LAS VEGAS
If you haven't already heard, EDM is a big deal now. A worldwide phenomenon (with the US joining the party a bit late...) dance music has become a major force not only in the music industry, but in the business world at large. From the slew of festivals popping up every month to concerts, shows, parties and nightclubs, the business side of EDM is taking on a life of its own; a fact that has not gone unnoticed by industry leaders.
Next month, Insomniac is hosting EDMbiz, the first of its kind conference focusing on the business side of EDM and all that this entails. The list of guest speakers is extensive, ranging from artists to record executives, promoters to internet entrepreneurs. With a jam packed schedule of keynote addresses, panel discussions and presentations, the air will be thick with new ideas. As EDM takes its place at the forefront of popular music, and thus the forefront of the music industry, the folks at Insomniac and the rest of the sponsors of EDMbiz are looking to progress not only the music, but the thought and ideology of the movement as well.
If you're reading this, chances are you're into the EDM scene. If that's the case, you most certainly know who Kaskade is. One of the original American DJs and producers from this most recent upsurge of dance music, Kaskade has been at it for years with a string of albums, more singles than can fit on this page and remixes of every great artist out there.
His first foray into the Billboard top ten was with his 2004 album In the Moment; but it would not be his last. A frequent occupier of the Hot Dance Club Play list, Kaskade has garnered interest in almost every country in the world, not to mention a huge following right here in the US.
The Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas has got to be one of the craziest festivals of all time. With over 300,000 people expected to attend, 500 performers, 30 carnival rides and three nights of non-stop dancing to the some of the best EDM DJs today including Tiësto, Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso, Avicii, Benny Benassi, Kaskade, Afrojack, Above & Beyond, Armin van Buuren, Bassnectar, Calvin Harris, Carl Cox, Chase & Status, David Guetta, Erick Morillo, Flux Pavilion, Kaskade, Knife Party, Porter Robinson and Richie Hawtin. This one will be for the record books, folks.
It has just been announced that The Electric Daisy Carnival will come to NYC on May 19 & 20! In partnership with Pacha NYC, Insomniac Events will finally bring the infamous carnival to the big apple. The lineup and location is yet to be announced but you can expect it to contain the biggest names in EDM and house.
Pasquale Rotella, founder and CEO of Insomniac Events, told Billboard,"I'm really excited to be working with Pacha to bring our touring experience of Electric Daisy Carnival to New York. The entire Insomniac staff is looking forward to this upcoming EDC weekend on the East Coast."
Electric Daisy Carnival will also hit Vegas on June 8th-10th. For updates and more info check out electricdaisycarnival.com.
Thinking about going bald? Do it for a cause! Shaving teams shave their heads to raise money to cure for childhood cancers.
The St. Baldrick’s foundation will be holding their 3rd annual fundraiser for childhood cancer. The event will take place March 5th from 1pm to11pm at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas strip. Participants will be doing their head shaving on the "Brooklyn Bridge" all day.
As a “shavee” you can collect money from family, friends, and associates for the foundation. All proceeds go to benefit the cause. Not in the mood to be shaved? You can also donate to the foundation, volunteer your time to an event, or even start your own St. Baldrick's fundraiser.
The Butler Group, consisting of partners Scott Sartiano and Richie Akiva, celebrated the grand opening of 1Oak, their brand new 16,000 square foot nightclub located in the Mirage Hotel over the weekend. The two night celebration not only welcomed the new hotspot to Sin City, but also benefited the GiveLove charity, who received a $50,000 generous donation. GiveLove was founded by Patricia Arquette and Rosetta Getty, with all proceeds going to improve housing and sanitation in poverty-stricken Haiti. Rumors floated around that Katy Perry, fresh off her divorce from Russell Brand, was going to perform. Alas, there was no performance from the blue-haired pop star. Other guests included Markus Molinari, David Arquette, Chris Evans, Christina Milian, Patricia Arquette, Chris Evans, Rosetta and Balthazar Getty, Christina Milian, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Shenae Grimes.
Last Friday night, a star-studded crowd celebrated Chanel's 10th year in Las Vegas. The legendary fashion house not only celebrated their newly remodeled boutique at the Bellagio, but they also popped the champagne for the opening of their “Numeros Privees: A Journey Through the World of Chanel" exhibit. The newly opened exhibit features a 10-room installation of the world of Chanel. One room features a Karl Lagerfield dollhouse complete with CC logo print wallpaper and Coco Chanel dolls, dressed in mini Chanel jackets! A room next door features a classic quilted chain Chanel handbag with a 24 screen video of the making of the bag --right down to how the stitching is created.
Marquee Las Vegas has released their full 20l2 exclusive resident DJ lineup which includes a non-stop list of some of the biggest DJs in the world. This year Marquee brings you Above & Beyond, ATB, Benny Benassi, Chuckie, Dirty South, Erick Morillo, Kaskade, Markus Schulz and Redfoo for weekly sets that are not to be missed. Marquee continues their reign on the electronic music scene as being the worldwide destination for EDM talent. Touted as the “New Ibiza,” by MTV News, their setup includes a 40-foot LED DJ booth, custom visuals, state-of-the-art sound system with 32,000-watt subwoofers, and nightly costumed dancers. 2012 is lining up to be Marquee Las Vegas' best yet. Details below:
While we all go around complaining about $15 dollar cocktails, someone in Kentucky is dropping a G on some mint julep. And that's mere chump change compared to the drink that takes the #1 spot. Here are the ten most expensive cocktails in the world.
10. Kentucky Derby Mint Julep, $1,000, Churchill Downs, KY (above)
This $1k cocktail is made of Woodford Reserve Mint Julep, turbinado sugar, Louisville-grown mint, and ice from a 10,000-year-old glacier. But the expense isn't as much in the ingredients as it's in the experience of drinking out of limited-edition Tiffany & Co. silver cup while watching the 2 minute long race in a really large hat, of course.
9. Original Mai Tai, $1270, Merchant Hotel, Belfast, Northern Ireland
This is J. Wray & Nephew Jamaican rum sourced from the real Trader Vic Bergeon "Trader Vic" of the 1940's. Only six bottles from the original harvest remain and the Merchant Hotel owns one of them, so they charge an absurd amount of money to really rich people with cash to spare.
Starting January 14th, Kaskade will play sets all day at Marquee Las Vegas. The renowned reigning #1 DJ will showcase brand new sets at both the day and nightclubs, keeping the party going around the clock.
"After an incredible 2011 at Marquee, in particular the Halloween and New Year's Eve epic sell-out shows, I can't wait to continue the residency in 2012. Having a monthly residency in Vegas gives me the chance to stretch out musically, play longer sets, and share some really unique magical moments with my fans. Vegas has exploded in the last two years, the parties just keep getting bigger and better, the city and Marquee are can't miss destinations for dance music fans,” Kaskade says.




















