BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: Sept. 5, 2021
LADY GAGA WILL RETURN TO PARK MGM IN OCTOBER
Grammy Award-winning superstar Lady Gaga will return to Park MGM in October with her critically acclaimed show “Lady Gaga Jazz & Piano.” The shows will celebrate her forthcoming collaborative album with Tony Bennett, “Love For Sale,” which will be released on Oct. 1 via Interscope. Her nine show dates will be Oct. 14, 16, 17, 21, 23, 24, 28, 30, 31.
REBA, BROOKS AND DUNN ANNOUNCE FINAL DATES TOGETHER
Country music icons Reba McEntire, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn have announced their final dates for their hit residency, “Reba, Brooks & Dunn: Together in Vegas” at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Dec. 1–15. As the longest-running country residency in Las Vegas, the trio credits the culmination of their friendship and musical admiration they have shared since first touring together in 1993.Their show features more than 30 action-packed hits backed by a band of 10 players from both of their touring crews. The final nine performances are Dec. 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15.
GARY CLARK JR.HEADLINES FIRST CONCERT IN VIRGIN HOTELS’ THEATER
On Saturday, Sept. 11, AEG Presents will unveil The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, with the venue’s official grand opening concert featuring renowned guitarist, singer-songwriter Gary Clark Jr. The four-time Grammy Award winning rock and blues phenom has a genre-bending style combining elements of rock, hip-hop, blues, punk and R&B for a singular aural experience. The newly renovated 4,500-seat venue offers remodeled luxury suites and multiple high-energy VIP areas, a state-of-the-art sound system, superior video technology and a production package tailor-made for artist comfort.
LIONEL RICHIE RETURNS WITH ‘BACK TO LAS VEGAS’ RESIDENCY
Following multiple sold-out engagements at Wynn Las Vegas, international music icon Lionel Richie will return to the Encore Theater for 10 performances on select nights in September, October and November presenting his all-new “Lionel Richie: Back to Las Vegas!” show. The Oscar®, Golden Globe®, and four-time Grammy Award® winner will share stories from his multi-decade career and sing his iconic hits like “All Night Long,” “Hello,” “Easy,” and others. Richie has sold more than 125 million albums worldwide and is one of only two songwriters in history to have charted No. 1 records for nine consecutive years.
ENCORE AT WYNN DEBUTS CASA PLAYA THIS MONTH
This month, Encore at Wynn Las Vegas will debut Casa Playa, a coastal Mexican concept featuring authentic dishes, innovative cocktails, and a lively lounge. Located adjacent to the renowned Encore Beach Club, the restaurant is an all-encompassing dining experience boasting an upscale twist on authentic dishes and a buzzy aura in a chic setting. With a menu from Executive Chef Sarah Thompson, cocktails from Wynn resort mixologist Mariena Mercer Boarini, and a curated mezcal and tequila collection from agave expert Noah Arenstein, the restaurant will offer distinctive flavors leaving guests feeling as if they’ve been transported to the Mexican seaside.
Designed by Wynn Resorts’ creative studio, Wynn Design and Development, Casa Playa will be a Mexican escape with its rich textures, bright colors and lively patterns celebrating the spirit and craft of the country. From two dazzling fixtures of cascading marigolds in the main dining room, to the chic atmosphere of the front lounge, guests can enjoy an upscale feet-in-the-sand resort style dining experience. In the evening guests will experience live entertainment from a roster of acclaimed DJs.
‘DEREK HOUGH: NO LIMIT’ STARTS RUN AT THE VENETIAN RESORT
Multi-talented entertainer, two-time Emmy Award winner and 11-time nominee for Best Choreography, Derek Hough, is taking the stage at The Venetian® Resort this month with his new show, “Derek Hough: No Limit” running Wednesday, Sept. 22 to Sunday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. His new show is the first production announced to take the stage in The Summit Showroom, the newly renamed performance venue at the resort. The dance-centric show will incorporate all-new production elements, designed specifically for the showroom’s versatility and Hough’s magnetic stage presence.
In 2020, Hough joined the hit ABC series “Dancing with the Stars” as part of the judging panel for the show’s 29th season. He had performed on the show as a pro-dancer and was best known for his innovation and daring choreography. In May of 2017, Hough joined Jennifer Lopez and Ne-Yo at the judges table for the NBC series “World of Dance.”
RESORTS WORLD HOSTS CAPTAIN OBVIOUS IN NEW CAMPAIGN
Resorts World Las Vegas and Hotels.com are teaming up to showcase the newest property on the Las Vegas Strip and all it has to offer with the launch of this branded campaign featuring Captain Obvious.
Resorts World Las Vegas debuted this past June as the first integrated resort to open on the Strip in more than a decade. In the new campaign, Captain Obvious takes viewers on a high-speed tour through the robust property, including a look at the variety of experiences and amenities available at the 3,500-room property’s three integrated hotel experiences featuring Hilton’s premium brands. Captain Obvious provides a high-speed peek at the resort’s accommodations, 40 food and beverage venues, bohemian luxury day club, 117,000-square-foot casino and more. You can view the full video HERE.
AWARD-WINNING SANDWICH CHEF ROMANO JOINS ELLIS ISLAND
Chef Ismaele Romano’s Italian sandwich delights are making their way to Ellis Island, located on Koval Lane behind Bally’s, next month. The Sicilian chef participated in the 2021 International Pizza Expo’s International Italian Sandwich Championship and won the World Sandwich Champion on Thursday, Aug. 19. His creation of a porchetta and eggplant sandwich served on kale and dandelion-infused focaccia took first place.
The award-winning sandwich is just one item on the menu at Via Focaccia, the fast-casual artisan sandwich shop Chef Romanois bringing to the casino floor at Ellis Island in September. Via Focaccia will boast delicious homemade Sicilian favorites – straight from Chef Romano’s mealtime memories in Italy as a young boy. The menu will focus on fresh, Italian ingredients and traditional preparations.
BACCHANAL BUFFET’S WEEKEND BRUNCH IS BACK AT CAESARS PALACE
Last week, Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace brought back its extravagant weekend brunch with numerous new dishes and unique stations including the Pancake and Waffle Bar, Egg and Omelet Bar, and Meat Carving Station. Since its successful reopening in May, the world-renowned buffet has seen a record number of guest reservations ready to enjoy its multi-million-dollar enhancement and 100 new dishes.
Bacchanal’s brunch offerings include all-new sweet and savory stations featuring a contrast of traditional and creative dishes, hot and cold brunch offerings, and smoothies. Pricing is Monday-Thursday dinner $74.99 from 4 to 10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday brunch $54.99 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner $74.99 from 3 to 10 p.m.
Since opening in September 2012, Bacchanal Buffet in its first year was named the number one buffet in Las Vegas by “USA Today,”“Las Vegas Review-Journal” and “Las Vegas Weekly.”
MR. BOXER INC. CLOSED AT MCCARRAN AIRPORT
The second oldest souvenir shop in Las Vegas, Mr. Boxer Inc., closed its retail location in the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, Gate C-24, last month. Established in 1992, Mr. Boxer sent tourists and locals home souvenirs, novelty boxers, men’s and women’s loungewear and apparel for more than 25 years.
Owned and operated by UNLV alumnus James Rathner, Mr. Boxer is a local business. What started as a kiosk in the esplanade area of McCarran grew into a 900-square-foot inline location at C Gates. Consumers can still purchase souvenirs like the signature Las Vegas Knockout brand boxers and apparel, made in Nevada, at mrboxer.com.
REO SPEEDWAGON AND APRIL MACIE HEADLINE AT RED ROCK
REO Speedwagon will appear at the Sandbar Poolside at the Red Rock Resort Friday, Sept. 10 at 8 p.m. Formed in 1967, signed in 1971 and fronted by vocalist Kevin Cronin since 1972, REO Speedwagon is a steady band with hits like “Take It on the Run,” “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” and platinum certified “Keep On Loving You.” Tickets are $35 and $55.
As part of the Red Rock Comedy Series, Bonkerz Comedy Presents: April Macie in the Rocks Lounge on Friday, Sept. 17 at 9 p.m. There is a $25 cover at the door. Guest must be 21 or older.
Macie is currently starring in the “Tiffany Haddish Presents: They Ready” comedy special on Netflix. She was a finalist on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” in 2006, has appeared on E! Entertainment, Sirius and XM Radio, Access Hollywood, Talk Soup, and HLN. When she appeared on “The Howard Stern Show” in 2008, she was voted the “Funniest and Hottest” comedian in America. She is also a regular guest on “The Bob & Tom Show” and has toured with the “Bob & Tom Comedy All Stars Tour.” Among her many other credits, she gave a TEDx talk on turning pain into humor.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Harvest Festival, the Original Art & Craft Show celebrating 49 years, is back this year at a new downtown location, the Expo at World Market Center with free parking. The marketplace running Sept. 10–13 and opening at 10 a.m. each day features more than 24,000 handmade arts and crafts with each exhibitor subject to a rigid jury process to be selected. Tickets are $9, $7 for seniors and military, $4 for kids 13 to 17 years of age, and free for 12 and under.
Downtown’s three-day premier music, arts, culinary, comedy, and ideas festival, Life is Beautiful, is back this year Sept. 17–19. Rising stars including Willow Smith, Alaina Castillo, Keys N Krates, and more will be appearing.
The two-day 2021 iHeartRadio Music Festival will take place Friday-Saturday, Sept. 17–18 at T-Mobile Arena, and the event’s Daytime Stage on Saturday, Sept. 18 will be at the new, AREA15. The Main Stage will feature performances by Billie Eilish, Cheap Trick, Coldplay, Dua Lipa, Florida Georgia Line, Journey, Khalid, Lil Baby, Maroon 5, Nelly, Sam Hunt, Weezer and more. Ryan Seacrest will be the host.
The Daytime Stage will feature live performances from DaBaby, Olivia Rodrigo, The Kid LAROI, Saweetie, All Time Low, 24kGoldn, Russell Dickerson, Yungblud, Gabby Barrett, Tate McRae, Conan Gray and Addison Rae, with more to be announced.
LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL PRESENTS STAR LINEUP AT BROOKLYN BOWL
Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas has announced a specially curated lineup Sept. 15-18 in collaboration with Life is Beautiful running Sept. 17-19, featuring exclusive performances leading up to and throughout the festival weekend. The concert series kicks off with breakout artist Jacob Collier Sept. 15, followed by singer-songwriter Britany Howard Sept. 16, and closes out with late night 1 a.m. shows starring the critically acclaimed San Holo Sept. 17 and hip-hop icon Ludacris Sept. 18.
PIFF THE MAGIC DRAGON OFFERS FREE TICKETS TO EDUCATORS
Piff the Magic Dragon, the breakout star of “America’s Got Talent,” is welcoming teachers and educational staff back to school with a magical offer. He is offering up to four complimentary tickets to his show at the Flamingo through Sept. 30. To RSVP, visit https://bit.ly/3mHPm2M and provide a full name, mobile telephone number, email address and the number of tickets requested. All reservations must be made 48 hours in advance of the preferred show date.
Piff the Magic Dragon performs nightly at 7 p.m. Thursday through Monday and is joined onstage by Mr. Piffles, The World’s Only Magic Performing Chihuahua™, and showgirl Jade Simone.Tickets start at $62.95.
VEGAS KNIGHT HAWKS ARE NEW INDOOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE FRANCHISE
The Foley Entertainment Group announced the organization’s newest venture. The newly acquired Indoor Football League (IFL) franchise will now be known as the Vegas Knight Hawks. The team will be the eighteenth current and active member of the IFL. In addition, the team has hired Mike Davis as their first head coach in franchise history. Davis joins the Vegas Knight Hawks after serving as the Defensive Line Coach for the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts.
NINTH ANNUAL UFC INTERNATIONAL FIGHT WEEK IS SEPT. 21-25
The 9th Annual UFC International Fight Week™ will take place in Las Vegas from Tuesday, Sept. 21 through Saturday, Sept. 25, headlined by UFC® 266: Volkanovski vs. Ortega, presented by Modelo. The event-filled week will also include the traditional 2020 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 23, and a two-day, interactive UFC Fan Experience® on Friday, Sept. 24, and Saturday, Sept. 25. Fans will be able to take part in an easily accessible and fully interactive, free, two-day UFC Fan Experience that will feature meet and greets, autograph sessions, and partner activations providing unprecedented access to UFC champions, top-ranked contenders, Hall of Famers, and other UFC personalities.
DOWNTOWN CONTAINER PARK ANNOUNCES NEW TENANTS
Downtown Container Park, Downtown Las Vegas’ 1.1-acre open-air shopping center and entertainment venue has 10 new small businesses joining its eclectic lineup of bars, restaurants like Bin 702, Downtown Terrace, Oak & Ivy and Pinches Tacos and retail shops through September.
The new storefronts include House of 1000 Pins; Shades Deluxe (sunglasses); Segway Las Vegas; Get Married Vegas (chapel); Mob Pie pizzeria; The Olive Branch Boutique vinegars and oil bar; Sinsational casual foods; Ticket Kite show tickets; Origin Event Planning; RAD Studio boutique design firm; and Elite Tax services.
PLANET HOLLYWOOD HAS NEAR MILLIONAIRE FACE UP PAI GOW WINNER
A lucky Caesars Rewards member hit a Mega Progressive Jackpot on Face Up Pai Gow for $920,728 at Planet Hollywood on Aug. 31. The guest, Edgar Fabian Estrada Madrigal, was visiting from Mexico. After approximately 30 minutes of playing at the same Face Up Pai Gow table, he had a winning hand suited with diamonds. With his winnings, Madrigal plans on investing, setting some aside for education, supporting his family, and splurging on a luxury apartment. As luck would have it, he visited Planet Hollywood once before on vacation and enjoyed it so much he made plans for another visit this summer.
MONTANA SILVERSMITH BUCKLE PRESENTATION RETURNS TO SOUTH POINT
With the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) returning to Las Vegas, the nightly Montana Silversmith Buckle Presentation will return to South Point in the showroom, Dec. 2–10 starting at 9:30 p.m. This year, eight-time World Champion and Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Hall of Famer Joe Beaver will be joining Flint Rasmussen on stage to host the event.
South Point is also an official host hotel, also known as Vegas Cowboy Central, for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, hosting property-wide events and activations throughout the week. Returning events include Benny Binion Bucking Horse and Bull sale, Cinch Western gift show, Dodge Ram viewing parties, and World Series of Team Roping.
QUICK CLIPS
A guest at The Cosmopolitan had a lucky start to their Labor Day winning a $1 million area progressive jackpot at the resort.
Recently Michael Jackson’s longtime costume designer and author of “The King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson,” Michael Bush had an intimate book signing in Las Vegas.
Last week, Vegas Golden Knights center, Chandler Stephenson was spotted with his fiancé attending the hit show “Atomic Saloon Show” at the Grand Canal Shoppes inside The Venetian Resort.
