Wednesday, November 16, 11:30 p.m. Mohawks, faux-hawks, and spikes—oh my! According to the event flier, it's Vegas' first-ever Black Party, so almost everyone here tonight is either in on the scheme or a regular from nearby Summerlin. Dressed accordingly, our group looks like a marauding band of off-duty ninjas or a jubilant militia getting pickled midweek in a suburban hot spot. Couples couple-up on love seats, and as the night wears on, lose track of their selves, giving new meaning to the term "bedroom community."
Local DJs Inferno, Hollywood, Mikey Swift and Whoman take turns DJing in their own styles. They've all worn black T-shirts, jeans, baseball caps and plenty of ink, except for Hollywood, who favors the classic polo. It's his homage to good ol' Vegas and the Rat Pack with at least one accessory, be it a fedora, a full three-piece dream of a suit or his wide Cheshire smile. Swift spins hip-hop mashed-up with familiar old tunes for the mixed-age crowd. The Bee Gees' "Staying Alive" combines well with hip-hop, like a successful wine and food pairing, though consumed aurally rather than orally. The DJs take turns partying and snapping into and out of work mode. I'm thrilled to hear New Kids on the Block's "The Right Stuff." Swift then turns it over to Whoman who starts up with hip-hop and some liberal scratching.
After last week's column on Mist Lounge at T.I., I was thinking of how many Las Vegans don't throw big birthday parties or events in their homes, apartments and condos. For many, the newer houses are too small and the walls are paper, meaning you'd better invite your homeowners' association or move the party elsewhere. But where to go?
While I live near Summerlin, my friends all live in Green Valley, Southern Highlands and way up north. The trusty college keggerator has been passed far down the sorority lineage, and Jell-O shots have long since lost whatever luster they might have had. And need I mention that we have the world's biggest adult playground quite literally in our back yards? Meeting in the middle—be it the Strip or Downtown—is a far more equitable solution than choosing guests by radial distance from your home. Don't want to rent out a banquet space? Don't have to!
My girlfriend Diana was kind enough to turn 30 this week, and her sneaky husband Inferno and friends have chosen Plush as the site of her surprise party. With two dark rooms and two full bars, Plush is, well ... plush. Intricate lighting fixtures and dramatic, tinkling, translucent ceiling sculptures hover above while slate and hardwood shine from below. The patio and lagoon are closed tonight; even the ducks agree it's a bit nippy out. Red booths and banquettes edge the dance floor, facing the DJ booth and what could one night be stage, the next, a VIP area. Tonight, some of these areas are roped off to concentrate the action around the dance floor. Alas, the twin go-go poles are vacant.
There is a soft, orange glow behind the bar and a rare sight: two male bartenders. I am so shocked by their gender that I blank on my order. Not wanting another bar dinner tonight (entrée of olives, dessert of cherries), I dash to the Rampart Casino's 24-hour café, only to miss by seconds the plotting, hiding, giggling, surprising and crying associated with the birthday party. But I do get a vivid rundown of the scene and try to imagine 30 people squished behind the DJ booth with Hollywood as vigilant lookout. Diana is sufficiently surprised and pieces of cake are soon produced from the booth.
Like many here, I use restaurants, bars and clubs as my personal event spaces. To start, select a funky, mid-priced restaurant that can accommodate large parties, like P.F. Chang's, Firefly or Ra Sushi. Call in advance and you might even be able to score a private room. Next, choose one or more lounges, nightclubs or bars that suit you and whatever pack you run with. Start with a smaller lounge such as Mist or Caramel, where there is no list or cover. Talk to the manager beforehand; they will be glad to know you're coming and may even hook you up with reserved seating or two-for-one bottles on a slower night. For a larger main event, descend upon one of the Big Four clubs on a locals night, such as Tuesday at Pure, Thursday at Tao or Sunday at Body English or Light. To keep away from the Strip, pick places like Plush, Sedona, Kennedy, PT's or the Whiskey at Green Valley Ranch. Just don't forget to invite me!
Xania Woodman thinks globally and parties locally. And frequently. E-mail her at
[email protected].
Xania's Hot Spots for November 24 - November 30
Thursday, November 24
Light: Annual Turkey Drop party
Tabú: Fusion post-Thanksgiving party with resident DJ Create
Tao: Terminate the Turkey party with open bar from 10-11 p.m.
Friday, November 25
Plush: Ultimate Fridays with electro-funk, hip-hop and rock by DJ Onyx
Saturday, November 26
Ice: Girls Night Out with DJs Dakota, Mea and Venus
Plush: Unleashed Saturdays with house, hip-hop, '80s rock by DJ Benny Black
Sunday, November 27
Light: Talulah-G four-year anniversary party
Monday, November 28
Rainbow Bar and Grill: Rock Mondays with DJ Scotty Boy
Tuesday, November 29
Ghostbar: Meet the ladies of Fantasy, hosted by Cris Judd and Eddie Garcia
Wednesday, November 30
Plush: Casting call for Vegas Nights TV pilot
For more Hot Spots and weekly parties visit
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