BREEDERS’ CUP VIEWING PARTIES
2 Fantastic Days of Championship Racing at Del Mar
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1 & 2
Grand Ballroom • Doors Open at 9 am (Closes After the Last Breeders’ Cup Race Each Day)
Betting Stations & Kiosks • Food & Drink Specials • Prize Giveaways on Saturday
FREE HANDICAPPING SEMINAR
Friday, November 1 • Grandview Lounge • 6 pm
Hosted by Ralph Siraco with Handicappers Jon Lindo & Jonathan Hardoon
Seminar Will be Streamed on South Point Studio’s You Tube Channel
Ralph Siraco
Jon LindoJonathan Hardoon
WHERE ART MEETS
PUBLISHER
MARK DE POOTER mark.depooter@gmgvegas.com
EDITOR
SHANNON MILLER
shannon.miller@gmgvegas.com
EDITORIAL
Senior Editor GEOFF CARTER (geo .carter@gmgvegas.com)
Managing Editor BROCK RADKE (brock.radke@gmgvegas.com)
Sta Writer GABRIELA RODRIGUEZ (gabriela.rodriguez@gmgvegas.com)
Sta Writer AMBER SAMPSON (amber.sampson@gmgvegas.com)
Contributing Writers KYLE CHOUINARD, GRACE DA ROCHA,HILLARY DAVIS, HAAJRAH GILANI, MIKE GRIMALA, KATIE ANN MCCARVER, AYDEN RUNNELS, JACK WILLIAMS, ILANA WILLIAMS
Contributing Editors RAY BREWER, JUSTIN HAGER, CASE KEEFER, DAVE MONDT
O ce Coordinator NADINE GUY
CREATIVE
Art Director CORLENE BYRD (corlene.byrd@gmgvegas.com)
Senior Designer IAN RACOMA
Photo Coordinator BRIAN RAMOS
Photographers CHRISTOPHER DEVARGAS, STEVE MARCUS, WADE VANDERVORT
DIGITAL
Publisher of Digital Media KATIE HORTON
Web Content Specialist CLAYT KEEFER
ADVERTISING & MARKETING
Associate Publisher ALEX HAASE
Special Publications Editor SIERRA SMART
Senior Advertising Managers MIKE MALL, ADAIR MILNE, SUE SRAN
Account Executives CRISTAL BLAKEMAN, LAUREN JOHNSON, GIANNA PUCCI, ANNA ZYMANEK
Events Director SAMANTHA LAMB
Events Manager HANNAH ANTER
Events Coordinator APRIL MARTINEZ
Event Sales Coordinator MELINA TAYLOR
PRODUCTION & CIRCULATION
Vice President of Manufacturing MARIA BLONDEAUX
Production Director PAUL HUNTSBERRY
Production Manager BLUE UYEDA
Associate Marketing Art Director BROOKE EVERSON
Marketing Graphic Designer CARYL LOU PAAYAS
Production Artist MARISSA MAHERAS
Senior Tra c Coordinator DENISE ARANCIBIA
Tra c Coordinator KIMBERLY CHANG
Distribution Relations Liaison JIDAN SHADOWEN
Fulfillment Operations Coordinator CASANDRA PIERCE
Route Administrator KATHY STRELAU
GREENSPUN MEDIA GROUP
CEO, Publisher & Editor BRIAN GREENSPUN
Chief Operating O cer ROBERT CAUTHORN
Director of Human Resources SHANNA CHAVEZ GRAY
Chief Financial O cer STEVE GRAY
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16
HOME LIFE
The best low-maintenance houseplants, and how to care for them.
22
COVER STORY
Can Las Vegas stand up a film industry to rival that of other moviemaking destinations?
38 ART Goldwell Open Air Museum celebrates 40 years of desert sculptures and art. 10 SUPERGUIDE
The Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival sets up at Boulevard Mall, Tears for Fears plays BleauLive Theater and more this week.
42 FOOD & DRINK Arts District spot Palate serves up cuisine with color.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) carries the ball during training camp at Allegiant Stadium. Read more on page 46. (Steve Marcus/ Sta )
49 TOP TECH AWARDS
Highlighting talent, innovation and leadership in the tech community.
Photo Illustration
SUPERGUIDE
THURSDAY
BETSY WOLFE
7 p.m., & 10/25, Myron’s, thesmithcenter.com
MAGO DE OZ
7 p.m., House of Blues, concerts. livenation.com
THE CRANE WIVES With Rett Madison, 7 p.m., Brooklyn Bowl, ticketmaster. com
DANI FLOW
8 p.m., the Portal at Area15, area15.com
UNLV CHORAL
ENSEMBLES: KALEIDOSCOPE
7:30 p.m., Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall, unlv.edu
SICKICK
10:30 p.m., Zouk Nightclub, zoukgrouplv.com
DJ PAULY D
10:30 p.m., Hakkasan Nightclub, taogroup.com
LAS VEGAS FILIPINO SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
An estimated 200,000 Filipino Americans live in Las Vegas, yet their culture, talents and stories aren’t always represented on the silver screen. That’s why executive director Margie Llorente-Gonzales set out to host the first Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival in 2023. This year, it has grown to include 40 short films with the majority being from the U.S. and the Philippines. On the first day of this year’s event, Nevada Day will be celebrated with short films by Nevada filmmakers and a filmmaker forum. Attendees can also enjoy the red carpet launch of Filipino Town magazine on October 26 and an awards ceremony on October 27. Thru 10/27, times vary, $10+, Galaxy Theaters at Boulevard Mall, lvshortfilm. com. –Shannon Miller
UNLV VS. BOISE STATE
7:30 p.m., Allegiant Stadium, unlvtickets.com
VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS. OTTAWA SENATORS
3 p.m., T-Mobile Arena, axs.com
HENDERSON SILVER KNIGHTS VS. SAN JOSE BARRICUDA
11 a.m., Lee’s Family Forum, axs.com
THE MINUTES
7 p.m., & 10/26 (& 10/27, 2 p.m.), Super Summer Theatre Studios, apublicfit.org
THE HALF-LIFE OF MARIE
CURIE
7 p.m., & 10/26 (& 10/26-10/27, 2 p.m.), Las Vegas Little Theatre, lvlt.org
ADELE
8 p.m., & 10/26, the Colosseum, ticketmaster. com
CARRIE UNDERWOOD
8 p.m., & 10/26, Resorts World Theatre, axs. com
LENNY KRAVITZ
8 p.m., & 10/26, Dolby Live, ticketmaster. com
SAM HUNT
8:30 p.m., & 10/26, BleauLive Theater, ticket master.com
PRETTY LIGHTS
8 p.m., & 10/26, MGM Grand Garden Arena, axs.com
FOREIGNER
8:30 p.m., & 10/26, 10/30, Venetian Theatre, ticket master.com
SUBTRONICS With Inzo, Tape 8, Chef Boyarbeatz, Zen Selekta, 7 p.m., Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, seetickets.us
BOWLING FOR SOUP With Adam and The Metal Hawks, Makeout, 6:30 p.m., Brooklyn Bowl, ticketmaster. com
JESS GLYNNE 10 p.m., & 10/26, Voltaire, ticketmaster. com
LAUREN ALAINA
8 p.m., Backyard Amphitheater at Green Valley Ranch, ticket master.com
DISNEY & PIXAR’S COCO LIVE TO FILM CONCERT 8 p.m., Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall, unlv.edu
SCAREA15 STRANGE CIRCUS
With the Emo Night Tour, Baby Gravy, more, times vary, & 10/26, Area15, area15. com
DEADMAU5 10:30 p.m., Zouk Nightclub, zoukgrouplv. com
STEVE AOKI 10:30 p.m., Hakkasan Nightclub, taogroup.com
GORGON CITY 10:30 p.m., LIV Nightclub, livnightclub. com
TENELLE & SIONE TOKI 7 p.m., Susbtance, seetickets.us
SATURDAY OCT 26
GUCCI MANE
10:30 p.m., Drai’s Nightclub, draisgroup.com
DJ MARKO
Say goodbye to summer and hello to Sonidos de Todo Bien, a new outdoor concert series that will bring the sounds of Todo Bien Tiki Tequileria to the Quad at UnCommons. The party begins at sundown with local DJ and Let’s Be Friends founder Tim Tones spinning his signature brand of vibe-enhancing cuts as mixologists serve up handcrafted tiki recipes that can be traced back to Mexico. For the main event, Mark Speer, guitarist of the worldly psychedelic trio Khruangbin, will hop behind the decks as DJ Marko. Speer’s eclectic side project is a rhythmic treat of global sounds, steeped in funk, world beats and dance-inducing energy. Afterwards, the party continues at Todo Bien, so expect to groove all night long. 6 p.m., free, UnCommons, todobientiki.com. –Amber Sampson
KASKADE 10:30 p.m., Zouk Nightclub, zoukgrouplv.com
DEEPER PURPOSE With Florals, Forte & Mazdo, Iky Vicky, 10 p.m., Discopussy, seetickets.us
MARSHMELLO 10:30 p.m., XS Nightclub, wynnsocial.com
TIËSTO
10:30 p.m., Omnia Nightclub, taogroup.com
LIL JON
10:30 p.m., Hakkasan Nightclub, taogroup.com
VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS. SAN JOSE SHARKS 7 p.m., T-Mobile Arena, axs.com
NEON BLOCK PARTY 9:30 a.m., Neon Museum, neonmuseum.org
HOLOHOLO MARKET
11 a.m., Fergusons Downtown, fergusons downtown.com
FILM: THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS 3 p.m. (& 10/27, 1 p.m.), Beverly Theater, the beverlytheater. com
TEASE BURLESQUE REVUE
8 p.m., the Space, thespacelv.com
MAXWELL With Jazmine Sullivan, October London, 7:30 p.m., PH Live, ticketmaster.com
KEHLANI 8 p.m., Michelob Ultra Arena, axs.com
CYPRESS HILL 7 p.m., Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, universe.com
ANDY BELL 8 p.m., Encore Theater, ticketmaster.com
JOE BONAMASSA 8 p.m., Lee’s Family Forum, axs.com
YURIDIA 8 p.m., Pearl Concert Theater, ticketmaster.com
I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME 7 p.m., House of Blues, concerts. livenation.com
PASQUALE ESPOSITO & HENDERSON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 7 p.m., Luna Rossa Ristorante at Lake Las Vegas, eventbrite.com
SUPERGUIDE
SUNDAY OCT 27
ASKING ALEXANDRIA With Memphis May Fire, The Word Alive, Archers, 5:30 p.m., House of Blues, con certs.livenation.com
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS VS. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 1:25 p.m., Allegiant Stadium, ticketmaster.com
(Courtesy)
MONDAY OCT 28
DIRTY AUDIO 10 p.m., Discopussy, seetickets.us
CLOONEE 10:30 p.m., LIV Nightclub, livnightclub.com
A.J. CROCE
ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
Times vary, & 10/31, the Portal at Area15, area15.com
Jim Croce’s music is such a ubiquitous part of the sound of the 1970s that it’s di cult to comprehend the folk singer and songwriter died in a plane crash in 1973. His son A.J. Croce—a singer and piano player with 10 studio albums to his credit, moving all around blues, soul, jazz and rock—is making the rounds this year on the Croce Plays Croce 50th Anniversary Tour, celebrating what would have been his father’s 80th birthday. The multimedia concert experience features songs from A.J.’s catalog complementing Jim’s legendary hits, performed by a full band whose members have played with Van Morrison, Dr. John, the Steve Miller Band and others. The iconic International Theater is an ideal Vegas venue for this generation-spanning musical event. 8 p.m., $45-$85, Westgate International Theater, ticketmaster.com.–Brock Radke
VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS. CALGARY FLAMES
7 p.m., T-Mobile Arena, axs.com
EXHIBIT:
RE/GROWTH
Thru 11/7, times vary, Clark County Wetlands Park, clarkcountynv.gov
DJ DRAMA 10:30 p.m., Jewel Nightclub, taogroup.com
DARA JAZZLYN 7 p.m., Maxan Jazz, maxanjazz.com
GREG WILSON With Jonesy, thru 11/3, 8 p.m., LA Comedy Club, bestvegascomedy. com
SUPERGUIDE
TUESDAY OCT 29
WEDNESDAY OCT 30
FADED KARAOKE: HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST EDITION
8 p.m., The Barbershop, thebarbershoplv. com
CHRISTINE SHEBECK
7 p.m., Myron’s, thesmithcenter.com
FRANKIE MORENO
6:30 p.m., & 10/30, South Point Showroom, ticketmaster.com
JUSTIN CREDIBLE 10:30 p.m., Omnia Nightclub, taogroup.com
VICKI BARBOLAK
7 p.m., Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club, ticketmaster. com
TEARS FOR FEARS
For a moment, Tears For Fears’ Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith ruled the world. They’d made college radio hits with the emotionally naked “Pale Shelter” and “Mad World,” and glossy, legitimate pop smashes in “Shout” and “Head Over Heels.” They demonstrated their versatility with their third album, The Seeds of Love, which they su used with Beatle-esque psychedelia and legit jazz. Then it all came unglued: the band fell to years of infighting that ultimately reshaped their songwriting approach when they reunited. Tears For Fears 2024 is the sum of its triumphs and struggles—fiercely experimental yet pop-savvy, and emotionally naked once again. They’re ready to retake the throne. 8 p.m., & 11/1-11/2, $185+, BleauLive Theater, ticketmaster.com. –Geo Carter
NEW EDITION
8 p.m., & 11/111/2, Encore Theater, ticket master.com
SANTANA
7 p.m., & 10/31, 11/2-11/3, House of Blues, concerts.live nation.com
NICOLE ZURAITIS
Thru 11/2, 7 p.m., Vic’s, vicslasvegas. com
DIPLO
With Hugel, 10:30 p.m., XS Nightclub, wynnsocial. com
MARIA ROMANO
With J. Rich, more, 10 p.m., We All Scream, posh.vip
(AP
Photo/Paul R. Giunta/Invision)
SNAKE PLANT
HOUSEPLANTS
GREEN THUMB OPTIONAL
TRAILING PHILODENDRONS
How to select and care for the best, most low-maintenance houseplants
BY DIANA EDELMAN
In 2021, the National Gardening Association estimated that Americans spent more than a whopping $2 billion on indoor plants and accessories. It represented a nearly 100% increase from 2019. And, since then, the plant world has continued to ourish.
“Obsessions really evolved,” says Marcia Castro-Rosenberg, owner of Rooting for You, a Las Vegas plant shop, whose passion for plants was sparked during the early days of the pandemic. “My plant collection became a lifeline to mental health. Plant care became self-care.”
For those folks who only recently
+ Indoor plant accessories (see page 18) (Shutterstock/Photo Illustration)
discovered a green thumb that needs satiating, Castro-Rosenberg is quick to rattle o a list of popular, low-maintenance house plants to get you started on your plant parenting journey. As for experience? Well, that’s not required.
Before even selecting what plants to take home, she suggests guring out what type of parent you’ll be.
“There is no one-size- ts-all when it comes to plants,” she says. “People go online for advice, but it’s so generic and environmental advice is di erent. You need to try to gure out the level of expertise when it comes to parents … the style of parenting. Do you dote on plants and want something you can interact with? Or are you neglectful and need plants to be a little tough so they can tolerate more? It all goes into picking the right plant for the right parent.”
Then, you’ve got to take a look at the environment. Is the space low light? What kind of humidity is there? Will the plants get direct sunlight?
According to Castro-Rosenberg, the most common issues she sees is plants not getting enough light, and people mistakenly thinking they need water.
So, what are the best, low-maintenance houseplants?
The most common—and most forgiving—are the trailing philodendrons, snake plants and ZZ plants (Zanzibar Gems). They don’t need a lot of light or water, so taking care of them (or simply not killing them) is relatively easy to do.
For watering, Castro-Rosenberg suggests using reverse osmosis or distilled water, because Las Vegas’ tap water is hard. Fortunately, these plants can also handle even the Las Vegas water without a problem.
If you have pets, remember that not all plants are animal-friendly. In fact, some plants, like jade, can poison family pets. Try hoyas if you have pets—they are non-toxic and easy to
care for.
If you’d like to bring these plants outside, give them a chance to acclimate slowly to their new settings. If you’re bringing them from inside to the outside, put them in the shade rst and then let them transition to direct sunlight.
For humidity, place your low-maintenance plants together. That creates a microclimate and increases the humidity around the plants. As you get more serious, Castro-Rosenberg suggests heading to Ikea to get greenhouse cabinets.
“The minute it gets below 55 or above 85, bring them back indoors,” she advises.
“Putting things behind glass creates a terrarium to keep in the humidity,” she says. “All your plants will thank you.”
ZZ PLANT
HOME LIFE HOUSEPLANTS
more light, you’ll notice signs like stretching or not growing.
MUST-HAVE INDOOR PLANT ACCESSORIES
Whether you’re just starting out or a long-time plant caretaker, these are some of the best accessories to have for indoor plants, according to Marcia Castro-Rosenberg, owner of Las Vegas plant shop Rooting for You.
ZZ PLANT
Depending on how
many plants you have, a watering can is essential. Grab a larger one so you can water more plants in one go.
WATER METER/ HYDROMETER
This allows you to test the soil to make sure the plant is ready for watering. If you don’t want to purchase one, here’s a hack: grab a chopstick and stick it into the soil. If the chopstick comes up wet, don’t water your plant yet.
With one legislative move, Las Vegas could become a movie and television production town almost overnight
BY GEOFF CARTER
Moviemaking likely wasn’t at the front of Howard Hughes’ mind when he moved to Las Vegas in late 1966, though the aerospace pioneer and business magnate had done plenty of it. He’d produced more than two dozen lms, directed 1930’s Hell’s Angels, and even ran a studio, RKO Pictures, from 1948 t0 1955, during which time he produced such lm noir classics as Nicholas Ray’s They Live by Night.
But Hughes came to Vegas to buy. He acquired hotels and casinos, media outlets, and signi cantly, thousands of acres of open land. Hughes had big Vegas ambitions that included a massive airport and a high-speed rail line, but he vacated the city as unexpectedly as he’d arrived, leaving those dreams unrealized. At the time of his death, the company known today as Howard Hughes Holdings owned some 25,000 acres on the west side of the Las Vegas Valley, which it chose to develop as a master-planned community named for Hughes’ paternal grandmother, Jean Amelia Summerlin.
“Howard Hughes [Holdings] is kind of the brainchild of Jim Rouse, who started Columbia, Maryland, which is the rst master-planned community in the country, and George Mitchell, who started The Woodlands [community in Texas],” says David O’Reilly, CEO of Howard Hughes Holdings. “They didn’t set out to build bedroom communities for other cities. They set out to build that kind of utopian area that was live, work, play. George Mitchell said, ‘I want one-and-a-half jobs per rooftop in The Woodlands.’ We hit that about eight years ago. And now we want to get there in Summerlin, and we’re going to get there a little di erently.”
Two years ago, O’Reilly met with a new Summerlin resident, Boogie Nights and The Departed star Mark Wahlberg, who’d said he’d like to work a bit closer to his home. “I said, ‘If you want to lm movies in Las Vegas, we’ll build you the studio,’” O’Reilly said. A few days later, O’Reilly met with Wahlberg again, who was this time accompanied by Sony Pictures CEO Tony Vinciquerra. “And Mark said to him, ‘This is the guy that’s going to build you the studio.’”
Construction of Sony’s proposed $1.8 billion-dollar, 31-acre studio, to be located at Town Center Drive near I-215, awaits an expansion of
Nevada’s lm tax credit program—essentially a lm and TV production rebate that’s contingent upon how much a production spends and how many local jobs they create—to be introduced during the Nevada Legislature’s 2025 session. Sony/Hughes say that construction of the studio may create up to 19,000 jobs, and upon completion, it could employ up to 15,000. And they’re not alone. If the expansion passes, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) says it will also commit to lming in Southern Nevada, becoming the primary tenant of the Nevada Campus Studios at UNLV’s Harry Reid Research & Technology Park. The university aims to develop the 34-acre studio in the southwest Valley with WBD and Birtcher Development. The two studios have promised to generate billions in economic impact and tens of thousands of Valley jobs—again, if that tax credit clears the governor’s desk. It’s a proper MacGu n. Nevada’s current incentive program consists of a 15% transferable tax credit for eligible productions that spend at least $500,000 and 60% of their total budget on “quali ed Nevada costs,” which include in-state cast and crew. (The Nevada Governor’s O ce of Economic Development unpacks it nicely at shorturl.at/DeKvj.)
In an email statement, the Nevada Film Ofce (NFO)—which administers the tax credit, advocates for Nevada as a lm destination and helps productions to source local crews and locations—says that existing incentive isn’t competitive. “Of the 39 states that have a lm tax incentive program,” they say, “only a handful are funded at a lower amount than Nevada.”
What that means is that Marvel’s ever-growing cadre of costumed A-listers soar over Vegas headed for Georgia and its 20% tax credit. The Happy Gilmore sequel tees o in New Jersey, where it earns a 30-35% credit (with a possible
2-4% “diversity bonus”). And Net ix shoots Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead, a lm set on the Las Vegas Strip, at locations in New Mexico, which o ers tax credits up to 40%.
But expanding Nevada’s lm industry makes sense for reasons other than rubbing New Mexico’s nose in it. We’re close enough to LA for talent and crew to commute home on weekends. (Weekends, nothing: With our easily accessible airport, they could commute home for dinner.)
And lm is a perfect second industry for Vegas, one that connects almost seamlessly to an existing economy comprised of thousands of performers, sound and lighting technicians, costumers, camera operators, food service workers, landscape artists, drivers and ( ngers crossed) perhaps even writers who don’t yet know they could be in pictures.
“Fifty percent of the below-the-line employees have to be Nevada residents,” O’Reilly says. “That’s important to us, and I know it’s important to the Legislature, because if it’s just folks ying in to lm and ying home, that’s not helping to grow the economy the way it would be if we’re actually training and using local talent.”
Associate Dean of UNLV’s College of Fine Arts Warren Cobb, who’s keen to ensure that Nevada Studios Campus remains true to the mission of UNLV’s lm school, says he sees the studios o ering real educational possibilities.
“I oversee architecture, lm, theater, dance, music, entertainment, engineering, technology. All those areas kind of cover lm; just look at the end credits,” he says. “I want students to make movies. … When we bring in people that [make movies] as a profession, whether it’s a makeup person, a carpenter, a set builder, a painter, a wallpaper hanger ... it does something to the students. It opens their awareness.”
A rendering of Sony Studios in Summerlin (Courtesy/Howard Hughes Holdings Inc.)
THE MAKING OF MOVIEMAKERS
This is about more than another tax incentive like the ones we used to entice half of Oakland to move here with their uniforms on. This tax credit—and the subsequent investments by Sony and Warner Bros. Discovery—could be a boon not only to Vegas’ lm students, but to the lm industry workers who are already here, like Chris Ramirez
Ramirez has a CV that’s pure Hollywood in all but its home address. He performed location management and other related positions on Disney’s Race to Witch Mountain, Steven Soderbergh’s The Girlfriend Experience and two of Todd Phillips’ Hangover movies. He’s worked alongside Nicolas Cage, Jason Statham, Lauren Ambrose and other above-the-title names. And his production company Lola Pictures made several pictures in Vegas, including the 2016 noir Frank & Lola with Michael Shannon and Imogen Poots, and the 2020 punk rock road picture Viena and the Fantomes, with Dakota Fanning, Zoë Kravitz and Jeremy Allen White. (Full disclosure: For a time, Ramirez also ran a multimedia-rich Las Vegas movie locations bus tour, for which I wrote a script lled with behind-the-scenes stories and obscure trivia. Did you know that Angelina Jolie made her screen debut in Vegas at age 7, in the 1982 comedy Lookin’ to Get Out? Or that the 1952 Howard Hughes production The Las Vegas Story had the rst car vs. helicopter chase ever seen on lm?)
Ramirez was introduced to lmmaking by a high school friend, Trent Othick, who had worked on several lm crews. In 2001, Othick invited him to the set of a western picture shooting in New Mexico, and Ramirez got
a walk-on part as a cavalryman. Intrigued, Ramirez soon cut his teeth by making a music video with local band Slow to Surface.
“I grabbed my parents’ Sony Hi8 video camera that they’d never touched, and I followed this band around,” Ramirez says. “They had their biggest gig ever up at Lawlor Events Center in Reno, opening for Yellowcard, and I went up there with them. I videoed them at a bunch of local bars they play at, and I taught myself how to edit on a Sony Movie Magic Editor.”
knowing where to get lunch. (“The art department liked that I knew where the best Mexican restaurants were.”)
From that point on, Ramirez kept getting hired to bigger and bigger projects. He’d discovered a secret of working in entertainment: If you’re out there doing the work, more work will come.
on ), soon
Shortly after Ramirez enrolled in UNLV’s lm school, Othick called him again, asking if he’d like to work on a Kal Penn comedy (2006’s Vegas, Baby to shoot Downtown. Ramirez threw himself at the work, setting up production o ces with landlines, power lines, photocopiers and furniture over Thanksgiving weekend, and endeared himself to the crew by
“If Trent didn’t hire me in 2004, and then make me his location manager on Yonkers Joe in 2007, I wouldn’t have had enough location experience to be the location guy on Hangover and Disney and so on,” Ramirez says. “That’s where so many people got their chops and get enough credits on their résumé to move to LA and work. The trickle-down is real.”
himself to the crew by chops and get enough credits
Shahab Zargari, an award-winning lmmaker (for A Shoah Survivor Choreographic Collaboration, Best Documentary Short of the 2022 London Indie
Behind the scenes of Shahab Zargari’s The Crystal Crypt (Courtesy/Adam Shane)
(Courtesy/Eric Cannon)
(Courtesy)
Short Festival, and for The Doomed Shortcut, Best Film of the LA Sci-Fi Film Festival) and a communications specialist for UNLV, agrees that crew skills are best learned on crews—but he also suggests that Vegas doesn’t offer enough windows of opportunity like the one Chris Ramirez found. Not yet, at least.
“Can we produce a Sony film [using just homegrown talent]? Can we produce an $80 million Guardians of the Galaxy film? At the moment, we can’t,” Zargari says. “What we should be focused on now—and I think there’s a lot of really good people in town who are focused on it—is what we can do to prepare the city so that when that happens, we are able to handle all of it.”
Ramirez says potential crewmembers who do currently exist in Las Vegas can be spread thin and can, at times, be a bit inexperienced.
“When we made Viena and the Fantomes, you could only have one movie at a time going on in the city because there’s not enough of a crew bench,” Ramirez says. “When we did Viena, my friend Jessica Chandler was doing a horror movie at Lake Mead. We took all the crew that was decent, and she was using the next tier of people that, yeah, weren’t great. But they’re getting better and better.”
Fortunately, Vegas’ colleges are great places to cultivate and strengthen those skills, Zargari says.
“They can get that training at the [College of Southern Nevada]. They can get it at UNLV,” he says. “We have people in UNLV’s film program that have worked, or are currently working, in television and in film. You know, the professor of sound design [Thomas Bjelic] is huge in film; he did the sound design on the Saw films. Andi Isaacs, who has a production class, produced the Twilight movies. UNLV’s film department
LOS ANGELES’ PRESTIGIOUS AMERICAN FILM MARKET RELOCATES TO LAS VEGAS
The American Film Market might not seem as flashy as the Cannes Film Festival or The Berlinale, but make no mistake: some of the most iconic films of the last 40 years—A Nightmare on Elm Street, Pulp Fiction, The Terminator and Slumdog Millionaire, to name a few—have been launched or sold at it.
The AFM, hosted by the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) and held in Los Angeles each year, has served as the gathering grounds for the film and TV industry since 1981. In many cases, a film’s lifecycle begins at AFM, as independent producers, distributors and buyers facilitate deals, share private screenings and meet the people who will propel their projects to the next level.
For the first time, Las Vegas will soon play a part in that process, too. The AFM’s 45th installment makes its way to the Palms November 5-10.
Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of the IFTA, says the five-day event will draw film professionals from close to 80 countries. And though much of the business will happen behind closed doors, in hotel rooms and in the Palms’ Brenden Theatres, where investors will screen projects, it’s still exciting to be on the floor with so many indie notables.
“When we say ‘independent,’ a lot of people think we mean
individuals who tapped into their grandfather’s 401(k) to make a film. But that’s not at all what this group is,” Prewitt says. “It’s very sophisticated and [they] have made, for example, the majority of the Academy Award Best Pictures over the last 35 or 40 years.”
Exhibitors at this year’s AFM will include major film companies like A24 (Moonlight, Everything Everywhere All at Once), Neon (Parasite, Longlegs), Miramax (Strange Darling) and countless others that have dominated the silver screen and television.
“It’s terrific for producers, especially fledgling producers and writers to be there and talk to each other, because a lot of times what you’re finding are the people who will end up being your producing partners for projects going forward—or
your spouse. We’ve had AFM marriages,” Prewitt says. “People also just really like it for that reason because at various points, those professions are so isolated.”
This year, the IFTA also seeks to support the local industry by partnering with UNLV to bring film students onboard for internships during AFM. On top of all the meetings, industry professionals will judge pitching competitions and AFM sessions, where more than 100 speakers will discuss financing films, what’s shaping the market today and more. It’s an exciting place to be as deals for the next big films get sealed.
“Some of the major films coming through the Academy Awards sometimes took 10 years of markets before everything matched up,” says Prewitt. “The other thing that’s just interesting to watch is that process of what’s going to work and what isn’t. The whole process of the independent industry is fascinating, and most of that is played out of market.”
–Amber Sampson
A scene from The Hangover Part III in Las Vegas’ Arts District (Warner Bros.)
From left: Steven Gaydos, Variety; Mark Gooder, Cornerstone Films; Syrinthia Studer, Paramount; and Christian Vesper, Fremantle
is a real diamond in the rough.”
UNLV’s Cobb says that program is turning out “dedicated and committed” filmmakers, but even the most passionate young filmmaker has reservations about relocating to Georgia, New Mexico or even LA. If the revised film tax credit is adopted, and Sony and Warner Bros. Discovery follow through with their investments, it will change not only how students regard a film industry career, but their parents as well.
“If this passes, it relieves so much pressure,” Cobb says. “It’s very difficult for parents to send their students off [to film school] knowing that they’re gonna move away. … If the parent can see, ‘Well, there’s those studios; there’s where my kids could get a job’ … it makes a huge difference. Having the studios here, having a physical presence, will make it real for both the students and the parents.”
Vegas needs more than students and studio lots to nurture a film industry. And corporate investments won’t nurture individual filmmakers and individual productions. For that, you need local investors who are willing to gamble on art and dreams.
“I have options for several stories, several books and adaptations, and it’s not that you couldn’t do it on a micro budget, but that’s when you get into ‘asking for a favor’ territory, and you don’t want to do that for a 65day shoot. Let’s get everyone paid,” Zargari says. “[We need] the guys that just bought their sixth house and seventh RV, who drop $12,000 a bet at the Cosmo on the weekend.”
And the film industry isn’t strictly confined to the major studios. If you drive around LA, you see it spilling out everywhere; recording studios,
editing suites and other production facilities pop up in storefronts and strip malls. (And available soundstages are at a premium, which is why the studios are eyeing Vegas’ undeveloped land. Ramirez even suggests that many of the Valley’s vacant big-box and department stores could be easily converted to soundstages.)
What that means is, if the film credit passes, Hollywood may not wait for those multimillion-dollar Summerlin and southwest Valley facilities to be built. Some productions may want to jump in as soon as the incentive money becomes available—and they’ll find studios like Collectivo already up and operating.
Collectivo, a “Latino-focused entertainment studio” run by producer-director Jay Torres, Vision Vegas CEO Jason Soto and tech/media C-suite executive Sam Toles, aims to “basically replicate what Tyler Perry did in Atlanta” for the Black
film community, but instead for Las Vegas’ Spanish-speaking population, which is one of the largest in the country at 32%.
“I’ve been trying to diversify the entertainment business for many, many, many years, without success,” Torres says. “Our numbers are still in single digits for episodic television, and we’re in about 3% of the film business. The population of America is 20% Latino, yet we buy 30% of the [movie] tickets.
“We’re trying to do universal content and work on creating genre films, and to create a space in Vegas not only to produce projects there, but also to create a studio—not from a [studio] lot perspective, like a Sony or a Warner Bros., but to create content driven by Latinos, with Latino executives.”
Torres met Soto while working on a project that fell through. Soto suggested that, rather than battling it out in LA, Torres consider making something happen in Vegas. Soto pointed to Vision Vegas’ 40,000-square-foot studio with its state-of-the art LED backdrop, recently used for productions with Nicolas Cage, Mark Wahlberg, Carrie Underwood, Shaquille O’Neal and J Balvin.
“[Collectivo’s] very forward-thinking,” Soto says. “It’s a thought leadership company that’s not just carrying the diversity flag, though obviously, that’s the most important. But we’re also bringing a lot of tech, a lot of great people and a big pipeline.”
And Torres is wholly in agreement with
UNLV’s Cobb that the “great people” we need are already here. They just need nurturing and recognition.
“Emerging talent comes from anywhere. I look at myself still as emerging talent. I feel like, even with all my experiences, that I haven’t totally made it, that I still am looking because I’m underemployed, right? Which so many Latinos are,” Torres says. “There are a lot of Latinos that are underemployed, not because they don’t have the talent, the skill set, or the potential, but because they haven’t had the opportunity. So, for me, it’s about bringing opportunity to everybody.”
Building a local film industry has never been about movie stars running things from on high. The star of this production is, has always been, Las Vegas itself—a city with entertainment threaded through its every fiber. Film-in-Nevada boosters like Wahlberg, Cage and Jeremy Renner are just reminding the industry what Nevadans have always known: Our state economy was built for this. With the Legislature’s blessing, Vegas is ready to embrace this wild opportunity—to really Howard Hughes this thing.
“I love to believe that everything happens for a reason, and that this is sewn itself together in a compact, bite-sized bill that the Legislature can swallow with the certainty and credit of Howard Hughes and Sony Pictures backing it, on owned land,” says O’Reilly. “It seems to have all the pieces of the puzzle.”
A rendering of the UNLV/ Warner Bros. Discovery Nevada Studios Campus project (Courtesy/The Ferraro Group)
Behind the scenes with Collectivo (Courtesy) Headshots of Jay Torres and Jason Soto (Courtesy/Dave Bassett)
IN THE NEWS
“What I cannot understand is why anybody would think that Donald Trump will shake things up in a way that is good for you, because there’s absolutely no evidence that this man thinks about anybody but himself.”
—Barack
Obama at a campaign event for Vice President Kamala Harris at Cheyenne High School October 19
The Raiders host the Kansas City Chiefs on October 27 at 1:25 p.m.
BY
That’s how many teams are playing in the 24th annual Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup International Soccer Tournament October 25-27. Created in 2000 by former Mayor Oscar Goodman, the youth tournament includes players ages 8-15 from Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Honduras and 12 U.S. states.
THE NUMBERS HOT SHOT
Chase Briscoe’s team falls trying to catch a tire at a pit stop during the Pennzoil 400 NASCAR Cup Series race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. (Steve Marcus/ Sta )
(AP Photo/John Locher)
When Republican U.S. Senate hopeful Sam Brown was asked during a debate about supporting a national abortion ban, he quickly responded that he “had been clear” about opposing a would-be proposal.
“I also stand by Nevada’s law that allows for abortion up to 24 weeks. I stand by that we should allow for women to have exceptions for rape, incest and threats to the life of mother,” Brown said in the debate hosted by KLAS, the CBS affiliate in Las Vegas. “Nevadans have made our law clear 34 years ago. I stand by that law, and I would not vote for a national abortion ban.”
His November opponent, U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., isn’t buying Brown’s claim. And
U.S. Senate debate: Sam Brown vs. Jacky Rosen
residents shouldn’t believe he’ll protect women’s reproductive rights, the incumbent said.
“He has a decade-long record of saying that he’s against any exceptions on abortion, even in the case of rape or incest, not negotiable,” Rosen said.
At a news conference following the debate, the senator doubled down, adding: “Now, he’s trying to cover up his position in order to win a race. And I don’t believe that Nevada women can trust him.”
Rosen was referring to Brown’s support of abortion restrictions during a failed attempt in 2014 to win a seat in the Texas House of Representatives.
They shared the stage and visions for the state two days
before the start of early voting, addressing questions about economic concerns, security at the southern border and abortion access.
Brown referred to Rosen as an “elitist” and said she was out of touch with Nevadans. Rosen called her November opponent “so stubborn and so extreme.”
Rosen is leading by nearly 8 points in the Hill/Decision Desk HQ’s aggregate of polls from October 17.
Brown repeatedly mentioned in the debate his support of former President Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, saying there would be no wars “when President Trump is back in the White House, and I can be an ally to him in the Senate.”
—Haajrah Gilani
in Insidious
Are you ready to blur the lines between reality and nightmare? GEA Live, Blumhouse, Sony Pictures Entertainment and RoadCo Entertainment are bringing Insidious: The Further You Fear to theaters across North America. It will be the Smith Center’s first-ever immersive experience on May 3, 2025. Based on the box office hit horror film franchise, the experience promises a “spine-tingling” show. Attendees will go face-to-face with paranormal investigator protagonists, making the audience a character in the chilling story as it unravels. They will encounter iconic characters including the Bride in Black, the Wheezing Man and the Lipstick-Face Demon. “Insidious is one of the most popular franchises, with a sixth installment premiering next year, and this is a fresh and frightening new way for fans to experience it,” said Jason Blum, founder and CEO of Insidious producer Blumhouse. Tickets go on sale October 25 at thesmithcenter.com. —Staff
The Las Vegas Grand Prix track was doused with about 30,000 gallons of water to keep the course clean and ready for competition last year during the inaugural installment of the Formula 1 race.
Not all the water, however, was wasted.
To offset water used on the track, the Southern Nevada Water Authority built an atmospheric water generator attached to an evaporative cooling system at MGM Grand. The generator is believed to be the first of its kind on the Strip, said Bronson Mack, water authority spokesman.
The total investment for the atmospheric water generator was $400,000, Mack said. The Las Vegas Grand Prix, WaterStart and the water authority covered that investment and MGM Resorts International provided the location and operation at the MGM Grand.
“(Formula 1) wanted to be the first net-zero water consumption sporting event in Las Vegas,” said Michael Bernardo, the enterprise conservation division manager for the water authority. “When you wash the track to get it prepped for the race cars, that water will evaporate, and when it evaporates and goes into the atmosphere, you lose it.”
The unit has produced 200,000 gallons of water, Bernardo added. It was installed in November 2023 before last year’s race week.
“Every gallon this unit adds to the evaporative cooler is a gallon of water that MGM doesn’t have to pull out of the water distribution system,” Mack said. “That’s a gallon of water that can be used by someone else.”
—Ilana Williams
+It’s often true that less is more, but when it comes to energy e ciency, the question becomes how does one get more out of less? As Nevada continues to grow and advance exponentially, and as the United States continues its push toward a future of clean and renewable energy, it’s imperative that the state maximizes its resources not only to increase its energy savings and lower costs for all, but to power Nevada into a new era.
BUILDING ON AN ESTABLISHED REPUTATION
HOW DO WE GET THERE?
Leading the charge in Nevada’s race toward energy e ciency is DNV, the world’s leading resource of independent energy experts and technical advisors. Not only do they provide assurance to the entire energy value chain through its advisory, monitoring, verification and certification services, but they also help industries and governments navigate the many complex, interrelated transitions taking place globally and regionally in the energy industry.
DNV has kept a low profile and, indeed, the name may be unfamiliar to most Nevadans, but the company has assisted the state for nearly two decades, designing and administering close to 15,000 energy projects, delivering 2.4 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy savings in that span. Further, they work to directly support local general and specialized contractors on how to participate in and ultimately install more energy e ciency machines and equipment.
It’s well known that Nevada is already a leader in energy e ciency. For example, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, renewable power generation supplied nearly 40% of Nevada’s electricity in 2023. Moreover, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, which is completely powered by renewables, is a shining example of what can be accomplished across the state. But now, Nevada, like many other states across the nation, has a ripe opportunity to further their energy e ciency goals through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which was signed into law by President Joe Biden in August 2022, and promotes clean and renewable energy initiatives through subsidies, tax credits and grants. “The IRA represents a truly transformational opportunity for Nevadans,” says Brady McNall, DNV’s Vice President for Business Development.
Despite the innumerable challenges of bringing such energy projects to fruition, DNV—and their team of 44 employees based in Las Vegas and Reno—is prepared to bring their knowledge and expertise of the state’s entire energy system to help Nevadans realize even bigger savings and access more clean energy. “We want to be the trusted friend, partner and sage that the Governor’s O ce of Energy can confi dently rely on to implement and evaluate energy e ciency programs,” McNall says.
MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT
To illustrate what DNV can accomplish, their experts recently helped a local utility evaluate energy efficiency opportunities for a major development project in Las Vegas, which included a new hotel, convention space, restaurants, shops and more, ultimately uncovering ways to eliminate up to 18.2 million kWh of energy use. “We want to see winning programs implemented in Nevada,” McNall adds. “It’s also home to our employees, and they know firsthand the importance of affordable, accessible clean energy to the people who call Nevada home.”
The positive impact of DNV’s expertise in Nevada cannot be overstated, and as a partner, the Governor’s Office of Energy will have access to DNV’s proven and secure technology platform, which is designed to get energy efficiency programs running quickly and cheaply, and ultimately making it as easy as possible for Nevadans to start benefitting. DNV also works with Native American Tribes to ensure they benefit from the U.S.’s energy transition.
CHARGING FORWARD
DNV is ready to step up to help the state energy office allocate IRA funds in a way that supports all Nevadans, from the bright lights of Las Vegas to the suburbs and tribal communities. “It all comes down to trust,” says McNall. “Funds from the IRA could have a huge impact on Nevadans and that means the funds must be used efficiently and in ways that bring meaningful, long-lasting benefits.”
As the world’s perception of clean energy continues to evolve, Nevada can further advance its reputation as a leader in energy efficiency and to build a resilient and future-proof system, bringing down bills for all Nevadans and protecting our planet for future generations. And the opportunity is now.
MAXWELL With Jazmine Sullivan, October London. October 26, 7:30 p.m., $50+. PH Live, ticketmaster.com
SOULFUL SERENADE
Maxwell brings smooth, timeless R&B to the Strip stage
BY BROCK RADKE
The uncompromising career of soul singer Maxwell is defined not by his commercial success—which has been significant—but by the powerfully resonant connection he has with his loyal listeners. If you freaked out when you heard his recently recorded cover of Al Green’s “Simply Beautiful”—a classic track he’s sung live many times—then consider yourself part of that following.
Some of us wish he’d released more music over the years, and so does he. “There’s so much I wish I would have done but for so much of my life, I just needed to live more,” Maxwell tells the Weekly. “I wasn’t driven by the attention fame can give you, I was driven by creativity, and by earning my space through the work I did.”
He’s currently wrapping up the Serenade Tour and Las Vegas is one of the last stops. And he’s not excited about it ending, so maybe that means more music and more live performances will be on the way. “I can’t imagine not having done this tour,” he says, “and having all the things it’s told me about myself and the audience, the possibilities of music, how far music can go, and how many generations we can touch.”
Speaking of connecting with generations, you’ve been doing this long enough for your fans to grow up and bring their kids to the show. What’s it been like to see that happen?
It’s definitely a broad spectrum; I think it goes all the way into the aughts, people in their 50s. So when we’re in that room and asking what generation they’re from—“Where’s the ’80s babies? Where’s the’70s babies?”—and you hear the screams, and more screams, it’s like, wow, okay, this is not what I ever would have thought would happen. But I’m very grateful. I think we made the right choices creatively to reassure it, but to see it play out is humbling.
Touching is maybe the best way to describe it. It means your work is not about your generation or a timestamp, it sort of seeps into other people’s consciousness. It’s always been a goal of mine to make emotionally intelligent music so it could just work for whoever feels it the deepest, in any way, shape or form.
You did NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert recently and you took an early break to say how nervous you were to do it. I feel like that kind of open communication is what endears you to those fans.
I appreciate that. I still have not seen the Tiny Desk to this day. I’m too afraid to watch. I just can’t believe we did it … I’d been hearing about their desire for me to do it and I was very apprehensive. I didn’t know if I was ready. But the audience was so nice. If people really liked it, that’s all I need to know.
How do you decide to create and
release music at this point? You’ve never been an artist who cycles through albums and tours. Do you feel like your fans have expectations of what comes next?
I just always want to be able to have something to say, and I don’t want to be repetitive or formulaic. I want to actually evolve and grow as a human and represent that period of time, whatever it is. I wasn’t really interested in being commercial … I always wanted to culturally affect people, not commercially affect them, because that doesn’t mean you have staying power, it just means you have a hit record that works for now. I just wanted to have a tapestry of music that represented who I was and what I experienced as a person of color growing up in Brooklyn and then traveling the world.
I think I’m in a rare stage where I don’t think there’s expectation that I do this or that. The people who listen to what I do, they don’t have prerequisites. I think they’re happy for the things that might be unexpected, and they’re getting the idea that I operate from a different place. … They accept me for who I am on my own terms, and because they’ve afforded me that amount of grace, I feel obliged almost to just release as many things as I can so they can just enjoy the music and hopefully fit it into their lives as they have in the past.
MUSIC
Charlie Wilder’s ‘This Is Bad’ is a love letter to growing up
BY GABRIELA RODRIGUEZ
Charlie Wilder’s recent solo EP, This Is Bad, feels like stumbling across your old diaries while nursing a hangover you swore you’d never get again. The singer-songwriter is baring it all, delivering a full-fledged musical confessional soaked in a reckless heartache that doesn’t quite leave you when it’s long gone.
Drawing inspiration from what he calls “years of bad decisions and alcohol abuse,” these three tracks, written over the last 10 years, ooze with honest emotion as Wilder frames these compositions as love letters to his youth.
Musically, the project is straightforwardly indie-rock, and develops movement through chugging guitar crescendos, gripping choruses and consistent drum builds and falls.
“What I Thought” is the standout of the trio; it pulls back from its ambitious predecessors, but not without leaving a trail of distortion and tension in its wake. Wilder raspily croons—“But it takes time/And it takes love/And we never had both at once”—the delivering the kind of romantic tug and pull we’ve all related to at one point. “Off of You” showcases his ability to blend a melancholic, almost detached vocal style with dynamic production that’s both polished and rough around the edges.
And while we’re going backwards, the opening jammer “Anywhere You Go” builds with steady intensity with driving rhythms, wrapped together with Wilder’s strained vocals that pledge to let a former lover be if that’s their choice.
This Is Bad encapsulates the bittersweet feeling of fleeting youth and solidified memories. It’s left us not only feeling reflective and longing for those wild days, but also wanting more from this promising local musician. Charliewilder.bandcamp.com/music.
(Courtesy/Mark Seliger)
OFFBEAT EXPRESSION
Goldwell Open Air Museum celebrates 40 years of art and desert magic
Lady Desert: The Venus of Nevada (Courtesy/Norma Jean Ortega)
GOLDWELL OPEN AIR MUSEUM 1 Golden St., Beatty, goldwell museum.org. Free, 24/7.
BY GABRIELA RODRIGUEZ
The quiet vastness of the desert creates an ideal setting to experience art, and for 40 years, the Goldwell Open Air Museum has stood as one of Nevada’s most captivating exhibits.
A 15-acre park located four miles west of Beatty just off State Route 374, the museum is known for its large-scale, surreal sculptures that emerge from the grounds of the Mojave Desert.
“It’s so quiet out here and that’s the magic at Goldwell,” says founder Suzanne Hackett-Morgan. “There’s nothing laid out for you to do, so you’re left there in this silence and that makes your creativity ignite.”
Over the years, artists have been drawn to Goldwell’s unconventional setting and contributed their works.
In 1984, Belgian artist Albert Szukalski installed The Last Supper, the sculpture that laid the foundation for the museum. One of the most iconic pieces, The Last Supper reinterprets Da Vinci’s famous painting, but with a twist—rather than the apostles, ghostly, shrouded figures crafted from plaster-soaked fabric and coated with fiberglass surround a ghost Jesus. Remarkably, the installation has withstood the test of time and harsh desert conditions.
Dr. Hugo Heyrman’s towering Lady Desert: The Venus of Nevada, a 25-foot tall figure made of cinderblocks was installed in 1992. Its vibrant shades of pink, yellow and
red once sharply contrasted its natural backdrop, but has since faded to beautiful pastel hues.
Also circa 1992, Dre Peeters’ Icara, a hand-carved sculpture inspired by the Greek myth of Icarus, depicts a winged woman looking to fly close to the sun.
In more recent years, Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya’s 2021 sculpture Portone was permanently added to the park. Its nine 10-by-10-foot steel frames are posed in a mesmerizing formation that gives the impression of stepping into another dimension. Additionally, Keep Going, a semi-camouflaged, shadow-casting sculpture made by Michelle Graves, was added to the lineup in 2023.
How did the museum come to be?
In 1994, the Nevada Arts Council asked Hackett-Morgan, who at the time was working for the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum, to be a project coordinator for Southern Nevada for a program preserving outdoor sculptures. She began surveying every community below U.S. Route 6 asking if there were sculptures in the surrounding areas.
“For the most part, people said no, except in Beatty,” she says.
“Claudia Reidhead, she was the town historian at the time, said, ‘We got the ghosts; we got the big naked lady made out of cinder blocks; we got the thing made out of car parts.’
And I said, ‘I’m on my way.’”
What she found were contempo-
rary folk art pieces with a high level of craft involved, whose quality inspired her and her husband Charles Morgan to track down the who, what and why behind the works. After piecing together the stories, the couple established the Goldwell Open Air Museum Foundation to preserve these desert sculptures and present them to the community. The nonprofit also offers artist residencies, workshops, fundraisers and events.
The museum hosted a three-day anniversary celebration this month, where Hackett-Morgan handed off a wooden staff carved by Szukalski to Graves, the new foundation president.
“As Goldwell ... moves forward with a new and revitalized board of directors, our long-term goals are to continue the preservation of the permanent sculptures and the land they live on, and develop more varied self-sustaining educational and cultural programs as was stated in the original mission of the nonprofit written in 2000,” Graves says.
The board also plans to rebuild the wood plinth where The Last Supper sits in the spring, and is also developing a book from archived material.
As she looks to the museum’s future, Hackett-Morgan reflects on her and husband’s journey over the past 40 years. “We’ve raised our children. We raised our sculpture park. … We’re done; we’re old. It’s time for us to do our own artwork,” she says.
The Last Supper (Courtesy/Goldwell Museum)
FOOD + DRINK
FEAST YOUR EYES
Arts District spot Palate serves up cuisine with color
BY GEOFF CARTER
The Arts District is growing and changing so quickly that a restaurant like Palate—located on one of the neighborhood’s busiest corners, downstairs from an increasingly popular music venue—can escape notice. There are lots of nightspots competing for attention in the 18b, and you might’ve walked right by Palate thinking it was part of Swan Dive. But if you happen by on a Sunday afternoon, the whole picture changes.
Roll-up doors open Palate to the street, allowing the sounds of live music and conversation to spill out. Walk through the doors, and the dominant colors of this kitchen and bar—the purple and burgundy of its velvety chairs, the golden hue of the chandeliers, the tall orange barstools and the spots of greenery popping out of the ceiling—really pop in the diffuse late-morning light. A server guides you to a seat and hands you a menu; if they ask if you’d like a coffee liqueur shooter as an aperitif, say yes.
Just like that, Palate has activated most of your senses. The brunch menu will take care of the rest. There are multiple entry points—garlicky sourdough shrimp toast ($19) topped with a sunny-side egg, scallion sauce and furikake; West Coast oysters ($28) with a finger lime mignonette; a little gem salad with heirloom carrots, red pearl onions, crispy shallots, watermelon radish and avocado with an umami dressing ($16) and other indulgences. Or you could go sweet with a tofu parfait with seasonal fruit and granola ($11) or banana bread French toast with banana pastry cream, sunflower seed brittle and chantilly ($22), among other options.
By now, your coffee shooter is long gone, so give some serious consideration to jumping the “all-day mimosas” or “all-day rosé” trains ($28 each). Or order up a Bloody Mary ($14) created with a housemade mix, or peruse Palate’s wine, beer or cocktail lists, all of which have respectable depth, breadth and,
Palate’s banana bread French toast and tea for one.
(Wade Vandervort/Staff)
in the case of the mixed drinks, ambition. The Smokin’ Section cocktail ($16)—a coconut-washed, smoked whiskey beverage with coffee, mushrooms (!), cinnamon raisins and chocolate bitters—looks appropriately brunchy.
If you brought a few friends—which is easy to do, given Palate’s airy dining room and large tables—order one of Palate’s boards, which include a Mary’s free-range fried half-chicken ($48) with kimchi mac, roasted carrots, biscuits and jam; or a caviar board with potato rosti, cornbread, yuzu crème fraîche, lobster roe salad, truffle gribiche and egg whites, with your choice of Hackleback ($99) or Russian Osetra caviar ($150).
If you’d like to keep it simple, Palate offers straight-up breakfast dishes worthy or trying even if you’ve ordered other plates. The benedict, composed as mini towers of potato rosti, poached egg, overnight tomato, truffle gremolata and garlic hollandaise ($18), is a delight, as is the Humboldt Fog frittata with tomato, smoked onions and watercress ($18) and their pork belly breakfast with kimchi fried rice, sunny eggs and “pickled things” ($23). Our advice to go in large numbers and try a little bit of everything. Put those all-day mimosas to their best possible use.
PALATE
1301 S. Main Street #110, 702-778-8181, palatelv.com. Wednesday-Thursday, 3-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 3 p.m.-midnight; Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
DINING NOTES
Bazaar Meat on the move, Black Lagoon at Evel Pie and more
Landmark Las Vegas restaurant Bazaar Meat, opened by superstar chef José Andrés in 2014, will be moving from Sahara to Venetian in 2025. A closing date at Sahara has not yet been announced, but a statement says Bazaar Meat will operate there into the new year.
Chéri Rooftop at Paris Las Vegas has reopened as more of a restaurant than a clubby lounge, serving brunch Friday through Sunday and dinner Thursday through Sunday. Menu highlights include croque Madame, Osetra caviar cones with smoked salmon and chive crème fraîche, steak frites and sea scallops gratinée. For info, visit cherirooftop.com.
Halloween bar pop-up Black Lagoon has taken over Evel Pie on Fremont Street, bringing spooky ambiance and creative craft cocktails to the Downtown destination through November 1. Las Vegas is one of 35 Black Lagoon cities this year.
La Strega will host its fifth annual Witch’s Gala on November 1 at 5 p.m., an anniversary party for one of the city’s favorite local Italian restaurants and a witch-themed bash featuring interactive food stations, specialty cocktails and more. Tickets are $88 and available at lastregalv.com.
Michael Mina’s new Orla at Mandalay Bay has launched a communal dining experience, Habibi-Q, an immersive feast of curated, shareable mezze-style dishes including cold and hot items, fresh vegetables, dips, grilled meats, seafood and desserts. The special menu is $139 per person. –Brock Radke
(Courtesy)
A Culinary
BROCK STAR
David Becker)
tight end Brock Bowers takes the field before a game.
(AP Photo/
Record-breaking Raiders rookie Brock Bowers gives reason to care about an otherwise sinking season
BY CASE KEEFER
The Raiders earned a rstand-goal from the 4-yard line in the nal minutes of a Week 7 game at the Los Angeles Rams, and it was no secret who they would go to for a potential game-tying touchdown.
Pressure forced quarterback Gardner Minshew to throw away a rst-down pass attempt but, sure enough, on second and third downs, he targeted rookie tight end Brock Bowers. The rst-round, No. 13 overall pick out of the University of Georgia had multiple defenders covering him, so the plays were ultimately unsuccessful and the Raiders questionably settled for a eld goal.
“I have to come down with it no matter what,” Bowers said at his locker after the eventual 20-15 loss. “That’s on me.”
But nothing about the Raiders’ underwhelming and likely worsening 2-5 start to the season is truly on Bowers. “[He’s] been a bright spot for us each and every week,” said Raiders coach Antonio Pierce.
And his performance may only get brighter given the state of the Raiders’ receiving corps going into a Week 8 game against the archrival, backto-back Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs at 1:25 p.m. Sunday afternoon, October 27, at Allegiant Stadium.
With Davante Adams traded to the New York Jets and Jakobi Meyers having missed the last
two games with an ankle injury, Bowers is the only Raiders’ pass-catcher who’s shown an ability to get open consistently.
Las Vegas isn’t hiding the fact that the 21-year-old who grew up in Napa, California— where he once visited Raiders’ training camp as a child—is the new focal point of its o ense.
“He’s always in the right place doing what he’s supposed to do,” Minshew said. “We’re putting a lot on him for a rookie, too. Hats o to him. Super happy to have him on our team and excited for what he’s going to be.”
The ceiling seems unlimited for Bowers after setting career-highs with 10 receptions for 93 receiving yards against the Rams. He’s running away from his teammates with a team-high 47 catches for 477 receiving yards.
The former total is an NFL rookie record through seven games while the latter is second all-time and seven yards behind what Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts put up in 2021.
Bowers had been ahead of Pitts after previous weeks, and seems to assault the NFL and Raiders’ record books on a game-by-game basis.
He’s the rst rookie tight end in 10 years, and fourth all-time, to have 10 catches in a game. He easily broke Amari Cooper’s record of 38 receptions for the most in Raiders’ history by a player in his rst seven games.
“He’s already one of the best tight ends in the league, I
think,” Raiders’ edge rusher and team leader Maxx Crosby said. “He catches everything, runs through tackles, makes people miss. He’s a complete package. I love that he’s on our team.”
Most importantly for Raiders’ fans, Bowers should be on the team for years to come. That might be in doubt for everyone else on the roster given how far south the team’s fth season in Las Vegas has trended.
Las Vegas already sits in last of the AFC West by two games with a -59 point di erential, the third-worst mark in the league behind the New England Patriots (-70) and the Carolina Panthers (-177).
And Carolina’s lone win of the season came in a 36-22 victory at Las Vegas in Week 3.
The Raiders have been so non-competitive that there’s chatter around the league about whether the team would be willing to part with any other veterans ahead of the trade deadline on November 5 in exchange for future assets.
Most of the speculation has revolved around Crosby, who could potentially fetch a rst-round pick in return, even though both he and the team have said they aren’t interested in parting ways.
Raiders general manager Tom Telesco probably isn’t shopping around anyone else on the roster, but there are few players with long-term futures secured in silver and black.
Bowers might stand alone as someone Las Vegas is undeniably building around as it enters what’s beginning to feel like a new age for the franchise.
The other 31 NFL owners approved seven-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Tom Brady as a Raiders’ minority owner at their annual meetings on October 15 in Atlanta. Brady has already been around the team’s Henderson headquarters with his in uence expected to show going into next season.
His rst act of business might be helping to select the right quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. Las Vegas needs a passer that can get the ball to Bowers more seamlessly than the team’s middling current options of Minshew and second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell.
“I can get better at everything,” Bowers said of his future. “Every week it starts to slow down and I hope that just continues.”
Pierce loves that approach out of Bowers, who holds himself to unreasonably high standards. He took blame for not scoring a touchdown late against the Rams even though he had no realistic opportunity.
Minshew’s second-and-goal pass was thrown right into the hands of a defender and almost intercepted before it ever reached Bowers. The rookie caught the third-and-goal pass but two defenders were right on top of him to combine for a nogain, gang-tackle.
Bowers’ lone muted statistic is that he has scored only one touchdown, but he’s about to get a lot more chances. The Raiders have few other places to turn.
“HE CATCHES EVERYTHING, RUNS THROUGH TACKLES, MAKES PEOPLE MISS. HE’S A COMPLETE PACKAGE. I LOVE THAT HE’S ON OUR TEAM.”
– MAXX CROSBY
“We’re trying to feature him and get him going,” Pierce said. “He’s doing the best he can and does a lot of good things for us, but obviously, it couldn’t just be the Brock Bowers show because that’s not helping us win right now.”
14TH ANNUAL TOP TECH AWARDS
A letter from the sponsor
Dear Friends:
In partnership with VEGAS INC, Cox Business is honored to serve as the Presenting Sponsor of the 14th annual Top Tech Awards. Since 2010, these awards have become a prestigious platform for recognizing the incredible talent, innovation and leadership in the tech community. Cox Business has been delighted to celebrate the achievements that shape our industries and our world. We appreciate our partnership with Allegiant Stadium, our invaluable partnership with VEGAS INC and all of your individual support, without which the Top Tech Awards would not be possible.
The 2024 edition of the Top Tech Awards marks another exciting chapter, as we witness an explosion of groundbreaking advancements in technology. From cutting-edge AI applications to revolutionary strides in data science and cloud computing, this year’s honorees will reflect the very best in tech innovation, not to mention this was a record-breaking year, receiving 129 nominations.
In addition to our established categories, we are thrilled to introduce three new categories that highlight emerging and impactful fields:
1. Cybersecurity – As the digital world expands, the importance of safeguarding our data and infrastructure has never been greater. This category honors the leaders and innovators who are at the forefront of protecting against cyber threats.
2. Emerging Technologies - Innovative, cutting-edge technologies that are in the early stages of development or adoption but have the potential to significantly impact industries, economies, and societies. These technologies often disrupt existing practices, create new opportunities and drive progress in various fields.
3. Heath Care & Biotech – At the intersection of biology and technology, the biotech sector is revolutionizing health care, agriculture and environmental sustainability. This category will celebrate the pioneers in biotechnology who are changing lives and shaping the future.
We are proud to see the Top Tech Awards grow, with new categories that reflect the fast-evolving tech landscape. Cox Business is evolving alongside, o ering cloud and managed services, network security, fiber internet, and voice solutions to meet client needs. We’re committed to driving economic growth, fostering community engagement, promoting diversity and inclusion and delivering excellence in technology services. Together, let’s continue to drive the conversation around innovation and the limitless potential of technology.
We invite you to enjoy learning about the 2024 nominees and their remarkable achievements in this publication. We’re also deeply grateful to our panel of judges and advisory council for their generous support in this year’s event.
Warm regards,
STEVE WESTERMAN Vice President STEVE WESTERMAN Vice President
JUDGES
KAMAL PUNJABI
ADVISORY COUNCIL
SNEHAL BHAKTA CTE Administrator Clark County School Disrict/NCWIT Las Vegas A liate
2024 TOP TECH NOMINEES
Ed Abueg Yes& Companies
Manzil Adeem Credit One Bank
Ethan Aldrich Budget Rent A Car of Las Vegas
Brian Aleman Walker Furniture
Carlos Alvarado Thomas Dermatology
Anthony Andrade IGT
Tom Andrulis Intelligent Technical Solutions Las Vegas
Ron Arayata Nevada National Security Sites
Leslie Asanga Pills2Me, Inc.
Adam Barajas Impact Sand & Gravel
Eric Basu Haiku Inc
Christopher Berdan Clark County Credit Union
Victor Blanco Light & Wonder
Leo Bletnitsky Healthy Technology Solutions LLC
Vikrant Bodalia Allegiant Stadium
Heather Brown Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance
Cameron Call Network Security Associates, INC
Trent Canales Glambot
Seth Charest New Hope Las Vegas
Kip Chiles Caesars Entertainment
Tom Chipman LVITPros
Greg Christofolo DreamzTech Solutions
Justin Cohen BTV Marketing Group
Jill Corley Executive Option, LLC
Angie Cosca Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging Centers
Louis Dace Dace IT LLC d/b/a Sense Tra c Pulse
Jad Davey Comprehensive Eyecare Partners
Mike Del Prado Executive Option
Sian Downing Allegiant Stadium
Dave Drzewiecki Absolute Dental
John Etzell Boys Town Nevada
Brian Feaver Slickdeals, LLC
Paul Fedel
Fletcher Jones Management Group
Michael Feil Faith Lutheran
HARVIN CHAVEZ IT Manager Vegas Golden Knights
RACHEL PAPKA Chief Health Informatics O cer Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging
MATT PASCO Vice President of Technology Las Vegas Raiders
WONDA RINER Chief Information and Marketing O cer
Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV
Jamey Felsing Cure 4 The Kids Foundation
Andrew Figura Plaza Hotel & Casino
C. J. Foster Station Casinos
Troy Freet Barx Parx
Ruth Furman ImageWords Communications
Michael Gagnon HealtHIE Nevada
Timothy Galluzi State of Nevada O ce of the Chief Information O cer
Michael Gardineer Vivida Dermatology
Joshua Gaxiola Slickdeals, LLC
Alex Gerard FOHSE
George Gluck SurgiStream
Raul Gonzalez III Avatar Natural Foods
George Guevara The Vegas Golden Knights
Eric Gyenes Genius Technology Consulting LLC
Brandon Head Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
David Heinz Dreamscape Companies, Rio Las Vegas
Del Hodge Caesars Entertainment
Chad Hoehne Table Trac, Inc., CasinoTrac
Joy Hoover Esōes Cosmetics
Ian Hughes Gaming Laboratories International
Frederick Hutson Pigeonly
Sargon Kannya P3 Health Partners
Kevin Kealy Light & Wonder
Rishma Khimji Clark County Department of Aviation-Harry Reid International Airport
James King Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV
David Knight TERBINE
Moses Kusasira PaySoko Systems
Jeremy LaCour Catapult Global
Josh Leavitt Tech Alley
Arturo Lopez Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino
Colin Loveless The Vegas Golden Knights
Tony Madero Northwest Career College
Duana Malone Nevada Help Desk
Richard Martes Planet 13
Ilya Mayo Doctoroo
Dr. Dee Dee Meevasin Dee for Dentist
Dennis Moriarity City of North Las Vegas
Bobak Mostaghasi Atomic Golf
Pamela O’Meara Nevada Heart & Vascular Center
Bryan O’Reilly Super Money Games
Yeves Perez Workbnb Ian Perez Webisoft USA
Tara Phelps Aristocrat Gaming
Karlo Pizzaro Anax Business Technology
Justin Pulsipher UNLV - Kirk Kirkorian School of Medicine at UNLV
Geo rey Radcli e Michaelson Law
Michael Reardon HCA Healthcare
Sergio Richo Green Valley Grocery
Lawrence Roney Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
David Rounds NetE ect
Ryan Rubio Zero Labs
Josh Ryan Ace Communication
Bill Sagel Las Vegas Metro Police Department
Omer Sattar Sightline Payments
Steve Scriver Radiology Partners
Michael Sherwood City of Las Vegas
Vivek Singh Nevada National Security Sites
Quinton Singleton Zero Labs
Dave Skeen Saftec.io
Alex Solis Slickdeals, LLC
Norman Solomon Shooting Star Technology
Wendy Song Dowling Evolusen
Douglas Stowers Green Valley Networks
Mark Stutzman AREA15
Mark Swa er Las Vegas Sands Corp.
Jesse Taylor
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Jonathan Temple Slickdeals, LLC
Alex Terry Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Tim Timrawi Sharktech
Michael Todd Regional Flood Control District
Danny Tran BOUNDLESS
Roman Troyano BlockLabz
Saju Varghese Slickdeals, LLC
Jose Villa Villaco
Thomas Wagner Atomic Golf
Jonathan Washburn Advantage IT Services
Vinti Weisenberger IGT
Dennis Weiss IPQualityScore
Mike Wethington Matter Real Estate Group
Troy Wilkinson Interpublic Group
Ross Wilkinson Net Core Technologies
R. Scott Willis Digital Warlock
Bob Woodbury Koin Payments
Andrew Woods The Center for Business and Economic Research at the UNLV Lee Business School
Alan Woratschek Valley Health Systems, Las Vegas
Philippe Ziade Growth Holdings
Vikrant Bodalia
Vice President of Technology Operations, Allegiant Stadium
As Vice President of Technology Operations at Allegiant Stadium, Vikrant Bodalia has made significant strides in transforming the venue into a technological powerhouse. Under his leadership, the stadium, home to the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders and the NCAA’s UNLV Rebels football team, has successfully enhanced its operational e ciency and profitability.
Bodalia's pivotal role in executing the Super Bowl in February 2024 showcased his expertise in seamlessly integrating technology and security measures. Collaborating with the Super Bowl Host Committee and local authorities, he ensured a world-class event that positioned Allegiant Stadium as a premier venue.
Recognizing the importance of cybersecurity, Bodalia implemented protection against distributed denial-of-service attacks, safeguarding the stadium's network infrastructure. This foresight not only ensured uninterrupted operations during high-profile events but also enhanced the venue's reputation for security, providing a safe environment for future business. His commitment to leveraging technology for growth is evident in his ongoing e orts to optimize operations, ensuring that Allegiant Stadium remains at the forefront of venue management.
Bodalia’s innovative leadership and strategic vision have elevated Allegiant Stadium’s success and set new benchmarks in the world of venue technology operations.
Frederick Hutson
Frederick Hutson is the visionary CEO and co-founder of Pigeonly, a service that connects families with incarcerated loved ones through affordable communication options. Under his leadership, Pigeonly has transformed from a simple photo-sending platform into a comprehensive communication resource, offering services such as low-cost phone calls, digital mailing, and money transfers— all designed to foster stronger family ties during challenging times. Through personal experience, Hutson recognized the barriers faced by families trying to maintain contact with incarcerated individuals. His commitment to social impact is evident in Pigeonly's mission to provide cost-effective solutions, reducing the financial
burden on families and supporting emotional well-being of incarcerated individuals. Better communication with loved ones can ease strain on friends and family as well as positively impact rehabilitation and reintegration.
Hutson has spearheaded innovative technology initiatives, including the introduction of Voice over Internet Protocol services and a streamlined mailing system that complies with prison regulations. These advancements have not only enhanced Pigeonly's user experience but have also significantly contributed to the company's growth and profitability. His dedication to bridging the communication gap for underserved communities sets a powerful standard in the tech industry.
Chief Executive Officer, Pigeonly
(Christopher DeVargas/Staff)
TOP TECH OF THE YEAR
(Christopher DeVargas/Sta )
Joy Hoover
Chief Executive O cer, Esōes Cosmetics
Joy Hoover’s commitment to merging technology with personal safety sets a new standard in the cosmetics industry. As the founder of Esōes Cosmetics, Hoover is redefining personal safety for women with her innovative approach to beauty. Her Las Vegas-based, female-founded startup has gained attention for its innovative lipstick that integrates life-saving technology.
The patented lipsticks and glosses are packaged in a hightech case featuring a discreet button that connects to a mobile app via Bluetooth, sending customized alerts to loved ones or law enforcement in emergencies. Emergency communications can be customized to send text messages, phone messages, location and priority dispatch notifications.
Hoover’s leadership has driven significant growth, reaching customers across 45 states and garnering media attention from outlets like CNN and Entrepreneur. Her dedication has also earned her accolades, such as the 2022 Entrepreneur of the Year award from the National Association of Women Business Owners Southern Nevada.
Hoover is also committed to volunteering in the community, o ering her marketing expertise to help local organizations such as SafeNest, St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, Unshakeable and Foster Kinship.
COMMUNITY EXEMPLARY
Duana Malone
Chief Executive O cer and Owner, Nevada Help Desk
Duana Malone, a ectionately known as "The Tech Queen," is a transformative force in Nevada’s technology landscape. As the founder of Nevada Help Desk, she oversees the statewide Technology Talent Pipeline Management systems and pre-vocational programs, bridging the gap between education and the tech workforce. Under her leadership, students gain practical experience in areas like digital marketing, website design, and cybersecurity—skills that are essential in today's job market.
Malone is also responsible for launching the Martin Luther King Jr. Technology Summit, where hundreds of underserved students explore technology through hands-on workshops and mentorship from minority tech leaders. This annual event inspires youth to consider careers in STEM, fostering a more diverse workforce.
Malone’s e orts have garnered national recognition; her innovative method of training students in cybersecurity recently earned her a federal grant to expand these programs across the country using the model she built in Nevada. Her passion for technology and commitment to community service make her a unique and impactful leader. With a reputation for getting things done and a genuine love for empowering others, Duana Malone is not just shaping careers but transforming lives.
HEALTH CARE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
Michael Gagnon
Executive Director, HealtHIE Nevada
Michael Gagnon, Executive Director of HealtHIE Nevada, is at the forefront of revolutionizing health care communication in the state. HealtHIE Nevada, the only statewide open Health Information Exchange, enhances patient care by facilitating secure, convenient access to critical health information among providers.
Under Gagnon’s leadership, HealtHIE has expanded its network to more than 180 participating organizations, including prominent medical groups and the Nevada Hospital Association. His e orts during the pandemic were particularly notable, as he helped launch the organization’s Provider Portal, which allowed real-time access to comprehensive patient records. This innovation significantly improved COVID-19 reporting and public health response, benefiting over 23 health care organizations.
Gagnon’s commitment to interoperability led to groundbreaking partnerships, including connections with the U.S. Department of Veterans A airs and Department of Defense, enhancing care for active-duty military and veterans.
A thought leader in health information technology, Gagnon actively engages with organizations like Civitas Networks for Health and the Health Information and Management System Society, advocating for industry reforms and innovations. His contributions to influential publications reflect his dedication to advancing health care in Nevada.
(Courtesy)
Timothy Galluzi
Chief Information Officer, State of Nevada
Timothy Galluzi, the Chief Information Officer for the State of Nevada, exemplifies leadership in leveraging technology to enhance government operations. He uses creativity and vision to facilitate growth and provide effective services that benefit Nevada.
Galluzi's key achievements include the modernization of the audio-visual infrastructure in the Old Assembly Room at the Nevada State Capitol, boosting public engagement by 30% and decreasing operational disruptions by 25%; and a seamless relocation of the Governor's office, which resulted in a 20% increase in efficiency. He also spearheaded critical upgrades to the state's VMware environment, achieving a 40% reduction in potential downtime.
His collaborative approach culminated in the first State CIO Summit, focusing on AI and cybersecurity, which garnered a 90% satisfaction rate among attendees and prompted new governance frameworks. Galluzi's advocacy for legislative changes streamlined procurement processes, cutting costs by 10%.
Galluzi excels in visionary thinking, strategic planning, and collaborative leadership, fostering strong relationships and bolstering service delivery. His involvement with organizations like the National Association of State Chief Information Officers and Great Minds in STEM highlight his commitment to professional development and mentorship.
Jesse Taylor
Senior Management of Identity and Middleware Services, UNLV
Jesse Taylor is a transformative leader at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he oversees the Identity Management and Middleware Services team within the Office of Information Technology. Responsible for managing the central identity access system for over 40,000 students and staff, Taylor ensures the seamless operation of mission-critical services that underpin university functions.
He has led initiatives that increased the university's operational efficiency, enabling robust data management and support systems vital for decision-making and academic success. His passion for digital transformation drives collaboration with diverse stakeholders, adapting technology to meet the evolving needs of students and faculty.
A key advocate for security, Taylor works closely with the Chief Information Security Officer to fortify administrative systems, balancing accessibility with data protection—a crucial task at a public institution. His strategic insights inform budget allocations, facilitating the acquisition of necessary technology despite financial constraints.
Taylor’s leadership is characterized by his commitment to mentorship, fostering teamwork within his unit, and a deep-seated passion for solving complex problems. He is an active member of the Society for Information Management, where he champions educational initiatives and scholarships, reinforcing the region's tech workforce.
(Steve Marcus/Staff)
(Christopher DeVargas/Staff)
CYBERSECURITY
Ron Arayata Manager, Purple Team Operations, Nevada National Security Sites
Ron Arayata is responsible for the Cyber Security Incident Response team for the Nevada National Security Sites, which include remote facilities across the country. Since joining the Cyber Security Program, he has driven significant growth, securing $10 million in additional funding for 2023.
In his role, he actively blocks over a million malicious emails in an average month and analyzes vast amounts of data to protect sensitive information.
Arayata has been instrumental in deploying innovative cybersecurity solutions, such as a new asset discovery and risk management system, enhancing operational technology monitoring. His pro-
active approach extends to the National Nuclear Security Administration's Cyber Threat Intelligence Center, where he leads threat-hunting initiatives that bolster defenses against adversarial attacks.
A respected mentor, Arayata educates colleagues on cybersecurity awareness and techniques through training sessions and public speaking engagements. He displays his collaborative skills as he builds a cohesive team that thrives under his guidance. With a commitment to excellence and community service, Ron Arayata is not only fortifying cybersecurity at NNSS but also empowering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
(Wade Vandervort/Sta )
Adaptability is one of the many qualities that makes Colin Loveless a good leader at the Foley Entertainment Group. As the System Administrator, Loveless takes on a variety of tasks, which in 2024, included spearheading network integrations for major acquisitions. Loveless demonstrated flexibility as he adjusted to challenges, managed technical issues and responded to the needs of clients, team members and stakeholders.
As part of this integration process, Loveless’ role included installing state-of-the-art network equipment and implementing robust hotel management services, ensuring seamless operations and enhanced security. He also implemented credit card processing systems to ensure functionality and security across business holdings.
Loveless practices mentorship both in and out of the workplace. At work, he uses his knowledge and empathy to create a collaborative and communicative environment where team members feel valued, learn continuously and are challenged to reach their full potential. At home, Loveless teaches music and shares his passion for music with his students while nurturing their creativity. He also uses his free time to work with the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation and volunteer with Three Square food bank.
System Administrator, Foley Entertainment Group
From hospitality, healthcare, education and government, to manufacturing, retail and general enterprise, we have a proven track record of delivering innovative, industry specific solutions. Visit us at coxbusiness.com. Congratulations to all nominees and winners of the 14th Annual Top Tech Awards!
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY
Ian Hughes
Chief Commercial O cer, Gaming Laboratories International
Ian Hughes implements high-level strategy and innovation at Gaming Laboratories International. With a mission to provide world-class testing and certification, GLI supports clients across 710 jurisdictions globally and has ensured the integrity of gaming operations for over 35 years. Under Hughes’s proactive leadership, GLI has embraced cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine learning to revolutionize compliance and operational standards.
Technology and gaming are fast-paced industries and Hughes stands at the forefront of technological advancement, including staying abreast of regulatory issues, such as anti-money laundering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Hughes has completed postgraduate studies and recently received an AI certification from MIT.
Recently, Hughes helped develop GLI's award-winning Test Automation services, enhancing testing quality and significantly reducing time-to-market for gaming devices. He was also a leader in the creation of GLI’s Change Management Program Guide, a free resource to anyone in the gaming community that outlines best practice guidance, industry standards and proper regulatory oversight. His visionary approach has not only improved operational e ciency but also ensured that the gaming sector adapts to emerging technologies responsibly.
(Wade
COX INNOVATION
Mark Stutzman
Chief Technology O cer, AREA15
With a mission to push the boundaries of experience, AREA15 has become the world’s first purpose-built immersive entertainment district, attracting over 3 million visitors annually. Under Mark Stutzman's leadership, the venue has seamlessly integrated cutting-edge technology to enhance operational e ciency and elevate guest experiences, becoming a beacon of innovation in the realm of immersive entertainment.
In his role as Chief Technology O cer, Stutzman implemented AI-driven automation, streamlining operations and accelerating routine tasks by over 20%. He pioneered the development of innovative attractions, such as the AI-themed "Mirror," which o ers guests real-time visual transformations. This unique feature not only entertains but also creates personalized shareable content, lending itself to greater guest engagement.
Stutzman also established a Project Management O ce that has standardized practices, improved communication, and increased e ciency by more than 27%. His ability to integrate AI across various facets of the organization positions AREA15 as a leader in the entertainment industry.
A visionary and mentor, Mark is dedicated to continuous learning, sharing his expertise through workshops and sessions that empower future tech leaders. His strategic insight and commitment to innovation not only drives AREA15's success but also set new standards for immersive entertainment experiences.
SMALL MEDIUM BUSINESS
Eric Basu
Chief Executive O cer, Haiku Inc
Haiku Inc has redefined cybersecurity training with game-based learning. Under the visionary leadership of Eric Basu, Haiku's innovative products—World of Haiku and Haiku Pro—equip learners with hands-on cybersecurity skills, facilitating lucrative career pathways. This approach not only empowers individuals but also strengthens the workforce in a crucial industry.
Basu has significantly boosted Haiku’s operational e ciency and profitability by launching projects such as the enterprise system overhaul, which streamlined workflows and reduced system downtime by 30%, and the cybersecurity enhancement initiative, which led to a 40% drop in security incidents, saving the company over $500,000. Additionally, Basu’s development of an AI-driven customer insights platform increased customer retention by 15% and contributed to a 10% rise in annual revenue. Beyond his achievements at Haiku, Basu is dedicated to community service and mentorship. He serves on multiple boards, including the San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence and Saved in America, championing cybersecurity education and child protection.
(Courtesy)
(Courtesy)
Jamey Felsing
Vice President of Operations, Cure 4 The Kids Foundation
Jamey Felsing, Vice President of Operations at Cure 4 The Kids Foundation, is a catalyst for change in the realm of pediatric cancer treatment. Since its inception in 2007, C4K has provided comprehensive care for children facing life-threatening diseases in Southern Nevada, and under Felsing's leadership, the foundation has embraced cutting-edge technology to enhance patient experience.
In 2024, Felsing successfully guided C4K’s transition to Phreesia’s patient intake software, allowing families to upload necessary documents from home, thereby streamlining the check-in process. This not only reduced errors but also improved e ciency in medical record management. His introduction of the picture archiving and communication system to C4K has revolutionized communication between providers, facilitating quicker access to critical imaging.
Felsing’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in his development of an iPad-based system that provides immediate access to interpretation services in over 200 languages, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder patient care. His dedication extends beyond technology; he actively mentors team members and supports community organizations like Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation.
Felsing’s visionary leadership, compassion and unwavering commitment to innovation create a brighter future for children battling cancer and rare diseases. His holistic approach ensures that every child receives the best possible care, regardless of their circumstances.
(Wade Vandervort/Sta )
voulez vous dine avec moi
You are cordially invited to brunch and dinner a la rooftop. Serving sensational fountain views with every delightful dish.
Ooh la yum.
FLASHLIGHT INNOVATOR OLIGHT CHOOSES THE LAS VEGAS STRIP FOR FIRST STOREFRONT
BY KATIE ANN MCCARVER VEGAS INC STAFF
Olight, an East Asia-based lighting company that sells high-quality flashlights, recently debuted its first-ever brickand-mortar store in the U.S. at the Fashion Show mall, directly on the Las Vegas Strip.
Vegas Inc. sat down with Mavis Xiao, chief marketing officer at Olight, to talk about why the company chose Southern Nevada for its inaugural stateside store, what it has to offer customers and how it hopes to continue to grow its footprint.
Can you give us an overview of Olight?
Our business model (from) 2007 to 2015 was more like a B2B (business to business) model, working with different distributors and dealers in the United States. Since 2016, we have been focusing on the consumers directly.
So, I want to use four keywords to summarize our products. The first one is innovative. Our products are really one of the finest in the industry. [They are] different from traditional, regular flashlights. The second one I want to use is high-tech, because we have a lot of hightech things in the flashlights. The flashlights have multiple different functions, rather than just white light. And [the] third one, we are very pioneering, because the design of our flashlights is different. And then the last word
we want to use, our flashlights are cool. Some of our products are mobile items you can carry with you every day in your pocket. And we want to make our customers proud of having our flashlights with them.
Why launch your first brick-and-mortar store in Las Vegas?
The first reason is that we did a lot of market research and surveys and found out that there are a lot of outdoor enthusiasts here in Vegas. We also have a big customer base here. There are a lot of great places for outdoor activities around Las Vegas. The [other] reason is that Las Vegas is a very international or globalized city … so I think it’s a great choice for showcasing our brand to the global customer and global fans when they come to Vegas for a visit.
What excites you most about opening a Las Vegas store?
Our store is the very first experience store in the flashlight industry, which makes me excited. We did a lot of preparation for the opening. We spent more than half the year in the preparation process. Having a physical or on-site party with our fans once a year makes me excited, because we can talk to our customers and fans face-to-face, get to know their needs, their requirements, and build the relationship. I think it’s a great opportunity.
In terms of the decor of this first experience store, we incorporated a lot of cultural and geographical elements of Las Vegas into the design of the store. For example, in the center of the store, there is an island on which there is a desert decoration with sand which is local to Las Vegas, and the cactuses on the sand, which mimics the landscape of the city.
What feedback have you heard from Las Vegas residents about the store’s opening?
We have received a lot of customers who will walk into the store, just to maybe say hi and check out the products on site, experience the products in their hands, and they will even … take a photo within the store or with our staff and post it on social media like Facebook groups. I was working there, I supported the store opening myself and I’ve seen a lot of the customers walking into the store like kids in a candy store. So really, I feel like our customers are happy about it.
How are you hoping to grow Olight going forward, and do you envision more brickand-mortar sites in the U.S.?
This first experience store is … a way for us to explore possibilities and get experience. It’s like a pilot program. So it’s for us to gather data in terms of customer feedback. It will guide us on which city, which location we’re going to explore next. We are thinking about opening more stores, but we’re still using this first store’s experience to help guide us in the future. Is there anything you want to add?
As I have said, from 2016 until now, our main presence was online, but since this year, we’re trying to incorporate our work more in our physical stores. The reason why we want to move from the online presence to a more faceto-face presence with the customers is to better serve our customers, understand their needs better, to help solve their problems and build the relationship with the public.
VEGAS INC GIVING NOTES
Local philanthropy making a di erence
To continue its 70th anniversary celebrations, Opportunity Village has opened a new business line, Dessie’s Table Events at Camelot Hall. The new special event business specializes in social events, seminars, conferences, and galas. Led by the team that brings the Magical Forest to life each year, Dessie’s Table Events o ers event planning, banquets, and a 7,000-square-foot venue space, Camelot Hall.
All proceeds from bookings made with Dessie’s Table Events at Camelot Hall go to support Opportunity Village in its mission to empower, employ and serve people with disabilities in the Las Vegas community.
Special Olympics Nevada, an organization that works to create inclusive opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities through health, education, leadership development and yearround sports training, announced that Jane Papa Ramos has joined the organization as the director of operations.
Ramos, who most recently served as chief operating o cer and vice president of donor services at the Nevada Community Foundation (NCF), was pivotal in evolving the organization’s operational model. Her problem-solving and leadership skills were particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when she administered the Nevada COVID-19 Task Force fund.
Signs of HOPE (Healing, Options, Prevention and Education), a nonprofit dedicated to o ering hope, help and healing to those a ected by sexual violence and exploitation, has announced the election of Robin Dennis as board chair, Shatoyia Nelson, as vice chair and Toni Prioleau, as board secretary.
Dennis, currently retired, brings more than 30 years as a finance executive to the role, including serving as controller for BP’s western hemisphere and CFO of BP Russia. Nelson, a Las Vegas native, comes to the vice chair role with a decade of human resources experience. And Prioleau, a 1989 UNLV graduate who has served on the board for the last two years, brings significant management experience, including over eight years as a senior project manager for UnitedHealthcare Nevada to her new position.
The Rogers Foundation announced the appointment of Janae Downey as Chief Financial O cer (CFO). A Certified Public Accountant, Downey has consulted for the Rogers Foundation since November 2019 playing a key role in the organization’s financial management. In her new role, she will manage the Foundation’s overall financial health and strategic financial planning. Additionally, she will direct and administer programs including the awarding and distributing of annual college scholarships.
Olive Crest announced the receipt of $500,000 from the Engelstad Foundation as the first installment of a generous $1,000,000 matching grant supporting the Transforming Lives Campaign in Las Vegas. This significant contribution will enhance Olive Crest’s mission to prevent child abuse and neglect by strengthening, equipping, and restoring children and families in crisis.
The Southern Nevada community came together to support Three Square food bank during Hunger Action Month in September, raising a total of $703,219. As a result, the nonprofit organization will distribute 2,109,657 meals to local individuals facing food insecurity.
Hunger Action Month is an annual nationwide campaign to raise awareness about hunger in America and inspire action. One in seven people in Southern Nevada find themselves unable to obtain proper nourishment to sustain healthy and active lifestyles.
CORE, the nonprofit committed to empowering underserved children to lead choice-filled lives, has announced the addition of Shaundell Newsome, founder and visionary of Sumnu Marketing, to its Board of Trustees. With a career spanning over 30 years, Newsome has built a strong reputation for driving innovation and supporting small businesses in Southern Nevada.
BRING BARRY’S HOME FOR Thanksgiving
Let us set the table with Barry’s curated to-go meals, bringing a touch of gourmet to your home. Our meals are designed to be taken home and cooked to perfection, each meal includes a step-by-step card on how to prepare, so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality feast with ease.
Includes: white & dark turkey meat, mashed potatoes, traditional stuffing, baby carrots, creamed corn, cranberry sauce, turkey gravy
PRE-ORDER NOW - NOV 21
Only 100 orders available per day
$85 Per Person • Minimum 2 orders
