Hundreds of excited fans and guests gathered in Moorea Beach Club at Mandalay Bay on Saturday night to see Black Eyed Peas frontman and co-founder, will.i.am perform a celebratory DJ set to jump start the Labor Day Weekend. Upon arrival, will.i.am, looking dapper in a white jacket (with matching white sunglasses), jeans, and black high-tops, entered Moorea Beach Club and immediately headed to the Living Room, an exclusive, VIP section that overlooks the venue. The famous rapper and producer was all smiles as he waved at ecstatic fans, each one trying to get a glimpse of the mega star. Also making an appearance was fellow group member apl.de.ap. The two posed for a few photos alongside Manager Polo Molino and then sat down to relax while enjoying delicious and healthy fruit and vegetable tray assortments. After hanging out with friends, will.i.am checked out Moorea Beach Club’s Grand Villa, a 500 square-foot haven that boasts cushioned chairs for ten guests, a fully-stocked refrigerator and wet bar, outdoor showers, ceiling fan, private restroom and 50″ LCD flat screen television. In preparation of his anticipated jam session, will.i.am received an incredible view of the full house that was awaiting his arrival on stage. He soon descended into the crowd and headed over to the DJ booth, specially constructed for his appearance, and began hyping the venue with some serious smash hits that included Usher’s “OMG” (which features will.i.am) and other Black Eyed Peas favorites. An already lively crowd immediately burst into cheer the moment will.i.am got on the mic and welcomed his fans by saying, “Did ya’ll come to party?!” and “Vegas! Vegas! Vegas!” Although the music contributed to the life of the party, having a much-desired will.i.am spinning the beats made the night unforgettable for everyone inside Moorea Beach Club as they celebrated his special Labor Day Weekend appearance. Fans danced, sang, and partied all night long as will.i.am continued to entertain with hits and mash-ups from various genres. The energy at Moorea Beach Club reached a pivotal high when will.i.am, along with apl.de.ap, played and sang “Rock Your Body,” a Black Eyed Peas original. After the high-energy two hour set came to an end, fans cheered and clapped as will.i.am exited Moorea Beach Club after delivering what can only be described as an unforgettable night of explosive music. After exciting his fans all night, will.i.am retired to his secluded Mandalay Bay suite where he relaxed and took in gorgeous views of the Las Vegas Strip.

Dance promoter Insomniac hits city with seven-figure lawsuit over canceled Tiesto concert

August 30, 2010 |  4:09 pm

Tickets never went on sale and promotions were never staged, but a planned headlining concert by electronic artist Tiësto is the center of a seven-figure civil suit filed against the city of Los Angeles on Friday. Local dance promoter Insomniac Inc. claims the city breached its contract when it canceled what would have been an Oct. 30 concert by the well-known trance artist in the West Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center.

On Monday, the mayor’s office referred requests for comments to the convention center, and a spokeswoman for the facility said no statement or comment would be forthcoming. In its filing, Insomniac –  the company that also staged the now-controversial two-day Electric Daisy Carnival in and around L.A. Memorial Coliseum in late June — claims that the city did not have proper cause to terminate the concert, for which tickets were to go on sale Aug. 17.

Insomniac writes in its complaint that the city cited the rampant use of the drug Ecstasy at Electric Daisy, as well as the death of a teenage girl who attended the concert and died of a suspected overdose, as its reasons for calling off the Tiësto appearance. In its claims for damages, Insomniac cited more than a dozen recent deaths at or after major music or sporting events, including that of a 27-year-old man who died after being punched at a Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim game, essentially arguing that the Tiësto appearance was unfairly singled out because of public perceptions of dance and electronic rave-like concerts.

“Events like [Electric Daisy] and the Tiësto concert are held at legal venues and are planned in conjunction with law enforcement and medical personnel,” reads the claim. “[The Convention Center’s] unilateral termination of the contract will send the wrong message by suppressing the popularization of electronic music, encouraging it to revert back to its underground, unsafe beginnings.”

Insomniac is asking for damages of at least $1,015,180, citing a loss of profit of $436,250 and an estimated production cost of $668,750. Court documents state that Tiësto was guaranteed $250,000 for the single-night event. The artist’s management, Complete Control, did not respond to requests for comment.

Insomniac, which promoted five sold-out Tiësto shows in and around Los Angeles in 2008 and 2009, noted that its planned convention center event was no different from Sunday’s concert at the Hollywood Bowl, which featured dance act the Chemical Brothers.

“I can’t help but draw comparisons to the ’80s movie classic ‘Footloose,’ where dancing and rock music were banned,” Insomniac founder Pasquale Rotella is quoted in a statement. The company believed as recently as Aug. 4 that the Tiësto concert was a go, but less than two weeks later, the city returned Insomniac’s second rental payment of $14,400.

“If this breach is allowed to stand, Insomniac will be known as a promoter that cannot follow through on its commitments,” reads the filing. “As a result, artists of Tiësto’s caliber may henceforth by unwilling to contract with Insomniac.”

A copy of Insomniac’s rental agreement with the convention center notes that the city may terminate the contract for the reason of “good cause.” Should it do so, reads the contract, the “tenant agrees to waive and forgo any and all claims for damages against City by reason of such termination… Tenant shall have no recourse of any kind against city.”

The dance community has faced strict scrutiny in Los Angeles since the Electric Daisy Carnival, which drew an estimated crowd of 80,000 to 100,000 people per day, and led to more than 100 hospitalizations. Two days after the event, 15-year-old Sasha Rodriguez died of suspected drug-related causes.

The Coliseum Commission then imposed a temporary ban on rave contracts, although three events scheduled for the remainder of 2010 were granted approval to continue. The commission — the joint state, county and city panel that oversees the venue — has, however, imposed new restrictions on the promoters of dance events.

Going forward, promoters must enforce a strict age limit of 18 by checking identification, hire a team of emergency-room doctors to work on-site and warn rave-goers about the dangers of the illegal drug Ecstasy. The July 17 electronic-focused Hard L.A., which was to feature appearances by M.I.A. and Die Antwoord, among others, was canceled, and promoter Gary Richards noted that the city forced “a lot of extra stipulations and requirements” that “resulted in unforeseen costs to the event.”

A heavily policed Aug. 7 festival, Hard Summer, went off as planned, and resulted in only four arrests. An Aug. 21 dance concert at the L.A. Sports Arena didn’t fare as well, resulting in more than 80 arrests and three hospitalizations.

– Todd Martens

Legendary Philly party-rocker DJ Jazzy Jeff was cut off mid-performance in Las Vegas Wednesday night (August 25) while DJing a charity event in honor of his former partner, the late DJ AM.

According to TheBoomBox.com, management at Surrender nightclub was “unhappy” with the music the DJ was playing and made the decision to pull him mid-set.

Jeff later tweeted (@DJJazzyJeff215) about the incident, saying “Funny when people r having a good time but management isn’t..can u say…The Right Party at the Wrong Place…F*** it…AM Lives.”

Jazzy Jeff was donating his time in honor of his late friend, DJ AM, who held a DJing residency at Rain nightclub in Vegas prior to his death last August.

TheBoomBox reports that this wasn’t the first time that Jeff has been forcibly removed from the stage while DJing. The site reports that Jeff was booted during the Kansas City stop on the Bacardi B-Live tour in June of 2009, when event organizers complained about his hype man Skillz’ alleged usage of “gang signs” while Jeff played Biz Markie’s unrequited love anthem “Just a Friend.”

As the one-year anniversary of DJ AM’s death approaches, a number of celebrity fans gathered at the Trousdale nightclub in Los Angeles on Tuesday night to honor the DJ who was a beloved part of the city’s nightlife scene. The party was the first of a number of celebrations in honor of AM (born Adam Goldstein), who died last August of a drug overdose.

According to the Los Angeles Times, among the celebs at the party were Leonardo DiCaprio, Rashida Jones, Samantha Ronson (who spun a bit on the turntables after reportedly visiting ex Lindsay Lohan on the actress’ first night back from court-ordered rehab), Stephanie Pratt, actress Meagan Good and Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas.

Thursday night also brought a tribute to AM, this time at New York clubSantos Party House, with scheduled sets from DJ Premier, DJ Stretch Armstrong, Mark Ronson and Eli Escobar.

On Saturday, the anniversary will be celebrated at the Fast Life in Los Angeles. The event is being sponsored by the retail store, owned by AM’s musical partner, Blink-182’s Travis Barker. The afternoon gathering will feature sets by DJ Morse Code, DJ Spider and Pase Rock. Attendees can buy a limited-edition DJ AM Mixer T-shirt that will benefit the DJ AM Memorial Fund.

“It’s been one year since we lost our friend, so this Saturday we’re meeting up at the Fast Life in Los Angeles to commemorate the life of DJ AM and make a contribution to his memorial fund,” read a blog post atFamousSAS.com announcing the party.

Earlier this month, the memorial fund donated money to the Los Angeles branch of the Phoenix House, a residential addiction-treatment facility for young adults, according to TMZ. The cash was aimed at helping buy DJ equipment for the residents, in an effort to inspire them to try their hand at making music.

Goldstein was 36 when he was found dead in his New York apartment last summer of an accidental drug overdose. A recovering addict, AM had worked to help other young addicts overcome their addictions in the MTV series “Gone Too Far,” which aired following his death.

AOL Radio is honoring AM by posting the final playlist the DJ created for his AOL Radio station, which includes tunes by Lady Gaga, MGMT, A Tribe Called Quest, Beyoncé, Daft Punk, Girl Talk, Hall & Oates, Jay-Z, Michael Jackson, M.I.A., Rick Ross and the Clash.

Another famous DJ who worked with AM, DJ Jazzy Jeff, was hired by Surrender Nightclub in Las Vegas to pay homage to his pal, but according to reports, promoters pulled the plug early on Jeff during his Wednesday night set. Jeff tweeted about the incident, writing, “Funny when people r having a good time but management isn’t..can u say…The Right Party at the Wrong Place…F— it…AM Lives.”

SAN FRANCISCO — The annual Lovevolution dance-music festival that draws about 90,000 people to San Francisco could be forced to cancel the event due to safety concerns.

The seventh annual Lovevolution, described as a dance-music parade and festival, was to occur in the Civic Center Plaza, the event location for the previous six years. But, that location is now off-limits as concerns about public safety reached new heights with the growing popularity of the festival, a rash of violence associated with San Francisco entertainment events this summer, and a similar event in Germany last month resulting in 21 deaths and 500 injuries.

Organizers remain in talks with city officials in hopes of coming to an agreement on an alternative site in time for the Oct. 2 event. The event fills hotel rooms and brings business to local restaurants, and there are numerous affiliated after-parties with well-known DJs at entertainment venues throughout The City.

Lovevolution event manager John Wood said the organizers thought the Civic Center location was manageable with some changes, such as less promotion and an entry of more than the $10 charged last year. After last month’s incident in Germany, however, they agreed to seek an alternative site.

Now, organizers want The City to allow the event to occur in the parking lot of Candlestick Park, according to Wood. In subsequent years, they hope to find a more suitable location, such as Golden Gate Park.

Supporters of the event are displeased by the decision.

“It’s a great sadness that the Lovevolution has decided it can’t be in the Civic Center,” Barry Taranto, a former taxicab driver, said at an Entertainment Commission meeting Tuesday. “Why can’t we just extend the boundaries? I cannot think of a better place. It’s not going to have problems like Germany.”

In past years, there was a parade along Market Street that ended in the Civic Center area, where techno music and dancing continued throughout the day. If The City approves the alternative sight at Candlestick, there would be no parade, Wood said.

The Mayor’s Office said it wants to be supportive of the event, but needs to balance the safety needs of attendees.

“We can’t be too careful,” Newsom spokesman Tony Winnicker said. “We have that responsibility.”

Adding some color: The Lovevolution dance-music festival attracts an array of colorful personalities, and it has been held in the middle of The City for years. (AP file photo)

By: Joshua Sabatini
Examiner Staff Writer
August 26, 2010

Read more at the San Francisco Examiner:

Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas has won the right to evict the Rumjungle nightclub there and the club is now closed.

The club closed Monday and Mandalay Bay is evaluating new concepts for the space. It likely will be a restaurant/lounge concept, Gordon Absher, spokesman for Mandalay Bay owner MGM Resorts International, said Thursday.

Rumjungle employees worked for Rumjungle’s parent company, not Mandalay Bay. Employees displaced by the closure and interested in working elsewhere on the property are encouraged to apply through the company website, Absher said.

A spokesman for Rumjungle’s owners didn’t have an immediate comment on the closure.

Mandalay Bay and Rumjungle’s owner have been engaged in litigation for two years over Mandalay Bay’s claim that Rumjungle is behind on rent; and Rumjungle’s claim that actions by Mandalay Bay have caused financial problems for the club.

Particularly, Rumjungle claims Mandalay Bay’s opening of the eyecandy lounge violated the lease agreement allowing Rumjungle to be the lone nightclub at the 3,211-room casino resort on the Las Vegas Strip.

On March 16, Rumjungle filed for bankruptcy protection to block its eviction, but attorneys for MGM Resorts International later managed to have the bankruptcy case thrown out.

Then, on June 28, Mandalay Bay moved to evict the 20,000-square-foot Rumjungle and even chained the doors closed, but a judge issued a restraining order allowing Rumjungle to temporarily stay in its leased space.

That episode was followed by two days of hearings in Clark County District Court on the issue and a ruling issued Aug. 6 by Judge Kathleen Delaney.

“Rumjungle has failed to provide sufficient evidence that Mandalay’s actions in renovating an existing casino lounge to operate an ultra-lounge constitutes a violation of Rumjungle’s exclusive rights to operate a nightclub,” an order signed by Delaney says. “Rumjungle has failed to provide sufficient evidence to show that its failure to pay any `percentage rent’ under the lease was related to Mandalay’s operation of its lounge and not attributable in whole or in part to other factors, including, but not limited to, outside competition and the general economic downturn in Las Vegas.”

Court records show Rumjungle was obligated to pay both minimum rent and percentage rent.

The percentage rent clause in the lease allowed Mandalay Bay to terminate the lease should Rumjungle fail to generate sufficient cash flow so that 60 percent of that annual cash flow would total $1.1 million in rent.

“For 2009, the 11th lease year, Mandalay did not receive $1.1 million in percentage rent. In fact, Mandalay received no percentage rent from Rumjungle for the 11th lease year,” Delaney’s order said.

In granting Mandalay Bay’s motion for a preliminary injunction, Delaney barred Rumjungle officers and employees from interfering with Mandalay Bay’s re-entering of the premises and ordered that they cannot be on the premises without Mandalay Bay’s authorization.

She also ordered Mandalay Bay to post a $100,000 bond as security for the entry of the preliminary injunction.

Rumjungle immediately appealed Delaney’s ruling to the Nevada Supreme Court. The $100,000 bond posted by Mandalay Bay could cover potential damages sustained by Rumjungle should Delaney’s ruling be overturned or Rumjungle prevails in the underlying lawsuit.

Rumjungle has complained it spent $10 million to build out the nightclub and that its investment may now be wiped out – while attorneys for Mandalay Bay have argued that instead of paying percentage rent since 2007, Rumjungle has been using that money to unnecessarily file for bankruptcy and to litigate against Mandalay Bay.

We would like to address the sensationalized misleading reporting by several local TV & radio stations and internet news sources. Several stations reported a shooting incident outside of Ruby Skye. This gave the impression that Ruby Skye’s patrons were involved in the incident.

This is inaccurate as Ruby Skye was not open on this night and the incident had nothing to do with our building, patrons or management. The incident was from a private party in the building next to Ruby Skye. Unfortunately the news agencies used Ruby Skye as an obvious landmark, but failed to mention that Ruby Skye was closed on this night. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.

Sincerely,
George Karpaty – Owner of Ruby Skye

World renowned DJ Deadmau5 was hospitalized last night after collapsing on stage during a performance at a Washington DC nightclub, TMZ has confirmed.

A rep for the Canadian-born DJ — real name Joel Zimmerman — tells us he collapsed on stage from exhaustion … at which point, “medics at the venue took [Deadmau5] directly to the hospital, where he is now under supervision.”

The rep also tells us that Deadmau5 – Danny DeVito’s favorite performer — has canceled his next 9 shows … under the advice of his doctors.

Q: You are playing the Friday of the very first L.E.D festival, how does it feel?

Axwell:
Great! Looking forward to playing in London again! Just hoping for some nice weather!

Q: Can you tell us some more about your heart show that you will be bringing to Victoria Park?

Axwell:
Well, it is a 5 x 5 meter LED screen and with help from my video techs I want to give the audience something back! A more synchronised show with a visual impact. I just want to bring something to the table and develop it as it proceeds. And hopefully people will like the music and the show.

Q: Your Brixton shows have been incredible, how does it feel to have such a loyal UK fanbase?

Axwell:
England has always been an important place for me and it’s fantastic to see the crowd excited and loving what I love to do! It gives so much energy and that makes me want to continue to do music.

Q: What does 2010 have in store for Axwell, can we expect any big hits?

Axwell:
Haha, well I always try my best to deliver and fulfil the fans expectations, and I have some tracks that I personally love. “Nothing But love (for you)” will be out soon and the hype on the internet have been amazing! I try my best and I hope it’s enough to get the crowd going!

Q: Will you be making time to see anyone else on the L.E.D line up this year?

Axwell:
My schedule is more C R A Z Y this year! I am even doing a couple of days with 2 shows on the same night! But it would be nice to hang around when Sebastian Ingrosso is playing without having to work myself! Haahaha.

Q: Travelling around the world must be amazing, but do you get time to see any of the countries?

Axwell:
Before, when I did 2 maybe 3 gigs per weekend id could try to take some time to walk the streets in a new city. Maybe see a friend. But now when I do 4-5 shows a week it’s hard to keep up with work. So every chance I get in the hotel or on the airplane I need to focus on making music. Otherwise I won’t have any tracks to play next year!

Q: You also have your own night in Ibiza, will you be bringing a bit of the Island fun to L.E.D?

Axwell:
Is a special thing to travel to Ibiza and visit a place like Pacha. The vibe, the weather and listening to the fantastic music. And that’s hard to take to another place, but I promise to try and make everyone as hot as they would be in Ibiza.

Q: In the Cream arena you are joined by lots of your friends, Ingrosso, A N21 & Kim Fai just to name a few, can we expect one big party?

Axwell:
It’s always a big party! That’s what keeps the spirit alive! I am going to book a big suite so the after party will be at my place!

Q: When you began DJing/Producing did you ever envisage getting to this stage in your career?

Axwell:
I dreamt about it but maybe I didn’t dare to think it could be true one day. But at the same time I believe that success comes to those who work. Sometimes it’s harder, but if you fight for what you believe in and do what you like, the road forward will give you opportunities and if you make the right decisions, it can even take you further.

Q: What did you originally set out to achieve when you began?

Axwell:
I just wanted to do music. I didn’t want to do anything else. And if I could pay the bills by doing just that… I would be happy! Getting to play these big shows and Djing on clubs is amazing and great fun to do, but it also gives me the opportunity to continue to do what I wanted to do since I was a kid. And that’s more music.

Q: Can you tell us in 3 words what the show will be like at L.E.D?
Axwell:
Heart-pounding, sweaty & fresh!

SANDER VAN DOORN ‘DUSK TILL DOORN’
2-Disc Compilation Album, mixed by Sander van Doorn
Released 16th August (Doorn Records)

Ever had a night out where you wish someone had been there to record your favourite set? Well, look no further for Sander van Doorn has encapsulated the sound of his global clubbing phenomenon ‘Dusk Till Doorn’ and crammed it into a brand new compilation album set for release on 16th August.
Sander, currently the world’s number 10 DJ, has mixed up a series of classic tracks, unreleased material and a couple of exclusives over two-discs, offering fans the chance to experience the Dusk Till Doorn audible experience anytime, anywhere!

Launched in 2009, Sander’s ‘Dusk Till Doorn’ nights have steadily evolved into one of the premier brands on the global clubbing circuit. On this album, just like the nights, fans will be taken on a journey through the genres of dance music, showcasing Sander’s progressive house side through to his tech-trance roots. The majority of CD1 will get you in the mood, sucking you in with a deeper, progressive feel: Mason, East & Young, Jeremy Olander and Rank 1, Nic Chagall & Wippenberg all get the Dusk Till Doorn treatment. Disc 2’s mix is layered with big room anthems from the likes of Ummet Ozcan, 4 Strings, Jon O’Bir and Arty, leaving you breathless and showing once again why Sander is one of the biggest DJs in the world.

Sander commented: "Dusk Till Doorn is a night that was dreamt up a while ago, and to be releasing my first Dusk Till Doorn compilation now feels amazing. The club night is now firmly established globally, so with this compilation I’ve tried to condense into two mixes what happens over the course of a Dusk Till Doorn night. I had a lot of fun mixing this and I’m really proud of the album and of Dusk Till Doorn as a whole. The fans have been asking me for a while when there will be an album to accompany the night – well here it is! I hope you enjoy it…"
Sander van Doorn “Dusk Till Doorn” – Released Globally 16th August 2010 (Doorn Records)

Download Link

Hotfile

Fileserve.com

Tracklist:

01. Gareth Emery feat. Lucy Saunders – Sanctuary (Club Mix) [Garuda]
02. Shogun feat. Emma Lock – Imprisoned [S107] [Future Favorite]
03. ID
04. ID
05. ID
06. Lange feat. Alexander Klaus – Strong Believer (Beat Service Sundown Mix) [Maelstrom]
07. TyDi feat. Audrey Gallagher – Calling [Armada]
08. Alexander Popov – Revolution In You (Strings Mix) [Armind]
09. Dido – Everything To Lose (Armin van Buuren Remix) [Sony BMG]
10. Daniel Kandi – Symphonica [Streamlined] [Tune Of The Week]
11. Lemon & Einar K – Felicity [A State Of Trance]
12. Super8 & Tab feat. Jan Burton – Mercy (Dub) [Anjunabeats]
13. Tritonal – Driftoff [Air Up There]
14. ID
15. Richard Durand feat. Christian Burns – Night & Day [Magik Muzik]
16. Sied van Riel & Ummet Ozcan – Serendipity [Liquid]
17. Jorn van Deynhoven & Temple One – Halo (Jorn van Deynhoven Mix) [A State Of Trance]
18. Gary Heaney – Zegema Beach [Liquid]
19. Onova – Timotey [Monster Tunes]
20. John O’Callaghan vs. Neptune Project – Rhea [Subculture]
21. W&W – Alpha [Captivating]

Get your diaries at the ready – Fedde le Grand is about to demolish your summer schedule with a thundering display of international dance floor devastation as his Takeover parties roll into action this summer.

With tailor-made lighting production, live acts and the man himself at the helm, the tour has been designed with one thing in mind – to give you something you’ve never seen before, and in super GRAND style be part of the special Fedde le Grand Takeover Experience.

“This is what I’ve always wanted to do,” said le Grand. “This is my party, my music, my collective of artists, my idea of how everything should work together so I’m going to push it to the very limits – I’m going to take over everything. I’ll be at the heart of everything, building a night that will take you on a musical journey with me, my guests and the amazing production we build around us.”

The Takeover Tour includes exclusive dates at Pacha in Ibiza, a quarterly residency at London’s flagship super-club Ministry of Sound and this weekend’s hotly anticipated appearance at the world’s biggest dance party, Germany’s Loveparade – where Fedde’s float will join forces withBeatport to assume control of the parade before heading to the main stage and then on to headline 1live Radio’s official after party.

You’ll also be able to catch Takeovers on the main stages of international festivals including Street Parade Zurich, Dance Parade Belgium, Mystery Land, Electric Daisy Carnival in LA, Electric Zoo NYC, Loveland, Sea of Love and worldwide Global Gatherings. Clubs dates across Europe have already been confirmed in France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, Croatia, Romania, Hungary, Turkey and lots more.

With visual wizardry courtesy of the vlight.to VJ team, MC Gee whipping crowds into a frenzy and international DJ talent hand-picked by Fedde to provide the ultimate in A-list support, Fedde le Grand Takeover Tour 2010 looks set to be one of the highlights of the international clubland calendar – make sure you’re part of it!

For more information on Fedde’s movements and the Takeover Tour, visit www.feddelegrand.com/events