The poker community is abuzz over what some believe was special treatment Harrah's Entertainment officials gave superstar Phil Hellmuth during the World Series of Poker's main event.

Hellmuth, the 1989 champion, owns a record 11 individual title bracelets, has won money in a record 68 events and has more than $6 million in career World Series of Poker winnings.

But he has also earned the nickname "Poker Brat" for his antics at the table.

All bets will be called in October, when producer Merv Adelson (no relation to Venetian head Sheldon) goes all in with "The Real Deal," an interactive show in The Venetian's cozy theater that hosts Wayne Brady at night.

Previews begin Oct. 1, with the formal debut set for Oct. 14. The plan calls for eight shows per week; 4 p.m. most afternoons, plus two evening shows on nights Brady doesn't perform.

More here:
http://www.lvrj.com/living/25845904.html

It's also easy to read between the lines and figure the decision would have been tougher if Barr was doing capacity business. Sahara executives also might have felt more inclined to throw extra support behind her rent-the-room deal (through producer Bill Caron) if they didn't have a new show coming to the casino's other theater. A multimedia dance revue called "Raw Talent Live" is on track to open next month.

Caron has no immediate plans to replace Barr with another late show, but says hotel management might cut its own deal with another producer. Caron also is negotiating to extend his oldies package of groups performing hits by the Platters, Coasters and Marvelettes; the current contract expires at the end of August.
http://www.lvrj.com/living/25845904.html

Singing impressionist Gordie Brown has landed a five-month gig as the opening act for Celine Dion's North American leg of her "Taking Chances" tour.

He's closing Aug. 9 at the V Theatre (Miracle Mile at Planet Hollywood Resort) and joins her a week later in Montreal, the starting point.

The tours ends in Sunrise, Fla., on Jan. 30.

When Brown returns to Las Vegas, he has a long-term deal waiting, said his manager, Bernie Yuman.

Meanwhile, there's buzz in the dance community that Dion has signed several of her former dancers from her "A New Day" show, which ended a 41/2-year run at Caesars Palace in December. That would fit with the rumors of her return to Caesars for a long-term show starting in 2010.
http://www.lvrj.com/news/25892319.html

Experience another world in another time, perhaps another universe. The melodies that echo are unfamiliar yet enchanting and the passionate gestures, mastered martial artistry, and breathtaking aerial acrobatics will guide you through this journey of the Imperial Twins and their struggle through the tragedies of war, loss and separation, and the dawn of new love and reunion.

KA is “the fire that has the power to unite or separate and the energy to destroy or illuminate.”

Accompanied by a powerful and enigmatic original musical score, this spectacular theatrical production will draw you into the depths of a transcendent voyage. Ka is like a compelling visionary experience and vibrant dreamscape where there are no limits to the incredible abilities of the human body, joined with the mind’s imagination. Through an array of lifelike and engaging landscapes, Ka encompasses a treacherous ocean storm upon a ship, plunging through the deep sea, scaling steep mountain cliffs, washing ashore fine sandy beaches, lush green forests with unique over-sized creatures, flying the skies on a man-powered aircraft, enduring a blistering snow blizzard, and even a quite convincing and heart-felt shadow puppet performance.

Of course interwoven into these scenes are the perfected circus arts, acrobatics and martial arts of 80 talented, passionate and dedicated performance artists, including: Wheel of Death, Bungees, Aerial Cradle, Aerial Straps, Swing Poles, Capoeira dance, Wushu martial arts, and a very elegantly effortless Baton Ballet dance.

Unique to other astounding Cirque Du Soleil productions, Ka delivers theatre-like story telling with 360 degree rotating stages and moving platforms along with vivid interactive video projections adding to the backdrop of this magical world. In one of my favorite scenes, the Spearmen and Archers are chasing the Twin Sister, the Nursemaid and the Valets up a steep cliff. Creating a truly spectacular live fight scene, dangerous flips and stunts are performed by fearless artists in conjunction with computer-generated special effects and interactive video projections. The tilted stage (up to 110 degrees) rotates beneath them during the chase as they dodge arrows and fight, climb and slip down this perilous cliff.

Another fierce battle scene produces a “Matrix” phenomenon, where the audience peers down upon the warriors from a top angle view as they (in slow motion?!) jump-kick into and fly backwards away from one another on a battleground of blue molten with the fluid rippling at their every step. How is this possible in a live performance you might ask? Fortunately for you, this is just one of those things you have to see for yourself!

I’m never one to spoil surprises so you’ll just have to treat yourself to an unforgettable performance that awakens all your senses, releases your deepest emotions, and unlocks your childlike imagination. There are also a number of goodies to select as souvenirs such as T-shirts, colorfully designed mugs, key chains, postcards, books, and even painted and feathered theatrical masks. To truly take a piece of this experience home with you, I would suggest the live DVD including behind the scenes documentary and special features from its earliest conception, or the CD soundtrack. Listening to the soundtrack immediately conjures the visual imagery and emotional connection of that moment in the show as if I were experiencing it all over again.
http://www.las-vegas-shows-reviews.com/cirque-du-soleils-ka-set-fire-to-your-boundaries-and-ignite-your-imagination/2008/07/18/

Returning to 1962 to catch the greatest act in Las Vegas history is now as easy as buying a ticket. “The Rat Pack is Back,” The Sands has been resurrected, Las Vegas has only one sensational act, and the production is as hot Vegas has ever been or may ever be.

Forget about blue men, tumbling clown shows, red pianos, and all Elvi. Sizzling hot Vegas nights have returned and the chaotic Corporate Canyon has been turned back to a dazzling Neon City again. The show room is gaudy red curtains, dinner booths and tuxedoed waiters dashing from table to table. The New York strip steak is worthy of praise and the live 13 piece orchestra warming up behind the half circle of gold waterfall curtains is ready to pump out gobs of showroom glitz.

Smoke hovers around the chandeliers and stage lights and suddenly the unseen presence of “Old Blue Eyes” is in the room. It’s enough to start goose bumps racing up and down your old bow tie. A voice booms out of somewhere and declares “During the show still photography, drinking, gambling, and carousing is not only allowed but enthusiastically encouraged!”

You know right away this IS your father’s cabaret show.

With a snare drum riff the orchestra kicks off and out comes Joey to tell a few off color jokes and harass the audience. Ok, Sandy Hackett doesn’t look a whole lot like Joey Bishop, and his jokes may make you blush, but this is a “Tribute” not a impersonation show. This is also as close to 1962 adult humor as we are going to see and hear, so go ahead and laugh, even if you’re from Wisconsin and you’re a little embarrassed by the word “Viagra.” Sandy, son of the late great Buddy Hackett, is a terrific comedian in his own right and does Joey proud.

Dean comes out next singing ‘When You’re Drinking…” a knock off of “When You’re Smiling.” He looks very bombed, of course and tells jokes like “Well ah went on The Whiskey Diet recently. In one week I lost 3 days. Whoa!” You can’t be Dean and not sing “That’s Amore” and he does, inviting the audience to join in. Drew Anthony is a young Dean, but a very capable one, whether singing, dancing on one leg, or hoisting a giant martini glass.

Sammy is on stage next, his shark skin is shiny blue, and he just about takes over the show. And it would be Sammy’s show if Dean didn’t keep butting in and Joey didn’t try so hard to make Sammy look small, but that couldn’t happen to Sammy. “That Old Black Magic” comes out big and as smooth as silk, and “Mr. Bojangles” still brings a sad joy to the heart. There is something electric about Kyle Diamond’s performance. Perhaps it’s the excitement in his eyes and the pure Sammy Davis Jr. energy that he pours out onto the audience. He makes us as glad to be in the audience as he is glad to be on stage. Now that we’ve been blushed by Joey, boozed by Dean, and seduced by Sammy, we know we will not be disappointed with Frank.

In contrast to the goofy antics of his buddies, David DeCosta walks Frank Sinatra on to the stage with an authority that ends all questions to who is the real star. Looking suave in his expensive grey suit with the small red triangle handkerchief in his breast pocket, he commands and corrals the other players into now participating in HIS show.

After belting out “That’s Life” Frank invites his cast to “pull up a stool and sing some songs.” It’s vintage Rat Pack with old songs and a few updated jokes, which they would probably tell today about 21st Century politicians and subjects like AFLAC and Brokeback Mountain. Of course the evening ends with Frank delivering “My Way” his way to big cheers from the audience. DeCosta’s solid command of his character, spot-on Frank singing voice, and his pretty blue eyes (my wife says), justifies the anticipatory goose bumps.

Note: “The Rat Pack is Back” rotates actors at times so you may be enjoying other players at your performance. I heard someone named Marilyn showed up at a later show, darn! Maybe that’s why the cast seemed to be picking on blondes in the audience all night. Our players were Kyle Diamond as Sammy, Sandy Hackett as Joey, Drew Anthony as Dean, and David DeCosta as Frank. All did a terrific job and brought me all the way back 1962.

A double yums up to the chefs cooking for this show. Dinner shows can be a bit scary because when you’ve tasted one rubber chicken pasta dish, you’ve tasted them all. At this show, however, the steak was tender and juicy, and what was they sauce you smothered it in? Omygod! Great job, chefs! “The Rat Pack is Back” is performed for audiences all over the world every day, but it’s great to get to see the “home” show. The Rat Pack belongs in Vegas, in 1962 or 2022. May it play at least until then.

Actually The Sands is just one showroom at The Plaza at 1 Main Street. Dinner starts at 6 and the show at 7. The entire production runs Monday to Saturday, with an extra show playing at 10 on Saturday night.
http://www.las-vegas-shows-reviews.com/indeed-the-rat-pack-is-back-in-las-vegas/2008/07/18/

Botero - Tableau at WLV is closing, Chef Mark LoRusso will move to a new restaurant at Encore called Botero. Tableau will be replaced by Larry Forgione's An American Place.

The Garden Cafe (?) - from Chef Sam DeMarco (some may recall early era Bellagio eatery Sam's American Grill originally located where FIX is currently) is leaving Fireside in NYC to open an as yet untitled joint at Encore.

VIP 5 is a temporary name for Encore's top tier Italian restaurant with Chef TBA..
http://www.vegastripping.com/news/news.php?news_id=2169

The haul? $727,099.04… on an IGT Temple of Treasure penny progressive.

Enough time has passed since the 1993 opening of Treasure Island : The Adventure Resort for the children of families it was originally marketed towards to bring children of their own to TI. Perhaps you were one of those kiddies, holed up in a hotel room watching the hour long infomercial Treasure Island : The Adventure Begins on closed circuit TV as your folks gambled away the mortgage payment downstairs. Maybe you spent some time peeking out the window to try and catch a glimpse of the King of Pop through the curtains of the Michael Jackson Suite at the neighboring Mirage. Maybe you passed the evening by beating the crap out of your siblings with the plastic machete purchased at the gift shop.

One thing is true, the TI of today is not your parents' Treasure Island. In fact the TI of today didn't exactly know what it was until relatively recently. Treasure Island's quasi-identity crisis can be traced back to it's initial conception - perhaps one of the only reactionary projects in the canon of forward thinking casino developer Steve Wynn and his (then) company Mirage Resorts.

The opening of Treasure Island's big brother property The Mirage in 1989, with it's many 'family friendly' attractions, dislodged the first boulder in a massive building boom, most of it focused on Las Vegas' new 'bring the family' marketing credo. Within a period of four years, a tidal wave of family centric resorts bloomed from the desert floor, putting the squeeze on The Mirage's visionary success by offering similar features, but realistically priced for actual family budgets. Excalibur, Luxor and MGM Grand all preceded the opening of Treasure Island or commenced production at roughly the same time. Facing a full court press by two of its largest competitors - Circus Circus Enterprises (Mandalay Resorts) and MGM - Mirage Resorts literally fired cannonballs across the bow of their competitors with the announcement of Treasure Island : The Adventure Resort. Treasure Island would be built where the Mirage's parking garage was and would feature a Strip facing, Disney-esque pirate production show of similar grandeur to the Mirage's volcano a few hundred yards south.

Pirates weren't the only ones doing battle over Treasure Island. In 1990 - three years before Treasure Island at the Mirage opened - another casino named Treasure Island was opened by the Prairie Island Community of Mdewakanton Dakota tribe in Minnesota. Upon applying for trademark for the Treasure Island name in 1997 (four years after the Vegas outpost opened) the Prairie Island application was denied - ooops - Mirage Resorts had trademarked the name even though they knew there was already a Treasure Island casino in operation. Of course lawsuits ensued, in the middle of which Mirage Resorts was taken over by MGM, who inherited the problem from Wynn and company. Three or so years later, the Las Vegas Treasure Island changed its name to TI Treasure Island and began to slowly dismantle it's passe swashbuckling family friendly theme in favor of a more risque interpretation of "pirate's booty." Buccaneer pirate battle? Gone, to be replaced by the sexy Sirens of TI show. In the ensuing period, the Frankensteinian vision of Treasure Island as buccaneer paradise and TI as bootylicious archipelago have coexisted in a cauldron of thematic question marks whilst parent company MGM Mirage elected to fry other city-within-a-city sized fish. Visitors, us included, have stood by - or walked past - not knowing what to make of TI's unfinished business.

Please note there are eight pages to this article:
http://www.vegastripping.com/features/feature.php?feature_id=149&page=1

Rock is one of our generation's strongest comedic voices. The Brooklyn-raised comedian has garnered three Emmys Awards, three Grammy Awards and has seen his former eponymous talk show become one of HBO's highest-rated programs. Rock joined the cast of NBC's Saturday Night Live in 1989. At the conclusion of his SNL career, he taped his first HBO special Chris Rock: Big Ass Jokes and began a successful relationship with HBO that helped catapult him to the highest ranks of comedy.

The Light Group, a Las Vegas hospitality and lifestyle development organization, has added Yellowtail Sushi Restaurant & Bar to its culinary portfolio. The new modern high-end eatery overlooking the resort's lake with the fountain show is opening July 18 at Bellagio, just steps away from The Light Group's Caramel Bar & Lounge, FIX Restaurant & Bar and nightclub The Bank. Yellowtail offers an extensive Japanese menu of fresh, ingredient-driven cuisine for both the sushi novice and connoisseur. Seasonal fish and ingredients flown in daily from the finest markets and purveyors around the world are being showcased in sushi, sashimi, tempura and hand rolls.

Designed by the world-renowned Rockwell Group of New York City, Yellowtail's elegant wood and stone decor fosters a vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant's signature design element, a 25-by-13-foot, wall-mounted installation at the entrance, has been created by using bronze metal scales that resemble the dorsal side of the eponymous fish. The dining room offers a cozy setting with screens composed of woven twigs set inside antique brass frames.

Yellowtail offers a hand-selected extensive sake collection, encompassing several different types from the classic to the avant-garde. Large bottles of sake and souchu are displayed at the 18-seat bar.

Yellowtail offers a 180-seat dining room, 30-seat intimate lounge, and 30-seat private dining room. It is open daily at 5 p.m. For information or call 702-730-3900.

The Tropicana has introduced its new pool party concept, Mint Mondays, with food, the signature cocktail Effen Black Mint, live bands and dancing every Monday from noon to 11 p.m. A DJ blasts tunes from noon until 7 p.m. and a live band performs on the poolside stage from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. All bands are published artists and the DJ wraps up the evening.

A similar version of the pool party can be experienced every Friday and Saturday throughout the summer, call 702-739-2222 for information. All three weekly pool events held in a beautiful tropical oasis are open to the public and offer free admission.

Bette Midler with her The Showgirl Must Go On spectacular at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace will return on Oct. 9 after this weekend's performances end on July 20. One night during this current visit, approximately 400 Midler fans got a real treat when the Divine Miss M decided to hold a surprise book signing after her show. Bette made the announcement to her audience and she was greeted to a massive line on The Colosseum steps. From about 10 p.m. until 2 a.m., Midler signed autographs for customers who purchased her book The Adventures of Baby Divine and her new greatest hits CD Jackpot .
http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/brett/index.htm

Sacred Disco Ground Comes To Vegas:

CHECK THIS OUT: Vito Bruno is trying to bring Disco to Vegas. Big time. He’s been in Las Vegas this week , primarily at The Venetian, meeting with several hotels about bringing several of his East Coast-productions to Vegas … most notably 'Disco Ball' (which has thrived in recent years on the East Coast). The show is a compilation of the greatest disco acts ever. Also, Bruno is looking for the perfect place for one of his most treasured acquisitions – TOTALLY SERIOUS HERE — the original dance floor from the movie SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER. Bruno calls it, "One of the most recognizable items ever from a movie. Its iconic. Its authentic movie memorabilia." Bruno says it's priceless and deserves the perfect location and in the right setting. Bruno also manages dance-artist CRYSTAL WATERS, who will appear at Bruno's BEATSTOCK shows on the East Coast next month. HEY VEGAS: How deep is YOUR love? I really need to know.

Stratta Now Open At Wynn Las Vegas:
Executive Chef Alex Stratta transforms Corsa with the new down-to-earth menu and downtown vibe of STRATTA. Corsa Cucina, the sleek Italian trattoria inside Wynn Las Vegas known for its rustic-style cooking and friendly ambience, completes its transformation this week with the launch of it’s new name, STRATTA. STRATTA is the latest signature restaurant by star chef Alessandro Stratta. His other restaurant, Alex, is the premier fine dining restaurant at Wynn Las Vegas, now internationally recognized by the Mobil Travel Guide with Five Stars, by AAA with Five Diamonds and most recently by the 2008 Las Vegas Michelin Guide with two st Chef Alex describes the food at Stratta as…“very soulful and very representative of what I consider to be the best of regional Italian cooking. We are applying the same spirit and the same cooking techniques that we use at restaurant Alex, but in a very approachable way that focuses on flavor and tradition. And many of the ingredients will be the same as the items we use at Alex – flavorful olive oils from Tuscany and Liguria, or the San Marzano tomatoes, the plum tomatoes that make the best sauce in the world.” While the dishes may evoke the sophistication one might expect at Alex, the Chef is quick to point out that the menu at Stratta is far more down to earth. “Alex is uptown and Stratta is downtown – it’s a bustling restaurant with a totally different vibe. I want Stratta to be simply about good food and fun.
http://thevegaseye.com