BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: Aug. 11, 2019
FRANK MARINO JOINS ‘LEGENDS IN CONCERT’ FOR FALL ENGAGEMENT
This will be a first for “Legends in Concert” at the Tropicana. The longest-running headliner in Las Vegas history, Frank Marino, will join the longest-running production show at the Tropicana performing as Joan Rivers and guest hosting Sept. 11-Nov. 19.
Marino is announcing this will be the last time audiences will be able to see him pay tribute to the legendary first lady of comedy because he’s retiring the Joan Rivers character from his act.
Marino will be joined by a cast of outstanding new tribute artists with each singing their superstar’s biggest hits. Fernando Castro’s tribute to the one and only Freddie Mercury means “Bohemian Rhapsody” and the catalogue of Queen; moving far from the “Shallow” will happen with Tierney Allen’s homage to Lady Gaga; and a jog to the 80s with be spirited by Jill Burke’s stunning recreation of Pat Benatar’s “Love is a Battlefield.” Elvis will return with hunk of “Burnin’ Love” Matt Lewis and his tremendous portrayal of The King.
“Legends in Concert” backs its tribute artists with a live band, backup singers, dancers, wardrobe changes as well as historic showgirl costumes synonymous with the Entertainment Capital of the World.
Legends in Concert performs Monday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $49.99.
THE STRAT DEBUTS NEW TABLE GAME AREA OF REMODELED CASINO
The STRAT has unveiled the first table game area of the new casino remodel, which encompasses 22 tables, including: one single deck blackjack table, two craps tables, one crap-less craps table, three roulette tables, two double deck blackjack tables, seven blackjack tables, two pai gow poker and two heads up hold ‘em poker tables, a three-card poker table, and a one high card flush poker table.
The casino remodel design is inspired by the sky, sun, stars and moon with tones of blue and amber; along with the same sky blue that is used in the property’s new logo.
CHOSUN HWARO & NARA TEPPAN OPENS ON THE STRIP
Chosun Hwaro & Nara Teppan, the first authentic Korean BBQ experience on the Strip and largest in Nevada, has opened with an inside entrance in the south end of the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. It is the first U.S. restaurant from parent company Ebadom with restauranteurs bringing more than 20 years of experience. The company operates more than 200 dining destinations in Korea, China and beyond.
The expansive 13,000-square-foot dining venue seating up to 485 guests features 30 Korean BBQ tables and 12 teppanyaki tables. The restaurant also offers VIP private dining rooms equipped with their own Korean BBQ tables and a special VIP menu. For patrons on the go, they can stop by the outdoor patio and walk-up bar area adjacent to Harmon Avenue.
Dining guests can choose from two dining experiences; barbecue selections grilled at their seats, or a teppanyaki show at custom cooking tables. Both options can be complemented by a curated sushi menu.
Chosun Hwaro & Nara Teppan is open daily 9 a.m.–2 a.m.
ODDWOOD BAR WILL BE PART OF AREA15 EXPERIENCE
AREA15, Las Vegas’ experiential retail and entertainment complex under construction, has announced Oddwood Bar is its first food and beverage experience created in partnership with Las Vegas entrepreneur Ryan Doherty, creator of downtown hangouts including Commonwealth, The Laundry Room and Park on Fremont.
Oddwood Bar will be a center bar showcasing an ever-changing towering 23-foot-tall weeping Japanese maple tree adorned with more than 5,000 twinkling LED leaves as its centerpiece. Other distinctive décor elements will include drink tables and mini-lanterns by HYBYCOZO, with laser-cut designs, which will cast unusual geometric shadows throughout the space; a community table seating 10; and a large center bar framing the digital tree.
AREA15 will be announcing additional food and beverage experiences this fall, which will join a growing collection of attractions including Nomadic, Emporium and anchor experience Meow Wolf Las Vegas.
KACEY MUSGRAVES WILL HEADLINE THE CHELSEA
Six-time Grammy Award-winner Kacey Musgraves will appear at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan on Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 8 p.m. with special guest Poolside. Musgraves is on the second leg of her “Oh, What a World: Tour” in support of her third studio album, “Golden Hour,” released in March 2018. She made history by taking home Album of the Year at all three major award shows, becoming the first to do so since Taylor Swift in 2010 and only the third artist to do so overall.
‘HEARTBREAK HOTEL’ CELEBRATES 100TH PERFORMANCE AT HARRAH’S
“Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel in Concert” celebrated its 100th performance at Harrah’s this month and the cast was surprised on stage with a custom-made cake. It’s a pleasure to see this show meet with success because it deserves to flourish on the Strip with its outstanding cast.
The production is an Elvis hit-driven story-telling concert experience creatively presenting the music and the story of Elvis’ meteoric rise to fame. The show features nearly two dozen Elvis songs which have come to define “rock ‘n’ roll” as it is known today, while four giant LED walls present authentic imagery and scenes from the superstar’s extraordinary life.
The show is not a typical Elvis impersonator show. The talented cast members play instruments, sing and take turns presenting different songs.
It’s important to note this is the only Elvis production in Las Vegas authorized by Authentic Brands Group, owner of Elvis Presley Enterprises, LLC. Performances are nightly except Tuesday at 8 p.m. with an additional 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday. Tickets start at $49.
MELODY SWEETS RELEASES NEW SINGLE ‘FLAVOR OF THE MONTH’
Las Vegas-based chanteuse Melody Sweets will release her new single, “Flavor of the Month,” featuring her blend of musical flavors, bringing her sultry vocals and big-band, burlesque style to this hip-hop classic on Friday, Aug. 16. The single will be followed by a new music video release on Aug. 23 and live event at The Chocolate Lounge at the Sugar Factory on Aug. 27 at 8 p.m. The party with many cast members from Vegas shows who appear in her music video attending will be open to the public and will feature a live performance by Sweets and music by DJ Einstein.
The first 100 people to subscribe to MelodySweets.com will receive a free download card for her new single.
PLACE ON 7TH‘S ‘DOWNTOWN COUNTRY THROWDOWN’ GOES WEEKLY
Last Friday, Place on 7th’s signature bi-weekly Downtown Country Throwdown went from two Fridays a month to four with featured drink specials, DJs, lessons and more. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and courtyard line-dancing lessons start at 8 p.m. At 9 p.m., dancers can show off their dance skills with music by various DJs.
This month with school back in session, teachers can receive a complimentary well cocktail or draft beer with a valid CCSD ID. First responders and military receive a complimentary drink every Friday with appropriate ID.
Place on 7th, East Fremont’s indoor/outdoor event venue with a built-in bar and outdoor stage located on the corner of 7th Street and Ogden Avenue downtown.
GOLDEN NUGGET’S HAS DIFFERENT HEADLINERS EVERY FRIDAY
The Golden Nugget’s 52 Fridays Concert Series held in the showroom features a different headliner every week at 8 p.m. The Grass Roots with major hits most notably “Let’s Live for Today,” Midnight Confessions,” “Temptation Eyes,” and “Two Divided by Love, will appear on Aug. 16. BJ Thomas has an impressive repertoire with tunes like “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head,” “Don’t Worry Baby,” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” will present his music on Aug. 23. English-born American rock guitarist, actress, vocalist and songwriter Lita Ford, who was the lead guitarist for the Runaways in the late 1970s before embarking on a solo career in the 1980s, will be center stage Aug. 30.
THE DEGREE OPENS ON UNLV COLLEGE CAMPUS
The Degree, a 226-unit, five-story on-campus student housing community at UNLV, after numerous delays will open for the current Fall semester beginning Aug. 26. With a capacity for up to 758 students, it is the largest student housing apartment complex in Nevada, and represents a significant investment for a university, which continually grows.
The Degree offers students upscale modern, fully furnished apartments in a variety of two- and four-bedroom floorplans, all with a balcony and in-unit washer and dryer. Every bedroom has a private bathroom, closet storage, common areas which include living room, television, entertainment-style kitchens with stainless steel appliances.
Resort-style amenities include a pool, sand volleyball court, fitness center, outdoor fire pit and grill stations, private and group study rooms and social lounge. With numerous energy conscious features, the project was built to LEED Silver requirements.
FIREFLY* ANNOUNCES NEW LOCATION IN SOUTHWEST
Restaurateurs Chef John and Tabitha Simmons are expanding their Firefly* Tapas Kitchen + Bar, which has been a staple in the Las Vegas community for 16 years, later this month when they open a new outlet at 7355 S. Buffalo Drive.
The 2,400-square-foot space with an airy color palette featuring a combination of bold bright hues and warm earth tones under a sky-lit dining area will accommodate up to 80 guests inside and will have a large outdoor “backyard” patio.
The new Firefly* will initially be open from 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Hopes are to expand into lunch, brunch and late-night hours.
CAKED LAS VEGAS IS A SWEET SPOT IN SUMMERLIN
Caked Las Vegas, formerly known as The Cupcakery Summerlin location, opened at 7175 W. Lake Mead Boulevard in the Rock Springs Shopping Plaza. The complete one-stop bakeshop is owned and operated by Ricardo Gudino, who was featured on the Food Network’s “Cupcake Championships.”
Caked Las Vegas offers weekly specials “Flavors of the Month,” in addition to a daily selection of vegan, gluten free and sugar free options. August’s specialty flavors are Pina Colada, Key Lime Pie and Banana Split.
In addition to the vast cupcake menu, there are ready-to-go celebration cakes and cake slices; custom order cakes for any occasion; Rice Krispies treats; cookies; tarts; cheesecake; cannolis; eclairs; and fudge brownies. Hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
GALLERIA AT SUNSET HOSTS THIRD SUNSET SHOP & WINE EVENT
Galleria at Sunset mall will host its third Sunset Shop & Wine on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. There will be more than 15 wine tasting stations located inside stores. Food, cocktails and live entertainment will be located near event check-in, on the lower level of Dillard’s. The $30 ticket online includes a keepsake wine glass, map of participating stores and Galleria at Sunset coupon book with exclusive discounts. Adults 21 and older may attend.
DINING NEWS
TREVI located next to the Fountain of the Gods at The Forum Shops at Caesars will commemorate National Cheese Pizza Day, Thursday, Sept. 15, with TREVI’s signature cheese pizza cooked in a woodfire brick oven and specially priced at $10.
Virgil’s Real Barbecue at The LINQ Promenade has a new happy hour 3-6 p.m. daily and weekly summer promotions. “Hump Day Blues” are each Wednesday featuring an apple bourbon glazed baby back rib special, $23.95 and blues themed music starting at 9 p.m. Old Camp Country Night takes over Fridays with a Southern Style Fish Fry for $30 and live country music bands. Summer Sundays feature a Hawaiian BBQ complete with a Kalua Pig platter for two for $39.95, along with drink specials and live Island style reggae pop.
Honey Salt in Summerlin will hold a Taste of Vietnam Farm Table Dinner served family style on Tuesday, Aug. 27 with a 6 p.m. cocktail reception followed by 6:30 p.m. dinner. The authentic Thai cuisine will be presented by celebrated Vietnamese Chef Khai Vu. Tickets on restaurant’s website are $49 and an optional wine pairing is and additional $25.
JOJO SIWA CELEBRATED AT SUGAR FACTORY
Dancer, singer, actress, Nickelodeon and YouTube star, JoJo Siwa following her “D.R.E.A.M. The Tour” concert at Mandalay Bay Events Center visited Sugar Factory last Saturday. The internet sensation hit more than 10 million subscribers on YouTube, and starred in her first feature film, “Angry Birds The Movie 2” set to premiere Aug. 14.
In true JoJo fashion, she was dressed glittery in pink pants and a blue shirt with a pink heart, white sneakers with jewels, and her signature hair bow decorated with rainbow gems. To add to the fun, Sugar Factory created a JoJo inspired “JoJo Goblet"” made exclusively for Siwa’s group.
LAS VEGAS BALLPARK® WINS BASEBALLPARKS.COM’S AWARD
The brand-new ballpark built for the Las Vegas Aviators® in the community of Summerlin® ushered in an improved fan experience, as the team currently leads all Minor League Baseball in attendance. And now Las Vegas Ballpark® has a major national award with BaseballParks.com announcing the new facility is the winner of its 20th Annual Ballpark of the Year Award, which honors the new or remodeled baseball stadium with the best combination of site selection, exterior appearance, architectural design, and fan amenities.
SPA AND SALON SPECIALS OFFERED FOR NATIONAL RELAXATION DAY
Honoring National Relaxation Day on Thursday, Aug. 15, Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas Resorts including Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace, Voie Spa & Salon at Paris, Spa at The LINQ, Spa at Flamingo, Rio Spa & Salon and Spa at Harrah’s are featuring specials.
Qua Baths & Spa is offering locals 20 percent off any service Monday-Thursday through Aug. 29. Voie Spa & Salon has three spa and salon packages available Aug. 12-18.
On Aug. 15, Spa at The LINQ and Spa at Flamingo each have a 50-minute signature facial and/or massage deals. At the Rio Spa & Salon and The Spa at Harrah’s guests may purchase any spa or salon service at regular price and receive a second service of equal or lesser value for $25.
ABOUT TOWN
The National Atomic Testing Museum is holding its annual Journey Through Japan family day on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. This free family-friendly event at the museum introduces people to Japanese culture through hands-on activities like folding origami, writing in Japanese calligraphy, and practicing chopsticks along with performances including taiko drum demonstrations and Japanese dance.
Opportunity Village (OV) and friends on Saturday, Aug. 24 will present the second “Vegas Variety Show” with event proceeds benefitting OV’s Fine & Performing Arts Program. The 75-minute show at OV’s Ralph & Betty Engelstad Campus, 6050 S. Buffalo Drive, will feature a combination of singers, dancers, magicians, etc. Tickets are $7.50 in advance online and $10 at the door.
For an evening under the stars, the Sanders Family Winery in Pahrump, an hour drive from Las Vegas, at 3780 E. Kellog Road is holding a concert on Aug. 24 at dusk featuring the sounds from the Rat Pack-era with music by Donovan Tea and Michelle Murlin and free wine tasting. Tickets are $25, call 775-727-1776.
Every Saturday in August at 4 p.m., ladies are invited to compete for $1,000 cash during DayDream’s weekly bikini contest at the M Resort. Guests must sign up at DayDream by 3 p.m. to be eligible.
All In Aviation, Southern Nevada’s only Cirrus Aircraft flight training center, will offer a special rate for all first-time flyers during National Aviation Week, Aug. 19-25. Hourly flight lessons as well as the flight school’s signature “Destination Training” experiences will be available at 15 percent off for all new students.
The latest Charlie’s Double Progressive Bingo winner at Arizona Charlie’s Boulder won $30,774 and was the third winner in under three weeks.
SIGHTINGS
More than 3,000 guests dressed to impress in black and white filled The Joint at the Hard Rock for Aid for AIDS of Nevada's (AFAN) 33rd annual Black & White Party fundraiser last Saturday. Proceeds benefit AFAN’s programs.
Grammy Award-winning Dutch DJ Tiesto with a large group of friends recently took in a raucous performance of “Absinthe” at Caesars Palace. For much hilarity, one pal was invited onstage by The Gazillionaire for the interracial lap dance competition finale. Tiesto described the acro-cabaret circus as “Epic! Amazing! Funky!”
President and head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, Gregg Popovich, dined with friends at La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway inside Wynn. The group was visiting Las Vegas in honor of USA Basketball.