2026-01-29-Las-Vegas-Weekly

CELEBRATE

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

WHITNEY LIBRARY’S SECOND ANNUAL BLACK AUTHOR EXPO

This dynamic event will feature local and national authors of color.

Saturday, February 7: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Whitney Library

AGE GROUP: TEENS & ADULTS

ART AS RESISTANCE - SIGNIFICANT FIGURES AND EVENTS IN BLACK HISTORY & RESIN ART

Learn about the power of visual art throughout history and create your own resin art.

Saturday, February 7

2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Centennial Hills Library

AGE GROUP: TEENS

BACH TO BEYONCÉ

AT THE LIBRARY DISTRICT

STELLA’S STELLAR HAIR

Little ones are invited to join this special storytime!

Tuesday, February 10: 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.

West Las Vegas Library - NEW LOCATION

AGE GROUP: TWEENS & KIDS

EXPLORING THE ORIGINS OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH - LOCAL, NATIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL

Professor Tyler D. Parry will discuss the inception of this heritage month in this dynamic lecture.

Wednesday, February 18

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Whitney Library

EXPLORING THE ORIGINS OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH- LOCAL, NATIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL

Professor Tyler D. Parry will discuss the inception of this heritage month in this dynamic lecture.

Wednesday, February 18

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

AGE GROUP: TEENS & ADULTS

STORY QUILTS

Grades K-5 can learn about the artist and author Faith Ringgold, who was famous for her narrative quilts.

Whitney Library

AGE GROUP: TEENS& ADULTS

FROM HISTORY TO HIP HOP - A MUSICAL JOURNEY WITH JONATHAN BLANCHARD AND HIS BAND!

Wednesday, February 25: 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. Spring Valley Library

AGE GROUP: TWEENS & KIDS

Vegas City Opera takes you on a vocal journey through the Beyoncé songbook inspired by classical music.

Saturday, February 7: 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. West Charleston Library

Saturday, February 14: 3 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Whitney Library

Saturday, February 21: 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Windmill Library

Saturday, February 28: 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Summerlin Library

AGE GROUP: ADULTS

TEENS CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Learn about NASA’s “Hidden Figures” Dorothy Vaughan, Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Christine Darden, and their groundbreaking work.

Tuesday, February 10: 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

West Las Vegas Library - NEW LOCATION

AGE GROUP: TEENS

Enjoy an interactive musical history performance that makes the past come alive!

Friday, February 20: 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. Windmill Library – Auditorium

Saturday, February 21: 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

West Charleston Library - Lecture Hall

Sunday, February 22: 3 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Summerlin Library - Theater

AGE GROUP: ADULTS

BLACK HISTORY MONTH POETRY SHOWCASE - PRESENTED BY SPOTLIGHT POETRY

Celebrate Black poets whose voices honor legacy and illuminate the brilliance of their history.

Saturday, February 28

2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

West Charleston Library

AGE GROUP: ADULTS

“OBSIDIAN & NEON: BUILDING BLACK LIFE AND IDENTITY IN LAS VEGAS” GALLERY EXHIBIT

Observe images that honor community leaders who are actively shaping identity and cultivating Black life in Las Vegas.

Now through March 1 West Las Vegas Library

AGE GROUP: ALL

Scan QR code for even more events & programs in February.

SUNDAY,FEBRUARY 8

GRAND BALLROOM

EXHIBIT HALL • NAPA

Free Admission Must Be 21 Doors at 10:30am

BIG GAME PARTIES

BETTING WINDOWS & SELF-BETTING KIOSKS AVAILABLE FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS

INTERIM PUBLISHER MARIA BLONDEAUX

maria.blondeaux@gmgvegas.com

EDITOR SHANNON MILLER shannon.miller@gmgvegas.com

EDITORIAL

Senior Editor GEOFF CARTER (geo .carter@gmgvegas.com)

Managing Editor BROCK RADKE (brock.radke@gmgvegas.com)

Arts & Entertainment Editor AMBER SAMPSON (amber.sampson@gmgvegas.com)

Sta Writer GABRIELA RODRIGUEZ (gabriela.rodriguez@gmgvegas.com)

Sta Writer TYLER SCHNEIDER (tyler.schneider@gmgvegas.com)

Contributing Writers KYLE CHOUINARD, GRACE DA ROCHA,HILLARY DAVIS, KATIE ANN MCCARVER

Contributing Editors RAY BREWER, CASE KEEFER, DAVE MONDT

O ce Coordinator NADINE GUY

CREATIVE

Las Vegas Weekly Art Director CORLENE BYRD (corlene.byrd@gmgvegas.com)

Marketing Graphic Designer CARYL LOU PAAYAS

Contributing Graphic Designers WESLEY GATBONTON, CHRISTINA TRIMIDAL

Photo Coordinator LAUREN VINTON

Photographers CHRISTOPHER DEVARGAS, STEVE MARCUS, WADE VANDERVORT

DIGITAL

Publisher of Digital Media KATIE HORTON

Web Content Specialist CLAYT KEEFER

Associate Editor of Social Media EM JURBALA

ADVERTISING & MARKETING

Associate Publisher ALEX HAASE

Senior Advertising Managers MIKE MALL, ADAIR MILNE, SUE SRAN

Account Executives LAUREN JOHNSON

Events Director SAMANTHA LAMB

Events Manager HANNAH ANTER

Events Coordinator APRIL MARTINEZ

Event Sales Coordinator MELINA TAYLOR

PRODUCTION & CIRCULATION

Vice President of Manufacturing MARIA BLONDEAUX

Production Director PAUL HUNTSBERRY

Production Manager BLUE UYEDA

Production Artist MARISSA MAHERAS

Senior Tra c Coordinator DENISE ARANCIBIA

Tra c Coordinator KIMBERLY CHANG

Fulfillment Operations Coordinator CASANDRA PIERCE

GREENSPUN MEDIA GROUP

CEO, Publisher & Editor BRIAN GREENSPUN

Chief Operating O cer ROBERT CAUTHORN

Director of Human Resources SHANNA CHAVEZ GRAY

Chief Financial O cer STEVE GRAY

LAS VEGAS WEEKLY

P.O. Box 94018

Las Vegas, NV 89193

702-990-2550

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All content is copyright Las Vegas Weekly LLC. Las Vegas Weekly is published Thursdays and distributed throughout Southern Nevada. Readers are permitted one free copy per issue. Additional copies are $2, available back issues $3.

ADVERTISING DEADLINE EVERY THURSDAY AT 5 P.M.

Burgers to pizza, hot dogs to tacos, pad Thai to Cornish pasties—these a ordable tastes win on every level.

COVER Photo by Wade Vandervort ON THE COVER

SUPERGUIDE 08

26 NEWS

Time is running out for the seven states drawing from the Colorado River to agree on future water allocations.

30 SPORTS

The Vegas Golden Knights have strengthened their defense.

32 MUSIC

An Ugly Duckling and a new Swan Dive are set to make some sweet sounds in the Arts District.

34 NIGHTLIFE

Vinyl records and classic jams reign at Wax Rabbit’s U Remind Me R&B night.

38 COMEDY

Geo rey Asmus prides himself on being smart enough to play dumb for laughs.

40 FOOD & DRINK

Carmine’s Pizza Kitchen brings oldschool flavor.

Want More? Visit lasvegasweekly.com.

SUPERGUIDE

THURSDAY JAN 29

PLANET DESERT ROCK WEEKEND

The sixth edition of Planet Desert Rock Weekend returns with one of its largest lineups yet, despite weathering a number of storms. The heavy-psych and stoner rock festival, which will bring 21 bands from nine countries to Downtown Las Vegas, was forced to switch its location to the Usual Place after Count’s Vamp’d closed last year, and founder John Gist says he’s experienced the most band cancellations ever this year due to U.S. immigration policies. But he’s persevered, bringing heavy underground acts like The Atomic Bitchwax, Spaceslug, The Well, Freedom Hawk, Black Water Rising and The Devil and the Almighty Blues to the stage. Some of these internationally recognized bands will perform their first U.S. shows while others will make their PDRW debuts after rocking for decades. This is a weekender of heavy, intimate shows and even rarer moments of discovery. Thru 2/1, 5 p.m., $50-$156, the Usual Place, eventbrite.com.

–Amber Sampson

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS. DALLAS STARS

7 p.m., T-Mobile Arena, axs.com.

MECUM MOTORCYCLE AUCTION

Thru 1/31, times vary, South Point Arena, mecum.com.

MIDWIFE With Amulets, Drowning Spree, 8 p.m., the Gri n, dice.fm.

SANTANA

7 p.m., & 1/21, 2/1, House of Blues, ticketmaster.com.

ELIMINATE With Vulpiix, Ontap, 10 p.m., We All Scream, tixr.com.

FRIDAY JAN 30

LA BELLE ET LA BÊTE

When Phillip Glass composed La Belle et la Bête in 1994, he took Jean Cocteau’s 1946 surrealist romantic fantasy film and replaced its original soundtrack with his own score. Where the norm in those days was to convert opera to film, Glass converted film into opera. Vegas City Opera brings the innovative work to life with baritone Jawan Jenkins as the Beast and mezzo-soprano Courtney Ankerfelt as Belle. Expect a mesmerizing fusion of cinema and live performance that breathes new life into Cocteau’s haunting, dreamlike imagery. 7 p.m. (& 1/31, 2 p.m.), $20-$35, Charleston Heights Arts Center, vegascityopera.org. –Shannon Miller

EAGLES 8:30 p.m., & 1/31, Sphere, ticketmaster. com.

BLAKE SHELTON 8:30 p.m., & 1/31, the Colosseum, ticketmaster.com.

ZAYN 9 p.m., & 1/31, Dolby Live, ticketmaster.com.

NEW EDITION With Boyz II Men, Toni Braxton, 8 p.m., T-Mobile Arena, axs.com.

STYX 8:30 p.m., & 1/31, Venetian Theatre, ticketmaster.com.

ASHLEE SIMPSON 10 p.m., & 1/31, Voltaire, voltairelv.com.

NOTHING MORE With Catch Your Breath, Archers, Doobie, 5:30 p.m., Brooklyn Bowl, ticketmaster.com.

CHRIS STANDRING 8 p.m., the Railhead, ticketmaster.com.

CORT CARPENTER 10 p.m., Stoney’s Rockin’ Country, tixr.com.

THOMAS ERAK & THE OUROBOROS With Murals, Diver, 8 p.m., Backstage Bar & Billiards, seetickets.us.

STEVE AOKI 10:30 p.m., Hakkasan Nightclub, taogroup.com.

XAVI 8 p.m., Pearl Concert Theater, axs.com.

HENRY FONG 10 p.m., Discopussy, tixr.com.

SATURDAY JAN 31

WORLD BAGEL EATING CHAMPIONSHIP

Siegel’s Bagelmania’s fourth annual World Bagel Eating Championship isn’t going to be pretty, but it will be a spectacle. Deep down, we’re all at least a little curious to see how these competitive eaters will scarf down as many bagels as they possibly can without keeling over or hurling. Reigning champ Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, who gobbled up 15 bagels in eight minutes last year, will defend his title against six topranked eating athletes seeking the $10,000 prize. It’s going to be fierce—“Jaws” will be put to the test and one brave eater will emerge victorious. 11 a.m., free, Siegel’s Bagelmania, siegelsbagelmania. com.

–Amber Sampson

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS. SEATTLE KRAKEN

7 p.m., T-Mobile Arena, axs.com.

UNLV WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VS. COLORADO STATE Noon, Cox Pavilion, unlvtickets.com.

LAS VEGAS DESERT DOGS VS. OSHAWA FIREWOLVES

7 p.m., Lee’s Family Forum, axs.com.

CHICKA CHICKA BOOM BOOM: THE MUSICAL

2 p.m., Reynolds Hall, thesmithcenter.com.

CHEYENNE JACKSON

5 & 8 p.m., Myron’s, thesmithcenter.com.

ELEVATION RHYTHM

With Strings & Heart, 6:30 p.m., Brooklyn Bowl, ticketmaster.com.

STRAWBERRY GIRLS

With Andres, Amarionette, 7 p.m., Grey Witch, dice.fm.

CHELSEA HANDLER

8 p.m., the Chelsea, ticketmaster.com. S U P E R G U I D E

BLUNTS & BLONDES

With M?stic, Nxsty, 9 p.m., the Wall at Area15, area15.com.

ELIJAH SCOTT

8 p.m., Backstage Bar & Billiards, seetickets.us.

NATHAN MITCHELL

8 p.m., Access Showroom, ticketmaster.com.

DON’T TELL COMEDY

7 p.m., Fergusons Downtown, donttellcomedy.com.

PLANT BASED COMEDY

With Steven Marcus Releford, Anyi Malik, 8 p.m., Tacotarian, eattacotarian.com.

MARSHMELLO 10:30 p.m., XS Nightclub, wynnsocial.com.

DEORRO 10:30 p.m., Omnia Nightclub, taogroup.com.

JAMES HYPE 10 p.m., Zouk Nightclub, zoukgrouplv.com.

WHO

With Cheez, Tony Comfort Jones, Jesse KP, 10 p.m., Discopussy, tixr.com.

SAM FELDT 10:30 p.m., LIV Nightclub, livnightclub.com.

SUPERGUIDE

SUNDAY

VINNIE FAVORITO

8:30 p.m., Notoriety, notorietylive.com.

GEOFFREY ASMUS

7 p.m., Wiseguys, wiseguyscomedy. com.

LAST HOUSE

7:30 p.m., Fat Cat Lounge, dice.fm.

CASEY HANSLEY & ANTHONY CULLINS

10 p.m., Sand Dollar Lounge, thesanddollarlv.com.

ODD MOB

10:30 p.m., XS Nightclub, wynnsocial.com.

BRAD GARRETT

8 p.m., & 2/2, Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club, mgmgrand.com.

EXHIBIT: SCRIBBLE BY KIRBY M. BROWNELL Thru 3/3, times vary, Centennial Hills Library, thelibrarydistrict.org.

EXHIBIT: TRANSIENT VISITOR BY STARRR ZAHRA Thru 3/22, times vary, East Las Vegas Library, thelibrarydistrict.org.

KATY MONROE

7 p.m., Maxan Jazz, maxanjazz.com.

JASON CHENY With Tom Rhodes, Leo Flowers, Caitlin Pelu o, thru 2/8, 7 & 9:30 p.m., Comedy Cellar, ticketmaster. com.

DJ SOURMILK

10:30 p.m., Marquee Nightclub, taogroup. com.

DO IT ALL

SUPERGUIDE

TUESDAY FEB 3

WEDNESDAY FEB 4

SHE PAST AWAY

With Past Self, 8 p.m., the Usual Place, dice.fm.

JULIAN MIRANDA’S UNPLUGGED VOCAL JAM

6 p.m., Composers Room, thecom posersroom.com.

JUSTIN CREDIBLE

10:30 p.m., Omnia Nightclub, taogroup.com.

GREG WILSON

With Tony B., thru 2/8, 8 p.m., LA Comedy Club, bestvegascomedy. com.

DEF LEPPARD

8 p.m., & 2/5, 2/7, the Colosseum, ticket master.com.

Courtesy/Ross Halfin

CHRIS STAPLETON

His recent guest appearance on a podcast sparked rumors and headlines about the possibility of an early retirement, but for now, Chris Stapleton remains a force in country music. Since his 2015 debut Traveller and its breakout hit “Tennessee Whiskey,” the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter has become a modern country staple. Even noncountry fans can appreciate his gravelly, soulful delivery. Beyond the hits, Stapleton’s ballads like “Cold” and “Loving You On My Mind” dig deep, sonically anchoring the weight of true devotion. Whether this tour marks the end of an era or a brief break, Stapleton’s twonight stop at Park MGM will remind you why his music is impossible to overlook. 8 p.m., $415+, Dolby Live, ticketmaster.com. –Gabriela Rodriguez

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS. VANCOUVER CANUCKS 7 p.m., T-Mobile Arena, axs.com.

COLLECTIVE SOUL 8:30 p.m., & 2/6-2/7, Venetian Theatre, ticketmaster.com.

CORONER With Heathen, Madzilla, 8 p.m., the Usual Place, dice.fm.

LEMA 10:30 p.m., Marquee Nightclub, taogroup.com.

DJ FRANZEN 10:30 p.m., Hakkasan Nightclub, taogroup.com.

ENTERTAINING PARTY

BY SHANNON MILLER

So you want to throw a party. Where do you start?

Designers’ tips for throwing a party to stimulate the fi ve senses

Go to the experts. Freddy Godinez and Alexander Stabler of Las Vegas-based design consulting company Fredric Alexander (fred ricalexander.com) bring a wealth of professional experience to the table.

To make entertaining more manageable, they say it’s best to first be intentional about what kind of gathering you’re trying to throw. What is the purpose of the get-together?

“Consider what the goal should be for how you want guests to experience the event or space,” Godinez says. “How do you want them to gather? And how can people move through the space as they’re experiencing the event? That helps dictate how you decide these small details that will complement everything.”

Once you have that down, you just have to focus on the five senses.

“If you think about these senses, you’re going to create an experience that will be memorable for your guests. And it will take you through step by step to make sure you have everything you need,” Stabler says.

SIGHT

“There’s a shift in energy when you walk into a room where the lighting has been thought of. It’s the first thing that sets the tone,” Stabler says.

You can utilize the lamps you have in your home. Bring bedside lamps out to your kitchen counter. Maybe pull out your Christmas lights and string them around the room. Or bring in a disco party projector to create a fun and playful atmosphere. Get creative. There’s just one thing to avoid: “We recommend no overhead lighting. It’s for cleaning and interrogations. It’s not for entertaining,” Stabler says. “You want to create layered lighting that feels warm and inviting.”

SOUND

Do not underestimate the importance of the sense of sound. Whether you have a movie playing in the background, a well-curated playlist or a live DJ, you want the sound level to be appropriate for the goals of the gathering.

“It depends on the type of event you want to have. If you want to have that music turned up in a way that brings the energy, you can do that. For more of an intimate gathering, you want something low that sets the vibe where people can talk,” Stabler says.

If you do go the playlist route, a word of advice: “Please make sure you are ad free. Nothing ruins a vibe like ‘Five dollars off on your next burger at In-N-Out.’”

SMELL

The sense of smell can really elevate guests’ experience. If you’re going to serve home-cooked food at an event, have the food warming in the oven, Stabler says.

“It hits emotional sensors and memories for people. It always feels welcoming,” he says.

If your home or venue is big enough, different rooms can have different smells. Create a sense of luxury in the powder room or guest bathroom with a bouquet of fresh flowers. Burn a scented candle where guests are relaxing and chatting.

Just remember: you don’t want different scents to clash. “Consider having scents that complement one another,” says Godinez.

TOUCH

Card and board games, paper hats, confetti and other party props ... party planners have a lot of options for connecting with guests through the sense of touch. One important opportunity is in the vessels you are serving your food and drink in.

“Real glasses, real plates, real silverware. I think plastic plates feel cheap and tacky. And it’s not good for the environment. Cloth napkins are so elevated. There are biodegradable spoons and forks, or you can pick up reusable spoons and forks and eclectic plates and have fun with it,” Stabler says.

You can also bring a variety of materials into the space to give guests different textures. Elevate your couch by bringing extra pillows or, if you don’t have a ton of seating, put some pillows on the floor. If you have a patio, put a blanket on each chair. These details create a cozy atmosphere.

TASTE

To quench guests’ thirst, consider creating a signature cocktail for each party. And it doesn’t have to be complicated. Just one of the cocktail ingredients, simple syrups or maybe a garnish can tie to a theme.

It’s essential to pre-make the cocktail in a large batch, so you’re not burdened with bartending while you try to host a party. Another alternative is to leave ingredients and maybe a recipe at the bar for guests to make their own concoctions, Godinez says.

Whether you’re catering or home-cooked food, make it something you want to eat. That helps you narrow down what to serve, and adds some personality to the food.

“Remember this is your event. You want to enjoy it. So do things you enjoy and love. And that applies to the food, too,” Stabler says.

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EXPLORE OUR COMPLETE EVENTS CALENDAR

by Steve

Vegas is big and expensive. Here’s where to find a ordable and fantastic food near your big ticket destinations

Everyone knows Allegiant is not just one of the top venues in the country, it also has some of the best stadium food ... but big events come with big prices in this category as well. Luckily there are convenient and friendly eateries nearby, starting with WSKY Stadium (5625 Polaris Ave. #100), the biggest location of the Terrible’s tavern brand. The home of the Silver and Black is walking distance from the double-patty T&T Smashburger ($17), topped with white American cheese, caramelized onions and giardiniera; one of the city’s best Italian grinders ($17); killer chicken tenders with fries ($15); and addictive mini smashburger sliders ($16).

If you’re walking over for a game or concert from the closest Strip hotels—most of you are— make a stop at BBQ Mexicana at Mandalay Bay for the legendary smoked brisket burrito ($16), a mesquite-smoked chicken bowl ($14) with cilantro-lime rice and charred corn relish, or pulled pork tacos ($14) with crispy jalapeños and barbecue sauce; or Diablo’s Cantina at Luxor for a refreshing house margarita ($14) and some even more refreshing aguachile shrimp ceviche ($17).

Back on the stadium side of the world, of course there’s a nearby In-N-Out Burger (3397 W. Russell Road) and that’s tough to beat for price and quality, but you also need to know about R Burgers (4110 W. Russell Road), which serves huge breakfast burritos ($8-$14) and pastrami chili cheese fries ($17) in addition to classic burgers and tasty milkshakes ($6).

For something a bit di erent, Made in Argentina (5190 S. Valley View Blvd. #100) is known for its Lomito steak sandwich ($17), stacked with ham, fried egg, cheese and roasted bell pepper, and an assortment of aky empanadas ($5). Heads up: this cozy joint is closed on Sundays. –Brock Radke

by Steve

One of the biggest, boldest and priciest attractions in the history of Las Vegas, Sphere continues to attract visitors to the Strip for a memorable, one-of-a-kind experience. Since it’s connected to Venetian, it’s natural to grab some grub at the fancy Italian-themed resort before or after your show. But where? Head to the often overlooked Brera Osteria in the Grand Canal Shoppes during the 2-5 p.m. Aperitivo Hour, when beautiful wood- red pizzas are $12-$16 and other delicious dishes include beef and pork meatballs ($9), eggplant parm ($14) and dry-aged beef sliders ($15). Close by in Palazzo’s casino, several of our favorite dishes at Chinese jewel Mott 32 are the more a ordable selections, such as some of the city’s best pork Shanghainese soup dumplings ($16) and the Peking duck salad ($24) with decadent citrus tru e dressing.

Slip o the Boulevard to the east and engage in the discount dining wonderland that is Ellis Island Casino (4250 Koval Lane). This favorite of locals and tourists alike o ers cheese for $3.75, peerless and totally satisfying Italian sandwiches from in the $10-$14 range, and loads of a ordable diner classics at the casino’s own . We like to keep it old-school and oceanic with a shrimp cocktail ($10) and classic sh and chips ($18), or knock out a perfect

slices from Metro Pizza Via Focaccia Village Pub & Cafe on rye ($16).

Tacos & Beer ( ) has chile

Izakaya Tora

($8), while beloved steakhouse Cleaver ers entrees and side dishes.

If you’re looking to keep it simple on your big night out at Sphere, the local eatery with the most direct name will hit the spot. 3900 Paradise Road #A great prices across its menu, but the avors are more complex and dynamic than you’d expect. Try out the $5 beer-battered avocado or guajillo chile shrimp tacos and you’ll understand. And just next door in the same center, is serving up skewers from its Binchotan grill like ume and shiso chicken thigh or rich, smoky pork belly ($8), while beloved steakhouse o ers $5.50 well drinks during the extra-long daily happy hour starting at 5 p.m. and special prices for many of the favorite starters, –BR

So, you’re going Downtown to have drinks or see a show at the Smith Center, and you don’t want to spend big on dinner because three hours’ worth of parking fees nearly equals an entree. (Oh, the dark times we live in.) The Arts District area o ers lots of a ordable and delicious options, too many to list. Try the $7.29 double cheeseburger at Best Burger 1125 E. Charleston Blvd.), a veritable meat peach topped with American cheese, caramelized onion, tomato, lettuce and the addictive Best Sauce. Also recommended is the double patty melt ($7.49), a diner staple made deliciously portable.

with mashed potatoes and your choice of veggie proteins, queso fresco, crema and choice of red, green or mole sauce.

More great portable meals can be had at

More great portable meals can be had at Viva Las Arepas (1616 Las Vegas Blvd. South #120), which serves hearty Venezuelan atbreads stu ed with deliciousness.

want a meal you can enjoy one-handed, Ta) and And

The Reina Pepiada ($11) is a cool, chicken salad-like delight—chicken breast, avocado and mayo with a bit of cilantro. The garlic shrimp ($11.49) and cheese arepas ($9.49) are also terri c, hot, rib-sticking pockets of yum. If you’re keen to avoid meat and cheese but still want a meal you can enjoy one-handed, cotarian (1130 S. Casino Center Blvd. #170 continues to serve outstanding plant-based tacos, especially the seitan, achiote, pineapple, pico de gallo, salsa morita and cilantro lime dressing-stacked al pastor ($3.15), and the Baja ($3.19), with its fried beer-battered avocado, topped with slaw, guacamole, pico and chili mayo. And for a full meal, it’s tough to beat the enchiladas ($15.75), three corn tortillas lled

Cornish Pasty (10 E. Charleston Blvd.) is true to its name, serving faithful and smartly reinvented versions of the savory pastries from England’s Cornwall County. The Oggie ($16) is the traditional pasty: steak, potato, onion and rutabaga served with red wine gravy on the side. But the chicken tikka masala ($17), with its marinated chicken breast, tikka masala sauce, potatoes and green bell pepper complemented by minted yogurt or tahini, and the Carne Adovada ($18.50)—New Mexican-style pork red chili stew, Mexican rice, Hatch chile and cheddar—are equally craveable. And you’ll more than likely take home some leftovers; they’re very lling.

–Geo Carter (

chili stew, Mexican rice, Hatch chile and cheddar—are equal-

You could also go simple, and in this part of town, simple is good. Davy’s at ReBar (1221 S. Main St.) o ers the Elote Dog ($12)—a giant beef dog loaded with street corn, crema, cheddar jack, cotija, spicy mayo and tajin. And the recently reopened Guerrilla Pizza Company 900 Las Vegas Blvd. South #120) is a marvel, with its thick, Detroit-style pan pizzas ($15.95 for just cheese; $1.35 per additional toppings like pepperoni, hot Hungarian sausage, mushroom, red onion, honey bacon and more), just one of which is substantial enough to feed two people. We recommend eating two a night: one before the evening’s fun, and one after, just because they’re addictive and the price is right.

Pizza

(900 Las Vegas Blvd. South #120

Hungarian –Geo Carter

SIEGEL’S BAGELMANIA

Where are the city’s annual business travelers eating when their company isn’t picking up the check? We don’t know, but they should obviously be hitting the iconic Tacos El Gordo (3041 Las Vegas Blvd. South) before the convention, after the expo hall has closed for the day, and maybe even after that fancy dinner if they’re still hankering for the best-in-class tacos adobada ($3.43).

It’s right next to the Convention Center so it’s hard to miss Siegel’s Bagelmania (252 Convention Center Drive) and its expansive and easy collection of bagels, schmears and bagelwiches; the Old School ($13) covers the bases with eggs, cheese and your choice of bacon, sausage or ham. But keep cruising the menu to nd specialty dishes like the Rabbi’s Reuben omelet ($17), also available in burrito form, or lunchtime faves like Commissioner Tick’s Chili Cheese Dog ($15), a pepperoni pizza bagel ($10) or a crispy chicken parm sandwich on a toasted asiago bagel ($20).

Just across the Strip at Resorts World, the fabulous Famous Foods Street Eats food hall o ers a world of culinary experiences and a special deal right now perfect for groups: Get three entrees for $45, four for $55 or ve for $65. We love the Char Kuey Teow rice noodles ($18) from the Googgle Man stall, the blue crab hand roll ($13) at Nori Bar, and the pork belly burnt ends ($15.50) or totally shareable Texas Trinity (smoked brisket, St. Louis Ribs and pulled pork, $27) at Blood Bros

If a certain conventioneer has time for a long, relaxing lunch, head to Commercial Center at the venerable Komol Thai (953 E. Sahara Ave. #E10). Lunch special options ($13) include pad Thai, panang curry or pad kee mao “drunken noodles,” and lemongrass and limelaced tom kha soup is just $10, while the house special deep-fried duck is a steal at $20. –BR

great bites on a budget near sports arenas, but Lee’s Family Forum in Henderson is surrounded. Whether you’re fueling up before that next Silver Knights game or grazing before a concert, here’s your best plan of action.

Treat yourself to a nice, sit-down meal at Co ee ), where a hearty plate of garlic fried rice and fried chicken will only set you back $16. This Green Valley gem also serves up delicious stews, including the 24hour slow-cooked

Charm Thai Kitchen & (1770 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway beef noodle soup ($18).

Craving a quick, graband-go bite instead? Right down the street is Aztec Burgers (1570 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway #160), sizzling up smashburgers in the $12-$13 range. It’s a Mexican-American fusion concept, so expect all the xings—chorizo, salsa, chilies—and quality Angus beef. The signature Aztec Burger comes with sausage links and a helping of fries, a great bang for your buck, but don’t count out the bacon-wrapped Sonora Dog with grilled onions and Chihuahua cheese ($10). Steamie Weenie (1500 N. Green Valley Parkway #130) also has tasty and a ordable franks. The Savage Dog ($8) is wrapped in crisp bacon and crumbles of blue cheese and grilled onions, and the Chicago-inspired Windy City ($7) is dressed in grilled onions, sport peppers and mustard.

Boom Bang Fine Foods & Cocktails (75 S. Valle Verde Drive #160), mere minutes from the arena, features one of the best happy hours in the area. Get there before 6 p.m. and snag a $12 crispy Connecticut-style cheese pizza. It’s cracker-thin and lling enough for two—but why bother sharing at that price? Boom Bang’s happy hour smash burgers—$8 for a single, $12 for a double—also hit the spot. At the nearby District’s Me Gusta Tacos (2235 Village Walk Drive #153), taco plates with tortilla chips range from $10-$15, but the Cali Burrito ($14) is the real crowd pleaser, stu ed with tater tots, cheddar, sour cream, guac and your choice of protein. And the VGK Bowl ($14) is the tortilla-less equivalent. Bay Area visitors will also recognize the Mission Burrito ($14), a fan favorite for its Spanish rice, pico and black beans. –Amber Sampson

Whether it’s the fast-approaching baseball season pulling you toward the Las Vegas Ballpark or a sudden urge to stroll, snack, and window-shop, Downtown Summerlin has a way of sneaking onto the weekend agenda. The massive retail and event complex is tailor-made for grazing, and if you know where to look, it’s also full of solid deals and dishes worth planning around.

Grape Street (2120 Festival Plaza Drive #160) sets the tone with its sprawling patio and California bistro vibes. This is the kind of place where you order a glass of wine and accidentally stay for two hours. The tapas plate ($19) is the move, with roasted garlic, Greek meatballs, roasted vegetables, goat cheese cigars and Kalamata olives with tzatziki, an ideal shareable that feels far more indulgent than the price suggests. For something heartier, the grilled chicken and Emmenthaler Swiss sandwich ($16) hits all the right notes, especially with bacon and roasted red pepper mayo (add blackened seasoning for $2 if you know what’s good for you).

Over at Pancho’s (11020 Lavender Hill Drive), happy hour in the charming cantina from 2 to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends feels like a mini vacation. The hacienda-style space sets the mood, but the Botanas Especiales sampler ($16) seals the deal, stacking quesadillas, chicken drumsticks, beef taquitos and autas alongside sour cream and fresh guacamole. Pair it with a $6–$7 beer, from Modelo Especial to Kona

Big Wave, and call it a win.

Next door to the ballpark at City National Arena, Mackenzie River Pizza (1550 S. Pavilion Center Drive) is a reliable pre- or post-game stop. Lodgepoles ($8), cheesy garlic bread sticks with marinara, are a no-brainer, but the chicken pot pie ($11), bubbling in a cast-iron skillet under golden pu pastry, is comfort food done right. The scratchmade chicken chili ($7-$9) rounds things out nicely.

You’ve probably passed Distill (10820 W. Charleston Blvd.) a dozen times, but the daily happy hour (2-6 p.m. and 2-6 a.m.) is reason enough to nally stop in. Cajun chicken wings come in hot at $8, and the let sliders combo, with caramelized onions, blue cheese and horseradish, feels like a steal at $12.

For a fast-casual reset, Ori’Zaba’s Scratch Mexican Grill (11015 Sage Park Drive) makes a strong case for a post-gym staple. The build-your-own grilled chicken bowl starts around $11 and leans hard into house-made everything, from salsas to sides. Chipotle, consider yourself warned.

And just a short drive away, Rocco’s NY Pizzeria (10860 W. Charleston Blvd. #190) earns its local favorite status. Strombolis start at $13, stu ed with options like ham, salami, pepperoni or sausage with peppers and onions, each served with hot marinara. The Da Bronx cold sub ($13) layers prosciutto, salami, pepperoni, provolone and your choice of additional xings. It’s old-school comfort done right. –Gabriela Rodriguez

IN THE NEWS

Mental health funding mess leaves Nevada providers on edge

Nevada’s mental health and recovery network reeled after a federal funding fiasco wiped out—then abruptly restored—millions in crucial grants earlier this month, upending programs and leaving providers unsure if their money will vanish again.

Las Vegas’ PACT Coalition, which focuses on preventing substance misuse and promoting recovery, lost three grants totaling more than half a million dollars before officials rescinded the cancellation a day later.

The Trump administration sent termination letters to hundreds of organizations, canceling some 2,000 federal grants worth almost $2 billion for mental health and substance abuse services, according to the Associated Press.

In the termination letter, the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration said the grants “no longer effectuate the program goals or agency priorities,” which include preventing substance abuse and addressing serious mental illness. Grant recipients said they weren’t given specific reasons why their projects supposedly didn’t align with those priorities.

Jamie Ross, CEO of the PACT Coalition, disagreed with SAMHSA’s stated contention, saying “the goal of our grants is entirely in line with the priorities listed in that letter.”

SAMHSA rescinded the cancellations a day later, but the damage already was done. Organizations across the nation had begun planning to

sunset programs and lay off staff.

Proposals at the federal level that would slash some mental health and related programs by as much as 40% have added to those concerns, she said, pointing to a series of personnel cuts and grant cancellations at HHS since Robert F. Kennedy Jr. became secretary last February.

In Nevada, that instability has magnified an already fragile mental health system—one where clinics are short-staffed, rural counties rely on temporary telehealth programs and nonprofits fill gaps that state funding can’t. With Nevada ranking last in the nation for mental health care access and overdose deaths still rising, advocates warn even brief funding chaos could cost lives. –Grace Da Rocha

Local chef wins on Hell’s Kitchen and receives Beard nomination

On the January 22 finale of TV cooking competition Hell’s Kitchen, Main St. Provisions executive chef Ellie Parker took the top prize—in the same week that she was named a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Emerging Chef.

“This week has been an absolute roller coaster of emotions and this is the cherry on top. I am so grateful and [this] truly is a huge point in my career,” Parker posted on Instagram.

The Wisconsin native moved to Las Vegas at the age of 7 and studied the culinary arts at Northwest Career and Technical Academy and UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hospitality. Parker’s first kitchen job was as a line cook at the Venetian resort, and she’s also worked at La Cave, One Steakhouse, Brera Osteria and The Bedford by Martha Stewart. –Staff

TEAM SPIRIT

Children don Las Vegas Raiders hats during a community event with Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby and representatives from Credit One Bank at Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada on January 21. Credit One pledged $2,000 for every Raiders sack (37) in the 2025 season but rounded the donation up to $100,000. The money is being split by the Maxx Crosby Foundation and Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada.

STRIP VEGAS LOOP ADDS STATION AT FONTAINEBLEAU

Fontainebleau joins Resorts World, Westgate and Encore as the fourth Strip casino to get a Vegas Loop station. The Boring Company’s underground “Teslas in tunnels” transportation system connects resort guests to the Las Vegas Convention Center, providing “seamless travel” to four Convention Center stations and to other resorts. Fontainebleau will be the first resort to offer complimentary transportation to guests, according to a news release.

Clark County and the City of Las Vegas have approved digging for 68 miles of tunnels. The Boring Company aims to connect its current system with Harry Reid Airport, Allegiant Stadium, Chinatown, the Las Vegas Medical District and Fremont Street. –Staff

Nevada and six other states approaching deadline to determine post-2026 plan for Colorado River

TROUBLED WATER

BY TYLER SCHNEIDER

The clock is ticking for the seven Colorado River basin states to come to an agreement on how to manage the river under the worst drought in 1,200 years.

“The Law of the River,” a set of longstanding agreements between river stakeholders, was last updated in a 2007 plan that’s set to expire at the end of 2026. Since then, climate change has taken its toll on the river, reducing flows faster than earlier projections anticipated.

Now, the Lower Basin states of Arizona, California and Nevada argue that the Upper Basin states of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming should face mandatory cuts to their water allocations post-2026. The Upper Basin states counter that they shouldn’t have to because they already collectively use less than their allocated amounts.

If state negotiators can’t reach consensus on a new water management framework by February 14, the federal government could step in and impose its own guidelines as early as this summer, which experts say could lead to lengthy litigation and an uncertain future for the 40 million Americans who rely on the river for drinking water, agriculture and hydroelectric power.

Nevada negotiator and Southern Nevada Water Authority general manager John Entsminger summarized this stalemate at a December Colorado River Water Users Association (CRWUA) conference at Caesars Palace.

“If you distill down what my six partners just said, I believe there’s three common things: Here’s all the great things my state has done, here’s how hard—slash impossible—it is to do anymore, and here are all the reasons why other people

should have to do more. As long as we keep polishing those arguments and repeating them to each other, we are going nowhere,” Entsminger said.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has accused Upper Basin states of “complete refusal to implement water conservation commitments.” Upper Basin negotiators fired back at this claim at the CRWUA conference.

“The upper basin states haven’t been insulated from this reality, and we aren’t ignoring it either,” Wyoming’s Brandon Gebhart said. “Suggestions to the contrary fail to recognize what’s actually happening.”

California negotiator JB Hamby contested that his state stands to lose the most, noting it has already made significant cuts the state wasn’t obligated to make.

“We have the greatest [agriculture] production in the basin, and half of the population lives within our state. If the river fails, no one feels it harder than California,” Hamby said. “The Lower Basin cannot solve this problem alone.”

Amid this impasse, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation released a 1,600-page Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on January 9, outlining five possible paths forward. They range from no action—reverting to pre-2007 rules and risking infrastructure—to alternatives that better protect reservoirs from being emptied but require unprecedented cuts to water allocations, especially for the Lower Basin.

Nevada has by far the lowest allocation—now under 300,000 acre-feet, or less than 2% of total Colorado River water allocated.

But as a world leader in water efficiency, the state does not use its entire allotment thanks to technology that treats and recycles all indoor water use

back into Lake Mead.

As a human-made reservoir that is part of the Colorado River, Lake Mead provides about 90% of Southern Nevada’s water supply. But it has reached critical levels in recent years.

Kyle Roerink, executive director of the Nevada-based conservation nonprofit Great Basin Water Network, notes that none of the five alternative scenarios presented in the EIS would absolutely guarantee that Lake Mead’s water levels would remain above a benchmark required to continue producing hydroelectric power.

“In every option put forth [in the Bureau of Reclamation’s draft EIS], there are likelihoods that Mead could get to really scary elevations for us,” he says, adding that the primary question negotiators have to answer is how to best balance storage levels at both Lake Mead and Lake Powell to avoid an energy catastrophe.

The Bureau of Reclamation is now accepting public comments on the EIS through March 2. Meanwhile, if state negotiators can’t agree by Valentine’s Day, the agency could explore federal interventions before the “new water year” begins on October 1.

Although the document states that U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum “intends” for a potential deal to last for 20 years, it also left the door open for a short-term solution.

Entsminger also touted that possibility at the CRWUA conference, noting that he no longer believes a 20-year deal is possible. Instead, he thinks a five-year operating plan is the next best option “to keep us out of court.”

Negotiators met again this month in Salt Lake City, where they discussed the five-year option but left without making a deal. Roerink says openness

to this possibility is a step in the right direction.

A view of the Colorado River from the base of Hoover Dam.

ABOVE

A view of Hoover Dam and the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge from the base of the dam.

“The short-term band-aid, however imperfect, could be an opportunity for everyone to see one of the alternatives in practice. It would provide an escape hatch, which might be the best way to bring people to the table,” he says.

In the absence of any deal, costly litigation could prove detrimental for everyone. In a different CRWUA panel, Sarah Porter, director of Arizona State University’s Kyl Center for Water Policy, said the average length of Colorado River litigation in the 20th century was about eight years.

“I don’t think we have two years—or any time—to waste,” New Mexico negotiator Estevan López said in response. “If we sink into litigation here, that’s probably the absolute worst outcome we could have. There will be no certainty for perhaps a decade.”

In the latest federal effort to avoid that fate, Burgum’s team recently invited the seven basin state governors and negotiators to Washington, D.C. to discuss the matter in person on January 30. Entsminger and Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo plan to attend.

DEFENSE SOLIDIFIED

Why the Golden Knights didn’t hesitate adding to its strengths by trading for Rasmus Andersson

BY CASE KEEFER

Defensive dominance has stood out as the de ning trait of the Golden Knights ever since coach Bruce Cassidy arrived four seasons ago.

Many expected that identity to shift this year with the semi-retirement of longtime blue-line captain Alex Pietrangelo, but those forecasts couldn’t have turned out more incorrect, now three months into the season. Vegas has instead doubled or even tripled down on the belief that defense can be the di erence to carry it to a second Stanley Cup.

The franchise made its latest major trade on January 18, snagging proven veteran Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames in exchange for a pair of draft picks and defenseman Zach Whitecloud.

Andersson is expected make his Golden Knights’ home debut on January 29 at T-Mobile Arena against the Dallas Stars.

“The move for Andersson again puts us in a position where our defense is a real strength and one of the better ones in the NHL,” Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon said at a news conference the day after the acquisition.

That was arguably already the case in a season where the Golden Knights have spent the majority of the year atop the Paci c Division. Defense had been the most consistent part of the team’s success even without Andersson.

The o ense has leveled up to out-

standing if not unstoppable during a couple stretches, but it’s also zzled at times, including a recent stretch where they lost eight of nine games.

Goaltending has been an issue as the Golden Knights have dropped near the bottom of the league in most advanced metrics at the position, with now-healthy starter Adin Hill having missed the majority of the season. Andersson’s arrival could help mask that weakness even if it takes Hill weeks to fully settle back into his role as Cassidy has suggested.

The 29-year-old’s statistical marks have dropped in the last two seasons in Calgary, but any concern comes with a major asterisk.

The Flames have been one of the worst teams in the league, so Andersson hasn’t gotten the bene t of much talent around him—especially since the similar Calgary-to-Vegas trade of former pairing partner Noah Hani n in 2024. Andersson also has been tasked with a team-high ice time, predominantly logging minutes against opponents’ top lines.

All those factors contribute to the Golden Knights’ internal metrics painting Andersson as much more of an impact player than the conventional, publicly-available statistics.

“I think Rasmus Andersson can do (everything) defensively,” McCrimmon said. “His quality of competition, which the analytics measure, he’s always been in the top 10 or 15 (defensemen.)”

If that proves true, the Golden Knights may now have the luxury of

rostering three players who belong in that elite group when playing at their best.

Shea Theodore has stepped into Pietrangelo’s role as the top defenseman admirably, and Hani n gives the Golden Knights another player capable of holding down that type of workload.

The concern might be Theodore, Hani n and Andersson are similar in that they’re more known for their o ense. None of them are lockdown defenders.

But McCrimmon still sees the trio as complementary because of their speci c styles. He graded Theodore as one of best passers in the NHL, someone who’s capable of creating rush chances on that skill alone.

Skating is Hani n’s strength, as he’s a defenseman more liable to carry the puck into the o ensive zone on his own.

Andersson is a happy medium and can do “a little bit of both,” according to McCrimmon.

“He’s a gamer,” Hani n said of Andersson. “He’s always engaged. He’s competitive. I’d say he’s more of a puck-mover, o ensive guy but he defends hard. He plays the game hard.

“We want to be a good defensive team, and I think he’s going to t in well in that area. It’s a good addition.”

Hani n and Andersson are likely to reunite from their days in Calgary and play together as a pair in the latter’s early days in Vegas. But Cassidy will also have the tantalizing option

of spreading out Theodore, Hani n and Andersson to ensure having one of them on the ice at all times. It will take time to settle on the best setup in time for what the team hopes is a long playo run, but it’s a puzzle Cassidy is excited to solve. He’s always preferred to build his teams through defensemen, and the trade for Andersson shows the Golden Knights’ front o ce remains aligned with that vision. Andersson, who’s on an expiring contract and will require an extension to stay in Vegas beyond this year, has been linked to the Golden Knights since the o season. His acquisition is therefore no surprise other than the fact that Vegas appeared to have more pressing needs elsewhere.

But the Golden Knights felt they still had a hole on defense, even if it was a minor one, and prioritizing it ts with the established culture.

“When you go back to where we were heading into the o season, where we knew we were going to be losing Alex Pietrangelo, we had a comfort in that we still liked our defense,” McCrimmon said.

“And yet, there’s certain elements that Petro brought to a team that are pretty unique. This player is di erent than Alex Pietrangelo, but he does bring some of that playmaking ability… When you get to playing really tough opponents, you need some playmakers and I think that we’ve added one with Rasmus Andersson.”

BUSINESS IN THE FRONT, PARTY IN THE BACK

Swan Dive reemerges in the Arts District with live music and Ugly Duckling karaoke

BY GABRIELA RODRIGUEZ

After pouring time and energy into trying to make Swan Dive work at the Colorado building in the Arts District, the realization came that the uphill battle was only getting steeper.

The live music venue, owned and operated by Harvey Graham, was one of the most talked about openings of 2024. But Graham realized early on that it wasn’t panning out.

“The hard part about a live music venue is once the show is over, generally, everyone leaves,” Graham says.

At the old location, Swan Dive thrived during show hours but struggled to function as a hangout. Rather than fold, Graham decided to recalibrate and move Swan Dive down the block to the old Sinwave space at 1412 Main Street.

The relaunch incorporates a new front-of-house concept—Ugly Duckling karaoke—turning the building into a two-headed creature designed for both

by

nightly commotion and live music.

Karaoke—reliably social and spontaneous—changes the equation. Bodies up front means sustainability in the back. It’s a logistical tweak that means live music no longer has to shoulder the entire nancial burden alone. Ugly Duckling will operate in the street-facing room seven days a week from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., while Swan Dive lives in the back as a dedicated music and event space, entered through the alley across from Liquid Diet.

Ugly Duckling is helmed by John Brophy. The founder of Portland’s cult-favorite Baby Ketten Klub is dubbed the “mastermind of America’s greatest karaoke night” by the New York Times.

“I’m planning on bringing the best sounding karaoke that we can muster,” Brophy says, describing a setup engineered to make singers feel like they’re fronting a live band—pro-grade audio, lighting and KJs who are equal parts sound tech and hype man.

Despite opening just blocks away from Dino’s, the Arts District’s decades-old karaoke institution, Brophy isn’t sweating competition.

“In Portland, you can’t throw a microphone without hitting another karaoke bar,” he says. “They all have their own angles.”

Ugly Duckling skews maximalist— less dive-bar singalong, more solo stardom, he adds.

Swan Dive will be designed by interior visionary Joey Moon, who had a major hand in Oddfellows’ 2024 remodel. Graham says the new location also corrects something that always felt slightly o .

“It felt like that [old] space wasn’t perfect for live music,” Graham says of the Colorado building, which sat atop restaurants. “This just feels like a live music venue.”

Ugly Duckling is slated to open the last weekend of January, with Swan Dive’s bar and full live music programing following shortly after.

New jams and classics share the fl oor at Wax Rabbit’s U Remind Me R&B party

BY GABRIELA RODRIGUEZ

R&B occupies a singular and almost untouchable position within the musical landscape. From Teddy Pendergrass’ velvety devastation on “Love

T.K.O.” to Cassie’s understated cool on “Long Way 2 Go,” the genre has proven to be generationally uent. Though separated by decades, these records are cut from the same cloth, capable of stopping a room and eliciting a collective “ooooohwee!” the moment the DJ lets the needle drop.

party, hosted inside of Durango Resort’s low-lit speakeasy at Mijo Modern Mexican, feels like a cultural phenomenon unfolding in real time.

Behind the scenes is Morgan Gould, a marketing director for MAC Agency who also performs as DJ Technicolor. Gould co-founded the party alongside DJ SpydaT.E.K (Jermaine Spearman).

newer stu like Leon Thomas and Victoria Monét ... and even go back to Bobby Brown and Babyface. [It’s] to encompass R&B as a whole and to present an overall great experience for fans of the genre.”

tional space. Luxe couches hug the walls, burnt-red drapery softens the edges, and the bar serves craft cocktails and bottle service with a mezcal and tequila-forward menu.

Wax Rabbit’s U Remind Me R&B night taps into that energy every third Thursday. The monthly

“The party encompasses R&B as a whole,” Gould says. “The early 2000s sound is part of what we do because it creates a party atmosphere. But the goal is also to play

There’s a sincerity to the party that’s hard to fake. People dance without any worries about who’s watching. Their shared reverence for the genre drives those inhibitions out the door. And Wax Rabbit’s allure adds to the ambiance. Red light washes over everything, immediately signaling that this is a grown, inten-

One of the night’s de ning features is Wax Rabbit’s vinyl-only policy. “It’s really fun to play on the medium of vinyl,” Gould explains. “You remember when you got that record, there’s a story behind it. Like, oh, I was shopping in Toronto, walked into this little store and found this rare 45 of this song I’ve been searching for. It’s like a treasure hunt.”

While vinyl DJ sets often get stereotyped as passive listening sessions, U Remind Me subverts that expectation entirely. The crowd interacts freely—less audiophile showcase, more house party energy. That vibe is anchored by headlining DJ SpydaT.E.K and co-headliner DJ Jkrazy, whose chemistry has become inseparable from the party itself.

“There’s not going to be a U Remind Me without them,” Gould says.

much of the momentum.

Their reputation has even attracted DJ Pee .Wee— better known as Anderson .Paak—who played a surprise set after being introduced to the party through the MAC Agency. The appearance added legitimacy, but Gould credits social media, especially TikTok clips of the night, for driving

U Remind Me launched about six months ago, but it’s already drawing wraparound lines for nearly every event. Wax Rabbit’s intimate capacity enhances the energy and getting there early is encouraged, though even late arrivals usually nd their way inside.

But keeping the event monthly is essential, no matter how popular it becomes.

“If it becomes weekly, you lose the specialness,” Gould says.

And that sense of occasion is exactly what makes U Remind Me work. It honors an era when R&B was club-forward, party-forward and emotionally communal—slow jams that became sing-alongs, records that turned into shared history and a night you leave with plans to return.

A tour through Wax Rabbit ’s updated cocktail menu

Can’t decide what to sip on? Fall down the Wax Rabbit hole, where cocktails double as an adventure for your palate.

Begin your journey with the Despierto Martini, a Latin twist on the classic espresso martini, marrying the smooth warmth of Casamigos Reposado with Kahlúa and a freshly pulled shot of espresso. It’s rich, bold and $18 well spent. For something tropical with a surprise kick, the Hidden Passion ($18) blends Espolón Blanco, Strega, guava and pineapple into a bright, fruity, and oral dance. And the Jalisco Sour ($18) plays with texture and intrigue, whisking Patron Silver and egg whites for a frothy base, and Altos Terrazas Malbec for a sip that balances tart, sweet and smoky notes.

Shots, meanwhile, are tiny explosions on the tongue. The Mexican Candy ($12) is rimmed with tajín and shaken with Patron Silver and fresh watermelon, while the Jackrabbit blends Código Reposado, Kahlúa and espresso into a $12 jolt of ca eine-meets-happy-hour adrenaline.

Even non-drinkers get their moment with the Desert Goddess ($15). The mocktail swirls pomegranate, lime and agave into a non-alcoholic Amalve Blanco that’s crisp and refreshing.

While this list only scratches the surface of Wax Rabbit’s o erings, each sip irts with avor, texture and whimsy. –Gabriela Rodriguez

SMART STUPID

Geoffrey

Asmus brings his high-low comedy approach to Wiseguys at Town Square

BY TYLER SCHNEIDER

Geoffrey Asmus’ standup career began at a fateful open mic night just after he graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 2013. Since then, the Minnesota native has moved to New York City and become a regular at the famed Comedy Cellar, opening for notable names like Mark Normand, Dave Attell and Sam Morril. Asmus caught the Weekly up on his unique approach to comedy ahead of his February 1 stop at Wiseguys at Town Square.

You joke about wasting $143,548 on college degrees just to get into standup. Does that academic background inform your comedy?

Absolutely, and definitely more so recently. I’ve been trying to add more history and religion jokes, which is what I studied in college. The goal of my comedy is to be smart and stupid all at once. I think there’s a thing where people try to dumb down their comedy for the masses, but I want crowds to be curious and intellectual— people who know who Genghis Khan is and want to hear a joke about that. Will you incorporate Vegas history into your set here?

I’ll probably do a little research beforehand, because I don’t know that much. I don’t think it’s mobbed up anymore, and you’ve also got the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead nearby. When the water levels go down in the lake, don’t they find bodies the mob threw in there? I think that could be fun. Vegas actually probably has a more interesting history than most. A lot of American cities like to pat themselves on the back, but it’s usually fairly dull when you compare it to Middle Eastern history or something. What does your writing process look like?

I just get high about three nights a week and write for like three

hours. I don’t perform high that often, but I write pretty much exclusively high. Obviously, I think weed makes me very creative.

Your political jokes tend to toe a fine iine where you can push boundaries without spilling over into preaching. How do you find that balance?

Sometimes, I play a character on stage where I’m pretending that I’m Republican, but I’m also kind of making fun of them at the same time. Some people think I’m a MAGA guy, which is crazy. But I think it’s kind of fun that they just don’t fully know what’s going on. I didn’t live in a bubble. My whole family is MAGA, pretty much. So, I know what they think and can become them in a way that’s a little more organic.

Some say we’re in a golden age of comedy. What are some of the pros and cons of coming up in this era?

GEOFFREY

ASMUS February 1, 7 p.m., $30. Wiseguys, wiseguys comedy. com

There’s the most comedy ever, no doubt. It’s not always the highest quality, but you can find very good comedy if you know where to look. So, the con is that the algorithms kind of reward the dumbest, lowest common denominator stuff over quality. But the pro is that, where before you had to impress the booker at Johnny Carson or get a Comedy Central half-hour, now you can just do your own thing, put out a YouTube special where there are no parameters, and blow up. It’s a more democratic approach, which I think is a pretty cool part of modern comedy. I also think there’s a bubble right now. Because the economy at large is crashing, people are going to be a little more tight with who they spend money seeing. So, I do think in the next year or so you’re going to see a dilution, or sifting, of it.

Read more of this interview at lasvegasweekly.com.

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OLD SCHOOL FOREVER

Carmine’s Pizza Kitchen celebrates an unbelievable 50 years in Las Vegas

BY BROCK RADKE

If you want to become wise, try doing something for 50 years.

“One thing I really appreciate, that I am more proud of than almost anything else, is the fact that when I rst started, I was the rst and only pizza place in town that sold pizza by the slice,” says Carmine Vento. “And nobody believed in it. ‘How are you gonna make money selling by the slice?’ Nobody knew I started in this business as a dishwasher at a place in New Jersey where they were selling 700 pizzas a day.”

Las Vegas didn’t understand pizza—real pizza—when Vento arrived in 1976 and opened Villa Pizza near Commercial Center on Sahara Avenue. Maybe nobody believed in it, but since Villa opened during a culinary strike that closed several hotel-casinos, “a lot of people were not working and home all day, and they needed a place to go,” he explains. And, of course, an

inexpensive place to eat.

Villa exploded across the Valley by bringing what was likely the rst authentic New York-style pizzeria to Vegas, and transformed into di erent kinds of restaurants always operated by Vento and his family. It exists currently as four restaurants under the moniker of Carmine’s Pizza Kitchen, and it’s celebrating the monumental anniversary by giving away $50,000 in cash prizes with a promotion running now through February 4. Customers will receive an automatic entry each time they purchase a large pizza at $20.99 or more for dine-in or takeout at any location (track them down at carminespizzakitchen.com). Winners for three prizes—$25,000 for rst place—will be drawn February 5 as part of the 50th anniversary celebration at the Carmine’s at 1395 Raiders Way in Henderson.

Local dining and the pizza scene have changed in every way possible since Vento came to town, but he hasn’t. “I’m still

from the old school. I refuse to change but I have an open mind,” he says. “I’ve tried a couple new things. When everybody started with wood-burning ovens for pizza, I tried it, but I couldn’t swallow it. I felt like I was selling someone else’s product. I went back to my old ovens.”

That’s where the wisdom comes in—you have to know when to refuse to change and when to use that open mind.

Vento’s restaurants are still run by family members. The sauce on the pies is still made

from Napoli plum tomatoes, because he wants his customers to taste tomatoes, cheese and dough with every bite. “I don’t dilute it, I don’t use thickener. If you use garlic powder, you only taste garlic. Taste other pizzas and you’ll see—you can’t get the flavor of the dough, of the crust,” he says. “With my product, the tomatoes come up at you because it’s not full of spices, and you can actually taste the flavor in the crust.”

It’s hard to argue with the methods since, you know, Carmine’s has been around for 50 years. Vento, 77, has actually been in the pizza biz for 63 years. And he’s seen generations of family and friends who keep coming back for the familiar, communal experience we associate with a classic neighborhood pizzeria.

“I used to do taverns with slot machines and we had to go to the gaming commission and let them ask questions for our license,” Vento says. “Someone on the commission was talking about how her kids used to come for lunch when they were in high school, and the head of the commission, a very nice lady, raised her hand and said, ‘I was one of them.’ She was laughing and smiling, and it’s a great feeling to see that.

“We made friends with our customers. We treat them like family. I told my kids, if you want to go on with this business, just remember the key: Don’t give them a product you won’t eat yourself. And don’t change the product because someone says, ‘I like it this way.’ It’s your store, feed them what you know how to cook.”

WATCH PARTY

PLACE TO WATCH THE

February 8, 2026 | Doors openat 1 pm

Watch every play on big-screen TVs and LED walls. Doors open at 1 pm & the festivities start at 3 pm with a feast of Carmine’s classics, seafood selections and a premium open bar. CARMINE’S ANNUAL BIG GAME WATCH PARTY IS THE

• Premium buffet with seafood raw bar, carving station, antipasto, pasta, parmigiana and dessert

• Premium open bar with wines, top-shelf spirits, draft & bottled beers

• Access to the MVP Lounge with a private balcony overlooking the Las Vegas Strip

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• Buffet with Carmine’s classics including antipasto, pasta, parmigiana and dessert

• Open bar with wines, spirits & beers

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