In a night that will undoubtedly go down in the annals of Los Angeles’ entertainment history, the city’s social elite gathered to celebrate the launch of Level 8, a groundbreaking, multilayered concept that is set to redefine the way we dine, drink, and revel in the City of Angels. This colossal 30,000 square-foot destination, a collaboration between the Houston Brothers and Lightstone, promises to be the next big thing in immersive hospitality experiences.
(L-R) Jonnie Houston, Aaron Paul and Mark Houston attend Level 8 Grand Opening Party At Moxy Downtown LA on September 13, 2023 in Los Angeles; Photo by Jon Kopaloff Getty Images for Level 8
Level 8 serves as a platform for some of LA’s most talented culinary minds to showcase their innovative chef-driven concepts. With renowned chefs like Joshua Gil and Ray Garcia at the helm, Level 8 promises a diverse range of culinary experiences, from French-Teppanyaki at Maison Kasai to South American live fire grill at Qué Bárbaro. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Richard Archuleta, Level 8 aims to create a culinary menagerie of experiences.
Que Barbaro – photo: Loamis Media
The much-anticipated event took place on Wednesday, September 13th, 2023, at the stunning venue located at 1254 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015. The festivities kicked off at 7:30 pm and continued until 2 am, ensuring an unforgettable night for all attendees.
A Star-Studded Affair
(L-R) Mark Houston, Jeremy Renner, Mitchell Hochberg and Jonnie Houston – (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Level 8)
The guest list read like a who’s who of Hollywood and the music industry. Notable attendees included the likes of Anderson .Paak, Musician; Aaron Paul, Actor, Jeremy Renner, Actor; Evan Ross, Musician & Actor; Ryan Cabrerra, Musician; Lewis Tan, Actor; Marlon Wayans, Actor; Omar Epps, Actor and Rapper; LP, Musician; Arturo Castro, Actor; Miguel, Musician; Matt Bellamy, Musician & model Elle Evans; Lucien Laviscount, Actor; Jane Seymour, Actor; Alfie Allen, Actor; Linda Marigliano, DJ; Britt Robertson, Actress; Jerry Cantrell, Musician; Jon Huertas, Actor; Schaena Shay, TV Personality; Dumbfounded, Rapper, Mr. Brainwash, Artist, making it a truly star-studded evening.
The Immersive Experience Begins
As the guests arrived, they were welcomed by a mesmerizing 3D projection-mapped installation that set the tone for the night. To reach the eighth floor, where Level 8 awaited, they took elevators up from the Moxy & AC Hotel Downtown LA.
Jane Seymore, Scheana Shay – Photo: Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Level 8
Mr. Wanderlust – Where the Journey Begins
The heart of Level 8, Mr. Wanderlust, is a lively piano bar and jazz lounge. Here, guests were treated to champagne served by an aerial dancer suspended from a grand chandelier. The venue’s theatrical spin didn’t stop there; a hidden bookshelf opened to reveal live entertainers, from feather-clad dancers to a pianist.
Photo credit: Loamis Media
Culinary Delights
The night commenced with an exclusive dinner at Maison Kasai, where Chef Josh Gil put on a theatrical teppanyaki performance, delighting the taste buds of guests, including Anderson Paak, Jeremy Renner, and Aaron Paul.
Chef Joshua Gil – Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images
Surprises at Every Turn
Throughout the evening, Level 8 surprised partygoers with unexpected experiences. From fire dancers on the pool deck at Golden Hour to a lucha libre performance at Sinners y Santos, every moment was a testament to the creativity and innovation behind this remarkable concept.
Sinners Y Santos – Photo: Loamis Media
A Journey Through Venues
Apart from Mr. Wanderlust, Level 8 boasts other distinctive venues. Golden Hour, a rooftop pool deck with a rotating carousel bar, offers breathtaking views of LA’s sunsets and the Hollywood Hills. Sinners y Santos transports revelers to an abandoned 19th-century cathedral, accessed through a “confessional.”
(L-R) Mark Houston, Chuck Liddell, Mitchell Hochberg and Jonnie Houston attend Level 8 Grand Opening Party At Moxy Downtown LA (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Level 8)
Immersive Design
The design and conceptualization of Level 8 were the result of a collaborative effort between Mark and Jonnie Houston, Lightstone Design Studio, Undisclosable, and Basile Studio. Their combined expertise created a captivating maze of venues, featuring theatrical moments at every turn, such as a 40-foot Earth Harp and trapeze artists descending from chandeliers.
Photo credit: Loamis Media
A Destination Worth Exploring
Level 8 is more than just a venue; it’s an immersive journey through culinary and entertainment experiences, all set against the backdrop of downtown LA. With a diverse range of venues, a star-studded launch event, and a commitment to innovation, Level 8 is poised to become an iconic destination in Los Angeles.
Wayman Bannerman, Legendary Damon, Micah McDonald – Photo by Loamis Media
About Houston Hospitality
Founded in 2007 by Mark and Jonnie Houston, Houston Hospitality has consistently pushed the boundaries of nightlife concepts. Their portfolio includes a wide range of inventive venues, from La Descarga to Good Times at Davey Wayne’s. Level 8 is the latest addition to their multi-layered culinary and nightlife family. houstonhospitalityla.com
Ryan Cabrera, Alexa Bliss – Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Level 8
About Moxy & AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles
Moxy and AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles offer visitors and locals an array of experiences under one roof. Located in the heart of downtown, these two hotels provide 727 guestrooms, 12 dining and entertainment options, including Level 8, and over 13,000 square feet of flexible meeting and social events space. Developed and owned by Lightstone, this property is set to become DTLA’s new destination.
Dumbfoundead, Anderson .Paak -Photo credit: Loamis Media
Level 8 has arrived, and it’s poised to redefine LA’s entertainment scene. With a dazzling launch event, a star-studded guest list, and immersive experiences around every corner, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the extraordinary in the heart of Los Angeles. So, make your reservation, and get ready to embark on a journey like no other. Level 8 awaits.
For more information and reservations, visit www.level8dtla.com or follow @level8.dtla on Instagram.
For more about Moxy & AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, visit www.moxydtla.com or follow @Moxy_AC_losangeles
Feature photo: (L-R) Jonnie Houston, Elle Evans Bellamy, Matt Bellamy and guests. Photo by Jon Kopaloff Getty Images for Level 8.
