Web Journal

Hello. I hope your holidays have been pleasant. Mine have been good. Spending time with family, friends… Not too much traveling thou. As much as I love to adventure around this country, duties came calling strong…

From the last post, I spoke of upcoming projects. Well, as exciting as it seemed at first, it was one of the hardest things to accomplish. Maybe I am getting old? Or maybe I am losing the drive that I had when I first got into the biz? Either way I needed to suck it up and commit. No pain, no gain. So they say.
3 months of hard work. Put the social side away and grind it out.

I knew I had to show and prove, because the decision I was about to make afterwards would be a big one. I really don’t know what to expect…. (To understand what I am referring to, you’ll have to read on).

This year came and went…! Seems like yesterday, my little boy was just learning how to walk. Now he plays tennis, soccer, and whips my tail at Mario Cart.

Kids are the most precious things ever. I never thought I would ever be at a Christmas recital, singing along to “Feliz Navidad”, let alone having a child. He definitely drives me to work harder and to be a better person.

While the recital goes on, I get emails, emails, emails…. Duty calls, like an evil sub-conscience…. I decide not to reply.

…Cabo Wabo!! Uno, Dos, Tres Tequila!! Mas Tequila! Hey! Mas Tequila!!

Cute little place there at Miracle Mile Shops located inside Planet Hollywood.

This 10,000 square foot Cantina got transformed into a Sick Rock & Roll Venue.

Sammy Hagar and Friends christened this place with a good old rock show!

Couple of weeks back Sammy came by to inspect the place and surprisingly jammed out with the House band. This was one of my favorite shots.

That night, was 2 days after I thought I had an ulcer. Luckily Mr. MRI says, “No Ulcer”. Doctor says I need to eat 3 times a day. I tend to eat 1 meal a day if my work schedule is very active. It was definitely an eye opener.

While following Sammy around, I was wondering how am I going to design the creative for Eve Nightclub if the place is still an empty drywall shell….?

Times like this is where lots of music and movies like “Breakfast at Tiffany’s“, Goldfinger, & “Eye’s Wide Shut” come in handy. Not that I am getting elements or copying fragments from these movies. It helps me clear my head and there can be something said or done to spark inspiration to come up with conceptual ideas.

I am a big collector of movies, music, & books of all genres. I am starting to watch more and more older 70’s flicks. Almost like a obsession. ha!!

I am very pleased with the creative designs & branding for Eve. Stunning & original stuff. No clip art here, kids.
Wait til the full website is up and running. Competitors, watch out!!

The grand opening party for Cabo Wabo Cantina was surprisingly a great time. I was shocked how great this event became as things went on.

Country Music Singer, Kenny Chesney came by to support Cabo Wabo and Sammy! They sung a bunch of songs, people were going nuts for Kenny Chesney. I hardly watch any television, so I didn’t know who he was…..

When I saw this, I started looking online to know more about Mr. Chesney. I guess he won a Grammy? Wow! Pretty cool. He was very nice by the way. This is where I started to get pumped about this event…!

Vinny Paul!!!!! Fucking Vinny Paul!! For those of you that don’t know Mr. Paul, he was the drummer Insane Metal Band (and high school favorite) PANTERA!! Oh the dude next to him played bass for Van Halen. But Vinny Paul!!!! Cowboys from Hell!! Love that record!

Vinny Paul and Michael Anthony got on stage with Sammy and turned the party up another notch!!

Cabo Wabo Cantina in Las Vegas has such a cool vibe. The staff is good looking, they have great drinks,
and their food is pretty good!
My favorite is the cheese quesadilla.

These are some approved lifestyle shots for publication reviews.
Anyway. Sorry for the A.D.D. Back to the grand opening event.

The drummer from the Red Hot Chilli Pepper also came by to support!

He got on stage as well. They performed some ChickenFoot songs…
All around the event was a blast to attend, as well as to work at…

With one project opening done, it is time to move to the next one.

Eve Nightclub, located in the enormous CityCenter Las Vegas.

I had to rent 5 spot lights for this job. I am satisfied how the images came out.

The job was from 7pm to 3:30am. It took time, but it was worth the effort.
I was dead the next morning… ha!!
My schedule is somewhat of a unique schedule, but I make the best of what is dealt to me.

2009 was an interesting year for me. Some bad times, very trying… Physically and mentally, but somewhat educational and pleasant. I met up with and spoke to some old friends and people that I thought I would never see or hear from ever again. I got to help a mentor and good friend get back on the road to success, when people thought he was gone & out for good.

I am in the process of turning the page into a new chapter in my life. I recently just put my house on sale and accepted a job as creative director for this place. Check out the Video. Pretty interesting.

http://www.whollywoodresidence.com/ is a beautiful place.

It’s definitely going to be a change for me. LA is a different place than Las Vegas. I think when it comes to commercial arts LA is the next level. I am looking forward to developing more in what I do and as well as raising my boy in a more cultured environment.

It’s a challenge, but if you never try, then you’ll never know.

Thanks for reading my rant. Take care and talk soon.

-mrLarios