April 27th, 2007

This is the first newsletter since my return from Las Vegas. If you read the Forums you know about the nightmare I had in getting to Las Vegas. I am working on a trip report and it should be finished this weekend.

PAMELA ANDERSON TO JOIN CELEBRATED ILLUSIONIST HANS KLOK IN "THE BEAUTY OF MAGIC" AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT & CASINO

International television and film star Pamela Anderson will join illusionist Hans Klok – the world’s fastest magician — in The Beauty of Magic, the new show at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Theater for the Performing Arts.

The stage spectacular will combine the illusions of Klok, fresh off his sold-out European tour with brand new illusions created just for Las Vegas, with the electrifying Anderson in a completely new and unique production.

"I love magic!  I love doing things out of the ordinary and of course I'm always up for an adventure, as this will definitely be one,” said Anderson, the former “Baywatch” star. “I knew that one day my dream of being a Vegas showgirl would come true — even better a magician’s assistant. It’s every girl’s fantasy. I'm thrilled!"

Preview performances will begin May 24 with opening night scheduled for June 2. Tickets are on sale now at the Planet Hollywood Box Office or at Ticketmaster.com.

“Pamela Anderson is the kind of international superstar that transcends entertainment,” said Klok. “She is absolutely gorgeous and audiences are going to be amazed when they see what she can do in our show.”

Ticket prices range from $35 to $105 (plus taxes and fees), with a special all-seats price of $35 (plus taxes and fees) for all preview performances.

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.  

The Beauty of Magic is produced by Stage Entertainment in conjunction with Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. 

NORM: LV snubbed again by 'Ocean's' crew.

It appears Las Vegas has been snubbed again by Danny Ocean's heist team.

Curiously, Chicago has landed the "Ocean's Thirteen" premiere June 7, although there appears to be little connection to the movie, which is set for release on June 8.

Like the 2001 remake "Ocean's Eleven," the new movie is set in Las Vegas, while no scenes were shot in Chicago.

Six years ago, the "Ocean's Eleven" premiere was initially scheduled to be held at Bellagio, scene of much of the shooting. But security concerns in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks kept the premiere in Hollywood.

Las Vegans, however, will be among the first in the nation to see "Ocean's Thirteen." A screening at CineVegas will be announced any day. CineVegas runs from June 6-16.

Another movie with Las Vegas ties, director Wong Kar Wai's "My Blueberry Nights," is rumored to be the opening- night film of the Cannes Film Festival.

"Ocean's Thirteen" reportedly will be unveiled at Cannes at an out-of-competition screening.
ReviewJournal.com - News - NORM: LV snubbed again by 'Ocean's' crew

Steve's Las Vegas Quickies

The Stratosphere’s Top of the World restaurant is on the verge of celebrating their 11th anniversary at the top of the Valley’s tallest tower. Even more amazingly, it also marks another anniversary, five years with the restaurant for Executive Chef Stephen Wolff. Look for Wolff to celebrate both anniversaries with some new menu items.
http://www.thevegaseye.com

With Prince’s departure on the horizon, as reported, 3121 Jazz Cuisine has closed during regular operating hours. The restaurant which bared Prince’s moniker, as well as his personal chef in the kitchen, will remain open for the weekend late night jam sessions. Sources tell us that once 3121 Jazz Cuisine closes doors, the former restaurant housed there, Fiore’s, will return.
http://www.thevegaseye.com

Last Wednesday, Danny Gans celebrated seven years performing at The Mirage. “The Man of Many Voices” explores the world of entertainment through the eyes and voices of performers including Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Tom Hanks, and Al Pacino, among others.
http://www.thevegaseye.com

The Flamingo Las Vegas recently began the second phase of its extensive room renovation, where more than 500 hotel rooms and suites will be redesigned into luxurious, stylish and technologically advanced Flamingo “GO Rooms.” The “GO Room” name was inspired by a derivative of the property name – FlaminGO. “The addition of the Flamingo ‘GO Rooms’ brings energy to the property that compliments our diverse line-up of entertainers and restaurants,” said the Big Flamingo, Don Marrandino. “Guests enjoy the quality, technology and attention to detail in each new room.”
http://www.thevegaseye.com

A new sushi joint has opened at Circus Circus, on the promenade level across from the Adventuredome. Sushi, Etc. offers a variety of sushi, nigiri, seafood cocktails, salads, and desserts with prices starting at $1 per piece. Hours are 6 p.m.-midnight nightly.
Las Vegas Advisor - Features & News - Today's News

The name Lee Roy Reams isn't going to light up billboards along Interstate 15, but David Hasselhoff's replacement in "The Producers" is a known song-and-dance man in theater circles.

Reams will close the Broadway edition of "The Producers" on April 22, then come to Las Vegas to continue his role as Roger DeBris, a flamboyantly inept stage director. He replaces Hasselhoff on May 7.
ReviewJournal.com - News

One way to look at David Hasselhoff's departure from "The Producers" (his last performance is May 6) is to remember that he originally signed a three-month deal and has simply fulfilled that obligation. Another way is to note that his reason for leaving - to participate in a TV show, in this case "America's Got Talent" - sounds a lot like the reason given by Reba McEntire for leaving the Las Vegas Hilton a few months ago, amid chatter that her ticket sales were soft.
Las Vegas SUN: John Katsilometes

News flash from Pole-Land: The Fremont Street gentlemen's club Glitter Gulch has reopened after a brief hiatus. Earlier this year the club underwent a $3.5 million renovation, quite a sum for a relatively intimate 6,500-square-foot space.
Las Vegas SUN: John Katsilometes

A new restaurant is sprouting at The Park strip mall at 3900 Paradise Road (that's where Firefly, among other notable ethnic restaurants, is located). The new place is creatively called the Park Restaurant, and the sign out front says, "Opening Soon." It must be real soon, because the restaurant's Web site reports it is to open in March 2007. The location is whence Sammy's Woodfired Pizza vacated two years ago to open a new restaurant in Centennial Hills. That joint opens June 14.
Las Vegas SUN: John Katsilometes

Tom Selleck is reportedly in discussions to take over the role of the Montecito resort owner vacated by James Caan in NBC's "Las Vegas." Real-lifers who could easily assume that role (in alphabetical order): Palms owner George Maloof, Flamingo President Don Marrandino, Luxor President Felix Rappaport and Steve Wynn.
Las Vegas SUN: John Katsilometes

Will David Hasselhoff's May 6 departure be the beginning of the end for "The Producers"? The Hoff's publicist told the Review-Journal's Norm Clarke that the taping schedule for "America's Got Talent" will make it "impossible for him to keep flying back and forth." But the show does its most intensive upfront taping this month, before Hasselhoff leaves.
http://www.lvrj.com/living/6988042.html

Wynn's "Le Reve" is experimenting in the opposite direction of "Spamalot." The show reopened last week with a remodeled theater that removed 481 seats and added a $159 VIP Indulgence Package that includes premium seating with champagne.
ReviewJournal.com - Living - MIKE WEATHERFORD

Rumor has Fashion Show mall eatery, Café Ba Ba Reeba doing away with their massive outdoor patio and instead using that space for a new, up-coming concept. No word on what it might be just yet.
theVegaseye.com

Word out of the Rio camp has the venerable Voodoo Lounge about to undertake a slight tweak in branding and menu offerings. While not giving up its Cajun roots, rumors have Voodoo Steak offering diners a renewed focus on thick, juicy cuts of red meat.
theVegaseye.com

The 888 Noodle Bar at the Las Vegas Hilton, which has been open only for dinner since it opened last year, has lunch hours as well. The bar features Pan-Asian noodles, congee, and rice dishes, as well as other Asian specialties prepared by expert chefs in an open exhibition kitchen. Appetizers, soups and salads range from $7 to $9 and entrees range from $10 to $28. 888 Noodle Bar is located in the heart of Benihana Village at the Las Vegas Hilton and is open 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m-8:00 p.m. Reservations are not required (guests are served on a first come first serve basis).
Las Vegas Insider Vibe Newsletter April 18, 2007

A new $170 million consolidated rent-a-car center has opened three miles south of McCarran International airport on 68 acres of land. The new modern structure consolidates operations of 11 car rental companies. The McCarran Rent-A-Car Center also combines shuttle bus service instead of each company operating its own buses. The airport spent $12 million on about 40 vehicles to move customers between the terminals at the nation's sixth-busiest airport and the car rental area.

Paul Anka will mark his 50th anniversary in music and nearly five decades performing in Las Vegas with an exclusive appearance at the Las Vegas Hilton May 4 and 5. Anka has sold more than 40 million albums, CDs and singles worldwide. In the United States, he has scored three No. 1 songs, "Diana," "Lonely Boy," and "You're Having My Baby," as well as 22 Top 20 hits. Anka's first Vegas gig was at the Sahara in 1959 with Sophie Tucker.

The high-energy Sunset Strip group performing at the Shimmer Cabaret at the Las Vegas Hilton has been extended through 2007.

Livin' la vida echo: Ricky Martin reportedly played to a one-third capacity audience Saturday at Mandalay Bay Events Center. In his heyday (around 1999, by my dusty calendar) he could be relied upon to just about fill the 13,000-seat arena on consecutive nights.
Las Vegas SUN: John Katsilometes

Britney Spears wants to be a Pussycat Doll, but "the timing has been a little off," Pussycat Dolls creator Robin Antin said Saturday. There have been talks, and "she will do it for sure. She's working on herself" for now, said Antin, the Los Angeles choreographer who started the burlesque show in the early 1990s.
ReviewJournal.com - News - NORM

Insiders say Hans Klok's "The Beauty of Magic," which was to open for previews Thursday in the Theater for Performing Arts, has been postponed.

The Rio also may test the rapid-response capabilities of its booking agents. Prince decided in late March that he would stay for April, and hotel officials "aren't in a hurry to get him out" should he decide to do the same for May, says one hotel staffer. Potential replacements are sidelined until the verdict comes in.
ReviewJournal.com - Living - MIKE WEATHERFORD

Lee Ann Rimes was supposed to be the final headliner at Luxor last weekend, so the 1,500-seat theater could be turned over to Cirque du Soliel to ready its magic show with Criss Angel.

But Luxor President Felix Rappaport says he had second thoughts when he learned construction wouldn't happen before September, and it seemed like "a waste of resources" to strip the theater and then let it sit empty.

So the "Spotlight" series will return before Memorial Day — perhaps with a Liza Minnelli encore for the holiday weekend — and continue at least through July.
ReviewJournal.com - Living - MIKE WEATHERFORD

Jessica Simpson will emcee the Las Vegas Pussycat Dolls show at the May 4 second anniversary of the Pussycat Dolls Lounge at Caesars Palace.

MGM Mirage announced today that it will invest in The M Resort, an 80-acre mixed-use development, currently being developed by Anthony A. Marnell III. The project is located on the southeast corner of Las Vegas Blvd. and St. Rose Pkwy., approximately 10 miles south of Bellagio, and will be developed in multiple phases, with the first phase consisting of an Italian contemporary designed resort, spa and casino. The development will apparently feature amenities including an outdoor canyon pool and entertainment venue, oversized guest rooms, panoramic suites, a top-of-the-tower ultra lounge, and a state-of-the-art convention center.
Las Vegas Advisor - Features & News - Today's News

The new show taking over from the current Ansel Adams exhibit at The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art has just been announced. Five years in the making, "In the Master's Hands: Picasso's Ceramics," features more than 30 unique ceramic objects by the legendary 20th century artist. The exhibition will be on view from May 25, 2007 through January 14, 2008 with tickets priced at $17 per person, $14 for Nevada residents and seniors 65 and older, and $12 for students.
Las Vegas Advisor - Features & News - Today's News

The after-hours club will remain open until further notice, but Drai's restaurant, the sumptuous French eatery located beneath Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon (formerly Barbary Coast), closes this Saturday.

Comedienne Roseanne Barr is extending her All You Can Eat Comedy show at New York–New York, with dates now running through June 17. Show times are 8 p.m. daily, dark Wednesday and Thursday. Tickets can be purchased at the Zumanity Box Office at New York–New York, by calling 866/606-7111 or online at www.nynyhotelcasino.com.
Las Vegas Advisor - Features & News - Today's News

Planet Hollywood has announced its grand-opening dates: September 28-29. Though the name of the former Aladdin was officially changed yesterday, the true debut of the new brand is still half a year away.

Rumors were circulating as far back as three years ago regarding popular sushi restaurant Sushi Samba and its goal to land an outpost in Las Vegas. Currently, the brand has four outlets; one each for Miami, New York, Chicago and Tel Aviv, Israel with a 5th outlet expected to touchdown in Dallas, Texas next month. The rumors have become renewed in recent days with a new alleged space inside the Venetian’s upcoming Palazzo Tower.
theVegaseye.com

"Ice," the skating spectacular at the Riviera, opened for previews on Wednesday. What we can say about this show is it is the best Vegas production to feature stilt-skaters. There are three - two men and a woman - who is said to be quite seductive - on stilts, while skating.
Las Vegas SUN: John Katsilometes

Look for Spider-Man sightings next Wednesday on a ledge on the façade of The Venetian. A Spidey figure will be promoting the arrival of a Spider-Man wax likeness at Madame Tussauds and the May 4 premiere of the new movie in New York.
ReviewJournal.com

"Shag With A Twist" will close Monday at the Plaza after hanging on for 140 shows. All tickets are reduced to $25 for those who want to catch up to this offbeat '60s-themed dance show.
ReviewJournal.com - Living - MIKE WEATHERFORD

Roy's Restaurant at 8701 W. Charleston Blvd. brings the Hawaiian tradition of Lei Day to the mainland with a special Lei Day menu that will be served Tuesday through May 31. With an entree of 45-Hour Kalua Lamb Loin, the four-course menu is $55 per person, plus tax and tip. To reserve, call 838-3620. Roy's at 620 E. Flamingo Road will celebrate Lei Day on Tuesday only, with a different menu and price. To reserve, call 691-2053.
ReviewJournal.com - Neon - RESTAURANT NEWS

Beginning Tuesday, all $200-plus slot jackpot winners and all $300-plus video poker winners at the El Cortez will have their choice of a wallet containing $10 to $1,000 in free play or a $10 gift card from Smith's, Wal-Mart, Mobil/Exxon, Sears, Shell Oil or Sam's Club. (Our advice: Choose the wallet.) As usual, winners also will receive an entry into the following Saturday night's drawing for four $500 prizes and a 42-inch HDTV.
ReviewJournal.com - Neon - PLAYER'S EDGE

Upcoming Las Vegas Entertainment

Comedian Tracy Morgan cracks wise at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay on May 26. Tickets start at $27 and go on sale at 10 a.m. today at the House of Blues box office, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, and Ticketmaster outlets.

Famed crooner Boz Scaggs plays the House of Blues on July 21. General admission tickets are $47 in advance, $50 day of show, seated tickets are $62 and special reserved seats are $72. They go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the venue box office and Ticketmaster outlets.

Long-running classic rockers Foreigner bring some urgency to the Mandalay Bay Beach on May 13. Tickets are $60 in advance, $65 day of show, and are on sale at the Mandalay Bay box office, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, and Ticketmaster outlets.

Country star Clint Black hits the Sunset Station Amphitheater on June 23. Tickets are $28.50, $36, $50.50 and $54 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Sunset Station front desk, 1301 W. Sunset Road, Henderson.

R&B songstress Anita Baker plays The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel on May 25. Tickets are $85, $125 and $167.50 and go on sale at noon Saturday at the Hard Rock box office, 4455 Paradise, and Ticketmaster outlets.

Former Traffic/Blind Faith member Steve Winwood hits The Joint on June 29. Tickets are $49.50, $59.50 and $85.50 and go on sale at noon Saturday at the venue box office and Ticketmaster outlets.
ReviewJournal.com - Neon - TICKETS

Popstress Gwen Stefani quickly returns to town at the MGM Grand Garden arena June 30, with Lady Sovereign. Tickets are $55, $75 and $125 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the MGM Grand box office, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South, and Ticketmaster outlets.

Pop heartthrob Justin Timberlake stops at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on Sept. 1 and 2, with a guest appearance by Timbaland. Tickets are $76 and $96 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Mandalay Bay box office, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, and Ticketmaster outlets.

R&B crooner Lionel Richie plays The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on July 5 and 6. Tickets are $75, $95, $125 and $175 and go on sale at 10 a.m. today at the Caesars Palace box office, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South, and Ticketmaster outlets.

Adult contemporary chart-toppers the Goo Goo Dolls play The Pearl at the Palms on June 16, with Lifehouse. Tickets are $47, $52 and $72 and go on sale at 1 p.m. Saturday at The Pearl box office, 4321 W. Flamingo Road, and Ticketmaster outlets.

Irish alt-rockers Snow Patrol stop at The Pearl on July 19. Tickets are $37 and go on sale at noon Saturday at the venue box office and Ticketmaster outlets.

Nineties rockers Third Eye Blind play The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel on May 19. Tickets are $29.50 and $49.50 and go on sale at noon Saturday at the Hard Rock box office, 4455 Paradise Road, and Ticketmaster outlets.

Former Fleetwood Mac singer/guitarist Lindsey Buckingham visits The Joint on June 9. Tickets are $37.50 and $49.50 and go on sale at noon Saturday at the venue box office and Ticketmaster outlets.
ReviewJournal.com - Neon - TICKETS

PLANET PLANS

One of the new restaurants at Planet Hollywood comes with a heaping side of history.

The eatery, named Earl of Sandwich, is a collaboration between Planet Hollywood founder Robert Earl and the 11th Earl of Sandwich, a direct descendant of the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who is credited as the inventor of the sandwich.

With an eye toward luring a hip crowd, Earl has brought in Koi, a popular celebrity restaurant in Los Angeles and New York.

Other new additions include: Strip House, a steak house from New York and other locations; Alfredo of Rome, an Italian eatery out of Rome, New York and Orlando, Fla.; and Yolos Mexican restaurant, a new concept from Ark Restaurant Group.

Three nightclubs will be operated by Opium Group, the hot South Beach nightlife company. One club will be named Living Room, another Privé, and the third has not yet been named.
ReviewJournal.com - News - NORM

HOT TICKET

The hottest ticket ever? The May 5 megafight between Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather Jr. is taking Las Vegas ticket prices into new territory.

"It's the biggest fight in 10 years and will end up being the biggest ever, in demand, interest and ticket pricing, across the board," said Kenny Solky, president of lasvegastickets.com.

One fan is shooting for the moon: He's asking for $35,000 apiece for a pair of so-so seats at the ticket broker Web site stubhub.com.

With the fight two weeks away, choice seats are going for $7,500 to $15,000, Solky said. Seats in the nosebleed section will cost you $1,200.

"The last one that generated this kind of interest," Solky said, "was Tyson-Holyfield on June 28, 1997," the night Mike Tyson bit Evander Holyfield's ear.

This time the fans are feeling the bite.
ReviewJournal.com - News - NORM

SHOW REVIEW: "Stomp Out Loud"

The Big Bang: 'Stomp Out Loud' lives up to its name with a little comedy to boot.
By Mike Weatherford/Las Vegas Review Journal

The secret of "Stomp" may be that you watch the performers drumming away up there and say, "This has got to be the most fun job in show business."

The youthful cast looks cool, dresses cooler, and gets to beat on stuff. Boy, do they.

Boxes, buckets, bottles. Big oil barrels and smaller trash cans (plastic and metal), not to mention the lids. They even have three guys with sinks hanging from their necks, just so writers can make the joke about everything and the kitchen sink.

More Here:
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/7116986.html

JOHN L. SMITH: Chicago conspiracy trial makes Las Vegas' bad old days seem like yesterday.
Article from The Las Vegas Review Journal

Las Vegas is a town built by hucksters and hoodlums, fat gamblers and skinny girls.

Its street historians and eyewitnesses to its notorious transition from wiseguy paradise to consummate company town have dwindled to a precious few. And most of those wouldn't talk on the record if they were subpoenaed.

Maybe that's why a federal criminal conspiracy trial that's ramping up in Chicago, called U.S. v. Nicholas Calabrese et al., but better known as the historical hit on "Joey the Clown" Lombardo's West Side Crew and officially called Operation Family Secrets, is so compelling on so many different levels.

There's a historical component to it that will surely send a chill down the backs of corporate casino public relations executives and the academic and journalistic chrome polishers who make good livings in this town by buffing its image to a high gloss.

More Here:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/7139656.html

MGM Mirage purchase includes El Rancho site.

MGM Mirage announced last week that it had struck deals to buy two parcels of land on the north end of the Strip for $575 million, giving the company more than 100 contiguous acres stretching north from Circus Circus Drive to Sahara Avenue.

The Las Vegas-based casino operator, which is building the massive $7 billion Project CityCenter on 66 acres on the south Strip, has assembled the acreage to construct a similar and potentially larger development on the Strip's northern end.

"This land assemblage creates a very interesting and exciting opportunity for our company to create an integrated resort complex on the north end of the Strip," said Jim Murren, MGM Mirage president and chief financial officer.

MGM Mirage will spend $444 million to purchase a vacant 25.8-acre parcel from Gordon Gaming Corp., current owners of the Sahara.

The site, on the southwest corner of the Strip and Sahara Avenue, is one of the boulevard's last major undeveloped locations.

It was the site of the original El Rancho Vegas, one of the first hotel-casinos in Las Vegas, which was destroyed by fire on June 18, 1960.
ReviewJournal.com - News - WEEK IN REVIEW

MIKE WEATHERFORD: New shows bring ticket headaches.
From The Las Vegas Review Journal

You and I, as entertainment consumers, look at three new shows and say, "Cool, more choices."

Backers of these shows are more likely to reach for another aspirin and say, "Another 35,754 tickets on the market each week!"

That's the figure you get when you multiply the seating capacity for "Monty Python's Spamalot," "Stomp Out Loud" and the upcoming Carmen Electra magic show by the number of performances each week.

Those who track this stuff worry that ticket inventory is growing out of proportion to the known habits of showgoers. The numbers give good reason for headaches.

More Here:
http://www.lvrj.com/living/7139836.html

PEARL CONCERT: Stefani puts on the glitz.
Singer's show as lavish as her outfits.
By JASON BRACELIN/ Las Vegas Review Journal

Awash in sequins, Gwen Stefani reflected on being an "ordinary common girl" while sparkling like a jewelry box come to life. She's pop aristocracy, with a Marie Antoinette wardrobe and the regal air of someone who takes out the trash in high heels, but she remains a little self-conscious about her status, the princess who occasionally wears her tiara like a crown of thorns.

"A lot of things have changed, but I'm mostly the same," Stefani sang during "Orange County Girl," a song in which she details a blue-collar past of selling makeup at the mall, making out to "Purple Rain" and trying to decide who she wanted to be.

Stefani's got that last part figured out by now: She wants to be all things to all people, the humble queen, the salt-of-the-earth superstar, the contradiction in terms.

More Here:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/7147301.html

NORM: Sahara to get some high-profile glitz.

A "massive makeover" is planned at the Sahara, once Los Angeles nightlife kingpin Sam Nazarian takes over the property.

"We're two years away," Nazarian partner Brent Bolthouse said in a red carpet interview Saturday at the Palms. He was in town to attend Gwen Stefani's concert at the Palms' new music venue, The Pearl.

Nazarian's SBE Entertainment Group bought the Sahara this year in a partnership with San Francisco-based Stockbridge Real Estate Funds.

Philippe Starck, who has designed many of Nazarian's clubs along with Ian Schrager's Delano Hotel in South Beach, Fla., is a partner with Nazarian and Bolthouse in what has been described as the first nightlife "super-company."

Bolthouse is considered among the most connected celebrity event promoters on the West Coast.
ReviewJournal.com - News - NORM: Sahara to get some high-profile glitz

Expect one cool show when 'Ice' debuts at Riviera
By Jerry Fink/Las Vegas Sun

The entertainment in the Riviera's Versailles Showroom is going through a change, a solid transformation from water to ice.

For more than 20 years the revue "Splash" entertained thousands of fans (although the production had nothing to do with water in its last few years, other than the title).

The creators of "Ice: Direct From Russia" (which has everything to do with ice) wouldn't mind finding similar success.

"Ice" debuts Wednesday but won't begin its regular schedule until Sunday .

The production is a collaboration of Sergey Ryshkof, creator of the Moscow Ice Circus, and Debra Brown, award-winning choreographer who helped create "Mystere" and "O" for Cirque du Soleil.

More Here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2007/apr/24/566638686.html

John Katsilometes picks up some old material at an Old Vegas event, the third annual Meatball Awards.

The only surprising note from Sunday night's Meatball Awards ceremony is that this celebration of cornball sentiment is just three years old. It is truly an Old Vegas experience - and we're not just talking about Sammy Shore's hairpiece (ba-dum-bum!).

The event at Imperial Palace's Imperial Theatre was alternately touching and bizarre but never boring. What more can you say about an event where the award presenters included a lounge legend (the ever-bronzed Cook E. Jarr) and a for-real legend (former Supreme Mary Wilson, who at age 63 is still hot! Hot! I tell you).

The awards were to highlight "vintage" Vegas figures and the ceremony was a benefit for the Ronald McDonald House in Las Vegas. The highlights were too numerous to mention here (I could write a book, albeit a short one, about Pete Barbutti's quasi-political acceptance speech), but I will list a few:

Entertainer of the Year Clint Holmes' impromptu impression of Jackie Mason (I never knew he had it in his repertoire) and his impromptu name-dropping of the great Earl Turner (it is rumored that Turner is being considered for a role in Holmes' play, "Just Another Man").

Emcee Cork Proctor, at his hilarious and self-destructive best (he offered that over the years he has been fired by every imploded hotel in Vegas) taking a swipe at Imperial Palace's notoriously inadequate parking, "How many people valeted tonight? Expect to have your cars returned to you on June 5." Whether or not he meant to, he referred to the 35th birthday of Venetian headliner Wayne Brady.

KLAS Channel 8 anchor and Best TV Anchorman award-winner Gary Waddell remembering that one of his first assignments after moving to Las Vegas was the topping off of the Union Plaza hotel. That was in 1971.

Sahara Entertainment Director Ron Garrett, addressing rumors of his expected departure when new owner Sam Nazarian starts work on remaking the hotel. "You'll find copies of my resume at the front door as you leave," Garrett said. He was joking about that - Garrett says he hopes the new ownership team has a place for him - but was not joking about the eventual demise of the famed Casbar Lounge, which likely won't be part of the hip new Sahara.

Babe Pier's impression of Ed Sullivan, which, like the rest of the evening, was a true throwback experience.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/commentary/2007/apr/24/566618172.html

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

'An Evening' with Joan/Frank
By Len Butcher/Las Vegas Review Journal

Las Vegas, as its self-proclaimed title of Entertainment Capital of the World denotes, has always offered a wide array of talent, from singing headliners to magicians, to productions shows such as those offered by Cirque du Soleil and more recently Broadway shows. But it also has been home to those acts that play to smaller audiences in smaller venues but are just as entertaining and, in some cases, have proved their popularity by their longevity.

One that stands out is the very entertaining "An Evening at La Cage" at the Riviera, starring Frank Marino, now in his 22nd year with the show and still impersonating his alter ego, Joan Rivers. But he admits to having to go through a number of reinventions. He likes to say, "I've gone through so many reinventions. I should be called 'Joan Reninvention Riviera' Marino!"

Don't let him kid you — he loves it. And not only does he play the famous comedienne onstage but offstage as well. Marino also is one of the most giving entertainers our town has ever had, always willing to show up to help a good cause or raise funds.

He knows, however, that Rivers is key to his success.

"I've always done Joan Rivers and thank goodness she is still around and hasn't left show business like many celebrities. Her shtick is timeless. If she had gotten Jay Leno's job on 'The Tonight Show.' I would even be bigger. When Joan plays Vegas, our room counts are phenomenal."

Getting back to reinvention, Marino admits that it doesn't always work.

"Reinvention doesn't always work, but it's the mother of success. I tried Fran Drescher and her career went down the toilet. But I am always working on a new monologue and I love bringing new costumes on stage. They help my reinvention.

"The cast members also bring fresh, new approaches to numbers, which are superbly choreographed. We may have the best dancers in Las Vegas. We are currently the only show of its type in Las Vegas and the houses are packed."

Marino says that all of his reinventions can be seen on his four-color poster, celebrating his years in show business.

"I used to have it on sale on my Web site, but now you are lucky if you can find one on eBay. I think I sign more autographs after the show than any other performer on the Strip."

Marino continued," The show is one of the most successful in Las Vegas, when you talk about filling the seats. I think that's because of three things — the price is reasonable; the entertainers are superb; and we get repeat business from Middle America, believe it or not. I think that a show about female impersonators would not appeal to most people, but the fact that we are portraying superstars and are pretty close to dead-ringers is what people are curious to see and when they see our acts, word of mouth gets out."

You can see "An Evening at La Cage" at 7:30 p.m. daily except Tuesdays. Tickets are $65 plus tax and fee. The Riviera also offers special dinner/show combinations. For information, call 702-794-9433 or 1-800-634-3420. Children under 12 years old are not admitted; children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian who is 18 years or older.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/eNewsletters/eNeon/only/marino.html

Venus Pool Club at Caesars Palace Splashes Into Another Sizzling Season 

With the Las Vegas heat rising, Venus Pool Club at Caesars Palace opened on March 21, promising another season of impeccable service, sophisticated relaxation and fun.  Debuting last year, Venus Pool Club proved to be an instant hit as the city’s most exclusive, hip poolside environment.  

“We are very excited to offer the experience of poolside luxury again with the re-opening of Venus Pool Club,” said PMG Managing Partner, Robert Frey.  “Venus is the ultimate afternoon escape from the usual hustle and bustle of The Strip.”

Venus Pool Club features elements of poolside indulgence that make it an undeniably irresistible destination for anyone seeking premium pampering and a place to sunbathe in style.  Posh cabanas, oversized chaise lounges, and air-conditioned bars with flat screen TV’s are just a few of the extravagances that Venus Pool Club offers.  DJs spin beats as expert bartenders and an unparalleled staff provide guests with such luxuries as frozen towels, cooling Evian face spritzers and body massages. 

With delicious menu items ranging from lobster sandwiches to fresh ceviche, and a traveling drink cart equipped for creating multiple flavors of mojitos and margaritas, the Venus Pool Club experience is truly one-of-a-kind. 

The ideal spot for perfecting one’s tan or resting up for a night of partying at PURE Nightclub; Venus Pool Club serves as a serene alternative to the chaotic pace of traditional Las Vegas pool parties.  Venus Pool Club will be open 7 days per week from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

From "The Vegas Eye"

George’s Pearl
Last Saturday night, Palms Casino Resort boss George Maloof officially opened the newest addition to his property when he unveiled Pearl, his new concert venue with an opening night bash from seductive songstress Gwen Steffani. “This feels like a friends and family show,” the former No Doubt singer chirped into the microphone drawing a loud roar from the crowd, “It’s like a sound check.” For acts like Stefani which are more accustomed to filling 18,000-seat arenas, it must feel intimate on stage in front of only several thousand, and that’s a very good thing. Saying that Maloof might have just opened the best live music venue in Las Vegas, isn’t really a reach, Pearl is absolutely gorgeous. From the amazing acoustics and sound system, to the exclusive high rolling private boxes, the place has it all.  With former Hard Rock Hotel booking agent Andrew Hewitt at the helm, look for Pearl to start booking some big name acts as the summer progresses. The fact that Pearl is hardwired into the Palms Recording Studio making artists salivate over live recordings with studio sound is just the cherry on the sundae.

The Biggest Working Man in Show Biz
We can understand why you might have been skeptical when we first wrote about Jeffrey Beacher and his upcoming re-launch of his popular Hard Rock variety show, Beacher’s Madhouse. Beacher would probably admit that he is the king of the PR stunt but it would seem as though he has found renewed dedication in making the Madhouse a success the second time around. Sources out of the Beacher camp has the suddenly slimming comic pulling all-nighters with his creative and production teams to ensure the all-new variety show format is a hit. “He’s pulling out every stop and every favor,” said a source who asked to remain anonymous, “He’s been hitting every local music and karaoke venue looking for new talent and the response for next week’s audition has been tremendous.” Speaking of the auditions, they are taking place next Tuesday, May 1st at 5P inside The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and are open for anyone interested in joining the show as a go-go dancer, variety act or even to take place in the all-new air guitar contest. Rumors also have Howard Stern sidekick Artie Lang signing a deal to perform at July’s show, the new format calls for one Madhouse monthly as opposed to the weekly format initially used.

Life’s a Beach – But It’s Just a Start

Can anyone say hat trick? With TAO Asian Bistro regularly crossing the 1,400 cover-mark and TAO Nightclub consistently sold out of VIP bottle service tables, it’s no wonder that the industry and general public alike are highly anticipating next week’s opening of the third component to the TAO complex, TAO Beach. Located directly above the nightclub, a mere stone’s throw away from the Venetian’s pool complex, TAO Beach might just be introducing Sin City’s most premium, poolside experience. With a heavy focus on amenities and services, TAO’s classic panache for Asian influenced décor and a grass roots style marketing approach, the management team at TAO believes they have a hit on their hands, and we have to agree. Even more amazing than what is awaiting sunbathers and day-walking partiers at the beach, is the master plan for the TAO brand and what may be coming next. However, before jumping into future growth and development, let’s get to the goodies that TAO Beach will be offering.

During an exclusive, sneak-peek tour with two of TAO’s ownership quartet, Rich Wolf and Jason Strauss, it’s clear that the TAO Beach venue was a challenge for the team. “Everything has a different twist because the venue was created for the daytime; the layout, the service formula, the marketing of the venue all requires a different approach,” said nightlife honcho Strauss before explaining how the unique TAO Beach experience will offer guests a ‘WOW’ factor from the moment they walk in the door. While the footprint the venue resides on is close to 18,000 square feet, the space is well broken up with a larger pool in the middle of the venue and a smaller ‘dipping’ pool off to the side. Seven amenity-laden cabanas and numerous daybeds dot the pool deck with mini-refrigerators at each one. In the cabanas, guests will find not only fridges but also plasma televisions, 360 Xbox gaming stations, DSL internet access and DVD libraries that are made available to guests. “We will have professional misters,” Strauss continues with a smile while comparing the position to a daytime version of TAO’s Mood Director. “They will help our guests control and regulate their temperature to ensure maximum comfort by the pool.” There will be sunglass cleaners to clean the specs of lounging guests, who will also be offering complimentary service of frozen fruit, frozen yogurt and even the retro-classic Freezies throughout the day. This is all in addition to a ton of original amenities like iPod rentals, complimentary sandals, and of course, what’s an upscale pool experience without terrycloth towels! While the cabanas and daybeds will be reserved with minimums, tanning ladies shouldn’t have to work that hard to find a spot in the sun, especially with a forty-foot giant day bed that will be reserved for women sporting plastic ‘Buddha Bands’, limited edition wristbands that will be given to local, industry ladies, reserving them a spot on the day bed. The main bar, located alongside the back of the venue, is backed by 100 calming Buddha heads that look over the venue and will certainly approve of the topless sunbathing that the private, 21+ pool deck will most certainly bring. The requisite DJ booth also got special attention for the design team, located above the pool and fronting a working fountain, the lush, green set-up is picturesque to say the least and Strauss believes, “It’s one of the most beautiful DJ booths I’ve ever seen.”

While TAO Beach will focus on the sunlight hours, the venue will also be used for nighttime activities, starting with several planned happy hour promotions and an alleged ‘Sunset Sessions’, house music-inspired Sunday evening party. Later in the night, the venue will become an extension of the club, with four centered 14-foot, fire columns shooting flames into the night, proving that not all of the fun was saved for the daytime. During daylight hours, guests will enter TAO Beach via the Venetian swimming pool entrance, however, a nighttime entrance located on the concourse outside TAO will enable visitors to skip the crushed front door and climb their way to the pool via an internal stairway. The usual TAO suspects will be helping out with the beach club with newly hired Chad Saunders, shouldering a large bulk of the responsibility. Saunder’s is a great fit for TAO Beach having cut his teeth with promoter Jack LaFleur at the Hard Rock Hotel’s weekly pool party Rehab. With a connection to the city’s biggest daytime party, industry locals will feel comfortable trusting Chad’s choice of pool side venue.

While TAO Beach should have you excited, it’s just the beginning for the blossoming hospitality company that has an ambitious master plan for the future. “TAO Started as a restaurant brand,” says Wolf, referring to the NYC original that consistently ranks as one of the nation’s highest grossing independent restaurants, “when we came to Las Vegas we added a nightclub component and a banquet component because we are based in a convention hotel. ” Wolf continues speaking publicly of TAO’s master plan for the first time, “The strength of the brand deserved more components, and with the addition of the TAO Beach club, that makes three. We also have two more components in development, the TAO Hotel brand and the TAO Spa brand.” So it would seem as though the future is bigger than anyone might have guessed. “Each of these brands is hospitality driven and as such, they are natural extensions of each other. This will enable us to go anywhere in the world with any combination of the five, or even all five!” Wolf quickly quiets when probed on where future TAO facilities might land, however, rumors centering on Miami, Los Angeles, Cabo San Lucas and Dubai in the Arab Emirates have all surfaced at one time or another. Wolf does concede that there are currently three front-runners for the next TAO complex, as well as plenty of offers on the table in various destinations. “We will go where it makes sense,” he adds. For Wolf, TAO Beach is simply the next step in the brand’s progression, “This venue was really a new canvas for TAO, and it will help take us one step closer to the master plan!”

We know, after reading all about the amazing new venue, you want to check it out for yourself don't you? Don't worry, we got you covered, the folks at TAO want you to see the venue too so they asked us to host The MAIN Event: Industry Opening of TAO Beach. On Thursday, May 3rd at 9P, our legions of readers will be among the very first to see the new
poolside venue, dip their toes in the water and dance the night away under the stars. As an added benefit, we will also be celebrating Bryan Bass' 'Dirty 30' birthday party downstairs in the club afterwards. It should be an amazing evening and fantastic party. We're pretty sure our RSVP list will fill up for this one so don't delay!
http://www.thevegaseye.com/index.html

Galaxy Cannery Theatres to host 72-hour Spider-Man 3 Marathon Event 

Galaxy Cannery Theatres will have moviegoers spinning a web of excitement during a 72-hour marathon event for the Spider-Man 3 premiere. The marathon begins on Thursday, May 3 at 11:59 p.m. at the Galaxy Cannery Theatres located inside the Cannery Casino & Hotel.
 
The thrill of the first two Spider-Man movies left audiences’ “spider senses” tingling in anticipation of the newest Spider-Man film, based on the legendary Marvel Comics series. Galaxy Cannery Theatres invites guests to experience Spider-Man 3 in high definition via DLP Cinema projectors and state-of-the-art digital sound. Showing hourly on five screens, movie lovers can watch Spider-Man 3 at any hour throughout the marathon weekend. The first 1,000 customers will receive an authentic Spider-Man 3 t-shirt. Adult admission is $10 for Friday and Saturday evening shows, $9.75 for Sunday evenings and $7 for matinees. A discounted rate is applied to children and senior citizens.  
 
With auditorium-style seating and premium high definition picture and sound, Galaxy Cannery Theaters was voted ‘Best Movie Theater’ by the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s 2007 Best of Las Vegas poll.  As the only all-digital theater multiplex in town, “Catching a flick on the giant screen in the auditorium of the Galaxy Cannery Theatres is like being in the movie itself,” according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “The Cannery delivers on its 14 screens sights and sounds sharp enough to cut glass.”

About Casino Gambling: Carry Emergency Identification By Bill Burton

Do you carry any emergency identification card with you?

This is a card that contains the name and phone number of someone who can be contacted if you are in an accident or taken ill. When we go away on vacation, the last thing on our minds is an accident or illness, but in reality anything can happen. If you should become incapacitated, time could become an important factor while emergency workers try to contact someone who can make decisions about your care. A simple card with the name and number of your next of kin could save valuable minutes and in some cases maybe even your life.

I just returned from Las Vegas. While I was there I met my friend Dennis in the casino for a playing session. We had not seen each other for six months and I asked him what was new. He told me about a terrifying experience that had happened to him.

More Here:
http://casinogambling.about.com/od/casinoplayerinformation/a/Emergency.htm

Vegas Values Report for 4/22/07

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

NORM: Carmen Electra magically gone.

Moving quickly to bring stability after Carmen Electra's meltdown, producers will introduce a "world-famous new guest star" as Hans Klok's assistant in "The Beauty of Magic," which opens next month at Planet Hollywood Resort.

The new addition, who will be introduced at a news conference today, has agreed to a multimillion-dollar contract. The development comes five days after Electra's unhappiness with the show was first reported here.

The show was to go into previews last week but was postponed after Electra struggled with her role. The opening was delayed a week, from May 12 to May 19, but that could change, depending on the new star's ability to learn her role.

It would be the second time Electra, a former "Baywatch" star, failed to get to opening night with a show at the property.

She was to join Klok in "Lumiere" at the Aladdin in late 2001. She had appeared at a news conference and posed for publicity photos. But the show never got off the ground when the Aladdin went into bankruptcy.

A source tells me cast and crew members were forced to sign confidentiality agreements after the story broke Friday, on Electra's 35th birthday.
ReviewJournal.com - News - NORM: Carmen Electra magically gone

MIKE WEATHERFORD: Singer pushing on despite slow start.

Martin Nievera says he almost canceled a show last week because it had sold only 12 tickets. But he's glad he didn't, because part of that dozen had come all the way from Alaska to see him.

That sums up the singer's quandary as he watched a dream turn into a nightmare. Nievera's attempt to become a Las Vegas headliner has become a day-to-day proposition in Steve Wyrick's theater at the Desert Passage mall.

But Nievera comes to Las Vegas with a strong following as a pop star in the Philippines. If his core audience can find him — or be assured the show will be open if they plan a trip — he says they will support him long enough to build a wider audience. "I know what I can do if you give me the chance."

More Here:
http://www.lvrj.com/living/7199866.html

 

 

 

 

Posted on April 27th, 2007 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Newsletter