BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: June 27, 2021
PITBULL WILL MAKE TOUR STOP AT ZAPPOS THEATER
Mr. Worldwide aka Pitbull is set to take over stages across North America for the first time in nearly two years on the 32-city “I Feel Good Tour.” In addition to delivering a set loaded with instantly recognizable smashes and surprises, he’ll be performing new music from his forthcoming English album. He’ll appear in Las Vegas on Saturday, Sept. 18 at Zappos Theater.
In 2021, the GRAMMY®-winning independent international superstar, became an ownership partner of NASCAR team Trackhouse Racing and linked up with Farruko, IamChino, El Alfa, and Omar Courtz on the collaborative banger “Ten Cuidado,” which has already amassed more than 25 million streams and counting. His twelfth studio album and second for his own Mr. 305 Records drops later this year.
‘THE MEERKAT MEETUP’ ART INSTALLATION VISITS FASHION SHOW
This week, the complimentary art installation, “The Meerkat Meetup,” in partnership with international artist collective Cracking Art, will debut on the second level of Fashion Show Las Vegas (FSLV) near Saks Fifth Avenue. The colorful traveling exhibit embarks on a five-month journey to nine states and 10 properties. The FSLV is the second stop visiting for a limited time from July 1–28.
The unique, travelling art exhibition will feature 30 larger than life meerkats of varying colors, making for a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity at the shopping destination.
Made of recyclable plastic, the vibrant and playful exhibition is an inspiring piece intended to spark community-wide conversations about caring for the environment and each other. The vibrant meerkats will be seen standing in harmony as they brighten the atmosphere and bring a sense of wonder and togetherness.
‘LEGENDS IN CONCERT’ NESTLES IN AGAIN AT THE TROPICANA
There are several reasons “Legends in Concert” is Las Vegas’ longest running show. This year the show celebrates 38 years and continues a multi-year engagement at the Tropicana with performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Sunday.
“Legends” changes its talent lineup, music, costumes, choreography, and special effects a few times a year, which makes it enjoyable for visitors to see the show often. While the show features look-alikes, what is special is they use their own voices, not lip-syncing, and they are backed by a live band. The current tribute lineup features the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner, music icon Rod Stewart, and the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley. Extra special for this show and relative to Las Vegas entertainment history, Frank Marino, who is the Strip’s longest running headliner, plays host and comedy legend Joan Rivers.
The show is also highlighting beautiful showgirls as a tribute to a real Vegas’ icon. Tickets start at $59.99.
XAVIER MORTIMER OPENS NEW MAGIC SHOW AT THE STRAT
Award-winning, worldwide internet phenomenon, magician Xavier Mortimer, formerly at Bally’s in a 200-seat room is moving to The STRAT inside the refreshed STRAT Theater with his all-new show, “The Dream Maker,” after a 15-month break and opening this week on July 1. Performances will be nightly, except Tuesdays, at 6 p.m. Tickets range from $39-$89.
As part of creating the new show, director and television host Alex Goude and Mortimer have reimagined everything from the storyline to the lights, music and videos, all to adapt to The STRAT’s 600-seat bigger and impressive showroom. The production also features the talents of Allie Sparks as “Belle” and Nicholas Marco as “Hypnos,” a new character in the show.
Mortimer is still the first ever Cirque Du Soleil featured performer to have his own headlining show on the Strip. He was a main character in the “Michael Jackson: ONE Show.” During the pandemic, Mortimer took to social media with his illusions while his live show was temporarily shut down so that he could continue to bring his magic to fans around the world. Some videos broke records, one of them being the most viewed video worldwide on Facebook in June 2020 with more than 354 million views.
COMEDIAN EDDIE GRIFFIN WILL RETURN TO THE SAHARA
Comedian and Las Vegas resident Eddie Griffin will return to the stage and his residency at the Sahara with “The Eddie Griffin Experience.” Starting Monday, July 26, his shows will be Monday through Wednesday at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $49.
The popular comedian turned actor has been building his following since entering the comedy scene in 1990 with his sharp humor and observations on a variety of topics and current affairs. In his most recent project, Griffin reflects on a year of COVID, social distancing, and social justice with his new “docucomedy” special, “Laughin’ Through Your Mask,” which debuted on iTunes and Amazon’s streaming platforms on Tuesday, April 20 this year. It was filmed one day after the storming of the United States Capitol and violent attack against the 117th United States Congress at the U.S. Capitol.
HARRY POTTER INFLUENCE WILL START UP AGAIN AT BALLY’S
“Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Potter Experience” - A Parody by Dan and Jeff will soon cast its spell on Las Vegas again when the hit, family-friendly show returns to The Magic Attic showroom inside Bally’s on July 15.
“Potted Potter” is an intimate show combining all seven Harry Potter books into 70 fun minutes. Prior to the show’s shutdown due to COVID, in their first six months on the Strip, the two-man production garnered two Best of Las Vegas awards. The cleverly curated show includes all your favorite characters, perfect Potter props, and even a live Quidditch game!
Performances will be Monday through Sunday at 8 p.m., dark Wednesday, with matinee performances Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $49.99 to $99.99.
ELLIS ISLAND EXTENDS HIDDEN TIKI POPUP
The hidden tiki popup at Ellis Island on the second floor of The Front Yard will now remain open through Aug. 1. The themed oasis is decked out in Hawaiian-themed decor with tiki-style vignettes throughout accompanied by a specialty menu with tiki-inspired food and cocktails. The tiki vibe is open Sundays-Thursdays from 5-11 p.m. and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
MURAL DEBUTS AT HISTORICAL JOHN E. CARSON BUILDING
In collaboration with Vegas born artist Eric Vozzola, DTP Companies (DTP), a $350 million investment initiative dedicated to the revitalization of Downtown Las Vegas (DTLV), debuts DTLV’s latest piece of artwork at the historic John E. Carson building on the corner of Carson and 6th Street.
Vozzola’s freshest work, “Connecting Then and Now,” brightens up the mixed-use space’s façade with the muralist’s signature modernism and vibrant hues. Originally built in 1955, the building is home to signature Las Vegas eateries like Carson Kitchen, Donut Bar and Bocho Sushi. The artist received his BFA in Graphic Design from UNLV in 2011 and has multiple public artworks around the valley.
COMMONWEALTH STARTS PIANO BAR WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT
Commonwealth on East Fremont Street has launched a piano bar entertainment series from 6-9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays with entertainment by acclaimed singers from across the city who will join popular pianist, Spadoni, to take over the bar and perform a mixture of mashups, medleys, classics and fan favorites.
NOMAD LIBRARY REOPENS RESTAURANT THIS WEEK
One of the more extraordinary dining rooms on the Strip, NoMad Library reopens its restaurant at NoMad this week on July 2. The dramatic atmosphere is noteworthy with floor-to-high-ceiling bookshelves inspired by the Library of NoMad New York. Theatrical renditions of classic American cuisine will once again wheel from table-to-table and bring back its large-format dishes, including the signature Roast Chicken and American Wagyu Prime Rib. NoMad Library will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 5–10 p.m.
MGM RESORTS DELIVERS SOLAR POWER TO 13 LAS VEGAS RESORTS
MGM Resorts International, a global leader in the battle against climate change, has launched its 100-megawatt solar array, the hospitality industry’s largest directly sourced renewable electricity project worldwide. The array’s clean energy now produces up to 90% of MGM Resorts’ Las Vegas daytime power needs, spanning 65 million square feet of buildings across 13 properties and more than 36,000 rooms on the Strip, including Bellagio, Aria, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand and The Mirage, among others.
The launch marks a milestone in MGM Resorts’ long-term climate strategy and significantly accelerates progress toward its 2025 goal to reduce the company’s emissions by 45% per square foot.
EL DORADO CANTINA OPENS THIRD VALLEY LOCATION
El Dorado Cantina, founded in 2014, opened its third location in the valley this week, in Southwest Las Vegas at 8349 W. Sunset Road, near the 215 Beltway. The first location in just west of the Strip at 3025 Sammy Davis Jr. Drive, and an outlet at Tivoli Village followed.
Like its sister locations, the new El Dorado serves popular authentic Mexican cuisine featuring sustainably sourced, organic, non-GMO ingredients. Popular dishes include tableside guacamole, fajita platters, enchiladas, street tacos, a selection of vegan options, and their famous flan; accompanied by signature margaritas, specialty cocktails, and domestic and imported draft beers, in addition to a full-service bar with 15 video slot machines.
The restaurant’s 4,500-square-foot interior celebrates the culture and lifestyle of ancient Mexican civilization in a stylized and modern way. Dark wood, richly appointed leather booths, intricate stained-glass light fixtures, elegant gold and red accents, and one-of-a-kind hand-painted art installations are surrounded by El Dorado’s signature red rose walls throughout. The space accommodates up to 170 guests including outdoor patio seating.
LOCAL PUNK BAND HAPPY CAMPERS CELEBRATE 25TH ANNIVERSARY
Las Vegas-based punk band Happy Campers will celebrate 25 years of creating punk rock music on Saturday, July 16 at Backstage Bar & Billiards downtown. Current and past members will be onstage rocking out and celebrating the milestone along with fellow local groups Franks & Deans, Battering Ham and BLVD Bullies. Doors will open at 8 p.m. and tickets are $10 in advance on smashmagazine.com or $15 day of show.
Over the last couple decades, Happy Campers has released six albums, toured all over the country, and been the soundtrack to more than 100 television shows and movies. Happy Campers came on to the scene in 1996 with a hard-hitting West Coast skate park sound, energetic live shows, and a singer who had a knack for writing songs that resonated with the crowd.
M RESORT CELEBRATES WITH FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORK DISPLAY
M Resort will host their Fourth of July fireworks and partnership with the City of Henderson’s Star-Spangled Sky 2021. The resort will offer spectators an extended 15-minute firework display choreographed to music on Independence Day, Sunday, July 4 beginning at 9 p.m. The 2021 Star-Spangled Sky fireworks will be choreographed to music broadcasted locally from four iHeartRadio stations.
While free public viewing of the fireworks will be available from many areas inside and surrounding the resort, M Pool Deck will offer a special reserved firework viewing area starting at 8 p.m. through the conclusion of the fireworks. Admission for the reserved area is $10 with seating being first come, first served and swimming permitted.
SILVERTON PRESENTS ‘STARS, STRIPES AND ISLAND VIBES’
Concerts are returning to the Veil Pavilion at the Silverton with “Stars, Stripes and Island Vibes” on July 2 and 3 from 7-10 p.m. On Friday, audiences will be transported to a tropical paradise with island-inspired live entertainment by acclaimed Polynesian artist Fiji and reggae band Bonafide. On Saturday, Bonafide will grace the stage for a second night joined by individual artists Michael Black, Ras Kronik and Keoni. General admission tickets are $25 per night and can be purchased at the Box Office.
QUICK DRAI’S BEACHCLUB • NIGHTCLUBCLIPS
Drai’s Beachclub • Nightclub brought back the weekly Thursday Swim Night 10 p.m. pool party experience with DJs this month. Participants will be dancing at the rooftop pool at The Crowell on the 11th floor surrounded by the lights of the Strip.
Drai’s Beachclub • Nightclub is putting on an action-packed Fourth of July weekend. A non-stop lineup of full-length Drai’s LIVE performances will include superstars Migos, Lil Wayneand Wiz Khalifa, among others. Fourth of July weekend will be Migos and Lil Wayne’s first time back on the Drai’s stage in over a year.
Hip-hop icon, Rick Ross, kicked off a new multi-year Drai’s LIVE residency last weekend. Ross delivered a ferocious full-length performance including a career-spanning setlist of his chart-topping hits celebrating his illustrious 15-year career. This performance marked the first new residency of 2021 for Drai’s.
PKWY TAVERN IS OPENING TWO NEW LOCATIONS
Las Vegas’ neighborhood 24/7 sports bar, PKWY Tavern, will be opening two new locations this summer. PKWY Volunteer will open in late July at 511 Dale Ave. in Henderson, and PKWY Decatur will follow the first week in August at 4930 W. Flamingo Road.
The 6,800-square-foot PKWY Volunteer will feature a centered bar, with 50 taps and more than 200 canned and bottled beer options, an open dining area, a private room for large parties, and a patio with outdoor seating facing Las Vegas Blvd.
PKWY Decatur takes over what was previously Ricardo’s on Decatur and Flamingo. The existing structure has been remodeled to house a full bar, built to hold 50 beers on tap, and two spacious dining rooms with 52 TVs, seating options for both small and large parties and a separate private room for events, meetings, and celebrations.
SMOKE & FIRE CELEBRATES RED, WHITE & BBQ
Smoke & Fire at 3315 E. Russell Road, Suite A5 is celebrating all things Red, White and Bar-B-Que over Independence Day Weekend and offering to do all the grilling for you July 2-4. Giving traditional BBQ favorites a St. Louis-style twist, Smoke & Fire is locally owned and operated by retired NBA player Alan Anderson along with a group of hospitality veterans for dine in or carry out. Starting Monday, July 5, Smoke & Fire will have new extended hours Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
RAINBOW COMPANY YOUTH THEATRE ANNOUNCES 45th SEASON
Rainbow Company Youth Theatre, a Las Vegas City program, will feature… Oct. 1-10 “The Neverending Story,” Dec. 3-12 “The Velveteen Rabbit,” Feb. 11-20 “Still Life With Iris,” and April 29–May 8 Roald Dahl’s “Matilda the Musical” during its 45th season. All performances will be held at the Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St. Each show will have eight performances over two consecutive weekends; during the second weekend’s Saturday matinee, American Sign Language interpreters will be available for the deaf and hard of hearing. Call 702-229-ARTS (2787) for information.
TIVOLI VILLAGE HOSTS FIRST FAMILY SUMMER POP FEST
Tivoli Village will host its first Summer POP Fest presented by PartiiBox, Las Vegas’s pop-up party set-up, planning and hosting company, on Saturday, July 17 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. A ticket is $15 online at Eventbrite. Admission includes one raffle ticket for a chance to win a premier PartiiBox giveaway.
Taking place at the Piazza area, the luxury children’s pop-up party will offer an array of activities including bounce houses, complimentary crafts, ball pits, photo booths, family photo opportunities with a professional photographer and more. Guests will delight in a picnic experience as well as ice cream, cotton candy, custom cookies, eats from local food trucks, cold treats, local vendors and more.