Las Vegas Aces’ Wilson, Gray, Young, Plum going for gold
morgan wallen | Piff the Magic Dragon | Our Fav Beer Pubs| Couples Spa Treatments
PRIMM VALLEY CASINO RESORTS
THE BEST LATIN ENTERTAINMENT!
GERARDO ORTIZ
With four No. 1 albums, Regional Mexico singer Gerardo Ortiz has ridden a tremendous wave of success to become the contemporary “King of Corrido”.
AUGUST 17
LOS HURACANES DEL NORTE
Los Huracanes del Norte have established themselves as one of the most popular Norteño groups in the genre.
SEPTEMBER 7
LOS SEBASTIANES
Banda Los Sebastianes has risen to the top of the regional Mexican music scene. Their chart-topping hits and electrifying performances have earned them widespread acclaim.
OCTOBER 5
A global music icon, Juanes has captivated audiences worldwide with his unique blend of rock and Colombian folk music. JUANES NOVEMBER 9
JUST SOUTH OF VEGAS I-15
Located on the Lower Level
Cover Feature
Las Vegas Aces players A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum are headed to Paris, France, to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Cinn City
Vegas Prime Magazine Editor-in-Chief Don Chareunsy’s top to-do picks while you’re in Las Vegas.
Out + About
DJ Cassidy with Ja Rule, Fat Joe, Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, Public Enemy + Raekwon. Also: Chris Janson, Third Eye Blind, Daryl Hall + Elvis Costello.
Celebrity Spotlight
Flamingo headliner Piff the Magic Dragon shares how he met Mr Piffles.
Showtime
Jane’s Addiction and Love & Rockets, Ne-Yo, Joey Fatone + A.J. McLean, Chris Young, Dustin Lynch, Shaggy, Brett Young, Pat Benatar + Neil Gerardo … and more.
Attractions
Particle Ink at The Luxor, Electric Playhouse at The Forum Shops, Flyover at Showcase Mall, hiking in Las Vegas and more.
Adult performer Christiana Cinn shares what her favorite convention is in Las Vegas.
Time to Dine
Our favorite beer pubs to throw back a few (National Beer Day is Aug. 2) and Brewing News by Bob Barnes.
These are our favorite places for fried chicken and beer in Las Vegas.
Health + Wellness
Spa packages for couples because it takes two to tango.
Noe Knows Vegas
Featuring popular Las Vegas Instagrammer Pauly C, aka CasinoCompWallet.
The
Word
Vegas Prime Whispers: Celebrity and Las Vegas gossip and sightings. Ssshhh!
JAMAL M. PARKER Publisher
DON CHAREUNSY Editor-in-Chief
ARTURO PERALTA Art Director
BRIANNA KOURETAS Senior Account Manager
DANIEL HOWARD Account Executive
MICHAEL URIARTE Account Executive and Events
Editor's Letter
The Summer Olympics are in Paris, France, from July 26 to Aug. 11, and I can’t wait. I’ve loved The Summer and Winter Olympics since childhood and grew up watching and admiring Olympic champions including Carl Lewis, Mary Lou Retton, Greg Louganis, Michael Phelps, Nastia Liukin, Gabby Douglas, Usain Bolt, Nathan Chen, Chloe Kim, Simone Biles and others I’m forgetting right now.
The two-time and reigning WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces have four players who America and I will be rooting for at the 2024 Paris Olympics: A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum as part of the U.S. women’s basketball team. It’s so exciting – USA! USA! USA!
Back in The Entertainment Capital of the World, it’s a music and comedy schedule as jam-packed as the two-week itinerary in the French capital: Morgan Wallen, Jane’s Addiction
and Love + Rockets, Ne-Yo, Chris Young, Brian Regan, Dustin Lynch, Shaggy, Pat Benatar + Neil Giraldo, Brett Young, A.J. McLean + Joey Fatone, Hootie & The Blowfish and more. Day-um!
Also in this issue of Vegas Prime Magazine: Our favorite places for fried chicken and beer; That’s Hot! (our tips for can’t-miss events); Celebrity Takeover by Flamingo headliner Piff; Particle Ink, Electric Playhouse and The Flyover; hiking, couples spa packages and Brewing News; Noe Knows Vegas chatting with Pauly C (CasinoCompWallet) and The Last Word; and more.
Vegas Prime Magazine loves Las Vegas, so let’s gather at the starting line and go for the gold. Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas – stay cool and be cool in this record-setting summer heat with equally hot attractions.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Vegas Prime Magazine
By Don Chareunsy Editor-in-Chief
THAT’S HOT!
MORGAN WALLEN
Is there a more popular male singer out there right now? Maybe Post Malone, and they have a No. 1 single together with “I Had Some Help.” Morgan Wallen brings his “One Night at a Time Tour” to Allegiant Stadium, and Jelly Roll, Nate Smith, Bailey Zimmerman and Ella Langley are his guests. Aug. 8-9. AllegiantStadium.com
MUSIC IN PRIMM VALLEY
Primm Valley Casino Resort’s music lineup: UB40 (July 27), Patti LaBelle (Aug. 10), I Love the ’90s Tour (Sept. 21) and Flo Rida (Oct. 12). Sounds like a day or overnight trip is in order with outlet shopping and dinner pre-concert near the Nevada-California border.
PrimmValleyResorts.com
MUSIC, MUSIC + MORE MUSIC
We have the details of the jampacked musical lineup in Las Vegas these next few weeks: Jane’s Addiction and Love & Rockets at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Joey Fatone and A.J. McLean at The Venetian, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo at Palms Casino Resort, Shaggy at Palms Pool – and much, much more.
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THE STEAKHOUSE ISSUE
RITA DEANIN ABBEY ART MUSEUM
An under-heralded gem in Centennial Hills, The Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum is worth a visit to view a vast and glorious collection of artwork. The artist’s widower, Dr. Robert Belliveau, died on July 3, and Vegas Prime Magazine is planning coverage of the museum and its legacy.
RitaDeaninAbbeyMuseum.org
We featured 50 of our favorite steakhouses in Las Vegas in the last issue of Vegas Prime Magazine. Our six Prime Picks: Bavette’s Steakhouse, Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres, Carversteak, The Steakhouse at Circus Circus, Papi Steak and Scotch 80 Prime. So many awesome steaks, so little time! More: VegasPrime.com
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Vegas Prime Magazine has created lists of our favorites in Las Vegas, from burgers, doughnuts, dim sum and buffets to headliner shows, tacos, beer pubs and fried chicken. We want you to have the best experience while here, and that means eating well and playing well. More: VegasPrime.com
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Photo by Jim Decker
Legendary lineup
headlines with Ja Rule, Fat Joe, Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, Public Enemy + Raekwon
DJ Cassidy, Ja Rule, Fat Joe, Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh celebrated the grand opening of their “Pass the Mic Live!” Las Vegas residency at Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood on July 6, and Public Enemy and Raekwon of Wu Tang Clan joined them as surprise guests.
The succeeding roster of hip-hop icons was set to include Akon, Jermaine Dupri, Da Brat, Too $hort and Warren G for the finale on July 20, making each show a one-time-only event.
“DJ Cassidy’s Pass the Mic Live!” marks the first Las Vegas residency of its kind uniting an ensemble of hiphop legends and channeling the spirit, showmanship and aesthetic of old world Las Vegas mainstays including The Rat Pack, Liberace, Wayne Newton and Elvis Presley.
The nonstop show featured artists individually and in unison. Fat Joe’s “All the Way Up” mashed with Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life,” while Ja Rule and Fat Joe’s “New York” intertwined with Sinatra’s “Theme From New York, New York.”
Quotes from Las Vegas- and New York-based films adorned the night’s mu-
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sical elements, creating a theatrical backdrop for the classic hip-hop soundtrack, while elaborate Art Deco visuals served as backdrop to the Gatsby-inspired stage.
DJ Cassidy interweaved each artist’s appearance through a musical journey of hip-hop and R&B, igniting a singalong on the Strip. Chuck D united with longtime partner (and Las Vegas resident) Flavor Flav for their second U.S. appearance in seven years, performing a medley of their hits, including “Fight the Power.”
Raekwon stunned concertgoers with a medley of more than a dozen solo and Wu Tang Clan classics. Slick Rick rose from the ground on a king’s throne, while Doug E. Fresh wowed the audience with his human beatbox and a call-and-response. The night culminated with all five core artists onstage to perform a never-before-seen rendition of Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick’s seminal “Ladi Dadi.”
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Third Eye Blind charms at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Frontman Stephan Jenkins and his San Francisco band Third Eye Blind’s “Summer Gods” tour stop at BleauLive at Fontainebleau Las Vegas on June 22 featured many of the groups hits, including “Semi-Charmed Life” (from 27 years ago!), “How’s It Going to Be,” “Jumper” and “Never Let You Go.”
Jenkins, 59, is the only original member of Third Eye Blind still in the lineup. He was joined onstage by drummer Brad Hargreaves, guitarist Kryz Reid, bassist Alex LeCavalier and keyboardist Colin Creev at the Las Vegas Strip resort and casino.
Post-concert, Jenkins was reportedly seen at the bar inside hotspot steakhouse Papi Steak just outside the BleauLive theater entrance. Yellowcard served as the Saturday evening’s opening act.
Photo by Conor Olmsted
Daryl Hall and Elvis Costello & The Imposters
In a weekend of music at BleauLive theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Daryl Hall and Elvis Costello & The Imposters featuring Charlie Sexton headlined on June 23. Hall and Costello are both Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, and singer and guitarist Sexton joined Costello’s band The Imposters onstage.
Third Eye Blind and opener Yellowcard took the stage at BleauLive theater the previous evening. BleauLive’s upcoming lineup includes Jane’s Addiction and Love & Rockets (Aug. 9), Young Miko (Aug. 10), Hootie & The Blowfish (Aug. 23-24), Andrew Schulz (Sept. 13), The Smashing Pumpkins (Sept. 27), Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals (Sept. 28) and the beginning of Keith Urban’s residency “High in Vegas” on Oct. 4.
Photo by Conor Olmsted
And the music plays on
Chris Janson headlines Downtown Rocks, FSE’s free concert series
The six-block entertainment district Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas continued its free concert series Downtown Rocks with a highly anticipated performance by country music star Chris Janson on July 6.
Fans gathered in the summer heat to enjoy some of Janson’s biggest hits including “Good Vibes,” “All I Need Is You” and “Buy Me a Boat.” Money might not buy Janson happiness, but it will buy him a boat, and he smartly dressed for the occasion in a cooling sleeveless T-shirt offsetting his faded blue jeans.
Fremont Street Experience’s Downtown Rocks free concert series is set to continue July 20 with rock artist Sebastian Bach, famously the frontman of Skid Row, on The First Street stage.
For more about Fremont Street Experience and Downtown Rocks, including the upcoming musical lineup, go to VegasExperience.com.
Photo by Black Raven Films
Mr Piffles is a rescue dog. Not like Lassie. There’s not much he could rescue, is there? Apart from maybe a moth with a cough. What I mean is I rescued him. Here’s the story:
In August 2008, I was making my debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with my first fulllength One Dragon Show. All was well: Houses were full, reviews were great, audiences were happy and yet … I felt like the show was missing something. What I needed was a gimmick.
The venue manager had a Chihuahua named Nacho. Nacho was 4 months old, and we got on like a house on fire. But in a good way. My PR suggested that perhaps Nacho should make a little cameo in the Piff show. And so it came to pass. Nacho stole the hearts of the audiences, and I was hooked.
Realizing a dog is for life, not just for Edinburgh, I did my due diligence and researched the upkeep and maintenance of such a beast.
The overhead on a Chihuahua is low. A bag of food lasts three months. They are far more loyal than most of the relationships I’ve had. And their magic skills are second to none.
I was committed. And so I turned to Gumtree the very next day and found Mr Piffles’s cry for help. I set out to the cold, unforgiving land of Dundee, Scotland, where Alfie, as Mr Piffles was formerly known, was being held captive.
On first glimpse, I wasn’t sure he was cut out for show business. He was unkempt, mangy, his eyes crusted over, and an 8-year-old was putting the boot in on a daily basis.
However, worst case, I thought, I should at least get him out of these horrible conditions, and if it didn’t work out between us, I could always rehome him. I paid £400 (about $512) in ransom money and got him the fluff out.
It was a slow process at the start. He would growl, snap and bark at children. He hid under tables. He soiled more carpets than I had
the capital to replace. I would drag him through the rain, swearing under my breath, as onlookers pointed, laughed and stared.
But onstage? Onstage, he shone. From the get-go. Audiences loved him. And so I dug in. I took him to the vets. I fed him properly. I found a trainer. And slowly he began to come out of his shell. His coat began to shine. His eyes cleared up. His tail began to wag.
Looking back, it took almost a year for him to fully settle in. Now he is without doubt the greatest decision I have ever made. He’s a constant delight, a wonderful companion and a loyal business partner. He may be a rescue dog, but 15 years on and 5,000 shows later, I’m the one who feels the redemption.
If You Go
Photo by Matt Paskert
‘Last Night’ With Superstar Twice
Morgan Wallen is at Allegiant Stadium on Aug. 8-9 with Jelly Roll and more
Is there a more popular male singer out there right now? Maybe Post Malone, and they have a No. 1 single together with “I Had Some Help.” Morgan Wallen brings his “One Night at a Time Tour” to Allegiant Stadium on Aug. 8-9, and Jelly Roll, Nate Smith, Bailey Zimmerman and Ella Langley are his guests, Smith and Langley both dates, Jelly Roll on Aug. 8 and Zimmerman on Aug. 9.
Wallen’s third album “One Night at a Time” was released in March, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and remained at the top for 12 consecutive weeks, the longest for a country album in more than 30 years. It is still in the Top 10 alongside his six-time-platinum ACM Album of the Year “Dangerous: The Double Album,” Billboard’s longest-running Top 10 album in history for a solo artist.
“Last Night” was No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 16 weeks, the longest-running No. 1 solo song in Hot 100 history. “Last Night” was the most-streamed song of the summer and the first country artist to land the top spot on Spotify’s “Songs of the Summer.” Wallen has two current hits on country radio: “Everything I Love,” interpolating The Allman Brothers’s “Midnight Rider,” and “Thinkin’ Bout Me.”
Wallen continues to shatter records, becoming the largest weekend ever for Ohio Stadium (surpassing attendance records previously held by George Strait and Taylor Swift) and the only act to play twice in one tour. The East Tennessean has more than 24.5 billion on-demand streams and nine chart-toppers at country radio.
“I Had Some Help” is currently reigning The Hot 100.
Three dollars of every ticket sold for U.S. dates benefits The Morgan Wallen Foundation, which supports programs for youth with a focus on sports and music. Wallen has supported community revitalization efforts for ballparks in local neighborhoods in touring cities, and MWF recently donated $500,000 to Habitat for Humanity in Tennessee. More: MorganWallenFoundation.org
frontman Perry Farrell:
Addiction
‘We love what we do’
Recording artists who break up while still ascending are uncommon. The Police, Nirvana and Jane’s Addiction are examples of such acts who had yet to peak but splintered.
The latter was not only improving with each album. Jane’s Addiction is one of the bands who laid the groundwork during the late 1980s, along with The Pixies, Sonic Youth and The Jesus and Mary Chain, for the next wave of rock.
Rock is stereotypically a young man’s game, but Jane’s Addiction singer-songwriter and frontman Perry Farrell was pushing 30 – considered older) in those days – by the time his alt-rock band broke.
“I’m going to go deep here and say songs are a man’s take on life,” Farrell said while calling from his Los Angeles home. “You can write great songs when you have experience. It’s about having something to say. Life experiences give you a viewpoint. A love song written by one’s experience will top any love song written just for commerce.
“I had a lot of life experience by the time Jane’s formed. I came to L.A. as a runaway ... I was living on instinct. I got the art (gene) from my mother, and then there were the experiences. I hung around with cats that were seedy and some amazing men, as well. I learned the human condition, and Jane’s songs followed.”
Farrell’s experiences inspired some of Jane’s finest songs, such as “No One’s Leaving,”
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which is a catchy tale of New York diversity, and the hedonistic epic “Three Days.” And there’s the band’s eponymous hit “Been Caught Stealing.”
Jane’s Addiction, who perform Aug. 9 at BleauLive at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, experienced a wild and at times turbulent initial run from 1986-1991.
However, the original lineup – Farrell, guitarist Dave Navarro, bassist Eric Avery and drummer Stephen Perkins – reunited in 2022.
Farrell, 65, has always been one of the more physical frontmen and somehow keeps rolling despite his share of physical issues.
“I have two artificial discs in my neck and arthritis on top of that,” Farrell said. “It’s from all of the headbanging I’ve done in my career.
“Being a frontman in a rock band is similar to being a basketball player. You’re leaping around onstage and singing from your diaphragm. You can run yourself into the ground unless you take care of yourself. I can’t tell you how many bones I’ve broken and how many muscles I’ve torn.”
But Jane’s Addiction continues to tour. “We love what we do,” Farrell said. “As long as we continue to enjoy what we do, we’ll continue to do it.”
Love & Rockets is on the bill with Jane’s Addiction in their North American tour.
If You Go
Ne-Yo’s Debut at Wynn Las Vegas
Hit singer-songwriter is at Encore Theater on Aug. 7 and 9-10
Three-time Grammy hitmaker Ne-Yo has announced his venue debut at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas with his all-new show “Ne-Yo: Human Love Rebellion.” Ne-Yo will bring back-to-back performances of his chart-topping hits to the intimate venue with this only-in-Las Vegas production on Aug. 7 and 9-10.
The details:
•Show dates: Aug. 7 and 9-10; all shows at 8 p.m.
•Price: Tickets starting at $59.95, plus applicable fees
•Point of purchase: Ticketmaster.com
With more than 23 billion streams worldwide, multi-hyphenate star and always-stylishly-dressed Ne-Yo has taken the world by storm since his debut single “So Sick,” along with global hits including “Sexy Love,” “Closer,” “Mad” and “Miss Independent,” among many others.
As a songwriter, Ne-Yo has written hit songs for artists such as Rihanna, Beyoncé, Celine Dion and Usher, among others. Known for its intimate atmosphere, Encore Theater is the perfect location to catch the longtime Las Vegas resident in his must-watch venue debut.
They’re Still Tearing Up Our Hearts
Joey Fatone, A.J. McLean bring ‘A Legendary Night’ to The Venetian on Aug. 2
By Don Chareunsy
Joey Fatone of ’N Sync and A.J. McLean of The Backstreet Boys are bringing their “A Legendary Night Tour” to The Venetian on Aug. 2.
“I’ve known A.J. as long as I’ve known my own band members. We’ve worked together in the past on one-off projects here and there but never had the opportunity to create something together,” Fatone said. “This tour gives us the chance to combine the best of both musical worlds.”
Boyband enthusiasts should prepare themselves for a night of comedy, music and conversations of never-before-told stories from their time on the road. The duo will perform classic songs and boyband dances together on one stage accompanied by a seven-piece live band.
Fatone, a longtime Las Vegas visitor and headliner, actor, host, Broadway star, voiceover artist and dancer, hopped on the phone July 12 to answer questions ahead of his latest Strip stop and performance.
Is Fatone surprised at the success of “A Legendary Night Tour” with McLean?
“Yeah, it’s a really fun thing. It’s really exciting to see fans of ’N Sync and The Backstreet Boys together.”
Fatone’s favorite ’N Sync song is an earlier tune titled “I Thought She Knew,” and his favorite Backstreet Boys song is “Quit Playing Games With My Heart.”
What does Fatone love about Las Vegas”
“The beautiful people who live outside the Strip, the residents. The outdoor activities – Mount Charleston, hiking, snowboarding and skiing. Bars like The Double Down and restaurants like Marrakech.”
After all these years in the spotlight, is there anything fans would be surprised to learn about Fatone?
“I’m an open book, but as I’ve gotten older, my patience is thinner. I know what I want and what I don’t want not – it’s not a gray area.”
And what would be Fatone’s perfect day off in Las Vegas?
“Oh my gosh, my perfect day off in Las Vegas, I would go day drinking, gamble and go see shows all day long like ‘Absinthe’ and Cirque du Soleil. No more nightclubs for me (laughs)! A great dinner, gambling and then call it a night.”
He’s ‘Getting Older’
Chris Young takes the stage at Resorts World on Aug. 10
Country star Chris Young is making his debut at Resorts World Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas with a one-night-only performance on Aug. 10. On the heels of his most recent album release, “Young Love & Saturday Nights” in March, Young will take the stage to perform his catalog of hits.
With songs like “Getting Older” as a tribute to his father and “All Dogs Go to Heaven” for canines everywhere, along with current single “Young Love & Saturday Nights,” the new album is emotionally, sonically and stylistically different from anything Young has ever released. The album also demonstrates Young’s work as a producer.
With a chart-topping career spanning more than a decade, Young’s hits include “Tomorrow,” “Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song),” “Neon,” “I’m Comin’ Over” and “Famous Friends.” Young’s focus, attention to detail and traditional country ballads influenced by his Tennessee roots are sure to translate into an unforgettable performance at Resorts World.
Young has amassed an impressive list of accomplishments, including membership in The Grand Ole Opry, more than 5 billion on-demand streams, 13 career No. 1 singles, 25 RIAA-certified projects, AMA, CMA and Grammy nominations and wins for Performance of the Year and Collaborative Video of the Year at the CMT Music Awards.
Courtesy Chris Young/Aeg Presents Las Vegas
Photo by Leavitt Wells
‘The Funniest Standup Alive’
Brian Regan returns to The Venetian on Aug. 2 and 3
Comedian Brian Regan returns to The Summit Showroom at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas for two additional weekends in 2024: Aug. 2-3 and Dec. 13-14, with all shows starting at 9 p.m.
Critics, fans and fellow comedians agree: Regan is one of the most respected comedians in the country, with Vanity Fair calling him “the funniest standup alive” and Entertainment Weekly calling him “your favorite comedian’s favorite comedian.”
Having built his 30-plus-year career on the strength of his material, Regan’s nonstop theater tour continuously fills the most beautiful venues across North America, visiting nearly 100 cities each year.
Regan co-stars in three seasons of Peter Farrelly’s TV series “Loudermilk,” which moved to Netflix on Jan. 1, ranking in the Top 10 TV shows on Netflix for more than a month. Farrelly personally cast Regan in the series alongside Ron Livingston, Anja Savcic, Will Sasso and Mat Fraser.
A regular on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Regan is the rare guest who the show invites on for two segments: the performance segment and on the couch to chat with Fallon. Regan was a regular guest on “The Late Show With David Letterman,” making 28 appearances on the CBS late-night talk show.
Thinking ’Bout Him
‘Small Town Boy’ Dustin Lynch is at Red Rock Resort on Aug. 2
Award-winning, platinum-selling country music star Dustin Lynch is returning to Las Vegas for a performance at the poolside The Sandbar Stage at Red Rock Resort on Aug. 2. Lynch has “built one of the most consistent recording careers in modern country music,” Billboard said, achieving eight No. 1 hits, four Top Five albums and 10 gold- and platinum-certified singles and tallying more than 5.4 billion global streams.
His sixth studio album, “Killed the Cowboy” from Broken Bow Records, was released on Sept. 29. The follow-up to “Blue in the Sky,” which delivered the history-making platinum, six-week No. 1 “Thinking ’Bout You” (featuring MacKenzie Porter) – the most-played song at country radio in 2022 landing at No. 1 on the Mediabase and #2 on the Billboard Year-End Country Airplay charts – also featured top single “Stars Like Confetti” and hit “Party Mode.”
Since his platinum breakout “Cowboys and Angels” in 2012, Lynch has headlined venues and toured with country’s biggest names including Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Brad Paisley and Kane Brown. The Tennessee native has earned industry recognition as a Grand Ole Opry member, as well as nominations for the Academy of Country Music Awards, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, iHeartRadio Music Awards and CMT Music Awards.
Tickets are standing room only, and guests younger than 21 must be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older. More: StationCasinosLive.com and Ticketmaster.com.
If You Go
RedRockResort.com
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It wasn’t him
Reggae and dancehall legend Shaggy to perform at Palms Pool on Aug. 2
Grammy Award-winning reggae icon Shaggy is performing at Palms Pool at Palms Casino Resort on Aug. 2. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. The concert by Shaggy, whose hits include “Boombastic,” “It Wasn’t Me,” “Angel,” “Oh Carolina” and “Hey Sexy Lady,” is ages 21+.
Born Orville Richard Burrell and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Shaggy got his start as an MC in New York City’s dancehall scene soon after moving to Brooklyn in his teens. Not long after serving four years in the U.S. Marines (including two tours of duty in the Middle East as part of Operation Desert Storm), he signed his first record deal and scored a global crossover smash with “Oh Carolina.”
As the only diamond-selling dancehall artist in music history, Shaggy has sold more than 40 million album units to date in addition to landing eight singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and seven albums on the Billboard 200 (including four in the Top 40). He has received two Grammys and is among the top three streamed reggae artists of all time on Spotify.
The award-winning singer-songwriter has long used his platform to strengthen his community and homeland. In 2009, he established the Shaggy Make a Difference Foundation and organized the first of many Shaggy & Friends benefit concerts, which to date have raised millions for the Bustamante Children’s Hospital, the Caribbean’s only English-speaking children’s hospital located in Kingston.
“I always try to bring the fun when I’m performing and keep everything very lighthearted and joyous,” Shaggy says. “I think my purpose and my job is to bring joy to as many people as I can, and I want that to resonate within all of the music that I create.”
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They Belong Together
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo are returning to Pearl Concert Theater on Aug. 2
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo are returning to Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort for the third year in a row on Aug. 2.
In a pop culture world defined by perpetual changes, the partnership of singer-songwriter Pat Benatar and producer-musician and husband Neil Giraldo has been a potent, steadfast union that has soared to the top of the charts and into fans’ hearts on their own terms.
Benatar’s vocals and take-no-prisoners attitude, along with Giraldo’s artistry as a guitarist, producer and songwriter, forged the chemistry and sound that created rock hits including “We Belong,” “Invincible,” “Love Is a Battlefield,” “Promises in the Dark,” “We Live For Love” “Heartbreaker” and “Hell Is for Children.”
Their achievements are a testament to their vision. Benatar and Giraldo have created two multiplatinum, five platinum and three gold albums and 19 Top 40 hits.
They have sold more than 36 million records worldwide and won an unprecedented four consecutive Grammy Awards.
They also have won three American Music Awards, a People’s Choice Award, a 2008 induction into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame and most recently became Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees. The couple wed in 1982.
You Go
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In Case You Didn’t Know
Brett Young makes his debut at Resorts World on Aug. 2
Country music continues to reign supreme at Resorts World Las Vegas as country pop singer-songwriter Brett Young will have his venue debut at Resorts World Theatre on Aug. 2, and he will be joined by country-pop singer-songwriter MacKenzie Porter.
Young’s authentic lyrics mixed with his West Coast-Southern sound, dubbed “Caliville,” continue to capture the hearts of fans. Beginning with his self-titled debut in 2017, Young catapulted to stardom with a streak of seven No. 1 hits, multiplatinum singles including “In Case You Didn’t Know” and “Mercy.”
Young went on to be named the ACM’s New Male Artist of the Year and ASCAP’s Country Songwriter-Artist of the Year. He debuted atop the Billboard Country Albums
chart with his gold-certified “Ticket to L.A.,” and his platinum self-titled debut dominated the Top 20 on the Country Albums chart for 37 weeks.
Anaheim-Calif.-born Young has had more than 8.1 billion global streams to date, and his fourth studio album, “Across the Sheets,” and the accompanying music video for his newest single “Dance With You,” are out now.
Porter is a Canadian country singer-songwriter and actress who has released two albums and achieved four Canada Country No. 1 hits with “About You,” “These Days,” “Seeing Other People” and “Pickup.” She is featured on Dustin Lynch’s No. 1 song “Thinking ’Bout You.”
They Only Wanna Be With You
Hootie & The Blowfish headline Fontainebleau for two performances
Hootie & the Blowfish are bringing their “Summer Camp With Trucks Tour” to BleauLive Theater inside Fontainebleau Las Vegas for two nights on Aug. 3 and 4. With the rich, bluesy vocals of Darius Rucker and harmonies of guitarist Mark Bryan, bassist Dean Felber and drummer Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, Hootie & the Blowfish have sold more than 25 million records.
Their infectious melodies hit the airwaves in 1994 with hits including “Hold My Hand,” “Let Her Cry” and “Only Wanna Be With You.” The quartet met at the University of South Carolina where endless gigs at frat houses and local bars built major local buzz. Their blend of pop, folk, blues, soul and rock made them difficult to pigeonhole but easily accessible to the masses.
Atlantic Records signed them and released “Cracked Rear View” in 1994. The album had been out for six months before the band played on “The Late Show With David Letterman,” which sent sales skyrocketing, and their album eventually landing at No. 1 on Billboard.
“Cracked Rear View” and the band won two Grammys, an MTV Video Music Award, Billboard Music Award and People’s Choice Awards. “Cracked Rear View” also earned the band Billboard’s Band of the Year Award in 1996 and the RIAA’s Diamond Award for sales of more than 10 million units. At 21x platinum, “Cracked Rear View” remains among the Top 10 bestselling studio albums in music history.
The band took a break from full-time touring in 2007, reuniting annually for philanthropic events while pursuing solo projects (Rucker has become a country superstar). 2019 was the band’s first full-time touring year in more than a decade as they embarked on the sold-out “Group Therapy Tour” in support of “Imperfect Circle,” released in 2019 under Universal Music Group’s Capitol Nashville.
Courtesy Photo
Fab Four in Paris
Las Vegas Aces’ Wilson, Gray, Young, Plum going for GOLD
By Ed Condran
It’s a good hand for the Las Vegas Aces, who are sending four players to the Summer Olympics in Paris, France. USA Basketball announced that The Aces’ Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young are part of the 2024 USA Basketball Women’s National Team. The talent-laden squad will compete at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games set for July 26 to Aug. 11 in the French capital.
The four Aces will play with Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx), Kahleah Cooper (Phoenix Mercury), Brittney Griner (Phoenix Mercury), Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty), Jewell Loyd (Seattle Storm), Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury) and Alyssa Thomas (Connecticut Sun).
The U.S. squad is a dream team that possesses a combined 15 Olympic gold medals, 18 FIBA World Cup titles and 55 WNBA All-Star appearances. The team also includes eight WNBA champions and three WNBA MVPs. The Aces are the current and back-to-back WNBA champions.
“We have selected a team that we are confident will represent our country to the highest standard in Paris,” USA Basketball Women’s National Team Committee Chairwoman Jen Rizzotti said.
“Basketball in the United States boasts unparalleled depth, making this a challenging and competitive process. The commitment these athletes have shown to USA Basketball is unmatched, and I look forward to watching them take on the world in Paris.”
Wilson, as usual, will be a focal point during the Olympic Games. The two-time MVP is counted on to make a huge impact. Wilson is typically up to the task. Wilson recently passed Sophia Young Malcolm’s franchise record of 4,300 points. Wilson is proud to be the Aces’ points leader.
“It means the world,” Wilson told ESPN post-game. “It’s a special moment.” Ever the team player, Wilson was unaware that she was about to become the leader in points.
“I didn’t even know, honestly, until about the third quarter. Sydney (Colson) actually told me, she was like, ‘Come on, this is your chance, you don’t want to do it away, you want to do it at home.’ And I was like, ‘That is right.’ ”
Wilson and her Olympic teammates – among them Aces’ teammate Plum, who has 2020 Olympic gold from the debut of Women’s 3x3 Basketball – will have to do it away as the squad hopes to bring gold back to the United States. Expectations will be high.
The U.S. Women's Basketball team is one of the most dominant in all Olympic sports, with a 70-3 record in Olympic play, and a record seven consecutive titles. They have no Olympic losses since 1992 and no losses in any tournament since 2006.
More, including the schedule: Olympics.com
PARTICLE INK
House of Shattered Prisms offers a new dimension The Luxor
Courtesy of Particle Ink
Particle Ink: House of Shattered Prisms opened April 20 at The Luxor, beckoning 3D beings to step into a new dimension for an out-of-this-world adventure that unlocks imagination and sparks child-like wonder. Particle Ink offers two choose-yourown-adventure experiences: Wanderlust, a daytime, self-exploratory exhibit, and Particle Ink, a performance-based show in the evening.
Wanderlust is a self-guided, daytime attraction that invites guests to explore the mystical and interactive universe of Particle Ink at their own pace. To be fully immersed, visitors are encouraged to download the Particle Ink app on their mobile device and bring headphones to unlock even more magic. The experience is open to guests ages 6 and older and ends at 5 p.m.
Particle Ink: Beginning at 7 p.m., the story of Particle Ink unfolds in a fully immersive show as dynamic live performers, acrobatics and street dance blend with magical technology in a 75-minute journey of light, ink and creativity. Particle Ink transports guests into a universe while blurring the lines between reality and imagination and envelops them in a mix of entertainment and technology. The show is open to guests ages 13 and older.
All guests younger than 16 must be always accompanied by an adult for both experiences. Particle Ink plays 7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and 7 and 9:30 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays. There is no show on Tuesdays. Wanderlust is open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
IF YOU GO Wednesdays - Mondays 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Tuesdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Electric Playhouse at The Forum Shops merges digital, physical world with games, experiences
Electric Playhouse is a new, 10,000-square-foot social gaming destination, now open on the terrace level at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, merging the digital and physical world with dozens of motion-activated games and experiences in seven areas designed to connect people.
Electric Playhouse lures visitors – solo, pairs and groups of up to 40 – into a world where their bodies become the controllers, encouraging active play and healthy movement. Without the need for headsets or gadgets, the walls and floors inside Electric Playhouse spring to life and respond to players’ actions.
“With our doors officially open, we’re bringing a new level of excitement and engagement to the Las Vegas Strip through active play and healthy movement,” says Brandon Garrett, CEO and co-founder of the family-friendly Electric Playhouse.
“Visitors of all ages can now discover the magic of motion-activated games and experiences while creating unforgettable memories.” Garrett hopes Electric Playhouse’s liquor license will be approved soon, possibly by the end of July.
Using proprietary body-mapping technology and motion sensors with its own original collection of games, Electric Playhouse offers an engaging and sociable gaming experience. The venue is equipped with a network of sensors that generate a real-time point cloud, enabling precise tracking of individuals and large groups throughout the facility.
Electric Playhouse’s games include Guacamole and Light Hockey and an outdoor patio. Also this summer, Electric Playhouse plans to introduce its upscale-themed dining experiences with curated menus, drink pairings and guest celebrity chefs. This is the second location of Electric Playhouse; the first opened in Albuquerque in 2021.
If You Go
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
More: ElectricPlayhouse.com
By Jen Avison Smith
Flyover Fun
Attraction is perfect for exploring the world, achieving brief escapism or both
Thrill rides come in all shapes and sizes on the Las Vegas Strip. Some go fast and some fly high, while others create unmatched sensory displays that please all ages. Flyover Las Vegas is one such attraction, a perfect mix of adventure and scenery in a multisensory experience stretching across a 65-foot screen and enhanced with motion seats.
Courtesy of Pursuit, the international hospitality resource that offers unforgettable experiences through the gaze of these iconic destinations, Flyover Las Vegas is perfect for exploring the world, achieving brief escapism or both.
DAILY SHOW SPECIALS
Beyond occasional specials, like collaborations with the Vegas Golden Knights and The Jonas Brothers, each day offers rotating delights among several shows.
Current show offerings include:
Wonders of the American West: Get transported right out of town with the scenic wonders of our corner of the
country. From the dusty splendor of desert landscapes to the great city of Las Vegas itself, viewers can see it all.
LEGENDARY ICELAND: Get ready to experience the magic of this remote and stunning European island. Led by creatures of legend, Flyover’s Iceland journey traverses every type of landscape Iceland contains.
WINDBORNE: Call of the Canadian Rockies: Mountains, lakes, forests and an abundance of wildlife make this a scenic ride for nature lovers of all likes. Enjoy the splendor of Canada’s most famous landscapes during this ride.
Believe Chicago: Flyover’s newest installment takes riders over The Windy City. Action-packed views of Chicago’s stunning architecture and diverse neighborhoods – and, of course, glimpses of The Bean – bring a fresh perspective to big-city fun.
Naturally, the adjacent Flyover attractions live in Canada, Iceland and Illinois.
Soar through the world with Flyover from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily on the Las Vegas Strip nestled next to Hard Rock Cafe.
SIP ON ADVENTURE
Seeing as this is Las Vegas, libations can end the ride – or find the courage to suspend several feet in the air. Flyover offers a full bar complete with themed drinks in the waiting area, matching the rides with specialty selections crafted by a cool team of bartenders.
Colorful cocktails from The Lost Cactus bar include a smoky Iceland Fire & Ice with a rocky sugar rim and dry ice topping, or a Sin City Cocktail with Empress 1908 Gin, grapefruit juice, lime juice, lychee syrup and prosecco. Special details live in drinks like Canadian Sky featuring cotton candy atop Empress gin, St-Germain, lime juice and club soda. Mocktails for those abstaining from alcohol are available in equally vibrant shades.
ICONIC CROSSOVERS
Flyover Las Vegas is always expanding its reach, with partnerships that play to local strengths. Now for a limited time, another local staple is swooping in for a partnership with Flyover. The Mob Museum is part of the Flyover fun,
offering discounts to the four airborne attractions with every museum ticket purchase, to diversify tourist visits.
Another fun addition is Blue Man Group, a longtime legend in the Las Vegas show scene. Visitors receive 25% off a Flyover ticket with proof of purchase to see Blue Man Group. Sites like Tix4Vegas.com are recommended for purchase.
Credit: Flyover Las Vegas
Hiking in Red Rock Canyon
By Todd Schacherl
Red
Rock Canyon is a jewel that is only 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip and has much to offer in the way of hiking, scrambling, biking and climbing.
Turtlehead
This is the most touristy hike in Red Rock and starts from the Sandstone Quarry in Red Rock. It’s about 4 miles round trip, and while the view from the top is the best part of the hike, the hike can be steep and cross scree.
Bridge Mountain
This is the crown jewel of Red Rock Canyon. Depending on where one starts, the hike is anywhere from about 6 miles out and back to 16 miles. Most people take a 4x4 up Rocky Gap Road to the trailhead. From there, it’s about a 6-mile out-and-back trip.
Calico Basin
This is part of the free area of Red Rock and a residential area. There are two areas where most folks start their hikes: Red Springs picnic area and the Kraft Mountain parking lot. There are literally hundreds of scrambling obstacles in this area, but you will probably need to hike with someone who knows where they are going to find them. The adventurous soul can just start climbing and look for fun stuff to do.
Oak Creek
From the Oak Creek parking lot, which is a dirt road and dirt parking lot, the peaks of Oak Creek Peak, Juniper Peak, Rainbow Peak and Gunsight Notch are all accessible. These hikes are not for beginners, and hiking with someone who knows these routes will make them safe and enjoyable.
Pine Creek
There are more than five peaks accessible from this parking lot in Red Rock. If peak bagging is your goal, then hiking with someone who knows the routes is a must. If hiking Fern Canyon, one of the true gems in Red Rock, that is accessible without a guide, but there is some route finding that must be done.
Willow Springs Loop
This area has petroglyphs, mines, springs, stone cabins and several environmental zones in this 7-mile loop hike.
Red Springs
This is in Calico Basin and is very popular for folks who want a short hike and a big bang for your buck. It’s very popular for picnics and barbecues. It has a boardwalk that goes to the Red Spring, as well as some petroglyphs.
First Creek
This trailhead is outside the Red Rock loop and can be a little dicey when it comes to your vehicle. Break-ins do happen here. But the reward is usually there is a lot of water once you traverse the desert approach. There is also a grotto that when full of water is quite the site with a waterfall pouring into a pool.
Kraft Mountain
Kraft Mountain is in the Calico Basin area and the big pink and white mountain to the north. This also has lots of scrambling opportunities, but even the loop around the mountain has a lot to offer. Go clockwise for a tough start up what locals call Hell Hill or Five Stop Hill. Go counterclockwise for a nice easy hike around the mountain. The loop is about 3 miles.
Where to Connect
Finding people for these routes is easier than one might think. Meetup.com, and specifically Meetup.com/VegasHikers, is a great resource to join hikes with folks who know where they are going. There are more than 27,000 members with events of varying degrees of skill levels and multiple events daily. It’s the most active group on Meetup.com. Activities include hiking, scrambling, backpacking, camping, kayaking, canyoneering and climbing. Oh, and it’s free. Just sign up.
Photos by Todd Schacherl
LAS VEGAS is known around the world as an adult playground offering a plethora of entertainment options from worldclass casinos to high-end nightclubs. But beyond the glitz and glamour, Las Vegas also serves as a major hub for conventions and tradeshows. So why do people flock to Sin City for business and pleasure?
Adult performer CHRISTIANA CINN reveals one of her top tradeshows in Las Vegas
One of the main reasons people travel here for conventions is the city’s unrivaled infrastructure and amenities. With more than 11 million square feet of convention space, Las Vegas boasts some of the largest and most technologically advanced conference facilities in the world. From the Las Vegas Convention Center to Mandalay Bay, there is no shortage of options for hosting large-scale events.
In addition to the impressive facilities, Las Vegas offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. Whether attendees are looking for luxury suites on the Strip or more affordable options off the beaten path, there is no shortage of hotels and resorts. This makes it easy for conventiongoers to find lodging that meets their needs and allows them to relax and unwind after a long day of meetings and networking.
One of my favorite Las Vegas tradeshows is The Champs Expo, which takes place July 23-26. I’m a big fan of all the new healing-type supplements this expo is the first to show to market. One brand is from a close friend of mine, Danny Way, who created the kratom brand Element 115 Botanicals. Way, the iconic skateboarder and visionary entrepreneur, is showcasing kratom at The Champs Expo.
With a reputation for pushing boundaries and breaking barriers, Way has ventured into the realm of health and wellness with his premium kratom products. Attendees at the expo can interact with Way, learn about his brand and experience firsthand the benefits of his kratom offerings. Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, and it is a supplement that is sold as an energy booster, mood lifter, pain reliever and remedy for the symptoms of quitting opioids.
Way’s presence at Champs adds a dynamic and exciting element to the event, underscoring the increasing popularity and versatility of kratom in the industry. Element 115 Super Charged Mints have quickly become a staple in my daily routine, especially during my busiest days. These mints not only provide a boost of energy and pain relief but also have a positive impact on my mood and overall well-being.
I cannot recommend this brand enough for anyone looking for a convenient and effective way to stay energized and focused throughout the day. Give Element 115 Super Charged Mints a try and experience the difference they can make in your daily life.
Christiana Cinn is a four-time Penthouse cover model and frequent adult performer in Las Vegas. Las Vegas is one of her Top 10 cities to perform and visit. Cinn is a foodie at heart and appreciates superior quality and creativity. Cinn also loves sour licorice and No Doubt and enjoys natural mineral spas in nature.
Top Spots for Beer
National Beer Day is Aug. 2, but do you really need an excuse to toss back a cold one or four –especially in this summer heat? Here are Vegas Prime Magazine’s picks for the best places for drinking beer in town:
595 Craft & Kitchen
This gastropub has great food and amazing beer. Local beers are always on rotation here. Sours, pilsners, IPAs and lagers. Make sure you try the fried devil eggs … delicioso! 595CraftandKitchen.com
Atomic Tavern
Atomic Tavern is a dimly lit and sparsely populated locals spot right next door to a barber on Third and Imperial in Downtown Las Vegas. No frills and those easy to drink lagers. Cheap, as well. Facebook.com/AtomicTavern.LV
Beer Park
A glassed-in rooftop grill on the second floor at Paris Las Vegas, Beer Park has a view of the Bellagio Fountains and Las Vegas Strip that equals the beer and beer-based menu served at communal tables with TV sports, DJs and games. BeerPark.com
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Beer Zombies Brewing Co.
If you love craft beer, this is the spot to be –with locations in Las Vegas, Summerlin and Boulder City. From Mexican lager to Zombie Duck Hunter IPA, there is something for every craft beer lover. If you can’t find something on the board, they keep two fridges full of beer cans from local breweries and imports as a backup. God of Thunder is a go-to; careful, though, it’s 9.0%. TheBeerZombies.com
Big Dog’s Brewing Co.
Trust us: This is worth a trip off the Strip. Homemade bites like beer cheese dip, signature brew labels and a dog-friendly patio make Big Dog’s a destination for cicerones to enjoy bona fide Las Vegas beer. BigDogsBrews.com
BrewDog Las Vegas
Two floors of craft beer paradise, including a rooftop bar with spectacular views of The Strip, the Scottish brewery chain also features regular guest brews and a games area. Burgers, pizza and chicken wings are menu standouts. BrewDog.com
Double Down Saloon
Double Down Saloon on Paradise is the place for light, easy-to-drink lagers. It is a Las Vegas landmark that embodies grit and punk. It is a grimy Mecca and must-visit for anyone with an ounce of counterculture in their soul. DoubleDownSaloon.com.
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Fired Up for Fried Chicken
National Beer Day is Aug. 2, and delicious fried chicken is a perfect pairing. Here are Vegas Prime Magazine’s favorites for fried chicken in Las Vegas (we love the chains, too – Popeyes, Church’s, Jollibee and KFC – and we’re including fried chicken iterations because we can):
BB.Q Chicken
BBQChicken.com
BB.Q Chicken on South Rainbow in Chinatown’s Shanghai Plaza is a Korean fried chicken (the other KFC) place that has all kinds of sweet and tangy flavors to put on wings and half birds, not to mention their original fried chicken with no sauce is as good as it gets.
Fin & Feathers
FinAndFeathers Restaurants.com
Fin & Feathers in The Arts District in Downtown Las Vegas has a great soul food take on Southern fried chicken. Savory and seasoned perfectly. Order it with mashed red potatoes and macaroni and cheese. Yum!
Flippin’ Good Chicken, Burgers, Beer
FlippingGood.com
Flippin’ Good Chicken, Burgers, Beer on Fremont East in Downtown Las Vegas has the best spicy fried chicken sandwich ever. They really nail the Nashville Spicy chicken vibes. And the website is a cool name.
Jong-Ro Chicken JongRoChicken.com
Jong-Ro Chicken is a Korean fried chicken spot on Spring Mountain that transports diners directly to Seoul. Light, crispy and perfectly fried, each bite of chicken is balanced beyond belief. Their sauces are also out of this world, and the side dishes are authentic and delicious
Two Sisters Broasted Chicken and Ribs TwoSistersBroasted ChickenandRibs.com
Off the beaten path, Two Sisters Broasted Chicken and Ribs is in Sky Canyon. Order the chicken with mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans. The flavor is outstanding, and everything is homemade.
Yardbird Table & Kitchen RunChickenRun.com
Founder John Kunkel’s traditional Southern eatery in The Venetian is known for themed decor, fried chicken and waffles, grits, craft cocktails and more. The 27-hour brined fried chicken, dredged in Kunkel’s grandma’s secret spice blend, is a must-order And don’t forget Blue Ribbon Brasserie in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas in The Linq Promenade and the appetizer fried chicken skins at Carson Kitchen in Downtown Las Vegas.
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By Bob Barnes
Free the Whales Coming to Las Vegas
One of the most sought-after beer festivals is coming to Las Vegas for the first time: Free the Whales on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 4-8 p.m. at Beer Zombies Brewing. Named for the term whale – something unique, rare or not seen before – what began as a rare beer bottle share event in Florida in 2016 by founder Kris Moreno has reaped a reputation for featuring the best beers in the nation.
Different from nearly all other beer fests, the breweries are hand selected by Moreno and fest host Beer Zombies owner Chris Jacobs. Brewers are tasked with bringing their very best beers to be served by the brewers themselves, giving attendees the opportunity to interact with their brewing heroes.
“I want to take beer fests out of parking lots and make it an event,” Jacobs says. “This will be an experience with live music, DJs, zombies wrestling in a ring, characters in costume and multiple food trucks.”
Seventy-five breweries have been invited, such as the renowned 3 Floyds, Great Notion and Russian River; and Angry Chair will brew a barrel-aged imperial stout with cocoa nibs, vanilla beans and strawberries to be served exclusively in the VIP section of the festival.
Any brewer would be thrilled to win just one coveted medal at one of the world’s two most respected professional brewing competitions: the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup. One of our local brewers, Dave Pascual, who I dub “The Michael Phelps of Nevada brewers,” has the distinction of having garnered more major medal wins than any other brewer in the history of Nevada, with 13 GABF and three WBC awards.
The 45-year-old is entering his 20th year of brewing. Pascual got the brewing bug while at UNLV in the 1990s taking an elective class on beer taught by Michael Ferguson, Barley’s Brewing Brewmaster at the time. Pascual went on to apprentice under Ferguson before landing a brewing job at Chicago Brewing,
In this recurring feature, we spotlight establishments that appreciate our local breweries enough to serve only beer made in Nevada. Situated next to The Strat down the street from The Arts District (the main brewing hub of Las Vegas), the newly opened Atomic Golf is set in a massive space covering four floors and encompassing 99,000 square feet, 15,000 of which are devoted to golfing exploits.
As drinking beer traditionally goes handin-hand with golf, it’s fitting the facility is equipped with six bars, including the Tap Room & Bar, which offers a 100% local draft beer lineup of 15 beers you pour yourself. The rotating selection includes
where he would brew for 10 years and rack up several brewing competition medals before taking his current head brewer position at Big Dog’s Brewing nearly nine years ago.
When asked how he comes up with his recipes, Pascual said, “Trial and error and being honest with myself when something doesn’t work and learning from mistakes. I also get ideas by trying other beers brewed by respected brewers.”
Pascual said his favorite beers to drink and brew are lagers. A fun lager he’s brewing soon is a Festbier (like a Märzen but lighter hued) to be unveiled for the first time at the brewery’s annual DOGtoberfest celebration Oct. 26. | BigDogsBrews.com
Able Baker Atomic Duck, Big Dog’s Red Hydrant English Brown Ale, Hudl High Hatter American Pale Wheat, Lovelady Paleo Porter and Mojave Sinamon Toast Crunch Cream Ale. | AtomicGolf.com
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Time for Two
For serenity with your special someone, these are the best spas for couples who can’t bear to be apart
By Emmy Kasten
This award-winning wellness mecca has an extensive list of options to unwind with your partner. In addition to their signature, stone and deep-tissue massages, the spa offers indulgent packages like the Couples Retreat for the ultimate escape. For 100 heavenly minutes, you and your partner will unwind in the private couples’ ritual room for a relaxing scalp massage, full-body exfoliation, shower, a romantic bath and full-body massage.
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LAPIS SPA & WELLNESS
AT FONTAINEBLEAU LAS VEGAS
FontainebleauLasVegas.com
As the newest spa on the Strip, this state-ofthe-art oasis has multiple co-ed areas where you can steam, sauna and jacuzzi with your partner pre- and post-treatment. But for more privacy, the spa has many private suites to select complete with their own shower, relaxation area and restroom. All of their massage options are available as couples’ treatments, but their packages like Forever Grounded and Love in Bloom include extra touches not found elsewhere on their menu.
ARIA SPA & SALON AT ARIA
Aria.MGMResorts.com
When it comes to finding ways to indulge together, few places can match Aria Spa & Salon, which also happens to be the largest Forbes Five-Star spa in the world. Here, there are co-ed facilities and a spacious waiting room where couples can unwind hand-inhand before a relaxing couples’ massage. For more together time, the real gem is the infinity edge therapy pool with Las Vegas’s only co-ed spa balcony that overlooks the property’s three pools.
RED ROCK SPA BY WELL
& BEING AT RED ROCK RESORT
RR-Spa.com
Located 25 minutes away from the Strip, the Red Rock Spa by Well & Being in Summerlin is a tranquil respite. At this Zen retreat, couples can enjoy massages and select body treatments side-by-side in one of the three couples’ suites. Before or after their services, lovers can order a light meal in the co-ed lounge or a cabana alongside the outdoor spa pool where they can linger all day.
SPA AQUAE AT JW MARRIOTT
LAS VEGAS RESORT & SPA Marriott.com
For a perfect refuge from busy schedules, look no further than this off the Strip retreat that focuses on the healing powers of water. Couples can reconnect and rejuvenate with a choice of modalities including Deep Tissue, Swedish, Cupping, CBD Vitality and more. Afterwards, they can continue to unwind in the shaded outdoor Hydra Lounge surrounded by lush greenery, a hydrotherapy pool and cascading waterfalls – without a slot machine in sight.
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NOE KNOWS VEGAS
I’m Noe Alarcon, and I’ve lived in Las Vegas since 1981. I know Las Vegas, I love Las Vegas, and I hope, through Noe Knows Vegas, to share interesting anecdotes about The Entertainment Capital of the World, my home for more than four decades now.
In Conversation With Pauly C, aka CasinoCompWallet
Vegas Prime Magazine Publisher Jamal Parker, Vegas Prime Magazine Editor-in-Chief Don Chareunsy and yours truly sat down with Pauly C, aka CasinoCompWallet, on July 10, and we asked the popular and fascinating social media influencer (Instagram, TikTok) questions.
Here are some highlights of the conversation in which Paul Cantino was animated, opinionated and refreshingly real:
Who is Pauly C? Is Pauly C a character? Is Pauly C real?
No, that’s actually me. I’m a compulsive gambler. I was born with a genetic mutation called CCAATT. My whole life, I’ve been chasing dopamine. … I’ve always done two things – the gambling thing and the sex thing.
I got into a monogamous relationship seven years ago, and it completely obviated the sex thing. It’s been a nightmare. … This is the real me. I’ve been a lunatic my whole life. I wasn’t born equal; I was born damaged.
I’ve watched your posts. I’ve been watching for a while. You often give great tips, odd, bets and plays. You’re a compulsive gambler. What are your go to games?
Gambling is medicine for me. I need to get my medicine. I have limited funds. I’m failing financially. How do I get my medicine? The cheapest way possible. I have to play the smart games. The two smartest games are blackjack and craps.
… My luck turned in 2022. I ended the year with a $16,000 profit. This is after losing $400,000. In 2023, I won $190,000, and it really fueled my social media. This year, I’m down $109,000, and I’m a dead man walking.
You have CasinoCompWallet. A lot of your experiences come from gaming?
I drove across the country in 2019. I was working for Google and making a lot of money. I guess I was looking for trouble. I returned to New York to mailer, mailer, mailer and thought there must be an electronic solution to this. Long story short, I wasted $450,000, my life savings, on CasinoCompWallet. Now a couple casinos are interested in CompWallet.
What took you so long to get to Las Vegas?
I first came to Las Vegas at 23 with $1,300. It was gone in two days. I stayed at The Hacienda.
Are you surprised by the success you’ve had on social media?
There are no words for the level of shock. You have to understand, I’m a nerdy guy, and, believe it or not, I’m an introvert. I’m extroverted right now because we’re talking about something I love.
I’m going broke. I’m not making money doing this. But my mom used to say hope springs eternal. This morning, I had a conference call with Norwegian Cruise Lines. They want to do a Vegas Pauly C cruise. Maybe I’ll make a few dollars off this? I’m not really successful at this at all. But I keep thinking maybe I will be.
What is the biggest misconception about you?
People don’t understand that a lot of this stuff I do is very painful. It was very painful to go into The Fontainebleau opening night and say, “Fail.” I’m acutely aware of all the employees, I’m acutely aware of all the investors, I’m acutely aware of everything that is painful about me knowing this is a disaster and a fail.
What do you like about Las Vegas?
It’s my medicine. It’s as simple as that. It’s like asking a diabetic what they like about insulin. I need it every … I could probably go a week without gambling, but after a couple of weeks, I like to get back to blackjack or craps or maybe bet on a game.
I’m not 100% thrilled about what I’m doing right now because I don’t need this 24/7, but the problem is my conscientious nature means that … social media is a business. Imagine having a bagel shop or a laundromat and not showing up for work. If you’re conscientious, you feel terrible.
So if I don’t show up for work, if I don’t post on social media and keep up with the interaction, the guilt and the pain of letting it go fallow and die, it overwhelms me. I have to get back to it, and it’s unfortunate because I don’t want to be an addict 24/7. But social media, it’s a 24/7 job.
You tell the truth, which is refreshing and why people follow and engage with you. Is there a casino resort that is doing a good job?
On my page, we concentrate on Resorts World and Fontainebleau. Everybody is doing a good job. Let’s go from the South to the North. Michael Gaughan. South Point. Superstar. Knows the gambling business. He’s from the Binion’s school. He understands that when you give someone a roll of quarters, you’re giving them more time. That’s Binion’s.
MGM. Fantastic company from top to bottom. They hit all the price points. Mandalay Bay is my No. 4 hotel resort in all of Las Vegas. It’s spectacular. You can stay at Luxor or Excalibur for $70 a night. You could eat, you could drink, you could be merry. It’s amazing. Same with MGM.
Park MGM. Beautiful property. Fantastic rooms. No smoking. Great. The Cosmopolitan? The sexiest hotel in Las Vegas. Unbelievable property. Blackstone did a great job with it. The Bellagio. You could sit there all day and just watch what goes on there.
You said Mandalay Bay is your No. 4 casino. Who are above it?
Wynn, The Venetian, The Cosmopolitan, Mandalay Bay and Bellagio.
What would be the perfect weekend for Pauly C from Friday through Sunday?
Well, I would definitely want my girlfriend with me.
Signing off until next time,
LAST WORD The
In honor of the late Robin Leach, Vegas Prime Magazine has reimagined his longtime Wicked Whispers & Racy Rumors as Vegas Prime Whispers – as a tip of the toque to the very-muchmissed colleague, mentor and friend.
CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS
VEGAS PRIME WHISPERS
Which Strip headliner is off to such a strong start, a move to a larger showroom is already being discussed?
Which Strip headliners’ friendly partnership has fizzled as they go their separate ways? As Fleetwood Mac says, “You can go your own way.”
Which cast was “totally blindsided” by their show’s closure after being told it wouldn’t be closing?
Which new Strip show was met with mixed reaction –some audiences were bored to death while others were on their feet dancing the entire time?
Which Strip chef has PR agencies, media, executives and restaurateurs scratching their heads figuring out how to move forward after reportedly questionable activities?
As we produced Vegas Prime Magazine Issue #7, we said a sad farewell to “Jersey Boys” at The Orleans, Cirque du Soleil’s “The Beatles Love” at The Mirage and, well, The Mirage. All three of you were just too good to be true.
On July 5, “RuPaul’s Drag Race Live” celebrated its 800th performance at Flamingo Las Vegas. The Queens and The Pit Crew in the show include Lawrence Chaney, Kahanna Montrese, Derrick Barry Pangina Heals, Yara Sofia, Asia O’Hara and Latrice Royale.
Courtesy Photo
