Straight from the icy waters of the Bering Sea, Captain Phil Harris and his sons from the Cornelia Marie, along with Captain Johnathan Hillstrand from the Time Bandit, will make two appearances at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino Showroom Saturday, August 29 at 1 p.m. and at 4 p.m.

Captain Phil and his sons Josh and Jake will be doing more than meeting fans – they are on a nationwide search for a new “Greenhorn” that will join the Cornelia Marie crew in October for the upcoming King Crab season this fall. “Everywhere we go we get fans that think they can work on the boat,” states Josh Harris, Phil’s oldest son and a 4-year veteran or fishing on the Bering Sea. “So we decided to give them a shot at the brass ring and see who is out there and who has the guts to do the job.” Not up for fishing king crab this October on the Bering Sea? Don’t worry – Captain Phil along with his two sons and Capt Johnathan Hillstrand will be greeting fans as well. The first 200 people in line for each session at the Gold Coast Showroom on August 29 will have the opportunity to meet these famous crab-boat fishermen and receive an autograph. The first 400 people in line at each session will attend a special question and answer session where the captains will reveal unique stories about their adventures at sea. During his visit, Captain Phil will be launching Captain’s Reserve Coffees. Be the first to purchase and try the Captain’s favorite brew which, along with assorted souvenir merchandise from the Cornelia Marie and Time bandit, will be on sale at the Gold Coast Gift Shop.

Sgt. Pepper Live” featuring Cheap Trick with special guest artists Joan Osborne, Ian Ball and Rob Laufer.

“Sgt. Pepper Live” featuring Cheap Trick will be performing an exclusive engagement Sept. 13-15, 17-19 and 21-23 at the Las Vegas Hilton, joined on stage by special guest artists Joan Osborne, Ian Ball and Rob Laufer. The Bill Edwards Presents, Inc. production will also feature several other guest artists who will be announced closer to the show dates. Joan Osborne’s major label debut, Relish, stormed the charts in 1995 with the runaway smash hit “(What If God Was) One of Us.” The whirlwind that followed included a top five hit, multi-platinum album sales, five Grammy nominations and “(What If God Was) One of Us” was tapped a decade later for the critically acclaimed CBS series “Joan of Arcadia.” Since then Osborne has recorded numerous albums, performed with artists such as Taj Mahal, Luciano Pavarotti, Spearhead, Bob Dylan, The Dixie Chicks and sat in on lead vocals with The Dead (formerly The Grateful Dead). Osborne also joined Cheap Trick on stage during the 2007 40th anniversary celebration of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Her most recent album, Little Wild One, was released in 2008.

IT’S REIGNING AT HOOTERS CASINO HOTEL

Hooters Casino Hotel is please to announce that Purple Reign the Ultimate Prince Tribute Show will be performing in the Night Owl Showroom starting September 4th. This energetic show will make Prince Fans go crazy when they hear songs like “Purple Rain” and “When Doves Cry”. The audience will leave feeling like they have taken the plunge into Lake Minnetonka as this show pays tribute to groundbreaking artist Prince and his performance in the movie “Purple Rain”. This year marks the 25th anniversary of this classic 80’s movie. You can expect to see the likeness of “The Kid”, Apollonia, Morris Day and The Time during this 90 minute show!

THE BAGEL CAFE TO JOIN DINING LINEUP AT RED ROCK RESORT

The Bagel Cafe, an authentic New York-style deli, is expanding to its third location inside Red Rock Resort next to the race and sports book and poker room in mid-September. Voted “Best Of” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal for 12 years in a row (1997-2008), The Bagel Cafe is known best for its classics such as large homemade bagels, overstuffed half pound sandwiches such as corned beef and slow roasted brisket, Matzoh ball soup, knishes, salads and pizzas as well as a full breakfast menu. The Bagel Cafe at Red Rock will also feature its popular carry-out deli and dessert counter service that includes staples such as hand sliced Nova lox, smoked whitefish, an array of whipped cream cheeses, bagels, rye and challah breads and desserts such as cakes, pies and cookies.

“What makes Bagel Cafe special is that our entire menu is prepared fresh daily at each of our locations. We take great pride in our homemade approach, from our breads and bagels to our roasted meats, soups and of course our pastries,” said Owner Savvas Andrews. “We’re extremely excited to bring The Bagel Cafe to our guests,” said Ronan O’Gorman, vice president/general manager of Red Rock Resort. “The Bagel Cafe has a tremendous following in the community for its incredible deli menu and we feel that it’s an excellent addition to our existing dining lineup,” O’Gorman concluded.

The Bagel Cafe joins several other restaurants including T-Bones Chophouse, Terra Rossa Italian, Hachi Modern Japanese, The Feast Buffet, the Grand Cafe, Cabo Mexican, LBS and a food court with seven additional food venues.

Rare Tyrannosaurus rex Skeleton to be Offered at The Venetian in Las Vegas.

One of the largest known Tyrannosaurus Rex specimens ever discovered will be offered by international auctioneers Bonhams & Butterfields on Saturday, October 3, 2009 during the company’s first Natural History auction to be held at The Venetian in Las Vegas. The auction will contain approximately 50 lots of fossils with the centerpiece of the sale focusing on the expertly mounted female T. rex, expected to bring millions of dollars.

The rare 66-million year old Tyrannosaurus skeleton – dubbed “Samson” – is arguably one of the three most complete specimens to have been discovered. Native to North America, Tyrannosaurus rex is recognized as the ‘Tyrant Lizard King’ and is the most famous of the behemoths of the “Age of Dinosaurs.” This rare example from the Cretaceous period was excavated near Buffalo, South Dakota over 15 years ago.

Wayne Brady Celebrates Extended Residency and New CBS Show “Let’s Make A Deal”

Emmy Award-winning comedian and Grammy-nominated artist, Wayne Brady, will celebrate his extended residency at The Venetian Showroom and new CBS Show “Let’s Make A Deal” at the exclusive daytime luxury pool experience, AZURE at The Palazzo. AZURE is a fresh and exciting pool concept created for the guest who enjoys the finer things in life with luxurious amenities including spa services by Canyon Ranch SpaClub®, culinary offerings by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck and high-style fashion shows each Saturday during Saturdays – exclusive daytime pool events consisting of stylish entertainment, beautiful models, celebrity guests, acoustic performances, live DJ’s.
http://reportonvegas.com/

On Sept. 13, the hot twosome with a 15-piece orchestra will also bring back the classic days of Las Vegas every Sunday night in an exclusive three-month engagement of the "Zowie Bowie Vintage Vegas Show" at the Lance Burton Theatre. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show are $29.95, call 702-730-7160.

TROPICANA LAUNCHES NEW LOGO AND ANNOUNCES TRANSFORMATION

The Tropicana Las Vegas has launched a new logo to kick off the resort's re-branding that will give a South Beach, Miami feel. The almost free-form logo is replacing the previous diamond visual that has been used for more than two decades.

The hotel's last major renovation was in 1985. Recently acquired by the Onex Corporation and led by CEO Alex Yemenidjian, the Tropicana will undergo a $125 million renovation, which will include the redesign of every hotel room, the casino and pool area, etc. There will also be several new restaurants, bars, a new poker room and nightclub.

TROPICANA IS NOW A HUB OF ENTERTAINMENT

The Tropicana is now offering a variety of entertainment options. Rich Natole has a 2 p.m. afternoon comedy show, Thursday through Sunday, entitled "Voices of a Generation." His act showcases a wide variety of parodies and more than 90 celebrity impressions. Tickets for his show in The Bobby Slayton Room are $29.95.

Following Natole at 4 p.m. is Penny Lane taking patrons on a trip back to Beatlemania. Tickets to see the tribute band are $44.95 and children ages 12 and under get in free.

South Beach offers a blend of Latin and Caribbean music and dancing in the Celebration Lounge Thursday through Saturday beginning at 8:15 p.m. South Beach is comprised of a seven-piece band and four interactive salsa dancers. There's no cover charge.

These shows join the following Tropicana mainstays: "The Soprano's Last Supper," "Hypnosis Unleashed," Bobby Slayton, and "Xtreme Magic Starring Dirk Arthur." For tickets and information, call 702-739-2411.

BINION'S TIES POKER PLAYING IN WITH PLAYBOY MANSION

Poker Television Network and Binion's are teaming up for the "Millionaire Experience" poker extravaganza. Tournament winners will fly in a private jet to party at the Playboy Mansion on Saturday, Sept. 12. Package winners will also receive free before and after accommodations at Binion's and luxury ground transportation.

Binion's is hosting a series of qualifying tournaments each Sunday and Wednesday leading up to a final tournament on Friday, Sept. 11. For every 50 players registered in the noon qualifying tournaments, one Playboy Mansion package will be awarded. Buy in is $240 for 8,000 starting chips with a $100 re-buy for 8,000 chips any time in the first hour.

The newly formed Poker Television Network, the first all-poker, all-the-time television network, will be on hand to film all of the action, from qualifying through the Playboy Mansion party.

Bally's Race and Sports Book will reopen on Aug. 26 with an all-new roster of offerings including an added VIP Lounge that can accommodate up to 100 guests.

INAUGURAL COYOTE COUNTRYFEST TO BE HELD AT ORLEANS ARENA

Coyote Country and the Orleans Arena are teaming up to bring the inaugural Coyote CountryFest-featuring Tracy Lawrence, Tracy Byrd, Love and Theft, Bomshel and Chris Young-to the Orleans Arena, Aug. 29 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and $35, call 702-284-7777.

Lawrence was named "Billboard's" Top New Male Vocalist in 1992, and claimed the coveted Academy of Country Music's Top New Male Vocalist spot a year later.

Since Byrd signed his first record deal in 1992, he has become one of country music's core artists. He's also known for poignant ballads such as his signature song "Keeper of the Stars," which netted the Academy of Country Music's Song of the Year accolade in 1996.

Love and Theft, a new band out of Nashville, consists of three talented singer/songwriters. Their debut single "Runway" is gaining popularity on radio stations across America. Bomshel, a musical duo with best friends Kelley Shepard and Kristy Osmonson, will release their debut album "Fight Like a Girl" later this year. Recently joining the lineup is Chris Young, whose self-titled debut album made him country music's best-selling new male artist of 2006.

HARMON THEATER PRESENTS NEW COMEDY NIGHT 'TICKLED PINK'

"Tickled Pink" is a new weekly comedy night taking place every Sunday at 8:30 p.m. and featuring nationally known headliner comics. Each week features a new mix of two comics and host comedienne Shayma Tash. Tickets are $10 and $15, call 702-836-0836.

Comedienne Shayma Tash has appeared in "The Amazing Johnathan" show at the Harmon Theater, the hidden camera show "Kamakaze Comedy," and is a regular on MTV's "Punk'd."

 There’s only one show in Las Vegas that combines dead-on imitations of the Jersey Boys, Cher, Tom Jones, Phantom of the Opera, Cirque Du Soleil, The Drifters, Johnny Mathis, The Temptations,  Neil Diamond (and over 40 other top headliners) with hilarious song parodies spoofing many of the artists and shows that made this red-hot city the entertainment capital of the world; Larry G Jones – The Man of 1002 Voices show.  But it’s not just Las Vegas’ top headliner shows that get the not-so-red carpet treatment of satire, there’s a non-stop parade of hit music and celebrity voices that leave you with a song, a voice, and a laugh a minute, literally.  Unlike Terry Fator, there are no puppets except for an animated version of Larry G Jones at this show.  Finally, after over 1600 Las Vegas shows downtown, he is now on the Las Vegas strip next to the Encore in an intimate venue. The impressionist that was named “the heir to Danny Gans” is gaining popularity and being called “the most accurate and versatile singing impersonator in the world” by both press and peers alike.

To see this award winning show while it’s still affordable, you must book your tickets online during August for any 2009 show dates through November 2009 to get $20 VIP tickets (Regular $50ea). Be sure to use promo code ‘HOT’ (all caps) when you book your tickets in advance directly at Larry’s website. Be sure to Book these ‘HOT’ tickets in Advance because this offer is NOT available at the door.  One of Las Vegas’ only ALL AGES comedy shows! 9pm Sun-Wed only at the Royal Resort Hotel Showroom, 99 Convention Center Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89109.   

For Current/up to date Show dates and Google map to Larry’s latest Las Vegas strip venue.http://www.LarryGJones.com  Video clips & Consumer reviews online.

New Tropicana co-owner and chief executive Alex Yemenidjian is still getting himself and his team acclimated to their new surroundings.

A former top executive at MGM Grand Inc., Yemenidjian is working 15-hour days trying to revitalize one of the Strip's remaining historic properties, which he acquired July 1.

Without the luxury of being able to tear the property down in the current economic environment, Yemenidjian and his partners, Canadian private equity firm Onex Corp., are launching a nearly $100 million plan to renovate the 52-year-old property.

Much of what the Tropicana of tomorrow will look like is a project in flux.

More here:
http://www.lvrj.com/business/53343157.html

This week's news was almost inevitable: "Talent" will spin off into a live show at Planet Hollywood Resort in October, hosted by Jerry Springer (who has witnessed his share of dysfunction).

It merely cements the codependency. Everyone understands part of it. If you get yourself noticed on NBC's inane but highly rated talent show, you'll have a future in show business, right? Uh, yeah. Sure. Maybe. Keep reading.

You have to think harder about why "Talent" needs Vegas. Everyone's looking for the next Susan Boyle, but it's not always easy to find dowdy singers with beautiful voices who live in a small town and only sing karaoke.

More here:
http://www.lvrj.com/living/53343202.html

Celine Dion is expecting her second child in May, her Montreal publicist confirmed Tuesday.

The former Caesars Palace headliner conceived after fertility treatments, as she did with son Rene Charles, born Jan. 25, 2001.

Dion, 41, ended her world tour in February and acknowledged during an appearance on "Oprah" that she was hoping to have another child.

The Canadian singing star has hinted that she intends to return to Las Vegas after a baby break.

A spokeswoman said Dion and her husband, Rene Angelil, were informed Monday and "are full of joy."

Earlier this year, Angelil, 67, had a heart procedure.

"Top Chef Las Vegas" premieres at 9 p.m. today on Bravo with 17 contestants and a lot of exposure for our restaurants.

For the first time, John Avello, who runs the race and sports book at Wynn Las Vegas, has posted "Top Chef" odds, for entertainment purposes only, not betting.

The M Resort hosts most of the competition, with Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare, Daniel Boulud Brasserie and Alex Stratta's Alex, all at Wynn Las Vegas, also getting some prime time.

The favorite? Eve Aronoff at 5/1. Close behind is Preeti Mistry at 6/1. Others: Ron Duprat, 7/1; Kevin Gillespie, 8/1; Mattin Noblia, 10/1; Michael Voltaggio, 11/1; Jesse Sandlin, 12/1; Laurine Wickett, 14/1; Bryan Voltaggio, 15/1; Hector Santiago, 18/1; Jennifer Carroll, 20/1; Eli Kirshtein, 22/1; Jennifer Zavala, 24/1; Michael Isabella, 25/1; Robin Leventhal, 28/1; Ashley Merriman, 30/1; and Ash Fulk, 35/1.

But for now, they're all pursuing what has become the preferred method of promoting a Las Vegas production. …

News that Donny will go head to head with Tom "The Hammer" DeLay on the big ABC hit "Dancing with the Stars" only furthers his Flamingo residency with sister Marie as one of the few certifiable slam-dunks in the recent history of Las Vegas entertainment.

The Flamingo was wise to lock in the duo with a contract extension through Oct. 15, 2012. The two originally were courted by late impressionist Danny Gans and his manager, Chip Lightman, who produced under the name GansLight Entertainment.

More here:
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/53787122.html

Whether you like handsome men with long hair, short hair, shaved heads, in their 20s or 30s, you'll find one that will get your heart racing when you see the award-winning Thunder From Down Under.

The all-male revue features Australian performers, who are all sexy, buff and love to have fun and entertain women, which they do seven nights a week. "That's the goal of the show," said Adam Steck, CEO of SPI Entertainment and producer of Thunder From Down Under.

"Women find the Aussie accents extremely sexy, and our guys make women smile and feel special by delivering a wonderful ladies night out," he said.

The format of fully choreographed dance numbers draws from some of women's favorite fantasies, including pirates, firemen, cowboys and knights. In addition to the nightly show, the performers often make guest appearances on shows such as Ellen, Today, Bad Girls Club and even Gene Simmons' Family Jewels.

Donovan Lewis, a charismatic performer who has been with Thunder From Down Under the longest, attributes the show's success to its evolving with the times.

"Our audiences have gotten older. Word spread that we're not just kids ripping our clothes off, but seasoned performers who are adult men," he said.

Lewis has long dark hair, wears a nipple ring and laughed as he describes himself as having the "stripper look" from years ago. "It works for me, and the ladies tell me it suits my face. My mum calls it 'timeless,'" he added.

Thunder From Down Under
Where: Excalibur
When: 9 p.m. Sun.Thurs.; 9 & 11 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 11 P.M. show only Aug. 16,
Cost: $39.95 and up
Info: (866) 80-SHOWS

The opening video sequence portends what's to come: an ominous, fast-moving tornado forms and builds strength in the desert's outreaches, stirring everything in its path, at first tumbleweeds, then trees and fi nally even buildings. It reaches the Las Vegas Strip and Flamingo Road and the stately Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The dynamic natural force that is Bette Midler has arrived.

Bawdy and elegant, sassy and classy, funny and dramatic, Midler is a joy to behold. Unexpected delights complement the powerful songs for which Midler is bestknown – " Wind Beneath My Wings," "From a Distance" and "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy."

The Harlettes (Jordan Ballard, Kyra Dacosta and Kamilah Marshall), a 13-piece band and more than 20 dancers make Midler's vision of something big, something clever, something bold achieve full life.

Don't expect anything remotely Cirque du Soleil here; The Showgirl Must Go On is more old-school Vegas, with an energetic, engaging blend of song, dance and comedy.

Self-deprecating comedy allows the audience to grow more familiar with Midler and her many talents. Delores Delago, the wheelchair-using mermaid, brings smiles, and old, old Soph, a showgirl who has seen a few too many stages, also makes an appearance.

Her emotionally charged renditions of "When a Man Loves a Woman" and "Hello in There" contrast smartly with silly puns, kitschy wardrobe choices and jokes about when "drugs" became "medications."

Born and raised in Hawaii, Midler first captured the public's attention in 1967, when she landed a role as Tzeitel, the eldest daughter, in the smash Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof.

Midler started building a career as a nightclub performer when her pianist Barry Manilow, now performing at the Las Vegas Hilton, produced her acclaimed fi rst album, The Divine Miss M, in 1972. A self-titled album a year later also soared to the top of the charts.

She won a special Tony Award in 1974 for her work on Broadway. A starring role in The Rose in 1979 led to many additional honors and roles on the big screen, including the popular Beaches in 1988.

A vibrant rose that seems as if it should be getting ready to wilt, Midler blossoms again with this new challenge. With her knack for comedy and divine vocal talent, Showgirl is a sure Bette.

Bette Midler
Where: Caesars Palace
Cost: $95 and up
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16, 18-19 & 22-23,
Info: (866) 80-SHOWS

In addition to unique furniture and decor, the rooms are done with high-tech convenience in mind from the flat screen televisions to the remote operated lights, drapes, and climate control. Bathrooms have hydrotherapy tubs and rainfall showers.

But it isn't just the furniture that is different at Hotel 32. Guests get a complimentary limo ride from the airport and are greeted by a "suite assistant" who is there to help them with their every whim. No need for something as pedestrian as standing in line to check in – instead guests get private in-room check in services. In addition, a club-level style lounge offers guests beverages and snacks.

Set to open in stages later this year, CityCenter is not one big hotel but rather a series of hotels, condominiums, shopping, entertainment, and gambling experiences all connected both visually and in some instances physically. It’s dramatically angular glass and steel look may not be to everyone’s taste, but it certainly makes a statement.

And while throwing $9 billion at a chunk of the Nevada desert to build a massive hotel and casino complex may not be the greenest thing one could do, the entire project is taking environmental concerns to a level never before seen in the construction of a Las Vegas project. 80% of the old Boardwalk Hotel that was imploded to make way for CityCenter has been recycled and 95% of the construction waste – stuff that normally would’ve gone into landfills – has also been recycled.

Once the hotel is complete, it will be powered by its own 8.5 megawatt natural gas co-generation plant that will reduce both energy demands on the overall power grid and emissions.

Even their limos will be powered by natural gas (the first such fleet in the world) and their casino will be cooled from specially designed air conditioning units in the bases of the slot machines instead of wasting cool air from the ceiling.

What follows is a preview of what to expect and when:

Vdara – Opens December 1.
This condominium-hotel will be the first of CityCenter’s properties to open when it begins to welcome guests on December 1, 2009. With nearly 1,500 units each with their own kitchens, owners of the properties will be able to put them in a rental pool that will allow people like you and me to stay there as if it was a hotel room. The property will have a rooftop pool, a spa, and fitness center plus a restaurant, lobby bar, and gourmet grocery. It has no casino but is connected to Bellagio by a walkway and Aria’s casino (see below) is right next door.

Mandarin Oriental – Opens December 3.
Of the 627 units in this building, 400 of them will be hotel rooms while the other 227 are condo units. Scheduled to open December 3, 2009, one of the most unique features about this property is its “Sky Lobby,” which welcomes guests on the 23rd floor of the building. The hotel will have a pools, spa, fitness center, restaurants, and lounges but no casino.

The Crystals – Opens December 3.
The 500,000 square-foot mall is the first thing most visitors see when arriving at CityCenter. Located at the center of the complex right along The Strip, the jutting angles of the building are meant to evoke its namesake. Inside you’ll find a slew of high-end stores and boutiques – everything from Louis Vuitton to Tiffany and Co. with an Apple store thrown in for good measure. Several restaurants and bars will be added to the mix including eateries from Wolfgang Puck and Todd English, plus a restaurant from “Desperate Housewives” star Eva Longoria Parker.

Aria – Opens December 16.
The centerpiece of the CityCenter development is a 4,004 room hotel that will feature twin curving 61-story towers and a 150,000 square-foot casino (the second largest on The Strip behind MGM Grand). The hotel will have its own suite of restaurants (including ones from acclaimed chefs Julian Serrano and Michael Mina) and nightclubs, a 70,000 square-foot spa, a pool, and a 2,000 seat showroom that will play host to an Elvis-themed Cirque du Soleil show. Aria is scheduled to open December 16, 2009 although some of the restaurants and show will not open until early 2010.

Veer – Opening TBD.
The twin Veer towers are perhaps the most dramatic element of the CityCenter complex. Each of the 37-story buildings is designed to appear as if it is leaning to the side by about 5 degrees, sort of an on-purpose Leaning Tower of Pisa. Each will contain more than 300 condominium units and they will have their own rooftop pools, spa, fitness center, and other amenities.

Harmon – Opening TBD.
Originally designed as both a hotel and condominium complex, the Harmon was changed earlier this year in the middle of construction to be a much shorter, much smaller hotel only property. When it is complete sometime in 2010, it will feature 400 rooms and its own pool, spa, restaurants, and more.

A Southwest Airlines flight with a stop in Las Vegas was forced to make a return trip to Oakland today as a man fought flight attendants and passengers, stripped naked and was eventually arrested.

The man had exposed himself to a female passenger and she screamed shortly after takeoff from Oakland at 7:22 a.m. today, said Sgt. J.D. Nelson of the Alameda County Sheriff's Office.

"Then he punches her," Nelson said, hard enough that it sent the woman to a hospital in Oakland.

I’m hanging out with gun-slinging cowboys, trapeze artists, bowling queens and rock stars. Mike and Ikes litter the carpet. Flickering lights catch my eye as I load fistfuls of gumballs into my mouth and join in on the collective nostalgia that is the Pinball Hall of Fame.

Museums are scarce in Las Vegas. History is forgotten. Casinos are king.

That’s why the Pinball Hall of Fame may be one of our city’s most precious gems. Pop culture Americana glows in vivid colors from the restored machines. Gottlieb and Bally brought us here. Tim Arnold, owner of this collection dating to the 1950s, welcomes us.

More here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/aug/20/pinball-mecca-balm-vegas-soul/

The new headliner at the Monte Carlo “does a drop-dead, on-the-money, call-the-cops John Madden.” That’s the assessment of David Letterman (see the accompanying clip) of Frank Caliendo.

The deft impressionist who gained national fame portraying Madden on Fox Sports’ NFL coverage and also appeared on the cable skit shows “Frank TV” and “MadTV,” has signed a residency contract with the hotel running though 2019. His list of impressions includes Al Pacino, George W. Bush, Dr. Phil McGraw and Jay Leno. He has performed at The Comedy Festival at Caesars Palace and appeared on all the relevant network late-night talk shows.

In a statement, Caliendo said: “I’m excited to call Monte Carlo my new home. This is Vegas, so this show is going to be bigger and have a higher production value than traditional standup. I’ve got a live band, we’ll have video segments and maybe even some guest appearances. It’s going to have all of the excitement of a TV show, but it will be live onstage, and no two shows will be exactly alike.”

More here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2009/aug/19/look-monte-carlos-newest-headliner-frank-caliendo-/

BY: MelissaArseniuk/Las Vegas Sun

Did Criss Angel mindfreak turn himself into a whole new person?

The once-guarded magician had been far less guarded lately. He has, rather suddenly, become far more available to fans and far more receptive to media, too.

A few recent events have changed things dramatically. First, the most obvious: Angel’s A&E series, “Mindfreak,” went into its fifth season. There were five hour-long episodes to film and a season’s worth of shows to promote. Second, the magician and his longtime PR man, Steve Flynn, parted ways. And third, Angel made a series of business deals with MGM Mirage, including the opening of a second Mindfreak store at Circus-Circus and the co-branding of Luxor’s center bar, Liquidity, which is now Criss Angel Liquidity.

Combined, these recent developments seem to have resulted in a far more publicly accessible Angel.

I want to talk about my last 48 hours because they have been a bit crazier than normal. I had a reporter from Details magazine following me around for two days for a feature in their October issue, so be sure to look for that. If it’s not a good story, you can blame my PR guy.

Anyway, he definitely got his money’s worth because the last couple of days have included my brother, a human cock fight, Dog the Bounty Hunter, Peepshow and painting an act of animal love on Holly Madison’s dressing room wall.

More here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/robin-leachs-las-vegas-celebrity-watch/2009/aug/17/forty-eight-atypical-hours-life-luxor-headliner-ca/

There’s much more to Michael’s career than his talent in performing in the show. Come and see him for yourself, and you will find out why he is the longest-running specialty act on the Strip.

Michael: Thanks for the intro, Lance.