Opium Group Las Vegas readies, takes aim
“I want Wednesdays.”
Opium Group Las Vegas managing partner Justine Levine told the Weekly in an exclusive Miami interview that he has his sights set on Hump Day for Privé’s industry-appreciation night. Why? “Because I just want it.” This is just a taste of the determination to come from the plucky conglomerate of Miami chic, Chicago cool and Vegas heat brought together by the Opium Group Las Vegas management team.
When the group’s two new venues open in late December, Privé will start out with the weekends and Wednesdays, the Living Room being open seven days a week. Expect to hear, as Managing Director Greg Jarmolowich put it, “intelligent ’80s” and groovy lounge sounds in the Living Room, “smash-ups” (akin to mash-ups but with less overlap) in Privé.
Outside, it will be “controlled chaos,” says director of marketing and VIP services Todd Rubin. “You shouldn’t have to do the Indianapolis 500 around the club because a guy in a black suit with a flashlight says you can’t stand there.” The stanchion-less club will be safe, of course, but without an oppressive security presence. In Miami’s Mansion nightclub, Levine’s security staff wears disarming, preppy vests!
On the subject of dress, the official word on fashion is “doorman’s discretion.”
“The last thing I want is a bunch of guys at my door in three-piece suits wearing a tie with a cool knot telling a guy in Ted Baker jeans and Adidas that he’s not coming in,” says Levine, a harsh critic of black-and-white dress codes. “They figured it out in South France, they figured it out in Miami, they’ll figure it out in Vegas.
“At the end of the day I’m not going to say we’re doing things the right way or the wrong way. Whether there’s 10 of us [in the club], 100 of us or 10,000 of us in that club, there’s going to be one hell of a party.”
Block rockin’ beats
The Fremont East Entertainment District is ready to rock, and to prove it, the one-block stretch of Fremont Street between Las Vegas Boulevard and 8th Street will be closed off to vehicle traffic from November 16 through 18 to make room for the inaugural Rock the Block Music Festival. The event will be headlined by rock band Flyleaf, with additional performances by Smile Empty Soul, Franky Perez, Searchlight, Left Standing and Conflict of Interest. Food and drink (with an emphasis on “drink”) will be available on the site. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door and are already available through Ticketmaster.
Three and a half questions with DJ Judge Jules
For 20 years, Judge Jules has been a prominent figure on the dance-music scene, and continues to pack the house wherever he spins. In addition to producing, writing and hosting his “Global Warm-Up” radio show, Jules dropped his first solo album last year and was well-received in the UK and US. Despite his worldwide success, Judge Jules manages to stay grounded and personally keeps in touch with his ever-growing fanbase through his website, www.judgejules.net. On November 10, club-goers at the Empire Ballroom will have a chance to see the bespectacled Brit demonstrate his time-tested mixing with a crowd-pleasing set that has made him one of the most sought-after names to step behind the decks.
What similarities or differences have you noticed between Las Vegas’ clubs and London’s renowned nightclubs where you frequently DJ?
As the biggest city in Europe [population 15 million], London has all types of clubs, both those of a bottle/VIP type and those for the musically conscious. Although Vegas has a higher proportion of VIP-style clubs, there are still plenty of happenings for those who visit clubs looking predominantly for music, and the Empire Ballroom is one of the best venues in this department.
You’ve said, “If you’re into gambling you go to Las Vegas. If you’re into partying you go to Ibiza.” How have you noticed the party/club scene in Vegas evolving over the past year or so when you come to Sin City?
I’ve noticed Vegas’ evolution into a party destination in its own right, as opposed to purely attracting folk because of the gambling. This is surely a good thing because only a limited proportion of the population will be into gambling, whereas everyone loves a good party.
As one of the top DJs in the world, who has been honored with an amazing amount of recognition and awards, what do you think about the celebrity DJs that are now on the scene, i.e. rock stars, actors, random socialites, etc.?
I guess every DJ should be judged on his or her individual merits. Poor mixing and obvious tune selection will never blow anyone away, regardless of how famous the spinner is.
If a drunk birthday girl approaches you while you are DJing and insists on hearing “her song” (most likely “In Da Club”), what is your response?
Please leave Da Club, with or without your bottle of Bud!