Date: April 25, 2021
RESORTS WORLD DEBUTS STAR-STUDDED COMMERCIAL
Resorts World, the Strip’s new 3,500-room luxury destination opening June 24, unveiled an extravagant introduction to the $4.3 billion property with “Stay Fabulous,” an immersive, first-of-its-kind short film featuring Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, Tiësto and Zedd. The commercial offers a sneak peek of the superstar entertainment on the horizon.
The camera follows a visiting couple as they explore the resort and meet some of its notable citizens, each presiding over their own fabulous domain. As the couple’s magical journey concludes, they lift their gaze to see a message written in the sky – “Stay Fabulous.” The commercial ran during the “Academy Awards” last Sunday.
BOBBY’S BURGERS BY BOBBY FLAY OPENS AT CAESARS PALACE
This week, Chef Bobby Flay opened Bobby’s Burgers, his twist on a fast-casual, American eatery, inside the Forum Food Hall at Caesars Palace. Inspired by his extensive travels around the country and love of the grill, the restaurant brings a different Flay flair to traditional burgers, fries and shakes.
Flay’s experience with hit television shows and many restaurants have helped him discover his love for American food culture. When he is done working in his fine dining restaurant kitchens, he craves a burger. Bobby’s Burgers has an array of flavors represented while also focusing on high-quality, made-to-order recipes at a modest price.
The menu features Flay’s original recipes including signature burgers, fries with delicious sauces and creamy milkshakes. Those looking for burgers with unique flavors can indulge in the Crunchburger, topped with cheese and chips; the Nacho Burger, made with queso, tomato salsa and pickled jalapenos; or the BBQ Smokehouse Burger with bacon, crispy onion, chipotle barbecue sauce and American cheese. Burgers without beef and Fried Chicken Sandwich are also available.
The 14,900-square-foot Forum Food Hall is also home to DiFara Pizza, The Halal Guys, TaCo., Smoke & Sizzle Barbecue and Starbucks.
CARLOS SANTANA RETURNS TO HOUSE OF BLUES
As Las Vegas reopens, among the returning artists is legendary guitarist Carlos Santana with his “An Intimate Evening with Santana: Greatest Hits Live” show at House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay. He’ll be returning this summer for his ninth year at the intimate venue. His dates this year are Aug. 25, 27-29; Sept. 1-4; Nov. 3, 5-7, 10, 12-14; and Dec. 1, 3-5, 8, 10-12. Tickets for his 8 p.m. performances start at $99.50 and go on sale Friday, April 30.
To date, Santana has won 10 Grammy Awards and three Latin Grammys, with a record-tying nine Grammys for a single project for 1999’s “Supernatural” including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for “Smooth.” He has received the Billboard Century Award in 1996, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, received the Billboard Latin Music Awards’ Lifetime Achievement honor in 2009, and was the recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors Award in 2013.
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL will be reopening shows
For Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, the pandemic intermission is over as plans are being made to reopen some shows. “Mystère” will return to its stage at Treasure Island on June 28 and “O” at Bellagio will mark its first performance on July 1.
Also returning is Cirque’s affiliate show “Blue Man Group” at the Luxor with performances starting June 24. Tickets go on sale April 29.
BUNGALOW COFFEE CO. OPENS IN DOWNTOWN ARTS DISTRICT
Bungalow Coffee Co. opened in the Downtown Arts District in mid-March elevating the local coffee shop experience by creating a space rooted in community. The 2,500-square-foot coffee shop offers specialty classic caffeinated beverages, a pour over menu, pastries with vegan selections, toasts, breakfast and light lunch. Bungalow Coffee Co. is the only shop in Las Vegas currently brewing Onyx Coffee Lab, a leading roasting and consulting company committed to transparency and maintaining high product standards.
The business is owned by newlyweds Shannon and Ryan Matson who like the ever-changing neighborhood. Bungalow Coffee Co. is located at 201 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite 180. It is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. with extended hours during First Friday on May 7 and Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
RON GARTNER SINGS BOBBY DARIN’S MUSIC
“Splish Splash: The Music of Bobby Darin” starring Ron Gartner and a seven-piece band is coming to Las Vegas May 7 and 8. The show celebrates the music, life and times of the legendary teen idol, singer-songwriter, movie star and nightclub performer. Gartner will perform Darin hits like “Mack The Knife,” “Splish Splash,” “Dream Lover,” and “Beyond the Sea,” while sharing stories about the entertainment phenom who knew he was doomed to die an early death and was determined to “do it all.”
Gartner a New York City entertainment agent and showman honors the Bobby Darin legacy in a show covering everything from Darin’s rock ‘n’ roll days to his evening at the Copa. Gartner is founder and serves as the managing partner of BiCoastal Productions, a national entertainment booking agency. He spent most of his adult life in the textile industry. His music director, Ed Conte, a Berklee School of Music graduate, is the founder and leader of the Ed Conte Orchestra.
“Splish Splash” will be performed at the Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road on Friday, May 7 at 7 p.m. and at West Las Vegas Library, 951 West Lake Mead Blvd. Saturday, May 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are free to the public.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT COMPLETES WILLIAM HILL PLC ACQUISITION
Caesars Entertainment, Inc. has completed its acquisition of William Hill PLC for approximately $4 billion. The transaction gives Caesars ownership of one of the world’s leading betting and gambling companies and gives the company the ability to maximize the opportunity within sports betting and online gaming in the United States.
The combined companies currently operate sports betting in 18 jurisdictions in the U.S., with 13 offering mobile sports betting. Caesars expects to be operational in 20 U.S. jurisdictions by the end of 2021. As previously disclosed, Caesars intends to sell the non-U.S. businesses currently owned by William Hill, including the U.K. and international online divisions and the retail betting shops.
The transaction further expands the reach of Caesars Rewards by providing William Hill members access to the company’s industry-leading loyalty program, including the ability to earn tier status, which can be used at all the company’s land-based and online properties.
LAS VEGAS AWARDED 2021 CONCACAF GOLD CUP FINAL
Concacaf has announced the Final of the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup – the 16th edition of the region’s flagship men’s international competition, has been awarded to Las Vegas and Allegiant Stadium. The championship match on Aug. 1 will crown the best men’s national team in the Concacaf region. This will be the first time a Gold Cup match is played in Las Vegas in the event’s 30-year history, making the 2021 tournament a landmark edition. The Final will cap off a great summer of football that will also include the inaugural Concacaf Nations League Finals in June, and the Gold Cup Prelims in early July.
Additional details regarding the Final, including ticket sales information, will be announced in the coming weeks.
DRAI’S LOUNGE STARTS NEW LATIN NIGHT AND HOOKAH
Las Vegas’ popular nightlife destination, Drai’s Lounge inside The Cromwell has introduced “De Moda” Latin Night every Thursday starting at 10 p.m. The new Latin night is part of a dynamic new lineup at Drai’s Lounge, which offers multiple rooms where DJs play chart-topping songs of today, including top 40, EDM and hip hop. “De Moda” features Latin DJs in partnership with Maven Entertainment.
Hookah is now available nightly in several flavors, including blueberry, watermelon, white peach and mint, among others. The sleek, sexy lounge is open 10 p.m.–6 a.m. every Thursday-Sunday by reservation only, which can be made on Drai’s website.
COSMOPOLITAN debuts poolside entertainment experiences
The rooftop Pool District at The Cosmopolitan is once again coming alive with a myriad of summertime experiences this pool season. The Sunday night pool gathering, Drenched After Dark, already kicked off the summer season this month at The Pool Marquee with DJ Vice manning the decks for the late-night soiree with doors opening at 10 p.m. Table reservations are required, swimming is encouraged.
New events include Sunset Cocktail Hour on Thursdays from May 13-Sept.16 at the north end of the rooftop pool from 6:30-8 p.m. and the Summer Sweat 60 Fitness Series, which happens every first and third Friday of every month, June 4-Sept. 17 from 7-8 a.m. Participation in the low intensity, 60-minute class is $25 and includes a yoga mat, personal towel and water. Interested guests can register online.
Dive In Movies on Mondays will be returning May 10-Sept. 13. Doors open at 7 p.m. and movies for all ages start at 8 p.m. on the 65-foot digital marquee overlooking the rooftop Boulevard Pool. Films change weekly and run from classic movies to modern blockbusters. General admission is $15, $10 for locals, and complimentary for hotel guests, first responders and law enforcement.
‘HELL’S KITCHEN’ FINALISTS CELEBRATE AT CAESARS PALACE
Last week, the 19th season of the FOX hit culinary competition “Hell’s Kitchen” ended with Los Angeles-based chef, Kori Sutton, crowned the winner. Sutton was joined by finalists Mary Lou Davis, Declan Horgan and Cody Candelario, as well as fans, friends and family at Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace. The restaurant was the perfect setting as this was the first season to have been filmed in Las Vegas. Sutton even ceremoniously unveiled her photo addition to the famous winners’ wall at the entrance of the restaurant.
On Monday, May 31, “Hell’s Kitchen” returns on FOX for its landmark 20th season with “Hell’s Kitchen: Young Guns.”
MORE ENTERTAINMENT HEADLINES
Singer Justin Shandor will appear on Sunday, May 2 in “The Music of the Night” at the Italian American Club (IAC) at 2333 E. Sahara Ave. The show will feature music from the Great American Songbook. Shandor will appear again on Sunday, May 23 in “The ’68 Elvis Comeback” show. Both performances include a buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m. followed by the show at 8 p.m. Tickets are $65, call Peggy Henderson at 702-326-8894 to make reservations or go on the IAC’s website.
The local entertainment scene is also coming back. At MacDonald Ranch at 2020 W. Horizon Ridge Pkwy., the “Vegas Voice” is scheduling shows. Folk Legacy Trio is on Saturday, May 1 at 4:30 and 7 p.m. Popular Genevieve Dew will appear on Saturday, May 22 also at 4:30 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available by calling 702-755-3799. Seating is general first come-first served basis.
‘FANTASY’ ADDS PERFORMANCES AND HONORS CINCO DE MAYO
To celebrate the holiday, “Fantasy” show headliner and lead vocalist Lorena Peril at the Luxor will perform a special song inspired by traditional Mexican culture. All audience members at the 10:30 p.m. performance will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a basket packed with gifts from the cast, including Jose Quervo tequila, a ready-to-drink margarita bottle, shot glasses, Fantasy-themed playing cards, poker chips and more. During the show, a randomly selected winner, who must be at least 21 or older, will be chosen and can pick up the basket after the show.
Following the Cinco de Mayo celebration and due to recent sold-out shows, “Fantasy” will offer extra 8 p.m. shows Monday, May 17–Saturday, May 22 and Monday, May 31. “Fantasy” shows are regularly scheduled nightly at 10:30 p.m. with a second show at 8 p.m. every Sunday.
CARPOOL CINEMA RETURNS TO FASHION SHOW
Fashion Show Las Vegas is bringing back its Carpool Cinema outdoor movie series with two complimentary showings at 7:30 and 10 p.m. over Mother’s Day weekend on Friday-Saturday, May 7 and 8. Friday’s movie is “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” and Saturday will be “Bad Moms.”
Family-friendly films are shown on a 40-foot projector screen on the top of the South Parking Deck. Parking is open one hour prior to each showtime for guests to check in. Tickets can be reserved at the Fashion Show’s events webpage and each ticket will include admission for up to five guests per car.
Meal packages from Solo Qui, Yogurtland, and Opa! inside the mall will be available for purchase at all events. Guests will also receive exclusive bounce back discount cards to utilize at select retailers and restaurants upon showing their tickets.
EPICUREAN AFFAIR FUNDRAISER SETS OCT. 7 DATE AT RED ROCK
The Nevada Restaurant Association’s (NRA) annual Epicurean Affair fundraiser will be held outside at the Red Rock Resort’s Sandbar Pool on Thursday, Oct. 7from 7 to 10 p.m. Las Vegas’ finest restaurants, nightclubs and beverage purveyors will come together again for this night of divine indulgence. Event proceeds support the NRA’s educational and scholarship programs.
General admission is $110 and VIP $125 with early entry at 6 p.m. Early bird special prices while supplies last are $70 and $90 respectively on the NRA’s website.
EL DORADO CANTINA OFFERS MAY 5 MARGARITA SPECIAL
El Dorado Cantina, an authentic Mexican restaurant and bar featuring organic cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails, will celebrate Cinco de Mayo on Wednesday, May 5 with $5 house margaritas. The offer will be available at both 24/7 locations at Tivoli Village and 3025 Sammy Davis Jr. Drive.
SKYE CANYON PRESENTS SIXTH ANNUAL SKYE & STARS
In celebration of International Astronomy Day, Skye Canyon’s sixth annual Skye & Stars stargazing event with the nonprofit Las Vegas Astronomical Society (LVAS) is set for Saturday, May 15 at Skye Canyon Park.
Gates will open at 6 p.m. for picnicking, music, lawn games, and food trucks with constellation viewing after dark from 8 to 10 p.m. This is a free, family-friendly event. Donations for LVAS, will be accepted during the event.
Using telescopes, strategically arranged throughout the park, and cleaned between each guest usage, along with astrophotography, and video cameras, LVAS volunteers will use a high-powered laser that can point directly to celestial events as they guide attendees on a tour of the desert sky.
QUICK CLIPS
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is launching a new ad campaign, “Vegas You,” inviting visitors to live life to the fullest. Called “The Dance,” the ad serves as a reminder that Las Vegas is ready and excited to welcome visitors back. A second ad will be released in late May.
Interested in a one-of-a-kind gift? You can commemorate someone special at The Neon Museum with a paver on Electric Promenade, which leaves a lasting mark on Las Vegas while supporting the attraction’s mission. The 12” X 12” pavers are metaquartzite stone quarried locally in Jean, Nev. Each paver, $500 or $1,000 depending, allows for a maximum of six lines with 15 characters per line, including punctuation and spaces. Note, it can take up to four weeks for the engraving to be done.
Monopoly Millionaire lived up to its name at The Cosmopolitan on Sunday, April 25 when a guest from Alaska hit for $2.1 million after inserting only $40.
With ski season over, Lee Canyon is opening for its first ever spring season. Folks can enjoy scenic chairlift rides on the Sherwood chair along with hiking and dining Friday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking is free, and reservations are not required.
