BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: Nov. 5, 2017
BY: Jackie Brett
ROD STEWART WILL RETURN TO CAESARS PALACE IN JUNE 2018
Music legend Rod Stewart will return to Las Vegas in June 2018 to resume his ongoing residency “Rod Stewart: The Hits” at Caesars Palace. The two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee’s dates on June 12, 15, 16, 19, 22 and 23 will mark the eighth year of the residency at The Colosseum. Stewart is one of the best-selling artists in the history of recorded music with over 200 million records sold worldwide.
LAS VEGAS LIGHTS FOOTBALL CLUB UNVEILS TEAM LOGO
The Las Vegas Lights Football Club (FC) unveiled its logo with elements inspired by hundreds of fan submissions and team colors – blue, yellow and pink. The result is a logo capturing the essence of the city that Lights FC will represent when it begins play in the United Soccer League (USL) in February 2018. Season tickets start at $200, with each full season ticket purchased receiving a free Lights FC jersey.
FANTASY LADIES ARE CALENDAR PINUPS
The “FANTASY” show at the Luxor recently celebrated its 18th anniversary and debuted the 2018 calendar with the stunning cast of ladies each channeling the timeless glamour of classic Hollywood on every page photographed by renowned photographer Oscar Picazo. The 2018 “Black & White and Nude All Over” calendar costs $20.
“FANTASY,” an Anita Mann production, maintains its popularity with a talented cast of gorgeous dancers, creative choreography, phenomenal lead singer Lorena Peril and comic relief provided by versatile Sean E. Cooper.
EXCALIBUR’S NEW ULTIMATE 4-D EXPERIENCE® HAS IMPACT
The Excalibur’s new Ultimate 4-D Experience® is open and immersing guest into the action on screen. As viewers enter the 72-seat special effects theater created by SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment, they are given their 3-D glasses. There are three 15-minute film shows running: San Andreas; Journey 2: The Mysterious Island; and custom-made animated film The LEGO® Movie™. The fourth dimension is the in-theater and in-seat effects putting guests in the middle of the action.
Hours of operation are daily from 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Shows run every 20 minutes, with each experience playing once an hour. Cost is one show $9.99; two $12.99; three $14.99.
FEMMOLOGY STRIKES A VEGAS’ POSE
Female empowerment group Femmology recently debuted its theatrical music performance at the Keep Memory Alive Event Center. The dynamic group will return with performances at 8 p.m. on Nov. 25, Dec. 21, Jan. 26, and Feb. 22. The group is comprised of more than a dozen singers, dancers, instrumentalists and even gymnasts and aerialists. Tickets are $40 on the femmologyband.com website.
What really stands out is the amazing individual talent in the show. The singers, each a superstar in their own right, take turns doing solo routines. For example, Tamyra Gray was a finalist on the first-season of “American Idol” and demonstrates the amazing level of talent. Musically the show is diverse with sounds covering pop, soul, rap and a touch of gospel. \ The group’s motto of empowerment is “It’s not just a band, it’s a movement!”
RTC BIKE SHARE DOWNTOWN CELEBRATES FIRST BIRTHDAY
The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) launched RTC Bike Share last year and is celebrating its first birthday. There are 21 stations and 180 bikes located throughout downtown Las Vegas. RTC Bike Share sold more than 9,000 passes in its inaugural year with riders completing more than 18,000 rides. The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) took notice of the healthy benefits and last month partnered with the RTC for a one-year sponsorship to brand 10 RTC Bike Share bikes.
To celebrate Bike Share’s first birthday, a special gold bike has been introduced. The RTC offers clues to its location on its social media accounts encouraging Bike Share users to find the gold bike. Users who post a photo of themselves riding the gold bike with the hashtags #RTCBikeShare #VegasGoesGold will be entered to win prizes.
Also, riders can purchase a 30-day Bike Share pass for $1 through Dec. 31 on the RTC Bike Share website for the first month when selecting the auto-renew option and using promo code: BDAY1 at check out to receive the first month’s discount. All subsequent months will be charged the regular $20 per month.
COMMONWEALTH WILL CELEBRATE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY
Commonwealth located in the heart of Fremont East Entertainment District will kick off its fifth anniversary with a party on Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 9 p.m. Hip-hop and funk group, Maxwell Fresh, will appear in the main room and there will be a live performance on the rooftop from Fool’s Gold artist Giraffage, fresh off releasing his debut album “Too Real.”
Commonwealth’s décor is modern industrial architecture with an irreverent art collection and progressive cocktail program. The bar also has a hidden speakeasy, The Laundry Room.
VICTOR DIBITETTO HEADLINES LAUGH FACTORY AT TROPICANA
American stand-up comedian, Internet personality and actor Victor “Vic” DiBitetto will appear at the Laugh Factory inside the Tropicana Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 16-19. He often refers to himself as “The Donkey of Comedy” or “The Working Class Zero.” Dibitetto is known for his YouTube videos, most notably “Bread and Milk,” and for portraying Gino Chizetti in the 2015 comedy film, “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2.” His second feature role was last year in the comedy-fantasy “Abnormal Attraction.” Show times are 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Ticket range is $34.95 to $54.95.
DIVERSITY PROFILES AREA’S ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP
Tony Bennett, the 91-year-old music legend, is back headlining the Encore Theater at Wynn with “The Best is Yet to Come” at 8 p.m. on Nov. 1, 8, 10 and 11. His daughter Antonio opens for him. Bennett is working on another album with Lady Gaga. Their last collaborative album was “Cheek to Cheek” released in 2014.
Adam Sandler will headline The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan on Nov. 10, 17 and Jan. 27. The successful actor, writer, producer and musician is in production on the Netflix comedy, “The Week Of,” which co-stars Chris Rock and will premiere globally in 2018, marking the fourth movie in Sandler’s pact with Netflix. Tickets start at $49.
Celebrating its 14th season, “So You Think You Can Dance” has its Top 10 finalists touring 34 cities and stopping at The Pearl at the Palms on Friday, Nov. 17 at 8 p.m. Ticket range is $39-$89.
Note that the Bebe & Bassy Tour 2017 featuring Bebe Rexha and Marc E. Bassy originally set at The Pearl on Saturday, Nov. 18 has been canceled due to Bebe’s vocal illness.
Andrew Dice Clay will bring comedy to the Rocks Lounge at Red Rock Nov. 9-11 and Richard Cheese & Lounge Against the Machine will be “swankifying” contemporary songs into traditional pop vocal standards on Friday, Nov. 17.
IMOMSOHARD, comedians Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley will headline the Grand Events Center at Green Valley Ranch on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 8 p.m.
The legendary Joe Walsh, best known for his powerful guitar licks, over the past four decades has been a bona fide solo artist, as well as a member of the Eagles and James Gang. The multi-Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee kicked off 2017 with six shows at the House of Blues in January. Now he’s back for shows on Nov. 16, 18 and 19. Tickets start at $99.50.
The new fully-immersive musical production “PJ Masks Live! Time to Be a Hero,” based on Disney Junior’s top-rated animated TV series “PJ Masks!,” will bring family entertainment to the Orleans Arena on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 2 p.m. The audience will experience the PJ Masks trio, Catboy, Owlette and Gekko, fighting sneaky villains Romeo, Night Ninja and Luna Girl. Tickets start at $25.
GEICO ROCK ‘N’ ROLL MARATHON NEWS
The GEICO Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & ½ Marathon will take over the world famous Las Vegas Strip on Sunday night, Nov. 12 and the Brooks Rock ‘n’ Roll 5K presented by SLS will be on Saturday, Nov. 11 from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds. SLS will offer racers exclusive dining discounts and a three-course carb menu Nov. 10-12.
Once again, the Las Vegas Monorail will be the only Strip transportation option available during the Sunday marathon, which will close Las Vegas Boulevard South. The Monorail will provide access to the start and finish lines.
The Monorail also has a station at the Las Vegas Convention Center, which is the site of the Marathon’s three-day Health & Fitness Expo, Nov. 9-11, which is free and open to the public. Hours are Thursday 3-7 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Saturday 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
TOWBIN MOTORCARS OPENS FERRARI • MASERATI OF LAS VEGAS
Towbin Motorcars opened its new Ferrari • Maserati of Las Vegas showroom at 5540 W. Sahara Ave. The 10,000-square-foot dealership joins Towbin Motorcars’ existing 45,000-square-foot showroom making it the biggest ultra-luxury/exotic automobile complex in Nevada. Carolynn Towbin and Jesika Towbin-Mansour are the first sole female owners of a Ferrari and Maserati showroom in North America and this is the only licensed Ferrari and Maserati dealership in Nevada.
Towbin Motorcars acquired the former Penske Wynn Ferrari/Maserati dealership, located at Wynn, in late 2015.
ABOUT TOWN HAPPENINGS
The WNBA’s San Antonio Stars will relocate to Las Vegas with MGM Resorts International owning and operating the team, which will begin play in the 2018 season. The basketball team’s home arena will be the Mandalay Bay Events Center.
The “BET Presents: 2017 Soul Train Awards” hosted by Erykah Badu was filmed at the Orleans Arena on Nov. 5 and will Air on BET and BET HER on Nov. 26 with performances by Toni Braxton, SWV, Tamar Braxton, 112, Tank and Kirk Franklin.
The NCAA basketball tournament, Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational, will return to Orleans Arena Nov. 23-24. Each team will play four games – the first two at campus sites and the final two at the Orleans Arena. Two-day ticket packages are available from $50.
Accomplished rock ‘n’ roll photographer Neal Preston will hold exclusive signings for his new book “Neal Preston, Exhilarated And Exhausted” inside Peacock High Limit Gaming at Hard Rock again on Friday, Nov. 10 and Sunday, Nov. 12 from noon to 4 p.m.
At BODIES…The Exhibition inside the Luxor in support of American Cancer Society’s “Great American Smokeout” on Thursday, Nov. 16, smokers who throw away a pack of cigarettes in the “Commit to Quit” container at the box office, will receive a complimentary audio tour with the price of admission. Smoking facts and a real smoker’s lung are on display throughout the Exhibition.
The 42nd annual Indian National Finals Rodeo & Gift Show will be held at South Point Arena Tuesday through Saturday, Nov. 7-11. Tickets start at $15.
DINING – FOOD – BEVERAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Ethel M Chocolates, the Nevada-based gourmet chocolate division of Mars Chocolates, has an all-new lineup of specially-crafted gifts, including holiday-inspired collectible tins, gift-ready boxes, gourmet hot chocolate tins containing pure chocolate shavings, and a design-your-own premium advent calendar.
To celebrate its 32nd anniversary, Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar is offering a special anniversary three-course prix-fixe menu with choices for $32.32, Nov. 4-12.
Aureole at Mandalay Bay will feature a Hirsch Vineyards Wine Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. Executive Chef Johnny Church’s four-course autumnal menu will be paired with six wines and Hirsch Vineyards general manager Jasmine Hirsch will be speaking. Tickets are $195; call 702-632-7401.
Ferraro’s next Taste & Learn event will be a truffle dinner on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. featuring a return to Tuscany with Banfi wines and Luciano Castiello, the ambassador from Castello Banfi, guiding for the evening. Entry is $175; call 702-364-5300.
Park on Fremont downtown has two fall season signature handcrafted cocktails for $8 each. Bees Nuts and the Bats and the Bees are each made with Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey, Bacardi Coconut Rum, and then different ingredients.
Umami Burger, Beer Garden & Sports Book at SLS has Colorado’s Breckenridge Brewery for its November “Tap Takeover.” On Tap Takeover Tuesdays, visitors may purchase any Tap Takeover 14-ounce draft and receive the second draft free. Beers are $9 for a 14-ounce draft, $15 for a 25-ounce draft, and $27 for a 50-ounce souvenir yard. Founded in 1990, Breckenridge Brewery is the third oldest craft brewery in the state of Colorado.
November is World Vegan Month and Triple George Grill on 3rd Street downtown has a Glegan Menu launched in 2016. Ranging from $8.95-$13.95, signature Glegan offerings that are both gluten-free and vegan include: Penne Primavera; Kale Salad; Southwest Burger; and Cauliflower Rice.
Nationally celebrated ice cream sandwich shop CREAM, which stands for Cookies Rule Everything Around Me, launched its new limited-edition menu items Hot & Perfect Mini Pies in three flavors Apple, Blueberry and Cherry, and Hot Chocolate made with Ghirardelli® through next March 31. There are two locations locally in Summerlin and Henderson.
HONORING OUR VETERANS
Many dining establishments all over town are offering discounts on Veterans Day Nov. 11 so check first. Here are some special highlights.
The Plaza is partnering with Veterans in Politics International for a special awards ceremony to honor several local veterans and Las Vegas military personnel on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. under the hotel’s dome immediately following the Las Vegas Veterans Day parade.
Other offers at the Plaza include: two free tickets to the Scintas Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m.; free entry to a special slot tournament; free small rainbow that plays all 11 bingo games; $1 domestic beers and Bloody Mary’s at casino floor bars; and free pastry or dessert and beverage at Brightside – Breakfast & Burgers.
For the seventh year, Westgate Resorts is giving away 1,500 free vacations at WestgateSalutes.com. Starting at 9 a.m. EST on Nov. 10, current active duty military personnel who have served in combat and their families, as well as Gold Star families can sign up for a stay at Westgate Las Vegas Dec. 8-10, 2017, and receive two tickets to see Travis Tritt.
There are many specials at the Linq Promenade including U.S. active-duty and retired military can the High Roller Observation Wheel for free with valid ID on Nov. 11.
Veterans will be able to eat free at the Rampart Casino’s buffet.
Boyd Gaming properties across the valley will show appreciation by offering specials on Veterans Day. Service members can enjoy a complimentary meal at highlighted buffets along with additional discounts at property restaurants.
MORE FUNDRAISING NOTES
Frankie Moreno, three-time “Las Vegas Headliner of the Year” winner, will perform at South Point on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at Ticketmaster are $25 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit The Mob Museum.
Green Our Planet and partnerships will create the largest student-run farmers market in the nation on Thursday, Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Zappos Campus downtown. The farmers market will feature more than 300 students from 32 Clark County elementary, middle and high schools selling their school garden-grown produce and crafts to the community. Proceeds from the market will go back to the schools to expand and maintain the schools’ garden programs.
Signed patriotic racing boots and gloves used by Credit One Bank-sponsored Kyle Larson during the July 1, 2017, race at Daytona International Speedway are being auctioned online until 10 p.m. PST on Nov. 8 to support U.S.VETS - Las Vegas.
Therapy restaurant in the Fremont East Entertainment District will go purple in November in honor of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month with the limited release of a new specialty cocktail, The Violet made with Empress Gin and priced at $10. All profits made from the purple drink will be donated to nonprofit Keep Memory Alive.
Reminder: Easterseals Nevada’s Seventh Annual fundraiser event, “Cheers to Chocolate,” will be held at The District at Green Valley Ranch from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11. Pre-event tickets are $35 and $65 for couples.
