2021-07-22- Las Vegas Weekly by Greenspun Media Group

Ronnie

Assistant Executive Chef Palace Station 15 Years

the local favorite. thanks for the memories.

PUBLISHER MARK DE POOTER mark.depooter@gmgvegas.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER KATIE DIXON katie.dixon@gmgvegas.com EDITOR SPENCER PATTERSON spencer.patterson@gmgvegas.com

EDITORIAL Senior Editor GEOFF CARTER (geoff.carter@gmgvegas.com) Managing Editor/News DAVE MONDT (dave.mondt@gmgvegas.com) Deputy Editor GENEVIE DURANO (genevie.durano@gmgvegas.com) Editor at Large BROCK RADKE (brock.radke@gmgvegas.com) Staff Writers HILLARY DAVIS, JUSTIN EMERSON, MIKE GRIMALA, BRYAN HORWATH, C. MOON REED, ARLEIGH RODGERS, AMBER SAMPSON, RICARDO TORRES-CORTEZ Contributing Editors RAY BREWER, JOHN FRITZ, CASE KEEFER, WADE MCAFERTY, KEN MILLER, JOHN TAYLOR Office Coordinator NADINE GUY

CREATIVE Art Director CORLENE BYRD (corlene.byrd@gmgvegas.com) Designer IAN RACOMA Multimedia Manager YASMINA CHAVEZ Photographers CHRISTOPHER DEVARGAS, STEVE MARCUS, WADE VANDERVORT

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ON THE COVER

Photo Illustration by Ian Racoma Chelsea Gray, A’ja Wilson (Jeff Botari, Catherine Steenkeste Courtesy/ NBA Photos), Yarisel Ramirez (Will Carlon Courtesy/USA Boxing), Erica Sullivan (Jeff Roberson/AP), Bowe Becker (Charlie Neibergall/AP)

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A Fresh New Experience O P E N D A I LY

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INTERNATIONAL FIGHT WEEK RETURNS TO LAS VEGAS

PRESIDENT PLEDGES APPEAL OF DACA RULING

Fans who wondered what happened to International Fight Week during this month’s UFC 264 no longer need to fear the end of the annual festivities. One of the UFC’s signature events will return this year—just on a different date. The locally based mixed martial arts promotion announced July 17 that International Fight Week festivities will take place September 21-25 in Las Vegas, culminating with UFC 266 at T-Mobile Arena. The pay-per-view card will be headlined by three five-round fights. A featherweight championship bout between Alexander Volkanovski and Brian Ortega will fill the main event, following a women’s flyweight title fight between Valentina Shevchenko and Lauren Murphy. A much-anticipated five-round welterweight rematch between Nick Diaz and former champion Robbie Lawler is also scheduled. Diaz, one of the UFC’s top draws, returns to the octagon for the first time since UFC 183 in January 2015, a loss later changed to a no contest against Anderson Silva. Diaz and Lawler last fought at UFC 47 in April 2004, when the former knocked out the latter in the second round. The card will cap a near-weeklong fighting celebration that usually features a packed calendar full of opportunities for fans. Full details are forthcoming, but this year’s Fight Week is confirmed to include a Hall of Fame induction ceremony, a two-day interactive Fan Experience and star fighters hosting parties, meet-and-greets and autograph sessions. –Case Keefer

President Joe Biden said July 17 that the Justice Department intends to appeal a federal judge’s ruling deeming illegal an Obama-era program that has protected hundreds of thousands of young immigrants from deportation, and he renewed his calls for Congress to create a permanent solution. He said in a statement that the July 16 decision was “deeply disappointing,” and although the judge’s order did not affect those already covered by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, it “relegates hundreds of thousands of young immigrants to an uncertain future.” The program has allowed thousands of young people who were brought illegally into the United States as children, or overstayed visas, to live, work and remain in the country. Many of the recipients, commonly known as “Dreamers,” have now been in the U.S. for a decade or longer. But Texas and eight other states sued to halt DACA, U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen in Houston agreed, barring the government from approving any new applications. –Associated Press

THEY SAID IT

Cast members of An Officer and a Gentleman perform during a 2021-22 Broadway Las Vegas Series press conference July 14 at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts. From left are David Wayne Britton (Sgt. Foley), Wes Williams (Zack Mayo), Mia Massaro (Paula), Emily Louise Franklin (Lynette) and Devin Holloway (Sid). The musical theater production will play at the Smith Center from October 26-31. Tickets run from $30 to $138 at thesmithcenter.com. (Steve Marcus/Staff)

n “I am worried about what is to come, because we are seeing increasing cases among the unvaccinated in particular. And while, if you are vaccinated, you are very well protected against hospitalization and death, unfortunately that is not true if you are not vaccinated.” –Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. surgeon general, July 18 on CNN’s

State of the Union

GOLDEN KNIGHTS TRADE THE FIRST PLAYER THEY EVER DRAFTED

n “Marvin [Harrison] really possessed, I think, the best qualities that you would need in a receiver, and that’s route-running ability. He ran great routes, he was fast. ... He had all the tools.” –Charles Woodson, when asked to name the toughest receiver he had to defend during his Hall of Fame career with the Raiders and Green Bay Packers. In three games against Woodson’s Raiders, Harrison totaled 21 catches for 245 yards and three touchdowns.

Cody Glass is on his way to Nashville as part of a series of moves between the Golden Knights, Predators and Philadelphia Flyers. In return, the Golden Knights will receive center Nolan Patrick from Philadelphia, the team announced July 17. In a separate smaller deal, the Knights acquired forward Brett Howden from the New York Rangers in exchange for a 2022 fourth-round pick and minor leaguer Nick DeSimone. The Predators dealt defenseman Ryan Ellis to the Flyers in exchange for Patrick and Philippe Myers, and the Predators flipped Patrick to Vegas for Glass. For Glass, the trade marks an end to a disappointing tenure in Vegas after he was the sixth overall pick in the 2017 draft and the first pick in Golden Knights franchise history. He struggled in parts of two seasons with Vegas, mustering nine goals, 13 assists and 22 points in 66 NHL games. He played 27 games with the Golden Knights this year before a midseason demotion to AHL Henderson. He appeared in one playoff game but was not with the team in the final rounds this year. His rookie season in 2019-20 ended prematurely due to a knee injury. “This is a really good young player for a really good young player,” Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon said. “This wasn't a failure on Cody’s part at all.” Patrick was the No. 2 overall selection in the 2017 draft, four picks ahead of Glass. –Justin Emerson

1 THINGS THAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK

GAY HOCKEY PLAYER Following in the footsteps of Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Carl Nassib’s June announcement that he's gay, the Nashville Predators’ 19-year-old Luke Prokop became the first openly gay pro hockey player, when he posted a coming-out message on Twitter July 19.

2 CAPITOL RIOTER SENTENCED Paul Allard Hodgkins, 38, a Florida man who breached the U.S. Senate chamber carrying a Trump campaign flag during the January 6 insurrection in Washington, D.C., was sentenced to eight months in prison July 19. Prosecutors had sought an 18-month sentence.

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IN THIS ISSUE

08 12 16 30 36 38 40

5-Minute Expert: Ways to avoid worsening Vegas Valley traffic The Weekly Q&A: CSI creator—and pizza innovator—Anthony Zuiker Cover story: Meet Southern Nevada's Tokyo Olympics hopefuls Nights: After a one-year absence, Art of the Wild returns to the Wynn Food & Drink: Pasta, pancakes and more at Kassi Beach House

WEEK IN REVIEW WEEK AHEAD N EWS YO U S H O U L D K N OW A B O U T

Sports: Add lacrosse to the Valley's growing major-league résumé Vegas Inc: The RV market is soaring, as folks look to get away

WNBA UPDATE The Las Vegas Aces entered the midseason, pre-Olympic break with the second-best record in the WNBA at 15-6, a game behind the Seattle Storm. Las Vegas played its last game July 11 and will resume its season August 15. Reigning league MVP A’ja Wilson leads the team, averaging 19.4 points and 9 rebounds per game. But five other players also average double figures. Liz Cambage, in 216 fewer minutes, averages 14.6 and 8.9.

Natalie Sanchez, left, a senior at Northwest Career & Technical Academy, learns from UNLV nursing student Yra Bognot and “Ann,“ a medical mannequin, during a UNLV Nurse Camp for high school students at UNLV School of Medicine’s Clinical Simulation Center on July 14. (Steve Marcus/Staff)

WIN FOR JOURNALISM

OREGON WILDFIRE

MICROSOFT HACK

Attorney General Merrick Garland on July 19 formally prohibited federal prosecutors from seizing the records of journalists in leak investigations, with limited exceptions, reversing years of department policy.

The Bootleg Fire, one of the largest in modern Oregon history, had as of July 19 burned more than 476 square miles, an area about the size of LA. The blaze was 25% contained. Climate change has made the West much warmer and drier and will continue to make weather more extreme.

The Biden administration and Western allies on July 19 blamed China for a massive hack of Microsoft Exchange email server software and accused Beijing of working with criminal hackers on ransomware and other illicit cyber operations. No sanctions against the Chinese government were announced.

CORRECTION Last week’s edition listed incorrect information for Déjà Vu's Adult Emporium. The business’ correct address and phone number should be 4335 W. Tropicana Ave., 702367-8009. The Weekly regrets the error.

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SLOW RIDE The Valley’s roads are getting some long-overdue love. Don’t get stuck in the construction traffic

BY GEOFF CARTER Las Vegas’ roadways need help. Lots of it. Our freeways and surface streets are straining to accommodate the 2.2 million people who now live in Clark County, and much of that roadway is growing older by the day. (We won’t even talk about the underachieving stretch of I-15 that makes a 4.5-hour drive to LA into an 8- to 10-hour marathon of will. That’s California’s problem to fix, and hopefully they’ve got a plan for it.) ¶ The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) is beginning an epic round of construction around the Valley that will add capacity, replace aging bridges and resurface rough roads, but the fixes won’t be easy or quick—and until they’re complete, we’ll see some serious bottlenecks. Here’s how to avoid them.

PINCH POINTS

Several large-scale highway projects around the Valley are now in progress (or soon will be), according to NDOT spokesman Tony Illia. DOWNTOWN Interstate 515 (U.S. Highway 95) is undergoing a $40 million viaduct rehabilitation project that will last into late 2022, reducing I-515/U.S. 95 to two travel lanes in each direction between I-15 and Eastern Avenue through late 2022. (A viaduct is an elevated roadway. Most of I-515’s path through Downtown is essentially one long bridge.) This rehab will repair the viaduct surface, add a new southbound lane, reconfigure the Casino Center Boulevard offramp and seismically retrofit selected columns, strengthening and extending the life of a structure that’s 60 years old in some sections.

NORTHWEST VALLEY The final phase of the Centennial Bowl interchange, where U.S. 95 meets the 215 Beltway, is now underway, building out the remaining three ramps needed to connect the two busy highways. The project also includes improvements to nearby Sky Pointe Drive and Oso Blanca Road, along with a new multiuse recreational trail, bike lanes, sidewalks and other improvements. The project is scheduled for completion in 2024.

NORTH LAS VEGAS When completed, the I-15/215 Northern Beltway Interchange—which NDOT has taken to calling the “speedway bowl”—will include a widening of the beltway from four to six lanes, dual-lane flyovers connecting the beltway with I-15, new on- and offramps at Tropical Parkway, a multiuse recreational trail and other improvements. The work should be done by late 2022.

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5-MINUTE EXPERT WAZE AROUND

If you’re worried that traffic might slow you down, Illia suggests that you visit nvroads.com or call 511 to get the latest state highway conditions before you head out the door. Once you’re in motion, however, the Waze navigation app is an invaluable resource. “NDOT works with Waze to inform the public about planned highway restrictions,” says Illia. The app is available for both iPhone and Android, and it’s saved us from more than one long, frustrating backup.

WAYS AROUND

(Shutterstock/Photo Illustration)

You should probably defer to Waze or Google Maps in the moment, but if your phone’s out of juice and you’re out on the road at rush hour, here are a few alternate routes that have served us well in the past.

SOUTH VALLEY A 10-mile section of Nellis Boulevard, between Tropicana Avenue and Craig Road, is being replaced entirely. The Sahara Avenue, Charleston Boulevard and Bonanza Road intersections will also be repaved, and receive new streetlights and signage. It should be ready by mid-2022.

PRIMM A $10.8 million, 16-mile paving upgrade is underway along southbound I-15, reaching from Jean to Primm. At least two lanes of I-15 will remain open throughout the job, which should be completed this fall. (No work will be done on Sundays, when approximately half of SoCal drives home.)

n If you’re approaching the U.S. 95 “spaghetti bowl” on the northbound I-15 and traffic begins to slow at Flamingo, exit onto Spring Mountain Road West and follow the signs to Highland Drive. It runs parallel to I-15 all the way up to Charleston Boulevard (though you’ll need to make turns on Western Avenue and Industrial Road; again, just follow the signs). From Charleston, you can hop back onto I-15 and then head to the spaghetti bowl, which is literally the next exit. n Never cross the Strip at Sahara, Flamingo, Harmon or Tropicana if you don’t have to. The 25-year-old East Desert Inn Road arterial—a nonstop drive from Paradise Road to South Valley View Boulevard—remains the most helpful roadway ever built in this town. n Unless you’re sightseeing, avoid the Strip entirely. Nearly every Strip hotel is accessible from Ocean’s Three: South Sammy Davis Jr. Drive, Frank Sinatra Drive and Dean Martin Drive. You could also use Paradise Road/Koval Lane for the casino on the east side of the Strip, but you run a sizable risk of hitting airport and/or convention traffic. n Life is much easier if you have a second person in the car. The HOV lanes of I-15 and U.S.-95 have gotten us through the slowdowns at the spaghetti bowl and the Rainbow Boulevard curve like they were nothing at all. In fact, thanks to the recently added HOV flyovers at the spaghetti bowl, you can get from the Strip corridor to Summerlin without leaving the HOV lanes at all. Bring a friend.

file is missing! 88.1 V Photo Page Vegas Weekly>ROM House/Filler 12 al Promotions (HOUSE)

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(Christopher DeVargas/Staff)

THE

PIZZA ACTION

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THE WEEKLY Q&A Chef’s Fave (Christopher DeVargas/Staff)

CSI creator Anthony E. Zuiker gets into the restaurant business with Henderson’s Fly Pie BY C. MOON REED

as Vegas native Anthony E. Zuiker has achieved immense success by creating the CSI television franchise, but he’s not stopping there. He also runs the Zuiker Press publishing company with his wife, Michelle, and is an executive producer of the Broadway

musical Soul Train. Now, he’s opened a unique pizza concept in collaboration with restaurateur Scott Godino Jr., founder of local favorite Born and Raised. ¶ Fly Pie Pizza’s origin story is one of loss and rebirth. Less than two years ago, Zuiker was at St. Rose Dominican hospital, attending to his mom, Diana. When she died, he went to the nearby Born and Raised bar for

With a background in entertainment, why venture into restaurants? All in all, I am still a creator, a writer, a storyteller and a producer. So it’s very easy to make the transition from long-form crime to short-form animation for families, because the same audience that watches my show is the same audience that will eat pizza at this establishment. It was very refreshing for me to write younger and write more family. I’ve killed people in a million ways on CSI for the past 20 years over 804 episodes. This was quite pleasurable to write for families. And I have children myself, so I totally get it. Tremblay Bros. Studios—probably best known for Warner Bros.’ Loonatics series—created the animations seen in the Fly Pie drive-thru. Do they get free pizza? Sure. For that kind of work— anything. I mean, the sparkles in [that] sequined dress, the dust over the pool table, all the level of detail. We’re in broad daylight here, right? Imagine when the sun goes down … it’s gonna be eye-popping stuff.

food and solace. There, he struck up a friendship with Godino, with whom he shared a similar vision. ¶ Last month, Fly Pie opened on St. Rose Parkway. The drive-thru restaurant, themed as an airport hangar, combines Godino’s operational knowhow with Zuiker’s showmanship. While customers wait, they meet a full cast of doughy cartoon characters starring in original animated clips, written by Zuiker. In an-

If Godino is teaching you the restaurant industry, are you teaching him how to write? If I’m teaching him anything, it’s how to take big swings when it comes to business, how to be fearless in your vision and the power of what happens when you just go ahead and do without fear. You have something like this. I’m excited to be involved in Born and Raised. There’s tons of potential there beyond what it is. I think you’re gonna see some significant movements in the right direction in that entire franchise, too.

other audacious move, the clips even have matching scents. ¶ Shortly before the restaurant opened for business, Zuiker sat down with the Weekly to dish on Fly Pie, creativity and CSI’s return to Las Vegas.

(C. Moon Reed/Staff)

What is your ultimate vision for Fly Pie? We’re gonna open 10 to 12 corporate stores here in Henderson and Las Vegas. We’re going to franchise, most likely, after store three or five. We’re gonna roll out nationwide. When we get to 100 stores, it’s gonna be an interesting conversation. We will definitely be cutting into the bottom lines of a lot of pizza places that are not going to like that we’re down the block, because we have this to offer. We’ll have a plan to disrupt and a plan to be acquired. Whether we sell or take partial, the game plan is to exit.

It shouldn’t be a surprise, but you really are a planner. The key—even with CSI—you have to start at the very end. One thing I talk to Scott about is, what does the end look like? The end looks like acquisition. The end for CSI looks like 1,000 episodes, or 809 episodes, as of today. We’ll most likely get to 1,000, if we keep getting renewed. As a creator of a show, you have to start out and go, “What is the vision of this show in the next 20 years?” I hope to get there. And we’re now on Season 17. CSI, which began its life set in Las Vegas, returns to town with CSI: Vegas this fall. Why bring it back now? We tried to bring it back initially for the 20-year anniversary. We debuted October 6, 2000. COVID hit, so we lost a year. CBS felt like it was a good move to bring it back, especially with the move to [streaming service] Paramount+. What’s your family connection to Las Vegas? My mother worked at the Stardust Hotel, and my father, before he passed away, was working at the MGM Grand during the fires. He came running out with a bandanna and two lockboxes full of money. … My stepfather opened up the La Vie en Rose, which was the most successful restaurant at the Desert Inn at the time. Are you working on anything else? I won’t tell you the [production] company, because it’s not official yet, but I’m writing the world’s first X-rated horror movie, about a ventriloquist doll named Peep. Not sexual, but very, very dark. … I had this idea 11 years ago, but I wouldn’t start the movie until I got the doll. Now he lives in our house, and everyone’s scared of it.

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T I C KE T S Erica Sullivan (AP)

More than a dozen athletes are set to

TOKYO POOL PARTY Meet four Las Vegans swimming for Team USA BY C. MOON REED

ifty-three swimmers will represent Team USA at the Tokyo Games, and of that elite group, four hail from Las Vegas. How do we explain our Valley’s statistically anomalous presence? Perhaps the desert heat is driving young Nevadans to the pool? Or perhaps the Sandpipers are giving locals an edge. All four of the swimmers headed to Japan are either current members or alumni of that prestigious Southern Nevada swim club. Either way, each of the four swimmers has overcome great obstacles and traveled a unique path to the Olympics, as they explained during a group phone chat with Las Vegas Weekly from Team USA’s recent training camp in Honolulu. Learn more about them here so you can fully cheer them on when they compete against the best from around the world in Tokyo.

T O K Y O O LY M P I C S When: July 23-August 8 TV: NBC, NBC Sports Network, USA, CNBC, the NBC Olympics channel, the Golf Channel & Telemundo Streaming: Peacock, NBCOlympics. com & NBC Sports.com

BOWE BECKER Age: 24 Event: 4x100 freestyle relay Standing 6 feet, 6 inches tall, Bowe Becker is all strength and explosive energy. But that natural talent hasn’t made his journey easy. “I’ve been through it all,” Becker says. “I’ve been kicked out of groups, kicked out of multiple practices, been to hell and back, pretty much.” When COVID-19 hit, Becker says, he “retired” from swimming, a break that lasted six months. Since then, he has spent nine months grinding for his comeback. Becker says he’s thankful to “have the shot to swim again and have that ultimate goal fulfilled.” The Sandpipers and Faith Lutheran High alumnus swam for the University of Minnesota, where he earned All-America honors in both the 50 and 100 freestyle, among other feats. Sandpipers coach Jake Des Roches credits Becker’s “mental fortitude, toughness and desire” for his success. “Every time something bad happened, he worked harder,” Des Roches says. “He’s going to be a great relay swimmer for the United States, because he’s willing to do it for the team.” Becker says his rough ride helped make him stronger, both mentally and physically. “It was a huge accomplishment, not only for me, but to show everyone that you can do anything that you’ve set your mind to,” he says. “It just depends on how much you want to sacrifice for it.”

KATIE GRIMES Age: 15 Event: 800 freestyle When asked if they want to win, most athletes demur, insisting that their Olympic goal is to make memories or reach a personal best. Not Katie Grimes. “My ultimate goal is to get on the podium,” Grimes says. That sort of athletic audaciousness has helped the young swimmer reach the global stage. After the 2016 Olympics, the thentween drew the Olympic rings and “Olympic Trials 2020” on her kickboard with a Sharpie marker. “Katie making a choice to set that really big goal at a young age and then just being constantly committed to it is something most people will never do,” Des Roches says. “It’s truly incredible to say at a young age, ‘I want to do it,’ and then make it happen.” One thing Grimes has already made happen: turning her onetime swimming idol— Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky—into a peer. “I definitely looked up to her growing up; I still do,” Grimes says. “It’s really cool to be able to connect to her and call her my teammate, so I’m very thankful for that.”

Bella Sims (left) and Katie Grimes (Chris Pose/Courtesy)

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T O TO K Y O

represent Las Vegas at the Olympic Games

GLOBAL REBELS

UNLV helps two international swimmers train for Tokyo BY C. MOON REED

ERICA SULLIVAN Age: 20 Event: 1,500 freestyle Elite swimmer Erica Swimmer might dominate in the water, but it’s the terrestrial challenges that have defined her young life. At 16, she lost her father to cancer. “I had to overcome the death of my dad and the mental illness that came with that,” Sullivan says. “I had a depression diagnosis along with an anxiety diagnosis in 2018. Having to overcome that with the sport was really challenging. Also, my journey of coming out as a queer athlete was also pretty fundamental in my life.” Through it all, Sullivan always exceeded coaches’ expectations. “She has always been willing to work harder than we asked,” Des Roches says. Ultimately, Sullivan’s difficulties have led her to seek to help others. “Honestly, I’d go through all those hardships again if it meant that I’d get to be a role model to someone at home who is watching TV and doesn’t know what it’s like to be a queer athlete and doesn’t think it’s possible.” Sullivan will certainly be a role model to a generation of young athletes and couch potatoes alike. But she isn’t above admiring her own heroes. “Back in the day, I asked for [Olympic silver medalist] Haley Anderson’s picture in the middle of a Panera Bread, because I was fangirling so hard,” Sullivan says. “Now we’re teammates … and she’s one of my closest friends. … It’s a very surreal moment.”

Swimming for Serbia and Poland, respectively, Vuk Celic and Kasia Wasick will also be unofficially representing Las Vegas. Both swimmers have been training with UNLV’s swim program leading up their trip to Tokyo.

Bowe Becker, Erica Sullivan headshots (Mike Lewis/Courtesy USA Swim); Vuk Celic, Kasia Wasick (Courtesy)

BELLA SIMS Age: 16 Event: 4x200 freestyle relay Young swimmer Bella Sims has already achieved a historic feat by becoming the lowest seed to qualify for Team USA in more than two decades. Her fifth-place finish in the 200 meter freestyle earned her a spot on Team USA’s relay squad. “I’m just honored to be here,” Sims says. “It hasn’t completely hit me that I’m on the team.” Des Roches calls Bella the “definition of a gamer,” willing to sacrifice in order to go faster. “She’s there to race and she’s there to win, whether she has a shot or not,” Des Roches says. “In this case, it turned out [that] winning was getting fifth place. And recognizing that, ‘Hey, I got fifth, but I actually won because I hit my goal.’ … That’s what we call a gamer: She did her job to make that team.” Sims says she plans to do her best in the relay and enjoy the results, whatever they might be. “I just hope to get closer to everyone and make more memories so that I have stories to tell when I’m older,” Sims says. “It’ll be something great to look back at.”

VUK CELIC Age: 24 Country: Serbia Event: 800 freestyle Vuc Celic didn’t choose long-distance swimming. “It chose me,” he says. Celic enjoys the “tactical preparation,” strategy, pacing and concentration required in a long-distance race. It also doesn’t hurt that he grew up swimming in Europe’s second-longest river, the Danube, in his hometown of Novi Sad, Serbia. “I’ve been preparing for the Olympic Games since I was like 5,” Celic says. The 6-foot, 6-inch swimmer got a boost in August when he moved to Las Vegas to join UNLV’s swim team as a graduate student. Celic says that through UNLV, he has learned new techniques and training methods. “I believe that I’m in the best shape of my life at this point,” Celic says. “I’m really grateful for the coaches at UNLV for preparing me to the maximum.” KASIA WASICK Age: 29 Country: Poland Event: 50 freestyle The Tokyo Games will mark Kasia Wasick’s fourth time swimming in the Olympics. Poland’s fastest female swimmer will be competing on behalf of her birth country, but the European Championship silver medalist says she’s also “happy to represent Vegas.” “I’ve had an amazing five years in Las Vegas. I’m really proud to call it my city,” says Wasick, a USC grad who works as a UNLV volunteer assistant swim coach. “They help me, and I help them. We train together.” UNLV head swimming coach Ben Loorz will even accompany Wasick to Tokyo. Training for a race that will last less than 25 seconds requires unique preparation. “Honestly, I trust the process,” Wasick says. “I know how I train every day. The competition is the cherry on top.”

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ACES ABROAD These three Vegas hoops stars are ready to rep the U.S. in Tokyo

(From left) Wilson, Plum and Gray (Courtesy USA Basketball)

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ive Las Vegas Aces players will be in Tokyo to compete in the Olympic Games, four playing for the United States: guards Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young and forward A’ja Wilson. (Center JiSu Park will play for South Korea.) Gray and Wilson, who just competed in the WNBA All-Star Game in Las Vegas on July 14, join Sue Bird, Tina Charles, Brittney Griner, Breanna Stewart and other superstars on the U.S. squad, while Plum will be competing in 3x3 basketball, an Olympic competition for the first time in 2021. All three women just wrapped strong individual performances during the first half of the WNBA season. One of the league’s top point guards, Gray is in her first year in Las Vegas and has found a rhythm quickly. Plum is playing fast and aggressive after coming back from a career-threatening injury. And Wilson, the league’s reigning MVP, is leading the way, pacing the Aces’ current second-place standing with 19.4 points and 9 rebounds per game. Las Vegas Weekly checked in with the trio heading into the momentous occasion of the Olympic Games.

CHELSEA GRAY On Olympic glory: “It’s definitely a goal, but it’s more like a dream-slashgoal. Everybody dreams of being an Olympian and holding a medal up and representing their country and this is just a big honor. It’s the pinnacle. You want to win a championship in the W[NBA], but for this, you’re selected as one of however many to get this huge honor.” On previous international experience: “It’s a different game, and the way they see and play the game is different, [but] at the end of the day it’s basketball. Going overseas and playing year-round, it’s a lot on our bodies but also a blessing to be able to travel and get paid. I’ve had great experiences overseas.” On coming together as a team: “It’s going to be a cool process. We’ve been preparing to play against each other, so it will be exciting to have time to [play] together and we’re going to come together quickly. We’ve all been professionals, so we have to learn on the fly a lot, and there are opportunities to pick up on each other just through conversation.” On the backcourt: “We’re going to have a presence outside and inside, a good balance. Defensively, we’re going to be hard to get by. We have some versatility there, whether it’s me or Sue [Bird] or Diana [Taurasi] bring up the ball, or Skylar [Diggins-Smith]. We have people who can move and have good pace up and down the floor.”

KELSEY PLUM On the Olympic debut of 3x3 basketball: “People don’t have any idea what this is until they watch it, and then they’re hooked. It’s action-packed, high intensity, and it’s just a lot of fun. It’s not a big commitment [to watch], just 10-15 minutes, but it’s absurdly entertaining.” On coming back from injury:“I feel like I’m in a really good place, and I’m grateful to have such a great team around me. It hasn’t been easy, but the work has been worth it. I really felt the Achilles [injury] would take me out of the Olympics [last year] and all the other opportunities I’ve been striving for, so to be able to get a reset with the pandemic and still have this happen, I feel really grateful.” On expectations for the Olympic experience: “We don’t know what to expect, but because of COVID, it will probably have a different feel to it. I’m just excited to be there, and whatever they let me do, I’m going to do it. I just want to enjoy it and be present, because this is a once-in-alifetime opportunity.”

Headshots (Courtesy/NBA Photos)

BY BROCK RADKE

A’JA WILSON On her Olympic debut: “I’ve been a part of USA Basketball since I was 16 years old, so it’s truly a dream come true to climb that ladder. The Olympics is something everyone grows up watching no matter what, and to be a part of it is something that doesn’t seem real.” On reuniting with her college coach, Dawn Staley: “When she was named the head coach [for these Games], I was still a junior in college, so to have it come to life for us is a lot of fun. We’ve had a lot of conversations about it and her journey from playing as an Olympian to now. It’s a big deal. Her biggest thing was to just have fun with it. She was a flag bearer in the opening ceremonies, and that’s a huge honor. It’s going to look different because of COVID, but you’re still an Olympian. They can’t take that away from you.” On the team’s style of play: “Anytime I’ve been with USA Basketball, I always try to be the best player I can be, the best teammate and role player, and you’ve just got to bring it no matter what. I don’t know what the style will be, but I guarantee it won’t be the same as we’re all used to. That’s the beauty of it.”

T O K Y O O LY M P I C S

JISU PARK SOUTH KOREA

Though she is a role player for the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces, JiSu Park is the leader of a South Korea women’s basketball team that qualified for the Olympics for the first time since 2008. Park made her debut for the senior national team in 2014, when she was just 17 years old, and has since become the pillar of South Korea women’s hoops. In South Korea’s win over Great Britain at the 2020 Olympic qualifying tournament, the 6-foot, 4-inch center came through in a big way, posting 15 points, 9 rebounds, 6 blocks and 3 assists in the 82-79 victory that punched their ticket to Tokyo. Park is currently averaging 1.9 points and 2.3 rebounds in 9.9 minutes per game for the Aces.

JACKIE YOUNG U.S. 3-ON-3

A late add to the Team USA roster, the No. 1 pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft will team up with Kelsey Plum—the No. 1 pick in the 2017 draft—in the newly added 3-on-3 competition. Young is currently enjoying her best season as a pro, averaging 12.6 points, 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game. –Mike Grimala

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VEGAS PARADE

Who else is headed to compete at the Tokyo Olympics? BY MIKE GRIMALA

VASHTI CUNNINGHAM HIGH JUMP Cunningham is heading to her second Olympics and is on the verge of becoming Las Vegas athletic royalty. She finished 13th at the 2016 games as an 18-year-old and has since ascended to the top of the ranks, with her jump of 6 feet, 7 ½ inches standing as the best mark in the world this year. And last month, she took first place at the U.S. track and field trials with a leap of 6 feet, 5 inches, so she is primed for a potential gold-medal showing in Tokyo. “I do plan on peaking at the Olympics,” Cunningham told USA Today. Cunningham is coached by her father, former NFL quarterback and UNLV legend Randall Cunningham. That made her win at the U.S. trials all the more meaningful, as the event was held on Father’s Day. “The feeling is just amazing,” Cunningham said. “I was looking at pictures of us over the years. I sent them to him, and I was like, ‘Happy Father’s Day.’ I know that making him happy makes me feel so good. I was blessed to have my family here and my dad. I’m happy it was on Father’s Day.”

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T O K Y O O LY M P I C S CONNOR FIELDS BMX Fields grew up racing on the BMX track at Nellis Meadows Park, and all that pedaling paid off in 2016, when the Henderson native won a gold medal for the United States at the Rio Olympics. In Rio, Fields had to beat out a field that included two-time BMX gold medalist Maris Strombergs (the only winner since BMX became an Olympic event in 2008), and now Fields will try to replicate that feat with back-to-back gold runs. Though the pandemic made it difficult to train in 2020, Fields maintained his fitness by taking up hiking and mountain biking. He has since resumed his normal routine and believes American BMX riders will have a leg up due to the country’s relatively quick recovery from COVID-19. “We’ve been very lucky in America. We were one of the first countries that got back to racing, so I’ve had plenty of gate drops,” Fields told Reuters. “From November through May of this year, I’ve raced just as much as I’d typically race, which I think is a huge advantage for us.” Fields has said this will likely be his final Olympics. DANIELLE KANG GOLF The U.S. failed to put a women’s golfer on the medal podium in 2016, but Kang could change that in Tokyo. She has emerged as a top pro since then, winning the Women’s PGA Championship in 2017 and recording two top-15 finishes in three majors so far in 2021. A Southern California native, Kang currently resides in Las Vegas.

LEXI LAGAN SHOOTING Lagan came agonizingly close to making the Olympic team in 2016, as she earned an alternate spot but ultimately did not join the Team USA squad in Rio. Since then, the 28-year-old Boulder City native has only gotten more accurate with her shot. She won gold at the 2017 National Championships in sport pistol and took gold in air pistol at the 2018 National Championships, making her perhaps the country’s best bet for a medal in a discipline that has proven difficult for Team USA in recent years. No U.S. women’s athlete has medaled in an Olympic pistol event since the 1984 games. According to reports, Lagan will be the first Boulder City athlete to compete at the Olympics.

COLLIN MORIKAWA GOLF There couldn’t be a better time for the United States’ Morikawa to make a run at a gold medal— the Las Vegas resident is coming off a sensational win at last week’s British Open. That was his second major championship in the past two years, and his fifth tournament victory on the PGA Tour since turning pro in the summer of 2019. If anyone is poised to tear up Tokyo’s venerable Kasumigaseki course, it’s the red-hot Morikawa. (Continued on Page 22)

Cunningham, Fields, Kang, Morikawa (AP); Lagan (Courtesy) (Photo Illustration)

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Nwamu, Park (AP); Ramirez (Will Carlon Courtesy/USA Boxing); Stevenson (Courtesy/ USA Water Polo) (Photo Illustration)

(Continued from Page 21) IKE NWAMU BASKETBALL Nwamu was one of college basketball’s most celebrated dunkers during his lone season at UNLV (2014-15), and he has expanded his game since then, using his time in the G-League as well as Greek and Russian pro leagues to become a well-rounded player. Nwamu helped lead his Nigeria squad to a stunning recent exhibition upset over Team USA in Las Vegas, posting 13 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists in a 90-87 victory.

INBEE PARK GOLF Park was born in South Korea but graduated from Bishop Gorman and even enrolled at UNLV for a short stint before turning pro in 2006. She has since become one of the LPGA’s most dominant performers, racking up seven major championships and four separate runs as the world’s No. 1-ranked golfer. Competing for South Korea, Park took gold in women’s golf at the Rio Olympics in 2016 and will be a favorite to defend her crown in Tokyo.

T O K Y O O LY M P I C S

YARISEL RAMIREZ BOXING Ramirez punched her ticket to Tokyo through sheer perseverance. She earned a silver medal at the 2015 Junior World Championships and has performed steadily in the lead-up to the 2021 Olympics, taking silver at the 2019 Pan American Games. That helped Ramirez secure the 10th and final spot on Team USA. “Through hard work, perseverance and faith, you can live your dreams,” Ramirez told the USA Boxing website. Ramirez, 21, will compete in the featherweight division; the Tokyo games will mark the first time women boxers will compete in that weight class on the Olympic stage.

BEN STEVENSON WATER POLO Stevenson is a native of Reno but moved to Las Vegas as a high schooler to join a water polo club team, so we can claim the Team USA member as one of our own. A first-time Olympian, he was a three-time All-American at Pacific and credits his time in Las Vegas as well as his Sacramento-area club team for his early development. “I trained with Team Vegas, and that helped me a lot,” he told Nevada Sports Net. “Both Sacramento water polo and Team Vegas-Henderson were really crucial to my success and where I am today.”

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CAIFANES

AUGUST 6

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AUGUST 6

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LABOR DAY WEEKEND!

AUGUST 7

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SEPTEMBER 3 & 4

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UNCOMMON SCENTS

Candles can turn a stale home into a gorgeous-smelling oasis

BY LESLIE VENTURA

eople love candles, and why wouldn’t they? They smell great, beautify your living space and can help you relax. Whether you’re looking for something new for home or want to try making your own candles, here are some great buys for every budget, along with a DIY guide.

UNDER $30 Public Goods With a wide range of sustainable household products, Public Goods offers minimal cute packaging with heavy-duty ingredients you can feel good about. The 3.5 ounce Black Currant and Cedar & Suede candles are small but mighty, and make great additions to your kitchen, bathroom or travel kit. $6. Yankee Candle Co. With so many affordable candles at this price point, there’s really no need to spend more unless you want to. The OG (and mom favorite) is without a doubt Yankee Candle Company. From long-burning scrumptious scents like Vanilla Cupcake to woodsy, clean ones like Balsam and Cedar, there’s something for everyone at here. $11-$30. Target The Target house brands Threshold, Project 62 and Opalhouse offer an assortment of beautiful candles for every scent and style. Think Peach Prosecco, Patchouli and Bergamot or Coconut and Honey. That’s variety. $11-$30. Bath & Body Works. The family favorite has delicious one- and three-wick candles that provide serious bang for your buck. Sample an Island Margarita without the hangover, a cute Tropical Spice candle to spruce up your bedroom or a Lavender Coconut with a beautiful ombre jar to set the vibe in any room. $15-$24. (Shutterstock/Photo Illustration)

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HOME

UNDER $60 Voluspa Crafted in California, these luxury candles are a staple of every Anthropologie store, but they’re also available online and at other retailers. Though some Voluspa lines can get pricey, there are numerous tin and glass options that provide a long-lasting throw for under $50. $22-$40. Shrine This LA brand takes a forward-thinking approach to its handpoured candles with bright neon green and orange vessels and iconic fonts. Better yet, each one comes packaged in a compostable and biodegradable mushroom container. $38. L’or de Seraphine Sold at Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus, L’or de Seraphine’s ceramic containers are a statement unto themselves. With an earthy, modern, leopard-and-floral motif, the Ares candle combines an aromatic blend of sage, cedarwood, eucalyptus and patchouli. $30-$40. Boheme These clean-burning soy candles are poured into gorgeous, pastel-colored glass vessels that evoke the ethereal whimsy of your favorite destination. The dusty, well-loved aura of the Wanderlust Collection—Tahiti, Istanbul, Goa and Joshua Tree—will transport anyone who steps inside your abode. $45.

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UNDER $100 Diptyque The candles that single-handedly changed the market forever, these luxe versions grace the bedside of nearly every celebrity and influencer. Whether it’s the signature Baies berry scent, Figuier or fig tree, or the beautiful Lys (lily) or Santal (sandalwood), the traditional Parisian parfumerie raises the bar for the ageold craft. $68+. Heretic Featuring gorgeous burlesque candles with the visage of icons like Dita Von Teese and Zelia Rose displayed on the vessel (and revealing a NSFW image upon burning), Heretic’s one-of-a-kind candles are as unique as their signature scents, like Dirty Violet and Scandalwood. $65-$75. Le Labo Known for an iconic scent coveted by millennials—the ubiquitous Santal 26—Le Labo’s luxury fragrances are sought after all over the world. With scents like Figue 15 (fig), Palo Santo 14 and Verveine 32 (lime and violet), Le Labo’s New York-made candles are designed to last. $75-$85. Byredo This luxury home fragrance company is known for its intoxicating perfumes as well as its demure, minimalist candles. With scents like Altar, Burning Rose and a special Travis Scott-collab “Space Rage,” Byredo doesn’t just create memorable smells, it creates stories. $85.

MAKE YOUR OWN CANDLES You’ll just need soy candle wax, a wick, fragrance, a thermometer, a glass jar of your choosing and a stove. ¶ First, measure the wax to fit your vessel, and double that amount. Using a pot and a stove, pour the wax into a pot and leave it to melt for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the wax is melted, add your fragrance (essential oils are easiest for beginners), and stir. ¶ Next, dip the bottom of your wick into the wax and press it onto the bottom of your jar or container. Allow the wax to harden. If the wick doesn’t attach easily, superglue makes for a great alternative. ¶ Allow the wax in your pot to cool off. Once the wax has cooled to 140 degrees, pour the wax into your candle container. Hold the wick in place with your free hand. Once the wax is in place, cut the wick to about half an inch long. Voilà! You’ve made a candle. Easy, right?

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TED LASSO, SEASON 2 Debuting during the pandemic, Ted Lasso was a whisper-campaign favorite at first: “You gotta watch it, even if you’re not into soccer.” Now, this Jason Sudeikis comedy with a heart as big as a Premier League stadium is Emmy-nominated—and you still gotta watch it. AppleTV+.

BIG THIS WEEK CONCERT

JUSTIN MOORE AT SUNSET STATION AMPHITHEATER The return of live entertainment to Station Casinos properties throughout the Valley is a significant occasion, and the first summer concert at Sunset Station’s outdoor amphitheater would be a big deal even if the headliner wasn’t country chart-topper Justin Moore, who just released sixth album Straight Outta the Country. Reminiscent of Alan Jackson and George Strait, his sound’s just right for this welcome back party. July 23, 8 p.m., $33-$75. –Brock Radke

ESPORTS

VALORANT TOURNAMENT AT HYPERX ESPORTS ARENA Gamers have an unquenchable thirst for competition. If we’re not driving our significant other off the road in Mario Kart, we’re spawn-trapping poor schmucks in Call of Duty. If you’re seeking a challenge that pays, Luxor’s esports venue is hosting a LAN tournament for competitive title Valorant, with a $500 prize pool. Players of all skill levels are welcome. Just bring your game face. July 25, 5-11 p.m., individual & team entry fees vary, register at hyperxesportsarenalasvegas.com. –Amber Sampson

EXHIBIT

THEN & NOW: THE NEON BONEYARD AT WHITNEY LIBRARY Casinos might rise and implode, but neon signs are forever. In this exciting new exhibit, Las Vegas’ past and present converge through images of famous neon signs provided by the Neon Museum and the Las Vegas News Bureau. For example, a 1967 photo of the Hacienda resort shows the famous Horse and Rider sign in his original glory. That same eternally optimistic neon cowboy waves to tourists today from his perch in DTLV. Through August 24, Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; free, 5175 E. Tropicana Ave. –C. Moon Reed

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THE KILLERS: NEW ALBUM & NEW VEGAS DATE The Killers were set to tour behind Imploding the Mirage last year, but COVID-19 scuttled those plans. They used the downtime to write and record a new album—Pressure Machine, dropping August 13. They’ll play songs from it, and likely from Mirage, at T-Mobile Arena on August 23. Tickets go on sale July 23 through AXS.com.

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(AP Photos/Photo Illustration)

Top to bottom: Mark Stone Tim Brown Marcus Allen Greg Maddux

(Jon Estrada/Courtesy Matt & Mattingly’s Bucket Show)

CHARITY SOFTBALL

OUR PICKS FOR THE WEEK AHEAD

COMEDY

MATT & MATTINGLY’S BUCKET SHOW AT MAJESTIC REPERTORY THEATRE Taken individually, comics Matt Donnelly and Paul Mattingly are terrific. Donnelly, a Penn & Teller cohort, is a dab hand at putting on characters—his hillbilly mentalist is both rustic and mysterious—and Mattingly, a Second City performer, has a quick, unpredictable gift for improv that’s among the best we’ve seen. Their Bucket Show, performed entirely for donations, is a solid meeting of their sensibilities. It’s also funny as hell. July 26, 8 p.m., free (donations accepted). –Geoff Carter

BATTLE FOR VEGAS AT LAS VEGAS BALLPARK Las Vegas sports heroes past and present—including Baseball Hall of Famer Greg Maddux, Football Hall of Famers Marcus Allen and Tim Brown and current Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone—will amass in Downtown Summerlin for a ticketed softball game benefiting Grant a Gift Autism Foundation Ackerman Center and Miracle League of Las Vegas. Among others scheduled to participate: VGK players Reilly Smith, Ryan Reaves, Brayden McNabb and Zach Whitecloud, former Golden Knights Erik Haula and Nate Schmidt and Raiders players Johnathan Abram, Maxx Crosby, Alec Ingold, Josh Jacobs, Henry Ruggs III and Darren Waller. Help top the $136,000 raised at the 2019 edition. July 24, 6:30 p.m., $40-$100. –Spencer Patterson

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DESIGNED FOR EXCELLENCE

From its individual details to the overall experience, Resorts World is truly a sight to behold

(Christopher DeVargas/Staff)

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THE STRIP (Courtesy)

f you want to have a serious conversation about casino resort design and construction in Las Vegas and around the world, Paul Steelman is your guy. His Vegas-based international firm, Steelman Partners, has been one of the most prominent forces on the Strip for more than 30 years, a stretch that included collaboration with Steve Wynn on the Mirage. Steelman’s latest contribution to the Las Vegas lexicon is his company’s work on Resorts World—interior design for the casino and VIP gaming area, the upscale Chinese restaurant Genting Palace and the Crockfords hotel, among other spaces. During a preview tour before Resorts Worlds’ June opening, Steelman explained that his company had been developing the look and feel of the property for nine years before Genting Group publicly announced its plans for the former Stardust site. “This is one of the biggest projects in Las Vegas ever,” Steelman says. “Steve Wynn would talk about it, because K.T. Lim [chairman of

Genting Group] was very interested in [Wynn’s] review of the plans. And Steve Wynn would always say to me, ‘What K.T. is going to do over there, it might be better than what I do.’ And Steve’s pretty high on himself.” Much has been made of the fact that Resorts World is the first brand-new, ground-up, major resort opening on the Strip since the Cosmopolitan debuted in 2010. It’s been a long time since a place this big arrived in Las Vegas, and that can make your first time exploring feel a little overwhelming. There’s still a gigantic casino at the center of all the action, surrounded by fancy restaurants and bars. This is familiar. At one end, the sprawling Dawg House Saloon & Sports Book and the 5,000-seat Theatre at Resorts World (opening later this year) take up lots of space, and the other end of the property is anchored by a two-story retail district running parallel to the Strip. That’s where you’ll find more restaurants and the nightlife offerings from the Zouk Group, along with the 50-foottall, 20-million-pixel digital sphere that broadcasts different imagery

The 5.5-acre pool complex is one of the largest among Strip resorts, yet it doesn’t seem that big. There are nine different pools and five distinct areas all located on the fifth floor, including a 2,500-square-foot family pool area with playful water features and the exclusive VIP pool with a DJ booth and a 100-foot-long infinity pool looking south over the Strip. But the complex’s curved design and lush landscaping make each area feel like its own private oasis. “You can’t see the whole thing at once. You can’t tell how big the place is, and it just keeps going,” says Andrew Kreft, director of design at Lifescapes International. “There are areas that really speak to the different moods guest might have, some where kids might be around and others more upscale.” Like Steelman Partners, Lifesand content around the clock. capes has worked on seemingly Resorts World considers the every major resort in town: Wynn, sphere and the 100,000-squarethe Mirage, Bellagio, Venetian foot LED screen on the hotel tower and Palazzo and more. The firm facing Las Vegas Boulevard as created natural environments all next-generation attractions, not over Resorts World, including the unlike Bellagio’s fountains. But porte-cocheres, Ayu Dayclub and going big isn’t the underlying the Villa Private Gardens approach. at Crockfords. At the pool “K.T. Lim was emphatcomplex, Kreft and his ic about us breaking this team used more than 1,300 hotel up into many different trees and palms, including offerings for many different dozens of plants that were people, and I think that preserved from the Stardust really stayed with the project resort—imploded in 2007— from the very beginning,” to create the Bahamas-inSteelman says. spired landscape. THE From the three differ“It has a lot of sentimental INCIDENTAL ent Hilton hotel brands at value to us,” Kreft says of TOURIST different levels of luxury to Resorts World. His company BY BROCK RADKE the expansive Famous Foods was also designing for Boyd Street Eats food hall offering Gaming’s Echelon project a range of cuisine via touchon this site before it was sold screen, there are plenty of to Genting. “It feels like it’s examples of that varied, layered your kid, and you want to make sure approach to creating a modern everything comes out right. It’s a hospitality experience. Great design vastly different project than it would is subtle and showcases the actual have been with Echelon, but it needs experience above the thoughtful to be for this day and age, and I think details that come together to make it really speaks to what everybody it happen. wants today.”

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Miley Cyrus at Ayu Dayclub (Denise Truscello/ Getty Images/Courtesy)

Ayu Dayclub quickly sets itself apart on the Strip BY BROCK RADKE

he Zouk Group’s Ayu Dayclub made a thunderous first impression in Las Vegas with opening-week performances from superstar DJs Tiësto and Zedd and a captivating Fourth of July concert with Miley Cyrus. Since then, the 41,000-square-foot, Bali-inspired Resorts World venue has continued to generate excitement with a diverse roster of headlining artists; this weekend features Cash Cash, Charly Jordan, Louis the Child, and more Tiësto and Zedd sets before Sunday’s massive Moonbeam party brings in Jamie Jones, Nicole Moudaber, Eli & Fur and Ameme. But a look beyond the big names and fresh sounds reveals a stunning

club that pushes this Vegas experi“Where it fits, the foundation is on ence into imaginative new territory. the outside, and that also provides “Designing a dayclub in this very perfect visibility to whatever the competitive environment where you center of entertainment is.” have the best operators and design Few dayclubs at Las Vegas Strip firms in the world, you have to look resorts have been built with such an at where you have advantagintegration-focused strategy, es and opportunities,” says AYU DAYCLUB because pool parties simply Ronn Nicolli, vice president Thursday-Sat- have not always been part urday, 10:30 of Zouk Group Las Vegas. of the overall casino resort a.m.-6 p.m. “The club was pushed to the plan. Ayu is also surrounded Resorts World, far [southeast] corner of the by Zouk’s other venues at 702-802property, and that gave us Resorts World, including 6460, zouk grouplv.com. … flexibility in design that cutting-edge vibe dining at wouldn’t be interrupting the Fuhu, a reinvention of the guest experience on the property. sports bar at RedTail and, coming “Noise pollution can be a key factor later this year, Zouk Nightclub. with our competition, where the As for the Ayu environment, the sound from the club bleeds through energy focuses at the stage and to hotel rooms,” Nicolli continues. horseshoe-shaped main pool, bol-

stered by an already legendary LED screen on the Strip-facing hotel tower and second-level cabanas that wrap around the space. The club capacity of 2,874 makes it one of the larger venues of its kind on the Strip, but design details like private pools, shady cabanas and winding pathways through abundant tropical greenery add intimacy and a sense of privacy, if desired. Vegas nightlife veteran Nicolli likes to talk about how Ayu’s origins didn’t sprout from a boardroom meeting with renderings and concepts, but rather from a trip to Bali. Authenticity was a top priority, and you can feel those endeavors coming to life at this big, new Vegas pool party.

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NIGHTS ENJOY THE STRIP’S ONLY 24/7

MAKING UP FOR LOST TIME

Art of the Wild returns for a huge Wynn weekend BY BROCK RADKE The Wynn Nightlife weekend event that ignited the current trend of European vibes and house music across the Las Vegas pool club landscape returns for another threeday romp at Encore Beach Club and XS Nightclub. Art of the Wild was one of the toughest early losses of 2020, when the festival-style parties planned for last March were called off at the last moment. But several artists scheduled for that installation are back on the bill for this year’s Art of the Wild, including Bob Moses, Guy Gerber and Rüfüs du Sol. Plenty of other DJs and producers seldom seen spinning in Las Vegas will also be part of the festivities, including German underground favorite Patrice Bäumel, NYC Afro-house produc-

Mano Le Tough

er Layla Benitez, Detroit funkster DJ Holographic, Irish house and techno star Mano Le Tough and Italian-grown trance duo Tale of Us. Three-day passes are still available to maximize the five megaparties taking over Wynn and Encore this weekend. Here’s the game plan: Friday begins with Wild Is Love at Encore Beach Club with Benitez, Damian Lazarus, Gorgon City, Michael Bibi and Seth Troxler, while XS hosts the Framework-produced show that night with Tale of Us, Le Tough and Bäumel. Saturday is all about elrow’s Enchanted Fowrest party with Claptone, Hot Since 82, Sohmi and Tony Varga at EBC. And Sunday wraps it up with Gerber’s Rumors event with Bob Moses and Perel at EBC and a monster set by Rüfüs du Sol at XS.

DJ Holographic

BLACK JACK

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(Courtesy)

(Marie Staggat/Courtesy)

ART OF THE WILD July 23-25, 3-day pass $500. Encore Beach Club & XS, wynnnightlife.com/artofthewild.

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NOISE MIKE XAVIER PRESENTS: HIP-HOP & POETRY NIGHT

PASSING THE MIC

Mike Xavier (Renowned Photos/Courtesy)

July 30. 7 p.m., $15-$30. Brooklyn Bowl, 702-862-2695, brooklynbowl.com.

Vegas rapper Mike Xavier steps out of the spotlight to shine it on others

BY AMBER SAMPSON

or a hip-hop artist who’s often center stage, Mike Xavier has no problem stepping down if it means helping another artist step up. That’s the premise behind the handpicked lineup of Hip-Hop & Poetry Night, Xavier’s curated show set to return to Brooklyn Bowl, for the first time in a year, on July 30. “It’s a great feeling giving other talented performers an opportunity like this to share their art with a bigger crowd,” says Xavier, who first launched the show at the Bunkhouse Saloon in 2019. “I remember when I first started performing at open mics around the city. I couldn’t wait to get on the stage at venues like the Bunkhouse and Brooklyn Bowl. I’m glad that I’m in a position to help them do so.” Xavier has worked hard over the years to get to that position. The emcee’s trajectory is nothing short of inspirational,

when you consider his journey from homelessness to sharing a bill with The Weeknd, Travis Scott and Lizzo at Life Is Beautiful 2018. Xavier has released five studio projects, written an inspirational quote book and opened for hip-hop trailblazers Mobb Deep and Tech N9ne. In other words, Xavier has the connections to help open doors for his fellow artists. Coming to Hip-Hop & Poetry Night means coming to a fully curated experience. The lineup features a mixture of local and visiting acts, all scouted and chosen by Xavier. “The vibe and energy at these shows is incredible. … I’ve received so much positive feedback after every show, with people expressing

how certain performances connected with them.” Some people even cry, he says, thanking him after the show for organizing such a therapeutic evening. You never know what or who you might get at Hip-Hop & Poetry Night— and that’s by design.“I never mention who’s actually performing, because I want people to gravitate toward that theme of hip-hop and poetry. They love those two things, and that’s why they’re coming,” he explains. “I’m really trying to build this brand around the experience of what the event is going to be, as opposed to who’s going to be performing.” That approach has served Hip-Hop

& Poetry Night well. Since June 2019, the show has expanded from Las Vegas to LA, San Diego and San Francisco. Word spread. Tickets sold out. Then the pandemic struck. Xavier says that while the shutdown hurt the event, it also helped him discover new ambitions, like starting his own music festival to give unknown artists even more exposure. “You get people who are like, ‘Why do you do what you do? If you’re a performer, why not just have it as your show? Why are you having other people perform?’ Some people look at it kind of funny,” he says, “but my thing is, there’s enough room for everybody.” Xavier doesn’t seem concerned with what other people think. He’s too busy working on another goal: leaving his mark. “I want to do as much as possible,” he says. “Life is short.” Whether it’s through making music or leveraging his influence to help others, that impact is certainly being felt.

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TOGETHER AGAIN Four former UNLV MFA students reunite for group show Freedom>Force Redux

“Soft Skills” I, II & III by Danielle Kelly (Christopher DeVargas/Staff)

FREEDOM> FORCE REDUX Through August 28; Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday-Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; free. Sahara West Library, 702-507-3630.

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ART BY C. MOON REED

“Blood Coming Out of Her Eyes” by Wendy Kveck (Christopher DeVargas/Staff)

ore than a decade ago, a group of UNLV graduate students formed a reading group playfully named “Freedom Force.” Today, these former students are some of the best visual artists to come out of Las Vegas. And they’ve reunited for a group show at Sahara West Library called Freedom> Force Redux. You don’t need to know the backstory to understand or enjoy the group art show by Danielle Kelly, Wendy Kveck, Adam Morey and Erin Stellmon. But it just might save your brain some effort as it reaches for a theme just beyond its grasp. The new work in F>FR feels connected, even if it’s difficult to put your finger on exactly how. Stellmon, the collaborative reunion show’s main curator, says that while there are lots of “crossovers” in each artist’s work, “it’s really more about who we are as individuals.” The show was postponed by the pandemic but also influenced and inspired by it. The artists’ connections were born of proximity but have thrived despite distance. These days, Stellmon and Kelly live in Chicago and Baltimore, respectively; Kveck and Morey still live in Las Vegas. Rather than plumb the depths of the concepts of pandemic isolation and vaccinated togetherness, let’s survey the work, artist by artist. Kveck’s large-scale oil paintings are the stuff of nightmares, and that’s not an insult. She uses intense reds, furious brush strokes and scribbled linework to create images of pure emotion. The subjects are generally women who somehow seem to have their skin—but critically, not their makeup—removed. She’s spotlighting the impossible beauty standards for women, sure. But it’s also a relief and revelation to see subjects who are allowed to be ugly and hideous, and yet fully human. Similarly yet wholly differently, Kelly explores the demands of femininity. Her three breathtaking stuffed-fabric sculptures ( “Soft Skills I, II and III”) dominate the

center of the gallery. They’re giant, nude floppy dolls with distorted body parts and extra boobs, or at least bonus appendages that appear to be. The creatures are displayed on stands in positions that look almost natural. In “III,” the figure rests in a sort of sacrificial backbend, her head splayed back and her six udder-like appendages exposed to all. “Soft Skills” is obviously a double-entendre, referring both to the soft fabric and to the business term “soft skills,” which are often dismissed as less valuable than, say, the “hard sciences.” Morey presents a collection of delightfully puzzling mixed-media shadow boxes. Cloudy plastic both obscures and reveals whatever is inside. It’s fun to view the pieces at different distances and angles, attempting to decipher a bit of elusive clarity. His works are tantalizing and sometimes infuriating abstraction—like a photo that won’t fully download, showing only as a blur. It’s tempting to try to rip off the plastic covering to get to the prize inside. But that would be wrong, wouldn’t it? Likely inspired by pandemic isolation, Stellmon presents acrylic and gouache sunset-hued nature scenes (“Restricted” and “Crossing the Bridge,” 2020). The catch? They’re partially blocked by a chain-link fence in the immediate foreground. Cruelly, the fences, too, are made beautifully by those sunset colors. A newer collage, created this year, depicts rocks and shattered glass busting through a construction fence. It’s titled “Make a Break”—a hope we all share. Stellmon also presents a variety of collages, in which glass windows explode and rocks tumble in upon themselves. You might guess they were born of pandemic frustration and claustrophobia, but both were made pre-2020. It’s a striking reminder that things weren’t always perfect in the “before times.” Freedom>Force Redux is both a social and artistic success. May this talented group continue on together for many years to come.

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MORE THAN BEACH BITES Kassi Beach House offers a variety of dining experiences at Virgin BY BROCK RADKE WITH PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRISTOPHER DEVARGAS

KASSI BEACH HOUSE

Virgin, 702-693-4000. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Roasted salmon

hen we got our first look at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas in March, Nick Mathers of the Wish You Were Here Group—the company behind LA’s Elephante, the Eveleigh on Sunset Boulevard and the Kassi Club, along with as New York City café Ruby’s—promised that the food would come first at Kassi Beach House, but the fun would always be there. “My experience in Las Vegas is definitely high energy when I’m at restaurants, but there are separate feelings when I go to Joël Robuchon and have a very formal dinner or when I go to a nightclub like Hakkasan,” he said. “I want this place where you can have a lot of fun and there’s a lot of energy, and it might be day or night and

you might be having oysters or a magnum of rosé, but you can hear yourself talk. We want to create synergy between good food and being able to have a good time, like a gap between the club and the restaurant.” That mission has certainly been attempted many times over in Las Vegas, yet seldom is it truly accomplished. But as soon as you walk into Kassi Beach House, whether through the dramatic casino entrance or from the pool via the tropically swanky patio, you’ve already recognized that fun is about to happen. It feels like that dream vacation at a pristine Italian coastline resort that you can’t afford. Long ago, Las Vegas shattered the cliché that

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FOOD & DRINK

PHO EVERY OCCASION

Pho Win 9 brings big flavors to the west Valley BY BROCK RADKE

Squid ink gemelli

Soppressata pizza

clubby casino restaurants can’t serve great food. Expect to be wowed at Kassi, where the specialty is Italian and Mediterranean cuisine you can share with your party posse (but might not want to). Daringly, it’s open for brunch every day from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., adding a dynamic dimension to Virgin’s restaurant portfolio and basically telling you to celebrate the weekend every day. Who are you to argue? If rosé isn’t your thing, you can sip a limewatermelon Cazadores slushie ($15) or a draft Aperol spritz ($15) with your pistachio crumble-topped avocado toast ($14) or smoked salmon platter ($18) with mascarpone and fennel salad. Other brunch highlights include a mezze

platter ($16) with crisp, thin puccia bread for dipping; grilled flatiron steak and eggs ($26); a savory Dutch Baby pancake ($16) layered with mushrooms, spinach, goat cheese and pumpkin seeds; and scrambled eggs with Prosciutto San Danielle ($15) or all the green veggies and Parmesan ($13). There are pastas and pizzas, too, but you might want to save those for dinner, because they’re so good, you’ll need to share so you can try as many as possible. The crispy, chewy, wood-fired pizzas are unexpectedly incredible, from the simple margherita ($19) to the spicy soppressata ($22), with chili and honey cutting through creamy mozzarella. Vegas has become rich with amazing vodka sauces, and Kassi’s version ($22) has just the right kick from Calabrian chilis. The squid ink gemelli with Dungeness crab and tomato butter ($27) is another showstopping pasta dish. But this is a clubby casino restaurant, not just an Italian escape, which means you can also order hamachi crudo ($18) from the raw bar, Wagyu meatballs ($17) or fried mozzarella ($18) to pass around the table, and you can add royal white sturgeon caviar or shaved truffled to pretty much anything. There are baller entrees like whole roasted fish ($74) flanked by pee wee potatoes and Castelvetrano olives and a 32-ounce bone-in ribeye ($125) dry-aged for 30 days. There are plenty of distinctive dining experiences at Virgin, and we plan to explore them all, but Kassi Beach House packs a lot of different food and fun into one lively place.

Soothing and satisfying Vietnamese pho is conveniently available throughout the Las Vegas Valley, but there are still small pockets around town that could use a few more bowls of this specialty soup. Once you move west beyond Rainbow Boulevard, it’s not as abundant as other Asian cuisines. Pho Win 9 is filling a void at Durango and Flamingo. It opened in the fall, and its casual yet elegant dining room is as relaxing as the pho broth is fragrant and delicious. If you stick with the standard pho dac biet ($10)— beef noodle soup with rare steak, well-done brisket, beef ball, tendon and tripe—this version will hit the spot. Those varied cuts will fill you up, but the flavorful and aromatic broth is the star. Lighten up with vegetable and fried tofu pho ($9) availPHO WIN 9 able with that brilliant beef broth or an all-veggie option. 4075 S. DuNot all local Vietnamese rango Drive eateries also offer a huge Chi#106, 702nese food menu. Pho Win 9 804-8933. Daily, 11 a.m.- does everything from wonton soup ($8.95) to honey walnut 9 p.m. shrimp ($11.95) to Mongolian beef ($10.95) but specializes in barbecue pork ($7.95 as an appetizer) with dishes like egg foo young ($10.95), fried rice ($8.95) and pan-fried noodles ($9.95). Maybe save that stuff for takeout night. Other Vietnamese dishes are definitely worth exploring, including a perfect vermicelli rice noodle bowl ($11) with grilled pork, chicken or shrimp, vegetables and crunchy cha gio egg rolls. Like the rice plate options, you’ll want to douse everything in fish sauce to accentuate the varied flavors and textures. Pho Win 9 also serves pho sate ($10), sometimes hard to find at all those other pho parlors. It packs in plenty of rare steak and a heavy dose of sate sauce, loaded with chilies, lemongrass and garlic, and the broth is thickened with peanuts. It’s a serious soup.

Grilled pork vermicelli noodle bowl (File)

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LAX TO LAS

The National Lacrosse League continues Las Vegas’ recent sports fast break BY CASE KEEFER

Nick Sakiewicz says bringing a National Lacrosse League team to Las Vegas has intrigued him since he became commissioner in 2016. When he attended a Vegas Golden Knights game during their inaugural season a year later, that interest turned to near certainty. Sakiewicz says he and his team were blown away not only by the atmosphere they experienced inside T-Mobile Arena, but also after speaking to Golden Knights executives and learning that the fan passion they witnessed was coming almost entirely from locals. “We’ve learned since the Golden Knights came that there’s a real community here, a sense of community around sports that lives here, works here and plays here,” Sakiewicz said during a recent press conference. “We got really excited about the deep community roots here.” As the first major-league professional team

to come to Las Vegas, the Golden Knights have gotten a lot of credit for the Valley’s recent sports boom. Now they’re indirectly responsible for the birth of another franchise. The NLL’s 15th franchise will begin playing locally in the fall of 2022 at Mandalay Bay’s Michelob Ultra Arena. A star-studded ownership group headed by Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai and including hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, two-time golf major winner Dustin Johnson and two-time NBA MVP/current Nets coach Steve Nash came together for the venture into box lacrosse. The sport, which is lesser known than traditional field lacrosse, is “similar to hockey,” in Sakiewicz’s words. Box lacrosse is played on a court that shares the same dimensions as a hockey rink, albeit one with a hard surface, rather than ice. There are also more shots (box lacrosse averages 80 to 100 per game) and therefore more scoring

(an average of 20-30 goals per game). “I’m very lucky and fortunate that I grew up playing box lacrosse,” Gretzky said. “A lot of people down here don’t realize it, but the national sport of Canada is box lacrosse, not ice hockey.” Gretzky conceded he was initially uncertain how the NHL might work in Las Vegas, but he’s thrilled it has taken off. Like Sakiewicz, he has marveled at the local passion for the Golden Knights, and said he’s been “pleasantly surprised” about the Vegas sports market as a whole. Gretzky was bullish enough on Las Vegas to not only invest in the expansion lacrosse team himself but also pull in Johnson, the longtime boyfriend of his daughter and father of his grandchildren, for the project. “I always said this when I went to the LA Kings: The LA Kings are never going to be the LA Lakers, but that’s OK because there’s room

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SPORTS WAYNE GRETZKY

JOE TSAI

NAME THE TEAM

As a way to demonstrate its commitment to a local fanbase, the Las Vegas NLL franchise is calling on the public to help name the team. Fans can submit suggestions at lasvegaslacrosse.com for a chance to win season tickets and merchandise prize packs.

(Wade Vandervort/Staff/Photo Illustration)

for a team there,” Gretzky said. “The LA Kings are a great organization—they have a great following, hockey has gotten bigger there, it’s gotten stronger every year. “The Golden Knights are a great success, but we’re not trying to be the Golden Knights,” Gretzky continued. “This is a team and a league that’s going to find its own market and its own area. There’s room for two or three different kinds of franchises in one city, and this is a great city.” Sakiewicz introduced Gretzky to Tsai, a billionaire who grew up playing lacrosse and walked on to Yale University’s team in college. Growing the sport has become a passion for Tsai, who already owns one NLL team—the San Diego Seals. Tsai said he was determined to add a Las Vegas franchise to his growing sports empire in part because he believes lacrosse has a bigger head start here than many realize. Tsai has brought his sons to play in youth tournaments at Heri-

tage Park in Henderson, and though he estimates the local lacrosse community is currently only “one-fifth” the size of the one in San Diego, there’s major growth potential. With the way local fans have grown to love hockey, box lacrosse could be a logical next step. “We want to make sure we’re deep-rooted and have grassroots support to support the team,” Tsai said. “We want to have a team that’s by and for the local community here.” For MGM Resorts International, the deal to have the team play at Michelob Ultra Arena felt natural because, combined with the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces, the venue will now have a sports tenant year-round. The NLL season typically runs from November through April, a perfect match with the WNBA’s May-to-September schedule. Those two leagues also appear to be experiencing similar upward trajectories, according to Tsai, who owns the WNBA’ s New York Liberty.

CNBC reported that Tsai paid $10-$14 million for the Liberty in 2019. The NLL expansion fee, according to Sportico, is expected to be slightly more than $10 million. Given Tsai’s basketball ties, it’s fair to wonder if he could also one day help bring an NBA team to town. Las Vegas has been heavily rumored to attract either an expansion or relocating franchise since T-Mobile Arena opened. “I don’t see it as an immediate possibility, but that’s something [NBA Commissioner] Adam Silver would answer better,” Tsai said. Either way, the NLL, the next league bringing a team to Las Vegas, likely won’t be the last. “We want to be disruptive, we want to be innovative, we want to be cutting-edge, and it seems like for the past five years or so, Las Vegas has everything cutting-edge coming out of here— technology, innovation, sports, entertainment, the confluence of sports and entertainment,” Sakiewicz said.

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VEGAS INC BUSINESS

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RV industry continues to boom as prospective buyers look to get away BY BRYAN HORWATH

VEGAS INC STAFF

as Vegas’ Findlay RV usually has about 120 recreational vehicles on its lot at any given time during the summer. These days, that same lot houses fewer than 40, according to Findlay RV general manager Reuben Figueroa. It’s a similar story at other RV dealers across the nation. “Business has really been heightened during the pandemic, and now as we’re heading out of the pandemic, it hasn’t changed,” Figueroa said. “A huge percentage of the public now want to own their own traveling home.” RVs provide an alternative to sitting home to wait out COVID-19. They offer a controlled temporary living environment for a small group, and they can be taken to places away from large crowds, such as national parks. The National RV Dealers Association trade group expects between 570,000 and 580,000 units to be delivered to dealerships in the U.S. in 2021. That would shatter the all-time record and best last year’s total by close to 150,000 RVs. “Everybody wanted to get outdoors and spend time with their family during the pandemic,” said Ronnie Corwin, general manager at Johnnie Walker RV, just down the road from Findlay on Boulder Highway. “People couldn’t go to hotels or go on cruises, so they wanted to figure out a way to still vacation and have fun. A lot of people were driven to our industry..” There’s so much demand for RVs—of all shapes, sizes and costs—that it has been hard for consumers to find what they’re looking for this year. The RV Industry Association figures that close to 11 million households now own an RV of some sort. The price of a vehicle, which depends on RV class, size and amenities, can be as low as $30,000 or as high as $300,000, according to Camper Report. RVs can

usually also be rented for around $200 a day. “People are buying stuff on order before they even see it in person,” Figueroa said. “We’ve been challenged to get inventory in. I’m sure that’s the same thing my competitors would say, too. I don’t see the market changing much for 18 months, at least.” Part of the backlog stems from supply-chain disruptions caused by last year’s shutdowns. But consumer demand is also playing a role. While RVs have traditionally been associated with retirees and families, new customer segments have popped up, Figueroa said. “We’re seeing people in their 30s and even younger,” he said. “We’re seeing young couples without kids buying units. We’re seeing people who, before last year, probably never thought about buying an RV.” Figueroa, who has been in the car business since 1986, began selling RVs in 2002. The last industry boom he can remember that rivaled today’s market

came in the years preceding the Great Recession. “People were buying RVs left and right during those years, but there was a dramatic drop-off when the recession hit,” Figueroa said. “What we’re seeing now, I think, will be long-lasting, though you never know what tomorrow could bring. I don’t think the RV industry is ever going to go away, even if the economy takes a dive again.” As with traditional motor homes and pull-behind RV units, the market for more rugged off-road RVs is hot right now. Loren Walker, founder of XGRiD Campers in Las Vegas, opened his business last summer after he lost his corporate software job due to the pandemic. In the first week the business was open, he said, he sold four units starting at $20,000. Today, new customers are waiting six to eight months for delivery. XGRiD also rents off-road pull-behind campers, which are designed to go nearly anywhere and feature many of the comforts one might find in a home. Some of Walker’s customers want to go off-grid for extended periods, while others, he said, like the off-road units because they can get to places more remote than staked-out campgrounds and RV parks. “Often, if you get a spot at a campground or traditional RV park, it’s very crowded, so that defeats the purpose of wanting to get away,” Walker said. “Our trailers can go over rocks and washboard roads, just about anywhere. With what we sell, people can find a trail, not know where it leads, but they know they can get there.” On a recent morning at XGRiD’s headquarters in the shadow of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Californian Michael Kochis arrived to pick up his Taxa Outdoors TigerMoth model. He often travels to Colorado or to Sequoia National Park with his Labrador. In the past, he has mostly slept on the ground in a tent. Not anymore. “I’m getting older, and I wanted to be more comfortable,” Kochis said. “California is crowded, so you have to go where nobody is. I have a Jeep Gladiator that’s lifted, so I’ll be able to go anywhere with this.”

The Summit trailer from Mission Overland at XGRiD Campers (Wade Vandervort/Staff)

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VEGAS INC BUSINESS

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VegasInc Giving Notes The Rogers Foundation awarded more than $2 million in college scholarships to 20 Clark County School District students via a Facebook virtual ceremony. Hundreds of Southern Nevada students applied for the scholarships. After the initial reading, the foundation interviewed dozens of students to determine the top 20 finalists. Homie, a tech-based real estate company and sponsor of the Coalition to Make Homes Possible, and the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation donated nearly $20,000 to support NID Housing Counseling Agency of Southern Nevada as part of the “Saves For Charity” partnership, which included a $10 contribution from Homie for every save made during a Golden Knights game. Nevada Public Radio launched the Native Nevada podcast, exploring the beginnings of Nevada’s history and focusing on the state’s Indigenous people. The podcast was made possible by a $50,000 grant from San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas, along with McDonald’s and its community partners, awarded $163,500 in scholarships to 91 high school seniors and 45 returning college students through the organization’s scholarship program—one of only two RMHC chapters to offer such a program. Retired Justice Miriam Shearing donated $1 million to St. Jude’s Ranch for Children’s Healing Center for child victims of sex trafficking. In honor of her donation, the Healing Center campus will include the “Shearing Garden,” which will be a safe and tranquil place for restoration and hope. The Penta Building Group’s charitable arm, The Penta Cares Foundation, raised $150,000 for three Southern Nevada nonprofits: the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation, Women’s Development Center and Nevada Military Support Alliance. Each nonprofit will receive $50,000, supporting critically ill children and their families; affordable housing for families and individuals experiencing homelessness; and veterans in need of financial assistance. The Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada honored three Candlelighters kids and families for their courage, resilience and strength, and four community supporters for their commitment to ensuring Candlelighters beneficiaries receive the help they need during its Everyday Extraordinary Breakfast. Honorees included the Carvahlo, Duran and Nordstrom families, and the Robert Coomer Group-Celebrity Home Loans, Jeff

Helvin, Stage House and Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada. During the event, Comprehensive also presented a $10,000 donation to the foundation. Tyler Robinson Foundation, a nonprofit organization of dedicated to supporting children battling pediatric cancer, will hold its seventh annual Rise Up Gala on October 22 at Wynn Las Vegas’ Outdoor Pavilion. The one-night-only experience will feature an exclusive acoustic performance by Imagine Dragons, with actor and comedian Joel McHale once again serving as host. Learn more at trf.org. The Suit Up for St. Jude’s event raised $51,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. With incentives for the top fundraisers, including a package from Stitched, Montblanc, Anne Fontaine and others, 17 community and business leaders joined together in the battle against childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The top fundraiser was Shawn Tempesta of KTNV’s Las Vegas Morning Blend, followed by Travis Turner and Kady Casullo. Learn more about its upcoming event, the St. Jude Heart of Fashion, which will be held at the Las Vegas Ballpark on September 18, at stjude.org/lvfashion. Nevada Women’s Philanthropy members elected to grant $500,000 to Bridge Counseling Associates. This will fund the Bridge Child and Youth Community Treatment Center, to provide evidence-based therapy for children and adolescents at its McLeod Drive campus. The Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation also will receive a non-restricted $30,000 NWP Founders Gift. Wendi Schweigart, founder of the nonprofit Project Marilyn, received $500 for the Channel 13 Community Award from America First Credit Union. The Richard Harris Law Firm announced the winners of the 12th annual Spirit of Nevada scholarship contest, including Taylor Spurk, Cimarron Memorial High School; Sharon Lee, Las Vegas Academy of the Arts Performing Arts Center; Dax Quick, Advanced Technologies Academy; and Avery Olson, Centennial High School. Each winner was awarded a $1,000 scholarship, and $500 was awarded to the school of each winning student. Cure 4 The Kids Foundation’s ninth annual Golf 4 The Kids event raised $180,000 for cancer patient care, topping last year’s $100,000 milestone. The money will support the foundation’s Charity Care Program, ensuring that all patients receive the same medical care, regardless of their ability to pay for treatment.

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$1 million top prize guaranteed. $4 million in total prizes. And quarterly payouts. Your chance to tackle the big money is back with Circa Sports Million III. Make five picks against the spread every week. No rake. And 100% payback to players.

Can you pick a winner? How about 20? Introducing Circa Survivor, where you select one team to win each week with no point spread, no rake, and 6 million dollars, guaranteed. $1 million undefeated bonus prize with a pick of Kansas City or Tampa Bay in week 18.

5 CO N V E N I E N T LO C AT I O N S !

@CircaSports | CircaSports.com Circa | Sports bets can only be made while physically located in the state of Nevada. Must register in person to use the Circa | Sports app. Must be 21 or older with valid photo ID. All rights reserved. Circa Resort & Casino, Golden Gate Hotel & Casino and the D Las Vegas encourage you to gamble responsibly. For problem gambling information and assistance, call the 24-hour confidential Problem Gamblers HelpLine at 1.800.522.4700.