BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: Sept. 4, 2022
BY: Jackie Brett
NOTE: There will be no column next week as Jackie is on vacation.
SHOWGIRLS GREETING VISITORS TO DOWNTOWN ARE NOW 50 FEET TALL
Just north of The Strat where Las Vegas Blvd. divides with Main Street stands a welcoming display which was installed in 2018 with two 26-foot showgirls. Recently, the two ladies were replaced by taller brand-new 50-foot-tall showgirls to make the sign a bigger photo op showstopper.
Now there is no way this huge sign can compete with the global superstar “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign designed by Betty Willis on the far south end of the Las Vegas Strip. But the irony is the city of Las Vegas begins by The Strat and the sign where thousands take their picture daily is in the county. How many cities have competing eye-catching Welcome Signs!
While most showgirls disappear once they retire, the former 26-foot-high ladies are being refurbishment due to weather damage and will reappear. They are scheduled to be installed further north in the Las Vegas Arts District this fall on the corner of Fourth Street and Las Vegas Boulevard, in front of the Las Vegas Deuce double decker bus stop.
Here’s more irony, the iconic showgirl was once a mainstay in production shows on the Strip, and the end came in February 2016 when “Jubilee” closed at Bally’s after a 34-year run. But it appears, Las Vegas can continue to claim the showgirl as part of its branding.
Now for some fun facts about the new and former showgirl signs. The shorter ladies were 8 feet wide, weighed 3,250 pounds each, were internally illuminated with white LED modules, and the headdresses were part of the graphic face and not separate. The new much taller ladies are 15 feet wide, weigh 6,800 pounds each, and have headdresses fabricated separately which are 5 feet tall and 6 feet wide. The showgirls are internally illuminated with white LED. The headdresses are lit with exposed full-color LED pucks designed to scintillate or twinkle.
CIRCUS CIRCUS ADVENTUREDOME HAS NEW RIDES
Family-friendly Circus Circus has introduced new enhancements and upgraded kiddie rides including Twistin Tea Cups, Go Karts and Kiddie Swings at The Adventuredome five-acre indoor theme park.
The Adventuredome offers rides for all ages including the Canyon Blaster, El Loco rollercoasters, NebulaZ, Sand Pirate, Inverter, a rock-climbing wall, and an 18-hole miniature golf course, among others.
WILD WILD WEST NEAR THE STRIP WILL BE DEMOLISHED
Wild Wild West Gambling Hall & Hotel near the Las Vegas Strip, which is owned by Station Casinos, will be closing and then demolished for redevelopment. It’s a smaller property which has been a popular for truckers with the location just off I-15 on W. Tropicana.
The 20-acre Wild Wild West site is part of almost 100 acres owned by Station Casinos with views of the Las Vegas Strip and access to I-15. While the company is trimming the fat, this announcement follows the permanent closure of three other properties: Texas Station, Fiesta Rancho and Fiesta Henderson, which will be sold for redevelopment with the caveat another hotel/casino can’t take over the space.
THE DOCKSIDERS BEGIN MAKING STEADY WAVES AT THE RIO
Yacht Rock Band, The Docksiders, are launching Las Vegas’ first official Yacht Rock residency this week on Sept. 8 at the Rio. The group is bringing soft rock hits of the ‘70sand ‘80s to the Entertainment Capital, and immersing fans into a bygone era with costume changes, enhanced visual production, and a world-class performance. The Docksiders will perform five nights a week at 6 p.m., dark Fridays and Sundays.
Led by three-time Grammy nominee Kevin Sucher, The Docksiders are headlining at The Duomo, which is a new 300-seat venue in the Masquerade Village area at the Rio. With a frequently updated assortment of top hits, fans can expect no two shows to be the same, with renditions of favorites like Olivia Newton-John, Toto, Kenny Loggins, Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, Hall & Oates, Christopher Cross, and Ambrosia.
THE GOLDEN TIKI MAKES WORLD’S LARGEST MAI TAI
The Golden Tiki in Chinatown broke the world record for the Largest Mai Tai amidst a packed house on Aug. 30, 2022. The event was the culmination of a week-long celebration commemorating the legendary tiki bar’s seventh anniversary.
Many hands were on deck to help pour more than 300 bottles of alcohol which were feverishly mixed by Beverage Director Adam Rains. It took a little more than 30 minutes to build the 100-gallon cocktail in front of a live crowd. The final product weighed in at more than 900 lbs. and well surpassed the previous record of 55 gallons. The monumental feat was witnessed and certified by Raul Faria, president of the United States Bartenders’ Guild – Las Vegas Chapter (USBGLV).
RENOVATIONS ARE COMPLETE AT OSCAR’S STEAKHOUSE
At the Plaza downtown, the renovations inside the dining room of Oscar’s steakhouse are complete. The updates include a new rich color palette, reflected in the restaurant’s new comfortable leather chairs and coordinating booths both in a deep merlot color to create a vintage Vegas steakhouse ambiance. The renovations also include complimenting new carpet. Of course, the dining room still boasts its crystal chandeliers under the dome with sweeping views of Main and Fremont Streets.
COMEDIAN JIMMY FAILLA ADDS SECOND SHOW AT RED ROCK
Due to popular demand, comedian and radio host Jimmy Failla has added a second show at Rocks Lounge inside Red Rock Resort. Failla will now perform Saturday, Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets start at $30.
Failla is a New York City cab driver turned professional stand-up comic who appears regularly on all the biggest Fox News shows including “Gutfeld!,” “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” “America’s Newsroom,” “Outnumbered,” and “The Faulkner Focus.”
His nationally syndicated talk show, “Fox Across America,” airs weekdays noon-3 p.m. eastern on more than 110 radio stations across the country. In addition to “Fox News,” he has made multiple appearances on “Gotham Comedy Live” on AXS TV and “The Jim Gaffigan Show” on TV Land. Failla is the author of “Follow That Car; A Cabbie’s Guide to Conquering Fears, Achieving Dreams, and Finding a Public Restroom.” If you like reading at a third-grade level, this book is for you.
J. BLANCO TO DEBUT ELEVATED MEXICAN CUISINE AT UNCOMMONS
Food and drink news about UnCommons continues to emerge. UnCommons a $400 million mixed-use development in southwest Las Vegas is currently open and will have new restaurants opening throughout the fall and into next year. The latest announcement for the urban campus is J. Blanco will be opening an elevated Mexican steakhouse by Las Vegas-based Ayya Hospitality Group in early 2023 with seasonal cocktails and a sophisticated vibe.
The design of the 3,500-square-foot restaurant and bar will be vibrant and airy, accentuated by natural light and lush plants. An intimate private dining room will be accented by a colorful mosaic and seat up to 10 guests.
A menu of fresh, flavorful Mexican cuisine prepared in traditional methods and cocktails crafted with fresh juices and a curated list of tequilas and agave spirits will take center stage.
The rapidly expanding hospitality group, Ayya Hospitality recently opened Crust & Roux Gourmet Pie Co. offering gourmet pizza, dessert pies and pot pies in Town Square; and has two other concepts currently in development: Thick & Thin Treats and Pine Bistro.
J. Blanco will be joining other food and drink venues at UnCommons including Amari from celebrity Vegas chef Nicole Brisson, The Coffee Class, General Admission sports bar, Gyu+ with Japanese street food, Mercadito neighborhood bodega, and Sunlife Organics.
NELLY TO PERFORM AT M RESORT’S POOL
Diamond selling, multi-platinum, Grammy award-winning rap superstar Nelly will appear at the M Pool at the M Resort on Friday, Sept. 16 at 8 p.m. with guests DJ Grant Fisher and DJ Wick-It. Tickets for Nelly start at $25.
Nelly with his larger-than-life personality has continually raised the bar on the entertainment industry since he came onto the scene in 2000. Nelly kept the momentum going with the 2002 release of “Nellyville.” The album debuted at No. 1 on top of scoring the artist his first two Grammy Awards for “Hot in Here” – Best Male Rap Solo Performance – and “Dilemma” featuring Kelly Rowland – Best Rap Song Collaboration. This album was highly successful and certified 6x multi-platinum by the RIAA on June 27, 2003.
Nelly’s “Country Grammar” album and his collaboration song with Florida Georgia Line “Cruise” both received Diamond status in 2016 and he is only one of seven rappers to reach this honor.
METALACHI HOLDS FREE CONCERT AT DOWNTOWN CONTAINER PARK
The world’s first and only heavy metal Mariachi band will headline a live free concert on The Lawn at Downtown Container Park on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 9:30 p.m. until late. Opening entertainment will be provided by local Latin rock ‘n’ roll fusion band, Gravedad, from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Several food and beverage outlets inside the park will be open late, and additional bars will be available to guests on The Lawn.
Hailing from Los Angeles, the five band members started out as classically trained mariachi musicians before becoming a heavy metal mariachi band. The group combines the humor of Steel Panther, the flamboyancy of GWAR, and the eclectic rawness of Rob Zombie. There’s also a little dose of Spinal Tap and a hint of Cheech & Chong. The music is classic metal covers from artists like Metallica fused with classic mariachi by Vicente Fernandez and Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan. Their setlist is punctuated by comedic interludes and skits.
RISING COUNTRY STARS ARE APPEARING AT STONEY’S
Country’s hottest rising stars are visiting Stoney’s Rockin’ Country in Town Square this month and performing shows at 10 p.m. Advance tickets start at $10 on Stoney’s website. Upcoming headliners are Craig Campbell Sept. 9, Ryan Griffin Sept. 10, Derek Jones & The 50 South Sept. 16, Jordan Harvey, Sept. 17, and Royale Lynn Sept. 23.
The talent is impressive. Ryan Griffin co-wrote Kelsea Ballerini’s hit “Dibs.” Derek Jones has spent four years touring alongside Billy Ray Cyrus and shared stages with other country stars. Scottish-born artist/songwriter Jordan Harvey has planted his feet firmly in Nashville with a BMG Music Publishing deal and new music ready for release via Broken Bow Records. Singing before she could talk, Royale Lynn has been a part of a few notable songs in 2021 including the song “Far Boy” by Leah Marie Mason. Shortly after, Lynn released her song “His & Hers” featured by Boot Barn as one of “Boot Barn’s Emerging Artists.”
MONTREAL AND CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIOS APPEAR AT ARTEMUS W. HAM
The UNLV Performing Arts Center (PAC) is welcoming back by popular demand the Montreal Guitar Trio (MG3), this time with the California Guitar Trio (CGT) at Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall on Friday, Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Single tickets are priced from $45; call 702-895-ARTS (2787). The UNLV PAC is inviting students and general public to a pre-show “Rap with the Artists” from 6 to 6:45 p.m. in the concert hall.
Perennial favorite MG3 with the CGT will form a double ensemble of six exceptional guitarists. The audience will enjoy original compositions and new arrangements fusing progressive rock, world, jazz, and classical music in a joyful musical phenomenon.
For more than 20 years, MG3, composed of guitarists Sebastien Dufour, Glenn Levesque, and Marc Morin, has given hundreds of concerts in some of the most prestigious venues across North America, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia, including the legendary Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and the BB King Blues Club in New York City.
Since 1991, CGT comprised of Paul Richards, Bert Lams and Tom Griesgraber, has established a unique, personal connection with audiences. CGT’s 17 albums, streamed over 80 million times on Pandora, offer diverse snapshots of the group’s mercurial muse. CGT has made a global impact, having served as the soundtrack for Olympics coverage, programs on CNN, CBS, ESPN, and NBC, and NASA has used their music to wake the crew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
ELLIS ISLAND HOLDS OKTO-BEER-FEST
Okto-BEER-fest 2022 will be held at The Front Yard at Ellis Island on Sept. 24 from 5-8 p.m. The event features steins with the exclusive Ellis Island Oktoberfest beer and dancing along with the lederhosen-clad band. Guests can sign up for festive contests and activities, including Pretzel Eating Contests to finish a soft Bavarian beauty in a minute, Stein Holding Contest to hold a stein as long as possible, and Costume Contest encouraging participants to wear their best Bavarian flare.
Tickets are $65 and include unlimited Ellis Island beer for three hours, seating in The Front Yard, souvenir gifts, and Oktoberfest Bites.
TIVOLI VILLAGE ANNOUNCES CRAFT FEST DATES
Tivoli Village, a premier retail destination at 400 S. Rampart Blvd., will be holding upcoming Craft Fest events featuring more than 50 local vendors. Attendees can look forward to discovering one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting local artists, as well as enjoying tempting food and drink from Tivoli Village’s variety of eateries. The event is also pet friendly.
Craft Fests are scheduled for Sundays, Sept. 18, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost to attend is free.
CHEF ALICIA SHEVETONE HOLDS DINING EXPERIENCE AT SAHARA
Celebrity Chef Alicia Shevetone is holding an exclusive Mexican-inspired pop-up experience at Zeffer’s Café on Friday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. Attendees will enjoy a decadent six-course dinner served with drink pairings as well as a meet and greet with the world-famous celebrity chef. Tickets are $120 per person and only 50 tickets will be sold. Guests must be 21 years or older to attend.
FONTAINEBLEAU REVEALS INNOVATIVE RETAIL EXPERIENCE
Fontainebleau Las Vegas currently under construction is a vertically integrated, luxury 67-story hotel, gaming, entertainment, and meeting destination scheduled to open fourth quarter of 2023. It will be the first new luxury hotel to be built on the Strip in nearly 15 years. Fontainebleau Development is revealing the first details for the new luxury retail experience to debut at the resort. The integrated design to create a shopping district will span 90,000 square feet and feature approximately 35 luxury retail concepts across two levels.
The Fontainebleau resort shopping district will be conveniently connected and highly visible from the larger resort ecosystem, as every space will be designed with accessibility top of mind – neighboring, either adjacent or above, the 173,000-square-foot casino, dining experiences, and other offerings.
Fontainebleau will feature approximately 3,700 uniquely designed hotel rooms, more than 550,000 square feet of convention space, and a world-class collection of restaurants and shops, pool experiences, vibrant nightlife options, and coveted spa and wellness offerings.
WYNN DEBUTS EXTRAVAGANT WINE DINNER SERIES
Wynn Las Vegas is partnering with Napa Valley’s famed Domain H. William Harlan for an ultra-exclusive wine dinner series offering attendees an opportunity to sample a variety of the most elusive labels from Harlan’s time-honored wineries paired with specially curated menus from Wynn’s acclaimed chefs. Priced at $10,000, each intimate dinner is limited to 20 guests and will take place in a unique setting at Wynn. In addition, guests will be granted immediate membership to the featured winery’s wine club, bypassing the lengthy waitlist. The three Saturday dinners include Harlan Estate with Chef Mark LoRusso – Sept. 10; BOND with Chef Joshua Smith –Oct. 15; and Promontory with Chef Min Kim – Nov. 12.
