January 2020
I don’t have a lot of great things to say about 2019…it was one of those years that I never got comfortable even writing 2019. It seemed like this was the year that everyone chose a side and dug in while standing on a foundation of mud…divisiveness, hate, lies, natural disasters, constant chaos, and violence. There have been more mass shootings than days in the year. As of December 25, the 359th day of the year, there have been 406 mass shootings in the U.S. We talked about gun violence…and then did nothing. Wildfires are burning away huge swaths of our globe…all attributed to climate change, and we talk about it, and then do nothing. We’ve been given permission to disrespect others and not care about anyone except ourselves. 2020 is an election year, and I dare say that that we’ve only scratched the surface of the hate we will witness in the coming year.
Personally, 2019 was a year of loss and change. I lost two things that very much defined who I am…or who I thought myself to be. Sounding very much like a Country song, at the beginning of the year, I lost my Dad, and in the middle of the year, I lost my truck (a truck that my Dad picked out for me.) Both of them led good long lives, and both went quietly…unable to go one moment longer. I’m really not trying to equate the two…I mean, I could have gotten another truck, but after 35 years, I am no longer a truck guy. I am now a Jeep guy. I still grieve that which cannot be replaced.
So what should the New Year bring? As we create our resolutions, we look at ourselves and try to figure out what we should (or shouldn’t) do to make our lives better. For the most part, we already know what our shortcomings are, and we already know how to fix them (i.e. weight and exercise.) Sadly, the average time before a resolution is broken…is seventeen days.
And yet…here we go again. What would I like to resolve to do? Well, after the year I’ve had, I think that I want to focus on those things that will add consistency and stability in my life. I want to build a bigger and stronger foundation…something that I can hopefully count on for years to come.
So what’s been happening in Vegas? Well, the biggest trend is for headliners to come in for a few days a month and call it a residency. The Park Theater has at least four “residencies” going. Even if the artist is only playing for a few days, it is suddenly a residency. It’s just another example of absurd marketing.
Vegas was built on creating fantasies and dreams, the adult playground…but it’s turning into a generic resort town…only doing things that have been financially rewarding elsewhere. No one is taking a risk or trying something new. Shame on the casino executives for making Vegas…common.
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 7th to the 10th). 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 22 -25 at the Hard Rock Hotel. You must be 18 to attend the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo.
The M Pavilion, at M Resort boasts 92,000-square-feet of dynamic entertainment space. Complete with 25,000-square-feet of expansive, pillar-less space and seamless ground level entry, M Pavilion holds up to 2,300 people, allowing for a wide range of large-scale concerts and sporting events.
Liverpool Legends, The Complete Beatles Experience
Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 8 p.m.
Members of Liverpool Legends have toured the world, playing in historic venues such as The Cavern Club in Liverpool and recorded at the famed Abbey Road Studios in London. They have performed with Denny Laine (co-founder of Wings with Paul McCartney), Pete Best (the original Beatles drummer) and the Boston Pops.
The Shirelles, Dedicated To The One I Love
Saturday, February 15 at 8 p.m.
Since their 1958 debut at New York's legendary Apollo Theater, The Shirelles have graced nearly every important stage in the world. Celebrating their "Dedicated To The One I Love" tour, the legendary girl group will perform their timeless, classic hits "Soldier Boy," "Dedicated to the One I Love," "Mama Said," "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?," and more.
JANUARY 2020 FEATURED ENTERTAINMENT at the Golden Nugget
52 Fridays Concert Series in the Golden Nugget Showroom
Jack Russell’s Great White – Jan. 3 at 8:00 p.m.
California native Jack Russell is a rock vocalist and songwriter, and a founding member of early-80s hard rock radio staples Great White. Great White hit it big in 1987 with their third LP, Once Bitten..., which featured the hit single "Rock Me," and again in 1989 with ...Twice Shy, which included their chart-topping cover of Ian Hunter's "Once Bitten Twice Shy."
Gary Puckett and The Union Gap – Jan. 10 at 8:00 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. Other big hits include "Woman Woman," "Lady Willpower," and "Over You." Ambrosia – Jan. 17 at 8:00 p.m.
Los Angeles quartet Ambrosia, whose founding members included guitarist/vocalist David Pack, bassist/vocalist Joe Puerta, keyboardist Christopher North, and drummer Burleigh Drummond, fused symphonic art rock with a slickly produced pop sound.
The Cowsills – Jan. 24 at 8:00 p.m.
The real-life inspiration behind the hit television series, The Partridge Family, The Cowsills were one of the biggest pop acts of the late 60s. They were distinguished by their angelic harmonies and sun-kissed melodies. The group's origins lie with brothers Bill and Bob, who as children began their singing careers covering Everly Brothers hits
The Grass Roots – Jan. 31 at 8:00 p.m.
The Grass Roots had a series of major hits – most notably “Let’s Live for Today,” “Midnight Confessions,” “Temptation Eyes,” and “Two Divided by Love” – that help define the essence of the era’s best radio. The Grass Roots managed to chart 14 Top 40 hits, including seven gold singles and one platinum single, and had two hit collections that effortlessly went gold.
The Fremont Street Experience debuts an entirely new collection of stunning visuals and 3D graphics created exclusively for its $32 million renovation of Viva Vision, the world’s largest single video screen. By fusing Watchfire Signs’ cutting-edge technology with Contend’s innovative graphics, the jaw-dropping content will exploit 49.3 million LEDs alongside a state-of-the-art, 600,000-watt, concert-quality sound system. A highlight of the innovative content is the multi-sensory signature show, “MIXology.” The groundbreaking show concept was inspired by “synesthesia,” a perceptual phenomenon where music, art and emotion collide to create an immersive, multi-sensory experience on a grand scale.
Golden Nugget Las Vegas is now accepting applications for qualified candidates for the 2020 pool season at The Tank, set to re-open January 30, 2020. The job fair will be hosted inside Bel Air I and II on the Convention Center Level in the Carson Tower on January 4, 2020. The property will be hiring for 20-30 positions, including bartender apprentice, pool server, pool runner, pool bar porter, lifeguard, lead lifeguard, and cabana host. Applicants are recommended to dress in business casual attire and bring copies of their resumés plus a positive attitude. Interested applicants may apply online in advance on the Golden Nugget Careers Page or in person.
The Venetian® Resort Las Vegas has launched a new art tour, providing guests the opportunity to uncover hidden secrets of the resort while exploring its unforgettable art and architecture. The Venetian Resort is steeped in history, from the days as the Sands Hotel and Casino to the Strip-defining Italian-inspired icon guests have come to love today. A tour guide shares the stories behind the resort’s replica Italian landmarks including the Rialto Bridge, Campanile Tower, and St. Mark’s Square; as well as provide fun facts, and interesting tidbits, such as why founder Mr. Sheldon G. Adelson chose to recreate Venice in Las Vegas. Tours are conducted daily at 11:00 a.m. and at 1:00 p.m. and run 90 minutes. Tours are $39.99 and guests also receive a souvenir gift bag.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is pleased to announce comedian Bill Burr’s 2020-2021 residency at The Chelsea. The actor, writer, and podcast host will begin his two-year run on Saturday, March 21 and Saturday, June 20 with additional dates to be announced. The residency announcement follows two sold-out shows at The Chelsea in 2019. Burr joins Adam Sandler as the only two comedians to secure a residency at the venue. Burr is one of the top comedic voices of his generation achieving success in TV and film as well as on stage
The top-selling female country artist of all-time, Shania Twain, debuted her new headlining residency show, Shania Twain "Let's Go!" The Las Vegas Residency, with three sold-out shows on Friday, Dec. 6, Saturday, Dec. 7 and Wednesday, Dec. 11 at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Spotted in the audience on opening night were several of Shania's celebrity fans, including AJ McLean, David Copperfield, Kim Petras, Jax Taylor, Brittany Cartwright, Lala Kent, Randall Emmett, Carrot Top and Raiders owner Mark Davis. Twain returns to Zappos Theater in March 2020. With Shania herself serving as creative director, Shania Twain "Let's Go!" The Las Vegas Residency is a concert celebration that keeps fans on their feet throughout the entire show, taking them on a spectacular journey through Shania's decades-long career.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is excited to welcome GRAMMY® Award-winning band The Black Keys back to The Chelsea on Sunday, Jan. 19. The rock duo will take The Chelsea stage for the third time, having most recently performed at the resort in November 2014 and February 2011. Formed in 2001 by two childhood friends in Akron, Ohio, Dan Auerbach (guitar/vocals) and Patrick Carney (drums), The Black Keys have released nine studio albums, two EPs and one live album. The duo found worldwide acclaim with their 2010 “Brothers” album, which was DOUBLE PLATINUM-certified in the U.S. and Canada. Their 2011 “El Camino” album went DOUBLE PLATINUM and multi-PLATINUM in seven countries.
The Aces of Comedy series adds Theo Von and Whitney Cummings to its already impressive 2020 lineup at The Mirage Hotel & Casino. Theo Von will return Friday, Jan. 31 – Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020 and Whitney Cummings is scheduled to make her debut Saturday, May 2, 2020.
Theo Von's podcast, "This Past Weekend," is one of the top comedy podcasts, garnering five million listens a month on audio alone. Theo has a Netflix special titled "No Offense" from 2015. Theo has appeared numerous times on Joe Rogan's podcast, "The Joe Rogan Experience," regularly on Joey Diaz's "The Church of What's Happening Now," and was voted guest of the year on "The Fighter and The Kid" by TFATK listeners in both 2017 and 2018.
Whitney Cummings is a Los Angeles-based comedian, actor, writer, producer and director. She is best known for creating and starring in the NBC series "Whitney" and co-creating and co-writing the Emmy-nominated CBS comedy series "2 Broke Girls" with Michael Patrick King. She will soon embark on her latest tour, "How Dare You" which kicks off March 13th in Royal Oak Michigan and will span 22 cities. In July, she debuted her fourth stand-up special, "Can I Touch It?," on Netflix. Filmed at the Sidney Harmon Hall in her hometown of Washington, D.C., the special touches her take on everything including her signature incisive commentary on gender dynamics and why we should give sex robots a chance.
Plan your escape to the new musical about the choices we make – and the people we become – once we've had a change in latitude. The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas is proud to welcome Jimmy Buffett's ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE to Reynolds Hall for a weeklong engagement Jan. 7-12, 2020. Welcome to Margaritaville, where people come to get away from it all – and stay to find something they never expected. Get ready for a hilarious and heartwarming musical with the most unforgettable songs from one of music's greatest storytellers.
Beloved showman Matt Goss recently celebrated 10 years as a Las Vegas Strip entertainer completed his sold-out UK tour and has extended his acclaimed engagement through April 2020 inside 1 OAK nightclub at The Mirage.
Schedule for Sunday night performances:
January 12; 19; 26
February 2; 9; 16; 23
March 1; 8; 15; 22; 29
April 5; 12; 19; 26
Earth, Wind & Fire are a music institution. A year-long celebration in 2020 will mark their 50th anniversary in entertainment, which is being emphasized with an intimate five-date run titled "Earth, Wind & Fire: Live in Las Vegas" inside The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort. The internationally renowned vocal group will perform May 6, 8-9 and 15-16, 2020, all show times are 8 p.m. During these five decades, Earth, Wind & Fire have scored eight number one hits and have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide. They've released 23 albums, eight of which went Double Platinum and hit the Top 10, making them one of the best-selling artists of all time.
Country music icons Reba McEntire, Kix Brooks, and Ronnie Dunn announce new dates for their hit residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The 2020 return of "REBA, BROOKS & DUNN: Together in Vegas" marks a fifth year for the longest-running country residency in Las Vegas. "REBA, BROOKS & DUNN: Together in Vegas" is a culmination of the friendship and musical admiration the trio has shared since first touring together in 1993 and features more than 30 action-packed hits backed by a band of 10 players from both of their touring crews.
The 24 performances going on sale are:
April 2020: 8, 10, 11, 15, 17, 18
June 2020: 10, 12, 13, 16, 19, 20
October 2020: 7, 9, 10, 14, 16, 17
December 2020: 2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12
Move and groove to the iconic reggae sounds of Sublime with Rome, presented by TCL, as they headline The Toyota Yard on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020.
Formed in Long Beach, California in 1988, Sublime discovered an irresistible blend of ska, reggae, punk, surf rock and hip hop that captured the imagination of fans around the world. Over the course of its three albums – 1992's double platinum 40 oz. to Freedom, 1994's gold Robbin' the Hood and 1996's six time-platinum self-titled major album debut – the band has now sold more than 17 million albums worldwide.
Four-time GRAMMY© Award winner Keith Urban will bring Keith Urban Live – Las Vegas to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for 12 unprecedented concerts to premiere in January 2020. After two sold-out performances at the award-winning and newly renovated venue in September 2019, Urban will now return with an all-new show, packed with hit songs, explosive showmanship and usual unpredictability.
Performances are scheduled for:
January 2020: 10, 11, 17, 18
April 2020: 24, 25
July 2020: 10, 11
August 2020: 7, 8
November 2020: 20, 21
Legendary and multi-Platinum rockers 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— are continuing on their never-ending "mission" to bring their music to their loyal fans in 2020 with new tour dates that will keep them on the road throughout the new year, including a return to the Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020 at 8 p.m.
David Lee Roth – front man and voice of Van Halen – is coming to Las Vegas. Toastmaster general of the immoral majority Diamond Dave is bringing the rock to the House of Blues Las Vegas with a residency beginning on Jan. 8, 10, and 11 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. David Lee Roth: ROCKS VEGAS will delight fans with an explosive two-guitar sound, bringing his long list of mega familiar hits to life that you've only heard on the radio till now. With a changing set of 26 instantly recognizable songs, including "Jump," "Panama," and "California Girls," it is the sound of a generational prison break.
At the Thomas & Mack, January 9th to 12th. Join Mickey Mouse and his friends at Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party, a brand-new adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics, and unexpected stunts! Help them follow Captain Hook’s treasure map and look for clues in the search for Tinker Bell in immersive, fantastic worlds. Explore the colorful spirit realm of Coco in Miguel’s Disney On Ice debut, sail away with Moana as she bravely saves her island, see Belle in the sky above you as the enchanted chandelier comes to life, and sing-along with Elsa in the icy world of Frozen. Make memories with your whole family during Aladdin, Toy Story, and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out magical celebration on the ice, in the air, and all around!
The Miss Nevada USA pageant comes to the South Point Showroom on January 4th & 5th where women from across Nevada will compete to move on to the Miss America 2020 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 85!
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.
