Sundance, A Tale of Two Festivals, Told Through the Lens of Tao Sundance
Deep in the heart of Park City, Utah, lies a microcosm of Hollywood excess and mountain revelry - Tao Sundance. This pop-up nightclub has been the epicenter of after-dark shenanigans for over two decades, providing a space for A-list celebrities, industry heavy-hitters, and liquor sponsors to let loose and mingle.
From Jennifer Lopez to DJ Chase B, the likes of which have graced its tables, while others, like Paris Hilton and Ryan Gosling, have traded in their red-carpet attire for a night on the dance floor. The venue's founders, Joel and Benji Madden, got the party started with an opening night bash that saw Good Charlotte performing live.
As the years went by, Tao Sundance grew in size and influence, earning it a reputation as one of the most coveted events at the Sundance Film Festival. Corporate brands and production labels clamored to partner with the exclusive club, securing seven high-profile sponsors for its final year in Park City.
While some have raised concerns about the incidents that can unfold under Tao's neon lights - including a 2015 brawl involving actor Emile Hirsch - the club has consistently delivered on its promise of unparalleled hospitality. According to Gabby Fernando, Tao's vice president of special projects, the key lies in recreating an atmosphere found at their global venues.
On the final night of the festival, pop star Benson Boone kicked off the "last dance" with a memorable performance that left even the most hardened revelers sentimental and tearful. As hundreds bid farewell to the venue, it's clear that Tao Sundance has forged its own identity, one that blends high culture and low-key hedonism.
But as Park City says goodbye to its beloved nightclub, a new chapter is about to unfold in Boulder, Colorado. With its sights set on the Rocky Mountain town's college-friendly vibe, Noah Tepperberg is optimistic about Tao's future prospects - despite acknowledging that the energy will be different from what has defined Park City over the years.
One thing, however, remains certain: when you've spent 25 years throwing down with Hollywood's elite and partying like it's still 1999, a nightclub is never truly out of style.
Deep in the heart of Park City, Utah, lies a microcosm of Hollywood excess and mountain revelry - Tao Sundance. This pop-up nightclub has been the epicenter of after-dark shenanigans for over two decades, providing a space for A-list celebrities, industry heavy-hitters, and liquor sponsors to let loose and mingle.
From Jennifer Lopez to DJ Chase B, the likes of which have graced its tables, while others, like Paris Hilton and Ryan Gosling, have traded in their red-carpet attire for a night on the dance floor. The venue's founders, Joel and Benji Madden, got the party started with an opening night bash that saw Good Charlotte performing live.
As the years went by, Tao Sundance grew in size and influence, earning it a reputation as one of the most coveted events at the Sundance Film Festival. Corporate brands and production labels clamored to partner with the exclusive club, securing seven high-profile sponsors for its final year in Park City.
While some have raised concerns about the incidents that can unfold under Tao's neon lights - including a 2015 brawl involving actor Emile Hirsch - the club has consistently delivered on its promise of unparalleled hospitality. According to Gabby Fernando, Tao's vice president of special projects, the key lies in recreating an atmosphere found at their global venues.
On the final night of the festival, pop star Benson Boone kicked off the "last dance" with a memorable performance that left even the most hardened revelers sentimental and tearful. As hundreds bid farewell to the venue, it's clear that Tao Sundance has forged its own identity, one that blends high culture and low-key hedonism.
But as Park City says goodbye to its beloved nightclub, a new chapter is about to unfold in Boulder, Colorado. With its sights set on the Rocky Mountain town's college-friendly vibe, Noah Tepperberg is optimistic about Tao's future prospects - despite acknowledging that the energy will be different from what has defined Park City over the years.
One thing, however, remains certain: when you've spent 25 years throwing down with Hollywood's elite and partying like it's still 1999, a nightclub is never truly out of style.