BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW

 

Date: May 27, 2018

BY: Jackie Brett     

 

GEORGE WALLACE RETURNS WITH A NEW RESIDENCY AT WESTGATE

            Comedian and star of stage and screen, George Wallace, is returning to Las Vegas with a new residency show at the Westgate Cabaret beginning Tuesday, June 26. Wallace will perform Tuesday through Thursday at 8 p.m. inside the cozy Westgate Cabaret at Westgate. Tickets are $65, $75 and $95.

            Wallace derives his material from everyday life and shares the moments. He finds humor everywhere he turns from media to relationships and at all costs avoids standard opening lines. Wallace began his career as a writer for “The Redd Foxx Show” and made a huge splash on the stand-up scene as one of 150 competitors on the cable television special “The Big Laugh Off.” Wallace captured first prize, which included club gigs all over the country.

            Recently, Wallace appeared on “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” with Jerry Seinfeld and starred alongside Morgan Freeman in the film “Just Getting Started.” He will be appearing in the upcoming movie “The Last Laugh,” with Richard Dreyfus and Chevy Chase.

 

‘ABSINTHE’ EXTENDS ITS CAESARS PALACE RUN

            The Gazillionaire announced “Absinthe” in the Spiegelworld tent at Caesars Palace will be around for years to come after a long-term contract was inked. Two performances will continue to take place daily.

            “Absinthe” was recently proclaimed “The #1 Greatest Show in Las Vegas History.” It is hosted by the filthy rich, actually just plain filthy Gazillionaire. The outlandish show is a rather intoxicating cocktail of circus, burlesque and vaudeville combined. The wondrous tent becomes an immersive adult playground where amazing artists perform a mix outrageous comedy and jaw-dropping, dangerous feats. The show’s popularity speaks for itself.

 

MORE TALENT ADDED TO DOWNTOWN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

            Downtown Rocks, the free summer concert series on Fremont Street, has added more name talent to this year’s lineup, which started last Friday with Candlebox and Cracker. Added concerts will include: June 9 – Lit and Filter on 1st Street Stage; July 21 – Jefferson Starship and Eddie Money on 1st Street Stage; and Aug. 31 – Grammy Award-winning artist Melissa Etheridge on 3rd Street Stage.

 

SAKE ROK AND BRANDON VOSS DEBUT ‘DRAG SUPPER CLUB’

            Sake Rok, Las Vegas’ sushi experience and social dining experience at the Park MGM, is partnering with Brandon Voss to debut drags theatrical dining with Voss Events “Drag Supper Club.” Starting Saturday, June 16 and continuing through 2018, performances will be every Saturday at 6:30 and 9 p.m. The stars will be from the Emmy-winning competition reality show “RuPaul’s Drag Race Queens” like Shannel, Coco Montrese and India Ferrah, who will create a spectacle of sass, crass and a dash of obscene. 

        General admission Drag Dinner tickets starting at $69.95 guarantee bottomless sangria and Sake Rok pre-fixe family style dining.

 

90 NINETY BAR + GRILL OPENS AT SUNCOAST

            At the Suncoast, 90 NINETY Bar + Grill is an all-new contemporary yet casual American restaurant delivering modern cuisine, an expansive brew and cocktail selection, and live music. The neighborhood-style restaurant, named after its 9090 Alta Drive address, is an ideal setting for social hour gatherings, dinners, and lounging – both inside, and on the outdoor patio.


            The new venue located off the casino floor with 14 large-screen televisions includes a detailed deluxe bar, cozy lounge space, main dining room accented by a stage for live musical performances, 14-seat private dining room, and an outside patio. The design showcases an eclectic blend of vintage and modern elements with exposed filament lights and shimmering brass chain structures over the bar. Walls are adorned with a mix of whitewashed brick and rough-sawn planking, and an authentic collection of neon signage from the former Stardust resort.
            There’s live music Thursday through Saturday starting at 8 p.m. Among the drinks are 24 brews on tap and a house brew from sister restaurant and downtown brewery, Triple 7 Restaurant and Mircrobrewery at Main Street Station. Early and late social hours go from 5 to 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. to closing. Dinner service is Wednesday through Sunday starting at 5 p.m. The venue is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

 

STRATOSPHERE INTRODUCES NEW GAMING PIT AND ASIAN MENU

        New offerings being introduced at the Stratosphere on Friday, June 8 will include a new gaming pit with six Baccarat tables and a new Asian menu at Roxy’s Diner. A grand opening event will celebrate the new additions, commencing with a traditional Chinese Lion Dance through the casino starting at 6:08 p.m. The new gaming pit is located near the main entrance across from Roxy’s Diner.

 

WELCOME TO LAS VEGAS GIFT STORE OPENS AT FORUM SHOPS

        The 16th and largest Welcome to Las Vegas Store has opened in The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. The store offers an unmatched selection of logo items, discover Las Vegas souvenirs and indulgent treats available only at the newly-opened outlet.

        The flagship store is featuring a new design, which isn’t like a typical souvenir shop. There’s also a selection of merchandise with many exclusive products ranging from the Rat Pack-era to today’s hottest retail trends. Visitors can partake of the city’s newest selfie spot, featuring one of the largest replicas at 80 percent of the size of the original landmark Welcome to Las Vegas sign on the Strip designed by Betty Willis in 1959. 

       A selection of featured merchandise celebrates the history of Las Vegas and a portion of each sale goes towards the nonprofit Neon Museum to preserve iconic heritage signs.

 

WESTGATE HOSTS WORLD SERIES OF BEER PONG

            The 13th Annual World Series of Beer Pong (WSOBP) tournament will be held at the Westgate Thursday through Sunday, July 5-8. Famed sports announcer and entertainer, Bruce Buffer, will be returning to crown the next World Series of Beer Pong Champions. He will announce the teams of the Championship Match on the Final Table, which boasts the largest payouts in beer pong history with a $65,000 prize pool. 

            Players interested in participating can register at the WSOBP website for $295, which includes a minimum of 12 games of play in the tournament.

 

CONTINENTAL CUP OF CURLING RETURNS TO ORLEANS ARENA IN 2019

            The World Financial Group (WFG) Continental Cup of Curling will return to the Orleans Arena Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 17-20, 2019. This curling competition, pits six of the top women’s and men’s teams from North America, against six of the best from the rest of the world. Several disciplines, including the new mixed doubles event, are contested over a four-day period. Participants will include Olympic Champions, World Champions and more. Tickets are on sale now.

 

KENDRA SCOTT CELEBRATES STORE’S FIRST ANNIVERSARY

            On Saturday, June 2, leading fashion accessory brand Kendra Scott will celebrate its Las Vegas store’s first anniversary inside Fashion Show Mall with cast members from the “Magic Mike Live” show at Hard Rock. In celebration, Kendra Scott will host an in-store event in partnership with Mondays Dark, a locally-based variety show founded by Mark Shunock, which donates 100 percent of its proceeds to local charities. Guests spending $100 or more at Kendra Scott or donating $20 directly to Mondays Dark will have the opportunity to take a photo with Magic Mike cast members. Twenty percent of June 2 proceeds will benefit Mondays Dark.

            In addition, the day will feature a lineup of alcohol-infused Sin City cupcakes and an in-store raffle where winners will receive a pair of tickets to see “Magic Mike Live.”

 

ART LABOE PRESENTS LATIN LEGENDS AT STAR OF THE DESERT ARENA

            “Art Laboe Presents Latin Legends” at the Star of the Desert Arena in Primm, Nev. on Saturday, June 16 at 8 p.m. Laboe, a radio personality for nearly 70 years, is known for his signature request and dedication format prominently featuring “Oldies But Goodies,” a phrase he pioneered. His guests will include Latin artists: El Chicano; MC Magic; Lighter Shade of Brown; Tierra; Sunny Ozuna; and René y René. The diverse bill features music acts from the last six decades across all genres. Tickets start at $35.

 

JENNIFER LOPEZ CELEBRATES NEW SONG AT SPAGO

            Right after her performance at the recent “Billboard Music Awards” at the MGM Grand, Jennifer Lopez celebrated the release of her new single, “Dinero, with collaborator DJ Khaled at a private party held during a first-look at Wolfgang Puck’s new Spago, opening soon at Bellagio. Among the notable celebrities attending were Salt-N-Pepa, French Montana, Ashlee Simspon, Normani and others.

            As the song was playing, a seven-foot-tall cake, crafted by Bellagio’s pastry team, was rolled out flanked by gold-painted models holding green and gold sparklers. Paying tribute to the single’s music video, the towering creation resembled a bank vault, with edible gold bars, a massive chocolate $100 bill, and a “Dinero”-emblazoned cheesecake glittering under Lopez’s personal logo.

            The dining room was decorated with bigger-than-life set designs used in the award’s show, including stacks of gold bricks and a gilded lion. Portraits of Lopez, Khaled and Cardi B from the music video lined the walls. Rapper T.I. joined Lopez on the dance floor as his hit track “What You Know” was played.

 

MORE CELEB TIDBITS

            When Celine Dion returned to her Las Vegas-residency at Caesars Palace after recovering from a minimally invasive ear surgery, she debuted her new song, “Ashes,” from “blockbuster film “Deadpool 2.” Being a huge hockey fan, she also donned a Vegas Golden Knights jersey.

            Ten-time Grammy©-nominated rapper Wiz Khalifa recently dined at Greek restaurant, Estiatorio Milos at The Cosmopolitan over EDC (Electric Daisy Carnival) weekend and before he made his way to the mega-music event at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway to perform.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

            The Hats, Handbags & History fundraiser to help the Nevada State Museum at Springs Preserve will be held on Saturday, June 23 from 2-4 p.m. The event will feature never seen before hats and handbags museum exhibits, guest curator of textiles and costumes telling the history of hats and handbags, a cup of tea, slice of cake and glass of sparkling wine. Admission is free and there will be a silent auction of designer and vintage handbags.

            The 7th annual Sundown in Downtown – Bones and Booze Adventure will be held at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum on Friday, June 15 from 6-9 p.m. for ages 21 and over. The museum’s fundraiser is a soiree with small bites, refreshments, and entertainment donated by Downtown Las Vegas businesses. Cost is $45-$500.

        Eclipse will be a poolside gathering to benefit The Shade Tree, a Las Vegas-based shelter for victims of domestic abuse and homelessness. The event will be held at Red Rock’s Crimson Nightclub from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 8. Attendees will enjoy live entertainment, complimentary signature cocktails, beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets start at $100.

            The Artisan Craft Festival will hold its summer kick-off on Sunday June 3 at Sam’s Town from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. There will be more than 40 local artists and crafters, entertainment, samples, Kids Creative Corner, etc. There will be prizes including two tickets for the Vegas Golden Knights. Admission and parking are free.     

            Wines of The World will be held at Downtown Container Park on Saturday, June 9 from 5-8 p.m. The event will feature a variety of global wines for tasting, live entertainment, retail and food specials. Tickets are $25.

 

EXTRA NEWS ITEMS

            For the second year in a row, Winston the Impersonating Turtle is extending an invitation to Las Vegas locals and tourists to stay cool with him by offering a Summer of Winston ticket discount to Terry Fator’s show at The Mirage. Now, through Sept. 20 fans can receive 40-percent off standard ticket prices by using code WINSTONSUMMER. This promotion also brings discounts to Winston-themed merchandise.

         Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. inside Treasure Island has launched the first-ever Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. Super Hero shuttle bus. The complimentary 25-person decked-out bus picks up S.TA.T.I.O.N. ticket holders and transports them directly to the attraction. The shuttle bus runs every Friday through Sunday from noon until 6 p.m. In addition, the bus will also sell tickets to the attraction, so fans can avoid box office lines and go straight into the exhibit from the bus.

        Adam London’s “Laughternoon,” which had its five-year anniversary in January, has announced its fourth annual summer ice cream promotion. All audience members will receive a free scoop of ice cream with purchase of a ticket, courtesy of Anderson Dairy. The promotion runs from Memorial Day until Labor Day and July is National Ice Cream Month.

        In addition, London is also giving back to the community with his “I Give a Duck” charity campaign. On the second Saturday of each month of 2018, ticket proceeds from “Laughternoon” go back to a different charitable organization benefitting children or families in Southern Nevada.

            “Xavier Mortimer’s Magical Dream” at Planet Hollywood’s Sin City Theatre, will treat all dads to a complimentary upgrade to VIP seating in honor of Father’s Day on Sunday, June 17. The 70-minute magic production is offering complimentary VIP seating with the purchase of a general admission ticket. General admission is $49.

 

BAZAAR MEAT AT SLS HOSTS ‘BAZAAR ON THE ROOF’ POOLSIDE PARTY

            Bazaar Meat by José Andrés at SLS will host its first-ever “Bazaar on the Roof” outdoor food and drink festival at Retro Pool Lounge on Friday, June 22 from 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. The all-inclusive event will serve Bazaar Meat’s food and cocktails at dedicated stations, feature spirits and tray-passed red and white wine and craft beers, have entertainment by DJs, and whimsical décor. Tickets start at $75.

 

DINING-DRINKING HAPPENINGS

            The 12th installment of Three Square’s Las Vegas Restaurant Week will return June 18-29. Restaurateurs across the Las Vegas valley will participate over the 12-day culinary event by offering prix-fixe menus at price points ranging from $20 to $80. A fixed portion of each meal’s cost will benefit Three Square, and 100 percent of all proceeds collected will support the nonprofit’s mission of providing meals to more than 279,000 food insecure residents in Southern Nevada.
            Downtown Summerlin’s neighborhood steakhouse, Andiron Steak & Sea, will celebrate the beginning of summer with its third-annual White Party soiree on Saturday, June 9 from 7 p.m.–midnight, with an open bar until 10 p.m. All-white attire is strongly suggested. Tickets are $79.

            The next Culinary Road Trip dinner at the Downtown Grand with Chef Scott Commings will be a Grand Ole tribute to the cuisine of Nashville inside the Fremont Room on Thursday, June 7 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. For an authentic Music City-experience, there will be a performance from Nashville recording artist Towne. Tickets to the multi-course dinner are $55.

        The Underground, The Mob Museum’s new Prohibition history exhibition featuring a speakeasy and distillery, has introduced the “Knightcap,” its first cocktail in honor of the amazing Vegas Golden Knights. The gold-hued drink is a twist on a 1920s-era drink called The Gold Rush. Knightcap features the museum’s house-distilled moonshine infused with Ginger Jake, fresh lemon juice, egg white and brown sugar simple syrup served up in a classic coupe glass garnished with edible gold dust. Normally $12, the Knightcap will be offered at half-price during all 2018 Stanley Cup Finals games.