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Photographers CHRISTOPHER DEVARGAS, STEVE MARCUS, WADE VANDERVORT
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LAS VEGAS WEEKLY
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16 FITNESS & OUTDOORS LIFE
A local kayak tour company and outfitter gives tips for beginners, plus choosing the best places to paddle in Lake Mead. 20 FEATURE STORY
Picnic in the Alley expands and benefits the Vegas-born Women’s Hospitality Initiative.
The World Series of Comedy brings the laughs, Gilcrease Orchard opens its pumpkin patch and more this week.
Your guide to this fall’s top arts and culture events. Plus, behind the scenes at the Smith Center.
Utility Watch Nevada provides a new resource to help customers advocate for lower bills and clean energy.
Five reasons to boogie over to Spiegelworld’s new DiscoShow at the Linq.
FOOD & DRINK
LA import Fat Sal’s serves up massive sandwiches with even bigger flavors.
Back to the Future: The Musical at the Smith Center (Photo Illustration by Ian Racoma)
The Smith Center photograph by Wade Vandervort/
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS
Malcolm Gladwell, Author and Podcaster
Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 7:30 p.m.
Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall
Tickets ONLY available at the UNLV Performing Arts Center Box Office, Tuesday–Saturday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. For information, call (702) 895-ARTS, but tickets cannot be reserved by phone.
UNLV Faculty, Staff and Students may obtain tickets beginning at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, September 4. A valid UNLV Rebelcard is required.
The General Public may obtain tickets beginning at 12 p.m. on Saturday, September 7.
UNLV’s annual series featuring nationally and internationally known guest lecturers
SUPERGUIDE
THE CHER SHOW Thru 9/22, 7:30 p.m. (& 9/21-9/22, 2 p.m.), Reynolds Hall, thesmithcenter. com
LAS VEGAS AVIATORS VS. EL PASO CHIHUAHUAS Thru 9/21, 7 p.m. (& 9/22, noon), Las Vegas Ballpark, ticketmaster.com
LAS VEGAS ACES VS. DALLAS WINGS 7 p.m., Michelob Ultra Arena, axs.com
SAN GENNARO FEAST Thru 9/22, times vary, M Resort, sangennarofeast. com
DITA VON TEESE 9 p.m., Thu.-Sun., Voltaire, voltairelv.com
GAMMER With Kami Khaos, Jeromyrome, 10 p.m., We All Scream, seetickets.us
THE EAGLES
8:30 p.m., & 9/21, Sphere, ticketmaster.com
LOS BUKIS
8 p.m., & 9/21, Dolby Live, ticketmaster.com
IHEARTRADIO MUSIC FESTIVAL
7:30 p.m., & 9/21, T-Mobile Arena, axs. com
LIONEL RICHIE
8 p.m., & 9/25, Encore Theater, ticketmaster. com
BARRY MANILOW Thru 9/21, 7 p.m., Westgate International Theater, ticketmaster. com
LUCINDA WILLIAMS & MIKE CAMPBELL
7:30 p.m., Pearl Concert Theater, ticketmaster.com
DOGSTAR
With Sons of Silver, 8 p.m., the Chelsea, ticketmaster.com
DIPLO With Acraze, 10:30 p.m., XS Nightclub, wynnsocial.com
METRO BOOMIN 10:30 p.m., LIV Nightclub, livnightclub.com
GARETH EMERY 10 p.m., Substance, seetickets.us
BABY BASH With DJ Jenna Palmer, 9 p.m., Ghostbar, palms.com
SATURDAY SEP 21
VIOLINS OF HOPE
Local nonprofit JFSA (Jewish Family Service Agency) proudly presents an intimate concert featuring Violins of Hope, a private collection of musical instruments that belonged to Jews before and during World War II and now serves as a symbol of hope and resilience during special performances like this one.
Maestro Taras Krysa will lead a string quartet at the Industrial Event Space, and if you can’t make this Saturday evening performance, the Las Vegas Sinfonietta season opener on September 22 at 3 p.m. at the Clark County Library also will feature Violins of Hope and benefit JFSA (find those tickets at eventbrite.com). 7 p.m., $50+, Industrial Event Space, theindustrialvegas.com. –Brock Radke
DJ SNAKE 10:30 p.m., Zouk Nightclub, zoukgrouplv.com.
EVERCLEAR
With Marcy Playground, Jimmie’s Chicken Shack, 7 p.m., Lee’s Family Forum, axs.com
CONCERT IN THE PARK: PHANTOM AND THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER
With Pathogen, Eraser Mouth, Species, Twist Off, more, 4 p.m., the Space, thespacelv.com
SUBLIME WITH ROME
9 p.m., Fremont Street Experience, vegasexperience.com
LEGEND ZEPPELIN
With Strange Days, 8 p.m., Veil Pavilion, silvertoncasino.com
DAVE MASON’S TRAFFIC JAM
8 p.m., Chrome Showroom, ticketmaster.com
MEGA-SCOPES
7 p.m., Swan Dive, swandivelv.com
SETH RUDETSKY & CHRISTINE PEDI
5 & 8 p.m., Myron’s, thesmithcenter.com
SUPERMOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
6:30 p.m., Las Vegas Motor Speedway, ticketmaster.com
LAS VEGAS LIGHTS VS. SACRAMENTO REPUBLIC
7:30 p.m., Cashman Field, lasvegaslightsfc. com
PICNIC IN THE ALLEY
7 p.m., Downtown Las Vegas, picnicinthealley.com
COREY HOLCOMB
7 p.m., House of Blues, concerts.livenation.com
HEATHER MCDONALD: THE JUICY SCOOP EXPERIENCE
8:30 p.m., Summit Showroom, ticketmaster.com
GIRLS GOTTA EAT PODCAST
8 p.m., the Chelsea, ticketmaster.com
TIËSTO
11 a.m., Tao Beach Dayclub, taogroup.com
MARSHMELLO
11 a.m., Encore Beach Club, wynnsocial.com
STEVE AOKI
10:30 p.m., Hakkasan Nightclub, taogroup.com
DOM DOLLA 10:30 p.m., LIV Nightclub, livnightclub.com
BIG SEAN 10 p.m., Drai’s Nightclub, draisgroup.com
THE CHAINSMOKERS 10:30 p.m., XS Nightclub, wynnsocial.com
DA TWEEKAZ 9 p.m., the A-Lot at Area15, area15.com
SUPERGUIDE
SUNDAY SEP 22
MONDAY SEP 23
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS VS. CAROLINA PANTHERS
1 p.m., Allegiant Stadium, ticket master.com
PILATES IN THE PARK Noon, Las Vegas Ballpark, thelvballpark. com
LIFE IS BRUTAL With Epicardiectomy, Cordyceps, Necrotic Infibulation, more, 7 p.m., Sinwave, dice.fm
WORLD SERIES OF COMEDY
SPECTRUM & RADIANCE
6 p.m., Myron’s, thesmithcenter. com
STEVE ANGELLO 10:30 p.m., XS Nightclub, wynnsocial.com
ELIZABETH WATERMAN
PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION
Thru 9/30, times vary, Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club, vegashustlerclub. com
MONDAYS DARK 8 p.m., the Space, mondaysdark.com
DJ E-ROCK
10:30 p.m., Jewel Nightclub, taogroup.com
DALE JONES With Brendan Eyre, Jay Hollingsworth, thru 9/25, 8 p.m., Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club, mgmgrand. mgmresorts.com
The funniest people in North America will touch down at the LA Comedy Club at the Strat this month for a festival celebrating the best in stand-up. The show begins with the Top 101 comedians, who will perform five to 20-minute sets as they’re whittled down over four hilarious rounds. The World Series of Comedy also features meet-andgreets, industry panels, seminars on the business of comedy and more. Keep your eyes peeled for Vegas’ own Chris Waldeck and Tanner Tuttle, who will also perform in the Wildcard Comedy sessions September 22-23. All jokes aside, the festival is a great place to unload a few laughs and discover some new talent. Thru 9/28, times vary, $40$50, LA Comedy Club, bestvegascomedy.com. –Amber Sampson
CHAYANNE 8 p.m., MGM Grand Garden Arena, axs.com
SUPERGUIDE
TUESDAY SEP 24
WEDNESDAY SEP 25
GILCREASE ORCHARD FALL HARVEST
When the smell of fresh apple cider doughnuts fills the air, you know fall has o cially arrived. And Gilcrease Orchard is ready to provide families the fall harvest experience they’ve come to know and love over the years. Visitors can handpick pumpkins in a real pumpkin patch (with pumpkins growing on the vine out of the ground!). There’s also a corn maze, a hay maze and wagon rides for kids. After wandering the grounds and picking produce in Gilcrease’s fruit orchard, families can sit and enjoy those doughnuts and pick up specialty foods like black garlic, cold-pressed olive oil and Utah honey. Be sure to buy tickets online ahead of time, as there are no on-site tickets. Open Tues., Thu., Sat. & Sun., 7 a.m.-2 p.m., $3-$5, Gilcrease Orchard, the gilcreaseorchard.org.
FROM GRAIN TO PIXEL: CONTEMPORARY CHINESE PHOTOGRAPHY Thru 10/6, times vary, Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, bellagio. mgmresorts.com
JEFF RETRO
10:30 p.m., Omnia Nightclub, taogroup.com
CHRIS CLARKE
With Jenny Zigrino, Eddie I t, Nathan Macintosh, thru 9/27, 7 & 9:30 p.m., Comedy Cellar, ticketmaster.com
BPR BRASS BAND 8 p.m., Fat Cat Lounge, fatcatlv.com
KILL TONY 8 p.m., Resorts World Theatre, axs.com
PRESEASON: VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS. LOS ANGELES KINGS
7 p.m., T-Mobile Arena, axs.com
FRANKIE MORENO 6:30 p.m., & 9/26, South Point Showroom, ticketmaster. com
DILLON FRANCIS 10 p.m., EBC at Night, wynnsocial. com
(Courtesy)
FITNESS & OUTDOORS LIFE KAYAKING
PADDLING
BY GENEVIE DURANO
In a city that o ers endless options for fun, few activities o er the serenity of kayaking. Gliding across cool, serene waters—while gaining an excellent workout—is perfectly suited for desert denizens thirsty for an adventure.
For the kayak-curious—locals and visitors alike—a good place to start is with a guided tour from a local out tter. Blazin’ Paddles o ers tours on the Black Canyon stretch of the Colorado River, and tour group sizes are limited to 12 people so beginners can feel con dent and supported as they take in the dramatic scenery and wildlife.
OUT
How to get started on an unforgettable kayak adventure
The accompanying bottom-up view of the Hoover Dam, one of America’s engineering wonders, is simply spectacular, says Blazin’ Paddles owner Ryan Borup.
His company o ers a range of experiences including a full-day tour ($209 per person), a 12-mile trip that stops at all the hot springs in the area, including Arizona Hot Springs, Gold Strike Canyon, Sauna Cave, Emerald Cave and more. One of the most popular tours is a half-day tour ($149 per person) out of Willow Beach, “suitable for beginners and for anyone in town for a convention or a bachelor/bachelorette party, or just someone who wants to get o the Strip for a couple of hours,” Borup says.
That four-hour tour out of Willow Beach can also be done at twilight ($199 per person), complete with s’mores and hot dogs to roast over a camp re. Paddlers then return to Willow Beach under moonlight.
A mental game … with a little technique
Safety first
For those who have never been on a kayak and don’t quite know what to expect, this activity is more mental than physical and can accommodate people with varying degrees of tness.
“It’s trying to get someone in the mindset that, for instance, on a full-day tour, you’re in for an active 12-mile paddle,” Borup says. “An average person paddles maybe two or three miles an hour, so you’re going to be paddling for a good four hours. If there’s a prevailing headwind, it could make for a little more of a challenge, so we try to get people more into the mindset.”
Once you have the mindset down, it doesn’t hurt to learn a little technique to avoid shoulder strain and maximizing each paddle stroke.
Here’s a primer: Hold the paddle in front of you with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Now imagine a box in the space between your arms and chest. Keep that imaginary box intact; no bending your elbows
or letting your arms take over. Instead, use your torso to power the paddle. Focus on using your core muscles, which are stronger, rather than your arm muscles.
When you’re on the water, your paddle should enter near your feet and exit by your hips, while keeping that torso rotation. This technique helps you paddle more e ciently, reducing fatigue and making your ride smoother and more enjoyable.
Another factor in making your kayaking adventure more enjoyable? Choosing the ideal time to go. Kayaking is a great year-round activity and operators like Blazin’ Paddles see their peak season from May through June, but if you want the perfect conditions, aim for the shoulder seasons: September through November, and March through May. During these months, the water is calmer, the weather cooler, and there are fewer motorboats around, meaning you’ll have the river practically to yourself.
Any outdoor activity requires a level of awareness when it comes to safety. Weather, particularly wind and monsoon seasons, can be unpredictable.
“We will only go out as long as the weather allows us, and something that makes us cancel is going to be wind,” Borup says. “We have a cancelation policy in place, [and] in the eight, nine years we’ve been in business, we’ve never had anyone stranded out there.”
The full-day tours come with a lot of side hikes, so kayakers need to be vigilant about getting in and out of the boat and hiking on wet, slippery rocks. Water shoes with a good grip are essential.
As far as wildlife, Borup says that yes, they’re out there, but his tours have never had a problem. “And I don’t foresee us ever having a problem, as long as people are giving the wildlife the respect they deserve,” he adds.
If you’re ready to jump in with both feet out of the water (and into your kayak), there’s really very little you need to bring that the out tter doesn’t provide for you. In fact, the less you bring the better, and always follow the Leave No Trace philosophy to minimize your impact in the outdoors.
“The one thing you should bring is a picture-taking device,” Borup says. “It’s so beautiful out there. Take pictures so you will always remember it and leave everything else behind.”
Kayakers at Willow Beach. (Shutterstock/Photo Illustration) + Best places to kayak at Lake Mead (see page 18)
KAYAK HOT SPOTS
Boulder Basin
For more experienced kayakers who want to explore the river at their own pace, Blazin’ Paddles and other outfitters also o er self-guided tours. They provide the kayak, gear and a detailed map. If you have your own equipment, here are some places on Lake Mead that are worth checking out.
Callville Bay
South Cove
Temple Bar
Ideal for beginners and seasoned kayakers alike with its calm waters, coves and beaches, Boulder Basin is one of the most accessible and popular kayaking spots in Lake Mead. Boulder Beach has well-maintained facilities and ample parking, making it a convenient starting point for your kayaking adventure. The tranquil waters o er a safe and peaceful paddling experience, with breathtaking views of majestic towering cli s.
Start your paddling adventure at Callville Bay through a series of coves and inlets, then find yourself in Sandy Cove for a relaxing swim. Along the way, stunning views and natural beauty await, with plenty of opportunity for snorkeling and exploring. Pristine beaches and secluded coves o er a perfect break from the city bustle.
If you want to access the more remote east end of the lake, South Cove is a good starting point. It’s where the Colorado River exits the Grand Canyon and starts to form Lake Mead. Located near a Joshua Tree forest, it’s one of the park’s lesser tra cked
Lake Mead o ers
exploration in Arizona o Arizona Highway 93
(Shutterstock/Photo Illustration)
(Courtesy/Anansa Brown/AO Creatives)
(Courtesy/Samantha Hanley/AO Creatives)
A TASTE OF EMPOWERMENT
BY GABRIELA RODRIGUEZ
Picnic in the Alley expands and benefits the Vegas-born
Women’s Hospitality Initia tive
Las Vegas lives and breathes hospitality. It’s just a fact. And in a city known for overthe-top amenities and spectacles, Picnic in the Alley offers something different—a vibrant, homegrown, women-led celebration with a mission to uplift and empower all.
Picnic in the Alley started in 2019 as a bold tribute to women in the local culinary world, celebrating the grit, creativity, and leadership that make this industry tick. After a break during the chaos of the pandemic, the indulgent event came back swinging in 2023, bigger and better, bringing local makers, live entertainment, and small businesses into the fold. It’s since grown from a food and drink fest to a hands-on experience where relationships are formed, mentorships are sparked and discovery is around every corner.
“You know what? It’s really just a fun event that happens to be women-led and women-produced,” says Elizabeth Blau, co-founder of the Women’s Hospitality Initiative, the event’s designated partner this year.
For Jolene Mannina, co-founder of Picnic in the Alley and a driving force behind Vegas Test Kitchen and local food event organizer Secret Burger, the event has always been about building connections.
“In the very beginning, it starts with invitations. We want to make sure we’ve got everything covered—food, beverages and entertainment,” says Mannina. “Then we ask how we can add interactive pieces, how we can bring in small business owners. It really starts trickling in by word of mouth, and before you know it, it goes from 50 to 100 really fast.”
The expansive lineup consists of eat, drink, chat & shop, music, and art & production sections. Saint Honoré’s Alexandra Lourdes, Yukon Pizza’s Dani Garcia-White, and Silver Stamp’s Rose Signor are just a few of the hospitality dynamos on the list.
This year’s event stretches beyond its original borders, encompassing the parking lot at Main Street and Imperial Avenue, and five women-owned businesses, including Akin Cooperative, a lifestyle boutique specializing in selling art prints, handmade glassware,
vintage clothing and more, founded by Jen Taler.
“It’s pretty powerful to see how many amazing women are in our city in one collective space,” says Taler, who launched the first Picnic in the Alley with Mannina.
For Taler, the event is an opportunity to showcase local talent while supporting small businesses. “To be in such great company is humbling, exciting, and invigorating,” she says.
Beyond the incredible bites, sips and shopping, the footprint allows for even more engagement. A chat room hosted by Samantha Gemini Stevens gives opportunities for attendees to meet influential women in their respective industries.
“We try to have something different around each corner,” says Mannina. “We want people to actually get to know the women, meet the chefs, and have a conversation.”
At the heart of Picnic in the Alley is the drive to foster mentorship and leadership among women in the hospitality industry, a goal embodied by its partnership with the nonprofit Women’s Hospitality Initiative (WHI).
Blau, a Las Vegas hospitality icon, successful restaurateur and co-owner of Honey Salt, says WHI is dedicated to advancing women’s leader-
ship in one of the most competitive industries.
“Our mission is straightforward—we want to push the development and advancement of women leaders,” she says.
The initiative was born when filmmaker Joanna James shared her documentary A Fine Line with Blau. The film follows the struggles of James’ mother, a single mother and small-town restaurant owner, while featuring culinary legends like Dominique Crenn and Elizabeth Falkner. The narrative of perseverance struck a chord with Blau and fellow WHI co-founders Mannina, Mary Choi Kelly and Kristin Whittemore. What began as a conversation quickly evolved into a movement, bringing together some of the brightest women in the field with a shared goal: to create more opportunities for women in hospitality and ensure they thrive in an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated.
WHI’s educational programming includes the groundbreaking From the Classroom to the Boardroom, a one-of-a-kind leadership course designed specifically for women in hospitali-
ty. Launched in partnership with UNLV, the Culinary Institute of America and several other top schools, the program equips women with the skills and confidence to navigate their careers in a way that can break through the glass ceiling.
For Blau and the WHI team, it’s not just about offering classes or seminars—it’s about creating lasting mentorship and relationships.
“Mentorship is about sharing advice at every level,” Blau says. “Whether you’re 16 or 56, when you learn something and pass that knowledge on, it’s incredibly rewarding.”
This year, all proceeds from Picnic in the Alley will go directly to supporting WHI’s mission, helping to further its initiatives and create more opportunities for women in the industry.
Picnic in the Alley continues to evolve as a celebration of food, community, and women-led innovation. Whether you’re exploring the new spaces, discovering local artisans, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, this year’s event promises to be a refreshing gathering for everyone.
(All photographs courtesy)
ELIZABETH BLAU JOLENE MANNINA
MARY CHOI KELLY KRISTIN WHITTEMORE
(Courtesy/Anansa Brown/AO Creatives)
(Courtesy/Samantha Hanley/AO Creatives)
Boosting workforce development
+Goodwill of Southern Nevada is dedicated to building up its community in many ways, including workforce development. The nonpro t organization, known for its array of thrift stores across the Las Vegas Valley, also o ers a wide range of free career services to anyone who may need it. In 2023, more than 7,600 individuals took advantage of free career services at Goodwill of Southern Nevada, and more than 2,600 found local employment, earning a collective estimated $41.5 million.
Goodwill’s train-to-hire programs provide participants with accelerated and thorough professional training that prepares them for immediate employment in fast-growing local industries.
TRAIN-TO-HIRE PROGRAMS
1
HEALTH CARE
Individuals interested in launching a career in health care have two Goodwill training programs to consider. Both are anchored by Goodwill of Southern Nevada’s newly expanded Goodwill Training Academy.
The Medical Assistant (MA) Training program is a 90-day pathway to a Certified Clinical Assistant certificate. Upon completion, students graduate to a paid externship, putting them on the path to earning a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant certificate.
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training program begins with a weeklong bootcamp with NV HOPE that helps candidates decide if a health care career is right for them. The program features an overview of health care careers, exposure to hiring professionals, experience in the simulation lab at UNLV and more. For those who proceed, the next steps are formal CNA training, passing a licensing exam and gaining employment.
2
EVENTS
The Stagehand Training program includes OSHA 10 certification, teaching participants how to install and move stages, seating, equipment and furniture. Graduates of this program are typically hired on the spot for roles preparing stadiums and arenas for sports and entertainment events.
ADVERTORIAL PRESENTED BY
GOODWILL OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
FOR THOSE LIVING WITH DISABILITY
Goodwill of Southern Nevada o ers five disability training programs for those living with disabilities. The Community Based Training program assesses an individual’s work skills and helps develop additional skills that may be needed for successful employment in retail, electronic recycling and demanufacturing, cashiering, janitorial roles and warehouse positions.
Additional opportunities for those living with disabilities include the Student Work Experience program, where CCSD high school special education students volunteer once a week at a designated store to gain work skills and experience inclusion in a welcoming retail environment.
CAREER COACHING
Goodwill Veteran Services o ers career coaching for veterans, military families and spouses of active-duty service members. In 2023, Goodwill of Southern Nevada served 250 veterans and military families. The organization also has career centers with career coaches ready to guide participants through the organization’s workforce development pipeline. Free career coaching services, career services information sessions and career workshops are all available for those seeking meaningful employment and thriving careers.
YOUR GUIDE TO THIS SEASON'S TOP MUSIC, THEATER, COMEDY, ART
AND MORE
BY AMBER SAMPSON AND GEOFF CARTER
Anderson .Paak (September 28, BleauLive Theater) Some know him as DJ Pee .Wee, others see him as the Soul Train reincarnate in R&B duo Silk Sonic. But before all that, Anderson .Paak blasted his way up the charts as the funky, alternative rapper, producer and drummer, penning earworms like “Come Down.” The Free Nationals will reunite with .Paak for a rare performance of his 2016 album, Malibu, played in full. —Amber Sampson
Still Woozy with Gus Dapperton and PawPaw Rod (September 30, Theater at Virgin) The solo project of Sven Eric Gamsky, Still Woozy’s heavily prescribed dose of garage pop swirls with ear candy hooks and the euphoric embrace of summer love. His chill catalog has earned him the right to collaborate with Remi Wolf and Omar Apollo, and also co-write and co-produce “Too Late” o of SZA’s SOS album. Need we say more? —AS
Tems (September 29, Theater at Virgin) A darling of the Nigerian R&B scene, Tems captivated listeners with velvety vocals on Wizkid’s sleekly produced Afrobeat hit “Essence.” We’ve been jonesing for her debut album, Born in the Wild, ever since. On her first world tour, Tems sets out to make an even greater impression. —AS
Conan Gray with Maisie Peters (October 11, the Chelsea) Bearing a striking resemblance to a modern-day Disney prince, Conan Gray’s restoring the voice of expressionistic pop for his generation. The 25-year-old singer amassed a fan base for his stinging accounts of unrequited love (“Heather”) and his biting wit toward the occasional ex (“Maniac”). See him in a mid-sized venue while you can. He won’t stay there long. —AS
(Courtesy of Tems/AEG Presents)
Hans Zimmer Live (October 12, T-Mobile Arena) The Oscar-winning composer of the scores to The Lion King, Dune, Inception and more has achieved rockstar-like standing on music streaming services. Onstage, he proves that he deserves it. Zimmer’s large, insanely gifted ensemble and winning setlist of straight-up bangers will melt you in your seat. —Geoff Carter
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard (November 8, PH Live) They’ve made prog records. They’ve made psychedelic records. They’ve made electronic records. Truly, only two things tie King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard’s discography together: The Melbourne band’s eagerness to try anything … and their contagious joy in jamming it all out on stage. —GC
Tears For Fears (October 30-November 2, BleauLive Theater) The amazing thing about Tears For Fears isn’t the sheer number of hits they racked up in the 1980s, including “Shout” and “Mad World.” It’s that Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith don’t behave like a nostalgia act. Years after their heyday, they come on like they still want to rule the world. —GC
MORE! Dogstar (September 20, the Chelsea); Inner Wave (September 20, Fremont Country Club); The Eagles (September 20-January 25, Sphere); The Smashing Pumpkins with Pvris (September 27, BleauLive Theater); Snow Tha Product (September 27, Brooklyn Bowl); Wu-Tang Clan (September 27-28, Theater at Virgin); Experience Hendrix (September 27, Reynolds Hall); Nicki Minaj (September 28, MGM Grand Garden Arena); Tom Jones (September 28-29, Encore Theater); First Ladies of Disco (September 29, Myron’s); Kool & The Gang (October 4-5, Westgate International Theater); Las Vegas Philharmonic: The Beatles 60th Anniversary Concert (October 5, Reynolds Hall); Dropkick Murphys with The Scratch (October 6, Brooklyn Bowl); Earth, Wind & Fire (October 9-19, Venetian Theatre); Death From Above 1979 (October 10, Swan Dive); Modern English (October 12, Swan Dive); The Strike (October 12, the Beverly Theater); French Police with Wisteria, Social Order (October 12, Backstage Bar & Billiards); Spider Man: Across the Spider-Verse in concert (October 12, Reynolds Hall); Breaking Benjamin and Staind with Daughtry, Lakeview (October 15, PH Live); Cold War Kids (October 16, House of Blues); Kiesza (October 17, Swan Dive); A Day To Remember (October 17, BleauLive Theater); Cobra Starship with 3OH!3, Millionaires (October 17, Brooklyn Bowl); Gwar (October 17, House of Blues); The Used & Taking Back Sunday with LS Dunes, Taylor Acorn (October 18, BleauLive Theater); Simple Plan with Boys Like Girls, Medina Lake (October 18, Brooklyn Bowl); Lenny Kravitz (October 18-26, Dolby Live); Porter Robinson (October 19, BleauLive Theater); Cannons with Glass Spells (October 20, A-Lot at Area15); Destroyer (October 20, Swan Dive); Disney & Pixar’s Coco Live-to-Film Concert (October 25, Artemus W. Concert Ham Hall); Kehlani (October 26, Michelob Ultra Arena); Cypress Hill (October 26, Downtown Las Vegas Events Center); I Don’t Know How But They Found Me (October 26, House of Blues); New Edition (October 30-November 2, Encore Theater); Wooli (November 8, Downtown Las Vegas Events Center); Rex Orange County (November 15, BleauLive Theater); Ken Carson (November 16, Brooklyn Bowl); The Drums (November 16, House of Blues); Avatar: The Last Airbender in concert (November 16, Reynolds Hall); Ludacris, Alesso, OneRepublic, more at T-Mobile Zone (November 21-23, Sphere Stage); Talib Kweli (November 30, Swan Dive); Tchami with Malaa (November 30, Downtown Las Vegas Events Center).
Life Is Sh*t laid the runny runway for DIY punk rock fests to flourish in the face of corporate conformity. And when it returns September 28, for its 12th year as a free, locals-centric alternative to Life Is Beautiful, it’ll do so with an ally.
Punk Rock Is Beautiful, a one-day festival created by Vegas punk trio Twist Off and Mad Rabbit Media, will debut at the Space on September 21, a week prior to Life Is Sh*t, with a stacked undercard of 10 local bands from the hardcore and punk scene.
“The thing that’s really great about the hardcore genre is that there’s really no separation between the band, the stage in general, and the people who are going to see it,” says Kaesen Samson, frontman of Twist Off. “They encourage people to get up and they’re always handing the mic off to a fan who’s just yelling the words. Everybody’s a part of the band.”
Craving a festival with more representation of that energy, Samson connected with Asteroid M. Records founder Cody Leavitt, who brought the Punk Rock Museum in to also support the festival. Proceeds will benefit the Vegas Pet Rescue Project, similarly to how Life Is Sh*t serves as a fundraiser for the summer camp program Girls Rock Vegas.
Where Life Is Sh*t has attracted national legends like The Vibrators and Hamell on Trial, Punk Rock Is Beautiful zeros in on the Vegas community for an equally homegrown experience that spotlights familiar names like Oscopy, Pure Sport, Run Your Luck, Species and more.
And did we mention this year’s Life Is Sh*t
event is also … the sh*t? The festival brings back its beloved Outhouse poetry stage and its physical zines, and debuts its new Sh*t Kicker Kickoff on Friday, featuring country and blues acts like Nashville’s Zach Wilson and Tucson’s Dedd Horsemen. Denver rock trio FaceMan then leads us into our punkified weekend with Reno’s Pussy Velour,
Best Friends Forever Festival (October 11-13, Downtown Las Vegas Events Center) From the creators of Salt Lake City’s famed Kilby Block Party, S&S Presents a weekender straight outta the ’90s. The Best Friends Forever Festival will conjure all the emo and indie darlings of our youth, bringing stalwarts like Bright Eyes, Sunny Day Real Estate, Built to Spill, The Jesus Lizard, Unwound and countless others together for a much-needed reunion of rock. –AS
MORE! iHeartRadio Music Festival (September 20-21, T-Mobile Arena); Reggae Rise Up (October 4-6, Downtown Las Vegas Events Center); When We Were Young (October 19, Las Vegas Festival Grounds); Dillinger Block Party Halloween Music Festival (October 26, the Dillinger in Boulder City); SEMA Fest (November 8, Las Vegas Convention Center); Neon City Festival (November 22-24, Downtown Las Vegas).
Vegas’ own Msmr, Same Sex Mary, the Style Cramps, Trash Animals and others. You can’t go wrong with either of these fests. But for the love of all that’s good, support one, and “have something that’s built by locals for locals,” Samson says. –Amber Sampson
(Courtesy)
(Courtesy/Tiffany Salerno)
BY SHANNON MILLER
Scream’d final encore (September 13-November 9, Majestic Repertory Theater)
Like the film franchise, Majestic Rep’s Scream’d has lived many lives. It debuted in fall 2023 and went viral on TikTok, prompting it to come back in January. Then in August, artistic director Troy Heard announced that Majestic is in the process of moving the production to a new city. Don’t miss the final encore before the big move!
The House on Watch Hill (September 27-November 3, Vegas Theatre Company) Horror just gets better when it goes retro, and that’s exactly what The House on Watch Hill is doing. This Vegas Theatre Company world premiere production follows a horror-obsessed 14-year-old determined to build the greatest haunted house Cincinnati has ever seen.
Bodytraffic (September 28, Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall) LA-based dance group Bodytraffic brings its inspiring show to UNLV, presenting a masterclass for UNLV dancers days prior to their performance. They’re living their mission of educating audiences and inciting positive change, and you’re invited to be a part of it.
Miss Behave’s Mavericks (Ongoing starting October 2, Plaza) The Plaza Showroom gets a new resident with Mavericks, last seen in a bravura 2022 run at Fremont East’s Cheapshot. This unruly, worldclass variety show delivers a flirty, filthy and fabulous blend of comedy, circus, burlesque and more.
Back to the Future: The Musical (October 23-November 3, Reynolds Hall) Great Scott! Blast to the past with Back to the Future in musical format. In this Broadway production, expect songs from the classic 1985 film including “The Power of Love,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Earth Angel” and “Back in Time.”
Love for Three Oranges (November 3, 5, 10 & 12, Omega Mart) Always seeking to innovate, Vegas City Opera is partnering with Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart to unveil this whimsical interpretation of The Love for Three Oranges by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. Patrons of Omega Mart, where the production takes place, can travel through several storylines through daily interactive presentations.
MORE! The Cher Show (September 17-22, Reynolds Hall); A Public Fit: Staged reading of Native Garden (September 27-28, Clark County Library); UNLV Dance: Together 8 (October 4-5 at Judy Bayley Theatre); Opera Las Vegas: Again and Again and Again (October 11-13, the Space); Vegas City Opera: Intrigue (October 18-19, Charleston Heights Arts Center); Nevada Ballet Theater: Cinderella (October 18-20, Reynolds Hall); The Half-life of Marie Curie (October 18-November 3, Las Vegas Little Theatre); A Public Fit: The Minutes (October 25-November 18, Super Summer Theatre Studios); Nevada Conservatory Theater: A Skeptic and a Bruja (October 30-November 10 at UNLV Black Box Theater); UNLV Dance: Geometries (November 1-2, Alta Ham Fine Arts); Confessions of a Showgirl (November 6, Myron’s); UNLV Opera: Three Sisters Who Are Not Sisters and How Clear She Shines! (November 14-15, Lee and Thomas Beam Music Center); UNLV Dance: Nexus (November 15-16, Alta Ham Fine Arts); Shrek the Musical (November 26-December 1, Reynolds Hall).
(Courtesy/Fata Morgana)
(Courtesy/Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)
Peek behind the curtain at the Smith Center
BY GABRIELA RODRIGUEZ
Theater has captivated audiences for centuries, evolving from epic Greek tragedies and Shakespearean comedies to contemporary musicals and historical adaptations. But this rich tradition of storytelling does not belong solely to the actors on stage. Seamless production starts with crucial technical elements and is intertwined with the expertise of the crew behind the scenes. Without experienced techs handling the set design, lighting and sound, the performance can’t reach its full immersive potential.
Since 2012, Reynolds Hall at the Smith Center has showcased dozens of world-class stage productions, including Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, Hamilton, Les Misérables and many more. During an exclusive backstage tour, the Weekly had the chance to peek behind the curtain to see what it really takes to put on a show.
SOUND AND MIXING
Audibly, the needs of every show are different. And when a production calls for professional sound mixing, monitoring and controlling, the Smith Center checks all the boxes.
In the front-of-house (audience seating), which accommodates up to 2,050 people, a hidden below-ground area is key to sound and mixing operations. Here, the mixing console is assembled and lifted above ground. “This is one that various shows share but some bring their own … so it’s not always the same but it’s a similar setup,” says John Wrote, head audio engineer. This particular setup is used for concerts by the Philharmonic and National Geographic Live series, but 65% of other productions travel with their own engineers and equipment.
ORCHESTRA PIT
At the front of the stage, a hydraulic platform performs a vital, hidden function. Capable of holding up to 40,000 pounds, it lowers the orchestra pit 11 feet down, revealing a concealed area that serves multiple purposes. “You’re going deep into the dragon,” says Wrote, as he takes us below ground level into the belly of the theater. The space below not only stores show equipment but also provides additional seating. When needed, seats are slid into place and the platform is raised back up beside the pony wall and locked into place, looking as if it never even moved.
LIGHTING AND BACKGROUND
“In rock-and-roll you always see all the lights, but in theater, you want to have a black box,” says Robert Brassard, head of lighting. His team deals in arcane elements such as “borders” and “legs”— black panels that veil the glaring lights from audience eyes. Light fixtures dangle from pipes, with more pipes required as the stage deepens. Follow spots, one of the most ancient tools of stagecraft, are used to track actors. With hundreds of lights blazing, the temperature inevitably rises, which Brassard says necessitates a barrage of air conditioning.
Setting up for a Broadway show requires many hands. Some 12 to 14 techs are called upon, their labor divided into four-person teams, taking eight to 10 hours to load in and install the required lighting. Once the setup is complete, the show crew shrinks to two to four operators. Behind the scenes, fly rails—essentially a high-altitude rigging system—manage the hefty weight of backdrops and curtains. With 88 pipes, each capable of supporting up to 2,000 pounds, and bricks weighing 28 pounds each, the flymen perched 90 feet above the stage load these bricks to balance the weight. The crew rely on in-ear communication and light signals cues to smoothly transition between scenes.
KEEPING THE LIGHT ON
Reynolds Hall keeps a ghost light on the upper stage, a superstition meant to ward off mischievous spirits when the theater is unoccupied.
(Courtesy/Myron Martin. The Smith Center)
(All photos by Wade Vandervort/Staff)
BY GABRIELA RODRIGUEZ
Kill Tony Live (September 25, Resorts World) “The #1 live podcast in the world” is coming to Vegas. Tony Hinchcli e and Brian Redban’s live comedy podcast—where aspiring comedians perform for one minute, followed by an interview and a roast—is raw, unscripted and unapologetically hilarious. Kill Tony is the comedy brawl that Vegas deserves.
Kenan Thompson (Starting September 20, every Friday & Saturday, Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club) Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson brings Your Vote, Their Victory, an interactive comedy experience, to the Strip. Audience members vote and rank the night’s performers. Established comics and up and comers compete for career-boosting recognition and a chance to attend SNL as Thompson’s guest.
When we last spoke to Keith Stubbs, owner of the acclaimed Wiseguys Comedy, he’d just hard-launched his second Las Vegas club at Town Square. In that very venue, he also assured us of two things: “We’re not going anywhere, and we’re not opening another one.”
A year after that promise, Stubbs is primed to launch his third Wiseguys operation in Las Vegas at Westgate’s Cabaret Theater on September 20, with comic Greg Hahn headlining two nights, followed by Dwayne Perkins and Seth Tippetts in the weeks to come. At this rate, and with four other Wiseguys clubs in Utah, Stubbs might be building a comedy empire, even if he doesn’t believe it.
Bob the Drag Queen (November 15, The Theater at Virgin) Get ready for a noholds-barred night with Bob the Drag Queen, where sass meets stand-up. The “This Is Wild” Tour promises bold comedy, music and crowd work—all delivered with that razor sharp wit and charisma only Bob can serve. This one’s strictly for adults.
MORE! Carlos Mencia (September 8-November 25, Harrah’s Showroom); Mike Epps (September 20-21, Venetian Theatre); Corey Holcomb (September 21, House of Blues); Girls GottaEat: No Crumbs Tour (September 21, the Chelsea); David Spade & Nikki Glaser (September 27-28, Venetian Theatre); Skankfest 2024: Vegas Attacks! (September 27-28, Notoriety); Bert Kreischer (September 27-28, Resorts World); Sarah Silverman (September 28, Pearl Concert Theater); World Series of Comedy (September 22-28, LA Comedy Club); Nate Bargatze (October 2, 4-5, Encore Theater); Ron White (October 4, the Chelsea); Cancelled Podcast: Tana Mongeau and Brooke Schofield (October 5, the Chelsea); Laugh After Dark Comedy Fest (October 7-9, Arts District); Ray Romano (October 11-12, Summit Showroom); Rob Schneider (October 12, Pearl Theater); Nick Swardson (October 19, Summit Showroom); Coco Peru (October 19, Myron’s); Je Dunham (October 20, PH Live); Bill Maher (November 1-2, David Copperfield Theater); Chelsea Handler (November 2, 30, the Chelsea); Jo Koy (November 8, T-Mobile Arena); Iliza Shlesinger (November 15, the Chelsea); Daniel Tosh (November 16, the Chelsea); Kevin Sullivan (November 17, Wise Guys Town Square); David Lucas (November 29-30, Wise Guys Town Square).
BY GEOFF CARTER
Desert Superbloom: Las Vegas Writers on Scarcity & Abundance (October 17, Clark County Library) The longtime Las Vegas Writes project continues with this new collection of original essays and stories by local writers, including Jennifer Battisti, Nicole Damon, Melissa Gill, Shannon Salter, Autumn Widdoes, Staci Layne Wilson and more. They’ll read from their works at this launch event.
Maryam Ala
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The club founder says Westgate initially reached out to him about bringing Wiseguys to its intimate showroom, eager to capture even a sliver of the energy Stubbs had created at his original Arts District club.
“It’s a beautiful space, and it’s going to be great for comedy,” he says. “It’s smaller than Town Square, but bigger than the Arts District club, so it’s kind of in between there. It has a nice balcony, tiered seating. It really is exceptional.” –Amber Sampson
Stephen Bright in Conversation with Dayvid Figler (October 10, UNLV Rogers Literature & Law Building, Room 101) Former president and senior counsel of the Southern Center for Human Rights and co-author of The Fear of Too Much Justice: Race, Poverty, and the Persistence of Inequality in the Criminal Courts, Bright will talk about the inequities of our justice system with Figler, host of City Cast Las Vegas and an attorney himself.
in Conversation with Doug
André Aciman (October 25, Segue at the Beverly Theater) Aciman, the author of Call Me by Your Name, Out of Egypt, Eight White Nights and other acclaimed works, talks about his latest book Roman Year, an autobiographical work detailing the period in his young life after he and his family were expelled from Egypt, landing in Rome—a city he came to love.
MORE!
Amjadi
Unger (September 25, UNLV Rogers Literature
Law Building, Room 101); Charles Bock (October 29, Segue at the Beverly Theater); Vegas Valley Comic Book Festival (November 2, Clark County Library); Breakout Writers Series: Diana Khoi Nguyen (November 13, Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art); An Evening with Teju Cole (November 19, The Beverly Theater).
(Courtesy)
In a 2022 interview with NPR, John Waters explained why he’d decided to try his hand at literary fiction. “Same reason I took LSD when I was 70,” he said. “The same reason I hitchhiked across America when I was 66. Why not try to write your first novel in your mid-70s? I want to keep trying new things. Dare yourself.”
It’s difficult to imagine many dares Waters hasn’t yet taken. The legendary, Baltimore-born writer/director of such trashy masterworks as Pink Flamingos, Hairspray, Polyester, Serial Mom and Desperate Living has made a habit of stepping confidently into places you’d never expect him—sitcoms, art museums, the Chucky franchise—without stooping to clear the doorway. Waters doesn’t dabble in artistic disciplines; artistic disciplines dabble in John Waters. And his 2022 “debut” novel, Liarmouth, follows a bunch of nonfiction books he’s already written about his obsessions and real-life adventures.
Meaning: His upcoming appearance at the Las Vegas Valley Book Festival, hosted by the Historic Fifth Street School on October 19, isn’t just an opportunity to hear from a novelist whose work is almost certain to become a major motion picture. It’s a rare encounter with the restlessly creative and probably still wonderfully dirty mind of one of America’s greatest living cultural figures. This is the man who once famously said, “If you go home with somebody and they don’t have books, don’t f*ck them,” daring you to hear what's on his mind.
“I’m now a middle-of-the-road madman,” Waters said in a November 2023 interview with the Weekly. “The world we live in has more rules than my parents’ world did, and there’s a certain humor in that. … To me, the ultimate sin is self-righteousness, no matter what your politics are. If you want to win, you don’t make your enemies feel stupid, you make them feel smart. Then you get them to laugh, and then they’ll listen.”
Whether you think him a genius or a vulgarian, one thing is certain to happen if you go to the book festival to hear John Waters speak: You will be utterly fascinated by him. You may even envy his fearlessness. –Geoff Carter
BY BROCK RADKE
Signature Series at Fontainebleau (Select dates through March 2025, Fontainebleau) These finely curated foodie features present the perfect chance to explore the cuisine of the Strip’s newest resort. After the September 21 Perfect Pour event celebrating National Bourbon Month, the next opportunity is Art of the Grill on October 5 at Mediterranean eatery La Côte with one of our favorites, chef Patrick Munster of Don’s Prime.
Downtown Brew Festival (October 19, Clark County Amphitheater) One of the Valley’s coziest and most popular beer-centric events is back with music from San Diego funk-rockers The Routine, DJ Neek and Retrosonic, VIP bites from Tacos & Beer chef John Simmons and STK chef Stephen Hopcraft, and suds from dozens of local and guest breweries.
MORE! Oktoberfest at Hofbrauhaus (September 13-October 31, Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas); San Gennaro Feast (September 18-22, M Resort); Oktoberfest at the Front Yard (September 21, Front Yard at Ellis Island Casino); Lake Las Vegas Classic (September 27-28, Reflection Bay Golf Club); Las Vegas Greek Fest (September 27-29, St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church); Great American Foodie Fest (September 27-29, Galleria at Sunset); Green Our Planet Student Farmers Market (October 2, Clark County Government Center); Aki Matsuri Japanese Festival (October 12, Water Street Plaza); Cigar Aficionado Big Smoke (November 1-2, Paris); Las Vegas Pizza Festival (November 16, Industrial Event Space).
This exciting nightly pop-up opened on September 16 and pairs the spirit of TV western Yellowstone with the luxury of the Las Vegas Strip. The show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan, purchased the legendary 260,000-acre Four Sixes Ranch near Lubbock, Texas, in 2022, continuing its legacy of beef production, raising ranch horses and maintaining its scenic beauty.
The Four Sixes Ranch Steakhouse takes over the Tableau restaurant space near the lobby of the Wynn Tower Suites (and utilizes the talents of its chef, veteran Vegas star David Middleton) to create an experience emphasizing Western authenticity, building on ingredients from Texas and prime steaks and cuts from the ranch. Get ready for prime beef tartare prepared with grilled shallots and serrano peppers, a full breed Wagyu cattle 40-ounce tomahawk steak carved tableside, and a Campfire Old Fashioned cocktail smoked on a whiskey barrel stove (conceived of course by Wynn master mixologist Mariena Mercer Boarini).
“The passions in my life are telling stories and food and with each plate served at Four Sixes Ranch Steakhouse, Chef David and I get to do both,” Sheridan said in a news release.
(Courtesy/Greg Gorman) (Courtesy)
BY GEOFF CARTER
V-U2: An Immersive Concert Film (Through October 31, Sphere) If you missed U2’s historic 40-date run of shows at Sphere, good news: Filmmaker Morleigh Steinberg and her husband, The Edge, hit the venue’s record button for you. Shot with a proprietary high-definition camera, V-U2 captures the band’s Sphere production in spectacular detail—and augments the images with Sphere’s precise sound mix and haptic-feedback seats. Few concert films have come closer to re-creating the experience of watching a band perform live.
The Wake (October 1-31, the Beverly Theater) Uh-oh. The call is coming from inside the cinema. It’s the Beverly Theater’s chief experience officer Kip Kelly, who says that the Bev will once again screen a series of classic scary movies throughout October, with the intent of showing a heart-stopping 50 movies over 31 days. A limited number of $100 “Slash Passes”—so named because they offer a steep discount on all the screenings, and allow you to cut the line like a proper maniac—are on sale now at thebeverlytheater.com
MORE! The Time Masters (September 21-25, the Beverly Theater); Dazed & Confused: 30th Anniversary (September 29, the Beverly Theater); Pride (October 14, Sahara West Library); The Rocky Horror Picture Show with Nell Campbell (October 31, Downtown Las Vegas Events Center).
Luis Varela-Rico, Paso Neto (Through October 26, Nuwu Art Gallery + Community Center) Known for his public art works (“Radial Symmetry” in the Arts District, and “Norte y Sur” at Eastern and I-215), Varela-Rico mounts his first solo exhibition, featuring works he created just to satisfy himself. Drawing on his Mexican heritage and his gift for shaping metal into flowing forms, Nuwu’s Peso Neto promises to be both a summation of his work to date—and a peek at where he might go next.
Laura Esbensen, Soma (October 3-December 13, Core Contemporary) Esbensen, a multidisciplinary artist who splits her time between Las Vegas and San Diego, makes abstract sculpture—using epoxies, plastics and various construction materials—that nod to the human body, specifically the mutilation of it and the process of healing that follows. Soma promises to be a bracing, humorous introduction to her work. It’ll get under your skin.
MORE! Contemporary Ex-votos: Devotion Beyond Medium (Through November 23, Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art); Nevada, P.S. I Love You Postcard Project Exhibition (Through December 2, National Desert Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center); I Need Space to Roam (Through December 7, Left of Center Gallery); Sharon K. Schafer, Circle of Animal (October 3-November 26, Nevada Humanities); From Grain to Pixel: Contemporary Chinese Photography (Through October 6, Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art); Chuy Hartman (Punk Rock Museum, October 11-November 10).
(Courtesy/Will Howcrowft)
IN THE NEWS
“Only United States citizens are eligible to vote in Nevada’s elections. There are already numerous safeguards in place to prevent noncitizens, or anyone ineligible to vote, from casting a ballot. Any claims of a widespread problem are false and only create distrust in our elections.”
–The Nevada Secretary of State’s o ce in response to Donald Trump’s campaign suing Nevada, alleging that the state fails to remove noncitizens from its voter rolls
(Wade Vandervort/Sta )
The Aces host the Dallas Wings for the last game of the regular season on September 19 at 7 p.m.
HOT SHOT
The Riyadh Season Noche UFC event on September 14 took full advantage of Sphere’s creative capabilities, blending a combat sports event with a cinematic “love letter to Mexico,” as described by UFC CEO Dana White, during Mexican Independence Day weekend.
Las Vegas Weekly wins 31 Nevada Press Foundation awards
Las Vegas Weekly was recognized as having the best overall magazine design in the Nevada Press Foundation’s Awards of Excellence contest, and earned 31 total awards, including 14 first-place awards ranging from advertising, arts and culture commentary, business, community service, entertainment, features, food and dining, sports and photography.
Some highlights include contributing editor Ray Brewer’s coverage of accessibility of youth sports, which won two first-place awards in both Business Feature Story and Sports Feature Writing categories in the magazine division. Editor Shannon Miller’s coverage of food insecurity in the Valley won first place in community service. Concert reviews by staff writers Gabriela Rodriguez and Amber Sampson also earned two first-place awards.
The annual contest covered the work of urban and rural newspapers and magazines published between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024. It was judged by the New Mexico Press Association, the Montana Press Association and the Utah Press Association. –Staff
LAS VEGAS CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO DEBATE TOUGHER MEASURES ON HOMELESSNESS
A new city ordinance scheduled to be introduced at the September 18 Las Vegas City Council meeting would ban people from sitting, lying down or camping on public streets, alleys, trails or highways.
The proposed ordinance, sponsored by Mayor Carolyn Goodman, would amend a 2020 ordinance that outlawed camping and lodging in public rights-of-way unless there were no beds available in the local shelters, a city spokesperson said in an email. The new proposal removes that language to make camping illegal regardless of bed space.
Before issuing a written warning or citation, officers must first notify the person that they are in violation of the ordinance, inform them of resources available at the Courtyard Homeless Resource Center at 314 East Foremaster Lane, and direct the person to a location where they wouldn’t be breaking any rules.
The bill notes that any person convicted of violating the ordinance more than twice in any 12-month period can
receive a minimum jail time of 10 days, or a court could order the defendant to complete a rehabilitation program, specialty court program or other treatment program designed to assist homeless people.
Some exceptions to the rule are listed in the proposed ordinance. A person who is sitting or lying down due to a medical emergency or as a result of a disability; patronizing a business, service or government function; participating in or attending a parade, festival, performance, rally, demonstration, meeting or similar event; or waiting for public or private transportation or access to enter a building would be exempt.
If the ordinance is approved, Las Vegas would join the list of cities that have enacted strict rules against homeless people since the U.S. Supreme Court’s June decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson.
In a 6-3 decision, the high court sided with the city of Grants Pass, Oregon, which passed an ordinance that basically made it illegal for
homeless residents to camp on any public property, and ruled that the law was not unconstitutional. All three of the high court’s Democratic appointees—Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson—voted against the majority opinion.
Since 2018, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction over nine Western states including Nevada, had held that these types of bans violated the Eighth Amendment in areas that lack enough shelter beds.
Homelessness has continually caused issues in Southern Nevada. The 2024 Point-inTime Homelessness Count found 7,906 people experiencing homelessness in Southern Nevada as of January 25, a 17% increase over last year’s 6,566 individuals. It follows an upward trend in the region every year since 2021, when 5,083 homeless people were counted.
As of press time, the ordinance is scheduled for a vote at its meeting at 10 a.m. October 2. –Grace Da Rocha
HEALTH CARE
Nevada cedes lawsuit to allow Medicaid to cover abortion
Nevada Medicaid will expand to cover the cost of medically necessary abortions after the state decided to cede in the legal battle challenging that access.
Silver State Hope Fund, a nonprofit organization supporting abortion access, officially won its lawsuit against the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services on September 12. The organization had previously filed against the state alongside the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Nevada to challenge Nevada’s ban on Medicaid coverage for abortion as sex-based discrimination in violation of the state constitution’s Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).
A Clark County judge ruled in favor of the advocacy organizations in March, but it was unclear whether or not Nevada would appeal the court’s decision.
“We are deeply committed to championing abortion rights and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their financial status, have access to comprehensive health care services, free from unnecessary barriers and stigma,” Silver State Hope board president Marya Shegog wrote in a statement.
Abortion access has been a longstanding conversation throughout the 2024 election cycle, particularly because November’s presidential race will be the first after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Nevada voters will have the opportunity to further expand access through a ballot measure that seeks to enshrine abortion into the state constitution.
–Haajrah Gilani
LOS ÁNGELES AZULES
THURSDAY | SEPT 26
SARAH SILVERMAN
POSTMORTEM
SATURDAY | SEPT 28
CARLY PEARCE
HUMMINGBIRD WORLD TOUR
FRIDAY | OCT 11
ROB SCHNEIDER
SATURDAY | OCT 12
Nevada’s utility monopolies seek expansion while local organizations and customers fight for lower costs
NEWS
EYES ON ALL ENERGY
BY BROCK RADKE
A new campaign is calling for greater accountability and transparency from the utility companies that power Southern Nevada—and hoping to connect with the public and better inform consumers about energy issues.
Led by the Nevada Conservation League (NCL), a coalition of organizations launched Utility Watch Nevada last month, aiming to educate residents and community members about the impacts of utility energy decisions and empower people to help shape a healthier energy future. Utilitywatchnv.org contains plenty of information and resources as well as a petition created so Nevada residents can demand affordable, reliable and clean energy from primary providers NV Energy and Southwest Gas.
“What we’ve seen in recent years is a steep increase for Nevadans and what they’re having to pay to turn the lights on and run gas appliances,” says Kristee Watson, NCL executive director. “Seeing the public sentiment become frustrated and ask why it is like this and what we can do to make a change ... we felt like there was a real knowledge gap, and we could step in and help clarify and make the process more transparent.”
NCL deputy director Christi Cabrera-Georgeson says understanding why your power bill changes can be complicated, especially with the fluctuating cost of natural gas, which provides the largest share of the state’s power. “Part of it is inflation, but ... we also don’t necessarily make the connection that global events affect our fuel costs. And the utilities don’t feel any of that pain of soaring prices, it’s passed directly to customers, and people don’t understand why, they just know they’re suffering and they need solutions.”
Utility Watch was created in partnership with Chispa Nevada; Caring, Helping, Restoring Lives; Faith In Action Nevada; Faith Organizing Alliance; For Our Future Nevada; Moms Clean Air Force; and Solar United Neighbors. The statewide campaign also seeks to mobilize customers to demand stronger policies and regulations that ensure energy efficiency as well as affordable bills.
In a news release, Chispa Nevada program director Audrey Peral said, “Corporate greed is forcing Nevada working families to choose between paying for groceries or paying their
(Photo Illustration)
utility bills, and we need urgent relief.”
Nevada’s utility corporations are classified as regulated monopolies, and the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) is tasked with enforcing compliance of federal laws and developing rules and regulations. It also holds consumer sessions, where the public gets to speak about utility issues and the Legislature receives transcripts from those feedback sessions—and the Utility Watch campaign is highlighting those opportunities. Southern Nevada consumer sessions are scheduled for this week, September 23 at 1 p.m. and September 25 at 6 p.m. at the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada at 9075 West Diablo Drive #250.
Watson says the Utility Watch website offers information for customers so they don’t feel as if they don’t know what to do at the consumer sessions. “If residents need help or talking points for clarification, that is on the website, and we’re also there and talking to anyone who is curious about how they can affect change and be helpful,” she says.
NV Energy officials say the company “continues to advance plans in Nevada for our customers that result in both reliable and affordable energy,” in a statement to Las Vegas Weekly. “In Southern Nevada, bills will be lower by the end of 2024 than they were in 2023. We have worked hard at NV Energy to make that happen. We’ve heard from our customers, and we always work to keep bills affordable.”
The statement also noted, “We look forward to hearing directly from our customers during upcoming consumer sessions later this month.”
Nevada doesn’t produce natural gas, a fossil fuel, but relies on it heavily for energy. The Nevada Conservation League and its Utility Watch partners believe new NV Energy projects like the Silverhawk Generating Station peaker plant in North Las Vegas (as well as more natural gas developments for which the utility is currently
seeking approval) will end up exacerbating the problems of higher bills and unsustainable resources.
“Nevada went over a decade without building any new fossil fuel infrastructure until last year, when the [PUCN] approved several projects,” says Cabrera-Georgeson. “And [NV Energy] is asking for additional fossil fuel resources in its plan filed this year. If approved, it will be $1.1 billion in new methane gas infrastructure in the last two years, which is unacceptable for a state that doesn’t produce any methane but is the top state in the country in solar energy potential.”
NV Energy notes its 2024 Integrated Resource Plan “will bring new resources to our state and our customers, including proposing more than 1,000 new megawatts of solar energy and more than 1,000 new megawatts of battery storage.
“The proposal is still pending with the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada,” the statement continues. “If approved, customers will not see costs from these projects in their rates or on their bills until they are in use and useful.”
The PUCN decision on NV Energy’s Integrated Resource Plan is expected December 20.
We don’t make the connection that global events affect our fuel costs ... it’s passed directly to customers, and people don’t understand why, they just know they’re suffering and they need solutions.”
– Nevada Conservation League deputy director Christi Cabrera-Georgeson
MO MOVE WITH THE GROOVE
Five reasons to go see DiscoShow at the Linq
BY SHANNON MILLER
1
STAGING AND PRESENTATION
The show venue is an inverted theater in the round where the audience is standing in the center, and the stage surrounds them on a raised platform. Surrounding the stage are LED walls displaying an ever-changing variety of New York City backdrops. This makes for seemingly endless action, and you have to have your head on a swivel to catch all the delightful acts. Performers do their thing atop raised platforms that roll throughout the center of the room, interacting with audience members. It’s one big disco party, and you’re invited to the dance floor.
2
THE MUSIC
Calling all disco lovers! The soundtrack of DiscoShow drives the plot, and anchors that plot to the history of disco. Even the stiffest of showgoers may be unable to resist moving to tracks like Chic’s “Le Freak,” Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive,” The Trammps’ “Disco Inferno” and The Emotions’ “Best of My Love.” Late in the show, Rhianna’s “Only Girl (In the World)” drew the connection between the disco of the ‘60s and ‘70s and today. Dancing out to Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family” made the good vibes and nostalgia linger long past the afterparty.
3
THE DANCING
If a disco song plays and nobody’s around to dance to it, does it make a sound? The characters of DiscoShow make the music come to life with near-constant dance and little dialogue. (The show has only two speaking characters: Mother Eureka and an upbeat fellow named Åke, who we’ll talk about shortly.) Created by writer Michael Wynne and choreographed by Yasmine Lee, each character unravels their plotlines with some help from props and the LED images playing on the walls of the theater. They groove. They vogue. They serve. And it’s contagious.
The sound of a subway rumbles. In Spiegelworld’s Glitterloft, it feels like I’ve been transported to 1970s New York City. Inspired by disco pioneer David Mancuso’s legendary parties, the DIY industrial-style bar is tucked away on the second floor of the Linq. I and the others who are waiting for DiscoShow’s opening night to begin busy ourselves with surprisingly delicious canned cocktails and permanent markers left out for guests to add to the wall graffiti. ¶ The room is full of charismatic people in silk shirts, bell bottoms, bodysuits and sequins. Eureka O’Hara (from RuPaul’s Drag Race) magically appears, claiming her title as house mother and opening the portal to the disco dimension. ¶ “Disco is a heartbeat and you have to move your body to it,” she tells us as we file into Glitterloft’s theater. Disco beats are pulsing. The dance floor lights up. People start dancing, some on roller skates. Then, they start dancing with me. Next thing I know, I’m dancing. ¶ This show is not for people who at concerts like to sit at the back with their arms folded. DiscoShow’s audience is on its feet and at the center of the action. ¶ Here are five reasons to get up and boogie over to DiscoShow.
4 COMES WITH DANCE INSTRUCTOR!
“I’m from Helsinki, but tonight, we’re going to heaven-sinki!” says Åke Blomqvist (played by Eli Weinberg) as he welcomes the crowd into the disco fold. The character, based on the late, great Finnish dance instructor, teaches at least five different dance moves to add to your repertoire. That way, once the cast comes rolling around to groove with you, you can impress them. (And if you need to groove sitting down, that’s totally fine; the venue is fully accessible. DiscoShow’s website has the details.)
5 A MOVING HISTORY LESSON Wynne and director Steven Hoggett didn’t want to focus on just the “sheen” of disco. They wanted to touch on its history, including Disco Demolition Night, which in July 1979 saw the destruction of disco records and a riot at Comiskey Park in Chicago. The show takes a somber tone in acknowledging the fear, misunderstandings and outright racism and homophobia that led to anti-disco demonstrations and rejection in the mainstream. But as the music turns back up and the audience looks around the room at all the people who came to see a disco show in 2024, it’s evident that disco never died.
(Courtesy/Pari Dukovik)
DIVE INTO THE ART OF MIXOLOGY
The Cabinet of Curiosities undeniably lives up to its name, its walls lined with shelves that bear an array of odd and intriguing trinkets. The swanky bar and lounge, located in the Horseshoe Las Vegas, is one of several immersive attractions on the Las Vegas Strip curated by Imagine Exhibitions. It o ers patrons a unique experience marked by luxe lighting and crafted cocktails. Perhaps the most special o ering on the Cabinet of Curiosities’ menu is its Mixology Masterclass. Here’s just a glimpse of what patrons can expect from this hands-on o ering.
Arrive 10 minutes prior for registration. The Mixology Masterclass is 90 minutes, and attendees must be 21 or older. Each guest must present a valid photo ID for entry. Catering options are available for those who may want to turn the class into a celebration. The Cabinet of Curiosities is located on the lower level of Horseshoe Las Vegas. Reservations are required but can be made the day of your desired booking.
This regular event connects guests with bartenders who teach them how to craft and curate premium cocktails. For $100, attendees have the opportunity to create three cocktails, receive a souvenir apron and recipe card, and mingle with like-minded individuals also interested in learning about mixology. Whether you’re a beginner or aspiring mixologist, the hands-on and fun-filled Mixology Masterclass will expand your skills.
ADVERTORIAL PRESENTED BY IMAGINE EXHIBITIONS
According to the Cocktail Society, cocktails have been around since at least the 19th century, but the term “cocktail” can be traced back to the year 1798. Before you can move forward on your mixology journey, you’ll have to take a look back in time. One of the Cabinet of Curiosities’ many mixologists will start your class by teaching you the rich history of the art, as well as the tools, techniques and terminology behind it.
Once you learn about mixology’s history, it’s time to apply it. Learn how to blend spirits, balance flavors, and craft intricate cocktails with your instructor. You’ll master the art of garnishing and presentation to enhance the appeal. Sip and savor once you’re done.
Armed with your education and experience, you’ll be ready to do things your way. Using premium ingredients, including fresh fruits, herbs and syrups, you’ll design your own specialty cocktail and bring it to life. With the continued guidance of an instructor. you can put a personal spin on your favorite cocktail or imagine something completely original. You’re sure to walk away with a bespoke recipe.
... or to make a reservation reach out to info@cabinetlv.com or visit thecabinetlv.com
Email to book a private reservation, or for group pricing and special accommodations.
HERO WORSHIP
The Fat Banh Mi-Ki sandwich (Courtesy/Fat Sal’s Deli)
BY AMBER SAMPSON
“This is where you go to hurt yourself. This is a corner of pain. Your arteries will never forgive you, but if you’re gonna indulge, this is the place to be.”
As my friend says this, I realize she’s right. On the corner of 4th Street, mere feet away from Neonopolis, where day drinkers from the nearby Fat Tuesdays spill out onto the Fremont Street Experience, a waft of deep-fried goodness drifts by.
Down the promenade, there’s LA’s Dirt Dog. Along the way, there’s the infamous Heart Attack Grill. But right here in front of me sits Las Vegas’ first Fat Sal’s, a deli and sandwich shop that’s quickly becoming my next obsession.
A staple of the Los Angeles food scene since 2010, Fat Sal’s is praised for its oversized heroes piled high with thinly sliced meats, mozzarella sticks, fries and all the fixings of an everything-but-thekitchen-sink meal.
New Yorkers Sal Capek and Josh Stone opened the first store in Westwood, near UCLA’s campus. It now boasts nine locations across LA, with Vegas being its only out-of-state venture.
barbecue pastrami brisket to create a separate side. The sandwich itself is also stacked with finger foods— chicken tenders, mozz sticks, fries—as well as fresh grilled onions, melted cheddar and bacon ... so much bacon.
The Fat Banh Mi-Ki ($20), which Cook sees as “probably our most complex sandwich as far as the flavors and the textures are concerned,” converted me from my first crunchy bite. Great banh mis are hard to master, but Fat Sal’s use of house-made Vietnamese pickled veggies and Szechuan slaw adds such a tangy, salty sweet touch. The finely sliced ribeye steak, while impossibly tender, doesn’t overwhelm, creating a savory build of umami through each bite.
“It’s a very East Coast thing, thinly sliced meat, especially when it comes to deli meat,” says Cook. “Philly cheesesteaks are, of course, super thinly sliced ribeye. Sal’s from Staten Island [and] Josh is from Mamaroneck, New York. All the delis did super thinly sliced meat, and it was always sliced to order.”
“I think we were almost built for Las Vegas, from the way our menu reads, from the indulgent aspect of our food, how we are very over the top, the way that Vegas is very over the top in the best possible way. We’re kind of built for that city,” says Joshua Cook, vice president of operations.
Fat Sal’s offers a surplus of delectable items including standard Angus beef burgers, pastrami reubens ($17), Philly cheesesteak fries ($14) and wilder creations like pepperoni pizza and chicken teriyaki burgers ($15). Everything on the menu can be made “fatter,” with extra meats, toppings and sauces made in-house.
But if you truly want to test the waistband of those pants, order a Fat Sandwich. While pricey, Fat Sal’s doesn’t kid around with its portions. The Fat Texas ($20) boasts enough
Fat Sal’s bread also deserves praise for its balance of soft and firm, a quality many LA bakeries have perfected over years of competition. “It’s the most important thing in any sandwich,” Cook says. “We get it delivered every single day, fresh.
It is a proprietary recipe that’s executed by a local bakery. Without good bread, you can’t have a good sandwich.”
The high standards carry over into Fat Sal’s decadent shakes, which feature outlandish toppings like a whole slice of New York cheesecake. Its half-pound, sea salt chocolate chip cookie, stuffed with red velvet cake, is also a winning dessert, and it’s created by LA’s Brady’s Bakery.
After all that, you’re going to want a salad, and Fat Sal’s has quite a few. The deli’s albacore tuna variety ($16) is an in-house favorite, and vegans will be pleased to find vegan shakes, falafel and Impossible burgers here, too.
truoC(
KNIGHT
TIME
What to watch as the Vegas Golden Knights return to the ice in preparation for the upcoming NHL season
BY JACK WILLIAMS
Vegas Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl (48) celebrates after teammate Jonathan Marchessault scored against Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-André Fleury (29) on April 12, 2024, in Las Vegas.
(AP Photo/David Becker)
SPORTS
The Realm is up and running once again.
It will be a while before the Vegas Golden Knights swing the gates open to the Fortress—their first regular season game isn’t until October 9 against the Colorado Avalanche at T-Mobile Arena—but they’ve now officially begun preparations. ¶ Rookies reported to training camp on Thursday, September 12 at City National Arena and veterans followed a week later. ¶ There’s more uncertainty than usual with the franchise considering it’s sporting a new-look roster two years removed from winning the Stanley Cup. Here are five pressing questions to watch during training camp.
HOW DOES THE OFFENSE FILL THE JONATHAN MARCHESSAULT-SHAPED GAP?
The headline of the offseason was the Golden Knights choosing not to resign its leading scorer and Original Misfit Marchessault.
General manager Kelly McCrimmon said Marchessault’s hardline stance of landing a five-year extension was “too long” for the Golden Knights. Marchessault ended up getting a five-year, $27.5 million contract with the Nashville Predators.
He earned the contract he wanted with a career year last season where he totaled 69 points in 82 games, leading the Golden Knights on offense.
Wiping a player with those kinds of numbers off the roster is set to leave a substantial impact, not to mention someone who had been with the team since its expansion draft and came to define much of its identity.
The Golden Knights also passed on resigning Chandler Stephenson (51 points) and Michael Amadio (27 points). While Vegas did sign five skaters in free agency, only one, Victor Olofsson, played significant minutes in the NHL last season with 15 points in 51 games on the Buffalo Sabres.
WILL
TOMAS HERTL MESH WITH THIS OFFENSE?
The biggest coup of last year’s trade deadline will carry the heaviest burden of keeping the offense afloat.
Hertl flashed signs of what made him such a celebrated acquisition when McCrimmon pried him from the divisional rival San Jose Sharks in the regular season, but his performance was choppier in the playoffs.
He had just one goal in the seven-game firstround loss to the Dallas Stars. The Golden Knights are going to need more out of a player whom they are now committed to for the next six years with
an $8.1 million annual cap hit.
Hertl suggested he struggled to gel with the team in such a short time frame, but should have more opportunity now at training camp.
He has the ability as he had long been one of the Sharks’ biggest offensive producers with an average of 48 points over the last five seasons. The Golden Knights may need even more out of the 30-year-old if they want him to be the primary player to fill the void left by Marchessault and Stephenson.
CAN A HILL/SAMSONOV GOALTENDING TANDEM PROVE AS EFFECTIVE AS HILL/ THOMPSON DID?
Adin Hill and Logan Thompson shared duties in net in each of the last two seasons to great success.
Last year, they had nearly identical save percentages of .909% (Hill) and .908% (Thompson) and goals-against averages of 2.71 (Hill) and 2.70 (Thompson).
Hill emerged as the primary option coach Bruce Cassidy trusted the most, but Thompson played 21 more games over the last two regular seasons in part because of injuries to the former. Thompson requested a trade this offseason and was dealt to the Washington Capitals in exchange for a third-round draft pick and the Golden Knights picked up Ilya Samsonov on a one-year contract in free agency.
Can Samsonov prove as reliable as Thompson and fill in for potentially long stretches without letting Vegas’ goaltending quality dip? He’s looked capable in the past but is coming off a rough stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He had a poor .890 save percentage and a 3.13 goals-against average last season, seeing his numbers dip from .919 and 2.23, respectively, the year before.
There’s a lot of pressure for Samsonov to regain his form with the Golden Knights.
IS PAVEL DOROFEYEV READY TO BECOME A CONSISTENT CONTRIBUTOR?
The 23-year-old, former third-round pick flashed high-level offensive ability a year ago but needs to round out the rest of his game to match. After putting up 13 goals and 11 assists in 47 games during the regular season, Dorofeyev was only active for one playoff game and got seven minutes of ice time.
Vegas sees Dorofeyev as a substantial part of its plans going forward and signed him to a two-year, $3.67 million extension this offseason. But the team also needs him to get stronger and become a more capable defender.
He should have ample chances this year. There will be no more splitting time between the NHL with Vegas and the AHL in Henderson like at the beginning of last year.
Dorofeyev is a player who can emerge as a solution to fill out the gaps left by the departing free agents and lock himself into a full-time, second-line role if he continues to improve.
HOW LONG DOES THE STANLEY CUP WINDOW REMAIN OPEN?
The Golden Knights have lived a charmed existence in being a contender ever since they became a team, reaching a Stanley Cup Final in their first year and winning it all in 2023.
Even in the lone year they missed the playoffs, 2022, it was more because of injuries. There was a common knowledge that a potential championship core remained in place.
That’s more of question than ever before heading into the 2024-2025 season. What is the shelf life of the Golden Knights’ championship aspirations?
Vegas still has key players like Hill, Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, Alex Pietrangelo and William Karlsson, but how long will that combination work at the top level? Both Pietrangelo and Stone are in their mid 30s—when players traditionally start to decline.
The Golden Knights’ prospect pipeline isn’t as loaded as most other franchises after near-annual aggression in the trade market to bring in more proven veterans, even if only just as rentals.
The relative lack of talent was visible last year with the Henderson Silver Knights, which went 2836 and finished in eighth place in the AHL’s Pacific Division to miss the playoffs.
Some younger gems could be unearthed this year, but it’s going to take time before they can be counted on to contribute to a championship run.
The window looks cracked for this team to win another Stanley Cup, and it might not be as wide open as Vegas fans have become accustomed to.
LIVE PERFORMANCES IN CELEBRATION OF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
FROM RIDESHARE TO REFEREEING, WORKERS RELYING ON SIDE HUSTLES
BY KATIE ANN MCCARVER VEGAS INC STAFF
Kim Ngan Bui, a pharmacy student at Roseman University of Health Sciences in Las Vegas, needed a way to make money once she realized an internship with limited hours wouldn’t su ce, and a remote, full-time job would take too much time away from her busy graduate school schedule.
That’s when she turned to DoorDash.
“I needed a job that was exible, and that I (could) work whenever I wanted to,” she said. “And it didn’t have the pressure of sticking to a schedule and giving my availability—and just really being on my own terms. So that’s why I turned to DoorDash because it allowed all of that.”
Her goal with the delivery service is to work enough each week to pay for her groceries, eating out and other activities, Bui said.
The freedom and the exibility of delivering for DoorDash is the primary motivation behind the more than seven million people who took advantage of the opportunity last year, according to Taylor Bennett, global head of public a airs at the company, which he also noted sees a unique level of demand in Las Vegas.
Of the total number of “Dashers,” Bennett said, 90% are working just 10 hours a week or less.
“We all have nancial obligations, holidays or birthdays or unexpected expenses—to be able to hop on the platform, earn money quickly and then be paid out immediately is really a big draw,” he said. “It’s very much on top of their day-to-day jobs, on top of their own schedules and lives, and it’s additive to the income or other responsibilities they have in their lives.”
Most Dashers have full-time jobs or are students or caregivers, Bennett said.
The number of people working for DoorDash
in addition to a full-time job elsewhere seems to corroborate recent research into “side hustles,” or additional jobs that people take on to supplement their income.
Forty percent of Americans have turned to side hustles, according to a 2023 study commissioned by Herbalife. Nearly 50% of those with side gigs took them on “solely to make ends meet,” per a news release.
Americans with side hustles commit nearly 10 hours per week to those jobs, on average, which most included e-commerce sales and driving for rideshares, among others, the study showed.
For many people, they may be juggling multiple jobs because their wages didn’t keep pace with high rates of in ation and high prices following the COVID-19 pandemic, said Je Waddoups, an economics professor at UNLV.
“Those workers, I’m sure some of them, needed to supplement their income with side work, and to have that available was important for them,” Waddoups said. “But it’s also a troubling thing that they would need to take jobs just in order to keep their living standard.”
In Southern Nevada, one way people are making extra cash is by o ciating local high school and other youth sports games.
Vince Kristosik, president of the Southern Nevada O cials Association (SNOA), said most referees in the organization choose to do it for two reasons: a love of sports and a desire to supplement their income.
“I tell people, there’s no easier way to make a good amount of money in a short amount of time,” Kristosik said.
Like services like DoorDash, SNOA makes for a good side hustle because it is exible in terms of how many days a week o cials must work based on their schedule. Many of them do have full-time employment, and referee once their workday is complete, Kristosik said.
Depending on what sport and school they’re o ciating for, SNOA referees can make anywhere from $51 to nearly $100 per game.
“When the economy is bad or in ation is up,” he said, “a lot of people are looking to supplement their full-time employment with another job.”
A referee works the Henderson Bowl at Green Valley High School in Henderson on September 24, 2021. (Steve Marcus/Sta )
BY COURTNEY FOGLE
The rapid pace in which social media can affect your business’s reputation is both a powerful asset and a significant risk. In today’s digital age, how your business handles backlash from audiences on social media platforms can be the deciding factor in your success, whether you are a restaurant or a multimillion-dollar gaming manufacturer.
UNDERSTANDING THE SPEED AND SCALE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media can propel negative comments or videos into the public eye almost instantly. With a rapid dissemination of information, online communities are increasingly mobilizing against companies with cancel culture that escalates far beyond one-off complaints.
A small Midwestern college recently faced an outpouring of criticism from an alumni group that quickly mobilized on Facebook. By dismissing the issue for months and hoping it would quiet down on its own, the college inadvertently allowed the group to grow to 1,000 members with intensified outcry. Drawing negative attention from prospective students and community partners, the lack of early communication and engagement caused an escalated crisis. Coordinated efforts from online audiences can push businesses to their limits, with trolls and mass movements shifting public opinion and leaving
In the age of social media, businesses must safeguard their reputations against online backlash
companies scrambling to respond. When adversarial groups on platforms like Facebook or X promote a high volume of criticism, businesses must ensure that their response is appropriate, delivered through the proper social media channel and voiced by the right spokesperson.
THE HIGH STAKES OF TRUST AND TRANSPARENCY
Businesses cannot afford to be reactive. Instead, they need to communicate proactively, address concerns head-on and keep their stakeholders and customers in the loop to prevent unnecessary turmoil.
In its July quarterly report, Southwest Airlines revealed a 46% decline in net income. The company announced plans for change, including a shift from its beloved open-seating model to assigned seating, citing research that 80% of their current customers and 86% of potential customers prefer this change. The move was intended to attract more passengers, but no timeline or detailed plan for the change was announced, which caused customers to take to social media and petition to express concerns like losing the ability for families to sit together. This scenario demonstrates the urgency of proactive and transparent communication to build trust with stakeholders. When customers sense a lack of transparency or feel that they are not getting the full picture from the brands they are deeply connected to, it fosters
distrust and discontent, especially in times of change.
LEARNING FROM MISTAKES
In May 2024, Chipotle found itself in hot water following a long-term controversy when social media erupted with allegations that the fast-casual restaurant chain was skimping on portion sizes. Customers claimed that filming employees during order prep led to larger servings, a theory that went viral after a leaked internal memo seemed to back it up. While Chipotle initially denied the claims, by July, CEO Brian Niccol admitted that about 10% of their locations were under-portioning and promised to retrain staff and ensure consistency across their 3,500 restaurants.
Chipotle’s social media team took an unprecedented approach: joining in on the joke. They engaged in online conversation in response to the backlash, posting a TikTok that cleverly mocked the controversy with a “paparazzi” scene, earning nearly one million likes.
Proactive CEO statements around operational changes with intention for forward progress demonstrate transparency. Meanwhile, Chipotle’s engagement with social media culture reflected its willingness to embrace and redirect the narrative. This dual approach not only mitigated the crisis but also reinforced Chipotle’s image as responsive and relatable in the aftermath of long-term controversy.
CRITICAL ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE CRISIS RESPONSE
Failing to have a crisis plan or dismissing the impact of social media can leave a business vulnerable to significant reputational damage, as it may be unprepared to respond promptly and effectively to negative events that can escalate online. Embracing the following strategies will help in managing immediate issues and safeguard your company against future challenges.
1. Proactive surveillance: Actively track mentions of your business and industry across social media platforms. Use social listening tools to detect potential issues early and stay alert to changes in public sentiment and company reviews.
2. Develop strategic plans: Implement a crisis communications strategy with predefined messages and response protocols, keeping it updated regularly to address new risks.
3. Seek outside perspective: It can be helpful to engage with a comms agency experienced in crisis management to gain clarity and response strategies from an outside perspective.
4. Gain internal alignment: Make sure your team is aligned on messaging and actions. Consistency is key to keeping your credibility intact.
5. Prioritize transparency: Communicate openly and honestly with your audience, providing clear and frequent updates while taking ownership of mistakes and explaining actionable steps to resolve them.
6. Foster community: Be proactive in engaging with online communities to handle concerns and manage negative feedback. Show empathy, respond quickly, and use feedback to refine your response.
Courtney Fogle is a Senior Communications Advisor at 84 Communications. She specializes in reputation management and media relations with a key role in advising clients across corporate, manufacturing, hospitality and education sectors.
VEGAS INC NOTES
Touro University Nevada’s Pierce Autism Center has partnered with Henderson Parks and Recreation Department to o er a training program for part- and full-time sta members involved with city youth programs. The 90-minute course aims to teach employees specific skills when navigating behaviors that can occur during interactions with children in youth and after-school programs. Jennifer McConnell, board-certified behavioral analyst at the autism center, created the curriculum and leads the course that will be taught at various parks and recreation centers.
Communities In Schools of Nevada, the nation’s leading evidence-based stay-in-school organization serving 118 Nevada schools with regional o ces in the Clark, Elko, Humboldt and Washoe County school districts, added 17 new school sites for the 2024-25 school year. The addition of new schools adds nearly
20,000 additional students served by the organization, bringing the total number of students supported to more than 100,000 statewide. To assist with the expansion, CIS joined the second cohort of grantees to receive funding as part of the national Scaling for Success initiative underwritten by Ballmer Group, a national organization committed to improving economic mobility for children and families. CIS of Nevada received $1,051,064.
Select Health announced the expansion of the Select Health Awards to Las Vegas. Ten organizations were chosen for their contributions to enhancing health and well-being across Clark County. These awards honor and help fund organizations whose work uplifts underserved populations and provides essential support to individuals in need. Select Health awarded each of the organizations $5,000 to support a variety of essential
HIRING?
This event draws over 1,400 local undergrads, grads, and alumni, offering access to a wide range of skills and expertise from one of the nation’s most diverse universities!
Contact careerworkforce@unlv.edu to register.
Sponsorship opportunities available, contact Kristine Anassian, Assistant Director of Employer Engagement at kristine.anassian@unlv.edu
services such as utility bill assistance, transportation services for seniors, access to needed medical care and supplies, marketing and community outreach.
United Way of Southern Nevada announced that Samuel L. Rudd has been appointed president and CEO. Rudd has a wealth of expertise in operations, financial management and nonprofit management. Since joining the United Way team as chief operating o cer and chief financial o cer in 2023, his leadership has been instrumental in enhancing the organization’s operational e ciency and implementing data-driven strategies.
Nevada Donor Network raised nearly $700,000 at its Inspire Hope event in Downtown Las Vegas. Inspire Hope helps raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation, and raises funds for expanding transplantation capabilities in Nevada.
