Black Eyed Peas frontlady Fergie stops at The Pearl at the Palms on July 28. Tickets are $75 and $125 and go on sale at noon Saturday at The Pearl box office, 4321 W. Flamingo Road, and Ticketmaster outlets.

The original Motor City Madman, Ted Nugent, plays the House of Blues on Aug. 11. General admission tickets are $42 in advance, $45 day of show, seated tickets are $55 and special reserved seats are $65. They go on sale at 10 a.m. today at the venue box office and Ticketmaster outlets.

Pop diva Chaka Khan visits the Luxor Theatre on June 15 and 16. Tickets are $49, $59 and $79 and are on sale at the Luxor box office, 3900 Las Vegas Blvd. South, and Ticketmaster outlets.

Long-running soul favorites The Stylistics perform at the pool at the Silverton on June 2. Tickets are $20 and are on sale at the Silverton ticket sales counter, 3333 Blue Diamond Road.

Fancy footwork will be replaced by a couch potato when "Defending the Caveman" follows "Simply Ballroom" at the Golden Nugget. The British ballroom revue takes its final bows May 31, and the one-man theater piece debuts June 1 in the hotel's 600-seat theater. Shows before June 21 are considered previews, with tickets priced at about $35.

"Caveman" is advertised as Broadway's longest-running solo piece for its 674 performances from 1995 to 1997. Long-form comedy — essentially, a stand-up act with a narrative and sometimes with serious moments — is one of the last genres yet to receive a committed test on the Strip. The biggest hit on Broadway of late was Billy Crystal's "700 Sundays."

For those curious enough to investigate, "Matsuri" was a refreshing change of pace; an athletic pack of young people doing gymnastics and acrobatics with a comedic flair.

Saxe was holding meetings this week trying to figure out whether to keep the title and how much to Westernize the production.

“Members of the Alliance are committed to standards of care that surpass current regulatory requirements of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal Welfare Act,” said Alliance Executive Director Marilee Menard.  “The recent accreditation of The Mirage Dolphin Habitat indicates the facility excels in providing care for their dolphins.”   

To become accredited, The Mirage Dolphin Habitat underwent a stringent on-site inspection.  During the two-day examination, reviewers evaluated the facility on a wide range of criteria including training, husbandry, veterinary care, enrichment and food preparation.  Education and research programs also were assessed.  Like all Alliance-accredited institutions, The Mirage Dolphin Habitat will face recertification every five years. 

Scott Sibella, president and COO of The Mirage, said “Excellence in animal care is the first priority of The Mirage Dolphin Habitat.  This prestigious accomplishment shows the ongoing commitment and dedication to care, research and public education by our entire animal care staff.  We are extremely proud to join one of the world’s most esteemed voices in marine mammal care.”  

The Mirage Dolphin Habitat is home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.  Specialists from around the world lent their expertise in creating a safe, healthy environment for their care.  The size of their aquatic home exceeds government regulations by more than eight times. 

The general public is invited to explore the habitat at their leisure.  Educators are located poolside to answer questions and provide narratives on dolphin/trainer interactions. 

Dave Blasko, director of animal care for The Mirage, said, "The dolphins and animal care staff of The Mirage provide an unequalled educational experience to the local community as well as to visitors from around the world.  By providing an up close and personal experience, we touch hundreds of thousands of people every year and make a real impact in promoting wildlife conservation." 

To help further advance awareness, a special “Trainer for a Day” program allows guests the unforgettable opportunity to work side-by-side with Mirage animal experts.  During the daylong session, participants take part in the daily care and training of the dolphins while learning about their health and behavior.      

 Another educational program, developed by The Mirage animal care staff and the Clark County School District, provides kindergarten through 12th grade students the chance to visit the Dolphin Habitat and learn about the fragility of the planet’s marine ecology.   

Menard said, “Dave Blasko has been on the Alliance Board of Directors since 2006.  A valued member of the marine mammal community, he is highly respected for taking the lead on international conservation issues.”

Founded in 1987, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums is the first and largest organization in the world dedicated to the concerns and issues that affect the public display of marine mammals.

Even if you don't gamble, there's a reason to head west to Las Vegas. Without the family in tow, Vegas can be an ideal girls-only getaway, with luxurious spas, lavish meals, amazing shopping and stunning natural scenery. Spending a long weekend here with your best gal pals is the perfect escape from reality. In late spring, when the heat of summer hasn't yet overtaken this desert oasis, Vegas is quite comfortable.

Once summer sets in, the heat can be oppressive. But don't rule out a visit in June, July or August, because that's when you'll often find the best deals of the year on hotels.

Besides, you can enjoy plenty of what Vegas has to offer without ever leaving the air conditioning. If you don't plan to strike it rich in the casinos, here's what to do once you and your girlfriends arrive:

More Here:
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/travel/20070513_Girlfriends__Vegas_is_for_gal_pals__too.html

The Stardust, after 48 years on the Las Vegas Strip, is gone. The Venetian, opened in 1999, is about to double in size. And the casino formerly known as the Aladdin, just seven years old, is putting the finishing touches on a massive makeover as Planet Hollywood.

Las Vegas, always in transition, is at it again and, as usual, making itself bigger, taller, ritzier and, according to some, more urbane. The difference this time is that some of the buildings are being designed not merely to shout for attention but to actually complement each other.

More Here:
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/travel/20070511_Inviting_evolving__Vegas.html

A quick rundown of Vegas magicians, past and present:

Doug Henning – dead.
David Copperfield – makes an annual appearance in Vegas.
Steve Wyrick – who?
Rick Thomas – fourth rate tiger wrangler/magician, a very cheap imitation of you-know-who.
David Blaine – boring as hell.
Criss Angel – magician for teenage girls.
Penn & Teller – to see their best work, watch their show “Bullshit” on Showtime.

Of course, though, the two best magicians to ever grace the stage in Las Vegas are now retired, but not of their own accord. Roy Horn continues to make unbelievable strides in his recovery from the unfortunate event that happened nearly four years ago and the subsequent stroke that left him confined to a wheelchair until recently. Siegfried Fischbacher, his devoted and patient partner, stays at his side and offers his unwavering encouragement — who can forget him yelling “You’re doing it Roy!” with his thick Bavarian accent as Roy walked in physical therapy in front of a bunch of cameras and Maria Shriver? After nearly 50 years together, the personal magic between Siegfried and Roy is still there, but what of the pivotal role they played in bringing magic to the Strip. When Siegfried told Barbara Walters that the show was over back in 2003, did magic end in Vegas, too?

Well, the head honchos of the Planet Hollywood Casino Resort (formerly known as the Aladdin) don’t think so, and are hedging their bets on a Dutch illusionist named Hans Klok to bring back magic in a big way by giving him his very own show beginning in April. Hans, if you take a look at the photo, with his blond hair and high cheekbones, bears more than a passing resemblance to Siegfried (especially during his Frontier Hotel days with Roy). Klok’s partner in this show is not a brunette with a passion for tigers, but sex kitten and actress Carmen Electra.

This, folks, should be very interesting. Interesting because you can’t just create a magic show, it has to be a magic show. What do I mean by that? There has to be a certain amount of chemistry between the magician and whoever is on stage with him at the time. In other words, the Klok-Electra teaming is more of a merging of corporate interests than a merging of personalities. For example, Siegfried and Roy met back in 1959 (some say 1957) — two poor boys from Germany fleeing miserable lives and who landed jobs on the intercontinental luxury liner TS Bremen.

There is no need to get too personal about their relationship, mostly because they’ve never really talked about it (maybe that’s why they’ve stayed together for so long, and it is none of our business anyway). Professionally, Siegfried and Roy worked their way out of seedy clubs in Paris and Germany and made it to the bright lights of Las Vegas where they were told that magic doesn’t work. They persevered and became the de facto Kings of Las Vegas - earning the fame and riches they’d eventually acquire night after night. There has always been a mystique and aura about Siegfried and Roy, seeing their faces on that huge marquee in front of the Mirage was otherworldly – they were the guardians of Las Vegas Boulevard. There are other magicians on the Strip who have earned a degree of success, but nothing compared to Fischbacher & Horn; and there have been others who have failed miserably in an attempt to be copycats.

I’ve got nothing bad to say about Hans Klok or Carmen Electra – unlike most women I think she is very attractive and smart. I’m not about to bash her out of spite. However, I think that these casino execs who think they can magically conjure up some great new magic show in the blink of an eye are going to find nothing but failure. Audiences know when something is real instead of fake, even in a town where people often take chances. Such chances have to be borne of fate, chemistry, luck, and yes, a little bit of magic in the stars.
http://www.vegastripping.com/features/feature.php?feature_id=108&page=1

Centrally located on Las Vegas Boulevard, Diablo’s Cantina will be a casual yet alluring dining and drinking destination.  Its open-air design will provide an inviting and high-energy environment to help set the festive tone.  Diablo’s will combine all the fanfare and charm of a Mexican coastal cantina with the excitement and vibe of a lively “people-watching” hot spot.  Mixing “Old World” style with modern technology, Diablo’s décor will feature vibrant colors with rustic tile and furniture as well as 10 large plasma screens throughout for sports and entertainment viewing.  One-of-a-kind, hand-painted murals will add character to Diablo’s space.  A staff of sultry señoritas will add a touch of spice and excitement to Diablo’s Cantina while roaming tequila vixens will get the party started.

The first floor will incorporate the main dining area with a hip bar and lounge.  Guests will be able to enter from a Strip-front entrance that will feature a walk-up frozen/specialty drink bar, or through the casino.  The second floor will include an open-air center bar area and stage for live music, rotating entertainment acts and weekend DJs.  The patio will be a perfect setting for carefree fun in the sun or under the desert moon. 
                                                                      
Executive Chef Brian Massie’s menu will include a cross between south-of-the-border favorites such as the Diablo’s Beef Chili Nachos and Spicy Grilled Shrimp Quesadilla plus a unique spin on some traditional American classics including The Diablo Death Wings, spicy chicken wings served with a smoked jalapeno blue cheese sauce, and Diablo’s 15-ounce Burger.  In addition, Diablo’s will offer an array of salads and appetizers, taco and burrito combinations and sandwich and meat platters.  The large portion sizes will encourage sharing and ensure that no one leaves hungry.    

Diablo’s Cantina also will feature an extensive menu of luscious libations including specialty margaritas, mojitos, sangrias and a variety of rare and exotic tequilas.  The signature margaritas will come in two sizes: individual or large for table sharing.  The Mangorita, a mix of Cabo Wabo Blanco, Mango Nectar and fresh lime, will offer a sweet yet refreshing take on the original margarita.  The Cantina will boast a collection of frozen and specialty drinks; guests can choose from a frozen Tropical Hurricane, with Appleton Estate Rum, Guava, Papaya and Mango, or the specialty South of the Border Martini, watermelon-infused tequila, Watermelon Brizard and fresh lime juice.          

“Fueled by the combination of great food, high-octane entertainment, an open-air design in the center of the world's most exciting location and, of course, tequila, Diablo’s will be like Spring Break year-round!” said Oliver Wharton, The Light Group’s director of Restaurant Operations.

Diablo’s Cantina marks the beginning of a Monte Carlo transformation.  The resort, which recently received its first AAA Four Diamond Award, combines a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere with non-stop action and excitement.  Its sparkling pools, charming accommodations and friendly staff combined with a casual brew pub, the breathtaking illusions of Master Magician Lance Burton and the AAA Four Diamond Andre’s French restaurant make Monte Carlo a destination to remember.

Monte Carlo President Randy Morton said, “The addition of Diablo’s Cantina will create a new level of excitement at Monte Carlo.  The vibrant and inviting atmosphere of the restaurant’s exterior will be a hint of what awaits inside.”

Yes, the Strip has Bobby Flay, Bellagio and trendy ultralounges.

But it also has $30 buffets, $300 bottles of booze and $100-plus concert ticket prices.

If you want a taste of old Las Vegas, along with the price, downtown's the place for you.

"Some of Vegas' absolute best deals are still down there," said Anthony Curtis, publisher of the Las Vegas Advisor, a monthly newsletter that keeps subscribers up to date on the latest news and best deals in town.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/bestoflv/2007/downtownfeature.html

Did so much ever ride on the shoulders of a conniving showman and a King Arthur who can't afford a horse?

The fate of "The Producers" and "Monty Python's Spamalot" — the former up and running and the latter in previews for a March 31 grand opening — may decide for the rest of the decade whether Broadway musicals have a future on the Strip.

If audience applause drowns out the clopping sound of those coconuts that sub for Arthur's steed in "Spamalot" at Wynn Las Vegas, the door may still be open for at least one more title, the Venetian-bound "Jersey Boys."

"Vegas loves a brand and this is a great brand," says "Spamalot" star John O'Hurley, also known for "Seinfeld" and "Family Feud." "They love a spectacle and a brand and you've got to have both if you want to be successful in Las Vegas."

T. Fox was born to entertain.

It must be in his genes, something you notice when he and his mother perform their cabaret act for a dinner show at the Stage One Night Club.

When T. Fox finishes "Mona Lisa," he hands off the microphone to Mama Fox. She belts out "What a Difference a Day Makes" while her son rushes to a dressing room to change costumes.

Mama Fox - real name Maria Jackson - sings, dances and mingles with the crowd, giving her son time to catch his breath. In her day, she performed with legends such as Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughan and once backed up Billy Eckstine.

And Mama Fox installed the engine that drives T. Fox to make sure his audience has a good time. The 43-year-old entertainer is in constant motion from the moment he hits the stage, refusing to allow anyone to be bored at one of his dinner shows.

More Here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2007/apr/02/566678035.html