It’s a Saturday night.  It’s late.  You’ve stumbled from the casino floor into a strange new land with a band blaring and patrons dancing to music that only they seem to hear without a care in the world.

This ain’t your mother’s cover band, or better yet maybe it is.  Covering songs from the 80s, 90s and today’s best tunes.

Red Eye Radio is a local cover band that plays off the radar cover songs.  You know like Beck, Cake, Muse or even non-one word bands like Vampire Weekend.

They give off an eclectic vibe with the lead singer resembling a strawberry blonde Smash Mouth singer and one of the guitarists gave me a Dave Navarro vibe.  Just walking into the scene without any expectations these guys can make you feel welcomed and like you want to get up and dance.  All celebrating in the crowd at least two bachelorette parties were going down and a group of Ska dancers that seemed completely out of tune with the music.

These are guys you would want to go drinking with.  Guys you know have a lot of stories to tell and enough charisma to talk about them forever.  Don’t let the 80′s and 90′s cover songs scare you.  They’ll play the songs that make you say, “I love this song! Wow I haven’t heard it in so long!”

That’s the energy.  Fun, festive and completely danceable.  They self-proclaim, “We play the songs you actually want to hear.”  Tis true.  Nearly every song had a huge fan, that would leap from their seat in sheer joy.  After staying for an hour and a half I kept wanting to find a reason to leave, but was so intrigued that I couldn’t.  When I asked my friend if she was ready to go she said, “Not yet I want to see what song they play next! It’s like listening to your iPod on shuffle!” Ain’t that the truth.

Free, fun and dancey.  Would more could you ask for in a cover band?

For more information, to book the band or to catch their next show visit their website at http://red-eye-radio.com/about.html

Except NARR8 has a few extra tricks up its sleeves – and these tricks aren’t for kids.

The latest innovation in the world of mobile applications – NARR8, a digital publisher of motion comics, interactive novels and non-fiction series, is erasing the boundary between a book and a TV series. A recently launched iPad and Android app, this ‘content channel’ boasted over 200,000 users in its first two weeks (now up to 400,000+) and was ranked number one in the Top Free Entertainment Ipad App category in both the US and Russia.

What makes it so intriguing?

Quality art. Fluid Animation. Original music. Catered content. Interactive and HD features.

NARR8’s claim to fame is it’s ten in-house studios, chock-full of artists and developers that deliver up the plethora of goodies that make NARR8 so original.

“Our variety is a big factor, and probably the biggest point that the Muscovite bigwigs pushed really hard when they were forming the company last year. Most of our competitors do a couple of things we do, but I don’t know of any that do every single one,” said Sr. PR Manager, Alexis Valerio.

With a great variety of content featuring horror, sci-fi, superhero, mystery and fantasy; and nonfiction topics such as world history and popular science, all content is exclusive to NARR8 and is updated bi-weekly, so the story never ends.

Join the revolution: http://narr8.me

Once discovered, the entrepreneur / salt maker extraordinaire, packaged his creations and dubbed them HEPP’S Salt Barrel. The company has a collection of imported salts which includes an assortment of flavors, textures and colors all in their purest form.

Hepp’s provides four different types of salts which they make available to consumers:

Smoked Salts – Blends with a distinct smoke wood flavor used as a marinade, rub or a finish. Available in Alderwood, Applewood, Hickory and 7 Fire Smoke.

Cooking Salts – Everyday salts used for cooking, baking and finishing meals, Hepp’s cooking salts harnesses rich, pure flavors untouched by harmful chemicals. Available in Hepp’s Red Clay Salt, Himalayan Pink, Himalayan Pink Coarse, and Kosher Flake.

Finishing Salts – Collection of salts great at topping different meals, snacks, appetizers and believe it or not, deserts which help to unlock all different types of food flavors when sprinkled just before eating. Available in Hepp’s Black Lava Salt, Fleur de Sel, White Truffle, Black Truffle, and Aussie Flake.

Natural Blends – All-natural sea salt made with unprocessed ingredients used as a cooking or topping spice. Available in Chipotle, Vanilla Bean, Rosemary, Spicy Curry, Thai Ginger, Roasted Garlic, Lemon, Habanero, and Ghost Pepper.

Hepp’s Salt is available in many cooking events and conventions and is also available through wholesale and saltbar locations in the Los Angeles, California area. For more information, visit their website and try their flavorful spices with your next meal!

Hepp’s Salt Co.

Venice, CA. 90291

Phone: 310-663-9900

They’ve been there for over five years, after all. It is only natural to wonder what is to happen to the unfinished condominiums. With the housing market at a standstill, would they sit deserted until the economy rebooted itself? Would the city tear it down and build a shopping center?

Rest assured. Your questions have finally been answered.

Previously the Luxe Lofts, an unfinished project that went bankrupt in 2009, the homes were saved from foreclosure by BondRok Partners in 2011, a Los Angeles based real estate development firm. Renamed The Modern LV, the property was purchased for a reduced price of $6.75 million and transformed into a modern Mecca in the desert. Condominiums are price around $250,000 and housing options range from roughly 1,000 to 3,000 square feet with 83 units featuring one to three bedroom floor plans. Units come complete with high ceilings, a terrace, balcony and a world-famous Las Vegas Strip view.

If that wasn’t enough, The Modern LV offers a plethora of amenities you’d see at one of Las Vegas’s famed five-star hotels. One question remains for the homeowner, however: Is a spa, gym, pool, pet park, gated security, underground parking, media center and concierge worth the hefty price tag?

We say yes<.>

There’s one thing Las Vegas natives and locals need to take into consideration: Las Vegas is growing and with that growth, catering to a different style of living than we’re used to seeing. Mimicking the lives of Metropolitan cities such as San Francisco and New York, Las Vegas is changing. Why not change right along with it?

www.themodernlv.com

 By Maggie Leon

Writer-at-Large

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To be honest I wasn’t expecting much Friday night on my way to see Ben Folds Five at the Pearl inside the Palms.  I even got lost on my way to find my seat, but eventually opening act Nataly Dawn’s wispy voice guided me (along with a bartender and an usher) to my destination.

Once settled I had time to really look at the young songstress for the first time.  It was like I was staring at Vegas’ own sexy version of Tinkerbell, with her platinum blonde pixie cut, sparkly green dress and boots.  Oh and I was enthralled by the fact that she had an upright bass player in her trio, because I just happen to be a sucker for both.

After the second song it was apparent Dawn had an unusual essence about her voice.  A weary, lightness, with tones of raspy instability.  It was as if she could lose it at any second.  The performance was solid, but when I looked around at the other members of the band I was distracted by all the plaid.  Plaid is overplayed and overrated.  Get some new shirts boys.

All in all the opening act was short, sweet and to the point performing a quick 29 minute set.  Nataly Dawn and company did the job of an opener.  Nothing too impressive, but just enough to give you a taste in preparation  for the main course.

Then they walked on stage.  Ben oh Ben.  Let’s just get one thing straight.  Don’t be deceived by the name Ben Folds Five.  This alternative band is a three-piece outfit consisting of Darren Jessee rocking it on the drums, Robert Sledge on bass and of course the unforgettable Ben Folds on piano dubbed Ben Folds Five, because “it’s catchier than Ben Folds Three.”

Where do you begin with a man as talented as he? I guess you could start by saying he’s a madmen on the keys.  Seriously a madman.  Forcing one to pose the question: Is it possible to look like a badass while playing the piano? The answer: Yes, if your Folds you can.  The way he slams away on the keys and spontaneously leaps from his chair playing in a full lunge could make any guy idolize him and any girl swoon.

How lucky are we though Las Vegas? The “Luckiest.” Ben Folds Five is touring for the first time in 12 years and the last time they made a stop in Vegas was 1999, when this CollectiveZoo reporter was just 10 years old.  Far before my Ben Folds’ days.

I’m happy to say this was the first time I’d seen chairs on the floor leaving little room for dancing, but by their last song everyone was standing.  Each song brought high energy and Fold’s powerful voice carried strongly through each song.  Drummer Jessee effortlessly hit every note while bass player Sledge showed us his softer side with intimate moments on his upright bass.

In the opinion of this writer the show had it all.  Kick ass piano instrumentals, upright bass (have I mentioned this enough?) and even a free styled song in German midway through the show.  All I can say is if you missed out, I’m sorry because like Folds said they might not be back until 2024.  The bright side: at least you got to read about it?

By Lauren Stevens

Ex-Intern turned Writer-at-Large

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If you have trouble sleeping, focusing, or relaxing Brain Shift Radio may be your answer.

Director Jeff Strong of Brain Shift Radio created a website to sooth the brain with music as a form of medicine. As an ethnomusicologist he dabbled in the history of auditory rhythm and its affects on neurological function for a decade, studying and understanding therapeutic approaches in society. He discovered “The physiological mechanisms at work are so powerful that experimentation by each culture resulted in a common finding: You can affect consciousness, cognition, and behavior by employing only two specific rhythmic techniques. One consists of a repetitive pulse while the other employs complex rhythmic structures.”

The website is easy to follow with its simple design that feels like Pandora Radio for the mind with all the different stations you can create. But instead of music recommendations based on what you want to listen to, Brain Shift Radio goes further by allowing the listener to control their mood and consciousness by a click of a button.

The music stations and mixes are controlled by various settings depending on what mood and feeling you want to accomplish. To begin it asks one simple question, “How would you like your brain to shift?” Then you choose…

1. 1) I’d like to boost my brain.
2. 2) I’d like more energy.
3. 3) I’d like to meditate.
4. 4) I’d like to lift my mood.
5. 5) I’d like to be calmer.
6. 6) I’d like to improve my focus.
7. 7) I’d like to sleep.

Based on your response it then provides a subcategory that elaborates on how you’re feeling, and diagnoses you with a playlist. The music is split between Rhythm and Ambient sounds, then broken down furthermore. Strong calls the development Rhythmic Entrainment Intervention (REI), “A music-medicine therapy that stimulates and synchronizes the listener’s brain.”

After sampling the playlist I noticed a slight change in my mood, but wasn’t sure if it was a placebo effect where I was telling myself how I was going to feel by what I chose or actual change. Continual usage is suggested for best results and there’s a 30 day free trial so you can find out for yourself. But once you’re hooked subscriptions are $6.99 a month or $59 a year.

www. brainshiftradio.com

By Maggie Leon

Writer-at-Large

A college kid’s dream, this obviously-meant-for-tailgating motorized scooter comes with an attached cooler.

Sound too good to be true? We know it is.

A great addition to your social lifestyle, Cruzin’ Coolers are ideal for events and outings. Small enough to take camping, for example, or to festivals, parks, and beaches, Cruzin’ Cooler is the perfect way to keep food and drinks cold and transportable, without the strain of a heavy cargo. Practical for storing goods, but sexy enough on the streets, the crew at Cruzin’ Coolers encourages consumers to use them just for the fun of it – the ride<.>

It was in Houston, Texas that inventor Kevin Beal came up with the idea while attending a Nascar event. He took note of spectators either dragging around their coolers or carrying them on their shoulders and jumped at the opportunity to design a product that would make life a little easier: Add wheels and a motor, and suddenly you’ve got a practical mini-fridge you can drive around. The rest is history.

Each Cruzin’ Cooler is small enough to fit inside a standard trunk, but large enough to fit over 24 beverages including room for ice. The coolers range from $160 to $1,400 with different watts, styles and colors. Gas and electric battery models leave options open, with battery life ranging from six to 10 hours depending on speed, driver weight and terrain. Cruzin’ Cooler also offers custom coolers which include features such as: backrest, seat-pad, a drink holder and an attachable trailer hitch for those extra ride-alongs.

With all the different options, why would you ever lug around a bulky box o’ booze?

Endorsed by celebrities such as Ellen Degeneres and featured on the Rachel Ray show, this convenient little invention has started a trend that seems to be speeding up, not slowing down.

Well, speeding up to 13 mph max.

By Maggie Leon

Writer-at-Large

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At 6,000 square-feet of awesome, Culinary Dropout (CD) is the kind of place where blue jeans are not only accepted, but almost mandatory given the atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can walk in and feel right at home as soon as you walk into the dimly-lit man cave-of-a-bar and head straight to the tap to get a beer before kicking back and enjoying the game on the tube with a plate of nachos. The place just resonate that kind of energy while the finger foods and beer keep flowing.

Walking into the place, you’re greeted by a raw bar where behind a stretch of glass filled with ice, you can pickup fresh crab legs, shrimp and/or lobster tails and either sit at the bar and order up, or post at one of the assortment of tables that have clear views the multiple TVs around the place showing your favorite team’s game (with all the TVs, it’s inevitable).

With the décor being “cave-friendly” you can also find different quotes from artist such as Bob Dylan posted on the wall and eclectic “street sculptures” that decorate the place and makes it original and fresh for customers looking to lounge sans sports.

The charm of Culinary Dropout is the formal/non-formal ambiance it balances so well. The indoor/outdoor seating option is great when the weather permits and with 3,000 square-feet of patio space, there is plenty of room to enjoy the night air while also taking in the energy of the entire bar.

Although Culinary Dropout makes it a point to keep your visit relaxed, their menu is tricky at best! They offer a wide assortment of different cheeses, hard-to-find meats and the aforementioned seafood options at the raw bar. But that also doesn’t mean you can’t get a delicious turkey and pastrami to go along with your draft beer if that’s more your taste and style.

Speaking of beer, “CD” has lots of it! From foreign and domestics, you’ll be able to choose from an assortment of ales as well as original beer options which includes their Paperbag Special and Fat Tire Amber cans you can try out. And if you’d like to go with specialty drinks, you’ll be happy to know that two-thirds of the menu is dedicated to said drinks. Master mixologist Mat Snapp has created signature drinks such as his After School Special, which is a combination of raspberry tea-infused tequila and Modelo Especial for cocktail lovers. You can also try the El Matador which combines Hornitos Tequila and St. German Elderflower topped with soda and a flamed orange.

Check out Culinary Dropout the next time you’re at the Hard Rock and bring some of your friends. The food’s great and the environment makes you feel like you’re in your basement having a few while enjoying the game.

By Brjden Crewe

Writer-at-Large

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My name is Gary Diego and am 21 years old living here in the entertainment capital of the world. I was born in Los Angeles but moved to Las Vegas when I was just a kid, so I consider myself a native here. I am a student at UNLV majoring in hospitality management. Living in Las Vegas makes my field of study easier or harder depending on how you look at it because there are endless possibilities here. On my free time I like to hit the gym, play soccer, fight (boxing, MMA), rave, party, be active in my fraternity, Phi Delta Theta, and DJ. I strive to be the best in everything I do and everyday I try to better myself. I have a passion for customer service, I am a people person. Upon graduation, I want to work in the nightlife industry and hopefully one day own and operate my own nightclub here in Las Vegas. The Collective Zoo Internship will help me put a foot in the door in this industry by introducing me to industry experts and learning from people with experience and different backgrounds. This internship will help me expand my networking vastly and introduce to me industry executives and leaders that will help me reach my goals in pursuing a career in this industry. I am thankful I got the Collective Zoo Internship and will take full advantage of it so I can succeed. I know that this internship will help me reach my goals.

“Stay healthy, stay hungry, be a gentleman, believe strongly in yourself, and go beyond limitations”- Arnold Schwarzenegger

Gary is a current intern of the ZOO for the spring of 2013 school semester in the Events/Marketing department.

Hello. My name is Steve Ahn and I am currently 22 years old. I was born in Queens, New York but raised in Hollywood, California. Before moving to Las Vegas for college in 2008, I traveled to places such as Peru, Mexico, South Korea and Africa to teach English, build homes and aid local orphanages. I am currently a Hospitality Management major at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. My aspiration upon graduation is to work for a meetings and events firm and to further my education by getting my masters either at UNLV, Cornell or NYU. A random fact about me is that wherever I go, people always confuse me for the Korean Youtube pop star, PSY (Gangnam Style). Some of my hobbies include: planning events whether big or small, being active in my fraternity, Phi Delta Theta, being artistically creative and building things. In the past, I was privileged to work different events for Destinations by Design. During my internship with Collective Zoo, I hope to gain many valuable experiences and get my foot in the door to the Las Vegas meetings and events industry. Ultimately, I aspire to work for a meeting, event and promotion company (hopefully with Collective Zoo).

“To do what ought to be done, but would not have been done unless I did it, I thought to be my duty.” -Robert Morrison

Steve is a current intern of the ZOO for the spring of 2013 school semester in the Events/Marketing department.