BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: Dec. 23, 2018
NEON MUSEUM WILL HOST TIM BURTON EXHIBITION NEXT OCTOBER
Tim Burton, American film director, producer, artist, writer and animator, will stage an exhibition of his original fine art in the United States for the first time in nearly a decade. “Tim Burton @ the Neon Museum” will be staged at multiple locations at the museum including: the outdoor Boneyard exhibition space, the North Gallery, and the City of Las Vegas’ Boneyard Park across from the visitor’s center.
The exhibition, which will run Oct. 15-Feb. 15, 2020, will feature a combination of new work as well as previously exhibited pieces. Conceived as a collaboration with the museum, it will be genuinely site-specific and unlike any other exhibition Burton has ever staged. Burton’s large-scale installation works will be integrated with the museum’s collection and serve as a retrospective of Burton’s own creative history, and celebration of his affection for the Neon Museum.
Burton is credited with bringing the first worldwide attention to the Neon Museum’s collection in his 1996 film “Mars Attack!” Burton’s exhibitions have attracted millions of patrons from around the world. His exhibition at MoMA in New York City drew more than 800,000 visitors, making it the third most attended exhibition ever.
Filmmaker Burton has achieved both critical and financial success in live-action and animation genres. His next film, “Dumbo,” a live-action reimagining of the Disney animation classic opens on March 29, 2019.
Long before becoming a director, Burton expressed himself through drawing and painting. In 2015, Burton released “The Napkin Art of Tim Burton,” a book of sketches doodled on napkins, which is a mini-companion to his 2009 release, “The Art of Tim Burton,” a 430-page volume comprising more than 40 years of his personal and project artwork.
THERAPY RESTAURANT DOWNTOWN HAS NEW OWNERSHIP
Therapy restaurant, located Downtown at 518 E. Fremont St., was acquired by budding entrepreneur, Chris Morganelli last week. The American gastro-style pub opened in June 2015 and has been recognized nationally for its interesting dishes like red velvet chicken waffle sliders and unique libations such as Therapy Smoke Wagon Whiskey.
Morganelli, the founder and former CEO of Capitola Healing Association in Santa Cruz, Calif., is excited to be a part of the restaurant’s next chapter.
EDIBLE COOKIE DOUGH STORE WILL OPEN IN SPRING
Doughp (pronounced “dope”) is making its way to Las Vegas in the spring opening of a new store in Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. In the meantime, Doughp product is available online.
Cookie dough company, Doughp, came onto the dessert scene in San Francisco in 2015. Company founder Kelsey Witherow committed to sobriety and with her self-discovery renewed her love for baking. She created an edible cookie dough recipe from scratch, which can be enjoyed raw or heated. Edible cookie dough flavors include: The O.G. (chocolate chip); Minty AF (peppermint Oreo); Cinnamood (snickerdoodle and white chocolate); Basic Bae (confetti); and Cookie Monsta (blue cookies and cream).
INDOCHINO OPENS SHOWROOM AT FASHION SHOW MALL
Indochino, the global leader in custom men’s apparel, opened its first Nevada showroom at Fashion Show Las Vegas last week. The 1,500-square-foot showroom is located on the mall’s Upper Level near Macy’s and Puma. Las Vegas has the 18th showroom to open in 2018. Company has 37 showrooms overall. The showroom is also designed to host a variety of events, including group shopping experiences.
During an hour-long appointment, customers choose from hundreds of fabrics and endless complimentary customization options including lapels, buttons, pockets, linings and monograms. Garments are made to their measurements and shipped within two weeks. Customer profiles are stored in the cloud for quick repeat shopping. Custom suits start at $399 with shirts from $79.
52 FRIDAYS CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES AT GOLDEN NUGGET
The Golden Nugget has lined up January’s headliners as part of its ongoing 52 Fridays Concert Series. Shows are at 8 p.m. Lita Ford, famous as lead guitarist of the Runaways and as a solo artist of punk and metal, will lead off on Jan. 4. Ambrosia, who scored five Top 40 hits and a Grammy nomination with songs like “How Much I Feel” and “Biggest Part of Me” will appear on Jan. 11. FireHouse won the American Music Award for Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock New Artist in 1992 and will appear on Jan. 18. Gary Puckett and The Union Gap had six consecutive Gold records and sold more records in 1968 than any other recording artist, including the Beatles. They will headline on Jan. 25.
LAS VEGAS WALK OF STARS HONORS JALLES FRANCA
The Las Vegas Walk of Stars recently honored performer, dancer and percussionist, Jalles Franca, with the 86th star dedication ceremony held in the Stratosphere’s Main Showroom. The star has been installed in front of the Paris Hotel.
Franca moved from Brazil to the United States when he was 16 to become a professional dancer in Las Vegas. At age 21, he began a seven-year residency as a performer, dancer and percussionist at Studio 54 Nightclub at the MGM Grand. It was there he began imitating Michael Jackson’s signature dance moves, which evolved into being the “King of Pop” tribute artist. He currently stars in the Michael Jackson tribute show “MJ Live” at the Stratosphere.
AROUND TOWN NEWS
Both Arizona Charlie’s – Decatur and Boulder – will celebrate Christmas Day, Dec. 25 and New Year’s Day, Jan. 1 with a two-for-one buffet deal.
All 60 PT’s Taverns will celebrate the new year by offering an extended happy hour. PT’s Happy Hour will be available 5 to 7 p.m. and again from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. offering a 50 percent discount on drinks and inexpensive food selections.
To appeal to elite high roller clients, The Cosmopolitan has launched private jet service. The Gulfstream jet with the property’s signature purple-hued C can seat 16 and make international flights. This move is augmented by the resorts 21 new penthouses and The Reserved, an exclusive gaming parlor for whales. The Cosmopolitan recently completed the renovation of 3,033 rooms. As a bonus for the new year, on Jan. 1 The Cosmopolitan will stop charging guests separately for parking and valet service.
The Underground, the new Prohibition history exhibition at The Mob Museum, has introduced its house-made Cinn-City festive moonshine infused with holiday season flavors. Made in the distillery’s 60-gallon, copper-pot still, the spirit is a Las Vegas corn whiskey made with double-distilled, 100-percent corn mash and blended with Ceylon and Saigon cinnamons. The new holiday flavored moonshine is available for purchase for $23.95 (750 ml) or $7.95 (50 ml).
The Charles and Phyllis M. Frias Charitable Trust has donated a 70-acre ranch valued at nearly $9 million to Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada. The gift marks the largest single private donation in the history of the Girl Scouts. The donation includes personal property and acreage in rural Lincoln County, Nev., located 90 miles north of Las Vegas, which includes: A Cowboy’s Dream Bed and Breakfast, Windmill Ridge Restaurant and Lodging, and undeveloped land.
The First Friday for 2019 will be Downtown on Jan. 4. The theme will be “Next,” symbolizing what is “next” in your life as the New Year begins.
Caesar Entertainment Las Vegas Resorts all-new linked Blazing 7’s Blackjack progressive jackpot of $1,013,733.71 was recently hit by a lucky Miami-resident at Paris. While on vacation with his family, Elhara Shai after playing blackjack for three hours hit big and became the eighth Caesars Entertainment new millionaire in 2018. There was one in November at O’Sheas Casino at The LINQ.
Lakeside Casino & RV Park in Pahrump, Nev., about 90-minutes from Las Vegas, opened its new bingo room, which seats more than 100 guests. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, with sessions at 10 a.m., noon, 2 and 4 p.m.
NEW YEAR’S EVE TIDBIT
Important reminder from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Everyone celebrating New Year’s Eve on the Las Vegas Strip should note…strollers, backpacks and glass bottles are not allowed, and all bags must be 12” x 6” x 12” or smaller.
RTC TRANSIT OFFERS FREE RIDES ON NEW YEAR’S EVE
The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) will be providing “free rides” on all 39 fixed routes from 6 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 9 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Riders can board without purchasing or presenting a fare. Free rides extend to express services between park-and-ride facilities and Downtown. For complete route details, visit rtcsnv.com or get the RTC smartphone app.
Routes will operate on a Sunday schedule on both Christmas Day, Tuesday, Dec. 25, and New Year’s Day, Tuesday, Jan. 1.
MONORAIL IS TRANSPORTATION OPTION
The Las Vegas Monorail will be the only motorized method of transportation operating along the Strip for New Year’s Eve. It will run continuously from 7 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 31 through the entire New Year’s Day until 2 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 2 for a total of 43 straight hours. The Monorail has five stations along the Strip: MGM Grand; Bally’s/Paris; Flamingo/Caesars Palace; Harrah’s/The LINQ; and SLS. Two more stations are located at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Westgate.
STRIP AND DOWNTOWN OUTDOOR STREET CELEBRATIONS
Las Vegas throws one of the largest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the country with more than 400,000 people projected to ring in 2019 on the Las Vegas Strip, which will be closed to traffic from Russell Road to Sahara Avenue beginning at 6 p.m. Called “America’s Party 2019,” the free event will have fireworks launched from the roofs of seven properties including: MGM Grand, Planet Hollywood, Aria, Caesars Palace, Treasure Island, The Venetian and Stratosphere. The firework show’s music will be broadcast on radio on KOMP 92.3 and 97.1 The Point.
The other big outdoor party will be Downtown at the Fremont Street Experience with 12 bands performing on four stages while the midnight countdown will be on the largest LED video canopy in the world. America’s Party Downtown is a $45 ticketed event.
NEW YEAR’S WEEKEND MAIN HEADLINERS
In addition to the resident production shows, the following headliners will help audiences greet the new year on Dec. 31: Celine Dion at Caesars Place at 7:30 p.m.; Lady Gaga at Park MGM at 8 p.m.; Gwen Stefani at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood at 9 p.m.; and Imagine Dragons at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan at 9:30 p.m.
Other acts over the weekend include: Jay Leno at The Mirage on Dec.29 at 10 p.m.; Ariana Grande at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan on Dec. 29 at 10 p.m.; Maroon 5 at Mandalay Bay Events Center Dec. 30-31 at 7 p.m.; and Tenacious D at The Joint at Hard Rock Dec. 30 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 31 at 10 p.m.
OFF-STRIP HEADLINERS PERFORMING NEW YEAR’S EVE
Two-time Grammy Award nominee, Clint Holmes, and a Las Vegas-favorite will appear at Sam’s Town Live! on Dec. 31 at 8:30 p.m. Tickets start at $35.
Another popular celebrity, Frankie Moreno, will bring in the New Year with an 11 p.m. show in the South Point Showroom. Tickets, which include two drinks, party favors, a balloon drop and champagne midnight toast, are $55.
Vegas Super Band, formed in 2010, will energize the New Year’s Eve audience in the Suncoast Showroom with an 11-piece band, which will include five vocalists, a full rhythm section with Latin percussions and a three-part horn section. The group will perform top hits, skits and choreographed dancing in full costumes. The 10 p.m. show will also include an all-out dance party with a special guest performance. Tickets start at $34.95.
At The Club inside the Cannery, the Journey tribute band DSB, formed in 2009, will recreate the original group’s classic hits starting at 8 p.m. DSB has been featured on AXS TV’s hit show “The World’s Greatest Tribute Bands,” and has become a fixture at the annual “Sounds Like Summer” concert series at Walt Disney World’s Epcot. Tickets start at $30.
Formed in San Francisco, Calif., Rhythm Nation will bring their blend of vocal harmonies and soul rhythm section to the Access Showroom inside Aliante at 9 p.m. The seven-piece soul group will feature top ‘70s disco and ‘60s Motown hits, as well as smooth choreographed dancing. Tickets start at $30.
SOUTH POINT HOSTS MULTIPLE PARTIES
There will be events all around the property for New Year’s Eve starting in the South Point Showroom on Dec. 31 with New Year’s at Noon starring The Alley Cats and featuring their signature doo wop hits. Show is at 1 p.m. Tickets are $19 and include party favors, balloon drop and a champagne toast.
The New Year’s Eve Gala in the South Point’s Grand Ballroom will include a four-course dinner at 9 p.m. and open bar. The Alley Cats will start the party from 8 to 10:40 p.m. Tower of Power will headline and there will be a balloon drop at midnight.
South Point will toast 2018 with Gregg Austin and his Rockin’ M Town beats in the Sonoma Room. Tickets are $65 and include two drinks, party favors, a balloon drop and a champagne toast at midnight. Party starts at 10 p.m.
The party in South Point’s Exhibit Hall will be an ‘80s dance party with The Spazmatics. Party starts at 10:15 p.m. Tickets are $75, which includes an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a balloon drop, and a champagne toast at midnight.
Dynamic Wes Winters will take over the Grandview Lounge at 5 p.m. Shows are free and open to the public.
FRESH WATA IS OFFERING A NEW PARTY EXPERIENCE
Event design and production group, Fresh Wata, is presenting “Spacious: New Year’s Eve Reimagined,” a new immersive experience party with 19 multi-sensory exhibits including a special VIP cocktail experience from NASA’s Nutritional Biochemist Alex Ott, the first-ever astronaut “ball” drop, multiple installations and uniquely designed environments. There will be hangover-free organic space-themed cocktails, DJs, entertainment, art installations, go-go dancing astronauts, food vendors, fire pits, and front row viewing of The Strip fireworks. Tickets start at $60 for general admission; $150 for VIP; and VIP firepit tables for six start at $540.
The celebration will take place at Fresh Wata Studios, a 60,000-square-foot space off-Strip located three blocks from the Las Vegas Raiders Stadium. The evening will feature a variety of healthy food and beverage stations, outdoor bottle service and private fire pits, galactic performances, sound bath and meditation area inside a 40’ clarity dome to set intentions for the New Year. Fresh Wata is inviting the community to experience a “New Take on New Year’s” and ring in 2019 in a healthy, immersive environment.
GOLD SPIKE, INSPIRE AND CORDUROY RING IN NEW YEAR
Gold Spike, an adult playground Downtown, and nearby Inspire are offering double the party during the 4th annual “Escape Masquerade” New Year’s Eve Ball, while watering hole Corduroy celebrates with a “Black Tee Affair.” Both start at 8 p.m.
For $65, downtown hotspots will offer two open-bar parties with one ticket. Partygoers at Gold Spike can dance to the sounds of DJ Valid in the Living Room while DJ Teenwolf leads music in the Backyard. At Inspire, toast to the tunes of DJ Dilemma on the rooftop while DJ Absynt Minded spices things up on the 2nd floor. Guests will enjoy a complimentary champagne toast as the clock strikes midnight at either location.
Down East Fremont, Corduroy’s “Black Tee Affair” offers the chance to ditch the glitz for the anti-New Year’s Eve party and revel in the revolt with a complimentary Moscow Mule toast.
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS
The One Six Sky Lounge at the top of Eastside Cannery will hold a New Year’s Eve party with a view of the Las Vegas Strip fireworks. Doors will open at 9 p.m. DJ Dinero will play Top-40 hits and more. R&B vocal group Next Movement will start at 10 p.m. Tickets start at $75.
The Downtown Grand will have the “Whoa! 90’s Grand House Party Hosted by Joey Lawrence” to ring in 2019. This free New Year's Eve celebration will mark Lawrence’s first official return to Las Vegas since his Chippendale’s engagement in 2012.
The Mardi Gras Ballroom Dance Party at The Orleans will take place 10 p.m.–1 a.m. Tribute group, You & I will pay tribute to classic R&B, soul and funk artist Rick James and DJ Eddy will spin top hits into the new year. Tickets are $77.
