October 2017

October…It is probably the biggest, busiest, and ‘funnest’ month of the year in Las Vegas.  It is, indeed, the most wonderful time of the year.  I love October…weather is beautiful, the casinos are busy, and the events are plentiful.  Las Vegans are happy during October. When we’re busy, we’re happy. The heat of the summer is gone, and we have some great high points in the month; Football, Hockey, Festivals, and of course, Halloween is always a big celebration. October is the best month of the year.

October is a great month everywhere. There are hundreds of designations for October…it is the month of this and the day of that.  Here are a few of my favorites (only a fraction of what this month is all about…  The monthly designations include: Adopt A Shelter Dog Month, AIDS Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, National Dessert Month, Photographer Appreciation Month, Raptor Month, and Self-Promotion Month.

The daily designations include: October 2 is National Name Your Car Day and World Smile Day.  October 4 is National Taco Day, Golf Day, and Vodka Day.  October 5 is National Do Something Nice Day.  October 8 is National Poetry Day.  October 9 is Leif Erikson Day. October 11 is National Coming Out Day. October 12 is National Free Thought Day, National Kick Butt Day, Native American Day, and Columbus Day (I do find it amusing that Kick Butt day is the day after Coming Out day.)  October 15 is National I Love Lucy Day.  October 24 is National Bologna Day.  October 25 is Chucky, The Notorious Killer Doll Day.  October 28 is National Chocolate Day.  October 30 is National Frankenstein Day.  And October 31 is National Knock-Knock Jokes Day, Magic Day, Girl Scout Founder’s Day, and of course, Halloween

 

Halloween is always an interesting day in Las Vegas. It is a full contact holiday.  Most venues will host some sort of costumed ball—usually having to do with some sort of sexual content, and the more outrageous the better. There are a couple of Fetish and Fantasy balls, several Erotic balls, and the Pimp an’ Ho ball. It’s a strange night and not one for the timid. It is a huge party in Las Vegas. There is not a better city in which to celebrate Hallow’s Eve (Okay…well, my other favorite city to celebrate Halloween in is New Orleans.)

 

Here is a perspective that really has nothing to do with October’s entertainment, but it just occurred to me…remember when the corporate big wigs decided to rebrand Treasure Island?  They changed the name to TI and removed all the decor…because that was going to make the property cool and bring in the millennial crowd.  They changed to Pirate show, to make it sexy and cool.  And now, years later, we can definitively see that none of it worked.  The property holds the exact same place in the echelon of casinos that it always did.  And now, of course, it is a property that no longer has any style at all…and a bad pirate show.  So much money spent for such little and negative effectiveness.

Comedian Tom Green will bring his unique brand of onstage hilarity to Las Vegas with “The Tom Green Show” opening in the Back Room at Bally’s Las Vegas Sunday, Oct. 29. Tom is well-known as the hilarious TV talk-show trickster, “anything goes” film actor, and interactive internet pioneer, but his roots as a thoroughly unique stand-up comedian run wild and deep. In the past few years, the innovative, willfully off-the-wall performer has reinvented and reinvigorated himself with live comedy gigs across the globe as the lunatic sage of the digital era. Now, he brings his show to Las Vegas, where he will incorporate video, music and special guests. Let the party begin!

The legendary Harlem Globetrotters will bring their incredible ball handling wizardry to Orleans Arena on Friday, Oct. 27.  Best known for their celebrated basketball artistry, the Harlem Globetrotters have been thrilling fans with their rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, comedy and unequaled fan interaction for more than 90 years. Throughout their history, the team has showcased its talents in more than 120 countries and territories on six continents, entertaining hundreds of millions of fans, including popes, kings, queens and presidents. New this season, the Harlem Globetrotters debuted basketball’s first four-point line, located 30 feet from the basket and six feet, three inches beyond the top of the NBA’s current three-point line.

Legendary film director, screenwriter and composer, John Carpenter, performs a collection of his classic, newly-recorded movie soundtracks live at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas with special guest Perturbator at The Joint on Sunday, Oct. 29 at 8 p.m.  Carpenter’s third studio album, Anthology: Movie Themes 1974-1998, is a collection of his classic movie themes newly-recorded by the collaborators that worked on his Lost Themes and Lost Themes II studio albums and subsequent tours: his son, Cody Carpenter, and godson, Daniel Davies. Set for release on October 20 via Sacred Bones, Anthology… is a near-comprehensive survey of John Carpenter’s greatest themes, from his very first movie (the no-budget science fiction film “Dark Star”) to 1998’s supernatural Western, “Vampires.” Those sit alongside the driving, Led Zeppelin-influenced “Assault on Precinct 13” theme, “Halloween’s” iconic 5/4 piano riff, and the eerie synth work of “The Fog.” Carpenter and his band also cover Ennio Morricone’s bleak, minimalist theme for “The Thing.” 

“WOW – World of Wonder,” the internationally-acclaimed production, will now make its North American debut with a splash at the Rio Showroom at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas October 3, 2017 vs. its original first performance date of September 26, 2017, due to slight construction delays.  “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! 

Wave in the witches, it is going to get wild! For the first time ever, Wet’n’Wild Las Vegas has partnered with Dark Knight Entertainment to transform the premier water park into a spooky Halloweenville from Friday, Oct. 20 to Tuesday, Oct. 31. The ghoulishly delightful occasion will feature jack-o-lanterns, delicious food, haunted train rides, an ominous laser swamp, zombie paintball zone, a treacherous rock wall, trick-or-treating and much more. Guests of all ages are invited to see the damp creatures left behind once some of the water has been drained and the slides are at a halt.  Halloweenville will host a Trick or Treat Village featuring delectable sweets and premium candy for $5 per person (bag included) from Friday, Oct. 27 to Tuesday, Oct. 31. Additionally, haunted park-goers will have the opportunity to feast on tempting carnival fare and quench their thirst with creepy concoctions. All Halloweenville attendees are encouraged to wear their costumes and enjoy the evening with friends and family.

 

Legends in Concert will make you "Believe" in the legendary music of Cher, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson this September. The longest-running show in Las Vegas will dazzle audiences with iconic performances paying tribute to these incredible music luminaries at Flamingo Las Vegas through November 19.  “Turn Back Time” with living legend, Cher, portrayed by Lisa McClowry, and get in the Halloween spirit with Michael Jackson’s Spooktacular version of “Thriller” brought to life by Damian Brantley. Experience “Witchcraft” with Frank Sinatra’s stunning vocals sung by Brian Duprey; and witness the King of Las Vegas, Elvis Presley, portrayed by the sensational Kevin Mills. Legends in Concert continues to celebrate the world’s most famous and influential icons, many gone too soon, giving audiences an extraordinary chance to experience live the most captivating music, fashion and memories of these true legends.

 

Nine Inch Nails, hailed by Billboard as “one of rock’s greatest live bands” is bringing their explosive live set to Las Vegas for a performance at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Friday, October 20.

 

Celebrating its 25th year in Las Vegas, Freakling Bros. The Trilogy of Terror will once again feature three heart-stopping haunts, including 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. Tickets are $15 for COVEN of 13 and Castle Vampyre and $17 for Gates of Hell. Line-pass t-shirts are available for $15 and are valid all month. In celebration of FREAKLING LGBTQ NIGHT tickets of the same type will be 2-for-1 on Sunday, October 15, 2017. Discounts are available for combining houses and multiple visits, including the $39 “Freak Pass.” To enter the Gates of Hell you must be at least 17 years of age or accompanied by an adult, and you must sign a consent form.  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.

Motown supergroup The Temptations will bring their timeless hits and iconic moves to The Orleans Showroom on Oct. 28-29.  The Temptations hit the music scene in 1960, impressing fans with their harmonic vocals, flashy wardrobe and smooth dance moves. The group signed with Motown Records in 1961 and began releasing chart-topping hits like “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” and their biggest hit, “My Girl.” The Temptations evolved their sound and style as they entered the early 1970s, releasing the hits “Runaway Child, Running Wild,” “Cloud Nine” and No. 1 single “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone.”  In commemoration of their 50th anniversary, The Temptations released their latest album “Still Here,” which debuted on the Billboard Top 200 Album list in 2010.

The “King of Romance” André Rieu will bring his award-winning music to the Orleans Arena on Friday, Oct. 20.  Rieu has become one of the best-known solo male touring artists in the world with more than 500 Platinum awards, three Classic Brit Awards for “Album of the Year,” and more than one billion views on YouTube. Throughout his career, Rieu has sold more than 40 million records and DVDs, released 30 No. 1 hits worldwide and has brought more than 600,000 fans to his live shows.

 

Vic Mensa will join JAY-Z’s 4:44 TOUR this fall as a special guest. This past summer, the Chicago rapper released his highly anticipated debut album The Autobiography on Roc Nation Records, of which FORBES proclaimed, “Vic Mensa is on his way to rap stardom…”  As a founding member of the SAVEMONEY music collective, Vic Mensa first released his breakthrough mixtape Innanetape in 2013. He has since collaborated with music heavyweights from Kanye West, Pharrell, Skrillex, Weezer, Chance the Rapper and more.  Saturday, October 28, 8 p.m. at the T-Mobile Arena

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is proud to announce the debut of Adam Sandler as the resort’s exclusive resident comedic performer. Sandler will headline a series of comedy shows at The Chelsea theatre commencing Nov. 10, 2017, followed by performances on Nov. 17, 2017 and Jan. 27, 2018, with more dates to be announced.  A successful actor, writer, producer and musician, Sandler’s films have grossed over $3 billion worldwide and include box office hits such as “Grown Ups,” “Just Go With It,” “Bedtime Stories,” “You Don’t Mess with the Zohan” and “I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry.” In 2014, Sandler signed a deal with Netflix to produce and star in four original movies to premiere on the streaming channel. The first three films, “The Ridiculous 6,” “The Do-Over” and “Sandy Wexler,” are the most-watched movies on Netflix to date. Currently, Sandler is in production on the Netflix comedy, “The Week Of,” which co-stars Chris Rock and premieres globally in 2018, marking the fourth movie in Sandler’s pact with Netflix. Sandler will co-star in Noah Baumbach’s “The Meyerowitz Stories,” this October in theatres and on Netflix.

Record-breaking, global comedy superstar Jeff Dunham, is bringing his cast of characters on the road this fall as America’s favorite ventriloquist tours North American with his new “Passively Aggressive” tour including a stop in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.  Dunham just released his latest standup special, Jeff Dunham: Relative Disaster, on Netflix this month. The special features Dunham along with his ill-behaved and slightly demented posse of characters for a gleeful skewering of family and politics. Dunham and his famous cohorts Walter, Achmed the Dead Terrorist, Bubba J, and Peanut also consider what a new member to their already dysfunctional family could mean, putting the ‘relative’ in Relative Disaster.

 

Platinum recording artist Oleta Adams will bring her soulful singing and inspiring hits to Access Showroom at Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa on Saturday, Oct. 21.  Adams began her musical career singing on worldwide tours with iconic performers Tears for Fears, Phil Collins, Michael Bolton and Luther Vandross. In 1990, Adams released her debut album “Circle of One,” which became certified Platinum with the hit single “Get Here.” With her musical roots in gospel and her ability to effortlessly cross over into soul, R&B, urban and popular music, Adams has continued to impress fans with songs like “Rhythm of Life,” “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” and “Window of Hope.”


Little River Band brings their distinctive harmonies and classic hits to Access Showroom at Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa on Saturday, Oct. 14. Best known for their top hits “Reminiscing,” “The Night Owls” and “Lonesome Loser,” Little River Band has been winning over fans since they first formed in 1975 in Melbourne, Australia. Throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s, Little River Band has released several multi-Platinum albums and chart topping hits, including “Take it Easy on Me,” “Help Is on Its Way,” “Happy Anniversary” and “The Other Guy.”

The Manhattans featuring Gerald Aston and Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes will bring their classic R&B hits to Cannery Casino Hotel’s The Club on Saturday, Oct. 21. Formed in 1962, The Manhattans began writing and singing their doo-wop-influenced hits, releasing their first single “For the Very First Time” in 1964. The Manhattans went on to reinvent their sound, creating smooth R&B and soul ballads in the ‘70s. After lead singer Smith became ill, the band recruited Gerald Alston as the new lead vocalist of the group. Together, the band released several top-charting songs, including their Platinum-selling No. 1 hit “Kiss and Say Goodbye.”

Piff the Magic Dragon may bill himself as the Loser of Season 10 of “America’s Got Talent,” but he has proven he is anything but as the plucky British magician/comedian/genuine magic dragon has played to sold out crowds on tour dates across the United States. On his recent return to the NBC mega-hit for a special performance, Piff also announced that his popular residency at Flamingo Las Vegas has been extended through the end of 2018. Along with Mr. Piffles, the World’s First Magic Performing Chihuahua™, Piff will perform at the iconic Strip resort five days a week through the end of next year with a brand new show. Since its launch in November 2015, the Las Vegas show has been a constantly evolving mix of greatest hits and new tricks from a repertoire that stretches more than ten years.  In addition to his wildly popular Las Vegas show, Piff has also been touring the country over the past two years with record-breaking shows and will continue to do so in 2018. Soon, you will be able to see Piff in a new television special, which he will film at the Flamingo October 11 and 12. Additionally, for the third year in a row, Piff will present his holiday show at the Flamingo, “Piffmas Pifftacular,” running December 4 through 30.

 

Calling all wenches, jesters, knights and kings! Clark County Parks and Recreation presents the 24th Annual Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival as it returns to Sunset Park (2601 E. Sunset Rd. Las Vegas) Oct. 13-15.  Traveling back through centuries when knights and fair maidens, minstrels and the Royal Court ruled the world, the festivities begin on Friday, Oct. 13 and feature a variety of shows each day, more than 100 artisans, historical reenactments and plenty of food and drink to satisfy the masses.  Along with the traditional musical performances from Tempest, Bogtrotter’s Union, Killian’s Angels and the return of the dinner theater, this year’s event will feature several smaller stages throughout the lands featuring entertainment by Mullaney, Nature of Mercy, Whiskey Bards, and costumed performers such as the Bawdy Juggler Adam Reid, Endless Productions, and the Sisters of Cybele. The festival presents various shows per day along with historical re-enactments, jousting tournaments, medieval pageantry and more than 100 artisans – including blacksmiths, stained glass designers, jewelers, wood workers, toy makers, perfume blenders, stone carvers and sword, dagger and armor craftsman – to demonstrate and sell their wares.  Experience full-contact jousting tournaments, live combat battles, no-holds-barred gladiator battles, black powder demonstrations, strolling minstrels, contortionists, magicians, storytellers, jokers, jugglers, flame eaters, belly dancers, trained parrots and pirates. Additional attractions include bow and arrow and axe target games, medieval barber and surgeon demonstrations, Princess Tea Party and storytelling, Scavenger Hunt, and Renaissance guilds.  Patrons may bring one sealed bottle of water, sunscreen, blankets and still camera. No unauthorized vending, concessions, merchandise, literature or promotions allowed. Any participants in costume must have all related props or weapons peace tied, or those items will be denied at time of entry. No carry-in food or beverages, pets, lawn chairs or weapons (with or without permit) are allowed inside the festival area.  No re-entry is allowed. ATMs will be on site and located by the each entrance gate, next to the main food court and in the vendor village.

 

The Marshall Tucker Band will bring their timeless southern rock hits to The Orleans Showroom on Oct. 14-15.  Formed in Spartanburg, S.C., The Marshall Tucker Band has influenced numerous country music performers, including Alabama and Travis Tritt, with its definitive blend of rock, R&B, jazz, country and gospel. With the hit singles “Heard It in a Love Song,” “Fire on The Mountain,” “Can't You See” and “Take the Highway,” The Marshall Tucker Band has earned seven Gold and three Platinum albums. Additionally, the group has scored four hit singles on the Billboard country music chart and one on the gospel music chart.

Las Vegas' most prominent entertainers will take the stage at Las Vegas’ 7th Annual NF Hope Concert on Sunday, Oct. 22 at 1 p.m. at The Palazzo® Las Vegas. Benefit organizer, Jeff Leibow, formerly of “Jersey Boys,” has once again united the entertainment community bringing together a who's who of Las Vegas performers, including Clint Holmes, Human Nature’s Andrew Tierney, The Tenors of Rock, and many more in an afternoon spectacular to raise money and awareness for the Neurofibromatosis Network, an organization dedicated to families and individuals suffering from Neurofibromatosis (NF), and the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation to support NF families in Southern Nevada.  Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased at any box office at The Venetian or The Palazzo, online at palazzo.com, or by calling 702-414-9000 or 866-641-7469.  “Even after seven years, our family continues to be awed by how generous the performing arts community is in Las Vegas,” says Jeff Leibow, Director of Development for NF Hope® Concerts and Board of Directors member, Neurofibromatosis Network. “There are no words to properly express our gratitude.”

Breaking Benjamin announces acoustic fall tour, including at stop at House of Blues Las Vegas on Tuesday, Oct. 24.  Breaking Benjamin is currently putting the finishing touches on their yet to be titled sixth studio album. This will be the follow up to 2015’s Dark Before Dawn, which debuted No. 1 on Billboard’s Top 200, spun off three No. 1 rock radio tracks, “Failure” and “Angels Fall,” as well as their latest hit single “Never Again.” Selling more than 500,000 copies, Dark Before Dawn was certified gold earlier this year.

Get ready to sing and dance to the best hits of the '70s and '80s! ABBA The Concert - A Tribute to ABBA - Direct From Sweden will bring its iconic ABBA tribute performance to Tropicana Las Vegas for one night only on Saturday, October 7.  This is the closest to ABBA you will ever get. ABBA the Concert brings one of the best pop phenomena back to life. ABBA the Concert continues to dazzle all who see with their fantastic performance while playing the most iconic hits from ABBA, including "Mamma Mia," "S.O.S," "Money, Money, Money," "Waterloo," "Gimme, Gimme, Gimme," and "Dancing Queen."

 

Due to popular demand, multi-GRAMMY Award-winning superstar Bruno Mars has added six performance dates at Park Theater at Monte Carlo – December 30 and 31, 2017 and February 14, 16, 17 and 19, 2018.  Bruno Mars is a 21-time GRAMMY Award nominee and multi-GRAMMY winner. The celebrated singer, songwriter, producer, musician has sold over 180 million singles worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. His most recent critically acclaimed and RIAA certified 2x platinum album, “24K Magic,” made an impressive debut atop the Top Digital Albums and R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts, while also remaining in the Top 10 for 33 consecutive weeks.

 

Michael Kessler and Melinda Jackson of M&M American Dance Theatre, a captivating and gifted husband and wife song and dance team who’ve performed around the world for 30 years, will present “Young People’s Guide to Broadway” on Friday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m. in the 284-seat Summerlin Library Performing Arts Center. Inspired by Leonard Bernstein’s young people’s concert series, Kessler and Jackson, along with Keith Thompson, their renown musical director and composer on piano (musical director “Jersey Boys,” co-composer and musical arranger of “IDAHO, The Comedy Musical” and co-creator/host of hugely popular “The Composers Showcase” monthly at The Smith Center), will present a fun and entertaining show to inspire and educate the next generation of dancers, singers and actors. Tickets are now on sale for $20, $30 and special VIP tickets for $50 and can be purchased online at www.americandance.biz.  Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit their nonprofit M&M American Dance Theatre Works dedicated to promoting educational and cultural enrichment through exposure, mentorship and involvement in musical dance theatre.     

 

CAKE has been added to the entertainment lineup at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Thursday, Oct. 5. Out of Northern California’s central valley, CAKE formed in Sacramento in 1991 as a somewhat antagonistic answer to grunge. Today, CAKE continues to leave their mark on the music industry with their alternative rock sound. Current band members include founding members singer John McCrea and trumpeter Vince DiFiore, as well as guitarist Xan McCurdy, bassists Gabe Nelson and drummer Paulo Baldi. CAKE’s is most notably known for McCrea’s lyrics and distinct vocals, as well as their wide range of musical influences stemming from funk, rock, country and hip-hop. Their 1996 hit single “The Distance” launched their second studio album Fashion Nugget into a certified platinum hit. In 2011, CAKE released Showroom of Compression, which became their first album to debut at the top of the Billboard charts, selling over 44,000 copies in the first week after its release.

Bob Dylan & His Band have been added to the entertainment lineup at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Saturday, Oct. 14.  American songwriter, singer, and writer Bob Dylan has been one of the most influential musicians of his time. His lyrics incorporate a wide range of political, social, philosophical and literary influences. With hit songs such as “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are a-Changin,” Dylan became a symbol for the Civil Rights Movement and anti-war movement. The legendary artist has sold more than 100 million records, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. Among his accomplishments, he has won 11 Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award.  

 

American country music bands, Restless Heart and Shenandoah, will perform at the Tropicana Theater inside the Tropicana Las Vegas on Saturday, October 28.  Restless Heart and Shenandoah are two of the biggest country music hitmakers from the 80's and 90's. Restless Heart dominated the charts with six consecutive No. 1 hits including, "I'll Still Be Loving You," "Tender Lie," "Why Does It Have to Be (Wrong or Right)" and "Bluest Eyes in Texas." Grammy-award winning band Shenandoah realeased nine studio albums and topped the charts with 26 singles, including "The Church on Cumberland Road," "Sunday in the South," "Two Dozen Roses," "Next to You, Next to Me" and "If Bubba Can Dance (I Can Too)." Country music lover won't want to miss this one night affair!

 

This fall, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts welcomes two Broadway favorites to Las Vegas with the arrival of a magical underwater adventure in Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Tony® Award-winning masterpiece, THE KING AND I. Featured as part of The Smith Center’s coveted 2017-2018 Broadway Las Vegas Series, Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID will perform Oct. 3 – 8, followed by THE KING AND I Oct. 25 – 29.

Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID

Hailed as Broadway’s “Under the Sea Spectacular,” Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID tells the story of a beautiful young mermaid named Ariel, who longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories, with music by eight-time Academy Award® winner Alan Menken, it’s a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. Come fall in love with the magic for the first time—or all over again—with classics such as “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World,” and join beloved characters such as Flounder, Sebastian and more as they transform her forbidden love into reality. Performing at The Smith Center for a limited time only, Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID promises to win your heart this fall.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s THE KING AND I

Celebrated worldwide as one of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s finest works, THE KING AND I boasts a score that features such beloved classics as “Getting To Know You,” “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Hello Young Lovers,” “Shall We Dance” and “Something Wonderful.” Set in 1860’s Bangkok, this musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children. Winner of the 2015 Tony® Award for “Best Musical Revival,” THE KING AND I is “too beautiful to miss” (New York Magazine). Experience one of the most iconic love stories of all time – brought to life at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts for a limited time only. 

Rising country stars Delta Rae are returning to Las Vegas for a special performance at Rocks Lounge inside Red Rock Resort on Monday, October 16 at 7 p.m. Ticket proceeds from the show will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation of Nevada and the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, as part of Station Casinos’ annual Project Pink initiative.  Each October, Station Casinos hosts Project Pink throughout its 11 hotel-casinos, where it donates a portion of its proceeds and gaming winnings of designated pink dining, gaming and entertainment offerings to the fight against breast cancer during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Project Pink, now entering its 8th year, has donated more than $434,000 to the fight against breast cancer.

 

Evanescence announced the “Synthesis Live” tour will launch in Las Vegas for an intimate performance in the Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017 at 8 p.m.  Evanescence return this fall with Synthesis, their fourth studio album, slated for a fall 2017 release. Like the album, “Synthesis Live” will feature a reimagining of some of Evanescence’s best-loved songs with the spotlight on full orchestra, electronics combined with the band and Amy Lee’s virtuoso piano and voice.

 

The Monster Energy Cup posts a $250,000 purse with the winner walking away with a $100,000 check, and any rider that wins all three Main Events will take home $1 million. This feat has only occurred once in the history of the Monster Energy Cup when Ryan Villopoto grabbed the honor in 2011. This year’s Cup is expected to bring out Supercross’ all-star athletes and fans can expect an epic battle among the sport’s top competitors on Saturday, Oct. 14 at Sam Boyd Stadium. The Monster Energy Cup competition showcases the world’s all-star Supercross riders in a head-to-head battle for the coveted Monster Energy Cup and the chance to win $1 million, the largest prize in motorcycle racing. Unlike any other race, the Monster Energy Cup challenges riders to compete in three, 10-lap Main Events on a custom-designed track, inspired by five-time Supercross Class Champion Ricky Carmichael.

 

Seven-time GRAMMY® nominated composer and pianist Omar Sosa has forged a distinctive musical path, fusing an array of jazz, world music, hip-hop and electronic elements with his AfroCuban roots – all with a Latin Jazz heart. Sosa will make his Las Vegas debut at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts with his Quarteto AfroCubano on Friday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. with an additional performance on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. The two-night engagement will be held in continued support of his recent album, ILE, featuring Cuban drummer Ernesto Simpson, Cuban saxophonist Leandro Saint-Hill, and Mozambican electric bassist Childo Tomas. ILE, meaning “home” or “earth” in the Yoruba language of West Africa, ties in with the Latin Jazz roots of Sosa’s native Cuba that he returns to for inspiration on this project. The new album offers contemporary interpretations of some of the classic Cuban musical styles the world has come to admire.

 

Nas and Maxwell have been added to the entertainment lineup at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Friday, Oct. 6 and Saturday, Oct.7. American rapper Wale is set to open for Nas and R&B artist Raphael Saadiq is set to open for Maxwell. 

American hip-hop artist Nas has been considered one of the greatest rappers of his generation. His debut album Illmatic released in 1994 gained him recognition from both critics and the hop-hop community.

American singer-songwriter Maxwell was extremely influential in defining and shaping the “neo-soul” movement that rose to prominence over the latter half of the 1990’s.

 

The Script has been added to the entertainment lineup at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Sunday, Oct. 15. Prevalent rock band, The Script, first formed in 2001 in Dublin, Ireland. Since then, the band has consisted of the three founding members: lead vocalist and keyboardist Danny O’Donoghue, lead guitarist Mark Sheehan and drummer Glen Power.

 

Queensrÿche and special guests Skid Row are returning to Las Vegas for a performance at the Sunset Amphitheater at Sunset Station on Saturday, October 7, 2017.  Queensrÿche first burst onto the music scene in 1982 with the release of their self-titled 4 song EP Queensrÿche. They very quickly gained international recognition and performed to sold out audiences around the world.

 

Renowned comedian and Emmy-nominated actor Billy Gardell is returning to Las Vegas for a special performance at the Grand Events Center inside Green Valley Ranch Resort on Saturday, October 21 at 8 p.m. As a stand-up comic, Gardell took the long road to Hollywood, stopping at every small town lounge, military base and comedy club along the way. His comedy act took him to Los Angeles, where his dedication to acting, along with touring as a stand-up comedian, allowed him to grow consistently in both arenas.

 

Thrash metal pioneers Megadeth return to Las Vegas for one night only in the intimate Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort on Friday, Oct. 6, 2017 at 8 p.m. The band kicked off 2017 headlining dates throughout Asia, North America and Europe, and will join the Scorpions as special guests during the Crazy World Tour beginning in September before stopping in Las Vegas for this special performance.

 

GRAMMY Award®-winning and multi-platinum selling music artist The Weeknd has announced a second leg to his critically-acclaimed Starboy: Legend of the Fall 2017 World Tour, featuring a Las Vegas stop at T-Mobile Arena Saturday, Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Gucci Mane and Nav will join The Weeknd for all U.S. dates.  The Weeknd first broke into the music scene with the 2011 mixtape House of Balloons followed by studio album Kiss Land in 2013 and the widely recognized Beauty Behind the Madness that earned him two Grammy Awards in 2015, an RIAA triple-platinum certification for cumulative sales in excess of 3 million, 16 RIAA certifications from tracks alone with “The Hills” [7x-platinum], “Can’t Feel My Face” [5x-platinum], “Often” [2x-platinum], “In The Night” [platinum], and “Acquainted” [platinum]. “Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)” even garnered The Weeknd his first ever Academy Award® nomination in the category of “Best Original Song.” Late last year, The Weeknd released his fourth full-length album “Starboy” [2x-platinum] which quickly rose to #1 in 90 countries, sold over one million albums globally and broke the global streaming record all in less than one week.

 

Grammy® nominated pop icons Tegan and Sara will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the release of their hit album The Con with The Con X: Tour at the intimate Pearl Concert Theater inside Palms Casino Resort on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at 9 p.m. Tegan and Sara will perform acoustic and intimate arrangements of all 14 of the album’s songs, followed by a selection of fan favorites.

 

The Amazing one is back! Renowned magician and comedian The Amazing Johnathan has pulled off his greatest trick yet – beating the death sentence given to him by his doctors. The expiration date came and went, Johnathan is feeling stronger than ever and will return with two dates at Rocks Lounge inside Red Rock Resort on Friday, October 6, 2017 and Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 8 p.m. The Amazing Johnathan is an eccentric entertainer whose bizarre humor and unscripted antics have earned him worldwide recognition as the most original and successful comic magician in history. His career has spanned 35 years, entertaining two generations of fans.

 

Arcade Fire has announced their “Infinite Content” tour, which will make a Las Vegas stop at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Sunday, Oct. 22 at 8 p.m. Produced by Live Nation, the show will also feature special guest Angel Olsen.  Everything Now,” the title track from Arcade Fire’s forthcoming fifth album is currently available. Physical copies of “Everything Now” will include CD, cassette, and heavyweight black vinyl LP with 20 different artwork variants bearing the album title in one of 20 different languages. There will also be a limited exclusive “Night” packaging of both CD and colored vinyl LP formats. The new album is Arcade Fire’s first release under its new partnership with the global media and e-commerce platform Everything Now in synergy with the Sony Corporation. 

 

The best-selling country vocal group of the past decade, Rascal Flatts, will headline a limited Las Vegas engagement, “A Night to Shine,” presented by SiriusXM, in The Venetian Theatre at The Venetian® Las Vegas October 6, 7, 11, 13, 14, 18, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. With only 1,800 seats, the breathtaking Venetian Theatre will give fans the rare opportunity to see Rascal Flatts in an intimate venue in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. The theater is tailor-made for musical engagements, having hosted a number of other international entertainment icons such as Diana Ross, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, The Judds, Willie Nelson and The Moody Blues, as well as Il Divo’s upcoming engagement this September.  

 

After two massive sold-out shows in September 2015, multi-platinum alternative rock heavyweight, Incubus, is back to rock even harder for an impressive five-night run at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Performances are scheduled for October 7, 8, 11, 13 and 14.  Since their formation in 1991, iconic rock band Incubus – Brandon Boyd [vocals], Mike Einziger [guitar, piano, backing vocals], José Pasillas II [drums], Chris Kilmore [turntables, keyboards], and Ben Kenney [bass] – has consciously and continually shifted its perspective with each subsequent album.

 

Last year’s Just for Laughs’ Stand Up Comedian of the Year Sebastian Maniscalco continues to bring the laughs once again to Las Vegas with a highly anticipated stop of his “Why Would You Do That” tour at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Maniscalco is scheduled to perform Sunday, October 8. Sebastian Maniscalco, the 2016 Just for Laughs Stand Up Comedian of the Year and 2014 American Comedy Award nominee for Best Club Comedian has established an avid fan following via national late night television appearances on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” “Conan” and has appeared in Jerry Seinfeld’s “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.” Sebastian is a popular guest on groundbreaking podcasts “WTF with Marc Maron” and “The Joe Rogan Experience” while starring in his own wildly popular “The Pete and Sebastian Show” podcast every Friday night.

 

Global music icon, multiple GRAMMY® Award-winner and multi-platinum selling artist, the incomparable JANET JACKSON, will embark on a four-month North American tour this fall, announced today. Produced by Live Nation, the STATE OF THE WORLD tour will make a Las Vegas stop at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, Oct. 14 at 8 p.m.  The legendary entertainer began her sold out Unbreakable tour in August 2015, but just one year ago she reached out directly to fans via Twitter with news of her focusing on starting a family, confirmed months later with the arrival of her first child.  Since, she has taken the past year to enjoy pregnancy and motherhood, and is now ready to return to the live stage to give Janet fans everything they could hope for in one epic concert event.  The STATE OF THE WORLD tour is a continuation of the Unbreakable tour and will include fan favorites from her chart-topping ‘Unbreakable’ album, an array of her socially conscious music she’s released throughout her career, and other smash hits and soon-to-be released new tracks with a state of the art live production!  

 

On the heels of a No. 1 album, a chart-topping radio hit, and sold-out first leg of a global tour, KINGS OF LEON announces that they will be adding a new fall leg of their WALLS tour that will travel to The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Friday, October 6. Kings of Leon’s seventh studio album WALLS, released October 14 via RCA, marks the group’s first number one album in the U.S., debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart as well as No. 1 on the Alternative Albums, Rock Albums, Top Albums Sales, and Top Digital Albums Charts.  The album received amazing critical acclaim upon its release, with The New York Times calling it “timeless,” Rolling Stone saying it’s “Kings of Leon at their best” and Consequence of Sound calling the album “their best album in years.” The album includes released tracks “Reverend,” “Around The World” and “WALLS” and their hit single “Waste A Moment,” which Stereogum said sounds like “the Kings Of Leon you remember.”

 

Grammy-nominated blues-rock guitar icon Joe Bonamassa will perform on the Las Vegas Strip for the first time in his legendary career on Sunday, October 22 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.  Hailed worldwide as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation, Joe Bonamassa has almost single-handedly redefined the blues-rock genre and brought it into the mainstream. Bonamassa will be backed by a stellar band of legendary musicians featured on Joe’s Grammy-Nominated album Live At The Greek Theatre including Anton Fig (drums), Michael Rhodes (bass), Reese Wynans (piano, Hammond organ), Lee Thornburg (trumpet, horn arrangements), Paulie Cerra (saxophone) and amazing backup vocalists to bring a whole new life to the show, which will feature new songs alongside career-spanning favorites.

 

Ringo Starr announced new tour dates with his longest-running All Starr Band. The All Starr Band includes Todd Rundgren, Gregg Rolie, Steve Lukather, Richard Page, Warren Ham and Gregg Bissonette, who have been touring together since 2012. The tour kicks off with eight shows at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The 8 performances at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino going on sale are:  October: 13, 14, 17, 20, 21, 24, 27, 28

 

In celebration of the band’s 25th Anniversary, multi-GRAMMY nominated pop-rock trio HANSON officially announces their extensive Middle Of Everywhere 25th Anniversary World Tour, including at stop at House of Blues Las Vegas on Oct. 25, 2017.  Besides HANSON’s 25th anniversary, 2017 is also the 20th anniversary of their debut release Middle Of Nowhere, led by the iconic single “Mmmbop,” which introduced the group to the world. The tour will feature performances of the group’s most widely known material alongside fan favorites encompassing their extensive catalog. In select markets, Taylor Hanson will DJ the “Dance Like You Don’t Care” after party, which will feature an eclectic mix of modern and ’90s favorites.

 

Looking for a Halloween party that is both spine-tingling and titillating? Then look no further than the Fetish & Fantasy Halloween Ball in Las Vegas on October 28th at the Red Rock Casino. At this deliciously debauched event, revelers don their most daring kinky and spooky outfits to enjoy a variety of entertainment that blends the celebration of All Hallow’s Eve with a fetish party. Throughout the ball, guests can enjoy several great DJ sets featuring house, trance, EDM, pop and hip hop. Things get frisky over at the ball’s human zoo and x-stage, which are conveniently located near the ball’s vendors who myriad kinky accoutrements that are sure to impress the most discerning kinkster. The icing on the cake is a tag team operation: the ball is host to a variety of bold, daring performing artists who perform throughout every corner of the party showing off talents ranging from fire eating and contortion to freaky stilters and burlesque.

 
Starting October 13th, Opportunity Village will host HallOVeen, with attractions such as train rides on the Forest Express, Cheyenne’s Enchanted Carousel, Boris the Elf’s 3D Experience and Rod’s Monstrous Mini Golf. Guests can then move inside for the night filled with spirits and entertainment. Guests can creepily disguise themselves with Masquerade Masks available for purchase in the Ghoulish Gift Shop. For more information or to purchase tickets visit
www.opportunityvillage.org.

 

The Pure Aloha Development Corporation and Vizzun Entertainment are proud to announce the 12th Annual Pure Aloha Fall Festival.  The 12th Annual Pure Aloha Fall Festival will be held through October 1st at the Silverton.  The festival will welcome more than 20,000 guests with traditional live entertainment, evening concerts featuring the best in island music, more than 100 specialty food and retail vendors, and a large carnival with midway rides. The four day event will include performances by multiple local and out of state Halau’s (hula schools) hailing from Nevada, California, Arizona, Utah and Hawaii.

Nevada Day is a grand celebration commemorating our admission to statehood on October 31, 1864. Nevadan's have the distinction of holding the largest statehood celebration in the nation!

And November 5th is the end of Daylight Savings time (fall back.)

An interesting note…if your birthday is at the end of September or in the first part of October, your parents probably had sex on New Year’s Eve.

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.