"He's not doing nothing like that, and I was with him this morning," said Joe Jackson, Michael Jackson's father.

Jenn Michaels, vice president of corporate relations for MGM Mirage, said the Luxor "has nothing scheduled with Michael Jackson on that date or any date for that matter." In addition, she said, the Luxor Theatre will be undergoing renovation and will not be available.

The Hollywood-based gossip Web site TMZ.com ran a copy of what appeared to be an invitation to the Jackson tour kickoff event at the Luxor.

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

Four Queens owner Terry Caudill said the last major piece of a multiyear renovation will be in place next month when a 10,000-square-foot nightclub opens in the 41-year-old casino.
reviewjournal.com — Business – INSIDE BUSINESS

That was two years ago in June. Vallee, who has been performing in Las Vegas for almost 10 years as Big Elvis, arrived at a life-changing crossroads: It's now or never.

"I was looking at it straight in the face. My doctor said, 'I don't think you're going to pull through.' Just a handful come back from that weight," said Vallee, for five years a marquee entertainer at the Barbary Coast (renamed Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon).

Without the help of weight-loss surgery, Vallee has lost 395 pounds after years of Elvis-esque food binges.

"It was terrible. I'd have five cheeseburgers, two fries and milk shake for lunch. I'd have a pizza and a half and Cinnabons. I loved banana cream pudding and jelly doughnuts, Elvis' staples of life."

His $100-a-day eating habits had nothing to do with his Elvis persona. "We all have our inner demons. Mine was food instead of drugs. I had a really screwed-up childhood. I was alienated for a lot of reasons."

What saved his bacon, he said, "was that I became responsible for myself." He cut out the carbohydrates, red meat and fast food.

Vallee, who turned 42 on Feb. 28, can walk again, swim and drive his car.

What hurt most is that Elton John's reps invited him to be part of a filming during "The Red Piano," but Vallee had to turn it down because he couldn't walk.

REVIEW
what: "Legends in Concert"
when: 7:30 and 10 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays
where: Imperial Palace, 3535 Las Vegas Blvd. South
tickets: $49.95-$59.95 (794-3261)
grade: B-

REVIEW
what: Society of Seven
when: 3 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays
where: Flamingo Las Vegas, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd. South
tickets: $54.95 (733-3333)
grade: B+

The comedian recently was diagnosed with a heart condition and wants to give up the rigors of a six-day workweek to focus more on TV production.

Johnathan moved his twisted sendup of a magic show to Las Vegas in 2001, and performed at the Golden Nugget, Riviera and Flamingo before opening at the Sahara in May 2005. A recent Comedy Central special helped revitalize his profile outside Las Vegas.

But it was for a good reason. Or so he said, and he wasn't referring to the roulette table where he sat in Caesars Palace on a recent Tuesday.

At about 8:55 p.m., his reason for losing sleep danced toward him and friend Ruben Santana, with their bosoms spilling out of tight bodices, rears barely covered by the shortest of shorts, jaunty leather caps dangling off their heads. They danced around the casino for a few minutes before stopping in front of tables with their name emblazoned across felt: the Pussycat Dolls.

More from The Las Vegas Review Journal here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2007/Mar-06-Tue-2007/living/12878467.html

There doesn't seem to be many landmarks left in Las Vegas, but one that still draws thousands of visitors is the Gambler's Book Club downtown where boxes, tabletops and counters overflow with books, videos, software and anything else that relates to gambling. For more than 40 years, the Gambler's Book Club has been a heaven and hangout for hard-core gamblers, wannabe high rollers and just about anyone who has an interest in gambling and wants to learn how to play better or read about the good old days of Sin City.

The shop contains some 400,000 books, as well as gambling video tapes and software and has one of, if not the most comprehensive catalogues in the world. And the man who oversees it all is 66-year-old Howard Schwartz, a native New Yorker, who inherited the store in 2003 from its founders, John and Edna Luckman upon Edna's death in 2003. Schwartz had worked at the store as clerk and later manager for many years and what he doesn't know about gambling books isn't worth knowing.

He also has a million stories to tell. "See this?" he asks, taking down a box from one of the bookshelves. "Friends of a craps player named System Smitty, who died about 10 years ago, gave this to me, saying Smitty wanted me to have it." The box reveals a magnet, dice and a roulette ball. Dragging the magnet slowly above the items, the dice begin flipping, the ball rolling. "They're loaded," Schwartz explains with a smile. "I wonder what Smitty was up to in his spare time?"

With books appealing to all areas of gambling, from how-to-play to dealing with gambling addiction, it attracts a wide variety of clientele–from actors and directors to card counters and jockeys. The Gambler's Book Club has seen them all, including cheats. How does he know? "They told me."

He tells of the time he was sure Mafia boss John Gotti dropped into the store. Schwartz said the man was in the organized crime section looking at a book with a picture of himself on the cover. Schwartz said, "Hey, that's you." The guy didn't answer and left the store. Schwartz learned later that Gotti was in town that day.

He also tells of a couple who stopped by the store and bought a book on keno for $1. Later that afternoon, they called to tell him they had played the exact numbers they found in the book and won $100,000.

And who could forget Little Eddie Seremba, a "real hustler who was fearless at the craps table," Schwartz remembers. "One day he stopped by the store and he was on a roll, up $800,000. Two weeks later he had lost it all. These are the ups and the downs of gambling."

Schwartz could go on forever with both funny and sad stories that he has heard over the years in the shop, so if he's there when you drop in, make sure to say hi. He may regale you with one of them. As well, make sure you get on the shop's mailing list.

Additionally, you can bet 10 credits a spin activating the 4th reel containing dice symbols and bypassing the primary game.

A 4 on the dice repeats the roll, 5 pays a mystery bonus and 6 triggers the Red Hottie Bonus.

1, 2 or 3 on the dice and the game is over.

Red Hottie Bonus raises your credit amount by 5 to 1000 credits and now it’s decision time.

You can wave the initial bonus and look at three more offers before a final acceptance.

This slot allows the player 2 choices—stay with the base game or add to your bet and find out how ‘red hot’ the action can be.

2) World Poker Tour: IGT. 87-88%. 3 spins

Poker pros including Doyle Brunson welcome you to the World Poker Tour that resets at $1million for the top jackpot of five Aces.

You will benefit with higher pays and bonuses if you cover all paylines and participate in the ante wager. For each hand/spin of seven-card poker if the result is a full house or better, you move on the All-in Free Spin Bonus. The pay window changes for this bonus round with certain pay symbols and tokens offering higher payouts.
The great feature about this exciting slot is that even if you are not a poker player, you can still ‘take the tour’.

3) All Star Poker: IGT. varies, 2 spins
IGT, the king of Video Poker play, raises the bar with multi hand VP and a choice of 8 games.

VP players will find their favorites like Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Bonus Poker, Double Bonus or Jokers at one machine.

Select your game from the vertical menu offering any or all of the versions: Triple Play Draw Poker, Five Play Draw Poker, Ten Play Draw Poker, Double Pay Poker, Five Aces Poker, Chase the Royal, Super Times Pay Poker, Trade Up Poker, Bonus Hand Triple Play Poker and 9-line Spin Poker. Decide your game, then triple, five or ten play.

Use your best playing strategies for these versions and ‘do the VP dance’ as you change your choices at the same machine.

Hans Klok, the international sensation and fastest magician on the planet will team up with film and television star Carmen Electra for “Faster Than Magic,” a new show at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Theater for the Performing Arts with preview performances beginning in April. 

The stage spectacular will combine the illusions of Klok,
who will be coming to Las Vegas from his sold-out tour of Europe, with one of the world’s most beautiful women for a only-in-Las Vegas entertainment experience. 

Ticket prices range from $35 to $105 (plus taxes and fees), with a special price of $35 (plus taxes and fees) for five preview performances on Wednesday, April 18 – Sunday, April 22. An on sale date for tickets will be announced shortly. Regular performances begin May 12. 

“If you’re a magician, the place you want to perform is Las Vegas,” said Klok. “Now, with the creative team in place, bigger illusions than we’ve ever had, and the addition of superstar Carmen Electra, we’re ready to bring our show to the most exciting entertainment city in the world.” 

This will also be the Las Vegas stage debut of Electra, who promises sultry surprises.  

“I’ve been approached many times to perform in Las Vegas and it’s always been a dream of mine to do that,” said Electra. “But it had to be the right show at the right time with the right people. When I had the chance to see Hans perform, I was blown away and knew that this was the right show.” 

Robert Earl, co-chairman of the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, said the combination of the amazing Klok and the stunning Electra is an unbeatable combination for his resort. 

“Our new Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is all about the world of entertainment and offering our guests the hottest talent from around the globe,” Earl stated. “This exciting collaboration between Carmen Electra, a Vegas icon, and Hans Klok, one of Europe’s most dynamic talents, is a great way to start.” 

After performing his first magic trick at the age of ten, Hans Klok went on to win a number of magician championships as a young man, including the European Youth Magician Champion Trophy, the Tommy Cooper Trophy and first prize at the Grand Prix of The Netherlands. He soon began to appear on television specials in both Europe and the United States, including “The World’s Greatest Magic” on NBC and “The Masters of Magic” on ABC. Now hailed as the fastest magician in the world and “The Dutch Copperfield,” Klok’s live stage shows have been selling out large arenas throughout Europe and Asia for the past decade.  

With an impressive body of work that encompasses television, film, comedy and theatre, Carmen Electra has quickly emerged as one of Hollywood’s most versatile personalities. Most recently seen in the film “Epic Movie,” Electra is also the new face of Max Factor, as well as the NV Weight Loss Beauty Pill. She has also released a DVD series about the new fitness craze, “Aerobic Striptease” and formed her own dance troupe ensemble, the “Bombshells,” a contemporary, burlesque cabaret act. In addition, in May 2007 Electra will release her first book, “How to be Sexy,” where, along with veteran Hollywood writer Sheryl Berk, she teaches women that a solid understanding of one's inner self is the core behind feeling sexy.

“Faster Than Magic” is being created a top team of international entertainment professionals, including Creative Director Anthony van Laast, who choreographed the musical MAMMA MIA! and helped Siegfried & Roy create their show at The Mirage, and Executive Producer Jan Verveer, who has been responsible for several productions in Europe, including MAMMA MIA!, Miss Saigon, Cats, Phantom and 42nd Street.  

The second installment of the "VH1 Rock Honors," featuring live performances by Ozzy Osbourne, ZZ Top, Heart, Genesis and others, takes place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on May 12. Tickets are $75, $125 and $175 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Mandalay Bay box office, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, and Ticketmaster outlets.

Radio-friendly guitar wunderkind John Mayer hits the Mandalay Bay Events Center on June 8. Tickets are $65 and $85 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the venue box office and Ticketmaster outlets.

Vegas' favorite sons the Killers return to town at the Joint Summer Stage at the Hard Rock Hotel on June 1. Tickets are $40 and go on sale at noon Saturday at the Hard Rock box office, 4455 Paradise Road, and Ticketmaster outlets.

Seminal gangsta rapper Ice Cube scowls his way into the House of Blues on April 22, with Dub C. General admission tickets are $30 in advance, $35 day of show and reserved seats are $40. They are on sale at the venue box office and Ticketmaster outlets.

Nineties rockers Collective Soul stop at The Lounge at Green Valley Ranch on May 25 and 26. Tickets are $37, $48 and $64 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Green Valley Ranch ticket sales counter, 2300 Paseo Verde Parkway.

"American Idol" favorite Bo Bice headlines the Chrome Showroom on May 25, with Gary Nichols. Tickets are $28.50, $37 and $48 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the hotel ticket sales counter.

Eighties mainstay Kenny Loggins gets footloose as part of "The Stars of Lake" concert series at Lake Las Vegas Resort on June 16. Tickets are $85 and $100 and go on sale at 10 a.m. today at Ticketmaster outlets.
reviewjournal.com — Neon – TICKETS

Marc Savard, the hypnotist, probably didn't care which way we called it as long as we were laughing. And laughing we were at Jason and Jane.

Jason did his best Amazing Johnathan crazy-eyebrow thing, slicing up the air as a kung fu master while Jane barked out a form of pigeon-Chinese — or maybe it was German — as his translator.

Mind you, neither of these folks struck me as introverts. Before the "Mesmerized" show at Desert Passage mall, Jason presided over his group of folks in a loud shirt with a loud story. After the show, Jane didn't mind posing for photo ops with the "penis pop," the phallic lollipop used in one of the comedy bits that other women in the sequence already had disposed of.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2007/Mar-30-Fri-2007/weekly/13369105.html

The MGM Grand Adventures Theme Park is long closed, but the attraction lives on in Elvis Jackson.

I mean, Wayne Brady.

Brady, who begins a limited engagement at the Venetian on Thursday, bills himself as one of the most versatile performers in show business who sings, dances, acts and performs improvisational comedy with equal aptitude. He picked up those skills more than a decade ago while plying his craft at the ill-fated MGM Grand theme park, performing in the daily "Grandmosphere" production and as part of a "Legends in Concert" lineup. It was in the latter show that, during a moment of inspired improvisation, Brady developed a black Elvis Presley character he called Elvis Jackson that became a crowd favorite.

Brady said he performed at Grand Adventures from 1993 to 1995. The park didn't perform nearly as well as he did. It closed in 2000 and today is the site of the Signature high-rise project.

"I remember my time there very distinctively. I had interviewed as a singer for 'Jubilee' and I was not their type … Who knows what would have happened if I'd gotten that job," the 34-year-old Brady said Thursday during a phone conversation. "Then I went to the MGM Grand and auditioned and became part of the singers and dancers who performed throughout the park." By then Brady was a theme park veteran who had performed in the musical production "Beetlejuice" at Universal Studios in Florida and at Six Flags in St. Louis .

"I did everything. I was a swashbuckler in one part of the park, singing, 'Wherever we go, whatever we do, we're gonna go through it together!' " Brady said, laughing. "I was dressed as a painter, singing and dancing with Betty Boop. I sang 'Great Balls of Fire' in the '50s revue in 'Legends.' That whole experience shaped some of the stuff I would perform onstage. I became a jack-of-all-trades because of my years in the theme park."

Brady upgraded more than his stage capabilities. He arrived in Vegas with a beat-up old Toyota Corolla lacking air conditioning. "Working as a full-time entertainer, seven days a week, I was able to get the kind of car I needed in Las Vegas – a newer Toyota Corolla." With air conditioning.
Las Vegas SUN: John Katsilometes

Several big names have performed at the resort since it opened April 4, 1957, and a few are expected to be at the ballroom bash, said resort spokesman Rick Campbell. Rose Marie, Margaret O'Brien, Breck Wall and Mafalda Papp are the celebrities who plan to come, while Trini Lopez, Jack Carter and Ben Vereen may show up.

More from The Las Vegas Review Journal here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2007/Mar-27-Tue-2007/living/13329598.html

The mastermind behind the successful launch of the House of Blues at the Mandalay Bay, Lance Sterling, will be reentering the market with the Las Vegas version of his prospering LA nightspot, the Canyon Club. The 10,000-square-foot facility will offer a dinner menu and live entertainment nightly provided by dance bands, comedians and nationally known acts.

The owner, who also owns the local eatery and brew pub, The Chicago Brewing Company, installed a smaller-scale version of the restaurant with a cigar bar inside the property.

In 1991, the Glitter Gulch casino was converted into The Girls of Glitter Gulch gentlemen's club. Now after a $3.5 million dollar redesign consisting of gutting and rebuilding the 6,500-square-foot club highlighting a color scheme of red, maroon and black with silver accents, the 195-guest capacity club is reopened. Red is a key color featuring red-colored glass entrance doors with the Glitter Gulch silhouette etched in silver, red Italian diamond stone placed throughout the club, and red lanterns hanging throughout.

The main stage is located down one side of the club, and it's surrounded by high-back booths. Opposite the booth side, is a long bar plus three additional smaller stages. The men's and women's restrooms are adorned with modern black and red tile, along with custom black sinks. Between 250 and 300 dancers perform at the club, which is located under the Fremont Street Experience. The club opens daily at 1 p.m. and goes until 4 or 5 a.m. Admission is free until 8 p.m. and then there's a $20 door charge, which includes one drink.

One of the best visual shows in town is the ever-changing themed displays at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. The current display highlights spring with a magical oversized garden. Filled with thousands of vibrant flowers, guests find 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. The free display runs through May 5.

Venus Pool at Caesars Palace

With the Las Vegas heat rising, many resort pools are now open and the Venus Pool Club at Caesars Palace has begun its second season. Venus Pool Club, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., features poolside indulgence with posh cabanas, oversized chaise lounges, and air-conditioned bars with flat screen TVs being a few of the extravagances. DJs spin beats as bartenders while the staff provides guests with such luxuries as frozen towels, cooling Evian face spritzers and body massages.

Bare at The Mirage

The Light Group, renowned for providing stylish Las Vegas nightlife and restaurant properties, has opened Bare at The Mirage, an exclusive adult alternative to the typical Las Vegas pool experience. The season will run through Oct. 15.

At Bare, it is poolside pampering with ultra VIP service and DJ-spun music. Highlights include two luxury dipping pools, private daybeds and boat beds, a menu of specialty food items and cocktail service. VIP service also includes: chilled cucumbers to soothe the eyes; iced towels, rolled and chilled in flavored water; exotic frozen fruit, skewered for easy snacking; icy popsicles; mini fruit smoothies, served in individual shot glasses; and Evian misting bottles, super-chilled and ready to spritz.

Bare is open Thursdays through Mondays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission charge Thursday and Monday: $10 for women, $30 for men. Friday, Saturday and Sunday: $20 for women and $40 for men. For information, call 702-791-7442.

TAO Beach Opens at The Venetian

On May 4, Marc Packer, Rich Wolf, Noah Tepperberg and Jason Strauss, owners of the 42,000-square-foot TAO Asian Bistro and Nightclub at The Venetian, will unveil a new extension TAO Beach, an Asian themed European-style beach club offering high-end amenities, topnotch service, cuisine from Wolfgang Puck Catering and an exotic setting.

By day, guests can secure a reservation to lounge poolside in one of seven luxury cabanas that feature such amenities as high definition plasma screen televisions with X-box gaming consoles, a DVD library, Internet and customized mini bars. Other amenities will include sunglass cleaning, iPod rental, and a staff of masseuses. Asian-inspired day beds will be scattered throughout the 18,000-square-foot oasis, which will also include a 30-foot bar.