You may already have plans to party this weekend like it's 1999.
However, if you've got some "vintage" prom attire around, you might want to party like it's 1986 this Saturday night.
That's when the still-under-construction lofts at the Monarch on the Merrimack will be transformed into a '80s paradise for a Retro Prom Party.
Michael Jurin, guitarist for indie rock darlings Stellastarr*, will spin '80s music (think "Come On Eileen") with the help of guest disc jockeys Gina Bon Jersey and St. Lawrence. Attendees are required to come in tuxedos and prom attire. There will be punch and rumor has it, it will be spiked.
The idea for the Retro Prom Party came from Monarch on the Merrimack's guru of fun, consultant Constantine Valhouli, whose focus is to help brand the new housing development being built in the former Wood Mill.
Valhouli's inspiration was a success with 20- and 30-somethings of the School Disco parties in New York and London, where attendees show up in school uniforms or high-school era attire and dance to the same music they did as teens.
"Whenever people come in and visit us, they say 'You guys are having a blast with this,' and we wanted to communicate that (with the prom)," said Valhouli. "We wanted to echo that same sense of fun, instead of doing something conventional."
Valhouli was also inspired by an '80s retro-themed loft recently designed by rockers Freezepop, who specialize in retro synth-pop. As part of the Monarch on the Merrimack allure, potential buyers can buy a loft complete with furniture and accessories.
"It's incredible," said Valhouli. "I thought, 'Let's throw a party that reflects that.'"
This is the second party the Monarch is throwing for the public, and far from the only activities on its schedule. While a bit unusual for a condo developer, Valhouli said these parties show a sense of fun the sales team wants to reflect at the Monarch.
"And everybody loves the '80s," Valhouli said.
More about Stellastarr*
The band released two albums on RCA and has opened for Iggy Pop, Jane's Addiction, Placebo, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers - and The Killers have opened for them. It has played festivals including Coachella and South by Southwest, and have toured with The Raveonettes and The Editors. Guitarist Michael Jurin has been disc-jockeying a celebrity-studded monthly party in Manhattan called "Kill Surf City."
However, if you've got some "vintage" prom attire around, you might want to party like it's 1986 this Saturday night.
That's when the still-under-construction lofts at the Monarch on the Merrimack will be transformed into a '80s paradise for a Retro Prom Party.
Michael Jurin, guitarist for indie rock darlings Stellastarr*, will spin '80s music (think "Come On Eileen") with the help of guest disc jockeys Gina Bon Jersey and St. Lawrence. Attendees are required to come in tuxedos and prom attire. There will be punch and rumor has it, it will be spiked.
The idea for the Retro Prom Party came from Monarch on the Merrimack's guru of fun, consultant Constantine Valhouli, whose focus is to help brand the new housing development being built in the former Wood Mill.
Valhouli's inspiration was a success with 20- and 30-somethings of the School Disco parties in New York and London, where attendees show up in school uniforms or high-school era attire and dance to the same music they did as teens.
"Whenever people come in and visit us, they say 'You guys are having a blast with this,' and we wanted to communicate that (with the prom)," said Valhouli. "We wanted to echo that same sense of fun, instead of doing something conventional."
Valhouli was also inspired by an '80s retro-themed loft recently designed by rockers Freezepop, who specialize in retro synth-pop. As part of the Monarch on the Merrimack allure, potential buyers can buy a loft complete with furniture and accessories.
"It's incredible," said Valhouli. "I thought, 'Let's throw a party that reflects that.'"
This is the second party the Monarch is throwing for the public, and far from the only activities on its schedule. While a bit unusual for a condo developer, Valhouli said these parties show a sense of fun the sales team wants to reflect at the Monarch.
"And everybody loves the '80s," Valhouli said.
More about Stellastarr*
The band released two albums on RCA and has opened for Iggy Pop, Jane's Addiction, Placebo, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers - and The Killers have opened for them. It has played festivals including Coachella and South by Southwest, and have toured with The Raveonettes and The Editors. Guitarist Michael Jurin has been disc-jockeying a celebrity-studded monthly party in Manhattan called "Kill Surf City."
About the Monarch on the Merrimack
Lawrence's iconic Wood Mill is being converted into an ecoluxury development. When the mill was constructed in 1906, it was hailed as "the eighth wonder of the world" and was the largest building of its kind on the planet: a third of a mile long, almost 30 acres under one roof, and 1.3 million square feet. Even today, it is described as a horizontal skyscraper. If it were on its side, it would be almost twice as tall as Boston's John Hancock Tower or 500 feet taller than the Empire State Building in New York.
If you go
* What: The Retro Prom Party
* When: Saturday, April 21, 10 p.m. until way past curfew
* Where: Monarch on the Merrimack, 250 Merrimack St., Lawrence
r How: Admission is free. Party attendees are required to come in formalwear, whether it's a frilly tuxedo or prom gown. For more, call 978-683-2901.
