davidmrivera Posted January 25 Report Share Posted January 25 Event information Movingsun Studios: 702-385-9009Questions: freeform@utopialv.comWebsite: www.utopialv.comTable reservations: Ray@utopialv.com // 702-807-8488Ticket purchases:www.wantickets.comWELCOME HOMENot just a place, but a vision! 10 years ago Gino Lo Pinto and Aaron Britt set out to start something that would eventually become oneof the most talked about movements in Vegas nightlife history: Utopia. This place was special. From the moment you walked thru the door to the sunrising in the morning you knew you were part of something bigger than yourself. From the djs, to the magicians, to the club kids, to the artists, to thestrippers and techno geeks, all were special and had a place here. This was an era before bottle service, talent wranglers, and a couch beingdefined as real estate. This was an era of idealism, creative freedom, and above all else this was the era of the dj. For one weekend, Las Vegas willpay tribute to a movement ahead of its time and paved the way for the renaissance of Las Vegas nightlife. This weekend will feature performance art,world class djs, cutting edge live acts, an old school cast of characters, and a vibe only Utopia can create. “Be prepared for enlightment and let loveguide you for the rest of your days. Now, relax and open your mind, release yourself into the vibe, and you will find . . . Utopia!”:: Dates ::Thursday, February 16thDJ Sneak at Voodoo LoungeKeith EvanFriday, February 17thICE - talent: TBALate Night Empire - Paul Oakenfold, Michael FullerSaturday, February 18thRabbit In The MoonElectric SkychurchDoc MartinFrank RichardsRobert OleysyckMichael Fuller:: Time ::Thursday - 10:30pm – 4amFriday ICE - 10:30pm – 4am, Empire - 3am – 9amSaturday - 10pm – 9amKEY PLAYERSExecutive Producers: Gino Lo Pinto and Michael FullerEvent Coordinator: Dave GutierrezCreative Director: Eddie Franco, Jason Gatlin, and JoelMartinezTechnical Director: Robert Oleysyck and Noah McMahaonOnline Marketing Coordinator: Berry JohnstonPromotions Director: David Rivera and Adam GouldLead VIP Host: Ray DavillaProp Development: Chad Craig and Alex VinsonPerformance Artists: Mycol, Jada Fire, Calvin the Contortionist,Jason Scott, and AnahattaTicketsSold on vegas.com and wantickets.comThursday - $20 Friday-ICE – Empire – $30 Saturday500 : $40Package deal pricingFirst 100 : $75Access to:Voodoo,ICE,Empire Fri,Empire Sat Free 3 pack utopia cdNext 900: $96Access to: Vodoo,ICE,Empire Fri,Empire Sat Free 3 pack Uopia cd ,Free Utopia tshirtSponsored/Promoted/Branded with: Clubplanet.com, Napkinnights.com, Spyonvegas.com, nightclubs.com,Voodoo Lounge at Rio, ICE Las Vegas, and Empire Nightclub Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greenie Posted January 26 Report Share Posted January 26 I heard about the makings of this a little while back, I can't believe my luck that it's going to be the same weekend as my next scheudled trip. Fanfuckingtastic. Can't wait.Saturday night also has Christopher Lawrence *and* DJ Dan in a double bill... I'm not missing that, so hopefully Electric Skychurch isn't going on until the early hours of the morning at Empire. That's usually when they're at their best anyhow. The TBA event for Friday night at ICE is being promoted as Glaude's regular TGIF gig with Joe Mazzola along for the ride. In any event, looks like I'm bouncing between ICE and Empire a lot this weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitee702 Posted January 26 Report Share Posted January 26 It going to be a great event. I will be there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrvip Posted January 28 Report Share Posted January 28 This Utopia weekend reunion will certainly bring back a lot of old faces and give the new faces a taste of what Las Vegas nightlife used to be like. We are definitely looking forward to this experience, as well as seeing a lot of old friends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djsienpileggi Posted January 28 Report Share Posted January 28 I dont mean to sound like a pooper, because I too, was there and had so many good times and memories of all the Elements that came together to make Utopia what it was. From the DJ's to the Music, Strippers, Club Kids, Dancers, Glowstickers, TransSexuals (in all their Diva glamour), Bouncers, FireBreathers, Congo Drummers, Silver painted people... it will be fun im sure .. but it can never be UTOPIA..UTOPIA.. It wasnt even the same after the fire. It lost something when they came back with the HOSPITAL WHITE look. I will have to say that I am going to have to keep my lasting memories of Utopia untouched and untainted.But please, take alot of pictures and try to post them so we can all see.Would be interesting to see who survived this long.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edlosangeles Posted January 30 Report Share Posted January 30 they ever clean up the parking lot? that place was crack city! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djsienpileggi Posted January 31 Report Share Posted January 31 lol... that was funny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greenie Posted January 31 Report Share Posted January 31 Thankfully I think I've burned all the club photos I had from the late 90s.No wait, I'm thinking of clothing.Maybe I can dig a few up... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edlosangeles Posted January 31 Report Share Posted January 31 lol... that was funnyAhh Ha! You member?!?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lasvegas Posted February 3 Report Share Posted February 3 Be sure to get your tickets in advance at www.wantickets.com!These events are expected to sell out and if you show up at the door and can't get in, I'll bet you're not gonna be happy http://www.wantickets.com/Function/event/event_listing_promoter.asp?userid=103472 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marcblemberg Posted February 3 Report Share Posted February 3 To date, there has not been a club in Vegas that even comes close to Utopia witch was and still would be the #1 spot in vegas... it has a vibe like no other, know a days its fake,With wannabe hip hop clubs, and bimbo dum bitches,Johnny Vegas dudes dancing on a table to show off that they paid $500 for a bottle of piosson,Pure wackiness.Utopia had no gimmicks...They were pure and simple,remeber this... the old school will always out live the new wack spots..This is not my opinion but a fact...Mr freeze Rock steady crew Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BKDJ Posted February 14 Report Share Posted February 14 wurd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lalate Posted February 15 Report Share Posted February 15 To date, there has not been a club in Vegas that even comes close to Utopia witch was and still would be the #1 spot in vegas... it has a vibe like no other, know a days its fake,With wannabe hip hop clubs, and bimbo dum bitches,Johnny Vegas dudes dancing on a table to show off that they paid $500 for a bottle of piosson,Pure wackiness.Utopia had no gimmicks...They were pure and simple,remeber this... the old school will always out live the new wack spots..This is not my opinion but a fact...Mr freeze Rock steady crewYes these darn "bimbo dum b--tches" (lol), there never existed before. What is the world coming to, I ask you! lol jk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marcblemberg Posted February 15 Report Share Posted February 15 Yes these darn "bimbo dum b--tches" (lol), there never existed before. What is the world coming to, I ask you! lol jkDon't forget the johnny vegas dudes...Mr freezeRock steady crew Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orfeo633 Posted February 18 Report Share Posted February 18 I'm not exactly sure how to react to this. For those of you who weren't there, or who just visited LV once in a while or went to Utopia once or twice, you really can't understand what it means to someone who spent every single Saturday there.....it was much more than just a club, it was a way of life. Utopia is the place I met the love of my life....I met friends there who I've only grown closer to throughout the years....when it was around its what I centered my life around basically, choosing an outfit for Saturday night....anticipating the guest DJs....knowing I was going to be in a place that makes the world stop for just a few hours, where time stood still and you were immersed in a crowd of people who you felt a special connection with just coz you were there for the same reason....there was a unity, a sense of community, that you don't get in clubs nowadays....Utopia is among the greats.....it stands alongside Studio 54, Twilo, The Tunnel and Limelight as one of the greatest clubs ever in the US...After Aaron's passing, it was never quite the same though and eventually it fell the same way many others did.....when corporate zombies tried to turn it into nothing more than another cash cow.I'm very hesitant to go tomorrow....one part of me just wants to go back and hear those DJs in the same venue....relive what was... But then another part of me is afraid that it will blemish the memories I have....Empire Ballroom ISN"T Utopia!!! It looks different....the balcony is a VIP area.....the upstairs is a VIP area......so that right there affects the entire vibe.... Many of the people who were involved with Utopia and are organizing this event are now basically sellouts working for corporate owned clubs, so their main interest is $$$$$$.....which is what makes me hesitant to think it will even resemble Utopia...I think the whole thing with making it a 3 day party is tacky, its cheapening the memory of Utopia, and it makes it seem like just a marketing gimmick to get people into Empire Ballroom....they can't stand on their own so they wanna capitalize on Utopia's reputation to make a name for themselves and the people involved wanna do the same for the places they now work at, which is why its 3 days in 3 different venues....Such an approach is in itself against the very things which Utopia stood for, the fact that it wasn't a cash cow or tourist trap is what made it appeal to those who really loved the scene and the music....Its being marketed to the mainstream crowd, the tourists, and the people who actually think table service is cool....How welcoming of a place do you really think it will be??? Will the club kids and transexuals and gays be welcome??? The one bad thing Utopia did was spoil me for any other club in town, none can compete....its not about what bitch can be the most stuck up or who is dumb enough to pay $500 for a place to sit and a $30 bottle.....its about the music, the vibe, and the community....And one more thing, they have electronic music and guest DJs during their after parties on Saturday nights, the admission is $20, so in theory it should be the same as the "Utopia" even they're having tomorrow for $40.....so remember you're payng that extre $20 for the hype and the fact that its a "special event" and they'll have performance artists....mmmm to try and create a vibe. During Utopia's height, the crowd was the performance art ;-)Sooooooooooooo I probably won't be there, I'll keep my memories pure.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marcblemberg Posted February 18 Report Share Posted February 18 I'm not exactly sure how to react to this. For those of you who weren't there, or who just visited LV once in a while or went to Utopia once or twice, you really can't understand what it means to someone who spent every single Saturday there.....it was much more than just a club, it was a way of life. Utopia is the place I met the love of my life....I met friends there who I've only grown closer to throughout the years....when it was around its what I centered my life around basically, choosing an outfit for Saturday night....anticipating the guest DJs....knowing I was going to be in a place that makes the world stop for just a few hours, where time stood still and you were immersed in a crowd of people who you felt a special connection with just coz you were there for the same reason....there was a unity, a sense of community, that you don't get in clubs nowadays....Utopia is among the greats.....it stands alongside Studio 54, Twilo, The Tunnel and Limelight as one of the greatest clubs ever in the US...After Aaron's passing, it was never quite the same though and eventually it fell the same way many others did.....when corporate zombies tried to turn it into nothing more than another cash cow.I'm very hesitant to go tomorrow....one part of me just wants to go back and hear those DJs in the same venue....relive what was... But then another part of me is afraid that it will blemish the memories I have....Empire Ballroom ISN"T Utopia!!! It looks different....the balcony is a VIP area.....the upstairs is a VIP area......so that right there affects the entire vibe.... Many of the people who were involved with Utopia and are organizing this event are now basically sellouts working for corporate owned clubs, so their main interest is $$$$$$.....which is what makes me hesitant to think it will even resemble Utopia...I think the whole thing with making it a 3 day party is tacky, its cheapening the memory of Utopia, and it makes it seem like just a marketing gimmick to get people into Empire Ballroom....they can't stand on their own so they wanna capitalize on Utopia's reputation to make a name for themselves and the people involved wanna do the same for the places they now work at, which is why its 3 days in 3 different venues....Such an approach is in itself against the very things which Utopia stood for, the fact that it wasn't a cash cow or tourist trap is what made it appeal to those who really loved the scene and the music....Its being marketed to the mainstream crowd, the tourists, and the people who actually think table service is cool....How welcoming of a place do you really think it will be??? Will the club kids and transexuals and gays be welcome??? The one bad thing Utopia did was spoil me for any other club in town, none can compete....its not about what bitch can be the most stuck up or who is dumb enough to pay $500 for a place to sit and a $30 bottle.....its about the music, the vibe, and the community....And one more thing, they have electronic music and guest DJs during their after parties on Saturday nights, the admission is $20, so in theory it should be the same as the "Utopia" even they're having tomorrow for $40.....so remember you're payng that extre $20 for the hype and the fact that its a "special event" and they'll have performance artists....mmmm to try and create a vibe. During Utopia's height, the crowd was the performance art ;-)Sooooooooooooo I probably won't be there, I'll keep my memories pure....That was so well said and on point hats off to you man...Respect.Mr freezerock steady Crew Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
outofthebox Posted February 18 Report Share Posted February 18 I'm curious, orfeo633. I understand your view of the whole issue surrounding VIP and cover and making money. And yes it's obviously impossible to replicate the exact same vibe and magic as the original. But is it not OK for the people involved to make painstaking efforts to create a "reunion" and treat it like a business? I'm pretty sure the original Utopia wasn't built on grants and donations. This is Las Vegas, heck it's the USA. Money talks and bullshit walks. If people want to sit upstairs and sip on expensive champagne, which helps fund events like this, does that really piss you off to the point you won't enjoy or even participate with it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orfeo633 Posted February 18 Report Share Posted February 18 I'm curious, orfeo633. I understand your view of the whole issue surrounding VIP and cover and making money. And yes it's obviously impossible to replicate the exact same vibe and magic as the original. But is it not OK for the people involved to make painstaking efforts to create a "reunion" and treat it like a business? I'm pretty sure the original Utopia wasn't built on grants and donations. This is Las Vegas, heck it's the USA. Money talks and bullshit walks. If people want to sit upstairs and sip on expensive champagne, which helps fund events like this, does that really piss you off to the point you won't enjoy or even participate with it?The original was more underground....there wasn't anything near such blatant commercialism as this. Aaron was a man who loved the scene, and who had a vision....it was a labour of love for him and thats what helped make the club what it was.....once there were new owners, and certain people who are planning this "reunion" had more of an ifluence on policy, Utopia became just another business venture and that attitude is what lead to its eventual downfall....The crowd is what made Utopia, and when they saw what was happening the scene shifted elsewhere.....first to C2K, then to Baby's, then to some of the gay clubs....a few underground spots, and eventually as business took over, the crowd was seen as more of a liability than as creating the scene......and the sterile, pop culture zombie, clubs scene now present took over like a hegemonic beast.Throwing events isn't as difficult as it may seem, and the costs can really be kept down.....it depends on how much greed is involved/the profit margin desired.....Planning this event during President's Day weekend, is a marketing gimmick aimed at getting the Californians who come in for the weekend to attend........For it to be a real Utopia reunion it would have to have some kind of homage to the people who made it what it was.....Aaron, the DJs, the club kids.....not just some kind of marketing gimmick by those who made it in the business after Utopia "by any means necessary"......I don't talk shit about people so I won't say any more.... Using Utopia ties to make $$$$ while the people who really made it what it was are swept under the rug is what pisses me off the most.... Its those very promoters who drove it to its death.....Soooooo I may show up and have a last red bull and vodka for the unsung heroes.....the transsexuals who propably won't feel welcome at "Empire Ballroom".....those in prison, the dealers, the overdose victims.....those who stayed loyal to the underground, those who moved on in life becoming better people because of Utopia.....of course I won't be doing it on the balcony or even upstairs, and I'll be standing.....and won't be able to afford more than one of those drinks....and if the toilets are free, I'll take a piss as a gift for the cunts who are trying to capitalize on what they ruined in the first place! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
outofthebox Posted February 18 Report Share Posted February 18 I hear you. I also feel you may enjoy yourself if you can look past the things that are bothering you. A lot of the original people will come back and you may see familiar faces and old friends, even if commercialization rears its head. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orfeo633 Posted February 19 Report Share Posted February 19 So did anyone go??? What did you think???? We ended up going....THE GOODThere were some old faces there...and it brought back memories...There wasn't a huge crowd, I was actually expecting more to show up.......But I can't remember the last time that there was such a nice vibe in an LV club!!!! So the crowd was definitely the highlight of the night!!!The patio was the only section of the club I really liked.Doc Martin was the musical highlight.....The sound system in the club is pretty good too...THE BADThe club is shit! They got rid of the sunken dancefloor and the decor doesn't really go with the scene....the colour scheme(burgundies, golds, dark browns) reminds me of a steak house, and the huge faux chandelier doesn't really fit the space.....The dancefloor is too small and the extensive VIP sections...mmmmm everywhere just make the whole club seem very uninviting and closed. It definitely lacks the openness of Utopia. The stage area is small, it just seems cramped. The upstairs space isn't utilized very well. It seems too cluttered. And the light system and special effects are pretty lacking....THE UGLYThe music was shit!!!! I was dissappointed! Oleysick's set was too cliche, it didn't captue Utopia's vibe and it didn't really bring back any memories.....none of the songs I remember from Utopia's height were played.... He basically spun 10 year old commercial dance music. Mike Fuller's set gave me a headache......The live performances weren't up to par I think.... If they threw another Utopia themed party, I wouldn't go.....Empire Ballroom is just another tacky tourist trap...The place simply isn't the same....and pretty much everyone I talked with thought the same thing.....But it was actually pretty therepeutic, its like when someone dies, and you wish you could have told them so many things, but never got the chance to....well this was like having that chance.....it was like a proper parting. But I think Utopia deserved a lot more for what would have been its 10th birthday.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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