June 16th, 2006

Lewis recovering after heart attack.
July show at The Orleans postponed.

Jerry Lewis will have to wait a little longer for his comeback.

The 80-year-old comedian, who was set to perform a four-night performance at the Orleans Showroom on July 13-16, had a mild heart attack on Sunday.

The show is now postponed.

“He’s doing extremely well,” said Candi Cazau, manager of media relations at the Orleans and Suncoast showrooms, who is also acting as Lewis’ spokesperson.

More from The Las Vegas Review Journal here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Jun-14-Wed-2006/news/7950764.html
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Emotional cast lets their hair down

The close-to-capacity audience at the final “Hairspray” performance at the Luxor Theatre on Sunday night seemed to be braced for the moment when the cast would lose it.

It happened late in the performance as Fran Jaye, who portrayed Motormouth Maybelle, belted out “I Know Where I’ve Been.” The powerful gospel number is a classic showstopper, no more so than on Sunday when Jaye stopped to gather both her breath and her composure.

Facing an audience rising to a standing ovation, Jaye closed her eyes and said, “They told me not to pause. Well, they can fine me.” Most of the members of the company surrounding the singer began to cry, and she finally finished off the song, shaking the rafters.

Earlier in the evening co-stars Eddie Mekka (Wilbur Turnblad) and Paul Vogt (Edna Turnblad) engaged in a great bit of ad-libbing during “Timeless to Me.” When Mekka hugged Vogt from behind, he squeezed particularly hard, prompting Vogt to say, “You’re going the wrong way on a one-way street, pal.” Mekka responded, “No, that’s not a roll of half-dollars in my pocket – I’m just glad to see you!” which led to a seemingly limitless string of off-color innuendoes before Vogt finally said, “We’d better finish the number.”

At the show’s conclusion Susan Anton (who played Velma Von Tussle) told the audience, “I want to say thank you on behalf of this stunning cast before you … showbiz is a tricky road but always one worth taking.” Katrina Rose Dideriksen (Tracy Turnblad) was particularly affected, burbling, “This was a dream come true ¦ thank you for changing me for the better.”

Later, Myron Martin, who produced the show with Michael Gill, said, “I have never loved a project or product like this group. It’s an emotionally difficult time for me.”

A sign held up by a group of ushers at the back of the theater summed up the collective feeling of the “Hairspray” family, which occupied the Luxor for just 15 weeks: “You’re timeless to us.”
Las Vegas SUN: John Katsilometes
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MASTER MAGICIAN LANCE BURTON WILL ANTE-UP IN A BID TO WIN A COVETED SPOT IN THE WORLD SERIES OF POKER

Lance Burton, long time local favorite will join Siegfried & Roy, Clint Holmes and Earl Turner for a game of poker to benefit Opportunity Village.

Opportunity Village, with the help of legendary Las Vegas entertainer Lance Burton, is taking its inspirational message to the Strip on June 24 for the inaugural Opportunity Village Celebrity Poker Tournament. The No-Limit Texas Hold’em tournament will be held in the Caesars Palace Poker Tournament Room from 1-6 p.m., with all proceeds to support construction of a third Opportunity Village campus in Southwest Las Vegas.

A catered VIP reception and “Losers’ Lounge� will be held during the tournament at PURE Nightclub in Caesars Palace and will feature live entertainment, a silent auction, and poker lessons. In all, more than $100,000 in prizes will be offered, including a seat in the World Series of Poker and jewelry from M.J. Christensen Diamond Centers.

“It’s such an honor to have our community’s premier entertainers together for an afternoon of fun with a purpose,� said Opportunity Village Chief Development Officer Linda Smith. “We are pleased that Opportunity Village has become known for its spectacular special events, but it’s important that people know just how critical our programs are to Southern Nevadans with intellectual disabilities.�

With the tremendous growth in Southern Nevada, up to 80 people move to the area each month who could benefit from the programs and services of Opportunity Village. As Nevada ranks near the bottom in state funding for people with disabilities, Opportunity Village provides a valuable community service by offering vocational training, job placement, and social recreation programs to this underserved population. In 2005, Opportunity Village paid more than $2 million in wages to its clients and saved taxpayers more than $46 million by lessening the burden of state support. In order to continue to provide award-winning programs, the need to expand is paramount.

Almost entirely self-funded, Opportunity Village is possible because Southern Nevadans realize the value in supporting their neighbors with intellectual disabilities. “In our society, people with intellectual disabilities live their lives constantly being told what they can’t do,� said Ed Guthrie, Opportunity Village Executive Director. “Opportunity Village strives to break that horrible stigma, encouraging its clients to follow their dreams, whether they include community or sheltered employment, social recreation, music, art, or just the chance to be independent.�

The tournament is open to the public with a contribution of $500, which includes a seat in the tournament as well as access to the catered VIP reception and Losers’ Lounge. Entertainers scheduled to appear include Siegfried & Roy, Lance Burton, Clint Holmes, Frankie Scinta, Earl Turner and many more. The event is made possible through sponsorships from Harrah’s Entertainment, Caesars Palace, PURE Nightclub, Action Gaming, M.J. Christensen Diamond Centers, Shuffle Master, The Link, The Review-Journal and Greenspun Media. For more information on the inaugural Opportunity Village Celebrity Poker Tournament, log on to www.opportunityvillage.org or contact Rachel Vorzimer at (702) 839-4757.
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Imperial Palace Issues 30th Year Limited Edition Commemorative Casino Chips.

To recognize three decades of distinguished service and value as a Las Vegas Strip property, the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino will issue limited edition 30th anniversary commemorative casino chips beginning Sunday, June 18.

The gaming tokens will be available at 10 a.m. at one window at the casino cage. Only 500 $5, 100 $25 and 50 $100 chips have been commissioned. On the day of issue, purchasers may buy only five $5, two $25 and one $100 chips per visit to the cage window.

One side of the chips features old photos showing the Imperial Palace, the hotel’s former marquee and the Flamingo Capri, the predecessor to the IP. The flip side of the $5 chip shows the front exterior of the hotel at night; the $25 highlights the Las Vegas Monorail; and a daytime front exterior photo of the Imperial Palace distinguishes the $100 check.

Based on the popularity of casino chip collecting, the Imperial Palace anticipates issuing additional limited edition commemorative chips this year to recognize the 5 millionth showgoer to attend “Legends in Concert,� the celebrity tribute spectacular now in its 24th year; and to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Auto Collections.
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Blue Man Group at Venetian Las Vegas

Reviewed May 2006
by Nancy Hruska
From:www.accessvegas.com

Why are the people in the front row wearing plastic covering over their clothes? Why is there an oversized DNA strand on stage? What are those brass figures in each corner of the showroom? These peculiar embellishments aren’t often found in top of the line Vegas entertainment so curiosity is peaked by even the most sedated audience members.

Far before the world renowned Blue Man Group show’s curtain slides, those waiting for God only knows what, share the same questioning cocked head…what in the world?…what on earth are they going to do with that? And this disorientation, this vacation from the norm, is exactly what the show celebrates: curiosity, experimentation, and the human condition. These three endearing blue men explore the world through witty comical and even thoughtful outbursts that can’t help but capture the hearts of everyone.

Expressionless, investigative, they reveal themselves and start the show with the obvious intention of getting themselves and audience members in trouble. Plastic covering in the front row is now recognized as imperative due to drum number where in which flying paint is as prevalent as the percussion itself. (Paint is a consistent and necessary ingredient in this outlandish recipe for visual and sensual fun).

Music, which is the true soul of the show, takes no time introducing itself. The band, stashed away in every corner of the stage high and low, dressed in fluorescent paint suits so the black light effect reveals something like video game skeleton musicians, explodes with powerful chords, monstrous percussion, and dramatic rifts. The sound is utterly deviant and shakes the core of everyone, no matter what.

The trio likes to experiment with their own musical expresssion though not through conventional composition. Rather, their exploits of sound include playing plumbing pipes, PVC indeed. Some of their original instruments include the “Tubulum,” a 4″ PVC pipe with rubber reeds on the end struck with drumsticks. Another, the “Drumulum,” is a drum with a sliding PVC pipe under it to adjust pitch. These among others get everyone moving as the blue men have an enviable knack for playing things that are normally attached to a toilet.

Art is certainly not an element to be left out of their weird formula for entertainment. One dared to work their genius by catching innumerable gumballs in their mouth then decorating a canvas in a way which paint brushes would be of no consequence and completely useless.

But ultimately, probably the favorite thing these blueberry epidermis triplets love to to do is mess with minds; in particular those malleable brains already confused and stuffed in a showroom. Whether they’re taking people on stage and shaking their world up a bit with twinkies and paint or going the more subliminal route so individuals are out their heads still in their seats, these blue soldiers have a method for it all. Poking fun is the underlying theme of it all. One demonstration of light hearted humility is a little number called howtobearockstar.com. The audience is taken through Dance 101 with horrible overly satirical dance moves and singing lessons in order to “fake it til’ you make it” and achieve pop star status. The victims: media and pop culture, but one ought not to take offense. After all, these hue challenged guys like to sit around and see how much stuff they can fit into their mouths.

A light show near the end of the production nearly caps off the journey through sensation. Stunning imagery and earth moving sound wrapped up neatly in a premise that makes fun of the fast and furious digital age leaves both senses and intellects truly stimulated. But one sense is still missing…touch. Without warning this is remedied as back to front of the audience comes a sea of paper. Rolls and rolls of paper. Endless to the point where no one knows which way is up. Why? What could this possibly represent? Nothing maybe, or perhaps it was just to bring smiles. Everyone smiles because now all the nonsense makes sense, even the odd brass statues. The DNA, beautiful on it’s own, but better with curiosity, wit, sound, joy and all the wonderfully weird things about being human certainly not to be forgotten.
http://www.las-vegas-shows-reviews.com/blue-man-group-luxor-las-vegas.htm
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Summer Ferguson is the newest addition to the famous “Crazy Girls” revue at the Riviera Hotel & Casino.

From: www.accessvegas.com
The 5-foot-9-inch tall dancer said, “My mom and aunt were both Lakers’ girls at the time when Paula Abdul was a cheerleader too. For two years I worked as a shoeshine girl and once a computer software inventor tipped me $2,500. I guess I did a pretty good job. It’s really a hard eight-hour day but pays really well. My mother was a housewife after she gave birth to my brother and me.”

She said, “My mom got me into this business at about age 2. I’ve lived in Las Vegas since I was 10 years old. I was born in San Juan Capistrano in Southern California after moving around since my father was in the house building business. We lived in Canada and the state of Washington. My older brother plays college basketball in South Carolina. He’s 6-foot-eight and my dad is about 6-foot-six.”

Summer continued, “I took some time off before I came to work in ‘Crazy Girls.’ I was home-schooled and graduated at age 16. I was a good kid growing up and had good grades because I loved dancing.”

She said, “To me dancing is the No. 1 one thing in my life. I guess my hobby would be shopping but what girl doesn’t like that. I’m the youngest ‘Crazy Girl.’ I’m really happy to be with this troupe. I love all the dancers in ‘Crazy Girls.’ My parents saw their first Las Vegas show a decade ago and it was ‘Crazy Girls.’ My friend told me to check out the show and try to get an audition. I went back the next night and got the job. My two favorite numbers are the opening call ‘The March’ and my solo ‘The Ring.’”

Summer said, “I think growing up in Las Vegas was OK. I watched Las Vegas grow up. I was home-schooled so it didn’t affect me too much. I was doing dance competitions from age’s four to eight years old. I was real aggressive with my training. At age nine, I began to get really serious. I just loved performing. I went away every summer for programs. I’ve trained at New York’s American Ballet Theatre and The Kirov Academy in Washington D.C. and Milwaukee Ballet. At age 13, I was asked to leave school and join the professional company and dance all day long just like a job. I did that up until I was age 18.”

She said of “Crazy Girls,” “This is fun. I love performing but am planning on going to college this fall. It will just be school and the show. I’ll start out at community college.”

She said, “My favorite TV show is ‘Law and Order.’ I like to hangout at Mandalay Bay because that’s where I shined shoes but I got the $2,500 tip at The Venetian. The pay is all based on your customers and I could do up to eight people in an hour. It’s very demanding but definitely worth it. It’s an interesting job if you like to meet people from all over the world. As a Capricorn, I’m a people-watcher and liked it. I read the ‘Da Vinci Code’ and just saw the movie a few days ago. It’s fictional of course but it was really entertaining as a movie and a book.”

Summer said, “If I had one wish to fulfill it would be to become a Victoria Secret’s model. I love Las Vegas because you can do anything you want at anytime of the day or night. You can have a good meal at 3 in the morning. I’m a night person and that’s why I love performing in ‘Crazy Girls.’ I stay up all night. When I go out-of-town people think I live in a hotel. I tell them it’s not like that. It’s a normal place with an entertainment plus. Besides Las Vegas, I’d like to live in Australia. If I went there and liked it I wouldn’t be coming back. I’m planning out my life at this point and just can only hope to be happy and healthy 20 years from now.”

Summer talked about their sister show “An Evening at La Cage” at the Riviera, “They do a really good job. My two favorites are the guy who plays Cher and Celine Dion and the other who plays Britney Spears. They are all great though.”

She continued, “My first night dancing topless in ‘Crazy Girls’ I didn’t have time to think about the nudity factor but the second night I was nervous. Now I’m fine with it. Dancers have to wear very little clothes on stage. ‘Crazy Girls’ is tasteful and my friends and relatives think its fine. People think it’s cool because it’s a real show. My favorite song is ‘Iris’ by The Goo Goo Dolls that was a hit in the movie ‘A City of Angels.’ I prefer R&B and Hip Hop but I will listen to anything. My favorite restaurant in Las Vegas is Grape Street.”

Nino Frediano is one of the most entertaining jugglers on The Las Vegas Strip and interacts with the audience while emcee and funny man Jimmy Emerson opens the show.

Show times are 9:30 p.m. from Wednesday thru Monday nights. Tuesday nights are dark.
http://accessvegas.com
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On The Town With Vegas Vic
By: Victor H. Royer
Article from www.accessvegas.com

Welcome to Las Vegas! My name is Victor H. Royer, but everyone just calls me Vegas Vic. I was named after that famous neon sign in Downtown Las Vegas, that cowboy with the hat on top of the Pioneer Club, always waving his hand and beckoning to his long love, Sassy Sally, on the other side of the street. I will be writing a few articles for AccessVegas.com, so I hope you enjoy them.

Where Are The Hot Slots?

I have written 18 books on casino games and gaming, and over the past 20 years have written hundreds of various magazine articles. The question I am asked more often than any other is that one: So, where are the hot slots?

In order to find the really HOT slots, you must first learn a few things about the slot machines that you will find in these casinos.

First, all slots are computerized. No matter what they look like, even if they have a handle and reels that spin, they are all run by a computer chip inside the machine.

Second, on that computer chip is something called a “virtual reel table”. This is kind of like the pay table display you see on the front of the machine, but this virtual table has a lot more stops and spaces. The 3-reel drums on the slot machine may only have 11 spaces each, for 22 positions, and that would allow only for 10,648 possible combinations (22^3=10,648). This is not enough for the machine to make, and pay, all those nice big jackpots. So, the virtual reel table usually has 64 such stops, up to about 127. This allows the machines to pay lot more bigger jackpots and bonuses.

Third, you should learn the differences between the machines. The bigger the jackpot, usually the harder it is to hit. On these machines, the little pays will also pay less and hit less often. On reel machines, the best are 2-coin and 3-reel games. Look for machines that pay more for the second coin, and not just double the 1-coin amount. Machines that look identical often have vastly different paybacks. One can pay back only 80%, while the other at 98%, or more. How do you tell them apart? Well, that leads us to ?

Fourth, look for the best and biggest brand name in slots: IGT. This is the company that makes the best slots. Games like Wheel of Fortune, Red, White and Blue Sevens, Megabucks and Quartermania, and many others, including some great video slots. By first shopping for this brand name, you will save yourself a lot of problems, because these are the best machines, and best paying machines, in any casino.

Finally, look for what I call “slot islands.” These are areas of the casino where machines can be seen from just about anywhere. These are the places where casinos want winners to be seen, and that”s why the best-paying slots are put there. On the other hand, don”t play slots near the table games Pit, near the Cage, or near Buffet or Show lines.

That”s it for now. Good luck!
http://www.accessvegas.com/gambling/slots-powerful-profits.htm
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Steve’s Las Vegas Quickies:

Motley Crue frontman Vince Neil is opening a tattoo shop at the Flamingo in the area where O’Shea’s Irish pub is being replaced.

The 2,200-square-foot shop will front the Strip and be part of “a rock and roll vibe” in the space, Neil said by telephone on Friday.
reviewjournal.com — News – NORM

Hot spots & cool stuff: “Sopranos” star Steven Schirripa, who plays Tony Soprano’s brother-in-law, hostted the opening of Harrah’s new Italian restaurant, Penazzi. Schirripa, whose third book, “The Goomba Diet — Living Large and Loving It,” is out, is taping a “Casino Cinema” for Spike TV on Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Riviera.
reviewjournal.com — News – NORM

There’s mucho buzz that megabuilder Tony Marnell is being wooed as a key investment player in Morgans Hotel Group’s purchase of the Hard Rock Hotel. His firm, Marnell Corrao Associates, built Wynn Las Vegas and Bellagio, as well as the Rio, which he also operated from 1990 to 1999, when he sold it to Harrah’s for $888 million.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board has given their blessing to the Pokerdome, a glorified television studio at the Downtown entertainment complex Neonopolis that will host a weekly poker tournament. Things had been dicey when the project was announced, with the NGCB saying that since the facility was a gambling establishment, a hotel was required to be attached to it. The Pokerdome folks fought back, saying that the studio, carved out of three movie theaters at Neonopolis, was not for gambling but for a game show type event where players could take part in a poker tournament for cash and prizes but not that they would win directly through game play. The NGCB relented and the shows will start taping at the complex on Saturday nights in late July for broadcast on Fox Sports Net.
http://www.vegas4visitors.com/column/index.htm

Comedy icon Jerry Lewis is recovering from a mild heart attack, his publicist said Tuesday.

Lewis, 80, who announced last week that he was taking a musical version of “The Nutty Professor” to Broadway in 2007, postponed his July 13-16 engagement at The Orleans.
reviewjournal.com — News – NORM

Ticket prices are set for “Bodies ¦ The Exhibition” at Tropicana. Adults can check out the stripped-down cadavers for $24, $22 for seniors, $15 for children under 12 and $21 for Nevada residents (and long live those great locals’ discounts)

Streisand confirmed:
Barbra Streisand will perform at the MGM Grand Garden Arena at 8 p.m. on Nov. 18, it was announced Monday. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on June 24 at the Grand Garden Arena and Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations. Tickets are going for $1,000, $750, $350, $200 and $100. (The $1,000 price is the highest ever for a show at the Grand Garden Arena, discounting sporting events.)

Wristband distribution to establish ticket-purchase priority will begin at 6 a.m. on June 24. At 9:30 a.m. a random number will be drawn and fans will line up in sequential order, beginning with the number selected. Streisand’s opening act is Il Divo, which also performs (with a top ticket price of $99.85) on June 23 at Mandalay Bay.
Las Vegas SUN: John Katsilometes

The Stratosphere is advertising (in an e-mail announcement) super-low rates that include package extras for an additional $5 charge. Rooms are $29.99 on weekdays and $69.99 on Fridays and Saturdays July 5 through August 31 according to the ad, when you book before July 4. The add-on package includes free tower admission (10 am-noon) and 2-for-1 tickets to Viva Las Vegas and American Superstars. Based on availability.
Las Vegas Advisor – Anthony Curtis – Today’s News

July 4 Fireworks On The Strip? – The Stratosphere has announced they will again be shooting fireworks off for the Independence Day holiday. However, July 4 falls on a Tuesday this year, so they are doing it on July 2, 2006. If you can scam Monday off of work, join us all in Las Vegas for a fireworks fantastic four day weekend!
http://www.las-vegas-news-reviews.com/06-06-07.htm

Jimmy Hopper will soon return to Las Vegas for a two-week run at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. He can be seen at the resort July 11-15 and July 18-22. Show times are 5:00, 6:45 and 8:30 p.m.

Excalibur’s long-running Tournament of Kings entertainment/dining outlet has bumped up their ticket price to $49.95 per person.
http://www.eyeonvegas.net/

Over 5,000 people showed up at the Las Vegas Hilton last week to audition for the hit NBC show ‘Deal or No Deal.’ NBC staffers interviewed the long line of people that wound through the Hilton Convention Center.

The Beatles LOVE show at The Mirage is quickly winning over fans. One well-connected spy who saw the show this weekend couldn’t stop raving about the speakers in the headrests of each seat. “When I think of Cirque, I think of O and all of the water,� he responded when we asked if LOVE topped the other Cirque du Soleil offerings around the city.
http://www.eyeonvegas.net/

Wow is the only word that comes to mind when talking about Il Mulino (Forum Shops Mall). The Big Apple transplant has to be considered one of the best Italian restaurants in the city. The traditional menu and top-notch service is only overshadowed by the AMAZING fare. If you haven’t witnessed it firsthand, stop by and find out why Il Mulino has been one of the highest rated NYC Italian restaurants for decades.
http://www.eyeonvegas.net

The 5th Annual Official Star Trek Convention is celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Star Trek at the Las Vegas Hilton, August 17-20. In honor of the event, the Las Vegas Hilton is producing two, count ‘em two $5 commemorative chips (a thousand each). The chips will be available after the convention ends.

The Elvis statue is officially returning to the Las Vegas Hilton next week!

What would summer be without a happy hour? What would summer be without a daily happy hour? The Las Vegas Hilton is taking advantage of its third floor pool deck (with a great view of the city) to throw a “Cool By the Pool� happy hour, where two-for-one drinks are served, music (live and D.J.) is everywhere, and Foster’s and Bacardi are sponsors. Happy hour (technically happy hours) is 5 p.m.-8 p.m. daily.

Slots Of Fun now has the largest hot dog in Las Vegas taking this claim away from the now leveled Westward Ho. The Las Vegas Advisor describes this hot dog as “a half-pound monster!) The hot dog is $1.29 or 99cents with a One Club Card.

There is a $4.95 Steak and Egg special at Green Valley Ranch..it’s served from 11 pm till 11 am.

Bob Stupak, the developer of The Straosphere has filed to run for Lt. Govenor of Las Vegas.

Don’t know how many of you have seen Menopause The Musical at the Las Vegas Hilton, but if you haven’t as yet, make sure you do. Won’t find a funnier show in town. I mention this because Paige O’Hara, who gives a delightful performance as the Soap Star in Menopause, will be taking two days out (July 27 & 28) to fly to New York to film a scene in Disney’s Enchanted, starring Susan Sarandon. Ironically, Paige will play a nasty soap star in the movie scene. Congrats to her.
reviewjournal.com — Lenny’s Las Vegas

Swim-up blackjack is only open to Tropicana hotel guests. However, on Saturday nights during the summer, we have a pool party called Wet that is open to the public. Anyone can play swim-up blackjack from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. during the party.

The reality competition series “So You Think You Can Dance” debuts this week on Fox (eliminations begin at 8 tonight). The winner will receive $100,000 and a year’s contract to dance behind (and around, and sometimes under) Celine Dion in “A New Day…” at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
Las Vegas SUN: John Katsilometes

Crooner Brian Evans has closed another chapter on Las Vegas. The one-time Desert Inn headliner is out and the Steven Lee Group is in at Rocks Lounge at Red Rock Resort.

The Riviera is presenting a summer series of top-notch pianists performing on the new Ristorante Terrace, located just outside the Ristorante Italiano restaurant, Tuesday through Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m.

The Palms has booked the Bob Marley Roots Rock Reggae Festival on Aug. 15, at the all-new Palms Pool & Bungalows.

Pampas Brazilian Grille has opened at Desert Passage, 3663 Las Vegas Blvd. South, specializing in spit-roasted meats.

The fourth annual Blues, Brews and Barbecue Festival is scheduled for 5 p.m. to midnight June 23 and 2 p.m. to midnight June 24 at The Cannery, 4336 Losee Road. Local barbecue restaurants will participate, craft beers and hard ciders will be offered and Big Brother & The Holding Company and John Lee Hooker Jr. will be the headliners. Admission is $5 at the door.
reviewjournal.com — Neon – RESTAURANT NEWS
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Las Vegas Q and A by Rick Garman

Question: A couple of weeks ago you were talking about the biggest gaming companies in terms of revenue nationwide but which ones are the biggest in Las Vegas and who owns what on The Strip?

The biggest player in Las Vegas is MGM Mirage. They currently control more than half of the rooms on The Strip and operate Bellagio, Circus-Circus, Excalibur, The Four Seasons, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, Mirage, Monte Carlo, New York-New York, THEhotel, Treasure Island, and the upcoming $7 billion Project CityCenter.

Harrah’s Entertainment comes next operating Bally’s, Caesars Palace, The Flamingo, Harrah’s, Imperial Palace, Paris, and The Rio just off The Strip.

Boyd Gaming, which also includes the Coast Casino chain in their portfolio, runs The Stardust (and it’s upcoming replacement Echelon) and Barbary Coast on The Strip plus several more in Downtown Las Vegas and elsewhere around the city including Orleans, South Coast, and Sam’s Town among others.

Wynn Resorts owns Wynn Las Vegas and the upcoming Encore planned to go up right next door.

Sheldon Adelson’s Sands Corporation owns The Venetian, Venezia, and the upcoming Palzazzo.

The Planet Hollywood corporation owns The Aladdin and is currently in the process of remodeling it into a Planet Hollywood themed resort.

The Tropicana is owned by Aztar Corporation for now although that company is in the process of being bid upon by four other gaming companies (mostly non-players in the Vegas scene).

The Riviera is owned by Riviera Holdings, which has no other properties in Las Vegas but does have a hotel/casino in Colorado.

The Stratosphere is owned by billionaire Carl Icahn’s American Casino and Entertainment along with the Arizona Charlie’s hotels in Las Vegas.

The Frontier is owned by a single person – Phil Ruffin – while The Sahara is controlled by the family of the late owner.

Interestingly, one of the biggest companies in the Las Vegas area doesn’t have a single slot machine on The Strip – that’s Station Casinos, which operates more than a dozen hotels and casinos around the Las Vegas area but none of Las Vegas Boulevard itself.

Question: What’s the dumbest question you’ve ever been asked about Las Vegas?

Answer: Oh, Megan, you’re trying to stir up trouble aren’t you? Let’s just say that there are no “dumb questions� but there are certainly some, ahem, misinformed ones.

The biggest category of misinformed questions is unprintable here since they center on the myth that prostitution is legal in Las Vegas. Tell your friends, tell your families, tell that obnoxious guy from accounting once and for all: prostitution is NOT LEGAL in Las Vegas. It is legal in very tightly controlled, state licensed brothels in counties that have populations of less than 200,000 people so Sin City, and its roughly 1.5 million residents, is out. But the myth persists and I’ll let you use your imagination about what people ask me. All I’ll say is that I know waaaaaaaay too much about some of my readers’ private lives.

There are also a lot of questions from readers about the ins and outs of how Vegas hotels work that seem to indicate that people think they operate differently here than anywhere else in the world. I know that the concept of a 4,000 room hotel is intimidating and may lead one to believe that it a totally different beast than your local 60-room Motel 6, but in general they function the same way: you get a key, you sleep in a bed, you pay them money, and then you leave. You’d be surprised at how many people find that surprising.

Then there’s the category of misinformed questions that centers on gambling. I’ve been asked everything from “how do I get my money back if I lose it?� to “what slot machine should I play to be guaranteed a win?� I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – there is no such thing as a sure way to not lose in a Las Vegas casino except not to go in one to begin with.

Which of course brings up the one question that may fit into your nomenclature, Megan… someone once asked me if I would share my casino winnings with them. Now that’s a dumb question.
www.vegas4visitors.com
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NORM: Lewis and Martin rejoined on road

Comedy icons Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin are reconnecting again, this time as streets.

Jerry Lewis Way will be dedicated May 26 at Panorama Towers, the luxury condos on Dean Martin Drive, formerly Industrial Road.

Panorama Towers owner Lawrence Hallier said Lewis, who turned 80 on March 16, is planning to attend the renaming ceremony.

The duo gained national prominence in the late 1940s with their zany nightclub act.

They teamed on almost 20 films before their famous split in 1956 started a long-running feud. Frank Sinatra arranged a surprise meeting, the first in 20 years between Martin and Lewis, during Lewis’ 1976 telethon at the Sahara.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/May-13-Sat-2006/news/7347547.html
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Hard Rock Hotel stays may get costlier
From The Las Vegas Review Journal

The Hard Rock Hotel is going to get a little pricier, as the new owner intends to grow earnings from $40 million to $50 million a year, the chief executive officer of New York-based Morgans Hotel Group Co. said Friday.

He’s going to start by raising room rates, which average $169 a night at the Hard Rock, compared with $230 a night at Strip hotels.

“We expect to bring the margins at the Hard Rock up to Morgans standards,” Edward Scheetz said in a conference call from New York. “We will attract a more affluent clientele and they will spend more money not just on rooms, but on gaming and restaurants.”

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/May-13-Sat-2006/business/7382339.html
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NORM: Batten the hatches for Tempest Storm.
From The Las Vegas Review Journal

Burlesque icon Tempest Storm is returning to a Las Vegas stage after a 19-year absence.

“I left my notorious past and I’m back to reclaim it,” said Storm, who will be appearing at the Celebrity Theatre on opening night of the May 26-28 salute to burlesque weekend.

Along with Lili St. Cyr and Blaze Starr, the red-haired Storm was a burlesque queen during the 1950s and ’60s.

She made her first appearance here at the Embassy nightclub in North Las Vegas in 1951 and her last in 1987.

“I’m old enough for Medicare and young enough for men to care,” Storm, 78, said in a telephone interview.

In her day, she dated Elvis Presley and was linked to John F. Kennedy and Sammy Davis Jr.

Raised in Georgia as Annie Blanche Banks, she left an abusive home life at age 14 and made her way to Los Angeles in her late teens.

All of 19, she was a popular carhop at Simon’s Drive-In in L.A. before getting into show business.

That summer, she was seeing a handsome man named Ben, and on June 20, 1947, she was to go out on a date with him, “but my boss called me and said I had to come in because one of the girls was sick.”

A day or so later, the mob-hit murder of her friend Ben “Bugsy” Siegel, 41, operator of the Flamingo, was front-page news.

“I had no idea he was connected to the mob until he was murdered,” Storm recalled.

By 1957 she was starring in Minsky’s Follies, the first topless show in Las Vegas. Later, her striptease show helped put the sin in Sin City, when she headlined at the Dunes and the Aladdin.

“Burlesque is back,” she said.

And so is Tempest Storm: She moved back to Las Vegas in February.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/May-14-Sun-2006/news/7401952.html
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MIKE WEATHERFORD: Stuart stays in the game.

Look no farther than the sidewalk for this metaphor.

On May 31, John Stuart — best known for producing “Legends in Concert” at the Imperial Palace — is getting a star on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars, a project similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Except, Stuart explains, they have to put the star in front of New York-New York instead of the Imperial Palace, because Harrah’s Entertainment “may blow it up within the year.” If the replacement project covers up the existing sidewalk at the Imperial Palace, someone would have to dig up and move the star that cost its sponsors $15,000.

More of the article from the Las Vegas Review Journal here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/May-14-Sun-2006/living/7341171.html
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Slot Reviews by Gayle Mitchell

Reviews are listed by Slot Name, Manufacturer, average hit frequency and payout range offered, (low to high) if information is available.

1) Blue Brothers/Alpha: Bally, 4 spins. 88-96%
They are here to view–John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as Jake and Elwood Blues along with the popular sounds. Toss in harmonicas, records and other music icons.
One of the Saturday Night series slots, there is a bonus rounds called the Briefcase Bonus that is triggered when briefcase symbols land on the first third and fifth reels.
The payout is 3X the total bet. Secondly, there is the Free Games bonus occurring when three or more Free Games symbols land scattered on the reels.

Jackpots on free spins are tripled and a special Double Symbol in the free spins doubles all free game jackpots won to that point.

The crescendo for this musical adventure is the Blues Brothers Wild Symbol payout of 15,000 times the line bet.

2) Monopoly Wild Dice; Wms Gaming 3 spins 89-93%
More Monopoly with a $5000 payout as shown in the top box replica of this popular board game.

Several options for additional credits occur when landing on Chance or Community chest or acquiring all the same colored properties.

The main event starts with a die symbol appearing on the middle reels at which time the symbol expands into a Wild Dice symbol creating wild spots for that particular reel for a cumulative bonus pay.

Uncle Pennybags once again shines with this penny progressive offering.

3) Star Wars: A New Hope. IGT 2 spins 88-91%
IGT offers a remarkable video experience via this sequel to their Star Wars slot by replicating the famous duel between Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi.

A New Hope is a unique presentation that includes a 19-inch color video monitor in a 7 feet cabinet displaying the Death Star planet-killing weapon used by the evil Empire in the film The Death Star.

We begin our adventure at the scatter pay bonus consisting of one or both droid characters on the primary reels. Three or more R2-D2 or C-3PO symbols return a scatter win.

Additional, when Darth Vader appears on the first reel with an Obi-Wan Kenobi symbol on the fifth reel, the Light Saber Bonus begins and you select the winner for bonus rewards.

Three Death Star symbols start the Death Star Bonus that can conclude with the starship battle and mounting credits.

Moving on to the bonus rounds. Betting lines and denominations determine how you view, hear and earn credits.

For example, if you bet from one to four credits/line, the setting of the primary game is Tatooine, Luke Skywalker’s home planet where the roids R2-D2 and C-3PO landed in the film and where Luke met up with Obi-Wan Kenobi.

The reel symbols and sound compare with the first segment of the film.
With five to nine credits/line bet, the scene takes place at the Cantina, the interstellar bar where Luke encounters Han Solo and his buddy, Chewbacca.
The reel symbols and sound reflect brawling aliens and the appearance of Princess Leia.

A max bet of 10 credits/line gets you to the Death Star mode. The reel symbols and sound show the final battle between the Empire’s TIE fighter ships and the rebel alliance vessels in the race to destroy the Death Star.

During the battle, if you come across five Star Wars symbols on the first payline, the winner’s prize of at least $500,000 is yours.

Lines form to the right for this penny multiline video slot offering a million dollar progressive payday.

To subscribe, send a blank message to CasinoPlayers-on@mail-list.com
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Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular

Phantom- The Las Vegas Spectacular will be uniquely presented in a new, $40 million theater at The Venetian on the Las Vegas Strip. The production will feature never before seen special effects and a sensational Broadway caliber cast. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Hal Prince have revisited their musical masterpiece to create an all-new 95-minute production, while maintaining the beloved original storyline and songs.

Phantom at The Venetian features a new physical production with effects and enhancements made possible by modern-day technology, a custom-built theatre, and a team led by many of the original creators. This production promises surprises that will amaze and delight audiences, from first time guests to longtime Phantom fans.

The most successful theatrical endeavor of all time, The Phantom of the Opera has grossed more than $3 billion worldwide since its London premiere in 1986, having played more than 65,000 performances in 20 countries and 110 cities. After the opening, the musical went on to sweep the 1988 Tony Awards, winning seven Tonys, including Best Musical as well as seven Drama Desk Awards and three Outer Critics Circle Awards. In January 2006, it became the longest–running show in Broadway history, surpassing another of Webber’s greatest hits, Cats.

Previews begin June 12, 2006 with the grand opening slated for June 24, 2006.

Prices range from $75 – $125 + a service fee – VIP seating is available. For more information call the Venetian Box office at (866) 641-7469 or (702) 414-7469.
www.casinotravelnews.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.

“Barebackâ€? 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.â€?

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,â€? “Erocktica,â€? the award-winning “Lipstick,â€? “Playboy Ecstasy,â€? and “Heartbeat.â€? 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 “Skintightâ€? 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.
www.casinotravelnews.com
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Monorail ridership up a bit.

April ridership on the Las Vegas Monorail was up a bit from March but well behind the turnstile pace set one year earlier, according to ridership figures released on Tuesday.

The monorail carried an average of 23,484 daily riders last month, better than the 21,204 passenger average in March but lagging behind April 2005’s average of 31,921 people a day.

But thanks to a fare hike, the monorail did bring in more money in April than in the previous month or the same month last year.

More from The Las Vegas Review Journal here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/May-17-Wed-2006/news/7448469.html
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John Katsilometes on the warm reception for cast of Beatles-themed production.

Big love for new Cirque show.

Members of the cast of “Love” at the Mirage performed their first full dress rehearsal on Saturday.

And they did so with a little assistance from their acquaintances. With some support from their colleagues. With a bit of a boost from their cohorts.

Dang, if there were only a Beatle lyric to better convey this thought …

Anyhow, the casts of Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil productions “O” and “Mystere,” along with Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison (widow of George Harrison), attended the crisp afternoon performance. We can’t say for sure if Dhani Harrison, George’s son, was in the crowd, but he was in town over the weekend (and he looks so much like his father it’s spooky).

The rehearsal audience was a relatively intimate 600 (the former Siegfried & Roy Theater at the Mirage has been reconfigured to seat more than 2,000), and reports are that the first full production of the show went “really well,” or, in Beatlespeak, “splendidly.”

Preview performances begin June 2. For rehearsal highlights, go to www.cirquedusoleil.com.
Article from The Las Vegas Sun
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2006/may/16/566629744.html
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From “Eye On Vegas”

Dissecting the Deal

Our loyal Eye on Vegas subscribers were the first to find out the breaking news when Hard Rock Hotel honcho, Peter Morton, finally pulled the trigger on a $770 million sale to the Morgans Hotel Group. The long anticipated deal had been an extremely well-kept secret, with numerous organizations rumored to be the mystery buyers. Although the sale will not be finalized until Morgans obtains a gaming license, the first foray into Las Vegas for the reputed operator of boutique hotel properties around the country deserves notice. With properties like the Shore Club and the Delano in Miami (also reportedly opening a second Delano location within the Echelon Place project going up on the site of the Stardust), the Hudson Hotel in NYC and the Mondrian in Los Angeles, Morgans is no stranger to operating upscale, popular, youth-driven hotel properties, a classification that the Hard Rock definitely fits into.

It is safe to assume that some immediate changes will be made at the Hard Rock. The property was one of the very few independent gaming properties in the country, a fiefdom for Peter Morton and heir in which to reign without recourse. Make no bones about it; Morgans Hotel Group is a corporate organization with specific policies and procedures that will be implemented on property. One example where existing and corporate policy might come to a head is at Body English, a nightclub where a heavyweight VIP host team has been allowed a wide berth to operate simply because of the big business they bring on property. “They were given carte blanche until revenue dropped or until hotel guests made complaints; neither have happened yet,� noted one well-placed staffer. Another area where it would be feasible to see some change would be at the Hard Rock’s other nightlife destination, or should we say day-life destination, Rehab. The weekly Sunday party is an absolute cash cow for the property which should earn promoters and organizers some benefit of the doubt, but with that kind of money going through the pool every Sunday, expect corporate eyes to widen.

One place where Morgans should come in and be of assistance is on the food and beverage side of the property. Morgans Hotel Group has always been an organization completely comfortable with outsourcing their food and beverage outlets. A fact that has worked well for China Grill Group big boss Jeffrey Chodorow, who operates multiple Asia de Cuba venues (L.A., N.Y.C., London, and Miami) as well as some other concepts like the Hudson Cafeteria (Hudson Hotel – N.Y.C.). Currently at the Hard Rock two independent operators have lived reportedly vastly different lives on property and one would think corporate will equalize life at the Hard Rock for them both. Sushi kingpin Nobu Matsuhisa is familiar with MHG brass as he operates his Miami branch out of their Shore Club property. Likewise, Simon Kitchen & Bar partner Elizabeth Blau supposedly has an excellent relationship with the group through her successful restaurant consultation business. Recent decisions that had Simon being closed two days a week (Tuesday and Wednesday) so that the property could sell catered events in the space seemed curiously inexplicable, and something that we can assume will change when Morgans takes control of the property. According to one source, the restaurant is operating with a lease so don’t expect major negative changes for the stellar fusion eatery. It actually could end up being huge for Simon and Blau who now have a new slew of properties in which to pitch brand expansion (they already have Simon L.A. opening next month and Simon Maui on the horizon). Obviously Pink Taco will remain on property as plans apparently proceed for an expansion of that brand, although none have opened as of yet. That project is realistically being run by Pink Taco executive chef, Noe Alcala, and operations mastermind, Paul Rotner. Lastly, we would expect any co-branding with lesser Strip properties to expectedly come to an end and rightfully so. As they say, you can’t have your cake and eat it too, no matter how much you like cake!

Although most believed that former Morgans C.E.O. and Chairman, Ian Schrager, stepped aside so that the company could pursue a gaming license, something he could not be involved in because of his checkered past, sources now tell us that, in fact, Schrager’s involvement with the company is almost non-existent. “He was the creative guy,� a reputable source told the Eye. “These guys are the business people behind the company.� His massive perk-laden buyout, which could reach $4 million by the end of 2007, would result in a Morgans group sans Schrager by the end of next year.

For fans of the Hard Rock Hotel, which we have been for over a decade now, this is a good deal for the property. It will help take the rock hard hotel to the next level and tighten up all the little things that have been overlooked, especially as of late. As for Peter Morton, he’s selling his baby which could not have been an easy decision. After purchasing the property for $50 million, he’s looking to make a huge chunk of change, of which the majority will go directly into the coffers of him and his investors. Several HRH staffers we spoke to are extremely excited about the up-coming change of ownership. With the Hard Rock Hotel going corporate, perhaps corporate America and rock n’ roll will finally have a home where they can co-exist peacefully. As the sign over the door says, ‘If the Hotel is rockin’ don’t come a knockin’, just come in!’

Rocking Out
The lucky few Eye on Vegas readers who took home tickets to the Rock of Ages production at the Flamingo are raving about the show. “I absolutely loved it,� wrote one reader, “you never stop singing the whole time!� After several sold-out performances in Los Angeles and the same results in Las Vegas the actors performing in the show are starting to receive some recognition themselves. Reportedly James Snyder, w ho plays Drew Dillenbeck in Rock of Ages, just auditioned for the role of Motley Crue rocker Vince Neil in the big screen adaptation of the unbelievable-but-true authorized Crue biography, “The Dirt.� Forget the Da Vinci Code, this is the one book-to-movie project that we can’t wait for!

Pool Season
All of a sudden the nightclub wars are seeing daylight. No, unfortunately it’s not the light at the end of the tunnel, but instead the sun is shining on the next battleground, the sun-soaked, chlorine-drenched pools of Las Vegas. Rehab has masterfully owned Sundays, Cherry (Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa) is showing strong on Saturdays, PURE Nightclub and the Venus Pool (Caesars Palace) are targeting Mondays, and the Palms and Tao Pool Club have yet to open and/or announce their promotional strategies. Now entering the fray into the increasingly competitive pool party is the Flamingo Hotel and their focused president, Don Marrandino, who is breaking multiple parties to the palm-tree-dotted pools of the Flamingo. The one party that seems to have the most cross-over appeal appears to be the Saturday Bacardi Beach Bash that will take-over the adult pool every Saturday through the end of the summer. In the typical over-the-top Bacardi manner look for drink specials, the city’s hottest DJs, live radio remotes, and complimentary shots from the smoking hot Bacardi Babes, give-away’s and a chance to win a huge secret prize! We are even hearing that when you book a cabana for the Beach Bash that you get a starter bottle of Bacardi on the house to ensure the day goes good. Stay tuned during the summer as more pool party madness is sure to ensue.

Wynn’s Hidden Gem
You can’t blame the national and local media, but most of the press coverage coming out of Wynn Las Vegas these days is focused on their flagship outlet, Alessandro Stratta’s ALEX, their sole “celebrity chef� and his Daniel Boulud Brasserie, and Paul Bartolotta’s acclaimed Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare. That being said, we think they’re missing out on a really, really special restaurant in Stephen Kalt’s Corsa Cucina & Bar. While the restaurant opened with a pretty standard casual feel, a recent renovation has turned Corsa into a sleek, stylish outlet with a more wide-open feel that provides a fun and comfortable setting for Kalt to showcase his phenomenal Italian fare without stuffiness or pretentiousness. Some of the credit for the accommodating and knowledgeable service staff has to go to Corsa’s general manager, Wade Barkman, a talented up-and-comer who locals might remember from another fantastic and under-hyped restaurant, 808 (Caesars Palace). While picking out menu highlights is somewhat difficult, it’s only because there is simply too much great fare to choose from, including what might be some of the best appetizers in the city, seriously. As renowned chefs like Thomas Keller (Bouchon – Venetian) and Bobby Flay (Mesa Grill – Caesars Palace) continue to gather to pay homage to Kalt and his quietly superb restaurant, expect the press to start paying attention to Corsa and giving Kalt and Barkman their dues.
http://www.eyeonvegas.net
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Beatles Music Live in a Club
by Phil Arnold

At a show called Fab Four Mania at the V-Theater in Las Vegas, you can close your eyes and imagine you are listening to the Beatles sometime in the 1960s playing music in a club setting. Imagine what this would have been like! Yes in England it probably happened in the early 60s. But once they became famous after their first tour in America in 1964, your chances of hearing them in a club were almost nonexistent.

In fact, at a live concert in America, if you happened to be in attendance there was a fair chance you couldn’t hear the music over hordes of screaming teenaged girls. So how did Americans come to know the Beatle’s music in the 60s and 70s? It was through their recordings.

But if you have the chance to see the Fab Four live in Vegas, take the opportunity to do so. I am convinced that the Beatles music is best heard live. And the Fab Four are good enough musicians to gloriously present the music of the best writers of Rock N Roll music in our history. There is no fake instrumentals, yes you might here a very occasional mistake just like you would at a live concert, but that actually reinforces that these musicians are real.

On Monday, May 8th, I saw the show. Mondays can have pretty dead crowds in Las Vegas. But this crowd was ready to rock. The Ed Sullivan impersonator came out at the beginning of the show, and the crowd’s attitude was, “yeah sure, ha ha, let’s get to the music.� Then the band came out, and knew they had a hot audience. They would not have to warm up the audience this show. The audience was ready to sing, clap, and cheer.

The Fab Four breaks up its shows into three parts. The early Beatles years’ feature songs like Hard Days Night, and Help. There is a lot of energy and the songs of this section sure sounds like the Beatles recordings I used to hear as a kid. Then Paul comes out and sings Yesterday, wonderfully.

The second part of the show is the Sergeant Peppers section. This is my favorite part of the show with a real emphasis on the Psychedelic Rock N Roll of the Beatles. My favorite song in this section of the show Penny Lane drew a standing ovation. And then the emotional third part, the White Album section came along. The show closed with Hey Jude, as the audience swayed and sang.

I came to the conclusion after seeing and hearing the show for the second time, that Fab Four Mania was a wonderful situation for Beatles fans. We get to hear the Beatles music as it was meant to be heard–live in a club setting. The Fab Four may not be the Beatles, but they are very good musicians who help you realize how great the Beatles really were.

The reality is we will never hear the Beatles live again. There are two living members left. But here is the Fab Four playing the music, and playing it very well. This is not just a tribute band, but a band that honors the Beatles by playing their music as well as it can be played. And that is what makes this show a treat for anybody who loves Rock N Roll and loves the Beatles music. I cannot say it enough. The Beatles music is best heard live! I give this show a 9.5 out of a possible 10, and say check it out in Las Vegas at the V-Theater if you get the chance.
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Family options still available in Vegas
By Len Butcher

Las Vegas made the transformation from Sin City to Family City a number of years ago, and though it is returning to its sexy image, it’s still a great place to visit for families, especially when there are some really good deals available.

Some of the best are being offered by MGM Mirage, which just happens to own a number of megaresorts on the Strip. The best way to find them is to go to www.mgmmirage.com, but here’s a few to get you started. A “Power Pass” worth $250 can be yours for $62.50 (adults) and $40 (children) will get you into more than 20 attractions, including Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, and Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, to name a few. You can get your Power Pass by clicking on www.powerpasscard.com.

Or maybe the kids would prefer Adventuredome at Circus Circus that offers 23 rides and attractions, including the world’s only indoor double-loop, double-corkscrew roller coaster. For this, you can get an unlimited-ride wristband for only $22.95 (adults) and $14.95 for kids. Oh, by the way, admission to Adventuredome is free.

After that, you can head south on the Strip to the Manhattan Express Roller Coaster at New York-New York and get the “Family Fun Flight.” A $70 value, you can get four individual rides and two 5 x 7 souvenir photos for only $49.99.

And the kids will love the Tomb and Museum of King Tutankhamen, Pirates 4-D showing in the Luxor’s Atrium Showroom, one of a variety of films in the IMAX(r) 3-D Theatre and all three IMAX(r) Ride films — all for only $34.99 with Luxor’s “Pass to Adventure.”

Now it’s time for you grownups to enjoy yourselves. Buy two tickets to MAMMA MIA! and get a $50 voucher good for dinner at any Mandalay Bay or Mandalay Place restaurant. And there are some great restaurants from which to choose. I think this is a great deal and the show is one of the best in town.

Okay, show’s over, it’s getting late, but this is Las Vegas, baby, where it’s never too late to party and if you’re a guest at several of the MGM Mirage hotels, they make it easy and inexpensive. No waiting in long lines and no cover charge to Studio 54 or Tabu if you’re staying at the MGM Grand. The same goes for guests at Treasure Island who receive free admission and a line pass to Tangerine Lounge & Nightclub.

Las Vegas hotels may love to take your money, but they’re also like to give you a break for your support, so take advantage of it and have a great time.
Article from The Las Vegas Review Journal
http://www.reviewjournal.com/eNewsletters/eNeon/only/families.html
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Vegas Values Report for 6/11/06

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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PEAKS AND VALLI

Energized by the success of “Jersey Boys” at the Tony Awards, Frankie Valli is redoubling efforts to return to LasVegas, I hear.

“Jersey Boys,” the musical biography of Valli and the Four Seasons, won four Tonys, including best musical at the awards show on Sunday.

The question is: How much of a boost will the Tony buzz help Valli, who struggled at the box office here in recent years.

After leaving a sure thing at The Orleans, Valli’s 15-week deal at the Flamingo Las Vegas was canceled after a few weeks. Ditto for a deal at the Luxor.

More likely, “Jersey Boys” will end up in one of the major properties some time in 2007.
reviewjournal.com — News – NORM
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Upcoming Las Vegas Entertainment

Hard rock supergroup Velvet Revolver will headline The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel on July 21. Tickets are $113 and go on sale at noon Saturday at the venue box office, 4455 Paradise Road, and Ticketmaster outlets.

Rootsy rockers Blues Traveler have been added to the Mandalay Bay Beach lineup on July 8. Tickets are $32 in advance, $35 day of show and are on sale at the venue box office, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, and Ticketmaster outlets.

Buoyant ’80s alt-rock favorites the B-52’s have joined the Mandalay Bay Beach concert series on Aug. 18. Tickets are $44 in advance and $49.50 day of show and are on sale at the venue box office and Ticketmaster outlets.

Former Van Halen frontman and short-lived radio talk show host David Lee Roth will hit the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay on July 20. General admission tickets are $30 in advance, $32 day of show, seated tickets are $35 and special reserved seats are $40. They go on sale at 10 a.m. today at the venue box office, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, and Ticketmaster outlets.

Ribald rock guitar god Ted Nugent will hit the House of Blues on Aug. 20. General admission tickets are $42 in advance, $45 day of show and special reserved seats are $62. They go on sale at 10 a.m. today at the venue box office and Ticketmaster outlets.

Comedian Richard Jeni will headline the House of Blues on Sept. 30. General admission tickets are $25 in advance, $27 day of show, seated tickets are $30 and special reserved seats are $37. They go on sale at 10 a.m. today at the venue box office and Ticketmaster outlets.

Doo-wop favorites Little Anthony and the Imperials will stop at The Club at the Cannery on July 8. Tickets are $9.95 and $15.95 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Cannery ticket sales counter located at the hotel’s front desk, 2121 E. Craig Road.
reviewjournal.com — Neon – TICKETS
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SHOW REVIEW: Reba McEntire
There’s Little ‘Fancy’ About It: McEntire doesn’t waste any time delivering her hits at the Hilton.

By Mike Weatherford
From: The Las Vegas Review Journal

Not too long ago, Reba McEntire showed up at a Las Vegas Hilton press conference to introduce her occasional touring partners, Brooks & Dunn, as an upcoming Hilton attraction.

The duo thanked her even though they could no longer see her, joking something to the effect of, “Knowing Reba, she’s probably in California by now.”

The busy efficiency of the singer and sitcom star came through in one of the 28 shows she is doing at the Hilton, the only place she is performing ticketed concerts all year.

The set covered a lot of bases and a range of musical emotions in what Larry the Cable Guy might call a “Git-R-Done” attitude, all without any pointless production or wasted words.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Jun-16-Fri-2006/weekly/7948041.html
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PLAYER’S EDGE: Casinos offering promotions for fathers.

Sunday is Father’s Day, and there are several promotions, especially for those who like to play bingo. Sam’s Town is giving away logo baseball caps at all Father’s Day sessions. Terrible’s is passing out free rosewood pens. Jerry’s Nugget is giving a free Dad photo frame to all players at its 3 p.m. session. At the 7 p.m. session, the casino is running a special coverall with a possible $50,000 prize and a guaranteed $2,000. On Tuesday, the casino will give away a special hamburger keychain at its 7 p.m. session.

More PLAYERS EDGE here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Jun-16-Fri-2006/weekly/7951958.html
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THEATER CHAT: ‘Nobody knows anything’ about failure of ‘Hairspray’
By Anthony Del Valle

All the theories that have been blaring from local and national media about why the Broadway musical “Hairspray” flopped at Luxor brought me back to William Goldman’s classical words of wisdom in his 1983 show-biz bible, “Adventures in the Screen Trade”: “Nobody knows anything.”

The two-time Oscar-winning screenwriter said it’s important to remember that no matter how much expertise an analyst may have, “Not one person … knows for a certainty what’s going to work.”

My hunch is that Vegas will soon find out which kind of Broadway production works here. It will take some fine-tuning, no doubt, some missteps. That’s why we should celebrate producers like “Hairspray’s” Michael Gill and Myron Martin. They are pioneers. They’re the sort of people who have the courage to test the waters before everyone says it’s safe.

More from The Las Vegas Review Journal here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Jun-16-Fri-2006/weekly/7951730.html
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20TH ANNUAL “RIBBON OF LIFE� RAISES $275,000 FOR GOLDEN RAINBOW’S CLIENTS AND PROGRAMS.

Golden Rainbow’s 20th annual “Ribbon of Life� stage spectacular lived up to its billing as Las Vegas’ biggest show of the year, with more than 250 performers from 29 Strip production shows and local groups volunteering their time and talents to the production.

Thanks to an incredible outpouring of support from the community, the show raised $275,000 for Golden Rainbow, the most for any “Ribbon of Life� show. All money raised stays in southern Nevada and supports Golden Rainbow’s mission of providing housing and direct financial assistance to southern Nevadans with HIV/AIDS and funding prevention education.

Golden Rainbow President Carol Hunter said, “We are absolutely thrilled with the community’s support for Golden Rainbow. We are entering a critical phase where we will soon need to replace our housing that will be demolished by the freeway expansion, and this money will help us to support our current mission and plan for the future.�

Appearing in the “Ribbon of Life� show were cast members from American Superstars, A New Day, Breck Wall Productions, Chippendales, Cirque du Soleil, Dragapella, Fantasy, Fashionistas, Folies Bergere, Forever Plaid, Foy & Baker Productions, Hairspray, Headlights and Tailpipes, 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, The Vamps Girlie Revue and Viva Las Vegas.

Clint Holmes made his seventh “Ribbon of Life� appearance, and Golden Rainbow honored Siegfried & Roy with a Lifetime Commitment Award for their 20 years of dedication and support to the organization.

For more information or to volunteer, visit www.GoldenRainbow.org.
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Posted on June 30th, 2006 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Newsletter