NIGHTS ON THE CIRCUIT: Turn On Your Social Light

Who says it’s taboo to be you?

Xania Woodman


Wednesday, November 9, 10 p.m. Say it with me now: Social. Light. Social-Light. Socialite. Argh! The most useless of all tags and not often implemented in marketing plans, but in this age of commercially brilliant twin starlets and hot, young, actor-entrepreneurs-mogul-Diddy-type impresarios, the dreaded moniker isn't sounding so bad after all.


"Socialite is a positive term," assures Mist Marketing Manager Nick Kaptain, welcoming me to Vapor Wednesdays. Tonight is the premiere of a new night of partying for "industry professionals and socialites." "They set the tone," he says, "and they can use that in a positive way." In other words, these influential people have power, and that can be used for good. The goal is "to draw in a clientele of service industry people. What drives our lounge is the local relationship. It keeps everything alive."


DJ Alpyne of Hot 97.5-FM is spinning away and I'm hanging out in a pretty nice, pretty tiny hatbox of a joint. Mist Bar and Lounge at T.I. looks to me like the living room I wish I had. Matte red walls, leather couches and hassocks, stained hardwood floors, plush area rugs, even plants. I've attended plenty of events and one-off parties here; it's the perfect place to gather when your 500-square-foot condo's dining room/bedroom isn't the entertainment palace it was cracked up to be. In fact, it feels like throwing a party in your friend's parents' house, except for the corseted female bartenders and flat-screen TVs.


Showing on the wide screens are ambient DVDs with random images of spinning pineapples, sheep and robots playing volleyball. Color me tripping but I believe they're the same discs I used to use as coasters, shooting skeets and Christmas ornaments at a previous job. No matter—the real show is in the crowd.


In the door slink two suits, a couple of gents doing their best Crockett and Tubbs impersonations and I have to be restrained from checking for dock shoes and no socks. Points for style or style points needed?


The one-hour hosted bar has just concluded but you would never know that from the crush of bodies remaining. As with many a party premiere, there is the usual showing of nightclub industry fellowship from Tao, Pure, Light, Empire Ballroom, Tangerine, Hooters, Spearmint Rhino, Rock 'n' Roll Wine and independent casino hosts. But more than that, there's a strong showing of executives from the MGM-Grand, New York-New York, Monte Carlo and Mirage.


Why all the fuss? A new weekly party is beginning and like many, it will grow strong at the hands of industry members, regulars, and this week, lots of concierges. Kaptain will see to that. In a tasty pinstripe number, Kaptain commented earlier on the fashionable crowd gathered at the heavy oak bar to avail themselves of the complimentary samples of Pyrat XO, Patrón Añejo and Reposado tequilas and Brilliant vodka.


"More than just partying, they're building a network. With fashion and pop culture, those people of influence create the buzz," he said, sounding the perfect marketing manager. "And each week, we'll select a different company or segment of the industry, showcase them, and celebrate with them."


I ask Kaptain if men can be socialites. "I know plenty of men who are socialites. Look at our marketing team; we go out and are social for business. We're all socialites!" A revised definition of "socialite" according to Kaptain: "One who socializes and contributes back to their community; a trendsetter, a leader." Again, I say, the moniker is not sounding quite so bad after all.


Only time will tell if any new club, bar or weekly promotion can thrive in the heat of battle or wilt like a tourist in a Vegas summer. But isn't that waiting just part of the fun of being a socialite?



Xania Woodman thinks globally and parties locally. And frequently. E-mail her at
[email protected]. For more Hot Spots and weekly parties visit
www.TheCircuitLV.com and sign up for Xania's free weekly newsletter.




Xania's Hot Spots for November 17 - November 23



Thursday, November 17


Light: Las Vegas Weekly seven-year anniversary



Friday, November 18


Caesars: DJ Yoda's DVD mashups at The Comedy Festival


Ice: Laugh Corner launch party and Ice Local DJ Invitational with Joey Mazzola, Pauli P and Mark-One


Mist: Collective Vibes demo mix showcase with Hippo Esthetics clothing, DJ Maz and Soulrane



Saturday, November 19


Empire Ballroom: Return of the Riot Room with DJs Korby and Michael Toast


Hard Rock: Rainbow Bar & Grill presents the season's final Beacher's Madhouse



Sunday, November 20


Body English: Red Carpet Sundays' Fashion On The Strip party


Light: Scottsdale 100 with Scottsdale's most beautiful women



Monday, November 21


Mist: Gong Karaoke with guest judges



Tuesday, November 22


Ra Sushi: House of Geisha with DJs Royce Ramirez, Carlos Sanches, Kris Nilsson and KC Ray



Wednesday, November 23


Ice: Superstar DJ Keoki and birthday party for Zee Zandi, Mike Snedegar and Justin Bueltel


Mist: Vapor Wednesdays, hosted bar 9-10 p.m.


Tabú: Nightclubs.com model search


Tao: Premiere of Sutra Wednesdays in the Lounge and Fornarina fashion show

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