Everything Las Vegas Issue # 618
March 23rd, 2007
MIKE WEATHERFORD: Angel making way to sin city.
Cirque du Soleil hosts a news conference today to announce what is expected to be a new Luxor show featuring magician Criss Angel.
A couple of things were revealed in advance. The show won't open until 2008, though Cirque officials say the theater won't be gutted and rebuilt virtually from scratch, as older venues were for "Ka" at the MGM Grand or "Love" at The Mirage. Headliners and weekend concert acts are booked at least through mid-April in the Luxor theater that hosted "Hairspray" last year.
The Cirque venture has been the Strip's worst-kept secret since at least July. "We're working in secret locations on secret things," Angel noted in December. The TV show's intensive production schedule is probably what delayed the live component. The current TV season wraps production in mid-April and debuts on A&E June 5; the fourth season starts shooting in early fall.
reviewjournal.com — Living - MIKE WEATHERFORD: Angel making way to sin city
Encore at Wynn Las Vegas : Preview & Construction Photos
From www.vegastripping.com
NOTE:This article is 5 pages long. Pages 2-5 are at the bottom of the page.
Brahms, Beethoven, Eminem. To put Wynn Las Vegas' construction, completion and opening in the highest echelons of artistic achievement is certainly no faux pas. For when does a building, let alone one whose main goals are operating games of chance, folies du theatre, goods exchange and expeditions in cuisine, elevate its panes and columns to a level of artistic achievement? Seldomly, if ever. But Wynn Las Vegas is no mere mortar. In the annals of resortitecture, Wynn Las Vegas rocks down to Electric Avenue, passing the dutchie in a red hot Ferrari while still taking the time to share the Grey Poupon with Grandma and Grandpa Venetian N. Bellagio in the Rolls next door.
The Las Vegas Strip is a sub-city where post-modernist architecture is taken to the Disneyest extreme - a cyclical temporary pastiche of theme wonderland mirages attached by people movers and double decker buses. From the cauldron of double bubble one can peer out from King Arthur's castle to see ancient Egypt, numerous Italian ruins, the New York City skyline, Asian paradise or two, a handful of North African oasi, multiple views of fraudulent France and a Disney movie - sampled, stitched together and recombined into a money making mashup that is more mache than Cartier.
More here:
http://www.vegastripping.com/features/feature.php?feature_id=107&page=1
Steve's next Las Vegas trip: I will be going April 12th-18th and staying at the Imperial Palace. I will Steve's Las Vegas Quickies: Designed by the ultra chic-sounding Japanese firm Super Potato (also responsible for Sensi at Bellagio and StripSteak at MBay) the Luxor's new lounge is called Aurora and is apparently themed to evoke the ethereal Northern Lights. The lounge, located by the main lobby, is open 24/7 and offers European bottle service, wine service, and martinis poured tableside. Nevada's statewide gambling win dropped in January compared to the same month last year. In recent years, the month-to-months have rarely dropped, but last January holds the record for the biggest win of all time. Given the tough comparison, the 2.1% drop is not considered a troublesome sign for the casinos. STEAK is a Henderson restaurant/lounge and wine shop with a view located at 76 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway. Every week the lounge promotes Wicked Wednesdays from 10:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. with drink specials, a D.J. and dancing, call 702-56-STEAK for information. Comedy magician Nathan Burton has a new job on NBC's "America's Got Talent." A contestant last year, he's returning for the second season as a special guest and coach. Jerry Springer is taking over for Regis Philbin as host. David Hasselhoff reportedly is negotiating a role as a judge; he currently is starring in "The Producers" at Paris Las Vegas, with his three-month contract up in early April. Tao Beach, the latest addition to the local pool scene, will open May 4 in an 18,000-square-foot area at The Venetian. The European-style (topless) beach club will be open from 10 a.m. until sunset, when the area transforms into a nightclub with a floating dance floor. Delisco is the single name of "The Entertainer," the winner of the Wayne Newton-hosted E! talent show that aired in 2005, and recipient of any publicity that came in the wake of the low-rated affair. A stint at the Las Vegas Hilton proved him perfectly capable of staging an old-school nightclub act, but the singer comes off more in the vein of Seal on his long-delayed, self-titled debut album. Those who miss their evenings at the Bellagio with Jimmy Hopper, another multitalented local, can circle their calendars for Suncoast showroom dates on May 12-13. Don't be surprised to see Hootie & The Blowfish end their affiliation with the Silverton, including the band name above the Shady Grove Lounge. David Krause, the former Silverton staffer who put the deal together, is now at Primm Valley Casino Resorts. We suspect the door would be open to Hootie there just as soon as MGM Mirage completes the sale of the casinos to Herbst Gaming in early April. Celebrated comedian Roseanne Barr brings her hilarious “All You Can Eat Comedy” tour to New York-New York’s Cabaret Theatre March 15-April 30. Barr is best known for her portrayal of Roseanne Connor on the hit television show “Roseanne.” Tickets are $49.95 plus tax and handling. Guests 17 years of age or younger must be accompanied by an adult. Spring arrives at Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens with a magical display that whisks visitors to an enchanting oversized garden. Filled with thousands of vibrant flowers, guests will delight in finding themselves amidst whimsical scenes of a gardener at work. In one corner, a gigantic wide-brimmed straw hat rests near a towering watering can while steps away an oversized gardener’s trowel can be found next to living gardening pots. Each of these elaborate creations features 10,000 to 20,000 individual plants and blooms and weighs between 500 and 2,000 pounds. Guests are invited to enjoy this springtime display through May 5. The Cuisine Club of Las Vegas has presented “The Award of Excellence” to Andiamo at the Las Vegas Hilton. Valentina Columbo, Chef de Cuisine of the club, made the presentation following a dinner by club members at the restaurant. Andiamo, which just celebrated its 20-year anniversary, now sports a new name: Casa Nicola. It features an enhanced menu and will continue featuring authentic flavors of Italy.
Just booked my next Las Vegas trip. I guess it took the one foot of snow we
just got to give me the incentive to get away.
probably get some type of members get together while I am there so if you are
interested just email me at mrvegas98@aol.com
Las Vegas Advisor - Features & News - Today's News
Las Vegas Advisor - Features & News - Today's News
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reviewjournal.com — Living - MIKE WEATHERFORD
reviewjournal.com — Living - MIKE WEATHERFORD
This month, Liza Minnelli will return to Luxor for a special birthday concert celebration. The legendary songstress will take center stage at Luxor Theater March 29-31. Performances will begin at 8 p.m. nightly. Born March 12, 1946, the acclaimed singer is the daughter of entertainer Judy Garland and film director Vincente Minnelli. Tickets are $50, $70 and $95 plus tax and handling.
Las Vegas Advisor - Features & News - Today's News
In a new twist on March Madness, according to the latest issue of www.thecircuit.com, Tryst nightclub at the Wynn will tonight host a new "Stripper Madness" contest, with six of the city's gentlemen's clubs sending a representative to compete for the title of "Best Adult Entertainer" and a grand prize of $1,500 in cash.
Las Vegas Advisor - Features & News - Today's News
McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas fell from fifth to sixth in passenger traffic rankings.
"American Idol" champ Taylor Hicks stops at the House of Blues on May 5. 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. Saturday at the venue box office and Ticketmaster outlets.
reviewjournal.com — Neon - TICKETS
"Phantom - Las Vegas Spectacular" is cutting a few shows over the next few weeks. The 10 p.m. shows on Thursday and March 29 have been canceled (as was Thursday's 10 p.m. show this week). The 7 p.m. show on April 2 has been dropped, but a 10 p.m. on March 30 and a 7 p.m. on April 4 have been added. A spokeswoman for the show said the production is making "some seasonal adjustments" based on tourist traffic trends.
Las Vegas SUN: John Katsilometes
Hooters, which celebrated its first anniversary last month, is currently offering for a limited time a $16.99 all-you-can-eat baby back ribs special at its award-winning Dan Marino's Fine Food and Spirits. Diners have a choice of three signature sauces including: Sweet Whiskey BBQ, Spicy Chipotle BBQ or Tangy Apple Cider BBQ.
LVLG: Brett's Vegas Views
Where else would Playboy founder Hugh Hefner celebrate his 81st birthday than at the Playboy Club inside the Palms Casino Resort here in Las Vegas? This Saturday, March 24th, Holly Madison, Bridget Marquardt and Kendra Wilkinson, Hugh Hefner’s girlfriends and stars of E!’s top-rated show “The Girls Next Door,” are throwing their main man a weekend-long birthday celebration along with dozens of other Playmates and Bunnies at the Playboy Club and MOON. “The Palms is really my new Playboy Mansion away from home,” says Hef. “Each year gets better and I can’t think of a place I’d rather celebrate my 81st.” Also a first, this official birthday celebration is open to the public! The Rainbow Bar & Grill, a rock 'n' roll hot spot on Paradise Road, is moving to a new location less than two years after opening. In a release Tuesday, owners Jerry and Bob Greenberg said the restaurant's popularity has prompted them to seek a larger and more exciting venue that would allow more live music performances. Restaurant Guy Savoy has been nominated for the best new restaurant award by the James Beard Foundation. Two other Las Vegas star chefs, Joel Robuchon and Wolfgang Puck, are among the nominees; Robuchon for his L'Atelier restaurant in New York and Puck for Cut, his Los Angeles steakhouse and ultra lounge. Other nominees: A Voce (New York), Cochon (New Orleans), and Momofuku Ssäm Bar (New York). Cirque du Soleil and Luxor executives have summoned the media for a Thursday announcement involving "details of a new production set to open at Luxor Resort and Casino in 2008." The event will address the not-so-secret Criss Angel production. The Scintas' one-year run at the Sahara will end May 12. An official announcement is forthcoming in the next 24 hours. The group is reportedly in negotiations for a new showroom. Meantime they have two-week engagement set up at Harrah's in Atlantic City starting May 15.
theVegaseye.com
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Rita Rudner is stringing quite a run together on the Strip. After a five-year headliner deal at New York-New York, Rudner moved to Harrah's last fall and, I'm told, signed a three-year extension.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM
A week ago, the odds of UNLV going all the way in the NCAA basketball tournament stood at 100-1. Sunday's upset of fourth-seeded Wisconsin moved the Rebels up to 10-1 to win it all at the Bellagio sports and race book. Defending champion Florida is the favorite at 2-1. Kansas is 5-2; Ohio State, 3-1; North Carolina, 4-1; and Memphis State and UCLA, 5-1. Texas A&M is 6-1. UNLV was far from the longest of long shots. Butler opened at 300-1 at Harrah's and reached the Sweet 16 by defeating Maryland 62-59.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM
On our menus: Nerve Ana, the '90s-themed club at Polly Esther's offers the cocktail "Ricky Martin Not Straight … Up." …
Michael and Wendy Jordan, chefs and owners of Rosemary's Restaurant, 8125 W. Sahara Ave., were named Restaurateurs of the Year by the Nevada Restaurant Association.
Jersey rockers Bon Jovi headline the 10th installment of "Tiger Jam" at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on May 26. Tickets are $100, $200 and $300 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Mandalay Bay box office, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, and Ticketmaster outlets.
reviewjournal.com — Neon - TICKETS
"American Idol" contestant Jasmine Trias has been extended one more week with the Society of Seven at the Flamingo. She now wraps her engagement on Sunday and Lani Misalucha returns on Wednesday.
"Forever Plaid" closes at the Gold Coast on April 1, but the cast won't be out of work long. The Las Vegas-based production moves to the Sycuan Casino near San Diego the week of April 9.
Producer David Saxe says he has the Japanese production show "Matsuri" lined up to replace The Scintas at the Sahara in late May after the show band bows out May 12. Also known as the "Muscle Musical," the acrobatics show played the Riviera last year and is virtually a guaranteed draw for Asian visitors. Saxe says the sale of the Sahara shouldn't change anything there for at least a year.
reviewjournal.com — Living - MIKE WEATHERFORD
The Scintas made it official Wednesday: They are leaving the Sahara on May 12. They're thanking the local fans by offering $25 tickets from April 2 to the finale.
El Cortez, 600 Fremont St., is offering slot- and game-side dining. Menu items include appetizers, salads, sandwiches and burgers, served from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Orders are served on linen-covered rolling carts.
reviewjournal.com — Neon - RESTAURANT NEWS
According to Michael Politz's online newsletter, The Vegas Eye, when Prince vacates his 3121 showroom at the Rio at the end of this month, he will be replaced by Latin America hotspot Coco Bongo, which currently operates very successfully in Cancun, Mexico. Politz also writes that the Tilted Kilt pub and restaurant, located in the property's Masquerade Village, is set to be replaced by a branch of national chain McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon.
Las Vegas Advisor - Features & News - Today's News
PT's Entertainment Group has been awarded "#1 Non-Hotel Bar" in Las Vegas in this year's Las Vegas Weekly 2007 Readers' Choice Awards. Part of the Golden Tavern group, Nevada's largest tavern operator, there are 34 PT's locations around the valley, known in particular for their sports coverage and good quality bar food.
Las Vegas Advisor - Features & News - Today's News
C'mon get happy comedy
By Carla J. Zvosec
When it comes to comedian Louie Anderson it’s not just his Las Vegas Strip show that’s Larger Than Life—his king-size heart is right up there, too. Beloved by millions for his fun, relatable family- and upbringing-oriented comedy and quick-witted audience interactions, Anderson truly seems to care about people. The comic is involved with numerous charities, including co-founding the H.E.R.O. organization, which assists the homeless or those at risk of becoming homeless to achieve self-sufficiency.
Residing in Vegas for a few years in the ’90s before moving to L.A., Anderson has returned to the Entertainment Capital of the World with an open-ended contract, performing nearly nightly to regularly sold-out audiences at the Excalibur.
“Vegas still feels homey to me and let me tell you why: Stage actors go to Broadway. Movie actors go to Hollywood. Comedians, Vegas,” he said. “I mean, it’s really true. From the moment that you become a professional comedian, one of the aspirations, at least in my era, is to headline in Vegas.”
Luckily, that aspiration came to fruition one year ago. Today, Anderson, like counterparts Rita Rudner, George Wallace and Carrot Top, is quite content staying put for a while, because, as he explained, “The steady gig is a whole different world than the comics who come into Vegas for a week.”
The best part about performing six nights a week, though, according to this funnyman, is that he has become a stronger comedian because regular repetition sharpens the skills.
“The way most comics’ minds work is that they’re tinkering with their act at all times, trying to make it better. Once you have a hit song, it’s a hit song, but a routine could get better even if it’s a great routine,” Anderson said.
Anderson’s childhood—10 of 11 children, overweight and with an alcoholic father—was not the easiest, so it comes as no surprise that he had to find the humor in life early on.
“I came from a family where laughs were important; we needed as many as we could get,” Anderson said. “So I think that was the first thing (that attracted me to comedy), probably a defense mechanism. Humor can be that.”
That, and much more, according to the grateful comic. “Every night, from last night, to tonight, to tomorrow night, every night there is a different thing in that audience when I am talking to them that I get out of it, that they get out of it, that we enjoy together that makes it a very singular experience, and people really enjoy it.”
That’s a big part of what makes it all worthwhile for Anderson. First slaying audiences after taking the stage for an open-mic night on a dare back in 1978, one of the main reasons he was drawn to comedy in the first place was because “it’s a nice feeling making people feel better.” Now that’s the Louie we all adore.
Louie Anderson
Where: Excalibur
Hours: 7 p.m. Sat. - Thurs.,
(dark March 24)
Cost: $45, plus fee
Info: (702) 492-3960 or (866) 80-SHOWS
http://www.lvshowbiz.com/feature2.html
The Second City celebrates six years in Las Vegas
By Jack Houston/Las Vegas Magazine
It’s tempting to write a whole feature on The Second City composed entirely of the names of its famous alumni. It wouldn’t be a cop-out at all, admittedly a little on the boring side, but it would demonstrate once and for all the impact of the famous improv and sketch comedy troupe.
Let’s try it out. John Belushi. Bill Murray. Tina Fey. Mike Myers. John Candy. Eugene Levy. Catherine O’Hara. Sigh. Steve Carell. Stephen Colbert. Alan Arkin. This is getting tedious. Fred Willard. Harold Ramis. Dan Aykroyd. Gilda Radner. Jim Belushi. Both Belushis? Amy Sedaris. Bonnie Hunt. You get the point.
Forty-two years after it first debuted in Chicago, The Second City found another home in Las Vegas in an intimate showroom in the Flamingo. Some of the names that passed through in the early years included Jason Sudeikis (Saturday Night Live), Frank Caeti (Mad TV), Dan Bakkedahl (The Daily Show With Jon Stewart) and Kay Cannon (writer, 30 Rock).
Now, six years later, a new group of up-and-coming players takes to the stage nightly, carrying with them the same dreams of those who have found fame in television and movies. It’s fun to sit in the audience and imagine where the current cast of The Second City will be in a few years. “Making it big” seems only a matter of when, not if.
The current quintet of actors includes three males (Paul Mattingly, Ryan Archibald and Craig Uhlir) and two females (Shelly Gossman and Katie Neff) participating in a fast-paced series of blackout sketches, songs and improvisation with the audience.
Fans of Saturday Night Live and Mad TV will be familiar with the style of many of the sketches. The Second City, however, differs in one obvious regard: Unlike television, there is no censor inside the theater to rein in the actors. It’s why Neff and Gossman can shine in “Melting Pot Greenhouse,” a sketch based on plants that take on racial stereotypes. What might not fly at 11:30 on a Saturday night is fair game here. After all, this is Vegas, baby.
A full-company sketch involving a sex ed teacher (Archibald) and a cast of prototype students—the slow one (Mattingly), the know-it-all (Gossman), the ADHD kid (Uhlir) and the daffy chick (Neff)—plays to each of the actors’ strengths and is one highlight among many.
Of course, The Second City is always live, edgy and unpredictable, so there’s no guarantee that you’ll be seeing the same show twice. You’re never quite sure what’s going to happen next and don’t want to, either. That’s half the fun.
Second City
Where: Flamingo
When: 8 p.m. Mon.-Tues. & Fri., 8 & 10 p.m. Thurs. & Sat.-Sun
Cost: $39.95, plus tax and fee, 15+
Info: (702) 492-3960 or (866) 80-SHOWS
http://www.lvshowbiz.com/feature3.html
John Katsilometes on a new club with potential but for now still seems like work in progress.
From: The Las Vegas Sun
After an opening party over the weekend that featured appearances by Deborah Gibson, Tiffany and Danny Bonaduce, the new Stratosphere nightclub Polly Esther's will have to stand on its own - in platform shoes.
The multifaceted 30,000-square-foot club is an adventurous trip through time, but seems a bit short on decor and personality. Only one of the four themed sub-clubs, the namesake Polly Esther's with its happy 1970s motif, seemed finished during Friday night's opening party. The room offers a vintage lighted dance floor, mirrored disco ball, dozens of 1970s-era photos (including a shot of Reggie Jackson in a Baltimore Orioles uniform, which is rare in that he played just one season for the O's), and a "Brady Bunch" display with Alice's middle square open for photo ops. Polly Esther's power to drive the party was evident in the dance moves of former Las Vegas Mayor and Arizona Charlie's Decatur General Manager Ron Lurie during Frankie Valli's "Grease."
But the three other venues are relatively tame. Culture Club, the '80s room, seems barren. Looming above Club 2000, the contemporary-themed club, is a vast black-painted wall that's looking for someone, maybe Las Vegas artist Dray, to provide some visual flair. A white Ford Bronco is the centerpiece of the lacking-in-character 1990s room NerveAna (as a companion noted, were we that superficial in the '90s?). One sighting in that room: Las Vegas City Councilman Gary Reese, who looked healthy after his recent bout with pneumonia but opted not to dance.
Other club quibbles: The Monica Lewinsky mannequin looks nothing like the real thing (matronly mannequins must not be easy to obtain), though the stained blue dress is a noble effort. A "Six Million Dollar Man" lunch box is displayed in the '80s Culture Club room - the show was popular during the '70s - and one of the '70s drinks is called Purple Rain. That's an '80s reference. Maybe they just weren't thinking. Or maybe I am showing my age.
Las Vegas SUN: John Katsilometes
UNDERSTANDING SLOTS
Know The Type of Machine You Play
Knowledge makes you bet more effectively
by John Robison from Strictly Slots magazine
Even though there are hundreds of different slot machines made by a variety of different manufacturers, all slot machines basically fall under one of six categories. The different types of machines have their own unique playing characteristics, and understanding these differences is important. For starters, knowing the type of machine you’re playing will help you to determine the number of coins you should play per spin.
Let’s look at the different types of machines you’ll find on the slot floor, how to recognize them, and some tips for betting smart.
More Here:
http://www.strictlyslots.com/archive/0702ss/understanding.htm
UNDERSTANDING SLOTS Pat Two.
Comparing the Different Slots on the Casino Floor.
A better understanding can decide the way you play by John Robison.
From Strictly Slots magazine.
http://www.strictlyslots.com/archive/0703ss/comparing.htm
Play Longer With Less Risk
Taking a sensible, educated approach can pay dividends
by Carol Costa/Strictly Slots magazine.
Gambling presents a certain amount of risk. That element of risk is part of the fun and thrill of playing. It is also the part that can be analyzed and adjusted to suit your skill level and financial means. Learning how to minimize risk and play sensibly allows you to stay in the game longer and provides more opportunities to win.
A bookie once said that if you want to win at the racetrack you should play the favorite to show. The favorite in any race is determined by professionals, called handicappers, that study the field and set the initial odds for the race.
You can bet your horse to win, place, or show. Betting to win means that you only collect if your horse crosses the finish line first. A place bet pays if your horse comes in either first or second, but a show bet pays if your horse comes in first, second, or third. It’s easy to see that a show bet gives you more chances to win and betting on the favorite to run in the money is usually a smart wager. Granted you may not win a lot, but you will at least recover the amount of your initial bet and garner a small profit. It is a conservative method that allows you to win smaller amounts more consistently and it is the basis for a strategy that can also be applied to many casino games.
More Here:
http://www.strictlyslots.com/archive/0703ss/money.htm
Brett's Vegas Views By Jackie Brett.
A couple weeks ago, the 197-room Barbary Coast changed hands from the Boyd Gaming Group to Harrah's Entertainment. Along with the sale came a new name, Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon based on the company's founder Bill Harrah. Another change was the gourmet restaurant Michael's closed in order to move to Michael Gaughan's South Point resort on the far south end of Las Vegas Boulevard. The new gourmet restaurant is Steakhouse at Bill's.
Bill's Lounge is continuing with daily live entertainment and popular Big Elvis is now performing Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
The 1,800-room Tropicana will reach a milestone on Wednesday, April 4, when it marks its 50th anniversary on the Las Vegas Strip. The kickoff event will be a VIP invited guest party on March 31. Other celebratory events will be held throughout 2007.
Ben Jaffe and Colonel Charles Baron opened the $15 million dollar, 34-acre, 300-room casino/hotel on April 4, 1957. From its groundbreaking when it was the twelfth resort on the Strip, the resort became known as the "Tiffany of the Strip," a metaphor first used by the "Saturday Evening Post."
The property is home of the world-renowned showgirl extravaganza "Folies Bergere" acquired directly from Paris in 1959. "Folies" is the longest-running show in Las Vegas history. It shares the Tiffany Theatre with the afternoon magic production "Xtreme Magic Starring Dirk Arthur." Another Tropicana offering is The Comedy Stop.
Columbia Entertainment, current owner of the Tropicana, recently announced plans for a multi-billion dollar property expansion and renovation slated to begin later this year.
Tickets to the new production "STOMP OUT LOUD" at Planet Hollywood are now on sale. Preview performances will begin March 24, with a grand opening slated for April 17. Tickets range from $50 to $110, call 702-785-5000 or 877-333-9474.
A unique combination of percussion, movement, and visual comedy, "STOMP" has created its own inimitable form of musical entertainment. The show originated in Brighton, UK, opened in New York in 1994, and has since played more than 10,000 shows worldwide. With "STOMP OUT LOUD," the experience will be transformed for Las Vegas with new sequences and choreography, a dynamically expanded cast and a completely new environment that will immerse the audience from the moment they enter the 1,500-seat theatre. "STOMP OUT LOUD" will be a journey through sound, a celebration of the everyday, and a comic interplay of characters wordlessly communicating through dance and percussion.
Previews for the award-winning Monty Python's "SPAMALOT" at Wynn Las Vegas are taking place prior to the show opening on March 31. The show is based on the screenplay "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and their quest for the Holy Grail. For tickets, call 888-320-7110 or 702- 770-WYNN.
"SPAMALOT" is starring John O'Hurley, best known as J. Peterman on "Seinfeld." O'Hurley was the ultimate champion on season one of "Dancing with the Stars" and is the new host of "Family Feud." O'Hurley has worked on stage throughout his career and starred on Broadway in "Chicago," as Billy Flynn.
"SPAMALOT" features a chorus line of dancing divas and knights, flatulent Frenchmen, a killer rabbit and one legless knight.
The Riviera is opening Banana Leaf, an Asian cuisine restaurant, independently owned by the SINOMA Restaurant Group. This is the second Banana Leaf Restaurant in Las Vegas; the original is located in Las Vegas' Chinatown on Spring Mountain Road.
Unlike the Chinatown location menu, which largely specializes in Malaysian cuisine, the Riviera's restaurant includes offerings from a variety of countries throughout Asia and provides table service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and sells food-to-go.
Hours are Sunday through Thursday 7 a.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. For reservations, call 702- 697-4233.
Lake Las Vegas Resort has announced its lineup for the 2007 Stars on the Lake concert series that will begin on May 11 on the resort's signature floating stage. The fourth year for the concert series will be launched by rock crooner Chris Isaak. Following Isaak will be singer-songwriter John Legend with his soulful melodies on May 18. Legend's appearance will be made all the more special as part of a series of events for The Bon Appetit Culinary & Wine Focus 2007 and offer a number of ticket holders the opportunity to dine stage-side on a meal specially prepared by "Bon Appetit" Executive Chef and first female Iron Chef Cat Cora. Rounding out the rest of the concert series will be classical pianist Lang Lang performing with a 35-piece orchestra on June 2, rock trio Three Dog Night headlining a pre-Fourth of July celebration with fireworks display on June 30, the critically acclaimed Nevada Ballet Theatre on Sept. 8, and Grammy winner Kenny G providing the grand finale on Sept. 29. Tickets range from $25 up to $125 depending on the concert, call Ticketmaster at 702-474-4000.
Veteran comedian Don Rickles will perform with special guest vocalist Shawn King, at The Showroom at the Golden Nugget, March 22-24. King has been performing since the age of 3, sung back-up vocals for such renowned artists as Neil Diamond, The Beach Boys, Herb Albert and Sergio Mendez, hosted "Hollywood Insider" on the USA Cable Network from 1990-1996, and been married to CNN's Larry King since 1997. She released her first solo CD, "In My Own Backyard," in 2005, and her latest release, which will include duets with country music legends Willie Nelson and Glen Campbell, is scheduled for release this year. Tickets start at $55, call 702-386-8100.
Comedienne Roseanne Barr will headline her "All You Can Eat Comedy" with opening act drag superstar Jackie Beat, March 15-April 30, at New York-New York. Barr is returning to Las Vegas for her first extended run on The Strip in several years. She is best known for her creation of ABC's "Roseanne" series. Tickets are from $49.95; call the box office at 866-606-7111.
Master magician and illusionist David Copperfield will continue his 2007 tour at the MGM Grand's 740-seat Hollywood Theatre with performances March 22 through April 19. Show times are 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. with an additional 4:30 p.m. show each Saturday. Tickets are $97, call 800-929-1111.
The "American Superstars" show at the Stratosphere has added Lorena Peril as Christina Aguilera to its line-up of celebrity tributes to yesterday's and today's hottest music stars. Peril performs a four-song set of some of Aguilera's biggest hits. The San Francisco native most recently headlined as the original lead singer in the hit show band, Sunset Strip at the Hilton. Peril has performed for numerous corporate and special events including Sylvester Stallone's 60th Birthday Bash. She is currently working on a Latin/English recording project and writing material for a solo album. Tickets are $41.75, call 702-380-7711 or 800-99-TOWER. Life After the Symbol. The Eye has also learned that the neighboring Tilted Kilt, which operates in the near-by Masquerade Village at the Rio, will also be making a departure from the property. In its place will arrive a Las Vegas outpost of the popular national chain McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon, which got its start in New York City almost thirty years ago. Since then, the chain has grown to include outlets in Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Columbus, Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh and Worcester, MA. Look for McFadden’s to offer a similar concept to that of the Tilted Kilt blended with their tried and true methods and recipes. No word on when McFadden’s hopes to open it’s draught lines. Sapphires at the end of the Rainbow Also at Sapphires, last weeks Stardust Implosion Party was a great success. Newly returned marketing director, Shai Cohen, reached out to the local media to film from Sapphires rooftop and both FOX 5 and ABC 13 accepted his offer giving them fantastic viewpoints to watch the Stardust implosion. They were joined by several hundred locals who said goodbye to the Stardust in style; with a stripper in their lap and a Ketel One drink in their hand! Up next for Sapphires is this weekends March Madness action, which includes your Running Rebels who will face off against the Oregon Ducks on Friday evening. “Just consider us your March Madness headquarters,” said Cohen, “We will be showing every game in its entirety as well offering food and drink specials, and, of course, girls, girls, girls! Oh and by the way, Go Rebels!” Gambling Downtown
http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/brett/index.html
From:The Vegas Eye
If you haven’t yet visited the Rio to see the man formerly known as a symbol perform then you are quickly running out of time as Prince is preparing to pack up his gear and close down his headlining act at the end of the month. What does this mean for the long-running nightlife footprint previously known as Club Rio, currently Club 3121? It means very good things indeed. The Eye has learned that Latin America hotspot Coco Bongo will be taking over the space after Prince departs to introduce their carnival-esque style of Latin nightlife to Las Vegas. The club, which currently operates very successfully in Cancun, Mexico, may just be the perfect segue way as it transcends nightlife to offer a full entertainment experience complete with acrobats, aerial acts, impersonators, bar-top conga lines and, of course, great DJs. The club has garnered huge praise from media outlets like Playboy Magazine, which called it the, “Best Club Worldwide”, MTV who added it was, “the planet’s ultimate nightclub” and ABC News who somewhat ironically noted that it was “Cirque du Soleil meets Studio 54”. With that all in mind, it should be a nice fit for the Rio, which already has the obvious Latin connections, especially within that space. Look for Coco Bongo to go after a wider demographic than the bottle service driven venues on the Strip. By offering an entirely different style of entertainment to what already exists, they should be successful doing just that.
Rock and Roll hotspot, Rainbow Bar & Grill will soon be moving to a new, larger and more exciting location at the newly re-minted Sapphires Gentlemen’s Club. Sources tell us that the Rainbow Bar & Grill will actually occupy part of the front building located right on Dean Martin Drive giving it excellent exposure and a renewed opportunity. While the official word has the Rainbow outgrowing the old Paradise and Harmon location, sources tell us that the owners simply couldn’t allow street construction to affect their traffic any longer. Additionally, the new venue will have greater live music capabilities than the previous location, something that the venue sincerely needs. "We're looking forward to giving our loyal customers as much live entertainment as possible, and a new location will allow us to do that,” says co-owner Jerry Greenberg. Look for the Rainbow to close on March 25th and more news to come in the future.
The historic Four Queens hotel, located on Fremont Street downtown, has announced they will be opening a Vegas outpost of the popular Los Angeles nightspot, the Canyon Club sometime in April. The venue is somewhat unique as it offers live entertainment and dinner service in addition to the standard nightclub offerings. The Canyon Club is run by Lance Sterling who has connections to Vegas having helped open the House of Blues venue at Mandalay Bay way back when. “I applaud Terry Caudill for what he is doing with the Four Queens and believing in the future of downtown Las Vegas,” said Mayor Oscar B. Goodman. “Downtown is the heart of Las Vegas, and the kind of investment that Terry is making is absolutely necessary for the continued success of a revitalized core to the city.” Look for nightly entertainment from dance bands, comedians and nationally known acts to play the 10,000 square foot venue.
Going BARE We’ve been talking about the ultra-competitive pool season that is about to be upon us for a few weeks now so it’s perfect timing to share with our readers some more focused information on the Light Group’s foray into the market with BARE Pool at The Mirage. Billed as an “exclusive adult alternative to the typical pool experience”, BARE hopes to capture a piece of the lucrative pool business by providing a very VIP and intimate experience that includes pool-side bottle service and live DJ performances. Going a step deeper, it all starts with the staff that will be operating the outlet under the watchful eye of LG operational mastermind and former Light Nightclub honcho Liam Dwyer. Making the move from veteran vampire to day-walker is longtime VIP pro Brian Klimaski who has signed on as the venue’s Director of VIP Services. “BARE is a tremendous venue and I really think the locals will like what we have to offer,” said Klimaski barely moments after accepting his position. “The capacity for this venue is literally only 500 people so we will really be able to control the door and create an amazing vibe. My main goal here is to ensure that we keep our local friendly mentality and ensure that the right people get what they need.” When asked about making the move into the daylight, Klimaski laughed,” It’s definitely going to be interesting, to be honest, I’m excited because I think more of my true personality will come out in this environment; I think I’ll be more relaxed, less stressed and just a nicer person in general. I can’t wait to wake up and come here each and every day. It’s going to be great!” Klimaski will continue to serve as a VIP Host for Godspeed Monday’s at the Foundation Room and JET Nightclub’s Thursday night house music promotion, “This is going to be a new venture, and for me, truly a new adventure,” Klimaski finished.
http://www.thevegaseye.com/
NORM: Sahara kept eye on dressing room.
Two sources confirmed on Tuesday that the Sahara had surveillance cameras installed about two years ago in the dressing room of headliner Amazing Johnathan.
The hidden cameras were put in shortly after a small fire broke out in the comedy magician's dressing room in May 2005, said the sources, who worked on the Sahara's surveillance staff.
Management "went on a witch hunt," said one of the sources. The fire occurred about a week after Amazing Johnathan opened at the Sahara.
After four months, the cameras were removed from the dressing room and another room, when "they couldn't find anything to use against him," said a source.
Three female employees associated with Amazing Johnathan's show routinely used the dressing room, where two spy cameras were installed, I'm told. One camera was disguised as a sprinkler head over the door, and the other was in a vent above the dressing room table, the original sources said.
The surveillance cameras ran 24 hours a day and could be viewed by anyone who accessed the surveillance area, the sources said. Surveillance staffers were concerned, but "people wanted to keep their jobs," said a source.
Al Hummel, the Sahara's chief executive, and John Morocco, director of operations, did not respond to interview requests by deadline.
Reached by telephone, Amazing Johnathan issued a "no comment" and said he was talking to an attorney. He did acknowledge he found "random holes" during a check of the dressing room.
The comedian recently announced plans to leave the Sahara at the end of the year because of a heart condition.
The Sahara was recently sold to Los Angeles-based SBE Entertainment Group, which is acquiring the property in partnership with San Francisco-based Stockbridge Real Estate Funds.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM: Sahara kept eye on dressing room
TOM JONES DOES IT AGAIN
Tom Jones put on another late, late, late show early Tuesday, after dropping into Bobby Capozzoli's De Stefano's Italian Restaurant at Pecos and Tropicana.
The MGM Grand headliner showed up at 11 p.m. with a large group, and the party was on.
Jones shared the stage until 4 a.m. with pal Cook E. Jarr, Frank Sinatra imitators Larry Liso and Gary Anthony and others.
Jones' drop-in performances have become legendary. He's closed down Capozzolli's on Maryland Parkway and performed until the wee hours at The Manhattan and Casa Di Amore, formerly owned by Bobby Capozzoli, a longtime friend of Jones.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM
VegasTalk Radio Show - March 22, 2007
VegasTalk Radio Show - The FIRST Internet Radio Variety Show from Las Vegas ABOUT LAS VEGAS!!!
You can NOW listen to ALL of the previous guest interviews under "Show Archives" on the website!
http://www.VegasTalkRadio.com
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, March 22, 2007 contains:
An interview with Jackie Brett, the Public Relations Manager for the Imperial Palace and the Barbary Coast as well as a freelance writer specializing in the Las Vegas entertainment and travel scene. Her writings appear in magazines and newspapers all over the country including Albuquerque, San Diego, Denver, Phoenix, Orange County, Ventura and Los Angeles. Jackie is well known through her previous position as the Domestic Tour and Travel Manager promoting group travel. Her involvement with the motorcoach industry had her participating for the past nine years on the American Bus Association's national education sub-committees. Jackie's efforts have been recognized with several awards including the Woman of Achievement in Tourism by the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce.
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
"Show Happenings" with Chuck Rounds - Chuck reviews the events happening this week in Las Vegas.
http://www.StraightFromTheStrip.com
"Fine Dining" with chef and Radio Show host Les Kincaid.
http://www.LesKincaid.com
"The Godfather of Las Vegas", Mark Wayman's Insider Report
http://www.godfatherlv.com
"The Las Vegas Nightclub Report" with Jodie Rocco from TravelNice.com & Nightclubs.com
http://www.travelnice.com/?aid=7397
"The Las Vegas Locals Report" with Tom Wilkinson from Vegas4Locals.com
http://www.Vegas4Locals.com
The weekly variety and entertainment show broadcasts Thursday by 6:00pm and is archived online at the VegasTalk Radio website (http://www.vegastalkradio.com/?a=1327) by midnight the same day it plays.
Posted on March 23rd, 2007 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Newsletter
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