EAT - DRINK - PARTY
January 2013: Issue 37
YOUR SCENE - YOUR NIT E - YOUR GUIDE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Charging forward in 2013
Guestlist: Call/Text 714.393.5944 | Vip@NiteGuideMag.com
Table Of Contents 4 The List
YOUR SCENE - YOUR NIT E - YOUR GUIDE
6 Luxury Beauty Items for Winter 8 The Restaurant Guide 10 Featured Food 12 Featured Cocktails 14 Movers & Shakers 16 Nitelife Around The World: Melbourne 18 Featured Hotel: The D Las Vegas 20 Club Directory 22 January Events Listing: SD, OC, LA 24 Live Events Listing 25 Album Reviews 26 Featured Band: The London Souls 28 Featured DJ/Producer: Congorock 30 Cazzette 32 Underground Electro Pushes the Envelope 34 December in Review: Featured Events
MyClubScene.com January Vixen Lauren Vannatta Photo by Rich Masuda
44 New Years Eve Recap 47 Five Ways to Secure a Successful Night Out
All rights reserved @ 2013, the entire contents of this publication are protected by copy right. No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted by any means, electronically or mechanical, without permission in writing from NiteGuide. The publisher accepts no responsibility for contributed manuscripts, photographs, artwork, or advertisements. Submission will not be returned unless arranged to do so in writing. Subscription price is $25 a year available at niteguidemag.com. NiteGuide Magazine is a monthly publication. All information regarding editorial content or property for sale is deemed reliable. No representation is made as to accuracy hereof and is printed subject to errors and omissions.
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55 MyClubScene.com January 2012 Vixen
THE LIST THE PUBLISHER It looks like the New Year is going to be a great one, filled with even more events than last year. We will be celebrating the NiteGuide Magazine Three Year Anniversary party this month at Marquee, Tao and Lavo in Las Vegas. There’s no place like Sin City to celebrate three great years of covering nightlife. Speaking of nightlife, the NiteGuide team is excited to bring you the very best in 2013 by covering top events that include clubs, concerts, food and festivals. Make sure you like our facebook page for your chance to win free tickets to events. Here’s to a successful and enjoyable 2013, Happy New Year! Justin Stearman Publisher
THE CREATIVE DIRECTOR Get NiteGuide Magazine delivered to your door. Email home@niteguidemag.com View online at www.NiteGuideMag.com
Another year falls behind us and the New Year lies ahead, brimming with opportunity and possibility. I have a great feeling about 2013, and all the potential it holds. NiteGuide continues to grow by leaps and bounds, attracting top of the line musical entertainment and continually covering the best in nightlife. In this issue we have a great music section that features two new albums, a great rock and roll band, one of my personal favorite DJs and great event coverage of The Aggrolites, Chuckie, and Feed Me. We also have great New Year’s Eve coverage of Insomniac’s Winter Wonderland, the best NYE bashes on the strip, and countless club coverage in Los Angeles. With all of these amazing parties going off to celebrate the New Year, 2013 is already shaping up to be a year to remember. Enjoy our issue! Nicole Lloyd Director of Operations
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CREDITS Publisher Justin Stearman Justin@NiteGuideMag.com Director of Operations Nicole Lloyd Nicole@NiteGuideMag.com Layout Artist Kristen Newman Nicole Lloyd Senior Editor Heidi Darby heidi@niteguidemag.com Food Editor Justin Olsen Junior Editors Kristen Newman Megan Harvey Cover Photo Alex Wessely Photographers Alfonso de Alba Brian Brown Christina Montaldo Gabe Zapata Heidi Darby Jamie Dickerson Kim Lloyd Martin Clara Matthew Copley Megan Harvey RG Benhard Staff Writers Christina Montaldo Drew Leahy Electra Keller Emmanuel Cayanan Gwen Connors Jamie Dickerson Justin Olsen Kimberly Fisher Kristen Newman Kristephanie Poderoso Matt Cosio Megan Harvey Paterson Wolfgram Interns Edward Beltran V. Jason Alex Jonathan Juan Long Vo Megan Natelson Sarah Borean Contact info@NiteGuideMag.com For advertising info email: advertise@niteguidemag.com www.NiteGuideMag.com
Electronic Dance Music Perpetuates With Evolution Radio By Heidi Darby
C
lear Channel Media operates as the leading media company in America, offering digital and broadcast radio that stretches into multiple genres and reaches millions of listeners on a weekly basis. Their grasp on innovative programming tightens with the success of Evolution on iHeartRadio, and the recently launched broadcast version, Evolution 101.7 in Boston. The two incarnations of Evolution demonstrate Clear Channel’s commitment to both listeners and artists. With the iHeart station launch in November 2012 and the broadcast version following in December, the new stations drive the popularity of EDM in America to the mainstream. The iHeart version followed after two prior EDM stations – ESS and Trancid – set a precedent for electronic music lovers. Evolution will serve as the “Mothership” station, allowing the other outlets to focus on the deeper sub-genres of EDM. Leading the charge as the official host is EDM legend and the face of BBC Radio 1’s Essential Mix, Pete Tong. “Pete Tong is an electronic music icon, and his ability to recognize and break emerging artists is well known. Pete is able to lend his credibility as an EDM tastemaker to Evolution, so it was a no-brainer,” says Polomski.
“Clear Channel is dedicated to being the place for music variety and discovery. We are proud that Evolution is another way to bring new music to our listeners and that it creates awareness to those who haven’t been exposed to EDM before.” Adéllyn Polomski, Program Director for Evolution
The launch party for the iHeartRadio station featured a five-day studio takeover by Tong and a live performance by Afrojack. Now that the two stations are in full swing, the format is poised for a rotation of guest hosts that include Diplo, Wolfgang Gartner, Fatboy Slim, Roger Sanchez, Manufactured Superstars, Eats Everything and more. Exclusive content from Swedish House Mafia’s final tour is also slated to air. “We want to continue to introduce new music to our audience and you will definitely see this genre continue to resonate with listeners,” says Polomski. “We plan to utilize on-air and digital platforms, as well as live events, to introduce our listeners to this style of music and to give DJs the opportunity to share their sounds.” The 2012 iHeartRadio Music Festival pulled in electronic powerhouses Swedish House Mafia, deadmau5 and Calvin Harris and surprised the pop fest with guest appearances from Tong and Steve Aoki. The warm reception of EDM artists at a genre-spanning music festival only further validated the need for an electronic radio offering in America. Clear Channel notes the success of EDM artists, with Polomski stating that “[EDM performances at iHeartRadio Music Festival] were highlights for many of our listeners and viewers. After the success of our Afrojack performance at our iHeartRadio Theater in Tribeca, we will be looking to do more Evolution live events in 2013.” Tune in to Evolution on iHeartRadio at www.iheart.com/live/5953
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Luxury Beauty Items for Winter By Kimberly Fisher
Indulge in these items to stay invigorated during the winter months.
Dermaquest Stem Cell 3D Complex This perfectly light, silky cream contains the latest cutting-edge breakthroughs in stem-cell technology. Stem cells are extracted from sea fennel and used as a lightening, anti-aging and new skin renewal ingredient. Filled with Antioxidants, peptides and skin lightening ingredients, the result is a healthy, youthful glow while hydrating skin, reducing fine lines and evening skin tones. www.Dermaquestinc.com
Hera Argan Oil for Hair and Skin The finest Argan oil available on the market, Hara does double duty for both hair and skin by nourishing, strengthening and repairing damage. Restore elasticity to dry, brittle hair while adding major shine to your hair; also applicable to the skin. The lightweight formula contains Argan oil, olive oil, apricot kernel and grapeseed oil. www.HeraOil.com
GrandeLash MD Grow your lashes naturally with the ultimate conditioning formula. The naturally composed solution is rich in peptides, proteins and amino acids and does not have the usual side effects of most traditional lash enhancers and is safe for light eyes. The result is thicker, longer and darker lashes within weeks. www.grandelashmd.com
Taylor Owen Beautiful The “Glisten and Glow� luxury holiday gift set is the perfect gift for anyone. The perfectly packaged gift set comes with a Natural Cleanser, Natural Seaweed Toner and Oxygen Serum in a cosmetic bag by Stephanie Johnson. www.taylorowenandco.com
Inventive EcoOrganics Meet a holistic skincare approach that integrates old world techniques with modern day technological innovations. Made in small batches since 1994 by aesthetician Marisa Hernandez, this line is made with organic, all-natural ingredients and features herbal extracts, botanical oils and sea-sourced components. Try the Red Wine Enzyme Peel and Organic Oat Mask. www.InventiveEcoOrganic.com 6 niteguidemag.com
The
Restaurant Guide Our top picks for great food.
The Oak Roasted Salmon Filet, placed in the center of an Asian salad and sprinkled with edamame and offset by cucumber and ponzu sauce, is one of the mouthwatering dishes that Sammy’s Woodfire Pizza has recently brought back to their menu.
Available at Sammy’s Woodfire Pizza
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Featured Restaurant
Sammy’s Brings Back Original Menu Full Of Fresh Flavors
I
By Kristen Newman
magine a restaurant that exudes a cozy atmosphere, delectable dishes, and an astonishing wine selection, but is simultaneously accommodating to those with health concerns and dietary needs. As soon as I opened the door to enter the original Sammy’s Woodfire Pizza in La Jolla, the aroma of freshly baked bread and mouth-watering spices filled the air, reinforced with fresh ingredients and healthy entrée options. Sammy’s recently revamped their menu by bringing back many original recipes that were missed by guests when they introduced a new menu last summer. “Customers drive our business and we have to react and listen to them. That’s what we’re all about,” Executive Corporate Chef Jeff Moogk stated when I asked about the motivation to bring back their original menu. “We brought back many of our dishes, such as our Chinese Chicken Salad, Lobster Mac & Cheese, and Tai Chicken Satays with peanut sauce.” I began the evening with the succulent Mini Duck Tacos, topped with feta, tomato, cabbage, and a fresh cilantro sauce. It became quite clear to me upon my first bite that Sammy’s prides itself on their use of fresh, sustainable ingredients. I then tried the Japanese Style Chicken Meatballs garnished with a deliciously sweet pickled cucumber salad, and finished off the appetizer round with freshly made hummus paired with warm, grilled herb flatbread. Next, I was brought a delectable Balsamic Grilled Chicken salad, with gorgonzola, walnuts, and fresh basil all tossed over a beautiful selection of mixed greens and drizzled with a Balsamic Vinaigrette that perfectly tied all the flavors together into a mouth-watering combination. While all this in itself sounds like a perfectly satisfying meal, it was just the tip of the iceberg. The creamy Brie Cheese & Truffle Oil Thin Crust Pizza, topped with sautéed mushrooms was an indulgent delight. The crispy Frenchstyle crust was more of a tart than pizza dough, which made this dish seem like a meal served in an upscale Parisian café. What I loved most about the pizza is that it came with additional options for the healthconscious consumer, including gluten-free or whole wheat crust, nonfat mozzarella cheese, and Daiya vegan cheese. “We first started out with a gluten free pizza crust about eight years ago, way before it hit the trend. I did some investigating and finally we came up with one that held up well and came out crispy, and it’s really taken off. After that we just added more and more items,” Chef Moogk said. I ended the night with the Oak Roasted Salmon Filet, placed in the center of an Asian salad and sprinkled with edamame, offset by cucumber and ponzu sauce. Never in my life have I tasted salmon so tender with such a unique, roasted flavor. This dish definitely left me feeling content and was the perfect dish to top off the entire meal. As a dessert enthusiast with a huge sweet tooth, I couldn’t leave without trying a bite of Sammy’s famous Messy Sundae, topped with chocolate and caramel sauce, crispy walnuts, and of course, whipped cream. As I said my “goodbyes” and rolled out the door (I was much too full to even walk), I couldn’t help but smile as I could hardly remember the last time I’d enjoyed such truly satisfying and wonderful food. Visit www.sammyspizza.com for locations. niteguidemag.com 9
Featured Food January
Foie Gras Custard Brûlée Sage
3730 Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89158 1.877.230.2742 | www.arialasvegas.com/dining/restaurants/sage By Justin Olsen Breaking the mold of gastronomic flavors while holding true to its Midwestern culinary roots, the elegant Sage restaurant within Aria Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, delivers a menu filled with innovative dishes, robust in flavor and freshness. Putting an emphasis on one-of-a-kind flavors, Sage has been following the lead of its Chef/Creator and James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef, Shawn McClain. Featuring artisanal meats, farm-to-table produce and sustainable seafood, Sage has been able to put out some of the most unique and innovative dishes of the season. Plates such as the Fois Gras Custard Brulee, a creamy fig jam and brown butter chestnut brulee topped with foie gras and salted brioche, stands out as just one of their tantalizingly tasty treats.
FleurBurger 5000 Fleur by Hubert Keller
3950 South Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89119 702.632.9400 | www.mandalaybay.com/dining/fleur By Justin Olsen Located within the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Fleur by Hubert Keller offers petite, artfully crafted dishes that are sure to send your palate around the world and back again. Through his appearances on the television show Top Chef, classically trained French cuisine artist Hubert Keller has become one of America’s most recognized faces in the food industry. With the variety of small plates available at Fleur, from their smoky Croque Monsieur to their pickled Braised Hamachi, the options for sharing are virtually endless. However, that doesn’t mean they hold back on their main courses. The foie gras and black truffle-topped kobe beef FleurBurger 5000 is accompanied by a bottle of Chateau Petrus 1995 poured in Ichendorf Brunello stemware, arguably the jackpot of all burgers.
Meatballs Hyde Lounge
8029 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90046 323.525.2444 | www.sbe.com/hyde/hollywood By Justin Olsen The Hyde Lounge in West Hollywood reigns king when it comes to exclusive socializing. Holding roughly a hundred people with no cameras permitted inside, the intimate venue is a frequent home to high profile personalities, athletes, and artists looking to let loose for the night. Dark metal lanterns, exposed columns, and geometric art all come together to create a sophisticated, yet alluring look that epitomizes elegance. SBE’s Executive Chef Danny Elmaleh created a delicious small-plate menu meant to be fun and socially interactive. Featuring the freshest seasonal ingredients, meats, and seafood, Chef Danny has designed dishes such as his signature in-house made Meatballs with fresh tomato sauce, grated pecorino cheese and fresh parsley served on a piping-hot cast iron skillet. 10 niteguidemag.com
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Featured Cocktails January
Sloe Gin Fizz AMERICAN FISH
3730 South Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89109 1.877.230.2742 www.arialasvegas.com By Justin Olsen American Fish located inside Aria Hotel & Casino, brings a touch of the great outdoors to an ever-changing and growing Sin City. As the fifth restaurant in Las Vegas by Michael Mina, American Fish, combines inspiration from the nation’s great waterways and woodlands, with modern day cityscape to create a dining experience unlike any other. Rustic American décor embraces the cabinlike comfort and familiarity while still maintaining the refined finesse of what you would expect from a Las Vegas restaurant.
Snow Flake Hyde
3600 South Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89109 1.702.693.7356 www.bellagio.com By Justin Olsen
Greystone Manor
mixing methods take on a more traditional
643 N. La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90069 310.652.2012 www.greystonemanorla.com By Justin Olsen
country approach as well. Each dish is prepared in one of four signature cooking methods scarcely found in Las Vegas restaurants: salt baking, wood grilling, cast iron griddling, and ocean-water poaching. Even drinks date
Hyde Bellagio is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after premier nightlife destinations in Las Vegas and it’s not hard to see why. With hands-down the best possible view of the Bellagio’s iconic fountains, Hyde was specifically built around showcasing Las Vegas’ most celebrated landmark. Seamless indoor/outdoor space and floor-to-ceiling windows allow for expansive views and changes in environment while maintaining the same flow throughout the nightclub. Hyde combines metropolitan flair with old-world Italian villa touches, offering a classier nightlife experience than the packed clubs. Two bars can be found at the heart of the venue, adhering to an award-winning mixology program with bartenders serving up drinks with focus and intensity. The Snow Flake is a perfect example of the creativity coming out from behind the bar. Served in a liquid nitrogen “frosted” glass with Ciroc coconut, Malibu, white cranberry juice, simple syrup, lemon juice, and coconut “snowflakes,” this drink perfectly embodies Hyde’s crisp, fresh look.
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Champagne Cocktail
Aside from the atmosphere, the cooking and
back to before the 1900’s, like the Sloe Gin Fizz, which combines egg whites with sloe gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda to form this classic, light and frothy delicacy.
Located in the heart of West Hollywood, Greystone Manor is setting the bar high for supper clubs all across America. With its neoclassical mansion-inspired décor incorporating heavy uses of woodwork, ornate moldings and real gold-leaf gates, the nightclub emits a high-class image in a rather intimate setting. From the entrance foyer to the chandelier-lit ballroom, Greystone Manor evokes the feeling of being at an exclusive private-estate party. Velvet sofas and tufted-leather couches line the VIP areas where celebrities are often found enjoying the sounds of the worlds top DJs, while a small center dance floor gives life to captivating aerial performers and state of the art sound and light production. With a service standard to match, the libations flowing from the two large bars bordering the room are finely poured works of art. Belvedere Vodka mixed with freshly squeezed lime juice, champagne, fresh strawberries and a mint garnish make up the alluring Champagne Cocktail, which is sure to start your nostalgic night off the right way.
Featured Alcohol
By Long Vo
I
t takes a certain level of fortitude and hardihood to feel comfortable in one’s own skin; to have enough self-assurance to really relax in what others may find indulgent. In a day and age where strength is measured by the grip of a fist or the coarseness of a beard, Stoli has loosened its firm hold on pure Russian Vodka just enough to let the sweet and savory notes of caramel toffee seep beneath the skin. That being said, Stoli Salted Karamel is the perfect balance of strength, suppleness, and refinement. Joining Stoli’s new line of indulgent offerings, Stoli Salted Karamel is the first of its kind, combining the unique flavor of golden-brown caramel with a touch of saltiness. Stoli Salted Karamel evokes the rich taste and aroma of caramelized sugar and English toffee while still keeping the bold characteristics of wheat cultivated in Russia’s black soil Tambov region. Adding a subtle twist to Stoli’s premium vodka, Stoli Salted Karamel is a well rounded liquor that is delicate enough to mix, yet strong enough on the rocks to make a statement. Whether it is mixed is mixed into a Black/White Russian or served dry in a Salted Karameltini, the common denominator is a slight saltiness that draws out the caramel flavor for a creamy texture. This combination makes for a pleasantly stiff drink with a smooth finish that is perfect for any winter gathering or an intimate night in front of the fireplace.
Salted Banana 2 parts Salted Karamel™ 1 part Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum ½ part Crème De Banana Splash of Milk Shake over ice and strain into martini or shot glass or can be done as a frozen drink.
Salted Karamel Macchiato Martini 2 parts Salted Karamel ™ 1 part Kahlua or Coffee Brandy Splash Milk Shake over ice and strain into Martini glass
Salted Tootsie Roll 2 parts Salted Karamel™ 1 part Dark Crème De Cacao Splash of Orange Juice Shake over ice and serve as shot or martini
Movers & shakers Fun Enforcer
Amber Nichole Miller | Hyde Bellagio
Amber Nichole Miller elevates the nightclub
on everyone’s shoulders; starting with the host
experience at Hyde Bellagio. Born and raised
that books the table, door people, security,
in Colorado, Amber works at one of Sin City’s
DJs, servers, bussers, management, Go-Go
most sought after venues and prides herself on
dancers, and myself. We are a team and a
keeping energy up, and nightlife mischievous.
family, we all work together to make our club successful each night.
NiteGuide Magazine: Please tell us about Hyde, and what makes it standout in Sin City?
NGM: What’s the craziest night at Hyde you’ve
Amber Nichole Miller: My official title is Cus-
experienced to date?
tomer Development but I like to call it “Fun En-
ANM: Our last XIV party was probably the
forcer.” My job is to ensure that each guest is
most successful and crazy night I have experi-
greeted and receives the best possible service.
enced to date! We throw a themed party once
I also encourage dancing, shots, and a party
a month called XIV (the sibling to XIV Sum-
atmosphere.
mer Sessions in Los Angeles) and our slogan is “Save Water Spray Champagne.” Our last
NGM: Is it fair to say it takes a certain type of
party I witnessed over 50 bottles sprayed into
personality to be successful in the fast-paced
the crowd - it was amazing!
nightlife industry? ANM: In nightlife you have to be a high energy,
NGM: Can you share something about Hyde
positive, outgoing, personable person that en-
that people would not generally expect?
joys late nights, crowds and loud music!
ANM: The energy and ambiance of the club cannot be described in words... Once you
NGM: Do you feel like you are responsible for
have experienced it yourself you will never for-
the atmosphere of the evening, or does the en-
get the way it made you feel.
tertainment shoulder much of the vibe? ANM: I think the atmosphere of the clubs rests
Featured VIP HOST Matt Pearson| TAO Nightclub Matt Pearson grew up in Portland, Oregon, and after traveling to Las Vegas to visit family, he found himself falling for Sin City’s nightlife scene. Now a VIP Host at one of the top clubs on the strip, Matt proudly calls Las Vegas home. NiteGuide Magazine: Did you feel immediately at home, or did it take some time to become immersed in Vegas’ fast-paced nightclub scene? Matt Pearson: It was a big lifestyle change for me. I was living in Spain managing a small pub for a few years prior to Vegas. Once I figured out how to navigate around the city and the service industry, I had no problem hopping into the fast lane. NGM: What makes your venue different from other venues? MP: Out of the top nightclubs in Las Vegas, TAO is the only one that has an amazing restaurant equal to the size of the nightclub. Because we offer club goers the opportunity to
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dine until 1 am on certain nights before heading into the club, it’s the complete nightlife package. Although TAO has a ton of “wow” factors and features, hands down our customer service is what sets us apart. NGM: How can a VIP Host alter a nightclub experience for partygoers? MP: A good host brings energy to every table and helps heighten the overall experience. A host is there to tailor the perfect night for you and to be there throughout the evening to make sure you leave having experienced the best that Vegas has to offer. NGM: What’s the most outrageous request you’ve had from a guest? MP: After seven years here at TAO, the list is endless in all areas of outrageousness. Requests for exotic animals at the table in the club, and a request to have a skydiver land at TAO Beach with a big bottle of champagne are the two that are among the best. But, the list goes on and on. NGM: Can you offer any insight on finding your way into a busy nightclub?
MP: The best way to experience a Vegas nightclub is to start by connecting with a host. From there, my advice is to get a table with bottle service. From start to finish you will have a special and amazing experience that just can’t be matched. Additionally, it is always best to show up early in order to beat the crowds.
Featured DJ Taylor Jaymin
Taylor Jaymin: I love playing tech, electro and big room house. There are some venues I play at where the crowd wants to hear more top 40 electro mash-ups so I can play those if I need to. NGM: How did you know DJ’ing was the right career for you? TJ: I knew it was the right career for me because nothing makes me happier than playing and producing music. I love connecting with people through music.
Photo by Moezart
Taylor Jaymin’s world revolves around music. The DJ/producer and SoCal native loves thrilling the crowd with his genre spanning beats and relentlessly seeks out the best in new sounds. Jaymin sat down with NiteGuide to discuss crowd connection, venue preference, and flash mobs. NiteGuide Magazine: Tell us about your style of music.
Featured Go-Go Gracie McClain Gracie McClain loves to dance. When she’s not go-go dancing at SoCal’s top clubs and raves, she’s trying her hand at Zumba or kickboxing. Gracie loves Dubstep and isn’t afraid to get decked out for a show – even if it means getting dressed up from head to toe in colorful paint. NiteGuide Magazine: How did you become a go-go dancer? Gracie McClain: I started off taking ballet, jazz, hip hop, and tap classes and when I turned eleven I started belly dancing. I remember going to my first rave and seeing go-go dancers for the first time and thinking to myself, “these girls are beautiful, I have to do this!” From then on every rave I went to after that I tried to look like a go-go dancer. I would post pictures in my outfits on facebook and I started getting messages for bookings. It’s all about networking. I started off dancing at really small clubs and small rave events and now I’ve danced at some of the nicest clubs in LA and Orange County.
NGM: How do you keep a crowd engaged? TJ: I keep the crowd engaged by slowly building the energy up in the room, drop a few hard tracks then slowly bring it back down. Reading the crowd and knowing what genre of music I need to be playing is obviously key. Also there is a proper way to open for big name DJ’s or close the night out yourself. NGM: What’s the most outrageous thing you’ve encountered while DJ’ing? TJ: The most outrageous thing I have seen while DJ’ing is hard to narrow down, but it was probably when a flash mob of guys dressed up like nuns came in and danced to one track and
NGM: Can you share a memory of a particularly rowdy evening when performing? GM: My favorite night ever dancing would probably be dancing for Tommy Lee’s set at Hard Haunted Mansion a couple of years ago. We were body painted and the crowd that night was insane. All of the Motive events I’ve danced for have been so much fun. I love dancing at clubs, but I love the energy and the music at raves.
bounced right when it was done. NGM: Where are your favorite places to play? TJ: A couple of my favorite places to play are the California Love Pool Party at the Palms pool in Las Vegas because I love playing at pool parties and my boys at Till Dawn Group throw an awesome event there every Saturday during the summer, we always have a good time! Yost Theater in Santa Ana because it’s a bigger venue for Orange County and the sound and light systems are sick. Also the Artisan hotel in Las Vegas because they have a fun afterhours spot. NGM: When and where can our readers catch you performing? TJ: In the next couple of months in Orange County I’ll be at Yost Theater, Hurricanes, Sharkeez, Woody’s Wharf, Detroit Bar, Shark Club, Posch and La Cave. I will also be in LA, San Diego, Las Vegas and Arizona. Check out my Facebook page for exact dates on all my upcoming shows www.facebook.com/taylorjaymin and my SoundCloud page to download musicwww.soundcloud.com/taylorjaymin. Also want to give a shout out to Riot For Antiques for hooking up my clothes and Optic Remix for the glasses, check them out!
peutic for me; I just forget about everything and get lost in the music. It’s an adrenaline high like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. When I go to a club I would rather be dancing in my go-go boots and bikini than high heels and a dress.
NGM: What’s the difference between a good go-go dancer, and a great go-go dancer? GM: The difference between a good go-go dancer and a great go-go dancer is that a great go-go dancer can actually dance! I’ve seen so many places hire really pretty girls that look good in a bikini, but when you turn the music on they barley move. For me a great go-go dancer has a lot of energy, looks amazing in a bikini, and knows how to pump up a party yet remain professional at all times. NGM: What’s the best part of dancing? GM: For me the best part of go-go dancing is dancing alone on my go-go box. It’s thera-
Photo by Adain
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Melbourne By Emmanuel Cayanan
M
elbourne is the second largest city in Australia and while it shadows Sydney in size, it thrives with a nightlife scene all its own. Navigate the numerous pubs that pack to full capacity over the weekend, or discover adventurous nightclubs in hidden lofts. Experience Melbourne’s legendary music scene that showcases everything from rock to jazz, and enjoy local brews with friends at rooftop bars or beer gardens. No matter where the crowds take you, be sure to check in at the infamous Southbank promenade. The path stretches along the south side of the Yarra River and offers a multitude of café’s, shopping, and nightlife options. Melbourne creates an ideal environment to grab a drink, take in live music, and spend the early morning dancing the night away.
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Eve Bar
Der Raum
Made up of four bar areas and a Balinese-inspired courtyard and dance floor, Eve fills every inch of its club on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. It’s a known hotspot in Southbank and offers a vibe of glamour and exclusivity. Having earned the prestigious Australian Bar Award for Nightclub of the Year, Eve attracts the “who’s who” of Southbank with its opulent décor and its upscale fashionable clientele. The interior is inspired by the last days of disco and mixes subtle and rich colors for a sense of sexy underground glamour.
Intimate, cozy, and hip are three words that accurately describe Der Raum (“The Room”). Since it’s not exactly a direct take on the average Bavarian Beer hall, Der Raum delivers beyond the beer list with thoughtfully concocted cocktail creations made only with the freshest of ingredients. You won’t find any cordials, syrups or pre-mixed drinks here. Der Raum insists on using freshly pressed fruits instead of juices, so the drink menu typically reflects what ingredients are in season. Bartenders here get experimental with the drinks they sling, and patrons welcome the innovation. Though slightly expensive, the freshness of the ingredients and the creativity of the cocktails make each drink worth every penny.
Melbourne Supper Club
Gin Palace
Masculine, wood-finished, and charmingly weathered, Melbourne Supper Club is perhaps the centerpiece in the city’s fantastic bar scene. The long room bar has been described as “junk-shop chic” and is known for its extensive wine list, great food, and classic cocktails. A huge semicircular window overlooking Parliament House is one of the best lookout points to enjoy a drink. The old-world vibe makes it easy to relax, enjoy a cocktail, and light up a cigar.
Frequented by a suited-up, professional crowd, Gin Palace is the quintessential plush basement bar for those who work hard and play harder. There are over a dozen types of gins and even more martinis. The décor is made up of velvet, dim lighting and mis-matched colors that work together to create a surprisingly chic atmosphere. While the emphasis is obviously on gin, non-gin cocktails also shine in this palace.
Baroq House
Golden Monkey
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes Baroq house such a stunning venue. The three-level bar is one of the most stylish venues in Melbourne and one of the most exclusive. Locals call it The Mansion because of its size and impressive décor. The main room exudes opulence, and the basement has a somewhat retro vibe. Wine, champagne and spirits are abundant in this establishment, and the cocktails are carefully crafted to perfection.
Golden Monkey is inspired by 1920’s opium dens in Shanghai, and the winner of multiple bar awards over several years. Chinese-style furniture and dim lighting give a moody ambiance to the place. Inventive cocktails with intriguing names dominate the drink menu, and Asian-inspired finger foods make for tasty share plates. The place is most lively on the weekends, but Tuesdays offer exciting Opium Jazz nights.
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Las Vegas
Featured Hotel
By Megan Natelson
T
he D Las Vegas Casino, formally The Fitzgerald, has revolutionized into a fun, energetic atmosphere where modern meets vintage, creating a perfect collaboration to enliven any visit to downtown Las Vegas. The unique two-floor casino is a prime vantage point for the Fremont Experience Light and Sound show delivered on the world’s largest screen with over 12.5 million LED lights. Live action on Fremont Street can be viewed from the D-bar, where grabbing a drink is transformed into a spectacle with talented bartenders juggling bottles as they prepare any of their frozen or specialty cocktails. Entering the trendy downstairs casino, guests will be introduced to a new gaming experience. Jaw-dropping, sultry dancers move to the rhythm of the hottest beats while fun-seekers are dealt the next hand. The longest bar in Nevada, Longbar, stretches across the downstairs with 15 60” TV’s for the ultimate sport viewing pleasure. If trendy and modern aren’t appealing, upstairs the scenery is transformed into a vintage casino offering classic Las Vegas games in a sleek, new style. The third and final drink destination, Vue Bar, is upstairs with a patio overlooking the excitement of Fremont Street and an extensive beer menu that won’t leave a single person thirsty. Entertainment is top notch at the D. Guests can participate in an award-winning interactive comedy, “Marriage Can Be Murder,” while they enjoy a delectable 3-course meal. The newest hotspot is serving a wide array of eclectic dishes from gourmet cuisine at Don B Steakhouse to an award-winning menu at Courtyard Grill. Detroit’s legendary Coney Island Restaurant established its first location out of its home state at the D. It’s time to say farewell to The Fitz and enter a new world of fresh exhilarating pleasures where the excitement is limitless. Visit www.thed.com for more information.
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Club Directory
6675 Hollywood Blvd, 90028 323-466-1900 www.myclubscene.com/supperclubla
ORANGE COUNTY
LOS ANGELES
Avec [Huntington Beach] 18582 Beach Blvd, 92648 714-475-4660 www.myclubscene.com/avec
Couture [Hollywood] 1640 N Cahuenga Blvd, 90028 323-464-2064 www.myclubscene.com/couturela
EMBER [Anaheim] 401 N. Anaheim Blvd. 92805 714-991-3686 www.myclubscene.com/ember Heat Ultra Lounge [Anaheim] 321 W Katella Ave # 214, 92802 714-776-4328 www.myclubscene.com/heat
Eden Nightclub [Los Angeles] 1650 Schrader Blvd, 90028 323.525.2400 www.myclubscene.com/eden Greystone Manor [Los Angeles] 643 La Cienega Blvd, 90069 310.652.2012 www.myclubscene.com/greystonemanor
841 Baker St., 92626 714-751-6428 www.myclubscene.com/sharkclub
Playhouse [Hollywood] 6506 Hollywood Blvd, 90028 323-656-4600 www.myclubscene.com/playhouse
Incahoots [Fullerton] 1401 S Lemon St., 92832 714-441-1666 www.myclubscene.com/incahoots
Sevilla Nightclub [Long Beach] 140 Pine Ave, 90802 562-495-1111 www.myclubscene.com/sevillalb
Shark Club [Costa Mesa]
San Diego
Las Vegas
207 [San Diego] 207 5th Ave, 92101 619-764-6926 www.myclubscene.com/207
Gallery Nightclub [Planet Hollywood Hotel | Las Vegas] 3667 S Las Vegas Blvd, NV 89109 702-818-3700 www.myclubscene.com/gallerylv
Float [San Diego] 207 5th Ave, 92101 619-764-6924 www.myclubscene.com/float
Hyde Bellagio [Bellagio Hotel | Las Vegas] 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, NV 89109 702-693-8700 www.myclubscene.com/hydelv
Fluxx [San Diego] 500 4th Ave, 92101 619-232-8100 www.myclubscene.com/fluxxsd
Marquee Nightclub
Sevilla Nightclub [San Diego] 555 4th Ave, 92101 619.233.5979 www.myclubscene.com/sevillasd
moon Nightclub [Palms Casino Hotel | Las Vegas] 4321 W Flamingo Rd, NV 89103 702-942-6832 www.myclubscene.com/moonlv
www.myclubscene.com/theobservatory
Sevilla Nightclub [Riverside] 3252 Mission Inn Ave, 92507 951.778.0611 www.myclubscene.com/sevillarv
The Yost Theater [Santa Ana] 307 N. Spurgeon St. 92701 888-862-9573 www.myclubscene.com/yost
The Colony [Hollywood] 1743 N. Cahuenga Blvd. 90028 323-525-2450 www.myclubscene.com/thecolonyla
3708 S Las Vegas Blvd, NV 89109 702-333-9000 www.myclubscene.com/marquee
Stingaree [San Diego] 454 6th Ave, 92101
The Observatory [Santa Ana] 3503 South Harbor Blvd, 92704 714-957-0600
[Cosmopolitan Hotel | Las Vegas]
619-544-9500 www.myclubscene.com/stingareesd Voyeur [San Diego] 755 5th Ave, 92101 619-756-7678 www.myclubscene.com/voyeursd
Tao Nightclub [Venetian Hotel | Las Vegas] 3377 S Las Vegas Blvd, NV 89109 702-388-8338 www.myclubscene.com/taolv xs Nightclub [Encore Hotel | Las Vegas] 3131 S Las Vegas Blvd, NV 89109 702-770-0097 www.myclubscene.com/xslv
Visit MyClubScene.com to view the top clubs & bars in your area. View upcoming events, get on the guest list, see photos, videos, reviews and more.
Featured Venue
The Sayers Club By Long Vo
H
idden in the back corner of the Papaya King on the corner of Hollywood and Wilcox, there is an inconspicuous yellow door that deserves more veneration than it garners. This yellow door, despite its lackluster appearance and offbeat location, plays a custodial role in entering the shrouded world of The Sayers Club. Like any honorable speakeasy, the whereabouts of The Sayers Club is hazy, its clientele exclusive, and the tales of its happenings are whispered from mouth to ear. Setting foot into the eclectic speakeasy fuses the Roaring Twenties with today’s contemporary lifestyle. Adorned with Afghan rugs, tufted leather sofas, raw steel and Edison lighting, The Sayers Club evokes a homey yet fortified environment that won’t soon be disturbed by a lurking prohibition agent. Although the decor plays a major role in the allure, the essence of any good speakeasy is of course, the bar. The Sayers Club does not offer a dining menu, but instead devotes all of its creativity towards concocting--you guessed it--drinks. In addition to the usual bar offerings, The Sayers Club boasts an assortment of handcrafted specialty cocktails that accompany any intimate conversation perfectly. Though the delectable drinks keep patrons sipping below the ice, it might be a good idea to pace yourself. The secluded atmosphere is privy to the industry elite and, more importantly, spontaneous performances from music’s finest. On any given night, but usually early morning, the club’s retractable stage may unfold to reveal a live, off-the-cuff performance from the likes of Nelly Furtado, 2Chainz and Prince. Although The Sayers Club does not require guest list approval, don’t hesitate to look your finest.
Visit www.sbe.com/thesayersclub for more information.
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January 2013 Events Listing:
January 2013 Events Listing:
SAN DIEGO
ORANGE COUNTY
Every Thursday [207 Hard Rock] Mynt Thursdays
Every Thursday [Hurricanes HB] GIRLS NIGHT OUT: GLOW PARTY! Free Entry: special guest DJs every week! Wear your blacklight glow clothes, we have the black light paint!
Every Thursday [Fluxx] EDM Every Sunday [207 Hard Rock] Sunday School: Join MyClubScene.com every Sunday for discounted tickets. Email vip@myclubscene.com. January 3, Thursday [Ivy | Andaz] Loczi and Mr. DeeJay
Every Friday [Avec] Haute Fridays Every Saturday [Yost Theater] Get on the FREE guestlist to most events! Text or Call 714.393.5944 January 3, Thursday [Hurricanes HB] DJ Ignite
January 5, Saturday [Voyeur] Doorly
January 5, Saturday [Ember] Hell Rock
January 6, Sunday [207 | Hard Rock] Kurch
January 10, Thursday [Hurricanes HB] Eric Murray
January 6, Sunday [Sevilla] DJ Retep
January 11, Friday [Yost Theater] Tom Fall For FREE guest list info Text/call 714.393.5944
January 4, Friday [207 | Hard Rock] DJ Fresh One
January 12, Saturday [Ember] Echo
January 5, Saturday [Fluxx] SID Vicious
January 11, Friday [Ember] Tom Fall
January 10, Thursday [Ivy | Andaz] Tristan, DJ Ideal, etc.
January 12, Saturday [Yost Theater] Designer Drugs
January 11, Friday [Fluxx] DJ Scooter
For FREE guest list info Text/call 714.393.5944 January 17, Thursday [Hurricanes HB] Taylor Jaymin
January 12, Saturday [207 | Hard Rock] Jayson Summers &
January 18, Friday [Yost Theater] Christopher Lawrence
Pauli P and Devoy
For FREE guest list info Text/call 714.393.5944
January 17, Thursday [Fluxx] Mogual
January 19, Saturday [Ember] Felli Fel
January 18, Friday [Fluxx] DJ Brett Bodley
January 19, Saturday [Yost Theater] Dean Mason For FREE guest list info Text/call 714.393.5944
January 19, Friday [Voyeur] Fareoh January 19, Saturday [207 | Hard Rock] Kevin Brown and Lavelle January 20, Sunday [Fluxx] Juicy J of Three 6 Mafia January 24, Thursday [Fluxx] Designer Drugs
January 20, Sunday [Yost Theater] Nervo For FREE guest list info Text/call 714.393.5944 January 24, Thursday [Hurricanes HB] D.I. Beats January 25, Friday [Yost Theater] Charles Feelgood For FREE guest list info Text/call 714.393.5944 January 26, Saturday [Yost Theater] Party Favor
January 25, Friday [Fluxx] Epic Twelve
For FREE guest list info Text/call 714.393.5944
January 26, Saturday [Voyeur] Audrey Napoleon
January 26, Saturday [Ember] DJ Splyce
January 31, Thursday [Fluxx] W&W
January 31, Thursday [Hurricanes HB] Kamoflauge
Log on to MyClubScene.com now to see more events and get on the list! 22 niteguidemag.com
Log on to MyClubScene.com now to see more events and get on the list!
January 2013 Events Listing:
LOS ANGELES Every Monday [Playhouse] Social Mondays: Text or call 714.393.5944 for FREE Guest list Every Friday [TRU] Funhouse Fridays Every Friday [Avalon] Control Fridays Every Saturday [Avalon] Avaland January 5, Saturday [Sevilla LB] Taktix and Dizzie January 7, Monday [Playhouse] Walden: Text/call 714.393.5944 for FREE Guest list January 9, Wednesday [Supperclub] Savi January 11, Friday [Sevilla LB] DJ Icy Ice and DJ Stress January 11, Friday [Avalon] Adrian Lux January 12, Saturday [Sevilla LB] Taktix and Peanut January 14, Monday [Playhouse] Andy Caldwell: Text/call 714.393.5944 for FREE Guest list January 16, Wednesday [Supperclub] Carlo Astuti January 18, Friday [Sevilla LB] DJ Ingwell and DJ Stress January 18, Friday [Avalon] Congorock January 19, Saturday [Sevilla LB] Catalyst and Joe Lyric January 21, Monday [Playhouse] Oscar G: Text/call 714.393.5944 for FREE Guest list January 24, Thursday [Lure] Sex Panther January 25, Friday [Sevilla LB] DJ Icy Ice and DJ Stress January 26, Saturday [Sevilla LB] EddieBoy and Taktix January 28, Monday [Playhouse] Hot Mouth: Text or call 714.393.5944 for FREE Guest list January 31, Thursday [Lure] Sky Blu of LMFAO
Log on to MyClubScene.com now to see more events and get on the list! niteguidemag.com 23
Live Music Events Listing: SoCal Los Angeles
ORANGE COUNTY San Diego
January 9, Wednesday [The Viper Room]
January 8, Tuesday [Detroit Bar]
January 11, Friday [Belly Up Tavern]
Andrew McMahon (of Jack’s Mannequin)
OC Music Awards Showcase
English Beat
January 11, Friday [House of Blues]
January 8, Tuesday [Observatory]
January 13, Sunday [House of Blues]
Sum 41
BLOK
Keane
February 12, Tuesday [The Palladium]
January 18, Friday [Constellation Room]
January 17, Thursday [The Casbah]
Do n’t Miss
Ellie Goulding
January 20, Sunday [The Echoplex]
January 18, Friday [House of Blues]
January 19, Saturday [Soma]
The Budos Band
Social Distortion
Of Mice & Men
January 21, Monday [The Echo]
January 22, Tuesday [Observatory]
January 21, Monday [Valley View Casino]
Feeding People
Cat Power
Muse
January 28, [The Fonda]
January 29, Tuesday [House of Blues]
January 25, Friday [Belly Up Tavern]
Ben Folds Five
iss Ozomatli
Do n’t Miss
Local Natives
London Souls
He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister
Do M n’t
The AGGROLITES AT BELLY UP TAVERN By Jamie Dickerson | Photos by J. Dixx Photography
L
ocated in coastal Solana Beach, the infamous indie venue known as The Belly Up hosted a melting pot of people jamming out to the B. Side Players and The Aggrolites on December 28th.
San Diego native’s B. Side Players played Latin soul tunes infused with reggae. B. Side has played with the likes of Ben Harper, Ozomatli, The Wailers, James Brown, War and some of Cuba’s best bands. Lead singer, Karlos Paez, adorned with dreads almost down to the floor and tons of tribal tattoos, sang deep from the heart, always keeping the Latin vibe alive. Bongo players, trumpet players, guitars, and drums filled the stage. As B. Side finished out their set, you could feel the anticipation in the crowd for The Aggrolites to begin their show. Once everyone took a break at intermission to catch up on some quality drinks from the bar, the Aggrolites stormed the stage. Fans began cheering and pushing their way to the front. Expecting another dreaded-out lead singer, I was surprised to see the whole band carrying the greaser look, but singing full, bold, “dirty reggae.” The Aggrolites had an amazing stage presence, always checking up on the crowd, rocking their guitars, playing as a unified, soulful reggae group. The crowd enjoyed every second, knowing every single word from the bands ten year stretch as a rockin’ reggae, ska band. As the show drew to a close, the crowd emanated a genuine vibe of satisfaction.
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Album Reviews
Proxy A
By Justin Olsen
fter years of anticipation and isolated production, Proxy unleashes his first full-length album on Dim Mak Records in North America and Turbo Recordings worldwide. Music From The East Block Jungles, Pt. 1 is filled with an eclectic mix of electro, bred within the propaganda-strewn nation of Russia and well suited as the soundtrack of the apocalypse. Awaking from his hibernation with an onslaught of gritty dark techno, Proxy created a sound consisting of hardcore riffs strewn with militaristic beats that induce a feeling to revoke society and riot against, “The Man.” From the gurgling acid house sound of “Revolution” to the punk derived feelings of “Raven,” this producer shows no regards to current trends of the industry. Each track continues to keep you guessing and showcases a heavily diverse musical skill set. His productions are pure and artistic, using music as a true form of expression, which seems to be lost in many electronic acts these days. With this sort of dance-or-die style, Proxy’s music infects its way into your brainwaves and forces you to react. Although at times sounding like an atomic bomb threat, the chaotic buildups and sudden outbursts of energy contain an alluring euphoria that is hard to resist. Grab your copy of Music From The East Block Jungles, Pt. 1 out now and Pt. 2, February 11th. Also, keep up to date with the latest Proxy news at Facebook.com/useproxy and www.dimmak.com.
ZZ Ward
By Gwen Connors
Z
suzsanna Eva Ward is on the fast track to stardom. Better known as ZZ Ward, she is one of 2012’s gems. Her bluesy soulful voice sounds similar to that of Amy Winehouse and Adele with a hint of Alicia Keys. Her talents are adorned throughout her recently released album, Til the Casket Drops. Many songs revolve around love, and the ups and downs that define it. However, the sounds that set the scenery don’t drag you into an emotional lull, but do just the opposite. The hip hop-infused blues keeps your body and eardrums poised and ready for more. Lost in the beautiful beats, it’s easy to overlook some of the dark, lustful lyrics Ward has written. Songs, such as “Put the Gun Down” cry out for a preying woman to leave her man alone. While others like “Criminal,” featuring Freddie Gibbs, pull listeners head on into the hip hop world while taking us through the emotional theft sometimes felt at the end of a relationship. “Cryin Wolf” featuring Kendrick Lamar has sewn in heavy guitar and drums, bringing the blues to the front door of hip hop. The mixture of the genres on this LP is enticing. The old school, soul-filled track “Charlie Ain’t Home” is a warm blanket of blues to wrap up in. “Little Darlin,” featuring the O’mys is breath taking blues, telling the story of unattainable desires. It’s one of those tracks you repeat a few times, similar to what you’ll be doing with the entire album. Ward’s world of hip hop-infused blues is a great one to get lost in.
Photo by LeAnn Mueller
Keep up with ZZ Ward at www.zzward.com.
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Rock
Featured Band
The London Souls By Gwen Conners
“I’m glad I’m alive. I’m glad I can play again. I’m glad I’ll be here when people hear [the album], because I’m curious to see what people think about it.”
M
iracles happen every day. Tash Neal, the voice and guitarist of London Souls, fell victim to a hit and run in late May that nearly claimed his life. After a medically induced coma, brain surgery, a steel plate, and rehab, Neal feels his current tour and album verge on miraculous. With drummer and vocalist Chris St. Hilaire at his side, the duo are touring the country in support of their new album, Here Come The Girls, due out January 8th.
“When I woke up from the coma they had removed half of my skull and then I lived through the whole summer without that part,” shares Neal. “Then I finally got surgery and a plate. I couldn’t play for the longest time in my entire life. For a minute they didn’t know if I would make it, and when I did, they didn’t know if I could play like I did –or ever play shows again.” Neal overcame adversity and picked up his instrument once again. The London Souls are known for their 60’s take on the rock sound, creating rhythms that are comparable to a Hendrix style. Based on their influences it’s no surprise the title of the new album comes from a late rhythm and blues artist out of the 60’s. “[The album title] came from an artist named Ernie K. Doe, he had a song called ‘Here Come the Girls’ that we listened to on our last tour before I had my accident, that we just loved,” says Neal. “We worked on it for about five months before we recorded the record, some songs we have played live but a lot is new material. Sixteen tracks, the whole thing was a joy and everything happened very easily creating it. It was great.” Anticipation builds among followers with interest in what to expect from the soon to be released album. The duo expresses excitement over the album, and notes that while the sound is true to what London Soul fans would expect, there’s also fresh and out-of-the-box tracks. “On the song, ‘Hercules,’ we had a lot of fun making it and it’s just something sonically that we haven’t had time to try before. Different instruments, and songwriting. I’m proud of it.” A miracle touched the London Souls, which saved the life of Neal, making it possible to bring the new album to the ears of music lovers. They will be touring with the North Mississippi Allstars nationwide, kicking off at the end of January.
Photo by Josh Dehonney
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January
Featured DJ/Producer
By Long Vo
I
talian born Rocco Rampino, alias Congorock, has--under anyone’s standards--made it in the music business. Breaking through the sound barrier within the fickle market of Electronic Dance Music, Rampino came, conquered, and is ready for more.
Since moving to LA in 2007, Rampino has worked his way from spinning weekend bar gigs to opening for Rihanna. Rampino attributes the start of his success to signing with A-Trak’s record label Fool’s Gold early on and later to the release of his track “Babylon” in 2010. Rampino recently finished touring with Rihanna on her 777 Tour where he opened Rihanna’s crowd for seven shows, in seven countries, for seven consecutive days. Although he considers himself an advocate of the growing EDM market, Rampino still keeps one ear on the dancefloor--or underneath it rather. Scenesters might find Congorock at an undisclosed after-hours warehouse party in downtown LA; the kind your friend overheard the DJ’s girlfriend drunkenly talking about at the bar. On the horizon, Congorock has a number of collaborations in the works including tracks with Tommy Trash and GTA, and an album due out in the not-so-distant future. NiteGuide Magazine: How has your sound progressed since moving to LA? Congorock: There is a commercial side of LA which motivates me, but at the same time there is an underground scene that is really inspiring. If you want to follow the new trends in the underground, LA is the place to be. But if you want to do business with music it’s great because you get to meet a lot of people. America has created a market for dance music that wasn’t even there; it’s pretty new and it needs to be communicated. The combination of these two sides makes LA the place to be. NGM: You recently finished the 777 Tour opening for Rihanna, which was rumored to be quite interesting. What was your take on the experience? Congorock: It was the most exciting thing I’ve done because I’ve never had the chance to support such a big act. Getting recognition for what I’m doing even if my music isn’t directly related to Rihanna, was nice. It was a good chance to play a lot of genres that I love but never get to play in a club. NGM: What was the craziest thing that happened on tour? Congorock: After the show in Berlin we immediately got back on the plane. The media tried to get a quote from Ri, but she was already asleep. One of the journalist from Australia just freaked out, got naked, and starting running around the airplane... When the journalist got drunk, weird sh*t happened. NGM: I know you still like to frequent the LA after-parties. What are the chances I’ll see you at the next downtown warehouse party? Congorock: Just text me, I’ll be there. Keep up with Congorock at www.congorock.com
“One of the journalists from Australia just freaked out, got naked, and starting running around the airplane... When the journalist got drunk, weird sh*t happened.” 28 niteguidemag.com
By Heidi Darby
Cazzette talks head-gear, outrageous tour moments, and dub house
S
weden’s newest EDM offering, Cazzette, broke new ground by releasing the first installment of their debut album, Eject, via Spotify. Riding the waves of success surrounding their performances, Alex Björklund and Sebastian Furrer continue to generate buzz and shake up Electronic Dance Music, specifically with their genre-bending “dub-house” sound.
Intertwining the two genres came courtesy of the pair’s highly regarded manager and unofficial third member, Ash Pournouri of At Night Management. Pournouri (credited with aiding in Avicii’s success) suggested the idea to Cazzette in the early stages of their career. “We loved the concept [of dub house] and just kept on going down the same road; although looking back at it I may describe it more as an era of Cazzette [rather] than our certain genre,” says Björklund . Eject enables the group to explore new territory within the cracking pillars of electronic dance music. The album showcases a variety of different styles beyond dub house that inspire the DJs, combining different tracks and crafting an album that mirrors a mixtape. The group recently played The Avalon in Los Angeles in celebration of the new record, where security was forced to patrol the club due to capacity issues regarding an overflowing dance floor. Gearing their music toward diversity and crowd connection, count on Cazzette creating a ruckus in 2013.
Photo by Alex Wessely
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Photo by Jacob Schulman
NiteGuide Magazine: How did the mix tape head-wear come to be? Alex Björklund: That was about bringing something extra to the shows. To play live is really cool but to give the fans something extra to talk about is even cooler. NGM: Does it get hot in there? AT: You have no idea! NGM: How does your “dub house” sound come together? AT: Sometimes we have to work with beat tempo changes but most of the time it’s all about rhythm. It also requires that you listen to a lot of different genres. NGM: Congratulations on your new album Eject. What tracks are your favorites? AT: “Beam Me Up (Kill-Mode)” will always be a huge favorite for us since we spent a lot of time on it. The time spent finishing it up in the studio in LA with Ash was magical. NGM: What’s the most outrageous thing you’ve seen on the road? AT: Russian suga-mama in NYC at LAVO, and two people sexin’ it up in the crowd at a tent party in London, Ontario. NGM: What’s in store for Cazzette in 2013? AT: Keep moving forward and make things bigger. We have so many things going on, but we’re not really sure what we can and cannot tell you guys right now. NGM: You’ve got some big names in the industry supporting your work. If we need to drop a few names, David Guetta, Tiësto, and Swedish House Mafia come to mind. How have they helped you along the way? AT: These guys helped us out in the beginning when no one knew who we were. Thanks to Ash and the rest of our management they were introduced to our sound and supported us in their radio shows and live sets, which of course means a lot to a newcomer and for that we’re greatly appreciative. Keep up with Cazzette at www.cazzette.com.
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Underground Electro Pushes the Envelope By Justin Olsen
D
ance music is like a virus, mutating rapidly and responding well to conditional changes. Evolving since the early 1950’s jazz and blues scene, there are now countless numbers of genres, sub-genres and even micro-genres within dance music culture, continuing to be spawned and manipulated. YouTube and SoundCloud message boards are flooded with pointless debates on where every song fits into the filing cabinet of music, while the musicians simply strive to reinvent themselves. Often genres are handed one of two fates; become flavor of the month and die out, or rise to the top of this beat-hungry world. Gramatik has established himself as one of these new, “kings of the beat jungle.” Alongside his friends at Pretty Lights Music (PLM), Gramatik has been recreating soul music with a mind bending, electro funk. Adding aspects of live guitar and old-school drum samples to his trademark glitchhop sound, his tracks break apart from the streamlined forefront of electronic beats that EDM has been exposed to in recent years. Another jazz infused electronic act, Big Gigantic, has been setting stages ablaze with their heavily induced saxophone drops and phenomenal live drumming. The energy that these guys generate at a performance can be felt for days after. The emotion that goes into the live instruments helps to break electronic music away from its, “they just press play” stereotype. A surprise gig at the 2012 Electric Forest in Rothbury, Michigan brought Big Gigantic’s saxophonist Dominic Lalli, Gramatik and his fellow PLM crew member, Griz, to one stage creating: Grizmatik. This secret set has gone down as one of the biggest events of last year and birthed a much anticipated album release. Opiuo, MiMOSA & Polish Ambassador are just a few more of the names to be added to this years upcoming show calendar that cannot be missed. These artists are pushing the limits of the electronic music scene on multiple levels, incorporating more than just music and creating a lifestyle.
Photo by Edward Beltran V.
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December IN REVIEW: FEATURED EVENTS Feed Me satisfies Yost Theater [Santa Ana] By Justin Olsen | Photos by Edward Beltran V. As the lights dimmed in the main room of the Yost Theater in Santa Ana on Sunday, December 30th, there was nothing but good vibes and high spirits amongst the crowd. The bright chandeliers slowly faded as the light onstage drew attention to the up-and-coming Australian producer, Nick Thayer, who started off the night with a high-energy set consisting of refreshing, diverse new sounds. Thayer readied the crowd for the electronic onslaught of the night’s headliner, with the energy pulsating and growing with each beat drop in anticipation for the artist known as Feed Me. Belching chants of his name shortly after midnight, the eagerly awaiting audience roared in excitement as a large shadowy figured emerged from behind the DJ booth. From there on out, Jon Gooch, aka Feed Me, had every person in the room on a string, puppeteering the masses with his melodic transitions and head-smashing drops. Fans of all sorts rushed the stage, filling the horizon with their backlit camera-phones, snapping photos and videos in the hopes of taking home some of the unhinged energy. Launching his set with his newest hit “Little Cat Steps,” Feed Me delivered a performance that took listeners on a futuristic journey through intricate sounds and floor destructing bass. Engulfing the room with a cornucopia of glitches and tweaks paired with polished baselines and melodies, Feed Me’s music shares the same timbre as the awe-inspiring Wolfgang Gartner. Harnessing raw power and redirecting it into a brilliant display of musical perfection, Feed Me offers an experience that is a must for any EDM lover.
Bass Kleph Opens For Cazzette Avalon [Hollywood]
By Electra Keller | Photos by Jon Juan As 2012 came to a close and local EDM fans sought out an after-hours club to feed their hunger for dancing, The Avalon in Hollywood once again saved the night –and technically the morning. On Saturday, December 29th the venue was packed with liked minded individuals ready to celebrate Cazzette’s new album, and the amazing opening talent. Kicking off the showcase was DJ Justin Jay (newest member of Dirtybird Records) with his ferocious two hour performance, setting the tone for the crowd for the remainder of the night. Australian DJ Bass Kleph then took the stage with an aggressive set that brought audiences scrambling to the dance floor for some high energy, fist pumping action. By the time Cazzette took the stage, the crowd was completely fired up and ready to party harder. The Swedish duo played a mix of new music and classics until the early hours of the morning. Their performance was nothing short of amazing, packed with astonishing lighting effects, fog machines galore, and the incredible energy of the dance floor. Cazzette’s show was the first of a three night New Year’s celebration at the Avalon and despite the below average temperatures outside, the night was a perfect success.
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Zeds Dead SHakes up San Diego House of Blues [San Diego] By Long Vo | Photos by Jason Alex As a part of their worldwide December tour, the Zeds Dead duo, Zack Rapp-Rovan and Dylan Mamid, stopped at the House of Blues in San Diego on one of the last legs of their month-long endeavor. Crowned as one of the few survivors of the recent Dubstep apocalypse, Zeds Dead has remained a focal point in today’s Bass music genre by staying true to their foundation. The duo knew what the crowd came for; dramatic, unrelenting dubstep. No games, no gimmicks--and that’s exactly what the crowd got. Although Rapp-Rovan was the only one that took the stage that night, he brought enough bass and emotion for two. Welding a variety of bass heavy genres like Trap and Moombahton in addition to both old and new original tracks, he had listeners singing every lyric. He split his time on stage delivering pounding neck-breakers like “Rudeboy” with climactic slow-jams like “White Satin.” This polar combination had the crowd on their toes, transitioning from all out rage to stand-still euphoria. Despite their name, Zeds Dead proved that night that Dubstep is in fact alive and well. Zack played to the bitter end, pumping out bass until the venue cut him off mid track. The satisfied crowd reluctantly left the venue still charged from the night’s bass heavy and energetic auditory ride. Keep up with Zeds Dead at www.facebook.com/whoszed
NyteHype DJ Battle Crowns Winner The Detroit Bar [Costa Mesa]
By Justin Olsen | Photos by Martin Clara With their eyes set on some serious exposure, ten locally approved house DJs battled it out on Friday, December 28th for the first ever, “Fresh Meat – Battle of the DJs.” Hosted at The Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa, competitors poured all they had into the decks as they fought for their seat in the prestigious winner’s circle. Judged from a more technical standpoint rather than solely on crowd response, NYTEHYPE Entertainment’s competition offered a unique opportunity for DJs of all recognition levels to showcase their mixing skills. Given three of the same tracks and an allotted amount of time to play, each set was critiqued by un-biased industry professionals on the categories of transition, song selection, and overall performance. Every performer had the crowd getting down on the dance floor, but only one could be crowned king. DJ DFIB came out on top with a refreshingly smooth and high-energy set that encompassed a blend of newage EDM with nostalgic favorites. Winning a paid gig at The New Epiq Nightclub in Scottsdale, Arizona, an interview with NiteGuide Magazine, and a mix slot on both Power Tools Radio Show and Groove Radio, EDM lovers will be seeing more of this guy soon. Catch the freshest EDM talent on “Static Fridays,” every Friday at Detroit Bar and keep up with NYTEHYPE Entertainment at www.nytehype.com.
See more photos from these events and others at www.MyClubScene.com
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Backstage With By Justin Olsen | Photos by Edward Beltran V.
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W&W
ith long builds and melodic-heavy choruses, Trance DJs arguably work harder to keep an audience captivated, especially throughout the late hours of the night. However, this wasn’t the case for Cosmic Gate’s stop at The Palladium. The event embarked attendees upon a journey through space, time, and multidimensional sounds. Flowing rhythms and mind-bending synths made everything but the music and energy inside the room feel obsolete. As the night entered into the morning hours, the crowd seemed to grow larger and even more excited to squeeze out any ounce of energy they had with each drop of a new tune. Bone-chilling live vocal performances by Emma Hewitt and Cary Brothers carried Cosmic Gate into the final moments of their set before W&W had the daunting task of closing out the night at 3 a.m. Blending traditional trance flow with new house-style elements, the Dutch DJ duo has gathered quite a following. Willem van Hanegem and Ward van der Harst of W&W shared their thoughts backstage on closing out the evening. “Closing is always hard, but we’re just going to bang it out. Play all of our latest tracks and keep it going. We’re going straight to ‘Lift Off,’” commented both Willem and Ward, dropping the name of their latest release that’s been grabbing Trance fan’s attention. “The best feeling is when you finish a new track and you get a good reaction on the dance floor, that’s the best.” Approachable and down to earth, Trance music’s newest innovators were pleased to win the Trance Anthem competition this year with their heavyhitting track, “Invasion.” W&W are hard at work shaping a new sound within the EDM community. “We always wanted to make the anthem of the biggest trance party and when we finally had the chance to enter the competition, and then won, we were super excited.” Continuing to ride out the success of their first album, biggest releases to date, and the birth of their own record label, 2012 has definitely treated the duo well. “We have a lot for 2013, a new track on Hardwell’s label and a lot of collaborations, but we can’t say too much.” Download W&W’s weekly podcast at podcast.wandwmusic.nl and keep up with all their latest news at www.wandwmusic.com and facebook.com/wandwofficial. Check out more photos of this event at www.MyClubScene.com.
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Orange County
Event in Review
Chuckie Erupts Yost Theater By Paterson Wolfgram | Photos by Jason Alex
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n December 20th, a few hundred people made the decision to spend their potential last few hours of life at the Yost Theater in Santa Ana to see DJ Chuckie erupt the building with sound before the Mayan Gods could get to it first. Prior to the supposed apocalypse, DJ Chuckie played a mind-blowing party that was equipped with classic free LED light sticks, plenty of style, a thrilling atmosphere, and his signature beats. This Dutch DJ is no foreigner to American nightlife. Although he has performed all over the states, including one of his most recent and memorable performances at EDC Las Vegas 2012, DJ Chuckie did not down size his performance to comfortably fit this much smaller venue. If anything, he crossed the line of “acceptable” and presented “spectacular” by creating an exhilarating vibe barely obtainable by humans. The partygoers were not the only ones having a good time. DJ Chuckie tweeted the following morning about how happy he was making his fan’s night by providing free snapbacks and most importantly, entertaining music. The Yost has once again hosted one of the biggest DJs in EDM history. Don’t miss the next one! Visit www.yosttheater.com for more information, and check out more photos of this event at www.MyClubScene.com.
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ORange County
Event in Review
Electric Run Cruises Through OC By Emmanuel Cayanan | Photos by Jonathan Juan
O
ver 10,000 runners glowing in neon colors crossed the starting line at the Electric Run’s inaugural run/walk at the Orange County Fairgrounds on November 30th. Participants were greeted by the evening’s hostess, model-actress
Carmen Electra, who counted down the first wave of runners at the start of the race. Electronic dance music spun from an elevated DJ booth keeping energy levels high, and though rain threatened to pour over the event earlier that day, the only things falling from above at the time of the race were neon-colored beach balls and glow sticks. The runners in costume were the main attraction, many dressed beyond the glowing bracelets and glasses that came with their registration packets. They sported glow in the dark hoodies, animal ears, body paint, and even neon-lit streaks of hair. While it’s safe to say that no one was competing to break a record in speed, there was plenty of motivation to cross the finish line, where a full-blown post-run celebration presented by Southern Comfort took place. International DJ’s Sultan & Ned Shepard performed at the party, playing their hit single “Walls” while participants and onlookers alike celebrated the night in their glow gear.
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Los Angeles
Event in Review
Holiday Groove Gives Back
By Electra Keller | Photos by Martin Clara
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he holiday season is the ideal time of year to give back to the community. Groove Radio provides families hundreds of new, donated toys each year through “The Holiday Groove.” This spectacular event benefits children in need of holiday gifts and features some of the greatest names in EDM. On December 5th, The 9th Annual Holiday Groove took place at Playhouse Nightclub in downtown Hollywood. World-renowned DJs Chris James, Christopher Lawrence, The Crystal Method, DJ Dan, The EC Twins, Shogun, Gabriel & Dresden, Kristina Sky, Tommy Lee & Dj Aero, Trent Cantrelle and many more put on enthralling performances inside the intimate venue, well into the early hours of the morning. Groove Radio was founded by EDM staple Swedish Egil twenty years ago, who combined music with the spirit of giving. “I love the music, the music keeps me young,” Egil shared. “The Holiday Groove started with me wanting to put a bunch of DJs on a show, all in one night, thirty minute sets each. So we started this nine years ago in Beverly Hills.” From there, Egil collaborated with Spark of Love, an organization that coordinates toy drives and donations, to put together one of the year’s best charity events. “It’s two good things at the same time. I get to see all my friends in the mix and we are helping out a toy drive as well,” says Egil. The artists performed for live for Groove Radio alongside candy canes and Santa Claus himself. The night provide constant flavor, with all of the acts hitting the stage for half hour sets that kept the crowd on the dance floor throughout the night. ‘Tis the season to party for a reason, and DJ Reza summed up the sentiment of the evening by stating, “I’m so glad to be coming back to do this every year. It’s always so much fun, and it’s for a great cause.” Check out more photos of this event at www.MyClubScene.com.
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Photos courtesy of MyClubScene.com | Martin Clara
NiteGuide Holiday Party Playhouse | Hollywood
GET PAID TO PARTY!
LOS ANGELES | ORANGE COUNTY | SAN DIEGO | LAS VEGAS
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Orange County
New Year’s Eve In Review
White Wonderland Story by Justin Olsen | Photos courtesy of MyClubScene.com | Edward Beltran V.
White Wonderland returned once again to Southern California this New Year’s Eve to continue its reign as the largest mandatory all-white party in America. With over 10,000+ attendees, the nearly five-acre room inside the Anaheim Convention Center was a blizzard of bodies the moment the doors opened. Offering two massive stages of music, spectacular theatrics, and state-of-the-art production, White Wonderland created a blissful atmosphere to spend the last few hours of 2012. The entire experience was extremely well thought out and showcased Insomniac’s high level of party throwing know-how. Unlike many other similar events, partygoers were met by convenient, indoor lines, which kept them out of the cold and close to the music as they underwent a fairly quick and hassle free security check. Hues of purple, green, and blue filled the darkness where multiple bars, food vendors, bathrooms, and water filling stations bordered the dance floors for easy access and avoided an overbearing wait. The overall layout and production values helped the flow of the night, much to the delight of the attendees. Dash Berlin, Ferry Corsten, and Darin Epsilon started things off in The Crystal Temple, laying down heavily sedative trance tracks from an intricate crystal stage design, before handing over the attention to Tritional and the highly anticipated legends, Above & Beyond. The Hallowed Cathedral was home to many of the biggest names in house music, and arguably EDM in general. Hardwell, Avicii, and the young blood Madeon tore up the decks like there was no tomorrow, dropping hit after hit and keeping the energy high until Bingo Players took the stage for the countdown to midnight. An explosion of fireworks and excitement welcomed thousands of happy faces into the New Year, lead by none other than Sebastian Ingrosso. Check out more photos of this event on www.MyClubScene.com.
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Orange County
New Year’s Eve Recap PlayHouse NYE Block Party
Orange County Fair Grounds Hollywood
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Inside scoop
Five Ways to Secure a Successful Night Out
By Justin Olsen
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e all know how easily a night out can turn sour thanks to some silly, avoidable mistake like forgetting to charge your phone or leaving your ID at home. A successful night begins before you ever set foot outside the door, and only a minor amount of organization needs to occur to ensure just that. Whether it’s a romantic dinner date or wild night on the town, NiteGuide has created a top five checklist for an enjoyable and stress-free evening.
Hydrate & Nourish An empty stomach is the foundation for a disastrous night. Always drink plenty of water and have a substantial meal before heading out for an evening. Alcohol and caffeine cause dehydration, which leads to fatigue, low blood pressure, and sickness. If a Red Bull and vodka is on the agenda for the night, make sure to eat and hydrate.
Mindstate The decision to have a great night is made before you leave the house. Put on some feel good music and decide right now that the reason you’re going out is to have an amazingly fun time, no matter what happens.
Contact MyClubScene Leave the stress of planning your night to the professionals. MyClubScene is Southern California’s premier nightlife concierge for birthday and bachelor/bachelorette parties. They do the work, so you can enjoy a night out! Options range from VIP, free express entry, discount ticketing, bottle service, party bus and limo planning. Servicing LA, Orange County, San Diego and Vegas! Contact vip@myclubscene.com or call/text (714) 3935944.
Pre-pack Lay out all the items, clothing and accessories you need for the evening on your bed at least 20-30 minutes before the time you need to start getting ready. Ensure everything is charged and in it’s place, and double check that your ID is exactly where it should be. And don’t forget to carry a phone number for a cab company.
Social Lubrication It’s difficult, even for the most social person, to go from sitting on the computer surfing the web, to being out around hundreds of people ready to jump into interaction. Strike up conversation with people on the way to your destination or invite friends over to pre-game and save some cash before hitting the bars. The secret to an amazing night often hinges on the pre-party.
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Long beach
New Year’s Eve Recap PlayHouse DJ Taktix & Dj Peanut
Photos courtesy of Luis Miguel Perez
Sevilla Nightclub Hollywood
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Text PARTYTIME to 70101 for info on each weeks top events
Los Angeles
New Year’s Eve Recap
Cedric Gervais
Playhouse Nightclub | Hollywood
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Photos courtesy of Omar Guerra
Los Angeles
New Year’s Eve Recap PlayHouse Felli Fel
Photos courtesy of Zack Podell
Supperclub | Hollywood Hollywood
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Text PARTYTIME to 70101 for info on each weeks top events
Photos courtesy of Aleksy Volchek
PlayHouse MARKUS SCHULZ
AVALON | Hollywood Hollywood
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San Diego
New Year’s Eve Recap PlayHouse EC Twins
Photos courtesy of Jeff Corrigan
Hard rock Hotel Hollywood
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Text PARTYTIME to 70101 for info on each weeks top events
Lauren Vannatta
MYCLUBSCENE.com January 2013 VIXEN
photo by Rich Masuda See more photos of Lauren at: www.myclubscene.com/vixen
Las Vegas
New Year’s Eve Recap
XS Nightclub
Encore Hotel
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Photos courtesy of Danny Mahoney / XS Nightclub