“BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW”
DATE: Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017
BY: Jackie Brett
VEGAS COLUMN
CINDY WILLIAMS RETURNS FOR ‘MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL’ CELEBRATION
Because of popular demand, Cindy Williams will return again with a guest starring role in “Menopause The Musical®” at Harrah’s March 6 through May 29. Williams’ return coincides with the 11th anniversary of “Menopause The Musical®” in Las Vegas, making it the longest-running scripted musical in Las Vegas history.
When Williams first appeared as the special guest star last July and received such a great response from audiences, the show’s producers asked her to continue through December 2016. Her second Vegas run coming up will mark the fifth time she has performed in “Menopause The Musical®,” having previously appeared in the Tampa, Fla., Laguna Beach, Calif., and New Haven, Conn. productions. Williams plays the role of the fifth girlfriend, joining current four-member cast with Earth Mother, Soap Star, Iowa Housewife and Professional Woman characters.
Williams is famous for her role as Shirley Feeney in the television comedy series “Laverne & Shirley” and recently released her book, “Shirley, I Jest!: A Storied Life.”
“Menopause The Musical®” is performed Monday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and at 4 p.m. on Saturday and Monday. Tickets start at $52.95.
BIG ELVIS IS NEXT LAS VEGAS WALK OF STARS RECIPIENT
Pete Vallee, who stars as Big Elvis at Harrah’s, will be the recipient of a star on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars with a ceremony. He’s performed more than 7,000 times on the Strip with his classic impersonator show. His show has Elvis’ hits plus other tunes spanning six decades, and interaction with the audience. Big Elvis’ show is free with performances Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 2, 3:30 and 5 p.m.
GOLDEN NUGGET HOSTS ‘AMERICAN CRAFT WHISKEY REVIVAL'
The fourth annual “American Craft Whiskey Revival” will take place at the Golden Nugget in The Grand Event Center with the Whiskey Revival Grand Tasting event on Saturday, March 11 from 7 to 10 p.m. The Grand Tasting will feature more than 30 participating distilleries. Advance tickets are $45 and at the door $49.
The Whiskey Revival is an opportunity for guests to sample fine artisan whiskies, American craft spirits, and moonshines from a variety of America’s great distilleries. The event includes live entertainment and Southern cuisine, plus educational classes led by distillery owners and brand ambassadors.
REDNECK RIVIERA HELD A GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION
Last week the new country music lifestyle bar Redneck Riviera at Grand Bazaar Shops had a grand opening celebration hosted by the entertainment venue’s founder John Rich, who is half of the country duo Big & Rich. There was a celebratory ribbon-cutting, celebrity red carpet and music with some singing celebs performing.
Some of the stars in attendance included: “Granny Rich” – Rich’s grandmother; fellow country artists Gretchen Wilson, T.G. Sheppard, Deana Carter and Larry Gatlin; Michael Cudlitz, actor and star in “The Walking Dead;” Marie Osmond; stars of “Tenors of Rock” show at Harrah’s; The Gazillionaire and his assistant Wanda Widdles, stars of “Absinthe” at Caesars Palace; and from ABC’s “The Bachelor” Christopher Soules and Bob Guiney.
MINT 400 SET FOR MARCH 1-5
The Mint 400 is known as “The Great American Off-Road Race™.” It is the oldest, most prestigious and challenging off-road race. The annual 400-mile marathon is between the top off-road racers in the world with more than 350 race teams in 24 different classes of off-road vehicles. An entire week of events will lead up to the race including: a vehicle parade down the Las Vegas Strip; a drivers’ meet-and-greet; a pit crew challenge contest; the Miss Mint 400 beauty pageant; parties; a qualifying race; and a huge “contingency” gathering on Fremont Street East. More than 40-thousand spectators will gather.
Previously mentioned news was that Jay Leno will be racing in a nearly stock Camburg Engineering built Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro on Saturday, March 4. Also Las Vegas resident and entertainment luminary Robin Leach will be the Grand Marshal and will lead the 4 Wheel Parts Mint 400 Vehicle Procession down the Las Vegas Strip to Fremont Street East, kicking off the week of Mint 400 festivities.
Biltwell Helmets is a product sponsor. The company is creating custom helmet trophies for all 29 classes competing at the 2017 Polaris RZR Mint 400 presented by BFGoodrich Tires. Last year, Biltwell created the custom helmet trophies hand-painted by legendary painter and pin striper Pete “Hot Dog” Finlan at Hot Dog Kustoms for first place, first loser and second loser for both vintage classes. This year, every class winner will receive one of these trophies.
For the third consecutive year, The Mint 400 has named Oskar Blues Brewery the official craft beer for the race. Oskar Blues Brewery, the original craft beer in a can, offers eight unCANventional beers and will provide custom cans filled with Pinner Throwback IPA, Dale’s Pale Ale and Mama's Little Yella Pils. The beer, a fun collector’s item, will be available at many establishments downtown.
Reminder, Las Vegas Distillery is releasing a limited edition 2017 Mint 400 Moonshine Whiskey bottled in a heavy glass bottle with a custom label. The limited 500 bottle edition with only 100 bottles available for the public to purchase is hand-numbered and packaged in a wood box.
CONFERENCE CENTER OF LAS VEGAS HOSTS FIRST QUEEN BEE MARKET
Las Vegas’ first Queen Bee Market will be held Friday and Saturday, March 10 and 11 at The Conference Center of Las Vegas, 6590 Bermuda Road. Tickets are $5 at the door and free for children 12 years old. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Shade Tree.
Queen Bee Market co-owners, sisters Kellie Dooley and Allison Gharst, carefully selected 60 of the highest quality handmade vendors for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Many crafters are located in Las Vegas including: Amber’s Umbrella, a bazaar offering repurposed furniture, salvaged pieces and industrial chic décor and accessories; Happy Glamper Gals, which specializes in embellishing items ranging from vintage suitcases to rhinestone-encrusted flower crowns; and BB Frösch, a brand that produces all-natural chalk paint powder.
WOMEN RUGBY PLAYERS WILL PARTY DOWNTOWN
Twelve international women’s teams will arrive in Las Vegas March 3-5 for the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Seven Series, which is the largest Rugby event in the United States. The Downtown Grand will host all 12 teams and be base camp for a Pub Crawl, pool party and exclusive room packages.
The fun will begin Thursday, March 2 with the USA Sevens Royal Pub Crawl at 7 p.m. following the Opening Ceremonies and Parade of Nations at the Fremont Street Experience. Pub Crawl stops will include Freedom Beat, Furnace Bar, Triple George Grill, Pizza Rock, Hogs & Heifers and Gold Spike. There’s an app to join the fun.
On Saturday, March 4, the USA Sevens Rugby - Official Women’s Championship Pool Party will be held on the rooftop of the Downtown Grand and it is free and open to the public at 8 p.m. This event will celebrate the end of the tournament and let fans interact with players and coaches with drink specials, photo opportunities, music and more on the Citrus Grand Pool Deck.
Fans can take advantage of a room package March 2–5 at the Downtown Grand, which includes a pair of field level tickets each night.
ALEX AND ANI OPEN SIXTH LAS VEGAS LOCATION
Alex and Ani opened its sixth Las Vegas location inside McCarran International Airport’s C Gates. The other Las Vegas locations include Fashion Show mall, The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, Grand Bazaar Shops and McCarran International Airport’s D Gates.
The eco-conscious jewelry and accessories brand has a mission to provide products that have a positive effect on the world and in local communities. Handcrafted in America using sustainable and eco-friendly processes, Alex and Ani collections have signature expandable bangles, as well as expandable bracelets, rings, chain necklaces and endless hoop earrings.
The company places an emphasis on giving back and social responsibility and has raised more than $38 million dollars through Charity By Design to benefit nonprofit organizations, partnering with both local and national chapters.
LUSH COSMETICS WILL OPEN NEW CONCEPT SHOP AT FASHION SHOW
Lush Cosmetics will open an all-new location within the Fashion Show Las Vegas mall in late March. The newly expanded concept shop at Fashion Show will stretch 1,360 square feet, which will be more than three times the average Lush store.
The new concept store is taking its inspiration from Lush’s 10,000-square-foot shop on Oxford Street as well as the Borough Market in London. The retail design will have vintage charm with one-of-a-kind, salvaged and reclaimed furniture sourced from all over the country. The reclaimed materials reduce waste and cut back on Lush’s environmental footprint, which is a value important to the brand. Plus, the neutral tones contrast well with the rainbow bright colors of Lush’s product range, including its signature bath bombs.
The store’s focal point will be a Skin Care consultation station in the middle of the shop. As a self-appointed cosmetic grocer, Lush uses the freshest organic fruit, vegetables and essential oils to create the finest and most effective products.
Lush is a committed community-focused retailer. Through the sales of its Charity Pot hand and body lotion, of which 100-percent of the price goes directly to grassroots charities, Lush has been able to donate $17 million to organizations working to make the world a better place for people, animals and the planet.
COMEDIAN LIL DUVAL HEADLINES AT ALIANTE
Comedian Lil Duval will bring his stand-up comedy to the Access Showroom at Aliante on Friday, March 25 at 8 p.m. Duval began performing in Atlanta, Ga., on the comedy circuit and got his shot at fame after being noticed by Cedric the performer on BET’s “ComicView.” Duval has been seen on the big screen in films like “Meet the Blacks,” “Stomp the Yard 2: Homecoming” and “Scary Movie 5.” He currently appears on two MTV2 series, “Guy Code” and “Hip Hop Squares.” Tickets start at $25.50.
MARTIN KAYE PERFORMS ‘THANK YOU VEGAS’ SHOW AT THE SPACE
Martin Kaye, who was a member of the “Million Dollar Quartet” cast portraying Jerry Lee Lewis, will perform his farewell show “Thank You Vegas” at The Space LV on Wednesday, March 8 at 7 p.m. The affable and talented Brit plans to move back to his hometown of Manchester, England, next month since “MDQ” closed on Dec. 4 at Harrah’s after a four-year run. The show is free, call 702-903-1070 to RSVP.
PLAIN WHITE T’S HAS TWO-NIGHTS AT CLEOPATRA’S BARGE
Rock ‘n’ roll band Plain White T’s will perform a two-night engagement at the intimate 180-seat Cleopatra’s Barge inside Caesars Palace with an acoustic show March 30 and 31 at 9:30 p.m. The unplugged performances will include a variety of the band’s notable hits, including Grammy-nominated “Hey There Delilah,” “Rhythm of Love” and “1, 2, 3, 4.” General tickets start at $69.
Plain White T’s kicked off their career in the Chicago suburbs, playing a mix of pop, punk, and melody-driven rock ‘n’ roll in basements and metro-area clubs. Now around 15 years later, the guys have done thousands of shows and have a string of multi-platinum hit singles.
JAMEY JOHNSON WILL APPEAR AT BROOKLYN BOWL
Alabama native and acclaimed singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson will headline at Brooklyn Bowl in The Linq Promenade on Friday, April 28 at 8:30 p.m. with fellow performers Margo Price and Brent Cobb. General admission tickets start at $45.
Johnson, a Nashville-based country superstar, will be stopping in Las Vegas before heading to California to play at the Stagecoach, California’s Country Music Festival. Johnson funded his early music career by running his own construction company and performing in Nashville nightspots before landing his first recording contract in 2005. A well-documented dark period followed with him losing his record deal and going through a difficult divorce.
Supporting act Margo Price uses her album “Midwest Farmer’s Daughter” to recant stories of hardship and loss. Opener Brent Cobb’s album “Shine on Rainy Day” was produced by cousin David Cobb and is reminiscent of his upbringing in Ellaville, Ga.
MISC. NEWS ITEMS
The “Pin Up” show at the Stratosphere Showroom will be closing on Saturday, March 4. The “World’s Greatest Rock Show” will open there on June 4 with 9:30 performances. It will be a class-rock tribute production with singers and musicians portraying 10 famous rock bands.
The theme for the next First Friday on March 3 is “March for Art.” A featured element will be artist Tanya Michelle, who owns Galerie Miscre8 located in Juhl, painting a mural on the Coolidge side wall of the old Mission Building during the event. Another highlight will be parkour demonstrations throughout the evening done by World Freerunning Parkour Federation (WFPK) members. Parkour is the act of moving from point “a” to point “b” using the obstacles in your path to increase your efficiency. It involves flips, jumping from obstacles, etc.
Honey Salt’s next Guest Chef Dinner Series will welcome Other Mama’s Daniel Krohmer on Tuesday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m. The March dinner is $54 with an optional wine pairing for an additional $25.
Hash House A Go Go is extending the celebration of pancakes through National Pancake Week, Monday, Feb. 27 to Sunday, March 5, to benefit Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY).
Dress for Success Southern Nevada will hold its semi-annual, two-day “Shop for Success” excess inventory sale Saturday, March 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Spring Valley High School, 3750 S. Buffalo Drive. This pop-up sale offers shoppers the opportunity to buy new and nearly new professional attire and accessories at significantly reduced prices. On Sunday, shoppers can buy a shopping bag for $25 and fill it with as many items with some exclusions as it will fit.
EROTIC HERITAGE MUSEUM HOLDS INAUGURAL ADULT FILM FESTIVAL
The inaugural Adult Film Festival Las Vegas (AFFLV) will be held at the Erotic Heritage Museum, 3275 Sammy Davis Jr. Drive, Saturday and Sunday, March 18 and 19 from noon-7 p.m. The festival will include adult film screenings, porn stars mingling, seminars, games, live music and other activities. Among the festival’s creators is former adult actress Daejha Milan.
The short and feature-length films being presented will be from both amateur and professional submissions, which are being accepted through March 5 in a wide variety of categories.
Festival tickets are $35 per day or $60 for a two-day pass; visit afflv.com. Ticket holders receive free entry to the 24,000-square-foot, two-floor Erotic Heritage Museum as well as the official 9:30 p.m. After Party, which is Jimmy Century's “Fatale Originale” on Saturday, March 18. The theme this month is “Director’s Cut Editon” hosted by Cliffkidz. To just attend the After Party, tickets are $15 at the door.
