BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW

 

Date: Oct. 13, 2019

BY: Jackie Brett     

 

MUSEUM OF SELFIES WILL OPEN AT MIRACLE MILE SHOPS

            Museum of Selfies will open its first location outside of California in Las Vegas inside the Miracle Mile Shops on Friday, Oct. 25. The expansion follows the museum’s success as a pop-culture phenomenon opening a permanent location in Hollywood, Calif., a year ago.

            The museum explores the origin of the selfie through the lens of art, history, technology and culture along with featuring interactive installations for taking cool images.

        Las Vegas’ new family-friendly attraction will feature similar photo opportunities as the Hollywood location including the two-sided illusion Bathroom Selfie, the ‘GOT’ Selfie Throne made up of selfie sticks, an Emoji Pool and the comically catastrophic David Accident. The experience will feature works from several visionary artists.

            Hours of operation will be Sunday-Thursdays 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – midnight. Pre-sale tickets start at $17 for children and $23 for adults and will be available online at SelfieVegas.com.

 

LAS VEGAS MONORAIL COMPANY SECURES EXPANSION FUNDING

            The Las Vegas Monorail Company has secured long-term financing to help fund construction of a new station at Sands Avenue and to replace a short-term loan facility. The new station will provide a direct connection to the Sands Expo Center, The Venetian and The Palazzo Resorts, and to the MSG Sphere, the 18,000-seat entertainment venue currently under construction. The Sands Avenue station is projected to be completed and open in conjunction with the MSG Sphere project opening. The expanded eight-station system will be connected to more than 30,000 hotel rooms and more than 8 million square feet of convention space by the time it is completed.
            The transaction will also include a later expansion to the Mandalay Bay Resort with proximity to Allegiant Stadium now under construction.

 

THE BRONX WANDERERS PERFORM 1,000TH SHOW

            The Bronx Wanderers recently celebrated their 1,000th performance in Las Vegas after opening their show three years ago. They originally began headlining at Bally’s in September 2016 and moved to the larger showroom at the Mat Franco Theater inside The LINQ in February this year.

            The exceptional band is truly becoming a must-see show as they delight audiences with music of America’s Rock ‘n’ Roll songbook. The father-and-son trio, flanked by their top-notch band, perform hits made famous by the likes of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Dion, Queen, Billy Joel and Bruno Mars. United by their passion for great music, the group is helmed to perfection by charismatic master entertainer and father Vinny Adinolfi, who is a former chart-topping record producer. Joining him on stage are his two sons - Vinny “Vin. A” Adinolfi III, an Italian Brian Wilson who sings, arranges and plays several different instruments, and drummer extraordinaire Nicky Adinolfi. They are joined by a killer band, including Joe Bari, Fernando Tort and David Braun.  

            For some 12 years, The Bronx Wanderers toured America, playing pop/rock classics spanning six decades in front of sold-out audiences. Their show introduces audiences to an amazingly talented family band with a sound, feeling and harmony that goes right to the heart of the crowd and gets everyone on their feet singing along. Their show is wonderfully infectious!

            The Bronx Wanderers perform Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays at 9:15 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. and are dark some Saturdays. Tickets range in price from $59.99 to $109.  

 

JEFF DUNHAM VISITS THE COLOSSEUM WITH NEW INTERNATIONAL TOUR

        For more than 12 years, comedian Jeff Dunham with his irreverent cohorts, Peanut, Walter, José Jalapeño, Bubba J. and Achmed the Dead Terrorist, have filled arenas around the world with their multiple blockbuster tours. The gang is now setting out on their brand-new 63-city North America and Canada tour, “Jeff Dunham: Seriously!?” Joining Dunham’s usual cast of irreverent accomplices will be newest troupe member, “Larry.” As the President’s personal advisor, he gives his take on what it’s like to work at the White House.

            Dunham will bring the new tour to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Nov. 3, Dec. 1, Feb. 16, March15 and May 24. Tickets start at $46.

            Additionally, Dunham has just released his next Netflix Originals stand-up special, “Jeff Dunham: Beside Himself,” taped June 21 and 22 at the American Airlines Center in his hometown of Dallas, Texas. Following the success of 2017’s “Jeff Dunham: Relative Disaster,” the new show is his second special for Netflix Originals, and the ninth in his list of record-breaking stand-up television events.

            Dunham has made many cameo appearances across television and film, from the Emmy Award-winning comedy series “30 Rock,” “Angie Tribeca,” and “Dinner for Schmucks,” starring Steve Carrell and Paul Rudd. His autobiography, “All By My Selves: Walter, Peanut, Achmed and Me,” was on the New York Times’ Best Seller list.

 

JOURNEY KICKS OFF LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY

            Journey has launched its Las Vegas-residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Tickets for performances through Oct. 26 as well as New Year’s Eve week are on sale now. General ticket prices start at $69. All shows begin at 8 p.m. 

             Journey formed in 1973 and comprised of Neal Schon founding member and lead guitarist Neal Schon, co-founding member and bassist Ross Valory, and longtime members keyboardist Jonathan Cain, drummer Steve Smith, and lead singer Arnel Pineda, is one of the most popular American rock bands of all time. Some of their best-known songs include hits such as “Lights,” “Faithfully,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Wheel In The Sky,” “Separate Ways,” “Who’s Crying Now,” and the seminal “Don’t Stop Believin’,” which is the top-selling digital catalog track in history. The band has earned 19 top 40 singles and 25 Gold and Platinum albums and has sold nearly 100 million albums globally. 

 

MARGARITAVILLE HOSTS PRE-CONCERT POOL PARTY AT FLAMINGO

            Margaritaville Las Vegas restaurant will again host its annual pre-concert pool party at the Flamingo’s GO Pool Dayclub to coincide with Jimmy Buffett’s concert on Saturday, Oct. 19. The “Fin Begins” on Friday, Oct. 18 at 9 p.m. for an exclusive performance by Mishka, who toured with Buffett in 2013. The two collaborated on a few occasions, including “Ocean is my Potion” and Mishka’s cover of “Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season.” Mishka’s performance will be at Margaritaville and is complimentary and open to the general public.

             The pre-concert pool party kicks off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19 with an all-day, outdoor, free admission adult pool party offering interactive games, food and drinks, live entertainment by The Boat Drunks and giveaways.

 

LIP SMACKING FOODIE TOURS OFFERS NEW ART DISTRICT TOUR

            In just a short time, Lip Smacking Foodie Tours has grown into the premier culinary walking tour in Las Vegas. The award-winning food tour company wants to elevate the culinary experience and allow participants to learn relevant stories and behind-the-scenes details about the local art history in each area of the city it tours. From famous sculptures to murals, each tour is crafted around supporting and exposing the local artists who make up the Las Vegas art community and culture especially on National Art Day, Oct. 25.

            This foodie tour experience escorts groups to multiple locations, with each restaurant presenting an array of distinctive dishes while patrons relax and mingle. Treated as VIPs, guests are personally greeted by chefs and proprietors and whisked to the best seats in the house at each venue. Establishments on this tour include Esther’s Kitchen, Jammyland and Cornish Pasty Co.

            The new Arts District Lip Smacking Tour is $125 with the option for an extra $50 to add a pre-selected signature cocktail at each stop.

 

MOB MUSEUM’S MOONSHINE BECOMES AVAILABLE AT STORES

            For the first time, The Underground at The Mob Museum will make its house-distilled, corn-mash original Moonshine available for off-premise sales in Nevada in collaboration with distributor Johnson Brothers. Lee’s Liquor will carry the moonshine in both 750-mL and 50-mL quantities at all 19 of its stores beginning Friday, Oct. 18. Other retailers, bars and restaurants will be announced soon.


            The Museum’s Moonshine is crafted in The Underground in a custom-made artisan copper-pot still situated in the distillery. The system distills 100-percent corn-mash Moonshine, which is available at the speakeasy bar and for sale in The Underground.

            Since opening in April 2018, more than 1,000 gallons of Moonshine have been distilled in The Underground. The still can produce approximately 250 jars of 750-mL moonshine per week and has sold more than 15,000 bottles. The Moonshine won the highest honors—the Double Gold Award—from The Fifty Best

 

SPRINGS PRESERVE HOSTS HAUNTED HARVEST

            In the Halloween spirit, the Springs Preserve’s annual Haunted Harvest Festival is happening Oct. 18-20, and 25-27 from 5- 9 p.m. The family-friendly event features themed trick-or-treat stations throughout the “Bootanical” Garden, mystical craft activities and carnival games, an enchanted hay maze, live entertainment, food vendors, petting zoo, and much more. Admission is $7 and $8 and free for children 2 and younger.

            The Boo Town Train ride has 11 departures each night. Tickets are $3 for members and $5 for non-members. Rides sell out fast and you buy tickets onsite.

 

SILVER STATE EQUALITY HOLDS INAUGURAL NEVADA EQUALITY AWARDS

        Silver State Equality, Nevada’s statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, will honor Grammy Award winner and multi-platinum recording artist Paula Abdul and Nevada State Senator David Parks at the organization’s inaugural Nevada Equality Awards on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 5:30-8:30 at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club inside The LINQ Promenade. Tickets are $150.

        Abdul since she released her hit debut album “Forever Your Girl” three decades ago, has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ civil rights and social justice. At the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Abdul actively campaigned for funding to address the epidemic, and raised money for HIV/AIDS organizations. Since then, she has used her platform to advocate for full, lived equality for the LGBTQ community. Abdul’s new Las Vegas residency, “Paula Abdul: Forever Your Girl,” debuts at the Flamingo on Tuesday, Oct. 22.

        Senator Parks was first elected to the Nevada Assembly in 1996, becoming the Nevada Legislature’s first openly gay member. Elected to the Senate in 2008, he currently serves as the dean of the legislature’s LGBTQ Caucus and has been a trailblazing advocate for LGBTQ Nevadans.

 

DINING ITEMS

            Robert Lomeli has become executive chef of the award-winning Top of the World restaurant at the Strat, renowned for its exceptional cuisine and 360-degree rotating views of Las Vegas. With more than a decade of experience working in high-end restaurants, most recently Hecho En Vegas Mexican Grill & Cantina at MGM Grand, villas and resorts, he now leads all culinary operations and facets of menu development the 106th floor dining venue. 

            The poolside culinary extravaganza “Bazaar on the Roof,” produced by Bazaar Meat by José Andrés, will be held for the second time at the Sahara on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 8:30-11:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.

            The OYO Hotel & Casino formerly Hooters is celebrating the return of hockey season with $5 buckets of beer at The Underground Lounge offered two hours before, during and two hours after all home professional hockey games throughout the 2019-2020 season and will include five bottles of select Budweiser products.

            The October Taste & Learn event at Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar will feature Gruppo I Vinai Italian wines with a multi-course meal on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. Cost is $75, call 702-364-5300 for a reservation. Due to the ongoing popularity, assigned seating has been implemented.

 

JEFF CIVILLICO WILL HOST DENIM & DIAMONDS GALA

            Paris headliner and comedian Jeff Civillico will host the 10th annual Denim & Diamonds Gala on Friday, Oct. 18 at the Las Vegas Ballpark starting at 6 p.m. with a silent auction followed by entertainment, food, cocktails, music and dancing. Tickets are $400 and benefit the Grant a Gift Autism Foundation.

            For Civillico, a headliner with Caesars Entertainment for more seven years, Grant a Gift Autism Foundation’s cause is near and dear to his heart as he is the founder and chairman of nonprofit Win-Win Entertainment, which creates opportunities for professional performers to share their time and talent with children in need.

 

LAS VEGAS BOOK FESTIVAL

            The Las Vegas Book Festival taking place Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. is the largest literary event in Nevada produced by the city of Las Vegas and Nevada Humanities. The annual celebration of the written, spoken and illustrated word is free and open to the public.

            The festival will feature A.M. Homes, Marlon James, Jarrett J. Krosoczka and chefs from America’s Test Kitchen as well as other authors highlighted in several panels throughout the day. A full schedule is available at the festival’s website. 

        The full-day event will conclude with “Las Vegas Book Festival After Dark” at 6:30 p.m. at The Writer’s Block located at 519 S. 6th St., Suite 100. James and David Bradley will converse on the topic “More Real Than Real – Historic and Speculative Fiction 400 Years into the Diaspora.”

 

ABOUT TOWN

            Phil Ruffin, owner of Treasure Island on the Strip, has signed a deal with MGM to buy its Circus Circus property for $825 million.

            On Wednesday, Oct. 9 Shaquille O’Neal, Reggie Miller and Chris Webber sat down with host Cabbie Richards to tape a one-hour special of “Open Court,” previewing the NBA 2019/2020 season live from the Race & Sports Book at Caesars Palace. O’Neal made a royal Roman entrance complete with a sword and shield delighting the crowd. The special is set to air Friday, Oct. 18 at 10:30 p.m. ET on TNT.

            Las Vegas’ only ski resort, Lee Canyon is holding a Winter Job Fair on Saturday, Nov. 16 from noon to 4 p.m. to fill 180 positions for the upcoming season.

            Dr. Stephen Younger will be speaking at the National Atomic Testing Museum on Friday, Oct. 25 from 6-8 p.m. His talk is about the revolutionary battleship USS Nevada launched in 1914, which survived the Pearl Harbor attack and provided support at Iwo Jim and Okinawa, and even endured two atomic tests in the Pacific. Dr. Younger, president of Sandia National Laboratories and author of “Silver State Dreadnought,” presents the remarkable story of this legendary ship and her improbable journey. Event is free to members and $5 for non-members.

            “LadyKillerTV,” a new horror-erotica parody inspired by classic cinema’s most frightening films, is set for its world premiere in Las Vegas at the Brenden Theater at the Palms on Oct. 23. Former Five Finger Death Punch drummer-turned-filmmaker Jeremy Spencer co-directed, co-produced, wrote and provided music for the outrageously campy 80-minute film.

 

TAO SIGHTINGS

            Rap duo Play-n-Skillz recently dined at TAO with friends and then visited the nightclub after dinner.

            “The Hills: New Beginnings” star Whitney Port dined at TAO with friends celebrating several birthdays for a dinner of signature dishes and then headed to the club to take in the sounds of DJ Eric Dlux.

            Kaycee Clark, winner of Big Brother Season 20, dined with Elena Davies and Kemi Fakunle from other seasons of the reality show dined at TAO.