BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: March 11, 2018
BY: Jackie Brett
BOB ANDERSON RETURNS TO HIS VEGAS ROOTS AT SOUTH POINT
The last time we saw singer impressionist Bob Anderson in Las Vegas was when he was headlining his incredible “Frank: The Man, The Music” show with a 32-piece orchestra at the Palazzo for nearly a year in 2015. Of all the stars Anderson imitated over his career, it was Frank Sinatra he chose to zero in on to perfection. He even had Hollywood makeup artist Kazuhiro Tsuji, who won the Academy Award for transforming Gary Oldman into Winston Churchill, create his Sinatra mask.
Anderson, who Merv Griffin dubbed “America’s Greatest Singing Impressionist” back in the 1970s was headlining in Las Vegas at the Top of the Dunes for years and other hotels into the ‘80s. Celebrities he famously impersonated flocked to his shows and even Dean Martin said to his buddy Sinatra, “He does me better than I do.”
On Friday and Saturday, March 23-24, Anderson will be appearing with a quartet in the showroom at the South Point, which feels like ol’ Vegas, resurrecting the type of show which made him a star in the first place. He will open with vintage video, tell fabulous stories from his past, sing songs as stars he has known such as Tony Bennett, Bobby Darin, Steve Lawrence, Jack Jones, Elvis, Tom Jones, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, and of course Sinatra. Anderson will even sing as himself. Often, we forget it takes a great singer to sing like other celebrities.
Tickets for his 7:30 performances are $20 to $30.
COLOSSEUM LINES UP COMPELLING COMEDIANS
The Colosseum at Caesars Palace has top-of-the-line resident headliners including Céline, Elton John, Rod Stewart and country greats Reba McEntire with pals Brooks & Dunn. On the other side of the coin some powerhouse comedians will be visiting this year.
People Magazine’s “The People’s Comedian” Sebastian Maniscalco is hitting the road with his new “Stay Hungry Tour” and making a stop on Sunday, April 15 at 8 p.m. Maniscalco has a new popular radio show on Sirius XM and was included on Forbes’ 2017 “The World’s Highest Paid Comedians” list. “Stay Hungry” is the name of his forthcoming 2018 book for Simon & Schuster, as well as his personal motto. Tickets are $39.50 to $95.
Jim Gaffigan, three-time Grammy-nominated comedian, actor, writer, producer and best-selling author, will visit on May 27 and July 20 as part of “The Fixer Upper Tour.” Tickets for his 8 p.m. shows range from $55 to $99.50.
The comedy pairing of Steve Martin and Martin Short will return on July 1 with “An Evening You Will Forget For The Rest Of Your Life featuring the Steep Canyon Rangers and Jeff Babko.” The duo captivates audiences as they recall their careers, creative influences and most memorable encounters though a blend of conversation, banter, singing and banjo playing. Tickets range is $49.50 to $185.
RICK MICHEL BRINGS HIS VARIETY SHOW TO THE RAMPART CASINO
Another longtime Las Vegas headliner and impersonator, Rick Michel will be appearing at the Rampart Casino at JW Marriott with his one-man show as part of the Cascade Concert Series on Tuesday, March 20 at 3 p.m. With a seven-piece band, the “Man of a 1,000 Voices” will present “The Rick Michel Variety Show.” He’ll be taking the audience musically through his show biz life from 1961 to the present. Tickets are $18 at the casino cage or call 702-507-5980.
Michel has been doing impressions of movie stars, comedians and singers for 57 years beginning when he was 7-years-old imitating comic actor Stan Laurel of the Laurel and Hardy team. He spent years in the original “Rat Pack is Back” show at the Desert Inn and then Sahara Hotel playing the best Dean Martin around. More recently for some years, he’s been touring singing Sinatra’s songs with philharmonic symphonies. He’ll be on guest on the “Dennis Bono Show” at the South Point on Thursday afternoon, March 15.
In addition, Michel with homes in Las Vegas and Mexico will appear on an episode of House Hunters International airing on March 20 on HGTV at 10:30 p.m.
HOLMES AND TURNER CONFIRM THE MAGIC OF COLLABORATION
When two of Las Vegas’ best entertainers team up on stage, it can mean only one thing “music magic” at its very best. Both tenors Clint Holmes, who was nominated for two Grammy® Awards in 2018 for his latest album “Rendezvous,” and Earl Turner have been headliners in town for years, appeared onstage in each other’s shows, and been buddies. In addition to both being great singers, they pour so much energy out on stage in their performances that as an audience member, you’re even exhausted. Putting these two tornado-like forces together in the Westgate International Theater Thursday-Sunday in “SOUNDTRACK: Your Songs. Our Stories. The Show.” at 7 p.m. is ingenious and possibly long overdue.
The amazing chemistry, comradery and showmanship begins with the first song “The Boys are Back in Town” followed by “Lovely Day/Just the Two of Us.” Each performer takes a compelling solo turn on stage and receives standing ovations. There are many standout special moments throughout the show with “Hallelujah” and “Mr. Bojangles” being a couple.
As always, the men are backed by great musicians under the musical direction of Christian Tamburr, a three-time Down Beat Magazine Music Award winner, along with backup singer Serena Henry. Tickets are $48, $58, $78 and $98.
COUNTRY STAR BRANTLEY GILBERT WILL VISIT GREEN VALLEY RANCH
Brantley Gilbert will be returning after several years to Las Vegas for a special appearance at the Green Valley Ranch Amphitheater with special guest Lauren Alaina on Saturday, June 16 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $55.
Country rock artist Gilbert’s third studio album in 2014 was “Just as I Am” with songs expressing his life. He doesn’t just write songs, he shares the chapters of his life through music and from the heart. He also plays the guitar as an extension of his powerful voice.
Georgia native Alaina appeared on Season 10 of “American Idol.” She followed with her No. 1 debut album, “Wildflower,” and then “Road Less Traveled” with a collection of 12 songs penned by the young star including the single, “Doin’ Fine.” Alaina performed on the 51st Annual CMA Awards where she was nominated for her first CMA Award – New Artist of the Year.
GOLDEN NUGGET 52 FRIDAY HEADLINER SERIES
The Golden Nugget continually lines up a terrific variety of headlining acts every Friday night at 8 p.m. Here are the remaining ones in March.
Tommy James & the Shondells with their hits are set for March 16. The rock band was formed in Niles, Mich., in 1959 and garnered two No. 1 hits: “Hanky Panky” and “Crimson and Clover.” They also cultivated 12 other Top 40 hits including: “Sweet Cherry Wine,” “Crystal Blue Persuasion,” “Mirage,” and “Mony Mony.”
Jeffrey Osborne has the March 23 slot. After 10 years as lead vocalist with the band L.T.D., he made an impact with his solo career and Top 40 hits such as “Stay With Me Tonight,” “Don’t You Get So Mad,” and his “Love Power” duet with Dionne Warwick.
Comedian Bobby Bones will visit with his one-man comedy show, “Bobby Bones Red Hoodie Comedy Tour” on March 30. He is the self-deprecating host of “The Bobby Bones Show.”
MINT TAVERN REVISES VINTAGE VEGAS
The MINT Tavern has opened at 332 W. Sahara Ave., a few doors down from the Golden Steer, which is the oldest operating steakhouse in town, with a classic Las Vegas-lounge atmosphere. The local-friendly spot offers time-honored libations, a variety of live entertainment and 24-hour gaming.
The establishment has been conceived by nightlife mogul Todd Worz and Jonathan Fine, owner of FINE Entertainment. Both men conceptualized the space based on their mutual appreciation for the roots of Las Vegas, blending classic hospitality with a progressive tavern experience. The name is inspired by The Mint, which originally opened its doors downtown as a hotel and casino in 1957.
Currently, The MINT Tavern is featuring free weekly swing dancing lessons on Fridays from 7:30–9 p.m. and will have a rotation of other entertainment such as a pianist and vocalist, three-piece band, acoustic guitarist, comedy shows and big bands.
‘HOLLYWOOD MEDIUM’ TYLER HENRY PERFORMS IN PRIMM
Tyler Henry, better known as the “Hollywood Medium,” will appear at the Star of the Desert Arena in Primm, Nev., located 25 miles south of Las Vegas, on Saturday, April 21 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25.
For the first time, folks will hear his live show, “5 Life Lessons I’ve Learned from The Departed,” which addresses what it’s like to live as a medium and have his unique gift. The show will give insight into Henry’s extraordinary talents, offer a visual journey with a multimedia video presentation, and feature an interactive Q&A with the audience.
The star of E! Entertainment’s “Hollywood Medium,” has been reuniting celebrities with loved ones through his ability to connect with the other side. After discovering his gift at a young age growing up in Hanford, Calif., Henry knew he could bring comfort to families by providing messages from the departed, and insight into the future. Henry is a best-selling author with his first book “Between Two Worlds: Lessons From the Other Side” released in 2016.
BASKETBALL MANIA
Overlapping with St. Patrick’s Day weekend will be March Madness mayhem around town for the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament March 15-18, which means “party time!” Here are a couple highlights.
Hoops Central for viewing will be held inside the 1,500-seat International Theater at the Westgate 8:30 each day with games starting at 9 p.m. General seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and reserved seating is available for $25 a day with one free beer included. There will be satellite betting stations along with food and drink specials. Former NBA star and NCAA college basketball legend Darrell “Dr. Dunkenstein” Griffith and former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman will kick off the festivities on Thursday, March 15 and will be available for autographs and photos throughout the morning.
The Plaza downtown will host its annual March Mania viewing party in the Plaza Event Center March 15-18. The nearly 5,000-square-foot event space will have 18 large screen high-definition televisions, stadium style food and drinks, and a satellite betting station. Admission is $15 for a One-Day Pass or $40 for a Four-Day Pass.
The Silverton Casino will feature varying ticket packages for unlimited food and beverages at Shady Grove Lounge and Mermaid Lounge during the tournaments March 15–18. Each venue will be home to a different menu and ticketed guests will be able to catch every bit of the action at both lounges. Tickets start at $50.
There will be beer, shots and basketball at Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood for all the college tournament games from Tuesday, March 13 through Monday, April 2. The March Mayhem viewing parties will include beer buckets for $23 on the Strip-side patio. The LOFT, the luxury event space directly above Cabo Wabo Cantina, will also show games.
SOME ST. PATRICK’S DAY HIGHLIGHTS
The Fremont Street Experience hosts a St. Paddy’s Day weekend blow-out running Thursday, March 15 through Sunday, March 18. There will be 19 bands and more than 40 hours of live performances taking place on three outdoor stages. At noon on March 17, there will be the annual Las Vegas Firefighters Benefit Association St. Patrick’s Day march with uniformed firefighters from across the country joining Las Vegas firefighters and bagpipers for a trek down Fremont Street.
Reminder there will be a party downtown under the canopy at The Plaza starting at 7 p.m. and ending with green fireworks at 10 p.m.
Also, at Downtown Container Park, there will be a “Sham-Rock the Park,” a park-wide St. Patrick’s Day beer bash with live entertainment from 3 to 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 online and $20 at the gate. Each ticket grants access to bottomless beverage options including Guinness and shamrock-hued PBR drafts.
Commonwealth in the heart of Fremont East Entertainment District will hold a “shamrockin’” party starting at noon on March 17 and offering a hosted open bar to 4 p.m. with well drinks and draft beers for $50 and live performances from local DJs. Commonwealth will open for general admission at 4 p.m., with a performance from The Rayford Bros. band from 5 to 10 p.m.
There are plenty of Irish Pubs around town to frequent including: Nine Fine Irishmen at New York-New York with an authentic bar imported from Ireland; Rí Rá Irish Pub at Mandalay Bay; Hennessey’s Tavern on Fremont Street where you can order the world’s largest pint served in a souvenir, 64-ounce glass; McMullan’s Irish Pub at 4650 W. Tropicana Ave. across from The Orleans; J.C.’s Irish Sports Pub at JW Marriott; McFadden’s Restaurant & Saloon at Town Square serving signature 80-ounce fishbowl cocktails; Tilted Kilt and O’Sheas Casino & Bar with two indoor bars Dublin UP and the corner Lucky Bar at the LINQ Promenade.
There will be a parade down the LINQ Promenade at noon with bagpipers, leprechauns, stilt walkers and anything else embellishing St. Patty’s Day.
MB Steak inside Hard Rock Hotel will celebrate starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 17 with a St. Patrick’s Day party complete with drinks, music, bagpipers and more. Available exclusively for the night will be drink specials including the “Get Lucky” cocktail, made with Jameson Irish whiskey, peach schnapps and fresh sour mix for $16 and Guinness priced at $9.
The Celtic Feis event for the ninth year at New York-New York will start on March 16 at 4 p.m. with a parade from The Park ending on the Brooklyn Bridge. On March 17, visitors can start the day with a march at 10:30 a.m. at The Park led by The Las Vegas Pipe Band. Festivities at the Brooklyn Bridge will run 11 a.m-3 p.m.
Off the grid and different will be XCYCLE Las Vegas’ second “Bikes and Brunch” charity event for the Patrick Kelley Youth Foundation (PKYF). For a $40 donation, riders can celebrate the “green” holiday for a good cause and get an intense 45-minute cardio workout at 12:15 followed by a complimentary brunch catered by Rachel’s Kitchen and Pressed Juicery.
CraftHaus Brewery and Ethel M Chocolates are teaming up to present a special St. Patrick’s Day tasting featuring seasonal beers and chocolates and an in-depth lesson on pairings from a chocolatier and brewery owner, Wyndee Forrest for 30-45 minutes. Sessions will be held at the Ethel M Chocolates Factory Tasting Room in Henderson at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. on March 17. Cost is $25, call 702-435-2608.
This St. Patrick’s Day, participating Baskin-Robbins stores nationwide will be offering a free sample of its Mint Chip ‘n OREO® Cookies Milkshake on Saturday, March 17 from 3–7 p.m. On Saturday, March 31, guests can enjoy all regular and kids-sized scoops of any flavor for $1.50.
SWITCHING TO MEXICAN MUSIC FOR A NIGHT
On Sunday, March 18, the day after St. Patrick’s Day, Los Temerarios and Baruch will appear in the Westgate Ballrooms at 8 p.m. Los Temerarios is a Mexican romantic music group started by brothers Adolfo and Gustavo Angel and their cousin Fernando Angel in 1978. The group has recorded more than 20 albums and been honored with multiple awards and nominations. The band has sold close to 50 million albums and has toured globally. Tickets range from $70 to $229.
SEAQUEST INTRODUCES ASIAN SMALL-CLAWED OTTER PUPS
SeaQuest Las Vegas, an interactive aquarium located inside the Boulevard Mall not far from the Strip, now has two new Asian small-clawed otter pups, which is following the addition of two coatimundi and two capybaras. These otter pups are the smallest of the 13 otter species, grow approximately three feet long from head to tail, and weighing on average 12 pounds as adults. They are classified as “vulnerable” because they are likely to become endangered unless threatening circumstances improve.
For a limited time, SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium is offering discounted tickets online starting at $8.95. To purchase a discounted ticket, search Vegas visit SeaQuest online.
DISCUSSION – CHINA, U.S., AND NORTH KOREAN WMD
Next speaker at the National Atomic Testing Museum NATM) will be Dr. Oriana Skylar Mastro, speaking on “The Day After: China, the U.S., and the Rush to Secord North Korean WMD” on Saturday, March 31 with a meet and greet at 2 p.m. and lecture at 2:30 in the NATM Theatre. Mastro is assistant professor of security studies at Georgetown University. She will make the case that China would intervene and seek control of North Korea’s nuclear facilities and weapons of mass destruction. Cost is $5 and free to museum members, call 702-794-5151 to RSVP.
THE SUGAR COOKIE OPENS SECOND VALLEY OUTLET
The Sugar Cookie’s second locations has opened in Henderson at 10960 Eastern Ave. Suite 109 offering gourmet sugar cookies in a variety of different flavors including lemon, cherry, chocolate, red velvet, coconut, and many more. For the opening last week, the business rolled out two new flavors: Cinnamon Roll with cream cheese frosting and candied walnuts and Chocolate Caramel with sea salt. The Sugar Cookie also makes cookies in mini size, frosted or non-frosted, shortbread, and can turn any pair of cookies into an ice cream sandwich. The first Las Vegas location is at 4624 W. Sahara Ave.
