The atmosphere onstage resembled a family reunion, albeit a family with lots of tall, glamorous women in heels.

It was the final performance of “Folies Bergere,” and one that reached out beyond those who performed the last high-kicking cancan Saturday night to anyone who had been part of the show for its 49 years.

They came to say goodbye in style, from original cast members to recent hires, cheering wildly from the audience for each little bit of choreography by their younger counterparts. They were welcomed, if not into the actual performance, at least for a pre-show alumni photo and more pictures afterward on its storied Moulin Rouge set.

The curtain came down in style on the Parisian topless revue said to be the longest-running in America, one that was closing in on a Christmas day 50th anniversary when it got its pink slip two months ago. Tropicana executives decided not to reinvest in a new edition of the casino-owned revue, but they did not let their jewel go without one last chance to sparkle.

The cast was waiting in the wings, ready for the "Can-Can" finale. It was 1979 and they were in Mexico City on an eight-month tour through South America.

Onstage was the speciality act of Mario and Ulysses, doing their big finish, the knife tip to knife tip number. They were performing a handstand, one above the other, balancing only on knives point-to-point in their mouths.

"We were waiting for the applause and our cue," said Williams.

Instead, all they heard was ka-klump coming from the stage and a collective gasp from the audience.

"The next thing we heard in Spanish was 'is there a doctor in the house?'"

The director said "go," Williams recalled. "It was all about getting the 'Can-Can' number in. They were dragging Uly off stage. We thought his neck was broken. How do you top that? Boobs didn't matter at that point."

Uly survived, she said, "but they never worked again."

There is harmony all around us, in nature and mathematics and in the biorhythms of life.

Symmetry is an important element of our well-being — it gives us a sense of balance and security.

When something is out of sync it creates a certain amount of anxiety and confusion and perhaps anger or disappointment, which is the case of the ending of the iconic Las Vegas topless revue “Les Folies Bergere.”

“Folies” premiered on Dec. 24, 1959, becoming synonymous with the Tropicana, which opened in April, 1957 and is now in Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The new owners of the venerable resort (who also own the show) decided to pull the plug on the revue – ending it nine months shy of it’s 50th anniversary.

More here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/mar/31/abrupt-end-folies-out-balance-its-iconic-past/

“Les Folies Bergere” at the Tropicana ends an incredible run that has spanned almost the entirety of Las Vegas’ modern history. There has been much written about the closure of what was a groundbreaking Las Vegas spectacle.

Following is a column by the Las Vegas Sun’s founding publisher, Hank Greenspun, almost 50 years ago, when “Folies” was brand new and so was our small but promising town. There are lessons to be learned — again. Most assuredly, there is the one about the relationship between great entertainment and the certainty of success as the world’s leading tourist destination for those who take the risk.

Thank you “Folies Bergere” and thank you Tropicana for a marvelous and entertaining half-century, the kind that can only be found in Las Vegas.

The arched ceiling displays 15 Jeff Koons-esque sculpted chrome fighting cocks encased in glass protruding from the wall above guests. A stylized frozen daiquiri bar with a counter embedded with mint leaves and backlit with neon green lighting catches your eye. The elongated patio is framed by lush landscaping.

Las Vegas Nightlife Group, the team behind the boutique nightclub Blush at Wynn is ushering in a new pool experience called Daydream on April 2 at the recently opened M Resort.

On Friday, Hoop Hall Experience opens at Planet Hollywood. The new museum is the creation of the Basketball Hall of Fame and its Greatest Moments Theater contains artifacts like the jersey in which Wilt "The Stilt" Chamberlain played his 100 point-game. Other attractions include the hip-hop video show Bounce, a timeline of basketball history, and the "Circle of Steel" gift shop. Hoop Hall Experience is open from 10 a.m.-9 p.m., with ticket sales cutting off at 8 p.m. Admission is $17.50 for kids and $24.50 for adults, while senior citizens and members of the Armed Forces get in for $22.50. There's also a special $21.50 rate for Nevadans. Tickets can be purchased at Planet H's mezzanine-level box office.

2. Room Rates – Plaza – 24 hours – $19 and up
Low room rates maintain their place near the top of the Top Ten, as rates continue to run 25%-30% below what's typical for this time of year. You know it's a big deal when you start hearing whining about the low rates "diminishing the upscale brands" and we're hearing plenty of that right now. Take advantage.

and on the list for a fourth month in a row. The casinos, desperate to fill tens of thousands of cold hotel rooms with warm bodies, are slashing prices and sweetening deals across the board. The $19 rate at the Golden Gate is a real rate we encountered, but just about any route you take to book almost any hotel should lead you to a deal.

3. Steak Dinner – Ellis Island – 24 hours – $6.95
The complete steak dinner at Ellis Island is the best-value meal deal in a city full of good-value meal deals. It’s a 10-ounce filet-cut sirloin, which comes with salad, garlic green beans, choice of potato, and fresh microbrewed beer, all for $6.95. A note on logistics: Every other Monday, the Ellis Island coffee shop shuts almost all the way down for a thorough cleaning (from 11 pm to 5 am) and the steak shuts down with it. If you’re planning on going to EI for a late-night steak on a Monday, be sure you've got the right week to do so.

4. Shrimp Cocktail – Golen Gate – 11 am-2 am – 99¢
All you have to do is show a players club card to get the shrimp at the old 99-cent price; otherwise, you pay $1.99. Sure, the extra step (if you’re not already a member) is a little inconvenient, but a coupl of sign-up bennies mitigate the five-minute detour. More important, the shrimp are bigger and better than ever.

5. Buffet – Mirage – Daily – $13.95-$24.95
It seems rarely to fail: We list a buffet in the Top Ten and the price is immediately raised. We spent months agonizing over the naming of Las Vegas’ best buffet value, finally replacing the Mirage’s Cravings spread with Planet Hollywood’s Spice Market smorgy, only to see PH tack a buck onto its lunch price, which is now $18.99. Meanwhile, the Mirage added a slick early-bird option from 3 to 5 pm daily, which drops its dinner price to $19.99. So now the early Mirage dinner buffet is a mere dollar more than the PH lunch,  leaving us no choice but to switch back. And as if things aren’t complicated enough, wait’ll you read about the new buffet at M.

6. Prime Rib – South Point – 24 hours – $12.95
The prime rib deal at South Point is a stunner. It's advertised as 10 ounces, but that’s underestimating it by about half. Plus, it’s served 24 hours a day in the coffee shop, with your choice of soup or salad, potato, and rolls if you ask. If you have a hankerin' for a prime rib special, it's worth the trip down to South Point.

7. Funbook – Stratosphere – Daily – Free
The Stratosphere funbook is a great one. The monetary value is $14.70 (and $19.70 if you take advantage of the $5 poker bonus). There are also more goodies in the Strat book than the gambling coupons, including a few decent drink and restaurant discounts, a heap of deals in the stores that you may or may not use, and even a little-known discount you can apply to room bookings. Best of all, you can get one once every week.

8. Fontana Bar – Bellagio – Daily – $6
The $6 charge at the Fontana Lounge is the cost of a beer to satisfy the one-drink minimum and see the show in Las Vegas’ classiest lounge, which overlooks the dancing fountains and the center Strip, and has live music from 10 pm on weekdays and earlier on weekends.

9. Lunch Comp – Crown & Anchor – Daily – $20 buy-in
Rooms might be priced at rock bottom (see #1), but games and comps seem to be tightening. Bucking the trend is the long-time lunch comp at the Crown & Anchor pubs. The free lunch with a $20 video poker buy-in has appeared in the Top Ten in months past, but we revisited it recently and it’s still going strong. Plus, if you miss lunch, the $20 buy-in entitles you to a free appetizer (including the great chicken fingers) from 3 pm to midnight. And all the while, you’re also drinking comped premium draft beers from around the world. It’s ironic that the best comp in Comp City is now available outside the casinos (locations are at 1350 E. Tropicana and 4775 Spring Mountain).

Las Vegas, a city that really depends on tourism, is doing it's best to not turn out the lights and lock the doors…business is horrific.  Most places keep doing their best to trudge forward…prices are cut everywhere…room rates have been slashed, there are specials on show tickets for every production in town, and even high end restaurants are offering deals…the entire city is a tremendous deal…and yet, fewer and fewer people are showing up.

And because of that, layoffs at hotels are at an all time high.  MGM has closed down an entire wing of it's hotel…from the casual onlookers perspective, it looks as if everything is business as usual because no one seems to notice that no one is going into "that" section of the hotel.  The unemployment rate in Las Vegas is one of the highest in the country. 

Shows have been hit especially hard…there are now 78 regularly running shows in town—which sounds like an awful lot, but when you consider that means we have nearly 20 fewer shows running than we had just two years ago, it becomes significant.

However…all of that said, April is one of the best months of the year.  I love the springtime in Las Vegas.  It is some of the best weather, and it's wonderful to be outside…it makes you feel alive…and in spite of everything, big new shows are opened or just about to open, there is a healthy convention calendar, and all of the pools have been opened at all of the resorts.  The bikini is back, and scantily clad women are enjoying the brilliant sunlight and getting a start on their summer tans—spring breakers are everywhere, Easter is just around the corner, the entertainment is great…it's actually a great time to visit.  The Showest convention is in town this month, as well as the National Association of Broadcasters…both huge events.

The Best of Las Vegas Awards have just come out.  There are usually two winners in each category—one chosen by the readers and one chosen by the staff of our city's daily paper.  "Love" and "Jersey Boys" were chosen as the best production shows, Danny Gans and Bette Midler as the best all-around performer, Rita Rudner and Craig Ferguson as best comedian, and Lance Burton and Keith Barry as best magician.  Best showgirls went to "Jubilee!" and "Folies Bergere," best singer went to Bette Midler and Rick Faugno, best male strip show went to "Thunder From Down Under," and best bargain show went to Mac King and Nathan Burton.

Good picks, but…I think the best production show is "Le Reve."  George Wallace should be included in the best comedian category.  Mac King, Penn & Teller, and Steve Wyrick are the best magicians in town, and Barry Manilow is one of the best singers.  There are so many great performers in town, it's tough to just highlight a few…not even mentioned were Terry Fator, Vinnie Favorito, Gordie Brown, Kevin Burke, Elton John, or even Cher.

There should also be a category for best small show…that would be a tougher category to choose a winner in.  A top nod should go to "Ignite," and "Defending the Caveman."

There was another feather in the cap for entertainers, as the Best Cocktail service went to the Bevertainers at the Rio.  These servers are entertainers that get up during their shifts and sing and dance for patrons in the casino.  Their presence certainly changes the face of cocktail service in our town.

The town will not be the same now that the "Folies Bergere" has closed.  After more than 49 years, the Parisian revue ended its run with a gala, celebrity filled finale.  The final performance was for invited guest only…mostly alum from previous years.  Even some of the original cast members from the show that opened in 1959 were in attendance.

Terry Fator has successfully opened at the Mirage.

"Ignite" has opened at the Greek Isles, and while it is still in its "soft" opening mode, it is a great show, and a good bargain.  The fire and magic show has tremendous potential.

"Peepshow" is also in a preview mode.  Its official opening will be in the middle of the month. "Peepshow" is a modern burlesque show created specifically for the dynamic, glamorous audience that exists only in the adult playground of Las Vegas.  A highly stylized, full-throttle production show that combines sexy striptease and celebrity with high-level production values and a dash of passion, "Peepshow" is a collaboration between Tony award-winning director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell and Las Vegas entertainment pacesetter BASE Entertainment

"The Lion King" at Mandalay Bay is getting ready for previews and will officially open in May.

"Scarlett: Princess of Magic" suddenly closed her doors this past month.  It was a gallant effort, and they get it their best shot, but the writing was on the wall for this one for a long time.

Trent Carlini opened his show "Evolution" at the Steve Wyrick theatre.  Carlini is an Elvis impersonator and has had earlier success with his show at the Sahara.

Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada celebrates the 35th Annual UNLVino® in partnership with the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration. This Las Vegas tradition is an opportunity for wine enthusiasts and winemakers to meet and enjoy the latest releases, the best vintages, and the finest varietals in support of scholarship. Paris Las Vegas will again host the signature UNLVino® event in 2009, The Grand Tasting. All involved are very pleased that the Grand Tasting is returning to this beautiful Harrah's property whose dedicated staff and management make this enormous undertaking possible.

Now in its 12th year, Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend is bigger and more exciting than ever. After 11 years in its original location at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, the event is moving to a larger venue — The Orleans, another Boyd Gaming property. This four-day event begins Thursday, April 9th and the party won't stop until Monday morning.  Viva Las Vegas is an annual event that has been held in Las Vegas every spring since 1998.  VLV is the largest event of its type in the world, and features bands and fans from all over the globe who come to experience Rockabilly, ‘50s music, the Classic Car Show, burlesque performers, dance lessons and contests, a Tiki Pool Party and more than 120 vendors.

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 9th to 12th.  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.

The first week of headliners include:

2009 United States Bowling Congress Open Championship
Cashman Center through Jul 23

Bette Midler
Caesars Palace through Apr 5

Andrew Dice Clay
Palazzo Resort through Apr 4

Moody Blues
Buffalo Bill's Apr 1

AAA Lucha Libre Invasion Tour
Orleans Hotel Apr 2

All-Star Guitar Pull
Green Valley Ranch Apr 2

David Copperfield
MGM Grand Apr 2 – 22

David Spade Live
Venetian Resort Apr 2 – 4

3 Doors Down
Green Valley Ranch Apr 3

Academy of Country Music New Artists
Fremont Street Experience Apr 3 – Free

Air Supply
Suncoast Hotel Apr 3 – 5

Alan Jackson
Buffalo Bill's Apr 3

Big League Weekend: Colorado Rockies vs. Seattle Mariners
Cashman Center Apr 3 – 4

Fighter Pilot for a Day
Special Event Apr 3 – 5

Gladys Knight
Orleans Hotel Apr 3 – 5

Glass Craft & Bead Expo
South Point Apr 3 – 5

Jay Leno
Mirage Apr 3 – 4

Keith Anderson w/ Luke Bryan and the Lost Trailers
Mandalay Bay Apr 3

Rodney Atkins
Henderson Pavilion Apr 3

The Lettermen
South Point Apr 3 – 5

Wranglers Professional Hockey
Orleans Hotel Apr 3 – 4

Bell Biv Devoe
Silverton Hotel Apr 4

Kellie Pickler and LeAnn Rimes
Fremont Street Experience Apr 4 – Free

The Outlaws
Cannery Casino Apr 4

Trace Adkins
Buffalo Bill's Apr 4

44th Academy of Country Music Awards
MGM Grand Apr 5

Academy of Country Music All-Star Jam & After Party
MGM Grand Apr 5

Fall Out Boy
Palms Casino Apr 5

The Second week has:

Academy of Country Music – Artist of the Decade Special
MGM Grand Apr 6

Elton John – The Red Piano
Caesars Palace Apr 7 – 22

Clark County Fair & Rodeo
Clark County Fair Grounds Apr 9 – 12

David Spade Live
Venetian Resort Apr 9 – 11

Las Vegas International Film Festival
Eastside Cannery Apr 9 – 12

Viva Las Vegas! Rockabilly Weekend
Orleans Hotel Apr 9 – 13

Billy Currington
Boulder Station Apr 10

Debbie Reynolds
South Point Apr 10 – 12

Kevin James
Mirage Apr 10 – 11

Psychic Gary Spivey
Sunset Station Apr 10

Society of Seven
Suncoast Hotel Apr 10 – 12

Billy Currington
Santa Fe Station Apr 11

Everclear
Silverton Hotel Apr 11

Sergio Mendes
Buffalo Bill's Apr 11

The Association
Cannery Casino Apr 11

Tiger Army w/ Frenzy and Stellar Corpses
Mandalay Bay Apr 11

Wright vs. Williams
Mandalay Bay Apr 11

Travis w/ the Republic Tigers
Mandalay Bay Apr 12

The third week of April includes:

FEI World Cup Jumping and Dressage
Thomas & Mack Center Apr 15 – 19

Kevin Rudolf
Mandalay Bay Apr 15

Sinbad
Buffalo Bill's Apr 15

The Let It Rock Tour featuring Kevin Rudolf
Mandalay Bay Apr 15

3rd Annual Arabian Breeders World Cup & Gift Show
South Point Casino Apr 16 – 19 – Free

Platinum Masters' Monster Circus
Las Vegas Hilton Apr 16 – 18

UNLVino
The Palms, The District at Green Valley Ranch and Paris Apr 16 – 18

Bill Medley with Paul Revere & the Raiders
South Point Casino Apr 17 – 19

Boxing at the Border: Gamboa vs. Rojas
Buffalo Bill's Apr 17

Foreigner
Texas Station Apr 17

KC & the Sunshine Band
Orleans Hotel Apr 17 – 19

Pure Aloha Concert & Festival
Cannery Casino Apr 17 – 19

Ray Romano & Kevin James
Mirage Apr 17 – 18

The Cure
Palms Casino Apr 17

The Killers
Hard Rock Apr 17

The Scintas
Suncoast Apr 17 – 19

Avenged Sevenfold
Hard Rock Apr 18

Britny Fox & Pretty Boy Floyd
Santa Fe Station Apr 18

Journeys Backyard Barbeque Tour
Galleria at Sunset Apr 18 – Free

Kottonmouth Kings
Mandalay Bay Apr 18

Ronnie Milsap
Silverton Hotel Apr 18

UB40
Mandalay Bay Apr 18

World's Collide – Mixed Martial Arts
Buffalo Bill's Apr 18

Lucha Libre Featuring Super Crazy & Super Parka
Buffalo Bill's Apr 19

Miss USA
Planet Hollywood Apr 19

Paul McCartney
Hard Rock Apr 19

The fourth week has…

Horrorpops w/ Longway and the Applicators
Mandalay Bay Apr 23

Platinum Masters' Monster Circus
Las Vegas Hilton Apr 23 – 25

Seasme Street LIVE: Elmo's Green Thumb
Cox Pavilion Apr 23 – 26

Wayne Newton
MGM Grand Apr 23 – 29

Bon Jovi
Hard Rock Apr 24

Chris Cagle
Silverton Apr 24

Common with Biz Markie and Kool Moe Dee
Mandalay Bay Apr 24

Darius Rucker
Silverton Apr 24

Jay Leno
Mirage Apr 24 – 25

John Heffron
South Point Apr 24 – 26

Kenny Rogers
Orleans Hotel Apr 24 – 26

Mary Mary
Mandalay Bay Apr 24

Mocca
Cannery Casino Apr 24

The Tokens
Suncoast Hotel Apr 24 – 26

17th Annual Las Vegas City of Lights Jazz Festival
Clark County Amphitheatre Apr 25

Britney Spears w/ the Pussycat Dolls
MGM Grand Apr 25

Cher
Caesars Palace Apr 25 – 29

Kenny Chesney w/ Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum
Hard Rock Apr 25

Queensryche
Mandalay Bay Apr 25

Rick Springfield, Eddie Money, More . . .
Thomas & Mack Center Apr 25

The O'Jays
Cannery Casino Apr 25

Zac Brown Band
Boulder Station Apr 25

Reverend Horton Heat w/ Maniac Hispanic & Old Man Markley
Mandalay Bay Apr 26

And the last part of April, and going into May has:

David Spade Live
Venetian Resort Apr 30 – May 2

Howie Mandel
MGM Apr 30 – May 6

Kreator w/ Exodus, Belphegor, Warbringer & Epicurean
Mandalay Bay Apr 30

Black Label Society w/ Dope and Cycle of Pain
Mandalay Bay May 1

Boz Scaggs
Las Vegas Hilton May 1

Four Tops
Orleans Hotel May 1 – May 3

Las Vegas Tenors
Suncoast May 1 – May 3

Maxxis Mini Moto SX
Orleans Hotel May 1

Platinum Entertainment Boxing Event
South Point May 1

Robin Thicke & Jennifer Hudson
Palms May 1

Rusted Root
Hard Rock May 1

Tony Orlando
South Point May 1 – May 3

Viva! – Tribute to Santana
Cannery Casino May 1

Cher
Caesars Palace May 2 – May 24

Monster Energy Supercross
Sam Boyd Stadium May 2

Pacquaio vs. Hatton
MGM Grand May 2

Stephen Lynch
Mandalay Bay May 2

The Cult
Hard Rock May 2

War
Cannery Casino May 2

Static-X and Saliva w/ Burn Halo & the Flood
Mandalay Bay May 3

For dates and times, be sure to log onto the Las Vegas Online Entertainment Guide: ( www.lvol.com ).

How popular is Las Vegas and gambling? Just take a quick scan of all the programming built around them on this page. We list everything from dramatic series to poker tournaments, from travel specials to sit-com cameos. Check your local listings for the channels and to verify times.

http://lasvegasadvisor.com/vegastv.cfm

Celebrities will show their stuff at the Palms Casino Resort’s Rain nightclub on Sunday, April 19, during the fundraiser “Dancing with the Las Vegas Stars,” which supports five local charities that help Las Vegas residents fight cancer.

 Hosted by The Caring Place and presented by Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, the dance competition begins at 2 p.m. and will feature the following celebrities representing a specific charitable organization: City of Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman for the American Cancer Society, World Champion boxer Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini for The Caring Place, KLUC Radio Personality Chet Buchanan for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Zowie Bowie singer Chris Phillips for the Candlelighter’s Childhood Cancer Foundation, and actor Brent Barrett for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Master magician Lance Burton will serve as the master of ceremonies, while TV host Robin Leach, Channel 13 weatherman Brian Scofield, comedian Louie Anderson, female impersonator Frank Marino, and professional ballroom dancer Tony Delgado will roast the competitors. Tina Walsh from Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular and Travis Cloer from Jersey Boys will perform while the final votes are tallied. Mrs. Nevada Tiffany Comstock will also be on hand as the celebrity hostess.

Master magician Lance Burton will serve as the master of ceremonies, while TV host Robin Leach, Channel 13 weatherman Brian Scofield, comedian Louie Anderson, female impersonator Frank Marino, professional ballroom dancer Tony Delgado, and actress Tina Walsh will roast the competitors. Mrs. Nevada Tiffany Comstock will also be on hand as the celebrity hostess.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster for $50 plus applicable taxes and fees. The price includes appetizers and one drink. Attendees must be 21 years or older.

The public’s votes will decide the contest’s winner. Votes are $1 each with all proceeds benefiting each charity, and can be placed during the show or via the event’s Web site at: DancingWithTheLasVegasStars.com

The "Strip House Burger" from www.accessvegas.com

Hard Rock Hotel & CasinoDining, Retail and Amenities Listings Update.

Free Las Vegas Coupons from www.vegas4locals.com

Allure Salon: New customer specials
Annie Bananie Wild West Tours: Up to $30 off tours 
Awesome Adventures: $30 off ATV, horseback, kayak & gold mine tours
Casa di Amore Italian American Restaurant: Free pizza
Casino Roofing: 10% off and free estimates
Casting Call Entertainment: Free head shot session with acting or modeling class
Defending the Caveman: Special dinner/brunch show pricing
Dixie Dooley Master Mystifier: 2-for-1 admission
Fashion Outlets: Shopping coupons
Fitz of Laughter: 2-for-1 admission
Haunted Vegas Tour & Show: $10 off admission
Hypnosis Unleashed: $10 off admission
ICE Direct from Russia: $20 off admission
Jay White as Neil Diamond: 2-for-1 admission
LA Comedy Club: 2-for-1 admission
Larry G. Jones – Singing Impressionist
Liberace Museum: $12.50 off museum & cabaret admission
Madam Tussaud's: Up to $16 off admission
Marriage Can Be Murder: $10 off dinner show ticket
McFadden's Restaurant & Saloon: Free drink, no line, no cover
Men of X: 2-for-1 admission
Mesmerized Comedy Hypnosis Chaos: 2-for-1 admission
Mystery Adventure Tour: $5 off admission
Nathan Burton Comedy Magic: Free admission with buffet purchase 
Nathan's Famous: Free Hot Dog
Pampas Brazilian Grille: Free bottle of wine
Pampas Brazilian Grille: $10 off dinner, $5 off lunch
Party Planner Psychics: 20% off your psychic reading
Pole Fitness Studio: $20 pole dancing class
Riviera Comedy Club: 2-for-1 admission
Scott Lewis Comedy Hypnosis Show: $10 tickets
Silverstone Golf Club: Time for Nine
Silverstone Golf Club: Special Resident Rates 
Silverstone Golf Club: $200 off Wedding Ceremony or Reception
Skydive Las Vegas: $10 off a 3-mile skydive
Stars of Magic: 2-for-1 admission
Superstars of Magic: 2-for-1 admission
The Adventurers - Las Vegas Chapter: $60 off membership
The International School of Hospitality: 3-month certificates
The Las Vegas Comedy Show: 2-for-1 admission
The Mentalist Gerry McCambridge: Free ticket with drink purchase
The Platters, Coasters & the Marvelettes: $15 off admission
The Sopranos Last Supper: $10 off admission
Tix4Tonight: $2 off service fee for half-priced tickets
Tony & Tina's Wedding: $15-$30 off admission
Tony & Tina's Wedding: 2-for-1 for locals 
Too Hotties Haircuts: New customer special
Valhalla Wellness & Medical Center: $50 off medspa services, $75 off membership 
Vegas Indoor Skydiving: $10 off single flight 
Vegas Mob Tour: $10 off admission
Vegas Wedding Chapel: $50 off any ceremony
Vinnie Favorito Comedy Show: $10 off admission
X Burlesque: $10 off admission
 
Click Here for Las Vegas coupons

Shades of Sinatra Brings Vintage Vegas Entertainment,
“Ol’ Blue Eyes” Favorites to Suncoast Showroom May 8-10
 
Shades of Sinatra, a celebration of the life and sound of “Ol’ Blue Eyes,” returns to the Suncoast Showroom, May 8, 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m., bringing songs and poignant stories of the legendary singer.
 
Designed as a vintage, off-the-cuff Vegas show, Shades of Sinatra doesn’t try to impersonate the man, but instead blends signature Frank Sinatra favorites with some of the most beloved sounds from his era in a show aimed at both long-time and casual Sinatra fans. Humor and good-natured ribbing among cast members tie together the musical numbers and storytelling.
 
In 2005, Shades of Sinatra creator Kelly Clinton assembled the group’s three male vocalists, Larry Liso, Ryan Baker and Carmine Mandia, all heavily influenced by Sinatra. Individually, each loved to perform Sinatra songs at restaurants, lounges and corporate events, including Baker’s 2005 engagement at the Artisan Hotel, Liso’s 2006 stint at the Westin and Mandia’s spot-on portrayal of Sinatra in the Greek Isles’ Rat Pack show. Lisa Smith joined Shades of Sinatra in 2006, bringing her extensive theatrical background and adding an exciting female presence and musical spark to the performance.
 
The group’s following has exploded since their debut show in the Stirling Club at Turnberry Place. Over the years, Shades of Sinatra has drawn capacity crowds at Bootlegger Bistro and has been a favorite at Suncoast, where the group has a standing engagement. Through corporate and private events, Shades of Sinatra has also gained a following beyond Las Vegas. With a special feel for Sinatra classics and masterful instrumental and vocal repertoire, Shades of Sinatra was honored in 2007 as “Best Tribute Show” from the Entertainment Consumers’ Exchange.
 
Tickets are now available starting from $19.95, plus tax. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 702.636.7075 or visiting www.suncoastcasino.com.

April News from MGM MIRAGE 

Did you know…

Located adjacent to the Race & Sports Book, the eponymous deli is named for the grandson of the famous food & beverage family.  Offering signature specialty sandwiches, matzo ball soup, New York-style cheesecake and more, Gary Canter’s Delicatessen is open Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to midnight.   

Wynn Las Vegas chef Paul Bartolotta has a shot at a rare double achievement in the culinary industry.

He could grab a second James Beard Award for best chef, in a second region of the country.

In 1994, as executive chef at Chicago's Spiaggia, he won a James Beard Award for best chef in the Midwest. It was the first time an Italian chef won the award.

Earlier this week Bartolotta was nominated for best chef in the Southwest, four years after opening Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare at the Wynn.

Instead of adopting the traditional Italian menu, Bartolotta sold Wynn on the bold step of featuring coastal Italian cooking — "something no one else had ever done." Wynn agreed, "after some cajoling," Bartolotta said with a chuckle.

Bartolotta became the buyer and importer of the best Mediterranean seafood he could find.

The other Nevada semifinal nominees are: best chef, Claude Le Tohic, Joël Robuchon at the Mansion at MGM Grand; best new restaurant, Raku; rising star chef of the year, Vannessa Garcia, Restaurant Charlie, at Palazzo; rising star chef of the year, Sarah Kosikowski, Michael Mina at Bellagio; and best chef, Saipin Chutima, Lotus of Siam.

Taking a seat in Muscelli's comfortable den, photographs of a long parade of famous Las Vegas entertainers flashed by on a computer screen. From Sinatra and Elvis to Streisand, everyone who was anyone knew Emilio.

Although he was as popular as any mayor the valley has known, Muscelli never ran for office. He was the maitre d' at the Sands, the Dunes, and the International (now the Las Vegas Hilton).

Perhaps Emilio's knowledge of Las Vegas history won't impress the Strip's mega-resort barons as they careen toward bankruptcy and are haunted by their own hubris, but spending a little time with him sure made me feel better. I was reminded, for instance, that Las Vegas has endured plenty of ups and downs in its wild roller coaster existence.

More from The Las Vegas Review Journal here:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/42073012.html

Review-Journal readers choose sexiest server.

By COREY LEVITAN/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

In the town with probably the most sexy servers in the world, one stands head and shoulder straps above the rest.

Actually, Jordan Lee Abeyta, who works at Luxor's LAX nightclub, stands just 5 feet, 2 inches. But she is the winner of the Review-Journal sexiest cocktail waitress contest. From a field of 10 women nominated by some of the most popular hot spots in town, Abeyta earned 21 percent of the vote from 4,539 respondents, trouncing closest competitors Andrea Atkinson from Christian Audigier The Nightclub (16 percent) and Joey Williams from Tao (14 percent).

"I'm really honored to be chosen," says Abeyta, 22. "All the girls in the contest were beautiful."

"Does everyone like to watch a beautiful showgirl? Absolutely," says local attorney Akke Levin. Performing as Aki, she was the rare showgirl to get star billing in the Stardust's "Enter the Night" revue from 1995 through 1999.

Nobody wants the showgirl to go away. But nobody knows what to do with her either."Does everyone like to watch a beautiful showgirl? Absolutely," says local attorney Akke Levin. Performing as Aki, she was the rare showgirl to get star billing in the Stardust's "Enter the Night" revue from 1995 through 1999.

More here:
http://www.lvrj.com/living/42072882.html

Tonight I broke one of two rules I’ve established for visiting downtown: Plan at least 15 minutes ahead of schedule to account for unforeseen parking issues. The other rule is not to drink anything served in a plastic football, which is a good rule for anywhere but especially downtown.

Tonight was supposed to be the media night performance by workhorse impressionist Gordie Brown (meaning he works hard, not that he impersonates equines, but Brown could probably mock a horse pretty well since he’s mastered many humans, including Arnold Schwarzenegger). I guess the media night still came off, but I wasn’t there for this fortunately optional trip to the showroom because I broke my own 15-minute rule.

By: Joe Brown/Las Vegas Sun

While a pair of ladies of a certain age are dominating the Colosseum at Caesars, across the street, David Copperfield and Tom Jones are turning the Hollywood Theatre into an arena for middle-aged male performers.

Copperfield’s always amusing and often amazing act is preceded by a clever collage of mentions of the magician in movies, TV shows and cartoons, with secular deities from Ronald Reagan to Oprah and Homer Simpson deploying Copperfield’s name as a punchline.

The video infomercial reminds the audience of his seemingly unshakable place in the pop culture pantheon — and most of all that the name David Copperfield is synonymous with contemporary magic.

Upscale-burger spots have been on the increase in this city and country but Burger Bar is ground zero — where Chef Hubert Keller started it all. It has a casual, sports-bar atmosphere and casual but very serious food, including three types of beef plus lamb, turkey, seafood, veggie burgers and more. We liked our American-style Kobe with blue cheese and zucchini fries, and also the sliders, a trio of buffalo with caramelized onions, Black Angus with bacon and Ridgefield Farms beef with American cheese, with skinny fries on the side. (3/20/09)

Overall: A- $$

MANTRA MASALA
8530 W. Warm Springs Road; 598-3663

Mantra Masala bills its food as healthy without making any specific claims of that nature but a clear avoidance of excess fat is an obvious good start. A plus is that unlike much "healthful" food, Indian cuisine — especially as executed by Mantra Masala — is inherently flavorful. We loved the sweet, sweet Mussels Masala and greatly enjoyed the simple vegetable samosas, garlic nan, lamb korma and chicken mantra. (11/7/08)

Overall: A- $$

PIPS CUCINA & WINE BAR
Aliante Station, 7300 Aliante Parkway; 692-7477

Pips Cucina & Wine Bar is that rare Italian restaurant that has enough offbeat menu selections to give it a fresh feel (and really separate it from the pack) without ever devolving into weirdness. Among the dishes that are worthy of note (and borrow from both the familiar and not-so-familiar sides of the menu) were carpaccio of tuna on a grilled eggplant tart, burrata-stuffed Campari tomatoes, Parmesan consomme, meatball sliders and Fried and Fresh Pasta. (3/13/09)

Overall: A $$

SOCIAL HOUSE
Treasure Island, 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 894-7777

We didn't like that Social House seemed to kick into almost nightclub mode at a pretty early hour or the extremely detailed instructions from a waiter clearly used to a young crowd, but we did like the food, including a starter of Kalbi beef, shrimp and spicy tuna ballera sushi, a curry lobster roll, tamarind short ribs and Crispy Ice Cream. (2/22/08)

Then that pesky global economic meltdown came along, debt started piling up, the credit they needed to pay for the place dried up, rumors of bankruptcy were rife, and generally speaking things kind of sucked. And that was all before this past week when things got really ugly.

Dubai World filed a lawsuit against MGM Mirage saying that they were in breach of the contract the two entities have. This came a few days before both companies had to make a $200 million debt payment or risk being forced into bankruptcy in both the CityCenter project and in general – a bankruptcy that could’ve forced the construction on the massive project to come to a halt, laying off 8,500 workers in the process. Dubai World said they weren’t going to make their part of the payment, MGM Mirage said their creditors wouldn’t let them make it all, and things headed for a dramatic showdown on Friday when the bill was due.

Then somebody blinked somewhere and MGM Mirage made the payment in full, without Dubai World’s help, and the crisis was averted. For now.

Tune in next week when Gabby and Carlos have a fight, Dave tries to kill Mike, and Edie has a shocking encounter with Orson. No, wait… that’s “Desperate Housewives.” I keep getting them confused.
http://vegas4visitors.com/column/index.htm

Montagu Matters: Top 7 Sandwiches in Las Vegas by Rick Garman

The Soprano’s Last Supper is a unique parody of the award-winning show including singing, dancing, fine Italian cuisine, comedy and more. Guests can interact with characters Tony Baritone, Bobby Baclava, Dee Dee Diamond and the rest of the “family” while helping sniff out the rat among them. This is a show that will have people out of their seats and taking part in a Mob era not too long past. Tickets for the Soprano’s Last Supper begin at $55 plus tax and fees. The show will run Tuesday thru Saturday at 7 p.m. Should be a lot of fun, as long as you don’t get whacked.

Hypnosis Unleashed will be a risqué and riotous performance nightly in The Cellar. Terry Stokes and Michael Johns, two very funny guys, offer their often naughty but side-splitting powers of suggestion. This is a real crowd pleaser. I’ve seen these two work before and audiences love them and have a great time even when it’s at their own expense. Tickets for Hypnosis Unleashed begin as low as $40 plus tax and fees. The show runs nightly at 9:30 p.m. You can get tickets at the Tiffany Theater Box Office. Both shows are slated to open late April and both are worth a look.

And let’s not forget Xtreme Magic Starring Dirk Arthur who will continue to astonish crowds Sunday through Thursday at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the Tiffany Theater. This family friendly show features fantastic illusions, incredible dancing and exotic cats. Tickets are as low as $20 plus tax and fees and are also available at the Tiffany Theater Box Office and online at tropicanalv.com.

All in all it sounds like a pretty strong lineup for the Trop, although I’m still P.O.d at them for canceling Folies or at least let it run through Christmas so it could claim a run of 50 years.

A Deal For The Divine One
Okay, listen up. If you’re planning to see Bette Middler’s The Showgirl Must Go On, take advantage of this offer the Divine Miss M is making. It’s a seating upgrade deal and only for locals, so you’ll need a valid photo ID. Here’s how it works and by the way, it’s only being offered through April 5.

Buy a ticket in the second mezzanine level and get a complimentary upgrade to first mezzanine seating. If your ticket is in the first mezzanine you get to go to rear orchestra seating. The savings is up to $45 per ticket, which you can use to buy popcorn and a soft drink next time you go to the movies. I should also add that the offer is subject to availability.

To book seats, visit www.ticketmaster.com, keyword “BETTE,” and enter the password BMUPGRADE in the “Locals Upgrade Offer” box, or visit The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Box Office with valid photo I.D. By the way, it’s a great show and Midler is better than ever.
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