Bruno Mars Rocks Park Theater | Vegas Seven Magazine, Seven Nights | Oct. 13-19, 2016

O N U R B RS A M T K PAR

S K ROC ER T A E H FREE October 13-19, 2016

SEVEN NIGHTS FROM CLUBS TO CONCERTS, WHAT TO DO AFTER DARK

By Ian Caramanzana

THURSDAY 13

Nearly two weeks ago, Walshy Fire, a.k.a. Leighton Walsh, was rocking the Downtown Stage at Life Is Beautiful as one of the members of Major Lazer.

The dancehall/moombahton trio closed out the festival with an eclectic set that spanned genres such as hip-hop, reggae and pop—most of which was helmed by the prolific super producer and founding member, Diplo. Sure, he may hog the spotlight at times, but we don’t mind; Diplo is a talented force in music. That doesn’t leave the other two members in the dust, though. Both Fire and Jillionaire have crafted respectable careers as DJs, producers and rappers beyond Major Lazer.

Fire recently curated the soundtrack for a forthcoming ski movie, Be Inspired. Get a taste of his talents at Intrigue, where he’ll curate tonight’s soundtrack. (In Wynn, 10 p.m., IntrigueVegas.com.)

FRIDAY 14

You’ve learned how to properly party, now live out those teachings at Omnia with one of the biggest names in music, Calvin Harris. The Scottish DJ/producer recently opened up to Billboard about how he’s trading in the turntable for a microphone more often, saying that super producer Pharrell encouraged him to do so on “My Way.” We think Harris shouldn’t be too timid going forward; his vocals on No. 1 songs such as “Feel So Close” and “Summer” are obviously a hit. See if he’s fearless enough to hop on the mic when he drops those two. “The Weekend” hitmaker Generik opens. (In Caesars Palace, 10:30 p.m., OmniaNightclub.com.)

TUESDAY 18

MONDAY 17

Speaking of darkness, with Halloween around the corner it’s time to get festive. Give in to your dark side with Guatemalan progressive house/trap monster Carnage at Marquee. He’s tapped into a formula that makes the low end stick out so much, it’s scary.

Take a listen to his stardom-propelling festival trap remix of Hardwell’s “Spaceman,” or his new collaborative track with Young Thug and Shakka, “Don’t Call Me,” and you’ll agree.

Last month, he rocked the main stage at Ultra Japan with an incredibly eclectic set, and he’s bringing that to town tonight. Expect a dizzying evening. (In the Cosmopolitan, 10:30 p.m., MarqueeLasVegas.com.)

Switch gears and hear local turntable master Hektor Rawkerz peruse his carefully curated selection of new wave, post-punk, Motown and rock ’n’ roll at Golden Tiki’s Tiki Sessions.

He’s been rocking rooms citywide, and now, you’ll be able to indulge in some delicious booze and tunes in a convenient location. Don’t be surprised if Rawkerz drops some New Order right after rockin’ James Brown. We anticipate the mix to be as strong as the drinks. (3939 Spring Mountain Rd., 10 p.m., TheGoldenTiki.com.)

WEDNESDAY 19

When all else fails, look forward to the arrival of the SKAM Artists. Hakkasan’s trusty Ling Ling Wednesdays is always there to push us through hump day with an open-format set courtesy of Sean Perry. He’s been spinning at gigs in New York and New Jersey lately, so give him a warm welcome back to his “home base.” (In MGM Grand, 10:30 p.m., HakkasanLV.com.)

SATURDAY 15

We’re still high on what’s left of those summer vibes. Reason being: Tory Lanez’s infectiously catchy “Luv.” It was late to the summer anthem race, but since the dancehall-tinged R&B banger mingles perfectly with the Canadian newcomer’s autotuned croons, it’s hard not to feel the warm vibes of the previous season. Lanez has been busy touring in support of his debut album, I Told You, and while Las Vegas isn’t welcoming him into a venue (as is the case in other cities), at least we’ll get a full performance at Drai’s. Hungry for more baby-makin’ music? Worry not as Atlanta singer Jacquees is opening.

Take his word and “Come Thru!” (In The Cromwell, 10:30 p.m., DraisNightlife.com.)

SUNDAY 16

Yawk, Yawk, Yawk, Yawk! No, we’re not giving our best Donald Duck impression; we’re referring to ScHoolboy Q’s famous ad lib for gunshots. The Los Angeles rapper’s been shouting that out in his songs for years, but it didn’t really take off until Compton rapper and Life Is Beautiful alum Kendrick Lamar used it in the iconic chorus of “m.A.A.d City.” Q released his sophomore effort, Blank Face LP, and it marked a departure for the “fat boy.” It’s a cohesive collection of tunes that lean on the rapper’s darker side, thanks to stellar production from Top Dawg Entertainment’s in-house producers Digi+Phonics, among others. And of course, there are party playlist-ready tracks such as “THat Part (featuring Kanye West).” Q’s sure to bring some of that darkness to Brooklyn Bowl. (At the Linq, 7 p.m., BrooklynBowl.com/Las-Vegas.)

Walshy Fire (opposite); Carnage (above) and Sean Perry (right)

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THE NEW ROOM

AN EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT THE UNDERCONSTRUCTION PARK THEATER, WHERE BRUNO MARS JUST LANDED AN EXTENDED ENGAGEMENT

By Mark Adams

W

ith gold shades on and a bottle of bubbly in his hand, Bruno Mars struts into the suite of a Vegas hotel, an entourage following him into the party that looks like the Best Night Ever. This is all happening after arriving via private jet, MGM Grand beaming in the background, and cruising down Fremont Street— only stopping for a choreographed dance routine in front of a Downtown hotel, of course. Oh, and Mars takes a jet ski for a quick spin ... on Lake Bellagio.

It’s the premise of the pop star’s music video for his latest release, the title track and lead single from his forthcoming—and highly anticipated—album, 24K Magic. The narrative reaches Hangover levels of “What happens in Vegas ...” epics, but this stuff just might actually happen when Mars touches down in town.

With his cool confidence, infectious energy and a stream of funkinspired, danceable hits, it’s fairly believable that Mars is ready to pop some bottles and get on his feet. And about that jet ski? The Record of the Year Grammy recipient is going to extend his 24-karat vibes, soulful sound and funky footwork to Park Theater, becoming the soon-to-open venue’s first extended engagement artist. Basically, if Bellagio execs are allowing anyone to make waves on that lake right now, it’s probably Bruno Mars.

The singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and two-time Super Bowl performer kicks off what is

reportedly a multiyear partnership December 30-31, ringing in the New Year in Las Vegas before returning for additional shows scheduled in March.

Park Theater, which has been constructed from the ground up after MGM Resorts International demolished the former Blue Man Theater, is the first step of Monte Carlo’s transformation into the NoMad Hotel and Park MGM. The venue opens December 17 with a headlining performance by Stevie Nicks. Park Theater general manager/executive director Dan Bernbach says more announcements are on the way, and he’s confident there won’t be any trouble filling the calendar, which will be booked by LiveNation, AEG and MGM Resorts.

“You’d be amazed [by] the number of artists that are reaching out to our booking team,” Bernbach told Vegas Seven during an exclusive look at the under-construction digs. He says a number of potential acts are interested in checking out the new space because of the success of its next-door neighbor, T-Mobile Arena. And while MGM Resorts’ new room certainly boasts similarities to its much larger sister venue, it’s also the differences that will make Park Theater attractive to artists and ticket holders alike.

Topping that list is an intimacy not common among similarly sized venues. While the 150,000-squarefoot space can seat 5,300 and has a massive, 140-foot stage (which Bernbach says features one of the largest proscenium openings in North America), vantage points all across

RENDERING COURTESY OF MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL

the theater offer attendees sharp views of the action. The back-of-thebalcony seats are only 145 feet from where it’s all happening, and they by no means should be considered nosebleeds.

“When you go to other venues that are this size, like Radio City Music Hall, it’s a huge theater. …

We have a similar capacity, similar area, yet there, it is a huge cavern,” says Bernbach. “Here, you’re right on top of the artist, so it’s a very immersive experience for the fan.”

Visitors can also look forward to a 68-seat VIP section with bottle service and an upscale menu, seven concession stands that will serve craft cocktails from the theater’s mixology program, and a posh lobby area featuring Strip views and balcony terraces overlooking The Park and the Strip. Basically, it’s going to be really easy to make a night out of a concert—or MMA match, awards show, convention event or boxing bout, as Bernbach believes the space will host all in its inaugural year—at Park Theater. “I don’t see

this as just a theater. It really is kind of a mini, luxury arena,” Bernbach says. “It’s a really versatile venue and something that MGM Resorts doesn’t have in its portfolio.”

The venue also boasts logistical benefits for artists, including a convenient three-bay loading dock off Park Avenue just 50-75 feet from the stage door, four headliner dressing rooms with full baths attached, two chorus dressing rooms, a meet-andgreet room and a greenroom right off the stage. Bernbach, who also has made a living as a musical theater performer and music director, is especially impressed with what his venue will be offering its special guests. “I’ve been in a lot of theaters in my life, and if I were performing here, I would be very happy.”

Potential acts will likely also appreciate the technology at Park Theater, which will feature an 80-foot-by-40-foot LED wall with 4K resolution, a projection surface surrounding the proscenium that covers 90,000 square feet, a state-of-the-art sound system and

acoustics all designed by the same firm contracted for The Joint and The Colosseum, Sceno Plus. Bernbach’s hoping visiting artists will dig the space enough to stick around afterward, imagining an upper-level bar as a potential post-concert party spot. But even if Bruno or Stevie bounce out after their sets, maybe Park Theater is still accomplishing its goal ...

“One of the most exciting things about this neighborhood is that we’re really striving to create that urban core, that urban center,” Bernbach says. “We’re not forcing you to be in this one box; we’re encouraging people to go outside and see different things and experience everything that the Strip has to offer.” 7

“I don’t see this as just a theater. It really is kind of a mini, luxury arena.”

October 13 -19, 2016 vegasseven.com

Andrew W.K. is an unlikely rock star, not in image—his long hair, dingy all-white ensemble and an infamous bloody nose photo (used for his 2001 debut album) are all exactly what you’d expect from a dirtball rocker— but in attitude. Instead of exuding a too-cool, jaded demeanor, W.K. is a friendly guy who signs his emails with an endearing “Love, Andrew.”

The musician began doling out advice for The Village Voice in 2014, and recently launched another column for Vice on singular, nonspecific issues (last week’s installment was on bread). It may seem silly when W.K writes “Bread is a riddle that doesn’t need to be solved. Some things in life make it worth living, even if they are (supposedly) killing you. Long live bread. Long live joy.” But underneath the Keanu Reeves surface of his words, there is truth.

That empirical outlook on life is the same idea the “Party Hard” songwriter has taken on the road for a 50-state motivational speaking tour called “The Power of Partying,” which makes a stop at The Bunkhouse October 13. But the Zig Ziglar of rock didn’t choose to embark on the long and tiring party journey across the country, facing treacherous truck-stop bathrooms and bad cell service. No, the party chose him.

“The power of partying compels me. I’ve turned myself over to the party gods and just try to serve this life-force feeling in every way I can,” he says. “For better or worse, I’m driven by this party force. But it’s my true will to follow its commands, and it’s a privilege to do its bidding.”

Other than the inexorable power of the gods, W.K. was driven to be the party preacher as a way to manage his own demons. In the past, he’s written about his struggles with severe depression.

“I haven’t [had] a positive attitude all of the time or even most of the time. I’ve been what I would consider a primarily negative and low-quality person for most of my life,” he says.

“That’s why I wanted to devote myself to working on something uplifting and [be] focused on transcendent joy.

Partying doesn’t come naturally or easily to me. This is a constant rigorous effort—my desperate effort to become worthy of this chance to exist.”

On the tour, W.K. speaks of life’s troubles and delights, and then the audience can join the conversation during a Q&A portion. The event can last up to four or five hours, which he says is more emotionally demanding than the physically demanding music tours he’s been on.

“I only have one topic that I talk about, and that topic is partying.

Fortunately, partying is a topic that can contain nearly all other topics,” he says. “It’s one-dimensional and shallow, but it’s the deepest type of shallow I’ve ever found.” W.K. says

WHEN PARTYING GETS EXISTENTIAL Andrew W.K. takes his motivational speaking tour to The Bunkhouse By -HVVLH 2·%ULHQ Photography Jonathan Thorpe

Q& A topics have included death, cats, TV, exercise, drugs, laughter, sadness, strength and negativity—among many other things.

“One of the best aspects of the ‘Power of Partying’ mind-set is that it encourages us to consider almost everything valuable, interesting and worth examining. Partying tells us that all these various things and experiences have the truth at their core,” he says. “This tour is an opportunity for us to cheer each other on in our noble efforts to stay engaged with life and let our struggles bring out our best, not our worst.” 7

$QGUHZ : . ·V ´7KH 3RZHU RI 3DUW\LQJµ 7RXU Oct. 13, 7 p.m., $10-$12, The Bunkhouse, BunkhouseDowntown.com

October 13 -19, 2016 vegasseven.com

[ DRINK THIS ]

Frosé

Frozen daiquiris, piña coladas and margaritas are passé. The new darling of other notoriously hot summer climes such as New Orleans, New York and Dallas is frosé—frozen rosé—a slushy, crave-worthy upgrade to your standard brunch-time glass of the pink stuff. Made with Hacienda de Arinzano Rosé, you can now get your frosé fix by the pitcher for $90 at Season 6 of Lavo’s Party Brunch Saturdays (2-6 p.m.), which returned to the Strip on October 8. You can also try it by the glass at the Italian restaurant’s “proper” weekend brunch—10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sundays—which offers all the same delicious food by chef Marc Marrone, but with 100 percent less confetti, Champagne showers and dancing on the tables (LavoLV.com/Brunch).

By Xania Woodman Photography Kin Lui

Lavo Party Brunch Saturdays In the Palazzo LavoLV.com/Party-Brunch Instagram.com/LavoLV

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[ HEAR THIS ]

'LéRQ )UDQFLV 7DNHV DQ ,QGLH 5RXWH WR ('0 :LWK Ò$Q\ZKHUHÓ You know Dillon Francis for a surprising number of reasons—his appearances on a Taco Bell commercial and Rob Dyrdek’s Ridiculousness show on MTV may ring a bell, not to mention Francis’ comedy sketches on Snapchat—but most likely, you know him for his music. The producer has his hand in a few different genres including the moombahton sound that brought him to prominence in L.A., his creative approach to trap and bigroom that culminated in an album and his deep-house stylings that stemmed from DJ Hanzel, a character Dillon created as an answer to the scene’s elitist crowd. His comedic approach to all of the above, coupled with his all-important #IDGAFOS ethos is why you have so many opportunities to catch Francis behind the decks of Surrender, XS and Encore Beach Club. ¶ Francis’ latest venture takes him into more indie territory with “Anywhere,” a new single featuring the vocals of U.K. singer Will Heard.

The official lyric video effectively relays the song’s sincere and quirky message of feeling inseparable from a love interest, and superb production quality means this track sounds as good on your laptop as it does through the front-of-house speakers in the club. ¶ Francis returns to Surrender on October 12 and 29, sure to bring every shade of his personality and sound with him.

By John Carr

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