“BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW”
DATE: Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016
BY: Jackie Brett
VEGAS COLUMN
NYLE DIMARCO WILL GUEST HOST ‘CHIPPENDALES’ SHOW AT THE RIO
“Dancing with the Stars” and “America’s Next Top Model” winner, Nyle DiMarco will be the latest celebrity guest host for the “Chippendales” production at the Rio for four weeks from Sept. 22–Oct. 16. DiMarco with his moves, physique, charisma and charm will also be the first-ever Deaf member of the internationally renowned production.
The native New Yorker happens to be fourth generation Deaf. He attended Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., the only liberal arts university in the world for the Deaf, where he earned a degree in mathematics. In 2013, DiMarco had a leading role in the independent film “In the Can,” which was told in American Sign Language with English subtitles. In 2014 and 2015, he played the recurring role of Garrett Banducci in “Switched at Birth” on the Freeform network.
‘MICHAEL JACKSON ONE’ HOSTS KING OF POP BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Cirque du Soleil® and the Estate of Michael Jackson are celebrating Jackson’s birthday by holding a three-day extravaganza at Mandalay Bay. Hosted by “Michael Jackson ONE,” the King of Pop’s fourth annual birthday celebration will take place Aug. 27–29. Guests attending performances on those days will receive exclusive access to the various festivities all three days.
Each night before the 7 p.m. show, ticket holders will have access to a rare meet-and-greet opportunity in the lobby with Estate members and other guests. An event on Aug. 27 will feature the unveiling of a fourth piece of Michael Jackson memorabilia.
On Michael Jackson’s birthday, Aug. 29, there will be a full afternoon of activities kicked off by the cast of “ONE,” with a performance at the theater at 3:15 p.m. At 3:30 p.m. in the theater, the Name That Michael Jackson Tune competition hosted by “ONE” musical director, Kevin Antunes, will give nine fans the opportunity to win prizes by identifying audio clips from the King of Pop’s songs. Afterwards there will be a special book signing event hosted by the Michael Jackson ONE Boutique with author Michael Bush, who was Jackson’s designer and dresser for 25 years. His book is “The King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson.”
THE ANGRY BUTCHER STEAKHOUSE DEBUTS AT SAM’S TOWN
The Angry Butcher Steakhouse, a contemporary take on the classic American steakhouse, has opened at Sam’s Town in the heart of the Mystic Falls Park atrium. The patio and bar are open for a daily social hour from 4-6 p.m. with a special menu of small bites. The main dining room opens at 5 p.m. featuring an eclectic menu of rustic steakhouse fare paired with signature side dishes.
The restaurant’s design has a high-contrast neutral color scheme with upholstered private booths, hand-finished ceiling beams, a walnut plank floor, and a row of glittering light pendants visually anchoring one side of the dining room. An opposite wall features a spacious display kitchen that runs the length of the restaurant. A curated collection of bric-a-brac adorns the arched and lighted display partitions in the center of the dining room.
The Angry Butcher’s signature cuts include the prime rib on or off the bone. Steaks are charbroiled at 800 degrees in a Jade Range Broiler, which sears both sides of the steak, locking in moisture. The meal’s sidekicks are a range of reimagined classics like smashed sweet potatoes spiked with bourbon.
MERCATO DELLA PESCHERIA OPENED AT ST. MARK'S SQUARE
Mercato Della Pescheria, an Italian seafood market-style restaurant with more than a dozen culinary stations, opened in St. Mark’s Square at The Venetian. The eatery includes open-style specialty kitchens. At the La Birra and Cantinetta bar stations, guests are served a handpicked selection of imported and domestic beer and wine along with artisanal cocktails.
VINNIE FAVORITO RELOCATES HIS SHOW TO THE WESTGATE
Vinnie Favorito, known for his quick wit and sharp tongue, has teamed up with Red Mercury Entertainment in a joint venture to produce his new comedy show “Vinnie Favorito Unfiltered” opening at the Westsgate Wednesday, Sept. 7. His show seriously comes with a funny warning disclaimer to audiences: “If easily offended, you might want to see another show as this show intends to offend and will not subscribe to any ideas of political correctness.” Beware his show is edgy.
Boston-born comic Favorito doesn’t follow a script and he’s been headlining in Las Vegas since 2003. His shows will be Wednesday through Sunday at 9 p.m. inside the Cabaret Theater. Tickets range from $49 general admission to $125 for Golden Circle with a meet and greet following the show.
PSYCHO LAS VEGAS 2016 PLANNED AT HARD ROCK
The Hard Rock resort will hold a three-day head-banging bacchanal property-wide Psycho Las Vegas 2016, Aug. 26-28, featuring 90-plus acts from around the world including Alice Cooper, three stages, an interactive backlight chamber, a Boogie Van Blackjack Tournament, film screenings, and parties galore. Tickets range from single day for $99 plus fee to a three-day pass for $250 plus fee.
DAVE & BUSTER’S OPENED AT DOWNTOWN SUMMERLIN®
Nevada’s first and the company’s 87th Dave & Buster’s opened this month at Downtown Summerlin. The restaurant-arcade franchise company has divided its 34,000-square-foot entertainment destination into two main sections.
One side is an adult arcade world with more than 180 state-of-art and latest simulators and games. Games surround the Winner’s Circle store-like area with all the prizing on display. The other area is for dining, drinking and watching sports on HDTVs covering numerous walls.
Dave & Buster’s offers weekly specials and there are two Happy Hours: 4:30-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 p.m. to closing Sunday-Thursday, offering half-price cocktails. Hours of operation are: Sunday–Thursday 10 a.m.–midnight; Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–midnight; and Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–2 a.m.
PITBULL RETURNS TO THE AXIS AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD
Global music superstar Pitbull will return to The AXIS at Planet Hollywood with his show, “Pitbull: Time Of Our Lives” Thursday and Friday, Sept. 15-16. The international music sensation launched his Las Vegas residency in September 2015 and returned for another successful run in March. Pitbull’s larger than life production will kick off Fiestas Patrias.
HENDERSON HOSTS 17TH ANNUAL SUPER RUN CLASSIC CAR SHOW
Hot rods, muscle cars and vintage vehicles from across the country will be attracted to Henderson for the 17th Annual Super Run Classic Car Show. As many as 1,000 cars and trucks, representing all years, makes and models, will be on display in the city’s historic Water Street District. Spectator admission is complimentary.
The Fiesta Henderson Hotel & Casino will host the official event kickoff from noon to 8 p.m. on Sept. 22 in the resort’s parking lot. The festivities will start at 10 a.m. all three days, Sept. 23-25. There will be concerts, automotive competitions, children’s activities, and vendors and exhibitors.
The Las Vegas Cruisin’ Association is accepting early car registration applications through Sept. 12 at a discounted rate of $60 per car and after that $75. Car show participants will have a chance to win nearly $9,500 in cash and prizes and more than 200 trophies will also be awarded.
DAVIDOFF CIGAR BAR HOSTS WOMEN OF INDUSTRY LAUNCH PARTY
Following the successful kick off of its Davidoff Insider VIP program, Davidoff Cigar Bar on the Plaza at Fashion Show is starting a new VIP program: Women of Industry. To celebrate the program’s launch, Davidoff Cigar Bar will host an open-invite party for men and women on Friday, Aug. 26 from 7-10 p.m. All guests will receive two complimentary glasses of champagne, plus enjoy 50 percent off additional drink selections.
Attendees will be among the first to receive the new Women of Industry VIP Card, which provides women with two complimentary glasses of champagne per visit, plus deals and promotions on cigars and cocktails, access to new retail products, early invites to future events and more.
AVIATION NATION AIR SHOW WILL RETURN THIS YEAR TO NELLIS
Aviation Nation air show and open house is returning this year to Nellis Air Force Base after the event was skipped last year. The Air Force Thunderbirds will be capping their 2016 demonstration season with performances on Nov. 12 and 13 at their home base in North Las Vegas. In addition, the team will have season-ending shows again in 2017 on Nov. 11 and 12.
This free mega-event attracts about 100,000 spectators over the two days and it’s open to the public. There will be aerial acts, and array of static displays from past and present, and the opportunity to interact with the airmen. Free public parking along with a designated handicapped area will be located at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and visitors must use round-trip shuttle bus transportation to and from Nellis Air Force Base.
BROADWAY IN THE H.O.O.D. PRESENTS ‘THE WIZ’ AT THE SMITH CENTER
Broadway in the H.O.O.D will present “The Wiz” live at The Smith Center on Saturday, Sept. 3 with two performances at 2 and 7 p.m. “The Wiz” retells the classic story of “The Wizard of Oz” with multi-cultural flair, a cast of 250 local performers, a live orchestra, and special effects. The show is non-stop party that tells the touching story of friendship, family, and the universal power of love with Broadway in the H.O.O.D creating a fresh and modern approach. Tickets start at $19.
ALEX AND ANI HOLDS GRAND OPENING AT FASHION SHOW MALL
ALEX AND ANI, an eco-conscious jewelry and accessories store, will officially celebrate its new Fashion Show Mall location with a grand opening public event to benefit Grant a Gift for Autism Foundation on Thursday, Aug. 25 from 7-9 p.m. Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres provided by local farm-to-table Chef Johnny Church with light refreshments, live entertainment, shopping spree giveaways and more.
ASSORTED NEWS ITEMS
Due to demand, Steve Wynn’s “ShowStoppers” is having its closing date of Sept. 30 extended to Dec. 31 at the Encore Theater.
Wes Winters celebrated his 500th performance of his Las Vegas lounge-style “One-Man-Show” at the South Point in the Grandview Lounge last week. The award-winning versatile entertainer appears there every Friday and Saturday night from 6 to 9 p.m. and his shows are free.
The Riviera’s last tower was imploded last week and now the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority can go ahead with plans to use it for an expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center expected to be completed in January.
Maverick Helicopters is partnering with Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas to introduce the Natural Wonders Experience, an exclusive, luxury helicopter flight and culinary experience featuring remote Grand Canyon and Valley of Fire private, remote landings. The three-hour excursion is only available to the hotel’s guests
Beer Park at Paris pays tribute to local talent by supporting Las Vegas DJs. The venue’s lineup includes natives, DJ Casanova and DJ KoKo spinning from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. every Thursday through Saturday.
Rio Spa & Salon will host its seventh annual Cut-A-Thon to benefit Locks of Love on Wednesday, Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests donating at least 10 inches of hair will receive a complimentary blunt cut and a 30 percent discount on any additional styling or coloring treatments offered at the salon.
In addition, Rockhouse at The Venetian will host Seth Grable from “America’s Got Talent” for an evening of magic and illusion on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 2 and 3 from 8-9 p.m. Tickets are $20.
The new public six-piece art exhibit in the lobby at Delano is “SpaceTime Kinetics” on view through Sept. 30. The freestanding three-dimensional works of art by Las Vegas-based Cristian Aluas are inspired by the relationships people create with each other and the energy each person shares with the universe.
The Texas Star Lanes offers leagues daily from morning to night. Starting Sept. 6, there will be 19 adult leagues suiting many different tastes and one youth league open.
CULINARY QUICK BITES
The Habit Burger Grill just opened its third Nevada location, which is in Henderson at 543 Stephanie Street. The first Habit Burger Grill opened in Santa Barbara, Calif. In 1969 and now there are more than 150 restaurants in 16 markets.
Chef Daniel Boulud’s contemporary French restaurant db Brasserie has started its “No B.A.D. Monday” bone-in and draft promotion. Every Monday starting at 5 p.m. guests who visit the bar and lounge and purchase a bone-in cut steak, will receive a complimentary American draft beer.
The quarterly tequila four-course dinner at Cantina Laredo inside Tivolli Village will be held Saturday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. Guests will savor specially-crafted cocktails created by partner Casa Noble. Dinner is $49.99, call 702-202-4511.
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar at The Venetian will celebrate National Bourbon Heritage Month this September with a special bourbon-infused flight, featuring four one-ounce pours including: Bacon Bourbon; Apple Spice; Honey Orange; and Salted Maple.
Mario Batali’s OTTO Enoteca e Pizzeria in St. Mark’s Square at The Venetian is honoring the 75th anniversary of the Moscow Mule by featuring The Multo Italiano, its signature Italian twist on the drink at the celebratory price of $7.50 through the end of 2016.
HEXX Kitchen + Bar at Paris will celebrate Labor Day weekend by adding an extra day of the restaurant’s weekend brunch on Monday, Sept. 5, available from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Brunch offerings are $13.95. Drink selections include bottomless mimosas for $20 and a selection of bloody marys.
Chef de Cuisine Scott Pajak at Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo has created special football menus that pay tribute to the team’s competing each week on Monday- and Thursday-night televised games.
Last week, Rockhouse at The Venetian became the exclusive Las Vegas location serving Flavor Flav’s Chicken (FFC). Rockhouse offers FFC 10-piece for $13.99 and 24-piece for $24.99. The new partnership ensures that Flav will be no stranger to the property.
The Cosmopolitan will host ‘CRAFTS & COCKTAILS’ EVENT
The Cosmopolitan in partnership with Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits will host Crafts & Cocktails, an exclusive outdoor craft beer and cocktail experience with music at the resort’s Boulevard Pool, on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 6 to 10 p.m. Guests will have an opportunity to sample 75 distinct craft beers from a variety of local, regional and international breweries as well as a selection of interesting cocktail creations.
A separate ticket can be purchased for access to the festival’s five food stations.
Tickets range from $20/$45 Early Bird to Day of Event $45/$85 at the door.
EVENTS ON THE HORIZON
The Japanese Culture Day 2016 is a free event being held at the National Atomic Testing Museum on Saturday, Aug. 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can watch Taiko Drummers, experience an authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony, learn to write you name in Japanese, etc. Admission to the museum is separate.
Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood will celebrate Labor Day weekend, Sept. 2-5, with live music, patio parties including guest sets from surprise DJs, drink specials and a hangover breakfast from 8-11 a.m.
The 6th Annual Cheers to Chocolate fundraiser to benefit Easter Seals Nevada will be held Friday, Sept. 16 from 6-9 p.m. in Henderson at The District. The event will feature cocktails and chocolate tastings, exclusive silent auction items, artists and entertainment. Advance adult online tickets are $35 and $40 at the door, and for young adults $20 and $25.
FIRST LAS VEGAS SHOWCASE HOUSE WILL OPEN IN JANUARY
The first-ever Las Vegas Showcase House has selected its list of participating designers for the inaugural house. Widely revered in the national design community, Showcase House events have occurred in major cities all over America but this will be the first time Las Vegas has it.
Opening to the public in January 2018, this undertaking will expose exquisite and innovative interior designs, architecture, landscaping and more. The house, located inside the Scotch 80s neighborhood, will feature an on-site cafe serving gourmet delights with wines and beers to complement the menu, and a collection of boutiques - The Shops at Showcase – with merchandise for sale.
Las Vegas Showcase House will serve as a major fundraiser for progressive education movement Core Academy, powered by The Rogers Foundation.
