BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW

Date: May 7, 2017

BY: Jackie Brett 

JANET JACKSON’S TOUR WILL VISIT MANDALAY BAY

               Multiple Grammy® Award-winner Janet Jackson will embark on a four-month North American - State Of The World tour this fall with a stop at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, Oct. 14 at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $59 to $249.

               After a year and having her first baby, Jackson is ready to resume touring with her live epic concert. The State Of The World tour is a continuation of the Unbreakable tour, which began in August 2015. Her music has won her six Grammy® Awards, two Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, a nomination for an Academy Award along with dozens other recognitions. Jackson is an actor, published author, dancer, businessperson, philanthropist and one of biggest-selling artists in popular music history with sales of more than 160 million records worldwide.

 

IL DIVO QUARTET WILL HEADLINE LIMITED-ENGAGEMENT AT VENETIAN

        Il Divo, the world’s first most successful classical crossover group, will headline a limited-engagement, “Il Divo - This is Your Night: Live in Las Vegas,” in The Venetian Theatre at The Venetian® Sept. 20, 22, 23, 27, 29 and 30 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $59.

        The international quartet is comprised of tenor Urs Buhler - Switzerland, baritone Carlos Marin - Spain, pop artist Sébastien Izambard - France and tenor David Miller - United States. The foursome has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, achieved more than 50 number one records, and received 160 gold and platinum sales awards in 33-plus countries. Il Divo came to fruition in 2003.

 

CHEF GORDON RAMSAY WILL OPEN ‘HELL’S KITCHEN’ AT CAESARS PALACE

               Celebrated multi-Michelin star Chef Gordon Ramsay plans to open the very first Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace this winter inspired by the hit TV show, which will be airing its 17th season. Ramsay commemorated his announcement by igniting the TV series’ 17-foot signature pitchfork in the center of the resort’s famous fountains. This will mark Ramsay’s fifth restaurant in Las Vegas.

               Jeffrey Beers International is designing the venue to be an experiential and immersive destination restaurant transporting guests to the studio set, which will give a nod to both the red and blue teams featured on the show. The dynamic and bustling kitchen will be the centerpiece appreciated from every seat in the house, which will accommodate nearly 300 guests. Hell’s Kitchen will be situated at the center of the Strip in front of the hotel and feature indoor and Strip-adjacent patio dining and offer a daily themed brunch, dinner and spirited bar menu.

 

NEW PARK MGM RESTAURANT WILL BE PRIMROSE WITH CHEF SHUMAN

        Michelin-starred Chef Bryce Shuman has partnered with Sydell Group to open Primrose, one of the first restaurants slated to open at Park MGM in Las Vegas this fall.

The restaurant will feature a South of France-inspired, vegetable-forward menu, with an emphasis on open-fire cooking. Primrose is part of the property’s transformation from Monte Carlo into Park MGM and will be situated between the lobby and pool.


        Shuman is formerly of New York City’s Betony, which garnered three stars from “The New York Times,” was “Esquire” magazine’s “Restaurant of the Year,” and a James Beard Foundation finalist for “Best New Restaurant” in the country. Shuman was named “Food & Wine Magazine’s” “Best New Chef” in 2015.

         Martin Brudnizki is designing the space to have a residential feel evoking a series of rooms in a country house leading out to a lush garden and terrace inspired by Southern France. The restaurant will be managed by Sydell Group. Last spring, MGM Resorts and Sydell Group announced a partnership to reimagine and rebrand the Monte Carlo to include two distinct new hotel experiences: Park MGM, and a Las Vegas-version of Sydell’s widely acclaimed NoMad Hotel.

 

JEFF DUNHAM AND SIDEKICKS BRING THEIR TOUR TO CAESARS PALACE

               Comedy superstar Jeff Dunham traveling with his colorful sidekicks will bring his “Perfectly Unbalanced” International Tour to the Colosseum at Caesars Palace this summer with 12 dates from June 16 through Aug. 30. Tickets are $49.50 - $79.50.

               Dunham and his cohorts - Walter, Achmed, Bubba J, Peanut and Jose Jalapeno - are on the second leg of their 62-city tour. This fall, Dunham will receive his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Over the past 46 years Dunham has garnered numerous accolades including being named “Forbes’” Celebrity 100 list of Most Powerful Entertainers, setting the record for viewership on Comedy Central, and selling sold more than 7 million DVDs worldwide.

 

LUXEMBOURG ILLUSIONIST DAVID GOLDRAKE WILL DEBUT AT TROPICANA

               Award-winning grand illusionist David Goldrake will make his Las Vegas-residency debut this summer at the Tropicana. The magician, known as “The International Man of Mystery” will soon defy the laws of time and physics with his show “Imaginarium.” Tickets start at $49.98.

               Goldrake started his career as a professional magician in 1999. From the classics of magical history to modern experience, he will have an interactive show featuring mentalism, escapology, music and choreography blending with modern 3D mapping technology. Goldrake has developed this illustrious show with the best creators in the field of magic and entertainment who have worked with such luminaries as Cher, Katy Perry, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Siegfried & Roy, Lance Burton, Disney and many more.              

               Goldrake has performed all over the world in more than 10 countries and speaks seven languages. In 2010, he was awarded the coveted Mandrake d’Or award (The Oscar of Magic).

 

JOURNEY HEADLINING SHORT RESIDENCY AT HARD ROCK

               Legendary rock band Journey has returned to The Joint at the Hard Rock for a second, nine-show residency through May 20. The group was formed in 1973 in San Francisco and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last month. For the first time in the United States, Journey is performing its seventh studio album, “Escape,” and the band’s eighth studio album, “Frontiers,” in their entirety on select dates May 10 and 17.

               On May 3, Journey received a Clark County proclamation and memorabilia case dedications were made at the Hard Rock. The Journey band’s display is in The Joint hallway; founding member and lead guitarist Neal Schon’s case is in front of the main registration desk; and drummer Steve Smith’s drum kit is in the main entrance of the hotel’s All-Suite Tower.

 

BELLAGIO GALLERY OF FINE ART PRESENTS MUHAMMAD ALI EXHIBITION

               The new exhibit at Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (BGFA) showcases the life and legacy of the world’s greatest heavyweight boxer, Muhammad Ali, and explores his six core principles of Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect and Spirituality.


               “I Am The Greatest: Muhammad Ali” explores the legend’s rise from “The Louisville Lip” to “The Greatest of All Time.”  Running through Sept. 30, the exhibit features unseen video footage and family photos, rare personal heirlooms and stories from his closest friends. Guests can sit ringside viewing clips of Ali’s most legendary fights and learning about his philanthropic endeavors.
               Some personal artifacts include: Ali’s two-time World Champion ring from 1974 and three-time World Champion ring from 1978; the torches and participation medals he was awarded from the 1960 Rome Olympics;  and an autographed pair of boxing shorts and gloves gifted to Elvis Presley. 

 

LVCVA RECOGNIZES NATIONAL TOURISM WEEK WITH FREE EVENT

               In recognition of National Travel & Tourism Week, May 7-13, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) will be hosting its annual Travel Rally Day on Tuesday, May 9 from 2-3 p.m. in the Fashion Show Great Hall. The free visitor appreciation event, led by former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and showgirls, will feature performances by the Australian Bee Gees, BAZ – Star Crossed Love and Vox Vegas as well as free show tickets, attraction admissions, restaurant food and beverage offers and retailer promotional items.

 

FREE JAZZ IN THE PARK CONCERT SERIES RETURNS FOR 28TH YEAR

               Clark County Parks and Recreation is holding its 28th annual Jazz in the Park Concert Series at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway. Seating for those with picnic baskets, blankets, and low-back chairs will begin at 5 p.m. with performances starting as early as 6:30 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for purchase on site. Admission and parking are free.

               The series will headline: May 13 Lindsey Webster; May 20 Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles; May 27 Joey Defrancesco; June 3 Eric Darius; and June 17 Spyro Gyra.

               This year, local and regional performers will be showcased on each date with the headliner. The lineup will feature: Shapiro Project and Las Vegas Academy Alumnus Halsey Harkins - May 13; funk legends Home Cookin’ - May 20; Las Vegas Academy Jazz Combo - May 27 and June 3; Lao Tizer Trio June 3; and Extreme Measures - June 17. 

 

SHAKE SHACK DEBUTS FIRST COOKBOOK ON MAY 16

               “Shake Shack: Recipes & Stories,” the first cookbook from Danny Meyer, restaurateur and founder of the modern-day “roadside” burger stand, will debut on Tuesday, May 16 with a limited number of copies available for purchase at Vegas’ Downtown Summerlin location. The hardcover is $26 and also available online.

               Shake Shack rose from humble beginnings as a hot dog cart in New York City to a restaurant chain currently with 130 locations. In the cookbook published by Clarkson Potter, CEO Randy Garutti and culinary director Mark Rosati offer an insider peek into what has made Shake Shack special and business lessons learned along the way. The book includes 70 recipes and 200 photos, and also clever infographics, Shack facts, trivia, and limited edition burger recipes from some of the country’s favorite chefs.

 

BILLY IDOL - CARLOS SANTANA ARE HOUSE OF BLUES RESIDENT ARTISTS

               Billy Idol started his residency “Billy Idol: Forever,” at the House of Blues and continues May 10, 12 and 13. He’ll return for nine performances in October starting on the fourth. Carlos Santana picks up his residency May 17-21 and 24-28 and will return again in September and then November.

               Steel Panther performs on May 11, and House of Blues has added four new shows to its schedule including Adrian Uribe y Omar Chaparro, Ozuna, Blackberry Smoke, and Stephen Lynch. 

               The House of Blues Restaurant & Bar is bringing back the popular “Kids Eat Free” in June.  During lunch only from 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m., children 12 and under will receive a free meal with the purchase of a full-price adult entrée.

 

DUSTIN LYNCH AND TYLER RICH HEADLINE VETERANS BENEFIT SHOW

               “Under The Stars & Stripes - A Benefit for Veteran’s Village” will be held at the Sunset Amphitheater at Sunset Station and feature country artists Dustin Lynch, Tyler Rich and more on Saturday, May 13 at 6 p.m. Tickets range from $37.50 to $57.50.

               Broken Bow Records artist and Tennessee native Dustin Lynch had his self-titled debut hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, making him the only new male artist to achieve such a feat that year. The album’s lead single is “Cowboys and Angels.”

               Nashville-based Tyler Rich is a country singer-songwriter from Yuba City, a Northern California farming community. Three months before his 14th birthday, his grandparents gave him a guitar and he hasn’t stopped playing it. After road touring across the country with multiple bands, Rich decided to pursue a solo career.

 

MOUNTAIN’S EDGE FREE EVENT FEATURES GRANGER SMITH

               The 11th annual Country in the Park free event returns to the Mountain’s Edge Master Planned Community with performances by Granger Smith 6-7:30 p.m. and special guests Ryan Follese 5-5:45 p.m. and Elvis Monroe 2-4 p.m. The free outdoor concert and festival will be Saturday, May 13 from 2 to 8 p.m. in Exploration Park’s amphitheater. Festivities include a beer garden, food vendors, booths, exhibits and more. 

 

WILLIAM SHATNER GOES WEIGHTLESS WITH FANS

               Star Trek® fans will descend upon Las Vegas for the 16th annual convention, Aug. 2-4, being held at the Rio.

               Zero Gravity Corporation (ZERO-G®) and Roddenberry Adventures have teamed up to provide a ZERO-G Experience® with Star Trek® legend William Shatner. Aug. 4 will be the first time fans have a chance to fly in zero gravity with the man who played Captain Kirk. Tickets are $9,950 with a ZERO-G flight suit, Regravitation Celebration, certificate of weightless completion and photos and video of the unique experience shared with the star included; visit www.gozerog.com.

               ZERO-G® is a privately held space entertainment and tourism company whose mission is to make the excitement and adventure of space accessible to the public. 

 

EARL KLUGH BRINGS HIS GUITAR TO ALIANTE

               Jazz guitarist and composer Earl Klugh will perform in the Access Showroom at Aliante on Saturday, June 3 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $32.50.

               Klugh has been playing guitar since age 10. When he was 13 years old, country musician Chet Atkins recruited him to perform on several albums. In 1978, Atkins appeared on Klugh’s 1978 release, “Magic In Your Eyes.” In his four-decade career,
Klugh has collaborated with many musicians including George Benson, Bob James and more. Klugh has recorded more than 30 albums, 23 of which have hit the top ten on Billboard’s Jazz Album Chart. He’s been nominated for more than 10 Grammy Awards.

 

EVEL PIE AND METRO PIZZA FIGHT CHILD HUNGER WITH PIZZA PROMOTION

               Evel Pie downtown on Fremont Street and the valley’s four Metro Pizza locations are joining more than 70 pizzerias across the United States in fighting child hunger by featuring a specialty pizza and donating $1 to No Kid Hungry for every featured pizza sold during May. The campaign is called “Slice Out Special” and is produced by the NYC-based nonprofit Slice Out Hunger, which supports hunger relief and prevention organizations through the American pizza community.

               Evel Pie in Las Vegas is featuring their slice topped with fresh mozzarella, Fontina cheese, cherry tomatoes, sausage and red onion.

               Metro Pizza is offering the 86th Street Square Pie as well as the Siciliano Americano Pie that took the Bronze Medal in the 2017 International Pizza Expo (pan division).

 

BURGER MONTH

               To celebrate National Burger Day on May 28, Brightside Breakfast & Burgers at the Plaza is offering 20 percent off any burger on its menu during the month of May when the customer says “National Burger Day.”

               At the Monte Carlo, d.vino Italian Food & Wine Bar is celebrating National Hamburger Month with a new Italian Burgerfest menu available through May 28. Executive Chef Martin Garcia has created five gourmet burgers fusing the all-American dish with authentic Italian ingredients.

 

QUICK TIP ITEMS

“Soul Men Starring Spectrum,” the award-winning soul and R&B quartet, will return to Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center on Sunday, May 14 at 7 p.m. The group highlights contagious harmonies and deft choreography, which have become their trademark. Tickets are $42-$45.

               Philanthropist, author and country music superstar, Sara Evans, on the heels of the release of her seventh studio album is bringing her  talent to the Tropicana Theater Saturday, May 13 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $49.95 to $89.95.

               Golden Rainbow’s annual fundraiser Ribbon of Life will be held at the Tropicana showroom on Sunday, June 25. The one-time only variety show features some of the city’s most talented artists. This year’s theme is Top 40 Billboard Hits “Reimagined.”

               The Venetian launched one of the hospitality industry’s first Facebook Messenger direct booking channels and the first for an individual hotel offering guests the opportunity to book directly and securely through social messaging.

        In honor of National Bike Month, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) is offering half-off pricing through May on all RTC Bike Share passes ranging from single-ride for $2 to a 30-day membership for $10.

               The Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities will host the 15th annual Drive for Charity Golf Tournament fundraiser on Monday, June 5 at Bear’s Best, a Jack Nicklaus-designed course. Entry fee is $250.

               At Topgolf, Drive + Dive-In Movie Night will begin on Thursday, May 18 at 8 p.m. with the screening of “Caddy Shack” at the venue’s Hideaway Pool. More Thursday night movies will follow June 1, 15, 29 and July 13. Guests must be 21+.

               Wet’n’Wild’s “Dive-In Movies” series will feature family-friendly films such as “Moana,” “Pete’s Dragon,” “The Little Mermaid,” etc. screened outside from the Red Rock Bay wave pool every Friday night at 8 p.m.