July 2021
I just reviewed my newsletter from last year. One year ago, we were just beginning to realize the severity of the situation that we were going to face for the next year. One year ago, we had just come out of a lockdown that didn’t work, and we were just given a mask mandate. We all watched as we lost the battle against this infection. When I spoke with friends and family in New York, I always heard the sounds of sirens in the background. A year later, we are emerging from the holes we dug ourselves into…and we are all suffering from a little shell-shock. Things are not yet normal (even though we are desperately pretending they are.) People are eager to get out…determined to party hard and party big. There is a lot of anger out there, too…pent up frustrations that have been brewing for more than a year. July Fourth weekend is upon us, and the expectations are that the city is going to be packed.
July is the hottest month of the year in Las Vegas, and it has already been blisteringly hot. You need a spatula to remove your clothing. It’s hot out there! Stay inside! You've been getting hot flashes, and you're a man. Stay hydrated! Use sunscreen! You’ll wish you had gotten the cloth seats instead of leather. The thing about living in the desert is...during the summer, it gets hot. There are some essentials that you will need in order to cope with the heat in the desert... sunscreen! Water—stay hydrated, (and try putting fruit in your water (oranges, raspberries, etc) to help with electrolytes,) and be sure to use lotion, and limit your time in the sun. It’s when the beer gut and big butt don't keep you from wearing shorts. The best place to be is inside a casino or a showroom. Death Valley had such a problem with people frying eggs on their sidewalks, that it is now illegal. The pavement is hot. You may have to rethink when and how you walk your dogs. If the pavement is too hot for you to walk on with your bare feet...then your dog will be burning the pads on its paws. When the tourists are not inside; they'll be hanging out on the Strip suffering from heat exhaustion, or by the pool getting sun burnt. Did you know that if you leave your cell phone in the direct sun for even a short period of time, it will overheat and not work? It's also a great time to really enjoy the summer nights.
July is the national month for a lot of things...Air-Conditioning Appreciation Days, Bereaved Parents Month, Bioterrorism/Disaster Education and Awareness Month, Blueberries Month, Cell Phone Courtesy Month, Family Reunion Month, Hemochromatosis Screening Awareness Month, Herbal/Prescription Awareness Month, International Blondie and Deborah Harry Month, International Group B Strep Awareness Month, Lasagna Awareness Month, Baked Bean Month, Child-Centered Divorce Month, Culinary Arts Month, Doghouse Repairs Month, Grilling Month, Horseradish Month, Hot Dog Month, Ice Cream Month, Make a Difference to Children Month, Pickle Month, Picnic Month, Recreation and Parks Month, Share A Sunset With Your Lover Month, Wheelchair Beautification Month, Sandwich Generation Month, Smart Irrigation Month, Social Wellness Month, Tour de France Month, and Women's Motorcycle Month
Our Independence Day is bigger and better here than just about anywhere else in the country. The entire valley is going to part of this celebration. Over a quarter of a million people are expected to be visiting here on the fourth, and if you are anywhere near, or in view of, the Strip you are in for an amazing fireworks display. There are events planned all over the city, and it will be almost impossible to miss. I would suggest seeking high ground...and watching the multiple displays that go out across the city.
The purchase of the "safe and sane" fireworks are legal in Clark County, the local fire departments are hoping that few indulge themselves. After having a long bout of hot weather, the fire alerts are on high to extreme---there is a lot of fuel out there. Wildfires are the plague the southwest and no one wants the situation to be worsened by additional fires caused by fireworks. "Unsafe and Insane" fireworks are available outside of the county, and are supposed to be illegal in Clark County, but they are seen going off all over the city. The police are saying that they’re going to crack down this year (again.) The Fourth is the only holiday that makes me nervous...there are just too many accidents. Do everyone and yourself a favor---watch one of the planned displays.
Resorts World Las Vegas, the first new integrated resort to be built on the Las Vegas Strip in more than a decade swung open its doors with a celebratory, star-studded event.
Global music superstar Keith Urban has announced five new performance dates for "Keith Urban Live – Las Vegas" at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The shows will be Sept. 17 – 25, 2021. Keith Urban astounds audiences with a show designed for The Colosseum, packed with hit songs, explosive showmanship and signature unpredictability. The shows are a once-in-a-lifetime concert event – an arena-sized production in a theater setting, up close and personal. Keith Urban Live – Las Vegas utilizes The Colosseum's new general admission capability on the main floor, creating a dynamic and reimagined fan experience for the landmark venue.
Starting July 4, ABSINTHE by Spiegelworld will return to performing every night of the year and for the first time in the show's history, will deliver an impressive 16-show weekly schedule with three shows on Fridays and Saturdays. Spiegelworld's Impresario Extraordinaire Ross Mollison said today, "It's time to get back to work – Absinthe-style. Vegas has demanded more shows, more seats, more Dom Perignon, more Gaz... as the visitation to The Strip goes through the firmament. Our company and guests have waited for this moment; The chance to live our lives the way we want. We will not let you down! We all want Vegas life back, and from July 4th on, we've got it."
Bellagio's Conservatory & Botanical Gardens welcomes summer with the debut of its new display, "Eco: A Season of Earthly Awareness." Paying homage to the elements needed for life to flourish, with more than 30,000 flowers and plants, the garden beds are artistically designed to represent earth, wind, water and fire. Guests are transported into an extravagant rainforest as they enter the Conservatory, welcomed by an array of blooming flowers, bright greenery and seven whimsical animal sculptures. Designer Ed Libby and Bellagio's horticulture team carefully curated "Eco: A Season of Earthly Awareness," bringing to life the importance of keeping our planet beautiful.
Alternative rock sensation, Death Cab for Cutie, is set to take The Chelsea stage inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Wednesday, Sept.15 with a special opening performance from indie group, Illuminati Hotties. Emerging from Seattle in 1997, Death Cab for Cutie quickly rose to become one of the most definitive alternative groups of its generation. Originally developed by founder Ben Gibbard as a low-key solo project, the breakthrough group expanded into five band members, making its major label debut in 2005 with their Platinum-certified album “Plans.” Death Cab for Cutie has gone on to receive eight GRAMMY® nominations, including for “Best Alternative Music Album”, “Best Alternative Music Album”, “Best Rock Song” and “Best Rock Album.” The band’s recent release titled “The Georgia E.P.” raised over $100,000 for voter rights organization Fair Fight in 2020.
Resorts World Las Vegas announced it will host its grand opening celebration on July 4 at 9 p.m. at Ayu Dayclub with a can’t-miss live performance by Miley Cyrus. Cyrus’s headlining show will be broadcast on the resort’s 100,000-square-foot LED Screen – one of the largest exterior LED displays in the U.S. – for Las Vegas Boulevard onlookers and partygoers to join in on the action. The live show will take place at Ayu Dayclub, Las Vegas’s newest nightlife destination from Zouk Group, Singapore’s leading nightlife and lifestyle brand, and conclude with a spectacular Fourth of July firework show.
Guests can expect wild laughs at The Mirage Hotel & Casino as it adds an additional show with Jess Hilarious and Chico Bean to the popular Aces of Comedy program. The two stand-up comedians, famously known from MTV's "Wild 'N Out," will make their debut at The Mirage Theatre Saturday, Sept. 18. Jessica "Jess Hilarious" Moore, born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, is an accomplished stand-up comedian known for her appearances on MTV's "Wild 'N Out" and Russell Simmons' "All Def Comedy" on HBO, as well as various shows on VH1, BET and many other networks. Anthony Bean, also known as "Chico Bean," hails from Washington D.C. He is known as ⅓ of the digital comedy show "85 South Show," and has the uncanny ability to instantly memorize the words to an old song or create a new quirky jingle on the spot – all while delivering a well-executed joke.
Noble visitors of the Las Vegas Strip: the award-winning dinner show Tournament of Kings will return to Excalibur Hotel & Casino beginning Wednesday, July 14. Resuming performances six nights a week, the popular show will once again provide guests with a fanciful feast while they enjoy a tournament of valor at King Arthur's court. Performed in a circular 900-seat theater and featuring a cast of more than 30 actors and musicians, Tournament of Kings transports the audience to King Arthur's court to celebrate the return of his son, Christopher. As the story unfolds, the joyous Arthur gathers the rulers of Europe for a fantastic banquet and competition. The kings challenge their knightly skills while riding their faithful steeds; however, King Arthur's hospitality is met with hostility when the evil fire-wizard Mordred invades the festivities. The kings of Europe must unite if the fire-wizard is to be defeated.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is pleased to welcome standup comedian and film actor Dane Cook to The Chelsea on Saturday, Aug. 21. The announcement comes on the heels of Cook's immense success with five chart-topping comedy albums and appearances in several Hollywood blockbuster films. Known for his use of reflection, often outlandish and occasionally dark comedic flair, Cook expresses himself through his onstage persona for which he drew inspiration from his parents' personalities.
A celebration of comedy, music, danger, dance and so much more, America's Got Talent Las Vegas LIVE will make its debut on the Las Vegas Strip Thursday, Nov. 4 at Luxor Hotel and Casino. Starring extraordinary acts from the hit TV franchise "America's Got Talent" (AGT), the show will perform two times per night, five nights a week, at Luxor Theater. MGM Resorts International, Syco Entertainment and Fremantle, three entertainment powerhouses, have collaborated to produce this must-see, variety-style production for audiences of all ages. The 75-minute, fast-paced production will feature show-stopping moments ranging from thrill acts and magicians to vocalists and acrobats – all performed by many of the most revered alumni from the TV juggernaut. Showgoers will be treated to an over-the-top opening number, setting the tone for an immersive spectacle that never lets up.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas welcomes alternative hip-hop boyband BROCKHAMPTON to The Chelsea on Friday, April 8, 2022 as a stop on their “Here Right Now” tour, alongside Jean Dawson, Paris Texas, and HVN. Featuring a diverse team of vocalists, producers and other creatives, BROCKHAMPTON, the self-proclaimed “Best Boyband Since One Direction” quickly found success with their unique lyrics and sound.
The 2021 Miss Nevada Competition – the state's official preliminary to Miss America – is coming to The Orleans Showroom at The Orleans Hotel and Casino on Thursday, July 1 and Friday, July 2. Celebrating its 72nd anniversary, the Miss Nevada Scholarship Organization is one of the largest providers of scholarship funds to young women in the state, awarding over $1 million since its inception. The Miss Nevada Scholarship Organization's mission is to empower young women to dream big, achieve their goals and inspire change around them. Through their involvement, they build character; develop leadership skills, social awareness and confidence in their own potential. An important and impactful element for the participants is their community-based initiative. The social impact initiative is an issue of special interest to the candidate and one she advocates during her year of service. Often driven by a personal connection, this year's social impact initiatives range from mental health awareness to water and waste reduction to education.
Comedic duo Desus Nice & The Kid Mero, also known as The Bodega Boys, will bring their off-the-cuff funny, freestyle commentary to KÀ Theatre at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino Saturday, Sept. 4. The show is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. Desus Nice & The Kid Mero, also known as The Bodega Boys, have been dominating the late-night game and podcast world. Desus & Mero turned their Bronx-born friendship into a growing brand starting with their podcast, "The Bodega Boys," which helped amass an enthusiastic following for their smart and comedic off-the-cuff musings on topics including pop culture, politics, sports, music, and everything in between.
Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group (“Cirque du Soleil” or “the Company”) is pleased to confirm the long-awaited return of additional touring and resident shows. After announcing the reopening of two of its most iconic shows in Las Vegas “O” and Mystère, as well as the touring shows KOOZA in Punta Cana and LUZIA at the Royal Albert Hall, in London on April 21, 2021, Cirque du Soleil is thrilled to confirm the addition of five new shows to its on-sale listings.
· The Beatles LOVE, a Cirque du Soleil creation and co-production with Apple Corps Ltd., will reopen at The Mirage on Aug. 26, 2021 with tickets going on sale on June 24, 2021
· Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil, in collaboration with the Estate of Michael Jackson, will reopen its exclusive residency at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino on Aug. 19, 2021
· Alegría, Cirque du Soleil emblematic production, will be in Houston, Texas, under the Big Top at Sam Houston Race Park as of Nov. 18, 2021
· KOOZA, a Cirque du Soleil production acclaimed by more than eight million spectators and critics around the world will perform at the Old Port of Montreal as of April 28, 2022
Additionally, Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group’s affiliate show, will return to Chicago and New York in full color beginning Aug. 18 and Sept. 3, 2021, respectively, with the Las Vegas show opening June 24.
Excalibur Buffet will celebrate its grand reopening on Thursday, July 1 at 8 a.m. Open for weekday and weekend brunch, guests will have the option to choose cuisine from a wide selection of hot and cold stations. Delectable food selections include items such as made-to-order omelets, rotisserie chicken, iced shellfish, smoked brisket, sushi, beef birria and a dessert station with bread pudding, crepes, donuts, cakes, frozen custard and more.
Due to popular demand, Aces of Comedy comedian Gabriel Iglesias will add an additional performance at The Mirage Theatre Thursday, July 22. One of America's most successful stand-up comedians, Iglesias is adding this new date at The Mirage Hotel & Casino due to his two sold-out shows on July 23 and 24. The new show is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. Iglesias, one of the most-watched comedians on YouTube with over half a billion views, is performing to sold-out crowds around the world. He also has more than 24 million fans across his social media channels. In 2018, Iglesias was featured in The Hollywood Reporter's "Top 40 Comedy Players" issue alongside comedy giants Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock and Lorne Michaels.
Summer fun is heating up when actor, comedian, and Las Vegas resident Eddie Griffin returns to the stage with “The Eddie Griffin Experience.” Voted one of the 100 greatest stand-up comics of all time, Griffin has delighted crowds with his sharp humor and witty observations on a variety of topics and current affairs. He will be at the Theatre inside SAHARA Las Vegas; Monday through Wednesday at 8 p.m. starting Monday, July 26, 2021. A popular comedian turned actor who started his career on-stage as a dare, funnyman Eddie Griffin has built an ever-growing fan base since jumping onto the comedy scene in 1990.
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.
