The Nighties |
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The awards season hit its apex Sunday with the Academy Awards. But that wasn't the only gig going down. The third annual Nighties were held over at Bellagio's Light. The event, sponsored by the Weekly and Light, honored the best in Vegas nightlife as selected by you, our much-loved readership.
Winners included Studio 54 for best club, the Whiskey Bar for lounge, Ra's Pleasuredome for weekly party, Alesium for after-hours, and DJ Hollywood for best DJ.
As for the event itself ... well, I missed most of it. I arrived on time but got stuck fighting the crowd outside. Now, I'm not bitching about having to wait. What I take issue with is that there seems to be no sense of order surrounding Light's entrance. The VIP line stretched out into the casino, and the rest of the enormous crowd was packed into a disorderly mess. It took me a half-hour before I was able to get a host's attention. You'd think a resort like Bellagio would insist upon a bit more order outside its premier nightspot.
Tattoos and turntables
I had a rocking good time Wednesday. First up, I headed over to Rain and the official launch party for Carey Hart and John Huntington's Tattoo Factory. It was packed. Good Charlotte played a fun set. Also on tap were a set from the Beastie Boy's Mix Master Mike, plus a lingerie show hosted by the lovely Jaime Pressly.
I think this tattoo shop is an absolute stroke of genius. What better way to celebrate your Vegas adventure than partying the night away at Rain or Ghostbar and then going in for a late-night drunken tattoo? Such convenience!
Later, I hoped over to Michael Fuller's invite-only event at the Foundation Room, where he was collaborating with Chris King. Vegas music fans may remember King, who along with Marcus Sjafiroeddin and Don Hartley, made up King Cartel, the greatest band Sin City has ever produced. The set featured Fuller on tables and King on guitar and vocals. The two produced some unique and powerful music. I'm always glad to see true musicianship and artistic expression, and I wish more local artists and clubs followed this example and tried new things.
Speaking of new things
Make sure you check out the new, rock-themed after-hours Loaded at The Algiers Hotel. The party rocks every Friday, starting at 2 a.m. (Yeah, I know, it's technically Saturday, but for me the night doesn't end until I hit the sheets.) Heavy rock and electro mixes were from Jonny Rox, DJ Tiger, Ruckus and Korby Roxstar, who also doubles as the evening's host. There was a solid and happening crowd, and a raunchy, almost punkish vibe. It is a complete, 180-degree turn from the rest of the scene. Plus, The Algiers' old architecture and feel create a great atmosphere. I'll return this Friday, and I urge you to do the same.
Antonio Llapur walks softly and carries a big club. E-mail him at [email protected].