BOUCHON
Venezia Tower at The Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 414-6200

It still seems as incongruous among the Italianate trappings of the Venetian as on the day it opened, but Bouchon has worn very nicely, delivering French-bistro fare that's as authentic as it gets. Notable were a charcuterie board, the Poulet Roti (roast chicken), Triute aux Amandes (trout almondine) and the silken-sin richness of the Mousse au Chocolate Noir, which requires no translation. (7/31/09)
Overall: A $$$

BRIO TUSCAN GRILLE
Town Square, 6653 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 914-9145

Brio looks a lot more like a Tuscan manse than an outlet of a restaurant chain based in Columbus, Ohio, but that's just part of its appeal. It manages to deliver the familiar with a slightly innovative edge, as in the garganelli carbonara, with not only the customary bacon and Parmesan and also grilled chicken and fresh spinach leaves, bruschetta Caprese that blends the best of both dishes, a somewhat-too-subtle artichoke-and-herb-crusted pork chop, a trio of creme brulee and a lovely soup of the day, creme of morel. (9/5/08)
Overall: A- $$

MIX ZONE CAFE
2202 W. Charleston Blvd.; 388-0708

Mix Zone Cafe is a Thai restaurant but the dish that blew us away was a starter of puffy fried eggplant that didn't strike us as traditionally Thai, but who knew? The mix works for us. We also liked the mint-chicken pot stickers, minced pork Ga Pow, tofu Panang curry and the mellow music and bright colors that give the little place a serene yet energetic vibe. (2/20/09)
Overall: A- $

MONTANA MEAT CO.
6371 Centennial Center Blvd. (also at 9135 S. Durango Drive); 396-7615

A crackdown seems to be underway on the city’s hotspots and the results have been dramatic to say the least.

A couple of weeks ago, Planet Hollywood was socked with a $500,000 fine for failing to adequately police what was going on in their nightclubs Prive and The Living Room. The clubs had their liquor licenses pulled and have closed while the hotel’s management tries (but so far has failed) to appeal the decision and get the booze flowing again. Although the details of what was happening inside have not been released, it is rumored to be everything from underage drinking to lewd behavior.

Last week another club got socked, this time at The Rio. The hotel’s Sapphire Pool club was closed after nine women were arrested for charges ranging from prostitution to drugs. Done in partnership with a local strip club, the daytime pool club was the subject of an undercover police investigation that Rio owner Harrah’s Entertainment asked them to do.

Word on the streets is that these incidents have scared the hell out of the Vegas casinos that house these clubs, less for the impact on their food and beverage revenue and more for the danger to their gaming revenue. That half-million dollar fine that Planet Hollywood paid was levied by the Gaming Control Board, the state agency that regulates gambling licenses. This very powerful agency has the power to shut down casinos if the offenses are egregious enough and none of the owners want to mess with them.

So things could be getting a little more buttoned up at the Vegas party spots, which couldn’t be more overdue if you ask me.

I’ve been to almost every nightclub in town to review them for this site and the things that I’ve seen have shocked me. Mind you, I’m not easily shocked. I worked in nightclubs in Los Angeles for more than a decade but back in my day the drugs and sex happened in the bathrooms where they belong (that’s a joke, by the way). I’ve been to clubs in Vegas where I saw people openly doing lines of cocaine on their bottle service tables and various *ahem* “adult activities” happening right out on the dance floor. And let’s not even get started about the men and women I’ve seen who were so drunk that they didn’t even bother to go all the way to the bathroom to throw up. Apparently the hallway is good for that sort of thing too.

Now, I’m all for having a good time. God knows, I have a drink or 12 every now and then and I certainly have done things in bars that I shouldn’t have, but the difference is in Vegas clubs the behavior seems to be tolerated and even endorsed.

How much of an effect this recent crackdown will have on the Vegas nightclub scene is yet to be, uh, seen. But all you party people should be on notice that things may not be as freewheeling as they used to be.
http://vegas4visitors.com/

Where did that earthworm go? Also, where did that goldfish come from? Questions come as fast as the illusions in The Mac King Comedy Magic Show, but by the end of the 75-minute performance, you're not so much confounded as you are satisfi ed. The man knows how to put on a show.

Born in Kentucky and raised on the magic books of his grandfather, King has been a staple of afternoons at Harrah's for nearly a decade. He's well known for his baggy plaid suits, country drawl and family friendly demeanor. He's not as well known for a routine that has enough comedy and innuendo to keep adults in stitches. While that sort of thing soars right over kids' heads, the magic hits home with just about everyone.

King takes tried-and-true rope and card tricks and twists them into something else entirely. He invites an 11-year-old boy onstage for a camping trip during which a goldfish disappears and then appears in the most unlikely of places. Then there's the Cloak of Invisibility (King in a yellow raincoat), the part where he smashes his head in a paper bag and a final disappearing act that tops them all.

There are those who say the only good things in Las Vegas happen at night. Give King an afternoon, and he won't only change your mind, he'll blow it, too.

Mac King
Where: Harrah's
Cost: $24.95 and up
When: 1 & 3 p.m. Tues.-Sat.
http://lvshowbiz.com/

Chinaman’s One Man Show at The Greek Isles is a ROCK AND ROLL COMEDY EXPERIENCE presented by Pantera / Damage Plan / Cowboys From Hell superstar drummer Vinnie Paul. This stand up comedian is dead on with celebrity and music impressions. If you are a rock fan this is a must see. You can see the show Tuesday 10pm and Wednesday-Saturday 8:30pm. He may just be knocking George Wallace from his best show at 10pm in Vegas moto. The best part is that tickets are now only $20. The newspapers are saying that he is a Rockstar trapped in a comics body trying to get out and watching him will make your belly hurt from laughter.

Hash House A Go Go hosts viewing party for Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food”

Hash House a Go Go teams up with Mix 94.1 and Jack FM to host a viewing party for the Las Vegas episode of “Man v. Food,” which features the restaurant’s twisted farm food. There will be happy hour prices on drinks featuring $2 domestic 20-ounce drafts, $3 imported drafts and $3 well drinks. For non-drinkers, Hash House’s signature Kiwi Watermelon Lemonade, featured in the show, will be available for only $1 and the first 50 people to arrive at the event will get their first drink free. Attendees can also enjoy complimentary big food appetizers including meatloaf sandwich skewers; mini double stack ham, egg and cheese burgers; mini chicken and waffle bites. Raffle drawings will be held throughout the evening where guests have the opportunity to win a variety of prizes including concert tickets and a $100 gift card to Hash House A Go Go.

“Man v. Food” follows Host Adam Richman as he travels the country in search of restaurants that serve the biggest and best local meals. After seeking out each city’s top culinary destinations, Richman puts his appetite to work and attempts to conquer the toughest food challenges.

When:
Wednesday, August 12
9 p.m. until 11 p.m.
10 p.m. “Man v. Food” airs

Famed Chef EMERIL LAGASSE Brings New Game Day Destination to the Las Vegas Strip.

Chef Emeril Lagasse and The Palazzo today announced Lagasse’s Stadium – a ground-breaking new place to dine, watch and play – opening this fall at The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino. Sports fans will be in the center of the action while enjoying Chef Emeril’s world-famous cuisine and warm hospitality in this new state-of-the-art venue.

Inspired by two of Chef Emeril’s lifelong passions – cooking and sports – Lagasse’s Stadium marks a new dining standard for a sports and entertainment venue. Custom sports viewing walls consisting of nearly 100 high definition screens will provide unprecedented access to nearly every major college and professional sporting event, including must-see bowl games, track races, tournaments, and championship match-ups.

Lagasse’s Stadium will be Lagasse’s third project with The Palazzo and adjoining Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino. The other two endeavors include the acclaimed Delmonico Steakhouse at The Venetian and Table 10 at The Palazzo.

Paymon’s Mediterranean Bistro Opens.

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman cut the ribbon to officially open Paymon’s Mediterranean Bistro, located in the heart of the Arts District, at 107 E. Charleston Blvd. From left are: kitchen managers Roberto Rodriguez and Arnoldo Mijarez, Mayor Goodman, restaurant manager Frank Cristiano, kitchen manager Jose Rodriguez, owner and president Paymon Raouf, corporate operations manager Donna Devereaux, and restaurant manager Ben Arimoto. The restaurant serves a selection of favorite dishes from Raouf’s other two restaurants, Paymon’s Mediterranean Café & Hookah Lounge on Maryland Parkway and Paymon’s Mediterranean Café and Lounge on West Sahara Avenue.

Treasure Island will add Khotan

“City of Jade” fine dining adorned with largest collection of exquisite jade sculptures.

Treasure Island will add Khotan™ to its fine-dining options beginning August 10, featuring Pan-Asian cuisine, outdoor seating with views of the Strip and Sirens Cove, and ultra-chic indoor dining nooks for parties of two to 20. The menu offers delectable entrees influenced by Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Indonesian traditional and contemporary cuisine.

Khotan, which means “City of Jade,” will also contain the largest collection of jade and ivory antiquities in the United States. On loan from Treasure Island Owner Phil Ruffin’s private collection, the 20-plus pieces will include two five-foot hand-carved jade jars and a 35,000-year old ivory tusk adorned with an intricately designed Asian village.

LATE NIGHT MENU MOTTO: “THE MORE GREASE THE BETTER”

Pure Management Group recently introduced new dinner and late night dining menus at Company Kitchen and Pub House at Luxor Hotel and Casino. The menus introduce the Company Kitchen and Pub House take on neighborhood pub cuisine along with a late night menu to satisfy the heartiest of late night appetites.

“The new menus are designed around our take on comfort foods that guests would find at their favorite bar or late night haunt. There is something for everyone, and I think the late night dining crowd will be especially fond of the late night selections such as the Signature Fried Egg Sandwich,” said Deborah Krause, executive vice president of Pure Management Group.

The new Company Kitchen and Pub House dinner menu offers familiar dishes to satisfy every taste from simple to sophisticated at a price that anyone can appreciate. Menu specialties include Fried Mash Potato Sticks with sour cream, bacon and cheddar cheese for $9; Deep Fried Kobe Sliders on a Hawaiian sweet roll with aged cheese for $12; Farmer’s Greens with cucumber vinaigrette for $7; Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with garlic dipping sauce for $12; Pork Spare Ribs with cole slaw and cilantro for $12; BBQ Pulled Pork and Andouille Sausage Sandwich for $13 and a 24-oz. Cajun Prime Bone-In Ribeye for $41. Sides include Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes for $5, Spiced Fries with Japanese seven spice for $5 and Chili Garlic Asparagus for $7.

The new Late Night Menu comes with its own motto that says it all: “The More Grease The Better.” The Late Night Menu selections include Chicken Wings with buffalo, teriyaki or yuzu chile sauce for $10; “The Hangover” Pizza with scrambled eggs, sausage, roasted peppers, sour cream and tomato sauce for $10; Dirty Fries with muenster cheese, bacon, chives and sour cream for $10; Signature Fried Egg Sandwich with English muffin, onion, bacon, cheddar cheese, all smothered in chili for $8. For dessert there is a Classic Hot Fudge Sundae with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge and nuts for $6. The Late Night Menu is served Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
http://www.reportonvegas.com/

We took in Anthony Cools show at Paris Las Vegas on Thursday evening, where he proudly announced that his wildly popular extravaganza is extending its run for four more years. This highly entertaining – not for children – performance uses Cool's uninhibited comedy to hypnotize the audience, and volunteers become the stars of the program. The shows are never the same since audience participation makes for new material every single night.

How about Joan Rivers' dishes and jabs at Jay Leno. After the Johnny Carson incident, Joan never again appeared on The Tonight Show. Both Joan and Jay will be appearing in Las Vegas over the Labor Day weekend, Joan at The Venetian at 7:00pm and Jay at The Mirage at 10:00 pm. Get the gloves ready! 

I received a call this week from my friend Frank Marino telling me he'll opening his new show at the Imperial Palace over Labor Day weekend, performing twice daily. Frank is fresh from six weeks of appearing in Tony and Tina's Wedding at Planet Hollywood. He said he realized it was time to get back on stage and will produce and star in The Ultimate Drag Show. Frank must have been very young when we first met, but when I arrived in Las Vegas more than 10 years ago, he reached out his hand to me. You never forget those moments of friendship. Hurry up, Frank, and get back to the stage. We miss you!

The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino opened its new lavish 450 room tower on July 31. Beautifully decorated rooms, suites and poolside suites are a great new addition to the hotel/casino scene. Sluggish economy or not, Hard Rock, City Center and hopefully The Fountainbleau will be creating much needed employment opportunities to our local scene. These are the things that keep Las Vegas growing.

This summer is a great time to catch up on shows like Phantom, Cirque and, of course, Bette Midler. Discounts are available and Bette is offering a special VIP package through November 15 that includes meeting the superstar performer after the show and taking pictures with her.

Try and catch comic and singing impressionist Larry G. Jones at the Royal Resort Hotel on the Strip Larry, billed as "The man of 1002 voices", is a favorite on the corporate circuit and is now making a name for himself in Las Vegas.

Muchos kudos to my Latin bombshell, Charo. The reviews are in for her show at the Riviera and they are glowing. It's true. She's still funny, a bundle of energy and a true talent. Of course her back up musicians and those fabulous looking and talented dancers are a wonderful compliment to the show. I love you Charo.

The Stratosphere has just announced Cloud 999 Wedding Package. This is an en masse wedding ceremony limited to 99 couples. The ceremony will take place at the Indoor Observation Deck at the Stratosphere and will include about everything a happy couple might need, including a minister to perform the service. My only question at this point is why hasn't the Reverend Monti Rock III been contacted to perform this service? Reservations can be made by calling (800) 998-6937 for the 9/9/09 event that will take place at 9:09 PM and is all yours for $99.09. The Rev Monti can be reached by phone, e-mail, blog, etc. Call me!

Returning to Las Vegas after his world tour, Rick Thomas has found a home at the famed and long standing Sahara Hotel & Casino."The Magic and Tigers of Rick Thomas" in the showroom at the Sahara is a nice addition to the north end of the Strip. The show is produced by John Stuart who also produces "Voices" at the Las Vegas Hilton and was the producer of the long-running "Legends in Concert" at the Imperial Palace.

It's been another week of gossip and innuendos. Leave Terry Fator alone, he's allowed to have a new girl friend. He filed for divorce a long time ago. Taylor Makakoa,(aka Taylor Dew), is 21 but some say she may only be 19. I say Terry Fator, winner of America's Got Talent, who is currently starring at the Mirage deserves a new arm piece.

Last week I went to the opening of Marriage Can Be Murder at Fitzgerald's. It's dinner theater with a twist and has been enjoying a a successful run in Las Vegas for the past ten years. Our wonderful Mayor Oscar Goodman is a great sport and my hat's off to him. He was first to bite the bullet on opening night. The following night it was Monty Hall, or at least that's what the billing read, to bite the bullet. Actually it was yours truly, Monti Rock. Monti Rock dying on stage—it could never happen–but it did. This interactive show is quite entertaining and dinner was more than expected. The move to downtown can be nothing but good for the show. John Bentham, who directs Caveman, also directs Marriage Can Be Murder. He has a way of putting everyone in their place and he does a great job.

A good friend of mine, Jimmy Emerson, who was one of the mainstays of La Cage and Bottoms Up at the Riviera, has become a producer. How divine!. His co-producer is Michael Moss and their show at the Onyx Theatre is called "Naked Boys Singing." I understand the show was a hit in New York City and is quite funny. This is singing in the nude, not singing in the rain. Ticket prices are $30. and there is a Sunday matinee as well as Thurs.-Sat evenings.
http://www.reportonvegas.com/

Better than purchasing television advertising, comedy magician Nathan Burton, who holds down an afternoon show at the Flamingo where he's signed a three-year extension, keeps auditioning for "Americas' Got Talent." He gained fame on the talent show's first season and went on to be a guest performer on the show. Not getting that offer again, Burton made a trek to Los Angeles to again audition and garner valuable exposure.

The Country Superstars Tribute show that was at Fitzgeralds downtown for two years has opened in the Whiskey Pete's Showroom in Primm, Nev., which is about a 25-minute drive from Las Vegas. The 75-minute production features four or five acts backed by a live band paying tribute to a varying combination of the following acts: Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks and Charlie Daniels. There is no lip syncing.

Zowie Bowie are used to jarring shifts afield in their stage act. One moment it’s dance and hip-hop. The next, Rat Pack-era standards. But today presented a U-turn that was radical even by their … well, standards.

In mid-afternoon at the Monte Carlo, Marley Taylor and Chris Phillips made official what has been reported (first by URL — Ubiquitous Robin Leach) for more than a week: They will perform an extended engagement at The Pub and the Lance Burton Theatre. Dates at The Pub, formerly known as the Monte Carlo Brew Pub, begin Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 5-7. The show at the Lance Burton Theatre, which will be the duo’s earnest nod to Old Vegas called “Vintage Vegas,” begins Sept. 13. That engagement is set for three months.

July was a very busy month in town…I think that the heat got to a lot of people…

The huge Fourth of July stunt by Steve Wyrick went horribly.  Just as the stunt was getting underway, the entire rig burst into flames…crewmembers were injured, and the entire event was blown.  In spite of the fact that there were injured people up there, the crowd booed.  It was a bad day.  Steve Wyrick and his company, Wyrick Magical Productions, filed suit against the pyrotechnics company that is being blamed for the accident and the outbreak of the fire. Wyrick's suit alleges breach of contract, negligence, and failure to indemnify Wyrick for his damages and defamation because the incident allegedly damaged Steve's reputation.  Steve does have another big stunt slated for the Labor Day weekend.

In other Wyrick news, "Lord of the Dance" quickly closed at the theatre due to lack of sales.  The show was quickly replaced by the production, "RockStar", which closed before it ever really got started.

Controversy has surrounded Terry Fator as of late…Fator separated from his wife of 18 years and started dating one of his former stage assistants, who just turned 21…they continue to claim innocence that one thing has nothing to do with the other, but it has all the feel of a mid-life crisis.  Let's see…Fator (who is 44) and his wife stayed together through all the years that Fator paid his dues working clubs, parties, conventions, and tours.  Then Fator gets his big break, gets a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract, and now he wants to get separated and suddenly he finds a young model that's less than half his age that is interested in him.  Does anyone else recognize the obvious?

Pool parties have been certainly trying to push the envelope and create a daytime club atmosphere…well; things finally got pushed too far.  The Rio All-Suites Hotel had teamed up with Sapphire Men's club to have topless women lounging around their pool.  Upon a recent investigation there was rampant prostitution and drugs found around the pool party.  Several arrests were made and the Rio shut the party down and severed its relationship with Sapphire.  Harrah's had asked for the investigation, calling it an "integrity check."

Nightclubs have been having there own problems…Prive nightclub lost its liquor license when an investigation uncovered…you guessed it, prostitution, drugs, harassment, underage drinking, etc.   This is serving as a wake up call to all of the nightclubs in town to do more to clean up their acts.

There is certainly good news on the entertainment front in Las Vegas.  There are several new shows opening and a few shows returning to the city.  The late summer, musical chair like shifting of venues is on…

*Bobby Slayton has moved from Hooter's to the Tropicana.

*Rich Natole (formerly at the Harmon Theatre) will be moving to the Tropicana the first part of the month.

*"Country Superstars" has closed at the Fitzgerald's and has reopened down at Whiskey Pete's in Primm.

*Moving from the Canyon Club inside the Four Queens and into the Fitzgerald's is the venerable production of "Marriage Can Be Murder."

*Rick Thomas is back from a two-year break and has moved into the Sahara.

*"Shear Madness" closed its doors at the theatre in Town Square, but the operators will be reopening with a production of "Schoolhouse Rock."

*"Matsuri," which previously ran at the Riviera and the Sahara, is opening at the Imperial Palace.  The "muscle musical" was always one of my favorite shows, and I have always hoped for its success, but the cast of approximately forty performers was always a burden to pay the rent.

*The comedy magic of Todd Paul is opening at Hooters.

*…And coming to the Harmon Theatre will also be The Naughty Boys of Hypnosis.  Their show, featuring two hypnotists instead of just one, promises to be more of what everyone wants out of a hypnosis show.  Their show opens at the end of the month.

The legendary "Empress of Soul," Gladys Knight has had a deep influence on the music world throughout her five-decade career, and from August 7-9, Knight will be bringing her one-of-a-kind performance to The Orleans Showroom.  Gladys Knight made her solo singing debut at the age of four in a Baptist church in Atlanta.  In 1952, shortly after winning a prize for her performance on the televised Ted Mack Amateur Hour, eight-year old Gladys formed The Pips with her brother, sister and two cousins.  With young Gladys supplying the throaty vocals and The Pips providing impressive harmonies and graceful choreography, the group went on to achieve icon status, recording some of the most memorable songs of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s.

The MAGIC convention comes to town at the end of the month.  This monster show kicks off the start of the fall convention season.   The winter show of MAGIC will bring in nearly 100,000 people and a much-needed boost to our economy.  The men's garment convention is always a popular and well-attended event.  From its humble beginnings, it is now a huge convention that is in town, twice a year.

The month starts off a bit slow as far as the headliners go, but it certainly picks up steam, and of course, September will be crazy.

Continuing events include:

Las Vegas 51s AAA Baseball
Cashman Center Through – Sept 3

The Las Vegas Comedy Show
Alexis Park Resort Through – Dec 31, 2009 

Doctor's Orders!
Green Valley Ranch, Summer Pool Parties Through – Aug 28

Daylife Sundays
MGM Grand, Summer Pool Parties Through – Sept 7

Rehab
Hard Rock, Summer Pool Parties Through – Sept 27

Relapse Mondays at the Go Pool
Flamingo, Summer Pool Parties Through – Sept 7

Asset Thursdays at Bare
Mirage, Summer Pool Parties Through – Sept 7

Wet Grooves at Daydream
M Resort, Summer Pool Parties Through – Sept 7

Azure at the Palazzo
Palazzo Resort – Summer Pool Parties Through – Sept 7

Ditch Fridays
Palms, Summer Pool Parties Through – Sept 7

Sunset Sessions at Tao Beach
Venetian Resort – Summer Pool Parties Through – Sep 1

The second week has…

Blue October with Switchfoot & Longwave
Mandalay Bay Aug 6

Tom Jones
MGM Grand Aug 6 – 19

ESPN Boxing "Border Warfare": Angulo vs. Rosado
Buffalo Bill's Aug 7

Gladys Knight
Orleans Hotel Aug 7 – 9

Jay Leno
Mirage Aug 7 – 8

Michael John's Billy Joel Tribute Show
South Point Aug 7 – 8

Morris Day & the Time
Silverton Aug 7

No Doubt
Hard Rock Aug 7

Peace Frog – Tribute to the Doors
Cannery Casino Aug 7

The Las Vegas Tenors
Suncoast Aug 7 – 9

Alan Jackson
M Resort Aug 8

Alan Parsons Live Project
Cannery Casino Aug 8

CBS Baby Expo
South Point Aug 8 – Free

Diana Krall
Palms Casino Aug 8

Gretchen Wilson
Buffalo Bill's Aug 8

Judas Priest and Whitesnake
Thomas & Mack Center Aug 8

Lit
Green Valley Ranch Aug 8

Pure Aloha Summer Pa'ina (Party)
Silverto Hotel Aug 8

Sean Hannity's Freedom Concert Tour
Orleans Hotel Aug 8

Praise – A Gospel Experience
South Point Aug 9

Rock the Bells feat. Tech N9NE
Mandalay Bay Aug 9

The Cab w/ A Rocket to the Moon, the Summer Set, More . . .
Mandalay Bay Aug 9

World Extreme Cagefighting
Hard Rock Aug 9

The third week includes:

Bette Midler – The Showgirl Must Go On
Caesars Palace Aug 11 – Sept 6

Method Man & Redman w/ Ghostface Killa
Mandalay Bay Aug 13

7th Annual Hoodie Awards
Mandalay Bay Aug 14 – 16

Buddy Guy and Dr. John & the Lower 911
Buffalo Bill's Aug 14

Jackyl
Sunset Station Aug 14

KC & the Sunshine Band
Orleans Hotel Aug 14 – 16

Los Lonely Boys
Hard Rock Aug 14

Roger Williams
South Point Aug 14 – 16

Sonny Turner
Suncoast Hotel Aug 14 – 16

Summer of 69: 40th Anniversary of Woodstock
Fremont Street Experience Aug 14 – 16 – Free

America and Christopher Cross
Buffalo Bill's Aug 15

BJ Thomas
Santa Fe Station Aug 15

Chris Cagle
Silverton Hotel Aug 15

Cloth Swap and Pop
Greek Isles Aug 15

Dennis Wise
Boulder Station Aug 15

Dirt Alliance Dirt Tour 2009
Orleans Hotel Aug 15

Jackson Browne
Red Rock Casino Aug 15

The Three Degrees, the Crystals and the Chantels
Cannery Casino Aug 15

The fourth week will bring in…

Atmosphere w/ Eyedea & Abilities and Attracted to God
Mandalay Bay Aug 18

Chris Isaak
Buffalo Bill's Aug 19

Down
Mandalay Bay Aug 19

Kings of Leon w/ the Whigs
Hard Rock Aug 19

David Copperfield
MGM Grand Aug 20 – Sept 23

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Hard Rock Aug 21

Bobby Rydell
Suncoast Hotel Aug 21 – 23

Bridal Spectacular Expo
Cashman Center Aug 21 – 22

Crown Boxing
Orleans Hotel Aug 21

Dave Mason
Santa Fe Station Aug 21

Don Rickles
Orleans Hotel Aug 21 – 23

Green Day with special guests Franz Ferdinand
Mandalay Bay Aug 21

Jo Koy
South Point Aug 21 – 23

Marilyn Manson
Hard Rock Aug 21

Maze featuring Frankie Beverly
Las Vegas Hilton Aug 21 – 22

Room at the Top – Tom Petty Tribute
Cannery Casino Aug 21

The Best of Doo Wop
Buffalo Bill's Aug 21

af2's ArenaCup 10
Orleans Hotel Aug 22

April Wine & Edgar Winter
Cannery Casino Aug 22

Boyz II Men
Mandalay Bay Aug 22

Depeche Mode
Palms Casino Aug 22

Extreme H2X Watercross
Sam Boyd Stadium Aug 22

Richard Cheese and Lounge Against the Machine
Green Valley Ranch Aug 22

Stephen Pearcy of "Ratt"
Santa Fe Station Aug 22

World's Collide – Mixed Martial Arts
Buffalo Bill's Aug 22

The fifth weekend includes:

WWE presents Monday Night Raw
Thomas & Mack Center Aug 24

Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse
South Point Aug 26 – 29 – Free

Joan Rivers
Venetian Resort Aug 27 – 29

Las Vegas SUPERDRAFT
Fantasy Football – Aug 27 – 30

Clint Holmes
Suncoast Hotel Aug 28 – 30

Dream Theater w/ Zappa Plays Zappa, Pain of Salvation & Beardfish
Hard Rock Aug 28

Drew Carey
Mirage Aug 28

George Clinton
Hard Rock Aug 28

Goodfellas
Cannery Casino Aug 28 – Free

Josh Gracin
South Point Aug 28 – 30

Kevin James
Mirage Aug 28 – 29

Steely Dan and the Breadline '09 Orchestra
Palms Casino Aug 28

The Osmonds
Orleans Hotel Aug 28 – 30

Tracy Byrd
Santa Fe Station Aug 28

Celebrity Car Rally
South Point Aug 29

Felix Cavaliere's Rascals & Tommy James & The Shondells
Cannery Casino Aug 29

Great White with special guest Jani Lane
Mandalay Bay Aug 29

Toby Keith with Special Guest Jack Ingram
Red Rock Casino Aug 29

Tracy Lawrence, Tracy Byrd, Love and Theft and Bomshel
Orleans Hotel Aug 29

The last week of August and into September will have…

PGA Fall Expo
Mandalay Bay Aug 31 – Sept 2

The Pretenders w/ Juliette Lewis
Buffalo Bill's Sept 2

Bob Weir and Ratdog
Mandalay Bay Sept 3

Joan Rivers
Venetian Resort Sept 3 – 5

Secondhand Serenade w/ Thriving Ivory & Parachute
Mandalay Bay Sept 3

Hal Ketchum
Boulder Station Sept 4

High Rollers Reining
South Point Sept 4 – 12 – Free

Jaguares
Buffalo Bill's Sept 4

Jay Leno
Mirage Sept 4 – 6

National Fantasy Football Championship
Flamingo Sept 4 – 6

Puddle of Mudd
Hard Rock Sept 4

Ralphie May
South Point Sept 4

Summer of 69: End of Summer, What a Bummer Bash
Fremont Street Experience Sept 4 – 7 – Free

Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits
Hard Rock Sept 4 – 15

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.

Donny and Marie Osmond are sizzling at the 750 seat Flamingo Showroom on the Las Vegas strip. They are still incredibly energetic and entertaining at ages 49 and 51, even after more than 5 decades of stage performances all over the world, on TV, in movies, and on Broadway. Despite premium ticket pricing and killer economic times they are playing to full houses, and really giving their all for their screaming teen-like forty to fiftyish baby-boomer fans.

The show is amazing and wonderfully exhausting. Nutra-Marie walks out on stage appearing more svelte that a mother of eight ever should look, and all over the room men gulp the word “wow,” under their breaths. Ageless Donny walks out and women become 12 or 13 again, jumping from their seats to stretch out their hands and scream for his touch. Somehow after all these years they’ve gone from a cute brother and sister act to sexy and sazzy sex symbols. Both Donnie and Marie stir up the madness further by singing in the audience and walking on tables to touch and torture their D&Maniacs.

We can’t help remember who they were before this show because forever behind them play video reminders of their journey. We see pictures of 4 year old Marie sitting on Uncle Andy’s lap, performing with almost every star of the last 5 decades, and her wilting performance on “Dancing With The Stars.” We also see 5 year old Donny dueting with Uncle Andy, rocking with his brothers to hit record after hit record, his Dreamcoat years on Broadway, wearing long hair and Elvis-like costumes, winking at screaming teens, and promoting his fifty-first and latest album.

Not that younger people wouldn’t enjoy the show, it’s a great clean family experience. But maybe being able to understand the lyrics and watching older folks swoon like ‘tweens would put them off just a bit. Let’s rate it “E-13? for “Everyone, but minors should have a driver’s license so they can transport their intoxicated parents home.”

After opening with Donny, Marie solos first singing her greatest hit “Paper Roses,” of course. Next she goes step for step with backup dancers who are young enough to be her grandchildren, and they have to keep up with her. She dances, sings, jokes and teases the audience and works her way through Boogie-Woogie, show tunes, and edgy pop rock numbers. Her most surprising offering, however, is the introduction of the newest love of her life, Opera. Marie is amazing again and beautiful in voice and style.

Donny’s solo set is pure charisma and a joyous outpouring of zesty showmanship. Donny is well trained and properly voiced in every song. He never “croons,” but still delivers every familiar tune with deep affection and feeling. His adoring audience responds in kind. After “Puppy Love,” “Soldier of Love,” and “Any Dream Will Do” Donny gets to break out and whack the audience with a little Acid Osmond-Rock. “Crazy Horses” slams and spins out over the edge of conservative sanity and really delivers the fun, if not the absurdity of harder rock songs.

When Donny and Marie come back together they joke and tease and poke at each other like brothers and sisters, and compete against each other in a “Westside Story” like dance competition that even takes their breath away. Here the question is answered that everyone is dying to ask. Yes, Donny is thinking about competing on “Dancing With The Stars,” and the crowd goes wild.

The show literally ends with a bang as party string is shot out over the showroom and the audience screams for more. Of course they get their encore, and the sizzle continues in the hearts of the D&Maniacs as they pour out the showroom door.

“What Las Vegas has been missing is a true variety show that conveys the real essence of America and the country’s love of homegrown talent,” said the late Danny Gans, winner of numerous “Entertainer of the Year” accolades, and producer of this show. “When you couple that element with the current Las Vegas entertainment landscape, we feel Donny and Marie provide the perfect combination and something no one else is making available.”

Donnie and Marie perform at 7:30pm Tuesday through Saturday at the Flamingo Hotel.

The flavor of France has touched Las Vegas for years with the welcomed invasion of Cirque du Soleil. And now, our neighbors from the western side of the Pacific are bringing their influence to the city with Matsuri.

This elaborate production encompasses some of the best physical entertainment that Japan has to offer, as well as dance, comedy and a dose of Japanese culture. The cast consists of professional athletes and Olympic medalists performing acts of extreme sportsmanship that require them to push their well-tuned talents to their limits – all set to a fast-paced, high-energy score. You will find yourself wanting to jump up and join them just like you and your family and friends do from the comfort of your living room during a televised football game.

Still, regardless if the entertainers are catapulting you into a different world as you watch them do unimaginable things with BMX bikes or simply hypnotize you with the rhythms of their native drums, one thing is for sure…a good time will be had by all.

Matsuri
Where: Imperial Palace
When: 4 p.m. Sun.-Mon. & Wed.-Thurs., 4 & 8 p.m. Fri., 1 p.m. Sat.
Cost: $37.56 and up
http://lvshowbiz.com/

Can she come back and do this again sometime? It seems like something this child was destined to do. Only next time, can we skip the $1,100 ticket part?

There’s no safer bet for future Cher-style Vegas divahood than Beyoncé Knowles. She’s still a month shy of 28 and, with the box office rake of “Obsessed,” only now starting to explore the full potential of her movie career. Vegas can wait, ’tis true.

But nothing in this career is left to chance. Beyoncé is staking an early claim on her Las Vegas future with a four-night custom run in the Encore Theater, which concludes Sunday night. Cameras are set to roll on the final show, with a planned DVD to give regular fans a chance to see this early and respectable attempt to grow beyond arena-pop mechanics into a more intimate and authentic showcase.

More here:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/52269572.html

If you watch the beginning of the quarterfinals in tonight's two-hour episode (at 9 p.m., KVBC-Channel 3), here's a primer.

More here:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/52422442.html