There’s so much happening in Las Vegas right now; who could fully keep up? This time, the ‘tracks’ on my Las Vegas Mixtape explore a keto bakery, a musically edgy museum, a Vegas film festival, a Mexican eatery with (seriously) an overhead clothesline in its dining room, and more.
Track #1: Starburst Parlor on West Charleston Blvd
Starburst Parlor (Image: Vegas 411)
Is the fabulously named Starburst Parlor a new hotel speakeasy or retro-themed downtown bar? Think again. Turns out it’s a keto bakery/coffee shop near Frankie’s Tiki Room on West Charleston Blvd. The place aims to hit your sweet spot with sugar-free and gluten-free options, including pizza.
The proudly “woman-owned” Starburst opened in May 2020, during the early days of the pandemic—and it looks to be a thriving business. The pink-accented spot dazzles with its vintage-groovy furniture, atomic design touches, and an old jukebox filled with singles like “Because” by The Dave Clark Five and “I Miss You So” by Little Anthony & the Imperials.
Stopping in recently, I had the dream-inducing Rocky Road “Two Spoons” ice cream and floated out with their delightful red velvet and German chocolate cupcakes. No doubt my doctor, who has told me to “watch the sugar,” will be pleased.
Track #2: “Little Miss Nasty,” The Portal at AREA15
“Little Miss Nasty” at AREA15 (Image: Courtesy of Seth Neuffer)
Thankfully providing relief from the world’s tragedy parade is the red-hot “rock and metal burlesque” revue “Little Miss Nasty.” It’s the escapist thrill you didn’t know you needed. At The Portal—the visually immersive venue inside AREA15—ringleader/choreographer Gina Katon and her four dancers skillfully seduced the sold-out coed audience with sly sexual fetish moves and stage wear. Their presentation was amplified with big rock show lighting, lasers, and artful floor-to-ceiling visuals.
The” Nasty” music consists of expertly chosen metal, industrial, and goth songs. Courtesy of the Shazam app on my phone, I discovered I was listening to “Spun” by Chelsea Wolfe and “Seduce/Destroy” by Lucille Croft. The night also featured tunes by Gina and The Eastern Block (Katon’s recording project), like their instant party-starter “Pussy Gon Eat You” and a convincing cover of Korn’s boiling-over anthem “Freak on a Leash.”
“Little Miss Nasty” makes a point to acknowledge the “real world” with an exhilarating dance segment set to Rage Against The Machine’s “Killing In The Name.” And the evening ended with a collage of news footage of women in the streets fighting back against the Supreme Court’s evil removal of women’s reproductive rights. “Little Miss Nasty” returns to Area15 on September 16 and takes over eastside venue The Usual Place on November 17.
Track #3: Jaleo at The Cosmopolitan
Toasted slices imported daily from Barcelona at Jaleo at the Cosmopolitan (Image: Vegas 411)
Soon as you walk into the deservedly long-running Jaleo at the Cosmopolitan, the elegant and whimsical decor puts you in the mood to explore chef Jose Andres’ magical Spanish tapas.
A recommended starter on the extensive menu is the “toasted slices of uniquely crispy bread imported from Barcelona brushed with fresh tomato.” The waitress told us that it arrives every day except Sundays, and then it’s toasted at the restaurant. Next came a refreshing Catalan bean salad and the patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce and aioli). Looking for a comfort food fix, we melted into the pressed sandwich of Serrano ham and Manchego cheese, following it with the outstanding seared salmon with stewed vegetables.
Andres’ personal touch is evident in the menu’s paella-and-rice section, where he writes, “While heat is important to creating the perfect paella, the real star is the rice. Bomba rice from Valencia or Calasparra from Murcia is the best to absorb all the amazing flavors and to keep perfect texture.” With mouth-watering words like that, I’ll be back for one of the three paella offerings.
Track #4: The Punk Rock Museum on Western Ave
The revered band X at The Punk Rock Museum (Image: Vegas 411)
To my mind, Vegas is already the hippest place on the planet, with museums like the Burlesque Hall of Fame, the Atomic Museum, the vintage-rich Office of Collecting and Design, and the Mob Museum. The city is now even cooler with the opening (this past April) of The Punk Rock Museum. Founded by “Fat Mike” Burkett of the band NOFX, it raises its jagged glass to the musical movement that snottily upended the rock establishment in the ‘70s.
Across 12,000 square feet, the photo-and-artifact-packed two-floor museum has many visually striking rooms. They are well laid out, informative, and fun to wander around, especially the one housing an impressive fanzine collection. There’s also a tattoo parlor, bar, music room, store—and a wedding/wake chapel. Check the website for the days when notable punk musicians lead guided tours.
In mid-August, the museum tipped its hat to the late Joe Strummer of The Clash with a crowded birthday weekend celebration party. On hand from L.A. were Linda Ramone, wife of Johnny, and artist/activist/skateboarding scene hero Shepard Fairey as a guest DJ. He amped up the revelers with punk anthems like “I Wanna Be Sedated” by The Ramones. As the museum evolves, I’m hoping there will be exhibitions that shine additional light on the Godfather of Punk, Iggy Pop, and other vital players in the movement.
Track #5: Maxwell, Encore Theater, Wynn
Maxwell at the Wynn’s Encore Theater (Image: Vegas 411)
It was joyous to see real-deal soul singer and songwriter Maxwell transform the Encore Theater at The Wynn into “Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite,” to borrow the title of his 1996 breakthrough “neo-soul” debut album. Still Maxwell’s best overall work, it merged classic R&B traditions with his bohemian Brooklyn vibes (he’s the son of a Haitian mom and Puerto Rican father).
On the final night of his three-show run, Maxwell was infectiously sensitive and suave, like a modern Al Green and Marvin Gaye. His astute band never failed to deliver the seductive and hypnotic grooves of romance-with-intelligence songs like “Ascension (“Don’t Ever Wonder”), “Get To Know Ya,” and “Sumthin’ Sumthin.’”
Maxwell hasn’t released a full-length album since 2016, choosing instead to roll out strong singles when he wants to. He belongs to a tradition of artists who impressively do it their own way, and Maxwell repeatedly thanked his devotees at the Encore for blessing him with his career.
Track #6: La Vecindad Pico de Gallo at Commercial Center
La Vecindad Pico de Gallo At Commercial Center (Image: Vegas 411)
Head to the steadily resurgent Commercial Center on Sahara Ave east of the Strip for hidden culinary gems. Among them are soulful eatery Sista Kim’s Kitchen (noted for their feel-good shrimp po boi, pastrami, and fried chicken sandwiches) and Pasabocas Colombian Bakery (try their high-quality coffee and puff pastries filled with cheese and guava). Add La Vecindad to the list, with its truly authentic Mexican cuisine and over-the-top ambiance.
The whole restaurant is an art piece, with “unique handmade décor” (per their website) and colorful visuals everywhere. The oversized dining room is designed like a Mexican cityscape, right down to a clothesline with garments hanging above a table. Recently, on a buzzing Friday night, a Day of the Dead-costumed DJ was spinning Latin hits like “Las Manos Quietas” by Carlos Perez (my Shazam app again proved helpful).
With all that going on, focusing on the expansive menu is a challenge. On my first visit here, I ordered the chilaquiles verdes (one of seven “breakfast anytime!” choices). This time, I went with a superb taco salad that was impossible to finish. The large taco shell was filled with chicken, pico de gallo, and rice and beans, topped with abundant avocado slices. For my return visit, I already have my eyes on the Torta Hawaiiana with pineapple, a nice nod to Vegas being the “ninth island” of Hawaii.
Track #7: “Don’t Get In The Car,” Las Vegas Premiere Film Festival at Galaxy Theatres at The Boulevard Mall
“Don’t Get In The Car” at Galaxy Theatres (Image: film poster)
Did you know that our city has the Las Vegas Premiere Film Festival? And a place called Boulevard Mall on Maryland Parkway? I had no idea either existed until I attended a screening of the ultra-dark thriller “Don’t Get In The Car.” It was one of the indie films screened this past August when the festival, now in its fifth year, held court for three days at the Galaxy Theatres.
Ahead of its eventual release to streaming platforms, “Don’t Get In The Car” has been picking up awards on the film festival circuit. In the tradition of “grindhouse films,” it’s a menacing movie about a woman forced to confront her dark past over a harrowing 24 hours. This car ride from hell is highlighted by raw energy and a gal-power storyline in which the bad guys have surprises waiting for them (Quentin Tarantino would approve).
“Don’t Get In The Car” was shot in L.A.—mostly in the middle of the night, without permits—and its downtown streets look mean, claustrophobic, and unforgiving. The screenplay was written by L.A.-to-Vegas resident Staci Layne Wilson (known for her popular “Rock & Roll Nightmares” book series and podcast of the same name) and Clarice Paris, who also directed.
Track #8: Little Feat, Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center
From left, Little Feat at Reynolds Hall (Image: Vegas 411)
You could immediately feel the love from the crowd when Little Feat stepped onstage at Reynolds Hall inside The Smith Center. The ‘70s iconic band then proceeded to dip the grand multi-tiered venue into a deep-fried batter with their distinctive, funky New Orleans syncopations.
Launching with their 1988 hit “Hate to Lose Your Lovin,’” the band established a real communion with the audience. Longtime members Bill Payne (keys), Kenny Gradney (bass), and Fred Tackett (guitar), along with new recruits, brought their soulful vocals, jaw-dropping musicianship, and improvisational mojo. No wonder Little Feat is also worshipped by young jam band followers who want “magic” from performers, not pre-recorded tracks.
At Reynolds Hall, Little Feat favorites like “Oh, Atlanta,” “Dixie Chicken,” “Fatman in the Bathtub,” and the countrified “Willin’”—a song that truckers and stoners could always agree on with its celebration of “weed, whites and wine”—all shined like the diamonds they are.
Track #9: Kassi Beach House, Virgin Hotel
Kassi Beach House at the Virgin Hotel (Image: Vegas 411)
The entrance to Kassi Beach House is sweeping and warmly inviting, too—a real architectural come-on. Inside, the bar leads to a spacious dining room with clubby vibes, and there’s a perfect-for-brunch patio outside adjacent to the pool. The restaurant serves what it calls “authentic coastal Italian cuisine.”
Kassi’s Margherita pizza with Italian sausage (an instant home run) and the beet salad (with a memorable kale and pistachio pesto) set us up nicely for two seafood entrees: the oven-roasted branzino (with olives and cherry tomatoes in a rose wine sauce) and the roasted salmon with ultra-healthy “ancient grains.”
Looking around Kassi, it was easy to tell that cacio e pepe (spaghetti with pecorino, butter, and black pepper) was popular that night. Perhaps on a return visit, I’ll add .05 ounces of caviar to this dish for an extra $40—and celebrate another day of living.
Track #10: Air Supply, Orleans Showroom
From left, Air Supply’s Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock at The Orleans Showroom (Image: Vegas 411)
How perfect that Air Supply’s walk-off music at the Orleans Showroom was The Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love,” since Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell have built a sturdy career with a truckload of love-centric worldwide smashes (“All Out of Love,” “Lost In Love,” you probably know the rest).
Marking their 24th year performing at the excellent-sounding Orleans Showroom, the ‘80s Australian/English duo sang with sincerity and vigor in front of an adoring audience. Their muscular young-guns band rocked up the arrangements with searing guitar work, which kept Air Supply’s pop classics sounding fresh.
Back in the day, Air Supply, like other bands, including Chicago and REO Speedwagon, were not invited to the “cool kids club” by the guardians of taste. Not to worry—their ongoing success and growing industry respect (they headlined the Hollywood Bowl for the first time earlier this month) proves that you just can’t keep a good love song down.
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