By snoadmin
Using the old Los Angeles Stock Exchange building, Versus Nightclub is the latest in new Hollywood hot-spots; at least that’s what they’re aiming for. The club boasts three levels, one of which is a super-exclusive VIP area overlooking the rest of the club that regular guests cannot really see into.
At the grand-opening Saturday, the most noteworthy celebrity guests were to include Heidi Cortez (“Sunset Tan” and Playboy), DJ Skribble and Dave Navarro, along with other so-called celebrities such as Audrina from “The Hills.” Really.
The red carpet was left virtually empty, save Cortez standing aimlessly and doe-eyed — posing stiffly for the periodic photo op, her mouth gaping in an uncomfortable and overly injected smile. When other celebrities were arriving, little attention was paid to them.
The most recognizable of the bunch was David Blue (“Ugly Betty”) while the others who arrived were generally or completely buzz less. One gentleman had an entourage of one passing out business cards to make sure the press knew they were important but informed us we would have to wait until the end of the night for a photo opportunity. Let me hold my breath.
For a while, the red carpet served not as an isle for photos and interviews, but as a sort of holding pen for those who had walked its short distance, and this line ended up taking most of the carpet.
The most excitement outside was found in talking with Terrance, the manager of an extra security team hired for the night. He had more personality than most of the faces to walk the red carpet. Asking a public relations rep when Navarro might arrive, my photographer and I were given an answer of “about an hour” so we decided to enter the club, only to be faced with an undisclosed delay.
The minutes passed while we were being told it would only be a moment longer, with employees scurrying back and forth. When we were finally approached by a very large member of the club’s main security, we were told that the elevators were said to be in working order, though not yet inspected and approved and therefore could not be used. Considering the club’s layout and that the photographer, Chris, has been in a wheelchair for over ten years — well, it put a wrench in our plans for the evening. I do not suggest a grand opening that cannot properly accommodate all of its guests. Why they did not ensure the proper inspections and certificates for their elevators before opening is an unanswered question.
They offered to carry him up the stairs and to equip him with a security guard for the night “because of [his] situation.” Both were refused, the latter being patronizing and an attempt at over-compensating. We did go inside; he stayed in the lobby while I traveled upstairs to check out the festivities.
The club had pockets of people in cloisters and the rest of the club was pretty open and empty looking. None of the so-called private tables were being used, nor did they look very private, and though music was playing, nobody was dancing.
Most of the guests were not dressed appropriately for an upscale club, which Versus has tagged itself to be. Many guests arrived in light jeans and over-worn tee-shirts (some less dressy than what you would find in local bars and pubs) while others came in pastel ‘90s club-kid attire — uber-platform boots, pigtails and all.
I spent about an hour upstairs, taking photos and speaking with the one friendly bartender there, though she was trying too hard to publicize the hot-factors of the club. The décor is simple and uneventful in the midst of the club’s smoke machines and light effects. A closer look does show the renovated Art Deco original features mixed with a light, modern flare. The space, which has a lovely streamline to its décor, would be better for the fashion shows, plays, and jazz concerts that are said to be included on the calendars to come. None of those things are found to currently be scheduled.
The club is not worth the trip out there, past the rows of homeless residents in their make-shift communities; all you will find is another club without anything new or special to offer. The only reason Chris and I stayed as long as we did was because we were offered a couple of free cocktails, no doubt to help soften the blow of Chris not being able to get upstairs. We stayed long enough to finish them but refused to take further advantage. At this point no number of free drinks would change each of the negatives of the experience of Versus Nightclub. It was generally irritating and condescending, but most of all really boring.
As a member of the press I was still considered to be working for too lowly a publication to be offered a press packet upon my check in, and was actually standing right in front of a public relations woman who tried to whisper to another that they should save them for the bigger papers. Bigger papers were never seen and there seemed to be more than enough packets for the few people there asking for them.
Considering our readers include people the club allegedly wants as guests, I wouldn’t snub a small paper if I were them. In LA, you never know who you’re networking with.
The only fun that was truly had was because of the company I was keeping. So grab your friends and stay local. If you want to hit up LA for a hot club, Versus Nightclub is not it. When we left at 11:30 pm, there was no sign of things picking up, no sign of Navarro and still no sign of Audrina. I think I’ll live.
Versus LA Nightclub
618 S Spring Street (Los Angeles Stock Exchange Building)
Grand Opening October 25, 2008
Los Angeles, CA 90014
versusla.com
