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14 | THE LATEST

“To Uber or Not to Uber?” by Geoff Carter and Lissa Townsend Rodgers. As the controversial car service rolls along in the Valley, two Seven staffers ride shotgun in their own debate. Plus, Life Time Athletic’s prodigious facility gets pulses racing.

16 | Politics

“A Sharp Right Turn,” by Michael Green. What can Nevadans expect now that Republicans will be running the show in Carson City?

20 | NIGHTLIFE ISSUE 2014

Portraits of the people who keep the parties going, and celebrating the trends, venues and personalities of the nightlife industry. Plus, specialty picks from four tastemakers.

33 | NIGHTLIFE

“Seeking Salvation,” by Kat Boehrer. XS resident Salva just dropped a rap album—quite the change from his dance-music ascent. Plus, a Q&A with DJ Waterfall and photos from the week’s hottest parties.

57 | DINING

“Second Acts,” by Al Mancini. Three popular restaurants expand their reach to new locations. Plus, Al Mancini on Cleo, Dishing With Grace and Cocktail Culture.

63 | A&E

“Metal Gods,” by Jarret Keene. Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton talks indie rock, tombstone epitaphs and band rapport. Plus, the Bellagio’s egg-cellent tchotchkes, The Hit List, Tour Buzz and a review of KISS in concert.

68 | Stage “One Last Song in the Rain,” by Lissa Townsend Rodgers. Debbie Reynolds gives a family-filled curtain call, Vegas style.

69 | Movies

Interstellar, Low Down and our weekly movie capsules.

80 | Going for Broke

Puzzling point spread for marquee college matchup could be a trap.

86 | Seven Questions

| | | |

Dialogue Seven Days The Deal Seven Nights

11 15 16 38

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DEPARTMENTS

ON THE COVER Photograph by Jon Estrada at Foxtail inside SLS

November 13–19, 2014

PHOTOS BY (TOP TO BOTTOM) TONY TRAN, AL POWERS AND BOBBY JAMEIDAR

Miss Nevada/USA Nia Sanchez on taking aim at Miss Universe, empowering women and her ultimate dream job.

LAS VEGAS’ WEEKLY CITY MAGAZINE

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Michael Skenandore

EDITORIAL

Matt Jacob Paul Szydelko, Xania Woodman A&E EDITOR Cindi Reed ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jason Scavone SENIOR WRITERS Steve Bornfeld, Geoff Carter, Lissa Townsend Rodgers ASSOCIATE STYLE EDITOR Jessica Acuña CALENDAR COORDINATOR Camille Cannon EDITOR

SENIOR EDITORS

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Melinda Sheckells (style), Michael Green (politics), Al Mancini (dining), David G. Schwartz (gaming/hospitality)

ART

Ryan Olbrysh Jon Estrada, Cierra Pedro STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Anthony Mair CREATIVE DIRECTOR

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PUBLISHED IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE OBSERVER MEDIA GROUP Vegas Seven, 888-792-5877, 3070 West Post Road, Las Vegas, NV 89118 Vegas Seven is distributed each Thursday throughout Southern Nevada c 2014 Vegas Seven, LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part without the permission of Vegas Seven, LLC is prohibited.

DIALOGUE CONTRIBUTOR’S NOTE The People’s Nightlife Issue ➜ Sometimes you have to tear things

down to build them up—a lesson I’ve learned during 13 years in a city that isn’t afraid to lay dynamite and start fresh every now and again. So in planning Vegas Seven’s fifth annual nightlife issue—my 10th in as many years—I decided to implode the previous blueprint and get elemental about nightlife. The essential building block of a club isn’t the casino, the managers, the owners or even the (ahem) well-paid talent. As a former nightclub and bar manager myself, I know well that a venue lives and dies by the quality and dedication of its employees. So that’s who we’re honoring this year. The MVIP Awards celebrate the “Most Valuable Industry Player” at 17 of our city’s top clubs. We asked each club’s staff to nominate three contenders, then we convened a committee of Vegas Seven staffers, who voted for the winners you’ll see profiled starting on Page 20. As diverse as those winners are, so too are the contributors to this feature, with dining critic Al Mancini, DTLV.com’s Geoff Carter and senior writer Lissa Townsend Rodgers joining nightlife writers Kat Boehrer and David Morris, as well as the team from our sister publication, Vegas Rated. Complementing the MVIP Awards are the Tastemaker Awards (see Page 27). Here, we turned over the decision making to a panel of 100 fixtures in the fashion, beverage, music and nightlife scenes. These tastemakers weighed in on 25 topics, everything from Best Champagne to Nightlife Story of the Year. Of course, some traditions are worth preserving, which is why we retained the expert insiders panel, consisting of four individuals from different corners of the nightlife industry. They told us what’s important to them (and signed their names to it). This year, we tapped Pavan Pardasani, executive director of nightlife at Hakkasan Group; Natalia Badzjo, VIP services manager at XS and Tryst; and Garrett Pattiani, creator of Garrett’s Gay Guide. New this year, we also added a Latin nightlife expert, Carlos “DJ Ocho” Ochoa of Univision Radio. Together, they put the life in nightlife. – Xania Woodman

SITES TO SEE

PHOTO BY LUCKY WENZEL

KITTY CON

A lifelong Hello Kitty enthusiast visited the mother ship, attending the first-ever convention, which celebrated the brand’s 40th birthday in Los Angeles. Read her account at Vrated.com/ HelloKitty.

LET THERE BE ROCK

HONORING OUR VETS

LIFE IS … A LAWSUIT?

Two Downtown venues are teaming up to turn 11th Street into a live music hub. DTLV. com editor Geoff Carter outlines what will change and what will stay the same at DTLV.com/ LiveMusic.

If you were at the Veterans Day Parade on November 11, you might have glimpsed three large statues that will become part of a new Veterans Memorial planned for Downtown. Nicole Ely has the details, including renderings of the project, at DTLV.com/Vets.

Controversial artist/ possible prankster Mr. Brainwash might be suing Life Is Beautiful for copyright infringement. DTLV.com editor Geoff Carter speculates if the threat is real at DTLV.com/ Brainwash.

FACEBOOK: /VegasSeven TWITTER: /7Vegas INSTAGRAM: /VegasSeven

“For at least the next two years, Nevada Republicans can take credit for whatever goes right—but also blame for whatever goes wrong.”

POLITICS {PAGE 16}

To Uber or Not to Uber?

As the controversial car service rolls along in Nevada, two Seven stafers ride shotgun in their own debate By Geoff Carter and Lissa Townsend Rodgers Geoff Carter: I think we agree on one thing, Lissa: Las Vegas taxicabs pretty much suck. Considering the Escape From New York nature of this town—so many ways in, no way out—you’d think there would be a lot more helpful Ernest Borgnine types driving cabs, but noooooo. I’ve been refused cab service by drivers who don’t want to go to residential addresses; have smacked down attempted long hauls; and on several occasions I’ve called for cabs that never showed up. While I had similar problems when I lived in Seattle, it was nowhere near this bad.

Carter: Y’see, that’s why I’m excited to see Uber here. If Vegas’ cabs can’t get me to happy hour on time, how can I trust them to help me make my plane? The local cab companies had their chance; now, I’m into cars that show up promptly, show me the route they intend to take beforehand and cost slightly less than cabs. I’m not turning to Uber because all the kids are using it; I’m turning to it because Vegas’ cabs have utterly failed me. Townsend Rodgers: Well, I don’t own a smartphone, and a 5,400word terms-of-service agreement unnerves me, so I’ll probably never be an Uber customer. During CES, people bitched about not having Uber and the long waits for cabs at the Convention Center. But was that because there were no cabs, or because it took time to get them in and

out? (You know techies: If they’re not getting what they want right now, they whine more than a 6-year-old who doesn’t get a cookie.) Will Paradise Road be perpetually clogged with Uber drivers and cabs playing bumper cars, and conventioneers running through traffc? Actually, bumper-car Conventioneer Frogger sounds kinda fun—but only if we get double points for running down techies. … Carter: I would buy a damn car if Nevada legalized Conventioneer Frogger. Where’s Paul Bartel when we need him? CES is one week a year. We’re talking about a permanent alternative to taxicabs and drunken driving that millen-

nials actually want to use. I don’t know about you, but I’m happy to have those fernet-fueled lunatics off the roads. Townsend Rodgers: There are conventions the other 51 weeks as well, so the mayhem will be pretty constant—not to mention a similar scene at the airport, adding to the Terminal 1 clusterfuck. Also, Uber as a company seems pretty dickish. They want customers to call politicians on Uber’s behalf, but if you want to call Uber yourself … you can’t—there’s no phone number. Send an email, and maybe someone will get back to you. Uber drivers are promised salaries in the high fve fgures, but that’s more the exception than the rule, especially

with rate cuts. Drivers keep 80 percent of their take, but they also have to cover gas, maintenance, insurance, taxes, Uber fees and candy and water for passengers. Carter: Hell, all tech companies are dickish. Google and Apple are dickish. Facebook is major dickish, and has never offered me candy. Doesn’t mean they don’t offer a useful service. Townsend Rodgers: I mean dickish like, “Our driver wasn’t trying to kidnap that girl when he drove her around for two hours/took her to a motel/locked her in the car.” Or, “Yeah, we charged you $250 for a 15-minute ride because you’ll agree

ILLUSTRATION BY CIERRA PEDRO

November 13–19, 2014

VegasSeven.com

Lissa Townsend Rodgers: Yes, Vegas has taxicab issues. I once missed a plane because a cab would not take me to the airport—and I lived close enough to see the airport from my house, and not in the way Sarah Palin can see Russia: I could watch the wheels coming down as they approached the runway. The unreliability of Vegas cabs is why I fnally got a driver’s license at the age of 34.

By Bob Whitby THURSDAY, NOV. 13: The surest sign that the holiday season is under way in Southern Nevada? The magnificent Ethel M Chocolates’ Cactus Garden Lighting is on the books. They’ll fire up this desert holiday wonderland tonight, but you’ll need a free ticket to attend. You can get one at the store, 2 Cactus Garden Dr. in Henderson, until 6 p.m. The indoor tennis courts and lounge area at Life Time Athletic.

FITNESS GOES FAB As the holiday season approaches and health goals quietly slip into the ether, a new fitness club has arrived to remind us it’s not quite time to hang up the gym towel. Life Time Athletic opened its second Valley location November 11, bringing a 171,000-squarefoot mega “lifestyle” center to Henderson. That the facility just west of Green Valley Ranch Resort cost upward of $30 million only reinforces the fact that the health and fitness industry continues to invest greatly in a region historically known for allyou-can-eat buffets and general overindulgence. From franchised businesses such as Planet Fitness, Surfset

Las Vegas and iLoveKickboxing to independent yoga and Pilates studios, the number of new fitness facilities has grown exponentially in Southern Nevada in recent years. Offering a smorgasbord of workout options has been a big part of the business plan—and the latest entrant into the fitness scene takes those options to a completely different level. In addition to the usual gym features, Life Time sports eight indoor and four outdoor tennis courts—which during the grand opening were endorsed by none other than Las Vegas legend Andre Agassi—plus two top-of-theline basketball courts. There’s also a cycling-only studio, rooms devoted to group classes, and a yoga and Pilates studio that’s as tranquil as they come. And because Life Time markets itself as a lifestyle center, physical activity isn’t the only thing

PHOTO BY JON ESTRADA

to anything after eight blueberry mojitos.” Shit, they’ve added a $1 “safe ride fee,” which is kind of like a restaurant charging more for food that’s not spoiled or a babysitter demanding extra dough to not punch your kids. Uber’s default seems to be “passenger’s fault.” That 5,400-word agreement you didn’t read clearly states: “You expressly waive and release this company from any and all liability, claims or damages arising from or in any way related to the third-party transportation provider.” Carter: Passenger safety is hardly a problem exclusive to Uber. Given a fve-minute Google search, I could send you a dozen news stories about cab drivers harming passengers. And Nevada’s courts are likely to be harder on Uber than they are on the Nevada Taxi Authority, because the former hasn’t had the opportunity to populate Carson City with lobbyists.

on the menu. Members can opt for metabolic testing (including an assessment of such things as liver function and digestive health); dine at the LifeCafe, which serves meals that are free of trans fat, bleached flours and preservatives (the list goes on); or book appointments at the Michael Boychuk salon (mirroring the sister location in Summerlin) and LifeSpa, which offers micro-needling and botox, among other regular spa services. There are even amenities for the young ones through the Kids Academy, aimed for children ages 3 months to 11 years. They can tumble, practice their Spanish or shoot down the waterslides at the outdoor “dayclub”—all while you squat, snack, then spa. Consider the (chin-up) bar raised in the great Southern Nevada fitness race. – Jessi C. Acuña

FRIDAY, NOV. 14: It’s called the Duel in the Desert, and it’s the largest dirt-track racing event in the country. Take what look like stock cars, send them around a dirt track at insane speeds and you’ve got a day of loud, intense fun. The action started Nov. 12 and continues through tomorrow at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. LVMS.com. SATURDAY, NOV. 15: Dig food trucks? Like to have a

good time? Then it’s off to Sunset Park, which hosts Sunset Park’d, a delicious combination of food, music and something called the Redneck Games that really has us curious. (Toilet-seat horseshoes? Sign us up.) Noon to 8 p.m. SunsetParkd.com.

SUNDAY, NOV. 16: Pretty much the entire weekend is dedicated to running and partying, at least if you plan on having anything to do with the Las Vegas Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon. The partying started Friday with music, open bars and a health and fitness expo (which seems a little incongruous, but who are we to judge?). The races—marathon, half marathon, 5K and “half of the half”—are Saturday and today. RunRocknRoll.competitor.com. MONDAY, NOV. 17: One hundred years ago, women in Nevada were finally allowed to vote and hold office. But the latter accomplishment didn’t happen overnight; it took about 45 years. Dana R. Bennett, a scholar who has studied Nevada history, recounts that long struggle in a talk titled 45 Years in the Desert, 7:30 p.m. at UNLV’s Marjorie Barrick Museum. UNLV.edu.

And yeah, I’m familiar with the Ulysses-size agreement. Don’t care. I wanna get from one side of town to the other. Even with the risks, Uber’s platform of Sure, We Can Do That beats the holy living shit out of the Taxicab Authority’s You’ll Take What We Give You.

TUESDAY, NOV. 18: Find yourself hanging around campus

Townsend Rodgers: Uber seems to have a business model that uses a bait-and-switch on both employees and customers: You’ll make a lot of money … until we slash rates. You’ll get a cheap ride … until the surge pricing kicks in. Besides, Uber’s founder is an Ayn Rand fan. Anyone who follows her philosophy is greedy and arrogant by defnition, and anyone who thinks she was a decent writer has serious judgment issues. Basically, I’m dubious about their practices and tired of listening to people sing their praises to aria levels. Uber, kale, Taylor Swift: I’ll leave ’em to the people who love ’em.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 19: Michael Knigin was an artist and

again today? Cruise over to Greenspun Hall at 7 p.m. for another installment of the Black Mountain Institute’s Emerging Writers Series. This evening’s speaker is fiction writer Jennifer Pashley, author of two collections of stories: States and The Conjurer. UNLV.edu.

lithographer who spent much of his career doing work that paid tribute to Holocaust victims. Some of his best pieces kick off the Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Arts 2014 fall season in an exhibit titled Anne Frank, An Historical Remembrance. Knigin’s work is paired with “Chai Lights,” a Jewish-focused collection of 100 works by Las Vegas artists. Through Nov. 26, SNMFA.com.

What can Nevadans expect now that Republicans will be running the show in Carson City?

LOCAL PERKS AT SLS, BIG LOSS REBATES AND CHEAP OXTAIL SOUP

NEVADA REPUBLICANS NOW CONTROL ALL

six state constitutional offces and both houses of the Legislature. What does this mean for Nevada moving forward? It depends on your political attitude and their political aptitude. For at least the next two years, Nevada Republicans can take credit for whatever goes right—but also blame for whatever goes wrong. Before you compare it to when Democrats controlled Congress and the presidency during Barack Obama’s frst two years in offce, remember: Nevada’s Legislature doesn’t require 60 votes to act on a bill like the U.S. Senate. That’s why it’s important to go beyond references to this being the frst time Nevada Republicans have completely controlled both houses since 1985. That year—with the same Assembly majority of 25-17 that it will enjoy in 2015—the party passed a retroactive pay raise for state employees but tried to block one for openly Democratic teachers. They also passed anti-union laws. Then in 1986, the Assembly swung 29-13 in favor of Democrats. Overreach is always an issue for either party—and at that time, the governor was Richard Bryan, a moderate Democrat. This time it’s Brian Sandoval, but which Sandoval? During his 2010 campaign, he promised, “No new taxes.” Everyone seemed shocked when he meant it. He acceded to continuing old taxes that were due to end or sunset in 2011 only after the Nevada Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional for the state to fund itself by taking money from Clark County. And who’s to say Sandoval will even stick around? Although it’s now highly unlikely that he’ll run against U.S. Senator Harry Reid in 2016, Sandoval could still land in D.C. via a Cabinet or sub-Cabinet post (no doubt with Reid’s encouragement), or he could accept a Ninth Circuit appellate judgeship. Assuming Sandoval does remain in Carson City, his actions in this next session could suggest whether he sees his future as with a Republican Party more right-wing than he is or just more openly to the right than he is. This election provided a clue: His choice for lieutenant governor, Mark Hutchison, represented Nevada in its lawsuit against Obamacare, and is well to Sandoval’s right. Also, Sandoval provided money to and endorsed Attorney General-elect Adam Laxalt (even though Laxalt criticized the governor for not challenging the lawsuit that ended up overturning Nevada’s gay-marriage ban). The governor also backed Secretary of State-elect Barbara Cegavske (who fully supports voter ID, which would most affect the Hispanic community with whom Republicans hope Sandoval can make national inroads). Sandoval also may have to decide whether to lead or be led. More than half of Assembly Republicans will be new to Carson City, and they were elected not because they like government, but because they dislike

it. When he dealt with a Democratic Assembly, Sandoval talked about tax reform and ending furloughs for state employees, but he also buys into so-called education reform, which makes villains of teachers—you know, the folks behind Question 3, the education initiative that failed at the polls. That their union brethren abandoned them (as the teachers have been known to do to the union) may further encourage Sandoval and other Republicans to push education “reform.” Meanwhile, the new legislative leadership faces similar questions. For instance, during the last session, then-state Senate Minority Leader Michael Roberson worked with soon-to-be former Speaker Marilyn Kirkpatrick on uniting in the best interests of Clark County rather than a political party. But as Majority Leader-elect, Roberson installed as fnance chair Washoe County’s Ben Kieckhefer, who helped build the majority. Kieckhefer actually may prove better for Southern Nevada than his Democratic predecessor, but it’s reasonable to expect him to act according to what region butters his bread. It’s equally reasonable to wonder if Roberson will keep beating the drum for the south when Ira Hansen of Sparks may be Assembly speaker. Republicans need to remember that while Clark County Democrats didn’t turn out in 2014, that could change in 2016. In other words, we can talk policy all we want. But it’s inseparable from politics. How Republicans govern in the coming years will shape the future—the state’s and their own. Michael Green is an associate professor of history at UNLV.

In its first 2½ months of operation, SLS experienced multiple adjustments, including a change in command. That’s not necessarily good news for the business, but it is for the consumer, at least in the short run. While it’s not clear which promotions are still ongoing and which have been discontinued, the deals for locals in October were amazing. They included free blackjack and slot tournaments on Tuesdays with $10,000 in prize money, 50 percent off select restaurants on Sundays, and a $100 rebate-on-loss deal. If you have a Nevada ID, you need to get over there. • Speaking of rebates, Cannery and Eastside Cannery have both initiated $500 loss-rebate deals. This is a wicked-strong free roll: Lose up to $500 and have it returned in slot free play, while you keep whatever you win. The catch: It’s available to new club members only. • Free viewing of UFC pay-per-view fights has been discontinued at Wildfire Valley View, while Home Plate on Blue Diamond Road charges $10 admission for the marquee UFC events. Filling the void is the Crazy Horse III gentlemen’s club, which has been showing UFC fights with no admission (and free pizza), but only if you drive yourself or use the CH3 bus. If you come by taxi, it's $30. For a more traditional route, the following Station Casinos venues have been showing UFC cards for $10: Jack’s Irish Pub at Palace, Club Madrid at Sunset, Centennial Ballroom at Santa Fe and Rocks Lounge at Red Rock. • The best new find for football viewing is the Blind Pig bar/restaurant at Panorama Towers on Dean Martin Road, where a bucket of four PBRs is $10. Not impressed? These are 24-ouncers, so you’re actually getting eight beers for $10. At $1.25 per brew, it’s not the absolute best beer deal in town, but it’s pretty close—and better yet, $20 gets you 20 wings and a one-topping pizza. This deal runs during all televised football games. • The Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood is running a promotion called “Shop & Eat.” Purchase $200 in merchandise and get a $20 dining certificate for a Miracle Mile restaurant. That’s a cool 10 percent giveback. Be sure to shop at a participating store; you can find the list at MiracleMileShopsLV.com. • I’m beginning to think that everything that comes from the Lanai Express snack bar at the Fremont is just plain awesome. The latest discovery is a monster bowl of oxtail soup with a side of rice for $8.29. The broth is chock-full of oxtail meat and those giant knuckle-like bones that you can give to your dog. Add a 99-cent shrimp cocktail, and after tax you’re out for $10.03. Anthony Curtis is the publisher of the Las Vegas Advisor and LasVegasAdvisor.com.

ILLUSTRATION BY JON ESTRADA

THE LATEST VegasSeven.com

| November 13–19, 2014

A Sharp Right Turn

THE MOST VALUABLE INDUSTRY PLAYERS AWARDS Because every team has a superstar, and stars were made to shine at night

2 0 1 4 N I G H T L I F E AWA R D S

NIGHTLIFE’S QUARTERBACK

Ryan Rearden VIP Host, Drai’s Beach Club & Nightclub

WinstonSalem, North Carolina

H OM E TOW N :

M OV ED TO L A S V EG A S :

May 2011 Before taking on Vegas, Rearden was busy finishing two degrees and playing football at the University of Georgia. While there, he got into the nightlife industry, where he plans on staying for the next 20 years. Now a host at the rooftop Drai’s nightclub at the Cromwell, Rearden functions like the quarterback of his team: From VIP table assignments to price setting, “Everything has to go through the podium,” he says. When he’s not busy running Drai’s door, Rearden enjoys dabbling in the culinary world. He’s participated in several certificate programs to learn about beer and wine, and picked up tips from such talented chefs as Sage’s Shawn McClain at his previous jobs on the Strip. Unfortunately, Rearden’s new cooking talent has cut into his football viewing time on Sundays. “My boys always make me work the grill,” he says. “So I barely get to actually watch the games anymore.” LI STEN UP, J U N I OR H OSTS :

VegasSeven.com

Join Vegas Seven on November 17 at 10:30 p.m. at Foxtail in SLS to honor the Las Vegas nightlife scene’s Most Valuable Industry Players and Tastemakers at the 2014 Nightlife Awards Party. For free admission, visit VegasSeven.com/NightlifeRSVP. Book a hotel room for half off with the code “PMM04.”

November 13–19, 2014

PHOTO BY ANTHONY MAIR

“No matter what the table minimum is, treat every guest as if they’re spending everything they have for the best night of their life.” – Nicole Ely

H E R N A M E TA G S AY S “AW ES O M E ”

Autumn Bruce Bartender, Body English H OM E TOW N :

Morenci, Arizona M OV ED TO L A S V EG A S :

April 2012 Bruce strives to make her job fun—both for herself as well as for her customers. “I’m playful behind the bar, especially when it’s slow. I want to be entertained,” says Bruce, who isn’t too shy to dance to keep her crowd. “Even if I look ridiculous; I’ve got the most awkward moves.” Although she’s always willing to let the person ordering the drink show her their stuff as well: “Sometimes I ask them to teach me how to Dougie or do the Bernie.” Her cheerful persona has won her fans and even a nickname: Awesome. “I got it when I was at Blue Martini,” she says. “It stuck with me, and that’s my name tag. Now when people say ‘awesome,’ I automatically respond.” But Bruce also has other ambitions: She is considering applying with the fire department, and has just finished her advanced EMT training. “I’ve never had to use it at work, thank God.” SA M E C LU B , D I FF ER EN T S C EN ERY :

“Every night is

definitely different. I like not knowing what the night is going to be like.”

PHOTO BY JON ESTRADA

November 13–19, 2014

VegasSeven.com

– Lissa Townsend Rodgers

2 0 1 4 N I G H T L I F E AWA R D S

BOT TLE (AND BAR) OPENER

Ashley Malok Bartender, Gilley’s

H OM E TOW N : Bethlehem, Pennsylvania M OV ED TO L A S V EG A S :

REIMER BY JON ESTRADA

YOU A S K ED F OR I T:

“Last night someone asked for an Irish Trash Can. It’s a Long Island Iced Tea, with blue Curaçao and peach Schnapps. Hey, it’s your hangover!” – LTR

| November 13–19, 2014

After visiting Nevada for his grandmother’s 70th birthday party, Reimer, a chemical engineering major, realized, “‘Wow, it’s really not what I want to do. I don’t want to sit in Kevin Reimer Bartender, Life a lab and talk to people who don’t have outgoing personalities.’” To make ends meet he started bartending. “And that was that. I was like, ‘I like going to work more than going H OME TOWN: Franklinville, N.J. MOV E D TO L A S VE GA S : May 2004 to school. That’s not a good thing.’” Reimer leaned on his uncle—then working at Hard Rock Hotel—to get him a job as a bartender at the property. They said if he could get to Vegas in two weeks, he had the job. So he packed up, left Jersey and took a server position at Pink Taco. Not long after hitting town, he started barbacking at Rehab in its second year, and later helped open Tao Beach. “[My degree] helps with the analytical side of things—you defnitely look at things a little bit differently. But in the grand scheme of things, you’re putting alcohol in a cup and making sure it tastes good. It doesn’t matter what your background is.” Most recently, Reimer opened Life at SLS. “Opening a new spot can be exciting and frustrating all at once. Everyone has the same common goal. When you open a place you get to start fresh with a brand-new staff. It can be a breath of fresh air.” WHE N T H E F UN STOPS : “Waving money is annoying. Reaching over and touching me is a whole lot less annoying to me than it is to my female counterparts. I just can’t stand when people whistle. Some people whistle with the music to have a good time, and that’s amazing. But if you’re whistling toward me, that’s where I draw the line.” – Jason Scavone P E R I O D I C TA B L E O F B O O Z E

Malok was there when Gilley’s reopened in its new TI location five years ago. Actually, she’s been there when a number of bars swung their doors open for the first time, including Cadillac Ranch in Town Square and PBR Rock Bar in Planet Hollywood. “It was busy and a lot of fun,” she says. Her bartending career began early, pouring grandma a beer from the kegerator, and she later landed her first job at a college bar in her hometown. “They trained me from serving to bartending, pretty much on my 21st birthday.” Since then, speed and efficiency are the most important skills Malok’s developed. “I’m taking a drink order and I’m making drinks at the same time,” she says. Malok has a degree in audio engineering, so working in a bar with live music is ideal: “I love country now that I’ve been here for five years.” And the best time to experience Gilley’s, Malok says, is during the National Finals Rodeo. “It’s just all-the-way busy. There’s no walking room, and the dance floor is packed!”

VegasSeven.com

February 2009

2 0 1 4 N I G H T L I F E AWA R D S

THE WELL-ROUNDED APPROACH

Kim Martin-Wood

Assistant General Manager, Tryst and XS HO M E TOW N :

Marshalltown, Iowa September 2004

M OV ED TO L A S V EG A S :

Left to right: Light Group’s Tomastik, Comer and Thomason.

Jeff Tomastik

Fairfax, Virginia L A S VE GA S: March 2011

November 13–19, 2014

Colin Comer

Vice President of Marketing, Light and Light Group HOME TOWN:

Chicago

T H E H U M A N FA C T O R

John “JT” Thomason

Pueblo, Colorado January 2006

MOVED TO L AS VE G A S :

HO M E TOW N:

M OVE D TO

December 2010

M OV E D TO L A S V E G A S :

Comer is in the business of curating the ultimate nightclub experience. “I’ve always loved music, nightlife, hospitality and all the things that come with them,” says Comer, who left college his junior year to throw parties full time. Today, he is charged with marketing rollouts and launch campaigns (most recently for Light and Daylight), as well as working with host teams and talent. What this means in clubgoer terms is that Comer is constantly coming up with ideas on how to throw the best damn party in town. “Vegas is a really competitive environment, so you have to be innovative,” Comer says. To that point, he predicts that nightlife is due for a paradigm shift. “I don’t think the megaclub is going to go away, but I do think it will be supplemented by some smaller, more intimate spaces.”

It took just one trip to Las Vegas with his college roommate for Thomason to get hooked. A self-described social butterfly, Thomason was drawn in by the city’s dynamic energy. Soon after graduating from Western State Colorado University with a degree in business administration, he moved to town and scored a job as a server at Roadrunner, later becoming a promoter at the original Beacher’s Madhouse in Hard Rock Hotel. “I originally got into nightlife to be the ‘cool’ host and make the big bucks,” he says, laughing. “As the years went by, I realized I was ready to take my life and career to the next level. When I was approached to become director of marketing for Jet Nightclub, I jumped at the chance.” Now he oversees the execution of marketing and advertising, as well as talent and entertainment, at The Bank. Thomason loves his job for the human factor: “I have been fortunate to have a great team around me, from staff and hosts to promoters and management, which has helped keep it relevant and fun.” – Melinda Sheckells

Tomastik boasts a world-class hospitality and nightlife education: He earned his master’s degree in France, and he’s the hospitality services adviser for the Consulate of Monaco in Las Vegas. With the Light Group, he’s progressed from VIP host to his current position at 1 Oak, as well as overseeing European marketing for parent company Light Group. “Vegas is the mecca for nightclubs, and it’s grown even more since I came here three years ago,” he says. “Vegas is an amazing place where everybody visits: I see my college friends, high school friends, people I grew up with, people I traveled with. It’s a perfect city to see everyone you spend a little part of your life with.” D OI NG VE GA S RI GH T : “Plan ahead! Get advice from online forums or call someone who’s been here before. Going into Las Vegas blind is the biggest mistake people make. Use one of the many people who do this for a living, and you’ll have the best trip possible.” – Kat Boehrer

EXPERT PART Y ADV I CE : “You have to be open to new experiences, but [more importantly], it’s always a good idea to drink lots of water and stay hydrated.” – David Morris

– Jessi Acuña

Director of Marketing and Entertainment for The Bank (and other Light Group venues at Bellagio)

HO ME TOWN:

VegasSeven.com

Director of Customer Development, 1 Oak Nightclub; Director of European Marketing, Light Group

M R . L I G H T FA N TA S T I C

TOMASTIK, COMER AND THOMASON BY ANTHONY MAIR; MARTIN-WOOD BY JON ESTRADA

WORLD-CLASS SERVICE

Infuenced by her two older sisters, Martin-Wood made Las Vegas her home after spending the summer months during her college years working as a cocktail server in town. That was 2004, and Martin-Wood soon found herself at Ra Nightclub in Luxor. Not only would she meet her to-be husband there, it shifted her path from a degree in industrial manufacturing engineering to ultimately fnding herself in nightclub operations. “I consider myself a frefghter, and I try to put out the situation as fast as possible,” Martin-Wood says. “Figuratively, of course. We don’t want any real fres there.” That includes keeping a line of open communication with the marketing, security and operations teams, to name a few. JI LL OF A LL TR A D ES : “Being from a small town in Iowa, I’ve worn a lot of hats,” Martin-Wood says. “I grew up in a heavy machinery shop with my father; I’ve farmed; I’ve raised Holsteins and livestock; I’ve been a cocktail server; I’ve even fipped burgers. I was in a lot of academic organizations and on boards throughout my entire education.”

FROM BARRE TO BAR

Liz Olker

Bartender, Revolver H OM E TOW N :

Metuchen,

New Jersey M OV ED TO L A S V EG A S :

October 2009

Keith White

Event Sales Manager, Hyde Bellagio H OME TOWN:

Alberta, Canada/Irvine, California January 2013

HO M E TOW N:

Farmington, Maine/Boston September 2004

MOV E D TO L A S VE GA S :

M OV E D TO L A S V E G A S :

Matthews was living in Los Angeles when her boss asked if she wanted to relocate to Las Vegas. “Sure,” she said, and was on a plane the next day. As the events sales manager for Hyde Bellagio, she handles the sales and logistics for everything from weddings and birthday parties to red-carpet bashes such as the Billboard after-party. Not only does she help in the planning process, she’s there for the execution, which means a lot of long days and nights. “I could have five events per week, but every client needs to be treated like they’re VIP,” Matthews says. “No one is more important than the other one, from a 15-person party to a 700-person party.” Putting in time beyond the usual 9 to 5 has its perks, too, as the Canada-born Matthews gets to build her celebrity clientele, including a growing list of superstar DJs. And moving forward? “I would love to oversee a lot of different venues,” she says. But for now she’s pleased to make do with “getting a nice feedback email or a big hug at the end of the night.”

On the three-year anniversary of his joining Hakkasan Group, White says he’s realized that his best work is done behind the scenes rather than in the club every night. “I focus better, and I prefer to stay out of the limelight,” he says. As marketing director, his job is to put others into that limelight, creating the branding plan for each artist booked in the club. A background in management information systems makes him a formidable one-stop shop, but he also understands the necessity of teamwork; he provides support and leans on others, “but it causes problems when one department is more needy than others,” he says. “I know it’s easy to say that Hakkasan has amazing artists and that’s why everyone goes, but this is a very competitive market, and it takes more than just being a club with an artist.” Laughing, he adds, “I work well with others.” After a year of living in Manhattan and working at the group’s Atlantic City outpost, HQ Nightclub, White had the opportunity to open Hakkasan in MGM Grand. And he made a beeline for Downtown. “The last thing I wanted was to move to the suburbs and have to drive.” Over the last year and a half, White has witnessed the highs and lows of his adopted neighborhood. “There was a lot of growth really fast, and I think now there’s some pulling back,” he says, “Sometimes just having a good idea isn’t enough. It takes time.” A little more teamwork would go a long way Downtown, too. – Xania Woodman

“When an event starts, 100 different things can change from how you planned it. The client can walk in [the day of] and be like, ‘I don’t want any of this.’ You have to go with it, and always with a smile on your face. The No. 1 thing is not to get stressed out. Everything is going to fall into place as long as you’re organized.” – JA

K E E P CA L M A ND PA RT Y O N: MATTHEWS AND LYTTLE BY JON ESTRADA; WHITE AND OLKER BY ANTHONY MAIR

Director of Marketing, Hakkasan

BADASS BEAUT Y WITH BRAINS

G U YS , YOU C A N LOOK , BU T:

“Don’t stick your hands between my feet. I might fall off the bar!” – Al Mancini

After serving as a nuclear weapons guard in the Air Force, Lyttle took a trip to Las Vegas and never looked back. “[The military] was sucking Cocktail Server, Marquee the youth out of me,” Lyttle says. She quickly landed a job with Tao HOME TOWN: Englewood, New Jersey Group, which took her from being a rare female in a squadron of MOVED TO L A S V E G A S : January 2008 men to a world of high heels, makeup and false eye lashes among a legion of ladies.“Tao Group promotes fun. They helped me to loosen up a bit and not be so uptight.” Still, Lyttle carries a bit of her military mentality with her at all times. “As much as I would like to go out with my hair in a bun and a bare face, I can’t.” When Lyttle makes time for herself, she takes solo beach vacations to sun-drenched places such as Mexico and the Dominican Republic. She also plans for the long term. “I’ve always been interested in the law, so I’ve been contemplating going to law school. It’s definitely been a dream of mine.” – Jessie O’Brien

Kristina Lyttle

VegasSeven.com

Tiffany Matthews

WORKS WELL WITH OTHERS

November 13–19, 2014

THE EVENTS EXECUTOR

As a child, Olker spent eight years as a competitive dancer in the fields of jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical dance and pointe. “My parents spent a fortune on dance shoes and costumes,” she recalls. That early training served her well when she moved to Las Vegas to escape New Jersey’s snowy winters, and landed a job that includes line dancing on the bar. “[Formal dance training] gives you a sense of balance,” she says. As a bartender, her other duties include mixing drinks, creating drink specials and ordering liquor. Despite having gone to school for a culinary degree, Liz says she believes she’s found her true calling, and wants remain in the nightlife industry as she moves forward in her career. “I’m more of a nighttime person,” she says.

2 0 1 4 N I G H T L I F E AWA R D S

A R E A L L I F E S AV E R

Nicole Lionakis Cocktail Server, LAX

Las Vegas

In a fast-moving industry with high employee turnover and pushy clientele, it’s rare to find someone as loyal and lively as Lionakis, who’s spent the last five years at LAX. “I know people tend to hop jobs and go to the fresh new place, but I find that if you and your co-workers are like a family, then there’s no need to leave,” says the former lifeguard. “Most of the time when I go to work I’m in the middle of someone else’s vacation. I always try to keep that in mind so I can make sure they have the best vacation possible,” she says. And while she might ensure you have the time of your life tonight, she also might save it a few years from now: Lionakis has plans to enroll in nursing school. “You can’t wear a cocktail waitress uniform forever, “ she says. “It’ll be a nice transition. And I’ll still be working with people, just in a much different atmosphere.” But don’t worry, even as a nurse Lionakis says she’ll still try to pick up a cocktail shift every now and then. “I love the service industry, and I can’t imagine myself never doing it.” ADVICE F O R PA RT YG O E RS : “Guests worry too much about what everyone else is doing and thinking, and they sometimes let it get in the way of them having a good time. This is your night out, and you should live it up exactly how you want to.”

– Zoneil Maharaj

A PERSONAL TOUCH

Paul Gilroy

Bartender, Tao Nightclub HOME TOW N:

Tucson

MOVED TO L A S V E G A S :

June 1992

Gilroy doesn’t let Tao’s intense volume get in the way of making a real connection with each of his customers. “I know it’s quite loud in the nightclub, but talking to [guests] just a little bit goes such a long way,” he says. Of highest importance to Gilroy are family and friends, so in his off time, he enjoys unwinding with a hike at Red Rock with his fiancée and his dog. At work, Gilroy does all he can to show each patron that he truly values their business, and that often includes at least a quick chat with every visitor. “It’s an easy way to bond with your guests and form a little bit of trust.”

Nick Martini

Marketing Manager, XS and Tryst HO M E TOWN:

Youngstown, Ohio

Martini is a busy man. He leads the creative team at XS and Tryst, juggling sponsors and staffers (and their disparate schedules) to provide guest experiences like no other. “It’s nonstop work,” he says. But he’s not complaining. Martini led the Alec Monopoly graffiti takeover on Labor Day, and is always developing fresh concepts for the clubs. He’s most proud of XS Night Swim, the nighttime summer pool party, for which he starts planning in the winter. “I can’t say I pictured myself in the nightlife industry,” Martini says, “but it was always a goal of mine to work in entertainment.” Outside of his nightclub responsibilities, Martini is also a husband, soonto-be-father and a student at the Academy of Art where he’s going for a master’s degree in web design and new media. “These days,” Martini says, “a night out means dinner and a movie.” A B O UT T HAT L A ST NA M E :

“During college, I was a bartender for two years. It was brutal. Now, I like it. People say they wish they had my last name.” – Camille Cannon

and her new spine began a campaign of self-improvement (she’s Level 1 certified in CrossFit, and is an avid hiker) that’s benefited not only her posture, but Las Vegas’ nightlife culture, too. Coming to town with a degree in business marketing and management from the University of Houston and the invaluable experi-

taking photos, recording or sending Snapchats: Please take a moment to enjoy yourself!” – Geoff Carter

Houston

MOVE D TO L A S VE GA S:

May 2014

ence of already having served as vice president of sales for Blue Label vodka, Quach approached her work as a server with the perfect mix of charm, friendliness, professionalism and flat-out gratitude. “I love the

fact that I get to meet new people every night,” she says. “If they’re at your nightclub, you have to be sure to make them feel special for being there.” Such enthusiasm will serve Quach well in her future endeavors, which include the dream of opening a fresh-pressed juice bar somewhere, and continuing to honor the commitment of that life-changing scar.

D E A R OV E R -S HA R E RS :

Anchorage, Alaska

M OV ED TO L A S V EG A S :

“The curvature of my spine was at 40 percent,” Quach says. Two titanium rods and 12 screws later, Quach

H OME TOWN:

Special Events Manager, Surrender H OM E TOW N :

Some people have tattoos. Quach has a scar, a big one, the result of a 2005 operation to fix her scoliosis.

Cocktail Server, Chateau Nightclub

Madi Stratton

December 2012

STRAIGHT UP

Niki Quach

REBEL RINGLEADER

M OV E D TO L A S V E G A S :

COMMITMENT AND ENTHUSIASM—

November 13–19, 2014

VegasSeven.com

GE T YOUR F I LL : “Check out the whole club. Visit each setting so you can really get the gist of it. You’re the whole reason everything is going on, so you should check everything out.” – KB

THE UNSHAKABLE MARTINI

“To all the people who are on their phones the entire night either

August 2005 In her time as the special events manager for Surrender Nightclub and Encore Beach Club, Stratton has received some pretty interesting requests, including one for a 6,000-pound elephant to add atmosphere to a private event. “Trying to ask the other departments of the hotel and figure out all the different things I would need to coordinate that was definitely a learning experience, and the responses, stares and looks I got were pretty funny.” The trunk show never did happen. But, at the end of the day, Stratton maintains that her job is all about providing a service and ensuring that guests consistently have ‘OMG’ experiences, whether it be a posh birthday party, corporate event or bottle presentation. Outside of work, ‘OMG’ gives way to DIY. “My garage is full of power tools. I love to give old furniture new life,” Stratton says. “Last weekend, I disassembled the dining room table I made two years ago and turned it into a sofa table.” – DM

LIONAKIS AND QUACH BY ANTHONY MAIR; GILROY AND STRATTON BY JON ESTRADA; MARTINI BY JESSE J SUTHERL AND

HOME TOW N:

Snoop Dogg: The host with the most at Tao’s Snoopadelic Cabaret.

We asked, they answered. Vegas Seven polled 100 Las Vegas tastemakers from the nightlife, spirits, culinary and fashion industries—as well as respected socialites—asking them to weigh in on everything from the bottles they’re popping to the beats they’re dropping. Here’s how they voted.

BEST UNDERGROUND LEADER

After Afterhours made a national splash when a list of “DJ Rules” for the after-hours event—launched February 1 in the former Empire Ballroom space—went viral. The initial excitement over those anti-commercial commandments was supported by rare bookings, a dedicated following

and a move to Holly Madison’s 1923 Bourbon & Burlesque. Now following a brief hiatus, After is looking to expand again at a new location. Several warehouse parties are already in the works, and we can expect a new residency launching New Year’s Eve and continuing Saturdays thereafter. Of the change, managing partner Thom Svast says, “We’re trying to bring house music back to its roots.” So, will the “DJ Rules” still apply? Svast says, “Absolutely.” AfterLasVegas.com.

BEST CHAMPAGNE TO PARTY WITH

That Brother Pierre Pérignon, upon allegedly “discovering” Champagne, actually spoke the words, “Come quickly, I’m drinking the stars,” is now generally accepted as apocryphal. But you’re swallowing it, along with lots of Dom Pérignon Champagne: Each year, Las Vegas’ on-premise (non-retail) accounts purchase more Dom than every

Dapper, thirsty and carnivorous Tastemakers agree that STK is the best place to eat some meat before you make your way to the party. The restaurant that prides itself on being “Not your daddy’s steakhouse” even provides a DJ to prime you for the next move. On Magnum Mondays, there’s no need to fnd the after-party; industry members happily settle in for the night with magnum-size bubbly for standard-bottle-size prices, sounds by DJ M!ke Attack and 25 percent

off chef Stephen Hopcraft’s modern steakhouse cuisine. In the Cosmopolitan, CosmopolitanLasVegas.com.

November 13–19, 2014

SNOOP DOGG BY AL POWERS

BEST PRE-PARTY VIBE DINING

VegasSeven.com

By Kat Boehrer, Camille Cannon, Jessie O’Brien and Xania Woodman

TA S T E M A K E R

Executive Director of Nightlife, Hakkasan Group

Before moving to Las Vegas in 2013, Pardasani consulted for leading nightclubs in New York City and the Hamptons, including the Pink Elephant. He simultaneously started his own company, where he produced toptier events for prominent clients, including BCBG, Saturday Night Live and Esquire. Later, with EMM Group, he oversaw operations for a number of successful venues. And now, with Hakkasan Group, Pardasani uses his diverse background to lend his nightlife expertise and management skills to new projects on Hakkasan Group’s horizon.

November 13–19, 2014

VegasSeven.com

BEST NEW FACE IN THE DJ BOOTH

In my time in the industry, I’ve never seen a DJ with the career trajectory of Martin Garrix, who is our newest resident at Hakkasan. At just 18 years old, the kid is playing all the top major festivals, was just ranked No. 4 by DJ Mag’s Top 100 list, and headlining the main room of Hakkasan when he’s in Las Vegas. It’s no surprise that Scooter Braun is the brains behind this act, demonstrating that his hit-making abilities extend into electronic music as well. BEST CLUB GEAR FOR GENTLEMEN

The best advice I can give to any of our guests is to make sure they dress the part. Nothing gets the atten-

BEST BASE OF OPERATIONS FOR TAKING ON THE TOWN

There isn’t another property in town that makes you feel like you’ve “arrived” quite like Bellagio. The hotel speaks to luxury the moment you step on property, with great restaurants such as Jasmine and Prime Steakhouse, a pool that rivals any on the Strip and the signature fountain show that captures the awe of locals and tourists alike. If you imagine yourself as George Clooney in Ocean’s 11, this is the right place for you. BEST PLACE TO BE ANONYMOUS

The Mansions at MGM offer some of the best real estate in Las Vegas, but it’s the element of privacy that attracts our top clients these days. At a time where social media is so pervasive, features such as the Mansion’s dedicated driveway and atrium, 24-hour butler service, private pools and discreet entrance to the hotel’s high-roller room, make it ideal. BEST HANGOVER MEAL

On Saturdays and Sundays in particular, I drag myself Downtown and wait patiently for a table at the no-reservation Eat (EatDTLV.com) on Carson Avenue. The cinnamon biscuits are a must, and you can’t go wrong with the iced coffee to kick things back in gear. Another plus is that Eat is service-dog friendly, which means I can make a day out of it and explore Downtown with my Yorkie, Savannah. – XW

bar, hotel and restaurant in California combined. From the humble 750-milliliter and the 6-liter Methusalah of 2000 Rose Gold rosé (at more than $100,000, the largest and most expensive Dom bottle available in Las Vegas right now) to the way-cool light-up Luminous bottles, Brother Dom is the life of the party. DomPerignon.com.

BEST PARTY PARAPHERNALIA

Handheld cryo guns, toy laser shooters and glow sticks of varying sizes are among the bounty of props that turn up at Lavo Party Brunch. Attendees are lavishly adorned in souvenir necklaces and sunglasses to remind them of that one time in Vegas when they danced on the tables of a high-end Italian restaurant and stomped confetti into their omelets. In the Palazzo, LavoLV.com.

BEST CLUB FREEBIE

In addition to the aforementioned props and novelties, some clubs offer foam glow sticks, branded hats and tees, and even swag bags for the ladies. But it’s free entry for locals that Las Vegans appreciate most. The rules for this perk vary depending on the club, the night, the scheduled talent and sometimes even the gender. Promoters and VIP hosts submit guest lists nightly, so getting in touch with one of these nightclub employees is usually the simplest route—Facebook is a great place to start.

FASHION TREND THAT’S OVERSTAYED ITS WELCOME

We’re not entirely sure why anyone thought that neon was OK to bring back at all, but according

L AVO PARTY BRUNCH BY AMIT DADL ANEY

Pavan Pardasani

tion of a door staff like a well-dressed gentleman. John Varvatos (in the Hard Rock Hotel, 702-693-6370) has a way of offering up style that’s edgy, but classic and appropriate to get you through any door in Las Vegas.

You never know what’s going to happen—or who you’ll meet—at Lavo’s Party Brunch.

2 0 1 4 N I G H T L I F E AWA R D S

to our Tastemakers, y’all can cut it out now. A nightclub is not a rave, and layering multiple obnoxious neon garments really shouldn’t be done outside of a costume party. Oh, but on Wednesdays, we still wear pink.

BEST BOTTLE PRESENTATIONS

If a high-roller is going to spend big bucks on a bottle of alcohol, there better be some bells and whistles along with its delivery—literally. Hakkasan is one of the largest and most extravagant clubs in the world, so it’s expected that its bottle presentations also live up to those standards. Whether it involves spelling out the big spender’s name in fashing lights above the head of a famous DJ, trotting out an entire marching band or creating a personal light show with confetti and hot dancers, Hakkasan delivers grand presentations to match its grand prices. In MGM Grand, HakkasanLV.com.

BEST HEADLINER RESIDENT DJ

Choosy Tastemakers choose … Calvin Harris! The Grammy winner, Hakkasan resident and Forbes’ highest paid DJ for the last two years was also the frst artist to place three tracks on Billboard’s Top 10 simultaneously. Yes, the Scottish DJ has some solid credentials to back up his status as a crowd favorite. And he’s pretty much guaranteed to sell out the house for every one of his performances. So, it’s no wonder the clubs love him, too.

BEST NIGHTCLUB RIPE FOR REVISION

BEST LOCAL RESIDENT DJ

In addition to being a crowdbouncing open-format DJ, Bree DeLano (a.k.a. DJ88) is the brand and entertainment director at Insert Coin(s) on Fremont Street. Under DJ88’s direction, and with her dope sounds, the video-game-themed bar has successfully kept up with all of the new kids to move onto the block over the last few years. In addition to a fair amount of travel gigs, DJ88 plays at her home venue on the regular, making Downtown even more of a Tastemaker destination.

Calvin Harris.

It’s last call for LAX in Luxor—or a least it should be, according to our Tastemakers, who say they are ready for a fresh new experience from parent company Hakkasan Group. The group will understandably be busy for a while, transforming Pure in Caesars Palace into megaclub Omnia, which is slated for a spring opening. But perhaps once all the confetti has settled there …? (Another club Tastemaker-tagged for a facelift is 1 Oak in The Mirage. Light Group is a little busy right now, too, what with its shiny new Aria casino bar, Alibi, and the imminent renovation of Haze nightclub, also scheduled for a spring debut; rumor has it Aria’s Gold Lounge is on the docket, too.)

TA S T E M A K E R

Creator of Garrett’s Gay Guide at Gay.vegas

With more than 14 years in the hospitality industry and a strong local and tourist following, Pattiani has built his career around nightlife and hosting. Pattiani created Garrett’s Gay Guide as a social

Vrooom! Start your engines at The Garage (1487 E. Flamingo Rd., 702-440-6333, TheGarageLV.com). The popular neighborhood bar is open 24/7 with an automotive theme and bartenders dressed as mechanics. Pool, shuffleboard and a jukebox keep you entertained. It’s definitely the Cheers of the LGBTQ community. BEST GAY LOUNGE

Nightlife staple 8½ Ultra Lounge (4633 Paradise Rd., 702-791-0100, PiranhaVegas. com) has spanned the decades in Las Vegas’ “Fruit Loop.” The

BEST LGBTQ COMMUNITY CHEERLEADERS

When you think of a cheerleader, Bears Las Vegas (BearsLasVegas.ning.com) might not be the first group to come to mind. However, their strong commitment to the LGBTQ community, and their advocacy of inclusion, makes Bears Las Vegas stand out among the newest nonprofits in the community. The Bears produce events and gatherings that help raise funds for other organizations, including the

Sin Sity Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada. BEST BACHELOR/ BACHELORETTE PARTY SPOT

With Nevada’s ban on same-sex marriage struck down, Las Vegas is poised to become the Gay Marriage Capital of the World. But before the weddings and settling down start, visit Share Nightclub (4636 Wynn Rd., ShareNightclub.com) to get that one last wild Vegas night out of the way. Share is home to some of the hottest male and female go-gos and offers a jam-packed dance floor, EDM DJs and VIP bottle service—everything you need for a night you will never forget, assuming you can actually remember it! – XW

VegasSeven.com

Garrett Pattiani

Every Sunday, Revolution in The Mirage goes gay! Revo Sundays (Facebook.com/LightGroupLGBT) hosts some of the biggest celebrities and artists, with sexy male and female go-gos, and music by the best local and award-winning DJs. Contact a friendly VIP host (Gay.Vegas/RevoSundays) to get on the guest list, or to get the VIP treatment with bottle service, a personal server, elevated tables with seating

BEST GAY BAR

swanky 8½ Lounge features indoor and outdoor seating that is conducive to socializing. Attached to Piranha Nightclub, 8½ lets guests enjoy a low-key atmosphere that can easily lead into a high-energy night.

CALVIN HARRIS BY BRENTON HO/POWERS IMAGERY

BEST GAY CLUB NIGHT

for large parties and even bottle-delivery presentations that allow you to party like a rock star.

November 13–19, 2014

media tool to connect people with events and activities. As moderator for the “Las Vegas Gay Mafia” Facebook group, Garrett’s Gay Guide now appears online, in social media, and in print through a partnership with QVegas Magazine.

2 0 1 4 N I G H T L I F E AWA R D S

BEST NIGHTCLUB VISUAL DISPLAY

Boasting a massive LED wall and Cirque du Soleil performers dangling from the ceiling, Light Nightclub takes the cake when it comes to visuals. The vast box-like room seems to envelop you in darkness, providing a stark contrast to the glow from the oversize visuals on gargantuan screens surrounding a central DJ booth. It also gives you something to look at in the club other than your phone. In Mandalay Bay, TheLightVegas.com.

BEST DJ ROSTER

Hakkasan Group is killing it where music is concerned, boasting a roster of elite DJs and performers who play Hakkasan nightclub and Wet Republic dayclub at MGM Grand. Exclusive contracts with the likes of Calvin Harris, Tiësto, Steve Aoki and Afrojack mean that Hakkasan can count a number of its affliated artists on Forbes’ 2014 list of the world’s highestpaid DJs. HakkasanGroup.com.

stage. Sunday is also the only night partygoers can hop in the pool during club hours without being swiftly kicked out. In Encore, XSLasVegas.com.

BEST DJ DUO

Liv and Mim Nervo not only make a darling DJ duo as residents who rock the decks at Hakkasan, but they’re also twins. Who better to work together on foor-bumping beats than sisters so in-sync they practically know which song the other plans to play before it’s even queued up? They also each have a rad fashion sense that perfectly balances the other. Mim’s lady-hawk and edgy style in contrast to Liv’s long locks and feminine taste make them a couple of very sexy sirens, both to behold as well as to hear.

BEST UNDISCOVERED VODKA FLAVOR

Proving that, despite their commonalities, our Tastemakers are a diverse crew, there were nearly as many unique responses to this question as there were Tastemakers. Of those, answers ranged from juniper (thus: gin) and beer to abstinence and money, while others—such as avocado, chamomile and cigar—show more promise for marketability. But above all, our Tastemakers have a taste for spice; they’re holding out for wasabi and sriracha.

BEST AFTER-HOURS

Drai’s After Hours is the reigning champ—and by a landslide. Other post-

Nervo.

party venues have come and gone or just not reached the bar that Drai’s sets with its late-night shenanigans. Partygoers look upon it fondly because of the memories that have been made—or forgotten—in its notorious basement. Whether during the Barbary Coast, Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall or Cromwell eras, Victor Drai’s red-lit parlor and oldschool, supper club-style nightclub has turned many a long night into day. In the Cromwell, DraisLV.com.

BEST DRINK FOR GOING ALL NIGHT LONG (AND BEYOND…)

OK, we get it: Red Bull gives you wings. But seriously, no other beverage (except water) even made a dent in this category. Why? Two words: Tony Cordasco—the local Red Bull king has Vegas’ nightlife scene on lock, and his industry ‘feld trips’ are the stuff of legend. Plus, it tastes like Sweet Tarts and (if you must) it mixes with spirits. Moving on. RedBull.com.

BEST JUICE BAR

If you haven’t noticed, most nightclub staffers are in pretty good shape (see Page 20). If they’re not hefting large-format bottles over their heads at the club, they’re doing snatches and thrusters at CrossFit. But when they’re not doing either, they’re at Juice NV, undoing the effects of whatever happened the night before with this “urban farm stand’s” most popular juice blends: Jump Start, Beets by Waits and Unicorn’s Blood. 9500 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 110, JuiceNV.com.

BEST INDUSTRY NIGHT

Sunday Night Swim at XS pops off weekly during the warm summer months. Industry folk love to take advantage of having access to one of the best nightclubs in the game, and XS provides the perfect night for locals to gather under the stars. But this is no off night: The DJs on these nights go hard, with past acts including Major Lazer, Zedd and Avicii gracing the

Carlos “DJ Ocho” Ochoa

On-Air DJ, Univision Radio Las Vegas 99.3-FM

while mixing and emceeing at high school events. He broke into the biz at 19 with Univision Radio, and got his first chance on the mic in 2010, on Radio Phoenix KHOT La Nueva 105.9. He quickly progressed to a full-time weekend DJ position on sister station KQMR La Kalle 100.3. Working under the moniker DJ Ocho, bilingual Ochoa connects with his listeners. You can catch him 3-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday on 99.3-FM’s Latino Mix. BEST LATIN NIGHT

Behind a microphone has always been a natural place for Phoenix native Ochoa, who first envisioned himself working in the radio industry

Saturdays at Señor Frog’s in T.I. (702-894-7777, SenorFrogsLV.com), you can find hot young Latinos and couples, dancing the whole

night to a variety of Latin music: reggaeton, banda, hip-hop, EDM, Top 40, salsa, merengue, cumbia and much more. It’s a fun environment with two-for-one yard drinks specials, balloons and streamers at the peak of the night, and there’s even hookah service available. The fun starts at 10:30 p.m. and goes till 3:30 a.m. BEST LIVE LATIN BAND

Volumen 1 (Facebook.com/ Vol1Music) covers all the cumbia, salsa, merengue and rock en Espanol hits: “Juana La Cubana,” “Oye Mi Amor” “Vivir Mi Vida.” Not only do they sing, but they will also pull you onstage and dance with you!

BEST LATIN DJ

It’s a tie! DJ Beto (Facebook. com/RobertoDJBetoOrtiz. Ortiz) has been playing for almost 15 years, all in Las Vegas. You can find him Friday and Saturday evenings at Rhumbar in The Mirage and Tacos & Tequila in Luxor, and Saturday nights at Señor Frogs in T.I. He also mixes with me at 99.3-FM. DJ Gil Barba (GilBarba.com) has been playing for nearly 10 years in Las Vegas, and you can find him Thursday and Saturday nights at Blue Martini in Town Square and Wednesday nights at Luna Lounge. BEST LATIN VIBE DINING

Not only can you get your dance on at Noche Azul

Thursdays at Blue Martini in Town Square (Facebook.com/ NochesAzul), you can also enjoy some good food. Try the lemon-pepper chicken, and be sure to get there early to take advantage of the drink specials. BEST LATIN NIGHTLIFE PROMOTER

It’s always a party with Pepe Ortiz from BP Brothers Entertainment (702-604-9836). Working in the Vegas Latin nightlife scene for nearly 15 years, Ortiz consistently books the best DJs and emcees for his events, and recently brought Mexican rock band Rostros Ocultos and Mexican comedian Platanito to a soldout, standing-room-only crowd at Señor Frog’s. – XW

NERVO BY JOE FURY

November 13–19, 2014

VegasSeven.com

TA S T E M A K E R

When Las Vegas nightlife people feel the tug of responsibility, they have any number of day-job choices from which to choose. Historically, however, most seem to fall into one of four camps: commercial real estate, sneaker boutique, street-wear line or starting a gym. But the newest and most preferred Tastemaker day job is, well, just see the award for Best Juice Bar.

SNOOP DOGG BY AL POWERS; OMNIA COURTESY HAKK ASAN GROUP

BEST SPLURGE EXPERIENCE

It’s easy to splurge in Las Vegas, but the $800 per per-

Don’t take a seat by the windows if they’re open—you’ll have to text each other to converse—but by all means do secure a reservation at Giada’s for that big date-night dinner. This place is dressed to impress, with seats that you can’t help but pull out for your date (hint: there are handles on the backs) and soft, complementary lighting in which everyone looks better. With small plates and whole chicken cacciatore for two, you can work on your sharing skills before spoon-feeding chocolate amaretti cake to one another. In the Cromwell, TheCromwell.com.

BEST POST-CLUB GRUB

Drunk munchies are a Las Vegas tradition. And our highly regarded Tastemakers prefer the rainbow sugar and throwback vibe of the Peppermill, which is within wobbling distance of many Strip clubs, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner 24/7. After a sobering meal and restorative cuppa,

fits my style very well, and without breaking the bank. I love the versatility of the designs: You can dress for a business meeting, gala event or an afterparty—all in one place.

BEST HANGOVER REMEDY

Resqwater’s guerilla marketing must have worked. Tastemakers love the little blue bottle now found on hotel-room nightstands, in mini-bars and all over a certain Vegas Seven beverage editor’s home. Resqwater contains organic prickly pear extract, organic cane sugar, B vitamins, N-acetyl L-cysteine and milk thistle, which is said to metabolize acetaldehyde, the compound that makes you feel crappy the morning after imbibing. Aside from teetotaling, there’s no better way to beat a hangover. Resqwater.com.

BIGGEST NIGHTLIFE STORY OF THE YEAR

True, Marquee Dayclub’s experiments in drone bottle service are pretty cool. But the aforementioned news that the Las Vegas nightlife mother ship, Pure, will be remade over by Hakkasan Group as Omnia is what’s on the tip of Tastemakers’ tongues right now. Designed by the Rockwell Group, Omnia will be “a completely different experience from Hakkasan,” Hakkasan Group president Nick McCabe says. “The new nightclub is not about eclipsing Hakkasan; it’s about satisfying our guests’ desire for a second Hakkasan Group nightlife experience in Vegas.” HakkasanGroup.com.

Natalia Badzjo

Senior VIP Services Manager, Tryst and XS The Estonia-born beauty is so much more than just a pretty face. After earning a degree in international marketing and finance, Badzjo began her career in 2002 as a VIP server at Tabu in MGM Grand and worked her way up, first as operations manager at Studio 54 and then as nightlife marketing manager for Station Casinos before making the move to Wynn Resorts to assume her current position as the senior VIP services manager at Tryst and XS. She also has the unique distinction of being the highest-grossing VIP host on the team. BEST WINE BAR FOR A GLASS (OR TWO)

La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway (in Wynn, 702-770-7375) is an intimate and cozy spot ideal for an evening with a group of friends. The mantra “In Vino Veritas” above the entrance archway says it all. The wine selection is fantastic (more than 340 options), and the knowledgeable sommelier is happy to offer suggestions to go with your food. The tapas-style smallplates menu is perfect for sharing with your group—or not. BEST LADIES POWER CLUBWEAR

A rendering of Omnia, debuting in spring in the former Pure space.

I like to look professional, yet feminine and sexy at the same time. BCBG

BEST OLD-SCHOOL VEGAS EXPERIENCE

There is something about Hugo’s Cellar (in the Four Queens, 702385-4011) that makes you feel like you have traveled back in time. It’s not just a dinner, it’s an experience! The ambience has a very special Old Vegas feel, and the food is always phenomenal (I swear by the salad prepared tableside and the seafood trio). Definitely a hidden gem. LADIES CHOICE FOR FAVORITE DJ IN LAS VEGAS

Tim Bergling—better known as Avicii—is one of the top DJs in the industry, and undoubtedly the most popular one with the ladies. Legions of women make it a point to come see him perform, and the guys follow, of course. So the club is always at full capacity when he is here. His hits resonate with our young, hip demographic, and he always seems to have fun on the stage. Bergling also reads the room very well, and plays for the crowd, not himself. BEST NIGHTCLUB ELEMENT DESIGNED WITH WOMEN IN MIND

Even eight years later, Tryst’s beauty cannot be surpassed. I love seeing the astonishment on faces of firsttime guests walking down the stairs. The wow factor—the 90foot Tryst Waterfall— has yet to be outdone. It is a perfect place to take your girl on a romantic date, or for a ladies night out. – XW

VegasSeven.com

BEST NIGHTLIFE SIDE JOB

BEST DATE-NIGHT DINING

TA S T E M A K E R

Gin and juice, hookers and weed—who wouldn’t want to party with Snoop Dogg? Ironically, the hip-hop legend has cleaned up his act for Las Vegas, launching Snoopadelic Cabaret this past summer, a speakeasy-inspired residency at Tao. The emcee and headliner blends his DJ sets with live performances. If you haven’t had a chance to party with the Lion himself yet, the Snoop D-O-double-G-man will bring back the next installment of his 1920s-themed party on New Year’s Eve. TaoLasVegas.com.

you can then swing by the cheesy-yet-charming Fireside lounge and start Round 2. 2985 Las Vegas Blvd. South, PeppermillLasVegas.com.

November 13–19, 2014

BEST CELEBRITY CLUB HOST

son private lift to and from Electric Daisy Carnival is on every Tastemaker’s wish list. The 15-minute trip for up to seven ($5,000 total) departs from Maverick Helicopters headquarters, affording an aerial view of both the Strip and the lights of EDC. (Not to mention the whole avoiding traffc thing.) Unfortunately your ticket doesn’t get you entrance into the festival, but you still look like an extravagant badass upon arrival. So if you have six friends and an extra fve grand lying around, you’ll know what to do with it next summer. ElectricDaisyCarnival.com.

NIGHTLIFE

XS resident Salva just dropped a rap album— quite the change from his dance-music ascent By Kat Boehrer

VegasSeven.com

Salva, the latter of whom is credited among the dance community as being a contributor to the rise of trap music. He frequently plays festivals alongside rave-culture icons. Recently, though, Salva released Peacemaker, a 13-track rap album he’s offering for free, which his fans might find perplexing. We spoke with Salva about his genre-bending antics in advance of his next XS appearance November 16.

Seeking Salvation

GETTING TIRED OF THE REPETITIVE

buildup-and-drop, big-room sounds that dominate the Strip’s super-clubs? Some savvy clubs are catching onto clubbers’ waning attention, and they’re programming accordingly. The lineup at XS’ Movement Sundays has primarily consisted of artists who make clubworthy music, but aren’t afraid to step outside EDM boundaries—artists such as Green Lantern, Slander and

November 13–19, 2014

PHOTO BY ANDY J SCOTT

Your city after dark, photos from the week’s hottest parties and DJ Waterfall makes a splash

NIGHTLIFE 34

The thing that put me on the map a few years ago was my Kanye remix of “Mercy” with RL Grime. That propelled me into the festivals and the big-room clubs in Vegas. I definitely will continue to do stuff like that, but [Peacemaker] makes a statement: I come from hiphop, and I come from rap. It’s not rappers rapping over house music. It’s my vision of what real rap music should sound like. There are a couple of R&B joints on there, too. It’s a statement piece. And what’s the goal?

My goal is to get A&R [artists and repertoire representatives] and the big rappers and labels to know about me. A lot of people just know me

as “the EDM dude,” so it’s to paint that picture that I come from another side. And [the album has] already done its job in that respect. I worked with a lot of big rappers. Why are you making the album available for free?

I just wanted as many people to hear it as possible. I put a year into it, linking with Young Thug, E-40, Schoolboy Q—you know, some of the biggest rappers in the world. I didn’t want a label getting in the way. I just want people to hear what I put down. Why did it take a full year to complete?

What took so long was chasing a lot of these cats who are constantly touring the world. It was worth it, though, because regardless of how successful it is, I’m proud to

have done it. Some names are on there that I grew up listening to, and I’m proud of being able to pull it off. Where can we find the album?

It’s on my SoundCloud page (SoundCloud.com/Salva) and on all the boutique sites, such as DatPiff, LiveMixtapes, HotNewHipHop—basically anywhere rap heads fnd their rap music. What’s the story behind the album name?

One of the frst big tracks released was with Young Thug, A$AP Ferg and Freddie Gibbs, called “Old English.” That did really well on a street level. Those three artists are a really unlikely pairing, you know? It’s a rapper from A$AP crew in New York, Young Thug in Atlanta and Freddie Gibbs from Gary

[Indiana]. I did another track with Schoolboy Q, Kurupt, Problem and Bad Lucc. [The album’s] like a peacemaker: I’m bringing together artists who shouldn’t be together, styles that shouldn’t be together. Whether it’s rival gangs or rival political outfts, it’s just making peace out of all of the chaos. It’s also a slang term for a Colt revolver, [B-36] bomber and various artillery, so it’s got an explosive quality to it as well. What was the recording process like?

I wanted to organically make all these relationships. So, save for like one or two verses, I recorded in the studio with all these guys, myself. Nobody was paid. It was just all on the low. I bartered and gave them beats for their records in return.

What was the coolest studio experience?

Getting in with Schoolboy Q was cool, because Nicki Minaj was recording next door. It was a star-studded environment. We were in, like, a multimillion dollar studio. Will house make peace with rap at your November 16 show?

When I’m at XS, I play all kinds of things; the nights they book me are like their alternative nights. There are big-room house records that I actually like. That wasn’t the case for a while; I thought a lot of that shit was corny. I play a bunch of big records that will set off those fog machines and confetti machines. I’ll play DJ Mustard tracks and YG, and I’ll do a dope halfhour block of just straight rap after an hour-and-a-half of banging out the house.

PHOTO BY ANDY J SCOTT

November 13–19, 2014

VegasSeven.com

You made your name in the dance-music scene. Why make a change?

#TD4W

DJ SET

SAT. NOV. 15

FRI. NOV. 14

INDUSTRY NIGHT

WED. NOV. 19

FRI. NOV. 21

SAT. NOV. 22

/S U R R E N D E R NIGHTCLUB ENCORE AT WYNN LAS VEGAS SURRENDERNIGHTCLUB.COM

/SURRENDERVEGAS

DOORS OPEN AT 10:30PM WED-SAT

702.770.7313 FOR PRIVATE EVENTS

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MA KE A R E S E R VAT ION T ODAY | T : 702.770.5340 | W YNNLASVEGAS.COM | H I P

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Rev Run.

(At the Linq, 11:30 p.m., Vegas. BrooklynBowl.com.) Fun fact: One-half of MSTRKRFT is part of rock band Death From Above 1979, which plays a full concert earlier in the evening. Coincidence? (8 p.m., Vegas. BrooklynBowl.com.) Finally, the folks behind After bring their “proper after-hours” favor to the Artistic Armory for Afterworld with sets by Halo and Dance Spirit and residents Spacebyrdz and Justin Baule. (5087 Arville St. Suite E, 11:30 p.m., ArtisticArmory.com.)

SUN 16 Facial hair is a good idea this time of year. In addition to adding warmth to your mug, a mustache will earn you a MovemBEER discount at Sin City Brewing through Nov. 30. The more hirsute your face, the steeper the markdown, and end-of-the-month proceeds will be donated to the Movember Foundation, dedicated to men's health. If your lip broom is lacking, you can still reap rewards by tweeting a “fnger stache” and tagging @SinCityBeer and #MovemBEER. (Multiple locations, SinCityBeer.com.)

November 13–19, 2014

VegasSeven.com

MON 17

THU 13

FRI 14

SAT 15

Where do you picture yourself on your 50th birthday? If you’re like hip-hop icon Rev Run, you’ll be raging at a nightclub—Hakkasan, in this case. He’ll be joined at the turntables by DJ Ruckus, who told Vegas Seven in a recent interview that he likes to drop TLC's “No Scrubs” and Soulja Boy's “Crank That" in his sets. Get hype! (In MGM Grand, 10:30 p.m., HakkasanLV.com.) But don’t miss AraabMuzik at Body English. Pitchfork has lauded him as “Master of the MPC,” for the way he ferociously pounds out samples of familiar songs to create new beats at ridiculous speeds. We fully expect the dance foor to go still in bewilderment. (In Hard Rock Hotel, 10:30 p.m., HardRockHotel.com.)

In case you missed it, Lil Jon few from L.A. to Atlanta just to rock the vote in his registered district of Fulton County, Georgia. (According to an Instagram post, he never received his absentee ballot in the mail.) Cheer on his strong sense of civic responsibility when he votes “Yes”—err, “Yeahhh!”—at Surrender. (In Encore, 10:30 p.m., SurrenderNightclub.com.) Cravin’ bacon? Commonwealth hosts the Downtown Cocktail Shakedown, during which six mixologists will be challenged to incorporate bacon into an alcoholic concoction. You’ll receive complimentary entry and samples from 8-10 p.m. with RSVP at CocktailCityVegas.com. (525 Fremont St., 8 p.m., CommonwealthLV.com.)

Today is what would have been Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s 46th birthday, also coinciding with the 10year anniversary of the rapper’s death. I.S.I Group invites you to pay homage with live Wu Tang Clan-inspired art and music during Shimmy Shimmy Ya at Beauty Bar. (517 Fremont St., 9 p.m., TheBeautyBar.com.) Rid yourself of Top 40 earworms at Hard Hat Lounge. Artists collective Behind City Lights brings you an arsenal of under-the-radar grooves at the hands of locally raised DJs Low Sodium, Promeethus, Night Rumors, Diatone and Dskovr. Wear your dancing shoes. (1675 S. Industrial Rd., 10 p.m., BehindCityLights.com.) Then head over to Brooklyn Bowl for a late set by electronic duo MSTRKRFT.

Join Vegas Seven at Foxtail as we honor the best in Las Vegas nightlife at our 2014 Nightlife Awards. (Meet the MVIPs—Most Valuable Industry Players—on Page 20, and check out the Tastemaker Awards on Page 27.) Receive complimentary entry when

Ruckus.

you sign up at VegasSeven. com/NightlifeRSVP before 3 p.m. today, and score a hotel room for half off with the code “PMM04.” Cheers! (In SLS, 10:30 p.m., SLSLasVegas.com.)

TUE 18 Alibi Lounge recently opened in the former City Bar space in Aria. The 24-hour cocktail cave promises libations and a soundtrack of indie tunes. See it all in full effect at tonight’s grand opening. (In Aria, 7 p.m., AlibiLoungeLV.com.)

WED 19 Insert Coin(s) residents Cutso, Chuck Fader, Charlie Darker and Crykit lead you into Flux, a night of bootlegs and rarities to tickle your eardrums, plus drink specials to coat your throat. What more could you want from a Wednesday? (512 Fremont St., 9 p.m., InsertCoinsLV.com.)

MSTRKRFT.

RUCKUS BY JOEL KLEINER

NIGHTLIFE

Camille Cannon

NIGHTLIFE

Chasin’ Waterfalls This DJ’s for reals By Camille Cannon

Does this DJ look familiar? Find out his identity by clicking on the YouTube link found at VRated.com/Chasin-Waterfalls. For more from Vegas Rated, visit VRated.com.

PHOTO BY ANTHONY MAIR

November 13–19, 2014

VegasSeven.com

DJ WATERFALL WILL DO ANYTHING TO BECOME

a household name. The Australia-born writer and producer has hired his own entourage, cursed out nightclub bouncers and hawked energy drinks in his quest for fame. And he broadcasts it all in a web series on YouTube. Similar to comedy-folk duo Flight of the Conchords or satirical journalist Ali G, Waterfall (who prefers not to reveal his born identity) is a persona of parody. He is outrageous and boisterous and, at times, kind of a diva. But he’s serious about his music. Waterfall is so serious, in fact, that he recently moved to Las Vegas—“the mecca of EDM,” as he calls it—to focus on club bangers full time. Previously a resident of Los Angeles, Waterfall supplements his DJ career as a ghostwriter. He was working anonymously and exclusively for other artists until about a year ago. “My manager ripped me off for a lot of money,” he says. “That’s why I’m doing my own stuff now.” Although he has yet to DJ in Las Vegas, Waterfall has recently spun several gigs in smaller cities. But none have been more infamous than his frst, which took place in Australia 20 years ago. It’s when he received his moniker. “I was burning up the dance foor so bad, I thought, ‘The shit I’m playing may catch fre,’” he remembers. “My friend handed me a sprinkler and I sprayed [the audience]. Everyone was saying ‘Waterfall! Waterfall! Waterfall!’” Waterfall is currently working on his frst solo album. “It’s house music,” he says. “It’s big. It’s fun. And it’s exciting.” He wants to put the whole record together before touring again. That way, he won’t become “white noise,” another DJ who doesn’t produce original music. He’s in talks to collaborate with rapper Lil Uno of Bay Area hip-hop group The Pack, and his frst single, “Unbreakable,” features vocals from singer Ashleigh Teich. “I’m not trying to get too deep, too spiritual,” he says. But he is ambitious. Each of his web videos is watermarked in the upper right-hand corner: “DJ Waterfall: Greatest DJ Ever.” He admires the careers of Strip headliners such as David Guetta and Tiësto. And he’s confdent that fans will see past his comic exterior. “I’ll keep it as funny and as out there as possible. Either you’ll love it or you’ll hate it,” he says. “But the music’s so good that you’re gonna be like, ‘I gotta respect him. Or you’re gonna listen to it and go, ‘I hate this guy for writing this. Because it’s that good.’”

NIGHTLIFE

PARTIES

LIFE SLS

[ UPCOMING ]

See more photos from this gallery at SPYONVegas.com

PHOTOS BY TEDDY FUJIMOTO AND BOBBY JAMEIDAR

November 13–19, 2014

VegasSeven.com

Nov. 14 Rebecca and Fiona spin Nov. 15 EC Twins spin Nov. 16 Mark Knight spins

NIGHTLIFE

PARTIES

Encore [ UPCOMING ]

See more photos from this gallery at SPYONVegas.com

PHOTOS BY DANNY MAHONEY

November 13â&#x20AC;&#x201C;19, 2014

VegasSeven.com

Nov. 14 Kris Nilsson spins Nov. 15 Cazzette spin Nov. 16 Salva spins

NIGHTLIFE

PARTIES

LAVO BRUNCH The Palazzo

[ UPCOMING ]

See more photos from this gallery at SPYONVegas.com

PHOTOS BY AMIT DADL ANEY

November 13–19, 2014

VegasSeven.com

Nov. 15 White Night Nov. 22 Party Brunch Nov. 29 November Rain ’80s Rock Party

DINING

“Cleo is re-igniting Las Vegas’ interest in Mediterranean cuisine, and one-upping the typical neighborhood fare.” {PAGE 60}

Three popular restaurants expand their reach in new locations By Al Mancini

Second Acts

AS A NATIONAL WRITER, my big Las Vegas stories this year have been about the fact that the city is growing again—the Cromwell, the Linq, the Delano, SLS. This is also evident in the dining scene, where, over the past several weeks, Café Martorano, Border Grill and Lola’s Louisiana Kitchen have all opened second locations.

November 13–19, 2014

PHOTOS BY JON ESTRADA

The dining room and garden at Lola’s Louisiana Kitchen in Summerlin.

VegasSeven.com

Restaurant reviews, news and announcing the next restaurant from Hakkasan Group

shooters, four ceviches and other raw seafood alongside freshpressed juices. It’s a frst for any Border Grill location in California or Las Vegas, and one that fulflls a longstanding dream. “When we opened in Santa Monica, we tried to make the front a cold fsh taco and ceviche station,” Feniger recalls. “But 30 years ago, people were just not there yet. They were barely used to soft corn tortillas.” The pair have also signifcantly redesigned their dinner menu. As much as 40 percent of the food was created specifcally for the new location, including lamb albondigas (meatballs), chile-lime shrimp and one of the most interesting presentations of a tamale I’ve ever seen: stuffed with chicken tinga, topped with pumpkin-seed puree, squash salsa and radish slices. Finally, Downtown’s popular Creole/Cajun spot Lola’s has expanded into Summerlin. So far, the menu is basically the same. But the difference in décor is astounding. While the Arts District dining room is small, casual and simple, the new spot is sprawling and lavish. The 285-seat space includes a beautiful bar area, which allows owner Lola Pokorny to offer

cocktails for the frst time. A piano sits in one corner, New Orleans-themed artwork hangs on the wall, and the chef cooks Lola’s signature oysters on a large open grill in the center of the room. There are also more formal dining areas, as well as patio seating. That outdoor area has plenty of room for Lola’s famed crawfsh boils when the mudbugs are in season. And during football season, this may become the hottest spot in Summerlin for taking in a Saints game. While all of the Arts District classics will remain on the new location’s menu indefnitely, Pokorny is planning to roll out a Summerlinonly menu after Mardi Gras, featuring such dishes as chicken-fried chicken, a charbroiled romaine Caesar and a Cajun cobb salad. In the meantime, there will be plenty of daily specials featuring the kale, beets, squash and herbs she’s growing in the restaurant’s front yard. How’s that for farm-to-table?

CAFÉ MARTORANO

Paris, 702-946-4656. Open for dinner 5-11 p.m. Sun-Thu, 5 p.m.-midnight Fri-Sat. BORDER GRILL

Forum Shops in Caesars, 702854-6700. Open for lunch and dinner 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun-Thu, 11 a.m.-midnight Fri-Sat. LOLA’S LOUISIANA KITCHEN

Martorano’s caprese.

1220 N. Town Center Dr., 702-871-5652. Open for lunch and dinner 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon-Thu, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri, noon-10 p.m. Sat.

[ A SMALL BITE ]

HAKKASAN GROUP TO BRING SEARSUCKER RESTAURANT TO CAESARS

Hakkasan Group’s colonization of Caesars Palace continues apace. The group has announced that it will install an outpost of its Searsucker restaurant brand (Searsucker.com) in the former Munchbar space this spring. The restaurant bookends Hakkasan Group’s impending megaclub project, Omnia, also slated for a spring debut, satisfying two-thirds of the Las Vegas nightlife trifecta: club, restaurant, pool. Helmed by celebrity chef Brian Malarkey, Searsucker joins existing outposts in Austin,

November 13–19, 2014

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Texas; Del Mar and San Diego, where the brand launched and gained popularity in the city’s Gaslamp Quarter. Malarkey,

too, gained attention last year as a colorfully dressed judge and mentor on ABC’s The Taste with Anthony Bourdain, Nigella Lawson and Ludo Lefebvre. Here the Top Chef: Miami alum will showcase his contemporary spin on American classic comfort foods in a laid-back atmosphere. Already destined for the menu are Malarkey’s 38-ounce bone-in tomahawk rib eye, “Eggs and bacon” (that is, braised pork belly with poached egg and brown butter hollandaise) and beer-braised short rib with horseradish pan sauce. On the side, trite staples get Malarkey’s playful touch, such as the jalepeño chorizo “corn off the cob.” As for the fried Brussels sprouts with anchovy, red wine and jalapeño vinaigrette, we’ll reserve judgment on the marriage of those notorious reminders of childhood dinners till we can sample them firsthand. – Xania Woodman

Get the latest on local restaurant openings and closings, interviews with top chefs, cocktail recipes, menu previews and more in our weekly “Sips and Bites” newsletter. Subscribe at VegasSeven.com/SipsAndBites.

THIS THANKSGIVING, THINK OF THE VEGANS. AND THE CARNIVORES. AND MORE TRUFFLES. While everyone else is starting to think about turkey and ham and all the dairy-laden goodness that comes with Thanksgiving, don’t forget it’s also World Vegan Month (that’s vegan as in the dietary habit, not the local). Panevino (246 Via Antonio Ave., 702-222-2400) has had the herbivores in mind for quite some time, with a menu that features organic “meatloaf” and grilled vegetable lasagna, as well as its signature spinach and soy-based ricotta gnocchi that don’t make omnivores miss meat. This month, if you order a plant-based entrée, they’ll throw in a vegan dessert gratis, such as the creamy chocolate gelato with warm almond milk or the chocolate pudding, which not only happens to be animal free, but fat free as well. Should the carnivores out there need the real thing, and need it raw, Bazaar Meat (in SLS, 702-761-7610) has a selection of carpaccio to feed the beast. And they’re even served wrapped around a stick. Sure, it’s a breadstick, but the combination of tender, paper-thin bison or Washugyu beef and the crunchy delivery method of Parmesan grissini are a great textural contrast. Dip it into the caramelized onion puree for so much umami in one bite. If you prefer your raw meat with less crunch and more bite, the classic tartare gets some help with a couple of worldly condiments. Chopped sirloin gets mixed with spicy French Savora mustard, English HP Sauce, an egg yolk and anchovy. And a half-dozen soft, warm, mini-Parker House rolls accompanies the mixture for DIY sliders. I know I mentioned truffles last week, but the season is short! Delmonico Steakhouse (in the Venetian, 702-414-3737) is running specials November 10-16 sporting both black and white varieties of the tuber. You can go simple, such as the starter of angel-hair pasta, Vermont butter and local chives, which gets a shaving of the white, or super French, as in the escargot, which gets kissed with the black truffles and served over mushroom toast with garlicherb butter. Feeling rich? There’s also Maine lobster with risotto adorned with white truffle to make you feel like two million bucks. And for dessert—you guessed it!—white-truffle ice cream. It might be possible to actually have the fragrance of the sought-after fungus emanating from your pores by the end of the meal—a very First World problem. Grace Bascos eats, sleeps, raves and repeats. Read more from Grace at VegasSeven.com/ DishingWithGrace, as well as on her diningand-music blog, FoodPlusTechno.com.

PHOTO BY SABIN ORR

DINING

Steve Martorano’s blend of Italian-American food, music and ambience has earned him a loyal following at the Rio, despite the complete lack of foot traffc past his restaurant’s second-foor corner location. Things are much less secluded at his new Paris locale, which opens up onto the main promenade that connects the casino foor to the Paris convention area and Bally’s. “The Rio is more geared toward locals,” Martorano says. “A lot of locals don’t want to come to the Strip, so that’s a perfect venue for them. This is more geared toward the people [already] on the Strip.” The entertainment format will remain the same: Low-volume Rat Packers dominate the sound system during the early hours. Late night, however, it’s a louder blend of old-school R&B meant to appeal to an older party crowd unimpressed with the EDM of Vegas’ nightclubs. The dinner menu at the new Café Martorano is nearly identical to the one at the original location. But there’s a new cocktail menu, including a line of Philly Water Ice drinks (a sort of sorbet-tini). And Martorano is preparing to offer his frst Las Vegas lunch menu here. Meanwhile, down the boulevard, Mandalay Bay’s Border Grill is arguably the city’s best high-end Mexican restaurant. But at its new location in the Forum Shops at Caesars, owners Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken are determined to offer something different. The new restaurant includes a ceviche and oyster bar, offering oysters with assorted granitas,

DINING

An assortment of mezzes at Cleo.

Al’s

Menu Picks

Fit for a Queen Cleo earns high marks for its contemporary— and even largely vegetarian—Mediterranean cuisine By Al Mancini

November 13–19, 2014

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FEW WOMEN IN HISTORY HAVE BEEN

portrayed as being quite so exotic, intriguing and glamorous as Cleopatra. So if you’re going to name your restaurant after the Egyptian pharaoh-queen and lover of Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, you’d better bring something special to the table. I’m happy to report that Cleo at SLS, a sister restaurant to the L.A. original, does just that. If you’re worried about what Egyptian cuisine might entail, have no fear. The menu at Cleo is broad Mediterranean fare, with plenty of items you’ve seen at your neighborhood Mediterranean joint. What sets it apart is the combination of sophistication and simplicity in both food and décor. As you enter, you’ll fnd a handful of tables and booths in front of a large open kitchen in the center of the room. White Lebanese crystal-style chandeliers hang from the ceiling, while books, photos and other antiquities line shelves along the walls. For a casual, more visceral experience, take a seat at the counter lined with herbs

and spices that surrounds the cooking All three of the dips I’ve sampled space. From there, you can watch the have been exceptional. The hummus chefs at work before an open oven with whole chickpeas and the cucumwhile taking in the aromas. Or, if ber yogurt were both extremely tradiyou’re looking for something more tional and perfectly executed. But the formal, request a table or plush booth most interesting was the chicken liver in the back of the restaurant. mousse with glazed onions, butterThe menu begins with a roasted walnuts and a selection of mezzes (appetizwine reduction. All of the ers) that includes numerous dips are accompanied CLEO dips, kebabs, sausages, vegby either house-made In SLS, etables and specialties such laffa bread or vegetable 702-761-7612. as dolmades and kibbeh. sticks. Other mezzes you Open for dinner They’re followed by several should try are the sweet 6-10:30 p.m. soups, salads, vegetables, venison sausages with Sun-Thu, fatbreads and a handful of pickled caulifower and 6-11:30 p.m. raw dishes—all meant for the dolmades, the latter Fri-Sat. sharing. But there’s also a being among the best I’ve Dinner for two healthy assortment of larger ever had. The grape leaves $40-$80. meat and seafood entrées. are fresh and crisp (not While the meat offerings stringy like you someshould satisfy the most times encounter), and the carnivorous of diners, there are enough rice is nicely seasoned without going delicious meat-free dishes to provide overboard on the citrus. a wonderful vegetarian feast. (On my Other highlights include kushi frst visit, we went about 90 percent oysters with a chili-lime mignonette; vegetarian and had a great meal.) a mixture of eggplant, fennel and

Cucumber yogurt ($7), dolmades ($7), venison sausage ($7) and lamb tagine ($16).

chili cooked in the wood-burning oven; and a mushroom fatbread with Gruyère. But my absolute favorite dish so far has been the lamb tagine. The tender meat is accented with silan (date honey syrup) and saffron, and falls apart at the mere touch of a fork. And the perfectly cooked couscous that accompanies it comes dotted with tiny, sweet, dried apricots. My visits to Cleo haven’t been without misses, however. The duck bastilla is a rich glazed duck wrapped in phyllo, then dusted with powdered sugar, a clumsy and unsuccessful attempt to blend savory with sweet. The exterior of my falafel was a bit too hard and crunchy. And the spinach-and-ricotta dumplings in a pesto Parmesan sauce were too mushy for my taste. (As for the much-hyped fried Brussels sprout leaves, I can take them or leave them.) Service on my frst visit was exemplary—no surprise since the managers knew I am a critic. The staff was just as attentive on my second visit, however, when my wife and I snuck in unnoticed and sat at the counter (although two of our three dishes did arrive lukewarm). That said, Cleo is re-igniting Las Vegas’ interest in Mediterranean cuisine and one-upping the typical neighborhood fare. Plus, it’s nice to see the pharaoh-queen triumphant in the former Sahara.

DRINKING [ SCENE STIRS ]

MYTHBUSTERS: PATRÓN Think you know everything about Vegas’ bottleservice darling? Davin Homan, Patrón’s Nevada area manager, wants you to think again. Patrón is not tequila. – False To be called “tequila,” a spirit has to be made from 51 percent Weber blue agave grown in one of Mexico’s five tequila-making regions. To bear the name “100 percent blue agave,” it of course has to come from 100 percent Weber blue agave. Only blue agaves from the Jalisco highlands—the Napa Valley of Mexico, if you will—go into Patrón. Patrón is made in Las Vegas. – False Tequila labled “100 percent blue agave” must be produced, distilled and bottled on site in Mexico. Patrón is bottled at La Hacienda de Patrón distillery in the small town of Atotonilco el Alto. When agaves come in from the fields, they are quartered and steamed at a low temperature for 79 hours in 20,000-ton capacity adobe brick ovens. However, Patrón’s U.S. headquarters are in Las Vegas! Patrón is made at a distillery that makes other tequilas. – False While many tequila distilleries produce multiple brands, La Hacienda de Patrón only produces Patrón. Although master distiller Francisco Alcaraz created Patrón in 1989 at the Siete Leguas distillery, when La Hacienda was built in 2002, Patrón moved production there; its exclusive distillery number, 1492, can be found on every bottle.

you might not see it in shot glasses as much as it is served neat or by the bottle in nightclubs. And when you come across it in a cocktail, the favor of the tequila should enhance the drink, not be covered up by it. Lobby Bar in Aria typically focuses on vodka, gin and Champagne, but bartender Manny Garcia employs Roca to treat his tequila-loving guests to an upscale twist on a margarita. His Valley of Fire ($15) cocktail combines Roca Patrón’s silver expression with mezcal, apricot liqueur, fresh lime, a little simple syrup and Fresno chile. Sip, sigh and repeat. Get the recipe at VegasSeven.com/CocktailCulture.

DeJoria has a race car-driving daughter. – True Pro drag racer and the quickest female in NHRA Funny Car history, Alexis DeJoria was recently in Las Vegas promoting breast cancer awareness. Her ride? The Patrón XO Café Toyota Camry, of course! Patrón has a secret society. – True Well, the secret’s out! The Patrón Social Club gives members access to private events, dinners and contests. Sign up at PatrónSocialClub.com. – X.W.

➜ If Patrón tequila’s new Roca line tastes a little earthier than what you’re used to shooting, it stands to good reason. Among the brand’s newest products, Roca Patrón is entirely made using the tahona method: Agave piñas roasted 79 hours in an adobe brick oven are crushed by a tahona, a hand-carved, two-ton volcanic rock before going into small pinewood fermenters—all of which yields a more complex favor and fnish: sweet and earthy with notes of black pepper, cooked agave, light citrus and herbs. By contrast, Patrón’s core line is 50 percent tahona. Roca’s price is accordingly enriched, too, so

November 13–19, 2014

PHOTO BY JON ESTRADA

Turning up the Heat

Patrón was founded by Paul Mitchell. – False With just $700, John Paul DeJoria cofounded John Paul Mitchell Hair Systems in 1980 with hairstylist Paul Mitchell while DeJoria was living out of his car. In 1989, DeJoria, by then a successful businessman and philanthropist, launched Patrón with the late Martin Crowley. DeJoria is still the owner.

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Patrón is an industrial spirit. – False As was done in Patrón’s infancy, it’s still made using the tahona process, still fermented in 5,000-liter pinewood vats and distilled in copper-pot stills. As the company has grown, Patrón has added more tahona pits and more fermentation tanks. “It’s small batch on a large scale,” Homan says. “People see Patrón as this massive brand, but we have less than 200 people in the company, plus the 1,100 people in Mexico making and bottling the product. It’s a big brand, but a small company.” That said, Patrón is also forward thinking, using a reverse osmosis system to handle waste pulp and water, both huge problems for Mexico. Patrón salvages 70 percent of its wastewater. Spent pulp fibers are composted, watered with reclaimed water and used to fertilize an organic garden, which yields a bag of groceries per week for each family employed at La Hacienda.

A&E

“It was the equivalent of spending Thanksgiving with a hilarious and eccentric family, trying not to miss a thing as you pass the stuffng and decode the inside jokes.” STAGE {PAGE 68}

Movies, music, stage and some eggs that go over really easy

Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton talks indie-rock, tombstone epitaphs and band rapport By Jarret Keene

CO N TIN U ED O N PAGE 6 4

Metal Gods

November 13–19, 2014

Call to worship: Glenn Tipton (far right) and his band.

VegasSeven.com

HE’S RESPONSIBLE FOR MANY OF THE

heaviest, most striking metal riffs ever recorded—“Breaking the Law,” “Living After Midnight,” “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’,” to name a few. But Glenn Tipton hasn’t just motivated legions of headbangers to pick up six-string axes and form bands. He’s also earned the admiration of soft indie-folk rockers such as Mark Kozelek of Sun Kil Moon, who wrote a gentle, lovely song named after the hard-charging, leather-clad Judas Priest guitarist. “I did actually hear that song,” says Tipton, 67, whose band will be playing the Pearl at the Palms on November 14. “I was honored by it. I’m proud to be recognized by other musicians. C’mon, if you don’t do anything in your life but inspire people, your life is worth living.” Forty years after their frst studio album Rocka Rolla (1974), Priest continues to earn positive reviews. Critics hailed the band’s recent disc, Redeemer of Souls, as yet another classic, on par with British Steel, Screaming for Vengeance and Painkiller. Tipton credits the creative infusion of guitarist Richie Faulkner, who replaced longtime Priest shredder K.K. Downing four years ago. “I think Redeemer might’ve progressed much like a standard Priest effort,” Tipton says. “But when Richie joined the songwriting team, we suddenly realized our band had a moment to really shine.” Interestingly, Tipton insists he was less interested in Faulkner’s technical prowess than in the 34-year-old’s positive, can-do spirit. “It’s very important to get along with the right personality. The frst thing we looked for is someone we could get along with and collaborate. It’s OK to have the best guitar player in the world, but if that person doesn’t mesh then it’s wasted. We met with Richie and knew he was a good guitar player as soon as he walked through the door. He’s such a nice guy. The thing we needed to know is if he could write.” No worries there. Everything Faulkner brings to the table on Redeemer is pure Priest. From the

A&E

Faulkner and Tipton grind their axes.

(LOCAL) VIDEOGRAPHY

By Zoneil Maharaj

1 EKOH ‘PAINTS’ HIMSELF IN HEART-HOP Rapper Ekoh, who performed at Life Is Beautiful, dropped the visuals for “Paint” a couple of weeks ago. Branded “heart-hop,” the genre-bridging MC isn’t afraid to tackle his demons or address real issues in his music. The song—about putting up fronts and hiding pain—features lush production that sounds somber and triumphant all at once, with Avalon Landing singer Josh Rabenold delivering the powerful chorus. The video is equally compelling. Shot Downtown, it starts with Ekoh spray-painting a wall before he gets his paint stolen. He chases after the culprit and eventually finds himself stuck in a painting.

2 HAPPY CAMPERS MAKE A SLASHER FLICK WITH A SHAKESPEAREAN ENDING

November 13–19, 2014

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Vegas punk staples Happy Campers recently dropped their video for “Bleeding Me Dry” off their latest album, Dancing With Demons. It features the quartet dressed as horror movie villains. They appear to be attacking a helpless woman in the woods, but wait for the funny/ fucked-up twist at the end. According to the YouTube description, it’s one of four videos shot for the song. I wonder what they’ll come up with for the others.

3 EUROZ DELVES INTO THE “SUBCONSCIOUS” When I asked Dizzy Wright what other Vegas rappers I should check for, he only mentioned one: Euroz. One listen to Euroz’s Memories of the Future, and it was clear why he got the endorsement. It’s a deeply introspective record devoid of mainstream gimmickry, and a big progression from his mixtape offerings. While there’s nothing special about the recently released video for “Subconscious”—just a dude walking down cold, dark streets with his shirt off—the song is the perfect introduction to the artist. Staying hungry, he also dropped a teaser of a new track over the weekend in a video clip titled “The Lab.”

CO NTINUED FRO M PAGE 63 fery riffng on stone is British comedian Spike Milligan’s “Dragonaut” to the bluesy Hendrix blasts of epitaph: “I told you I was ill.” What Tipton “Sword of Damocles,” Tipton and Faulkner doesn’t chuckle at is the idea of a Las Vegas comprise a ferocious sonic wail. Fans, howresidency a la Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard. ever, should expect to hear half of the tunes “I think if it’s done in the right way, by from the new album. It’s ineviputting on a real professiontable for a band such as Priest, al show every night, then with such a trove of songs, to I can see the sense. Some JUDAS PRIEST leave out someone’s favorite. people might frown on it, with Steel Panther, “With this set list, though, but I don’t.” 8 p.m. Nov. 14, we almost have it right,” TipFinally, Tipton offers The Pearl at the ton says. “We’re playing songs some wisdom for young Palms, $69 and up, we haven’t played in years like guitarists looking to fnd 702-944-3200. ‘Love Bites.’ It’s a very enjoycareers in music. able set for us to play, and for “My advice has always fans to appreciate.” been: Be yourself and bring People will always fock to see Priest peryour own character to the instrument. The form live. But how does Tipton feel about getbest bands are those you can instantly recting older while continuing to play rebellious ognize. I used to struggle for hours, days, music? Will his tombstone years from now weeks learning Jimi Hendrix riffs, until it provide any insight? Tipton laughs at this, dawned on me that it was more important saying the best thing he’s seen on a tombto develop my own style.”

A&E

CONCERT

KISS Wanna Rock and Roll (Some of) the Nite

Going Deep with a New Leonard Cohen Book

Music journalist Harvey Kubernik has built a cottage industry writing about a certain era of music. His coffee-table chronicles include Canyon Dreams: The Magic and Music of Laurel Canyon (2009); A Perfect Haze: The Illustrated History of the Monterey International Pop Festival (2011); and Turn Up the Radio! Rock, Pop and Roll in Los Angeles 1956-1972 (2014). So it stands to reason that Kubernik would deliver a breathtaking, visual and literal treatise on Leonard Cohen, that legendary Canadian balladeer with the beatified baritone. “I was first drawn to Leonard Cohen after hearing his Columbia Records debut late one night on L.A.’s KPPCFM,” Kubernik says. “I interviewed him in 1974 at the Continental Hyatt House in Hollywood for Melody Maker. He was a mensch.” Decades of personal adoration has manifested into this vibrant collage, Leonard Cohen: Everybody Knows (Backbeat Books, $35). It includes rare photographs, memorabilia and recollections from Cohen aficionados such as early Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham; ’70s glam/punk entrepreneur Kim Fowley; avant-garde rocker Nick Cave; and filmmaker Curtis Hanson, who placed one of Cohen’s songs in his flick, Wonder Boys. Through it all, Harvey’s goal, as stated in the book’s introduction, is to bring “clarity and context to this most extravagantly lived, most solitary of public lives.” Hallelujah, Harvey Kubernik, for going deep. Again. – Lonn M. Friend

The Joint at the Hard Rock, November 5

I’ve always contended that one of the things that has made KISS appealing to an army of fans for four decades has been the simplicity of their music (newsflash: Led Zeppelin, they’re not) and predictability of their over-the-top theatrical live shows. So it came as no surprise that Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and the two hired hands not named Peter Criss or Ace Frehley chose not to reinvent the wheel on the opening night of their three-week, nine-show KISS Rocks Vegas residency. Yes, there were fire and explosions and eardrum-splitting sound and 12-inch platform heels and Stanley performing “Love Gun” hovering over the audience and Simmons spitting blood while soaring toward the ceiling during his bass solo. Indeed, KISS knows what they do, and they do it well. But there’s just one problem: They don’t do it for very long. Not that one should expect a three-hour extravaganza, what with 50 percent of the band old enough to collect Social Security. But when you’ve got a catalog of more than three dozen albums and you’re saying your initial goodnight after 13 songs, that doesn’t exactly qualify as a full night’s work. To their credit, they played a three-song encore; they didn’t lack for effort (at times, the quartet seemed to have more verve than the audience); and they dropping the confetti after barely 90 minutes, well, let’s just say Paul and Gene should consider retiring the closing song “Rock and

November 13–19, 2014

JE T’AIME IMPALA Tame Impala (pictured) consistently hypnotizes audiences with their lovely, lo-fi psychedelia. Kevin Parker’s guitar sound is distorted, but his musical genius (“Apocalypse Dreams,” “Mind Mischief,” “Elephant”) is crystal clear. Tame Impala plays Brooklyn Bowl on Nov. 13 ($33).

ON SALE NOW Maroon 5 will play two special New Year’s concerts at Mandalay Bay Events Center Dec. 30-31 ($99.50$224.50). Why not ring in 2015 with live performances of “Maps” and “Animals” from Maroon 5’s latest album, V?

KISS BY ERIK K ABIK/ERIKK ABIK.COM

Roll All Nite” from the set list. Or at least rewrite the lyrics.. ★★★✩✩ – Matt Jacob

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sprinkled in a couple of deep cuts (“Parasite,” show-opener “Creatures of the Night”) with the usual standards. But when you’re

ALBUM REVIEWS

The

HIT LIST

By Pj Perez

TARGETING THIS WEEK'S MOST-WANTED EVENTS

By Camille Cannon

Rancid

Sun Gods to Gamma Rays

Devin Sinha

(Hellcat/Epitaph) On “Back Where I Belong,” the opening track of Rancid’s eighth studio album, frontman Tim Armstrong declares I’ve been gone way too long, and indeed, six years have passed since the Bay Area punks’ last album. But ... Honor Is All We Know—produced by Bad Religion guitarist and Epitaph CEO Brett Gurewitz—hits all the expected notes: shout-along choruses, hints of second-wave ska, fighting the man, drinking, etc. The sound is gruffer and less melodic than on previous outings, but that somehow adds gravitas to an album that blasts through 14 songs in 32 minutes. ★★★✩✩

(Self-released) The debut full-length from Minneapolis quintet Sun Gods to Gamma Rays displays the effortless playing and songwriting of a young band in its prime, offering 10 tracks of downtempo, spacey rock music that falls somewhere between Zero 7’s breezy trip-hop and Elysian Fields’ crunchy dream-pop. Anchored by the breathy, ethereal voice of Brianna Kocka, A Ghost To Find is equal parts sexy (“Make It Last”), dramatic (“Funeral Drum”), chilling (“Prism Light”), menacing (“The Darkest Part”) and just plain terrific. ★★★★✩

(Self-released) Seattle-area singer-songwriter Devin Sinha shifts things up on his second self-released album, adding percussion, electric instrumentation and layered vocals to his acoustic guitar-based, contemporary folk-rock, conjuring a sound equally reminiscent of Ryan Adams and Sufjan Stevens. The 11 songs on The Seventh Season go down easily, with Sinha’s surprisingly mature songs trading on a blend of heart-on-sleeve storytelling and poetic balladry, while his delicate fingerpicking work anchors such songs as “Winter Child,” “Orion” and “The Wolves.” ★★★✩✩

A Ghost To Find

Historic Beauty, Served Shiny Side Up FABERGÉ: GLITTERY, GLITZY AND OVER THE TOP. Liberace

loved the jewelry house’s lavish sensibility so much that he opened some of his mid-’80s productions by emerging from a giant Fabergé egg. It’s no wonder that their jewelencrusted, gold-leafed and diamond-spangled extravagance appeals to Las Vegas, where fashy indulgence is our raison d’être. So it’s ftting that Fabergé creations have been on display at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art twice. In 2003, the gallery presented Fabergé: Treasures From the Kremlin. On November 14, Fabergé Revealed arrives (10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily through May 25). The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts created the exhibition, which has traveled to Detroit and Montreal, among other cities, and will appear in Beijing in 2016. The exhibit showcases more than 200 works—from elaborately carved picture frames and jewel-studded cigarette cases to gilded teapots and enameled parasol handles. The house of Fabergé also maintained its focus on jewelry,

The Seventh Season

and Fabergé Revealed will include pieces such as the last Queen of Italy’s diamond tiara. Also on display will be four of the famed Fabergé eggs, each a tiny elaborate masterpiece of adornment and engineering. The Imperial Pelican Easter Egg is a creation of intricately engraved gold, topped with a tiny, jeweled pelican in her nest of pearl eggs, and unfolds to display nine painted-ivory miniatures in ornate frames. Truly, it is the world’s most exquisite and expensive tchotchke. Additionally, the exhibit will feature a selection of “Fauxbergé” objects—forgeries once thought to be genuine pieces. They may not fool the experts, but most will fnd them every bit as impressive as the real thing. The aura of decadence and extravagance is underlined by the fact that the Russian royal family was Fabergé’s best and bestknown customers. The elite of the elite, nibbling on caviar and exchanging ruby-studded jade letter openers and miniature golden wastebaskets in their private palace, oblivious to toil and misfortune beyond the gates. Ignoring reality while basking in fanciful luxury? I guess that’s another reason Las Vegas loves Fabergé. – Lissa Townsend Rodgers

A LONELY ROAD In 1998, playwright Paula Vogel was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for How I Learned to Drive. And the play is not for the faint of heart. Protagonist Li'l Bit endures years of abuse at the hands of her family, finding her only sense of power when her hands are on the wheel. See it at Onyx Theatre Nov. 14-23. OnyxTheatre.com. SIN-EMATOGRAPHY Photographer Geoffrey Ellis’ This Must Be the Place is an imaginative ode to the conflict and contradictions that thrive in Las Vegas. He describes his depiction of our city as “a place that is as seductive as it is repellent.” Picture money engulfed in flames and a battered Cadillac … or see it for yourself through Nov. 29 at Brett Wesley Gallery. BrettWesleyGallery.com. STAY TUNED Opera ain’t the easiest to understand, but it helps when a familiar tale is being told. UNLV Opera Theatre presents the classic Little Red Riding Hood and The Bewitched Child (a whimsical French fantasy) Nov. 1315 at Paul Harris Theatre. Bring the kids. UNLV.edu. ON THE HUNT Having previously staged only free readings, A Public Fit Theatre Company presents its first full (and crowd-funded) production, Foxfinder, Nov. 13-22 at Art Square Theatre. In a January write-up, the Los Angeles Times explained the drama as “the witch-hunting of The Crucible at the hands of a modern Orwellian state.” We’re intrigued. Facebook.com/APublicFit.

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... Honor Is All We Know

FABERGÉ PHOTO COURTESY OF BELL AGIO GALLERY OF FINE ARTS

AMERICANA

INDIE ROCK

November 13–19, 2014

PUNK

STAGE

No business like the family business: Carrie Fisher, Billie Lourd, Todd Fisher and Debbie Reynolds.

ONE LAST SONG IN THE RAIN Debbie Reynolds gives a family-flled curtain call, Vegas style

IT WAS 1960 WHEN DEBBIE REYNOLDS

made her Las Vegas nightclub debut at the Riviera Hotel. That same year, the Rat Pack formed, Jim Crow laws were tossed out and El Rancho went up in fames. Fifty-four years later, Debbie Reynolds said farewell to the Strip and the showrooms in a weekend of performances (Nov. 7-9) at the South Point Casino. The veteran of everything— from a starring role in Singin’ in the Rain to a cameo in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas—celebrated her retirement with her favorite people: Her fans in the audience and her family onstage. But the frst half of the show was just Debbie giving a clinic in oldschool Vegas variety: a few songs, some patter, a dance step or two, a few impressions (her Mae West is spot-on) and a surplus of charisma. There were drums, piano, a cluster of lime-green palm trees and Debbie bedecked in 20 pounds of gold sequins slit to the thigh. “I just let the one leg stick out because everything else is shot,” she quipped. “I live in Beverly Hills and my boobs live in San Diego.” Still, the lady is 82. Her phrasing was sharp, but the pipes aren’t as reliable as they once were. By the middle of the evening, Debbie’s bottomless well of energy was running low. Then a voice was heard off-stage singing “I’ll Never Say No to You” from The Unsinkable Molly Brown (another of Reynolds’ classic flms), and daughter Carrie Fisher emerged from the wings, black-clad, wearing sunglasses and ready to unleash a barrage of snark. The two joked about showbiz and family, particularly ex-husband/father Eddie Fisher

and Carrie’s wild youth—“That was because of the blow, wasn’t it, dear?” “No, it was the LSD.” They were joined by Debbie’s son/ Carrie’s brother Todd Fisher and Carrie’s daughter, Billie Lourd. Debbie mentioned that Carrie and Billie had been working on Star Wars: Episode VII–The Force Awakens with “Harrison Ford… and the other boychik.” It was probably the most tepid applause ever evoked by mention of a Star Wars movie—say that to a room of fanboys with Princess Leia right there and the howling might cause permanent hearing loss. Debbie urged Billie to sing. After some mother-daughter side-eye and “hold the mic up, dear,” Billie launched into “At Last” as her grandmother beamed. (Billie has grandma’s voice and mom’s wit, a winning combo.) Old home movies were screened (and commented on) and old stories told. Then the whole Reynolds-Fisher family—down to the dog—joined together in a rendition of “There’s No Business Like Show Business.” The evening had begun as the archetypical glitter-and-patter Vegas act, but it morphed into the equivalent of spending Thanksgiving with a hilarious and eccentric family, trying not to miss a thing as you pass the stuffng and decode the inside jokes. At the close, Debbie returned to the stage solo to sing “my one hit.” As she crooned “Tammy,” her voice seemed stronger than it had at the beginning, the song more sincere than its saccharine tone. Audiences may have motivated Debbie Reynolds for almost 70 years, but her family gave her the fuel for one last performance.

PHOTO BY LINDA EVANS

By Lissa Townsend Rodgers

FILM

Space Spectacle

Hathaway and McConaughey get otherworldly.

Christopher Nolan expands the fnal frontier and blows our minds By Michael Phillips Tribune Media Services

is a movie unabashedly earnest in its intention to awe. It’s certainly the frst science-fction flm to combine relativity theory with a line about burying grandpa “out in the back 40.” The Nolan brothers’ screenplay asks only that we, the awed, or the partly awed and partly confused, embrace family and our time on Earth, or wherever we end up. It’s the same plea made by writers as diverse as Charles Dickens and Thornton Wilder. While I devoutly wish Nolan had sent composer Hans Zimmer and his droning, thundering score into deep space, I’m glad we live in a world where a fabulously successful director can retain his ambition, even at the expense of clarity. Sixty-six minutes of Interstellar were flmed with 70 millimeter Imax cameras; all of it was flmed on celluloid, as opposed to digitally, and the visual results carry a rougher, grainier quality than you typically see in space epics. The same is true of the movie’s most nakedly expressive scenes, which have nothing to do with how special the effects are (and they’re pretty special). When McConaughey breaks down watching years-old messages from his son, he weeps. And even Zimmer’s music backs down, allowing the scene to breathe, play out and—like the best of this crazy, mixed-up, heartfelt endeavor—matter. Interstellar (PG-13) ★★★✩✩

VegasSeven.com

One is wet, dominated by inhospitably crushing mountain-sized ocean waves; another is pure ice, where even the clouds above are snow chunks. In one of the script’s more usefully provocative notions, time on the waterlogged planet proceeds at seven years per human hour. I love this bit; it’s instantly graspable, and frightening, cutting to the heart of Nolan’s obsession with time lost, time spent and misspent. This goes back to Memento, a feet-footed brain-scrambler from the other end of the wormhole of this flmmaker’s career. Every temporal aspect of existence bends and twists in Interstellar. There’s not much room for the usual confict and resolution, and for a daring portion of the flm Nolan manages to make a sincere science-fction epic without an antagonist, only a tangle of conficting intentions. As adults, Cooper’s children are played by Jessica Chastain and Casey Affeck, and as they age back on Earth, Cooper wonders if he did the right thing leaving them (not really a moral dilemma—the fate of the planet’s hanging in the balance), or if he’ll ever see them again. How these questions are answered in the flm’s fnal 45 minutes will likely toss half of any given audience right off the bus. I sympathize. Yet I found myself hanging on, through the flm’s several endings, and even the endings beyond those endings. This

Surely there’s an explanation. One night, somewhere near their homestead, Cooper and Murph stumble onto the secret underground location of what’s left of NASA, where a project headed up by the eminent Prof. Brand (Michael Caine, Nolan’s go-to purveyor of mellow wisdom) intends to fnd a home for Earth’s inhabitants before the clock runs out. Cooper qualifes as the right fyboy for this crucial space exploration mission. Destination: a wormhole near Saturn. On the other end of the wormhole, what? A new home? A new set of troubles? The frst really good scene in Interstellar reminds us that Nolan can pull off dramatically famboyant tricks in style. Cooper will be lost in space for years, maybe forever. His kids, especially Murph, don’t want him to go. He does, though, to try to save the planet. The farewell on the farm is an anguished one, and cleverly pushing the time-acceleration idea, Nolan intercuts it with the countdown and liftoff of the spaceship helmed by Cooper. His fellow adventurers include Brand’s daughter, Amelia (Anne Hathaway), the tremulous astrophysicist Romilly (David Gyasi), the snappish scientist Doyle (Wes Bentley) and two geometric widget-y robots voiced by Bill Irwin and Josh Stewart. The flm takes the time and the narrative space to explore several worlds.

November 13–19, 2014

PHOTO BY MELINDA SUE GORDON/WARNER BROS ENTERTAINMENT

A KNOCKOUT ONE MINUTE, A PUNCH-DRUNK

crazy flm the next, Interstellar is a highly stimulating mess. Emotionally it’s also a mess, and that’s what makes it worth its 169 minutes—minutes made possible by co-writer and director Christopher Nolan’s prior global success with his brooding, increasingly nasty Batman flms, and with the commercially viable head-trip that was Inception. You can call Interstellar corny or reiterative or just plain daunting, and you’d be right. It is those things. It is hobbled by astronomy and physics seminars disguised as dialogue. But even with its vividly realized imaginings of journeys through a worm hole, or its depiction of the largest tidal wave in the history of water, what I remembered frst the following morning was this: Matthew McConaughey’s character crying his eyes out as he watches years and years of backlogged video messages left by his son back on Earth. Simple, elemental human feeling. More directors should try it sometime. Co-written by Jonathan Nolan, Christopher’s brother, the flm is caked with the dust of death and bereavement, yet it posits that love is stronger than gravity, relativity, and even ordinary blockbuster imperatives. 2001: A Space Odyssey may be the director’s touchstone, but Nolan’s own galaxy quest is as warm and fuzzy as Stanley Kubrick’s vision was stoically indifferent to the plight of humankind. The starting point is conventional enough. We’re on a farm somewhere in America (played by locations in Alberta—apparently the Canadian tax breaks never end). The only crop is corn, and the so-called “blight” has ravaged the global food supply. The planet’s time is nearly up. McConaughey plays Cooper, a frustrated farmer trained as a test pilot who lives with daughter Murph (Mackenzie Foy), son Tom (Timothee Chalamet) and father-in-law Donald (John Lithgow, whose stage-trained diction makes the naturalistic McConaughey drawl all the more pronounced). One of the upstairs bedrooms, lined with bookshelves, appears to be haunted by benign, book-tossing ghosts.

MOVIES

A&E

JAZZ DAD A genius and a heroin addict, from his daughter’s point of view By Michael Phillips Tribune Media Services

IT’LL BE A CHILLY DAY IN HELL before John Hawkes gets an Oscar nomination for his work in the cinematic memoir Low Down, given the focus on Michael Keaton for Birdman and Benedict Cumberbatch for The Imitation Game and so on. So be it. Low Down is small, with virtually no marketing behind it. It’s also very good. Hawkes breaks your heart as a man struggling with addiction and disappointment. The actor, who frst came to wide attention in Winter’s Bone, has so many sure-sighted ways of bringing a fawed character to threedimensional life onscreen, decades from now his work will be discussed, admired and—with any luck—continuing into its third act. The movie is an impressive, streetlevel feature debut from director Jeff Preiss. It’s based on the book Low Down: Junk, Jazz and Other Fairy Tales From Childhood, in which Amy-Jo Albany, daughter of jazz pianist Joe Albany, wrote about her risk-prone, caretaking childhood, partially spent in the U.S. and abroad with her father, partially spent with Joe’s mother in Hollywood. Joe was a longtime heroin addict

Daddy’s not-so little girl: Elle Fanning and John Hawkes.

who died at 63 in New York. The flm monkeys with the chronology and events of Amy-Jo’s early teen years, but intelligently. It becomes the story of one girl’s vulnerable upbringing in mid-1970s Hollywood. Elle Fanning does the truest and best acting of her young life in this role. Low Down stays close to Amy-Jo as she watches her father and the harsh world around her through windows, or as she listens at doorways for the next sign of dad’s relapse. “It’s like God wants to take these guys ’cause they’re so good,” says Joe’s

fellow addict, the trumpet player Lester Hobbs, played by Flea (of the Red Hot Chili Peppers). He’s speaking of all the jazz casualties undone by heroin. And he’s talking to Joe, the next in line. Low Down serves as a terrifc example of how to evoke a given period on a tight budget. Much of the flm, shot on 16 millimeter by the superb cinematographer Christopher Blauvelt, takes place in a seedy apartment complex where father and daughter live. The movie’s soundtrack is constantly alive and teeming with jazz greats on vi-

November 13–19, 2014

VegasSeven.com

SHORT REVIEWS

Big Hero 6 (PG) ★★★✩✩

Here we have a robot considerably more beguiling than his movie. The Big Hero 6 gang first appeared in the Marvel pages in 1998. While we’re on it: Many Disney animated pictures succumb to the temptation of a protracted action climax. This is one of them. Without making a big deal out of it, Big Hero 6 features a shrewdly balanced and engaging group of male and female characters of various ethnic backgrounds. Scott Adsit (30 Rock) voices Baymax, aptly, as a kind of Americanized mecha-Jeeves, ready to serve.

Laggies (R) ★★✩✩✩

In Laggies, Keira Knightley tries on a generic American dialect. Based on the results, the actress defines that as “nasal, and how!” Her character, Megan, is 28 years old and a Seattle native. She has thus far let life happen to her, and around her. The movie is too mild to provoke much active frustration, but Laggies never quite gets over its credibility problems. By dint of its on-screen talent, Laggies qualifies as a genial, puttering indie with a starrier cast.

Nightcrawler (R) ★★★✩✩

Jake Gyllenhaal lost 30 pounds for Nightcrawler, and the result is eerie, much like the film itself. His character is Lou, a freelance L.A. crime scene videographer. The street scenes, lonely canyon roads and shadowy interiors come from both the movies and from corners of the real L.A., so mundane in its capacity for everyday evil. Despite the familiarity of its themes—the bottom-feeding news media; the pathology born of isolation; the American can-do spirit, perverted into something poisonous—Gilroy’s clever, skeezy little noir is worth a prowl.

nyl, accompanied by traffc noise and screams from down the hall. Glenn Close plays Gram, Joe’s mother, never without a cig or a passive-aggressive remark. She’s formidable. Lena Headey plays Amy-Jo’s hostile drunk of a disappearing act of a mother. While the writing in her scenes feels less authentic—more like an actress speaking writerly lines than a reallife character—it’s a minor glitch in a tough-minded, empathetic portrait of dreamers on the edge. Low Down (R) ★★★★✩

By Tribune Media Services

Horns (R) ★★✩✩✩

Ignatius “Ig” Perrish has a hangover, and the morning after a night of unspecified “terrible things,” he puts his hands to his temples and realizes he has a “pair of knobby pointed protuberances” where none used to be. A murder mystery, Horns concerns a young man who turns his back on the Lord and is both punished and rewarded. It’s hard to jerk tears a beat or two after gleeful rounds of brutality, even if it happens to, or because of, Daniel Radcliffe. As Ig, the Harry Potter alum labors valiantly to stay on course with a role, and material, that goes every which way.

Birdman (R) ★★★✩✩

Dear White People (R) ★★★★✩

The Book of Life (PG) ★★★ ✩

Whiplash (R) ★★★★✩

Birdman proves that a movie—the grabbiest, most kinetic film ever made about putting on a play—can soar on the wings of its own technical prowess, even as the banality of its ideas threatens to drag it down. Its star, Michael Keaton, is a beloved actor who made millions on Batman and settled for a smaller level of fame. Keaton plays Riggan Thomson, a fictionalized version of Keaton himself, right down to the shared number of syllables in both names. The viewer can take Birdman as capital-M Meaningful or else as pleasantly devoid of deep thoughts.

Endlessly inventive, warm and traditional, this film serves up Mexican culture in a riot of colors and mariachi-flavored music. A museum tour guide (Christina Applegate) recounts a love story built around Dia de los Muertos. Producer Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth touch is felt throughout. The film is adorned with all manner of clever jokes, gorgeous sight gags and little flourishes. This sometimes riotous, always charming film suggests the studio has taken its own movie’s message to heart. You can “write your own story” and have it pay off.

Dear White People is equipped with narrative invention, visual instincts and a story with something on its mind. It’s a slyly provocative achievement and a serious calling card for its writer-director, Justin Simien. He sets his ensemble affair on the campus of the fictional Ivy League enclave Winchester University, where AfricanAmerican student life is marginalized yet marked by sharp personality distinctions. Simien deals in archetypes and stereotypes, but they’re freshly observed. This is the best film about college life in a long time.

Whatever this ripping melodrama says about artistic torment, or the price of ambition, or mentor/student relationships from hell, it’s too busy providing serious excitement—both as an actors showcase and a confirmation of writer-director Damien Chazelle’s cinematic chops—to get hung up on conventional uplift. Part of what makes it such a kick is Chazelle’s conflicted feelings about his young protagonist and alter ego, a first-year drumming student (played by Miles Teller) who’s a welter of half-hidden feelings and insolent insecurities.

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A CAR-FREE WAY TO BIKE, WALK, SKATE AND PLAY On Paseo Verde Parkway From Henderson Multigenerational Center to Valle Verde Drive St. Vincent (PG-13) ★★★✩✩

For all the boozed and abusive amusement provided by the great Bill Murray in the good-enough St. Vincent, the moment I liked best was Naomi Watts as a pregnant Russian stripper, manhandling a vacuum across the Murray character’s ancient carpet. Plenty in writer-director Theodore Melfi’s slick feature debut can be accused of overstatement and rib-elbowing. The broader visual comedy lacks finesse. But the actors win out. Even St. Vincent’s climactic, full-on yank at our heartstrings can be forgiven because, well, Murray’s in it.

The Good Lie (PG-13) ★★★✩✩

The saga of Sudan’s Lost Boys—following refugees who wound up in America after fleeing the civil war there—earns an engaging, tear-jerking retelling in this fictionalized account of what faced them. Reese Witherspoon plays Callie, a Kansas City employment counselor entirely too provincial to know what she’s getting into when she picks up the three boys at the airport. Good Lie rambles a bit, but its earnestness in reminding us of this story makes it a winner—a valuable history lesson wrapped in a feel-good bow.

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BETTING

LINE OF DEMARCATION Oddsmakers post a perplexing point spread for one of this week’s marquee games. Is it a trap? NEWSFLASH FOR YOU KIDS OUT THERE:

Once you hurdle—make that gingerly step over—the 40-year-old barrier, you start piling up losses at a rate double that of the Oakland Raiders. Among other things, you lose your patience, your memory, your energy, your hair, your metabolism, your memory and your ability to sleep through the night without waking up to use the bathroom. Twice. Thankfully, there is one loss that is actually a net gain: You become so cynical about everything that you lose the capacity to be surprised. Really, if you’re north of 40, rare is the occasion when society throws a curveball that truly buckles your knees. I point this out not as a means to segue to the fact that this 44-year-old wasn’t the least bit stunned last week when the Detroit Lions scored a touchdown with 29 seconds left to beat Miami by four as a three-point favorite. (I had the Dolphins, and that late TD turned my winning week into a losing week.) No, the reason I’m bringing this up is because I just experienced one of those rare knee-buckling moments, and it relates to the point spread of one of this week’s marquee college football games. Consider these blind résumés: Team A is 9-0 this season, has won 25 consecutive games dating to November 2012 (the nation’s longest current winning streak) and has scored 37 points or more and surrendered 20 points or fewer in 19 of those 25 contests. Team B is 6-3 but only 3-2 in conference, and only one of those three victories came against a team with a winning record. In fact, while Team B has won three straight games convincingly (combined score of 132-60), those three opponents are 13-13. Conversely, Team A’s last three victories were against opponents who are a combined 18-11. What’s more, Team A has beaten Team B each of the last four years by scores of 45-17, 23-19, 33-20 and 41-14. Now here comes the shocking part: Team A is just a 1½-point road favorite over Team B. Team A is No. 2-ranked—and defending national champ—Florida State. Team B is Miami, which not only is unranked, but received exactly one vote in this week’s Associated Press poll. How can this be? After all, when these schools met last year at Florida State, both were 7-0, yet the Seminoles were—talk about surprising—a 21-point favorite. Despite a sluggish frst half, Florida State outscored the Hurricanes 20-0 in the second half and covered in the 41-14 victory.

MATT JACOB

LUCKY SEVEN

Ohio State -12 at Minnesota (Best Bet) Florida State -1.5 at Miami Missouri +5.5 at Texas A&M Texas -2.5 at Oklahoma State Lions +2 at Cardinals Broncos -9.5 at Rams Chiefs -1.5 vs. Seahawks

Granted, the ’Noles—and particularly quarterback Jameis Winston—have been far less dominant this season than last. And after spitting out cash like an ATM during the 2013 regular season (11-2 against the spread), FSU has been a money-suck dating to the national championship game (2-8 ATS). But with this spread ranging from 1½ to 2 (as of November 11), the oddsmakers are telling us this is nothing more than a toss-up—when back in June, this line was Florida State minus-14½! Look, I get it: Winning on the road— in a rivalry game, no less—is never a gimme (even though the road team has won six of the last eight in this rivalry, with the Seminoles winning four straight in South Beach). And Hurricanes freshman QB Brad Kaaya has been terrifc of late, with 17 TDs and fve interceptions in his last seven games (by comparison, Winston has six TDs and six INTs in his last three). And while Florida State struggled last week to beat Virginia at home—managing just two feld goals in the second half of a 34-20 win—Miami had a bye. Perhaps this is the proverbial trap game. Perhaps Florida State is simply overdue for a loss. Perhaps Miami is on its way to becoming “The U” once again. Perhaps I should break out my worn-out copy of the The Book of Clichés and reread the chapter titled “If It Looks Too Good to be True …” Nah. Give me Florida State. And directions to the nearest bathroom. Last Week: 3-4 (2-2 NFL; 1-2 college; 0-1 Best Bet). Season Record: 34-36 (18-19 NFL; 16-17 college; 4-6 Best Bets). Matt Jacob appears at 10 a.m. Thursdays on Pregame.com’s First Preview on ESPN Radio 1100-AM and 100.9-FM.

SEVEN QUESTIONS

MISS NEVADA USA

Sanchez will help crown her successor as Miss Nevada at 7 p.m. Nov. 23, Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall, $45-$70, 702-895-2787, MissNevadaUSA.com.

Hope, a fundraiser for Shade Tree, next year. Almost every time I come back, I get to do a little bit of something. I love that [Miss USA] let’s me work on the [charities] that are important to me as well. Your answer at the Miss USA competition about colleges hiding the rate of sexual assaults drew a lot of attention. What do you emphasize when speaking?

Something that has been close to my heart is empowerment of women. I have been so blessed to be encouraged by women in my life who have helped build me up and be more confdent. That’s something I want to be able to do for others, whether it’s talking about self-defense or talking to someone who got out of a really bad relationship. There was some controversy about whether you lived in Nevada long enough at the time of the competition. Do you feel like you’ve had a chance to resolve that?

Once people saw all the facts—anybody could really look at it and go, “Oh, OK, she’s lived all around the world and was in Nevada most recently”—it makes sense. I’ve gotten to tell my side of it. It’s all done; it’s all in the past. What are your best tips for competing in a pageant?

Miss Nevada/USA on taking aim at Miss Universe, empowering women and her ultimate dream job

November 13–19, 2014

VegasSeven.com

By Jessi C. Acuña

How’s your preparation going for theMiss Universe Pageant in Florida on January 25?

I’ve started to try to eat healthier now. After Miss USA [in June], I was like, “I’m going to eat Nutella as much as I want.” But I’m getting back on track. I’m lucky that my roommate is the current Miss Universe, so I can ask her some questions to help me out with it. What are you most confident about going in?

Personality—that’s a lot of the competition. You have to be beautiful and physically fit, but the Miss Uni-

verse organization has to be able to work with you for a year. I’m just fun and outgoing and friendly. And that’s a good thing when you have to do lots of interviews and meet people of all different types of backgrounds. I’m the type of person who wants to talk to everybody, but that’s going to be a problem [at the competition] because there are going to be some people who speak only Spanish or Chinese or Japanese. I’m going to be sitting there trying to use the three words of Japanese that I know to make a conversation.

What have you learned in your run as Miss USA?

That it’s really not about you, but more about other people. We are so involved in charities and different organizations; you have to really want to give back. If you go into the job and don’t want to do community service and don’t want to give back and be involved with others, it’s probably not the best job for you. I like that part of it. I get to work with Shade Tree, raising money and working with women and children. We did a Royalty Day when I had my homecoming. We’re looking at working with Walk of

What about everyday beauty tips?

Sunblock, lots of sunblock. Keep sunblock on all day, every day so you look young even into your older years. Taking care of your skin is so important. What do you hope to pursue after your reign has ended?

I want do entertainment-type hosting—red-carpet interviews, things like that. I’ve done a national commercial, and I would like to continue in that type of feld. But long term I would be so happy if I could just be a stay-athome mom, maybe do like a small job here and there on the side to be able to have a family and settle down. That’s down the road, though. How did Sanchez feel the moment she was crowned Miss USA? Read the full interview at VegasSeven.com/Sanchez.

PHOTO BY DARREN DECKER

Nia Sanchez

Be confdent. You can’t look at another girl and go, “Oh, my gosh, she’s going to win.” Know that you’re going to do the absolute best you can. Be yourself. Judges can tell if you’re trying to be someone else [or saying something] you think they want to hear. The judges can tell if you’re having a good time or if you’re scared.