Czeching It Out

Milan Kundera notwithstanding, the lightness of being at this Prague is not only bearable, it’s fun.

In the spirit of its European namesake, Prague (the nightclub) serves up equal parts culture and decadence in a setting more refined than you’re apt to find at any similarly hopping haunt on the L. A. clubscape.

“When we drove by and saw this place, we just started screaming. I did a wheelie in the street and almost caused a pileup on Western Avenue,” recalls Jimmy Medina, one of three Prague promoters who together spotted this Byzantine architectural extravaganza last fall and decided it was the perfect site for their brand of into-the-wee-hours, multi-entertainment night life.

Having survived their U-turn and secured the use of the building--a Czech community center, hence the name of the club--the promoters, Medina, Bryan Rabin and Marques Wyatt, give the place the full make-over every Friday.

Wyatt, who doubles as deejay, spins blistering house music in the sumptuously paneled downstairs ballroom. A drummer in the corner helps to anchor the nonstop rhythms; go-go dancers gyrate above the steamy dance floor.

In the adjacent room, there’s a lounge filled with cushiony booths. To keep the take-five crowd entertained, a back-lit screen between the lounge and the ballroom offers a view of the go-go dancers in silhouette, and, if they’re taking a breather as well, images of Prague, Anita Ekberg or any other slides Medina and company have on hand.

Then head upstairs for a quick mood change. In what appears to be a book-lined study, there’s a soul lounge. Sultrier than the ballroom, here funk and soul grooves dominate and the occasional sax player or flutist joins in for live accompaniment.

In such an eclectic environment, it’s hard to pin the crowd to a single type or fashion. Indeed, there is as much Banana Republic in evidence as there is body piercing.

“We go after a lot of different groups,” says Medina. “Artists, S&M; types, the fashion crowd, whatever.” Through a variety of special events, Prague casts its net even wider by inviting artists to do installations or special guest performers, such as singer Robin S.

The club has hosted a lesbian night as well as one when guests were encouraged to come as their favorite super-model or fashion icon. Look for upcoming “White Trash,” “Sexy Summer Party” and Cyberpunk-themed events.

“Our goal is to always keep the club racially and sexually mixed,” Medina says. “After all, who wants to go out and see a bunch of people exactly like yourself?”

Name: Prague

Where: 500 N. Western Ave. (between Beverly and Melrose); (213) 893-2895

When: Fridays, 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Money matters: Valet parking. Admission, $10. All drinks, $3-$4. (213) 893-2895