Red-tape party

Crimson Lounge

Last week, it almost got a lot harder to throw parties in Chicago. On July 18 at City Hall, the Committee on License and Consumer Protection discussed Chapter 4-157, an ordinance that would require club and event promoters to be licensed every two years. We’ve examined the document, and frankly, we’re frightened by the barriers it introduces to the party-promoting business. It would require a license applicant to carry $1 million in liability insurance, be fingerprinted, undergo background checks and pay a fee. In short, it sounds potentially devastating to small venues and events. The debate raged during an entertaining council meeting as a rambunctious crowd of DJs and promoters showed up to defend their First Amendment rights and creative enterprises. Proponents didn’t have the necessary details to garner serious action from the panel. Unable to distinguish a 500-person rave from a church fund-raiser, this amendment has a long way to go.

You’re so Vain
Every time we turn around, a new club opens in Chicago. In fact, this month, a new multilevel joint opened right on the block where we get oil changes for the TOC partymobile. Dubbed Vain, the newest venue is in the building at 2354 North Clybourn Avenue that previously held the loftlike, sporty joint Big House. Vain has a handsome lounge on the ground floor for warming up and a two-story upper level with an indoor waterfall. Music 101, which previously programmed Wicker Park’s Ohm, is involved in booking two nights at the new club: the old-school and disco–flavored Slave to the Rhythm on Thursdays, and the house-oriented Stylus party on Fridays. See listings.

Sax and Ronson roll
Heading back downtown, the $17 million transformation of the House of Blues Hotel into Hotel Sax—which replaced its quirky style with a European bohemian luxury feel—includes the addition of the Crimson Lounge. The new, clubbier space is outfitted with lit glass and red decor that plays up a sensual East-meets-West concept. The joint will be open from 4pm to 2am daily beginning this week. Celeb-circuit fave Samantha Ronson was selected as the exclusive resident DJ. She spins the private opening party on Thursday 26 and once a month thereafter for the rest of us. See listings.

Relax, no drugs here
Also entering the fray is Relax (formerly Pharmacy), making a play for West Town partyers at 1450 West Chicago Avenue, down the block from Sonotheque. After its owners, David Lehtman and Brian Eldridge, appeased concerned neighbors and made nice with the liquor board, it’s finally open for business. The name change was required to comply with the Section 3 of the  Illinois Pharmacy Practice Act of 1987 which defines pharmacy as “a place where pharmaceutical care is provided.” Outfitted with vintage wallpaper, the place also serves burgers and shakes. One thing to note: It’s kept the pharmacy-style light outside, and folks still call it by its original name.

Assets denied
Nightlife investor Anthony A. Demasi and his company Tsunami Capital had their assets frozen by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission when the agency filed charges of fraud to the tune of $300,000 on May 1. Demasi owns nightspots Crescendo and reserve, and both closed abruptly a few weeks ago. Now, with a change of management (but not ownership), one is scheduled to reopen. The capable co-owners of RiNo and Manor (Michael Bisbee and Michael Kaulentis) signed a management agreement to take over Crescendo and have the club running again as of last week. There’s no word on the future of reserve. The CFTC’s website (cftc.gov) has more details on the fraud allegations.—John Dugan and Rachel Skybetter