BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: April 29, 2018
‘RAIDING THE ROCK VAULT’ HAS ANOTHER ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAMER
Bassist Hugh McDonald, who is in the “Raiding The Rock Vault” show at the Hard Rock, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with Bon Jovi in Cleveland earlier this month. McDonald joins fellow “Raiding the Rock Vault” bandmate, guitarist Howard Leese, who was inducted with Heart in 2013. “Raiding the Rock Vault” featuring legendary rock stars is performed at 8:30 p.m. Saturday to Wednesday in Vinyl at the Hard Rock. Tickets start at $69.
OSTERIA COSTA AT MIRAGE CAPTURES ESSENCE OF AMALFI COAST
Osteria Costa opened at The Mirage in space that was formerly Samba Brazilian Steakhouse. Open daily for dinner, the classy airy restaurant has a menu offering Italian dishes meant to evoke the Amalfi Coast including a diverse selection of antipasti, handcrafted pastas, Neapolitan pizzas, hearty entrees, fresh-grilled seafood and more.
The new eatery has an open façade, illuminates with bright colors, and offers a pizza counter with a hearth oven. Seating options include the main dining room, countertop seating, the private “Lemon” room with hand-painted lemon murals embellishing the walls, a lounge and bar space.
BLUE ANGEL MOTEL SIGN ON EXHIBIT BEFORE RESTORATION
“Blue Angel: Between Heaven and Earth” will be a limited-time exhibition of the Blue Angel Motel sign at its new Ne10 Studio at 1001 West Bonanza Road on the “Las Vegas Review-Journal” campus. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, May 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. The exhibition will be free and open to the public Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. from May 25 through July 6.
The classic mid-century Blue Angel hovered above the motel from 1957 until it was removed in 2017 for restoration by the City of Las Vegas. It was created by local sign designer Betty Willis, who remains famous for developing the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign.
For this Ne10 Studio exhibit, the Angel will be surrounded by signs from the Neon Museum collection and Blue Angel-inspired images by multiple artists.
MOB MUSEUM’S UNDERGROUND SEEKS NAME FOR COPPER-POT STILL
The Mob Museum recently opened The Underground sponsored by Zappos and held an Instagram contest (ending April 30) to name the distillery’s artisan copper-pot moonshine pot still, which was custom-made for the Museum by CARL Artisan Distilleries and Brewing Systems in Germany, which is the country’s oldest fabricator. Situated in The Underground basement, the system distills corn-mash moonshine, which is available at the new speakeasy bar and for sale. The still has a capacity of 60 gallons and can distill approximately 250 bottles of 750 ml moonshine per week.
In addition to house-distilled moonshine, The Underground speakeasy features house-brewed craft beer and distilled vodka, Prohibition era-inspired cocktails, draft beer, wines by the glass and non-alcoholic drinks.
SUNCOAST FEATURES TRIBUTE ACTS
Two shows in May will pay tribute to Neil Diamond and Fleetwood Mac at the Suncoast showroom.
Jay White, who 24 years ago began paying tribute to Neil Diamond, will headline Sunday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. White’s excellent renditions of Diamond’s baritone vocals, dance moves and style landed him a nearly nine-year gig in “Legends in Concert” on the Strip, which he followed with an eight-year run performing a solo Diamond show. Early in his career, White performed as part of a doo-wop group, a Top 40 band and numerous musical theater productions. The accomplished artist has performed for First Lady Nancy Reagan, sung the National Anthem at dozens of high-profile sporting events, and appeared with Bob Hope for the American Legion. Tickets start at $19.95.
Formed in Los Angeles, Calif., tribute band “Mirage – Visions of Fleetwood Mac” will honor the music of renowned rock band Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks on Sunday, May 27 at 7:30 p.m. Capturing the famous band’s style and sound, Mirage creates an authentic Fleetwood Mac concert experience, performing great hit songs like “The Chain,” “Dreams,” “Don’t Stop,” “Gold Dust Woman” and more. Tickets start at $10.
THE GOLDEN TIKI UNVEILS RICH LITTLE’S SHRUNKEN HEAD
Celebrity impersonator and the “man of a thousand voices,” Rich Little, now has his own shrunken head at The Golden Tiki last night. Smithsonian artist Terry Barr referencing photos sculpted Little’s head over a four-week period. Glasses were added paying homage to his memorable Jack Benny impression.
Accepting his rather unorthodox honor, Little quipped, “My mom said to me ‘if you don’t give up doing these stupid impressions, you’ll never get ahead in this business.’ I didn’t give up and I did get a head - a shrunken head! I’m glad that's the only thing they shrunk!”
Little joins the bar’s growing shrunken head collection, which includes: entertainers Carrot Top, Frank Marino, Claire Sinclair, Murray Sawchuck, Marky Ramone of The Ramones, Vinnie Paul of Pantera, and Chris Phillips of Zowie Bowie; columnists Robin Leach, Norm Clarke, Monti Rock III; and former Nevada Lieutenant Governor Lonnie Hammargren.
DR. Neil DEGrasse Tyson will visit THE SMITH CENTER
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, the host of StarTalk Radio and FOX’s docuseries “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey,” author of 10 bestselling books, and the Director of the Hayden Planetarium, will be giving a talk and multi-media presentation at The Smith Center on Thursday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $39 to $250.
Renowned astrophysicist Tyson’s newest book is “Astrophysics for People in a Hurry.” In 2001 and 2004, Tyson was appointed by President Bush to serve on commissions studying the future of the U.S. aerospace industry and the implementation of the U.S. space exploration policy, respectively. Tyson has 18 honorary doctorates and the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, the highest award given by NASA to non-government citizens.
HEADLINING ACTS AND PROMOTIONS
Grammy-nominated electronic musician ZHU is confirmed to perform a live set at the intimate Pearl Concert Theater at the Palms on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $49.
Tony Dovolani, best known as a pro dancer on “Dancing With the Stars,” has opened a run as guest host in “Chippendales” through May 27 at the Rio. Being an expert choreographer, Dovolani is the first guest host to choreograph a new number for the show. His creation is a Latin-themed routine.
Los Chicos Del 512 will pay tribute to the music of Selena and bring the Queen of Tejano’s hits to life in a memorable concert experience at The Club at the Cannery on Friday, May 4 at 9 p.m. Tickets are $20.
The Jazz In The Park Series presented by Clark County Parks & Recreation will open at 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 12 with Ghost-Note at the outdoor Clark County Amphitheater. The following lineup will be Bill Frisell May 19, Diane Schuur May 26, Groove Project June 2 and Mindi Abair June 16. Concerts are free, and folks can bring a picnic dinner.
Be one with The Force on Friday, May 4 to score a free galactic cocktail from the OPIUM Theatre bar at The Cosmopolitan by attending the space odyssey show outfitted in Star Wars attire and themed costumes at the 8 or 10 p.m. performances. The four custom galactic cocktails being served in an interplanetary pouch include: Kiss My Aseroid; Gorgon’s Revenge; Sputnik Cage; and Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster.
ABOUT TOWN TIDBITS
The Mt. Charleston Lodge, a popular local and tourist destination at the top of Kyle Canyon, has been purchased by Ellis Island Casino and Brewery. Plans are to only make minor renovations including replacing the draft beer system, buying new furniture, and upgrading the bathrooms.
Moving from the Emergency Arts building, the Burlesque Hall of Fame downtown has a new much larger location at 1027 S. Main Street. The traditional ribbon cutting for the grand opening was a pink boa.
With the big screen release of “Avengers: Infinity War,” Las Vegas’ Children’s Heart Foundation held a special photo shoot to introduce Ezekiel, a 2-year-old miracle Iron Man. This precious child was born with two thirds of his heart and part of his liver and intestines on the outside of his body. With no sternum and five surgeries, he must wear chest protection and was recently outfitted with a specially-designed plate.
On the rooftop Citrus Grand Pool Deck at the Downtown Grand, there will be DJ programming all summer long. Beginning in May, resident DJ Lydia Ansel will liven the environment every Sunday at noon. “Old School By The Pool” will take over every Friday night at 9 p.m. Entry is also free for locals.
RESTAURANT AND BAR NEWS
Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar will present its first wine, cognac and culinary event on Friday, May 11 at 6 p.m., when Feudi di San Gregorio wines and Hennessy cognacs unite for an exclusive four-course dinner “Unparalleled Pairings.” Feudi San Gregorio, located in Irpinia in the Avellino province, is one of the top wineries in Southern Italy’s robust wine-making region. Today, Hennessy Maison founded in Cognac, France, in 1765 by Ireland native Richard Hennessy produces half the world’s cognac. Tickets are $125; call 702-365-5300.
The 9th Annual “Stone Domination” will be held at Aces & Ales at 2801 N. Tenaya Way on Saturday, May 12 at 3 p.m. with 50 taps flowing Stone Brewing beers. There will be a $15 entrance fee, which will include a nine-ounce commemorative glass, first draft taste, $5 tastes afterwards, and four raffle tickets. The other option is just buying beers separately. There will be a special “Stoned Brunch” pre-party from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. with all-you-can-drink Stone Beers, a main entrée and live music is $30.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
The family-friendly annual all-you-can-eat Ice Cream Festival will be held at the Springs Preserve on Saturday, May 12 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This event features a variety of ice cream stations, live entertainment, face painting, storytelling, superhero training, carnival games, crafts, and ice cream eating contest at 11 a.m. Cost is $7 - $10. A Kids Cactus Ice Cream Lesson costing $3 will be held at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3 p.m.
The pet-friendly annual Pet-A-Palooza hosted by Mix 94.1 radio with live entertainment will be held at Sunset Park Saturday, May 5 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. More than 40 nonprofit animal rescue groups will be on hand along with pet store and boutique reps, trainers, groomers, and veterinarians.
The theme for First Friday on May 4 from 5-11 p.m. is “Abundance” – celebrating abundance throughout our community and the world. The evening’s ticketed Rock Star Beer Festival will feature unlimited samples of more than 60 craft beers and some tequila along with live music headlined by Alien Ant Farm, Jill and Julia, and Almost Normal.
CINCO DE MAYO EVENTS
Las Vegas Hispanic publication “El Tiempo” will celebrate Cinco de Mayo by hosting a Cinco de Mayo block party and food festival with free admission on Saturday, May 5 beginning at 5 p.m. at the Cannery. The event will feature: multiple stages with live musical performances by local entertainers, including mariachis; an expansive village of community booths, displays and merchants; a kid’s zone; numerous food vendors; and Lucha Libre wrestling.
Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant in Downtown Summerlin will host an all-day fiesta on May 5 featuring mariachis from noon to 5 p.m., live sports-talk radio, appearances by former NFL players, traditional Mexican food and tequila shot specials. The fiesta will continue throughout the night with live music in the cantina by Siana King beginning at 7 p.m.
ETHEL M SUPPORTS VEGAS’ HOCKEY TEAM
Ethel M Chocolates, the official chocolatier of the Vegas Golden Knights (VGK), is celebrating the team’s inaugural hockey season with an exclusive promotion through the Stanley Cup Finals. Fans who buy two Vegas Golden Knights Classic Collections, which are presented in a sporty VGK-inspired box, will receive on for free.
MOTHER’S DAY HAPPENINGS
The city of Las Vegas will host a Mother’s Day Dance on Saturday, May 12, at 7 p.m. featuring Trombonist Walt Boenig and his big band at the Charleston Heights Arts Center. In 1995, Boeing started the Las Vegas All Star High School Jazz Band and was its musical director for nine years. This event is open to all ages. Tickets are $15, and refreshments will be available for purchase.
Freed’s Bakery featured on Food Network’s “Vegas Cakes,” will celebrate Mother’s Day with a cookie decorating class for moms and their minis on Saturday, May 12. There will be six available “Mommy and Me” 20-minute classes at 2, 2:20, 2:40, 3, 3:20, and 3:40 p.m. Led by the bakery’s decorators, classes will include an opportunity for each guest to decorate heart and flower shaped cookies with an assortment of icings and toppings. Cost is $10.
Cleo at SLS will hold a Mother’s Day jazz and champagne brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 13. The soirée will feature select bottomless cocktails and live entertainment by jazz threesome, Jozef Bobula Trio. Tickets are $45 and $ 11.50 for kids ages 3 to 10 years old.
KENTUCKY DERBY CELEBRATIONS
Beer Park at Paris will host a rooftop Kentucky Derby viewing party with mint juleps, complimentary champagne courtesy of Veuve Clicquot and a trumpet player starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 5. Live betting will be available at the venue’s in-house sportsbook. Beer Park will be giving away free drinks and prizes to guests who correctly guess the winning horse.
SLS will have a day of drink specials on May 5 at the Center Bar, Northside Café & Chinese Kitchen and Umami Burger, Beer Garden & Sports Book to celebrate the Kentucky Derby. Signature Mint Julep cocktails will be $6 in honor of the annual Run for the Roses. Guests placing wagers of $20 or more at the onsite William Hill Sports Book inside Umami Burger will receive a limited-edition William Hill souvenir glass.
GREEN VALLEY RANCH RESORT HOLDS WEEKEND POOL PARTIES
The Pond at Green Valley Ranch Resort will hold adult pool parties on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. beginning May 5 with a live DJ from noon-6 p.m. Some dates will evoke special themed party events with each offering a free braiding station by the resort’s salon, games such as Connect 4 and Cornhole, and oversized pool toys.
Future special event dates include: May 5 Snack ‘n Splash; May 26 Throwback Pond Party; June 16 Boots & Bikinis; June 7 Swim & Sip; Aug. 4 Vegas Golden Knights cheerleaders from 1-3 p.m.; and end of the season party Sept. 1 Final Runway.
MAY IS MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH
On a regular basis, Las Vegas restaurants, attractions, resorts, etc. offer discounts to the military and veterans. With May nationally recognized as Military Appreciation Month even more opportunities will exist. Here are a few offers.
Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood will salute the troops by donating profits from every $13 “All-American” cocktail purchased to Wounded Warrior Project and offering a 20 percent military discount all month long.
Therapy restaurant downtown on Fremont Street will offer a 10 percent discount on all food and drink items.
Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant in Downtown Summerlin will offer a 20 percent discount on Tuesday, May 1, and 10 percent discounts the rest of May.
Wet’n’Wild waterpark will host Armed Forces Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, May 19 and 20. Active members of the United States military will receive one free general admission park ticket and can purchase up to six discounted general admission tickets for $19.99 each.
The+Source with two valley locations will double its military discount to 20 percent throughout May.
ABOUT TOWN RECENT SIGHTINGS
At any given time, there are famous people visiting Las Vegas. A person whose name is in the news daily right now, Stormy Daniels, paid a surprise visit to gentlemen’s club Crazy Horse III.
CinemaCon was in town last week and movie stars were abundant. Actor Matthew McConaughey, who was in Las Vegas to promote his upcoming film “White Boy Rick,” was spotted at OMNIA Nightclub’s open-format ultra-lounge Heart of OMNIA inside Caesars Palace with his wife Camila Alves. They made their way out of the late-night spot a little after 2 a.m.
Actress Cassandra Peterson known as horror hostess “Elvira, Mistress of the Dark” from “Elvira’s Movie Macabre” attended the new spaceship of fools show “OPIUM” at The Cosmopolitan.
