Nightlife Impresario Bryan Rabin Is Bringing Back Giorgio’s (and Some Other Old Icons) for L.A.’s “Naughtiest” New Year’s Eve Bash

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As I delve into the captivating tale of Eric Rabin, it’s impossible not to be mesmerized by his relentless pursuit of the ephemeral allure of nightlife. From the bustling streets of New York to the glitzy boulevards of Hollywood, this man has been a silent symphony conductor, orchestrating the rhythm of the night for decades.

In autumn of 1990, Bryan Rabin, along with his late partner Jimmy Medina, introduced themselves to the Los Angeles nightlife scene in a unique way. They operated an underground, after-hours club named The Lounge, which was situated on the second floor of a magic shop above a methadone clinic on Hollywood Boulevard.

Back then, I, a passionate gamer, embarked on an exciting journey in the world of entertainment. I set foot in various intriguing venues across different cities, each with its unique charm. In Prague, it was a meeting hall in Czechoslovakia on Western Avenue; in West Hollywood, it was the 1940s-style lounge Highball, now Harlowe; and there was a burlesque club named Burlesque on Cosmo and Selma. At these locations, Scott Ewalt, renowned for his work at Kenny Scharf’s Cosmic Cavern parties, spun 45s of grindhouse and ’60s garage rock bands, entertaining folks like Ron Athey.

Back in the 2000s, I was the go-to guy for the leading fashion brands who were eager to establish themselves in LA. From Harry Winston and Dior to Armani and Paul Smith, I organized events that showcased their collections. For a full decade though, I kept myself away from the nightlife scene. Then, one day, an idea sparked – a weekly discotheque, modeled after the pulsating rhythm of Giorgio Moroder’s production for Donna Summer’s “Sunset People.” Nestled in a compact mirror-clad venue, it featured a disco ball suspended from its spacious ceiling. The entrance was discreetly located through a kitchen at The Standard on Sunset, and soon enough, the guest list transformed into an A-list gathering of artists, musicians, and fashion icons.

Returning was all about bringing my film ‘Freak Show’ to life, as I found myself too busy creating events for high-profile clients like Vanity Fair and Margiela,” I expressed, referring to the Trudie Styler-directed movie based on James St. James’ novel that I produced in 2018. The dance floor at Giorgio was a magnet for A-list stars (Kate Hudson, Leonardo DiCaprio), musicians (Mick Jagger, Lenny Kravitz), artists (Kenny Scharf) and fashion icons (Rick Owens), making it the epitome of Hollywood’s elite nightlife for almost a decade, until COVID-19 forced its closure along with The Standard. For a short while, Giorgio resurfaced for a few post-COVID events at the Grandmaster Recorders space on N. Cahuenga Boulevard, but I preferred to divide my time between ‘Calm Springs’ and my home in Mérida, Yucatán. However, when the West Hollywood Edition approached me with an offer to host parties last year, which I couldn’t accommodate due to my travels, we started discussing the potential for a New Year’s Eve celebration to mark the end of 2024 at Sunset at The Edition.

Tonight promises to be a night filled with legends, according to Rabin. Jellybean Benitez, the famed DJ who spun tracks at Studio 54 and Palladium and remixed albums for Madonna and Whitney Houston, will be spinning records. Joey Arias, the renowned cabaret and drag performer, will take the stage for a live performance. Lastly, Susanne Bartsch, the legendary nightlife producer who threw memorable parties at the Copacabana in the early ’80s and later created the extravagant Love Ball, will co-host the event with Rabin. Rabin mentioned that this event is all about the music and the people, and he’s confident that Jellybean will set the roof on fire. Moreover, the trio of Joey Arias, Susanne Bartsch, and Jellybean Benitez have a long-standing relationship and haven’t collaborated in ages, so Rabin anticipates an unforgettable sequence of fun and camaraderie.

Despite months of planning, it wasn’t until right before I announced it that everyone’s schedules finally seemed to line up for our New Year’s bash this autumn. With all the twists and turns of this turbulent election year, I believe there couldn’t be a better moment to bring people back to the dance floor with a genuine disco revival at Giorgio’s. Just like in the old days at The Standard, patrons would often dash up and down to their rooms (or those of friends) for multiple outfit changes, and I can’t wait to see that same energy at The Edition. As a fan who cherishes these memories, I can hardly contain my excitement!

Rabin expresses his enthusiasm about events where people frequently change outfits during the night, particularly at venues like Giorgio’s, where formal attire is expected. He notes that it’s been a while since he’s seen people dance as passionately as they do at Giorgio’s. He adds that having Susanne and Joey present, along with Jellybean providing the music, will create an enchanting atmosphere. In his opinion, this New Year’s event will be the wildest he’s ever attended, encouraging people to let loose and have a fantastic time. Overall, he believes it will be a memorable night for our community.

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2024-12-28 03:54