Jonathan Tolliver

This year’s MAXIM Halloween Party proved just how flagrantly lit a costume party can be. The magazine hosted a bacchanal Downtown LA bash produced by Karma International and sponsored by PURE and CORE Hydration.

So, the party. What a goddamn good time.

A-listers made their way onto the red carpet decked in bawdy yet couture costumes. Tara Reid was all smiles, glistening in red and looking fierce as hell. I remember her from last year’s party; it was nice to see a familiar face. I wanted to say hi, but she don’t know me like that.

Lamar Odom made his way to the party, looking fly and usurping me as the tallest person in the room. Thanks Lamar.

Rumored couple Demario Jackson and Corrine from Bachelor in Paradise looked very happy to be together. Let me tell you, I’ve watched Demario getting kicked off the Bachelorette so many times…it was wild seeing him in person.

I strolled into this event dressed as a character from Chappelle’s show. While I’m proud of the last-minute masterpiece I put together, I was noticeably underdressed compared to the stunning models walking the grounds. Undeterred, I strutted through security.

Right at the entrance there was a magnificent light show featuring a person covered in armor on a tall pedestal shooting electricity from their limbs. Think Raiden from Mortal Kombat, but standing 25 feet above you and dancing their ass off.

Thrilled by that performance, my guest and I made our way into the main hangar – that’s where the drinks were. It was like walking into the most glamorous haunted house in existence.

This was MAXIM’s rendition of an alien invasion. There were themed vignettes, décor provided by A-list production designers, and scare actors all around.

Everything was bathed in blue light, decadent displays of food and drank far as the eye could see. BellaDonna Sweets, for example, provided top-notch desserts that I had to force myself away from. Delicious, crumbling in your mouth, heavenly desserts.

There was also a massive table service area in the middle of the room, each fully stocked with all your party needs.

Entertainment! There were stellar DJ sets from DJCJ, Pravin Shaw, DJ Drew, and Eva Kane. The Purple Reign Prince Tribute Show rocked my world, shook me up, and compelled me to dance. Never heard anyone sound so much like the god himself.

The Black Tape Project fashion show – which featured featured and harnessed models working the stage – was sexy as hell. People rushed forward to get video of this sensual and bold show. I was into it.

Adam & Selina, the world class sibling magic duo, performed a tight and endlessly charming set full of classic and fresh illusions. Cant lie, I’d had four drinks, so everything they did was particularly magical.

Our headliner Jason Derulo, who I’ve wanted to see for like a decade now, came out and lived up to every expectation and then some. He tore through a hit-laden set dressed as like, a foot soldier from Ninja Turtles.

From ‘Swalla’ to ‘Want to Want Me’, everything clicked.

He was agile, sang like a god and gave everything to a crowd full of sexy, appreciative partiers. I got swept up in the moment and broke out some moves I promised myself I wouldn’t do in public. When in Rome!

Shoutout to everyone who made this party pop. I had a marvelous time.

Provincial Vodka kept the party lively, while tasty Tsingtao beer made the rounds. Morning Recovery, aptly named, enhanced partygoers natural response to alcohol, helping to prevent hangovers the next day – I had a lot of it.

Kandyshop Bikinis custom-made all of MAXIM’s bottle service girls, hosts and models into elaborately themed characters. They were looking right, feeling good and serving the finest.

Sad this night had to end. See you next year.