“BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW”
DATE: Sunday, June 5, 2016
BY: Jackie Brett
VEGAS COLUMN
MARVEL’S AVENGERS S.T.A.T.I.O.N. IS NEW ATTRACTION
Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. (Scientific Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network) is a new immersive and educational experience at Treasure Island allowing guests of all ages to gain access to intelligence files, classified studies and experiments that explore the history and scientific origins of the characters. Visitors are taken deep into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. On display is an extensive range of Avengers special equipment. There’s also an opportunity to map out the stars to Asgard and to learn to operate Iron Man’s suit. Attraction is open daily at 10 a.m. with the last ticket sold at 9 p.m. Admission is $34 adults, $24 children. Open Daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
HARD ROCK OPENS NEVADA’S FIRST GOOSE ISLAND PUB
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino will open Nevada’s first Goose Island Pub this month and offer eight of its signature beers on tap along with bottles of Bourbon County and a wide selection of wines, liquor and pub-style food. Goose Island Beer Company is one of Chicago’s original craft beer companies since 1988.
TUSCANY WILL OPEN RARE AND CRAFT BEER HAVEN PUB 365
Craft beer haven PUB 365 will open this summer inside the Tuscany featuring 365 rotating craft beers and 40 draft handles. The collection will also include an evolving list of rare, specialty brews that will be special to PUB 365. The entire service team will be Cicerone-certified beer servers trained to provide pairing suggestions to complement guests’ traditional pub fare meals. The pub on the east end of the casino floor will feature nearly 1,800 square feet of dining space and an additional 1,052-square-foot private dining room for events and private parties.
STRATOSPHERE WILL OPEN ‘SPY ESCAPE & EVASION’ IN AUGUST
Red Mercury Entertainment has a venue management agreement with the Stratosphere to bring shows and events to the Stratosphere Theater and run the box office. Current Stratosphere entertainment includes “MJ Live” – Michael Jackson tribute show and “Pin UP™” starring Playboy’s 2011 Playmate of the Year® Claire Sinclair.
A new experience “Spy Escape & Evasion” will open Aug. 17. It is a two-day seminar and training course taught by Ex-CIA agent Jason Hanson designed to keep individuals and their families safe from danger. After almost a decade in the CIA, Hanson offers real-world spy safety experience and techniques.
FAMILY SHOW ‘POPOVICH COMEDY PET THEATER’ OPENS AT V THEATER
The “Popovich Comedy Pet Theater” just celebrated 10 years in Las Vegas relaunching shows at the V Theater at Planet Hollywood Tuesday-Saturday at 4 p.m. This show features circus performers, variety acts and a lineup of dogs, cats, mice, geese and even a mini horse. All of the pets on stage have been rescued from animal shelters, earning the show the nickname “The Second Chance Show.”
Gregory Popovich, who is a great juggler, has had an incredible list of accomplishments including: finalist on “America’s Got Talent;” voted “Performer of the Year” by the American Circus Association; and author of two books – “How to Train Your Cat” and “Doggy Gone Good.”
There is a $10 ticket special for Nevada locals through June 30 using promo code Vegas10.
GOLDEN RAINBOW’S ‘RIBBON OF LIFE’ CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
In celebration of Golden Rainbow’s 30th Anniversary, this year’s theme for the “Ribbon of Life” fundraising show at the Tropicana Theater on Sunday, June 12 at 1 p.m. is “Throwback 30” – a retrospect of the last 30 years of shows. Attendees will see some of the best numbers and acts from previous shows - “reimagined” for 2016. Tickets range from $50 to $200 for VIP.
The ThrowBack 30 After-Party will be held in the Havana Room from 3-7 p.m.
COMEDIAN STEVEN WRIGHT RETURNS TO ORLEANS SHOWROOM
Comedian Steven Wright will return to The Orleans Showroom June 17 and 18. At 23, he launched his comedy career and got his big break on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson. His new kind of comedy and lackluster voice caught the comedy world’s attention. Tickets start at $29.
In 1985, Wright received a Grammy nomination for his debut album, “I Have a Pony” and 22 years later a second Grammy nomination for its sequel, “I Still Have a Pony.” In 1989, Wright won an Academy Award for Best Short Film for his satiric film, “The Appointments of Dennis Jennings,” which he co-starred in and wrote.
MGM HOSTS BRAD GARRETT’S ANNUAL CHARITY POKER TOURNAMENT
The MGM Grand will host Brad Garrett’s annual Maximum Hope Foundation Charity Poker Tournament Saturday, July 2 on the casino floor starting at noon. The tournament offers participants the opportunity to play alongside Garrett, Willie Garson (“White Collar” and “Sex and the City”) and other celebrities as well as professional poker players. All event proceeds will benefit Maximum Hope Foundation founded by Garrett in 2000 as a nonprofit organization offering urgent financial relief to families caring for a child with a life-limiting illness.
The tournament is No-Limit Hold’em with a $250 entry fee. The first-place prize is $10,000 and Garrett will auction off two seats to his private home poker game with Ray Romano. Wolfgang Puck will donate a buffet brunch.
DAVE & BUSTER’S TO OPEN FIRST NEVADA LOCATION
Dave & Buster’s will open its first Nevada location in August in Downtown Summerlin® and will begin hiring more than 250 team members at the end of June. The 33,000-square-foot venue will offer upscale cuisine, innovative cocktails and hundreds of games, along with massive HDTVS for watching sports. Dave & Buster’s, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, operates 84 high-volume large-venue, restaurant/entertainment complexes throughout North America.
PT’S PUB OPENS 50TH NEVADA LOCATION
PT’s Entertainment Group, a division of Golden Entertainment, Inc. and the largest traditional tavern operator in Nevada, is holding a grand opening Thursday, June 9 of its 50th tavern at 6450 S. Durango Drive. What started in 1982 as a sole PT’s Pub on the east side at 1651 Palm Street has grown to more than 50 taverns throughout the state with 48 located in Southern Nevada.
The company will open a new Sierra Gold tavern West Flamingo Road later this summer at the site of the former Sedona Restaurant & Lounge.
THIS SUMMER BELLAGIO’S CONSERVATORY CREATES OCEANIC OASIS
The current display at Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens embarks on an underwater voyage with ancient ruins and a 35-foot sunken ship resting atop a coral reef now through Sept. 10. The expedition begins in the East Garden with an aquatic tunnel featuring two arching 20-foot salt water aquariums with schools of fish.
Some other focal points include: remnants of an ancient ruin wall; sea animals exploring an undersea tropical waterfall; scuba divers swimming among the wreckage; a mermaid made of sand and fresh cut carnations; and a 14-foot long whale spouting water, made of 1,000 succulents.
CRAZY PITA OFFERS PAINT, DRINK AND DINE SERIES
Crazy Pita Rotisserie & Grill at Town Square, which specializes in healthy Mediterranean cuisine and nutritious seasonal foods, is partnering with Pinot’s Palette through Sept. 8 to once again offer the Paint–Drink-Dine summer painting events on select Thursday nights from 6-8 p.m. Guests will learn from local artists. The cost is $39, which includes painting materials and supplies, one appetizer per table per person, and a 25 percent of the proceeds being donated to the Josh Stevens Foundation. Happy Hour prices are offered to Paint Party guests at 50 percent off beer and wine. Reservations required at website for Pinot’s Palette.
T-MOBILE ARENA ATTRACTS UNBEATABLE STAR POWER
The new T-Mobile Arena is keeping a powerful superstar lineup. Some upcoming names include: Garth Brooks with Trisha Yearwood June 24 and 25; Dixie Chicks July 16; Barbra Streisand Aug. 6; Gwen Stefani with Eve Aug.19; Coldplay with Alessia Cara Sept. 1; George Strait Sept. 9-10, Dec. 2-3, and Feb. 17-18; Drake with Future Sept. 11; Keith Urban with Brett Eldredge & Maren Morris Oct.21; and Carrie Underwood with Easton Corbin and The Swon Brothers Nov. 26.
FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE OFFERS FREE SUMMER CONCERTS
Fremont Street Experience Rock of Vegas concert series is celebrating its eighth anniversary delivering free entertainment. This year’s lineup runs through Labor Day and features: June 11– 3 Doors Down; July 2– Cherry Poppin’ Daddies; July 23– Robby Krieger of The Doors; Aug. 6– Vertical Horizon; Aug. 20– Melissa Etheridge; and Sept. 3– Smash Mouth.
The Grammy Award®-nominated multi-platinum Mississippi rock band 3 Doors Down will appear on Saturday, June 11 at 9 p.m. on the 3rd Street Stage. The group is fresh off the release of their sixth full-length album “Us and the Night.”
EDC WILL OFFER NEW ATTRACTIONS IN CARNIVAL SQUARE
North America’s largest dance music festival, Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), returns June 17–19 to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway with new additions and attractions in the festival’s central chill zone destination, Carnival Square. Last year, Insomniac premiered Carnival Square in the center of the Speedway with a host of conveniently located amenities, such as charging stations, a merchandise tent, photo booths, food options, a lost and found center, and more. This year there will be five new features, including free Wi-Fi and costume contests, etc.
DOWNTOWN SUMMERLIN® HOLDS SUMMER OUTDOOR MOVIE SERIES
The Summer Screen Series presented by Summerlin Hospital is returning to Downtown Summerlin® for the second year showing family-friendly movies on Park Centre Drive every Thursday evening through Aug. 25. Some of the blockbusters this year include “Cinderella,” “Finding Nemo,” “inside Out” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” The viewings are free and patrons may bring their own blankets or lawn chairs.
New this year is a VIP section with viewing chairs available for guests who spend a minimum of $20 at the center the day of the movie (first-come, first-served). Downtown Summerlin restaurants are partnering by offering access to select quick beverage and snack service options during the films.
Before each movie begins, special character appearances, giveaways, prizes and complimentary USTA hosted tennis clinics will be available courtesy of a different community partner each week.
BORDER GRILL MAKES ‘LOVE’ THE MAIN DISH
The fourth Border Grill Patio Series event is in partnership with Love FrogKisser – an innovative matchmaking service focused on connecting consciously and finding love. Border Grill Mandalay Bay is hosting Amor à la Carte on Friday, June 17 from 6-8 p.m.
This will not be a random matchmaking event. Each single purchasing a ticket will be contacted by Love FrogKisser’s founder Dallisa Hocking to determine the most impactful pairings. Every person will link up with someone new for the first four seated courses served on the patio. The fifth and final course will be mixer-style. Early bird tickets through June 7 are $79 and $99 after that.
SOUTH POINT ARENA HOSTS FREE HORSE AND BMX EVENTS
All of the following events are open to the public and free. The Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association (PCCHA) “Core Balance” Derby & Classic Challenge and Western Gift Show will take place Friday-Sunday, June 10–19. The Gold Rush Peruvian Classic Horse Show follows Friday-Sunday, June 24–26. The EMO Western States Championship has been added Wednesday-Sunday, July 6–10. Throughout the event, registered American Quarter horses and AQHA members will compete.
The USA BMX 2016 Las Vegas Nationals have been scheduled Friday– Sunday, July 15–17. Fans will witness the top amateur BMX racers sprint through big jumps, steep backsides and deep turns to win.
FERRARO’S OFFERS SEVEN NEGRONI WEEK COCKTAIL SPECIALS
Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar will offer seven variations on the classic Negroni cocktail in honor of Negroni Week, presented by Campari and “Imbibe Magazine.” Negroni Week was launched in 2013 as a celebration of one of the world’s great cocktails and an effort to raise money for charitable causes around the world. Throughout the week, 25 percent of the price of each Negroni cocktail, most are $14, sold at Ferraro’s will be donated to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
PIZZA PIE NEWS
A charity pizza cook-off featuring local media personalities Beth Fisher of ABC 13 KTNV and Doug Elfman of the Las Vegas Review-Journal will be held at TREVI Italian Restaurant inside The Forum Shops 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15. Each competitor will create a personalized pizza pie and be scored by guest judges including hypnotist, Anthony Cools and the cast of “FANTASY” at the Luxor. The winner will be awarded $500 toward a charity of their choice. In addition, TREVI will offer guests its signature cheese pizza for $10 that day.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria is starting the summer off right with the return of its popular, Tuesday Tastings. Every Tuesday June 7 through September, the award-winning pizzeria is offering half-off all glasses, carafes and bottles of wine, as well as glasses of sangria. Promotion excludes house wine.
With two Las Vegas locations, PizzaRev, is offering the following deals: Monday Meal Deal after 2 p.m.; Rev Up Tuesday $6 pizza or entrée salad; The Perfect Pair, which is a happy hour pizza and beer for $9.95 from 4-6 p.m. and 8 p.m. until closing; and Double Dough, which is a thicker crust.
VARIED NEWS ITEMS
A new Las Vegas-based business is Modern Donut, a personalized made-to-order daily area delivery service offering donuts, cronuts (croissant-doughnut pastries) and alcohol-infused signature delicacies. Orders can be placed online or by calling 702-220-3030. A Classic Dozen is $19.99 plus delivery.
The MonteLago Village Beerfest featuring 30 breweries, food trucks and live music will take place at The Village at Lake Las Vegas on Saturday, June 11 from 2-7 p.m. After a two-year absence, village resident The Auld Dubliner Irish Pub will host the official festival’s reboot. There will be wristbands and souvenir sampling glasses for 2,500 beer lovers. Tickets at the admission tent will be $60 VIP for 2 p.m. entry and $45 GA for entry at 3:30 p.m.
Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood has a new mobile-friendly website featuring a stylish interface, improved navigation, and a comprehensive snapshot of the 1.2 mile shopping center including an update mall directory.
Town Square is rewarding shoppers again with the return of its Summer Savings promotion. When the daily temperature is forecast on the “my town square” website to reach 105 degrees or above, participating Town Square stores and restaurants will offer shoppers a 15 percent discount.
Wet'n'Wild Las Vegas has a new partnership and one low-price offer with “Legends in Concert” at the Flamingo. For $49.99, the promotion includes one main floor seat at “Legends in Concert” plus one general admission ticket to the water theme park. Tickets can be purchased at wetnwildlasvegas.com/offers/legends with the promo code: LEGENDS.
The race for the Stanley Cup and Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy is on and Beer Park at Paris is holding viewing parties throughout the NHL and NBA finals. Fans sporting their favorite team’s apparel during the series will receive a complimentary Budweiser Signature draft during the best-of-seven finals games.
The 2016 NHL Awards is returning to Las Vegas for their eighth consecutive year. The ceremony will be held on Wednesday, June 22 at The Joint inside Hard Rock.
Award winning singer, songwriter Chadwick Johnson will host “We Are Family,” an inaugural benefit and fundraiser for local veterans and seniors on Wednesday, June 8 in the Veil Pavilion at the Silverton. The show will feature: Zowie Bowie (Chris Phillips), Pia Zadora, Tony Sacca, Eliza Fiorillo, Jimmy Hopper, Anne Martinez, Genevieve Dew, Rich Natole and surprise guests.
DjangoVegas!, a celebration of the music of Django Reinhardt and other Gypsy Jazz Music, returns to downtown Las Vegas, Saturday, June 18 at the Historic Fifth Street School and will feature the Frank Vignola Trio, The Rhythm Future Quartet and The Hot Club of Las Vegas at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Aureole at Mandalay Bay will hold its third Napa - Sonoma Wine Dinner Series on Thursday, June 23 featuring wines from Husic Vineyards. The multi-course dinner is $175. The Nov. 10 dinner will highlight RAEN Winery & Continuum Estate.
Emeril Lagasse’s Las Vegas restaurants – Delmonico Steakhouse at The Venetian, Table 10 at The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Palazzo, and Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House at the MGM Grand – are offering tasting menus at various price points $48 and $65 this summer until Aug. 31.
“Visitors from Space” with archaeologist, author, and award-winning photographer Dr. Peter J. Shield, who has been called “a real Indiana Jones,” will be next in the Distinguished Lecture Series at the National Atomic Testing Museum on Friday, June 10 at 6 p.m. Countless polls have shown that an increasing number of Americans believe that extraterrestrials exist. RSVP by calling 702-794-5151
The Monaco Tower at the Riviera will be imploded on June 14 about 2 a.m. with a separate implosion for the Monte Carlo Tower planned later this summer. Crews have already demolished the hotel’s two parking garages.
