“BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW”

 

DATE: Sunday, July 10, 2016

BY: Jackie Brett

VEGAS COLUMN

 

IKE GAMING, INC. WILL OPEN EUREKA! AT FREMONT EAST

            Eureka! will be a new all-American dining destination by IKE Gaming opening in the Fremont East Entertainment District in mid-2017. The 177-seat restaurant will feature the best locally sourced ingredients, craft beers, small batch whiskeys, classic cocktails and rock n’ roll at the corner of East Fremont and 6th Street. Eureka! will have an atmosphere with handpicked music, televised sports and weekly events like “Steal the Glass” and live music.

            With the opening of Eureka!, Emergency Arts will close The Beat Coffeehouse and Records and the Emergency Arts space will be condensed on the second floor.

 

‘PUPPET UP! – UNCENSORED’ WILL OPEN AT THE SANDS SHOWROOM

            “Puppet Up! - Uncensored” will debut in its new home inside The Sands Showroom at The Venetian® on July 21. The show has unveiled its lineup of expert puppeteers ready to bring their irreverent and unpredictable style of comedy to the Las Vegas Strip.

            The revolving cast of six world-class puppeteers, all hand selected by Brian Henson, are tasked with bringing to life more than 60 unruly puppets nightly, playing out outrageous scripted scenes and improv. The puppeteers are experts in the art of comedy and have also mastered the one-of-kind technique and creativity that is a Henson trademark.

            The first set of puppeteers will include: Grant Baciocco - creator and host of the Henson.com Podcast; Tyler Bunch - actor/puppeteer who recently appeared in “Finding Joy;” Peggy Etra -  “Puppet Up!” performer for the last seven years; Ted Michaels - who recently starred in the acclaimed web series, “The Guild;” Michael Oosterom – who was part of the national tour of Steve Martin’s “Picasso at the Lapin Agile;” and Colleen Smith creator and co-host of a podcast called “My First Time.”

            Henson Alternative is The Jim Henson Company’s label for content created specifically and exclusively for adult audiences. Today, Henson Alternative credits include: “No, You Shut Up!,” currently airing on Fusion; “Neil’s Puppet Dreams” (Nerdist); “Tinseltown” (Logo); “Puppet Up! – Uncensored” - a live puppet improvisational show; and the upcoming feature film “Happytime Murders” in development with STX Entertainment.

 

NEW BAR OPENS AT CALIFORNIA HOTEL

            Holo Holo – The Happy Bar – is now open at the California Hotel downtown as part of the resort’s multi-million dollar redesign and renovation. Holo Holo was conceived from a Hawaiian term meaning to get out and about for some fun and leisure. The bar features a diverse menu of craft beers, a full bar and a monthly special.

            On the remodel the valet and porte-cochere, guest registration, casino floor and more are done. Still ahead is a full redesign and upgrade of the hotel’s west tower, plus a casino floor sports lounge coming later this year.

 

ROBBY KRIEGER OF THE DOORS WILL PERFORM FREE CONCERT

            Fremont Street Experience’s Rock of Vegas concert series will feature Robby Krieger of The Doors, Saturday, July 23 at 9 p.m. on the 1st Street Stage. Krieger gained fame quickly after joining The Doors and went on to write hit songs for the band including “Love Her Madly” and “L.A. Woman.”

            Born in Los Angeles, Krieger played in bands where he eventually met drummer John Densmore. The two of them were joined by keyboardist Ray Manzarek and poet/singer Jim Morrison, resulting in the birth of The Doors. The Doors signed with Elektra Records and issued their debut album, “The Doors,” in 1967. The album spawned the monster hit “Light My Fire,” a tune penned entirely by Krieger.

 

SUMMER ART INSTALLATION AT THE PALAZZO IS FLORAL

            The summer display in the Waterfall Atrium and Gardens at The Palazzo® is transporting guests to the gardens of Italy through Sept. 7. The installation features two nine-feet tall figures wearing elaborate floral dresses artfully constructed from recycled paper products. The models first introduced last summer became Instagram sensations and have been revised with new rose designs inspired by The Venetian Rose and The Palazzo Rose, both official namesake varieties of the Las Vegas resorts.

            The featured dresses and hats were influenced by European wedding gowns and millinery. The 568 unique oversized roses featured in the dresses took six artists three months to create. Each of the 14,768 petals that make up the roses was hand-cut, painted, and sealed. More than 5,000 orchids, dusty miller, ligustrum, red and orange chrysanthemums, as well as boxwood and olive trees are featured throughout the display.

 

‘THE NAUGHTY SHOW’ WILL OPEN AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD

            Comedian Sam Tripoli will open “The Naughty Show” at The Sin City Theatre at Planet Hollywood on Friday, July 15. The show will run on Friday and Saturday nights at 11 p.m. following the “Crazy Girls” 9 p.m. performance.

            “The Naughty Show” is an 80-minute no-holds barred comedy and variety showcase featuring creator and host Sam Tripoli, the sharp-tongued master of insults. Tripoli will appear with a nightly lineup of big-name and rising-star comics plus an array of other variety acts. “The Naughty Show” was developed at The World Famous Comedy Store in Hollywood, Calif., where it has grown to cult status over the past 10 years. 

 

CHANGES ON FREMONT STREET

            This reporter worked at one time for the trio of properties Topless Girls of Glitter Gulch gentlemen’s club, Mermaid’s Casino with deep fried Twinkies and Oreos and La Bayou Casino that closed this month on Fremont Street when they were Herb Pastor’s places Golden Goose, Sassy Sally’s and Coin Castle respectfully. Brothers Derek and Greg Stevens, who own the D and the former Las Vegas Club, will be creating new project(s). It’s an exciting time for downtown!

 

EDGE STEAKHOUSE AT WESTGATE CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY

            Edge Steakhouse at Westgate is celebrating year one with an exclusive five-course dinner and wine pairing with Chef de Cuisine Steve Young for $125 on Thursday, July 28 from 6-8:30 p.m.; call 702-732-5775. Edge Steakhouse was the recipient of OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award.

            In addition, Edge Steakhouse is also offering a special three-course anniversary menu from Thursday, July 28 to Saturday, July 30 for $85. Seating begins at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

 

RONNIE FOSTER TRIO RECORD LIVE SMITH CENTER PERFORMANCE

            The Ronnie Foster Trio will appear in Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center on Sunday, July 24 at 2 and 6 p.m. and be recording an upcoming album, “The Reboot Project Live at The Smith Center.” Tickets are $20-$35.

            A Grammy nominated artist, composer and producer, and one of the true legends of the Hammond Organ, Foster has a new group featuring guitarist Jake Langley, formerly with jazz organist Joey DeFrancesco, and Las Vegas drummer Jess Gopen. Foster has performed as a sideman with a wide range of musicians including with guitarist George Benson for 15 years.

 

BIG BAND JAZZ CONCERT FEATURES SNL BAND’S STEVE TURRE

            Steve Turre, a “Saturday Night Live” band member since 1984, will appear with the 18-member Michael Evans Big Band featuring Sandy Wyatt of “Hitzville the Show” on vocals on Saturday, July 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. at UNLV’s Artemus Ham Hall. 

            Turre is a leading jazz innovator, trombonist and seashell musician, consistently winning readers’ and critics’ polls for Best Trombone and Best Miscellaneous Instrumentalist. Tickets are $22.

 

EZEQUIEL PEÑA WILL PERFORM AT PRIMM VALLEY RESORT

            Mexican charro Ezequiel Peña will appear in concert on Saturday, Aug. 20 at Star of the Desert Arena in Primm, Nev., located 25 minutes south of Las Vegas on Interstate 15. Tickets start at $25.

            Peña, who began his career at age 12, has been in the music industry for 30 years and is now recognized as one of the leaders in both mariachi and banda. Peña was nominated for a Grammy in 2007 for Best Banda Album for “A Mucha Honra” and has been ranked highly on the Latin and regional Mexican Billboard charts since 1994.

 

STATION CASINOS HAVE BOWLING AND MOVIE DEALS THIS SUMMER

            Station Casinos’ bowling lanes and movie theaters are offering some cool special deals this summer.

            For bowling, Texas Station will have $1 bowling games every Thursday in August from 7:30 a.m.-midnight, shoe rental not included. Snack bar will have $1 hot dogs and nachos starting at 11 a.m. Monday-Friday a game is $1 from 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and $1.50 on Saturday and Sunday.

            Santa Fe Station is having $2 Tuesdays featuring $2 bowling games, $2 shoes and $2 food and beverage specials at the Keglers Bar & Grill from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. On Fridays, Santa Fe Lanes hosts Cosmic Happy Hour from 5-7 p.m. with $3 games.

            Red Rock Lanes offers After Dark Specials Sunday through Thursday from 9-11 p.m. with $2 bowling games and from 11 p.m. to closing $1.50 per person, with $2 domestic draft beer and $3 well drinks.

            Every Wednesday from 1-3 p.m., the Red Rock Lanes are hosting a summer movie camp. For $15 guests have rental shoes, two hours of bowling, hot dog, chips, soda and the movie of the week.

            For $1, Texas Station’s Regal Cinemas has a summer series Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. through Aug. 10 with two G or PG rated movies.

 

ENTERTAINMENT TIPS

            Reminder, “Clint Holmes: Between The Lines” will debut in the newly redesigned Palazzo Theatre on July 16.

            The Golden Nugget continues its 52 Fridays Concert Series in the Gordie Brown Showroom. The Happy Together Tour on July 15 will feature hit makers: The Turtles with Flo & Eddie, Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, The Cowsills, Mark Lindsay former lead singer of Paul Revere & the Raiders, and The Spencer Davis Group. BJ Thomas will follow on July 22 and after that Jefferson Starship on July 29.  Shows are at 8 p.m.

            The Orleans Showroom will highlight Dennis Miller July 15-16, D.L. Hughley July 22-23, and An Evening with Trace Adkins July 30-31.

            Upcoming headliners at the South Point Showroom this month include: The Kingston Trio July 15-17; Paul Williams July 22-23; and James Darren July 29-30. Shows are at 7:30. Tickets are $20 and $25 for Williams.

            Boston on their 40th Anniversary Tour will perform at The Downtown Las Vegas Events Center on Friday, July 15 with an appearance by Dennis DeYoung, founding member of rock band Styx. Barenaked Ladies will follow on Friday, July 22.

        July Collins will appear in the Chrome Showroom at Santa Fe Station on Friday, July 15 at 7 p.m. Collins has produced a 50-album body of work in a career spanning five decades. Tickets range from $27.50-$49.50.

            Headliners on Fridays this month at Stoney’s in Town Square include Maggie Rose July 15, Olivia Lane July 22, and Brodie Stewart July 29.

            Wes Winters will headline Santa Fe Station’s new “Boomer Wednesdays” show on July 20 at 7 p.m. There is no cover.

            On Monday, July 18 from 4-6 p.m. with registration an hour before will be held at the Henderson Convention Center for local children to appear in Missoula Children’s Theatre original production of “Peter (Pan) and Wendy” at 3 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 23. Show tickets are $5 child/senior and $8 adult.

 

DINING COMMENTARY

            Glutton, a downtown gastropub by chef and restaurateur Bradley Manchester, is introducing “Toast & Toppings” on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The summer special running through Aug. 30 is available both days beginning at 5 p.m. Patrons can order an assorted crostini board filled with Manchester’s selections of the classic, wood-fired crostini bread bites topped with three different seasonal concoctions and a bottle of a featured wine for $20.

            Nathan’s Famous inside Aliante will surely hit a home run on National Hot Dog Day with a buy one-get one special on Saturday, July 23. Guests will receive a hot dog free with the purchase of any combination meal including hot dog, side and drink.

            In The Venetian db Brasserie has a summer seasonal tasting menu from July 25–31 beginning at 5 pm. nightly. The third tasting of this year will celebrate the season of sun and warm weather with The Summer Stone Fruits Menu. The multi-course menu is available for $60, call 702-430-1235.

            Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant on Paradise Road is offering a seasonal summer prix-fixe dinner option for $45 for a limited time.

 

THE CENTER HOSTS EXHIBIT OF GARILYN BRUNE’S WORK

            The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada (The Center) will host an exhibit of works by artist Garilyn Brune on Saturday, July 23, curated by collector Michael Feder. The showing begins at 6 p.m. and is open to all.

            The late Garilyn Brune (pronounced BROO-nee) was a West Hollywood fine artist known for his pen and ink, digital and mixed media drawings of big, beautiful women, aging drag queens, large showgirls and erotically playful women. His love of illustration superseded the one time fashion designer’s desire to make garments.

 

‘PAWN STARS’ CAST MEET AND GREETS ARE EVOLVING

            Due to high demand, the recently-announced weekly Thursday meet and greet with HISTORY’s “Pawn Stars” Chumlee will now be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. In addition, other Pawn Star favorites and experts will also be doing meet and greets. On Saturdays, security guard Antwaun will be there from 11 a.m. to noon. Expert Mark Hall Patton will be at the shop on Saturdays and Sundays between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m.

 

RANDOM NEWS ITEMS

            JEWEL Nightclub at ARIA will launch “FLAWLESS Mondays” on July 18 with special guest DJ and Hakkasan Group resident Tiësto.       

            My friend Willi Baer and author of her third book and first novel “The Corksuckers” will be at The Pahrump Valley Winery for a book signing on Saturday, July 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Baer has been a nonprofit community leader and was previously the president/CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nevada and The American Heart Association of Nevada in Las Vegas.

            The non club club F.I.O.R.E.  (Fun Italians Organizing Ridiculous Events) will hold its Happy 12th Birthday on Monday, July 18 at 5:30 p.m. at the Italian American Club. Live entertainment will include Gary Anderson and The Malcontents and special guest star impressionist, singer and comedian Gordie Brown. Tickets are $25 with a dinner buffet included; RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

            Las Vegas Perks with discount offers often up to 50 percent off on dining, shows and attractions now has offers available on mobile smart phones.

            The USA BMX 2016 Las Vegas Nationals will be held at the South Point Arena July 15-17. Revelers will witness the top amateur BMX racers sprint through big jumps, steep backsides and deep turns to win the coveted weekend title. This event is free and open to the public.

            A charity dinner for the Pediatric Brain Tumor (PBTF) will be held at Joe’s Seafood at the Forum Shops at 6 p.m. honoring Dave Carter owner of Carter Motorsports, who started the PBTF efforts in Las Vegas. Tickets are $150 call 702-795-2000.

 

TWO CHARITY BOWLING EVENTS HAPPENING IN JULY

            Bowl for Kids’ Sake - Big Hero Bowl at noon on Saturday, July 23 will have a superhero theme at Red Rock Lanes inside Red Rock Casino. Proceeds will support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Nevada. Big Hero Bowl will award prizes and include a raffle and silent auction, refreshments and fun with emcee and resident superhero enthusiast Johiah of 93.1 FM The Party. Registration is $100, call 702-731-2227 or go online.

            The 6th Annual Bowl 4 The Kids will take place Saturday, July 30 at the Strike Zone Bowling Center inside Sunset Station. While bowlers enjoy three bowling games, a commemorative t-shirt, pizza and other treats, there will be special activities for kids. Proceeds will support Cure 4 The Kids Foundation’s Charity Care Program that helps patients without medical insurance. Registration is $25, call 702-691-5716 or go online.