June 2nd, 2006

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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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.headlightsandtailpipesveg…upon-page.html

Also James has offered his help again as he did with Matsuri in any members meetings I have.
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NORM: Show might be ‘Love’ at first sight.

The Mirage opens the curtain tonight on a new Beatles era.

Early buzz suggests it could be a dazzling magic carpet ride, even for a city that’s seen everything.

“Love,” Cirque du Soleil’s much-anticipated collaboration with The Beatles, begins a four-week preview run before the June 30 gala premiere.

The jaw dropping segment, from the raves I’m hearing, is the bubble scene during “Strawberry Fields Forever.”

During a media preview 10 days ago, the accompanying video for “Strawberry Fields” was not the real deal. The producers were holding back some of their theatrical firepower.

In the scene, a piano rises from below the stage. Near the end of the segment, Cirque characters remove liquid from the top of the piano and fill the theater with stunning bubbles.

Another highlight: In the “Octopus’s Garden” segment, a large drape steals the scene. First, it acts as a tent over the stage and audience, before being sucked into a stage opening.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Jun-02-Fri-2006/news/7732798.html
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Sowing the Seeds of ‘Love’

Roots of Beatles-themed Cirque show can be traced to a Montreal garden party in 2000.
By Mike Weatherford from The Las Vegas Review Journal

These are the things “Love” is not:

“We’re not doing a normal Cirque show. We’re not doing a musical. It’s not a rock ‘n’ roll show, it’s not an opera, it’s not a play. It is what it is,” says Dominic Champagne, the writer and director of the new Beatles-themed Cirque du Soleil production at The Mirage. “It is really something else.”

“Love” is, he believes, closer to “more of a visual, psychedelic rock ‘n’ roll poem.

“Whatever it turns out to be, “Love” will be the first Cirque show in which the famed acrobatics and whimsical visuals aren’t the main attraction.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Jun-02-Fri-2006/weekly/7644936.html
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A dynamic audio experience
By Jerry Fink - From The Las Vegas Sun

The Beatles may have felt that “all you need is love,” as they put it in one song, but the folks at Cirque du Soleil believe that you also need stellar sound for “Love” to succeed.

When “Love,” Cirque du Soleil’s tribute to the Beatles, premieres tonight at the Mirage, the Fab Four’s tunes will reach audiences’ ears through an elaborate audio system created by internationally acclaimed sound designer Johnathan Deans.

“You should be able to close your eyes and listen to the music,” said Deans, who has worked on “Ka” and other Cirque productions, and was given the task of capturing the essence of the music.

More Here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2006/jun/02/566615385.html
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STEVE’S LAS VEGAS QUICKIES

Harrah’s unveiled its new topless country revue, “Bareback.” This new show replaces “Skintight,” but with mostly the same cast as before.

“Nathan Burton Comedy Magic” opened in the afternoon at the V Theater at the Aladdin’s Desert Passage mall. The magician has been in town nine years, and was a contestant on the reality show “The Entertainer.” Burton says the endeavor is “a huge challenge,” because most afternoon shows are in casinos, which subsidize them and give away tickets to generate foot traffic. His show will have four female dancers and some large illusions along with the personality-based comedy.

The successful afternoon production show “Xtreme Magic Starring Dirk Arthur” in the Tiffany Theatre at the Tropicana has been extended through Jan. 2, 2007. The show is performed at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily except Friday. Tickets are $29 and $34, call 702-739-2411.

The Sizzler restaurant chain believes they can compete in the Las Vegas restaurant market and has announced plans to open four new valley outlets in the next two years.
From ‘Eye On Vegas”

Mariah Carey, will bring The Adventures of Mimi: The Voice, The Hits, The Tour to the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, Sept. 30. Tickets priced at $175, $125, $65 and $19.50, not including applicable service charges or taxes, go on sale Friday, June 2 at 10 a.m. at the MGM Grand Garden Arena box office. You can also get them by calling Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000 or going to www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight per person, so you scalpers better use some pseudonyms.
reviewjournal.com — Lenny’s Las Vegas

The Beatles wax likenesses, circa 1964, unveiled Wednesday at Madame Tussauds (The Venetian) by members of The Fab Four, the Beatles tribute group that performs at the V Theater (Aladdin).

Denise Richards, whose breakup with Charlie Sheen has become one of Hollywood’s ugliest splits, will emcee for the Las Vegas Pussycat Dolls on June 9th.

Look for Wayne Newton to move into the Clint Holmes Theatre after Holmes leaves.

Oprah Winfrey made a surprise appearance at the Celebrity Impersonators Convention at the Imperial Palace on Monday night.

Las Vegas headliner Gordie Brown was a guest of Indianapolis 500 legend Andy Granatelli at the race over the weekend. Brown, who opens at The Venetian in August, rode with Granatelli in the pace car during opening ceremonies.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM

“Avenue Q” cast members took their final bows amid tears and cheers on Sunday at the Wynn Las Vegas.

In the finale, several members of the cast visibly struggled with the words to “It’s Only For Now.”

There are rumblings that Franco Dragone, producer of the Wynn Las Vegas aquatic production “Le Reve,” is flying back from Belgium this week and will be making an announcement.

Cockeyed Clam has opened at the Imperial Palace, 3535 Las Vegas Blvd. South. It serves New England-style seafood, including a lobster roll, fried clam strips, clams on the half-shell, scallops, crab, mussels and more. It opens for dinner at 5 p.m. Fridays through Tuesdays.
reviewjournal.com — Neon - RESTAURANT NEWS

The rumblings are growing louder that Steve Wynn is calling for a major overhaul of “Le Reve.” Word is he’s come to the conclusion that it’s too close to Cirque’s “O,” which producer Franco Dragone helped put together at Bellagio.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM

Lewis and the news: Legendary comic actor Jerry Lewis has scheduled a news conference for Tuesday at the Orleans to discuss his plans for a return to the stage (he performs July 13-16 at the Orleans Showroom) and the return of the “Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon” to Las Vegas following a 10-year absence (the show will originate from the South Coast on Sept. 3-4). A third announcement is promised; maybe we’ll see Lewis - still busy at age 80, having taken part in guest appearances for “Law & Order: SVU” - plan some type of Broadway-conducive project.
Las Vegas SUN: John Katsilometes

Try the scrumptious Friday Seafood Buffet at Fitzgerald’s- all you can eat for $13.99. Featuring all-time favorites: fresh oysters, assorted sushi selections, succulent hot & cold shrimp, crab legs, whole smoked salmon filets, whole grilled Mahi Mahi, and much, much more! Don’t forget about our prime rib special on Saturdays, and check out our tasty weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays for $8.99. Remember, Father’s Day is coming and our buffet is a perfect treat for that perfect Dad!
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Vegas Values Report for 5/28/06
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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MGM GRAND GARDEN CONCERT ARENA: Madonna show ridiculously good.
By Jason Bracelin
From: The Las Vegas Review Journal

Madonna played the snake in the MGM Grand Garden Arena, offering up enough forbidden fruit to feed a league of nations. Leave it to Madge to give the tree of (carnal) knowledge a good shaking, sharing its wares with an eager, sold-out crowd.

Excuse the biblical analogies, but the Material Mom brought it upon herself the minute she appeared on that glimmering cross, arms outstretched, playing the role of 21st-century savior in patent leather boots.

“I know where beauty lives,” she sang during her mock crucifixion, a bright white light shining behind her. “I’ve seen it once, I know the warm she gives.”

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/May-29-Mon-2006/news/7667616.html
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SHOOTING STARS: NBC seeks ‘Deal’ players.
By Carol Cling. From: The Las Vegas Review Journal

Everybody wants to get into the act.And now, everybody can.

Or at least multiple somebodies, thanks to two upcoming projects — one for the big screen, one for the small.

NBC’s breakout game show hit, “Deal or No Deal,” hits town this weekend in search of wannabe contestants anxious to answer the show’s million-dollar title question.

About 5,000 hopefuls are expected at an open call, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Las Vegas Hilton’s convention area, according to Carla Rea, public relations director for NBC’s Las Vegas affiliate, KVBC-TV, Channel 3.

With so many anticipated auditioners, not everyone will be able to meet with casting officials Saturday, Rea reports; the overflow crowd will be asked to return Sunday.

Unlike some game shows, which require special skills or knowledge, “Deal or No Deal” casting officials “want personality,” Rea explains. “They know within the first minute or so” whether a potential contestant is TV-worthy, she adds.

For more information on the show — and an application that includes such impudent inquiries as “What is the weirdest thing about you?” — log on to www.nbc.com and follow the “Deal or No Deal” links.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/May-29-Mon-2006/living/7628032.html
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GLEASON REMEMBERED
From: The Las Vegas Review Journal

Veteran actor Paul Gleason, who died Saturday, was a familiar face on Las Vegas television.

Casino operator Michael Gaughan befriended Gleason through Robert Duval at a Larry Holmes fight in the 1980s. That led to Gleason buying a small interest in The Orleans.

A couple of years later, Gleason decided to sell his $20,000 investment.

“I tried to talk him out of selling. It’s worth over a $1 million now,” Gaughan said.

For several years, Gleason was the face of the pick-the-pros commercials for Gaughan properties.

“He always played the bad guy or the dumb guy,” Gaughan recalled of Gleason’s acting career. “He was the principal in ‘Breakfast Club,’ a private detective in ‘Trading Places,’ he had a part in the D.B. Cooper movie as a detective, and in the first ‘Diehard,’ he was an inept FBI agent.”
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM
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MIKE WEATHERFORD : Cirque bringing touring show as vacation replacement for ‘Ka’

It’s a huge show. I like to describe it as Cirque du Soleil on steroids,” says Cirque du Soleil president Daniel Lamarre.That’s how I would describe “Ka.”

But Lamarre is talking about “Delirium,” the show that will cover for “Ka” for two of the days that show is on break, playing the MGM Grand Garden arena Sept. 8 and 9.

“Delirium” is Cirque’s first attempt at a touring arena show, something to target the market in between its “big top” titles and the permanent installations on the Strip.

More from the LVRJ here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Jun-01-Thu-2006/living/7627309.html
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ELECTRA-FYING POKER

Buncha celebs expected to attend Carmen Electra’s Celebrity Charity Poker Tournament and Auction at the Hard Rock to Benefit Head To Hollywood this Saturday (June 3). Carmen, of course, will host the event and David Spade, Randy Jackson, Elisha Cuthbert, Krista Allen, Danny Masterson, Jeremy Piven, Brittany Daniel and Jennifer Love are just a few of the celebs expected to attend.

The tournament kicks off at 12:30 p.m. and goes to 6 p.m. and Carmen will hold an autograph session from 4-5 p.m. Electra is co-founder of Head to Hollywood, a non-profit program of the Pituitary Network Association that provides brain tumor survivors and their families a celebrity VIP experience in Hollywood. To reserve a seat at the tournament, call Mark Chinapen at 310-559-6449.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lenny/2006/0531.html
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STRIP DEVELOPMENTS

I’m sure you’re wondering whatever became of the plans to build a San Francisco-themed megaresort on the New Frontier site. Well, owner Phil Ruffin has scrapped that idea and will now implode his resort to make way for Montreaux, named after the Swiss town that is home to one of the world’s most famous annual jazz festivals.

Ruffin is planning to break ground next year and open his new hotel-casino by 2010. He also would like to bring the jazz festival to the new 2,750-room resort, which, I’m told, will be targeted to higher-end players. An observation wheel, modeled after the London Eye, and rising 450 feet above the Strip, would be located in front of the property. The reason for the delay has been rising construction costs and a small labor pool caused by the construction of MGM Mirage’s Project CityCenter and Boyd Gaming’s Echelon (replacing the Stardust). Ruffin is partners with Donald Trump in the condo tower being built on the New Frontier property, but Trump will not be involved in the new project, which is expected to cost around $2 billion.
reviewjournal.com — Lenny’s Las Vegas
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Le Bistro’s alter ego
By: Justin Jimenez

SynCity
Where: Riviera
When: Midnight-4 a.m., Wed.-Sun.
Cost: $20
Info: (702) 794-9426

It took 50 years, but it was worth the wait. When the sun goes down, the Riviera Hotel and Casino’s Le Bistro Theatre now converts into SynCity, a sassy new lounge concept further capitalizing on Las Vegas’ craze for late-night entertainment. Head to some lounges around town and the atmosphere is too upscale for enjoyment. Isn’t the reason we go out after dinner to cut loose and have some fun? SynCity encourages the party; it doesn’t inhibit it.

Start with the bevertainers, the flair bartenders that make Tom Cruise’s tricks in Cocktail look lame. Twirling, stacking, spinning but never spilling a drop, libations are suddenly just as fun to order as to guzzle. Add in resident DJs Bryan Wyld and Dynamixx of the SynCity Mechanixx, and the music starts to erupt in a tone of jollification–and everyone needs a good dose of jollification. The beats mix with themed nights that are constantly revolving, constantly hilarious.

Recurring is the always-rowdy Wild Women Wednesdays. The cleverly titled “wild, crazy contests” give partiers a chance to win great prizes. More ladies show up for the no cover–good for the guys and the girls–and the femmes get liquored up for cheap (dollar drinks all night long), and again both parties win!

Everybody gets screwed at Nuts and Bolts Thursdays, where people are getting downright hammered. Things get even funkier with Fantasy Fridays and Saturdays, where “Auld Lang Syne” blares, as every weekend explodes into New Year’s Eve. A champagne toast bubbles up the crowd, and a balloon drop stamps the experience home.

The weekend doesn’t stop there. Each of the big nights also includes the American Storm boys (think opposite of Crazy Girls), the hunks from the all-male revue that grace the theater prior to the opening of the nightclub. The abdominally endowed performers start to make cameos around 1 a.m. for autograph and photo opportunities. No worries to the non-pectorially enhanced gentlemen either; the cocktail staff clad in their red latexish miniskirts will give you plenty to look at as well.

Synful Sundays bring back those devilish 100-cent drinks. The SynCity motto: Bring only your temptation. Well, they know their clientele. The dance floor is big enough to get freaky on, but when the living tripods of the American Storm crew crash it, things can get a little hairy, and all those guys shave.

Feel like splurging? Private booths are also available. One way or another, Sin City’s Syn City is a night you won’t soon forget, or at least not forget that you can’t remember.
Source: Las Vegas Magazine
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SHOW REVIEW: “The Soprano’s Last Supper”

Saving the Best for ‘Last’: ‘Sopranos’ parody at the start is the weakest part of ‘Supper’
By Mike Weatherford of the Las Vegas Review Journal

The room feels like a genuine supper club, not a multi-purpose convention hall. There’s a band onstage, and a crooner belting out “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.”

Some people are up dancing, while others sit back and sip wine or let the pasta digest.It’s a fun scene, one that’s hard to find on the modern-day Strip, or anywhere else for that matter.

But to get there, you have to sit through much of this thing called “The Soprano’s Last Supper” at Krave nightclub.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Jun-02-Fri-2006/weekly/7690038.html

Note from Steve:
Our members can still get $20 per person to see this show. Here is the link:
http://www.ratevegas.com/blog/sopranos.jpg/sopranos.jpg

Here is the review I wrote about The Sporano’s show. It basically agree’s with Mr. Weatherford’s review.

The Sopranos Last Supper.

I went to this show with friends Dennis and Carole and novelist Brian Rouff (Dice Angel and Money Shot) and Brian’s wife Tammy. The show is at the alternative nightclub KRAVE at the Aladdin.

We were greeted at the door by “Adrianna” and escorted to our booths..all five of us could not fit into one booth so we had to use two booths. (No were are not overweight, the booths were very small)

The show is based on the hit HBO show of the same name but in this instance, the head of the FAMILY is Tony Baritone. The show is the story of Tony’s last night as free man as he is due to go to prison the next day.

First, I’ll give the pluses:
The characters are great and the impersonations are very good. Every person you see on the HBO show is here and they constantly intermingle with the audience always making you feel as if you’re part of the show.

The dancers are beyond beautiful, especially our personal dancer Cookie. (I won’t go into any of the Cookie references made by the cast..just use your imagination)

The food was very good. Even better than I expected. There is at least one pasta, one chicken and one beef selection. There is also a bread and antipasto bowl at your table when you sit down.

The actors try their best to get you involved with the actual participation in the show. It’s really up to you if you want to get personally involved. Carole was up and dancing with at least three of the actors. I did participate in the Conga Line.

The Minus’
First let me say that I didn’t dislike the show, I did enjoy myself. But what the show really needs is a minor overhaul of some of the writing. The actors also stepped on each others lines a few times. There is a lot of unnecessary shouting and lot of cursing, which I guess goes arm in arm with the TV show. The show does have the basic foundation of a good show and a fun time, it just needs a nip and a tuck here and there.

We also saw the show on a Thursday night and the crowd was not a very lively crowd. I think there were more Sopranos than audience members.

Would I see this show again? Yes, I would like to see it on a Friday or Saturday night with a more lively crowd.
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It’s The Norm-The Scintas
By Norm Johnson

A number of years ago (six to be accurate) this writer interviewed a new group from Buffalo, N.Y., who were playing in the showroom lounge (now the Shimmer Cabaret) at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel on Paradise. They had sorta bankrolled themselves for a two week stint (they actually had a sponsor). Well those two weeks led to a contract for another month and pretty soon The Scintas were the talk of Las Vegas. After nearly a year at the Hilton, a deal was struck to headline in the main showroom at the Rio Hotel. Soon that showroom was re-named after them and the group has been hot, hot, hot ever since.

Now they have moved to the Las Vegas Strip, having opened Tuesday in the main Sahara Showroom, working Tuesday through Sunday at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at $59.95 for general admission and $69.95 for VIP, plus taxes, etc.

“We’re so excited to be on the Strip,” Frankie Scinta said, when I ran into the clan as they were rehearsing for the opening.

Their sister, Chrissi Scinta, and the one with a beautiful and huge voice said, “Las Vegas has been good to us since we arrived and we know that here at the Sahara Theater our old friends and some new ones will join us and, together, we’ll have a great time.”

The act will be a mix of new material and established audience favorites. “Technically this theater gives us the perfect stage and I know the audience will enjoy it as much as we do,” Pete (Scinta) O’Donnell (the drummer) said.

“This change is an exciting one for all of us,” Joe Scinta added.

If you want to see an exciting group of entertainers who combine fantastic singing, comedy and musicianship, then get down to the Sahara Hotel any night except Sunday and Monday. You will be royally entertained!
http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/norm/index.htm
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HOOTERS CASINO HOTEL AND HOOTERS RESTAURANTS OF LAS VEGAS

KICK-OFF SIZZLING SWIMSUIT PAGEANT, SAT. JUNE 3 AT 7 P.M.
Fifteen Hooters Girls Compete for Opportunity to Represent Las Vegas in International Pageant for $50,000 prize.

Hooters Casino Hotel and Hooters Restaurants of Las Vegas kick-off their swimsuit pageant series Sat. June 3 at 7 p.m. at the Hooters Restaurant located on W. Sahara. This is the first of four pageants to select the Las Vegas candidates who will compete in the 10th annual Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant in Vegas this summer, for a grand prize valued at $50,000.

The fifteen candidates for the June 3 pageant are all from Hooters Casino Hotel, and Las Vegas Hooters Restaurants (Sahara and Sunset Station). The top contestants will move onto the finals taking place at “13” Martini Bar in Hooters Casino Hotel, June 24. They will join several other candidates selected from the pageants on June 10 and June 17.

The pageant begins with the introduction of each girl in club wear, followed by a Q&A session in evening gown attire, and finishing with the long-awaited swimsuit round.

ABOUT HOOTERS CASINO HOTEL

The world’s first Hooters Casino Hotel features 696-Hooterized Florida-casual rooms and suites fully equipped with the latest amenities. The hotel is conveniently located one block from the famous Las Vegas Strip. While guests can expect to see the more than 200 world-famous Hooters Girls throughout the property, an exciting mix of dining, entertainment and nightlife is also featured, from nine fine-to-funky restaurants and bars, to some of the hottest dance clubs and pool parties in town. The 30,000 square foot “Hooters”-themed casino floor offers approximately 670 state-of-the-art slot and video poker machines and 32 table games – including the Hooters Girl Party Pit - for 24-hour fun. Hooters Casino Hotel is a collaborative effort between four of the original six founding fathers of the Hooters Restaurant chain, 155 East Tropicana, LLC (the former owner and operator of the Hotel San Remo), and a Hooters franchise group from Florida. For more information call 1.866.LVHOOTS or visit www.hooterscasinohotel.com.
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Most Shows Ever To Appear in Golden Rainbow’s “Ribbon of Life”

Las Vegas’ entertainment community founded Golden Rainbow, and now, 20 years later, the singers, dancers and headliners who make Las Vegas the city of entertainment continue to rally to Golden Rainbow’s side. Golden Rainbow’s 20th annual “Ribbon of Life” production will feature more shows than ever before, with 28 shows and community groups lending their talented casts to the fundraising production.

Appearing in the “Ribbon of Life” show are cast members from American Superstars, A New Day, Breck Wall Productions, Cirque du Soleil, Dragapella, Fantasy, Fashionistas, Folies Bergere, Foy & Baker Productions, Hairspray, Headlights and Tailpipes, Clint Holmes, Jubilee!, Ka, Krave, Legends in Concert, Mamma Mia, MGM Grand Productions, Missy Cochran Entertainment, Mystere, O, Rio’s Show in the Sky, Sirens of T.I., Splash, Tangerine, Tim Searcy Entertainment, UNLV Drum Corps, The Vamps Girlie Revue and Viva Las Vegas.

Clint Holmes will make an exclusive appearance at Saturday’s production, and Sunday’s show will feature a tribute to Siegfried & Roy.

Golden Rainbow President Carol Hunter said, “Twenty years ago, Las Vegas performers started to die from HIV/AIDS, and their colleagues rallied to help. We are so grateful to the Las Vegas entertainment community for continuing to lend their world-class talents to Golden Rainbow, and help us continue to do the work that is so desperately needed.”

The 20th annual “Ribbon of Life” production spectacular is staged in the Jubilee! Theatre at Bally’s Las Vegas June 10 and 11 at 1:00 p.m. each day. Tickets range from $50 to $200 and are available now by calling (702) 384-2899 or online at www.GoldenRainbow.org.
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Win Tickets To See George Wallace.
From vegasdusoleil
http://www.VegasTalkRadio.com

Since our show has been running for several years now, there are quite a few. So you’ll need to select the Intial of the Last Name of our guests to locate them. Take a look around and listen in! Each interview runs less than 20 minutes.

This week’s show for Thursday, June 1, 2006 contains:

An interview with the lead singer for the Platters for the past 36 years. Derek David! Derek, in addition to perfomring 7 nights a week at the Sahara with the Platters, also performs Sunday afternoons at the KISS Lounge with his 17 piece big band with guest singers every week. Truly, he is the ultimate definition of the Las Vegas performer.

The “Vegas Confidential” call with Norm Clarke, Norm is voted “Most Connected” person in town and daily columnist for the Review Journal and author of the best selling “1,000 Naked Truths”. http://www.NormClarke.com

“Fine Dining” with Les Kincaid. http://www.LesKincaid.com

“The Godfather of Las Vegas”, Mark Wayman’s Insider Report http://www.godfatherlv.com

The weekly variety and entertainment show broadcasts LIVE and will be archived online at the VegasTalk Radio website (http://www.vegastalkradio.com/?a=1327) by midnight the same day it plays.
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Anderson maintains his sense of humor in face of surgery
By Jerry Fink From The Las Vegas Sun

Comedian Louie Anderson usually keeps his fans in stitches.

In mid-June, he’s the one who will be in stitches.

Anderson is taking time off from his stand-up act at the Excalibur beginning June 15 for gastrointestinal surgery because of a severe case of diverticulitis. He will return to the stage July 15.

Diverticulitis is an inflammation of tiny pouches (diverticula) that form on the outside of the colon. Usually it affects those middle-aged and older. When a diverticulum becomes infected, it can lead to serious complications, including - on rare occasions - death if peritonitis sets in.

More Here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2006/jun/01/566658072.html
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John Katsilometes on how John Stuart plans to keep up the good fight after getting a Star.
From: The Las Vegas Sun

First it was a faux Elvis performing martial arts kicks.

Today it’s professional combatants ¦ performing martial arts kicks.

Never one to sit idly, John Stuart is moving into a more true-to-life form of entertainment than his “Legends in Concerts” productions, which he founded in 1983. Stuart, whose star on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars was placed in front of New York-New York on Wednesday afternoon, is a partner in World Extreme Fighting, the mixed martial arts organization that stages its second fight card at the Orleans Arena on June 10.

A variety show teeming with performers impersonating the likes of Liberace and Garth Brooks would seem to have little in common with a sporting event matching two guys trying to cave in each other’s skulls. But Stuart sees a connection (so to speak) between the two.

“It’s entertainment. The (WEF) brings drama and theatrics, and each time we do this it’s on pay-per-view, and we believe it’s a big, big deal,” Stuart said Wednesday prior to his Walk of Stars ceremony. “It’s a different type of entertainment, and it needs to be staged in a certain way, and that’s where I come in.”

Stuart also is putting together a production show based on “American Bandstand,” which he said he hopes to debut within six months. He’s looking to launch a variety show in Las Vegas and, possibly, a musical based on Broadway.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2006/jun/01/566648986.html
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News from MGM MIRAGE

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens ushers in summer with a magnificent three-dimensional exhibit depicting a rail journey across America. Created by famed landscape architect and model train builder Paul Busse, the whimsical display will feature small-scale trains, replicas of historical and fantasy sites amid spectacular gardens. The increasingly popular art of train gardening, a combination of model railroading and landscape gardening, will take visitors on an inspiring coast-to-coast adventure using miniature architectural reproductions of beloved American landmarks from the U.S. Capitol building and Mt. Rushmore to the Grand Canyon and the skyscrapers of New York. A replica of Bellagio even will have its own lake complete with working fountain show. Every detail on the 40 buildings found inside this impressive exhibit was created by hand using natural plant materials. A towering 120-year-old banyan tree in the display’s center will allow visitors to be surrounded by trains, both below and overhead. The summer display runs through September 9, 2006.

Treasure Island welcomes the newest addition to the contemporary resort, an intimate poker room with a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for both amateur and professional poker players. The non-smoking poker room is located steps away from the TI parking garage and features eight tables of non-stop poker action. Eight LCD plasma screens line the room showing the latest sporting events while upbeat music plays throughout the room creating a sense of energy. The poker room also provides 24-hour complimentary beverage service. The non-traditional table felts feature images of Tangerine, the burlesque nightspot and the tempting Sirens of TI.

Having moved locations and completely renovated the design and theme, Chapel by the Bay is now THEwedding chapel at Mandalay Bay. Fresh and trend-setting with a harmonic blend of earth tones, dark woods, modern artwork and glass-beaded lights, THEwedding chapel’s understated sophistication and contemporary design make it a unique setting for a Las Vegas wedding. Guests enjoy enchanting views of the tropically themed Mandalay Bay Beach as they listen to music played on a baby grand and await the happy couple in one of three chapels, each holding up to 100 guests. Gentlemen here are as pampered as the ladies as each chapel has a set of dressing rooms, one for each member of the couple. Packages range from the classically simple Crystal Waters at $675 to the breathtakingly spectacular and all-inclusive Diamond Lights starting at $2595. THEwedding chapel is located inside Mandalay Bay near the convention center, between Shark Reef and Border Grill.

Value in Vegas Still a Sure Bet

It’s summer time and as a vacation destination few are more popular than Las Vegas. Though it’s true that the city is trending upscale with some of the finest dining, shopping and entertainment available world-wide, you don’t need to break the bank to have an unbelievable experience on The Strip. From room rates to attractions and nightlife, MGM MIRAGE resorts are full of tricks, tips and values that are sure to save every Vegas vacationer a bundle. Here’s a sample of how you can get the most bang for your buck - from start to finish - on your next Strip excursion.

When you’re ready to book your room, head to the Internet - and not those typical travel sites that everyone uses! Go direct to the source at the web sites of the MGM MIRAGE properties (all accessed through www.mgmmirage.com). You’ll find amazing deals, especially if you sign up on the property email lists.

Ready for a day full of fun and exciting attractions, but don’t know where to start? Pick up a “Power Pass” for $62.50 for adults and $40 for kids and receive admission to more than 20 attractions including Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden, New York-New York’s roller coaster, Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art and many, many more - a value worth more than $250! Power Pass can be purchased online through Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz or www.powerpasscard.com, or by phone at (800) 490-9330 or through local vendors.

Time to hit the town for the night? Here’s a great dinner and show deal: purchase two tickets to the Broadway show that started the craze, MAMMA MIA! and get a $50 voucher good for dinner at any Mandalay Bay or Mandalay Place restaurant.

A Vegas vacation wouldn’t be complete without sampling the city’s legendary nightlife. But there’s no need to wait in long lines and pay expensive covers when you’re a guest of an MGM MIRAGE resort. Hotel guests at MGM Grand enjoy free admission to two of the hottest nightclubs on the Strip: the world-famous Studio 54 - a pulsating party that goes all night long, and Tabú - A chic, cosmopolitan ultra lounge that features funky furniture, marble and wood floors plus tables with reactive imagery.
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Fab Four Beatles Tribute by Phil Arnold
From accessvegas.com

So you are going to see a show by a band impersonating the Beatles. What do you suppose the show is going to be like? I figured it would be some guys in wigs who would play a few songs and well, that would be it.

The Fab Four is better than that. Let?s get too it. The best thing about the Fab Four, a Beatles tribute band is their sound. They sound like the Beatles, and they do a great job of playing the Beatles music. Listening to this show was like watching and listening to a musical autobiography.

The first part of the show, introduced by an Ed Sullivan impersonator, was from the early Beatle?s years. You got to see and hear Help, Hard Days Night, and I Wanna Hold Your Hand. Now when I was kid, the babysitter used to come over and play the Beatles on the radio, and wish she could go see the Beatles when they came to town. Of course back in the mid-60s the teenaged girls of America could wish to see the Beatles, and desire to see their concert, but they would never have heard the Beatles over the screams.

And so Sunday night at the V-Theater in early December, I had an advantage over the screaming masses of young girls in America in the 60?s. I could sit back and enjoy the Beatle?s music. Yes, imagine the Beatles in a club playing and playing and playing some more. Imagine getting to hear the guitars, the keyboards, the drums, the bass, and the harmony of the group. And that is what I enjoyed most about the Fab Four.

I didn?t care about an actor looking like Paul, or an actor being John Lennon exactly. No, I got to hear them sing and play. And listening to the Fab Four makes you realize that the Beatles were probably the best Rock and Roll music writers ever?with apologies to Pete Townsend.

At times the show could be hokey, as the audience stood and danced during Twist and Shout. And yes, maybe it was a little strange when the audience stood and swayed their arms left and right, singing along with Hey Jude. It was a pleasure to hear this Tribute band skillfully play the music of the Beatles. Yes, you listen to the Fab Four and you remember how good the Beatles were.

There are three phases to this show. The early years with the already mentioned songs, the middle years in which the Beatles come out dressed as Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. I think we can call this the psychedelic Beatles where they sing Get By With A Little Help From My Friends, their costume song, and Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds. It was great to sit back and hear the music from one of my favorite parts of Rock and Roll history.

And then they came out in their late Beatles costumes, Abbey Road type clothes. We got to hear songs like Yesterday, Hey Jude and Revolution. This show was good enough to be my favorite show that I saw on my last trip in Las Vegas. I give The Fab a 9.0 out of a possible 10, and of all the shows I have seen in Las Vegas, probably around 50 different shows, I consider The Fab Four to be a top five Las Vegas Show. Go and see it in a club type setting like the Beatles should have been seen in.
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What is a loose slot machine? By Bill Burton

The ultimate goal for a slot player is finding a loose machine amidst the vast sea of machines on the casino floor. Some equate the task equal to finding the proverbial needle in a haystack while others concede it is more like looking for a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Players dream of finding a loose slot machine but few achieve their goal. One reason for this is that the term “loose” when describing a slot machine is a relative to the location and casino.

A player from Las Vegas who plays slots at a local’s casino getting 98 percent payback would not consider a slot machine in Atlantic City that is set to payback 94 percent as a loose machine. However the player from Atlantic City where the average slot return is 91 percent would consider this same machine a loose one.

More Here:
http://casinogambling.about.com/od/slots/a/loose.htm
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Second Annual Las Vegas Paranormal Conference - October 1-2, 2006

Ghosts don’t double down, but they just might make contact during the 2nd annual Las Vegas Paranormal Conference.

Paranormal enthusiasts will once again gather in Las Vegas this October as the supernatural side of Sin City takes center stage.

Producer Robert Allen, owner of the popular Haunted Vegas Tour and Show, and author Janice Oberding, present the blockbuster paranormal event of the year. The Las Vegas Paranormal Conference. The supernatural session is scheduled to take place at the Palace Station Hotel and Casino October 1st through the 2nd, 2006. A midnight séance, cocktail party, ghost hunt, and discussions that include the endless possibilities of life after death and communication with the spirits are all scheduled.

Chris Fleming, star of the popular Dead Famous television series, is slated to be the event’s special guest star/lecture. Other featured speakers include Leslie Rule author of “Whispers from the Grave” and Tim Cridland from the “Ripley’s Believe it or not” TV show.

For more information contact
www.TLVPC.com
E-mail:
TLVPC@juno.com
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Posted on June 2nd, 2006 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Newsletter