May 26th, 2006

Headlights and Tailpipes 2 for 1 Special:

Here is a link to a 2 for 1 printable coupon that James Hoke (Matsuri) has provided for Everything Las Vegas members:
http://www.headlightsandtailpipesvegas.com/coupon-page.html
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Eileen and I will be back in Las Vegas starting July 13th for six nights. If you are interested in a members get together, just email me at mrvegas98@aol.com and I will keep you updated.

To all new members..and older members..please check out our Forum Group. You will find a wealth of information there. You will also find informative Trip Reports and Restaurant Reviews there also. You must register to reply and post but you can read all the information at the site without registering. The Forum Group is here: “>http://www.everythinglv.com/forums
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Braxton signs Flamingo deal.
Singer eager to make mark at Strip venue.

Toni Braxton says two women who have been there before her, Celine Dion and Gladys Knight, encouraged her to pursue a long-term residency on the Strip.

“I talked to (Dion) backstage a couple of years ago and she told me, ‘Toni, it’s the best gig,’” the singer said Friday after a news conference to promote a Flamingo engagement starting Aug. 3. Last November, when it became a realistic possibility, she phoned Knight, whom she calls “Mommy.”

“Toni Braxton: Revealed” will be a fully produced show with dancers and costumed changes. “When you’re in Vegas, you have to do it Vegas,” she told reporters. She will rent a home in Las Vegas and perform in six-week bursts for the initial commitment of 40 to 42 weeks.

More from The Las Vegas Review Journal here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/May-20-Sat-2006/news/7510665.html
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Steve’s Las Vegas Quickies

The Tropicana Resort & Casino introduces `Wet,’ a new pool party
concept that is sure to be filled with fun and entertainment. Anyone
is welcome and admission is FREE. A live band performs every
Saturday night from the island area in the pool and a disc jockey
keeps the party going throughout the evening. Drink and food
specials will be available, including 50-cent draft beers. All women
are invited to enter a winner takes all $1,000 cash prize bikini
contest. Also, swimming and dancing is encouraged. For those people
wanting to gamble, no need to leave the pool. The swim-up blackjack
tables will be open during the party. Guests must be 21 or older.

Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme have canceled their May 24-27 engagement at the Stardust because of Eydie’s recent knee injury. They’ll return to the Stardust in October.

Vocalist Celine Dion, who has a popular show at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, is scheduled to make a special appearance on the $5 million season finale of NBC’s “Deal or No Deal,” which is evidently a game show hosted by Howie Mandel that I am looking forward to watching sometime.
Las Vegas SUN: John Katsilometes

Announced Monday was the arrival of Zolten Penn Jillette, the second child of Penn Jillette and his wife, Emily. The child, which Jillette jokingly noted has the same first name as the dog of Dracula, weighed in at 8 pounds, 13 ounces. It is the second child for Penn, 51, and Emily, 40; Moxie CrimeFighter Jillette was born in June 2005.
Las Vegas SUN: John Katsilometes

Opening at the Sahara tonight are “The Scintas,” who have signed a reported three-year, $20 million deal with the hotel. The indefatigable showbiz clan from Buffalo, N.Y. - Frankie, Joe and Chrissi Scinta and “Irish” Scinta Peter O’Donnell - promise new material mixed with standard fare for the variety production, which runs Tuesdays through Sundays at the Sahara’s Main Showroom.
Las Vegas SUN: John Katsilometes

A restaurant nugget: Jerry’s Famous Coffee Shop, formerly the Canal Street Cafe, opens Sunday at Jerry’s Nugget at 1821 Las Vegas Boulevard North. A famous locals’ hangout, Jerry’s opened in 1964.

Power couple Ira David Sternberg and Gina Polovina - he an executive of high rank at the LV Hilton, she a person of authority at Boyd Gaming - report the license plate LUNI2NS spotted recently on a white Lexus.
Note from Steve–Mr. Sternberg has been a good friend to me and a big supporter of all my Las Vegas endeavors.Las Vegas SUN: John Katsilometes

R&B vocalist, new Flamingo Las Vegas headliner and mother of two Toni Braxton said she plans to live a normal life while in Las Vegas when she arrives this summer (her stint at the Flamingo is scheduled to run from August through March). “I do regular things. I go to Whole Foods - I was there yesterday - and salmon is $29 a pound, worth every penny,” she said Friday after a news conference announcing her dates at the Flamingo. “I wear a big hat and sunglasses when I’m shopping.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2006/may/21/566650367.html

This Saturday night a brand-new Brazilian restaurant named Pampas Churrascaria will be opening its doors at the Aladdin’s Desert Passage Shops. Offering a “true taste of Brazil,” this will be the second outlet of the popular restaurant from Detroit, Mich., who has been thrilling diners in ‘Hockey Town’ for some time. A Churrascaria by definition is a Brazilian restaurant where meat is cooked rotisserie-style in the kitchen and then carved off of skewers tableside. Although it probably won’t hit a homerun for vegetarians, meat-eaters beware because as one local Detroit food writer said, “It’s a cornucopia of carnivorous excess!”

Congratulations to David Saxe who is celebrating the second anniversary of his V Theater takeover. The main tenant for the V Theater is Saxe’s own ‘V – The Ultimate Variety Show’ which shares the space with two other Saxe productions; ‘X Girls, The Show’ and ‘Fab Four Mania’. It is reported that revenue in the theater under Saxe has reached $27 million over the last two years.
http://www.eyeonvegas.net

Defending NASCAR Nextel champion Tony Stewart, confirmed he has been in discussions with a couple Las Vegas properties about teaming up on a signature restaurant.

Harrah’s has just opened Penazzi’s which replaces Andreotti’s. The restaurant also has and adjacent Oyster Bar.

The Imperial Palace will be changing the name of the Seahorse restaurant to The Pampered Pearl very soon.

Trenyce, the fifth-place finisher in the second season of “American Idol,” became the first “Idol” star to headline on the Strip. She’s the first singer in David Saxe’s V Variety Show at the Aladdin. Unaware she was an “Idol” competitor, Saxe hired her less than a month ago after she auditioned for Simon Cowell’s upcoming “America’s Got Talent” show on NBC.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM

The Las Vegas Hilton’s $10,500 “Flush With Cash” promotion will run May 28 - July 13. Cash prize drawings will be held Monday through Friday beginning May 29 at 10 a.m. with the final drawing on July 14. Three tickets will be drawn daily, and each player on the drawing ticket will win $100 in Las Vegas Hilton casino chips. Drawing tickets are earned for any red card flush made Sunday through Thursday.

Last Thursday, New York-New York held Nathan’s Famous Las Vegas Hot Dog Eating Championship on the faux Brooklyn Bridge. The winner of the official qualifying round earned the right to represent the United States in the 91st Annual Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest Tuesday, July 4 in Coney Island.

Look for American Idol’s Katharine McPhee to be touring with Andrea Bocelli during his next concert tour if Idol producers will OK it.

Look for a July 4th opening for the new Steve Wyrick Theater and Show at the Desert Passage Mall at The Aladdin.

I am hearing great things about the new Aladdin Poker Room. Manager Brad Bryant promises it will be amazing.

The Las Vegas Hilton has a new “Wheel Of Winners” promotion. Details are at the Players Club Booth. Also at the Hilton, look for a new show called “The X Show.”

Also speaking about the Hilton, columnist Monti Rock lll has dubbed the Las Vegas Hilton’s entertainment lineup as “the main squeeze of shows” and I agree with him.

Cirque Boutique, the Beatles gift shop at The Mirage, is open and offering the first batch of Beatles merchandise.
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Upcoming Las Vegas Entertainment

Tough talking country bad boy Toby Keith will headline the Mandalay Bay Events Center on Sept. 23. Tickets are $48.50, $68.50 and $99.50 and go on sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the Mandalay Bay box office, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, and Ticketmaster outlets.

Nineties alt-rock favorites Counting Crows will hit The Beach at the Mandalay Boy on June 17. Tickets are $75 in advance, $80 day of show and go on sale at noon today at the Mandalay Bay box office and Ticketmaster outlets.

Tex-Mex rockers Los Lonely Boys will stop at The Beach at Mandalay Bay on Aug. 19. Tickets are $44 in advance, $49.50 day of show and go on sale at noon on Saturday at the Mandalay Bay box office and Ticketmaster outlets.Latin guitar great

Santana will play the MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 29. Tickets are $45, $75 and $100 and go on sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the MGM Grand box office, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South, and Ticketmaster outlets.

Pop radio staples Rob Thomas and Jewel will hit The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel on June 30. Tickets are $82.50 and go on sale at noon on Saturday at the Hard Rock box office, 4455 Paradise Rd., and Ticketmaster outlets.

The Carl Palmer Band will celebrate the music of Emerson, Lake and Palmer at the House of Blues on June 24. General admission tickets are $25 in advance, $27 day of show, rewserved tickets are $30 and special reserved seats are $35. They go on sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the House of Blues box office, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, and Ticketmaster outlets.

Seventies hard rock powerhouse Grand Funk Railroad will stop at The Railhead at Boulder Station on July 22. Tickets are $26, $31, $42 and $51 and go on sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the Boulder Station Boarding Pass Rewards Center, 4111 Boulder Highway.

Tough-as-nails popster Pink will play The Beach at Mandalay Bay on June 30. Tickets are $40 in advance, $45 days of show and go on sale at noon today at the Mandalay Bay box office, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, and Ticketmaster outlets.

The ladies will be lovin’ it when rapper LL Cool J plays the Sunset Station Amphitheater on July 14. Tickets are $45 and $56 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Sunset Station front desk, 1301 W. Sunset Road, and all Station casinos.

Country favorites Lonestar will hit the Sunset Station Amphitheater on Aug. 12. Tickets are $28.50, $39.50, $50.50 and $56 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Sunset Station front desk and all Station casinos.

Revisit the golden age of pop with the Four Lads, the Four Aces and the Diamonds when the “Moments to Remember” tour hits The Railhead at Boulder Station on June 16. Tickets are $22.95, $31.25, $39.45 and $42.25 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the hotel’s Boarding Pass Rewards Center, 4111 Boulder Highway, and all Station casinos.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/May-26-Fri-2006/weekly/7593712.html
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I’m writing to introduce you to our 14th Annual Celebrate America at (9100 Hillpoint Rd.) Hills Park Summerlin, May 29th 2006 between 3pm and 9pm.

Celebrate America is designed to honor those veterans who fought and continue to fight for our freedom. This event is geared toward reaching families with over 3300pp attending annually. This event will have “The Wall of Honor Memorial”, Giant Big Screen Video Presentation to Honor Veterans, Pony Rides, Bounce Houses, Water slides, Survivor Challenge, Food, Vendors, Live Bands, Fireworks Spectacular, Entertainer/ Comedian Carlos Oscar, Nellis Air Force Base Honor Guard, and Senator John Ensign will also speak.

The event tickets are sold at the gate between 3:00-7:00pm at only $5.00 per person! This is a great event for Las Vegas valley families and a time to say thank you to the
Men, Women of the Armed Forces who sacrifice daily for our freedom.
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PLAYER’S EDGE : Locals should check out player club giveaways.

In the next two weeks, we will see the beginning of the “summer doldrums” — the three months of casino business dropoff caused primarily by Mother Nature. But while it may not be the most popular time for tourists to visit Las Vegas, the summer slump provides an excellent opportunity for locals to check out some Strip/downtown properties.

Occasionally a tourist casino will launch a summer long promotion to attract local players, but until (if and when) that happens, one way to pick which casinos to visit is to check out the various giveaways for new player club members. Here is a partial list:

More PLAYERS EDGE here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/May-19-Fri-2006/weekly/7442642.html
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The Mandalay Bay Beach Just Got Better

The Mandalay Bay Beach – Las Vegas’ best pool experience – now offers more. More glistening sand, more exclusive seating and more of what visitors come to Vegas to find. Many guests choose their hotel based on the pool, and the Mandalay Bay Beach is one of the best draws in Vegas! Due to extraordinary demand, the resort has expanded its pool amenities for 2006 and plans more exciting additions for 2007.

The real sand beach makes the Mandalay Bay Beach special – 1,700 tons of sand simply wasn’t enough. For 2006, the resort has added more than 1,000 tons, creating additional premium beach seating for its guests.

Directly on the sand, just a few feet from the crashing waves, new Beach Bungalows provide a private experience and are the epitome of pool indulgence for up to 8 guests. Two units can be rented side-by-side to accommodate larger groups – ideal for bachelor or bachelorette parties. The 10 nicely equipped bungalows each feature: a state-of-the-art music system with CD player and iPod port; 40–inch LCD television with cable; amenity center with bar, refrigerator and personal safe; ceiling fan; double chaise; private changing area and telephone. The Beach Bungalows’ contemporary design features modular seating in crisp white and chocolate-brown rattan with vibrant red fabric for the curtains and chaise cushions providing bright splashes of color throughout. Priced from $350 – $700 for day use, the new bungalows also can be rented separately for a summer evening spent experiencing a famed Mandalay Bay Concert on the Beach. Concert tickets must be purchased separately.

More options for a private pool experience are provided by 20 new cabanas located poolside and along the Lazy River. These cabanas also feature contemporary décor with a table and chairs, sofa and chaise lounges as well as state-of-the-art music systems with CD player and iPod port; 32–inch LCD televisions with cable connectivity; amenity center with bar, refrigerator and personal safe; ceiling fan and telephone.

The Lazy River cabanas provide the ultimate in poolside family entertainment ideally situated on an island surrounded by the 200-yard water ride and near the 4,100 square–foot wave pool. Poolside and Lazy River cabanas range in price from $250–$500 per day. All beach rentals include personalized service, a beverage-stocked refrigerator and complimentary raft and tube rentals. Bungalows and cabanas require advance reservations and requests are confirmed on the day of use.

Set amidst the famous 11-acre Mandalay Beach, yet seemingly a world away, Moorea Beach Club provides guests with an upscale day-club experience. European bathing with a fantastic view of the beach, cushioned chaise lounges, high-energy music and personalized attendants make Moorea Beach Club the perfect private, adult experience. The addition of a raised deck has brought a stylish new look to the club, expanding the area and creating space for additional guests. The frosted glass wall looking down on the beach has been replaced with special inset panels, providing screening during daytime hours but, with removal in the evening, unobstructed VIP viewing of the Mandalay Bay Concerts on the Beach. The club also offers day beds, opium beds and pavilions from $250–$750 per day, for extra-luxurious privacy.

The poolside spa at Moorea Beach Club offers enticing massage services including cold stone massage and energizing foot or scalp massage. Skin-soothing body shots provide a unique way to enrich your poolside experience offering everything from tan enhancement to sun protection and healing skin repair.

Exciting Mandalay Bay Beach additions in 2007 will include a multi-level pool and cabana experience, complete with waterfalls, VIP lounges, entertainment and gaming.
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Tina Turner Debuts in “Legends” Tribute Show

Audiences at the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino’s “Legends in Concert” will be “rolling down the river” when Queen of Rock Tina Turner debuts in the celebrity tribute show Monday, May 22.

Lori Mitchell-Gay says the voice “just comes easy” to her when impersonating glamorous singers. She will perform “I Want to Take You Higher,” “River Deep – Mountain High,” “Private Dancer” and “Proud Mary.”

Mitchell-Gay did not have formal voice training but began singing in the church choir as a child. Her first professional singing job was with a top-40 group called “High Energy” during which time she developed a stage presence and style that gives her the versatility to impersonate several performers.

Mitchell-Gay replaces Whitney Houston in the current show, which also includes Jay Leno, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Prince and Elvis Presley. “Legends in Concert,” which began its 24th year May 5, is a full-production spectacular with dancers, singers and live musicians. Enjoy incredible look-alike and sound-alike performances of an ever-changing lineup of superstars. Shows nightly at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. except Sunday. Tickets are $49.95 and $59.95; children 12 and under beginning at $34.95. Dinner and show packages are available. For reservations, call 702.794.3261 or toll-free 888.777.7664. For more information, visit www.imperialpalace.com.
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Country Music is Sexier Than Ever in Harrah’s New Adult Revue

Country Music has never been hotter than in “Bareback,” the new high-energy adult revue from Greg Thompson Productions. The rowdy show that will excite and entertain both men and women rides into Harrah’s Las Vegas on May 19.

“Bareback” is a wild, sultry show that is sure to have the crowd dancing in their seats. Beautiful, scantily clad cowgirls and handsome, strapping cowboys electrify the audience with racy renditions of new country music’s most popular hits, including Big & Rich’s “Jalapeno” and “Comin’ To Your City,” Toby Keith’s “Who’s Your Daddy,” Cowboy Troy’s “Crick In My Neck,” Hank Williams, Jr.’s “That’s How We Do It In Dixie” and Gretchen Wilson’s “Redneck Woman.”

Ladies will love “The Wild Bunch,” a group of four hunky cowboys who get up close and personal by bringing their act into the audience. Men won’t be able to resist Nellie Norris as she takes the reigns as the show’s sexy leading lady. The beautiful and talented singer works the stage and keeps the “Wild Bunch” in line with her no-nonsense attitude.

Greg Thompson has produced numerous popular stage shows including “Skintight,” “Erocktica,” the award-winning “Lipstick,” “Playboy Ecstasy,” and “Heartbeat.” Thompson has created entertainment around the world for major casinos, cruise lines and corporations such as Microsoft, Boeing and the NBA. He has also produced successful television programs such as “Skintight” on E!, “Showgirls” on HBO and Playboy’s “Wet & Wild Live.”

“Bareback” can be seen nightly at Harrah’s Las Vegas at 10:30 P.M. and is dark on Thursday. There are two performances on Friday at 10:00 P.M. and 12:00 A.M. and Sunday at 7:30 P.M. (covered) and 10:30 P.M. Tickets can be purchased online at www.harrahs.com or by calling 1-800-392-9002.

Source: www.casinotravelnews.com
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The Original Las Vegas Podcast

Peter Morton sells Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
The Boardwalk comes tumbling down but the clown head remains
Listener comments galore
Reports from the official machines at Flamingo
Calls from Barbary Coast, Four Queens and Stardust, questions about limos, fireworks, Aladdin/Planet Hollywood and more.

http://www.fivehundybymidnight.com/fhbm/
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SHOW REVIEW: “Headlights & Tailpipes”
From The Las Vegas Review Journal

When Jeff Kutash is involved in a Las Vegas show, what’s good for me may not be what’s good for you.

If you consider yourself an average consumer of Las Vegas entertainment, looking for the innocuous, time-wasting variety revue that used to be the norm here, “Headlights & Tailpipes” fills the bill just fine.

The new revue at the Stardust offers the promising formula of cars, bikes and babes. Anything with a Bigfoot truck, mini choppers and BMX bicycles sounded like the perfect vehicle for Kutash to create his own Sistine Chapel. So the big surprise here is that the whole thing unfolds slowly with a wavering energy level, and just doesn’t go far enough over the top.

More of Mike Weatherford’s review here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/May-26-Fri-2006/weekly/7558514.html

Headlights and Tailpipes 2 for 1 Special:

Here is a link to a 2 for 1 printable coupon that James Hoke (Matsuri) has provided for Everything Las Vegas members:
http://www.headlightsandtailpipesvegas.com/coupon-page.html
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16th Annual Miss Exotic World Pageant
By Kristen Peterson from the Las Vegas Sun

Ladies, start your tassels.

More than 100 burlesque performers will be in Las Vegas this weekend for the 16th Annual Miss Exotic World Pageant.

The pageant, hosted by comedian Margaret Cho, will start at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Celebrity Theatre, 201 N. Third St., near Ogden Avenue. El Vez, the “Mexican Elvis,” is among other emcees during the weekend of activities.

Workshops on Saturday and Sunday will be at Binion’s and include a pin-up modeling class, a tassel-twirling course, “burlesquercise” and the discussion, “Girlie Shows at the New York World Fair, 1939-1940.”

Unlike today’s strip-club dancers, burlesque performers - born out of vaudeville in the 19th century - mixed themed comedy into their acts. The focus was not on nudity, but rather on the tease.

The 49th Annual Striptease Reunion & Miss Exotic World Weekend Kick-Off Spectacular will be at 8 p.m. today, also at the Celebrity Theatre.

The pageant is an annual fundraiser for Exotic World Burlesque Museum in Helendale, Calif. Museum officials plan to move its collection of artifacts and archival information to Las Vegas.

Former dancer Jennie Lee founded the museum, which has been in Helendale for 17 years. Lee died of breast cancer in 1990. The roadside attraction, which held items owned by noted dancers including Gypsy Rose Lee is in disrepair and needs a new home.

“It really belongs here,” says museum representative Laura Herbert, adding that Las Vegas’ sense of nostalgia, showgirl history and the burlesque collection at UNLV will provide good company for the museum.

“It’s American history, women’s history and fashion history,” she says. “And it’s seen a revival in the past 10 to 15 years. Women have incorporated comedy into their acts. You’ll see them do these conceptual, interesting pieces.”

Four generations of performers will be at the event, including dancer Tempest Storm. Younger dancers will also perform a tribute to dancers who starred in the early years of burlesque.

Fifty-five acts will compete for 10 titles. A boy-lesque competition has been added for male dancers.

More information can be found at www.exoticworldusa.org or by calling Celebrity Theatre at 384-2582.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2006/may/26/566639338.html
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John Katsilometes on why Siegfried and Roy will soon be part of Walk of Stars

I think it is written somewhere in the city annals that we cannot have a fully realized Las Vegas Walk of Stars without the names Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn stamped in granite.

Details are still to be hammered out (so to speak), but the legendary illusionists will be honored this year on the Walk of Stars, possibly by the summer and no later than this fall.

Also to be determined is a specific site for the duo’s induction ceremony and where the star would be displayed (in all likelihood at the Mirage, where they helped change the face of Las Vegas entertainment). A $15,000 endowment to the Walk of Stars, which is required of all inductees, has been arranged on the duo’s behalf.

For show business figures, the Walk of Stars’ criteria requires “persons who have greatly contributed to the worldwide prominence of Las Vegas.” Siegfried and Roy, who performed about 5,800 shows together (mostly at the Mirage), rolling up $45 million per year in ticket sales at their peak, would seem to meet that requirement.

The pair’s popular Mirage production was canceled following injuries suffered onstage by Horn after the white tiger Montecore bit into his neck during a performance on Oct. 3, 2003. Since then he has made steady progress through grueling rehabilitation and has been seen more frequently in public.

Horn was in strong voice and moved fairly easily with the aid of a cane (and assistance from Fischbacher) during an appearance at Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas in March, where it was reported that his rehab regimen has included horseback riding. The two already have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and were honored this month with an Ellis Island Medal of Honor for their commitment to entertainment and conservation.
From The Las Vegas Sun
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2006/may/26/566653691.html
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VegasTalk Radio Show - May 25, 2006

VegasTalk Radio Show - The ONLY Internet Radio Variety Show from Las Vegas ABOUT LAS VEGAS!!!

You can NOW listen to ALL of the previous guest interviews under “Show Archives” on the website!
http://www.vegastalkradio.com/?a=1327) by midnight the same day it plays.
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MONTE CARLO RESORT & CASINO CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE.

Monte Carlo Resort & Casino, situated on the exciting Las Vegas Strip, celebrates its 10th anniversary June 21. The celebration will continue throughout June with special discounts, commemorative coins, collectable chips, cash prizes and a special Lance Burton performance.

“Monte Carlo’s past, present and future is grounded in our commitment to providing quality customer service,” said Randy Morton, president of Monte Carlo. “As we commemorate 10 great years, we are celebrating throughout the property by giving back to our guests.”

LANCE BURTON SPECIAL – Master Magician Lance Burton celebrates his success and 10 years at Monte Carlo by extending a special $10 ticket discount for his Tuesday and Saturday 10 p.m. performances. In addition, Burton has scheduled a special performance on the resort’s anniversary date, June 21. The legendary performer will unveil a never-before seen grand illusion.

$120,000 CASH GIVEAWAY – Monte Carlo’s One Club members can qualify to win $10,000 every Saturday in June. To reward its members, Monte Carlo will hold a drawing at 10 p.m. and give away $10,000 to three lucky cardholders.

MONTE CARLO PUB & BREWERY – Monte Carlo Pub & Brewery is taking part in the anniversary celebration with the introduction of the “X” beer. Available in a commemorative glass, “X” will provide a tasty way to take part in the festivities. The pub also will offer its legendary giraffe size beer for a special price of $10.

ANDRE’S FRENCH RESTAURANT – Award-winning chef Andre Rochat will present a special menu in celebration of the resort’s 10th anniversary. The tasting menu will feature six courses complemented by wine pairings. The extraordinary delicacies prepared to Chef Andre’s uncompromising standards are sure to delight every guest. The chef’s tasting menu is $115 per person. A sommelier’s wine pairing is offered with each course for an additional cost of $55. For reservations call (702) 798-7151.

THE SPA AT MONTE CARLO – Spa Monte Carlo is offering $10 off any spa treatment with a purchase of $100 or more; Monday - Friday.

SILVER STRIKE SLOT TOKENS – The Monte Carlo Slot Department is offering a commemorative 10th anniversary coin. Guests have the opportunity to win collectable coins by playing the Monte Carlo anniversary slot bank. Available for a limited time, these unique coins will go fast.

GAMING TOKENS – This colorful commemorative $5 dollar chip is every collector’s dream. Monte Carlo is offering the special anniversary chip at the casino cashier.

Accomplishments of a Decade

Since opening in June 1996, Monte Carlo has achieved several distinctions, including Best Value in Las Vegas by the Zagat Guide. Andre’s French Restaurant, featuring a world-class wine cellar and cigar-friendly lounge, received the Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator. Monte Carlo Pub & Brewery was named Best Microbrewery by Las Vegas Review-Journal. The resort’s star and legendary Master Magician Lance Burton has consecutively won The Las Vegas Review- Journal’s Reader’s Pick for Best Magician.
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David Copperfield¹s An Intimate Evening Of Grand Illusion Returns to MGM Grand¹s Hollywood Theatre.

Master magician and illusionist David Copperfield continues his 2006 tour at the MGM Grand’s intimate 740-seat Hollywood Theatre with scheduled performances on August 3 – 9 and August 24 – September 20. Show times are 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. nightly, with additional shows at 4:30 p.m. on August 5, August 25 – 27, September 2 – 4, September 9 and September 16. Tickets are priced at $97 inclusive and can be purchased at MGM Grand ticketing outlets, by phone at (800) 929-1111 or online at www.mgmgrand.com.

David Copperfield, whom the New York Times calls “our era’s giant of magic,” is touting An Intimate Evening Of Grand Illusion as his most spectacular stage show ever. Dazzling new illusions include “Lottery,” one of the most incredible predictions in the history of magic.

Beyond anything that has ever been attempted in magic or theater, Copperfield charts new territory…literally. During each performance, Copperfield transports himself and a member of the audience from the stage to a deserted island on the other side of the planet. Because the concept is so hard to believe, it is important for Copperfield to take proof during his journey. Items are randomly collected from audience members: clothing, distinctive mementos and signed and dated Polaroid photographs of the audience. In addition to the selected items, a lucky audience member is chosen to join him for the journey of a lifetime. Together, they vanish on a platform suspended over the heads of the audience. Within seconds, travel is complete and they are seen on a live satellite uplink at their chosen destination. Unbelievably, they are wearing the items of clothes, carrying the personal mementos and holding the signed photograph.

During his engagement at the Hollywood Theatre, Copperfield reinvents his art form and proves why he remains the undisputed King of Conjurers. Each show, the illusionist will attempt to walk through a solid steel wall – passing his entire body from one side of the steel to the other.

Copperfield flirts with danger as he channels his energy through a deadly Black African Scorpion in a heart stopping demonstration of sleight of hand.

Copperfield’s astounding encore for the evening is a groundbreaking illusion where 13 members of the audience, chosen at random, vanish from the stage and reappear in the back of the theater. From beginning to end, Copperfield’s An Intimate Evening Of Grand Illusion offers audience members a mind-boggling, spellbinding experience that will keep them on the edge of their seats.

His approach to his venerable arts has transformed the way the world looks at magic. He has elevated the ancient art of magic to new heights and redefined it along the way. He has vanished the Statue of Liberty, walked through the Great Wall of China, flown through the air, levitated himself across the Grand Canyon and made audience members disappear and reappear in places they would never expect.

Copperfield has been hailed by audiences and critics alike as the greatest magician in the world. In addition to decades of network television events, worldwide tours and “Dreams and Nightmares,” the critically acclaimed Broadway show that set box-office records, he has been featured on the covers of Forbes, Architectural Digest and Esquire. He has performed seven times for presidents of the United States and was inducted into the Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame.

His celebrated feats and sense of theater have won “The Magic of David Copperfield” dozens of Emmy Awards and twice led him to be named “Entertainer of the Year.”

Copperfield has received such accolades as being knighted by the French government, the Chevalier of Arts and Letters and an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters from Fordham University. His tours have set box-office records across Europe, Asia and North and South America. For more information on David Copperfield, log onto www.dcopperfield.com. Additionally, photography is available at www.copperfielddownloads.com.
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John Katsilometes provides a glimpse of Cirque du Soleil’s production using plenty of familiar Beatles music, which was unveiled for the media at the Mirage for a brief preview.

After absorbing the swirling psychedelic animation and adventurous pop music in the Beatles’ 1968 film classic “Yellow Submarine,” a reviewer stated what was obvious to many of the band’s fans: To get the full flavor of the film, you might want to smoke pot beforehand.

While we cannot and would not suggest using mind-altering substances prior to watching “Love” at the Mirage, be warned that - similar to “Yellow Submarine” - the production is out there, like Pluto, man.

Which is only appropriate - much of the Beatles’ best music evoked colorful, otherworldly images. “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album is famously loaded with odd and obscure references, cellophane flowers and newspaper taxis and whatnot. And if Wednesday’s 15-minute sampling of “Love,” the Beatles/Cirque du Soleil collaboration, is any indication, expect your mind to wander.

The show’s preview period runs from June 2 to June 29 and opens officially on June 30. A few segments were unveiled for media types at the customized Love Theatre, once home to Siegfried & Roy, and the performances were (for Cirque) characteristically surreal. A host of Cirque performers were presented carnival-style, as if pulled straight from Beatles’ material (such as a jewel-encrusted female elevated by a long ladder during “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds,” and an old VW Beetle similar to the car shown on the “Abbey Road” cover carrying dancers across the stage). A blended version of “Good Night” and “Octopus’ Garden” is staged as if the audience was floating in a giant aquarium, and an enormous silk-like tarp is pulled over the entire audience, then retracted into the descending stage area in the middle of the arena.

But the Cirque stuff is familiar territory, if you have seen any of the Las Vegas Cirque productions or even “Le Reve” at Wynn Las Vegas. The refurbished songs are the real star. The remastered music leaps from the theater’s enveloping sound system (which employs 6,305 speakers, including one installed in the back of each of the theater’s 2,000 seats). The crafty production of the musical’s “soundscape,” compiled by original Beatles producer Sir George Martin and his son, Giles, takes snippets of Beatles’ music and creates a single seamless 90-minute track - a Beatles mix, in other words. Thus, “Tomorrow Never Knows” is blended with “Within You Without You” and “Lady Madonna” dances with “Hey Bulldog.”

During a news conference from the stage after the brief showcase, George Martin said he expected “brickbats” as a result of updating the Beatles’ material in such a way, but he has the blessings of Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Olivia Harrison (George Harrison’s widow) and Yoko Ono. Some hard-core Beatles purists - those who still groom with “I Love George” pocket combs - will not like new versions of old classics, but from here the production shows a lot of ¦ well, you know.
Article from The Las Vegas Sun
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2006/may/25/566628565.html
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Vegas Values Report for 5/21/06

The below information is supplied by Scot Krause, our roving reporter, who supplies us each week with information on the best Las Vegas promotions. It’s only available here on the americancasinoguide.com web site so be sure to come back each Monday morning to find out about the best values in Las Vegas.
http://www.americancasinoguide.com/Promotions/VEGAS-VALUES.shtml
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Brett’s Vegas Views By Jackie Brett

After headlining in a showroom built specifically for her at New York-New York, comedienne Rita Rudner has announced that she will be moving to the bigger showroom that singer Clint Holmes will be vacating at Harrah’s. Rudner will be closing at New York-New York in June so that the resort can turn the theater into a nightclub. In addition, Rudner’s book, “Turning Tables,” from Crown Publishing is supposed to be released on Aug. 29.

“The Drive” is a General Motors test track that has opened behind the Sahara on the corner of Sahara Avenue and Paradise Road. Anyone with a valid driver’s license and a clean Breathalyzer test can take a car or truck for a ride on one of three courses for ten dollars. The highlight of the off-road course is “Corolla Hill” with a 60-degree incline on both sides.

“The Drive” is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and more information is available online at www.thedrivevegas.com.

Tickets are on sale now for the all-new staging of “Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular,” that will be presented in a new $40 million theater at The Venetian. The 95-minute production will feature never before seen special effects and include every song from the original show.

The most successful theatrical endeavor of all time, “The Phantom of the Opera” has grossed more than $3 billion worldwide since its London premier in 1986, having played more than 65,000 performances in 20 countries and 110 cities.

Preview performances will run June 4-23, with tickets priced from $75 plus tax and fees; call 866-641-7469 or 702-414-7469.

Bruce Ewing, after almost 12 years with the show “Forever Plaid,” will be leaving his role as Jinx on April 23 to join the cast of the new “Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular” show opening at The Venetian.
http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/brett/index.htm
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Posted on May 26th, 2006 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Newsletter