BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: March 18, 2018
KIND HEAVEN EXPECTED TO TRANSFORM LINQ PROMENADE
Kind Heaven will be a new family-friendly entertainment venture opening at The LINQ Promenade in 2019 and it is expected to transform the attraction’s streetscape. The new project is a three-way partnership with Perry Farrell creator of Lollapalooza, Immersive Artistry and Caesars Entertainment.
Farrell created the touring festival Lollapalooza in 1991 and brought the underground to the forefront of popular culture. The Grammy nominated singer-songwriter is best known as the lead man for the legendary alternative rock band Jane’s Addiction formed in 1986. He will curate the soundscape for Kind Heaven.
Los Angeles-based Immersive Artistry (IA) creates immersive, multisensory, communal experiences for audiences taking them on journeys by combining state-of-the-art technology with Hollywood storytelling and 360-degree experiences involving all the senses.
Kind Heaven is supposed to be a sensual exotic journey featuring the best of Southeast Asian culture, music, food, drink and fashion, etc. It will leverage RF technology and advanced wearable tech to create a personalized experience, and cash free environment.
WITH LONGEVITY TERRY FATOR CREATES MORE STAGE FRIENDS
Last week, famed ventriloquist Terry Fator, who was catapulted to fame after winning “America’s Got Talent,” celebrated his 9th anniversary as a resident headliner at The Mirage. When he first began his Las Vegas-run, Fator made a goal to keep the show fresh and introduce new characters each year as a fan thank you. This year his new cast members are stars Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney.
Fator introduces Jackson first with his greatest hits and then brings on McCartney for a puppet duet with the master working both puppets at one time. McCartney follows this feat performing Beatles classics.
The legendary pop stars join the cast with Fator’s most lovable characters –Winston the Impersonating Turtle, the world’s greatest Elvis impersonator Maynard Tompkins, Vikki the Cougar, Fernando V. Francisco, Emma Taylor, “President Donald Trump,” “Sir Elton John,” and others. Fator has done a great job branding his stardom and the standout is Winston, who makes an irresistible stuffed toy, which can be purchased in the gift shop.
“Terry Fator: The VOICE of Entertainment presents Terry Fator Tonight” is preformed Monday–Thursday, as well as select Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $59.
PARK MGM OPENS ITS NEW POOL OASIS
There’s a new pool experience at Park MGM, which is part of a partnership between MGM Resorts and Sydell Group to transform Monte Carlo into two separate hotel adventures. The new layout features three pools – South, East and North, a big heated spa, 12 cabanas, and multiple bars along with light bites. The pool-scape with a commitment to environmental responsibility incorporates sustainable horticulture and trees saved from the existing site.
ALICE COOPER BRINGS ‘A PARANORMAL NIGHT’ TO THE PEARL
Alice Cooper released his 27th album “Paranormal” last July via earMUSIC and now plans a summer tour “A Paranormal Night with Alice Cooper” with a stop at the Pearl Concert Theater in the Palms on Friday, Aug. 10 at 8 p.m. The Vegas stop is one of two on the tour featuring special guest guitarist Ace Frehley. Tickets start at $59.
Before the summer visit, fans can catch Cooper portraying King Herod in the live television production of the rock musical “Jesus Christ Superstar.” The show will air on Easter Sunday, April 1 on NBC.
KIEFER SUTHERLAND WILL BE SINGING AT RED ROCK RESORT
Kiefer Sutherland, an acclaimed actor for more than 30 years, will make his Las Vegas musical debut performing hits from his first country album “Down In A Hole” at Rocks Lounge inside Red Rock on Saturday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m., with special guest Rick Brantley. Tickets are $45, $75 and $99.
Unknown to many over the course of Sutherland’s acting career, he has taken on other vocations with the same kind of dedication and commitment as he has towards acting. The first one around 1992 was that of a cattle rancher for nearly a decade and competitive cowboy roper in the USTRC team roping circuit.
In 2002, Sutherland, with music partner and friend Jude Cole, began a small record label called Ironworks to record local musicians and distribute their music. In 2009, Sutherland left the label to recharge. In early 2015, Sutherland played Cole two songs he had written to record as demos for other artists. The album grew organically until their collaboration resulted in Sutherland’s debut album “Down In A Hole.”
Rick Brantley, a preacher’s son born and raised in the musical mecca of Macon, Ga., barely out of high school got a publishing contract and moved in Nashville. Since then, his songs have been covered by artists ranging from Meat Loaf to country crooner David Nail, while he’s honed his stage chops as a solo performer, opening for diverse acts such as John Hiatt, Zac Brown Band, and Better Than Ezra. Brantley’s newest EP is “Hi-Fi” and on the rock side.
COMEDIAN BILL BELLAMY WILL VISIT THE FOUNDRY AT SLS
Actor Bill Bellamy will be the first stand-up comedian to headline at The Foundry at SLS. The former MTV video jockey will do two shows on Friday and Saturday, April 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $20.50.
New Jersey native Bellamy became recognized from HBO’s “Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam.” He has since voiced the lead role in Nickelodeon’s hit show “Cousin Skeeter,” starred alongside comedians Jon Lovitz and Tim Meadows, and made appearance on television programs including NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” and E!’s “Chelsea Lately.”
MAKE EASTER A SOULFUL EXPERIENCE WITH A GOSPEL BRUNCH
Looking for a different way to celebrate Easter, you might consider the family-friendly Easter brunch at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay on Sunday, April 1. There will be two seatings at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets are $54.50 for adults and $27.50 for children 3–11.
Kids will receive a special treat upon arrival to their seat. It will be a bountiful Easter basket with eggs, prizes and sweet treats and the Easter Bunny will make a special appearance to take photos. For adults, a raffle will take place with tickets to upcoming House of Blues performances.
The all-you-can-eat Gospel Brunch is non-denominational. The buffet menu features southern specialties, morning feast favorites, carving stations, an array of salads and cold items, plus create-your-own Bloody Mary and mimosa bars.
ETHEL M HOLDS SPRING SPECTACULAR
The Spring Spectacular presented by Ethel M Chocolates will offer family fun two weekends in a row March 24-25 and March 31-April 1 from 1 to 5 p.m. There will be the opportunity to take a picture with the Easter bunny, along with a variety of activities including face painting, balloon artists, and a bounce house.
The first weekend will offer an on-site petting zoo and the second weekend will have a unicorn. The event is free and open to the public.
THE ORLEANS LINES UP ROCK AND COUNTRY ACTS
In April, The Orleans has lined up country and rock stars to headline the showroom. Canada’s rocker Burton Cummings leads the way April 1, 5 and 6. Cummings began his career in the 1960s as lead singer of the Canadian rock band The Guess Who, which had hits such as “American Woman” and “These Eyes.” The band became the first Canadian group to reach No. 1 on the U.S. Hot 100 charts and to earn a Platinum album for selling more than 1 million copies in the United States. Cummings as a solo artist earned 80 Platinum and Gold record awards. Tickets for his 9 p.m. performances begin at $39.95.
April Wine will be center stage Saturday, April 7 at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $24.95. This rock group began in 1969 in Nova Scotia, Canada, and made 16 studio albums. They recorded in the ‘70s and ‘80s. The 1972 single “You Could Have Been a Lady” topped the Canadian charts at No. 1 and remained on the U.S charts for 11 straight weeks, cracking the Top 30.
Multi-platinum singer, songwriter, and guitarist Aaron Lewis is booked Sunday, April 15 at 8 p.m. Lewis’ fame started for him as the frontman for rock band Staind. In 2011 with the release of his debut country EP, “Town Line,” and the single “Country Boy,” he became part of the country music scene. In 2016, Lewis released his “SINNER” album with 11 songs, including his version of country singer-songwriter Bruce Robinson’s hit “Travelin’ Soldier,” featuring vocals from his daughter Zoe Lewis. Tickets start at $49.95.
PURPLE REIGN ADDS SHOWS AND TALENT AT TROPICANA
Purple Reign, the amazing Prince tribute show at the Tropicana is adding two more weekly shows to its Las Vegas-residency. Starting April 3, the show will run Tuesday through Sunday, six days a week at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $49.99.
Another change will have a second Prince tribute artist Julian Stefoni headlining along with Jason Tenner, who originated the role. Stefoni isn’t new to the scene and since Prince’s death, demand has been high. Portland-based musician Stefoni has been leading the Erotic City Prince Tribute band. He’s performed Prince tributes for the past 26 years, and in 2000, he met the late artist and appeared on stage with him.
INTIMATE EVENING - MICHAEL FEINSTEIN WITH LIZA MINNELLI
This will be an up close and personal evening with singer-pianist Michael Feinstein at The Smith Center in Reynolds Hall on Friday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m. He will give an intimate retrospective with Oscar, Tony, Grammy and Emmy winner Liza Minnelli through stories and rarely seen video. Backed by Feinstein’s versatile band, each will perform and share incredible moments from their dazzling careers. Ticket range is $39 - $175.
CITY PROVIDES JAZZ MUSIC FOR FREE
The 29th annual “Jazz in the Park Concert Series,” presented by Clark County Parks and Recreation is a cultural happening, which is free including parking to attend at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway. The lineup this year includes: Ghost-Note May 12; Bill Frisell, Trio Tony Scherr & Kenny Wollesen on May 19; Diane Schuur May 26; The Groove Project featuring Marcus Anderson, Oli Silk and JJ Sansaverino June 2; and Mindi Abair & The Boneshakers June 16.
Performances start at 6:30 p.m. Food and drinks are available on site. Many folks bringing baskets, blankets, and low-back chairs can start setting up at 5 p.m.
EDC EXPERIENCE EXTENDS TO DAY AND NIGHT CLUBS
North America’s largest dance music festival, Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) will run from dusk until dawn at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, May 18-20. Leading up to the 22nd edition of EDC will be a week-long schedule of massive day and night parties featuring more than 55 renowned dance music artists performing all around the Strip’s day and nightclub venues during EDC Week May 16–23.
It’s especially great for fans who miss out on EDC tickets. EDC Week shows and artists are separate from the EDC festival lineup and more EDC Week events will be announced in the coming weeks.
BEER TIME WITH 8TH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN FESTIVAL
The Great Vegas Festival of Beer will be held two days downtown on Friday, April 6 and then on National Beer Day, Saturday, April 7. How convenient! Expected are more than 10,000 attendees over the two days.
The festival will kick off with the Mad Craft Experience on Friday with a ‘Bacon and Fakin’ themed competition, where local chefs will cook a variety of craft beer-infused dishes for prizes, and notable breweries will offer tastings. Tickets start at $55.
The Grand Tasting will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday and offer more than 500 craft beers from more than 120 local, regional, national and international breweries. Local chefs will feature beer-inspired and infused cuisine and activities will include a silent disco, karaoke, a pretzel “brewtique” and more. Tickets start at $40 with a tasting glass included.
ATOMIC LUAU PIG ROAST WILL BENEFIT LOCAL HOMELESS YOUTH
Atomic Liquors and The Kitchen at Atomic downtown are holding a luau pig roast on Saturday, March 24 from 2-5 p.m. Both patios will be transformed into a tropical tiki oasis with giant inflatable palm trees, tiki torches, and more while guests are encouraged to wear Hawaiian outfits. Admission is $20 at the door.
Several industry VIPs will take turns in a dunk tank with all funds collected going to benefit the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth’s mission to eliminate homelessness among Nevada’s youth. In addition, Lee Flint will host “Techno Tiki Bingo.”
Atomic Liquors will pour Stone Brewing’s new Scorpion Bowl IPA and create a special tiki beer cocktail. Guests may also bring a bottle of craft beer if they want to participate in the bottle share.
Atomic Liquors on Fremont East is Las Vegas’ oldest freestanding bar and boasts having the first package liquor license and off-sales permit in the city: #00007. The bar is named for customers watching of historic atomic blasts from the roof.
NEW QUARTERLY ART EVENT DEBUTS AT ANIMAZING GALLERY
Animazing Gallery at Grand Canal Shoppes inside The Venetian® and The Palazzo® will be the first Strip gallery collaborating with the Downtown Arts District to support awareness of the Las Vegas art community. Animazing Gallery will give 10 percent of the night’s proceeds to the Arts District.
The first of the quarterly series of events called Art Connect will debut March 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. and showcase one local downtown artist each quarter. The first event will highlight Effie Hlad of the Arts Factory, who will debut exclusive works. Local street violinist Alex Rivers will also be performing.
Hlad is a mixed media artist born and raised in Atlanta, Ga., as a first generation American in a Greek family. For 15 years, her work has been shown in group exhibitions and artistic collaborations including the creation of a mural in the High Museum of Art in 2012. She currently owns and runs her own studio and gallery downtown.
ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Hard rock heavy metal band Blue Öyster Cult will perform in the Access Showroom at Aliante on Saturday, March 24 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $30.
This month, OMNIA Nightclub inside Caesars Palace, which made its debut in March of 2015, celebrated its third anniversary with a special series of events. Over three evenings, the premier nightclub hosted a star-studded lineup including Steve Aoki, Calvin Harris, and Zedd.
Triple threat musician, dancer and actor, Kevin Federline, will celebrate his 40th birthday at Crazy Horse III with a bash beginning at 11:30 p.m. and DJ gig at 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 24.
QUICK NOTES
Last week, Giordano’s Boca Park opened at 8730 W. Charleston Blvd. in a building where Applebee’s was formerly located. This is the second one in the valley since the first opened at the Grand Bazaar Shops on the Strip in 2016. Based in Chicago, Giordano’s is known for its Famous Stuffed Deep-Dish Pizza since 1974.
Beer lovers can celebrate National Beer Day, Saturday, April 7 at Cabo Wabo’s outdoor Strip-side patio with beer buckets for $23, and an array of draft beer including a Sammy’s Red Head or a Wasatch Off Duty IPA for $7.
Wet’n’Wild water park will open a new season Wednesday, March 14 and run through September. For a limited time, the park is offering an opportunity to save up to $30 on a Season Pass – Silver, Gold and VIP – plus receive a free souvenir soda bottle, which can be refilled all this summer for .99 cents and other perks.
One guest at the Eastside Cannery visiting from New York won a $500,000 grand prize this month from SCA Gaming’s “Rainbow to Riches” St. Patrick’s Day game. Once the player got up to the board, she successfully selected 10 Pots of Gold, a remarkable string of luck.
The Bootlegger Italian Bistro has a full-service recording studio, Studio77 connected to the property on the far south Strip for musicians and artists. Production services include: vocal, live instrument, and drum tracking, production and mastering, band rehearsals, production space rentals, etc.
