The Las Vegas Residency Phenomenon

A New Era in Concerts

By J. Tyge O’Donnell

Celine Dion is wrapping up her tenure at the Caesars Palace Colosseum–a residency that has spanned 20 years and over 1,100 performances in the 4,300-seat venue that was built for her. At the time (and according to critics) it was a huge gamble: Could Celine bring her fans to Las Vegas instead of catering to them by being on the road and touring? Could she fill The Colosseum consistently and to capacity? Well, here it is two decades later and Celine not only proved that it was viable for all involved, but she also set in motion a game-changing concept that has been adopted by hotels and casinos up and down The Strip Corridor…welcome “The Las Vegas Residency.”

Whether yearning to hear blasts from the past from your favorite 80’s band or wanting to see the latest pop divas, Las Vegas has a myriad of performers gracing stages–ranging from intimate settings to larger venues–and there’s something for everyone!

Lady Gaga – Park Theater, The Park MGM

If you missed multi-talented, Golden Globe, Grammy and Oscar winner Lady Gaga perform during the first half of 2019, rest easy, as the superstar entertainer will be back for 12 more shows in October and November. The New York-born Diva has two different shows: Lady Gaga Enigma, a five-act odyssey featuring over 20 of her pop hits, and Lady Gaga Jazz & Piano, another 20+ setlist of mostly American Standards (think Gershwin, Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hart) and including songs from her 2014 album “Cheek to Cheek,” a jazz collaboration with Tony Bennett. Also, recently opened at Park Theater is “Haus of Gaga,” a free exhibit showcasing Lady G’s over-the-top costumes and headwear, including the “meat dress” that she wore at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. Most of the still available show tickets (at least online…but shop around) have been grabbed-up by 3rd party sellers so expect to pay $300 and upwards (to over $1,000) for just one of the 6,400 venue seats!

Aerosmith: Deuces are Wild – Park Theater, The Park MGM

Steven Tyler, Joe Perry and the rest of the boys from Boston have over 20 shows scheduled between July and early December. Aerosmith’s Las Vegas residency celebrates the band’s 50-year career with the multi-Grammy award winners sure to perform their greatest hits, such as “Walk This Way,” “Dream On” and “Janie’s Got a Gun.” Ticket prices are reasonable, starting at just under $100 with a variety of VIP Meet & Greet packages available at an upgraded price. The Aerosmith Museum, previously accessible to only VIP ticket holders, is now open to the public at an additional cost, and the tour of the “Vault” showcases a variety of guitars, costumes, trademark scarfs and other artifacts, including one of their four Grammy Awards.

Reba, Brooks & Dunn: Together in Vegas – The Colosseum, Caesars Palace

If you’re more into music that will “scoot yer boots,” you can catch Reba McEntire performing with country duo Brooks & Dunn at Caesars Palace with dates still slated for July and December. The show is in its 4th year, and if you’ve never seen a show at The Colosseum, Together in Vegas would be a great first-time experience. Who knows, maybe Reba will play a few new songs from her upcoming album that’s been five years in the making! Tickets start at $70 and can exceed $400 if you want to sit in the upfront orchestra section, but trust me, there’s not a bad seat in the house to view America’s favorite country redhead performing with Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks.

Def Leppard: The Sin City Residency – Zappos Theater, Planet Hollywood

Previously known as The Aladdin Theater, the 7,000 seat Zappos venue at Planet Hollywood welcomes British rockers Def Leppard for a 12-night stint between August 14th and September 7th. The band was just inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this past March and one can expect to hear their chart-topping, metal-crunching rifts and hits from the 80s and 90s, such as “Photograph,” “Love Bites,” “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” and more. Tickets range from $70 to $300, with VIP and Meet & Greet packages available as an upgrade. This is one show I don’t plan to miss…as I was a little bit of a head-banger back in the day! 

Christina Aguilera: The Xperience – Zappos Theater, Planet Hollywood

Also at Zappos Theater, five-time Grammy winner Christina Aguilera has eight nights scheduled between mid-September and early October with her immersive and highly visual and multi-sensory “Xperience”. There’s reportedly pleasant scents piped into the venue’s air vents, and the show features new twists and renditions of her hits such as “Genie in a Bottle,” “Beautiful,” and “Lady Marmalade.” Ticket prices to see the former Mickey Mouse Club alum start at $60 with $1 from every ticket sold going to Southern Nevada’s Shade Tree Foundation.

Billy Idol: Las Vegas 2019 – Pearl Theater, Palms Casino

Palms Casino Resort has recently undergone an extensive makeover, with renovations to rooms, many new restaurant and bar additions and a complete update to their intimate 2,500 seat Pearl Theater, where no seat is more than 120 feet from the stage. Why not check out the newly revamped venue by attending Billy Idol’s series of concerts in October? Featuring music from his early days with British punk band Generation X onto his more mainstream solo hits “White Wedding,’’ “Dancing With Myself,” and the rock-anthem “Rebel Yell,” Idol has been steadily playing venues and festivals around the world for the better part of 45 years! Tickets start at $70, but beware, those 3rd party sellers are jacking the prices up to over $300 for the prime seats!

But Wait! There’s More!

If none of the above residencies tickle your fancy, dismay not, as there are plenty more artists in town to please nearly everyone! Bruno Mars, Lady Antebellum, Robbie Williams, Paula Abdul, Gwen Stefani, Janet Jackson and even Wayne Newton all have ongoing gigs happening at various Vegas venues through the end of the year and beyond!

Las Vegas has become a hotbed for artists who want to pitch their tent here for a while and allow their fans to come to them rather than doing the tour thing. It’s a win-win for us locals because, really, where else can you catch acts like Wayne Newton, Lady Gaga and Def Leppard all on the same weekend? Only here in Vegas!

The Ultimate “Axeperience”

The Ultimate “Axeperience” 
By J. Tyge O’Donnell

Feeling a little stressed out due to the holidays? Things at work have you on edge? Does the upcoming New Year and what it may hold find you pulling out your hair or gnashing your teeth? Listen to me…unclench those fists, take a deep breath and just relax. All you need is a good hour or two of throwing sharp objects and/or bashing household items to release some of that pent up aggression. Having Gael or Viking ancestry need not matter (but it may help!), as what’s important right now is to get it out, because stress, after all, is a killer. Luckily, there are a few places in town with remedies sure to leave you with a clear conscience while feeling liberated!

Axehole Vegas

Centrally located downtown in the heart of the Fremont Street Experience, Axehole Vegas has six “lanes” (i.e. aisles lined with chain link fencing) where first-timers can learn to throw axes followed by more exotic specialty items such as spears and ninja stars. The minimum package costs $30 for one hour, but trust me, you’ll want to opt for a longer duration (and at a better rate) because you’ll be wanting to hone your skills with newly found trick shots such as the “Sucker Punch” (a side-arm throw that starts with your back to the target) and the “Pac Man” (throwing two axes over and underhanded at the same time).

Whether it’s manager Sarah or one of her proficient staff members on duty, you’ll be supervised and, if needed, coached on how to properly stick the target. How you hold the axe, along with your first steps and subsequent follow-through all play a role in the axe’s rotation speed and is key to a successful throwing session. After only a few chucks and some helpful suggestions (I had to take a few steps back and work on my follow-through), I literally had a firm grip on things and started hitting the target somewhat consistently.

Once you’ve accomplished throwing the hatchets feel free to upgrade your experience to spears, ninja stars, or even metal playing cards (this IS Las Vegas!), as some of these are a bit more difficult than the axes and require a certain “flick of the wrist” to master. For the ultimate challenge, book a knife throwing session ahead of time, where a private instructor will help you practice the archaic skilled art that just might land you on America’s Got Talent!

Axehole Vegas opened in August of 2017 and can get quite busy on the weekends due to its downtown tourist foot traffic. Consider visiting midday and/or mid-week to avoid the crowds. Check-out AxeholeVegas.com for more information,

 including group and corporate rates, private party information and discounts. 

Axe Monkeys

Opened in early 2017 and located in the ‘burbs of Henderson near Sunset and Pecos, Axe Monkeys is a growing franchise (with two locations in Canada) that offer a large, 14,000 square foot warehouse of 23 lanes along with a “Rage Room” and a newly added virtual reality/green screen gaming room.

Ideal for large groups, the facility offers shuttle service to and from Strip locations for groups of 4 or more (prearranged) and have a caged mobile unit on a trailer available to rent for private functions and festivals.

Remember the scene from Office Space when Peter, Michael Bolton and Samir go bat-crap crazy on the copier machine? You can do just that and more in Axe Monkey’s Rage Room where you can either bring your own item(s) or select from a variety of provided hardware and appliances. While wearing full coverage overalls, closed-toe shoes and face protection, one can vent all their inner frustrations by using such implements as bats, hammers and golf clubs while listening to your favorite (mash-up!) soundtrack as the chaos unfolds.

Axe Monkey’s package deals are similar but priced slightly cheaper than their downtown counterpart (an off-Strip bonus!), and they also offer an impressive array of retail ax-throwing paraphernalia, including souvenir hatchet wedges (well-worn but with plenty of character) for a mere buck each! Go to AxeMonkeys.com for all the details, including discounts for charitable events.

After spending an afternoon at both Axehole Vegas and Axe Monkeys, I can tell you that both locations are all about safety first and foremost, with fun being a close second. Read and sign the waivers, listen to the staff, then be prepared to have an awesome, stress-relieving good time! Also, be prepared to use some muscles that you may not usually exercise; I felt a slight burn in my arms in the days following my experiences. It was all good though, and well worth the mental anguish that I left behind. Bring on the new year! I’m ready for it!

Getting Serious About Being Funny

Getting Serious About Being Funny 
by J. Tyge O’Donnell

Do you think you’re funny? Were you voted “Most Witty” in high school but never pursued it as a calling? Is doing a one-time stand-up routine on your bucket list but your arm still needs a little twisting to get around to it? Fortunately for us fun-seekers, Las Vegas has an abundance of comedy clubs, open mic forums and even workshops that can help inspire, coach and empower you to get your witticism on like a true top banana.

Open Mic Nights

One of the best places to get your feet wet is at any of the numerous open mic nights in the valley. A quick Internet search yielded ReBar on Main Street, Urban Lounge on East Charleston and Noreen’s on East Tropicana as some of the venues that have weekly stand-up comedy events. In my neighborhood I discovered that the enduring Sand Dollar Blues Lounge has a “Monday Funday” comedy night hosted by local funnymen Ryan Bourassa and Ian Rineer. Located off Spring Mountain Road just east of Chinatown, every Monday night starting at 7 p.m. one can “Show Up, Sign Up, Go Up” for four minutes of stage time. While this may not seem like a long time, it can be an eternity if you’re a fledgling amateur.  I saw some acts come up short and have to scroll through their cell phones to remind them of material. Rest easy though, you’re among friends here (a typical night has upwards of 30 participants) and many in attendance know each other and rely on word of mouth and social networking for support while also promoting the local comedy scene. As host Ryan told me, “Most of us are friends who have been working together for months or years. It’s quite the community, which is why I stress that the underground scene is where it’s at.”

If you’re not shy and think you’re a natural at tickling people’s funny bones, seek out Ryan Bourassa and his comedy gang on social media (or just show up one night!), and you’re good to go. If you ARE a bit timid, but you know there’s a comedian inside of you that’s just dying laughing to get out, read on because being funny can be serious business!

Las Vegas Comedy Institute

Professional comedian Don Barnhart has been teaching comedy workshops at his Las Vegas Comedy Institute on Valley View and Desert Inn for the past seven years, but before going legit, Don taught his comical expertise to the masses out of his garage. What are his qualifications? Well, for the past two years he’s been headlining regularly at Jokester’s Comedy Club downtown (at The D Hotel & Casino) and he averages about 250 days per year travelling the comedy circuit, including going overseas with either Armed Forces Entertainment or with his own Battlecomics.org to entertain our troops abroad. Don cut his teeth during the mid-1980s L.A. comedy scene and calls people like George Wallace, Jay Leno and George Lopez his personal friends. But, more importantly, he’s a funny guy and is willing to share his knowledge.  

The author of the Amazon.com bestseller “Finding Your Funny,” Don offers a popular six-week Standup Comedy Workshop in addition to classes on comedy writing and improvisation. “If you want to learn to play tennis you get a coach. Comedy is the same,” Don states. “I’m not sure you can teach someone to be funny but you can work on an individual’s technique and help develop his or her style.”

What are some common mistakes that aspiring comedians often make? According to Barnhart it’s being too raunchy, dirty or vile before being funny. There’s a time and place for “dirty” but being funny and getting laughs should precede it. Also, streamlining your jokes is important, as you don’t want to waste too much time setting up a joke when the punchline is short and quick, because it will only underwhelm the crowd.

Want to learn the comic ropes from a funny and kind-hearted professional? For a price that’s cheaper than professional tennis lessons, you can do just that by booking your workshop at LasVegasComedyInstitute.com.

Checking Out the Clubs

If you’re more of a voyeur than an exhibitionist, there’s plenty of ways to get your laugh on. Sure, there are prominent comedy outlets in town (L.A. Comedy Club at the Stratosphere, Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club at the MGM, Laugh Factory at the Tropicana) but I decided to stay close to home (while avoiding Strip traffic) and visit the Rio’s Comedy Cellar–the new and faithful sister venue to New York City’s legendary club that’s been producing comedic geniuses for nearly four decades. The 250-seat venue is intimate and simple and, although not in a basement, has a low ceiling just like the original back east.

On the night I attended, the 80-minute show was hosted by actor and comedian Mark Cohen who provided quick-witted laughs between the four acts that consisted of Leo Flowers, Mia Jackson, Ricky Velez and Don McMillan. My hands-down favorites of the quartet were Ricky Velez, thanks to his monologue about ugly babies (Comedy is subjective. Don’t judge me!), followed by Leo Flowers with his discourse on healthy eating. Even though Ricky and Leo were my faves, all of them were funny and managed to bust my gut more than I expected. Were any of the comedians raunchy or vile? Hardly. Sure, there was some profanity (the club is 18 and over) but it was timed right and, dare I say, even appropriate? Tickets run from $25 for general admission to $55 for VIP seating which, compared to other shows in town, is an awesome deal and would make for a great date night. You can buy tickets and see who’s scheduled to appear at the Comedy Cellar by visiting www.ComedyCellar.com and be sure to click on the Las Vegas link. 

Whether you’re a natural or need a little coaching, being funny is an art that one has to hone in their own style. It’s a challenge, and as any veteran comedian will tell you, they’re always learning, even after years and years in the business. Luckily, here in Vegas there’s plenty of fodder and humor-help around if you know where to look. As Artie Lange says, “Vegas means comedy, tragedy, happiness and sadness all at the same time.” It’s not the funniest thing I’ve heard from Artie, but it’s true!    

Take Me Out to the BallPark!

Take Me Out to the Ballpark! 
By J. Tyge O’Donnell

It’s hard to believe that just over a year ago the location of the new Las Vegas Ballpark was a barren expanse of dirt and gravel. All that changed with a groundbreaking ceremony on February 13th, 2018, when construction began with upwards of 500 workers laboring over two daily shifts to finish the venue in time for the 2019 season. Building a Minor League ballpark in a year is a huge undertaking and, up until now, was unheard of until general contractor Hunt/PENTA pulled it off– and in typical Las Vegas “over the top” fashion. The new Las Vegas Ballpark is simply gorgeous; the club house looks like a modern airport terminal and the facility has everything a ball club needs and wants, which the outdated Cashman Field lacked. As one Aviator player said during a pre-opening media event, “It’s the Taj Mahal of Minor League ballparks.”  

A Ballpark for the Fans

Located on eight acres adjacent to Downtown Summerlin and City National Arena (the Vegas Golden Knights practice facility), Las Vegas Ballpark is a $150 million dollar, brand-spanking new 10,000 seat stadium that replaces Cashman Field as our home venue for our Oakland A’s Triple-A affiliate team, The Las Vegas Aviators. Note that Las Vegas now has two Oakland team connections with this ball club and next year’s arrival of Raiders football!

The ballpark bests the rest of the Minor League parks and even rivals some Major League stadiums with all its amenities and offerings. The huge (31’ x 126’) LED scoreboard is the largest of its kind in the minor leagues and 21st in size of all the ballparks in the country. Seating throughout the venue (no benches here!) utilize mesh “air-flow” technology that’s typically 30-50 degrees cooler than traditional stadium seating…a welcomed and comfortable perk considering our extreme summer heat. There are also 130 closed circuit TVs scattered around the venue so you can catch the action wherever you are…and that’s a luxury found primarily in big league stadiums!

The concourse is 360 degrees, as one can walk a complete lap of the field perimeter with bars, bathrooms, food stations and gift shops always close by. There’s a centerfield beyond-the-wall swimming pool with cabanas that can be rented for a mere $2,000 and can host up to 50 of your friends. Also, beyond the wall is a grassy picnic area and a “Kids’ Zone” for the little ones to frolic and play while you’re waiting to catch a flyball from a home-run hit!

Ticket prices tend to vary per game, but a quick online search yielded seats starting as low as $15 and increasing exponentially depending on the section and club/suite level. Group rates are available, as are season ticket packages, but this season sold out and there’s now a waiting list for the 2020 season.

Bring Your Appetite!

The new stadium knocks it out of the park when it comes to food, snacks and libations. Headed up by Minor League Stadium culinary gurus Professional Sports Catering (a subsidiary of Levy Restaurants) PSC has networked with local Vegas restaurants to bring fans some of their best dishes to the park. Chef Brian Howard (Sparrow & Wolf) has three “Flydog” locations around the main concourse that offer gourmet hotdogs and sausages (try the traditional-with-a-twist Chicago Smokehouse dog), while Josh Clark’s The Goodwich has a build-your-own Mac & Cheese station with a variety of exotic toppings offered.

On the suite and club levels, Food Network personality and local Italian restaurateur Giada De Laurentiis has salads, orzo meatballs and specialty pizzettes that pair nicely with her fruity Frosé, the official cocktail of the ballpark. If you’re more of a beer drinker, try the Aviators Ale supplied by local brewery Tenaya Creek. Also, all Thursday games are $2 beer nights! Other Las Vegas food favorites such as Capriotti’s, Ferraro’s and Me Gusta Taco offer their specialty fare throughout the concourse. And get this, most everything mentioned above is priced between $5-$12–a very reasonable price when compared to other venues.

Let’s Play Ball!

The grand opening first home game against the Sacramento River Cats was April 9th, after the Aviators returned from El Paso, Texas with an impressive 5-1 winning opening season series against The Chihuahuas.

The home opener was sold out nearly beyond capacity with a reported attendance of 11,036 fans. Vegas showgirls walked the concourse offering photo ops with fans while nostalgic “Cold Beer! Peanuts! Popcorn!” chants could be heard from roaming vendors. An Aviators ball cap was given to every ticket holder and the gift shops were packed to the gills with fans buying additional Aviator swag.

Down on the field, Governor Steve Sisolak and LVCVA execs welcomed fans with a pregame ceremony that also introduced the two new mascots: a happy-go-lucky “Spruce the Goose” and “The Aviator”– a mysterious jet-pack clad, futuristic airman who made an impressive entrance by literally flying onto the field with a hi-tech (and loud!) personal jet propulsion system strapped to his back.

Local Hero Hailey Dawson, the young girl who has thrown the ceremonial first pitch at all the MLB Stadiums using her 3D-printed prosthetic hand, christened home plate with her inaugural throw to Hitting Coach Eric Martins. The weather, unfortunately, wasn’t cooperative. High winds had debris blowing around left field and the fans were seeking cover by the third inning. The Aviators and die-hard fans persevered however, and finished the game with a 10-2 win over Sacramento. In the days after, the LV Aviators swept the series against the River Cats and are off to a great start to the season.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know how Las Vegas has been exploding with new sports teams. Over the past two years we’ve had the Vegas Golden Knights, the WNBA Las Vegas Aces and the LV Lights FC (who have re-purposed Cashman Field as their own soccer venue) all arrive in town and with welcoming open arms from our community. The Raiders are on their way, too! And now, with the Las Vegas Aviators and our new ballpark, Las Vegas has proven yet again that we continuously raise the bar, go over the top and are “in it to win it!” Here’s wishing the LV Aviators a successful first season. Go out to a game and show your support. Fly high guys!

The Beautiful Brewskie – Las Vegas and the Craft Beer Invasion.

It’s hot. I mean really hot. It’s, like, stick a fork in me I’m cooked to temperature hot…and the only thing that can bring me satisfaction – that can cool me down and relieve that persistent sticky, fatigued feeling – is a cold and frothy mug of hoppy goodness. I’m not talking about a lager from a can, either. No – I need big flavor. I crave the crisp bite of an IPA or the smooth clove-y spice of a Wit. 

I. Want. A. Beer.

Don’t get me wrong – I have nothing against the staples. Few things top off a lake day or a camping trip quite like the icy blue mountains of a Silver Bullet, but when it comes to tasting, eating and appreciating the art of the suds – you’ve got to go with the crafts. For so long, wine has been the booze of the connoisseur, but no more. It’s the cicerone’s time to shine – and for you that means craft breweries and beer-centric restaurants popping up all over town.

Here are just a few:

Downtown

Banger Brewing
450 Fremont St., Suite 135

Open Daily Hours Vary
www.bangerbrewing.com | 456.BREW (2739)

We’ll start our beer hopping journey downtown at the Neonopolis Complex in the Fremont Street Experience for a real tasting treat at local craft brewery (and the only one in the Fremont Street Experience) Banger Brewing.

Opened in late December 2013, the clean, inviting bar with open area café style seating and a direct view to the brewery through a large window is run by five tight-knit service industry vets. Let me tell you, these guys know how to brew a beer. They were running about 10 beers on tap when we visited, and we truly enjoyed every one of them.  For the hop-lover (yours truly) try the Perfect 10 Pale Ale, and for some smooth malty goodness go for the DTB Brown Ale. Not to be missed during the hot summer months, and one of my personal favorites, is the Sandia Watermelon Wheat. Just like it sounds, this refreshing and easy-drinking brew gives the perfect hint of our favorite summer staple. Really, though, you can’t go wrong and I would suggest a flight with four tasters, priced reasonably at $7.

Best thing about this place? It ranks refreshingly low on the Snooty Scale. The staff was happy to talk with you about the beers, and never “beer shamed” us for not knowing something. Combine that with the tasty brews and they get an A Plus in my book.

For more information on tours, upcoming events and more visit www.bangerbrewing.com. 

Bier Garten

1 South Main St.
Open Daily 11 a.m. to Midnight
www.biergartenlv.com| 386-2110 

Just down the street from Banger Brewing, it’s my bet that Bier Garten will soon be known as “the place with real grass and the living wall in downtown Vegas,” but it’s oh so much more than that. In fact, this not-so-hidden gem is reminiscent of a backyard BBQ, but with awesome people watching, gourmet brats and (arguably most important in the context of this article) a beer list on steroids.

Brain-child of Pop Up Pizza dream team, Sam Cherry and Grant Garcia, the vibe of this Bavarian-inspired watering hole is a perfect fit for downtown. A welcome addition to the newly remodeled Plaza Hotel & Casino, sizzling concrete has been covered with 3,000 square feet of real grass and over 900 plants scale the side wall of the casino backing up to it. Long, family-style tables shipped gen-you-eyen from 1980’s Munich Oktoberfest surround a patio of wooden trellis and vine, fully-equipped with TV’s. With live music from local artists on the weekends, shade after 2 p.m. and a perfect view of Main Street downtown, it easily makes the list of cool hangouts. Then, you catch a glimpse of the beer menu. Come to mama… Twelve rotating craft beers on tap are rounded out with a literal smorgasbord of bottled microbrews, both domestic and import. There were some on the list like Wells Banana Nut (if you like the “sweet” brews this one is right up your alley) and Big Dogs Dirty Dog IPA that neither my husband nor I had ever heard of – and we try a lot of beer.

If you’re a newbie, head chef Jeffrey Martell (also of Oscar’s steakhouse and Pop Up Pizza) does you a solid by pairing all of his tasty brats with the perfect “cold one.” We threw back The Stardust (German brat, caramelized onions, Sauerkraut and German sweet mustard) with a medium-bodied Brooklyn Brewery Brown Ale and The Hacienda (Sweet Italian sausage, roaster sweet peppers, caramelized onions and spicy Giardiniera) with the tasty and clean Belgian Pranqster by North Coast Brewing Co. They hit the spot.

Visit www.biergartenlv.com for the full menu, pricing and more information. Your beer buds will not be disappointed.

Your Neck of the Woods

Bad Beat Brewing
7380 Eastgate Rd Suite 110
Open Thurs. – Sun. hours vary
www.badbeatbrewing.com

Photos Courtesy of: Kat Okula

Not in the mood to trek it downtown? There’s a new joint in your neck of the woods that’s worth betting on. Bad Beat Brewing, a locally owned craft brewery, recently celebrated its grand opening in the up-and-coming Booze District (including Las Vegas Distillery, Grape Expectations and more). 

On top of the neighborhood feel (complete with dartboard, shuffleboard and a certain über popular black-and-white boxed card game on one of the bar tables) this place also boasts some super tasty and interesting beer. If you’re looking for a flavor adventure try the uniquely brewed “Ace in the Hole” pale ale.  With a hint of basil, it’s one of the more refreshing I’ve tried. Another favorite was the “Bluffing isn’t weisse” Hefeweizen with strong banana notes and a pleasantly smooth finish. All the beers I tried ($8 for a five-beer taster) were worth a second glass. 

There’s no food, but the Director of Imbibing Operations, Mike D. assured me food trucks would frequent the parking lot on weekends.  

For more information visit www.badbeatbrewing.com.  

Mom and Dad Gone Wild

They gave you life, put food on the table, took you to soccer games, played catch, nursed you through sickness and broken hearts, taught you manners and even punished you (when you deserved it…which was probably often). For the two people in the world who have sacrificed the most and worked the hardest on your behalf – how do you go about repaying them? Well, if Mom and Dad are partial to a little excitement in their lives, we have a few local “adventure” experiences that will make this Mother’s and Father’s Day one to remember.

For the Parental Adrenaline Junkies:

They have always lived on the edge, scoff at the thought of being idle and most likely embarrassed you once or twice with their wackiness until you got old enough to realize they were actually just really, really fun. These are sure signs your folks are always on the lookout for something a little crazy – and what better time to indulge them than on “their” day? Obviously our town is known for delivering many a “wild” time – here are a few that may play well for Mom and/or Dad.

Note – these adventures are NOT confined to the Hallmark Holidays and also make a great gift from the little ones to younger Mom’s and Dad’s.  

Urban Sniper Course

If Mom and/or Dad are fans of SWAT and FBI movies, this new Vegas experience should be the equivalent of going to Disneyland – without the long lines and with the addition of sniper rifles and hand-to-hand combat training.

Former US Navy SEAL and veteran Police SWAT Officer, Charles Moser, along with Navy vet Claudia Moser created SWAT Concepts to offer a truly unique way to experience the life and mindset of a SWAT sniper.  As many times as we’re sure mom felt like a SEAL as she “cleared” your dirty bedroom – this is the real deal. You can choose from one to five-day training courses/camps scheduled throughout the year (a one-day class is scheduled for May 18) that provides everything from basic handgun and ballistics training to full immersion surveillance and recon training that also leaves you with a Nevada Concealed Carry Permit (CCW). Be ready to drop a pretty penny ($499 for the one day course), but remember all the diapers, the college tuition and that time they had to bail you out of jail!

All live shooting occurs at Pro Gun Club Las Vegas in Boulder City. Visit www.swatconceptslv.com for more information.

Richard Petty Driving Experience

If you always thought Mom drove a little too fast on the freeway…and Dad frequently works the term “Need for Speed!” into casual conversation than the way to their hearts may be through their pedals.

The Richard Petty Driving Experience at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a NASCAR fan’s dream, offering ride along and drive along “experiences” in a 600 horsepower, two-seat NASCAR racecar. Reaching speeds of up to 165 mph, this ain’t your Mama’s V6 mini van.  Dad can don those racing gloves he’s been saving for “retirement” and take laps around the speedway with expert advice for professional racers, and even someone to record his top time (although we know he’ll probably skim a few minutes off the top). If they don’t want to drive, riding with a pro is also an option. Finally, if racecars aren’t their thing, but they have a soft spot for muscle cars – the American Muscle Car Challenge lets those lead foots test out a Chevy Camaro ZL1, a Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 and a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. For prices ranging from $99 to $3,499 for a full-fledged Advanced Racing Program your folks can get a taste of what it’s like to be Jeff Gordon. 

Visit www.drivepetty.com for more information.

VORE | Vegas Off-Road Experience

Another “behind-the-wheel” option may be more akin to when Dad took you out for that first-time stick shift driving lesson. It was definitely a bumpy ride, but a blast nonetheless!

VORE (Vegas Off-Road Experience) will put Mom and Dad out in the Nevada badlands, mobbing along dirt trails in a 235 horsepower VORE CHALLENGE off-road truck that means business. Choose between a short course, ripping off hills and jumps, or a longer course through the barren desert. Professional off-road truck drivers will give your beloved parents a lesson in dirt driving before setting them loose – without inhibitions – to brave the gravel and dust. Just like Richard Petty, if Mom decides she’s A-OK as a passenger, there’s an option to ride along with a pro. They promise to take you on jumps up to 40 feet high! What’s more, let’s just say you’ve always known Dad has pyromaniac tendencies…let him get it all out in a safe environment by signing him up for the “Blow Up a Car” package. Yes, that’s right, he can blow up a car by shooting at explosives inside the vehicle… unlimited caveman grunts are free of charge.

The small course tours start at $295. Visit www.vore.com for more information.

Stratosphere SkyJump

Sometimes, instead of revving engines and flames, it’s heights that get the blood pumping. If that’s the case, maybe jumping off the top of the Stratosphere would be a fun surprise for Mom and Dad?

SkyJump at Stratosphere is described as a “vertical zipline” – the highest in the world. It’s not bungee jumping, but a controlled fall from the 108^th story. That’s 855 feet. Getting Dad to make the leap should be fun for both of you!

For locals, SkyJump is $89.99. Visit www.skyjumplasvegas.com for more information.

Whatever the adventure – it’s the thought that counts. Give Mom and Dad a big hug and let them know you care before sending them on an experience they’ll never forget! 

Into the Wild – Up Close and Personal with Our Local Animal Kingdom

I wasn’t quite sure what I had gotten myself into when I turned around to see a 500 lb. male lion just inches behind me. Mind you, he was busy slurping up raw meat and didn’t seem at all interested in what I was doing there (oh, and did I mention the layer of industrial strength plexiglass between us?), but the sheer size and presence of such a powerful animal that close up is a bizarre mixture of unsettling and truly inspiring all at once. You might wonder how I got the opportunity to hobnob with the “King of the Jungle.” Honestly, it wasn’t that hard. I didn’t have to hop on a plane, or even flash my media badge for a behind the scenes peek. I drove 10 minutes on St. Rose and walked right in. It was one of the two places I traveled in our diverse city to experience close-up encounters with some pretty fascinating wild animals.

By Meghan Pescio

The Lion Habitat Ranch

When the Lion Exhibit at MGM Grand closed in early 2012 the lions’ owners, Keith and Beverly Evans, began to receive inquiries from visitors missing the excitement. They decided to retrofit and open the habitat they had run behind their home for 25 years so that the public could once again enjoy and appreciate the majesty of the creatures they cared for.

We’re glad they did. There’s no other way to describe this place besides downright cool.

Nearly 50 African lions and two newly adopted female ostriches reside at the habitat on 382 Bruner Dr. just east of the M Resort in Henderson. The 8.5 acre outdoor facility takes visitors in a circle to interact with the cats – sometimes lazily spread out in a shady spot and other times right up against the fences, seemingly within reach (although not quite) to onlookers. In addition to watching them interact, hearing a bone chilling roar and simply admiring that familiar, formidable strut, onlookers learn history and hear stories and fun facts from experienced handlers with a special, unmatched love and respect for the exotic beasts. If you’ve never seen a 5’4” woman walk up to five male adolescent lions and pet them like house cats…then you haven’t seen anything.

Truth is, to Keith, Beverly and the hired handlers, these animals are close to family. With decades of experience with large wild cats between them, it was clear during my visit that daily work consists of ensuring the safety, comfort and happiness of the animals as well as the safety of employees and visitors. After all, they’re dealing with lions and nobody’s forgotten that. The ultimate goal of the organization run by Evans, The Cat House Inc., is to raise awareness and funds to protect animals in the wild – which aren’t faring so well due to loss of habitat and human conflict in Africa. 

Entry into the sanctuary is $20 for adults with free entry for a child 13 years or younger with each adult. In addition to general visitors, the Lion Habitat Ranch also hosts special events from large corporate get-togethers to children’s birthday parties. Small dinners can be held in a section of the habitat that protrudes into one of the dens – the lions will be just as curious about you as you are about them. A completely unique experience exists in special programs such as Trainer for a Day during which you shadow a trainer for feeding, bathing and handling lions for 3-4 hours. At $800, it’s not cheap, but when you get to be up close and personal with the king of all beasts, it’s worth it.

For more information on hours of operation, facility rental and more visit www.thecathouse.us. 

Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary

The friendly staff at Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary joke that their facility, located at 8103 Racel St., is half way to Reno. For any bird lover or parent with young children the trip’s Return On Driving Investment is solid – it makes for a great half day adventure to interact closely with all sorts of animals from colorful macaws and toucans to a mule deer and two adorable pot bellied pigs.  

Established in 1970 by William Gilcrease, the facility is used mainly to care for pets, predominantly birds but also barnyard animals, which have been estranged from their owners either due to inability to provide care or to abuse. Bambi, a friendly mule deer you can pet and feed, greets visitors as they enter the eight acre grounds. Aviaries featuring small, colorful cockatiels and larger, more exotic looking Turacos take center stage while cockatoo, macaw and pheasant are housed separately. The cockatoo room is loud, and may be a bit off putting for the little ones, but if they enjoy seeing the birds up close visitors can trek between the cages to the back where a beautiful toucan calls home. A well-groomed nature trail brings guests to a small petting area with goats, burros and llama as well as miniature ponies, ostriches, emus, peacocks, tortoises and of course the pots. A small amphitheater welcomes field trips, events (such as the April 19 “Wings in Spring”) and more.

Most exciting for the sanctuary are future plans for redevelopment. After a devastating fire in 2010, staff is busy preparing to restore and improve the facilities to give animals even more comfort and space. The loving and knowledgeable attitude of the staff, as well as their emphasis on education, is refreshing after seeing animals that have already been through so much.

General admission ranges from free-$4 based on age.  For more information on hours, events, donation and volunteer opportunities and more visit www.gnslasvegas.org.

The Downtown Container Park – Where Everyone Has a Story

Strolling through a city block piled three-stories high with repurposed shipping containers – amongst laughing children, chattering adults, live music and the addicting waft of mesquite barbeque – it’s hard to believe we just stepped off the streets of what  was once considered a virtual no man’s land. Our first time visiting the new Downtown Container Park at 707 Fremont Street was anything but. The buzz and energy within the 20,000 square feet of boutiques, restaurants, bars and giant tree house (also fashioned from reborn cargo containers) was tangible, and the genuine pleasure of the inhabitants – many of whom are local artisans calling this a “first” location – endearing. The newest addition to the beatnik business mash-up that are the Fremont East and Arts Districts in Downtown Las Vegas caters more to locals, and is a sign of good things to come. 

The Secret 

I’m not sure how this “new” downtown has managed to collect so much momentum. The generosity of Zappos’ Tony Hsieh and the relocation of the company’s headquarters were unquestionably a good start, but there’s much more to the magic than the boutiques, restaurants or bars in the area. The most refreshing sip I took from the Downtown Container Park was not of a crisp white at Bin 702 (although it was tasty). Rather, it was the energy of people like Bin’s resident “Wine Goddess” Kat, an experienced, yet unpretentious sommelier who took the time to tell us her story, sending us off with a hug despite just meeting us. See, every store we walked into had a tale to tell – its own little quirk –and it’s the people and the stories behind this downtown transformation that truly make it pop.

The Stores and The Stories

The Container Park is a hodgepodge of more than 30 different establishments ranging from art galleries like Blackbird Gallery (www.blackbirdstudioslv.com), to home furnishings to a store dedicated completely to women’s leggings.  

BluMarble (www.blumarble.com) was the first store we entered, drawn in by distressed wood crates and the unmistakable air of hipster funky. What we found inside was a pleasant surprise – walls, crates and tables filled with repurposed bottles in the form of glasses, vases, jewelry and more. At first glance the store is a gifter and decorator’s dream filled with artfully flattened wine bottles destined to do double duty as both conversation starter and Brie and cracker platter. Yet a brief chat at the checkout counter uncovers a Matryoshka doll of interesting stories. The co-owners, Jennifer Jordan and Rachel Cohen, were repurposing queens who became both disturbed and inspired by the amount of glass discarded nightly by local casinos, restaurants and events.  The pair began “rescuing” the post-drunk misfits to give them new life in the form of something beautiful and reusable. Knowing that each bottle of Grey Goose Vodka-turned-vase has its own story from lone potato to wild bachelor party (and that the bottles saved annually by the business can power a computer for 10 years) brings the store to a whole new level of cool, and fits in perfectly with the old-to-new-again vibe of the park. 

On our way down the row of what we effectively forgot were shipping containers (they don’t look much like the real deal after drywall and décor) we were summoned by the smell of jerky. Not your average jerky, mind you, but beef, turkey and even prickly pear cactus vegetarian versions found at JoJo’s Jerky (www.jojosjerky.com).  Greeted with a smile and a sample (score!) we discovered JoJo’s namesake happens to be the CTT (Chief Taste Tester) and close family friend of the owner. When he started his taste-testing career, he was just six years old and apparently had quite the distinguished palette, trying every flavor and providing sound feedback for improvement. As a frequent car traveler and self-proclaimed jerky junky, I must say the product was delicious. I was also impressed by the assortment of spiced nuts wrapped in brown paper and innocently (I’m sure) dubbed Nut Sacks, as well as the dry rub assortments sourced from local ingredients.          

And so it continued from 702 DTLV (www.702dtlv.com), a First Friday regular co-owned by Melissa – a local wife, mother and jewelry maker with a passion for transforming Downtown Las Vegas – to GabyOlivia (www.gabyoliviaboutique.com), an eclectic boutique named after the daughter of one co-owner and future daughter of the other. Even the giant, fire breathing praying mantis that greets you at the entrance has a story. Just ask around and most everyone will be happy to share it.

At the end of the day the Downtown Container Park is an outdoor mall, but it’s really more than that. It’s an idea that a previously underutilized portion of the city we love can be renovated into a hotspot for art, culture, music and entrepreneurship for visitors AND locals alike. It’s worth a trip to find a new world of local people who are “doing” things.

The “Deets”

Along with shops, the Container Park also boasts a few small (and somewhat pricey), restaurants including Pork & Beans (www.porkmelv.com), Big Ern’s BBQ (www.bigernsbbq.com), Pinches Tacos (www.pinchestacos.com) and Simply Pure (www.chefstaceydougan.com) for our vegan and gluten-free friends. For a local cocktail you can visit The Boozery (www.theboozerylv.com) and Bin702 (www.bin702.com) for fine wine.

A children’s play area with high-tech games and a full-sized tree house fitted with three, adult friendly slides makes the location family-friendly during the day, while a large stage for live music and performances allows for evening fun for the over 21 crowd (the park closes to minors at 9:00pm.)   

For more information on the shops, hours of operation and information on renting out the space for events visit www.downtowncontainerpark.com.

Speed Photo Tour

The Speed Tour (Photo-op Tour)
These guys want the crash course in all things Las Vegas. With not much time to spare, they are looking to hit all the tourist hot spots (read: The Strip in all its glory) and have some genuine Vegas knowledge for their return home to those not lucky enough to spend the holidays in the “Entertainment Capital of the World.”

We divided this page into checklists for you to use as a resource, or provide to your guests should their tour be self-guided. Remember to mix and match based on interests!

The Ultimate Tourist Photo Tour

• Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign, 5200 S. Las Vegas Blvd
  If you haven’t been in a while, a new parking lot makes access a whole lot easier and less dangerous.
• Fountains and the Bellagio, 3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
  Check online for schedule and music.  Show starts every hour between the hours of 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and every 15 minutes from 7 p.m. to midnight.
• Fall of Atlantis at Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace, 3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
  See statues come to life in pure Las Vegas style. Shows begin every hour on the hour Sunday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday until midnight.
• Volcano at the Mirage, 3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
  Shows begin at 7 p.m. and run every hour until 11 p.m. nightly.
• Top of the World Restaurant at Stratosphere Casino, Hotel and Tower, 2000 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
• The Fremont Street Experience, 425 Freemont St.
• Binions Million Dollar Photo, 128 Fremont St.

Vegas Movies and TV Photo Tour

• Circus Circus, 2880 S. Las Vegas Blvd. (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas) 
• Riviera, 2901 S. Las Vegas Blvd. (Casino, Ocean’s 11, Showgirls, Austin Powers)
• Tropicana, 3801 S. Las Vegas Blvd. (The Godfather)
• Bellagio, 3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd. (Ocean’s 11 and The Hangover)
• Caesar’s Palace, 3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd (Rainman)
• The Little Church of the West, 4617 S. Las Vegas Blvd. (Viva Las Vegas)
• Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, 713 S. Las Vegas Blvd. (Pawn Stars)
• Rick’s Restoration, 1112 S. Commerce St. (American Restoration) 

Vegas “Around the World”  and Biggest/Best Photo Tour

• Pyramid and Sphinx at the Luxor, 3900 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
• New York Skyline at New York, New York, 3790 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
• Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, 3655 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 
• Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian Hotel, 3377 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
• World’s Biggest Gift Store, 2440 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
• Hand of Faith at the Golden Nugget, 129 E. Freemont St.
• Vegas Vic at Freemont Street Experience, 425 Freemont St.
• Hoover Dam

The Star Strucks

Star Strucks

They’re young, they’re fun and they are looking for the best time “Vegas” has to offer them. While you might not necessarily be able to keep up the whole time they are visiting, use this itinerary to point them in the direction of the best culture, food and downtown excitement they could imagine. (P.S. We make the assumption that this group is staying downtown or on The Strip and might possibly be on a budget.)

Noon
Yes, noon. Chances are this crew barely made it off the plane before hitting the town and they spent at least an hour this morning getting up and around, recounting the tales of last night’s adventure. Send them for some hair-of-the-dog and a yummy, greasy brunch at the iconic Peppermill Las Vegas, 2985 S. Las Vegas Blvd. You can’t beat awesome Bloody Marys priced right.  

2 p.m.
Culture, history and art do not have to be a stuffy. Once their bellies are full, a trip to the Neon Museum, 770 Las Vegas Blvd. ($18 at www.neonmuseum.org), is culture made fun. For the video gamer, the Pinball Hall of Fame, 1610 E. Tropicana (Free admission at www.pinballmuseum.org), is 10,000 feet of heaven. They can fuel up and get an artistic fix at the Emergency Arts Building, 520 Fremont St, which is also a coffee shop. For a wholly different experience, send them on the Deuce. It’s cheap ($8 for 24 hours at www.rtcsnv.com), and hits all the major stops for a unique way to tour the city.   

6 p.m.
We’ll bet this group has been planning dinner all day, and your tour guide skills will not disappoint. If they want to stay in the vicinity of downtown, Bar + Bistro @ The Arts Factory, 107 E Charleston Blvd #155, offers up killer tapas. For noodles, Le Thai, 523 E. Fremont St., is the spot although you should warn them to get there a little before the dinner rush lest HAVING to grab a drink at Commonwealth next door while they wait for a seat.   

8 pm.
After dinner let the good times roll. Oh, last night you “hit” The Strip? Of course you did. “Well, tonight, how about checking out Fremont East District?” you’ll say. The new hotspot for the young and trendy in Las Vegas, this suggestion will earn you immediate cool points. For live music and cocktails suggest The Griffin or Don’t Tell Mama, both on Fremont Street. For some serious “frat house” fun, point them straight to Gold Spike,  217 Las Vegas Blvd. Wherever they end up in this area, it’s sure to be a great time. 

11 a.m.
Aaaand, we’re back to brunch. This time, instead of a throwback like the Peppermill, shake things up by proposing a PJ party at Simon Restaurant & Lounge in The Palms, 4321 W. Flamingo Rd. The chicken and waffles will help dramatically in the recovery process, and they will toast to you with their mimosas for a purely successful Vegas holiday.