7 AAA Nod to Nog
Seasonal sippers to warm your hearth
FREE December 8-14, 2016
SEVEN NIGHTS YOUR WEEK IN PARTIES By Ian Caramanzana
THURSDAY 8
Regardless of how you feel, the golden era of the EDM DJ is over. When it comes to talent, our city’s dynamic nightlife scene is instead trying to strike a balance between the almighty DJ and live performances by titans of the music industry. But beyond the flashing lights, pounds of confetti and glamour of the Strip are bars and lounges that regularly host talent that is just waiting to be discovered. Take The Sharps, for example. The local jazz trio is enjoying an informal residency at Chinatown hot spot The Golden Tiki, and it’s a match made in heaven. We couldn’t ask for a better soundtrack to supplement the citrusy burn of the famed tiki drinks. The Sharps take cues from bouncy bossa nova greats such as Stan Getz and Sérgio Mendes, and toss in elements from other genres such as swing, lounge and boogaloo. Enjoy it all for free! (9 p.m., 3939 Spring Mountain Rd., thegoldentiki.com.)
FRIDAY 9
The Fray
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It’s cold out there, so button up, head to Drai’s and catch a set from the self-proclaimed “coolest DJ in the world,” DJ Esco. The Atlanta spinner, tastemaker and executive producer enjoyed some time in the limelight last month after getting birthday shoutouts from his right-hand man, Future. The two have a siblinglike relationship that’s best
depicted in the fabled story behind his album 56 Nights. Esco’s previous birthday celebration in Dubai turned sour when he spent 56 nights in jail for marijuana possession. During that time, Esco underwent something of a spiritual metamorphosis. He’s come a long way, so toast to freedom and a relatively new outlook on life when he drops his collaborative single with Future and Lil Uzi Vert, “Too Much Sauce.” (10:30 p.m., in The Cromwell, draisnightlife.com.)
SATURDAY 10
As the frontman for the Grammy-nominated psych/indie group My Morning Jacket, you’d think Jim James would be exhausted after playing in a band for 20 years, releasing seven albums and touring relentlessly. The reality is he isn’t, and he has an impressive solo career to boot. James released Regions of Light and Sound of God—a full-length album—in 2013. It’s a critically acclaimed concept piece that’s based on Lyn Ward’s wordless 1929 novel Gods’ Man. That may sound confusing, but sonically, it’s a theatrical dive into James’ roots-tinged psychedelia. He pushes it a step further in his latest work, Eternally Even, which takes that unique formula and adds notes of folk and soul. Experience the eclectic cocktail for yourself when James performs at Brooklyn Bowl. (7 p.m., $31-$56, at The Linq, brooklynbowl.com/las-vegas.)
NEW YEAR’S EVE
KENDRICK LAMAR LIVE IN CONCERT
SAT DEC 31
Planet Asia
SUNDAY 11
We’re knee-deep into the holiday season, when the gifts are plentiful, family comes first and gluttony is the game. Why not spice it up with some rockin’ tunes courtesy of OneRepublic, Lindsey Stirling, The Fray and We the Kings? Just like the best kind of holiday dinner platter, Mix 94.1-FM’s Not So Silent Night is an eclectic mix with both robust and subtle flavors. You can sing along to OneRepublic’s massive radio pop hits “Apologize” and “All the Right Moves,” bang your head to Stirling’s violin-tinged electronica, hum to the huge hook of The Fray’s “How to Save a Life” or get enchanted by the catchy pop of We the Kings. Whichever way, if you stay at The Joint for even an hour, you’re sure to get a satisfying bite of solid tunes. Think of it as a musical gift from the universe. (5:30 p.m., $60, in Hard Rock Hotel, hardrockhotel.com/thejoint.)
MONDAY 12
Got a sweet tooth? Venture to your nearest See’s Candies or Ethel M and crack open a box of deluxe chocolates to remedy the situation. If you’re still unsatisfied, indulge in a luxurious set by Los Angeles-bred DJ Eric D-Lux. Though he specializes mixing hip-hop and pop, D-Lux is known for dropping a wide range of tunes that can include everything from bona fide throwback bangers to top EDM hits. Don’t believe us? Scroll through his Twitter feed and you’ll be welcomed by a barrage of music recommendations from The Smiths and A Tribe Called Quest to Daft Punk and Kanye West. Get a taste at Marquee. And lest we forget: It’s Marquee Monday, so locals get in free! (10:30 p.m., in The Cosmopolitan, marqueelasvegas.com.)
TUESDAY 13
Need an excuse to get out there on a weeknight? The beer is flowin’ at Beauty Bar for Nickel F—n Beer Night. This evening’s entertainment is a hip-hop extravaganza consisting of sets from two wildly talented emcees. First up is Fresno, California, spitter Planet Asia, who is known for his intense, no-holds-barred delivery and prolific discography. Asia’s been in the game for nearly 20 years, so he’ll bring this experience to life when he hits the stage. As for the set list, since he’s released so much material, we don’t know what to expect. Perhaps we’ll get some songs from his duo, Cali Agents, such as “Neva Forget,” or a solo song such as “That’s What It Is.” Jersey-bred rapper Chino XL headlines this engagement. See if he manages to one-up his wordplay in “Kreep” with an impromptu freestyle. (9 p.m., 517 Fremont St., beautybarlv.com.) Want to experience glorious rock ’n’ roll with an electronic twist? Look no further than The Bunkhouse Saloon to catch a set by South Africanbred wunderkind Garett van der Spek, a.k.a. Prism Tats. His peculiar blend of melodic guitars and layered vocals over thumping electronic drums has won over the hearts of critics worldwide. Get acquainted by checking out the spooky video for “Death or Fame,” then see it live. (8 p.m., $7-10, 124 S. 11th St., bunkhousedowntown.com.)
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PHOTO BY JOSHUA SILVEIRA
WEDNESDAY 14
[ EAT & DRINK THIS ]
Eggnog Second only to actual snow in its ability to up the winter quotient of any gathering, traditional eggnog is the decadent, silky and sneaky-strong cup of communion between friends, family and friends who are good as family. But if your framily is anything but traditional, consider punching up your punchbowl this season with these spirituous enhancements.
PHOTOS COURTESY STONEY’S AND COYOTE UGLY
By Xania Woodman Photography Krystal Ramirez
December 1- 7, 2016 vegasseven.com
SP
N O O
IT
UP
For a limited time, Momenti (momentispirits.com) will offer a holiday-inspired eggnog expression of its superpremium “spirited ice creams” made locally from milk, cream, cane sugar, natural sweeteners and flavoring and 90-proof bourbon. The final product comes in at 10-12 proof and will do the trick nicely atop a slice of pie, bobbing in a punchbowl, swimming in a pool of fresh, hot espresso affogato-style or eaten straight from the carton (see previous page). Assuaging any guilt about your Netflix and chill-ing dessert, Momenti COO Leif Pearson will donate 30 percent of proceeds from the eggnog ice cream (as well as a rum raisin edition) to New Vista, the state’s largest nonprofit provider of supported living arrangements for the intellectually challenged, and Send Me On Vacation, providing rejuvenating vacations to breast cancer survivors. Find out where to buy it by the pint ($10) at momentispirits.com/where-to-buy.
Pou
Distilled to its essence, eggnog is eggs, sugar, cream, booze and wintry spices. You’ll find that and a whole lotta fun in a variety of surprisingly sophisticated, indulgent cream liqueurs this winter. Kringle Cream (kringlecream.com) by Death’s Door Spirits combines Don Q Rum with real Wisconsin dairy cream for a fruity, nutty treat evoking the Danish cake of the same name. RumChata (rumchata.com) mingles Caribbean rum with that same Wisconsin cream, plus a secret spice mix for a flavor that falls somewhere between horchata’s cinnamon and eggnog’s nutmeg. Cruzan Velvet Cinn (cruzanrum.com) takes a similar silky horchata line with rum from St. Croix, as does Chila ’Orchata (chilaorchata.com), swirling rum from Puerto Rico with cream, Tahitian vanilla and plenty of cinnamon. Get the recipe for Bad Santa (see previous page), a wickedly good eggnog cocktail created by Breathru Beverage's Mike Doyle at vegasseven.com/badsanta. November 24-30, 2016 vegasseven.com
PHOTO CREDIT GOES HERE
r It On
[ HEAR THIS ]
NO VACANCY Saint Motel’s indie pop overflows with bright hooks and soulful grooves
By Jarret Keene Photography Jabari ROCK BANDS MUST INEVITABLY WALK the difficult line between art and commerce. Indeed, indie-pop groups tend to lean toward one (heartfelt expression) or the other (crass entertainment) end of the musical spectrum. Saint Motel straddles that difference, delivering thoughtful yet toe-tapping tunes. Arguably the best example of the band’s approach is the bass guitar– pumping, horn-powered 2014 single “My Type,” in which frontman A/J Jackson comes on like a love-drunk Lothario approaching, well, anyone. You’re just my type, he croons. Oh, you got a pulse and you are breathing. “It’s instinctual,” says Jackson, regarding his band’s tendency to draw from twisted ideas to create brilliant pop. “It’s a constant balance between the dark and light, the dirty and clean, the profane and sacred. You can’t be too nasty, and you can’t be too saccharine. It’s about finding that balance in music and in life.” Like art-pop pioneers Roxy Music before them, Saint Motel is fond of busting out deceptively simple, guitar-based songs with musical layers and dense arrangements—tunes with big choruses that reward repeat listening. For instance, their recent single “Move,” from the band’s first full-length disc for Elektra Records, Saintmotelevision. Initially, the cut hits like a longlost dance-smash from the Motown vaults, until you begin to notice it’s covertly studio-enhanced with deep, heavy synth and beats. Jackson admits the band worked hard to help the song find its footing in a live setting. “It always felt like a groove that was easy for the band to find,” he says. “The song started out with and was built around the chopped-up acoustic guitar that kicks off the verses. That used to be the bulk of the [track], until it all came together during recording.”
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Music, like cinema, is a collaborative process. Jackson and guitarist Aaron Sharp formed Saint Motel while the two were enrolled in film school in Los Angeles. Not surprisingly, the band has a powerful visual presentation, abundantly evident in the dozen or so music videos the outfit has released. (Jackson has directed eight of them himself.) Sure, sometimes Saint Motel looks like it might be auditioning for the house-band spot at the hipster Ace Hotel. More often than not, though, Saint Motel represents an updated version of the suave, arctic-cool Bryan Ferry style. “When we first started out [and we each] only owned one pair of pants, it was a challenge to present well,” Jackson says. “But at this point, we all love experimenting with clothing and enjoy wearing strange things. What we wear and bring on the stage is now an intentional part of the show. Everything, including the keyboard stand, should add to the experience.” In other words, Jackson views his role as an entertainer as integral to the art he creates with his band mates. Seeing Saint Motel on tour and rocking out alongside full-size tiger statues (though probably not during the band’s one-off set at the Pearl this week for X107.5’s annual Holiday Havoc show) underscores Jackson’s commitment to avoid being boring. “The performance is really an extension of the music, which is what makes playing live so much fun. Wardrobe changes, glam, lights—they’re pieces of the larger project, just like Ziggy Stardust.” Saint Motel hasn’t played Las Vegas since Life Holiday Havoc Is Beautiful 2015, so the band is eager to return to Dec. 8-9, 6 p.m., The and savor the city’s table games and clubs. “But not Pearl at Palms Las Vegas, too much,” Jackson says. “Once again, there’s that $70-$143, palms.com need for balance.” 7
THE SECRET WEAPON PRODUCTION COORDINATOR AARON GILLAM IS THE MAN IN THE MIRROR AT DRAI’S
By Zauni Tanil
Photography Andrew Sea James
[ MEET ]
D
rai’s Nightclub production coordinator Aaron Gillam starts his workday around 5 p.m. on any given Thursday. Typical tasks include meeting with resident DJ Esco to go over playlists, grabbing dinner from Giada (he loves the broccolini) and ironing out show details before (unlike most in his position) hitting the stage to dance alongside some of the most influential names in the music business. Not bad for a kid from Youngstown, Ohio. It wasn’t always so exciting. Gillam, who moved to Las Vegas when he was 21, started as a busser at La Cave Food & Wine Hideaway at Wynn, where he would walk to and from work. “There was a point where I was completely broke. I paid 69 cents in pennies for a hot dog,” he says. “I’ll never forget those times. Ever.” Eventually, Gillam got a second job as a busser at Drai’s, where he would dance while working. “I’m always dancing. It’s what I love. I knew early on [that] was what I wanted to do.” His upbeat personality caught the attention of Tao Group managing partner Jason Strauss. “He walked up to me one night and told me I looked like Kid Cudi. We hung out for a month before I learned what he did,” Gillam says. From there, the protégé saw an opportunity with the nightlife behemoth. Apparently, they both did. “I wrote Jason an email saying exactly what I wanted to do as production coordinator at Tao, and how I wanted to do it.” Gillam says. “A month later I was hired.” He stayed at Tao three years, creating the popular Mirror Man character—a dancing human disco ball—before returning to Drai’s where he performs nightly. “When I took the position, it was understood that I would be dancing as well,” he says. “I’m good at the business side of my job, but I’m also good at entertaining and getting a crowd excited. So I do both.” But for Gillam, who can’t help but smile anytime movement is mentioned, it doesn’t feel
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like work. “I love my job. I love the fact I’m able to do what I love. I can hit the stage and just be free.” While Gillam started dancing when he was 6, he isn’t classically trained and never took choreography classes. Instead he has excelled based on raw skill and passion alone, which has made him a key fixture in the nightlife scene. Famous guests often seek Gillam out to join him onstage. Yet for someone with rapidly increasing notability, the entertainer is surprisingly low-key. In fact, a lot of the charms that come with working in the industry go unnoticed by Gillam, who at 28 says he’s no longer interested in excess. Instead, he chooses to do his own thing. “People have a different perception of me. They think I’m Captain Turn-Up. In reality, I like being invisible. I like being at home, watching Netflix.” Self-assured, Gillam is disinterested in anything that isn’t in the vicinity of the dream he’s chasing. So, what exactly is that goal? “Be happy,” he says. “Live and make enough money for my mom to stop working.” For a guy who spends his weekends sharing a stage with the likes of Future, Trey Songz and Fabolous, the objective doesn’t seem far off. “I believe anything is possible. If you stand by what you believe and put it in the atmosphere, anything can manifest.” And things are happening fast for Gillam, who makes a conscious effort not to take anything for granted. In 2017, at the invitation of Esco, he’ll spend six months on tour with the travelling DJ. “I’m just taking it all in. I’m not going to act like what’s happening is normal: I’m onstage, dancing with artists I’ve listened to my entire life. It’s not normal.” While everything is pointed in the right direction, Gillam tries not to put much thought into what will happen, instead choosing to take each day as it comes. “The beautiful thing about life is not knowing what tomorrow will bring. We can wake up and be anyone. We really are able to be the architects of our own reality.” 7
[ CLUB TOUR ]
JEWEL in Aria Las Vegas
By Kat Boehrer Photography Carlos Larios
Your Tour Guide: Greg Bach As the director of VIP marketing for Jewel, Greg Bach manages the host teams at the nightclub as well as at Liquid Pool Lounge and Alibi Ultra Lounge, also in Aria. In Bach’s words, he is “responsible for making sure every guest who walks through the door has the best experience possible from beginning to end.” The Las Vegas transplant moved here from the East Coast and has worked various nightlife-related jobs, such as the director of nightlife for Thompson Hotels in New York. He was recruited just over a year ago by Hakkasan Group to take on the opening of Jewel—which is an impressive feat.
Save the Date Flawless Mondays: According to Bach, “Every Flawless Monday at Jewel is a great industry party; it’s definitely the can’t-miss party of the week. The best locals come out, and it’s a fun way to kick off the week. The whole Aria property comes to life. Locals have dinner at Herringbone, cocktails at Alibi and they finish the night strong at Jewel.” December 31: Steve Aoki will ring in Jewel’s first New Year’s Eve celebration. “We have had so much to celebrate this year,” Bach says. “And we are excited for what’s to come in 2017.”
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Box It Up “The VIP skybox suites are really unique to Jewel,” Bach says. “Each one has a different theme and is decorated down to every last detail. From the signed sports memorabilia in the G.O.A.T.[-themed skybox] to the secret door in the Blind Tiger speakeasy, every element is deliberate and authentic, making for an experience unlike anything you can find in Las Vegas.”
A Must-See Just as each nightclub has its own take on production elements and lighting, Jewel has put vast effort into creating a visual spectacle for patrons to enjoy. “The production wall behind the DJ booth has dual-sided LED video screens that are customizable for each DJ’s set,” Bach says, “so it’s always different, and it’s really amazing to see.”
On Deck “The Chainsmokers have to be my favorite DJs to see play,” Bach says. “I’ve known Alex [Pall] since he first hit the DJ scene in New York, and to be able to watch him and Drew [Taggart] evolve and grow has been really exciting for me. You rarely know someone in your life who becomes a superstar, and that’s exactly what they have become.”
BOTTLE PRESENTATION PHOTO AL POWERS. STEVE AOKI & THE CHAINSMOKERS PHOTO TONY TRAN
Light Up the Night Although there isn’t a fancy cocktail menu at Jewel, the club’s bottle service blows its competition out of the water. Says Bach (whose favorite drink is Don Julio 1942 on the rocks), it’s all about the presentation. “Champagne is probably our most popular item on the menu. People really love our Dom Pérignon Luminous bottles. They light up, so when they are presented to a table, it looks really awesome.”
Jewel Nightclub Aria Las Vegas jewelnightclub.com Instagram: @jewelnightclub
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