O N E N I G H T O N LY
O N E N I G H T O N LY
COMEDIAN
HOWIE MANDEL
Cristela Alonzo
PRE ACHE R L AWSON
JANUARY 20
FEBRUARY 3
JANUARY 12 - 14*
for show times and tickets
SPECIAL GUEST
JANUARY 27
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* Additional 2024 residency shows now on sale!
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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
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This week at UnCommons
Thurs 1/4
Highballs & Handrolls @ The Sundry 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Sat 1/6
Weekend Brunch @ Amari 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Sun 1/7
Brunch & Good Vibes @ The Sundry 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sun 1/7
Market in the Alley Campus Wide 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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El Loco roller coaster at the Circus Circus Adventuredome
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PLAN YO U R WEEK D! AHEA
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SUPERGUIDE
Catch May December at the Beverly Theater, wrap up a residency with Luke Bryan at Resorts World, and revisit the music of Black Flag at the House of Blues.
ON THE COVER
Tameka Henry and the Obodo Collective are seeing growth from the seeds they’ve planted in the Historic Westside.
ADRENALINE! Photo Illustration
THE WEEKLY Q&A
COVER STORY
Take a tour of the Valley’s most thrilling activities, attractions and experiences and fire up those neurotransmitters, Vegas-style.
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NOISE
Begin 2024 with a comprehensive catch-up on the local music scene. Plus: a look ahead to the hip-hop and R&B residencies that will energize the Strip.
ART
Bellagio’s latest exhibition Icons of Contemporary Art showcases work from George Condo, Frank Stella, Esther Mahlangu, Ghada Amer and many more.
BIG GAME, BIG IMPACT
Signs of Hope, one of Southern Nevada’s leading organizations assisting victims of human trafficking, is one of the benefitting partners of the NFL and the Las Vegas Super Bowl Host Committee. WANT MORE? Head to lasvegasweekly.com.
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SUPERGUIDE THURSDAY JAN 04
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FILM: MAY DECEMBER How have you not seen this movie yet? Forget the fact that it’s ready and waiting on Netflix—it stars two of our greatest, Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, in a twisty tale loosely based on the scandalous story of teacher Mary Kay Letourneau, and it’s directed by Todd Haynes. At times it feels trashy and soap-opera dramatic; other scenes bring a lingering, unsettling intensity that will have you questioning what kind of film this is. But it never stops being provocative and watching Portman and Moore fold their characters into and on top of each other is a unique phenomenon. May December deserves a bigger screen than your TV or laptop, so catch it at the Beverly while you can. 7 p.m., $10, Beverly Theater, thebev erlytheater.com. –Brock Radke
THE BAR SQUAD 10 p.m., Sand Dollar Lounge, thesanddollarlv. com. VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS. FLORIDA PANTHERS 7 p.m., T-Mobile Arena, axs.com. RICH VOS Thru 1/7, 7:30 p.m. (& 1/5-1/6, 9:30 p.m.), Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club, ticketmaster.com. DISNEY ON ICE: FROZEN & ENCANTO Thru 1/7, times vary, Thomas & Mack Center, unlvtickets.com.
FRIDAY JAN 05 LUKE BRYAN “Somehow I survived in Las Vegas, didn’t lose too much money gambling and got my golf game a little better,” two-time CMA Artist of the Year Luke Bryan tells the Weekly regarding his Resorts World Theatre residency, launched in February 2022 and wrapping up nice and tidy this weekend. “The main thing for me was meeting up with friends, going to great restaurants, playing some great golf and trying to hold my own in the entertainment capital of the world, and I’ve been really proud to be able to do so.” If it sounds like Bryan just rolled into town and threw some great country music parties every so often, that’s pretty much what happened. He says he learned a thing or two along the way, like how to create more intimate moments in big spaces, but having fun is a requirement for this singer and his audience. “I always wanted people to know how much I love to have fun onstage, and certainly the Vegas show is an extension of that. I want people to leave going, ‘Man, he looked like he was having the most fun in the room.’” 8 p.m., & 1/6, $40-$435, Resorts World Theatre, axs.com. –Brock Radke
ISLANDS IN THE STREAM 7:30 p.m., the Space, thespacelv.com. SPARK OF LIFE With Moonweasel, B!tch Disaster, 9 p.m., Red Dwarf, red dwarflv.com. KASKADE 10 p.m., Zouk Nightclub, zoukgrouplv.com. DILLON FRANCIS 10:30 p.m., XS Nightclub, wynnsocial.com. JAMES KENNEDY 10:30 p.m., LIV Nightclub, livnightclub.com.
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WILD CHILD 7:30 p.m., House of Blues, concerts. livenation.com.
G LEAGUE IGNITE VS. OKLAHOMA CITY BLUE 7 p.m., Dollar Loan Center, axs.com.
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JURASSIC QUEST Thru 1/7, times vary, World Market Center, jurassicquest. com. (Courtesy/John Shearer)
F O R M O R E U P C O M I N G E V E N T S , V I S I T L A S V E G A S W E E K LY.C O M .
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AFROJACK 10:30 p.m., XS Nightclub, wynnsocial.com.
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LON BRONSON BAND 7 p.m., Myron’s, thesmithcenter. com. AVENTUS 10 p.m., Gimik Republik, instagram.com/ gimikrepublik.
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ORTIZ JR. VS. LAWSON 3 p.m., Theater at Virgin, axs.com.
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SUPERGUIDE SUNDAY JAN 07
MONDAY JAN 08
CALI TUCKER 9 p.m., Easy’s Cocktail Lounge, easysvegas.com
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ROCKY DALE DAVIS Southern gents can’t hold a candle to Brookwood, Alabama comic Rocky Dale Davis. The out-and-proud redneck, now based in Las Vegas, is an unapologetic, foul-mouthed treasure when it comes to standup. Whether he’s joking about praying his girlfriend’s veganism away or giving all the gays guns, Davis isn’t your average rural statesman. He’s appeared on NBC’s Bring the Funny, Kevin Hart’s Hart of the City and opened for big-name comedians like Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer. A growing comic to watch, Davis continues to represent for the Las Vegas scene like no other. 8 p.m., $40, LA Comedy Club, bestvegascomedy.com. –Amber Sampson
G LEAGUE IGNITE VS. AUSTIN SPURS 3 p.m., Dollar Loan Center, axs. com. FINESSE MITCHELL 9:30 p.m., & 1/8, Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club, ticketmaster.com. GOSPEL BRUNCH 10 a.m., House of Blues, concerts. livenation.com.
NICHOLAS HEIDE TRIO 7 p.m., Maxan Jazz, maxanjazz. com.
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(Courtesy)
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UNLV MEN’S BASKETBALL VS. NEW MEXICO 7:30 p.m., Thomas & Mack Center, unlvtickets.com. G LEAGUE IGNITE VS. AUSTIN SPURS 7 p.m., Dollar Loan Center, axs. com.
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TUESDAY JAN 09
FELIX Y LOS GATOS Break out your cowboy boots and prepare to be swept away by the infectious southwestern rhythms of Felix y Los Gatos at the Sand Dollar Lounge. Originating from the Land of Enchantment, this band is a powerhouse fusion of blues, country and tejano—whipping up what they cheekily dub “green chile gumbo blues.” Frontman Felix Gato Peralta not only rocks the vocals, he also impressively switches between guitar, accordion and harmonica, setting the stage for a musical extravaganza. Following Peralta’s lead, the band finds its stride in a signature improvisational style that guarantees every show is a unique, foot-stomping experience you shouldn’t miss. 10 p.m., free, Sand Dollar Lounge, thesanddollarlv.com. –Gabriela Rodriguez
BLACK FLAG 7:30 p.m., House of Blues, concerts. livenation.com. WARSAW POLAND BROTHERS 9 p.m., Red Dwarf, reddwarflv.com.
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G LEAGUE IGNITE VS. IOWA WOLVES 7 p.m., Dollar Loan Center, axs.com.
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VICKI BARBOLAK 7 p.m., Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club, ticket master.com.
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NORTH: THE MUSICAL 7 p.m. (& 1/10, 11 a.m. & 7 p.m.), West Las Vegas Library, the librarydistrict. org.
DO IT ALL
(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 .
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Q+A T H E
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Q & A
GROWING COMMUNITY The Obodo Collective’s Tameka Henry seeks sustainable solutions for Historic Westside neighbors BY SHANNON MILLER
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he nonprofit Obodo Collective has accomplished a lot since it was founded just three years ago. For one, it opened an urban farm in the Historic Westside, Las Vegas’ first African-American community, which has long been underserved in terms of grocery stores, medical facilities and greenspaces, says executive director Tameka Henry. “Just a little over a year ago, there was nothing out here. Our nonprofit purchased the place, but it was just a deserted lot,” Henry says. That once-deserted lot now contains 26 garden beds and 26 fruit trees. In a 45-day span this fall, the farm yielded about 500 pounds of food, Henry says. That makes a difference to the surrounding community, which was especially hard hit by the pandemic. Neighborhoods with grocery stores even struggled to stock
certain food items and supplies. The situation was worse in the Historic Westside, which has a food insecurity rate of 19.6% or nearly 1 in 5 residents, compared to Clark County’s rate of 1 in 8 residents. In addition to the farm, the Obodo Collective provides emergency assistance to help with rent and groceries. The nonprofit also aims to empower families with sustainable solutions. For example, it connects clients with workforce development or financial literacy classes through its community partners. “What we try to do is identify those long-term solutions and support to move families out of multigenerational poverty,” Henry explains. The Weekly sat down with Henry to talk about the importance of community spaces, access to healthy food and revitalizing the neighborhood.
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The Obodo Collective executive director Tameka Henry at Obodo’s urban farm at Las Vegas’ Historic Westside. (Wade Vandervort/Staff)
The Obodo Collective provides a multifunctional space that can be used for a variety of events, from chef demonstrations to yoga. What’s your intention in providing this space? Oftentimes, kids come over and they do homework here. They want to be outside. They want to feel safe. And the parks in this area are locked. You can look through the fence and see that there’s basketball courts and play structures and you can’t get in. “Obodo” means “community” [in the language of the Eastern Nigerian Igbo tribe], and we want this space to be here for the community for whatever they need it for. I feel that we have to bridge the gap in education and community. You have to have projects like this, where there’s learning happening outside of the classroom. And there has to be family and community engagement. I want it to be just this beautiful communal space [where] multigenerational learning is an extension of the classroom. There’s a beautiful mural of activist Ruby Duncan and a Native American woman in the urban garden. What’s the story behind that? Three artists came together and created this beautiful piece. I don’t know if you’ve watched the documentary Storming Caesars Palace. Ruby Duncan really fought for welfare rights here. And it’s always important for us to pay homage to our Indigenous community—our version of a land acknowledgment. Why is it important to provide fresh produce for people in the community? This community is oversaturated with food pantries. And sometimes, the quality of the food coming from those pantries is just like, “Whoa, is this what you’re giving to members of our community?” One of our neighbors is currently battling cancer. She gets chemotherapy while she’s also raising grandchildren and great grandchildren. … She
skipped her chemotherapy to go to the food pantry because she needed to have enough food to last them through the week. On this particular day, she was given things that were not edible. That’s not OK. But this is the reality for so many who rely on food pantries to make it through the week or month. It fuels our work. City officials talk of revitalizing the Historic Westside. What are your thoughts on that? Our local government is making those investments. But it’s not instant gratification. Even with the revitalization of Jackson Street and the investment that was put into the infrastructure to get ready for businesses to come in–oftentimes, [community] members don’t understand how they benefit from that investment, because what they see is the streets torn up. When you see projects like that, that millions have gone into, they don’t understand how they benefit right now. They’ve been living in these conditions for decades. They want to see businesses right now that they can benefit from. We’re in a food desert, where there isn’t access to quality produce. Many of them have transportation barriers. With this [urban farm] project, we said, “Let’s get it up, and let’s do it so they can see that we’re really doing what we say we’re going to do.” Obodo Collective has accomplished so much in three years. Was there a particular moment where you looked around and thought, OK, we’re successful? The times when I feel most successful is when kids in this neighborhood visit this space. Or when they come in from school— you can see their bus come in, they drop their backpacks and they run over because they see you here. And they tell you about their day. There’s no other place in the community like this.
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BIG THRILLS
Las Vegas is loaded with heart-pumping attractions and activities
1.4.24
Watching Formula 1 race cars speed down Las Vegas Boulevard was a unique kind of excitement. Same goes for seeing U2 perform inside Sphere for the first time—if you managed to get access to these big-ticket events. The Las Vegas experience is becoming more eye-popping and breathtaking all the time, but you don’t need to score a ticket to the latest and greatest to get the blood pumping. This city’s growing list of sensational thrills remains accessible and tactile; whether you’re actually taking the ride or engaging in a simulation, the thrill is real. You can tell from the tingles. Let’s start the new year with a good old-fashioned adrenaline rush. Vegas offers lots of opportunities to turn excitement into pure exhilaration.
VEGAS INDOOR SKYDIVING
Want to experience the thrill of freefall without jumping out of a plane? Vegas Indoor Skydiving’s exhilarating vertical wind tunnel will have you defying gravity without leaving the ground. Vegasindoorskydiving.com.
(Wade Vandervort/Staff)
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FLYLINQ
Ziplines are an obvious good time. We love the unique thrills of SlotZilla, which flies you above the revelry of Downtown’s Fremont Street Experience. But the Strip location of Linq Promenade’s FlyLinq is something else. FlyLinq launches you from a 12-story tower on the Strip, at speeds up to 35 MPH, toward the iconic High Roller Observation Wheel—a thrilling attraction in its own right—for a total airborne distance of 1,121 feet. Take the trip Superman-style or from a sitting harnessed position and take note of all the tourists looking up in awe. It feels like Vegas is completely yours during this flight, which is an entirely different kind of excitement. Caesars.com/linq.
SIN CITY SMASH RAGE ROOM
Awaken your inner wrecking ball at Sin City Smash. This adrenalized destination will have you rediscovering peace through destruction—but if smash-and-thrash isn’t your thing, check out the splatter paint room. Sincitysmash.com.
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(Wade Vandervort/Staff)
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SKY COMBAT ACE
BIG THRILLS
Elevate your adventuring with this gravity-defying experience. Sky Combat Ace offers the thrill of flying with a professional pilot in an Extra 330 acrobatic plane— and you can even take the controls yourself. Once you land, your idea of fun will forever be redefined. Sky combatace.com.
VEGAS HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES
If you’re seeking a tranquil adventure, it’s tough to beat a early-morning balloon flight over the desert. And the social media bragging rights are matchless. Vegasballoonrides.com
EL LOCO AT ADVENTUREDOME
With its stomach-knotting barrel rolls, gravity-defying drops and a maximum speed of 45 MPH, Circus Circus’ El Loco rollercoaster is 72 seconds of pure insanity—and we love it. Circuscircus.com. (Shutterstock)
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MAVERICK HELICOPTERS TOURS
A view of the Strip or Red Rock Canyon from above is bound to take your breath away and get your heart racing. What’s more, Maverick has the “newest and largest” fleet of Eco-Star helicopters outfitted with individual leather seats and wraparound glass for your viewing pleasure. Maverickhelicopter.com.
BIG
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LAS VEGAS ATV TOURS
(Shutterstock)
(Courtesy/Maverick Helicopters)
Ramble up and down rugged trails and scenic sand dunes on your own personal vehicle, an intoxicating outdoor activity that might also provide a newfound respect and admiration for the desert landscape. And LV ATV now offers utility task vehicle (UTV) rentals, meaning you can ride with a friend or a few friends in the more maneuverable and powerful Cam Am Maverick 1000. Lvatvtours. com.
(Courtesy)
SKYDIVE THE STRIP
Anyone with a window seat can score a bird’s-eye view of the Las Vegas Strip, but when’s the last time you plunged out of the plane? Skydive the Strip takes sightseeing to new heights with an after-sunset skydiving experience that’ll blow a daredevil’s hair back. Infrequent flyers will be paired up with a tandem skydiving instructor, who will walk them through their epic leap, freefalling at speeds of up to 120 MPH over the glittering Strip skyline. Skydivethestrip.com.
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BIG SHOT AT THE STRAT
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S T O R Y
So you think you’re a tough guy? You call yourself a big shot? Put your money where your mouth is and brave this thrill ride, which starts at 921 feet above ground and shoots you 160 feet higher in the air. Thestrat.com.
BIG
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THRILLS
FLYOVER LAS VEGAS
There’s something about being suspended right in the middle of a 52.5-foot wide spherical screen that is awe-inspiring. Guests have the option to select where they’ll be transported—the Canadian Rockies, Iceland or the American West. Seats are designed to swoop, dip and turn, giving the feeling of flight. If that’s not immersive enough for you, wind and mists can be felt, and you can even smell the natural splendor below. Flyoverlasvegas.com.
(Shutterstock)
(Courtesy)
DUELING AXES AT AREA15
As you probably suspect, an axe is among the most gratifying objects to hurl against the wall with all your might. Dueling Axes ensures you do it safely. Duelingaxeslasvegas.com.
FLYBOARD AT LAKE LAS VEGAS
Lake Las Vegas is best known as a serene spot to get away from the rush of the Strip, but you can take a different approach with a 30-minute blast-off on this Jet Ski-powered apparatus. It’s attached to a 55-foot hose that will have you flying, superhero-style, thanks to water propulsion. Lakelasvegaswatersports.com. (Courtesy)
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A Retro Modern Burlesque Show Now Performing Thursdays-Saturdays
Tickets available at virginhotelslv.com virginhotelslv.
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
IN THE
1 NEWS
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UNLV QUARTERBACK LEAVING
Freshman Jayden Maiava announced January 1 that he is entering the transfer portal, just eight days after telling assembled media in Phoenix for the Guaranteed Rate Bowl that he was staying at UNLV.
TEACHERS GET NEW CONTRACT The Clark County School District said an arbitrator accepted a contract that will give teachers a 10% acrossthe-board raise this school year and 8% next year. The new entry-level salary will be $53,000. The ceiling will be about $131,000.
N E W S
PILOT PROJECT HELPS LAS VEGANS FIGHTING FOOD INSECURITY Thanks to the Groceries-on-the-Go pilot program from the Just One Project, Southern Nevadans living in food deserts like on Boulder Highway may soon have better access to healthier products. Brooke Neubauer, founder and CEO of the Just One Project, said the program aims to “fill the void of food deserts”—or areas that lack stores providing affordable and cheap fruits, vegetables, dairy products, proteins and refrigerated items. Around 12% of Clark County’s population is food insecure, according to statistics from Three Square Food Bank, another local nonprofit getting food to low-income families. Lauren Lee, a UNLV graduate, studied food deserts for the Just One Project and is helping craft the Groceries-on-the-Go program, Neubauer said. They are using the data to identify locations for the
program, which is in partnership with UnitedHealthcare Health Plan. Just One Project created a map of food deserts in Clark County using data obtained from the 2022 Food Insecurity Index from the Conduent Healthy Communities Institute, which measures food access alongside economic and household hardship. The Groceries-on-the-Go program seeks to address the social determinants by bringing fresh produce to people for little to no cost. Neubauer said every aspect of the program, from the pricing to the design of their farmers market-esque stand, is intentional. They not only want residents to have access to healthy, affordable food, but also want to make them feel as if they’re getting a quality experience. –Grace Da Rocha
COUNTY SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
on the streets and an estimated 16,521 people who experienced homelessness at some point during the year. The count is expected to take three to four hours and will begin at 5 a.m. Volunteers will be assigned to groups who will walk and drive to assigned areas. Volunteers are expected to help administer short surveys of homeless individuals who are amenable to being interviewed. Those interested in volunteering can visit helphopehome.org/homeless-census for information about the 2024 census, past censuses and to register as a volunteer. –Staff
Clark County is seeking volunteers to help count unsheltered homeless individuals on January 25. The Point-in-Time Count is an annual census required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and provides information about the homeless population and the need for programs and services. The 2023 census found 6,556 people living in shelters or
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HARRY REID INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT HAD A RECORD-BREAKING YEAR, SEEING 52.8 MILLION PASSENGERS JUST THROUGH NOVEMBER.
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ALLEGIANT CANCELS ROUTE
The last Allegiant Air departure from Harry Reid International Airport to Reno-Tahoe International Airport will be January 7. That will leave Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines as the lone carriers with direct flights between Nevada’s two largest cities. NEWS
(Denise Truscello/Courtesy)
CLOSER LOOK AT CHRISTINA Christina Aguilera kicked off her series of shows at the 1,000-seat Voltaire Belle de Nuit at Venetian, a new, intimate, artist-first venue, on December 30. The sold-out evening featured a seductive and immersive show that featured the popular songstress performing hits from her music catalog such as “Fighter,” “Dirrty,” “Genie in a Bottle,”
“Lady Marmalade” and “Beautiful” in addition to songs from the film Burlesque and some classics, including “You Don’t Own Me” and “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend.” Other show dates are scheduled for January 5-6, February 2-3 and 9-10, and March 1-2. Tickets are available at voltairelv.com. –Staff
EFFORTS UNDERWAY TO TAKE TRUMP OFF BALLOT The campaign to have former President Donald Trump removed from the ballot over his efforts to remain in power after the 2020 election has kicked into high gear, with decisions in two states, Maine and Colorado, barring him from the primary ballots. Lawsuits were filed in 30 states, but several were dismissed. Among those still active are Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. The challenges are based on an obscure clause of a constitutional amendment enacted after the Civil War that disqualifies government officials who “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” from holding office. Over the years, the courts and Congress have done little to clarify how that criterion should apply, adding urgency to the calls for the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on the politically explosive dispute before the upcoming election. –Associated Press
HOT SHOT
CURB ON SOLITARY CONFINEMENT AMONG NEW LAWS TAKING EFFECT A new law curbing the use of solitary confinement in Nevada jails and prisons went into effect January 1. It’s one of 85 new laws from last year’s legislative session that went live at the start of the new year, and a reform state leaders have been trying to pass for years. The law requires solitary confinement— when inmates are isolated in single-person cells away from the general prison population for at least 22 hours a day—to “only be used as a last resort, in the least restrictive manner and for the shortest period of time safely possible.” With certain exceptions, inmates will now be capped at 15 consecutive days of solitary, and they cannot be put in solitary within 90 days of their release from the prison. It was previously a 30-day maximum. –Hillary Davis
Revelers join the festivities on New Year’s Eve at the Fremont Street Experience. About 400,000 people celebrated the end of 2023 on the Strip and in Downtown Las Vegas. Metro Police didn’t report any major incidents. (Wade Vandervort/Staff)
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A human trafficking relief organization is among local groups receiving assistance from the Super Bowl
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BY BROCK RADKE Every year, in every Super Bowl city, the NFL and its philanthropic foundation makes it a priority to promote awareness of human trafficking issues and provide resources and exposure to organizations that serve victims of sexual violence and exploitation. In Las Vegas, where Super Bowl LVIII will take place at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, the football league and the Las Vegas Super Bowl Host Committee made sure that the benefitting organization would be a local nonprofit and not a national group. Signs of Hope, established nearly 50 years ago in Southern Nevada, is the lead human trafficking non-governmental organization for both the Super Bowl and the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix that took place in November. It is one of many local organizations receiving financial support through the Super Bowl and the NFL Foundation. “Trafficking is an area of focus for every Super Bowl in every host city and they always pick a partner to make sure all efforts are maximized in and around the big game,” says Myisha Boyce, chief community engagement officer for the Las Vegas Super Bowl Host Committee. “Other host cities sometimes use national or international firms. “No one knows Vegas bet-
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ter than those of us who form community here, and the host committee took it upon ourselves to make the recommendation for a local representative that really understood what this community needs.” Signs of Hope was established in 1974 as Community Action Against Rape (CAAR) and operated as the Rape Crisis Center from 2004 through 2021. “Hope” is actually an acronym for Healing, Options, Prevention and Education. No matter the moniker, the mission has remained the same: providing assistance and healing to those affected by trafficking and violence, and raising awareness through prevention, education and community outreach. Signs of Hope operates a 24hour crisis hotline and provides hospital response, counseling and advocacy for victims. Its Resources and Integration for Survivor Empowerment (RISE) program offers crisis response and long-term case management to victims of all forms of human trafficking. For information how to get involved or make a donation, visit sohlv.org. Kimberly Small, CEO of Signs of Hope, says she’s “always shocked” when people assume human trafficking doesn’t exist in Las Vegas. “You have locals who are either unaware or in denial this happens here, or they may see something and they don’t know what to say or who to say it to,” she says. “That’s where education comes in.” According to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department stats cited by Signs of Hope, the Vice Section arrested 330 traffickers in Southern Nevada on a variety of charges in 2022, including 40 arrests for sex trafficking a child (recovering 90 children) and 88 arrests for sex trafficking an adult.
Signs of Hope 24-hour hotline: 702-366-1640 RISE human trafficking 24-hour hotline: 702-936-4004
Signs of Hope was established in 1974 as Community Action Against Rape (CAAR) and operated as the Rape Crisis Center from 2004 through 2021. “Hope” is actually an acronym for Healing, Options, Prevention and Education. No matter the moniker, the mission has remained the same: providing assistance and healing to those affected by trafficking and violence, and raising awareness through prevention, education and community outreach.
Small says partnering with casinos and resorts is an important part of the organization’s outreach efforts to extend education about trafficking into the community. “You would be surprised the amount of support casinos offer. They want their staff to know what to do in case this happens, and a lot of training happens in casinos on and off the Strip,” she says. “We do monthly meetings just to make sure and ask, what do you need from us, how can we support you. I’m proud to see they are interested and want that education.” Signs of Hope works closely with LVMPD and the District Attorney’s office as well as local shelters and organizations to provide resources and support, including Safenest and the Shade Tree. “We don’t do this work alone, we have a community alongside us and folks who are out with us daily,” Small says. “It can’t be done alone. Everyone has their niche.” Signs of Hope also identified other nonprofits to receive financial support from the host committee and the NFL, including: The Embracing Project, which offers support to youth survivors of trafficking; the B.E. A S.H.E.R.O. Foundation, which educated and trains in the prevention and intervention of sex trafficking with a focus on young women and girls; St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, which offers a home for child victims; and It’s a Penalty, which runs large-scale campaigns raising awareness of human trafficking during major sports events around the world. EXTENDING COMMUNITY IMPACT The first Super Bowl in Las Vegas was always touted as a big win in terms of exposure and economic impact, but creating a long-lasting positive impact for
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residents of the Las Vegas Valley is an expected byproduct and the goal of the host committee. “My charge coming into this position is to create legacy,” says Boyce. “It’s not to prepare for the Super Bowl; it’s to leave a lasting impact so when the Super Bowl comes back, people will be excited for it. There’s nothing about the work being done that is temporary.” The host committee is a temporary entity that liasons between the host destination and the NFL, she says, negotiating all the facets of the various relationships surrounding the event. The committee has a nonprofit charities arm that focuses on community affairs, and in addition to specialized areas of focus like trafficking and homelessness, it collaborates with the NFL Foundation and local partners with several initiatives. One of them is the Legacy Grant program, which is providing $3 million to Las Vegas nonprofits. During an event December 5 at Caesars Forum, 29 local nonprofit organizations and initiatives were granted $1.2 million by the foundation and committee partners and Bank of America, Bank of Nevada, PNC Bank and the United Way. Among those recipients were 100 Black Men of Las Vegas, Communities in Schools, Green Our Planet, Habitat for Humanity, the Urban Chamber of Commerce, Three Square and the Nevada Youth Challenge Program. The Game Day Grants program will provide the other $1.8 million to other nonprofits which have applied for funding; the deadline is January 5.
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LOCAL MUSIC NOTES
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Caravels returns, Beverly Theater lands a residency and more BY AMBER SAMPSON & GABRIELA RODRIGUEZ
CARAVELS COMEBACK Caravels is one of those bands whose legend holds— even eight years after their announced hiatus. Their prominence and success in the local music scene marked a distinct era, and although the scene has since undergone countless change and growth, one thing that has stood the test of time is the fandom for this progressive-hardcore quintet.
Before the band’s December 22 set at Dive Bar, vocalist Michael Roeslein told the Weekly, “I’m feeling overwhelmed because it feels like a reunion in more ways than one.” While the initial draw to Dive Bar was the prospect of witnessing these local legends, it swiftly transformed into a heartwarming reunion of old friends. Consequently, the at-
mosphere buzzed with excitement even before anyone had a chance to plug into an amp. Local post-hardcore outfit Lords of Death were first up and quickly stimulated bystanders with a heavy-hitting setlist of covers. (They were kidding with that.) We briefly considered this crowd might be too old—or mature—to mosh, but that theory was quickly shot down once the pit opened and unsuspecting audience members quickly scurried out of the line of fire. King of Heck followed
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Caravels performs at Dive Bar. (Wade Vandervort/Staff)
and served as a fun palate cleanser; the indie rockers pronounced their love for Vegas and flexed their yearslong musical expertise with a casual flair. In a 2015 “exit interview” with the Weekly, members of Caravels were asked if their hiatus status hinted at a future return. Guitarist Matt Frantom noted the trend of bands taking a break and coming back to a larger fanbase. He joked, “We’re just waiting five years so we can get more fans.” His words not only poked
fun at the phenomenon, but also predicted the turnout of this gig. The crowd packed in tight as the band set up to play their 2013 album Lacuna in its entirety. And as we traversed the venue, we observed a prevalent theme of lyrical chanting resonating from every corner. On stage, each member of Caravels, seemingly lost in his own world, remained in sonic harmony, reminiscent of the fresh-faced 18-year-olds who embarked on this project years ago—creating an illusion that all that time never passed.
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New year, new sounds, right? Not so fast. There’s a ton of new music from 2023 you might’ve missed. Let’s get you up to speed. After a record-breaking run of shows this past year, alt-rock quintet 1 Elevated Undergrounds released its grungey debut, Drowning Spree, on all major streaming platforms and—to our delight—vinyl. 2 White Noise, the indie rock trio composed of Kaesen Samson (vocals/guitar), Nicholas Lacy (bass) and Austin Mansfield (drums), also juggled multiple gigs while dropping the Immaculate EP, a rollicking followup to February’s Neapolitan, featuring fresh tunes from the current lineup. A recent batch of kick-ass singles—“Halloween 1987,” “Black Cherries” and “Neon Graveyard”— has also heralded the return of psychedelic rock band 3 The Acid Sisters, who have teased their first new album in five years. The Historic Westside’s 4 Dimples Music also staged a comeback this December, surprising fans with Sin City Diaries, a fourtrack EP of vibrant R&B jams. Meanwhile, neo-soul siren 5 AKASHAA (formerly Ami Divine) has delivered another lushly trippy single called “Skyline Dr.,” and has hinted on her Instagram that the song is part of a larger series of episodic releases. We initially introduced you to the genre-hopping outfit 6 Pudgel back in September, and in the interim, they’ve been deeply engaged in perfecting their self-titled debut album. Pudgel catapults listeners into a frantic yet tight exploration of sound. Local screamo band 7 Abbeys Garden has emerged as a wellspring of musical innovation and emotion. Latest EP Pebble Beach embodies a distinct spirit that has cultivated a faithful crowd of lyric chanters at their live gigs. When we last caught up with melodic hardcore band 8 Echoes of Amara, they’d just played their inaugural set in the dining room of a Henderson IHOP—a few months later they released The Abyss, a five-track cathartic experience that is driven by the band’s instrumentation and raw vocals. 9 King of Heck proudly embraces their identity as West Coast indie rockers and their latest single “Army of OK,” seamlessly aligns with that description—the jangly tune is a promising precursor to their upcoming album drop in February.
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The Beverly Theater has quickly become the go-to for big indie film screenings, Halloween creature features and now … Las Vegas residencies? The Downtown film house recently announced it’ll host Australian indie folk-pop singer-songwriter Julia Jacklin for three nights during her Vegas residency on April 18, 25 and May 2. Known for her intimately introspective and brooding style, Jacklin has become a breakout following 2019’s Crushing. The Bev snapping up such an indie darling when she could have easily clinched a Strip venue speaks volumes. Hard Hat’s jazz is making a comeback. Lead by bassist Edoardo Lacala, experience the resurgence of Monday jazz night, now more vibrant and melodious than before. The divey institution may seem like an unlikely place to indulge in the rich and expressive sounds of jazz, but once the music begins the bar effortlessly transforms the atmosphere, weaving a tapestry of sophistication and rhythm within. For a vibrant blend of charisma and dynamic musical energy, visit Downtown’s latest jazz and blues joint, Fat Cat. It regularly showcases the lively jazzy tropicalia band Los Plátanos, an ensemble that fuses strings, congos and keys and finds its stride in jivey improvisational showdowns that will leave you thinking, that was bananas.
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Julia Jacklin (Izzie Austin/Courtesy)
BREAKUPS AND CHANGEUPS
In case you missed it, classic psych-rock four-piece Rose Levee has called it quits, but in happier news, it’s leaving us with a parting gift. The band’s EP, Daybreak, will soon be available to stream. “We poured our hearts, we were vulnerable, and even performed at times when it was the hardest. We can’t wait for you all to hear,” the band posted on its Instagram page. After an EP release and tour to California, rumors circulated that hardcore band Dreaming Maria had dissolved, but thankfully we can save the tears for another breakup. Lead vocalist Donovan Mingarelli confirmed via Instagram correspondence that the band will only be undergoing a lineup change.
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DELAYED GRATIFICATION Las Vegas finally gets the hip-hop and R&B residencies fans deserve BY BROCK RADKE
RZA of Wu-Tang Clan (Courtesy/Danny Hastings)
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o hunting for the most successful Las Vegas Strip concert residency shows and you’ll find the obvious stars: Celine Dion, Elton John, Britney Spears, Shania Twain, Lady Gaga, Garth Brooks and Bruno Mars. Recent additions like Adele at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Carrie Underwood at Resorts World Theatre and U2 at Sphere will certainly join that list soon. Pop, country and rock are certainly among the most consistently popular musical genres, on the charts and in the global cultural consciousness. But hip-hop and R&B have likely topped those genres for the better part of the last few decades, and yet legendary artists from those musical universes have been nearly shut out of the residency game. (We would argue that some of our favorite Vegas shows from Mariah Carey and from Anderson .Paak/Bruno Mars’ side project Silk Sonic would qualify as rare exceptions.) That changes in 2024. Possibly the most unlikely resident act in Las Vegas history will take over the Theater at Virgin Hotels over Super Bowl weekend—the Wu-Tang Clan. Last month, the iconic Staten Island crew announced its first four
concerts for February 9 and 10 and March 22 and 23 at the equally iconic 4,000-seat space at Virgin (formerly the Joint). “This is a groundbreaking moment not only for this venue but for Las Vegas as a whole,” AEG Presents senior vice president Bobby Reynolds said in a statement, and for once, we have to agree with what usually sounds like hyperbole. Hip-hop has had a somewhat troubled history on the Strip in general through the years, defined by artists and their music powering the programming at nightclubs without abundant headlining performance opportunities in casino theaters and showrooms. That’s been an issue in other cities as well, but time has finally turned things around. And with Wu-Tang coming off its biggest tour ever—the N.Y. State of Mind run with Nas, which visited the MGM Grand Garden Arena in October— things couldn’t have lined up better. The East Coast collective has been one of the most influential acts in hip-hop since the early 1990s, and it’s not the only group from that era that will be launching a Vegas residency in the first few months of this year. New Edition—the Jackson 5-inspired, Boston-born “boy band” that broke through as teens in
the early ’80s and surged in the ’90s as innovators of the R&B subgenre New Jack Swing—is probably more popular now than ever before, thanks to a smash 2017 BET docuseries that inspired a reunion of all six members and subsequent tours. In a clear stroke of genius, New Edition will launch its residency with six performances beginning February 28 at Wynn’s Encore Theater, a refined room that will be more than welcoming to the group’s more mature fanbase. And then there’s Jodeci, R&B antiheroes of the ’90s, a quartet that mixed hip-hop sounds and rap’s explicit, raw nature with traditional romantic ballads and harmonies for a unique and highly successful result. The Show, The After Party, The Vegas Residency, which takes its name from the group’s naughtiest album, kicks off March 15 at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, promising all the hits and hooks from one of the most influential (and maybe under-appreciated) acts of its generation. This music is finally getting its turn in the Strip spotlight, and with these acts at these three dynamic and important venues, it will do so with uncompromising style.
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(Courtesy/Queen Las Vegas)
YAS, QUEEN Downtown’s new Qarma spices up the Las Vegas gay club scene C U L T U R E
BY AMBER SAMPSON Queen Las Vegas’ new Qarma nightclub isn’t Eduardo Cordova’s first leather-clad rodeo. But it is the first time the nightlife impresario has opened a hotspot that’s so intrinsically linked to a larger picture. It has long been Cordova’s dream to build a robust LGBTQ district in Vegas. Liaison, the Strip’s first gay nightclub—which he spearheaded with Victor Drai—was short-lived, but it spurred a number of offshoots, including Cordova’s own Arts District bar, the Garden. But the introduction of Queen, his latest venture with Q Hospital-
ity, is something else entirely. Located at the Thunderbird Hotel on Las Vegas Boulevard, Queen bills itself as the Strip’s first LGBTQ restaurant, bar, nightclub and hotel (with Cordova planning to eventually bring all Thunderbird’s rooms under the Queen banner). Qarma’s role is to bolster those offerings as a full-service party destination, evolving the Queen experience into a sunup to sundown affair. The 3,500-square-foot club is a hideaway compared to the Strip’s mega-venues, but no size queen can complain about the character of this
QARMA Queen Las Vegas, 1215 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 702-982-8259, queenlv.com. Thursday-Sunday, 12 p.m.-5 a.m.
club. There’s no clear-cut signage, no red velvet rope or even a cover charge (before 11 p.m.), but what Qarma lacks in blatancy, it makes up for in scene. Tucked beyond a neon-lit entrance hall is a drastically different vibe than the main dining lounge where Queen’s bar exists. The go-go dancers here could put male revues in this city to shame. The men of Qarma saddle up on their posts, teasing revelers in their Speedos stuffed with dollar bills. It’s also not uncommon to see these studs out on the dance floor. For HalloQueen, they swaggered through the bar, grinding through a number to Beyoncé’s Queen-approved “Bow Down.” Visually, Qarma stuns as a set
piece to the rest of Queen. More than 50,000 LEDs adorn the space and that doesn’t include the standalone laser show launched once the DJs arrive. Resident DJ Lexto, who’s also spun at the Garden, anchors regular tech-house sets at Qarma, while the adjacent bar favors Latin music nights hosted by local queens. There’s no shortage of stimulation here. Qarma maintains a stacked calendar to keep the “girls, gays and theys” satisfied. It’s a fine addition to what Vegas’ LGBTQ community already has, but the potential of what Qarma could eventually become once Queen Hotel fully arrives makes it all the more promising.
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FOUL PLAY, LAID BARE Murder mystery meets the art of striptease in Vegas Theatre Company’s Cluelesque BY SHANNON MILLER
(Courtesy)
A pool maintenance boy has been involved,” said Glenn Heath, who murdered at a mansion party. Was plays Professor Prune. it Mrs. Off-White in the conservato“I’ve go-go danced. … but this is ry with the candlestick? Or Colonel going to be completely different Mushroom in the study with the because I’m older [now],” said revolver? Or Mrs. Woodpecker in Jackie Lakoudis, who plays Ivet the the billiard room with a rope? maid. “But I’ve come into my own Vegas Theatre Company has the where I love my body. We’re here to answer, and they’re solving the represent every body, literally.” mystery in Cluelesque, a burSimone says that positivity and lesque-infused parody of the 1985 ownership of one’s body is “one of comedy film Clue. The the gifts of burlesque.” play, which will have its “Because you can’t world premiere January hide behind anything CLUELESQUE Thru 1/27, 10, uses burlesque to when you’re that naked Friday-Sunday & drive the story forward. on stage,” he says, 1/22, times vary, “It’s not just a burstressing that burlesque $40-$60, theatre.vegas. lesque [act]. It’s a naris for all body types and rative burlesque. This all ages. is more using the art of That vulnerability burlesque … to unveil not just the will be palpable for audiences. VIP body that the actor has, but also the ticket holders will be seated at cabsecrets,” creator and writer Simone aret tables and “part of the party,” Skold, “Simone,” tells the Weekly. just a corset string away from the VTC’s artistic director Daz performances–which, by the way, Weller says this is the first time the will be done with the backing of a company has integrated burlesque live band. into a storyline. “We’re not putting up the fourth “It’s a real meeting of different wall. We’re going to look you in the worlds. Often burlesques are genereye; some of the characters will talk ally kind of self-contained. There’ll to you; and the burlesque scenes be a tiny kind of narrative arc in will involve you as well. We’re perthe striptease. And so [the play] forming for you,” Simone says. expands the possibilities of the In case you haven’t already figburlesque when you are using a fully ured it out, Clue, the movie, is based fleshed-out character,” Weller says. on the popular board game. And By shedding both clothes and like the movie and the game, Clueclues, the actors bring the iconic lesque will have different endings suspects and plot to life. Their each night. Audience members will roles require a lot of vulnerability, be asked to cast their votes for who actors said at a rehearsal less than they believe committed the murder. a month before the play’s opening “Not even the performer will night. know that it’s them until it’s an“There’s always a lot of trust nounced on stage,” Weller says.
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ICONS OF CONTEMPORARY ART Through March 31; daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; $18. Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, bellagio.mgmresorts.com.
(Left) Gina Beavers’ “Invisible LipTutorial” and George Condo’s “Constellation II.”
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BY GABRIELA RODRIGUEZ alí, Picasso, Van Gogh and Warhol are indisputably iconic artists. Their works have left lasting impressions on generation after generation, and have been torn apart and examined in every which way. These dissections, which grow tiring after some time, embody the art world’s attempt to redefine what it means to be iconic in a contemporary age. A new exhibit at Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art challenges that very tendency. Icons of Contemporary Art cuts to the chase, offering a platform that introduces us to a gallery of living artists who are breaking the mold through their diverse use of mediums. Curated by art advisor Ralph DeLuca, the intimate gallery highlights unique pieces from Yoshitaka Amano, Sanford Biggers, George Condo, Esther Mahlangu, the Haas Brothers and more. “Invisible Lip Tutorial” (2022) by Gina Beavers The eight separate pastel pieces were at first just a pretty sight. Upon further examination, I could see the painstaking details that Beavers seems to have taken a long time on—pale lips emphasizing spots of blood-red lip stain. This was Beavers’ take on the online makeup tutorials that permeate our algorithms. After examining the extended piece for some time, I realized we come across these images so often that we lose track of their significance.
Bellagio’s latest exhibit of contemporary works reimagines what makes an artist iconic
“This is a small survey of artists who are not only going outside of their work, they’re revolutionary in thought and approach in their work,” says Demecina Beehn, MGM Resorts International’s director of art and culture. Art is an ingrained part of MGM Resorts’ corporate DNA, and Beehn emphasizes that this venture is just the beginning of the company’s efforts to celebrate innovative art forms. Icons is a breath of fresh air, creating an intersection of these world-renowned artists with Vegas visitors and our local community. The exhibit’s purpose extends beyond mere education and entertainment; it aims to stimulate thought. In a culture of fleeting attention spans, slowing down and making connections between different works is crucial. But, as always, art is subjective to the viewer. Here are a few pieces that stood out during a recent visit.
“Devaloka” (2010) by Yoshitaka Amano I impressed myself when I initially guessed the use of automobile paint on this Amano piece— the glittering backdrop for the scene glistens in a way typically seen on restored classic cars. But this piece was more than its paint: The scene refers to Indian religions, while characterizing the god-like creatures in Amano’s signature Japanese manga style. It’s captivating and left me wanting to revisit its grand presence just to attempt to find its little details.
“ICON” (2014) by Rashaad Newsome Newsome’s videographic piece is a pleasant surprise and unfolds an exploration of identity. The 9-minute video showcases queer Black vogue performers and creates a virtual space for them to shine. Ballroom culture was a sacred space in the LGBTQ+ community that was born in New York City years ago, and this piece harkens back to its glory days. As Beehn puts it, “This piece explores forms of opulence, architecture, choreography and challenges the use of space.”
(Front to back) Ghada Amer’s “The Heart” (2012) and Yoshitaka Amano’s “Sue, Mimi, Momo” (2007).
(All Photos Courtesy of the artists, Marianne Boesky Gallery, and LOM)
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COMPLIMENTS OF THE CHEF Roy Choi and Jon Favreau steer The Chef Truck into Park MGM
C U L T U R E
BY AMBER SAMPSON In what is arguably one of the most popular scenes from the 2014 film Chef, filmmaker Jon Favreau’s character Carl Casper creates the perfect grilled cheese sandwich. It’s the ideal ratio of gruyere, parmesan and cheddar, melted and oozing over two buttery, griddled-golden slices of sourdough. A simple dish made decadent. And the secret ingredient? Korean-American chef Roy Choi. Choi, who founded the gourmet Kogi food truck in LA and opened the Korean-Mexican fusion concept Best Friend at Park MGM, co-produced Chef with Favreau and helped create the iconic dishes that made the flick a culinary phenomenon for fans around the world. “If you’re lucky enough to even make one breakthrough, something that becomes even just a little bit iconic, or a part of the pop-cultural fabric in someone’s head or in their life, it really humbles you as a person, as a creator,” Choi says.
“I love that people care that much. It meant so much to us,” adds Favreau, whose past projects have included creating and directing The Mandalorian and working on multiple Marvel films. “I recalibrated what I wanted to do creatively, and I met somebody else who had also recalibrated what he meant to do a few years earlier with the Kogi truck.” The two joined forces again for The Chef Show, a hit Netflix cooking series where they revisited some of their favorite recipes and sampled new ones with celebrity friends and chefs. And now their ongoing collaboration has come full circle with The Chef Truck, a permanent grab-and-go concept at Park MGM, based on the film’s most drool-worthy meals. “It was Vegas that really inspired it because people that came to Best Friend would stop me and say, ‘The Chef Show saved our lives,’” Choi says. “It had a resurgence during COVID, and
(Courtesy/Audrey Ma)
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they would come up and say how much The Chef Show meant to them, [how much] the movie meant to them, and that just kept me thinking ... how could I bring this into life?” The Chef Truck is a true-to-scale reimagining of the El Jefe truck from which Favreau’s character slung Cubano sandwiches in Chef, and the menu carries the canon forward. You can order the perfect grilled cheese ($12) just how Carl Casper’s son had it, medianoche sandwiches ($16) and breakfast burritos ($15) stuffed to the gills with slow-cooked Cuban mojo pork, or a vegetarian version of The Chef Truck Cubano ($15) with eggplant, portobello mushrooms, grilled tofu and Choi’s secret weapon—tangy salsa verde. For sides, the ham and cheese croquettes ($6) and spicy water-
THE CHEF TRUCK Park MGM, mgmresorts.com. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
Roy Choi (left) and Jon Favreau at Park MGM’s new Chef Truck. (Courtesy/MGM Resorts International)
L A S V E G A S W E E K LY
melon cubes ($7) are bite-sized and addictive, while the beignets (eat ’em while they’re hot!) and the velvety molten chocolate lava cake ($8) are the ultimate on-the-go treats. “The biggest thing I worried about was if people are going to check this out, it better taste like it looks like it tastes in the movie. It better taste as good as it did on the set,” Favreau says. “[Roy’s] constantly tweaking it, adjusting it and trying new things. It’s an ever-evolving thing. It’s like a movie that’s alive.” The question of how to further “the next iteration of dinner theater” is at hand, Choi says. And with Favreau experimenting with more VR and AR technology in his films, it’s possible we’ll see that emerge into new, immersive dining experiences. Favreau says he’s happy to be Choi’s “cheerleader” on The Chef Truck, stepping back to allow the classically trained chef do what he does best: tell a story. “He’s taking you in real time through this whole journey and cares as much as any storyteller that I know,” he says.
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L A S V E G A S W E E K LY. C O M / F I X SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE to the Weekly Fix, the digital edition of Las Vegas Weekly! Stay up to date with the latest on Las Vegas concerts, shows, restaurants, bars and more, sent directly to your inbox!
NOW - January 15 The right time to get health insurance is right now.
Join the 9 out of 10 Nevadans who got financial help on their premium.
ENROLL BY JAN. 15
W HE R E HE A LT H I N S U R A NCE C O M P E T E S F OR Y O U
DID YOU KNOW... 1 IN 8 SOUTHERN NEVADANS
DON’T HAVE CONSISTENT ACCESS TO ENOUGH FOOD TO LIVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE?
T H I S H O L I DAY S E A S O N , H E L P YO U R N E I G H B O R S I N N E E D B Y G E T T I N G I N VO LV E D O R D O N AT I N G T O T H E S E O R G A N I Z AT I O N S T H AT H E L P TAC K L E F O O D I N S E C U R I T Y I N T H E L A S V E G A S VA L L E Y.
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
1.4.24
S P O R T S
C U L T U R E
24 FOR ’24
Making our annual predictions for the sports calendar ahead of Las Vegas in the new year BY CASE KEEFER It’s no stretch to suggest that 2023 was the greatest sports year in the history of Las Vegas, and 2024 could wind up even better—or at least more action-packed. Here’s how it could happen, with our annual predictions covering a wide variety of local teams and the biggest events slated to come through. Some calls are more realistic than others, some more optimistic than others—but right or not, here are the moments and teams that should define the next 12 months in the ever-growing Las Vegas sports world presented in rough chronological order.
After his team narrowly misses the playoffs, Raiders owner Mark Davis goes through a full coaching search as stipulated by NFL rules, but it ends without surprise when interim coach Antonio Pierce is promoted to the full-time role. A nightmare of many Raiders fans is realized as the interconference rival San Francisco 49ers win the first Super Bowl held at Allegiant Stadium on February 11 by making a late defensive stand to beat the Buffalo Bills, 27-24.
(AP Photos/ Photo Illustration)
Not only do they cruise to a third straight Mountain West regular-season and conference title, but the UNLV Lady Rebels top it with their first NCAA Tournament victory in 33 years, knocking off MAC champion Ball State in a firstround game in Salt Lake City.
Reigning Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz shows no mercy against his aging idol Rafael Nadal in an all-Spaniard exhibition showdown March 3 at Michelob Ultra Arena, as the 20-year-old dispatches the 37-year-old in straight sets.
The UNLV men’s basketball team rebounds from a rocky start to finish a surprising fourth place in the tough Mountain West Conference regular season, but can’t take down the conference tournament to reach the big dance.
Kyle Larson again establishes he’s the driver to beat early in the NASCAR season by winning his second straight race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the Pennzoil 400 on March 3.
Conor McGregor makes a return three years in the making when he headlines UFC 300 on April 13 at T-Mobile Arena against Michael Chandler, who picks up a second-round TKO victory to cap the landmark event.
Justin Fields comes to Las Vegas as the Raiders’ next quarterback at the start of the offseason in mid-March when the team executes a trade with the Chicago Bears that includes second- and third-round picks in exchange for the dual-threat Ohio State product.
Goalie Landon Kells leads the National Lacrosse League in saves as the young, defensively minded Las Vegas Desert Dogs finish around .500 and set the stage for a breakthrough in the 2025 season.
The Vegas Thrill are the next team to bring a championship to the area as the new Professional Volleyball Federation squad wins the league’s inaugural season by overpowering the other six franchises and creating a homecourt advantage at Dollar Loan Center. New coach Anthony Blevins helps the local XFL franchise triple its win total from the inaugural season, as the Vegas Vipers go from 2-8 to 6-4 and reach the playoffs. The Vegas Golden Knights win their second straight Pacific Division title, and fourth all-time, by fending off the rival Los Angeles Kings and the late-charging Edmonton Oilers in the NHL’s most intriguing race down the stretch of the season.
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Adin Hill comes back from a nagging lower-body injury at the end of 2023, stays healthy and continues playing as well as he has dating back to the 2023 Stanley Cup-winning season to claim the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s best goaltender. Hill finally meets his match in the Stanley Cup Final, as goalie Igor Shesterkin and the New York Rangers slip past the Golden Knights in six games to prevent Vegas from winning back-to-back titles. After starring all season at Dollar Loan Center with the G-League Ignite, 19-year-old basketball phenom Matas Buzelis goes third overall in the 2024 NBA Draft to the San Antonio Spurs.
L A S V E G A S W E E K LY
Boston University standout Macklin Celebrini is the first name called in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft on June 28 at the Sphere, as he goes to the Golden Knights’ Pacific Division rival Anaheim Ducks. The Aces tail off a bit from their record-setting 34-6 regular season in 2023, but still win the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup as in-season tournament champions for the second time in three years behind an MVP performance from A’ja Wilson. Repeating as champions is hard, and three-peating is even harder, a cruel lesson the Aces learn when they fall to the New York Liberty in a dramatic five-game series in the 2024 WNBA Finals. The Las Vegas Aviators win their second division title in five years with a nucleus of young prospects in the A’s organization that help create buzz for the big-league team’s move to town, which could come as soon as 2025 if it chooses to use Las Vegas Ballpark as a temporary location.
Boxing continues to get in its own way as cries for a megafight between Terence “Bud” Crawford and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez intensify after both fighters win easily in the first half of the year, but they can’t come to an agreement to face off in 2024. Max Verstappen isn’t quite as dominant on the Formula One circuit next season, but he still prevails in the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 23 to sit as the event’s only winner through its first two years. Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers outplay opposing inside/outside star duo Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies in the finals of the second annual NBA in-season tournament at T-Mobile Arena. The Raiders’ offense is revitalized under Fields and the team is more exciting to watch, but they stay in roughly the same place heading into 2025—right around .500 and fighting for a wild-card playoff spot in the final weeks of the regular season. The Las Vegas Bowl reunites with the Mountain West after the dissolution of the Pac-12, and a second straight successful UNLV football season ends with a bid to stay home for the postseason and take on SEC representative Oklahoma, whom the Rebels shock 34-31.
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VEGAS INC BUSINESS
1.4.24
REAL ESTATE
You never get rich renting. You’re making your landlord rich. To gain generational wealth, you must own a home.”
Q+A: MERRI PERRY
Despite higher interest rates, Las Vegas real estate market still bubbling with opportunity
A
BY KATIE ANN MCCARVER VEGAS INC STAFF
fter more than three decades of selling real estate in Southern Nevada, Merri Perry has assumed the role of president of Las Vegas Realtors, effective January 1. Vegas Inc sat down with Perry to talk about the current state of the real estate market in Las Vegas, the effect of relatively high interest rates and what she indicated could be the most critical issue facing Las Vegas’ real estate market: a shrinking housing supply. How would you summarize the Las Vegas real estate market in 2023? As we wrap up 2023, the local housing market was as stable [as] it has been in years. Like most housing experts, we expect similar conditions in 2024. Though [National Association of Realtors] experts expect home sales could increase somewhat in 2024, especially if mortgage interest rates moderate, and we just had a nice interest rate drop in the past couple of weeks. … Nevada home and condo prices are up slightly from last year at this time—just a little bit. What challenges or advantages were there to the real estate market in Las Vegas in 2023? It was really bad that interest rates
skyrocketed like they did because home prices have increased a lot and it really hurts first-time homebuyers and veterans. So it’s really good that the interest rates just started coming down. Inventory is still a major issue for us. Can you elaborate on that? Well, sales are down. We sold fewer homes in November than we did during the same month last year, but we have less inventory. A lot of people are staying in their homes longer because they’re afraid of the interest rate. So they’re going to sell, but then they’re going to have to buy another property and the interest rate’s going to be so much higher, so they stay in there longer. We sold fewer homes in 2022 than we did in 2021—but in 2021, we had a record year. We sold more than 50,000 properties in 2021. So inventory is a major issue for us. … We have under a three-month supply and last year we had a four-month supply. So that’s the big difference. We need more builders to sell more homes. And obviously we need more homes to be sold on the market.
when the interest rate goes down, it’s going to be less inventory for these buyers. And you could always refinance a home but you have to get into a home. Even with high interest rates and a tight supply, people [are] still able to buy homes and build wealth over time. And buying is still a better deal than renting for most people. Because when you rent, you don’t know what your payments are going to be in six months after your lease is up. You don’t know if they’re going to throw you out and you can’t write off the interest. But when you own a home, you gain generational wealth through the home going up in value. You could always buy down the rate. … So, when the interest rates start plummeting and you have way more buyers on the market, there’s going to be no chance of negotiating or even fixing up a property. In 2021, my clients [were] just buying whatever, as is. Now, I can go in there, I can negotiate deals, closing costs, price and fixing up the property. So, now’s the time.
What are the solutions to existing problems in the market? Well, I’m showing a property today [to] a first-time homebuyer that’s been waiting. So interest rates are helping, but people have to understand that there’s more inventory now—there’s more choices—but
How does Las Vegas’ real estate market compare nationwide? It depends on which state. A lot of people are moving here from California, just because of the cost of living. But we’re getting all the sports here. [Miriam] Adelson just bought the [Dallas] Mavericks. We have the
Oakland A’s coming. We have [Formula 1]. I mean, what don’t we have here anymore? Ten years ago is a different story. Look at our Golden Knights. Our Raiders are kicking butt now. So, we’re a one-stop shop here and we’re supposed to be getting all the Hollywood people coming here. What’s your prediction for 2024? They’re saying it’s going to be about the same. NAR is expecting home sales to increase somewhat if interest rates stay moderate. So, it just all depends on the interest rates. I mean, if they’re going to continue to go down, people are going to start getting off the fence. That’s why it’s so important to work with a Realtor, because we can negotiate those interest rates through closing costs. What would you say to aspiring homebuyers? You never get rich renting. You’re making your landlord rich. To gain generational wealth, you must own a home. And I’m not a tax consultant but I absolutely know, for sure, that you can write off your interests when you make your mortgage payment. And then you don’t know what’s going to happen—I mean, you heard the crisis of rentals a couple of years ago. No one could afford rentals. They were asking for four months upfront cash—above what it’s worth—I mean, they just went crazy.
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VEGAS INC NOTES Highlighting the best in business
B&P Advertising, Media & Public Relations expanded its team of creative professionals by adding copywriter Dean Sasso and account coordinator Julia Aguayo. Sasso is a two-decade industry veteran, most recently with Las Vegas-based Reflex Media, where he led numerous integrated marketing and advertising campaigns. Aguayo joins the agency with a wealth of account and project management experience. She most recently led social media management efforts for print and sign services company Artkore Las Vegas. Additionally, B&P recently welcomed Conor Howell as a new digital design intern. Megan Basson has been named executive director for the UNLV International Center for Gaming Regulation. The center is dedicated to the study of regulatory imperatives as aligned to their development for the dynamic and innovative gaming industry. Basson brings
almost two decades of gaming-related experience to the position. She served more than 14 years as head of the Licensing Department for the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, where she directed all activities relating to the licensing of gambling operations in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The ER at West Craig, an extension of Centennial Hills Hospital, and the ER at North Las Vegas, an extension of Valley Hospital, opened in December, ready to care for patients who are experiencing a medical emergency. Area15 has begun construction by raising the 36-foot walls for its monumental expansion spanning 20 acres to its north along Interstate 15. Universal Destinations & Experiences will anchor the district expansion with a new, year-round horror entertainment experience titled Horror Unleashed.
Manager, Reliability sought by Allegiant Air LLC (Las Vegas, NV). Management and oversight of Reliability personnel, related programs, and technical management of aircraft dispatch reliability issues. Requires Bachelor’s (or foreign equivalent) in Engineering, Data Analytics, Aviation Maintenance, Aviation Management and Human Factors, or related field. Requires 3 years of: technical experience with large transport aircraft; research and analytical experience within aviation industry; experience working with Federal Aviation Regulations; experience in team building and leadership; and experience effectively planning for fleet operations needs to meet short and long-term organizational goals and strategies. Requires 2 years of experience in budget management. Work at Las Vegas office, telecommuting permitted up to 3 days/week. Involves little domestic travel. Salary $94661 to 120000/year. Email resumes to recruitment@allegiantair.com or apply online www.allegiantair.jobs/
VEGAS INC BUSINESS
City National Bank named Larry Scott, board chairman for Lighthouse Charities and coordinator for the Hand Up Self Reliance Center, as a member of its Southern Nevada advisory board. Other business professionals serving on the board are: Dr. Walter “Russ” Schroeder, managing partner of Ear, Nose and Throat Consultants of Nevada; Brad Peterson, senior vice president of CB Richard Ellis; Fafie Moore, executive vice president of ERA Consolidated Brokers; Jerry Whitsett, principal of M.R. Whitsett Inc.; Connie Brennan, publisher and CEO of Nevada Business Magazine; Nancy Wong, principal of Arcata Associates and broker-salesperson of Coldwell Banker Premier Realty; Julie Murray, CEO and principal of the Moonridge Group and president of the Moonridge Foundation; Joseph Brown, of counsel to Jolley Urga Woodbury & Holthus; and Punam Mathur, executive director of the Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation.
JOB LISTING Electrical Engineering Lead sought by Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. in Las Vegas, NV: Work within the Electrical Engineering team to coordinate, design, test and deliver to manufacturing, high quality electronic gaming machines and components. Requires: B-S+8 years. May work from home.
JOB LISTING Senior Software Engineer II sought by Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. in Las Vegas, NV: Contribute to the creation and evolution of existing and future software platforms, game features, and Application capabilities developed by Aristocrat. Requires: BS +5 years. May work from home. Apply by email to: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. Attn: K. Henry, totalrewards@aristocrat.com (Ref Job code: NV0120SG)
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Apply by email to: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. totalrewards@aristocrat.com (Ref Job code: NV0615BG)
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LV W P U Z Z L E & H O R O S C O P E S
1.4.24
PREMIER CROSSWORD “E-CONTENT” BY FRANK LONGO
HOROSCOPES WEEK OF JANUARY 4 BY ROB BREZSNY ARIES (March 21-April 19): For the next 15 to 18 days, embark on a free-form extravaganza of playing and having fun. Just for now, set aside your ambition. Don’t worry about improving yourself and producing results. Simply enjoy a phase of suspending inhibitions, creatively messing around, having nothing to prove and being motivated by the quest for joy. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Rising temperatures and drier conditions mean that some parts of the world will get fewer rainbows, and other areas will get more. But no matter where you live, the rainbow will be a potent and regular symbol for you in 2024. You will have increased reasons to entertain hope and more power to find beauty. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): As an inspirational story for 2024, consider this tale from singer-songwriter Tom Waits: “Once upon a time, there was a crooked tree and a straight tree. They grew next to each other. Every day, the straight tree would look at the crooked tree and say, ‘You’re crooked. You’ve always been crooked, and you’ll continue to be crooked. But look at me! I’m tall, and I’m straight.’ Then one day, lumberjacks came to the forest and looked around. The manager in charge said, ‘Cut all the straight trees.’ And that crooked tree is still there to this day, growing strong and growing strange.” CANCER (June 21-July 22): Japanese artist Hokusai (1760-1849) developed a fascination for his country’s iconic Mount Fuji. In his 70s, he produced a series of woodblock prints titled Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji. Later, he added three books of prints collectively called One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji. The coming year will be a fine time to celebrate and concentrate on your own passion. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): If you will ever in your life go viral, it will be in 2024. Even if you don’t produce TikTok videos seen by 10 million people, you are at least likely to become more visible in your local community or field of endeavor. Cultivate high integrity and a wildly generous spirit in the coming months. Be a role model who inspires and uplifts. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): This year will be a free-spirited, wide-ranging, big-vision type of year for you. You will feel an abundance of urges to travel, roam and explore. You will be more excited than anxious about the prospect of leaving your comfort zone, and you will have a special fondness for getting your mind expanded by interesting encounters.
2020 KING FEATURES SYNDICATE ACROSS 1 Soft & — (deodorant) 4 GPS display 7 GPS display: Abbr. 10 Farming sci. 13 Musical record 18 “The Entertainer” musical style 20 Title maiden of a Civil War song 22 Twice twenty 23 Assessment to see if two things are the same? 25 Opera solos 26 Guitarist — Eddy 27 College in Cedar Rapids 28 Materialize properly? 30 Mil. bigwig 31 Sister of Eva and Zsa Zsa 33 Approaching 34 Person snatching an African antelope? 39 Aerie babies 45 “Je t’—” (Gigi’s “I love you”) 46 Some Siouan speakers 49 Earth, in Spanish 50 Taters 53 Sovereign rule that wears subjects down? 56 Love author Morrison 57 Go out with 59 Twosome 60 Fed. meat inspector 61 Tournament finals held at a manor? 68 “Says —?” 69 PC key 70 Pierre’s “yes” 71 With 85-Across, facial spa treatment 72 Subside
75 Situation when an exhaust system is completely contained? 81 — with faint praise 84 Clodhopper 85 See 71-Across 86 Presley’s middle name 87 Sellers of stolen goods fixing typos? 93 Univ. VIPs 94 Like Loyola University 95 Council of ecclesiastics 96 Largest city in Norway 98 Most pallid 100 Crossword themed to the Greek god of darkness? 106 Cager O’Neal 109 Rigidly old-fashioned 110 Atop, to a poet 111 Les Misérables author giving somebody the boot? 118 Always, to a poet 119 Pacific island kingdom 121 Hesitate in doubt 122 Ailment caused by mood swings? 125 Fuming mad 126 Chip away at 127 Inner circle 128 IRS demands 129 HST follower 130 Stats for Ali 131 Royal Navy inits. 132 Rd. crossers DOWN 1 Seafloor-scooping machine 2 Actress Welch 3 Large lizard
4 5 6
1,760 yards French buddy Tending to Spot or Fluffy 7 Like highly speculative bonds 8 Natl. voting day 9 Irish Gaelic language 10 Uranian, e.g. 11 Music style 12 Bob Marley’s 11-Down 13 Not nearby 14 Greiner of Shark Tank 15 Jail on a ship 16 Provo locale 17 Hit 1990s PC game 19 Light brown 21 $$$ holder 24 Discipline with asanas 29 Bard’s Muse 31 Lili studio 32 “Peek- —!” 35 Comaneci of gymnastics 36 Insult, informally 37 Takeoff stat 38 Caviar eggs 40 Sling liquor 41 Ease off 42 Muffs up 43 Stepped (on) 44 Spanish for “room” 47 Prefix with spore 48 Stupefy 50 Ragout, e.g. 51 Swanky 52 “Woe — you!” 53 Verb suffix in the Bible 54 1992 Oscar nominee Stephen 55 Universe 57 Sub seller 58 Heeds, as advice 62 Tartan cap 63 Barnyard sound
64 Word-wit bit 65 Sundial’s 3 66 Shucking waste 67 TSA requests 72 Spanish river 73 Voting faction 74 Stiller and Affleck 75 The blahs 76 Slumps 77 Doubtful 78 French “Mrs.” 79 Fathers 80 Film wizard’s declaration 81 — vu 82 Iowa city 83 Fit together 88 Stop working 89 “— Easy” (1977 hit) 90 Ending for ethyl 91 Negative conjunction 92 B-G link 93 — -ray Disc 96 Emu relative 97 Operative 99 Having length, width and depth, for short 101 — Aires 102 Employs 103 Some urban planners 104 Walks fast, slangily 105 De-chalks 107 Ex-Viking Rashad 108 Cite 111 Clean up text 112 Actress Farmiga 113 Huge-screen film format 114 Fetching 115 Uno plus dos 116 Volkswagen hatchback 117 Barnyard sound 119 B’way booth letters 120 A single 123 Ear: Prefix 124 URL ending
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You may be invited to take a few excursions into the realm that depth psychologists call the underworld. There you will hunt for treasures that have been hidden and uncover secrets that will illuminate your epic quest for wholeness. It may be dark and shadowy down there below, but almost always dark and shadowy in ways that will lead you to healing. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Working hard on togetherness will be a fun project for you in the coming months. To do it well, you must outgrow some habitual ways of doing friendship and intimacy. You will have to be imaginative and ingenious. For the sake of your best selfish goals, be a brilliant teammate in 2024. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Each of us is a complex, kaleidoscopic work of art, whether or not we consciously approach our destiny in that spirit. Every day, we use our creative imagination to craft new elements of the masterpiece known as the story of our life. You will be especially keen on enjoying this sacred work in 2024. Its’ an excellent time to ramp up the scintillating drama. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “I am against sex education in schools because sex is more fun when it’s dirty and sinful.” So said author Florence King. Reject this thought in 2024. The coming months will be a favorable time to learn everything about sex and eros. Dive deep as you gather a rich array of teachings about how to enjoy the art of making love more than ever before. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Singer-songwriter Tori Amos says she’s sure she was burned for being a witch in a previous lifetime. This year will be a favorable time to get some healing from any ancient hurt like that. You will have a series of experiences that could help you recover from the illusion that being faithful to your truth is somehow wrong. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): This will be one of the best years ever for your education. Your willingness and eagerness to learn will be at a peak. Your knack for attracting inspirational teachers will be excellent. It’s likely you will be exceptionally curious and open to good influences. Be alert for lessons not just from obvious sources of wisdom and revelation, but also from unexpected founts. Don’t be too sure you know where revelations and illumination might come from.
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