Date: Sept. 1, 2019
MAMA RABBIT BAR AT PARK MGM HOLDS GRAND OPENING WEEKEND
Mama Rabbit Bar at Park MGM, a new Oaxacan-inspired mezcal and tequila destination, will be holding its grand opening over Mexican Independence Day Weekend. “Access Hollywood’s” new co-host Mario Lopez will host Mama Rabbit’s grand opening VIP invite-only party Friday, Sept. 13. The venue will open to the public at 11 p.m. with music sets continuing throughout the night.
On Saturday night the party will continue with Michelle Kolnik aka DJ Crykit starting at 8 p.m. followed by DJ and violin sensation Natalia & Esther. The DJ duo will light up Mama Rabbit beginning at 10 p.m.
Mama Rabbit is an official destination for the first International Mezcal Week, Sept. 11-15, during which leading global institutions will celebrate and further educate the public about the Oaxacan elixir in the week leading up to Mexican Independence Day, Sept. 16.
SLS IS OFFICIALLY THE SAHARA AGAIN
The former SLS is now operating under the resort’s original, iconic brand name – Sahara Las Vegas. Alex Meruelo purchased the property last year in April and has been
transforming the resort. Completed renovations within the $150 million resort overhaul include an updated casino floor featuring the 24-hour Casbar Lounge and recently unveiled Infinity premium gaming lounge, renovated hotel rooms, suites and corridors, an upgraded spa and a soon-to-debut new hotel lobby.
Major exterior updates continue with the remodeling of the main porte cochère, a full renovation of the resort’s main pool slated for later this fall, a refresh and new paint color for the building along with soon-to-be installed marquee signage and lettering signaling the name change.
BIG BLUES BENDER TO HOST ‘ONE NIGHT ON YASGUR’S FARM’
On Sunday, Sept. 8, the 6th annual Big Blues Bender, the only-in-Vegas hotel takeover at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, will host “One Night on Yasgur’s Farm,” a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the legendary music festival which took place on Max Yasgur’s dairy farm in upstate New York.
In this year’s installment of the legendary “One” series, Grammy® Award nominee Victor Wainwright and dozens of Big Blues Bender artists and special guests will pay tribute to the generation-defining musical experience. Single day tickets begin at $125 and four-day rooming packages start at $799.
Big Blues Bender will again feature its popular fundraising event “Bender Party with HART!” on Wednesday, Sept. 4 featuring a star-studded musical review and live auction. The event benefits the H.A.R.T. (Handy Artist Relief Trust) Fund for Blues musicians and their families in financial need due to a broad range of health concerns impacting artists. All production costs and artist fees are paid for by Big Blues Bender so 100-percent of the proceeds benefitting the community with more than $100,000 raised to date.
O’SHEAS CASINO AT THE LINQ CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
Irish-themed O’Sheas Casino at The LINQ Hotel is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month, Sept. 1-30, with 30 days of shenanigans with month-long drink specials, new weekly events, daily entertainment and a Grand Finale bash on Saturday, Sept. 28.
There are live bands like Evenflow, Roxy Gunn Project, Flannel Channel and more, daily beginning at 7 p.m. DJs take over and keep the party going all night long.
The 30 days of shenanigans also introduces two new weekly events—beer pong tournaments on Thursdays and St. Patrick’s Day Fridays. Beer pong sign-up begins at noon with tournaments starting at 4 p.m. Teams of two are $30, and one-time re-buys are $20 per team. The first-place team wins $200; winner takes all. Every Friday will go with Brian “Lucky” Thomas, the face of O’Sheas for nearly 15 years, hosting games, trivia and raffles beginning at 4 p.m.
The 30th Grand Finale birthday bash on Sept. 28 will have famous friends, games, live bands and more. Games like Wheel of Destiny, Rapid Fire Beer Pong, flip cup and more will begin that day at 4 p.m., with a green carpet, toast and Darby O’Gill and Flannel Channel performing throughout the night.
O’Sheas opened in 1989, closed while The LINQ Promenade was being built, and made a triumphant return more than five years ago. The 5,000-square-foot space houses 13 table games, 15 video poker spaces, beer pong tables, and three bars – Lucky Bar, Dublin Up Bar and the outdoor Blarney Bar.
‘LUCHA VAVOOM’ VISITS BROOKLYN BOWL
For 15 years, Los Angeles’ longest running action-packed variety show “Lucha VaVOOM” has been delivering a wild mix of Mexican masked wrestling, burlesque, live music and comedy. The show will kick off Mexican Independence Day weekend at Brooklyn Bowl on Friday, Sept. 13 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $40 with VIP and bowling packages available starting at $50.
Comedian, actor and TV host Drew Carey will be the special guest MC and co-host with comedian Jeff Davis to deliver off-the-cuff commentary. Closing the night will be a live performance from musical guest The Delta Bombers.
Fans will witness good vs. evil, lucha libre-style wrestling from Mexico City, Tijuana, Guadalajara, and Juarez. In between matches, handpicked burlesque acts such as former title holders Trixie Little, Kalani Kokonuts and Natasha Estrada provide their unique striptease skills, including raucous aerial acts.
SMOKED BURGERS STARTS KARAOKE, FOOTBALL BRUNCH AND MORE
Smoked Burgers & BBQ at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace is starting “Liquid Courage Karaoke” nights. The twice weekly sing-off is in partnership with established karaoke operator, 15 Minutes of Fame Entertainment, and held every Tuesday from 8 to 11 p.m. and Friday from 9 p.m. to midnight on the open-air Stripside patio. Each week, restaurant patrons will take turns belting out tunes along with special guest contestants who will be auditioning for NBC’s “The Voice.”
In addition, the patio bar will host the first event in its new “Bartender Brawl” series, taking place every Tuesday beginning Sept. 17. For this eight-week contest, local flair bartenders will compete to win the grand prize: a cruise to the Bahamas provided by 15 Minutes of Fame Entertainment. Each week, three participating bartenders will perform a demonstration and the winner will be selected by crowd support and applause. The eight weekly winners will compete in a semi-final event on Nov. 12 at 10 p.m. while four bartenders will move on to finale night, held on Nov. 19 at 10 p.m. At this event, local celebrity judges will select the grand prize winner.
Beginning Sept. 8 at 9 a.m., Smoked will launch its first all-you-can-eat football brunch menu featuring breakfast favorites for $49.
Also, 10 percent off a bill is available for guests who present their sports betting ticket from any Caesars Entertainment property within seven days of the printed date and fans who present their entry ticket for any local professional sports team within seven days of the printed date.
DISCOVERY MUSEUM AND ZAPPOS PARTNER FOR CUSTOM MURAL
Discovery Children’s Museum is partnering with Zappos and its resident artist, Miguel Hernandez, to create a hand-painted mural for the new creative exhibit, DISCOVERY Lab. The new art project slated to be completed on Friday, Sept. 6, is being hand painted by Hernandez for visitors to watch Tuesday-Friday, Sept. 3–6 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hernandez began his career with Zappos in 2011. He initially started working with the Customer Loyalty Team and is now Zappos Campus Artist – and the company’s first full-time resident artist. His projects can be found all over the Las Vegas Valley including dozens of murals, sculptures and art projects for the Downtown Zappos headquarters and neighborhood businesses, as well as projects for Life is Beautiful, Las Vegas Gay Pride Parade, Southern Nevada Make-a-Wish, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
PINKBOX DOUGHNUTS® OPENS SOUTH SUMMERLIN STORE
Pinkbox Doughnuts® will celebrate the grand opening of its newest and third store, located at 9435 W. Tropicana Ave., on Saturday, Sept. 7 with a grand opening celebration with giveaways and activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Starting at 10 a.m., Pinkbox will give away complimentary T-shirts to the first 100 customers. During the party, a select number of doughnuts will be sold with a pink filling, each granting an entry into a drawing to win the grand prize at 2 p.m. of free doughnuts for a year. The event will offer samplings of Pinkbox’s signature doughnuts and host family activities, including doughnut eating competitions, a face painter, a balloon artist and more.
The new Pinkbox interior reveals a playful and colorful design. Plus, for the first time, Pinkbox will sell an array of branded items, including: crop-top sweatshirts, T-shirts, hats, hooded sweatshirts, customizable stickers and “squishy balls” made in the likeness of PINKY®.
SAM’S TOWN FEATURES HISPANIC FILM FESTIVAL ON SATURDAYS
In commemoration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sam’s Town is presenting its free Hispanic Film Festival every Saturday in September at the Century 18 Sam’s Town movie theater. The movies being featured at 3 p.m. are GP-rated “No Se Aceptan Devoluciones” Sept. 7, “Cantinflas” Sept. 14, and “No Manches Frida” Sept. 21. R-rated “Amores Perros” will be shown on Sept. 28 at 5:30 p.m.
Movie tickets are free for the first 500 attendees. Tickets up to two will be distributed at the B Connected desk starting at noon on the same day each movie is shown, while supplies last. Guests must be 21 or older.
TOP ROCK – POP HEADLINERS VISIT THE PALMS
The outstanding and varied lineup this month at the Pearl Concert Theater at the Palms includes: Heart with Joan Jett & The Blackhearts “Love Alive Tour” Sunday, Sept. 8; OneRepublic Friday, Sept. 13; Reik Saturday, Sept. 14; The Doobie Brothers Sunday, Sept. 15; and UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell and Astro, “40th Anniversary Tour: A Real Laboure of Love” with special guest Shaggy Saturday, Sept. 28.
FUN AT MOB MUSEUM’S UNDERGROUND SPEAKEASY
The Underground, the Prohibition history exhibition and speakeasy at The Mob Museum, one Monday a month taps into a different dance of the Prohibition-era by offering upbeat and detailed dance instruction. This month with live music on Sept. 9 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. attendees will learn the Balboa whether accompanied by a partner or not.
Due to popular demand, the Museum has extended the Jazz Nights weekly event to three nights a week Thursdays-Saturdays featuring local talent performing from 7 to 11 p.m. with extended hours on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 6 p.m. to midnight.
Admission to the speakeasy is included with general Museum admission. The speakeasy is also free for patrons using the daily password found on Instagram stories @MobMuseum_Underground at either the lobby podium or side entrance.
SOULCALIBUR WORLD INVITATIONAL IS NEW ESPORTS TOURNAMENT
The best SOULCALIBUR™ VI Players in the world will converge at the multilevel HyperX Esports Arena at the Luxor on Nov. 2 to battle for prizes and honor. Leading interactive entertainment developer Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. announced the new esports tournament built around the premier melee weapons-based fighting game in the world, the SOULCALIBUR™ World Invitational. SOULCALIBUR fans can purchase event tickets to attend on Smash.gg.
M RESORT HOLDS POOLSIDE MOVIE NIGHTS
Double feature Dive-In Movie Nights are being held at the M Resort Pool on the following Fridays at 8 p.m.: Sept. 6 “Jurassic Park” and “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom;” Sept. 13 “The Goonies” and “Ghostbusters;” and Sept. 20 “Indian Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Tomb Raider.” Guests may bring in outside food and snacks but not beverages; a full bar will be available.
CANDLELIGHTERS SUPERHERO 5K BENEFITS KIDS BATTLING CANCER
The annual Candlelighters Superhero 5K presented by Centennial Toyota returns to Mountain’s Edge Master Planned Community on Saturday morning, Sept. 14. The fundraising event features a 5K and one-mile walk with routes throughout the community. Costumes are welcome, and Candlelighters will provide the capes.
Other activities will include a Kids Zone with slides and an obstacle course, community partner booths, opening ceremonies, warm-up by TruFusion, awards ceremony for timed runners, music, a beer garden hosted by Ellis Island Casino & Brewery, food from local vendors, water provided by iDrink, raffle prizes and more.
Registration is from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., warm-up at 7:15 a.m., opening ceremonies at 7:30 a.m., and the race and walk at 8 a.m. Festivities will continue until 11 a.m.
The cost to participate is $45 for age 9 and older through Sept. 13, $15 for ages 3 to 9 through Sept. 14, and free under age 3. Visit Candlelighters’ website or call 702- 737-1919.
OPPORTUNITY VILLAGE HOSTS ‘FALL INTO FASHION’ EVENT
Opportunity Village (OV) holds its Fall Into Fashion runway show, boutique and luncheon on Saturday, Sept. 7 at Opportunity Village’s Ralph & Betty Engelstad Campus from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. OV clients will model outfits donated by Zappos for Good and personally selected by stylist Tiffany Weekes of Consciously Chic and have original artwork and crafts on display. Cost is $50.
FERRARO’S DINNER SHOWCASES MT. ETNA’S BENANTI WINERY
Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar will showcase Mt. Etna’s acclaimed Benanti Winery with owner Antonio Benanti for an exclusive a one-night-only dinner on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. Each wine will be paired with a specially prepared dish by Executive Chef Francesco DiCaudo, who was born and raised in the Mt. Etna region. Cost is $150.
ABOUT TOWN NEWS
The upcoming Fremont Street Experience free shows on the outside 3rd Street Stage include Sept. 14 Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band; Sept. 28 Smash Mouth; and Oct. 19 Muddfest featuring Puddle of Mudd, Saliva, Trapt, Saving Abel and Tantric.
Downtown Container Park’s September Wine Walk event, Wine is Beautiful, will be held Saturday, Sept. 7 from 6 – 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 online and $35 at the gate.
The Orleans Arena will host the Home Improvement and Backyard Expo Sept. 6-8, featuring home decorating products and services, free workshops and seminars, hourly and daily giveaways and more. Hours are daily opening at 10 a.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for military and seniors on Friday, Sept. 6. Children 12 years old and under are free.
Female tribute band The Iron Maidens, which was formed in 2001, will bring Iron Maidens’ heavy metal hits to Sam’s Town Live! on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $20.
Beer Park at Paris will host a viewing party for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 242 fight between Khabib “The Eagle” Nurmagomedov and Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7.
This is the last week for players to enter the Circa Sports Million Pro Football Contest presented by Las Vegas’ all-new sports gambling brand, Circa Sports. Until Saturday, Sept. 7, players can enter by registering at Circa Sports locations at the Golden Gate and D sportsbooks and paying a $1,000 entry fee. Players will compete for more than $1.5 million in guaranteed prizes.
Anthony Klosowski of South Milwaukee, Wis., hit the Let It Ride progressive jackpot at Bird Bar at the Flamingo on Thursday, Aug. 29, which resulted in a win of $1,323,251 payday. Klosowski is a long-time fan of the Let It Ride game and plays it every time he visits.
SIGHTINGS
Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis enjoyed a night out with family and friends with a visit to “O” by Cirque du Soleil at Bellagio. The “How to Get Away with Murder” star and known Cirque fan was excited for her husband to enjoy his first viewing of one of the company’s magnificent shows.
“Veronica Mars” star Jason Dohring and “Big Time Rush” actor James Maslow were seen attending “KÀ” at the MGM Grand. The duo in town with a group of friends had a meet and greet with the cast afterwards.
Janet Jackson and her team visited Brooklyn Bowl last month in celebration of the end of her “Metamorphosis” Las Vegas residency.
Entertainer Frankie Moreno and dancer Lacey Schwimmer were spotted in the audience at “Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel in Concert” at Harrah’s. Near the end of the show, Moreno jumped on stage to perform “Jailhouse Rock” with the band and mingled with the cast backstage afterwards.
