“BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW”
DATE: Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016
BY: Jackie Brett
VEGAS COLUMN
TOBY KEITH’S BAR-RESTAURANT AT HARRAH’S CELEBRATES 10 YEARS
Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill will be celebrating its 10 years at Harrah’s and recent renovation on Friday, Sept. 30 starting at 5 p.m. through Saturday, Oct. 1 with drink specials and the limited-edition “Toby Keith’s Anniversary Burger” made with a Po’Boy surf and turf. Headlining entertainment on Sept 30 will be country duo Thompson Square.
The remodel includes new TVs, furniture, dance floor and a renovated 20-person private dining room.
JOHN FOGERTY RETURNS TO THE VENETIAN FOR NINE SHOWS
“John Fogerty - Fortunate Son in Concert” returned to The Venetian on Sept. 14 for a nine-show limited engagement through Saturday, Oct.1.
Fogerty, who served in the military, marked his Las Vegas return by paying homage to military veterans. He had Six-String Soldiers, a four-member ensemble of The United States Army Field Band, open two of his shows and visit the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System in North Las Vegas with him for a special performance.
JAY WHITE HONORS EARLY NEIL DIAMOND AT THE SUNCOAST
Las Vegas local and Neil Diamond tribute artist Jay White will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Diamond’s first Las Vegas show with a special performance, “Jay White Honors Neil Diamond 1976,” at the Suncoast Showroom on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 8:30 p.m.
Diamond’s first Las Vegas performance was at the Aladdin in 1976. White’s show is going above and beyond to replicate the nuances of that legendary evening. White will perform the original set list in costumes identical to those worn by Diamond. Tickets are available from $22.
On the Las Vegas Strip, White’s physical and vocal embodiment of Diamond landed him a nearly nine-year stint in “Legends in Concert” and an eight-year run performing a solo show as music star. In addition, White was selected by Hollywood director Ron Howard to portray Diamond in the Academy Award-nominated film “Frost/Nixon.” Most recently, White starred in the documentary “Diamond Mountain,” which was released in 2015.
MR. WARMTH, DON RICKLES RETURNS TO ORLEANS SHOWROOM
Returning for his 57th consecutive year as a Las Vegas headliner, Don Rickles with nicknames like “The Merchant of Venom” and “Mr. Warmth” will perform at The Orleans Showroom on Oct. 22 and 23 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $69.95.
Rickles first step toward national fame was in 1957 when he spotted Frank Sinatra in the audience at a nightclub in Miami Beach and zinged him. Rickles soon became the “in” comic among Hollywood stars and his acting debut followed in 1958’s “Run Silent Run Deep.”
Rickles credits and honors run incredibly deep while his career is still going strong. His best-selling memoir “Rickles’ Book” was released in 2007, followed in 2008 by “Rickles’ Letters.” He received two Primetime Emmy Awards, including Best Individual Performance in a Variety or Musical for the 2008 HBO special “Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project.” In 2009, TV Land honored Rickles with the “Legend Award.”
‘LEGENDS IN CONCERT’ UNVEILS NEW FALL CAST AT FLAMINGO
The longest-running show in Las Vegas, “Legends in Concert,” which performs 10 shows a week in the Donny & Marie Showroom at the Flamingo, is announcing its new fall cast, which will feature country mega-star Garth Brooks portrayed by Dean Simmons, Michael Jackson performed by Damian Brantley, and Whitney Houston reimagined by Jazmine. Making his Las Vegas debut, Kevin Mills will join the legendary cast as Elvis Presley.
GREAT AMERICAN FOODIE FEST RETURNS TO SUNSET STATION
The Great American Foodie Fest, formerly called the Las Vegas Foodie Fest, will return to Sunset Station Oct. 6-9. The event will feature more than 50 of the nation’s top food trucks and food vendors highlighted by a number of celebrity trucks from The Food Network, Cooking Channel, Travel Channel and History Channel. Festival hours will be 5-11 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday.
VINNIE FAVORITO SETTLES IN AT WESTGATE
The outrageous attack comedian Vinnie Favorito, who makes Don Rickles seem like a pussycat, is already very comfortable in the Cabaret Theater at the Westgate. It’s a perfect room for him to work his appropriately titled show, “Vinnie Favorito Unfiltered.” In truth, he’s never been filtered. Favorito has an amazing ability to go around his audience and just call out people and make up impromptu commentary. Warning, don’t try to upstage him; his sharp tongue will always win. As long as you aren’t easily offended, you’ll laugh and your jaw will be sore from opening in inaudible disbelief at what he says. He’s one of a kind!
MOB MUSEUM UPDATES
The Mob Museum downtown has three events taking place this October. “COPS” on Thursday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. will be a courtroom conversation featuring the reality show’s executive producer John Langley, and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) Sheriffs Joseph Lombardo and Bill Young. Currently in its 28th season, “COPS” has followed law enforcement officers during patrol and other police activities in more than 140 different cities. Cost is $25 and $22.50 for museum members.
On Sunday, Oct. 16 at 2 p.m. the LVMPD will feature officers from the department’s newest unit, the Animal Cruelty Unit. This event is free to the public and includes museum admission.
On Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. will be an Author Talk with investigative journalist Shaun Assael about his brand-new book, “The Murder of Sonny Liston: Las Vegas, Heroin, and Heavyweights.” The event is free with museum admission.
In addition, the museum is continuing its extended operating hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
NEON MUSEUM ADDS SELF-GUIDED TOUR
The Neon Museum is now offering a brand-new tour option allowing visitors to get up-close-and-personal with part of its iconic neon sign collection at their leisure Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The new, self-guided tour option is in the museum’s North Gallery, which is home to 60 historic signs. Tickets are $10 as an add-on to the Neon Boneyard tour or $19 as a standalone tour.
The following two tours depart on the hour and half-hour: Neon Boneyard Guided Day Tours are 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Boneyard Guided Night Tours 6:30–9 p.m. For information, call 702-387-6366.
BEER PARK HOSTS FIRST ROOFTOP BEER FESTIVAL AT PARIS
Beer Park at Paris will present the inaugural “Beer Park Rooftop Beer Festival” at Chateau Nightclub & Rooftop on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. There will be 30 local and regional craft breweries, live music by The Dirty with Frankie Perez and Spazzmatics in the club’s main room, DJ Casanova on the rooftop, and some popular restaurants. A portion of the proceeds from the festival will be donated to the UNLV Beverage Management Club. Tickets are $70 for general admission and $80 for VIP, which allows early entry at 4:30 p.m.
The official after-party will be held at Beer Park immediately following the event from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., with more than 100 beer choices, tailgate-style food, oversized yard games and a surprise performance.
LIP SMACKING FOODIE TOURS STARTS NEW CULINARY TOUR
On the heels of its successful afternoon, evening, and downtown-specific culinary walking tours, Lip Smacking Foodie Tours has introduced its newest addition, the “Lip Smacking Boozy Brunch Tour.” Offered on Saturdays and Sundays, the 2.5-hour tour starts at 10:30 a.m. and stops at three distinguished establishments at Aria…Chef Brian Malarkey’s Herringbone at Aria, Chef Michael Mina’s Bardot Brasserie, and Lemongrass.
CIRCUS COUTURE PRESENTS ‘LUCKY’ CHARITY EVENT AT HARD ROCK
Circus Couture will present “Lucky,” an extravagant circus, fashion and art event inside The Joint at the Hard Rock on Friday, Oct. 7. Now in its seventh year, Circus Couture benefits the Children’s Specialty Center of Nevada, the state’s only nonprofit clinic treating kids with cancer. Many of the aerialists, artists, fashion designers and technicians taking part in Circus Couture work in productions on the Las Vegas Strip. Tickets start at $35.
GRAPES & HOPS FESTIVAL IS FUNDRAISER AT SPRINGS PRESERVE
Breast Cancer Awareness Month will be kicked off Saturday, Oct. 1 with the Grapes & Hops Festival at Springs Preserve from 5-9 p.m. Attendees will sample fine wines, beers and food from Las Vegas restaurants while helping raise money for Par for The Cure, a nonprofit for breast cancer research. Admission is $45 in advance ($55 at the door) or $80 for two. VIP tickets are $115.
FOREVER RESORTS HOSTS CLEAN-UP DAY AT COTTONWOOD COVE
Forever Resorts will host its 20th annual Eco-Dive and Environmental Clean-up Day at Cottonwood Cove Resort and Marina on Lake Mohave on Saturday, Oct. 8 with registration staring at 7 a.m. and ending around 2 p.m. after a BBQ for volunteers. It’s an opportunity for eco-conscious individuals to help clean up the marina, the dock and surrounding beach areas. More than 9,900 pounds of debris were collected last year, which is nearly five tons of trash. The first 75 participants to arrive will receive t-shirts and all who register will be entered in a raffle to receive prizes.
RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL RETURNS TO SUNSET PARK
Clark County Parks and Recreation will present the 23rd Annual Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival outdoors at Sunset Park Oct. 7-9. There will be shows, more than 100 artisans, historical reenactments, plus food and drink to take folks back centuries in time.
The festival is 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $13 per day in advance, $8 for seniors ages 60 and older and children age six to 12, free for ages five and younger. Three-day passes are $30 and $2o, and price goes up a couple dollars day of the event.
GLOBALLY HAKKASAN RESTAURANTS LAUNCH ‘ONLY AT’ MENUS
This September, Hakkasan restaurants around the world are celebrating the 15th anniversary of the original Hakkasan in London’s Hanway Place by launching local “Only At” dishes and cocktails. At Hakkasan Las Vegas, the “Only At” collection begins Sept. 26 and will change twice a year. There are now 11 Hakkasan restaurants globally in the UK, China, India, U.S. and Middle East.
CITY OF LAS VEGAS HOSTS FREE EVENTS IN OCTOBER
The city of Las Vegas invites the public to the following free family events in October at the Historic Fifth Street School, located at 401 S. Fourth St.
Oktoberfest is Saturday, Oct. 1, from 3 to 9 p.m. The annual festival features live German music, dance, traditional food, beer and children’s activities.
A free concert of folk music of the Canary Islands will be presented by Germán Lopez, young star of the five-string timple, and guitarist Antonio Toledo, on Thursday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. Their music brings together Spanish flamenco, West-African rhythms and a 21st-century approach to island music.
The 15th Vegas Valley Book Festival will be Saturday, Oct. 15 starting at 10 a.m. and it is free and open to the public. Celebrity authors across all genres, ages, and cultural backgrounds will share their work and creative processes.
At 5:30 p.m., the festival’s After-Dark event moves to the Inspire Theater downtown for an evening of libations, mind-opening talks with MacArthur Genius Award recipient Katherine Boo and Pulitzer Prize winner Adam Johnson. The Writer’s Block will host poet Joanne Kyger at 7 p.m. at 1020 Fremont St.
Festival attendees will enjoy books signings, readings, workshops, vendor exhibits, and other special programs. Local food trucks also will be on hand to provide fuel for inquisitive minds.
DINING NEWS ITEMS
The Angry Butcher Steakhouse, a contemporary yet classic American steakhouse, is open at Sam’s Town in the Mystic Falls Park atrium. The patio, which is al fresco but an outdoor setting inside, and adjacent bar are open for a daily social hour from 4-6 p.m. with a special menu of small bites.
Shake Shack’s Shacktoberfest, now in its 11th year, is on tap from Friday-Sunday, Sept. 23-Oct. 2. The annual celebration features an Oktoberfest-inspired menu, including a Bavarian-Style Soft Pretzel, new to this year’s menu, and a special 25-ounce Shake Shack Bier Stein for $10.
BRAVO! At the Galleria Mall is introducing new menu items again and they are winners. At a tasting, the main course herb-marinated grilled chicken with sun-dried tomato goat cheese, mashed potatoes and green beans was excellent as well as the antipasti salad, zucchini and eggplant fritti, linguine carbonara, dessert and “Happy Hour” $5 Lemontini.
MRKT Sea & Land at Aliante will host a “Passport To The World” six-course wine dinner on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. hosted by guest speaker and Master Sommelier Joe Phillips and feature Dom Perignon. Cost is $95.
ENTERTAINMENT BLURBS
Recently Marvel Comics movies “Captain America” and “The Avengers” star Chris Evans and girlfriend/actress Jenny Slate visited “O” by Cirque du Soleil® at Bellagio and met some of the cast afterwards.
The Festival of Praise Tour will bring some of biggest names in gospel music to Orleans Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 5, with performances from Fred Hammond, Israel Houghton, Regina Belle, Karen Clark Sheard, Hezekiah Walker and Casey J. Tickets are available from $35.
California rock band The Expendables and show opening act Las Vegas locals One Pin Short have been added to the anticipated concert lineup for Sublime with Rome at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC) on Friday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $39.50.
Topless revue “SEXXY” at Westgate is celebrating its 400th show on Wednesday, Sept. 28. A couple “SEXXY” innocuous facts are: 6,400 costume changes; 1,212 white T-shirts ripped off; and 30 boxes of double-stick tape used for pasties.
On Friday, Sept. 30, the Grammy Award-winning band, Imagine Dragons will perform at the third annual gala benefiting the Tyler Robinson Foundation (TRF), which raises funds to support families affected by pediatric cancer. Chris Harrison, from ABC’s “The Bachelor,” will serve as the evening’s host. Four honorees will be celebrated for their tireless efforts and work toward fighting pediatric cancer, including Luxor headliner Criss Angel whose 2-year-old son has leukemia.
ABOUT TOWN NEW CLIPS
The Las Vegas Monorail has a new website aimed at making planning visits to the destination even more hassle-free with a robust hotel guide, easier navigation, and an abundance of destination information.
The LGBT community will celebrate National Coming Out Weekend downtown at First Friday on Oct. 7, which will also be the monthly event’s 14th anniversary. The celebratory theme will be “One World Through Art.”
The Eric Trump Foundation will host the third annual family-friendly Zumbathon event at Town Square Park on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 9-11 a.m. with all proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Due to increased popularity, the Zumbathon has been moved from the Trump Hotel. Tickets are $12.
The Galleries at Lake Las Vegas opened last weekend in the MonteLago Village featuring three different collections. Two dimensional art in a variety of traditional and digital media by more than 25 local and regional artists is represented there.
Home décor boutique River North has relocated from an upstairs location to a larger street level space next to Vasari at Tivoli Village just ahead of the store’s fourth anniversary.
The seasonal Butterfly Habitat, which is open each fall and spring as temperatures allow, is open now through Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., daily. You can wander through for a better understanding of butterflies and the plants that sustain them.
Admission is $2 members; $3 non-members.
BikeFest, one of the biggest motorcycle events of the year, will take place Sept. 29-Oct. 2 with a festive street party and BikeFest RockFest jam-packed with rock ‘n’ roll entertainment at the Fremont Street Experience.
