January 2015
I hope that everyone had a great holiday season…I know that I did. I was home, and I love being at home in Las Vegas. And it’s even better to be home after having tremendous success with all of the projects and events in Dallas…the parade, the shows…spectacular.
And, the New Year is upon us… Yes. It’s a time to make resolutions and to be (indeed) resolved to do…something else; something different, something more, or something less. Resolutions (for a lot of people) seem to be centered on getting rid of something in your life, and I have usually looked at it as wanting to add something to my life. I realized, however, that all resolutions are really about the same thing…working to be the best version of ourselves that we can be.
I want this year to be about building, making, and creating…Create art, draw something, build something, and write something. Surround yourself with fans, and in turn, become a fan of something or someone. Kiss someone that thinks you’re terrific, and kiss them often. Pursue a dream. Realize that exercise is good medicine. The New Year is a new beginning, and it is a chance to look forward to the best of ourselves.
OK now…I’ve got to ask. What the hell happened to all of the entertainment in Vegas while I was gone? Major shows are closing. No new big shows are opening, and most of the others are struggling severely.
Jubilee shut down for a while last year and underwent a major transformation. Well, they hired the wrong people to refresh this production and it has steadily declined. Long time manager, and Vegas icon, “Fluff” LeCoque passed away at the age of 92. One week later, it was announced that the show would close…really unfortunate timing. It is truly the end of an era. The longest running show in Vegas and the last real showgirl show will be gone in early February. This sucks.
And Zarkana will close at the end of April. The venerable Cirque du Soleil seemingly has in fact reached its saturation point. I guess eight shows is one too many. The short lived Elvis show never caught on, and it was replace by Zarkana…which never caught on. I do think that it is a bit humorous how the Aria chose to announce the closing…they sent out a huge press release singing their own praises about how great they are with regard to conventions and convention spaces, and with this, how they are going to expand their business. The last sentence of this self-aggrandizing press release stated, “The new convention space will take the place of the location currently occupied by Cirque du Soleil's production of Zarkana, which will close April 30, 2016.” …oh, by the way…
So…what is going on with Vegas entertainment? Let’s look at what went on this past year…After 60 years on the Strip, the Riviera closed…to make way for convention space. Several shows were displaced, but most found new homes. “Crazy Girls” is now holding its own at Planet Hollywood. Suzanne Somers came and went from the Westgate. A whole bunch of small shows opened, moved around, and closed. Jabbawockeez continues to move to smaller and smaller spaces…once in and 800-seat theater, then to a 500-seat space, and now in a 300-seat space. The only titles that seem to be holding their own from this past year are, “Sexxy,” “Aussie Hunks,” “Puppetry of the Penis,” and “X Country.” The fate of the Jubilee Theater has yet to be announced, and “Zarkana” is out, again, for convention space. David Saxe’s “Zombie Burlesque” in the V Theater continues to prove itself, as well as “Absinthe.” The “mini” residency now seems to be a real thing—a multiple show, short term contract…all of which seems to suggest a commitment problem for the future of Vegas entertainment. Nightclubs seem to be the new kings of the Strip…they’re making huge money.
The CES convention will be the big news for January...it comes in the first part of the month (the 6th to the 9th). 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. Held in Las Vegas every year, it has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for more than 40 years—the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace.
The AVN Adult Entertainment Expo is the chance for you to meet more than 500 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 20 -23 at the Hard Rock Hotel.
Do you want to build a snowman? Enter a fantastical winter wonderland beyond all imagination at Disney On Ice presents Frozen Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt. Be magically whisked away into the heartwarming, wintery world of Arendelle, and dazzled by amazing special effects and astonishing skating. Sing and dance along to inspiring songs, including “Let It Go.” Join royal sisters Elsa and Anna, the hilarious snowman Olaf, Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven and the mystical trolls as they journey to discover that true love is ultimately the most magical power of all! Produced by Feld Entertainment, Disney On Ice presents Frozen Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt is performing Wednesday, Jan. 6 to Monday, Jan. 11, 2016 at Thomas & Mack Center.
With the landing of a new superstar, Planet Hollywood is about to shine even brighter. International icon Jennifer Lopez will light up the AXIS Theater with her first ever headlining residency, Jennifer Lopez: All I Have, beginning Jan. 20, 2016. Fans can expect a mix of pop, R&B and fan favorites tinged with the singer's glamorous Latin flair. The live concert experience featuring Jennifer Lopez in Las Vegas will show off her fierce talents and megawatt star power. From explosive dance numbers to raw, personal moments, Lopez keeps fans on the edge of their seats in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Her combination of Hollywood glamour, rock star persona and Latin American heritage come to life on stage each night. The high-energy production features Lopez’s iconic hit performances, as well as a combination of ballads, Latin music, funk and more. A live band, dancers, extravagant costumes and state-of-the-art technology in sets, lighting and effects intertwine for an unforgettable night.
On Saturday, Jan. 23, “The World’s Ultimate Elvis” Justin Shandor will return to M Resort Spa Casino for a spectacular performance featuring Elvis Presley’s legendary hits from the silver screen. The highly anticipated performance will showcase Shandor and his talented 13-piece band as they pay homage to the songs that became hits from Presley’s movie career.
The award-winning musical ROCK OF AGES moves to a new home Jan. 25, 2016 at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino as it concludes its run at The Venetian® Las Vegas on Jan. 3. “ROCK OF AGES has rocked The Strip for three years in what’s been a terrific run,” said Scott Armstrong, VP and managing producer of BASE Entertainment which, along with S2BN Entertainment, producers of ROCK OF AGES in Las Vegas. “We’re thrilled for this new chapter and look forward to rocking even more guests by joining the Caesars Entertainment family at the Rio.”
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Circus XTREME blends iconic traditional circus elements with contemporary “edge-of-your-seat” spectacles that can only be seen at The Greatest Show On Earth®! Children Of All Ages can let their imagination go wild in an exhilarating adventure with extraordinary circus artists and exotic animals at Thomas & Mack Center from Thursday, June 16 through Sunday, June 19 for seven performances. Tickets for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Circus XTREME go on sale Sat., Nov. 21 at 10 a.m.
Daniel Tosh is back for more when he returns to the Terry Fator Theatre January 15 – 16, February 5 – 6, March 25 – 26 and April 8 – 9 as part of the 2016 Aces of Comedy series. Nominated for “Comedy Special of the Year” at the 2012 Comedy Awards, Tosh is one of the country’s most-requested headliners on the comedy circuit. His casual style and sharp material have garnered fans both young and old. Tosh currently stars in “TOSH.0,” a series he created for Comedy Central.
Legendary singer, songwriter and guitarist John Fogerty will bring back the golden age of rock during Peace, Love and Creedence, an eight-show residency at The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian Las Vegas, Jan. 8 – 23, 2016.
Comedian and actor Bo Burnham brings his hysterical live show to The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 8 p.m. Recognized for his satirical comedy that comments on social issues, celebrity culture and the nature of comedy itself, Burnham is the youngest person to ever record a half-hour Comedy Central show at the age of 18. He is best known for his two hour-long specials, “Words, Words, Words,” released in 2010 and “what.,” released in 2013.
Remember, too, Elvis' Birthday is on January 8th. He would be 81!
January is going to be a fun month…
January 1 – 3
Carly Rae Jepsen
Venetian: January 2, 2016
R5
Venetian: December 29, 2015 - January 1, 2016
Venetian: January 2, 2016
Lipshtick Comedy Series presents Whitney Cummings
The Buckinghams
Golden Nugget: January 1, 2016
Ralphie May
Treasure Island - TI: January 2, 2016
Morrissey
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: January 2, 2016
Mike Epps
Orleans Hotel and Casino: January 1, 2016 - January 2, 2016
2016 New Year's Spectacular
Orleans Hotel and Casino: January 2, 2016
Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: December 30, 2015 - January 2, 2016
Next Movement
Cannery Casino & Hotel: January 1, 2016 - January 2, 2016
Michael Buble
MGM Grand Hotel and Casino: January 1, 2016
UFC 195: Lawler vs Condit
MGM Grand Hotel and Casino: January 2, 2016
Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Las Vegas Motor Speedway Motorsports Complex: November 13, 2015 - January 3, 2016
The Ice Rink at Boulevard Pool
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: November 21, 2015 - January 3, 2016
Ethel M Chocolates Holiday Cactus Garden
Ethel M Chocolates & Cactus Garden: November 11, 2015 - January 1, 2016
Magical Forest at Opportunity Village
Opportunity Village: November 20, 2015 - January 3, 2016
Mystic Falls Park Tree Holiday Shows
Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall: November 25, 2015 - January 1, 2016
Andrew Dice Clay
Tropicana Las Vegas - A Doubletree by Hilton: January 1, 2016 - January 4, 2016
Restless Heart
Silverton Hotel and Casino Lodge: January 2, 2016
Noisia
House of Blues: January 1, 2016
St Jude and iHEART Radio present Holiday Hangover with Elvis Monroe
House of Blues: January 2, 2016
Pretty Lights
Brooklyn Bowl: December 31, 2015 - January 1, 2016
January 4 – 10
Survivor
Golden Nugget: January 8, 2016
Disney On Ice Presents Frozen!
Thomas & Mack Center: January 6, 2016 - January 11, 2016
The Smith Center: January 9, 2016 - January 10, 2016
Cabrera Conducts Rachmaninoff
John Fogerty: Peace, Love and Creedence
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino: January 8, 2016 - January 23, 2016
Celebration of a King's Life feat. Johnny Fortuno, The Stamps Quartet & friends of Elvis
Cannery Casino & Hotel: January 8, 2016 - January 9, 2016
One Night With The King
Orleans: January 9, 2016 - January 10, 2016
Susan Anton: Already Home
The Smith Center: January 8, 2016 - January 9, 2016
The Figher & The Kid Live with Brendan Schaub & Bryanb Callen
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: January 10, 2016
Willie Nelson & Family
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: January 8, 2016
Beck
Brooklyn Bowl: January 7, 2016
Shawn Wayans
South Point Hotel Casino & Spa: January 8, 2016 - January 10, 2016
USA BMX Silver Dollar Nationals
South Point Casino Hotel & Spa: January 8, 2016 - January 10, 2016
Dave Matthews Tribute Band
House of Blues: January 9, 2016
A Flock of Seagulls
Suncoast Hotel and Casino: January 9, 2016
Mecum Motorcycle Auction
South Point Hotel Casino & Spa: January 7, 2016 - January 9, 2016
Sonora Dinamita y Sonora Tropicana
Buffalo Bill's Resort and Casino: January 9, 2016
Wyclef Jean
Brooklyn Bowl: January 8, 2016
Steel Panther
House of Blues: January 8, 2016 - January 22, 2016
January 11 – 17
STYX
Palms Casino Resort: January 16, 2016
The Guess Who
Golden Nugget: January 15, 2016
Burton Cummings
Orleans: January 14, 2016 - January 17, 2016
Home Improvement & Outdoor Expo
Cashman Center: January 15, 2016 - January 17, 2016
WFG Continental Cup Of Curling
Orleans Hotel and Casino: January 14, 2016 - January 17, 2016
The Cat in the Hat
The Smith Center: January 13, 2016
Driving Miss Daisy
The Smith Center: January 15, 2016 - January 17, 2016
Bobby Caldwell
Sunset Station Hotel Casino: January 16, 2016
The Cowsills & Tommy Roe
Eastside Cannery Casino Hotel: January 16, 2016
Long Run - Tribute To The Eagles
Cannery Casino & Hotel: January 15, 2016 - January 16, 2016
UNLV Runnin' Rebels Basketball vs New Mexico
Thomas & Mack Center: January 12, 2016
UNLV Runnin' Rebels Basketball vs Air Force
Thomas & Mack Center: January 16, 2016
Daniel Tosh
The Mirage Hotel & Casino: January 15, 2016 - January 16, 2016
Marianas Trench - They Hey You Guys!! Tour
House of Blues: January 16, 2016
Lucie Arnaz: Latin Roots
The Smith Center: January 15, 2016 - January 16, 2016
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra featuring Pinchas Zukerman, Principal Guest Conductor & Violin Soloist
The Smith Center: January 17, 2016
Martin Lawrence Doin' Time Comedy Tour
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: January 16, 2016
Mary Wilson of The Supremes
Suncoast Hotel and Casino: January 16, 2016 - January 17, 2016
Frankie Avalon
South Point Casino Hotel & Spa: January 15, 2016 - January 17, 2016
Norm MacDonald
Orleans: January 15, 2016
Angie Laspina Sings Cole Porter
The Smith Center: January 17, 2016
ALICE - A Steampunk Concert Fantasy
Brooklyn Bowl: January 12, 2016
Tuff-N-Uff
Thomas & Mack Center: January 15, 2016
Erykah Badu
Brooklyn Bowl: January 15, 2016
In Its Entirety - The Beatles
Red Rock Casino Resort Spa: January 15, 2016
RVLTN Presents Jauz
Brooklyn Bowl: January 16, 2016
January 18 – 24
Jennifer Lopez ALL I HAVE
Planet Hollywood: January 20, 2016 - February 6, 2016
Shen Yun 2016
LAS VEGAS: January 21, 2016 - January 24, 2016
Gary Puckett & The Union Gap
Golden Nugget: January 22, 2016
Louie Anderson
South Point Hotel Casino & Spa: January 22, 2016 - January 23, 2016
Robert Cray Band
Orleans: January 23, 2016 - January 24, 2016
Bridal Spectacular Bridal Expo
Cashman Center: January 22, 2016 - January 23, 2016
Jamz Youth National Championship
Orleans Hotel and Casino: January 22, 2016 - January 24, 2016
Elvis Tribute Show Starring Justin Shandor Featuring Hits from the Movies
M Resort Spa & Casino: January 23, 2016
Comedy Rocks Series - Hal Sparks
Red Rock Casino Resort Spa: January 23, 2016
Stick Figure - Set In Stone Tour
Brooklyn Bowl: January 23, 2016
Bronson, Brody & Beatles – A Hard Day’s Night Of Legendary Music
The Smith Center: January 20, 2016
Viva Santana - Tribute to Santana
Cannery Casino & Hotel: January 22, 2016 - January 23, 2016
Christine Ebersole: Big Noise from Winnetka
The Smith Center: January 22, 2016 - January 23, 2016
Antique Arms Show
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino: January 22, 2016 - January 24, 2016
Vaitai
Brooklyn Bowl: January 18, 2016
Las Vegas Gun Show
Sport Center of Las Vegas: January 23, 2016 - January 24, 2016
The Bird Dogs: The Everly Brothers Experience
Suncoast Hotel and Casino: January 23, 2016 - January 24, 2016
Morris Day and The Time
Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall: January 23, 2016
Real MMA
Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall: January 22, 2016
Appetite 4 Destruction
House of Blues: January 23, 2016
January 25 – January 31
An Intimate Evening with SANTANA Greatest Hits Live
Mandalay Bay: January 27, 2016
Riverdance – The 20th Anniversary World Tour
LAS VEGAS: January 26, 2016 - January 31, 2016
Bo Burnham Make Happy Tour
Hard Rock Hotel: January 30, 2016
BJ Thomas
Boulder Station Hotel-Casino: January 30, 2016
National School Choice Week produced by School Choice Event Services
Cashman Center: January 26, 2016
Charles Kelley - The Driver Tour
House of Blues: January 28, 2016
UNLV Runnin' Rebels Basketball vs Boise State
Thomas & Mack Center: January 27, 2016
52 Fridays - The Orchestra
Golden Nugget: January 29, 2016
Led Zepagain - Tribute To Led Zeppelin
Cannery Casino & Hotel: January 29, 2016 - January 30, 2016
UNLV Runnin' Rebels Basketball vs San Diego State
Thomas & Mack Center: January 30, 2016
The Rippingtons feat. Russ Freeman
Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa: January 30, 2016
Legends: Keola Beamer & Henry Kapono with Moanalani Beamer
The Smith Center: January 29, 2016 - January 30, 2016
Madeon - Pixel Empire Tour
Brooklyn Bowl: January 25, 2016
The McCartney Years
South Point Hotel Casino & Spa: January 29, 2016 - January 31, 2016
The Motet
Brooklyn Bowl: January 29, 2016
Neil Diamond - The Tribute
Tommy Wind Theater: November 29, 2015 - January 31, 2016
Adrian Zmed Hosts Bowling & A Movie Night featuring Grease 2
Brooklyn Bowl: January 28, 2016
Iration
Brooklyn Bowl: January 31, 2016
The Forward Steady Tour Featuring The Jimmy Weeks Projectwith Siaosi and Kiwini Bryson Tiller - T R A P S O U L Tour
Brooklyn Bowl: January 30, 2016
Mondays Dark with Mark Shunock
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: January 25, 2016
The Composers Showcase of Las Vegas
The Smith Center: January 27, 2016
NPC Legends Classic IFBB Pro Bikini
Orleans Hotel and Casino: January 30, 2016
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.
