Nightlife Revealed

EAT - DRINK - PARTY

Lyndsay Haldorson

Reclaiming Classic Nightlife

page 16

The Nightlife Issue January 2012: Issue 25

Nightlife Revealed

YOUR SCENE - YOUR NIT E - YOUR GUIDE S O U T H E R N

C A L I F O R N I A

from the people that make it Happen

Table Of Contents 6 Tasty Restaurant Dishes

YOUR SCENE - YOUR NIT E - YOUR GUIDE

8 Pre-Party Gourmet 10 Lounge Dishes 12 Featured Drinks 14 Featured Show: Lucent Dossier 16 Featured Performer: Lyndsay Haldorson 18 Featured Bar: Canyon Inn 20 Featured Lighting Designer: Clinton Bright 22 Featured Show: Absinthe 24 Featured VJ: Milo 25 January Event Listing: Orange County 26 Featured DJ/Producer: Clinton Sparks 27 January Event Listing: Los Angeles 28 Featured Venue: 4th & B 29 January Events Listing: San Diego 30 Featured Band: Imagine Dragons 31 Live Music Events Listing 32 Featured Producer: Dave Aude 34 Nightlife Around the World: Ibiza

MyClubScene.com January 2012 Vixen Jennifer Irene Gonzalez

36 December in Review: Featured Events 42 Photo Recaps 53 Kitty’s Guide

All rights reserved @ 2011, the entire contents of this publication are protected by copy right. No part of this publication January be reproduced or transmitted by any means, electronically or mechanical, without permission in writing from NiteGuide. The publisher accepts no responsibility or 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 Horoscope

THE LIST THE PUBLISHER After an amazing 2011, the first glimpses of 2012 are revealing an equally great year.

I had the pleasure of watching Tiesto at The Observatory, Avicii at Marquee, and look forward to covering more EDM shows throughout the year. This will be an easily attainable goal with NiteGuide expanding into Las Vegas, where we can bring our readers the best in Sin City’s music, parties and food.

In this issue we go behind the scenes of nightlife. We interviewed club owners, VJ’s, DJ’s and performers, to expose what nightlife is like from the people who make it possible. We’ve also featured pre-party gourmet foods and unusual cocktails, as well as multiple photos of partygoers ringing in the new year.

I have a feeling 2012 will be a year to remember.

Justin Stearman Publisher

WIN FREE LIFT TICKETS to Mountain High!

‘LIKE’ our Facebook Page to be entered.

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THE CREATIVE DIRECTOR The turn of the New Year was an exciting one for NiteGuide. At the end of December we rallied together and headed to Las Vegas for our Palms Model Take Over, which we can’t wait to share in our January issue.

New Years Day at The Observatory was great, where I had the opportunity to slip backstage and meet a personal favorite DJ of mine, the legendary Tiesto.

In this issue, we featured a variety of people who work under the lights, behind the bar, and around the club. We also stormed the Groove Radio Holiday Party, found an amazing throwback performer inside an LA speakeasy, and brought our readers inside all the best NYE parties. Enjoy!

Happy Holidays!

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 Nicole Lloyd Senior Editor Heidi Darby heidi@niteguidemag.com Director of Photography Shannon Nehls shannon@myclubscene.com Chief Restaurant Editor Rachel Salas Promotions/Events Manager Shannon Frieser Marketing Manager Allison Imai Cover Girl Lyndsay Haldorson Cover Photo By Carlos Maidana Photographers Armando Cardenas Brian Brown Brian Hmurovich Christina Montaldo Christopher Bormann Dave Orell Jennifer Cartwright John Nguyen Josh Raab Martin Clara Marleigh Dunlap Matthew Copley Patrick Strube RG Benhard Robert Rodriguez Theresa Lomavaya William Wu Staff Writers Adéllyn Polomski Allison Imai Alysia Batchelder Christian Williams Deanna Rilling Emmanuel Cayanan Enoch Loi Fred Dyoll Jonathan Fossler Kam Kasmaei Kimberly Fisher Kristin Halberg Paige Purmort Interns Kadie Mieir Videographer Daniel Allan Curtis Wilson Contact info@NiteGuideMag.com For Advertising info email: advertise@niteguidemag.com www.NiteGuideMag.com

FEATURED FOOD

Tasty

Dishes Almond-Crusted Colorado Lamb Morgan’s in the desert is the highprofile restaurant that resides inside the legendary La Quinta Resort and Club in Palm Springs.

A wealthy San Francisco businessman, Walter H. Morgan, invited members of Hollywood’s elite to unwind in the remote part of the desert during Christmas of 1926. It was here that old Hollywood starlets were able to escape fame and enjoy the simple life. They indulged in great food, cocktails and great company. Today, Morgan’s in the desert upholds the same philosophy, supplying their loyal guests with an assortment of food that is both elegant and accessible.

The Almond-Crusted Colorado Lamb is a delicious dish made with a rack of smoked almondcrusted lamb, baby artichokes, chanterelles and chorizo spice and

By Rachel Salas

Mahi-Mahi Sliders

Fish and Chips

“Moms” Meatballs

Spike’s Fish House in Orange County is a restaurant that focuses on a great selection of fresh fish that is grilled and made to order.

Made with the most natural ingredients, Spike’s Fish House likes to think of themselves as much more than an ordinary restaurant, but rather, a lifestyle choice. The restaurant’s open-displayed kitchen allows guests to view the quality of food being prepared.

The Cat and Fiddle in Los Angeles is known for their famous Fish and Chips, a menu staple since the restaurant’s opening in 1982. The delicious meal consists of fresh Haddock from Iceland that is lightly fried in a beer batter. Hot hand-cut fries accompany this traditional dish, along with tasty tartar sauce and malt vinegar. The Cat and Fiddle’s signature Fish and Chips has been featured on Modern Marvels.

Just a little crush? It’s so much more than that. San Diego residents have passed the threshold of crushing, into a blissful state of falling in love with Solana Beach’s latest restaurant, Crush. The sophisticated, yet down-to-earth establishment offers fine Italian cuisine that is sure to impress any foodie.

The name of the Fish House derives from the famed sailor, Spike Africa.

Owner Tim Aspel had a fondness for this character because he had a mischievous spirit, yet always ensured perfection. Like Spike Africa, Spike’s Fish House maintains perfection in their quality of food and service.

Husband and wife owners Kim and Paula Gardner opened the inviting pub in the early ‘80s, which has since expanded into a prosperous family operation. The restaurant’s first location is filled with history. The original building was built in 1929 and served as a wardrobe warehouse for famous Hollywood film projects. Parts of cinematography’s classic film, Casablanca, was filmed at the location. But success forced the Gardner family to expand into a larger location on Sunset Boulevard, which is where the current business resides.

tomato emulsion.

The Mahi-Mahi Sliders are a guest favorite, made with fresh Mahi-Mahi, crisp lettuce, ripe roma tomatoes and served on a grilled bun.

Morgan’s in the desert

Spike’s Fish House

The Cat and Fiddle

49499 Eisenhower Dr

Two locations in Orange County www.spikesfishhouse.com

6530 Sunset Blvd

La Quinta, CA 92253

Hollywood, CA 90028

760.564.7600

323.468.3800

www.morgansinthedesert.com

www.thecatandfiddle.com

Chef Jason Colabove creates a variety of authentic dishes. “Moms” Meatballs are a delicious appetizer made of flavorful beef meatballs that rest in a bed of rich, roasted tomato sauce, topped with sheeps milk ricotta and basil.

“We have been very pleased with the overwhelmingly positive response to Crush in Chico and our team is looking forward to offering the San Diego diner a fantastic culinary experience that has been tailored to best meet the needs of the local community,” John P. Luciano, Chico store partner, said.

Crush 437 S. Hwy 101, Suite 112 Solana Beach, CA 92075 858.481.2787

niteguidemag.com 7

FEATURED FOOD

Pre-Party

By Rachel Salas

Photo by Rachel Salas

Gourmet Short Rib Grilled Cheese

Mushrooms a la Greque

Curried Blue Potato Samosa

Burrata

SBE Entertainment Group introduces its latest concept, Greystone Manor Supperclub in Los Angeles. The sexy restaurant opened its doors on November 10, 2011. Since its arrival onto the Los Angeles nightlife scene, the former building that once housed Hollywood legends, has become a new hotspot in Tinsel Town.

The rich flavors of Paris are found in Orange County, at Cafe Mimosa.

Cafe Mimosa is a classic French bistro that offers the flavors displayed in authentic French cooking.

Perfectly placed on Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente’s most frequented street for shopping and dinning, Cafe Mimosa is the place where friends and family rendezvous and indulge in delicious food and fine wine.

Eden in Hillcrest is a vibrant San Diego hotspot known for their fantastic night life and delicious dishes. Deemed colorful and contemporary, this spacious venue is equipped with a unique water scrim for screening films as well as a central patio consisting of two large fire pits where guests can enjoy the cool California breeze.

Owner/Chef Andre Guerrero opened his latest restaurant, Maximiliano, in October of 2011 in Los Angeles. Located on the corner of York Boulevard and Aldama Street, the new dining establishment offers neighborhood Italian cuisine that has been well-received by guests.

Greystone Manor Supperclub is two stories high and comes equipped with a large dance floor, velvet seating areas, crystal chandeliers, dim red lighting, and an exclusive ambiance that is sure to make guests feel like Hollywood royalty.

The delicious Short Rib Grilled Cheese sandwich is made with braised short rib meat, gruyere melted cheese, a tasty tomato relish and crispy french fries.

Cafe Mimosa’s menu is filled with flavorful dishes, equipped with organic produce and the freshest ingredients. The small beach town’s most coveted restaurant is warm and inviting, with a quaint French country theme, complete with intimate seating both indoors and outdoors.

The popular Mushrooms a la Greque is a delicious appetizer made of Button mushrooms, shallots, bay leaves, herbs, garlic, white wine, lemons and served with toasted bread.

The venue also serves as a night club called Eden which is open to the public Thursday through Saturday evenings. Blue and purple lights flicker as guests dance freely on the spacious dance floor. The organic cocktail bar is filled with eclectic drinks and wines for guests to sip on.

Eden in Hillcrest’s award-winning menu is filled with delicious delights. The Curried Blue Potato Samosa is a restaurant favorite. It is a crisp, buttery turnover made with mango pickle and a creamy

Maximiliano is the place where “old school” meets modern. Italian flags can be found hanging on the walls inside the restaurant, along with an extended green couch, a stainless steel bar top, a double-decker, red tiled Marsal pizza oven and faux strands of spaghetti noodles placed on a red wall-panel to heighten ambiance.

The delicious Burrata is made with heirloom cherry tomatoes, parsley, roasted shallots, balsamic, olive oil and toasted crostinis.

cucumber yogurt dipping sauce.

Greystone Manor Supperclub

Cafe Mimosa

Eden in Hillcrest

Maximiliano

643 N La Cienega Blvd

243 Avenida Del Mar

1202 University Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90069

San Clemente, CA 92672

San Diego, CA 92103

310.652.2012

949.481.6780

619.269.3336

www.greystonemanorla.com

www.cafemimosasc.com

www.edensandiego.com

5930 York Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90042 323.739.6125 www.maximilianohp.com

LOCATION LOCATION

LOCATION More than ever, skiers and snowboarders are choosing Mountain High.

Why? Because it’s southern California’s closest winter resort. And there is no mountain driving. Visit the West Resort for its world class terrain park and terrific beginner areas. Alpine skiers and snowboarders, head over to the East Resort for the longest runs in Southern California serviced by a singe high-speed quad. Or, for kids and families, discover the North Resort with its uncrowded trails and the North Pole Tubing Park. Three mountains... One great resort.

And it is all just 20 minutes off the 15 Freeway in Wrightwood. For even more ways to save, visit mthigh.com/ticketdeals.

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SOUTERN CALIFORNIA’S CLOSEST WINTER RESORT

FEATURED FOOD

Lounge

Dishes

By Rachel Salas

Fried Chicken

Crab Cake Sandwich

Lexington Social House in Los Angeles is a modern meets sexy dining establishment that invites you into the heart of the Hollywood social scene. The restaurant’s concept is based on the idea of the perfect dinner party, which allows valued guests to enjoy handcrafted food and drinks. The owners invite guests to mingle and embrace the high energy deriving from Social House.

Intricate designs and distinctive colors lie within the artwork that’s displayed on the walls of this enticing restaurant.

Club M (“M” stands for memories) is the signature night club inside of The Grand Del Mar in beautiful San Diego. It is a restaurant, night club and sports bar all bundled up in a single establishment. Guests can enjoy live musical performances, dancing, and watching the best sporting events on large televisions, accompanied by delicious food.

Chef Mette Williams’ cooking style can be described as “Rustic Modern American” and infuses fresh ingredients with classic techniques to create innovative dishes. Each dish is enriched with robust flavors and a creative touch.

The popular Fried Chicken is a classic dish made with “smashed” potatoes, bacon braised kale and topped with a delicious mustard sauce.

Lexington Social House

Chef Ernest Lopez is a San Diego native that specializes in approachable and exotic cuisine. With 20 years of culinary experience, Lopez creates a variety of innovative dishes. From freshly-baked pastries to burgers and sandwiches, tapas and Baja classics, Lopez’s cooking techniques are sure to please any palate.

The unique and delicious Crab Cake Sandwich is made with fresh crab meat, avocado, mango, butter lettuce, drizzled with lime dressing and

Chiminchuri Steak Kabobs

Fried Green Tomatoes

San Diego’s Prospect Bar & Grill is a second-story restaurant that offers a view of the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Located on Prospect Street (often referred to as the Rodeo Drive of San Diego), this neighborhood eatery provides the ultimate dining experience for its guests.

The enchanting feel of New Orleans thrives in Orange County. Iva Lee’s Restaurant is a Southern dinner house that has been in existence for nearly 10 years. The hospitable restaurant offers the best Creole cuisine in the county and infuses the simplicity of Southern Californian cooking techniques into every dish.

The trendy and chic restaurant is equipped with comfortable booths, spacious dining tables, a full bar and a fire pit for a romantic evening.

A perfect place for an intimate evening, or catching up with friends.

Prospect Bar & Grill’s varied menu includes tasty favorites such as the Chiminchuri Steak Kabobs. Thick chunks of flank steak are paired perfectly with fresh red peppers, mushrooms and marinated in parsley, garlic and olive oil, all served over saffron rice.

Chef Chris Starr creates classic fares that represent the bold flavors of the South. Today, he continues showing his distinct passion for food through his unique dishes.

The Fried Green Tomatoes are a must-have appetizer, consisting of two fried green tomatoes that are battered in cornmeal, paired perfectly with a medallion of Sonoma goat cheese, complimented by a charred green coulis and balsamic vinegar reduction.

served on a sesame bun.

Club M

Prospect Bar & Grill

Iva Lee’s

1718 Vine Street

5200 Grand Del Mar Way

1025 Prospect Street, Suite 210

555 North El Camino Real, Suite E

Hollywood, CA 90028

San Diego, CA 92130

La Jolla, CA 92037

San Clemente, CA 92672

323.461.1700

858.314.2700

858.454.8092

949.361.2855

www.lexingtonsocialhouse.com

www.thegranddelmar.com/club-m

www.prospectbar.com

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FEATURED DRINKS Revolver

The Library Bar [Los Angeles] 630 West 6th Street, CA 90017 |213.614.0053 | www. librarybarla.com

By Rachel Salas

Photo by Rachel Salas

The Revolver from The Library Bar in Los Angeles is a bold and delightful cocktail that is designed to satisfy thirst. Conveniently located in the center of Downtown Los Angeles, many young professionals and even college students flock to this time-warp bar, which looks like a transport from the ‘40s.

The popular drink is made with Bulleit Bourbon, Tia Maria, orange bitters and an orange peel that is lit on fire to add the flavor of orange zest to this remarkable cocktail.

“We do make our own sweet and sour from fresh lemon juice and lime juice, which is different from other places. It adds to the quality of the cocktails,” Johnny Valenti, bartender, said. “A lot of times people use bottled and pre-made sweet and sours, so it definitely makes a big difference.”

Strawberry Fields Tantalum [Long Beach]

6272 E. Pacific Coast Highway, CA 90803 |562.431.1414 |www.tantalumrestaurant.com

By Rachel Salas

The name Tantalum stands for the number 73 on the Periodic Table of Elements (symbol: TA), a noncorrosive metal found by the sea, known for its inability to absorb negative elements from its surrounding environment.

Tantalum’s cocktails are hand-crafted and created to keep up with the sensual Asian-infusion vibe.

The popular Strawberry Fields is made with fresh strawberries, lime juice, rum, simple syrup and soda water.

Photo by Rachel Salas

Tantalum in Long Beach offers exotic flavor profiles that enhance the senses. The restaurant displays a California meets Asian-infusion cuisine that is sure to tantalize its guests.

Chupacabra

Three Seventy Common Kitchen + Drink [Laguna Beach] 370 Glenneyre St., CA. 92651 | 949.494.8686 | www.370common.com

By Rachel Salas Orange County’s most famous city has a new hot spot in town. Three Seventy Common Kitchen + Drink in beautiful Laguna Beach opened its doors on October 21 and is the latest addition to the slew of the town’s most popular restaurants.

Three Seventy Common Kitchen + Drink serves delicious chef-driven comfort food that emphasizes the idea of farm-to-fork. Chef/Owner Ryan Adams offers a diverse, seasonal menu, using products from sustainable farms and fisheries. The dynamic eatery is family-oriented. On Sundays, Adams offers family-style dinners and asks patrons to leave their cell phones behind to enjoy company.

The Chupacabra is a popular specialty drink, named after the mythical demon-creature feared throughout Mexico and other Latin American countries. It is comprised of Karma Blanco Tequila, fresh lime juice, cucumbers, cilantro and Agave nectar.

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By Heidi Darby

“That first show sort of broke things open for us. We did it our way straight from the beginning. We created a style of our own both in our performance and our look. People responded, and the energetic force of it paved the way for us to be doing what we’re doing now.” -Dream Rockwell, Director/Performer

D

eep in the desert of Northern Nevada, Dream Rockwell met a person at Burning Man who changed her life. “‘What are you doing with your life?” he asked. “Put a point on your arrow and everything you dream of will come to you.” After this chance meeting Dream pursued her vision of what entertainment could be, reinventing the concept of performing arts by co-founding The Do LaB and then Lucent Dossier. Traveling the world and inhabiting various festivals including The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, the Director/Performer incorporates Dubstep, aerial arts, contortionists, rock, and everything in between.

NiteGuide Magazine: What is it that inspires you in the performance world and what makes Lucent different?

Dream Rockwell: I wanted to break down some of the ridged concepts and ideas that I saw repeated over and over again. I could see that audiences didn’t want to just sit in their seats, they wanted to be involved.

They wanted to shine bright and explore their light too. “Everyone is a star for 15 minutes” someone once said. Well I wanted to create that reality. At a Lucent show, anyone and everyone can be a star. Everyone shines. I love that.

NGM: What act stands out the most in your mind, and why?

DR: Well I don’t know about what act because every one of our acts grabs me in a different way. I go mad over all of them at different times.

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Variety is the spice of life! I like all types of performance. I love it when the performers go wild and dance rhythmically and hard. I also love the slow aerial and ballet duets that are so sensual and full of love. I am totally drawn in by the mystical, and I also really go mad when the silly stuff happens. I love it all.

NGM: What’s a typical night like after the show ends?

DR: Oh you can’t ask that! That’s madness. We’re totally out of control most nights. These kids are very open free beings and they LOVE to go bananas. It’s straight out of the movies. Most of the time I’m standing there in the middle of it with my jaw dropped thinking “What is going on here? Is this really my life?” It’s good clean fun though. Just shenanigans.

NGM: What is your reaction to the positive reviews of both fans and critics?

DR: It makes it all worth while. For sure. We are all in it for the love. We go way beyond what is required or requested because we love what we do. It excites us to excite our audiences. We want to blow minds, expand hearts and shift consciousness. What could be more interesting to devote your life to, than that?

To purchase tickets to Lucent Dossier’s show January 17 and 18 at The Palace in Los Angeles, go to Beticketing.com For further information go to www.lucentdossier.com

Photography by Bruno O’hara | www.brunoohara.com

LOS ANGELES

Featured SHOW

Lyndsay Haldorson

Photo by Carlos Maidana

Los Angeles

Featured Performer

By Heidi Darby

“It’s a place where the absinthe flows, and the ghosts tickle your nose,” Lyndsay Haldorson says of The Edison in Los Angeles.

H

aldorson is a versatile, lifelong performer who has opened for artists including Stevie Wonder and Paul Oakenfold. Her sets offer songs ranging from “Glory Box” by Portishead, to any

she encapsulates the mood of her surroundings with a burlesque infused show that implements back up dancers and original material from her band The All-Nighters.

“I tailor made the show to fit The Edison... the music, the style. I want it to feel like a modern-day speakeasy, which is easy because of the gorgeous space there. Even

Photo by Catie Engalla

number of under-appreciated Etta James tunes. She doesn’t just sing,

when doing modern music, I always give an appreciative nod to the past. You may see me and the dancers on the bar or in the crowd, not always just onstage. I want the show to feel loose and fun at the same time, like in the good old days.”

Haldorson began her path into the entertainment industry as a child, continuing her pursuit in both Chicago and Los Angeles. Now hypnotizing audiences at The Edison, she relies on those who came before her to inspire her performances. Paying homage to strong female artists is a key element to what Lyndsay and The All-Nighters create at The Edison. “Some of the numbers are meant to be sexy, but it all emanates from that same confident, committed, centered place,” Haldorson says. Alongside her dancers she shifts through paradigms of suggestive and conservative, developing a playful relationship with the audience.

“I can bring back the glamour and prestige of the old show days. I like performing in the crowd and involving people in the show. I may come up to someone and make them sing with me, or dance with them. I love the energy between me and the audience, it can be electric-like The Edison-and it can make for an amazing show.”

Previously a power plant built in 1910 and refurbished by Andrew Meieran, The Edison holds a rare degree of style that elevates the venue’s appeal. The vintage furniture and collection of original artifacts create the feeling of slipping into another era, where absinthe fairies peddle liquor as old movies are projected onto the walls. Haldorson, her dancers, and The All-Nighters found the perfect place to create classic nightlife.

The expression “they don’t make them like they used to” doesn’t apply to the skilled performer. She’s reinvigorated a stylish brand of nightlife entertainment that thrives inside the walls of The Edison.

“Vibe and energy are things that can be the most difficult to define or create. They make the difference between a special night you won’t forget, and just another night out. The DJ, staff and entertainment are all necessary ingredients and I think we nailed all those elements at The Edison” Catch Lyndsay and The All Nighters at The Edison January 19.

For more information visit: www.lyndsayhaldorson.com 16 niteguidemag.com

Photo by Carlos Maidana

“Walking into the Edison, to me, is like crossing over into the past.�

-Lyndsay Haldorson

orange county

Featured bar

By Heidi Darby

P

auly Ambrus, owner of The Canyon Inn Sports Bar-n-Grill, isn’t afraid

But I don’t mind all the

to get his hands dirty. After being tapped to film an episode of Spike

arguing and all my

TV’s Bar Rescue, the New York native worked alongside staff-as he

yelling at him. What

always does-to update his beloved bar, where Yorba Linda’s exclusive nightlife

they edited out

venue rages on.

was him yelling at me.

I was just responding,

NiteGuide Magazine: You’re in a pretty quiet part of the OC, how does it feel

and wasn’t gonna let

to bring some flair to an otherwise calm part of town?

him, or anyone, bully

Pauly Ambrus: We love it! It really makes us stand out. It’s awesome to be

or intimidate me at all.

the ONLY bar in Yorba Linda. The only place where you can go to have a drink, watch the game, and have a good time in a sports bar, or nightclub

NGM: What can we

environment without spending a small fortune. Everyone in that quiet town

expect from Canyon Inn these days?

knows us and we certainly stand out!

PA: We are trying to have something for everyone, all ages and various themes.

Our big change is on Friday nights. For 20 years now, we’ve had a live cover

NGM: How did you feel the overall process of the show went?

band both Friday and Saturday nights. Now, we’re keeping the great bands

PA: I was initially happy with the overall process of the show. While filming, they

we have on Saturdays, but we’ve made Fridays our club night. “Club Canyon”

certainly threw some curve balls at me. But all in all, I was happy. Until I saw

has great DJs with the video mix to go with the music, club atmosphere with

the episode... I believe the spin at the end was personal against me, for not

lighting, a new sound system, and Go-Go dancers.

agreeing with the name change. I explained that in the final interview - which was left out of course.

NGM: What’s your favorite part about working in a nightlife setting?

PA: The one that stands out the most is when I look out into the crowd and

NGM: If you could change one thing about the episode, what would it be?

see so many people dancing, laughing, making new friends, and having a blast

PA: The one thing I would change about the episode is the ending of course.

with old friends. They’re making memories. Knowing that I created a place for

Aside from that, I didn’t appreciate the spin on the “save the foam” thing

them to have fun at Canyon Inn is a direct result of my staff and myself working

(pertaining to beer, which was poorly explained in the show) that we left on

hard... It’s a great feeling when your not dreading going to work, but looking

purpose for them... I thought that was a cheap shot and made us look bad.

forward to it. There just are not many jobs where that’s possible!

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ORANGE COUNTY

Featured Lighting Designer

Clinton Bright

By Heidi Darby

P

airing visual arts with a night out in a dance club isn’t an immediate association. Lighting designer Clinton Bright bridges the two by elevating a club night to an all-around experience, immersing clubgoers in visual bliss. Resident LD at Sutra in Orange County, he’s worked with artists including LMFAO, Sander Van Doorn, and Dada Life. NiteGuide caught up with Clinton to better understand a club, from behind the lights.

NiteGuide Magazine: Would you consider yourself the man behind the music?

Clinton Bright: That’s a tricky question to answer without discrediting the DJ or the lighting tech. If you put someone like ATB or Paul Oakenfold into that same club, I think people would still enjoy it, but when lighting is tailored to the music by a live person it brings more out of the crowd. I feel the lighting is secondary; it’s the DJs job to bring the vibe, and lighting designer’s job to enhance it. You could say I’m part of the duo behind the music.

NGM: How do you feel OC nightlife is evolving?

CB: Electronic music is the new black in my opinion. It’s been around Orange County for a long time but only recently has it really exploded and in a major way. It’s everywhere you look these days, even Disneyland has its elecTRONica area. I think it’s a positive thing for sure.

NGM: How did you acquire the know-how to run so many different aspects of the performance experience?

CB: It just sort of happened. I had seen people doing lighting at shows and events but never really thought I’d enjoy it, or even be capable of it. When I came to Sutra I was interested in doing sound, which is what I went to school for. I had to learn how to create lighting sequences and use them effectively, contributing to setting a vibe. That’s when I learned that lighting is what I enjoy doing more so than sound. I’d rather be behind a lighting console than an audio console any day.

Photo by: LovinLife Multimedia/Pullano

NGM: What equipment do you use?

CB: I work on Light Jockey, it’s a computer program, and a few midi controllers to make it less point-andclick and more like a lighting console. We have an awesome NuSalt Laser that I’d like to incorporate more into the club, but I only have so many hands to operate an LED wall and our lighting array. Adding a laser that is completely changeable on the fly would require another hand.

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NGM: When was the moment you looked out into the crowd and realized you had control over the vibe?

CB: It’s kind of funny actually. It’s probably at the end of the night when I turn all the lights on and turn the music off. People hate that. Then when I turn the lights back off and the DJ drops one more song and the crowd goes ape shit, I realize I’ve got the audience in my hands. It feels like the scene from Shawshank Redemption when Tim Robins plays the Dance of Figaro for the entire prison. Even knowing you’re probably going to get in trouble for it, it feels good to give a dance addicted group of people one more fix.

“

ELECTRONIC MUSIC IS THE NEW BLACK IN MY OPINION. -Clinton Bright

”

Jennifer Irene Gonzalez MYCLUBSCENE.com January 2011 VIXEN

LAS VEGAS

Featured SHOW

A

By Heidi Darby

bsinthe at Caesars Palace emanates a sexy, sardonic vibe that pushes boundaries-even for Sin City. But don’t take it from us, it’s best to hear that information from the show’s slick haired, gold toothed Producer “The Gazillionaire” and his faithful red-haired stage wench “Penny Pibbets.” The pair candidly shared why Vegas is the perfect home for the risque show. Did we mention they were candid?

NiteGuide Magazine: How does Absinthe fit into Sin City?

The Gazillionare: Absinthe is what Sin City wishes it was. Dirty, disgusting, unapologetic and inappropriate for all viewers. We are rated X+. I mean, there is no penetration or anything, but if people are easily offended they should probably go see something else.

But if you like to challenge your mind, your beliefs and your own assumptions, come on by. We make Sin City look like Sin-ish City.

The Gazillionaire

Penny Pibbets NiteGuide Magazine: What’s it like working with the producer of one of the hottest shows in Vegas?

Penny Pibbets: Absinthe is like inviting all of your dysfunctional family members inside a tent and having The Gazillionaire say exactly what everyone is trying not to think about. I usually try to chime in and add what he’s taught me throughout the years, since I’ve learned from the best. Seriously, if you hold all of that in, one day you’re bound to blow. Good times!

NGM: What’s it like being the producer of one of the hottest shows in Las Vegas?

Gaz: Well, this show is what you call a passion project. I lose more money everyday than all my mortgages put together. And when you own three unnamed islands, that’s a lot of money. Even with the pittance that I pay the cast, it’s still just ridiculous. I’m glad the show is hot because then the cast is happy. Also, we all love nightclubs, so every time we get invited it reminds us how awesome Vegas is.

Tony Tightropes is VIP at Tryst and spends most his waking hours there.

NGM: Any after-party action?

GAZ: See above.

NGM: Is it fair to say you’re living the dream?

GAZ: Sweetie, I am rich. I am always living the dream.

22 niteguidemag.com

Photo by Tom Donoghue

NGM: What happens after a show?

GAZ: Depends how hot you are. Are you hot?

Then you can find out. And by hot I mean do you have large breasts, a huge ass, or an extra digit or limb...

NGM: Do you feel assimilated into Sin City?

Penny: Sure. I wear a female condom everywhere I go. Especially when I’m just going to the bathroom.

NGM: What are your duties for the show?

Penny: As Gaz always says, “Your top priority is making sure I am never sober.”

NGM: What performers are you most impressed with?

Penny: Oh man... Who am I NOT impressed with? Melody Sweets is the hottest green fairy I’ve ever met. Her voice could kill a million sailors.

Oxana is amazing as well... The high wire boys are awesome too. What they can do when they’re so incredibly hungover is quite impressive!

For ticket information go to www.absinthevegas.com

Club Directory

Bar Directory San Diego 4th & B [San Diego] 345 B Street, 92101 619-231-4343 www.4thandbevents.com

Anaheim

401 N. Anaheim Blvd. 92805 714-991-5101 www.emberofanaheim.com

AIRR Nightclub [San Diego] 526 Market Street, 92101 619-546-8306 www.airr.us

ORANGE COUNTY

LOS ANGELES

Avec [Huntington Beach] 18582 Beach Blvd, 92646 714-475-4660 www.avecnightclub.com

Boulevard 3 [Hollywood] 6523 W Sunset Blvd, 90028 323-466-2144 www.boulevard3.com

Envy [Fullerton] 120 West Wilshire Avenue, 92832 714-525-8051 www.envyultralounge.com

Drais [Hollywood] 6250 Hollywood Blvd, 90028 323-962-1111 www.draislosangeles.com

Heat Ultra Lounge [Anaheim] 321 W Katella Ave # 214, 92802 714-776-4328 www.heatultraloungeoc.com

Playhouse [Los Angeles] 6506 Hollywood Blvd, 90028 323-656-4800 www.playhousehollywood.com

Sutra [Costa Mesa] 1807 Harbor Blvd, 92627 949-722-7103 www.sutraoc.com TEN [Newport Beach] 4647 MacArthur Blvd, 92660 949-660-1010 www.tenoc.com The Observatory [Santa Ana] 3503 South Harbor Blvd, 92704 714-957-0600 www.observatoryoc.com Yost Theater [Santa Ana] 307 N. Spurgeon Street, 92701 888-862-9573 www.yosttheater.com

Sevilla [Long Beach] 140 Pine Ave, 90802 562-495-1111 www.sevillanightclub.com The Highlands [Hollywood] 6801 Hollywood Blvd, 90028 323-461-9800 www.thehighlandshollywood.com

Float [San Diego] 207 5th Ave, 92101 619-702-3000 www.hardrockhotelsd.com Fluxx [San Diego] 500 4th Avenue, 92101 619-232-8100 www.fluxxsd.com

TRU Nightclub [Hollywood] 1600 Argyle Ave, CA 90028 323-461-1600 www.truhollywood.com

Mai Tai Bar [Long Beach] 97 Aquarium Way, 90802 562-435-1200 www.maitaibar.com BeAuty Bar [Hollywood] 1638 N Cahuenga Blvd, 90028 323-464-7676 www.thebeautybar.com

ORANGE COUNTY 2nd Floor [Huntington Beach] 126 Main Street, 92648 714-969-9000 www.2ndfloorhb.com Detroit Bar [Costa Mesa]

Ivy Nightclub [San Diego] 600 F Street, 92101 619-814-2055 www.ivyentertainmentsandiego.com On Broadway [San Diego] 615 Broadway, 92101 619-231-0011 www.obec.tv Voyeur [San Diego] 755 5th Ave, 92101 619-756-7678 www.voyeursd.com

The Penthouse [Santa Monica] 1111 2nd Street, 90403 310-394-5454 www.thehuntleyhotel.com

LOS ANGELES

Onyx Room [San Diego] 852 Fifth Ave, 92101 619-235-6699 www.onyxroom.com

843 W. 19th Street, 92627 949-642-0600 www.detroitbar.com Hurricanes Bar & Grill [Huntington Beach] 200 Main St., 92648 714-374-0500 www.hurricanesbargrill.com

San Diego 207 [San Diego] 207 5th Ave, 92101 619-702-3000 www.hardrockhotelsd.com Stingaree [San Diego] 454 6th Avenue, 92101 619-544-9500 www.stingsandiego.com

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.

LAS VEGAS

Featured VJ

MILO

By Deanna Rilling

P

ay attention to the man behind the hoodie, holding an iPad on the dance floor. That’s not some casual conventioneer checking his flight

status, but the visuals maestro at Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub in Las Vegas Meet Emilio Sa. The 10 year industry veteran is an integral cog in the Marquee machine of a total immersion

nightlife

experience.

You

may

have

already heard the roster of resident DJs that includes Kaskade, Chuckie, Markus Schulz, Above & Beyond, Cosmic Gate and more. Perhaps you’ve seen them live at Marquee, with lights flashing and costumed performers dancing. But what about that 40-foot LED wall behind the booth, pulsating and quick changing visuals to the beat? That’s where Sa takes control.

“Some guys like to use Serato to mix and even scratch music videos,” Sa says. “There’s all sorts of forms of VJing.” But for Sa, who has also worked with Vello Virkhaus and V Squared Labs, Corso Communications, and now his own company, Scribes & Nobles, it’s more than just a few clips of Lady Gaga and Rihanna. At Marquee, the video content is completely custom; even specific themes are created for resident DJs. For someone who’s resume includes VJing in 360 degrees at the Heineken Dome for Electric Daisy Carnival, plus the 360 degree screen at Rok Vegas, a one-of-a-kind sensory seduction takes place each night he picks up his iPad controller. Instead of being glued to a computer overlooking Marquee’s main dance floor, Sa can roam around the club, wirelessly and seamlessly switching between a Golden Goddess theme and a DJ’s logo, or hype the crowd with bursts of color. “The thing that I love about working at Marquee is basically I get to create and play shows and really feel what works and what doesn’t. I think that’s something special about the experience.”

Photo by Megan Pogoda 24 niteguidemag.com

January 2011 Events Listing:

ORANGE COUNTY Every Thursday [Ember] Ember Pulse3AM Thursday’s 18+ Every Thursday [Yost Theater] GIANT Thursdays Every Friday [TEN] Famous Friday with Cali Connect Group Every Friday [Avec] Haute Fridays Every Friday [Detroit Bar] Static Fridays Every Friday [Shark Club] Limelight Fridays January 5, Thursday [Sutra] Charles Feelgood January 6, Friday [Sutra] DJ Sprytre January 7, Saturday [Ember] DJ Echo January 7, Saturday [TEN] DJ Bandoma January 7, Saturday [Yost] DJ Scotty Boy January 12, Thursday [Sutra] George Acosta January 13, Friday [TEN] DJ Fashen January 14, Saturday [Ember] DJ Ever & DJ Jim V Birthday Bash

World Famous!

January 14, Saturday [Sutra] DJ Scooter

Players club

January 18, Wednesday [Hurricanes HB] Party with MyClubScene.com email vip@myclubscene.com January 19, Thursday [Sutra] Markus Schulz January 20, Friday [TEN] DJ Rush January 20, Friday [Sutra] Eddie Halliwell January 21, Saturday [Ember] DJ Felli Fell January 21, Saturday [Sutra] DJ Ever January 26, Thursday [Sutra] Sander Van Doorn January 27, Friday [Sutra] Moguai

Over 50 years combined experience

-Specializing in Color, Black & Grey, Tribal, Japanese, and Custom Art 1000’s of flash designs to choose from -Piercings; dermals, surface, and genital

We carry jewelry, apparel, and artwork Appointments and Walk-ins welcome

Open 7 days a week from 12-11pm

18822 Beach Blvd. Suite 113 Huntington Beach, CA, 92648 (714) 968-0658 Ellis Ave 50 % 50 % off off

January 28, Saturday [Ember] NiteGuide Magazine party with DJ Turbulance (email vip@niteguidemag.com to get on list) Log on to MyClubScene.com now to see more events and get on the list!

tattoo

First time customer only some restrictions apply

Beach Blvd.

Ma

in

January 27, Friday [Ember] Cano 22 performing LIVE

tattoo parlor

St

January 14, Saturday [TEN] Dean Mason

Piercing

Garfield Ave

First time customer only some restrictions apply

www.playersclubtattoo.com niteguidemag.com 25

LAS VEGAS

Featured DJ/Producer If you haven’t heard of DJ Clinton Sparks, it’s time to get familiar...

By Paige Purmort

Photo by Sev-One Media

T

his

out-of-the-box

DJ/Pro-

ducer has landed himself at the forefront of the entertain-

ment industry. His awe-inspiring performances have left many a fan bedazzled and begging for more. Sparks sets himself apart from all other DJs because he’s got a never ending flow of spectacular ideas which offset the balance of your average music man.

His track record for making a scene (in a good way) was demonstrated this past July, when he hosted “Clinton Spark’s Awesome Party” at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas. Sparks threw down a great performance, but it was his entrance that left everyone awe-struck. He was actually lowered down through the roof of the Palms by a helicopter, leaving everyone shocked and amazed. His ever-expanding mind continues to dish out amazing antics like this, and it’s only a matter of time before we see something else that will leave clubgoers speechless.

A little history about Clinton Sparks is necessary to understand his growth as a DJ. Beginning in childhood, Sparks always had a love for music, and growing up in Boston made it hard to get his sound heard—no one took him seriously as a white boy making mix tapes. However Sparks persevered through this and kept pushing forward. He traveled down the East Coast with stacks of mix tapes in his car and handed them out to anyone and everyone who was willing to listen.

Eventually he landed his own radio gig

at Super Radio where he got to play his mix tapes exclusively. It was here that he coined his popular phrase “Get Familiar” and since then has been getting everyone familiar with the name Clinton Sparks.

Sparks has been able to work with great artists like Pitbull, Travie McCoy, Notrious B.I.G, Bun B and Ludacris who have all been an inspiration to Spark’s creative flow. While he’s already produced a hit single entitled “Sucks To Be You” featuring LMFAO and JoJo, his latest project has been the collaboration of his band Ughmerica with his solo projects. The Ughmerica album was released in October and featured the much loved “No Swag” single, and keep an ear out for Clinton’s upcoming single “Watch You” featuring Pitbull. The DJ/Producer turned solo artist just received his first Grammy Nomination, and at this point there’s no stopping him. And that’s a good thing.

26 niteguidemag.com

January 2011 Events Listing:

LOS ANGELES Every Wednesday [Mai Tai Bar] DJ Party & Beer Pong Every Thursday [Mai Tai Bar] Study Hall, Happy Hour ALL night with a college ID Every Friday [Level 3] First Class Friday’s Every Saturday [Level 3] Club DV8 18+ Every Sunday [Mai Tai Bar] NFL Ticket (watch your favorite team on 13 flat screens!)

January 5, Thursday [Playhouse] Jessica Who (SKAM Artist) January 6, Friday [Exchange LA] JJ Flores January 6, Friday [Avalon] Drop the Lime, AC Slater, Star Eyes January 7, Saturday [Playhouse] Mick Boogie January 7, Saturday [Voyeur] Playboy Cybergirl Veronica Lavery’s Birthday Bash January 9, Monday [Playhouse] Mark Farina January 12, Thursday [Playhouse] Eric DLux January 13, Friday [Playhouse] DJ Berrie January 13, Friday [Avalon] Stanton Warriors, Bassjackers, Clockwork January 14, Saturday [Avalon] Laurent Garnier presents L.B.S January 14, Saturday [Playhouse] M.O.S. January 16, Monday [Playhouse] D Ramirez January 19, Thursday [Playhouse] DJ Homicide January 20, Friday [Playhouse] Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike January 21, Saturday [Avalon] Sasha & Craig Richards January 23, Monday [Playhouse] Moguai (MAU5TRAP) January 26, Thursday [Playhouse] Ross-One January 26, Friday [Exchange LA] Insomniac Presents Skrillex January 28, Saturday [Avalon] Sebastien Leger January 30, Monday [Playhouse] Oscar G Log on to MyClubScene.com now to see more events and get on the list! niteguidemag.com 27

SAN DIEGO

Featured VENUE

By Heidi Darby

4

th & B in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter hosts everything from world class DJs to rock staples. Vincent Puma bought the club after holding a rock concert benefiting families of the 2007 wild fires, which claimed his home and beloved Van Halen collection. Now thriving and booking world-renowned artists, Puma shared with NiteGuide what crowd parties the hardest and who he’d like to see invade 4th & B next.

NiteGuide Magazine: I’m going to take a leap and guess your a music lover. What started your love for sound?

Vincent Puma: I'm a true rocker and my passion really began with Def Leppard in1983.

NGM: You host everything from house DJs, to hip-hop, to microwrestling. How important is variety to the venue?

VP: It sets us apart from the other venues in town and keeps things interesting. It would be too boring just to cater to one type of music and crowd. People in San Diego want choices and it's great to provide a little of everything each month.

NGM: How do the crowds vary from genre to genre?

VP: Latin and Electro crowds are larger and seem to be the hardest partiers. Indie, Hard Rock and Alternative fans would be the second largest drinking crowds. More of the mellow Classic Rock and Acoustic stuff brings older audiences, who aren't big drinkers and often can't stand for a whole show.

NGM: What’s the best show you’ve hosted, and why?

VP: Jeff Beck. He is a legend. Korn was my second most memorable show. Just because... It's KORN man!

NGM: Any particularly interesting stories about 4th & B you’d like to share?

VP: This business definitely keeps you on your toes. There is never a dull moment here. That being said, we have been very lucky when it comes to employees, and the people we work with to confirm shows. I can't really think of anything that amazing to share. I can say though, that some of the food items artists ask for back stage can be a bit much - like certain items not touching other items, sugar free candy, organic coffees from India, ridiculously expensive champagne bottles and caviar. I like the ones that just ask for Pizza.

NGM: What band/artist would you love to see play there?

VP: Sammy Hagar and Chickenfoot.

NGM: What can we expect in 2012?

VP: 4th & B will continue to bring the largest shows to town. We are in the process of updating the club with new LED walls and lights, which is sure to get the San Diego Electro-Dance kids excited.

28 niteguidemag.com

“IT WOULD BE TOO BORING JUST TO CATER TO ONE TYPE OF MUSIC AND CROWD. PEOPLE IN SAN DIEGO WANT CHOICES AND IT’S GREAT TO PROVIDE A LITTLE OF EVERYTHING EACH MONTH.” -Vincent Puma, Owner, 4th & B

January 2011 Events Listing:

SAN DIEGO Every Monday [Sevilla] ROCK EN ESPAÑOL Every Tuesday [The Ivy Rooftop] Happier Hour Wine 5-8pm Every Thursday [On Broadway] 18+ Thursdays Every Saturday [On Broadway] Xquisite Saturdays Every Sunday [207 Hard Rock] Sunday School w/ SidVicious January 5, Thursday [207 Hard Rock] DJ Seize & Dynamiq January 6, Friday [4th & B] Sizzlin’ Hot Adult Comedy Hypnosis Show January 6, Friday [Voyeur] Christopher Lawrence January 7, Saturday [4th & B] DJ Quik & Suga Free January 7, Saturday [207 Hard Rock] DJ Que January 7, Saturday [Float Hard Rock] DJ Freshone January 12, Thursday [Voyeur] Brodinski & Gesaffelstein January 13, Friday [4th & B] Chinese New Year Cirque Rave January 13, Friday [Voyeur] Starkillers January 14, Saturday [Voyeur] Felix Cartal January 14, Saturday [207 Hard Rock] OUTASIGHT January 15, Sunday [Float Hard Rock] Wintervention w/ NERVO January 18, Wednesday [Fluxx] Above & Beyond 18+ January 19, Thursday [Voyeur] Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike January 19, Thursday [Fluxx] Above & Beyond January 20, Friday [4th & B] Pat Travers January 21, Saturday [4th & B] Jackyl January 26, Thursday [Fluxx] Infected Mushroom January 26, Thursday [Voyeur] Surkin January 27, Friday [4th & B] Kokane Album Release Party January 28, Saturday [4th & B] Nada Surf January 28, Saturday [207 Hard Rock] DAINJAZONE January 28, Saturday [Float Hard Rock] DJ Bamboozle January 29, Sunday [Fluxx] Showtek 18+ Log on to MyClubScene.com now to see more events and get on the list! niteguidemag.com 29

Featured Band

Imagine Dragons

By Heidi Darby

F

Members left to right: Wayne Sermon, Daniel Platzman, Theresa Flaminio, Ben McKee and Dan Reynolds

rontman Dan Reynolds and his group Imagine Dragons caught the attention of Producer extraordinaire Alex da Kid (Rihanna, Eminem, Sklyar Grey) with their anthemic indie-popster sound.

Now signed with Interscope and it’s subsidiary KidinaKorner, NiteGuide phoned the Vegas native in between recording sessions to hear how Sin City influenced the band, and what to expect in 2012.

NiteGuide Magazine: Will working with such a reputable producer alter your music?

Dan Reynolds: I think he’s an incredibly talented guy, but he loved what Imagine Dragons already were. All of our fans should know nothing significant is going to change. We only hope to be creating better music and we’ll stay true to our sound. He understands that, and is already doing a great job of fusing his own elements into it, but in a way pertaining to what it was.

NGM: Were you born in Vegas?

DR: Born and raised 3rd generation Las Vegas.

NGM: Do you remember your first live show?

DR: Other than my brothers garage bands growing up, probably G Love and Special Sauce at The House of Blues. I remember being so in love and in awe. I’ve always thought he was awesome. Before that I would go to Smoothie King and watch Attaboy Skip, or a garage band.

NGM: What was it like coming up as a band in Vegas?

DR: Some people say Vegas doesn’t have a music scene, and I think 30 niteguidemag.com

that’s incorrect. Anybody who says that just hasn’t searched for it.

There’s some great bands, and really cool venues to play at, from The Hard Rock Live, to The Beauty Bar, to Count’s Vamp’d. In our early days when we couldn’t make rent we were learning cover songs and playing 50% cover songs and 50% original material at places like Green Valley Ranch, and Mandalay Bay. Pretty much anywhere we could go. I think everything is what you make it. A musician does whatever it takes to make it work.

NGM: Has Sin City made it’s way into any of your lyrics?

DR: Vegas has already threaded it’s way into many songs I’ve written.

And I’m sure it will probably become an even stronger influence as we take it to a bigger scale, just because we have such a pride for our hometown. Definitely I’m sure Vegas will continue to pop up in all of our music. Very evidently.

NGM: What’s next?

DR: There’s definitely a real buzz in the air for us. What will happen next? We are currently finishing this EP that we will put out at the beginning of the new year. We’ll tour heavily following it, and follow it up immediately with an album in early 2012. We just want to hit the ground running. We’ve put together our team here at Interscope, and we’re all just super excited. There’s already been talks of a video, and meeting with photographers. Everything is happening so quickly right now. I think we’re all just trying to step back and take a breath, run forward, step back take a breath, and run forward.

Live Music Events Listing: SoCal Los Angeles

ORANGE COUNTY

San Diego

January 5, Thursday [The Bootleg]

January 6, Friday [The Observatory]

January 5, Thursday [The Belly Up]

Stonefeather

Yelawolf

The Spells/Family Wagon and The Tall Ships

January 6, Friday [The Bootleg]

January 7, Saturday [Yost Theater]

January 6, Friday [The Belly Up]

Jacuzzi Boys and Hanni El Khatib

DJ Scotty Boy /Dangerhouse

Pato Baton

January 6, Friday [The Viper Room]

January 7, Saturday [The Observatory]

Boy Hits Car January 7, Saturday [The Viper Room] Flood/Voodoo January 8, Sunday [The Bootleg] Molly Marlette/The Mowgli’s January 8, Sunday [The Roxy] Channel West Coast January 9, Monday [The Viper Room] Phantoms

Tribal Seeds January 13, Friday [Grove Anaheim] The B-52’s January 13, Friday [The Observatory] The Duddy B (of The Dirty Heads) January 13, Friday [The Observatory] The Iron Maidens January 14, Saturday [The Observatory]

January 10, Tuesday [The Belly Up] Common Sense/Useless Rehtoric January 12, Thursday [The Belly Up] Sister Hazel January 13, Friday [Soma] Slightly Stoopid/The Aggrolites January 14, Saturday [The Belly Up] Wayward Sons January 14, Saturday [Soma] Skyfox/Authority Zero

J Boog

January 15, Sunday [4th & B]

Vinnie Ferra

January 16, Monday [The Observatory]

Public Enemy

January 10, Tuesday [The Bootleg]

Handsome Furs

January 15, Sunday [The Belly Up]

Alex Aleco

January 18, Wednesday [Grove Anaheim]

The Handsome Furs

January 11, Wednesday [The Viper Room]

Wu-Tang Clan

January 20, Friday [4th & B]

Socadia

January 18, Wednesday [The Observatory]

Pat Travers

January 12, Thursday [The Roxy]

TRMRS

January 21, Saturday [4th & B]

The Cab/The Summer Set

January 21, Saturday [The Observatory]

Jackyl

January 13, Friday [The Roxy]

Dillon Francis

January 21, Saturday [Soma]

Authority Zero/VGS

January 21, Saturday [The Observatory]

January 9, Monday [The Bootleg]

January 14, Saturday [The Roxy] Einstein’s Dirty Secret January 21, Saturday [The Roxy] Julien-K January 28, Saturday [The Roxy] The Young Rapscallions January 30, Thursday [The Viper Room] Capital Cities/Terraplane Sun

Blouse January 25, Wednesday [Grove Anaheim] STYX January 26, Thursday [The Observatory] White Buffalo January 28, Saturday [Grove Anaheim] Wilco

Colossal January 27, Friday [The Belly Up] Ozomatli January 28, Saturday [The Belly Up] Ozomatli January 28, Saturday [4th & B] Nada Surf January 31, Tuesday [The Belly Up] The Jayhawks

niteguidemag.com 31

FEATURED PRODUCER Photo by Micah Smith

“When I started out I was very fortunate to be involved with a label called Moonshine, which was a very successful label in the ‘90‘s... It was the scariest thing in the world (taking the chance). But you know what? It was also the best decision I ever made.” -Dave Aude

D

ave Aude is a Grammy nominated producer who’s

worked

with

mainstream

artists

including Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, and

Madonna. He’s scored multiple #1 tracks on the US dance chart, and was a crucial part of the Moonshine Music record label. NiteGuide had the opportunity to speak with Aude in his home studio, where he shared his well-rounded industry insight.

NiteGuide Magazine: What is the reason you started producing electronic music?

Dave Aude: I was making music when I was young, in my teens and high school. I never really knew anything other than popular electronic music. Popular electronic music in the ‘80’s was stuff like Erasure and Depeche Mode. In the early 90’s I stumbled onto the underground club scene in LA, and I discovered house music. Back in 1991 there was only two kinds of club music. House and techno, and everybody played both... In the early 90’s there was a big DJ some of you might not know named Sven Vath. He was a big worldwide DJ. Still huge in Germany, still huge in Ibiza. He’s got a big club that everybody goes to, and that’s one of the best clubs.

NGM: Sven Vath is one of the godfathers of techno, correct?

DA: He is one of the godfathers. There’s also Juan Atkins, but he’s definitely one of the godfathers that made techno big. Back then he (Vath) was playing everything, but now he’s just playing techno. In the early ‘90’s everybody was playing everything. It was great time for electronic dance music. You could go to any cool underground club playing dance music and hear everything from KLF, to Black Box, to Quadrophonia, to The Orb, to Moby. You heard everything. Vocals, non-vocals, big strings, pianos.

NGM: How was it working with Luciana Caporaso on your highly successful “Figure It Out” single?

DA: I just love working with Luciana. She’s great fun.

You know making music is all about having fun. It’s not about numbers, or number ones. You have to like what you do.

To watch the full, unedited interview go to www.niteguidemag.com 32 niteguidemag.com

IBIZA

By Emmanuel Cayanan

W

ith a wild and legendary nightlife scene that is unmatched anywhere in the world, Ibiza is often considered the life of the global party. Concentrated in the areas of Ibiza Town on the southern shore and San Antonio in the West, the island’s nightlife scene is abundant in mega-nightclubs and pulsating beats. In the summer, world-famous producers and DJs set the scene in places like Privilege, Amnesia and Space. While on tour, many of these international house, trance and techno acts break new music throughout the Ibiza nightlife scene. Many of the island’s bars are packed in the early evenings, when people watch the sun set before embarking on their nocturnal tours. Ibiza is the center of the international party scene.

34 niteguidemag.com

Privilege

With a capacity of 10,000 people, Privilege Ibiza advertises itself as the “world’s largest nightclub,” after it was named as such in the Guinness Book of Records. Privilege used to host Manumission, one of Ibiza’s main attractions. The event moved to Amnesia after a dispute between the club owner and the event organizers.

However, even without Manumission, Privilege impresses with the massive space of its venue alone. Upon entering, you are greeted with a wide spectrum of color and sparkle. There is a large indoor swimming pool and the garden outside is a breath of fresh Ibiza air with some killer views of the island. Privilege also has a restaurant that serves some of the best in Mediterranean cuisine.

Amnesia

One of many world-renowned nightclubs in Ibiza, Amnesia was brought to the island by award-winning club operator, Joseph Murphy. Amnesia is located in the village of San Rafeal and is not far from Privilege. Though the capacity is up to about 5,000 people, this mega-club is often crowded with partiers from all over the world. One of the first major outdoor clubs on the island, Amnesia is famous for its sunrise dance floor and one of the best sound systems on the island.

Space Space won “Best Global Club” at the International Dance Music Awards back in 2005 and 2006, and has since kept its energy and world-class ambiance on the up and up. It is one of the most famous clubs in the world. The converted concert hall boasts a massive open-air terrace where many wild all-day and all-night parties take place. Techno is the main vibe of this scene, though it does sometimes offer a varied mix of sounds.

Pacha

Pacha in Ibiza Town opened in the 1970’s and has since been rebuilt, reinvented and enlarged several times to what it is today— one of the best-known modern nightclubs in Ibiza. It used to be the only major club that operated in the off-season. It is an intimate setting compared to Privilege and Amnesia, with a capacity of about 3,500. Some of the greatest parties in recent years were hosted by the likes of David Guetta, Erick Morillo and Axwell. Pacha is the premier venue in Ibiza for house music. There are five different rooms featuring other genres.

Es Paradís

With a paradise feel and a labyrinth secret garden, Es Paradís is the most beautiful club on the island and one of Ibiza’s longest lasting venues. Es Paradís famously hosted the first water parties on the island, where the dance floor is flooded like a water park and people splash around to the hottest techno sounds. With a wet dance floor, spectacular décor, and wall-to-wall beautiful people, Es Paradís lives up to its name. niteguidemag.com 35

December IN REVIEW: FEATURED EVENTS Morgan Page

The Yost Theater [Santa Ana]

By Allison Imai | Photos Courtesy of Brian Brown On Thursday, December 22, Morgan Page made a stop on his “In The Air” tour at Santa Ana’s go-to electronic music destination, The Yost Theater. Since its grand re-opening in August, the venue has booked quite an impressive list of high-demand talent in the scene, including Infected Mushroom, Swedish Egil, Gareth Emery, and hosted Benny Benassi on New Year’s Eve. Los Angeles producer Morgan Page has been on the rise since his first album was released in 2008, and paired with a list of 130 plus massive remixes, he has been making quite a name for himself. Page has the ability to effortlessly transition pop favorites into progressive house bangers, a task that many try but seldom succeed in.

Thanks in part to powerhouse promotion company Giant’s recent move to the venue, the dance floor was packed with a sea of awaiting fans.

Southern California favorites Ryan Sage and Elyas Peshtaz opened the night and got the crowd moving with energy before the man of the night took the stage. The Yost’s trademark foam glow sticks were handed out to waiting hands, paired with colorful confetti blasts, reverberating beats and smiling faces until the end of the night.

Annual Snow Ball Party Sharkeez [Huntington Beach] Photos Courtesy of Daniel Yoshinari

NyteHype Entertainment hosts 2Legit Tuesdays, the new 90’s inspired night every week at Baja Sharkeez in Huntington Beach.

On December 20 they held their annual Snow Ball Party in honor of the Toys for Tots toy drive. If you have every attended Snow Ball, you know to arrive in your all white gear, and to bring an unwrapped gift and get ready to party in Huntington under the snow.

The evening was hosted by special guest bartenders Brittany Howard and Brianna Rose mixing all of the crowds favorite drink specials and getting them out quickly. The night was filled with laughter and the joy of giving back. There were drink specials and give-aways all night long, adding to the fun. Overall the night was a smashing success.

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Art Show: Players Club Tattoo 2nd Floor [Huntington Beach]

Photography by MyClubScene.com | Marleigh Dunlap On December 1, 2nd Floor in Huntington Beach hosted a tattoo art show with the world famous Players Club Tattoo Parlor. 2nd floor was the perfect choice to hold the event as they are known for the fine art by today’s finest tattoo artists, which is displayed on their walls and sold any day of the week. It’s the premiere establishment in Southern California for culture, art, ink, food and drinks.

The event had an acoustic jam session, giveaways, live art, raffles and partygoers showing off their finest artwork on their skin. A true celebration of ink and life, 2nd Floor catered the event to an adoring crowd.

Original Artwork was featured by Mr. JJ, Big Capone, NIZL, DOM V and Larry Casas.

Check out Players Club Tattoo in Huntington Beach and get 50% off first time customers. www.playersclubtattoo.com www.2ndfloorhb.com

Young the Giant

The Observatory [Orange County]

By Heidi Darby | Photography by RG Benhard Walking up to the back entrance of the newly re-named Observatory in Santa Ana, the notes of Young The Giant’s sound check resonated through the air. Coming off multiple festival dates and a spot on The Tonight Show, the show was one of the most sought after tickets in town.

The December 17 gig was the second of two performances benefitting Irvine School District music programs. Judging by the sold out crowd that Saturday night, the OC natives scored some serious cash for their hometown district, drawing a room full of anticipating fans.

Expectations for the show were high, and they boys of YTG met them head on. Their energy was relentless to the end, wrapping up the show with an electric crowd joining them onstage.

Check out NiteGuide’s backstage interview with Young The Giant www.niteguidemag.com under videos.

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Groove Radio Holiday Party Story by Allison Imai | Photography by MyClubScene.com | Shannon Nehls

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t’s a rare thing when producers and music enthusiasts are gathered together under the same roof to converse and network for a good cause. On December 7, Playhouse Hollywood hosted the 8th Annual Holiday Groove 2011, a massive year-end industry party put on by Groove Radio, Chemistry, and Belong Clothing to benefit the Spark of Love Toy Drive. Guests were requested to bring a new, unwrapped toy of a $10 value in exchange for free admission to the celebration. The event was recorded live and broadcasted straight from the venue for listeners at home to enjoy.

For nearly two decades, Groove Radio’s founder Swedish Egil has been bringing his love of electronic music to the airwaves. His focus on underground club beats combined with his on-air positivity about the scene was something electronic music culture had been craving for quite some time. It was eight years ago that the beloved producer decided to create an annual holiday event to benefit electronic music lovers, fellow DJs, and charities all in one massive celebration, and there’s no better place to hold a gathering like this than Los Angeles’s coveted Playhouse Hollywood. The venue has been a favorite of city natives for years and has hosted a high-caliber list of talent, a true “who’s who” of the electronic scene.

The talent list was nothing short of incredible, featuring the likes of Christopher Lawrence, Morgan Page, The Crystal Method, Static Revenger, DJ Reza, and of course Groove Radio’s own Swedish Egil, just to name a few. Santa hats and sparkling lights were everywhere in sight, as the entire dance floor bounced and jumped to the back-to-back killer sets. Go-go dancers, confetti blasts and a huge LED wall with colorful holiday ornaments kept the crowd’s energy going. The EC Twins threw out massive hits left and right while laughing and waving a copy of NiteGuide’s December issue over their heads. Santa also made a few appearances on stage throughout the night throwing handfuls of glow sticks into the screaming crowd. For our loyal readers on the constant search for Mr. NiteGuide, he was sighted making a quick appearance in the crowd and partaking in one of the many champagne toasts of the night.

This was a truly special event, one that we can only hope grows in the years to come. Holiday Groove spreads positivity for a good cause.

It focuses on the impact electronic music has on its fans, and the rise of this culture has provided artists with an opportunity to give back.

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NiteGuide Magazine’s Ugly Sweater Holiday Party

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By Fred Dyoll | Photography by MyClubScene.com | Jennifer Cartwright

iteGuide Magazine held their company holiday party on December 21 at Hurricane’s Bar and Grill in Huntington Beach, complete with a variety of ugly sweaters and unbeatable drink specials.

The event was sponsored by Asahi, a rising brewery based out of Tokyo, Japan, famous for its dry beer. Additional sponsors UV Cake Vodka and Tres Sietes Tequila were also on hand with killer drink specials. Hurricane’s has been a favorite of Southern California locals for its casual atmosphere and amazing view of Main Street and the Huntington Beach pier. The venue was the perfect place to host a gathering of NiteGuide’s family, friends, and loyal readers. Coming up on the magazines two year anniversary, the staff and their guests were ready drink and be merry.

Partygoers were greeted by sparkling white lights, buckets of beer, and a ceiling full of red and green balloons to set the mood. Local favorites DJ Slander and Peter G provided the music, with everyone in their Christmas sweaters and Santa hats grooving to the beats on the light-up dance floor. The DJs kept energy levels high, carrying attendees into the Ugliest Sweater showdown.

NiteGuide gave away $100 cash prizes to the top three winners of the ugly sweater contest, and as the pictures illustrate, it was a definite tough call. Light-up homemade frocks, sweaters adorned with jingle bells, and even elf hats brought the competition to a good-humored level. After the winners accepted their cash, the party started right where it left off, with everyone drinking and having a great time.

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PLAYHOUSE Hollywood

J.COLE

EMBER [ANAHEIM]

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Photos Courtesy of MyClubScene.com I Martin Clara

PHOTO RECAP

Photos Courtesy of MyClubScene.com I Patrick Strube

Winterfresh

Pico Rivers Sports arena Los Angeles

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Pocketbra

By Heidi Darby oni Ibabaza, President of SportySexy, embraced the nightlife. Dancing and catching up with friends was always a pleasure, but the cumbersome ritual of carrying a purse was anything but fun. Through her personal experiences, she developed a product to store her cash and ID that was convenient and accessible. She transformed from nightlife lover to nightlife entrepreneur with the Pocketbra.

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“Nightlife lovers no longer have to stuff their bras or worry about losing their purse when they are at clubs, lounges, or parties,” Ibabaza says. “They can secure their cash, ID, and even their phone in the Pocketbra’s side pockets. They will also feel beautiful wearing a gorgeous and comfortable bra that can be adapted for any outfit. All of the Pocketbras are convertible and can be worn many ways.”

Her innovative undergarment is comprised of three styles, Pushup, V-Cut, and Athletic, and comes in nude, black, white, and leopard print. Striving to develop a bra that works for everyone in every situation, her Pocketbra creates space for cash, credit cards, and even keys and a phone. Comfort is considered a priority for Ibabaza, who created the Pocketbra using high per-

formance moisture management jersey that is soft, durable, and modeled with cups that provide support style.

“I want customers to have found their ‘go to’ bra. The one that they can rely on to not only secure their essentials, but to also always make them feel beautiful and comfortable no matter what they are wearing, or where they are going,” Ibabaza said.

Carrying a purse no longer has to be a ball chain on the dance floor, with Pocketbra freedom and security are both sexy and functional. The wide, soft, removable straps can be worn as a classic bra, strapless, halter, cross-back, and onestrap. Ibabaza merged fashion and performance to reinvent an essential article of clothing.

To check out Pocketbras by SportySexy go to www.mypocketbra.com.

Stingaree San Diego

Photos Courtesy of MyClubScene.com I Brian Hmurovich

PHOTO RECAP

Photos Courtesy of 9Group Las Vegas

GBDC:GHostBAr DayClub palms | Las Vegas

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NERVO

Photos Courtesy of MyClubScene.com I Martin Clara

Yost Theater

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PHOTO RECAP

RAIN Palms | Las Vegas

Photos Courtesy of 9Group

MaiTai Bar Long Beach

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Photos Courtesy of MyClubScene.com | Martin Clara | Theresa Lomavaya

PHOTO RECAP

Photos Courtesy of Jacob Schulman & Warren Whitmore

AVICII NYE Pier 94 | New York

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AVEC NYE

Photos Courtesy of MyClubScene.com I John Nguyen

Huntington Beach

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PHOTO RECAP

Photos Courtesy of MyClubScene.com | Josh Raab

LaidBack Luke NYE Pacha | New York

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“No More Excuses”

was recently teaching a workshop at my store when a single guy approached me afterwards and asked me how he could meet someone to date. He (like so many others) wanted to meet that special someone and live happily ever after. But how do you do that? Where and how do you meet your Prince (or Princess) Charming?

I recently spent two years single (after a long relationship ended) and therefore have had quite a bit of experience dating all over again. I made suggestions to the single guy that many of my readers would find very familiar.

I told him that it was all a numbers game and that he needed to meet as many women as possible in order to raise the odds of finding “the one.”

Meeting and dating as many people as possible will also give you dating experience; you learn something at each failed date (hee hee). You learn more about what type of person you are looking for - or not looking for and you learn more about what you should or shouldn’t do on a first date.

He proceeded to tell me that he didn’t know where to go to meet women.

I suggested a number of places I had used as “meeting places.” I went to singles events nearby, I took classes at the community center (cooking, yoga, etc), and I would talk to new people while at the gym, in line at the bank, at a bar/club, even at the book store. After all, you never know where you are going to meet someone.

After telling me he wasn’t so great at talking to women, I suggested online dating. This way he could spend time thinking out what he wanted to say to someone via email at first rather than feeling awkward in person. He could start up a conversation and start creating a relationship with someone before having to deal with the pressure of meeting in person. I was on multiple dating websites when I was single and did go out with a number of different people and eventually met my current boyfriend online. Then he said he couldn’t afford to be a member of any dating sites.

This went on for some time where I would give him a suggestion and he would shoot it down and I was getting pretty frustrated. After all, if it is really a priority, then you will find a way to make it work. He had excuse after excuse of why he couldn’t meet anyone. So you know what, he won’t meet anyone. Instead of creating a new relationship, he is busy creating excuses.

If you are single and don’t want to be, stop making excuses and get out there! A new relationship will not fall into your lap while you are sitting at home on a Friday night. You have to go out into the world and meet new people in order to find someone. And if that first person isn’t the right someone - chances are the first one won’t be - then move on and find someone else until you do find the right one. Don’t waste time making excuses for why you are unhappy, go out and make yourself happy. Finding a relationship takes time and effort. And when you do find someone, the real work begins: taking the time and effort to maintain and grow a relationship.

For more dating & relationship advice, email your questions to: kittysguide@gmail.com Alysia Batchelder is the owner of Pink Kitty in Irvine, CA and is a sex expert & educator. www.pinkkittystore.com

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PHOTO RECAP

Photos Courtesy of MyClubScene.com | Armando Cardenas & Shannon Nehls

XL NYE | The Observatory Manufactured Superstars, ATB, Porter Robinson, Tiesto

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Photos Courtesy of MyClubScene.com | Christina Montaldo

Benny Benassi NYE The Yost Theater

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HOROSCOPE capricorn December 22- January 20

By Kristin Halberg

Happy Bir thday CAPRICORN!

might be a good time to take a new job. Money might not be as tight this year either. Maybe that promotion you have been wait-

It’s a new year, which means new possibilities for you dear Cap-

ing for? An inheritance falling in your lap?

ricorn. Expect this year to be much quieter than last- serene even. With calm around you for once, take this time this year

Love:

and focus on what you want. It’s time to make those big deci-

Love is in the air! Single? Maybe not for long! Play your cards

sions that have been nagging at you! Try looking on the bright

right, and a relationship might not seem so unattainable. Try

side for once too. This year will be better than last! (Now say it

and lose your cynicism, and those walls might come crashing

out loud…)

down for you. Already have someone? A relationship isn’t all that bad. Take some time with your partner this year. Rekindle

Career:

what may have been put on the back burner for whatever rea-

Time to reignite your inner social butterfly, because this year

son. Solving the unresolved is important for longevity with a

it’s all about networking. Whether you are currently employed

mate. Putting in the hard work now will mean major benefits

or looking for that new perfect job, it’s all about who you know

later on. Trust the relationship you have. It’s a good one!

to make it happen. You might be surprised at who pops up in a pinch too. Don’t be afraid to take a chance! If you are looking for a new job path, keep your eyes open around March. That

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Photos Courtesy Al Powers | Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub

KASKADE NYE 2012 MARQUEE | LAS VEGAS

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