve and it shows in his easy manner. "It's great doing events with these guys. They really understand where I come from; it's not all about the numbers."
For 10 years, Huntington has worked to establish his brand of Rubber-themed events in Vegas, beginning with Club Utopia. Back then, tickets to his parties only cost $20 whereas loyal followers now happily cough up $70 and more to attend a Huntington party. In fact, over 10,000 people did just that at Pimp 'n Ho, one of his signature events. "We own the top five parties in the history of the U.S.," he says, with more than just a bit of pride.
DJ Danny Love holds down the fort amidst the towers of chrome lighting rigs while Citizen X makes an ultralounge of the club's front Living Room. Both are spinning house, hip-hop and rock.
Huntington, a Buddhist and single, also owns two nightclubs and a restaurant in Costa Rica. "I'd rather be on my property picking mangoes and surfing," he says. If it would fit, I'm sure that's how his license plates would read. "I have total social anxiety," he confides, agreeing with me that it may just have something to do with his choice of profession. "I'm just a simple surfer, caught in a promoter's job. There's not too many promoters that can still live in this city. You have to be a chameleon. Yeah, I'm blessed to still be able to do this." He lights another cigarette and sends another text message.
In addition to the Aladdin's Mike Mecca and Paul Davies, Huntington counts the Palm's George Maloof, N9NE Group, Pure Management Group's Steve Davidovici, and the Light Group's Andrew Sasson and Andy Massie among his inspirations. "Vegas is now the center of the club world ... In five years, it will be even crazier. The days of Europe ruling the nightclub world are over."
Despite the strong statements, he retains a Zen approach to his job, the purpose of which is to "promote a great product, and to give great entertainment for a great price. If people leave and they don't feel ripped off, you've got 'em forever." I attempt to swap business cards, and while he eagerly pockets mine, he smiles. "Dude, I don't even carry a business card. If I have to, then I'm f--ked!"
One hanger-on, Carmella, is only one and a half weeks into her new life as an adult film star and is using AVN and this party to jumpstart her career. She is kind enough to take me through the attendee roster: Shane's World, Hot Wax Cosmetics, Davia Ardell, Ariana Jollee, Brianna Love and supposedly Taylor Rain and Jenna Jameson are running around somewhere. There's also Billy Glide, aka Tad Nolan, who's known Huntington for 12 years, or "since Pimp 'n Ho was at (John's) house." They say—"they" being teenagers—that your porn name is that of your first pet followed by the street you grew up on. I am Maggie Lake. Sexy, kinda.
Xania Woodman thinks globally and parties locally. And frequently. E-mail her at
[email protected].
Xania's Hot Spots for January 12–18
Thursday, January 12
Light: A Fabulous Evening with Orbit Gum Girl Vanessa Branch
Friday, January 13
Beauty Bar: Soul Kitchen's Edgar Reyes and Eric Aguila
Curve: Citizen X
Pure: Shannon Doherty and DJ Mix Master Mike
Tao: Superstition with Stoli Elit, POM Wonderful and DJ Reach
Saturday, January 14
Ice: Underworld Evolution Full Moon party with DJs Baby Anne and Jen Lasher
Sunday, January 15
Body English: Red Carpet with 100 Benchwarmer Models
Monday, January 16
Foundation Room: Martinez Brothers' 80 Deep CD release party with John Doe
Jet: Nighties Awards
Rainbow Bar & Grill: Rock Mondays with DJ Hollywood
Tuesday, January 17
Pure: DJ Sky Nellor
Tabú: DJ Carlos Sanchez
Wednesday, January 18
Tangerine: DJ Sky Nellor
For more Hot Spots and weekly parties visit
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