BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: Sept. 17, 2017
BY: Jackie Brett
STRATOSPHERE IS NEW HOME FOR JARRETT & RAJA
The talented Jarrett & Raja duo is one of those creative noteworthy acts grabbing for its rightful position in a showroom in Las Vegas. With their show blending magic, music and comedy and gaining national exposure on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” on Season 7, they’ve garnered fans and global attention and now a headlining showroom at the Stratosphere. This follows a brief stint at Hooters in a small room, which didn’t adequately illuminate their showmanship.
Their career credits are both impressive and astounding. Director Kenny Ortega brought them to London for special appearances with David LaChapelle, Pamela Anderson and The Pussycat Dolls. The duo has performed with the band One Republic in Los Angeles and in the legendary Las Vegas spectacle, “Jubilee!” at Bally’s. The magic pair headlined a two-year residency in Singapore along with world renowned Cirque du Soleil acts in Resorts World’s $35M spectacular.
Jarrett Parker is the magician and a Harry Blackstone, Jr. protégé. He’s opened for Michael Jackson, Bill Cosby, and Debbie Reynolds. Pianist Raja Rahman is a graduate of The Juilliard School and toured Europe with legendary conductors Rostropovich, Solti, and Iona Brown.
“Magic vs Music” will debut in the Stratosphere Theater on Oct. 18. Performances for the family show will be Wednesday through Sunday at 4 p.m. with tickets starting at $39.99.
PIFF’S DRAGON POWER IS CONTAGIOUS AND STICKS AROUND
Piff the Magic Dragon, who bills himself as the Loser of Season 10 of “America’s Got Talent,” has been touring with dates across the United States while having a popular residency since November 2015 at the Flamingo, which has been extended through the end of 2018. Along with Mr. Piffles, the World’s First Magic Performing Chihuahua™, Piff will perform at the Flamingo five days a week with a brand new show.
In addition, Piff will soon unveil his very own display case in the hotel lobby featuring items from his time on “America’s Got Talent,” including the Tacular Case, Heidi Klum’s card from the Golden Buzzer round, Howie Mandel’s $20 for the final round, and more.
Last week, celebrated magician Penn Jillette made a surprise cameo appearance on stage at Piff’s show playing the part of larger dragon Piff’s dad, “Pop.” The two performed a few tricks together. Piff is the standout star of “Penn & Teller: Fool Us.”
Soon, Piff will be seen in a new television special, which he will film at the Flamingo Oct.11 and 12. Also for the third year in a row, Piff will present his holiday show at the Flamingo, “Piffmas Pifftacular,” running Dec. 4-30.
THE PLAZA ADDS THIRD 21-STORY MURAL
The Plaza downtown on Sept. 11 started adding a new 21-story mural on its north tower by Faile, a Brooklyn-based artistic collaboration between Patrick McNeil and Patrick Miller. The Faile mural, which will be the largest to date for the artistic duo, is on the side of the Plaza tower overlooking the I-15 freeway and should be finished this week.
The mural is the third joining two others that debuted earlier this year by world renowned artists Shepard Fairey and D*Face. The trio of murals supports Life is Beautiful festival efforts to build one of the largest outdoor free public art galleries in the world.
DEVELOPER IS PLANNING EXTREME SPORTS PARK ON SOUTH STRIP
An extreme sports park being referenced as The Edge is a 130-acre project being planned for the southeast corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Sunset Road by Town Square. The estimated $800 million project will include a 15-story hotel, activity tower, zip coasters, a manmade white-water rapids lake, three cable wakeboarding lakes, an indoor mountain biking track, an indoor skydiving attraction and a pool with water slides and dunk tank towers. The 640-room hotel-casino calls for convention space, restaurants and two rooftop swimming pools. As with past projects, we’ll wait and see what happens.
JOE WALSH RETURNS TO HOUSE OF BLUES
Best known for his powerful guitar licks, multi-Grammy award winning singer, songwriter and producer Joe Walsh has maintained huge success over the past four decades as a bona fide solo artist, and as a member of the Eagles and James Gang. Walsh kicked off 2017 with six shows at the House of Blues in January and returns Sept. 27, 29 and 30 with 8 p.m. shows. Tickets start at $99.50.
THIRD THURSDAY ON 3RD WILL KICK OFF LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND
As Downtown Las Vegas gets set to host the annual Life is Beautiful concert weekend, the Downtown Grand, an official partner of this year’s festival, is hosting Third Thursday on 3rd night time food truck and live art experience one day early on Thursday, Sept. 21 from 7–10 p.m.
Secret Walls will again provide a freestyle art experience with two teams of artists battling it out on the 3rd street stage for the monthly live art crown. DJ Edoc and MC Art will provide the sounds and interaction to keep the energy up throughout the night. The final renderings of the LIVE installation will be auctioned off with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the victims of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.
WILSON PHILLIPS CELEBRATES HENDERSON PAVILION’S 15TH YEAR
Wilson Phillips will perform at the Henderson Pavilion for the first time on Friday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. as part of the venue’s 15th anniversary. Tickets start at $40.50.
The ladies are related to music royalty and have made their own path to superstardom. Chynna Phillips is the daughter of John and Michelle Phillips of the Mamas & the Papas and Carnie and Wendy Wilson are the daughters of the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson. The trio burst onto the music scene in 1990 with their debut album, “Wilson Phillips,” which included three No. 1 singles, “Release,” “You’re in Love” and the standout track “Hold On.”
The Henderson Pavilion’s anniversary season will also include: Barking with the Beatles, produced and promoted by Connor and Millie’s Dog Rescue, on Sept. 30; Get the Led Out, the American Led Zeppelin, on Oct. 7; Air1 Positive Hits Tour featuring Skillet on Oct. 14; and the Henderson Symphony Orchestra on Oct. 20.
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS CLIPS
Matt Goss after closing his headlining gig at Caesars Palace will return this fall to the Strip with an extended residency at The Mirage in the 1Oak nightclub, which is undergoing renovations to allow for his live show.
The Ruff Ryders 20th Anniversary Tour will stop at Park Theater at Monte Carlo on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. The tour reunites DMX, Eve, Swizz Beatz, The Lox and Drag-On. The legendary group, celebrating two decades of hip-hop prominence, will perform some of their biggest hits for fans. Ticket range is $49.50 to $125.
Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Stephanie Mills, who appeared in “The Wiz,” is returning to Las Vegas with a special performance at the Dallas Events Center inside Texas Station on Friday, Sept. 29 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25.
Hard Rock Live at Hard Rock Café Las Vegas Strip on the 3rd Floor has Bonkerz featuring comedians at 8 p.m.: Kathleen Dunbar Sept. 21-24; Carla Rea Sept. 28, 30 and Oct. 1; Erik Myers Oct. 5, 6 and 8; Dean Napolitano Oct. 12, 14-15; Angie Krum Oct. 21-22; and Warren Durso Oct. 29. General admission is $15.
Richard Cheese & Lounge Against the Machine will perform at the Rocks Lounge at Red Rock on Friday, Sept. 22 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35.
Al Di Meola with his Elegant Gypsy 40th Anniversary Tour will headline Club Madrid at Sunset Station on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 8 p.m. The bona fide guitar hero has been recognized internationally over the past four decades as a virtuoso of the highest order. The prolific composer and prodigious six-string talent has released more than 20 albums. Tickets start at $27.50.
R&B artist Freddie Jackson will visit the Dallas Events Center at Texas Station on Friday, Sept. 29 at 8 p.m. Ticket range is $20-$50.
Ryan Shupe & the RubberBand are bringing their witty lyrics, fun stage antics, sing-alongs, and ballads to Centennial Hills Park Amphitheatre on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m. Shupe plays a wide range of instruments and musical styles and the Somerset Academy SkyPointe Singers will join him on stage for his hit single, “Dream big.” Tickets are $10.
The “Absinthe” cast from Caesars Palace made a special performance appearance last week on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” on NBC with hostess Tyra Banks claiming she’s seen the show three times. “Absinthe” is now in its seventh hit year.
Las Vegas does offer entertainment for children like the musical “Go, Dog. Go!” at The Smith Center on Sept. 27 at 6:30 p.m. The adventures from P.D. Eastman’s preschool book will come to life featuring props, costumes, imaginative set pieces, and six loveable dogs. Tickets range is $14.95-$24.95.
RETURN TO THE AGE OF CHIVALRY
Clark County Parks and Recreation will present the 24th Annual Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival, which will return to Sunset Park Oct. 13-15. This is an opportunity to travel back through centuries when there were knights, fair maidens, minstrels and Royal Courts. The festival will feature a variety of shows each day, more than 100 artisans, historical reenactments and food and drink.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $13 per day in advance for adults and $8 for seniors ages 60-plus and children ages 6 to 12. Three-day passes and combo packs are available.
Ye Royal Couples can rejoice and wed in Renaissance tradition with the Medieval Joyous Union and Merrymaking wedding packages. Also, Fair-goers have an option to camp like royalty with camping packages.
BROOKLYN BOWL ADDS ACTION BRONSON AND ZION I
Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas has added ZION I and Action Bronson to its fall 2017 lineup, joining Chief Keef and Matisyahu.
ZION I, appearing on Sunday, Oct. 8, rose among the ranks of socially conscious independent hip hop groups after the release of 2000’s “Mind Over Matter” and has released more than two dozen albums and EPs under the moniker. Tickets start at $15.
Appearing on Friday, Nov. 3 is Action Bronson who has become a pop culture phenomenon in recent years with a series of mixtapes and the releases of two full-length albums, “Mr. Wonderful” (2015) and “Blue Chips 7000” (2017). Bronson’s background as a chef has made him something of a fashionable foodie counter-culture mainstay. He has his own television show on Viceland called “F**k, That’s Delicious” and on Tuesday, Sept. 12, he released a cookbook of the same name. Tickets start at $30.
Rapper and producer, now CEO of his own Glory Boyz Entertainment (Glo Gang) record label, Chief Keef (Kieth Cozart) will return to the Brooklyn Bowl stage on Tuesday, Oct. 17. Tickets start at $22.
The Broken Crowns Tour featuring Matisyahu will head to Brooklyn Bowl on Sunday, Nov. 12. The reggae-rock artist is making his return to Las Vegas in support of his most recent release, “Undercurrent.” Tickets start at $27.50.
DINING TIDBITS
The global phenomenon Le Dîner en Blanc will return and take over one of Las Vegas’ public spaces on Sunday, Oct. 8 at 5 p.m. rain or shine. Last year’s inaugural edition saw more than 1,000 guests wearing white gathering at The Park Las Vegas for a pop-up picnic. Launched nearly 30 years ago in Paris, the secret Le Dîner en Blanc affair is now held in 70-plus cities in more than 25 countries around the world.
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters has launched tours showcasing a new dining experience at the Grand Canyon West’s new restaurant, Sa’Nyu Wa, which means “Home of the Eagle.” Lunch at Sa’Nyu Wa features a panoramic view through glass walls of the canyon and Eagle Point. Executive Chef James Mendoza’s menu will feature Southwest dishes and Asian-inspired cuisine.
Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant on Paradise Road is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Honey Salt at 1031 S. Rampart Blvd will hold its end of the season farewell-to-summer Farm Table dinner on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m. Honey Salt recently renovated the private dining room. The Farm Table dinner is $54 and optional wine pairing is an additional $25.
Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar is welcoming Las Vegas’ first professional hockey team with a pre-game four-course meal experience that includes roundtrip transportation to and from the arena for select games: Oct. 10, 17, 21, 24 and Nov. 10, 24, 28. The $55 package features dinner at 5:30, two hours prior to game time.
PRIMM VALLEY RESORT HOSTS LATIN MUSIC FESTIVAL OCT. 14
Primm Valley Resort & Casino will host the inaugural Primm Latin Music Festival on Saturday, Oct. 14 at Star of the Desert Arena with some of the hottest Latin musical acts including Café Tacvba, La Adictiva Banda San Jose de Mesillas, and La Mariachi Sol de Mexico, along with food trucks, fireworks and amusement rides.
Primm is located 25-minutes south of Las Vegas on Interstate 15. Doors will open at 2 p.m. with the first act starting at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 general admission.
HELENE NEVILLE WILL COMPLETE RECORDING SETTING RUN
Helene Neville, Las Vegas resident and transcontinental running nurse, grandmother and cancer survivor, is set to complete her unprecedented journey across the United States, which she began at Westgate in April 2017. Neville is scheduled to arrive back at iBar inside Westgate at noon on Saturday, Sept. 23 and will be welcomed by the cast of “SEXXY.” Neville will complete the last 500-mile leg of a seven-year, 12.855-mile solo run across every state in the continental United States, and will become the first woman and second person on the planet to achieve such an accomplishment.
OFF THE GRID ITEMS
Last week, three rescued and restored neon signs were lit up and added to the Neon Museum’s collection downtown. The signs include the “Happy Shirt” from Steiner Cleaners, the intricate neon yucca bloom from the Yucca Motel, and the giant margarita glass, known as the “Margarita Baby” sign.
Magician Mat Franco presented The Animal Foundation with a donation of more than $6,500 in animal care supplies and Petco gift cards to benefit the nearly 21,000 animals cared for by the organization annually. For five weeks, Franco offered fans the opportunity to receive a complimentary ticket voucher to his “Magic Reinvented Nightly” at The Linq in return for a donation of a minimum of $10 worth of items from The Animal Foundation’s wish list.
The annual family-friendly Asian Heritage Celebration will be held at the Springs Preserve on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with food, lion dances, taiko drummers, face painting, martial arts, henna tattoos, mathcha demonstration, tea preparation and tasting, fan craft activity, cultural displays and exhibits, and more. Admission is $6.
The Grapes & Hops Festival will be held a week later at the Springs Preserve on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 5-9 p.m. There will be fine wines to sample, beers and food. Tickets range from $30 to $115 with food included and a portion of ticket sales benefitting nonprofit Par for The Cure dedicated to breast cancer research.
Single-day tickets for Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s March 2-4, 2018, Pennzoil 400 NASCAR Weekend are available now. LVMS will make history in 2018 when it becomes the first NASCAR track to host two tripleheader weekends the same year.
The 11th edition of Clif® Bar CrossVegas will bring intense bicycle racing to Desert Breeze Park on Wednesday, Sept. 20. Last year, racers from more than 20 nations competed in the family-friendly event. Tickets are $15 and gates open at 3 p.m.
Pigs for the Kids, the barbecue competition for area cancer charities will be held Saturday, Sept. 23 at Craig Ranch Regional Park. The musical lineup for the family-friendly event from noon to 9 p.m. will include Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns, The Soul Joos Band, and many other acts. Tickets are $10 in advance ($15 at the door) and include one redeemable Piggy Buck; children 12 and younger are free.
DeCadence food festival will return to the Cadence community’s Central Park on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with offerings for sale from Henderson restaurants. The family-friendly event is open to the public with free admission. Cadence is Southern Nevada’s first master planned community to break ground in a decade and, upon completion, will have more than 13,250 homes.
Urban Ranch General Store with house furnishings and decor is moving but not before it holds the “super duper, we-don’t-want-to-move-it sale” on Sept. 22 and 23.
