“BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW”
DATE: Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016
BY: Jackie Brett
VEGAS COLUMN
CITY OF LAS VEGAS UNVEILS NEW LOGO AND BRAND
For the first time since 1979, the city of Las Vegas has a new logo. It will be used throughout the city of Las Vegas on all new signage, workwear, vehicles, online and digital media as well as in all collateral and promotional materials to market the city. The new logo does not replace the existing official city seal but as items are replaced they will reflect the new look designed by Victoria Hart, president and creative director of Pink Kitty Creative, after an extensive vetted logo search and challenge.
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM DISPLAYS PREHISTORIC SNAKE REPLICA
A realistic replica of the world’s largest snake will be on exhibit at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum Oct. 14-Jan. 8. Slithering in at 48 feet long and an estimated one-and-a-half tons, “Titanoboa: Monster Snake” includes the snake replica and two vertebrae casts made from the original fossils: a 17-foot-long modern green anaconda and the vertebra from Titanoboa, as the giant snake is called. Videos produced by the Smithsonian Channel tell the story of this scientific discovery of the 60-million-year-old snake. “Titanoboa” will travel to 15 cities on a national tour organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.
SUPER STAR POWER ITEMS
Music superstar Mariah Carey will end her two-year residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace with her final performance of “Mariah #1 To Infinity” on May 13, 2017.
Diana Ross previously sold out 18 performances of her show “The Essential Diana Ross: Some Memories Never Fade” at The Venetian Theatre and will return for the third run of her residency in February 2017. She’ll perform nine shows that month. Over her career spanning five decades, Ross has amassed 18 No. 1 hits. Tickets start at $59.50.
Two-time Grammy Award and Emmy winner, Jack Jones, will perform at Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center Oct. 17-18 at 7 p.m. His newest album after more than 50 recordings is “Seriously Frank,” celebrating the life of Sinatra his longtime friend. Tickets start at $39.
“Pet Shop Boys: The SUPER Tour” will visit The Cosmopolitan on Friday, Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. Since signing to Parlophone Records in 1985, the U.K. pop duo has produced more than 40 Top 30 singles and released 12 studio albums in their country. Tickets start at $29.
PIFF THE MAGIC DRAGON CELEBRATES FIRST YEAR AT FLAMINGO
Piff the Magic Dragon and his precious white Mr. Piffles, the World’s Only Magic Performing Chihuahua, were finalists on “American’s Got Talent” and attracted a loyal fan base. Piff is celebrating his first year with a solo residency show at the Flamingo. He performs Monday-Wednesday at 8 p.m. and also tours. Tickets range from $52.95 to $72.95.
One thing about Piff, he’s the only successful comedy magician who always wears his signature dragon suit. Besides having different twists on magic tricks, Piff excels at deadpan humor. He is always conjuring up new different approaches to his stage show.
For the holidays, he will celebrate with Piff’s Piffmas Piff-Tacular, which will run from Dec. 5–14, 19–30 and Jan. 1–4.
‘CHERRY BOOM BOOM’ IS ON STAGE AT THE TROPICANA
The new modern topless cabaret-like show “Cherry Boom Boom” at the Tropicana in the remodeled theater is a combination of different adult Vegas shows with heavy sexual overtones, amplified rock ‘n’ roll music, an ongoing boy meets, loses, finds girl theme, and accentuated gyrating choreography. It’s being promoted as the ultimate playground for sex, music, love and rock ‘n’ roll. Woven into the theme are a superb pole dance and aerial act. The show’s emcee Lena Giroux is a terrific singer, who you wish sang more songs. This adult production takes over the 9 p.m. time slot while “Band of Magicians” will have the 7 p.m. time slot when it opens on Oct. 26.
AINSWORTH OPENED NORTH AMERICAN HEADQUARTERS IN LAS VEGAS
Ainsworth Game Technology (AGT), the fifth largest gaming manufacturer in the United States, recently celebrated the opening of its new $40 million North American headquarters situated on 23.7 acres along I-215 with a huge distinctive red “A” on the building. Many dignitaries were on hand for the ribbon cutting including from Australia Len Ainsworth, founder and executive chairman of AGT, and his wife Gretel. Ainsworth is known as “the father of video poker.”
STARS SUPPORT SIXTH ANNUAL ‘NF HOPE CONCERT’ AT THE PALAZZO
Prominent Las Vegas entertainers will perform at the sixth annual “NF Hope Concert” Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. at The Palazzo® to raise money and awareness for the Neurofibromatosis Network. Benefit organizer Jeff Leibow, formerly of “Jersey Boys,” has lined up Clint Holmes, Gordie Brown, Susan Anton, Reckless in Vegas, These Guys, cast members from BAZ: Star-Crossed Love and much more. Plus there will be a special farewell to the stars of “Jersey Boys” on the stage where it all started. Leibow’s daughter Emma and more than 100,000 Americans are afflicted with NF, a genetic disorder of the nervous system. Tickets start at $59.
THE VENETIAN UNVEILS NEW ‘LOVE’ ART INSTALLATION
The Venetian® has revealed the giant sculptured word LOVE in steel ruby red letters by celebrated artist Laura Kimpton. It is 12 feet tall and 36 feet across. Each letter is stamped with a small bird shape in harmonious pattern, signifying the freedom for everyone to follow their heart. Prior to being on display at The Venetian, this large-scale public art installation was installed at this year’s Life is Beautiful festival downtown and will return to the festival in 2017.
THE O'JAYS WILL BRING THE ‘LOVE TRAIN’ TO PRIMM, NEV.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees The O’Jays will headline the Star of the Desert Arena in nearby Primm, Nev., on Saturday, Nov. 26 at 8 p.m. The group with their first No. 1 and million-selling single “Backstabbers” in 1972, still has two of the original O’Jays, Eddie Levert Sr. and Walter Williams Sr., and newer group member Eric Nolan Grant, who joined in 1995. Tickets start at $20.
SINGER GENE FERRARI RETURNS TO ITALIAN AMERICAN CLUB
Tenor Gene Ferrari, who was an opening act for Don Rickles, and the late Joan Rivers and David Brenner, will return to the Italian American Club with a six-piece band for a third visit on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 8 p.m. Show tickets are $25; call 702-457-3866.
ABOUT TOWN TIDBITS
Keeping the record straight on the Las Vegas resort monopoly has Station Casinos LLC now owning the Palms for $312.5 million, which means the company now owns and operates fully or has a partial interest in some 20 casino properties in Clark County.
In September, Boyd Gaming Corp. completed its $380 million acquisition of the Aliante casino, which brings the company’s inventory to 10 properties in the Las Vegas Valley.
Rouge Lounge closed last month at the MGM Grand and the space is being turned into the Losers Bar, which is a popular live bar concept in Nashville. The new venue opening in December will feature live music and draft beers.
Globe Salon will celebrate a “half-life” anniversary, 16 years in business with the past eight being downtown at 900 Las Vegas Blvd. So. in the SoHo Lofts. The public party will be held Saturday, Oct. 15 from 6–9 p.m. at Tenaya Creek Brewery at 831 West Bonanza Road with drink specials, live entertainment, etc.
Makeshift Union Cutting & Grooming, which opened at 1130 Casino Center in the Las Vegas Arts District, is downtown’s newest high-end hair salon. Founded by Detroit native and longtime stylist Lawrence Reha, Makeshift Union is a nod to the idea of taking what is available and repurposing it into something useful. The shop has seven repurposed work stations and a vintage, Americana design, complete with a custom motorcycle table.
The 26th Annual Las Vegas Metro Police K9 Trials will return to the Orleans Arena Sunday, Oct. 16. Police K9 teams from all over the country will compete beginning at 8 a.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
Every Thursday at LAX Nightclub, DJs spin favorite hits from the '80s and '90s, with several memorable Throwback performers hosting select nights throughout the year. For Throwback Thursday, Oct. 13 Dirty South revolutionary Mike Jones will headline the series followed by the original regulator, Warren G, performing Thursday, Oct. 20.
At Town Square, the next New Vista Community Wine Walk will showcase a variety of food and 15 different wines on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 7-10 p.m. The cost is $25 in advance.
The Cider & Beer Harvest Festival will be held at Downtown Container Park on Saturday, Oct 15 from 6-9 p.m. Tickets are $25 and $30 at the door.
The 17th Annual Wine & Food Tasting Extravaganza to benefit pediatric and families in need programs at Nevada’s largest nonprofit hospice, Nathan Adelson Hospice, will be held Thursday, Oct. 20 from 5:30-8 p.m. in the showroom at Gaudin Porsche, 6800 Redwood Street. Tickets are $75 and $150 for VIP.
On Tuesday, Oct. 18, the Neon Museum Boneyard will host “Family Friendly Las Vegas in the ‘90s,” a Times of the Signs Lecture Series event. Panelists will explore how and why Las Vegas reimagined itself as a family destination. Admission is $10, $5 for Mob Museum members, and free for Neon Museum members. Registration is required, call 702-387-6366.
Local custom leather boutique and atelier, Leather Couture by Jessica Galindo, will join the collection of retailers in Downtown Summerlin when it opens on Saturday, Oct. 22.
The+Source medical marijuana dispensary has opened a second location at 9480 S. Eastern Blvd, Suite 185, in Henderson, Nev.
HALLOWEEN-THEMED EVENTS
Fright Dome at Circus Circus spread throughout five indoor acres has been horrifying folks since 2003. This haunted theme park features dark, fog-filled attractions complete with ghoulish and gore-clad professional actors, six haunted houses, extreme scare zones, 25 rides and attractions and much more. Not appropriate for children under 12, Fright Dome includes roaming scare actors, high-powered strobes, multi-colored lasers and live shows nightly. Fright Dome is open from 7 p.m. to midnight Sept. 30–Oct. 31 on select nights. General admission tickets start at $36.95.
Zombies have taken over The LINQ Promenade with the launch of The Zombie Escape. This new attraction designed by a Hollywood studio is located behind the High Roller on Koval Lane. The challenge is for visitors to battle an infestation of the undead, replete with blood-curdling sights, spine-tingling screams and ready-to-attack zombies.
The Zombie Escape is open at 7 p.m. every Wednesday through Sunday night in October, including Halloween night, Monday, Oct. 31. General admission is $20.
Fremont Street Experience has been transformed with the ultimate Halloween street party, Fremont FrightFest, featuring a Rocky of Horror Picture Show theme. The spooktacular festivities include Halloween-themed entertainment and Viva Vision® shows.
The first Zombie Run to benefit Easter Seals Nevada will take place Saturday, Oct. 22 from 8 a.m.-noon at Wayne Bunker Family Park. Runners and leisure walkers will join the walking dead during a zombie-infested timed 5K that will lead into a Fun Run. Registration is $40.
The annual Halloween mystery dinner at Lawry’s The Prime Rib, will be held Thursday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. “Mystery Is Murder” is a whodunit theater experience and sit-down dinner. The plot is a mystery writers’ convention with writers from around the globe vying for the publisher’s attention. Cost is $99.
The Mountain’s Edge Master Planned Community will hold its annual Family, Fur & Fun Festival on Saturday, Oct. 15 at Exploration Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free event promoting animal care and adoption includes the Halloween Pet Costume Contest at 1:30 p.m. with entry at $3 per category at the event.
Cantina Laredo at Tivoli Village and Patron Tequila will host a ghoulish four-course tequila dinner on Saturday, Oct. 29, as part of the restaurant’s quarterly tequila dinners. Bewitching hour will start at 7 p.m. and the best dress costumed guest celebrating Halloween will be awarded.
DINING NEWS
Mint Indian Bistro just off the Strip on East Flamingo is hosting its Third Annual Inferno Curry Challenge through Oct. 31 and also opening a second location in the southwest. This year, the challenge is using two of the world’s hottest peppers making the dish hotter by 1 million SHU. Participants must sign a waiver. To date only 32 guests out of more than 2,000 have finished the Inferno Curry and made it onto the restaurant’s Wall of Flame. Finishers also receive a $50 Mint Indian Bistro gift card and an entry into a drawing for complimentary dinner entrées for a year.
HEXX Chocolate, Nevada’s first and only bean-to-bar chocolate maker, made onsite in Paris, will celebrate National Chocolate Day by offering complimentary chocolate bars and kitchen tours ($20 value) all day, exclusively on Friday, Oct. 28. Furthermore, HEXX will offer a complimentary 1.05-ounce dark or milk chocolate bar with the purchase of a 2.12-ounce bar.
The newly renovated Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill at Harrah’s recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a surprise appearance from its namesake founder Toby Keith, the presentation of a large American Flag guitar cake, and the debut of the “Toby Keith’s Anniversary Burger” made with a Po’Boy surf and turf through Oct. 31.
Border Grill at the Forum Shops will celebrate its second anniversary on Thursday, Oct. 20 by offering $2 Suprema Sangrias. Also from Oct. 28 to Nov. 4, the eatery will have Dia De Los Muertos festivities and a special menu.
Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar’s across from the Hard Rock on Paradise Road has some new menu items along with a brand-new vegan menu and “paleo pasta.”
Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood will celebrate National Nachos Day with new seafood nachos with fresh lobster and shrimp offered exclusively on Sunday, Nov. 6 for $21.95.
For the first time, Habit Restaurants, Inc. is introducing a Golden Chicken Sandwich nationwide through October for $6.25. There are currently three locations in Las Vegas.
Smokin’ at Seasons Market will feature a live smoker with St. Louis-style pork ribs on Friday-Saturday, Oct. 14-15 from noon to 7 p.m. at the new Seasons Market in MonteLago Village at Lake Las Vegas. Featured items include a rack of ribs for $14.99 and a rib meal with two sides for $9.99.
CITY OF LAS VEGAS HOSTS FREE EVENTS IN OCTOBER
Bring your lunch to enjoy a noon time free hour-long concert by French Canadian singer Naomi Emmerson Friday, Oct. 21, at the Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse Jury Assembly Room at 333 Las Vegas Blvd. South.
Two family-friendly science-fiction movie classics – “Attack of the Monsters” and “War of the Monsters” will be shown for free outdoors on the lawn at the Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza in Lorenzi Park Saturday, Oct. 29, starting at 6:30 p.m.
CANCER AWARENESS HAPPENINGS
Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant in Downtown Summerlin is donating 10 percent of the proceeds from each $11 pomegranate margarita purchased to support breast cancer awareness research throughout the month of October.
On Friday, Oct. 21, National Mammography Day, BODIES…The Exhibition at the Luxor will offer visitors clad in something pink a complimentary audio tour when they purchase a regular admission to the exhibition. Guests will have the opportunity to view a real, breast cancer specimen.
The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace exterior and Triton Fountain are bathed in pink all month while guest services reps wear pink scarves and ties and the pink ribbon symbol is projected on the ceiling near the Fountain of the Gods. Also some retailers are offering special pink products.
Guests purchasing High Roller tickets at The LINQ Promenade may donate to Breast Cancer Awareness all month long in October and receive a free pink bracelet with each $1 donation and for $5 a free pink alcoholic drink.
CRUSH inside the MGM Grand is showing support for local nonprofit, Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada, by donating $1 from the sale of every $14 signature Punch, Drunk, Love cocktail this month.
