BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: April 22, 2018
‘A MOB STORY’ WILL DEBUT AT PLAZA
An original production, “A Mob Story,” will open at the Plaza downtown in July. Set to today’s popular music, the show will follow the exciting role mobsters played in Las Vegas’ history. The host taking the audience on the journey will be the last Godfather, former Colombo family capo, Michael Franzese, along with 180-degree visual effects and themed choreography. Former Las Vegas Mayor and famous mob attorney, Oscar B. Goodman will be an ambassador to the show and make special appearances.
Jeff Kutash, the mob show’s producer and director, is known for creating “Splash” at the former Riviera, which won “Las Vegas Show of the Year” 12 times. For his new creation, Kutash has recruited a first-class team of dance masters and Broadway theatrical designers along with a cast of 25 singers, actors, and dancers. Tickets start at $59.99 general admission, $79.99 VIP, and $150 for platinum.
ROCK BAND YES WILL BRING 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR TO WESTGATE
Legendary rock band YES, featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman, are celebrating their remarkable decades-long career with a new world tour. The 2017 Rock & Roll Hall of Famers will bring their “Quintessential YES: The 50th Anniversary Tour” to Westgate’s International Theater on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40, $65, $85 and $125.
CINCO DE MAYO HAPPENINGS
The Plaza downtown is planning a free Cinco de Mayo party under the bright lights of the entrance dome on Saturday, May 5 starting at 7 p.m. Entertainment will feature a Mariachi band, Folklorico dancers, eight Lucha Libre wrestling matches and DJ spinning top radio hits and Latin music. Festivities will include downtown’s largest piñata with prizes and authentic food and drinks specials.
In Downtown Summerlin, Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant will host an all-day fiesta with mariachis, traditional Mexican food and Patron Barrel Select Reposado shot specials on May 5.
Tacos & Tequila (T&T) at the Luxor will host its 5th “Sexy de Mayo” fiesta in celebration of Cinco de Mayo from 6 to 9 p.m. This year’s edition is inviting guests to meet and mingle with international model and social media personality Carmen Ortega, to dance to the music of Los Angeles-based mariachi band Mariachi Los Toros, and to enjoy $5 drink specials.
Commonwealth in the Fremont East Entertainment District downtown will partner with the Vegas Golden Knights (VGK) Foundation to host a “Seersucker and Sombreros” party in celebration of the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 5. The afternoon will be celebrating the 144th annual Kentucky Derby with a classic mint julep, passed hors d’oeuvres, music by The Moonshiners Band, and the opportunity to win prizes by entering in a Derby hat competition. At 5 p.m., Commonwealth will open its rooftop patio for a Cinco de Mayo fiesta. Tickets to the “Seersucker and Sombreros” party are $20 online and $30 at the door with all event proceeds going to the VGK Foundation.
Freed’s Bakery, the featured bakery on Food Network’s “Vegas Cakes,” will create two festive cupcakes in celebration of Cinco de Mayo: The Tequila Sunrise and the Horchata. Each cupcake is $3.25.
RAMON AYALA WILL VISIT THE STAR OF THE DESERT ARENA IN PRIMM
Latin award-winning artist Ramon Ayala will appear in concert at the Star of the Desert Arena in Primm on Saturday, May 5 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $40.
Ayala is known as the “El Rey del Acordeon (the king of the accordion),” which is an instrument he began playing at age six. He eventually performed in several notable bands before setting out on his own and forming the legendary band Ramon Ayala y sus Bravos del Norte. The group earned multiple Grammy nominations and awards including Latin Grammy awards for albums “Quemame Los Ojos” in 2001 and “El Numero Cien” in 2002. Ayala has been in the music industry for more than 50 years and continues to be one of the leading influences of Norteño music.
HOOTERS HAS NEW SHOWS
Media was treated to a preview of two new shows at Hooters in the Night Owl Showroom, which are joining an established roster with master impressionist Gordie Brown, the quirky 4 p.m. “Worst Show in Las Vegas,” and “The Dirty Joke Show” starring Geechy Guy.
One show is “Cons of Comedy,” with an unconventional mix of standup comedy and acrobatics. Theming the show, “Cons of Comedy” takes place in a maximum-security prison where three talented inmates sitting on death row. Overseeing the inmates all wearing orange jumpsuits is a twisted warden. Shows are Thursday through Sunday at 9 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday.
“Electric Candy” is a late night 10:30 p.m. sultry and sexy tour through a sensual dream world. The show is an interactive vignette style production blurring the line between relaxing lounge, nightclub and stage show. With an all-girl non-topless cast of fabulous beautiful dancers, the audience can even wander around and dance.
GUITARIST JESSE COOK WILL PERFORM AT RED ROCK RESORT
Master guitarist Jesse Cook will return to Las Vegas for a special performance at Red Rock Resort inside Rocks Lounge on Friday, Oct. 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $45.
Cook was born in Paris before his parents moved back to their homeland Canada where he started guitar lessons. He studied classical guitar at the Royal Conservatory of Music, moved on to York University, and studied jazz at Berklee College in Boston. On his albums and in concert, Cook developed his signature synthesis of world music. He’s released 10 genre-defying albums, garnering 11 Juno (Canada’s Grammy) nominations – and one win in 2001 for “Free Fall.”
TROPICANA WILL HOST ‘SUMMER COOKOUT WITH ROBERT IRVINE’
The Tropicana will host the second “Summer Cookout featuring Robert Irvine” on Thursday, June 14, which will be the kick-off affair for the 12th installment of Las Vegas Restaurant Week. Proceeds from the evening event will benefit Three Square Food Bank for the second year.
The cookout is open to the public and will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. at Robert Irvine’s Public House at the Tropicana. Tickets are $100 VIP, $50 general admission, and $40 for active military, veterans and local law enforcement including first responders.
Las Vegas Restaurant Week began in 2007 as an opportunity to help by dining out. Proceeds from Restaurant Week benefit Three Square.
VEGAS UNCORK’D BY BON APPÉTIT IS A FOUR-DAY CULINARY SOIREE
The 12th annual Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit taking place May 10-13 is adding four new events to the long list of select top-tier experiences planned at Caesars Palace, The Cosmopolitan, The Cromwell, MGM Resorts’ The Park, The Venetian and The Palazzo. Check the Vegas Uncork’d website to purchase tickets and for the full list of elite events.
New events include: An Afternoon Social with Michael Mina at Bellagio, May 11; Top Shelf: The Grand Tasting at Caesars Palace, May 11; Burgers & Beats at Black Tap with Chef/Owner Joe Isidori at The Venetian, May 12; and Vodka & Caviar Happy Hour with Modern Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim at Mandalay Bay, May 12.
Vegas Uncork’d will end on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13. Chef Lorena Garcia will be celebrating the one-year anniversary of CHICA at The Venetian with a “Mom-Mosa Brunch.” Another offering will be the Rao’s Italian Brunch with The Rao’s Family at Caesars Palace. Chef Giada De Laurentiis will hold a special pre-Mother’s Day brunch on Saturday, May 12 at The Cromwell with her family including daughter Jade.
ATLANTA RHYTHM SECTION, BRIAN CULBERTSON HEADLINE AT ALIANTE
Southern rock band Atlanta Rhythm Section and contemporary jazz, R&B and funk artist Brian Culbertson will be headlining in the Access Showroom at Aliante in May.
Atlanta Rhythm Section will be center stage at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 12. Hailing from Doraville, Ga., the group was formed in 1970 and skyrocketed to fam in 1977 with the release of their breakthrough single “So Into You.” The following year, the band released their platinum-selling album “Champagne Jam.” After an extended break, the band reunited in the mid-90s, added new band members and re-recorded some of their best hits. Tickets start at $25.
Award-winning multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Brian Culbertson will headline Friday and Saturday, May 25 and 26 at 8 p.m. Culbertson began playing piano when he was 8 years old and by age 12 had learned to play other instruments, including drums, trombone, bass and euphonium. He started composing his own original music in seventh grade. To date, he has released 30 No. 1 singles and 18 albums. Most recently, Culbertson revealed his “Colors of Love” album with 13 romantic R&B hits. In his show, Culbertson will bring “Colors of Love” to life in a theatrical production incorporating video elements. Tickets start at $30.
CAPEZIO DANCE AWARDS WILL CELEBRATE 130 YEARS OF DANCE
A one-night special awards show on Monday, May 14 at The Smith Center at 7:30 p.m. will celebrate Capezio’s 130 years of excellence. In 1887, Salvatore Capezio opened his first shoe shop to showcase his repair skills. The evening’s production will highlight some of Capezio’s magical history. The show produced and directed by Ann Marie DeAngelo will benefit The Actors Fund and Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Education and Outreach program, Future Dance. Ticket range is $26 to $79.
The show’s host will be Nigel Lythgoe with presenter and past awardee Savion Glover. The Capezio Dance Foundation World of Dance Award Honorees will include: Debbie Allen for life achievement; Wendy Whelan for ballet; David Parsons for choreography; Michelle Dorrance for tap; and Steve “Mr. Wiggles” Clemente as the first in the genre of hip-hop.
FREE BLACK CANYON RAFTING TRIPS OFFERED SCIENCE DAY
In conjunction with the Las Vegas Science & Technology Festival, Black Canyon River Adventures is offering the short 1.5-hour Black Canyon/ Hoover Dam Postcard Tour rafting trip on the Colorado River, on Science Is Everywhere Day, Sunday, April 29. The experience is free, but registration is required, call 702-278-0606. Available tour times are 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and space is limited.
MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL OFFERINGS
For Mother’s Day weekend, an option on Saturday, May 12 is the “D Las Vegas Soap Opera Festival.” Daytime television lovers will have a chance to meet their favorite stars from television’s “The Young And The Restless” including Jason Thompson (Billy Abbott), Amelia Heinle (Victoria Newman), and Bryton James (Devon Hamilton). Fans will have a chance to participate in a 90-minute Q&A, receive an autographed photo, and have an opportunity to take pictures with the cast. The event begins at 3 p.m. in the ballroom on the 12th floor. Tickets can be purchased the D’s casino cashiers for $40.
“Xavier Mortimer’s Magical Dream” show at Planet Hollywood’s Sin City Theatre will honor moms with a complimentary upgrade to VIP seating with the purchase of a general admission ticket for Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 13. Performances are Saturday through Thursday with tickets starting at $49 for general admission and $69 for VIP.
For something different, mothers may enjoy the Sunday musical southern-inspired cuisine Gospel Brunch at House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay on May 13. There will be three special seatings on Mother’s Day at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. Each mother and grandmother attending will be recognized with flowers and special dedicated songs during the set. Tickets are $54.50 and $27.50 for children ages 3 to 11.
Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant in Downtown Summerlin will honor moms with a complimentary champagne brunch and live music in the cantina on Mother’s Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 13.
Life Time Athletic in Green Valley is offering a two-hour, traditional afternoon tea at the Poolside Bistro for Mother’s Day. The event will feature a cocktail menu with endless mimosas and a pear bellini to add to the tea service. Tables are available at noon or 2:30 p.m. Parties of one to three are priced at $60 and four to five are $95. To reserve your seating, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
MAY EVENTS IN NEARBY PAHRUMP
Located an hour west of Las Vegas is Pahrump with a variety of events planned in May beginning Friday-Sunday, May 4-6 with the Wild West Extravaganza and Blue Grass Festival. The three-day free, family-friendly event will have activities, games, and blue grass music at Petrack Park.
The free Pahrump Valley Chamber of Commerce Valley Wide Yard Sale with more than 50 addresses last year is scheduled Friday-Sunday, May 11-13 starting at 7 p.m. at the Pahrump Nugget.
It will be race season Saturdays May 12 and 26 at 7 p.m. at the Pahrump Valley Speedway on one of the only clay-based, high-banked, quarter-mile dirt tracks remaining in the United States. Different classes of cars will include: Modifieds, Super Stocks, Dwarf Cars, Coupes, Bombers, Mod Minis, and more. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children 6-14.
The 12th Annual High Desert International Film Festival will honor the international, independent, filmmaking community Friday-Sunday, May 25-27 at the Pahrump Nugget. An All-Access Festival Pass is $150 and the ticket price for each movie is $3 at the door.
NEVADA SPCA HOLDS ANIMALS IN WONDERLAND EVENT
Nevada SPCA’s annual Animals in Wonderland fundraiser will be held Thursday, April 26 at Wayne Newton’s Casa de Shenandoah. The red-carpet arrival at 5 p.m. with a silent auction will start at the visitor center prior to guests being escorted across the street to the grounds for the event with desserts, wines and an upscale tea bar from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $75; attire is evening cocktail.
QUICK CLIPS
Boca Park’s Art Walk will be held April 28 and 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the outdoor mall located at 750 S. Rampart Blvd.
“Carnival Kings,” a new show on the Cooking Channel, will be filming an episode during the Great American Foodie Fest April 26-29 at Sunset Station. Michelin-starred Chef Richie Farina is hitting the road for an eight-episode series in search of cutting-edge culinary competition at carnivals around the country.
Zappos.com has signed on to serve as the sponsor of The Underground, the new Prohibition history exhibition at The Mob Museum. As The Underground’s signature sponsor, Zappos will enjoy other unique privileges and onsite exposure. For example, one of The Underground’s monthly beer selections available to the public will be crafted in collaboration with the Zappos team and will be known as “Zap on Tap.”
Park on Fremont downtown with a stylish cocktail bar and indoor/outdoor restaurant will celebrate its five-year anniversary on Thursday, May 10 with an open bar from 7 to 10 p.m. and a DJ prevailing over music.
“Masters of Illusion” recently celebrated its 100th performance in the Jubilee Theater at Bally’s.
The fifth annual Marquee Millionaire Slot Tournament will return to the M Resort May 4-6 offering Marquee Rewards players, who have qualified at events at Marquee Rewards casinos nationwide, the chance to win big money.
SOME CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS
Any given day or night, celebrities can be sighted enjoying themselves around Las Vegas having dinner, taking in shows, and partying at nightclubs.
Last week, actor Joey Lawrence, of television’s “Blossom” fame had dinner at Mr. Chow in Caesars Palace and then attended the resort’s popular “Absinthe” show. Pop singer Jason Derulo was spotted for a night out at 1 OAK Nightclub inside The Mirage. The multi-platinum recording artist with about six guests stopped by to support fellow musician O.T. Genasis.
More recently country stars were in town for the CMA Awards. “Take Back Home Girl” hitmaker Chris Lane enjoyed a night out at Hakkasan Nightclub inside the MGM Grand with a group of about 14 friends. Chart-topping country artist and “Small Town Boy” singer Dustin Lynch was at Hakkasan after the ACM show around 1 a.m. accompanied with a group of about five friends.
Adding to the star-studded weekend, Grammy Award-winning artist Jason Aldean named Entertainer of the Year at the ACMs was spotted on Saturday night at JEWEL Nightclub inside Aria with his wife Brittany.
“Dancing with the Stars” dancer and soon-to-be Chippendales guest host Tony Dovolani, recently attended an 8 p.m. “Absinthe” performance and afterwards did his photo op with The Gazillionaire.
