The past two years of Vegas' party scene have pretty much belonged to the Palms. But that's history. As summer 2K4 rolls in, the Hard Rock has exploded with so much rockin' fun, it's scary. Much of the hoopla surrounds the debut of the Rock's gorgeous new club from Peter Morton and LA nightlife impresario Brent Bolthouse, Body English. It opened over Memorial Day weekend, but this weekend saw the official grand opening. Festivities kicked off with a supremely rocking show at the Joint with the Guns N' Roses-Stone Temple Pilots hybrid supergroup, Velvet Revolver, and a balls to the wall after-party at Body English. But, Saturday saw the real party.
It was Maxim magazine's annual Hot 100 Party. The private bash featured celebrities like Matthew Perry, Oscar-winner Adrien Brody, Vin Diesel, Carmen Electra and Dave Navarro, Owen Wilson, Tara Reid, Method Man, Kim Smith, Wayne Brady, Vince Vaughn, Seth Green, Danny Masterson, and everybody's favorite society dingbats Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie (she's surprisingly hotter than on TV). Whew, that's a lot of celebs. But wait, there's more! How about X-Men bad girls and Maxim Hot 100 girls Rebecca Romijn Stamos and Kelly Hu? Then there's Rachel Leigh Cook, Randy Jackson, JC Chasez, Eva Langoria, Shane West, David Alan Grier, Jerry O'Connell, and yes, Shannon Elizabeth. And did I mention there was a surprise performance from none other Snoop Dogg?
It was sheer lunacy. Hundreds lined the red carpet. Paparazzi flashed cameras like July fireworks. My highlight came when I arrived. There was a huge line of guest-list folks and hopefuls at the door. I skipped all that, went to security, give my credentials, and then get escorted in right down the red carpet. Just for fun, I ducked my head and threw on my sunglasses. Suddenly I heard, "Who's that? Who's that? Is that Jack Black?" I felt about a hundred flashes go off, and I nearly busted out in laughter. What a party!
Of course, the only way put the whole weekend into perspective was to hit the beach and drink myself silly Sunday at Hard Rock's Rehab pool party. Thousands packed the pool, partying away their hangovers to the sounds of DJ Scotty Boy. Plus, there was an old skool performance from Black Sheep.
Remember Breathe at Chez Moi? Well, it's packed up and moved to swankier digs at Club Paradise. Be sure to check out my friends DJs Freddy and Caleb, get a lap dance, and party way into the next day. The party starts every Friday and Saturday nights at 4 a.m. Also, don't miss Open Forum at Studio 54 Sunday night. The monthly event has no cover and features music from Uberschall and DJs Javier Alba and Destro, performances from the cast of A New Day and O, break-dancers from Denver, fashions from Dimitri and more. Doors open at 10:30 p.m.
Antonio Llapur walks softly and carries a big club. E-mail him at
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