For those of you underwhelmed by Jet's lighting system (and even for those fans out there), get ready to do your best Marty Feldman impersonation. Originally installed by famed design-build firm John Lyons Systems at a cost of about $750,000, the 120-LED panels failed to live up to the hype of being able to display anything from fields of daisies to Scarface clips. But new software was installed in the Mirage hot spot in time for Memorial Day and it simply kicks ass. Even though the lighting technician had only four hours to familiarize himself with the programming, the near-capacity crowd for May 28's performance by Deep Dish's Sharam was treated to a high-energy show, with color fields undulating across the ceiling in sync with the music and multicolored Martin Mac 550 spots whipping the dance floor into a frenzy.
Okay, Sharam might've had something to do with it, too.
While the ability to screen movies on the ceiling are out of reach because of the pixel size of the panels, the overall effect is still thrilling. And there's more to come.
"Check back with us in four or five weeks and you'll really see something," said President John Lyons. While mixing his quality control with some partying, Lyons, who also owns the Avalon clubs in Boston, New York and LA, and Hollywood's Spider Club, hinted that his Vegas ties won't be limited to simply supplying systems. While unable to divulge who he's talking with, he made it clear: His goal is to open a club here.
Our Own IT Girl
Those with keen eyes and an eye for beauty have no doubt spotted a familiar face in the latest ads promoting Tabú's IT industry nights. While a blonde model hoists a cocktail, none other than the ultralounge's own general manager, Laine Fust, can be seen in an ultra-low-cut dress, leaning provocatively on one arm, her other hand revealing a business card for IT tucked into her top. We don't know the odds of finding the blonde at Tabú on any given night, but Fust's presence goes without saying.
Cover Model Search
Didn't make it down to Pure on June 6 for the Weekly's cover model search? Didn't have your photos taken with the well over 100 beautiful women (and some ripped men)? No worries, your next chance for the fame and glory that only comes with being on the cover of the Weekly arrives June 22 at Voodoo Lounge. Sign up on MySpace for Weekly bulletins or watch these pages for more info.
Minxx Iss Comingg
More news is leaking out about Las Vegas' newest strip club: Minxx (Okay, we did some Googling). Scheduled to open sometime this summer, the gentleman's club and lounge at 4636 Wynn Road will cover 15,000 square feet. The location places it just east of the Orleans, making it a neighbor of Seamless—another topless spot that also boasts an impressive, fully-clothed after-hours nightclub—to the west. As well, Hollywood production company Snap Kick is working on a reality show about the club. We can hear the American Family Association's Donald W. Wildmon squealing in outrage already.
A New Hometown Hottie
Apparently, it's still worth reading the New York Times—barely. On June 5, the paper broke the news that Maxim magazine will be putting its name on a new Vegas hotel and casino to be on a little over 7.5 acres just north of Circus Circus. With an expected price tag of $1.2 billion, the Maxim Hotel & Casino will have a 60,000-square-foot casino and 2,300 rooms—2,000 of those to be condominiums that can be rented out by their owners.
Concord Wilshire Partners will be the developer and will hire an experienced management company to get the gaming license since Steve Sirang, Concord's CEO and chairman, has a past conviction of wire and bank fraud. Rande Gerber, fresh off his opening of Red Rock Hotel's Cherry club and now free of his involvement with the ill-fated Las Ramblas, will be involved in developing the property's Maxim Lounge. Construction is expected to start in late 2007 and be completed in three years.
As quoted in the Guardian, Barry Pincus, Dennis Publishing's director of brand development, said the hotel would be "upscale, aspirational but at the same time accessible" with a "kick-ass pool area." The men's magazine famous for its hot models and sophomoric humor will be involved in all creative aspects of the project, so don't be surprised to find Maxim Living linens and furnishings in the rooms. Be very surprised to find Eva Longoria or Alyssa Milano.
Are Burritos Mash-Ups?
Sure, we live, breathe and drink the Las Vegas club scene, but we never thought we were eating it, too. That all changed on a recent visit to the Chipotle on South Eastern Avenue in Henderson. While standing at the counter, weighing the various merits of steak vs. carnitas (and again wondering why carne asada isn't an option), we noticed a sign that read: "DJ Tor Tee Ya. Heating up those hot discs and wrapping any combination of ingredients to create your favorite burrito. Shout out to the master o' the tortilla press." It's now only a matter of time before Matt Cedeno starts scratching at Voodoo Lounge's Elevacion parties as DJ Pollo Loco.