Is it just me, or did this past year fly by in a high class party haze of celebrities, champagne robots, and cryogenic liquid nitrogen? What, don't you speak FLUXX?
OK, I’ll be first to admit it; I raged harder in 2010 than I have in my entire life, and I blame it all on the RMD Group. I mean, how can you guys open an 11,000-sq. ft. dance club that puts most Vegas venues to shame, and then have the audacity to place it a few mere blocks from my house? Do you have no soul? Stay home with a good book, or strap on my best hooker heels, pop some bottles, and shake my ass to Usher, Bob Sinclar, Snoop Dogg, Big Boi, Too Short, Ludacris, Nelly, Benny Benassi, or whatever A-List act is performing live tonight? Well, it goes without saying that I spent more nights on the FLUXX dance floor than on my own couch last year. And I’m pretty sure the same story goes for any in-the-know local who refuses to settle for anything less than the best of San Diego nightlife.
FLUXX is a club of constant change, and after a non-stop year of insane parties and ever-evolving themes, we definitely grasp the concept. And we’re not the only ones taking notice; Lebron James, Pamela Anderson, and Jessica Biel are just a few of the celebrity guests who’ve left their stamp on the FLUXX party scene.
FLUXX Anniversary Festivities: Staying true to style, FLUXX is hosting not one, not two or three, but four huge anniversary bashes. Calling out to die-hard electro music enthusiasts, FLUXX presents the One Year Anniversary EDM with Erick Morillo on Thursday, March 3rd. Starting back up on Thursday, March 10th, FLUXX Live presents a Louis XIV Reunion Show, also featuring Lesands & Hot Moon and DJ Ikah Love, hosted by Tim Pyles. Change out of your casual-cool Thursday ensemble and prepare for an upscale club affair on Friday, March 11th. The official FLUXX Anniversary Party will feature sounds by DJ Karma and a lineup of top-secret special performances. And for what is sure to be the most epic industry night to date, FLUXX hosts an Industry Anniversary Party on Monday, March 14th, with sounds by DJ Scooter and yet another surprise live performance. All One Year Anniversary Party VIP reservations will fill up fast. Call 877.722.1051 to book your VIP table now!
In celebration of FLUXX’s one year anniversary, I sat down with the super club’s biggest brains and hottest bodies to reflect on the wildly successful first year and get a sneak peek of what’s in store. From General Manager James Thorp to Entertainment Director Mike Drummond and Bottle Service Manager Kristy Rumsey, get to know the people you need to know in this week’s anniversary edition Industry Spotlight.
DiscoverSD: What is your role at FLUXX?
James Thorp: General Manager.
Mike Drummond: Entertainment Director.
Kristy Rumsey: Bottle Service Manager.
Jason Mitchell: VIP Manager.
Anna Watson Sindelar: Creative Director.
DSD: Describe the FLUXX party scene in just five words.
James: Energetic, Sexy, Sinful, Wild, Epic.
Kristy: As Charlie would say, #winning.
Jason: Entertainingly witty and wittily entertaining.
Anna: Smart, Beautiful, Vibrant, Intense, Now.
DSD: What were your top three favorite parties of the year?
James: Grand Opening on March 11th – all the hard work that went into creating this amazing venue finally paid off. When Bruno Mars performed. That kid has got skills out of this world. Wait Bruno “Mars” … hmm. LOL. And of course any DSD party thrown. Those guys know how to party.
Mike: Industry NYE with Too Short, Bob Sinclar and Cee Lo Green; all three events had a great crowd, great vibe and great performances by legendary artists.
Kristy: Industry night NYE with Too Short – amazing crowd of beautiful industry friends mixed with the best VIPs. Too Short's performance had the whole crowd dancing and singing word for word. And I can't forget the inaugural voyage for FLUXX2000 – the ever popular champagne robot. Halloween: Fetish – seeing the jaws drop as people walked in and saw our latex outfits and the FLUXX dancers performing was priceless. Opening Night – after all our hard work it was such an emotional experience. It was so validating to see the doors open and everyone able to enjoy the incredible venue.
DSD: Who was your favorite surprise celebrity performer of the year?
James: Let’s see, probably going to have to say Vanilla Ice, since he is obviously my brother from another mother.
Mike: I really enjoyed Naughty By Nature. They had really good stage presence and were great performers.
Kristy: Bruno Mars was the cutest little nugget! I felt like I was at a concert not at a club! But the most exciting for me was Usher. I bumped into him early that afternoon at Neimans, so we were like BFFs when he got to the club. ;)
Jason: Bruno Mars, the live music pop vibe and full band combined with the club atmosphere was so cool.
Anna: Ice Ice Baby.
DSD: If you could have any celebrity, dead or alive, perform live at FLUXX, who would you choose?
James: If I could have anyone perform at FLUXX, dead or alive, it would have to be Michael Jackson. Best performer ever, hands down.
Mike: 2PAC.
Kristy: I would love to recreate Nirvana Unplugged on the FLUXX Live stage. With our sound system, Kurt's voice would sound unbelievable.
Jason: No brainer…Frank Sinatra.
Anna: M.I.A would be amazing. She's smart, sexy and talented. A perfect match for FLUXX.
DSD: What was your favorite club theme of the year?
James: I’m going to have to go with FLUXX Chilled. The main reason is because we got to pass out Otter Pops to all the guests. Not to mention the dozen I had myself a night.
Mike: I liked Primal because the staff looked great and the theme fit well with the grass and wood that is already part of the venue décor.
Kristy: Primal – the bottle service girls looked so gorgeous and everyone (including staff) got a chance to unleash their inner animal! Raaaar
Jason: Chilled. The props, costumes, and décor were so cohesive with the Christmas season. It flowed seamlessly.
Anna: Of course I loved them all, but my favorite was Mysterium. We were able to maintain a sexy fashionable look for Halloween and the FLUXX dancers started coming into their own with their surprise black robe-coffin popping strip tease. I also loved the coffin – disco glitter purple is a must-have! If I can add another, the work we did for Odyssey which opened during Comic-con was very challenging and artistic. With the help of ARCHISECTS and a few willing bottle-service waitresses we cast and molded clear plastic bras a la Barbarella. I think I saw something similar on the runways this season! In addition our clear domed dancing capsule complete with multicolored lit platform, giant smoke leaver and trap door was really over the top even for a nightclub!
DSD: Who were your favorite big-name DJs and local DJs to spin at FLUXX this year?
James: Bob Sinclar, DJ Vice, and Benny Benassi were my favorite big name DJs as they all had great sets. As far as local DJs, Mac Luv and Sid Vicious murder it. Sid Vicious brings the highest energy to FLUXX, and Mac Luv and Sid are always a pleasure to work with.
Mike: Benny Benassi and Bob Sinclar were my two favorite DJs because I really enjoyed their sets and the energy of the crowd. For local DJs, would have to be Sid Vicious and Scooter.
Kristy: Craig Smoove always gets the ladies on the dance floor, Graham Funke is an absolute genius on the 1's and 2's, but let’s be honest...no one gets the room going like the one and only Sid Vicious. My mom even rocks out to the FLUXX SVS CD (Sid Vicious Saturday).
Jason: Hands down Benny Benassi. I’m still excited to see who will top that set. It was epic.
DSD: What celebrities were you most excited to see partying at FLUXX this year?
James: Lebron James, since he is obviously my other brother from another mother. LOL. And the fact there was finally a celebrity who was taller than me. Also Pamela Anderson celebrating her birthday was a lot of fun. Being the avid Baywatch fan growing up, all we need now is “The Hoff” and my celebrity list at FLUXX would be complete.
Mike: Lebron James, Usher and Jessica Biel.
Kristy: I love seeing all the athletes. My fave is a toss-up between Jason Richardson, former MSU Spartan, and the legendary (and FLUXX regular) Marshall Faulk.
Jason: Usher and Lebron have to take the cake for me. Both are so iconic and they truly had a fantastic time partying at FLUXX!
Anna: I was excited to see Snoop come out.
DSD: Who are your favorite rowdy regulars and best VIP clients?
James: Once again I’m going to have to throw the DSD Crew out there. Jeff, Nadav, and Marie Elena bring it.
Kristy: No one hosts a party like Stephen Cooper and Shaun Phillips, of the Chargers. But I love seeing San Diego elites like Dave Laurent of Eden and Nadav Wilf of DSD letting loose!
DSD: FLUXX Live was really well received this year. Will this event series continue, and will you launch any new event concepts?
James: FLUXX Live is definitely here to stay. I love listening to different styles of music. From bringing local bands in to play to having Mix Master Mike and Cee Lo Greens perform make FLUXX Live probably my favorite night. We are always looking to branch out and try new exciting concepts that we feel will be successful.
Mike: FLUXX Live will continue and will be even bigger during the next year.
Anna: FLUXX is an amazing venue for live music. There is no bad vantage point due to the open layout. The sound system paired with the wood floor make it an experience "in-the-round". This year should be awesome.
DSD: Give us a sneak peek! What changes can we expect to see in FLUXX’s second year?
James: Unfortunately you are just going to have to come see for yourself what we have planned for our second year. I will tell you however, that now after being open one year our ideas on upcoming themes and potential entertainment are already giving me goose bumps.
Mike: We'll continue to build and improve on the blue print that made FLUXX the Best Nightclub in San Diego and Best New Nightclub in the country; great customer service, first class entertainment and creative theme changes.
Jason: More creatively diverse themes and modifications to the current décor and lighting experience.
Anna: Our first year of themes was amazing but our next year will push the boundaries of what is possible in a nightclub even further. Our signature props and FLUXX dancers are sure to elevate the vibe even further.
DSD: Now that FLUXX isn’t the newest club in the scene, how will you maintain your edge?
James: I feel that with our forever changing themes we continue to reinvent ourselves, making us always new and fresh. However I feel our staff and customer service is what will continue keeping us the hottest club in San Diego.
Kristy: Living up to our name and reputation, constantly changing and evolving. We will continue to innovate and define nightlife going forward, not only in San Diego, but in the nation.
Jason: By constantly evolving San Diego’s truest nightclub experience. FLUXX is Vegas in San Diego.
Anna: Our concept is what makes us a compelling venue; best service and amazing talent combined with a collaborative art installation every couple of months. There is no way to compete, it’s completely unique.
DSD: We can’t wait to meet the newest member of your RMD Group family, F6ix. What top-secret details can you share with us?
James: I also can’t wait. I love when RMD opens another venue. Side Bar is currently my favorite place to go when I’m off. Now I’ll have Side Bar and F6ix.
Anna: I am excited to see what they do with the place. The creativity and expertise that RMD is able to consolidate is very impressive.
FLUXX Anniversary Festivities: Staying true to style, FLUXX is hosting not one, not two or three, but four huge anniversary bashes. Calling out to die-hard electro music enthusiasts, FLUXX presents the One Year Anniversary EDM with Erick Morillo on Thursday, March 3rd. Starting back up on Thursday, March 10th, FLUXX Live presents a Louis XIV Reunion Show, also featuring Lesands & Hot Moon and DJ Ikah Love, hosted by Tim Pyles. Change out of your casual-cool Thursday ensemble and prepare for an upscale club affair on Friday, March 11th. The official FLUXX Anniversary Party will feature sounds by DJ Karma and a lineup of top-secret special performances. And for what is sure to be the most epic industry night to date, FLUXX hosts an Industry Anniversary Party on Monday, March 14th, with sounds by DJ Scooter and yet another surprise live performance. Call 877.722.1051 to book your VIP table now!
See for Yourself: View hot new FLUXX party photos in our San Diego nightlife photo gallery.
