A large portion of Denver’s party people will be out of commission on Saturday, and not because of hangovers. They’ll be wrapped up tight in ugly Christmas sweaters, dredging the eggnog bowl and feeling a little stifled after a couple of days of mandatory family togetherness.
For fun-seeking Jews, however, Saturday is just another night to have fun, and they have a definite place to be: The Heebonism 2010 celebration at the Jet Hotel.
It’s the second year the huge Hebraic party’s been held at the Jet, and organizer Eric Elkins is anticipating another big crowd.
“We had to move the event to the night of the 25th (because of the Sabbath), rather than Christmas Eve, which will probably bring even larger crowds than usual,” said Elkins in an e-mail. “Last year, we had almost 500 folks show up, and we expect to do even better this year. . . . The more, the merrier.”
The Heebonism bash is, essentially, an excuse for local Jews to get together and hobnob on a night when the gentile world is wrapped up in other matters.
“A Denver Christmas Eve party like this has been going for at least 20 years, in one form or another,” says Elkins, who took on the bash with his partners at E-3 Events in 2007.
“Before we started handling the big party, admission prices were, like, $36 per person, the locations were not particularly inviting, and weak drinks were served in plastic cups,” said Elkins. “Not classy.”
Since the takeover, the E-3 crew has worked to make the party more accessible, as well as to dilute the idea of the event as a singles meet-market.
“Ean (Seeb) and Ezra (Shanken) and I work hard to make the party something fun for everyone — singles, couples, neophytes, acolytes, Jewish, Buddish, Jew-ish, Heebrids, hybrids, whatever,” Elkins said.
Yes, though Heebonism is by definition aimed at Colorado’s Jewish folk, anyone who’s lonely on Christmas is invited to join the fun.
“If they want to come hang with a bunch of smart, funny, and incredibly good-looking and charming Jewish peeps, they’re welcome to join us,” said Elkins.
Dancing and music are big draws, as usual. DJs Ginger Perry and Klaw will be behind the decks for the evening, starting at 8:30 Saturday.
Elkins is particularly excited about a live performance by Mike Disco and Rose.
“You won’t believe what they’ll be up to, dressed up as Santa and Mrs. Claus and behaving badly,” he said.
Arrive early for free tequila drinks during the first hour of the party — just don’t drink too many of them.
Sustenance may be available, too, to keep stamina running high: At press time, Elkins was talking with Swing Thai, which has a location in the Jet building, about possibly providing food for the shindig. It’d be tasty approximation of the American Jewish tradition of eating Chinese food on Christmas.
The Jet also is offering a deal on rooms for “Heebonists” who want to spend the night — an especially good idea for revelers who want to keep rocking at the afterparty. Rooms start at $99 and include two tickets to Heebonism, plus specials on bottle service. Call 303-572-3300 to make a reservation.
Single tickets to the event are $18 in advance; at the door, admission is $25. Bring three nonperishable food items to donate, and the door price drops to $20.
Visit for more information and to buy advance tickets.
A Star, a Gina Star.
Beta (1909 Blake St.) will still be thumping on Saturday night, too, when house/techno DJ Gina Star stops in to spin a set. Ladies get a bonus Christmas present with free admission before 11 p.m.
Also upcoming: Donald Glaude spins house at Beta on Thursday, kicking off the New Year’s festivities a night early.
Advance tickets for both shows are $10 at .
