BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: Aug. 29, 2021
‘AMERICA’S GOT TALENT LAS VEGAS LIVE’ RESIDENCY STARTS AT LUXOR
“America’s Got Talent Las Vegas LIVE” from the world’s most successful TV franchise will feature an ensemble of the show’s winners, finalists, runner ups, fan favorites and golden buzzer acts throughout the brand-new, variety-style production premiering Nov. 4 at the Luxor.
Serving as resident host is season 12 finalist and “America’s Got Talent: The Champions” competitor, stand-up comedian Preacher Lawson, who will guide audiences through the mesmerizing performances in this first-of-its-kind ongoing stage show based on a major television brand. Season 15 winner Brandon Leake will make a special five-week appearance during the show’s opening window, sharing his unique and moving spoken word talent with audiences.
The current season 16 winner, who will be revealed in a couple weeks, will join the initial roster featuring Kodi Lee, Deadly Games knife throwing duo, Duo Transcend performance artists, The Clairvoyants mentalism duo, The Silhouettes shadow performance group, and Light Balance high-tech neon and LED dance group.
“America’s Got Talent Las Vegas LIVE” will perform Wednesday–Sunday at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets start at $49.
MGM RESORTS LAUNCHES FOOTBALLTAILGATE EXPERIENCE
Entertainment and sports industry leaders MGM Resorts and Bud Light have joined forces to introduce the Bud Light Beer Garden, an immersive Vegas-only tailgate experience, to the Las Vegas Strip. The outdoor game-day action awaits football fans before and after all Raiders and UNLV home games as well as select sports and entertainment events at Allegiant Stadium.
The 130,000-square-foot space located at the corner of Las Vegas Blvd. and Hacienda Ave. offers complimentary admission to the public. It is within walking distance to Allegiant Stadium and opens four hours prior to each event and remains open until the event’s conclusion.
Fans can stay close to the beer garden and action by reserving a parking spot at Mandalay Bay, Delano, Luxor or Excalibur for fast and easy access to Allegiant Stadium.
The Bud Light Beer Garden will offer interactive football challenges and life-sized Jenga and chess; live DJ entertainment; sports-betting suites from MGM Resorts’ sports betting company, BetMGM; food and beverage from MGM Resorts’ restaurants; $99 VIP All You Can Eat & Drink package; and special appearances by professional sports legends.
THE BEATLES™ LOVE™ BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL WELCOMED BACK AT MIRAGE
A nearly 17-month intermission is over! The Beatles™ LOVE™ by Cirque du Soleil was welcomed back to its theater at The Mirage by an eager sold-out audience on Aug. 26. The internationally acclaimed show and its talented artists surprised guests with a specially curated pop-up performance parading throughout the property. “Love” is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.
This Cirque spectacular celebrates the musical legacy of The Beatles with a cast of 70 artists showcasing aerial acrobatics, vibrant visuals and high energy choreography on a 360-degree stage. Since opening, “LOVE” has performed before more than 10 million audience members and has been honored with three Grammy Awards.
RESORTS WORLD ADDS THREE ROBOTIC PUPPIES TO WELCOME GUESTS
Resorts World, the city’s most technologically advanced resort, is continuing to break the hotel mold with the addition of three cute robotic puppies to welcome guests as they arrive. In collaboration with aibo and built with Sony’s latest technology, Resorts World has brought three AI powered companions to the Conrad Las Vegas lobby.
Housed in custom-built playpens, the pups –Sinatra, Stardust and Elvis – are ready to greet guests in true puppy fashion. Their body language is expressed through hundreds of adorable patterns, combinations of eye, ear and tail movements, as well as different voice sounds. Brought to life with a wide range of sensors and actuators, aibo’s adaptable behavior is made possible through deep learning AI technology.
‘MAGIC MIKE LIVE LAS VEGAS’ OPENED AT SAHARA
Another show opening last week was Channing Tatum’s “Magic Mike Live Las Vegas” at the Sahara in its all-new, technologically advanced venue. In attendance for the opening show was Emmy nominated actress, comedian and longtime fan of the internationally acclaimed production, Mindy Kaling, alongside fellow comedian, actress and star of multiple hit Netflix specials including “Elder Millennial,” Iliza Shlesinger. For a limited time, tickets are $89.
BANACHEK OPENS AT THE STRAT AND NAMED ‘MENTALIST OF THE YEAR’
Last week, world-famous mentalist, Banachek, was named “Mentalist of the Year” during the grand opening celebration of his new production, “Banachek’s Mind Games Live,” at The STRAT.
During his 4 p.m. residency performance, Banachek was surprised on stage with a video from the International Magicians Society and was presented this year’s award. A category in the “Merlin” awards, the “Mentalist of the Year” title has been given to the most globally renowned magicians and mentalists since 1968. This is Banachek’s second time being named the recipient. Penn & Teller have called Banachek “the greatest mentalism act in the world.”
Banachek started his residency in the 600-seat STRAT Theater with family, friends and some of the biggest names in magic, including Criss Angel and Colin Cloud in attendance. At the show and after party on the Observation Deck were the cast of “Fantasy” from the Luxor and “Thunder from Down Under’ from the Excalibur, as well as Vinney Grosso, headliner of Notoriety’s “Totally Mental,” among others.
Show times for “Banachek’s Mind Games Live” are at 4 p.m. six days per week, dark Tuesday. Ticket prices begin at $29.
MARLON WAYANS TO HEADLINE AT M RESORT
Comedian Marlon Wayans will bring his love of standup comedy to Las Vegas when he performs at the M Resort inside the Pavilion on Saturday, Nov. 13 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25.
As a standup comedian, he is selling out nationwide and adding shows every weekend. Wayans first hit a career milestone with his first standup comedy special “Woke-ish,” which premiered on Netflix in February 2018. Wayans recently debuted a new comedy special for HBO Max, “Marlon Wayans: You Know What It Is,” filmed outdoors in Miami earlier this year, discussing his family and sex life.
The youngest of the Wayans Brothers, the actor, producer, comedian, writer, and film director is making his mark in entertainment. His films have grossed more than $736 million in domestic box office and $1 billion in global box office. Wayans starred with his brother Shawn Wayans on The WB’s “The Wayans Bros.,” which was the highest-rated comedy on the network and continues to air in syndication. He also starred alongside Shawn Wayans and Regina Hall in Dimension Films’ horror comedy spoof films “Scary Movie” and “Scary Movie 2,” directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans.
THE COMPOSERS SHOWCASE RETURNS TO THE SMITH CENTER
The Composers Showcase of Las Vegas (TCS) will return to Myron’s at The Smith Center on Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m., nearly 15 months since its last performance there due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tickets are $25, $40 for floor seating, and $35 for mezzanine. Profits from ticket sales benefit the TCS Entertainment Community Relief Fund.
The evening will feature a still-developing lineup of special performances and dynamic original music by Keith Thompson, TCS co-founder and producer, as well as TCS co-founder Michael Brennan, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Clint Holmes, Tony-award nominee Richard Oberacker, Righteous Brothers band members Bucky Heard and Timothy D. Lee, pianist Philip Fortenberry, along with local favorites Dr. Mark Wherry, Enoch Augustus Scott, Christopher Lash, Tymara Walker, Kevin Gardner Rose, Ian Ward and the Originals, Michelle Johnson and guest New York composer Mark Hartman, among others.
‘QUEENS OF JAZZ REVUE’ HEADLINES ITALIAN AMERICAN CLUB
St. Croix Marketing Concepts is presenting “The Queens of Jazz Revue” at the Italian American Club (IAC) at 2333 E. Sahara Ave. on Wednesday, Sept. 8. The evening includes a buffet dinner from 6:30–7 p.m. followed by and 8 p.m. show featuring Genevieve, Paris Red, Elisa, Tiara and Freddie B. They will be presenting songs by Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, Sarah Vaughn, Nina Simone, Lou Rawls, Nat King Cole and more. Buffet dinner and show $80. Call IAC 702-457-3866 for reservations.
OSCAR’S DINNER SERIES WILL FOCUS ON FRANK ROSENTHAL
Former Las Vegas Mayor and mob attorney, Oscar B. Goodman will hold his popular Oscar’s Dinner Series at the Plaza in Oscar’s Steakhouse on Wednesday, Sept. 22, with cocktails in the lounge at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. in the classic glass domed dining room overlooking the lights of Fremont Street.
At the special three-course plated dinner paired with red and white wines Goodman will recall stories from his time as an attorney for alleged mobsters. His legendary wit and humor make these historical tales entertaining and a truly “only in Vegas” experience. September’s dinner theme will be: “Frankly Speaking: The Story of Frank Rosenthal.” Tickets on the Plaza’s website are sold as tables for parties of two people $300, four $600 and six $900.
CITY OF LAS VEGAS LAUNCHES ‘CONCERTS IN THE PARK’
The city of Las Vegas is launching Concerts in the Park this fall, which are free and open to the public. Six concerts, which start at 7 p.m., will be held at different city parks. Guests are encouraged to bring low-back chairs and blankets. Food and beverage will be available for purchase.
The lineup is Laura Shaffer – Sept. 3 – Bob Baskin Park; Mobility in celebration of the United States Air Force’s 74 birthday – Sept. 18 – Centennial Hills Amphitheatre; Chadwick Johnson – Oct. 15 – Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza in Lorenzi Park; The Macro-Fi Halloween Block party at Third Street, between Hoover and Gass – Oct. 30; Cover Lane featuring Carnell “Golden Pipes” Johnson and Lynnae Meyers – Nov. 13 – Trigono Hills Park; and Jazzy Christmas featuring Jazzmin Vocal Band – Dec. 4 – Bruce Trent Park.
DJ DANNY TENAGLIA KICKS OFF LABOR DAY AT DISCOPUSSY
DISCOPUSSY, the new Fremont East 6,500-square-foot after-hours dance haven at 512 E. Fremont St., will host a packed Labor Day Weekend lineup with performances by Danny Tenaglia, Baltra and Shanto. New York-based DJ and Grammy-nominated record producer Tenaglia will perform at 10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 3, and Baltra with his latest album “Ambition” on Saturday, Sept. 4, with Shanto following during afterhours.
FASHION SHOW CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Fashion Show Las Vegas (FSLV) will commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month and Mexican Independence Day Weekend with entertainment and specials in September.
The Dancing Piñata Show in the Great Hall will begin on Thursday, Sept. 2 and take place throughout the month. In honor of Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Sept. 16-19 there will be a mariachi band and folklórico dancers traveling from the Great Hall through the Plaza from 1 to 4 p.m. On Sunday, Sept. 19 at 2 p.m., FSLV will host a complimentary runway show presented by Macy’s to honor the diverse and colorful culture of Mexico.
For a delicious addition, guests who spend $250 can receive a Gift with Purchase when they show their receipt at Guest Services. This exclusive offer includes complimentary chips and salsa from El Segundo Sol, Mexican restaurant located on The Plaza.
SUPER SUMMER THEATRE FEATURES ‘SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ’
Super Summer Theatre will feature the musical revue “Smokey Joe’s Café,” which highlights the songs of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park Sept. 9–11, 15–17, and 23–25 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 cash/check in office sale, $17.50 credit card presale, and $25 day of performance. Note there is a separate State Park Entrance fee.
The Grammy® Award-winning and Tony Award®-nominated hit musical made history as Broadway’s longest-running musical revue. It features 40 of the greatest songs of the past century, including showstopping classics like “On Broadway,” “Stand by Me,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Hound Dog,” “Love Potions No. 9,” “Spanish Harlem,” “Yakety Yak” and “Charlie Brown.”
HONORING MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
The award-winning female revue “Fantasy” performing nightly at the Luxor will celebrate El Grito and Mexican Independence Day with a special show number added to 10:30 p.m. performances Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 16–18. To honor the holiday and her own Mexican heritage, the show’s powerhouse vocalist Lorena Peril will sing “La Charreada.” Peril selected the song because it was written in traditional ranchera singing and mariachi instrumentals by legendary singer and songwriter Linda Ronstadt. This will be the first time she will publicly sing “La Charreada,” which will showcase Peril’s incredible vocal range.
Sammy Hagar’s Strip-side cantina, Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood will celebrate Mexican Independence Day with a specialty shrimp cocktail served in an 18-ounce schooner glass for $21.95 in addition to its regular menu items and signature margaritas on Thursday, Sept. 16.
Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant in Downtown Summerlin will celebrate both Mexican Independence Day and National Guacamole Day with the Toasted Pepita Guacamole, offered exclusively on Monday, Sept. 16 priced at $13.95 for lunch 11 a.m.–4 p.m. and $14.95 for dinner 4– 9 p.m.
GREEK FOOD FESTIVAL RETURNS
Missing a year due to the pandemic, it’s exciting to have the 48th Annual Greek Food Festival taking place at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church over three days Sept. 10-12 on the Church’s grounds at 5300 South El Camino Road. Times will be Friday 3–11 p.m., Saturday noon–11 p.m., and Sunday noon–10 p.m. Check out the event’s website for more information.
The family-friendly cultural event features fabulous Greek food and pastries, authentic Greek music and dancing along with a Kids Fun Area. St. John the Baptist held the first Las Vegas Greek Food Festival on March 23, 1973, at the Stardust Hotel.
THREE ICE EXPERIENCES HONOR NATIONAL BEER LOVERS DAY
Three Las Vegas ice experiences, including ICEBAR at The LINQ Promenade, Minus5 Ice Experience at The Venetian Resort and Minus5 Ice Experience at Mandalay Bay, will celebrate National Beer Lovers Day Tuesday, Sept. 7 with a frosty-cold beer served in their signature ice glasses with a beer getting colder as you drink it. Visitors can toast the day with a beer from an extensive selection including Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Lite, Corona, Stella, Heineken, Blue Moon, Sculpin IPA and Michelob Ultra.
DINING TIDBITS
The next Taste & Learn experience at Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar will be held on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. featuring the wines of Valpolicella, Italy’s Le Falezze and food pairings. Tickets for the all-inclusive experience are $90, call 702-364-5300 for reservations.
At JW Marriott and Rampart Casino The Market Place Buffet has reopened. And on Thursday, Sept. 9, Tacoholik located next to the Race & Sports Book will have its grand opening. It will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
PTs Taverns, with 64 locations across the Las Vegas Valley, will celebrate National Cheese Pizza Day with $10, 16’ classic mozzarella cheese pizzas, available for dine-in or carry-out exclusively on Sunday, Sept. 5.
