A funny thing happened on the way through Pure last Saturday. Sure, we saw DJ AM and Travis Barker, but the real celebrity sighting was the familiar face of Candace Carrell. The fabulous former director of nightlife at the MGM-Grand is now assistant general manager with Pure Management Group. Which of PMG's venues Carrell will be running has yet to be unannounced, but you can find her at Pure and Venus Pool. Also navigating the eddies of the industry world: Matthew Minichino has left his post as director of operations at Empire Ballroom to move up the street to Beacher's Rockhouse Bar at Imperial Palace, and Dwante "Dee" Spuriel is Mist's new marketing director after the close of Vivid at the Venetian, where he was the promotions and entertainment director.
Vote Early and Vote Often
There's still time to cast your vote in AOL's America's Hottest Bartenders contest. National finals start July 13, but until then you can pick one of six men and women from Vegas, pouring drinks in at Hooters Casino, Tabú, Seamless, Jet, the Voodoo Lounge and the Red Room Saloon. Point your mouse toward
http://cg.channel.aol.com/hottest-bartenders. While you're in a voting mood, stop by
www.thedjlist.com and pick your 10 favorite DJs. News that the annual poll had started came to us courtesy of Faarsheed's management. We're not telling you how to vote; we're just saying ...
Ta-ta Tabú Tuesdays
In a surprise announcement June 14, it was made known that Tabú's Tuesday Open Decks nights, which featured various guest DJs with Jose 2 Hype acting as anchor, were over. "Tabú management has decided to make a slight adjustment in club hours," said Jen Michaels, vice president of public relations for MGM-Mirage, in a prepared statement. "Tabú will continue to serve as the trend-setting leader in the dynamic Las Vegas club market." The ultralounge recently won its third consecutive Club World Award and installed a new, state-of-the-art interactive lighting system. 2 Hype continues to host Tabú's IT Wednesday industry night, which also sees guest DJs.
Take a Spin
By the time you read this, you'll have missed the chance to simply sign up for So You Think You Can Spin, but if you don't have a residency contract but do have a promo CD, then hustle down to Ra Sushi next Wednesday between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. The new reality series scheduled to air in the fall is looking for local DJs who want to vie for a spot at DJ Keoki's new Hawaiian nightclub, opening in the end of August. Produced by EMS Communications, DJs will be judged by DJs Scott Stubbs and Rectangle, Chuck Knight of EMS and other "special guest DJs and judges," said an EMS spokesman, and will be hosted by Knight and DJ Inferno. Try-outs will run the next three weeks and the final winner will be chosen from a field of 10.
Palms Loads Up
Pack your PJ's, the Palms' next Big Sleepovers will take place July 25 and September 5, following the second annual Las Vegas Industry Prom. Also, Global Gathering will be coming September 1-3, with a budget of $1.5 million. Says the N9NE Group's Michael Fuller, "That's the biggest event we're doing within the calendar year." The Palms Arena, currently under construction, is on track for a February launch. With a capacity of 2,500, it will host an NBA all-star game as its inaugural event. "That is the largest event I'll probably ever work on in my life," says Fuller.
COCKTAIL o' the Week |
Mojito
$6.25, Bonefish Grill
Ingredients
2 fresh lime wedges
5 large, fresh mint leaves
1 ounce simple syrup
2 ounces premium white rum
Muddle squeezed lime, mint and simple syrup before adding rum.
Sometimes simplicity equals elegance, and that's certainly the case at Henderson's new Bonefish Grill. Seafood here is prepared over a wood-burning grill, and the house mojito is just as classical. Why mess with perfection?