Las Vegas Weekly

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You know you’re loved when your friends print your face on a cake and people come out of the woodwork to celebrate. And what local house head wouldn’t love Edgar Reyes, the promoter/DJ responsible for bringing a deeper, more underground sound to Las Vegas with the city’s longest-running night of its kind?

Over what is now close to eight years, the Soulkitchen event has moved around a bit, launching at the Heights, moving on to its longest stint at Woody’s/RedRoom, then onto a short one at Artisan, before landing at its latest venue, Downtown lounge Vanguard. Tonight, January 20, is not just Reyes’ birthday, either. He is sharing the party with fellow DJs Wil and Frenchy (returning to Vegas decks from Chicago for the night), as well as Jennifer Wheatley, co-owner of Soulkitchen’s current home, Vanguard. The very new, modern lounge is full and warm with smiling faces, candles, cupcakes, an edible and real (edibility unconfirmed) Edgar Reyes, live percussion by Michael Childers and a crowd of dancing bodies. On February 17, Reyes and Soulkitchen will host their next special edition at Vanguard with guest DJ Jamie Thinnes, sponsored by Tyku. And, of course, the party will continue on the third Thursday of every month after that. Ten years is just on the horizon.