2 AM: Club life with Meme Hsu

By Meme Hsu

Aretha Franklin once sang, "R-E-S-P-E-C-T/ Find out what it means to me." I love that song because it explains how I felt this weekend. You are probably thinking, "Gee, Meme! What happened?"

Last weekend I was brushed off. Which happens from time to time, but in a way in which made me believe the guy was an asshole, and that if there's anything certain in Las Vegas, it's that Vegans stick together!

I rolled up with my friend Berta to go to the Alicia Keys after-party at Prana. I walked up to the club like I have done many times and stood in line to get in. "Hi," I said with a big smile. "This is my friend Berta, and my name is Meme Hsu. I should be on the VIP list."

Eddie, Mr. "Don't Bother Me, I Think You Are Human Scum," is ignoring me. "Who are you?" Eddie retorts after pacing back and forth pretending he is God incarnate.

Extending my hand, I said, "Hi, I'm Meme Hsu, and I am here to cover your party." Ignoring my simple gesture of respect, he looks on his handwritten list and says, "You're not on my list. You are not getting in."

"Oh!" I say, startled. "Would you mind checking with management regarding this mistake? I put in the proper paperwork last week. May I give you my contact's name?" By now I am embarrassed and I think my friend Berta is starting to hide behind some girls.

"I said you are not on the list and you are not getting in," says Eddie. "My partner and I are running this show, and if you are not on this list, you are not getting in!"

"Could you please check with my contact to see if there was a mistake?" I say.

"No. I don't know who that is and, frankly, I don't care," he says. "You are not getting in unless you pay."

"Okay," I say as I leave.

Walking from Prana, I speak to a young lady whom I have seen before inside Prana. I explain my situation to Holly and she gets Mark. Mark shakes my hand and apologizes for the inconvenience. (Now this is what I am talking about! Gotta love your Vegas homeboys and girls!)

He walks me up to the doors and lets me in despite Eddie's objections. "You can't let her in here," he screams.

"She's a Prana guest," says Brian, "She is on our VIP list."

Eddie, if that was his real name, was furious. I think it's humorous how peons mumble their names when you ask for their names and titles. Readers, never let anyone tell you you are not important. You have the money. If you are not getting the respect you deserve, leave!

At any rate, the Prana staff is great. Any one of Prana's regular employees is wonderful, helpful and friendly. Alicia Keys did show up, but did not perform while I was there, which was until 2 a.m. Too bad, because she looked beautiful and would have livened up the place. I kept my spy Berta there to report back to me if anything interesting happened. Nothing did, according to him.

Meanwhile, I hung out in VIP at Curve. I love Curve because not only do bouncers and VIP hosts remember your name, they are extremely approachable and willing to do anything to make their guest feel comfortable.

I got into the Missy Elliot after-concert party without even trying. I walked up and got a hug from my favorite manager, Jon Klempa, and Aladdin's sexiest public relations girl, Tyri Squyres. We chatted a bit before I checked out the VIP area, where Missy was playing pool. Missy was very nice and even waved to a few of her fans. The place was packed and it looked like everyone was having a good time. As I always say, friends are always better than anything you can ask for. It might be nice to talk to celebrities, but day-to-day people are the ones who matter the most. As for Curve, that is why it's always going to be my hometown hangout with a touch of class and elegance. (Prana, 480-4821; Curve at the Aladdin, 290-9582)

My homeboys and homegirls

My friend Brandon is hooking up my readers! Write me at meme@memehsu.com if you would like to go to OPM today, Thursday, April 22. The first 10 2AM readers to contact me will get to sit at my VIP tables. My table guests will also receive a bottle of Vino compliments of OPM. There also will be free cover. Just bring in a copy of my column and you will get in free.

While you are there, check out Beachers Madhouse Rockstar Karaoke. I love outgoing people with talent and a willingness to have fun. When you get home, write me about your experience and I will try to give you a shout out!

Women wanting to flaunt it all tonight can show their stuff in the FIJI PRO bikini contest. Hosted by Vegas Hotties, women can win more than $5,000 in cash and prizes. This contest is open to all professional and amateur models. (OPM, 387-3840)