Dustin Drai is a part of a Las Vegas legacy. His father, Victor Drai, stands at the top of the nightlife industry and is responsible for bringing Drai’s After Hours to the city in 1997. The club still operates today in its original spot at The Cromwell, and the Drai’s name expanded with the opening of Drai’s Beachclub and Nightclub in 2014 on the rooftop of the property. Today, Dustin continues the Drai’s legacy as the vice president of entertainment for Drai’s Las Vegas and as partner with Victor in Drai’s After Hours. Las Vegas Magazine’s Kiko Miyasato caught up with Dustin to ask him about the after-hours club as it recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.
How does it feel to be a part of such an iconic nightlife spot in Las Vegas?
Growing up and watching my father’s vision, passion and the amount of hard work that he put into building the Drai’s brand from what it was 25 years ago was such an inspiration to me. It is an amazing feeling to be an integral part of Drai’s, not only the legacy of what my father built, but its natural evolution. It started with the opening of Drai’s Beachclub and Nightclub in 2014, and really flourished in bringing full-length Drai’s LIVE concerts to the stage. I’m proud to have a hand in all of that while also looking to the future of Drai’s.
What is on tap for Drai’s After Hours for 2023?
Even though Drai’s After Hours is still in its original location in the basement of The Cromwell, where it all started 25 years ago, it is important to keep things fresh and to constantly innovate our guest experience. In addition to a small redesign, which we are working on now, we have a few new creative things in the works that will keep our guests excited to keep coming back.
What is the Drai’s After Hours experience like?
First, you descend the steps and enter a sleek, sexy lounge that is flooded in ambient red lighting. It is an intimate, elegant space with a beautiful bar, enhanced with gorgeous, classic paintings and mirrors. There is a sense of movement and mystery throughout club. … Drai’s After Hours is all about the vibe of the venue and the idea of “people hanging out with people.” We don’t have big name DJs or a lot of flashy pyrotechnics. We are a small, intimate space and that’s exactly what guests love so much about the club.
What musical format and themed nights happen at Drai’s After Hours?
Our DJs play a variety of chart-topping hip-hop, top 40 and Latin music nightly. We also host monthly creatively themed Imagine Parties such as: Wild, Wild Drai’s, Dark Disney, Alice in Wonderland, Carnival, Pajama Party, etc., which give our guests and team a chance to have fun and show off their imaginations through dressing for each theme.
Why do you think Drai’s After Hours has stayed open so long?
I believe one of the greatest strengths of Drai’s After Hours is our intimacy and size. You can never underestimate the strength of human connection. We don’t rely on big name talent, so for us it’s the venue itself that gives people a close, sexy, glamorous setting to create their own intimate interactions. It has become such a staple on the Las Vegas Strip.
The Cromwell, 702.777.3800
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