“BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW”
DATE: Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016
BY: Jackie Brett
VEGAS COLUMN
CAMEO WILL BRING CLASSIC FUNK SOUNDS TO WESTGATE
GRAMMY nominated Cameo will debut their new residency at Westgate on March 2 and perform hit records from their extensive catalogue. Cameo will perform Wednesday through Sunday at 7 p.m. in the Westgate Cabaret. Tickets are $69 for balcony seats, $79 for general admission, $89 for VIP, and $110 for Meet & Greet, which includes a photo with Cameo.
Vocalist Larry Blackmon founded the group in the early 1970s. Their debut album was “Cardiac Arrest” with the hit song “Rigor Mortis.” Beginning in 1979, the band released a string of gold-certified albums and their success continued throughout the 1980s, with the release of the gold-certified albums as well as their platinum-certified “Word Up!,” which climbed to number eight on the Billboard 200 chart, becoming the group’s most successful album and earning Cameo a Grammy nomination in 1987.
GOLDEN NUGGET UNVEILS NEW SPA AND SALON RENOVATIONS
The Spa and Salon at the Golden Nugget downtown was recently enhanced by an $800,000 renovation. The 15,000-square-foot retreat features eight treatment rooms in the spa, including couples massage rooms and male and female spa lounges. The spa has whirlpool Jacuzzis, dry saunas, herbal steam saunas, showers, vanity areas, refurnished locker rooms and an upgraded fitness center.
The salon has also been refashioned. It features three stylist stations, two make-up artist stations, manicure and pedicure services and three additional treatment rooms dedicated to spray tanning and esthetics skincare services. An open seating atrium is perfect for a variety of group occasions and events.
Downtown’s only full-service spa and salon is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. to hotel and outside guests. The all-inclusive spa experience is priced at $40 for outside guests and includes access to the entire spa facility.
BUDWEISER CLYDESDALES HELPED OPEN BEER PARK AT PARIS
On Saturday, Jan. 30, Beer Park celebrated its grand opening at Paris with the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales trotting down the Strip to the venue’s entryway in front of Paris, where Clark County Commissioner Mary Beth Scow presented an official proclamation and was joined representatives from Beer Park, Caesars Entertainment and Anheuser-Busch to tap the first keg.
Beer Park at Paris is on a 10,000-square-foot deck overlooking the Strip. It is the Strip’s first rooftop bar and grill, complete with an outdoor grill, picnic tables, and more than 100 draft, can and bottle beer selections including 36 beers on tap. Beer Park is open daily from lunch through late night, transitioning to a high-energy bar after 10 p.m.
‘TWISTED VEGAS’ IS SET TO OPEN AT THE WESTGATE
“Twisted Vegas,” the new show starring famous French import Alex Goude, will be dropping off its over-the-top cast of characters at the Westgate’s porte cochère on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 10:30 a.m. The show will open to the public on Tuesday, Feb. 9. Tickets for the 7 p.m. shows scheduled Tuesday-Sunday are on sale now: $59 balcony; $75 rear orchestra; and $108 front orchestra.
NORA’S ITALIAN CUISINE IS BUILDING A NEW LOCATION
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Nora’s Italian Cuisine broke ground on a new place less than one mile east of its existing location at Flamingo Road and Duneville Street. With completion scheduled for August 2016, the brand new two-story building will feature additional seating, large private dining rooms, a wine cellar, outdoor patio and a bocce court, a kitchen with a unique grill menu, as well as cocktails on tap and beers on draft.
Nora’s Italian Cuisine is family-owned and operated, servicing the Las Vegas community for 25 years. Nora’s serves family recipes from Sicily, inspired by its founder Nora Mauro.
JOHN FOGERTY WILL RETURN TO THE VENETIAN THIS FALL
Due to popular demand, legendary singer, songwriter and guitarist John Fogerty will return to The Venetian Theatre with his “Fortunate Son in Concert” show for an encore residency this Sept. 14-Oct. 1. He performed eight sold-out shows in January. Tickets start at $59.50 and go on sale Friday, Feb. 5 at 10 a.m. PST.
With a career spanning more than 50 years, Fogerty is hailed as one of the most influential musicians in rock history. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, now adds author to his long list of accomplishments with his memoir “Fortunate Son: My Life, My Music” released last fall. The autobiographical account takes readers through the highs and lows of his life and musical career as a member of Creedence Clearwater Revival and as a solo artist.
STONEY’S ADDS NEW NIGHT WITH ‘TWOSDAYS’ PROMOTION
Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 2, the World Famous Stoney’s Rockin’ Country located in Town Square will be open every Tuesday night with a special “Twosdays” promotion. Guests will enjoy $2 cover along with $2 well, wine and draft. Local country legend, DJ KazLV, will play the latest and greatest in country music every Tuesday night with doors opening at 7 p.m. Stoney’s is also open Thursday through Saturday from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m.
DONATE BOOKS FOR FREE MAC KING’S SHOW TICKETS AT HARRAH’S
Harrah’s headliner and comedy-magician Mac King has been a life-long advocate for childhood literacy. In 2011, he launched Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour, a citywide literacy initiative to foster reading and to collect books for Las Vegas school children.
Throughout the month of February, King is partnering with Egg Works, The Egg & I, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum and the Darling Tennis Center to collect books for elementary school children in local at-risk schools. By donating three or more new or gently used children’s books at any of these locations, you can receive a pair of tickets to The Mac King Comedy Magic Show and special offers from the host venue.
King will personally deliver the books to kids in at-risk schools March 1–4 during Nevada Reading Week 2016. Since 2011, King has collected more than 15,000 books by partnering with several local organizations.
LOUIS PRIMA JR. & THE WITNESSES MAKE A STOP AT THE PALMS
Louis Prima Jr. & The Witnesses will make a one-night tour stop this year at The Lounge inside the Palms on Saturday, April 16. The Witnesses are currently touring in support of their second Warrior Records/Universal Music Distribution release titled, “BLOW,” a collection of original eclectic music that continues the ever-changing musical journey that Prima Sr. began in the 1930s. The group is bringing new energy and Prima music into the 21st century. Tickets start at $32.
MOB MUSEUM CELEBRATES 4th ANNIVERSARY
This Valentine’s Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 13-14, The Mob Museum will celebrate its fourth anniversary with a special preview of original crime scene evidence from the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. In addition, admission on Sunday, Feb. 14, will be free for locals and buy-one, get-one for visitors. Guests will be invited to make a $4 donation for the nonprofit organization’s fourth birthday.
The new recently acquired artifacts represent a one-of-a-kind collection never before put on public display that will be on display through February 29 and return as a permanent display in 2017. They include crime scene bullets and original coroner’s documents concerning the victims and reports prepared by Dr. Calvin Goddard, forensic scientist.
In addition, on Feb. 13-14, the museum will display two Thompson machine guns used in the 1929 St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Lt. Mike Kline from the Berrien County, Mich., Sheriff’s Office, where the guns are stored, will deliver presentations both days at noon, 2 and 4 p.m., plus on Feb. 15 at 11 a.m.
On Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the museum will hold its 4th Anniversary Celebration Blood Drive in partnership with United Blood Services, call 877-827-4376. For donating a person will receive one free admission ticket valid until Dec. 31.
DAM SHORT FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR 12TH YEAR
The Dam Short Film Festival is back again for a 12th year showing 129 short films of all styles and genres in four days, Feb. 10-13. All screenings are held at the historic Boulder Theatre in downtown Boulder City. In addition to the 23 thematic program blocks, events include the Filmmaker Meet-n-Greet, the 12th Dam Mixer, and an Awards Screening followed by the Awards Party. For tickets, schedule, and sponsorship information, visit www.damshortfilm.org. Tickets are $9 per program, which includes four to 11 short films and passes and one-day ticket bundles are available.
WESTGATE’S SUPERCONTEST® UNVEILS FIRST SUPERPROPS CHALLENGE
Westgate with mobile gaming company Gamblino are expanding their partnership surrounding the SuperBook’s® annual SuperContest®, the world’s largest and most renowned pro football handicapping competition. Called the SuperProps Challenge, it’s the latest event in the Satellite Series and will grant the first place winner free entry to the 2016 SuperContest®, a $1,500 value. This event marks the first time an entry into the SuperContest® can be won through a Super Bowl prop betting contest.
The Gamblino app is free to download and available on iOS and Android. Operating on Gamblino’s unique points-based competitive sports betting platform, fans around the country will be able to pick from a carefully curated list of the top Super Bowl props. The 2015 SuperContest® had a total prize pool of $2.59 million.
DAVIDOFF CIGAR BAR OFFERS LIMITED YEAR OF THE MONKEY CIGAR
In celebration of Chinese New Year, the all-new Davidoff Cigar Bar on the Strip is offering a limited edition Year of the Monkey cigar, created exclusively by Davidoff and only available at Davidoff retailers.
Conveniently located on Las Vegas Boulevard in front of Fashion Show Mall, Davidoff Cigar Bar is the latest evolution of the world’s premier cigar brand. The indoor/outdoor venue comes equipped with a state-of-the-art ventilation system, full bar with signature cocktails and bottle service, multiple 80-inch high definition televisions, a walk-in humidor and much more suited for smokers and non-smokers.
Only 8,500 of these cigar boxes will be crafted globally and available throughout 2016.
SUPER SUMMER THEATRE ANNOUNCES 2016 PLAYS AND AUDITIONS
Every summer outdoor plays are performed each month at the Spring Mountain Ranch from June through September. This year’s plays will include: “Beauty and the Beast” – auditions in February; “Memphis The Musical” – auditions in March; “Bring It On The Musical” – auditions in April; and “They Mystery of Edwin Drood” – auditions also in April. For more information, visit www.supersummertheatre.org.
THE MOB MUSEUM HOSTS AUTHOR TALK WITH RON CHEPESIUK
On Saturday, Feb. 6, at 1 p.m., Ron Chepesiuk will present an Author Talk at The Mob Museum as part of Black History Month. He will discuss details about the life of the first African-American drug kingpin, Frank “Black Caesar” Matthews. The unsolved mystery of Matthews began with his rise as America’s top cocaine and heroin trafficker. His criminal organization imported heroin and cocaine from Venezuela and distributed it in 21 states. In 1974 the 30-year-old was arrested in Las Vegas but disappeared without a trace alongside his teen-aged mistress and with a reported $20 million in cash.
Matthews’ quick climb to drug boss required establishing direct ties to the “French Connection” heroin pipeline as well as the defiance of the Mob and the Corsican Mafia.
This Author Talk is free with museum admission and free for museum members.
Chepesiuk will sign copies of his book, “Black Caesar: The Rise and Disappearance of Frank Matthews, Kingpin,” which will be available for sale.
ATOMIC TESTING MUSEUM HOSTS FORMER USS NEVADA CREWMEN
On Thursday, Feb. 11, the National Atomic Testing Museum is holding a free light breakfast Q&A with five former crewmen of the Historic USS Nevada from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Cost is free that day for museum members and non-members. RSVP by calling 702-794-5151
This ship served in both World Wars, survived the attack on Pearl Harbor, and was selected as the target ship for the Operation Crossroads-Able nuclear test at Bikini Atoll.
Ansel Tupper, who was present at Bikini during the Able test in 1946 will appear with Les Putman, Byron McGinty, Richard Ramsey, and Cliff Burkes.
Visitors will be encouraged to continue their conversations with these gentlemen that same day at the Nevada State Museum at 1:30 PM, where many of the ship’s artifacts will be displayed.
DELLA’S KITCHEN HOLDS FARMHOUSE DINNER
Della’s Kitchen inside Delano is holding a Farmhouse Dinner on Thursday, Feb. 11. The evening will include passed hors d’oeuvres and a reception from 6-7 p.m. with the opportunity to meet Chef Calimlim followed by a five-course meal with specialty cocktail pairings from 7-8:30 p.m. The sustainable cuisine will be from local sources. Cost is $95, call 702-632-9254.
KIWANIS CLUB HOLDS ‘A NOVEL EVENT’
The Neon Lights Kiwanis Club of Southern Nevada is holding A Novel Event on March 5 to benefit Vegas PBS’ Ready to Learn Program. The Saturday Champagne Brunch at the Las Vegas Country Club from 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. will feature authors Matthew O’Brien, Christy Leskovar, and JG Debs with Daniel Robert Sullivan from “Jersey Boys” acting as emcee. Tickets are $45 and VIP $60.
QUICK ENTERTAINMENT ITEMS
The adult revue “Sexxy” at the Westgate celebrated its first anniversary last week with a VIP audience. The topless show was created, choreographed and directed by Jennifer Romas, who also stars in the show alongside fabulous dancers, an aerial act and dynamite singer Gabriella.
The headliners in February for the Golden Nugget’s Fridays Concert Series include: Blood, Sweat and Tears featuring Bo Bice – Feb. 5; J.T. Taylor: Voice of Kool & the Gang – Feb. 12; Christopher Cross – Feb. 19; and Johnny Rivers – Feb. 26.
R&B artist and Las Vegas native, Ne-Yo, will host an epic night at Chateau Nightclub & Rooftop at Paris with friends in celebration of the Big Game weekend on Saturday, Feb. 6.
Kansas City-based blues rock group Katy Guillen and the Girls will be returning to Backstage Bar and Billiards on Friday, Feb. 12 to open for Mike Zito & The Wheel. They were finalists at the 2014 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Tickets are $16 in advance at Ticketfly - $21 at the door.
“Reverend” Bob Levy, a regular personality on Sirius XM Radio’s “The Howard Stern Show,” and former WWE star Mick Foley will headline at South Point Feb. 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $20.
Throwback Thursdays continues at LAX inside the Luxor with February headliners DJ Spinderella on Feb. 4 and Young M.C. on Feb. 18.
Nevada Ballet Theatre will present “Cinderella” at The Smith Center on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $29.
GENERAL CLIPS
The nonprofit First Friday Foundation will resume producing the monthly arts and culture festival in downtown Las Vegas beginning Feb. 5 from 5 to 11 p.m. The February event, themed “Back to Our Future,” marks the return of this popular monthly event typically attended by more than 20,000 people.
For Presidents’ Day on Feb. 15, guests can receive one free meal that day at Charlie’s Market Buffet at either Arizona Charlie’s Decatur or Boulder by earning 100 same day base slot points.
Honey Salt on the west side of the valley will continue its successful Farm Table dinner on Tuesday, Feb. 23 with family-style meal at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 and must be purchased in advance online.
DENSO Products and Services Americas, Inc., has signed to become the title rights sponsor of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway April 1-3.
SPEEDVEGAS, the 100-acre motorsports complex opening this spring, is establishing a partnership with Chinese Host Inc. (CHD) to exclusively represent China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Chinese communities in North America.
The St. Croix Shop at Grand Canal Shoppes has opened a Remy Leather department. Remy is a renowned leather maker based in California.
Sprinkles Cupcakes is launching a loyalty program, Sprinkles Perks, with three tiers to reward cupcake fans in Las Vegas and throughout the country. You can register in-store or online and start earning rewards for every visit or purchase, beginning with a free cupcake upon initial registration.
