BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: April 1, 2018
LUXOR OPENS ESPORTS ARENA LAS VEGAS
The Strip’s first permanent multidimensional esports venue, Esports Arena Las Vegas, opened at the Luxor elevating Las Vegas as a leader on the global esports stage. The multilevel 30,000-square-foot arena is set up to host every form of competitive gaming from daily play to high-stakes esports tournaments. The design features a competition stage, 50-foot two-story LED video wall, telescopic seating, PC and console gaming stations and a network TV-quality production studio.
Accompanying elements like virtual reality platforms, retro gaming consoles and a comprehensive practical gaming environment menu by Chef José Andrés set the arena apart as an unrivaled esports entertainment experience. A collection of arcade favorites and throwback classics create a retro vibe in the arena’s first floor bar. Beneath a 360-degree video wall and custom-built gaming controller chandelier is the History of Gaming exhibit. Eight generations of consoles give visitors the chance to play history’s most beloved games for free.
Available for renting are five VIP rooms with their own gaming systems, dedicated server and catering as well as other areas including the front lobby, second floor, main hall and the entire arena.
For daily gamers there are more than 100 gaming stations housing PCs and consoles. All-day gaming passes are $25 and local discounts are available.
The arena hours are: noon to 1 a.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday. There is no fee to enter the arena during standard operating hours, excluding ticketed events.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT HOSTS ESPORTS COMPETITION
The second Gears Pro Circuit Las Vegas Open esports competition will take place Friday-Sunday, April 6-8 at Caesars Entertainment Studios, located behind Bally’s. Gears Esports teams from around the world will compete in Gears of War 4 for a prize pool of $150,000.
This event is open to the public. Fans from 13 years-of-age with supervised parental consent can watch the competition with the purchase of the three-day Spectator Pass for $25.
BACK BAR USA HOLDS ANNUAL ‘FOR THE LOVE OF COCKTAILS’ GALA
The fifth annual “For the Love of Cocktails” will bring together the nation’s leaders in spirits, mixology and libations for a five-course wine masters’ dinner at Auerole inside Mandalay Bay on Thursday, May 17 from 6-10 p.m., followed by the annual Grand Gala on Friday, May 18 at Skyfall Lounge and Rivea inside Delano.
For Friday’s decadent main event, VIP ticketholders will have access at 7 p.m. followed by general admission at 8 p.m. Limitless craft cocktail samples will be accompanied by gourmet cuisine from Alain Ducasse’s Rivea.
Ticket sales from the event will be donated to the Helen David Relief Fund for Bartenders Affected by Breast Cancer.
30-PIECE ORCHESTRA PERFORM ROCK TUNES AT DLVEC
The Las Vegas Rock & Roll Orchestra will feature the 30-piece symphonic powerhouse ensemble performing iconic rock hits this from Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Bruno Mars and many more under the musical direction of Emmy-nominated Las Vegas headliner Lon Bronson on April 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center. Tickets start at $20.19.
FREMONT STREET HOLDS FREE SUMMER ROCK CONCERTS
The Fremont Street Experience has announced its powerhouse summer series lineup of chart-topping headliners beginning Friday, May 25 with Candlebox and Cracker. The FREE concerts offer a diverse range of musical genres for audiences of all ages. The upcoming lineup includes: June 30 – SiriusXM Presents Summerland Tour 2018 starring Everclear, Marcy Playground and Local H; July 4 – Billy Ray Cyrus; July 14 – The Cult; Aug. 11 – Molly Hatchet; Aug. 25 – Halestorm; and ending Sept. 29 – RATT and Sebastian Bach.
PALMS WILL OPEN SIGNATURE STEAKHOUSE IN MAY
In May, the Palms will introduce Scotch 80 Prime, a new premier steakhouse and culinary offering as part of the property’s $620 million renovation. The restaurant’s name pays homage to the historical and sought-after Scotch 80s Las Vegas’ neighborhood, which includes 80 acres of land purchased in the early 1900s by the city’s first mayor, Peter Buol.
The dining experience will feature tableside presentations, a dedicated Whisky Program led by Scotch Master Cody Fredrickson, and locally grown, nutrient dense lettuce and herbs from Urban Seed Las Vegas, an indoor aeroponic sustainable agriculture facility. Executive Chef Barry S. Dakake, an original Palms team member and part of the opening team at N9NE Steakhouse, is returning to the kitchen alongside Executive Sous Chef Mark Purdy.
The interior décor will feature rich wood textures, chocolate leather tufted booths and a lot of fine art. A central design feature will be a large statement window overlooking Flamingo Road allowing folks passing by a sneak view of the restaurant’s bar and lounge. An outdoor patio enclosed by a green hedge will offer an al fresco lounge experience.
ABOUT TOWN DINING NEWS
Michael Mina Bellagio will reopen Thursday, April 12 with a re-imagined concept emulating fresh seafood feasts at marketplace paradises and seaside villages from around the world. Chef Mina’s “Market List” menu is the result honoring the global culinary craft of seafood. Located adjacent to the Bellagio Conservatory & Gardens, the completely renovated space reflects Chef Mina’s vision for a seaside village dining experience within the context of fine dining. The expanded dining room features a raw bar and new lounge space as well as a new private dining room for groups up to 24 guests. Hours are 5-10 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
A “One Night, Two Chefs, Three Courses, Fo(u)r a Good Cause” pop-up dinner with a cocktail reception will be held Monday, April 9 at 6 p.m. at The Kitchen at Atomic on Fremont Street with the restaurant’s Chef Justin Kingsley Hall and Chef Gina Marinelli preparing appetizers and a dish for each of the three courses during the event. All-inclusive tickets are $85 with event proceeds benefitting Urban Seed Foundation, which is donating a variety of local seasonal ingredients.
Delmonico Steakhouse at The Venetian has introduced a new three-course weekend Saturday-Sunday lunch menu available from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $38 and $17 bottomless sangria through the summer. Each course offers a pre-designed selection of options.
Family-owned and operated Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar across from the Hard Rock Hotel has debuted Club Diamante, a free membership-based frequent-patrons’ program offering card holders 10 percent off their check, every day of the year. Members will also receive regular correspondence containing exclusive offers.
Andiron Steak and Sea at Downtown Summerlin is planning a special dinner on Tuesday, April 10 featuring a menu of favorites from the recently opened Victor Restaurant at Parq Vancouver. Cost is starting at $59 with an optional beverage pairing for $25.
For National Prime Rib Day on Friday, April 27, Oscar’s steakhouse inside the Plaza’s dome downtown will offer a special prime rib dinner to celebrate for $40 with a complimentary Caesar salad.
POP-UP WHITE PICNIC AFFAIR RETURNS
Perpetually a mesmerizing event, the illusive global phenomenon Le Dîner en Blanc will once again take over a secret Las Vegas location on Sunday, April 29 at 6 p.m. rain or shine. Last year, the event attracted more than 1,000 guests at The Park Las Vegas.
While this will be year two for the event in Las Vegas, it is also marks the 30th anniversary for the event founded in Paris before becoming a world-wide novelty taking place in close to 80 cities in 30 countries.
The secret all-dressed-in-white foodies’ affair has numerous rules. For example, guests must bring: a table, two white chairs, white tablecloth; a picnic basket with fine food, proper stemware and white dinnerware; or choose a catered picnic basket option, which can be picked up at the site.
There are also three stages for registering: Phase 1 is for members from the previous year event; Phase 2 is for new members who are referred by Phase I members; Phase 3 is for people who signed up on the waiting list via the official website.
‘MYSTÈRE’ OFFERS OPEN SATURDAY REHEARSALS
Beginning April 21 the new open rehearsal schedule for Cirque du Soleil’s original must-see production “Mystère” at Treasure Island will be every Saturday 3–3:30 p.m. in the showroom. Fans will have the opportunity to watch cast members rehearsing for the evening’s performance and receive a special show voucher. Spectators are encouraged to post photos on social media, but video and flash photography will not be permitted. Note open rehearsals are subject to cancellation so confirm with the box office at 702-894-7722.
TIME FOR ‘BEST IN SHOW’
The annual heartwarming Best in Show fundraiser with more than 50 dogs from The Animal Foundation on parade will take place at UNLV’s Thomas and Mack Center on Saturday, April 22 at 12:30 p.m. Cost is $5; children 5 and under are free.
Lovable pooches will strut their stuff and compete in a variety of categories including small, medium, large, variety pack, puppies and special needs. A judging panel of local television news personalities will determine which canine will be crowned “Best in Show.” Following the event, all the doggies are available for adoption. Proceeds will benefit The Animal Foundation’s many lifesaving programs.
SONNY TURNER HEADLINES AT SUNCOAST
Sonny Turner, who rose to fame in 1959 replacing The Platters’ original lead singer Tony Williams, will perform at the Suncoast on Sunday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $15.
Turner won the coveted spot out of 100 prospects and began touring the world at age 19 with the group. He also re-recorded The Platters’ most famous hits such as “Only You,” “The Great Pretender” and “The Magic Touch.” Turner was inducted into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Beach Music Hall of Fame for his musical contributions to The Platters.
In 1970, Turner branched out on a solo career. His distinctive vocals were featured on movie soundtracks including: “The Nutty Professor II” starring Eddie Murphy; “Hearts in Atlantis” starring Anthony Hopkins; and “Prince of the City” starring Robert DeNiro.
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ARTISTS MOUNT MIDNIGHT COMEDY PERFORMANCES
Eleven Cirque du Soleil artists will showcase 13 acts created during a seven-day workshop series, dubbed “Make ‘em Laugh,” led by “Zumanity” performer Shannan Calcutt. The comedy presentation “Clowns After Midnight” will be held at the Vegas Theatre Hub on Wednesday, April 4 and Friday-Saturday, April 6 and 7 with doors opening at 11:59 p.m. Tickets are $10.
On Sunday, April 8, the clowns are hosting a party bus leaving The Orleans at noon to the performance and returning by 2:30 p.m.
VIKING SWORD-FIGHTING WORKSHOP
A free sword-fighting workshop to learn how to fight and dress authentically like a Viking will be held Saturday, April 14 at 10 a.m. in Lorenzi Park. Swords and shields will be provided along with safety lessons in performing stage combat by: a former member of Wolves of Odin, an authentic Viking reenactment group; Vikings North America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to Viking authenticity, reenactment and living history; and a current member of the Vegas Viking lodge of the Sons of Norway. Advance registration is not required. Attendees should wear appropriate footwear, long pants and long sleeves.
LAS VEGAS WALKS FOR CAUSES
The AFAN’s 28th annual AIDS Walk Las Vegas will be held Sunday, April 15 at Town Square. For the 17th consecutive year, Penn & Teller serving as grand marshals are encouraging walkers to take the Penn & Teller Challenge, matching every challenger’s $250+ donation dollar for dollar. Last year’s walk had more than 5,500 walkers and raised $300,000. With the dissolving of the HIV/AIDS presidential advisory council, funding for HIV/AIDS research and prevention has plummeted making this fundraiser vital.
Along with 30 vendor booths and a carnival game area, the AIDS Walk will include performances by Melody Sweets, cast members from WOW World of Wonder, Tony Dovolani and cast members from Chippendales, Jennifer Romas from “Sexxy the Show,” and the “Miss Behave Game Show.”
The second ADL Walk Against Hate will be held Sunday, April 29 from 9 a.m. to noon at Springs Preserve to promote diversity and inclusion in Southern Nevada. Presented by Barrick Gold, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is organizing the family-oriented, multi-cultural event, which will also feature entertainment and booths. Cost, which includes a special ADL Walk Against Hate t-shirt, is $20 for adults and $10 per school-age child.
Event proceeds will support ADL’s award-winning A World of Difference® Institute anti-bias and anti-bullying programs and the ADL No Place for Hate® initiative in K-12 schools.
QUICK NOTES
Wu-Tang Clan member and rapper Ghostface Killah will celebrate the holidaze at Brooklyn Bowl with a fire performance on Friday, April 20, at 8 p.m. Dennis Coles aka Ghostface Killah broke onto the scene with the rest of the Wu-Tang Clan after the success of their debut hardcore Hip Hop album “Enter the Wu-Tang” released in 1993. He has landed on MTV’s “Greatest MCs of All Time” list. Tickets start at $24.20.
City Soundtracks will present California Dreamin’ LIVE at Freedom Beat inside the Downtown Grand on Thursday and Friday, April 12-13 from 7 to 10 p.m. The free live music journey will host three main stage performers along with guest performers celebrating the spirit that bubbled up from bands in the Golden State. Along with the musical tribute to this groundbreaking scene, Freedom Beat will be serving-up a special menu of culinary favorites from San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
First Friday, April 6 will celebrate springtime with “Grow” being the theme and featured artist Azia Skeen showing her brightly colored paintings. A new First Friday area will be Hemp Way dedicated to the education and promulgation of the hemp and cannabis. Another highlight will be the chance to meet author and illustrator of “Baxter the Dog” books, Jennifer Hart, who will be bringing Baxter the dog, who is the inspiration for her books.
The Mrs. Nevada-America Pageant will be held at the Suncoast Showroom on Sunday, April 22 at 6 p.m. The competition is the preliminary pageant to the Mrs. America and Mrs. World pageants, giving married women the opportunity to participate in the pageant world and to give back to their communities. Contestants take center stage in the swimsuit, interview and evening gown competitions. Tickets start at $47.71.
SOUTH POINT HOSTS VARIETY OF GIFT SHOWS
Many upcoming events at South Point have gift shows involved. The first is the Glass Craft & Bead Expo Friday-Sunday, April 6-8 in the South Point Exhibit Hall. The expo offers more than 250 specialty classes in hot, warm and cold glass. The “Bead Bazaar” will have handmade and one-of-a-kind beads for sale by some of the most celebrated artists in the country. Tickets start at $15.
Upcoming horse-related events with gift show components include: The Arabian Breeders World Cup and Gift Show Thursday-Sunday, April 12-15; American Quarter Horse Association Level One Championship and Western Gift Expo Wednesday–Sunday, April 18-22; West Coast Regional Finals Rodeo & Western Gift Expo Friday and Saturday, May 4- 5; Wild Card Reining Challenge and Western Gift Show Saturdays, May 19 and 26; and National Barrel Horse Association Professional’s Choice Super Show & Western Gift Show – Thursday-Sunday, May 31-June 3. All the gift expos are open to the public and all are free but one. There’s a $10 charge for the West Coast Regional Finals Rodeo May 4-5.
UPCOMING FUNDRAISERS
With the Academy of Country Music, the ACM Lifting Lives Topgolf Tee-Off will be a new Party for a Cause event hosted by Charles Kelley and Darius Rucker on Saturday, April 14 at 10 a.m. at Topgolf. This event will bring together country music artists, industry leaders, and fans in a fun competition to raise funds and awareness for the ACM Lifting Lives Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund. Throughout the day in The Toyota Yard, there will be with performances by Chris Lane, Tegan Marie, Eric Paslay, and Levi Hummon. General admission tickets are $35.
The 3rd annual Las Vegas Rotary Club Car & Bike Show hosted by Celebrity Cars Las Vegas, located at 7770 Dean Martin Drive, Suite 301, will take place on Sunday, April 15 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost is $30 to enter a car and free to attend. There will be food trucks and live entertainment.
The 9th Annual Ladybug Ball to benefit Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation (NBCF) will be held at the Bellagio on Saturday, April 7 at 6 p.m. MGM Resorts Foundation will be honored for its long-time support of NBCF. Tickets are $300, and proceeds will remain in Southern Nevada.