Lina Lecaro[UPDATE: More, exclusive pics of Adam Lambert with his new long hair at the “bottom” (get it?) of the piece.]
Are we a glutton for punishment? Nah, just a glutton! Last night, we returned to Hollywood for Syndicate Hospitality Group's champagne and food feast media mixer at Eden, the new nightclub where we were not only denied entrance Friday night, but also barricaded outside for an hour as police investigated a shooting across the street.
It was the swanky oasis we expected, sure. But the real temptations occurred later, while seeking out a new happening -Animal- from Ana Calderon and Keith Wilson at My Studio (decided not to give in, based on the line) and finally, the androgynous amusements of Mr. Black at Bardot up the street where one of our favorite Adam's (no Eve) held court as bare bottomed boys slithered around like seductive, spandexed snakes.
Adam Lambert was sweet as apple pie, posing for pics with the fawning fembots -including yours truly- who dared to approach him (we remininsced about The Zodiac Show, which we saw him perform in a few times years back and which he reminded us, was often held downstairs at Avalon). Of course, Mr. Black boys (and girls) are some of the edgiest, artiest gays in LA, so most were too cool to drool over the “Idol” in the room. Still, we'd never seen the bash more bodacious or the crowd here more, “on” than last night.
Credit: Lina Lecaro
Pop singer Erika Jayne was sexing up the booth next to Lambert, and we think in many ways she's got a shot to become his female equivalent. She gorgeous and glitzy with catchy dance floor come-ons recalling Britney and Gaga. Also in the house, co-hostess Lenora Claire (who tells us she busy readying a new art gallery, called Pop tART in downtown) and drag performer Rhea Litre (who'll be seen at Trannyshack LA at the Echoplex this Sunday).
Obviously Mr. Black aint going black anytime soon, and creator Luke Nero tells us he's got some big surprises in store in the next few months, including live music performances. Mz. Jayne? Glambert? A gal can wish, right?
Speaking of desires, Eden which started off our enchanted evening, sure is a sexy space.
Credit: Lina Lecaro
Bizarre yet beautiful hanging sculptures fall from the ceiling, as wood walls, earthy hues and lighting make it feel surprisingly warm and comfy for a place so opulent. There's not a proper dance floor, but all the booths are equipped with table-like platforms made for shaking on. We'll have to come back to see what that actually looks like, though. Media folk don't dance on table tops.
Syndicate's other venue, My Studio, was the locale for a new hip-spinner shindig called Animal debuting last night. Marking the launch of Table Manners DJ Management, hosts Keith Wilson, Pamela Francesca, Ana Calderon and AJ English, were on hand along with the group's roster of turntablists: Chris Masterson, Chris Holmes, Zen Freeman, Jordan Masterson, and Will Crimes Bakdraft to throw down for the Urban Outfitted, mis-matched masses; a decidedly cooler clubber crew than the spot sees on weekends, at least from the line outside we saw.
Back in Black; Credit: Lina Lecaro
So what's the life-span for clubs in Hollywood these days? Shorter than ever, it seems. Eden should be “It” spot du jour for most of this year but if isn't, there's always Crimson, the adjacent venue from the same owners which has yet to be remodeled. My Studio was the coveted club destination of last year (it even made our year-end Best Of list), but that seems to have changed. All of Animal's invites and promos listed only the address, not the actual club name, which promoters often do when they don't want any pre-judgments about the party's atmosphere. If they were looking to “remake” the space, it seems they succeeded.
Still, for every venue that's lost its luster (Kress, Vice), there's an older club that still has bite. Cinespace and Bardot, for example. The latter may in fact, be the best all-around venue in the area right now, boasting Mr. Black, La Boum (tonight), KCRW's School Night on Mondays and Bardot Sessions on Thursdays. Even if we don't go to 'em all that much, we are often tempted.
UPDATE: Wow. Glambert fans are hardcore. For all you asking for more shots of the singer's sexy new long locks, here are two more for your entertainment.
Credit: Lina Lecaro
Credit: Lina Lecaro
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