BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW

 

Date: July 4, 2021

BY: Jackie Brett

 

SAMMY HAGAR HAS NEW RESIDENCY AT THE STRAT

 

                After the announcement Sammy Hagar was having a residency at The STRAT with his show “Sammy Hagar and Friends,” featuring The Red Rocker collaborating with a rotating circle of his legendary friends, shows were quickly added due to ticket demand.

His residency begins the weekends of Oct. 29-30 and Nov. 5-6. After the first two weekends of show sold-out in two hours, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 12 and 13 were added. Shows begin at 9 p.m. Additional shows for 2022 will be announced shortly. Tickets, which start at $100, and VIP packages are available online.

                Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Hagar will bring together a legendary circle of friends and bandmates, past and present, to perform at the 800-capacity STRAT Theater, with 300 GA floor tickets for a party atmosphere in front of the stage. The theater will be designed to capture the beach vibe associated with Hagar’s brand, including elements of his famed Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas, home to his epic annual birthday bash.

                Legendary bassist Michael Anthony, who played with Hagar for the past 30 years in bands including Van Halen, Chickenfoot and The Circle, and longtime guitar virtuoso and bandmate Vic Johnson in The Circle are confirmed for all six shows. Jason Bonham, the acclaimed Grammy-winning drummer and their bandmate in The Circle is confirmed Oct. 29 and 30, with surprise and special guests to be announced. 

 

QUINN XCII - CHELSEA CUTLER PLAN TOUR STOP AT COSMOPOLITAN

 

       Pop singer, songwriter, producers Quinn XCII and Chelsea Cutler are set to take The Chelsea stage at The Cosmopolitan on Sunday, Oct. 3 as a stop on the duo’s highly “Stay Next To Me” tour, with support from Tai Verdes.

                Altering the lines between pop, hip-hop, electronic and soul, Quinn XCII (pronounced Quinn Ninety-Two) made a name for himself developing a truly devoted fanbase. In 2015 and 2016, he released two independent EPs “Change of Scenery” and “Bloom,” which led the singer-songwriter to sign with Columbia Records. Since then, he has released four studio albums, and collaborated with several well-known artists including Logic, blackbear, Jeremy Zucker, Chelsea Cutler, Ashe, Louis The Child and Gryffin. At the forefront of Quinn’s consistent growth is his fully energized live show.

                Chelsea Cutler burst onto the scene in 2017 with her quiet, yet disruptive voice and viral debut single “Your Shirt.” Later that year, she released her debut EP and dropped out of school to go on the road and play her first shows supporting Quinn XCII. Signing to Republic Records in 2019, Cutler went on to release the joint EP “brent” with Jeremy Zucker featuring the certified platinum single “you were good to me.”

                Since 2018, Quinn XCII and Chelsea Cutler have shared the stage performing their chart-topping collaborative hits like “Flare Guns,” “Stay Next To Me” and “Little Things.”

 

NEW HOME FOR MAGICIAN MAC KING

 

                After a 22-year run at Harrah’s, the affable comedy magician Mac King is now headlining his family-friendly afternoon show inside the Thunderland Showroom at Excalibur Tuesday through Saturday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets start at $44.95.

                Kentuckian King has made many network television specials and been named “Magician of the Year” by the Magic Castle in Hollywood. King’s 70-minute show captivates audiences with amazing stunts, humor and quick wit. His goldfish and yellow raincoat of “invisibility” are a couple of his always enjoyable signature routines. King is also famous for wearing a plaid suit on stage. Now he is the new “King” at the castle.

 

ZEFFER’S WILL OPEN AT SAHARA THIS MONTH

 

                Zeffer’s, a new casual dining café, will open at the Sahara later this month. Crafted by Chef Lyle Kaku, the resort’s executive chef who took over culinary operations earlier this year, the menu will offer recognizable breakfast and lunch favorites and staple comfort food dishes, all with a unique twist.

                Hours are planned to be daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dining will include a Chinese menu from 5-10 p.m. daily.

 

PLAZA OPENS ‘STUDIO 71’ PHOTO SPACE

 

                In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the Plaza has opened its “Studio 71” corner offering a one-of-a-kind disco inspired photo space. From showgirls and dice to roller skates and mirrored balls, the neon and LED-lit backdrops pay homage to the Plaza’s early years, the golden era of 1970s known for disco, bright colors, and the ubiquitous style of Studio 54. The Plaza’s Studio 71 is open noon to midnight on Saturdays and Sundays and 4 p.m. to midnight Monday-Friday through the end of December.

                Located near the dome entrance and adjacent to the casino floor, the space offers multiple backdrops for fun, creative, and memorable selfies and group photos. The Plaza encourages sharing the pictures on social media tagging @PlazaLasVegas.

 

‘UNCENSORED INTERNATIONAL SHOW’ OPENS AT SEÑOR FROGS

 

                The sexy and sensual forbidden men of Las Vegas can now be found performing at Senor Frog’s at Treasure Island in the new “Uncensored International Show.” Eight sultry men with perfectly chiseled bodies are providing an upbeat gyrating spectacle for the enjoyment of fulfilling female fantasies and making gay men happy as well.

                The layout of the room makes this show somewhat different from other male stripper shows because there are three stages: the main one complete with the stripper pole and two side ones. The action does cover the whole room and big video screens allow for changing backgrounds as the themes and costumes, or lack thereof, change. Also different for this show, the emcee is a drag queen, who makes many over-the-top costume transitions.

                Shows are at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, and 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tickets are $65. A plus is self-parking is free in the Treasure Island garage.

 

TOURNAMENT OF KINGS’ RESUMES AT EXCALIBUR

 

                The award-winning dinner show “Tournament of Kings” will reopen at the Excalibur Wednesday, July 14 and resume performing six nights a week. The spirited show will once again provide guests with a fanciful three-course feast with no utensils while they enjoy a tournament of valor at King Arthur’s court. Pyrotechnics augment the boisterous arena knightly festivities. Tournament of Kings will perform Monday and Friday at 6 p.m. and Wednesday–Thursday, Saturday–Sunday at 6 and 8:30 p.m. Tickets start at $42 without dinner and $56 with the meal.

                The original show was “King Arthur’s Tournament,” which opened at the Excalibur in 1990, while “Tournament of Kings” followed in 1999. The cast includes more than 30 actors and musicians and 10 horses. Fun fact, an estimated 6.7 million Cornish game hens have been served since the iconic production was first staged in the custom 900-seat theater in 1990, making the Excalibur the No. 1 purchaser of the little birds in the country.

 

HOTEL CALIFORNIA PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE EAGLES AT M RESORT

 

                The original tribute band to The Eagles, Hotel California, will bring the hits to M Resort for a special performance on Saturday, Aug. 14, at 8 p.m. in the M Pavilion. Touring since 1986, Hotel California brings the music of The Eagles around the globe. The easygoing warmth that comes from the band exemplifies the Southern California sound of the 70s. Tickets start at $15.
                When The Eagles stopped to catch their breath a few decades ago, having sold more 100 million records, won six Grammys, and generated six No. 1 albums, Hotel California launched as the original tribute band. Setting the standard for world-class tribute productions, Hotel California has shared the stage with the likes of The Doobie Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gretchen Wilson, REO Speedwagon, and many more.

 

JOËL ROBUCHON’S LEGENDARY RESTAURANTS REOPEN THIS MONTH

 

                The pinnacle of French fine dining returns to Las Vegas as MGM Grand reopens its restaurants by the late legendary chef, Joël Robuchon this month. The namesake destination, Joël Robuchon – Las Vegas’ only Three Michelin-starred restaurant – welcomed guests back July 1 with a menu celebrating beloved dishes from over the years. L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, the creative countertop workshop, will open its doors July 15 experimenting with simple ingredients to create dishes new to Robuchon’s restaurants while maintaining its impeccable standards.

 

ENCORE AT WYNN IS NOW DOG-FRIENDLY

 

                Encore at Wynn Las Vegas has launched a new dog-friendly resort program. Guests can stay in any room or suite with up to two furry friends and indulge in exclusive amenities with the new breed of resort VIPs – Very Important Puppies. Pampering begins at check-in with a complimentary doggy bag of welcome gifts including a Wynn-logoed neckerchief, a fun toy, and all-natural dog treat. Guests can work with Encore’s Concierge team to arrange a schedule of dog walking or sitting services, order from Bone Appetite, the new room service doggy dining menu, and shop a new collection of doggy clothing and accessories available for purchase exclusively at the resort.

 

LANDINI’S PIZZERIA COMBINES PIZZA AND PASTA TO CREATE ‘PASTIZZA’

 

                Landini’s Pizzeria at 9440 W. Russell Road is combining two Italian favorites – pizza and pasta – into one flavorful new dish, “pastizza.”The new pastizza is a hearty dish made with Landini’s signature New York-style pizza dough and filled with penne pasta, house-made Bolognese and parmesan and topped with a lattice “crust.” Price is $19.50.  

                Founded in 2009 in San Diego’s Little Italy, Landini’s is family-owned by Leo Landini, a Florence, Italy native, and his wife, Christine Landini. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, with indoor and outdoor seating for on-site dining.

 

‘LOVE’ AND ‘ONE’ WILL BE NEXT VEGAS’ CIRQUE SHOWS TO REOPEN

 

                Cirque du Soleil shows on the Las Vegas Strip have been reopening and two productions will come to life again in August.

                “Michael Jackson ONE” will start up with its exclusive residency at Mandalay Bay on Aug. 19. As a celebration of Jackson and his music, the show is a magnificent fusion of acrobatics, dance and visuals. The musical is energized by the cast of 63 dancers and performers through aerial performance, driving acrobatics, and vivid choreographies.

                The schedule Aug. 19-Sept. 13 is 7 p.m. shows Thursday-Monday and 9:30 p.m. on Friday-Saturday. Starting Sept. 16, performances will be 7 and 9:30 Thursday-Monday. Tickets start at $60.

                The Beatles™ LOVE™” by Cirque du Soleil will make its grand return to The Mirage on Aug. 26. The show is also celebrating its 15th anniversary. LOVE celebrates the musical legacy of The Beatles. The world-renowned show brings a burst of color to the Las Vegas Strip as a cast of 70 artists showcase aerial acrobatics, vibrant visuals and high energy choreography on a 360-degree stage. Since opening on June 30, 2006, LOVE has performed to more than 10 million audience members and been honored with three Grammy Awards.

                Performances are Thursday–Monday at 7 and 9:30 p.m. through Oct. 2, and Tuesday–Saturday at 7 and 9:30 p.m. beginning Oct. 5. Tickets start at $79.

 

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS CLIPS

 

                Starting July 4, “Absinthe” by Spiegelworld has returned to performing every night of the year and for the first time in the show’s history, is delivering an impressive 16-show weekly schedule with three shows at 7, 9 and 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.  Tickets start at $149.

                Illusionist and “America’s Got Talent” winner Shin Lim has been signed to a multi-year run as a resident headliner at The Mirage. Lim, “AGT’s” only two-time winner brought the magic back to The Mirage Theater last weekend with his acclaimed show, “LIMITLESS.” “America’s Got Talent” alum mentalist Colin Cloud performs as a special guest. Schedule is Thursday-Monday at 7:30 p.m. 

                The Aces of Comedy at The Mirage has lined up Chelsea Handler July 10; Bill Maher July 16-17; Gabriel Iglesias July 23-24; and Jim Jefferies July 30-31.

                Wynn has a summer comedy lineup for the Encore Theater, featuring top comedians including Sebastian Maniscalco, Jo Koy, Jim Gaffigan, Nate Bargatze, Demetri Martin and Tom Papa. Trevor Noah appears July 9-10.

                Bruno Mars is at Park MGM July 9-10 and 23-24 and Garth Brooks at Allegiant Stadium on July 10 and both superstars’ shows are sold out.

                Magician Criss Angel returns to Planet Hollywood with his “MINDFREAK” resident show on July 7.

                Usher is headlining at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace – July 16-17, 21, 23-24, 28, 30-31.

 

FERRARO’S ‘TASTE & LEARN’ EVENTFEATURES AZELIA WINERY

 

                Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar will hold its next Taste & Learn on Saturday, July 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. Taste & Learn is Ferraro’s popular, monthly wine-tasting and education event providing illuminating wine education along with a menu of expertly prepared, authentic Italian small plates.
                July’s event will spotlight the wines from Azelia Winery, a boutique winery run by the Scavino family since its founding in 1920. Tickets for the all-inclusive experience are $90. To make reservations, call 702-364-5300.

 

ORLEANS ARENA HOSTS 2021 GLOBAL NINJAS COMPETITION

 

        The 2021 Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association (UNAA) World Series Final Championships will make its inaugural run July 29-31 at the Orleans Arena, bringing top ninja athletes and challenging obstacles. UNAA promotes and organizes an international series of ninja obstacle course gyms and competitions across the world. The UNAA World Series is composed of judged competitions based on performance and time, allowing athletes of all abilities to compete. The top ninja obstacle athletes in the world will compete in each of their divisions to become UNAA World Champions.
                More than 5,000 athletes competed for a chance to participate in the UNAA World Finals, but only 1,000 qualified and will compete in the prelims July 29-30 to make it to the main event on Saturday, July 31. Tickets start at $17.

 

BOXING WORLD EXPLORED AT BELLAGIO ART GALLERY

 

Las Vegas’ rich history in the sports and entertainment world is now center stage with MGM Resorts Art & Culture’s newest exhibition, Leather Throwers, which debuted at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art and runs through Aug. 22. Multiple Las Vegas collectors have loaned their cherished pieces to be exhibited for the first time. Works by seminal artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol are seen next to some of today’s most influential artists. Titled after a drawing by California artist Ed Ruscha, the exhibition highlights historic and contemporary artists who have utilized imagery and the personalities of boxing to create sculptures, paintings and drawings telling the story of boxing through political, social and visual lenses. Alongside these pieces are photographs, objects and historical memorabilia commemorating great moments from the storied history of boxing.

 

BASKETBALL EMBRACES LAS VEGAS AREA

 

         USA Basketball and MGM Resorts International recently expanded their multi-year partnership, which includes MGM Resorts being the Official Training Camp Home of the USA Basketball Men’s and Women’s National Teams. MGM Resorts, in partnership with USA Basketball, will host four additional countries in Las Vegas – Argentina, Australia, Nigeria and Spain – creating a must-see international basketball competition prior to the teams’ departure for Tokyo. There will be seven USA Basketball Men’s and Women’s National Team exhibition games July 10-18.

                The NBA competition structure for the MGM Resorts NBA Summer League 2021 will take place Aug. 8-17 at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The 16th annual MGM Resorts NBA Summer League will feature all 30 NBA teams playing five games apiece during the 10-day, 75-game event. After every team plays four games, the two teams with the best records from the first four games will meet in the Championship Game on Aug. 17. Thomas & Mack Center and COX Pavilion will host either seven or eight games per day during the 10-day competition.

                The Big West has announced a new multi-year agreement to bring the Big West Basketball Championships to the Dollar Loan Center in Henderson, Nev., beginning in March of 2022. The 2022 championships will christen the arena as its first publicly ticketed event. The five-day tournament will run March 8-12 featuring 10 women’s and 10 men’s teams vying for conference championships and automatic bids to the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships.