BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: Sept. 2, 2018
MADAME TUSSAUDS OPENS TEAM-BASED VIRTUAL REALITY ADVENTURE
Madame Tussauds Las Vegas is unveiling its newest team-based virtual reality adventure. In partnership with Virtual Room USA, the collaborative virtual reality experience allows two to four people to participate in up to four, 15-minute timed challenges all the while communicating with teammates.
The game mission set in the year 2217 has a team set off on a journey through historical moments, solving puzzles and challenges along the way. Together, teams will explore Ancient Egypt and the Medieval Ages, come face-to-face with dinosaurs and journey to the moon, under the ocean and beyond… while trying to save the world.
Virtual Room is old as an upgrade with tickets costing $12. The experience is designed for players ages 12 years and up.
KC & THE SUNSHINE BAND-VILLAGE PEOPLE HEADLINE PALACE STATION
KC & The Sunshine Band, the legendary disco-funk band, will return to Las Vegas Saturday, Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. with special guests the Village People to celebrate the grand re-opening of the newly-modernized Palace Station. Tickets are $40.
Harry Wayne Casey is better known as the founder in 1973 and leader of KC & The Sunshine Band. The group’s music is still infectious and makes audiences feel good. Over the years, the band has sold more than 100 million records with hits such as “Get Down Tonight,” “That’s The Way (I Like It),” “Boogie Shoes,” and “Rock Your Baby.”
A good match is the Village People with equally zealous hits like “Y.M.C.A.” and “Macho Man.” Most noteworthy is each member having a distinctive appearance: cop, cowboy, construction worker, American Indian, G.I. and biker.
BROADWAY STAR SHOSHANA BEAN WILL PERFORM AT THE SPACE
Broadway singing veteran Shoshana Bean, who was the first replacement for green-witch Elphaba in “Wicked,” will perform two concerts at The Space, a venue just west of the Strip, on Oct. 25 and 26 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $45-$65 with a two-drink minimum.
Bean made her Broadway debut in the original cast of “Hairspray.” More recently she had the Fanny Brice role in “Funny Girl” and played Cee-Cee Bloom in the new musical adaptation of “Beaches,” for which she earned a Jeff Award Nomination for best lead actress in a musical.
Bean’s endless accomplishments include: singing back up for Michael Jackson at his 30th anniversary concert at Madison Square Garden; performing alongside David Foster, Ariana Grande, and Brian McKnight; as well as arranging vocals for Jennifer Lopez’s “American Idol” performance of “I Luh Ya Papi.”
HARVEST FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS ARTISANS AND CRAFTERS
Tamara Dinius, a self-proclaimed “Passionista” inspired by the world around her, will be among the more than 250 artisans and crafters displaying at the Las Vegas Harvest Festival, Sept. 7-9. Formerly at Cashman Field, the annual indoor show will be at a new location, the World Market Center – Pavilion 2.
Dinius started painting in 2013. Her work is distinguished by words whether inspirational or joyful on her artwork. Her uplifting art reflects hope, kindness, self-connection, and love. Dinius’ art series, Women, Wine and Words, is work that says something.
Harvest Festival opens each day at 10 a.m. Admission is $9 general, $7 seniors (62+) and military, $4 kids (13-17), and free 12 and under. There’s $2 off general admission when attendees bring donations for Safe Nest such as canned or baby food, paper products, etc. Parking is $5.
LAS VEGAS GIFT STORE IS NEW CONCESSION CONCEPT AT MCCARRAN
Marshall Retail Group’s Welcome to Las Vegas Gift Store opened its latest concession concept, which is not your typical souvenir shop, at McCarran International Airport’s B Gates. The new concept celebrates one of world’s most exciting cities and features vintage Rat Pack is Back graphics, along with exclusive Las Vegas merchandise and trendy apparel.
Some of the featured merchandise celebrates Las Vegas’ colorful history with a portion of sales benefitting The Neon Museum, a nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs.
The airport’s Welcome to Las Vegas Gift Store is the company’s 17th location in the city. Store hours are daily 5 a.m.–midnight.
RODIZIO GRILL® WILL OPEN AT GALLERIA AT SUNSET MALL
Rodizio Grill®, the first Brazilian “churrasco” steakhouse in the United States in 1995, will open its first Nevada location this fall at the Galleria at Sunset mall in Henderson. The restaurant will offer rotisserie-grilled meat carved tableside by traditionally dressed Gauchos, a gourmet salad bar, fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, and hot side dishes.
TACOTARIAN IS NEW PLANT-BASED MEXICAN EATERY
Tacotarian is a new plant-based Mexican restaurant making its debut at 6135 S. Ft. Apache Road. Helping veganism become mainstream, the 40-seat eatery puts a creative spin on street tacos, small plates, drinks and desserts with solely plant-based ingredients. Tacotarian, which serves a full menu daily from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., is locally family-owned and operated by couples Dan and Regina Simmons, and Carlos and Kristen Corral.
In addition, guests can have wines by the glass; classic and seasonal margaritas; and plant-based beer, including a special exclusive Tacotarian lager, developed by Local Craft Beer in Tehachapi, Calif.
The restaurant with black, white and aqua-blue décor has a vintage Mexican market vibe with older Mexican movies projected onto the walls along with handcrafted wood tables and tile from Mexico. There is bar seating, side banquettes, and a long communal table in the middle of the restaurant.
FREED’S BAKERY WILL OPEN SECOND VALLEY LOCATION
While Freed’s Bakery’s imaginative designs have been showcased in Food Network’s popular show, “Vegas Cakes,” the family-owned and operated business since 1959 will be opening a second location. Freed’s Bakery is located at 9815 S. Eastern Ave. and the new 1,160-square-foot Freed’s Dessert Shop will be on the opposite side of the valley at 6475 N. Decatur Blvd.
The grand opening celebration, which will also acknowledge the bakery’s 59th anniversary, will be from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6. Open to the public, the event will include giveaways, promotions, free cupcakes and family entertainment.
Operating hours for Freed’s Dessert Shop will be 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Sundays.
WHITNEY CUMMINGS WILL HEADLINE COMEDY CELLAR AT RIO
Comedian Whitney Cummings will make a return visit to Las Vegas for four performances at the Comedy Cellar at the Rio on Mondays and Tuesdays, Sept. 17-18 and Nov. 12-13. Tickets are $45.
Cummings also an actress, writer and producer has performed in stand-up specials for Comedy Central and HBO; created and starred in the NBC series “Whitney;” co-written and co-created the Emmy-nominated CBS comedy series “2 Broke Girls;” and was an executive producer on the ABC revival of “Roseanne.” “The Female Brain” was her film directorial debut, and her first book is “I’m Fine…and Other Lies.”
The Comedy Cellar is an exact replica of the underground Greenwich Village club, including the brick wall and stained glass, low-ceiling design and full food and drink menu from the club’s sister bar and late-night hangout The Fat Black Pussycat.
BEAUTY BAR WILL GO ‘OLD SCHOOL’ WITH LEGENDARY DJS
Beauty Bar Las Vegas, which was founded in 2004 on East Fremont downtown, will host the Old School Vegas Reunion led by pioneers of the Las Vegas nightclub scene, DJ Frankie and R.O.B. on Friday, Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. Beauty Bar’s DJ David Christian will be providing music.
The event will celebrate the hip hop, electro and dance music, which established Las Vegas’ nightclub scene 35 years ago. Tickets are $5 at the door.
SUPERHERO 5K RACE HELPS CHILDHOOD CANCER NONPROFIT
The Superhero 5K race with Chet Buchanan to benefit local nonprofit Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada will be held Saturday morning, Sept. 15 with opening ceremonies at 7:30 a.m. and festivities continuing until 11 a.m. at Exploration Park in the Mountain’s Edge Master Planned Community in southwest Las Vegas. This fundraiser to assist children with cancer and their families is now in its 30th year.
For this event theme, attendees and well-behaved leashed pets are encouraged to dress up as superheroes, reflective of the courage that kids with cancer exhibit daily. Cost to participate in the race is $45 for age 9 and older; $15 for ages 3 to 9; and free under age 3.
Superhero 5K will also feature: carnival games, slides and an obstacle course; a beer garden hosted by Ellis Island; DJ music; booths, food and refreshments; raffle prizes, etc.
MESQUITE HOLDS SUPER RUN CLASSIC CAR SHOW
The three-day Super Run Classic Car Show will return to Mesquite, located 77 miles north of Las Vegas, Friday-Sunday, Sept. 21-23. Presented by Mesquite Gaming, owner of CasaBlanca and Virgin River properties, in partnership with Las Vegas Cruisin’ Association, the classic car show will be giving more than 260 awards, plus $15,000 in cash and drawing prizes for car show participants.
The free car show weekend will offer such activities as burn-out competitions, slow drags, roaring engine competition, an open header cruise, and even an extreme automotive flames exhibition.
In addition, the weekend will include: in the CasaBlanca Showroom, Heartbeat City: A Night with Buddy and Roy: Buddy Holly & Roy Orbison Tribute on Friday and The Cars Tribute on Saturday with tickets $15; and The Terry Wayne Project and Randy Anderson Band in different lounges.
SUNNY 106.5 HOSTS ANNUAL ICE CREAM SUNDAY
There will be free ice cream courtesy of Meadow Gold during the annual Sunny 106.5 Ice Cream Sunday on Sept. 16. The family-friendly event is free to attend from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Huckleberry Park in the Providence Master Planned Community in northwest Las Vegas. In addition, there will be kid-friendly activities, ice cream-eating contests, food trucks, booths, and the Sunny 106.5 team with prize giveaways.
Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome. Fun fact, one in five people share ice cream with their pets.
ABOUT TOWN TIDBITS
Cannabition is Las Vegas’ first and only immersive cannabis museum. Visitors will have access to more than a dozen Instagrammable vignettes, along with multisensory, entertaining, educational and photogenic exhibits. The museum’s grand opening is set for Thursday, Sept. 20.
Upscale Lily Bar and Lounge at Bellagio has launched an innovative new cocktail program curated by Hakkasan Group’s chief mixologist, Tim Weigel, and a dedicated live entertainment concept, Lily Live. Hand-crafted cocktails have interesting names such as Lucky For You, Pillow Talk and Letter From Paris. Every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 p.m., Lily Live offers live music from classic and traditional pop genres.
Jennifer Finnigan, the star of the CBS drama “Salvation,” recently celebrated her birthday at Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Steakhouse inside the D hotel downtown. Her husband, actor Jonathan Silverman, threw the party with close friends. The scene stealer was the custom-made carrot cake dessert themed around the actress’ hit TV series.
Rather surprising is the news Fright Dome, the annual haunted Halloween attraction held at Circus Circus’ Adventuredome Theme Park for 15 years, will not be happening this year.
EVENTS ON THE HORIZON
On Sept. 6, Inside Style will be celebrating seven years at their 1119 S. Main Street location and 24 years in business with a free Lucky 7 Party at 5:30 p.m. In addition, Mayor Goodman will light up the festoon lights to mark the official finish of the one-way couplet, and the new sculpture Radial Symmetry will be unveiled.
The theme for First Friday downtown on Sept. 7 is Renew encompassing the renewal of all things and new beginnings. Hours are 5 to 11 p.m. A new area at the monthly outdoor nighttime event is HempWay dedicated to the education and promulgation of the hemp movement.
On Saturday, Sept. 8 from 5 to 8 p.m., Downtown Container Park’s monthly Wine & Beer Tasting Series returns. Tickets for the “Shh…Wine In Session” tasting event are $30 online and $35 at the gate with $5 from each ticket being donated to Sunrise Acres Elementary School.
The Mob Museum will hold a special program, Science of Crime – Chemistry, Saturday, Sept. 8 from 2-3 p.m. in the Oscar B. Goodman Room on the third floor. Forensic science is a complex discipline encompassing more than a dozen distinct fields. Forensic scientists Meagan Castor and Jason Althnether will explore chemistry details and trace evidence analyses. This program is free with museum admission and for museum members.
Life Time Athletic Summerlin’s Havana Nights event will be an evening filled with poolside dancing, fire dancers and Cuban-inspired food on Saturday, Sept. 8 starting at 7 p.m. The adult event is free for Life Time members and their guests with the use of a guest pass.
The Springs Preserve’s annual Autumn Plant Sale will take place Saturday, Sept. 15 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. A diverse selection of water-wise and desert-adapted plants will be sold in container sizes ranging from 1 to 15 gallons. Admission is free.
Sometimes it’s worth a giggle to see what promotion a business will create next. The gentlemen’s club Crazy Horse 3 will celebrate National Twerk Day (who knew) on Saturday, Sept. 15 with a late-night “Twerkathon.” Adult film actress Juelz Ventura will attempt to break a Guinness World Record for “longest duration twerking,” which is set at two hours and one minute.
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at Downtown Summerlin will begin an all-new The Grill Gathering Series with its first installment on Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. Beer & BBQ will pair brews from local, family-owned Lovelady Brewing Company in Henderson. Wolfgang Puck chefs, Tim Duda from Downtown Summerlin and Dylan Hallas from MGM Grand will partner to create a family-style feast exploring a variety of Southern-inspired cuisine, expertly matched with six signature beers. Tickets are $75 inclusive.
MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS
Beer Park at Paris will celebrate Mexican Independence Day with street tacos for $5 each, a Mexican-style hot dog, live entertainment and more on Sunday, Sept. 16.
Hakkasan Group will hold a weekend-long celebration, Thursday, Sept. 13 through Sunday, Sept.16, in honor of Mexican Independence Day at its daylife and nightlife venues with A-list entertainment, Latin-inspired celebrations and a fight night viewing party. Venues include: Omnia Nightclub at Caesars Palace; Hakkasan Nightclub and Wet Republic Ultra Pool at MGM Grand; 1OAK Nightclub at The Mirage; and Jewel Nightclub, Alibi Ultra Lounge and Liquid Pool Lounge at Aria.
Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant in Downtown Summerlin will celebrate Mexican Independence Day on Sunday, Sept. 16 with happy hour offerings in the cantina from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. and half-priced tequila shots from 3 p.m. until closing.
SPECIAL DAY OFFERS
Beginning Sunday, Sept. 6, South Point Casino Bars will serve $1 Budweiser products every Sunday during professional and college football season. Guests can enjoy $1 bottles including Bud Light, Budweiser or Michelob Ultra from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
On National Beer Lover’s Day, Friday, Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. to midnight, folks visiting The Underground speakeasy at The Mob Museum can enjoy $5 select draft beers when they whisper the password, “beer me.” Later in the month on International Coffee Day, Saturday, Sept. 29 visitors can receive 25 percent off all The Underground’s coffee cocktails all day long.
Wet’n’Wild water park on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 8-9 will offer all military and veterans with valid ID one free general admission ticket and the opportunity to purchase up to six discounted general admission tickets for $15 each. Park hours are 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
PT’s Taverns, with 60 locations throughout the Las Vegas Valley and Nevada, will serve hot deals on classic cheeseburgers in celebration of National Cheeseburger Day on Tuesday, Sept. 18. Throughout the day, all locations will offer: a single cheeseburger for $4; a double-cheeseburger for $6; a triple cheeseburger for $8; and a quadruple-cheeseburger for $10. French fries will be an additional $2.
