Date: April 11, 2021
BILLY IDOL WILL RETURN TO THE COSMOPOLITAN
With the anticipation of a return to live entertainment at The Cosmopolitan, Billy Idol, the pioneer of punk, will headline a limited residency at The Chelsea Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 16-17, and Friday-Saturday, Oct. 22-23 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $39 with reserved seating starting at $69.
Idol was an early architect of the sound, style, and fury of punk rock. His lip-curling sneer and fist-pumping persona vaulted him into the mainstream as one of MTV’s first megastars, making him one of the most recognizable faces in pop music. He has sold 40 million albums while scoring numerous platinum albums worldwide, nine top forty singles in the U.S. and 10 in the U.K. including “Dancing With Myself, “White Wedding,” and “Rebel Yell.”
VAN GOGH EXPERIENCE IS OPEN AT AREA15
Global sensation, Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, is now open to the public at the entertainment complex AREA15.Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at AREA15’s website.
The Van Gogh debut in Las Vegas after international stops in Asia, the Middle East and Europe marks the first time a digitally immersive and virtual reality experience of this magnitude and complexity featuring the art of Vincent Van Gogh is being seen in the United States. Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is running through July 5 exclusively inside The Portal, AREA15’s 360-degree, projection-mapped room.
The unforgettable exhibit is a timed 35-minute atmospheric light and sound show showcasing dazzling animations of more than 300 of Van Gogh’s works set to a custom score and punctuated by voice actors sharing poignant quotes from Van Gogh’s letters to his brother, Theo. It’s mindboggling that this passionate artist didn’t achieve fame until after his death.
General admission tickets include lounge seating where guests are enveloped in sensational artistry. The worthwhile VIP tickets include general admission plus VR goggles to separately experience the amazing “A Day in the Life of the Artist in Arles, France,” a virtual stroll alongside Van Gogh himself exploring the countryside settings that inspired his artwork.
Hours for this experience are Sundays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday-Thursday, 3 to 10 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., closed Fridays. Adult tickets start at $35 with 20 percent off for military and seniors; children’s tickets are $19. Nevada residents receive additional discounts. VIP tickets, which include the VR experience, can be added to the general admission ticket for $10 more. Family-friendly ticket bundles are available at $80 for two adults and two children.
THE COMEDY CELLAR RETURNS TO THE RIO
The world-famous Comedy Celler will return to the Rio on Saturday, April 17 and 18 with 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. performances by Rick D’Elia, Brian McKim, Kathleen Dunbar and Mark Cohen.
Known for its distinctive “showcase format,” featuring television-headliner comedians performing their best 15- to 20-minute sets, the renowned comedy club brings the vibe from the legendary underground Greenwich Village club including the brick wall, stained glass and low-ceiling design.
The lineup for April 22-25 will feature Orlando Leyba, Traci Skene, Dennis Blair and Mark Cohen, and April 29-May 2 Dennis Blair, Rick D’Elia, Kathleen Dunbar and Mark Cohen. Comedy Celler performances will be held Thursday-Sunday at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $32 or $42 and for now with COVID-19 protocols are sold in groups of two or four.
MAT FRANCO RETURNS TO THE LINQ THIS MONTH
Magician Mat Franco has announced his award-winning show, “Mat Franco – Magic Reinvented Nightly,” is reopening at The LINQ Hotel on Thursday, April 29. When his show resumes it will be a revamped version of the production, featuring new, never-before-seen magic from the “America’s Got Talent” winner. Franco’s performances will be Thursday through Monday at 7 p.m., with an additional 9:30 p.m. show on Saturday.
STICKS TAVERN OPENS IN HENDERSON’S WATER STREET DISTRICT
Sticks Tavern, Sound Food Group’s second concept, which opened at 203 S. Water Street is the newest addition to Henderson’s Water Street District and across the street from the new Lifeguard Arena, home of the Henderson Silver Knights. The family-operated sports bar will be the new permanent home for the popular Las Vegas ghost kitchen, To Be Frank, serving its specialty dogs and sides available for takeout and delivery, set to open in the coming weeks. A grand opening celebration is planned for the first weekend in May.
The Sticks Tavern menu is created around rotisserie chicken, available in whole, half, or quartered and can be paired with a seasonal selection of rotisserie fat-roasted vegetables and sauces made in-house. The menu also features pub fare classics and other bar snacks.
The bar program led by award-winning mixologist Tom Alley will include a selection of draught, craft, and bottled beers, along with cocktails named for the biggest hockey fans, including WTP (What the Puck?). Alley is known for flair bartending and has been spotted flipping bottles and curating cocktails on the Travel Channel and Food Network to name a few.
The neighborhood sports bar features 15 bar-top gaming machines and has two spacious outdoor patio spaces, including one overlooking Water Street. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m. to close.
‘IGNITE’ WILL PREMIERE AT SANDY VALLEY RANCH
“IGNITE” is a unique outdoor experience being presented by Sandy Valley Ranch, Fireball Whisky and 99 Brand to be held on May 7 and 8 at Sandy Valley Ranch located about a 45-minute drive outside of Las Vegas.
Starting at 5 p.m., IGNITE will invite guests to chill, drink, eat and reconnect while enjoying a social sunset and lounge vibes by Paulo de Souza. There will be food and drinks from favorite Las Vegas food trucks. After a warm welcome, IGNITE will have two dozen circus artists, many of whom hail from the Cirque du Soleil stages entertain under the stars of the mysterious Mojave Desert.
The IGNITE performance will start at7:30 p.m. at the Sandy Valley Ranch horse arena and take guests on an empathetic journey. Afterwards artists and guests are invited to a glowing after party with upbeat sounds again by Paulo de Souza.
Tickets start at $65 for general admission and packages including an overnight stay for two start at $600. Guests get an exclusive opportunity to experience IGNITE in the ultimate way by booking limited lodging packages, staying overnight in a handcrafted Tiny House or Tipi rated as number one on the Airbnb Nevada wish list and featured on HGTV and Apple Travel+ Leisure. Visit ignitenv.com for information and tickets.
TWO UFC GYM® LOCATIONS OPENED IN LAS VEGAS
UFC GYM®, the first major brand extension of UFC®, opened two new locations in Las Vegas last month at 5651 Centennial Center Blvd. and 9775 South Maryland Pkwy. The two locations represent the second and third UFC FIT concept gyms to open in the United States, following the grand opening of the first location in Puyallup, Wash., in January. Both UFC FIT locations are open 24 hours Monday-Friday and from 6 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The 50,000-square-foot Centennial and 45,000-square-foot Silverado, each multi-million-dollar facilities, offer group fitness studios, a weight room, robust cardio equipment, swimming pool, sauna room, full-service locker room, pre- and post-workout Recovery services area, indoor basketball court, and much more.
Members have access to a one-stop shop for all fitness needs including studio-quality group fitness classes such as Les Mills BodyPump™, HIIT, Water Aerobics, Zumba and MMA-inspired group fitness classes such as Boxing and Kickboxing Conditioning. Youth programming for kids ages six through 15, as well as a childcare service, are offered.
ETHEL M® ANNOUNCES TWO NEW TASTING EXPERIENCES
Ethel M® Chocolates is offering two brand new tasting experiences at the Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Cactus Garden at 2 Cactus Garden Drive in Henderson. Reservations can be made at the company’s website.
The Chocolate & Mimosa Tasting for ages 21+ is each Friday, Saturday and Sunday through April with two tastings per day at noon and 3 p.m. The hour-long tasting will feature four signature Ethel M Chocolates pieces paired with fruity mimosas for $35.
The Guided Garden Tour & Two-Piece Chocolate Tasting in the Garden will have attendees strolling through the three-acre Cactus Garden in bloom led by the Garden Curator, which will be followed by a two-piece chocolate tasting led by a leading chocolatier. The 75-minute experience will finish with each attendee receiving an Aloe Vera clipping from the Cactus Garden to plant in a pot and take home. This tour is at 10 a.m. on Saturdays April 17 and 24 and costs $30.
RED ROCK CELEBRATES 15th ANNIVERSARY
Red Rock Resort is hosting a birthday bash this month to celebrate the property’s 15th anniversary. In honor of this milestone, an April-long celebration includes dining specials, complimentary offers for loyal customers, and a chance to win a share of $15,000 at a birthday bingo bash on April 15.
The celebratory month-long specials include three-course prix fixe anniversary menus throughout the property. These specialty menus include a limited-edition 15th anniversary cake courtesy of The Bake Shop and are available until Friday, April 30.
Additional beverage specials on property include one complimentary specialty cocktail with the purchase of an entrée at Sandbar Grille as well as buy one, get one free specialty cocktails at Lobby Bar, Onyx Bar and Lucky Bar.
A NEW ‘VEGAS-WAY’ TO PROPOSE
How about proposing under the Fremont Canopy? It’s part of a special tour package where you are picked up from your hotel in a in a luxury vehicle. With your personal professional photographer as an escort, you make stops on the Strip for him to capture your Vegas experience. Then you head downtown for a walking and photo tour through the East Fremont Area starting at Container Park and making a journey to the Fremont canopy.
At the end of your photo tour, with timing in sync, there will be a light show overhead on the giant video screen. You will stop to watch it... and surprise... your proposal will show up on the overhead canopy. The photographer will capture the moment. Cost is $1,599 with LV Wedding Connection.
USHER WAS SWINGING AT FIVE IRON GOLF
Grammy-winning recording artist Usher was spotted celebrating the biggest day in golf last Sunday at Five Iron Golf, a new urban indoor golf experience inside AREA15.The singer, whose Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace will begin this July, took swings on Five Iron’s industry-leading golf simulators with friends and was later joined by #MakeGolfCool public figure, Roger Steele and PGA Tour golfer, Willie Mack III.
‘THE BACKYARD’ AT GOLD SPIKE REOPENS AND MORE NEWS
Gold Spike, an adult playground and nightlife venue downtown, has a fresh Thursday night lineup and the return of The Backyard. Formerly a hotel and casino, the historic Gold Spike has been re-imagined as a premier adult playground.
Last week, The Backyard reopened welcoming parties up to six for table service. Guests can enjoy entertainment from Las Vegas DJs like DJ TeenWolf, Presto One and Mike Fusion while popular games like over-sized Giant Jenga, Twister and Beer Pong are available.
Also returning and continuing every second and fourth Thursday of the month, the “girls” are back as Drag Queen Bingo debuts at Gold Spike with hosts Angel Phoenix, Asia King Adour and London Adour calling the balls bringing their signature brand of sass, crass and high-class entertainment to The Living Room. Everyone’s a winner with giveaways, extra prizes and drink specials. Groups of up to four can play for $20 per table, up to six for $30 per table, or purchase a bottle of Smirnoff for $150.
Starting Thursday, May 6 at 10 p.m. and continuing every first Thursday, Gold Spike’s Backyard gets a blast from the past in the form of Down & Derby’s roller disco party. Each night of Down & Derby encourages skaters to show up decked out in that month’s theme. Rock-n-rollers will have the opportunity to show off their moves and participate in contests like Best Bikini, Shortest Shorts and the “Get Low” Limbo Challenge for the chance to win cash and prizes.
On Thursday, May 20 local artist collective and frequent Downtown Las Vegas collaborators the ISI Group will return to host Third Thursday. The monthly showcase includes live art competitions, dance performances, drink specials and more.
XAVIER MORTIMER SURPASSES 10 MILLION SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS
International award-winning Xavier Mortimer has plenty to celebrate becoming one of the most-followed magicians online in the world. With his headlining show “A Magical Dream” at Bally’s going on hiatus due to the pandemic, Mortimer took to social media with his illusions. As a result, in addition to having the most-viewed video on Facebook in 2020 with 669 million views, he also had the most-viewed video in June 2020 with 354 million views.
As one of the most-viewed illusionists online, Mortimer’s videos have had more than four billion views (3.6 billion on Facebook, 250 million on YouTube, 200 million on TikTok and nearly 100 million on Instagram), securing his position as a major social media influencer. This is an incredible achievement considering prior to the pandemic Mortimer only had 40,000 followers.
Among the celebrities who discovered Mortimer is multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter/recording artist Jason Derulo. In 2020, Derulo discovered the illusionist’s videos and reached out to collaborate on some new videos, which took TikTok and Instagram by storm, garnering nearly 75 million views. Derulo and Mortimer recently created additional TikTok videos earlier this year.
DINING • BEVERAGE UPDATES
Buddy V’s Ristorante inside Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian is now offering Mi Famiglia Locale on Tuesday evenings with an exclusive three-course prix fixe dinner for $30.95 from 5 p.m.- close, dine-in only. For families looking to dine at home, guests can enjoy Mi Famiglia To Go for $75 serving two-four people or $125 for four-six people Monday–Thursday 5-8 p.m. with easy curbside pick-up at the former Barneys New York valet area.
Gilley’s Saloon, Dance Hall & Bar-B-Que at Treasure Island is debuting new weekend breakfast items on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon. The three dishes are Breakfast Burrito $16, Loco Moco with hamburger patty, steamed rice and an egg $18, and Steak & Eggs $29, which features a 12 oz. New York steak with two eggs any style.
The3,000-square-foot Lucky Day tequila and mezcal bar located at 516 Fremont St., has introduced new daily hours: Monday-Friday 7 p.m.–1 a.m., and Saturday-Sunday noon–1 a.m., with limited walk-up service available.
Family-owned Landini’s Pizzeria located at 9440 W. Russell Road has introduced two new signature pizzas to welcome spring. Landini’s new pies include brie cheese with sliced red grapes and arugula, and fresh fig with mozzarella, pancetta, fig reduction and fresh basil. An 18-inch pie is $19.50. House-made sangria is also available for $7, made with red wine, apples, oranges and tonic water.
SIDEBARS
Drenched After Dark will launch at The Pool Marquee at The Cosmopolitan on April18. The weekly Sunday night pool gathering will kick off with DJ Vice manning the decks. Opening at 10 p.m., the swim soiree under the stars is complete with bottle service and late-night bites. Table reservations are required, swimming encouraged.
Want to acknowledge Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada will celebrate its 80th year of serving the Las Vegas Valley through several various social services since originally opening its doors on April 16, 1941. Catholic Charities also operates the largest Meals on Wheels program and Emergency Shelter Services in Southern Nevada. In honor of the milestone, Catholic Charities will host a special community meal at its dining pavilion to commemorate the occasion on April 16.
