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ICE SKATING RINKS POP UP AS HOLIDAY SEASON HEATS UP The warm desert winter isn’t any match for the holiday spirit. As thoughts turn to mistletoe and holly, Valley businesses bring winter joy with pop-up ice rinks. Here’s where to get your skate on: The Ice Rink at the Cosmopolitan. For the season, the rooftop Boulevard Pool turns into a 4,200-square-foot ice rink. Get immersed in a digital art installation called “Little Winter;” eat fire-roasted s’mores, dance under snow flurries and watch screenings of classic holiday movies. Through January 5, $15-$25. Winter’s Village at Green Valley Ranch and Red Rock Resort. Whether you’re north or south, you’re not far from a Winter’s Village. Enjoy a lounge area, cozy up to the fire pits, indulge in holiday treats and bring the kids for Saturdays with Santa. Through January 21, free admission, $15-$20 for skating. Rock Rink at Downtown Summerlin. A 40-foot holiday tree decorates this rink on the Lawn. Ride the holiday train ($4) and enjoy offerings from the JING pop-up bar and a mobile coffee truck by Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Through January 20, $15+. Where to skate year-round: City National Arena; Las Vegas Ice Center; Sobe Ice Arena at Fiesta Rancho. —C. Moon Reed
WEEK IN REVIEW WEEK AHEAD EV E N T S T O F O L L OW A N D N EWS YO U M I SS E D
A man dressed as a banana gets encouragement from spectators as he heads north November 17 during the Rock ’n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon on the Strip. Tommy Rivers Puzey was the first person to cross the finish line, in 2 hours, 28 minutes, 4 seconds. Heather Bray won the women’s marathon in 3:13:00. The banana, also known as Timothy Herbert, finished the halfmarathon in just under 2 hours. (Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau)
L A S V E G A S W E E K LY
IN THIS ISSUE
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Behind the scenes at a Las Vegas sportsbook
CULTURE
Slayer, MGMT, Matoma, stone crab and more
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How will climate change affect our tree population? Get to know KUNV’s new general manager VEGAS INC: Top Tech awards
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STORIES FROM LAST WEEK INDEFINITE SUSPENSION Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett was suspended November 15 for the remainder of the NFL season after hitting Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph on the head with Rudolph’s own helmet at the end of their game November 14. Garrett was also fined an undisclosed amount and must meet with Commissioner Roger Goodell’s office before being considered for reinstatement. ROGER STONE FOUND GUILTY Roger Stone, a longtime friend and ally of President Donald Trump, was found guilty November 15 of witness tampering and lying to Congress about his pursuit of Russian-hacked emails damaging to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 election bid. He is the sixth Trump aide or adviser to be convicted of charges brought as part of special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation. REAL-LIFE BREAKING BAD? In an apparent case of life imitating art, Henderson State University professors Terry David Bateman and Bradley Allen Rowland were arrested November 15 on charges of manufacturing methamphetamine and using drug paraphernalia. A spokeswoman for the Arkansas school said the two have been on administrative leave since October 11.
HE SAID THAT
“I’ve been ready for three years. I’ve been denied for three years. We all know why. I came out here today and showed it in front of everybody. We have nothing to hide. We’re waiting for the 32 owners, the 32 teams, [Commissioner] Roger Goodell to stop running, to stop running from the truth, to stop running from the people.” —Colin Kaepernick, after working out for seven NFL teams November 16 in Atlanta
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DELAYED GRATIFICATION Some ticketholders to the Vegas Golden Knights’ 6-0 victory November 17 against the Calgary Flames were met with disappointment the next morning when trying to collect their free doughnuts at Krispy Kreme, which offers fans with ticket stubs a free dozen after shutout wins. A note posted at one store said the stores were closed until 4 p.m. because of a change in ownership. The promotion was honored through November 19, however. The win against Calgary snapped a five-game losing streak for the Knights.
About 1,000 Las Vegas-area high school students participated November 13 in the 63rd annual Las Vegas Sun Youth Forum, an opportunity for juniors and seniors from across the Valley to debate local, national and international issues and find solutions to world problems. Guided by moderators ranging from local CEOs to media members to police officers to lawyers, students shared their opinions on topics such as climate change, education funding, gun violence and drug addiction. Top, Andres Monterossas of Silverado High School responds to a student. Above, Meahel Pitra of the Las Vegas Academy shows off his vocal skills with Celestia clown Pavel Mikhaylov during a lunch break. Performers from the Stratosphere’s Celestia show provided the lunchtime entertainment. (Steve Marcus/Staff)
STILL DOING VEGAS HIS WAY Longtime Las Vegas headliner Paul Anka is back in town this week, and he’s looking forward to singing once again at the Smith Center. Anka’s show will be a mix of the beloved hits of Frank Sinatra—Anka famously wrote the lyrics to the Chairman’s signature song “My Way”— and his own biggest hits from a musical career that spans six decades. Anka still enjoys singing Sinatra’s big songs as well as his own hits like “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” “Diana” and “You’re Having My Baby.” He says it was easy to create a show from those favorites because the audience never tires of the classic arrangements. The most emotional Sinatra song he performs is “It Was a Very Good Year.” “I do a classic rendition which is interesting, because a lot of different groups have done it,” Anka says. “Singing that song is a very poignant moment for me and the most emotional of them all, because it feels very different. A lot of those other tunes do that swing thing.” Anka Sings Sinatra hits the Smith Center at 7:30 p.m. November 23 and more info can be found at thesmithcenter.com. —Brock Radke
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(From left) Jay Kornegay, Ed Salmons and Jeff Sherman at the Westgate’s SuperBook. (Miranda Alam/Special to Weekly)
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BY CASE KEEFER en minutes before betting windows open at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook on Sunday, November 10, a middle-aged man in a T-shirt, sweatpants and flip-flops lumbers into the sportsbook and begins filling out a parlay card. Hunched over the betting-sheet counter, he pays no mind to the nearby 220-by-18-foot 4K video wall predominantly featuring pregame coverage of the NFL’s impending Week 10 slate of games. A “breaking news alert” ends that indifference, as he picks up his parlay pencil and diverts his attention to an NFL Network anchor at the center of the screen. An ensuing report confirms that Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford won’t play against the Chicago Bears later that morning because of a back injury. The bettor scurries to the just-forming line at the front of the SuperBook behind two other early-risers waiting for the 7 a.m. start to wagering, presumably thinking he can pick off a good price on the Bears. But it’s already far too late. About five yards away from the waiting patrons, behind a row of betting stations and a thick, black-glass divider, SuperBook Vice President of Risk Management & Oddsmaking Jeff Sherman has already moved the line. The Bears are now 6.5-point favorites, 3.5 points higher than they were for most of the week. “We saw the reports that he may not play yesterday and took it down, and I just reposted it,” Sherman explains a few minutes later. “We just try to stay proactive with this stuff.” Sherman arrived at 4 a.m. for the big day—every NFL Sunday in local sportsbooks is an event—and has been updating lines constantly across the eight sports on the SuperBook’s board ever since. No one calls bookmaking a
sport, but Sherman is positioned in a near-athletic posture on the edge of his rolling black desk chair. He acts with reflexes and vision not unlike a running back hitting an open hole as his eyes dart across four monitors at his station. The first screen on his left includes a live queue of every bet coming in at the SuperBook—labeled black if it’s over the counter or blue if it’s through the phone app— along with the book’s current odds on all sports. The next two screens display, respectively, live odds of about 20 other sportsbooks around the world and the SuperBook’s current liability on every game. The far-right monitor is an ordinary web browser, usually resting on one of the foremost online sportsbooks. Sherman pecks away on the number pad, with his right hand updating the Westgate’s prices on everything from the NFL to NASCAR to reflect the current global market. In his left hand, he often holds his cellphone, either scrolling Twitter to take in even more information or texting Westgate colleagues Jay Kornegay (Executive Vice President of Operations) and Ed Salmons (another Vice President of Risk Management & Oddsmaking) with updates on the action he’s booking. “The markets are really unsettled in the morning—you can see them bouncing around,” Sherman says. “Our system isn’t automated, so we have to have someone here doing this at all times.” Bets trickle in at a relatively slow pace for the first hour—six or seven per minute, most parlays at no more than $100. Only a handful of the approximately 400 seats in the 30,000 square-foot sportsbook, the largest in the world, are claimed. At least momentarily, it’s hard to believe this will be the center of the local sports betting scene in a couple of hours.
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Salmons (front) in the SuperBook’s trading room (Miranda Alam/ Special to Weekly)
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ambling picks up right as Sherman’s reinforcements arrive. Around 8 a.m., the rest of the SuperBook’s executive team begins filtering in—Kornegay, Salmons and SuperBook Executive Director John Murray, along with Race & Sports Manager Derek Wilkinson. Salmons, Sherman and Wilkinson stay on the frontlines of the bookmaking all day—their desks all adjoined below a row of six TV screens that can split into four channels apiece to show up to 24 sporting events at a time. Kornegay and Murray handle most of the media obligations and focus on the guest experience at the SuperBook and the International Theater—the 1,600-seat venue headlined by Barry Manilow during the week, which airs all the NFL games on Sundays. All five of them come together sporadically throughout the day to assess the book’s current odds and financial standing. In their first impromptu meeting, Kornegay hones in on the adjustment made after the Stafford injury. “Doesn’t the Chicago line [minus-6.5] look a little rich?” Kornegay asks. Several other sportsbooks on Sherman’s screen have the Bears as a 6-point favorite. “No, I think it’s a little short,” Salmons responds. “I don’t see how [Detroit is] going to be able to score. Chicago should win 20-3.” The rest of the SuperBook team typically heeds Salmons’ advice on the NFL. He takes over for Sherman as the primary NFL bookmaker the moment he arrives. Salmons nearly nails the exact score of the Bears’ game, as only a late Lions touchdown makes the final 20-13 in favor of Chicago. “He really is the best, an NFL expert. Such a great mind.” Murray repeats some form of that praise throughout the day, partially because it’s true and partially to razz Salmons, who always fights off the compliment. Salmons exudes old-school bookmaker swagger; he’s quick-witted and free-flowing as he sits more casually than Sherman, working on the lines with the sleeves on his dress shirt rolled up just above his wrists. Salmons also shows a fearlessness when it comes to decisions. For nearly three hours since the book opened, almost every bettor has backed the Kansas City Chiefs at the Tennessee Titans—as 6-point favor-
ites or minus-270 (risking $2.70 to win $1) to win outright on the money line. But 15 minutes before kickoff, the line is crashing, to as low as Kansas City minus-5 at prominent offshore books that take the largest wagers in the world. Unfazed by mounting liability on the Chiefs, Salmons moves with the market and shifts Kansas City down to a 5.5-point favorite to deter Titans plus-6 wagers of $10,000—the SuperBook’s posted single-bet NFL limit—he expects might be coming. “I don’t want to sell off 10 dimes [$10,000] on Tennessee,” Salmons says. “If you give these guys 10 dimes on Tennessee, that can really bite into our decision. We’ve shaped this line right where we want to be.” That goes against the longstanding myth that bookmakers attempt to draw balanced action on every game simply to extract the standard vig—the 10 cents books keep out of every dollar bet on point spreads and totals—and illustrates their true decision-making process. “The 50/50 thing is theoretical, like if you’re reading a textbook,” Sherman says. “It’s not practical. It’s not reality. We’re booking the games the best we can book them, and where this stuff falls, it falls.” Salmons yells “Close!” for each of the seven games kicking off at 10:05 a.m. to let the rest of the team know betting has ceased, but two big parlays get through in the final seconds. One’s a five-teamer for $7,000, and the other’s a $5,000 four-teamer—both including the Chiefs to win outright. “If Tennessee wins, we could lose every other decision this morning and still break even,” Sherman announces as he glances at the liability numbers. At kickoff, the SuperBook has taken 1,079 bets on the Chiefs compared to just 166 on the Titans.
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he Chiefs game might be the biggest decision for the house among the early slate, but it’s far from the only significant one. The New Orleans Saints hosting the Atlanta Falcons as 14-point favorites and the Baltimore Ravens traveling to the Cincinnati Bengals as 10-point favorites are also popular plays. Much of the parlay liability is tied to the Chiefs, Saints and Ravens all winning. Bettors have been so confident in those three teams, Salmons says this will be one of the season’s best weeks in terms of bet-
If Tennessee wins, we could lose every other decision and still break even.” –Jeff Sherman
Darin Smith, right, and Derrick Chapman celebrate while watching Super Bowl 53 between the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams at the Westgate’s SuperBook in February. (John Locher/ AP Photos)
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ting volume—despite six teams being on their bye. “It’s all because these are games the public likes and are willing to bet on the money line,” he says. “We just need one of these dogs to win outright.” Early on, it’s not looking like it’s going to be the Titans. The Chiefs march up and down the field behind returning quarterback and reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes, going up 10-0 in the first quarter and sending the SuperBook’s now-overflowing crowd into a frenzy. Sherman says watching games at the SuperBook is like going to Disneyland for some football fans, but the atmosphere seems more like a drunken day at Coachella. After the Chiefs’ first touchdown, a stocky man in the second row of seats stands up and begins banging both hands loudly on the chair in front of him. Almost simultaneously, Kornegay is holding a conversation breaking down his golf game and revealing composure as his greatest strength. The same could be said for the collective attitude in the SuperBook’s risk room. The chaos in front of the betting counter contrasts with the calm behind it, even when things aren’t going the casino’s way. Kornegay, Salmons and Sherman have been together through somewhere around 500 NFL Sundays, so they know not to get emotionally invested, certainly not early in games. Kornegay rose to prominence in the betting industry when he opened the Imperial Palace sportsbook in 1989. He hired Salmons as a supervisor in 1992, then brought on Sherman to work the now-legendary drive-thru betting window in 1993. “Back then, we would have to call a 1-800 number to get scores,” Kornegay laughs. “As soon as you get you score, you’re like, “Yes!” or something happens and you miss it, so you have to hang up and try again. It took some time. [The 800 line operator] wasn’t the fastest guy reading it. He wasn’t slow, but it was just so monotone, you could miss your score.” Of course, everything’s much more instant now. Bettors can wager on select games, including the Chiefs vs. Titans, while it’s happening through the Super-
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Book’s phone app. Wilkinson’s job during the games is to update and monitor in-game betting, and he reports most of the money is still predictably coming in on the Chiefs—especially when the Titans briefly take the lead in the second quarter. The Chiefs add a field goal before halftime to make the score 13-13, and Salmons posts them as a 3.5-point favorite in the second half. That draws more Chiefs action, but the biggest halftime wager is a $6,000 bet on the Titans from a respected player. “If this wins, we’ve had a great day,” Sherman says. The wager, and the SuperBook’s bottom line, appears to be in grave danger with 1:27 left in the game and the Chiefs lining up for a 43-yard field goal to go up by eight points. But pressure off the edge from the Titans—later revealed to be the product of an uncalled offsides infraction—stops the Chiefs from getting off an attempt. To make matters worse for the betting public, Kansas City gets penalized 10 yards for intentional grounding when holder/punter Dustin Colquitt throws the ball away. TVs in the risk room are a couple seconds ahead of the feed in the sportsbook, so Salmons can’t help but forecast the imminent roar from the crowd. “They’re going to go bananas,” Salmons says. “Just watch.” Just as he finishes the thought, someone bellows, “Idiot!” at Colquitt as a gasp reverberates throughout the casino. The Titans waste no time taking advantage of their unlikely second life—the Chiefs’ win probability was more than 99 percent on the drive that ended in the failed field goal attempt—and go 61 yards on four plays in less than a minute to score the go-ahead touchdown.
Even the machinelike Sherman jumps out of his seat, leaving behind the odds he’s been working on for next week’s PGA Tournament, to watch the final 30 seconds. The Titans seal a 35-32 victory by blocking a 52-yard Chiefs field goal attempt at the end of the game, and a silence falls over the SuperBook crowd. The house has virtually clinched a winning day because of outright wins by the Titans and Falcons, who beat the Saints 26-9. The Ravens’ easy 49-13 win over the Bengals was a losing result for the SuperBook from a straight-bet perspective, but it hardly matters with all the busted parlays.
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till, two of the three games kicking off within the 1 p.m. hour can significantly carve into the SuperBook’s vast profit margin. Behind the Chiefs, the day’s second most popular bet is the Rams laying 4.5 points on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers. And one of the few money line parlays to survive the morning schedule was a five-teamer that would pay $40,000 if the Colts, favored by 10 points, beat the Dolphins. The bookmakers hardly have to sweat the result of either contest. The Dolphins trail the Colts for only six minutes in the entire game en route to a 16-12 victory, and the Steelers similarly control the action in a 17-12 win over the Rams. Salmons is particularly enamored with the Steelers vs. Rams matchup. Always keeping the risk-room environment light, Salmons often acts as an ornery oracle when it comes to questionable coaching decisions, anemic offensive performances and overbearing referee influence.
Henderson’s Christopher McCray reacts while watching Super Bowl 53 at the SuperBook. (John Locher/ AP Photos)
Fans watch Super Bowl 53 at the SuperBook. (John Locher/ AP Photos)
The Steelers’ win features all of the above, supplying Salmons with constant fodder. “You see the second-half score?” Salmons asks at the end of the game. “Rams win 5-3 and don’t cover the 3.5 [second-half line]. That’s just football. One offensive touchdown in the game. Is that not fantastic?” Aside from Salmons’ one-liners, the bookmakers’ primary focus often veers elsewhere as the games wind down. Everyone convenes to set the opening numbers for Week 11, and there’s little disagreement. The SuperBook crew posts the lines at 4 p.m. with a limit of $2,000, and within minutes, someone has taken the maximum on the Los Angeles Chargers getting 4.5 points against the Chiefs in a game scheduled for Mexico City. “That’s what I like most about doing this,” Sherman says. “Every day, it’s something fresh and new. You have to keep moving forward. I like the challenge of that.” After a nonstop 13-hour shift, Sherman departs shortly before the Sunday Night Football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys. He walks past a glum betting floor, where gamblers in line to wager plot how they can get even for the day. It’s not exactly celebratory on the other side of the counter, despite Kornegay describing it as the winningest Sunday of the year so far—and it’s been a strong year for the book. Salmons says the SuperBook has suffered only one losing week this season, back in September when the Rams held on to beat the Cleveland Browns 20-13 as 4-point favorites on Sunday Night Football. The final game can sometimes determine the outcome of the whole day for the house, but that’s not the case in Week 10. The Cowboys and Vikings are both aboveaverage teams, and therefore, splitting the action somewhat equally. Minnesota represents a slightly better result for the SuperBook as a 3-point underdog, and sure enough, wins 28-24. It’s rare that this many results go the book’s way, which Salmons tries to keep in perspective. In bookmaking, as in sports, the process should outweigh the results. “Let’s say the Saints blew out the Falcons, and the Chiefs make that field goal to win by eight, and we lost big,” Salmons says. “Next week? We would do the same thing. We just want to be consistent with all that we’re doing.”
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By Case Keefer A collection of drawn-upon napkins that might someday belong in a hypothetical Sportsbook Hall of Fame rest in Derek Stevens’ home office. The scribbles on top of the thin pieces of cloth represent the origins of what the Downtown casino owner promises will be the world’s largest sportsbook at the currently under-construction Circa Las Vegas resort. “I think we probably designed the sportsbook 30-40 times at the bar before we ever got to an architect,” Stevens says. “It was just going to the bar with a napkin and some creative ideas.” Circa is scheduled to open in December 2020 at the intersection of Main and Fremont streets, where it will break a recent Vegas tradition of new resorts treating sportsbooks as a minor amenity for customers. Circa’s sportsbook won’t be tucked away in a corner off the casino floor. It will be a centerpiece of the property, occupying three levels and housing what Stevens suggests could be the world’s largest television—a threestory-tall, high-definition screen that ESPN reports will come with a price tag around $20 million. Live betting odds will be posted on digital screens in several spots throughout the resort’s 1.25 million square-foot radius,
The new Downtown resort’s planned sportsbook sounds like a game changer pushing gamblers toward the mobile betting app. “We’re going to be about sports every single day,” Stevens promises. That extends to Circa’s other muchanticipated feature: its rooftop pool deck. Stevens says that, similar to the sportsbook, the pool area will be designed like a theater. Six pools are planned, stretching across 18 feet from front to back on three tiered levels to maximize sightlines. Sporting events will take precedence on a screen at the front, which Stevens says will be three times as big as the 72-foot LED video wall currently used for watch parties at his Downtown Las Vegas Events Center. “I don’t know if it’s going to be the biggest outdoor screen in the country, but if it’s not, it’s damn close,” Stevens says. “It’s going to give people an opportunity to watch and bet sports from the pool. It’s a secondary area, but frankly, it’s an area that can
A rendering of Circa’s sportsbook, set to open next December (Courtesy)
hold more people than our sportsbook.” Stevens shouldn’t have any concerns regarding the bookmaking at his new shop, considering he’s already got a team up and running. Circa Sports opened for business in June with locations at Stevens’ other two casinos, the D Las Vegas and the Golden Gate. Stevens has brought on an all-star team of bookmakers, including industry veterans Matt Metcalf, Matt Lindeman and Chris Bennett, who have helped implement features to entice big-money bettors. Among Circa’s unique offerings are future pools with low hold percentages and “yes or no” prices on every team to win the championship. Circa Sports’ betting handle over its first six months of operation exceeded expectations, Stevens says. “Innovation has been the key thing driving people
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toward us. We thought there was room in the market to put out numbers that we thought would be very competitive, more competitive than what the market previously had. I think there’s some benefit to connecting with VSiN [Vegas Sports and Information Network]. That’s helped launch us, too.” Stevens is an investor in VSiN, the South Point Casino-based sportsbetting media company founded by broadcaster Brent Musburger. VSiN will operate a new studio on the third floor of the Circa sportsbook, with additional space there available for other media outlets. The whole design is rooted in an effort to give sports fans and bettors a grandiose experience. A few napkins couldn’t come close to containing everything Circa Las Vegas’ sportsbook has in store. “We really designed something from a sports perspective that will be both visually stunning, as well as acoustically stunning,” Stevens says. “I want people to go back home to main-street America and say, ‘I had a great day watching football. I was in this location and it was the best place I’ve ever watched games at in my life,’ and tell a few
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■ CG Sports, which has seven physical sportsbooks including the Venetian’s and the Palms’, isn’t afraid to differ from its local competitors by a point or half-point on spreads. Those add up over time, so it’s important for any successful gambler to get the best number available.
■ If you’ve ever felt com-
■ Boyd Gaming, which operates six brick-andmortar sportsbooks locally—including those at the Orleans and Suncoast—incentivizes mobile betting with a strong rewards program. Gamblers earn B Connected points with each wager.
pelled to place a bet after the odds flash across the screen on SportsCenter or other ESPN programming, you’ll want Caesars Sports. ESPN exclusively uses Caesars’ odds, having announced a partnership earlier this year.
■ Though other apps don’t accept overnight wagers, Circa Sports stays open for betting 24/7. The newest sportsbook company in Las Vegas also typically offers the best prices among future odds.
A rundown of Nevada’s mobile-betting options
BY CASE KEEFER
Sports betting is going mobile. Slowly but surely, gamblers have been getting away from placing their wagers over a physical counter for the past several years. Instead, they’re loading money onto a phone account so they can bet from anywhere within Nevada’s state lines. At the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook, action has been roughly split evenly between live betting and mobile betting over the past year. “It will keep going further in the direction of the app,” SuperBook Vice President of Risk Jeff Sherman says. “Some of these states are going to get into sports betting, and you’re going to see it’s only the app. You won’t even have a book to walk into.” Currently, you still have to walk into a book—if only to set up a mobile account. You present identification and a casino’s players card, fill out a couple forms, make an initial deposit and download an app to get started. Enjoy the convenience of betting from your phone by signing up for one or more of these 10 available apps.
■ MGM offers a userfriendly interface, allowing bettors to see which games are trending and search using anything from team name to betting pool. And unlike on most other apps, users can easily peruse the lines here without an account.
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■ The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook offers the biggest betting menu and the biggest handicapping contest in town, both now fully available on the mobile app. After signing up in person for the $1,500 buy-in SuperContest, which requires five weekly picks during the NFL season, contestants can now submit their selections on mobile.
■ With an average of four stars in Apple’s app store, South Point Sports is the highestrated among sports betting mobile apps. Having the security of knowing you’ll be able to get your bet through goes a long way.
■ William Hill makes it easy for you to maintain its app, allowing bettors to add or withdraw funds through the app itself (provided their GPS locator is active, to confirm they’re in Nevada). For those who prefer to maintain their account in person, the state’s biggest sportsbook operator in terms of locations features more than 30 physical locations in Southern Nevada alone. And William Hill offers the highest-number of games for live, in-progress betting.
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■ For those who prefer “dark mode,” Wynn might have the most visually appealing app. With a black background and white text for all the betting options, there’s a luxurious feel, not unlike the resort itself.
■ Stations is unrivaled in awarding bonuses for betting on the app. In addition to (often) receiving sign-up special free play from $30 to $50, bettors can earn points on their Boarding Pass cards that can be redeemed for food or gifts in any of Stations’ 10 local casinos. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (AP Photos/Photo Illustration)
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Climate CHANGE TREES will likely stress out YOUR
Lacebark elm tree ( Steve Marcus/Staff)
But as it warms, their health will be even more important to your quality of life
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By Miranda Willson Weekly staff
he Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) maintains a list of more than 500 species of trees and plants adapted to the region’s harsh desert climate. Drought tolerance, water use, growth rate and other qualities associated with each species are included on the list, helping municipalities and property owners make responsible landscape choices. Soon, the water authority might add another plant quality to the list: climate resiliency. Las Vegas has warmed faster than any other place in the country, with average temperatures having risen more than 5.8 degrees Fahrenheit between 1970 and 2018, according to an April report from the nonprofit Climate Central. The projected consequences of that trend are far-reaching, and the region’s plants and trees—important cooling tools themselves—could be affected. Using information from an American Horticultural Society analysis on plants’ climate resiliency, the water authority has identified six trees and 10 other plants commonly found in the Las Vegas Valley that could be under great heat stress within the next 40 years. “Nobody is necessarily saying that these plants are certain to perish, but we do know that they could be under increasing stress for a period of time, and it’s definitely something we should be aware of,” said Doug Bennett, conservation manager at the SNWA. Heat stress happens when plants grow in environments outside of their preferred heat zones, the temperature ranges in which they thrive. The farther they move outside their
heat zones, the greater stress they experience, Bennett said. Some non-native species commonly found in the region, such as the purple leaf plum tree, already operate outside those zones and would be even weaker in a warmer climate. The purple leaf plum fares poorly in the heat and typically doesn’t live long in Southern Nevada, Bennett said. “It’s a good example of what happens when you put in a plant that’s not really welladapted to the climate,” he said. Another type of tree that could suffer in the warming climate within the next 10 years is the ash tree, ubiquitous in the Valley and beloved for their shading capabilities but poorly suited overall for the desert. The same goes for elm trees, such as lacebark elms, Bennett said. By around 2055, the SNWA expects to see Afghan pines struggle as well. Native to mountainous areas of Afghanistan and the Middle East, these evergreen trees populate housing developments and streetscapes across the Valley, Bennett said. “It’s really well adapted to desert climates, but obviously it needs help when you move it onto the desert floor,” he said. While climate change is a factor for plants and trees in Las Vegas, another related phenomenon poses a similar threat: the urban heat island effect, in which heat-absorbing paved surfaces drive up urban temperatures. This has likely contributed to the dramatic rise in temperatures here, according to climate scientists. UNLV Life Sciences professor Dale Devitt sees it as a more significant
Needles of an Afghan pine tree
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stressor than climate change. “Trees typically like nighttime temperatures to be a lot cooler to reduce rates of respiration relative to what the plant is using and needs for growth,” Devitt said. Warmer nighttime temperatures caused by the urban heat island effect could speed up trees’ respiration and photosynthesis rates at night, escalating their growth. The resulting taller trees require more water, something Southern Nevada will likely receive less of in the future because of climate change, Devitt explained. “So the architecture of the trees will change—typically, you will get taller trees with smaller root systems and fairly large canopies—and they’d become more vulnerable to oscillations in water vulnerability,” he said. The good news is, some trees in the Valley are climate-resilient and will even thrive under climate projections, both Devitt and Bennett noted. Palo verde trees, which produce brightyellow, flowerlike leaves, as well as the purplish desert willows have high heat tolerances and will likely stick around for generations, Bennett said. Some plants that haven’t made it through cold Las Vegas winters could also see a resurgence. “We have certain plants we weren’t able to grow in this Valley that would get frozen back by low winter temperatures,” Bennett said. “There’s some potential to bring plants on at the other end of spectrum.” Revising the agency’s list to include a climate resiliency metric would help people make informed decisions about which trees and other plants constitute the best long-term investments in a warming world, Bennett said. The SNWA hasn’t decided if and when it will add climate resiliency to the list—there are many stakeholders involved in that process— but officials agree that the information should be shared with the public, Bennett said. At the same time, the goal is not to scare people, as many of the effects of rising temperatures on trees will be marginal until midcentury, said Bronson Mack, spokesperson for the SNWA. “We’re just trying to anticipate what’s coming, so our community can continue to stay ahead of the curve,” Mack said.
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(Photograph by Steve Marcus/Staff)
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2050 Las Vegas master plan will likely increase tree coverage
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etween 2005 and 2015, new development projects in Las Vegas were supposed to bring 13,500 new trees to Valley streets and landscapes based on city requirements. But only about 6,075 trees were actually planted. That’s because the Las Vegas City Council and the Las Vegas Planning Commission together waived about 55% of the required trees, typically at the request of developers, said Tom Perrigo, chief sustainability officer for the city. In some cases, the tree waivers might have been justified or appropriate. In other cases, the city could have probably asked for more landscaping from developers, Perrigo said. “I’m not blaming council, I’m not blaming development. It’s just sort of how we do things,” Perrigo said at an event in October on planning for climate change. But Las Vegas is beginning to rethink past practices when it comes to trees, recognizing them as valuable assets for quality of life and as cooling and shading agents. That new thinking will likely be reflected in the city’s upcoming 2050 Master Plan, said city planner Marco Velotta. Some of the changes to trees and landscaping are already happening, such as the growing emphasis on planting water-smart, low-maintenance and desert-adapted varieties. The city also has become more thoughtful when it comes to tree requirements since the release of the statistics on tree waivers. “The council and planning commission have been holding to the standard a lot more
closely,” Perrigo said. But there is still a long way to go. “The city has set a goal to expand its tree canopy, which currently accounts for about 12% to 14% of the jurisdiction’s total area, to 20% by 2035,” Velotta said. “We do know our canopy coverage citywide is particularly low ... lower than where we want it to be and as a basis of comparison for what we should be in the desert Southwest,” Velotta continued. City officials also expect the master plan will address ways to improve tree coverage in older neighborhoods that have historically seen disinvestment. Significant disparities exist between those neighborhoods and newer, master-planned communities such as Summerlin, which have devoted many resources to trees, Velotta noted. “We know that in particular in East Las Vegas and some of the older, inner-ring suburbs outside of Downtown, we definitely have a lot of opportunities to do more,” he said. In the past, the city would sometimes remove trees that were overgrown or hazardous, often without replacing them, Perrigo said. Further, at the request of Metro Police, the city cut down swaths of trees in the Historic Westside as a supposed way to reduce crime. Now, the city recognizes that having trees can actually help reduce crime and build community in neighborhoods such as the Westside, Perrigo said. “If you have a nice shaded environment, you have more people on the street and less crime,” Perrigo said. “We’re getting a lot more sophisticated and committed to having a healthy urban forest because of all the benefits,” he added.
Afghan pine tree at Mountain View Park (Steve Marcus/Staff)
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service to the community. Now, I’m able to do both, because I can focus on the community aspect of public radio [with] HD1, and I can focus on the teaching, the connecting, the inspiring part [with] HD2. And there’s more to come with HD3 and 4. Long term, [our goal] it is to potentially create an HD4 station that is Spanish-speaking, that would allow students the opportunities to grow within this market and other markets. Do you see a future where KUNV diverts from jazz?
Ashton Ridley (Courtesy)
KUNV’s new general manager talks music and the future of the station
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By Leslie Ventura Weekly staff
shton Ridley had 15 years experience working in public radio in Las Vegas at KCEP-FM before landing his new role as general manager of UNLV’s public radio station, KUNV-FM 91.5 “Jazz and More.” Most recently, Ridley served as manager of multicultural affairs for the College of Southern Nevada, where he facilitated student involvement in diversity initiatives, including the Pride Parade and Veterans Day Parade, and he helped host the African-American Student Leadership Summit. Ridley talked to Las Vegas Weekly about his new job, the future of public radio and the importance of student involvement.
Why was KUNV a perfect fit for you?
When I was at KCEP, I went for my bachelor’s degree and my master’s degree. I actually applied for the opera-
tions manager position here [KUNV], and I didn’t get it. So I stayed at KCEP a few more years, and a position opened up at CSN. I was like, ‘Let’s go get some higher-ed experience.’ Lo and behold, when I applied for this, it worked out because I [also] had the public radio experience. It was just a great opportunity. At KCEP, I was all about training and motivating students to learn and do better and really understand broadcasting. Last year, KUNV rebranded itself to “Jazz and More” and cut all of its indie rock, hip-hop and electronic programming, which caused some controversy in the community. Is that direction in line with the mission of KUNV?
Coming into this role, I looked at the mission of KUNV. Its mission is to teach, inspire and connect. [For] the teaching aspect, it doesn’t matter what the genre of music is. Whether you work for a commercial station or public radio station, you have to be able to
I would say it’s “jazz and more,” and that “more” is more music and more variety. That’s what you’re going to hear when you listen on 91.5. On Sundays, we have the blues, we have Hawaiian music—”Little Grass Shack” just celebrated 20 years. We have “Reggae Happenings” and we have [“The Lyons Den”]—that one has a more psychedelic feel to it. Being in this role for roughly two and a half, three months, I’m still looking at the programming side. Coming in, it was looking at the operational side of the station. … As time goes on, I’ll look at the programming elements. What is the Latinx Voices project, and how is KUNV involved?
It was a grant that was awarded to UNLV Libraries, and it allowed students to get voices from the community and bring them back and tell their stories. … It’s just another collaboration that we have with other entities on campus, which is part of that connecting part of our mission.
go into that format and perform. And the interacting part, that’s where the [digital-only] HD2 [station] is. I came in and I assisted [HD2] in restructuring, so there’s a president, a vice KNPR is facing financial hardship. president of programming and a vice Does that signal any alarm for KUNV? president of operations. You actually If you listen to the public have students who handle the radio stations, they’re all programming, the music, the asking for members, askstreet team, the underwritTo donate to ing for donors, asking for ing, the membership, so KUNV, visit individuals that listen it’s giving them that expetinyurl.com/ tg4knfb. to become members and rience in the HD2 space. support the station. It’s It’s the same as if they were something that we do. We’re on the FM—they still have to here for the community, and manage the clock; they still have we just always need support. Whether to put music in the system; they still you’re KUNV, KCEP, KNPR ... we’re all have to plan events. in the same realm of public radio, and we have to keep educating our listenWhat is the main difference between ers about that. We’re public supported. HD1—the FM station we hear on the We’re member driven. We’re your radio—and the digital, student-run nonprofit, community station here for station HD2? you when you need us. It’s the same Being on HD1 or FM, you’re in the message. marketplace. We still have to provide a
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TIPS FOR SENSIBLE SPENDING DURING THE HOLIDAYS +
‘Tis the season for spending—and likely too much. When the rush surrounding gifts, travel, parties and more begins to settle, many people find themselves overstretched. “It’s common to overspend during the holidays, but thoughtful strategies and methods to curb missteps can alleviate a lot of the stress,” said Nicole Cypers, Vice President of Public Relations at America First Credit Union. Before you start racking up charges on your credit card, consider these tips.
MAKE A LIST Start by planning for all holiday-related expenses. “Gifts are typically the most significant cost, so that’s a good place to begin. List all the presents you intend to purchase and set a budget for each person,” Cypers said. “Once you’re satisfied, note other items you’ll pay for, including travel, entertainment, charitable donations—even wrapping paper and cards. Be sure to remember that the little things add up.”
Don’t forget what really matters The holidays are about more than consumer goods. From handmade gifts to experiences with your loved ones, there are many ways to give that don’t cost a dime. “Rather than focus on spending money, spend time with the people who matter most to you,” added Cypers.
...AND CHECK IT TWICE If projected expenses are out of your comfort zone, look for opportunities to cut back. “There can be significant financial pressure during the holidays and folks may feel inclined to spend more than they should. It’s best to have a plan that helps you avoid this temptation,” Cypers said. Paring down expenses can include downsizing your list or using smartshopping techniques—holiday sales, coupons, comparing prices and rebates can all help save.
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C R E AT E D A N D P R E S E N T E D B Y
AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION
PLAN FOR NEXT YEAR It’s never too early to start saving. Once you wrap up all holiday spending, start planning for next year’s season. “If you tend to struggle financially during this time of year, setting up a dedicated savings account is a great way to prepare in advance. Knowing you have these resources can give you peace of mind as next winter approaches,” Cypers said.
OTHER SPENDING TIPS Avoid last-minute shopping: Impulse buys are tempting and that feeling is magnified during the holiday season. Stick to your gift list and avoid unnecessary purchases. Strategize when to use your credit card: If you’re concerned about overspending, pay with cash as much as possible. Use a credit card if it benefits you—a cash-back option or rewards—but remember to pay off your balance quickly. Put money aside for the unexpected: If possible, leave room for miscellaneous items. Having funds for unexpected expenses, such as your office gift exchange or a last-minute party outfit, can ease stress. Track your spending: Reference your list while shopping and note the peritem cost. Similarly, make note of holiday-related spending. Keep the list on your phone for easy access while you’re out and about. A running tally provides an accurate real-time look at costs and it will help you when determining next year’s budget too. Start saving: Even if you haven’t set aside money earlier, you can start saving now to offset costs. Simple techniques, such as packing your lunch or skipping your morning coffee, will add up come December.
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BIG THIS WEEK THU, NOV 21
(Courtesy)
REYNOLDS HALL BETWEEN RIVER AND RIM: HIKING THE GRAND CANYON National Geographic Live presents an epic adventure: writer Kevin Fedarko and filmmaker Pete McBride hiking the length of the Grand Canyon. That’s roughly 750 grueling miles of heavy packs and forging through the wilderness. The pair tell their tale at the Smith Center accompanied by amazing imagery, in hopes of spreading awareness about environmental threats to the natural wonder. 7:30 p.m. $20$49. –C. Moon Reed
FRI, NOV 22
BUNKHOUSE SALOON DEATH VALLEY GIRLS & CROCODILES DVG recently released single “Dream Cleaver”—a nostalgic, saxophone- and guitar-laden punk teaser and follow-up to 2018’s Darkness Rains. Meanwhile, San Diego duo Crocodiles has returned after three quiet years with Love Is Here, a scuzzy, poppy collection of modern glam rock. It’s a doubleheader you don’t want to miss. With Kate Clover, The Acid Sisters. 8 p.m., $12-$15. –Leslie Ventura
Death Valley Girls (Deb Frazen/Courtesy)
NOV 22-24 JIMMY KIMMEL’S COMEDY CLUB BETH STELLING Stand-up comedians, those unvarnished truth tellers and astute observers of human nature, are funniest when they mine their own human foibles for laughs, with bonus points for relatability. Take Beth Stelling, who makes no bones about the weight battles of her past. In Netflix’s The Standups special, she talks about the weight gain many of us experience absent parental supervision. “In college, the way that I ate, it was as if a single dad lived inside of me. And he would just whisper stuff like, ‘What’d your mom say you can’t have?’ And then I’d say, ‘Icing, cake batter, cookie dough. He’s like, ‘It’s fine. Snarf it all up; it’s my weekend.’ So he got two weekends a month but full custody of what I ate in the dark,” she deadpans. Stelling, who began her standup career in Chicago, also writes for Pete Holmes’ HBO series Crashing and has a podcast with her mom, Diane, called We Called Your Mom. Catch Stelling’s live act when she stops by the Linq Promenade venue for the weekend. 8 & 10 p.m.,$25-$55. –Genevie Durano
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calendar p30 (Courtesy)
SUN, NOV 24 |
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He released his House Party EP on Diplo’s Mad Decent label in August, calling it six songs of “nothing but sexy house music,” on Twitter. Listen to “BRB” and “Flip the Switch”—the latter featuring producer and DJ Chris Lorenzo—before heading to XS for the ultimate house party. 10 p.m., $20-$30. –Leslie Ventura
FRI, NOV 22 EVEL PIE THE HEIZ These Japanese punks are Double Down regulars, but lately they’ve been spreading their wings. Grab a slice and witness the Ramones-esque swagger of this Squidhat Records trio before it heads back to Tokyo. With The Swamp Gospel, F*ckface. 8 p.m., free. –Leslie Ventura
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This weekend horror film fest doesn’t end at the screen; it transforms the Artisan into the “Hotel Paranormal.” Where better to screen Pearry Teo’s The Assent, or to meet filmmakers Clive Barker and Shane Black? Times vary, $20. –Geoff Carter
Run (or walk) past apples, pears, squash and pumpkins in this inaugural 5K/10K race at the 67acre orchard. It’s a good excuse to work up an appetite for those cider doughnuts. 9 a.m., $49-$59, 7800 N. Tenaya Way, ultrasignup. com. –Genevie Durano
SAT, NOV 23 FERGUSONS DOWNTOWN KOMBUCHA IN THE ALLEY Savor the ancient beverage with more than 20 tastings, educational workshops, food vendors and activities like meditation and a letters of gratitude workshop. $37-$47, 3-6 p.m. –C. Moon Reed
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Norwegian DJ Matoma brings new music and good vibes to Vegas By Brock Radke
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orwegian DJ and producer Matoma (real name: Tom Lagergren) is known for popleaning dance tracks spiked with crossgenre collaborations. Memorable 2015 single “Old Thing Back” reworked a Notorious B.I.G. favorite and featured Ja Rule, but that same year also saw Matoma put out “Try Me,” a tropical house/R&B mashup starring Jason Derulo and Jennifer Lopez. That kaleidoscope of sound has made Matoma a festival mainstay and a great fit for Las Vegas clubs, as you’ll see next year, set to be his biggest yet on the Strip. He shared lots of new plans in a recent conversation with the Weekly.
MATOMA November 23, 10:30 p.m., $20-$30. Marquee Nightclub, 702-333-9000.
You just announced the Camp Superdope co-headlining tour with Two Friends starting in January in Texas. How did that come together? They are two really nice and talented guys that [just started] playing Las Vegas for the first time. I’ve known them a little more than three years, and every time I’m in LA I try to catch a coffee with them. They’re really just music-forward guys who have their hearts in the right place, and they’re very polite. As a Norwegian, I really [appreciate] that hospitality and love to find a fit with people who have a great personality and humbleness. We have similar types of brands, although they’re a bit more goofy and fun for the college market, and my market is a [little older]. But our music is similar. We love uplifting, happy beats, and it’s all about the good vibes. The tour will be a new experience for all of us. Your music has broad appeal because you incorporate so many different genres and guest artists into your sound. How do you go about choosing collaborators? I’m always trying to find interesting people to work with that also represent what I stand for, being able to make good quality music without sounding too cheesy or too cliché, while still having that pop element. For me it’s about the voice and the history behind the artist rather than how big they are. I work with huge artists but also with undiscovered artists.
You played the new JEMAA pool party on the Strip this year, and now you’re playing Marquee. What do you like about the Vegas club scene? The heat (laughs). Actually, one time I played Vegas, I had to have wet towels down on the ground because my feet were burning. Vegas is always fun, and that’s where a lot of the industry really happens. It’s always about the delivery of the set. You have to be 100 percent sharp, always pump up the crowd, always have the right transitions. It pushes me forward, because there’s so much talent in Vegas and you have to keep up. Besides the new tour, what are you focusing on for 2020? I have something like 12 shows in Vegas next year, so I’ll be around. I’m working on a new collaboration for a song that will be released before the end of this year, and [I’ll have] lots of new music in the new year, fresh sounds and a brand-new set. I feel like I’ve been blessed. This will be my seventh year as a DJ playing the States, so it’s time to explore new possibilities and really push forward.
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(Cybele Malinowski/Courtesy)
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CLUB GUIDE By Brock Radke
Guy GERBER
Guy Gerber brings Rumors back to EBC on November 23. (Courtesy)
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For more upcoming events, visit Culture Weekly Page 30.
1 OAK
DJ Nova 11/22. DJ Que 11/23. Blackout Artists 11/27. Wed, Fri-Sat, Mirage, 702-693-8300.
(Tony Tran/Courtesy)
RED
Wed-Mon, 512 E. Fremont St., 702641-3009.
APEX
TAO
Thu-Sun, Palms, 702-953-7665. CHATEAU
DJ Five 11/21. M!KEATTACK 11/22. Justin Credible 11/23. Thu-Sat, Venetian, 702-388-8588.
DJ Darkerdaze 11/22. DJ P-Jay 11/23. Wed-Sat, Paris, 702-776-7777.
VANGUARD LOUNGE
CLIQUE LOUNGE
Nightly, 516 Fremont St., 702-8687800.
Nightly, Cosmopolitan, 702-6987939.
XS
CLUB 101
Fri-Sat, Sahara, 702-761-7618. DRAI’S NIGHTCLUB
DJ Esco 11/21. Jadakiss 11/22. Fabolous 11/23. DJ Franzen 11/24. ThuSun, Cromwell, 702-777-3800.
JEWEL
DJ Crooked 11/22. DJ Karma 11/23. DJ Shift 11/25. Mon, Fri-Sat, Aria, 702-590-8000.
DRAI’S AFTERHOURS
Thu-Sun, Cromwell, 702-777-3800. EMBASSY Thu-Sat, 3355 Procyon
St., 702-609-6666. ENCORE BEACH CLUB
Guy Gerber’s Rumors residency with Wynn Nightlife is almost halfway through its two-year run and most recently included an electrifying Art of the Wild party with a set from Idris Elba last month. This weekend’s edition brings DJ Three and Dead-Tones to Encore Beach Club on November 23. Also: EBC at Night with Dillon Francis 11/27. Wed, Fri-Sun, Encore, 702-770-7300. FOUNDATION ROOM
DJ D-Miles 11/22. DJ Excel 11/23. Nightly, Mandalay Bay, 702-632-7631.
LIGHT
Twenty-six-year-old rapper Diamonté Harper—aka Saweetie—has become the marquee performer at Light Nightclub this year, sparkling onstage while presenting breakthrough hits like “My Type” and “ICY GRL.” Catch her latest Vegas show on November 22. Also: DJ EMan 11/23. DJ Murat 11/27. Wed, FriSat, Mandalay Bay, 702-632-4700.
DJ Sat One spinning in the main room on November 23, and turkey day fave DJ Five takes control for the All Gravy Thanksgiving eve bash on November 27. Also: DJ Mighty Mi 11/22. Wed, Fri-Sat, Park MGM, 702-730-6773.
The Magic Is Real mixtape is here, and its producer—and Wynn Nightlife resident DJ—Dillon Francis has loaded it up with guest spots from Nitti Gritti, Big Freedia, TV Noise and more. Get ready for “Bawdy,” the next monster club anthem-to-be, and other new music from Francis at XS on November 22. Also: The Chainsmokers 11/23. Valentino Khan 11/24. Friday-Sunday, Encore,
MARQUEE
Sander Van Doorn 11/22. Matoma 11/23. DJ Five 11/25. Mon, Fri-Sat, Cosmopolitan, 702-333-9000. OMNIA
Crankdat & Solli 11/22. Mark Eteson 11/23. Burns 11/26. Tue, Thu-Sun, Caesars Palace, 702-785-6200. ON THE RECORD
HAKKASAN
Cash Cash 11/21. Burns 11/22. Nghtmre & Solli 11/23. DJ Direct 11/24. Thu-Sun, MGM Grand, 702891-3838.
Two big holiday parties hit the club at On the Record this week. The Babes in Toyland local toy drive will feature an appearance from diamond scion Pascal Mouawad with
(Light/Courtesy)
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XS T H E CH AINS M OKER S
Photographs by Danny Mahoney
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On t h e R e cord S PYDAT. E. K.
Photographs by Tony Tran
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M A RQUEE DASH B E R L I N
nov 15
Photographs courtesy of Global Media Group
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CLAWS COME OUT STONE CRAB RETURNS TO SIEGEL’S 1941
It’s stone crab season once again at Siegel’s 1941 inside Downtown’s El Cortez Hotel & Casino. The delectable crustaceans, which come from Florida’s warm waters, are in season from mid-October to mid-May. Stone crabs are distinct from other types in that only the claws are harvested; if removed properly, they regenerate after a year. Their appearance is cause for celebration for Floridians, signaling cooler weather and the start of the holiday season. For Las Vegans, it’s a nudge to head Downtown. Siegel’s 1941 serves its claws the traditional way: over ice and prepped like shrimp cocktail. They come a pound to an order ($45)—about four to five claws— poached and served with remoulade and an optional container of clarified butter. (Don’t skip this!) No need for bibs here; the claws come pre-cracked for eating ease. They’re also accompanied by sides: scalloped potatoes with onions, and cole slaw so tangy your lips will pucker (a good foil for the buttery crab meat). Until May, the claws are served Fridays and Saturdays starting at 5 p.m., while supplies last for the night. –Genevie Durano
SIEGEL’S 1941 El Cortez, 702-385-5200. 24/7.
Stone crab claws from Siegel’s 1941 (Miranda Alam/Special to the Weekly)
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food & Drink
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History on tap
Able Baker adds to Downtown’s brew scene Topgolf’s Triple Dog Dare (Courtesy)
Swing into fall
Topgolf Las Vegas debuts new seasonal treats
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With no shortage of sunshine and 60-deOn the food side, nothing says “fall” more than gree days, Las Vegas is a golfer’s paradise, warm mac and cheese. Here it comes in cheesy especially this time of year. For those who bites ($10), with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, can’t commit to 18 holes outside—or those who just ricotta, Parmesan and creamy tomato dipping want to drink and nosh inside—Topgolf Las Vegas sauce. For the table, order the Buffalo chicken dip is the place to tee up. ($12), a spiced-up concoction of shredded chicken, The sports and entertainment complex recently hot sauce, sour cream, green onion, garlic herb debuted a fall menu that highlights aucheese, ranch, cream cheese, cheddar TOPGOLF tumnal notes like cinnamon and caraand Monterey Jack, served with tortilla 4627 Koval Lane, 702-933-8458. mel, starting with four new beverages. chips. It’s got a kick that will perk your Daily, The Maker’s Spiked Cold Brew ($13) has taste buds right up. 9 a.m.-2 a.m. bourbon, cold brew and Bailey’s Original A riff on sliders, the Triple Dog Irish Cream; the Fall ‘N’ Stormy ($14) is a Dare ($15) delivers a trio of mini beef double whammy of Casamigos Blanco Tehot dogs in three variations: pimento quila and Myers’ Original Dark Rum, paired with cheese, cheeseburger and loaded tater tot. And cinnamon and ginger beer; the Frozen Orange Red if your appetite’s as big as your swing, order the Bull ($15) mixes the orange edition with Pinnacle massive French Onion Burger ($16), with caramelWhipped Vodka and orange juice; and the Caramel ized onions, Gruyere, horseradish Dijon and crispy Apple Mocktail treats you right with Monin Caraonions, served on a pretzel bun. mel, apple juice, ginger beer and sweet cream. –Genevie Durano
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It isn’t every day you walk into a bar and the bartender can tell you the backstory of any beer on the menu. But when your bartender also happens to be Able Baker co-owner James Manos, he definitely can. Such was the case when I ordered Swimming With Debré, a barrel-aged Brett Saison named after the former French minister of defense, Michel Debré, who famously swam in the Mururoa Lagoon just hours after conducting a nuclear test there in the 1970s. Fans of Belgian Tripels like Unibroue’s Le Fin Du Monde will love Debre’s yeasty and complex sweetness. (For imbibers who like a little side of history, Able and Baker are the names of the first two atomic bombs detonated at the Nevada Test Site in the 1950s.) Able Baker boasts more than 30 beers brewed in-house—and its gorgeous brewery equipment is on display for all to see while drinking, eating or watching a game on the TVs. (You can schedule a brewery tour at ablebaker brewing.com.) The room is spacious, with plenty of rustic wooden tables and a patio that’s perfect for nice weather. The owners of 595 Craft and Kitchen on Rainbow— branded here as Arts District Craft & Kitchen—supply the food. You can feast on barbecued chicken or steak banh mi, a pork belly burger, a juicy and spicy Nashville hot chicken sammy, fried cauliflower and loaded nachos. Order a beer flight and you even get a little rubber ducky to take home. It’s a nod to the legendary atomic duck—and Nevada’s explosive history. –Leslie Ventura
Able Baker Brewing 1510 S. Main St., 702-479-6355. Sunday-Thursday, noon-midnight; FridaySaturday, noon-1 a.m.
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The final four Metal giant Slayer has called upon worthy openers for its Final Campaign By Annie Zaleski y numbers alone, Slayer’s latest tour, the Final Campaign, feels impressive. According to a press release, the thrash-metal titans employ three bus drivers, four truck drivers and a crew of 32—not to mention one pyrotechnics expert, who apparently sets off around 160 pounds of propane per show. The openers joining Slayer for its final tour—Ministry, Primus and Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals— are just as formidable as that stage setup. Here’s a breakdown of the Vegas stop of the Final Campaign—and why the lineup works so well.
with 1986 album Reign in Blood, and has continued to be an aggressive heavy pace-setter since. Neither the 2013 death of original guitarist Jeff Hanneman nor the departure of drummer Dave Lombardo that same year has derailed Slayer, whose latest lineup features founding members Tom Araya (vocals/ bass) and Kerry King (guitar), along with Paul Bostaph (drums) and Gary Holt (guitar). The band has stated its intention to stop performing after this tour, which could make the November 27 MGM Grand date the second-to-last ever (the tour concludes two nights later in Inglewood, California).
Slayer Slayer should need no introduction. One of thrash metal’s “Big Four” (along with Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax), the Southern California band reinvented the scope and impact of the genre
Ministry Ministry has never been afraid to evolve with the sonic times. In fact, while the Al Jourgensen-founded band cut its teeth in Chicago, where it spearheaded the industrial movement of
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the ’80s and early ’90s, in more recent times Ministry’s sound has gravitated toward electronicsaturated hard rock and metal, often with a political bent. Like Slayer, Ministry has weathered changing heavy music trends—successfully—while remaining true to its rabble-rousing muse and penchant for flouting authority. Primus Les Claypool balances a staggering number of projects and guest appearances these days in addition to his work with Primus—including The Claypool Lennon Delirium, a collaboration with Sean Lennon—although his bread-and-butter remains Primus’ absurdist funk-flecked metal. The band’s most recent album, 2017’s The Desaturating Seven, was based
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NOISE SLAYER with Primus, Ministry, Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals. November 27, 6 p.m., $50-$70. MGM Grand Garden Arena, 702-891-7777.
Slayer headlines MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 27. (Troy Fisher/Courtesy)
on a children’s book titled The Rainbow Goblins. Primus might seem like the odd band out on this bill—Claypool has become something of a jam icon thanks to his side projects, and these days the band’s live concerts veer toward sprawling space-prog. Still, there’s no denying that, like Slayer, Primus comes ready to entertain—and challenge listeners. PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS Anselmo is best known for fronting Pantera and the recently reactivated Down, but the metal icon released his 2018
album, Choosing Mental Illness as a Virtue, under another occasional moniker—Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals. For the Vegas Slayer tour stop, Anselmo & Co. are billed performing “a vulgar display of Pantera,” a reference to both a seminal Pantera album (1992’s A Vulgar Display of Power) and a nod to the setlist: an all-killer, nofiller bunch of Pantera classics. Pantera and Slayer ran in the same circuit starting in the late ’80s, making Anselmo’s inclusion a nice nod to heavy music’s roots— and a full-circle moment for Slayer as it nears the finish line.
TIME TO ATTEND GETTING YOU READY FOR MGMT’S PERFORMANCE AT THE PEARL Who: You might not know the Spin: MGMT spent most of names Andrew VanWyngarden last year touring behind strong or Ben Goldwasser, but the two 2018 LP Little Dark Age, and multi-instrumentalists are continues to play much of its responsible for some of the most material. Album opener “She recognizable hits from the early Works Out Too Much” has been 2000s. MGMT’s founding memin heavy rotation, along with bers met during their freshman “When You Die”—two cuts that year at Connecticut’s Wesleyan spotlight MGMT’s more left-ofUniversity, and have shape-shiftcenter influences, like throwed sonically since 2007 indie-pop back synth-pop band Sparks. Oracular Spectacular, dipping Stay on the lookout for LDA’s into different genres, including standout track, “One Thing psychedelic and progressive terriLeft to Try,” which typically aptory, on their next three albums. pears toward the end of the set. “In a lot of ways, [MGMT] was the reaction to having to take an Previously: MGMT has played academic view of music,” GoldLas Vegas twice: 2013 at the wasser told Interview magazine Cosmopolitan’s Boulevard Pool last year. “Studying music like and 2017 at Life Is Beautiful. that, it was important The former featured to have an extracura memorable setlist, MGMT with Cola Boyy. ricular thing, and for including beautiful, November 21, us that was playing somber ballads “I 8 p.m., $32-$73. synthesizers and trying Found a Whistle” and The Pearl, 702-944-3200. to make them sound like “Congratulations”—two animals.” songs that rarely pop up in concert these days. Early hits: The sparkly “Kids” Fingers crossed we hear them and the slinky “Electric Feel” aragain this time around at the rived primed for the dancefloor Pearl. And while we’re dreamand remain the most beloved ing, “The Youth,” a haunting tracks in MGMT’s catalog. The but upbeat track from Oracular third single from the band’s Spectacular, has been sprindebut, “Time to Pretend,” also kled into recent shows. Can we frequently finds its way into the get that one, too, guys? band’s live sets. –Leslie Ventura
(Brad Elterman/Courtesy)
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Comedy
(Robyn Van Swank/Courtesy/Photo Illustration)
Keeping it clean Nate Bargatze’s comedy mines daily life for laughs By Genevie Durano ou know what gives an aspiring comedian a leg up? A funny family. Nate Bargatze happens to have one, starting with his dad, Stephen, a clown-turned-full-time magician. When the younger Bargatze hits the Wynn stage for his Good Problem to Have Tour stop, it will mark his first time in Las Vegas—and the first time for his dad, who will be part of the act. It’s a dream come true for both, the comedian tells the Weekly by phone. “I think my timing comes from my dad, obviously. He’s very funny,” Bargatze says. “I mean, we always knew he was talented enough to be huge. Then he had three kids, and living in Nashville back in the ’70s, I don’t think it was as open as now, [where] you could go just chase your dream. So it’s nice that now he gets to do it. And then I get to give back to him and bring him on the road, and he gets to play in Vegas.” This sentiment sums up Bargatze’s brand of com-
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edy. Watch his March Netflix special, The Tennessee dians the past few years. He says it’s a topic best Kid, and you’ll see his 6-year-old daughter introduce left to those with more expertise. “I look at it like, him. Comedy has been a family affair for Bargatze, I’m not smart enough to tell you what to do. You whose jokes might not be as edgy as his contemshouldn’t be listening to me to tell you who you’re poraries’ but are no less funny. For lack of a better gonna vote for. That’s insane!” word, Bargatze is a “clean” comic, in the vein of Jim Instead, Bargatze’s shows are filled with Gaffigan and Mike Birbiglia, and he says observations from a mind that never this isn’t just a shtick—it’s a way of life. NATE BARGATZE stops parsing life’s mundanity. Take, for November 23, “In New York, when I was starting, it example, his bit on Starbucks, from The 8 p.m., $40-$100. Standups on Netflix. It’s something that was tough because I would be doing shows Encore Theater, at midnight or 1, 2, 3 in the morning. And happens to all of us, an order mixup. But 702-770-9966. you know, everyone’s show was really dirty, in Bargatze’s telling, it turns into a sideand I wasn’t. But I just learned how to be splitting account of a harmless misunderclean without a mic,” Bargatze says. “The standing. Nothing is ever so dire in his best thing I like to hear is when someone’s like, ‘Oh, act, and that suits him just fine. I didn’t realize he was clean.’ Like, they don’t even “I can be your one night that you come and just notice it. But it’s just how I started, and I enjoy belaugh,” he says. “People come to the shows, and I ing clean. It’s how my brain thinks.” think they just trust that it’s not gonna be a whole Another morass that Bargatze won’t delve into? heavy thing. It’s just like dumb, fun stuff. … You Politics, which has been a boon for many comecan come to my show and take a break.”
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The STRIP
From left: Tyler Bates (Piero F Giunti/Courtesy), Robert Rodriguez (Ethan Miller/Courtesy) and Michael Schwandt (Jerry Metellus/Courtesy) (Photo Illustration)
Show runners Meet the men who created the look and feel of Cirque du Soleil’s newest production R.U.N By C. Moon Reed
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he magic-makers up in Montreal tapped into to some major talent for the script, direction and sound of Cirque du Soleil’s new show R.U.N at Luxor. The Weekly interviewed these celebrated creatives.
Writer Robert Rodriguez (Sin City, Alita: Battle Angel, El Mariachi) On collaborating with Cirque du Soleil: “They want to do something really different here. … They were trying to figure this thing out themselves, so it was fun to do that together.” On the writing process: “They had a rough storyline with action set pieces, different locations. … I had to figure out a story reason for [everything]. Reverse-engineering a story is really fun. I did that once [in] a movie called Machete, where I shot a trailer five years before I made the movie.” On stunt work: “When you do movie [stunts], if it works you don’t shoot it again. These guys do it every night. It’s wild. Your heart stops when they
do an action scene, because you know this is real human feats, real physicality.”
emotional underscore ... but it definitely lives in the realm of music I’ve made for movies like John Wick and maybe Atomic Blonde … like the records I did with Manson or Bush.”
Film/television score composer Tyler Bates (Guardians of the Galaxy, Stumptown; former guitarist for Marilyn Manson) Director Michael Schwandt (Creative director, On collaboration: “The tenor of the conversations Fox’s The Masked Singer) was always about challenge [and] excitement. We all On creating R.U.N: “We have this amazing toolkit. seem to be thrill-seekers in our careers.” We have this amazing stage and projecOn the music’s feeling: “I wanted to tap tion system. … I’m really happy with the R.U.N Wednesday-Sunday, outcome.” into what it feels like to be performing in 7 & 9:30 p.m. Luxor, front of large crowds. … So I wanted the On the show’s challenges: “We’re doing 855-706-5433. music to have that transcendent feeling. cinema-quality stunts … stringing them … The audience would [not] merely be together in sequence to make a 10-minvoyeuristic … they would feel it on a visceral level.” ute scene with stunts that would be days of shootOn the volume: “The first time I walked into the ing—that’s hard to do.” theater, they played [the] music … and I’m like, ‘Is On which role he’d like to play: “The groom is the this the level you’re going to play it?’ He said, ‘Yeah, bad guy. I’d have fun playing that role. [Or] one of that’s it.’ I said, ‘Awesome.’ It’s like a rock concert.” the motorcycle riders. If I had the ability to ride a On the sound: “A combination of electro-hard-rock bike onstage, I’d choose that in a heartbeat just for music and a fair amount of ethereal, atmospheric, the adrenaline rush.”
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ART
Stewart Freshwater works on a portrait. (Wade Vandervort/Staff)
Drawing attention Stewart Freshwater has been making Vegas art for decades—and he’s sharing what he has learned By Kelcie Grega tewart Freshwater’s North Las Vegas home doubles as a multispace studio. Stacks of drawings, sketches and art supplies fill the dining room, guest bedroom and even the master bathroom. Lacking the advantage of a north light window, Freshwater takes his work from room to room throughout the day, tempering the effects of inconsistent natural light, a major burden for many fine artists as the sun’s angle changes. Freshwater’s living space lays out a timeline of his work, from the surrealist paintings of his 1970s college days to his recent figure drawings of jazz musicians and nude models, to which he says he feels a special affinity. “It’s in the humanity, I guess, the human condition,” he says. “Las Vegas has always had such an unusual condition for humans with the gambling and lifestyle. There’s really no city like it.” Although Freshwater gravitates toward the natural desert, the Valley’s vibrant cityscape has
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also had an influence on his past work, notably in was tough, his facial features—and at different his early photographs of neon signs around old angles, he looked real different.” Las Vegas. Freshwater says he has enjoyed his long artistic His artistic aptitude for capturing life was career in the Valley, from working as a graphic tested two years ago, when he was recruited to be illustrator for the City of Las Vegas to his days the courtroom sketch artist during the teaching introductory drawing courses at high-profile trial of Cliven Bundy and Drawing with UNLV. He’s mostly retired now, except for his sons. Bundy and others were slapped a life-drawing workshop he hosts every Stewart with conspiracy and firearms charges Freshwater Tuesday at the Arts Factory. The sessions following a 2014 armed standoff with provides artists of all levels with hours of Tuesdays, 7 p.m., federal agents who attempted to execute practice for a $5 donation, which pays for $5 donation. a court order to round up the Bundys’ the models’ time. Arts Factory, cattle. Freshwater says sketching a courtThe workshops, which Freshwater took 702-383-3133. room scene is demanding and comes over nearly 30 years ago, are promoted with a lot of pressure, and he was tasked largely through word of mouth. He tries with capturing key moments in a short to keep the costs to a minimum in order period of time. to maintain accessibility. “It’s always good to “I’m restricted because I have to sit where the have some instruction to kind of help guide you press sits,” he says. “Your angle of view is limited, through your work,” he says. “A lot of instruction their backs are to us a lot of times and they’re involves life drawing. It really helps your coordifacing the judge. Getting the likeness of Bundy nation with what you’re able to see.”
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Scene
Bailey Munoz (William Knight/Courtesy)
Got the moves Bailey Munoz brought his Vegas work ethic to So You Think You Can Dance —and won By Genevie Durano ocal b-boy Bailey Munoz has been dancing professionally since he was 10 and remains a familiar face on the Las Vegas entertainment scene. He’s been a resident performer at the Cosmopolitan’s since he was barely out of middle school, so he’s no stranger to the spotlight. Still, winning Season 16 of So You Think You Can Dance on September 16 came as a huge surprise, the 19-year-old says. “To be honest, it still hasn’t hit me that I’ve won the show,” Munoz tells the Weekly during a recent phone interview. “It’s been [several] weeks now, and it still hasn’t really sunk in.” The most recent season turned into a nail-biter for fans of the dance show, with Munoz facing tough competition from Mariah Russell, Gino Cosculluela and Sophie Pittman. His energetic hip-hop routines—along with just about every style of dance he had to learn in a limited amount
L
of time—gave him the edge to win the title and the low. Mastering that in, like, five days is literally $250,000 prize. impossible. And I’m a shorter guy, too, so there For Munoz, who has watched the show since were a lot of challenges. … Coming from a hiphe was a little kid, winning marks the hop background, I didn’t have the level of culmination of years of hard work. “This technique everyone was on, and it made SO YOU journey has meant so much to me, beTHINK YOU me work 10 times harder.” cause it’s inspired me through dance and CAN DANCE The season’s top 10 contestants are in in life, so the show was definitely bigger the middle of a multicity tour, which stops LIVE! 2019 than myself. And my family, my mentors at the Smith Center on November 22. For a November 22, 7:30 p.m., local kid who’s notched some high-profile and everyone had been supporting me $29-$85, through it all.” achievements on his dance card—includReynolds Watching Munoz’s performances on ing touring with Bruno Mars and Justin Hall, 702749-2000. the show, one gets the impression that Bieber—performing at the arts venue is he’s preternaturally confident. Even something else entirely. “I’ve been dreamwhen he had to stretch out of his comfort ing every single night about it, and I just zone with a different genre, he seemed to take it can’t get it out of my head,” he says. “So You all in stride. Ballroom, in particular, was espeThink You Can Dance has been a dream come cially challenging, he says, though you wouldn’t true, and it’s also a dream come true to perform know it from his performance. “There are so at the Smith Center. I’m just so excited to come many rules and techniques that you have to folhome and celebrate with everybody.”
bringing lives and communities together To donate to The Center, visit TheCenterLV.org/donate
serving the LGBTQ community of nevada
401 South Maryland Parkway Las Vegas, NV 89101 702 .733.9800 • thecenterlv.org
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calendar LIVE music
SoCal punk rock band Plague Vendor plays the Bunkhouse on November 27. (Robert Hickerson/Courtesy)
172 Kiss This (Kiss tribute) 11/27. Michael Henderson 11/30. Rio, 702-513-3356. ALEXXA’S BAR Justin Carder 11/21, 11/27-11/28. Chandiss and Michael 11/22, 11/29. Brian Bissel Pop & Jazz Trio 11/30. Paris Las Vegas, 702-331-5100. AMERICAN LEGION POST 8 Enterprise Earth, Distinguisher, Words From Aztecs, KOS 11/22. 733 N. Veterans Memorial Drive, 702-382-8533. Backstage Bar & Billiards Rucci, Saviii 3rd, Kalan.FrFr 11/21. Queso, Abra, Ron Henley, Al James, Batas, DJ Buddah, AntiTrust, Rebels 11/22. Them Evils, Alura, Mojave Sun 11/23. The Delta Bombers, Eddie Spaghetti, J.D. Pinkus, Farangs 11/27. Nile, Terrorizer, The Holy Pariah, Exaltation 11/29. The Old Firm Casuals, Charger, The Vulturas 11/30. 601 Fremont St., 702-382-2227. THE BARBERSHOP Showcase Thursday 11/21. Heavy Petting Zoo 11/22. The 442s 11/23. Corey Brown Trio 11/24. Cosmopolitan, 702-698-7434. THE BOXX Sin City Metal Invasion 11/23. 1000 N. Nellis Blvd., 702-824-5281. Brooklyn Bowl Little Brother 11/22. Black Parade 11/23. Empire Records 11/29. Puro Party ft. Amanda Perez, NB Ridaz, Lil Rob, Mr. Capone-E, Paula DeAnda 11/30. K. Michelle 12/5. Wade Bowen, American Aquarium 12/6. The Hu, Crown Lands 12/7. Gregory Alan Isakov, Patrick Park 12/8. Modest Mouse 12/11. Robert Earl Keen, Parker McCollum 12/13. Thievery Corporation, Brazilian Girls 12/15. Dizzy Wright, Rittz, Ekoh, Whitney Peyton 12/20. The Music of The Beatles for Kids 12/21. Stick Figure, Iya Terra 12/31. Linq Promenade, 702-862-2695. Bunkhouse Saloon Death Valley Girls, Crocodiles, Kate Clover, The Acid Sisters 11/22. Chapo SZN, Call Me Duce, Chazzykaid, Mr. Him, Zie 11/26. Plague Vendor, Spirit Mother, Wyatt & The Ashes 11/27. The Lique, Cameron Calloway, SPXTRM 11/30. Earthless, Warish 12/2. Gatecreeper, Exhumed, Necrot, Judiciary 12/4. Black Mountain, Ryley Walker 12/5. Tijuana No 12/7. Jonah Matranga 12/16. 124 S. 11th St., 702-982-1764. The Chelsea The 1975, Judah & The Lion, White Reaper, Joywave, iDKHOW 12/3. Goo Goo Dolls, Dean Lewis, Maddie Poppe, Natasha Bedingfield 12/6. Kip Moore, Midland 12/14. Cosmopolitan, 702-698-6797. Chrome Showroom Norman Brown 11/30. Santa Fe Station, 702-658-4900. CLEOPATRA’S BARGE Dionne Warwick 11/21-11/24. Wayne Newton 11/25-11/27. Caesars Palace, 866-227-5938. THE CLUB Tyriq, Jamestown 11/22. Cookie Watkins (Tina Turner tribute) 11/23. Front Page 11/29. Cannery, 702-507-5700. The Colosseum Mariah Carey (All I Want for Christmas Is You) 11/22-11/23, 11/27, 11/29-11/30. Reba, Brooks & Dunn 12/4, 12/6-12/8, 12/10-12/11, 12/13-12/14. Journey 12/27-12/28, 12/30-12/31. Caesars Palace, 866-227-5938. Count’s VAMP’D Scattered, EMDF, Wicked Garden 11/21. Silverthorne, Two Man Riot, The Cold Stares, Strange Mistress 11/22. Liliac,
Every Woman Band 11/23. Nebula, Sacri Monti, Monarch, Sonolith 11/29. Damage Inc. (Metallica tribute), Alligator Blood, Kil Jaden 11/30. 750 W. Sahara Ave., 702-220-8849. DALLAS EVENTS CENTER Let’s Get It On (Marvin Gaye tribute) 11/29. Texas Station, 702-631-1000. THE Dillinger Leo B 11/22. Marty Feick 11/23. B’yana Hinton 11/29. Manny Franco 11/30. 1224 Arizona St., Boulder City, 702-293-4001. THE Dispensary Lounge Linda Woodson 11/22. Ronnie Rose 11/23. Joe Darro & Friends 11/24. Toscha Comeaux 11/29. Gary Fowler 11/30. 2451 E. Tropicana Ave., 702-458-6343. Dive Bar No Tides, Chameleon Queen, The Hideaway 11/21. Lawn Mower Death Riders, Bogtrotter’s Union, The Mucky Boys 11/22. Speedbuggy 11/23. Tartar Control, Wolfhounds, Lean 13, The Pluralses, Decaying Tigers, Battering Ham 11/24. Dinamo, Stop on Green, Muertos Heist 11/27. 4110 S. Maryland Parkway, 702-586-3483. DOUBLE DOWN SALOON This Is a Train Wreck, Kid Carrion 11/21. Sin City Rejects, Stagnetti’s Cock, 3D6, Lambs to Lions, Disaster Mode 11/22. Gob Patrol, The Negative Nancys, Chainsaw Fight, Blvd Bullies 11/23. Uberschall 11/24. Bargain DJ Collective 11/25. Thee Swank Bastards’ Basstravaganza 11/27. The Heiz, DeadDolls, Eric ‘Travis’ Wilson 11/29. The Heiz, Dirk Vermin & The Hostile Talent, Franks & Deans, Jerk! 11/30. 4640 Paradise Road, 702-791-5775. DOWNTOWN CONTAINER PARK Josh Liberio 11/22. ST1 11/23. Miles V 11/29. Josh Liberio, Stanley
Avenue 11/29. 707 Fremont St., 702-359-9982. DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS EVENTS CENTER Goodness ft. Wax Motif, Dombresky & more 11/27. 200 S. 3rd St., 800-745-3000. Encore Theater Dwight Yoakam & The Bakersfield Beat 12/4, 12/6-12/7, 12/10, 12/12, 12/14, 3/4, 3/6-3/7. Chris Isaak 12/20-12/21. Dariush 12/24. Wynn, 702-770-6696. EVEL PIE Russian Girlfriends, Anti-Vision 11/21. The Heiz, The Swamp Gospel, F*ckface 11/22. 508 Fremont St., 702-840-6460. FLAMINGO SHOWROOM Paula Abdul 11/26, 11/28-11/30, 12/23-12/24, 12/27-12/28, 12/31-1/1. Flamingo, 702-733-3111. Gilley’s Saloon Bryan Lynn Jones & The Misfit Cowboys 11/21-11/23. Dez Hoston 11/27. Rob Staley Band 11/28-11/30. Treasure Island, 702-894-7722. GOLD MINE TAVERN Red Dirt Rodeo 11/22-11/23. Randy William’s American Acoustic 11/27. 90 Proof, The Syndicate, Blackacre, Michael Buckmaster 11/29. The Blues Brothers Reborn Toga Party 11/30. 23 S. Water St., 702-478-8289. Golden Nugget Showroom Gary Lewis & The Playboys 11/22. The Association 11/29. Terri Clark 12/5. Clay Walker 12/6. John Michael Montgomery 12/7. Charlie Daniels Band 12/8. Ronnie Milsap 12/9. Tracy Lawrence 12/10. Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan 12/11. Ray Wylie Hubbard 12/12. Jamey Johnson 12/13. The Grass Roots 12/20. Night Ranger 12/27. 866-946-5336. GRAND EVENTS CENTER Private Eyes (Hall &
Oates tribute) 11/22. Bee Gees Gold (tribute) 11/30. Green Valley Ranch, 702-617-7777. Hard Rock Live Curren$y 11/23. Lucky Devils Band 11/25. 3771 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-733-7625. House of Blues Electric Feels 11/23. The Dead South, Danny Oliver 11/25. Gasolina Party 11/27. Aly & AJ 11/30. Hanson, Paul McDonald 12/3. The Pettybreakers (Tom Petty tribute) 12/5. Eli Young Band, Niko Moon, The Rhyolite Sound 12/6. Jaden Smith, Willow Smith 12/8. Snoop Dogg, Warren G, RJMrLA 12/10. The Dan Band 12/14. Rocks Off (AC/DC/Black Sabbath tribute) 12/20. Bleachers 12/21. DJ Quik 12/27. Third Eye Blind 12/31. Mandalay Bay, 702-632-7600. HUNTRIDGE TAVERN The Heiz, The Psyatics, Thee Swank Bastards 11/26. Scramblersuit, Entresol, Folian 11/28. 1116 E. Charleston Blvd., 702-384-7377. The Joint Old Dominion, Ryan Hurd 12/4. Old Dominion, Ryan Griffin 12/5. Gary Allan, Wynn Williams 12/6-12/7. Cody Johnson 12/12. Koe Wetzel 12/13. Ganja White Night, Boogie T, Subtronics & more 12/20. Hard Rock Hotel, 702-693-5000. Las Vegas Festival Grounds Intersect ft. Foo Fighters, Kacey Musgraves, Beck & more 12/6-12/7. 311 W. Sahara Ave., 702-632-7589. Mandalay Bay Events Center Maroon 5 12/30-12/31. Pepe Agular 5/2. 702-632-7777. MGM Grand Garden Arena Slayer, Primus, Ministry, Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals 11/27. Andrea Bocelli 12/7. Ariana Grande, Social House 12/15. 702-531-3826.
1 1 . 2 1 .1 9 Orleans Showroom Leonid & Friends (Chicago tribute) 11/22. Engelbert Humperdinck 11/29-11/30, 12/1. 702-365-7111. Park Theater Aerosmith 11/21, 11/24, 11/26, 11/29, 12/1, 12/4. Jason Aldean 12/6-12/8. Lady Gaga (Enigma) 12/28, 12/30; (Jazz & Piano) 12/31. Park MGM, 844-600-7275. Pearl CONCERT THEATER MGMT, Cola Boyy 11/21. Palms, 702-944-3200. THE Railhead Selwyn Birchwood 11/21. Boulder Station, 702-432-7777. Rocks Lounge Every Woman Band 11/21, Grey Street 11/22, Queen Nation (Queen tribute) 11/23. Red Rock Resort, 702-797-7777. SAM’S TOWN LIVE Donna Summer Experience (tribute) 11/30. 702-456-7777. Sand Dollar Lounge Stoney Curtis 11/21. Billy Ray Charles, Chris Tofield 11/22. GoldTop Bob, The Moanin’ Blacksnakes 11/23. The Heiz 11/24. Open Jam 11/25. Bar Squad 11/26. Funk Jam 11/27. Carlos Guerrero 11/29. Jimmy Carpenter 11/30. 3355 Spring Mountain Road, 702-485-5401. South Point Showroom Stayin’ Alive (Bee Gees tribute) 11/29-12/1. 702-696-7111. The Space CeCe Peniston 11/30. 3460 Cavaretta Court, 702-903-1070. STAR OF THE DESERT ARENA The O’Jays 11/30. Primm, 702-386-7867. Stoney’s Rockin’ Country Morgan Evans, Madison Kozak 11/22. Thrillbilly Deluxe 11/29. Town Square, 702-435-2855.
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Wynn, 702-770-6696. JIMMY KIMMEL’S COMEDY CLUB Luenell Sun thru 1/5. Vicki Barbolak Tue thru 1/7. Linq Promenade, 702-777-2782. JOKESTERS COMEDY CLUB Penny Wiggins, Don Barnhart Thru 11/24. Bob Zany, Keith Lyle 11/25-12/1. The D, 702-388-2111. L.A. COMEDY CLUB Samuel J. Comroe MonWed thru 1/29. James Michael Thu-Sun thru 2/14. Geoff Keith Thru 11/24. Jay Nog 11/25-12/1. The Filth Factory 11/30. Strat, 702-380-7711. LAUGH FACTORY Earthquake Thu-Sat thru 11/23. Mike Marino, KT Tatara, Marco Assante Thru 11/24. Andrew Dice Clay 11/2211/24. Quinn Dahle, Rick D’Elia, Jimmy JJ Walker 11/25-12/1. Tropicana, 702-739-2411. SAND DOLLAR LOUNGE Comedy 11/21. Spring Mountain Road, 702-485-5401. The Space ComedySportz 11/23, 11/30. Fear and LOLing 11/22. 3460 Cavaretta Court, 702-903-1070. THE SPARE ROOM Pauly Shore, Sandy Danto, Don Barnhart 11/22. Pete George, Richy Leis, Keith Lyle Thru 11/24. Derek Richards, Willie Macc, Guy Fessenden 11/2712/1. Downtown Grand, 702-719-5100. Terry Fator TheatrE David Spade, Ray Romano 11/22-11/23. Kathleen Madigan 11/29. Iliza Schlesinger 11/30. Mirage, 702-792-7777. TICKLE ME COMEDY CLUB Jeremy Flores, David Lee Thru 11/23. Justin Berkman, Joe Caliz 11/26-12/7. Eclipse Theaters, 702-816-4300.
SUNCOAST SHOWROOM The Everly Set (Everly Brothers tribute) 11/23. Sons of Soul Legends 11/30. 800-745-3000.
TopGolF Rocky LaPorte 11/22-11/23. 4627 Koval Lane, 702-933-8458.
Terry Fator TheatRE Boyz II Men 11/2211/24. Mirage, 702-792-7777.
Performing Arts & Culture
T-Mobile Arena George Strait, Ashley McBryde 12/6-12/7. 702-692-1600. TopGolF New Politics, The Mowgli’s 11/29. 4627 Koval Lane, 702-933-8458. Vinyl Flatland Cavalry, Mitchell Ferguson 11/21. 4th Ave 11/22. LSDREAM, Shlump 11/29. The Rhyolite Sound 12/8. Sundance Head 12/9. Maoli, Tenelle 12/13. Otherwise, The Black Moods, The Mad Rabbits, ZZY 12/20. Hard Rock Hotel, 702-693-5000. ZAPPOS THEATER Leo Ku 11/30. Shania Twain 12/6-12/7, 12/11, 12/13-12/14. Christina Aguilera 12/27-12/28, 12/30-12/31. Planet Hollywood, 702-777-6737.
Comedy BONKERZ COMEDY CLUB Tom Garland 11/21. Rampart Casino, 702-507-5900. Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club Quinn Dahle, Kermit Apio, Ken Garr Thru 11/24. Mike Merryfield, John Bizarre, Dustin Nickerson 11/25-11/27, 11/29-12/1. MGM Grand, 866-740-7711. COMEDY CELLAR Orlando Leyba, Mike Yard, Traci Skene, Lachlan Patterson, Mark Cohen Thru 11/24. Kathleen Dunbar, Dennis Regan, Mike Rowland, Roy Wood Jr., Mark Cohen 11/25-12/1. Rio, 702-777-2782. The COMEDY WORKS Greg Vaccariello 11/21-11/23. Plaza, 702-386-2110. Encore Theater Nate Bargatze 11/23.
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ArtificE Dr. Sketchy’s 11/21. Bad Faerie Ball 11/29. 1025 S. 1st St. #A, 702-489-6339. BARNES & NOBLE Shonda Buchanan 11/23. 567 N. Stephanie St., 702-434-1533. Charleston Heights Arts Center Lightwire Theatre: A Very Electric Christmas 11/23. 800 Brush St., 702-229-2787.
E AT, D R I N K &
Give Thanks 1 1.28.19 | 12 - 10 P M
Clark County Library The Movement Dance Experience 11/23. 1401 E. Flamingo Road, 702-507-3400. CSN Performing Arts Center (Nicholas J. Horn Theatre) Fall Dance Concert 11/2211/23. 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave., 702-651-5483. Erotic Heritage Museum Freak Show 11/22. 3275 Sammy Davis Jr. Drive, 702-794-4000. Historic FiftH STREET SCHOOL Tamale & Mariachi Festival 11/30. 401 S. 4th St., 702-229-6469. THE Smith Center (Reynolds Hall) National Geographic Live: Hiking the Grand Canyon 11/21. So You Think You Can Dance Live! 11/22. Paul Anka: Anka Sings Sinatra 11/23. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! 11/2612/1. Las Vegas Philharmonic: A Baroque Holiday 12/6. Las Vegas Philharmonic: A Classic Holiday 12/7. Nevada Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker 12/13-12/24. (Cabaret Jazz) Broadway Princess Party 11/23. Bruce Harper Big Band with Elisa Fiorillo 12/5. Michael Grimm 12/6-12/7. Deana Martin 12/8. Clint Holmes 12/13-12/15. Tyriq Johnson
F E AT U R I N G
R OA S T E D O R G A N I C T U R K E Y confit thighs - cranberry - sweet potatoes - brussels sprouts foie apple stuffing / adults $65 - children (12 & under) $32 • F U L L M E N U A L S O AVA I L AV L E •
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3 7 0 8 L A S V E G A S B LV D. S
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calendar 12/16. Storm Large 12/21. Michelle Johnson’s Vintage Christmas 12/22. 702-749-2000. Summerlin Library Fall Garden Fair 11/21. Walking Bear: Walking the Sacred Earth 11/24. 1771 Inner Circle Drive, 702-507-3860. UNLV (Artemus W. Ham Hall) UNLV Wind Orchestra: The President’s Concert 11/21. UNLV Choirs: Winter Concert 11/22. 702-895-2787. West Charleston Library Tellabration 11/23. 3045 Walnut Drive, 702-507-3940. West Las Vegas LIBRARY Ruploops 11/22. 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-229-2787. Whitney Library Coffee & Comics 11/23. 5175 E. Tropicana Ave., 702-507-4010.
Exhibits
Clark County Government Center Rotunda Gallery Imagine a World Without Hate Thru 1/16. Grand Central Parkway, 702-455-7030. Clark County LIBRARY Armand Thomas: ETCETERA Thru 1/21. 1401 E. Flamingo Road, 702-507-3400. CORE CONTEMPORARY Leobardo Bracamontes: Lobo Loco Thru 11/23. 900 E. Karen Ave. #D222, 702-805-1166. CSN (Fine Arts Gallery) Dengke Chen Thru 12/7. (Artspace Gallery) Christopher McNulty: Days Thru 1/29. 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave., 702-651-4146. Donna Beam Fine Art Block 17 Thru 12/7. UNLV, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, 702-895-3893. East Las Vegas Library Zully Mejia: Women and Politics 11/21-2/9. 2851 E. Bonanza Road 702-507-3500.
Barrick Museum of Art (East Gallery) Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya: Connective Tissue Thru 2/22. (Window Gallery) Zet Gold: On My Mountain Thru 2/22. UNLV, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, 702-895-3381.
Enterprise Library Las Vegas Woodturners Association: Multiple Woods in Turning Thru 12/15. 25 E. Shelbourne Ave., 702-507-3760.
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art Material Existence: Japanese Art From Jōmon Period to Present Thru 4/26. 702-693-7871.
Historic Fifth Street School (Mayor’s Gallery) Amy Kurzweil: Pencils to Ink Thru 11/30. 401 S. 4th St., 702-229-6469.
Centennial Hills Library Vija Hamilton: Serendipity Thru 1/28. 6711 N. Buffalo Drive, 702-507-6100.
Las Vegas City Hall (Chamber Gallery) Public Employee Exhibition 11/27-2/20. (Grand Gallery) Southwest Teapots Exhibition Thru 2/6. (Windows on First) Sierra Slentz: Under the Sky—Ceramic Landscape Wall Series 11/21-5/1. 495 S. Main St., 702-229-1012.
Charleston HeightS Arts Center Les Folies Bergere Thru 1/11. 800 Brush St., 702-229-2787.
Canadian bluegrass quartet The Dead South hits House of Blues on November 25. (Mark Tiu/Courtesy)
Left of Center ART GALLERY Gig Depio: Ten Thru 11/30 2207 W. Gowan Road, 702-647-7378. Neon Museum Tim Burton: Lost Vegas Thru 2/15. 770 Las Vegas Blvd. N., 702-387-6366. Nevada Humanities Program Gallery Imagine Nevada: Nevada Artists and Poets Celebrate 10 Years of Illustrated Word Exhibitions Thru 11/26. 1017 S. 1st St. #190, nevadahumanities.org. Nevada State Museum Swinging ’60s Thru 12/31. Eclectic Nevada Thru 5/31. 309 S. Valley View Blvd., 702-486-5205. Priscilla Fowler Fine Art The Portmanteau Exhibit: Play With the Rules Thru 12/14. 1300 S. Main St. #110, 719-371-5640. Sahara West Library Nevada Watercolor Society Fall Show Thru 12/7. Hans Van de Bovenkamp Thru 12/7. 9600 W. Sahara Ave., 702-507-3630. Spring Valley Library James Pakala: Pizzazz Art Thru 12/10. 4280 S. Jones Blvd., 702-507-3820. Springs PRESERVE (Big Springs Gallery) The Evolution of Ivanpah Solar Thru 1/5. (Origen Museum) Backyard Adventures Thru 1/12. 333 S. Valley View Blvd., 702-822-7700. Summerlin Library Yasmina Chavez: The Suchness of Light Thru 12/17. 1771 Inner Circle Drive, 702-507-3860. West Charleston Library Tomas Gaspar: An American Family Thru 12/3. 6301 W. Charleston Blvd., 702-507-3940.
West Las Vegas Library Las Vegas News Bureau: Vintage Vegas Thru 1/26. 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-507-3980. Windmill Library Thomas Shea Thru 11/24. Cheng Yajie: A Las Vegas Symphony of Art II 11/262/11. 7060 W. Windmill Lane, 702-507-6030.
LOCAL THEATER The Lab LV The Royale Thru 11/23. The Playhouse, 528 S. Decatur Blvd., thelablv.org. Majestic Repertory Theatre The Manson Family: An Opera 11/21-12/8. 1217 S. Main St., 702-478-9636. POOR RICHARD’S PLAYERS Shoelaces in Paris 11/22-11/23. The Playhouse, 528 S. Decatur Blvd., theplayhouselv.com. VEGAS THEATRE COMPANY Holmes and Watson Thru 12/8. Art Square Theatre, 1025 S. 1st St., #110, 725-222-9661.
FOOD & DRINK country wine down 11/23. Vegas Valley Winery, 7360 Eastgate Road #123, bit.ly/32Wz491. FoodieNation Las Vegas Culturefest 11/22. Boulevard Mall, bit.ly/358tBNN. Pour in the alley: Kombucha & Tea 11/23. Fergusons Downtown, fergusonsdowntown.com.
SPORTS CONTINENTAL TIRE LAS VEGAS INVITATIONAL Men’s college basketball 11/28-11/29. Orleans Arena, 702-365-7469. MGM Resorts Main Event Men’s college basketball 11/24, 11/26. T-Mobile Arena, 702-692-1600. UNLV FOOTBALL San Jose State 11/23. Sam Boyd Stadium, 702-739-3267. UNLV MEN’S BASKETBALL SMU 11/23. Jackson State 11/26. Thomas & Mack Center, 702-739-3267. UNLV WOMEN’s BASKETBALL South Carolina State 11/23. Elon 11/30. Cox Pavilion, 702-739-3267. VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS San Jose 11/21. Edmonton 11/23. Arizona 11/29. T-Mobile Arena, 702-692-1600.
SCREEN Artisan Hotel Shockfest Film Festival 11/2211/24. 1501 W. Sahara Ave., 702-214-4000. Clark County Library Last Flag Flying 11/25. Wife Versus Secretary 11/26. 1401 E. Flamingo Road, 702-507-3400.
SPECIAL EVENTS Festival of Trees and Lights Gala Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada fundraiser 11/23. Treasure Island, dsosn.org.
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DK Las Vegas
The city with views +
There’s no shortage of breathtaking views in Las Vegas. From the bright lights of the Strip to the majesty of Red Rock Canyon and beyond, our beautiful Valley has it all—and it’s a motivating factor for many homebuyers. “When someone buys a typical single-family house, they usually aren’t buying for the view. But when someone is buying a condo, the view is one of the primary reasons,” said Uri Vaknin, partner at KRE Capital, which owns the DK Las Vegas portfolio of condos. If you’re shopping for a view in your next home, consider these elements during your search.
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Las Vegas sights “What’s amazing about Las Vegas is that we have so many different types of views,” Vaknin said. “The Strip is typically the main one that comes to mind from just about any vantage point, but we also have the most stunning mountain scapes and natural scenery.” For Las Vegans who prefer serene views, the surrounding mountains are unparalleled, attracting visitors from all over the world. “Watching the sunrise and sunset against the mountains is one of the most magical things about living in the desert,” Vaknin said. For urban dwellers, Downtown’s cityscape offers a metropolitan oasis that’s distinct from anywhere else in Las Vegas. The views of Downtown are ever-changing and evolving, just like the area itself. “Oftentimes, you pay for what people consider to be a premium view, which is usually a view of the Strip,” Vaknin said. “However, those who live in Las Vegas may want to counterbalance the Strip lights, preferring to arrive home to peaceful, natural scenery or authentic and eclectic Downtown scenes.”
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Things to consider with a view Think about the type of view and light you want to live with. “You don’t always want western- or southernfacing windows because of the harsh sunlight,” Vaknin said. “Sometimes, northern-facing views are best because they’ll give you beautiful natural light without too much direct sun.” The direction of your view can also affect choices within the home, including window treatments, the way you use certain rooms and your energy costs. For example, too much direct sunlight can bleach furniture and curtains, so it’s important to be mindful of your décor when considering a home with a view.
U N R I VA L E D A M E N I T I E S & SERVICES R E S O RT P O O L S & S PA S D E D I C AT E D CO N C I E R G E STAT E- O F-T H E-A RT F I T N E SS C E N T E R S O N - S I T E H OA M A N AG E M E N T M O N T H LY L I F E STY L E E V E N TS D O G PA R KS S U M M E R K I TC H E N S
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Move to Las Vegas helps put visa processing company in a good position
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BY BRYAN HORWATH VEGAS INC STAFF
ike so many businesses, RapidVisa was born of an idea to solve a problem. Started in 2009 in Colorado by software developer Ben Ives, the immigration document processing firm has handled more than 50,000 visas, and was started after Ives and his wife, Jocelyn, were dismayed by the petition process. “When I met my wife, who is from the Philippines, I realized the process was harder than it probably should be,” Ives said. “At that time, you couldn’t do it online, which was a bit shocking to me, so I started writing the software as a hobby.” Ives, 57, says his intent was to develop software and shop it to attorneys and other businesses. Instead, he and Jocelyn started a company that now has about 50 employees and offices in Las Vegas and the Philippines. RapidVisa, Ives said, is on schedule to earn about $8 million in revenue this year and has handled applications for people from 170 countries and all 50 U.S. states. “I couldn’t initially get anyone to understand the value of what I was doing,” Ives said. “I talked to hundreds of lawyers and nobody could see the vision. Now, we’re eating those same people’s lunch. It’s really worked out well.” Most of what the company does is centered on what Ives refers to as “family reunification” work— people wanting to bring a spouse or other family member to the U.S. Partly because of Las Vegas’ robust immigrant community and partly because Jocelyn prefers warmer weather, the couple moved their family and the business here in 2016.
“There’s a lot of immigrants in Las Vegas,” Ives said. “We have a lot of local clients, but we work with people from all over.” For a U.S. visa, a person must meet certain government requirements—including a medical check and an interview—and pay the necessary fees. RapidVisa’s fees are $400 to $500. Including government fees, Ives said clients often spend about $2,000, though that doesn’t include money spent on travel, which is often part of the process. Some clients get their visa in as little as six
months, but it usually takes longer. The typical application that RapidVisa handles, Ives said, requires information for about 300 different data points. “There’s a lot of anxiety along the way,” Ives said. “We get a lot of calls—probably about 25% of the calls we receive are from people who are just worried. ... People have a lot of time, energy and money invested, but most people are not denied.” Pam Ruelan, who came from the Philippines to live full time with her husband in the U.S. in 2013, said the process of being approved for a visa or green card can be daunting. Ruelan, who worked as a lawyer in her native country, found RapidVisa online toward the end of the process, but later was hired by Ives. She’s now a document preparation manager for the company. “I can understand how people are feeling—I can connect with them and tell them I’ve been through it,” Ruelan said. “They really scrutinize you now. Immigration can be a long and complicated process.” While RapidVisa’s success is very high, Ives said the Trump administration has established a pattern of dragging cases out. Despite the change in administration, Ives says RapidVisa hasn’t experienced a drop in petitions that are approved.
Ben Ives, founder and CEO of Rapid Visa (Christopher DeVargas/Staff)
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VegasInc Notes The Penta Building Group promoted Glen Maxwell to senior vice president of preconstruction. With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, Maxwell will continue to develop Penta’s preconstruction capabilities and services. Maxwell is responsible for guiding Penta’s work acquisition and preconstruction services in Nevada, Southern California and Arizona. He guides preconstruction teams to ensure the department is developing client-centric strategies to secure new work. Core, a nonprofit commitment to empowering, enriching and educating underserved children, named Liberty Leavitt as outreach manager and Joseph Kennedy as outreach coordinator. They will work with executive director Lindsay Harper and outreach director Barbara Molasky to spearhead development and fundraising efforts as Core, powered by the Rogers Foundation, continues to grow.
Continental Realty Group, a Denver-based multifamily operator, has completed the acquisition of the 240-unit Laurel Park Apartments and 168-unit Villa Del Rio Apartments in Las Vegas. The purchase price was in excess of $50 million. CRA has been an active Las Vegas buyer and seller this year, with its May disposition of an 1,194-unit portfolio and March acquisition of the 63-unit Onyx Apartments near MGM Grand. Din Tai Fung is opening its first Las Vegas location at Aria in 2020. The Taiwanese dumpling and noodle house, with more than 170 restaurants in 13 countries, will debut in the former Aria Café space mid to late next year. Maxx Properties acquired Madison at Spring Valley, a 168unit multifamily property in Las Vegas. Built in 2000, Madison at Spring Valley is part of Maxx Properties’ growing Las Vegas portfolio, along with Villas at Green Valley Apartments in
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Henderson, which it acquired this year. The community comprises one-, two- and threebedroom apartments ranging from 700 to 1,060 square feet. SCE Federal Credit Union, with four branches in Southern Nevada, reopened its location at 1450 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway. MIT National Land Services, a New York commercial title agency, hired Marco Antonio Walton as director of business development. He will spearhead the expansion of the brand into the Las Vegas market, the company’s first venture on the West Coast. Before joining MIT, Walton was one of the youngest national account managers for First American Title’s National Commercial Services. MountainView Hospital earned two distinguished three-star ratings, which denotes the highest category of quality, from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons for its patient care and outcomes in isolated mitral valve repair and replacement procedures, and mitral valve repairs and replacements with coronary artery bypass graft procedures. This is the third time in a row the hospital has received these ratings. The three-star ratings denotes the
College of Southern Nevada dedicated the student union at its North Las Vegas campus to lawmaker Tyrone Thompson. The Tyrone Thompson Student Union is a 29,000-square-foot building featuring dining options, student government offices, food pantries for foodinsecure students, meeting rooms, spacious common areas and courtyards. “Champions like Assemblyman Thompson are one in a million,” CSN President Dr. Federico Zaragoza said. “He was a part of the CSN family, frequently on our campuses for functions and events centered on student success. Not only did he act as a mentor and an advocate, he was our friend. The student union will stand as a reminder of the causes he fought for and the students he served.” highest category of quality and places MountainView among the top heart surgery centers in the United States and Canada. Valley Bank of Nevada was chosen by the Small Business Administration as the leading lender in Nevada of its 504 program for the fiscal year
beginning in October 2018 and commencing September 2019. The SBA 504 program allows business owners to finance long-term assets while saving thousands over conventional loans. Valley Bank, with locations in Henderson and North Las Vegas, led the state with 17 loans in 12 months.
The SIOR Southern Nevada Chapter would like to congratulate all of this year’s recipients of the Top Tech Awards!
Whether you need industrial or office space, home or away, contact a local SIOR to assist you and your company’s needs globally. With 38 designees in the Southern Nevada Chapter, SIOR designees were responsible for an estimated
60% of the total market
volume for office and industrial transactions in 2018 totaling
$2.018 Billion in transaction value.
SOUTHERN NEVADA CHAPTER
www.siornv.com
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The judges
From the presenting sponsor Dear Friends: In partnership with Vegas Inc, Cox Business is honored to serve as the title sponsor of the ninth annual Top Tech Awards. Nominated by their industry peers, the Top Tech Awards recognizes and celebrates the contributions, leadership, vision and innovation of technology professionals in Southern Nevada who have excelled in their field and are committed to driving the technology industry and continued economic growth in Southern Nevada. Congratulations to each of the award recipients and nominees for their outstanding contributions. We greatly appreciate the partnership with Vegas Inc and your support, without which the Top Tech Awards would not be possible. Vegas Inc is the No. 1 business weekly in Southern Nevada, reaching 50,000 readers, and is an organization committed to journalism that informs, inspires and moves people to take action, transforming the lives of others. Cox Business and Hospitality Network works closely with local and nationwide business clients in an array of verticals and segments. We work with those clients to customize voice, video, networking services, security solutions, cloud and managed services to support their requirements and business objectives with a strong focus on economic growth, community engagement, diversity and inclusion, and technology service excellence. From smart communities to cybersecurity, from gaming to sporting events, our entire Southern Nevada landscape has changed, thanks to visionaries and top techs such as those we have honored at this event. We are delighted you were able to attend and celebrate our Top Tech professionals. Once again, congratulations to the 2019 nominees and award recipients!
Derrick R. Hill Vice President Cox Business/Hospitality Network, Las Vegas
Wonda Riner Executive Director of Information Technology for the UNLV School of Medicine Wonda Riner oversees a shared-services IT group that supports the academic, administrative and clinical needs of the school and its affiliated UNLV Medicine clinics. During her more than 13 years at UNLV, she has led the implementation of the campus-wide course management system, the creation and support of the Nevada Learning Network and Faculty Collaboratory, reimplemented Digital Measures Activity Insight and revised business processes surrounding tenure and promotion, annual evaluations, conflict of interest reporting and more. She joined UNLV in 2003 after working several years for a research and applied technology center partially funded by the U.S. Army Medical Research Materiel and Command-Telemedicine, and Advanced Technology Research Center. Debbie Banko CEO, Link Technologies Debbie Banko launched Link Technologies in 2000 with an old computer, a landline and a handful of clients, and has grown the company into a leading provider of professional services in information technology, engineering, business support, project management and cybersecurity/information assurance. Christopher Crescitelli Founder at DreamlandXR Dreamland founder Christopher Crescitelli has been a career freelance creative artist, writer, producer and director for 30 years. His creative collaborations cover the spectrum of artistic expression from film, television, and theatrical projects to newly emerging 3D, 4D and virtual reality entertainment technologies as well as live event marketing ventures.
Rachel Papka Chief Health Informatics Officer, Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging Centers Rachel has lived in Nevada since a very young age and joined Steinberg Diagnostic in 2014. Her role as chief health informatics officer is oversight of the Call Center, HIT and QA Reports Department with a focus on workflow, gathering staff input and brainstorming new ideas to decrease inefficiencies and streamline processes. Her experience in Healthcare Informatics stems from oversight of the Health Information Exchange and many years involved with Health Systems. Her education background includes a master’s degree in healthcare administration and informatics, and bachelor’s in business management. Rachel serves on the Nevada Tech Impact Board and was a recipient of a Top Tech Award in 2018. She loves fitness and health and helps motivate others as a Beachbody coach. With the help of her husband and four children, she tries to stay grounded and enjoys the sweet moments in life. Michael Lee Sherwood Director of Technology and Innovation, City of Las Vegas Michael Sherwood has more than 20 years of management experience in the fields of technology, process improvement and innovation. Most recently, he served as the deputy director of public safety, business services and city technology for the City of Irvine, California. Michael is extremely passionate about technology, and believes that through innovation, communication and cooperation, we can create a brighter, sustainable world for all. Michael received his bachelor’s degree in management from Pepperdine University, followed by a master’s in executive management from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business.
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Lifetime Achievement
Snehal Bhakta
CTE Administrator at Clark County School District, Las Vegas Affiliate Coordinator of National Center for Women & Information Technology n Beginning his career as an IT professional, Snehal Bhakta now works as the Career and Technical Education administrator at the Clark County School District, inspiring and empowering women and people in minority populations to explore technology and STEM fields. “I work toward ensuring the technology workforce is diverse and ready for the challenges ahead. This includes encouraging and supporting young women and minorities in technology and STEM careers,” Bhakta said. “I am proud to say that our work in this space has seen an increased movement in the number of women and minorities entering the tech workforce. However, my job is far from done, as I will always strive for a diverse tech workforce that develops and innovates for everyone.” Bhakta is also Las Vegas Affiliate Coordinator for the National Center for Women & Information Technology, an organization that strives to increase meaningful participation of girls and women in technology careers. Bhakta brought the Center’s chapter to Las Vegas, where the organization is involved with both CCSD and UNLV students. By providing mentorship, recognition and networking resources for young women, the Center supports the representation of women in a male-dominated field. In the past year, it has recognized the talents of more than 100 young women and connected them with mentors in Southern Nevada. As an ally for gender diversity in the workforce, Bhakta collaborated with the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art to bring the Connective Tissue exhibit by BeyondCurie.com creator Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya to UNLV this year. “This enabled over 2,000 middle school girls to find out about the significant contributions women have made in the area of technology—like Grace Hopper, Ada Lovelace, and Katherine Johnson, to name a few—through visually stunning art,” Bhakta said. His goal is to raise awareness among young women that a career in technology is attainable. Doing so, he says, “will only strengthen our tech workforce in Southern Nevada and drive more innovation and growth to the area.”
Bhakta is the founder of the #GirlsinSTEM and #GirlsinTECH programs at CCSD, which have been active for over four years and allowed more than 4,500 students to attend events and experiences related to technology, IT and STEM fields. Bhakta also encouraged stronger connections for girls in technology by hosting #GirlsinTECH movie nights for nearly 1,500 students this year. Further, Bhakta partnered with UNLV’s International Gaming Institute to further develop the Young Executive Scholars Hospitality & Tourism program, a leadership development program for low-income high school students. He also worked with the International Gaming Institute to create Battle Born Girls Innovate, an organization that introduces women to STEM careers in the gaming industry. The program served about 60 middle- and high school students this fall.
Bhakta extended his reach beyond the classroom by creating the Student Workforce & Innovation Summit to provide a space for graduating CCSD high school seniors to learn about local internships, job training programs, apprenticeships and support services. By hosting student-led workshops, providing training sessions and creating spaces for women in technology fields to grow and learn, Bhakta has connected countless students with technology innovators and opportunities. Bhakta also shows students how to apply their skills to their schoolwork, allowing students to use what they’re interested in to find success in other areas of their education. Bhakta’s tireless work to provide meaningful resources for women, girls and minorities in technology fields has made a significant impact in Southern Nevada and beyond.
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Community Exemplary
maria SExton
Director of Information Technology/ Information Security Officer at University Medical Center of Southern Nevada n With more than 22 years of experience in information security, information technology and audit/compliance industries, Maria Sexton channels a wealth of expertise through her role at University Medical Center of Southern Nevada. “I am a highly engaged leader who is committed to ensuring we utilize and optimize our technology investments to improve patient care and properly safeguard patient information,” Sexton said. “I am active in the information technology and information security communities in Southern Nevada. I believe it is my obligation to assist with maturing these industries in our community and to assist those who may be interested in professional development and career advancement.”
Sexton is tasked with the delivery of technology services and leads the Information Security Program that protects patient data and UMC systems. One of the largest hospitals and care providers in the state, UMC is Nevada’s only Level I Trauma Center, Designated Pediatric Trauma Center, Burn Care Center and Center for Transplantation. “I am a very active member of the UMC leadership team. I collaborate heavily with leaders in other business units to ensure technology is enhancing their respective service lines and supporting efficient processes,” Sexton said. Prior to joining the UMC team, Sexton directed the IT compliance program at MGM Resorts International and led security operations programs at Walgreens and Kellogg’s. Most recently, Sexton mentored multiple ISSA CISSP Exam Prep Cohorts during the Winter 2019 session. She also chaired the 2019 Nevada IT Symposium Task Force, overseeing all planning and coordination for the event. Among a long list of accomplishments, Sexton was responsible for the implementation of the Periodic Access Review Program at UMC to ensure consistent and appropriate access to resources, and the centralized EHR (electronic health record) access management and governance to comply with the tenet of least privilege/minimum necessary. She is also the executive sponsor for Privileged Access Management imple-
mentation, the executive sponsor for Advanced DLP (data loss prevention) implementation, the executive sponsor for CASB (cloud access security broker) implementation, the executive sponsor for Exchange 2016 Upgrade Project and the executive sponsor of Windows 10 Upgrade Project.
A melding for wellness: e7 Health software combination boosts care A smart technology meld helps preventive health and wellness company e7 Health deliver high-quality care. In 2017, e7, led by its CEO and founder, Jonathan Baktari, MD and his team developed software combining electronic medical records and practice management software. The resulting program, e7 Charts, serves the company’s seven core markets — travel medicine; student health; corporate health services; drug testing; STD testing; physicals and labs; and vaccines. “We needed a software system that could incorporate all seven facets together,” Dr. Baktari said. “There was nothing off the shelf we could buy because there was nobody else doing what we do.” Cloud-based software, e7 Charts lets patients complete medical forms electronically at home or in the medical office, auto-populating many document fields for quicker completion. If a medical service is completed, e7 Charts uploads them automatically to patients’ portals same day or as soon as the results are available. Recently, e7 Health integrated its software with its partner laboratories to speed these result uploads. Also, e7 Health integrated its software system with Nevada’s immunization database, WebIZ, to let e7 Health staff see patients’ previous vaccine records and alert those patients to when vaccines are due or what vaccines are recommended they get. In a step toward education, e7 offers students in Allied Health programs vaccinations, TB skin testing, blood titers, drug testing, physical exams and more. e7 Health has also created e7 University, an online tool offering dozens of courses its team can take to better equip themselves to answer patients’ questions and provide top scale care. e7 Charts has helped e7 Health grow its profits by more than 40 percent since 2017 and excel as a private travel medicine clinic, offering every vaccine commercially available in the United States. The company plans to expand beyond Chicago and Las Vegas and add clinics nationwide. “We strive to provide clients and patients with an extraordinary service that is efficient, comfortable and easy to navigate in ways they won’t experience anywhere else,” Dr. Baktari said.
Call 702-800-2723 or visit e7health.com for more information about the company.
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Health Care
Vice President of Market IT Operations at Caesars Entertainment
CEO and Founder, e7 Health
Macario Gallegos
n A former Marine, Macario Gallegos has 15 years of experience at Caesars Entertainment, dating back to when the company was Harrah’s Entertainment. Gallegos leads hundreds of employees across the country, including dozens of team members in Southern Nevada across Caesars properties. Responsible for driving on-property technical capabilities, Gallegos’ reach is vast and encompasses everything from guest check-in to keeping back-ofhouse and casino floor operations running smoothly. This year, Gallegos and his team rolled out the Property IT Training Roadmap, which acts as a framework to address training and development opportunities for all on-property employees, ensuring that they’re positioned for success in their roles and able to take on tech challenges when presented. Gallegos also spearheaded an in-house FixIT Lounge concept, which delivers a fast, high-quality IT support service for employees and a streamlined process for the IT team. In addition to supporting back-house operations, Gallegos was also instrumental in rolling out technology-driven consumer experiences at the Linq. This cross-functional effort by Caesars Entertainment harnessed new display, connectivity and interactive capabilities. Gallegos is an innovative, influential leader who looks for consistent growth opportunities and prioritizes teamwork. At the request of the Caesars Business Impact Group VIA (Vision In Action), Gallegos hosted a discussion on Habits of Highly Effective Leaders. VIA is a group that champions Hispanic employees and allies.
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Jonathan Baktari n E7 Health offers technology-based solutions to common issues in health care administration. Founder and CEO Jonathan Baktari, MD, has leveraged technology to transform the health care landscape in Southern Nevada by developing software that streamlines medical records and treatment options. With an emphasis on wellness and preventive care, Baktari strives to ensure that patients receive the fastest and highest quality of care. Baktari’s company represents seven areas of health care, including travel medicine, student health, corporate health services, drug testing, STD testing, vaccines, physicals and labs. The cloud-based platform auto-populates all the necessary information for patients and staff, allowing patients to forgo redundant paperwork upon arrival. The staff at e7 Health uses proprietary charts that combine electronic medical records and practice management software to further simplify the patient experience. From 2017 to 2019, e7 Health has grown more than 40%. It is one of the largest providers of adult vaccines and the largest private travel medicine clinic in Southern Nevada, offering every vaccine commercially available in the United States. “To provide an extra layer of protection for patients requesting a vaccine, e7 Health integrated its software system with the Nevada WebIZ database, the statewide immunization database that contains vaccination records,” Baktari said. “This enables e7 Health staff to view the patient’s e7 chart and identify whether a vaccine is needed.” Additionally, students in Allied Health programs are offered on-site vaccinations, TB skin testing, blood titers, drug testing and physical exam clinics. Large corporate clients use e7 Health’s software to archive and search employees’ medical records. As a result of integrated and intuitive technology, e7 Health is making significant changes in Southern Nevada’s health care industry.
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startup tech
publically traded
CEO of Home365
General Manager at Lyft Nevada
daniel shaked n The founder of Home365, Daniel Shaked combined his passion for tech and real estate into a useful platform for streamlining single-family property management, a service that he felt Las Vegas needed. With more rental properties per capita than any other city of its size, Home365 seeks to prevent homeowners, property managers and tenants in Las Vegas from overpaying for maintenance costs. “His firm’s forensic research found that the majority of property owners were grossly overpaying for services, from repairs to replacements. Oftentimes the property owners paid for services that were never completed. Shaked created a platform that streamlines the property management process and creates transparency for all parties involved: property owners, managers, service providers and tenants,” said Sarah Thornton, president of Sarah Thornton Public Relations. The app provides an easy and convenient way for tenants to request services and repairs. Without Home365, a tenant may spend months waiting for a repair due to complications getting in touch with a property manager or delays in hiring a technician. With Home365, a tenant can place a service call and have a technician booked in minutes. The streamlined process removes stress for tenants and property managers. Beginning with a portfolio of 300 properties in June, Home365 has grown to include more than 500 properties and continues to expand its reach across Southern Nevada. Home365 is projected to serve more than 1,000 properties by the end of the year. The app has been received with enthusiasm by local homeowners and expanded its reach to serve other markets as well. Shaked enthusiastically supports other entrepreneurs. This year, he participated as a judge and sponsor of Henderson’s Start Tank program, which allowed Shaked to give feedback and guidance to 25 entrepreneurs in Las Vegas.
louisa choi
n Louisa Choi joined Lyft Nevada as the operations manager before being promoted to general manager in 2019. In the past three years, Choi and her team launched and scaled Lyft in Southern Nevada, employing thousands of drivers and employees, and serving millions of passengers. Choi also helped navigate Lyft’s initial public offering in the beginning of the year, and while Lyft was in a “quiet period” during the IPO, Choi worked to build meaningful relationships with community partners, including the Regional Transportation Commission and the Las Vegas Coalition for Zero Fatalities, a program dedicated to eliminating DUI-related fatalities. The partnership between Lyft Nevada and the Las Vegas Coalition for Zero Fatalities works to increase the visibility and accessibility of smart ride alternatives. Another community initiative that Choi spearheaded is Lyft’s benefit car wash, which donates a portion of its proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. She also introduced the Wheels for All grant program that awards organizations dedicated to making a difference with $20,000 in ride credits. Choi also worked heavily on the Lyft Art Park in Downtown Las Vegas. The park serves as a showcase for art from the Burning Man festival, as well as a convenient and safe Lyft pickup and drop-off location. The creative installment served as a major improvement in eliminating confusion and hassle when hailing a ride downtown. Choi’s unwavering commitment to the Las Vegas community has supported the growth of the rideshare app in Southern Nevada as well.
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Education
Rebecca Thomas Cybersecurity Program Leader at West Career and Technical Academy
VEGAS
2019
Private Business
George Guevara
Director of IT, Vegas Golden Knights n West Career and Technical Academy’s Rebecca Thomas teaches IT and cybersecurity to high school students and inspires them to explore the information technology field after graduation. As a passionate educator, Thomas takes learning to the next level and changes students’ lives by giving them technical skills and industry certifications, and preparing students for postsecondary technology education. An educator for over 14 years, Thomas tapped into her experience and expertise when she started one of the first four-year cybersecurity education programs for high school students in public education. In addition to providing hands-on learning about cybersecurity, Thomas hosts lab-based projects, teaches about IT services and runs a CyberPatriot club at West Career and Technical Academy. By ensuring that students leave the four-year program with a wealth of knowledge regarding IT and a certification for the CompTia Security+ course, Thomas produces young professionals ready to join the workforce. Looking to the future, Thomas strives to give students the necessary tools for prosperous careers in IT and cybersecurity. With technology fields growing at a rapid pace, Thomas provides students with the support they need to find success in a competitive workforce. Thomas’ work makes a significant difference in IT and cybersecurity education in Southern Nevada. Being one of the first of its kind, the program Thomas created sets a high standard for technology learning services available to students in public education. Her commitment to her students shows in her work in and out of the classroom.
n Directing and managing the information technology department of a brand-new sports franchise is no easy task, but George Guevara, director of IT for the Vegas Golden Knights, did so seamlessly. Guevara built the VGK tech department from scratch in 2015, implementing cutting edge technology to support operations and playing an integral role in the growth and success of the organization. Today, Guevara and his team continue to support the Golden Knights’ ambitious goal of bringing a Stanley Cup championship to Las Vegas by enabling ticketing, team store sales, on-site activations at T-Mobile Arena and more. Those close to Guevara and the organization describe his commitment to success and humility. Recently, Guevara has overseen the implementation of the fiber network at T-Mobile Arena and City National Arena, the official practice facility of the Golden Knights. He has also assisted in the paperless ticketing system for customers and the setup of The Arsenal team store. An additional largescale project that Guevara is actively assisting is setting up the new state-ofthe-art training facility in Henderson, set to open in July.
TOP TECH AWARDS LAS
VEGAS
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73
2019
Nonprofit
Garrett Pattiani and Russ White
GOVERnMENT AGENCY
JOHN LEE Mayor of North Las Vegas
Founders of the Charity Gurus
n The Charity Gurus founders Garrett Pattiani and Russ White have made it their mission to improve the online operations of nonprofit organizations. As longtime supporters of local LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS nonprofits, White and Pattiani set out to create software that caters specifically to the unique needs of charitable organizations, allowing for fewer technology disruptions, streamlined IT operations, social media and online advertising management, and increased donor contributions. “We have spent years working with many nonprofits throughout Las Vegas and see time and time again the challenges organizations face in working with technology and marketing. We’ve been able to translate our skills in enterprise and nightlife, and adapt our technology to meet the needs of nonprofits by becoming one. Our goal is to provide services at a zero-budget impact to organizations that use us, as well as increase donations, sponsorships and revenue opportunities,” White said. Pattiani, who also serves on the governing board of the LGBTQ Center, and White, executive director of the Lambda Business Association, have spent the past four years developing software platforms for various ventures, including the Charity Gurus. Today, the Charity Gurus work with multiple local nonprofits, including the LGBTQ Center. “Most notably, we have transformed operations for the LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada by providing a new web infrastructure, creating an integrated donor management platform and consolidating donor sources,” White said. “One of the greatest benefits we provide organizations is maximizing advertising grants provided by Google.” Pattiani and White’s continuous support for nonprofits in Southern Nevada has not only allowed them to give back on a daily basis, but reach innovative software solutions for such organizations.
n Mayor John Lee is credited for making major economic and infrastructure improvements in North Las Vegas, in part by encouraging and supporting an influx of new businesses and fixing the city’s credit rating. Over the past six years, Lee and his team have worked diligently to transform North Las Vegas and have breathed new life into areas once feared irrecoverable. When Lee took office, North Las Vegas was deeply indebted and struggled to secure loans following the recession. Today, the city’s credit rating is good as a result of a 2018 bond restructuring that ultimately led to the city achieving an A-level status bond rating. Lee has continued to work to make North Las Vegas an attractive destination for new businesses and diverse industries, with particular interest in the tech sector. This year, Amazon opened a 2.4 million-square-foot fulfillment center, and other e-commerce centers have popped up along Interstate 15. Lee’s vision of a technology hub at the 18,000-acre Apex Industrial Park is becoming realized, with the Urban Land Institute’s Technical Assistance Panel reporting that Apex is poised to become the premier facility to develop a new generation of Technology Testing and Manufacturing Hub. They also identified the potential for Apex to support an array of companies that would create 20,000 jobs and induce an additional 56,000 jobs in the region. A champion for technology and growth, Lee’s investment in North Las Vegas’ tech industry will help create a competitive advantage for tech companies putting down roots in the city to create an environment dedicated to ongoing innovation.
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2019 TOP TECH AWARDS 11.14.19 PHOTOG: TEK LE
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horoscopes week of NOVEMBER 21 by rob brezsny ARIES (March 21-April 19): “If something unsettles your heart, then abandon it,” said Ibn Mas’ūd, a companion of the prophet Mohammed. My wise Aries friend Artemisia advises, “Whatever has the power to unsettle your heart will show you a key lesson you must learn.” Here’s my synthesis of Ibn Mas’ūd and Artemisia: Do your very best to fix the problem revealed by your unsettled heart. Learn all you can in the process. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Taurus social critic and Nobel Prize winner Bertrand Russell is regarded as the founder of analytic philosophy. But in 1940, he was shunned because of his liberated opinions about sexuality. Today, we’re more likely to welcome these ideas if they’re expressed respectfully, as Russell did. With that as subtext, try to deepen your relationship with your own sexuality in the weeks ahead. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In her poem “What the Light Teaches,” Anne Michaels describes herself arriving at a lover’s house, ready for “one past to grow out of another.” In other words, she’s eager to close her old story behind and begin anew. A similar blessing will soon be available to you, Gemini: a chance for you and an intimate partner or close ally to launch a new chapter of your history together. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Most astrologers don’t believe the planets exert influence on us with gravity or any other invisible force. Instead, we analyze planetary movements as evidence of a hidden order in the universe. I hope this inspires you, Cancerian, as you develop constructive critiques of situations in your own sphere. Proceed with the facts, and you could generate remarkable transformations. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “Many people want love to function like a drug, giving them an immediate and sustained high,” says the author bell hooks. “They want to do nothing, just passively receive the good feeling.” I trust you won’t do that. Here’s more from hooks: “Dreaming that love will save us [undermines] the real power of the love—which is to transform us.” Are you ready to be transformed by love, Leo? VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Burrow down as deep as you dare, Virgo. Give yourself pep talks as you descend toward the gritty core of every matter. Feel your way into the underground, where the roots meet the foundations. It’s time for you to explore the mysteries that are usually beneath your conscious awareness. Reacquaint yourself with where you came from and how you got to where you are now.
2018 King features syndicate
ACROSS 1 Whiteboard wipers 8 Ballpark figure 16 Ballpark figure 20 Working Girl actress Griffith 21 Device guiding a train off its track to avoid a collision 22 Wed. follower 23 Functional again after an outage 25 Gas: Prefix 26 “Do Ya” rock gp. 27 Salty Greek cheese 28 Figure skater Midori — 29 The Pleasure — Company (Fred Astaire film) 30 Musical key with two sharps: Abbr. 32 Brief hesitation to let words hang in the air 38 Napoleon exile site 42 Milan locale 43 Designer McCartney 44 Symbol used twice after “http:” 48 Guys who read gas or water gauges 50 Open space 51 Dwayne who played Dobie Gillis 53 Apt to snoop 54 Really mean 57 Rat- — (knock noise) 58 Certain choir voice 62 Summer hrs. 63 Phenomenon in hypnosis 67 Inedible kind of orange 69 Christmas seasons 70 Whac- — (carnival game) 71 Emily Dickinson
poem with the line “Meek my Vive le roi” 78 Greek letters before xis 79 Henchman of Captain Hook 80 Eerie sign 81 Get 40 winks 82 New Jack City actor 83 Actor Gavin 86 Birds of a given region 88 Eyelash cosmetics 92 Periodical datum indicating years 95 Dog collar jinglers 96 Duelist Burr 97 Radiation units 98 Guernsey’s archipelago 102 Intl. oil group 106 Queen, in Madrid 107 Counterparts of egos 108 Skating leap 112 Pep rally cry 113 Writer Sarah — Jewett 114 Device on which you might see the first words of seven answers in this puzzle 120 Molson, e.g. 121 Government bureaus 122 Deny 123 Little whirlpool 124 Put limits on 125 Possibilities DOWN 1 Plant firmly 2 Ruler’s land 3 Tinfoil maker 4 Cinch — (Hefty brand) 5 Sufficient, in
dialect 6 In season 7 Bench, e.g. 8 Actor Byrnes 9 Sun. homily 10 Mr. Capote, to his friends 11 Bond creator Fleming 12 Make smaller 13 Samuel of justice 14 Certain choir voice 15 Unit of work 16 Newspaper employee 17 A ship’s steerer has control of it 18 Ear or heart part 19 Isolde’s love 24 Get 40 winks 29 Repeatedly 31 Sabbath observers, collectively 33 Feel crummy 34 Actress Hagen 35 Kimono tie 36 K thru 12 37 Lordly home 39 Cato’s lang. 40 Singer Mars 41 End in — (finish even) 44 Groups of devotees 45 Arboreal marsupial 46 Paraphrase 47 Zaire’s Mobutu — Seko 48 Business school subj. 49 ’Zine online 52 Resulting in something 55 “Here, have a sample” 56 “In — face!” 58 $ dispenser 59 Little big cat 60 Part of TNT 61 Bad rating, perhaps
63 Furry friend 64 Mel’s Diner waitress 65 D.C. VIPs 66 — Diego 68 “Fancy that!” 72 Laryngitic 73 Urban rec facility 74 Toon frames 75 Sports group 76 “When will — learn?!” 77 Think aloud 82 “You are not!” rebuttal 83 Carta lead-in 84 Roundish 85 Nick Jr. girl 87 “Fee, fi, fo, —!” 88 Bacterium, e.g. 89 Stuck 90 Soiled 91 Certain food factory 93 Actor Chaney 94 German conjunction 96 Green-light 99 Loyal subject 100 Just kills time 101 — -mo 103 Utah city 104 Use as a surface for a meal 105 Munches on 109 Reverse 110 Journey 111 Gusto 114 Pothole-filling stuff 115 Outdated RCA product 116 Sundial’s “3” 117 Brief moment 118 Suffix with hobby 119 — tai
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): It’s natural and healthy to feel both the longing to connect and the longing to be independent. But you may sometimes experience them as being contradictory; their opposing pulls may rouse tension. I bring this to your attention because I suspect that the coming weeks will be a test of your ability to not just abide in this tension, but to learn from and thrive on it. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Among its most treasured 13th-century artworks in Paris’ Louvre Museum is The Madonna and Child in Majesty Surrounded by Angels, a huge painting by Italian painter Cimabue. When a museum representative first acquired it in the 19th century, its price was five francs, or less than a dollar. I urge you to be on the lookout for bargains like that in the coming weeks. Something that could be valuable in the future may be undervalued now. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sagittarian performance artist Marina Abramović observes that Muhammad, Buddha, Jesus and Moses “all went to the desert as nobodies and came back as somebodies.” From what I can tell, Sagittarius, you’re just returning from your own metaphorical version of the desert, which is very good news. Welcome back! I can’t wait to see what marvels you spawn. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Upcoming events may bedevil your mind. They may mess with your certainties and agitate your self-doubts. But if you want my view about those possibilities, they’re cause for celebration. Why? Because you need life to gently but firmly kick your ass in just the right way so you’ll become alert to opportunities you have been ignoring or blind to.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In 1936, three years before the publication of his last book, Aquarian-born James Joyce confessed that he had “not read a novel in any language for many years.” More than any other sign of the zodiac, you Aquarians have the potential to succeed despite not playing by conventional rules. And I suspect your power to do that is even greater than usual these days. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “If you are lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it,” wrote Piscean novelist John Irving. In the coming weeks, Pisces, you will have the power to get clearer than ever before about knowing the way of life you love. As a bonus, I predict you will also have an expanded access to the courage necessary to actually live that way of life. Take full advantage!
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