by Jonathan Higbee

Looking to increase the odds of decadence in the gambling capital of the world? Jeffrey Sanker works hard to make sure you can bet on White Party Las Vegas.

“Las Vegas is the No. 1 gay destination in the entire world,” claims Jeffrey Sanker. Like a pink compass, Sanker’s events have long pointed gays in the direction of global dance floor gatherings. For the second year of White Party in Las Vegas, Oct. 10-12, he expects thousands of revelers to descend upon Sin City, ready to play.

The weekend’s namesake event is the White Party, taking place at Mandalay Bay’s House of Blues. Lady Gaga—whose infectious single “Just Dance” echoed throughout West Hollywood night spots the entire summer—is scheduled to take the stage. Partygoers will also savor a performance by aerialists from the Cher Returns! Tour, Sigiv and Max, and thumping beats from DJ Abel. Though White Party may be the highlight of the weekend for some, party master Sanker has other hands to deal.

“Jai Rodriguez is releasing his new single live at Beach Ball,” he proudly mentions. For the opening night of White Party festivities, Krave transforms into a gay beach. “We’re going to have lots of boys in Aussie Bums playing in sand,” he adds. Standing next to Planet Hollywood, the weekend’s host hotel, Krave is the only venue held over from 2007’s inaugural White Party Las Vegas. To provide variety, this year partygoers will enjoy what Sanker refers to as a “sampler platter” showcasing the best Sin City has to offer.

Enticing guests with more of the platter, Mandalay Bay serves up the event’s first ever pool party. DJ Morningstar has been a regular on the scene for years, and Sanker thinks he has what it takes to get the boys splashing. Following Sunday’s pool-party debauchery, Manny Lehman showcases his skills at MGM Grand’s Studio 54 in an event aptly titled “Sinful Sundays.” As the White Party website says, the T-Dance “could make the original ’70s club blush.”

Sanker is positive the events he meticulously crafted for this year’s White Party will bring the boys out from across the world. But to lure the regionally undecided, a gas rebate will be given for what he says is a first for gay events. As if by magic, a reimbursement for up to $100 spent on fuel will reward those who drive to Vegas. With extra money in pocket, feel free to gamble on other Sin City attractions.

Dealer’s Choice

These gems may help augment your stay in Vegas.

Hoping to elevate the Las Vegas experience? Take White Party weekend to new heights with Insanity, a death-defying ride atop the Stratosphere. For a minimal charge, guests explore the top of the hotel, choosing among three amusement rides. Leave the rollercoaster at New York, New York to the twinks; Insanity, X-Scream and Big Shot each turn the top of the 1,149-foot Stratosphere into a haven for extreme-ride enthusiasts.

If your idea of White Party downtime doesn’t include throwing yourself off a skyscraper, give the Blue Moon Resort a chance. It’s off the Strip, but the resort’s clothing-optional pool area reminds frolickers that it’s still Sin City. While overnight guests mostly crowd the pool, day passes are available for the curious.

Like any resort, Blue Moon offers massages, but the best pampering to be had remains on the Strip. Available to non-hotel guests Monday-Thursday, the Grand Spa at the MGM Grand coincidentally rests mere steps from the final event of the weekend. The spa provides a caffeine-infused “Morning After” treatment, perhaps giving White Party-goers a chance to erase the pesky physical effects of late-night (or early morning) hedonism.

The Details

Blue Moon Resort
2651 Westwood Dr.
(702) 784-4500
bluemoonlv.com

The Grand Spa
at the MGM Grand
3799 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
mgmgrand.com

Krave Nightclub
3663 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
kravelasvegas.com

Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
mandalaybay.com

The MGM Grand
3799 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
mgmgrand.com

Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino
3667 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
planethollywoodresort.com

The Stratosphere
2000 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
stratospherehotel.com

White Party Las Vegas Information
jeffreysanker.com

King of Clubs

Jeffrey Sanker on Las Vegas, West Hollywood and the economy vs. nightlife

When you decided to expand your party last year, what made you branch out from Palm Springs to Las Vegas?

People are always going to Vegas and it’s nice to have an organized party weekend where there’s more than the four local clubs. People come from out of town, so you can combine the fun party with great shows, and that’s what makes Vegas better than anyplace in the world. Plus it’s fun to go gambling.

What did you learn from last year’s event?

The first year is the most difficult. I learned to book venues without conflict after difficulty arising last year, so I decided to go with casino hotel venues because they’re better, and they’re aware of shirtless dancing. Shirtless dancing is sanctioned at all my events!

How has the current economy altered the nightlife industry?

I think it’s hard for people to go out and spend money on covers. Once every holiday weekend, people like to go out. But on a [weekly] basis, to pay a cover or buy a drink, it’s too much. They always say in times of war people go drinking. I think we’re at war.

How do you remain successful in these harsher times?

The resurgence of my philosophy is the rebirth of West Hollywood. There couldn’t be more exciting things happening here. We have more happening here than in the entire country. All of our clubs are free, have reasonable drinks, fun entertainment and great DJs—that’s the success of our formula.

Any plans for future nightclubs?

I’m going to be adding a night at Foxtail, which is a dinner club, in late September. I’m also going to be adding a night at Apple, which is the Pussycat Doll lounge and restaurant. Those all open this fall. West Hollywood is back!

What other Vegas attractions do you enjoy?

I’ve met a lot of people that live in Vegas and perform in the shows, so it’s fun to go visit friends. I love going to shows; I’ve seen everything at least once or twice. I love playing blackjack at Mandalay Bay. They have the great outdoor casinos that sit over the wave pools, which I enjoy.

Do you have a “What happens in Vegas …” story?

What happens in Vegas, never happened, that’s what I like to say.

Schedule

Friday, Oct. 10

Beach Ball
Featuring Brett Henrichsen and Jai Rodriguez
Krave Nightclub
10 p.m.–4 a.m.

Saturday, Oct. 11

White Party
Featuring DJ Abel, Lady Gaga and Sigiv & Max
House of Blues Music Hall
10 p.m.–5 a.m.

Sunday, Oct. 12

Splash
Featuring DJ Morningstar
South Lagoon Pool, Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 12

Sinful Sunday
Featuring DJ Manny Lehman
Studio 54 at the MGM Grand
10 p.m.–3 a.m.