Date: Jan. 1, 2023
BY: Jackie Brett
‘GARTH BROOKS/PLUS ONE’ WILL BE NEW RESIDENCY AT THE COLOSSEUM
Garth Brooks has a new headlining Las Vegas residency, “Garth Brooks/Plus ONE,” planned for The Colosseum at Caesars Palace beginning this year. The show will give fans the opportunity to see Brooks up close and personal on The Colosseum stage. No two shows will be the same because varying band members and the occasional special guest will provide a once in a lifetime performance each-and-every night. Whether it be one fiddle player, percussion and background vocals, or the whole band, each song, as well as every performance, will offer an original and shared experience night after night.
2023 STARTS WITH THREE SHOWS ON THE STRIP CLOSING
In order, the three shows closing at Strip properties include “Legends in Concert” at the Tropicana on Dec. 30, 2022; “Bat Out of Hell” at Paris on Jan. 1, 2023; and “Extravaganza” at Horseshoe (formerly Bally’s) on Jan. 7, 2023.
“Legends in Concert” tribute show ends a four-year run at the Tropicana. The show billed as the longest-running show in Las Vegas originally opened at the Imperial Palace, now The LINQ, on May 5, 1983. Ironically, the award-winning production started as a limited six-week engagement. “Legends in Concert” is a brand with satellite productions continuously running in other cities globally.
While the show here has followed a format showcasing three or four tribute artists backed by a live band and dancers, the exiting iteration “Back in the Building” was Elvis-themed featuring three Elvis impersonators. There’s always a good chance “Legends” will pop up at a new location.
“Bat Out of Hell” at Paris has been short lived having opened on Oct. 7, 2022. It seems the showroom at Paris struggles to find a winning show other than a run of “Jersey Boys.” “Bat Out of Hell” was an over-the-top musical infused with Meat Loaf songs. It was somewhat like “Rock of Ages” but with a weak plot. Guess it’s back to the drawing board to find a hit show.
“Extravaganza” will be closing at the Horseshoe (formerly Bally’s). Talk about bad luck, this show had one performance, on March 14, 2020, before it was shut down along with all shows in Las Vegas due to COVID-19. It reopened Nov. 23, 2020. Once the headliners and shows returned to the Strip, the competition has become survival of the fittest. “Extravaganza” attempted to pick up where “Jubilee” left off.
BRUNO MARS HAS 10 DATES COMING UP AT PARK MGM
Multi-GRAMMY Award-winning superstar Bruno Mars has 10 new show dates at Dolby Live at Park MGM: Jan. 25, 27, 28; Feb. 1, 3, 4, 8, 10, 11, 14. Fourteen-time GRAMMY-Award winner and 30-time GRAMMY Award nominee Bruno Mars is a celebrated singer, songwriter, producer, and musician who has sold more than 200 million singles worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time.
CHRIS TUCKER RETURNS TO ENCORE THEATER IN JANUARY
Comedian and Wynn Las Vegas resident performer, Chris Tucker, will return this month for a two-night engagement at the Encore Theater on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. A fan favorite, Tucker has previously performed to 10 sold-out audiences at Encore Theater. Tickets starting at $59.95.
Tucker is an award-winning actor, producer, comedian, philanthropist and production company owner. He became a favorite on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam in the 1990s. He is best known for his role of Detective James Carter in the Rush Hour blockbuster film franchise with Jackie chan.
Chris Tucker co-starred in the 2013 Oscar®️- nominated film “Silver Linings Playbook” with Robert DeNiro, Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper. In 2015, his first standup film, “Chris Tucker Live,” was released exclusively on Netflix, and marked the first project Tucker has starred in and produced through his company, Chris Tucker Entertainment.
GRAND CANAL SHOPPES CELEBRATES THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT
This Lunar New Year, Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian will celebrate The Year of the Rabbit. Beginning Friday, Jan. 6, the Shoppes will become a destination for Lunar New Year festivities with complimentary entertainment, photo opportunities, the 12th Annual Chinese New Year in the Desert ribbon cutting ceremony and more.
The Shoppes will offer a variety of photo opportunities throughout the destination including showcasing the renowned Golden Dragon art installation, featuring an illuminated smoke-breathing dragon. The display, located next to Louis Vuitton in the luxury wing, stands over eight feet tall and measures up to 34 feet long. Additionally, guests can snap a celebratory photo at the extraordinary red lantern display near Smith & Wollensky.
There will be a Lion Blessing, a cultural celebration to bring good fortune to the newest retailers and restaurants in the destination, on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 4 p.m. The Shoppes will also showcase cultural performances by folkloric dancers at St. Mark’s Square, Jan. 27 through Sunday, Jan. 29 at 4:30 p.m.
In commemoration of the Year of the Rabbit, the Shoppes will host the 12th Annual Chinese New Year in the Desert ribbon cutting ceremony, the official kick-off to the city-wide initiative. On Thursday, Jan. 26 at noon, guests will experience the ribbon cutting ceremony which will include a lion blessing and cultural performances in St. Mark’s Square.
For visitors, retailers with specialty offers will display traditional Mandarin trees adorned with lai see envelopes at their storefronts. For an additional treat, shoppers who spend $450 and show same day receipts will receive a Lunar New Year-inspired gift with purchase, including a Grand Canal Shoppes branded luxury gift set. This offer will be valid for guests until Sunday, Feb. 5.
VIA FOCACCIA’S CHEF WINS GLOBAL FLAVORS CULINARY COMPETITION
Ellis Island’s Chef Ismaele Romano took home first place competing in the 2022 Global Flavors Culinary Competition sponsored by the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) at CIA in Napa, Calif. The competition showcases Italian-style cheeses from California, a specialty Chef Romano features day-to-day at Via Focaccia, Ellis Island’s fast-casual artisan sandwich shop. This win comes after Chef Romano’s World Sandwich Champion title in the 2021 International Pizza Expo.
Chef Romano received $10,000 winning first place in both categories of the competition, Il Fresco and Il Classico.
Via Focaccia serves fresh, Italian ingredients – including focaccia made daily at the shop – with menu items easy to enjoy in-room, around the casino floor, or simply to go. Ellis Island is located one block east of the Las Vegas Strip on Koval Lane behind the Horseshoe, formerly Bally’s.
MAGICIAN DAVID BLAINE ADDS SIX NEW DATES AT RESORTS WORLD
Recently magician, extreme illusionist, and stunt artist, David Blaine, premiered his first-ever residency, “David Blaine: In Spades,” exclusively at the Resorts World Theatre. Blaine continued to push the limits, mesmerizing audience members with never-before-seen magic, illusions, and death-defying stunts in the newest theatre on the Strip. Throughout the one-of-a-kind production, Blaine utilized the unique, state-of-the-art features of the Resorts World Theatre incorporating large-scale installations. Due to overwhelming ticket demand, the magician is adding six new 2023 show dates: Jan. 6, 7, 27, 28; March 10, 11.
DOG SHOW FEATURED AT SPRINGS PRESERVE
“Jump! The Ultimate Dog Show” is at the Springs Preserve in the amphitheater now through Feb. 12. Two-time Ashley Whippet Invitational world champion Lou Mack and his performing pets are appearing with their non-stop, action-packed live family show. They’ve been seen on “The Tonight Show,” “The Late Show,” and “Animal Planet.” Showtimes are at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, now through Feb. 12. The show is free with paid park general admission, which is $9.95 for adults and $4.95 for children ages 3 to 17.
The dogs along with novel pet tricks go head-to-head in competition showcasing several energetic sporting elements such as speed agility, weave pole racing, trick frisbee, and dock diving.
The show also educates the importance of pet adoption, as most of the performing dogs have been rescued from various animal shelters throughout the country.
‘BRUNCH BY AN ANGEL’ RETURNS TO THE PALMS
“Brunched By An Angel,” the first-ever Las Vegas production show allowing guests to brunch with their dearly departed, will return to KAOS inside the Palms with its limited engagement on Jan. 14 and 15 with two shows per day. Brunch starts at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. with live music, and the show starts at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. respectively. Tickets start at $75.
Created and brought to life by four-time Emmy Award winning Executive Producer Shane Farley, “Brunched By An Angel” is spearheaded by three of the world’s best psychic mediums who connect with the spirits of the audience’s loved ones who have passed away. Each medium possesses their own special gifts to reach the departed, and the trio includes Reginald Lewis, along with friends Loriann Mans and Christopher Allan. The two-hour show is limited to only 272 guests to ensure an intimate experience, as well as produce the best odds for anyone hoping to get a reading.
DISNEY ON ICE ROAD TRIP ADVENTURES MAKES PIT STOP IN LAS VEGAS
“Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures” will whisk families away on an immersive getaway chock-full of magical participatory moments to ring in the New Year. Featuring new and classic tales, this multi-generational experience will play Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 5–8 at the Thomas & Mack Center. Performances are Jan. 5 and 6 at 7 p.m.; Jan. 7 at 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m.; and Jan. 8 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Audiences hit the road with Mickey Mouse and his pals for a high-octane ride in “Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures.” Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and guests embark on an interactive adventure to iconic Disney destinations from the rooftops of London with Mary Poppins and Jack and his band of dancing lamplighters to the sun soaked Motunui helping Moana restore the heart of Te Fiti, plus many more adventures.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT UNVEILS $5 MILLION ‘EMPEROR PACKAGE’
What can $5 million buy in 2023? In Las Vegas, Caesars Entertainment is offering the “Emperor Package” for experiencing the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix. The extravagant package is a one-of-a-kind, $5 million VIP offer promising the most curated experience during the inaugural race weekend. This impressive package includes the most luxe collection of amenities along with five-night accommodations in the award-winning Nobu Sky Villa inside Nobu Hotel at Caesars Palace. With its sweeping views of the racetrack and sitting in the heart of the Grand Prix™ straight away, the villa’s terrace will provide unparalleled views of the action.
The Nobu Sky Villa is a 10,300-square-foot, three-bedroom space, with a 4,700-square-foot outdoor terrace sitting atop the Nobu Hotel 140 feet above the Strip. The terrace includes the ability to host up to 75 guests to watch the race.
Michelin-starred restauranteur Chef Nobu Matsuhisa will personally create a special menu and host a private dinner for 12 in the Nobu Sky Villa. Guests will feast on Chef Nobu’s signature New Style Japanese cuisine, along with the finest sake and Japanese whisky.
The villa’s service and amenities include around-the-clock butler service, outdoor Zen Garden with a Japanese onsen tub, media room, billiards table, full bar, outdoor kitchen, sauna and private spa treatment room. Package guests have access to the exclusive Nobu Hotel fitness center and lounge as well as a private elevator and entrance.
In addition, the package will offer access to race festivities and remarkable VIP treatment and experiences. As an added gift, Caesars Palace will invite the Emperor Package holder and a guest to attend the sold-out and critically acclaimed residency “Weekends With Adele” at The Colosseum.
GILLEY’S AT TREASURE ISLAND HOSTS LIVE MUSIC IN JANUARY
Gilley’s at Treasure Island is featuring live music, line dancing, bull riding and karaoke this month. Las Vegas country station 107.9 Coyote Country will broadcast from Gilley’s every Monday night with live music starting at 8 p.m.
Gilley’s Saloon is open at noon on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. There is a $10 cover charge for live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays after 9 p.m. Karaoke Night is free every Tuesday from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Bull riding starts at 4 p.m. daily and free line dancing lessons are offered from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
SMITH & WOLLENSKY CELEBRATES 45 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Smith & Wollensky has celebrated 45 years as America’s Steakhouse. Famously described by “TheNew York Times” as “a steakhouse to end all arguments,” Smith & Wollensky is celebrating its anniversary with a variety of commemorative activations including a collaboration with legendary bourbon distillers, Maker’s Mark, in addition to custom steak knives created by master craftsman Adam Simha from MKS Designs.
The original Smith & Wollensky opened in New York City in 1977 and has since become an institution known for its American hospitality and high-quality USDA Prime steaks, butchered and dry-aged on premise.
While the time-honored brand plans to debut new locations this year, Las Vegas has a Smith & Wollensky, which originally opened on the Strip in December 1998 in a free-standing building on the Strip, and in 2019 opened a new located in the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian.
BOYD GAMING AWARDED $65,000 TO ‘WREATHS OF HOPE’ WINNERS
Last month, for the eighth consecutive year, Boyd Gaming celebrated 35 southern Nevada charities that participated in the Company’s holiday competition, “Wreaths of Hope.” Participating nonprofit organizations decorated wreaths at Aliante, The Orleans, Gold Coast, Suncoast, Sam’s Town, Cannery and Main Street Station and competed for the top prizes of a nearly $65,000 prize pool. Customer votes determined the winners, with more than 38,000 votes cast.
From Nov. 21 through Dec. 16, the public voted for their favorite charity’s wreath at each participating property or online via Boyd Gaming’s social media platforms. The seven Las Vegas destinations each awarded a $8,500 prize pool, with a first-place prize of $3,000 and a minimum cash prize of $1,000 for all participants.
The fan-favorite competition garnered more than 26,000 in-person votes, in addition to the 12,000 online votes cast through the Wreaths of Hope social media contest. An additional prize pool of $5,000 was awarded to the top three performing charities in the social media competition, with a $2,500 first-place prize, $1,500 second-place prize, and $1,000 third-place prize.
