BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: Aug. 22, 2021
OVERLOOK LOUNGE DEBUTS AT WYNN
Overlook Lounge, Spirits and Aperitifs, recently debuted at Wynn following a dramatic reimagining of the former venue, Parasol Up. Overlook Lounge is a destination cocktail venue with a distinctive personality, featuring an inventive cocktail program from resort mixologist Mariena Mercer Boarini.
With an ideal anchor location in the heart of the hotel, Overlook Lounge offers an intimate hideaway overlooking Wynn’s Lake of Dreams waterfall, with glimpses into the resort’s lush atrium. The lounge features décor in rich jewel tones inspired by the intricate mosaic flooring in Wynn’s atrium and is perfectly accented by crystal chandeliers, comfortable period furnishings, stunning artwork, and a classic palette of vintage European design elements.
Boarini’s cocktail menu is influence by the design and atmosphere with every drink featuring a name borrowed from iconic figures in fashion, film, history and mythology. He crafted a refined menu featuring five spritzes, five bespoke takes on cocktail classics, and three alcohol-free mocktails.
Overlook Lounge is the latest in a series of venues set to debut at Wynn throughout 2021. The venue is open Sunday-Thursday from 2 p.m. until 3 a.m. and Friday-Saturday from 2 p.m. until 4 a.m.
‘MAGIC MIKE LIVE’ DEBUTS IN ALL-NEW VENUE AT SAHARA
Channing Tatum’s “Magic Mike Live Las Vegas,” the flagship production of the internationally celebrated franchise, begins its run at the Sahara this week on Aug. 27.
After a resounding run at the former Hard Rock prior to the pandemic, the sexy show returns in a brand-new venue located off the casino floor and designed to include the best elements from “Magic Mike Live” productions around the world.
The flagship production, which is a 360-degree dance and acrobatic spectacular, has been reimagined to include new routines, music and technologies combined with a pre-and-post show cocktail lounge and a fun VIP Meet & Greet offering.
The new production features much-loved members from the original cast along with two new cast members, Lake Smits and Meredith Ostrowsky. Smits born and raised on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, started his training at age 12 at 24-VII Danceforce. By 18, he was sought out by Janet Jackson’s choreographer, which landed him his first professional gig alongside the legendary artist. Ostrowsky is a dancer, aerialist, and choreographer from Southern California who has toured with Taylor Swift and worked with Katy Perry, P!nk, Carrie Underwood, and Rihanna.
Shows are performed Wednesday-Sunday at 7:30 p.m. and at 10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. Show will be dark on Oct. 31 and Nov. 22-30. For a limited time, tickets are $89.
STAR PIANO COCKTAIL LOUNGE OPENS THIS WEEK
Bar and entertainment magnate Eduardo Cordova is revealing his Star Piano Cocktail Lounge this week on Friday, Aug. 27 off the Strip in the former Sonny’s Saloon on Sammy Davis Jr. Drive. The champagne cocktail lounge’ satmosphere with its moody vintage light tunnel entrance evokes the Rat Pack era and will be open daily with live music nightly from 4 p.m. until late.
Entertainment director Chris Lash will curate live musical talent with a lineup including crooners like Josh Strickland, Ruby Lewis, Travis Cloer and Savannah Smith, accompanied by rotating pianists Sarah Hester Ross, Andrew Tyler, Mike Spadoni, Mike Fretbrandt, and Nicholas Connell performing nightly on a signature red baby grand piano. Additional talent will include The Moonshiners, Therese Curatolo, and Olivia Kuper Harris.
The fully modernized central cocktail lounge will be framed with a plush velvet banquette and other chic furnishings with a vintage chandelier. The property renovation has special features throughout like an homage to the late Robin Leach and bar stools with golden name plates of not soon-forgotten Vegas stars and starlets
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‘MICHAEL JACKSON ONE’ REOPENED AT MANDALAY BAY
“Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil,” in collaboration with the Estate of Michael Jackson, reopened its exclusive residency at Mandalay Bay last week after a 16-month intermission due to the global crisis. The show returns in time to celebrate Jackson’s Aug. 29 birthday. Performances are five nights Thursday-Monday at 7 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 show is an amazing fusion of acrobatics, dance and visuals immersing the audience into the world of Jackson music.
CHIPPENDALES RETURN TO RIO LABOR DAY WEEKEND
The famous male revue “Chippendales” are bringing “the sexy” back to the Rio when the show “takes it off” again beginning Friday, Sept. 1. After nearly 17 months since the start of the pandemic, some of the hottest men in Vegas will be back to party, please and tease once again inside their custom-built home at Rio. The show is refreshed with new numbers, music, choreography, acrobatics and of course the hunks.
Chippendales has many familiar cast members including Chaun Williams, who is currently featured on the new hit HBO Max series “FBoy Island.” In addition, Ricky Rodgers, who found additional fame on MTV’s “Double Shot at Love” and “Jersey Shore Family Vacation” when he was featured with his buddy and former Chippendales celebrity guest host Vinny Guadagnino, will also return.
Chippendales performs Wednesday-Sunday at 8:30 p.m. The special Labor Day schedule has additional performances Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 pm. Tickets range from $49.95 to $149.95.
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT STARTS AT EVENT LAWN AT VIRGIN HOTELS
The Event Lawn at Virgin Hotels seamlessly turns an open outdoor space into an entertainment venue. The Event Lawn calendar of events includes a diverse lineup which kicks off with Tribal Seeds on Aug. 28 and multiple performances over Labor Day Weekend including bluegrass guitarist Billy Stings on Friday-Saturday, Sept. 3-4. Squeeze brings “The Nomadband Tour” to The Event Lawn on Monday, Sept. 6 and reggae icon and pioneer Stephen Marley makes a stop on Oct. 28.
SARAH HESTER ROSS TO DEBUT SHOW AT NOTORIETY
Multi-talented musician comedian Sarah Hester Ross will perform a month-long limited engagement, “Sarah Hester Ross LIVE: Music & Comedy,” at Notoriety beginning Thursday, Sept. 2 with shows at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $35.
The viral TikTok star, who was featured on “America’s Got Talent” and “The Dr. Demento Show,” also performs at the Bar at Times Square at New York-New York in the dueling piano show. Ross recently released a comedy album, “It’s All a Joke,” and has been a featured performer at L.A. Comedy Club's Dragon Room, Four Funny F:-)ckers, Laugh Factory and many other acclaimed venues.
Ross has performed in “Raiding the Rock Vault” and “The D*Word: A Musical,” and has musically directed and written for “Spoofical the Musical,” “Worst Show in Vegas” and produced and starred in “Pianos to the Death Game Show” in Orlando and Las Vegas.
AREA15 WELCOMES ‘SIN CITY HEARTS’ SATURDAY, SEPT. 4
In partnership with Desert Hearts, “Sin City Hearts” will return after three years on Saturday, Sept. 4. The art and music festival invites EDM fans to dance under the stars at AREA15’s outdoor event space, A-Lot. The 18-and-older festival features a curated lineup of renowned and up-and-coming DJs, including Mikey Lion, Lee Reynolds, Marbs, Porky and special guests.
Since its inception, Desert Hearts has grown its family to encompass tens of thousands of music lovers globally. Doors will open at 9 p.m. General admission is $25 for ages 18-20, and $20 for folks 21+.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT STUDIOS HOSTS BATTLEBOTS CHAMPIONSHIP
The hit TV show “BattleBots,” the world’s premier robot combat competition has found a new home in Las Vegas and tickets to be part of the live audience are on sale now. Robots from around the globe are convening to battle for the 2021 BattleBots World Championship, which is taking place inside the BattleBox arena at Caesars Entertainment Studios through Sept. 4. Fans can witness world-class fighting machines and the very best domestic and international bots battling. The sixth season of the popular show will air on Discovery Channel later this year.
More than 65 teams from United States, Europe, Asia and South America are traveling to Las Vegas with their fighting machines to slug it out in a series of battles. The ultimate winner will take home the prize, The Giant Nut, which is currently held by New Zealand’s End Game. There will be two ticketed sessions per day.
‘THE AFTER PARTY’ ON STAGE
Last week it was a moment in time one night when Boyz II Men’s member Shawn Stockman made a special appearance at “The After Party’s” concert at The Summit (formerly The Sands) Showroom inside The Venetian. Stockman joined the super group made up of Boyz II Men bandmate Wanya Morris, Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean and Nick Carter and *NSYNC’s Joey Fatone, to perform a medley of boyband hits during one of their four concerts.
Stockman performed with the award-winning group after international superstar, Luis Fonsi, performed his hit single, “Despacito.” The nostalgic powerhouses, along with Stockman and Fonsi, came together to sing some timeless classics. In attendance the one night was standup comedian Jo Koy, who also got on stage.
CIRCA SPORTS HOSTS EXPERT SPORTS BETTING FOOTBALL PANEL
On Saturday, Aug. 28, Circa will host its second panel of sports betting experts and personalities from the Vegas Sports and Information Network (VSiN).The panel will share insights on the 2021 professional football season; details on the record-breaking Circa Million III and Circa Sports Survivor contests; and tips and strategies for bettors. The free panel will run from 3–5 p.m. in Circa’s Warehouse event space and will also be available via livestream from Circa Sports’ official Twitter account.
‘THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES’ MAKES SHORTRETURNTO THE SPACE
In commemoration of Women’s Equality Day Aug. 26, which marks the end of suffrage in America 101 years ago, The Space at 3460 Cavaretta Court will feature three evenings of the award-winning play, “The Vagina Monologues,” Thursday–Saturday, Aug. 26-28 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 online with a portion of the proceeds from all ticket sales benefitting Dress for Success of Southern Nevada.
FASHION SHOW CELEBRATES NATIONAL EAT OUTSIDE DAY
In honor of National Eat Outside Day, Fashion Show Las Vegas (FSLV) will feature alfresco dining and dancing on Tuesday, Aug.31 with a variety of offerings on The Plaza.
Dunkin’ Donuts will host a live DJ from 9 a.m. to noon and provide a complimentary donut with any large or extra-large beverage purchase or with any milk, juice purchase for children throughout the day.
El Segundo Sol will welcome a Spanish guitar player at the top of the hour from 5 to 8 p.m. Additionally, guests can enjoy discounted beverages, chips, quesadillas and tacos from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse will present a Brazilian Jazz Band providing melodies on the half hour. The restaurant will offer 20% off all drinks on the patio from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
RA Sushi will offer food and beverage specials from 3 to 7 p.m.
MAIN STREET STATION SET TO OPEN AGAIN
Main Street Station will resume operations on Wednesday, Sept. 8 at 6 a.m. nearly 18 months since closing due to the pandemic. The downtown casino will resume 24/7 operations, while its restaurants will only be open select hours. Triple 7 Restaurant and Microbrewery will be open Thursday-Monday 5 p.m. to midnight and The Garden Court buffet daily 8 a.m.-2 p.m. for brunch with dinner service Friday-Saturday 4-9 p.m.
GUCCI MANE - LIL WAYNE PERFORM AT DRAI’S LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Drai’s Beachclub • Nightclub will feature live performances by multi-platinum artist Gucci Mane on Sept. 3 and 4, and Grammy award-winning artist Lil Wayne on Sept. 4. Also, Drai’s will be partnering with Pollen and Blueprint Sound to put on weekend daytime pool parties at the Beachclub.
On Sunday, Sept. 5, Pollen will present a Beachclub pool party with Puerto Rican music artist Jay Wheeler, along with other talented musicians and DJs including Alex Sensation, Sita Abellán and La Gabi. On Monday, Sept. 6, Blueprint Sound will take over Drai’s Beachclub with a lineup of high-energy DJs like Direct, Bonics, CLA and more.
Drai’s Beachclub is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Drai’s Nightclub Friday through Sunday from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. in addition to Thursdays for Swim Night throughout the summer.
GUILHERME’S ALLEYWAY MURAL
Brazilian-born artist and recent Las Vegas resident Guilherme painted the alleyway alongside Container Park, between7th and 8th streets, which has officially been dubbed “Mural Way,” with a vibrant new wall mural. Guilherme’s striking artwork features a face at peace surrounded by space, stars and solar eclipse as well as a slithering snake with a cosmic bird passing. In place of a traditional signature, the artist affixed a QR code, which when scanned goes to a Brazilian indigenous rights organization’s webpage.
GABRIEL BARCIA-COLOMBO NAMED NEON MUSEUM’S RESIDENCE ARTIST
Acclaimed mixed media artist, Gabriel Barcia-Colombo, selected from more than 100 candidates will be the 2021 Artist in Residence (AIR) at The Neon Museum. Now in its sixth year, the residency program invites artists to interpret the collection in unique and new ways, supporting the museum’s mission to cultivate the arts and further cultural enrichment. He will begin his residency in December.
During his residency, Barcia-Colombo plans to investigate how technology and light influences and impacts memory by creating a series of sculptures inspired by the neon signs in the Neon Boneyard. He envisions his sculptures taking the form of Nicho boxes, three-dimensional shadow boxes traditionally found in Mexican folk art, which are used as portable shrines to important figures or loved ones. He references his previous interactive video sculpture “Animalia Chordate” as an inspiration.
“I’m interested in creating video sculpture Neon Nicho boxes featuring the modern day ‘saints’ of Las Vegas,” said Barcia-Colombo in his residency proposal. “Each Nicho box will be a living video sculpture lit up by a neon frame featuring a Las Vegas resident transforming into the role of a recognized saint.”
Among his many impressive accreditations, in 2012 he gave a TED talk entitled “Capturing Memories in Video Art,” and in 2014 he gave another entitled “My DNA Vending Machine” and was awarded a Senior TED fellowship.
THE GARDEN HOLDS ANNUAL WHITE PARTY & LABOR DAY EVENTS
Sin City’s gay bar, The Garden, in the Downtown Arts District will bid adieu to summer with a Labor Day weekend, Thursday-Sunday, lineup filled with drink specials, drag brunches, sinful soirees and a special drag performance by “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Vanessa Vanjie Mateo at the Saturday, Sept. 4 annual “Heaven” White Party where guests are required to wear all with attire.
PT’S EXPRESS AND DUNKIN’ OPEN AT ARIZONA CHARLIE’S
Arizona Charlie’s Decatur celebrated the grand opening this month of two concepts new to its casino floor, PT’s Express and Dunkin’, with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
PT’s Express and Dunkin’ are now open at both Arizona Charlie’s Boulder and Arizona Charlie’s Decatur. PT’s Express offers select favorites from local bar and restaurant chain, PT’s Taverns, including signature wings, hamburgers and sandwiches. Dunkin’ features the company’s Next Generation store design, which includes Dunkin’ signature cold drinks available on coffee taps.
ABOUT TOWN
Tivoli Village is holding a Vintage & Craft Fest featuring more than 50 local vendors on Sunday, Sept. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival is in partnership with LV Craft Shows, the city’s longest running craft show.
Fall Into Fashion 2021 will be held at Opportunity Village’s Ralph & Betty Engelstad Campus on Saturday, Sept. 11 from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. featuring eight of the nonprofit organization’s models. This event includes food and drinks, boutique shopping, and a fashion show. The OV models will be escorted down the runway wearing one-of-a-kind outfits made by Trade & Fashion Academy Las Vegas. All proceeds will benefit the Madi Peck Endowment Fund, which will help provide specialty equipment for Opportunity Village’s day habilitation programs. Tickets are $65.
