DANCE CARD

Crimson: Hollywood Finally Beckons the Boys

BY STEPHAN HORBELT

Two members of L.A.'s gay mafia have teamed up to bring a new weekly party to the gay masses. Rusty Updegraff, who brings you the popular Tuesday night party Beige, and Christopher Ciccone, whom you may recognize by his prominent last name, have begun promoting Thursday nights at gorgeous Hollywood nightclub Crimson. Located right next door to Opera, nightlife haven for the girls of The Hills, it's not a spot that one would normally expect to find teeming with gay boys. Fortunately for all involved, on Thursday nights you'll encounter some of the prettiest boys Los Angeles has to offer.

Asked about his decision to team up for this newest nightlife venture, Updegraff remarks that the dynamic between he and Ciccone just works. “I like having a partner when doing a club,” he says. “It helps to share the responsibility and bring something to the night.” In practice, the night at Crimson does seem to be a meeting of the minds, incorporating the soft lighting and elegance of Ciccone's style and also the fun, playful attitude of Updegraff's. The result is a fun party that can be whatever one makes it.

It's a given that between these two men, with their reputations and connections, filling a nightclub with gorgeous faces wouldn't be a problem. The crowd at Crimson includes the prettiest of the pretty, and includes many of the same boys that fill up the outdoor patio each week at Beige. The gays come from all around town to attend parties such as these, where dancing and even friendly conversation take a backseat to watching passersby, and posing for the crowd.

Updegraff and Ciccone will be hailing stellar DJs every week, including popular DJ Josh Peace and the much-loved other half of Beige, Victor Rodriguez. But while the DJ roster may vary, Updegraff insists that guests can count on the same fun vibe each week. “We don't play circuit music, but more classic hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, and now. Just anything that's fun to dance to. There's nothing like hearing a song that strikes a memory of a good time or something that makes you get on the dance floor.”

L.A. has no shortage of options for Thursday night, and this party surely isn't for everyone, but it's a promising addition to the weekly lineup. “I wasn't out looking to do a Thursday night,” says Updegraff, “but I didn't want to pass up the opportunity. I also think people are looking for something new.” Thursday nights at Crimson may just be the new party we've been expecting.

VITAL INFO

Crimson

1650 Schrader Ave.
When: Thursday nights
The Scene: Pretty boys packing an even prettier nightclub
Date Factor: Bring one, find one, or ditch one

MIXOLOGY

BARTENDER: Bryan

When this twink-ilious, 5’7”, 152 lbs., single, 22-year-old, California native isn’t mixing drinks at The Gold Coast, he enjoys playing sports, bowling, miniature golf, swimming, the batting cages, the movies, dancing with friends, working out at the gym, and checking out different restaurants around the city. Not only does this fun and energetic pretty boy have a 4th degree Black Belt in Martial Arts and a 2nd degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do he’s also appeared on the MTV show Final Foo (“kicking straight guys asses”) and dreams of one day owning his own martial arts studio. —TONY MIROS

Specialty Drink — “Tropical Bitch” Shot

4 count Stoli Razz
2 count Malibu
2 count Triple Sec
Splash of Sprite, Cranberry Juice, Red Bull, Pineapple Juice & Orange Juice
Shake with ice, strain and pour into shot glass