Featuring lavish costumes and performers with a flair for the stage, disco and drag parties have become a true Los Angeles staple, an experience that is finally making its way to the Westside this week.
Launching on Thursday at 6pm, LouLou Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge at Santa Monica Place will be the new home for “Disco Queen” nights, a tradition that pays homage to the historic Paris disco nightlife and Los Angeles’ strong drag show community. The new weekly occurrence will blend the Mediterranean menu of LouLou with a party featuring disco balls, a resident DJ and the world’s top drag queens.
LouLou Co-Owner Erik Chol stated that the event is part of the restaurant’s philosophy of “experience the Joie de vivre,” celebrating life with a “mix of sophisticated food, unique cocktails, and singing and dancing with friends and family.” Chol noted that “Disco Queen” nights will bring back the “magic of the 70s ambiance.”
“[We’re] going back to the 70s disco spirit, when nobody [cared] if you were gay, straight, black, white, rich or poor,” Chol said. “The most important point was to bring a positive energy to create a unique festive and unforgettable experience.”
The launch event will bring the energy right away with a special performance by Morgan McMichaels, who has become a fan-favorite through appearances on the worldwide smash hit “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” McMichaels was connected to Chol through an agent, and got excited for the chance to build the drag show legacy in Santa Monica.
“This drag-disco party is so important for many reasons,” McMichaels said. “The first being LouLou being an open-minded and inclusive business that accepts everyone for who they are and want to bring joy. The second, giving the people of Santa Monica a safe space to have a great time with no limitations or expectations. It’s so crucial to our community to know they have a place to be themselves and dance to great music in such a spectacular place.”
McMichaels also hosts parties in West Hollywood, the center of LA’s drag community, but the performer states that LouLou events are going to make “the experience something you have not seen before.”
“There really is no comparison between [LouLou] and any other gig in West Hollywood because LouLou is doing something so different … it is a pure fabulous moment … a venue like LouLou that doesn’t discriminate and accepts everyone is such a rare thing,” McMichaels said.
For those who haven’t made the trip before, McMichaels says that the one piece of advice is to “have no expectations,” as each disco and drag party has its own unique feel and performers. After McMichaels’ performance on Thursday, LouLou will have other special guests, such as actor, podcaster and author Willam on March 28.
The weekly show is an addition to LouLou’s 2024 spring schedule, which also includes the new “All Day Happy Hour” with 50% off the bar’s drink menu from 12pm to 7pm, Monday through Friday. Chol said that the restaurant “wanted to offer something for everyone” and that “those with late night shifts and morning shifts” will be able to enjoy happy hour “no matter what time they get off work.”
For more information about “Disco Queen” nights and LouLou’s 2024 spring schedule, visit loulousantamonica.com