Even though what happens in Vegas is supposed to stay in Vegas, we will be bringing you periodic updates of the Billboard Dance Music Summit / Vegas Alliance Music Experience as it happens.
I started the journey to Vegas with the extreme luck of sitting next to Miss Kristy Kay. Its amazing that we both live in Nashville, yet with our insane touring and production/travel schedule, we rarely get to see each other. The four hours of captivity gave us plenty of time to catch up on everything - her soon to be released new single "Where Will You Go," touring with Will to Power, and various other bits of hot industry gossip. Arrival to Las Vegas was quick, efficient and even early thanks to Southwest being ahead of schedule. After dropping off luggage at the Palms, a quick power shopping trip to Caesar's Forum Shops (love Custo Barcelona) and Fashion Show Mall (where I ran into CarrotTop.)
Walking around the pool, I ran into Michael Paoletta who was hanging out with the divine Vanessa Daou. The two shared the plane ride which confirmed to me that a talented dance diva is the perfect accessory for plane travel. Vanessa Daou (Slow to Burn/Two to Tango) is finishing up her new CD "Joe Sent Me" a 40s inspired electronica cd with a cutting edge interactive and immersive multimedia experience. As an independent artist, she is going to be free to translate her unique vision of artistry on this groundbreaking new project.
Hanging poolside at the Palms was nice with Sharon T, Mike Bordes (Sirius,) Dan Matthews (Klubjumpers), and Lainie Copicotto (Aurelia) but it was time to venture out for some partying. First stop was the Hard Rock Cafe for the XM Radio / Blow.Com pool party. The vibe was energetic as DJ Theo was rocking a set of updated classics ("Push the Feeling On") with currents ("Calabria.") The crowd was into it and beams of light were emanating from Theo's head which upon closer inspection was the sunlight reflecting off his swarovski crystal covered headphones (very similar to the line designed by Donna D'Cruz). DJ Scotty Boy came next with an energetic set and some great microphone work which will really kept the crowd going.
The industry people were starting to show up as Skyy (XM,) Orlando Puerta (Warner Brothers,) Ian Sugarman (SugarDip) and Hosh G (HoshG.Com/RCA) were in attendance. Orlando is quite excited about the new Seal single "Amazing" and Hosh is building buzz for a new digital dance music website which will be unveiled Monday night.
The end of the daytime party was timed perfectly to allow a few hours of personal time before the nighttime events kicked in. Michael Paoletta had a nice dinner at Nob Hill (expensive but absolutely worth every penny - try the lobster pot pie) and experienced Zumanity, the adult version of Cirque du Soleil (unlike anything you might experience outside of Vegas.)
The circuit scene is alive and well as Rain at the Palm was packed with shirtless muscleboys gyrating to the tribal sounds of Brett Henrichsen (Masterbeat). There's a reason why his mixed cds so well - building fans through circuit/club events works the same way in the dance world as the rock artists who tour the country. Flava's performance was electric and followed by the debut of the Scott Anderson (Solar City) mix of Britney Spear's "Gimme More." If the crowd reaction is any measure, Jive should definitely be picking up this mix. I ran into Giuseppe D (watch out for his new project "Electrophunk") and we decided to explore the Palms further.
