Date: May 2, 2021
ILLUMINARIUM EXPERIENCES WILL OPEN AT AREA15 NEXT YEAR
Illuminarium Experiences, a breakthrough global experiential entertainment company created by worldwide leaders in cinematic and interactive content, architectural and theatrical design, and venue operations, plans to open Illuminarium at AREA15 in January 2022. The 33,000-square-foot, purpose-built building will be on the western side of the main AREA15 complex and will be the second Illuminarium location in the U.S., following the inaugural venue set to open in Atlanta in July 2021.Illuminarium Experiences will also open in Miami in 2022, with plans for 40 or more venues in major cities across the globe within the next five years.
At maturity, Illuminarium Experiences intends to be one of the world’s most innovative and prodigious location-based entertainment companies democratizing the world’s most amazing experiences. Audiences will be transported to an environment unlike any other.
Following its debut in Atlanta, “WILD: Safari Experience” will open at Las Vegas’ AREA15 as an original entertainment experience showcasing the beauty and splendor of Africa’s most exotic animals in their natural habitats. “WILD” will be followed by “SPACEWALK,” a mind-blowing journey through our Solar System, where the audience will experience what it’s like to walk on the surface of the Moon and Mars.
In the evenings, Illuminarium After Dark will transform into an immersive generative environment, allowing guests to have cocktails and curated eats surrounded by an ever-changing lush and stunning atmosphere.
THE EXPO AT WORLD MARKET CENTER IS OPEN
International Market Centers (IMC), accompanied by Las Vegas city officials, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony last month to celebrate the grand-opening of The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas (WMCLV), a 315,000-square-foot exposition facility located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas. The three-year project is a $103.5-million investment by Blackstone, IMC’s parent company, in the city of Las Vegas. The purpose-built facility is divisible into two halls – North and South halls – which can accommodate up to 1,000 trade show booths. The Expo at WMCLV features sizable exhibit space, an expansive lobby and registration area, onsite shuttle bus depot, attached parking garage and permanent food service areas.
TWO ANCHOR PRODUCTIONS RETURN TO THE TROPICANA
The Tropicana is celebrating the return of headlining entertainment in the showroom with “Legends in Concert” at 7:30 p.m. and “Purple Reign” at 9:30p.m. starting on Thursday, May 27.
Las Vegas’ longest running show, 38 years this year, will be resuming performances as it ends its longest intermission in the show’s storied history and continues its multi-year engagement at the Tropicana. The multi-award-winning show continually changes its talent lineup, songs, costumes, and dance routines, which keeps the show fresh along with a live band.
The tribute cast reopening the show will include the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley, music icon Rod Stewart, and the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner. The Queen of Las Vegas, Frank Marino, the Strip’s longest running headliner, starring as comedic legend Joan Rivers, continues as host. Tickets start at $59.99 with performances Thursday through Saturday.
“Purple Reign: The Prince Tribute Show” starring Jason Tenner has the later 9:30 p.m. slot Thursday through Saturday. This show seamlessly re-creates the blistering performances and raw energy of Prince in his prime and returns guests to the era that made “The Artist” an international superstar. It also features a tribute to Morris Day and The Time and Vanity 6. Tickets start at $57.50.
From humble beginnings in small UNLV college clubs to late night TV, “Purple Reign” has risen to international acclaim and recognition as the world’s #1 Prince Tribute. On Nov. 17, 2008, the group became the first tribute/impersonator act to appear as the musical guest on “Late Show with David Letterman.”
VICKI BARBOLAK WILL HEADLINE LAUGH FACTORY AT TROPICANA
The Laugh Factory Comedy Club is open again at The Tropicana with 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. shows Thursday-Sunday, plus midnight on Friday and Saturday. Tickets stars at $37.95.
Vicki Barbolak will take center stage May 27-30. She was a top 10 finalist on Season 13 of “America’s Got Talent” on NBC. Howie Mandel told Barbolak and America, “I think you just came up with your own sitcom, you’re wonderful I love you.” Simon Cowell said, “I think you’re the best comedian we've had on this show.” Barbolak was also featured on the 2019 AGT Champions show.
In 2007, Barbolak won Nickelodeon’s “America’s Funniest Mom” show hosted by Roseanne Barr, who was so impressed she hired Barbolak as one of her writers and requested she open for her at the New York-New York in Las Vegas. In addition, Mark Ross and Bob Reid, talent coordinators for “The Jay Leno Show” selected Barbolak for the 2010 Jay Leno Laugh Squad.
Barbolak was one of six comediennes winning a nationwide search for “Jenny's Comedy Diva’s” on “The Jenny Jones Show.”She was also the first winner of “California’s Funniest Female Contest” and the proud winner of the “Russian River Gay Comedy Festival.
LOS ANGELES-BASED DIRT DOG OPENS AT NEONOPOLIS
Dirt Dog, the popular Los Angeles-based eclectic hot dog venue, held a grand opening celebration this week at its newest location at Neonopolis downtown. Dirt Dog is known for a menu with flavorful hot dogs stacked high with eccentric toppings including bacon, hot Cheetos, chimichurri sauce, and more. They business is located on the first floor of Neonopolis facing the famous Fremont Street. It is Dirt Dog’s third location in Las Vegas but first in the downtown district.
The story behind the Dirt Dog name is on the company’s website. In the early 90s, the owner’s parents owned a business in Downtown Los Angeles where there were few choices for food until one hot summer day when a nice Hispanic lady was selling hot dogs on a flat grill right outside. His mother didn’t like the idea cars were passing by and kicking up dirt in the food cart. Temptation for him and his brother was too much, and they ate bacon wrapped hot dogs all summer with mom telling then to stop eating dirt, thus the name Dirt Dog.
FASHION SHOW PLANS INTERACTIVE ART EXPERIENCE BY PRETTY DONE
Fashion Show Las Vegas is partnering with local pop artist Pretty Done to present an interactive pop-up art experience for guests to explore and capture Instagramable photo moments this spring. To kick off the limited time event, Fashion Show invites guests to witness a masterpiece come to life as the artist paints live and creates an immersive art display for all to see.
Located on the second level near Neiman Marcus, guests can view the live painting display with Pretty Done Saturday, May 8 through Thursday, May 13 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The completed space will be open for the public starting Friday, May 14 during Fashion Show’s daily operational hours.
Popularly known as Pretty Done, Adam Rellah is a creative artist based in abstract freestyle pop art that features a mixture of mediums ranging from canvas paintings, spray painted street murals, customized apparel, and much more. Inspired by the essence of Las Vegas, Rellah will bring his signature hand drawn artwork to Fashion Show for the first time with an immersive experience titled, “Summertime Happiness.”
‘AFTERNOON CULINARY ADVENTURES’ DEBUT AT VENETIAN AND WYNN
Lip Smacking Foodie Tours, Las Vegas’ premier culinary tour company, has launched its newest excursion, “Afternoon Culinary Adventures,’’ which spotlights renowned restaurants in The Venetian and Wynn.
Offered daily at 1 p.m., this 2.5-hour tour takes guests to four top restaurants to enjoy a feast of more than 10 signature dishes. Like all Lip Smacking Foodie Tours, this one also lets guests skip the usual long lines to get seated immediately at the best tables with VIP service. An expert guide leads the way, offering insightful information about the resorts, restaurants, and other landmarks along the way.
The tour begins at The Venetian with Smith & Wollensky, which is a celebrated steakhouse complete with its own dry-aging room and on-site butcher shop. Sugarcane raw bar grill, one of The Venetian’s newest restaurants, which specializes in the bold flavors of South and Southeast Asia follows. Next, it’s Estiatorio Milos, which has been a proud partner restaurant since Lip Smacking Foodie Tours was founded six years ago. With its relocation to The Venetian, Estiatorio Milos continues its sterling reputation for elegant Greek specialties with the freshest seafood served in elegant surroundings. Finally, it’s on to Cipriani at Wynn for an authentic taste of Venice.
The all-inclusive price per person is $125. An optional beverage package is available for $60, which provides a different pre-selected signature drink at each of three stops. “Afternoon Culinary Adventures’’ is also available for private and large group requests. In the future an evening, dinner-time version of this tour will be offered, as well.
MEDUZA TO RELEASE SINGLE AS AUDIO-VISUAL IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
Electronic music artists, Meduza, in collaboration with Playmodes Studio and Insomniac Records, will release an immersive song launch and experience as the first music launch in a contemporary museum at Museum Fiasco inside AREA15 on the mezzanine level. The award-winning trio will be on-site for the launch event starting at 10 p.m. on Friday, May 14.
The track, titled “Headrush,” will play in sync with a lightshow produced by Playmodes Studio, the group behind the concept and audiovisual contents of Museum Fiasco’s current Cluster exhibitions, “Kernel,” “Railwave” and “Stellar.” The “Headrush” experience will play from 10 p.m.–midnight from Friday, May 14 through Sunday, May 30. The debut of this track will serve as the first time a single has been released in a contemporary art museum as part of its launch.
Grammy 2020 nominees for “Best Dance Music Recording,” for their 2019 release “Piece of Your Heart,” Meduza has spent the last two years leading the charge in returning house music to daytime radio. Their debut release, “Piece of Your Heart,” featuring Goodboys, has more than two billion streams globally, reaching the top 10 charts in more than 20 countries. In late 2020, Meduza released their third single “Paradise,” featuring Dermot Kennedy, which has accumulated over 500 million streams.
THE WATERMARK BROKE GROUND IN HENDERSON
The Watermark, Henderson’s newest mixed-use project, has begun construction in the Water Street District in downtown Henderson. The building is conveniently positioned across the street from the Silver Knights Lifeguard Arena and Henderson City Hall, as well as next door to a variety of new restaurants, coffee shops, entertainment venues and retail stores. The Watermark will become the first large residential hub along Water Street and is scheduled to be completed in mid-2022.
The property will feature seven floors and more than 135 residential units available on the top five levels and nearly 40,000 square feet of commercial space on the first and second floors. The Watermark will offer modern living spaces varying from studio dwellings to three-bedroom suites with private balconies overlooking the surrounding mountain ranges and the Las Vegas Strip.
Exclusive resident amenities will include a high-rise pool and terrace with outdoor lounge, game and BBQ areas, structure parking, a dedicated pet run, fitness space and yoga studio, business offices, conference rooms and tenant storage lockers. Each living space will be pre-wired for high-speed internet and cable connection. Residents will also have access to an onsite 24/7 Wi-Fi e-lounge and concierge and business center.
The second floor of the building will feature 12,500 square feet of premium office space. The 25,900-square-foot area planned for the first floor will encompass a variety of restaurant, retail and entertainment spaces. Among the various entities at The Watermark will be a food hall concept showcasing local culinary creations, cocktails and entertainment.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT RETURNS TO SILVERTON
The Silverton is bringing back live entertainment at Sway Pool and Mermaid Lounge with a diverse lineup of acclaimed and emerging acoustic artists each weekend, in time for summer.
Sway Pool’s entertainment is every Friday and Saturday from 5-8 p.m. with Sway Poolside Live. Drink specials include $15 beer buckets and $5 specialty cocktails. Admission is free and cabana rentals are available.
Mermaid Lounge Live’s experience is making a comeback at the resort’s renowned aquarium attraction. Music is Thursdays through Saturdays from 7-11 p.m. There is a two-drink minimum due to limited space.
Some of the acts appearing at both venues include Patrick Dodd, Jassen Allen, Kirk Johnson, Hal Savar, and 30 Strings.
DINING TIDBITS
El Dorado Cantina at the Tivoli Village location has introduced Domingo Divertido aka Sunday Funday every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. New selections joining current menu favorites like Huevos Divorciados and Chilaquiles include Watermelon Salad, Tres Leches French Toast, Macho Benedict, and Churro Waffle. This Mexican twist on brunch classics is accompanied by bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys as well as new refreshing specialty cocktails and agua frescas. Umbrella-shaded patio seating is available in addition to indoor dining.
Via Brasil Steakhouse at 1225 S Fort Apache Road has reinstated its Salad Bar-Appetizer Bar. From 5-10 p.m., it is All You Can Eat for $26.99 in the dining room and $19.99 at patio tables and the bar during Happy Hour, which starts at 5 p.m. daily. The Rodizio Dinner is $52.99. Dining room tables are now set up for up to 12 guests and patio-outdoor tables have no limitation.
Honey Salt at 1031 S. Rampart Blvd. will welcome guest chef Sonia El-Nawal, of Armenian and Lebanese descent, for the next iteration of its Farm Table Dinner series, taking guests on a trip for the taste buds with “Journey to the Mediterranean” on Monday, May 24 at 6 p.m. Continuing with the new format, all dishes for the multi-course dinner will be served individually instead of family-style as in dinners past due to social distancing protocols. Tickets are $54 per person with an optional wine pairing for an additional $25.
For the month of May, Pinkbox Doughnuts® is offering two limited time treats celebrating Mexican flavors. The first is Abuela’s Hot Chocolate and second is Mama’s Tres Leches. From Thursday, May 27 through Monday, May 31, Pinkbox Doughnuts® will serve a lineup of red, white and blue patriotic treats to celebrate Memorial Day.
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
HELP of Southern Nevada will celebrate National Tiara Day with its fourth annual Tiaras & Tequila charitable event on Monday, May 24 at Grape Street Wine Bar inside Downtown Summerlin from 5:30–8:30 p.m. and will feature psychic readings, tequila tastings, raffle prizes and more. Registration for the social event is $25 per person and includes one margarita for the first 100 guests, a swag bag for the first 50 guests and a raffle ticket to be entered to win an array of prizes. Guests can purchase a glittering tiara to wear in honor of it being National Tiara Day for an additional $10 through the Sparkle Registration package. Event founder Mystic Mona, as seen on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in Las Vegas, will offer five-minute psychic readings, available to guests for $20 per reading.
SafeNest will be hosting Brew Anew: A Summer Soiree on Saturday, July 24 at the Four Seasons from noon to 3 p.m. Brew Anew will feature raffles, games, entertainment and more. There will still be tea (iced and hot), cocktails, conversation, and an informative program. But expect a twist on the theme, vibe, and overall experience. Tickets are $150.
