Eileen and I are back from Las Vegas. We stayed 3 nights at Wynn and 3 nights at the Las Vegas Hilton. Look for our trip report soon.

Please note that my sponsor Hunter and I have set the date of October 1st as the date that the www.everythinglv.com website will be the official site where the newsletter will be posted. There will be no more email newsletters. All members will get an email when something new is posted to the site. This notification system has been welcomed by almost all of the members.

If you haven’t checked out the website, I suggest you do. You will find some very nice features there.

Coming soon will be the public forum for the Members Need Help portion of the newsletter. This has been the most requested feature for the new website. What this feature will do is when a person posts a question, ALL members will be able to read all the responses that the person gets.
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IMPERIAL PALACE SOLD: Harrah’s keeps buying.

Harrah’s Entertainment Monday announced the purchase of the Imperial Palace for $370 million, a strategic land purchase that gives the gaming giant six major resorts at the center of the Strip and room to grow.

Located between Harrah’s Las Vegas and the Flamingo on the east side of the Strip and across the street from Caesars Palace, the 2,640-room Imperial Palace sits on 18.5 acres and offers the casino operator a multitude of development opportunities.

“With those properties in contiguous proximity, this purchase gives Harrah’s numerous possibilities to do what it wants at the heart of the Strip,” said Susquehanna Group gaming analyst Eric Hausler.

The purchase of the Imperial Palace — broken down in simplistic terms at $20 million an acre — made sense for Harrah’s, several analysts said. The site was too valuable to Harrah’s future plans to risk the aging property being bought by another casino operator.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Aug-23-Tue-2005/news/27091901.html

SPEED LINE

For years there has been talk about a high-speed train linking Los Angeles to Las Vegas, and that’s all it’s been — just talk. But now, a bit more excitement has been generated with the news that the newly reauthorized federal transportation bill allocates $45 million for a super high-speed train.

It will be called the Maglev (don’t ask me why) train, will connect our town to Anaheim and the ride would take less than an hour and a half. Sounds great, right? Until you consider that construction of this project would cost an estimated $1.5 billion, or $35.7 million per track mile. Now I’m not knocking the fed’s $45 mil, but that will cover only a mile of track and by the time this thing gets off the ground, the cost will probably have risen to $50 million per mile. So don’t sell your car just yet.

reviewjournal.com — Lenny’s Las Vegas
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GRAND SLAM

Andre Agassi’s 10th Grand Slam for Children will be featuring another superstar lineup when it takes to the stage Oct. 1 at the MGM Grand. Mary J. Blige, Celine Dion, Duran Duran, Earth, Wind & Fire and George Lopez are just a few of the stars already on board and David Foster will again return as musical director. This is a major event in our town and it’s all for a good cause.

It’s interesting to note that comedian Robin Williams, who has been a fixture at the event, will not appear this year, supposedly because of using blue material in his act. Also missing for the second year in a row is Dennis Miller, whose political comments two years ago brought on an angry outburst from Elton John during the closing act. Time to kiss and make up, guys.

Tickets are $150 and $100 (not including applicable service charges and taxes), and you can get them at the MGM Grand Garden Arena box office, all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (Tower Records/WOW!, select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers, Robinsons-May stores and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. You can also charge by phone, call MGM Grand Reservations at 800-929-1111, or Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000. Or you can go to www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Is there anywhere you can’t get them?

reviewjournal.com — Lenny’s Las Vegas
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Impressions of Gordie Brown
By Len Butcher

As those of you who are regular readers know, every so often I like to give you a close and personal look at one of our town’s entertainers and today is one of those days. I recently went to see Gordie Brown at the Golden Nugget and had such a good time watching this very talented singer/impressionist perform, I knew I had to interview him.

Several weeks later, I got my chance and as you’re all my friends (well, other than those of you who send me hate mail) I will share that interview with you.

Brown hails from Montreal and began his working career as a political cartoonist for an Ottawa newspaper. His fellow workers secretly entered him in a contest after listening to him do some impressions in the office. He reluctantly entered, but ended up winning. That, he says, “Got a lot of media attention and then everything snowballed from there.”

Brown says he always had aspirations to go into some form of show business. “I was in a school play, West Side Story when I was 15. I had the lead role and at the end of the performance, when people gave us a standing ovation, it was such an amazing feeling of adrenaline. I knew then that I wanted to be an entertainer. I didn’t know when it would happen, or where or when, or even what I would do, but I knew that I wanted to do it. That was the defining moment.”

He says that when he entered the contest, “That was a big move for me, because I was basically shy, so winning the contest gave me the self confidence to continue. Many entertainers, whether they be actors or singers, are shy, so they create an alter ego to perform. In my case, I’ve taken that alter ego to the max because I can step into so many different people’s heads with my impressions.”

Brown began by writing songs and joining a band. He says, “The impressions really didn’t take hold until after I’d seen Rich Little perform. Before that, I’d done a bit of Elvis and Michael Jackson, but that was it. When I went to see Rich Little, I was in the front row and he shook my hand and I was so awed by his performance, I went home that night thinking, ‘if I can do two impressions, why I can’t I learn more?’

“Initially, I started out doing Rich’s material, but little by little started writing my own. I’ve always had a comic sense and my mind always thought that way. When I was on stage it was always easier for me to ad lib then to labor over writing a joke. So between the ad libbing and the writing, it all started to come together at the right time.”

As for his singing, Brown says he never did have a good singing voice. “In fact, when I did sing, people would tell me to shut up. But that spurred me on. It’s like when someone tells you that you can’t do something, you want to prove them wrong. I’ve been very fortunate in the fact that I didn’t listen to people.”

He first came to Las Vegas in the late ’80s to look for work. “I was single at the time, but left a girlfriend behind in Ottawa. I auditioned, but things didn’t happen and I ended up going back home. I had left tape with the mother of Melissa, the First Lady of Magic, and three months later, after she got around to looking at my tape, she hired me.”

From there, he says, it was like climbing stairs, working in Las Vegas shows, moving up to work with his idols, Paul Anka, and later Rich Little. He then moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career, had some success, but returned to Las Vegas to do a gig at the Golden Nugget.

The then-president of the hotel nicknamed him Downtown Gordie Brown, a moniker he has since dropped. His contract ends in December, but he is hoping it will be extended. “The Golden Nugget people have been wonderful. I’ve been happy with them and they with me, so it’s worked out well.”

For now, Brown’s happy to be living and working in Las Vegas. It’s great when you can be home with your family every day. He and his wife (that girlfriend he left behind in Ottawa) have four children, ranging in age from nine months to 10 years. I just want to keep entertaining and building my name in this town.” So far he’s doing a great job at both. Catch his show. You won’t be disappointed.

reviewjournal.com — Lenny’s Las Vegas
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‘Hairspray’ stars headed for Luxor

In a double coup, the Luxor has landed Tony Award winners Harvey Fierstein and Dick Latessa for the Broadway-to-Vegas version of “Hairspray.”

A multiple Tony winner with film credits in “Torch Song Trilogy,” “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “Bullets Over Broadway,” Fierstein will reprise his role as Edna Turnblad when “Hairspray” opens at the Luxor in February.

Latessa, also known for his Broadway work in “Cabaret,” “Damn Yankees” and “Follies,” has signed a 12-week contract to play Wilber Turnblad, the role he played opposite Fierstein in the original production.

Tickets will go on sale in September.

Co-producers Michael Gill and Myron Martin plan casting calls in Las Vegas, New York and Los Angeles.

reviewjournal.com — News: NORM: ‘Hairspray’ stars headed for Luxor
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Roy gets ovation on Mirage return

Roy Horn returned to The Mirage for the first time in almost two years Friday and received a familiar reception.

A capacity crowd at the Danny Gans Theatre gave the illusionist a standing ovation before the opening of a concert by Seal.

Horn has visited the Siegfried & Roy Secret Gardens at The Mirage, but this was his first time inside the property since Oct. 3, 2003, when he was severely injured by one of his performing white tigers in the Siegfried & Roy Theatre.

Horn, who was accompanied by Siegfried Fischbacher and Lynette Chappelle, the duo’s assistant for their stage show, acknowledged the crowd by rising from his wheelchair and standing up. The trio had just come from a preconcert visit backstage with Seal and his wife, German supermodel Heidi Klum.

News: NORM: Roy gets ovation on Mirage return
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Wayne Newton’s jet on the block

Wayne Newton’s “Desert Eagle” jet is up for sale. The Fokker F28, built in 1969 and nearing its 10,000th landing, is being listed on the General Aviation Services Web site. No price was listed. “Make an offer,” the listing read.

The Internal Revenue Service recently filed a claim against the Las Vegas legend for $1.8 million in taxes and penalties.

Newton, who replaced Bob Hope shortly after the 9/11 terror attacks as chairman of the United Services Organization (USO), is contesting the IRS claim.

Among the claims filed for the years 1997-2000: Newton and his wife, Kathleen, failed to report the sale of an Arabian horse and wrongfully claimed losses on antique car sales.

NORM: Wayne Newton’s jet on the block
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MIKE WEATHERFORD: Shows making major revisions instead of just shutting doors.

If at first you don’t succeed… Three shows on the Strip are in various stages of what appears to be the latest trend: Opting for major revisions instead of pulling the plug or waiting for a miraculous shift in public opinion.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Aug-25-Thu-2005/living/2886011.html
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CAESARS PLAYER MAGAZINE HEATS UP SUMMER WITH THE PREMIERE OF THE HOT NEW LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Caesars, a world leader in all-inclusive resort entertainment, and Onboard Media, a Miami-based custom publishing company serving the global travel industry, have teamed up to partner on the launch of the new lifestyle and gaming publication, Caesars Player. The premiere issue featuring sizzling actress Eva Longoria, launched this month.

Caesars Player will serve the interests of Caesars’ diverse, chic and sophisticated clientele. The magazine covers a variety of stories on an international, national, regional and local scope. Caesars Player aims to cover a wide array of topics including gaming, dining, entertainment, celebrities, fashion, fitness and health and beauty. Caesars Player will also go in-depth with features on today’s most interesting celebrities, local influencers and intriguing newsmakers.

With smart editorial and captivating pictorial pages, Caesars Player keeps its finger on the pulse of Las Vegas, Atlantic City and the world with regular features on the latest happenings, hottest parties, newest dining destinations, most exclusive events and hippest “movers and shakers.”

Each issue of Caesars Player will include a celebrity profile, spotlight the newest fashion trends and examine the high-priced toys of the rich and famous. In addition, “Chef’s Table” takes readers into the kitchen of the most celebrated chefs and offers tips for making culinary masterpieces at home; “Hotshot Hangouts” invites readers into the homes of VIPs; “Bottoms Up” offers sure-fire sippers to pair with a great meal and “Splurge” takes a trendy turn, featuring the latest must-have fashions and where to shop for them.

The Caesar Player premiere issue will be celebrated by a VIP event held at PURE Nightclub inside Caesars Palace Las Vegas on August 16, 2005. Additional events and magazine promotions will be scheduled throughout 2005.

Caesars Player will be published three times annually, with distribution to all Caesars, Flamingo, Bally’s and Paris property guest rooms in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. In addition to the exclusive in-room placement in the above hotels, Caesars Player magazine is being mailed to the private residences of 100,000 loyal Caesars guests.
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ESPN to broadcast poker circuit.

ESPN will provide television coverage of the 2005-2006 World Series of Poker Circuit, tournament owner Harrah’s Entertainment Inc. said today.

The second season of the series of nationwide events that Harrah’s created to capitalize on its purchase of the World Series of Poker brand began this month at Grand Casino Tunica. The circuit will consist of 12 casino stops at Harrah’s properties around the country and is expected to boost yearlong interest in the World Series of Poker, which will be held in summer 2006 after the conclusion of the circuit events.

Separately, Harrah’s said it will hold its 2005 World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions Nov. 6-8 at Caesars Palace. The Tournament of Champions is an invitational event with no buy-in for top-ranked professional players and others who have qualified for the tournament based on their performance at five World Series of Poker Circuit events that concluded prior to this year’s World Series of Poker at the Rio.

Next year’s Tournament of Champions will be held at the Rio June 28-29 prior to the World Series of Poker, which will again be held at the Rio.

Las Vegas SUN: ESPN to broadcast poker circuit
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Ex-Hard Rock exec Marrandino to head Harrah’s LV, Flamingo.

A former Hard Rock hotel and casino executive who courted the Gen-X crowd with A-list rock bands and eclectic restaurants has been named president of the Harrah’s Las Vegas and Flamingo casinos, a new position at Harrah’s Entertainment Inc.

Don Marrandino, who has led the company’s Harrah’s, Harveys and Bill’s casinos in Lake Tahoe and its Harrah’s property in Reno for the past two years, said he looks forward to the Strip promotion and hopes to breathe new life into the Flamingo.

More Here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/gaming/2005/aug/25/519257901.html
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Male revues heating up over phrase.
By Jerry Fink

Two groups of male dancers are flexing their muscles at each other.

An attorney for “Chippendales,” the production at the Rio, has warned the producers of “Men of Russia,” the show at Krave, to quit using the phrase “A GIRL’S NIGHT OUT!” in print advertising.

“The commercial impression created by this tagline is virtually identical to our client’s registered trademark,” wrote Danielle Mendelsohn, a member of the New York City law firm Pitney Hardin LLP, in a letter dated Aug. 19.

If “Men of Russia” continues to infringe on the “Chippendales’ ” copyright turf, there could be a battle in the courtroom, according to the attorney.

Laura Herlovich, publicist for “Chippendales,” said: ” ‘Chippendales’ has trademarked ‘THE ULTIMATE GIRLS NIGHT OUT’ and have exclusive rights to use it.

“We feel it is very synonymous with our brand and that their use of the phrase of ‘A GIRL’S NIGHT OUT’ could create confusion in the market and we have asked them to cease and desist usage of the phrase.”

Michele Mosey, a producer and creator of “Men of Russia,” says she was caught off-guard by the letter.

“We received it Saturday at our show,” Mosey said. “My reaction was that I thought it was just so stupid. They never called, never spoke to us, just sent us a threatening letter.”

“Men of Russia” premiered at Fitzgeralds on March 20. It moved to Krave on July 20 so it would have a presence on the Strip instead of downtown.

Krave is a relatively new nightclub/showroom, adjacent to the Aladdin, that prides itself in being open to all sexual preferences. Basically, it’s an upscale gay club that welcomes everyone.

Mosey said she used the phrase “girl’s night out” in her advertising to emphasize that the show targets females, not gay men.

“It’s a very common phrase,” she said. “It was around a long time before (”Chippendales”) used it.”

Mosey says producers of “Chippendales” might be nervous over the competition.

“If they would come to our show they would realize we are completely different,” she said. “The only thing we have in common is that both shows feature men.

“We have a lot of dancing; we have jugglers; ours is very tightly choreographed — theirs basically is stripping and groping. Ours is clean compared to the other shows.”

Mosey said she doesn’t see any competition with “Chippendales.”

“We’re just giving women a variety,” she said.

Mosey says she will consult a patent attorney about the issue.

“To make sure we’re not doing anything wrong,” she said. “But the point is, they could have called me. They didn’t have to threaten me.”

Las Vegas SUN: Columnist Jerry Fink: Male revues heating up over phrase
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Twenty for Tony

Entertainer Tony Sacca will celebrate the 20th anniversary of his syndicated interview show “Entertainment Las Vegas Style,” at 2 p.m., Sept. 11 at the Greek Isles.

The celebration will be taped for Sacca’s show, to air in markets around the country on Sept. 25.

Sacca has interviewed more than 300 entertainers through the years, among them such notables as the late Redd Foxx, Milton Berle and Anthony Quinn.

The party will include video clips from past shows.

Sacca says several performers will be part of the event, including crooner Jerry Tiffe (the first singer to appear on the show), David Brenner (who was first interviewed in 1988), Rita Rudner, Lance Burton and others.

In 1985 Tony Sacca and his twin brother, the late Robert Sacca, created “Live From Las Vegas.” The show evolved into the current production.

In commemoration of the 20 years, Sacca has composed a new Las Vegas song called “Las Vegas Rocks,” which will be introduced at the celebration.

Las Vegas SUN: Columnist Jerry Fink
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Le tweak
By Jerry Fink

Since premiering to mixed reviews April 28, “Le Reve” at Wynn Las Vegas has undergone a few changes — primarily tweaking of the show to make it less dark and more fun.

To help boost interest in the production a dinner and show package is now being offered.

The $395 package includes the show and dinner for two at one of six restaurants at the resort. You may choose from Bartolotta — Ristorante di Mare, Country Club Grill, Daniel Boulud Brasserie, Okada, Tableau or Wing Lei.

The dinner and show packages are available every night except Fridays.

Restaurant seatings are between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

“Le Reve” performances are at 7:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and at 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

Las Vegas SUN: Columnist Jerry Fink
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Sahara’s Buck Wild’ a good idea not fully realized.
By Jerry Fink

Has the Sahara gone sex crazy?

Two new adult revues debuted at the venerable venue this month “Sin City Angels in the Casbar Lounge and “Buck Wild!” in the Sahara Showroom.

“Angels, produced by veteran Vegas entertainer Karin Denise, is a late-night free show. Because anyone passing through the casino can get a glimpse of the production, the performers are covered probably too covered for the taste of most fans out to see a little Sin City skin.

But if you’re just out for a little fun and want to enjoy a high-energy show with decent choreography and sexy dancers, “Buck Wild! isn’t a bad choice.

More Here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2005/aug/19/519229295.html
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Show Road: Avenue Q’ Wynn’s latest foray into Broadway productions.
By Jerry Fink

His sight might be failing, but not his vision.

Steve Wynn, who suffers from the degenerative eye disease retinitis pigmentosa, this week outlined what he sees as Las Vegas’ entertainment future a center of theatrical productions to rival Broadway.

“We have long felt there is no reason why the theater center of action shouldn’t be here in Las Vegas,” Wynn said.

The road to that future may begin with “Avenue Q,” if Wynn has anything to say in the matter.

More Here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2005/aug/19/519229275.html
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John Stagliano’s Fashionistas heats up the stage with erotic dance
By Richard Abowitz / Staff Writer

The Fashionistas
Where: Krave, Desert Passage at Aladdin
When: 9:30 p.m. Tues.-Sat.
Cost: $54.95, $76.95, $79.95, $101.95
Info: (702) 492-3960 or (866) 80-SHOWS

What is it that makes The Fashionistas unique? Every other show on the Strip—no matter how beautiful, creative or exciting—was produced based on an informed guess as to what people want to pay to see. But The Fashionistas brings to the stage the production show that legendary adult filmmaker John Stagliano has wanted to make for decades.

“It’s not really a money-making thing. I can make a ton more money just making a couple extra videos. But I’ve wanted to do a dance show since 1983. I’ve wanted to do a show like this—with very little dialogue, and with emotion coming out of the words of the songs. Every song in the show is moving the story forward, and the words to the songs enhance the story. One of the reasons I started making porno movies in 1983 was to make enough money to do a dance show.”

And, Stagliano, affectionately known in the porn world as Buttman, made his money. In fact, his adult movie Fashionistas was a sensation: A best seller that garnered an unprecedented 22 AVN—the adult equivalent of an Oscar—nominations. Stagliano knew he was on to something.

“I realized that Fashionistas is the great name, and I could do the whole movie as a dance show.”

Stagliano has practiced dance his entire adult life and was even a Chippendale dancer back in the day, and so was ideally suited to pulling of this surprising transformation of an adult movie into a Vegas production.

“One of the things that I am most proud of is that after the show, people who come up to me, and all of the critics always compliment the dancing, a lot. I really like strong technical dancing. The Fashionistas is well put together and has a lot of sexy dancing in it.”

Stagliano is quick to point out though that The Fashionistas offers far more to its audience than a cast of gorgeous, talented and sexy (and sometimes kinky) clad dancers onstage.

“It’s not just an erotic show. It is much more than that. I spent a lot of time organizing my thoughts into a story and rewriting stuff. From an intellectual and a content point of view, my show is a lot stronger because it actually is a story about sex, whereas other shows are just vignette numbers.”

At the heart of the tale is a famous fashion designer, Antonio, who is irresistibly pulled into a love triangle when his need for challenges—professional and sexual—force him into a war to posses a beautiful woman and in the process, he becomes even more drawn and entangled (literally) by desire for her equally hot, yet mysterious, girlfriend.

What makes The Fashionistas so special is that Antonio’s story is not presented through dialogue; rather it is told through dance numbers choreographed to music of tracks by Madonna, The Prodigy, Led Zeppelin and others. All of this combines to make The Fashionistas experience as artistically deep as it is erotically charged.

http://www.lvshowbiz.com
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Spousal comedy brings rim-shot warmth to the Plaza
By Steve Bornfeld.

Cruised the Borscht Beltway lately?

If nostalgic motoring through Schtickville is just what the family doctor who secretly wanted to be a comedian ordered—the doctor who, when his 95-year-old patient complains that he can’t pee, tells him, “You’ve peed enough” (ba-da-bump!)—then steer on over to the Plaza Hotel and park it at If You Ever Leave Me … I’m Going With You!

Starring the comic (Cat)skills of husband-wife/writer-actor/Hollywood-Broadway vets Joe Bologna and Renée Taylor, this is a funny, warmhearted little charmer that, tucked cozily into the Plaza Showroom, unfolds like an evening at the home of two hammy, likable, longtime pals, performing and showing home movies in their oversized living room.

More Here:
http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/2005/08/25/stage.html
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DRAGAPELLA!! Starring The Kinsey Sicks, the hit Off-Broadway show returns to the Las Vegas Hilton

Dragapella!!, starring The Kinsey Sicks, the hit Off-Broadway show, will return to Las Vegas for one show only, Sunday, September 18, 2005, in the Shimmer Cabaret at the Las Vegas Hilton.

Combining award-winning acappella singing, biting wit and over-the-top drag, the KINSEY SICKS have been called “one of the more uniquely original (and thoroughly fun and entertaining) acts we have encountered in years” (Billboard Magazine) and have been praised for their “voices sweet as birdsong” (New York Times). Their Off-Broadway show, “Dragapella!” at the legendary Studio 54 in New York City was called “riotously funny” and “sublime” (Variety), and earned them a Drama Desk Award nomination for Best Lyrics and two Lucille Lortel nominations, including for Best Musical of 2001.

The KINSEY SICKS have been profiled on national television in the US, Canada, Europe and Japan, including on ABC, CBS and the CBC, and were the subjects of a lengthy cover feature in the arts section of the New York Times. They were recognized by the Hollywood Reporter as a breakout hit at the 2002 Montreal Comedy Festival. They have recorded four CDs: Dragapella, Boyz 2 Girlz, Sicks in the City, and I Want To Be A Republican.

Come see what the fuss is about, as the Kinsey Sicks hit Las Vegas for the fifth time, serving up a feast of music and comedy.

Advance tickets may be purchased by calling the Las Vegas Hilton at (702) 732-5111. Tickets are $30.00 (plus tax). Show time is 10:00 p.m.

For more information on Dragapella, visit their website at www.kinseysicks.com.
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Anderson sets her sights on Scores

Pamela Anderson’s long-rumored Las Vegas nightclub reportedly is headed for the new Scores strip club, formerly Jaguars, on West Desert Inn.

The former “Baywatch” bombshell is teaming up with her photographer pal David LaChapelle, producer of Elton John’s show at Caesars Palace.

Her involvement has been circulating since Scores New York announced plans to open a Las Vegas outpost.

She has told reporters it’s not a done deal, but confirmed she and LaChapelle “are probably” partnering on the Las Vegas venture.

The owners of Rokbar Miami are taking their concept west, too. Published reports have Rokbars being established in Las Vegas, New York and Hollywood. Anderson’s ex, Tommy Lee, reportedly is partnering with rocker Dave Navarro on the Hollywood club.

reviewjournal.com — News: NORM: Anderson sets her sights on Scores
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‘Jethro’ licensed to run ‘Hillbillies’ casino in NLV

With no discussion, the Nevada Gaming Commission on Thursday licensed former actor Max Baer Jr., better known as TV’s dim-witted Jethro Bodine, to operate the Beverly Hillbillies Gambler Casino in North Las Vegas.

Baer, 67, was not even required by the commission to show up at the hearing in which he and his two partners received gaming licenses. Two weeks ago he attended the Gaming Control Board hearing in which he was recommended for a license and answered questions from members.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Aug-26-Fri-2005/business/3085432.html
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‘Avenue Q’ offers a gay Republican puppet, and another who drops the F-bomb.
By Mike Weatherford.

There comes a day when a lucky person finds the job for which he is uniquely qualified. For John Tartaglia, it was “Avenue Q.”

Tartaglia spent more than five years as an off-camera puppeteer for “Sesame Street,” but “never thought I’d earn a Tony nomination with a puppet on my hand.”

Most of those drawn to puppetry, he explains, enjoy the anonymity that enables one to perform, yet still hide. The hit musical “Avenue Q” is the rare gig that lets him be both a human and puppet operator. “I love to be onstage myself. That’s more organic to me than anything else.”

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Aug-26-Fri-2005/weekly/3055471.html
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Upcoming Las Vegas Entertainment

The Rolling Stones play the MGM Grand Garden arena on Nov. 18. Prices are $131.25, $262.50 $367.50 and $472.50. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the arena box office, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South, and through Ticketmaster. To charge by phone, call 474-4000.

Las Vegas’ own the Killers return to town Oct. 7, playing Hard Rock Hotel’s Theater Under the Stars with British Sea Power. Tickets, $42.90, go on sale at noon Saturday at Hard Rock Hotel, 4455 Paradise Road, and through Ticketmaster. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at 474-4000. Tickets can also be charged starting Sunday through the box office, 693-5066.

Smooth-voiced hunky rocker Chris Isaak plays Buffalo Bill’s in Primm on Dec. 10. Tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m. Prices are $25.95 and $35.95. Tickets for the show at Star of the Desert Arena, 31900 S. Las Vegas Blvd., are available at the venue and through Ticketmaster. To charge by phone, call 386-7867.

The Classic Rock All-Stars and Grand Funk Railroad’s Mark Farner play The Cannery’s Rocktoberfest on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. Tickets, $14.50, are on sale at the hotel, 2121 E. Craig Road, and through AllState Ticketing (ShowTickets.com). To charge by phone, call 507-5868.Rocker Eddie Money plays the Silverton on Sept. 17. Tickets, $30, are on sale now and cost $40 at the hotel, 3333 Blue Diamond Road, or call 914-8557.

Donna Summer, an artist who once defined the ‘70s pop music generation as the “Queen of Disco,” and who has become one of the world’s leading singers and songwriters, will be performing at the Las Vegas Hilton Theater September 3-4 at 9 p.m. Tickets are priced at $85-$125 (plus tax and service charge). The career of the five-time Grammy-winner spans a range of musical genres from R&B and rock to inspirational and dance.

The Bangles will Egyptian-walk into the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, on Oct. 8.. Tickets, $25 for general admission and $35 reserved seating, will go on sale today at 10 a.m. They are available at the box office and through Ticketmaster, 474-4000. To charge by phone, call 632-7600.
reviewjournal.com — Neon
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Posted on August 27th, 2005 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Newsletter