2023-07-06-Las-Vegas-Weekly

COMEDY HEADLINERS TAKE THE STAGE

DANIEL TOSH SEPTEMBER 8 & 9

SHANE GILLIS JULY 6 & 7

DANA CARVEY JULY 14 & 15

PUBLISHER MARK DE POOTER mark.depooter@gmgvegas.com

EDITOR SPENCER PATTERSON spencer.patterson@gmgvegas.com

EDITORIAL

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

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

Deputy Editor SHANNON MILLER (shannon.miller@gmgvegas.com)

Sta Writer GABRIELA RODRIGUEZ (gabriela.rodriguez@gmgvegas.com)

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

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

Contributing Editors RAY BREWER, JUSTIN HAGER, 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 Specialist CLAYT KEEFER

ADVERTISING & MARKETING

Publisher of Branded Content & Special Publications EMMA WOLFF

Special Publications Editor SIERRA SMART

Senior Advertising Managers MIKE MALL, ADAIR NOWACKI, SUE SRAN

Account Executives MARY CHARISSE DIMAIN, DEREK EIGE, LAUREN JOHNSON, ANNA ZYMANEK

Sales Executive Assistants APRIL MARTINEZ, NANCY RAMOS

Events Director SAMANTHA PETSCH

Events Manager HANNAH ANTER

Events Coordinator ALEXANDRA SUNGA

PRODUCTION & CIRCULATION

Vice President of Manufacturing MARIA BLONDEAUX

Production Director PAUL HUNTSBERRY

Production Manager BLUE UYEDA

Associate Marketing Art Director BROOKE EVERSON

Marketing Graphic Designer CARYL LOU PAAYAS

Production Artist MARISSA MAHERAS

Senior Tra c Coordinator DENISE ARANCIBIA

Tra c Coordinator ALEX HAASE

Distribution Relations Liaison JIDAN SHADOWEN

Fulfillment Operations Coordinator CASANDRA PIERCE

Route Administrator KATHY STRELAU

GREENSPUN MEDIA GROUP

CEO, Publisher & Editor BRIAN GREENSPUN

Chief Operating O cer ROBERT CAUTHORN

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SUPERGUIDE

Your daily events planner, starring Kevin Hart, Charlie Puth, Aces vs. Mercury, a Midnight Cowboy doc and more.

WEEKLY Q&A

Westgate headlining illusionist Jen Kramer’s top trick is connecting with her audience in a genuine way.

IN THIS

COMEDY

Bert Kreischer is all hyped up to bring his Fully Loaded festival to the Strip, but are you ready?

NIGHTS

St. Louis rapper Chingy has found his bliss and he’s bringing it to Fergusons Downtown.

FEATURE

From a flaming pizza to a boundary-pushing Strip comedian, we’re keeping it spicy for the summer.

SPORTS

Get caught up on what to expect at this year’s NBA Summer League, including key Vegas connections on the court.

The local cannabis scene is prepping for a big change when consumption lounges finally arrive.

Photograph by Wade Vandervort

The Reaper at Evel Pie (Brian Ramos/Staff)

SUPERGUIDE

THURSDAY PLAN YOUR WEEK AHEAD

DESPERATE SOULS, DARK CITY AND THE LEGEND OF MIDNIGHT COWBOY

In 1969, London-born director John Schlesinger made Midnight Cowboy, a film about a young Texan dishwasher named Joe Buck (played by Jon Voight) who moves to Manhattan in hopes of making tall money as a male prostitute. He befriends smalltime grifter Rico “Ratso” Rizzo (Dustin Ho man), and the two struggle mightily to survive against a grimy, pre-gentrified New York City and their own dark pasts. The movie won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, and introduced an oft-imitated line of dialogue to the classic film vernacular (“I’m walkin’ here!”). In Desperate Souls, Dark City and the Legend of Midnight Cowboy, screening at the Beverly Theater from July 6-11, director Nancy Buirski explores the behind-the-scenes drama and enduring themes of the still-provocative film. And if watching this compelling documentary piques your interest, you can come back to the Bev at 8:30 p.m., drop another $10 and watch the original. 4 & 6:15 p.m., $10, the Beverly Theater, thebeverlytheater.com. –Geo Carter

GARTH BROOKS

8 p.m., & 7/8-7/9, the Colosseum, ticketmaster.com.

KEVIN HART BIRTHDAY BASH WITH LUDACRIS 10 p.m., Zouk Nightclub, zoukgrouplv.com.

BRAD GARRETT With Mike Merryfield, John Caponera, 8 p.m., Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club, mgmgrand. mgmresorts.com.

AM I YOUR TYPE Thru 7/8, 10 a.m.5 p.m., Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art, unlv.edu.

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

FAYUCA With Driftone, ST1, 7:30 p.m., the Usual Place, eventbrite.com.

JASON CHENY

With Nicole Aimee, Chris Clarke, thru 7/9, 7 & 9:30 p.m., Comedy Cellar, ticketmaster.com.

HESH 10 p.m., We All Scream, seetickets.us.

ADAM HUNTER 8 p.m., L.A. Comedy Club, tickets. thestrat.com.

J. COLE 10 p.m., Zouk Nightclub, zoukgrouplv.com.

FIRST FRIDAY 5 p.m., Downtown Las Vegas, ffflv.org.

KEVIN HART

8 p.m., & 7/8, Resorts World Theatre, axs.com.

NBA SUMMER LEAGUE

Thru 7/17, times vary, Thomas & Mack Center & Cox Pavilion, unlvtickets.com.

MELISSA ETHERIDGE 8 p.m., Pearl Concert Theater, ticketmaster.com.

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

THEO VON 8 p.m., Encore Theater, ticketmaster.com.

MIRANDA LAMBERT

8 p.m., & 7/8, 7/12, Bakkt Theater, ticketmaster.com.

USHER 9 p.m., & 7/8, 7/12, Dolby Live, ticketmaster.com.

RICK ROSS 10:30 p.m., Drai’s Nightclub, draisgroup.com.

KITTY PINEAPPLE

7:30 p.m., & 7/8, Wiseguys, vegas.wiseguyscomedy.com

JAKE SHIMABUKURO

8 p.m., Chrome Showroom, ticketmaster.com.

DILLON FRANCIS

With Cody Ko, 10:30 p.m., XS Nightclub, wynnsocial.com.

THE NASHVILLE RAMBLERS With The Trains, Children of Nuggets, Trevor & The Joneses, 9 p.m., Red Dwarf, eventbrite.com.

THE SLAPS

With Manwolves, Elephante King, Zebra Force, 8 p.m., the Griffin, eventbrite.com.

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

FOR MORE UPCOMING EVENTS, VISIT LASVEGASWEEKLY.COM.

SUPERGUIDE

SUPERGUIDE

UFC 290 3 p.m., T-Mobile Arena, axs.com.

KASKADE Noon, Ayu Dayclub, zoukgrouplv.com.

GARETH EMERY 9 p.m., the Portal at Area15, area15.com.

TWO MAN RIOT

COMEDY

Two Man Riot’s comeback story is one for the books. The Las Vegas-born duo—singer-songwriter and drummer Franky Perez and guitarist Stacey Gearing—solidified their place in rock with their eponymous 2005 album, a visceral, no-holds-barred debut chronicling their battles with drug addiction, loss and love. Written and recorded in two weeks, it put the band on the map but also left the musicians so emotionally bankrupt, they decided to move on from it. For Perez, that meant touring with metal band Apocalyptica, releasing solo projects and contributing to FX’s Sons of Anarchy soundtracks. Now, Gearing and Perez have dusted o Two Man Riot and remastered the recordings to share it with a new wave of fans. “The re-release of our self-titled album is a tribute to our friendship and the power of raw rock ’n’ roll,” Perez said in a press release. At Sand Dollar Downtown, Perez and Gearing will perform the album for the first time in 18 years, with Gearing’s brother, Sean, joining the band on rhythm guitar. Merch sold at the re-release show will go toward local drug and alcohol recovery programs. Now that’s our kind of redemption song. 10 p.m., free, Sand Dollar Downtown, thesanddollarlv.com.

–Amber Sampson

THE ROCKET SUMMER

With The Juliana Theory, 8 p.m., Backstage Bar & Billiards, seetickets.us.

LAS VEGAS LIGHTS VS. BIRMINGHAM

LEGION 7:30 p.m., Cashman Field, lasvegaslightsfc.com.

JACK HARLOW 10 p.m., Zouk Nightclub, zoukgrouplv.com.

T.I. With Young Dro, 8 p.m., M Pool, ticketmaster.com.

CHINGY 7 p.m., Fergusons Downtown, tickets. wethebeat.com.

CHARLIE PUTH

7:30 p.m., the Chelsea, ticketmaster.com.

NITA STRAUSS

With Lions at the Gate, Mojave Sun, 7:30 p.m., the Space, thespacelv.com.

DIPLO 10:30 p.m., XS Nightclub, wynnsocial.com.

RICK ROSS 11 a.m., Drai’s Beachclub, draisgroup.com.

ARRLO

With Hoity-Toity, Desert Island Boys, Pure Sport, 9 p.m., the Usual Place, eventbrite.com.

JOAN OF ARKANSAS With Goodbye Ranger, Deacon Hill, 9 p.m., Red Dwarf, reddwarflv.com.

THE CHAINSMOKERS 11 a.m., Encore Beach Club, wynnsocial.com.

DJ DIESEL 10:30 p.m., EBC at Night, wynnsocial.com.

ALASTAIR GREENE 10 p.m., Sand Dollar Lounge, thesanddollarlv.com.

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

FOOD + DRINK

(Courtesy/ Kenneth Cappello)

JUL.

FAT JOE 11 a.m., Tao Beach Dayclub, events.taogroup.com.

PARTYNEXTDOOR

With Andre Power, noon, Ayu Dayclub, zoukgrouplv.com.

RUDY NUNO

With Brock Frabbiele, The Rifleman, 6 p.m., SoulBelly BBQ, eventbrite.com.

CUFFED UP With Hunter’s Briefcase, 8 p.m., the Griffin, eventbrite.com.

GUITARMAGEDDON Noon, Sand Dollar Downtown, thesanddollarlv.com.

BLXST Noon, Daylight Beach Club, daylightvegas.com.

ABOVE & BEYOND 11 a.m., Wet Republic, events.taogroup.com.

FABOLOUS 10:30 p.m., Drai’s Nightclub, draisgroup.com.

ATTABOY: UPCYCLED GARDEN

One person’s trash is another one’s treasure. This is certainly true for artist Daniel “Attaboy” Seifert. This “ever-growing” touring exhibit, up at Sahara West Library through July 15, uses recycled cardboard and paints to create botanical-inspired scenes. “While beautiful and organic on the outside, when many of the sculptures are flipped over, you can see a visual diary of consumption (gluten-free pizza, COVID tests, light bulb and Amazon boxes, etc.) that is used to create them,” reads a statement on the artist’s website. You wouldn’t know looking at the brightly colored “plants” and their cartoon-like leaves—they could have ended up in the garbage. Instead, they’re hanging in art galleries across the country, bringing people joy and inspiration. Thru July 15; Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; free; Sahara West Library, thelibrarydistrict.org. –Shannon Miller

FALLUJAH

With Enterprise Earth, The Zenith Passage, Mourning Anguish, Body of Filth, Vatican Falling, 7 p.m., Backstage Bar & Billiards, seetickets.us.

MONDAY

JUL..

Fallujah (Courtesy/Stephanie Cabral) 10

MONDAYS DARK 8 p.m., the Space, mondaysdark.com.

NEVADA CANNABIS AWARDS MUSIC FESTIVAL 2 p.m., A-Lot at Area15, eventbrite.com.

CHOREOGRAPHER’S CARNIVAL 9 p.m., 24 Oxford, etix.com.

MIKE YARD

With Daniel Simonsen, Jon Laster, Monique Marvez, Michael Yo, thru 7/16, 7 & 9:30 p.m., Comedy Cellar, comedycellar.com.

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

QUINN DAHLE

8 p.m., thru 7/16, L.A. Comedy Club, bestvegascomedy. com.

FOR MORE UPCOMING EVENTS, VISIT LASVEGASWEEKLY.COM.

MUSIC

11 JUL.

LAS VEGAS ACES VS. PHOENIX MERCURY

MARYNN TAYLOR 7 p.m., Fremont Street Experience, vegasexperience.com.

BONDBREAKER With Sorrowseed, Algorerhythm, 8 p.m., the Gri n, eventbrite.com.

RONDELL SHERIDAN With Paul Logata, John Caponera, 8 p.m., thru 7/16, Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club, bradgarrettcomedy.com.

THE PINE HILL HAINTS With The Invisible Teardrops, The Psyatics, 9 p.m., Red Dwarf, reddwarflv.com.

12 JUL. WEDNESDAY

BERT KREISCHER’S FULLY LOADED COMEDY FESTIVAL 7 p.m., T-Mobile Arena, axs.com.

CONCACAF GOLD CUP SEMIFINAL 7 p.m., Allegiant Stadium, ticketmaster.com.

RUCKUS 10:30 p.m., EBC at Night, wynnsocial.com

FIFTY YEARS OF FIGHTING CRIME: THE STORY OF THE LAS VEGAS METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT 7 p.m., the Mob Museum, themobmuseum.org.

JEREMY CORNWELL

With Adena Sampson, 6 p.m., the Lawn at Downtown Summerlin, summerlin.com

When these two teams met for the first time this season on June 21, the Mercury was without the services of perennial all-stars Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi, and Jackie Young went o for 23 points to boost the Aces to a 99-79 victory in Phoenix. But there was emotion beyond the standard competition as the Aces squad took advantage of the chance to show love for Griner, who has returned to the WNBA after being jailed in Russia for nearly 10 months. She has once again been voted a starter in the All-Star Game—which will be played in Las Vegas on July 15—and is expected to be back on the court with Taurasi at Mandalay Bay for this week’s rematch. 7 p.m., $10-$100, Michelob Ultra Arena, axs.com. –Brock Radke

MAGICAL SMILES

BY BROCK RADKE

After five years in residency at Westgate Las Vegas, magician Jen Kramer recently signed on for an extension of her family-friendly, sleight of handpacked show at the historic resort. She remains the only female magician currently headlining in Vegas, but that’s only one of the unique qualities distinguishing her performance and personality.

A graduate of Yale University, Kramer continues to evolve her show in the intimate Westgate Cabaret, always playing up audience interaction and allowing spontaneous moments to fuel her creativity. And she’s just as excited to be living in Las Vegas and connecting with the community as she is to be onstage every week, doing what she loves.

You’re still the only female headlining magician in town, but your show is also unique because your audience truly is all ages. I really want it to be a show where you can come and have a great time whether you’re 8 years old or 80 years old. We’ve had three and even four generations [of families] come to the show together. And for me, that was a big goal in creating it—how to create magic that’s entertaining for people from all walks of life.

Your personality onstage also really sets you apart. You seem so cheerful and energetic, and that’s not something we see all the time, especially from magicians. I definitely do get the smiley thing a lot (laughs). I think my baseline level of smileyness is pretty high, and when people get to know me better, it’s like, oh, this is just you. But I’m just super-grateful to get the chance to do something I love, and again, it’s about showing up as who you are. If I’m someone who’s an optimistic person who wants to bring joy to people through magic, regardless of what’s going on in their lives or going on in the world … if they can forget those worries and be immersed in this magical world and have fun, that’s what I’d love to be able to share.

Westgate has such an iconic entertainment tradition. Did things get extra crazy there after the Elvis movie showcased that history? Absolutely. It was so exciting to see the movie and think about all that history and what a truly legendary property it is, when you think about performers from Elvis to Barbra Streisand to Liberace. Just think of all the stories. I’m so grateful to do my show in such a historic, special place, and with such wonderful people.

You have a very focused strategy when it comes to updating the show, honing in on every little piece and trying to make it the best it can be. Is that still your approach after five years? It is. We’ve done close to 650 shows at the Cabaret now. Just a few days ago we had an idea for a new joke that can be part of the show, just something that came up spontaneously. That’s why I love audience participation so much, because audiences are really smart and they know when something special is happening just for them in the moment. When you’re having an improv-y, banter moment, it can lead you down different roads. It’s only because of that playfulness with the audience that we can discover that. And yes, we’re continually tweaking things, adjusting things, whether it’s the magic methods themselves or just an individual joke like this, doing some reverse-engineering to say, what do I want the audience to experience?

Do you feel like you’ve been in Las Vegas long enough for it to feel like home? Vegas absolutely feels like home. People often think of the shows, the nightlife, the casinos, and that is such an important part, but there’s so much to Vegas. It’s so multifaceted, and the community element has been one of my absolute favorite parts of the experience. It’s the magical capital of the world, and that’s been amazing for me, but beyond that, whether it’s in the entertainment world or the community as a whole, there’s such a sense of camaraderie, so many great chances to meet and connect with people. That feeling is something I’ve really loved since moving here that I probably wouldn’t have known about before.

Five years in, Jen Kramer ’s Westgate run continues to evolve

Jen Kramer (Christopher DeVargas/Staff)

THE MAGIC OF JEN KRAMER

Friday-Sunday, 5 p.m., $19-$49. Westgate Cabaret, ticketmaster. com.

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FIRE VS. FLAVOR

DO FEAR THE REAPER

BY AMBER SAMPSON

There’s no holding the spice when it comes to my circle of friends. We all come from different backgrounds, cultures and spice levels, but when it’s time to eat, we seek out the heat.

I want to push it to the extreme. In sampling five fiery dishes around town, I began with a dangerously hot food challenge and continued until I tried tingly bites at a true Chinatown gem. Along the way, I recruited more spicy friends, and in the end, the spicy food of Las Vegas provided all the heat we could handle, in the most delicious way possible.

It’s a balmy 93 degrees outside when I arrive at Evel Pie on East Fremont to try the Reaper, a pizza so scorching hot, it requires eaters to sign a waiver before sampling it ... and then it’s lit aflame tableside. I can’t tell if I’m sweating from the walk over or from the anticipation of what’s to come, but I’m glad I wore loose clothing.

My spicy friends—Car, Ian and his girlfriend, NJ—appear just as prepared. Ian brought along his sweat towel. Car has slipped into a breathable button-up. And NJ has … wisely ordered a mild slice of pizza. “May the odds be ever in your favor,” she quips.

The rules of the Reaper mandate that contestants eat

A tour of spicy dishes well worth the burn

three whole slices, including the crust, in 10 minutes or less to beat the challenge. “You can drink your water, you can drink your beer, but that’s it,” Evel Pie manager Britt Dahlstrom tells us.

So what’s on this thing? “It’s a smoked spicy cheese and spicy chorizo. We have Reaper sauce, which we make with a Reaper powder, and we put the powder on there as well,” Dahlstrom explains. “We have ghost peppers, habaneros, and we make a Hot Willy sauce, which is pineapple with Buffalo, Reaper and all that. Then we also light it on fire with [Bacardi] 151.”

My soul leaves my body at the mention of the ghost

pepper-habanero combo, an unholy marriage of spice that ranks near the top of the Scoville heat scale. A dozen or so people have conquered the pizza, Dahlstrom says, “But with the amount of challenges that we’ve had, I would say the success rate is maybe 10%.”

“Has anyone ever eaten the whole pizza and lived?” I ask. She pauses. “Nobody’s even tried to finish the whole pizza.”

“All right, we have someone attempting the Reeeeeeeaper Challenge!” an Evel Pie employee cries out through a megaphone. A blaring siren announces the Reaper’s entrance, and I get my first look at the

There’s plenty of heat in Las Vegas that has nothing to do with the thermometer. Sure, we’re all entitled to complain about the summer climate (even though we must love it, because we’re here, right?) and to keep jumping in the pool to fight the rising temps, but that’s just being hot. This summer, let’s be spicy. Eat spicy, act spicy, laugh spicy and feel spicy. It’s a state of mind that’s always welcome in this spicy city, whether you’re in town for a few days of fun or a longtime local (who still complains about the heat). And the following Vegas experiences will give that little nudge to get into your own spicy state of being.

Tingle when ready.

The Reaper at Evel Pie

monstrous creation in all its Evel glory. It’s a full-sized pizza, glutted with plump, juicy sausage and shining with an angry red-hot hue. Sure enough, a waitress baptizes the thing in 151-proof rum and lights it on re. The second I blow it out, our timer begins.

The rst few bites taste delicious. But the avors are a ruse to make me forget that this is a pizza worthy of Fear

Factor. This is the bite that would’ve taken Keke Palmer down, even after her epic resilience on Hot Ones. My lips are the rst things to go, stinging upon contact with the pizza sauce. The spice triggers a runny nose next, and then my tear ducts give in. I

STREET EATS IN THE HEAT

never expected to be crying into my pizza while sober.

“Just swallow it, don’t chew!” one man hollers.

My spicy friends soldier on. Car has munched past the midpoint of her rst slice.

Ian, who’s sweating profusely from his head, shovels down his second. NJ has taken on the role of supportive girlfriend—“I thought you liked spicy food? You gotta go faster than that!”—and for a while, the public shaming works.

But swallowing anymore of this re bomb feels impossible now, and with that, Ian, our fastest contender, folds. With mere seconds left on the clock, the Reaper claims its latest victims.

“May God rest your butt holes!” the emcee declares.

The Reaper had destroyed my stomach. It had destroyed my pride. But had it destroyed my taste buds? To test that theory, I turned my attention to the Fremont Fire Hot Chicken Sandwich at Project BBQ, a food truck built into the side of Circa Resort & Casino along the Fremont Street Experience.

Inspired by a trip he took to Nashville, chef Rex Bernales perfected his spicy chicken with a savory pickle juice brine, garlic aioli and coleslaw. But the winning ingredient here is sriracha. We’ve all seen restaurants tout the tangy sauce in their dishes, but it’s not every day a barbecue joint makes use of it.

“Is it really that hot?” I ask the kid working the front register. His eyes bulge. “I’d say so.”

By the time the server plunks the sandwich and a side of chips down in front of me, I’m ravenous. This hot chicken has an honest-to-God weight to it—a ginormous helping of poultry wedged in a structurally sound bun. The sandwich is practically swimming in sriracha, but it’s love at rst crunch- lled bite.

The pungent kick of chili tingles my taste buds, reawakening what I’d thought the Reaper had stolen. It’s great, up until I foolishly reach up and rub my eye. Before I know it, I’m stumbling around beneath the Viva Vision canopy like a day-drinking tourist who lost their last $20 playing three-card Monte with a guy in a Spider-Man costume.

•••••

I brave the heat that same weekend to visit Boulder City, where I nd a Bu alo chicken poutine that’s packing heat at the Tap. Level 1 spice lovers beware—the Tap bathes this basket of carbs in a mixture of brown gravy and Bu alo sauce, topping it with chicken and spicy cheese curds. The marriage of vinegar, cayenne pepper and salt whipped up for this thick and addictive sauce makes for a quick spicy x. And it’s a warm-up to my last ery supper.

BIG SPICE IN LITTLE CHINA(TOWN)

“I forgot my sweat towel,” Ian announces as we seat ourselves at Chengdu Taste, a crown jewel of Chinatown’s Sichuan fare. We haven’t even ordered, but you can smell the peppery aromas emanating from the kitchen. Chengdu Taste’s use of Sichuan peppercorns—tiny capsules of mouth-tingling, citrusy spice—have the properties to make a dish’s natural avors sparkle and bloom.

We kick our roundtable of spice o with a family-style serving of one of the top sellers, Toothpick Lamb. The cumin peppered atop this mound of gamey meat is so fragrant, my mouth starts to water. Each bite delivers a pleasant kick, so avorful I lick the toothpick clean.

Between bites of tofu tossed with chili sauce and a savory cucumber salad, I psych myself up for the main attractions on the table, two Level 3-spicy chicken variations. Everything about these dishes—the fried chicken with smoky dried red chilies and the “rural-style” stir-fried chicken littered with green chili peppers—smells like trouble. It’s a delicious trap, a feast for all my senses. My rst bite of chicken, paired with the textured crunch of green peppers, dots my eyes with tears. Heat billows from my nose and probably my ears, but it’s delightful.

Somewhere down my assembly line of spicy friends, I register that Ian and Wade can’t feel their mouths. The peppercorns and chilies have apparently triggered a form of paraesthesia, a sensation of numbness on the lips and tongue.

“It’s like we’re all doing mushrooms,” Ian says.

My upper lip has started to sweat, but I can’t stop eating. I’m magnetized by the mouthfeel. Sips of water send vibrational ripples along my tongue. Everything tingles, and even the other dishes taste more pronounced now.

The heat at Chengdu isn’t malicious, but it is strong. And as a spice lover who has endured the highs and deeply painful lows of this avor journey, that’s a level I’ll

always appreciate.

(Evel Pie by Brian Ramos/Sta ; Fremont Fire Hot Chicken Courtesy; Toothpick Lamb by Steve Marcus/Sta )

STILL SPICY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

Fantasy has fulfilled dreams for nearly a quarter century

Hotness and longevity aren’t always connected. There are plenty of sexy shows on the Las Vegas Strip, but none have run onstage as long as Fantasy, now in its 24th year at Luxor with no plans to hold back the heat; in fact, the show recently extended its partnership with MGM Resorts.

A talented cast has helped Fantasy stay as spicy as any revue in Vegas. Singer Lorena Peril brings one of the best voices on the Strip to the Atrium Showroom every night, while the comedy rotation of Murray Sawchuck and Shayma Tash adds extra oomph. And of

FANTASY

MondaySaturday, 10:30 p.m.; Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 p.m., $39-$59.

Atrium

Showroom at Luxor, fantasy luxor.com.

course the dancers—many of whom, like our cover girl Ashton Bray, have been with the show for years—are skilled and scorching. Fantasy also makes constant changes, updating its routines and refreshing the music, choreography and production to keep the audience on the edge of its seats.

“We want to be a classic production show that features the concept of beautiful girls, beautiful dancers, that classic kind of Vegas-style entertainment,” producer Anita Mann says, “but we want to keep the show moving forward.” –Brock Radke

(Ashton Bray by Wade Vandervort/Staff; Fantasy Courtesy Bryan Steffy)

TWO MUST-TRY SPICY COCKTAILS

When you’re craving the old hair of the dog that bit you, skip blander avor pro les and head straight for an Obnoxious Bloody Mary ($17) at the Cosmopolitan’s Overlook Grill. This tajin-rimmed breakfast-in-aglass arrives with a crispy strip of bacon, lime, tomato and a house-infused jalapeño, plus srichacha vodka that’ll jolt you awake.

After you’ve slept it o , start your evening with a Mexican Tickler ($10) from Mas Por Favor in Chinatown. This chilled tequila shot is served in a hollowed-out jalapeño pepper, with black Hawaiian sea salt lining the rim. You get bonus points if you nish o the whole pepper. Cheers, spicy friends.

–Amber Sampson

(Bloody Mary by Wade Vandervort/Sta ; Mexican Tickler Courtesy)

Cirque du Soleil’s Mad Apple, which just passed its rst anniversary at New York-New York, is unlike anything we’ve seen on the Strip from the groundbreaking theatrical company, and rst-timers will realize that even before comedian Harrison Greenbaum drops the F-bomb. It’s 80 minutes of music and mayhem paying homage to New York City’s nightlife and culture, and that includes no-holds-barred stand-up from Greenbaum, a Harvard grad and Andy Kaufman Award winner.

What was your first impression of the opportunity to work in a Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas? I had just seen O at the Bellagio, so I think my rst thought was, “Have they seen me in a Speedo?” But in all seriousness, everything happened so fast: Mad Apple was about to have its rst performance, and they needed a last minute ll-in for the main comedy role, so I got a call on a Saturday night asking if I could be on a plane the next morning. I said yes, packed three pairs of underwear and was o to Vegas. The show went really well, so they asked me to stay for the next show, then for the rest of the week, and before I could get back on the plane, I had an o er to headline the show for the next year and a half. I still haven’t had enough time to process that I’m the rst stand-up comedian to star in a Cirque show in 38 years, because Cirque basically kidnapped me, and I still need more underwear.

Your comedy is obviously edgier than what we’ve seen in Cirque shows until now. What was the process in developing what you can and cannot say? One of the non-negotiables I had when joining the show was that there couldn’t be any restrictions on what I could or couldn’t say. I’m a nationally touring comedian and magician, and I think that freedom is one of the most

important parts of me being able to do my job, so I wasn’t about to give that up. Thankfully, and to Cirque’s credit, they’ve trusted me to do whatever I want, which also speaks to what kind of show Mad Apple is—if you want to have authentic New York comedy in the show, the only rule you can have is that you have to go out and kill as hard as possible. I have a list of words that I’m the rst Cirque performer in history to have said, and it keeps growing. I could tell you the list, but I don’t think you could print any of them.

Is there another level of naughtiness that you can go to in your other gigs? My approach to the show and Cirque’s goal for my performances are the same: When I’m onstage, we want the audience to feel like they’re at a New York comedy club. That means that the level of naughtiness at Mad Apple isn’t really di erent from any of my other gigs. If anything, because I have free rein in a Cirque show, I sometimes feel like I can be even naughtier, since I’m the only Cirque performer that’s basically allowed to make fun of the fact that he’s currently in a Cirque show! Nothing’s o -limits—sex, politics, religion—the whole thing. In fact, I got my rst death threat doing religion jokes on this show and my response was, “You want to kill a Jew for what he has to say? Where have I read that story before.”

death threat doing religion jokes on this show and my

What have you learned about living and peris, so de nitely go there. Did I mention the heat? It’s very hot here. Now that I’ve lived in

What have you learned about living and performing in Las Vegas this first year? There are four seasons in Las Vegas: cold, surprisingly cold, May, and the surface of the sun. Also, not everything is open 24/7, but Golden Tiki is, so de nitely go there. Did I mention the heat? It’s very hot here. Now that I’ve lived in the desert for a year, I realize that when the Jews were wandering the desert for 40 years, Moses probably spent most of that time telling the other Jews, “Don’t worry, it’s a dry heat.” –Brock

Radke

Friday-Tuesday, 7 & 9:30 p.m., $25-$163, New York-New York Theater, cirquedusoleil. com/mad-apple.

Comedian Harrison Greenbaum says ‘nothing’s o limits’

MAD APPLE

(Harrison Greenbaum Courtesy Matt Beard)

TAKE A DIFFERENT DIP AT THESE

SIZZLING POOL PARTIES

How many times have you heard the phrase “the hottest pool party in town?”

While dozens of pools and clubs stake the claim, we think these two LGBTQ parties, in particular, take the heat up a notch.

In its 13th year, Temptation Sundays is the Strip’s longest-running LGBTQ pool party. Sprinkle in rotating DJs, go-go dancers and host Eduardo Cordova, and you have one spicy celebration. “This year will be the hottest season yet—more drag queens, more sexy go-go dancers, the hottest DJs and some exciting surprises,” Cordova says. The May 14 grand opening hosted the likes of Miss Nevada Kataluna Enriquez and RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants Jade Jolie and Tamisha Iman. Sundays through September 3, noon-6 p.m., $28, temptationsundayslv.com

Sahara’s new Elevate pool party, sponsored by Las Vegas Pride, takes place on Saturdays at the resort’s rooftop Retro Pool lounge, making it the only ongoing rooftop LGBTQ bash on the Strip. Tunes from DJ Luke Dice can rev up even the most seasoned partiers. Food is available to order via mobile app. And most importantly, half of ticket sales will be donated to the nonpro t Las Vegas Pride.

“As an inclusive space for all, Sahara Las Vegas welcomes members of the LGBTQIA+ community,” says general manager Paul Hobson. “We are a proud sponsor of Las Vegas Pride and look forward to raising signi cant funds this summer for the organization.” Saturdays through September 30, 11 a.m.6 p.m., $20, saharalasvegas.com

SPICINESS IN THE SUBURBS

Since it debuted this spring, Rouge Room (rougeroomlv.com) has spiced up the Summerlin social scene with its martini-forward cocktail program and jazz-den feel. Now the new cocktail lounge in the ’burbs is turning up the heat with Dip Du Rouge, an adults-only night swim. The poolside industry party, running Mondays from 8 p.m. to midnight, will feature live music and DJ sets, a curated menu full of French favorites and eight Rouge Cabanas for week-long lounging. Rouge Room’s sultry atmosphere and o -Strip appeal make it the hottest new addition to the neighborhood.

–Amber Sampson

–Shannon Miller

(Courtesy)

(Dip Du Rouge Courtesy Laura Huertas)

NEWS IN THE

ACES EXTEND WILSON

The Las Vegas Aces signed franchise cornerstone and two-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson to a two-year contract extension June 30. She’s off to a hot start this season, averaging 19.4 points, nine rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game.

EDUCATORS CONTINUE TO FIGHT BASEBALL STADIUM PROPOSAL

Nevada educators are preparing to sue to block the implementation of a public financing bill offering $380 million in subsidies for a stadium for the Oakland Athletics to relocate to Las Vegas and/or to rally to secure the signatures needed for voters to decide whether the funding law should be nullified. Here’s how the Nevada State Education Association, by way of its newly formed political action committee, Schools Over Stadiums, could make that happen.

n Litigation: Chris Daly, the Schools Over Stadiums vice president, said the most compelling argument is that the funding runs afoul of the state constitution. The stadium’s proposed Strip-area site—where the Tropicana currently stands—will sit within a new special taxing district, directing tax revenues collected there to the stadium’s construction. But Daly argues that any change to tax revenue generation in that district constitutionally requires a two-thirds majority vote. The stadium bill passed with simple majorities.

n Referendum: Daly estimated that Schools Over Stadiums would need to collect about 102,000 valid petition

signatures from registered Nevada voters, evenly split around Nevada’s four congressional districts, to put the matter on the 2024 general election ballot. A referendum “seeks to approve or disapprove an existing state or local law,” according to the Nevada Secretary of State’s Office.

The number of signatures required is based on how many people voted in the 2022 general election. Petitioners must obtain the number of valid signatures of registered voters equal to at least 10% of the number of voters who voted in the last preceding general election (in this case, 1,023,617). The group can begin collecting petition signatures in August.

n Initiative: A statutory initiative seeks to create a new law or amend an existing law. In this case, that would mean the latter.

As with a referendum, Schools Over Stadiums needs to collect about 102,000 valid petition signatures from around the state. The group can begin collecting signatures in January to get an initiative in front of the Legislature for its 2025 session. If lawmakers don’t pass the initiative that session, the matter automatically goes to the general election ballot in 2026. –Hillary Davis

TOP TECH NOMINATIONS: Vegas Inc and Cox Business are accepting nominations for the 13th annual Top Tech Awards, which honor technology leaders who keep our communities connected and businesses thriving. These professionals look for creative and innovative ways to advance the industry and economy. Learn more at gmgvegas.com/top-tech-awards.

FOLLOWING THE MONEY

The Nevada State Democratic Party is requesting records from Gov. Joe Lombardo’s office after the Republican vetoed a bill that would have required the disclosure of donors from the nonprofit that organized his post-election inauguration events.

NEVADA IS NOW ONE OF SEVEN STATES TO ALLOW HUMAN COMPOSTING AFTER DEATH.

NEW COACH BEKNIGHTED

TEEN HEADED TO ADULT PRISON

Jonathan Eluterio Martinez Garcia, the Las Vegas 17-year-old who admitted he tried to kill his teacher in her classroom last spring, was sentenced June 28 to 16 to 40 years in prison. He pleaded guilty to attempted murder, among other charges.

Ryan Craig, 41, has returned to the American Hockey League, where he carved out a role as a leader during a 14-year professional playing career.

The longtime Golden Knights assistant was introduced June 30 as the second coach in team history, replacing Manny Viveiros after three seasons.

Craig played 711 games and was a captain for nine AHL teams, including the Lake Erie Monsters, with whom he won the Calder Cup in 2016.

He retired from playing after the 2017 season and joined Gerard Gallant’s staff at 35 years old. He was tasked with coaching the power play and the forward group.

That area of focus has been a constant for Craig, even when the Golden Knights replaced Gallant in January 2020 with Pete DeBoer, and then pivoting to Bruce Cassidy last season.

Craig is already familiar with most of the roster.

He has crossed paths with some of the players during stints with Vegas, including Jonas Rondbjerg and Silver Knights captain Brayden Pachal.

“I think it’s a huge help,” Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said. “We’ve had a lot of HSK players come up this year that played with the big team. I think he’s got a level of familiarity. He’s his own man. He’s going to put his own stamp on things.”

–Danny Webster

LIB TO AWARD LIFETIME PASS

In celebration of its 10-year anniversary, Life Is Beautiful is offering festivalgoers the opportunity to enter the sweepstakes of a lifetime.

The Golden Ticket Sweepstakes will provide one lucky fan with a pair of VIP tickets for all future Life Is Beautiful events. In addition to the passes, the winner will receive roundtrip flights from Allegiant Air and hotel accommodations for the upcoming 2023 festival, food and drink vouchers, merchan-

dise and more prizes from Ghost energy drink and Bored & Thirsty water.

Five secondary winners will receive tickets to this year’s festival, merchandise and tickets to Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart at Area15 and Blue Man Group at Luxor.

The sweepstakes is open for enrollment through August 13.

To enter and find more information, visit 2023.lifeisbeautiful.com/ tb_app/488217

A ruling June 29 by the U.S. Supreme Court ending affirmative action, a decades-old norm intended to bolster the number of minority students accepted into universities, won’t change admission practice at UNLV, officials said.

That’s because the school doesn’t consider race when evaluating a prospective student.

The high court ruled in two separate cases, one against Harvard University and the other against the University of North Carolina, that race cannot be a factor when considering a student for admission.

“The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision to eliminate race-based considerations in the college admissions process will not fundamentally impact UNLV’s open-access admissions policy or affect our mission of supporting a culture of equity and inclusion for our students, faculty and staff,” the university said in a statement.

–Casey Harrison

UNLV COMMITTED TO RACIAL DIVERSITY, IRRESPECTIVE OF COURT RULING

HIGHER ED

A recent attack on an elderly man brought more than 200 people to the steps of the Regional Justice Center in Downtown Las Vegas on June 29 to demand justice for hate crimes against their community. FBI data shows that hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders increased 267% nationwide from 2020 to 2021. (Brian Ramos/Staff)

–Gabriela Rodriguez

(Steve Marcus/Staff)

GREEN SPACES

Cannabis consumption lounges are one step closer to opening their doors around town

BY SHANNON MILLER

Cannabis industry consultant Christopher LaPorte stands in an empty, 2,000-square-foot room with walls as blank as a fresh canvas. Filtered light streams into the space from tinted, diamond-shaped windows—“So you can’t see inside,” LaPorte says, referencing a state regulation. The daylight illuminates the beginnings of a bar not for alcohol or gaming but rather for serving up a new kind of Las Vegas hospitality.

The room (and its connected patio) is shaping up to be one of the rst state-regulated cannabis consumption lounges to open in the Las Vegas Valley. Nevada regulators recently announced the approval of the rst conditional licenses for operating cannabis consumption lounges in the state—two of which are set to open in unincorporated Clark County.

LaPorte—once owner and operator of the former Downtown video game bar Insert Coin(s)— is working with one of those operators, Thrive Cannabis Marketplace, to develop a “social-use” lounge located in a separate room at the company’s dispensary on Sammy Davis Jr. Drive.

“I’m just excited about tapping into what I think is a missing component of Las Vegas nightlife,” LaPorte says. “Cannabis hospitality elevates the entire industry. … We’re proving what the market can look like.”

That vision must incorporate some stringent regulations from the state, including the aforemen-

tioned requirement that what happens in the lounge not be visible to anyone beyond the premises; tobacco and alcohol cannot be sold; and operators must have plans approved for sta training, safety and DUI mitigation.

When a customer walks into Thrive’s entrance, attendants at a front desk greet and direct them. Some are there for the dispensary, some will be there for the lounge and some might end up visiting both. But lounges, which are required to sell only single-use products, will not be the place to purchase products to take with you.

“If you’re going to purchase cannabis to leave, you’ll buy from the dispensary. … It’s like going into a bar. You don’t necessarily leave the bar with your bottle of Heineken, right? You enjoy what you consume in the space,” LaPorte says.

“What I think is interesting about this experience is when we have sta kind of guide you through [and] gure out what best suits you.”

Rather than speculating about which products or cannabis strains would work best for a customer, budtenders in lounges will be able to see how those products a ect the customer and can tailor the experience better than if they were simply advising in a dispensary.

Furthermore, a reservation system will allow sta to learn more about customers and their prior cannabis experience before they even show up. “If you come in and

you’re like, ‘I smoke four joints a week,’ [then] all right, you’re good. But if you’re someone who’s coming in, like, ‘I haven’t smoked since Woodstock,’ then we can show them all the fun stu in the world today,” he says.

Planet 13 is the other Clark County dispensary to have already received approval of its lounge license. The massive dispensary just west of the Strip also looks forward to employees having an opportunity to further practice and develop their skill sets.

“We have a lot of budtenders and experts around cannabis,” says David Farris, vice president of sales and marketing with Planet 13. “And the idea of being able to o er an experience where they can explain cannabis to a consumer that is trying that product right in front of them, and describing the avors and their experience and all those types of things, I think it’s very exciting for the sta and for the cannabis connoisseur.”

For lounge operators, this phase has been long-awaited. Although recreational cannabis dispensaries have been open since 2017, there are few spaces where it can be consumed legally. Per state law, it’s illegal to consume in hotel rooms or in any public place. But the unmistakable smell along the Strip corridor shows that many visitors are risking a citation and hefty ne just to enjoy the products they legally purchased here.

Farris says tourists and Strip visitors are expected to be a large customer base for the forthcoming lounge at Planet 13. “I think we are a popular place to visit as you’re coming to Vegas and you want to see the world’s largest dispensary,” he says.

With this being a rst-of-its kind industry (with the exception of the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe-operated Vegas Tasting Room at NuWu Cannabis Marketplace), the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board is ironing out lounge regulations

as the licensing process unfolds. It’s seeking input and held a June 25 public hearing on a proposal to decrease ventilation requirements in consumption lounges.

Currently, regulations require a large number of air changes and other measures for health and safety and to mitigate secondhand smoke exposure. But operators have claimed requirements are “excessive” compared to other indoor smoking businesses—and would be expensive to implement.

“No one wants to go into a place that’s lled with smoke, and this won’t be any di erent,” LaPorte says, adding that Thrive’s plans include air puri cation, smoke eaters and ample ltration. “In terms of people behind the bar, working in the room itself is no di erent than a bar-restaurant like a PT’s Tavern.”

LaPorte also says the lounge will emphasize cannabis-infused bites and beverages as nonsmoking options that can still provide an enjoyable high. “We want to really showcase that there are so many other products,” he says.

Once construction and nal preparations are completed, each licensee will be required to have a nal inspection by Cannabis Compliance Board agents. Upon passing that and receiving any further approval from the local jurisdiction, the consumption lounge may open for business.

Planet 13 hopes to have its lounge open by early 2024, while Thrive aims to open its by October or November this year.

Although LaPorte expects the lounge will have many customers right out of the gate, he’s careful not to make too many assumptions about them.

“Like any other good nightlife or hospitality venue, you start to create your own kind of customer base,” he says. “I think what’s going to be exciting [is] that we can start to give a face to the Las Vegas cannabis community.”

(Photo Illustration)

ASTONISHING. UNPREDICTABLE. MIND-BENDING. Omega Mart is an immersive interactive experience from the 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. Tickets at OmegaMart.com

COMEDY CUTTING LOOSE

If you’ve seen Bert Kreischer do his thing, it’s easy to understand that his touring comedy festival was basically assembled as a sort of “summer camp” for his fellow performers. The guy usually does stand-up with his shirt o ; his collegiate career was the inspiration for the National Lampoon ick Van Wilder; and his new movie, The Machine, tweaks the true-tolife tale of a younger Kreischer getting wrapped up with the Russian ma a and a drunken train robbery.

So, yeah, he likes to party, and he has some pretty good stories. He’s hoping the Fully Loaded fest will add to that collection.

“The idea for the tour is based o what we did during the pandemic, when we were playing drivein movie theaters and I was having so much fun, I wished I could bring my friends with me,” Kreischer tells the Weekly. The multicomic tour took o for two weeks last summer, with Kreischer planning activities for the cast and crew between shows at ballparks and small arenas. “It was a blast, and everyone loved it, so this time it’s four weeks. And based on the rst week, it’s a home run. The comedians are loving these venues and the activities. We got a pontoon

boat for Father’s Day.”

BY BROCK RADKE

When the show lands at T-Mobile Arena on July 12, Kreischer’s co-stars will include Stavros Halkias, Andrew Santino, Lewis Black, Big Jay Oakerson, Ralph Barbosa, Maddy Smith, Cipha Sounds and Carter Cruise. The only downside of the Vegas performance, if there is one, is that the heat prevents the tour from hitting an outdoor venue— but the friendly con nes of T-Mobile should be plenty comfortable.

“Arenas are always the better shows from the comic’s standpoint, but the outdoor shows are the ones I love the most, because it breaks all the rules for them,” Kreischer says of his comic colleagues. Outdoor stand-up just isn’t common. “They’re always nervous or a little scared when there’s no ceiling, but after they do it, it’s like, holy crap, that was the coolest thing I’ve ever been to.”

The group shows are a nice change of pace for the perpetually busy Kreischer, whose packed schedule will only get more crowded now that his rst feature

lm has reached the screen. The writers’ strike hit the pause button on a handful of TV and movie projects he’s been working on, but he says he’s con dent things will get going again soon.

“They’re all exciting for very di erent reasons,” he says. “I can’t really talk about any of them, but one is an indie project, one is with a really big dude who reached out the day lm premiered and said, ‘I wanna do a movie with you,’ and one is with my best friend. And the TV project is going to be a blast.” Kreischer’s good-natured party-animal brand of comedy is in demand like never before across multiple mediums, so you never know when you might catch him again in Las Vegas. “When things slow down for me, I would love to do that, to play Vegas more,” he says. “Everyone tells me I have to slow down, but they only say that to entertainers. No one says that to the guy painting houses.

“But I genuinely love Vegas. I’m who Vegas is built for. And that’s exactly what this tour is, bringing great comedians to Vegas and getting loose.”

Bert Kreischer (Courtesy/ Todd Rosenberg)

Bert Kreischer ’s party of a comedy festival hits T-Mobile Arena

BERT KREISCHER’S FULLY LOADED COMEDY FESTIVAL July 12, 7 p.m., $35-$130. T-Mobile Arena, axs.com.

DEACON HILL

Get to know a fuzzy Vegas rock trio

Backstory: Deacon Hill started life as a solo project for guitarist/vocalist Deacon (born Tyler) Hill. But when he tapped drummer Carlos Turcios to help him record his album Parameterized Dissociation, the band began to grow, with bassist Tejas Amaya joining soon after. “[Turcios] heard the end product and decided, ‘Let’s just play it live,’ It was an idea in my head for so long. I’d never heard it out loud, and it had never been pieced together,” Hill says. “But he was the one to come to me and say, ‘This is something worthwhile.’”

Sound: At first listen, Deacon Hill seems to channel the sonic minimalism of the Velvet Underground, but that’s not the full story. “It was to fool people into it,” Hill admits, seated atop a speaker inside Mad Dog Vibes Rehearsal Studios. “The first song [“Eyes Adjust”] is basically a V.U. demo. It was supposed to make you think that, then everything comes from everywhere later on in the album.” Hill, who applies a distinct deadpan to most tracks, can’t pinpoint exactly what has influenced him most, but says, “It’s more Jimi Hendrix than anything else.”

Discovering Deacon: “Don’t think, just listen to fuzz guitar” is the unofficial slogan of Deacon Hill. “Nobody does fuzz music like us,” Hill says, gripping his Gretsch hollow body guitar, eyes on the fuzz distortion pedals on the floor. “I can’t imagine my guitar sounding like anything else. I also have special pedals I’ve made to mimic the first fuzzes ever made.” Parameterized Dissociation unfurls as a growling tape of fuzz-toned rock ’n’ roll. During “The Invisible Man,” Hill’s guitar speaks to him and through him. His entire body jerks and twitches, the instrument vibrating against his chest as he completes his downstrokes. The energy during the band’s first practice in months is kinetic.

“When I came in, I just wanted to add as much crunch and as much distortion as I could,” Amaya says of his bass playing. Hill laughs. “Or as much as the sound guy will let you.”

Up Next: Deacon Hill will play tracks from Parameterized Dissociation at Red Dwarf on July 8, and Hill says he plans to shop the album around to record labels for release. –Amber Sampson

Deacon Hill (Wade Vandervort/Staff)

DEACON HILL Opening for Joan of Arkansas with Goodbye Ranger, July 8, 9 p.m., free. Red Dwarf, eventbrite.com.

CHINGY

HITTING THE

JACKPOT NIGHTS

BY AMBER SAMPSON

Chingy’s career-de ning Jackpot— the 2003 album that gave us “Holidae In” (featuring Snoop Dogg and Ludacris) and the Midwestern twang of “Right Thurr”—is two decades old, if you can believe it. Sometimes, the St. Louis rapper still can’t.

throws it back at Fergusons Downtown

Chingy

records a week consistently?’ That’s when I knew this was Weekly

106 & Park

“After the project dropped, I remember the Capitol Records reps came onto my tour bus and were like, ‘Hey man, do you realize you’re selling 90,000 records a week consistently?’ That’s when I knew this was really blowing up,” he tells the . “I started seeing my videos being No. 1 on [BET’s] , and that’s when I knew: It’s nally happening.” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, and Chingy’s career took o at the height of Southern rap’s reigning era. The arrival of Nelly’s (2000) (2002) thrust St. Louis into the spotlight, opening the door for Chingy and other Midwest prospects to blast through with club hits

Chingy’s career took o at the Country Grammar and Nellyville (2002) thrust that still resonate.

“People appreciated that,” he says, “us coming out and representing for the city in a big way. It was always love. It’s

“People appreciated that,” love to this day.”

In May, Chingy performed in Las Vegas to a hundreds-strong crowd at the Lovers & Friends festival. And as he returns for We the Beat’s Confessions Pt. 4 party at Fergusons Downtown on July 8, early-bird GA tickets had nearly sold out at press time.

Lovers & Friends festival. And as he returns for We the Beat’s

“I’ve had a long journey with this music thing and trying to make it in this business, so

July 8, 7 p.m.,

$30-$40. Fergusons Downtown, tickets.wethebeat.com.

when someone tells me they’ve been a fan and appreciate my music [after] it’s been 20 years since my rst album, it’s really humbling,” Chingy says.

But it isn’t just nostalgia that’s fueling the hype. The rapper has steadily released music over the years, most recently June EP Chinglish. Fans of his charismatic drawl won’t need to wait long for a follow-up, as Chingy plans to release two more EPs this year. “I have so much music, it’s ridiculous,” he says. “On these hard drives, I probably have over 30 albums.”

At 43 years old, Chingy has zeroed in on music and leading a healthy lifestyle. He follows a plant-based diet and doesn’t drink or smoke (which explains his youthful glow), and he’s serious about his peace, “because sometimes people get lost in this crazy business.”

“Over the years, growing as a MC, I got wiser in the sense of knowing myself internally,” he says. “I’m into meditation. I’ve got a degree in astrology and cosmology. I study the metaphysics of religion, the metaphysics of thoughts, and so I’m always reading and feeding my brain. I created some inner stillness for myself.”

Las Vegas, Chingy says, has always been a city he visits to clear his mind. “I was hanging out with Lil Jon at a club when I was last in Vegas,” he adds.

So what are the chances of him following the lead of his Jackpot collaborators Ludacris and Nelly with a Las Vegas Strip club residency?

“If that comes along, I denitely want to do it,” he says. “Let’s see what happens.”

BRILLIANT EXPERIMENT

A special sashimi o ering at Min’s Test Kitchen

(Courtesy/Wynn Las Vegas)

FOOD & DRINK

Mizumi chef unveils an intriguing pop-up at Wynn

BY ROB KACHELRIESS

While Mizumi’s away, the chef’s gonna play. Wynn’s indulgent Japanese restaurant is undergoing an extensive renovation and Min Kim is using the downtime to take his team on a culinary adventure with a pop-up dinner experience at Jardin, available through late fall.

“I thought it would be fun to try something innovative and different,” he says. “I wanted to push the envelope.”

Min’s Test Kitchen has the same quality of food you’d expect from Mizumi but in a more casual setting, whether on the poolside patio or in the main dining room where a DJ mixes high-energy dance beats and familiar hits. The staff’s decked out in T-shirts and sneakers, a move coordinated with the flagship Feature store on property at Wynn Plaza.

The menu comes with a personal touch, based on the chef’s professional history, which began when he was an apprentice in his father’s South Korean restaurant and then continued in Japan, Australia, Hong Kong and Macau, where he was executive chef at Mizumi at Wynn Palace in Cotai. Kim did so well, he was enlisted to lead the Vegas version in 2020.

A few dishes at Min’s Test Kitchen, like the crispy rice ($33), don’t stray far from the Mizumi formula, with simple modifications in garnish and presentation. The Korean fried chicken ($42) is a more dramatic change of pace, an unquestionably elevated take on a common comfort food. Kim marinates the chicken in milk and pineapple for 12 hours to manipulate different acids and bring out the flavor while tenderizing the meat. (The chef sounds like a science professor when discussing the process).

The chicken is fried at three temperatures to lock in a juicy tex-

ture with a crispy exterior.

Even the short rib that appears inside a bao bun ($9) takes five days to make. The meat is brined, tenderized and slow-cooked for 72 hours before it’s finished over charcoal. “Five different people get involved to make sure that dish gets executed perfectly and consistently every single time,” Kim says.

Sourcing is critical. Mizumi is known for its high-end Kobe beef, but Min’s Test Kitchen switches things up with ultra-exclusive Wagyu from the tiny Kagawa prefecture in Japan. The cattle graze on olive trees, producing a finer marbleization that breaks down easier on the palate. Kim personally visited more than 20 ranches to track it down. “I went through an extensive search to find the best products in the world,” he says.

Sushi and sashimi selections are made with the same flown-in-fresh Japanese seafood used at Mizumi. Try the Hokkaido scallop appetizer ($13), sliced thin and rolled with truffle, seaweed, asparagus and shrimp. The combination is baked, fried and presented at the table in a phyllo shell—a simple, perfect bite made with care, precision and time.

It wouldn’t be a shock to see it show up on the menu at the reimagined Mizumi, which returns this fall. Kim has been tight-lipped on details, but aside from cosmetic improvements, reveals, “We’re going to elevate the whole experience— food, beverage, service and beyond.”

One surprise: the main dining area, sushi bar and teppanyaki room will each have their own omakase menus. And don’t worry. Mizumi’s iconic 90-foot waterfall will stick around.

In the meantime, check out Min’s Test Kitchen. Pop-ups don’t last forever.

WALK IN THE PARK

Park on Fremont celebrates 10 years with a revamped menu and lush new patio

 Patios and rooftops are prime real estate in Las Vegas, and Corner Bar Management does such spaces justice. The local company, whose portfolio of bars and restaurants stretches down the Fremont East corridor, recently renovated Park on Fremont’s front patio. And yes, it checks all the boxes for your next garden party.

The newly expanded 2,200-square-foot space marks a sprawling improvement over the former’s parklet-style outdoor area. It borrows heavily from the fanciful vibes in the back of Park, where the quaint courtyard—full of lush foliage, warm string lighting, rustic wood and a brick-lined fireplace—dazzles at first sight. Out front, gnomes perch on blooming flower beds, and some of the very petals growing there could become your drink’s garnish. There’s also a new private dining area where groups can gather under the summer stars.

Park celebrated 10 years in June and launched a new seasonal menu to match the exterior update. New items—including the mondo-sized 50/50 burger ($17) with pork chorizo and Angus beef, and the General Sandwich ($15) stuffed with chicken tenders, Asian slaw and spicy-sweet general’s sauce—are filling, but that doesn’t mean you should skip the truffle fries.

As for drinks, reach for the Flower Garden ($15) if you’re a fan of tart citrus, mint and Butterfly Cannon Tequila, which changes into a brilliant violet color. Another favorite is the Picnic Blanket ($15), a sweet elixir of strawberries, raspberries, Pimms and, ah yes, vodka, the boozy nectar of the garden.

–Amber Sampson

Chef Min Kim (Courtesy/Sabin Orr )

Park on Fremont’s 50/50 Burger and Flower Garden cocktail (Wade Vandervort/Staff)

THE FUTURE IS NOW IS

(left) Julian Strawther, Victor Wembanyama

(AP Photo/Photo Illustration)

Wemby, hometown hero and other top storylines for NBA Summer League

BY MIKE GRIMALA

Wemby is coming to Las Vegas.

The greatest show on hardwood is back in town as the NBA Summer League will pack 76 games into 11 days at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion, running from July 7 to the championship game July 17.

As usual, the summer league will showcase some of the NBA’s most exciting young players, including 2023 lottery picks and promising second-year players hoping to use Las Vegas as a springboard to breakout 2023-24 campaigns. The top draw? No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama, the electric 7-foot-3 Frenchman who enters the NBA as the most hyped prospect since LeBron James.

Here are ve of the top storylines to watch:

Wemby!

Victor Wembanyama is the biggest thing to hit the NBA in almost two decades, and he’s set to make his American pro debut right here in Las Vegas.

The 19-year-old phenom can shake defenders o the dribble, rain 3-pointers, dunk everything and block shots with ease, so it’s hard to watch him play and not see the future of basketball. If you want to see Wemby in person, however, you’d better get out to the Thomas & Mack Center early.

The San Antonio Spurs are the original load-management franchise, and after spending the 2022-23 season logging heavy minutes in the LNB Pro A French League, Wembanyama is due for a break. The Spurs have already announced he won’t play in the California Summer League, which takes place the week before Vegas, and head coach Gregg Popovich has been noncommittal about his availability after that.

If Wembanyama suits up in Las Vegas, it’s likely only for a game or two before he’s shut down. Just to play it safe, if you want a glimpse of the Next Big Thing, be there on opening night.

Schedule: Charlotte vs. San Antonio, July 7, 6 p.m., Thomas & Mack Center.

Hometown hero returns

The last time Julian Strawther was in Las Vegas, he made a long-distance 3-pointer in the nal seconds at T-Mobile Arena to beat UCLA and send his Gonzaga squad to the Elite Eight. The shot instantly made him a March Madness legend.

Strawther, a Las Vegas native, went No. 29 overall in June’s NBA Draft, and the former Liberty High star will be back in town with the defending champion Denver Nuggets. Given his strong ties to the city, he’ll likely receive the warmest welcome from the local fans.

Now the question is, will Strawther be able to replicate his heroic shot in the Summer League playo s?

Schedule: Denver vs. Milwaukee, July 7, 2 p.m., Thomas & Mack Center; Atlanta vs. Denver, July 9, 6:30 p.m., Cox Pavilion; Denver vs. Utah, July 12, 6:30 p.m., Cox Pavilion.

Scoot showdown

There was no debate about who was going No. 1 in this year’s draft, but there was plenty of discourse about the No. 2 slot between point guard Scoot Henderson and forward Brandon Miller.

Henderson was electric for the G League Ignite last year, posting 17.6 points and 6.6 assists per game at 19 years old. He lost the draft battle, however, when the Charlotte Hornets took Miller at No. 2.

The Portland Trailblazers were quick to snatch Scoot with the third pick, and he won’t have to wait long to prove himself, as his rst three games in the summer league are scheduled to be against No. 4 pick Amen Thompson, Wembanyama and Miller, respectively.

Schedule: Portland vs. Houston, July 7, 4 p.m., Thomas & Mack Center; San Antonio vs. Portland, July 9, 5 p.m., Thomas & Mack Center; Portland vs. Charlotte, July 11, 5:30 p.m., Thomas & Mack.

Chet comeback

Wembanyama might not be the only 7-foot unicorn making his summer league debut in Las Vegas.

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren, last year’s No. 2 overall selection, is also on track to see action after a broken foot forced him to miss the entire 2022-23 season. The former Gonzaga product is a 7-foot-1 star in the making, so the Thunder are likely to proceed with extreme caution.

Schedule: Dallas vs. Oklahoma City, July 8, 12:30 p.m., Thomas & Mack Center; Houston vs. Oklahoma City, July 11, 3:30 p.m., Thomas & Mack Center; Oklahoma City vs. Indiana, July 12, 4:30 p.m., Cox Pavilion.

UNLV represents

The local university’s pipeline to the pros has dwindled in recent years, but there’s still at least one summer league hopeful repping UNLV.

The most familiar name for Scarlet and Gray fans is Bryce Hamilton

The former high-scoring standout had a ne year with the Los Angeles Lakers’ G League team (14.6 points per game, 49.4% from the eld, 37% from three-point land) and now he’s looking to take the next step by securing a roster spot in the NBA.

49.4%

Schedule: Golden State vs. Los Angeles Lakers, July 7, 8 p.m., Thomas & Mack Center; Los Angeles Lakers vs. Charlotte, July 9, 1 p.m., Thomas & Mack Center; Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston, July 12, 7 p.m., Thomas & Mack Center.

Liberty

Denver vs. Milwaukee, July 7, 2 p.m.,

Bryce Hamilton (Steve Marcus/Sta )

Scoot Henderson, Chet Holmgren (AP Photo/Photo Illustration)

STATE INVESTS IN MAKING THE ARTS ACCESSIBLE TO ALL CHILDREN

BY KATIE ANN MCCARVER VEGAS INC STAFF

Children of all ages storm the floor of the auditorium at the Historic Fifth Street School in Downtown Las Vegas, singing and dancing with an electric sort of energy. They stomp and clap to a chorus of “Oh’s” and “Ah’s,” smiling wide as they perform a crowd favorite from the popular musical The Wiz

“Can’t you feel a brand new day?” they sing, so full of gusto that it’d be nearly impossible to know the kids—attendees of a summer camp hosted by local nonprofit Broadway in the HOOD—only returned to Las Vegas early that morning, after an eventful trip to Los Angeles, where many of them got to see their first Broadway show and meet its stars.

Broadway in the HOOD, which stands for “Helping Others Open Doors,” has been providing arts, entertainment and educational opportunities for Las Vegas adolescents since about 2010. Unlike similar theater programs that could cost families hundreds of dollars a week, founder Torrey Russell said, most of the nonprofit’s activities are free of charge.

“Regardless of financial status, regardless of any of those things—the arts are free, and they belong to everyone,” he said. “Everyone should have the ability to obtain quality training.”

And, after hopping between public spaces— including different churches and even, at one point, a dog park—to put on programming over the past dozen years, the organization is now on its way to having a permanent home.

Broadway in the HOOD’s “The Legacy Theatre Project” recently received $1 million in state funding for the new space. The organization is the first Black-owned and -operated nonprofit in state history to receive such funding.

It’s incredible to him that Nevada has deemed

Broadway in the HOOD valuable enough to the community to dedicate funding to the Legacy Theatre, Russell said, adding that he can remember a time when even funding lunch for the kids was a challenge.

He thanked the state and the Las Vegas community for their generosity, and emphasized the need for further donations to fully fund the $25 million entertainment-education complex.

“It’s now our turn to grow to the next level, and we pray that the community will be able to help support us financially in this effort,” Russell said. “This will be the first of its kind.”

The Legacy Theatre will be in the “heart of historic Vegas,” Russell said, spanning about 60,000 square feet, with a theater that will seat roughly 1,000 people. The space will have a full restaurant, a dance studio, recording studio and more, and ultimately be a place people can call “home,” and come to whenever they need to, even just to hang out or do homework.

NaKala Nadeau, a mentor at Broadway in the HOOD, said she’s been a member of the organization from age 11. The organization was a “safe space” for Nadeau, 19, who said she had a difficult home life and was bullied at school.

Broadway in the HOOD is a place where young people can come to perform at their best and not feel silly or discounted for it, she said, and

it’s exciting to her to know the next generation will have a physical space to associate with that feeling of safety.

“We’re becoming adults, we’re living our lives,” said Nadeau, referring to herself and the other college-aged mentors. “I am so happy to see them about to get something that we needed when we were younger.”

Back in the dance hall, campers take a break from rehearsal to reflect on the impact of Broadway in the HOOD in their lives.

A few girls say they suffered from severe social anxiety before finding refuge at Broadway in the HOOD. One boy says he came into the organization as a not-so-nice person (“He was a butthead,” Russell cuts in, scoring many laughs), but has since learned humility. Others credit the organization with giving them a deep love for theater, and even renewed purpose in life beyond it.

When Russell asks who has difficulties at home, hands around the room shoot up into the air.

“It’s so important at those young ages to have somebody that says, ‘I believe in you, I know that you can do better than what you’re doing right now,’ ” said Meahel Pitra, a 19-year-old mentor who is directing the camp’s production of The Little Mermaid. “I’m so happy to be able to be that person.”

Broadway in the HOOD student Austin Rankin, 12, rehearses “A Brand New Day” from the Broadway musical The Wiz at the Historic Fifth Street School in Downtown Las Vegas. (Wade Vandervort/Staff)

BY STEVE RICE

Music does bring people together,” John Denver said. “It allows us to experience the same emotions. People everywhere are the same in heart and spirit. No matter what language we speak, what color we are, the form of our politics or the expression of our love and our faith, music proves: We are the same.”

I love music. It’s good for the soul, and it’s good for the community. It’s not constrained by party affiliation, social or economic status, age or race. There are enough issues in the world that divide us; music has the power to overcome. It brings people together. That’s why I am so passionate about the work the Henderson Symphony Orchestra does for Southern Nevada.

As one of only two symphony orchestras in the United States that offer a full season of free concerts to the community, the Henderson Symphony Orchestra allows unrestricted access to classical music. We believe that music is for everyone and that the ground behind the conductor is always level.

Founded in 1986, the Henderson Symphony Orchestra began with two violinists, one drummer and one flautist. The musicians rented out a school rehearsal hall and met weekly to enjoy the art of making music. That has grown to 80 members, almost all of whom volunteer their time to participate in community concerts

GUEST COLUMN

and special events. These volunteer artists and professional guests entertain and inspire us through challenging musical styles and genres. In addition to offering 11 free public performances each season, the Henderson Symphony Orchestra is committed to educating

Southern Nevada’s youth about classical music through its Music 4Kids program. The program, which serves public school K-12 students, provides an immersive classical music experience for participants. Students can interact with orchestral instruments and the

musicians who play them, conduct and choose the endings to pieces performed. Offered every spring, the free program aims to break down barriers and expand the horizons of Southern Nevada’s youth.

The Henderson Symphony Orchestra also focuses on the musicians of tomorrow through its Young Artists Competition. The competition spotlights emerging talent in Southern Nevada and offers a professional concert experience for those who participate. Unlike many musical competitions that require musicians to perform a preselected piece, the young musicians in this contest are free to choose their own solo pieces to perform. This allows the young artists to discover and nurture their individual style, personality and creativity.

Since the closure of the Henderson Pavilion, the Henderson Symphony Orchestra has been in search of a home. We’re grateful to the school theaters, rec centers and outdoor spaces that have welcomed us for concerts, but we believe the City of Henderson and its 300,000-plus residents deserve a dedicated performance space for the arts, including music, theater, classes and programming for young people. There are opportunities on the horizon, and we’re very hopeful the arts might soon have a home in our city.

The arts are an important part of life. They encourage creativity and expression and sharing, and they encourage community. The Henderson Symphony Orchestra has a long history in Southern Nevada and a bright future ahead.

We’re grateful to the school theaters, rec centers and outdoor spaces that have welcomed us for concerts, but we believe the City of Henderson and its 300,000-plus residents deserve a performance space for the arts, including music, theater, classes and programming for young people.

Music builds bridges and creates good communities, so it’s important for neighbors to embrace the arts

Stephen Rice is on the board of directors for the Henderson Symphony Orchestra.

Music director Alexandra Arrieche conducts the Henderson Symphony Orchestra. (Courtesy/Henderson Symphony Orchestra)

VEGAS INC NOTES

Micaela Wargo is the new marketing director for Tivoli Village. She brings more than 10 years of experience in driving business growth to her new role. Wargo oversees the execution of strategic marketing and business development activities not only for the Tivoli Village brand but also its array of tenants.

The law firm Fennemore announced that labor and employment attorney Richard Dreitzer is now the standing president-elect of the State Bar of Nevada Dreitzer is a director in Fennemore’s Las Vegas office and serves on the firm’s eight-person management committee.

Kaia Handroll, sushi handrolls inspired by traditional Japanese flavors and techniques, has opened inside the immersive art and entertainment district Area15.

The Neon Museum is the first inductee into the Pride Tree Hall of Fame, which

recognizes members of the community who have gone above and beyond to support the Pride Tree’s work providing after-school and summer programming to LGBTQ+ youths.

The Palms was recognized by Tripadvisor as a 2023 Travelers’ Choice award top hotel winner. The award celebrates businesses that have consistently received great traveler reviews on Tripadvisor over the past 12 months.

1228 Main, in Downtown Las Vegas’ Arts District at 1228 S. Main St., is open. Behind the cuisine is David Robins along with culinary director Dustin Lewandowski and executive chef Alex Huizar The breads and pastries are made daily by a team led by Kamel Guechida, director of pastry development and operations for Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group; along with Sébastien Polycarpe, executive pastry chef and Brittany Sim-

mons, lead baker.

NAIOP Southern Nevada, which represents commercial real estate developers, owners and related professionals in office, industrial, retail and mixed-use real estate, announced the 2023 Developing Organizational Leadership Institute’s inaugural graduates. They include: Deshone Brunswick , SVN the Equity Group; Ciara Edgerly, Prologis; Thomas Godbout, First Savings Bank; Tonya Gottesman, MDL Group; Kari Laurent, LaPour; Danny Leanos, Jones Lang LaSalle; Amanda McCauley, Schnitzer Properties; Lucas Mojonnier, Coldwell Banker Commercial Premier; Chase Pavlov, Colliers International; Domenica Richards, J.P. Morgan Private Bank; Joy Rineer, Simpson Coulter Studio; Michael Sclafani, Logic Commercial Real Estate; Owen Sherwood, Fidelity National Commercial Services; Mike Tabeek, SIOR, CCIM, Newmark; and Justin Witt, CBRE

PREMIER CROSSWORD HOROSCOPES “ROUGH JOURNEY AHEAD”

BY FRANK LONGO

WEEK OF JULY 6 BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Albert Einstein said, “The formulation of a problem is often more essential than its solution, which may be merely a matter of mathematical or experimental skill. To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old questions from new angles, requires creative imagination and makes real advances.” This applies to our personal dilemmas, too. When we figure out the right questions to ask, we are more than halfway toward a clear resolution.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “Every great advance in natural knowledge has involved the absolute rejection of authority.” So said Thomas Huxley (1825-1895). Be willing to further your education by rebelling against what you already know. And be boisterously skeptical about conventional wisdom and trendy ideas. Have fun cultivating a feisty approach to learning.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You’ve been experimenting with the perks of being pragmatic and well-grounded. You have been extra intent on translating your ideals into effective actions. You may never have been so dedicated to enjoying the simple pleasures. It’s great that you’re investigating the wonders of being as down-to-earth as you dare. Keep doing this honorable work.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Next year is likely to bring you a breakthrough in a labor of love you have been cultivating for a long time. And the coming months of this year will be key in setting the stage for that breakthrough. Keep improving your skills. Be tenacious and strive to improve your craft, even when the rewards were meager.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Maybe you wished you cared more deeply about a certain situation. Your lack of empathy and passion may feel like a hole in your soul. The coming weeks are time to tap into the warm, wet feelings that could motivate your quest for greater connection. Begin the process by forgetting everything you think you know about the situation with which you want more engagement, enabling you to observe the situation as if you were seeing it for the first time.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): It’s a good time for you to engage your mind with puzzles or enigmas, such as the classic “two doors with two guards” riddle (look it up online). Whether or not you come up with crisp solutions to them isn’t as crucial as your earnest efforts to limber up your mind. For best results, don’t worry and sweat about it; have fun.

2020 KING FEATURES SYNDICATE

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A study that concluded just 6.1.% of online horoscopes provide legitimate predictions about the future. The research also indicated that 62.3% of them consist of bland, generic pabulum of no value to the recipient. Declare your independence from so-called experts and authorities who tell you they know what’s valid and worthwhile for you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Nearly all the elements comprising our flesh, nerves, bones and blood were originally forged in at least one star, maybe more. Some of the stuff we are made of lived a very long time in a star that eventually exploded: a supernova. You are composed of atoms that have existed for almost 14 billion years. Deepen, broaden and enlarge your understanding of who you are and where you came from.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): August will be a time of experiments and explorations. Life will be in a generous mood toward you, tempting and teasing you with opportunities from beyond your circle of expectations. But don’t get carried away until it makes cosmic sense to get carried away. For now, enjoy sensible gambles and measured adventures. Save the full intensity for later.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Is there a smoldering doubt or muffled perplexity that’s important for you to address? Now it’s time to coax it up to the surface of your awareness so you may deal with it forthrightly. You must not let it smolder there in its hiding place. If you bring the dilemma or worry into the full light of your consciousness, it will lead you to unexpected treasure.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In Larry McMurtry’s novel Duane’s Depressed, the main character no longer enjoys his job. The fates of his kids are too complicated for him to know how to respond. He has a lot of feelings but has little skill in expressing them. So, he stops driving and instead walks everywhere he needs to go. Consider his approach to initiating transformation: Start small and basic.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20):

Author K.V. Patel writes, “As children, we laugh fully with the whole body. We laugh with everything we have.” Indulge yourself in just that: total delight and release. You will be more able than usual to summon life-affirming amusement from the depths of your enchanted soul. You also will have more reasons than ever before to throw your head back and unleash your entire self in rippling bursts of healing hysterical hilarity.

FRIDAY

PRESENTS SUMMER CONCERT

AUG 25

7PM-MIDNIGHT

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

DJ SET

FEATURING DOS LONELY BOYS, z, evan durant b2b Parra, PLUS a silent disco

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR TICKETS