Everything Las Vegas Issue # 664
April 4th, 2008
Top 10 Ways to Save Money in Las Vegas By Rick Garman/www.vegas4visitors.com
According to just about everyone who understands things like the economy – which, in the interest of full-disclosure does NOT include myself – the US is headed for some rough financial seas ahead. As gas, food, and other costs soar and the dollar and real estate prices sink, there will be some major belt-tightening by pretty much everyone.
So that means you should immediately cancel your next trip to Vegas, right? Wrong! Despite the fact that it has never been more expensive to visit Vegas, it still remains one of the most economical major vacation destinations in the United States. Rooms are pricey but equivalent rooms in other hot spots can cost two or even three times as much and bargains abound if you know how to find them.
Yes, there are still ways to do Vegas without spending an SUV-load of cash. Below you’ll find ten suggestions that should help you maximize your trip while minimizing your budget.
1. Be Flexible
I know not everyone has the luxury of being able to pick and choose when to have their vacation but if you can come up with even three or four different options, it can go a long ways toward saving you money. Room prices in Vegas vary dramatically from week to week and having a few different periods when you could take your trip could mean you could save yourself hundreds of dollars on your accommodations.
2. Know What’s Important
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance that cost is one of your primary considerations when considering a vacation, but you’d be amazed how many people still think they can get 5-Diamond luxury for Motel 6 prices. Saving money means you will probably forgo some of the niceties like bazillion thread count sheets and bathrooms big enough to park a ship in, but were those things really important to you anyway?
3. Do Your Homework
Usually in my life I go with the theory “the dumber you are, the happier you are” but when it comes to Las Vegas vacation planning I stick with the “knowledge equals power” motto. Read Vegas books (preferably mine), visit Vegas websites (preferably mine), and talk to friends, co-workers, or people you pass on the street who have visited the city and can share insights. This is important when looking at budget alternatives for hotels, restaurants, and shows so that you can find not only inexpensive options, but good inexpensive options.
4. Pack Smart
One of the ways they “get you” in Las Vegas is overcharging for everything for a bottle of shampoo to a bottle of water. Make sure you pack all of your necessities so you don’t have to go out and buy things when you get to town.
5. Rent a Car
People keep not believing me when I tell them that the best way to save money is to spend more money on a rental car, but I’ll make it simple with an example. You could take a cab from the airport to your hotel on The Strip and back again, then use cabs, buses, the monorail, and your feet to get you around to the places you want to see. You’ll probably pay $200 a night easily for that room and another $100 on transportation. If you’re staying for five nights that’s $1100 before you factor in the higher prices you’ll pay on everything from food to water in the gift shop. Or… you can stay off The Strip, pay $100 a night for a perfectly find hotel room and spend another $150 for a mid-size car rental to get you to all the places you want to go. That’s a $350 savings right there, plus you’ll be able to save money on other items that are cheaper off The Strip AND see things you normally wouldn’t get to see by staying on Las Vegas Boulevard.
6. Stay Off the Strip
As mentioned above, if you rent a car you can stay off The Strip and save yourself a ton of money. They may not be as luxurious as some of the grand palaces on The Strip, but there are many hotels in Downtown Las Vegas and in other parts of the city that offer very good rooms for a fraction of the cost of what you’ll pay in the heart of the action.
7. Don’t Be a Snob
That sounds a bit harsh, but this is an extension of tip #2 above for when you actually get to town. You don’t have to pay $100 a head for a great meal; you don’t have to pay $150 per ticket to see a great show; and you don’t have to pay a $30 cover charge to get into a fun club. People equate price with quality and it doesn’t always work out that way.
8. Look for the Deals
I get e-mails all the time about coupons and 2 for 1 deals and the like. They aren’t as common as they used to be but you can still find them, primarily in the in-room magazines that you’ll find once you check in and in the local newspapers. There are a few places that sell coupon books and those multi-attraction passes that you can pay for, but – and this is strictly my opinion – for the most part they aren’t worth the money. Most people don’t use enough of the coupons or the attraction passes to make up for the cost of buying them in the first place.
9. Join the Club
If you’re planning on spending any time gambling, be sure to join the players’ club at every single casino you visit. Every dollar you spend will earn you points that can get you discounts on meals, future lodging, shows, and more or even get you cash. Plus, depending on your level of play, you may get mailings with free room offers and more that can save you money for future trips. Having said that, if you really want to save money…
10. Don’t Gamble
I know, it’s Las Vegas and that’s sort of like saying “Let’s go to Orlando but NOT go to Disney World.” But seriously, if you gamble you most likely will lose. That’s a harsh reality but it’s true: most people lose. They didn’t build these multi-billion hotels and casinos because most people win. You can have a great time in Vegas without gambling, but if you do feel the urge to splurge on a slot machine, be sure to set a budget before you go and stick with it! Once that money is gone, do not make another trip to the ATM machine in the hopes that your luck will change – it probably won’t.
Brett's Vegas Views By Jackie Brett
Entertainer Terry Fator, who gained national popularity when he won NBC-TV's America's Got Talent show and then began headlining at the Las Vegas Hilton with a contract through May 2008, has been extended through 2008 at the resort. Fator made the announcement while performing on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Fator has spent 32 years honing his skills as a ventriloquist, celebrity impressionist, comedian and singer, but his key decision to blend those skills with his incredible ability to mimic famous singers put him over the top. His first Las Vegas shows at the Las Vegas Hilton sold out in a matter of days.
Fator's 2008 Hilton schedule is: April 23-25; May 16-18; June 8-10; July 4-6; Aug. 15-17; Sept. 15-17; Oct. 13-15; Nov. 15-18; and Dec. 21-22. Tickets are $49-$149, call 702-732-5755 or 800-222-5361.
To celebrate the magical rebirth of spring, the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens has been transform into an enchanting floral landscape sprinkled with 16-foot-tall poppies in lively hues of red, yellow and orange. The new spring display captures the imaginative excitement of budding springtime activity. More than 35 species of butterflies gracefully flutter within a classic English greenhouse. Just steps away, giant floral umbrellas form a whimsical canopy over a kaleidoscopic garden of tulips and hyacinths. The picturesque garden also features a centerpiece of oversized watering cans inspired by the French gardens of Chaumont. The spring exhibit is free to the public and on display through May 11.
Rehearsals for the smash hit musical Jersey Boys, the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, are underway and preview performances will begin April 4 at The Palazzo. Ticket prices range from $65 to $135, with VIP Packages available, call 1-866-641-SHOW or 702-414-9000.
After a successful first season, the Hard Rock will bring back Friday Night Live (FNL) beginning on May 2 at 8 p.m. The summer series will be lead off with a performance by the American alternative rock group, Puddle of Mudd. They have sold well over seven million copies since the debut of their album titled Come Clean in 2001. Their latest album Famous was released in late 2007. Tickets are on sale now, call 702-474-4000.
For season two, the Hard Rock has locked in the talent of Bree Delano, a female also known as DJ 88, who will serve as the resident DJ for the FNL series. Other name acts include: Reggae legend Eek-A-Mouse on May 9; seven-member band Dropkick Murphys on May 16; Grammy winning producer, singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Stephen Marley on May 23; Ozomatli on May 30; reggae-rock group Pepper on June 20; Smash Mouth on June 27; Grammy winning reggae band Steel Pulse on July 4; multicultural rock and soul Pittsburgh sextet Rusted Root on July 11; eclectic musical group De La Soul on July 18; and Grammy-nominated and former prodigy guitarist Jonny Lang on Aug. 1.
On April 12 at 9 p.m., headliner Nick Thune, featured comic Brandon Muller and host Bryan Bruner will perform at a new comedy endeavor at The Canyon Club inside the Four Queens downtown. Fear and Laughing in Las Vegas will have bi-monthly shows featuring national headliners. Tickets are $15 for general admission, call 474.4000. Future shows will include ExtravaGANJA: A Medical Marijuana Event on Saturday, April 19.
Hawaiian Tropic Zone has kicked off a weekly bikini-model search party at 10 p.m. on Fridays. Every Friday, a group of Syrup Swimwear models vie for $1,500 in prizes and a chance to compete for the grand prize - $25,000 in cash and prizes and a contract to be featured in the Hawaiian Tropic Zone calendar. On Friday, July 4, the winners from each week will return to compete for the grand prize. Each week, Pink Vodka will provide select complimentary drinks from 10 p.m. to midnight for all ladies in attendance while DJ Que keeps the dance floor moving with hip hop and top 40 mash-up hits. Partygoers must be age 21 or over to attend. http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/brett/
Le Reve creates unique environment. By Joe Brown/Las Vegas Sun
The “Le Rêve” Aqua Theater at the Wynn Las Vegas has the unique ability to create different weather elements during the show. “Rain” falls from 80 feet from the high grid and more than 2,000 ounces of soap shavigs are used each week to create the snow effect. The snow consists of a non-harmful substance that melts in the water and has no damaging effects to the performers.
More here: http://lasvegassun.com/news/2008/apr/04/le-reve-creates-unique-environment/
Retooled ‘X Burlesque’ sizzles in intimate setting. By Jerry Fink/Las Vegas Sun
Think erotic.
Think really erotic.
Then think “X Burlesque.”
This topless show, produced by the husband-and-wife team of Angela and Matt Stabile, has come a long way since debuting at the Flamingo a year ago.
Thank Enrique Lugo.
The choreographer has elevated a nice enough girlie show, filled with sexy women who are trained dancers, to a higher level of art. Topless art, but art nonetheless, art that pushes the envelope.
More here: http://lasvegassun.com/news/2008/apr/03/retooled-x-burlesque-sizzles-intimate-setting/
Watch out — magician has ‘Wohscigam’ in store for you. By Jerry Fink/Las Vegas Sun.
Las Vegas has about every kind of show you can imagine. Come Monday it’ll even have one you can’t pronounce, at least not without instructions.
Can you say “Wohscigam”?
Give up? It’s wo-shee-gahm.
If you think that’s difficult, try explaining the show — a historical murder mystery sleight-of-hand magic show done in the style of a Broadway production.
It’s based on a show “Wohscigam” by turn-of-the-century magician Lester Tiband, who was murdered before opening night.
Magician Brett Daniels, star of the one-man show, has spent most of his career traveling the world performing big tricks — making cars disappear, sawing women in half.
He says he became tired of that and six years ago started working on “Wohscigam,” which is mostly sleight of hand. “Some of it is very big sleight of hand,” he says.
He’s had a couple of test runs, but Daniels is calling this the show’s premiere.
While he was developing the project, two period-piece films featuring magicians were released. The success of “The Prestige” and “The Illusionist” convinced Daniels he was on the right track.
“In the last 10 years Las Vegas has opened up to anything new, so long as it has quality,” Daniels says. “This is a visually based show, very eye-popping with dramatic sleight of hand.”
Details: “The Brett Daniels Magic Show: Wohscigam,” 3 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, Sahara, $39.95 to $49.95, $25.95 for children and seniors, 737-2515. www.lasvegassun.com
BED ALERT! Tropicana employees on the lookout for bedbugs. By Michael Mishak/Las Vegas Sun.
The owners of the embattled Tropicana hotel have placed a bounty on bedbugs, offering housekeepers $25 a pop for each one brought in alive.
The offer was posted in the hotel’s housekeeping offices, raising eyebrows among workers wondering whether they should pull out magnifying glasses while changing sheets.
“Don’t forget to check for bedbugs!” one flier exclaims in English and Spanish. “Check every room — every day.” The posting features enlarged images of the minuscule bloodsucking menaces.
The campaign to corral bedbugs for cash has provided an opening for the Culinary Union — which is in a pitched contract dispute with Tropicana ownership — to have some fun at the hotel’s expense.
More here: http://lasvegassun.com/news/2008/apr/04/bed-alert/
MIKE WEATHERFORD: Ticket prices continue to rise.
The consumer-oriented Las Vegas Advisor each year attempts an accurate survey of show prices. This year finds that yes, ticket prices are up for the seventh consecutive year. But not outrageously.
The 76 cent increase, or a bit more than 1 percent, pushes the average ticket to $70.21, but essentially puts the brakes on the spiraling price trends of years past. The study also separates "A-ticket" shows and finds a similar 1.66 percent increase among top-tier attractions. Bette Midler gets the dubious honor of the Strip's most expensive show at $276.76 for the best seats.
More from The Las Vegas Review journal here:http://www.lvrj.com/living/17255509.html
BLOODY GOOD SHOW
A little old nosebleed wasn't about to stop Tom Jones from performing on his 40th anniversary in Las Vegas.
Four or five songs into his show Saturday at the MGM Grand's Hollywood Theatre, he got a bloody nose.
Jones told the crowd he didn't remember that ever happening before. After a stagehand provided a towel and then cotton for his right nostril, Jones continued with his performance, with the Welsh superstar joking that the cotton "helped his singing voice." To the delight of the women in the audience, he added, "but I don't look as sexy."
He raised the roof when he continued through his classic "What's New Pussycat," gesturing to his "pussycat nose."
Source: Las Vegas Review Journal "Norm"
LENNY'S LAS VEGAS: 'Glow in the Dark'
I'm not a fan, but I'm sure there's a lot of you out there who are, so I'll start off with it. Kanye West will perform his "Glow in the Dark Tour" at Red Rock Resort as it launches its 2008 summer outdoor concert series on Friday, April 25. The show will kick off at 7:30 p.m. with rapper Lupe Fiasco as well as funk/rock group N.E.R.D. West's production is so big, I'm told, that Station Casinos, owners of Red Rock, are constructing a new temporary venue located outdoors at the casino resort. This is the second year that Red Rock is hosting a summer concert series. Last year's lineup included Nelly Furtado, Lauryn Hill, Peter Frampton, the Doobie Brothers and Daughtry.
The rest of the concert series features country music singer-songwriter Dierks Bentley (May 2); Crosby Stills & Nash (June 20); Peter Frampton (July 11); UB40 (August 9). Tickets for Kanye West are $70, plus tax and are on sale now. Prices and availability for the other concerts have not as yet been determined. Tickets can be purchased at any Station Casinos Reward Center, the Fiestas and by calling (702) 547-5300 or by logging onto www.stationcasinos.com. For out-of-towners, in case you haven't been there yet, Red Rock is located at 11011 W. Charleston Blvd., at the intersection of Charleston and I-215. It's a great hotel-casino with excellent restaurants, so plan on eating there as well. http://www.lvrj.com/living/17242039.html
PROJECTS TOPPLING: From "Lenny's Las Vegas"
Looks like the struggling economy is having an effect in our town. It's been announced that the multi-billion-dollar Cosmopolitan planned next to MGM Mirage's CityCenter complex, may be scrapped. Deutsche Bank apparently has told the developers of the resort that it will begin foreclosure proceedings. A few weeks earlier, it had been reported that a deal was made to avoid the Cosmopolitan from entering foreclosure, but no dice, if you'll excuse the pun. The resort, which had an original budget of around $2 billion, saw its projected costs rise to $3.9 billion. Pretty pricey in the current economic crisis.
If that isn't enough, we also heard that construction on the Plaza, which is replacing the New Frontier, might come to a halt — at least for a while. The Plaza project, that could cost as much as $6 billion, would have seven towers containing 4,100 hotel rooms and 2,600 condominium units. It was to be anchored by the Strip's largest casino at 175,900 square feet and was scheduled to open in 2012.
So not all is well in what our detractors like to call "Lost Wages." Our town has survived and flourished because of new, exciting projects, so if both these resorts don't go forward, it will be very disappointing to all.
Entertainment producer Jeff Beacher is checking into a second medical treatment center in a month after a weight-loss program went awry.
Beacher said he recently spent two weeks in a Los Angeles medical center but left after a dispute over how to treat the liver damage he said he suffered while working with a Las Vegas-based weight-loss treatment center.
His "Beacher's Madhouse" productions will be put on hold temporarily, he said. He had been on the weight-loss program for about a year "when I realized bad things were happening to my body."
He leaves today for a one-month stay at an undisclosed treatment center on the East Coast. He thanked "friends who stepped up and helped me. They couldn't have been more supportive."
http://www.lvrj.com/news/17138091.html
MIKE WEATHERFORD: Marketing captures Las Vegas experiences.
Hey, look who was in a recent Entertainment Weekly: the Blue Men, the Vegas Phantom and one of those kooky guys from "O."
Not that the magazine wrote about them. The Vegas stars were depicted in an ad paid for by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. But you won't hear show producers complaining.
Some of those in charge of selling tickets on the Strip had long voiced concerns that the Convention Authority's famous "What happens here" campaign came with a price. Were the TV spots so successful that they left the ticketed shows behind? A few even argued the spots subliminally undermined the shows: Why waste time seeing Danny Gans when you could be seducing the pool boy?
"It doesn't mean it wasn't brilliant, but it wasn't perfect for every single business in town," says Jennifer Dunne. She now handles marketing for Wynn Las Vegas, but worked for Cirque du Soleil when she lobbied to get the shows restored to a more prominent role in the city's collective marketing.
More here; http://www.lvrj.com/living/17137956.html
Vegas Values Report for 3/30/08
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 Sunday to find out about the best values in Las Vegas.
http://www.americancasinoguide.com/Promotions/VEGAS-VALUES.shtml
Gas prices are higher then they have ever been, and the summer hike hasn't even gotten here. The world is still in flux. We have just passed the five-year mark on the war on terrorism in Iraq…five years…and there seems to be no end in sight. People seem to be going about their normal routines, and the daily fear of terrorism has waned back to almost non-existence. We just passed the mark of 4,000 Americans killed. Is our world truly safer because of our involvement in Iraq? And we are in the midst of an election year…another mess… But I digress…
The new production of the Tony Award-winning musical, "Jersey Boys," will be opening at the new Palazzo Resort and Casino this month. The show about the musical group, The Four Seasons, has been eagerly anticipated. The show will be presented in its full version with an intermission—an unusual move for a Las Vegas production, and it is much appreciated. The show will be directed by Des McAnuff, and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo. The show's authors, Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, along with the Four Seasons, will be involved in the production.
Ronn Lucas is moving his show from the Luxor to the Excalibur. I hope that he finally finds his audience there. He has a great show, but he has been a bit of a vagabond lately going from one place to another in search of his people.
The Comedy Magic of Nathan Burton is moving into the Flamingo showroom. Nathan has done very well for himself in the last couple of years, and the move to the Flamingo is huge. Nathan is even going to be getting a building wrap right next to Toni Braxton.
Terry Fator, the ventriloquist that won the "America's Got Talent" show, has been performing at the Las Vegas Hilton, and now, he will be there for the rest of the year. He has been pulling in some good numbers, and the Hilton has been happy to extend his run.
The Show in the Sky in the Masquerade Village at the Rio is going to be closed down for a little while. It is closing on April 8th, but there is the promise that the show will be re-opened by tax day.
And the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) hits Las Vegas this month. It is the largest gathering in the country. Around 150,000 people are expected to attend, and it will be filled with celebrities and attractions.
The Clark County Fair & Rodeo is at Clark County Fairgrounds Apr 10th to 13th. The Fair had its beginning back in 1965. Known as the Moapa Valley Fair, it was held at the Overton Community Center. Compared to the present day fair, this first fair was small in size. Nevertheless, it had all the flavor and elements of a good old county fair. From this simple beginning, the Moapa Valley Fair became an annual event. Each year new attractions were added, such as a carnival midway, junior livestock show, and a rodeo.
Throughout the seventies and early eighties, the fair took place at various locations in the community such as the local park, churches and schools. Each location lacked some key elements necessary to house the ever growing and popular fair. In 1997 due to the ever so popular Rodeo, the fair once again changed its name. Now known as the Clark County Fair & Rodeo over 70,000 patrons come to the fair every spring. It has been the combined work and efforts of many volunteers that have developed and managed the Fair and successfully produced an old-fashioned, family oriented fair for so many people to enjoy. With a part time staff of four, and over 500 volunteers working together, we pledge to continue to bring this flavor and fun to each and every Fair!
As I said…April is a great time to be here.Suncoast Hotel Apr 4 - Apr 6James Darren
South Point Apr 4 - Apr 5
Jay Leno
Mirage Apr 4 - Apr 5
Josh Blue
Mandalay Bay Apr 4
Keiko Matsui
Green Valley Ranch Apr 4
Lez Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin Tribute
Santa Fe Station Apr 4
Rain
Suncoast Hotel Apr 4 - Apr 6
Sammy Shore & Jimmy "JJ" Walker
Cannery Casino Apr 4
Saves the Day
Hard Rock Apr 4
Anti-Flag w/ Street Gogs, the Briggs & Fake Problems
Mandalay Bay Apr 5
Arturo Sandoval
Santa Fe Station Apr 5
Beauty, Health & Fitness Expo
Cashman Center Apr 5 - Apr 6
Beto Cuevas
Hard Rock Hotel Apr 5
Dokken
Sunset Station Apr 5
Fran Cosmo, the Amazing Voice of Boston
Cannery Casino Apr 5
Merle Haggard
Buffalo Bill's Resort Apr 5
Miss USA Pageant Preliminary Competition
Planet Hollywood Resort Apr 5
Touch-A-Truck
Orleans Hotel Apr 5
Big Head Todd & the Monsters
Mandalay Bay Apr 6
Joe Williams Scholarship Fund Concert
The Second week has:
Taste of Chaos Tour
Palms Casino Apr 8
Tour features Atreyu, Bullet for My Valentine and Blessthefall.
Ministry w/ Meshugga and Hemlock
Mandalay Bay Apr 9
20th Annual Clark County Fair & Rodeo
Clark County Fairgrounds Apr 10 - Apr 13
Lewis Black
MGM Grand Apr 10 - Apr 16
MXPX, PlayRadioPlay! And Treaty of Paris
Mandalay Bay Apr 10
Yellowcard Acoustic
NHRA SummitRacing.com Finals
Las Vegas Motor Speedway Apr 10 - Apr 13
Yello
Mandalay Bay Apr 10
Ben Vereen
South Point Casino | Apr 11 - Apr 13
David Spade
Planet Hollywood Apr 11, 2008 - Apr 12
Frankie Avalon
Suncoast Hotel Apr 11 - Apr 13
Gladys Knight
Orleans Hotel Apr 11 - Apr 13
Isaac Hayes
Texas Station Apr 11
Miss USA Pageant Finals Telecast
Planet Hollywood Apr 11
Ray Romano
Bon Jovi w/ special guest Daughtry
MGM Grand Apr 12
Cannery Casino Apr 12
Dance Zone Showcase Festival
Cashman Center Apr 12
Las Vegas Showdown Cheerleading & Dance Championships
Cashman Center Apr 12 - Apr 13
Loverboy
Boulder Station Apr 12
X
Mandalay Bay Apr 12
KC and the Sunshine Band
Las Vegas Hilton Apr 13
The third week of April includes:
Arabian Horse Breeders World Cup
South Point Casino Apr 17 - Apr 20
Equestrian Event
David Copperfield
MGM Grand Apr 17 - May 7
George Carlin
Orleans Hotel Apr 17 - Apr 20
Ratt
Mandalay Bay Apr 17
Average White Band
Red Rock Casino Apr 18
Chuck Wicks
Santa Fe Station Apr 18
Clint Holmes & Friends
Suncoast Hotel Apr 18 - Apr 20
Howie Mandel
Mirage Apr 18 - Apr 19
Pure Aloha Festival
Cannery Casino Apr 18 - Apr 20
Red Mountain Choir in Concert
Cashman Center Apr 18
Steve Powers Great Las Vegas Craft Show
Cashman Center | Apr 18 - Apr 20
Thrice w/ Circa Survive & Pelican
Mandalay Bay Apr 18
Tony Bennett
Las Vegas Hilton Apr 18 - Apr 19
Bernard Hopkins vs. Joe Calzaghe
Thomas & Mack Center Apr 19
Kottonmouth Kings w/ Unwritten Law
Hard Rock Hotel Apr 19
Mary J. Blige and Jay Z.
MGM Grand Apr 19
Strunz & Farah
Boulder Station Apr 19
Tiger Jam XI - featuring Van Halen
Mandalay Bay Apr 19
Association of Professional Piercers
Riviera Hotel Apr 20 - Apr 25
The fourth week has…
2008 US National Wrestling Championships
Las Vegas Convention Center Apr 21 - Apr 26
Minus the Bear w/ Portugal the Man and Big Sleep
Mandalay Bay Apr 23
Death Cab for Cutie
Hard Rock Apr 24
Variety Showcase
Suncoast Hotel Apr 24
Collin Raye
South Point Casino Apr 25 - Apr 26
Def Leppard w/ REO Speedwagon
Palms Casino Apr 25
Jay Leno
Mirage - Apr 26
Kanye West w/ N.E.R.D. & Lupe Fiasco
Red Rock Apr 25
Las Vegas Home Improvement & Decorating Show
Cashman Center Apr 25 - Apr 27
Musical History Tour - Trtibute to the Beatles
Suncoast Hotel Apr 25 - Apr 27
The Four Tops
Orleans Hotel Apr 25 - Apr 27
City of Lights Jazz & Rhythm & Blues Festival
Hills Park Apr 26 - Apr 27
Michael McDonald
Buffalo Bill's Resort Apr 26
The Searchers and the Manfreds
Cannery Casino Apr 26
British Invasion Concert
The Verve
Palms Casino Apr 26
UFO
Boulder Station Apr 26
And the last part of April, and going into May has:
Terry Fator
Las Vegas Hilton Apr 28 - Apr 30
Avril Lavigne with Boys Like Girls
Palms Casino Apr 29
Seether & Flyleaf
Mandalay Bay Apr 30
Variety Showcase
Suncoast Hotel May 1
Bill Medley with Paul Revere & the Raiders
South Point Casino May 2 - May 4
Dierks Bentley w/ Bucky Covington
Red Rock Casino May 2
Juanes
Mandalay Bay May 2
Kenny Rogers
Orleans Hotel May 2 - May 4
Maxxis Minimoto
Orleans Hotel May 2
The Breeders
Mandalay Bay May 2
Billy Crystal
MGM Grand May 3
Boney James
Boulder Station May 3
George Jones
Buffalo Bill's Resort May 3
Low Rider, Cisco Kid
Cannery Casino May 3
Monster Energy Supercross Finals
Sam Boyd Stadium May 3
Rubber Stamp Roundup
Cashman Center May 3 - May 4
For dates and times, be sure to log onto the Las Vegas Online Entertainment Guide: ( www.lvol.com ).
I Go Shows ( www.Igoshows.com ) is, of course, the place to read the reviews of all of the shows that are in town so that you can be better informed as to what you should expect from a certain production. The reviews are updated as needed to give you the knowledge you need to spend your entertainment dollars better.
You can always view the current newsletter here:
Many people remember the movie Rain Main man where Dustin Hoffman’s character memorized all of the cards coming out of the shoe. This has given the wrong impression as to what card counting really is. Even the term card counting is misleading because when you count cards you are merely keeping track of the ratio of high to low cards left in the deck.
More here: http://casinogambling.about.com/od/blackjack/a/cardcount.htm
April News from MGM/Mirage
Daylife is born this April as MGM Grand unveils WET REPUBLIC, an alluring 53,000-square-foot ultra pool combining an exclusive nightlife vibe with poolside pampering and relaxation. An adults-only mecca for discerning partygoers, the glitterati and celebrities, WET REPUBLIC will feature distinct experiences within a series of intimate spaces and will redefine poolside entertainment as the first ultra pool in the world’s sexiest city. Elite VIP service, high-end amenities and renowned entertainers will be the standard at WET REPUBLIC.
Already a crowd favorite, Mandalay Bay Beach at Mandalay Bay now features the only climate-controlled poolside gaming on The Strip. Nearby, Moorea Beach Club continues to draw sunseekers by providing high-energy music in a luxurious setting.
Some of Las Vegas’ hottest nightspots are the easiest to enjoy. Here’s where you can party all night long without the wait or the cover charge:
Centrifuge: Daily, 4 p.m. – 4 a.m.
Rouge: Monday – Thursday, 3 p.m. – 3 a.m.; Friday – Sunday, noon – 3 a.m.
Liquidity at Luxor uses technology to create an ever-changing lounge environment accented with walls of water that dance to the beat of the DJ. Nearby, Flight offers guests signature “flights” – three specialty cocktails with a shared theme. Daily, 24 hours
Gear up for a high-energy night at Octane at Excalibur – the hottest classic rock bar on The Strip. Featuring a display of custom-designed motorcycles, Octane features such specialty drinks as the Sweat and Gears Cosmo.
Monday – Th rsday, 5 p.m. – 2 a.m.; Friday, 5 p.m. – 3 a.m
Saturday, 9 a.m. – 3 a.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Fontana Bar at Bellagio pairs live entertainment with a spectacular view of the resort’s famed fountains. Sunday – Thursday, 5 p.m. – 1 a.m.; Friday – Saturday, 5 p.m. – 2 a.m.
A Komodo Dragon, Sharks and Stingrays – Oh, My!
This summer, Shark Reef Aquarium will welcome the most deadly of all lizards. With razor-sharp teeth, deadly saliva and piercing claws, Komodo dragons can reach up to 10 feet in length and weigh up to 300 pounds. Beginning June 20, guests of Mandalay Bay will be able to view one of these remarkable creatures up close and personal. Shark Reef Aquarium features more than 2,000 dangerous animals ranging from sharks to crocodiles.
Jubilee by Kate Silver/Las Vegas Magazine
9: Minimum number of costume changes per person per show
5: Number of different kinds of feathers in the show
35: Weight in pounds of heaviest headdress
4,200: pounds of dry ice used weekly to create fog in show
Step into the Jubilee! theater at Bally's, and it's as though you've sashayed back to the 1950s, when the showgirl and Las Vegas entertainment were as intertwined as the feathers in her headdress.
Donn Arden's Jubilee! is a delightful tribute to and celebration of a culture that is truly iconic to this town. There are beautiful women (with their, ahem, naturalness showing through many of the acts), handsome men, elaborate costumes, dazzling sets and, of course, a sense of history — not something you'll find in most Las Vegas shows.
The show is divided into four acts: "Showtime!," "Samson and Delilah," "Titanic" and "The Finale," which is a tribute to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Audience members should learn to time their blinking properly; with 100 different sets and backdrops and nine to 11 costume changes per cast member per show, it's easy to miss snippets here and there. Be sure to keep the eyes peeled during "Samson and Delilah." In addition to the men in studded thongs, you'll want to see the giant steel-framed bull's head that was made even more famous by its appearance in Rocky IV. And the Titanic replica is equally impressive. The miniature version of the luxury liner and its sets are based on photos of the original. The iceberg collision scene involves 5,000 gallons of water inundating the stage, as pyrotechnics engulf the giant ship.
Bob Mackie (who has designed dresses for Cher, Carol Burnett, Diana Ross and others) and Peter Menefee (who has designed outfits for the Rockettes, Miss America and Miss Universe) first created the show's sequined and rhinestone-studded original costumes 26 years ago. It would take almost an entire month, now, to create one of the outfits worn during the finale.
Specialty acts divide up the dance numbers and help maintain the show's quick pace. Watch as juggler Rejean St. Jules wows you with his own version of "Puttin' on the Ritz," played by strategically bouncing five tennis balls off of a keyboard. He's followed by a duo of former Polish champions in the realm of hand balancing. One gracefully lifts the other using his arms, legs and head in a jaw-dropping feat of strength. Next, aerial silk artist Vitali Tomanov climbs, spins, flips and flies through the air using two silk drapes. The three acts are stunning and perfectly timed. After the tension mounts and the crowd is properly amazed, the dancers return to the stage with their high kicks and hip-swiveling moves, keeping this distinctly Vegas momentum alive — physically, and historically, too.
Jubilee!
Where: Bally's
When: 7:30 & 10:30 p.m. Sat.-Thurs.
Cost: $50 and up
Bellagio's botantical beds dispaly a beauteous bounty. By Robert Wiley Brown
Regardless if this is your first time enjoying the excitement of Las Vegas or if you've been coming to Sin City every year since you were tall enough to reach an elevator button without spilling your drink, you know that it is hard to mistake the beginning of spring in our quaint town. The way the sun sparkles off the sand and the fresh colors the tumbleweeds take on as they carelessly cross your path are sure signs that the season of rebirth and renewal is upon us. Not! With the exception of needing to roll down your sleeves from the occasional ever-so-slight dip in the weather, spring honestly pretty much visually resembles the rest of the seasons in Las Vegas. For a more vibrant display of the season, thank goodness for the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens! If you really want to see the beauty of this especially beloved time of year, you must make your way to the always-spectacular Spring Celebration Show. Through May 11, the English-inspired greenhouse becomes home to everything fresh, leafy and alive, with more than 10,000 blooming plants, gorgeous shrubs and stunning trees along with props that give springtime in Vegas the kick-start it needs. This year, the breathtaking exhibit, which takes 140 horticulturists and engineers an entire week of working 24 hours a day to put up, features oversize watering cans and ladybugs, 16-foot-tall brilliant red, yellow and orange poppies, picturesque hyacinths and tulips. Naturally, we can't forget the live butterflies from more than 35 species, which the Bellagio brings in to help capture the desired feel of the season. A peaceful, leisurely stroll through the 13,573-square-foot area covered with the painstaking details and creative integrities that go into the Spring Celebration Show soon whisks you away into another time and place far from that awaiting buffet or the promise to meet your friends for a group souvenir shopping spree. Since the free showcase is open 24 hours a day seven days a week, when you finally do meet up with your loved ones, regardless of your scheduled plans, you can always bring them back to the Conservatory so they, too, can get lost in the visual brilliance and floral fragrances that fill the air in this unmatched tribute to Mother Nature. Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Posted on April 4th, 2008 by MrVegas98
Where: Bellagio
Filed under: Newsletter
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