FREE June 1–7, 2017 « SAFE NEST'S NEW HEROINE / LAS VEGAS FILM FEST MUST-SEES / THE PHANTOM OF THE ... SMITH CENTER »
SUMMER GETAWAYS From city streets to Zen retreats
UNLIMITED ACCESS TO 5 BUFFETS FOR 24 HOURS For more information, visit Caesars.com/Buffet-of-Buffets.
For Total Rewards members. $59.99 for Non-Total Rewards members. For Total Rewards members, weekend pricing is $64.99. For Non-Total Rewards members, weekend pricing is $74.99. Valid for a 24-hour period and as many visits as you like during participating buffet business hours. Weekend pricing is applicable starting at 11am on Fridays - 11am on Sundays. Upgrade fees apply to Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace and Carnival World & Seafood Buffet at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino per person visit. Blackout dates, holiday pricing and weekend pricing apply. Upgrade your pass to include Bacchanal ® Buffet at Caesars Palace or the Carnival World & Seafood Upgraded Buffet at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. Please see your cashier for details when purchasing your Buffet of Buffets ® Pass. Cannot be used with any other offer or promotion. Alcoholic beverages not included. Management reserves all rights. Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. ©2017, Caesars License Company, LLC.
AMPLIFY
YOUR SUMMER!
200 S. 3rd Street Las Vegas, NV 89101 800.745.3000 Get your tickets now at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center Box Office or ticketmaster.com.Â
ON THE COVER
Read Vegas Seven right-side up and then flip it over and start again with Seven Nights, featuring after-dark entertainment and the week’s nightlife happenings.
SUMMER GETAWAYS Photo of Otis at the Kaisando courtesy of TASSAJARA ZEN MOUNTAIN CENTER. From city streets to Zen retreats, our guide to big and small adventures.
SEVEN NIGHTS Photography STEPHEN WILKES Since its December debut, MGM National Harbor continues to deliver Vegas-grade hospitality to East Coast visitors. Correction to the May 25, 2017, issue: The profile of Wynn Las Vegas resident DJ Kygo (“On Cloud 9,” page 19) incorrectly states that the Chainsmokers received the 2017 Billboard Music Award for top dance/electronic album. Lindsey Stirling won the award.
GOLDENNUGGET.COM
TABLE OF CONTENTS A5 Wagyu Roll from Sushisamba
JUNE 1–7, 2017 TO DO
33 The Experiences and
Experience of Steve Seroka
13 24/7
What to do around the clock. BY SHANNON MILLER
14 The Deal
Bar promos and top early-summer deals.
The 30-year military veteran who decided to run for office. BY MICHAEL GREEN PLUS: Hakkasan Group charity golf tournament
BY ANTHONY CURTIS
16 Phantom Revisited
The music of the night lives on. BY GENEVIE DURANO
CONVERSATIONS
35 The Ladies’ Advocate
The new leader of Safe Nest continues to champion women’s issues.
FEATURE
BY MONICA ACUNA
20 Sioux Falls
An urban center in the Midwest? You betcha. BY GENEVIE DURANO
22 Denver
Four seasons in four days. BY LISSA TOWNSEND RODGERS
24 Zen Getaways For the love of Zen, take a vacation. BY DIANA EDELMAN
36 Cinematic Selections
Las Vegas Film Festival program director West McDowell on his must-see picks. BY MARK ADAMS
37 Ask a Native
Staying put and getting away. BY JAMES P. REZA
38 Lucky No. 7
Our dream-vacation destinations. BY WENDOH STAFF
PLUS: The
Travel Joint
TASTE
27 Sushi So Pretty
Hawaiian Caterpillar Roll at Blue Sea Sushi & Izakaya.
SEVEN NIGHTS
What To Do After Dark Concerts, nightclubs, food and experiences. BY JASON R. LATHAM
BY DIANA EDELMAN
28 Far East Movement
Hayes Swope’s Japanese whisky collection at Sushisamba.
[Club Tour] The Cosmopolitan’s Clique Bar & Lounge. BY KAT BOEHRER
BY XANIA V. WOODMAN
Las Vegas by the Harbor SOCIAL INFLUENCE
Seven don’t-miss moments in MGM’s Maryland casino-resort. BY MELINDA SHECKELLS
31 The Act of Restoring
A tragic accident won’t stop Lazar Jovic from spreading light and love. BY JESSIE O’BRIEN
32 Liberace Goes to Paris
A new art exhibit features the showman’s jewelry, on loan from his local foundation. BY SHANNON MILLER
[Eat This] Midnight munchies. BY KIMBERLY DE LA CRUZ
[Don’t Miss]
Corey Feldman kicks off his summer tour in Vegas with a positive message. BY JASON R. LATHAM
OUR SITES TO SEE
VegasSeven.com Monsters Under Your Bed Local artist Ryan Brunty takes a fashionable stand on mental health with lifestyle brand Depressed Monsters. Read more at vegasseven.com/ depressedmonsters.
DTLV.com Change Through Art Political change doesn’t always come from people in pantsuits and ties. The Desert Arts Action Coalition brings artists together to promote activism with creativity. Read about the organization at DTLV.com.
RunRebs.com The Rebels Rundown From roster projections to recruiting news, read the latest on the UNLV basketball team at runrebs.com.
SpyOnVegas.com The Hookup Find upcoming events, see highlights from the hottest parties, meet the DJs and more.
June 1– 7, 2017 vegasseven.com
9
PHOTO OF THE WEEK Photography KRYSTAL RAMIREZ Marijuana and tourism go hand in hand. Read more on page 23.
Ryan T. Doherty | Justin Weniger President Michael Skenandore Chief Financial Officer Sim Salzman Vice President, Marketing and Events Keith White Creative Director Sherwin Yumul Graphic Designer Javon Isaac Technical Director Herbert Akinyele Controller Jane Weigel
Letters and Story Ideas Comments@VegasSeven.com Advertising Sales@VegasSeven.com Distribution Distribution@VegasSeven.com
VEGAS SEVEN 701 Bridger Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89101 702-798-7000 Vegas Seven is distributed each Thursday throughout Southern Nevada. Š 2017 Vegas Seven, LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part without the permission of Vegas Seven, LLC is prohibited.
Publisher
Michael Skenandore Editorial EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Melinda Sheckells MANAGING EDITOR, DINING EDITOR
Genevie Durano SENIOR EDITOR, LIFESTYLE
Jessi C. Acuña ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Mark Adams EDITOR AT LARGE
Lissa Townsend Rodgers EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Shannon Miller EDITORIAL INTERNS
Katie Michaels, Ryan Vellinga Senior Contributing Editor Xania V. Woodman (Beverage) Contributing Editors Michael Green (Politics), David G. Schwartz (Gaming/Hospitality) Art CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Benjamin Ward SENIOR DESIGNER
Cierra Pedro STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Krystal Ramirez Online DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL CONTENT
Zoneil Maharaj EDITOR, DTLV.COM
Jessie O’Brien WEB EDITOR
Amber Sampson CONTRIBUTING WRITER, RUNREBS.COM
Tyler Bischoff Production/Distribution DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION
Marc Barrington ADVERTISING MANAGER
Jimmy Bearse Sales BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Christy Corda DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL SALES
Nicole Niazmand ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Brittany Quintana, Mimi Tran ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Robyn Weiss DIRECTOR OF SALES, BILLBOARD DIVISION
John Tobin
CITRUS SUMMER SERIES ALWAYS FRESH. ALWAYS FUN. FREE WEEKLY ROOFTOP PARTIES
THURSDAY
GROOVE WITH US
FRIDAY
DANCE WITH US
SATURDAY
ROCK WITH US
SUNDAY
SALSA WITH US
Live Music. Fresh Cocktails. Swim Parties. No cover. Doors open at 7PM
TO DO
What to do around the clock in Las Vegas By Shannon Miller
Park on Fremont’s French toast
THURSDAY 1
HELP of Southern Nevada kicks off the sixth annual Help2O Water Drive. Water bottles can be donated at any of the four Southern Nevada Whole Foods Market locations to aid in protecting homeless individuals from the summer heat to come. This year, Whole Foods will match donations up to 10,000 bottles. Through Aug. 31, locations and hours at wholefoodsmarket.com, monetary donations accepted at helpsonv.org Indulge in Fix Restaurant’s Whiskey & Wagyu Dinner—a five-course meal paired with whiskey-based
cocktails. Leave it to the professionals to present combos like A3 Japanese Wagyu rib eye with a bourbon, contratto bitter, cynar and Punt e Mes cocktail. 7 p.m., $150 per person, inside Bellagio For the 12th year, Cirque du Soleil’s performers, technicians and staff present side-project artworks in PARADE The Collective, an exhibit opening today at the Metropolitan Gallery of Las Vegas inside Neonopolis. Attend the community reception,
see their creations and “get to know your neighbors.” 6–8 p.m., $5, 450 Fremont St., mglv.org Learn about a former Sands Copa girl, Playboy playmate and culture and fashion icon at the Las Vegas Stories series installment titled The Glamorous Life of Corinne Entratter Sidney. 7 p.m., free, Jewel Box Theater inside Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Rd., lvccld.org FRIDAY 2
Santa Cruz, California-based surf-rock outfit Fascinating Creatures of the Deep invades The Golden Tiki, with additional tunes by Rex Dart. 9 p.m., free, 3939 Spring Mountain Rd., facebook.com/thegoldentikivegas The uniform-clad rock opera outfit The Protomen delivers a multiact performance featuring wellknown tracks from artists such as Queen, David Bowie, Genesis, Styx, Bruce Springsteen and Journey. 8 p.m., $15–$25, Vinyl inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, hardrockhotel.com
The Las Vegas Natural History Museum’s sixth annual Sundown in Downtown: Bones and Booze
fundraiser hits Heritage Park. This outdoor celebration features music, a beer garden with brews from local breweries and all-you-can-eat food from El Sombrero, VegeNation, Triple George Grill, Popcorn Girl and more. 6 p.m., $35 general admission includes two drink tickets, $55 VIP includes unlimited drinks, lvnhm.org Get your dance on at Downtown Grand’s rooftop oasis, Citrus Grand Pool Deck, during its Citrus Summer Series party. The weekly happening features games, drink specials and entertainment from 98.5 KLUC Morning Zoo personalities Kayla and Davey. 7 p.m., downtowngrand.com SATURDAY 3
Certified instructors from The Society of American Fight Directors demonstrate stage weapon maneuvers in Play With Swords: A Stage Combat Celebration, followed by a question-and-answer session. 7 p.m., $10–$15, Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St., artslasvegas.org
June 1– 7, 2017 vegasseven.com
13
TO DO
24/7
THE DEAL BY ANTHONY CURTIS
BAR PROMOS TOP EARLY-SUMMER DEALS
The WTRX class at Lifetime Fitness
THE SUMMER OF 2017 KICKS OFF with a bunch of cool deals in several categories, but three local bars are at the front of the pack. The new Sagos at Spring Mountain Road and Decatur Boulevard leads the way with daily happy hours from 3–7 p.m. and midnight–4 a.m. that offer $2 draft beer and well drinks. That might seem ordinary, but bar manager Deborah points out that wells here are a notch above, e.g., Bacardi, Smirnoff and Jim Beam. It’s better yet for service workers, who get 50 percent off everything 24-7, including top-shelf pours. And during any NBA or NHL playoff game, and Angels baseball, all natural video poker 4-of-akinds spin the bonus wheel.
The Garage hosts its Pit Stop benefit, with 100 percent of proceeds from alcohol sales going to Aid for AIDS of Nevada. 8 p.m.–midnight, free, 1487 E. Flamingo Rd., facebook.com/afanlv The Skye Canyon community and the Las Vegas Astronomical Society hosts Skye & Stars. The evening of stargazing features music, family-friendly lawn games, food vendors (including 50 Shades of Green, Dude Where’s My Hotdog and Kona Ice) and telescopes open for viewing. Be on the lookout for Jupiter and Saturn, the brightest planets in the sky tonight. 7 p.m., free, Skye Canyon Park, 10111 W. Skye Canyon Dr., skyecanyon.com Local Brews Local Grooves hits House of Blues, where 16 different breweries will offer unlimited samples. The event’s live-music lineup features DriveN, For the Fight!, Strange Mistress, Franky Perez, Crash Midnight, The Broken Spectacles, Tower of Cards and more. 6 p.m., $45, inside Mandalay Bay, houseofblues.com/lasvegas
Guerrilla Artz Foundation and the City of Las Vegas present an outdoor public art workshop on creating community murals using acrylic paint. Supplies and light refreshments will be provided. 10:30 a.m., free, Historic Fifth Street School Frank Wright Memorial Courtyard, 401 S. Fourth St., RSVP at 702-229-4631 SUNDAY 4
The Kingston Trio revisits its late ’50s/early ’60s hits such as “Tom Dooley” and “Reverend Mr. Black.” Catch them at South Point Hotel Casino & Spa. 7:30 p.m., $25–$35, South Point Showroom, southpointcasino.com Park on Fremont is now serving breakfast with
delicious sandwich and toast combos—such as the Morning Razzle with raspberry jam and Nutella. Enjoy its patio during the cool morning hours. 7 –11 a.m. Mon.–Fri., 506 Fremont St., parkonfremont.com
MONDAY 5
Did you notice there’s a new Waffle Bar at Tivoli Village? Get in on the savory and sweet Belgian goodness the restaurant’s expanded menu offers.
14
June 1– 7, 2017 vegasseven.com
8 a.m.–6 p.m., 410 S. Rampart Blvd., wafflebar.vegas Chill out to the reggae sounds of Easy Star AllStars with The Late Ones and The Elovaters at Brooklyn Bowl. 8 p.m., $20–$22, at the Linq Promenade, brooklynbowl.com/las-vegas TUESDAY 6
How about some good auld Irish music? Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones play tonight at Rí Rá Irish Pub. 8:45 p.m., free, inside the Shoppes at Mandalay Place, rira.com/las-vegas Life Time Fitness Green Valley now offers WTRX fullbody aquatic workout classes, which utilize the Boga Fitmat—a floating yoga mat! 9:30 a.m. Tues. and Thurs., $30 day pass, 121 Carnegie St., lifetimefitness.com The 10th annual Las Vegas Film Festival kicks off today with a lineup that includes a mix of feature films, documentaries, animated works, shorts and music videos. Single tickets $11, festival passes $75–$175, Brenden Theatres at the Palms Casino Resort, lvff.com. Find our conversation with LVFF director of programming West McDowell on page 38. How about some wine? How about a whole bottle? Brio Tuscan Grille offers half-priced bottles of wine (up to $75) to take the edge off your Tuesdays. Restaurant hours vary, offer valid Tuesdays through June 20, locations at Tivoli Village and Town Square, brioitalian.com WEDNESDAY 7
Swedish metal god Yngwie Malmsteen shreds at House of Blues. 7:30 p.m., $27, inside Mandalay Bay, mandalaybay.com
Another bar promoting across the board is No Regrets Bar—if you can find it: The address is 8349 West Sunset Road, but it’s about a quarter mile off of Sunset Road, deep inside an office complex. On Sundays and Mondays from 1 p.m.–3 a.m., get $20 in match-play when you play $100 through a machine. If you’re new, you’ll also get a $10 bonus when you join the players club and play $20. You absolutely have an edge with this arrangement, especially if you go between 3 and 7 p.m., when four 5s-Ks spins the bonus wheel. There’s plenty for nongamblers, too, like multiple happy hours and $3 Bloody Marys from 7 a.m.–3 p.m. on weekends. The Evel Pie pizza joint in the Fremont East district Downtown has a few things going for it besides serving New York–style slices for $4 till 2 a.m. on weekdays and 4 a.m. on weekends. Available at all times is a slice and a draft PBR for $5, and during daily happy hour from 2–6 p.m., a 20-inch cheese pizza and a pitcher is $20. Look for the flashing blue light late at night: If it’s on, all remaining slices are two bucks. On Tuesdays all summer long, kids 10 and under get a free kids entrée for every adult entrée purchased at Honey Salt. These are $8 and $9 meals, so it’s worth almost $20 to a family with two tykes.
Sunset Station celebrates its 20th anniversary with free cupcakes and Champagne on June 10, but the best anniversary special is for bowlers. This month, Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m.–4 p.m., you can score a lane for an hour and a half, where up to four people can bowl for $20, including shoe rental. Normal rates are $22 for just one hour, not including the shoes.
Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar wants you to Love Your Lunch, so it has added new menu items such as Salmone in Salsa Crudaiola with capers, olive and cherry tomato, or the Pollo alla Diavola, with pancetta and Calabrese pepper. Plus, a soup of the day or house salad come with these fresh items. $13.95, 11:30—4 p.m., 4480 Paradise Rd., ferraroslasvegas.com
Déjà Vu Showgirls has altered its deal for
Looking for more stuff to do in Las Vegas? Go to vegasseven.com/calendar.
Anthony Curtis is the publisher of the Las Vegas Advisor and lasvegasadvisor.com.
broadcasting pay-per-view boxing and MMA cards, but it’s still a good one. The admission is $10 for locals (if you drive yourself), but that includes the fights, plus free domestic beers, wine and well drinks from 6–10 p.m., along with a slice of pizza. Lap dances not included.7
TO DO
Phantom Revisited The music of the night lives on
The Phantom of the Opera May 31–June 11, times vary, $29–$127, The Smith Center’s Reynolds Hall, thesmithcenter.com
16
June 1– 7, 2017 vegasseven.com
By Genevie Durano Photography Matthew Murphy
While most kids were still playing in the sandbox, Katie Travis, who is currently playing Christine Daaé in the North American tour of The Phantom of the Opera, already figured out her dream. “I was 4, and my family took a trip to Toronto [from Michigan]. We saw the show there and I fell in love with it. I said, ‘That’s what I want to do with my life.’” And indeed, that’s what she did (though there were detours, of course, and many, many auditions). Now, after two and a half years on the road with Phantom, Travis has grown into one of the most iconic roles in musical theater, originated by Sarah Brightman on London’s West End 30 years ago. “Sometimes I just have to take a step back and remember what it is I get to do every night, and what it is that I sing every night,” Travis, who’s had almost two decades of musical training, says. “The vocal challenges are incredible. [Near the beginning, there is] ‘Think of Me,’ which is the highest in range. [Close to] the end, ‘Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again’ comes, and it’s probably the most emotionally complex part of the show. You have to reserve the energy to be able to do that [after] almost two and a half hours.” As for why the musical’s story, which is based on French writer Gaston Leroux’s 1910 Le Phantôme de l’Opéra novel, endures, it comes down to that most primal need we have as human beings. “This guy is struggling and just wants to feel loved,” Travis says. “There’s something for everyone in the show,” she adds. “There’s the fighting, there’s the romance, there’s the fire. There’s the incredible score, there are beautiful costumes and really awesome, vibrant sets.” And that chandelier, of course, which is indisputably one of the most famous props ever to drop on a stage. It’s gotten some upgrades since its debut. “The pyrotechnics are pretty incredible. We’re able to use these kinds of technologies that we didn’t have 30 years ago,” Travis says. See for yourself when The Phantom of the Opera makes a stop at The Smith Center. 7
The Arroyo Seco Hike at the Tassajara Creek Second Narrows
PHOTO BY SHUNDO DAVID HAYE
Site specific SUMMER ADVENTURES FOR THE SPIRITED TRAVELER
Sioux Falls South Dakota
An urban center in the Midwest? You betcha.
I
f all you know about the Dakotas is what you see on Fargo, then you’re in for a surprise when you visit Sioux Falls, South Dakota’s largest city. It’s an easy two-and-a-half-hour plane ride from McCarran International Airport (Allegiant flies direct) to the no-frills regional airport, where you’re in and out in a jiffy. Sioux Falls consistently makes national lists of the top places to live, and rightfully so. While it’s growing fast, it still has fewer than 300,000 residents. Its neighborhoods are well maintained and the air is crisp and clean. As for the traffic… well, there isn’t any. It’s wide open roads for miles and miles around. The scenery is bucolic, studded with cows and horses and bales of hay. But don’t mistake this city for a sleepy flyover. It’s very much a vibrant hub for a relaxing weekend getaway, especially for the urban explorer. While outdoor activities abound, the downtown scene is where you’ll feel Sioux Falls’ modern vibe. Encompassing several walkable blocks, the area is filled with mom-and-pop shops (remember those?) and places to eat and hang out. Just how quaint is this place? Well, if you’re looking for a caffeine fix, there isn’t a green mermaid in sight. There’s Coffea Roasterie (200 S. Phillips Ave., coffearoasterie.com) instead, a coffee shop/art gallery/music venue. This is a haven for java lovers, especially those who take theirs with milk. (You are in the heartland, after all. That milk didn’t travel very far from its udder.) Pace yourself on sweet treats, though, because for that, you’ll want to go to Queen City Bakery (324 E. Eighth St., queencitybakery.com), which has some of the best pies and cookies your grandma could only dream of baking. (Unless, of course, your grandma is from the Midwest, then you’re right at home.) Tucked in a modern brick building, it looks straight out of DUMBO, Brooklyn, but much cleaner, and you don’t have to fight for a seat. Speaking of Brooklyn, it doesn’t have sole claim to Left:Queen City the hipster scene. Sioux Falls Bakery Opposite is cultivating its own with page: Falls Park
20
June 1– 7, 2017 vegasseven.com
that most hipster of beverages—craft beer. Fernson Brewing Company (201 N. Weber Ave., fernson.com/on8th) boasts a
1,000-square-foot taproom and offers a well-curated wine list and nonalcoholic options. Food choices are plentiful, but one of the most innovative places to nosh is M.B. Haskett (324 S. Phillips Ave., mbhaskett .com). With an ever-changing menu, this deli brings together French, Spanish and Mediterranean flavors in the most unexpected ways. Muffalettas, quiche, and sweet or savory crepes are on offer, as well as a good selection of cheese on the mezze menu, all locally sourced. The three-course prix fixe meal ($36, plus $14 for the wine pairing) Friday through Sunday evenings is a can’t-miss, if simply for the novelty of dishes that change weekly, upping the seasonality game considerably. (Braised duck leg with pesto bucatini, English peas and asparagus was a recent entrée.) The rest of downtown begs for a good stroll. For Etsy types who appreciate one-of-a-kind handcrafted goods, Unglued (218 S. Phillips Ave., ungluedmarket.com/sioux-falls) is a wonderland of creativity. Hand-sewn felt animals, vintage quilts knitted garments—these are the products born of long winters and unfettered imagination. And when you’ve had your fill of downtown, you still have the crown jewel of Sioux Falls to explore. Falls Park (131 E. Falls Park Dr.) is 123 acres of cascading waters— specifically, 7,400 gallons dropping 100 feet each second. You can spend several relaxing hours here strolling the grounds, contemplating whether to trade your real life for this one. 7
“Don’t mistake this city for a sleepy flyover. It’s very much a vibrant hub for a relaxing weekend getaway, especially for the urban explorer.”
By GENEVIE DURANO
Basie have played here (so did Bill Clinton, even), and Jack Kerouac used to slouch in a booth to dig the sounds. When the cooler weather rolled in, I was glad to be in a hotel with a welcoming fireplace. There’s a little Twin Peaks vibe in the scarlet hallways of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, although the comfortable beds and helpful staff will quickly put you back at ease. Rooms are high-ceilinged and big-windowed, with tall Alice in Wonderland headboards. The trademark Kimpton happy hour is boosted by a lobby that’s part Moroccan palace and part mountain lodge, as well as outstanding local beers on tap. The Denver Art Museum is seven floors of exhibits that draws visitors in with activities and interactives related to the artworks. One of the current exhibits, Mi Tierra, features work by Las Vegas’ own Justin Favela, whose “Fridalandia” depicts Frida Kahlo’s garden in paper and piñata. Other intriguing exhibits included Shock Wave: Japanese Fashion Designers 1980s–90s and Shade: Clyfford Still/Mark Bradford, a collaboration with the adjacent Clyfford Still Museum. The nearby Nob Hill Inn may be a dive bar, but it’s got an exhibit, too: An owner was an amateur artist and, along with the mock-Picasso vodka bottle still life, there’s an infamous painting of a clown surrounded by (screaming? laughing?) children. Have a few cheap drinks and it won’t seem quite so disturbing. Denver has two Tattered Cover bookstores, both overflowing with new and used books on everything from politics to poetry, with plenty of comfortable seats for perusing. The oldest bar in Denver has no sign, but My Brother’s Bar has been around for more than a century, the old tin ceiling and oak bar are still intact. Grab a beer or warm up with an Irish Coffee, complete with a swirl of whipped cream and a drizzle of green Crème de Menthe. The burgers are outstanding—thick, juicy, served wrapped in waxed paper atop a lucite box of pickles, onions and assorted condiments. Throwing not quite as far back but further upscale is the Cruise Room at the Oxford Hotel, a sleek art deco bar modeled after a lounge in the Queen Mary (it was also recently the set of a Jack White video). Savor a Rum Shandy or Champagne Cobbler and admire the elegant modern bas reliefs of Spain, Scotland and Sweden. As the name indicates, Hearth & Dram highlights the offerings from its collection of more than 300 whiskeys and its wood-fired grill. Crab beignets are a light yet rich take on the crab cake, while the smoked sirloin with red wine is unique yet delectable—just enough smoke to flavor but not overpower the meat. Side dishes are treated like stars in their own right: Hen of the Woods, sautéed mushrooms with celeriac puree for a taste as rich This page: Kimpton Hotel as foie gras, and even onion Monaco lobby. Opposite page, rings get a cayenne-spiced clockwise from top left: Cruise tempura finish that raises Room, Hotel Indigo guestroom, them above the ordinary. 7 Hearth & Dram bar, onion rings, Hen of the Woods
denver colorado
22
June 1– 7, 2017 vegasseven.com
HEARTH & DRAM BY TAKE WILD PHOTOGRAPHY; ASTRAY BY KRYSTAL RAMIREZ
4 Seasons in 4 Days
U
sually, experiencing multiple seasons in a city requires multiple visits. Not so in Denver where weather can swing from sunshine to snow flurries within 24 hours—as it did on my last visit. A hassle to dress for, it did at least allow me to experience the warm and cool versions of Denver … When I rolled into Union Station, the skies were blue, the temperatures balmy. The Hotel Indigo has a cheerful, Converse-wearing staff as well as a resident golden retriever. Rooms are nicely appointed—rain showers and Aveda products in the bathroom, desks that serve equally well as workstation or impromptu cocktail bar. The design leans minimal, highlighting views of the original Beaux Arts Union Station and the white, sail-like structure of the new one. The Museum of Contemporary Art’s two floors and roof garden lend themselves to getting your culture on without losing out on a lovely day. Exhibits focus on a single artist, like the recent Basquiat Before Basquiat and current shows on photographer Ryan McGinley and portraitist Jenny Morgan. The nearby Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen has the cleaned-up industrial decor popular in many Denver restaurants, but creates its own vibe with an ’80s goth/New Wave soundtrack (Sisters of Mercy!) and witty touches such as cocktails inspired by daytime talk shows (the Sally Jesse Raphael is Scotch and Lillet, while the Stripper Week naturally involves flavored vodka). The menu is solid comfort food, such as fried chicken with waffle and duck poutine. The Star Bar seems to be an unassuming neighborhood hangout where friendly regulars play the jukebox and foosball. But its beer and whiskey selections lift it above the ordinary. The bartenders will serve you a can of PBR and a shot of well or a pour of Hakushu 12 Years Old whisky and a draft of Great Divide Nadia Kali Hibiscus Saison—neither with attitude. The Star Bar encourages patrons to grab takeout from one of the nearby eateries. I suggest Biker Jim’s, where the tricked-out gourmet hot dog rises above cliché. Choose your dog—beef, chicken, elk jalapeño cheddar, duck cilantro—and a set of toppings that have been balanced to work together (“the International” is Wasabi aioli, caramelized apples and shaved Irish cheddar). Seven days a week, solid jazz and R&B players heat up the tiny stage at El Chapultepec jazz club. Opened in 1933, the bar has a checkerboard tile floor and red vinyl walls covered with glossies of decades’ worth of jazz players, names both familiar and obscure. Sinatra and
By LISSA TOWNSEND RODGERS
Blazing Trails
Marijuana tourism website braces for the recreational boom When Nevada officially
begins the sale of recreational marijuana to adults, one aspect that will be watched closely will be its impact on tourism. Visitors will include the longtime cannabis aficionados, of course, but even more will be casual or even new users. “Our content is driven toward educating the non-cannabis consumer who is interested in it, and wants to learn more about that,” says Brannon Zimbelman, founder of the Travel Joint cannabis website. “[We want to] help them see it’s not bad anymore, get past all of these myths.” The Travel Joint was founded in 2012 to help visitors find dispensaries, accommodations, activities and events in cannabis-friendly cities. “We started five years ago on election night when they legalized cannabis in Colorado and Washington,” Zimbelman says. “We realized this would be a game changer.” And it has been, as states with legal marijuana have seen an uptick in visitors eager to sample what may be forbidden at home. So, what kind of cannabis experiences are Travel Joint readers interested in? “I can’t believe the amount of people in their 50s, 60s and 70s who are just completely into dabbing. That’s a lot of our readership—the baby boomers,” Zimbelman says. As to the site’s overall demographic, he notes that “we’ve been getting a lot more international people. Initially, it started with the Bible Belt: Texas, Louisiana, Virginia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina—that’s where everybody was coming from. And now it’s coming from Europe—a lot of Canada as well, a lot of South America—but Europe is coming in strong right now.” The fact that Las Vegas offers medical marijuana card reciprocity with other states has already made it a player in marijuana tourism, but our game will soon go to another level. “Vegas is going to be the capital; it’s going to take over from Colorado,” says Zimbelman. “Colorado is the No. 1 destination, but Vegas is No. 2, and it isn’t even recreational yet. Come July 1, it’s going to pass Colorado for sure.” “You’re going to have a certain type of growth in Las Vegas,” he explains, “concerts, events, clubs—that kind of stuff. In Northern California, you’re going to see it more like a Sonoma vineyard–type of experience. It’s going to grow organically, geographically. Whatever recreation that part of the country has to offer, its going to integrate cannabis into that existing culture.” And it seems that Sin City’s culture could not be more ready. –L.T.R. June 1– 7, 2017 vegasseven.com
23
Finding
Bliss
MASSAGE PHOTO BY ROBINSTANCLIFF; SUITE BY KEN HAYDEN; HIKERS AND ENTRY GATE BY SHUNDO DAVID HAYE; HOT SPRINGS BY HAMISH JOHN APPLEBY; CALLIGRAPHY BY MARGO MORITZ
For the Love of Zen, Take a Vacation
P
eople cashing in those vacation days are at an all-time low, according to Project: Time Off’s The State of American Vacation study. As more people tread the dangerous territory of being defined as work martyrs—those who can’t balance work and personal lives—mental health and personal relationships are suffering. Which means it’s time to actually take that vacation and not have them count toward the whopping 662 million vacation days not used in 2016. The solution? Turn off the phone and Wi-Fi. Head out on a true getaway and find some inner Zen at these nearby(ish) spots. The Miraval Resort (miravalresorts.com) near Tuscon, Arizona, gives visitors a chance to get groovy and tap into themselves thanks to myriad wellness programs. For the new age/alternative healing folk, Miraval offers a Full Moon program that includes nighttime yoga, stargazing with astrologists and a healing workshop that teaches guests how to use crystals to absorb the full moon’s energies. Check out a meditation with crystal bowls, holistic massages that tap into Native American spirituality and Peruvian shamanistic studies, or services that include acupuncture and craniosacral therapy. For a transformational experience (and a total breath of ahhh before heading back to work), try the Samadi Healing Ceremony, which combines drumming, Reiki and reflexology. Looking for even more peace? Head to Tassajara Zen Mountain Center (sfzc.org/tassajara), located 25 miles southeast of Big Sur, California. Only accessible by 4 x 4s—don’t worry, they’ll scoop you up in nearby Jamesburg— the oldest monastery in the U.S. opens its doors in the summer months to guests looking to disconnect. Here, there’s limited connectivity and power (read: LED lighting in the rooms, no TVs, no Wi-Fi and—gasp—no cellphone reception). Heavy on the idea of simply being present, Tassajara offers programs throughout the summer season with tracks in Body and Mind, Engaging Earth, Spiritual Practice, Mindful Living and Creative Expression. The all-inclusive property also welcomes people who are there to enjoy the location without participating in courses and want to take in the hikes, hot springs, massages and a stocked library. Guests here are diverse, according to Rita Cummings, vice president of San Francisco Zen Center. “We’re seeing more and more young people who literally want to come to completely unplug because it is hard for them to do that,” she says. “To be able to put work aside and have time for reflection and to be in nature is really important and part of the experience here.” Finally, there is The Chopra Center (chopra.com) at the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California. Founded by Deepak Chopra and David Simon, the center regularly features one-day to one-week programs focusing on mind-body healing and retreats, along with complimentary daily yoga, meditation and Ayurveda classes. The goal for guests checking into this coastal spot is to allow for healing from physical pain to discover emotional freedom and become more empowered, all while becoming more spiritual. Or at least more tuned in to themselves. 7
By DIANA EDELMAN
This page: Tassajara Zen Mountain Center; opposite page, clockwise from top left: Miraval Resort’s Naga Thai massage
June 1– 7, 2017 vegasseven.com
25
ONE BITE
TASTE
Is it dinner or dessert? The Hawaiian Caterpillar at Blue Sea Sushi & Izakaya (500 E. Windmill Lane, facebook.com/blueseasushi) can be either, depending on your mood. This gorgeous roll is packed with pineapple and avocado and topped with more avocado, coconut sauce and coconut flakes. The neighborhood joint serves traditional Japanese favorites such as ramen, udon and miso, and it offers an impressive vegan and vegetarian menu. Up until May, the spot was known as Miko’s and was run by husband-wife team Greg and Fumiko Yankovsky. There are new offerings to come, according to current owner Aki Shimizu, who reports that the restaurant has plans to unveil more veggie rolls in the coming months.
By Diana Edelman Photography Krystal Ramirez
o S i h s u S
y t t e r P June 1– 7, 2017 vegasseven.com
27
TASTE
FAR EAST MOVEMENT By Xania V. Woodman Photography Krystal Ramirez
28
June 1– 7, 2017 vegasseven.com
Sushisamba’s Hayes Swope has amassed Las Vegas’ largest Japanese whisky collection, and he knows exactly how to use it Japanese whisky—it’s on everyone’s lips right now. But what do you really know about this branch of whiskey that gets much of its genes from Scotch but is a far more recent invention? You’ll get an in-depth Japanese whisky immersion, education and a delicious meal to accompany it at Sushisamba in the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Palazzo (sushisamba.com), where the spirit is celebrated in an especially grand fashion. As a subcategory, Japanese whisky is less than a century old, with the country’s first distillery having opened its doors in 1923. So even as we’re still seven years out from its centennial, the relatively “new” spirit is especially integral to Sushisamba’s beverage program. “It’s part of the DNA of Sushisamba,” says Japanese whisky expert Hayes Swope, “and it fits what we are: Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian.” The native Manhattanite joined Sushisamba in 2000 as a head server and later advanced to management with parent company Orange Brands Management. Swope worked his way through the company to arrive at his current position as the director of hospitality and training for Sushisamba globally. There are currently four Sushisamba locations—in New York City, Miami Beach, Las Vegas and London— with Amsterdam opening this summer and a second London location scheduled to debut this fall. So in his words, Swope “bleeds orange.” Japanese whisky also happens to be one of Swope’s greatest passions. “The thing I love about [Japanese distillers] is that they’re so innovative. Scotland is deep in terms of history; they’ve been making Scotch for 500 years. They’re not changing the way they do anything, whereas the Japanese are always trying new things—different ways of aging, different climates, more than one climate, sherry casks, port casks …” Accordingly, Swope has amassed at Sushisamba the city’s largest Japanese whisky collection to date, which he debuted in mid-February 2016 along with a reservations-only, seven-course prixfixe Japanese whisky pairing dinner. A certified sake sommelier who has judged the U.S. National Sake Appraisals in 2012 and 2013, Swope started stockpiling the collection in 2009, born out of an interest in all things East Asian, but not necessarily with an aim of creating a whole program around them. “Through my connections with Japan and the world of sake, I made it very clear that I wanted to see anything that became available,” Hayes says of the early collection. “I started to build the list around what I call ‘the founding fathers of Japanese whisky.’ There’s an ongoing debate about who is the actual father of Japanese whisky. I tend to lean toward Masataka Taketsuru, because there’s not a whisky distilled in Japan that he doesn’t have an influence on. [Also,] it wouldn’t have been possible without Kiichiro Iwai, or Shinjiro [Torii] from Suntory.” At present, Sushisamba’s list stands at 31 expressions, but for Swope, this is not merely a numbers game; it’s also about category depth and breadth. “While Japan’s distillers are playing and experimenting, they’re making very small batches. So they’re aging 5, 12, 15, 20 years, but only making limited amounts because they don’t know if it’s going to be good or not. Then they keep winning award after award—every World Whiskies Award for the past three years, all the major spirit competitions have been won by Japanese whiskies: single malts, blended, overall. So people are grabbing them up. But [the makers] produced 100, 500 or 1,000 bottles, and now people all over the world want it. Well, 1,000 bottles in the world is nothing.”
EVERYTHING in the Sushisamba
Japanese whisky collection is available a la carte. So if you prefer to go it alone, here is Swope’s whisky rogue map.
FOR SIPPING: “Go with the Nikka Yoichi Single Malt
($33), or on the more affordable side, I really like the Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt ($17), which has three different expressions: a blend, a 17-year and a 21-year. A pure malt is two single malts from two different distilleries that have been blended together. You get the really masculine, peaty smokiness of the Yoichi single malt blended with a sweeter, almost hint of sherry, in the Miyagikyo.”
FOR MIXING: “In cocktails, my favorite to work with is Mars Iwai ($13), mainly because it’s just very smooth, well-balanced, and has a little hint of corn, so it almost gives you that bourbon-esque feeling and flavor to it. It just blends very well.” SOMETHING RARE: “Some of the most exclusive, very
hard to find whiskies are also from the Mars distillery. One is the Mars Komagate 30-Year Single Malt ($588); there are 100 bottles available. Basically, it will not be replicated because it was originally made in a distillery that is closed and they relocated to their new location. It’s also cask strength at 122 proof, so it has a much higher kick to it. But very, very mellow in its flavors.” Other new bottles to join the lineup include Mars Lucky Cat Blended Whisky ($33) and Mars Komagatake Single Malt Revival 2011 ($56).
Clearly, Swope is eminently qualified to guide his guests through Sushisamba’s pairing dinner that begins with a welcome cocktail made with wagyu beef–infused Iwai Japanese Whisky. “It’s one of those gateway cocktails I can give to somebody who says, ‘I don’t drink whiskey,’ and they fall in love with it and say, ‘Oh, maybe I do!’” From there, the dinner bounces back and forth between dishes from regional corporate sushi chef John Um in the sushi bar and executive chef Joe Versola in the Samba kitchen, each paired with a Japanese whisky served neat, over large-format ice or in a cocktail. Menu highlights include a crispy Minter Sweet oyster paired with a passion fruit Mars Iwai whisky sour. Both the whisky-soy marinated robata pork ribs and A-5 wagyu roll arrive with a pour of Akashi Single Malt 5-Year Sherry Cask. “Pairing whisky with a dinner is a lot harder than pairing wine, or even sake or beer,” Swope says. “Hopefully you can see where my mind was going with the pairing. Some of these dishes, as you read [the menu], your mind might tell you to go one way, and I didn’t necessarily go in that direction. I believe I was able to really pick up the nuances of the dish, to really complement the whisky and the dish, to bring out the best in both.” 7 Pairings can vary based on availability. Reservations are accepted no less than 48 hours in advance for parties of four or more for $250 per person. To accommodate all budgets, timelines and party sizes, a smaller three-course pairing menu is now available daily for $105, and it features the above highlights with their own pairings.
June 1– 7, 2017 vegasseven.com
29
STRONG IS THE NEW SKINNY.
WE HAVE A LIMITED NUMBER OF SPOTS AVAILABLE FOR OUR JUNE 10 REAL 90. REALRESULTSFITNESS.COM/REAL-90
702.331.3172
NOW 2 LOCATIONS!
/realresultslv
DO GOOD
SOCIAL INFLUENCE
M
THE ACT OF RES TOR ING A tragic accident won’t stop Lazar Jovic from spreading light and love By Jessie O’Brien
ore than money, a multitude of friends makes a man a millionaire, and Lazar Jovic might be one of the richest men in Las Vegas. Joe Limon, who met Jovic about 10 years ago, recognizes his competition to be numero uno. “Laz has so many friends, but I feel I’m his best friend,” Limon says. “He’s been there for me during my dark times.” Now, Limon is returning the loyalty by spending Friday nights with Jovic at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Henderson, where Jovic is slowly making progress from a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed. From pickup soccer games at The Bunkhouse Saloon to pool parties in the McNeil Estates, Jovic is a fixture in Downtown. The Chaparral High School and UNLV grad is not only a mover and shaker in the scene, but he’s adored for his sharp wit and inclusive nature. Limon says people often refer to Jovic as the Downtown ambassador. On March 11, Jovic and his friends stopped at the Tecopa Hot Springs in California for the Cotopaxi Questival Adventure Race, an elaborate 24-hour outdoor scavenger hunt. He dove into the area’s shallow, muddy waters and hit his head on a rock, rupturing one of his discs, fracturing another and damaging his spinal cord. While conscious underwater, he was unable to move his body. In an attempt not to drown, Jovic bit another racer to signal for help. He was ultimately pulled out and resuscitated by his friend Tyler Fegert and a stranger before Flight for Life flew him to Summerlin Hospital. “He’s an active guy; he’s not really a stop kind of guy,” says younger sister Sanja Nedeljkovic. “He doesn’t have any brakes. He’s not a planner. He just does things, which I think is the most beautiful part about him.” Nedeljkovic has been spending every evening with Jovic since the accident, and sleeps at the hospital Saturday and Sunday nights. (Their parents take the weekday nights.) She adds, “He doesn’t do anything that [society says] you should do.” Instead, he’s made a career of living life to the fullest— surrounding himself with great friends, relishing time with his family and taking in as many experiences as possible. “He goes to every music festival on the planet,” Nedeljkovic says. Jovic is also known as “Crayzar.” Case in point: He strapped on a pair of Rollerblades and skated off the roof into the pool at his roommate’s birthday party prior to the accident. In addition to being a thrill seeker, Jovic plays every sport possible, from volleyball to table tennis. And he’s competitive, too—an attitude that is working to his advantage. Jovic is making unexpected progress, gaining movement in his upper body and strength in his core and pectorals. The first time the HealthSouth staff helped him attempt to stand, his blood pressure dropped suddenly and he almost fainted. He fared much better the second time around. Nedeljkovic hopes his body and self-awareness will aid him in recovery. Jovic also values the simplicities of life. He meditates and fasts. At the onset of his injury, he wasn’t able to eat. Nedeljkovic says his response was, “I don’t need food anyway.” Since Jovic didn’t have health insurance at the time of the accident, he was eligible for Medicaid coverage. This requires doctors, therapy staff and caseworkers to request more time for his recovery each week in order to stay at HealthSouth, where he’s been since April 12. And they have to prove he’s continuing to improve. Despite the horror of this accident, both Nedeljkovic and Limon note Jovic’s carefree attitude is still intact. Nedeljkovic met a woman recently whose husband, a Metro officer, suffered a spinal cord injury from a motorcycle accident. When Nedeljkovic mentioned her brother’s outlook, the woman assumed he was in denial. “I don’t think he is denying it; I think he is choosing to be positive,” Nedeljkovic says. Jovic, whose injury requires years of treatment, is fully aware he could be moved out of the facility at any moment. The family’s goal is to raise money to pay for his medical expenses and to eventually transfer him to a specialized treatment center such as Craig Hospital in Colorado, which can cost up to $3,000 per day. The community is rallying behind him as well. More than 300 people attended a benefit concert at The Bunkhouse on April 2 and raised $6,000. His family, who emigrated from Serbia (Jovic and his sister were born in Belgrade), started an annual soccer tournament at their church thanks to the help of Zoran Djordjevic, who is like an uncle to the siblings. They also have a YouCaring crowdfunding account set up, which at the time of publication has raised $47,000 (under GiveForward, prior to YouCaring’s acquisition). Just as Jovic has served as the heart and soul of his family and friends, those around him continue to find inspiration in his radiant spirit. “I had one day after the accident to get it out,” Limon says. “But if he is not crying, I don’t have the right to be.” 7 To donate to the Lazar Jovic Fund, visit youcaring.com.
June 1– 7, 2017 vegasseven.com
31
SOCIAL INFLUENCE
By Shannon Miller
Liberace Goes To Paris A new art exhibit features the showman’s jewelry, on loan from his Vegasbased foundation
P
ieces of Las Vegas can be found halfway across the world in Medusa, Jewelry and Taboos, now on display at the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris until November 5. The exhibit brings together more than 400 pieces of jewelry from historic brands such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels (plus anonymous artifacts with even longer histories)—and many of the featured items are famed pieces from the Liberace Jewels Collection. “The size and audacity of the Liberace jewels changed showmanship and jewelry forever,” says Jonathan Warren, chairman of the Las Vegas-based Liberace Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts, which partnered with the French museum to provide the iconic entertainer’s accessories. The Foundation maintains the Liberace Museum Collection at what was once Michael Jackson’s Las Vegas residence, where the pianist’s legacy lives on through his fashions, automobiles and other memorabilia. Among the Liberace artifacts featured in Medusa, Jewelry and Taboos is one of the performer’s rings, embellished with a miniature diamond-encrusted candelabra. You can imagine it glistening in the spotlight as Liberace’s fingers danced over a baby grand’s keys while he played for the tens of millions of viewers of The Liberace Show. “Jewelry creates an attraction or repulsion for the one who stares at it, wears it or makes it, as does the face of Medusa,” explains Anne Dressen, the exhibit’s curator. Also like the legend of Medusa, the legacy of Liberace lives on—now in physical form at a major museum in Paris.
ICYMI: HAKKASAN GROUP CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT May 22 was a great day for golf at Spanish Trails Golf Course as Las Vegas-based hospitality company Hakkasan Group hosted its first golf tournament. As part of its Hakkasan Gives Back initiatives, the company partnered with the Keep Memory Alive organization supporting the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, raising $50,000. More than 200 people turned out for the day of fun that spread over 18 holes with surprises such as cocktails and contests at each stop hosted by local sponsors.
32
June 1– 7, 2017 vegasseven.com
Medusa, Jewelry and Taboos Through November 5, Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, mam.paris.fr/en Top: Liberace ring Bottom right: Keep Memory Alive co-founder and chairman Larry Ruvo and Hakkasan Group CEO Nick McCabe
By Michael Green
The Experiences and Experience of Steve Seroka HE’S A 30-YEAR MILITARY VETERAN AND FIGHTER PILOT, SOMEONE WHO FLEW BIG BIRDS AND RETIRED A COLONEL. THEN HE DECIDED TO RUN FOR OFFICE… “I was intimidated about knocking on a door and getting a negative reaction, but almost everyone whose door I knock on is excited, informed, engaged and willing to have a dialogue, even if they disagree with me,” Las Vegas city council candidate Steve Seroka says. “The reaction has been very positive. People are happy and surprised that a candidate comes to the door. I’ve also had my wife and family with me, and that pleases them as well.” After serving everywhere from the Pentagon to Afghanistan and working at a think tank, Seroka is running for Las Vegas City Council Ward 2. “I want to take the values that have been instilled in me to City Hall. One, public service is selfless. Two, it’s hard work and I’m not afraid of that. Three, it’s for no benefit of my own. In the military, they didn’t pay any of us enough to do what we were doing,” he explains. “We did it because we were called to serve our nation, our community, our family and our friends, and that’s exactly what I want to do in Las Vegas. That’s what we say we want in our elected officials, and that’s the opportunity we have now.” Seroka’s opponent is incumbent Bob Beers, once a right-tilting legislator. Seroka is critical of Beers’ votes on a contract for Republic Services trash collection, among other things. The biggest issue has involved a developer seeking to build more than 2,000 condos/apartments/homes in place of the Badlands Golf Club in Queensridge. This issue isn’t, as some think, just a bunch of rich people mad at other rich people. Let’s put it this way: Some friends of mine who live there sup-
port the deal and some friends oppose it and, if they were rich, they wouldn’t hang out with history professors who write magazine columns. Beers supported the change, arguing that the developer, if denied, might sue the city. Oddly, when people say we shouldn’t allow people to own guns because then they might have a weapon with which to commit murder, that argument resonates less with his side of the aisle. He also tends to think those who disagree with the plan seek “to sacrifice the public good for their own personal benefit.” The irony drips from that statement. Seroka notes that Beers has received ample financial support from the developer and others who have wanted to put businesses and housing where Ward 2 residents didn’t want them. “I’m upbeat and positive. I don’t like to be negative,” Seroka says. “But unfortunately, in running, I have to talk about these things, because they need to be highlighted.” Seroka continues, “First and foremost—the thing that got me into this race—I felt our incumbent was ignoring our constituents and giving all of his attention to big-dollar developers and super lobbyists. What happens in Las Vegas City Hall affects us, hits us close to home, so we need the voice of the people to be heard. I’m not beholden to any special interest or big-dollar lobbyist and I truly want to represent the people.” In Seroka’s case, that means emphasizing accountability and the need to “protect our property through increased police presence.” But he has a special cause: his fellow veterans. “This is the most capable and untapped resource in our community,” he says. “When I talk to officials in our city and state—elected officials, CEOs, hiring and HR people—I ask what they picture when they hear the word veteran. One is a homeless person under a bridge. Two is someone with PTSD. Three is someone who takes orders and doesn’t think,” he says. But the majority of veterans leave service with no disability and “they are ready to engage in our neighborhoods. When I say I have a lot of leadership experience, people say, ‘I don’t want military leadership.’ Beers says military leadership isn’t applicable to our community. I say, ‘You don’t want respectful, engaged leadership?’” Seroka’s commitment includes working on a book about veterans, and he’s found some information well worth thinking about—and important to his city council race. About 12 percent of Americans “wore the uniform during World War II and we call them the Greatest Generation,” he says. We’ve been in continuous military combat since Desert Storm—25 years, four times as long as World War II,” and fewer than 2 percent have served. “My peer group is either underemployed or unemployed because of a lack of understanding of their abilities. According to Gallup, the U.S. military is the most respected institution in the country. They’ve got to be doing something right.” Besides already being president of the Disabled Veterans Business Alliance and talking to various business and civic groups, Seroka wants to involve veterans more deeply in the community, through business, outreach, education and Jobenomics, a grassroots job creation program. “When those veterans do succeed,” he says, “that will send a message.” Seroka hopes voters send a message during early voting and on Election Day. “The incumbent is fighting his voters. He condescends to them and he confuses them and he combats them. While he’s on the wrong side of the issue, his big-dollar developer super PAC is fighting me. What is the problem if all they want is to do what’s best for the community?” 7 Michael Green is an associate professor of history at UNLV.
June 1– 7, 2017 vegasseven.com
33
CONVERSATIONS
Whether you’re helping a child or an
The Ladies’ Advocate The new leader of Safe Nest, Liz Ortenburger continues to champion women’s issues
By Monica Acuna Photography Krystal Ramirez
Safe Nest is the featured charity for Mondays Dark at The Space on June 19. Tickets are $20, mondaysdark.com.
adult, a community of people working together makes a big difference. Liz Ortenburger knows this firsthand. As she steps into her new role as executive director of Safe Nest, Nevada’s largest non-profit agency devoted to domestic violence issues, she brings years of experience in youth development and empowering women in all stages of life. At 14, Ortenburger’s parents divorced and the family was split up between Santa Cruz and St. Helena, California. It was a tough change, particularly during high school and the challenges that come with it. Fortunately, she had guidance from her track and cross country coaches there and through college, and eventually went on to earn a master’s degree at a top international business school in Spain. This impressive MBA ultimately garnered her the attention of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, and they hired the grad as their executive director of camping in 2008. She’d grown up attending YMCA summer camps as a kid, so it was a natural fit. At her next post at the YMCA in Tacoma, Washington, she helped complete the fundraising to build a $4 million dining hall on the water thanks to strong relationships with large donors in the community. “It changes the camping dynamic for so many kids at that camp,” she says, acknowledging this as one of her biggest professional accomplishments. Ortenburger spent most of the next 10 years working at the Girl Scouts council at Tres Condados in Santa Barbara, California ultimately finishing out as its Chief Operating Officer. Then in 2013, she found herself relocating to Las Vegas as CEO for Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada. During her time as CEO, she came up with a way to modernize volunteerism with a concept called Super Troops. “As I was getting to re-enter Girl Scouts, my thought was, ‘There’s no way to be causally involved.’” The program allows parents to volunteer three to four times a year versus having to commit as a troop leader year-round, which creates entry points for every girl who wants to be a Girl Scout regardless of parent involvement. Before landing at Safe Nest, Ortenburger had to be sure she could handle the transition emotionally. “I took some classes, I educated myself and along the way just sort of fell in love with the concept and what we’ve got to fight for,” she says. It was an unanimous decision by the board to hire her. On March 1, Ortenburger succeeded Estelle Murphy, who spent nearly 40 years at Safe Nest making it her life’s work to help domestic violence victims escape abuse. Murphy built the organization from a few volunteers to an agency which services approximately 50,000 people annually and has a $5.5 million budget with a staff of about 90. Ortenburger is honored to continue her legacy and is grateful to have Murphy help her transition through the end of June into her new career in the crisis sector. Safe Nest goals include four areas of service: advocacy, counseling, prevention and shelter. For her first 90 days, Ortenburger’s been learning the business and familiarizing herself with the board and staff. “I will continue to work hard and do everything I can so that we have a space and a place for every domestic violence victim in Southern Nevada,” she says. 7
June 1– 7, 2017 vegasseven.com
35
CONVERSATIONS
Cinematic Selections
Las Vegas Film Festival director of programming West McDowell on the must-see flicks
By Mark Adams
T
he Las Vegas Film Festival has been elevating the Valley’s cinephile scene for a decade now, offering enthusiasts a multitude of movies varying in style, substance, genre and length—all with the goal to push cinematic boundaries through screenings of films produced by unique storytellers. And that’s exactly what’s on tap for LVFF this year, as the 10th annual installment—held exclusively at Brenden Theatres inside Palms Resort Casino—will screen flicks that have received significant buzz on the film-festival circuit, music videos that might just lift the genre to new levels, and movies that will make filmmakers rethink how to tell a story. LVFF director of programming West McDowell spoke with Vegas Seven about the films he’s most excited to screen, a music video featuring a well-known bass guitarist and the festival’s continued support for local filmmakers.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING
FEATURE FILMS The festival will screen six full-length films this year, from comedic dramas such as 10 Days (For Now) to fun adventure flicks like Dave Made a Maze. McDowell says he’s most excited to include Gook, which received the Next Audience Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Directed by Justin Chon, the film follows two Korean-American brothers who team up with an African-American teen to defend their family shoe store during the 1992 Los Angeles riots. “The heart of Gook is about [meeting] people and not understanding them,” McDowell says. “The message in it is very important and would only help the community if they were to register that. That was important to us.”
SHORT FILMS McDowell says LVFF programmed the four short-film screenings this year with the intent to present a wide variety of films (including live-action, animation and music videos), while keeping a particular theme in mind. “[They] are very specific, programmed experiences. … Wednesday’s shorts are a little more rowdy, a little more about the culture that the [festival] champions as [its] mission.” For those interested in supporting films and filmmakers with ties
to Las Vegas, Thursday’s screening promises cinematic offerings with a local focus—including brothers Mike and Jerry Thompson’s “Spare the Ones That Weep” music video featuring Mark Stoermer, bass guitarist for homegrown band The Killers. And as for the last two? “Friday and Saturday are our storytelling blocks. [Those nights are] probably going to be more of an uplifting, lighthearted adventure.”
DOCUMENTARIES Two docs will screen at LVFF this year: a short titled The Rabbit Hunt, which focuses on young men experiencing the rite of passage of rabbit hunting in the Florida Everglades, and feature-length doc California Dreams. The latter, according to McDowell, explores “a hybrid narrative style [of] filmmaking that [film festival] programmers are starting to see come up.” While he’s quick to take back his original comparison to “an evolution [of] reality television,” he adds, “it’s a documentary, but it’s also a hybrid. It’s really exciting seeing people test the different ways to tell stories and experience movies.”
Las Vegas Film Festival June 6–11, times vary, single tickets $11, festival pass $75, VIP festival pass $175, Brenden Theatres inside Palms Casino Resort, lvff.com Clockwise from top left: California Dreams, Gook, Lemon
36
June 1– 7, 2017 vegasseven.com
LVFF continues its mission to partner with filmmakers at local universities this year, offering separate short-film showcases screening works produced by students at the College of Southern Nevada, UNLV and Nevada State College. “The interesting thing about these college showcases is that these are the same college showcases that I participated in,” says McDowell, who received his BFA in film from UNLV. “[It’s] very important to us that we’re offering that same experience for them.”
FESTIVAL LABS In addition to partnering with local institutions to show student films, LVFF also puts on “labs” throughout the festival to offer film students hands-on, real-world opportunities to produce films. With its Music Video Lab, LVFF connects local bands with local filmmakers to produce flicks for one of the band’s tracks. This year’s musical groups include Scartoon, Juan Flores, Rabid Young, The Van Der Rohe, The Musket Vine and REIGN-A. With its Young Cinema Lab Mission program, LVFF partnered with Downtown bookstore The Writer’s Block to teach screenwriting to kids. The festival then helped turn the screenplays into short films, offering UNLV students a shot behind the camera to bring the stories to life. “It’s a beautiful component that we’re going to keep going. And, in some cases, [the labs are] more attractive, from a local standpoint, than even the film festival itself.” 7
ASK A NATIVE
CONVERSATIONS
By James P. Reza
Staying Put and Getting Away L AGUNA BEACH, CA, USA NOVEMBER 5, 2016: SUNRISE OVER ART WORK TITLED ONE FORTH MILE ARC BY ARTIST PHILLIP K. SMITH III STRETCHES ACROSS MAIN BEACH IN L AGUNA BEACH
WHAT’S THE NATIVE’S PERSPECTIVE ON THE THREAT OF ANOTHER LAS VEGAS HOUSING BUBBLE?
Let me preface by saying I am not a realtor, an economist or Nostradamus. I’m not a house flipper, either (though I wouldn’t mind being one), and I’m an investor only in the sense that I make house payments. I am, however, a lifetime Las Vegas resident who has participated in the housing game longer than I care to admit. So, based on those caveats, let’s jump in over our heads, shall we? Prior to the real estate bubble of the last decade, Las Vegas homes saw a typical annual appreciation around 3 percent. Five percent? Well, let’s pop the Lowenbrau and celebrate! When I last bought a home (or rather, agreed to a mortgage) in 2002, things were looking solid. Las Vegas was brashly declaring itself a “recession-proof” economy, an international destination so hot that we joked that the Travel Channel was the de facto Las Vegas Channel. But by early 2006, it was obvious (to some, anyway) that something was awry. I was getting handwritten notes taped to my door offering me double what I had paid for my house. Double! Many of my neighbors, who built their homes in the 1950s—1970s, took the money and ran. But despite the allure of an early and inexpensive surf and rum retirement in Mexico, I stayed. And by 2012, my house was “worth” about 30 percent of what I had mortgaged. Thur-tee-percent. Sayonara, surfing! As they say at the Kentucky Derby, real estate is a long race. Things have changed since then. My house today? According to Redfin and Zillow, it’s worth 92 percent of what it should be worth based on 3 percent annual appreciation from 2002. Housing Bubble 2.0? Not yet. But when it happens? You’ll find me on a beach!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SUMMER DAY TRIP FROM VEGAS?
Take your pick: Zion (two hours each way), Flagstaff (three hours) or Laguna Beach (three and a half hours). I do them all on the regular, with Laguna being the most recent. When I tell friends I can be driveway to sand in 210 minutes, they look at me in disbelief. Here’s how it’s done: Leave at 6 a.m. on a Sunday. Take I-15 to CA-91 to CA-241 to CA-133—80 mph, no stops. After a day on the sand, I’m usually home by 10 p.m. Have a question or comment about Las Vegas past, present or future? Send them to askanative@vegasseven.com.
June 1– 7, 2017 vegasseven.com
37
CONVERSATIONS
LUCKY NO. 7
We asked the WENDOH Media staff:
“My ultimate dream vacation would be backpacking through Middle-earth, Wonderland, Arrakis, Hogwarts and Westeros.” — JESSIE O’BRIEN, DTLV.COM EDITOR
“Fresh off a trip to Iceland, I can already say that I cannot wait to return to spend a few weeks driving the famous Ring Road around that windswept, volcanic island nation. Why? For the same reasons that (wo)mankind first climbed Mount Everest or ate the first oyster: Because it was there!” — XANIA WOODMAN, SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR (BEVERAGE) “My dream vacation would be hitchhiking and couch-surfing across Europe like New York Times best-selling author and Esquire writer-at-large Cal Fussman. I think the culture in Europe is fascinating. And the food—the food in Europe looks really good.” — RYAN VELLINGA, EDITORIAL INTERN “Prague. Not only for the culture and medieval architecture, but also your average beer is the equivalent of one U.S. dollar.” — SHANNON MILLER, EDITORIAL ASSISTANT “I’d love to visit London. It’s birthed some of the best boy and girl bands of the last two decades (the Spice Girls and One Direction). It’s home to some of the poshest celebrities (Daisy Ridley, Boy George and Gary Oldman). And it features some of the tastiest breakfast fare.” — AMBER SAMPSON, WEB EDITOR “My dream vacation would be in a little hut on the water in Bora Bora. I would just stay in my little hut all day, watching the ocean outside. Would I swim in the ocean? Um, hard pass. I’m terrified of sharks. The chances of a shark attack are very, very slim, but we thought the same thing about Donald Trump becoming president, and look where we are now.” — KATIE MICHAELS, EDITORIAL INTERN “It has to be the Greek Islands. I’d make a requisite stop in Mykonos (because partying), but most of my time would be spent in Lemnos and Santorini, soaking up a little history coupled with a lot of sun and wine. I’d leave behind all technology, set up in a whitewashed cave house for a month and look for a job.” — JAMES P. REZA, COLUMNIST
38
June 1– 7, 2017 vegasseven.com
KYOTO, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 17, 2016 : NIGHT SCENE CLOSE-UP OF HOGWARTS(™) CASTLE AND HOGWARTS (™) SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY AT THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER (™) AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN (®)
What’s your dream vacation destination?
®
Now Recruiting
+ Marketing Interns + Journalism Interns + It Interns + Web Interns + Sales Interns + Design Interns
Please send your resume and cover letter to
intern@wendohmedia.com
C O M I N G U P AT B R O O K LY N B O W L L A S V E G A S
• THU, JUN 1 •
• S AT , J U N 3 •
TREY SONGZ MODEST MOUSE J U S T
A N N O U N C E D -
iday, Jun 30 -
RAW FEMME SHOWCASE SCHOOL OF ROCK, KAYLIE FOSTER, HALSEY HARKINS, JESSICA MANALO + CANDY WARPOP > ON SALE NOW <
ALOHA RADIO + DUBBEST - FREE SHOW MON, JUN 5 > E A S Y S T A R A L L - S T A R S THU, JUN 8 > SOMO: THE ANSWERS TOUR FRI, JUN 9 + SAT, JUL 15 > 40oz. TO FREEDOM - SUBLIME TRIBUTE BAND WED, JUN 14 > PHOENIX WITH LEMON TWIGS FRI, JUN 16 > ZOSO - THE ULTIMATE LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE LIVE RECREATION OF SAT, JUN 17 > TIMELESS STARRING E CASANOVA AMICHAEL JACKSON + THE JACKSONS SUN, JUN 18 > SISTER HAZEL TUE, JUN 20 > G A R Y C L A R K J R . WED, JUN 21 > THE REVOLUTION - PRINCE S LEGENDARY BAND SAT, JUN 24 > T H E B L A C K S E E D S SUN, JUN 25 > S T R E E T L I G H T M A N I F E S T O THU, JUL 6 > O N E O K R O C K FRI, JUL 7 > BRUCE HORNSBY + THE NOISEMAKERS THU, JUL 20 > E R Y K A H B A D U SAT, JUL 22 > K H A L I D FRI, JUL 28 > E C H O + T H E B U N N Y M E N SAT, JUL 29 > AFI + CIRCA SURVIVE FRI, AUG 4 > THIEVERY CORPORATION SUN, AUG 6 > FLOW TRIBE + NEW BREED BRASS BAND FRI, AUG 11 > DEAD CROSS TUE, AUG 29 > S I M P L E P L A N WED, AUG 30 > T H E F I X X WED, SEP 6 > X - 4 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y T O U R THU, SEP 14 > L I L Y A C H T Y WED, SEP 20 > T H E M A G P I E S A L U T E THU, OCT 12 > F A T H E R J O H N M I S T Y THU, DEC 7 > C H R I S R O B I N S O N B R O T H E R H O O D SAT, DEC 16 > D E S C E N D E N T S SUN, JUN 4 >
HAPPY HOUR 4PM – 6PM | 11PM – 1AM
2-FOR-1 COCKTAILS HALF PRICE DRAFT BEER $ 5 GLASS HOUSE WINE $5 SELECT APPETIZERS INDUSTRY ONLY
HAPPY HOUR 3AM – 5AM
EL CORTEZ HOTEL & CASINO LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
6TH & FREMONT | 702.385.5200
elcortezhotelcasino.com
Management reserves all rights. Must be 21 or older.
CENTER STRIP AT THE LINQ || BROOKLYNBOWL.COM || 702.862.BOWL