Sensi Magazine - Las Vegas (September 2018) by Sensi Magazine

L AS VEG A S

THE NEW NORMAL

9.2018

creating CONVERSAT ION art altering

doing

VEGAS

A N AT I V E â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S TA K E

PL AY time Vegas Theatre

plus

COSPL AY + FANDOM DRINK UP AND SOCIALIZE

s s e M t o S

IC ET

S KU

CBD

TOPICALS for the skincare snob Available in dispensaries and online www.HotMessKushmetics.com

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2018 3

4 SEPTEMBER 2018 Las Vegas

ISSUE 7 // VOLUME 1 // 9.2018

HIGH NOTES A musical journey

FEATURES 34

EPIC FUN Playtime in the city

SP EC IAL R EP OR T

Big Ideas

As the cannabis market continues to mature, will we be passing the joint or heating the pipe?

40 So you want to be an Airbnb host Plan on getting to know humanity— and yourself—better than you might want to.

every issue 07 Editor’s Note 08 The Buzz 12 CrossRoads

GATEWAY TO GOOD

16 TasteBuds

HISTORY AND BREWS

20 Around Town

SHAKESPEARE’S EFFECT

24 TravelWell

EXCURSION INTO VEGAS

26 LifeStyle

COSPLAY, COMMUNITY, CULTURE

30 HighProfile

PLAYING TOURIST A local experience

A BEAUTIFUL CRESCENDO

48 The Scene

SENSI NIGHT LAS VEGAS

50 HereWeGo

HELLO KITTY

CORRECTION: In the August 2018 issue, we inadvertently referred to a product as High Ivory and High Hemp in a Promotional Feature on Kushmetics. The correct name is High Jump.

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2018 5

sensi magazine ISSUE 7 VOLUME 1 9.2018

EXECUTIVE FOLLOW US

Ron Kolb ron@sensimag.com CEO, SENSI MEDIA GROUP

Tae Darnell tae@sensimag.com PRESIDENT, SENSI MEDIA GROUP

Alex Martinez alex@sensimag.com CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

sensimediagroup

EDITORIAL Stephanie Wilson stephanie@sensimag.com EDITOR IN CHIEF

Debbie Hall debbie.hall@sensimag.com MANAGING EDITOR, SENSI LAS VEGAS

Leland Rucker leland.rucker@sensimag.com SENIOR EDITOR

Robyn Griggs Lawrence CONTRIBUTING EDITOR sensimagazine

Ricardo Baca COLUMNIST Ashley Glenn CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A RT & D E S I G N Jennifer Tyson jennifer.tyson@sensimag.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR

sensimag

Jamie Ezra Mark, Rheya Tanner, Wendy Mak, Josh Clark, Deb Matlock akers@sensimag.com DESIGN & LAYOUT

BUSINESS & A D M I N I S T R AT I V E Susan Lugo susan.lugo@sensimag.com PUBLISHER

Daniel Asarch daniel.asarch@sensimag.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Amber Orvik amber.orvik@sensimag.com CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR

Andre Velez andre.velez@sensimag.com MARKETING DIRECTOR

Hector Irizarry hector@sensimag.com DISTRIBUTION

M E D I A PA RT N E R S Marijuana Business Daily Minority Cannabis Business Association National Cannabis Industry Association Students for Sensible Drug Policy

6 SEPTEMBER 2018 Las Vegas

Cultivating Las Vegas ADVISORY BOARD American Cannabis Company // CONSULTING CannaPunch // INFUSED CANDIES AND JUICES Cohen Medical Centers // MEDICAL CENTERS Crooked Cactus CBD // CBD TINCTURES DigiPath Labs // CANNABIS TESTING Emerald Harvest // NUTRIENTS Evergreen Organix // PREMIUM BAKED GOODS Flowerkist // TOPICALS GreenHouse Payment Solutions // PAYMENT PROCESSING

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editor’s

Culture

NOTE

There was a time critics claimed Vegas was devoid of

any culture. Socialites and the like denounced Southern Nevada as a desert where only gaudy neon lights and garish casinos existed. It wasn’t true then, and it certainly is not true today. Arts and culture have long since been a part of Las Vegas. Orchestras, theatre companies, operas, art galleries, poetry slams, museums, dance groups, and musicians are celebrating decades of performances in the city. Sin City Opera, Opera Las Vegas, and Nevada Opera Theatre have been hitting the high notes for years. Classical orchestras such as the Las Vegas Philharmonic and Henderson Symphony Orchestra showcase the masters, while Nevada Ballet Theatre celebrates dance. If all the world’s a stage, over 10 theatre companies in Vegas dramatize life, and have done so for years. Couple that with the surge of art galleries, concerts sponsored by park and rec departments, college programs, and high schools devoted to the arts, it seems Vegas has become its own artistic and cultural epicenter and rightfully so. Art is a vital form of communication. Music can be rock, rap or classical and still send a message. Street art and Picasso signify expression. It’s all about opening up, seeing the world from a different perspective, and enjoying the experience. Culture embraces the soul of people and places, capturing the past in a way that intersects with contemporary times. Whether it is a symphony written in the 1900s or an emerging playwright, this catchall called culture is really an appreciation of all forms of expression. However, while all of this is abundant in Las Vegas, I would be remiss if I didn’t address the one area that is desperately lacking: our schools. With budget cuts of $68 million in the coming school year, programs introducing students to various forms of art and culture have been eliminated. Being exposed to these two essentials benefited me as a child and I encourage ideas and solutions to keep this vital aspect of education implemented in our schools. Having said that, I urge our readers to see a play, attend an exhibit, and enjoy a performance in one of the most diverse, colorful, and expansive cities in the world. Thank you for being a part of our Sensi family; we are honored to explore the world right alongside you.

Yours in the new normal,

Debbie Hall

M ANAG I NG E D I TO R SENSI LAS VEGAS

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2018 7

THE NEW NORMAL

sensi

buzz

D R I N K + P L AY

DIY

Get cool with crafting at Corks ‘n Crafts.

Photo of macramé by Ian Keefe Photography courtesy of Corks ‘n Crafts

Altering a piece of wood, molding string into a statement, or braiding chord into art is what the love of crafting is all about. Corks ‘n Crafts (CORKSNCRAFTS.COM ) at Downtown Summerlin takes the summer camp, art class, or scouting experience and transforms it into a fun, handson project in an upscale, industrial workshop environment. A delicious menu, craft beers, Veuve Clicquot bubbles, and fine wines are combined with woodworking, macramé, seasonal décor, jewelry making, string art, fabric dying, and décor boards. Owner Alainah Paul (along with her husband) opened their first brick-and-mortar flagship location because “We felt Las Vegas needed new experiences including choices for a night out.” The mother of two young children, she still wanted to socialize with her friends while doing something fun. Her love for crafting translates into a delight for adults, couples, children, and families. Experts and beginners improve and embellish during guided master classes. For those living “on demand,” drop-in to express your artistry. It is the perfect opportunity to learn how to use a drill, hammer a nail, and become a DIYer. Create unique décor, redefine wedding reception decorations, build a game and play it, or find common materials for team building. Crafts add that personal touch. –Debbie Hall Corks N Crafts / 1875 Festival Plaza Dr #100, Las Vegas, NV 89135

DRAG

Fit for a

Queen Sashay with these divas

Sake Rok at The Park MGM drags dinner-and-a-show to new heights with Drag Supper Club (DRAGSUPPERCLUB.COM) making it fit for a queen. Emmy-winning competition reality show RuPaul’s Drag Race Queens contestants Shannel, Coco Montrese, and India Ferrah strut their stuff, sing their hearts out, and throw some shade. One of Shannel’s talents is a character illusionist creating visuals of Joan Crawford, Judy Garland, and Cher, to 8 SEPTEMBER 2018 Las Vegas

name a few. Coco’s strong lip-syncing skills, and being crowned Miss Gay America in 2010, make her a Diva with a capital D. India is flamboyant and high glam with heart. The entire cast shines with their over-the-top routines, costumes, makeup, and hair. The drag queens reveal their softer sides then belt out hit songs and show off their moves. Being this beautiful and talented should be illegal. Along with the revelry, the night out features bottomless sangria, and Sake Rok pre-fixe dinner served family style. For those who prefer sass in the afternoon, Drag Brunch at Señor Frogs features tasty Mexican dishes so you can sip brunch cocktails with the same impertinent show. The colorful Shangeal, a fan favorite from Ru Paul’s Drag Race, shares her style and wit along the other ladies. It’s a day out you won’t want to pass up. –DH

Planet 13 / 2548 W Desert Inn Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

CANNABIS

Groundbreaking

and dance high and mesmerize visitors in the main lobby. You can even step on a sensory-activated LED

Anticipation filled the air during the unveiling of

floor creating a personal interactive show. The laser

Phase 1 of Planet 13 Superstore (PLANET13LASVEGAS.

graffiti brings out creativity by inviting people to share

COM ) scheduled to open to the public in November. The

drawings and messages. Numerous 3D visuals will be

complex will encompass over 40,000 square feet with

projected onto walls, and the 15-foot-tall LED lotus

16,500 square feet dedicated to retail cannabis space.

flowers, controlled by guests, will “grow” on the exterior.

The multifaceted entertainment space caters to locals

Clark County Commissioner Steve Siolak, State Sen.

and visitors with state-of-the-art attractions, and

Tick Segerblom, and Las Vegas Councilwoman Michele

thought-provoking art. Located walking distance from

Fiore attended the ceremony showing their support. A

the Strip, the center is being touted as the largest can-

representative of Congresswoman Dina Titus presented

nabis entertainment complex in the world. As the

co-CEOs Robert Groesbeck and Larry Scheffler with a

economy rebounds, over 100 jobs will be created.

proclamation for the welcome addition to Las Vegas. –DH

PHOTO BY CARLOS MACIAS/SAKE ROK

PHOTOS BY CARLOS MACIAS / SAKE ROK

Planet 13 Superstore expands as the world’s largest cannabis entertainment complex.

Like Alice falling down the rabbit hole, guests will be transported to another world. Glowing aerial orbs float

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2018 9

THE NEW NORMAL

sensi

buzz

ART

STYLE

Eye of the Beholder

Pedal Diva

Can the ordinary become extraordinary? A group of Invited artists will explore that exact question. Each artist will be showing two pieces of work that exemplify the comparison during the Ordinary Extraordinary art exhibit in the Mayor’s Gallery (LASVEGASNEVADA.GOV ) at Historic Fifth Street School. Concepts such as duality, dichotomy, and polarity take on a new meaning as expressed in the pieces that will be on display. Bridging the gap between creativity and simplicity, showcasing that art is anything but ordinary, as guests and art lovers will have an opportunity to experience an immersive exhibition. How will the artists’ concept resonate with those who come to view and reflect? Check out the exhibit through Sept. 15 with a free gallery reception to be held on Sept. 14 to see firsthand. At the City Hall Grand Gallery, you can find art by Brissa Arana, a local Mexican-American artist and cultural advocate whose work can only be described as distinct and unique. She has traveled the world to present her ceramic sculptures and share the richness of her mestizo heritage. De Chile, Mole y Pozole: Absence of Uniformity delves into her personal experiences influenced by her Hispanic heritage, culture, and origin. Her sense of self developed from this appreciation that is transformed into her artwork. Arana’s pieces will be on display in the City Hall Grand Gallery Sept. 6 to Nov. 18 with a gallery reception Sept. 13. –DH

Even in the desert heat, people love to ride their bikes. Pick a beautiful day to explore on two wheels, find a biking outfit, pack snacks, and then, as a responsible adult, put on a bike helmet—not exactly a fashion statement. Bike Pretty (BIKEPRETTY.COM) changes the game with its assortment of stylish bike helmets. Enhance that outdoor look with straw, tweed, or denim hats and still wear a helmet as a safety precaution. One of its best sellers is the Straw Hat bike helmet. Its inspiration is a turn-of-the-century picture hat that fits today’s contemporary style. The helmet is a YAKKAY Smart 2 bike helmet with the fitted hat cover. The 3-inch halo brim shields the face from the UV rays of the sun, and the hypoallergenic elastic band hugs the helmet at speeds of up to 30 mph. The helmet itself is lightweight with a terry-side wick to absorb sweat. Bike Pretty Founder, Melissa Davies, first expressed her passion for bikes, fashion, and the combination of the two in a blog post. She was encouraged by her then boyfriend (now husband) to start a company to offer cool helmets. Each hat is handmade in California and available in various sizes, styles, and materials to ride a bike fashionably. –DH

Art captures the imagination in downtown Las Vegas

10 SEPTEMBER 2018 Las Vegas

Accessorize bike helmets to match the outfit.

NOURISH

Soothe the Mind, Soul, and Body

Kana Modern Apothecary is dedicated to expanding knowledge and outreach. The recent brick-and-mortar store opening of Kana Modern Apothecary (KANASHOPPE.COM) in downtown Las Vegas expresses the cool factor found in this urban metropolis. Embracing the hemp movement, Kana offers an engaging and interactive place to hang out that especially resonates in a digital world. The store concept came to life when Jessica Arrizon became a cannabis warrior in 2016. Her husband Paul served in the military for 16 years and, after being injured, was prescribed pharmaceutical medications. After he switched to medicinal cannabis, she devoted her time to impact the community and developed the store as part of her outreach. Co-founded with Timothy Jennings, both have dedicated themselves to promoting hemp and alternatives to Big Pharma. When you walk in, you can sit on a barstool and talk to their staff about the various hemp and CBD products they carry, or peruse the library stocked with books, medical peer review journals, scientific studies, testimonials, and samples. They also have a collection of pet products that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t require prescriptions. Everything featured is holistic, organic, and green-based, offering alternatives for everyday life. Kana Modern Apothecary is all about creating an inviting atmosphere for everyone to connect and learn.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;DH

Kana Modern Apothecary / 1120, 1410 S Main St. / Las Vegas, NV 89104

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2018 11

{crossroads} by R I C A R D O B A C A

Multiple major studies agree: legal cannabis laws make for lower opioid use rates. So why arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t we combating the opioid epidemic with weed?

12 SEPTEMBER 2018 Las Vegas

There it is again: Another high-level study telling the world there is a legitimate geographic connection between legal marijuana laws and lower opioid use rates. And before anyone questions the validity of this July 2018 study, know that it was conducted by researchers from the University of California San Diego and the Weill Cornell Medical College, the latter of which is the medical school at Ivy League institution, Cornell University. Ivy League’s pretty legit. And so is the University of Georgia, where researchers recently found that there are “substantial reductions in opiate use” in states that have implemented medical marijuana laws—findings they reported in JAMA Internal Medicine, a medical journal that is published by the Journal of the American Medical Association, which is also pretty legit. There are even more studies pointing to the same conclusion—including studies authored by researchers from the University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Emory University, and other respected academic institutions.

GATEWAY TO GOOD But how many encouraging studies published in the world’s most respected peer-reviewed medical journals do there need to be before the US federal government starts seriously discussing cannabis as a viable and effective alternative to the opioids that are ravaging everyday Americans daily? That cannabis is in fact an effective exit drug from the more dangerous-and-deadly opioids that are killing more than 115 Americans every day (according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse) shouldn’t surprise anybody who has been paying attention. The National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine told us in 2017 there is “conclusive or substantial evidence” that cannabis is effective at treating pain. A few years earlier a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the esteemed Journal of the American Medical Association (remember them?) told us there was “moderate-quality evidence to support the use of cannabinoids for the treatment of chronic pain.” sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2018 13

“If you call something an emergency,” he said, “urgent action should immediately follow.” You’d think, right? And yet all we’ve seen is inaction, which is unfortunately what we’ve come to expect from Trump and his administration of inept yes-men. But just think about the common sense here, and how So the positioning of cannabis as an effective treatment for pain goes beyond your Uncle Al’s vouching for it. And yet President Donald Trump, who has called the

we’re completely ignoring a life-saving solution amid a tragic epidemic that is killing 3,500 Americans every month.

opioid epidemic “the worst drug crisis in American history,”

Americans are in tremendous pain—and not just of the

stopped short of declaring a national emergency, as his

divisive, existential variety often associated with the man

opioid commission had recommended—instead opting to

residing at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. More than 10 percent of

call it a public health emergency.

Americans experience a lot of pain, and more than 55 per-

Dr. Andrew Kolodny, co-director of the Opioid Policy Re-

cent reported some type of pain in the three months leading

search Collaborative at Brandeis University, told USA To-

up to a recent survey funded by the National Institutes of

day that Trump was right in calling the epidemic an emer-

Health’s National Center for Complementary and Integra-

gency—but Kolodny found the president’s lack of action

tive Health (NCCIH) and published in The Journal of Pain.

surprising.

14 SEPTEMBER 2018 Las Vegas

While severely addictive and deadly opioids are com-

monly prescribed for this pain, top-level research tells us that cannabis—a non-deadly, less-addictive substance— can effectively treat many of these types of pain. And yet do you see the federal government mentioning marijuana as a potential alternative to this tragic state we’re in, a.k.a. “the worst drug crisis in American history”? Nope. At least some states are starting to catch on. In mid-July,“New York State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker filed

Kudos to New York, and more importantly, bravo to

emergency regulations adding any condition for which an opi-

Zucker! If prescribing physicians in the Empire State adapt

oid could be prescribed as a qualifying condition for medical

to these emergency regulations, his common-sense mo-

marijuana,” reported Leafly, a leading cannabis news site.

tion will save untold lives.

As Zucker’s office wrote: “Effective immediately, regis-

And meanwhile the federal government twiddles its

tered practitioners may certify patients to use medical

thumbs as more than 100 families from San Diego to Ban-

marijuana as a replacement for opioids, provided that the

gor say goodbye forever to their loved ones with each

precise underlying condition for which an opioid would

passing sunset.

otherwise be prescribed is stated on the patient’s certification. This allows patients with severe pain that doesn’t meet the definition of chronic pain to use medical marijuana as a replacement for opioids.”

RICARDO BACA is a veteran journalist, thought leader, and founder of The Cannabist. His content agency Grasslands works primarily with businesses and individuals in the cannabis and hemp industries on thought leadership, publicity, and marketing projects via thoughtful, personalized content campaigns.

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2018 15

{tastebuds} by D E B B I E H A L L

APPRECIATING HISTORY AND BREWS

Find collectibles while tossing one back at ReBAR and Nevada Taste Site.

(REBARLV.COM)

and Nevada Taste Site

(FACE-

rounded by the past and looking forward to the future.

fits the hip, urban scene on

“There are over 30 great breweries in the state, so I

Main Street. The culmination of dreams, sweat, and hard

wanted to create a place offering Nevada beer, recipes, and

work; owner and founder Derek Stonebarger pours his

food and combine it with history.” Patrons can order and

heart and soul into the heartbeat of the community.

enjoy beers in flights or by the glass with several choices

BOOK.COM/NEVADATASTESITE)

Combining equal parts thrift store, drinking establishment, art gallery, and antique store, anything can be purchased at ReBAR.

brewed in Northern Nevada. Selections will be rotated, and most brews will be unique to the area. One of his most prized possessions on display is the re-

“We have a wonderful staff who are extremely smart

stored “Davy’s Locker” sign, the beloved dive bar which first

and can do more than pour drinks. They make sausages,

opened in the 1960s. He rescued the discarded sign from

including vegan, and sell the merchandise,” says Stone-

the garbage, and it now has a permanent home. A portrait of

barger. “Everything is for sale including the glass you’re

Vegas icon Buffalo Jim looms over the booths, while a 1904

holding, the bar stool you’re sitting on, and everything else.”

sign rescued from a flooded Goldfield, Nevada brewery

ReBAR epitomizes diversity. The crowd includes hip-

beckons patrons. New pieces will be continuously added

sters, professionals, tourists, and neighborhood regulars.

with a chance for history buffs to gather and learn. Unlike

Think of the bar in 1980s sitcom Cheers transported to

ReBAR, only food and drinks are for sale while historical

Vegas with all generations congregating in a familiar spot.

pieces are meant to be appreciated. Nevada Taste Site is

Two of its walls act as an art gallery displaying the works

also family-friendly with a cordoned area for guests over 21.

of local artists with pieces changed out on Preview Thurs-

As for his investment in the neighborhood, both finan-

day (the day before First Friday).

cially and personally, “The future of Las Vegas is Main

Along with old-school favorite drinks, several cocktails on

Street. We can all now be proud of the area, and it is one of

its menu are designated for charity. Order an Afterschool

the best in town. It is about the location and connectivity.”

Mule and a portion of the sale will benefit Afterschool Allstars.

Improvements by the city continue as well including the

Two doors to the north, Stonebarger’s latest project is

hanging of street lamps and upgrades on surface streets.

Nevada Taste Site. Memories are preserved as a funky mu-

His journey to his adopted home began in 2001 as a de-

seum, except everyone is imbibing Nevada craft beers sur-

cision to accept a job at a local television station and relo-

16 SEPTEMBER 2018 Las Vegas

PHOTO BY JESSE LAMBERT / ARCH ANGEL STUDIOS

ReBAR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSE LAMBERT/ARCH ANGELS STUDIO

“The future of Las Vegas is Main Street. We can all now be proud of the area, and it is one of the best in town. It is about the location and connectivity.”

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2018 17

cate to Las Vegas. When Stonebarger made that choice the

theme song from Cheers, “Where everyone knows your

first week of September, he viewed it as another step in his

name,” it's befitting for ReBAR and Nevada Taste Site.

career. The world had changed dramatically with the events of 9/11, and his arrival in Las Vegas happened

ReBAR / 1225 S. Main Street / Las Vegas, NV 89104 Nevada Taste Site / 1221 S Main Street / Las Vegas, NV 89104

amidst the turbulence of those life-altering events. The Strip was practically deserted during Stonebarger’s stay at the Tropicana while settling into his new city. He explored the Valley and, even before revitalization of downtown, fell in love with the urban community and bought his home in the vintage John S. Park neighborhood in 2006. During his television career, Stonebarger won an Emmy, worked at several stations, and started his own television production company. Despite his success for 15 years, he was burnt out and switched to the bar business. “I helped market a struggling bar downtown owned by a friend. I was always hanging out with him while working on producing shows. Then came the opportunity with Atomic Liquors,” he explains. The challenge of revitalizing the oldest freestanding bar in Vegas appealed to him, and while his actual share of the business was small, Stonebarger worked his magic. It was through his efforts that the late Anthony Bourdain featured the bar on the live finale of CNN’s Parts Unknown broadcast to over 120 countries.

The Top 10 reasons why ReBar + Nevada Taste Site Rock 1

ReBAR is the only bar where everything is for sale.

Charitable Cocktail = donation to the local nonprofit designated for that drink.

Local food. Vegan options. But eat meat because each sausage ordered also donates to Three Square Food Bank!

Live weekly events.

More than 20 local, Nevada-only beers.

Stonebarger was given a clean bill of health, and he saw it

Restored Davy’s Locker neon sign.

as a sign to pursue his dreams, which included opening

Nevada based history on the walls, all with a story. Local monthly history lessons given about new items.

Bunker Grille. Kitchen features local chef Nikki Hughes’ original creations.

Giant patio spanning the footprint of both bars.

“That was the height of my marketing career, but I had already moved on to producing Pawn Stars Live, at the Golden Nugget with Rick Harrison.” Stonebarger was working on the parody of the Pawn Stars television show when he got another life-altering diagnosis: terminal cancer. “I was in so much debt and honestly didn’t think I was going to survive.” He sold all of his interest in projects and everything he owned so his affairs would be in order for his wife. Then, what might be described as a miracle or fate,

ReBAR and Nevada Taste Site. Along with his business, as the elected Arts District Neighborhood Association Board President, Stonebarger boldly moves forward to continue the transformation of the urban center. The heart of Las Vegas is where he has infused his passion and goals. Long-time residents have witnessed the deterioration of downtown for years, but with community leaders like Stonebarger, the community has risen like a phoenix from the ashes. Singing the lyrics of the 18 SEPTEMBER 2018 Las Vegas

10 The Funkyard. Our local event center and theatre venue available to rent.

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2018 19

{aroundtown} by D E B B I E H A L L

SHAKESPE ARE’S EFFECT Drama and comedy flourish on the stages of downtown companies.

The love of theatre abounds in its players and audience,

“We are very language-centric in the plays we present,”

especially in Vegas. Theatre companies call the arts district

explains Woodhead. “The plays are filled with raw emo-

home bringing the dramatic effect to the urban landscape.

tionality that reaches the audience, talking about subjects

With over 10 theatre companies, the lure of greasepaint,

that impact their lives.”

bright lights, and applause capture the hearts of many— behind the scenes and on stage.

voice on stage with the first production of the season, Every Brilliant Thing. Visiting artist, Jane C. Walsh, directs with

Cockroach Theatre ATRE.COM)

lead actor, Marcus Weiss, bringing to life one person’s de-

(COCKROACHTHE-

lives up to its name, cele-

brating 15 years in existence and beginning its sixth season in the Art Square Theatre

(ARTSQUARETHEATRELV.COM).

all started with a midnight performance of LINE by Israel Horovitz performed by five theatre grads (still working day jobs) from UNLV. The unexpected success of the play encouraged everyone to forge ahead and officially establish the progressive company. The metaphor of its name is synonymous with

“We want to open a conversation that a person might not know how to speak about.” —Mindy Woodhead, Cockroach Theatre

survival and resilience as demonstrated by its success.

sire to help his chronically depressed mother to the narrative of celebrating life’s small joys. Walsh discovered the play through the Portland Center Stage company and after researching, realized that “Marcus Weiss needs to do this piece. The story needs to be told.” Thanks to social media, she was able to reach the principles of Cockroach, and everyone agreed it is a powerful piece needed in today’s dialogue. “We want to open a conversation that a person might not know how to speak about,” says Woodhead. “De-

pression, suicide, and mental health are issues people will

The passion, drive, and focus on creating and present-

circle around.” Woodhead saw an interview of the play-

ing forward-thinking theatre continues with the present

wright of Every Brilliant Thing who stated, “that there is a

day company and its 2018-19 season. Founder and Exec-

social responsibility to talk about this issue but it must be

utive Director Levi Fackrell and Development Director (ac-

done in a socially responsible way.” He didn’t want to add

tor, theatre teacher) Mindy Woodhead continue to pro-

to the problem but felt initiating a conversation will help.

duce great plays celebrating verbal communication. 20 SEPTEMBER 2018 Las Vegas

Staged in-the-round, the touching, funny, and intimate

PHOTOGRAPHY OF COCKROACH THEATRE BY JESSE LAMBERT/ARCH ANEL STUDIO

Cockroach Theatre

The recent awareness of depression and suicide finds a

Cockroach Theatre / Art Square Theatre / 1025 South First Street / Las Vegas, NV 89101 sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2018 21

Dream of writing a play? One of the theatre group’s newest projects, Playwright Forum, brings novice playwrights together with seasoned writers for feedback and discussion on what could be the next hit (think Hamilton). Actors will also perform short readings of scripts submitted, bringing their words to life. No Exit by Jean-Paul Sartre, adapted by Paul Bowles, is the first staged reading of the new season. Presenting the plot of three damned souls locked together in a room, readings are held at the Clark County Library at no cost and open to the public. Changes in characters’ lives are explored in the first production of the season, Incognito by Nick Payne. Albert Einstein’s brain is stolen, a neuropsychologist ventures A Public Fit / The Usual Place / 100 S. Maryland Parkway / Las Vegas, NV 89101

into romance with another woman, and a seizure patient only remembers his love for his girlfriend. Directed by Pereth and co-founder Joseph Kucan, the show runs Nov. 29–Dec. 15. In the spirit of working together, since con-

play, Every Brilliant Thing, will be presented Sept. 13–30.

struction on The Usual Place will not be completed in time,

This production promises to be the first victory of another

the production will be held at the Art Square Theatre in

thought-provoking, emotionally charged season for Cock-

association with Cockroach Theatre.

roach Theatre.

The inspiration to create a theatre company began as a series of play readings on a Las Vegas patio, which moti-

A Public Fit Theatre

vated Pereth.

Challenging perceptions and expectations, A Public Fit

“I wanted to create work for the people that I love, for

Theatre (APUBLICFIT.ORG ) begins its fifth season of bringing

the community, for artists and myself,” she says. Raised in

thought-provoking plays and readings to Southern Neva-

Las Vegas, she followed her dream and acted, danced, di-

da. Full productions come alive at The Usual Place, next to

rected, and choreographed in theatres across the country

PublicUs (PUBLICUSLV.COM ) coffee house, located blocks

before returning to Vegas.

from Fremont Street East. Strong emotions, insightful dia-

It is a passion for Pereth and Kucan that began when

logue, and commitment fill an 8,000-square-foot ware-

they were children where they both performed in the Rain-

house that once housed a gym and furniture store.

bow Company Youth Theatre (RAINBOWCOMPANY.ORG ).

“Downtown is cool. The true history of Las Vegas start-

Theatre builds community through great storytelling,

ed downtown,” says co-founder and Artistic Director, Ann

expansive ideologies, and continuing conversations. The

Marie Pereth.

dialogue, music, settings, as well as the directors and ac-

Engagement is an integral component to A Public Fit. Immediately following each performance, the audience is

tors, create a multisensory message, moving the audience to a richer understanding of the world around them.

sion of the play’s themes and style. The Outburst series continues this season celebrating storytelling by a collection of unique storytellers. Another element, improv teams comprised of Vegas students known as The High School Jesters League (HIGHSCHOOLJESTERS.COM) , add another layer of entertainment with improv based on the themes of the play. 22 SEPTEMBER 2018 Las Vegas

The September Calendar includes: Every Brilliant Thing, the Outburst series, The Buzzz, Playwright Forum, and No Exit. Check out the full schedule: + APUBLICFIT.ORG

COCKROACHTHEATRE.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF A PUBLIC FIT

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{travelwell} by D E B B I E H A L L

EXCURSION INTO VEGAS I love Las Vegas.

SIMPLE STATE-

MENT. BUT AS A RESIDENT FOR 40 YEARS, I HAVE DISCOVERED AND EXPLORED

every nook

and cranny OF THIS CITYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HISTORY, CULTURE, AND COMMUNITY. I am the ultimate tourist, EVEN IN MY HOMETOWN. I descend on the Strip, hang out downtown, and travel to all parts of the Valley. I love museums, art galleries, live theatre, music, poetry readings, and just being a part of life in Southern Nevada. Add knowledge of history, a touch of the spiritual, and an appreciation of the desert climate and I am a Vegas gal through and through. Below is a breakdown of my outings into the city and just why it is I love it here so much.

Mormon Fort History fascinates me. I want to touch, see, feel, hear, and even smell the past. While Vegas is known for imploding and razing most of its out-of-date structures, the first permanent, non-native settlement remains at the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort. Walking on the dirt to the remains of the adobe fort built in 1855, I get chills. I can imagine the determination, fear, and hope of the missionaries as they found the creek and established the settlement. Historical artifacts, exhibits, and photos document the journey of families who made such a treacherous trip. It amazes me as I look to the north and view the state of Nevada government building. I watch the cars and remind myself that this area was all dirt with cactus and brush. Of 24 SEPTEMBER 2018 Las Vegas

course, I appreciate the dichotomy of the convenience store on the corner and Cashman Field to the east. However, standing in a small plot of 19th-century history takes my breath away.

Burlesque Hall Of Fame Las Vegas was built on sex. Visiting the Burlesque Hall of Fame (BURLESQUE.COM) helps me appreciate sensuality through the art of the tease. I am not speaking of pole dancing or stripping. It is a style and art form to be admired—with amazing performers adorned in rhinestones, tassels, silk, satin, and fur. As I gaze at the costumes, I can’t help but think of the seamstresses who lovingly measured, cut, and sewed these beautiful garments. Throughout the decades, thousands of costumes gave way to the forbidden that can now only be experienced watching an old movie or period drama such as Boardwalk Empire. I can visualize the rehearsals, the long days, and even longer nights while looking at the stage props on display which helped

THE GRAND TOUR Fort Take a stroll Mormon PARKS.NV.GOV/PARKS/OLD-L ASinto some of the VEGAS-MORMON-FORT parts of Vegas Hall of Fame that take you back Burlesque BURLESQUEHALL .COM (and forward) in Down Saloon peaceful opposition Double DOUBLEDOWNSALOON.COM

Other old-school The Barrymore spots that stayed BARRYMORELV.COM true to their roots Frankie’s Tiki Room: or updated their FRANKIESTIKIROOM.COM digs as an homage Pample Mousse Restaurant: to times passed PAMPLEMOUSSERESTAURANT.COM

create a fantasy world for those watching what was unfolding on stage. The prop masters who lovingly maintained these pieces are only known to their families, but their work— for me and many others—is something to appreciate. Photographs capture these timeless memories, although some are faded, and many of the names are forgotten. I have interviewed Dita Von Teese, who keeps the art form contemporary while performing internationally. She brings her show to Vegas, and I know she is so passionate about burlesque as well. It is all about history, and while some might view it as gaudy, I appreciate the colorful terrain that makes Vegas, well, Vegas..

Double Down Saloon The iconic bar and club known as Double Down Saloon was anti-Vegas when it opened its doors in 1992 and remains more defiant with an attitude that permeates everywhere. Its theme, “Shut Up and Drink—Drink, Smoke, Gamble” really says it all. First, it is very, very dark. I mean the lighting is explicitly dark, even the image of the saloon is very, very dark. It’s pretty indicative of a place you can’t help but be drawn to. Chaotic murals cover every inch inside while loud, disturbing videos scream day and night unless, of course, a band is on stage. The décor epitomizes urban decay, and I already know that is the way everyone likes it. No pretense, no upscale yearnings; it is just an adult clubhouse for the kids that were not popular in high school. Still, I love the place. I play pool and try my hand at pinball (still trying to master that one) while sipping on a signature original bacon martini. I believe bacon goes with everything, especially a martini. For the more daring, choke on—I mean sip—the Fabled Ass Juice, a fruity vodka concoction. It is gritty, real, and symbolizes the independent spirit of living in Las Vegas. The reality of Vegas is a contrast amplified by the tourist economy to the 2 million people who call the Valley in the desert home. It indeed is like no other place on earth, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2018 25

{lifestyle} by A S H L E Y G L E N N

COSPL AY, COMMUNIT Y, CULTURE The Millennium Fandom Bar brings more diversity to Vegas.

26 SEPTEMBER 2018 Las Vegas

Cosplay and fandom have been a playground for imagination and com-

cosplay geeks rejoice!

Pusineri says that being part of the arts district, “—it should come as no sur-

munity since their inception. In Ve-

The scene is set with plush seating, a

prise that talent is abundant.” When

gas, there is one bar devoted entirely

traditional bar with a variety of liba-

you’re inside, you see the look of wonder

to igniting that love: The Millennium

tions, and a giant replica of the Millenni-

and can see the pride and intricacy put

Fandom Bar

(MILLENNIUMFANDOM-

um Falcon hanging from the ceiling.

into the models on display. The fandom

With a nightlife and bar

With splashes of color and extremely

community in Vegas is exceptionally gift-

scene in Vegas synonymous with

eye-catching décor, even with the tra-

ed, especially for the cosplayers [cos-

themes, catering to the 24/7 pulse of

ditional dim lighting every Vegas bar is

tume makers], prop makers, and artists.

the city, this bar stands apart, offer-

known for, this bar is one you’ll be en-

“There’s an absolutely awesome

ing its patrons a niche experience un-

amored by. In fact, you might mistake

cosplay culture in Vegas,” Pusineri

like any other.

this for a small convention floor.

says. “When I check the other stuff

BAR.COM).

PHOTOS VIA INSTAGRAM.COM/MILLENNIUMFANDOMBAR

and genres of cosplay. Fandom and

Situated in the downtown area of

“We really emphasize the local art-

[in other cities], it’s different from

Vegas, Millennium Fandom Bar (MFB)

ist and prop makers,” explains Alex

is anchored on the east end of the arts

Pusineri, owner of the bar. “The com-

Vegas naturally appeals to a di-

district and is minutes away from the

munity is super good in Vegas, very

verse group of people—of all ages

Fremont Street Experience. But—it’s

impressive and talented. People don't

and tastes—so coming to the Millen-

not obvious so keep your eyes peeled.

know about them because the artists

nium Fandom Bar only lends itself to

Once you do arrive, you’re greeted

and prop people are not famous, so

the sweet, sweet draw of taking on

with their logo lit in bright neon lights,

I’m doing this to showcase their work.”

our alter egos with happy abandon.

inviting you into a narrow hallway that

The community also supports the bar

While much of the Vegas nightlife re-

opens up into a large room full of

by donating a good portion of the

volves so heavily around gaming,

memorabilia from various fandoms

props and sculptures.

sports, dancing, and drinking, most of

Vegas.”

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2018 27

the bars can cater to mainstream cul-

day we have a theme night. It’s cos-

meetup than a real bar. So it’s really

ture. Pusineri wanted to create a dif-

play all day long.”

the first fandom bar in the world,”

ferent experience with Millennium and has done so successfully.

Originally from Paris, Pusineri is

according to him.

thrilled about the international and US

Also, for him, it isn’t just about the

“[Fandom is] my thing. It’s a part of

tourists that visit the bar. As it gains

bar. A huge goal for Pusineri is to reach

the person. Some people are into

popularity, more visitors have put the

out and work with other businesses to

sports, and I’m into pop culture.” It’s

bar on their Vegas’ must-see list. They

help the fandom community in Vegas

the cosplay that’s a must for Pusineri,

want to experience what locals have

thrive. Companies like Star Costume &

especially with Vegas’ distinct fan-

flocked to for the last three years. “I’m

Theatrical Supplies are valuable allies

dom culture.

from Paris, so I could have opened in

for the Millennium bar owner because

France or anywhere else—but since I

there are plenty of regulars searching

live here, I wanted to do it in Vegas.”

to get their costume for specially

Like any good cosplay and fandom locale, the MFB is known for its love of

The scene is set with plush seating, a traditional bar with a variety of libations, and a giant replica of the Millennium Falcon hanging from the ceiling.

cosplayers and in honor of its patrons, hosts

adventurous

and

On November 5, the bar will be

exciting

celebrating its third birthday. That’s

themed nights on the weekends. Even

something to celebrate. Fandom

Pusineri cosplays; his usual character

bars are one-of-a-kind places, not

is Morpheus from The Matrix. Themes

only in Vegas but also around the

can range from video games to classic

world. Many of these niche bars don’t

movies, so no matter what fandom

find the success of Millennium, and

someone is into, there will probably

Pusineri agrees he made the right

be a night dedicated to it.

decision opening in Vegas.

“There’s so many,” Pusineri says.

“I know some people tried to do a

“It’s nonstop. Every Friday and Satur-

fandom bar, but it was more like a

28 SEPTEMBER 2018 Las Vegas

themed nights at the bar and they refer one another, growing both of their businesses as a result. “The Millennium is a hub,” Pusineri says. “It’s a platform for the community. My goal is to bring people together.” What’s admirable about this bar is it doesn’t just cater to a group of people not represented in Vegas’ nightlife—it also cares about what happens in the city and wants to offer a place for people to come and play. Pusineri says that he has an objective of connecting people with others in their fandom, including out-

“We see the Millennium Fandom Bar (MFB) as a hub for Cosplayers, as a platform for all kind of Fandoms. From Superheroes to Black & White movies, whatever your Kingdom is: Movies, TV series, Video Games, Comic Books, Graphic Novels, Mangas, Animes, Sci-Fi, we embrace Pop Cultures from all over the World. As a platform, we will also display Artists; own interpretations of Fandom (Fandom Art Gallery), let DJs shake up our awesome DJ booth! We are here to help you relax, interact, and enjoy our Fun and Delicious Signature Cocktails in a very unique atmosphere. ‘Cosplay or not, let’s Fandom!!’ 900 South Las Vegas Blvd. #140 / Las Vegas, NV 89010 (entrance on Hoover)

side businesses. “People love what we’re doing because we take care of them,” Pusineri says. “It’s a business, sure, but I wanted something for our culture and community.” Should you come here, you won’t be at a loss for ways to interact. They even have board games. This place is more than an attraction; it’s a place to start a social life. Labeled one of the top 10 most unique bars in Vegas by Culture Trip and given coverage by mainstream media including Buzzfeed, attributing to some of its global fame, there’s no shortage of reasons to come here. As one of the most exciting bars Vegas has to offer, and one of the most community-centered, its motto is “Cosplay or not, let’s fandom!” Millennium Fandom Bar │ 900 Las Vegas Blvd. South │Las Vegas, NV 89101

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2018 29

{highprofile} by D E B B I E H A L L

A BE AUTIFUL CRESCENDO Alexandra Arrieche inspires passion through music as the Henderson Symphony Orchestra’s first female conductor.

When Brazilian-born Alexandra Arrieche was appointed conductor and musical director of the Henderson Symphony Orchestra

(HENDERSONSYMPHONY.ORG) ,

the

appreciation of melodic symphonies as a contemporary soundtrack skyrocketed. Working in a field dominated by men, she has had tremendous success by choosing to be inspired rather than intimidated. Growing up in Brazil, Arrieche has always loved mutoy instruments exploring differing notes, eventually learning to play the piano and taking voice lessons. One of her favorite memories as a child is of her pencil cases covered with piano keys. “I had several of them, and I even learned to play some melodies from them. Those were my favorites,” she recalls. Drawn to the tangos and boleros of Argentina and Spain, as well as Brazilian-influenced genres, music is in her blood. Her grandfather performed Portuguese folk tunes, and her father played jazz trumpet, but sadly she never heard either play. Her journey as a conductor began in the late 30 SEPTEMBER 2018 Las Vegas

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HENDERSON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

sic. Fascinated by sound, growing up she played with

1990s. “When I first started at 16, I was writing music, and

the way for other female conductors, and that was enough

there was no software at the time to compose. I had to

to encourage Arrieche to follow her dream.

handwrite the notes for the different musicians in my

As if the stars then aligned, auditions were being held for

songs. I would then invite them to play together so I could

an assistantship in conducting. Arrieche had been studying

listen to the pieces I wrote. I would add instruments and

for a short four months, but still applied and got the job.

realized this is how to develop an orchestra,” says Arrieche.

That job took her to Spain to study with Cristobal Halffter in

She started to discover the elements a conductor utilizes.

his laboratory for composers and Maestro Harold Farber-

While getting her music education, Arrieche had to learn

man’s Master Conducting Studio at Bard College. Along the

composition, conducting, and how to play scales on each

way, Arrieche obtained her bachelor’s degree in conducting

instrument. Admittedly, she hasn’t yet mastered the flute,

and composition at the State University of São Paulo and

but she’s working on it. “I had to learn to feel the instru-

completed her Arts Diploma in Orchestral Conducting with

ment, to ‘talk’ to them, and experiment with its language. I

Maestro Gustav Meier at the Peabody Institute of the Johns

might not know how to play them, but I do understand how

Hopkins University.

they function.”

As luck would have it, Alsop would also intersect with Ar-

During her education, it was an instructor that recog-

rieche’s life. While attending symphonies to observe and

nized her natural talent, urging Arrieche to pursue a career

learn, she learned that Alsop would be conducting that

in conducting. However, in Brazil, there are only five sym-

September, but Arrieche had committed to moving to the

phony orchestras, and the competition was intense for

United States in August and was unable to attend. “I was so

men to secure one of those coveted spots. She knew there

disappointed because the only person I wanted to see was

were additional challenges as a woman but her teacher

Alsop and I wouldn’t be able to attend.” Still, she wanted to

persisted that she pursue a career as a conductor.

let Alsop know the impact she had made on Arrieche’s life

After doing research, Arrieche discovered Maestra Marin Alsop and was inspired by her musical journey. Alsop paved

and career, so she poured her heart out in a letter, included a DVD, and gave it to Alsop’s manager.

While we take our work very seriously, music should be approachable.

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2018 31

“You never know where life will take you,” explains Arrieche.

an orchestra in Henderson, playing their first concert in May of

“After taking a class with Maestro Farberman, he told me that

1987. Now music lovers can watch the performance in the

Marin [Alsop] called him and asked me what I had done. I was

Henderson Pavilion, the largest outdoor amphitheatre in Ne-

scared and told him about the letter I wrote to her. He then

vada. Best of all, it’s free to attend allowing the audience to

told me that she wanted me to apply for her fellowship.”

listen to the symphonies with the night sky as their backdrop.

Without hesitation, she did, and she won the Taki Con-

Arrieche interacts with her audience during her concerts,

cordia Conducting Fellowship, finally meeting the woman

talking about the history of pieces and how they connect

who transformed her life. Arrieche also assisted Alsop with

with contemporary music. Celebrating the symphony’s

the Baltimore and the São Paulo Symphony Orchestras.

30th anniversary, she used that as an opportunity to share

“We have been working together since 2011. My experi-

how the music composed related to the history of Hender-

ence represents how Marin is willing to take chances and

son and the community. It was a bold display of her com-

believe in others. She changed my life, and I am always

mitment to sharing music and history with concertgoers,

there for her.”

creating something where people of all ages can enjoy, ap-

When the position for the conductor and musical director

preciate, and find inspiration.

of Henderson Symphony Orchestra opened up, Arrieche

“While Henderson is so close to Las Vegas, it is a family

auditioned by conducting a challenging piece for the

community which reinforced what I want to accomplish,”

soundtrack of Metropolis. The concert was being held out-

Arrieche says. “While we take our work very seriously,

doors in June, and Arrieche assured everyone that the

music should be approachable. I don’t understand why

weather was hot in Brazil so she could handle it. Arrieche

people think we need to dress up in 19th or 20th-century

demonstrated her stamina, talent, and determination and

clothing to attend a concert. Personally, I hate bow ties,”

was hired as the first female conductor beginning with the

she laughs. “Yes, some of the pieces played were written

2016-17 season.

by composers who died over 200 years ago. However, we

The symphony orchestra is comprised of over 100 volun-

need to understand that these composers were rock stars

teer musicians, board members, and staff. It began when

in their time, just like Justin Timberlake is a star today. I

Frank Irvin, the orchestra teacher at Basic High School, at-

look at a symphony as a way to connect with the audience

tended a concert in Flagstaff, Arizona, and decided to develop

and reformulate the music for meaning today.” Henderson Symphony / 2508 Driftwood Dr. / Las Vegas, NV 89107

32 SEPTEMBER 2018 Las Vegas

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2018 33

BGI SPECIAL REPORT

Are Concentrates Taking Over the Marijuana Market? The popularity of vaporizers and concentrates have created new products and delivery methods for users. As we move ahead, will we be passing the joint or heating the pipe? by L E L A N D R U CK E R

34 SEPTEMBER 2018 Las Vegas

DEAS AS THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY CONTINUES TO GROW AND MA-

TURE, SALES OF LOOSE FLOWER, OR BUD MARIJUANA, contin-

ue to decline ,

WHILE PRODUCTS MADE WITH CANNABIS

OIL ARE ON THE RISE. AND THAT HAS LED TO DISCUSSIONS AND SOME DEBATE ABOUT WHETHER CONCENTRATES WILL ULTIMATELY

supplant flower/bud

AS THE MAJOR DELIV-

ERY METHOD FOR CANNABIS USERS. It’s an interesting discussion because it has to do with what products will drive marijuana sales in the future. For many erstwhile American cannabis users, flower marijuana, crushed and usually smoked through a pipe, is the accepted, and for many years, pretty much the only way to ingest and enjoy cannabis. Today that’s completely changed. Technically, a cannabis concentrate is any product made from cannabis oil extracted from the plant with solvents like butane, CO2, and ethanol. This includes a wide array of products. Vaporizers that

turn oil into vapor instead of smoke, especially the portable ones, have really caught on. Edible candies, gummies, and chocolates are infused with cannabis oil, as well as the growing number of tinctures, salves, ointments, sublinguals, and suppositories that many medical patients are finding useful. But when most people talk about concentrates, they are referring to the high-potency substances derived from hash oil—budder, shatter, wax, rosin, hash, live resin, kief, etc.—that are extracted by using butane and are more commonly known as dabs. Shatter and wax dabbing products can test at up to 90-95 percent THC, while most flower products these days range from 15 to 30 percent THC. Dabbing gives the user a powerful, concentrated dosage, and requires special preparation and equipment for proper use. Some dabbers use torches to heat special glass pipes, while others incorporate e-nails, powered by electricity or batteries, to get the desired consistency and temperature. A proper dab rig can cost hundreds of dollars. sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2018 35

That cannabis-oil products in general, especially vaporiz-

“Marijuana was so often the means of introduction, and

ers, are becoming more popular is without question. “There

there is a certain intimacy that I think fuels that commu-

is no doubt that concentrate sales have been on a tear, thanks

nity thing, the sharing of a joint with a person you don’t

in large part by the popularity of vape products and the pro-

know,” says attorney Judd Golden, a longtime user and for-

liferation of competitors and choices in the category,” ex-

mer member of NORML. “It has lots of social reinforce-

plains Greg Shoenfeld, vice president of operations for BDS

ment, and I think it helped make the experience of that

Analytics, which follows cannabis sales and trends in legal states. In January 2014, when BDS began tracking sales at Colorado dispensaries, 70 percent of combined revenues across adult-use and medical dispensaries were contributed by loose flower/bud. Concentrates, the second largest category, commanded only a 15 percent share of the market. Since 2014, the concentrates share of the market has doubled as vape products have enjoyed hearty growth. Over the same time frame, flower sales have grown at a slower rate—in June 2018, flower’s share of Colorado sales was

generation, it helped fuel that spirit.”

Since 2014, the concentrates share of the market has doubled as vape products have enjoyed hearty growth. Over the same time frame, flower sales have grown at a slower rate.

down to 43 percent.

Besides, flower marijuana just has an interesting quality, says Tyler Manning, hemp educator with Steve’s Goods, a wholesale seller of full-spectrum, hempoil products. “People always enjoy breaking it down, the smell of the flower, enjoying the herb,” he says. “There is an addiction to rolling joints, and there will always be that desire.” The number of products made from cannabis oil continues to expand. “Everybody loves flower,” says Chris Driessen, president of cannabis distributor Organa Brands, whose cannabis oil is used for O.penVAPE cartridges,

Bakked

cannabis

ex-

Data for California didn’t start becoming available until

tracts, and District Edibles. “But infused products can

March 2017, but the same trends are holding. In June of this

take on a thousand different forms and cast a much

year, flower’s share of California sales was even lower than in

wider net. Some people don’t like to smoke. Now you

Colorado, just 38 percent vs. concentrates share of 30 percent.

don’t have to. There is such a wide spectrum of uses. A

There are plenty of reasons vaporizers have become so

lot of people like to dab. Older people use topicals. They

popular, but discretion is the foremost. Currently, no state

offer much more appeal to a wider audience.”

allows public marijuana consumption, and portable va-

All cannabis use comes with some risks, but the jury is

porizers have the advantage that they emit vapor, not

still out on whether smoking bud or concentrates is safer.

smoke, making vaping an inconspicuous way to consume,

Shawn Honaker, who owns Colorado-based Yeti Farms

a must for many tourists in legal states these days.

and has been making concentrates for more than a de-

But it’s not like passing the pipe. Humans have been

cade, says that in his experience they are by far the best

smoking flower for a long time, and it’s part of the culture

way of ingestion. “It’s the safest way,” he says. “You can

that surrounds the plant, especially among the generation

take a small dab and fill your endocannabinoid system.

of Americans who grew up using it even though the US

As far as I’m concerned, they are far safer, followed by ed-

government was hell-bent on stopping us. The passing of

ibles and suppositories. I’ll smoke concentrate all day

the joint and the community that entailed has been, and

long. You don’t need the carcinogens. Plant material is not

still is, an integral part of the experience.

necessarily good for you.”

36 SEPTEMBER 2018 Las Vegas

Mimi Friedman has been using cannabis to treat a va-

itive information out there on treating chronic pain with

riety of conditions, but primarily for digestive issues. After

cannabis,” he explains. “It’s not taught in medical schools,

moving to Colorado, she started using flower cannabis, but

and patients have been getting information from bud-

it wasn’t until she began dabbing concentrates that she

tenders. This is a remarkable medicine, and few people

was able to control the symptoms. She’s been using it now

know how to use it appropriately.”

for six years. “It’s allowed me to eat adult portions of solid food,” she says.

Though he recommends and advises patients on using tinctures, ointments, and vaporizers to control pain, after

Steve’s Goods owner Steven Schultheis says the sky’s

seeing younger patients dabbing concentrates, he’s

the limit for products made with THC and CBD cannabis

sounding the alarm. “The problem is that all people I

oils, and that things will only get better for consumers as

meet who dab do it all the time. They do it multiple times

we learn more about the science. “They will let us pinpoint

a day,” he says. “There is a higher risk in brains that are

what we want,” he says. “A few years from now, medicine

still developing until the mid-20s, and the people who

will be custom formulated. That’s when it will take over.”

seem to be most interested are in that age group.”

Not everybody is as enthusiastic about concentrates. Dr.

Ivker points me to a study published from Portland

Rav Ivker has a holistic practice in Boulder, Colorado, where

State University researchers that found that dabbing re-

he treats patients, mostly for respiratory problems, asthma,

sults in the production of toxic products which may

and allergies. Most of the patients he treats experience

cause significant harm to users. A University of Colora-

chronic pain, and after using it on himself after a severe

do study of dabbing’s effects on young people is planned

case of shingles, he recommends cannabis for his patients.

but doesn’t have the necessary funding in place yet.

His book, Cannabis for Chronic Pain: A Proven Prescription

“We know that THC releases dopamine in your brain,”

for Using Marijuana to Relieve You Pain and Heal Your Life,

Ivker says. “Anything that affects the reward system in

was recently published by Touchstone Press.

the brain and affects dopamine can be addicting—sex, TV,

“I became a fervent believer in the healing power of

food—because they impact our reward system. It’s not as

cannabis, especially for pain, and there’s very little defin-

addicting as heroin, and it has more to do with the person

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2018 37

using the drug than the drug itself. It’s an educated guess,

prices fall, bud might regain some share. “While concen-

but at higher concentrations, it’s got to be more addicting.”

trate/vape sales continue to rise, and as the category gets

One thing that will have to improve is the rig you need to

larger,” he says, “the rate of growth slows, and we can an-

ingest concentrates properly. When I first encountered a

ticipate the angles of the trend lines straighten out further

dab rig, my first thought was that I would never use a blow-

over time.”

torch to use cannabis. “The torch is definitely what turns a lot of people off,” says Honaker. “There’s a crack connotation,

something

negative

when they think about a torch.” Manning says it took him a while to get his mother to try a dab. To old-schoolers, rigs are expensive and harder to use than just sitting down and firing up some bud. “Even as it becomes easier to dab,” he says, “there’s still gonna be that desire to roll that joint and sit back.” BDS’s Schoenfeld says that if trends continue, it would be reasonable to assume that concentrates will overtake

Technology will improve and easi-

[if] trends continue, it would be reasonable to assume that concentrates will overtake flower sales sometime in the near future, although questions remain around pricing and how that might impact sales.

flower sales sometime in the near fu-

er-to-use rigs will make it more acceptable and to give users a standard dosage. “People under 21 shouldn’t be doing it,” says Driessen. “And they should always be done in moderation. Because they are so potent, you should take a much smaller dose. Today the word dab has been stretched out to mean a glob.” Honaker says anyone curious about dabbing should educate themselves first. Find someone at a consumption party who’s making dabs for guests. “Go to a dab session,” he says. “Find somebody that you trust, and learn from them. You will see this entire industry move to concentrates. I still

ture, although he says questions remain around pricing

love to roll and smoke a joint. But it’s going to be a little

and how that might impact sales. In California, as flower

farther from the mainstream.”

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So you want to be an Airbnb host Plan on getting to know humanity–and yourself–better than you might want to. by ROBYN GRIGGS LAWRENCE

40 SEPTEMBER 2018 Las Vegas

I’M RIDING THE TAIL OF THE SLOWPOKE IN FRONT OF ME, AND I’VE JUST STARTED GESTURING FOR THEM TO PULL OVER SO I CAN PASS, THE WAY WE DO ON THIS TWO-LANE CANYON ROAD— THOUGH NOT EVERYONE IS AS OBNOXIOUS AS I CAN BE ABOUT IT, I’LL ADMIT—WHEN I NOTICE THEIR UTAH LICENSE PLATE. SHIT. OH, SHIT. IT’S MY SWEET AIRBNB GUESTS. I PUT A RESPECTFUL DISTANCE BETWEEN MY TRUCK AND THEIR CAR AND SETTLE IN FOR A SLOW RIDE HOME, HOPING THEY COULDN’T TELL IT WAS ME.

I’ve rented my Airstream, whom we affectionately call

I’m a Superhost, a status I will do almost anything to

Sallie, on Airbnb for two summers. I do feel a little guilty

maintain because potential guests can filter for it. I’m

about pimping out my girl to pay for her time on the road,

embarrassingly proud of the little Superhost badge on

but she hasn’t really complained. Guests adore her, and

my profile, even though it can’t be all that special—there

she gets a thorough cleaning every couple of days by a

are literally hundreds of Superhosts in my oversaturated

host obsessed with maintaining all five-star reviews.

market. Still, I’m as attached to it as I once was to my Pre-

For the most part, really, this Airbnb thing has been

miere status on United.

amazing. It pays for Sallie and me to spend winters in

I smile and say it’s okay when people show up with

warmer climes, and it brings a lot of delightful, interest-

kids, even though my listing clearly states no kids (and,

ing people with vacay energy to our spot in the canyon.

wouldn’t you know, they end up being some of the clean-

We’ve had a wedding/elopement, two marriage propos-

est, most respectful guests we’ve had).

als, and a string of people on a new thing I didn’t know

I smile and clean up the mess when a guest puts a pa-

about called a “babymoon,” one last romantic trip cou-

per towel down the toilet, despite little reminders every-

ples take while pregnant with their first child. One guest

where about the sensitive plumbing, posted after abso-

gave us coffee he roasted in Austin; another left a mixed-

lutely no one seemed to read the directions, digital or

pack from a trendy local brewery.

printed, about some of the quirks of staying in an Air-

My listing states that Sallie is 420-friendly, and I nev-

stream (including using only the toilet paper provided).

er want for cannabis and pipes, left behind by out-of-

Most guests don’t get that we will eventually see every.

staters who can’t take them. A couple people have left

single. thing they put down the toilet. (I’m talking to you,

really nice vape pens with full cartridges, and I’ve

people who brought the pink toilet paper.)

scored a few THC-infused chocolate bars with one

I give the lady from a certain large Southern state an

10-milligram square eaten (one couple left two!) — indi-

immediate refund for a four-day stay (ouch!) when the

cating that maybe cannabis-infused food wasn’t their

temperature inside the Airstream won’t get cooler than

thing, but I love that they followed instructions and

70 degrees during the peak heat of a 95-degree day.

didn’t pull a Maureen Dowd in my Airstream.

I was the editor of a green-living magazine for eleven

Sometimes I see guests’ receipts when I’m sorting the

years, and the AC thing hurts my heart. It’s torture for me

recycling, and it’s truly astonishing how much money

to hear Sallie’s air conditioners working like dogs to cool

people spend to get high for a couple days—almost as

empty space while my guests are out hiking all day.

much and sometimes more than they pay to stay in Sallie. I’m pretty certain that’s another reason they love staying here so much.

Eco-Nazi or Superhost: You Can’t Be Both Being an Airbnb host has taught me a lot about humanity—and, most of all, myself.

I’ve learned to let that shit go. You don’t get to be an eco-nazi and a Superhost at the same time.

Clueless to Criminal, Persnickety to Predatory In the Airbnb world (as observed through Reddit), climate-control entitlement is a huge thing. Posts about fights between guests and hosts over air condisensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2018 41

tioning are among the most frequent—and virulent. In one case, Airbnb required the host to have an HVAC technician come out when the AC couldn’t keep up with

The number of posts about racist guests who freak out when they arrive and realize they’re in a neighborhood with people of color makes me lose faith in humanity.

106-degree temperatures in the Northeast; he found nothing wrong except that it was too hot for any air con-

Cat Dabs, Babysitting, Sex, and Shrek

ditioner to keep up. In another, Airbnb gave a partial re-

Probably the thing that stands out most about humani-

fund to guests because the temperature wouldn’t go be-

ty on the Airbnb subReddit is the sheer number of air-

low 76. So, I did the right thing giving that lady her refund

heads out there. One guest wanted compensation for a

and not risking a bad review. (No one wanted her around,

parking ticket she was warned about in the instructions

anyway. She was a yeller.)

she didn’t read because they were “too long” (sigh); one

Both guests and hosts can post on the Airbnb subRed-

walked for two hours and through two villages even

dit, and it makes for enlightening and highly entertain-

though the directions said the house was 200 yards from

ing reading. I’ve learned a ton about what to do—and

the bus stop. I was super concerned about a young woman

what not to do—to keep my coveted Superhost status,

who posted that guests “poisoned” her cat until I read that

diminished as it is by what one post described as the

she advertised her shared space as 420-friendly and left

“Uber effect, where anything less than five stars is a

her highly allergic cat out all night with “scary” guests

failure, when five should mean exceptional.”

who burned the carpet, blasted the TV until 4 a.m., and

Hosts tell horror stories about guests ranging from

blew dabs into the cat’s face. I still feel bad for the cat.

clueless (by far the most prevalent) to criminal. Guests

Or they’re entitled. There was a mother who wanted

tell of hosts who are overly persnickety and sometimes

to drop off her 15-year-old son to stay for a week while

predatory. (I don’t completely get this shared economy

he attended hockey camp, which may have been less

thing, I guess, but I wouldn’t let my twenty-year-old

annoying than the older couple who asked the hosts for

daughter rent bedrooms to strangers, and I wouldn’t do

help with everything from downloading Uber to getting

it myself. There are some pretty creepy stories.)

out the ice cube tray and claimed their key didn’t work

How to Be a Superhost NO. 1 RULE: THE GUEST IS ALWAYS RIGHT. If you can’t deal with that, don’t do this. Never let anyone break your rules or do anything that makes you uncomfortable, but you can’t treat guests like they are your roommates or your children. You’re running a business, and customer service is everything. OVER-COMMUNICATE. Welcome guests when they book, send clear directions and information a couple days before their stay, welcome them when they arrive, check in the first morning to make sure they have everything they need, then determine what level of communication they’d like to have throughout their stay. You may never hear from some guests again until checkout—or even ever. Everybody’s communication style is different, and having good instincts about that—as well as tolerance for people whose style isn’t like yours—is crucial. It’s not worth getting frantic about a guest who’s not responding to you only to find out he doesn’t know how to use the Airbnb app. CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS. Have a thorough cleaning checklist for yourself or your cleaner. Accept that you’ll constantly need to buy new sheets and towels to replace stained ones (it’s a business expense). Cleaning up hair, especially when it’s wet, is gross. Get good at it. Guests will ding you if they find someone else’s hair in their shower or sheets—and I would, too. DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD DO UNTO YOURSELF. As long as we’re pulling out old sayings…this seems obvious, but provide guests with the essentials for a relaxing first night and morning. There is seriously nothing worse than staying in an Airbnb with no means of making coffee (I’m an addict, and it’s happened twice), and Superhosts also provide creamers, sweeteners, and possibly granola and yogurt. If they’re over 21 and you’re in a legal state, leaving a couple beers from a local craft brewer or a small taste from a local cannabis store also goes a long way with weary travelers. MAKE THINGS EASY. If your place is tricky to find, provide detailed directions with landmarks. Label drawers and cupboards with what’s inside and leave instructions for operating the TV and appliances next to them. Clearly label trash and recycling bins. STAY IN YOUR PLACE. Try out the sheets, use the towels, figure out what little touches and conveniences would make it five-star. 42 SEPTEMBER 2018 Las Vegas

so the hosts had to let them in and chat about their every move. Another older couple showed up with a wet, dirty service dog despite the host’s no-pets rule. (There’s no shortage of comments about what a pain in the ass older guests can be—largely because they don’t understand the platform and think they’re staying in a hotel— and I won’t comment because I don’t want to piss off all my wonderful boomer guests and Sensi readers. I will say that any time I’ve had the slightest problem, the person has been over fifty.) Or they’re smelly. There was a guest who never showered during a three-week stay and left massive sweat stains on the mattress. One host complained that a guy hauled in his camp stove and fried a pound of bacon in his bedroom; another left a bad review for a guest because he left an epic stink bomb in her bathroom. The real fun starts when people post about sex— which is rampant. I read about a sixty-something European man who walked around a young woman’s house in teeny tiny underwear and a “brother and sister” who woke everyone up in the middle of the night with their sexual ecstasy. People had gobs of

How to Be a Superguest COMPLETE YOUR PROFILE and include a photo. It’s reassuring for hosts to learn a little bit about you. Do not post a photo of your dog or a shadow of you doing a handstand against a sunset. Hosts want to see who you are. DON’T GHOST YOUR HOST. Let them know why you’re visiting, when you plan to arrive, when you’ve checked in, when you plan to check out, and when you’ve checked out. Acknowledge their messages. LET YOUR HOST KNOW if you need anything or something isn’t to your liking. Do not say nothing and then give them a bad review. Everyone deserves a chance to make things right. FOLLOW THE RULES (read them first) and clean up after yourself. Most people do. The ones who don’t really suck.

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with one guest, gave hand and blow jobs to two oth-

Nothing like those horror stories has happened to me

ers, and tried to get it on with contractors working in

(knock on wood). I honestly enjoy sharing Sallie and a

the bathroomâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;until the host pointed out that she

spectacular part of the world with people who have the

was too drunk to be having consensual sex and he

time of their lives. I love hearing their laughter ring

was liable. There was a post from a woman who acci-

through the canyon as they enjoy a sunset on the patio

dentally turned on the VCR and started playing Shrek

and hearing about the concerts they go to. A lot of them

in the shared living room where she was watching a

say they have the best vacation of their lives.

couple get it on through a security camera. They never noticed.

Their appreciation is contagious. That may be the greatest gift I get from this Airbnb thing.

For the most part, really, this Airbnb thing has been amazing. It pays for Sallie and me to spend winters in warmer climes, and it brings a lot of delightful, interesting people with vacay energy to our spot in the canyon.

44 SEPTEMBER 2018 Las Vegas

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the

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SCENE

LAS VEGAS E V E N T

Sensi Night Las Vegas invited the community out for an evening of bowling, bands, pinball, cocktails, and friends. The crowd mingled while tasting delicious barbecue and throwing back a cool one on the evening where the city had triple digit temps.

48 SEPTEMBER 2018 Las Vegas

What: Sensi Night Las Vegas Where: The Nerd When: July 17, 2018

sensimag.com SEPTEMBER 2018 49

{HereWeGo} by D E B B I E H A L L

Hello Kitty

Snowball in Vegas is the cat’s meow.

Be prepared to be greeted by a 10-foot-tall pink-headed cat when entering 18b, better known as the Las Vegas Arts District, at First Street and Coolidge Avenue.

Let’s be honest, if a cartoon character gets hit, no harm

Sculptor Jesse Smigel created Snowball in Vegas to sym-

comes to them, so it wields itself as a martyr of the city.

bolize love as well as an Instagrammable moment. Of course,

Think about it. Vegas can be compared to the same actu-

being a cat, along with the smile that shows a couple of

ality. Glittering neon lights, flowing alcohol, and the lure of

fangs, it is a fixture that’s become part of the Vegas creative

easy money make it an adult fantasy. But when you look

landscape. Add the pink tongue—ready to groom passerbys

closer, just outside of the Strip, families struggle to make

no less (a feline sign of acceptance)—and here is the sym-

ends meet with rising costs in a turbulent world. The art

bolism of the dichotomy of Vegas. Loving on its own terms,

expresses the frustration and love of Vegas but the lure of

ready to pounce, and an enigma of high and low.

Snowball in Vegas is much like the city itself—like a moth

Smigel forms cartoon objects, a softening of their real-

to a flame. Except instead of a moth, it’s an enormous cat

ity. This kitty has been the draw of many over the years.

with a big smile whose intentions are unknown. Just like

The meaning however, seems to be a little more prolific.

Sin City.

50 SEPTEMBER 2018 Las Vegas

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