Rave pioneer sees EDC boom in Vegas

Scaled-down versions of the Electric Daisy Carnival could soon be sprouting in Las Vegas after the success of the weekend inaugural event.

Another scenario, predicts an underground rave pioneer: The EDC could blossom into the size of Europe's megatechno raves.

"I honestly think within a few years it could be up to half a million people," said Brandon Powers, a Las Vegas nightclub marketing exec for the past decade.

"In Europe they reach as high as a million," said Powers, who was among the estimated 230,000 at the massive weekend electronic music fest at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

That's the number provided Tuesday by Insomniac Inc., the event promoter. That made it easily the biggest music event in Las Vegas history.

"It was awesome ... a hell of a feat, considering so much fear was created around it," said Powers, who was one of the biggest underground rave promoters in the United States, with his largest event reaching 60,000 people in California.

Based on his experience, he figures 120,000 to 150,000 actual tickets were sold over the weekend.

The three-day electronic extravaganza packed hotels despite astronomic rates.

"I know it translates to revenue," Powers said. He's convinced the event might have been a game changer, and he's considering "jumping back in the ring."

There's demand, he said, for EDC-level events "multiple times a year," or smaller events of 10,000 to 15,000 once a month, even weekly, he said.

The rave momentum has been growing for 20 years. "It's exploded, and EDC is proof of that," Powers said.

An upcoming documentary could fuel the trend, he said.

Screenings of the "Electric Daisy Carnival Experience" will start in 500 theaters Aug. 4. The film will include last year's Los Angeles festival, plus footage from Las Vegas and an upcoming invite-only show at the Hollywood Bowl. Six theaters in Las Vegas will take part.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Mike Tyson and wife Kiki surprised 200 guests Saturday at the M Resort for what was billed as a joint birthday celebration for the two. When a curtain opened, Tyson and his wife were in a wedding setting for the renewal of their vows. Among the guests: Tyson's longtime friend Eddie Mustafa, former light heavyweight champ; Tyson's brother Rodney; attorney David Chesnoff; and longtime casino host Gene Kilroy. "One is now enough for me!" Tyson tweeted Tuesday. "The old player pimp has mastered monogamy!"

SIGHTINGS

Britney Spears, in the crowd at Jabbawockeez (Monte Carlo) with beau Jason Trawick and sons Jayden James and Sean Preston. ... "Dancing With the Stars" pro Cheryl Burke, dancing at XS (Encore) at the EDC afterparty. Also there: featured performer Laidback Luke, Dutch trance music star Ferry Corsten, Swedish DJ Avicii, Denver DJ duo Brad Roulier and Shawn Sabo, and R&B singer Omarion. ... Actor Gary Busey will celebrate his 67th birthday at Blush (Wynn) on Saturday. ... Natasha Bedingfield, having lunch Monday at Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria and Cucina (Crystals at CityCenter).

THE PUNCH LINE

"Rod Blagojevich was convicted of extortion, wire fraud, bribery and criminal abuse of styling mousse." -- Jimmy Kimmel

Norm Clarke can be reached at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke.