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   Located inside the industrial setting of a former bank in New Orleans' Central Business District, Ampersand is a stylish nightclub with an artsy, European, South Beach feel. The club was designed by Lee Ledbetter, a renowned New Orleans architect whose work includes designing the Real World New Orleans house for MTV. It features two levels, two bars, a giant dance floor, an outdoor courtyard and several cozy sitting rooms, one of which used to be the bank's vault. And if dancing wears you out, there's a room-sized bed just off the dance floor.

   Ampersand (www.clubampersand.com) is a classy, upscale and cosmopolitan nightspot for locals and tourists alike. The club's seductive vibe is a reflection of its motto - "sophistication with a dash of naughtiness" - and the club's owner, Billy Blatty. "I like beautiful things," Blatty explained. "I want to be surrounded by things that look good, smell good, taste good, feel good and sound good. That inspired us as we designed the club." Ampersand incorporates all of the best aspects of New Orleans with the best traits of the hottest nightspots from around the world. The result is an exciting yet intimate atmosphere, superb drinks, friendly service, good value, wonderful staff and an extensive liquor selection.

   Ampersand frequently hosts celebrity guests, including Nicholas Cage (who threw his 2002 Super Bowl party at the club), Lenny Kravitz, Tyra Banks, Wally Williams of the New Orleans Saints and the members of Nine Inch Nails and Better Than Ezra. In March 2002 rapper and New Orleans native Mystikal filmed a music video at Ampersand.

   Blatty, one of the club's original owners, bought Ampersand from the club's previous majority owners in April 2001. "The club has changed entirely in the past year," Blatty said. "The only things that haven't changed are the bar stools." The furniture, artwork, layout and staff have all changed. Blatty renovated Ampersand's second floor, adding a lounge and VIP room. And Ampersand's guests now have access to a courtyard. "It was a lot of work to make so many changes, but I really wanted Ampersand to better reflect what I thought a great club should be - creative, inviting, intimate, seductive and fun," Blatty said.

   The creative atmosphere doesn't end with the Ampersand's design. The club also frequently hosts performance artists, including fire-twirling go-go dancers, latex-clad masseuses, celebrity impersonators and contortionists.

   But don't think that Ampersand is a finished product. Blatty considers making changes and improvements an ongoing job. "There is always room for improvement. I love the club the way it is now, but I don't want it to stagnate. Every dollar that Ampersand has made has been put back into the club for improvements. I want it to evolve constantly. People enjoy change - as long as the changes continue to reflect the mood and vibe of the club," Blatty said.

   Ampersand attracts an eclectic mix of professionals, graduate students, locals and tourists. From Friday night's hip-hop crowd to Saturday night's internationally acclaimed electronic DJs - the common denominator is that everyone who comes to Ampersand has high expectations, is open-minded and has a strong sense of style. Ampersand attracts a sophisticated, mature crowd. Those looking for bar fights won't find them here.

   "In the past, people didn't come to New Orleans for the club scene or to 'see-and-be-seen,'" Blatty said. "But with the addition of new clubs, like Ampersand, bringing in top DJs, New Orleans' reputation is building as a destination point for club goers from Miami to Houston."

   Ampersand's reputation as a great nightspot attracts some of the best DJs in the world, including Sander Kleinenburg, Anthony Pappa, Hybrid, DJ Heaven, Mark Farina, Lee Burridge, Parks & Wilson, Ron Carrol and D:FUSE. "Part of running a great club is making sure that the club sounds good," Blatty said. "I want my club to look great and sound great. The music creates a mood and that's why I bring the best DJs in the world to Ampersand."

   Buzz about Ampersand has been building steadily over the past year. The club has been featured in several articles and publications about New Orleans' nightlife and dance clubs, including InStyle, Sports Illustrated, Elle Magazine, The Travel Channel, The New York Times, G.Q., Mix-Mag, Mixer Magazine, CitySearch.com, DigitalCity.com and Gambit Magazine.