2023-12-21-Las-Vegas-Weekly by Greenspun Media Group

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

12.21.23

SCAN TO BUY TICKETS

PUBLISHER MARK DE POOTER mark.depooter@gmgvegas.com

EDITORIAL

Senior Editor GEOFF CARTER (geoff.carter@gmgvegas.com) Editor at Large BROCK RADKE (brock.radke@gmgvegas.com) Deputy Editor SHANNON MILLER (shannon.miller@gmgvegas.com) Staff Writer GABRIELA RODRIGUEZ (gabriela.rodriguez@gmgvegas.com) Staff Writer AMBER SAMPSON (amber.sampson@gmgvegas.com) Contributing Writers EMMA BROCATO, GRACE DA ROCHA, HILLARY DAVIS, MIKE GRIMALA, CASEY HARRISON, KATIE ANN MCCARVER, RHIANNON SAEGERT, DANNY WEBSTER Contributing Editors RAY BREWER, JUSTIN HAGER, CASE KEEFER, DAVE MONDT Office 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 MILNE, SUE SRAN Account Executives MARY CHARISSE DIMAIN, LAUREN JOHNSON, ANNA ZYMANEK Sales Executive Assistants APRIL MARTINEZ Events Director SAMANTHA LAMB 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 Traffic Coordinator DENISE ARANCIBIA Traffic Coordinator ALEX HAASE Distribution Relations Liaison JIDAN SHADOWEN Fulfillment Operations Coordinator CASANDRA PIERCE Route Administrator KATHY STRELAU

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IN THIS ISSUE 12.21.23

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

SUPERGUIDE

Your daily events planner, starring Caravels, Gabriel & Dresden, Terry Fator, Thee Sacred Souls and more.

22 NEW YEAR’S EVE

From the Strip to Fremont Street and from nightclubs to concert theaters, we’ve got all the goods for your party plans.

YEAR IN REVIEW

Reflecting on the standout music, movies, food and events that made life worth living in 2023.

ON THE COVER

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Photo Illustration

SPORTS

UNLV takes on Kansas December 26 in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl in Phoenix, the Scarlet and Gray’s first bowl game since 2013, and it means more than just closing out a successful football season.

WANT MORE? Head to lasvegasweekly.com.

UNLV Rebels running back Donavyn Lester (4) celebrates with teammates after a play against the San Jose State Spartans at Allegiant Stadium on November 25, 2023. (Wade Vandervort/Staff)

SIP IN

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HAM SPECIAL

CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DAY December 24 and 25 11am – Close

STEAK AND LOBSTER

NEW YEARS EVE SPECIAL December 31 4pm – Close

BRUNCH BUFFET

NEW YEARS DAY January 1 7am – 2pm

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HOLIDAY DATES ADDED

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for showtimes and tickets, visit thesphere.com

Show schedule subject to change. Accessible and companion seats are available via the Disabled Services Department at 725-258-6724.

Tivoli Inspired by

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

12.21.23

SUPERGUIDE THURSDAY 21 DEC.

MUSIC

PARTY

HUMAN NATURE 6:30 p.m. (& 12/2212/23, 7:30 p.m.), South Point Showroom, ticket master.com. UNLV MEN’S BASKETBALL VS. HOFSTRA 7 p.m., Thomas & Mack Center, unlvtickets.com. EARL TURNER 7 p.m., Myron’s, thesmithcenter. com.

SPORTS

HOLIDAY HOOPS CLASSIC Thru 12/22, times vary, South Point Arena, ticket master.com.

ANDRÉS With the Seafloor Cinema, Arrlo, High Sierra Club, 6 p.m., SoulBelly BBQ, eventbrite. com. AIROD With Ab Rated, Cardinal, 10 p.m., Discopussy, seetickets.us. MIKEY FRANCIS 10:30 p.m., Hakkasan Nightclub, events. taogroup.com.

S U P E R G U I D E

ARTS

FOOD + DRINK

COMEDY

MISC

BRUNO MARS 9 p.m., & 12/23, Dolby Live, ticketmaster.com.

12.21.23

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

(Courtesy/Vohn Verez)

FRIDAY 22 DEC.

HENDERSON SILVER KNIGHTS VS. SAN JOSE BARRACUDA 7 p.m., & 12/23, Dollar Loan Center, axs.com.

MAZ JOBRANI 9 p.m., & 12/23, Summit Showroom, ticket master.com. WANTONS 10 p.m., Zouk Nightclub, zoukgrouplv. com.

FRANKIE MORENO 7 p.m., & 12/23 (& 12/23, 3 p.m.) Myron’s, thesmithcenter. com. CEDRIC GERVAIS 10 p.m., Hakkasan Nightclub, events. taogroup.com.

SATURDAY 23 LAS VEGAS BOWL: NORTHWESTERN VS. UTAH 4:30 p.m., Allegiant Stadium, ticketmaster.com.

SOGAND, ZAKHMI, HIDDEN, SIJAL, LEITO & KHALSE 8 p.m., Theater at Virgin, axs. com.

SKYE DEE MILES 9 p.m., Easy’s Cocktail lounge, easysvegas. com.

SIGNAL LOUNGE CHURCH OF BASS TAKEOVER 8 p.m., the Wall at Area15, area15.com.

DESERT CLASSIC: ARIZONA VS. FLORIDA ATLANTIC Noon, T-Mobile Arena, axs.com. MOEIN 8 p.m., the Chelsea, ticketmaster.com.

MELE KALIKIMAKA 8 p.m., Coverall Lounge at Arizona Charlie’s Decatur, arizonacharlies decatur.com.

YO YOLIE 10:30 p.m., Jewel Nightclub, events. taogroup.com. THE HYPNOTIQUES 10 p.m., Sand Dollar Downtown, thesand dollarlv.com. MIKE ATTACK 10:30 p.m., Marquee Nightclub, events. taogroup.com. FILM: WHITE CHRISTMAS 5 p.m., the Beverly Theater, thebeverly theater.com.

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

GABRIEL & DRESDEN Josh Gabriel and Dave Dresden don’t necessarily focus on making you dance—although it’s an inevitable side effect. The duo’s pandemic-era Club Quarantine streaming sets reconnected their ever-fresh electronic sound with techno, new wave, house and trance inspirations, and connected the DJs and producers to their audience on a deeper emotional level—and the Twitch streams have continued after the quarantine is long gone. Now G&D is ready to bring all the feels to your holiday week with a stop at Downtown’s afterhours dance destination on Fremont East. With Ab Rated, Cardinal. 10 p.m., $15, Discopussy, seetickets.us. –Brock Radke Bruno Mars (Courtesy/Atlantic Records), Caravels (Sun File/Bill Hughes), Gabriel & Dresden (Courtesy) F O R M O R E U P C O M I N G E V E N T S , V I S I T L A S V E G A S W E E K LY.C O M .

SUPERGUIDE

CARAVELS Local screamo enthusiasts got an early holiday surprise as Caravels, absent for eight years, emerged from their hiatus. In addition to staging a reunion show, the band has revamped their decade-old album Lacuna, offering a fresh perspective and infusing it with new life ahead of the show. Regional indie rockers King of Heck are set to share the stage and have also released a new track ahead of the show. Their latest, “Army of OK,” holds the spirit of ’90s slacker rock with an enthusiastic, acoustic glow. Earlier this year, local post-hardcore outfit Lord of Death released a four-song EP filled with melodic riffage and emotionally charged lyrics, and they’ll be opening the show and hopefully the pit as well. 9 p.m., $15, Dive Bar, 4110 S. Maryland Parkway. –Gabriela Rodriguez

DEC.

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12.21.23

SUNDAY 24 DEC.

TERRY FATOR: A VERY TERRY CHRISTMAS 7:30 p.m., New YorkNew York, mgm resorts.com.

GOOGOOSH 8 p.m., the Chelsea, ticketmaster.com.

(Courtesy/Chezaray Photography)

S U P E R G U I D E

SUPERGUIDE

KAMRAN & HOOMAN 10:30 p.m., Drai’s Nightclub, drais group.com.

FILM: ELF 3:30 p.m., the Beverly Theater, the beverlytheater.com.

SHAHRAM 8 p.m., the Colosseum, ticketmaster. com.

JAY REID 9:30 p.m., Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club, ticketmaster. com.

12.21.23

TUESDAY 26 DEC.

MONDAY 25 DEC.

TOURNAMENT OF KINGS: ‘TWAS THE KNIGHT 6 & 8:30 p.m., Excalibur, excalibur. mgmresorts.com.

THE BRONX WANDERERS Thru 12/28, 6:30 p.m., South Point Showroom, ticketmaster.com.

ROB GUSON 10:30 p.m., Omnia Nightclub, events.taogroup. com. MR. P 10 p.m., La Mona Rosa, mntra.vegas.

BRIAN MCKIM With Mark Pitta, Jenny Zigrino, Traci Skene, 7 & 9:30 p.m., Comedy Cellar, ticket master.com.

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

JAMIE KENNEDY Thru 12/31, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m., Laugh Factory, ticket master.com. CARLOS RODRIGUEZ & 12/27, 8 p.m. (& 12/28-12/31, 10 p.m.), LA Comedy Club, bestvegas comedy.com.

(Courtesy/Gustavo Olivares)

GLITTERING LIGHTS 4:30 p.m., Las Vegas Motor Speedway, glitteringlights lasvegas.com.

(Courtesy/MGM Resorts)

SUPERGUIDE

SWAYZE CRAWFORD BAND 10 p.m., Sand Dollar Lounge, thesanddollarlv. com. LUENELL 9:30 p.m., Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club, ticketmaster. com.

WEDNESAY27 DEC.

D3HOOPS.COM CLASSIC Thru 12/30, times vary, South Point Arena, ticketmaster. com. CHRIS TOFIELD BAND 10 p.m., Sand Dollar Lounge, thesand dollarlv.com.

MUSIC

PARTY

MICHAEL YO With Brian McKim, Mark Pitta, Jenny Zigrino, Traci Skene, 7 & 9:30 p.m., Comedy Cellar, ticketmaster.com. LEMA 10:30 p.m., Marquee Nightclub, events. taogroup.com.

SPORTS

THEE SACRED SOULS The unmistakable elegance of Thee Sacred Souls has positioned their upcoming performance at Brooklyn Bowl to be an early Valentine’s Day event. The trio embodies the timeless essence of soul and R&B, resonating across generations while infusing their own contemporary flair. With tracks like “Can I Call You Rose?” and “Weak for Your Love” featuring lush arrangements, funk-infused drumming, doo-wop inspired backing vocals and singer Josh Lane’s heartfelt crooning, their music evokes nostalgic memories of that first encounter with love. The band’s connection with their audience is unlike any other—often joining the crowd in danceable moments and matching the evening’s energy. 7 p.m., $40, Brooklyn Bowl, ticketmaster.com. –Gabriela Rodriguez

ARTS

FOOD + DRINK

COMEDY

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

MISC

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festivi-TEA boozy tea pot + bites Sundays from 12pm - 4pm AT VIRGIN HOTELS LAS VEGAS FOR RESERVATIONS, VISIT VIRGINHOTELSLV.COM/SHAG-ROOM

THE SHAG ROOM

YOUR NEW YEAR TURN NEW YEAR’S EVE ALL THE WAY UP AT HARD ROCK CAFE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 | 9PM - 12AM New Year’s Eve Party | 21+ Event Las Vegas | 3771 Las Vegas Blvd S #120 | +1 702.733.7625 SCAN FOR TICKETS

LV W N AT I V E C O N T E N T

12.21.23

SATURDAY, DEC. 30

There are few events more star-studded than New Year’s Eve weekend in Las Vegas, and Resorts World is bringing in the heavy hitters. Zouk Nightclub is featuring an incredible, four-night lineup, and Luke Bryan will be back at Resorts World Theatre for a can’t-miss three-night run. Get ready to ring in the New Year with some of the biggest entertainers in the world.

ZEDD

Famous for his dynamic and adaptive production style that keeps fans dancing into the early morning, EDM superstar Zedd will return to Zouk on Saturday. He’s worked with some of the biggest pop stars on the planet, won several huge industry awards, including a Grammy, and pulls massive crowds for his performances.

Z O U K

THURSDAY, DEC. 28

RL GRIME

Producer and DJ, RL Grime became a top name because of his innovative music and artist powerful collaborations, including Miguel, Skrillex, Big Sean and more. He treads the line between mainstream music and independent sound, and continually keeps his fans wanting more. His Thursday night performance at Zouk will kick off the weekend and set the tone for a wild party.

FRIDAY, DEC. 29

N I G H T C L U B

ODESZA

Electronic duo Odesza hits the stage Friday for one of their signature sets. Expect a high-energy, theatrical performance that somehow still feels soulful and intimate in its intensity. One of those artists everyone needs to see live, this is the perfect opportunity and venue to do so.

12.21.23

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ADVERTORIAL PRESENTED BY R E S O R T S WO R L D

KASKADE

Who better to headline New Year’s Eve than one of EDM’s biggest, most influential stars? The multi–Grammy award-nominated progressive house DJ will be at Zouk on Sunday for the ultimate NYE performance.

DEC. 29-JAN. 6

SUNDAY, DEC. 31

LUKE BRYAN

Departing the world of EDM, Luke Bryan will perform for three nights at Resorts World Theatre. The country music superstar will conclude his record-breaking headlining engagement January 6, and his New Year’s Eve weekend shows will be some of the last chances to catch him. Known for his electrifying performances, the Luke Bryan: Vegas shows bring the highest caliber of talent, showmanship and production value to the stage.

R E S O R T S W O R L D T H E A T R E

PRE-SALE

DAY OF

Bottomless Drinks AT A L L C A S I N O B A R S 7PM - 10PM Includes one entry into the NYE DJ Dance Party at 10pm at Veil Pavilion.

Scan here for tickets or visit silvertoncasino.com/entertainment MUST BE 21+. TICKET PRICE SUBJECT TO LIVE ENTERTAINMENT TAX (LET) AND FEES WHERE APPLICABLE. ALL SALES ARE FINAL. MANAGEMENT RESERVES ALL RIGHTS.

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C O V E R

S T O R Y

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

12.21.23

HAPPY YEAR OF HIP-HOP THE ROOTS December 29, 8 p.m., $68-$203+. Pearl Concert Theater, ticketmaster.com.

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The Roots cap a meaningful year with a holiday show at the Pearl BY BROCK RADKE Pop stars with party-ready music might seem like the most routine concert headliners for New Year’s Eve weekend in Las Vegas, but hip-hop paragons The Roots have crept into Strip theaters a few times in recent years to shake things up—and we’re all the better for it. The legendary Philadelphia crew and musical force behind The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon returns to start the celebratory weekend with a performance at the Palms, at the rejuvenated and still beloved Pearl Concert Theater. And founding member and all-time great emcee Black Thought (aka Tariq Trotter) predicts it will be one of the best shows of a “very concert-heavy calendar year. New Year’s Eve is always special, and we’re definitely gonna put on a show, Las Vegas-style.”

Looking back to the beginnings of the Roots, which accomplishment seems more unbelievable or unlikely to you now: playing Las Vegas on New Year’s Eve or becoming the house band on The Tonight Show? Becoming the house band on The Tonight Show felt like a far less likely thing to take place. We’ve done Vegas for New Year’s in the past and we’re always grateful for any opportunity to connect with fans at this time, and that just feels like something more aligned with our ongoing trajectory. We were road warriors early in our career, playing many festivals and different markets and working our way up through the ranks. I think in Las Vegas, we’re on that path to possibly doing something like a residency; that’s a realistic culmination of all the effort. But yeah, The Tonight Show is different for me because I was never given to doing musical theater, or standup comedy, or for that matter becoming an author or any other endeavors I’ve risen to in recent years. Your book The Upcycled Self just came out last month. Why did you decide to write a memoir? I felt like it was now or never. I’m big on listening to the universe, and being at this place in my career, the reason I create the art I create at this point is to serve. I want to come from a place of gratitude in everything that I do, and in being honest with myself and with my fans, I’m leaning into a more personal body of work and being more vulnerable in my creative process. So in sharing more of my story and the pieces of the puzzle that amount to the man I am, it

made perfect sense right now. This year saw a lot of celebrations of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and you have been involved in many of those events. It seems like it’s been meaningful for fans to celebrate the music and the culture this year, but how does it feel from your perspective, as an artist who’s been engaged for more than half of this 50-year lifespan? As an artist who remains a fan, it’s been a dream come true for me. It’s been sort of a rollercoaster of celebration and reconnection and introduction to artists I’ve looked up to but never met. And to see so many artists who are still popular and relevant … to gain new relevance and have the chance to introduce themselves to a new audience, that’s been huge. Artists like Melle Mel, Grandmaster Flash, they’ve been traveling all over the world and rocking out for a whole year with these huge audiences. And it’s been a huge honor to play hype man and a supporting role to so many of my heroes, LL Cool J, Slick Rick, Rakim, so many artists. To say Jazzy Jeff is my DJ, everybody can’t say that. Are you comfortable stepping into that other role, one of hip-hop hero and influential artist yourself? I’m definitely comfortable in it but it’s not an honor I take lightly. There’s a certain amount of responsibility that comes with being labeled a legend. I’m conscious of that and I’m being very intentional in my representation, but yeah, I feel like I worked for that. Only time will tell, but the fact that I’ve been around as long as I have, the body of work speaks for itself.

Questlove (left) and Black Thought (Courtesy/Joshua Kissi)

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NYE

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HEADLINERS

BRUNO MARS December 28, 30-31, 9 p.m., Dolby Live at Park MGM, ticketmaster. com.

KELLY CLARKSON December 30-31, 8 p.m., Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood, ticket master.com.

YACHTLEY CREW December 29-30, 9 p.m., Kaos at Palms, ticket master.com.

CHRISTINA AGUILERA December 30-31, 9:45 p.m., Voltaire at Venetian, ticket master.com.

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER December 29, 7 p.m., Orleans Arena, ticketmaster.com. GABRIEL “FLUFFY” IGLESIAS December 29-30, 8 p.m., the Chelsea at Cosmopolitan, ticketmaster.com.

JOHN OLIVER & SETH MEYERS December 31, 8 p.m., the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, ticket master.com.

LUKE BRYAN December 29-31, 8 p.m., Resorts World Theatre, axs. com.

DEMI LOVATO December 31, 10:30 p.m., the Chelsea, ticketmaster.com.

S T O R Y

DAVID BLAINE December 29-31, 8 p.m., Encore Theater at Wynn, ticketmaster.com.

C O V E R

BLACK EYED PEAS December 30-31, 9:30 p.m., Venetian Theatre, ticket master.com.

SETH MACFARLANE & LIZ GILLIES December 30, 7:30 p.m., Reynolds Hall at the Smith Center, thesmithcenter. com. KATT WILLIAMS December 30, 8 p.m., Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay, axs. com. POST MALONE December 30-31, 7 p.m., BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau, ticket master.com.

HUMAN NATURE December 31, 9 p.m., Grand Ballroom at South Point, ticketmaster. com. THE BRONX WANDERERS December 31, 10:30 p.m., South Point Showroom, ticket master.com. THE 442s December 31, 10 p.m., the Barbershop at Cosmopolitan, thebarber shoplv.com. FRANKY & THE ALL-NIGHTERS December 31, 8 p.m., Rouge Room at Red Rock Resort, rouge roomlv.com.

12.21.23

25I PRESENTED BY

HEADLINERS

NYE PARTIES JACKPOT Ravealation Events is taking over the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center once again for the second iteration of this EDM fest, this year starring Zouk Group Las Vegas resident DJ Kaskade, with support from Armnhmr, Deorro, Good Times Ahead, Mashbit, Saymyname, Yookie and more. The dance party will be held inside the DLVEC tent offering a climate-controlled, comfy environment rounded out by varied food and drink options for 18-and-over guests. December 30, 6 p.m., Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, dlvec.com.

TIME OF YOUR LIFE FESTIVAL With Third Eye Blind, Big Gigantic, Blackstreet, more. December 31, 7 p.m., Fremont Street Experience, vegasexperience. com. FOREVER MIDNIGHT FESTIVAL With Kaytranada, Eric Prydz, John Summit, Green Velvet, Jamie Jones, the Martinez Brothers, more. December 30-31, 6 p.m., LV FestPark at Resorts World, vegas.forevermidnightfest.com.

NYE PARTIES MASQUERAVE With Boris Brejcha, Ann Clue, Moritz Hofbauer. December 31, 9 p.m., the Wall & the A-Lot at Area15, area15.com. SKY HIGH CELEBRATION December 31, 10 p.m., Legacy Club at Circa, circalasvegas.com. NYE 2024 December 31, 6 p.m., Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay, houseofblues.com.

GIMME GIMME DISCO December 31, 9:30 p.m., Brooklyn Bowl at Linq Promenade, ticketmaster.com.

INGREDIENTS:

1 oz Old Forester 1920 Prohibition 1 oz Diplomatico Reserva Rum .5 oz Devil simple syrup (Thai chili, lemon, cayenne cinnamon, sugar) 3 barspoons cranberry reduction 3 dashes of white cherry bark bitters

NEW YEAR’S EVE EXTRAVAGANZA December 31, 9 p.m., Illuminarium at Area15, illuminarium.com. A LAVISH AFFAIR: NEW YEAR’S EVE December 31, 9 p.m., S Bar at Mandalay Bay, sbe.com. PARTY AT THE TOP December 31, 9 p.m., Observation Deck at the Strat, thestrat. com.

ABOUT THIS COCKTAIL:

(All Photographs Courtesy)

NYE

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

When creating the cocktail, bartender Brett Offutt’s goal was to use Old Forester 1920 and island-inspired ﬂavors. He included rum and white cherry bark bitters that bring out the cherry aromas of the Old Forester, creating an irresistible libation you won’t want to put down. Drink Responsibly.

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

C O V E R

S T O R Y

NYE

(Courtesy)

12.21.23

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NIGHTCLUBS

NYE

12.21.23

LIL JON December 31, 9 p.m., Jewel Nightclub, events.taogroup.com.

DJ DRAMA December 30, 10:30 p.m., Jewel Nightclub at Aria, events. taogroup.com.

PARTY FAVOR December 29, 10:30 p.m., Omnia Nightclub at Caesars Palace, events.taogroup.com.

CHRIS BROWN December 31, 10:30 p.m., Drai’s Nightclub, draisgroup.com.

ZEDD December 30, 10 p.m., Zouk Nightclub, zouk grouplv.com. ILLENIUM December 30, 10:30 p.m., Omnia Nightclub, events.taogroup.com. RICK ROSS December 30, 10:30 p.m., Drai’s Nightclub at Cromwell, drais group.com.

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NIGHTCLUBS

JOHN SUMMIT December 29, 10:30 p.m., LIV Nightclub at Fontainebleau, livnightclub.com.

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

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

POST MALONE December 31, 9 p.m., LIV Nightclub, livnightclub.com. KASKADE December 31, 10 p.m., Zouk Nightclub, zoukgrouplv.com. STEVE AOKI December 31, 9 p.m., Omnia Nightclub, events.taogroup.com. THE CHAINSMOKERS December 31, 10:30 p.m., XS Nightclub, wynnsocial.com.

FAT JOE December 31, 9 p.m., Hakkasan Nightclub at MGM Grand, events. taogroup.com.

BEST GIFT EVER! COURT GIFT CERTIFICATES

O.T. GENASIS December 31, 9 p.m., Tao Nightclub at Venetian, events.taogroup. com.

3 INDOOR ACRYLIC PICKLEBALL COURTS

DJ PAULY D December 31, 9 p.m., Marquee Nightclub at Cosmopolitan, events. taogroup.com.

FLEXIBLE COURT BOOKING OPTIONS PRIVATE OR GROUP LESSONS

HARRY ROMERO & ARIELLE FREE December 31, 9 p.m., Discopussy, tixr.com.

EXCITING PARTY OPTIONS TEAM BUILDING EVENTS

ANTHONY ATTALLA December 31, 10 p.m., Club Ego, clubegolv.com.

TO R E S E RVE A CO U RT

vegasindoorpickleball.com

ODESZA They brought the big grooves to Life Is Beautiful this year, but the Grammy-nominated pair of Seattle natives Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight have never played a set in a Las Vegas nightclub. That ends now when Odesza launches NYE weekend on the Strip with a show at Zouk, certainly one of the most highly sought-after tickets of the biggest party weekend of the year. December 29, 10 p.m., Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World, zouk grouplv.com.

(702) 507-1605 7575 West Sunset Road, Suite #110

NYE

(Courtesy)

FIND US ON:

NIGHTCLUBS

LEGENDARY GIFTS OF ENTERTAINMENT

* Additional 2024 residency shows now on sale!

for show times and tickets

3 0 0 0 PA R A D I S E ROA D, L A S V EG A S , N V 8910 9 | 70 2 .732 . 5111 | W E S TG AT EL A S V EG A S .CO M

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CONCERTS

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

Depeche Mode at T-Mobile Arena, March 30 Between its reinvigorated takes on lesser-known bangers like “Wrong” and “John the Revelator” and rousing renditions of all-time bops like “Just Can’t Get Enough” and “Enjoy the Silence,” it was obvious that Depeche Mode came to Vegas ready to work and play hard. –Geoff Carter

A R T S

Man or Astro-man? at the Wall at Area15, August 6 It’s been a minute since this wild, science fiction-inspired surf/garage rock band landed in Vegas, and they made it a close encounter worth remembering. It was the first time I’d ever heard of a song being composed for a dot-matrix printer, and likely the only time I’ll ever see such a song performed. –GC U2 at Sphere, September 30 U2’s mind-melting, custom-built residency kicked off at Las Vegas’ most anticipated venue of the year, and it did not disappoint. Sphere’s 160,000-square-foot mega display took this cathartic concert to new heights, producing a visually stunning set that set the senses tingling. –Amber Sampson Ken Mode at Artifice, March 17 This Winnipeg noiserock outfit went beyond crowd expectations and had us hanging onto their every move. From dramatic pauses to explosive, drawn-out jams, the band poured their energy into a performance that left a lasting impression. –Gabriela Rodriguez

Frankie and the Witch Fingers at the Usual Place, September 9 LA’s psych-rockers gunned it at this frenetic show, where fans moshed to the jazz-punk leanings of 2023’s Data Doom and vocalist/rhythm guitarist Dylan Sizemore surfed the crowd. Frankie’s drummer, Nick Aguilar, was a timekeeping rockstar, propelling this groovy psych band through its witchiest era yet. –AS The Night Beats at Vegas Stand Up & Rock, September 29 Although the venue itself felt like a dimly lit Applebee’s, when The Night Beats took the stage they transformed the space with psychedelic rock and roll. Heavily leaning into blues inspirations, the guitar riffs and utter musicianship had the crowd audibly saying, “Goddamn.” –GR Blackwater Holy Light at the Usual Place, June 3 Portland’s all-female doom-psych outfit pioneered a moody expedition with this anticipated set. Listeners were awash with thick basslines, a slow burn of heavy music orchestrated by a nimble set of musicians who know their way around a moving and mournful melody. –AS

Remi Wolf at Brooklyn Bowl, April 17 The eccentric vocal powerhouse blew the roof off her first headlining show in Vegas. Pumping the crowd with a feral, almost childlike energy, Wolf surpassed expectations with a voice made for the big room and a confidence that belied her young age. –AS

French Police at Artifice, September 7 Of all the shows I’ve attended at Artifice, this was the first time I’ve witnessed an entry line form around the building, and unsurprisingly, it was for French Police. The synth-pop indie group not only packed the venue but also had the audience in constant movement throughout their set. –GR

LOCAL MUSIC

Past Self, “Little Death” On this track, local dark wave experts transport listeners to a realm of sonic gloom while keeping the rhythm danceable. –GR

12.21.23

GALLERY & STAGE

Remi Wolf (Courtesy/Alan @endvrs)

Moon-Ra feat. Kian The One, “Hills Go Wild” The dramatic cello intro of “Hills Go Wild” cuts through the silence of the years that the files of the Lost & Found Suite EP were lost. The duo composed of Coco Jenkins and Uhmeesa found and shined up the almost-forgotten songs, including this one featuring local music producer Kian The One. –Shannon Miller

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(Courtesy)

Our favorite movies, albums, local music, new restaurants, cultural events and more from the past year

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

Justin Favela: Fantasia/ Fantasy at Nuwu Art When Nuwu Art’s Fawn Douglas introduced Justin Favela in January, she lauded his work for being “inspiring to so many people” and “f***ing badass.” This greatest-hits show of Favela’s paper art works, celebrating the release of his first book, demonstrated the truth of both statements. –GC

Hunter’s Briefcase, “Fiive” A standout jam on the indie rock band’s Ghost on the Highway EP, “Fiive” distinguishes Hunter’s Briefcase as a grooving force of nature, equipped with a synergistic style that allows each bassline, high hat and distorted lick to be accentuated to the fullest. –AS

Stephanie Amon: Faces of Hip-Hop at Sahara West Library Las Vegas artist Stephanie Amon did the 50year legacy of hip-hop justice with this collection of more than 20 large-scale oil paintings of some of music’s greatest emcees. The 30-yearold portrait artist zeroed in on the details for this exhibit, encouraging us to see our favorite rappers in a new light. –AS

Viaje Nahual, “Cuatro” This seven-minute track fully encapsulates Viaje Nahual’s unique sampling of psychedelia and cumbia, producing something as thrilling as it is rhythmic. And just when you think it’s slowing down, the song reinjects itself with its second wind. –AS

In Bloom at Bellagio Gallery of Fine Arts Bellagio’s springtime exhibit ushered in a season of transformation, with provocative work from more than 20 global contemporary artists. Nick Cave’s infamous “Soundsuit,” along with Salvador Dali’s Alice in Wonderland sculpture, were some of the inspiring pieces on display. –AS Majestic Repertory Theatre: Scream’d We can’t say enough good things about this kooky, true-to-form horror movie musical based on the original Scream film. It leans fully into its camp, earning chuckles with its pop-culture packed dialogue and inane use of nostalgic ’90s music. –AS

Jae Douglass, “Coy Leray” Las Vegas rapper Jae Douglass reaffirms why he’s one of our best in this slickly produced track about chasing a coy woman. Making a clever nod to “Blick, Blick” rapper Coi Leray, Douglass navigates his situationship with finesse, turning this into a vibey cut we can’t seem to get out of our heads. –AS

Meow Meow at Myron’s Meow Meow—born Melissa Madden Gray—delivers the kind of wild, funny cabaret show that Vegas needs more of. Name another chanteuse who can deliver a gorgeous rendition of Radiohead’s “Fake Plastic Trees” one minute, and skillfully arrange male audience members into human furniture the next. –GC Vegas Theatre Company: Abandon Accompanied by a massive trigger warning at the door, Abandon went places no production in its right mind would go— and that’s what made it amazing. The fictitious and incredibly sexual story of a French noble kinkster was a shockingly good time and unlike anything we’ve seen since. –AS Dita Las Vegas at Jubilee Theater Dita Von Teese’s showgirl spectacular punches all the boxes. Want a glitzy, old-school Vegas revue, with feathered costumes tall enough to ensnare low-flying planes? Check. Want a down-and-dirty burlesque revue that draws on Von Teese’s bondage-wear period? You’ll get that, too. –GC Never A Cat’s Paw at The Gather House Scrambled Eggs art collective collaborated with Hasta Siempre Books to curate a profoundly dynamic exhibition this year. Showcasing the work of fifteen talented artists, the display spanned an array of mediums, all made exclusively by women, femme, and non-gender conforming creators. –GR

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

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E N T E R T A I N M E N T

CULTURAL EVENTS

A R T S

Huntridge Theater sign relighting It’s got a way to go before reopening, but the Huntridge’s new owner J Dapper demonstrated his commitment to this historic Downtown theater by restoring its neon sign and by inviting the public to step inside the venue for the first time in many years in April. –GC

Beverly Theater opening Beverly Rogers’ arthouse/revival cinema opened with a proper premiere in March: Celine Song brought her acclaimed film Past Lives to Vegas. So began a streak of cultural wins for the Beverly, including a Vegas visit from Oscar-winning cinematographer Roger Deakins, exclusive runs of Eo and All the Beauty and the Bloodshed, and a St. Patrick’s Day screening of Leprechaun 3. –GC Nuwu Cannabis Sky High Lounge opening Nuwu Cannabis Marketplace made some big moves in 2023— programming comedy in its courtyard, launching a shuttle to Fremont Street and, most notably, opening a second-story consumption lounge called Sky High Lounge. The 16,000-squarefoot lounge is complete with two dab bars, a drink bar and outdoor terrace with views of Downtown Las Vegas. –SM

Punk Rock Museum opening From day one, the Punk Rock Museum has endeavored to celebrate and preserve memories of its namesake genre, and it does so no matter which wave of punk you rode in on. The Vandals’ Joe Escalante, L7’s Jennifer Finch, Gogol Bordello’s Eugene Hutz and even Fred Armisen have stopped by to do guided tours of the collection, which now includes Joe Strummer’s guitar and lyric sheets. –GC The Rita Deanin Abbey Museum welcomes guests A prolific, under-recognized artist received a fitting showcase for her work with the public opening of her former studio and home, now an appointment-only museum. Rita Deanin Abbey’s talent was immense, her artistic curiosity nearly without limit— and the museum devoted to her provides a solid overview of her accomplishments. –GC U2 shoots a music video Downtown For the second time in their career, U2 came to Fremont Street. Rolling in on a flatbed truck, the band ran through several lip-synched performances of “Atomic City” in September prior to opening Sphere, then rewarded the crowd with a live acoustic version of the song they mimed on Fremont in 1987, “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” –GC The Great Vegas Festival of Beer You know spring has sprung when the annual Downtown Beer Fest rolls around. The boozy event not only gives drinkers access to taste more than 500 brews, it keeps the vibes light with a karaoke stage, silent disco and cornhole. –GR

(Steve Marcus/Staff)

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

12.21.23

NEW RESTAURANTS Peter Luger Steak Classics never go out of style. Caesars Palace proves to be the ideal location for the Strip version of this NYC institution. –Weekly Staff

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

Amari You’ll come to this UnCommons bistro for its delicious focaccia, pizzas and pastas—but you’ll stay for its namesake wall of Italian herbal liqueurs. –GC

A R T S

Double Zero Pie & Pub Proving you can never have too many elite pizzerias in one city, Michael Vakneen strikes again with a stylish Tokyo-style pub dishing up Neapolitan pies, cocktails and more. –Staff

Azzurra Cucina Italiana The cozy and creative Azzurra is exactly the kind of ambitious neighborhood restaurant needed to continue the evolution—and elevation—of Water Street in Henderson. –Staff Pine Bistro Southern Highlands lands a culinary jewel with this upscale Lebanese restaurant and hookah bar, suited to the tastes of adventurous diners with a love for spices, fresh, hand-picked ingredients and all the baba ganoush and meat you can handle. –AS Fine Company Roy Ellamar shifts from the Strip to Downtown Summerlin and serves cozy breakfast, shared plates, seafood and a new dinner menu with something for everyone. –staff Curry Pizza House The strong personalities and flavors of both curry and pizza are honored at this brand-new eatery originally from California. Aloo gobi or chicken tikka in pizza form are masterpieces. –SM

Peter Luger Steak (Courtesy/Caesars Entertainment) Yukon Pizza How it started: Woodfired pizza on a pillowy crust made from a 125-year-old heirloom sourdough starter, served out of Vegas Test Kitchen. How it’s going: Yukon Pizza’s brick-and-mortar location serves not only great pizza, but killer wings, smashburgers and other tasty oneoffs. –GC Fugetsu Okonomiyaki Izakaya This decades-old Japanese restaurant brand finally brought amazing seafood pancakes (okonomiyaki) and other bar-style dishes to Chinatown Las Vegas. –Staff

Mizunara Chef Sho Kamio brings Japanese cuisine done Bay Area-style to UnCommons with Mizunara, offering brilliant bites of sushi and fried chicken. –Staff Naxos Taverna Red Rock Resort’s dining updates hit another high note with this elevated Greek spot, which also contains the energetic Kallisto Oyster Bar. –Staff HaSalon Chef Eyal Shani’s fine dining contribution to the Strip is a revelation, a must-visit experience at Palazzo and a study in Israeli cuisine. –Staff

Naxos Taverna (Courtesy/Anthony Mair)

12.21.23

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

Basilico Longtime local force Francesco Di Caudo breaks through with his modern take on neighborhood Italian, amping up the southwest community of Evora. –Staff

Basilico (Wade Vandervort/Staff)

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12.21.23

Kali Uchis Red Moon in Venus Kali Uchis’ first Top 10 album on the Billboard 200 reaches for intimacy and finds it on this sultry new entry, burning with white hot love and affection. The Latin singer samples neo-soul, R&B and shades of glossened pop across 15 solid tracks, recalling the suave musicality of the one and only Sade. –AS

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

ALBUMS

A R T S

Feeble Little Horse Girl With Fish From the dirty, lovely fuzz that opens “Freak” to the woozy folk guitar and vocal harmonies of “Heavy Water,” this Pittsburgh band commands the listener’s full, rapturous attention. “Steamroller” is practically a thunderstorm with a melody. –GC

Noname Sundial Fresh beats give way to new feats by this Chicago rapper. The wordsmith’s first album in five years exudes a certain maturity and new level of self-awareness, especially on tracks like “Namesake” and “Beauty Supply.” –SM

Yaya Bey Exodus the North Star The companion EP to 2022’s Remember Your North Star shows a lighter side of the singer-songwriter. Bey masterfully mixes R&B, reggae and jazz as backgrounds to delightful glimpses into her life and desires. –SM

Janelle Monae The Age of Pleasure Music’s favorite pop android discovers her flesh in this sexy, hedonistic romp, powered by the celebration of Black joy, queer liberation and good old “Champagne Sh*t.” Monae’s rhythmic soundtrack of Afrobeat and hip-swiveling reggae has audacity and character written all over it and she revels in that creation. –AS

Arlo Parks My Soft Machine A deeply sensitive record fashioned by a 20-something singer-songwriter still navigating her own adulthood, My Soft Machine is a triumph of vulnerability. Parks is a poet on paper and in song here, delicately unmasking her insecurities, her love and her fear with indie pop style and utmost grace. –AS

Daughter Stereo Mind Game Seven years after the indie folk trio released Not to Disappear, Daughter returns with one of its most instrumentally dominant and revelatory albums yet. The breathy vocals of Elena Torna still elicit chills but her lyrics, while historically poignant, feel more self-compassionate and hopeful as she embraces with the truth about her addictions and accepts some love does get lost at sea. –AS

Boygenius The Record The boys are back in this cruisey, Grammy-nominated cut structured around the chemistry of friendship. Lucy Dacus, Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker flex their individual superpowers on this 12-track LP, sprinkling in signature sad girl sorrow, road trip-ready rock ’n’ roll and touching harmonies. –AS

Peter Gabriel i/o It’s never easy with this guy: i/o comes 20 years after Gabriel’s last album of new material. But it was worth the wait. “Playing for Time,” “Road to Joy” and the title track are standouts, but every last song in this long-awaited collection shines. –GC

Slowdive Everything is Alive Nearly everything about this U.K. shoegaze band’s latest record is a hypnotic wow. Each one of its eight tracks floats dreamily on its own cloud of warm synths, crystalline guitars and expansive reverb. –GC

Sparks The Girl is Crying in Her Latte Ron and Russell Mael could have chosen to coast a bit after Edgar Wright’s The Sparks Brothers gave the band its long-overdue flowers. Instead, they went hard, delivering a nervy, inventive and downright fun record that draws on all the strengths of Sparks’ five-decade career. –GC

King Krule Space Heavy At times, it’s essential to fully experience our emotions, and certain musicians have a unique ability to immerse us in a melancholic state. Archy Marshall’s fourth studio album serves as an ideal catalyst, showcasing his iconic brooding vocals and a fusion of fuzzy jazz and alt rock. –GR

Narrow Head Moments Of Clarity Narrow Head’s evolution is unmistakable in this third studio album—the post hardcore project radiates with profound artistic development. Although heavy, there’s a groove throughout the tracks that undeniably contributes to the thematic depth and tightness of their sound. –GR

Larry June and The Alchemist The Great Escape Larry June’s monotone flow and The Alchemist’s lush beats make this joint album a no-brainer. In a nutshell, minimalism is the most powerful tool in this project and hypnotizes listers to nod their head. –GR

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

12.21.23

(Focus Features)

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

MOVIES

A R T S

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves It should have stunk, but directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein rolled a natural 20 on this game adaptation and delivered a funny and exciting popcorn movie. Chris Pine’s hilarious face-melting bit is one for the ages. –GC Missing A thrilling successor to 2018’s Searching, Missing masterfully wields the power of visual storytelling, allowing one girl’s desperate search for her mother to play out entirely through a computer screen. There’s so many plot twists at work here, your head will swivel with conspiracy theories til the very end. –AS Evil Dead Rise The gore in this stand-alone entry will make even the gutsiest of horror fans clutch their pearls. Alyssa Sutherland plays a terrifyingly convincing deadite, stalking her family in their LA apartment after an earthquake shakes awake an ancient body-possessing evil. No one is safe, and there will be blood. –AS

Asteroid City Wes Anderson fans can trust that anything the filmmaker releases will be full of visually pleasing cinematography, eccentric characters and line blurring narrative style. Asteroid City is a play within a movie that examines grief in heartwarming fashion, and with a star-studded cast. –GR

Infinity Pool Things and people are not always what they seem on vacation. This film follows a couple who accidentally happen upon their vacation country’s dark culture and fall into a wormhole of crime and hedonistic acts. –GR Bottoms Shiva Baby’s Rachel Sennott and Emma Seligman team up for more subversive raunchiness in this queer coming of cage-fighting comedy about two high schoolers who create a female fight club to land chicks. With an all-star cast that features Ayo Edebiri (The Bear) and NFL star Marshawn Lynch, Bottoms pokes so much fun at itself, it’s impossible not to love it. –AS

No Hard Feelings At last, Jennifer Lawrence becomes the comedic hero we all deserve, allowing her biting wit and infectious humor to carry this film’s plot about seducing someone’s awkward son. The nude, full-frontal beach beatdown scene is worth the watch alone, but Lawrence’s chemistry with the wholesome Andrew Barth Feldman makes this comedy a treasure. –AS Quiz Lady Anyone who saw Sandra Oh on Saturday Night Live knows she has wicked comic timing, but in Quiz Lady, she’s next level. We need many, many more movies with Oh and Awkwafina playing off each other. –GC John Wick: Chapter 4 How is he still alive? One has to wonder after all the bullets and beatings he’s endured over the last three installments. Somehow, the neo-noir saga continues to stick the landing, this time with Wick pummeling his way through the High Table’s most stylish assassins yet, and in the most gorgeous cities around the world. –AS

Past Lives Celine Song’s directorial debut is a sweet, yet heartbreaking consideration of the road not taken. It defies the shortcuts of easy storytelling, and it frustrates and rewards by turns. If it doesn’t garner Greta Lee an Oscar nomination, that’s another heartbreak right there. –GC Talk To Me Directed by the Philippou twins, Talk To Me is the supernatural rollercoaster of the year. The movie weaves a tale of suspense as friends conjure spirits with an embalmed hand and become hooked on the thrill of possession—until one person takes it too far. –GR Priscilla If there’s one thing director Sophia Coppola has a knack for, it’s highlighting the female experience. Her newest biopic on Priscilla Presley unveils the life of Elvis’ ex-wife during the height of his career and creates a sense of allyship between viewers and the lonesome spouse. –GR

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

12.21.23

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

TELEVISION

A R T S

Loki, Season 2 Had Marvel done nothing else in 2023 (and it’s tempting to pretend that they didn’t), they’d still deserve praise for bringing Loki’s story to a bittersweet, yet fitting close. Tom Hiddleston, Owen Wilson and Ke Huy Quan elevated good writing to great through committed perfomances. –GC Beef Beef is the thrilling cultural observation of how extreme emotions can drive people outside of themselves. Steven Yeun and Ali Wong are delightful to watch as their rage against each other leads to unexpected consequences. –GR This Fool, Season 2 Chris Estrada’s life-inspired comedy about a pushover who works at a nonprofit that rehabilitates ex-gang members and ex-prisoners is still waiting for its Season 3 renewal. If Season 2 is any indicator, it’s worth the wait. –SM Mrs. Davis Easily the weirdest show of 2023, this single-season tale of a two-fisted nun and wannabe cowboy battling a creepily benevolent AI is required viewing for revolutionaries, magicians, sneakerheads and anyone afraid of AI taking their job. –GC

The Last of Us I once believed that the world didn’t need another end-of-times show, especially one that’s based on a video game—until I watched The Last of Us. Not only does Pedro Pascal easily fit the dad(dy) role but this post-apocalyptic drama is dynamic and captivating. –GR One Piece Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s long-running pirate manga is an eccentric, swashbuckling delight, with a superlatively charismatic cast and an elegant, yet goofy look that evokes Baron Munchausen-era Terry Gilliam. –GC Poker Face If there’s a single negative thing to be said about Rian Johnson’s case-ofthe-week detective series, it’s that Natasha Lyonne’s wisecracking, big-haired “human lie detector” Charlie Cale isn’t on TV every week. Ten episodes ain’t enough. We can’t wait for season 2. –GC Reservation Dogs, Season 3 This outstanding show about four loveable and relatable Indigenous kids is gone too soon, but it stuck the landing. Perhaps Bear, Cheese, Elora Danan and Willie Jack will come back around someday, like the Deer Lady. She’s out there. –GC

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off Netflix’s animated series based on the beloved Bryan Lee O’Malley graphic novel came as a pleasant surprise. Not only does it include the entire cast from the 2010 film adaptation, but also serves as a sequel to the original story. –GR Love & Death This HBO miniseries delves into the true story of Candy Montgomery, a Texas mother who committed a gruesome murder in 1980, killing the wife of the man she was having an affair with. The narrative takes a turn as viewers find themselves reluctantly empathizing with Candy’s character. –GR Swarm Donald Glover’s unhinged thriller Swarm showcases how scary fandoms and Stan culture can become. Dominique Fishback plays an obsessive popstar fan who takes online hate personally and makes sure the haters never speak badly about Beyoncé—I mean, Ni’jah—ever again. –GR The Bear, Season 2 Anyone with restaurant experience will tell you that this show triggers their industry PTSD. While the chaos from Season 1 fuels the fire in the newest episodes, viewers are given the chance to further dissect character trauma through sheer dialogue and body language—it’s truly more than meets the eye. –GR

Shrinking Jason Segel and Jessica Williams are likeable and funny in this series about all-too-fallible psychiatrists, but its secret sauce is previously unrecognized comic powerhouse Harrison Ford. Indiana Jones has got jokes. –GC

VIDEO GAMES

(Nintendo)

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Breath of the Wild was a hard act to follow, but Nintendo did it in a way that makes serialized storytelling look easy. The world of Hyrule is bigger, the game mechanics more layered and fascinating—but it retains the previous game’s quiet grandeur. –GC Dead Island 2 After eight years, the much-awaited sequel to Dead Island makes its gory debut, thrusting players into the role of zombie slayers stuck in the city of “Hell-A.” Exploring the ruins of Beverly Hills while hacking up a horde has never felt better thanks to Dead Island 2’s insane dismemberment system and the limitless ways you can kit out a melee weapon to your sadistic heart’s content. –AS Alan Wake 2 A sequel 13 years in the making, Alan Wake 2 positions itself as one of the most unique survivor horror games of the last 20 years. Remedy Entertainment flexes its narrative storytelling muscles here, unraveling a Twin Peaks-style of plot that’s so smartly written, so graphically dynamic and so purposely entwined with its other games you can’t possibly play AW2 without digging into the rest of Remedy’s entrancing catalog. –AS Sea of Stars Scratching the itch of nostalgic turn-based JRPGs like Golden Sun, Sea of Stars manages to have reverence for the RPGs that came before it without repeating their mistakes. Traversal is a breeze, with regions offering lots of verticality; dungeons aren’t a slog to get through; and battling, even after long periods, has a coziness that makes putting this game down difficult. –AS Super Mario Bros. Wonder Game companies are supposed to slack off as a console reaches the end of its cycle. Nintendo didn’t get that message. Super Mario Bros. Wonder is one of the best side-scrolling games of the franchise, with breezy, smooth gameplay and some legit big surprises. –GC

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12.21.23

Photos You Didn’t See Photographer CHRISTOPHER DEVARGAS

P H O T O G R A P H Y

1 A portrait of Lil Jon taken during a Weekly cover shoot, March 9. 2 El Pulpo Magnifico, artist Duane Flatmo’s flame-spewing steampunk octopus kinetic sculpture, is seen during immersive art fair Transfix at Resorts World, April 20. 3 A portrait of Erica Vital-Lazare, co-founder of the Obodo Collective and CSN professor of creative writing, for a Weekly profile, June 15.

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

Photographer STEVE MARCUS

1 P H O T O S

Y O U

D I D N ’ T

S E E

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1 People take photos of rain runoff flowing through the Pittman Wash at Arroyo Grande Boulevard in Henderson after afternoon storms, September 20. 2 A Western Burrowing Owl is shown near the Mob Museum in Downtown Las Vegas, February 10. Unlike most owls, Western Burrowing Owls are not exclusively nocturnal and are often active during the day. 3 Los Angeles Lakers forward Maxwell Lewis (21) uses an illegal assist to score during the second half of an NBA In-Season Tournament semifinal game against the New Orleans Pelicans at T-Mobile Arena, December 7.

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P H O T O G R A P H Y

Photographer BRIAN RAMOS P H O T O S D I D N ’ T

Y O U S E E

2 0 2 3

1 With summer approaching, beekeepers Dave Sharpless and Destry Myers demonstrated how they move and relocate their queen bees, June 6. Optimal temperature for the bees is about 95 degrees Fahrenheit; any hotter and the bees will have difficulty surviving. 2 A class of 85 rookie firefighters goes through training exercises, April 18. Southwest Valley residents saw some large plumes of smoke as the Clark County Fire Department practiced live fire-training in two houses donated by Evel Knievel’s son Kelly.

12.21.23

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

Photographer WADE VANDERVORT

1 P H O T O S

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1 Singer-songwriter M3cca poses for a photo at The Shag Room inside Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, March 6. 2 Sir Anthony Hopkins speaks following a performance of Awakening at Wynn, a show narrated by the two-time Academy Award winner, December 11. 3 Local musician Indigo Rose poses for a Weekly photo, July 12.

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12.21.23

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the perfect opportunity to de-stress, unwind and enjoy the holiday season. Whether you’re already in vacation mode or struggling to slow down during a hectic holiday, cannabis can help keep you toasty and warm through it all. Here are our top tips for cozying up with cannabis this winter.

Bake cookies, decorate cookies, make gingerbread houses— there’s no end to fun, festive cookie activities this season. The creative process is as enjoyable as the end result. Best type of cannabis for baking cookies: Sativa or sativadominant hybrid strains high in limonene, a common terpene found in cannabis, may help elevate mood and energy.

For the ultimate cozy cannabis treat, make a steaming mug of hot chocolate and drop in a chocolate- or caramelflavored Cheeba Chew and stir until dissolved. Enjoy!

Whether you’re crafting gifts, decorations or Christmas tree ornaments, this is a great time to settle in and start creating. Best type of cannabis for crafting: Sativa and hybrid strains that are high in pinene are good for any activity that requires focus and presence of mind.

Holidays got you down? Let cannabis give you a boost. While the holidays can be hectic and overwhelming, taking time to relax and destress is important. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago and University of Chicago discovered that smaller doses of cannabis (7.5 milligrams or below) can decrease stress.

12.21.23

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ADVERTORIAL PRESENTED BY D E E P R O OT S H A RV E S T

Whether you’re solo, with a partner, or inviting friends over, few things trump a warm, homecooked meal. Infuse it with cannabis or make cannabis “cocktails” with THC-infused drinks, soda water and fresh fruit juice. Best type of cannabis for home cooking: Hybrid strains that stimulate the appetite. Ask your budtender what they recommend to encourage munchies and maximize food pleasure.

Even mundane holiday activities can be improved and made cozy with cannabis. Crank your favorite Christmas music, consume your cannabis of choice, and knock out the remaining to-do items on your list. Best type of cannabis for chores: The type of chore will determine if you need a strain that’s more energizing or more relaxing. Consult your budtender for the best strains for your activity.

Queue up your most beloved holiday movies, prep the popcorn and settle in for an evening of couch lock. Best type of cannabis for movie night: Hybrid and indica-dominant hybrid strains that are relaxing and help release body tension but won’t make you too sleepy.

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

12.21.23

“ If there is a kid we played against who

IN THE

NEWS S

is really, really good, we want to share that information and have it trickle down. Hopefully, some kids get more exposure who might not have gotten it.” -Bishop Gorman football coach Brent Browner, whose team was selected national champion December 18

DEVELOPMENT

N E W S

M Resort breaks ground on expansion The M Resort has celebrated the official groundbreaking of a second resort tower—the first major development at the property since it opened in the southwest valley in 2009. The tower will add 384 rooms and 15,000 square feet of convention space, doubling the resort’s size to a total of 774 rooms and suites. Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero and Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft were present for the December 11 groundbreaking, declaring the day “M Resort Day.” “Starting off with new restaurant concepts, entering our 10-year relationship with the Las Vegas Raiders, followed by partnering with Foley Entertainment and the Henderson Silver Knights, the Vegas Knighthawks indoor football team, and the NBA G League, and developing our all-star concert series welcoming artists such as Nelly, Flo Rida, Martina McBride, Bush, and others—all of that has been successful in creating the demand to expand,” said Hussain Mahrous, vice president and general manager of M Resort. The expansion is estimated to take 18 months, with an anticipated opening in summer 2025. -Staff

Unanimous decision

WEDDINGS

UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards, left, celebrates after being declared the winner by unanimous decision against Colby Covington, right, during UFC 296 at T-Mobile Arena on December 16. (Steve Marcus/Staff)

Vegas chapels prepare for New Year’s Eve rush

Workers at Southern Nevada wedding chapels are expecting New Year’s Eve—already a popular time for weddings—to see even more cute and quirky marriages as couples flock to the city for the special 12/31/23 date—which has the rare numerical sequence of 1-2-3-1-2-3. Diana Moran, head minister at A Little White Wedding Chapel, believes this New Year’s Eve is “going to be off the charts” because of its special date having numerical significance. The chapel had begun receiving calls inquiring about marriage ceremonies on New Year’s Eve in February. Even Clark County expects an influx of couples yearning to get married. The county said it will open a pop-up marriage license bureau December 26-31 at Harry Reid International Airport. –Grace Da Rocha

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T H E A ’ S W I L L P AY $ 4 5 M I L L I O N T H E T E A M O W E S F O R I T S S H A R E O F T H E O A K L A N D - A L A M E D A C O L I S E U M .

12.21.23

WATCH THIS

12.11.2023

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Taken with Awakening

The Rebels play Kansas at 6 p.m. December 26 in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl in Phoenix on ESPN.

Fresh off their nightly performance at Wynn Las Vegas, the cast and crew of Awakening at filed back onto the production’s grand circular stage to pose for a picture with their newest audience member: Sir Anthony Hopkins. The two-time Academy Award-winning actor who narrates the show had heard its striking score and was shown some videos of the performance during his recording sessions, but had no idea just how incredible the show really was. “It’s a vast piece of engineering and creativity. I’m just very honored to be part of it,” he said. (Wade Vandervort/Staff)

COURTS

Nevada fake electors plead not guilty

Six Nevada Republicans who participated in a false electoral ceremony to pledge the state’s six electoral votes to former President Donald Trump after the 2020 election each entered not guilty pleas December 18 on forgery-related charges. The six are Nevada Republican Party Chairman Michael McDonald; James DeGraffenreid, a Republican national committeeman and a district-level delegate to the 2016 Republican National Convention; Durward James Hindle III, vice chair of the Nevada Republican Committee; Jesse Law, chairman of the Clark County Republican Party; Shawn Meehan, founder of Guard the Constitution Project; and Eileen Rice, a delegate at the Nevada

Republican Party. All six appeared virtually before Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus and entered their pleas through defense attorney Richard Wright, who attended the hearing in person. Each was indicted by a Clark County grand jury earlier this month and faces charges of offering a false instrument for filing and uttering a forged instrument, category C and D felonies, respectively. The charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Wright did not answer questions from reporters as he left the downtown Las Vegas courthouse following the arraignment. -Casey Harrison

T H E

N U M B E R S

1.6M

That’s how many acre-feet of Colorado River water is expected to be saved in Lake Mead through 2026 after conservation agreements were signed at the Colorado River Water Users Association meeting at Paris Las Vegas on December 13.

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The Just One Project serves more than 20,000 food-insecure Southern Nevadans per month. 96% of every dollar given goes directly into The Just One Project’s programs. Volunteer opportunities are available for all ages. To volunteer, donate or to learn more, please visit thejustoneproject.org. If you are in need of assistance email appointment@ thejustoneproject.org or call 702-462-2253.

Last year, Three Square distributed nearly 43 million pounds of food. Every dollar donated provides 3 wholesome meals. Long-term volunteer opportunities include helping clients apply for programs and serving seniors 60+ through community meals and delivering groceries. Individuals and groups may volunteer by visiting threesquare.org.

The Las Vegan Food Pantry provides plant-based supplemental food through distributions on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. To volunteer visit lasveganfoodpantry.org. To receive a free box of food, visit lasveganfoodpantry.org, click on the Reserve Grocery Box icon. Please note: You must be able to pick up the box on the day of distribution at 10:30 a.m.

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

12.21.23

(Shutterstock/Photo Illustration)

N E W S

THE FIGHT FOR RIGHTS

As Nevada groups get to work on constitutional amendment guaranteeing ‘reproductive freedom,’ Supreme Court takes up case deciding abortion pill access BY SHANNON MILLER Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, taking away the constitutional right to abortion, voters in seven states have approved amending their state constitutions to protect abortion access. And Nevada could be next. Abortion is already legal up to 24 weeks into a pregnancy in Nevada thanks to a 1990 referendum that affirmed state statutes on abortion. But Nevadans for Reproductive Freedom PAC wants to go even further by putting a question on the November 2024 ballot that would estab-

lish constitutional protection for abortion and for “reproductive freedom” in general. “There’s statutory protections on the books, meaning that our laws related to abortion in the state can only be changed by a vote of the people. But state constitutional protections are even stronger,” explains Caroline Mello Roberson, director of state campaigns with Reproductive Freedom for All. Reproductive Freedom for All is one of the organizations in the coalition that makes up Nevadans for Reproductive Freedom PAC. The group on September 14 initially filed a Notice of Intent to circulate a petition for a ballot initiative. The

ballot initiative would ask whether a new section should be added to the state constitution saying that “every individual has a fundamental right to reproductive freedom, which entails the right to make and effectuate decisions about all matters relating to pregnancy, including, without limitation, prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, birth control, vasectomy, tubal ligation, abortion, abortion care, management of a miscarriage and infertility care.” But the coalition has hit a roadblock. Weeks after filing the Notice of Intent to circulate a petition, a PAC called the Coalition for Parents and Children sued to block the ballot question.

12.21.23

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

N E W S

Carson City District Court Judge James Russell ruled in their favor, arguing that Nevadans for Reproductive Freedom’s ballot initiative was too broad for a single ballot question. “We are appealing that decision to the [Nevada] Supreme Court, which we’re hoping that we get a court date some time in early January,” Mello Roberson says. In the event that the ballot initiative doesn’t get a ruling in such a timely manner, her coalition has filed a “backup” Notice of Intent to circulate a petition. That alternative petition narrows down the subject to just abortion rather than all reproductive rights. The petition to get the constitutional amendment on the ballot would need to get 103,000 signatures from Nevada’s four congressional districts by June 26, Mello Roberson says. If they’re successful with that, the question would appear on the November 2024 ballot and, if it gets a majority vote of the people, will appear again on the ballot in 2026. There is also an effort in the Legislature to amend the state constitution with the right to “reproductive freedom.” Senate Joint Resolution 7, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzarro and 39 other Democrats, passed through both houses of the Legislature and would need to pass through the Legislature again in 2025 and then go before voters on the 2026 general election ballot in order for the amendment to be made. “There’s two ways to amend the state constitution. One is to gather signatures and have two votes of the people consecutively. The other is to have two consecutive votes of the state Legislature, and then one vote of the people,” Mello Roberson explains. Mello Roberson has been campaigning in Nevada since 2016. She says Nevada has taken on abortion patients from other states that have banned or restricted abortion since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. “I have been mobilizing and activating Nevadans for reproductive freedom for the past seven years. And this year, it is more important than ever, because of what happened in 2022 with the Supreme Court overturning a 50-year constitutionally protected right. That has wreaked havoc all over the country, including in places like Nevada because we’re

surrounded by states that, unfortunately, are going against the will of the American people and restricting access to abortion,” she says. Since Roe was overturned, more than a dozen states have enacted near-total bans on abortion and seven states have banned abortion at six to 18 weeks of pregnancy. “Part of the reason we’re putting a constitutional amendment forward is because we know that we need to actually expand access to care in our state to ensure that Nevadans and folks that come here can continue to access care.” Nevada is not the only state to have a constitutional amendment in the works to protect abortion. Ballot questions are already set to appear on 2024 ballots New York and Maryland, and advocates are pushing to get it on the ballot in neighboring Arizona.

LOCAL COMPANY FIGHTING FOR ABORTION PILL ACCESS

The abortion pill, which is actually a combination of mifepristone followed by misoprostol, is used in more than half of abortions in the U.S. In 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it would permanently allow the pill to be dispensed by mail. But that rule and additional rules that made the drug easier to access are now at stake in the Supreme Court, which will determine how the abortion pill can be accessed even in states where abortion is legal. Originally approved by the FDA in 2000, mifepristone has been found by the agency to be safer than Viagra and penicillin. But a newly formed coalition of anti-abortion doctors represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom (a conservative legal group that had a hand in the Dobbs case that resulted in the overturning of Roe) sued the FDA in November 2022 claiming that the agency failed to follow scientific and legal protocols for safety when it approved mifepristone. The high court announced on December 13 that it will take up the cases FDA vs. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine and Danco Laboratories vs. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine. This comes after the Biden administration and mifepristone maker Danco Laboratories asked the Supreme Court to take it up

following the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals’ ruling that would have removed FDA rules that made mifepristone easier to access. Those rules include allowing the drug to be taken at 10 weeks of pregnancy instead of seven, allowing it to be dispensed by mail, and requiring one in-person visit with a doctor instead of three. (The Fifth Circuit’s ruling never went into effect after Justice Samuel Alito in April granted requests for an emergency stay of the ruling.) Justices will hear oral arguments early next year with a ruling due by the end of June 2024. Las Vegas company GenBioPro, which manufactures generic mifepristone, has filed an amicus brief in the case, warning of “severe” consequences if the lower court’s ruling is allowed to stand. Skye Perryman, CEO of Democracy Forward, which is GenBioPro’s legal counsel, says the ruling would be harmful to patients across the U.S., and would undermine the FDA’s authority when it comes to approving drugs. “We’ve seen a number of concerning trends where both extreme special interest groups, like the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine in the Fifth Circuit case, as well as extreme politicians at times have sought to politicize the FDA to undermine its scientific judgment,” Perryman tells the Weekly. “Congress made it clear that it is the FDA, and the FDA alone that is to make scientific judgments about the regulations and availability of drugs.” Access to abortion across the U.S. is being formed by these legal battles playing out in all rungs of the judicial system. And after Supreme Court Justices said they would leave abortion laws to the states, they are now in the position again of deciding major cases that will affect abortion access in all states. Mello Roberson says rural Nevadans especially stand to lose access to abortion as well as miscarriage management. (Mifepristone and misoprostol are also used to treat miscarriages.) “Especially in our state, [it] is absolutely factually true here that we have people who live far away from cities … who [would] have to then travel in order to access a medication that their doctors have prescribed for them,” she says.

“The Supreme Court overturning a 50-year constitutionally protected right [has] wreaked havoc all over the country, including in places like Nevada because we’re surrounded by states that, unfortunately, are going against the will of the American people and restricting access to abortion.” -Caroline Mello Roberson, director of state campaigns, Reproductive Freedom for All

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

12.21.23

B GOING

BOWLING Five reasons to care about UNLV’s climb into theGuaranteed Rate Bowl against Kansas

BY RAY BREWER, CASE KEEFER & DANNY WEBSTER

owl season isn’t quite what it used to be in college football. The contests, aside from the national championship and College Football Playoff semifinals, were always glorified exhibitions but they typically carried extra meaning as a way for a team to play one last game together. That’s largely changed in the past few years with the advent of the transfer portal, NFL Draft opt-outs, player-pay via name, image and likeness (NIL) deals and a quicker coach-hiring cycle. In many cases now, teams competing in bowl games bear little resemblance to the ones they carried through the regular season. The Guaranteed Rate Bowl between UNLV and Kansas, which kicks off at 6 p.m. December 26 at Chase Field in Phoenix, therefore, feels like a throwback, especially on the Scarlet and Gray’s side. The game is highly significant for UNLV to cap a remarkable first season under coach Barry Odom and well worth watching on ESPN. Here are five reasons why a chance to play in the postseason means so much to UNLV.

Jayden Maiava (1), Ricky White (11) (Steve Marcus/ Staff)

12.21.23

S P O R T S Rallying the community A shooter officials described as a failed job candidate on December 6 killed three professors in the UNLV business college and seriously injured a fourth before being killed by police. Students and staff sheltered in fear for hours. An outpouring of love since has included vigils, donations, prayers and moments of silence. Stores sold out of UNLV gear. UNLV football players and coaches say they want to honor the victims against Kansas. They’ll be following the lead of the men’s basketball team, which put forth a spirited effort to stun No. 8 Creighton 79-64 with an emotional performance on December 13 at Dollar Loan Center. The players made heart gestures toward fans and pointed to a “UNLV Strong” patch on their jerseys during the game and detailed feeling pride about giving the university something to cheer for during a difficult time afterwards. The UNLV football team will be looking to do the same.

Defying history Any bowl appearance is major for UNLV because it’s been such a rarity over the years. This is the Scarlet and Gray’s first bowl game since the 2013 season, and only the team’s fifth all-time appearance. By comparison, Alabama will be participating in its 77th on January 1 in the Rose Bowl when it takes on Michigan as part of the College Football Playoff. UNLV does have a 3-1 record in bowl games, though the last win came in the 2000 Las Vegas Bowl against Arkansas. Most recently, North Texas blew out UNLV 36-14 in the Heart of Dallas Bowl in 2014. UNLV has never qualified for bowl games in consecutive seasons, an achievement Odom could unlock next year.

Setting the stage Part of the reason why UNLV’s rise to a 9-3 regular season and berth in the Mountain West Conference championship game this year came as such a surprise was its youth. Led by Mountain West Freshman of the Year Jayden Maiava at quarterback, this is not an experienced team. But it will be next year, and that’s why UNLV is using

the Guaranteed Rate Bowl as a springboard into the 2024 season. Getting two extra weeks of practice is a big deal for a team hoping to take the next step and secure the best season in school history next year. Ending the season with a victory and snapping a two-game losing streak that included a conference championship game defeat to Boise State at Allegiant Stadium should propel the Rebels with positive momentum.

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Report

Keeping the roster and staff Future optimism is largely a result of UNLV appearing to have done the impossible by maintaining continuity with its core. Rumors swirled that Maiava and top receiver Ricky White, who earned thirdteam All-America honors, could enter the transfer portal before the bowl game, but they proved to be unfounded. Meanwhile, offensive coordinator Brennan Marion interviewed for head-coaching jobs and Odom’s name was listed as a candidate for some power-conference openings. But both are staying in Las Vegas for now. Something could still change in the offseason, but UNLV is the rare program bringing its full team into a bowl game. And that team has already proven it’s found a formula for success.

Beating the big boys UNLV had only three victories against power-conference teams in 15 years until knocking off Vanderbilt 40-37 at Allegiant Stadium earlier this year. The victory felt monumental for Odom at the time, but in hindsight, the Commodores might have been the worst power-conference team in the nation this year after finishing the season on a 10-game losing streak. A victory against the Jayhawks would carry much more weight. Kansas is enjoying a program renaissance under coach Lance Leipold, peaking midway through this season when it upset previously undefeated Oklahoma and finishing with an 8-4 record. Upsetting a team like Kansas—UNLV is a 12.5-point underdog—on national television can make a big impact in recruiting and the transfer portal. It would show the Rebels are officially on the cusp of consistently contending.

The video screen at Allegiant Stadium notes that the Las Vegas Raiders scored the most points in franchise history December 14 against the Chargers. (AP Photo) ■ Last Week: Raiders 63, Chargers 21 Las Vegas just can’t stop making history in one way or the other. One week after taking part in the lowest-scoring indoor game ever in the NFL, a 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, the Raiders put up a franchise-record 63 points with eight different players scoring touchdowns. Rookie wide receiver Tre Tucker claimed two of the scores, both on long passes from rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell. The Raiders were up 42-0 at halftime and increased their lead to 49 points early in the second half before the Chargers began scoring touchdowns in garbage time. Las Vegas had two final highlights, however, with 327-pound defensive tackle John Jenkins returning a fumble 44 yards for a touchdown and then cornerback Jack Jones intercepting a screen pass with one hand and taking it 16 yards for a touchdown. ■ This Week: Raiders (6-8) at Chiefs (9-5) When: 10 a.m., December 25 Where: Arrowhead Stadium TV: KLAS Channel 8 Radio: 920 AM, KOMP 92.3 Betting line: Chiefs -10.5, over/under 42 ■ Matchup: The hated-rival Chiefs have now beaten the Raiders six consecutive times after a 31-17 victory at Allegiant Stadium last month. It’s the longest win streak in the series since 2003-06. But the good news for the Raiders is the defending Super Bowl champions are looking a little more vulnerable lately. They recently went through a stretch in which they lost four of six games for only the second time in quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ career. Kansas City might have the worst group of receiving options in the NFL, and the weakness has hampered its passing attack all season. Las Vegas’ defensive backfield is thriving, led by the emergence of Jones, claimed off waivers from the New England Patriots, and the high-level play of slot cornerback Nate Hobbs since returning from an ankle injury.

■ Raider to Watch: Running back Josh Jacobs The Pro Bowler missed his first game in two years against the Chargers with a quad injury but is expected to be back in time to face the Chiefs. Backups Zamir White and Ameer Abdullah played well in his absence, but interim coach Antonio Pierce declared, “It’s still the Josh Jacobs show,” when the starter is healthy. Jacobs will have a beneficial matchup in his return, as he gouged the Chiefs for 110 rushing yards including a 63-yard touchdown in the first meeting this season. Kansas City’s defense has been one of the best in the league, but it’s more efficient against the pass than the run. –Case Keefer

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VEGAS INC BUSINESS

12.21.23

INDUSTRY

The Las Vegas Raiders’ practice facility in Henderson (Steve Marcus/Staff)

HENDERSON GROWTH PLAN DRILLS DOWN TO DETAILS

B U S I N E S S

BY KATIE ANN MCCARVER VEGAS INC STAFF

enderson has identified five industries in which to recruit businesses and enhance economic growth. The city’s “Target Industry Study” gives it a “roadmap” of what industries have the ideal potential to grow the city’s economy, said Jared Smith, director of economic development and tourism in Henderson. “This is reverse engineering,” Smith said. “We know we’re going after these types of companies, so now we will reverse engineer our proactive outreach strategies to go identify companies in these sectors, and then start recruiting them here.” Many cities conduct similar studies to understand what types of companies are the best fit for the city and its economy, he said. In Henderson, however, Smith said he wanted to take the research a step further by not just identifying one vague, overarching industry— but determine specifically the types of companies and specialties within that industry that are suited to the city. For example, instead of identifying manufacturing as a target industry, the report specifically lists “electrical equipment and components manufacturing.” Similarly, it identified “logistics management and technologies,” as

opposed to just logistics, or “warehouses,” Smith said. “And these jobs and these companies—the industries that we’re aimed at—they pay great wages … they lean into the workforce of tomorrow,” he said. “They match up with our assets and our workforce. And we really want to understand the kinds of jobs that our people want. So it’s not just about, ‘We have the right assets.’ It’s, ‘We believe these are the types of jobs that our workforce is looking for.’” He pointed to the Barclays location in Henderson as an example of a company that serves as a major employer in the area, with career opportunities for employees. The bank fits the definition for “financial and credit services,” another key industry identified in the study, which Smith presented to the Henderson City Council last month. “They fall into the skill sets that our people here in Henderson have,” he added about Barclays. “It’s just win-win-win.” Other industries identified in the study include “back-office management and support services” and “media and sports production.” The latter is especially lucrative in Henderson, where more has arguably been done in professional sports than anywhere else, said Scott Muelrath, president and CEO of the Henderson

Chamber of Commerce. Supporting facilities for the Las Vegas Raiders and the Vegas Golden Knights are just a few examples of how, he said. “I like to say you can pick up Henderson and set it down anywhere in the country and it would do just fine,” Muelrath said. “It has a diversified base. … There’s a lot of institutions and companies that have chosen Henderson, specifically, because it’s not Las Vegas, and it has a lot of elements that are very family friendly.” He pointed to the city’s park system and other amenities that make it appealing. Henderson is a well-planned city, Muelrath said, and it hasn’t “left things to chance” when it comes to developing a robust economy. “We appreciate the city ... thinking proactively—initiating an economic development plan,” Muelrath said. “What benefits Henderson benefits every corner of the Valley and vice versa.” Smith emphasized that the industries specified in the study are by no means the only areas the city will invest in. “We wanted to find those types of industries, those types of companies, that pay great wages—that offer real career paths that lead into the workforce of tomorrow and the industries of tomorrow,” he repeated. “So it’s not just about taking advantage of today. It’s about skating the puck for what we’re going to need over the next 20 years.” He estimated it’s been about five years since Henderson last reviewed its target industries. Going forward, the city is “reinventing” its strategy and will employ artificial intelligence and other data tools to launch a dashboard to monitor target industries in real time, instead of doing a whole new study every five years. “So that we don’t ever have a study … that just sits on a shelf,” he said. “It will constantly be driving our strategy forward because we’re monitoring this in real time. ... We hope to be a model so that other cities can follow.”

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VEGAS INC BUSINESS

GIVING NOTES Local philanthropy making a difference

12.21.23

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police De-

Sergeants Homan Lam and Jacob Lon-

City National Bank, through its Reading

partment Foundation’s Sheriff Salutes the

gwell, and Officers Leon Chaves, Antonio

is The Way Up literacy program, donated

Best of the Badge Gala raised more than

Chavez, James Close, James Corbett,

a book vending machine to Oran K. Grag-

$800,000 to support the foundation’s

Grayson DePaulis, Christian Espinoza

son Elementary School in Las Vegas.

programs and community engagement ini-

Ramirez, Kairo Flores, Alfred Garcia, Ra-

tiatives. Sheriff Kevin McMahill paid tribute

mon Hiestand, Jesus Jimenez, Jonathan

to officers whose actions saved lives. Best

Kalas, Austin Lea, Kyle Nushkin, Chad Pal-

of the Badge represents Metro’s highest

mira, Rockney Ricafrente, Kevin Roundy,

honors. Medal of Honor recipients included

Alexandra Shott, Gideon Solomon, and

Officers Alejandro Alfaro-Pineda, Jordan

Karli Theobald. The Medal of Valor was

Byers, Jahmaal Crosby, Kimberly Guz-

presented to Officer Ryan Gillihan. Officer

man-Alvarado, Tate Nelson, and Rocky

Truong Thai was posthumously honored

Roman. Preservation of Life recipients

with the Memorial Plaque, Purple Heart,

included: Sergeants Ronald Hornyak,

and Medal of Valor. The Purple Heart,

Young adults ages 16 to 24 in North

Karl Knowles, and Jayme Nordstrom,

Medal of Valor was presented to Officer

Las Vegas can now find no-cost career

and Officers Adam Arko, Joseph Bowers,

Tierney Tomburo for sustaining bodily

resources at a new EmployNV Youth

Nicole Brown, Anthony Calleja, Cejay

injury through hostile actions of a suspect.

Hub inside the Alexander Library, 1755 W.

Ceniza, Eric Chambray, Garrett Connell,

Sergeant Douglas King, Officer Philip

Alexander Road in North Las Vegas. The

Vincent Diasparra, Michael Gomez, Dell

Closi and Officer Edward Contreras, who

EmployNV Youth Hub staff works with

Griffith, Gregory Holotik, Raymond Hunt-

succumbed to COVID-19, were posthu-

young adults to help prepare them for the

er, Earnest Jefferson, Miguel Leal Zuniga,

mously recognized with memorial plaques.

workforce and provide valuable hands-on

Jeffrey LaMarbre, Fritz Mijares, Mitchell

“Sheriff’s Honors”, a new commendation,

work experience and internships. The hub

Neddo, Brandon Noone, Jeannette Salas-

was awarded to two individuals. Regina

offers workshops, one-on-one support,

Chavez, Theodore Schaefer, Anthony

Coward-Holman received the Regina

and new technology, such as virtual reali-

Seitz, David Tangren, Robert Voodre,

Coward Community Policing Award and

ty headsets, to help expose young adults

Humberto Zarate, and Patrick Zarate.

Chief Administration Officer James Kilber

to Nevada’s in-demand careers while

Unit Medal of Valor recipients included:

received Best of Staff.

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www.iuventusmedical.com (702) 457-3888

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

ceived a $225,000 donation from Health Plan of Nevada, a UnitedHealthcare company. The donation will be used to expand and sustain the nonprofit’s Integrated Student Supports, otherwise known as wraparound services in 80 K-12 schools in Clark County and 13 in Washoe County.

Engineer, Structures Repair sought by Allegiant Air LLC in Las Vegas, NV. Responsibilities: Ensure all structural repairs/modifications performed to aircraft are properly classified and supported by appropriate documentation. Ensure structural repairs/modifications accomplished are appropriate and necessary and align with Allegiant standards for repair. Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree, or foreign equivalent, in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or related field, and 5 years experience as an Aircraft Engineer, or related occupation. Experience in the following required: Experience in developing structural repairs on Airbus aircraft; Experience with Airbus drawing system, SRM, CMM, CML, PMS, Airbus Service Bulletins, Airworthiness Directives, and Airbusworld. Experience performing general stress analysis to determine faster bearing, shear out, joint strength, and doubler sizing. Experience in preparation of engineering repair documentations to provide to technicians at various MRO facilities. Experience in assisting maintenance technicians to evaluate damage accurately per the SRM. Experience in making a correct major/minor determination and identifying what is being classified as major and minor. Experience in developing substantiation reports to justify repair designs. And experience contacting OEM for support, including: Creating damage reports using photos, drawings, and SRM sections; Clearly communicating the issue to the OEM; Developing a suitable repair process; Clearly stating the process to the OEM and requesting approval; and communicating all relevant information to the OEM to reduce number of messages and obtain an approval in the shortest amount of time. Travel required 10-15% of the time domestically to WA, CA, TX, FL, and Puerto Rico, and internationally to Canada and Costa Rica. Salary $105726 to $111000/year. Email resumes to recruitment@allegiantair.com

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THE ROOTS FRIDAY

DECEMBER 29

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4321 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89103

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