BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: Aug. 20, 2017
BY: Jackie Brett
SHANIA TWAIN’S 2018 NOW TOUR WILL VISIT MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA
Global superstar Shania Twain will tour next year in support of her new album “NOW” being released on Sept. 29. She will headline the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday, Aug. 4 at 8 p.m. Ticket range is 54.95 to $179.95.
Twain debuted “Swingin’ With My Eyes Closed” this month on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” She remains the top-selling female country artist of all time.
FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE OPENS ZOMBIE ATTRACTION
The new zombie-themed walk-through attraction “Fear the Walking Dead Survival,” inspired by AMC’s hit TV series, “Fear the Walking Dead™,” opened downtown at the Fremont Street Experience. The multi-sensory experience is a combination of motion rides, mazes, and interactive videogames transporting visitors into a zombie apocalyptic world. Tickets start at $30. Hours of operation are daily Sunday–Thursday 1 p.m.–1 a.m. and weekends until 2 a.m.
The collaborative project is by the Fremont Street Experience, AMC and Triotech, a Canadian company known for producing technologically advanced, interactive award-winning attractions.
LIONEL RICHIE ANNOUNCES NEW DATES AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD
Lionel Richie has released 14 additional performances for his exclusive headlining residency “Lionel Richie - All the Hits” at The AXIS in Planet Hollywood, which premiered in 2016. New dates are: Nov. 29, Dec. 6-9, 13, 15-16 and March 7-10, 13, 16-17, and 20. General ticket prices begin at $59.
Richie will be one of five honorees receiving the 2017 Kennedy Center Honors at the 40th annual national celebration in December.
YESTIVAL WILL VISIT THE JOINT AT HARD ROCK
The 2017 outing called YESTIVAL will feature a set list of greatest hits from the YES band’s studio albums up to 1980, showcasing the group’s storied history with a stop at The Joint at Hard Rock on Saturday, Aug. 26 at 8 p.m. YESTIVAL will feature special guest Todd Rundgren and an opening set from Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy honoring the magic of Keith Emerson and Greg Lake. Tickets start at $45.
‘MICHAEL JACKSON ONE’ WILL HOST KING OF POP’S BIRTHDAY BASH
Cirque du Soleil® is teaming again with the Estate of Michael Jackson to celebrate the superstar’s birthday. Hosted by “Michael Jackson ONE,” the fifth annual birthday bash will take place on Jackson’s actual birthday, Tuesday, Aug. 29 at the show’s theater at Mandalay Bay. The public event is free.
At 3 p.m. guests can have a “behind the show curtain” opportunity to observe cast members rehearsing, get an exclusive look at a scene change onstage, have a Q&A with acrobats from the show, witness a specially choreographed number, and have a chance to win prizes playing a trivia game.
At 4 p.m. at the Michael Jackson ONE Boutique, Michael Bush, Jackson’s designer and dresser for 25 years, will be signing copies of his book “The King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson.”
The final celebratory afternoon activity will be a “meet and greet” birthday cake reception with estate, cast members and VIPS from 5:30 to 6 p.m. in the theater lobby.
SPECTACLES VIA SNAPBOT MAKES NEVADA DEBUT AT LINQ PROMENADE
The LINQ Promenade is now the first and only Nevada location for the summer to have a Snapbot, an interactive yellow vending machine through which Snapchatters can virtually try-on and purchase a pair of Spectacles by Snap Inc.
Spectacles are sunglasses featuring a built-in video camera that records exactly what the wearer sees, hands-free, with a touch of a button. Snaps taken with Spectacles save wirelessly into Snapchat’s “Memories” and can then be uploaded to a Snapchatter’s Story or shared directly with family and friends in a new circular video format that can be played full-screen, in any orientation.
At the Snapbot location, customers can virtually try on each color sunglasses by pushing the corresponding button (coral, black, or teal). This virtual try-on technology leverages the same technology that powers Snapchat Lenses.
SPECIAL POLE EXPO PERFORMANCE PLANNED AT HOUSE OF BLUES
For the third year, Pole Show LA (PSLA) will be performing a special show during the Pole Expo at the House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay on Friday, Sept. 8. There will be a champagne reception at 6 p.m. and show at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $45 at poleshowla.com.
PSLA is the creative vision of Leigh Ann Reilly, a former Las Vegas showgirl and pioneer of the pole dance movement. She is the owner of Los Angeles’ pole dance studio, BeSpun, which opened in 2006 and created Pole Show LA in 2007 as a way to showcase her students’ talents. Since then, the show has evolved into a full-scale choreographed production starring some of the best professional dancers in the world.
RAMPART CASINO WILL OPEN RACE & SPORTS BOOK AND BAR
Rampart Casino’s newest property renovation project will be the Rampart Casino Race & Sports Book opening in space replacing JC’s Irish Pub. The newly constructed nearly 6,000 square feet just off the main casino floor will have 126 seats, including 55 private carrels for race bettors.
In addition a new 50-person capacity Race & Sports Bar and lounge featuring 10 bar-top gaming machines and plenty of surrounding televisions will open.
The public grand opening will be Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. Guests will receive a free commemorative t-shirt and toast the opening with a glass of champagne and celebratory cake, while supplies last.
GALAXY THEATRES INTRODUCE NEW LASER PROJECTION
Galaxy Theatres at the Cannery Luxury+ Theatre in North Las Vegas is the first movie theatre in the area and one of six to install the new and latest Smart Laser Projector system. Additionally, each auditorium will include a new ultra-high gain screen, incorporating a new 3D reflectance technology that allows a stunning display of 3D films. Locally, Galaxy’s Green Valley Luxury+ in Henderson will be the next theatre to install the new system.
ALL-NEW GAMING OPTIONS AND SPORTSBOOK AT THE CROMWELL
The Cromwell recently launched new player-friendly games in its 40,000-square-foot casino including Single “0” Roulette, EZ Baccarat, 3-2 Shoe and Double-Deck Blackjack, and 100X Odds Craps. The casino also recently introduced a greater variety of slot games including The Abbey, an all-new high-limit slot area.
In addition, The Cromwell will be debuting its brand new 50-seat Sportsbook featuring a 32-foot-long by 9-foot-tall LED video wall and a 9-foot-by-5-foot LED odds wall with ticker capabilities to see scores and updates from a number of vantage points throughout the casino.
The Cromwell was recently named a Top 10 “Best US Casino” by the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice.
PAIUTES WILL OPEN HUGE CANNABIS MARKETPLACE
With recreational marijuana legal in Nevada, the Las Vegas Paiute 56-member tribe will be opening a 15,800-square-foot store on a 2.5-acre land parcel next month next its already well-established Mini Mart at 1225 N. Main Street. On tribal land, the retail outlet will be called Nuwu Cannabis Marketplace and have a 168-foot checkout desk with 13 point-of-sale stations. This is being billed at the nation’s largest stand-alone retail marijuana facility in the United States.
VARIETY SHOW CELEBRATES OLD SCHOOL
The “Variety Show Celebrating Old School Legends” will be held at Zappos Theatre on Saturday, Aug. 26 from 5-9 p.m. The show will feature Lou Ragland, Spectrum, Lambus Dean as Sammy Davis Jr., Phil Flowers, Tayla Westerman, The World Famous Ink Spots, Eugene Ross, DVA, Paul Stubblefield and Bobby Slaughter. Ticket donate is $35.
KAKI KING WILL PERFORM AT HISTORIC FIFTH STREET SCHOOL
Composer and guitarist Kaki King, hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as “a genre unto herself,” will perform at the Historic Fifth Street School Friday, Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m. as part of her fall tour. Tickets are $25 for adults and $12.50 for those under 18.
The Brooklyn-based artist, who has released six diverse and distinctive albums over the past 10 years, has another release scheduled for Sept. 22. She has performed with Foo Fighters, Timbaland, and The Mountain Goats, and contributed to a variety of film and TV soundtracks, including Golden Globe-nominated work on Sean Penn’s “Into The Wild.”
DINING NEWS ITEMS
Hamptons, a new American-centric cuisine restaurant taking over space where two consecutive Alex Stratta short-lived dining concepts failed, is under construction and hiring at Tivoli Village. The new modern eatery will have an “industrial-chic” look and open this fall. Canter’s Deli will open its newest location before them.
On Sept. 9, Carnevino Italian Steakhouse at The Palazzo will host a dinner battle between two Mediterranean cuisines: Spanish and Italian. Anthony Sasso from New York City’s Michelin-starred Casa Mono and La Sirena Ristorante will represent Spain and battle Carnevino’s Arnold Corpuz representing Italy for a seven-course menu and wine pairing at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $185.
Lobster ME, the fast-casual seafood restaurant at The Grand Canal Shops at The Venetian and Miracle Mile Shops at the Planet Hollywood, has launched a new menu featuring a modern twist on traditional lobster rolls. Examples include: “The Nantucket” Roll; “Maryland Blue Crab” Roll; Tacos; Lobster Mex cobb tostada; and Ceviche tostada.
BASS FISHING TOURNAMENT WILL BE HELD AT LAKE MEAD
For the second year, Wild West Bass Trail (WWBT) will host its 2017 Lucas Oil Western Classic Championship bass fishing tournament Sept. 8-10 at Lake Mead with 200 of the best pro- and co-anglers from the West Coast. Fish weigh-ins open to the public will be held at 2 p.m. each tournament day at Callville Bay Marina.
An angler seminar will take place Sept. 6 at the Henderson Convention Center, 200 S. Water Street from 6-8 p.m. The free event is a chance for fans to talk to the pros, learn new fishing techniques and view nationally sponsored/branded boats.
ENTERTAINMENT TIDBITS
Human Nature, headliners in the Sands Showroom at The Venetian, has extended their contract to perform their “Jukebox” show through March 2019. Soon they will add a new segment called “Juke Joint” and turn the stage into a little tavern with the band moving closer to the audience and let some folks call out song choices.
Southern rock legends 38 Special will appear at Star of the Desert Arena in Primm, Nev., on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 8 p.m. The band saw their first smash hit with “Hold On Loosely” in 1981. Tickets start at $20.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and St. Paul & The Broken Bones will headline at The Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan on Saturday, Aug. 26 followed by Foreigner with Cheap Trick on Sunday, Aug. 27.
Gipsy Kings will bring jazz to the Sandbar Poolside Stage at Red Rock Resort on Saturday, Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. Two PBS-TV specials have contributed to the Gipsy Kings’ ongoing success story. Tickets are $65 and $85, and $40 for standing room only.
The outdoor Super Summer Theatre will conclude its 42nd season with “Young Frankenstein” Thursday-Saturday from Sept. 7–23 at Spring Mountain State Park located 10 miles from downtown Las Vegas and west on Charleston. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 day of show.
Broadway in the H.O.O.D will present a young cast delivering their immersive version of the classic Disney tale “The Jungle Book” through song and dance Sept. 8-10 in the Troesch Theatre at The Smith Center. Tickets start at $30 with a special youth price of $15.
Richard Marx debuted his limited engagement, “Satisfied: Only The Hits,” through Sept. 2 at the Flamingo in an intimate acoustic setting backed by visual elements and personal stories taking the audience on a journey through his musical career.
UNRELATED NEWS ITEMS
A UNLV college student’s new casino game similar to blackjack recently ended a 45-day trail at Harrah’s and will remain there until the end of the year. Called Easy Jack, players receive one card to start instead of two like in blackjack and try to get as close to 11 as possible without going over.
Roger Daltrey, THE WHO’s founding member and front man, recently launched a limited-edition champagne in association with Eminent Life to toast the rock band’s 50th anniversary. The U.S. launch for Champagne Cuvée Roger Daltrey was at MR CHOW at Caesars Palace, where the exclusive beverage for a limited time will be featured on the famous champagne trolley for purchase by the glass or bottle. THE WHO recently premiered their exclusive headlining residency at The Colosseum.
Recently after enjoying “Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man” starring Jai Rodriguez and Kendra Wilkinson at Paris, Gabriel Lopera proposed to his now fiancé, Cindy Yepes, who was celebrating her 30th birthday. Maybe the show had an overwhelming impact.
The Spa at Red Rock Resort by Well & Being and The Spa at Green Valley Ranch Resort have launched the Spa’rty, which is a social spa experience fusing beauty and wellness at a value for groups of five or more.
SLS Las Vegas will host a pre-fight pool party at Foxtail Pool in honor of the highly-anticipated Mayweather vs. McGregor fight from noon–6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26.
Some of the biggest names in hip-hop will appear at Drai’s Nightclub rooftop venue over the fight weekend, Aug. 25-27. Friday will feature hip-hop and R&B heavyweights 50 Cent, Trey Songz and Jeezy. Saturday following the Mayweather vs. McGregor fight, Chris Brown will make his return to Drai’s. Closing out the weekend on Sunday will be the artist Fabolous.
For the second consecutive year, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS) will host “350 Fest,” a free day-long festival for race fans of all ages on Saturday, Sept. 30 in the Fan Engagement Area before the night’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series playoff race. A kid’s zone, the third annual LVMS Show & Shine Car Show presented by Star Nursery to benefit Speedway Children’s Charities, a NASCAR driver autograph session, beer garden, food trucks, vendor booths, pet adoptions and entertainment are some of the event’s highlights.
The Summer Family Special for the High Roller observation wheel at The LINQ Promenade is valid through Monday, Sept. 4. Starting at $59 for daytime rides, the offer includes two adult and two youth tickets. Children three and younger always ride free.
There are winners in Las Vegas as Rodolfo T. proved earlier this month when he won $11.8 million at the Fremont downtown. He hit the International Game Technology (IGT) Nevada Megabucks® jackpot, which resets at $10 million.
ALBUM RELEASES
The music couldn’t be more opposite but music releases are emanating from Las Vegas. Recording artist Dennis Bono, who has his own afternoon show at South Point every week, will release a new studio album, “To Laugh, To Love, To Life” on Sept. 1. Bono is an artistic interpreter of songs from the Great American Songbook.
As the Las Vegas music scene continues to grow, local rockers Avalon Landing will release their new EP “Let What You Love Kill You” with six original songs on all digital platforms including Spotify and iTunes beginning Tuesday, Aug. 22. This group honed their skills through the Las Vegas bar scene and onto stages with the likes of Imagine Dragons and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness.
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Many of Las Vegas’ fundraising events have creative approaches. Last Friday was the always over-the-top event, the 31st Annual Black & White Party to benefit Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) where extraordinary black and white costumes and local celebs prevail.
The Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada will hold this year’s Dessert Before Dinner gala on Saturday, Sept. 9 at Caesars Palace from 6-9:30 p.m. This art of pastry event will bring eight participating chefs together, some who are former Girl Scouts, to create the ultimate confection incorporating flavors and classic ingredients of this year’s chosen signature cookie, the Girl Scout S’mores. Before the dinner, guests will indulge and cast votes for their favorite sweet concoction. The top three chefs win medals at the end of the evening. Tickets begin at $400.
The 9th annual FUPI (foreclosed upon pets) wine tasting will be held Friday, Aug. 25 from 5:30-8 p.m. at Opportunity Village. There will be live music by When I Grow Up, an Italian buffet, wine and beer bar, silent auction, etc.
