January 2019
Come on…2019! Baby needs a new pair of shoes… Litigation, lies, natural disasters, and constant chaos seemed to be the norm for 2018…and I’d like to try something else…please. Although, with a government shutdown and threatening signs of a recession, uncompromising childish standoffs and conflicts set an portentous tenor for the start of the New Year. I would like 2019 to be kinder and gentler, but the big picture doesn’t seem to be looking that way…I will have to, instead, focus on making my little corner of the world a happier and better place to live.
We always want the New Year to be a fresh start…the beginning of some new adventure that will make us better people. We look at ourselves and try to figure out what we should do (or not do) to make our lives better…which is usually fairly easy. For the most part, we already know what our shortcomings are, and we know what we need to do to fix them, and we use the New Year to recommit to those things. Sadly, the average time before a resolution is broken…? Seventeen days.
And yet…here we go again. What would I like to resolve to do? Well, I have always been a multi-tasker, and yet, at this time of my life, I would like to work on being a single-tasker—focus on one thing at a time that I can throw all of my energy into until its completion. It is a focus of quality rather than quantity. I have done a lot of great things in my life…now; I want to do something brilliant. I’ll keep you posted.
I am looking forward to some of the new and upcoming entertainment in Vegas…most notably Fuerza Bruta that will be in a tent outside of the Excalibur. It is a show that we were trying to get booked in Dallas three years ago…look them up and check out their website…It should be an amazing show. It arrives in Vegas in March. There are other entertainment mavericks and practitioners out there that are trying to bring in entertainment that is new and interesting. I applaud their efforts, and want to see more of their work. It’s time to grow and expand the Vegas entertainment market again.
January is:
National Bath Safety Month, National Blood Donor Month, National Braille Literacy Month, National Hobby Month, Hot Tea Month, National Oatmeal Month, and National Soup Month
1 New Year's Day and National Hangover Day.
2 Run up the Flagpole and See if Anyone Salutes Day
3 Festival of Sleep Day, Fruitcake Toss Day, and Humiliation Day
4 National Spaghetti Day and Trivia Day
5 National Bird Day
6 Bean Day and Cuddle Up Day
7 Old Rock Day
8 Bubble Bath Day and Male Watcher's Day
11 Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friend's Day
12 Feast of Fabulous Wild Men Day and National Pharmacist Day
14 Dress Up Your Pet Day
16 Appreciate a Dragon Day and National Nothing Day
17 Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day
18 Thesaurus Day and Winnie the Pooh Day -The Birthday of Winnie's author A.A. Milne
19 National Popcorn Day
20 National Buttercrunch Day, National Cheese Lover Day, and Penguin Awareness Day
21 National Hugging Day and Squirrel Appreciation Day
22 National Blonde Brownie Day
23 National Pie Day, National Handwriting Day, Measure Your Feet Day- we only ask...."Why!?!"
24 Beer Can Appreciation Day, Compliment Day
25 Opposite Day
26 Spouse's Day
27 Chocolate Cake Day and Punch the Clock Day
28 Data Privacy Day, Fun at Work Day, National Kazoo Day
29 National Puzzle Day and National Cornchip Day
30 National Inane Answering Message Day
31 Backward Day and Inspire Your Heart with Art Day
The CES convention will be the big news for January...it comes in the first part of the month (the 8th to the 11th). It is a huge time in the city, and the Adult Entertainment convention runs this month, too...always interesting to see...
CES is the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. A high-level business event that touches all industries, it’s the place where business gets done. A platform for innovators of all sizes to build their brands, every major technology company on the planet participates in CES in some way — by exhibiting, speaking, sponsoring, attending or holding co-located events and business meetings. This year’s attendance should be approximately 170,000.
The AVN Adult Entertainment Expo is the chance for you to meet more than 1000 of the hottest stars from the adult industry. With entertainment, autograph sessions and more, it's the only place to see your favorite performers and get up close and personal with them. It is January 23 -26 at the Hard Rock Hotel. You must be 18 to attend the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo.
After multiple sold-out weekends, legendary singer and composer Van Morrison is returning to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for a five-night engagement in 2019. The British R&B icon is scheduled to perform Friday, Jan. 25 through Saturday, Feb. 2. Van Morrison has since released over 35 albums and has created one of the most revered catalogues in music history, including singles “Moondance,” “Have I Told You Lately” and “Days Like This.” Morrison has continued to advance his status as a game changing artist with numerous awards and accolades, including a knighthood, honorary degrees from two prestigious universities, a Brit Award, an OBE (Order of the British Empire), six Grammys and entry into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame.
The World Financial Group (WFG) Continental Cup of Curling will return to the Orleans Arena on Thursday, Jan. 17 through Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. This curling event is a unique competition, pitting six of the top women's and men's teams from North America, up against six of the best from the rest of the curling world. Several disciplines, including the new mixed doubles event, are contested over a four-day period. Participants of the World Financial Group Continental Cup of Curling will include Olympic Champions, World Champions and more.
Reaching out to let you know that the “Loverboy” shows scheduled at The Orleans on Saturday, Jan. 19 and Sunday, Jan. 20 have been cancelled. Refunds have been made available at the original point of purchase.
Celebrate what’s possible as five Disney heroines spark the courage inside us all at Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream! At the Thomas & Mack, January 10th to 13th. In her Disney On Ice debut, see how far Moana goes on a quest with demigod Maui to save her island and find her own identity. Anna’s devotion to her sister Elsa sets her on a journey to stop an eternal winter. Rapunzel goes to great lengths to realize her dream. Fearless Belle befriends the enchanted castle staff and uncovers the Beast’s gentleness. With help from her friends, Cinderella is determined to make her wish come true. Along with Mickey and friends, discover your inner hero at Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream!
Celebrating the art of the female filmmaker, the “Medusa Underground Film Festival” will honor legendary cult cinema actress (more than 250 film credits), writer, producer, and director of the 2016 feature Model Hunger... Ms. Debbie Rochon as part of the inaugural film festival! MUFF will showcase two features, and over 50 short films selected from 11 countries that honor the vision of underground filmmaking art NOW January 11th to 13th 2019! Taking place at the Artisan Hotel Boutique (Artisanhotel.com) in Las Vegas, NV, the “Medusa Underground Film Festival” will feature such events as a huge filmmakers panels, Q&A, workshops, a “Lifetime Achievement” Award, a variety of after parties, networking, an awards ceremony, two feature films, and multiple blocks of short films showcasing the different sides of underground filmmaking.
52 Fridays Concert Series in the Golden Nugget Showroom for January.
Lita Ford – Jan. 4 at 8 p.m.
Famous as the lead guitarist of the Runaways and as a solo artist, Lita Ford is one of the leading ladies of punk and metal. Her most popular album, 1988’s Lita, featured hits like "Kiss Me Deadly", "Falling in and Out of Love," "Close My Eyes Forever."
Ambrosia – Jan. 11 at 8 p.m.
Known for their intricate melodies and progressive sensibilities, Ambrosia scored five Top 40 hits and a Grammy nomination with songs like “How Much I Feel” and “Biggest Part of Me.”
Firehouse – Jan. 18 at 8 p.m.
FireHouse won the American Music Award for Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock New Artist in 1992 and has been rocking audiences all over the world ever since. Their hits like “Love of a Lifetime” and “Don’t Treat Me Bad.”
Gary Puckett and the Union Gap Band – Jan. 25 at 8 p.m.
Gary Puckett and The Union Gap had six consecutive Gold records and sold more records in 1968 than any other recording artist, including the Beatles. Their first big hit, "Young Girl," topped the charts in both the US and the UK.
International sensation FUERZA BRUTA is coming to the Las Vegas Strip March 7, 2019, when it opens at Excalibur Hotel & Casino for a limited engagement. The dynamic and immersive theatrical production will perform 10 shows weekly in a technologically advanced tent along the Las Vegas Strip at the northwest corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Reno Avenue. An interactive theater experience unlike any other, FUERZA BRUTA delights the senses through music, emotion and kinetic aerial imagery. Launched in Buenos Aires in 2003 by Creator and Artistic Director Diqui James and Musical Director and Composer Gaby Kerpel, FUERZA BRUTA quickly took the world by storm, performing for more than six million spectators in more than 34 countries and 58 cities since its inception.
Join Nevada Public Radio and Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas for the first installment in a new series of trivia, conversation and cocktails – Nevada Public Radio’s Trivia Night featuring NPR’s Sam Sanders, host of NPR's weekly news, culture and everything show "It's Been A Minute with Sam Sanders." The event will take place on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 beginning at 6 p.m. Sam Sanders will moderate a pop-culture-pub-trivia night with 100 percent of ticket proceeds benefitting Nevada Public Radio. Participants are encouraged to gather teams of up to eight and test their knowledge of current events, music, TV and other topics against fellow NPR junkies in all their nerd glory. VIP bowling lanes of up to eight and tables of up to four can be reserved in advance or standing room only general admission teams are welcome to compete.
Cannery Casino Hotel will welcome 2019 with highly-acclaimed performers at The Club in January, including rock band Heart By Heart and Tina Turner tribute singer Cookie Watkins. January entertainment will also feature free live entertainment at Pin-Ups Bar and Victory’s Bar & Grill all month
Heart By Heart, Saturday, January 19
Former band members of the popular rock band Heart and inductees of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Steve Fossen and Michael Derosier, formed the rock band Heart by Heart to offer fans a unique concert experience, featuring performances of Heart’s classic hits. The band creates music that is authentic to Heart’s original sound and style, impressing fans with their performances of the hits “Magic Man,” “Crazy on You,” “Dreamboat Annie,” “Barracuda” and more.
Cookie Watkins – Tribute to Tina Turner, Saturday, January 26
Cookie Watkins will bring her exceptional renditions of the legendary singer-songwriter and dancer Tina Turner to the stage at Cannery’s The Club. Best-known for her high-energy performances and powerful vocals, Watkins will recreate Turner’s iconic hits, including “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” “Better Be Good To Me,” “Higher” and much more.
Suncoast Showroom will bring celebrated tribute bands to the Suncoast Hotel and Casino in January, including “WANTED – Tribute to Bon Jovi,” The Everly Set and “DSB – An American Journey.” Guests can also enjoy free dance parties and live entertainment throughout the month.
Wanted – Tribute to Bon Jovi
Saturday, January 12
“WANTED: A Tribute to Bon Jovi” will replicate the music of the legendary rock band, Bon Jovi, recreating the group’s high-energy performances and performing their classic rock ‘n’ roll hits.
Based out of Los Angeles, Calif., WANTED consists of some of the city’s top musicians, bringing audiences a memorable Bon Jovi concert experience as they perform the songs “It’s My Life,” “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “Always,” “Runaway” and more.
Showtime is 8:30 p.m. Tickets start at $18 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, Sam’s Town, Aliante, Cannery and Eastside Cannery. Tickets may also be purchased the day of the show (depending upon availability) at the venue box office.
The Everly Set, Saturday, January 19
The Everly brothers Phil and Don rose to fame in 1957 with the release of their mega-hits “Bye Bye Love” and “Wake Up Little Susie,” showcasing their signature harmony that would later influence legendary bands like The Beatles, The Beach Boys, the Bee Gees and the Eagles. Six decades later, the two highly-acclaimed singer-songwriters have joined forces with award-winning songwriter Sean Altman and winner of the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame’s Holly Prize Jack Skuller, to form The Everly Set.
DSB – An American Journey, Saturday, January 26
Formed in 2009, Journey tribute band DSB continues to deliver a nostalgic concert experience for fans, recreating Journey’s classic hits, including “Don’t Stop Believin,’” “Faithfully,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Open Arms” and “Wheel in the Sky.” Complete with a band of world-class musicians, DSB strives to remain true to Journey’s musical legacy by capturing the lush and signature sound of the band and its renowned lead vocalist Steve Perry.
Actor, playwright, filmmaker, and comedian Tyler Perry has announced the final stage tour for his beloved character “Madea” with Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Farewell Play Tour. The nation-wide tour will bring his beloved characters to venues across the United States, including Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019. Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Farewell Play Tour will be Perry’s 21st stage play. In addition to Perry, the play will star Tamela Mann, David Mann and Cassi Davis. Perry made headlines last month when he announced that he would be hanging up Madea’s wig in 2019, with the expected final stage play and the upcoming film Madea’s Family Funeral, being released by Lionsgate on March 1, 2019.
Danny Zelisko presents the legendary Kris Kristofferson & The Strangers at The Smith Center in Las Vegas on Saturday, Jan. 26, at 7:30 p.m. The Strangers join Kris on this tour and are best known as the back-up band for singer-songwriter Merle Haggard. The band consists of the original co-founding member Norman Hamlet, as well as Haggard's children Dana and Ben.
Tiffany Haddish, scheduled to headline the Aces of Comedy series at The Mirage Hotel & Casino January 25 – 26, has released a limited number of VIP packages to benefit the “She Ready Foundation.” The Foundation was created by Haddish to ease the burden on foster children. Tiffany Haddish is quickly establishing herself as one of the most sought-after comedic talents in television and film. She currently stars opposite of Tracy Morgan on the TBS comedy series “The Last O.G.,” which has been picked up for a second season.
Puddles Pity Party - the soft-hearted, 7-foot-tall singing clown - has announced his first-ever artist residency, set for nine unforgettable nights at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. This very special limited engagement at Cleopatra’s Barge kicks off Jan. 17 and extends through Feb. 9, 2019. Puddles’ set will consist of new material as well as classic, rarely performed songs, along with many performance surprises. Puddles’ entire show will be custom designed to suit the intimate layout and unique decor of the iconic Cleopatra’s Barge.
Legendary rock band STYX—Tommy Shaw (vocals, guitars), James “JY” Young (co-founder, vocals, guitars), Lawrence Gowan (vocals, keyboards), Todd Sucherman (drums) and Ricky Phillips (bass), along with the occasional surprise appearance by original bassist Chuck Panozzo—return to the Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019 at 8 p.m. where they will perform two sets in one night. After 14 years, STYX’s sonically sweet 16th studio album and its most ambitious, most challenging, and most rewarding album to date, THE MISSION, was finally released June 16, 2017 on the band’s label, Alpha Dog 2T/UMe. Now, for the first time ever, STYX will perform the album that critics have called “a masterpiece” in its entirety for the first time as part of a two-act concert event. The second act will feature all of STYX’s classic hits.
Following a wildly successful sold-out five-show run this past April, ZZ TOP announced it will return to The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian® Las Vegas for an eight-show limited engagement in 2019. The show will be held on January 18, 19, 23, 25, 26 and 30 and February 1 and 2 at 8 p.m.
Palms Casino Resort and Live Nation present Billy Idol: Las Vegas 2019 Presented by SiriusXM. The 10-show run, which begins Jan. 18, 2019 and continues with dates throughout January and October, is the second residency show for the reimagined property and the news comes just days before Idol is set to premiere his latest release, Vital Idol: Revitalized. From punk pioneer to global superstar, Idol has created an unparalleled niche in popular music and has remained a household name for more than three decades. Billy Idol: Las Vegas 2019 will feature material from throughout Idol’s career, from Idol’s days fronting the seminal British punk band Generation X to his hits the world has come to know and love, including “Rebel Yell,” “White Wedding,” “Dancing With Myself,” and many more. Billy Idol will be joined by his longtime guitarist Steve Stevens and the rest of the Billy Idol band who in recent years have been touring the world’s premier venues and festivals.
The Miss Nevada USA pageant comes to the South Point Showroom on January 5th & 6th where women from across Nevada will compete to move on to the Miss America 2019 pageant and their chance at representing their state against 49 others. Nevada residents will compete in different categories highlighting talents, beauty, interests, and contribution to the community.
Remember, too, Elvis' was born on January 8, 1935. He will be 84!
Events for January 2019
T-Mobile Arena
01/1,6,8,10,19,21,23 - Vegas Golden Knights Hockey Games
01/5 - Ice Vegas Invitational
01/12 - Disturbed & Three Days Grace
01/25 - Dia Nacional De La Banda: Banda El Recodo, Gerardo Ortiz, La Arrolladora, Banda Los Recoditos & La Adiciva
01/26 - Calibash: Enrique Iglesias, Wisin, Yandel, Becky G & Bad Bunny
01/17-31 - Lady Gaga
MGM Grand
01/1-31- David Copperfield
01/1-31- Brad Garrett's Comedy Club
01/1-31 - Jabbawockeez
01/1-31 - Ka by Cirque du Soleil
01/19 - Premier Boxing Champions: Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner
Mandalay Bay
01/1-31- Michael Jackson One by Cirque du Soleil
Caesars Palace
01/1-31- Absinthe
01/1-31 - DJ's at Omnia
01/2-20 - Celine Dion
01/17-21 - Puddles Pity Party
01/25,26,30 - Van Morrison
The Venetian
01/18-30 - ZZ Top
02/8-23 - Chicago - The Band
01/15-31 - Human Nature Jukebox
01/1-31 - Le Reve
01/1-31 - DJ's At XS Nightclub
01/19 - Chris Tucker
Planet Hollywood
01/1-31- VEGAS! The Show
01/1-31 - All Shook Up
01/1-31- V - The Ultimate Variety
01/1-31 - Zombie Burlesque
01/1-31 - Hitzville The Show
01-31 - Criss Angel Mindfreak
01/27 - Tyler Perry's Madea's Farewell Play
Hard Rock Hotel
01/1-31 - Magic Mike Live
01/1-31 - Raiding The Rock Vault
Palms
01/18-26 - Billy Idol
01/20 - Styx
The Cosmopolitan
01/1-31 - DJ's At Marquee
01/1-31 - Opium
House Of Blues
01/17 - Corazon De Mana - Tribute to Mana
01/23-31 - Santana
01/24 - OMD
01/29 - Aaron Carter
Luxor
01/1-31- Blue Man Group
01/1-31- Carrot Top
01/1-31- Fantasy
The Mirage
01/11-28 - Terry Fator
01/1-31- Love by Cirque du Soleil
01/18,19,20 - Gabriel Iglesias
01/25-27 - Boyz II Men
01/25 - Tiffany Haddish
01/1-31 - Legends in Concert
01/1-31 - X Burlesque
01/1-31 - Piff The Magic Dragon
Harrah's
01/1-31- X Country
01/1-31- Mac King Comedy Magic
01/1-31- Menopause The Musical
01/1-31 - Tenors of Rock
Rio
01/1-30 - Penn And Teller
01/1-30 - chippendales
01/1-30 - Comedy Cellar
01/1-30 - WOW - World of Wonder
01/4 - Lita Ford
01/11 - Ambrosia
01/18 - Firehouse
01/25 - Gary Puckett & the Union Gap
Brooklyn Bowl - The Linq
01/1-31 - Mat Franco
01/5 - The Amity Affliction & Senses Fail
01/19 - Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue
01/26 - Kottonmouth Kings
01/31 - Silverstein, Hawthorne Heights & As Cities Burn
01/5 - Arch Allies
01/17-18 - April Wine & Steelheart
01/17,18,19,20 - WFG Continental Cup Draw
01/19,20 - Loverboy
01/26 - Ryan Ahern
The Smith Center
01/12 - Las Vegas Philharmonic: Donato Cabrera - The Music of John Williams
01/15-20 - Dear Evan Hansen
01/26 - Kris Kristofferson & The Strangers
01/27 - Wild Kratts - Live
01/12 - Dee Dee Bridgewater
01/26 - Najee
South Point Hotel and Casino
01/11,12,13 - Norm MacDonald
01/12,19,26 - The Spazmatics
01/25 - Kayla Adams
Thomas & Mack Center
01/2,5,19,22,29 - UNVL Rebels Games Schedule
01/10-13 - Disney on Ice
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.