BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: March 17, 2019
TERRY FATOR KEEPS UPPING HIS GAME
Last week, ventriloquist Terry Fator celebrated his 10th anniversary as a headliner at The Mirage. His new show “An Evening with the Stars” reinforces why he deserves his coveted spot as a major Las Vegas resident headliner. He deserves credit and appreciative audiences because he continually freshens his show by adding new puppet characters and routines.
Fator, who can do more than 200 celebrity voices, introduces new personalities all the time. Among his latest are two of the Rat Pack, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. We’re told Sinatra will be next. Meanwhile, he keeps his beloved non-celebrity characters such as Winston, the Impersonating Turtle, Vikki “The Cougar,” country legend Walter T. Airdale, Duggie Scott Walker, and Emma Taylor.
With so many puppets now, Fator spends a lot of time working with two characters at a time. He’s on stage all the time with only one break for the introduction of his marvelous seven-member live band, which is a big plus over using tracks. Fator injects a lot of humor in his show and uses song parodies to famous music by his celebrity puppets such as Justin Bieber and Willie Nelson.
Many supportive celebs were on hand for Fator’s 10-year celebration including:
actress Jane Seymour; fellow Strip headliners illusionist Criss Angel, America’s Got Talent’s Mat Franco, legendary impressionist Rich Little, magician Murray SawChuck, and Mirage singer Matt Goss; HGTV’s Property Brothers - Drew and Jonathan Scott; Pawn Stars’ Rick Harrison; Broadway star Franc D’Ambrosio; Olympic figure skater Brian Boitano; “America’s Got” Talent season 2 alum Julienne Irwin; actress-singer Pia Zadora; and entertainer Douglas “Lefty” Leferovich.
PALMS ANNOUNCES MORE NEW STARS FOR KAOS
KAOS is a new 73,000-square-foot entertainment experience opening at the Palms with a dayclub and 29,000-square-foot nightclub. The KAOS Grand Opening Weekend will offer an A-list talent lineup on April 5, 6 and 7 including special performances by Alicia Keys and Travis Scott.
KAOS Dayclub and Nightclub at the Palms has revealed it will be home to new exclusive residencies by chart-topping recording artists J. Balvin and Ozuna, along with electronic dance music powerhouses Armin van Buuren, Deadmau5 and Eric Prydz. Breathe Carolina, Brooks, Cheat Codes, DJ Politik and Vice also have new exclusive residencies at KAOS.
Previously announced KAOS headliners for KAOS include in alphabetical order are Above & Beyond, Cardi B, G-EAZY, Jauz, Kaskade, Marshmello, Skrillex, Slushii and Southside.
TRAGO LOUNGE IS NEW AT THE TROPICANA
With construction walls gone, the Trago Lounge is exposed as the Tropicana’s new 24-hour contemporary bar and lounge located on the casino floor level next to the showroom. The all-new venue serves up an extensive drink menu, boasting an array of scotch, tequila, and whiskey, as well as signature cocktails.
With more than 3,500 square feet of space and considerable bar-lounge seating, the venue can accommodate up to 120 guests. Trago Lounge features a 24-seat bar equipped with 10 televisions and 22 video poker machines. In addition, the venue has DJ music nightly from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Trago Lounge completes the Tropicana’s substantial food and beverage renovation plans and joins the resort’s eclectic culinary lineup, which includes Oakville Steakhouse, Red Lotus Asian Kitchen, Robert Irvine’s Public House, and Savor Brunch Buffet along with on-the-go options.
PLAYTIME™ WITH KITTYPLAYS DEBUTS AT LUXOR
Allied Esports’ PlayTime™ with KittyPlays will kick off the original monthly event series hosted by popular gamer, Kristen “KittyPlays” Michaela on Sunday, March 24 at HyperX Esports Arena Las Vegas. Each show will include celebrity guests, competitive game play, fan participation and be streamed in front of a live studio audience.
The debut event will feature a live conversation with headline guest, mega-streamer Ali “Myth” Kabbani. Audience members will have the chance to be randomly selected to play with KittyPlays and Myth on stage. Tickets to participate in the live show are free and you can register online at 1iota.com.
As one of the top female streamers in the esports industry, Michaela is best known for her talents in the popular game Fortnite. She is host to more than one million followers on Twitch and boasts more than one million monthly views between YouTube, Twitch and other social channels.
EASTER AND SPRING HAVE SPRUNG
The calendar shows the first day of spring is this week with Easter Sunday not far behind in a month followed by Mother’s Day. Annually Ethel M Chocolates®, a division of Mars Wrigley Confectionery and Nevada-based gourmet chocolatier, features a special collection. Ethel M is bringing back its popular dark chocolate peanut butter eggs and gift-giving limited-edition spring tins in bold colors with handcrafted treats.
Among the selections are a 16-piece spring tin, chocolate covered eggs, a design your own collection, four-piece sample, which is free if you make a purchase of $50 or more using promo code SPRING4U at checkout.
UNLVINO HOLDS LEARNING DISCOVERY COURSES IN ADVANCE
For the first time since its inception, UNLVino is holding four new learning discovery courses, which are open to the public, ahead of the 45th annual three-night event happening April 11-13. The specialty courses will take place at Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits of Nevada’s Academy at 8400 S. Jones Blvd. Tickets are $125 per person for each event and are on sale at the UNLVino website. All proceeds will go to benefit the students of UNLV Harrah College of Hospitality.
Learning courses taking place from 6 to 9 p.m. include: Whiskey vs. Whisky… What’s the Difference? on March 20 with Brian Van Flandern, who The Food Network called “America’s Top Mixologist;” How Food Affects Wine (a Basal Flavor Tasting) on March 27 with Swedish Gastro-Sommelier Hannah Bellemare featured in “Forbes Magazine;” Sake to Me! on April 3 taught by advanced sake professional Jessica Waugh; and Get to Know your Sparkling Wines! on April 10 presented by Dr. Murray Mackenzie, Wine Educator.
PARKS & REC HOLD SECOND TACOS AND TAMALES FESTIVAL
The second Tacos and Tamales Festival, presented by Clark County Parks & Recreation, will be held at Sunset Park on Saturday, March 30 from noon to 8 p.m. The “Mexi-cellent” food festival will feature an array of food offerings, a mojito, margarita and craft beer tasting, live music on the Findlay Chevrolet Stage, Lucha Libre wresting exhibitions, carnival rides and kids’ activities along with sweet-treat vendors. Event admission and parking for this family-friendly event are free.
The event will have more than 40 local restaurants and food trucks showcasing taco and tamale creations. In addition, there will be a Vegan Village with popular plant-based vendors from Las Vegas and Southern California offering their vegan-spin on traditional Mexican cuisine.
The Mojito, Margarita and Craft Brew Tasting Garden will feature unlimited samples of more than 50 different drink varieties. Tickets for this experience are $35 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
CATCH BEATS & BRUNCH AT BROOKLYN BOWL
Brooklyn Bowl will host Beats & Brunch on Saturday, April 13 at 11 a.m. The Vegas-born collective is popping up for a special one-year anniversary celebration featuring the best yoga instructors, local electronic music, and craftsmen. The party will begin with an energizing vinyasa class led by Jamie Cat of TruFusion. Following yoga, the party continues with complimentary bottomless mimosas, a brunch menu by Brooklyn Bowl, open bowling and shopping from an array of local vendors selling handmade goods. Tickets are $15 at the Brooklyn Bowl box office. This event is for ages 18+ and 21+ to drink.
BROOKLYN BOWL WILL PRESENT SILENT HAUS PARTY CHARITY EVENT
Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas for its 5th anniversary will host a Silent Haus Party Charity Event featuring a photo exhibit by Erik Kabik Photo Group, silent auction and silent disco on Thursday, March 28 at 7 p.m. The entire event proceeds will benefit local foundation Life By Music, which is dedicated to inspiring underprivileged youth through the power of music.
Brooklyn Bowl will transform into a photo gallery paying tribute to five years of iconic concerts captured by prominent concert and nightlife photographer Erik Kabik and photographers from his namesake photo group. Each photo will be for sale as part of the silent auction.
Music will bump from LED-lit headphones through a silent disco provided by Sound Off Experience. Admission includes a complimentary glass of Knockdown Punk Hoppy Lager brewed by CraftHaus Brewery and open bowling all night. Tickets are $15 and available at the Brooklyn Bowl box office.
DECADE-LONG HEAD SHAVING EVENT FIGHTS CHILDHOOD CANCER
When visitors think about Las Vegas, fundraising probably doesn’t come to mind. Yet, a weekend probably doesn’t go by when events aren’t being held to help a cause.
Earlier this month, the 10th annual public head-shaving event was held in front of New York-New York to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer research. This year more than $400,000 was raised to benefit the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, and more than $2 million since the event’s inception in 2009.
Throughout the all-day event, more than 215 volunteers had their head shaved at the hands of Las Vegas’ biggest public figures and celebrities, including Congresswoman Susie Lee, former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and cast members from top shows such as “Absinthe,” “Zumanity,” “Magic Mike Live,” “Fantasy” and “Opium.”
DINING TIPS
The Downtown Grand’s next monthly Culinary Road Trip dinner series event will be Thursday, March 28 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. inside the Las Vegas Room. Chef Scott Commings is continuing his 2019 salute to “Cities on the Rise,” is recognizing Santa Fe, N.M., and cooking up a classic southwestern feast. Cost is $65.
Ferraro’s next Taste & Learn event on Saturday, March 23 at 5 p.m. will offer incomparable flavors of Friuli and Piemonte, featuring wines from four distinctive winemakers paired with menu items. Cost is $75; call 702-364-5300 for reservations.
National Eggs Benedict Day is coming up on Tuesday, April 16, and Cabo Wabo Cantina will highlight its signature homestyle CW Eggs Benedict. The dish takes a Tex-Mex twist on the classic breakfast staple.
Sharky’s Modern Mexican Kitchen at 5070 Blue Diamond Road has introduced four new menu items. With a commitment to serve clean ingredients, selections include chicken tinga burrito, guajillo-braised pork and quinoa bowl, a flavor-packed quesadilla, and pork nachos. Happy Hour is daily from 3-6 p.m.
FREE DOWNTOWN RESIDENTIAL FAIR
The City of Las Vegas will host the third annual “Livin’ in the City” Downtown Residential Fair on Thursday, April 4 at Las Vegas City Hall from 2-5 p.m. The Downtown Vegas Alliance will house the “Successes & Insights” program “The Art of Living Downtown: How the Arts Help to Create Community” from 5:30-6:45 p.m. with featured guest speaker Donna Isaac, art consultant and former Director of Public Art, Scottsdale. A mixer will follow. Event is free and open to the public.
VEGAS CONTINUES DEVELOPING
AREA15 will unveil the next phase of its experiential retail and entertainment complex on Tuesday, March 26. The “A” on the front entrance of the 200,000-square-foot complex will be revealed and serve as the entryway portal into the wholly reimagined world. The “A” made from structural steel, metal studs and exterior insulation finishing system (EIFS) will stand 42 feet tall, weigh 2.5 tons, and required more than 300-man hours to fabricate.
Israeli hotelier and co-founder of Astral Hotels, Asher Gabary purchased the Motel 8 property on the South end of the Strip last year. He is working on building a 34-story, 620-room hotel-casino called Astral costing between $325 to $350 million. His plan is to open the hotel after the Raiders settle in Las Vegas at their 65,000-seat stadium a mile away. Lofty project plans are for a rooftop pool, a sky lobby on the 32nd floor, a dayclub and nightclub, and four levels of underground parking.
KIWANIS HOLDS 4TH ANNUAL NOVEL EVENT & CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH
Kiwanis of Neon Lights will hold the 4th Annual Novel Event Champagne Brunch on Saturday, March 23 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Vegas PBS Educational Technology Campus on E. Flamingo Road in partnership with Vegas PBX Ready To Learn. The event will feature book talks and meet & greets with three local celebrity authors, a silent auction and raffle/opportunity drawings.
Authors T.L. Burns & K.R. Hughes wrote the suspense trilogy, “What She Knew,” about Marilyn Monroe and how her knowledge may have changed the course of history, had she lived.
Amanda Skenandore’s debut novel, “Between Earth and Sky,” is the winner of the American Library Association’s Reading List Award for Best Historical Fiction. Her new novel coming out soon is “The Undertaker’s Assistant.”
Vital Germaine, author of “Flying Without a Net,” wrote about a boy who runs away with the Cirque du Soleil circus. He personally was a Cirque acrobat, team captain and consultant. Germaine is also the author of “Imagination will Take you Everywhere” and inspirational public speaker.
The fundraising goal is to support the distribution of 75,000 new books per year to children in Southern Nevada through Vegas PBS Ready To Learn. Event cost is $100 by March 22 and $150 at the door.
QUICK CLIPS
Space-ship-themed “OPIUM” at The Cosmopolitan celebrated its first anniversary with an out-of-this-world Martian party held in the adjacent Rose.Rabbit.Lie supper club. Passengers were provided traditional Martian attire including silver capes, neon facial markings, and tinfoil space headwear as they entered the off-planet party.
Fifth Harmony’s Ally Brooke will perform at TAO Nightclub at The Venetian on Saturday, March 23 as she prepares to release her solo debut album.
TAO Beach at The Venetian will start Playboy Fridays: Discover & Be Discovered on March 29 transforming pool-side playground into a sexy environment with Playboy Bunny cocktail staff, giveaways and Playboy-inspired photo moments. Playboy Playmates will also make monthly appearances all summer long. Throughout the season, Playboy scouts will also be onsite searching for their next Playboy.com muse.
Continuing a relationship which began in 2009, Boyd Gaming and The West Coast Conference (WCC) have made a contract extension to keep the WCC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships at the Orleans Arena through 2022.
St. Patrick’s Day proved to have a pot of gold for a guest from Hawaii at the Plaza downtown when in just five minutes of playing the penny Monopoly Millionaire the player won $1,029,529.13.
The 7th Annual Champagne Luncheon & Fashion Show for Dress for Success Southern Nevada is scheduled for Friday, May 17 at the Four Seasons from noon to 2:30 p.m. with an After Party from 2:30-5 p.m.
