Zen Arts and Skrillex Rock LA Live for Takeover Tour Finale

Los Angeles is left in shambles after a near weeklong take-over by the aggressive raging rhythms of Skrillex. MTV’s EDM (electronic dance music) artist of 2011 bombarded Los Angeles with back-to-back shows from Tuesday January 24th to Sunday January 29th, playing at venues like Cinespace, The Echoplex, ExchangeLA, The Avalon, and The Palladium. The dubstep invasion culminated on Sunday’s LA Live performance featuring Zen Arts and special guest djs Benga, Nadastrom, and Dada Life.

Skrillex and the Zen Arts dancers kept the masses partying with his signature sudden bass drops and the Zen signature booty drops! The Zen girls were dressed in edgy and exquisite black leather and lace ensembles specially designed for the Skrillex show. Throughout the evening explosive drops, screeching scratches, and wobbly bass provided the perfect setting to the sexy routines of the Zen dancers. The crowd even got to see world-class Zen pole dancer Zoraya Judd display her uncanny talents to the rough and rowdy chainsaw-phonic tunes. Among the Zen crew were a slew of characters who also took the stage, including a mini Mr. T, Captain America, IronMan, and a clown.

Skrillex has been at the forefront of the recent rise of the dubstep scene, a genre of electronic dance music stemming from the UK that has been transformed into crazy cracked out robotic distortions in America. Currently ranked as the number one dj internationally, Skrillex was recently nominated for 5 Grammy awards including the Best New Artist category, the first ever dj to be nominated in this field. Skrillex is following up his LA Takeover tour with a New York Takeover starting tomorrow February 1st until February 4th.

To read more on Skrillex and dubstep mania check out the Zen Arts Artist Spotlight article.

   

For more pictures of Sunday’s show head here and here, and for a short video clip head here.

Zen Arts Parties Parisian-Style for Myspace

On Friday December 16th Zen was invited to perform at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa for a company holiday party put on by social media giant Myspace. About 450 employees and guests were treated to booze, bites, and burlesque, put on by yours truly, upon a stage set in the round in the ballroom of the luxury seaside resort.

Channeling their inner French cabaret, the Zen girls were dressed appropriately inappropriate for the Parisian-themed event. Our trio of sexy Zen burlesque dancers donned black and white bikini-style ensembles adorned with ruffles and sparkly fringe, paired with a set of fishnet stockings and feather headbands…leaving the room full of spectators with little on their lips other than a hungering “oui oui.” Meanwhile our amazing contortionist, aerial silk artist, and fire-dancers wore specially made black and red Parisian-style corsets complete with hot pants and black boots…stepping straight out of the Moulin Rouge.

Myspace was recently acquired by digital advertising company Specific Media LLC. and pop superstar Justin Timberlake for approximately $35 million. Amid declining followers since 2008, the former social media frontrunner has changed through many hands since its 2003 launch. In 2005 media giant Newscorp bought the company for $580 million, riding its popularity for 3 successful years, until Facebook surpassed Myspace in users in 2008. By June of 2011, the company had suffered severe cut-backs and layoffs, with its former 2009 workforce of 1600 whittled down to only 200. Timberlake and Specific have plans to revamp the suffering site to bring users back, as well as focus on its popularity as a music platform, being the only social media site contracted with all four major record labels. On Bloomberg West, Specific CEO Tim Vanderhook released this statement in regards to the future of the site: “Facebook is what I did yesterday, Twitter is what I’m doing right now, and what Myspace will be is what I’m going to be in the future.”

For pictures of the event head to the media gallery here, and also be sure to check out webzine BizBash’s coverage of the event.

   

Zen Arts Goes Guys and Dolls for Family Guy Creator

On October 22nd Family Guy funnyman Seth Macfarlane celebrated his 38th birthday with a small quaint gathering of a few of his closest friends, including a 70-piece jazz orchestra, a few hundred Hollywood VIPs, and the sexiest circus troupe in the country. The 1950s New York themed event was put on by event planning company Nightvision Entertainment, held at Seth’s house high up in the Hollywood hills. Complete with luxurious white drapery, fancy chandeliers, old-school signage, and even gambling tables, the theming of the evening was meticulously thought out down to every detail.

Fitting with the guys and dolls theme, our Zen performers dressed in specially designed black and white costumes made specifically for the event. The lovely ladies of Zen dance were decked out in risqué two piece ensembles garnished with feathers, feathers, and more feathers! Performance highlights included a large show number with 13 dancers, a feather fan number, and of course the amazingly talented Zen aerialists, performing high above the crowd of Rat Pack chic revelers.

In his personal life Macfarlane is known for being a bit old-fashioned, lacking email access at home, not watching much television, rejecting all forms of social media, and despising most modern music. A talented pianist, musician, and singer, Macfarlane has always been a fan of classical sounds. Close friend, composer, and attendee Ron Jones, who creates most of the music for Family Guy, was nice enough to bring along his 70-piece jazz orchestra, which often performs with Macfarlane on vocals. In fact Macfarlane recently released his first full length Grammy nominated big band album entitled Music is Better than Words. Musical highlights of the evening included a duet performance by Macfarlane and close friend Bill Maher singing Frank Sinatra’s “Star.”

Along with his music and writing career, Macfarlane has always been an outspoken activist and philanthropist. So it’s no surprise his birthday party also featured a charity raffle with proceeds going to the spcaLA, dedicated to helping homeless and abused pets.

All in all the event proved to be one of the hottest and most exclusive Hollywood parties of the year. A-list celebrities such as Mel Gibson were seen in attendance, as well as Frank Sinatra Jr., Paris Hilton, John Cho, Olivia Wilde, Edi Gathegi, Demi Lovato, Wilmer Valderrama, and many other notables. Lovato and on-again-off-again boyfriend Valderrama were even seen holding hands, dancing, and kissing.

For pics of the event check out the thumbnails below as well as the full gallery here.

   

 

Zen Arts Answers the “Call of Duty” for Activision

On November 13th the Zen team geared up for Activision’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 release party at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at the Paris hotel in Las Vegas. Additionally Zen hosted another MW3 release party at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood on November 17th. MW3 is the third installment of the Modern Warfare series, and eighth game overall in the highly popular Call of Duty franchise. Just like its predecessors, the game is a first-person shooter, meaning the player experiences weapon-based action through the eyes of their character of choosing, set within a military task force scenario. Twenty-four hours after its release, the game had already sold 6.5 million copies in the U.S. and U.K. alone, and grossed over $400 million, making it one of the most popular and successful video game release day totals of all time. Initial sales were likely boosted by the cleverly produced commercial featuring target-audience comedic actor Jonah Hill (Superbad, Get Him to the Greek) and action film star Sam Worthington (Avatar, Terminator Salvation), in military roles labeled “the Noob” and “the Vet” (check out the commercial here).

Hollywood’s young, hot, and famous came out in full force to party it up with the Zen crew at the Roosevelt Hotel, one of Los Angeles’ most historic and swanky party spots. First opening in 1927, the hotel was named after ex-president Theodore Roosevelt, and was the location of the 1st ever Academy Awards ceremony. Since then it has been featured in countless Hollywood films, as well as sheltered countless Hollywood celebs, making it one of Los Angeles’ most cherished historic monuments. Thanks to a major renovation in 2005 and the opening of Teddy’s nightclub in the lobby, the hotel has experienced a recent renaissance within the last 5 years, with a new found embrace by young Hollywood.

Rich and famous video game lovers were treated to sultry Zen performances by our world-class fire dancers, burlesque dancers, and go-go dancers. The outdoor event was kept warm by some amazing Zen fire performers, bringing the heat with their steamy and sensual displays of fire poi and fire fan. In the swimming pool the Zen arts bubble contortionists put on an elegant and enticing performance, while on dry land Zen Arts snakecharming contortionist Karina and her albino Burmese python kept the crowd in a trance.

At the Vegas show Zen clowns, stiltwalkers, contortionists, and jugglers ran amok at Butterfly Saturday at Chateau. Combining French style with an upscale environment, Chateau offers 40,000 square feet of nightclub space framed by elegant French architecture, vaulted ceilings, and opulent chandeliers. The club also features its very own unique outdoor Parisian gardens overlooking the Las Vegas Strip, as well as a lush rooftop dancefloor and garden situated directly underneath the hotel’s mock Eiffel Tower.

For photos of the events check out the thumbnails below as well as a full gallery of pics here.

       

Zen Arts Occupies the Americana at Brand

Zen Arts had its first ever full length holiday show on Thursday November 17th at the Americana at Brand shopping plaza in Glendale. With the help of our friends at Nightvision Entertainment, the Zen crew was able to pull off an unbelievable holiday extravaganza amidst a gorgeously constructed stage, complete with Christmas tree, presents, ornaments, and lights. Nightvision is a pioneer in creating purposeful event productions, always staying ahead of the game with cutting-edge technology, in order to build brands into experiences.

The performance was an hour long free show created for the Americana’s tree lighting ceremony, ushering the official start of the holiday shopping season. Over 10,000 people were treated to Zen’s regularly remarkable performances with a holiday twist, including stiltwalking elves, Nutcracker-esque dancers, and a snow globe-contained contortionist. Performing in icy white holiday garb garnished with snowflake-like body makeup, our aerial silk, Cyr wheel, and contortion performers were still able to keep the crowd warm with their sizzling sets. A living teddy bear, little girl in pajamas, and ballerina rounded out the remaining cast of crazy Christmas characters, for a spirited and heartwarming family show. Oh and that big guy in the red suit was there too.

Opening in May of 2008, the Americana at Brand is a large outdoor shopping and living center owned and operated by Los Angeles real estate development company Caruso Affiliated, well-known for its other large outdoor center the Grove at Farmer’s Market. Built with the idea of a city center, the Americana features a mix of architectural styles housing 100 condos, 238 apartments, and 75 retail shops including Barney’s New York, Tiffany & Co., BCBGMaxazria, and H&M, not to mention an array of restaurants ranging from fine dining to casual fare, as well as an 18-screen movie theater. Additionally a water display designed by WET, the company responsible for the Bellagio’s grand fountain in Las Vegas, is featured at the heart of the center and performs to a musical number every hour.

In case you missed it, check out the full gallery of pics here, here, and some behind the scenes pics here.

   

Zen Arts & Supperclub Deliver Halloween Frights and Bites

Zen Arts teamed up with the event production geniuses at The Do Lab for a very special scary and sexy Halloween event this year. The Limelight Halloween Extravaganza took place at the ultra-posh Supperclub LA restaurant and nightclub on October 27th, with hair-raising tunes provided by musical artists DJ Pumpkin, LowRIDERz, Symphonic Circles, and The Temple Monkey.

The Zen crew put on a very special dinner performance featuring our world-class fire dancers, aerialists, pole dancers, burlesque dancers, capoeira artists, and Cyr wheel performers. Guests were able to enjoy from Supperclub’s delicious list of tasteful eats while taking in tantalizing performances by the Zen team. Supperclub is one of LA’s premier entertainment venues, providing a combination of elegant dining and extraordinary entertainment for truly unusual and unexpected dining experiences. At Supperclub anything can happen, and an evening is only defined as a success, “when all your five senses have been tickled.”

The Do Lab is Los Angeles’ top event production company for interactive environments. At The Do Lab, their mission is to create “experience as an art form.” In addition The Do Lab is a green company, striving to use natural and sustainable resources in all their productions.

For pictures of the spine-chilling spectacular head here and here, and for a special behind the scenes look head here.

Zen Arts Rocks the Vegas Strip at Cosmopolitan

On October 6th the Zen Arts crew put on a special show at the Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan hotel in Las Vegas. After less than a year in operation, Marquee has already become one of the hottest nightclubs in Vegas. And it’s no wonder! With a party deck overlooking the strip, infinity pools, 3-story bungalow lofts, 62,000 square feet of space, 4-story LED screens, and high-tech lighting and sound, Marquee has it all! That must be why in its inaugural year Marquee has already booked the hottest DJs and biggest names in entertainment, including yours truly!

The lucky party people able to get through the velvet rope had the pleasure of spending the night gawking at our sexy Zen snake, burlesque, fire, and hoop dancers, set against a backdrop of the glittery lights of Vegas. Even in the pool our Zen bubble contortionists had eyes popping with their sensual and seductive performance. Not to worry for those who didn’t make it in; the performance platforms were high enough to allow the entire Las Vegas Strip to get a peek into the world of Zen.

Self-touted as “just the right amount of wrong,” The Cosmopolitan was the ideal symbiosis for a true Zen Arts show. The resort was the perfect venue to showcase what Zen Arts is all about and we can’t wait for them to have us back!

If Vegas is about overindulgence of the senses, then Zen definitely delivered. For pictures of the event head here and for special behind the scenes photos head here.

Check out the event video below:

Zen Arts Hits the Beach for Pike Gala

On September 7th the Zen team joined forces with event planning magnate BTB Event Productions to put on the amazing Long Beach Pike Gala. The event was designed to attract attention to the newly re-vamped Pike district of Long Beach, a historical amusement zone since 1902. Although now the roller coaster and midway arcade are long gone, the district has been transformed into a retail and entertainment hub minutes away from the beach, housing a Cinemark movie theater, a Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant, the Auld Dubliner Irish Pub, and a Laugh Factory improv and stand-up comedy theater.

Guests enjoyed performances put on by Zen fire dancers, aerial hoop and tissu performers, and Cyr wheel performers, as well as a tantalizing performance by Zen’s own snake charming contortionist Karina. Set against a backdrop of the Pike ferris wheel, the Zen crew left jaws on the floor once again with their exquisite and enticing acts displaying the strength and beauty of the human body.

The entire production was showcased in an elaborate circus-themed environment, with every detail thanks to the wonderful team at BTB. With over 20 years of experience in planning, the people of BTB are experts in producing unique and memorable events throughout the southwestern U.S., no matter the environment.

For pictures head here and here.

Check out the event video below:

Zen Arts Throws a “Bash” for Event Professionals Expo

Zen Arts was the official entertainment sponsor for the BizBash West Expo & Awards at the Pasadena Convention Center on June 14. BizBash is an event planning webzine that provides news coverage on events across the country as well as an updated directory of the who’s who in the event planning industry. The company hosts the annual event in 5 locations across the country, allowing event planning professionals to congregate and socialize to see the next big ideas in event planning. Attendees peruse various exhibits, mingle with other planners, participate in discussion topics, and enjoy a variety of live entertainment, this year being yours truly.

Zen Arts pulled out all the stops for BizBash, showcasing some of our most talented fire, pole, snake, and burlesque dancers. Guests were also delighted with comedic performances by Zen’s own clown posse. Our amazingly talented crew put on a stupendous show to solidify Zen among event planners as the best in corporate and private event entertainment.

The expo concluded with an awards ceremony honoring the best in event style for the past year. Some of this year’s big winners included MEET Las Vegas for best new venue, Bidpal for best new product, Moss Inc. for best staging and set design for the MTV Video Music Awards, and the Patina Restaurant Group for catering the Primetime Emmys Governors Ball. Check out the full list of this year’s winners here.

 

Check out the full gallery of pictures here.

See the event video below:

Zen Arts Plays with Fire for Firearms

Once again the Zen Arts crew delivered an amazing show for defense contractor Advanced Armament Corp’s Big Bang Party, held at the Voodoo Lounge atop the Rio Casino & Resort in Las Vegas. Co-sponsored by Maxim magazine, the party was a kickoff for the SHOT Show, an annual convention for the gun, hunting, and shooting sports industry.

Lucky attendees were treated to a tantalizing performance by the sexy Zen pole dancers, the fearless Zen fire dancers, and a variety of heart-stopping tricks put on by the Zen aerial silk and tissu performers.

For those of you who don’t know, the Voodoo Lounge is one of Las Vegas’ premier nightclub venues, boasting a panoramic view of the strip at over 51 stories high. Add a few stories on top of that for the brave Zen Arts performers, who twirled and tumbled high above the street below to put on a breathtaking show.

While Zen Arts provided the eye candy, guests were also treated to a raucous rock-fest by the all-girl AC/DC cover band Whole Lotta Rosies.

See more pictures from the Maxim event, here and here.

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