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Krave Massive Hopes to Change Gay Tourism and Las Vegas Nightlife 

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New Year's Eve preview event and grand opening scheduled for summer 2013.

(Artist rendering of Krave Massive on Fremont Street)

With plans to become the world's largest gay club, Krave Massive is hosting a grand pre-opening on New Year's Eve for a four-day event from Dec. 28-31, which will feature RuPaul Drag Race's (and Out 100 cover star) Sharon Needles. This past summer, Las Vegas nightclub owner Kelly Murphy announced plans to move and revamp Massive's predecessor, Krave, which closed at its previous location on the strip this fall. The previous gay hotspot is now on its way to fully evolve into Massive at Neonopolis in the downtown district. It joins Murphy's Drink & Drag Lounge, the country's first drag queen bar and bowling alley, which opened spring 2012 and has been luring the crowds to the district--which has been trying to reviltize itself over the years.

Murphy spoke with Out earlier this year on Massive: "I think that a couple of things changed gay nightlife in [Vegas]. Grindr changed to take care of basic needs ... we had to reinvent nightlife. Instead of putting together another dance club... It's a completely different concept." He continued, "I think if I'm able to execute the largest gay club... I'm hoping that it will make Vegas the No. 1 most traveled gay destination. Anyone outside of the U.S. will rethink their travel [when planning to visit]. That would be a big deal." Currently Vegas sits at the No. 2 spot, tied with San Francisco, and New York at No. 1.

We caught up Murphy and he discussed expanding and moving the gays to the downtown area: "Personally I think that downtown is fast becoming very hip and cool. There is a lot of activity going on here with cutting edge, clever bars opening that attract more nightlife. The hotels are upgrading and rebranding and the energy is fierce!" Saying how it is "perfect for the LGBT community," he also shared that the support from City Officials, including the Mayor, has been exceptional. "Taking a gently used $15 million shuttered 14 screen theater and making it a gay nightclub has been a dream of mine, and having it sit on the corner of the historic Fremont Street and Las Vegas Boulevard makes it magical! And we gays LOVE magical!"

As a transition, the Krave brand has been hosting huge tent parties outside of the Neonopolis complex, but Sin City residents and fans will get a chance to experience a taste of what upgraded club will have to offer at the NYE event--which brings Drink & Drag and Massive together. Massive's Grand Ballroom will be completed, and at 10,000 square feet, will feature a huge dance floor, three bars, VIP seating, and day beds. "We have installed a staircase and elevator that gives customer direct access to our mega sister club Drink & Drag!" Murphy energetically says, adding that will hold over 2,800 hot gays in a total over 32,000 square feet of partying. Along with Sharon Needles, performers include: Aubrey O-Day (who will be preforming her new CD for the first time live), Crystal Waters, Kimberly Cole, Rokelle, and Vassy. DJs include: Dave Aude, DJ Irene, Starz Angels, DJ Michael Graves, and DJ J. Diesel.

The multi-level Massive will eventually feature five unique dance rooms--reminding me of South Beach's Twist--which include House/Electro/Top 40, Hip-Hop, Country, Latin, and a room that is Lesbian themed that will also serve for special events. Each room will be marked by not only unique sounds, but own individual design and entertainment--servers' outfits will even differ in each, and the designs are creative and intriguing. There will be an area connecting each dance room, along with the main bar and a martini lounge. Other features will include a VIP private lounge, a comedy club, a LGBT movie theater, special performance theaters, and more, including a swimming pool and cabanas, oh my! Murphy said he anticipates that 100% of the club (sans the pool/cabanas) will be completed by summer 2013--with a grand opening set for June 15. Start planning your trips nightlife fans and jetsetters!

(Artist rendition of Krave Massive's main dance floor--view more here)

Advocate Channel - The Pride StoreOut / Advocate Magazine - Fellow Travelers & Jamie Lee Curtis

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