Everything Las Vegas: Issue # 726
June 5th, 2010
Remodeling and expansion plans have been submitted to city of Las Vegas officials.
More from The LVRJ here:
They will start on the third floor after ascending in an elevator built to resemble a police station elevator of the 1950s.
More from The LVRJ here:
NORM: She’s godmother of Mob Museum. BY: Norm Clarke/LVRJ
The husband-wife team hired to stock the Las Vegas Mob Museum with artifacts discovered a treasure trove that Mayor Oscar Goodman had squirreled away.
About 30 items from Goodman’s days as a prominent mob attorney were removed from a storage unit last July for consideration, said Kathy Barrie, the museum’s curator and content developer.
More from The LVRJ here:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/she-s-godmother-of-mob-museum-94905314.html
MIKE WEATHERFORD: Magician Wyrick by the numbers.
The numbers unfold in 96 pages of a U.S. Bankruptcy Court filing. Some highlights:
U.S. Bank checking account: $45.99.
That’s the balance magician Steve Wyrick listed in his bankruptcy filing last week. The illusionist once talked of his expensive fondness for vintage neon and his plans to buy up signs from the faded motels on East Fremont Street.
More from The LVRJ here:
http://www.lvrj.com/living/magician-wyrick-by-the-numbers-94686334.html
Celebrate Independence at the Suncoast Showroom with The Scintas July 3-4.
“What the hell is going on with the Fontainebleau ?” he said in an interview with KVBC-TV, Channel 3’s Alicia Jacobs.
During the Christmas holidays, the joke around Aspen, Colo., was that a river of champagne ran through the mountain celebrity haven.
“If they had a river, we had a lake of champagne,” said Sean Christie, managing partner of Encore Beach Club and Surrender nightclub.
More from The LVRJ here:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/new-encore-clubs-made-a-big-splash-95492439.html
MIKE WEATHERFORD: It’s going to be a Beatles summer.
You think it’s nutty that Las Vegas has two Rat Pack shows? There will be days in late July when a Beatles fan will be able to choose among four tributes on the Strip.
“Just Imagine,” subtitled “A Musical Tribute to John Lennon,” launches a three-month run — with hopes of a longer stay — at Planet Hollywood on June 30.
More from The Las Vegas Review Journal here:
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/it-s-going-to-be-a-beatles-summer-95491979.html
Burlesque Hall of Fame finds a home, for now, at Emergency Arts. BY: John Katsilomentes/Las Vegas Sun.
The Burlesque Hall of Fame is busting out of its seams, and we are not talking about a stage performance.
The Burlesque Hall celebrates its 20th anniversary with a series of performances and events at the Plaza, the first time the old hotel on 1 Main Street has hosted the celebration. Go to the the Burlesque Hall website for a full schedule.
More here:
New details emerge about Triumph and Cheap Trick’s Beatles show. BY: Robin Leach/Las Vegas Sun.
Secrets of two new Las Vegas spectaculars are slowly leaking out, and of course Vegas DeLuxe has the details first. There’s been extraordinary interest in Triumph headed to the Las Vegas Hilton this fall because magic duo LaRaf say the illusions are new, unique and never seen before. They’re keeping the breakthroughs secret and under tight security.
“It’s not magic as you know it,” I was reliably told. “It’s radically different, and they’ve managed to make the miracle of time travel happen onstage. Some of the other illusion imagery is right inside the actual audience inches away from what happens, so they are enveloped in it.”
More here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/jun/02/new-details-emerge-about-emtriumphem-and-cheap-tri/
Cut yourself a swath of rich winnings from this great multi-line slot machine from Aristocrat!
Some people are dog people, and others are cat people. I have always been a cat person, although I have no problems with any of our four-legged friends. But cats are my thing … I just like them as pets, and basically anything with that motif. I am one of those people who are attracted to any item, or merchandise, with a “cat” theme. My best pet ever was a stray tabby cat that found its way to our back porch as a tiny kitten. We rescued it, and it was a valued part of our family for all the 14 years of its life. It was a wonderful cat, and a good friend.
So, whenever I have a chance to find a slot machine with a “cat” theme, it’s one that I always investigate, and like to play. Miss Kitty™ is a multi-line video slot machine created by Aristocrat. It was first released in 2006, and since then has been a staple in most major casinos. It seems that there are many other people, like me, who also like cats, and cat-themed slots.
Miss Kitty™ can be found either as a 50-line game, or a 100-line game. In the 50-line game version, 1-credit buys one payline. In the 100-line version, 1-credit buys 2-lines. So, in this second version, you get double the lines for what is essentially the same investment. Either version plays the same, but I personally like the bigger-bang for the more paylines, so I prefer to look for machines with the 100-lines.
When you play Miss Kitty™ , the MOON (which is a scatter-pay symbol) animates with sound when this feature is won. The CAT symbol (which is “wild”) animates when substituting for a win, and a background tune plays with increasing tempo as more of the “sticky wild” CATS are hit. There are also distinctive sounds for the “sticky wild” CATS when you first hit them, and again when they substitute in a winning event. All wins pay left-to-right only, and on adjacent reels. But the CAT substitutes for all symbols, except scatters.
Sticky Wild Free Games Feature
When 3 scattered MOON symbols appear, you will win 10 free games. Any CAT appearing during the free games stays in the window at that position for the remainder of the free games, and substitutes for all symbols, except scatters. Any Scattered MOON symbols occurring beneath the CAT symbols may additionally contribute to a scatter prize, as indicated by the alternating display of these symbols. This Bonus Feature can be triggered again during the bonus, but only once, with 5 free additional games won. Whatever number of credits you played at the beginning of the Bonus Feature — and lines played — will be the same for the bonus as well. So, if you played 50-lines at 1-credit per line, that’s the same play and pay structure you will have for the Bonus.
Gamble Feature
On some versions of Miss Kitty™, when you win, you are then given the chance to bet the credits you just won on the Gamble Feature. This is kind of like the Double-Up bonus on some video poker machines. But unlike the video poker games, where you must wager all of the credits won on this feature, in the Miss Kitty™ game the Gamble Feature allows you to select either the full amount, or a half only, by touching the Gamble button. If you choose the half-gamble with an odd number, the gamble is automatically rounded. For example, a 5-credit win will be a 3-credit gamble, and not a 2.5-credit wager; so, if you lose, you will still keep the remaining 2 credits.
The way this feature works is by selecting the right color, either Black or Red. If you pick the right color, your win is doubled. If you pick the right suit (Heart, Diamond, Club or Spade), your win is quadrupled. If you pick the wrong one, you lose the gamble the game returns to the main base game. You can take a win at any time – so you don’t have to gamble – but if you win 5 times in the one gamble feature, the game ends automatically. This means you can’t gamble more than $10,000. Aw, shucks! What a shame, right? Personally, I don’t think I would gamble it up that high, but then again – you might want to. Of course, if you happen to win a progressive jackpot on this machine, then you can’t gamble the win, even if you actually won credits on the same spin as the jackpot.
I also want to point out that this Gamble Feature may only be available in Australia, and other parts of the world, or perhaps only in selected Tribal Gaming locations in the USA. The best way to find out is to just look for the Miss Kitty™ game, and see if this feature is include by reading the Help menu on the games screen.
I will write more about this game – and the world of the great new slots – in future issues.
The Please Oh Please Award of the Week goes to Phil Ruffin, owner of Treasure Island. In an interview with Robin Leach in the Las Vegas Sun, Ruffin said that he is considering more changes to the hotel including to the Sirens at TI show out front. Please Oh Please, Mr. Ruffin, send the silly Sirens back to whatever cove they came from and bring back the original pirates!
The Longtime Coming Award of the Week goes to a building at 6th and Fremont in Downtown, directly across the street from El Cortez. The ugly brick building has been the target of redevelopment efforts for about a decade but nothing has ever come to fruition. A new proposal will turn it into a nightclub with retail and condominium space above it. Here’s hoping this one actually goes through.
The Movie Version Should Star Shia LaBeouf Award goes to the seemingly camera ready police chase that occurred in Vegas last week. Two robbery suspects led officers on a wild chase that ended with the car plowing into a Vegas tour bus. No one was hurt in the incident, except for the original robbery victim who received a flesh wound.
Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas. BY Rick Garman.
La Cage was a female impersonator show at The Riviera that ran forever, it seemed. Hosted by Joan Rivers impersonator Frank Marino, it featured a series of men dressed as famous women singers, lip-syncing to their greatest hits.
Divas Las Vegas is a female impersonator show at Imperial Palace. It’s hosted by Joan Rivers impersonator Frank Marino, and features a series of men dressed as famous women singers, lip-syncing to their greatest hits.
I’m not saying that as a bad thing, but if you’re looking for something completely different in your female impersonator show, you won’t find it here. Although, I guess if something works why mess with the formula?
Marino is a genial hostess, keeping the evening moving with a wardrobe of audacious Bob Mackie-esque gowns that is almost as big as her catalogue of groan-worthy jokes.
The acts may vary but on the night I visited there was Celine Dion, Lady GaGa, Madonna, Beyonce, Whitney Houston, Britney Spears, Bette Midler, Liza Minelli, Tina Turner, Dolly Parton, and Cher of course. Having a Cher in a female impersonator show may be a law. Since the lovely ladies are not actually singing, it’s all about the visuals here and of the ones I saw the GaGa and Britney were probably the best; squint a bit and you may not know you aren’t seeing the real thing. Backed by a cadre of buff, often shirtless male dancers, their versions of “Just Dance” and “Circus” respectively were highlights of the evening.
Most of the impressions are played straight (so to speak), attempting to create accurate visual representations of the people they are impersonating, but there are a couple of just for laughs numbers including a Beyonce “Single Ladies” bit involving a plus-sized version of the singer battling her back-up dancers for food. Cute.
If it isn’t obvious from the fact that its a female impersonator show, take heed that this is definitely a grown-up show with lots of R-Rated material included. This is not a drag show, so the camp factor is fairly low, but it’s still men in dresses, which may not be everyone’s cup of herbal tea.
This type of production used to be de rigueur in Vegas (anybody remember Kenny Kerr?), but Divas is one of the last of a vanishing breed. The fact that it’s not much different than when it was called La Cage is a testament to its inherent appeal.
Vegas4Visitors Grade: B
Mario & Jenny ‘Sexy & Dangerous’ Show Opens at Las Vegas Rocks Cafe.
Here in Las Vegas, water seems even more precious, if only because of its scarcity. We revel in the pleasurable perversity of its presence in the desert heat and glare.
More here:
http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2010/may/20/hot-wet-vegas-summer-just-add-water/
Cool by the Pool at Las Vegas Hilton embraces relaxed atmosphere for guests.
And, for a fun but relaxed vibe, food and drink specials and great scenery, the Las Vegas Hilton’s Cool by the Pool might be just the thing.
More from The Las Vegas Review Journal here:
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/living-easy-94564879.html
More from The Las Vegas Review Journal here:
NORM: Wynn sets the bar for pool clubbing.
Even before it opened Thursday, the latest entry in Las Vegas’ heated pool party competition was putting up knee-buckling numbers.
Take a deep breath, and start with the $70 million price tag to build Encore Beach Club and Surrender nightclub. Consider:
More from The Las Vegas Review Journal here:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/wynn-sets-the-bar-for-pool-clubbing-95173929.html
Hard Rock pool party, Rehab, only one in town with own television show. BY: Sonya Padgett/LVRJ.
When Rehab at the Hard Rock Hotel started seven years ago, it was one of few ongoing pool parties that ignited the day club scene.
Since then, nearly every major property has its own version of Rehab, or at least a pool party with similar amenities. Still, Rehab has something no other day club in town has: its own reality show.
“Rehab: Party at the Hard Rock Hotel” is filming its third season at the venue. It should air on truTV this fall.
More from The Las Vegas Review Journal here:
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/rehab-reality-95094949.html
SHOW REVIEW: ‘Paul Rodriguez and The Whole Enchilada’
Comic Paul Rodriguez’s ‘Whole Enchilada’ getting a little stale. BY: Mike Weatherford/LVRJ.
Paul Rodriguez looks great at 55. It’s his comedy that’s getting old.
His new showcase at the Tropicana has the feel of a Comedy Store set from the ’80s. Some fans will read that as a good thing, especially if they feel his Mexican-American perspective is timelessly unique.
More from The Las Vegas Review Journal here:
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/-paul-rodriguez-and-the-whole-enchilada–95094944.html
NORM: Jazz band ends Gold Coast run.
A 23-year engagement at the Gold Coast will end at 6:30 p.m. today when the Las Vegas Classic Jazz Band plays Peggy Lee’s “I Love Being Here With You.”
In an era when live music was becoming as rare as coin-operated slots, the six-piece band had put together the longest-running lounge gig in Las Vegas. It began the day the Gold Coast opened.
More from The Las Vegas Review Journal here:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/jazz-band-ends-gold-coast-run-95001189.html
MIKE WEATHERFORD: Risk pays off for ‘Jersey Boys’ star Faugno.
Rick Faugno saw a picture of the South Point’s showroom on the Internet one day and proceeded to pull off something very rare.
The “Jersey Boys” star put his own money on the line for a solo showcase, “Songs My Idols Sang (and Danced).” He filled the room, with paying customers, not slot-clubbers. And he did it six times during the past nine months.
More from The Las Vegas Review journal here:
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/risk-pays-off-for–jersey-boys–star-faugno-95000749.html
The days of the dinner show — or wish someone would invent “the lunch show.” BY: Mike Weatherford/LVRJ
Those who miss the days of the dinner show — or wish someone would invent “the lunch show” — should look to the eastern edge of the Fremont Street Experience, where three new titles are on the boards.
More from The Las Vegas Review journal here:
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/risk-pays-off-for–jersey-boys–star-faugno-95000749.html
The article is half way down the column.
Brad Garrett says comedy club at Tropicana to be open June 28. BY John Katsliomentes/Las Vegas Sun.
A point of speculation for weeks, a few details about the Brad Garrett comedy club at Tropicana have been announced — by Brad Garrett.
The towering comic appeared on BlogTalkRadio’s “Night Views Radio” on Wednesday night during the Annie Duke Celebrity Poker Night at Commerce Casino in Commerce, Calif., just southeast of L.A.
During his interview with host Michael Nayt, Garrett said, “On June 28, I’m opening up my own comedy club. In Las Vegas — at the Tropicana.” The space is to occupy the old Comedy Stop club, most recently a project of comic Bobby Slayton.
Seeking a return to the vibe of Old Vegas, Garrett already is drawing material from the neighborhood, jabbing at comic Louie Anderson, a headliner across the Strip at Excalibur. He told Duke, “You go to the Knights of the Round Table, then you ride Louie Anderson over to my show.”
Garrett’s onstage role at the Trop has not been specified. He makes recurring appearances at The Mirage and is booked there June 26, but not after. No lineups, schedules or pricing has yet been announced by the Tropicana.
Splashdance
‘Le Reve’ is a fantastic wet dream. BY: Joe Brown/Las Vegas Sun.
The heat is on, and the oppressive return of Las Vegas summer is reason enough for revisiting Le Rêve at the Wynn. The show’s lavish aquatic stage — a one-million-gallon circular pool — is a room-sized humidifier. Breathe in the pleasantly chlorine-scented air, settle in with a big cold drink and the outdoor inferno feels far, far away.
It’s not just the environment that’s refreshing: After five years of famously being revised and reworked by its co-creators, Le Rêve has finally settled into (perhaps) finished form, emerging as a thoroughly gorgeous and satisfying entertainment, an amphibious hybrid of Dancing With the Stars and a live-action version of the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Le Rêve, or “the dream,” is named for and perhaps inspired by a Picasso painting owned by Steve Wynn — the very one he accidentally poked his elbow through in 2006. Wynn collaborated with Franco Dragone, the visual poet who dreamed up 1998’s water-based O at Bellagio. Le Rêve seems like a (successful) bid to outdo Cirque du Soleil at its own game.
More from The Las Vegas Sun here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/may/23/splashdance/
41st Annual World Series of Poker kicks off at Rio. By Robin Leach.
Poker players from around the world in record numbers arrive today for tomorrow’s start of the 41st Annual World Series of Poker. WSOP champion and poker legend Doyle Brunson will play in the first of 57 gold bracelet events late afternoon tomorrow in the $50,000 Shuffle Up and Deal Players Championship.
It’s the most expensive buy-in to ever open the WSOP and will feature an eight-game HORSE format over four days. Phil Ivey, Daniel Negreanu, Scotty Nguyen, Mike Matusow, Chris Ferguson and Jennifer Harman are among the stars expected to play tomorrow.
More from The Las Vegas Sun here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/may/27/41st-annual-world-series-poker-kicks-tomorrow-rio/
Excalibur and Tournament of Kings mark 20th anniversary. By Robin Leach. From The Las Vegas Sun.
It’s a 20-year success story that’s still going strong. In a day and age of Cirque du Soleil acrobats and gymnasts grabbing headlines, it’s nice to know that the original dinner theater Strip spectacular is very much alive and well. It, too, comes with stunning stunts and remains a true Las Vegas classic perfect for the entire family.
Congratulations to the cast and crew of Tournament of Kings, which is simultaneously celebrating its 20th anniversary with employees of the Excalibur. The timeless entertainment with its great value and horsemanship continues to thrill — no wonder then that one Las Vegas resident has seen the twice-nightly show 29 times, and one California guest has racked up a staggering 113 visits.
More from The Las Vegas Sun here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/may/26/excalibur-and-emtournament-kingsem-mark-20th-anniv/
Wayne’s World By Wayne Bernath/June 2010.
dry as when I moved here in the ‘70’s when the average humidity was 5-10
percent and that’s when people would ask you, “Do you actually live here?”
Your choice of shows was headliners or topless revues like “Lido de
Paris” or “Hallelujah Hollywood.” Cab drivers were earning about $375 a
week including tips which was decent money for the ‘70s. The buffet at the
Silver Slipper was $1.39. Gambling seemed to subsidize food costs and
drinks were plentiful.
some 25,000 workers lined the Strip without any violence. Many of
them worked for the dinner shows which were in abundance whereas
nowadays you might have one cocktail waitress work an entire showroom
which is so wrong.
Landmark and the Showboat. The 49-cent breakfast included coffee, two
eggs, bacon and toast but was only available at that price during the
graveyard shift. Nearly every hotel-casino competed for the graveyard
customers with all sorts of specials.
Grand opened in December of 1973 proclaiming itself the largest hotel in
the world. The Dunes Hotel was known as a mob hangout but had gourmet
rooms such as the Sultan’s Table. The Sahara was a favorite among the
performers especially Buddy Hackett, Don Rickles and “The Rat Pack.”
The shows of the ‘70’s were almost always sold-out but there were only
15-20 to choose from on any given night and the showrooms were smaller
than those of today.
think of are Cher who used to perform with the late Sonny at the Sahara.
She’s scheduled to play Caesars Palace’s Colosseum from June 15-July 4.
After going out on her own she hooked up with Caesars in the ‘80’s where
she met with Francis Ford Coppola backstage and he talked her into doing
movies. Cher is actually a destination act. I was returning from a business
trip to Florida last year and a couple was coming to Las Vegas just to see
Cher perform live. The husband a traffic engineer from Orlando said, “She
has 30 years of hits to perform, who else can do that.”
Center recently played the Cannery on their “Teen Idols with Peter Noone,
Micky Dolenz and Mark Lindsey” tour. Ronnie Milsap would co-headline
in the ‘70s and recently played the Eastside Cannery. Crosby, Stills & Nash
are playing the Hard Rock Hotel’s The Joint on June 4.
Vegas Hilton. I remember Dionne Warwick at the LV Hilton in the ‘70’s
inviting Gladys Knight who was in the audience to come up and sing
upstaging her. Connie Francis used to play the Sands. The Las Vegas Hilton
is hosting Julio Iglesias from June 10-12. He headlined at several Strip
hotels in the ‘70’s. Hotel California and The Original Time Band also
recently played the Hilton thus proving they are going after the Baby
Boomers. The M Resort may also be going after Baby Boomers too, since
they booked The Steve Miller Band.
Springfield for June 19. The MGM Grand has booked Carole King and
James Taylor for July 17. James Taylor used to play the old Aladdin
Theatre for the Performing Arts in the ‘70s. The Mirage has hosted Cheech
& Chong recently.
Orleans Arena from June 17-20.
Venetian July 8-10 and 15-17. Bill Cosby who has always been a Las Vegas
favorite is doing his standup comedy at Treasure Island on July 2. Smokey
Robinson fits in the same category and will be performing at Star of the
Desert Arena at Terrible’s Primm Valley. Kenny Loggins will play Sunset
Station on July 31. Tony Orlando a major headliner of the ‘70’s with Dawn
recently performed on his own at South Point. Believe it or not Jerry Lee
Lewis who used to perform at a variety of Las Vegas hotels will play at the
Rio on June 30. Paris has booked “Sgt. Pepper Live” featuring Cheap
Trick for June 11-30 and July 20-31. This is a brilliant move on the part of
Cheap Trick and the LV Hilton.
the Planet Hollywood Resort Theatre from June 10-12. Lena Prima the
daughter of Louis Prima will sing at the Suncoast on June 19-20.
But there they are, the king and queen of clean, their 50-foot faces smiling down at us from the side of the resort, and the raunchy Favorito.
Donny and Marie look like the types who would blush at the steady stream of four-letter Favorito lets loose every night in a side-splitting show that has now been part of the Flamingo family (Harrah’s Entertainment actually) for five years – three years next door at O’sheas and the last two at the Flamingo.
Favorito may be one of the funniest men alive. I can’t think of anyone funnier.
He slays audiences with his rapid-fire humor that shoots down political correctness.
If you can’t laugh at humor aimed at all races and ages and physical disability and mores, better stay home.
You’ve seen celebrities roast each other.
This is an audience roast.
And don’t try to top him when he gets you in his sights and fires a broadside at you. He’ll cut you down in a heartbeat.
Best to just go with the flow and realize no harm is meant.
In a recent show celebrating his anniversary he looked at the older members of the audience, and there were a lot.
“I was wondering who owned those scooters parked out there,” he said.
He says he loves old people.
“They don’t have to get up in the middle of the show to use the restroom, they just go in their diapers,” he says.
Vinnie usually starts off with a few set jokes.
“All these great shows in town – midgets on ropes,” he says with a smirk. “I see the Tropicana is making a come back. They’ve bought a new rug or something.”
Before he rips into his audiences he gives them fair warning.
“This isn’t Donny and Marie,” he says.
The fun begins about that time with the question, “Are there any Mexicans in the audience?”
There always are, but they rarely speak up until he zeroes in on them in the middle of the performance.
“Are there any whites from the deep south here? We’ve got to give them a little time.”
He continuously reassures the audience it’s all in fun.
“We tell some jokes, screw around a little,” he says. “By the end of the night everyone will leave feeling cool – well, not the Mexicans.”
Who: Vinnie Favorito in “Completely F’n Crazy”
When: 8 p.m. nightly
Where: Bugsy’s Cabaret, at the Flamingo
Tickets: $54.95 to $65.95
Information: 733-3333
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Dubbed the “Rock-n-Roll” Chef by Rolling Stone magazine, Simon has created a brand of sexy restaurants with a distinct vibe. At KGB, Simon will take inspiration from his victory on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” where he prevailed over Iron Chef Cat Cora with the ultimate burger. He’ll parlay that burger success into a menu of uniquely inventive burger offerings, signature snacks and sides including “Iron Chef” sliders and tater tots and sweet selections such as strawberry shortcake push pops.
“We are delighted to partner with such an innovative chef as Kerry Simon,” said Rick Mazer, president of Harrah’s Las Vegas. “This concept will offer our guests a fresh approach to gourmet burgers, boasting an upbeat nightlife scene in a playful atmosphere designed as a James Bond-inspired send-up of Soviet-era Russia.”
Offering more than 156 seats, KGB’s sleek modern design will feature wall coverings based on 1960’s Russian propaganda posters and thematic fixtures will create a hip yet comfortable vibe. At the full service bar, a wide array of vodkas will be offered where customers can utilize the ice bar feature for the perfectly chilled specialty drink. A vodka hostess will engage patrons throughout the evening, pairing burger selections with the ideal vodka cocktail.
“From the design and décor to the menu and ambiance, everything is very personal to me. It is always my goal to create a restaurant where guests have a memorable experience and they feel like they could come back and eat every day,” said Simon. “KGB offers a unique high-energy setting with the most delicious burgers anywhere.”
KGB is open 11am – 11pm weekdays and 11am – 2am weekends. Large TV screens will rotate from the large sports events to retro-style images. All burgers, sides and snacks will be crafted in-house from responsibly raised meats and market fresh produce.
About Harrah’s Las Vegas
Harrah’s Las Vegas offers something for every guest. For those seeking a fun, lively atmosphere, Harrah’s outdoor bar “Carnaval Court” is home to some of the world’s top flair bartenders. Harrah’s Las Vegas hosts a wide variety of entertainment options, including the queen of comedy Rita Rudner, the longest running tribute show in the world, Legends in Concert and live music at Toby Keith’s: I Love This Bar & Grill. Harrah’s Las Vegas features more than 25,000 square feet of banquet and meeting space, and a state-of-the-art “Sports Pit” that offers both live gaming and sports betting. Find Harrah’s Las Vegas on Facebook and follow on Twitter.
With apologies to Horace Greeley for paraphrasing his famous “Go West, young man!” slogan, let us here please be clear that this wonderful game from Aristocrat is for all the ladies, as well as all the men. Young – or as old as me (ehm, let’s not get into that just this moment) – the point is well taken: This is a 25-line double stand-alone progressive, with two progressive jackpots, and not just one. And the best news? You can win on this machine without having to compete with other players, because this progressive is just for each machine, and not linked to others. So, you can always look for the good progressive amounts, and not only enjoy the great base game, and the many bonuses, but also the healthy jackpots.
The Minor jackpot begins with a seed of $50.00, and the Major jackpot begins with a seed of $750.00. That’s the amount at which the jackpots begin to grow. In addition, this is one of the great new games with an “ante” bet, which means that for a few extra credits you can unlock bigger and more frequent winners. For the base game, your wager is 25 credits, but with a 10-credit ante bet, for a total of 35-credits, you can get into ALL of the bonuses and extra pays. The max-bet can be either $1.75, up to $3.50, in the base 1-cent denomination.
There are several themes in the Banana King family of games, including Panther Magic™ – the game I am describing here – as well as Dolphin Treasure™, Wild Ways™, and the newest Turtle Treasure™. No matter which of the four base games you chose, all of them can get into and win the following features:
Match Card Jackpot Feature
The Match Card Progressive Jackpot feature can be won randomly during any paid game. The screen fills up with cards for you to choose from, and you can play the card feature to win one of the two progressive jackpots, or a consolation prize.
Wild King
In this feature, three free games are won. During each free game a BANANA KING will be placed randomly on the screen over an entire reel position and substitutes for all symbols. Each BANANA KING remains in the same reel position for the remaining free games.
Great Race
Here you get to pick a character for the Animal Race. What you win then depends on where your character placed in the race – the better the result, the more you win. So, cheer for your pick, and urge them on!
Banana Match
Here you have a screen full of bananas, and you get to pick as many BANANAS as you can, until two prizes match. Wins may be multiplied by 2, 5 or 10 times.
Climb 4 Cash
You didn’t think this was going to be easy, did you? Here you have to climb up the tree to win prizes. But, you don’t have to climb the tree yourself – the monkey will do it for you. As the monkey climbs the tree, you can choose to keep climbing – or leave with whatever you have already won. If you choose to keep climbing and fall, then you will collect only half of the prizes you have won up to that point. So, don’t fall down – right?
Coco Bingo
In this feature you get to press the PLAY button, and random BINGO COCONUTS will automatically be selected; when an entire row of 5 coconuts in a straight line (vertically, horizontally or diagonally) has been selected, the total of the prizes and multipliers revealed in that row will be paid to you, and multiplied by credits per line played.
So, there you have it. Banana King. Yes, indeed, Go Ape!
Big News!
I am pleased to announce that I am writing a new book on slots. It will be available about April 2010. I will have more information here in this column in the coming issues. Stay tuned!
Chuck Rounds’ Las Vegas Entertainment News. June 2010.
June is here! School is out, and everyone wants a vacation…whether or not they can afford a vacation is another question, but nonetheless, we all want to get away. Vegas (of course) is eager for everyone to come and get away here. We want and need your tourist dollars.
Normally temperatures never reach 100 degrees until the month of June…and once again, that will be the case this year—by the first or second we’ll have our first 100 degree day, and by the weekend, we should hit the 105 mark…and yes, it is true, it is a dry heat; and yes, that does make it more tolerable. This is good and bad—it is as if you’re standing in a convection oven, rather than a sauna. Without lotion, the dry air will suck out any moisture that you may have in your body, and you will burn faster here than a day at the beach. Summer in Vegas is hot…pools and parties are the main tour de force for the season, and the entertainment usually brings a lot of wonderful surprises throughout the months ahead.
Schools are out all over the country. College-aged people will come to Vegas and try to emulate the commercials and the mystique of this town—usually without the success and panache for which they would hope. Sometimes these folks think that normal rules of society don’t apply to this town…trust me though; drunk and disorderly and drunk driving will still get you thrown in jail. Families will come in, have a good time, but feel that there is less and less that the entire family can do on the Strip. (Actually, there are a lot of things that the family can do, but most tourists don’t venture away from the casinos to find them.)
Entertainment abounds in Las Vegas, and June is a busy month…
The Burlesque Hall of Fame weekend will be at Plaza Hotel from June 1 to 8. It is a showcase for over 100 of the world’s top burlesque acts from international entertainers. The Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend attracts outstanding artists, both exotic and mainstream. The weekend will also include a Striptease Reunion, now in its 53rd year, at which newer performers can learn tricks of the trade from surviving superstars of the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s. The mission of the Burlesque Hall of Fame is to inspire, educate and entertain the public, fostering an appreciation for and understanding of the unique history and heritage of vintage Burlesque–including but not limited to the art, artifacts and personal histories of its biggest names and brightest stars. In 2006, the Burlesque Hall of Fame relocated from Helendale, California to Las Vegas, Nevada–in hopes of establishing a permanent, first-rate tourist attraction and research/exhibition space for their collection.
Comic singing impressionist Larry G Jones takes the stage at the Harmon Theater on June 8th as he launches his newly refurbished one-man show. Larry’s new show is produced by Ray Wolfe—who also produces the “Naughty Boys of Hypnosis” in the same space. The show features an all-star celebrity cast of rapid-fire voice impressions including many of Las Vegas’ biggest headliners. Cher, Elton John, Neil Diamond, Elvis, The Phantom of the Opera, and The Rat Pack are a part of the 75 plus voices Larry performs in each show.
“VEGAS! The Show,” will open at the new Saxe Theatre in the Miracle Mile shops at Planet Hollywood on June 11th. This will be the production that the city has been waiting for—celebrating all of the entertainment that made Las Vegas great. In fact, the first couple of weeks of performances have already been sold out. This grand-scale revue tells the story of the most influential and exciting entertainers who made the city what it is today, the Entertainment Capital of the World. From vintage Vegas icons like The Rat Pack and Elvis Presely to some of the best production numbers this city has known, this show has it all. An award-winning cast, big band orchestra and scores of beautiful showgirls make “VEGAS! The Show,” one incredible production that audiences of all ages won’t want to miss.
Meanwhile…
Show producer and entertainer Tony Sacca plans to open his “Vegas The Show” as an afternoon program this summer with an optional lunch offer at the Las Vegas Rocks Café downtown in the Embassy Theatre. “Vegas The Show” – A Story In Song is a music, comedy and video journey through the history of Las Vegas. It starts from the 1930s, progresses to the present day, and includes a look into the future of Las Vegas in the year 2050.
–Pretty weird, huh? We have “VEGAS! The Show,” and “Vegas The Show.” Knowing all the parties involved, it doesn’t really surprise me that much…the entertainment community in Las Vegas is really just one big dysfunctional family with both kindness and pettiness abounding… This is what I have gathered…Sacca had an idea for a show called, “Vegas The Show,” but he never produced anything and never registered or copyrighted the name. David Saxe had an idea for a show called, “VEGAS! The Show,” and was already in production for the show. Saxe registered the name, but Sacca said that he had the name first, but since he had never done anything with the name and never registered it, he couldn’t do anything…except, since he did already have a project that existed with that name on it, there was nothing to prevent him from producing a show as well… So Sacca quickly got a show together and plans to open his show a couple of days before the Saxe production. I get the feeli
ng that Sacca is making a lot of noise so that he can capitalize on both the stink and the inevitable confusion in the advertising…Saxe is focusing on putting up a show. The thing that I find odd of course is that Sacca is not accusing Saxe of stealing from him…the title is not so unique that it wouldn’t be inconceivable that two parties would come up with the name independently (how’s that for using a triple negative?)…only that he thought of the name first… More oddly, this strategy will in fact work for Sacca in the short term. People will want to make the comparison and will want to see what all the hoopla is about.
So we’ll have confusion for a while…feelings will get hurt somewhere along the way, and I will even brace myself for an angry letter from a strong advocate from one side or the other… The funny thing, of course, is that all of this will eventually go away…most of the tourists, as well as most Las Vegans, will never know anything about it, or even care. I am curious about how Sacca envisions Vegas in 2050…I’m sure that I’ll be amused.
Also in the Saxe Theatre will be a Chinese acrobatic and magic show, opening on the 18th in the 4:00 spot.
Comedy Central’s favorite up-front, man-on-the-street comedian Dave Attell returns to Las Vegas to perform at Treasure Island’s Mystère Theatre Friday, June 11. Named one of the “25 Funniest People in America” by Entertainment Weekly, Dave Attell got his start in comedy performing the open-mic circuit in Manhattan’s comedy clubs after graduating from New York University with a degree in Film and Television. After working his way up, he took his show on the road where he developed a huge fan following as a national headliner. Audience members must be over 18.
Society of Seven and “American Idol” star Jasmine Trias ended their run at the Gold Coast Showroom in May. The high energy variety show opened at the Gold Coast last November and even though they are closing here, the show will go on tour.
MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris will be dark Tuesday, June 8 – Tuesday, June 22. Performances will begin again at its regular time slots on Wednesday, June 23.
Recording artist and entertainer Lena Prima, youngest daughter of music legend Louis Prima, will perform popular songs recorded by her father along with original hits in the Suncoast Showroom June 19 and 20. “That Old Black Magic,” “Jump Jive ‘An Wail,” and “Sing Sing Sing” are among the songs made popular by her father that Prima will perform at the Suncoast, the latter featuring Lena on the drums. For the evening of music, joined by her seven-piece band, Prima will also perform tunes from her recently released album Since The Storm.
Las Vegas piano man and entertainer Wes Winters returns to the Suncoast Showroom to debut his new show, Wes Winters All Keyed Up!, June 12 and 13. Winters will draw from a huge musical repertoire and once again bring the one-of-a-kind showmanship and musical prowess for which he’s become known, through dynamic piano pieces and signature vocal arrangements. An award-winning musician, Winters may be best known in Las Vegas for A Musical Tribute to Liberace.
Celebrated entertainer and Las Vegas mainstay Don Rickles brings his one-of-a-kind comedy back to The Orleans Showroom June 5 and 6, one performance each night at 8 p.m. Popular Vegas act Shades of Sinatra will perform prior to Rickles taking the stage, kicking off the evening with a vintage musical flair. Rickles took his first step toward national fame in 1957 when Frank Sinatra wandered into the small Hollywood nightclub where Rickles was performing. The still-unknown Rickles eyed Sinatra and said, “I just saw your movie, The Pride and the Passion, and I want to tell you, the cannon’s acting was great. And, make yourself at home, Frank. Hit somebody.” Sinatra doubled up laughing and became one of Rickles’ biggest boosters. Rickles soon became the “in” comic among Hollywood stars, who flocked to his nightclub engagements to become the targets of his insults.
CineVegas will be holding its annual film festival at the Palms again this year from the 10th to the 15th. This event has grown every year, (now in its 11th year,) and draws some of the top names in the entertainment industry to Vegas. It has become one of the major “Hollywood” events here in Las Vegas. Opening night will feature the film “Saint John of Las Vegas” and eight “Jackpot Premieres”. Closing night will include Bobcat Goldthwait’s film “World’s Greatest Dad,” starring Robin Williams. Festival fans can watch the trailers for many of this year’s films online at www.cinevegas.com. This year, of course, CineVegas will miss Dennis Hopper who served as the Chairman of the Creative Advisory Board.
The Greatest show on Earth is once again in town, the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Presenting Blue Tour – Funundrum, the 17th to the 20th. It celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of Pt Barnum, and it really is the greatest show on earth and is a wonderful event for everyone. I haven’t missed the show in years. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus was started when the circus created by James Anthony Bailey and P. T. Barnum was merged with the Ringling Brothers Circus. The Ringling brothers purchased the Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1907, but ran the circuses separately until they were finally merged in 1919.
And I am certainly not above doing my own flagrant self-promotion…
My partner Minnie Madden and I will be having a showing of our Art and Commercial Photography at the Arts Factory during the First Friday Arts celebration downtown on June 4th. Our company, Maddmeat Photography, specializes in extreme and shock art (which actually is very comical and makes us laugh…granted, it is an odd dichotomy, but that’s what makes it fun.) The Arts Factory is located on Charleston between Casino Center and Main. We will be showing there on the First Friday Festivals in June, July, and August. Please come out, support us, and enjoy our art photography. If you mention that you read about it here in my newsletter, we’ll give you 10% off on all prints and cards.
As far as the continuing events and pool parties go…
Las Vegas 51s AAA Baseball
Cashman Center Through – Sep 29
Pool Parties at the Riviera Hotel & Casino Oasis Pool Complex
Riviera Hotel Through – Sep 2
Ditch Fridays at the Palms
Palms Casino Through – Sep 10
Daylife Sundays at Wet Republic at MGM Grand
MGM Grand Through – Sep 5
Rehab Sundays at the Hard Rock Beach Club
Hard Rock Hotel Through – Sep 5
Sunset Sundays at Tao Beach
Venetian Resort Through – Aug 5
With the headliners and concerts this month…the first week of the month will include…
Tech N9NE w/ Brotha Lynch Hung, Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Calhou
Mandalay Bay June 1
David Copperfield
MGM Grand Through – June 16
Fan Halen
Las Vegas Hilton June 2
Mark Curry
Las Vegas Hilton June 2 – 6
Dance Zone Recital
Cashman Center June 3 – 6
National Barrel Horse Association “Super Show” & Western Gift Show
South Point June 3 – 6 – Free
The Bamboozle Roadshow
Hard Rock June 3
Vegas Cruise Weekend w/ Sweet in Concert
Fremont Street Experience June 3 – 6 – Free
Bead Renaissance Show
Palace Station June 4 – 6 – Free
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Mandalay Bay June 4
Bruce In The USA
Rio All-Suite June 4
Craig Ferguson
Venetian Resort June 4 – 5
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Hard Rock June 4
Gin Blossoms
Hard Rock June 4
Imelda Papin
Orleans Hotel June 4
Jon Reep
South Point June 4 – 6
Jonny Lang
Silverton Hotel June 4
Korn’s Ballroom Blitz
Palms Casino June 4
Las Vegas International Film Festival
Las Vegas Hilton June 4, 2010 – Jun 6
Boz Scaggs
Mandalay Bay June 5
Brews and Blues Festival
Springs Preserve June 5
Don Rickles
Orleans Hotel June 5 – 6
Goo Goo Dolls
Palms Casino June 5
Jazz in the Park Series: Christian Scott
Clark County Amphitheatre June 5 – Free
JD Lawrence presents “The Clean Up Woman”
Planet Hollywood June 5
Tracy Morgan
Hard Rock June 5
War
Cannery Casino June 5
50 Cent
Palms Casino June 6
The second week will have:
Aeromyth
Las Vegas Hilton June 9
Cats
Planet Hollywood June 10 – 12
David Spade
Venetian Resort June 10 – 12
Insane Clown Posse w/ Coolio, Kittie, and Necro
Mandalay Bay June 10
Julio Iglesias
Las Vegas Hilton June 10 – 12
Xfanz Expo
Hard Rock June 10 – 11
“Sgt. Pepper Live” featuring Cheap Trick
Paris Las Vegas June 11 – 29
Dave Attell
Treasure Island June 11
Fischerspooner
Mandalay Bay June 11
Pepper
Hard Rock June 11
Pool Party at Tao Beach
Venetian Resort June 11
Ron White
Mirage June 11 – 12
Soul Asylum w/ the Kin and David Ritz
Aliante Station June 11
Tower of Power
South Point June 11 – 13
Bobby Vinton
Cannery Casino June 12
Clinton Anderson “Walkabout Tour”
South Point June 12 – 13
Crossroads of the West Gun Show
Cashman Center June 12 – 13
Denis Leary with Special Guests Lenny Clarke & Adam Ferrara
Hard Rock June 12
Vocal Soup w/ Clint Holmes, Susan Anton, Domenick Allen & Martin Nievera
Orleans Hotel June 12 – 13
Wes Winters
Suncoast June 12 – 13
The third week will have:
Heart of the King Elvis Fan’s Festival
Las Vegas Hilton June 14 – 18
Julien’s Auctions
Planet Hollywood June 14 – Free
Cher
Caesars Palace June 15 – July 4
Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey Tribute
Las Vegas Hilton June 16
Mark Curry
Las Vegas Hilton June 16 – 20
Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Orleans Hotel June 17 – 20
Spin Doctors
Palms Casino June 17
Wayne Brady
Venetian Resort June 17 – 21
An Evening with STING
MGM Grand June 18
Clint Black
Silverton Hotel June 18 – 19
Jay Leno
Mirage June 18 – 19
Paul Willams
South Point June 18 – 19
R n R Featuring Rick Braun & Richard Elliot
Aliante Station June 18
The Offspring w/ Terrible Things
Hard Rock June 18
The Original Wailers
Hard Rock June 18
Alicia Villarreal & Mariachi Sol De Mexico
Buffalo Bill’s June 19
Dave Mason
Red Rock June 19
Devo
Rio All-Suite June 19
Junefest – with Steppenwolf, The Family Stone, Berlin and more!
South Point June 19
Las Vegas Midnight 7’s Rugby Tournament
Various fields around Las Vegas June 19 – 20
Lena Prima
Suncoast Hotel June 19 – 20
Rick Springfield
Mandalay Bay June 19
UFC Tuf 11 Finale
Palms Casino June 19
The fourth week will have:
Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Business Expo
Southeast & Henderson June 23
Mark Curry
Las Vegas Hilton June 23 – 27
NHL Awards
Palms Casino June 23
David Copperfield
MGM Grand June 24 – Aug 4
Erykah Badu
Palms Casino June 24
Pool Party at Moorea Pool
Mandalay Bay June 24
Wayne Brady
Venetian Resort June 24 – 28
Brad Garrett
Mirage June 25 – 26
Garth Brooks
Encore at Wynn June 25 – 27
Gary Puckett
South Point June 25 – 26
Gold Rush Peruvian Horse Classic X
South Point June 25, 2010 – Jun 27 – Free
Slightly Stoopid
Hard Rock June 25
Tom Papa
Orleans Hotel June 25 – 26
An Evening with Everclear
Silverton Hotel June 26
Experience Kirk Franklin and BeBe & CeCe Winans
Planet Hollywood June 26
Fifth Avenue
Suncoast Hotel June 26 – 27
Joe Nichols
Santa Fe Station June 26
Puddle of Mudd
Hard Rock June 26
The Pointer Sisters
Buffalo Bill’s June 26
The Psychedelic Furs w/ She Wants Revenge
Mandalay Bay June 26
The Spinners
Cannery Casino June 26
ABBA the Music
Eastside Cannery June 27
And the last week of the month and into July will include…
A Day To Remember, Saosin, Hit The Lights, More . . .
Fremont Street East June 29
Jerry Lee Lewis
Rio All-Suite June 30
Cash’d Out
Rio All-Suite July 1
Wayne Brady
Venetian Resort July 1 – 5
Backstreet Boys
Mandalay Bay July 2
Bill Cosby
Treasure Island July 2
David Allen Grier
Mandalay Bay July 2
Independence Weekend w/ the Little River Band
Fremont Street Experience July 2 – 5 – Free
Joe Rogan
Mandalay Bay July 2
Kenny Chesney
Hard Rock July 2 – 3
Shooter Jennings w/ the Clydesdale
Rio All-Suite July 2
Whitney Cummings
South Point July 2 – 4
CoCo Lee
Encore at Wynn July 3 – 4
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes
Rio All-Suite July 3
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers
Cannery Casino July 3
OneRepublic
Mandalay Bay July 3
Sugar Ray
Silverton Hotel July 3
The Las Vegas Gun Show
Cashman Center July 3 – 4
The Scintas
Suncoast Hotel July 3 – 4
UFC 116: Lesnar vs. Carwin
MGM Grand July 3
Wonder Girls World Tour with special guest Asian artist 2AM
Mandalay Bay July 3
40 Oz to Freedom
Rio All-Suite July 4
Mike Epps
Hard Rock July 4
For dates and times, be sure to log onto the Las Vegas Online Entertainment Guide: ( www.lvol.com ).
I Go Shows ( www.Igoshows.com ) is, of course, the place to read the reviews of all of the shows that are in town so that you can be better informed as to what you should expect from a certain production. The reviews are updated as needed to give you the knowledge you need to spend your entertainment dollars better.
You can always view the current newsletter here:
http://www.igoshows.com/lventnews.html
Gilley’s Returns To The Strip. BY: Jack Houston/Las Vegas Magazine.
The newest addition to the restaurant lineup inside Treasure Island, Gilley’s Saloon, Dance Hall & Bar-B-Que is unpretentious fun decked out in the trappings of a backwoods roadhouse. Neon signs, horseshoes and wagon wheels grace the walls, and ice-cold draft beers come in plastic cups. It’s as all-American as they come, and on Memorial Day, it’s one of the few restaurants on Las Vegas Boulevard offering down-home barbecue and all the comforts that go along with it.
The name Gilley’s should ring familiar to frequent Las Vegas visitors. For eight years beginning in 1999, it was the only reliable place for country music on the Strip at its original location inside the since-imploded New Frontier. When that hotel’s owner, Phil Ruffin, purchased Treasure Island in March 2009, a whole restaurant and lounge were cleared out to make way for the revamped Gilley’s.
Guests enter Gilley’s through a spacious, countrified dance hall, complete with mechanical bull, parquet dance floor and the beguiling Gilley Girls clad in matching cowboy hats, bikini tops and chaps. The restaurant, whose entrance is located in the rear of the room past the open serving line, is comparatively understated, and thus, a little harder to find. Once inside, however, it becomes obvious that Gilley’s is the Strip’s surprise new people-watching perch, with floor-to-ceiling windows letting in more than just the sunlight. If there’s one thing we have come to learn about dining in Las Vegas, it’s that a clean window and a crowd of tourists beats whatever is on ESPN just about every time.
It’s almost enough to distract from the menu, which hews close to the barbecue promised in the restaurant’s name while throwing in some complementary Southern dishes and takes on classic bar foods. Starters range from jalapeno poppers and pulled pork sliders to nachos teeming with tomatoes, black olives, sour cream, melted cheese and an appropriately spiced chili. Speaking of chili, there are three varieties to choose from, including an award-winning green chili boasting hearty chunks of pork and a three-bean vegetarian chili.
For whatever reason, barbecue joints are not all that common on the Strip, so it makes sense to take advantage of what Gilley’s calls “the main event”: short ribs, baby backs (half and whole racks), hot links and pulled pork, all of which are served with two sides and corn bread. “You gotta have the grits,” our server offered, and she was right—perfectly cheesy, spicy and pillowy. Gilley’s came to play with its choice of sauces, and the selection of in-your-face Jack Daniels, tangy Carolina mustard and smoked onion make the roll of paper towels on each table more of a necessity than a convenience.
Steaks and sandwiches abound, too, and with names like the Hill Country Grilled Chicken Sandwich and the Bob Wills Burger, there’s a little lightheartedness that belies some serious flavor. Even the desserts employ Southern accents, like the Down Home Strawberry Shortcake, built around a buttermilk biscuit baked from scratch, and the warm, flaky peach cobbler. Now who’s up for some line dancing?
http://lasvegasmagazine.com/feature2.html
Fountains Of Bellagio. BY: Marisa Finetti/Las Vegas Magazine.
Delicate and Playful, serene and grand, there is only one show in Las Vegas that has the magic to lift the spirits like no other. The star? Droplets of choreographed water at the Fountains of Bellagio.
An 8-acre body of water, flanked on one side by the romantic Bellagio resort and the mature trees that dot Las Vegas Boulevard on the other, Bellagio’s lake is a place for reflection. But when jets emerge from beneath the surface and shoot water up to 240 feet into the sky and fog rises through a plume of cool vapor, it’s clear that this is no ordinary water feature.
The Fountains of Bellagio is a spectacular free show that embodies the spirit of romance that is associated with Bellagio. Using more than 1,000 computer-operated water jets and more than 4,000 individually programmed lights, the attraction engages viewers in a water dance that is perfectly choreographed to music that ranges from dramatic opera to popular Broadway tunes.
The Fountains’ pulsing character creates sculptural water elements that include twisting spirals, linear explosions and high-speed chases. During the day, the Fountains of Bellagio is even more spectacular when the sunlight disperses the colors through the airborne mist. By night, 2 1/2 million watts of white incandescent light illuminate the lake, generating unsurpassed brilliancy and grandeur.
Wet, a water fountain design firm, created the fountains with the goal of producing a show that would be kinetic and elating for audiences, but also geared toward water conservation. According to Wet, the fountains use less water than the golf course that occupied the land before Bellagio opened in 1998.
Each show is an ambitious display, designed by respected, award-winning choreographers such as Kenny Ortega, who collaborated with Wet on a few of the key pieces, including “Singin’ in the Rain.”
“I wanted to capture the emotion that I felt when Gene (Kelly) performed his classic,” Ortega said. “His childlike exuberance, his exciting choreography while splashing from puddle to puddle, swinging around lampposts, and finally, whistling away carefree and in love.”
While watching the water gracefully swoop in arched form to the accompanying music, it’s almost as if you’ve stumbled across an oasis in the middle of a desert.
http://lasvegasmagazine.com/feature3.html
DOUG ELFMAN: Hollywood finally portrays modern Vegas glitz. From: The LVRJ.
There’s an idiotic scene at the end of Martin Scorsese’s dull movie “Casino” where the infamous narrator whines: Boo hoo, all the dangerous mobsters are in jail, so now the only people left in Vegas are decrepit oldsters who eat at buffets, with their walkers.
No offense to the mob, or old people, or buffets, but Scorsese can eat it.
More from The Las Vegas Review Journal here:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/hollywood-finally-portrays-modern-vegas-glitz-95246764.html
NORM: Wynn sets the bar for pool clubbing. From The LVRJ.
Even before it opened Thursday, the latest entry in Las Vegas’ heated pool party competition was putting up knee-buckling numbers.
Take a deep breath, and start with the $70 million price tag to build Encore Beach Club and Surrender nightclub. Consider:
More from The Las Vegas Review Journal here:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/wynn-sets-the-bar-for-pool-clubbing-95173929.html
Greg Miller, Dennis Wise, Steve Connolly, Matt Lewis and Trent Carlini are among those who have made names for themselves using Elvis’ name.
All in their own way keep alive the memory of Elvis, whose roots run deep in Las Vegas, beginning in 1956 with a two-week run at the old Frontier.
He was only 21 then. His fan base was 21 and under while the Vegas fan base was much older – which meant he bombed in his first go at the Entertainment Capital.
But when he returned in 1969 to perform at the International (where he set attendance records for seven years) his fan base had expanded and everyone of all ages liked Elvis.
He became a legend locally as well as internationally.
Cirque du Soleil has attempted to capture the essence of Elvis in its show “Viva Elvis” at the Aria.
It’s a multi-million-dollar extravaganza that has everything but a soul, so says many who have seen the production.
There are images of Elvis, lots of Elvis music, great choreography and some of the signature Cirque acrobatics, but something is missing from the production.
You might find it at “The King Lives!”
This is a modest production at Hooters’ Night Owl Showroom.
It features tribute artist Pete Willcox, backed by a monster live band that really brings Elvis’ music alive.
Pete has been an Elvis tribute artist for about 40 years, and he puts all that experience to good use on the small stage inside Hooters.
He puts heart and soul into his show, while Cirque puts a lot of show into its show.
Pete connects with his audience, joking, even at his own expense. He doesn’t seem to mind that he’s a geriatric Elvis.
He reminisces about meeting Elvis; talks about his own career; sings some of Elvis’ greatest hits, even turning one into a rap song with great effect.
If you are an Elvis fan, you need to drop by Hooters. When you leave you probably will be a fan of Pete’s, as well.
What: “The King Lives!” featuring Pete Willcox
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays
Where: Night Owl Showroom, Hooters
Tickets: $29.95
Information: To call 866-584-6687.
Posted on June 5th, 2010 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Newsletter
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