“BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW”
DATE: Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016
BY: Jackie Brett
VEGAS COLUMN
‘TORUK - THE FIRST FLIGHT’ STOPS AT T-MOBILE ARENA IN JANUARY
The new Cirque du Soleil touring show inspired by James Cameron’s movie “Avatar,” “TORUK – The First Flight,” will be presented at T-Mobile Arena for one week only, Jan. 18-22 as part of a global arenas tour. The show transports audiences to the world of Pandora with a storytelling odyssey and visually stunning live setting. Tickets start at $35.
NEW YEAR AT HARRAH’S WILL START WITH TENORS OF ROCK
At year’s end, “Tenors Of Rock” will debut at Harrah’s on Wednesday, Dec. 28 featuring rock anthems sung by burly British frontmen backed by a full band and choreographed dancers. The all-new production will feature dynamic and harmonically complex renditions of treasured songs from iconic groups like Aerosmith, Queen, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, The Rolling Stones, and more. Tickets range from $35 - $99.
“Tenors Of Rock” is comprised of five blokes from the UK – Gareth Richards, Jonathan Williams, Dai Richards, Tommy Sherlock and Jimmy Denning – who each have an extensive performance history that includes everything from world tours to stints on London’s West End.
IRON CHEF MASAHARU MORIMOTO DEBUTS RESTAURANT AT MGM GRAND
Masaharu Morimoto, famed Japanese chef and star of Food Network’s “Iron Chef America,” made his official Las Vegas debut opening Morimoto Las Vegas at the MGM Grand. The Iron Chef star hosted Kagami Biraki, a traditional Japanese sake ceremony where the lid of a new sake barrel is broken open. The rice wine is then served to guests to bless the venue with harmony and good fortune. The restaurant opens daily at 5 p.m. and offers three distinct dining experiences: sushi bar, main dining room and Teppan tables. It is also introducing the first and only iron griddle menu Morimoto offers in his renowned restaurant portfolio.
The ambiance reflects a modern and chic dining environment offset with Japanese artwork. Diverse spaces are punctuated with compelling design elements, such as the cherry blossom wall behind the bar and exquisite photographs by glamorous president and representative director Yasumichi Morita, above the Teppan tables. Additional artistic features include: The Morimoto Rope Statue; The Glass Carving Room; and Sushi Wall.
BORN AND RAISED CRAFT PUB WILL OPEN AT GRAND BAZAAR SHOPS
Born and Raised, a locally-owned Nevada tavern and lounge, is opening its third location and newest concept in early 2017. Born and Raised CRAFT PUB will be located at the Grand Bazaar Shops on the Strip adjacent to Wahlburgers, Starbucks and the entrance to Bally’s. The new place will feature Las Vegas-inspired décor, craft beers and the first retail shop. Born and Raised launched its brand with a flagship Las Vegas location in 2010, adding Born and Raised Henderson in 2015.
SIN CITY BREWING CO. JUST OPENED AT GRAND BAZAAR SHOPS
Expanding again on the Strip, Sin City Brewing Co. just opened its newest bar and fourth location at Grand Bazaar Shops featuring its five signature craft beers, a rotating seasonal brew, and the brewery’s first outdoor seating. The design is inspired by the mall’s open-air market at with a convenient walk-up bar for guests-on-the-go. Trained by German brewmasters, Rich Johnson, Sin City’s Master Brewer, has his brews utilizing only four ingredients in accordance with the 1516 German Beer Purity Law. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
‘FANTASY’ AT THE LUXOR CELEBRATES 17 YEARS
Last week, the gorgeous ladies of “FANTASY,” the adult revue at the Luxor, celebrated the debut of its 2017 “Natural Beauties of Las Vegas” calendar and the show’s 17th anniversary. The showgirls posed on the pink carpet in sequined rose pink dresses and showed off their individual new calendar pages.
It was a star-studded event with producer and choreographer Anita Mann, executive producer of “So You Think You Can Dance,” Nigel Lythgoe, dancer Chloe Crawford, the cast of “SEXXY,” the cast of “Rock of Ages” and the cast of “Thunder From Down Under.”
Along with the dancers, the show continues to impress with powerful lead singer, Lorena Peril and comedian Sean E. Cooper. “FANTASY” is performed nightly at 10:30 p.m. in the Atrium Showroom at Luxor. Tickets start at $39.
SINGER DANIEL EMMET-PIANIST PHILIP FORTENBERRY VISIT SMITH CENTER
Vocalist Daniel Emmet, 23, and virtuoso pianist Philip Fortenberry will present their intimate, acoustic 75-minute cabaret-style musical performance, “In Concert” at The Smith Center’s Cabaret Jazz showroom on Monday night, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $45.
To date, Emmet commanded stages from The Staples Center in Los Angeles to the Palais Todesco in Vienna, Austria. Fortenberry provided the “hands of Liberace” for Michael Douglas in the Emmy-winning HBO biopic, “Behind the Candelabra” and received the first “Ghostlight Award” as Best Musician on Broadway for his role as pianist and associate conductor for the musical “Rocky.”
FRONT LINE NEWS TIPS
Due to an overwhelming demand for tickets to “Backstreet Boys: Larger Than Life” at The AXIS at Planet Hollywood, eight additional shows in April 2017 have been added: April 12, 14, 15, 19, 21, 22, 26 and 28.
Also due to overwhelming demand, Cindy Williams of “Laverne & Shirley” fame is extending her run as a guest star in “Menopause The Musical®” at Harrah’s. Originally scheduled to perform July 7–Aug. 28, Williams received such a positive audience response that show producers GFour Productions asked her to continue performing through Dec. 3, 2016.
Flamingo headliner Jeff Civillico is having knee surgery on Oct. 31. He’s giving himself three months to heal with a projected return-to-work date of Feb. 6. On another note, Civillico says to save the date for Win-Win Entertainment’s Headliners Bash 2016 taking place on Friday, Nov. 18 at The Penn & Teller Theater in the Rio and he plans to be in attendance. Show lineup will be announced shortly.
‘SOUL TRAIN AWARDS’ WILL TAPE AT ORLEANS ARENA
Centric’s “Soul Train Awards” will return to the Orleans Arena on Sunday, Nov. 6 with four-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Erykah Badu hosting the star-studded event. Teddy Riley, three-time Grammy Award-winning producer, singer and songwriter, will receive the “Legend Award.” Brandy, the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter who has sold more than 40 million albums since the early 1990s, will be presented with the second “Lady of Soul Award.” The show will tape from 6-8 p.m. Tickets start at $55; call Ticketmaster 800-745-3000.
The “Soul Train Awards” will air on Sunday, Nov. 27 at 8 p.m. (PST) on Centric and BET.
SUNCOAST HOSTS ‘DIXIE’S TUPPERWARE PARTY’
Dixie Longate, a hilarious Southern belle known for her uninhibited style and side-splitting wit, will stir up some outrageous fun in “Dixie’s Tupperware Party” at the Suncoast Showroom on Nov. 18-19. Showtime is at 8:30 p.m. Tickets start at $30.
Starring writer, actor and real-life Tupperware sales representative, Kris Andersson, Dixie is a Tupperware associate for the Orlando-based Tupperware Brands Corp. After packing her bags and leaving her children in an Alabama trailer park, Dixie’s character now travels the country throwing Tupperware parties filled with funny tales, free giveaways and the most up-to-date products available for purchase.
Andersson debuted “Dixie’s Tupperware Party” at the 2004 New York International Fringe Festival. Following the show’s debut, he teamed up with playwright Elizabeth Meriwether and director Alex Timbers to create an off-Broadway version of the production. The show received a 2007-08 Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Solo Performance.
Dixie has performed more than 1,000 times worldwide and is the #1 personal seller of Tupperware in both the U.S. and Canada.
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE HOSTS THIRD LITTLE BLACK DRESS EVENT
The Las Vegas Fashion Council (LVFC) will host its third annual “Little Black Dress” fundraiser benefiting LVFC and Friends of the Shade Tree from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17 at Saks Fifth Avenue at Fashion Show Mall.
The event features a runway show competition with dresses designed by Art Institute of Las Vegas students and one winning a $500 grant. There’s also a fashion forward raffle, DJ, hors d’oeuvres and champagne. Tickets are $100 general admission, $80 LVFC members and $35 students at www.lasvegasfashioncouncil.com.
THE HABIT BURGER GRILL WILL OPEN FOURTH VALLEY LOCATION
The Habit Burger Grill burger-centric, fast casual restaurant with three Las Vegas locations will open a fourth outlet in the Aliante area of North Las Vegas late this year. The 94-seat restaurant at 6482 N. Decatur Blvd. will feature indoor and patio dining with the California-inspired interior décor.
VETERANS DAY MILITARY SPECIALS
The 4th Annual Salute to the Troops free public concert featuring Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band will be held at the Fremont Street Experience on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. on the 1st Street Stage with an opening performance by country music artist Phil Vandel. In addition, Salute to the Troops is a multi-day trip for approximately 150 veterans and their loved ones from both Walter Reed at Naval Support Activity Bethesda and Fort Belvoir, who will be seated in a VIP area, flown to Las Vegas by American Airlines, housed at The Mirage and hosted for a pre-concert dinner by Landry’s Bubba Gump restaurant at Planet Hollywood.
The Golden Nugget is offering veterans and military two-for-one tickets to two upcoming performances in its 52 Fridays concert series: America on Nov. 4 and Lou Gramm “The Juke Box Hero” & Former Voice of Foreigner on Nov. 11. Tickets start at $19.
A couple buffets are offering a complimentary meal to military service members to show appreciation. One is at the M Resort and the other is the S7 Buffet at Silver Sevens.
Some restaurants are giving discounts on Nov. 11 for active or retired military with ID. Delmonico Steakhouse at The Venetian will provide 25 percent off food only for lunch and dinner. At Public House at The Grand Canal Shoppes it will be 15 percent off food. Beer Park at Paris will give a 20 percent discount of their total bill. Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant in downtown Summerlin will offer a 25 percent dining discount. Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood will offer some two-for-one drink discounts.
The day before Veterans Day, the South Point will honor veterans and one guest with free entry to the Garden Buffet for breakfast with bottomless Bloody Marys, lunch or dinner on Thursday, Nov. 10. The complimentary buffet will be available from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
UNLV HOSTS MISS NEVADA USA AND TEEN USA PAGEANTS
The Miss Nevada USA and Miss Nevada Teen USA pageants will be held at the Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) on Sunday, Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. The two new winners will be crowned by the previous titleholders, Miss Nevada USA 2016, Emelina Adams, and Miss Nevada Teen USA 2016, Carissa Morrow. The show will be hosted by former Miss USA 2014 Nia Sanchez and Josh Keating. Tickets are $25, call 702-895-ARTS (2787).
MORE SHOWS AROUND TOWN
Emmy Award-winning group The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute will pay homage to The Beatles in two performances at the Suncoast Showroom Nov. 5 and 6 at 8:30 p.m. The California-based group has been performing The Beatles’ classics for nearly 20 years all over the world. The Fab Four’s popularity stems from their note-for-note renditions of Beatles’ songs, which are exceptionally precise and authentic. Tickets are available from $33.
Nevada Ballet Theatre and Cirque du Soleil® will present A Choreographers’ Showcase with the theme “Unity Through Art” on Nov. 13, 19 and 20 at 1 p.m. in the Mystère Theatre at Treasure Island. The show highlights the collaboration between the artists of both companies. Tickets are $25, $35 and $45, call 702-894-7722.
The 75-minute “Spy Escape & Evasion Las Vegas Show” hosted by Ex-CIA Officer Jason Hanson at the Stratosphere runs Nov. 2-5 at 5 p.m. and is very entertaining. After almost a decade in the CIA, Hanson brings real-world spy safety experience and techniques direct to audiences, teaching critical skills and valuable information that 99 percent of Americans don’t know. Ticket prices start at $59.
Stoney’s Rockin’ Country features national artists as part of nationwide Club Shows benefiting ACM Lifting Lives®. Montgomery Gentry will perform on Friday, Nov. 4 at 9 p.m. After nearly a decade and a half, the country duo has accumulated 14 Top 10 singles. Tickets are priced at $25 for general admission.
Legendary saxophonist Don Hill from the group Treniers will celebrate his 95th birthday on Nov. 3 at the Italian American Club with Jazzin’ Jeanne Brei & The Speakeasy Swingers, a band he co-founded in 2002. Fellow entertainers will be honoring him in song and comedy roasts. A half hour documentary video about his life will be shown at 6 p.m. There will be a $10 cover.
ABOUT TOWN NEWS ITEMS
Beer Park at Paris will host a rooftop viewing party for the UFC 205 title fight between Eddie Alvarez and Conor “The Notorious” McGregor starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12. Presale viewing party packages will start at $50, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
An exclusive pre-fight charity fundraiser will be held at Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar following the Manny Pacquiao vs. Jesse Vargas weigh-in on Friday, Nov. 4 from 6-10 p.m. Boxing enthusiasts will be joined by Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame boxing legends.Tickets, which include appetizers and a beer or wine cocktail, are $75.
On Wednesday, Nov. 9, Henderson’s newest gastro lounge style restaurant Standard & Pour at 11261 S. Eastern Ave. will host a special “happy hour for a cause” from 5-7 p.m. to benefit Dress for Success Southern Nevada. The event includes a selection of passed appetizers prepared by Executive Chef Jake Dieleman paired with signature cocktails and a silent auction. Cost is $25.
The Day of the Dead will be celebrated at the Springs Preserve Nov. 4-6 from 4-9 p.m. The family-friendly Día de Muertos event blends rich customs with activities: live entertainment, mariachis, storytelling, traditional Mexican food, face painting, sugar skull decorating, an art exhibition and more, including publicly created altars. Tickets are adults $10, and $6 for children 3 to 12.
On Thursday, Nov. 10, The Palm Restaurant inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace will hold a 5:30 p.m. reception followed by a five-course tapas dinner paired with Spanish wine from the family-owned Bodegas Torres. Tickets are $95 for 837 Club Members and $120 for non-club members, call 702-732-7256.
This month, Las Vegas-headliner Britney Spears presented the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation (NCCF) with a check for $200,000. Throughout her time performing at The AXIS at Planet Hollywood, $1 of every ticket purchased to Britney’s show, “Britney: Piece of Me,” has been donated to the NCCF as part of her partnership with the organization. With this donation, Spears will have reached halfway to her goal of raising $1 million for NCCF to build its new permanent facility.
On Election Night - Tuesday, Nov. 8 there will be an Exit Poll/Pole Party at the Sapphire adult club 5 to 9 p.m. A $10 donation to the Sapphire Foundation for Prostate Cancer at the door grants guests access to free champagne, an all-American buffet, and a raffle ticket to win prizes. Trump and Hillary masks will be handed out to each guest and the best Trump or Hillary impersonator judged by crowd applause will win $1,000 in prizes.
The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada (The Center) at 401 S. Maryland Parkway will present its second The Age of Aqueerius Senior Prom for members of the LGBTQ community ages 50 and greater on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 6-9 p.m. Attendees of this1960s-themed prom are asked to come dressed for the decade. Food and drinks will be served, and a Prom King and Queen will be picked. Admission is $10 at the door.
LAS VEGAN IS WHITE CASTLE’S CRAVERS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
White Castle, America’s first fast-food hamburger chain, has been part of American culture for 95 years. Its passionate fan base is known as Cravers. In 2001, White Castle created the Cravers Hall of Fame, an honorary club that recognizes its most ardent fans. For the past year customers submitted stories and from 1,000 entries, White Castle selected 14 loyal Cravers from across the United States. Russ Axelrod from Las Vegas was recognized for his submission “A Slider to Lean On” after a college girlfriend broke up with him.
