BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: June 17, 2018
TRAVIS PASTRANA ATTEMPTS THREE EVEL KNIEVEL FEATS
History®, Nitro Circus and Caesars Palace are partnering for “Evel Live,” a three-hour live event airing on Sunday, July 8 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on the History® channel.
The program will feature motorsports superstar Travis Pastrana, an 11-time X Games gold medalist, paying tribute to Evel Knievel, the founding father of motorcycle stunts, while also aiming to the push daredevil limits even farther. Pastrana will attempt to surpass three of Knievel’s most famous jumps over the course of three hours, including jumping the length of 52+ crushed cars and 16 Greyhound buses directly behind Planet Hollywood, Paris and Bally’s. The final jump will take place at Caesars Place over the resort’s iconic fountains.
The non-ticket events are free and open to the public. The public can access the jumps behind Bally’s, Paris and Planet Hollywood beginning at 3:30 p.m. and at Caesars Palace beginning at 6 p.m. If successful, Pastrana will break Knievel’s records and will be the first person to complete three of Knievel’s greatest jumps consecutively.
In addition, Caesars Palace is offering up to 30 percent off stays at Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas Resorts through Dec. 28, 2018, if the stay is booked by July 31, 2018, using the code “JUMP” at Caesars.com. Blackout dates apply.
CELEBRATING JENNIFER LOPEZ’S 100TH LAS VEGAS SHOW
Jennifer Lopez, who gives new meaning to the term “Wonder Woman,” is a virtual whirlwind of momentum with hit TV shows, recording music including her newest single “Dinero,” maintaining a high-profile paparazzi life and romance, and throwing in her headlining residency, “Jennifer Lopez: All I Have,” at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood. Appreciation for the glitzy lady in constant movement included the presentation of a lavish cake presentation on-stage and an afterparty in the exclusive 10,300-square-foot Nobu Villa atop Nobu Hotel at Caesars Palace.
Someone had the job of calculating the show’s fun statics and here are a couple: 850 wardrobe changes; more than 250,000 Swarovski crystals; 5,000 sequins; 10,000 feathers; 2,000 songs performed; 400 dance solos, more than 200 celebrity guests attending; and more than 75 million dollars in gross sales. Her show is a certifiable HIT!
SHOWS CLOSING
Shows not lasting long are somewhat common in Las Vegas. The newest production to bite the dust and close on June 17 is “Marilyn! A New Musical” at Paris. The show opened May 23 and according to reports some sets hadn’t even arrived on time. Since this reporter wasn’t invited, it is hard to comment on the show, but reviews weren’t the best. It’s been announced the show is on hiatus and will reopen on Sept. 4, but it’s probably best not to place a bet on it.
Ruby Lewis who played the title Marilyn role left “Baz: A Musical Tour de Force” at the Palazzo Theater; however, she doesn’t have to feel bad because the show will close on Sunday, July 29. At least “Baz” as it’s casually referenced has had a good run. It originally opened in 2015 at Light Nightclub in Mandalay Bay and closed after a couple months. Surprising everyone, it reopened in July 2016 at the Palazzo and enjoyed success especially with the musical talent being so outstanding. So maybe there is hope for “Marilyn.”
A SHOW THAT LIVES ON
The cult-classic “Rocky Horror Picture Show – Live!” will return to House of Blues at Mandalay Bay on Sunday, July 29 at 7 p.m. The memorable 1975 musical will come to life in a completely immersive, off-the-stage Rocky Horror Picture Show Experience presented by an assemblage of talent from shows on the Strip and from around the city. Fans will be doing the Time Warp again. Tickets start at $10.
NEW RESTAURANTS WILL OPEN AT PALACE STATION
Palace Station will be debuting new first-to-market restaurant concepts and a brand-new Feast Buffet as part of the resort’s $192 million modernization plan. The new outlets – bBd’s (Beers Burgers Desserts), Boathouse Asian Eatery, Mumfresh Asian Eats, and Feast Buffet – will open this summer. The new dining venues will join the already established 18-seat Oyster Bar, Little Tony’s created by 12-time World Pizza Champion, Tony Gemignani, and the Charcoal Room steakhouse.
Highlights at bBd’s will include paying homage to the burger using USDA Certified Prime Beef hand-butchered and pattied in the restaurant’s fully visible butcher room, scratch cooking and a choice of three different cooking methods. The menu will also feature wood-fired custom-cut steaks and an extensive vegan and vegetarian selection including the meatless Meatball Parm Hero and Vegan Gyro Taco.
This New York-based restaurant marks a return to Las Vegas for Chef Ralph Perrazzo who spent several years at award-winning restaurants including Bradley Ogden Restaurant at Caesars Palace.
Complementing the food program, bBd’s will highlight an expertly curated craft beer program driven by a custom-designed high-tech draft system.
Boathouse Asian Eatery is created by brother-and-sister team Cat and Tu Do with partner Hans Mogensen from Northern California. The restaurant will offer an eclectic mix of Japanese and east Asian cuisine, serve a large selection of fresh seafood, and offer a selection of small plates, soups, wok and steamed options, and shellfish.
Boathouse Asian Eatery creators will also open Mumfresh Asian Eats, a casual quick serve venue with a teppanyaki-inspired menu inside Palace Station’s Marketplace.
The Feast Buffet, which first debuted at Palace Station in 1988, will have an all-new look, feel, and location on the new casino floor. The 14,000-square-foot buffet will seat 395 guests and have six stations including –The Hearth, Wok This Way, Blazing Grill, Health Favorite, The Carvery and Just Desserts. Stations are grouped by cooking techniques rather than by ethnicity. Sections will offer everything from vegan fare to savory indulgent dishes.
The property-wide renovation also includes: an expanded gaming floor; new bingo room; renovated sports book and poker room; refreshed exterior property look; a resort-style pool; renovated hotel rooms; and Regal Entertainment’s boutique 9-screen movie-plex featuring all-luxury recliner seating and food and beverage offerings. The project is expected to be fully completed later this year.
PLAZA HOST INDEPENDENCE DAY PARTY ON JUNE 30
The Plaza downtown will host its annual free-to-attend Independence Day party on Saturday, June 30 at 7 p.m. at its fully-renovated rooftop pool. The party, where people can swim if they choose, will feature a 10-person, hot dog eating contest sponsored by Hoffy Hot Dogs at 8 p.m. The winner will receive a grand prize valued at more than $1,000. Online registration is open until June 20.
There will also be a buy one, get one free red, white and blue Firework cocktail for $12 and made-to-order food at the Plaza Food Truck.
SUMMERLIN® HOLDS 4TH OF JULY PARADE
The 24th annual Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade will take place Wednesday, July 4 from 9–11 a.m. starting at 8:30 a.m. The parade will feature more than 70 entries, more than 25 giant inflatables, traditional floats, American military heroes, bands, musical groups and a variety of kids’ favorite storybook and cartoon characters. A brand-new float in this year’s lineup will be “Vegas Golden Knights: Vegas Born, Vegas Strong.”
Several other new entries added this year include: “Escape from Jurassic World;” “Hamilton’s America;” “Coco’s Fiesta Espectacular;” “The Greatest Show;” and appearances by The Incredibles, Black Panther, Pennsylvania Lions All-State Band and Paw Patrol.
Putting on a parade this size, which attracts more than 40,000 spectators, features more than 2,500 participants and more than 500 volunteers, and also requires tremendous sponsors. The parade begins at the corner of Hillpointe Rd. and Hills Center Dr. in The Trails village of Summerlin. The parade ends near the corner of Trailwood Drive and Spring Gate Lane.
MORE INDEPENDENCE DAY TIDBITS
The Stratosphere will light up the Las Vegas Strip on Wednesday, July 4 with a fireworks display beginning at 9:15 p.m. A viewing party will be held at Elation rooftop pool with doors opening at 8 p.m. Earlier in the day, from 10 a.m.–6 p.m., locals with Nevada ID will receive free observation tower admission, a $25 per person value, and buy-one-get-one free admission to Crafted Buffet.
Freed’s Bakery featured on Food Network’s show “Vegas Cakes” has The Firecracker Cake, shaped as a red firecracker, available through Wednesday, July 4.
In addition, Freed’s Fourth of July creations include: the “These Colors Don’t Run” cake; “Ameriberries” plump dipped strawberries; and “Americakes,” a holiday-themed cupcake topped with Fourth of July decorations.
The sexy “Fantasy” adult revue at the Luxor will offer complimentary 2018 “Black & White and Nude All Over” calendars, normally $20, to all attendees as well as a 50 percent discount on tickets to veterans and active-duty military service members who attend the 10:30 p.m. show Wednesday, July 4.
HOPPED TACO THROWDOWN IS A CULINARY COMPETITION
Motley Brews’ Hopped Taco Throwdown with endless craft brew samples will be held at Zappos Headquarters’ backyard Downtown from 8 to 11 p.m., with early entry at 7 p.m. for VIP guests, on Saturday, June 23. General admission, which start at $60, and VIP tickets, which start at $85, include endless tacos and craft beer samples with prices varying with purchase times.
This year’s competitors include: Chef John Simmons - Firefly and Tacotarian; Chef Bryan Forgione - Buddy V’s; Chef James Trees - Esther’s Kitchen; Chef Hemant Kishore - The Toddy Shop; Carol Garcia and Carlos Buscaglia – HEXX; Chef Josh Clark - The Goodwich; Chef Bubba Grayer - Jammyland Cocktail Bar & Reggae Kitchen; and more. Each chef’s creations will be judged in three categories: Hopped Taco for best-beer-infused taco; Taco Loco for most creative taco; and Taco Dulce for best dessert taco.
PROJECT ENCHILADA IS DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION PLAN
Project Enchilada will not be a new restaurant. The revitalization program planned for Downtown being dubbed as such will be a master plan project to boost curb appeal with new landscaping, vintage signs being restored, more greenery and retail development. The first area of the plan to get spruced up will be a high-profile stretch of East Fremont Street from Las Vegas Boulevard to 14th Street where there are many closed motels and properties.
LIFEHOUSE WILL PERFORM AT M POOL
American rock band, Lifehouse, will perform at the M Pool on Friday, July 20 at 8 p.m. as part of M Resort’s summer concert series. Lifehouse with singer-songwriter and group founder Jason Wade, Bryce Soderberg on bass, and Ricky Woolstenhulme Jr. on drums has sold more than 15 million records worldwide since they released their debut album, “No Name Face,” in 2001. Tickets start at $29.99.
SLATER’S 50/50 WILL DEBUT FIRST VEGAS LOCATION THIS SUMMER
Southern California burger restaurant Slater’s 50/50, known for over-the-top indulgent burgers, bacon-infused creations, and craft beer, will open the first of three Las Vegas locations in July 2018 at 467 E. Silverado Ranch Blvd, Suite 100. Honoring the Las Vegas community, the venue decor will include life-sized Vegas-style marquee letters greeting guests, two walls made from hundreds of tap handles, and pop art pieces of Slater’s signature burgers, all designed and created by local craftsmen and artists.
The Las Vegas restaurant will feature different menu items like the Impossible Burger and Porkapalooza Platter in addition to menu mainstays. A variety of sides, salads, wings, flatbreads, and local specials will also be presented as well as vegetarian options.
Fifty craft beers will be on tap, including a special showcase of local brews from Crafthaus, Tenaya Creek, and Bad Beat Brewery. A full bar, signature boozy milkshakes, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available.
Slater’s 50/50 will serve breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner, and late-night bites and be open Sunday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.
DINING BEVERAGE TIDBITS
With June being National Steakhouse Month, Twin Creeks Steakhouse at the Silverton is celebrating all month long with a three-course menu for $39. This specialty dinner includes a choice of a 12 oz. prime rib, brick chicken, rosemary-brined pork chops or salmon with sides and a choice of soup or salad and dessert.
For Las Vegas Restaurant Week, June 20-29, which helps Three Square, Twin Creeks is offering a three-course menu for $50.
CraftHaus Brewery because of a cease and desist notice from actor Jean Claude Van Damme’s attorney has renamed its annual release formerly called Jean Claude. The brew was originally named in honor of CraftHaus Brewery’s brewers’ traveling van named, “Jean Claude Damn Van!” Jean Claude, Belgian Golden Strong Ale has been brewed since 2014, and now the brew is referenced as “Not That Jean Claude.” You can’t make this stuff up.
ABOUT TOWN NEW ITEMS
Westgate Resorts has been named title multi-year sponsor of Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s September NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. The World of Westgate 200 will take place at the 1.5-mile superspeedway on Friday, Sept. 14, and will be the second race of the Truck Series playoffs.
Free World Cup viewing parties are being held at Brightside Breakfast & Burgers inside the Plaza downtown starting at 7 a.m. Games during the knockout phase, June 30 - July 14, will be aired in Brightside at 7 and 11 a.m., with the final match at 8 a.m. on Sunday, July 15. With the Plaza being the official hotel partner to the professional soccer team Las Vegas Lights FC, players will join the party on Wednesday, June 27.
While the event is closed to the public, six of the top EA SPORTS™ NHL 18 players in the world will battle at the inaugural 2018 NHL Gaming World Championship Final at Esports Arena Las Vegas at the Luxor on Tuesday, June 19 for a $50,000 grand prize and trip to the 2018 NHL Awards. Six finalists from three regional championships in the United States, Canada and Europe will be competing. The event will be live streamed on Twitch.TV/NHL starting at 1 p.m.
From June 16 through 19, 20 of hockey’s most prized trophies, including the Stanley Cup®, are on display inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino as part of a city-wide celebration of the 2018 NHL Awards™ presented by Hulu. The June 20 event will honor the best hockey players in the world and top performances of the 2017-18 season. NBCSN and Sportsnet will broadcast the event live from The Joint at the Hard Rock in the United States and Canada, respectively, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
The 26th annual convention and 30th anniversary of the founding of The Casino Chip and Gaming Token Collectors Club, Inc. will be held at South Point this week June 21-23. The showroom floor in Exhibit Hall C will be open to the public for $10 paid admission 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on June 21 and $5 on June 22, and will be free on June 23 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Car Show on Eastern by Celebrity Cars will add a blood drive on Saturday, June 23 from 7 to 11 a.m. The Bloodmobile will be in front of Twin Peaks Restaurant. The free car show at 9500 S. Eastern Avenue runs until 10 a.m.
ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS
“Rod Stewart: The Hits,” is back at The Colosseum at Caesars palace June 19, 22, 29 and 30. Global comedy-ventriloquist superstar Jeff Dunham with his new “Passively Aggressive” tour will visit on Wednesday, June 20 and again on July 11.
Comedy legend Sinbad will return to Las Vegas for a special performance at the Grand Events Center inside Green Valley Ranch on Friday, July 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25.
Former NBC “Saturday Night Live” star, Norm Macdonald, returns to the South Point Showroom stage Friday-Sunday, June 29-July 1 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $35.
Hard rock bands Great White and Slaughter, which was formed in Las Vegas, will appear at The Club inside the Cannery on Saturday, July 7. Last year, Great White released their newest album “Full Circle.” Tickets start at $19.95.
CELEBRATIONS AND SIGHTINGS
After winning the Stanley Cup in Las Vegas playing the Vegas Golden Knights, the Washington Capitals celebrated their historic first time win in franchise history at Hakkasan Nightclub at 1 a.m. just hours after they were crowned at T-Mobile Arena. With the Stanley Cup in hand, player Alex Ovechkin led his team to two VIP tables while hoisting the Cup over his head.
Last week, Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Nate Schmidt attended the hit show “Absinthe” at Caesars Palace. He went backstage after the show for a photo with The Gazillionaire.
During their month-long, Las Vegas-run, the national tour cast of the 11-time Tony Award®-winning production “Hamilton: An American Musical” attended the resident “Magic Mike Live” 10:30 p.m. show at the Hard Rock.
