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AS G E V IN N E E W O L L A H FREE October 27-November 2, 2016
STRANGER THINGS ARTIST KYLE LAMBERT SKETCHES HIS WAY INTO NIGHTLIFE By Ian Caramanzana
Some artists strive to create iconic work while others work more inconspicuously. Kyle Lambert would be one of the latter. The 29-year-old U.S.-based artist is responsible for creating the posters and unmistakable ’80s-inspired aesthetic of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, a sci-fi drama that seemingly blew up overnight this summer. Lambert was commissioned by the streaming video service to create the show’s main poster and additional art after viewing a few sample episodes (Like most of us, Lambert then binge-watched the entire series in a few sittings). And he did most of the sketching and drawing on an iPad. How’d he do it? Lambert used ProCreate— an iPad application that allows for sketching, painting and drawing on the device—to lay the foundation for the posters. He paired the app with the Apple Pencil for a uniquely new creative experience for Stranger Things. It’s something he’s been toying with throughout his career as a visual artist. “With paper, you have direct input. You can hold it in your hand; it’s tactile,� he says.
October 27-November 2, 2016 vegasseven.com
PHOTO BY JEAN PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHY
BROAD STROKES AND FINE LINES
“When it comes to digital, there’s a sort of detachment: You look on the screen, then you look down at your hands. Devices like the iPad bring the best of both worlds, and it adds that element of portability.â€? The majority of Lambert’s work in the entertainment world revolves around the idea of youth and nostalgia from a particular time period, namely, the glorious hand-painted movie posters of the ’80s. Peruse his work and you’ll recall the same fine lines and cartoony aesthetics of such cornerstone films from the era as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Back to the Future. Although the resemblance is unmistakable, Lambert says it was just something that happened over time. “It’s an aesthetic that I wasn’t actively seeking,â€? he says. Lambert’s first foray into the nostalgic style happened when he was commissioned to create a “throwbackâ€? poster that reflected the time frame of J.J. Abrams’ 2011 sci-fi blockbuster Super 8. “They wanted something that harkened to the era when traditionally painted works were used as advertisements. They wanted me to evoke that style, and it’s something I’ve been re-creating ever since.â€? Fast-forward five years and Lambert has found himself creating for another niche: nightlife. For its epic, star-studded Halloween lineup, Drai’s Nightclub commissioned Lambert to re-create four iconic movie posters, one for each night of the festivities October 28-31. Of course, given the occasion, Drai’s booked a stellar roster of talent, and Lambert portrayed the artists as classic movie characters to fit the part. “Trap Queenâ€? rapper Fetty Wap appears as the fearless dystopian vigilante Mad Max; Future dons a stylish vest a la Michael J. Fox in Back to the Future; 50 Cent wears Arnold Schwarzenegger’s signature leather jacket and pistol as he does in Terminator and Atlanta rapper T.I. appears in full flight gear in the style of Tom Cruise in Top Gun. The four mini-posters converge to form one large piece that’s reminiscent of colorful pamphlets, fliers or trading cards from the ’80s—and one of the artists depicted have taken notice of the work. “My music is my legacy, just like Back to the Future is part of the film industry’s legacy and Kyle’s iconic art is his,â€? Future says. “My shows at Drai’s are a continuation of [my] musical journey.â€? So, how did the collaboration happen? “The team [at Drai’s] are fans of my work, so they reached out to me via Instagram direct message as soon as they figured out the lineup—simple as that,â€? Lambert says. He wanted to craft something both creative and cohesive, regardless of the subject matter, and says that interpreting the modern figures within the context of yesteryear—time-travel style—felt wholly organic. “I wanted to take the essence from those classics and interpret it into something current. It wasn’t as difficult as I thought,â€? he says. He is also quick to pick favorites, saying Future’s Back to the Future piece was the most enjoyable to sketch. And that’s not just because the Atlanta trap rapper’s name is in the title of the film. “They’re all so interesting, but that one is such a well-known piece,â€? he says. “I even did [Michael J. Fox’s] red vest!â€? While Lambert’s creations bear striking resemblances to the rappers, he’s only actually familiar with one’s music. “I’m a big fan of hip-hop and R&B, but most of these artists aren’t on my wavelength,â€? Lambert says. “ I do enjoy 50 Cent’s work, though. It’s great.â€? As for the future, Lambert plans to keep busy with new projects that have spawned from his impressive body of work. He wants to keep it under wraps, but says that it will include album covers, movie posters, art for other series and “other 'UDL¡V /LYH IHDWXULQJ goodies.â€? And that’s just within the entertainment )HWW\ :DS )XWXUH sphere; beyond that, he’s worked with companies such &HQW DQG 7 ,. as Apple, GQ, Adobe and Vanity Fair. 'UDL¡V 1LJKWFOXE Who knows? Maybe he’ll sketch the faces of our 2FW S P favorite celebrities or DJs. Or perhaps he’ll draft 'UDLV1LJKWOLIH FRP concepts for the the Strip’s next megaclub. 7
WHAT TO DO AFTER DARK By Ian Caramanzana
Prayers
October 27-November 2, 2016 vegasseven.com
THURSDAY 27
Did you miss out on the captivating chaos of Prayers when they rocked Bunkhouse Saloon in June? The San Diego “cholo goth” pioneers brought their signature formula of despondent lyrics and swirling synths to a sold-out DTLV crowd. Worry not! The duo consisting of singer/rapper Leafar Seyer and producer Dave Parley makes its return at the same time, same place. We’re not sure what we’re more excited to witness: the driving melodies of “Young Gods,” Seyer’s inspiring speeches or feasting our eyes on the outrageous outfits they’re known to wear. Halloween is only a few days away, so get in touch with those spooky vibes by groovin’ to “Gothic Summer.” (124 S. 11th St., 9 p.m., BunkhouseDowntown.com.)
FRIDAY 28
You’ve heard “Selfie” and “Kanye (featuring sirenXX)” in the club, and you’ve heard “Roses (featuring Rozes),” “Don’t Let Me Down (featuring Daya)” and “Closer (featuring Halsey)” on the radio; now hear them live. In just two years, The Chainsmokers transformed from heat-seeking progressive house monsters playing exclusively in nightclubs to bona fide pop stars appearing on prime time television shows. They’ve sure come far from cranking out remixes of indie bands from their small studio in New York. Revel in the glory of their half-dozen radio hits at Hakkasan—maybe they’ll share their formula for success. (In MGM Grand, 10:30 p.m., HakkasanLV.com.)
SATURDAY 29
Did you catch Daddy at the family reunion last month? No, we’re not talking about your father; we’re talking about Puff Daddy. The rapper, business mogul, actor and producer spearheaded the Bad Boy Family Reunion tour, which delivered sharp doses of nostalgia to thousands. The tour brought Bad Boy Records’ Lil’ Kim, Mase, Faith Evans, Mario Winans, Total, Carl Thomas, 112 and French Montana to the city for a ’90s and early 2000s rap/R&B extravaganza. We got to indulge in the smooth silkiness of 112’s “Peaches & Cream,” and we got down to Puff Daddy and Mase’s collaborative classics such as “Been Around the World” and “Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down” before sinking our teeth into Bell Biv DeVoe’s “Poison.” The event was one for the history books. Diddy’s hosting a party at Jewel tonight, so see if any of them show up for the Halloween-themed festivities. (In Aria, 10:30 p.m., JewelNightclub.com.)
PHOTO BY RYAN HODGES
SEVEN NIGHTS
Clockwise from top right: DJ Lucky LaRue; Diplo; and Kaleo
SUNDAY 30
With Halloween just around the corner, the nightclubs are bringing in so many big names it’s scary (turn to “The Cheat Sheet” for your Halloween itinerary.). Take 'UDL·V, for example: The Cromwell’s club in the center of the Strip welcomes 50 Cent for a performance. The Queens rapper is currently at the center of a legal battle for copyright infringement. The song in question is his 2003 single “P.I.M.P.,” which, according to producer Brandon Parrott, unrightfully used a beat he sent to Dr. Dre. Thankfully, 50’s label took moves to dismiss the lawsuit in September, so we’ll likely get to hear some new music from the “In Da Club” rapper sooner rather than later. Not feelin’ the drama? DJ Franzen—a.k.a. Frandalay Bay—mans the decks. (In The Cromwell, 10:30 p.m., DraisNightlife.com.)
WEDNESDAY 2
Wind down on Wednesday at a Las Vegas staple, Champagne’s Cafe Lounge. Aside from the absurdly cheap drinks and jazzy, classy atmosphere, you can enjoy a set by DJ Lucky LaRue as he takes you on a timetraveling set consisting of swing and classic rock in the 6ZLQJLQ· Cocktail Party. Expect spilled drinks aplenty. (3557 S. Maryland Pwky., 9 p.m., ChampagnesCafe.Vegas.) 7
MONDAY 31
TUESDAY 1
It’s over. Rid yourself of the ghouls and goblins of yestermonth, and welcome the fall concert season with open arms by seeing Icelandic rock quartet Kaleo at Brooklyn Bowl. You read that right: The “Way Down We Go” hitmakers hail from Iceland but relocated to “The Live Music Capital of the World”—Austin, Texas—earlier last year. Since then, they’ve signed to Atlantic Records, rocked SXSW and Life Is Beautiful in 2015 and dropped a new full-length album, A/B. Guess moving did the boys some good. (At the Linq, 7 p.m., Vegas.BrooklynBowl.com.)
October 27-November 2, 2016 vegasseven.com
DJ LUCKY L ARUE BY JON ESTRADA; K ALEO BY ALEX ANDRA VALENTI
We can’t think of a better way to spend Halloween than by getting low and turning up with Diplo, especially since the Los Angeles DJ and producer is on a hot streak. Here’s a list of some recent accomplishments: He dropped a new single, “Cold Water,” with his chart-topping group Major Lazer, teamed up with the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles on a limited-edition T-shirt, and opened up to music critic Dan DeLuca on his inspiring rise to fame. And since Diplo has a Grammy, the interview was hosted on the official Grammy Awards YouTube channel. Get a dose of inspiration by checking out the clip, then get spooky when he drops “Express Yourself” at XS during its Wynnderland weekend. (In Encore, 10 p.m., XSLasVegas.com.)
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By Ted E. Pugliese
Photography Erik Kabik
Deconstructing Phandom A Phish fan explains the hype behind the musical phenom This Halloween weekend, one of the greatest touring bands of all time are playing four shows at MGM Grand Garden Arena. What group can possibly sell out MGM’s massive venue four nights in a row, you ask? The answer: Phish. The Vermont-based jam rockers are a musical phenomenon. There are very few bands that have as strong a connection with their fan base as Phish does. In the 25 years I’ve been a fan of the band, I’ve seen around 20 shows—a small number compared to the 500-plus performances some of my friends have attended. I love all genres of music, from doo-wop, disco and Motown to rock ’n’ roll, bluegrass and folk to funk, metal and punk. What makes seeing a Phish show so special is that the band can play anything—and usually do. Their live shows are musical
October 27-November 2, 2016 vegasseven.com
journeys of mystery and adventure. While studio bands will record a song and then play that song exactly as it was recorded, jam bands will take a five-minute track and extend it to 20 minutes, letting the audience experience new levels of the group’s musicality. In addition to their creativity, I’ve always admired the band’s DIY attitude. They didn’t care if they received radio play or if MTV was airing their music videos. Instead, they would tour relentlessly, year after year, with an increasing number of fans following them all over the United States to see as many shows as possible. The band even has its own music festival, and I’ve gone to six installments. While most fests such as Coachella, Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza attract approximately 60,000 people a day by billing
around 50 bands and/or DJs, Phish draws nearly the same amount of attendees at its extravaganzas. They build fun, creatively themed events—such as a sunken Las Vegas-style city or a giant laboratory with dancing bunny rabbits in lab coats—and play three sets per day for two, sometimes three days in a row. When I look back at my musical past, specifically my first album (Kiss’ Alive!) and my first concert (Michael Jackson/Jackson 5’s 1984 Victory tour), I’m not surprised I became a Phish fan—both Kiss and the Jackson 5 had fan bases that grew to be dedicated because of their live talent. If you love live music, Phish is certainly worth an exploratory listen. My suggestion? New Year’s Eve 1995: Live at Madison Square Garden. Don’t forget to put up your “Gone Phishin” sign ... 7
[ DRINK THIS ]
Xocolatl In Las Vegas, Halloween is more of a season than it is a holiday. But our thirst for the resulting themed cocktails usually has a half-life of one sickly-sweet or absurdly festooned novelty drink. Bucking the trend, the recently relocated Nora’s Italian Cuisine found a way around the holiday menu trap with a stirred Manhattan-style drink that we’ll find ourselves reaching for all year long. Xocolatl ($12) brings together chocolate and mezcal, two elements that share a common ancestor. The ancient Aztecs revered both chocolate and pulque, a sacred fermented agave drink that would eventually give rise to distilled agave spirits. If only they had combined them in the same way that mixologist Adam Giles has at Nora’s, where Kimo Sabe Rubedo Reposado Mezcal meets Cherry Heering Liqueur, Lustau East India Solera Sherry, house-made cinnamon- and clove-spiced chocolate syrup and Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters, and is served up with a chocolate-infused Luxardo Maraschino Cherry. Kimo Sabe’s father/daughter founders, Jim Walsh and Ashley Walsh Kvamme, made chocolate in Hawaii before embarking on their mezcal journey—sweet serendipity that gives this recipe an even deeper resonance. While boozy and dessert-inspired, it’s a sophisticated treat that will do the trick before dinner or after.
By Xania Woodman Photography Krystal Ramirez 1RUD·V ,WDOLDQ &XLVLQH 5780 W. Flamingo Rd. NorasCuisine.com Instagram: @NorasCuisine Recipe: VegasSeven.com/ Xocolatl
October 27-November 2, 2016 vegasseven.com
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Zombies Are So
Last Year
Star Costume’s Marc Salls talks Halloween 2016 trends By Zauni Price
Photography Cierra Pedro
Star Costume & Theatrical Supply 3230 S. Valley View Blvd. Suite 120, StarCostumeLV.com
October 27-November 2, 2016 vegasseven.com
It would seem superheroes, once again, reign supreme in Halloween trends this year. Between the eight films Marvel and D.C. will collectively release by the end of 2016, it’s not surprising to see an increase in the demand for caped crusader costumes. The fun, however, isn’t just for kids. Marc Salls, owner of Star Costume & Theatrical Supply, has seen a substantial demand for comic-book character costume rentals for adults. Batman, Superman and Spider-Man top the charts for men, while women are flocking to Wonder Woman and supervillain Harley Quinn. Outside of superhero mania, steampunk getups will breathe new life into Halloween in 2016. Look out for revelers dressed in an aesthetically pleasing blend of 19th century-inspired clothing, with accessories that emulate technology and steam-powered machinery. Customers at Star Costume are piecing together their steampunk looks, combining distinctive items such as corsets or double-breasted vests with fun gadgets and props such as canes, magnifying glasses and pocket watches.
After years of dominating Halloween looks, Walking Dead-inspired zombie costumes may have finally met their match with the clown craze. Salls says his shop has seen a large number of scary clown rentals, and believes “clown culture” will finally overshadow the zombie trend. In addition, masquerade ball ensembles (think: elaborate, floor-length gowns, opera gloves and glitzy accessories) also continue to be popular sellers. Salls, whose year-round shop also caters to local performers with its selection of professional makeup and dance gear, believes the store’s variety is what makes it stand out from the seasonal retailers that pop up around the Valley. Whether it’s customization or finding a ready-to-wear costume, the owner is confident Star has a little something for everyone. “We can take people through the process of making their own piece, or provide them with anything they want.” 7
By Ian Caramanzana
THE CHEAT SHEET
YOUR FRIGHTENINGLY GOOD HALLOWEEN PARTY GUIDE LET US REPURPOSE ONE OF R.L. STINE’S GOOSEBUMPS TAGLINES
as a preface: “Reader beware: You’re in for a scare!” Like an overflowing candy bucket, there’s a plethora of Halloween-themed celebrations to add to your todo list this October 31. And just like Grandma’s assortment of sweets, you’ve got options—from death metal bands, rappers, DJs and everything in between. Better grab some candy to power you through everything the evening has in store.
LIVE MUSIC
Get the party started early at Brooklyn Bowl with Kalamazoo, Michigan-based bluegrass rockers Greensky Bluegrass, then stick around for a performance by eclectic jam band quartet Twiddle. The only rule: BYOC—bring your own candy corn. (At the Linq, noon, Vegas.BrooklynBowl.com.) Speaking of jam bands, the crème de la crème of moody,
eclectic improvisation, Phish, concludes its Halloween run at MGM Grand Garden Arena. See if the quartet honors tradition and comes in costume. (In MGM Grand, 7:30 p.m., MGMGrand.com.) Twang not your thang? Head to the Bunkhouse Saloon and catch early-aughts indie-rock greats The Appleseed Cast. “Great Lake Derelict” is sure to hit those feels. Even if you’re dressed as the Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz, you’ll be able to feel some emotion. (124 S. 11th St., 8 p.m., BunkhouseDowntown.com.) “Dead and Gone” will take on a new meeting when prolific Atlanta rapper T.I. performs the hit on Halloween night, bringing all the ghosts out at Drai’s. (In The Cromwell, 10:30 p.m., DraisNightlife.com.) Looking for the musical equivalent of a swift punch in the face? Hit up Las Vegas Country Saloon, where British grindcore pioneers Napalm Death will be serving-up the bone-shaking, headache-inducing fury. Trust us, they’ll melt your face off in the best possible way. (425 Fremont St., 8 p.m., LVCountrySaloon.net.)
NIGHTCLUBS
Steve Aoki slammed the brakes on his cake-throwing gimmick last year, but maybe he’ll throw candy when he mans the decks at Jewel. (In Aria, 10:30 p.m., JewelNightclub. com.) Speaking of sweets, our favorite costumed DJ, Marshmello, spins at Surrender. We wonder if he’s got fans ambitious enough to dress as him. Will the real Marshmello please stand up? (In Encore, 10:30 p.m., SurrenderNightclub.com.) White noise is a large part of Steven Spielberg’s 1982 thriller Poltergeist, but it’s also the name of the second single off Disclosure’s debut album, Settle. Settle down with one of electronic music’s biggest duo’s at Light for the Forbidden Ball. Now that we think of it, those high-pitched keys do kinda sound spooky. (In Mandalay Bay, 10:30 p.m., TheLightVegas.com.) Thankfully, Halloween falls on a Monday this year, so you can head to Marquee for Marquee Mondays with Galantis. The Swedish electro-house duo is known for their single “No Money”—which also happens to be the name Catch Steve Aoki in of a scary situation. We’re getting the shivers just thinking Jewel Nightclub at Aria about it. (In the Cosmopolitan, 10 p.m., MarqueeLasVegas.com.)