Downtown Z.E.N. - July 2013

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS Excuse me, do you have any change? We do, but you don’t need any to park on this side of town. Whether you’re a carnivore (eat Big Ern’s BBQ), an herbivore (visit Downtown3rd Farmers Market), or mixolivore (create Summer Cocktails) The Grill at Gold Spike is new and improved and has something for you. Fancy footworked men can buzz their way to Bolt to get barbered and be debonair for a downtown tour. Marrying the past, present, and future this month we’ve brought you something old (read Barnstorming Las Vegas), something new (visit Town Villas), something borrowed (see LVA students), and something blue (view James Henninger), because after all, (we hear) Life is Beautiful.

We hope you enjoy this month’s edition of the Downtown ZEN! - The Downtown ZEN Team

The Downtown Team

Photography

Jamie Naughton Loren Becker Audrea Hooper Mikela Lee-Manaois Tyler Williams

| Front & Back Cover Matt Wong | Punk Rock Bowling, Oscar Bash Hew Burney Downtown ZEN Team | General Images

| Speaker of the House | Zappos Experience & Community Team Manager | Downtown Events and Project Coordinator | Downtown Relations and Information Liaison | Fungineer

Loren Becker

Contributing Writers Brian Paco Alvarez Michael Boley

Editor-In-Chief Managing Editors Michael Boley Mandy Crispin

| History | Bolt Barbers • Summer Cocktails • Parking Meters • Astrology

Temple Brathwaite | Health & Wellness Marco Brizuela | Music Mandy Crispin | Big Ern’s BBQ • James Henninger Zubin Damania | Medical Matthew Dunsmoor | He Said, She Said Angelina Fadool | Bar Review • He Said, She Said • Word Find Karina Giraldo | Housing Jonathan Hesser | Fashion Shannon Sneade | Education Nick Szczurko | Arts & Ents

Art Directors | Front Cover Design Miles Anderson | Page Layout & Design (BullFish Media) Ryan Brekke Fernando Cabestany | Logo Design Printed By: 702-873-1902 | www.jackpotprintinglv.com

Contact Us: email: DowntownZEN@zappos.com like: facebook.com/ZapposDowntownHappenings

Special thanks to Stylist Producer Blake Eberle, Chef James Sasahara, and our model Meaghan P. 01

Downtown ZEN

JULY 2013

ISSUE 16

03 Past Events 08 Campus Update

FEATURES Bolt Barbers

09 Bolt Barbers 12 Big Ern’s BBQ 16 Summer Cocktails 19 James Henninger 23 Parking Meters

09

PHILOSOPHY & PHLUFF 26 Music 29 Fashion 30 History 31 Medical 32 Education 33 Health & Wellness 35 Astrology 36 Word Find 37 Housing Guide

Downtown 3rd Farmers Market

33

Gold Spike

39

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAST EVENTS & UPDATES

38 Arts & Ents 39 Gold Spike 41 Bar Review 43 Smith Center 44 Things To Do 46 Upcoming Events 50 Calendar

Poll: Which front cover would you have preferred?

E-mail us at DowntownZEN@zappos.com

TECH JOBS http://about.zappos.com/jobs/jobs-zappos-family/search-open-positions Hey, Mac! Here’s the 411 — The Zappos Family is seeking individuals to join our expanding business throughout several departments. Do you have what it takes to be a difference-maker in the field of analytics, software and information technology? Would you say you have a hard drive, embrace Windows of opportunity, constantly crawl through depths of material, interface and utilize coworkers as open sources? If this sounds like the Apple of your eye, cache in your chips where you are now and join our phenomenal hot spot! Navigate to our Jobs page through the QR reader, and we’ll save a cookie for you!!

ISSUE 16

JULY 2013

Downtown ZEN

02

PAST EVENTS

& UPDATES

● Being Oscar Bash ● Symphony Park Bridge ● Zappos Turns 14 ● Punk Rock Bowling

Being Oscar Bash

Former mobster lawyer turned Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman ensured his best penmanship from May 23-25 at the Mob Museum’s “Being Oscar Bash” book signing. The three-term mayor addressed guests and signed copies promoting his new book, “Being Oscar – From Mob Lawyer to Mayor of Las Vegas, Only in America.” Guests in attendance received a “Being Oscar” face as well as complimentary cocktails and free admittance to the Mob Museum with the purchase of his autobiography. Goodman’s book takes the reader on a tour through organized crime’s inner sanctum and into the courtroom, where Goodman argued cases about government wiretapping, an impeachment of a federal judge before the United States Senate, a drug dealer charged with assassinating a federal judge, and the infamous “Black Book.” “Being Oscar” was released on May 21.

03

Downtown ZEN

JULY 2013

ISSUE 16

PAST EVENTS & UPDATES

ISSUE 16

JULY 2013

Downtown ZEN

04

Symphony Park Bridge Grand Opening The Symphony Park Pedestrian Bridge officially opened on Wednesday, May 29 with a balloon release ceremony by Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman, Councilman Ricki Y. Barlow, Councilman Bob Coffin and Myron Martin, president and CEO of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

05

The new $4.5 million bridge spans the railroad tracks providing an easy way for residents and visitors to walk to and from downtown and Symphony Park, including those wanting to park at the City Hall garage and visit the Smith Center, Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, and Discovery Children’s Museum.

Downtown ZEN

JULY 2013

ISSUE 16

Happy Birthday! Zappos Turns 14 On Monday, June 3 Zappos.com employees celebrated the company’s 14th birthday with a “Happy Birthday” sing-along and a total of nine sheet cakes for the Henderson, Carson, and Photo Studio offices. Birthday hats, balloons, and noisemakers were in abundance at all locations. In Henderson, Tony and Fred cut the ceremonial first slice; however, according to conflicting reports from eyewitnesses, departmental stampedes nudged and budged their way to land particular pieces. Finance crunched for the numbers section, Content scoured for typeface, Tech boomed for the “.com,” and Merchandising battled for the shoe logo and/or anything with the least amount of frosting. Congrats on turning another year old, Zappos! We are all most grateful you were born!

ISSUE 16

JULY 2013

Downtown ZEN

06

Punk Rock Bowling

Punks from across the valley converged and sold out the 15th annual Punk Rock Bowling & Music Festival May 2427. The outdoor event took place at Seventh Street and Mesquite Boulevard as tattoo covered, Mohawk molded enthused crowds sang at the top of their lungs to notable punk rock bands Flag, Bad Religion, DEVO, and Bouncing Souls. The all-day festival was book shelved by pool parties, poker, and of course, bowling. An estimated 252 teams laced up in clown shoes for a piece of the coveted $15,000 in prize money while also earning in-your-face, no-side-bumper bragging rights.

07

CAMPUS UPDATE

Campus Update We are happy to report that the construction of our campus continues to remain on time and on budget!

What’s New? Carpet: That’s right … we have started installing carpet! We didn’t want our carpet to be boring, so just like our accent walls and conference room doors, we’ve added some color. The bands of color found in the carpet will match the accent color of the floor you are on, so a floor with a blue accent wall will have carpet with blue accents.

Western Wall: We have also started building a wall that will essentially span the length of the west side of our campus. Don’t worry, though; this isn’t going to be the typical eightfoot high, boring, lifeless, colorless wall that we are all used to seeing around town. So stay tuned as we have some exciting plans for this one!

Campus FAQ

Thanks for reading! Do you have a comment or question, but don’t see it listed? Shoot us an e-mail at campus@zappos.com, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

-Steven and the COD Team

08

FEATURES

● Bolt Barbers ● Big Ern’s BBQ ● Summer Cocktails ● James Henninger ● Parking Meters

Bolt Barbers:

S

A guy’s "third" place itting and spinning alongside the entrance of every quaint, eclectic barber shop of times past and present is a revolving pole rich in meaning. Its motioning, uneven waves of red, white, and blue signify a tried and true brotherhood that permeates the soul of any bloke willing to experience it.

Inside this cauldron of testosterone is the galvanizing familiarity of musky products, humming trimmers, and the collaborative conversations between barber and patron.

Emulating this modern sanctuary is the unique, and not to be outdone, Bolt Barbers.

Although fairly new to the scene, Bolt Barbers’ hybrid business model emanates the old-fashioned past with the new-school cool of men’s hair trimming, styling, and shaving. What started in 2009 in Southern California will soon open inside downtown Vegas’ Container Park.

09

By Michael Boley

“

To understand a man, you must know his memories.

–Sir Anthony Quayle

”

Following life’s path, Matt studied liberal arts, journalism, and advanced business management in New York and Pennsylvania.

Upon graduation, Matt accepted a job and travelled far and wide as an international marketer for consumer products juggernaut Procter & Gamble. He quickly climbed the ranks of several prominent businesses marketing varied products from fragrances and eye contacts to eventually becoming the vice president and managing director of Danone baby products. Tiring of the

corporate scene, Matt moved from Europe to Los Angeles and invested in an organic baby formula business, choosing, instead, a more entrepreneurial lifestyle. However, with a sluggish economy and a weakened interest in the company, Matt struggled to keep his failing investment afloat. And with that, Matt’s personal life took a hit and a midlife crisis ensued.

“The reality is, the higher I rose and the longer I stayed, the less happy I became. It really took the trigger of the separation and filing for divorce with my ex that I really decided to reassess what my life was really about and what were the drivers going forward that were going to provide happiness. It wasn’t just, in my case, the marriage that was unsuccessful — it was my whole life that was kind of unhappy, and I really felt I was very much just on the wrong career track.”

FEATURES

Founder Matt Berman self-identifies himself as “Mohawk Matt” and has done so since procuring his first professional haircut nearly four years ago. At 15, Matt always dreamed of opening his own barbershop. Just as well, he had envisioned the reinvention of the entire experience of men’s hairstyling by adding bowling, shuffleboard, and root beer within his workspace. But Matt’s family expected more of him. Barbering was frowned upon and considered blue-collar work that held little value, and Matt was destined for success and greatness. As the years faded and the innocence of youth fleeted, Matt set his dream aside and, like all teens must do, he grew up.

With his back against the wall and needing something to do with his time, Matt reevaluated owning a barbershop and decided it was either now or never to chase down his elusive dream.

“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” –Henry Ford In 2008, Matt attended the Real Barbers College in Anaheim, Calif. Juxtaposed in a highly urbanized and widely diversified area surrounded by senior homes, a youth military academy, a private pre-K learning center, and ethnically enriched Anaheim High School, the Real Barbers College had an expansive range of Latino, African-American, and Caucasian clientele and was the central reason for Matt’s enrollment. With different races come different hair types: fine, coarse, straight, curly, thick, and thin. And with different types of hair comes different hairstyles: military, crew, fade, high top, Mohawk, and brush cut. As Matt continued to get the training he needed and his broadening knowledge of hair trimming and fading continued, he envisioned his own barbershop to be similarly represented.

“I really liked the diversity that was being offered and the function of [Real Barbers College’s] location, and I always felt Bolt would be

based on strong diversity: a real cultural and ethnic melting pot of dudes coming in to get their hair cut.”

Matt received his barber’s license in July 2009 and opened Bolt Barbers four months later in November. From its inception, this wasn’t going to be any run-of-the-mill haircutter, and it started with a name. According to Matt, many barbershops are either named after the owner or types of haircuts, but he believes they are overly simplistic for branding. Bolt is memorable and captures the essence of the attraction and amenities offered, said Matt.

“At Bolt, everyone is on the same level. It really doesn’t matter who you are or what you do.”

10

As his shop gained traction and appeal, Matt opened two more locations and dubbed it as a “third place” for boys and men: a place where guys can go to chill out, relax, and get away from the constraining everyday hassles and stresses of work and school. Getting a quality haircut, according to Matt, was no longer going to be an errand, but, instead, an experience. In addition to shearing heads, Bolt offers its L.A. clientele facial shaves as well as belt, equipment, and shoe shines.

anchoring as a picturesque backdrop to Carson Avenue and Seventh Street in the form of a restored box car and caboose. The two structures will sit adjacent to each other and will portray different eras of barbering nostalgia.

The caboose, according to Matt, will replicate an old-fashioned, turn of the 19th century

“If you’re a guy and you want a haircut that accentuates your guyness, a barber is almost always going to be better equipped, particularly with shorter hair, to perform that task than a cosmetologist. A barber is more familiar with clippers, more familiar with creating angularity — which is what defines a man’s physique — than a cosmetologist who’s not as familiar with skills such as tapering and razoring.”

Aiming to trail blaze yet traditionalize barbering, in August 2012 Matt and his crew launched the world’s first vintage mobile barbershop aboard an all-aluminum 1954 Spartan travel trailer. As a special promotion to students, on Thursdays, the trailer travels to the University of Southern California (USC) campus for “Trojan Thursday” and cruises SoCal to attend corporate and community events.

With the catching of fire of an organic, word-of-mouth marketing campaign and loyal customer base, Matt and Bolt Barbers seized the opportunity to open its fourth location centralized in the budding scene of downtown Las Vegas.

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” –Peter Drucker In October, Bolt Barbers will set up shop at the southern end of the Container Park, 11

and a built-in music system.

At its core, Bolt Barbers doesn’t align with nationwide hair salons … and it doesn’t pretend to. The prices will be slightly higher, but the experience will be richer with handcrafted, authentic hair products, such as beer shampoo and conditioner, cock grease pomade, and shaving soap not found at local retailers. In addition, men will receive cuts from their male counterparts.

look but of a modern feel with solid hickory flooring, copper sinks, antique 1890s brass and wood chairs, and a waiting area featuring refurbished, fold-down art deco seats. The box car will characterize the era of the 1950s with a black and grey interior design, diamond plated flooring and backbar, and upholstered Chevy Bel Air chairs reminiscent of the time period. To appease the 21st century clientele with modern technology, each structure will be fixed with large plasma television screens

Bolt’s successes have catapulted them onto the national stage, and it has been featured on “America Now,” “Razor Tales,” and Ashton Kutcher’s Thrash Lab segment “The New Wave of Barbershops.” To say the least, Matt and his followers are ecstatic about the business and its future.

“It’s not just us who are excited and looking to be a part of Las Vegas, our customers in L.A. are freakin’ thrilled about what’s happening in Las Vegas […] and they very much want to be a part of that.”

Big Ern’s BBQ: Powered by Passion

By Mandy Crispin

E

rnie Loya may be the most humble person ever. He has a gentle voice that resonates with a tender boom as he conveys that he’s living the dream. He’s bringing those who patronize Big Ern’s BBQ world-class, one-of-a-kind barbecue, but he’s so beside himself with gratitude that you’d never know it to look at him. A conversation about how he’s gotten here is almost cosmic (like his now-famous beans are).

“Everything m o r f o d e w o we d y m l l a s ’ t I . h scratc recipes.”

Growing up in Los Angeles, Calif., Ernie, or, as we are all coming to know him, “Big Ern,” is cooking up some interesting ranges of flavor worthy of the praise he’s been getting from people all over the valley and countries abroad. On Yelp he’s got four and a half stars, and urbanspoon crowns him with the coveted fivestar rating. Seven magazine has given him rank as preparing “arguably the best bean dish in the valley.” He’s been contacted by people traveling from England, Italy, and Australia wanting to be sure the small wood and nails stand he works out of will be open on the days they are visiting Las Vegas, and he has even been contacted by Pilipino and Australian television news programs for comments. Ernie’s reaction to all this attention?

“It’s CRAZY! It’s a dream.”

Despite the whirlwind of attention and the risk he took along with the long hours of hard work, Ernie Loya maintains the demeanor of a thankfully passionate, kind, and modest man who simply sees his big break as a stroke of luck, the labor of love, and almost credits his success not to his own hard work but rather to the support he’s received from his wife and Downtown Project.

There are all kinds of classic barbecue styles, Kentucky, Texas … What is the inspiration for your stuff?

Ernie: The inspiration comes from everywhere. What happens is that you’re usually born into something. If you grew up in Kansas City, you’re used to Kansas City; if you’re from Texas, you’re used to Texas. I grew up in L.A., so I was able to take what I liked just by watching on TV, on the internet, just picking little styles: taking from this guy, taking from that guy. I was able to make my own style. My ribs and my sauce might be Kansas City style, but my brisket is Texas style, and my [pork] butt’s more of a Southern style. I just take the best of what I like.

Ernie left Zappos to pursue his passion, and he was making barbecue sauce by the jar — not by the gallon like he is now. He was making a delivery to his old friends at Zappos when he happened to run into Tony and Fred outside the building, who requested a tasting, and they were so enthused they hooked him up with Downtown Project. “Long story short, now I get my own place over here in the container park. Just by collisions and serendipity: it really works,” he concluded.

While Ernie admits it can be tough and scary, there’s really no dollar amount that can be placed on chasing down the dream of having your passion be your work.

Ernie: It’s a tough job when it’s 100 degrees outside or just the opposite. We went through winter too — it’s 35 degrees outside; people aren’t thinking about barbecue. Imagine being out there at 6:30 in the morning trying to light a fire when it’s 28 degrees. That was tough. […] It’s a labor of love. People at the farmers markets and little street vendors are doing it because they love it; not for the money.

Ernie marks himself fortunate because people were good to him, his wife works, so she could help to support them financially, and they had decided that “this might cost us money, but this is what I want to do.” He said, “I bought a barbecue trailer, had it modified to my needs, and through support was able to get started. If we wouldn’t have taken that leap of faith, I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you right now. I’d be out in Summerlin somewhere working a regular job. I wouldn’t be following my dream.”

But somehow this dream has been in the works long before Ernie even considered going into the business. He’s been cultivating the atmosphere and the love for his craft his whole life.

Ernie: Even before I was doing the farmers markets, I would have our living room set up like a tavern with games, a menu board, and I was always barbecuing and having friends over […] so I was always, not into really entertaining, but entertaining with my food, I guess. I never really thought about it being a restaurant or owning a restaurant, I just knew I liked to share my food. I like people to eat my food, [and] I like them to tell me that they enjoyed it.

12

Can you talk about the menu?

Ernie: When you look at my business plan, when I put my menu in there, I was going to have all kinds of Buffalo drumsticks [hearty laughter] and all kinds of funky weird things, and my menu was this long, and oh gosh [abashedly] it was, all that gimmicky stuff, and Natalie at eat told me to ‘just pick five things that you’re good at, and if you want to change things up later on you can do that, but it’s a lot easier to add things than to take things away.’ Plus we want to be traditional barbecue and have the classic meats and the basic sides, and again just like my sauces and rubs that taste good to me, I want to do foods that taste good to me. It’s just straightforward, hard-core, traditional barbecue and barbecue sides.

What is it about this kind of food that enflames your passion for cooking?

13

Ernie: I like outside, and I like camping, and barbecue was always an extension of that: making a fire, being outside, whether it’s by a pool or just a park or what have you. I always liked that. And then there’s something about when you put a piece of meat on the smoker, and you let it sit there for a few hours, and you just see the colors and the textures, and everything’s coming from the smoke.

I use a hickory, oak, and apple [woods]. And each one has its own flavor profile, each one has its own purpose, and what’s just as important as the rubs and the sauces is the way you put the wood into the fire. If you use too much hickory you can definitely over smoke it; you use too much apple and it’s definitely going to be too sweet. Oak is neutral, it’s basically just heat, so if you use too much oak, you won’t have any smoke.

It’s got to be a blend, and that’s what drives the passion in me. To be able to stoke the fire and see the meats and read the meats because you don’t really go by time, you go by the meats themselves. I could put a pork butt on, and this one’s going to take eight hours to cook; tomorrow I could put the same size on, and it’s going to take ten hours. It just takes longer for it to break down and get where it needs to be.

All food images and front-view stand image by Nina Renda of Fremont East Studios.

14

MOVING INTO THE CONTAINER PARK:

“When we get to the container park, the smoker we have over there will hold 550 pounds of meat.”

The current one, pictured, holds about 100 pounds.

Was it scary at all?

Ernie: When this came up … as funny as it sounds, the money hasn’t really … it’s scary when you sign a piece of paper and you see numbers on there or you look at a bill and … so I’m not going to say it’s not scary, but on the other hand I would have never had an opportunity to do what I’m doing right now with traditional business means. So everything has been put on that. That’s the scary part is the way that this has fallen together, and to think who I do business with and think about the changes going on downtown that I’m actually a piece of … I’m freakin’ Ernie. I’m Ernie Loya, who grew up in Whittier, who lived out in the Lakes and … I’m nobody. You know? But I’m given the chance to do what I like to do — that’s scary. It’s very surreal. And when I get an opportunity like this, and I sit and I think about it, I pinch myself because I can’t believe I’m doing it. We have a meeting every week with the people about the container park, and the people I’m sitting with are … it’s just such an experience. A couple years ago, if somebody would have said, ‘you know Ernie I love your food. I like you. I have a little place in the strip mall over here, and we’ll help you get started,’ I would have jumped at it … I’m downtown in a world-class attraction, this container park, working with people that are not only successful but are nice, and fun, and fair, and good people to be around … it’s crazy. It’s been nice … the support that you get, whether it be the training or the mentor they assign to you — Downtown Project, I’m talking about.

The people working at the stand are all friends, and the family atmosphere of Big Ern’s will be maintained when the operation moves into the container park (a mere thirty feet across the street from where the stand is now).

Ernie: I’m actually working on developing core values right now, and one of the things is about that — about maintaining the family. Once we move to the container park it’ll be a bigger crew in there, but I still want to maintain that atmosphere and also take it out and expand that to the community, so we’ll be able to treat everybody like a team member. One [core value] that I really liked was “thinking thriftily but practicing generosity.” So keeping [certain] things in mind, but spreading the wealth. And something about helping your neighbors. I’m working on all those things, so once we get over to the container park we can keep that feeling, just on a bigger level.

The restaurant in the container park will be 18 feet by 40 feet and will seat 20-25 people. Since the stand has played such a huge role in getting the business to where it is today, Ernie plans to incorporate the stand on the inside with the same red and white “barn” feel colors for the rest of the space. He plans to repurpose traditional rustic farm and kitchen items for lighting and table accessories.

With all the big developments, he still says the feeling lingers: “I’m not worthy.” Being recognized by strangers at First Friday and overhearing a whispered “Hey! That’s Big Ern!” provokes a steady and hard-earned pride that can’t be misconstrued for arrogance. He’s humble as ever and still manning the smoker.

Ernie: This is something I truly love to do. I talked about being out there at six in the morning when it’s 28 degrees, or being out there serving food when it’s 110 degrees, or when we first started we were living in the Lakes, and I’d drive out here and spend twelve hours, and some days I’d get a room at the El Cortez just to have a place to go take a shower. It was just like the farmers market; it’s a labor of love. You didn’t think about the hours, you just think about what you’re doing. It’s what I really wanted to do, and that’s still the point. I don’t think of myself as a restaurateur, or a restaurant owner; although, I am.

15

"I’m just a guy who likes to barbecue, and I like to share my food, and that’s what drives me in this whole thing."

Summer Cocktails Carte Blanche

Dark & Stormy

Ingredients: Hendrick’s gin, Prosecco sparkling wine, lime juice, simple syrup, orange bitters; garnish w/cucumber wheel

Ingredients: Gosling’s Black Seal, Gosling’s ginger beer; garnish w/lime wedge

Pursue your passions for this palpable Prosecco-infused cocktail. This kickin-the-shorts stunner is aesthetically pleasing to sip and stir; not to mention the gin and juice combo will keep you grinning well after dusk.

Tools needed: Boston shaker (mixing glass and metal tin), muddler, knife, martini glass Method: Combine all liquids except Prosecco with cucumber slices. Lightly muddle ingredients and add into full shaker tin of ice. Shake and double strain.

Top off with Prosecco and garnish with cucumber slice.

Inebriation level: intermediate

By Michael Boley

This tropical yet ominously infused color cocktail is the national drink of Bermuda.

Circa 1806, the name is said to have originated when an old sailor observed that the drink was the "color of a cloud only a fool or dead man would sail under.”

Tools needed: knife, rocks glass Method: Pour Gosling’s Ginger Beer into a rocks glass with ice; gradually add Goslings Black Seal rum. When poured slowly enough there will be a clear separation between the ginger beer and rum. Before enjoying this true classic, squeeze the lime wedge into the cocktail and mix with a straw.

Dark & Stormy $9 at Downtown Cocktail Room

Inebriation level: intermediate to high

Watermelon Cooler

If you have a mixed palette for crisp, fruity flavors, this beauty is a must. The watermelon-infused flare is similar to a wine cooler, but has 10x the taste with just a spritz of artificial flavoring. With the kids now out of school, you’ll need to sit and sip to oblivion all summer long.

Ingredients: vodka, lime, simple, cucumber slices, watermelon cubes; garnish w/cucumber slice Tools: Boston shaker (mixing glass and metal tin), muddler, knife, cocktail glass Method: In a mixing glass muddle cucumber, watermelon, simple syrup and lime juice. Then combine the remaining ingredients with ice and shake. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish.

Carte Blanche

Inebriation level: low

$11 at Ice Bar –The Golden Nugget

Watermelon Cooler $10 at Downtown Cocktail Room

16

Raspberry Lipstick

Resuscitate your taste buds with this refined Raspberry Lipstick. Blissful Belvedere vodka mixed with a refreshed, cooling liqueur will be hands down, mouth wide open, your summer savior.

Ingredients: Belvedere black raspberry vodka, Chambord liqueur, simple syrup, lemon juice; garnish w/lemon wheel

Raspberry Lipstick

Tools needed: Boston shaker (mixing glass and metal tin), martini glass Method: Combine vodka, liqueur, simple, and lemon juice into a full shaker tin of ice. Shake and strain slowly while pouring into martini glass. Next, garnish with fresh lemon wheel.

Inebriation level: intermediate

Pillow Talk

Ingredients: Absolut Orient Apple vodka, Press soda, simple syrup, strawberries, cucumber, lemon, orange, and mint; garnish w/cucumber Tools needed: Boston shaker (mixing glass and metal tin), strainer, muddler, mason jar Method: In a mixing glass muddle fruits then gradually combine vodka, simple syrup, and add ice. Next, shake and strain slowly over fresh ice. Top off with a spritz of soda and garnish with cucumber slice.

Inebriation level: low

$13 at Ice Bar –The Golden Nugget

Trophy Wife

Ingredients: Bacardi OakHeart rum, simple syrup, lemon, orange and pineapple juices, angostura bitters; garnish w/orange Tools needed: Boston shaker (mixing glass and metal tin), strainer, mason jar Method: In a mixing glass combine rum, simple, and juices into full shaker tin with ice. Strain slowly and gradually pour over fresh ice. Before serving, garnish with an orange slice.

Inebriation level: intermediate

The Unicorn

Ingredients: Ketel One Citron vodka, Gosling’s ginger beer, simple syrup, lemon juice, mint; garnish w/lemon wedge and mint sprig Tools needed: Boston shaker (mixing glass and metal tin), strainer, mason jar Method: In a glass pour and combine all ingredients, except ginger beer, with ice.

Next, shake and strain slowly over fresh ice. Top off with spritz of ginger beer.

Before serving, garnish with lemon wedge or mint sprig.

Inebriation level: low

This threesome is more than you’ve ever hoped and dreamed for. As beads of sweat trickle down your throat and the sun’s scorching heat bubbles your blood and lights your loins, you yearn for the smooth, tingling touch of rum and vodka kissing your lips. The luring lust of these delectable divas will leave you moaning for more.

17

Pillow Talk

Trophy Wife

The Unicorn

$8 at Park on Fremont

$8 at Park on Fremont

$8 at Park on Fremont

Mango Mojito

The Marauder of Fremont Street

Bold colors and flavor is summer’s anthem. Not so much designed for grab ‘n’ go, this cocktail is created for long sips and long nights grillin’, chillin’, and livin’ the American dream. With smooth mango rum and varied juices, you’ll be muddling this beauty by the buckets.

The only roaming and raiding about you’ll do this summer is at the local market gathering ingredients for this masterpiece. With a bevy of fruity flavors and tongue-twisting tang, this would make B.F. Skinner salivate for a sip breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Ingredients: Malibu mango rum, Triple Sec, Monin mojito syrup, sweet & sour, orange juice, club soda, lime juice; garnish w/mint sprig and lime wheel

Ingredients: : Bacardi Wolfberry rum, simple syrup, lime juice, club soda (optional); garnish w/blueberries, blackberries and mint

Tools needed: Boston shaker (mixing glass and metal tin), muddler, skewer, reality glass

Tools needed: Boston shaker (mixing glass and metal tin), strainer, muddler, mason jar

Method: Muddle mint leaves, Monin syrup, and fresh lme wedges. Add ice, liquor, sour mix and orange juice then pour back and forth twice in glass. Top off with club soda. Next, skewer mint sprig and lime wheel onto prism and lay prism across glass. Garnish with lime wheel on rim.

Method: In a glass combine all ingredients, except club soda, and muddle well. Mix and shake together with ice. For a more refreshing and lean effervescence, top off with club soda.

Before serving, garnish with blueberries and blackberries, and mint.

Inebriation level: low

Fiery Cucumber $12 at Chart House –The Golden Nugget

Inebriation level: low

Fiery Cucumber

This tasteful little treat is for the cucumber enthusiast. Due to its brilliant flavors and high-octane alcohol, this spicy little number (with the spicy salt rim) will do a number on you as you daylight doze. Drink.

Overheat. Repeat.

Ingredients:Pearl cucumber vodka, Monin cucumber syrup, freshly grated cucumber; garnish w/fresh cucumber and spicy salt (cayenne pepper, sea salt, lime zest

Mango Mojito $10 at Chart House –The Golden Nugget

Tools needed: Shaker (mixing glass and metal tin), martini glass

*Editors’ Pick The Marauder

Method: In a shaker tin with ice combine vodka, syrup, and freshly grated cucumber. Shake well for ten seconds, and then strain into a chilled martini glass. Rim glass with a fresh lime and spicy salt.

Inebriation level: intermediate to high

of Fremont Street $10 at Commonwealth 18

James Henninger: No Swan Song

By Mandy Crispin

James Henninger

J

ames Henninger is a self-taught local artist based out of his gallery space at Art Square, and to him “art is air.” That’s a pretty poetic statement, but don’t be confused by such a graceful description of his love for his craft. He’s not starving, and there is no swan song.

The man doesn’t own a couch, and he doesn’t care to. His personal living space houses only his equipment, he harbors an insatiable urge to create, and what he creates he sells.

His haunting images are incarnations of his imagination. Unless it’s a widely recognizable person (like Morgan Freeman or “The Bride of Frankenstein”) or a commissioned work that is requested to be based on an actual person, all of James’ “subjects” are piecemeal from his “filing cabinet” (aka observation’s memory bank).

Beautiful and simply complex, James’ completed works mean little to nothing to him. Talking to him for ten minutes reveals his own selfportrait through his description of his art. To James, his art is the process of creation, the product only as far as it immediately affects others with little explanation (he has no taste for the abstract), and it streams this way from his mind via his hands, three times a day, outward into the world to be used by the buyer. He passes the baton, so to speak, without reverence for the material objects.

19

James Henninger

20

The finished works mean nothing to him unless they are enjoyed by their new owners (and his pieces go fast). To make an impact on another person, to challenge himself, to explore, to travel unknown territory in new mediums, to build the tools with which he executes such products — all of these aspects are the art; it’s not the picture or the result so much as it is the journey.

James is definitely his own character. Maybe he’s a little rough around the edges; he admits to being thrown out of a gallery and an art store based on his appearance. But he’s not interested in coming off as a highfalutin, highpriced elitist, anyway. To him, it’s super simple.

He gave himself two years to become a working artist — likening it to the possibility of signing his own death warrant since he seems to have an innate yearning (and capability) for learning and creating through his pictures — quit his job, and went at it. Since “March last,” he’s completed over 2,000 works, sold them all, and has now been invited to five major American and international shows.

Encaustics: James Henninger is not one in a million: he’s one in approximately 583 million; that is to say, he’s one of 12 people in the world who practice encaustics. Not only does he use this age-old technique, he makes his own waxes and brushes.

He said, “For over thirty years I slept no longer than eight hours a night, and I woke up and picked up a pen, and I went to sleep laying down my pen.” He gave himself one month to learn encaustics without picking up that pen, and how did he learn it? How does he learn every new technique and medium he now uses (encaustics, engraving, oils, lithography)? He says, “I Googled it.” His talent is the raw, endowed additive.

James has plans to travel the country in his custom-design U-Haul truck that will, if all goes according to plan, sport cameras at various angles (one facing backward so people can tune in on the internet to see “where [he’s] been”).

When James says that, to him, art is air, I believe him. He lives and breathes it.

If you would like to meet James and see him in action, he participates in the Painters and Poets Jam at Art Factory every Saturday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

21

Opposite page: Top left: Close-up of "No Looking Back" Oils (total composition is) 24 x 24 inches Bottom right: “Untitled� Encaustic 16 x 24 inches This page: Top: "Gaucho" Encaustic 18 x 24 inches Bottom right: Encaustic (no other information) Middle right: "Daisy" Pen and ink and oil paint wash 22 x 31 inches

22

By Michael Boley

P

Coined meters

to be no longer arking. A simple word on the surface, but a loaded term associated with anger, frustration, and hatred that shatter your very core. Whether you’re attempting to shift and lift the emergency break in a parking lot, garage, or on a surface street, this procedure can cause serious grief to downtown patrons. Add on another layer of angst when street parking is limited due to coined meters, and you’ve got unhappy campers all over downtown. However, this nagging issue will soon be resolved as the city’s parking services department is in the process of revamping its entire parking system by adding new state-of-the-art, multi-bay, credit card accepted meters throughout Old Vegas.

For some backstory, the first working parking meter was created

by Holger Thuesen and Gerald A. Hale and installed in Oklahoma City in 1935. The meter, known as the Black Maria, went into mass production in 1936 through the mid-1980s and did not change physically (with the exception of the double-headed design) or technologically for more than 40 years. Before the turn of the 21st century, some of the original meters had been replaced with digital “pay and display” machines while the market further looked into the convenience of accepting electronic forms of payment.

Brandy Stanley, the city’s parking services manager, has over 20 years of multi-city experience within the parking industry including valet, off-street, on-street, mixed use, big event, and office parking venues and has an expansive whirlwind of parking knowledge.

Since her start with the city in June 2011, Stanley has been in charge of reworking the entire parking program, including ways to organize the department, implement newer technology, recommend innovative ideas, and develop a strategic five to ten year plan for the parking enforcement office.

Stanley’s overarching goal is to mold the city’s parking service towards a more customer-friendly approach, specifically focusing on convenience. As part of parking service’s five phase overhaul, the city’s first benchmark was unveiled last year when it opened a “one-stop-shop” parking office that allows people to pay parking citations, file appeals, obtain parking permits and handle any parking related issues in the city quickly and efficiently. Phase two is the implementation of technologically advanced parking meters.

“One of those sorts of no-brainer results was that we needed to replace the parking meters that were on the street,” said Stanley.

23

“The single space meters … there are no auto capabilities. They only take coin which is very, very inconvenient for anybody that comes downtown that doesn’t have change in their pockets. The multispace meters that we’ve had for several years were obsolete probably the day they were installed and continue to get a little bit worse.”

To a large extent we “create the citations we

write by not having adequate signage, by not having meters to take credit cards, and by having faded curb paint.

Those create situations where our customers are confused … and end up with a citation.

”

Through a solicited proposals process, the city reviewed offers for both multi-bay and single space meters, later accepting a bid from Parkeon, a powerhouse and world leader in parking and transit solutions, to install 233 Strada Rapide meters. The new multi-bay pay stations will replace 1,216 unsightly meters littering downtown sidewalks as well as permanently remove 125 other single space meters which will be designated as free parking.

The Las Vegas City Council approved the $1.45 million deal in February with financing coming from the Parking Enterprise Fund, as opposed to the General Fund where money is spent for additional city services.

Compared to the meters of yesteryear, physically speaking, the Strada Rapides are extremely sleek-looking and highly technologically advanced. It’s like teleporting Fred Flintstone from Bedrock to George Jetson’s Orbit City.

The four-foot tall structures are free-standing of infrastructure due to their solar paneled, battery powered 3G cellular modems. The first round of meters to be installed will be fixed with a small greyscale LCD screen, while the remaining 75 or so will be tricked out with seven-inch color displays and extended alpha-numeric keyboard.

Each will, however, incorporate secure coin collection and an anchoring pedestal as well as a double-protected display screen and graffiti-resistant steel casing frame to deter theft and vandalism.

According to Stanley, the meters are extremely reliable with nearly 100 percent up-time. However, if a machine goes awry, each meter is equipped with an alarm which would trigger a wake-up call to the server so technicians can be alerted and respond quickly.

Additionally, Parking Enforcement will also have a live feed connection to the server to determine which spaces have expired and are left unpaid.

From a software perspective, each multi-bay meter has the ability to control 10,000 spaces. Operationally speaking, says Stanley, each machine will sync up to no more than eight parallel spaces or 15 angled spaces (such as those seen in surface lots); typically each meter will connect to only four or five bays.

“We made sure we’re not pushing the limits,” said Stanley. “We want to make sure it’s simple and easy for people to get to and from the parking meter.”

To eliminate confusion and to ensure you’re not feeding someone else’s meter, each bay will be painted curbside with a number and arrow pointing to the pay machine. As an added measure, signage will be displayed above each meter with posted parking timeframes and hourly rates.

Along with its progressive and easy-to-use software that accepts credit and debit cards, the Strada Rapide also prints out receipts (with a QR code linking to the city’s webpage) and, in the near future, be able to receive payment for parking fines and tickets.

24

“We want to make it easier for people to do business with us and reduce the amount of time it takes to do that.

”

Sounds cool, right? That’s only half of it. Furthermore, the meters will synchronize right up to your mobile phone’s intuitive free ParkMe app (available on Android and iPhone) which displays available side street and garage parking in real time.

The ParkMe app database’s footprint dominates the parking information market and is being used in more than 500 cities worldwide, reaching 19 countries in three continents. According to ParkMe’s website, their app assists drivers find real-time parking availability in the form of "heat maps” letting users see the most likely availability for parking on a block-by-block basis.

ParkMe runs through historical transactions using an algorithm that gives predictive availability, says Stanley. Although the app markets itself as real-time, it only calculates where parking is likely, not guaranteed, to be.

25

“In other words, it’s not going to tell you one space is available two blocks away, because it doesn’t know that,” said Stanley. “You’d need the in-ground sensors and huge amount of infrastructure and maintenance costs to get that down to the single space granularity. […] but it’s effective in getting people to the areas where parking is available.”

Additional customizable app features include type of vehicle, a proximity and parking rate calculator, "in-app" route guidance, timer, and “mark my car” locator. ParkMe also offers a widget for businesses to add to their websites which allows it to show consumers real-time parking information near their location.

On June 4, Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman along with Councilman Bob Coffin and downtown businessman Sam Cherry made the first transaction at the newly installed meter across from City Hall.

According to Stanley, all 233 meters will be fully installed and operable by the end of July with ParkMe available shortly thereafter.

PHILOSOPHY

& PHLUFF

● Life is Beautiful ● Unbuttoned ● Fabulous Downtown ● Just the Tip ● ● Housing Guide ● LVA ● Downtown 3rd Farmers Market ● ● Astrology ● Word Find ●

Life's Rich Pageant

By Marco Brizuela

Endless photos of Rehan Choudry in a suit and tie have been circulating in publications for months now. Dressed to the nines with a Cheshire cat grin, Choudry has done his best to show Las Vegas he's the odds-on favorite to give the city its own festival identity in ways that no one has ever dreamed possible. Life Is Beautiful will wall-off (literally) 15 city blocks downtown for two days, October 26 and 27, and offer up over 65 bands, art installations, Cirque Du Soleil shows and more chefs than you can shake a weeping Paula Deen apology at. Yet, with those suits and confident smiles, is it possible that Rehan Choudry is too slick? It feels as if there's a sense of "used car salesman" in some of those photos of him in various magazines and weeklies, you know? It's like he's kicked Vegas' tires, and now he's taking her out for a spin.

The idea of transforming 15 city blocks downtown into a cohesive gathering for two days just seems insane. Las Vegas has enough problems trying to find employment for approximately 10 percent of the city's residents without a dedicated follower of fashion such as Choudry tiptoeing through the tulips muttering "life is beautiful" to anyone who listens. That's the city's cynical heart speaking right there. The very same heart that has been promised so much by

so many in the past dozen years, only to feel a sense of schadenfreude committed upon its soul in the aftermath of all those ne'er-do-wells of years past.

One cannot experience love without first opening up to the potential of heartbreak.

So many times, the city of Las Vegas has fallen upon her sword in an attempt to experience culture as she has seen it happen in other cities. Once again, she has let her guard down, hoping for true love to sweep her off her feet in the form of Rehan Choudry. The least one can do for her is to check out the man tugging at those heart strings.

A small, flashcard-sized sign announces that this particular door at the end of a maze of hallways above The Beat Coffeehouse belongs to Life Is Beautiful.

It should be noted there is absolutely no fanfare outside the door. One would believe a virtual circus would be breaking out at all times around here. Heck, there isn't even someone playing a timpani drum to dramatically announce one's arrival to the people on the other side of the door.

All that's there is just a humble little sign to let you know that you’ve arrived.

Once inside, cold water is offered while waiting, and in this moment, having come

in from the typically searing Vegas heat, it's more welcome than a tax refund check, honestly. Several minutes pass, and it’s hard not to notice how any public library wouldn’t be envious of the long, hanging silence between pins dropping in the Life is Beautiful office. Cynical thoughts of corporate greed and free-spending megalomaniacal excess rapidly drift to the fringe of conscious thought at the sight of the very thrifty — yet well-appointed — accommodations.

A jarring click breaks the silence while waiting. The front door opens to reveal what appears to be a Rehan Choudry doppelganger of sorts. Gone was the dashing, dapper dude bedecked in a suit and tie from all those photos. The only thing that remains standing of that glossy guy from all the press is his convincing, earnest smile. In place is a charismatic and casual gentleman with a dash of salt and pepper hair at his temples, proudly sporting a clean white Police “Synchronicity” album cover tee straight from 1983. He has Sting, Stewart and Andy paired perfectly with dark designer blue jeans and perhaps most tellingly, checkered slip-on sneakers that would make Jeff Spicoli from Fast Times at Ridgemont High proud. After some introductions, everyone settles into a small back room for the interview.

Marco Brizuela: Rehan, if someone only has enough disposable income to attend one festival this year, why should that person choose Life Is Beautiful?

Rehan Choudry: Well, I think … if people have one festival they can go to this year, I think they should pick based on what their entertainment category or preference is, I guess? I mean, because there are festivals all across the country that are phenomenal in their categories, right? So, if you are into true experience and true integration of experience in electronic music you go to EDC (Electric Daisy Carnival), or you go to Tomorrow World. If you’re into camping, you go to Burning Man or Bonnaroo. If you’re looking for a multi-genre lifestyle experience .

MB: A multi-pronged attack?

RC: Yeah, yeah, Life Is Beautiful is the way to go. I think what Life Is Beautiful does is it allows people to dabble in a variety of different areas that they feel like they’re interested in. If they have an interest in food and want to get a deeper understanding of food, but don’t necessarily want to spend the money on the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, Life Is Beautiful is your festival … Knowing people, they have one category of focus.

Well, if music is your category of focus, you’re going to get the depth and programming for a full-blown festival experience. That’s the way I would look at it. I hate to use “value for the dollar,” but there’s a tremendous amount there. You get four different large-scale lifestyle festivals under one umbrella for one ticket price. If you’re looking for that level of experience, I would say Life Is Beautiful is the way to go. As we grow, year over year, I don’t think there’s going to be a reason to have to go to another festival, I think. If you’re in Vegas, and Vegas is what you love, this is going to be your festival of your choice moving forward.

MB: What kinds of plans have been made in advance to have an encore edition of Life Is Beautiful?

RC: There’s no question. We plan on being here the next twenty years, thirty years … as long as I can do it for. We’re a first year Vegas festival and Vegas doesn’t have a great history for first year festivals. EDC is a unique beast. It’s been around for ten years, and it’s awesome. It’s a phenomenal experience, a world-class experience.

26

The goal is to expand tremendously. Will the Vegas market wrap its arms around it? I’ve said it multiple times before, success in the festival world is the community embracing it … For us to work we have to be a city festival that people from around the country opt into year over year as we grow. But for the first year, it’s a Vegas festival.

So the first year, we wanted to test, one, is it something that Vegas really wants? And the second part of it: is our operational plan really feasible?

The notion of shutting down 15 city blocks of any city is a tremendous feat, and that’s impossible in most cities. We have the luxury of having a phenomenal government system and great partners that allow us to be able to do that. Now we have to make sure it works and have a great guest experience. Assuming it works — and I have every confidence that it will — the idea is to grow this thing substantially, and if you notice, the way Vegas is, the way downtown Vegas is evolving, we’re not going to deviate from that tremendously. So you’ll probably see us go further east, as the Fremont East development continues.

I think what’s also interesting is that we have the opportunity to follow more of a jazz fest model than a Coachella model and having weekendto-weekend identical programming. If you think about Vegas, what’s unique to us is that Tuesday or Wednesday in Vegas is somebody’s Saturday. To play off that, I see a festival that can run for 10 days of consistent programming. So you’re not doing tent-pole to tent-pole, with nothing in between. You’re really running 10 solid days of unique and differentiated programming. I think that’s going to make us a much larger opportunity for people coming in.

27

MB: Where does your history begin with Las Vegas? How long have you been here?

RC: I’ve been here for three years. I moved here June 1, 2010 to open The Cosmopolitan. I was the entertainment director there, so I was on the team. I designed the venues, our team strategy, worked with all of our partners and my team to book the bands for the first two years, and then I left. I learned a tremendous amount about Vegas during those two years. So, the biggest success I saw was bringing in artists that are frequently touring acts that are trying to break out that don’t normally come here ‘cause they don’t want to take the risk on Vegas and the venues didn’t want to take the risk on them. [The Cosmopolitan] would not only showcase those artists but do it at a more reasonable price point. So, to be able to see TV On The Radio for 35 to 45 bucks … when historically any type of band like that they’d wait ‘til they’ve already broken out and the price would be a 50 percent increase over the nationwide average ticket price. We made ourselves a promise, at least in the early years, that we were going to stick to a nationwide pricing average. So, some kid in Iowa — we were an all-ages venue — is going to see a certain show, and the same kid in Vegas doesn’t have to get screwed [financially] because he’s in Vegas.

MB: That was a big issue in the early 2000s here. What made you cognizant of that pricing model?

RC: I accumulated a lot of research. I came in, and my boss from the Cosmo encouraged me to think about entertainment differently.

Because the tried and true model was there, right? You’d go to a casino, develop a residency show of any sort, then you’d backfill with loss-

leaders or underplay shows that are largely driving gaming revenue, but you’re mitigating your risk with exceptionally high ticket prices.

The model was set, and it was proven for a long time. The economy collapsed, gaming revenue wasn’t as reliable, and you had to come up with something different. I didn’t want the Cosmopolitan to be another “tried and true” venue. I wanted it to have a bit of a soul; I wanted it to have more loyalty. And loyalty, for me, was in frequency of traffic.

I think that was the idea; build loyalty with a local audience. In order to do so, I had to get a really good understanding of what was missing here. What I realized was that if you were a 12-year-old to a 19-year-old living here in Vegas, you weren’t going to get to see any of these bands until they had two, three hits on the radio, and they had done a full tour off one album and then they were going to come through Vegas.

MB: Maybe.

RC: Maybe, if you’re lucky, right?

MB: Yeah, it wasn’t guaranteed.

RC: Other than that, I mean, forget the $75 ticket you had to pay at the time for a $50 band. Because of the upcharge, now you have to deal with a flight to L.A. or a drive to L.A. and a band that should cost $50 to see in your home market is now going to cost $350, and it’s ridiculous.

Now, a lot has changed over the last couple years. The Cosmopolitan was introduced, creating this entire category of artists that weren’t being booked here and offered them at a price window that was more

reasonable. The Joint woke up, and now they’ve had a hot lineup over the last year. House of Blues woke up, Mandalay Bay woke up … um, MGM has always been a monster; those big arena shows have been a great turnout.

On the other side, down here you’ve got a lot of venues that are going to be opening up in the next couple of years. We’re working on restoring the Huntridge, we’re working on … I know Ashton Allen is working on six different venues for downtown. Beauty Bar has picked back up. Vegas is becoming a music town again. Not a music town for visitors, a music town for the people who work here. The people have focused all the community’s attention for the last 50 years on catering to the people who didn’t live here, and now we’re catering to ourselves.

At this point in the interview, it's clear to see the knowledgeable manner Choudry speaks of not only his brand of entertainment, but other companies as well. Add in his genuine desire to make a big, noticeable splash with Life Is Beautiful, and Vegas has a new man in her life. Will she work so hard for him, only for him to not take notice of her efforts? Will he give her more than just a promise ring and meet her at the chapel of love, for better or worse, in sickness and in health? Stay tuned, love-struck readers for part two of the interview in next month's issue!

28

Unbuttoned The Avenging Adventures of Handsome Heroes

By Jonathan Hesser

A new race of superheroes has invaded Las Vegas to save downtown from peril! These masterful men fight crimes of monotony with action-packed shoes that kick boredom to the curb! Rise above it all and become reborn! Gain gratifying glory as a new superhero of strong style! An image of indifference doesn’t stand a chance with a splash of bold colors, patterns, prints and plaids that pack a powerful punch!

29

Fabulous Downtown

More info about Paco, visit: www.lvartsandculture.blogspot.com

Barnstorming Las Vegas!

ON

By Brian "Paco" Alvarez May 7, 1920 Randall Henderson and his friend Jake Beckley of Blythe, Calif. arrived in Las Vegas in a World War I Curtiss JN-4 “Jenny.” It was the first time that an aircraft had flown into Las Vegas. The biplane did several passes over the little town surprising the residents as it flew over their heads. Jake even had a surprise for his little niece Virginia, tossing a little rag doll that landed right in her yard as she watched in excitement.

The plane landed about two miles outside of town near what is today the intersection of Paradise Road and Sahara Avenue. Henderson later recalled that “the whole town came out to greet us when we landed.” Randall and Jake spent three days in Las Vegas offering rides to novice fliers. Several locals even put up the funds to pay for one of the well-known Paiute elders to take a spin.

Though today flying is a routine part of American culture, in the early 20th century it was a novelty reserved for a very few brave individuals willing to risk their lives on rickety early aircrafts. The Henderson flight into Las Vegas marked the beginning of the community’s fascination with aviation which would eventually catapult the city into becoming one of the premier travel destinations in the world.

About the photo This image is the first aerial photo taken of Las Vegas. As you can see from the image, there were no paved streets at the time.

May, 1920 UNLV Special Collections For more information about UNLV Special Collections, visit www.library.unlv.edu/speccol

30

JUST THE

IP

Coldhearted Snake Oil

By Zubin Damania

As we continue to energize downtown Vegas with dense human awesomeness, we can expect to find serendipity's drunken uncle trying to crash the family dinner. That's right; we're talking common cold here — an affliction more easily spread in dense environments. Hand washing, covering sneezes and coughs, and warmer weather decrease the chances of Delivering Snottiness, but what to do when we feel the dreaded tickle in the back of our craw that presages a week or more of miserable sniffles, sweaty nights, and sinus nastiness? We can land a man on the moon (or at least fake it in a NASA studio), but we can't cure a cold. One small step for man, one giant leap for rhinovirus. Here's the scoop on common cold remedies that people have asked about:

Antibiotics:

Uh, colds are caused by viruses, folks. Antibiotics are for bacteria. Most people who think they have a secondary bacterial infection during a cold … don't. Colds typically last 1.5 weeks and often longer, and a cough with greenish gunk and fever doesn't mean you have a bacterial infection. Antibiotics can also cause terrible complications such as life threatening colon infections. That Z-Pak you demand is most likely an expensive and dangerous placebo. So suck it up, snotty!

Vitamin C & Echinacea:

More glorified placebos. They have been studied in clinical trials and show no benefit either for prevention or treatment of common cold. Oranges? Great! Horse pill vitamins? Wack! Although your peepee will be fluorescent — which is a great party trick.

Zinc: Lozenges may have some effect in shortening cold duration (although not entirely clear). The nasal versions are a nono; however, documented cases of anosmia (permanent loss of smell) have occurred, although this may be a benefit to those whose partners are fond of firing up the Dutch oven at night.

Cough Syrup:

Houston, we have a placebo! In studies, dextromethorphan and guaifenesin are no better than sugar water. So save the sizzurp for the rappers, yo.

Humidified Air: Actually proven to help with symptoms! And in the desert, it's a must when you're coughing up a lung. So get your Hello Kitty vaporizer on, fire up the chicken soup, and chillax, y'all.

31

Summer Vacation for Furthering Vocation

By Shannon Sneade

S

ummer vacation began on Thursday, June 6 for students of Las Vegas Academy. After a full, successful, and busy school year students were ready to relax and awake long after the sun. But for many, this period of complete relaxation is short-lived. After just a few days of break, many students are off to summer programs to practice their vocations.

Many programs are offered through the school. The school's publications department will attend Jostens National Summer Workshop, taking place at the University of San Diego at the end of July. Here, the 2013-2014 newspaper (Accolades) and yearbook (Eclectic) editors will learn about managing their staff, creating an entire publication, and honing various other skills — all while staying onsite at one of the top universities in the nation. In addition to the school’s two-week music camp that begins just before school resumes there is also freshman orientation on Aug. 19 and 20. In preparation to become students at the academy, students will learn the layout of the campus, organizational skills, meet teachers, make friends, and choose leadership positions.

Other students seek out their own opportunities for programs over the summer.

Locally, some students attend the Nevada School of the Arts' Summer String Camp to further their orchestration skills. Student Brooklyn Reich has attended in previous years where she learned about music theory, folk music, and performance. Students who attend prepare two solo pieces prior to the camp and later perform them throughout the week.

There are many out-of-state opportunities that LVA students get involved in as well. Dance major Paige Mendenhall attends a month-long intensive in American Fork, Utah during the month of June. During this time, she takes several classes from world-renowned dancers from companies such as the Bolshoi Ballet and San Francisco Ballet. "It is great to experience other dancers' teaching styles,” said Mendenhall of the program.

Traveling to the West Coast, orchestra major Liam Mansfield will attend a week-long program titled Center Stage Strings in Three Rivers, Calif.

Afterwards, he’ll head east to Westport, N.Y. to participate in a seven-week camp at Meadowmount School of Music, returning before the start of school in August.

Some students take their summer vacations to delve into other interests. Former student of the Academy Caolinn Mejza attended Nevada Girls State last summer. At this camp, she was "surrounded by people who wanted to learn and emulate the values that have made democracy a leading form of government."

Students learn to draft mock legislation, debate and vote, and visit historical landmarks. Mejza was one of few students to be selected to go on to the national level of this camp. This unforgettable experience "instilled a passion for politics as well as civic duty" within Mejza. Current student Logan Taylor will follow in her footsteps and attend Nevada Boys State this summer in hopes of having similar experiences.

Whether students are continuing their passion or exploring new talents, students of the Las Vegas Academy are sure to stay busy over the summer. The 2013-2014 school year will begin Monday, Aug. 26, and students are already off to an impressive start.

32

Downtown 3rd Farmers Market: From grower to hand.

If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, where’s the peck of pickled peppers that Peter Piper picked? Well, if you’re downtown and in the area of Third and Casino Center drives, you could definitely find out. There amongst corporate structures and some of the older Las Vegas casinos lies a little gem. The Downtown 3rd Farmers Market is open every Friday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

33

By Temple Brathwaite In the walk from the parking lot, I could hear the smooth rhythmic jazz of live entertainment. Echoed by the voices of two older men, reggae music and songs that dated back from before my time filled the streets. As I made my way through the doors, I was welcomed by the aromatic fragrances of exotic veggies and organic fruits. I knew I had entered the farmers market! Dating back to the early ‘90s, farmers markets have since continued to thrive and become a popular staple to local communities.

Locally grown and organically produced, interesting things caught my eye from vendors everywhere. I must admit when I think of Nevada, raw honeycomb and pasture-raised duck eggs aren’t the first things that come to mind, yet there they were. I got a chance to pick the brain of a vendor or two, asking questions on how to use a Hoja Santa leaf or better yet the benefits and different uses of edible flowers. In doing so I noticed a sense of community. The vendor-to-consumer connection was unreal. And why not? When you think about it, good food is essential to a healthy and nutritional lifestyle. Here at the farmers market you receive all those benefits plus more, fresh food coming straight from the farm as well as knowing your grower on a personal level.

I was wowed to say the least on how friendly and helpful all the vendors were.

To my astonishment, as I made my way through the market I noticed that produce was not the only item to be found. Imagine that: more than fruits and veggies at the farmers market! There were florists, bakers and a lovely local artist by the name of Betty Lewis, who had a table filled from end to end of all her custom handmade jewelry. Vickie’s treats was also a must-stop; bags of toffee and heaps of caramel-cranberry white chocolate popcorn were divine and melted in my mouth like butter. Yum yummm! As I looked around, behind me sat a lady still in stature but welcoming in her face. Within moments I noticed she wasn’t just staring at me, but she was posing perfectly still as she got her portrait sketched by a local pastel artist. Yes, all at the farmers market! So in-between picking up homemade jams from Fred+Dave’s Jazzy Jam & Juicy Pickle stand, you can have a self-portrait done.

There were so many hidden treasures to be found, and after buzzing around and sampling here and there, I had to meet the woman responsible. Kerry Clasby, an intuitive forager and marketing manager for the Downtown 3rd Farmers Market greeted me with a smile that stretched from ear to ear and bursting with personality. Before sitting down to give a “formal” interview, Kerry said “walk with me!” She grabbed a plastic bag, and with me in tow we began picking up different greens to be juiced by the market’s Lauren Kennedy, or Lady Juicer as I called her.

We weaved past exotic heirloom tomatoes, turmeric root and morels mushrooms that I had no idea sprung life in moist areas, most notably around dead Elm and Ash trees. Kerry talked to me about her love for organics and how well-known chefs of the California-Las Vegas area always inquired where she was getting her produce. She started foraging for farmers and shipping

produce to the valley. However, when shipping became too expensive, Kerry was approached with starting a farmers market. Partnering with local organic farmers and culinary produce supplemented from California, Downtown 3rd was born!

Helping the community by bridging the gap between farmer and consumer, the farmers market has done, and will continue to do, so much more for the surrounding downtown area. Extremely excited about the Zappos Family arrival, vendors of the farmers market are gearing up and ready to go with the best of the best in produce, fine arts and entertainment.

34

BOleY’s CRYSTAL BALLS Oh, say! The smell of sunscreen and summer barbecues after dawn’s early light has got you feeling all cozy inside. Add on the evening’s red glare and bombs bursting in air, and the gleaming in your eye will provide hope and promise until the 31st. So far, this year has been a perilous fight; however, keep your inner ramparts strong this month, disallowing your spirit to fall below half-staff. Because even in the murkiest of life’s troubles, prove to others your star-spangled banner yet waves.

Cancer June 22–July 22 You love Italian food. Ever since learning to boil water you’ve been able to replicate its fine dining taste and elegance to a T. You consider your circular pasta the best on the block, swearing it knocks the pants off anyone while simultaneously blowing their mind. In fact, people will come far and wide to ring your bell and taste your screaming O’s.

Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22 Life’s financial struggles have allowed you to think outside the box. Although receiving government handouts has never been your thing, you’ve become desperate and now want a share of the money pie. You take a gamble and say having color blindness has been detrimental and demoralizing to your psyche — but when you ask the court to cash out the green, your case will leave you with faded white chips.

Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22 The concept of club goers paying money to see their favorite DJ makes nada sense. You feel like they’re not “real” musicians as they just fuse together the sounds of others. Heck, the same can be done by opening two Pandora web browsers while simultaneously minimizing and maximizing the volume. DUR!

Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 You’ve had little interaction with the outside world since signing up for Netflix streaming. It’s probably best you lay low and get out of character before going out because nonstop episodes of “House of Cards” and “Breaking Bad” have turned you into a real D-bag.

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 Your frugal ways have left you looking pathetic. Instead of footing the $7 bill to get a carwash, you go to extremes like use the gas station’s windshield wiper squeegee or parallel park under a faulty city sprinkler. Water drops? Not a chance as spit shine proves to be quite cost effective.

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 Your new condo is an utter treasure.

Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and hardwood floors throughout is muy bien. However, living in a high rise, in the desert, in the summer, is muy mal. As you’re crying over electric bills to mommy, your realtor is laughing it up with the next available teller.

Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22 The intolerable noises of those around you, known as misophonia, are making you go mad. Chomping chips, slurping straws, and tapping of toes makes you want to shout louder than Richard Simmons’ “Disco Sweat.” Calm your nerves and meditate before getting charged with premeditated.

35

Aquarius Jan. 20 – Feb. 18 The summer sun is leaving you imprisoned within your own home.

However, when you do venture outdoors your intolerance tends to make you see mirages — kinda like the time you pinky swear you saw Michael Jackson’s ghost. Instead, it was just your neighbor holding a parasol while coughing in a handkerchief.

Pisces Feb. 19–Mar. 20 A new diet trend has spread cross continental and has come knockin’ on your door. The 5:2 diet has you feasting for five days and fasting for the other two. Now you can eat like a hog & heifer without feeling judged as you power through your third bowl of Stromboli.

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19 Your freaky cleanliness and misconstrued fact-telling will soon get you in trouble. Reading up on contaminated currency, you find out 90 percent of U.S. bills carry traces of cocaine. This doesn’t mean telling others laundering money at the cleaners is the best way to wipe clean the teenth of snow from your fingertips.

Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 Tired of the same ol’, same ol’ you want a completely rejuvenated look with a wild new ‘do. Instead of going with a traditional L.A. look, you opt for something a bit sassier from New York. With your mane pulled back, shaven temporal lobe, and long blonde extensions, the “Bynes Bat$h!t Crazy” is a straight-up smokin’ token.

Gemini May 21–June 21 You love smelling good. In fact, a person’s scent is one of the foremost benefactors of sexual attraction. To ensure a large sampling of potential mates, you cater to all types with floral conveying your subtle sweetness, Oriental signifying to your animalistic allure, and Aunt Jemima expressing playful pancaking.

Building Las Vegas Word Find

By Angelina Fadool Las Vegas wasn’t built in a day. Search the puzzle below for the names of the casino owners, hoteliers, moguls, and entrepreneurs who helped to turn a stopover on the pioneer trails to the West into the Entertainment Capital of the World

ADELSON HSIEH WYNN HUGHES PRELL TRUMP GAUGHAN HARRAH RUFFIN MALOOF BOYD

36

HOUSING GUIDE Karina Giraldo

Residential Specialist

O: 702.333.4455 C: 702.480.9131 F: 702.853.4470

kgiraldo@northcap.com 815 Pilot Road, Suite E | Las Vegas,NV 89119

A

mong the many historic neighborhoods in downtown Las Vegas is also a small collection of newly constructed choices. With the downtown area becoming more metropolitan and major companies moving into the area, the demand for new construction options are soaring. Charm and history aren't for everyone, and some people like the crisp modern feel of a newer home. Newer construction often means less maintenance too, a positive for some renters.

One community to highlight is Town Villas. Situated just a mile and a half from the new Zappos Headquarters, and half a mile from the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC), World Market Center, the Smith Center and Las Vegas' Premium Outlets, Town Villas gives you modern living without the high-rise price.

This three-story, newly constructed rental housing community offers two and three bedroom homes with the flair of today's most modern living. There is nothing like driving through an intimate gated community and into your very own private two car garage. Each home has a fenced in block patio, which is perfect for those who like to entertain outdoors, grow a garden, or enjoy the company of pets. The homes feature large walk-in closets, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. One of the many favorite features of these homes are the en suites in every bedroom. Additionally, there is also a guest washroom on the second level, where the living room and kitchen are located. The floor plans make it easy for those looking to move into roommate-style housing while still maintaining one’s privacy.

There are three different floor plans that are available in this 90 home community: Style

Beds

Bath

½ Bath Sq. Ft. Rent

Denver 2 2 1 1,295 From $995 Boston

2+Den 2

1

1,326

From $1,095

Flagstaff 3 3 1 1,698 From $1,195 Located on Shadow Lane and Alta Drive, the area is one of my favorite aspects of the community. On Alta, there are brightly colored green bike paths which you can take west to Red Rock Canyon or east to Sunrise Mountain. If you are looking to bike to work, the commute is under ten minutes, all on safely marked bike paths. Town Villas’ proximity to downtown is particularly attractive to inner city workers seeking a short commute.

Town Villas is a traditional neighborhood development; it’s livable, walkable, and best of all just one mile from downtown Las Vegas.

If you would like to schedule a viewing, or have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me.

37

EVENTS &

ENTERTAINMENT

● Arts & Ents ● Smith Center ● What’s on Tap ● He Said, She Said ● Things To Do ● Upcoming Events ● Calendar

The Danger Zone

W

hat is the first thing you probably think of when going on a tour? Is it going on a double-decker bus and listening to corny jokes as you ride around the city? Or possibly it’s putting on a headset and strolling around an area in specific locations while the audio recording dulls you into a stupor of oblivion?

If you do think of those things or anything else negative about tours, get ready for your mind to explode because the downtown tour is not any run-of-the-mill tour; oh no, it has two “it” factors. The first being downtown itself, and the second … the second is none other than Krissee Danger.

I had the pleasure of having a tour hosted by Danger, and let me tell you, it’s an experience one should not be without. Her eccentric personality and expansive knowledge of downtown is a spectacle in and of itself.

My tour started out at the Ogden, where CEO Tony Hsieh lives on the 23rd floor.

Danger led me and 30 of my coworkers down an outstretched hallway where mini

By Nick Szczurko whiteboards hang on doors with arbitrary messages and mishmashed doodles spread everywhere. After feeling a little bit like I was at a mad scientist’s laboratory, Danger came to Hsieh’s door. We entered through to the main room where I thought to myself, “I wonder if they can fit us all in there.” That thought quickly fleeted as I realized we were not just walking through one apartment, but three strung together. While there, Danger showed us what was happening downtown at that very moment in time. We got to see blueprints and note cards of Hsieh’s passion project and the imaginative ideas Las Vegans hope to see implemented. This experience alone was enough to call it a great tour, but this was only one attraction of many.

From the Ogden, our tour guide led us across a couple of streets to Work In Progress (WIP) near the corner of Bridger Avenue and Sixth Street. This was the first time I have ever been to WIP, or a similarly specialized coworking space, and it definitely won’t be the last. WIP is a place for people and businesses to go to if they need a quick or permanent workspace.

It expands two levels and is outfitted with conference rooms, a general seating area, and a kitchen all equipped with outlets for convenience. I even ran into a personal friend who now works at Fandeavor.com. Overall, everyone was nice, and the workplace’s confines had an upbeat feel and generally good vibe.

From there, our group headed back towards the Emergency Arts building. Along the way, Danger showed us the construction sites that aligned the Container Park and stretched to Fremont East. It was quite surreal seeing empty lots and busted businesses finally coming to fruition. Upon entering The Beat, Danger wrapped things up and ended our journey behind the vinyl records and inside the art gallery of local talent.

The downtown tour only emphasized that this area is getting revitalized. Where you usually walk into a museum wanting to know the past, this tour places you right in the present, showing you what the future holds for downtown Las Vegas.

If you would like to schedule a downtown tour with Krissee Danger, contact her at Danger@DowntownProject.com.

38

Located on Las Vegas Boulevard at Ogden Street, the boutique hotel formerly known as Siegel’s Gold Spike has been

39

renovated and partially reopened by the Downtown Project.

40

Gold Spike

By Angelina Fadool Price Point: Still Real Prices have gone up slightly since the Gold Spike reopened its doors to the public, but draft beers and well drinks are just $5. There is still a discount available for Zapponians — just bring your badge and one of the able bartenders will give you the details. I still like to see and be seen in downtown’s swankier establishments, but I remain — as noted in a previous review — a bigger fan of saving money.

Ambiance: Inconceivable The bar in the old Gold Spike seemed tiny and a little run down — but what a difference a remodel can make! The slot machines were removed as a part of the renovation, and the seating area for the bar has expanded to include the former gaming area and back patio. Since the new Gold Spike offers comfortable seating, outlets beneath the bar, and good Wi-Fi connection, it has the potential to become a coworking paradise.

Entertainment: Game On! It’s great that coworking is an option, but who can work when there are so many games to be played? On a single visit my friends and I played pool, Connect Four, foosball, and a couple of rounds of darts — while watching an entire NBA game. Sadly, the table shuffleboard is too slanted to play on, but everything else is in working order. Just bring some cash for the jukebox and quarters for the pool table.

Potential Pitfalls: Where Everybody Knows Your Name Since the Gold Spike is right next to the Stewart Garage and a short walk from the Carson office, nearly all of the clientele are from Zappos, Work in Progress, or the Downtown Project. I am calling this one a potential pitfall, because it’s not necessarily bad. Sometimes I want to run into twenty people I know, and sometimes I don’t.

I spend an absurd, borderline embarrassing amount of my free time here. If you’re looking for a laid-back neighborhood bar with upscale décor and reasonable prices, the new Gold Spike could easily become your favorite. I’ll probably see you there.

41

He Said, She Said

By Matthew Dunsmoor and Angelina Fadool

Matthew Dunsmoor

Angelina Fadool

Ambiance: To describe the environment in three words: Diner meets casbah. I like the unique vibe. The clean environment, relatively quick food turnaround, friendly service, and consistently low foottraffic all make this a nice place to come any time of day.

Ambiance: The Grill has the same clean, minimalist decor and plastic boxwoods that it did when the Gold Spike was a fully operational casino — but if it lacks in ambiance, it more than makes up for that lack with good coffee, meals priced from $4.99, and breakfast served all day. The full menu is also available in the recently remodeled and smoke-free bar.

Drinks and Apps: I agree with Angelina on the wings. The flavor, texture and size were good; but if you like saucy wings like I do, you might want to order an extra side of sauce.

The Main Event: As a meat-and-potatoes guy this menu was practically designed for me. Full of American dining classics, it's clear that the Gold Spike isn't trying to be pretentious, and I respect that.

I do, however, find it a little suspicious that there doesn't seem to be one item on the menu that is something unique and "their own."

To me this says, "We do a lot of things pretty well, but we don't do any one thing exceptionally." The most original menu item I could find was the parmesan chicken sandwich. Accompanied by a side of seasoned fries (which I recommend trying), this sandwich seemed to support that theory. It was good, but as with the wings, I was left a little bit wanting.

Overall: Though my review points may not sound like it, I also give it a "Solid" rating. Coming with the correct expectations can change your perception of nearly anything, and if you're expecting a menu with a broad selection of good, classic, not-too-crazy foods at reasonable prices, you'll leave one happy camper.

Drinks and Apps: The chicken wings here really didn’t do it for me, but I can vouch for the sliders and the chicken tenders I stole from a friend’s plate on a recent Sunday afternoon. I also like that you can add a side to most of the appetizers on the menu and make them a meal.

The Main Event: I may not be the biggest fan of breakfast food, but I am Southern — and that means that I am serious about chicken and waffles. I love the hot and crispy fried chicken served with my order, but the waffles underneath were cold. The kitchen may still be getting the timing right for this dish; I think I’ll stick with a fresh and generously topped Cobb or barbeque chicken salad.

Overall: I give Gold Spike a resounding “Solid.” Although the menu doesn’t offer much in the way of low-cal or vegetarian or options, the friendly staff has no problem with edits or substitutions. If I’m looking for comfort food, a cost-conscious breakfast, or a late-night snack, this is my spot.

The Grill inside Gold Spike 400 E Ogden Ave Las Vegas, NV 89101 42

43

THINGS TO DO Stop by The Beat’s Wednesday Night Hang Come chill with us every Wednesday night from 8:30 pm to 10:30 p.m. for a change of scenery and sound! Enjoy a unique, laid-back atmosphere featuring drink specials and live music by fabulous Las Vegas talent. Las Vegas trumpet player and recording artist Joey Pero hosts this event. The Beat will be offering a “fine beer” drink special on Duvel, Gulden Draak and Piraat as part of the “Blue Beat” special.

The Beat is located on 520 Fremont St. inside the Emergency Arts Building (Sixth Street & Fremont Street).

Go on a Scavenger Hunt Do you know how many lights line the Fremont Street Canopy?

You will when you play the new city scavenger hunt. The game sends clues to any text-enabled phone. You’ll get to know the casinos that helped put Vegas on the map. From the Golden Gate, Sin City’s first casino, to the recognizable lights of the Fremont and Four Queens, you’ll discover what first drew folks to this little desert town. Be ready to bluff your way into Binion’s iconic Poker Room and snap a picture with Vegas Vic and Vickie. Find the little cigar shop where all the Hollywood celebs go to get a light before grabbing a cocktail at the coolest bar in town. You’ll come away knowing how Vegas grew into a global hub of fun and fortune, and get a true taste of its appeal along the way. Sign up on the website, and you and any number of your friends can compete.

The game has several routes in Las Vegas, including Fremont Street. It’s an out-of-the-box way to get to know your city. $9-$12 per person. www.strayboots.com.

Get Outdoorsy I mean “Outdoorsy” in a patio drinking kind of way. Take off work early on Friday like they do back East, and stretch out in a patch of sun on Bar+Bistro’s patio with a pitcher of house sangria. Nothing could be better! $6 glass, $20 pitcher, in The Arts Factory, 107 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite 155. www.barbistroaf.com.

TOUR OUR NEW DOWNTOWN LANDMARKS Visit the Fremont Bicycle Clinic On a mission to facilitate safe and proper bicycling through education, workshops and maintenance, the clinic helps the community rehab bikes. Get yours done, and then pitch in a hand to help others!

Shop Hours: Mon, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Tue, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; Wed, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thu, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sat, 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. If you are a co-op member, you can always contact us outside of normal shop hours if they do not work for you. The best way to contact us and view our most upto-date hours is our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Fremont.Bike.Clinic. Make sure to “Like” us.

The Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health You’ve driven by it a thousand times and wondered if it’s as weird on the inside as it is on the outside. (Answer: Yes.) Being inside the events center is like living inside a Dr. Seuss book. The rest of the center is nice office space with an impressive art collection. Arrange a tour and see for yourself by calling 702.263.9797. Join an existing tour or arrange one for yourself.

The clinic’s newest volunteer, Zack, will be manning the shop on Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Zack just moved here from Los Angeles where he was a part of two prior co-ops. He is extremely knowledgeable regarding bikes and is a great addition to the team. Stop by and say “Hi”!

44

The New City Hall

The Mob Museum

Las Vegas invested $185 million to build it. Drop your car across the street in the new garage; you’ll get free parking for two hours with a validated ticket. Make your way up the front steps under the solar trees and into the marble lobby contemplating the sustainable yet luxurious surroundings. Make your way back to the council chambers and grab a red theater seat for your rear: now watch democracy at work. You should finish the visit off by riding the elevator to the seventh floor to see the mayor’s views. City Hall, 495 S. Main St., 702.229.6011, Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

There are two sides to every story. Come down to the Mob Museum and get the true story. It was a stage for one of the biggest mob hearings in history. Now it’s the setting for the nation’s most comprehensive look into organized crime and law enforcement. Located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, The Mob Museum presents an authentic insider’s look at the mob’s impact on our history and our society. These are the true stories of events that shaped our country, and now you can witness them firsthand.

The Mob Museum, 300 Stewart Ave., 702.229.2734, SundayThursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Adult Admission $18. $10 for NV residents. www.themobmuseum.org.

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts Check out the Hoover Dam-inspired architecture exterior and its elegant appointments inside. Take in its centerpiece, the 2,050seat Reynolds Hall and its grand lobby; don’t forget the Cabaret Jazz room and Troesh Studio Theater in the Boman Pavilion. Peruse its smattering of artwork (both modern and classical) around the center. Free hour-long tours every Wednesday & Saturday, 10:30 a.m. Make reservations by calling 702.749.2000.

45

Neon Museum and Boneyard The Neon Museum preserves and exhibits classic Las Vegas neon signs. The museum’s collection consists of both restored and unrestored signs, mostly housed in the Neon Boneyard in downtown Las Vegas. Many of the restored neon signs, which can be found along the Fremont Street Experience and Las Vegas Boulevard, are also part of the museum’s collection. For museum updates and tour information, visit www.neonmuseum.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS First Friday First Friday is celebrated in the Arts District of downtown Las Vegas. The hub is on Casino Center Boulevard in between Colorado Street & California Street with an extension on Third Street & Colorado Street. First Friday has been extended to include the Fremont East district with live activities and music in Get Back Alley behind Beauty Bar and The Griffin. First Friday celebrates young and established local artists. There are food trucks galore and music on three stages with over 12 live bands. There will be special art installations and live performance paintings. It is all about community coming together to celebrate art. First Friday has a great variety of artists, vendors and activities that are fun and exciting for all ages. They even have a kid’s zone with different themes each month.

Location

VEGAS StrEATS Vegas StrEATS is a street food and culture festival hosted every second Saturday in downtown Las Vegas showcasing the valley’s hottest local food trucks, artists, musicians, and fashion. StrEATS is presented

by Slidin’ Thru in partnership with El Cortez and Insert Coin(s). Each month, various food trucks serve up unique gourmet bites along Jackie Gaughan Plaza. Local bands, MCs, and DJs provide the soundtrack for the night ranging from indie rock, hip-hop, dubstep, and house music.

Graffiti artists and streetwear brands line vendor row slanging fresh apparel and art. Come experience a bit of homegrown Vegas culture!

Location Jackie Gaughan Plaza at the El Cortez Hotel & Casino 600 E. Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101

Time Saturday, July 13 | 6 p.m.-1 a.m.

Casino Center Boulevard & Colorado Street

More Info

Time

www.vegasstreats.com www.facebook.com/VegasStrEATS

Friday, June 7 | 6 p.m.-11 p.m.

More Info www.firstfridaylasvegas.com www.facebook.com/firstfridaylasvegas

Education Jelly Come join us for an evening of fun and brainstorming ideas to make a positive impact on education. If you are passionate about kids, teachers and how we can all work together to create positive happy schools, we'd love to see you!

Sessions at El Cortez

Location

For the first time in the modern era, the legendary El Cortez Hotel & Casino began playing host to contemporary music’s up-andcoming stars with Sessions at El Cortez. Like the Troubadour in Los Angeles, the monthly music series that takes place on First Fridays, is creatively curated, giving a stage to the artists who deserve it. This past month included moving performances by the incredible Among Savages, critically acclaimed Magic Wands, and rising local star Sabriel. A downtown stalwart, the El Cortez, with Sessions, is the new venue for music in downtown Las Vegas.

Time

Learning Village 727 Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101

Wednesday, July 17 | 5:30 p.m.

More Info www.ticketcake.com/event/education-jelly/las-vegas/2013-06-19

Location El Cortez Hotel & Casino 600 Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101

Time Friday, July 5 | 8:30 p.m.

More Info www.facebook.com/sessionslv

46

Vintage Bike Night

Trivia Night at The Beat

Ride out for a night of Motorcycles + Art + Music in downtown Las Vegas. Las Vegas Vintage Bike Night featuring cafĂŠ racers, custom bikes, classic Harleys, retro sport bikes, and scooters.

There will be a jammin’ lineup of live music, live body painting

by Alex P. Huerta, artists & vendors, and food & drink specials from Bar+Bistro. Whatever you ride, bring it down for Vintage Bike Night.

Come with a team or find one at The Beat. Every other Tuesday you can test your knowledge and flex your brain in a cerebral competition.

There will be prizes and beer specials, and most likely a little more beer than brains.

Location The Arts Factory & Bar+Bistro 107 E. Charleston Blvd.

Las Vegas, NV 89104

Time Friday, July 19 | 7 p.m.-10 p.m.

More Info www.theartsfactory.com 702.644.9412

Location The Beat Coffeehouse 520 Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101 www.thebeatlv.com

Time Tuesday, July 16 & 30 | 7 p.m.

More Info www.facebook.com/DowntownTriviaNight

Contact Augusta Scott: ascott@zappos.com

Catalyst Week

Delivering Happiness Inspire: Las Vegas!

Our Delivering Happiness Inspire! event is a forum for sharing the rich and thought-provoking (and oftentimes funny) content that inspires and spreads happiness at an individual, community, and even global level. Through a series of brief, prepared (but collaborative) talks, community members and local thought leaders bring their stories perspectives, passions, and experiences to the stage (ala TED) to shine a spotlight on the things that matter most.

Location

Catalyst Week is produced and curated by CatalystCreativ, a small business funded by the Downtown Project the fourth week of every month. Catalyst Week profiles thought-leaders from fields ranging from filmmaking to social entrepreneurship, and corporate brand management to nonprofits. This week is about inspiration, serendipity, and igniting the fire within each and every individual. We hope that everyone who attends will leave remembering that every person in this community is, and can be, a catalyst for someone.

Our intention is to have Catalyst Week become an integral part of downtown and be a catalyst for all of the projects that are starting to form. Join us on Facebook where individuals from the community, as well as Catalyst attendees, can post problems and link with each other for advice and guidance. www.facebook.com/groups/catalystboard so the magic continues even after the guests leave!

Location TBD

Downtown Project Construction Zone 107 S. Seventh St. Las Vegas, NV 89101

Time

Time

www.catalystcreativ.com/downtown-project

Saturday, July 27 | 5 p.m.-8 p.m.

More Info www.inspirelasvegas-eorgf.eventbrite.com www.deliveringhappiness.com

47

July 24-28

More Info

Downtown Improv Improv is a popular form of comedy performance where scenes are made up on the spot. In this class, we’ll learn the basics of how to succeed in an improv scene and how these ideas can be translated to every aspect of your life.

Location The Beat Coffeehouse 520 Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101 www.thebeatlv.com

Downtown3rd Farmers Market The Downtown3rd Farmers Market has become an integral part of downtown Las Vegas. The biggest indoor farmers market showcases local Las Vegas farmers as well as including lots of fresh produce from California. There are also many other vendors and healthy lifestyle classes, art shows, and culinary demonstrations from famous Las Vegas chefs. The mission of the Downtown3rd Farmers Market is to be a sustainable, seasonal, healthy lifestyle center for the city. The farmers market is conveniently located in the middle of the Las Vegas Valley off of US-95 & Casino Center Drive.

Location

Every Monday (July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) | 7 p.m.-12 a.m.

300 N. Casino Center Blvd. (In the old Transit Center) Las Vegas, NV 89101

More Info

Time

Time

www.facebook.com/HumanExperienceLasVegas/info

Every Friday (July 5, 12, 19, 26) | 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

More Info www.downtown3rdfarmersmarket.com

Human Experience Mission "Being the action of love through art, music and culture" Description "Human Experience" is a community organization that hosts open mic events promoting DJs, musicians, spoken word and visual artists. Through our community and events, we increase awareness of local Las Vegas nonprofit charity groups through food/clothing drives and connections to volunteer opportunities.

General Information Downtown street parking is free after 6 p.m., but we *strongly suggest that you read meter timeline information to gain full knowledge of your parking status.

Location The Beat Coffeehouse 520 Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101

Time Every Monday (July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) | 7 p.m.-12 a.m.

More Info www.facebook.com/HumanExperienceLasVegas/info

Sprinkler Sprint Downtown Runners presents their inaugural event, SPRINKLER SPRINT, in fabulous downtown Las Vegas, Aug. 10, 2013 at Las Vegas Academy.

This is a wild water party 5K where participants run/walk through multiple water zones on a 3.1 mile course! We promise to keep you wet and cool as you traverse through the Misty Tunnel, the Super Soaking Squirt Gun Zone, the Water Cannon Blast, and the Slip ‘N Slide finish line.

We even have an Ice Pop Stop on the course. You can follow Downtown Runners on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Location Las Vegas Academy 315 S. Seventh St. Las Vegas, NV 89101

Time Saturday, Aug. 10

More Info Registration coming soon: Sign up for notifications at http://signup.downtownrun.com 48

CALENDAR JULY 2013 01 Monday • Human Experience, 7 pm-10 pm • Improv, 6 pm-8 pm • 51s vs. FRE, 7:05 pm 02 Tuesday • Downtown Project Lowdown, 4:15 pm • 51s vs. FRE, 7:05 pm 03 Wednesday • 51s vs. FRE, 7:05 pm

12 Friday • 3rd Street Farmers Market, 9 am-6 pm • Evening at the Ballpark, 5 pm • DJ Ultra at Mob Bar, 9 pm-1 am • Aruba Lounge Swing/Lindy Dancing, 8:15 pm 13 Saturday • StrEATS, 6 pm-1 am • 51s vs. TUC, 7:05 pm 14 Sunday

04 Thursday • Fourth of July • VegasJelly, 7 pm-12 am 05 Friday • 3rd Street Farmers Market, 9 am-6 pm • DJ Ultra at Mob Bar, 9 pm-1 am • First Friday, 5 pm-11 pm 06 Saturday

15 Monday • Human Experience, 7 pm-10 pm • Improv, 6 pm-8 pm

16 Tuesday • Trivia, 7 pm 17 Wednesday • Education Jelly, 5:30 pm

07 Sunday 08 Monday • Human Experience, 7 pm-10 pm • Improv, 6 pm-8 pm 09 Tuesday 10 Wednesday 11 Thursday • VegasJelly, 7 pm-12 am • 51s vs. TUC, 7:05 pm

49

18 Thursday • VegasJelly, 7 pm-12 am

22 Monday • Human Experience, 7 pm-10 pm • Improv, 6 pm-8 pm • 51s vs. REN, 7:05 pm 23 Tuesday • 51s vs. REN, 7:05 pm 24 Wednesday • 51s vs. REN, 7:05 pm 25 Thursday • VegasJelly, 7 pm-12 am • 51s vs. REN, 7:05 pm 26 Friday • 3rd Street Farmers Market, 9 am-6 pm • DJ Ultra at Mob Bar, 9 pm-1 am • Aruba Lounge Swing/Lindy Dancing, 8:15 pm • 51s vs. SAC, 7:05 pm 27 Saturday • Loco Run, 7 am-10 am • 51s vs. SAC, 7:05 pm 28 Sunday • 51s vs. SAC, 7:05 pm

19 Friday • 3rd Street Farmers Market, 9 am-6 pm • DJ Ultra at Mob Bar, 9 pm-1 am • Aruba Lounge Swing/Lindy Dancing, 8:15pm

29 Monday • Human Experience, 7 pm-10 pm • Improv, 6 pm-8 pm • 51s vs. SAC, 7:05 pm

20 Saturday • Night Stomp, 7pm-12am

30 Tuesday • Trivia, 7pm

21 Sunday

31 Wednesday

August SNEAK PEEK 3rd Street Farmers Market, 9 am-6 pm Fridays

01 Thursday • VegasJelly, 7 pm-12 am 02 Friday • 3rd Street Farmers Market, 9 am-6 pm • DJ Ultra at Mob Bar, 9 pm-1 am • First Friday, 5 pm-11 pm • Aruba Lounge Swing/Lindy Dancing, 8:15 pm 03 Saturday 04 Sunday

First Friday, 5 pm-11 pm

05 Monday • Human Experience, 7 pm-10 pm • Improv, 6 pm-8 pm

06 Tuesday 07 Wednesday 08 Thursday • VegasJelly, 7 pm-12 am 09 Friday • 3rd Street Farmers Market, 9 am-6 pm • DJ Ultra at Mob Bar, 9 pm-1 am • Aruba Lounge Swing/Lindy Dancing, 8:15 pm 10 Saturday • Sprinkler Sprint, 7 am • StrEATS, 6 pm-1 am

DJ Ultra at Mob Bar, 9 pm-1 am

SCAN ME TO GET THE DIGITAL COPY