BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: Sept. 16, 2018
COMEDIAN-MAGICIAN MAC KING EXTENDS HIS HARRAH’S RUN
Las Vegas headliner Mac King, now in his record-breaking 19th year at Harrah’s, has extended his “The Mac King Comedy Magic Show” for four more years through 2022. He is now the longest running act performing at the same hotel in Las Vegas history. King takes the stage twice daily, Tuesday through Saturday, at 1 and 3 p.m. in the Showroom Theatre. Tickets start at $34.95.
A few of King’s many achievements include being named Magician of the Year by The Magic Castle, a Guinness Book of World Records holder, and having the distinction of being the only performer to have appeared on all five of NBC’s “World’s Greatest Magic” shows.
King’s astounding sleight-of-hand and humor has been seen both live and on television in more than a dozen foreign countries. In 2011, he launched Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour in conjunction with the Public Education Foundation and the Reading is Fundamental program to promote childhood literacy.
ELECTRA COCKTAIL CLUB IS NEW AT THE PALAZZO • THE VENETIAN
Electra Cocktail Club opened at The Palazzo • The Venetian on the casino floor completing The Venetian Cocktail Collective trinity, comprised of the romantic Rosina, the sophisticated Dorsey, and now, the kinetic Electra, which is open nightly from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m.
The décor meshes luxurious materials such as brass, granite, etched metals, custom wall coverings, a chandelier with more than 1,200 points of light, and deep teal color accents. A focal point is a digital display spanning 40 feet and featuring original art. This visual canvas with rotating content has Las Vegas’ highest resolution video display.
MAGICAL MEMORIES DIMENSIONS CELEBRATES OPENING AT FORUM SHOPS
A three-day public celebration is being held Sept. 21-23 for the official grand opening of Magical Memories Dimensions at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. This store differs from the nearby flagship gallery Magical Memories featuring Disney Fine Art, by showcasing original 3D works by a variety of artists.
The new visual art outlet’s multi-day opening event will begin with a Grand Opening party benefiting The Animal Foundation at both stores from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21 with refreshments, live art demonstrations and signings by artists Paige O’Hara, Cris Woloszak, John Ramirez and Manuel Hernandez, and a drawing to win Tim Rogerson’s canine-inspired artwork “Disney Dogs.”
On Saturday and Sunday starting at noon, the featured artists will be presenting live art demonstrations, signings and free drawing classes at the original Disney Fine Art store. Check online for the schedule. Also note artist O’Hara was the original “Beauty and the Beast” voice cast member.
COMEDYSPORTZ DEBUTS AT THE SPACE
ComedySportz, the acclaimed improvisational comedy troupe featuring two teams of professional comedians competing for laughs, points and audience support, is premiering at The Space Friday, Sept. 21 and Saturdays, Oct. 6 and 20. Tickets are $15 and $12 for military, seniors and students. Shows are from 7 to 9 p.m.
Las Vegas is the 31st city to join the ComedySportz family, which was started in 1984. The Space at 3460 Cavaretta Court is just west of the Strip.
The ComedySportz team is also offering eight-week classes to learn the basics of improv, focusing on characters, storytelling, teamwork and more from Sept. 18 to Nov. 7 for $250.
DAVID LETTERMAN VISITS PAUL SHAFFER AT CLEOPATRA’S BARGE
It was a night to remember recently when David Letterman visited his pal Paul Shaffer and his band The Shāf-Shifters for the start of their limited engagement at Cleopatra’s Barge inside Caesars Palace. Shaffer was Letterman’s musical director and sidekick for 33 years.
Other audience surprises included Kenny Loggins and Canadian musician Randy Bachman of Bachman-Turner Overdrive, who also performed “Takin’ Care of Business,” a favorite Letterman tune. Shaffer performs again Oct. 11-13 and Nov. 29-Dec. 1.
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS CLIPS
Entertainment superstar Jerry Seinfeld will return to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in 2019 for two weekends Feb. 22-23 and June 21-22 to perform his stand-up comedy. Ticket range is $82.50 - $165.
Off-Broadway hit “FRIENDS! The Musical Parody,” which has been running successfully in New York, is holding auditions in preparation of previewing the show on Thursday, Oct. 18 at the D Las Vegas. The comedy is set in the coffee shop Central Perk with six characters lampooning TV’s “Friends.” Tickets start at $59.
Comedian-actor Doug Benson will hold a special live taping of his hit podcast “Doug Loves Movies” at the Comedy Cellar at the Rio on Saturday, Nov. 3 at 4:20 p.m. Tickets are $25.
The wonderful show “SOUNDTRACK: Your Songs. Our Stories. The Show.” at the Westgate starring Clint Holmes and Earl Turner will have their final performance there on Saturday, Sept. 22.
BOUTIQUE HOTEL REVEALS RENOVATED THUNDERBIRD LOUNGE
The history-rich Thunderbird Boutique Hotel downtown has made a series of renovations and now the Thunderbird Lounge is updated. The social venue, which opens daily at 7:30 a.m., features a full bar with bar top gaming, shareable bar bites, a pool table, Beer Pong, and plenty of TV screens for watching sports. The lounge’s “beat the clock”-style daily Happy Hour runs 3–7 p.m. with specials on select domestic draft beer, well cocktails, and house wines by the glass.
The 100-room Thunderbird is located on Las Vegas Boulevard between the Strip and Fremont Street, and features the Royal Showroom, and the Royal Wedding Chapel with two stylized chapels including the Garden of Love Chapel built around a 100-year-old tree, and the more intimate Crystal Wedding Chapel.
POP UP PIZZA AT THE PLAZA DEBUTS REFRESHED MENU AND EATERY
Pop Up Pizza at the Plaza has revealed a refreshed menu and eatery, complete with a new Brooklyn-influenced mural by local mixed media artist, refurbished seating and aesthetics. The mural titled “The New Style,” is by Derek Douglas, professionally called SNIPT, a Las Vegas based-artist who has become best known for creating mixed media Pop Art mashups. The mural’s title references one of the artist’s favorite tracks from the Beastie Boys’ “Licensed To Ill” album.
Located just off the casino floor, Pop Up Pizza opened six years ago as the first gourmet pizzeria downtown. The new pizza menu was created by Michael Vakneen, who will also be competing next month in the U.S. Caputo Cup national pizza competition, entering the new Old School Cheese pizza.
‘LAS VEGAS MARRIES THE MILITARY’ PROMOTION OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS
Las Vegas-valley wedding chapels, venues and industry members will kick off Veterans Day weekend by honoring military members during the second “Las Vegas Marries the Military” promotion. Fifty-eight industry vendors are offering free services valued at nearly $70,000 for 25 weddings or vow renewals county-wide. Couples where one party is a member of the Armed Forces are invited to apply to win a free Las Vegas wedding or vow renewal on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.
Brief 30-60 second video submissions by Wednesday, Sept.26 to win a free wedding or vow renewal are now open on the Las Vegas Wedding Chamber’s website.
The day’s festivities will conclude with a group reception hosted by Bootlegger Bistro inside the Copa with vendors Sysco and Freed’s Bakery donating appetizers and a wedding cake, and Sight & Sounds Events will serve as DJ for the evening.
BLUE MAN GROUP SEEKS LAS VEGAS DRUM-OFF CHAMPION
The third annual Blue Man Group Las Vegas Drum-Off competition is underway to find the most talented and creative drummers, who must be13 years of age or older and a U.S. resident. Video submissions one- to two-minutes long are being accepted through Sept. 23, at 11:59 p.m. on the Blueman’s website.
Selected semi-finalists will play in front of a live panel of judges inside the Luxor’s Blue Man Theater on Sunday, Sept. 30. From there, five finalists will perform a two-minute session in front of a live open-to-the-public crowd at Downtown Container Park on Saturday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. One drummer will be named the Blue Man Group Las Vegas Drum-Off Champion and win a prize package valued at more than $5,000 including VIP show tickets at the Luxor, a drum kit from DW Drums, a Sabian XSR Rock Performance Set, sticks from Vic Firth, and more.
GALLERIA AT SUNSET HOSTS SECOND OKTOBERFEST EVENT
The Galleria at Sunset mall will hold its second Oktoberfest on Saturday, Sept. 29 from 1 to 7 p.m. and feature 15 German and local beers, polka dancing, live Bavarian music with performances by The Ginger Snaps and The Munich Boys, contests and popular German fare. Oktoberfest will be held outside on the Galleria’s plaza. Admission is $20 and includes a beer stein along with the first three beers free and entrance into all contests. Kids are free to enter accompanied by a parent.
Guests are encouraged to wear their best Lederhosen and enter the Costume Contest. Other challenges will include: The Beer Stein Race; Beer Tasting Contest; and Stein Hoisting Competition. For each contest, the winning male and female will take home the grand prize. All contest winners will receive an authentic one-liter beer stein full of goodies and gift cards.
TOPGOLF HOLDS VARIETY OF EVENTS
Topgolf is hosting free Monday Night Football viewings gatherings inside The Toyota Yard on a first come, first served basis. In addition, Topgolf has launched Monday Night Cornhole Tournaments with winning teams receiving prizes and it’s free to register.
There will be a UFC 229 Khabib vs. McGregor Viewing Party on Saturday, Oct. 6 at 5 p.m.
Yoga With a View is extended with classes every Sunday in October at 10 a.m. on the fourth floor on a first come, first served basis. First 10 yogis to class and receive a complimentary Topgolf yoga mat.
Comedian JC Currais will be appearing in The Birdie Bar at 9 p.m. on Sept. 28 and 29. Cost is $15.
‘SHIMMERING ZEN’ EXHIBIT VIEWS LAS VEGAS A DIFFERENT WAY
Contemporary local and international exhibiting artist James Stanford’s new free exhibit “Shimmering Zen” featuring photomontages of vintage Las Vegas landmarks and famed neon signs is at The Studio at the Sahara West Library, 9600 W. Sahara Ave., Sept. 21-Dec. 8. This exhibit showcasing Stanford’s use of traditional photography and digital techniques opens daily at 10 a.m. A welcoming reception with Stanford will be held Thursday, Sept. 27 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Stanford’s book “Shimmering Zen” is a 264-page, large-format, hardback book showing 150 of Stanford’s original works, which will be launched in the United States at the Neon Museum on Oct. 13.
SUPER SUMMER THEATRE ENDS SEPT. 22
The outdoor Super Summer Theatre will close its 43rd outdoor Summer Series at Spring Mountain Ranch with the “Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance” playing at 7:05 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays through Sept. 22. Tickets are $15 general admission. Parking opens at 5 p.m. and Meadow Seating begins at 6 p.m.
CRAFTHAUS BREWERY OPENS ANOTHER TASTING ROOM
To celebrate CraftHaus Brewery’s secondary tasting room opening on California Street in the Las Vegas Arts District across from Esther’s Kitchen, the restaurant will host a special beer garden dinner on Sept 25. CraftHaus Brewery will offer specialty and one-off beers to pair with the multi-course family-style meal, which will also be prepared with beer ingredients. Tickets online are $75 for the 6 and 9 p.m. dinners with limited seating for 30 each time. Esther’s Kitchen is located at 1130 S. Casino Center Blvd.
DINING NEWS
TREVI Italian Restaurant in the Forum Shops at Caesars will throw a month-long pizza party with all kinds of pizza specials starting at $16 in October in honor of National Pizza Month.
Robert Irvine’s Public House at the Tropicana has planned a special beer dinner featuring the Irish brew, Guinness. Executive Chef Kelsey Macstravic with Guinness Brewery Ambassador Eoghain Clavin will host a beer-centric four-course pairing dinner on Friday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. Master Guinness Ambassador will teach the six steps to pouring the perfect pint. Cost is $50.
Macaroni Grill on Rainbow will give back 20 percent of dinner sales to the Salvation Army on Thursday, Sept. 20 from 4-9 p.m. Simply mention to your server that you are dining in/take out for Benefit Night.
On National Taco Day, Thursday, Oct. 4, Cabo Wabo Cantina at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood will serve up a variety selection of tacos starting at $14.95.
Nacho Daddy is now offering bottomless mimosas or Bloody Mary’s and new brunch items at the Summerlin location on Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m.–2 p.m. In addition, there is an all-day Happy Hour on Sundays.
QUICK ITEMS
There are some free events occurring during the Life is Beautiful festival at the Plaza. After parties will be held at 11 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 21-23, at the Plaza Garden adjacent to the dome with live music, a DJ, and full bar. Pool parties start at noon on Saturday and Sunday at the rooftop Pool at the Plaza. On Sunday, at 11 a.m. “Detox to Retox” will be a free 60-minute Vinyasa Flow Yoga Class from the Real Results Gym at the Plaza on the rooftop pool deck with a DJ providing music.
The Las Vegas Community holds Anti-Bullying Campaign entertainment event in The Dallas Ballroom at Texas Station on Saturday, Sept. 29 with a show at 9 p.m. Lineup includes singers Gwen Forsythe, Bobby Rose, Dwayne Turner, Martin Kimber, and LiL Mizz P. It is an All White Formal Event. Admission is $25 general seating only; $50 with VIP Grand Buffet included; call 702-595-0313.
Ring of Honor - Death Before Dishonor will bring two nights of wrestling featuring top stars in the field to the Orleans Arena for the first time Friday-Saturday, Sept. 28-29. Tickets for Friday start at $44 and Saturday at $20. This is the third consecutive year Las Vegas is hosting the premier wrestling event.
DANNY GANS MEMORIAL RUN HELPS CHILDREN BATTLING CANCER
The Danny Gans Memorial Champions Run for Life hosted by Las Vegas Flamingo headliner Donny Osmond will be held Saturday, Oct. 20 at Town Square to benefit the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation (NVCCF). This special event continues to honor the memory of Osmond’s friend, Las Vegas entertainer Danny Gans, and his cause. Early registration before Oct. 5 is open.
Runners, walkers and community supporters are encouraged to participate in Rock-A-Tutu theme for kids with cancer and compete in the 5K run. There will also be an inspirational mini-run for children with critical illnesses called the Champions Run for Life – a one-of-a-kind event. In addition, there will be fun for the entire family including entertainment, bounce houses and more.
WALKER FURNITURE HOLDS GRAND OPENING WEEKEND
Local family-owned Walker Furniture is opening a second valley super store in Henderson at Sunmark Plaza this week and having a weekend public Grand Opening celebration, Sept. 22-23 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. with free hot dogs and soda at both the Henderson and MLK Main Store locations. The Las Vegas Golden Knights’ mascot Chance will make photo-op appearance at the new store from noon-1p.m. on Saturday.
KARMA AND LUCK OPENS STORE AT FASHION SHOW
Las Vegas-based Karma And Luck is a modern spiritual lifestyles brand highlighting fashion, jewelry and home décor to celebrate diversity and unify cultures. The parent company, which is in Las Vegas, was launched in 2015 and with its newest store opening last week at the Fashion Show mall has 13 citywide locations.
MOUNTAIN’S EDGE HOLDS ANNUAL FALL COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE
Mountain’s Edge master planned community will hold a one-day outdoor Fall Community Garage Sale Saturday, Oct. 6 at the parking lot at Exploration Park with 70 sellers and nearly 400 homeowners selling items from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. A digital map will be available the morning of the event on the community’s website under activities.
