Take Flight | Vegas Seven, Seven Nights | Jan. 19-25, 2017

take flight cirque du soleil's 'toruk' at t-mobile arena

FREE January 19-25, 2017

WHAT TO DO

AFTER DARK

By Mark Adams

THURSDAY 19 HEAR: L.A.-based alternative rock outfit

Rooney, maybe best known for their “When Did Your Heart Go Missing?” single, plays The Bunkhouse Saloon, with Rabid Young and The Solarists opening. 8:30 p.m., $12–$15.

DANCE: YEAH! The crunktastic Lil Jon

hits the decks at Hakkasan tonight to celebrate his 46th birthday. OK?! 10:30 p.m., $20–$30.

FRIDAY 20 HEAR: Veteran garage rockers The Sonics take the stage at Backstage Bar & Billiards tonight. Get pumped with their cover of Richard Berry’s 1955 hit “Louie Louie.” 8 p.m., $15–$20.

DANCE: Known for his bangin’ remixes, Cedric Gervais recently released another with David Guetta and Chris Willis. Check out the trio’s cut of Charles & Eddie’s “Would I Lie to You?” before he hits the booth at Marquee Nightclub.

10:30 p.m., $23–$42.

T AS T E: Toast the weekend atop the

Delano at Skyfall’s Rosé Fridays, which features rosé and cocktail specials and live entertainment. 8 p.m.

EXPERIENCE: The tunes will be total-

ly bitchin’ at Oddfellows tonight, as the Downtown bar presents another installment of its Footloose Fridays ’80s night. Arrive on time for a two-hour happy hour. 8 p.m.

SATURDAY 21 HEAR: Local punk label SquidHat Records celebrates its fifth anniversary at Double Down Saloon with sets from five of its signees: The People’s Whiskey, The Venomous Pinks, The Damnit Jims, Surrounded by Thieves and punk Britney Spears tribute act Hit Me Baby. 10 p.m.

DANCE: Russian-born, German-raised beatmeister Zedd is known for collaborations with some of the hottest artists.

Throw his most recent, “Starving,” featuring Pitch Perfect 2 actress Hailee Steinfeld, on your playlist before experiencing him drop the track at Omnia.

10:30 p.m., $20–$30.

PHOTO BY MARCELLO ORSELLI

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo

T AS T E: Libertine Social offers an intimate dining experience with its Fireside Chat, featuring seasonal food and beverage pairings at its interactive chef’s counter.

6 & 8:30 p.m., $75/person.

EXPERIENCE: The Oscars of Porn are back! The

adult film industry celebrates the latest and greatest at the AVN Awards Show at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. 9 p.m., $175–$300.

SUNDAY 22 HEAR: Rapper/actor Machine Gun Kelly is

climbing the charts right now with his “Bad Things” collaboration track with former Fifth Harmony songstress Camila Cabello. He hits Drai’s tonight, with beats by DJ Franzen. 10:30 p.m., $40–$60.

DANCE: Veteran local spinner Mikey Francis, also known as half of electronic duo Black Boots, spins at Omnia’s club-within-a-club, Heart of Omnia tonight. 10:30 p.m., $20–$30.

MONDAY 23 DANCE: DJ/producer RL Grime teased on Twitter that he’ll be releasing a new album in 2017.

Head to XS tonight to see if he drops anything new. 10 p.m., $20–$30 EXPERIENCE: A live band—including members

of The Adolescents, The Dickies and Circle Jerks—backs the brave up at Golden Tiki’s Punk Rock Karaoke. Afraid of the mic? Throw back a couple dollar beers. 10 p.m.

TUESDAY 24 EXPERIENCE: The all-male drag ballet troupe

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo lands at UNLV’s Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall tonight, bringing classical ballets to life with fun, parody twists. 8 p.m., $25–$75.

WEDNESDAY 25 DANCE: Eric Dlux spends a lot of his time DJing for L.A.’s Power 106 station and playing club shows here in Las Vegas. Catch him tonight at Light at Mandalay Bay. 10:30 p.m., $20–$30.

T AS T E: B&B Ristorante hosts a six-course feast centered around Tenuta di Capezzana’s first pressing of its extra virgin olive oil. On the menu: tordelli with Swiss chard and ricotta, dry-aged bistecca fiorentina and more. 7 p.m., $165/person.

EXPERIENCE: Time to study up, nerds! Get your

TORUK BY JESSE FA ATZ

pub quiz on—with a local brew in hand—at Geeks Who Drink tonight at Big Dog’s Brewing Co.’s Draft House. 8 p.m.

Machine Gun Kelly

Janua r y 19 -25, 2017 vegasseven.com

By David Morris

Photography Jesse Faatz

AVATAR in Action

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL BRINGS JAMES CAMERON’S FILM TO LIFE AT T-MOBILE ARENA Cirque du Soleil’s Toruk: The First Flight Through Jan. 22, times vary, $39–$155, T-Mobile Arena, t-mobilearena.com

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With the wild success of James Cameron’s Avatar in 2009 (it was the first film to ever break the $2 billion mark), it’s no surprise that 20th Century Fox was quick to ink a deal for follow-up films.

While the first sequel will not hit theaters until 2018, Cirque du Soleil launched a touring production, Toruk: The First Flight, one year ago that has been so popular it has consistently sold out arenas.

Toruk transports guests to the naturalist, moon paradise of Pandora thousands of years prior to the events of Avatar. Without giving too much away, the acrobatic Na’vi race must work to save their Trees of Souls from a natural disaster in a compelling, plot-driven twohour performance.

“This is the first time a film has inspired a Cirque du Soleil show.

James Cameron and Cirque have had a relationship for a long time, and he has referenced that some of the Na’vi movement was inspired

by the way Cirque acrobats move,” says Cirque du Soleil spokesperson Laura Silverman. “Being that Avatar was such a popular and groundbreaking film, Cirque approached Cameron shortly after the film came out about working together [to] bring the world of Pandora to a live setting.”

And this week, even with seven resident shows already playing on the Las Vegas Strip, the Na’vi have deigned to visit our market, bringing the touring production to T-Mobile Arena. Should you wish to experience Cirque’s first filmbased spectacle, you need to act fast—the buzz has been big among the film’s faithful. 7

[ NIGHT-LITES ]

Hakkasan Group Resident

Tiësto Receives the

B

irthdays are a big deal for Tiësto, and just a few days shy of his 48th, the Dutch dance-music czar got one of the coolest presents ever. Once again in Las Vegas for his special day, the DJ/producer was celebrated with more than just fireworks, a massive cake and a bangin’ night at the club—he got the key to the Strip.

On January 14, Hakkasan Group welcomed its monthly resident back to MGM Grand for his birthday show, literally rolling out the red carpet through the entire lobby as he pulled up to the valet in a copper Aston Martin. There he was, greeted by cheerleaders and the UNLV marching band, which was playing his new single, “On My Way,” released on January 13. The anthem encourages us all to seize opportunity in the New Year and praises those who pursue their ambitions while staying authentic.

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County commissioner Steve Sisolak proclaimed it “Tiësto Day” and bestowed a shiny key upon the music legend.

“Bringing his innovative talent to the Strip in conjunction with Hakkasan Group, Tiësto has changed the face of the DJ world,” Sisolak says. “Through his dedication and passion for his work, Tiësto continues to be an inspiration, not only to other DJ artists, but to all Las Vegas performers.” After the ceremony, the UNLV band performed his track “Red Lights.”

This makes a hat trick for the artist who has also been honored in Las Vegas with his own Bellagio fountain show in 2014 and a Fremont Street Experience program in 2016.

Catch Tiësto at Hakkasan Nightclub on January 28, February 4, March 4, 18 and 25.

–Additional reporting by David Morris

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By Melinda Shecke t and Aaron Garcia Photography Joe Jane

Key to the Strip

Keith Sweat: Last Forever with special guest Aries Spears Jan. 19-21, 24-28, 31 and Feb. 1-4, $59-$225, Donny & Marie Showroom in Flamingo Las Vegas, keithsweatvegas.com

K

eith Sweat debuted his sensuous, nasally baritone 30 years ago with Make It Last Forever. The album catapulted him into the spotlight, scoring crossover hits on R&B and pop charts with songs such as “I Want Her” and the title single.

Over the next three decades, the “Twisted” singer dropped 11 follow-up albums (including last year’s Dress to Impress) and cemented himself as one of his genre’s greats. Despite his many accolades, he still has a couple notches left to make on his belt. Sweat’s first limited-engagement Strip residency kicked off January 17 at Flamingo Las Vegas. We caught up with the crooner to discuss the secrets to his success.

What’s been the cause of your longevity? I try to stay relevant,

honestly. I try to do what people want to hear. I try to give people great lyrics and great music. When people see me live, they see that I can sing exactly the way they hear me on record. That has actually helped me—the ability to do live performances. I’m not just a studio musician.

How’ve you kept your voice so crisp and polished after all these years? Is there anything special that you do? I don’t smoke. I don’t do a lot

of the things that would mess up someone’s voice. If you want something to last a long time, you have to take care of it. I don’t do anything to my vocal cords that I feel would damage them. I don’t do anything that would risk my ability to continue to make music and perform.

You’ve been hosting The Sweat Hotel radio show for about 10 years, too. What are three go-to songs that you know your listeners are always going to enjoy? “Nobody” from me is

one; “In My Bed” from Dru Hill and “My, My, My” by Johnny Gill. I don’t want to say that they’re the top three, but those [are off] the top of my head.

A lot of contemporary R&B is club music. Is the slow jam dying? It’s not really dying. You got

audiences for different music. You got an audience for what I do, you got a different audience for what’s in the club. I wouldn’t say it’s dying because if that was the case, R&B concerts wouldn’t be doing well.

You’re embarking on your first residency. Why do this now after 30 years? I was asked to do

it by Caesars Entertainment and I felt it was a good look. It shows the longevity of my brand, and I think they needed a little more R&B out [here] in Vegas. I’m from that new jack swing era, and there’s no one out there representing that.

Janua r y 19 -25, 2017 vegasseven.com

How will the residency performances differ from your touring shows? I’m adding a few

things. I don’t take my dancers everywhere, so they’ll be a part of my show. [I’ll] add different types of songs.

I can engage with the audience a little more because it’s more of a Keith Sweat show. I can do things that I would not normally do in a concert when there’s three or four people on the lineup and I have a limited amount of time. I can expand on the music a little more in that arena.

What else can we expect from you in 2017?

I’m just gonna see what this residency is going to do. I’m gonna take it one step at a time. I’m already doing radio. I dropped an album in July. Basically, I’m looking forward to the residency and seeing how far it takes me. I’ll play it by ear after that.

You’re a veteran musician, you have a radio show, you’ve written a book, Make It Last Forever: The Dos and Don’ts. What’s left to accomplish? That’s why I’m taking on the

residency, because it’s one thing I hadn’t done in my career. In 2017, this is something new that I’m conquering … If it goes well, I’ll do it again or do it for a longer period of time.

When you’re not onstage, what else will you be doing in Vegas? I’m gonna be sleeping. I

mean, I gotta kill Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I’ve been to Vegas quite a few times, so I know exactly what’s going on. Right now it’s time to work and put on a great show. I can come back another time when I’m not working five to six days a week. I need to preserve my voice.

Because I don’t lip sync, I can’t be hanging out like that. I got to be very careful and take my time and do what I need to do to make sure I’m putting on a great show. 7

How To Make It Last Forever R&B VETERAN KEITH SWEAT READIES FOR HIS FLAMINGO RESIDENCY

By Zoneil Maharaj

[ CLUB TOUR ]

HYDE BELLAGIO

By Kat Boehrer

Hyde Bellagio hydelv.com Instagram: @hydebellagio

YOUR TOUR GUIDE: DANIELLE PEXA The server host with Hyde Bellagio describes her role, saying, “[It] basically means that I’m bringing the fun to whatever table I have—making drinks, pouring shots, helping with bottle presentations. And on top of that, I also do social media event marketing.”

Pexa has been working on the Strip for 10 years and has spent the last year with Hyde. As such, Pexa also gets to work Hyde’s famed XIV Vegas Sessions, a monthly blowout that starts early and goes late. Patrons can expect themed decorations and the staff in festive costumes, as well as multiple confetti blasts and impressive Champagne showers all night. “I’ve seen people spray 50-plus bottles in one night,” Pexa says, “and that’s a lot of Champagne!”

SAVE THE DATE Jan. 25: At Wine & Canvas (7 p.m.),

guests can enjoy a variety of half-priced wine by the bottle or glass while painting on the patio.

Feb. 12: XIV lives Happily Ever After, bringing to life every Cinderella and Prince Charming’s fairy-tale fantasy.

March 12: Hyde reinvents Thailand’s all-night beach party during XIV’s Full Moon Party. “Guests are encouraged to celebrate in glowing neon fashion with bright colors and our signature Champagne showers,” Pexa says.

“All of my favorite local DJs are regulars at my spot,” Pexa says. Find DJ Ikon, C.L.A. and DJ Karma spinning in the elevated booth at this intimate space.

POPPIN’ BOTTLES At Hyde Bellagio, the most extravagant bottle service option is a cool quarter million. “If you have a casual $250,000 to spend, you can sit centerstage at Hyde’s patio table, overlooking the famed Bellagio fountains, as one of the servers delivers a gold box with a red button hidden inside,” Pexa explains. “With the button, you have full control of the fountains and the song that plays along, while a 30-liter bottle—yes, that’s bigger than me—of Ace of Spades is brought to the table. That’s the equivalent of 40 bottles!”

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DANIELLE PEX A BY CARLOS L ARIOS; PHOTOS COURTESY OF HYDE BELL AGIO

ON DECK

WHO’S WHO

DRINK UP

Looking to schmooze it up? Hyde is perfect for meeting and greeting other partygoers. Tons of celebrities make their way there, so you have a good chance of seeing—and maybe even meeting!—some of the greats. “We’ve had so many celebrities in, but some recent ones include Travis Barker, Jamie Foxx, Nick and Joe Jonas, Kate Upton, Justin Verlander, Brody Jenner, Ken Jeong and Miguel with his girlfriend Nazanin Mandi. I’ve also had the pleasure of serving several international sports teams, professional athletes, poker players, comedians and more.”

Hyde Bellagio’s winter cocktail menu is available through March, so you still have time to partake in the Mexican Hot Coffee, made with El Silencio Mezcal, Bailey’s Irish Cream, chocolate and coffee liqueurs and cayenne pepper, or the Coco Latte, combining Bacardi Oakheart, Licor 43, chilled espresso and coconut puree.

On the even more decadent side is the Maker’s Mark-spiked Hyde Nog and the S’more (pictured, right), prepared with Knob Creek Rye, chocolate liqueurs and served in a graham cracker rimmed glass and topped with a Licor 43 foam. If you prefer your cold-weather drinks hot, just go for the Hot Toddy—Hennessy, honey, fresh lemon juice and hot water.

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Hakkasan’s “Only At” menu series highlights specific dishes that are unique to each of its 11 restaurant locations worldwide.

The Las Vegas version, for example, offers seven signatures including stir-fried lobster in lemongrass with tobiko and a shrimp claypot with black pepper and vermicelli. And only at the modern Cantonese eatery in MGM Grand will you find a pre-dinner bite as enticing as Crispy Quail with Chinese Wine and Chili Sauce ($18). Before heading up to the club, swing by the bar for a whole quail that has been quartered, prepared in Shaoxing wine and dredged in flour, then deep-fried and tossed with chili sauce. Hakkasan U.S. director of beverage Constantin Alexander suggests a glass of Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé NV Champagne as an accompaniment ($28). Between the bird and the bubbly, you’ll be flying high in no time.

By Xania Woodman Photography Anthony Mair

Janua r y 19 -25, 2017 vegasseven.com

[ EAT THIS ]

CRIspY QUaIL