2022-12-22-Las-Vegas-Weekly

EDITORIAL

Senior Editor GEOFF CARTER (geo .carter@gmgvegas.com)

Editor at Large BROCK RADKE (brock.radke@gmgvegas.com)

Deputy Editor EVELYN MATEOS (evelyn.mateos@gmgvegas.com)

Sta Writer SHANNON MILLER (shannon.miller@gmgvegas.com)

Sta Writer AMBER SAMPSON (amber.sampson@gmgvegas.com)

Contributing Writers GRACE DA ROCHA,HILLARY DAVIS, MIKE GRIMALA, CASEY HARRISON, KATIE ANN MCCARVER, DANNY WEBSTER

Contributing Editors RAY BREWER, JUSTIN HAGER, BRYAN HORWATH, CASE KEEFER, DAVE MONDT

O ce Coordinator NADINE GUY

CREATIVE

Art Director CORLENE BYRD (corlene.byrd@gmgvegas.com)

Senior Designer IAN RACOMA

Photo Coordinator BRIAN RAMOS

Photographers CHRISTOPHER DEVARGAS, STEVE MARCUS, WADE VANDERVORT

DIGITAL

Publisher of Digital Media KATIE HORTON Web Content

ADVERTISING & MARKETING

PRODUCTION & CIRCULATION

LAS VEGAS WEEKLY 7 I 12.22.22

DJ Pauly D at Marquee (Tao Group Hospitality)

COVER STORY

ON THE COVER

Looking back on the biggest news stories from 2022. NEWS Nevada helps startup businesses get off the ground.

IN THE NEWS

A&E

Photo Illustration by Ian Racoma 36 24 40 5232

SPORTS UNLV’s women’s basketball team is flying high to start the season, and it’s no fluke.

SUPERGUIDE

SUPERGUIDE

22 DEC. THURSDAY

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS IMMERSIVE VIEWING EXPERIENCE

When Disney released Tim Burton and Henry Selick’s stop-motion animated masterpiece The Nightmare Before Christmas to theaters in 1993, audiences largely bypassed it; Nightmare was the year’s 24th-highest grossing film, just below the forgotten John Hughes family comedy Dennis the Menace. But over time, its stature grew through home viewings and merchandising. (Arguably, it helped Hot Topic to become the gothy retail juggernaut it is today.) Now, multiple generations of would-be Halloween Townies yearn to live in Nightmare’s world from Halloween through Christmas, and thanks to this Area15 holiday event, they can do just that. Set in the Portal—Area15’s 360-degree, projection-mapped theatrical space—this one-of-akind Nightmare screening features immersive sound and lighting e ects. And there’s a curated cocktail menu for us elder goths, because we can’t live on jellied brains alone. 12/22-12/26 & 12/28-12/29, times vary, $20-$40, the Portal at Area15, area15.com. –Geo Carter

UNLV MEN’S BASKETBALL VS. SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI 7 p.m., Thomas & Mack Center, unlvtickets.com.

PEPPA PIG LIVE 2 & 6 p.m., Orleans Showroom, ticketmaster.com.

VEGAN WONDERLAND HOLIDAY POP-UP Noon, & 12/23, Neon Desert Brewing, veganwonderlandlv.com.

NEVADA BALLET THEATRE: THE NUTCRACKER 7:30 p.m., & 12/23 (& 12/24, 2 p.m.), Reynolds Hall, thesmithcenter.com.

DAVID GBORIE Thru 12/25, 7:30 p.m. (& 9:30 p.m. 12/23-12/24), Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club, ticketmaster. com.

KRISTINA SKY 10 p.m., Commonwealth, seetickets.us.

LENNON ROACH’S COWBOY CHRISTMAS 10 p.m., Sand Dollar Lounge, thesanddollarlv.com.

MYSTIC FALLS PARK WINTER WONDERLAND Thru 12/23, times vary, Sam’s Town, samstownlv.com.

JAZZ OUTREACH

INITIATIVE: DUKE ELLINGTON’S NUTCRACKER SUITE 6 p.m., Starbright Theatre, app. arts-people.com.

DJ BUZA 10:30 p.m., Tao Nightclub, events. taogroup.com.

MUSIC

(Courtesy/Virginia Trudeau, NBT)

23 DEC. FRIDAY PLAN YOUR WEEK AHEAD

KAREN HESTER: DOLLY TRIBUTE 8 p.m., Chrome Showroom, ticketmaster.com.

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS. ST. LOUIS BLUES 7 p.m., T-Mobile Arena, axs.com.

ADELE 8 p.m., & 12/24, the Colosseum, ticketmaster.com.

RON WHITE 10 p.m., & 12/24, Mirage Theatre, mirage.mgmresorts. com.

MIKEY FRANCIS 10:30 p.m., Omnia Nightclub, events. taogroup.com.

THE BITTERS With Stagnetti’s Cock, Santa Muerte, 10 p.m., Double Down Saloon, doubledownsaloon. com.

PSYCOS BEFORE CHRISTMAS

With Hi Tech Pirates, Triceradrops, Side Kicks & more, 9 p.m., Rockstar Bar, rockstarbarlv.com.

TOM RODRIGUEZ: MAGIC TOM HOLIDAY SPECIAL 7 p.m., Fremont Country Club, eventbrite.com.

PHOREYZ 10:30 p.m., Hakkasan Nightclub, events. taogroup.com.

THE EAZY 9 p.m., Red Dwarf, reddwarflv.com.

AJ BRAMAN JAZZ TRIO

With Cheyenne Adams, 7 p.m., Maxan Jazz, maxanjazz.com.

LUCKY LOU 10:30 p.m., Jewel Nightclub, events. taogroup.com.

RED PENNY ARCADE 8 p.m., the Underground, themobmuseum.org.

SIN CITY WITCHES SOLSTICE PARTY

Since prehistoric times, pagans have regarded the winter solstice—when Earth’s pole reaches the maximum tilt away from the sun—as a time of death giving way to new life. The Sin City Witches will keep the solstice party going through the longest night of the year, with live music, entertainment and dancing. The local group, which provides a self-described “inclusive” network for pagans, Wiccans and witches through social media and educational events, says all are welcome to enjoy the festivities. And of course, no dead-of-winter celebration would be complete without a solstice ritual, Yule tree lighting, and cash bar serving up holiday cocktails. 7 p.m. $15, Artifice, facebook.com/sincitywitches.

–Shannon Miller

FOR MORE UPCOMING EVENTS, VISIT LASVEGASWEEKLY.COM.

SUPERGUIDE

(Courtesy)

SUPERGUIDE

HOLIDAY CACTUS GARDEN LIGHTS

Thru 1/1, dates vary, 10 a.m., Ethel M Chocolates, ethelm.com.

ASKA YANG 4 p.m., Resorts World Theatre, axs.com.

GLITTERING LIGHTS

Thru 1/8, times vary, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, glittering lightslasvegas.com.

MAGICAL FOREST

Thru 12/31, dates vary, 5:30 p.m., Opportunity Village, opportunityvillage.org.

DJ FIVE 10:30 p.m., Marquee Nightclub, events. taogroup.com.

MIKE ATTACK 10:30 p.m., Tao Nightclub, events.taogroup.com.

COMEDYSPORTZ 7 p.m., Mom’s Basement Theatre, momsbasement theatre.com.

BAILONGO A LA MEXICANA 9 p.m., the Railhead, stationcasinolive.com.

DJ MONDO 10:30 p.m., Omnia Nightclub, events.taogroup.com.

KID CONRAD 10:30 p.m., Jewel Nightclub, events. taogroup.com.

25 DEC. SUNDAY

A-MEI

Lady Gaga is still the reigning queen of pop music at the epic Dolby Live theater, but A-Mei is taking over for the holiday weekend. The 50-year-old Taiwanese Puyuma singer is one of the biggest stars in the Mandarin-speaking world, having sold more than 50 million records and set the mark for most wins as Best Female Artist in the Golden Melody awards. Like Gaga, A-Mei has used her music and platform to comment on social issues and advocate for equality and acceptance, and she has crossed cultural boundaries as an indigenous artist; her breakthrough 1996 single “Sisters” featured Puyuma chants. One of her biggest hits, “Rainbow,” is considered an LGBTQ anthem, just another of the pioneering e orts that have earned A-Mei the title of “Matriarch of Mandopop.” The Las Vegas Strip has long seen international artists visit during Christmas, and A-Mei’s two ASMR World Tour stops at Park MGM are a compelling addition to this tradition. 12/24-12/25, 8 p.m., $515+, Dolby Live, ticketmaster.com. –Brock Radke

TOURNAMENT OF KINGS: TWAS THE KNIGHT

6 & 8:30 p.m., & 12/26, 12/28, Excalibur, mgm resorts.com.

MICHAEL SOLI 11 a.m., Freedom Beat, downtowngrand.com.

With

Jackie Fabulous, Nikki Carr, 7 & 9:30 p.m., Comedy Cellar, ticketmaster.com.

MONDAY

JON LOVITZ

Thru 12/28, 7 p.m., Laugh Factory, ticketmaster.com.

YO YOLIE 10:30 p.m., Jewel Nightclub, events.taogroup.com.

DARREN MOTAMEDY 7 p.m., Maxan Jazz, maxanjazz.com.

RJ REYES QUARTET 7 p.m., Gatsby’s Supper Club, eventbrite.com.

26 DEC.

JASON COLLINGS

With Dustin Nickerson, Derek Richards, thru 1/01, 8 p.m., Brad Garrett Comedy, bradgarrettcomedy.com.

KEY LEWIS Thru 1/01, L.A. Comedy Club, bestvegascomedy.com.

THEE SWANK BASTARDS 9 p.m., the Golden Tiki, facebook.com/ thegoldentikivegas.

THE HYPNOTIQUES

10 p.m., Sand Dollar Downtown, thesand dollarlv.com.

FOR MORE UPCOMING EVENTS, VISIT LASVEGASWEEKLY.COM.

SUPERGUIDE

JAMES MATTERN

Mark Pitta,

(Christopher DeVargas/Sta )

(Courtesy/Excalibur)

SUPERGUIDE

JIMMY POWERS & THE HANG DYNASTY

10 p.m., Sand Dollar Downtown, thesand dollarlv.com/downtown.

JEFF RETRO

10:30 p.m., Omnia Nightclub, events.taogroup.com.

KAY THE RIOT

9:30 p.m., Foundation Room, houseofblues.com.

PABLO CEBALLOS

10:30 p.m., Marquee Nightclub, events. taogroup.com.

4 p.m., Park West Gallery, parkwestgallery.com.

8:30 p.m., & 12/29, Gilley’s, gilleyslas vegas.com.

GABRIEL IGLESIAS

Oh, the weather outside is flu y. Since he exploded onto the comedy scene in the mid-aughts, pretty much every year has been an epic year for Gabriel “Flu y” Iglesias. (The nickname is one of the comic’s stages of body weight, which for reference are “big,” “healthy,” “husky,” “flu y,” “damn!” and “oh hell, no.” The author of this paragraph rates himself “husky.”) But the hard-working, LA-based comic’s 2022 has been, well, damn. On May 6 and 7, as part of the Netflix Is a Joke comedy festival, Iglesias became the first comic ever to play Dodger Stadium—and if that itself isn’t a big, flu y deal, he sold out both shows, performing to more than 45,000 people each night. (The event was immortalized in a Netflix special, Stadium Flu y.) But if you think he’s coming to Las Vegas to coast on his charm—to give anything less than one of his all-out hilarious, marathon-length shows—you better believe that’s a healthy “oh hell, no.” 12/27-12/30, 10 p.m., $60-$100, Mirage Theatre, mirage.mgm resorts.com.

–Geo Carter

SEANY MAC 9:30 p.m., Foundation Room, houseofblues.com.

LISA SMITH With The Geo Neuman Quartet, 7 p.m., Maxan Jazz, maxanjazz.com.

ARTIST MELANIE STIMMELL

MICHAEL MONROE GOODMAN

SAY GOODBYE TO HOLIDAY STRESSORS

Holiday feasts, festive cocktails and countless gatherings—this time of year is all about indulgence. While the jolly chaos of the season is part of the fun, giving yourself time to rest and recover is important too. Cannabis can help. Whether you’re nursing a hangover, quelling holiday-related anxieties, or you just want an excuse to relax by a re, consider incorporating cannabis into your holiday festivities.

+ just

While cannabis can’t truly cure a hangover, it can alleviate symptoms. Cannabis can help settle nausea, lessen anxiety and relieve pain. It can also help lull you into a peaceful daytime nap if you slept poorly from over imbibing. While both THC and CBD have pain-relieving properties, look to CBD options for easing hangover symptoms. Indica strains are especially good helpers—they are generally higher in CBD and other helpful cannabinoids and tend to promote relaxation.

Skip drinking entirely and opt for cannabis instead. Cannabis can increase social connectivity without hangover consequences and spiked blood sugar caused by alcohol. There are also THC-infused canned beverages on the market that are great for bringing to parties. You’ll have a drink to hold throughout the night without needing to excuse yourself for a cannabis break.

HAHA GUMMIES

Welcome laughter and happiness to relieve the tension of the season. These chewy gummies come in multiple flavors, including fruit punch, watermelon, blueberry and grapefruit 1:1, which is perfect for any cold-weather aches or pains.

MEDIZIN BLUEBERRY COOKIES

This indica hybrid is a sweet and calming strain—the perfect nightcap after a long day at the o ce or a tough workout. It’s also great for hangovers. Rich in myrcene, its rich berry flavor and dessert notes can leave you feeling relaxed and relieved.

Bring a little bit of summer flavor to the holiday season with this melon fizz vape cartridge. This gentle strain is especially good after a busy day of holiday gift wrapping.

Give yourself a treat and try something new at the dispensary. Here are some of our favorites.

DREAMLAND CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CUBES

These hand-crafted chocolate cubes feature bold and whimsical flavors and a peanut butter crunch. They’re ideal for winding down and watching holiday movies.

The holidays are notoriously stressful. A 2021 American Psychiatric Association survey reported that 41% of adults experience increased stress during the holiday season, with young adults more likely to report increases. That comes as no surprise when you consider the added costs of the season, gatherings, travel and more. But there may be a way to help combat those seasonal blues. A 2017 study by the University of Washington reported that THC in lower doses and CBD in all doses can decrease anxiety. Be thoughtful about your consumption, though. The study also reported that in higher doses, THC can increase anxiety, so if you’re using cannabis for relaxation from holiday stress, start with low-THC strains and/or utilize incremental edibles until you find your perfect dose.

TRENDI MELON FIZZ CARTRIDGE

Tenacious D talks Vegas, the joy of performing and leaf blowers

(Courtesy/Taylor Stephens)

COVER

STORY

BY GEOFF CARTER

We live in challenging times. Seasons change, time marches on, etc. And the only thing that we can be sure we’ll need in the years ahead, the root quality that transforms New Year’s resolutions into accomplishments, is tenacity. Luckily for us, its most notable practitioners, Grammy-winning comedy-rock duo Tenacious D— still Kyle Gass and Jack Black—is coming to the Theater at Virgin December 30 and 31 to provide an object lesson in tenacity, by way of rocking your [expletive] socks off.

A few weeks back, Tenacious D spoke to the Weekly via Zoom. It was nearly a performance itself: Black hyped the show while pacing his living room like a caged tiger, and Gass chuckled whenever his gardener drowned out conversation with his leaf blower. “He comes by once a week,” Gass said, waving out the window. “Hey, Pedro.”

Tenacious D first played Las Vegas in May 1999, opening up for Beck at the Tropicana. Was that the start of a Vegas love affair? Jack Black: An interesting, adventurous little relationship we’ve had with Vegas. Yes, it started with opening for Beck, but then we quickly realized how our fates would be intertwined again. We had a hella show at the thing called … Kyle, what the hell was that called? Let me hear that leaf blower again.

Kyle Gass: The Miller Genuine Draft Blind Date.

JB: Everyone from all over the country could call into their radio station, be the 13th caller and get to come to Vegas to see a “blind date” concert. Don’t know who it is! Could be anyone! It’s probably your favorite band! And they got everyone drunk over at the Miller Genuine Draft theater [actually the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, August 1999] and open up the curtain, and everyone was so disappointed that it was Tenacious D, because they had never heard of us. It was one of the most traumatic-yet-hilarious experiences of our lives.

So we were set up for, like, the third round. We had our first real

show in Vegas [the Joint at the Hard Rock, April 2002], and it was special; we f*ckin’ uncorked it that night. And we played a New Year’s Eve show [at the Hard Rock] in 2018, and we had so much fun, brought in the new year so powerfully, that we were like “We gotta do this sh*t again.” 2022, so long to you! 2023, come see the D!

I just made that up, by the way. Sorry I steamrolled you, Kyle, but you have a leaf blower.

KG: No problem at all. You know, I think they actually outlawed leaf blowers in LA, but they just said, “Well, we don’t care. We need those. Do what you want. You’re not going to get us all, that’s for sure.”

Will we get a preview of your new material? You’re working on an album, I hear. KG: Oh, yes. It’s a laborious process though. A lot of thought goes into it.

JB: Me and Kyle are overdue, actually, to go on a retreat. Airbnb out in the desert, in Joshua Tree. Next up, we have a plan to Airbnb up in the Pacific Northwest somewhere. Derive inspiration from the landscapes.

KG: The Redwoods.

JB: The last one that we went on … We were supposed to go on a four-day fast where we ate nothing, just water. We broke that rule almost immediately. We just started f*ckin’ snack attacking. On the next one, I really do want to f*ckin’ do it right. When we get f*ckin’ hungry, dizzy with hunger, it’s almost like an altered state. We’re so hungry, we’re delirious—and that’s when the f*ckin’ jams come.

Was COVID tough on band morale? You had to cancel your Purple Nurple Tour … KG: That was understandable. I mean, everyone was in the same boat together. But we had some fun projects during that time.

God, we did it again. We held the Senate. That was 90% due to Tenacious D.

KG: You’re welcome, democracy.

What keeps the band going after 20 years of nonstop rocking? Is it the writing? The recording? The performing?

KG: All three. There’s nothing like breaking through and having a new jam. But live performing is pretty gratifying, I gotta say. Our crowds are really quite generous and sometimes a little … I’m gonna call them psycho fans. There’s an intensity there that’s pretty fun.

TENACIOUS D With Wolves of Glendale. December 30, 8 p.m.; December 31, 9 p.m.; $49+. Theater at Virgin, virginhotelslv. com.

JB: We channeled all that Purple Nurple energy into the “Time Warp” music video [for Rock the Vote]. And by God, it worked; we got Trump out of there.

KG: Thin margin, but yeah.

JB: And a lot of people don’t know that we went on a little Rock the Vote tour, right before the midterm elections. And by

JB: I don’t think I’m ever happier than when we’re doing a concert and it’s going well. … To put that into perspective, when I turned 40, I was like, “I don’t want to have a birthday party; I hate birthday parties. They’re so stressful. I just want to do a birthday Tenacious D concert instead.” That’s what I choose to do, on my day, when I get to do whatever I want. And we did it again on my 50th birthday. That being said, there’s no feeling like cracking the code on a new song. I think it’s actually the hardest of those three things you mentioned. It’s strange, though, because when it happens, we just start playing and singing and on the first take of improvisation, out plops out a whole song that’s like, “Wait, that was as easy as falling off a f*ckin’ log. Why can’t they all be like that? Why can’t we write masterpieces every time?” It’s a mysterious conundrum, this path we chose.

BY AMBER SAMPSON

The founding members of Durand Jones & The Indications are getting their second wind. After completing their Cruisin’ in the Park tour earlier this year in support of 2021’s Private Space, the soul revivalists, known for their silkened falsettos and retro-’70s flair, embarked on one of their busiest touring schedules to date. They performed in Tokyo for the first time, hit the road with Jack Johnson over the summer, and joined Greta Van Fleet on tour.

Now Durand Jones (vocals), Aaron Frazer (vocals/drums) and Blake Rhein (guitar) are ready for what’s next, including a New Year’s Eve show at Brooklyn Bowl in Las Vegas. It’s nearly all they think about.

“We’ve been hitting the road really, really hard,” Jones says, “but even though we have this time off and it’s going to be awesome to spend some time with family, I think we’re all having the mindset of these shows at the end of the year.”

Jones, Frazer and Rhein chatted with the Weekly about the emotional fuel behind Private Space and why it’s important to loosen up and go solo from time to time.

You threw down a great set here earlier this year for Memorial Day Weekend. How do you intend to top that for New Year’s Eve?

Durand Jones: I remember it was 2010 on New Year’s Eve, and I was playing with this band out in the middle of nowhere in North Louisiana. We were about to do the “Auld Lang Syne” thing, and one of the musicians pulled me aside and he was like, “From here on out, you’re always going to be the moment maker. You’re not going to be with your girl, the kisser on midnight. You’re gonna be the guy singing the song. You’re gonna be that guy that’s a part of

Durand Jones & The Indications on embracing sexy and making New Year’s Eve memorable

making those moments special.”

It still gives me chills to this day to know that you have a duty—you’re responsible for making some magical moment happen. I think about that every New Year’s that I’ve done since then, especially with this band. … I really want to make it magical for people.

Who were some pivotal musicians for you growing up? Aaron Frazer: Hip-hop, growing up, I think shaped me as a musician today. A lot of how I learned how to drum was being in my basement and putting on a record like [Nas’] Illmatic or [Jay-Z’s] Reasonable Doubt. I would drum every track as it came on. Those not only shaped my understanding of what a pocket feels like, but also shaped my love for simple, repetitive drumming. It’s not fancy. I think that to play soul music, or at least the kind of soul music we do, everyone has to understand that while their part individually may be simple, they’re contributing to something bigger and more beautiful than what they’re doing alone.

DJ: Growing up in Hillaryville, [Louisiana], I used to take it for granted so much—my grandmother bringing me and my brother and my sister to church every Sunday and hearing all of these amazing singers who didn’t necessarily aspire to do what I’m doing now. The Sunday service was good enough. I think about those folks all the time and … they really played a huge influence on my path as an artist and in the way that I do music. And, of course, the greats stick out to me, like Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, Luther Vandross, but also those folks down in rural Louisiana.

Private Space, your 2021 album, feels fueled by romance and sensuality. Where were you emotionally when you worked on it? AF: There’s definitely love and sensuality on the brain, but it’s also a lot of being in a very di cult time. When the pandemic started, we all took a little while away from songwriting. … At the end of the day, I come back to

p.m. $45-$95.

an idea that Durand talks about a lot, of The Love Song, The Protest Song, and The Party Song as the pillars of soul music. In a way, [it’s] that road map, that blueprint, that permission structure that soul music gives you to feel all of your emotions together—the loving stu , the mourning, the anger, hope, frustration, whatever —soul music lets you feel all of that and bring that all together. … Private Space reflects all of that.

Durand, you’ve said that when people listen to this album, you want them to close their eyes and forget where they are. Where do you go mentally when you perform material from Private Space live? DJ: Whenever I sing this music on Private Space, I feel a lot more grown. I feel a lot sexier. I feel a lot smoother in my approach. I … I’m trying to embrace that, and also on the dancier stu , I’m in a state of joy. It’s so cliché, but I dance like nobody’s watching. I don’t consider myself to be a dancer at all, but I be getting down on that stage. How could I not when the band’s groovin’ so hard?

AF: When we play the songs live, I’ve been focused more on finding our collective joy onstage together. I think about our live show like a sword, where we spent so many years sharpening it. But the thing about blade edges is, if it’s too sharp, it actually will get blunted over time, because it’s too razor thin. By not focusing quite as much on the exact tightness, I think we’ve been able to access this evolution of the band and evolution of how we play songs from this record, and even our old [music] as well.

Blake Rhein: People come up to us and say, “You guys are so tight!” But I think you can only be tight to a certain extent. You’ve got to figure out a way to let it loosen up a little bit.

For more of this interview, visit lasvegasweekly.com.

YEAR-END CONCERTS

Adele December 30-31, the Colosseum, ticketmaster.com.

Bob the Drag Queen December 31, 24 Oxford, etix.com.

Bronx Wanderers December 31, South Point Grand Ballroom, ticketmaster.com.

Kevin Hart December 31-January 1, Resorts World Theatre, axs.com.

The Killers 8 p.m., the Chelsea, ticket master.com.

Bruno Mars December 30-31, Dolby Live, ticketmaster.com.

Pitbull December 31, Resorts World Events Center, rwlasvegas.com.

Doug Stanhope December 31, Plaza Showroom, plazatix.com.

Gwen Stefani December 30-31, Venetian Theatre, ticketmaster.com.

Time of Your Life Festival

Ft. Bush, Sugar Ray & more, Fremont Street Experience, vegas experience.com.

Durand Jones & The Indications With Thee Sinseers, December 31, 8:30

Brooklyn Bowl, ticketweb.com.

(AP Photo)

Where to celebrate the new year all around Las Vegas

BY BROCK RADKE

NYE AT AREA15

There are almost too many otherworldly experiences occurring most nights at Area15, and New Year’s Eve will be no di erent. Multiple packages are up for grabs depending how hard you wanna party, and some packages include admission to Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, Museum Fiasco, Wink World, Lifto and more; this might be the only night when you can truly do all the stu here. The afterparty is a separate ticket and starts after midnight, featuring a DJ set from Black Tiger Sex Machine in the A-Lot. December 31, 10 p.m., prices vary, area15.com.

JACKPOT NYE AT DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS EVENTS CENTER

You’ve got heavy hitters like Adele, Bruno Mars, Gwen Stefani and The Killers performing, but Deadmau5 is another of the brightest stars doing New Year’s Eve in Vegas this year. He’ll headline the first night of RVLTN’s massive party at the outdoor Downtown venue (with support from Porter Robinson, RL Grime, the Ghastly and Joyryde team-up Ghost Rydr and more) before sliding over to Area15’s A-Lot to drop a techno set under his Testpilot alias. Meanwhile, the second night of the 18-and-over bash Jackpot at DLVEC will feature Rezz, Black Tiger Sex Machine, Deorro, Noizu and others. Nothing like a down-and-dirty bass festival to bring in the new year. December 30-31, 6 p.m., $150, dlvec.com.

NYE 2023 AT FOUNDATION ROOM

Whether you wanna go classic or classy, the iconic rooftop lounge has you covered. General admission includes an open bar from 9-11 p.m., VIP bottle service packages start at $2,000 and the Diamond Package ($8,000) for 12 guests offers the most elevated service (get it?), prime views of the fireworks and two magnums of Perrier-Jouët plus two more giganto-bottles of your favorite spirits. December 31, 9 p.m., $150+, Mandalay Bay, houseofblues.com.

NYE 15-HOUR ROOFTOP PARTY AT TERRACE AFTERHOURS

Yeah, you read that right—the deepest grooves to get you into 2023 start at 9 and end at noon at the local after-hours party patio at Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club. Brett Rubin has curated a knockout lineup that starts with a headlining set by Shaded and a midnight performance by Oregon band Free Creatures, also featuring Xenaa, Demarco Cruz, J. Handel, Robyn Lee and more. December 31, 9 p.m., $75+, terraceafterhoursvegas.com.

NYE AT WE ALL SCREAM Downtown’s newest nightclub o ers DJ sets by Wizdumb, Shawn and the Trash Pandas on the ground level patio and the rooftop ice cream cone-shaped booth, and guests who reserve tables and meet the bottle service minimum will receive a free bottle of Champagne. December 31, 9 p.m., $20-$500, weallscream.com.

(Courtesy/KarelChladek)

(Courtesy)

NYE celebration at Azilo Ultra Lounge December 31, 8:30 p.m., $115, Sahara, eventbrite.Com.

NYE at Chateau Rooftop December 31, 9 p.m., $240+, Paris, chateaunights.com.

Anthony Attalla at Club Ego December 31, 10 p.m., $50+, clubegolv.com.

Altura New Year’s Eve at Commonwealth December 31, 10 p.m., $30, commonwealthlv.com.

Yolanda Be Cool at Discopussy December 31, 9 p.m., $30-$400, discopussydtlv.com.

Chris Brown at Drai’s December 31, 10 p.m., $250-$300+, Cromwell, draisgroup.com.

RL Grime at Encore Beach Club December 31, noon, $20-$30+, Encore, wynnsocial.com.

NYE at Ghostbar December 31, 9 p.m., $175+, Palms, palms. com.

Escape Masquerade at Gold Spike December 31, 8 p.m., $15-$85+, goldspike. com.

Illenium at Hakkasan December 31, 8 p.m., $50-$75+, MGM Grand, events. taogroup.com.

Lil Jon at Jewel December 31, 8 p.m., $50-$75+, Aria, events.taogroup.com.

DJ Pauly D at Marquee December 31, 9 p.m., $50-$75+, Cosmopolitan, events. taogroup.com.

Steve Aoki at Omnia December 31, 8 p.m., $100-$150+, Caesars palace, events. taogroup.com.

Keri Hilson at On the Record December 31, 10 p.m., $100+, Park MGM, ontherecordlv.com.

NYE at the Skypod December 31, 9 p.m., $150, Strat, thestrat. com.

Tiësto at Zouk Nightclub December 31, 9 p.m., $125-$200+, Resorts World, zoukgrouplv. com

O.T. Genasis at Tao December 31, 8 p.m., $30-$50+, Venetian, events.taogroup.com.

The Chainsmokers at XS December 31, 9 p.m., $55-$75+, Wynn, wynnsocial.com.

(Courtesy)

2022 22 HEADLINES

CES returns

Attendance at January’s CES tech show fell more than 75% compared to its previous in-person event in 2020, but it helped get the ball rolling for the return of conventions to Southern Nevada after nearly two years of COVID-cleared calendars. More than 40,000 people attended the event, and 2023 attendance is expected to rebound by 70%.

Goodbye, Harry Reid

A political pugilist who rose to the most powerful position a Nevadan has ever reached in government was honored January 12, when his body lay in state at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., two weeks after his death. Harry Reid served as Senate majority leader from 2007 to 2015 and helped usher President Barack Obama’s signature accomplishment—the A ordable Care Act—into law.

Raiders change coaches

Interim coach Rich Bisaccia righted the ship on a tumultuous season and guided Las Vegas to its

rst playo season since 2016. The Raiders came within nine yards of forcing overtime on the road against the eventual AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals in the rst round of the postseason, but Bisaccia was let go nonetheless and, on January 31, replaced with Josh McDaniels, a former New England Patriots o ensive coordinator who was part of that sta for six Super Bowl titles.

Revolving door

Continuing what critics decry as a cycle of dysfunction and disruptive leadership, the Nevada Board of Regents parted ways with the top administrator in the state’s higher education system.

Chancellor Melody Rose resigned April 1, taking a $610,000 buyout on the heels of an investigation into a hostile work environment complaint she led the previous October. She was the system’s fth chancellor since 2016.

reopen in the tourist corridor after the forced closures of 2020 nally came back to life on April 27. The Palms returned under the ownership of the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority, making it the rst Vegas resort owned and operated by a tribal company.

Draft party

The pandemic put it o for two years, but Las Vegas nally hosted arguably the second-biggest event on the NFL calendar—the NFL Draft—April 28-30. The Raiders traded their rst two picks as part of a trade that brought All-Pro receiver Davante Adams to the team, so they didn’t make any selections on the rst night of the three-day event. Next up for the NFL in Las Vegas: the Super Bowl in 2024.

Lake Mead’s mysteries

Palms reborn

The last major casino-resort to

The ongoing drought in the West has pushed water levels in Lake Mead to historic lows … which has uncovered some gruesome history. In May, human remains were discovered in a barrel, an apparent

From

victim of a gunshot wound several decades ago. And that was just the rst of at least six such discoveries made over the next ve months.

New onstage

Two Strip showrooms left empty during the 2020 pandemic closure came back to life with all-new, original Las Vegas production shows this year. Cirque du Soleil launched rowdy variety show Mad Apple in May in the New York-New York casino theater that was once home to the company’s long-running Zumanity. And in the fall, Wynn Las Vegas unveiled the visual spectacular Awakening in the renovated space where Le Rêve had been staged for more than 15 years.

Viruses, viruses, viruses

As soon as the state seemed to be returning to some degree of normalcy from two years of coronavirus regulations and precautions, the rst case of monkeypox arrived in Nevada in June. Vaccines were made avail-

able quickly, and the spread was contained easily, with fewer than 320 cases in the state reported over ve months, but now the respiratory infection RSV is on the rise, and health experts are bracing for a “triple-demic” of COVID, in uenza and RSV as the calendar year ips.

including upping the minimum pay for teachers by $7,000 to about $50,000 a year and increasing day rates for substitutes working in high-poverty schools.

Water cuts

Cold as ice

For the rst time in franchise history, the Vegas Golden Knights failed to make the playo s in 2022. The disappointing nish to an injury-riddled season led to the May 16 ring of coach Pete DeBoer, who had compiled a .650 regular-season winning percentage. On June 14, he was succeeded by Bruce Cassidy, who had served as head coach for the Boston Bruins the previous six seasons.

Abortion debate

On June 24, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that had guaranteed Americans the right to an abortion, sending that decision back to the states. Because abortion rights are guaranteed by this state’s constitution, Nevada continues to protect women’s right to choose. As a result of other states banning the procedure, Nevada is expected to see a spike in so-called “abortion tourism.”

Teacher shortage

The Clark County School District started the school year August 8 down about 1,400 teachers, or about twice the size of its gap to start the pandemic-socked 2020-21 year. Continual teacher separations last year—retirements and other resignations—have added up to roughly 2,300, according to a Las Vegas Sun analysis of personnel reports. CCSD has taken steps to recruit, retain and plug holes,

Most Nevadans won’t feel it thanks to water conservation, reuse and the state not using its full allocation of water, but in August, the feds ordered a cut in the amount of Colorado River water the state could use in 2023. It was the second year in a row Nevada’s allocation was cut.

Out with the old … Station Casinos shuttered Texas Station and Fiesta Henderson when the pandemic closed businesses in March 2020, and they would never open again. Work began in September to demolish the properties, and shortly after, the company celebrated the topping-o of its new Durango Station, slated to open in late 2023. Station also submitted plans to build a property in the Inspirada area, just south of Henderson Executive Airport, perhaps to open as soon as March 2025.

Champs!

The Las Vegas Aces brought the rst major professional sports championship to Southern Nevada on September 18, when they capped o a league-best regular season with an WNBA Finals victory against the Connecticut Sun. Aces players won league awards for MVP (A’ja Wilson), Defensive Player of the Year (Wilson), Most Improved Player (Jackie Young), Finals MVP (Chelsea Gray), Coach of the Year (Becky Hammon) and All-WNBA First Team (Wilson, Kelsey Plum).

Journalist murdered

Je German, an investigative reporter who worked for more than two decades at the Las Vegas Sun and for the past 12 years with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, was killed outside his home on September 4. Former Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles was arrested and charged in German’s murder. Telles lost his bid for reelection in June’s primary, and German had published the results of an investigation into allegations that Telles was contributing to a hostile work environment and was involved in an inappropriate relationship with a sta er.

Strip violence

A terrifying scene unfolded on the Strip on October 6, when performers dressed as showgirls were attacked in broad daylight with a 12-inch kitchen knife. Two people were killed and six others wounded. Yoni Barrios, 32, was arrested and charged with murder.

Winded

When We Were Young, the sold-out, rst-year throwback pop-punk and emo festival, got o to a rough start when it had to cancel its opening day on October 22 due to the threat of high winds. When the grounds opened on Day 2, around 60,000 people led through the gates.

Rejecting extremism

What was expected by many political observers to be a red wave in November’s midterm elections wound up more like a red ripple, and while Republican candidates made gains in statewide races in Nevada by winning races for governor, lieutenant governor and controller, the most extreme candidates on the ballot— Michele Fiore (treasurer), Sigal Chattah (attorney general), Jim Marchant (secretary of state) and

Adam Laxalt (U.S. Senate)—were all defeated.

Adele, at last

Fans arrived in Las Vegas only to discover that Adele had canceled the January 20 opening of her residency show with just 24 hours notice. The powerhouse singer made an emotional appeal to fans, apologizing for the late notice but vowing to get it right later in the year. Ten months later, on November 18, Weekends With Adele made its debut at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

Dolphin habitat closes

Three dolphins died within a matter of months at the Siegfried & Roy Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage, prompting the resort to announce its closure. According to November 22 reports, a memo sent to employees outlined a plan to “wind down and, eventually, permanently close” the dolphin and big cat attraction. On December 19, Hard Rock International closed on its purchase of the Mirage from MGM Resorts for nearly $1.1 billion. The new owners are planning to replace that and other attractions, including the iconic volcano, when they begin to build a new Hard Rock Hotel with a guitar-shaped tower sometime in 2024.

Protected land

President Joe Biden on November 30 said he intends to designate Avi Kwa Ame, also known as Spirit Mountain, as a national monument. E orts toward national monument designation for the area accelerated in recent months, driven by opponents of a proposed wind farm. The area about 80 miles south of Las Vegas is biologically diverse and rich with Native American cultural signi cance.

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BY SHANNON MILLER

After two years of a pandemic, economic downturn and continued recovery, more entrepreneurs, investors and state officials are taking a measured gamble on Las Vegas. With a designated “Innovation District” Downtown and new funds for startup incubators, the Valley has become attractive for some entrepreneurs looking for the right environment to grow their businesses.

At a December 1 startup “showcase” Downtown, five Las Vegas-based founders made finetuned pitches to a room of guests. The event was the culmination of a 12-week accelerator operated by the nationwide company Gener8tor for the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

“It’s an emerging scene, for sure,” says Kegan McMullan, managing director of the Gener8tor Las Vegas program. “We’ve been very fortunate at the end of the pandemic and quarantine … [with] the mass exodus from California and [with] Nevada being very close and having a favorable tax climate. [Those] are really good reasons to start a business in Vegas.”

Alongside the mayors of Las Vegas and Reno, Gov. Steve Sisolak announced in March that the “inaugural” Gener8tor accelerator program would support and provide $100,000 capital investments for five startups in both cities. The investments are drawn from Gener8tor’s venture fund and from the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)—a federal program that received a $10 billion injection last year from the American Rescue Plan Act.

One of the participating startups relocated from Colorado Springs to participate in the program. Founder and CEO Justin Knapp says he believes he’ll be able to sustain and scale his business to Las Vegas, which is “ripe for startups.”

“I am moving my company headquarters to Las Vegas, so I believe in the ecosystem,” he says.

His company, SpaceTogether, provides an online platform similar to Airbnb, but for commercial space. Anyone with underused commercial space—a church, school, gym or commercial kitchen, for example—can use the platform to list and rent it out. Typical renters include nonprofits, freelancers and newly formed churches or clubs and other startups.

Knapp says his company’s founding in 2017 was “driven by personal experience” of him needing space for a nonprofit and, with few options in a hot real estate market, getting stuck in an expensive five-year lease. He

the present and future of our city’s economy … The city has been a leader in creating a startup ecosystem that is among the best in the nation through our International Innovation Centers @Vegas,” Goodman said in a statement with the governor’s announcement of the Gener8tor programs.

The city also has provided a $1 million grant to the nonprofit statewide accelerator and business incubator StartUpNV to support its AngelNV program, which finds a group of investors and creates a $200,000 fund for a selected startup. The program also provides mentorship at the city’s Innovation Centers on how to

made a huge imprint with the jobs they’ve brought to Southern Nevada. And getting acquired by Amazon was a fantastic piece.”

With regard to startup funding, Nevada is just getting started.

Treasurer Zach Conine in August announced that SSBCI money also will be used to match capital investments made by StartUpNV’s venture funds, to support 40 Nevada-based startups in pre-seed (less than $500,000 in revenue) and seed stages ($500,000 to $2 million in revenue) over three years.

It’s part of a push to diversify that state’s hospitality-based economy, which tanked during the pandemic with one of the highest unemployment rates in the country.

listed the commercial space in an online classified ad for people to rent out, and, he says, it didn’t take long for dozens of responses to start pouring in.

The following year, SpaceTogether hired its first two employees. “We now have properties listed in 30 states,” Knapp says.

Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman has pushed to make the city a premier destination for innovative and tech businesses, and for investors to find them. In response to the state’s launch of the Gener8tor accelerators earlier their year, she said the program would “continue” the work that Vegas had already begun, and pointed to workspaces that the city opened in 2019, which support companies like Dragone and SafeArbor.

“Las Vegas has more than 1,200 startups and they are critical to

invest successfully, along with free training for the selected startup.

McMullan says he believes startups “have the power to transform the landscape.”

“Look at Zappos. At one point, it was a startup. Tony Hsieh made this platform just to see if people would buy shoes online,” McMullan says. “Years ago, it was actually kind of a thing you didn’t do—you wanted to go try them on. That was Hsieh and his cofounders … And look now—they’ve

“We recognize that startups create more jobs per 1,000 people here in Nevada, than in any other state in the nation … The availability of this capital will allow new and innovative ideas to not just start here, but continue to grow here,” Conine said in an address at an August 31 press conference at the International Innovation Centers @Vegas. “This vital support to early-stage businesses to the accelerator program will result in more viable and stronger Nevada-based startups, while also working to generate good, paying jobs for our residents.”

In September, the Nevada Legislature approved a first tranche of $35 million SSBCI funds to use over three years. Nevada could receive up to $105 million over the duration of the federal program, according to the governor.

All components of SSBCI-funded accelerator programs are expected to launch by January 2023.

“Startups create more jobs per 1,000 people in Nevada than in any other state in the nation. …

This capital rollout will allow innovative ideas to not just start here, but continue to grow here.”

CONCERTS CONCERTS CONCERTS

GEOFF CARTER

CASE KEEFER

5

Gorillaz (September 17, Life Is Beautiful) The Damon Albarn-led, Jamie Hewlett-drawn cartoon supergroup’s second Life Is Beautiful appearance was superior to its first in every way. The setlist was stronger, the guest stars more impressive (Bootie Brown! JPEGMafia!), and Albarn himself was a playful, crowd-pleasing delight.

4

Orville Peck (April 22, House of Blues) The masked crooner rode into town busy—he was between Coachella performances and amid a breakneck tour schedule—but that didn’t prevent him from delivering a high-energy set of rollicking country bops.

3

Je Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra (March 11, 24 Oxford) Turns out the Jurassic Park star and Wes Anderson ensemble player is a solid jazz piano man. His 24 Oxford set was a loose, chatty and a flat-out fun a air, thanks to his talented ensemble and guest vocalist Melody Sweets. He should consider a Vegas residency.

2

St. Vincent (October 1, the Pearl) This publication has gone on record saying Las Vegas needs a St. Vincent residency. We o er her musically impeccable, down-and-dirty rock-and-roll set at the Pearl as proof of concept.

1

Kendrick Lamar (September 9, T-Mobile Arena) Epic in vision, theatrical in scope and packed with crowd-pleasing hits, Kendrick’s Big Steppers Tour show was a masterclass in how to hold a stadium full of fans rapt.

5

Soul Blind (April 13, Eagle Aerie Hall) The ri s and atmosphere overtook the room as this up-and-coming band of hardcore veterans caught everyone o guard with their Deftonesand Hum-indebted sound opening a punkier bill of touring bands.

4

Jeromes Dream (November 4, Rockstar Bar) Las Vegas was lucky to land an ultra-rare tour date with the reunited screamo pioneers who opened for Pianos Become the Teeth and stole the show with a nonstop 30-minute attack of noise and aggression.

3

Gojira (April 22, the Chelsea) The Cosmopolitan has never experienced anything nearly as heavy as the French progressive metal band serving in a direct support slot to Deftones with crunchy ri s that made the floor feel like it was about to cave in.

2

Metallica (February 25, Allegiant Stadium)

Our blackened young stadium didn’t feel fully christened until Raiders superfan James Hetfield guided his bandmates through one of their only American performances of the year in front of a jam-packed crowd of 65,000.

1

Turnstile (November 8, Brooklyn Bowl) Turnstile’s live show is the top reason the Baltimore band has become quite possibly the most commercially successful hardcore act ever. On this night, the group brought the same intensity it used to bring to DIY venues a decade ago to a much-larger, sold-out space.

Our favorite concerts, films, TV shows, albums, books and more from the past 12 months

AMBER SAMPSON

5

My Chemical Romance (October 7, T-Mobile Arena) Gerard Way left not a dry emo eye in the house when he concluded this long-awaited set. Following a six-year hiatus, MCR quenched the crowd with a rip-roaring reunion filled with time-tested anthems and rock opera theatrics.

4

Carly Rae Jepsen (October 15, the Theater at Virgin) Jepsen delivered a euphoric set so on point with her dance fever catalog, folks filled the aisles to flaunt their moves—and she invited many of them onstage to join her. Spirits were lifted, voices were raised and pop was righteously celebrated.

3

Phoebe Bridgers (May 13, the Amp at Craig Ranch) Bridgers’ Las Vegas solo debut crackled with her biting wit, a vocal range that rivaled her studio recordings and a wicked performance of “I Know the End,” featuring live violins, trumpets and apocalyptic staging she left in shambles by the end of her scream into the void.

5

Om (October 11, Brooklyn Bowl) The first Vegas appearance by Sleep bassist/ vocalist Al Cisneros’ “other” project was as hazy and hypnotic as I’d dreamed it would be. Wait, was it a dream?

4

Amenra (August 21, Psycho Las Vegas) Kicking o a festival’s third day is never easy, but the Belgians’ atmospheric metal peeled o my exhaustion and pulled me ever closer to the stage nonetheless.

3

The Shins (July 22, the Joint) Nostalgia is powerful, sure, but so are the songs that together form Oh, Inverted World, reborn to emotional e ect for its 21st anniversary.

2

Beach House (September 18, Life Is Beautiful) The Bacardi Stage’s sound let Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally down a bit, but tunes like “Myth” and “New Romance” found a way to tickle spines nonetheless, and the “Over and Over” finale might have been the best single number I witnessed in 2022.

1

Warpaint (August 19, Psycho Las Vegas) I wouldn’t have expected LA’s indie foursome to win metal-heavy Psycho for me, to say nothing of 2022 as a whole, but it happened, by way of musical teamwork, contagious charisma and, oh yeah, killer songs.

2

Omar Apollo (April 19, Brooklyn Bowl) Apollo moved up on our list of internet boyfriends with his charming stage presences. He pirouetted around the stage, sipped beers with his band while singing Spanish tunes and kept a close eye on the crowd: “Everything OK, darling?” Apollo asked an overheated fan after passing her a water bottle. Cue the collective swoon.

1 Tyler, the Creator (February 12, Michelob Ultra Arena) We were whisked away during these theatrical 90 minutes, set among the coastal sands of Tyler’s Call Me If You Get Lost. Between the visual grandiosity (a boat! a vacation home! a Rolls Royce!) and the headliner’s persona-switching between the debonair Tyler Baudelaire and the earnest Igor, it was a night to remember.

(Far left) Kendrick Lamar (Courtesy/Greg Noire); (left) Metallica (Sun File); (top) My Chemical Romance (Courtesy/Mark Beemer); (above) Beach House (Brian Ramos/Sta )

SPENCER PATTERSON

TV SHOWS TV SHOWS TV SHOWS

GEOFF CARTER

FILMS FILMS FILMS

10

The Umbrella Academy, Season 3 (Netflix) Netflix dropped a lot of geek bait this year—Sandman, Wednesday, Stranger Things—yet none of it delivered like this oddball series about a dysfunctional superhero family continues to do. Any genre show that can slide into a dance battle so easily and convincingly deserves praise.

9

Welcome to Wrexham, Season 1 (Hulu) Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney might be the names you recognize, but the European football team the two stars purchased—and the North Wales town that has ardently supported the team, even through a years-long losing streak—are the real stars of this documentary series. And you’re certain to fall for them.

8

Our Flag Means Death, Season 1 (HBO Max) Silly? Yes. Cheesy? Oh my, yes. But this pirate comedy is something else, something unexpected: It’s a bellwether for LGBTQ representation in series TV, and the most touching romance of the year.

7

Peacemaker, Season 1 (HBO Max) For all its storytelling smarts, Marvel has yet to produce a streaming superhero show that’s quite as comfortable in its own tights as this James Gunn-led DC action comedy. And the opening credits? Pure gold.

6

The Dropout, Season 1 (Hulu)

If the success of The Social Network means we must watch dramas about every controversial startup, may they all be as smart and sharply acted as this one about the rise and fall of Theranos’ Elizabeth Holmes, deftly played by Amanda Seyfried.

5

Severance, Season 1 (Apple TV+) We’ve had to deal with a lot of puzzle-box shows whose central conceits—looking at you, Westworld—are little more than empty calories. The mysteries at the center of Severance make you consider how much of ourselves we give to our jobs. This show about work hits you where you live.

SPENCER PATTERSON

5

Reservation Dogs, Season 2 (Hulu) Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi’s comedy/drama about four Indigenous teens trying to escape their rural Oklahoma town is a weird, unpredictable marvel— and in this season, it only became weirder, more unpredictable and more marvelous.

4

The Bear, Season 1 (Hulu) A stellar ensemble cast and a manic energy uplift what might sound like a fairly tame concept—going inside the kitchen of a Chicago restaurant specializing in Italian beef sandwiches.

3

Shoresy, Season 1 (Hulu)

Much as I love Letterkenny, I would never have suspected that show’s faceless, foul-mouthed hockey player could support an ensemble comedy, let alone one as hilarious and surprisingly a ecting as this. If I could compel you to watch any show on this list, it’s Shoresy. Like its namesake, it’s a worthy underdog.

2

Barry, Season 3 (HBO Max) Merits inclusion on this list for the beignets guy and the busted motorbike chase alone. Alec Berg and Bill Hader should make all the shows.

1

Andor, Season 1 (Disney+)

It’s not just “good Star Wars” or “good TV.” This taut, epic sci-fi drama is an all-timer, delivered in a storytelling universe where fan expectations and thematic pitfalls could have easily derailed it. The lived-in performances, the outstanding dialogue and the riseand-fall structure of the narrative all conspire to elevate this series above its franchise.

4

Reservation Dogs, Season 2 (Hulu) From Big’s psychedelic trip to Cheese’s stint in a juvenile home, the show’s second go-round took us to some unexpected—and emotionally transcendent— places.

3

Barry, Season 3 (HBO Max) While Better Call Saul stumbled down the stretch, Barry elevated its chances of going down as an all-timer, partially thanks to the most terrifying (unseen) panther attack of all time.

2

Andor, Season 1 (Disney+) A New Yorker article complained that it’s not Star Wars enough, but that’s precisely why it works, to me. Anyone could—and absolutely should—watch it, even if they don’t know their Jabba from their Jar Jar.

1 Atlanta, Season 4 (Hulu) How many series get better each and every season? Atlanta somehow did, as Earn, Alfred, Van and Darius bowed out with a wondrously epic set of unconnected-yet-sorta-connected episodes. A final word in the subject: D’Angelo?

Andor (Lucasfilm ltd., Disney+)

BROCK RADKE

(Presented alphabetically)

The Batman We didn’t think we could stand another reboot until Matt Reeves, Robert Pattinson and Zoë Kravitz o ered an intense and creepy take that resonated with hardcore Batman fans in a way previous films had not.

The Batman (Warner Bros.); Everything Everywhere All At Once (A24); Nope (Universal Studios)

AMBER SAMPSON

tion on mourning and loss, an

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever The most epic MCU film since Avengers: Endgame gave audiences everything, including one of the most compelling character introductions yet with Tenoch Huerta Mejía’s Namor. But it’s also a meditation on mourning and loss, an unrivaled accomplishment in this genre.

Everything Everywhere All at Once Science fiction demands fresh and new ideas, and Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert transcended this and any other genre with this big-hearted masterpiece.

Stutz Jonah Hill gets vulnerable and (possibly accidentally?) crafts an intimate portrait of an uncommon individual in this Netflix movie you skipped because you’re tired of thinking about mental health.

Turning Red Pixar’s winning streak continues with this thoughtfully layered romp through adolescence and the delicate dynamics between first- or second-generation parents and children.

Everything Everywhere All at SHANNON MILLER (My favorite horror films/ thrillers)

5 Fresh Daisy Edgar-Jones—who also starred in Where the Crawdads Sing and Under the Banner of Heaven this year—took on another gritty role in this morbid comedy-thriller as Noa, a single gal disillusioned with dating and love, who finally meets a decent guy. Or did she?

4 NoExit A recovering addict who just broke out of her treatment facility takes refuge from a winter storm in a remote cabin with four strangers … and one kidnapped girl discovered in a van outside. Havana Rose Liu delivers a nail-biting performance as the protagonist in this minimalist thriller based on a novel.

3 Nope Extended metaphors abound in Jordan Peele’s neo-Western sci-fi flick. But don’t worry, they’re balanced with a healthy dose of blood, guts and equestrian feats.

2 Bodies Bodies Bodies In this A24 comedy-slasher, you’ll hate-watch half a dozen rich kids at a mansion sleepover … until they start turning up dead. Let the bodies hit the floor!

1

Prey You’ve never seen a final girl like Amber Midthunder’s Comanche warrior Naru. In this prequel to the Predator franchise, enemy encounters in the 18th century Great Plains trigger a cascade of nonstop action, tomahawk throwing and alien ass kicking.

5

X This racy slasher is what 2022’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre should have been. Mia Goth stakes her claim as one of this era’s best final girls, and her supporting cast hold its own as likable porn stars who we really, really don’t want to see get brutally murdered at a rural farm house.

4

Bodies Bodies Bodies A drugaddled hurricane house party turns killer in this wild whodunit packed with promising young leads like Amandla Stenberg (The Hate U Give), Rachel Sennott (Shiva Baby), Myha’la Herrold (Industry) and, oh yeah, Pete Davidson.

3

The Northman Robert Eggers’ Nordic fever dream is downright barbaric, delivering a Viking vengeance tale to which Alexander Skarsgard brings a carnal intensity even beyond his vampiric role True Blood. There are additional standout performances from Nicole Kidman, Anya-Taylor Joy and a very Goblin-esque Willem Dafoe, plus a scene with Björk being Björk.

2 Barbarian A psychological horror with tight-rope tension that’ll leave you guessing at every story beat and peeking through your fingers. Barbarian’s a roller coaster of cinema, a triumph for its genre and at its most thrilling when you go into it blind.

1 Everything Everywhere All at Once The Daniels’ interdimensional sci-fi adventure has it all: a tearful and compelling immigrant family story, absurdly funny martial arts brawls, aspiring raccoon chefs and Michelle Yeoh kicking literally everyone’s ass. What more could you want?

Batman fans in a way previous pelling character introductions

5

SPENCER PATTERSON

10

The Sadies, Colder Streams

Released five months after the death of 48-yearold frontman Dallas Good, this set of dark and dusty tunes caps the career of a reliably excellent Canadian alt-country outfit whose legend should only grow in the years to come.

9

Cate Le Bon, Pompeii

Another winner from the Welsh-born singer-songwriter, straddling the line between art and pop with songs that ought to appeal to listeners in both camps.

Big Thief, Dragon New Warm Mountain

I Believe in You Alternately harrowing and comforting, this double-LP from Brooklyn’s folk-rock faves suggests they won’t possibly be able to beat it, while making the case that they’ll surely find a way.

IN REVIEW

AMBER SAMPSON

10

Beach House, Once Twice Melody Like Big Thief’s opus, it could probably be trimmed down a tad, but the wealth of Grade A material might put it at the top of the dream-pop gods’ all-time album rankings.

4

2

Satin Jackets, Reunion Tim Bernhardt’s latest electronic dance project is a natural boost of serotonin. Reunion’s soothing soundscapes are just gentle enough to leave on in the background but always there for a spontaneous downtempo boogie if the mood strikes.

5

Foals, Life Is Yours

“Wake Me Up” punches through the reverie with a ravey, boot-stomping call to action, and the glossy, funk licks of “2001” put the party into full swing. The only thing missing on the dancefloor is you.

8

Binker and Moses, Feeding the Machine Drummer Moses Boyd and sax man Binker Golding get (deserved) top billing, but props to electronicist Max Luthert for setting the London jazz combo’s latest apart by adding a backdrop of otherworldly flourishes.

3 Širom, The Liquified Throne of Simplicity

Richard Dawson, The Ruby Cord The 41-minute(!) opener, “The Hermit,” would merit serious consideration on its own, and the English folk hero takes us on additional heart-stirring journeys over the next six tracks, to a nightmarish future that caps o a time-traveling trilogy that began with 2017’s stellar The Peasant

1

7

Perfume Genius, Ugly Season The more one listens, the more one gleans from an album that, while sometimes disorienting in its sequencing, comes together on the strength of its creativity.

6

Kikagaku Moyo, Kumoyo Island

The next time you have friends over, play this final record from the Tokyo psych masters, and don’t invite back anyone who isn’t taken with its wide-ranging charms.

This experimental Slovenian trio went searching during the pandemic shutdown, and returned with new instruments, fresh ideas and the most unusually addictive set of songs on this—or likely, many other—lists this year.

Guided by Voices, Tremblers and Goggles by Rank As longtime readers might know, Robert Pollard makes my top 10 lists on the regular, but this is just the second time in 20 years I’ve had him at No. 1 (see: 2011’s Let It Beard). Tremblers’ proggy mini-epics combine catchy bits much the way Pollard pastes together scraps for his collage artworks, and they mark an exciting next chapter for the superhuman songwriter.

Favorite Archival Release: Cecil Taylor, The Complete, Legendary Live Return Concert

Favorite Live Album: Anna von Hausswol , Live at Montreux Jazz Festival

Favorite Vinyl Reissue: Thinking Fellers Union Local 282, Strangers From the Universe

9

Palace, Shoals Leo Wyndham’s tender falsetto coasts up and down this languid indie-rock offering that feels equal parts poetic and introspective thanks to dynamic production, tactful songwriting and clean-yet-varied instrumentation that keeps the ear guessing.

8

Nija, Don’t Say I Didn’t Warn You Having penned songs for artists like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Cardi B, Nija saved her best work for this confident solo debut, rife with polished post-breakup R&B bops showcasing her ability to bend anything into a clubready singalong.

7

Maggie Rogers, Surrender Rogers liberates herself on this sophomore LP, unsmoothing the edges of 2019’s Heard It in a Past Life for a more stripped-down, alternative sound, infused with the barefaced vulnerability of her Notes From the Archive compilation.

6

Carly Rae Jepsen, The Loneliest Time This flirty follow-up to 2019’s Dedicated recaptures the oomph of what made Jepsen such a buoyant and lovable star. The Loneliest Time is at its most ambitious when she leans into her pop powers, o ering tracks with disco-dotted beats and shimmering synths worthy of a replay.

4

Harry Styles, Harry’s House Styles amplifies his creativity on this texturally rich studio release teeming with jubilant horns and groovy baselines that recall the sexy and playful sides of a blossoming new relationship.

3

Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Cool

It Down I can see the brink on epic opener “Spitting O the Edge of the World,” and I can imagine bursting through the trees on synth-powered dance track “Wolf.” There’s a vivid story playing out here after nine years between albums.

2

The Weeknd, Dawn FM

Conceptually rich and full of risks, Dawn FM drops us into the aftermath of After Hours—a purgatory, to be more specific. With help from Jim Carrey during eerie radio commercial breaks, The Weekend succeeds at building a world with his songs, choosing ’80s New Wave funk as the vehicle for his existential journey.

1 Warpaint, Radiate Like

This Warpaint’s collective synergy pronounces itself on the band’s first album in six years, even though the musicians recorded their parts separately during the pandemic. From the gorgeous harmonies of “Champion” to the hazy, percussion-driven “Like Sweetness,” these ladies understand one another’s strengths and play to them without overpowering a single moment.

LOCAL SONGS LOCAL SONGS LOCAL SONGS

AMBER SAMPSON

(Presented alphabetically)

DougieTheDon, “Already Know” The Don lays down his armor on this heartfelt rhyme from his 92.Vibes album. “Girl after girl, they all in my comments/We know how they feel/But they ain’t put none of the work that you put in/Ain’t none of them real,” he raps candidly over a driving beat. Even more impressive is how the rap Romeo steps outside his comfort zone on the outro, singing with a seasoned R&B ease. dougiethedon.com

Lurk Franklin, “Alley Oop” Make some room in the pit for this chorus! Franklin’s breathy, marathon-like flow blows through bar after blistering bar here. It’s a swaggering party starter, charged with head-banging, shoe-stomping energy that’s downright contagious. linktr.ee/ lurk_franklin

The Higher, “Are We High?” Summer left too soon, but this balmy rock ballad recalls all the sweetness of its brief stay … with a little more drugs, as frontman Seth Trotter’s tender narrator details a haze-filled tryst. The Higher recently reunited after a lengthy hiatus, and this track proves they’ve still got something. linktr.ee/ thehigher

Jerk!, “PDX” The second cut o the Las Vegans’ Welcome to Sleepaway Camp EP pounces on listeners with all the subtlety of a bear swatting a fly. Forget the preamble, this is punk at its loudest and fastest, and we love it. Be forewarned: The chanted “Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh”s are sticky little earworms. jerkpunk rock.bandcamp.com

Kenyadda, “Co ee” ’Yadda flexes his lyricism and natural rhythm on this instant classic.

The MC’s style mirrors that of old-school hip-hop with simple 808s and a bare-bones freestyle that never runs low on steam. His is a moderate and articulated flow, reminiscent of a young Nas, so bump this one loud. ampl.ink/Eqe5R

Lisa Macfarlane, “Lover” Macfarlane is a spellbinding force on this fuzzedout new single. Her tantalizing voice possesses a strapping kind of power, similar to a bluesier En Vogue at times. It’s rustic soul personified and so satisfying when you pair it with great headphones. mylinks.ai/lisamac

The Musket Vine, “Heart of Gold” The Vegas band returns with an atmospheric slow burn fit for that evening drive you’ve been planning. Mahonry Tovar’s cooing vocals set the scene on this song, which sound in lock step with 2016’s Sleepless Nights hyperfollow.com/themusketvine

Viaje Nahual, “Brownies” Clocking in at nearly seven minutes, “Brownies” saunters in like a sunny Latin lullaby. The song builds upon its languid foundation minute by minute, but when the buzz finally kicks in, it’s an aural treat for fans of ’60s psychedelia and dancing electric keys. linktr.ee/Viajenahual

Indigo Rose, “Headcase” Indigo’s full spectrum of creativity shines on this addictive single about a crumbling relationship. “But I feel you’re lying to me/I had to see for myself/Take you o of the shelf/I don’t need you no more/Cause you’re a headcase, baby,” she sings angelically over punchy, ’80s-sounding drums. Good luck getting this chorus out of your head. linktr.ee/shesindigorose

Ted Sablay, “I Only Care About You” Resonant and easy on the ears, this heartfelt rock track regards love like an irreplaceable gift. Sablay’s voice coasts as he sings, “Thought I’d be someone with a big house/Or a new car/And nothing getting in my way/ But then I met you girl/Your loving changed my world.” It’s a bouncy and mellow tune, fleshed out by stacked arrangements. linktr.ee/ tedsablay

(Courtesy/ Alexia Estrada)

BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS

EVELYN MATEOS

(Presented alphabetically)

The Book of Goose by Yiyun Li Li spins a beguiling tale of two teenage girls, living in post-World War II France, who conduct a literary scheme to publish a book of macabre vignettes based on their experiences. At its core, the novel deals with friendship, grief and the purpose of storytelling.

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh This charming reimagining of a classic Korean folktale (“The Tale of Shim Cheong”) has been favorably compared to Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. Oh, a Las Vegan, tells the story of Mina, who sacrifices herself to the Sea God to help her village and finds herself in the Spirit Realm, “a magical city of lesser gods and mythical beasts.”

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy The former Nickelodeon star delves into her eating disorder and di cult relationship with her overbearing mother. Tear-jerking at times, amusing at others, it’s a distinctive perspective on what we usually view as glamorous.

Solito: A Memoir by Javier

The poet and activist recounts his harrowing journey as a young boy from his small town in El Salvador to “La USA” to reunite with his parents who left following the Salvadoran Civil War. Narrated by his nine-year-old self, the writing is vivid, endearing and revealing of the realities of migration.

Happy at Any Cost by Kristen Grind & Katherine Sayre Two Wall Street Journal reporters team up to deliver a portrait of Vegas-based tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist Tony Hsieh. The chapters weave between his greatest accomplishments and his struggles with mental health and addiction.

Zamora

Viaje Nahual

VIDEO GAMES VIDEO GAMES VIDEO GAMES

AMBER SAMPSON

4 MultiVersus

A Smash Bros-like fighting game using memorable Warner Bros characters and IPs? Yes

please. MultiVersus is for casuals looking to indulge in wacky 2v2 scraps with everyone from Game of Thrones’ Arya Stark and Space Jam’s LeBron James to Batman and Gizmo from Gremlins.

3

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II

The much anticipated sequel to 2019’s Modern Warfare serves up an action-packed campaign with an unmissable end credits scene for all you MW OGs. The multiplayer also pushes the standard with a less linear battle pass, beefier gunsmith, better camo challenges and more rush-friendly maps.

2 Midnight Fight Express

Stylish indies like Hotline Miami, My Friend Pedro and Superhot come to mind when we play this adrenaline-pumping 3D beat ’em up, and that’s a huge compliment. Midnight boasts a ton of replayability and one of the best synthwave video game soundtracks around.

1 God of War Ragnarök

The realm-spanning sequel to 2018’s God of War reboot improves upon its predecessor in every way, driving gameplay forward with some of the most exciting boss fights I’ve seen (no shade Elden Ring, but this has Thor), enticing new environments to explore with the arrival of Fimbulwinter and a water-tight script that dives deep beneath the surface of what we think we know about Norse mythology.

GEOFF CARTER

3

What Roman Mars Can Learn About Con Law

PODCASTS PODCASTS PODCASTS

1

City Cast Las Vegas

5

LA Made Season 1 of this series about “bold Californian innovators” tells the story of Frank Malina, Jack Parsons and their crew, the Caltech-sponsored “Suicide Squad” that pretty much invented the modern aerospace industry. If that sounds dull to you, know that there’s some mind-bendingly weird sex cult stu involved.

The host of the (still terrific) design podcast 99% Invisible branched out into an exploration of constitutional law shortly after our 45th president began nakedly flouting it. With the invaluable help of his neighbor Elizabeth Joh—the Martin Luther King Jr. Professor of Law at the UC Davis School of Law—Mars plots a strong course through America’s ever-thickening legal wilderness.

Quick disclosure: One of the hosts of this local news and entertainment podcast, Dayvid Figler, has been a friend and neighbor of mine for years. But that doesn’t change the fact that City Cast Las Vegas, co-hosted by Vogue Robinson, provides an interesting deep dive into Vegas-related topics with every episode, from housing inequality to the city’s favorite sandwich.

4

Not Lost Brendan Francis Newnam lands in cities unfamiliar to him, such as Montreal, Mexico City and, yes, even Las Vegas, and tries to wander beyond tourist corridors and make new friends. It’s a surprisingly fresh take on travel journalism, and the sound design creates real atmosphere and vibe. It’s not the same as being there, but it’s close.

2

Twenty Thousand Hertz Dallas Taylor’s explorations of “the stories behind the world’s most recognizable and interesting sounds” are always fascinating, even when the sounds in question are anything but. This year the show did a two-parter on the Windows startup noise, and every second of was compelling.

AMBER SAMPSON

(One podcast I loved!)

Spectacle: Las Vegas Local historian and artist Brent Holmes hosts this fascinating deep dive into Las Vegas’ lifestyle and history through the lens of pop culture and America’s ravenous obsession with it. From the Moulin Rouge and Showgirls to the first big Strip residency and the hypermasculinity of The Hangover, this is Vegas like you’ve never heard it before.

God of War Ragnarök (Santa Monica Studio, Sony Interactive Entertainment)

FOOD & DRINK FOOD & DRINK FOOD & DRINK

ELITE ARRIVALS

The year’s best new restaurants in Las Vegas

Carversteak

We all knew the Resorts World steakhouse would be among the city’s top offerings, but Carversteak is also one of the best places to party, and see and be seen, anywhere on the Vegas scene. carversteak.com

Half Bird Chicken & Beer

138°

The brand-new, steak-centric evolution of Matt Meyer’s Henderson restaurant Served is already making delicious waves in the neighborhood. 138restaurant.com

Anima by Edo

What more can be said about the revolutionary Spanish and Italian cuisine at this energetic outpost at the Gramercy? It joined the must-eat list as soon as it opened its doors. animabyedo.com

Balla Italian Soul

Shawn McClain’s vibrant new dining room is the crowning culinary achievement of the Sahara’s refresh. saharalasvegas.com

Bar Zazu

Turns out Nicole Brisson can do upscale tapas just as beautifully as the Italian fare at Resorts World neighbor Brezza. Not surprising, actually. barzazulv.com

The Bedford by Martha Stewart

Of course Martha’s first restaurant belongs on the Strip, and of course sharing lemon risotto and whole roasted chicken carved tableside should be your next great epicurean adventure. caesars.com/paris-las-vegas

Bodega Bagel

A New York City staple lands in Henderson, thanks to Sonia El-Nawal. Bring us a bacon, egg and cheese, please. bodegabagel.com

Brian Howard brings us another cool hang in Chinatown—and the chicken sandwich we didn’t know we needed. halfbird.com

Proper Sandwich Company

These longtime locals named their shop perfectly. Go get a proper Italian hoagie, tuna salad or meatball sandwich, and you’ll understand at first bite. propersandwichcompany.com

Anima by Edo, Proper Sandwich Company (Wade Vandervort/Staff); Toscana Ristorante (Courtesy/Eataly USA)

Rosa Ristorante

Strip steakhouse veteran Rob Moore is cooking his own food— pizza, pasta, brunch, roasted branzino and chicken Parm— at this new Henderson gem. rosaristorante.com

Toca Madera

This unique entry into the Strip’s thriving “vibe dining” category is serving up innovative Mexican fare, steaks and more, with just the right amount of energy and atmosphere. tocamadera.com

Toscana Ristorante

The Valley got a lot of great new Italian restaurants this year, but you might have missed this one hidden away at Eataly at Park MGM. The Negroni and the lasagna rustica are worth the trip by themselves. eataly.com

Wakuda

Long-awaited and highly anticipated, Wakuda didn’t disappoint when it opened in Palazzo’s lobby this year, bringing a luxurious, modern Japanese experience to Las Vegas. wakudajapanese.com

REVVING UP TO REPEAT

UNLV is the women’s basketball team to beat again in the Mountain West Conference

UNLV WOMEN’S BASKETBALL UPCOMING HOME SCHEDULE

DECEMBER 29 VS. WYOMING

6:30 p.m., local Cox channel 125

DECEMBER 31 VS. COLORADO STATE 3 p.m., local Cox channel 125

BY MIKE GRIMALA

The UNLV women’s basketball team is on a roll.

As this year’s non-conference schedule wound down, UNLV had won 25 of its previous 29 games dating back to last season, including a run to the Mountain West tournament championship and an NCAA Tournament berth. The squad opened the 2022-2023 campaign by winning its rst seven contests.

And yet, head coach Lindy La Rocque still doesn’t think we’ve seen the best the Scarlet and Gray have to o er. “We’re getting close,” she says.

That’s how high the bar has been raised under La Rocque, who is in her third year at the helm. Her expectations are especially stratospheric considering the makeup of the team, which returns every key contributor from last year’s squad that broke through for the program’s rst NCAA Tournament appearance in 20 years. So despite the team’s impressive 9-1 start in non-conference play, La Rocque believes it’s capable of more.

“O ensively we’re not our best, but we’re getting close,” she says. “Defensively we’ve had some really good games, but we’re not there yet. We’ve made some strides and we’re nding our rhythm, but I think being close is a good place to

JANUARY 14 VS. NEW MEXICO 6 p.m., Fox Sports 1

JANUARY 16 VS. BOISE STATE 8 p.m. on CBS Sports Network JANUARY 28 VS. UNR 2 p.m., local Cox channel 125

Tickets $6 general admission, unlvtickets.com.

be. You don’t want to be a nished product just yet, and I think we know that.”

UNLV won’t be a nished product when it opens conference play by hosting Wyoming on December 29, either, but that’s not going to matter to the rest of the Mountain West. Given the way the Scarlet and Gray stormed to the league title last year, UNLV knows it will be marked from Day 1.

La Rocque is counting on her veteran squad, led by junior center Desi-Rae Young, senior guard Essence Booker and junior forward Nneka Obiazor, to lead the way as UNLV navigates the treacherous, 18-game MWC schedule.

Young, who is enjoying her best season so far at 18.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, says UNLV is prepared to receive every opponent’s

best shot.

“I think we all know that we’ve got a target on our back,” Young says. “We are one of the best teams in the conference. I have a lot of faith in us and everything that we’re doing.”

La Rocque says the grind of conference play will help UNLV raise its game to another level.

“While the non-conference season is great, it ultimately means nothing,” she explains. “Especially our returners, I think they really understand the intensity level that changes when you get into conference play. The magnitude of every possession of every game. And we’re preparing for that. Our team rises to the occasion. I’m excited for when we ip that switch in conference play, because I know we’re going to be ready.”

Booker is one of those players La Rocque is

waiting on to ip the switch. The fth-year point guard and reigning MWC Tournament MVP isn’t scoring at quite the same rate as last year. After leading the team with 15.5 points in 2021-22, her average has dipped to 12.1 through the rst 10 games, but most of that is attributable to a cold start from 3-point range (17.9%). As Booker’s shot comes around, her game will round into form.

In the meantime, Obiazor has been picking up some of the slack, raising her scoring to 12.4 points per game while shooting a team-best 40.9% from long range.

Beyond the veteran core, UNLV is also getting critical production from sophomore role players Alyssa Brown, Kiara Jackson and Alyssa Durazo-Frescas, who are combin-

ing for 22.3 points.

“We’re getting a lot from them,” Young says of the second-year trio. “They’re just as big as the starting ve.”

When it comes down to winning time, however, expect La Rocque to lean on her experienced players—the ones who have been there before and have come through time and time again.

Despite the gaudy record, UNLV isn’t there quite yet—but its close.

“I see glimpses of it,” La Rocque says. “There’s probably no basketball situation that this team hasn’t been in, and they know what it takes to be successful in those situations. Our experience will be an advantage when something is on the line.”

RAIDERS Report

■ Last Week: Raiders 30, Patriots 24

In one of the wildest endings in NFL history, Raiders edge rusher Chandler Jones intercepted a lateral from Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and returned it 48 yards for a game-winning touchdown with no time left on the clock. Jones, a former All Pro who had struggled after signing a big contract to come to Las Vegas in free agency, broke down in tears after being swarmed by teammates in celebration. The Raiders had earlier blown their fifth double-digit halftime lead of the year (17-3 this time around) with a second-half o ensive outage. But receiver Keelan Cole caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from Derek Carr in the corner of the end zone to tie the game with 32 seconds left to play. At least one camera angle made it look like Cole was out of bounds, but replay wasn’t conclusive enough to overturn the touchdown call.

■ This Week: Raiders (6-8) at Steelers (6-8) When: Sunday, December 24, 5:15 p.m. Where: Acrisure Stadium TV & Radio: NFL Network & 920 AM/92.3 FM Betting line: Steelers -3, over/under 40.5

■ Matchup: The Raiders just barely survived one of the NFL’s toughest defenses at home last week, and now must face another on the road. The Las Vegas o ensive line is in shambles and dealing with a number of injuries, which is a big problem against the likes of Steelers’ reigning Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt on the edge and perennial All-Pro Cameron Heyward in the interior. While the Raiders have won four of their last five games, the Steelers have similarly prevailed in three of their last four to stay alive in the playo race. Both teams are currently two games out of the postseason picture, so this meeting amounts to an elimination game.

■ Raider to Watch: Running back Josh Jacobs No one has embodied toughness more than the star running back for the Raiders, and that’s what they’re going to need in a game for which the forecasted temperature is 12 degrees with a 20 mile per hour wind at kicko . Jacobs leads the NFL in rushing with 1,495 yards despite dealing with a number of injuries. He has said earlier in the season that he likes playing in wintry weather because defenders “don’t like to tackle in the cold.” He proved it last month with back-to-back huge games in wins at Denver and Seattle, but Pittsburgh will present even chillier conditions.

–Case Keefer

Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones returns a fumble for a gamewinning touchdown against the Patriots on December 18.

(AP Photo)

(From left)

Lindy La Rocque (AP Photo); Essence Booker, Desi-Rae Young (Steve Marcus/Sta ) (Photo Illustration)

SUPER BOWL IN LAS VEGAS GIVES SMALL BUSINESSES THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHINE ON LOCAL AND NATIONAL STAGE

BY BRYAN HORWATH VEGAS INC STAFF

The Las Vegas Super Bowl 58 Host Committee didn’t have to look far to find the first of what it hopes will be many partnerships with minority-owned businesses.

A few months ago, the committee connected with the owners of Eagle Promotions, a promotional products and apparel company with headquarters about a mile from Allegiant Stadium.

“We started with the committee about three months ago with some of the swag—lapel pins and things like that—that they wanted,” said Sean Ono, CEO of Eagle Promotions. “We’re excited for future opportunities, as well, as we get closer to the Super Bowl.”

Las Vegas is hosting its first Super Bowl on February 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium.

This month, the committee and the NFL launched the Business Connect website to help find other minority-, woman-, LGBTQ- and veteran-owned businesses to bid for Super Bowl-related contracts.

Businesses involved in nearly 30 disciplines—everything from flooring and decor to waste removal and security—are invited to apply.

“Our goal is to make sure there’s a bridge between local, diverse suppliers in Las Vegas and the event producers and NFL vendors,” said B.J. Waymer, owner of B.J. Waymer Associates Inc., which has helped run the program for several years.

To be eligible, businesses must meet

a number of requirements, including being at least 51% minority-owned. They also must be “the direct source of the goods and services they provide” and have been in business at least three years.

“Every local, diverse businessperson wants an opportunity to compete for contracts,” Waymer said. “Business Connect is going to bring that to Las Vegas as it relates to the Super Bowl.”

In addition to the possibility of getting a contract for a Super Bowl event, business owners who apply can also participate in workshops and networking events, Waymer said. The first informational workshop is January 18.

The Las Vegas Raiders, who call Allegiant Stadium home, will also keep the master list of businesses for future reference, which could lead to partner-

ship opportunities down the road.

“We think this is going to open up doors for local businesses leading up to, during and post-Super Bowl,” said Michael Crome, chief financial officer for the Raiders. “We’re going to use that list of diverse businesses post-Super Bowl so we can engage with some of them.”

Waymer said the networking aspect is one of the most important prongs of the program.

“Our goal for the networking portion is to help local, diverse businesses come together at our events to get to know each other, too,” Waymer said.

“What we’ve found in other markets is that a florist may have met someone who makes cakes through Business Connect, then they may collaborate later or recommend a certain business. It helps to build a community for these small businesses,” she said.

Waymer said she encourages small-business owners to apply, even if they aren’t sure if they check all the boxes for Business Connect.

“We’re looking for businesses that are above the norm,” she said. “They need to be really good at what they do. If you’re good at what you do, we can teach you everything else you need to know about filling out an RFP [request for proposal] and competing for a contract.”

Ono, who is of Japanese ancestry, said the program will open doors for Las Vegas businesses.

“The opportunity for the local community is really big, but we, as business owners, still need to shine,” Ono said. “We’re born and raised here, and having the Super Bowl come here, it’s special. We wanted to be a part of something this big.”

People who want to learn more about the Business Connect program can visit the host committee’s website at lvsuperbowlhc.com

From left, Raiders CFO Michael Crome, Business Connect’s B.J. Waymer and David Waymer, and Myisha Boyce, chief community engagement officer for the Super Bowl host committee, at a news conference at Allegiant Stadium (Steve Marcus/Staff)

The Henderson Chamber of Commerce welcomed Emily Osterberg as the director of government a airs. She will oversee federal, state and local advocacy e orts, monitor policy that a ects the business community, and grow the chamber’s government a airs program. Osterberg previously was the public relations manager of the Orange County Sheri ’s Department as well as a senior account executive for a political fundraiser.

Southwest Medical added three health care providers to help meet the growing need for health services in the Las Vegas community. Shanna McManus, APRN, joins the Eastern Healthcare Center location (4475 S. Eastern Ave.) and specializes in adult medicine. Dr. Donald Todd Swain joins Southwest Medical (2716 N. Tenaya Way) and specializes in adult medicine. Jennifer Leake, APRN, joins Southwest Medical’s Eastern Healthcare Center location (8655 S. Eastern Ave.), specializing in palli-

ative care.

CBRE announced that Kevin Higgins, SIOR, and Garrett Toft, SIOR, have been promoted to vice chairman. Higgins joined CBRE in 1985 and has more than 35 years of experience in commercial real estate. Toft joined CBRE in 2015 and has more than 18 years of experience in the industry.

As part of the Higgins-Toft-Zaher Advisory & Transaction team, they provide services to industrial owners, occupiers and investor-developers.

The Vegas Chamber announced that Emily Prazer , chief commercial o cer for the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix, joined the organization’s board of trustees. The board appointment coincides with the announcement that Las Vegas Grand Prix Inc. is making a three-year membership commitment and joining the organization’s President’s Club, which includes several top business and community leaders in Southern Nevada. Prazer has more than a decade of experience in the sports and entertainment industry and joined the Formula 1 team in 2017.

Three new Intermountain Healthcare

clinics opened December 5. All three specialize in primary care for those 65 years of age and older. The clinics also bring six new providers to the community. The clinics are among over 60 Intermountain Healthcare clinics throughout Southern Nevada, including specialty care and InstaCare locations. The Horizon myGeneration Clinic is located at 771 E. Horizon Drive #140. The Whitney Ranch clinic is at 1520 W. Sunset Road #100, and the Sunset MyGeneration Clinic is located at 2891 N. Green Valley Parkway.

Opportunity Village appointed Janet Uthman to its board of directors. Uthman is Cox Las Vegas market leader and vice president, and a longtime telecommunications and cable executive. She was previously vice president, multicultural marketing, and inclusion for Comcast NBCUniversal’s Northeast Division.

The Penta Building Group announced the promotion of Mike McLean, Tony Cornell and Trevor Dishon to vice president of construction positions. All three are Penta owners with extensive experience with the companies. McLean has been with the company for more than 30 years and Cornell for more than two decades. Dishon was one of the company’s first employees.

Tami Hance-Lehr, state director and CEO of Communities In Schools of Nevada, announced the promotion

of Alexis Benavidez to chief administrative o cer. She also welcomed Nathaniel Waugh as manager of government a airs and Tori DellaRocca as director of communications and marketing. Benavidez is responsible for supervising and coordinating all internal administrative and human relations operations. Waugh is responsible for maintaining the organization’s government relations e orts. DellaRocca will develop and execute a strategic marketing and communications plan that positions CIS with key networks and generates positive awareness of the organization amongst community partners, donors, stakeholders and the general public.

Brandon Albright joined De Castroverde Law Group as a personal injury attorney. He was admitted to the State Bar of Nevada in 2016, after earning his law degree from the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV the same year. Before entering a courtroom, Albright spent time on stage, acting and singing in numerous shows including Rock of Ages at the Venetian, as well as Grease with the Sacramento Music Circus in California and The Buddy Holly Story in La Mirada, California.

Osterberg

Albright

For All Ages!

WINTER READING CHALLENGE

WINTER READING CHALLENGE

January 1–31,

Babies, kids, teens, and adults can read (or be read to) for 5 hours (or 300 minutes) during the month of January to win cool prizes.*

Track your progress online OR on a bookmark available at your local Library District branch starting Monday, January 2, 2023.

Complete the challenge to earn cool prizes, including the chance to win a grand prize package from the Las Vegas Desert Dogs.

For details, please contact your local library branch or visit us online:

The west rim is heart-pounding, soul-searching, bucketlist-checking adrenaline rushes you’ve never felt or seen before, including one of the largest glass cantilever bridges in the world that will have you stepping 4,000 feet out over the Grand Canyon floor. Skywalk is just one of the ways you can jolt your senses and ignite your spirit at Grand Canyon West.