“BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW”
DATE: Sunday, July 24, 2016
BY: Jackie Brett
VEGAS COLUMN
RINGO AND HIS ALL STARR BAND WILL VISIT SMITH CENTER
Ringo and His All Starr Band will perform at The Smith Center in Reynolds Hall on Sunday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will go on sale Saturday, July 30 and start at $35.
Ringo and his current and longest running All Starrs who have been together five years feature Todd Rundgren, Gregg Rolie, Steve Lukather, Richard Page, Warren Ham and Gregg Bissonette. Ringo assembled his first All Starr Band in 1989 and found consistent success as a live act with his revolving All Starrs touring the world with 12 different bands to date.
TEXAS TENORS HEADLINE LIMITED ENGAGEMENT AT BALLY’S
Three-time Emmy Award winners and Billboard Top 10 recording artists The Texas Tenors will bring their touring show for a two-night engagement Aug. 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m. to the Windows Showroom at Bally’s. The classical crossover trio originally showcased their sound on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” as top four finalists and now have the distinction of being the highest ranking vocal group in the history of the series. They amassed a huge fan base with their hit PBS special “You Should Dream” and four Billboard chart topping albums. Tickets start at $49.50.
‘RAIDING THE ROCK VAULT’ ENDS RESIDENCY AT THE TROPICANA
“Raiding the Rock Vault” will end its residency at The Tropicana on Sunday, July 31. The production has headlined at the property since 2014, and before that it was at the Westgate (formerly LVH) where it was launched in 2013.
Consistently ranked the No. 1 Performance in Las Vegas on TripAdvisor, “Raiding the Rock Vault” brings the history of rock 'n' roll to life by the musicians from the iconic bands that played the music and it was voted Best of Las Vegas in 2014 and 2015 by readers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
The show currently stars musicians and vocalists who played with the following groups letting you know this band is the real deal: Heart; MSG; Survivor; Rough Cutt; Quiet Riot; Badfinger; Asia; Lynch Mob; The Offspring; Lita Ford; Hardline; Bon Jovi; Dokken; Ted Nugent; Starship; and Meat Loaf.
‘SHOWSTOPPERS’ AT WYNN WILL STOP
Another closing will be “Steve Wynn’s ShowStoppers” ending one month later on Friday, Sept. 30 at the Encore Theater. This production was inspired by great numbers from legendary Broadway musicals that generated monumental audience response such as the title song from “Cabaret” and “One” from “A Chorus Line.” This elaborate well-received show opened in November 2014 and features a cast of 66…singers, dancers and full orchestra. It’s been a real “showstopper” in its own right.
VENTRILOQUIST RONN LUCAS PERFORMS AT SUNCOAST
Celebrated ventriloquist Ronn Lucas will bring his comedy act to the Suncoast Showroom Aug. 26 and 27 at 8:30 p.m. Tickets start from $19.50.
Lucas has been performing as a ventriloquist for 45 years. By the time he was 21 Lucas was touring and eventually found success in both the United States and the United Kingdom. He is recognized as the first ventriloquist to headline a long-running show in Las Vegas. He’s received numerous awards and performed for U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush as well as Queen Elizabeth II. His cast of zany characters includes favorites such as Scorch the Teenaged Dragon, Buffalo Billy and Chuck Roast.
MCCARRAN AIRPORT LAUNCHES TRAVELER WALKING PROGRAM
Fly Fit at McCarran International Airport is the first airport fitness program created in partnership with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). The walking program was designed in response to “Step It Up!,” the Surgeon General’s call to action to make walking a national priority. Fly Fit provides travelers with convenient walking paths located throughout McCarran Airport’s terminals. Presented in multiple segments, paths range from approximately one-half to one-and-a-half miles long with options in areas both before and after security screening checkpoints. Paths, which are diagrammed on the airport’s website under Relax-Fly Fit, are identifiable with logo signage. Note that McCarran doesn’t offer carry-on bag storage, so you have to take your roller bag or backpack on your walk with you.
It’s been noted that an average of 22 minutes a day of physical activity - such as brisk walking - can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
JAECI INTERACTIVE BOUTIQUE OPENS DOWNTOWN
After five years of being online and a jewelry wholesaler for boutiques coast-to-coast, the first JAECI interactive boutique and brick and mortar store will open Friday, July 29 Downtown at 107 E. Bonneville featuring the company’s signature jewelry and additional lifestyle brands for men and women. The store, which will be closed on Sunday and Monday, will have a café-style lounge complete with free Wi-Fi, a question wall and an interactive station.
Local jewelry designer Jenna Consiglio is the president of JAECI and an entrepreneurial design junkie. As a teenager she was diagnosed with AIH (auto-immune hepatitis), which altered her outlook on life. Consigilo wanted to make a difference and to inspire people to believe in their dreams and inner weirdness so she created her inspirational graphic jewelry line JAECI. The name stands for the initials in her first and last name, spelled out with an Italian twist with the acronym “Journey. Aim. Experience. Create. Inspire.”
NEON MUSEUM CARRIES FOSSIL’S BETTY WILLIS WATCH
The Neon Museum downtown is now carrying a limited-edition Fossil watch that was inspired by the iconic landmarks created by pioneering sign designer Betty Willis. The watch, which is available in the museum’s gift store and online, comes with a commemorative booklet dedicated to Willis’ distinctive life (1923-2015) and achievements.
Fossil’s creative director Kaspar Spurgeon Heinrici visited the museum in 2015 and was inspired by the impact Willis had on mid-century signage design and the lasting effect her creations particularly the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign have had on the world. Willis never copyrighted the famous gateway Welcome sign done in1959. The face of the watch sits in the center of two intersecting pieces in gold and silver tones, which reference 1950s and 1960s-style design elements namely the arrows.
Fossil is an American watch and lifestyle brand since 1984 inspired by all things curious.
NEWS ABOUT ‘MYSTÈRE’ AT TREASURE ISLAND
“Mystère” is the original Cirque du Soleil production in Las Vegas that led to the Quebec-based organization started in 1984 from a group of 20 street performers to have seven permenent resident shows in Las Vegas. A special deal for the summer is tickets starting at $49.50.
The show at Treasure Island features an international cast of 75 artists performing high-energy acrobatics. An invigorating change is a new version of its famous Teeterboard Act. Making this rendition even more exciting, the act has a new teeterboard, more powerful acrobatic sequences, faster paced choreography and new artists. The new board is shorter and catapults artists higher and faster into the air, soaring to impressive heights of nearly 20 feet.
A rare opportunity to observe cast members rehearsing is happening every Saturday from 3 to 3:30 p.m. and Sunday from 4:30 to 5 p.m. In addition, guests attending receive an exclusive offer—a voucher for two tickets for $99 that can be presented at the box office.
Two opportunities to meet a “Mystère” cast member and take photos with them will happen on Tuesdays, July 26 and Aug. 9 at 5 p.m. Free and open to guests of all ages, the meet-and-greets will take place at the Mystère Theater.
MOB MUSEUM HOSTS CUBAN-THEMED PARTY
The Mob Museum will host Hot Havana Nights on Thursday, Aug. 4, from 6 to 10 p.m. and transform the property into a tropical paradise. Guests will celebrate the vibrancy of Cuban culture, including its cuisine, exotic drinks, jazz sounds, dances such as the conga and salsa, classic casino games, a performance by Alberto Martinez & Mucial Fusion with Rosita Penichet on vocals, silent auction and hand-rolled cigars.
All-inclusive ticket options are $69 with a 10 percent Museum member discount and $49 excluding the open bar, call 702-229-2734 or go online.
THE MIRAGE CAN BE A FUNNY PLACE
The Aces of Comedy Series, launched in 2010, is always featuring top name comedians at The Mirage in the Terry Fator Theatre with performances at 10 p.m.
Some more recently added names with dates include: Leslie Jones, Kathleen Madigan, and Chris D’Elia.
Stand-up comedian and actress Leslie Jones will make her debut at the Terry Fator Theatre on Friday, July 29. Jones is currently a featured cast member on “Saturday Night Live” and is one of the four leads in Paul Feig’s all-female “Ghostbusters.” Tickets start at $39.99.
Kathleen Madigan will return on Friday, Aug. 5. Over her 25-year career, Madigan has performed on nearly every late night show ever made and “Ron White’s Comedy Salute To The Troops” on Country Music Television. Her hour stand-up specials “Madigan Again” and “Gone Madigan” are available on Netflix. Tickets start at $29.99.
Chris D’Elia will make his long-awaited return on Aug. 26 and 27. Currently D’Elia is starring as Danny Burton on NBC’s “Undateable” and he was previously named one of Variety’s “Top 10 Comics to Watch.” Tickets start at $29.99.
Other names on the Aces of Comedy Series lineup include: Tim Allen July 30; Jay Leno Aug. 6; George Lopez Aug. 12-13; and Ron White Aug. 19-20.
THE COSMOPOLITAN PROMOTES CONCERTS AT THE CHELSEA
The Steve Miller Band will headline The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan on Friday, Aug. 12 at 8 p.m. In the ‘70s, Miller crafted a brand of rock 'n' roll music that has continued to dominate radio over the years. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year. General tickets are $39 with reserved prices starting at $59.
Lynyrd Skynyrd and Peter Frampton will appear on Friday, Aug. 19 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $50.
Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd came to popularity during the 1970s. The band’s sophomore album, “Second Helping,” featured one of the group’s most popular songs, “Sweet Home Alabama.” In 1977, three of the band’s members including lead vocalist and songwriter Johnny Van Zant died in an airplane crash and the band broke up. A decade later, the reunion tour included the surviving band members as well as Johnny Van Zant, the younger brother of Van Zant as the new lead singer.
Peter Frampton, a ‘70s rock star, began playing the guitar at the age of eight. In 1975, Frampton recorded a live album “Frampton Comes Alive!” and his most successful selling more 16 million copies and topping the charts for 10 weeks straight. In 2013, Frampton was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame.
MANDALAY BAY’S BEACH CONCERTS OFFERS OUTDOOR FUN
Mandalay Bay’s Beach Concert Series takes advantage of the surroundings allowing outdoor concert-goers to wade in the water at the resort’s 1.6-million-gallon wave pool.
UB40 featuring Ali Campbell with Astro & Mickey Virtue, the founding members of the legendary reggae/pop group, will have music filling the air on Saturday, July 30 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $39.50.
Always upbeat Grammy-Award winning band Huey Lewis and The News will provide the beat on Friday, Aug. 19 at 9 p.m. Formed from two rival Bay Area bands in 1979, Huey Lewis and The News wrote and performed “The Power of Love” for the hit film “Back To The Future.” Tickets start at $49.50.
The Lost ‘80s Live tour on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 9 p.m. will feature some of the most recognizable acts from that great decade. Tickets start at $35.
AUGUST ENTERTAINMENT IS VARIED AT ALIANTE
In August, Aliante will feature Adam Ferrara, Peter White and Matt Marshack.
Actor and comedian Adam Ferrara, a two-time nominee for best male stand-up by the American Comedy Awards, will perform in the Access Showroom on Saturday, Aug. 6 at 8 p.m. Ferrara has three Comedy Central specials under his belt. He is well known for his role in the Emmy-nominated drama, “Rescue Me,” and for co-starring alongside Ryan Reynolds in “Definitely, Maybe.” Tickets start at $17.50.
Acoustic guitarist Peter White has been performing contemporary jazz for four decades. The Luton, England, native acquired his distinctive style while accompanying and co-writing with Al Stewart. His 2014 album, “Smile,” brought White to a total of 14 solo albums. Tickets start at $32.50.
On Friday nights in the showroom from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., there’s a weekly All-Star Friday Nights dance party featuring neo-soul, funk, contemporary jazz and R&B hits. The cover charge is $10.
Poolside Jazz Under the Stars will prevail on Thursday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. starring guitarist Matt Marshack, best known for his eighth and most recent album, “Lifestyle.”
Tickets start at $23.50.
ADVERTISING COMMUNITY GETS READY FOR ANNUAL TALENT SHOW
Every year the local Las Vegas advertising community gets together and produces a talent show to raise money for the area’s Safe Nest. Right now bands, comedians, dancers, singers, etc. are being asked to submit their acts. The talent show “Step Up To The Mic” will be held on Sept. 9 in the Chrome Showroom at Santa Fe Station at 7 p.m. Tickets will be $25 and there will be a silent auction. For almost two decades, the Advertising Community Talent Show (ACTS) has raised more than $400,000 for this deserving charity. Mark your calendars.
PATCHWORK NEWS
Taco Bell is planning to open a flagship store featuring the chain’s new Cantina-style restaurant with an open kitchen design, sharable menu items and alcohol this fall on the Strip at Harmon Corner across from The Cosmopolitan. There will be a dining patio and it will be open 24/7.
For the third year in a row, comedian and actor Kevin Hart and HartBeat Productions will bring their popular HartBeat Weekend to The Cosmopolitan on Friday, Sept. 2. Hosted by Hart, there will be two performances, one at 7 p.m. and an encore at 10:30 p.m. The evening will showcase Hart’s well-known comedian friends as well as a renowned surprise guest comedian to close the show. Tickets start at $50.
Celebrity chef and owner of her own restaurant at The Cromwell, Giada De Laurentiis is a yoga enthusiast and was one of the first to experience the newest High Roller offering, which is a yoga session on the observation wheel at The Linq Promenade.
The Fremont Street Experience continues its Rock of Vegas Summer Concert Series with free headliner concerts at 9 p.m. Future lineup includes: Horizon on Saturday, Aug. 6 - 1st Street Stage; Melissa Etheridge on Saturday, Aug. 20 - 3rd Street Stage; and Smash Mouth closing out the series Labor Day Weekend on Saturday, Sept. 3 - 3rd Street Stage.
Paul McCartney reunited with Ringo Starr and John Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono for the 10th anniversary celebration of Cirque du Soleil’s “The Beatles LOVE” at The Mirage recently along with a random mix of celebs such as Ron Howard, Josh Hutcherson, Kevin Dillon, Chris Harrison of “The Bachelor,” and Eagles rocker Joe Walsh. Howard directed the documentary “The Beatles: Eight Days a Week — The Touring Years” that will be released in September.
Here’s an interesting sighting. Famous “Dance Moms” instructor Abby Lee Miller recently attended “X Burlesque” at the Flamingo. Following the show, Miller joined the sexy cast for photos.
Momenti Spirited Ice Creams manufacturing spirit-infused super premium ice creams and sorbets locally responds to consumer demand with a couple retail outlets Total Wine & More and Khoury’s Fine Wine & Spirits selling eight-ounce individual cups of Momenti for $5.99.
BRIO AND BRAVO! CELEBRATE NATIONAL LASAGNA DAY
In recognition of National Lasagna Day, sister restaurants BRIO Tuscan Grille at Town Square and Tivoli Village and BRAVO! Cucina Italiana in Henderson will partake in a two-day celebration of the flavors of Italy with classic and chef-inspired dishes on Thursday, July 28 and Friday, July 29. The festive dishes created specifically for the recognition include BRAVO!’s Chicken Diavolo Lasagna and BRIO’s Roasted Vegetable Lasagna.
Additionally, BRAVO!’s specialty and classic lasagna dishes will be available at half price during lunch and dinner on July 28. Guests dining at BRIO during the two days will receive a complimentary salad with the purchase of lasagna.
