BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: May 5, 2019
CIRQUE WILL DEBUT ITS FIRST LIVE ACTION THRILLER AT THE LUXOR
Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group has announced its new show “R.U.N” will open at the Luxor on Oct. 24 in the R.U.N Theater. It’s being positioned as a ground-breaking new show and the company’s first live action thriller using live action performance, cutting-edge technology and multimedia to explore the world of stunts. R.U.N is the 10th partnership between Cirque du Soleil and MGM Resorts International.
The show’s description is a gritty, cinematic story with bold, rebellious and fearless characters. The storyline will follow two clans where a striking bride leads a series of fast-paced chases, combat and stunts through the fictional dark underground of Las Vegas.
“R.U.N” represents a complete departure from anything Cirque du Soleil has created before. Performances are Wednesday through Sunday at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets start at $69.
PAULA ABDUL ANNOUNCES RESIDENCY AT FLAMINGO
Pop legend Paula Abdul will headline her new Las Vegas residency “Paula Abdul: Forever Your Girl” at the Flamingo beginning Tuesday, Aug. 13. Most recently fans witnessed her performing the energetic and powerful closing number for the “Billboard Music Awards.”
After first making her mark as a Los Angeles Lakers cheerleader and choreographer, the singer-dancer Abdul focused her talents on music. Her debut album “Forever Your Girl” hit the charts in 1988, making Abdul the first female to ever receive four No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 singles off a debut album. In Abdul’s 30-plus year career, she has earned six No. 1 songs, eight Top 10 and 15 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. The petite dynamo gained a new generation of fans as a judge on “American Idol.” In 2018, Abdul traveled the U.S. with “Straight Up PAULA!”, her first solo headlining tour in more than 25 years.
Dates for Abdul’s residency are set through Jan. 4 with shows beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $69 and a limited number of meet-and-greet packages are available.
HAKKASAN LAUNCHES ‘ALL THAT AND DIM SUM’ DINNERS
Had the privilege to experience a new venture by the Hakkasan Restaurant at the MGM Grand. The new concept is a late-night 10 p.m. dinner happening every Thursday and featuring a specialty menu with small bites, creative cocktails and sake. Following the dinner soiree, guests can make their way to the adjacent Hakkasan Nightclub with complimentary and expedited entry.
“Hakkasan restaurants in other cities have lunch and dinner service and no nightclub,” said general manager Derek Tadashi Morishita, who worked at other locations. “They are known for dim sum for lunch, so I decided to try it for a late-night dinner since we don’t serve lunch in this Las Vegas location.”
The restaurant’s dramatic ambiance enhances the dining experience, which is backed by a DJ presenting hip hop sounds.
The detailed prix fixe menu, which will change throughout the season, is divided into sections beginning with “All That” featuring calamari, stir-fry mushroom lettuce mushroom wrap, and pan-seared Shanghai dumpling. “And” introduces crispy duck canapé and tuna. “Dim Sum” includes Wasabi prawn, scallop shumai, asparagus prawndumpling, and crispy morel mushroom puff. Dessert is the chef’s selection promising to surprise, impress and render the diner helpless to resist. Service is attentive and informative about each course. Dinner price starts at $70.
JIMMY KIMMEL’S COMEDY CLUB IS OPEN
Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club at The LINQ Promenade across from Brooklyn Bowl opened last week with comedian Harland Williams.Performances are Thursday-Sunday at 8 p.m. with additional 10 p.m. shows on Friday and Saturdayand the bar opening at 4 p.m. Talent will range from household names to up-and-coming artists. The dual-level 8,000-square-foot venue has an expandable showroom seating up to 300 guests. The bar opens daily at 11 a.m.
Show tickets start at $29 and include a specialty cocktail or a double drink.The lineup for this month, includes: Andrew Santino May 9-12; Fahim Anwar May 16-19; Dov Davidoff May 23-26; and John Heffron May 30-June 2.
MAMA RABBIT BAR WILL OPEN AT PARK MGM
In late July,James Beard Award-winner Bricia Lopez, dubbed a “Oaxacan Princess” by the late Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Jonathan Gold, will celebrate the culture and spirit of Oaxaca – the birthplace of mezcal – with the debut of Mama Rabbit Bar at Park MGM. The venue will fuse the atmosphere of a Mexican taverna with the intimate sexy allure of a speakeasy and become Las Vegas’ definitive mezcal-and-tequila destination with the area’s largest collection. There will be lively music and an art program will pay homage to the region’s famously vibrant art scene.
STRIP HEADLINER CLIPS
Sting, the 17-time Grammy Award winning musician, will headline a Las Vegas residency, “My Songs,” at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace opening on Friday, May 22, 2020. The show will present a compendium of Sting’s songs with visual references to some of his most memorable videos and inspirations.
Rock band Journey has a limited nine-date engagement at The Colosseum Oct. 9-26.
Madonna will be announcing she’ll be headlining at The Colosseum.
Comedian Mo’Nique will continue her residency “Mo’Nique Does Vegas” at SLS, which began in January, with more Thursday-Saturday dates in May and June inside The Sayers Club®. The Academy Award-winning actress shows are 8 p.m. each night along with additional 11 p.m. shows on Fridays and Saturdays.
“The Naked Magicians,” who began their first Las Vegas residency in February, will continue to perform inside Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club at MGM Grand through June 2019. Starring Mike Tyler and Christopher Wayne, the duo performs six nights a week at 10 p.m.
‘WELCOME TO LAS VEGAS’ SIGN TURNS 60
In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the iconic Welcome to Las Vegas sign on Las Vegas Boulevard, one of the most photographed locations in the world, Marshall Retail Group’s Welcome to Las Vegas Gift Shops, are honoring the landmark with Welcome to Las Vegas-branded memorabilia.
Eleven participating stores are commemorating the month-long May celebration with anniversary items including T-shirts, footwear, coffee mugs, souvenirs, and more. Among the collection are a select number of authenticated lightbulbs taken straight from the sign. The limited-edition lightbulbs will be sold during the celebration at each participating store.
The flagship Welcome to Las Vegas location at The Forum Shops at Caesarsfeatures one of the largest replicas of the original Welcome to Las Vegas sign at 80 percent of the size of the Las Vegas landmark.
GOLDEN RAINBOW HOLDS 33RD RIBBON OF LIFE
Golden Rainbow’s 33rd annual Ribbon of Life will be held Sunday, June 23 at the Tropicana and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Woodstock with the theme “Summer of Love.” The show will feature performances inspired by the historic three-day music festival of peace, love, and music. Edie, the Mistress of Sensuality from “Zumanity” and Sean McAllister from local FOX 5’s “MORE” show will return as hosts and introduce talent from nearly every major show on the Strip. Co-founded in 1987, nonprofit Golden Rainbow provides housing and financial assistance to people living with HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada.
ANIMAZING GALLERY CELEBRATES‘WIZARD OF OZ ’80TH ANNIVERSARY
Animazing Gallery at Grand Canal Shoppes inside The Venetian® is celebrating the 80th anniversary of “The Wizard of Oz” now through May 23. Multiple renowned artists will be in attendance throughout the month showcasing their themed art as well as life-sized realistic looking figures in the gallery window and inside the exhibit. The exclusive artwork, which can be viewed, will also be available for purchase.
ROCK ‘N’ ROLL FANTASY CAMP FINISHES WITH LIVE SHOW
Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp returns for its 25th anniversary featuring special guest headliners Joe Perry (Aerosmith), Vince Neil (Mötley Crüe) and Lou Gramm (Foreigner) June 27–30at the Hard Rock. Campers will be placed into bands led by rock star counselors where they will receive personal instruction, participate in jam sessions and Q&As, and attend Master Classes by Perry,Neil and Gramm, culminating in a live performance with Gramm at Vinyl on Sat., June 29.
SUPER SUMMER THEATRE ENTERS 44TH YEAR
The Super Summer Theatre Held at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park will return this month for its 44th year. The season kicks off with “Into the Woods” on Wednesday, May 22. All performances are outdoors and run Wednesday–Saturday, excluding September’s production which runs Thursday–Saturday. Other productions for 2019 will include: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Chicago,” “Annie,” and “Noises Off.”
NBA 2K LEAGUE VISITS LUXOR’S HYPERX EXPORTS ARENA
The NBA 2K League professional esports league co-founded by the NBA and Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. and the first official esports league operated by a U.S. professional sports league, will stop at HyperX Esports Arena at the Luxor for the second tournament of the season – THE TURN powered by AT&T, May 9-11. The prize pool is $180,000. Tickets are $20 or $30 for the full three-day tournament.
DINING • BEVERAGE HOT TIPS
Oak & Ivy, the American craft whiskey cocktail bar located in Container Park, is celebrating being named “#2 Whiskey Bar in the U.S.” by Yelp with a customer appreciation party on Friday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Delmonico Steakhouse, Chef Emeril Lagasse’s take on the classic American steakhouse with Creole influences, is commemorating the 20th anniversary at The Venetian with menu specials now through May 12, as well as other surprises throughout the year and a special commemorative logo.
Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit is back in Las Vegas May 9-12. The four-day culinary extravaganza is celebrating 13 years presenting a world-class lineup of renowned chefs from Las Vegas properties.
The Nevada Restaurant Association’s (NvRA) annual scholarship fundraiser, The Las Vegas Epicurean Affair, will be held poolside Thursday, May 16 from 6-10 p.m. for the first time at Red Rock Resort. This culinary extravaganza is open to the public and showcases top restaurant and beverage suppliers. Tickets start at $100.
Hank’s Fine Steaks & Martinis inside Green Valley Ranch Resort is now serving Kobe Beef. Hank’s has received the official certification to serve the Japanese delicacy, granted by the Kobe Beef Marketing and Distribution Association. The steakhouse is the only restaurant in Henderson, and one of seven in Nevada, offering Kobe Beef on their menu.
Smoked Burgers & BBQ at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace started national BBQ Month off launching the Strip’s first All-You-Can-Eat BBQ available every day starting at 11:30 a.m. The $49 offer includes: beef sliders, smoked chicken wings, Louisiana hot link sausage, BBQ pork, BBQ chicken, St. Louis ribs and sides.
Crazy Pita Rotisserie & Grill, a Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant, will celebrate International Hummus Day by offering a free side of hummus for every pita sandwich ordered on Monday, May 13. Pita sandwiches start at $9.99. Locations include Downtown Summerlin, Town Square and The District at Green Valley Ranch
Buddy V’s Ristorante inside the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian has new menu items and revamped its weekend Saturday-Sunday brunch. Nicholas Cole and The Baker Boys perform three nights a week Tuesday–Thursday 5:30-9:30 p.m., in addition to Sunday brunch. Buddy V’s is also updating Happy Hour with $5 domestic bottles as well as $6 small bites. New hours for Happy Hour are 3-5:30 p.m. daily in the lounge and 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on the indoor “patio.”
Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar’s next Taste & Learn wine dinner will be held on National Wine Day, Saturday, May 25. In honor of the special occasion, wines from Zyme, a winery located near the romantic city of Verona in northern Italy’s Veneto region, will be featured and paired with accompaniments. Cost is $75, call 702-364-5300.
The Donut Bar in Downtown Las Vegas has joined the fight to combat youth homelessness with a special promotion donating 25 percent of the Crème Brulee Donut special sales from May 5-11.
ABOUT TOWN NEWS
Maverick Helicopters received its tenth consecutive award for Best Air Tour Company from the Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association’s (SNHCA) Top Honors Awards and has been the only recipient in this category since its inception.
The Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) returns to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway May 17-19 attracting around 400,000 electro-dance music lovers.
Clark County’s annual Jazz in the Park returns and opens the series at the Amphitheater Downtown on Saturday, May 11 at 6:30 p.m. with Norman Brown. Admission and parking are free, while food and drinks are available on site.
The first US-China Cultural Tourism Festival will be held at Downtown Summerlin May 10-12 at The Lawn with a variety of exhibitors.
The benefit Lake Las Vegas Drive 25 will be held Saturday, May 11 from11 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring a long drive competition for attendees, along with a classic car show and barbeque.
The 4th Annual Nevada Dragon Boat Festival will take place at Lake Las Vegas from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday-Sunday, May 18-19. The two-day event aims to raise awareness for the fight against cancer and will include a 2K exhibition, traditional lion dance and a performance by members of the Positively Arts foundation. Admission is free.
Locally-owned, award-winning Globe Salon will celebrate the opening of its second location at the Rampart Commons lifestyle center on Thursday, May 16. The public is invited from 7:30-9 p.m. to enjoy a stylish mix-and-mingle featuring the musical stylings of Michael Shulman, and complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres catered by Honey Salt.
All change tossed into the Miracle Mile Shops’ indoor rainstorm from May 1 through Dec. 31 will be donated to Discovery Children’s Museum this year.
MOTHER’S DAY SPECIALS
There will be a flower for mom, during Beer Park’s electric brunch at Paris on May 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The new electric brunch features a DJ and live music collaborations, in addition to bottomless mimosas and reimagined breakfast favorites.
PT’s Taverns, with 65 locations throughout the Las Vegas Valley and Nevada, will offer $3 mimosas for moms all day on Sunday, May 12.
Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant in Downtown Summerlin will celebrate Mother’s Day with a champagne brunch and live music from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 12. All mothers and guests who purchase an entrée will be treated to complimentary champagne.
Clever promotion for the Costa del Sur Spa and Salon at South Point celebrating Mother’s Day through the month of May. The specialty menu featuring “The Chores Mom Wants To Do” offers a series of bundled services featuring massages, manicure and pedicure services, body scrubs, facials and more. The treatments are named: The Dishes; The Laundry; Make Dinner; and Deep Clean. There are 28 treatment rooms and a full-service salon. The spa is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. not including holidays.
HONORING TEACHERS
The Real Bodies exhibit on the lower level at Bally’s is offering free admission for educational professionals during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5-11.
“Xavier Mortimer’s Magical Dream” 6 p.m. show at Bally’s in the Windows Showroom is offering teachers a buy-one, get-one free promotion on tickets May 6-10 in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week. Tickets start at $49.
OFF-STRIP STARGAZING
The fourth annual Skye & Stars event will be held at the 15-acre Skye Canyon Park in the northwest master-planned community on Saturday, May 11 from 7-10 p.m. The free family-friendly evening of stargazing will be led by the Las Vegas Astronomical Society. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and picnic or enjoy food truck or onsite café options. “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” will be shown at Skye Center.
