2021-12-02- Las Vegas Weekly by Greenspun Media Group

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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EDITORIAL Senior Editor GEOFF CARTER (geoff.carter@gmgvegas.com) Editor at Large BROCK RADKE (brock.radke@gmgvegas.com) Deputy Editor EVELYN MATEOS (evelyn.mateos@gmgvegas.com) Managing Editor/News DAVE MONDT (dave.mondt@gmgvegas.com) Staff Writers HILLARY DAVIS, JUSTIN EMERSON, MIKE GRIMALA, CASEY HARRISON, JESSICA HILL, BRYAN HORWATH, C. MOON REED, ARLEIGH RODGERS, AMBER SAMPSON Contributing Editors RAY BREWER, JOHN FRITZ, CASE KEEFER, WADE MCAFERTY, KEN MILLER, JOHN TAYLOR Office Coordinator NADINE GUY

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12.02.21

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SUPERGUIDE

Your daily events planner, starring Foo Fighters, Zedd, Martin Lawrence, Jim Gaffigan, First Friday and more.

18 24 26 38 44 COVER STORY

PROFILE

NEWS

National Finals Rodeo returns to town, bringing a slew of country stars with it.

Roberta Kane, Las Vegas’ first known Jewish native, reflects on her life— and her community.

Las Vegas needs more apartments, but where should they go?

FOOD & DRINK

Spiegelworld gets into the dining game with Superfrico, and the results are as interesting and delicious as you might expect.

THE STRIP Usher fans are in heaven with his Backstory Pass experience. (Photograph AP Photo)

VEGAS INC The banking community casts a wider net—with help from the College of Southern Nevada.

WANT MORE? Head to lasvegasweekly.com.

IN THIS ISSUE

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

12.02.21

SUPERGUIDE THURSDAY 02 DEC.

KIRA SOLTANOVICH With Charles Greaves, Spiro Adam Siavelis, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m., Laugh Factory, ticket master.com. BARRY MANILOW: A VERY BARRY CHRISTMAS Thru 12/4, 7 p.m., Westgate International Theater, ticket master.com. SHANIA TWAIN & 12/4-12/5, 8 p.m., Zappos Theater, ticket master.com.

S U P E R G U I D E

THE CITY OF LAS VEGAS: THE THIRTIES While the rest of the country was mired in the Great Depression, Las Vegas was blazing its own trail. A documentary funded by the Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial explores how the events of the 1930s set the stage for Las Vegas as we know it today. From the construction of the Hoover Dam to the legalization of gambling and the creation of (relatively) quickie divorces, much of Las Vegas’ trademark fabulousness dates back to this decisive decade. Don’t miss this free screening. 7 p.m., Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road, lvccld. org. –C. Moon Reed

FOO FIGHTERS “If you come back, we’ll come back. That’s the deal.” Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl usually issues this challenge to audiences at the end of the 12-time Grammy award-winning rock band’s sets, and he’s as good as his word. But what he doesn’t say is that, somehow, Foo Fighters manages to come back better each time—with more songs, more confidence and more interesting detours to get fans hyped: HBO documentaries, a friendly rivalry with 11-year-old musical wunderkind Nandi Bushell, that sort of thing. (This time, the band has made a legit horror movie, Studio 666, coming to theaters

MUSIC

PARTY

next year.) But fans come to a concert by these recently-inducted Rock and Roll Hall of Famers primarily to enjoy one of the last surviving hard rock shows of its kind. (Try to name at least a dozen other rock bands that tour at the arena level.) The band’s touring behind latest LP Medicine at Midnight. Its songs will be bookended by “Learn to Fly,” “My Hero,” freaking “Everlong”—a raft of solid rockers. Pack those stadium-sized monsters into 6,400-seat Dolby Live (formerly Park Theater) and you’re bound to have an evening worth repeating. December 2 & 4, 8 p.m., $100+. ticketmaster.com. –Geoff Carter

WRANGER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO Thru 12/11, Thomas & Mack Center, nfr experience.com. CHADWICK JOHNSON 8 p.m., the Space, the spacelv.com. NGHTMRE 10:30 p.m., Hakkasan Nightclub, hakkasangroup. com.

CITY OF HENDERSON WINTERFEST Thru 12/30, times & locations vary, city ofhenderson. com. WORSHIP THURSDAYS WITH DJ FIVE 10:30 p.m., Tao Nightclub, taolvnc. taogroup.com.

(Photo by Danny Clinch/Courtesy)

SPORTS

ARTS

FOOD + DRINK

COMEDY

MISC

12.02.21

FRIDAY 03 DEC.

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

ZEDD 10:30 p.m., Zouk Nightclub, zoukgrouplv.com. (AP Photo/Courtesy)

AUTHORITY ZERO With The Toasters, Muertos Heist, Gnashing, One Way to Paradise, 8 p.m., Backstage Bar & Billiards, eventbrite.com. FIRST FRIDAY 5-11 p.m., Downtown Las Vegas, ffflv.org. LOUIS PRIMA JR. & THE WITNESSES 8 p.m., & 12/4, the Space, thespacelv.com. RAINBOW COMPANY YOUTH THEATRE: THE VELVETEEN RABBIT & 12/4, 7 p.m., & 12/4-12/5, 2 p.m., Charleston Heights Arts Center, rainbow company.org. L.A. GUNS & 12/4, 8 p.m., Count’s Vamp’d, eventbrite.com. GEORGE STRAIT With Caitlyn Smith, & 12/4, 8 p.m., T-Mobile Arena, axs.com.

WINTER WONDERLAND BEERFEST The Southern Nevada Brewer’s Guild and the Tuscany’s underrated Pub 365 are teaming up for a seasonal suds fest featuring plenty of local brews, samples of special collaborations and one-off concoctions, raffles and more. Grab your ugly Christmas sweater and an unwrapped donation for Toys for Tots and consider early VIP admission for passed snacks, a T-shirt and exclusive pours. Otherwise, holiday-themed food will be available for purchase, and your GA ticket is good for AYCD. 7 p.m., $80-$95. Tuscany Ballroom, eventbrite.com. –Brock Radke

F O R M O R E U P C O M I N G E V E N T S , V I S I T L A S V E G A S W E E K LY. C O M .

LITTLE BIG TOWN With Emily Weisband, & 12/4, 8 p.m., the Theater at Virgin, axs.com. PARTY FAVOR 10:30 p.m., Omnia Nightclub, hakkasangroup. com. CODY JINKS & 12/3, 12/5, 8 p.m., the Chelsea, ticket master.com.

JACOB MARLEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL & 12/4, 8 p.m., & 12/5, 2 p.m., Las Vegas Little Theatre, lvlt.org. CHEAP TISSUE With Cromm Fallon & The P200, Rhythm Ace, The NuTones, 8:30 p.m., the Usual Place, eventbrite.com.

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

12.02.21

SUPERGUIDE MUSIC

WILLIAM TODD SCHULTZ

S U P E R G U I D E

Have you ever been fascinated by an artist’s ability to create something out of nothing? Schultz, a personality psychologist who specialized in profiles of artists, takes on that phenomenon in his new book The Mind of the Artist: Personality and the Drive to Create. His latest work covers the importance of the “openness” trait in artists. It’s also packed with artist examples like Frida Kahlo and David Bowe. Head to the Writer’s Block for a reading and signing with the author. 7 p.m., free admission, thewritersblock. org. –Evelyn Mateos

Comedy superstar Martin Lawrence brings the final leg of his LIT AF tour to town with a who’s who of A-list comedians. The lineup includes Ghanian actor Michael Blackson (Coming 2 America, Next Friday), 21 Jump Street’s DeRay Davis, Rickey Smiley (The Rickey Smiley Morning Show) and Benji Brown, a master of comedic improv and regular guest on Smiley’s show. Go ahead, laugh it up. 7:30 p.m., $39+, Michelob Ultra Arena. –Amber Sampson (AP Photo)

SPORTS

ARTS

FOOD + DRINK

COMEDY

MISC

SATURDAY 04 DEC.

JACK HARLOW 10:30 p.m., Zouk Nightclub, zouk grouplv.com. STEEL PANTHER 9 p.m., the Barbershop, the barbershoplv. com.

BOXING: DEVIN HANEY VS. JOSEPH DIAZ 2 p.m., MGM Grand Garden Arena, axs.com.

LIT AF TOUR WITH MARTIN LAWRENCE

PARTY

JOSH TURNER 8 p.m., Venetian Theater, ticket master.com. LAS VEGAS PHILHARMONIC: VERY VEGAS HOLIDAY 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall, thesmith center.com. DIPLO 10:30 p.m., XS Nightclub, wynnsocial.com.

CHICKS WHO ROCK RHINESTONE CHRISTMAS 9 p.m., Fremont Country Club, eventbrite.com.

BIG SEAN 10 p.m., Drai’s Nightclub, draisgroup.com. BRANTLEY GILBERT 8 p.m., the Chelsea, cosmopolitan lasvegas.com. WINTER MASQUERADE 8 p.m., Millennium Fandom Bar, fandombar.com. SANTANA & 12/5 & 12/8, 7 p.m., House of Blues, houseof blues.com.

LAS VEGAS GREAT SANTA RUN 8 a.m., Fremont Street Experience, opportunity village.org.

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

12.02.21

SUNDAY 05

11I

DEC.

SANTANA 7 p.m., & 12/312/4, 12/8, House of Blues, ticket master.com.

REPEAL DAY PARTY 7 p.m., Mob Museum, themobmuseum. org.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS VS. WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM 1:05 p.m., Allegiant Stadium, ticketmaster.com.

FRANK MARINO’S HOLIDAY DIVA-LICIOUS DRAG BRUNCH 11 a.m. & 1 p.m., DW Bistro, dwbistro.com.

FOUR COLOR ZACK 10 p.m., Marquee Nightclub, marqueelvnc. taogroup.com.

NEVADA CONSERVATORY THEATRE: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS 2 p.m., Judy Bayley Theatre, unlv.edu.

NEKROMANTIX With The Delta Bombers, Volk, 8 p.m., Fremont Country Club, eventbrite.com.

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS. CALGARY FLAMES

LEGENDS IN CONCERT GOES COUNTRY

7 p.m., T-Mobile Arena, axs.com. (AP Photo/ Photo Illustration)

Some Strip productions are turning jolly for the holidays. The longest running show on the Boulevard has gone country. Legends in Concert shifted to a special rodeo-week presentation featuring top tribute artists and the music of Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Shania Twain and Luke Bryan right after Thanksgiving and continues with all your favorite country classics through December 30. Thursday-Sunday, 7:30 p.m., $70-$115, Tropicana, ticketmaster.com. –Brock Radke

F O R M O R E U P C O M I N G E V E N T S , V I S I T L A S V E G A S W E E K LY. C O M .

MONDAY06 DEC.

JON LOVITZ Thru 12/8, 7 p.m. Laugh Factory, ticket master.com.

COMEBACK KID With No Warning, Zulu, Scowl, 7:30 p.m., American Legion Hall, eventbrite.com.

GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV With Leif Vollebekk, 8 p.m., Brooklyn Bowl, brooklynbowl. com.

MIKE ATTACK 10:30 p.m., Jewel Nightclub, hakkasangroup. com. KEVIN FOWLER & 12/7, 10 p.m. Gilley’s, gilleys lasvegas.com.

THE APPLE SISTERS’ HAPPY HOLI-DOOZY CHRIST-MESS SPECIAL Describing what this LA-based musical theater trio does is kinda difficult, but here goes: The Apple Sisters—actually the unrelated trio of Kimmy Gatewood, Rebekka Johnson and Sarah Lowe—are an Andrews Sisters-like trio that delivers Lucille Ball-ish comedy peppered with modern innuendo. The show is presented as an old-time radio hour, circa 1943. If none of that resonates with you, here’s something that will: The Apple Sisters are charming and uproariously funny, and you might recognize two of them—Gatewood and Johnson—from the cast of Netflix’s late, lamented GLOW. 8 p.m., $20, Majestic Repertory Theater, majesticrepertory.com. –Geoff Carter

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

12.02.21

SUPERGUIDE MUSIC

PARTY

SPORTS

TUESDAY 07 DEC.

ARTS

TRACY LAWRENCE 10 p.m., Golden Nugget Showroom, ticket master.com.

FOOD + DRINK

SHLUMP With Brittany FromEarlier, Chieeff, 10 p.m., Discopussy, discopussy dtlv.com.

WEDNESDAY 08

COMEDY

MISC

REBA, BROOKS & DUNN & 12/8, 7:30 p.m., the Colosseum, ticket master.com.

SUZANNE ACOSTA: UNTIL IT SPEAKS BACK

DEC.

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS. DALLAS STARS 7 p.m., T-Mobile Arena, axs.com. CODY JOHNSON & 12/9, 8 p.m., the Chelsea, ticketmaster. com.

S U P E R G U I D E

JOURNEY Journey brought a popular rock residency to the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel in 2015 and has returned to the same room—revamped under the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas banner—for a series of shows to close out the year. Well, almost … the band will also return to town to play the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, home of its 2019 residency, for a symphony orchestra-backed concert on December 18. December 7-8 & 10-11, 8 p.m., $69+, the Theater at Virgin, axs.com. –Brock Radke

UNLV MEN’S BASKETBALL VS. SEATTLE 7 p.m., Michelob Ultra Arena, axs. com. ANDREA OLIVA 10:30 p.m., Library at Marquee Nightclub, marqueelvnc. taogroup.com. CARRIE UNDERWOOD & 12/3-12/4, 8 p.m., the Theatre at Resorts World, ticket master.com.

JIM GAFFIGAN 7 & 10 p.m., Encore Theater, ticketmaster.com. (AP Photo)

Artist and CSN instructor Suzanne Acosta says she “finds all faces beautiful,” and it shows. She simply has a way with drawing people. The subjects of her portraits—lovingly depicted in layered pastel or mixed media— are imminently human and relatable. They stare at the viewer, asking to be seen. “I try to capture fleeting emotions in the faces I portray and to express them with an implied narrative,” Acosta says in her artist statement. Don’t miss this chance to see a collection of Acosta’s portraits from the past 20 years. Through December 21; Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; free; Clark County Library; 1401 E. Flamingo Road, lvccld.org. –C. Moon Reed

F O R M O R E U P C O M I N G E V E N T S , V I S I T L A S V E G A S W E E K LY. C O M .

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PRESENTS

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

12.02.21

POETRY IN MOTION Beyond the Neon founder Ashley Vargas continues to advocate for the art form BY EVELYN MATEOS

C U L T U R E

Ashley Vargas (aka Ms. AyeVee) at the Las Vegas Book Festival (Edward Pagán II/ Courtesy)

12.02.21

E K L Y Q & A

What do you still hope to achieve? The five-year goal [would be] bringing national and international recognition to Las Vegas. I really want people to be like, “Oh, we’re going to Las Vegas, we have to make sure we check out a poetry show.” I want that to be part of the thought process. I would love—if we’re talking about personal goals—to have a residency at a casino doing poetry. [I want] to show that it’s a viable source of entertainment that deserves investment and love.

What’s next for Beyond the Neon? From the success of the one-day festival, we were able to get funding from the Nevada Arts Council to do a three-day festival [in April 2022]. We’re going to continue those same three components, but we’re going to expand them. Instead of it being a four-hour festival, we’re going to do eight hours each day. We’re also going to expand on the workshop component, [to] three to four workshops per day. In August, we only had one workshop that I facilitated—basically professional poetry 101, teaching everything I could about being a professional like résumés, performance technique and contract negation. I also want to incorporate open mics, where people can just come in and read.

Do you feel like the community as a whole is aware of the growing poetry scene in the Valley? I’m going to have to give that a hard no. When you think of Las Vegas, you think Entertainment Capital of the World. We have all these shows, so of course you’re thinking musicians, dancers, singers, even rappers … but many people that come to my events are absolutely shocked that we have poetry this way. A lot of the work that I have done with [Beyond the Neon] is to bring that awareness.

Describe the recent Beyond the Neon event at Ferguson Downtown. It had three components: a book fair, which had different vendors; a reading that was hosted by Tolsun Books, [with] non-performance artists who have new books of poetry and went up and read; and then we shifted into the poetry slam. For that, we did three rounds.

Why did you decide to begin performing your poetry? I was in a really weird place in my life, going through a lot of transitions.

What was that experience like? The level of support and welcome and warmth from the Las Vegas artist community is unparalleled. It just felt so good, especially at that time in my life, so I just kept coming back. I kept going to open mics and through that unlocked this realization that, whoa, I really am I poet.

Will there continue to be an Instagram poetry competition, too? I’m ready to just do the [in-person] festivals, but [the Instagram version] is too successful. There has been a strong desire for us to maintain our digital content and our digital connections to people around the world. It’s bigger than Las Vegas. So, we are going to have three digital poetry slams—IG exclusive—in 2022 leading up to our three day in-person festival.

How did you get started writing poetry? I was about 8 years old when I had my first poetry lesson in school, where they teach you the different rhyming formats … and something really clicked for me. But professionally, in terms of being published and doing spoken word competitions, I’ve been writing poetry for almost six years.

… I was just trying to figure things out, and I started finding these old journals, diaries and folders of old poems. At the time, I was seeing a wonderful counselor, and she really encouraged me to go to an open mic and say the things that were weighing me down. I went to a wonderful open mic called Human Experience.

17I

shley Vargas’ journals began to take poetic form before she’d even turned 10, and she hasn’t stopped writing since. Also known as Ms. AyeVee, she has been published in the Red Rock Review literary journal, the Clark: Poetry From Clark County, Nevada anthology and beyond. She’s also a spoken-word performer who has been representing Las Vegas in the prestigious International World Poetry Slam. Vargas’ honesty and imagery come through in her words, both on the page and from the stage. A mother and business owner—of Realistic Wellness, a message therapy service—she also works to advance the literary cause in the Las Vegas Valley. She recently hosted after-school poetry workshops at Whitney Ranch Recreational Center, and is the creator of Beyond the Neon, a poetry slam that encourages people to share their work. That competition was set to premier Downtown in March 2020, but the pandemic shutdown scuttled that. Instead, Vargas took Beyond the Neon to Instagram, and later collected the results in a Beyond the Neon Anthology, available from Zeitgeist Press (zeitgeist-press. com). This past August, the Las Vegas native coordinated a one-day poetry slam and festival at Fergusons Downtown, and the brand continues to grow.

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

Q+A

National Finals Rodeo returns to Las Vegas, bringing country music’s biggest stars with it SHANIA TWAIN: LET’S GO! Twain’s second go-round on the Strip had just launched at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood in December 2019 when COVID hit, and she got stranded in Las Vegas. Now, she’s back onstage here, bringing her pop-skewing catalog to life in a fresh, unique way. December 2, 4-5, 9 & 11-12, 8 p.m., ticketmaster.com.

NFR WEEK IN VEGAS

RIDING INTO TOWN F E A T U R E

BY BROCK RADKE

Just before Thanksgiving, the Academy of Country Music announced that, after spending the past two years in Nashville, the 57th ACM Awards show will return to Las Vegas—March 7 at Allegiant Stadium. It will be streamed live exclusively on Prime Video, a first for a major music awards show. One week earlier, country superstar and popular judge on The Voice Blake Shelton announced that he’ll be opening a Strip-side location of his Ole Red concert hall, bar and restaurant concept in 2023. But Vegas doesn’t need developments like these to be considered a serious country music capital, and you don’t need to wait until next year or the year after for proof. The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is back in town this week, and that means the Strip will be saturated with the genre’s biggest names and brightest stars. See how many of these shows you can check off.

GEORGE STRAIT: STRAIT TO VEGAS He’s the only artist who has played multiple concerts every year at T-Mobile Arena since it opened in 2016, so this arena-sized show definitely counts as a residency—and a massively successful one at that. Strait brings a different supporting act every time he’s in town, with soulful Minnesota singer-songwriter Caitlyn Smith doing the honors this week. December 3-4, 8 p.m., axs.com.

12.02.21

A RESIDENCIES A

LV W C OV E R S T O R Y

19I

(AP Photos/Photo Illustration)

CARRIE UNDERWOOD: REFLECTION Speaking of honors, Underwood gets to open Resorts World Theatre, etching her name in Strip entertainment history as she premieres her first Las Vegas concert residency. December 3-4, 8 & 10-11, 8 p.m., axs.com.

A T I O N A L F I

REBA, BROOKS & DUNN: TOGETHER IN VEGAS When Reba McEntire, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn launched this series at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in 2015, it reunited a trio that had toured together twice before and brought Brooks and Dunn back together after a 2010 breakup. After nearly 50 performances comprising all the hits from both distinguished acts, the residency winds down during rodeo season in Las Vegas. December 3-4, 7-8, 10-11 & 14-15, 7:30 p.m., ticketmaster. com.

N A L S R O

RON WHITE The Texas-born Blue Collar Comedy Tour veteran returns to the Mirage Theatre’s Aces of Comedy series at just the right time. December 3-4 & 10-11, 10 p.m., mirage.com.

JOSH TURNER Get a little gospel in your rodeo week when this South Carolina native—who’ll help launch the Grand Ole Opry’s new Opry Country Christmas series in Nashville next week— performs at Venetian Theatre. December 4, 8 p.m., ticketmaster.com.

JASON ALDEAN He’ll be back in the room formerly known as Park Theater and recently renamed Dolby Live for three shows on his Back in the Saddle tour, but doesn’t it make sense for Aldean to sign on for a Vegas residency sometime soon? December 9-11, 9 p.m., ticketmaster.com.

RODNEY CARRINGTON The countrified comedian, actor and singer, who has been playing knockout NFR shows at MGM Grand for years, returns to the David Copperfield Theater for four performances. December 3-4 & 10-11, 9 p.m., mgmgrand.com.

LITTLE BIG TOWN The rejuvenated Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas has already seen an eclectic lineup in its short existence this year, and the equally varied, multiple award-winning vocal group Little Big Town makes for a welcome addition to this week’s country offerings. December 3-4, 8 p.m., axs.com.

A HEADLINERS A

LV W C OV E R S T O R Y

12.02.21

F E A T U R E

At the Chelsea (AP Photos/Photo Illustration

SHOWROOMS, BARS & BEYOND CODY JINKS

THE CHELSEA Cody Jinks, December 2-3 & 5; Brantley Gilbert, December 4; Cody Johnson, December 8-9; Dierks Bentley, December 10-11. Cosmopolitan, ticketmaster.com. GOLDEN NUGGET SHOWROOM Jo Dee Messina, December 2; John Michael Montgomery, December 4; Ray Wylie Hubbard, December 5; Ronnie Milsap, December 6; Tracy Lawrence, December 7; Terri Clark, December 8; John Anderson, December 9; Jamey Johnson, December 10. Golden Nugget, ticketmaster. com.

DIRKS BENTLEY

GILLEY’S SALOON Just Dave Band, December 2; Michael Austin, December 3-5; Kevin Fowler, December 6-7; Scotty Alexander, December 7-10; Reckless Kelly, December 8-9, Rob Staley, December 10-11. Treasure Island, treasureisland.com. RHYTHM & RIFFS Scotty Alexander Band, December 2-3; Wolfcreek, December 9; Dez Houston Band, December 4, 7 & 11; Ryan White Maloney, December 5; Brett Rigby Band, December 6, 8 & 10. Mandalay Bay, mandalaybay.com. MONEY BABY Easton Corbin, December 2; Drake Milligan, December 3; David Lee Murphy, December 4; Jenna LaMaster, December 5; Wyatt McCubbin, December 6; William Michael Morgan, December 7; Glen Templeton, December 9; Tyler Booth, December 10; Heath Sanders, December 11. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, moneybabylv.com.

VEIL PAVILION Ned LeDoux, December 2-3; Thrillbilly Deluxe, December 4; Jenn Ford, December 5-6; The Heers Turner Oversize Band, December 7-8; Josh Ward and Randy Brown, December 9-10; American Thunder, December 11. Silverton, silverton casino.com. SOUTH POINT SHOWROOM Aaron Watson, December 2-5; Chancey Williams, December 6-8; Randall King, December 9-11. South Point, southpointcasino.com. BROOKLYN BOWL Shane Smith and the Saints, Ian Munsick, December 3; Gregory Alan Isakov, Leif Vollebekk, December 6; The Dead South, December 8; Nelly, Red Shahan. December 10; Linq Promenade, ticketweb.com. DAWG HOUSE SALOON Riley Green, December 3-4 & 10-11. Resorts World, axs.com. STONEY’S ROCKIN’ COUNTRY Allie Colleen, December 3; Jordan Rowe, December 4; Heath Sanders, December 10; Sean Stemaly, December 11. Town Square, stoneys rockincountry.com.

12.02.21

COWBOY CHRISTMAS December 2-11, 9 a.m.4 p.m., free entry. Las Vegas Convention Center South Halls (Paradise Road & Desert Inn), nfrexperience. com/cowboy christmas.

LV W C OV E R S T O R Y

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Cowboy Christmas (Steve Spatafore/Courtesy)

NFR WEEK IN VEGAS

N A T I O N A L F I N O D E O

For those who want the NFR experience without actually purchasing NFR tickets, Cowboy Christmas provides an easy entry into fun. Cowboy Christmas and the neighboring RMEF’s Hunter & Outdoor Christmas Expo are both free and open to the public. And if you’re stuck at home, you can get in on the action virtually, by visiting cowboychristmasvirtual.com. Some of this year’s Cowboy Christmas vendors will include Canty Boots, Burns Custom

Hats, Feldman Custom Knives, Walking Wood Creations, New World Trading, Dragonfly Fragrances, Cowboy Hardware and C4C Christian Wear. Cowboy Christmas is also the place to get your NFR merch. While you shop till you drop, live entertainment will keep spirits bright. Among many performances, the Ariat Rodeo Live Stage will feature four shows a day, including acts such as RMEF Calcutta and Outside the Barrel with Flint Rasmussen. Need a rest? Wet your whistle at the Ranch Water Rodeo Saloon, which serves specialty drinks in souvenir cups. When you’re done Christmasing for the day, take advantage of the NFR Express, a free one-way shuttle service from the Convention Center to Thomas & Mack for the evening’s main event. –C. Moon Reed

Cowboy Christmas offers a festive shopping experience

It doesn’t really feel like Christmastime in Las Vegas without Cowboy Christmas. National Finals Rodeo’s “only official gift show” has been delighting fans and filling stockings since 1986—with the exception of 2020, when the pandemic caused NFR to move, temporarily, to Texas. And now, it’s back in Vegas. Approximately 350 exhibitors will spread out across more than 440,00 square feet at the Las Vegas Convention Center for a festive shopping extravaganza. This is the place for everything giftable—including boots and spurs, western wear and jewelry, tools and equine products, art, crafts and furniture. With so much cool stuff on offer, if you’re tempted to buy something for yourself, we won’t tell.

BY C. MOON REED

HOLIDAY TRADITION

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

12.02.21

A DISTINCTIVE

LIFE

Roberta Kane, Las Vegas’ first known Jewish native, collects her memories in a new book

P E O P L E

BY EVELYN MATEOS

he first Hanukkah celebration in Roberta “Bobbie” Kane’s memory banks took place in the back of her uncle Louis Wiener’s tailor shop on Fremont Street. The only child was 4 or 5 at the time and recalls being spoiled with gifts. She also remembers the “magic of the spinning dreidel.” According to Jewish Nevada’s latest numbers, about 70,000 Jewish people live in Southern Nevada today. But when Kane (then Roberta Gordon) was born—on November 28, 1932—she was hailed as the first known Jewish child born in Las Vegas. Kane’s parents, Meyer H. Gordon and Sallie Schur Gordon, had moved to town in 1931—when gambling was legalized Roberta and construction “Bobbie” had begun on what Kane is now the Hoover (Christopher Dam. The family DeVargas/ Staff) lived in the heart of today’s Downtown core, first along what is now Las Vegas Boulevard South and later on Bonneville Street. This past June, Kane published her first written work, Las Vegas Born and Raised: A Young Woman Embraces Life’s Adventures. The black-and-white cover photo—of Kane with her mother, grandmother and great grandmother—was taken in 1938, when the 6-year-old Kane

12.02.21

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A photo from Kane’s senior year at Las Vegas High School, Class of 1950 (Christopher DeVargas/ Staff)

P R O E

“AT NER TAMID, THE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE VERY INVOLVED. ... THEY’RE BRIGHT. THEY’RE INTERESTED. I LIKE TO THINK THAT THOSE ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE YOUNG JEWISH PEOPLE TODAY.”

approximately 20 young people who were either Bar Mitzvah or pre–Bar Mitzvah, and honestly, a finer group of young people I have not seen in ages,” she says. “They’re bright. They’re interested. I like to think that those are the characteristics of the young Jewish people today.” Stefanie Tuzman, president and CEO of Jewish Nevada, agrees. “I think that the Jewish Community is strong, vibrant and engaged, and we’re really connected and committed to helping strengthen and grow Jewish life and also help those in need.” These days, Kane also makes regular visits to Paseo Verde Library. It was there, in 2018, that she came across a memoir-writing series led by Barbara Tabach of UNLV’s Oral History Research Center. That set the stage for Kane’s book. “I think what’s so significant about Bobbie as a representative of the Jewish community is how it tells a story of how young Las Vegas is. You can actually identify the first registered Jewish birth, and that person is still alive,” Tabach says. “The Las Vegas that Bobbie was born into was a community where Jews who may have felt suppressed elsewhere saw an opportunity and thrived.”

“It’s a gorgeous facility and a tribute to the Jewish education way of life,” Kane says of the temple. After Kane graduated from Las Vegas High School, life took her to California, back to Las Vegas and then to Hawaii, where she lived for 56 years and met her husband, Alexander Wyper Kane. In 2016, the Kanes returned to the Vegas Valley, where Roberta had family and where Alex—who had developed dementia in 2015— could be placed at Sunrise Senior Living. He died in 2017. Now 89, Kane attends Ner Tamid synagogue in Henderson, which is close to her home. She continues to familiarize herself with Jewish traditions and praises Las Vegas’ modern Jewish community. “At Ner Tamid, the young people are very involved. … I met with

running two 24-hour liquor stores and couldn’t keep a close eye on her. Kane returned to Fifth Street Grammar School in 1946, the year Las Vegas’ first Jewish temple—today known as Temple Beth Sholom—opened its doors. Originally located on Carson Street, the temple relocated to Summerlin in 2000, where it retains the mahogany doors from the original version. Today, Temple Beth Sholom is also home to the Warsaw Ghetto Remembrance Garden, which displays stones that once paved the streets of the area within the Polish city of Warsaw where Jews were forcibly exiled.

had just returned home from Fifth Street Grammar school. The book includes chapters such as “Men, Marriage, and Mayhem,” covering her early dating life and first marriage, and “The Stardust Hotel in Las Vegas,” in which she shares her memories of working at the hotel and casino. Today, Jewish Nevada estimates, there are more than 25 Jewish synagogues in Southern Nevada. But Kane says that growing up, there was no real meeting place for local Jewish families to conduct formal worship services or observe the High Holidays. Kane says they made do, however, arranging Friday-night services at locations like the Elks Club or Eagles Hall. “As I started school, there were only three of us—Bernard Mendelssohn, Joey Abrams and I, who missed school during the High Holidays, and it made us feel a little different,” Kane remembers. “My friends couldn’t understand how I got out of school. I told them I was attending religious services, and they were very friendly. I never suffered discrimination.” By 1943, Kane’s parents had sent her to an all-girls boarding school in Azusa, California, following the influx of young servicemen at Las Vegas Army Air Field—now Nellis Air Force—to train for World War II. Her parents, she says, were busy

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

12.02.21

IN THE

UNLV FRATERNITY’S CHARITY BOXING EVENT UNDER INVESTIGATION

NEWS

WATCH THIS Calgary Flames at Golden Knights, December 5 at 7 p.m.

L P M E S ’ L V N U

N E W S

O Y

V A C

A T

NEWS

STUDENT DIED DAYS AFTER PARTICIPATING The Nevada State Athletic Commission opened an investigation into a fraternity charity boxing event one week after a UNLV student who took part in it died from blunt force head trauma, the agency announced November 30. Nathan Valencia, 20, died at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center on November 23, days after the “Fraternity Fight Night” for Sigma Alpha Epsilon, the Greek life organization of which he was a member. Valencia’s death was ruled a homicide by the Clark County Coroner’s Office. Chairman Stephen Cloobeck said the commission is unsure if the event was properly permitted and that it should have been a business licensing issue at the county level. The commission is also unsure if the referee was licensed, whether participants were assigned to proper weight classes or if any fighters were under the influence of alcohol or drugs. “If any wrongdoing is found, the enforcement of those actions will be handled pursuant to state laws, and of course, what happened in the county,” Cloobeck said, adding that the commission had not yet viewed video from the event. The event was not sanctioned by the NSAC, Cloobeck said. He noted speculation that there were no medical personnel present, but “they should have had proper paramedics” at the event. –Casey Harrison

(Steve Marcus/Staff) KÀ, the final Cirque du Soleil show to reopen on the Strip, returned to its custom theater and ever-changing stage November 24 at MGM Grand, bringing back its famed acrobatic combat scenes and martial arts-inspired sequences after a 20-month hiatus.

GAMING

NEVADA CASINOS MATCH RECORD STREAK

Nevada casinos matched a record streak of eight straight months of $1 billion or more in house winnings in October, state regulators reported November 30, demonstrating that hospitality and tourism have returned to pre-pandemic levels in a state dependent on gambling revenues. Casinos statewide won a little more than $1.2 billion last month, matching a mark set before the Great Recession in 2007, the Nevada Gaming Control Board reported. Statewide, the monthly tally of casino

winnings was up 19.5% from pre-pandemic October 2019. Board senior analyst Michael Lawton pointed to strong demand across Nevada gambling markets, a rebound in leisure travel and the return of special events and entertainment. He said the key “gaming win” figure for 2021 is now 9.2% above calendar year 2019. With all four major sports active in October, Lawton said sports betting topped $1 billion for the month and set an all-time record. –Associated Press

12.02.21

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

HE SAID IT

‘WE KNOW THE PATH TO CONTROLLING THE VIRUS AND LIMITING VARIANTS: GET VACCINATED, GET BOOSTED, AND TAKE YOUR KIDS TO GET VACCINATED.’ -GOV. STEVE SISOLAK, NOVEMBER 29, ON TWITTER

BY THE NUMBERS

Freddie Banks’ uniform number was retired by the UNLV men’s basketball program before the team’s on November 27 game against UCLA. Banks holds the school record for most 3-pointers in a season with 152 and ranks second all-time with 229. His 2,007 total points sits fourth in school history.

THE STRIP

11.25.2021

RAIDERS 36, COWBOYS 33 Raiders running back Josh Jacobs runs past Dallas Cowboys Malik Hooker (28), Justin Hamilton (99), Dorance Armstrong (92) and Jourdan Lewis (26) during Las Vegas’ Thanksgiving Day overtime win in Arlington, Texas. (Michael Ainsworth/AP Photo)

ADELE ANNOUNCES LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY With her new album topping the charts, Adele has announced her first-ever Las Vegas residency. Weekends With Adele will bring the English pop star to the Colosseum at Caesars Palace twice nearly every weekend from January 21 through April 16. The complete set of dates: January 21-22 and 28-29; February 4-5, 11-12 and 25-26; March 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26; and April 1-2, 8-9 and 15-16. Ticket presales begin December 7 at 10 a.m. To participate, sign up at verifiedfan.ticket master.com/adele by 11:59 p.m. December 2. Adele released her fourth studio LP, 30, on November 19, and it immediately shot to the top of the Billboard 200 album chart. Her single Easy on Me, which has spent seven weeks on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, occupies the top spot there this week too. -Staff

ON THIS DAY

12.2.1954 The U.S. Senate voted to censure Sen. Joseph McCarthy for his conduct in the investigation of communism in the United States.

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

12.02.21

Can Las Vegas’ apartment boom keep up with its population growth— and stay affordable? BY GEOFF CARTER

H O U S I N G

Green Leaf Lotus luxury apartments on Spring Mountain (Christopher DeVargas/Staff)

ou have to look at the amenities. All of these properties have pools and fitness centers, but that’s standard stuff. Some boast quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. Others offer remote coworking spaces and built-in smart home compatibility. Nearly all are within walking distance of popular restaurants and nightlife spots. These aren’t luxury

condos; they’re luxury apartments. They’re beginning to pop up in places where you wouldn’t have previously expected to see luxury digs: in Chinatown (Green Leaf Lotus), at Sands Avenue and Paradise Road (Elysian at Hughes Center), even behind the Rio (Jade). And these aren’t the low-rise, sprawling, gated apartment complexes that have been built in Vegas up to now, but midrise apartment blocks, five stories tall on average, containing hundreds of units. And if you’ve spotted one, you’ve probably asked yourself: How did that end up here?

“You are noticing a lot more infill than you have in the past, because land is at a premium,” says Susy Vasquez, executive director of the Nevada State Apartment Association. “We’re looking at parcels that we may not have looked at in the past.” Developers are motivated to look for those plots because they have to. Approximately 2.5 million people now live in the Las Vegas Valley, and more are coming daily. Our supply of preowned single-family residences is very low—about one month’s worth, far away from the preferred six. And aside from some areas in the southwest and in

12.02.21

–Quentin Savwoir, Make It Work Nevada

“We have very lopsided power dynamics between tenants and landlords in Nevada, and we’re not doing enough to make sure there’s parity.”

on the runway for development here in Clark County,” Vasquez says. “I think that you’ll see some more parts of town transform into denser communities.” As the Las Vegas Valley continues its transition from a small collection of desert towns to a contiguous, sprawling metropolis, that’s only one of the questions we’ll need to answer. The arrival of midrise apartments near the Strip and in the heart of already-bustling neighborhoods like Downtown, the UNLV District and Chinatown feels like an inflection point, and rightfully so; it’s exciting that people can now live practically atop the places where they dine and shop. But unless Vegas balances its luxe apartment rush with blocks of apartments where the people who actually work in those shops and restaurants can afford to live and thrive, it might be headed in the same direction as Atlanta, LA, Seattle and other metros that are pricing their workforce out of town. “Families deserve to be in a home. Kids deserve to be in a home, not unhoused or priced out,” Savwoir says. “Housing is not a commodity.”

intend to maintain rents below current market value, deserve recognition—but as for blocks of affordable midrise flats in the center of the city, where most of us work, Vegas is still lacking. And creating those affordable blocks in dense areas will not be easy. “The main problem is land,” Vasquez says. “It’s not that we don’t want to [build affordable blocks]; it’s because the land is limited, and you have to already have the land in order to apply for the tax credit. … There are a lot of long-standing parcel owners that are just not letting go of their land because they think it’s going to continue to go up in price, and they’re not wrong. But what’s your magic number?” Still, she’s hopeful that Las Vegas will eventually find the land we need, both for upscale and affordable apartments. “There’s still plenty of room left

Savwoir recognizes trends forming here that he’s seen before. “What’s happening in Vegas feels like what’s happened in Atlanta,” he says. “My brother lived in Atlanta in the 1990s, as it was booming, and was priced out. In 10 years. I don’t doubt that a chunk of the population will have to live in Pahrump, in Mesquite or in Ely and then commute into Las Vegas to go to work, because no one’s putting any cap on rent. … We have very lopsided power dynamics between tenants and landlords in Nevada, and we’re not doing enough to make sure there’s more parity there.” Affordable housing is vital to the Valley’s economic growth, and it’s much harder to come by than luxury flats. There are recent exceptions— the newly-opened Showboat Park Apartments on Boulder Highway and the planned Cine Apartments in North Las Vegas, both of which

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North Las Vegas, there’s relatively little open land left in the Valley. All those people have got to live somewhere, and since we can’t spread out as easily as we’d like, apartments are trending upward, both physically and market-wise. According to Vasquez, the tenants seeking out these apartments include frequent international visitors (“They’re cheaper than the Strip mega-suite where they typically stay”); retirees who don’t want to keep up a home anymore, but still want amenities like a pool and gym for their visiting kids and grandkids (“They like not having to entertain as much when they come over”); and new residents dropping into Vegas from other metros where they’re accustomed to multistory living. “That’s what they’ve lived in their whole life, so they don’t really understand how people can live in a two-story apartment complex,” Vasquez says. There are a number of those two-story apartment complexes lining E. Twain Avenue, between Paradise and Maryland Parkway. Many of those apartments aren’t in the best shape— “weathered” is the kindest way to put it—but lots of low-income folks live in them, and the arrival of luxury apartments practically at their doorstep raises concerns over what could happen when the owners of those depressed properties begin to entertain the idea of selling. Quentin Savwoir, deputy director of Make It Work Nevada—an organization dedicated to taking on the racial, economic and reproductive challenges faced by Black women and women of color—has a “consistent concern” over the possible ripple effects from this midrise boom, one that’s only exacerbated by what’s happening along that Twain corridor. “In that part of town, we’re too far from the airport for me to see tourists lugging baggage down [the street], so that lets me know that this is what folks have,” Savwoir says. “These are their belongings—in suitcases, in crates, in shopping carts.”

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

A living room inside a two-bedroom model at Showboat Park Apartments (Wade Vandervort/ Staff)

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

12.02.21

Local dancers and performers create the immersive vibe of Ushh: Backstory Pass. (OTBA, Remy Martin/Courtesy)

USHH: BACKSTORY PASS December 23-24, 28, 29, 31 & January 1, 8 p.m., $206. The Colosseum, 866-2275938.

CURTAINS

Behind the

C U L T U R E

Usher’s Backstory Pass experience creates a world all its own BY AMBER SAMPSON

hen you’re an eight-time Grammy Award-winning superstar with a musical legacy spanning 20-plus years and a soldout Las Vegas Strip residency, you don’t need much to keep people engaged. But with Ushh: Backstory Pass, Usher woos his fans like never before. Backstory takes guests on a theatrical, chooseyour-own-adventure as they’re led through the backstage area of the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, greeted by improv characters and granted the freedom to explore six themed rooms, all connected to what most inspires Usher, who opened his residency show here in July. “Usher is a huge fan of immersive theater,” says Troy Heard, Backstory creative producer and founder of Majestic Repertory Theater and Table 8 Immersive. “He’s been to [New York City production] Sleep No More many times. When he came to Vegas, instead of doing a traditional meet-and-greet, he wanted to create his own immersive experience.” Heard says this is the first time anything like this has been done on the Strip—essentially a companion performance piece to the artist’s marquee production in the Colosseum. “It’s a heightened reality,” Heard explains. “You’re really stepping into Usher’s imagination.” My experience begins at Club Ushh, a 1920s jazz den inspired by the Parisian staple Le Duc. A bowtied bartender accepts the only money that’s good here—my wooden Ushh coin—and mixes me a strong Rémy Martin sidecar. I tuck into a corner and watch a woman in an emerald green dress and her suspenders-clad partner swing it out on the dance floor. A live band anchored by local singer Skye Dee Miles scores

the moment. As I listen, hints of the modern world shine through, like a strange alternate reality blending multiple eras. I’m bobbing my head to a jazzy rendition of a Kanye West and Jay-Z collaboration. I’m blown away by the seamlessness of it all, even more so when I hear some of Usher’s hits remixed through this roaring ’20s lens. Backstory spared no expense with its all-star cast of break dancers and former and current Cirque du Soleil and Spiegelworld performers, and they’re all local. “Usher requested it,” Heard says. “He wanted to make it very locally based, especially coming out of the year we’ve had where performers have been out of work.” Usher also invites these performers to play a part in his main show upstairs. “It meant a great deal, especially as an artist of color,” says Jillian Austin, who plays a fortune-reading character named the Feminine Divine. “It meant a lot to have Usher and his team come here and trust our local art scene.” The superstar isn’t just a bystander to his backstory either. He’s been known to walk the scene. That’s how I find myself locking eyes with him at Ushh City, a reimagining of Atlanta’s famous strip club Magic City. Well, I think I’m locking eyes with him, that is until I spot an elderly woman being escorted past me—directly to Usher. Dollars, err, Ushhbucks, fly out from every direction. But the R&B star is busy paying extra attention to this devoted fan. “I’m sitting there appreciating what he’s done for his fans, to court them for [almost] 30 years,” says Jason Nious, a seasoned Cirque performer and member of Backstory. “There’s no manipulation. There’s just a constant, I’m going to be who I am. I’m going to stay open with you guys, with my people who are following my story and my music, with my fans who’ve stuck with me.”

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

12.02.21

NOISE

AMI DIVINE

Ami Divine (Earl Swander/ Pieceful Hueman/ Courtesy)

Get to know this local musical enchantress

Who: A singer-songwriter fusing spoken word and poetry with R&B, jazz, neo-soul and more. Backstory: Divine grew up with two visionaries: her father, a poet and philosopher, and her mother, a dancer, painter and chef. In her formative years, Divine wrote poetry while developing an appreciation for musicians ranging from Jill Scott and Erykah Badu to Billie Holiday and

PLUS THE LIQUE

Fleetwood Mac. The Arizona native started out performing original poetry, but “I realized I could make songs and poetry together,” she says. Vegas vision: Divine arrived in town in 2012 and has since captivated audiences at the Bunkhouse, Artifice, the Space and Fergusons Downtown. Casting spells: Last year, Divine released Spells, an evocative debut she says served as a “therapy and healing tool” following the death of

both parents. Divine recorded the album in her tiny apartment, largely by herself. “I said, ‘If you know your sound, teach yourself how to create that sound. Nobody’s gonna hear what’s in your head but you.’” Next up: Divine plans to release new music—and merch—in 2022. “[On] Spells, I really wanted to pay homage to those who influenced me. This next EP is really going to be ‘the Divine sound.’” –Amber Sampson

SPELLS spoti.fi/3cNHSp3 apple.co/3r8Ts6s

Following the September death of vocalist Rasar Amani, the surviving members of jazzy Vegas hip-hop group The Lique have completed third album Imposter Syndrome. Listen to it beginning December 3 at thelique.bandcamp.com.

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

12.02.21

RODEO PARTY

DEE JAY SILVER December 2, 10:30 p.m., $20-$30; Zouk Nightclub, 702802-6460. December 3-11, 11 p.m.; Dawg House Saloon, 702676-6964.

Dee Jay Silver fires up NFR week at Resorts World

C U L T U R E

BY BROCK RADKE

ee Jay Silver has already spun at the new Ayu Dayclub and Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World Las Vegas. Now, he gets to spend a whole lot of time at the Strip’s newest property with his people—the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo crowd, made up of folks who like different kinds of music and different kinds of parties. Like many other casinos, Resorts World will be a hotbed of NFR action with dedicated spaces for pre- and afterparties. It’s also hosting the Bullfighters Only World Championship, an adjacent rodeo event, but Silver will be anchoring the Wrangler-sponsored Rodeo World parties every night at the huge Dawg House Saloon & Sportsbook, just around the corner from the theater where Carrie Underwood kicks off her residency this week. “I’ve been blessed to be able to play about every property on the Strip in the last 10 years, but I’ve never been part of a grand opening of a casino or the first person to stay in a hotel room the way I was at Resorts World,” Silver says. “That was a great few days in June, and the property has been everything they said it would be and more. They got the best of the best in Las Vegas and brought them over to run this place.”

You could say Silver’s gigs at Dawg House and Zouk— where he kicks off NFR week on December 2—are part of that best-of-the-best strategy. Silver is unquestionably one of the top open-format, country-friendly DJs in the game, the first DJ to sign with a Nashville record label and a frequent touring partner of Jason Aldean, Chris Young, Kane Brown, Florida Georgia Line, fellow Resorts World resident Luke Bryan and many more. Silver has also been spinning on Las Vegas Raiders game days at MGM Resorts’ Bud Light Beer Garden tailgating experience outside Luxor. “I appreciate the fact that [Resorts World] saw the value in NFR and decided to make this into Rodeo World, and Dawg House is going to be the one-stop shop for everybody coming to Las Vegas,” he says. “You walk into the club and you’re elbowing it up with DJ Snake, Zedd and all those guys, so you better be on your game, and that’s exciting to be a part of. But it’s also exciting to roll into Dawg House and play ‘Get Low’ and just throw a party.” One of the busiest DJs in the industry, Silver took some time off during the pandemic, like everybody else, but he picked up quickly with private gigs in Florida and returned to Las Vegas as soon as possible.

“It’s amazing how many people I’ve talked to who haven’t been back to Vegas this year,” he says. “But I understand. It’s a huge part of my life, and I’m just so glad to see it coming back. Nothing against Texas, but NFR belongs in Las Vegas.” He’ll play with Aldean again next week at Dolby Live at Park MGM before focusing on the Super Bowl, finishing an album for a 2022 release and hitting festivals next year. But it’s always one gig at a time for Dee Jay Silver, and right now, it’s all about welcoming country fans back to Vegas. “Dawg House will be the center of it all, and everybody will be there,” he says.

Dee Jay Silver (Meg Blair/Courtesy)

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

12.02.21

“D FOOD

+ FUN

The festivities at Spiegelworld’s Superfrico pair perfectly with its menu

C U L T U R E

BY BROCK RADKE

Superfrico’s chicken Parm (Wade Vandervort/ Staff)

are we say Superfrico is Las Vegas’ most Las Vegiest place?” It’s quite the question posed on the website for this new Italian restaurant at the Cosmopolitan, the first full-fledged F&B experience for the edgy entertainment company Spiegelworld. It’s evocative and brash, but it’s not wrong. Spiegelworld has created three of the Strip’s most fun and mischievous shows, and a fourth arrives next year. Opium is the one that lives in the same space as Superfrico,

and there’s some very spontaneous-feeling entertainment happening in the dining room, too. Though we’re focusing on the food for now, you can’t really take a piece of this experience and separate it from the rest. Nowhere else will you find a fantastic, square slice of buttery, crispy pizza topped with pistachio pesto, mortadella and stracciatella ($19 for four squares) in a slightly psychedelic environment while a juggler or burlesque artist does weird things a few feet away. That’s

SUPERFRICO Cosmopolitan, 702-534-3419. WednesdaySunday, 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

why it’s so Vegas. Make no mistake, the food and drinks are the main attraction. Start with that pizza and a Porn Star Martini (with tequila and passion fruit) or a Chocolate Boulevardier from Beard Award winner Leo Robitschek’s cocktail menu. The bright and beautiful giardiniera ($11)—basically a salad of wonderful pickles—and the artfully composed calamari with basil oil ($18) are my

12.02.21

decadent. Before you get one of those, share the king crab bucatini ($38) or the lamb sausage ragu pasta ($24) with Mediterranean flavors of mint, labneh and za’atar. Is Superfrico tasty enough to want to go without the show? Absolutely. But the food and fun and service will make you want to stay out all night, so you might need to catch the late performance of Opium, or at least wander around until you find the ski lodge bar or some other discovery you haven’t been made yet.

39I

Wolf Down’s beef döner (Wade Vandervort/Staff)

F O

other favorite starters. At the heart of chef Anthony Falco’s menu of riffs on classics are those square pies, a completely separate section of round pies (either shape offers vegetarian or vegan options), some amazing pasta creations and a few big plates worth sharing with your friends. The chicken Parm ($32) is perfect, crispy and rich and cheesy with an unexpected citrus kick that sticks with you. A 40-ounce tomahawk ($185) is the ballers-only flex, but the New York strip ($65) is really all you need, juicy and

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

Savor a döner or two at Berlin street-food spot Wolf Down

LIKE THE WOLF

HUNGRY? BY GEOFF CARTER

I N K

WOLF DOWN 3853 Spring Mountain Road, 725-204-7632. Daily, 11 a.m.-midnight.

they say), and how you’d like your döner delivered—as a sandwich, rice bowl or salad, all $12. (Extra protein and bread are $3 apiece.) Place your order and wait in the airy dining room, sparsely decorated but for two neon signs that read, “Screw it, let’s do it” and “This is our happy place.” Then watch your meat being carved from the vertical spit and stuffed into Wolf Down’s delicious, sesame-crusted flatbread with a generous helping of veggies. You might be close to drooling by the time the döner makes it to your hands, and your first bite will exceed expectations. The crispness of the leafy greens, the peppery flavor of the meat and the finishing punch of the sauces (my advice: mix them) satisfies like the riff from “Live Wire.” It’s a burst of pyro exploding on your taste buds, and you’ll definitely want an immediate encore. That’s umlaut power, right there.

n Every metalhead knows that something’s extra-badass when it requires an umlaut. It’s true of Motörhead and Mötley Crüe, and it’s especially true of the döner, a rib-sticking, gyro-like treat cooked up by Turkish migrants on the streets of Berlin. Wolf Down, a Canadian import now open in Chinatown’s jam-packed dining nexus the Center at Spring Mountain, brings the döner to Vegas—and like “Ace of Spades,” it rocks like nothing else. Created by first-time restaurateur Joelle Parenteau with help from the German co-founders of e-commerce company Shopify, Wolf Down is such a simple concept, you’ll probably underestimate the place when you first walk in. The menu, painted white on a solid black wall, is simple: Choose a protein (beef, chicken or tofu), veggies (it comes with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, cabbage and onion), a sauce (“secret” is creamy and mildly sweet; “spicy” is exactly what

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

FEILD DAYS National Finals Rodeo— and superstar rider Kaycee Feild—return to Las Vegas after a year away

C U L T U R E

BY RAY BREWER

Kaycee Feild (James Phifer/ Courtesy)

NFR WEEK IN VEGAS

NATIONAL FINALS RODEO 2021

When: December 2-11, 5:458:15 p.m.

Where: Thomas & Mack Center

Tickets: $76 for singleday seats, nfr experience.com.

Shuttle: The free Teton Ridge NFR Express has 14 routes covering the Las Vegas Convention Center and 24 host hotel properties. It hits all parts of the Valley, ranging from Sam’s Town in east Las Vegas to the Plaza Downtown. It runs daily from 4 p.m., pausing from 6-8:15 p.m. during the event and then running until 9:45 p.m.

12.02.21

Report

Raiders receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) runs a pass route against Jourdan Lewis during a Thanksgiving Day game against the Cowboys. (Associated Press)

n LAST WEEK: RAIDERS 36, COWBOYS 33 The Raiders put on a show in the traditional Thanksgiving afternoon time slot, and the largest television audience for an NFL regular season game since 1990 tuned in for it. Las Vegas led for most of the game, and though it ultimately took overtime, the Raiders knocked off the heavily favored Cowboys. Quarterback Derek Carr passed for 373 passing yards, with slot receiver Hunter Renfrow (eight catches for 134 yards) and deep threat DeSean Jackson (three catches for 102 yards) serving as his favorite targets. Kicker Daniel Carlson was the other star, converting on all five of his field goal attempts, including a 56-yarder late in regulation and the 29-yard game winner. n This Week: Washington Football Team (4-6 at press time) at Raiders (6-5) When: Sunday, December 5, 1 p.m. Where: Allegiant Stadium TV: Fox 5 Radio: 920 AM, 92.3-FM Betting line: Raiders -2.5, over/under: 49

T S

n Raider to Watch: Quarterback Marcus Mariota With the Raiders heading into the Cowboys matchup on a three-game losing streak, some fans were calling for Mariota to start over Carr. The latter’s bounced back, but the Raiders did integrate Mariota into the offense more. Las Vegas has a special package designed around Mariota’s speed and utilized it twice against the Cowboys for the first time this season. Mariota even scored his first touchdown, sprinting in a four-yard option run. “The Mariota Package” should be more of a staple for the rest of the season, assuming the oft-injured former Heisman Trophy winner can stay healthy. –Case Keefer

n Matchup: This is the easiest game left on Las Vegas’ schedule, making it close to a must-win if the Raiders hope to maintain their playoff hopes. Las Vegas comes into the game tied for the final AFC wildcard spot, but the Chargers currently hold a head-to-head tiebreaker. That’s not to say Washington doesn’t present challenges, having improved over the second half of the season. Washington has one of the best receivers in the NFL in third-year player Terry McLaurin, along with a strong defensive line, even after losing reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year winner Chase Young to an ACL injury two weeks ago. On the Raiders’ injury front, all eyes are on tight end Darren Waller, who exited the Cowboys’ game with a knee injury. Reportedly it’s not serious.

Bryan Horwath contributed to this story.

RAIDERS

vaccine, which changed the scope of the event significantly. Outside appearances were scratched over safety concerns, meaning Field went just from hotel to stadium—over and over on a nightly basis. “During the day, we weren’t allowed to go anywhere. We were secluded,” he says. “For the first time in 13 years, I felt relaxed and comfortable.” Feild captured the bareback riding title again in 2020, his fifth overall and first since 2014. Schedules will mostly be returning to normal this year in Las Vegas with appearances, parties and concerts up and down the Strip between the actual rodeo sessions—but not for Feild. After last year’s success, he plans to continue taking it easy between rounds. He’s in contention for the title again, having registered seven wins on the circuit throughout the year. But winning won’t be easy. The NFR gathers the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding. All the world-class competitors aim for the same thing as Feild— peaking at the end of the year on the sport’s biggest stage. “It’s such a rewarding feeling to hear [the fans in Las Vegas] get excited for your performance,” Feild says. With the exception of 2020, NFR has stopped in Las Vegas every year since 1985. The 35-year marriage has benefited the city and the rodeo, bringing millions of dollars in revenue to the area during an otherwise slow time in December and providing a fitting spectacle for the biggest event in the sport. “Vegas rolls out the red carpet for NFR,” says Allen Rheinheimer, general manager of the NFR. “We hope to just continue to improve this event in Las Vegas every year. I’m over the moon about being back.”

43I

aycee Feild had just put the finishing touches on his record-setting fourth-consecutive National Finals Rodeo bareback riding title with a final-night performance that brought a packed Thomas & Mack Center crowd to its feet and roaring with applause. Feild, a Utah native and son of Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Lewis Feild, stood there soaking it all in. The younger Feild had spent most of his life traveling the rodeo circuit, having realized at a young age how important it was for cowboys to bring their best to Las Vegas each December—which he did on that memorable night in 2014. “Honestly, my brain was rattling, because that place was so loud,” Feild, now 34, remembers. “That sound, that feeling, it sticks out in my career.” NFR returns to Las Vegas December 2-11 at the Thomas & Mack Center after spending 2020 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, due to Nevada’s pandemic restrictions. Fans will be required to wear masks at this year’s event, but there’s no vaccine requirement, and capacity crowds are anticipated. Feild, one of the most decorated competitors in NFR history, says the Thomas & Mack remains hallowed ground in rodeo. The fans are virtually right on top of the competitors, he says, providing a more intimate feel than at other, more spread-out, venues. That energy has brought out the best in him over the years, he explains. “Nothing compares to the Thomas & Mack Center and the presence of the NFR. It’s better than any Las Vegas show on the Strip.” The pandemic changed life for athletes across all sports last year with interrupted competition dates, altered training regimens and empty stadiums among the challenges. It was no different in rodeo. Feild found himself with unanticipated downtime in 2020 but ended up making the most of it. Last year’s NFR took place in the weeks before the rollout of the COVID

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

VEGAS INC BUSINESS

12.02.21

BANKING & FINANCE

CSN NON-DEGREE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM WILL WIDEN BANKING TALENT POOL

BY BRYAN HORWATH VEGAS INC STAFF

evada’s banking community has teamed with the College of Southern Nevada to offer an online, non-degree banking certificate program, debuting in January at the start of the spring semester. Phyllis Gurgevich, president and CEO of the Nevada Banking Association, said the certificate, which consists of four core classes—bank management; fundamentals of corporate finance; financial institutions, markets and money; and accounting—will typically take about a year for students to complete. “These courses are really for employees and perspective employees who aren’t finance majors,” Gurgevich said. “These are people who typically aren’t in roles that will require a degree in finance or higher education in the area of accounting. Still, if you’re working in the industry, it’s important to understand the basics—how banks operate, how loans are structured, things like that.” Gurgevich said members of the association wanted to create something that could lead to the establishment of another talent “pipeline” for banks, something different than a four-year finance degree that an institution like UNLV would offer. “A lot of times, students don’t think of banking as a viable career,” Gurgevich said. “We wanted to promote the career path as something that is viable.” Gurgevich said it wasn’t initially clear how such a certificate program would be implemented. The association’s members considered teaching courses on their own, without the help of an educational institution, but they instead zeroed in on what CSN and accounting instructor

Michael Myers could offer. Myers has a background in the private sector in investment banking. “I designed the program to be a kind of soup-to-nuts understanding of what’s going on in the banking industry,” Myers said. Traditionally, Myers said, banks have been places that attract employees from different types of backgrounds. “Banks have English majors, history majors, teachers, people who just have high school diplomas or even GEDs,” Myers said. “A lot of times, people who haven’t pushed themselves in life are actually very smart people. This can be a way for them to get that extra piece of education that could help them and help the industry.” For many reasons—including the

ongoing effects of the coronavirus pandemic—companies in many industries have struggled to find and retain employees. In an October research paper, Goldman Sachs strategists wrote that labor market tightness could be a challenge “for many companies for years.” That means it could be as important as ever for companies to nurture an employment base. “Given the kind of growth we’re having in Nevada, it’s likely that banking will be a growing industry here for years to come,” Myers said. James York, founding principal, president and CEO of Valley Bank of Nevada, helped with the program’s framework. He joined the banking industry nearly 40 years ago, having received a non-degree certificate through a similar,

now-defunct program. A former chairman of the Nevada Banking Association, York holds a two-year degree from CSN and a finance degree from UNLV. “As bankers, we have tellers and new accounts specialists and customer service people who don’t have the general knowledge of the different facets of banking,” York said. “I’m looking forward to putting some of my entry-level employees through this program.” Any employee who takes the initiative to get the certificate might possibly gain an advantage were they to come up for a promotion, York said “For us as an industry, this will mean a lot,” York said. “It’s something more than just having people shadow and receive over-the-shoulder training. Being a graduate of both CSN and UNLV, I really wanted to get our local colleges involved. This will, I think, be a great marriage. It’s going to be a nice addition for our industry.” Along with the four core classes, students within the certificate program can also pursue “specialty” areas, which could include courses on wealth management and cybersecurity.

The College of Southern Nevada will offer an online, non-degree banking certificate program. (Shutterstock)

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VEGAS INC BUSINESS

12.02.21 BANKING & FINANCE

GUEST COLUMN

THREE TAKEAWAYS FROM PPP ON HOW BUSINESS OWNERS CAN BEST ENGAGE WITH THEIR BANKER

BY BERNARD BERMUDEZ was Easter 2020. The kids were hunting for Easter eggs while I was frantically looking for my notes. I was about to meet with a client who was applying for the first round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), an SBAbacked loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Juggling being a family man and a businessman was quite the balancing act. The night prior, I was up until 3 a.m. working with another client who was trying to correct errors she’d made on her PPP application. The funds ran out in a matter of weeks, and I felt at times like more of a therapist than a banker. The business community was scrambling, and I was, too. I did everything I could to relay timely information and found myself repeating the advice of a good friend: Anxiety is relieved with information. So, I listened attentively during internal meetings and relayed what I knew. I felt a strong connection to the business community—a connection that to this day makes me happy that I chose the field of banking. I always told myself that I wanted to choose a career in which I helped people. So I studied political science in college and thought about being a lawyer. While working full time at the bank and attending to my undergraduate degree, it seemed clear that I was enjoying the people aspect of banking.

I imagine that my experiences with PPP were no different than any other banker. During that time, I worked seven-day weeks, and the intensity was nothing I had experienced in my nearly 30-year career. As I reflect back, I can’t help but think about what I could have done differently or better. How can I become a more engaged banker? What can business and nonprofit clients do to better prepare to get access to capital? Who is the driver of this—the borrower or the lender? When is a good time to discuss credit needs? Why did so many businesses feel invisible to their banker during PPP? Today, I’ve come up with three main takeaways from those chaotic days. The first was the significance of annual checkups between a banker and a business client. Specifically, business financials should be provided by clients to their banker annually. This way, everyone can be proactive, and bankers can educate their clients on any cash flow challenges or surplus. Many borrowers approach their banker when they need money and time is of the essence. I wonder how much more would get

accomplished if a borrower proactively reviewed his or her business returns and other financials annually for a check-up, the way we do with our doctors every year. This offensive strategy can prove useful to determine how much money a company really needs and uncover how to best manage cash flow. Nobody could have predicted the financial demands during the PPP days, but a regular discussion about financials would have made the application process much easier for both parties. Access to capital now becomes easier for our community since bankers can guide borrowers to understand their true cash position. Business owners and nonprofit leaders frequently set themselves up for failure by going into a bank unprepared. Three years of detailed financial statements, preferably prepared by an outside accountant, are usually required when applying for a loan. Most banks also request three years of business and personal tax returns. Why not have these in the bank file so your banker can act quickly when you need funds? The second takeaway is a further

appreciation of the power of personal relationships. This is a powerful tool for business owners and should be established before a business asks for money. This established relationship was missing for many during the PPP process. And when borrowers wanted help and reached out to a customer service number, they felt lost and unheard, leaving many unable to access funds in time. A banker can be a business and nonprofit’s best advocate. A sound partnership can help ensure not only access to funds, but a strong relationship beyond transactions. Establishing this clearly takes work, but the end result can be a trusted adviser who sees opportunity before it’s needed, which can be critical to one’s success. Engaging with one another ensures access during tough times. The final takeaway is the importance of how material is presented. This can best be accomplished by introducing your banker to your accountant. The result is organized financials and an open line of communication. Ask your accountant to not only prepare the financial statements but also to review various financial issues so you can easily answer questions. Especially during uncertain times, this makes the loan process much smoother and helps get a timely response. PPP is becoming a distant memory, like my Easter family get-together in 2020. But every time a business reaches out for a loan request, I’ll never forget how we rallied together in early 2020. Many of our relationships were solidified and the business of friendship was introduced. Bernard Bermudez is a senior vice president, relationship manager at Enterprise Bank & Trust. He has more than 25 years of experience in commercial banking.

A banker can be a business and nonprofit’s best advocate. A sound partnership can help ensure not only access to funds, but a strong relationship beyond transactions. Establishing this clearly takes work, but the end result can be a trusted adviser who sees opportunity before it is needed, which can be critical to one’s success.

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VegasInc Notes Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada announced Sarah Lester joined its board of directors. Lester is the senior vice president, business banking market leader at U.S. Bank, where she is responsible for a team Lester of 50 business bankers serving Las Vegas communities. In addition to her banking and financial acumen, she brings health care and Junior Achievement volunteering experience for a comprehensive financial health contribution to the nonprofit organization that teaches financial education to K-12 youth. Founding partners James Pisanelli and Todd Bice, of the litigation firm Pisanelli Bice, announced the firm earned seven Tier 1 rankings by U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” for 2022. The firm’s top-level designations were in the areas of Bet-the-Company Litigation, Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Litigation – Construction, Litigation – Mergers and Acquisitions, and Litigation – Real Estate.

Coreprime, a Nevada-based commercial insurance brokerage specializing in the design and management of employee benefit programs for companies, announced Dylan Check was promoted to senior benefits adviser and Caitlin Hollingsworth joined as the firm’s employee benefits advisor. In his new role, Check will have a greater focus on sales and high-level responsibility for the design and management of the employee benefit programs for companies across the region. Hollingsworth will establish relationships with business owners and executives across Southern Nevada and serve as a primary point of contact as the firm designs and manages each client’s employee benefit programs. Prior to joining the team at Coreprime, Hollingsworth spent almost a decade in hotel and convention sales at a five-star luxury resort on the Strip. Gov. Steve Sisolak announced that Kristen Averyt joined his administration as the state’s first senior climate adviser. Averyt will lead the coordination of climate policies across the state in coordination with multiple executive branch agencies including

the Governor’s Office of Energy, the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Nevada Department of Transportation and more. Averyt’s new position compliments her role as research professor at UNLV. Prior to joining UNLV, Averyt served as president of Desert Research Institute.

during the Public Relations Society of America Las Vegas Valley chapter’s 25th annual PRSA Pinnacle Awards. Individual awards included PR Practitioner of the Year to Stephanie Ceccarelli, vice president of public relations, and Newcomer of the Year to Alex Hurley, public relations manager.

Reesha Powell was named executive director of the Nevada Police Union. Prior to joining NPU, Powell spent 25 years serving Nevada within the Division of Child and Family Powell Services, working in multiple roles and ultimately retiring as the child welfare deputy administrator. Upon retiring, she began working with NPU as the executive assistant and has been with NPU for approximately two years.

Las Vegas Realtors presented its annual awards to some of its leading and longtime members, including Chris Bishop, a past president who was honored with the association’s Realtor Bishop of the Year award. Additional recipients included: Joan Kuptz – Frank Sala/ Marv Rubin Award, recognizing long-term commitment to grassroots political action and protecting private property rights; Keith Lynam – Jack Woodcock Distinguished Service Award; Kimberly Alexander and Charles “Scott” Emerson – Good Neighbor Award for community service; Keith Kelley – Ronn Reiss Award for educational excellence and leadership; Mark Stark – Gene Nebeker Memorial Award for professionalism and service to LVR and the community; and Thomas Blanchard, Tim Kuptz and Tommy Uribe – LVR Hall of Fame inductees.

The American Institute of Architects awarded Christopher Lujan and Maggie Will of TSK Architects with 2020 Emerging Professional awards. The Western Mountain Region Design Awards program, which encompasses six states, recognized 10 people. MassMedia Marketing, Advertising, PR was awarded two individual awards and six prestigious recognitions for several client initiatives

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D R. VON TOBEL | D R. ANG - E R M OC I LL A D R. ERM OCI LL A | DR . E M E RY

MARYL AND PARKWAY

SMOKE RANCH ROAD

N EW L AKE SAHARA DRIVE

2870 S Maryland Pkwy, Suite 120

7190 Smoke Ranch Rd, Suite 150

2650 Lake Sahara Dr, Suite 100

(702) 677-3911

(702) 677-3538

(702) 707-8026

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DELIVERY DRIVERS

NEEDED

CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

3365 E FLAMINGO ROAD STE 2, LAS VEGAS, NV 89121 4966 S RAINBOW BLVD STE 100, LAS VEGAS, NV 89118

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HENDERSON

DECATUR

EASTERN

RENO

50 Gibson Rd #170 Henderson, NV 89014 (702) 476-0420

5347 S Decatur Blvd #100 Las Vegas, NV 89118 (702) 476-0420

8605 South Eastern Ave Suite A Las Vegas, NV 89123 (702) 476-0420

100 W. Plumb Lane Reno, NV 89509 (775) 244-1420

While supplies last. This is a cannabis product. Keep out of reach of children. For use only by adults 21 years of age and older.

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circalasvegas.com | @circalasvegas 8 Fremont Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101 | 702-247-2258 Circa Las Vegas is a 21+ experience. We encourage you to gamble responsibly. For problem gambling, call the Problem Gamblers Helpline at 800.522.4700.