Vivid Dream
Since 2012, cloud-computing powerhouse Amazon Web Services has been hosting an epic party in Las Vegas to cap its annual re:Invent conference. And for the first time ever, the public is invited to an intriguingly expanded version, dubbed Intersect.
The two-day festival is billed as a “journey to culture and tech’s leading edge,” as the aim is to plunge attendees into mind-tickling art, music and innovation—sometimes all at once. It has the feel of a futuristic outpost, with otherworldly structures and installations inviting people to explore inside and out. At the center, a 60-foot-tall video cube is a next-generation canvas. Art is woven throughout, whether Beeple’s loops of cinematic “art crap” or Ouchhh data sculpture, Kyttenjanae’s wild animations or Tigrelab’s stirring manipulations of light.
Beck
It wouldn’t be an AWS event without flashy tech. Some are to be experienced in demos, though the best flourishes are built into the music lineup. After wowing at Coachella, French DJ Gesaffelstein’s monolith of light-swallowing Vantablack takes one of Intersect’s three indoor stages. Hot producer Flying Lotus will layer his beats with 3D fireworks, and 500 glowing drones will do a choreographed dance to headliner Kacey Musgraves’ iconoclastic country.
Also at the top of the ticket are Beck, hip-hop chameleon Anderson.Paak and the long-rocking Foo Fighters. The rest of the bookings hit just about every genre/undefinable niche, from experimental pop to neo soul: Chvrches, H.E.R., Brandi Carlile, Spoon, JPEGMAFIA, Jamie xx, Sophie, Channel Tres, Weyes Blood, Nonotak, Goldroom, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Thundercat, Japanese Breakfast, Miya Folick, Max Cooper, Kelsey Lu, Sudan Archives, Snail Mail, Toro y Moi, Kaytranada, Leon Bridges and Zach Person.
Even these performances are meant to make the audience part of the community challenging old ideas. It’s a daring model, and everyone is welcome to watch it unfold. –Erin Ryan
Las Vegas Festival Grounds, 3 p.m. Dec. 6-7, starting at $99, two-day package starting at $169 plus tax and fee, age 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster
Kalologie
High-Tech Healing
future is now. Take that extra step to refresh and rejuvenate your body when you pay a visit to the newly opened Kalologie Medspa, located right next to Aria’s Spa and Salon. Guests of the medical spa can choose from a menu of injectables, laser treatments, body contouring and skin rejuvenation, as well as buy results-oriented clinical skin-care products. –Kiko Miyasato
Aria, 702.590.9600
Sweater Weather
A fun, festive outing for your group awaits at Four Seasons hotel. Every day at 2 p.m. Veranda restaurant offers The Holiday Sweater Tea for $42 per person. The seasonal celebration includes sparkling wine and a menu of holiday treats like eggnog crème brulee and candied orange and milk chocolate yule logs. So don your favorite holiday sweater and prepare to get your holiday spirit on! –KM
To make a reservation, call 702.632.5121
Atomic Liquors Photo by: courtesy of Atomic Liquors
Cheers
Check out a special party in downtown Las Vegas beginning at 8 p.m. on Dec. 4. While the Atomic Liquors building will look closed, inside its 7th annual Repeal Day Party will be hopping throughout the night. You’re encouraged to dress in burlesque-themed costumes. There’s no admission charge, but you need to give this secret password to be allowed entry: “I have to see a man about a dog.” –KM
917 Fremont St. 702.982.3000
