Wednesday, June 15, 12:30 a.m. I once read that the color orange inspires anxiety, anger and discomfort, but tonight at Tangerine, the crowd appears, more than anything else, horny. Funny how the textbooks never got around to mentioning that.
Standing in the center of the lounge is like being at the send of a concert: Everyone is going in all directions at once. It takes determination—and a firm grip on one's purse, drink and clothing—to cross the dance floor. The cause du nuit is Pure and Tangerine promoter Blake Anthony, who is celebrating his (censored) birthday here in what could be considered an office party. Much of Vegas' nightlife community has shown up to watch the spectacle and party till they look blurry. Bathed in an ochre and saffron glow, they are a quivering, gyrating mass, arms and legs moving in time with the hip-hop.
Blake is having a good time. He may be (censored) years old but he doesn't look a day over 21. Or act it. He's going around, doing that thing your uncle does to your father at barbecues, hooking his arm around people's necks and saying, "I love you, man! You know that right?" We know, Blake; we love you too.
Outside, Tangerine winds along, clinging to a cliff overlooking Siren's Cove. Here, house music is king and a massive bongo drum with a drummer perched in its center dangles from the patio's edge. Back in the days of pre-midlife crisis, when it was still called Treasure Island, the building was a pinky-peachy color, and gruffer, more masculine pirates trolled the waters without sequins or thigh-highs. Then, Tangerine would have been an incongruous architectural anomaly stuck smack in the middle of the pirate show set. T.I.'s face-lift and makeover have injected sex into the once Disney-like property, and Tangerine's shiny, curvaceous patio and outdoor bar have become a sweet spot to party every Wednesday night. The patio even becomes part of the new show, when at 10 and 11:30 p.m., revelers have the ultimate view of ships and explosions.
A combo breaks into a raucous rendition of "Tequila" and "Let Me Stand Next To Your Fire," not really jazz standards but the sax-man wails and puffs away, nonetheless. A woman with incredible muscle tone and very little clothing is clawing the walls, burlesquing her way into the hearts of every man in the room. Tonight, we are doubly blessed as we not only get to see the luscious Tangerine dancers, but Models International is holding the second week of its monthlong search for the new "It" girl. The hopefuls are given a lightning-quick trot onto the stage for a wave but clearly they are being hurried; no one wants to kill the great vibe.
Orange is a strong, attractive color in the Far East, and highly regarded for promoting fusion and community, the perfect hue for Moonshine Wednesdays. Moonshine brings together locals, service-industry folks, midweek visitors and the occasional convention with hundreds of name tags and logo'd polo shirts. Guest DJs and surprise performances by top musicians are common, as are appearances by Playmates, calendar girls and models.
Thursday night's promoter, Lance Sherman, labors feverishly on his Blackberry, contacting showgirls, chorus girls, dancers, comedians, singers and other entertainers. Thursdays have come to be called Backstage Booty, after the amazing number of show folks who come to cocktail and carouse. In one night, I saw hypnotist Anthony Cools, members of Elton John's band, and the beautiful cast of the Folies Bergere.
I struggle through the crowd to make my rounds. It's going to be a late night, it seems, and the crowd shows no signs of stopping. Fresh faces continue to stream in the front door, along with familiar ones re-entering (the nearest restrooms are outside). I lose half my drink on my shoe thanks to a tall, Abercrombie & Fitch model-type but I find it in my heart to forgive him and flirt a little. Sometimes I wish there was a sunken or raised dance floor here, or just more room, but then again, I like my lounges how I like my coffee: small, dark and sweet. And with pirates.
Xania Woodman thinks globally and parties locally. And frequently. E-mail her at
[email protected].
Xania's Hot Spots for June 23-29
Thursday, June 23
Rock 'n' Roll Wine presents Spun, Mist, 7 p.m.
Backstage Booty, Tangerine
The House Society Presents Soundbar, Plush
Friday, June 24
AV with Roonie G, Ra
Thank Glaude It's Friday, Ice
MTV's Date My Mom casting, Forty Deuce
French Connection with Montreal's DJ Groove, Vivid
Saturday, June 25
Heaven & Hell Ball, Seven
The Residents: DJs Michael Fuller, Faarsheed and Bob Shindelar, Ice
Sunday, June 26
944 magazine launch party, Light
After Hours magazine first anniversary party, Risque
Monday, June 27
AM Afterhours is back! Forty Deuce, 3 a.m.
Tuesday, June 28
Locals, Industry Night, Pure
Wednesday, June 29
Models International modeling finals and Moonshine, Tangerine
Locals showcase, with DJs Frenchy, Speedy, Vibe and Dave Fogg, Ra
For more Hot Spots and weekly parties visit
www.TheCircuitLV.com and sign up for Xania's free weekly newsletter.