Hot Spots: Richie Hawtin at Drai’s, Duck Party at the Palms and more

By Mark Adams

Wednesday, June 6, 2012 | noon

Richie Hawtin at Drai’s Looking for something a little more underground, without trekking out to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway? Insomniac’s EDC Week has you covered, as the techno beatmeister brings a pre-EDC set to afterhours staple Drai’s (check out our full interview with him in the festival preview package). The venue continues with more top talent through the weekend: Sasha (Friday), Carl Cox (Saturday) and Loco Dice (Sunday). June 7, doors at 1 a.m., $30+ men, $20+ women, local ladies free.

The Duck Party at Palms Place We all remember Sesame Street’s “Rubber duckie, you’re the one.” Well, Palms Place seems to think Ernie was onto something. The pool will be taken over by more than 25,000 rubber ducks Thursday evening for the return of its Duck Party, and attendees are encouraged to wear swimsuits and hop in to find specially marked bath-time toys with prizes like free rooms at the Palms and food and beverage items at Simon. June 7, 7 p.m., free.

Armin van Buuren at Marquee Nightclub Nightclubs up and down the Boulevard are cashing in on the talent in town for EDC. DJ Mag’s former No. 1 (for four years, no less) van Buuren is the main attraction at Marquee’s EDC Week show Friday night, and he’s joined by Sander van Doorn and other friends. No neon tutus or kandi beads required. June 8, doors at 9:30 p.m., $75 men, $45 women.

Pool Party Safari at Hard Rock Hotel The traveling party series lands at the hotel’s Breathe Pool & Lounge this Saturday, bringing with it the usual wet-and-wild style (think beach balls and water guns). Arrive on time, pool party people, as the event begins with an open KRU82 vodka bar until 1 p.m. June 9, noon, free.

Talib Kweli at LAX The rapper, widely known for his work with Mos Def in the duo Black Star, currently has another solo album in the works. Who knows? Maybe he’ll treat clubgoers to some new material when he takes the mic at the Luxor nightspot for a live performance. June 9, doors at 10 p.m., $30 men, $20 women.

T-Pain at Haze The rapper and producer has climbed the charts since the very start of his career, with hits like “I’m ’n Love (Wit a Stripper),” “Buy U a Drank” and “Bartender,” still among our favorites—spelling and grammar issues aside. On Saturday night, Mr. Pain takes over the booth for a special DJ set. June 9, doors at 10:30 p.m., $40 men, $20 women.

Electric Night at Share The off-Strip gay club presents a special Saturday-night soiree in celebration of EDC weekend, complete with a contest for the best electric costume and drink deals for EDC-goers who show their tickets or weekend passes. Local DJ Brett Rubin brings his beats. June 9, 10 p.m., free.

Afrojack and David Guetta at Encore Beach Club Wynn/Encore resident Afrojack won a Grammy in 2010 for his collaboration with David Guetta (a remix of Madonna’s “Revolver”). Now, the powerhouse DJs pair up for one massive EBC show Monday as part of Wynn Music Week. June 11, 11 a.m., $50 men, $30 women.