Lucent Dossier Experience Grand Opening Event "Gateway 11.11" at H. Wood
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Better than: Watching Spider-Man get arrested on Hollywood Blvd.

Shannon Cottrell

​Most Angelenos steer clear of Hollywood & Highland like they screen their phone calls after a one night stand -- with anxiety-fueled commitment to avoid reminders of an anti-climatic night out at all costs. The overly ambitious shopping complex is a swarm of tourists and celebrity impersonators with criminal records, surrounded by one of the most traffic-clogged arteries of an intersection in Los Angeles. So when we heard that Lucent Dossier planned to launch its new Wednesday night residency at H.Wood within the Hollywood & Highland complex, we admit we were a bit skeptical. This was, after all, the fantastical post-apocalyptic circus troupe we fell in love with during its 2008 stint at the Edison downtown, an underground bar whose romantic and industrial atmosphere meshed flawlessly with the Lucent Dossier aesthetic. It was hard to imagine this working in a mall.

(Coverage of this seemingly incongruous event, and barelySFW photos of lingerie-clad aerial performers, after the jump.)

Shannon Cottrell

Do you want some tea?

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Shannon Cottrell

Lucent Dossier contortionist

​Last night our skepticism was put to rest as the burners, steampunks and other exotic personalities of L.A.'s underground flocked to Hollywood & Highland for "Gateway 11: 11," the opening night of Lucent Dossier's residency at H.Wood. As soon as the upscale bohemian club opened its doors it became clear that not even a gaudy shopping complex could distract from the fully-immersed fantasy world Lucent creates for its audience.

Upstairs one could get their aura read or feet bathed in rose water while contortionists snaked through the dance floor and sexy aerialists flew above the crowd packed outside on the patio. Downstairs one could partake in a teddy bear tea party or sneak a handful of popcorn from the ruffled backside of dolled-up roller skater while "secret agents" chased down drinkers at the bar and sectioned them off with a velvet VIP rope wherever they stood. With Lucent Dossier it's not a show -- it's an experience. And this one is worth driving west of Vine for.

Check out highlights below and view more photos in Shannon Cottrell's "Exotic Wonderland: Lucent Dossier Experience @ H.Wood" slideshow.

Shannon Cottrell

VIP only

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Shannon Cottrell

Aura reading station

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