Yelp's Magnificent Moulin Rouge New Years Eve!
Mesdames et messieurs from Sacramento and beyond gathered on the eve of 2012 for a seriously epic tribute to the Moulin Rouge, the storied French cabaret that has inspired generations of artists, musicians and thrillseekers. The night served as a benefit for the African Cultural Center, a local program of the Humanitarian Foundation. Attendees collectively contributed hundreds of dollars to help secure a location for their upcoming 2012 African Cultural Festival!
The night was a visual extranvagnaza. Creative Vera Studio and the two adjoining galleries (collectively known as the "Studios on 12") were decorated wall-to-wall with wonderful art by resident painters Raphael Delgado, Patris and Michael Mikolon, as well as a number of other local artists. Yelpers came adorned in colorful French-themed costumes to match the images from the film "Moulin Rouge" projected on the wall. Rachel Smiley Photography captured the mood in a classic photo studio that was a huge hit. The top three winners of a costume contest gaged by audience applause recieved $50 gift certificates to three local restaurants provided by the Downtown Sacramento Partnership as part of Dine Downtown 2012.
What also made this mammoth gathering truly spectacular were the contributions from so many great local vendors. Zu Vodka provided their unique Bison grass vodka and a popular "Zu Crew" fresh fruit punch. Ruhstaller Beer poured full glasses of their 1881 Red Ale and Black IPA. Elevation Ten Winery and Barsetti Vineyards offered up tastings of their delicious varieties. Food came in the form of savory BLT sandwiches from Rivers Edge Cafe and mini croissants from Cafe Lumiere. Needless to say, anything edible dissapeared in record time!
The night was full of standout performances, including Clemon's guitar driven rock, belly dancing from Adriane of the Henna and Kohl Bellydance Studio, a dynamic "sulpture jam" from Gina Rossi of Rossi Sculptural Designs, DJ's Micro and Party McFly and the highlight - a group dance to music from Camaroon led by Doralice of the African Cultural Center.
What would New Years be without a midnight countdown? As DJ Micro spun the beats, guests gathered in the front room to pop champagne and exchange sloppy kisses with lovers and strangers alike. The dance floor was truly bumping, as evidenced in the photos from Asia and Paul of the always amazing PHOTOSTUDiO29.
But let's let the reviewers speak for themself. In the words of Jessica T, "If you choose the wrong party or go to the wrong restaurant, you run the risk of tarnishing this important transition. I'm a happy lady today because I picked the right party. Kissing off 2011 and welcoming 2012 with my fantastic Yelp friends all around me was my first good decision of the year!"
Finally, a big thanks to Vera Icon PR for helping to coordinate this event!
Bonne année et bonne santé!
Alex L
Yelp Sacramento Community Manager
Looks like loads of fun!
Posted by: Steve | January 06, 2012 at 09:00 AM