“BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW”
DATE: Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016
BY: Jackie Brett
VEGAS COLUMN
‘BAND OF MAGICIANS’ WILL OPEN AT TROPICANA LATE OCTOBER
Coming from a recent tour across Australia and New Zealand, the world’s first magic supergroup, “Band of Magicians” will take up residency at the Tropicana Las Vegas starting Oct. 26 and perform Wednesday through Monday at 7 p.m.
The production brings together four of the brightest young magicians from across the globe including James Galea of Australia, Stuart MacLeod from the UK, and Brett Loudermilk and Joel Ward of the United States. The quartet of magicians have been featured on “The Ellen Degeneres Show,” “TODAY,” “Access Hollywood,” “The Late Late Show,” and “Tosh.O.” Collectively they have had many viral hits on YouTube with their signature tricks racking up more than 50 million hits.
A SECOND LAZY DOG WILL OPEN AT TOWN SQUARE
Lazy Dog opened their first Las Vegas location in April 2015 at Downtown Summerlin and now they are hiring for the new 8,397-square-foot location scheduled to open at Town Square this fall. Founder Chris Simms’ concept was inspired by the genuine hospitality and laid-back atmosphere of the Rocky Mountain town where his family spent time. From Lazy Dog’s scratch kitchen to its well-crafted bar program, the restaurant focuses on hospitality and community to create a family friendly dining destination with a patio to include canine members.
The first Lazy Dog restaurant opened in the Huntington Beach area in 2003. Now there are currently 18 Lazy Dog locations throughout California and Texas with more on the way.
WITH A NEW NAME ‘AUSSIE HEAT’ PREVAILS AT V THEATER
Australian-based male revue “Aussie Heat,” formerly known as “Aussie Hunks,” has opened with the new name at the V Theater inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. The testosterone-energized show is comprised of eight classically trained dancers in street, break and hip-hop dancing. These sexy men have been seen on “Australia’s Got Talent” and “So You Think You Can Dance Australia.” They are celebrating a milestone one-year of performances while launching a new name reminiscent of the desert terrain they now call home. “Aussie Heat” shows are Wednesday through Sunday at 10:30 p.m. Tickets start at $54.99.
URBAN SEED IS BUILDING FARMING FACILITY NEAR THE STRIP
Sustainable indoor-farming company Urban Seed Inc. broke ground on a farming facility just west of the Strip that will include eight 6,400-square-foot greenhouses, offices, a production facility and an event space. The business is aiming to be the premier source of locally grown, high-quality hydroponic produced, non-GMO fruits and vegetables for the flourishing culinary community in Las Vegas.
Urban Seed will utilize vertical integration to reduce the carbon footprint of Las Vegas. Following the initial facility, Urban Seed will plan and design more than 100 additional facilities in the next five years with the goal of providing truly local produce to the entire valley and other markets.
HIGH ROLLER HOSTS FIRST IN-CABIN ETHEL M CHOCOLATES TASTING
The High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel, will launch North America’s first in-cabin chocolate tasting experience with Ethel M Chocolates on Thursday, Sept. 1. Guests will learn about the origins of chocolate and how the pieces were created and focus attention on the aroma, taste and texture. The 30-minute (one rotation) adventure includes a chocolatier ambassador showcasing five different types of pieces and the story behind them. Upon arrival, each guest will receive one voucher for a complimentary glass of wine, which can be picked up in the Sky Lounge prior to boarding.
This experience, which can accommodate up to 15 guests, may be booked in advance or by upgrading a general admission ticket for an extra $15. Tastings are available every Thursday from 5 to 8:30 p.m. with the final experience at 8 p.m. Standard admission pricing is $52 and a private cabin $1,500.
JERRY LEWIS STARS IN ‘MAX ROSE’ AND HEADLINES AT SOUTH POINT
Jerry Lewis at 90 is going strong. He will headline his one-man show at the South Point Showroom Sept. 30-Oct. 2. Tickets are $50, 55, and $60.
Prior to that engagement and after a 25-year absence from the big screen, the legendary comedian, actor, producer and director Jerry Lewis returns in his latest film “Max Rose.” The movie will open locally on Sept. 23 at the Regal Village Square Stadium at West Sahara.
“Max Rose” stars Lewis as an 87-year-old retired jazz musician whose wife recently passed away. Devastated by the loss after his 65-year marriage, Rose discovers his wife’s jewelry with an intimate inscription from another man, causing doubt about his marriage. The drama has Rose searching for the mysterious suitor.
STANDARD & POUR GASTRO LOUNGE IS OPEN IN HENDERSON
Standard & Pour, a joint venture created by Simon Hospitality Group and Titan Brands, is now open nightly for dinner at 11261 S. Eastern Ave, Suite 200. The 130-seat gastro lounge style restaurant features a panoramic view of the Las Vegas Strip in a social environment with a variety of shared plates and distinctive beverage program with a strong emphasis on handcrafted cocktails.
The decor is contemporary modern with accents of shou sugi ban charred wood, bold graphic floral wallpaper and fleur-de-lis-inspired tile. The 4,700-square-foot cozy restaurant offers a variety of dining options including a bar and lounge, main dining room complete with a live edge wood communal table, private dining party options and outdoor patio dining.
COMEDIC GURU ‘TOMMY LAMA’ CONTINUES AT LAUGH FACTORY
Comedian Tommy Savitt has a gimmick that works. He’s created an alter ego “Tommy Lama.” While his rather unorthodox “Spiritual Healing Brooklyn Style” may not make you well, it does provide plenty of laughs at the Laugh Factory Comedy Club inside the Tropicana. His “Stand-Up Karmady” shows are at 5 p.m. Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, and 7 p.m. Monday and Friday. Tickets are $29.95 to $34.95.
Savitt actually quit practicing law to become a comedian and with originality a nearly outlawed “guru” of “see all, know all, and heal all problems.” On stage he’ll channel the dead, offer outlandish couple’s therapy, and pass along innuendo-laden mantras. Here is a good example of his advice, “All the doctors tell ladies to quit drinking when they become pregnant to protect the baby…I say why? How in the heck do you think you became pregnant in the first place?”
SMASH MOUTH WILL PERFORM FREE FREMONT STREET CONCERT
Smash Mouth will perform a free concert at the Fremont Street Experience over Labor Day Weekend closing out this year’s Rock of Vegas concert series on Saturday, Sept. 3 at 9 p.m. on the 3rd Street Stage. Smash Mouth is touring with their new album “Magic” and entertaining troops in Japan, Guam, Guantanamo Bay, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Formed in late 1994, Smash Mouth began recording demos and showcasing in both San Jose and Hollywood, Calif. The free concerts downtown are celebrating the eighth season.
LIMITED-TIME, FIRST OFFICER’S ITEMS AT LUXOR’S TITANIC EXHIBIT
In commemoration of the 31st anniversary of the discovery of RMS Titanic’s wreck site, six personal possessions belonging to First Officer William Murdoch will be on display for a limited time at Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition inside the Luxor starting Sept. 1 through October before heading to the Orlando Exhibition. The artifacts were only available for public viewing once in 2012.
Murdoch’s recovered belongings include a toiletry kit, which contained a shoe brush, an official White Star Line officer’s button, a straight razor, a pair of long-johns and a smoking pipe.
CHANGES TAKING PLACE AT WINDOWS SHOWROOM AT BALLY’S
After three years, “Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding” with a cast of 18 will be closing at the Windows Showroom at Bally’s on Sept. 21. The interactive dining show has played in various Las Vegas venues since 2002 and may likely land somewhere again.
It’s looking like The Bronx Wanderers, a retro rock ‘n’ roll tribute show band, will take over the 5 p.m. time slot.
Wayne Newton will return next month after a break and perform his intimate show three nights a week, Monday-Wednesday. On the other nights, the 7:30 p.m. time slot will go to a Motown tribute show, “Solid Gold Soul,” starting Sept. 29.
“Tony Sacca’s Vegas The Story” will open on Friday, Sept.23 starring the longtime local TV personality and showman performing an afternoon show at 2 p.m.
CLINT HOLMES SHOW AT PALAZZO HAD SURPRISE GUEST DAV KOZ
Thanks to a friend this reporter had an opportunity to catch “Clint Holmes: Between the Lines” in the Palazzo Theatre. Once again Holmes delivers an extraordinary show and his band is truly the best in the business. It’s no wonder that legendary saxophonist Dave Koz joined Holmes on stage for a surprise performance. With his longtime friend and collaborator they performed two soulful songs resulting in a spontaneous standing ovation, which is common place at any show Holmes does.
JIMMY OSMOND BRINGS ANDY WILLIAMS TRIBUTE SPECIAL TO SUNCOAST
Jimmy Osmond will bring his tribute special “Andy Williams – Moon River and Me!” with nostalgic videos and Williams’ chart-topping hits like “Moon River” to the Suncoast Showroom Sept. 17 and 18 at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available from $17.50.
Osmond had a special relationship with Williams. Starting in entertainment with his brothers, the Osmonds made their first national TV appearance on “The Andy Williams Show” in the 1960s. They became show regulars and Williams became a lifelong friend and mentor to Jimmy Osmond.
Williams performed the Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer-penned hit song “Moon River” at the 1962 Oscar Awards. After that “Moon River” became the theme song for his hit variety show, which garnered three Emmy Awards.
MOB MUSEUM WILL OPEN OUTLAW MOTORCYCLE GANGS DISPLAY
The Mob Museum downtown will open a new display Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs on Friday, Sept. 2 and will be on view until February 2017. The exhibition explores the small percentage of motorcycle riders engaging in drug and/or firearms trafficking, theft, extortion and other forms of organized crime. It examines the global reach of the gangs, the histories and current practices of some of the largest groups such as the Hells Angels, the Bandidos and the Outlaws as well as some of the infamous gang battles, including the 2015 shootout in a restaurant parking lot in Waco, Texas.
HENDERSON HOSTS ANNUAL PACIFIC ISLANDS FESTIVAL
The 26th Annual Prince Jonah Kuhio Ho’olaule’a & Pacific Islands Festival will be held at the Henderson Events Plaza from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11. Admission is complimentary.
Founded and organized by the Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club (LVHCC), the event serves Southern Nevada’s growing Pacific Islander population and honors the rich heritage and culture of the Pacific Rim and Hawaiian Islands. The celebration features hours of traditional island entertainment, including Polynesian dancers and Hawaiian hula dancing, food, folk art performances, merchandise vendors, craft booths and children’s activities. Other highlights include a car show and an indoor career, business and health fair.
Gregg Allman had to cancel some of his tour dates, including his stop at The Pearl at the Palms on Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. with ZZ Top. He will be replaced by guitar great Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Tickets start at $94.
Billy Idol with his longtime guitarist Steve Stevens will return to the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay on Wednesday, Aug. 31 to close out summer with 11 more dates coming up in the next two months. He will be followed on Thursday, Sept. 14 by fellow resident Carlos Santana, who will return in time for El Grito.
Legendary rock groups 38 Special and The Marshall Tucker Band will headline the Sunset Amphitheater at Sunset Station on Friday, Sept. 9. Tickets range from $20 to $50.
At Boulder Station in The Railhead, guitarist Eric Sardinas will be featured on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 6 p.m. His latest album, “Boomerang,” was released in 2014. Tex-Mex group Los Lonely Boys will follow on Saturday, Sept. 3 with an 8 p.m. show.
Rock band Breaking Benjamin unveiled its dedicated memorabilia case at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino last week.
Having performed on the Las Vegas Strip for more than 16 years, Blue Man Group celebrated their milestone 10,000th show with a special performance recently benefitting local nonprofit HELP of Southern Nevada by raising more than $7,800.
In addition, Blue Man Group will be holding a Las Vegas Drum-Off at Downtown Container Park on Saturday, Oct.22. Drummers will be vying to win more than $6,000 in prizes. Stay tuned for submission details or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
A Hawaii visitor recently placed a $3 bet on a penny slot game at Wynn and won $10.7-plus million. The player won on an IGT Megabucks Wynn Wheel machine built specifically for Wynn Las Vegas.
DINING-BEVERAGE HAPPENINGS
In Japanese culture, sushi is a great art. Roy’s restaurant chefs will hold a one day Make Your Own Sushi hands-on class on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $55, which includes a three-course cooking class luncheon, sushi kit and $20 dining card for a future visit. Reservation is necessary.
For Labor Day weekend, La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway at Wynn will keep festivities going by extending its butler-style brunch Saturday-Monday, Sept. 3-5 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Priced is $48 and $28 per child under 12. For an additional $20, La Cave offers bottomless brunch cocktails.
BRAVO! Cucina Italiana at the Galleria mall has introduced a new dinner special offering a two-course dinner combo featuring choice of a salad and entrée starting at $12.99. The new combos include entrées from BRAVO!’s new menu, which focuses on larger portions and high-quality ingredients. The special runs until Sept. 30.
New Bold Sips in five flavors will be available at both the Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas Strip and Hard Rock Cafe at Hard Rock Hotel from Monday, Aug. 29 through Sunday, Nov. 13 and include: Mango Tequila Sunrise; Peachy Keen Punch; Spiced Cinnamon Mule; Blackberry Peach Bramble; and Rush On The Rocks. Each cocktail comes in a Hard Rock Cafe souvenir Mason jar for $14.99 with refills $10.49.
Slice of Vegas at The Shoppes at Mandalay Place is teaming up with Pizza Port Brewing Co. and Speakeasy Ales & Lagers out of California to host a special beer pairing five-course dinner on Tuesday, Sept. 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $45, RSVP at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Honey Salt will feature nationally-acclaimed Las Vegas chef Sheridan Su, Executive Chef/Owner of Fat Choy and Flock & Fowl for its Guest Chef Dinner Series on Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 6:30 p.m. This Asian-influenced communal dining experience is $54 with an optional wine pairing for $25.
Modern Donut, a Las Vegas-based, personalized donut delivery service, and Three Square Food Bank are partnering in September to fight hunger during Hunger Action Month. Modern Donut will donate $1 to Three Square from every online order, or call 702-220-3030.
MRKT Sea & Land at Aliante is bringing back by popular demand the steak and lobster special offered Sunday through Thursday for $25. This special is available to Aliante Player’s Club members only.
LOS TIGRES DEL NORTE WILL PERFORM IN PRIMM
The 12-time Grammy Award winning band Los Tigres del Norte will appear in concert at the Star of the Desert Arena in Primm, Nev., on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $30.
Los Tigres del Norte is one of the most popular bands in the diverse world of Latin music. Over the past four decades, Los Tigres have recorded more than 500 songs, 50 of which have been No. 1 singles. The group has also sold more than 37 million albums worldwide with 22 ranking No. 1 on the Billboard Latin charts. Among the group’s numerous awards, there are six Grammys and six Latin Grammys, the Latin Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and The Hispanic Heritage “Legends” award at The Kennedy Center.
COMEDIANS AND SINGERS ENTERTAIN IN PAHRUMP, NEV.
There is even more entertainment an hour’s drive away in Pahrump, Nev. The Bonkerz Comedy Club inside the Pahrump Nugget Event Center will present comedian Ian Gutoskie on Friday Sept. 9 and Kathleen Dunbar on Friday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 with a $5 slot play included.
At the Sanders Family Winery the Summer Under the Stars Concert Series will come to an end with two great tribute shows featuring Corrie Sachs as Reba McEntire on Saturday, Sept. 10 and The Bluzman, a tribute to the Blues Brothers on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25, call 775-727-1776.
