September 2017

This past August was a brutally hot month…the heat just persisted.  Now normally, September marks the start of cooler weather, but relief just doesn’t look like it’s coming anytime soon.  September usually marks the transition into our next season… school is back in session, the return to business, the end of summer and pool parties, and the promise of cooler days that will allow us to do more outside.  There is a lot of stuff going on this month.  It’s also time to change the watering schedule for the yard.

Football season is here---which means that sports books across the city will be busy and happy, and thousands of football wives will be seeing shows, as thousands of football husbands are watching and betting on games.

There are some very fascinating national designations for September…I’ll highlight a few that I find the most interesting…

September 1st is National No Rhyme (Nor Reason) Day. The First Friday in September is National Lazy Mom’s Day.  International Bacon Day is the Saturday before Labor Day, and September 15th is National Linguine Day, National Double Cheeseburger Day, and Google.com Day.  Interestingly, September 18th is National Cheeseburger Day (just a few days after Double Cheeseburger day.)  September 20th is National Punch Day and Wife Appreciation Day…is that just bad taste?  September 22nd is Hobbit Day, and the 23rd is Celebrate Bi-sexuality Day, and the Autumnal Equinox.  In spite of bad press the 26th is National Shamu the Whale Day and the 27th is National Corned Beef Hash Day.  And one of my favorites…September 30th is Blasphemy Day.

Olympia Weekend, the most prestigious event in the world of bodybuilding, returns to the Orleans Arena September 14 – 17; though many of the events will be at the Las Vegas Convention Center.  Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend is a bodybuilding competition sanctioned by the International Federation of Bodybuilders Professional League (IFBB Pro League). Past champions include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lee Haney, and Ronnie Coleman. This prestigious event is one of the highest accolades in the sport of professional bodybuilding.

After a brief intermission, young artists from around the valley have a second chance to participate in a unique youth workshop as Las Vegas’ premier arts complex, The Space (3640 Cavaretta Court).  ‘Act Two’ of the popular Kids In The Space Performing Arts Workshop pulls back the curtain on Tuesday, Sept. 26. Kids interested in perfecting their acting skills must be between the ages of eight and 18 and must schedule an audition by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Sept. 16.  The intensive, six-week workshop offers various classes such as acting, singing, dancing, clowning, and technical theater. Two classes per week are dedicated to art and performance while a Master Class is taken once per week and is dedicated to acting, voice, dance, and more. The workshops help sharpen the skills of young artists, focuses on a variety of performance objectives, and provides the necessary training to better their craft.  At the end of the workshop, students will get to perform individual numbers in the final showcase on the main stage at The Space. Admission to the program is audition-based and at the discretion of master teachers.  Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 26 and running through Nov. 4, classes are held three days a week; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 – 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – noon. The final showcase is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 4 at noon. For more information, please visit https://www.thespacelv.com

Head to Pahrump this September for the ultimate summer send-off. Cool off by a lake, head to the speedway for races, enjoy concerts with complimentary wine tastings, and say hello to fall with the 53rd Annual Pahrump Fall Festival. Stay up to date with everything happening in Pahrump by visiting, www.visitpahrump.com.

Labor Day at Lake Spring Mountain: What better way to send off summer than by hanging by the Lake at Spring Mountain Motor Resort & Country Club.  The eight-acre freshwater lake offers a surround sandy beach with lounge chairs, cabanas, and food and drink service.  Come for a dip or rent watersport equipment including kayaks, paddleboards, peddle boats, and rafts.

Date: Saturday, Sept. 2 – Monday, Sept. 4
Details: Admission is $15 and rentals of paddleboards, peddle boats, kayaks, and rafts are $15 an hour.
Location: Lake Spring Mountain at Spring Mountain Motor Resort & Country Club; 3601 Highway 160, Pahrump, NV 89048

Pahrump Valley Speedway: Race season is in full effect at the Pahrump Valley Speedway. One of the only clay-based, high-banked, quarter-mile dirt tracks remaining in the U.S., Pahrump Valley Speedway promises action and thrills galore.  Bring the family for a day of racing and cheer on different classes of cars including Modifieds, Super Stocks, Dwarf Cars, Coupes, Bombers, Mod Minis, and more.

Date: Saturday, Sept. 9; Friday, Sept. 22 and Saturday, Sept. 23
Details: Tickets can be purchased at the speedway.  General adult tickets cost $10 and children between 6 – 14 years of age are $6.  Children age 5 and under are FREE.  Family six packs are available for $30 (two adults and four kids under 14)
Location: Pahrump Valley Speedway; 1881 Grieco Way, Pahrump, NV 89041

Blue Eyed Soul: Lead singers Donovan Scott Tea of “The Letterman” and Darren Dowler of “Paul Revere & The Raiders” are teaming up to be “Blue Eyed Soul.”  Head to Sanders Family Winery for an evening of soulful music complemented with free wine tastings.

Date: Saturday, Sept. 16
Details: Tickets for Blue Eyed Soul are $25 per person. Call (775) 727-1776 to purchase your tickets.
Location: Sanders Family Winery; 3780 E. Kellog Rd., Pahrump, NV 89061

53rd Annual Pahrump Fall Festival: One of Pahrump’s biggest annual festivals returns to Petrack Park for four days of hometown fun.  The family-friendly event will feature a two-day rodeo, midway games, carnival rides, several food and craft vendors, a car show, live entertainment, contests, and more.  Admission to the festival is complimentary.

Date: Thursday, Sept. 21 – Sunday, Sept. 24
Details: Admission to the festival is free.  Unlimited carnival ride bands are $30 at the gate and $25 if purchased Sept. 19.  Rodeo tickets are $15 the day of and $12 if purchased by Sept. 19.  For more information or to purchase tickets visit
www.visitpahrump.com or www.pahrumptickets.com
Location: Petrack Park, 150 State Highway 160, Pahrump NV 89060

A Tribute to The Blues Brothers: Eric Martin and Carmen Romano pay homage to the great Dan Aykrod and John Belushi with their rendition and tribute to The Blues Brothers. Known as The Bluzmen, Martin and Romano’s energy and onstage presence is “the most explosive entertainment experience allowed by law.” Make sure to bring some friends, some snacks and enjoy complimentary wine tickets. Limited seating available, reserve your tickets now.

Date: Saturday, Sept. 23
Details: Tickets for The Bluzmen are $25 per person. Call (775) 727-1776 to purchase your tickets.
Location: Sanders Family Winery; 3780 E. Kellog Rd., Pahrump, NV 89061

Adventure in Time: Lynn Peterson & The Phatt Katzz will take you on a musical journey from the roaring 20s through the big band era, the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and right up to today’s greatest hits. Head to Sanders Family Winery for complimentary wine tastings and this year’s last concert under the stars series and jam out to all of your favorite and classic hits.

Date: Saturday, Sept. 30
Details: Tickets for Adventure in Time are $25 per person. Call (775) 727-1776 to purchase your tickets.
Location: Sanders Family Winery; 3780 E. Kellog Rd., Pahrump, NV 89061

 

Freakling Bros is proud to announce The Trilogy of Terror will celebrate its 25th terrifying year in Las Vegas. Voted one of the top five haunted attractions in the world by TopHaunts.com, The Trilogy of Terror will once again feature the classic Castle Vampyre, the experimental Coven of 13 and the award-winning, world famous Gates of Hell, Nevada’s first and only R-rated attraction, which will unveil a new room this season. The Trilogy of Terror will open for the 2017 Halloween season on Friday, Sept. 29, 2017 at 7 p.m.  In celebration of its 25th year, Freakling Bros. will offer a special $25 “Freak Pass” on Wednesday, October 25, which includes access to all three haunts during that evening, as well as a souvenir photograph. In addition, Freakling Bros. has announced the return of the frightening VICTIM EXPERIENCE. Titled VICTIM EXPERIENCE IV: The Sepsis Doctrine, those brave enough to take part will experience a twisted, masochistic and utterly hellish experience for that special kind of thrill seeker. The VICTIM EXPERIENCE is unlike any other haunted experience in the country. Held nightly after-hours, “victims” who make it through the experience will receive a special edition survivor t-shirt. Originally unveiled in 2013, VICTIM EXPERIENCE has experience a success rate of less than 30%. For more information, please visit thevictimexperience.com.  Located at the Grand Canyon Shopping Center at 4245 S. Grand Canyon Dr. (Flamingo and the 215 Beltway), the Freakling Bros. The Trilogy of Terror box office will operate from 7 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday – Thursday through Thursday, Oct. 26. The box office will close at midnight from Friday, Oct. 27 through Tuesday, Oct. 31. Castle Vampyre, Coven of 13 and Gates of Hell will remain open until every ticket holder has entered. Dates of operation will be Sept. 29 – Oct. 1, Oct. 6 – 8 and Oct. 13 – 31.

Las Vegas local and professional entertainer Jay White will bring a spectacular Neil Diamond tribute performance to Suncoast Showroom on Saturday, Sept. 23.  Early in his career, White gained an appreciation for Diamond’s music when he performed as part of a doo-wop group, a “Top 40” band and numerous musical theater productions. Twenty-four years ago, White went on to dedicate himself to paying tribute to the renowned artist, replicating Diamond’s music, passion and charisma. Showtime is 8:30 p.m. Tickets start at $19.95 plus taxes and fees, and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 800.745.3000; online at www.suncoastcasino.com; or in-person at Suncoast, The Orleans, Gold Coast and Sam’s Town. Tickets may also be purchased the day of the show (depending upon availability) at the venue box office.

 

The Grand Canal Shoppes inside The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas are rolling out the red, white and green carpet to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. With a variety of shopping incentives and entertainment the whole family can enjoy throughout the month, this is the perfect spot to revel in the culture and experience a fiesta like no other.  Grand Canal Shoppes is the premier destination for high-end luxury retailers where guests can escape to Venice in the middle of the Las Vegas desert. Guests can find everything they need from Fall fashion-inspired couture looks to contemporary collections and star-studded restaurants.  Guests can look forward to the following specials throughout September honoring Mexican Independence Day:

 Pop-up Entertainment, Friday, September 15, 2017; 6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

To kick off the fun-filled weekend, Grand Canal Shoppes will allow guests to celebrate Mexico's independence with the rhythm sounds of a mariachi band. As guests enjoy an array of dining and shopping, the sounding beat of the mariachi band will follow guests throughout the Grand Canal Shoppes. In addition, El Grito will participate in the ringing of the bell celebrating the independence on Friday, September 15 at 11:00 p.m. in St. Mark's Square.

Saturday, September 16, 2017; 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Continuing throughout the weekend, guests can join the festivities of the Grand Canal Shoppes celebration of Mexico's independence as the mariachi band continues. The mariachi band will stroll throughout the property, allowing guests to revel in true fashion.

For more information visit, https://www.grandcanalshoppes.com.

Comedian and actor Aries Spears will bring his comedy to Access Showroom at Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa Sept. 15-16. Spears burst into the comedy scene at the age of 14, performing his fresh stand-up routines at local clubs in New York City. In 1987, the comedian’s popularity skyrocketed after his first TV appearances on Russell Simmons’ “Def Comedy Jam” on HBO, as well as his comedy act, which aired on “It’s Showtime at the Apollo.” Spears went on to continue his comedy career in Los Angeles, where he landed a role on NBC’s “A Different World,” and became a regular act at iconic comedy venues, including The Comedy Store, The Improv and Laugh Factory.  Spears has also enjoyed major success as an actor with his roles in the movies “Home of Angels” and “Jerry Maguire.” Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets start at $20 plus tax and fees, and luxury booths are also available. Guests 21 or older may purchase tickets by calling 702.692.7777 or visiting 
www.ticketmaster.com.  

 

The Plaza Hotel & Casino has revised the fall performance schedule for The Scintas to meet customer demand. The popular show will perform every Friday and Saturday night in October and November and has added two new performance dates in September. The Scintas is a must-see classic Vegas experience that offers guests an unforgettable music and comedic performance inside a vintage showroom with crushed red velvet seating and cocktail service. After the show, guests can join Frankie for a nightcap in the lounge of Oscar’s steakhouse where he mingles with customers and often plays a tune or two on the baby grand piano.  The special Scintas “dinner and a show” ticket package offers the perfect night out on the town. For just $99 per person, guests begin their evening with a delicious three-course prix fix dinner at Oscar’s and then enjoy preferred seating for the show.

Rock ‘n’ roll with laughter at Hard Rock Live’s new comedy series, Hard Rock Goes Bonkerz, starting in September 2017. Hard Rock Goes Bonkerz will feature a variety of notable comedians from film, television and the club circuit delivering the laughs on select dates in an intimate setting.

Dates: Thursday, Sept. 21 – Sunday, Sept. 24

Headliner: Kathleen Dunbar

About: A local favorite as seen on “Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen” and The Las Vegas Comedy Festival.

Dates: Thursday, Sept. 28, Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1

Headliner: Carla Rea

About: With multiple appearances on Conan O’Brien as well as Evening at the Improv, Showtime and Comedy Central, Rea entertains Las Vegas locals every weekday morning as co-host of the 96.3 KKLZ morning show.

Engelbert Humperdinck will bring his 50th Anniversary Tour to The Orleans Showroom on Sept. 23-24. In the mid-1960s, Humperdinck found early success in Europe with the hit single “Release Me,” which spent 56 weeks in the “Top 50” of the U.K. charts, and reached “No. 1” in 11 countries. Humperdinck followed-up the hit single with the ballads “There Goes My Everything” and “The Last Waltz.” In 1969, his self-titled album peaked at “No. 5” on both the U.S. and U.K. charts.  Humperdinck continued to produce hits in the 1970s, including “After the Lovin’,” which became a “Top Ten” single in the U.S., earning Gold designation. His album of the same name charted in the “Top 20” in the U.S. and was a Double-Platinum success for the singer. As the years went on, Humperdinck became a household name thanks to appearances on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” and popular television shows, including “The Love Boat,” “Hotel” and “Fantasy Island.”

Singer-songwriter, musician and showman Frankie Moreno will bring his top hits to Suncoast Showroom on Saturday, Sept. 9, Saturday, Oct. 14 and Saturday, Nov. 11.  Moreno rose to fame at the age of 10, when he competed on CBS’s “Star Search” as a child prodigy playing the piano and singing. Since then, Moreno has showcased his velvety vocals at venues across the country, headlining shows on the famous Las Vegas Strip and selling out concerts at New York’s Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center and the Hollywood Bowl. The star has brought his vintage funk sound to stages around the world, including in Paris and Tokyo, and tours regularly with icons like Billy Currington, Sugarland and Air Supply.

Qingdao Song and Dance Theatre presents “Across the Pacific performed by Red Sorghum,” an award-winning Chinese dance drama, at The Orleans Showroom on Tuesday, Sept. 12.  Through fusing traditional and contemporary Chinese music and dance, Qingdao Song and Dance Theatre is best known for their skill, precision, timing and sense of fun, providing audiences with spectacular performances. In their dance drama adapted from Nobel Prize-winning author Mo Yan’s novel “Red Sorghum,” the celebrated dance troupe demonstrates the beauty, as well as the inhumanity of mankind in their six-chapter play.

Internationally renowned recording artist Michael Bolton will bring his soulful hits to Cannery Casino Hotel’s The Club on Sunday, Sept. 3. Renowned for chart-topping hits like “When A Man Loves a Woman,” “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” and “How Can We Be Lovers,” Bolton has impressed fans from around the world with his iconic voice and timeless hits. With Grammy nods for his renditions of classics like “Dock of the Bay,” and “Georgia” as well as his originals “Said I Loved You… But I Lied” and “Time, Love and Tenderness,” the singer-songwriter has released nine “No. 1” singles and “Top Ten” albums to date.

Super Summer Theatre will conclude its 42nd season with performances of “Young Frankenstein,” to be held September 7 – 23 at the Spring Mountain State Park.  From the creators of the record-breaking Broadway sensation, “The Producers,” comes this monster new musical comedy. The comedy genius, Mel Brooks, adapts his legendarily funny film into a brilliant stage creation – “Young Frankenstein!”  The musical, which opened on Broadway in 2007, was nominated for three Tony Awards and a Grammy, and won Best Musical from the Outer Critics Circle Awards. It has since toured across the U.S. and internationally.

Emmy-nominated actor and comedian Rob Schneider will take the stage for a stand-up occasion at Tropicana Theater inside Tropicana Las Vegas, this Labor Day weekend. Rob Schneider, well known for his trademark blend of character and comedic acting, has broadened his focus to include directing, producing and writing. Rob Schneider has returned to his entertainment roots after starring in comedic hits such as Grown Ups, You Don't Mess with The Zohan, 50 First Dates, Big Daddy and The Waterboy.  September 2-3, 2017 at 9 p.m.

 

Rapidly gaining notoriety as an international rising star, stunning vocalist Daniel Emmet is set to take the stage on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017 at 7 p.m. at THE SPACE, an intimate, very cool blend of a modern/swanky, one-of-a-kind premier arts complex in Las Vegas. The concert will run the gamut from classical to pop, featuring new original songs written by Emmet, who is an accomplished composer and lyricist, in addition to being a stunning powerhouse vocalist.

It’s time to tune in and listen up as Las Vegas’ premier arts complex, The Space, plays host to this year’s ScoopFest, a comedy and podcast festival hosted by local duo Matt Donnelly and Paul Mattingly (Matt and Mattingly’s Ice Cream Social). The 3-night, 2-day weekend festival begins at 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22 and lasts until they “fall over” on Sunday, Sept. 24. The festival boasts an artistic assemblage of talented headliners and is filled with comedy, games, food, karaoke, fun, and of course, tons of conversation. Tickets and full schedule of event activities are available online at www.heyscoops.com/scoopfestvegas

 

Station Casinos and 95.5 The Bull present country superstar Jerrod Niemann at Chrome Showroom inside Santa Fe Station on Saturday, September 2, 2017 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $9.55 and go on sale Friday, August 11, 2017 at 10 a.m. Nashville prolific hit maker Jerrod Niemann is speaking from his heart – instead of his liver – with his romantic new single, “God Made A Woman,” now impacting Country radio. Fueled by a nearly decade-long career, Niemann is digging deeper with his forthcoming Curb Records album featuring an uplifting duet, “A Little More Love,” with good friend and label mate Lee Brice. Known for clever wordplay and attention-grabbing lyrics, the highly engaging singer-songwriter last topped country charts with his platinum-certified multi–week number one anthem, “Drink to That All Night,” from High Noon, on which he co-wrote eight of the 12 tracks.

Fremont Street Experience’s free concert series, Downtown Rocks, continues Sunday, Sept. 3 with an electrifying performance on Main Street Stage by world-renowned alternative rock band Better Than Ezra. Following the release of their debut studio album, “Deluxe,” which quickly went double platinum with the help of its now-classic hit single “Good,” Better Than Ezra has proven to be an inspiration to many in the music industry with their talented vocals and undeniable on-stage aura. The New Orleans trio continues to make a name for itself, collaborating and co-writing songs for some of music’s most influential artists such as James Blunt, Train, David Cook, Zac Maloy, Tommy Lee James and more. Best known for their signature blend of college rock influences and mainstream aspirations, the famed alternative rock band will take over Main Street Stage to perform a playlist of their chart-topping hits including “Desperately Wanting,” “Crazy Lucky” and “A Lifetime.”

Prepare to be transported into a world of water, wonder and fantasy as “WOW,” the internationally-acclaimed production, will make its North American debut with a splash at the Rio Showroom at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas September 26, 2017. “WOW” is a water entertainment spectacular that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. The cast of more than 30 international performing artists, acrobats and dancers fly, flip, fold, dance and defy the imagination in a 180 degree theatrical setting that engages the audience from beginning to end with 3D multi-media projections, water walls, and holograms. Add breathtaking acrobatics, dazzling choreography, thrilling theatrical lighting, magnificent music and even finalists from America’s Got Talent, and you are sure to be wowed! 

 

Marking its milestone 25th anniversary this year, The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, in partnership with InVEGAS Magazine, will be the exclusive location to ring in El Grito for the Mexican Independence Day weekend celebration. On Friday, September 15 at 8:00 p.m., The Forum Shops will host the official opening ceremony to kick off the festivities with a celebratory ringing of the bell by Mexican Consul Alejandro Madrigal along with a Mariachi band and traditional folkloric dancers. Staged atop the picturesque reflecting pool near the spiral escalator, the public is invited to join in on the free event.

Renowned R&B soul singer Freddie Jackson is returning to Las Vegas with a special performance at the Dallas Events Center inside Texas Station Gambling Hall & Hotel on Friday, September 29 at 8 p.m.  After almost four decades in the music industry, Freddie Jackson is still upholding his buzz with fans and promoters around the world. Early on in his career, Freddie became the voice of the “Grown and Sexy” by singing some of the world’s most memorable music. Whether it was time to dance or time for romance, Freddie has earned the title as a one of R&B soul’s most valuable contributors, by performing his long resume of pure timeless music.

 

The gloves are off! Legendary boxer Mike Tyson will return to the stage at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Following the knockout premiere of UNDISPUTED TRUTH, Tyson’s stage debut, in 2012 and subsequent, sold-out runs on Broadway and again at MGM Grand, the champ will return to the stage for a limited run at Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club with Mike Tyson UNDISPUTED TRUTH – Round 2. Picking up where UNDISPUTED TRUTH left off, Round 2 will be a captivating and unapologetic look at the ups and downs of Tyson’s tumultuous post-boxing life and career. Mike Tyson UNDISPUTED TRUTH – Round 2 will debut Thursday, September 7, 2017 at 10 p.m.

 

Creedence Clearwater Revisited will bring their signature swamp rock sound to Cannery Casino Hotel’s The Club on Saturday, Sept. 16. Creedence Clearwater Revisited commemorates one of rock’s most iconic groups, performing classic hits that have spanned generations. Bassist Stu Cook and drummer Doug “Cosmo” Clifford of the original Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), formed Creedence Clearwater Revisited in 1995 after CCR was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.  Since then, the band has skillfully modernized top hits, including “Proud Mary,” “Born on the Bayou,” “Bad Moon Rising” and “Green River,” that have successfully won over a new wave of fans. After accomplishing 20 years of performing, Creedence Clearwater Revisited released their live album “Recollection,” which became certified Platinum. The band continues to play their best-loved hits “Susie Q,” “Lodi” and “Down on the Corner” at shows around the world.

The dynamic a capella group Rockapella will bring their melodic harmonies to Sam’s Town Live! at Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall on Saturday, Sept. 2.  Formed in 1986, Rockapella has become one of the most influential a capella groups in vocal music history. With no tracks or instruments utilized, Rockapella’s members skillfully use their voices to produce their unique full-band sound. Given their vocal talents, the quintet continues to impress fans with their original pop songs, and contemporary covers of classic Motown hits, and top songs from the pop and soul genres. Rockapella has also received praise from both USA Today and The New York Times for their vocal talents and entertaining, high-energy performances.

Broadway Bound will present the five-time Tony Award-winning musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” Through – September 9 at the Summerlin Library, located at 1771 Inner Circle Drive, Las Vegas, Nev. 89134. This magical piece of meta-theatre and playful, heartfelt parody of the 1920s musical comedy features a chirpy jazz age score by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, and a lively, clever book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, both of which were Tony winners in 2006. The score boasts such tunes as the scenery-chomping “Show Off,” the sizzling and silly “I Am Aldolpho,” the double-entendre laden “Toledo Surprise,” and “As We Stumble Along,” that rousing anthem to optimistic alcoholism. Hailed by New York Magazine as "The Perfect Broadway Musical," “The Drowsy Chaperone” is a masterful work, poking fun at all the tropes that characterize the musical theatre genre. 

 

Joe Walsh, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee and multi GRAMMY Award recipient, announced his first annual concert to support VetsAid, his new 501(C)(3) certified national non-profit to help veterans and their families. Zac Brown Band, Gary Clark Jr. and four time GRAMMY Award recipient Keith Urban will be joining Joe on the bill September 20, 2017 at the EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, VA, with more artists to be announced soon.

 

Kevin Hart and Hartbeat Productions announce the return of HartBeat Weekend at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas with headliners Dave Chappelle and Usher. The fourth annual weekend event will span Sept. 1 – 3, 2017 and feature the best in music and comedy. International superstar Usher kicks off Friday night with an explosive concert at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan followed by Kevin Hart & Friends comedy set on Saturday night. Sunday will feature a can’t-miss show as Kevin Hart brings legend Dave Chapelle to the HartBeat stage, creating what is sure to be one of the most iconic nights in comedy history.  A portion of the weekend’s proceeds will support Kevin Hart Charities benefitting BrittiCares International. Britticares is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to finding new and better ways to improve the quality of life for children who have been diagnosed with cancer. Hart has worked with the BrittiCares organization over the years including designing custom dream-like bedrooms specific to each child’s wish.

 

Legendary singer, songwriter and guitarist George Benson is returning to Las Vegas for a special performance at the Sunset Amphitheater at Sunset Station on Saturday, September 16, 2017. George Benson was born and raised in the Hill District in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At the age of seven, he first played the ukulele in a corner drug store, for which he was paid a few dollars. At the age of eight, he played guitar in an unlicensed nightclub on Friday and Saturday nights, but the police soon closed the club down.  At the age of 10, he recorded his first single record, “She Makes Me Mad,” with RCA-Victor in New York, under the name “Little Georgie.”

 

Emmy Award-winning comedian and “Baskets” star Louie Anderson is returning to Las Vegas for two performances inside Rocks Lounge at Red Rock Resort on Friday, September 15, 2017 and Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 8 p.m.  Louie Anderson, the three-time Emmy Award® winner, is one of the country’s most recognized and adored comics; named by Comedy Central as “One of 100 Greatest Stand-Up Comedians of All Time.” His career has spanned more than 30 years. He is a best-selling author, star of his own stand-up specials and sitcoms and he continues to tour the country performing to standing-room-only crowds worldwide.

Taiwanese singer, songwriter and record producer Jonathan Lee will perform Saturday, Sept. 9 at Park Theater at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino. One of the most well-known producers in Mandopop music, Lee is scheduled to take the stage at 9 p.m. Considered by many to be the “Godfather of Taiwanese Mandopop,” Jonathan Lee is one of the genre’s top producers, and is credited with building Rock Records into one of the most successful independent labels in Asia. Lee is behind No. 1 hits such as “I Am A Little Bird” (我是一隻小小鳥), “Dream To Awakening” (夢醒時分)., “Understanding” (領悟) and “When Love Pass By” (當愛已成往事).

 

The Ruff Ryders 20th Anniversary Tour will cross the U.S. this September, with a Las Vegas stop at Park Theater at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino Saturday, Sept. 30. The show is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. The tour produced by Live Nation will reunite DMX, Eve, Swizz Beatz, The Lox and Drag-On. The legendary group, celebrating two decades of hip-hop prominence, will perform some of their biggest hits for fans.

 

Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, musician and philanthropist Luis Fonsi is returning to Las Vegas for a performance inside the intimate Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort on Friday, September 8, 2017 at 8 p.m. Since his debut in 1998, Fonsi has performed multiple sold-out tours throughout Latin America, Europe, the Caribbean and the United States. In July 2017, he will kick off his anticipated “Love and Dance World Tour” in Spain and will continue in Chile, Argentina, the United States and several countries around the world.

 

Days after surprising the world with the release of his album for children, “Marc Anthony for Babies,” Latin music icon Marc Anthony announced the dates for his new U.S. tour, including a Las Vegas stop at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, Sept. 16 at 10:30 p.m. Titled “Full Circle,” the tour communicates Marc Anthony’s expressed desire to offer his fans a truly special experience. “I want to feel my people close and dedicate all my songs, one by one, to them. I want to give them a heartfelt thanks for having been with me since the beginning of my career,” Marc himself explained. 

 

Nine-time GRAMMY® Award-winner, Golden Globe® Award nominee and multiplatinum R&B legend Mary J. Blige with her highly anticipated North American STRENGTH OF A WOMAN TOUR, will perform at the Pearl Concert Theater inside Palms Casino Resort on Friday, September 1, 2017 at 8 p.m. Mary J. Blige is an iconic singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist.  She has sold over 50 million albums and 25 million singles worldwide, garnered nine GRAMMY® Awards (plus a staggering 32 nominations), a Gold Globe nomination and five American Music Awards.  She holds the distinction of being the only artist to have won GRAMMYs® in the R&B, hip-hop, pop, and gospel categories. She is amongst a handful of entertainers to release eight or more multiplatinum albums, with Billboard naming her “the most successful female R&B artist of the past 25 years”.

 

Multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning band Imagine Dragons will bring the Evolve Tour to T-Mobile Arena Friday, Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m. with Grouplove and K.Flay providing support.  

 

Mandalay Bay Events Center will kick off Mexican Independence Day weekend with a special performance by Mexican musician, composer and record producer Marco Antonio Solís Friday, Sept. 15 at 8 p.m.  One of the most important figures in the rise of Mexican and Latin music to world prominence, Marco Antonio Solís has launched group and solo careers, resulting in best-selling albums including “En Vivo,” “Mas de Mi Alma,” “Tu Amor o Tu Desprecio” and “Trozos de Mi Alma, Vol. 2,” which earned Solís a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Pop Album. During his extensive career, Solís has had more than 30 entries on Billboard’s Hot Latin Tracks chart, including several number one hits. His most recent album, “Gracias Por Estar Aqui,” debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart.

 

Ricardo Arjona has been added to the entertainment lineup at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Friday, September 15. Guatemalan singer-songwriter Ricardo Arjona is one of the most successful Latin American artists of all time with more than 40 million albums sold. Arjona is often referred to as El Animal Nocturno thanks to his breakthrough success with his four studio album which bears the same name. While his music ranges from ballads to Latin pop, Arjona is known for his lyrical style, and often addresses topics such as love, sexuality, violence, racism and immigration in his music. His biggest hit song "Fuiste Tú” was the second single released off his 2011 album Independiente and sustained his success as an influential artist. Arjona’s newest album, Circo Soledad, which was recently released, debuted at Number one on Billboard’s Latin Pop Album chart.

 

Comedian Bill Burr will perform his hilarious stand-up routine Friday, Sept. 29 at Park Theater at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The multi-talented Boston, Mass. native will take the stage at 9 p.m. Burr is one of the top comedic voices of his generation achieving success in TV and film as well as the live stage. Having first gained notoriety for his recurring role on the second season of “Chappelle’s Show,” Burr developed a comedic style of uninformed logic that has made him a regular with Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Fallon. He regularly sells out theaters internationally and his Monday Morning Podcast is one of the most downloaded comedy podcasts on iTunes. 

 

Il Divo, the world's first and most successful classical crossover group, will headline a limited Las Vegas engagement, "Il Divo - This is Your Night: Live in Las Vegas," in The Venetian Theatre at The Venetian® Las Vegas September 20, 22, 23, 27, 29 and 30 at 8 p.m.  The international quartet is comprised of tenor Urs Buhler of Switzerland, baritone Carlos Marin of Spain, pop artist Sébastien Izambard of France and tenor David Miller from the United States. The foursome has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, achieved over 50 number one records, received 160 gold and platinum sales awards in over 33 countries and staged four groundbreaking world tours. Il Divo first came to fruition in 2003 and have been making music together for more than a decade.

 

Pepe Aguilar has been added to the entertainment lineup at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Saturday, September 16.  Mexican-American artist Pepe Aguilar has been around the music industry his entire life. As the son of recording legends Antonio Aguilar and Flor Ilvestre, Aguilar was influenced and encouraged at an early age by his parents to begin singing. Among his most famous albums are 1998’s Por Mujeres Como Tu, which spent nearly a year on the Latin and Mexican charts and 1999’s Por una Mujer Bonita, which won him a Grammy for Best Mexican-American/Tejano Music Performance. With four Grammy awards and four Latin Grammy awards, Aguilar has become a strong influence in the Latin scene with his modern pop music. His latest album, No Lo Habia Dicho was released last year and is his 26th studio album.

 

Aaron Lewis brings The Sinner Tour to House of Blues Las Vegas on Sept. 9, 2017. Known for genuinely gritty lyrics and hard rock anthems, Lewis took it back to his country roots with the release of his first album on Dot Records entitled SINNER (September 2016). Lewis comes out of the gate “with both fists flying” on the lead single “That Ain’t Country,”- where he laments the current state of “Country, if you call it that,” and pines for the sound of his honky-tonk heroes. The Bocephus-styled musicality and Lewis’ accessible vocals showcase the “pain, heartache and desperation,” a bedrock of traditional Country that is often missing from the airwaves today.

In celebration of Mexican Independence Day, Latin music legend Alejandro Fernández will perform at T-Mobile Arena Friday, Sept. 15 at 9 p.m., marking his first ever appearance at the venue.  Fernández is a world-class artist and representative of traditional and modern Mexican music. He first pursued a solo music career after the success of recording the hit song, “Amor de los dos,” with his father, Don Vicente. In 1992, his self-titled album was a huge success and broke record sales for the Ranchero genre. He surprised audiences with a fresh approach to traditional Mexican music, introducing the genre to many countries and people regardless of class or age, and has continued to maintain a connection with youth with more than 14 million social media followers. 

 

Acclaimed funny man Franco Escamilla hits the Las Vegas stage with a performance at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Friday, September 15 to celebrate Mexican Independence Day.  Franco Escamilla is a comedic entertainer born in Cuautla Morelos, Mexico. He is a musician, comedian and standup performer. He is well known as “El Diablo (The Devil)” or “El Amo del Sarcasmo (The Master of Sarcasm)” from his numerous YouTube videos. He brings a style of comedy with a sarcastic, rough, sour touch and with a dark humor that has characterized his artistic career.

 

Two multi-Grammy Award winning groups, TOTO and PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO will team up this summer for a co-headline run of shows in North America. Thirteen dates are confirmed, including a stop at the Sandbar Poolside Stage at Red Rock Resort on Saturday, September 2, 2017.  Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo are a powerhouse duo. Since 1979, Benatar and Giraldo have formed one of the most successful partnerships in music history.

 

After two years and four sold-out performances,  Latin music phenomenon Enrique Iglesias will return to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for his third consecutive year celebrating Mexican Independence Day weekend in Las Vegas. Performances are scheduled for Friday, Sept. 15 and Saturday, Sept. 16. Enrique Iglesias has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide and released ten studio albums and two greatest hits compilations. He is a multiplatinum artist in almost every country around the world. He has headlined 11 world tours throughout his career and this June will embark on a brand new North American tour with fellow Latin superstar Pitbull. Enrique has performed in literally every corner of the world including New York, Mexico, London, Sydney and Cape Town. Undeniably the biggest Latin recording artist in music history, Enrique has 25 #1 singles on the Billboard Latin Songs Chart with a combined total of 72 #1 charted positions.

 

Multi-platinum selling and GRAMMY Award®-winning rock band, Maná, will celebrate Mexican Independence Day Weekend at the MGM Grand Garden Arena over two nights Friday, Sept. 15 at 9 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 16 at 10 p.m. with their only two arena concerts in the U.S. in 2017. As Latin Rock’ s most engaging arena-level live band, longtime cultural ambassadors and powerful social advocates, Maná will perform their greatest career hits like “Vivir sin Aire,” “Rayando el Sol,” Oye mi Amor” and “Labios Compartidos,” as well as the latest chart-topping songs from their Latin GRAMMY-winning “Cama Incendiada” album.  Formed in Guadalajara, Mexico in 1986, the quartet of Fher Olvera, Alex González, Sergio Vallín and Juan Calleros have gone on to be global envoys for the Latin Rock genre, while selling over 40 million albums. To date, Maná has been recognized by their musical peers with four GRAMMY and eight Latin GRAMMY Awards.  

 

Miguel Bosé, the most influential Spanish artist in the world, returns to the United States to present his Estaré Tour at the Pearl Concert Theater inside Palms Casino Resort on Friday, September 15, 2017 at 8 p.m.  The Estaré Tour has reached thousands of fans in Mexico and will soon visit Spain, the United States (including Puerto Rico), Central and South America and will feature Bosé performing the biggest hits of his musical career. His most recent album Bosé: MTV Unplugged debuted number one on the iTunes Latin Chart in nine countries, including Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, United States, Spain, Mexico, Panama and Peru.

 

As promised, Depeche Mode continues to roll out Global Spirit Tour with the second leg bringing their stunning live show to fans at T-Mobile Arena Saturday, Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. One of the most influential, beloved and best-selling musical acts of all time, Depeche Mode have sold over 100 million records and played live to more than 30 million fans worldwide. Formed in 1980, Depeche Mode – Martin Gore, Dave Gahan and Andy Fletcher – continue to win critical and commercial acclaim around the world both in the studio and on the road, with innumerable artists citing them as inspirations and innovators.  The band’s 13 studio albums have reached the Top Ten in over 20 countries, including the US and UK. Their last studio album, 2013’s Delta Machine, debuted at #1 in 12 countries around the world, and launched a world tour that saw the band play to more than 2.5 million fans. In fall 2016, Depeche Mode's Video Singles Collection, a definitive 3 DVD library anthology containing more than four hours of their groundbreaking music videos, was released by SONY Music Entertainment. Their upcoming 14th studio album Spirit and the Global Spirit Tour are poised to continue the band’s history of musical innovation and the band’s critical and commercial success.   

 

After releasing her fifth solo studio album idina. last fall, Tony Award-winning superstar Idina Menzel announced today she will head out on a 50+ city global spring & summer tour, including a performance at the Pearl Concert Theater inside Palms Casino Resort on Saturday, September 2, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.  Called “the Streisand of her generation” by The Denver Post, Idina has captivated audiences at sold-out concerts around the world with her irresistible charm, wit and unparalleled vocal prowess. Throughout the tour, Idina will lead audiences through a special journey of songs from idina., as well as other classic pop, musical theater favorites and her own personal catalogue.

 

Due to popular demand, four-time GRAMMY Award-winning superstar Bruno Mars has added two performance dates at Park Theater at Monte Carlo over Labor Day Weekend – Saturday, Sept. 2 and Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017.

And as students are heading back to school, think of this…Recently, a friend of mine was grading a history test for his fourth-graders.  He had included an extra credit question: “List up to five good facts about Abraham Lincoln.”

And one of his students wrote: “After the war ended, Lincoln took his wife to a show.”


September is a busy time with a lot of great headliners coming into town.

 

9/1

Jo Koy

9/1 - 9/2

George Lopez

9/1 - 9/2

Jon Lovitz & Dana Carvey

9/1 - 9/2

Richard Marx

9/1 - 9/3

Air Supply

9/1 - 9/3

Boyz II Men

9/1 - 9/3

Britney Spears

9/2 - 9/3

Rob Schneider

9/2 - 9/3

Rod Stewart

9/1 - 9/4

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

9/6 - 9/13

Jeff Dunham

9/6 - 9/30

Jennifer Lopez

9/7 - 9/30

Mike Tyson

9/8 - 9/9

Bill Maher

9/8 - 9/9

Jerry Seinfeld

9/9

Jonathan Lee

9/12 - 9/23

Ricky Martin

9/13 - 9/24

An Intimate Evening with Santana

9/14 - 9/17

Gloria Trevi vs Alejandra Guzman

9/15

The Beach Boys

9/15

Blue Oyster Cult

9/15 - 9/16

Emmanuel: The Hits Tour

9/15 - 9/16

Enrique Iglesias

9/15 - 9/17

Boyz II Men

9/15 - 9/17

Tom Arnold

9/16

Kenny Wayne Shepherd

9/17

Lily Tomlin

9/19 - 9/30

Celine Dion

9/20 - 9/30

John Fogerty

9/22

Jefferson Starship

9/23 - 9/24

Engelbert Humperdinck

9/29

Jay Leno

9/29

Sublime with Rome & The Offspring

9/29 - 9/30

Tape Face

9/30

Tiffany Haddish

Oct. 2017

10/1 - 10/30

Mike Tyson

10/3 - 10/7

Celine Dion

10/4 - 10/7

Jennifer Lopez

10/4 - 10/7

John Fogerty

10/4 - 10/21

Billy Idol

10/5 - 10/25

Tape Face

10/6

The Guess Who

10/6 - 10/8

Jim Belushi & The Board of Comedy

10/6 - 10/28

Jon Lovitz & Dana Carvey

10/6 - 10/29

Boyz II Men

10/7

Wayne Brady

10/8

Sebastian Maniscalo

10/11 - 10/28

Britney Spears

10/11 - 10/28

Diana Ross

10/11 - 10/28

Elton John

10/13

Gary Lewis & the Playboys

10/13 - 10/28

Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band

10/14 - 10/15

Marshall Tucker Band

10/20

Dennis DeYoung

10/20 - 10/21

Ron White

10/22

Joe Bonamassa

10/27

Johnny Rivers

10/27

Steven Wright

10/27 - 10/28

Bill Maher

10/28 - 10/29

The Temptations

10/28 - 10/31

PBR World Finals

10/29

Steve Martin and Martin Short

10/31

HALLOWEEN

 

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

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.