Everything Las Vegas Issue # 627
June 9th, 2007
Deal could lead to Elvis-themed casino.
By ARNOLD M. KNIGHTLY/Las Vegas REVIEW-JOURNAL
Elvis Presley could be making a return to the Strip.
New York-based entertainment group CKX, which controls the late singer's image, announced Friday it was paying $100 million for a 50 percent stake in FX Luxury Realty, part of a group has a 13 percent stake in Riviera Holdings Corp. and a separate investment in 18 acres on the Strip.
CKX owns licensing rights to the names and images of Presley and Muhammad Ali, and operates Presley's Graceland estate. It also owns rights to "American Idol" and similar programming in other countries.
FX Luxury plans to develop Elvis- and Ali-themed projects in Las Vegas, according to a CKX statement.
More Here:
http://www.lvrj.com/business/7804002.html
'OCEAN'S THIRTEEN': CineCity.
Las Vegans ride the tide at festival.
By CAROL CLING/Las VegasREVIEW-JOURNAL
Las Vegans caught the "Ocean's Thirteen" wave Wednesday as the big-screen sequel launched the ninth annual CineVegas film festival, attracting many of its stars to the Palms — with hordes of star-struck fans screaming at the sight of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Andy Garcia and Ellen Barkin.
And for once, Vegas cool was a reality, not a state of mind.
A balmy, post-windstorm breeze wafted through the Palms' porte-cochere as fans, armed with digital cameras and picture-taking cellular phones, waited hours for the stars to come out.
But the "Ocean's Thirteen" crew came to support more than their movie and the film festival, which continues through June 16 at the Palms.
More Here:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/7880631.html
Steve's Las Vegas Quickies
Illusionist Criss Angel, the first headliner to team up with Cirque du Soleil, has signed a 10-year contract at the Luxor, with a five-year option that could extend it to 15, it was announced Tuesday. Angel's 4,600-show run with Cirque begins in summer 2008.
ReviewJournal.com - News - NORM
Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld are returning to The Comedy Festival Nov. 14-17 at Caesars Palace.
The curtain crashed during the "Springtime for Hitler" number in "The Producers" (Paris Las Vegas) on Saturday. "One of the performers yelled, 'Ach du lieber!' ('Oh, heavens!'), and they all exited the stage," a witness said. Co-stars Brad Oscar (Max Bialystock) and Larry Raben (Leo Bloom) came on stage and kibitzed with the crowd. Bit of sad news if you're an Elvis fan. Steve Connolly, who has been performing his tribute to Elvis at Fitzgerald's downtown, is throwing in the towel June 12 after a four-year run. Hopefully he'll find another venue as he puts on a good show. The El Cortez downtown, which is the anchor property for the new Fremont East District, has opened a new valet and porte cochere entrance. By the end of 2007, the El Cortez will have undergone approximately $20 million in renovations. British actor Orlando Bloom's wax figure of pirate Will Turner has sailed into Las Vegas and joined his crewmate Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) shipboard alongside a treasure chest of gold and jewels and a bottle of rum at Madame Tussauds. The nice element to this museum is guests can pose and take pictures with the life-sized wax figures. Pop singer Jewel will be the first to perform at the new Las Vegas Springs Preserve 1,800 seat outdoor amphitheater, June 9 at 8pm. Concert tickets start at $45. In addition to the amphitheater the Springs Preserve which opens June 8, includes colorful desert animal habitats and plantlife gardens with walking trails that extend for a mile and a half through a wetland habitat, a photo gallery documenting the early days of Las Vegas and in 2008 will add a State Museum. Admission is $18.95, $10.95 for children under 18 and free under age 5. The 8th Annual Firefighter Bachelor Auction is scheduled for June 15th at The Palms Casino. It benefits the Burn Foundation of Southern Nevada. The 8th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards will be held Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. It will be the first time that Las Vegas has hosted this event. Nominations will be announced Wednesday, August 29. Throughout the "We're Gonna Rock Your Summer" promotion running Sunday through Aug. 16 at the Four Queens, Royal Players Club members earn gifts and free play in addition to normal cashback. After earning 40 points ($200 coin-in; no point redemption required) during the promotion dates, members will receive a T-shirt. Those earning 400 points will get $25 in free slot play, and if they earn another 600 points, they will get an additional $50 in free slot play. And those who manage to earn 2,500 points during the promotion will get a Crosley CD/radio jukebox. Blackjack players with a $20 average bet also are eligible, so check the posted rules. VooDoo Cafe at the Rio, 3700 W. Flamingo Road, has been renamed VooDoo Steak. Menu items include a 24-ounce dry-aged porterhouse, 10-ounce Wagyu flatiron steak and the VooDoo Menage a Trois, with a 6-ounce filet mignon, half cold-water lobster tail and grilled prawns. Little Macau, an Asian-themed tavern, has opened at 3939 Spring Mountain Road, serving food billed as "Macanese meets Las Vegas." Signature cocktails and beer from Macau also will be served in the contemporary Asian atmosphere. NORM: Alex Rodriguez hits with stripper.
ReviewJournal.com - News - NORM
reviewjournal.com — Lenny's Las Vegas
LVLG: Brett's Vegas Views
Las Vegas News for Visitors
Las Vegas Advisor - Features & News - Today's News
ReviewJournal.com - Neon - PLAYER'S EDGE
ReviewJournal.com - Neon - RESTAURANT NEWS
ReviewJournal.com - Neon - RESTAURANT NEWS
The New York Post reported Friday that Joslyn Noel Morse, 30, who most recently performed at Scores, 3355 Procyon St., was with Rodriguez last week when the two were photographed on their way to a strip club.
Morse worked at Scores from May 2005 to last October, a source told me.
The Post ran a Page 1 photo of Morse from her topless shoot that appeared in Playboy's October 2001 edition of "Casting Calls."
Rodriguez is married and was seen with his wife on Thursday night in Boston.
ReviewJournal.com - News - NORM: Alex Rodriguez hits with stripper
NORM: Pamela Anderson makes hot debut.
Pamela Anderson's Las Vegas magic show got off to a smokin' start.
Midway through Friday's final preview, fire sirens went off moments after Anderson made her grand entrance amid a pyrotechnic haze in "The Beauty of Magic" at the Planet Hollywood Theater.
After some confusion over whether the siren was part of the act, the room was evacuated as smoke seeped onstage from a small pyrotechnic fire that broke out backstage.
"I didn't realize I was so hot," Anderson told the crowd, estimated at 1,000.
An announcement said the source of the smoke was being sought. A "very orderly" evacuation emptied the venue, and the fire was quickly contained, with no one injured, according to Amy Sadowsky, spokeswoman for Planet Hollywood.
The audience was offered a refund or free tickets to another performance.
Anderson performs as a magician's assistant with featured illusionist Hans Klok.
ReviewJournal.com - News - NORM: Pamela Anderson makes hot debut
STRIP TIPS: FEEL THE G-FORCES.
From The Las Vegas Review Journal
The Big Shot at the Stratosphere gives riders the chance to experience weightlessness and pull 4 Gs at the same time.
The ride launches passengers at 45 mph, 160 feet into the air. That's in addition to being on the observation deck, 900 feet above the ground. It lasts for only one minute but it's a thrilling minute.
The attraction is open from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays and until 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 2000 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Tower admission is $7 for locals and $10.95 for others; the ride costs $9.
Strip Tips is a weekly feature by Sonya Padgett that highlights attractions and activities on the Las Vegas Strip.
ReviewJournal.com - Living - STRIP TIPS: FEEL THE G-FORCES
MIKE WEATHERFORD: Efforts aiming to preserve 'Lost Vegas'
From The Las Vegas Review Journal
Is there a chance "Lost Vegas" could be truly lost now?
Local Web columnist Esther Lynn recently caught me up to the March death of Tim Onosko. Obituaries clued me in to the fact that the 60-year-old Wisconsin resident was primarily known as a Walt Disney "Imagineer," influential in the design of EPCOT Center.
But in the narrow world of Las Vegas entertainment, Onosko made his mark at the CineVegas festival in 2005. It was one of the few places where anyone has seen "Lost Vegas: The Lounge Era," his documentary about the lounge legends of golden-age Vegas.
More Here:
http://www.lvrj.com/living/7812472.html
Vegas Values Report for 6/3/07
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: Hasselhoff wants a bit of 'old Vegas'
David Hasselhoff is in talks to bring a Rat Pack-style, cabaret-style show to Las Vegas.
During his red carpet appearance on the opening night of "The Beauty of Magic" at Planet Hollywood Resort, Hasselhoff said his stint with "The Producers" was such a hit that he has approached several properties, including Planet Hollywood, about doing a "Vegas cool" show.
"I think there's a niche to bring back the old Vegas,'' Hasselhoff told me. "I've seen the rooms, I've talked to Robert (Earl, owner of Planet Hollywood) about opening a theater in November, and I like it here. But I am coming back, and whether it's here or another hotel, we'll see."
ReviewJournal.com - News - NORM: Hasselhoff wants a bit of 'old Vegas'
JACKSON VIEWS 'BODIES'
Michael Jackson and his three children, all unveiled, got the VIP tour of "Bodies … The Exhibition" on Wednesday and went home with a miniature skeleton.
Jackson stopped at one point to lecture his children on the evils of smoking after they viewed a smoker's lung. Later, he stressed the importance of healthy eating.
After taking a tour of "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition," they stopped in the gift shop and purchased everything from a 33-inch skeleton to anatomy and pathology books to T-shirts featuring bones, brains and "a thinker."
ReviewJournal.com - News - NORM
Service, please!
What's a guy gotta do to get a drink in this town?
By Len Butcher/Las Vegas Review Journal
It seems to me that one of the better jobs in a casino would be a drink server, especially on the slots floor. Almost everyone playing orders at least one drink, usually more if they're sitting there for any length of time. The servers are only paid minimum wage, or at least I think they are, and the rest of their income comes from tips, which should add up to quite a bit of cash. That's right — CASH!
So wouldn't you think they would want to serve as many players as they could? Seems not, if my experience is any indication. Maybe it's only the servers at Station casinos, but they all seem to be taking part in a 100-yard dash through the casino as they almost run by, calling out, "Drinks, cocktails" but not waiting for an answer. You almost have to tackle them to get your order in. Anyway, just wanted to get that off my chest before I continue on with the column.
reviewjournal.com — Lenny's Las Vegas
BLUES, BREWS & BBQ
One of my favorite events is coming up at the Cannery in North Las Vegas June 15-16. It's the fifth annual Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival at The Club indoor/outdoor festival grounds. Along with great blues music, the two-day event at the resort will serve up various styles of barbecue from local restaurants along with craft brewed beers and hard ciders. If you can't decide what drinks to try, the "Brews Sampler Pack" offers eight-ounce samples of up to 10 different types of beers and ciders. The price of the sampler pack is only $20. What more can you ask for?
If you're hungry, several local restaurants, including H&H Barbeque, Seven Seas Seafood, Smoken' Sams, Martino's BBQ & Buffalo Wings and Soul 2 Soul Bistro will be serving up some of Las Vegas' best BBQ. You'll also be able to feast on corn on the cob and ice cream.
And no, I haven't forgotten about the blues part of the festival. On June 15, enjoy the sounds of Bettye LaVette and Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials along with several other acts. Called "The Great Lady of Soul," Bettye LaVette is considered one of the greatest soul singers in American music history. Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials are a house-rocking blues band who have often been compared to Elmore James and Hound Dog Taylor.
On Saturday, June 16, it's Coco Montoya and Bernard Allison along with several local blues acts. Montoya is one of the top-drawing guitarists and vocalists on the blues-rock scene. Festival hours are Friday, June 15 from 4 p.m. to midnight and Saturday, June 16 from 4 p.m. to midnight. Admission is $5 at the door. Now that's a deal.
reviewjournal.com — Lenny's Las Vegas
RIBBON OF LIFE
Wanna see a whole bunch of stars performing in one place? Then make sure you get tickets to the Golden Rainbow's 21st annual "Ribbon of Life" production show spectacular. The all-original, all-singing, all-dancing "Ribbon of Life" is staged June 23 and 24 in the Jubilee! Theater at Bally's. "Ribbon of Life" typically draws the city's top entertainers, and this year is no exception. Scheduled to appear are cast members of American Superstars, A New Day, Asian Pacific Performing Arts Alliance, Chippendales, Crazy Horse Paris, Fantasy, Folies Bergere, Jubilee!, Ka, Le Reve, Mamma Mia!, MGM Grand Productions, Missy Cochran Entertainment, O, Phantom the Las Vegas Spectacular, The Producers, Pussy Cat Dolls Lounge, Rat Pack, Rio Bevertainment, Sirens of TI, Spamalot, Studio 54, Tangerine, Tony Braxton Revealed and The World's Greatest Magic Show.
Show time is 1 p.m. each day. Tickets are $50, $75, $100, $200 and $250, and are available by calling (702) 384-2899. All proceeds benefit Golden Rainbow's mission to provide housing and direct financial assistance to southern Nevadans living with HIV/AIDS and to support prevention education.
reviewjournal.com — Lenny's Las Vegas
MUSCLE MUSICAL
Matsuri, the number one musical production in Japan, has opened at the Sahara and features Olympic medalists and world-class athletes performing a combination of acrobatics, dance, stunts and athletics set to high energy music. Matsuri mixes elements of Japanese culture to create a truly original show that is completely unique to this side of the globe. Gotta tell you, it's pretty impressive.
With more than 18 acts, Matsuri incorporates extreme sports, gymnastics, comedic routines and vibrantly colored costumes throughout the show. Japanese earth and foot drum dances are blended into the show and are performed by tapping, clapping and stomping to create heart-pounding rhythms. The talented cast consisting of 28 performers includes a world champion German wheel gymnast, world champion mountain biker, world-class Yo-Yo champion, world record hula hoop champion, a karate expert specializing in sword fight action stunts and a world record bungee jumping act.
Matsuri creator and famed Japanese producer Ushio Higuchi originally created a musical sports variety program for Japanese television. The stage production, which is called Muscle Musical in Japan, opened in 2001 and quickly became a huge attraction in Japan. "In Japan, we called it Muscle Musical to honor it as our concept of an American musical" said Higuchi. "In Las Vegas, we call it Matsuri, which means 'festival' and brings out its' Japanese origins.
"Each athlete and performer brings something new, unique and exciting to the production," said Nakamura. Matsuri performs Monday through Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Main Showroom, dark on Sunday. Tickets are $75.90 for general admission, $86.90 for VIP, $108.90 for Golden Circle and $42.90 for children. For advance reservations or ticket information, contact 702-737-2515.
reviewjournal.com — Lenny's Las Vegas
Brett's Vegas Views By Jackie Brett
This summer through Sept. 8, the Bellagio's Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is providing nostalgic stops honoring the historical Route 66, which is the 2,400-mile highway that connected Chicago to Los Angeles while passing through three time zones and eight states. The summer exhibit uses 10,000 flowers and 4,000 plants, seven flower species and three different trees.
The conservatory's route offers a roadside market replete with fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers and two carts. One stop on the Bellagio's Route 66 is a quiet town park with rose hedges and a three-tiered, 12-foot tall fountain with water gently flowing. The enchanting centerpiece is a 42-foot Ferris wheel in a country fair setting. High above the fair, three "cold air" balloons float up and down.
The Conservatory's Route 66 road trip ends as guests watch a classic convertible "drive" into the sunset. The 1962 fawn beige Corvette, on loan from the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Ky., is featured on a road of "Chocolate Chip" Ajuga plants and white statice flowers. A trio of vintage gas pumps, a desert landscape with Saguaro Cacti, and beautiful red Celosia and white azalea flowers provide the backdrop.
Legendary country artist Glen Campbell, who is one of the most recognized names in country music, will take the stage at The Showroom at the Golden Nugget June 29 and 30. Tickets start at $45 for his 9 p.m. shows, call 702-386-8100.
Campbell's career has spanned more than four decades, during which he has released more than 70 albums, sold 45 million records and racked-up 12 RIAA Gold albums, four Platinum albums and one Double-Platinum album. Additionally Campbell landed in the Top 10 an astounding 27 times, and has enjoyed cross-over success with hits such as "Rhinestone Cowboy" and "Southern Nights," both hitting the top of the country and pop charts. In 2005, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame by the Country Music Association of America.
More than a dozen Hollywood celebrities and sports legends are expected to join poker's greatest players to raise public awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Darfur in a special "Ante Up For Africa" tournament at the 2007 World Series of Poker presented by Milwaukee's Best Light. The brainchild of Academy Award nominee Don Cheadle and poker professional Annie Duke, the Ante Up For Africa tournament is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. on July 5 in the WSOP tournament area in the Rio.
"Four years ago, the specter of genocide reared its ugly head in an area of the Sudan called Darfur," said Cheadle, whose role as a hotel manager in the true-life film "Hotel Rwanda" earned him an Academy Award nomination. The movie told the story of the government-sanctioned slaughter of more than a million innocent people in Rwanda in 1994.
Cheadle, who is also an accomplished poker player, co-authorized the book "Not On Our Watch" with human-rights activist John Prendergast that was released nationwide this month.
Among those who've expressed their intent to play, subject to availability, are Hollywood stars Cheadle, Ben Affleck, Brad Pitt, Jason Alexander, Jennifer Tilley, Hank Azaria, George Clooney, Matt Damon, George Lopez, Danny Masterson, Mekhi Phifer, Ray Romano, Adam Sandler and James Woods.
Other expected participants expressing interest include basketball great Charles Barkley and poker notables Duke, Erik Seidel, Howard Lederer, Phil Hellmuth, Phil Gordon, Joe Hachem, Andy Bloch, Chris Ferguson, Barry Greenstein, Robert Williamson III, Phil Laak, Doyle Brunson, Phil Ivey, Ted Forrest, Mike Matusow and Clonie Gowan.
Participants in the $5,000 buy-in tournament, which is open to anyone, are also eligible to attend a private party at the Voodoo Lounge at the Rio beginning at 10 p.m. July 5. The tournament will feature a fast-paced structure designed to complete the competition within five hours.
Cafe Rio, a Utah-based restaurant chain specializing in fresh Rio Grande style Mexican cuisine, will open in Las Vegas on June 7 in Summerlin on the corner of Fort Apache. An interesting concept in casual dining, each Cafe Rio tortilla is hand rolled and cooked while patrons watch and the chefs are up with the sun squeezing up to nine cases of limes a day.
A second Las Vegas location will open in Henderson later this summer. Cafe Rio has 13 restaurants in Utah and two in Phoenix.
The Riviera will hold the first "Thank You Poker Tournament For Those Who Protect and Serve" on July 23, at 11 a.m. A total of 60 players including 20 policemen, 20 firemen and 20 highway patrolmen are being invited. This special benefit tournament will be staged in the poker room, which is putting up $l5, 000 towards the kick-off prize pool.
At the conclusion of the special benefit poker tournament, monetary prizes will be awarded to appropriate charitable organizations and the Riviera will also contribute extra gift prizes including show tickets, dinners, shirts, poker clocks and an assortment of special giveaway items. The public is invited. For information; call 702-794-9620.
http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/brett/index.htm
Packer Casino in the Cards
Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd (PBL,), the media empire founded by Australian tycoon Kerry packer and now run by his son, has entered into an agreement to form a joint venture to develop, construct, and operate a new casino in Las Vegas.
The new casino will be named Crown Las Vegas and will be situated immediately next door to the Fontainebleau Casino and Resort, in which PBL recently acquired a 20 per cent stake. The company has not yet applied for a Nevada Gaming License and if it does, will face close scrutiny regarding its involvement in Macau with Lawrence Ho, son of controversial casino operator Stanley Ho. (In a similar situation, MGM Mirage was recently cleared to work with Lawrence's sister Pansy.)
Las Vegas Advisor - Features & News - Today's News
SHOW REVIEW: Seen It All Before
'Beauty of Magic' a repeat of other shows without the punch.
By MIKE WEATHERFORD REVIEW-JOURNAL
I'm tempted to recommend "The Beauty of Magic" as a throwback for anyone who misses the Siegfried & Roy show, circa 1993.
Except that nobody ever had to wait an hour for Roy to show up.
You have to sit through about 50 minutes of pointing and posturing from Dutch magician Hans Klok to get 10 or 12 minutes of Pam Anderson, the marquee star whose micro-shorts were meant to add contemporary interest to this dated and unintentionally campy magic revue at Planet Hollywood.
Klok is the blond magician with the endearing accent, and for a few minutes at least, Anderson is the stage partner who shares the loopy banter. There's even an evil queen (Zarina Potapova) to death-trap our hero in this production directed by Anthony Van Laast, who was part of the creative team behind the groundbreaking "Siegfried & Roy at The Mirage."
More Here:
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/7900662.html
‘Sexiest Male’ McConaughey Immortalized In Wax
At Madame Tussauds Las Vegas.
Madame Tussauds Las Vegas customers selected Hollywood superstar Matthew McConaughey their “Sexiest Male Celebrity” and a life-sized, interactive wax figure of the actor was unveiled for public view in Madame Tussauds “Big Night” attraction.
“We asked our customers to help select who should be immortalized next in our attraction. We conducted a poll and asked them who they feel is Hollywood’s sexiest male celebrity. Matthew won in a landslide,” said Adrian Jones, general manager of Madame Tussauds Las Vegas.
The McConaughey figure is standing in a casual pose with legs crossed and arms folded, wearing a T-shirt and jeans. Keeping in line with the interactive nature of the attraction, guests getting ‘up close and personal’ can see if they can make his eyes actually twinkle – every girl’s dream! As in all Madame Tussauds attractions worldwide, guests can touch and be photographed with him.
On location in Australia, McConaughey said “I am glad to have stayed in the business long enough to make Madame Tussauds list. But, immortalized in wax, don’t light a match.”
Madame Tussauds is an international wax attraction that offers the public the unique opportunity to “interact” with famous people. Madame Tussauds operates museums in London, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Shanghai, New York and at The Venetian Resort – Hotel - Casino on “The Strip” in Las Vegas, NV. Madame Tussauds Las Vegas is open seven days a week. For attraction hours and pricing, call 702-862-7800.
http://www.casinotravelnews.com
Aristocrat Proudly Unveils Newest Game Concept In Its Double Standalone Progressive Line: Cashman Tonight.
Aristocrat Technologies Inc. announces today the approval and release of Cashman Tonight™ in all GLI jurisdictions.
Cashman Tonight is an extension of the popular Mr. Cashman brand and combines new bonus games featuring Mr. Cashman along with a Double Standalone progressive jackpot. “Mr. Cashman has always been a hit with players and we’re making game-play even more exciting by adding two standalone progressive jackpots with Cashman Tonight.” said Sean Evans, Aristocrat Technologies’ Vice President of Sales.
As a Double Standalone Progressive, Cashman Tonight features a two-level progressive jackpot. With the optional 10-credit ante bet, players are eligible to play the five second-screen features that lead to free credits, free games, multiplier substitutes and ultimately, the progressive jackpot.
Cashman Tonight is being released on two of Aristocrat’s top-performing base games, African Dusk and Wild Cougar and is now available with new pricing options.
http://www.casinotravelnews.com
Las Vegas Hilton Signs Diana Krall
To Four Exclusive Las Vegas Performances.
The Las Vegas Hilton has signed Grammy winner Diana Krall to her first Las Vegas appearance, with the popular entertainer performing four nights, June 14 -17 in the legendary Hilton Theater - featuring The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.
This exclusive engagement also marks the start of her three-month long U.S. tour in support of her latest release, From This Moment On (Verve). “Diana Krall is an incredible talent, and we’re delighted that the Las Vegas Hilton will be the site of her Las Vegas debut,” said Ken Ciancimino, the resort’s executive vice president. “Diana continues the Las Vegas Hilton tradition of bringing great entertainment to the next level.”
From This Moment On, both in songs, mood and delivery, reflects Krall’s personal love for that golden era of song-making, when Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole were in their prime. The Hilton engagement is one of only two exclusive performances featuring Krall with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, which also was featured on the album.
In 1993, Krall released her first album, Stepping Out, which she recorded with John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton. Her third, All for You: A Dedication to the Nat King Cole Trio (1996), was nominated for a Grammy and continued for 70 weeks on the Billboard jazz charts. She has won two Grammys, one for “Best Jazz Vocal Performance” (1999) for When I Look In Your Eyes (the first ever Jazz record nominated for “Best Album”) and the other for “Best Jazz Vocal Album” (2002) for Live in Paris.
Krall has transcended the barriers of genre to become a popular artist who has carved herself a permanent position at the top of the jazz charts.
Diana Krall will perform June 14-17 at 8 p.m. in the Hilton Theater. Tickets are Golden Circle $125.00 (plus tax and service charge); Remaining Front Orchestra $115.00 (plus tax and service charge); Rear Orchestra $105.00 (plus tax and service charge); and Balcony $95.00 (plus tax and service charge). Tickets can be purchased at the Las Vegas Hilton box office or by phone at 702-732-5755.
http://www.casinotravelnews.com
Slot Reviews By Gayle Mitchell
1) Playboy Get Lucky Wheel: Bally. 2 spins. 88-90%.
This QuarterMillion$ progressive entry is a 25 line video slot with a roulette style wheel. Your choices are pennies, nickels or quarters at 75 cents/spin.
When you line up five top symbols, the progressive jackpot resetting at $250,000 is yours.
The basic game consists of 3 wild symbols marked 2X 3X and 5X and when these symbols appear on the screen the jackpot is multiplied 2, 3 or 5 respectively.
3 Get Lucky Wheels will start the bonus round accompanied by a number of back lit arrows determined by the number of initial credits bet. You are then prompted to stop the wheels for your payout. 3 arrows in the bonus trigger equals 3 bonus amounts totaled.
Another QuarterMillion$ progressive is always welcome, so Get Lucky!
2) Prophecy: Aristocrat. 2 spins. 88-97%.
If you are going to have a theme slot based on prophecy, then you must include a likeness of Nostradamus. The bonus round is triggered by the scatter pay book symbol leading to a second screen featuring five prophecies. Upon selection, you are awarded up to 140 credits based on the initial bet and the 15 free spin round begins.
During these free spins, the crystal ball symbol is wild and multiplies any wins by 2, 3 or 5 and there is the possibility of 15 additional free spins during this sequence.
It doesn’t take a crystal ball to predict a winning slot with this version.
3) Three Witches: Atronic. 2-3 spins. 86-94%.
This slot mixes wizards and witches in that the wizard is wild and the three witches will start the bonus round when appearing on the first, third and fifth reels. This bonus round offers 10 free games and at this time, both witches and wizards are wild. This results in a high hit total and the chance for additional free spins within the bonus round.
Thus, this slot not only brings three witches but offers three opportunities for slot players; high credits, a longer playing time and high hit frequency even without playing maximum coin.
So, sit a spell and enjoy these benefits.
There is always a welcome mat out to new subscribers.
I encourage you to invite your family and friends to join us.
TO SUBSCRIBE: Send a blank e-mail to: CPon@casinoplayersezine.com
A confirmation message will be sent and require your reply.This Free ezine is published online twice/month.
Subscribers are notified by email when published.
Social House Showered with Las Vegas Rewards
Since the opening last fall of The Strip’s hippest dining establishment, Social House has won the hearts and taste buds of many Las Vegans. Most recently, Social House received “Best New Restaurant” by three of Las Vegas’ most esteemed publications – Las Vegas Weekly, Las Vegas Review-Journal and Las Vegas Life.
Las Vegas Weekly, a popular alternative publication, announced Social House was voted Las Vegas’ “Best New Restaurant” in its March 15 Readers’ Choice awards. The Las Vegas Review-Journal, Nevada’s most widely read newspaper, held its 26th Annual Best of Las Vegas Awards on March 24, at which Social House took home the honors of “Best New Restaurant” and “Best Asian Restaurant.” Earlier this year Social House was voted “Best New Restaurant on The Strip” at the Las Vegas Life 2007 Epicurean Awards on January 23.
"We are thrilled Social House has been such a success within the Las Vegas community," said Robert Frey, Managing Partner of Pure Management Group. "These honors are so rewarding for us and only encourage us to keep Social House as the absolute best place for a great dining experience on The Strip."
Thanks to its chic vibe and refreshing dining experience that can’t be found anywhere else, Social House has established a winning track record among those Las Vegans that indulge in the city’s thriving dining scene and has become a favorite dining destination.
Located inside Treasure Island atop Tangerine Lounge & Nightclub, Social House is the ideal spot for dinner and drinks with an exuberant ambiance and breathtaking view of The Strip. Designed with hip, modern décor, Social House features a DJ, full bar and signature cocktails that will quench anyone’s thirst.
Operating as both a restaurant and lounge, Social House specializes in contemporary Pan Asian cuisine and sushi for dinner and late-night dining. Executive Chef Joseph Elevado prepares the finest cuisine seven nights a week with signature menu items including Orange Peel Miso Marinated Cod and Snake River Farms Kobe Beef Three Ways: Carpaccio, Tataki & Tartar. Fresh fish and the most elite cuts of meat are featured on the menu as well as noodle dishes, sushi and sashimi providing an opportunity for great combinations of flavors presented with flair and innovation.
Exceptionally popular among Las Vegas locals and tourists alike, Social House has hosted the most prestigious of guests and has become the latest celebrity hot spot on The Strip. Stars such as Britney Spears, Linsday Lohan, Nick Lachey, Paris Hilton, Nicky Hilton and Eva Longoria have all dined in the innovative sushi restaurant that overlooks the excitement of Las Vegas Boulevard.
News from MGM MIRAGE
Mandalay Bay Redefines Casual Elegance with New Room Designs
Mandalay Bay’s new room designs set a new standard in accommodations. With plush textiles, vibrant colors and luxurious amenities, five new room choices Deluxe, Spa, Great Room, eXtra Bedroom or Sky View – combine modern comforts with chic sophistication. Ranging in size from 550 to 1,500 square feet, each room type assures a perfect night’s rest with pillow-top mattresses, triple-high-count sheets and down comforters. Guests also will discover floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious tubs, wireless high-speed Internet access, cordless phones with dual lines, iHome clock radios for iPods, in-room safes and his-and-her closets.
Fun in the Sun, Las Vegas Style
This summer, Las Vegas visitors are invited to dive into pool experiences like no other. From climate-controlled poolside gaming to a scintillating invitation to get as bare as you dare, these new venues are sure to make summer sizzle:
Already Voted One of the Best, Mandalay Beach Ups the Ante
Mandalay Beach, voted 2006’s “Best Pool in the U.S.” by TripAdvisor.com, will redefine fun-in-the-sun this June with the addition of Las Vegas’ only climate-controlled poolside gaming venue. Just feet from crystal-clear waves, a new three-story, glass-fronted Beach casino will invite guests to indulge at their leisure. The first level will offer a casual bar and grill while the second level will feature table games with expansive, open-air views. On the third floor, guests will find the spectacular Villas Soleil, luxury pool villas ranging from 250 to 500 square feet.
Dare to Get Bare at The Mirage
The Las Vegas pool experience heats up with Bare at The Mirage. VIP service is standard at this exclusive adult venue offering two luxury dipping pools, private daybeds and poolside chaise lounges. As guests enjoy the casual, European-style atmosphere, attentive staff provide a variety of complimentary services including chilled cucumbers for sun-weary eye, icy towels for sun-parched skin, and exotic frozen concoctions.
MGM buys parcels for new center
By Howard Stutz/Las Vegas Review Journal
MGM Mirage, which is currently 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.
The Las Vegas-based casino operator will announce this morning it has finalized two Strip land acquisition deals worth a combined $575 million that will give the company more than 100 contiguous acres for development stretching north from Circus Circus Drive to Sahara Avenue.
As part of the plans, MGM Mirage said it will refurbish the aging Circus Circus.
More Here:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/7096416.html
Venezia Luxury Suite at The Venetian - The VegasTripping Review 2007
When I think about the Venetian Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, the first things that comes to mind are gondola rides, sky painted ceilings, opera and the smell of chlorine.
The next wave of thoughts are a bit less sensory and more emotional: The Sands - A Place In the Sun. Ol' Blue Eyes, ol' Red Eyes and ol' Brown Eye… Frank, Dean, Sammy and their Sands-based travails with the rest of the Rat Pack. It doesn't take much for me to bust into a near word-for-word recitation of the entire "Rat Pack Live At The Sands" recording. By entire, I mean the songs, the schtick, the whole shebang. Don't get me started, please.
The final thought I have is the last time I visited the Sands before they blew the place up. I recall standing in my room at The Mirage, staring endlessly at The Sands' pulsing neon sign that alternately advertised "Frankie Valli - Live In Concert" and a $7.77 twin lobster tail special. Being a huge fan of the seafood, I had to head over there and score this lucky lobster special. What a mistake. The service? Bad. The vibe? Creepy. The food? Borderline gross. What they were calling 'lobster' tail was nothing more than an overcooked jumbo shrimp. Whenever I hear people talking about how they pine for the 'old Vegas,' I think about those tough, rubbery blobster tails. No thanks.
The closing and implosion of the Sands was a momentous occasion in Las Vegas. The era of old Vegas had officially ended, replaced by a theme wonderland where one could stroll through Paris and New York City in the same afternoon. Its these times wherein the Venetian, the $1.5 billion dollar mega-resort that opened in 1999, was born. The Venezia Tower - constructed over the top of a pre-existing parking garage - opened in 2003. A future addition to The Venetian complex, The Palazzo is currently racing towards completion on the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Sands Avenue.
We booked our Venetian reservation through online travel broker Travelocity. We had no intentions of staying at the Venetian, but the Travelocity rate for Venezia Luxury Suite - about $200/night - was too good of a deal to pass up. The same room booked through Venetian.com (if the website wasn't a broken mess for us Mac users - tsk tsk tsk) is normally $700 bucks for a weekend night. We arrived at the Venetian around 9pm, check in was a breeze and the desk staff was friendly but somewhat clinical in their interaction.
After completing all the standard registration tasks, the desk attendant gave us directions to the room: down the hall, around the corner, onto an elevator, around a corner, onto another elevator, down a hall, turn left then down another hall. What was that again? Down the hall, get on the elevator, make a right down the hall, get on another elevator, go down the hall, make a left and go down another hallway. Wha wha WHAT? Two elevators, three hallways, two vestibules, two lobbies and one security check to get to our room. I guess this is what happens when you build a tower on top of a parking garage.
NOTE:
This review is 8 pages long with photos and can be read here:
http://www.vegastripping.com/features/feature.php?feature_id=111&page=1
Book Review : Roll The Bones - The History of Gambling
From:vegastripping.com
It's probably safe to say that the act of wagering on the outcome of an event has been a part of human instinct for about as long as procreation. Gambling is basic human instinct, regardless of what religious and conservative politicos might want you to think. Nobody explains to a child what a 'bet' is, they just bet, or dare, their friends to eat bugs, kiss girls, flip baseball cards, pitch pennies, play bottle caps, shoot marbles - pee-wee league gambling. Humans have an ingrained desire to wager valuables to satisfy their thrill of jeopardy. We all have friends who boast about not being gamblers, yet get them involved in a round of Hold'Em or plop em in front of a fancy video slot machine and the beast comes out. Wagering, of money, people or assets, has been a part of human psyche for longer than written history has recorded it.
Given the ever-presence of gambling in human psychology, it is truly amazing that it has taken a few thousand years for the history of human predilection for betting to be documented thoroughly. Roll The Bones: A History Of Gambling by Dr. David Schwartz - Head of Gaming Studies at University of Nevada Las Vegas, is the most important book on gambling written in the last five thousand years, if ever. Exhaustively researched over a two-year period, "Roll The Bones" documents the history, tools and machinations of gambling from the earliest discovery of primitive dice to the grand opening of the most advanced and expensive casino in the world - Wynn Las Vegas. Roll The Bones' twenty-one, info-stuffed chapters is not a casual airplane read, but instead a tremendous achievement that will provide every gambler with a taste for history - or vice versa - a lifetime companion. Every page is stacked with fascinating anecdotes, interesting cross-cultural linkages, dramatic swings of the political pendulum and more facts than Las Vegas has seen quarters.
Las Vegas is, for all intents and purposes, the gambling capital of the world - and a post-modern world unto itself. Its no accident that many of the resorts in Las Vegas base their theme on Earthly locations where gambling has had an exciting history. LuXor, for example, is a steel and glass replica (sort of) of the ancient Egyptian Pyramids. The commonality these constructs share is reliance on a workforce of gamblers to complete their construction. In LuXor's case, the millions of visitors to place bets at the tables and machines inside. The ancient Egyptian Pyramids were constructed of stones quarried by prisoners, most of whom were found guilty of participating in rampant illegal gambling. The population of Venice, Italy (Venetian) were instrumental in the creation of the casini, among other major contributions to the evolution of gambling. The Italians (Bellagio) as a whole played a huge role in the introduction of the traditional four suit, 52-card deck to Europe and, in turn, the rest of the world, after they got it from the Persians, who got it from the Chinese. The French (Monte Carlo, Riviera, Paris) were one of the first governments to set up legal lotteries to help pay for public projects - the prototypical Powerball. The English (who are represented with squat as far as resort themes go) incorporated casino-style gambling into resorts that were built around natural hot springs - the first ever casino spas. In North America, gambling is deeply rooted in New Orleans (Harrah's, Orleans) where craps, poker and sharpies were a part of daily life. While Roll The Bones isn't about Las Vegas specifically - check out Dr. Schwartz' Suburban Xanadu for a history of Las Vegas - many of the subjects in it will resonate with attentive and aware Vegas visitors.
Las Vegas is known as a city which chooses to cyclically rebuild itself rather than preserve its history. It is the designers, business people and architects that have defined Las Vegas' first 100 years with has a keen - and possibly unintentional - understanding of the history of gambling. As a result, today's Las Vegas is a synergetic synthesis of the global roots of gambling, grounding its current and future fruit with anchors in gambling cultures and locales of the past. It is in this current context that resortitechture of the latest wave of grand gambling halls - Wynn Las Vegas and CityCenter - are a beacon for a Las Vegas that exists in and of its own personality.
Roll The Bones thoroughly covers the evolution of gambling from all corners of the known humaniverse, with the only exception being sub-Saharan Africa. This omission is probably caused by a lack of written history in the region than any oversight by Dr. Schwartz. One can assume that tribal bookies took odds on African football games where the pigskin was a human skull. Regardless of the lack of African gambling lore, Roll The Bones is an indispensable resource. I'll bet you $5 it'll blow your mind.
http://www.vegastripping.com/features/feature.php?feature_id=112&page=1
Sadilow Fanilows
When clusters of "Fanilows" trudge into the women's restroom to share in a group cry, you know it's a bad night. That was the scene, or a sub-scene, at the usually well-oiled machine that is the Las Vegas Hilton on Friday night. An already seated full-house audience was told that Barry Manilow's show would be cancelled about 45 minutes after its scheduled 8 p.m. start. So late was the announcement that those who held VIP tickets had met and greeted the star, as is custom for those who pay the premium $225 for the experience. What we hear from someone in attendance is that the crowd was told at 8:15 there were technical problems and to sit tight (ouch!). After another 15 minutes the fans began the clapping, a tradition among impatient concert-goers. After another 15 minutes the show was called off, leading to cursing and crying and (of course) refunds. But Manilow was back Saturday night and all seems to be well.
Las Vegas SUN: John Katsilometes
Hooters' opening act
Slayton's off-color humor is a hoot for those who are not easily offended
By Jerry Fink/Las Vegas Sun
The old San Remo hotel, one of the smaller and less distinguished resorts in Las Vegas, struggled for years to maintain an identity in the giant shadow of its neighbor, the entertainment-rich MGM Grand.
Its other neighbor, the Tropicana, casts a long shadow with the classic Las Vegas production "Folies Bergere."
San Remo's owners - with lounge music and a magic show - finally gave up about 2 1/2 years ago and signed over the property to Hooters, which had a higher profile and deeper pockets.
After remodeling, Hooters opened with shiny new bars, restaurants, rooms and, of course, Hooter girls. There were gaming, dining and drinking, but no real entertainment - no showroom, no theater.
More Here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2007/apr/23/566679646.html
Posted on June 9th, 2007 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Newsletter
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