It's no state secret that I'm not a fan of Ice. When the self-described meta-club opened a few months back, I was less than pleased by essentially everything it had to offer. Bad service, jerky security, and an overly large VIP area are just some examples. Heck, one of the most common things I hear when I meet readers is, "Hey, that Ice story you did was so right on!"
Well kids, a friend's birthday party brought me back last Sunday. The verdict? Average; which is to say, a big improvement. Since it was a Sunday, the crowd was local and the vibe was good. David Christian was on hand, doing a stand-up job on the turntables. But, while there was a bit more seating available for the common man, there still was quite a bit of VIP.
I also rethought my opinion of the club's interior. Initially, I thought the layout and design were cool, but on second glance, it all seemed bland and sterile. Vegas is about spectacle and if you're calling your club Ice, that's what it should be. Ice, at least plastic, should be everywhere. Big icebergs, ice-cube shaped tables, fake snow, and so on.
In the end, I'm still not sold, but I'm not filled with as much hatred and disdain.
Of course, I could be completely wrong. Ice, along with MGM's Tabú, were the only local clubs to recently receive nominations for the 2004 World Club Awards. Ice received nods for Best New Club, Sound, Video, and Lighting. Tabú was nominated for Best Lounge and Best Video.
Oh, and I ran into Bo Karlen, one of the promoters for the Boy George show. He let me know the performance has been officially rescheduled for March 6.
PALMARIFIC CELEBRATIONS redux
I braved the Palms this weekend for the resort's second anniversary bash. I was a salmon swimming upstream as I made my way through the ridiculous crowds. I heard that DiCaprio was creeping about. I saw Jermaine Durpee at Rain, not to mention Tara Reid and Claire Forlani in the casino. The girl from Mallrats—talk about a dream come true!
It was an amazing weekend of fun, but too many damn people. But if you were from out of town, I can only imagine the insane sense of wonder you got from the spectacle of Rain.
NOT TO MISS!
OK gang, pay attention. I've got a couple of parties you must attend. Friday has a night of bittersweet fun at Ra with Twizted Bizcuit's fourth annual Golddiger's Ball, with Brad Smith, DJ Noey and DJ Phaness. Why bittersweet? This is to be the last Twizted Bizcuit party. I'll have the full story next week.
Also, don't miss the 21st Magic Mix anniversary spectacular at Tabú Sunday. It's a night of old-school fun with DJs Frankie and ROB, plus DJ Hollywood. And breakdancers City Break Force will be on hand celebrating their 20th anniversary.
Antonio Llapur is a raving lunatic. E-mail him your club news at [email protected]