“BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW”
DATE: Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016
BY: Jackie Brett
VEGAS COLUMN
BELLAGIO GALLERY WILL FEATURE YOUSUF KARSH PHOTO EXHIBIT
For the first time in nearly a decade, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (BGFA) will feature a photography exhibit when it unveils “Yousuf Karsh: Icons of the 20th Century” on March 18. Recognized as one of the greatest portrait photographers of the 20th century, Karsh’s work showcases some of the most notable men and women in Hollywood, the arts, sports and politics. The exhibit will run through Sept. 5 and highlight 60 portraits ranging from Winston Churchill and Pablo Picasso to Muhammad Ali and Grace Kelly. The audio tour included with admission will guide guests.
Throughout his lifetime, Karsh produced more than 50,000 original prints, some of which were portraits of distinguished historic figures.
THE PARK WILL HAVE COLOR-CHANGING SHADE STRUCTURES
Opening April 4, The Park on the Strip serving as the official gateway to T-Mobile Arena will have 16 dramatic color-changing shade structures standing at heights ranging from 55 feet to 75 feet tall lining the walkway through the outdoor retreat. The production of each structure took more than 2,000 hours to complete. The eye catching fabrications at night will have a magical light effect and on the quarter hour will look as if they transform into large colorful cactus blooms.
SCINTAS BRING ENERGY TO PLAZA SHOWROOM
It was a party for sure celebrating the Scintas opening in the showroom at the Plaza. A VIP/media reception and preview viewing reinforced the powerhouse group’s many musical talents wrapped in comedy. Mayors Oscar Goodman and Carolyn Goodman were in attendance at the cocktail reception in Oscar’s namesake hotel restaurant and a proclamation was presented.
The Scintas, brothers Frankie and Joe, and “honorary Scinta” Peter O’Donnell, along with newest addition, Janien Valentine, have become a fixture in Las Vegas for the past 16 years. They were in rare form for the highly receptive audience that was thrilled to see them on a big stage again in Las Vegas, which is their home. Tickets start at $29 for general admission and $49 for VIP tickets.
THE D PARTNERS WITH FREMONT EAST’S LE THAI AND BOCHO
The D, home to restaurants including Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Italian Steakhouse and American Coney Island, is expanding its guests’ dining experiences through an innovative business partnership with the Downtown Project and Fremont East restaurants Le Thai and Bocho. Now members of Club DC, the property’s players club, can use their comp dollars toward meals at both of Chef Dan Coughlin’s highly acclaimed Asian eateries. This collaboration marks the first relationship that connects a downtown casino with the Fremont East restaurants.
NASCAR WEEKEND NUGGETS
Anyone visiting Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS) during the 2016 NASCAR Weekend March 3-6 can find everything they will need to know in real time via the LVMS app. The app also has the innovative LVMS Fan Zone, where fans can go to have fun and earn chips redeemable for prizes and merchandise in an interactive easy to navigate environment.
Award-winning country star Craig Morgan will highlight pre-race activities for the Kobalt 400 when he performs the national anthem before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, March 6. Joining Morgan for pre-race activities will be the popular group The Atlantic City Boys, who will perform before opening ceremonies. The entertainers will be in town performing nightly shows at the South Point over NASCAR Weekend March 4-6.
LVMS’ 2016 NASCAR Weekend will begin Thursday, March 3 with a free practice session that runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the Stratosphere Pole Day on Friday, March 4 with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying beginning at 4:45 p.m. The Xfinity Series’ Boyd Gaming 300 takes place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 4 and the weekend’s crescendo comes on Sunday, March 5 in the form of the Kobalt 400 at 12:30 p.m.
Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood will offer viewing parties and drink specials March 4-6. Cabo’s Strip-side patio will offer front and center views of the official kick off to NASCAR weekend, the Hauler Parade down the Strip at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 4. One signature drink will be Can’t Drive 55.
RASCAL FLATTS UNVEILED MEMORABILIA CASE AT HARD ROCK
The Rascal Flatts Rhythm & Roots nine-show residency at the Hard Rock with special guest Barrett Baber is taking place at The Joint through Saturday, March 5. In honor of their second residency there, a memorabilia case has been dedicated featuring items that include outfits from the group’s opening night of their first residency there.
MONSTER JAM® WORLD FINALS XVII WILL ROLL INTO SAM BOYD STADIUM
The 2016 Monster Jam® World Finals XVII presented by NGK Spark Plugs will take place March 17–19 at Sam Boyd Stadium. Last year, more than 57,000 fans with attendees from 15 different countries and all 50 states witnessed the truck racing and freestyle competition. What’s nice is fans can get up-close-and-personal with the Monster Jam trucks and drivers.
The Party in the Pits features more than 100 Monster Jam trucks and drivers, including all Monster Jam World Finals competitors with drivers signing autographs during designated times. Other highlights include interactive displays, kids’ activities, Graffiti Zone, thrill acts, Monster Jam Ride Truck, photo opportunities, Main Stage interviews and contests, and more. Friday and Saturday combo tickets are $92.
GRIMALDI’S PIZZERIA RECEIVES COVETED FIVE STAR DIAMOND AWARD
This year, The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (AAHS) is recognizing Grimaldi’s Pizzeria with its prestigious Five Star Diamond Award for excellence in gastronomy, attitude, quality, cleanliness and overall service. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria is the first family-owned, multi-location upscale pizzeria to be bestowed the Five Star Diamond Award.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria has five locations in Las Vegas: The Shoppes at The Palazzo; Rainbow and 215; Boca Park Fashion Village; The Fashion Show Mall; and Richmar Plaza.
THE MARSHALL TUCKER BAND RETURNS TO THE ORLEANS
The Marshall Tucker Band, the band credited with establishing the Southern rock genre in the early 1970s, will return to The Orleans Showroom March 4-5. The group’s music has been featured on numerous movie soundtracks, including “Smokey and the Bandit,” “Shipwrecked,” “Blow,” “Swing Vote” and “Taking Chance” as well as many television shows. Tickets for their two 8 p.m. shows start at $29.95.
SHEENA EASTON SET TO PERFORM AT THE SUNCOAST
Sheena Easton, the Scottish-born pop diva who rose to prominence in the 1980s, will be headlining at the Suncoast Showroom March 5-6. Easton scored a record deal with British music company EMI Group Limited after appearing on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reality series “The Big Time” in 1980. Since then, Grammy Award-winning Easton has recorded 16 studio albums and released 45 singles worldwide with her James Bond theme song “For Your Eyes Only” being most recognizable. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. with tickets starting at $24.
AMBROSIA WILL BRING NOSTALGIC HITS TO THE SUNCOAST
Southern California-based progressive rock band Ambrosia will perform two shows at the Suncoast Showroom March 12-13 at 7:30 p.m. Ambrosia formed in 1970 chose its name to represent the vision of its music, mixing sounds to create a unique progressive and soft-rock genre. Tickets start at $20.
The band went on hiatus in the late 1980s to pursue solo projects but reunited for a 30th anniversary tour in 2000. The current tour showcases Ambrosia’s classic hits as well as the group’s most recent work including “Hopes and Dreams,” the first single off their latest album in progress.
CLINT HOLMES TO HEADLINE AT M RESORT
Las Vegas headliner Clint Holmes backed by the 10-piece band Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns will take the stage at M Resort on Saturday, April 23 at 7 p.m. He’ll perform inside the 2,300-seat M Pavilion and feature contemporary hits and selections from the American songbook. Tickets are $19.99, $24.99 and $29.99.
Holmes had a No. 2 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with “Playground In My Mind” in 1973. But it’s the lyrics people recall the most…“My name is Michael, I’ve got a nickel, I’ve got a nickel shiny and new.”
LEGENDS IN CONCERT INTRODUCED NEW LEGENDARY LINEUP
This month, “Legends in Concert” revealed a new lineup of tribute artists in the Donny & Marie showroom at the Flamingo. The new 2016 cast of legends crossing a spectrum of music includes: Grammy-winning songstress Adele portrayed by JC Brando; the Blues Brothers™ recreated by Eric Martin and Carmen Romano; Brian Duprey continuing as Sinatra; and Prince interpreted by Frank Moore.
For more than three decades, “Legends in Concert” has entertained more than 6.6 million visitors and produced over 18,500 performances.
SUPER TOY CON WILL RETURN TO THE ORLEANS ARENA
The Super Toy Con, which is the largest diecast model car, toy, comic and pop culture convention, will return to the Orleans Arena Aug. 5-7. Celebrity guests will include: Chris Sarandon, the voice of Jack Skellington in the stop-motion musical film “The Nightmare before Christmas,” David Anders who plays Blaine DeBeers in The CW television series “iZombie;” Milo Ventimiglia who played Peter Petrelli on “Heroes;” and William Zabka who played Johnny Lawrence in the 1984 martial arts drama “The Karate Kid.” Additional events will include autograph sessions, a costume contest, a Hall of Fame banquet ceremony and more. Single day tickets start at $12.
RANDOM NEWS ITEMS
Now through Feb. 28, guests with the name Tom, Thomas, Tommy, Thom or Tomas (first, middle or last name) will receive 50 percent off their individual bill at Tom’s Urban at New York-New York to commemorate the restaurant’s first birthday. In addition during the “Tom’s Turns One” celebration, guests who are not named Tom will be able to receive $5 off all Tom’s Size beers, cocktails or souvenir cups.
This month, Distill turns two and guests are invited to the Summerlin spot to celebrate Hawaiian style on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. There is no cover and party-goers are encouraged to dress island style.
“Pawn Star” Rick Harrison is expected to bartend at Rick’s Rollin Smoke BBQ & Tavern at Pawn Plaza on weekend dates March 19, 20, 26 and 27 starting at 8 p.m.
Loco Cantina at Town Square with its “fiesta-like” atmosphere is now open serving lunch, dinner and late night. It is featuring live entertainment every night.
Tacos & Tequila (T&T) at the Luxor and the ladies of “Fantasy” are offering a pre-fixe dinner and show package available through February for $70 per person. In addition, T&T has introduced new brunch selections including the South-of-the-Border-style Breakfast Burrito for $13 available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.
Hash House A Go Go will celebrate National Pancake Week Feb. 22-28 by challenging pancake lovers to finish their oversized version of a “Short Stack” ($10.99) for a chance to win breakfast once a month for a year at any location, all to benefit nonprofit Best Buddies Nevada. Hash House will donate $2 from every “Short Stack” and $1 from every other pancake ordered.
TREVI Italian Restaurant at The Forum Shops at Caesars will celebrate National Meatball Day by offering specially-priced menu items exclusively on Wednesday, March 9. Happy hour will turn into a whole day event and include $6 homemade meatballs served all day long.
The West Coast Conference Basketball Championships are returning to the Orleans Arena featuring men’s and women’s teams March 3-8. In 2015, the Brigham Young University women’s team won the conference championship while Gonzaga University took home the men’s conference championship.
Momenti Spirited Ice Creams is a family owned and operated business specializing in the science and production of super-premium alcohol-infused ice cream and sorbets, while enlisting high-profile ice cream industry consultants to collaborate on mixology techniques and a patent-pending process. Established in 2013, Momenti is launching the only specialty manufacturing plant to produce spirit-infused super-premium ice cream in the United States in Las Vegas.
Essence Vegas medical marijuana dispensary and treatment facility is opening three new locations, the first this month on the west side, in the Las Vegas valley this spring, including the first and only location on the Strip.
Sapphire’s Gentlemen’s Club just began featuring today’s top adult stars performing on Friday and Saturday nights during its “Show Me Sapphire” promotion. They are also offering Dinner with an Adult Star, which includes a four-course steak and lobster dinner and lap dance for dessert in a Premiere Skybox.
SPECIAL DINNER EVENTS
On Friday, March 4, Alizé at the Top of the Palms will host a special, one-night-only dinner in partnership with the Boston-based restaurant group, Himmel Hospitality Group. “A Table in the Sky” five-course dinner will be a collaboration between Alizé chefs and Himmel Hospitality Group’s Culinary Director Eric Brennan. Cost is $185.
Nonprofit Create A Change Now and Downtown’s lifestyle events company The Reset Project will hold their Inspire Challenge Engage Dinner on Thursday, March 10 at Booker Elementary. The family-style prix fixe dinner will feature harvested produce from Booker Elementary’ s edible desert garden as well as crops from local farms. Chefs partnering include: Chef de Cuisine Scott Pajak of Emeril’s Lagasse’s Stadium; Executive Chef Marty Lopez of 35 Steaks + Martinis; and local celebrity chef Johnny Church of Artisanal Foods. Tickets start at $40.
NEVADA’S LARGEST PLANET FITNESS OPENS IN HENDERSON
Planet Fitness, the growing health club franchise known for its Judgement Free Zone® that was founded in 1992 in Dover, N.H., opened its eighth Southern Nevada location this month at 260 E. Lake Mead Parkway in Henderson. The 28,000-square-foot gym is the largest Planet Fitness location in Nevada. It is open and staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The exercise outlet features 120 pieces of cardio equipment, circuit training, strength equipment and flat screen televisions, as well as access to unlimited fitness training, private locker rooms and changing areas.
FUNDAISING EVENTS
Keep Memory Alive will honor the executive chairman and co-founder of Boyd Gaming Corporation, Bill Boyd, with the distinguished Community Leadership Award during the star-studded 20th annual Power of LoveTM gala on Saturday, May 21. The fundraiser will celebrate legendary entertainer, Tony Bennett’s 90th birthday, while simultaneously raising funds and awareness for Keep Memory Alive, the fundraising arm for Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.
The seventh annual St. Baldrick’s Day head-shaving event will be held on Saturday, March 12 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the hotel’s iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The free public outdoor fundraiser for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation’s childhood cancer fight will feature live music, celebrity guest head-shavers and appearances by cast members from “Rock Of Ages,” “Absinthe,” “Million Dollar Quartet,” the ladies of “Fantasy,” “Thunder From Down Under” and many more. Participants interested in shaving their heads can register online. Last year more than $180,000 was raised.
The annual Evening of Hope dinner to benefit the nonprofit Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada will be held on Friday, March 4 on the 16th Floor, Building B at the World Market Center. Several restaurants and specialty food and beverage providers are teaming up to help kids with cancer. Tickets are $75 and $150 for VIP.
The Cultural Diversity Foundation’s 21st Annual Educational Taste of Excellence wine tasting, spirits and jazz scholarship fundraiser with food and live entertainment will be Saturday, March 12 from 6-10 p.m. at SLS in the Congo Room. Tickets are $60 in advance, call 702-646-2615 or $70 at the door.
The 7th Annual Race for Hope and Fun walk to support children, youth and families affected by autism living in Nevada will be presented by the Grant A Gift Autism Foundation on Saturday, April 30 at Town Square beginning at 7 a.m. The Opening Ceremony kicking off Kidz Run, 5K Timed Run and 5K Fun Walk are at 8 a.m. followed by music and entertainment from 10 a.m.-noon; visit www.GrantAGiftFoundation.org.
