“BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW”
DATE: Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016
BY: Jackie Brett
VEGAS COLUMN
RICKY MARTIN WILL ALSO HEADLINE PARK THEATER AT MONTE CARLO
Multiple GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Ricky Martin is the next to announce he’ll be a resident headliner at Park Theater at Monte Carlo beginning April 5, 2017. He’ll be following Cher who begins in February. At his press announcement for his one-of-a-kind show that will be directed by the legendary Jamie King, who has directed more than two dozen tours for superstars, was his longtime friend Mario Lopez. Martin has been performing in all seven continents over the last three years touring the globe. Tickets range from $59.50 to $175 and dates are set so far for April, June, July and September.
PARK THEATER’S FIRST NON-MUSIC ACT WILL BE KATT WILLIAMS
Legendary stand-up comic and multi-talented entertainer Katt Williams will be the first comedian to take the stage at the all-new Park Theater at Monte Carlo Saturday, Jan. 7 at 9 p.m. Over his impressive 20-year career, Williams has earned a worldwide reputation as one of today’s top entertainers blending his rapid-fire wit with thought-provoking dialogue. He will bring his signature brand of sharp-tongued comedy and quick-witted antics center stage for a one-night-only special engagement. Tickets range from $49 to $85.
BRUNO MARS MAKES A VISIT TO LAS VEGAS
GRAMMY® Award-winning, multi-platinum selling artist Bruno Mars will start the North American leg of his 24K Magic Tour at the T-Mobile Arena Saturday, July 15, 2017. Tickets start at $49.50. The tour celebrates Mars’ new album, “24K Magic” currently being released worldwide on Atlantic Records.
FLAGSHIP TACO BELL CANTINA OPENS ON THE STRIP
Move over MacDonald’s, Taco Bell is going upscale with its new Taco Bell Cantina on the Strip across the street from CityCenter. The fast-food chains flagship venue is two-story with and outdoor patio. It is open 24/7 selling alcohol with an ingenious way to literally fill a beer glass from the bottom up and a freeze wall, containing eight different flavors. There will occasionally be a DJ.
JENNIFER NETTLES APPEARS AT THE FOUNDRY AT SLS
Grammy® Award-winning singer, songwriter Jennifer Nettles, will appear at The Foundry at SLS on Saturday, Dec. 3 during the 2016 National Finals Rodeo. Tickets start at $42.50.
Since exploding onto the music scene in 2004 as lead vocalist for international duo Sugarland, the decorated duo has earned eight No. 1 singles, more than 22 million in worldwide record sales, and numerous major music association awards.
On her own, the country superstar recently released her debut album with Big Machine Records, “Playing With Fire.” Nettles has been honored with the “Crystal Milestone Award” for being the first female artist to be the solo songwriter on an ACM “Song of the Year” winner since 1972.
Adding to her many accolades, in February 2015 Nettles made her Broadway debut as Roxy Hart in the Tony Award Winning musical “Chicago” and joined the cast of the NBC Dolly Parton television biopic, “Coat of Many Colors.”
ELECTRIC DAISY CARNIVAL ANNOUNCES 2017 DATES
The infamous Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) will return to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Friday through Sunday, June 16-18. Tickets will go on sale Monday, Nov. 28, at noon PT. Next year will mark 21 years for an entertainment phenomenon that began in Los Angeles and moved to Las Vegas as it now attracts more than 400,000 fans of electronic dance music. Early Owl three-day general-admission passes are $335, and three-day VIP tickets are $699. Performers will be announced at a later date.
EVEL PIE IS OPEN NOW ON EAST FREMONT STREET
Evel Pie, the all-American, one-of-a-kind pizzeria founded by hospitality group High Horse and operated in cooperation with Evel Knievel’s son Kelly, opened downtown on East Fremont Street. The new restaurant pays homage to the legendary motorcycle daredevil.
Inspired by classic American 1970s pizza shops, Evel Pie is decorated with Knievel memorabilia, a life-size taxidermied bighorn sheep, a hand-painted mural of Snake River Canyon, and an illuminated marquee sign bearing the restaurant’s motto, “Live Hard, Ride Fast, Eat Pizza.” In between slices, guests can try their luck on a vintage Evel Knievel-themed pinball machine and stunt cycle arcade game.
EBI’S JANE JAVANI WORLD TOUR STOPS BY THE COLOSSEUM
Legendary Iranian singer Ebrahim Hamedi best known as “Ebi” to his millions of fans across the world will make a tour stop at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Saturday, Dec. 24 at 9 p.m. Throughout his 50 year career, Ebi released more than 30 albums and close to 100 singles, performed sold out shows across the world, and continuously released an endless string of hits.
‘LEGENDS IN CONCERT’ PERFORMS ANNUAL HOLIDAY SHOW
“Legends in Concert,” Las Vegas’ longest-running show now at the Flamingo, will greet the season with an annual holiday show running Monday, Nov. 21 through Dec. 29.
Garth Brooks, portrayed by Dean Simmons, will perform an acoustic version of “The Christmas Song;” Michael Jackson, played by Damian Brantley, will deliver holiday cheer with “Santa Claus is Coming to Town;” Sharon Owens as Barbra Streisand will sing her “Jingle Bells;” and Elvis, created by Victor Trevino, will warm hearts with “Blue Christmas.”
In addition, local youth choirs and performing arts groups will perform and there will be full cast finale delivering “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” The Legends band will pay a sensational tribute to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Christmas Eve in Sarajevo” (“Carol of the Bells”).
TERRY FATOR ADDS DAVID BOWIE PUPPET TO CHRISTMAS SHOW
Terry Fator’s holiday-themed show, “A Very Terry Christmas,” will run at The Mirage Monday, Nov. 28 through Thursday, Dec.22. A new addition this year will be a simultaneous duet between Fator’s new David Bowie puppet and Bing Crosby. Fator’s other lovable characters Winston, the Impersonating Turtle, Vikki “The Cougar,” country legend Walter T. Airdale, Duggie Scott Walker, Julius, Emma Taylor, the world’s greatest Elvis impersonator Maynard Tompkins and Latin heartthrob Fernando V. Francisco will also be performing.
The show’s pre-show opener is still Ben Harris, who plays music and keeps the audience uplifted even before the show begins. Tickets start at $59.99
SAM’S TOWN HAS NEW WINTER WONDERLAND LASER LIGHT SHOW
Sam’s Town will reveal an all-new, nine-minute, holiday-inspired laser light show, The Winter Wonderland, at Mystic Falls Park on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at a tree lighting ceremony. Comprehensive upgrades include updates to the show’s control equipment, sound system, lighting effects and fountain effects, and a new soundtrack. Performances run daily and occur every hour beginning at 5 p.m.
In addition, Sam’s Town is also debuting a new look for its holiday decorations. The theme gives guests a glimpse inside Santa’s workshop and they can visit Cowboy Santa in the gazebo from Friday, Nov. 25 through Dec. 23. Visiting hours are Thursdays and Fridays 4 p.m.–8:30 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays noon to 8:30 p.m.
Sam’s Town is also hosting Cell Phones for Soldiers. Guests are encouraged to bring cell phones and chargers to the B Connected desk or hotel front desk through Wednesday, Nov. 30. Guests who donate cell phones will receive one free dining coupon to Firelight Buffet with the purchase of another buffet.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS AND ACTION NEWS
New on the Strip, The Park’s first tree lighting ceremony is Monday, Nov. 21 to illuminate 13,000 lights on the 60-foot-tall holiday tree adorned with 3,000 ornaments. The Park is being transformed into a winter wonderland with an ice skating rink and decorated throughout with white twinkle lights, branches sparkling with icicles, crystal blooms and 16-foot-tall Ornament Tunnels.
Tivoli Village in its recently expanded Phase 2 will open Operation North Pole, a 65-minute holiday hands-on workshop and interactive experience alongside Santa and his elves from Nov. 25-Dec. 25. The experience includes a charming candy cottage, freshly baked treats in Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, meeting Santa's reindeers in the stable, a visit with Santa in his office space and a photo with him, and the opportunity to take home a plush teddy bear. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Ticket range is $28 - $36.
The Fashion Show mall in The Great Hall has Adventure to Santa - A DreamWorks DreamPlace returning this year with a new experience featuring a cast from Kung Fu Panda through Dec. 24. The experience includes two new interactive games, a keepsake family passport and Kung Fu Panda themed greeting card. Photo packages are available. Also, there will be a Kids Day on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 1-5 p.m.
For the fifth consecutive year, The Cosmopolitan will have The Ice Rink by transforming the Boulevard Pool into a winter wonderland high above the Strip from Nov. 25 through Jan. 2.
One of Las Vegas’ favorite holiday traditions is the Nevada Ballet Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker.” From Dec. 10-24, there will be 11 performances over three weekends, including Christmas Eve. Tickets range from $29 to $149.
The tree lighting at MonteLago Village kicked off a slate of holiday-themed activities including: yacht cruises with Santa Claus; Christmas Express train rides; Santa visits; holiday baking event; winter-themed art show; canned food drive; Thanksgiving specials; New Year’s Eve fireworks; and more. Most events are free, and most will take place on Saturdays.
Downtown Container Park will celebrate the Christmas season with Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus on The Lawn on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon. The event includes a breakfast menu, a photo and decorating a holiday cookie. Tickets are $30 for adult, $35 at the door, and $15 for kids ages 12 and under.
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT HOLDS ANNUAL ‘SUITE HOLIDAYS’ EVENT
Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada will hold its sixth annual “Suite Holidays” fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 3-10 p.m. with participants touring five of the city’s over-the-top hotel suites. Guests will have an exclusive cocktail party in VIP suites not typically accessible to the general public while enjoying gourmet bites prepared by participating chefs. Complimentary shuttle service is provided between properties.
There’s a limited amount of tickets beginning at $200. Participating resorts and showcased suite currently lined up include: Rio’s Palazzo Suites; SLS’ Lenny Kravitz Suite; Golden Nugget’s Spa Tower Suite and Rush Tower Chairman Penthouse; and the Plaza’s Derby Suite Penthouse.
BOULDER CITY WILL TRANSFORM INTO WINTER WONDERLAND
Nearby Boulder City is a hidden gem and just like a charming picture book. The historical town will come to life with holiday events beginning Friday, Dec. 2 with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting in the center of the quaint town at Frank Crowe Park at 6 p.m. where fun-loving Jingle Cat will make an appearance.
On Saturday, Dec. 3, the Chamber of Commerce will present Santa’s Picture Party from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. in the Boulder City Recreation Center for the kids. Santa’s Electric Night Parade beginning at 4:30 p.m. is really quite a holiday spectacle right down the main drag with lighted decorative floats, marching bands and musical groups. The event serves as a perfect pre-party to the 40th annual Lake Mead Parade of Lights at 6:30 p.m. and viewable from the Lake Mead Marina.
The Santa Train at the Nevada Southern Railway has Santa and Mrs. Claus joining on this festive holiday train ride. Tickets are $6 and seats are first come first serve. Rides are on Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 19 and 20 with departures as 10 and 11 a.m., noon, and 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
The 4th annual Pajama Train rides are at night time a visit from Santa Claus, storytelling and tasty hot chocolate and cookies. Tickets start at $20 for Coach Class. Rides are Dec. 9, 17, 18, 21, 22 and 23 at 6 and 8 p.m.
On Saturday, Dec. 10 will be the annual Night of Lights presented by St. Jude’s Ranch with hay rides, treats, live entertainment and more. Admission is free and open to the public from 5-8 p.m. at St. Jude’s Ranch.
CIGARBOX REOPENS JUST OFF STRIP
Cigarbox, a popular neighborhood cigar destination that opened in 2008 on South Rancho Drive, is back with a new location west of the Strip; a few blocks south of W. Flamingo Ave. at 4046 Dean Martin Dr. Hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday.
The new, 2,300-square-foot upscale cigar bar offers a spacious, well-ventilated space with 26-foot-tall ceilings and a humidor with a cigar expert on hand. The modern design incorporates an industrial loft-style setting with oversized, comfortable furniture, televisions, an eclectic art collection, a bar with wine, beer, coffee drinks and spirits, as well as snacks. The design is also designed to operate as a co-working space with a rectangular table meant for meetings and laptops.
MICHAEL BOYCHUCK GAINS GLOBAL RECOGNITION
Intercoiffure, the world’s most powerful and influential organization in the hairdressing industry, has made Michael Boychuck of COLOR Salon at Caesars Palace an official Intercoiffure member after 30 years of distinguished hair styling and celebrity colorist experience. Boychuck joins Intercoiffure’s top one percent of the world’s leading salon owners acknowledged for their respected reputations in the industry. In addition, COLOR Salon joins the prestigious organization as Las Vegas’ only Intercoiffure-recognized salon.
ABOUT TOWN NEWS ITEMS
Yet another show has closed at the Tropicana. “Band of Magicians” only lasted about three weeks with four likable magicians sharing the limelight. It wasn’t a big production spectacle like you see with other Strip magic headliners such as David Copperfield and Criss Angel. It seemed like it would have been better as a smaller afternoon show.
The pre-Thanksgiving “Battle Cry for Pumpkin Pie” Eating Contest will be held Tuesday, Nov. 22, at noon at the Grand Bazaar Shops to support two great local nonprofits. Guests will be able to participate in fun-filled activities happening around the center and a $10 donation to either charity will receive a $10 shopping voucher to use at most of the Grand Bazaar Shops.
The Promenade at Juhl, encompassing 20,000 square feet of retail space on the ground level of a 344–residence, multi-building community spanning an entire city block downtown, just opened with seven new retailers and two more coming soon. In the food arena there is Greens & Proteins featuring a menu full of healthy comfort foods, vegan, raw and vegetarian options for breakfast, lunch and dinner along with the Vietnamese kitchen specializing in fast, fresh and simple dishes by owner Chef Khai Vu. The cocktail lounge Classic Jewel serves up drink options that pay homage to Vegas of yesteryear. The bar is owned by a team of friends, three who live at Juhl.
SLS is offering a Cyber Holiday Sale exclusively online. Guests who book from Nov. 19–Dec. 4 will enjoy 50 percent off room rates starting from $41 through May 25, 2017.
GRACEDBYGRIT, a high-performance women’s athletic apparel company based in Solana Beach, Calif., make its Las Vegas debut at Tivoli Village Nov. 18.
The Ride, a premium indoor cycling studio specializing in high-energy workouts for all fitness levels, will open in mid-December in the Mall at Grand Canyon Parkway near Flamingo Road and the 215 Beltway. The Ride offers 1,000 complimentary rides for early bird sign-ups and has SC3 custom bikes, the newest, most advanced on the market.
Author, dating coach and star of A&E’s critically-acclaimed show “Confessions of a Matchmaker,” Patti Novak, will make her return to television later this month when she is featured on OWN’s “Oprah: Where Are They Now” on Saturday, Nov. 26 at 10 p.m. She moved to Las Vegas four years ago.
DUNKIN’ DONUTS LAS VEGAS HOLDS 4TH ANNUAL ‘ADOPT-A-FAMILY’
Dunkin’ Donuts Las Vegas will hold its fourth annual “Adopt-A-Family” drive benefitting Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10 adopting 12 families. During that time, guests can visit any Southern Nevada restaurant and select an “ornament” listing an item needed for that family. Upon returning to that Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant with the item, the guest will receive one free medium hot or iced coffee, or donut for their donation.
