My absolute favorite thing to look at in the world is a beautiful woman, and when they wear something that ruins the package, I'm bound to notice. I'm talking about this trend where a girl wears a dress over a pair of jeans. What the hell is this about? A lady wears a dress to show off her legs, right? If she's wearing a pair of jeans, she's showing off her booty. Both are wonderful on their own, but together? When a lady wears a dress over a pair of jeans, it's a disaster. Ladies, on behalf of heterosexual men everywhere—and lesbians, for that matter—I'm begging you, the next time you're figuring out what to wear for the evening, please, for the love of God, don't go the dress-jeans route. Pick one or the other, or nothing at all.
One spot where the ladies always know what to wear, is the new spot at TI, Tangerine. If you keep regular track of my column (and I know you do), you know all about the burlesque acts, the patio overlooking the TI's lake and Strip, and the too-crowded opening parties. Thankfully, Wednesday's debut of its free-for-locals Moonshine was far easier to navigate.
It still was one of the busiest midweek crowds I've seen this year. The music was right on too, with excellent sets from residents David Christian in the main room and Icon on the patio. Tangerine held another surprise up its musical sleeve: a jazz trio accompanying the burlesque shows. Every hour or so, one of the most beautiful women you've ever seen does a tasteful yet highly sexual striptease to the sounds of one smoking combo. I caught this adorable little brunette who cavorted and playfully teased the audience as the trio smoothed out tunes like, "Hey, Big Spender," and Led Zeppelin's "Rock 'N' Roll." Yeah, I know what you're thinking: "a jazz cover of Zeppelin?" Trust me, it worked like you wouldn't believe.
Tangerine isn't perfect. The club is too small and the walls' white shade washes out the burlesque artists. Still, with the girls, music and view, it is a club with originality and style.
Those of you who have been following Ice's Ultimate DJ Battle know it's been a hell of a contest, and I've been having a great time as one of the judges. The second round starts Thursday. With $10,000 up for grabs, expect the competing hip-hop and house jocks to pull out all the stops. Also at Ice on Saturday is the area's first appearance in quite a while of Basement Jaxx. It should be quite a show. On the 24th will be quite possibly my favorite DJ—Icey. Then, for Ice's first anniversary weekend, it's DJ AM and Mark Ronson on August 6 and DJ Dan and Donald Glaude on the 7th.
Over at MGM's Studio 54 Sunday, it's time for another one of their excellent Open Forums. Featuring Strip performers, percussionists, break dancers and a few surprises, this is one of my favorite parties. The local love (no cover!) and bohemian attitude of the whole affair can't be beat, so be sure to stop by.
Antonio Llapur walks softly and carries a big club. E-mail him at
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