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RULE THE WORLD.
UFC hosts its first fight, Noche UFC 306, at Sphere, while Sphere kicks off with The Eagles and features a new film by U2, Sphere’s first headliner.
Vegas Prime Magazine Editor-in-Chief
Don Chareunsy’s top to-do picks while you’re in Las Vegas.
It’s Mexican Independence Day weekend in The Entertainment Capital of the World, and the activities are aplenty.
Rick Springfield turns 75, “Fantasy” is at Tix4.com, Boulder Station celebrates 30 years, and 2024 Las Vegas Swim Week is a wrap.
Comedian and actor Eddie Griffin trades in the mic for a pen – metaphorically speaking, in his guest column.
The 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival, Mike Epps, Lionel Richie, Gabriel Iglesias, Marlon Wayans, Pop Goes the ’80s, Bush and more.
Sink your teeth into X Pot and Chubby Cattle, enjoy a cocktail at Carousel Bar, create cocktails with Jon Taffer’s Browned Butter Bourbon, and enjoy honey wine at Deadwood Meadery.
B-boy Jasoul is a local breakdancer who teaches the new Olympic sport.
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
NOE ALARCON, JEN AVISON SMITH, BOB BARNES, PATRANYA BHOOLSUWAN, CHRISTIANA CINN, ED CONDRAN, MARISA FINETTI, STACEY GUALANDI, EMMY KASTEN, RANDY SCHACHERL + TODD SCHACHERL Contributors
DARIN FEINSTEIN Founder/CEO
PRIME MAGAZINE 3753 Howard Hughes Parkway, #200, Las Vegas, NV 89169 www.vegasprime.com
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Two of our past three Vegas Prime Magazine cover stories have featured sports – the Las Vegas Aces at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics and the 2024 Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic at Allegiant Stadium –and this issue places the spotlight on Noche UFC 306 at Sphere on Sept. 14. In fact, our next issue features yet another sport on the cover. Las Vegas really has become a Sports Capital of the World.
UFC’s first event at Sphere could not be more exciting. Sphere is an incredible venue and a game-changer on the Las Vegas Strip. Noche UFC falls during Mexican Independence Day weekend, and most of the card is Mexican MMA fighters. If sports aren’t your thing, but you still want to celebrate Mexican Independence Day, this issue of Vegas Prime Magazine features a list of music, dining, entertainment + more options commemorating the occasion.
I am especially excited about the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena, as it is always two of the best days of music each year. This year’s lineup is no different: The Weeknd, Hozier, Camila Cabello, Doja Cat, Dua Lipa, Gwen Stefani, Keith Urban, New Kids on the Block, Thomas Rhett + more.
And check out the rest of the music and entertainment lineup: Pink! at Allegiant Stadium, Lionel Richie at Encore Theater, Bush at Planet Hollywood, Mike Epps at The Venetian, Gabriel Iglesias at The Cosmopolitan, Marlon Wayans at Red Rock Resort, Pop Goes the ’80s at The Orleans Arena + more, and the Celebrity Takeover column is by guest Eddie Griffin.
Enjoy your time in Las Vegas! Hozier will be taking me to church, where we’ll be enjoying our whiskey neat (in my delusional head). Salud!
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Vegas Prime Magazine
“MJ
MJLiveShow.com
Who’s “Bad”?! “MJ Live” at Sahara is a super-fun, high-energy and impressive production. Jalles Franca, who alternates the lead role of Michael Jackson with Santana Jackson (no relation), sings and dances his face off alongside his solid dancers, and the band is equally great. A stellar show!
IHeart.com
The iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas is always two of the best days of music each year at T-Mobile Arena, and this year is no different: Camila Cabello, Doja Cat, Dua Lipa, Gwen Stefani, Hozier, Keith Urban, New Kids on the Block, The Weeknd, Thomas Rhett + more.
VegasPrime.com
Vegas Prime Magazine has created lists of our favorites in Las Vegas, from burgers, doughnuts, dim sum, buffets and headliner shows to tacos, beer pubs, fried chicken, late-night spots and pizza. We want you to have the best experience while in town! (click on Prime Picks in the navigation bar)
VegasPrime.com
Mexican Independence Day weekend is coming up, and there are sports, music, entertainment and dining options galore to celebrate in The Entertainment Capital of the World. Check out our list in this issue and online.
DraisGroup.com
The September schedule is stacked at Drai’s Beach Club, Drai’s Nightclub, Liv Beach and Liv Las Vegas: John Summit, Dom Dolla, Party Favor, James Kennedy, Metro Boomin, 50 Cent, French Montana, Rick Ross, Big Sean + more! Check out their listings.
VegasPrime.com
We featured 50 of our favorite steakhouses in Las Vegas in the July 14 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!
El Dorado Cantina
ElDoradoCantina.com
Top-rated Mexican restaurant open 24/7 with three locations in Las Vegas: Tivoli Village, near the Las Vegas Strip and Southwest Las Vegas. Must-orders: tableside guacamole, pozoles, tostada salads, Judi Siegel Platter, Chicken Feinstein, enchilada trio + more.
Ana Bárbara Palms.com
Celebrated Mexican singer and Latin Grammy Award winner is at Pearl Concert Theater. Known for her powerful voice and dynamic performances, Bárbara has captivated audiences worldwide with her hit songs, including “Sacúdeme” and “Ay, Amor,” and vibrant stage presence. 8 p.m. Sept. 14.
Cabo Wabo Cantina + Mijo Modern Mexican
CaboWaboCantina.com + MijoMexican.com
Executive Chefs Tacho Kneeland and Donald Thompson, at Cabo Wabo Cantina in Planet Hollywood and Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant in Durango Casino and Resort, respectively, are masters of their craft, bringing vibrant, traditional and authentic Mexican flavors to their menus.
Emmanuel VenetianVegas.com
Ticketmaster.com
Mexican singer Emmanuel, who launched his career in the 1970s, is returning to The Venetian for two nights over Mexican Independence Day weekend. Tickets start at $65, plus applicable fees. 8:30 p.m. Sept. 14-15.
Fashion Show Las Vegas
FSLV.com
Fashion Show Las Vegas will kick off Mexican Independence Day with a celebration from 12 to 3 p.m. where guests can enjoy live entertainment in The Great Hall, including mariachi music, traditional dance performances and a DJ spinning top Latin music. 12-3 p.m. Sept. 15.
VegasExperience.com
Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas hosts its inaugural Mexican Independence Day celebration transforming into an epic Latin street party for the cultural celebration filled with free, nonstop fun and excitement over three days featuring 30 performers and 100+ hours of live entertainment on four stages. Sept. 13-15.
Julio Gonzalez
TheStrat.com
Julio Gonzalez is a bilingual comedian who aims to make the world smile. Gonzalez Gonzalez was always known as “the funny guy,” whether it was a backyard party or waiting in line at the grocery store. Jokes about his upbringing and life experiences have earned him a residency at the award-winning L.A. Comedy Club at The Strat.
Lorena Peril
Luxor.MGMResorts.com
One of the most talented Mexican women on the Las Vegas Strip is powerhouse vocalist Lorena Peril. As beautiful as she is talented, Peril is the headliner and host of “Fantasy: The Strip’s Sexiest Tease” at Luxor, an all-female revue celebrating its 25th anniversary in October. Peril also enjoys spending her free time singing Spanish songs at lounges, restaurants and charity events.
Los Ángeles Azules Palms.com
Los Ángeles Azules, renowned for their blend of traditional cumbia music with modern electronic beats, will take the stage at Pearl Concert Theater. Their infectious rhythms and captivating performances have made them one of Mexico’s most beloved musical groups. 8 p.m. Sept. 26.
Lucero & Mijares
RWLasVegas.com
In honor of Mexican Independence Day weekend, this one-of-a-kind show, performed with a live band and the renowned voices of Lucero and Mijares, is set to create a memorable party at Resorts World Theatre. Sept. 13.
Check out the Mexican Independence Day list at VegasPrime.com.
Palms.com
Music legend Rick Springfield kicked off his 75th birthday celebrations at the new Sammy’s Island at Palms Pool on Aug. 17, where he stopped at the Palms Casino Resort’s hotspot before his sold-out acoustic concert with Richard Marx at the nearby Pearl Concert Theater later that evening.
The party at Sammy’s Island featured Springfield behind the Tiki Bar, where he poured his signature Jessie’s Girl cocktail, crafted with his Beach Bar Rum, a partnership with his good friend Sammy Hagar.
The highlight of the day was a spectacular three-tier birthday cake, designed by a Palms pastry chef, showcasing an amp, guitar and images of Springfield’s iconic records.
Sammy’s Island at Palms Pool, located at Palms Casino Resort, 4321 W. Flamingo Road, continues to be Las Vegas’s prime destination for summer fun, open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The venue offers complimentary cabanas Monday through Thursday for locals and Swimdustry Mondays with DJ entertainment.
The cast of “Fantasy” at the Luxor made a guest appearance in August at the Tix4Vegas location at Showcase Mall on the Las Vegas Strip, and the ladies mingled with excited fans, store employees and curious onlookers and passers-by.
Celebrating 25 years of captivating adult audiences in Las Vegas in a showroom shared by comedian Carrot Top, the “Fantasy” performers brought their charm and charisma to the bustling Strip, making the event memorable for everyone in attendance.
If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas, don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of “Fantasy” at the Luxor. Secure your tickets at any Tix4Vegas location on the Strip and online at Tix4Vegas.com
Credit: George Wilson
Boulder Station Hotel & Casino on Aug. 19 marked a milestone in its history with a celebration as part of its monthlong 30th anniversary festivities. In a ceremony at The Railhead, Boulder Station paid tribute to its 39 Day 1 team members acknowledging their dedication and service over the decades with a surprise check for $1,994, a nod to the year Boulder Station opened its doors.
Team members smiled, cheered and wiped tears as the $1,994 checks were announced and their contributions spanning three decades were recognized.
Boulder Station has been honoring its commitment to its employees with events and recognitions. Among the highlights, Boulder Station has been distributing more than $30,000 in cash prizes to its team members. Additionally, the team member dining room has featured special menus.
Located on the Boulder Strip, Boulder Station is celebrating its 30th anniversary all month long with throwback pricing at casino bars with $1 margaritas and a $1.99 shrimp cocktail at Game On, free live entertainment at The Railhead, 30% off room rates and giant bingo jackpots.
Swim Week Las Vegas powered by Art Hearts Fashion in partnership with Resorts World has set a new standard in the fashion world positioning itself as a fashion and art festival that’s here to stay in Las Vegas.
The inaugural Swim Week Las Vegas took place from Aug. 15-19 in various properties at Resorts World, including Zouk Nightclub, Ayu Dayclub, Eight Lounge, Gatsby’s Cocktail Lounge, Fuhu and others who hosted guests for exclusive dining and experiences.
Swim Week Las Vegas brought together a lineup of more than 15 designers, five DJs and multiple venues to craft an experience that transcended traditional fashion events. The festival integrated high fashion, dining and entertainment, offering attendees an unforgettable and Instagrammable journey.
The designers at SWLV included Las Vegas couture designer David Tupaz, Mister Triple X, Sharnel Guy Swimwear, Merlin Castell, Giannina Azar, For the Stars, Joseph Auren, Diana Couture, Asta Razma, Michael Ngo, Pink Melon Swimwear, Naughty Boy Golf, Berry Beachy Swimwear, Love for Upcycling, The Black Tape Project, Airstream and Styx Athletics.
The event’s star-studded entertainment lineup included DJ sets by industry titans such as Slander, Savi, Illenium, Kaskade, Duke Dumont and Quenville.
Not only did Swim Week Las Vegas make a significant impact in the fashion world, but it also created a meaningful opportunity to give back to the Las Vegas community. SWLV hosted the Autism Pride Center for their inaugural fashion show, highlighting the platform’s commitment to inclusion and representation.
Art Hearts Fashion also partnered with MMGNET to host Style Oasis designed as a satellite event serving as another touchpoint for the fashion industry to connect during MAGIC, PROJECT, Sourcing at MAGIC and the wider Las Vegas Fashion Market Week.
Hosted by Zouk Group and sponsored by Airstream, the event featured runway presentations showcasing some of today’s hottest fashion, footwear and accessories brands, including the newest collection from Airstream and a performance by Grammy Award-winning R&B sensation Macy Gray.
‘I need to keep the mind sharp, the wit sharper and the jokes on point’
o, yo, yo, what up, Vegas? It’s your boy, Eddie Griffin, the one and only, the man who’s been bringing the funny for decades. Now, you might know me from “Undercover Brother,” or maybe you’ve caught me on the Las Vegas stage doing what I do best –making y’all laugh till you cry. But today, I’m trading in the mic for a pen – well, metaphorically speaking, ’cause y’all know I ain’t writing this with no feather and ink.
So, let’s get into it. You’re probably wondering, “Eddie, what’s a comedy legend like you doing writing a column for Vegas Prime Magazine?” Well, first of all, I got to keep myself busy, man. Ain’t nobody trying to sit around playing bingo in their 50s – though, no judgment if that’s your thing. Me? I need to keep the mind sharp, the wit sharper and the jokes on point. Plus, I figured it’s time to let y’all in on a little something personal.
Now, don’t get it twisted. I’m not about to get all soft on you, but let’s talk real for a minute. See, a lot of folks think I just popped out of nowhere, like, boom, here’s Eddie
Griffin, cracking jokes and stealing shows. But, nah, man, my journey was one wild ride, like a rollercoaster with no seatbelt.
Born and raised in Kansas City, Mo. – yeah, that’s right, KCMO, baby! – I grew up in the hood. My mama was a phone operator, and my pops? Well, he wasn’t around much. But that’s cool. It’s all part of the story, y’know? You grow up quick when you’re a kid in the hood, and you learn how to make people laugh even quicker. Comedy was my way out, my golden ticket.
I was that kid, the class clown, always cutting up, getting into trouble. Teachers didn’t know what to do with me, but I knew. I knew I was destined for something bigger than dodging bullets and slinging jokes at the corner store. I was meant to be on stage, with a mic in hand, under the bright lights, making the world laugh.
Fast forward to my teenage years – I’m talking 16, 17 – I hit the comedy clubs.
That’s right, sneaking into places I wasn’t even old enough to be in, but hey, they knew talent when they saw it. It was in those clubs that I honed my craft, learned how to make people laugh from their gut, that deep belly laugh that you feel in your soul. And here I am now, living it up in Vegas, The Entertainment Capital of the World. But don’t get it twisted – I’m still that same kid from Kansas City, still got that hustle, that drive.
Vegas has been good to me, and I’m just getting started. You see, comedy isn’t just about making people laugh –it’s about connecting, about telling the truth, even when it hurts. So, here’s to the grind, to never giving up and to always chasing that next laugh. Remember, folks, life’s too short to take too seriously. Laugh a little, love a lot, and always keep it real.
Alright, that’s enough story time for today. Catch me on the flip side, and who knows? Maybe I’ll be back for another round of “Eddie Griffin Takes Over Vegas Prime.” Stay funny, Vegas! Peace!
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By Ed Condran
It’s not just going to be challenging for UFC fighters Sean O’Malley, Alexa Grasso and Brian Ortega when they battle Sept. 14 at Sphere in Las Vegas during UFC 306 at Riyadh: Season Noche UFC.
Chris Kartzmark will be tested, as well. The UFC Vice President of Programming and Production has quite a task at hand. There has never been a sporting event at Sphere, which is a uniquely designed venue.
“We’re going to do something that’s never been done, which is putting on a sporting event at this incredible venue,” Kartzmark said. “There are a lot of technical challenges we face in a concert venue.”
The conventional sporting event takes place in venues with seats, which wrap around the entire venue. “It’s a challenge for us at Sphere since all the seats are on one side,” Kartzmark said. “That’s something we’re working around.”
Lighting the event also is a challenge since Kartzmark and his crew will not be hanging a lighting grid from a conventional jumbotron at the center of the venue. To make the lighting work, Kartzmark will set up the lighting from behind the state-ofthe-art LED screens. “We’re pushing through the gaps so it’s going to look amazing. We’ll provide the bells and whistles,” he said.
The production is part of the entertainment package as the fighters battle.
“That’s the way it is since the lines are blurred between sports and entertainment, particularly in venues like Sphere,” Kartzmark said. “We’re storytellers. We tell our story during a live, unscripted drama, and that’s why people love sports. We enhance the experience.
“That’s something boxing didn’t do. They played to the television audience. We play to both sides, at the venue and on television. We add life to the event in person with the lighting and what we present, and that makes the broadcast more alive. We’re going to do everything to make Noche UFC special.”
Sphere’s 160,000-square-foot and 16K x 16 K resolution display plane, which is the world’s highest-resolution LED display, will deliver a fully immersive visual environment. The concert-grade audio is top notch. Precision and clarity take center stage as combatants batter each other in the ring.
Kartzmark will provide the sizzle, and the fighters will deliver the substance. Noche UFC will celebrate
Mexican Independence Day. A UFC Bantamweight Championship bout between current champion O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili is the featured event.
A UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship trilogy bout between current champion Alexa Grasso and former titleholder Valentina Shevchenko will draw considerable attention.
A featherweight bout between former UFC Featherweight Championship challenger Brian Ortega and Diego Lopes is slated. A middleweight bout between LFA Middleweight champion Anthony Hernandez and Michel Pereira was on tap but has been moved to Oct. 14 as the main event.
It’s a well-balanced event that promises to be a fight night to remember.
‘
Sphere Entertainment Co. has announced a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience to be shown exclusively at Sphere in Las Vegas. “V-U2 An Immersive Concert Film at Sphere Las Vegas,” directed by Morleigh Steinberg and The Edge, showcases the history-making and future-defining “U2:UV” show directed by Willie Williams that played to more than 700,000 fans from 100+ countries across 40 sold-out dates from September 2023 through March.
“V-U2” is the first film to be shot entirely with Big Sky, the ultra-high-resolution camera system developed by Sphere Entertainment. “V-U2” captures U2’s epic run at Sphere, and it allows audiences to feel like they are at the live shows. “V-U2” is a Sphere Experience, Sphere’s signature original content category.
To create this larger-than-life concert film, Big Sky cameras captured the band at extraordinary scale, sharpness and clarity.
“V-U2” employs Sphere’s immersive technologies, including the 160,000-square-foot display plane, which at 16k x 16k resolution is the world’s highest-resolution LED screen; Sphere Immersive Sound, powered by Holoplot, which provides crys-
tal-clear sound to every seat in Sphere; and haptic seats, which use vibrations so guests can “feel” the experience.
All these technologies, which were used to great effect in “U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere,” will be leveraged in this Sphere Experience in new and different ways to reinforce the feeling of “being there.”
Launching a venue like Sphere challenged U2 to create a oncein-a-lifetime audiovisual concert experience, and the same standards were upheld for the film. The Edge and Steinberg spoke about the filmmaking process: “The goal was to give the immersive moviegoers as close to the live ‘U2:UV’ concert experience as possible – and then some. I’ve never seen a U2 show. I’m so relieved I caught a great one," said The Edge.
“We knew all the tremendous capabilities of the technology, but we didn’t know what to expect from the process of making this film. The work became a true collaboration between band, artists, producers and technology teams. The result is a cinematic experience that transports viewers into the energy and beauty of the live show,” said Steinberg.
“ ‘V-U2’ is a first-of-its-kind immersive film that will transport audiences back to U2’s groundbreaking live Sphere shows and make them feel like they are there,” said Josephine Vaccarello, Executive Vice President, Live, MSG Entertainment, who oversees live bookings for Sphere. “This concert film was created specifically for Sphere and will utilize the venue’s technologies to create an experience that is only possible at this next-generation entertainment medium.”
One of U2’s most ambitious creative projects to date, “V-U2” saw them work once again with longtime creative collaborator and show director Willie Williams, artists including Es Devlin, John Gerrard and Marco Brambilla and longtime partner and producer Brian Eno.
“V-U2” will open at Sphere on Thursday, Sept. 5. Tickets start at $100 and will reflect all-in pricing. This means the ticket price listed is the full out-of-pocket price, inclusive of taxes and fees.
“THE EAGLES: LIVE IN CONCERT AT SPHERE” DATES:
Friday, Sept. 20 | Saturday, Sept. 21 | Friday, Sept. 27 | Saturday, Sept. 28 | Friday, Oct. 11
Saturday, Oct. 12 | Friday, Oct. 18 | Saturday, Oct. 19 | Friday, Nov. 1 | Saturday, Nov. 2
Friday, Nov. 8 | Saturday, Nov. 9 | Friday, Dec. 6 | Saturday, Dec. 7 | Friday, Dec. 13
Saturday, Dec. 14 | Saturday, Jan. 17 | Sunday, Jan. 18 | Saturday, Jan. 24 | Sunday, Jan. 25
Tickets start at $175 and will reflect all-in pricing, meaning the ticket price listed is inclusive of taxes and fees.
The Eagles have announced a residency at Sphere in Las Vegas with 20 shows from Friday, Sept. 20, through Saturday, Jan. 25. The residency will offer fans the ultimate connection to the band’s legendary catalog in an immersive experience that only Sphere can provide.
To ensure that tickets get directly into the hands of fans, advance artist presale registration is available now at Eagles. com powered by Seated.
In fall 1971, The Eagles formed, pioneered and personified a unique American musical style blending country, folk, R&B, rock and pop and would go on to become one of the most successful bands of all time. The Eagles retain an appeal that transcends generation and genre, cementing the band’s role as enduring musical icons.
The Eagles have sold more than 150 million albums worldwide, scored six #1 albums and topped the singles charts five times. They have won six Grammy Awards, were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, in their first year of eligibility, and received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2016.
The band’s “Greatest Hits 1971-1977” is the bestselling album in history, with the RIAA certifying the collection 38 times platinum. “Hotel California” is the third bestselling U.S. album in history, certified 26 times platinum. It earned Grammys for “New Kid in Town” and “Hotel California.” Eagles.com
The iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas is always two of the best days of music each year at T-Mobile Arena, and this year is no different: The Weeknd, Hozier, Camila Cabello, Doja Cat, Dua Lipa, Gwen Stefani, Keith Urban, New Kids on the Block and Thomas Rhett are among the headliners.
And there’s more, including a special appearance by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, in store at T-Mobile Arena on Sept. 20-21. Highlights from the 2023 lineup included Foo Fighters, Gym Class Heroes, Kelly Clarkson, Tim McGraw, Sheryl Crow and Lenny Kravitz – and another outlandish performance by Jared Leto and his band 30 Seconds to Mars.
Over the years, memorable performances include by Sir Paul McCartney, Coldplay, Miley Cyrus (on the weekend she had her first No. 1 with “Wrecking Ball”), Swedish House Mafia, Britney Spears and the infamous meltdown by Green Day frontman Billy Joe Armstrong.
Last year’s iHeartRadio Music Festival included fun artist activations, in Toshiba Plaza outside T-Mobile Arena, alongside photo opportunities (among them the Vegas Golden Knights mascot), DJs, samples and golden fanny packs from Yellowtail and more.
Tickets may be purchased as single day or for both days for the 14th iHeartRadio Music Festival. For the uninitiated, there are plenty of bathrooms and vendors in T-Mobile Arena, and there are breaks between each artist’s set. It’s a comfortable and long night of great music.
Hosted again by Ryan Seacrest, the festival will once again include one-of-a-kind collaborations and surprise performances live from T-Mobile Arena. Fans can tune in to this year’s iHeartRadio Music Festival via Hulu, the official streaming destination, with festivities livestreamed each night on Sept. 20 and 21 to all Hulu subscribers at no additional cost.
iHeart.com
Global superstar and icon Janet Jackson has announced an all-new exclusive residency, “Janet Jackson: Las Vegas,” at Resorts World Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas. On the heels of her highly successful “Together Again Tour,” her venue-debut residency is set to kick off new year’s week with back-to-back performances Monday, Dec. 30, and Tuesday, Dec. 31, with eight additional performances set for 2025, including Valentine’s Day weekend.
The five-time Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee has taken to Instagram to share her excitement with fans. Tickets to all
10 performances will be available for purchase starting Wednesday, Aug. 28, at 10 a.m. PT on AXS. com.
Jackson’s performances at Resorts World Theatre will bring world-class attitude, star power and the experience of a lifetime for fans from around the world.
The 2024-2025 performance dates of “Janet Jackson: Las Vegas”: Dec. 30-31, Jan. 3-4 and Feb. 5, 7-8, 12 and 14-15.
On Feb. 4, 2021, Jackson’s iconic mega-platinumselling third album “Control” turned 35. The album also returned to the top of the charts, hitting #1
on the Apple Top 40 U.S. Pop Album chart. Led by five chart-busting hit singles – “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” “Nasty,” “Control,” “When I Think of You” and “Let’s Wait Awhile,” “Control” became Jackson’s first No. 1 Pop album.
The album also made Billboard chart history for having the longest continuous run on the Hot 100 with singles from one album, ultimately tallying a remarkable 65 consecutive weeks from that perch. To date, “Control” has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide.
“Janet Jackson is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in pop music,” said Bobby Reynolds, Senior Vice President, AEG Presents Las Vegas. “We could not be more thrilled to close out 2024 with her return to the Las Vegas Strip and her venue debut at our award-winning Resorts World Theatre, and to kick off 2025 with a run of sure-to-be-unforgettable shows. This is a residency fans won’t want to miss.”
VenetianVegas.com
On the heels of two performance in May, comedian and actor Mike Epps is returning to The Venetian on Sept. 20 and 21. Epps is generating much buzz among his peers for being not only one of the funniest comic actors in town, but also for his burgeoning dramatic talent.
Epps can be seen in the Netflix comedy “The UpShaws,” which he stars in and produces. The show is based on his life of growing up in Indiana and taken from his 2018 Harper Collins autobiography, “Unsuccessful Thug.” The book is about his life and childhood; growing up in poverty and how comedy saved his life.
Epps was recently seen in the Amazon feature “Troup Zero,” starring opposite Viola Davis, Allison Janney and Jim Gaffigan, and in the A24 film “The Last Black Man in San Francisco,” both of which premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. In 2019, his fifth standup special, “Just One Mike,” premiered on Netflix, and he was seen opposite Eddie Murphy in the comedy “Dolemite Is My Name.”
Epps starred in the HBO Emmy-winning biopic “Bessie,” based on Bessie Smith, played by Queen Latifah, and was seen in three seasons of the Starz series “Survivor’s Remorse,” produced by LeBron James and Mike O’Malley. Epps won a 2016 NAACP Image Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal as Uncle Julius.
Epps has recently entered the tech space with his first interactive game “Button” made by Amazon for Alexa titled “Sounds Fun With Mike Epps.” The Amazon button features Epps making hilarious sound effects with his voice. A new and different sound is set to be released every day. His credits also include “Next Friday,” “Friday After Next,” “All About the Benjamins,” the “Hangover” films, “Girls Trip” “Faster,” “Hancock,” “Lottery Ticket,” “Next Day Air,” “Roll Bounce,” “The Fighting Temptations,” the Resident Evil franchise, “Bait,” “How High,” “Dr. Dolittle 2” and “Talk to Me.”
Epps is currently on a national standup tour, and he has been seen in more than 40 cities and three continents doing standup.
Burlesque legend and superstar Dita Von Teese is bringing her signature artistry and flair to Voltaire at The Venetian with an all-new revue, “Dita Von Teese at Voltaire,” for select dates through 2024.
Beginning Sept. 19 and continuing through Dec. 15, The Queen of Burlesque will take over the intimate venue to delight audiences with the glamourous acts, opulent sets and haute couture costumes for which she is known.
“Dita Von Teese dazzles audiences around the world and is bringing something iconic and special to Voltaire,” said Voltaire founder Michael Gruber. “Upon entering Voltaire, guests are transported to another era through the venue’s art deco design and cabaret setup, making it the perfect venue for Dita, her sparkling costumes and effervescent charm.”
“I am delighted to bring a brand-new show to Voltaire at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas,” said Dita Von Teese. “This exquisite jewel box of a theater complements the
timeless allure of my show. I’m brimming with excitement at the thought of splashing around in my giant champagne coupe, the sparkling glass bubbles floating overhead in this sumptuous cabaret-like theater.”
Since opening in November 2023, Voltaire has quickly become a celebrity hotspot in Las Vegas, hosting some of the world’s most prominent musical talent, including Kylie Minogue, Christina Aguilera and Jason Derulo.
The seductive venue offers an unparalleled night out on the Las Vegas Strip where guests can enjoy the pregame, main event and afterparty all in one spectacular place. Voltaire ushers in a new era of entertainment in Las Vegas that is not only elevated and transformative but also immensely enjoyable.
Music and entertainment legend and four-time Grammy Award winner Lionel Richie will have fans “Dancing on the Ceiling” when he headlines Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas for two performances Sept. 18 and 21.
With a storied career first with The Commodores, then as a mega-successful solo artist, Richie’s list of solo hits is memorable and long: “Endless Love” with Diana Ross, “Truly,” “All Night Long,” “Hello,” “Stuck on You,” “Say You, Say Me” from “White Nights,” “Dancing on the Ceiling” and “Ballerina Girl.”
Richie’s hits with The Commodores include “Easy,” “Sail On,” “Three Times a Lady” and “Still” before his departure. In 1980, he wrote and produced the No. 1 single “Lady” for Kenny Rogers.
Richie, 75, has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the world’s bestselling artists of all time. His Grammy Awards include for Song of the Year for “We Are the World” and Album of the Year for “Can’t Slow Down.”
“Say You, Say Me” won the Academy Award and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, and Richie was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. Richie joined “American Idol” as a judge in 2018.
Are you ready for his ballads or dance pop hits? If Richie’s previous headliner residency at Planet Hollywood is any indication, you’ll be saying “Hello” to Richie once again at Encore Theater, as he’s still a crowd-pleaser and an entertainer at heart. Outrageous!
Comedian and actor Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias is bringing the laughs to The Chelsea Ballroom at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas for two back-to-back performances Sept. 13 and 14.
The 48-year-old is known for standup specials for Comedy Central and Netflix, including “I’m Not Fat … I’m Fluffy” and “Hot and Fluffy.” Iglesias’s acting credits include “Mr. Iglesias” on Netflix, portraying Tobias in 2012’s “Magic Mike” starring Channing Tatum and its 2015 sequel and providing the voice of Speedy Gonzales in “Space Jam: A New Legacy.”
Iglesias also hosted “Stand Up Revolution” on Comedy Central and “Fluffy’s Food Adventures” on Fuse. In 2018, Iglesias was one of the Top 10 highest-paid comedians in the world. In 2022, Iglesias was the first comedian to sell out Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The concert was released to Netflix on Oct. 18, 2022, as “Stadium Fluffy.”
Iglesias’s comedy influences include another recent Las Vegas performer, Paul Rodriguez, as well as Eddie Murphy, Robin Williams and Bill Cosby, and he is known for his trademark Hawaiian shirts onstage.
Pro tip: Expect to pay $40 for parking for this special event at The Cosmopolitan, as was the case for Boyz II Men and Robin Thicke on their opening Friday night on Aug. 23. And we’re not joking!
Actor, producer, comedian, writer and film director Marlon Wayans is bringing his “Wild Child Tour” to Red Rock Ballroom at Red Rock Resort on Sept. 14. As a multi-hyphenate, Wayans’s films have grossed $1.14 billion in domestic box office and nearly $1.8 billion in global box office. As a standup comedian, he is selling out shows nationwide and adding dates every weekend.
Wayans’s latest comedy special “Good Grief,” which premiered in June on Amazon Prime Video, hit No. 1 on the streaming platform its first week. His other critically acclaimed No. 1 comedy specials include “Woke-ish” on Netflix and “God Loves Me,” “You Know What It Is” and “Marlon Wayans Presents: The Headliners” on HBO Max.
Wayans can next be seen in September 2025 starring in the psychological horror thriller “Him” from Universal Pictures and Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw banner. Wayans is commonly recognized for his role as Marcus Copeland in Columbia Pictures’s 2004 hit comedy “White Chicks” opposite Shawn Wayans and directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans.
His other hit films include “Scary Movie” and “Scary Movie 2,” “Requiem for a Dream,” “Respect,” “Fifty Shades of Black,” “Little Man,” “A Haunted House” and “A Haunted House 2,” “Naked,” “Sextuplets,” “The Curse of Bridge Hollow,” “Air,” “On the Rocks,” and “Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood.”
His TV credits include The WB’s “The Wayans Bros.,” which was the highest-rated comedy on the network and continues to air in syndication, the NBC sitcom “Marlon,” “Fox’s “In Living Color” and “Bel-Air.” To purchase tickets, go to StationCasinosLive.com and Ticketmaster.com.
OrleansArena.com
Pop Goes the ’80s arrives at The Orleans Arena on Sept. 20, and the six bands headlining the concert are A Flock of Seagulls, Wang Chung, Naked Eyes, Annabella’s BowWowWow (replacing The Escape Club), When in Rome and Tommy Tutone.
Grammy Award-winning A Flock of Seagulls played a significant role in shaping the music scene of the 1980s. The group, comprised of Mike Score, Ali Score, Frank Maudsley and Paul Reynolds, achieved success on the charts with hit singles including “I Ran (So Far Away)” and “The More You Live, the More You Love.” Their instrumental track “D.N.A.” also earned them a Grammy Award.
Wang Chung, the London-based duo of Nick Feldman and Jack Hues, has been a prominent new wave group for nearly 40 years. They have created hits such as 1989’s “Everybody Have Fun Tonight.” Their music has been featured in films, video games and TV series.
Naked Eyes gained popularity in the early 1980s through the collaboration of Pete Bryne and Rob Fisher. Drawing inspiration from 1960s vocalists, they recorded a rendition of Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s “Always Something There to Remind Me,” which resonated with fans. The duo continued
to release music that garnered airplay on U.S. radio stations and secured a frequent spot on MTV.
Formed in the early 1980s, Annabella’s BowWowWow is led by Annabella Lwin. The band is known for a catalog full of classics, including “C30, C60, C90 Go,” “Go Wild in the Country,” “Do You Wanna Hold Me” and “I Want Candy.” Their distinctive sound and style have inspired The Red Hot Chili Peppers, No Doubt and Green Day.
An English synth-pop/new wave band, When in Rome was formed by singers Clive Farrington and Andrew Mann, along with keyboardist Michael Floreale. Their most famous track, “The Promise,” reached the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1988. The group has had successful shows in the USA and South America, and they are currently touring and working on new music.
Tommy Tutone is a power pop band led by vocalist Tommy Heath and guitarist Jim Keller. Their debut 1980 single “Angel Say No” made it to the Top 40, but it was their 1981 hit “867-5309/Jenny” that propelled them to stardom, reaching No. 4 and earning a gold certification in 1982. The band released their first studio album in more than 20 years, titled “Beautiful Ending,” in 2019.
In one of the more inventive and fun activations and collaborations, step into the electrifying world of Pink!’s “Summer Carnival 2024 Tour” at Allegiant Stadium on Sept. 13 and “Get the Party Started” as soon as the doors open. Ticketholders are encouraged to arrive early and taste their way through Allegiant by enjoying specialty show-themed delights and cocktails crafted by stadium F&B vendors.
Fans also will feel the energy of the “Summer Carnival” come alive by interacting with roaming performers and posing at fun photo opportunities as they prepare for an unforgettable night with Pink! and guest performers Sheryl Crow, The Script and DJ KidCutUp.
Tickets for Pink!’s “Summer Carnival 2024” are available at Ticketmaster.com. For more information, go to AllegiantStadium.com.
A fun – and very pink – food vendor sneak peek of Pink!’s “Summer Carnival Tour” at Allegiant on Aug. 13 featured the cocktails Citrus Carnival + Pink Margarita, Cotton Candy Daydream, “Glitter in the Air" Popcorn, Pizza Rock’s “Cover Me in Sunshine” Slice, Boomtown Burgers’s “Funhouse” Burger, Pinkbox Doughnuts’s Pink Doughnut, Cafe Lola’s Pink Sugar Cookies, Auntie Anne’s “What About Us” Mini Pretzel Dogs and Evel Pie’s “So What” Slice. Sweet!
Plans are to do this for other Allegiant Stadium performers. Raise your glass for Pink!
By Ed Condran
It’s not easy to come back in the rock world, and it’s hardly a breeze to change opinion. However, Bush and singer-songwriter and frontman Gavin Rossdale managed to accomplish both feats. The veteran British band’s latest album, the aptly titled “The Art of Survival,” is a surprising and vital project that recalls the group’s salad days.
During their mid-’90s heyday, Bush connected with rock fans courtesy of bangers such as “Everything Zen,” “Machinehead” and “Little Things.” Many of the tracks from 2022’s “The Art of Survival” are muscular, gritty and anthemic.
But the big difference between the fresh new tunes and the hits from the Bush heyday is that the recent tracks are about something. Many of the lyrics from back-in-the-day Bush are inscrutable.
“Just wanted to be myself / Hey you said you would love to try some / Hey you said you would love to die some / In the middle of a world on a fishhook” are some couplets from 1996’s “Swallowed.”
Fast forward to “The Art of Survival,” and there’s a story delivered with most songs. “More Than Machines” is pro-
choice, and “Shark Bite” is about saving the planet. Rossdale, 58, admits that he’s changed his tune on lyric writing at midlife.
“Back during Bush’s early days, I was interested more about how lyrics sounded coming out of my mouth than I was about the actual words,” Rossdale said while calling from Los Angeles. “But now I am more interested in the words. I love what Patti Smith did as a songwriter. I love her lyrics.” Rossdale follows in the footsteps of John Mellencamp. When the Heartland rocker performed as John Cougar during the early ’80s, he delivered some of his most banal and hackneyed lyrics.
After scoring a few unsubstantial hits, the silly name imposed by his then record company was junked, and Mellencamp had an epiphany.
“I never really worked on the lyrics to those early ones (hits),” Mellencamp admitted. “When I finally did actually put some thought and feeling into the lyrics, everything changed.”
Rossdale can relate. Bush, who will perform Sept. 9 at PH Live in Planet Hollywood, has made some noise over recent years by releasing four albums over the last decade. 2014’s “Man on the Run” featured a change in direction with some fresh-sounding electro-rock cuts. Bush landed back on the radio courtesy of the gorgeous love song “The Only Way Out,” which has a massive hook.
But that shouldn’t be a surprise since Rossdale has always been adept at writing catchy tunes. “I know I can write a song,” Rossdale said.
Located on the Lower Level
The SuperMotocross World Championship Final race will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21, at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas. Last year’s season saw two of the sport’s youngest and brightest stars cement their place in the history books. At just 17, Haiden Deegan earned Rookie of the Year and captured the 250cc World Championship, while Australian sensation Jett Lawrence, 20, became the first-ever 450cc world champion in the premier class, also as a rookie.
The SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs and Final feature the best athletes in the world as the Top 20 in combined Supercross and Pro Motocross points will
be automatically seeded into the playoff rounds. The final two gate positions will be determined through a Last Chance Qualifier featuring athletes positioned 21-30 in combined points, plus any Supercross Main Event winners and Pro Motocross Overall Winners.
The SuperMotocross World Championship Playoff races and final will operate under a two-moto format for both the 450cc class and 250cc class. Each moto will be 20 minutes, plus one lap, in which Olympic Scoring will determine an overall finishing position for which SuperMotocross Championship points will be awarded.
Friday, Sept. 20
Fan Zone hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Separate ticketed admission required; Fan Zone tickets start at $40.
Saturday, Sept. 21
FanFest hours: 12-6 p.m. Access to FanFest included with ticket price. Racing starts at 7 p.m. Where: The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 7000 Las Vegas Blvd.
The SMX World Championship series pays the sport’s largest prize payout of $10 million – $4.5 million is awarded throughout the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and Pro Motocross Championship sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, leaving $5.5 million to be earned through the SMX World Championship Finals fueled by Monster Energy.
The SuperMotocross World Championship culminates with the World Championship Final on Sept. 21 at LVMS. “The Strip” is one of the most iconic dragstrips in the country and joins zMAX Dragway as being one of
just two dragstrips in the nation to feature four-wide racing.
Situated across the street from Las Vegas Motor Speedway, The Strip is home to more than 50 events a year and provides an intimate viewing experience from the grandstands and suites while also offering fans the ability to line the fence, like what is done at a Pro Motocross event.
All 31 rounds of the SuperMotocross World Championship are now on sale, including 17 Rounds of Monster Energy AMA Supercross and 11 Rounds of Pro Motocross sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.
Chubby Group, a premier U.S.-based F&B holding company celebrated for its dining concepts, has four locations in Las Vegas.
There’s the luxurious and modern The X Pot at The Palazzo; the new Chubby Cattle BBQ on Spring Mountain offering Wagyu and traditional Japanese ambience (it already has long lines on weekends);
Chubby Cattle Hotpot on Jones with assembly-line delivery and the most casual of the four restaurants; and the new Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House also on Spring Mountain. Chubby Cattle cultivates a
dining experience that promotes technological innovation, the freshest ingredients and the art of being together. They opened their first restaurant in 2014, and their mission is to familiarize people with traditional Asian cuisine from around the world.
To know Chubby Cattle is to understand that the company is always looking
to expand and improve with upcoming remodels –for example, at the already stellar The X Pot. The two newest locations, Chubby Cattle BBQ and Mikiya, are focused on offering the finest Wagyu cuts, and there are benefits for signing up for a membership, including birthday perks, discounted dinners and special menu items.
The X Pot is the luxury destination in Las Vegas at The Palazzo with its modern and upscale design and ambience and excellent hospitality – hospitality for Chubby Group is always key. The X Pot can be a special date night or dinner with family, but it wouldn’t hurt to dress up to make the occasion more elegant and special.
A visit to the new Chubby Cattle BBQ was a trip to Japan inside a pagoda building with sunset walls and lighting. The food and service – there’s that H word again, hospitality – were exceptional and friendly, and we loved the automated robot server who said “bye!” in giggly anime style. We loved Chubby Cattle so much that we signed up for memberships right then and there.
Next up for our Chubby Group dining: the OG Chubby Cattle Hotpot and the new Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House.
The owners of Chubby Group, formerly Chubby Cattle International, are Dawai “David” Zhao, Haibin “Harby” Yang and Joyce Li, with Jerry Ngo on the leadership team overseeing business development. Their restaurants also are in California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Texas, with a hot new location coming to the Atlanta area.
Chubby Cattle International is a hospitality group founded in 2015 in Las Vegas by Zhao and Yang, who were named to Forbes’s 30 Under 30 in 2022 for food and beverage.
Zhao summed it up best: “With four concepts in Las Vegas already up-and-running, our loyal Chubby Club members can look forward to more concepts coming to Las Vegas, including Chubby Skewers, Chubby Nori, Chubby Tea and many more.
“Our loyal X Pot lovers can also look forward to a renovation of The X Pot, in which we bring a whole new level of food, ambiance and style to our flagship restaurant in The Palazzo!”
Carousel Bar at The Plaza in Downtown Las Vegas is an outdoor cocktail bar experience unlike any other in town.
Located under the iconic glittering lights of The Plaza’s porte-cochère, the standout Carousel Bar serves handmade cocktails, shareable drinks and a premium selection of beer and wine inside a life-sized, animated Las Vegas-themed carousel setting just steps away from the excitement of Fremont Street Experience.
You can’t drink on the carousel at Wynn Las Vegas, can you?!
Carousel Bar’s fun and infectious design includes carousel horses that move up and down, a ribbon of lights rotating above the bar and life-sized, Las Vegas-themed elements such as a deck of cards, a spinning martini glass and a 14-foot-tall neon showgirl sign at the entrance.
Not to be confused with the showgirl signs in nearby Circa and at Planet Hollywood on the Las Vegas Strip!
Carousel Bar also offers Nevada’s only outdoor video poker machines, multiple HD television screens and an outdoor cooling system. Carousel Bar can seat nearly 100 guests in booths, at the bar and along its outer rail, making it an unparalleled outdoor destination to unwind, meet up with friends, people watch Downtown or host an event.
Cheers! Salud! At Carousel Bar!
Jon Taffer’s Browned Butter Bourbon toasts the 2024 Paris Olympics with cocktails
Even though the 2024 Paris Olympics have come and gone, there’s no reason not to enjoy Jon Taffer’s Browned Butter Bourbon cocktails, in honor of the global competitors, as spectators and whiskey lovers alike.
From new twists on the classic Old Fashioned to innovative summer-themed punches, these cocktail recipes are inspired by the spirit of the Olympic Games and are sure to be a fan favorite at parties.
By infusing Taffer’s Browned Butter Bourbon into the Olympic experience, these cocktail recipes, available at TaffersBrownedButterBourbon.com, are created to celebrate craftsmanship and tradition:
A citrusy base with a refreshing earthy sweetness. This deep orange cocktail is just as bright and beautiful as it looks.
A twist on a classic! Craft your Old Fashioned in seconds for a balanced and decadent liquid gold cocktail.
A refreshing summer classic that’s simple and packs a huge amount of flavor.
Keep it light and refreshing. This Shandy is perfect for summer days under the sun.
SUMMER OLYMPICS PUNCH
Backyard barbecues will never be the same. Summer Punch is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for outdoor festivities.
TaffersBrownedButterBourbon.com
By Bob Barnes
Deadwood Meadery, the first and only meadmaking facility in the Las Vegas Valley, just celebrated its second anniversary and is thriving, with plans to expand its off-premises sales. Located at 7705 Commercial Way #100, it’s technically in The Henderson Booze District but is situated next to the Toyota dealership on the west side of Eastgate Road.
In case you aren’t familiar with what mead is, it’s kind of a cousin to beer and wine as it is fermented honey with oftentimes additions of fruit, herbs or spices. It’s also where the word honeymoon originates.
Deadwood Meadery is the creation of Owner/Operator/ Meadmaker Tom Nichols, who got into meadmaking while working as a bartender and wanting a softer fortified drink to put in cocktails. When he realized how costly it was for shipping commercial meads, he decided it was time the valley had its own production facility. The process from start to finish takes about two to three months for flavored and three to six months for traditional mead.
Nichols chose the Deadwood name because it elicits thoughts of Old Vegas when it was a railroad stopover drinking hole in the middle of the desert at the turn of the 20th century. The tasting room lends a Southwestern feel with a wall mural painted by local artist Luis Abrego featuring cacti, a dead tree, skeleton atop a horse and the ridgeline of Frenchman Mountain (aka Sunrise). There are also old-timey antique sofas and chairs.
Two of the more popular creations that are frequently pouring are the Umbra – lower alcohol (6.9% ABV), sparkling traditional mead – and Rage Against Florence, still (uncarbonated), balanced in extremities of big flavors of sweet, tart and tonic with black currant, pomegranate and Madagascar vanilla bean (14% ABV).
Nichols has the freedom to play around with myriad ingredients and is not shy about doing so. Wild Child (5.8% ABV) is the first wild fermented mead made on the West Coast. It is made with wildflower honey (including some from Argentina, India and Hawaii), pineapple and a neutral yeast combined with a wild lactobacillus lactic acid yeast. Chantilly Lace (14% ABV) is Chantilly cake-inspired infused with raspberries, blueberries, almonds and Madagascar vanilla and somehow tastes like the cake.
Perhaps the most innovative is Fyve Alyve. Reminiscent of the Five Alive punch Nichols enjoyed as a kid, the Minute Maid product is no longer made in the U.S., but is made in Canada, so Nichols purchased some online and played around with the ingredient list of tangerine, grapefruit, orange, lemon and lime juices till he found a match. This 6.9% ABV nostalgic citrus punch mead is so refreshing and easy drinking, you’ll have to remind yourself it contains alcohol.
The best way to enjoy the meads is to seek guidance from one of the meadtenders, who will ask about what flavors you like to create a custom experience to best fit your palate. If you want to enjoy some at home, they have a growler machine that can seal your favorite into a 12 oz. can, and there are varieties in 375 ml bottles.
A popular event is Game Night every Monday from 4-9 p.m. Customers are invited to play board and card games while enjoying discounts and giveaways. On Thursdays, there’s a BOGO promotion of 50% off a 4-pack or 25% off a bottle.
Coming up soon will be Crappy Movie night, which runs from October through December typically on Thursdays and/ or Sundays, featuring movies with ratings so bad, they’re good. Two movies are shown, one at 5 p.m. and one at 7. The event is free, and there is popcorn available for purchase.
Reflecting on the past two years, Nichols said, “It’s been extremely educational and rewarding. It’s fulfilling to be able to serve the community directly to both create and serve with our products.”
He recently hired an assistant and has taken a step back from meadmaking to concentrate more on direct sales and preparing for the launch of nationwide online sales. In Southern Nevada, you can find Deadwood Meadery products on draft at Esther’s Kitchen, HUDL Brewing, Millenium Fandom Bar and Red Dwarf and in bottles at Khoury’s, Top Shelf and Silver Stamp.
Pro
‘Jasoul’ Guerpo teaches ‘the artistic expression of physical education’
By Jen Avison Smith
Breakdancing is having its moment, and it’s not just in the Olympics. One Las Vegas resident knows the sport on a scientific level, and he’s getting kids on board.
Professional breakdancer
Jason “Jasoul” Guerpo teaches “the artistic expression of physical education” through breakdancing lessons and courses across the Las Vegas Valley.
Additional learning materials include a full online course with more than 300 videos that teach mat use, as well as the foundations of breaking to experiment on the grid at home. Jasoul co-authored a 68-page book that provides step-by-step instructions for learning the foundations of dancing.
greats including Cirque du Soleil and Jabbawockeez.
Jasoul introduces the philosophy and skills of breakdancing to students across all age groups through BTR Breakin Athletic Arts, an educational program that combines the culture of dance with sports science.
Together with his brother, they cultivate creativity through this athletic program they developed in 2019. They refined the biomechanics of their training system to teach “multidimensional athleticism,” as Jasoul calls it, to hone speed, strength and balance in their students.
Beyond the system, Jasoul patented “The Grid,” a spatial mat with geometric markings that helps people to understand the space around them. It allows them to work their bodies and adjust their points of contact to achieve moves on the ground.
“It’s a sensory training mat,” he explains.
Jasoul takes kids around the city for performances and jam sessions to showcase their skills. While lessons are taught out of community locations with available mats, he’s also working toward developing a training center for BTR Breakin.
Jasoul knows the industry from decades of experience as a world-renowned breakdancer himself. He got his start on the big island of Hawaii and has been dancing since 1994, teaching classes to his friends and winning local competitions.
Wanting to focus on performance and developing his competitive skill, he left Hawaii in 2008 to pursue the craft in Las Vegas.
Jasoul has traveled internationally to represent the United States in world competitions and has collaborated with Las Vegas
Between his competition stints, he has spent his 30 years working as a “creative practitioner” for the sport.
“This is something that’s functional,” he says. “It comes from a culture of scarcity, of trauma. [It] grew this culture that has touched every part of the world and that has uplifted the youth into functional and incredible humans that have impact, not just in their community.”
Jasoul sees the new Olympic inclusion as an opportunity for more collaboration in the culture – and community building.
“It’s also going to help people think critically,” he says. “Industry’s going to come from it, more innovation. Hip-hop and breaking is a social innovation and very much needed.”
Jasoul notes that breakdancing allows people to find their true selves and achieve confidence, largely through the tools BTR Breakin provides. The payoff he gets from teaching kids, in addition to the parents’ satisfaction, is seeing the joy on his students’ faces.
“The receipt that we get is smiles,” he says. “There’s nothing like it.”
More: BTRBreakin.com
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 verymuch-missed colleague, mentor and friend.
Which singer-songwriter headliner’s news of being a Las Vegas resident surprised his fans?
Which headliner recently performed a show without dancers? Horrors!
Which singer-songwriter nearly split his snug pants while dancing during a performance?
Which stylist’s sexy and stylish jacket (that he didn’t make) outshined a show’s headliner in number of compliments?
Which magazine publisher enjoys public banter (not bickering) with his new wife? Boop, boop, boop, boop!
These are whispers, so no answers will be provided; you’ll just have to use your imagination. Email your Vegas Prime Whispers to editorial@vegasprime.com.
New Palms headliner Babyface and Las Vegas comedy headliner (and ill-fated Golden Globes host) Jo Koy were in the audience for opening night of Boyz II Men and Robin Thicke at The Chelsea Ballroom in The Cosmopolitan on Aug. 23.
Props to Las Vegas chanteuse and “American Idol” finalist Mikalah Gordon on being featured in Vegas Prime Magazine and The Town in recent weeks. It’s well-deserved!
The Modern Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim could not have been more charming in hosting the first-anniversary celebration of The Vault at Bellagio on Aug. 22.
Las Vegas resident and Luxor headliner comedian Carrot Top was recently spotted in Tivoli Village sporting his signature headband and rainbow socks.
