Mash-Up

It will happen at a playa on Roach Lake (don't be confused, there is no water on the lake, just dried mud where a lake once was), which apparently you find by going to Primm and taking a left (directions on the website are worth a read for a good laugh). The festival will have numerous art exhibits as well as themed tents and, more than likely, a whole lot of partying.

While the party aspect is played down (it's not a rave, not a camping trip, but somewhere in between, with a lot of philosophy added), the community is pumped up. There will be no in-and-outs—if you are there you are there to stay. This forces people to embrace the experience, allegedly. The event is all about participation and interaction (and electronic music) and wanting to get out of the city and into the desert for an earthy experience. This also eliminates casual people-watching ("freak-watching" as their website puts it), getting people who only really want to be there.

When in truth, we are the real freaks, the Dark Skies website tells us: "If you want to watch ‘freaks,' realize that you're only a few miles away from Las Vegas, and if you're out there—you are a freak!"

All the same, with lots of fire, potties and organic food, it's hard to go wrong. It's put together by Vegas Artists LLC; tickets for the weekend are $75 and can be purchased at darkskies.vegasartists.com, but like the potty count, expect the price to increase as the event grows nearer.

Getting tanked

Sure, we are looking forward to UNLVino this weekend, but nothing cures a wine hangover better than more wine. That's why we refuse to miss the newest edition of Rock 'n' Roll Wine on April 20. Taking over what could be the coolest new pool in the city, the $10 million Golden Nugget water refuge aptly named the Tank (there is a giant shark tank in the middle), founder Chris Hammond will incorporate a new element into the vino bonanza: reggae. We thought we were just really sharp when we figured out that it would be a reggae-themed event on April 20—then we realized that ForTwentyDaze will be playing live, so apparently it wasn't an accident. Stoner or not, the buzz will be from 15 different wineries presenting more than 50 wines. The theme actually comes from more than just a paraphernalia/dreadlock coincidence, as the party will also serve as an ode to Reggae Rhapsody, Rock 'n' Roll Wine's first issue under their Oregon-based Amplified Wines label. Cheers, mon.

Is the Sahara next?

We have already seen bottle service invade the most unlikely of nightlife spots in Circus Circus, and now it seems as if the Sahara could be next to hop on the club bandwagon. New owner Sam Nazarian is on his way from Los Angeles, where he launched several of the city's top clubs, including celebrity magnets Area, Privilege and Hyde Lounge. And even at 54 years old, the Sahara is already getting nibbles from some pretty big fish. Among them is Body English co-founder and nightlife impresario Brent Bolthouse, who has been rumored to have already been in talks with Nazarian. Can one of the last of the Rat Pack's original hangs weather the metaclub/megaresort storm? Considering the huge amount of cash shelled out to acquire the hotel last month, Nazarian must think so.

A glutton for flair

A quick hats-off to Tobin Ellis of Vegas' Barmagic.com who was just featured on Glutton for Punishment, a extreme food show on the Fine Living Network and the Food Network Canada. His job was to teach host Bob Bloomer (from The Surreal Gourmet) how to flair in six days and then compete in the nationals here in Vegas. While Bloomer's performance maybe wasn't deserving of a place in the finals, it wasn't because of the teacher, and we always love it when we get to see our bartenders (and their protégés) on national TV. The show is expected to re-air sometime this month.

Breaking down

More local flavor is making its way onto the big screen, as local hip-hop dancers the Knucklehead Zoo are headed to the Tribeca Film Festival this April 25 through May 5 to attend the screening of the documentary Planet B-Boy, in which they are featured. The movie chronicles the resurfacing of the break-dance phenomenon into the mainstream, and those who never stopped the street-borne choreography. KHZ is an all-local crew, two-time U.S. National Champions at the prestigious Battle of the Year competition, and can be seen all over the Strip. Check out clips of them and the movie at planetbboy.com.

The French Triqler

$9, Triq Ultralounge and Afterhours

Ingredients 2 oz. Grey Goose La Poire vodka

1 oz. Sweet 'n' Sour mix

1 oz. lemon-lime soda

A splash of Blue Curacao

Garnish with a candied lime

This tongue-tickling libation is a tad on the sweet side, but the fairly new La Poire provides a whiff of fresh pear that makes the sugary taste work. C’est magnifique!