“BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW”
DATE: Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016
BY: Jackie Brett
VEGAS COLUMN
THE SMITH CENTER WILL WELCOME DEEPAK CHOPRA
Renowned author and medical professional, Deepak Chopra will take the Reynolds Hall stage at The Smith Center for a one-night-only engagement of The Future of Wellbeing on Friday, Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m. with tickets starting at $35.
Chopra will be in Las Vegas on the heels of his latest book launch for “Radical Beauty – How to Transform Yourself from the Inside Out” this September. He will discuss practical ways to experience higher consciousness, transformation and ultimate healing. Chopra has been named one of “The 100 Most Influential People in Health and Fitness” and has authored more than 80 books and several “New York Times” best-sellers.
1893 RESIDENCY CELEBRATES CAESARS PALACE’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY
1893 from the Makers of Pepsi-Cola in partnership with Caesars Palace will bring the brand’s history to life with The 1893 Residency at the resort in celebration of its 50th anniversary. Celebrity mixologist Rob Floyd recently helped kick-off the residency by debuting four specialty cocktails at the 1893 cocktail lounge located at the Spanish Steps and available through the end of October. The 1893 Residency will showcase a experiences celebrating the old and the new through a series of curated themes including music, culinary, mixology/cocktails and fashion.
The 1893 Residency at Caesars Palace will hold a throwback prohibition cocktail party at the Montecristo Cigar Bar on Saturday, Sept. 10. Floyd will blend 1893 signature cocktails.
The celebration will culminate with an over-the-top fashion show and pool party at the Neptune Pool hosted by NERVO on Sunday, Oct. 2 while guests enjoying Floyd’s Cocktail Theatre.
As part of the 1893 Residency at Caesars Palace, fans can enter for a chance to win a trip to Las Vegas, including VIP access to the events. Information is online.
GLORIA TREVI’S WORLD TOUR WILL STOP AT THE COSMOPOLITAN
Mexican singer and songwriter Gloria Trevi will kick off her El Amor World Tour at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan on Saturday, Sept. 17. Tickets start at $29.
Trevi is a proven superstar in music with more than 30 million albums sold worldwide. Currently, she is shooting the new season of vocal talent show “La Voz Mexico” as a judge while working on the release of the live version of her album “El Amor.” Recently, she was awarded the President’s Award at the BMI Latin Ceremony for her excellence in Latin music.
STRIP HEADLINER MAT FRANCO’S FIRST ANNIVERSARY HELPS ANIMALS
In celebration of the first anniversary of his first headlining resident production on the Strip, the Season Nine winner of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” magician Mat Franco is teaming up with Sunny 106.5 FM and Petco to collect needed supplies to benefit Nevada’s largest open-admission animal shelter, The Animal Foundation. Visit any one of the nine local Petco locations now through Friday, Sept. 2 to purchase and donate a minimum of $10 worth of items from the organization’s wish list and receive one complimentary ticket voucher to see “Mat Franco - Magic Reinvented Nightly” live onstage at The LINQ. A maximum of two vouchers will be awarded per transaction.
ORLEANS ARENA WILL HOST HARD ROCKER EVENT
American hard rock favorites Trapt, Saliva, Alien Ant Farm and more will rock the Orleans Arena at X107.5’s 20th Anniversary: “Make America Rock Again” tour on Friday, Sept. 2. Special meet-and-greet tickets are available for the show, allowing access to a one-hour barbeque in addition to the concert. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from $15.
Platinum-selling rockers Trapt found success in the early 2000s with their self-titled album, which included the band’s single “Breakdown” that skyrocketed to over a million sales, and it was followed up by three additional top-10 hits. The group will be releasing their newest album, “DNA,” this month.
Saliva dominated the airwaves throughout the 2000s with chart-topping hits like “Raise Up” and 2002 Grammy Award-nominated “Your Disease.” With nine studio albums released over the span of their two-decade career, their latest album “Love, Lies & Therapy” was released this year.
Grammy-nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance in 2001, Alien Ant Farm found worldwide success with their ironically titled debut album “Greatest Hits.” Their hottest single was a cover of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal,” which hit No. 1 on the charts internationally, and was featured on soundtracks for “WWE Tough Enough” and “American Pie 2.”
Other acts will include: Saving Abel; Kentucky natives Tantric; post-grunge band 12 Stones; and Crazytown.
FOR 5TH YEAR, ANNUAL POLE EXPO WILL RETURN TO LAS VEGAS
Pole Expo will return Wednesday, Sept. 7 through Sunday, Sept. 11 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. The largest worldwide event in pole fitness is the brainchild of local entrepreneur, Fawnia Mondey, and illustrates the art, fitness, athleticism and competitive nature of the growing sport.
As the producer of the world’s first instructional video on how to pole dance, Mondey is known as the pioneer of pole dancing. She has produced seven instructional DVDs and is a respected judge for pole competitions around the world at the highest of levels.
Attracting thousands from more than 50 countries, Pole Expo 2016 will highlight the industry with a five-day event including workshops, competitions, seminars, a pole expo and guest performances. A special appearance by Jalles Franca, as MJ The Legend, and Tomoko, age 70, from “Italia’s Got Talent” will kick off opening night ceremonies.
ALIANTE OPENS GARDEN PATIO ON FRIDAY-SATURDAY NIGHTS
Aliante is introducing Hot Summer Nights on the patio at MRKT Sea & Land and opening it at night beginning Friday, Aug. 5. The new promotion will feature chef selection bites and bottomless drinks available from 8 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The new menu special will include bottomless house wines and bottled beers available for $35, along with a selection of chef-inspired appetizers.
ILLUSIONIST SETH GRABEL WILL BRING MAGIC TO SOUTH POINT
Illusionist Seth Grabel will transform the newly renovated Grandview Lounge inside South Point with mystery and magic on Sunday, Aug. 28 at 4 p.m. Tickets are available for $15.
Grabel is best known for his appearance on Season 6 of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” He performs AcroMagic, a concept that incorporates magic and acrobatics, along with sleight-of-hand and engagement with the audience. Grabel’s father was also a magician and his mother a professional dancer so show business was a natural path for him. Grabel has been seen on syndicated shows such as “EXTRA” and “Playboy TV” as well as networks including CBS and Univision. Over the years, he has appeared in shows such as “Fantasy” at the Luxor and has toured around the world.
SPOKANE HOOPFEST WILL MAKE FIRST LAS VEGAS VISIT IN OCTOBER
Spokane Hoopfest will bring Las Vegas 3-on-3 to Toshiba Plaza at T-Mobile Arena and the top of the New York-New York parking garage Oct. 14–16 for a weekend of cross-overs and 3-pointers. The event is new to Las Vegas and will give “Hoopfesters” the rare opportunity to play basketball while enjoying 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Strip.
As the world’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament, Hoopfest has hosted nearly 28,000 players on 7,000 teams, 3,000 volunteers and 225,000 fans on more than 450 courts spanning 42 city blocks in Spokane, Wash., for more than 25 years.
There is a spot in a bracket for all type of basketball players from high school age and up. Teams will be bracketed according to height, gender, age, and competition level. Registration costs between $160 and $200. Admission is complimentary for fans to watch.
ROGER CLYNE & THE PEACEMAKERS VISIT SLS FOR TWO SHOWS
To celebrate Labor Day Weekend, southwestern music icons Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers (RCPM) will take over SLS and perform live at Foxtail Pool on Saturday, Sept. 3 and The Foundry on Sunday, Sept. 4. Originally known as “the refreshments,” RCPM stepped onto the scene in 1999. They are the only band to release seven consecutive albums from an independent record label with all of them landing in the Top 10 of Billboard’s Internet Sales Chart, with their first studio album, “Honky Tonk Union” debuting at No. 1. Tickets to both events start at $25.
LAS VEGAS HOSTS FREE AUGUST CONCERT, PROGRAM AND EXHIBIT
The city of Las Vegas will host a free youth theatre performance, a free country music concert in the park, and a new exhibit of ceramic works during August.
A free performance of the musical “AMANDLA…Power to US!” for all ages will take place at The Smith Center Saturday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Performing & Visual Arts Summer Camp for Kids, the youth participating in this summer’s camp at the West Las Vegas Arts Center will perform the show. Admission is free, but a ticket is required; call 702-749-2000 for tickets.
Contemporary country music band GHOSTLIGHT will perform a free concert for all ages Saturday, Aug. 27, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Lorenzi Park at the outdoor Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza. Chairs and blankets are allowed and food and beverages will be available for purchase for cash.
The public is also invited to meet artist KD Matheson and see his exhibition of recent ceramic works in the Grand Gallery at City Hall on Main Street Thursday, Aug. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. during the free artist’s reception. The free exhibit is available Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
GIRL SCOUTS HOLD ANNUAL DESSERT BEFORE DINNER FUNDRAISER
This year at the annual Dessert Before Dinner fundraiser for the Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada, 11 local women pastry chefs with several being former Girl Scouts, will compete at the extravaganza taking place Saturday, Sept. 10 at Caesars Palace from 6-9 p.m. This year’s signature Girl Scout cookie will be Caramel deLites and the chefs will utilize the chosen cookie to create a one-night-only dessert before dinner with guests voting for their favorite cookie-inspired creation. Event tickets are $350.
This year’s chefs will include many first-time participants: Tammy Alana – Alizé at the Top of the Palms; Denise Elliott – MGM Resorts International; Michelle Flores – Caesars Palace; Kyurim Lee – Aria; Kaori Scott – Bellagio; Elizabeth Stolarick – Wynn; and Samara Sulin – Andiron Steak & Sea. The returning chefs will include: Brigette Contreras – STK at The Cosmopolitan; celebrity sugar artist Kaiulani – KAILAVA; Kimberly Vitou – MGM Grand; and Cynthia Werth – Stratosphere, the only chef who has competed every year since the event began nearly 10 years ago.
In addition to the chefs’ competition, an array of high-profile women will be honored and receive honorary badges, selected specifically for them based on their own professional and philanthropic achievements.
VEGAS RESTAURANTS WILL HONOR AMERICA DURING SUMMER GAMES
La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway inside Wynn will celebrate America during the summer games with a special “Red, White and Bleu” sangria and charcuterie special, served exclusively from Friday, Aug. 5 through Sunday, Aug. 21. Priced at $36, the special will include thinly-sliced prosciutto di Parma, robust sopressata, Landana aged Gouda and Truffle Tremor cheese. The spread will be paired with two glasses of La Cave’s signature house-made sangria, including one red and one white.
CRUSH inside the MGM Grand will be cheering on America with viewing parties and an exclusive burger and beer pairing available from Friday, Aug. 5 through Sunday, Aug. 21 for $24. Prepared by Corporate Executive Chef William DeMarco, the special will feature a half-pound Angus burger topped with Applewood bacon and Vermont cheddar paired with a locally-brewed Tenaya Creek Bonanza Brown Ale.
Mexican restaurant Pancho’s in Downtown Summerlin will pay tribute with the Gold Medal Margarita priced at $10.75 and will also show the games on televisions.
Cabo Wabo Cantina in The Miracle Mile Shops will feature viewing parties on more than 20 TVs located throughout the lower-level cantina area. Cabo Wabo also has a new “Half-Off” Happy Hour offered daily from 3 to 6 p.m.
Aliante will offer a Gold Medal Mule in the Race & Sports Book during the games priced at $5.
CANTINA LAREDO WILL HOLD TEQUILA DINNER
The next quarterly tequila dinner at Cantina Laredo inside Tivoli Village on Rampart Blvd. will be on Saturday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. with specially-crafted cocktails created by partner, Casa Noble. A representative will provide guests with a brief history of the triple distilled and certified organic tequila, which is the culmination of seven generations of tequila makers. Chef Todd Patricelli will dish up a four-course meal paired with a cocktail each time. The exclusive tequila dinner is $49.99, call 702-202-4511.
FAST TRACKING MIXED ITEMS
Beginning Monday, Aug. 1, TopGolf will change hours slightly to Sunday-Thursday 9 a.m.-2 a.m. and Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.-3 a.m.
“Puppet Up! – Uncensored” opened at The Venetian recently and following the show’s premiere, public relations folks were having fun and claimed the police arrested some of the puppets on several charges including DWI – Driving While Inanimate.
Starship featuring Mickey Thomas will appear at The Railhead at Boudler Station on Friday, Aug. 12 at 8 p.m. Thomas joined Jefferson Starship in 1979 and in 1985 released the album with No. 1 hits – “We Built this City” and “Sara.” Tickets range from $25 to $55.
At every Ditch Fridays event in August at the Palms Pool, guests have two chances to win a pair of Life is Beautiful tickets Sept. 23-25. Upon entry to the party, each guest will receive a raffle ticket for a drawing held during the evening. The other is through the Palms Pool Instagram page (@palmspoolLV). The morning of each event a clue will be posted hinting where inside the party a lucky partygoer can locate a winning pair.
Leica recently opened its first-ever Las Vegas store located in The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. The outlet allows consumers to explore Leica cameras first-hand and select sport optic products in a dedicated space with access to a highly-trained staff. A rotating selection of prints is on display showing imagery captured with Leica cameras.
New York-based fashion house DKNY recently opened a completely redesigned store at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. The new design reflects the evolution and the transformation of the DKNY brand.
DC Solar, Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s official off-grid mobile solar partner, has been named title sponsor of the track’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race for 2016. The DC Solar 350 will take place at LVMS on Saturday, Oct. 1, with John Wes Townley returning to defend his title from a year ago. It will be the 20th staging of the popular NASCAR series race at LVMS.
Bazaar Meat by José Andrés at SLS Las Vegas® introduces a new menu of signature small plates, innovative libations, and featured wines and beers, served exclusively at its Bar Centro nightly from 5:30 p.m. Additionally from 5–7 p.m., the bar’s menu offers a selection of specially-priced wines and beers to complement the bar bites.
Another Forum Shops venue TREVI Italian Restaurant is celebrating both National S’mores Day on Aug.10 and National Banana Split Day on Aug. 25. TREVI will feature their s’mores gelato made with chocolate chunks, creamy marshmallows and honey-flavored graham crackers, starting at $4.50 per scoop. TREVI also has the Banana Veneziana (aka the ultimate sundae) with bananas, a trio of gelati, chocolate and caramel plus strawberry sauce for $12.
Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip is suggesting folks make it their fantasy football draft headquarters from Aug. 14-31. For $100 per person (inclusive), you can have a reserved table with unlimited domestic draft beers and appetizer platters, a draft kit and access to Wi-Fi. For more info, call 702-650-8590.
NATIONAL RELAXATION DAY IS AUG. 15
National Relaxation Day will be acknowledged on Monday, Aug. 15. Like who knew! Anyway, the Spas at The LINQ and Flamingo will celebrate with spa deals for visitors. The 50-minute LINQ Signature Facial or Massage will be $105 and at the Flamingo either one will be $99.
If you want to take an 80-minute drive to Mesquite on the Nevada/Utah border, The Spa & Salonat CasaBlanca wants you to relax. They are offering a slew of stress-relieving treatments from massage to manicures Aug. 15-19 with a 10-percent discount when booking one treatment and 20-percent off when booking two or more.
