2021-09-02- Las Vegas Weekly by Greenspun Media Group

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L A S V E G A S W E E K LY

9.2.21

IN THIS ISSUE

WEEK IN REVIEW WEEK AHEAD News you should know about

26 28 30 36 38 42

Cover story: Looking back on Tupac Shakur’s life—and death The Strip: Magic Mike Live and iLuminate hit the stage Nights: Sahara makes a splash with its new ultrapool Food: How to attack Resorts World’s massive food hall Sports: Recommended NFL player future bets Vegas Inc: Travel agencies weather the pandemic

San Francisco’s Darrion Daniels, bottom, tackles Las Vegas’ B.J. Emmons during the Raiders’ 34-10 loss in the two teams’ NFL preseason game in Santa Clara, California, on August 29. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

RISE IN COVID-19 CASES SLOWS AIRLINE BOOKINGS With cases of the coronavirus’ more-contagious delta variant surging, troubling signs are emerging that airline bookings are slowing and more people are canceling flights. That could spell trouble for tourist destinations like Las Vegas, which was hit especially hard early in the pandemic. Southwest Airlines, the busiest carrier at McCarran International Airport, is bracing for a slowdown, according to an August 11 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company noted it was dealing with a “deceleration in close-in bookings and an increase in close-in trip cancellations in August.” The trend is “believed to be driven by the recent rise in COVID-19 cases associated with the delta variant,” the airline said. Any slowdown could act as a speed bump for Las Vegas’s recovery. Southwest offers up to 200 daily departures from McCarran. August passenger traffic numbers for the Las Vegas airport won’t come out until next month. For July, McCarran reported about 4.1 million arriving and departing passengers, down 8% from the pre-pandemic July 2019 figure of 4.5 million. –Bryan Horwath

9.2.21

THINGS THAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK

SUPREME COURT STRIKES DOWN EVICTION MORATORIUM The United States’ top court on August 26 voted to allow evictions to resume, blocking the Biden administration from enforcing a temporary ban put in place because of the pandemic.

RFK’S KILLER GRANTED PAROLE A twoperson California panel on August 27 said 77-year-old Sirhan Sirhan, who murdered U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy in 1968, appeared to be a different man. The state’s governor will ultimately decide if he can leave prison.

LAKE TAHOE THREATENED BY MASSIVE FIRE Fire officials ordered more evacuations near Lake Tahoe August 30 and told other residents to be ready to leave as a destructive fire roared through forests southwest of the alpine lake that straddles the California-Nevada state line.

R.I.P., LEE “SCRATCH” PERRY The Jamaican singer and record producer, considered one of reggae’s founding fathers, died August 29 at age 85. In a 2010 Rolling Stone interview, guitarist Keith Richards described Perry as “the Salvador Dali of music.” –The Associated Press

L A S V E G A S W E E K LY

“Blue Meanies” celebrate the reopening of The Beatles Love at the Mirage on August 26. (Steve Marcus/Staff)

WARNING AGAINST USE OF LIVESTOCK DRUG TO TREAT COVID-19 GOES IGNORED LOCALLY Health officials in Nevada are warning residents against using ivermectin—an anti-parasitic deworming drug used on animals—to treat COVID-19. This comes as local poison control officials say they’ve fielded calls from residents who have ingested the drug and were experiencing side effects of itching and hives, dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea and muscle pain. “It is understandable that after more than a year of responding to the pandemic people are looking for additional, and unconventional tools and treatments that may help stop the spread of COVID-19,” the Southern Nevada Health District said in a statement. “Unfortunately, people are turning to untested, unauthorized, and in many cases unsafe treatments for COVID-19.” –Hillary Davis & The Associated Press

VEGAS FEMA TEAM HEADS TO LOUISIANA FOR HURRICANE RELIEF

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

An urban search-and-rescue team from the Las Vegas area has been sent to Louisiana to help amid flooding and damage from Hurricane Ida. Clark County spokesman Erik Pappa said members of the regional Federal Emergency Management Agency unit known as Nevada Task Force 1 departed August 29 for a 24hour drive to the Baton Rouge area. The unit is one of 28 FEMA units around the nation. Local members include firefighters and civilians. –The Associated Press

METRO POLICE: NO PLANS TO MANDATE VACCINE

Metro Police have no plans to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for existing officers, despite FDA approval of the Pfizer shot and the deaths of four officers from the coronavirus. While more and more businesses and public agencies are requiring vaccinations, only a little more than half of Metro employees are fully vaccinated. Experts say that poses a risk not only to the officers but to members of the public with whom they interact. –Casey Harrison

FOUNDER OF LEE’S DISCOUNT LIQUOR DIES AT AGE 79

Hae Un Lee, the founder of Lee’s Discount Liquor and a noted Las Vegas philanthropist, died on Friday following a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 79. After coming to the U.S. from South Korea in 1980, Lee opened his first liquor store on Spring Mountain Road a year later. He would grow the chain to include more than 20 stores in the Vegas Valley, Reno, West Wendover and Mesquite. Lee also started Lee’s Helping Hand, a local nonprofit philanthropic organization. –Bryan Horwath

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

TAKING THE HIGH ROAD NEVER FELT SO GOOD. Our state is huge. More than 80% of it is pretty much unfenced, totally wild, and-most importantly-public, waiting to bring your wildest getoutside dreams to life. Whether you're highway road-trippin' or lookin' to dip a tire or two into some Nevada backroad action, be sure to explore the Silver State safely and responsibly, to ensure Nevada's spaces remain pristine and special for generations to come. Do your part to protect the Nevada we love. #RecreateResponsibly CAVE LAKE, ELY

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L A S V E G A S W E E K LY

9.2.21

HEALTH & WELLNESS

These sleep gadgets could help you get a good night’s rest BY AMBER SAMPSON It’s been said that technology doesn’t belong in the bedroom. But these days, there are plenty of gadgets and devices designed to enhance our sleep, not hinder it. Here are our top picks to help you nod off into the night.

COUNTING ELE Magicteam Sleep Sound White Noise Machine Who wants a selection of 40 soothing sounds from which to choose at bedtime? Everyone, right? That’s exactly what Magicteam’s small-butmighty sleep machine delivers, and the variety is impressive. Not only can it play white noise, it can mimic non-looping sounds of brooks, birds, campfires, wind, dripping water, trains and more. Whether you have a fussy newborn or just need to rest, this affordable option has you covered. $25, amazon.com.

Manta Sleep Weighted Eye Mask Sometimes the best sleep gadget is just a great eye mask. This Manta mask evenly distributes weight along the face without putting too much pressure on the eyes. That added weight reduces tension and enhances relaxation before bedtime. The coverage guarantees a complete blackout experience, blocking any chance of light peeking through to interrupt your slumber. $40, mantasleep.com.

LectroFan Sound Therapy Machine If you’re serious about eliminating all distractions as you sleep, LectroFan is a no-frills contender. This machine offers 10 electric fan and white noise sounds, effectively drowning out every other sound in your vicinity. It’s small enough to travel with—and maybe as good as earplugs. $50, bedbathbeyond.com.

Classic Cooling Weighted Gravity Blanket Worry weighing you down at night? That’s where gravity blankets come in. This update on the traditional weighted blanket features moisture-wicking fabric to keep you snuggled without feeling sweltered. It’s scientifically proven that the cooler we are, the better we sleep, so when you combine the stimulating pressure of a weighted blanket with a breathable, cool material, you’ve got a happy sleeper. $139, gravityblankets.com.

9.2.21

L A S V E G A S W E E K LY

(Shutterstock/Photo Illustration)

SLEEP APPS TO TRY TONIGHT

CTRIC SHEEP Perytong Bluetooth Sleep Headphones Perytong’s bluetooth sleep headphones feature a three-in-one design: They wrap entirely around the head and ears, functioning as an eye mask, comfortable wireless headphones and a trendy headband for the inevitable bed head. Side sleepers, this one’s for you. $19, amazon.com.

Renpho Eye Massager Our eyes take a beating from blue light every day. Exposure from screens can cause dry eyes, eye strain and a reduction in melatonin. Renpho’s eye massager is a perfect gadget for winding down before bed. The massager fits on like a traditional eye mask and features five different massage modes. Some apply comfortable heat as the massager’s inner air bags target pressure points around the eyes and face, others just vibrate or maintain heat to increase blood circulation. $70, amazon.com.

Casper Glow Light The Casper Glow Light is the ideal bedside companion, lulling you to sleep with warm, self-dimming light you can customize with an app. You can also adjust the amount of light it provides by twisting it or gently wiggling it as you use it as a portable guiding light to the kitchen. The Casper Glow Light will wind you down and wake you up based on the nighttime and morning routines you’ve programmed into it. $129, casper.com.

Relax Melodies. This app has one of the largest libraries of sleep sounds we’ve seen—or heard. From music boxes and birds to whales, heartbeats and crumpling bedsheets, Relax Melodies has something for everyone. You can even make sounds overlap with one another, creating a unique mix of your own. ioS/Android, some free features, $60 per year. Headspace. Headspace promotes being kind to your mind with hundreds of sleep and stress meditations. One great feature: the ability to choose your meditation instructor’s voice, which can make all the difference. Headspace also offers 45-minute bedtime stories and expert advice on various sleep topics. ioS/Android, some free features, $13 per month/$80 per year. Reflectly What keeps you up at night? You might want to jot that down. Reflectly acts as a digital journal to help get those nighttime worries out of your mind before bed. It begins by asking for your mood, then follows up with a series of prompts about what activities have made you feel that way. ioS/Android, some free features, $19 per year. Calm This award-winning app offers a breadth of voice-guided meditations, soundscapes and sleep-oriented remixes of songs. Highlights include “Sleep Stories,” a section featuring tales read by such celebrities as Harry Styles, Cillian Murphy and, our personal favorite, Dame Mary Berry of The Great British Bake Off. ioS/ Android, $80 per year.

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9.2.21

THOUGHTFUL THREADS Vegas-based designer Megan Blattspieler creates bold, colorful and ethical fashions

BY C. MOON REED

rom the deserts of Las Vegas and India to vintage 1960s fashion, clothing designer Megan Blattspieler draws inspiration from a variety of sources. She adds bright colors and a sense of fun to her styles, which you can find in her new sustainable women’s wear brand, Alissi (alissi.co). The Las Vegas-based Blattspieler teamed up with nonprofit group Saheli Women as her production partner, so that her designs are ethically made in North India. Blattspieler spoke to Las Vegas Weekly about the need for sustainable fashion, the challenge of balancing motherhood with running a small business and her love of dresses that make folks happy.

Megan Blattspieler (Angie Ortaliza/Courtesy)

9.2.21

L A S V E G A S W E E K LY

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THE WEEKLY Q&A

How would you describe the look of an Alissi piece? My pieces are pretty simple. They’re meant to be easygoing, flattering, [with] feminine lines—lots of people can wear and find comfort in [them]. You take inspiration from ’60s fashions. What do you like about that era’s style? Just the simplicity. [It’s] still very feminine but sexy in different ways. How do you develop your ideas? A lot of the designs come from vintage pieces. … You want to change it just a little bit to make it more modern for today. You’re like, “Oh, I wish this piece was just a little bit more like this.” You’ve lived in Las Vegas for two years. Do you mine any artistic inspiration from the local area? Definitely. I did [a] photo shoot in Red Rock. Obviously, I got a plethora of inspiration from the colors and the rocks. Then, for every season, things change. Some of the shrubs have blues and purples in the winter. Then the lime-green lichen that just pops against all the red. ... I realized

that it’s the same colors that I see in India, where I developed this whole first collection. It finally dawned on me that, oh, yeah, I was in the desert there and I’m in the desert here. So definitely, the desert terrain brings a lot of inspiration.

Designs by Alissi (Angie Ortaliza/Courtesy)

To whom do you see your brand appealing? Anybody who has an interest in sustainability, ethical fashion [and storytelling]. Each piece comes with a little tag of the woman who made it. It’s got this beautiful watercolor portrait and a little paragraph [about] who she is, a little bit of her story. I want every piece to be a treasure to people—something that they can put on when they’re having a bad day, which is also part of why the prints and colors are so vibrant and happy. It’s not really just a dress to put on to blend it. It’s like, you want to be noticed a little bit. (Courtesy)

Your professional background is in tech, fashion merchandising and marketing. How did you make the jump from the business side of fashion to the creative end? Being a lover of fashion and textiles, I’ve always done a little bit of sewing. My mom was a flight attendant for United Airlines, so I’ve done a lot of traveling. Every time I go somewhere, I go to the fabric store and pick up different fabrics. So [clothing design] is not something that’s been so far away from me. I’m just not ... classically trained.

Where do you envision people wearing your clothes? Everywhere. Part of the story of this whole brand was: I had this one vintage dress that was my “put on and be happy” [dress]. If I didn’t want to do something or if I was having a bad day, I would wear it and it would make me smile. So I really envision [that for] these dresses. That’s part of why they’re comfortable and easygoing. Most of them have pockets. ... They’re meant to be practical, and they’re meant to be worn every day. What are you working on now? A fall-winter line. There are some beautiful cashmere-blend fabrics that they’ve sourced, and then working on some new fabrics that are upcycled for jackets.

What should consumers know about sustainability in fashion? It is very hairy. It’s hard to truly be sustainable, because when you’re creating something new, that’s already not sustainable. However, using [natural] fibers and textiles that could eventually biodegrade and then natural dyes—these are much bigger pluses than just finding something that’s plastic … [that] will last forever and go to the landfill. For people who aren’t in the fashion world, what’s the difference between fast and slow fashion? Slow fashion moves slower. It could take up to two months to get everything done, and that’s not even a huge order. It’s because the ladies take their time. They’re not worked to the bone. They’re not paid per piece. They’re given time and space to do their work. Whereas, fast fashion exploits workers, and usually it’s paid per piece.

Why are slow-fashion and sustainability particularly important now? It’s this double-sided problem with the fashion industry: It’s not just that we’re polluting the Earth with awful clothes made from polyester and rayon, but it’s also that the people making those clothes are treated horribly. And it’s also—maybe it’s three sided—this overwhelming need for consumerism. Do you have any advice for people who want to participate in sustainable fashion but can’t afford expensive, new clothing? Secondhand fashion and thrifting is definitely making a huge wave in the fashion world. It’s great, because, whatever the saying is, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. How would you describe your personal style? I love prints and bright, colorful, whimsical things. I like to [be] fun and sophisticated at the same time.

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LV W C OV E R S T O R Y

9.2.21

(Sun file/Shutterstock/Photo Illustration)

“Tupac is the rare musician whose influence goes well beyond music, even well beyond culture. He’s like a political prophet, in that people are so interested—not just in his songs but in the things he said, the things he believed.” Original Gangstas author Ben Westoff (on NPR)

9.2.21

A N D

L A S

LV W C OV E R S T O R Y

V E G A S

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AFTER HIS DEATH HERE , TUPAC SHAKUR’S LEGACY BURNS BRIGHTLY

BY C. MOON REED

t every milestone, the world pauses to consider the life, death and legacy of Tupac Shakur. This month marks the 25-year anniversary of the murder of the legendary rapper, actor, poet and cultural critic, who was just 25 at the time of his death. In a way, this anniversary marks a solemn sort of symmetry: Shakur has now been dead as long as he was alive—yet his star shines as brightly as ever. It helps that Shakur was a prolific and tireless worker. Perhaps aware that his time on Earth was short, he produced enough material to fuel many posthumous albums. Cut down in the prime of his career, his life will forever be an open question of what else might have been. The fact that his murder remains unsolved gives a sense of unfinished business to his story. But at the bottom of it all was an all-too-human man who bared his soul and made the world a richer place for it.

“As much as he was viewed as a troublemaker, he was very insightful, very thought-provoking,” says Las Vegas-based journalist Andreas Hale. “He would speak up about issues in the community. He turned thug life into something that was meaningful and inspiring to young Black men and women and, eventually, to the rest of the world. When he passed, it was felt almost along the same lines as Martin Luther King and Malcolm X: gone too soon, gone for a reason, because he had something to say. His words had impacted the world in such a way.” Though Shakur never lived in Las Vegas, he remains intimately connected with our city, and not just because he died here. Locals identified with the West Coast rapper, thinking of Las Vegas as a sister city to LA. “It just meant a lot to us here,” says Soldadera Sanchez, a local activist with Organize the State Out, who grew up in Las Vegas. “We knew that he would come back and forth, and that he co-owned Club 662. So you could catch a glimpse of him here and there. He was just like a local celeb for us as well. That’s why it’s always been

so important to us to continue to keep his legacy alive.” On Shakur’s June 16 birthday, Sanchez and her comrades honored Shakur at the intersection of Flamingo Road and Koval Lane, the location where he was fatally shot. “A few years back, we proclaimed it and renamed it,” says Tenisha Freedom of Organize the State Out. “So we now call it Tupac Drive.” They gather, put up signage and balloons and “bump his music.” Expect a similar spontaneous gathering on September 13, the night he died. For his 50th birthday, they threw a larger celebration, with proceeds benefiting the effort to liberate political prisoners, especially Shakur’s step-father, Mutulu Shakur. Sanchez and Freedom, among many others, embrace the Shakurs’ political messages against racism and for liberation. “Our best way to honor [Shakur’s] legacy is continuing on with that work and with the vision that they have,” Freedom says. In the pages that follow, the Weekly revisits the final days of Shakur’s life, the mystery of his death and his lasting legacy.

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9.2.21

A V I S U A L T I M E L I N E O F T U PA C S H A K U R ’ S S H O O T I N G A N D I T S A F T E R M AT H

SO MANY TEARS SEPTEMBER 7

(11:15 P.M.)

BRUCE SELDON VS. MIKE TYSON BOXING MATCH AT MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA Las Vegas-based journalist Andreas Hale says nothing compared to the atmosphere of a Tyson fight night. Though he was only in high school at the time, he was on the scene with his friends to people watch. “It was women and celebrities and hustlers,” Hale says. “You would see everything in the MGM that night. It was also very significant culturally—hip-hop culture was big into everything that Mike Tyson did. It was like our NBA All-Star game. It was like our big hip-hop type of Woodstock.” Shakur attended the fight, and video footage shows both Shakur and Suge Knight hugging Tyson as the fighter heads backstage. Tyson would later tell Vlad TV that he felt guilty pressuring him to come to the fight. “I was going to go out with him that night,” Tyson says. “I promised to go to 662 with him that night, but I’d just had a little baby, and her mother provoked me to stay home. Somebody called me that night and told me what happened.”

THE SHOOTING (AP Photo)

As they were stopped at the intersection of Flamingo Road and Koval, an occupant of a white Cadillac shot Shakur four times.

STOPPED BY POLICE

The lobby of the MGM Grand (Steve Marcus/Staff)

(ABOUT 8:50 P.M.)

After the shooting, Knight and the entourage made a U-turn and began speeding toward the Strip. The cops intercepted them at Las Vegas Boulevard and Harmon, according to now-retired Metro officer Chris Carroll, who was one of the first on the scene. “We literally ran into each other,” says Carroll, who was the then-sergeant of Metro’s Strip bicycle squad. “When we met up, they were still rolling, and I was still rolling. I laid down my bike and they tried to hang a left onto Harmon, but they were going too fast. The car spun out in the intersection and ended up stopping dead smack in the center of the intersection.”

SHAKUR AND HIS ENTOURAGE ASSAULT ORLANDO ANDERSON IN THE MGM GRAND LOBBY AREA

The altercation is caught on casino security footage. “We got there that night, when Tupac was being escorted out—I didn’t know who it was,” Hale says. “We saw this big commotion in the lobby. Somebody said, ‘I think that was Tupac.’ And we just kind of carried on about our day, because it was normal to see all these celebrities at the MGM.”

DRIVE TO CLUB 662 Suge Knight drove Shakur east on Flamingo toward Club 662 at 1700 E. Flamingo Road. The now-shuttered location went on to become various nightclubs, most recently Hamburger Mary’s.

(Sun File)

9.2.21

SHAKUR’S LAST WORDS

Carroll saw that one man was still sitting in his car in the intersection. Thinking it might be the shooter, Carroll ordered the man to exit the vehicle. When he didn’t respond, Carroll pried open the car door, which was jammed due to gunshots. “He kind of spilled out with the door opening. I grabbed him with my left arm, and I kind of eased him down to the pavement,” Carroll says. “Suge Knight is running up, and he’s yelling at him, ’Pac, Pac,’ to see if he’s OK.” “I could see that he was seriously injured,” Carroll says. “He had multiple gunshot wounds in the torso, and he’s full of blood. He had some blood coming out of his mouth and nose. But he was still breathing, still conscious … I can see Tupac is trying to yell back at [Knight], but he can’t really get a breath together.” “I was looking at him and I said, ‘Who did it? Who shot you? What happened?’ He looked at me and he started to get a breath together. I thought he was actually going to tell me something that I wanted to know. He looked at me, he said, ‘F*ck you.’ After that, his eyes rolled back and he gurgled. The blood came out of his mouth and nose, and he slipped into unconsciousness. And that was the last moment he was ever conscious.” An ambulance took both Shakur and Knight to the University Medical Center.

Marking time

(Steve Marcus/Staff)

‘F*CK YOU’

SEPTEMBER 8-13 VIGIL OUTSIDE THE UMC TRAUMA UNIT

As Shakur fought for his life, friends, fans and family gathered in UMC’s parking lot. “We would call and get updates from UMC,” says Las Vegas-based activist Soldadera Sanchez, who was a teenager at the time. “At first they were answering the phone. We’d go, ‘Hey, what’s going on with Pac,’ and they would say, ‘He’s doing good today … he’s doing this, he’s doing that.’ Then I assume that so many people were calling that they just started playing a pre-recorded message. The updates were decent up until the day that he passed, and that’s why it was just so devastating, because none of us expected it. Pac had already lived through a shooting [New York City, 1994].” “Six days is a long time, and the vigils only grew and grew and grew,” says journalist Andreas Hale, who was then a teenager. “People would just go and stand outside. It began to take on a life of its own.” “We did pass by the hospital one time, but we couldn’t get really close to it,” Sanchez says. “Because it was what we call parking lot pimpin’, you know, just packed— people playing music, standing outside of their cars. ... It was like a car show slash concert slash gathering. People didn’t leave. People stayed there around the clock up until the day that he passed and even after that. He meant a lot to us here.”

LV W C OV E R S T O R Y

[4:03 P.M.] FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

TUPAC SHAKUR PRONOUNCED DEAD After he’d survived almost seven days, most people were hopeful that Shakur would pull through, so his eventual death hit hard. “It was just sad,” says author and then Las Vegas Sun reporter Cathy Scott, who was the first to report his passing. “One of his backup singers came out and just fell down on his knees at the curb and burst into tears. And then another guy comforted him, and it was just a silent pall. I mean, it was just quiet.”

“I know that my son was an honest person and an honest artist, and what he gave from himself through his art was the depth of his humanity … [we were] able to see a young person, especially in his generation especially at the time, be able to reach so honestly towards his own humanity—good and bad, positive and negative.” Tupac’s mother, Afeni Shakur, marking the 10th anniversary of his death (on NPR)

T W O LO C AL EVEN T S C O MMEMO R AT E T H E AN N I VER S ARY O F T U PAC ’ S D EAT H n One Night in Las Vegas: The 25th Anniversary of the Tupac Shakur Murder On September 1, the Mob Museum hosted a special program exploring the legacy of Tupac Shakur, along with as the mystery behind his murder. Panelists included Public Enemy’s Chuck D; the Outlawz’s E.D.I. Mean, who was in the car behind Shakur at the time of his shooting; journalist and film producer Stephanie Frederic; and retired assistant sheriff Greg McCurdy, who worked as Metro’s public information officer at the time. A replay of portions of the event will be made available at themob museum.org/events in the coming weeks.. n Reading and Signing with Tyler Merritt, author of I Take My Coffee Black: Reflections on Tupac, Musical Theater, Faith and Being Black in America Merritt continues the conversation on culture, race and racism in America that Shakur took part in. You might know him from his viral video, “Before You Call the Cops.” The Vegas-raised actor and comedian returns to town for a reading and discussion of his book. September 18, 7-8 p.m., free. Writer’s Block, 519 S. 6th St., 702-550-6399.

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9.2.21

COLD CASE After a quarter century, Tupac Shakur’s murder remains officially unsolved

BY C. MOON REED as Vegas Metropolitan Police are really great at solving murders. In 2020, LVMPD homicide detectives cracked nearly 93% of cases, well above the national average, according to a recent story by Fox 5. But after 25 years, one case remains famously unsolved: the murder of Tupac Shakur. Why is one of the city’s most famous homicides still a mystery after all these years? And who was guilty? Metro declined to comment on the case for this story, but as all celebrity cold cases, endless theories abound, some more plausible than others. Retired Metro officer Chris Carroll, who witnessed Shakur’s last words, has been accused of helping the late icon escape to Cuba. “If he offered me millions of dollars to help him get to Cuba, I might have done it,” Carroll says. “But unfortunately for me, it didn’t happen. … I don’t know where they came up with that one. I guess just because it’s a hard country to access, it makes the story more believable.” Death Row Records co-founder Suge Knight has long been a subject of suspicion. He was driving the car when Shakur was shot and only sustained a relatively minor injury to the head. “Suge Knight was also shot in the head during

of Tupac Shakur. “Compton PD basically laid it out for them. Orlando Anderson was running all over the Compton area bragging, ‘I shot Tupac cuz he beat me up.’ Then he stopped doing that after Tupac died.” Scott says the motive was simply retaliation—a way to even the score a few hours after Shakur and his bodyguards assaulted Anderson at the MGM Grand. “It’s real simple,” Scott says. “There’s nothing complicated about what gangs do: You do this to me, I do this to you.” As to why the case was never solved, Scott speculates that it was a reaction to the gangland code of silence. “Early on, I think they made a decision [that] nobody’s cooperating, we can’t get enough information,” Scott says. Another possible reason for the impasse? The desire to avoid any kind of publicity that might associate Las Vegas with crime. “It’s all about tourism,” Scott says. “I think if it happened in another town, it would have been solved pretty early.” Schumacher says the police might have lacked enough evidence for a conviction. “The fact that the police knew who did it doesn’t mean you have the evidence to hold a trial and convict somebody of different things,” Schumacher says. “The fact that we all think he did it doesn’t really mesh with our system of jurisprudence.”

this thing,” Carroll says. “A lot of people forget that. It penetrated his scalp but not his skull.” The Mob Museum’s Geoff Schumacher, who was working for the Las Vegas Sun at the time of the shooting, dismisses Knight as a suspect. “Was there some reason why he might be part of a conspiracy? I don’t think there’s a lot to that, but there are people who believe it still to this day,” Schumacher says. Others think Shakur, a child of the Black Panther movement, was a victim of his political beliefs. “We believe that he was assassinated, with everything that’s come out and what we know about his background and his family and his relationship with the state and with the police,” says Las Vegas-raised activist Tenisha Freedom. “It’s important for us to make that distinction. We don’t think he was just killed randomly. We believe it was targeted; we believe it was purposeful.” The most agreed-upon solution is that the killer is alleged rival gang member Orlando Anderson, who himself was later shot to death. “It’s unfortunate that the police have not named the killer when they basically know who it is,” says investigative journalist and true crime author Cathy Scott. She covered the original story of the shooting for the Las Vegas Sun and then went on to write a best-selling book about it, The Killing

(AP Photo/Photo Illustration)

ESSENTIAL ’PAC “His wayward, conflicting expressions of pride, militancy and gangster-ism resonates in a world when Black men and women celebrate their heritage and collectively organize against a racist America, yet are also cautious to protect themselves from each other.” –Rolling Stone’s Mosi Reeves, 2016

ESSENTIAL ‘PAC ESSENTIAL ’PAC

ALL EYEZ ON ME XXL magazine ranked this 1996 LP, the last released in Shakur’s lifetime, his greatest album—and called it “one of the best rap albums of all time.” 2PACALYPSE NOW Hip-hop magazine The Source has called Shakur’s 1991 debut his most politically influenced LP, writing, “This was not an album for the radio; it was an album for the people.”

JUICE After a cameo in 1991’s Nothing but Trouble, Shakur revealed his acting star power playing the haunting and haunted Roland Bishop in this 1992 film.

STRICTLY 4 MY N.I.G.G.A.Z… Shakur’s 1993 sophomore album “finds him with a lot on his mind. He comes with a sense of drive and eruptive, dissident, dissonant fervor worthy of [Public Enemy’s] Fear of a Black Planet and [Ice Cube’s] AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted.” (The New Rolling Stone Album Guide)

POETIC JUSTICE Shakur starred opposite Janet Jackson in this 1993 romantic drama from director John Singleton.

ME AGAINST THE WORLD The Guardian called this 1995 album “The most fully formed, relatable iteration of 2Pac” and “an enduring collection of cathartic anthems for anyone who has ever felt oppressed.” Its first single, “Dear Mama,” was added to the Library of Congress’ Recording Registry in 2009.

THE DON KILLUMINATI: THE 7 DAY THEORY Complex magazine has called the first of many posthumous Shakur albums—released two months after his death—an “overwhelming, cohesive statement” and “the record that made Pac a god.”

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ESSENTIAL ’PAC

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Learn more Visit the website for the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation for the Arts, a charity based in Georgia and founded by mother Afeni Shakur. Tupacshakur foundation.org Read Changes: An Oral History of Tupac Shakur by Sheldon Pearce.

THE ROSE THAT GREW FROM CONCRETE This 1999 collection of poetry— written by Shakur from 1989 to 1991— reveals yet another side of the artist.

Read The Killing of Tupac Shakur by Cathy Scott Listen to Slow Burn Season 3. This longform Slate podcast investigates the murders of Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

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L A S V E G A S W E E K LY

9.2.21

BIG THIS WEEK EXHIBIT CONCERT

STARS OF THE GALLERY III AT PRISCILLA FOWLER FINE ART

BILLY STRINGS AT VIRGIN EVENTS LAWN

The list of local and regional artists who have shown at, or are represented by, this Arts District gallery is an impressive one, and for a third year, Priscilla Fowler is spotlighting some of their best works with a terrific group show. Works by David Baird, Lolita Develay, Charles Livingston, Miguel Rodriguez, Wade Schuster, Clarice Tara, Joseph Watson and more are on display at Priscilla Fowler now. Make it a First Friday destination. Through September 11; free, 1300 S. Main St. #110. –Geoff Carter

Maybe you’ve heard the 28-year-old guitar whiz’s 2019 LP Home, which won a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album. Maybe you’ve seen footage of him tearing it up onstage this year with former Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann’s ongoing project, Billy & The Kids. Or maybe you’re just looking for a good excuse to get outside, check out this fresh Virgin Hotels space and discover a new favorite artist. September 3-4, 6:30 p.m., $52-$102. –Spencer Patterson

PARTY

SIMP CITY AT AREA15 There’s no shame in simping something that you love, especially if it’s one of the hottest R&B parties in Las Vegas. Simp City returns for Labor Day Weekend, starring Trapsoul star Bryson Tiller, DJ Jazlyn Rich, DJ Five and DJ Mell Starr for an evening predisposed to get you all up in your unrequited feelings. Don’t worry, it’ll pass. September 3, 9 p.m., $55-$65, A-Lot at Area15, area15.com, –Amber Sampson

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FESTIVAL

LOST IN DREAMS AT DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS EVENTS CENTER

Billy Strings (Jesse Faatz/Courtesy)

OUR PICKS FOR THE WEEK AHEAD

PARTY

Insomniac has been throwing dance music raveups at the DLVEC to hold you over until EDC finally returns, but this one is a legit festival of its own. The very first Lost in Dreams weekend stars Seven Lions, Gryffin, Dabin, Elephante, Jason Ross, Autograf, William Black, Moon Boots, Kaivon and many more, focusing on future bass, melodic dubstep and vocal-driven dance music. This feels like the start of something. September 4-5, $60$180, lostindreamsfestival.com. –Brock Radke

CONCERT

J BALVIN AT AYU DAYCLUB

HARRY STYLES AT MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA

The prince of reggaeton’s return to Las Vegas has evolved into a multi-weekend takeover of Resort World’s new pool club, a sort of festival residency featuring other established and up-and-coming stars of the Latin musical galaxy. But J Balvin’s actual performance comes at the heart of Labor Day weekend, headlining a Saturday set also featuring Jowell & Randy, Matt Paris, Agudelo888 and Cornetto. September 4, 11 a.m., tables available, zoukgrouplv.com. –Brock Radke

There’s a long list of ex-boybanders who’ve won the world over with their solo careers. Omarion. Justin Timberlake. Nick Jonas. To that list, add Harry Styles, whose last two LPs see the former One Direction star moving decisively forward. The “Adore You” star comes to the MGM Grand with support from Vegas-born singer-songwriter Jenny Lewis. September 4, 8 p.m., $250+ on Stubhub at press time. –Amber Sampson

ASTONISHING. UNPREDICTABLE. MIND-BENDING. Omega Mart is an immersive interactive experience from groundbreaking art collective, Meow Wolf. Featuring jaw-dropping work from international and local artists, Omega Mart sends participants of all ages on a journey through surreal worlds and immersive storytelling. Discover secret portals or simply soak up the innovative art as you venture beyond an extraordinary supermarket into parts unknown.

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L A S V E G A S W E E K LY

9.2.21

THE STRIP

GOTTA DANCE

Hot newcomer ‘iLuminate’ and sizzling returnee ‘Magic Mike Live’ light up the north Strip BY BROCK RADKE

or Miral Kotb, it’s always been about throwing a great party. But after the pandemic caused a yearlong delay and relocation of her show iLuminate, its highly anticipated arrival on the Las Vegas Strip meant more than just having a great time. “I think everybody’s state of mind is a little bit different right now,” says Kotb, a former dancer and software engineer. “We’ve been through so much individually and as a company, and there’s a lot of emotion backstage and onstage—and a lot of excitement about having the opportunity to do what we love again,” Kotb’s innovative art-meets-technology production was originally slated to open at Planet Hollywood’s Sin

(Jerry Metellus/Courtesy)

City Theater in spring 2020, before COVID-19 pushed it back; then the closure of the venue forced Kotb to find a new home, which ended up being the revitalized Strat Theater. Finally, iLuminate opened on August 26 after some healthy tinkering, and now it’s a musical journey through different eras and styles aimed at a younger, clubready audience. “We’re trying a lot of things that haven’t been done before, both in our company and in general,” she says. “I had a billion ideas while in quarantine that I wanted to implement, and because of the theater, I had that opportunity to enhance the show. The theme is about celebrating life and getting lit together, which doesn’t

just mean alcohol, but getting together and enjoying life and taking the audience on a journey.” Getting lit also refers to the customized wireless LED lighting programs Kotb created from scratch, which provide dazzling visual effects and complement the choreography. The lights and sounds are the hook, but dance is the foundation. When Kotb worked as an engineer and moonlighted as a dancer in New York, she’d invite co-workers to performances. “They’d say, I don’t understand dance. I don’t get it,” she says. “Now that I’ve created iLuminate, I feel like I’ve found a way to sort of trick people into watching the beauty of a dance performance. The real talent in the show comes from the performers and the energy of all these different styles of dance, and the technology just enhances that.” Nearby at the Sahara, another boundary-pushing show built on dance also hit the stage last week. Things were a lot different for Magic Mike Live when it first opened in Las Vegas at the Hard Rock Hotel in 2017. Four years later, Channing Tatum’s sleek, sexy take on a male revue has expanded with resident and touring shows in London, Berlin and Australia, while the Vegas flagship has moved into a new customized theater on the Strip.

MAGIC MIKE LIVE Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 & 10 p.m.; Wednesday & Sunday, 7:30 p.m. $89+. Sahara, 702-761-7000, magicmikelivelasvegas.com.

“This venue is really exciting for us because ... we really did have a blank slate to take all the best aspects of our venues around the world,” executive producer Vincent Marini says. “We’ve learned a lot since the first time and really figured out what is the perfect place to enjoy the experience.” Magic Mike Las Vegas is bigger and packs more action around the room than before, plus it brings its own cocktail lounge for pre- and post-show partying and VIP meetand-greets. The live production will eventually get a big boost from the TV series that has been filming at the Sahara as the cast and crew have been rehearsing: The Real Magic Mike, a reality competition with a positive spin set for HBO Max. There are a few new cast members and plenty of new choreography to add extra spark to the new theater, but this is one show that has already separated itself from the pack. “We are sort of in our own category,” Marini says. “There are elements of comedy and dance and singing and aerial acrobatics, so it’s much more akin to other kinds of shows in Las Vegas than it is to male revues in the traditional sense. “And you really can’t see anything like it anywhere else, the kind of incredible lead dancer for a Beyoncé or a J.Lo performing 5 feet in front of you. It doesn’t matter who you are, it’s extraordinary.” Note: Magic Mike Live requires attendees to show proof of full vaccination or a negative test result.

ILUMINATE Wednesday-Monday, 10 p.m., $49+. Strat, 702-380-7777, iluminate.com.

(Courtesy iLuminate)

L A S V E G A S W E E K LY

9.2.21

NIGHTS

A NEW DESERT SANCTUARY

The Sahara readies Azilo Ultra Pool for its big debut BY BROCK RADKE

fter an exclusive sneak peek at Azilo Ultra Pool, now set for a soft opening over Labor Day weekend, it’s clear the changes we’ve seen at the Sahara are only a first glimpse at a new high-end direction for the iconic Strip resort. “Azilo is located right in the middle of the property, and as you can see, it’s a pretty big step from what it was before,” says Yannick Mugnier, vice president of development for the Meruelo Group.

“It really is a five-star experience at a resort pool, and we’re going to be highlighting the capability of the space.” Azilo redesigns the former resort pool and Foxtail day- and nightclub space into a highly flexible, indoor-outdoor entertainment venue. It’s not supposed to be a pool club that competes with those venues on the Strip. Its 35,000 square feet of poolscape can host just under 2,000 people, and 250 more can be seated in the indoor

Azilo Ultralounge, which is connected to the casino’s Casbar Lounge. Later this year, the Sahara expects to launch an upscale brunch in the ultralounge space. But for now, it’s all about the outdoors, where approximately 10,000 square feet of LED screen surfaces on three sides of the complex can provide customizable backdrops for live performances, DJ sets, football watch parties and any kind of private or corporate

event imaginable. The Azilo pool has plenty of VIP bungalows and cabanas with their own HDTVs and private pools, three giant bars, an expanded stage area and will be covered in lush greenery and luxurious, Moroccan-style finishes. It’s also unrecognizable from its previous iteration and light years ahead of the Foxtail era unveiled when the resort became SLS Las Vegas in 2014. That bar on an island in the

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(Courtesy Oddfellows)

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ONE MORE PARTY

middle of the pool? Gone. “The former design divided everything up, so we’ve tried to reopen the space and make it feel like you have a lot of room and create an elevated experience,” Mugnier says. “At night it feels really great out here, because all you can see is the Stratosphere, the marquee, the screens and the [Sahara] hotel. It feels like you’re in your own little environment.” Since the pandemic slowed its construction, Azilo will make use of the last month of pool season by focusing on resort pool operations

and testing the venue with a few different live entertainment event concepts, then shifting gears in the spring to show its full capabilities. DJ and sax player Natty Rico is expected to perform on September 4 with other weekend entertainment yet to be announced. You might want to save the date of September 25, when the newly opened show Magic Mike Live will celebrate its grand opening at Sahara and takes the afterparty outside to Azilo.

(Steve Marcus/Staff)

ODDFELLOWS’ GRAND REOPENING Downtown dance club and video bar Oddfellows began a massive expansion and renovation project just before the pandemic shut down everything last year. That explains why the popular nightspot on the ground floor of the Ogden wasn’t able to reopen until about a month ago, but if you haven’t returned to its dancefloor just yet, now’s the time. Oddfellows is combining a grand-opening celebration with its sixth-anniversary party for Labor Day Weekend. Owner Harvey Graham says it was tough to watch Fremont East clubs and bars come back with a vengeance while the Oddfellows upgrade trudged along, slowed by COVID-19, but it was worth the wait. The space is now close to 4,000 square feet, almost twice as large as before, with a much larger dancefloor and a new, separate speakeasy. Extra bonus fun: There are pinball machines and frozen drinks. “I think we’re even more unique now,” he says. “It’s the same vibe, but now when we have Friday ’80s night, when can do the ’90s in the back room. We’re still exploring how that space is going to play out, but we can program two different things each night if we want.” Oddfellows was already a club apart, the rare venue Downtown or anywhere else where actual dancing is a regular occurrence, so a bigger, better version is a significant step. The upcoming Footloose Friday ’80s night will also feature a ticket giveaway for Morrissey’s shows at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, then Saturday brings the “Back From Hell” grand reopening party with Sunday wrapping the weekend with an anniversary bash. –Brock Radke

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L A S V E G A S W E E K LY

9.2.21

NOISE

Wylie (left) and Bartel (Dylan Wylie/Courtesy)

MAXWELL GANG Get to know a young, new Vegas duo

What: A Henderson bedroom project preparing to bust out into some bigger spaces. Backstory: Dylan Bartel, 19, and Zachary Wylie, 18, pals since their percussion-section days in the Foothill High band, began a deep-dive co-listening project during last year’s COVID-19 lockdown—exploring the music of Kaytranada, The Microphones, Nick Drake and dozens more—and gradually began recording tracks of their own. “It was basically just coming over to my house and us messing around with stuff,” Wylie says. The “Gang”: Inspired by Gorillaz, the pair created six characters—Maxwell, Mogue, Eli Prod, Lyle Deadwax, Cash William and Sewer Kid—each of whom has a separate sound, and a song named after them. The result, February’s 20-minute eponymous EP, sounds both lo-fi and futuristic. It’s “a bunch of different sounds and genres” made “cartoony,” Bartel says. Next up: Work has begun on a full-length follow-up—featuring the same characters, now interacting with one another—and plans for a first full-on public performance. “For live stuff, we’re stripping the songs down to their essence, using less synths,” Bartel says. “It’ll be more raw, but it fits what we’re doing now.” –Spencer Patterson

MAXWELL GANG distrokid.com/ hyperfollow/ maxwellgang/ maxwell-gang

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9.2.21

FOOD & DRINK

OVERWHELMINGLY DELICIOUS

How to attack the fantastic Famous Foods Street Eats complex at Resorts World

BY BROCK RADKE

amous Foods Street Eats is revolutionary. I’ve barely stepped foot inside other Resorts World restaurants since the place opened on June 24, because I’m obsessed with trying all the dishes from all the different eateries in this 24,000-square-foot international food hall inspired by the street markets and hawker stalls of Southeast Asia. The 16 vendors were curated by the resort’s nightlife and dining partner Zouk Group, and that’s what makes the experience so special—these are not watered-down Vegas versions of authentic dishes. You can try the acclaimed, decades-old “dragon’s breath” fried noodles from Malaysian FAMOUS FOODS chef Ah Guan’s Googgle Man Char Kuey STREET EATS Teow while chomping on James Beard Daily, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. winner Marcus Samuelsson’s fried Resorts World, chicken at Streetbird. You can test the 702-676-7000. new yakitori concept Kuru Kuru Pa from the Aoki brothers and devour Springleaf Prata Place’s family-recipe roti canai. It’s a lot. The Center Bar has an automated self-pour beer system with international brews, and the Here Kitty Kitty Vice Den speakeasy is hiding behind Ms. Meow’s Mamak Stall. There’s too much to do and eat, so please allow this somewhat experienced, still obsessed omnivore to help you out. Here are some tips to guide your experience.

Bring friends, not cash. This is definitely the place to meet your foodie crew, over-order and share everything. When you’re ready, you’ll select your items from a touchscreen, pay with a card and receive a text message when it’s time to eat, so like a lot of other Resorts World venues, cash is unnecessary.

Do a lap. Even for the true culinary adventurer, there really is an overwhelming amount of food here, and so far everything is outstanding. It’ll be tough to choose a few dishes to start with, so take a leisurely stroll and peruse the offerings before you make any decisions ... or go ahead and impulse-purchase some spicy wings at Streetbird or roast duck street tacos from Fuhu Shack. No judgment.

Stake your claim, and order anywhere. Once you’ve narrowed the options, pick out a table to call home base—there are larger ones in the area between the Sweet Eats stop and the DJ booth and smaller tables closer to the casino—and find the nearest touchscreen. You can order any food and drink from any screen, so don’t feel like you need to sit near the vendor you like best.

Enjoy the energy. It’s thrilling to receive a text that my dumplings are ready at Ah Chun Shandong, race off to get ’em and then receive a new message that Ten Suns has my Thai beef noodles, too. This is an exciting new experience on the Strip— and one you can’t find anywhere else.

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From bottom, China Mama’s crispy beef, wood ear mushrooms, crispy pork with Mama’s Special Sauce, special pan-fried pork buns and mapo tofu (Christopher DeVargas Staff)

And here are my favorite Famous Foods Street Eats dishes so far … Roasted Hainan chicken at Boon Tong Kee ($19). Straight from Singapore’s Chinatown, this stall is known for its cold poached chicken with rice cooked in chicken broth, but give me this perfect roasted version with crispy skin every day. Three spicy, sweet and sour sauces push this dish over the top. Chicken claypot rice at Geylang Claypot Rice ($19) Seriously, this is the comfort food of my dreams. Geylang earned accolades from Michelin five years ago, and you can taste the reasons why in this soulful bowl of rice, yu choy greens, lap cheong sausage, shiitake mushroom, salted cod and preserved cabbage. Eggplant Parmesan sandwich at Mozz Bar ($14) It’s no surprise that Las Vegan James Trees is bringing killer sandwiches, meatballs, arancini and house-made mozzarella to the Strip with this new concept. You won’t be disappointed if you go the veggie route with this amazing eggplant parm, layered with flavors of perfect pomodoro and fresh basil on top of the best semolina sesame roll in the city. Gochujang pork ribs at Blood Bros BBQ ($21) If you’re not getting what you need from local Vegas barbecue, try the Asian fusion ’cue from this Houston crew. The brisket is the top seller, but these succulent, smoky, spicy spareribs earn all the points for me. Grab a side of jalapeño creamed corn while you’re at it. Lechon and truffled rice at Pepita’s Kitchen ($19) Rich stuff. There’s a reason Dedet de la Fuente is called the “Lechon Diva” in the Philippines. You get the crispy skin and the juicy, tender shreds atop fragrant, rich rice in this transportive dish.

4 5

DEEP DIVE

Exploring China Mama

(Photos Courtesy Resorts World)

Before xiao long bao (savory steamed soup dumplings) became a Vegas phenomenon at hot spots like Din Tai Fung, Shanghai Taste and Mott 32, local eaters were introduced to these addictive morsels at China Mama (3420 S. Jones Blvd., 702-873-1977), a perennial favorite for Chinese cuisine in the Las Vegas Valley. After new ownership refreshed the dining room and the menu a few years ago, this Chinatown institution is better than ever, and those dumplings are just one of the must-try dishes. Definitely sample some of the beautifully presented, simple yet delicious veggie dishes, including wood ear mushroom salad ($8), stir-fried green beans ($13) with a little kick from chili paste, and cool cucumber salad with mashed garlic ($9). If you’re ready to try other dumpling dishes, China Mama’s crispy, chewy potstickers ($12) and pan-fried pork buns ($14) with extra bits of crunchy, lacy goodness are both just as good as the beloved soup dumplings (listed as steamed juicy pork buns, $14). As for other shareable dishes, the spicy dry pepper chicken ($18) has also been a highlight for a long time, but the crispy beef ($17) also packs a lot of flavor, and its unique texture is the perfect foil to any favorite noodle or dumpling selection. China Mama also does a stellar mapo tofu ($14) to help you finish off any extra steamed rice on your table. If you’re like us and you’ve been returning to local dining by steadily revisiting the all-time greats, rest assured China Mama deserves to stay at the top of the list. –Brock Radke

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9.2.21

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson 25-to-1 & Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott 25-to-1 (Golden Nugget) Wilson was the favorite to win the MVP through the first half of last season before tailing off and falling short. Still, it’s worth remembering the outcry during his hot streak, when every pundit was wondering aloud how the former Super Bowl champion had never as much as earned a single MVP vote. The same support will emerge this year if Wilson is successful, and considering Seattle’s average record under him is 11-5, there’s no reason to believe he won’t be. There’s more hype around the NFC West rival 49ers and Rams, but the Seahawks are the surest thing, and that’s all because of Wilson. Narrative matters to voters, a reason why it’s worth taking Prescott as a second mid-tier option next to Wilson. Prescott has put up MVP-worthy statistics when healthy, and despite an early scare in training camp, he now seems healthy and recovered from offseason ankle surgery. Prescott has a strong chance to lead Dallas back to fielding one of the NFL’s most efficient offenses, and if he pulls it off, he’ll get strong MVP consideration.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt 10-to-1, Broncos edge rusher Bradley Chubb 60-to-1 (William Hill) & Seahawks safety Jamal Adams 80-to-1, Buccaneers linebacker Devin White 80-to-1 (BetMGM) The traditional formula for this award is to find a team that exceeds expectations behind a great defense that makes up for a mediocre offense and pick that defensive unit’s best player. Watt and Chubb both fit the bill perfectly. Neither Pittsburgh nor Denver is guaranteed to be any better than average this year, but they both have a chance, and if they do exceed expectations, it will be because of their defenses. Watt narrowly finished second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting last year to the Rams’ Aaron Donald, making him a favorite worth backing this season. Adams and White are on more offensively competent teams, but their prices are too high not to take a shot as two of the most highly-regarded defensive players in the NFL poised for their best seasons yet.

OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

49ers quarterback Trey Lance 8-to-1 (Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook) Expect spirited competition here between the five first-round draft pick rookie quarterbacks breaking into the league this year—Lance, Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence, the Jets’ Zach Wilson, the Bears’ Justin Fields and the Patriots’ Mac Jones. But Lance has a big advantage over his competitors: He’s got by far the best team around him. The 49ers look like the only one of the bunch coming into the year as Super Bowl contenders if they stay healthy, and Lance’s big-play ability should only make them better. At the least, Lance should be sitting as a co-favorite next to Lawrence at no higher than 4-to-1.

PLAYER PLAYS

9.2.21

L A S V E G A S W E E K LY

39I

SPORTS DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons 6-to-1 (BConnected Sports) & Ravens edge rusher Odafe Oweh 40-to-1 (William Hill) Yes, Parsons is the favorite here, but he’s worth paying the short price for. Again, narrative matters in these media-voted awards, and Parsons is already being painted as the savior of a long-struggling Cowboys defense on Hard Knocks, the HBO training camp documentary series following Dallas this year. The Cowboys are almost sure to improve on defense this season after bottoming out a year ago, and Parsons will get the bulk of the credit after being selected 12th overall in the NFL Draft. Oweh, coincidentally Parsons’ teammate at Penn State, is a bet for the polar opposite reason—he’s getting no recognition, and therefore his odds are inflated. Oweh hasn’t provided any highlights in the preseason, but practice reports are positive, and he’s in a position where he can put up a high sack total with the strong Ravens’ defense. Football Outsiders’ proven SackSeer projection system rated Oweh as the second-best edge-rushing prospect in this year’s class, but the odds currently have him much lower.

MOST RECEIVING YARDS

Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill 12-to-1 (BetMGM) & Packers receiver Davante Adams 13-to-1 (BConnected Sports) This is a pretty simple strategy: Take the top wide receiver of the NFL’s two best quarterbacks. Adams led the NFL in receiving yards per game last year with 98.1 and finished fifth in total yards despite missing two games. He’s entrenched as reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers’ top target. Hill has more competition for targets from Patrick Mahomes, but mainly only from tight end Travis Kelce this year, as the Chiefs have lost some depth on the outside. Kelce is coming off of a career year last season, and it might be Hill’s turn this time around.

MOST RUSHING YARDS

The best player-prop bets to make for the upcoming NFL season BY CASE KEEFER

ong gone are the days when odds to win the Super Bowl and over/under team win totals were the only preseason NFL future wagers found at most sportsbooks. Player-performance futures, both from award and statistical perspectives, have arguably become an even bigger talking point and have stimulated just as much betting action in recent years. They’re also a good way to risk a relatively small amount of money for a potentially big return while getting months of rooting interest for recreational gamblers. Here are a handful of player future bets that could pay off for the upcoming season.

Steelers running back Najee Harris 28-to-1 (STN Sports) & Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson 70-to-1 (BConnected Sports) Quarterbacks are unavoidable even in categories that aren’t traditionally set up for quarterbacks. That’s just the reality of the modern NFL. Jackson becoming the first quarterback to win the NFL rushing title isn’t an outlandish possibility, and far more likely than these odds imply. The Ravens have run the ball more than any other team the past two seasons, and there’s no disputing that Jackson is their primary rusher. He has finished in the NFL’s top 10 in rushing yards each of the past two years. The rookie Harris represents a more conventional choice. Pittsburgh has made no secret that it’s building its offense around the Alabama product, who should be more durable with less wear than other running backs around the league who have been through the rigors of multiple NFL seasons.

(AP/Photo Illustration)

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VEGAS INC BUSINESS

9.2.21

Local travel agents have stayed busy during the pandemic, though the job has changed

BY BRYAN HORWATH arlier this summer, Las Vegas travel agent Frank Nardiello helped a group of 10 arrange a trip to Mexico. Since there were no restrictions for U.S. citizens traveling to that country, two of the 10 figured it wouldn’t be an issue if they remained unvaccinated for the trip. That turned out to be a costly decision. Both unvaccinated travelers, Nardiello said, tested positive for COVID-19 while on their vacation. One had to be put on a respirator, and both eventually had to be medically airlifted back to the U.S. at a cost of more than $27,000 each. “It turned out to be a very expensive trip,” Nardiello said recently from his Paradise Travel office near Sun City Summerlin. It was the type of complicated situation travelers can easily find themselves in these days, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to disrupt global travel. Paradise Travel, which Nardiello runs with his wife, Ellen, has stayed afloat since the onset of the pandemic partly because of its loyal customer base. The Nardiellos have spent the past 28 years building that foundation. They’ve also had to change the way they do business in the era of COVID-19, a common tale within the travel advisor industry. “We do a lot of research now,” Frank Nardiello said. “We move a lot of things around. People will do some research online about where they want to go but then call us to confirm information.” On this day, the couple helped one set of customers plan a Mexican Riviera cruise over Thanksgiving and another with a planned trip to Hawaii, also over the holidays. In a sense, the Nardiellos—and other Las Vegas Valley travel advisors—are also “travel counselors” now. They spend time going over all of the different travel requirements, restrictions and contingency plans. And any or all of those guidelines can change without much notice. “We’ve been able to get by, and we’re certainly busy,” Nardiello said. “We’re putting in more time now, but we aren’t necessarily doing more business. When we call

airlines, for instance, we could have a three- or fourhour wait on the phone. We’re at their mercy.” At Paradise, a small office in a strip mall, plexiglass dividers now sit atop desks to separate customers from employees. Since the Nardiellos began working from the office again, walk-in business has not been permitted, only by appointment or over the phone. Some boxes could be seen in the back of the office area. Those, he said, were filled with old brochures. The business, which has about half of its customer base in Southern Nevada, hasn’t received any new brochures since the start of the pandemic. As the popularity of do-it-yourself online travel sites like Expedia and Priceline grew in popularity during the internet age, a popular belief was that many travel advisors would be forced out of business. Instead,

business opportunities have broadened for many in the advisor field, Nardiello said. “When the internet took over, it actually helped my business,” he said. “People still have a lot of questions to ask. It kind of helped to funnel work down to us. Sure, many of the people who are going away for short trips, for two or three days, will go on Travelocity and do it all online. But the person that wants to go a cruise or a tour, spending $4,000 or $5,000 or more, wants to talk to somebody.” Abby Lagman, founder of Henderson-based Blissful Travel Company, agreed with Nardiello. She said the convenience of contracting someone else to work out travel details can be worth a lot to a consumer. “The pandemic has boosted the importance of the travel advisor,” Lagman said. “At the start of the pandemic, people who used sites like Expedia to book travel were on the phone for hours trying to change plans or get information or refunds. For many, those experiences solidified the importance of having an advisor.” In a statement before heading to Chicago for the organization’s annual conference this month, American Society of Travel Advisors Zane Kerby said the pandemic has “underscored the value of working with a travel advisor.” As the delta variant has taken off in the U.S. and abroad, more would-be travelers have shown more caution in recent weeks. The variant—and the changes it can bring on weekly or daily basis—is one more aspect on which travel advisors in the Las Vegas Valley keep tabs. “People are ready to travel,” Ellen Nardiello said. “It’s just a matter now of being up to date on all the restrictions. There’s always something these days.”

Frank and Ellen Nardiello, owners and operators of Paradise Travel (Christopher DeVargas/Staff)

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VEGAS INC BUSINESS

9.2.21

TI exec: Pandemic accelerated changes that were coming anyway

BY VEGAS INC STAFF or years, Las Vegas has been billed as an “anything goes” kind of destination. But these days, heightened safety measures and their more conspicuous presence make a different statement to tourists. “We found that most of our clients and guests greatly appreciate that we went above and beyond with sanitization stations, complimentary masks, plastic guards, cleaning around them while they enjoy our pool, casino, lounges, etc.,” says Shelly Ryser-Blanton, executive director of sales at Treasure Island. “The general attitude from those willing to travel to Vegas at this time is they are truly comfortable with the mitigation efforts with minimal impact in their overall experience.” And that goes for conventions, as well. Treasure Island’s team forecasted more than a year ago that small groups would trickle in as soon as the resorts reopened but that larger conventions would only return after guests and visitors were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. With vaccination numbers steadily climbing again after a brief lull, Ryser-Blanton is expecting a large convention market mix in September and October.

nity. Services like touchless payment systems, self check-in kiosks, enhanced Wi-Fi, online reservations, etc., have all benefited our convention clients and hotel guests. Additionally, we believe our enhanced cleaning and sanitation efforts will become standard operating procedure. What is the best business advice you’ve received? In sales, it has been under-promise and over-deliver to create long-lasting relationships and loyal clients, which has been the motto of our longtime vice president of hotel sales, Don Voss. In business, I learned from a former director that I should only work for a hotel with a product that I am passionate about when selling, and for a boss who is willing to get into the trenches with his team and listen to ideas. Over 15 years ago, I was fortunate to find both when I was given the opportunity to work at Treasure Island. Whom do you admire and why? Two individuals are at top of mind. The first is my son, Garrett. Ever since he was born, he has inspired me to be a better and more compassionate person. I am

so proud of him, as he is hardworking, smart, caring and an amazing cellist. I am sure he has no idea that he inspires me, but I hope I did my best to be the role model that he needed to prepare him for his adult life, which just started this month. I moved him into his dorm in Reno, where he will study engineering. The second person is my sister-in-law, Laura, who recently went through a battle with breast cancer during a pandemic. She is my hero right now, because she has been so vocal about her experience throughout the entire process, sharing her faith and everything, the good and the bad. She has no idea how absolutely amazing she is, and I hope I will be as strong as she is if I am ever in a similar situation. What is something that people might not know about you? I am a strong supporter for the fight to eliminate breast cancer. I started this support back in the early ’90s when my fraternity, Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA), partnered with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. This cause has a big place in my heart because I lost my grandmother to this horrific disease, and I have had many friends and family members who have fought battles as well. I once raised over $5,000 and walked 60 miles to help raise funds and awareness for this cause. It was the hardest and most rewarding event that I have ever participated in as I was able to connect and hear the stories of many survivors. I have also participated in the NFL’s Crucial Catch breast cancer awareness campaign through ZTA. Currently, I serve as the ZTA Walk Coordinator for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk here in Vegas. We are in charge of the Survivor Experience at the walk, and my favorite part is getting to know the survivors. I encourage all women and men to do a monthly breast exam—it can save your life.

What does success in tourism look like in a post-2020 world? Do we have to redefine our expectations, or develop new strategies to reach previous goals? We anticipate many organizations both in hospitality and meeting planner industries will continue with some of the changes they were forced to make during the pandemic, including requests for new technology and the ability to nimbly react to changing needs. However, in terms of our business models, market mix, room night goals and so on, we do not believe it will be significantly different, since we introduced our new meeting space about five years ago. Is there any aspect of the pandemic, culturally speaking, that you expect to remain with us after it ends, in terms of how tourists are served in Las Vegas? We have slowly introduced new service-related technologies over the years, and that was accelerated during the pandemic both out of need and opportu-

Shelly Ryser-Blanton at Treasure Island (Wade Vandervort/Staff)

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VEGAS INC BUSINESS

9.2.21

VegasInc Notes De Castroverde Law Group announced that two of its attorneys were named 2021 Mountain States Super Lawyers Rising Stars. Kyle Morishita, an immigration attorney, and Danielle Holt, who specializes in ani- Morishita mal law, both received the recognition. Morishita was also recently appointed to the board of trustees for the Nevada Bar Foundation. His term will be for two years.

litigation; and Robert Rosenthal, employment litigation-defense. Stephanie Buntin, intellectual property; Zachary Gordon, intellectual property; and Kirill Mikhaylov, business litigation were listed as Rising Stars.

Howard & Howard an- Holt nounced that nine of its attorneys were named to Mountain States Super Lawyers and Mountain States Rising Stars 2021. Those receiving the Super Lawyers recognition include W. West Allen, intellectual property litigation (recognized among the Top 100 Attorneys in Nevada); Robert Hernquist, business litigation; Matthew Kreutzer, franchise/dealership; Brian Pezzillo, construction litigation; L. Christopher Rose, business

PlayStudios named human resources veteran and executive coach Stephanie Rosol as its first chief people performance officer as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to enhance the performance of its growing global workforce. Additionally, the company named Jason Hahn to the position of executive vice president and head of corporate and business development. An accomplished gaming and Esports industry executive with more than 15 years of experience at the intersection of the media and technology sectors, Hahn will work in concert with PlayStudios’ senior leadership team to advance the organization’s growth strategy as a newly listed public company. Las Vegas-based merchant advocacy group, National Merchants Association, named Ed Bowling as chief technical officer. Bowling brings more than 20 years of experience in IT man-

Executive Education Opportunities For You & Your Employees

agement and systems administration to his role. The Neon Museum announced that Aaron Berger was selected as the museum’s executive director. Berger brings to the museum extensive experience in museum leadership, nonprofBerger it fundraising and community engagement. The museum also announced that Binnie Tate Wilkin, the official storyteller for the museum’s “My Las Vegas” program in 2020, was awarded the 2021 Regional Wilkin Excellence Oracle Award by the National Storytelling Network. The award recognizes the creativity, professional integrity and artistic contributions of storytellers who have greatly enriched the storytelling culture of their region. Additionally, the museum announced it achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition bestowed to museums in the United States. Scientific Games was recognized by the American Benefits Council for the company’s leadership, accountability and support of its team members

and their safety during the pandemic. In a recently released Silver Linings Pandemic Playbook, Scientific Games was cited for its exemplary work in support of its more than 9,500 global team members. TSK Architects announce that Bruce Preston, managing principal, and Ree Miskimon, director of marketing, as graduates of the Society of American Military Engineers Leadership Preston Development Program. The program supports the growth of the next generation of military, government, civilian and industry leaders for the society and the United States. Out of more than 60 applicants, Miskimon only 18 were selected. National Technical Institute announced that for the second year, it was recognized by Inc. magazine’s annual Inc. 5000 list, ranking No. 230. This ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies represents a look at successful businesses within the American economy. Despite the pandemic, the trade school experienced an impressive three-year revenue growth of 1,906%.

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2021-09-02- Las Vegas Weekly

Articles inside

Sports: Recommended NFL player future bets

Food: How to attack Resorts World’s massive food hall