BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: April 3, 2022
CIRQUE’S ‘MAD APPLE’ UNVEILS GIANT APPLE ON THE STRIP
Cirque du Soleil’s new show “Mad Apple” has debuted a new spectacle on the Strip. Now a massive 30-by-30-foot colorful inflatable apple is prominently located at the base of Lady Liberty at New York-New York. The display is equivalent to 1.5 million real apples.
The 315-pound spherical display took more than 200 hours to create. Inflated in six minutes, the apple has made its new home on the Strip and will be on property throughout the show’s launch in May.
Premiering Thursday, May 26 “Mad Apple” will be a cocktail of music, comedy, magic and mayhem featuring comedian Brad Williams, freestyle rapper Chris Turner and vocalist Xharlie Black plus a talented cast of 39. From pre-show magic and boozy libations at the memorable stage bar, to the band playing hits inspired by NYC’s most famous musicians and composers, “Mad Apple” will blur the lines between circus, live entertainment and New York nightlife culture.
Previews begin Thursday, May 12 with tickets starting at $49. Tickets are available for shows beginning Friday, May 27 and start at $59.
MIRANDA LAMBERT WILL HAVE RESIDENCY AT ZAPPOS THEATER
On the heels of being named Entertainer of the Year at the recent Academy of Country Music Awards, where she holds the record as the most decorated artist in ACM history, Miranda Lambert will continue her storied musical journey with a headlining Las Vegas residency. “Miranda Lambert: Velvet Rodeo The Las Vegas Residency” will open on Friday, Sept. 23 for a 24-show run at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood. Designed exclusively for Zappos Theater and promoted by Live Nation and Caesars Entertainment, she will give fans an up close and personal opportunity to experience live performances of the numerous chart-topping songs and beloved album cuts from Lambert’s seven No. 1 albums as well as her forthcoming project, “Palomino,” set for release April 29.
MGM RESORTS LAUNCHES LAS VEGAS’ FIRST NFT-TICKETED EVENT
Reimagining the future of entertainment and hospitality, MGM Resorts International is launching Las Vegas’ first-ever NFT-enabled live performance experience for dance crew Jabbawockeez’ newest production, “TIMELESS.” In partnership with NFT leader YellowHeart, MGM Resorts developed the Jabbawockeez White Glove NFT Ticket Collection to deliver a new immersive fan experience where attending the show is only the beginning. A limited set of 1,110 Jabbawockeez White Glove NFT Tickets are now available for purchase for select Jabbawockeez performances April 7-30.
When NFT holders redeem their limited-edition NFT ticket at the show, the monochrome digital ticket transforms into a vibrant Jabbawockeez video, serving as a permanent keepsake and a digital key that unlocks exclusive benefits. NFT owners will enjoy premium seats, behind-the-scenes access and meet-and-greet opportunities at the “TIMELESS” production; become a founding member of the MGM Rewards-Jabbawockeez NFT community; receive limited-edition content and merchandise as well as future offers from MGM Resorts and Jabbawockeez. Additionally, 24 hours after the show, NFT owners will receive a signature “History in Motion” collectible commemorating this moment in the group’s history.
Offering long-term benefits and content from MGM Resorts and Jabbawockeez, the White Glove NFT is designed to be a community-oriented experience that leads to deeper relationships with guests. NFTs usher in a new era for fans where the ticket itself is an ever-evolving experience that begins before the curtain lifts and continues long after the show ends.
HUMAN NATURE ANNOUNCES 14-SHOW RESIDENCY AT SOUTH POINT
Pop vocal group Human Nature and a true Las Vegas success story have booked a 14-show residency at the Showroom at South Point August-November. For their limited engagement, they will return to their soulful roots with “Back to the Sound of Motown” featuring their acclaimed interpretations of the Motown songbook. Tickets start at $40 and go on sale Tuesday, April 12.
Human Nature was first introduced to the United States by the King of Motown himself, Smokey Robinson. The run for the group’s Las Vegas show became stuff of legend as the talented Aussies reimagined the classic groups and hit songs of Motown and played the famed Las Vegas Strip for more than 11 years. Human Nature has decided to come back to town so they can once again reach the international audience and local fans. During the break from Las Vegas, the pop stars have continued to perform in their home country, Australia, to sold out audiences.
Human Nature’s “Back to the Sound of Motown” features the chart-topping three-piece harmony consisting of brothers Andrew and Michael Tierney and Toby Allen. This all-new show is custom designed around the South Point Showroom and features an absolutely thumping live band. The dates are Aug. 25-28, Sept. 20-22, Oct. 11-12 and 14, and Nov. 3-6.
FORMULA 1 WILL RACE ON THE STRIP AT NIGHT IN 2023
Formula 1 and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) announced the Las Vegas Grand Prix will join the FIA Formula One World Championship in 2023. The race will take place at night, on a Saturday in November, on the famous Las Vegas Strip with the track sweeping past some of the world’s most legendary landmarks, hotels and casinos. The incredible neon lights of Las Vegas will be the backdrop for Formula 1’s third race in the U.S. Formula 1 and Liberty Media will work together to promote the race in partnership with Live Nation Entertainment and the LVCVA, as well as Founding Partners Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, and Wynn Las Vegas and Presenting Partners MSG Sphere, Resorts World Las Vegas and The Venetian Resort.
The track design is 3.8 miles (6.12km) long from start to finish with top speeds estimated to be over 212 mph (342 km/h). There will be 50 race laps with three main straights and 14 corners, including a high-speed cornering sequence and a single chicane section.
WORCS RACING RETURNS TO ORLEANS ARENA
WORCS Racing – one of the biggest off-road motocross, ATV, QUAD, SXS and UTV racing series in the United States – will return to the Orleans Arena on Friday, April 29 through Sunday, May 1. WORCS Racing brings top professional and amateur riders to compete for the coveted title as one of the fastest off-road racers in the country.
WORCS’ challenging courses will test the abilities of each rider as they take on open deserts and outdoor-style motocross tracks at an incredibly fast pace. The event will also feature various motorsport vendors with exhibits located outside the Orleans Arena.
Practice races begin Friday, April 29 at 10 a.m. The official races begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, April 30 and May 1. Tickets start at $19.27 online at orleansarena.com.
VOCALIST AMY ARMSTRONG SET TO APPEAR AT JIMMY’S
The recently opened show bar, Jimmy’s (formerly Jimmy’s at Madison’s) is proud to announce the appearance of singer Amy Armstrong on April 11 at 8 p.m.
Originally based in Chicago, music and comedy legend Amy Armstrong has graced stages coast-to-coast and in more than 20 countries with her one-of-a-kind wit and musical prowess. She has opened and shared the spotlight with such names as Kathy Griffin, Mary Wilson and the Supremes, Phyllis Diller, Bea Arthur, Jennifer Holiday and Judy Gold to name a few. In 2009, Armstrong was featured on national television on “Entertainment Tonight” as part of her work with the NBC reality show “America’s Got Talent.” Dedicated to community involvement her numerous charity concerts over the years have raised more than $15 million for LGBTQ+ charities worldwide.
Advance tickets are available at Eventbrite - Keyword Jimmy’s at Madison’s. Tickets start at $10. VIP tickets are $25 and include one drink and priority seating. Jimmy’s is located at 855 E. Twain Ave, Suite 114.
COSMOPOLITAN WITH KULTURECITY HONORS AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH
Launched on April 1 to align with Autism Acceptance Month, the Cosmopolitan’s 40,000-square-foot concert venue and performance space, The Chelsea, is officially certified as a sensory-inclusive venue. KultureCity is a nonprofit dedicated to raising acceptance and assisting individuals of all ages who have sensory needs. This means employees of The Chelsea received training on the needs of adults and children with sensory sensitivities, including autism, PTSD, ADHD, dementia and more. Additionally, the venue is now equipped with sensory bags featuring noise-reducing headphones, fidget tools, KultureCity VIP access passes and Feeling Zone thermometers, a tool which provide individuals an additional means of communication. The Chelsea also offers an onsite quiet room providing a space to decompress for those who may be overwhelmed by sensory elements during an entertainment event.
Additionally, Beauty & Essex is also officially certified as a sensory-inclusive venue with all employees receiving sensory training as well as offering sensory bags at the venue.
PREMIERE BURLESQUE FESTIVAL RETURNS TO THE ORLEANS
The nonprofit Burlesque Hall of Fame museum after a pandemic two-year break will return to the stage this year to hold its annual weekender event, featuring four days and nights of shows, classes, and other programs, Thursday-Sunday, June 2–5 at The Orleans.
The unique entertainment and competition event, the Burlesque Hall of Fame (BHoF) Weekender brings together the theatricality of neo-burlesque and the charm of classic striptease. Showcases feature today’s top burlesque performers—female and male—from around the world, as well as living legends of the art’s mid-20th century heyday.
This year’s event will feature three burlesque showcases: Thursday’s “Movers, Shakers and Innovators” show; Friday’s “Titans of Tease” showcase; and Saturday’s “Tournament of Tease.”The showcases are part of a four-day schedule of events that includes classes, a bowling tournament and poker tournament, community gatherings, and award-winning parties.
More information and tickets are available at BhoFWeekend.com.
JUSTIN OH BRINGS SOUTH KOREAN FLARE TO LIGHT NIGHTCLUB
LIGHT Nightclub, located at Mandalay Bay, has added South Korean bass music producer and DJ Justin OH to its April lineup of star-studded performers and DJs. He is scheduled Friday, April 15.
OH, the electronic music DJ from South Korea, made his debut on the electronic music scene with his EP “All I Say” in September 2012. His single “Wait For You” was featured in Paul Oakenfold’s mix album, “Never Mind The Bullocks” along with being chosen as one of Oakenfold’s favorite songs, as featured on his “Best of 2011” compilation on Spotify. His most recent LP, “Welcome to the City of Oz,” was released with independent record label Monstercat in October 2020.
AREA15 LAUNCHES ‘ON THE DECKS’ NFT COLLECTION OF PLAYING CARDS
AREA15 is launching “On The Decks,” a one-of-a-kind digital NFT collection of stylized playing cards minted on the Polygon blockchain. Paying homage to table games throughout Las Vegas, the first drop in the NFT collection will feature a suit of hearts, including unique artworks, characters and AREA15 brand icons. To celebrate, the entertainment district is holding an NFT launch party on Saturday, April 23 featuring a live performance by world-renowned DJ Sama’ Abdulhadi.
The “On The Decks” suit of hearts collection will also be available for purchase via digital auction on the Open Sea platform through April 22. Auction winners of the first card drops will acquire ownership of the original digital NFTs as well as receive exclusive passes to AREA15.
At the NFT launch party, guests will witness the playing cards displayed digitally with projection-mapped technology inside The Portal. Attendees will also enjoy other mixed-reality experiences, digital giveaways, and discounts.
Launch party tickets are $17.95 and can be purchased online. AREA15 NFT owners will receive free admission. Other suits of cards in the deck will be revealed with additional launch party celebrations.
DOS HOMBRES CREATORS BRYAN CRANSTON - AARON PAUL VISITED VEGAS
Last week actors Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul made a stop at Jennaand Michael Morton’s La Comida in the Fremont East Entertainment District to treat guests to tastes of their new mezcal, Dos Hombres. Two years ago, Cranston and Paul started Dos Hombres with the goal of creating a mezcal they both would enjoy. Derived from the Spanish words “two men,” the name Dos Hombres was chosen because Cranston and Paul view themselves as “two guys on a quest.”
Dos Hombres features a unique blend of the finest Espadin agave, hand-selected from the hillsides of a small village of San Luis del Rio in a remote section of Oaxaca, Mexico. The brand offers two agave blends of the mezcal to choose from, a 6-year-old Espadin and a limited edition 25-year-old Tobala.
At La Comida, the mezcal duo had lunch, visited with everyone, took selfies, and signed bottles. With their visit, inventory of Dos Hombres sold out quickly.
Cranston and Paul also appeared at The Mob Museum in The Underground speakeasy and distillery. Select invitees and Museum guests were welcomed to a bottle signing and cocktail tasting event. During the event, the “Breaking Bad” stars and buddies were behind the bar personally concocting two unique Dos Hombres cocktail recipes along with team members of The Underground speakeasy and distillery. Spectating nearby were Mayor Carolyn Goodman and former Mayor Oscar Goodman.
RHUMBAR WILL REOPEN THIS MONTH AT THE MIRAGE
Rhumbar Tropical Ultra Lounge will reopen at The Mirage on April 20. The newly designed venue by Basile Studio has transitioned into an ultra-lounge, complete with a refreshed bar program, elevated culinary fare, refined cigar menu, and nightly entertainment.
The venue’s playful and striking color scheme of yellow, pink, and mint is complemented by opulent greenery and 70s-inspired prints and style. The custom-built host stand is fashioned from hot rolled steel and powder coated in the perfect shade of dusty rose. Covering the expanse of the room is a 40-foot linear polished brass bar accented by pink fluted tile, custom fabricated bar stools and a TV hidden behind dielectric gold mirror. The architectural showstoppers are eight Basile-built custom steel umbrellas with hand-upholstered fringe detail, LED backlighting and pop-down planters.
The indoor-outdoor lounge will provide an array of entertainment offerings, including live music and special event programming throughout the year.
EL CORTEZ TRANSITIONS TO 21 AND OVER PROPERTY
Beginning this week on April 1, the historic El Cortez Hotel & Casino located Downtown began its transition to a 21+-only property, starting with hotel guests. This two-phase rollout comes in the final stages of the hotel and casino’s complete $25 million property remodel, including the revamped 200-room Premium Tower and the redesigned casino floor and high-limit room. Still in progress is a renovation of the original 47 “vintage” rooms, built in 1941 when the gambling house first opened. In its first phase, all hotel guests must be 21 years of age or older with a valid state-issued identification. In its second phase, the new policy will include identification checks at every entrance, making the entire property—including all food and beverage outlets—limited to guests 21 years and older.
GAUDIN MOTOR COMPANY HELPS POLICE WITH VICTIM ADVOCACY ROOM
Gaudin Motor Company donated the completion of the new Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s (LVMPD) Victim Advocacy Room in the late Gaudin Porsche General Manager Jim Mooradian’s honor. Raising $3,800 in team member donations, the newly refreshed room is aptly named the “Sweet Suite” featuring a Candyland-type mural representing Mooradian’s incurable sweet tooth.
The LVMPD Victim Advocacy Room is meant to establish a child-friendly environment where law enforcement can interview and speak with child victims while reliving their trauma during the process. The refreshed room filled with colorful toys, games and playful aspects sets the tone for a safe and relaxed space for child victims.
