The China Club first came to prominence as a music industry hangout where some of the world's biggest stars often performed in fabulous impromptu jam sessions, i.e. David Bowie, Michael Bolton, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Eric Clapton, and many more. Often referred to as the "Living Room of Rock and Roll," the club has since become a magnet for celebrities from all fields - sports, modeling, television, film -- and earned a reputation as one of America's most glamorous nightspots. On any given night it is not unusual to spot Bruce Willis, Brooke Shields, Mark Messier, Lawrence Taylor, Eddie Murphy, Rod Stewart -- the list is endless.

The origin of the China Club could not have been more humble. It began as a neighborhood nightclub with live music and dancing. Within a few months of its opening, the nightclub began to attract a devoted clientele that included many talented musicians. However, on November 19, 1985, the neighborhood club was catapulted into rock and roll history when David Bowie, Iggy Pop and Stevie Winwood all showed up to help celebrate the birthday of drummer Steve Ferrone (Duran Duran, Eric Clapton). On that night, they decided to stage an impromptu jam session but needed a guitarist. Bowie ran to the phone and twenty minutes later, Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones appeared. They jammed for over an hour -- hit after hit. When it was over and widely reported, there was no doubt -- the China Club had arrived!

In the fall of 1990, two very memorable incidents occured, like the night Elton John showed up with Sylvestor Stallone.  The club's famed "ProJam" was already under way with John Entwhistle (The WHO), Little Stevie Van Zant (E Street Band), and Michael Bolton performing on stage with the house band.  The keyboard player spotted Elton, called out for a replacement and captain fantastic, caught up in the excitement of the moment, leapt onto the stage and joined in for an electrifying 45 minute set.  He enjoyed himself so much that the following week he came back and did it again!

On another evening one of the most extraordinary jam sessions in rock history took place.  From the ranks of the China Club audience strode Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Don Henley, Herbie Hancock, Bruce Hornsby, Branford Marsalis and Joe Walsh (The Eagles).

On June 14, 1994 the New York Rangers won hockey's heralded Stanley Cup for the first time in 54 years, setting off a weeklong celebration that awed even jaded New Yorkers.  On June 15th descended upon the China Club en masse carrying the fabulous silver trophy with them.  They hoisted it into the air, performed a victory lap around the entire club, and then set it down at the owners table where it remained for the most of the night as bottle after bottle of Cristal champagne was poured into the cup and then dispensed to the howling frenzied fans.

More recent China Nights have involved special events such as the premiere parties for such films as The Wedding Singer with Drew Barrymore, A Perfect Murder with Michael Douglas, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas with Johnny Depp,  The Waterboy with Adam Sandler, the Broadway openings of Wait until Dark with Quentin Tarantino and Saturday Night Fever.

Another recent China Night featured Bruce Willis performing with his blues band The Accelerators.  It was on of those magical evenings where everyone showed up for the festivities.  Familiar faces such as Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, Donald Trump, Ron Perelman, Art Garfunkel, Penny Marshall, Chazz Palminteri, Greg Kinnear, Linda Fiorentino, John Goodman and John Lovitz.

In early 1997, the original China Club on Manhattan's Upper West Side closed.  In January of 1998, the new China Club opened in the center  of Manhattan's refurbished entertainment district - Times Square and drew scores of A-list celebrities from the fields of music, sports, film, fashion and Broadway, and thousands of happy party-goers alike. Check out what you've been missing...tonight!