April 2022
I have reviewed that past two April newsletters to gain a perspective of how far we have come, and how little we knew. The April 2020 newsletter was just two weeks into the initial shutdown. Two years ago, we were two weeks into a shutdown, and we were all losing our minds. We were so confused by what was happening. We had a couple of hundred confirmed cases of covid-19 in our state. Grocery stores had bare shelves, there was no toilet paper to be found, we woke up early and stood in lines to get into stores, and we thought it would all be over in thirty days…six weeks tops. We bragged about our new exercise routines and about cleaning out our garages. We had no idea.
A year ago, the first round of vaccines were being meted out. We were in disbelief that we had lost an entire year to this pandemic…and that it was still going on. Mask mandates were in affect everywhere. We had no idea that we would be seeing tens of thousands of cases per day. People got pent up and did stupid things and gathered in masses, and then wondered why the pandemic was still spreading. “Don’t gather for Thanksgiving;” they did, and the virus spread. “Don’t gather for Christmas;” they did, and the virus spread. We were so often our own worst enemy and we created spike after needless spike.
Now, two years later and most of the mandates have lifted, and we are trying to say everything is normal again, even though we know it is not.
April is the best month of the year (as far as I’m concerned,)...all the other months just pale in comparison. April in Vegas makes you feel alive…it’s that sense of rebirth. In Las Vegas, April is a beautiful thing...its springtime, and the world is saying, “Get out, it’s time to renew the earth!”
We have a lot of sunshine, and the weather is perfect, everything is blooming. This same growth, however, that makes me feel alive is the same thing that make some people dread this time of year. I’m lucky. I don’t have allergies. For a lot of people, though, it is a tough month. The Las Vegas valley seems to find whatever it is that you might be allergic to and send it your way...so allergy sufferers...bring allergy medicine.
The other monthly celebrations include: Keep America Beautiful Month, National Welding Month, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
As for the daily celebrations:
The 1st of course is April Fool's Day, but it is also International Tatting Day.
The 3rd is Don't Go to Work Unless it's Fun Day.
The 4th is Hug a Newsman Day, as well as, Tell a Lie Day.
The 5th Go for Broke Day.
The 6th Plan Your Epitaph Day.
The 7th is National Beer Day, No Housework Day, and World Health Day.
The 8th is Draw a Picture of a Bird Day.
The 9th is Name Yourself Day and Winston Churchill Day.
The 10th is Golfer's Day!!
The 11th is Eight Track Tape Day (but we’re not sure why).
The 12th is Russian Cosmonaut Day.
The 14th is Ex Spouse Day, International Moment of Laughter Day, Look up at the Sky Day, and Reach as High as You Can Day.
The 15th is Titanic Remembrance Day.
The 17th is Blah, Blah, Blah Day and Pet Owners Independence Day.
The 18th is International Juggler's Day.
The 20th is my birthday,
The 21st is National High Five Day.
The 23rd is Lover's Day and Take a Chance Day
The 26th is Hug an Australian Day.
The 27th is Babe Ruth Day and Tell a Story Day.
The 28th is Kiss Your Mate Day and Take Your Daughter to Work Day.
And finally, the 30th is National Honesty Day (really it is.)
The Romans gave this month the Latin name Aprilis. The traditional etymology is from the verb aperire, meaning "to open", in allusion to its being the season when trees and flowers begin to "open" for spring.
The Lyrids meteor shower appears on April 16 – April 26 each year, with the peak generally occurring on April 22. Eta Aquariids meteor shower also appears in April. It is visible from about April 21 to about May 20 each year with peak activity on or around May 6.
April’s birthstone is the diamond.
The birth flower is typically listed as either the Daisy (Bellis perennis) or the Sweet Pea.
The zodiac signs for the month of April are Aries (until April 19) and Taurus (April 20 onwards).
While Christians are observing Easter; Pagans are celebrating Ostara. In ancient Egypt, the festival of Isis was held to celebrate the resurrection of Osiris. The Celebration of Dionysus always took place about this time in Greece; celebrating the return of the leaves on the grapevines. It seems that there is something innate that is built into the core of our being that senses this time of regeneration for the earth. There have always been celebrations in the spring honoring that spirit of rejuvenation. It is the end of winter. Spring is about re-birth, life after death, and a fresh start after a cold period in our lives. Spring brings us hope…and we are a world now looking for hope.
The Neon Museum was voted No. 1 in the 2022 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice travel award contest for Best Pop Culture Museum. The Neon Museum was nominated by a panel of travel experts and won the top spot by 10Best.com readers from a field of highly popular and notable museums from across the United States. It was the only museum in Nevada nominated.
BANDA MS and EDEN MUNOZ will perform in Las Vegas, Nevada at Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Sunday, September 18, 2022 as part of the Mexican Independence celebration.
Banda MS won an American Music Award in 2021 as Favorite Latin Group or Duo and is schedule to perform at Coachella 2022. Banda MS recently performed with Snoop Dogg at the Crypto.com Arena and Eden Muñoz was a surprise guest. Eden Muñoz has initiated his solo career and is one of the top singer/songwriters from Mexico. Eden Muñoz won Songwriter of the Year at the 2021 SESAC Latin Music Awards.
Grab the family and catch the spirit beginning this Easter as the World-Famous Gospel Brunch at House of Blues Las Vegas inside Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino rises up and returns for the first time since March of 2020. Friends and families can enjoy all-you-can-eat down-home Southern cooking while rejoicing with the triumphant return of Patti Pennington and the House of Blues Gospel Choir.
Easter brunch takes place on Sunday, April 17 with two seatings at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Kids receive a special gift when they arrive to their seat – complete with Easter eggs filled with prizes and sweet treats, while the adults can vie for raffle prizes including tickets to upcoming events and performances at the House of Blues Las Vegas. Additional Gospel Brunch dates include May 15, June 19 (Father's Day), July 3, Aug. 7, and Sept. 11. All seatings will be at 10 a.m.
The all-you-can-eat Gospel Brunch is a non-denominational, immersive celebration of gospel music to help wipe away your troubles and leave with inspiration. With a buffet menu that is ever-evolving, the Gospel Brunch menu includes southern specialties and morning feast favorites omelet and ham carving stations, red rose-roasted potatoes, biscuits & gravy, BBQ chicken, creamy mac & cheese, cider-braised Brussels sprouts, andouille sausage & chicken jambalaya, chicken & waffles, and an array of salads, seasonal fruits, desserts and breakfast pastries.
Following a successful North American debut with jam-packed performances at Harrah’s Las Vegas, AN EVENING WITH WHITNEY: THE WHITNEY HOUSTON HOLOGRAM CONCERT is now selling tickets for additional dates through 2022. Throughout the 75-minute production, showgoers are immersed in never-before-released live vocal tracks and digitally remastered arrangements from Whitney Houston’s musical catalogue.
Killer Queen, a tribute to Queen, will perform at M Resort Spa Casino inside the Pavilion on Saturday, June 25. The longest established worldwide Queen tribute, direct from the UK, Killer Queen will perform songs originally made famous by Freddie Mercury and Queen with lead singer Patrick Myers as Freddie.
Farrell Dillon is about to reach a performance milestone as the comedy magician prepares to celebrate his 100th show on April 3rd at The Magic Attic inside Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. To commemorate this landmark occasion, Dillon is giving away show tickets to 100 Nevada foster families. Dillon’s decision to distribute complimentary tickets to foster families came after the entertainer and his wife, Amanda, worked at a transitional home for young adults during the height of the COVID pandemic.
Tom Segura today announced the third leg of his "I'M COMING EVERYWHERE – WORLD TOUR." The comedian podcast host will perform at The Mirage Theatre as part of the Aces of Comedy Series July 29 – 30 and October 28 – 29. Actor/Comedian/Writer Tom Segura is one of the biggest names in the comedy business. He recently performed to sold-out audiences on his 100+ city TAKE IT DOWN TOUR. He is best known for his Netflix specials, Ball Hog (2020), Disgraceful (2018), Mostly Stories (2016), and Completely Normal (2014). Paste Magazine described him as, "...having a natural and capable storytelling ability, one that lifts his narratives out of average anecdote fare and plants them firmly in hilarious ground."
Rock on this summer with alternative punk band Sublime With Rome, scheduled to perform as part of the Concerts on the Beach Series at Mandalay Bay Beach at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Saturday, May 28, 2022 and Saturday, July 2, 2022. Sublime With Rome was formed in 2010 by lead-singer/guitarist Rome Ramirez, bassist Eric Wilson and drummer Carlos Verdugo. In 2019, the band went on tour to promote its successful third hit album, Blessings, with singles "Wicked Heart" and "Light On" making a splash in alternative radio. Blessings was helmed by Rob Cavallo, the producer behind Green Day, My Chemical Romance, Linkin Park, and more. In 2020, Sublime With Rome dominated the rock and alternative music charts and headlined shows in venues featuring a capacity of more than 5,000 as well as major festivals worldwide. The band's concerts are pure sing-along enjoyment from beginning to end with fan-favorite hits such as "Wrong Way," "Santeria," "Badfish," "What I Got," "Caress Me Down" and "40oz. to Freedom," among many others.
The Neon Museum is partnering with Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters to offer an exciting neon experience, in the air and on the ground. The new Neon Night Flight Spectacular takes guests on an unforgettable exploration through the history and splendor of the iconic sights that Las Vegas is known for - its neon lights. The journey begins with luxury transport from most Las Vegas hotels to Papillon’s VIP terminal. Guests will board an EcoStar helicopter for a memorable flight high above the sparkling lights of the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown. After the helicopter tour, guests see the neon lights up close while they learn more about the unique history of Las Vegas and its iconic art form on a 45-minute guided tour at The Neon Museum. The museum’s Neon Boneyard showcases more than 250 vintage Vegas signs with nearly two dozen reilluminated and the others dramatically lit from the ground on evening guided tours. The night concludes with a tour of the museum’s North Gallery and its immersive 360-degree audiovisual spectacular, Brilliant! Jackpot, an augmented reality experience that reilluminates unrestored signs and incorporates archival video and an iconic soundtrack to transport guests directly into Las Vegas’ history.
Clark County Parks and Recreation kicks off the spring with its annual Jazz in the Park Concert Series, which celebrates its 32nd year. This year the free series will feature Nestor Torres on May 7, Down To The Bone on May 14, Jarrod Lawson on May 21, Eric Darius on May 28, and Spyro Gyra on June 4. All dates will be supported with opening performances by the students of the Las Vegas Academy Jazz Program. Seating for those with picnic baskets, blankets, and low-back chairs will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater located at 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy. Performances will begin around 6:30 p.m. Seating space is limited to first come first served based on availability occupancy. Admission and parking are free. Tickets are required for entry and will be available online beginning March 25 at 10 a.m.
11x platinum-certified phenomenon Blanco Brown and DJ Brandi Cyrus have been added to the unparalleled artist lineup at Élia Beach Club located at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, and are set to get down with the crowd on Sunday, April 10. Fresh off his performance at the 2022 ACM Awards at Allegiant Stadium and singing the U.S. national anthem at the 2022 NHL All-Star Game at T-Mobile Arena, “TrapTrailer” artist Blanco Brown has risen up the ranks as a GRAMMY-nominated engineer who has worked with big name talent including Fergie, Childish Gambino, Kane Brown and Chris Brown. His viral hit “The Git Up” took the world by storm, claiming the top spot in charts across the global and claimed the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for 12 weeks. “The Git Up” was the top-selling digital Country song in the US for 13 weeks, resulting in Billboard naming Blanco Brown as their Top New Country Artist for 2019.
Blippi The Musical will bring an all-ages extravaganza of fun, dancing and singing to the stage at Orleans Arena on Sunday, April 24. Blippi The Musical offers an engaging, world-class production, featuring the energetic and loveable character Blippi and his beloved music. During the live show, families will enjoy Blippi's innovative teaching lessons, and learn about the world around them, while singing and dancing along to his celebrated music like "The Excavator Song" and more. In just a few years since his inception, Blippi has become a global sensation with more than 34 million YouTube subscribers and one billion views per month. Blippi The Musical has also released a live cast recording of the show, featuring 13 family-friendly songs. Blippi is a character created by Stevin John. For Blippi The Musical, the character will be played by professional stage performers selected by Stevin John.
America's loudest lounge singer has announced a performance in Las Vegas in 2022. Richard Cheese & Lounge Against The Machine will perform at Club Madrid inside Sunset Station Friday, June 10, 2022 at 9 p.m., as part of a summer-long lineup of entertainment and special events honoring Sunset Station's 25th anniversary. America's loudest lounge singer Richard Cheese performs swingin' Vegas versions of rock and rap songs, "swankifying" popular Top40 hits into retro vocal standards. Imagine Sinatra singing Radiohead, and you've got Richard Cheese & Lounge Against The Machine. Since 2000, Cheese has released more than 30 albums and sold more than 300,000 CDs/LPs; his music is available on all online streaming platforms, in stores, and at richardcheese.com.
Join Clark County Parks & Recreation Saturday, April 30 at Desert Breeze Park for Tacos & Tamales, a unique culinary food, and libation experience! Clark County invites the entire Las Vegas community for a truly unique foodie-friendly event! Tantalize your taste buds and spark your imagination with taco and tamale creations ranging from the traditional to the insane, including vegan-friendly options - all from local vendors. Take your experience to the next level with margarita, tequila, and craft beer tastings featuring brands from all over the world (requires a separate ticket available at https://bit.ly/3CCirCY). There will also be entertainment for the whole family, featuring Lucha Libre Wrestling, local and international musical performances, art area, live painting, and carnival games and activities for the kids.
Bally's Las Vegas visitors will get to experience some of the world's most astounding phenomena in the new National Geographic Society exhibition, "Rarely Seen," presented by Imagine Exhibitions. In this exhibition of visual wonders, National Geographic reveals a world very few have the chance to see for themselves. National Geographic's Rarely Seen, an immersive photography exhibition of the world's most rare sightings opened on Friday, March 25, 2022. Rarely Seen will be located inside Bally's Las Vegas on the lower level. It will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and advance reservations are encouraged.
Country Music Star Gary Allan will again make his return to M Resort Spa Casino for a special poolside performance on Saturday, July 9 at the M Pool. With the allure of a modern day outlaw, Gary Allan has won over fans, peers and critics with his signature blend of smoldering vocals, rebellious lyrics and raucous live performances. While becoming a force on the country music scene, Allan has remained true to his artistic voice each step of the way.
For nearly two decades, Nitro Circus has been defined by the good, the bad, and the rad. This wild crew of action sports heroes, led by NBC “America’s Got Talent: Extreme” competitors Ryan “R Willy” Williams and the Contraption Kings plus Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham, has stunned crowds across the globe with an incandescent mix of world’s first tricks, bone-crushing fails and comedic moments. Now these thrill-loving hellraisers are back with a rip-roaring new live show: Good, Bad & Rad presented by A SHOC. Produced by Nitro Circus, the tour will take over outdoor stadiums across North America including a show at Las Vegas Ballpark® on July 4. Nitro Circus: Good, Bad & Rad presented by A SHOC is built from the core, driven by unbelievable content and crazy new contraptions that fuel the sketchy, scary and risky dangers of big-air action sports entertainment. This all-new show features Nitro Circus stars like the Contraption Kings - three-time X Games gold medalist Williams, all-around stunt master Dusty Wygle, decorated BMX athlete Kurtis Downs (also a TBS “Go-Big Show” finalist), BMX pro Todd Meyn and cool under pressure rider Josh Roberts - along with fellow “America’s Got Talent: Extreme” competitor Fotheringham, whose refusal to let his wheelchair limit him has inspired fans from Nitro Circus shows to the Paralympic Games. The February 21 premiere of “America’s Got Talent” topped the ratings, demonstrating strong fan demand for Nitro Circus’ brand of huge tricks and jaw-dropping feats.
Country music singer and songwriter Riley Green will perform as part of the Concerts on the Beach Series at Mandalay Bay Beach at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Sunday, May 29, 2022. Born in Jacksonville, Alabama, Riley Green was raised on the sounds of traditional Country, Bluegrass, and Southern Gospel music. He learned the spirit of songwriting and performing at a young age while spending time with his grandfather, Bufford Green, who ran the Golden Saw Music Hall. Green shared the stage with his grandfather as well as other men of his generation, laying a foundation for the songs he'd craft in the years to come.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas welcomes GRAMMY®-nominated country singer Sam Hunt to The Chelsea stage for a two-night engagement on Friday, Sept. 23 and Saturday, Sept. 24. The multi-platinum-selling hitmaker has accumulated more than 11 billion global streams and earned 39 million RIAA certified units. Since launching his music career in 2018, Sam Hunt hit the ground running, topping the Billboard Country Albums chart and receiving a GRAMMY-nomination for his debut studio album, Montevallo. Named one the Best Albums of the Year by The New York Times and US Weekly, the Platinum-selling album features hit singles “House Party” and “Take Your Time.” Following his immense success, Hunt released his second album Southside which includes his biggest single to date, “Body Like a Back Road” and went on to receive accolades from Associated Press, Billboard, Esquire, Entertainment Weekly and more.
Multi-platinum rockers Collective Soul and SWITCHFOOT are returning to Las Vegas for a special performance at Sunset Station Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, as part of a summer-long lineup of entertainment and special events honoring Sunset Station's 25th anniversary. Thanks to the warm reception of their acclaimed 2019 album release Blood, Collective Soul are quite galvanized to add as much fresh material into their live sets as they can. Collective Soul absolutely have a right to be proud of their new music, given that a number of key Blood tracks all fit seamlessly into their always dynamic live sets. Indeed, the hard-charging positivity of "Right as Rain," the deeply introspective "Observation of Thoughts," the full-throttle insistence of "Over Me," and the acoustified good vibes of "Porch Swing" all stand tall live alongside such indelibly durable hits like "Shine," "December," "The World I Know," "Gel," "AYTA," and "Heavy." Such effortless setlist integration really shouldn't come as much of a surprise, considering how smoothly Collective Soul leapt into the national consciousness with the unbridled achievements of their multi-platinum 1993 debut Hints Allegations and Things Left Unsaid, a career-making debut album that contains such mega-smash hits like the aforementioned "Shine" and "Breathe." In one fell swoop, Hints Allegations cemented Collective Soul's status as the jukebox heroes of a new generation.
Rick Harrison of HISTORY'S hit reality show "Pawn Stars" will lead his 8th Annual “Pawn Stars Poker Run” this year benefitting The Hundley Foundation on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, May 28. The proceeds from the run benefit families and individuals struggling with all the complications epilepsy brings into someone’s life and family. NFL QB Brett Hundley, co-founder of The Hundley Foundation, will also be in attendance to cheer on participants. Harrison will lead motorcycle riders through Las Vegas starting at the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. Other stops will include the 106-year old historic Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, NV as well as others. The final stop brings the riders back into downtown Las Vegas to Pawn Plaza for the official after party featuring a raffle, live band, and catering by Rick’s Rollin Smoke BBQ & Tavern. Participants will have their chance to win $2,000 for best hand and $1,000 for the worst hand, among many other prizes.
'Baby Shark Live!: 2022 Splash Tour' Comes to Orleans Arena June 12. Pinkfong and Round Room Live present "Baby Shark Live!: 2022 Splash Tour," a live concert experience that will have families splashing along with Baby Shark and Pinkfong at Orleans Arena on Sunday, June 12 at 2 p.m. This one-of-a-kind, immersive concert experience will have fans of all ages dancing in the aisles as they join Baby Shark and friends for exciting adventures into the jungle and under the sea to explore shapes, colors, numbers and more. The show will feature new and classic songs, including "Five Little Monkeys," "Wheels on the Bus," "Jungle Boogie," "Monkey Banana" and the famous, RIAA Diamond certified children's single "Baby Shark."
At the South Point
Tony Orlando
April 1—3 at 7:30 p.m.
An Evening with Priscilla Presley
April 8—10 at 7:30 p.m.
Stayin’ Alive
April 15—17 at 7:30 p.m.
John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party: A Tribute to Big Bopper, Buddy Holly & Ritchie Valens
April 22-24 at 7:30 p.m.
Carlos Mencia
April 29—May 1 at 7:30 p.m.
MGM Resorts International Entertainment Listings
T-Mobile Arena
Friday, April 1: Billie Eilish
Saturday, April 23: Ricardo Arjona
Saturday, May 7: Canelo vs. Bivol
Friday, May 13: Eric Church
Sunday, May 29: AEW: Double or Nothing
Tuesday, June 28: Justin Bieber
Saturday, July 2: UFC 276
Vegas Golden Knights 2021-2022 Regular Season Schedule
Wednesday, April 6: VGK vs. Vancouver Canucks
Saturday, April 9: VGK vs. Arizona Coyotes
Monday, April 18: VGK vs. New Jersey Devils
Wednesday, April 20: VGK vs. Washington Capitals
Sunday, April 24: VGK vs. San Jose Sharks
MGM Grand Garden Arena at MGM Grand
Sunday, April 3: The 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards®
Saturday, April 30: Oscar Valdez vs. Shakur Stevenson
Sunday, May 15: 2022 Billboard Music Awards
Friday, May 20: Pearl Jam
Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay
Saturday, April 9: Megadeth & Lamb Of God
Thursday, April 21: Latin American Music Awards
Saturday, April 23: J Balvin
Saturday, May 14: Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube
Wednesday, May 25: AEW Dynamite
Friday, May 27: AEW Rampage
Las Vegas Aces 2022 Regular Season Schedule
Sunday, May 8:LVA vs. Seattle Storm
Tuesday, May 17:LVA vs. Phoenix Mercury
Thursday, May 19:LVA vs. Minnesota Lynx
Saturday, May 21:LVA vs. Phoenix Mercury
Monday, May 23:LVA vs. Los Angeles Sparks
Tuesday, May 31: LVA vs. Connecticut Sun
House of Blues at Mandalay Bay
Friday, April 1: The Script
Saturday, April 2: Jesse and Joy
Saturday, April 9: EPIK HIGH Is Here
Wednesday, April 13: Static-X
Wednesday, April 13: Testament, Exodus and Death Angel
Thursday, April 14: Beth Hart
Tuesday, April 19: Alec Benjamin
Wednesday, April 20: Dragonforce
Wednesday, April 27: Yola
Wednesday, May 4: Biffy Clyro
Sunday, May 8: The Cult
Thursday, May 12: The Psychedelic Furs
Saturday, May 14: Kountry Wayne
Dolby Live at Park MGM
Nov. 4 – 5, 2022: The Who
Silk Sonic: April 2; May 4; 6 – 7; 10; 13 – 14; 17; 20 – 21; 25; 28 – 29
LADY GAGA JAZZ & PIANO: April 14; 16 – 17; 21; 23 – 24; 28; 30; May 1
Jonas Brothers: Live in Las Vegas: June 3 – 4; 9 – 11
Usher: July 15 – 16; 20; 22 – 23; 27; 29 – 30; August 26 – 27; 31; September 3 – 4; 9 – 10; October 14 – 15; 19; 21 – 22; 26; 28 – 29
Aces of Comedy Series
Saturday, April 2: Amy Schumer & Friends
April 15 – 16: Gabriel Iglesias
April 22 – 23: Ray Romano & David Spade
April 29 – 30: Daniel Tosh
Friday, May 6: Jess Hilarous
Saturday, May 7: Wayne Brady
Saturday, May 14: Tim Dillon
May 20 – 21: Bill Maher
May 27 – 29: Gabriel Iglesias
New York-New York Theater
Mad Apple by Cirque du Soleil
Dates& Times: Friday – Tuesday | 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Additional Show Dates: May 12; 14; 19 – 20; 24 – 25
Note: Double preview performances scheduled Saturday, May 21 at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. and Grand Opening will debut Thursday, May 26.
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.
