Date: Dec. 29, 2019
COMEDIAN BILL BURR HAS TWO-YEAR RESIDENCY AT THE CHELSEA
Comedian Bill Burr had two sold-out shows at The Chelsea in The Cosmopolitan in 2019, which set the stage for him to have a 2020-2021 residency there beginning with Saturday dates on March 21 and June 20 with additional dates to be announced. Tickets start at $49 and reserved seating at $69.
Actor, writer and podcast host Burr joins Adam Sandler as the only two comedians to secure a residency at The Chelsea. Burr headlines theaters internationally and his “Monday Morning Podcast” is one of the most downloaded comedy podcasts on iTunes. Last September, Burr released his sixth hour-long comedy special, “Bill Burr: Paper Tiger,” recorded at London’s Royal Albert Hall and streaming on Netflix.
Burr can be seen in “The Mandalorian” on Disney Plus and in June will star opposite Pete Davidson and Marisa Tomei in a Judd Apatow/Pete Davidson film. The fourth season of his animated Netflix series, “F Is For Family,” will premiere in 2020 featuring Burr, Laura Dern and Justin Long as the Murphy family.
Burr has appeared in feature films including “The Front Runner” starring Hugh Jackman; “Daddy’s Home” with Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell; “The Heat” with Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy; “Stand Up Guys” with Al Pacino and Christopher Walken; “Date Night” with Steve Carell and Tina Fey; “Walk of Shame” with Elizabeth Banks; and co-starring opposite Kevin Costner in the indie film “Black or White.”
ZZ TOP WILL RETURN TO THE VENETIAN IN MARCH
Following a wildly successful sold-out run in 2019, ZZ Top will return to The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian® in 2020for a five-show limited engagement March 20, 21, 25, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $49.95 to $299.95.
With the three original band members –vocals/guitar Billy Gibbons, bass/vocals Dusty Hill and drummer Frank Beard– remaining together through five decades on the road and in the studio, ZZ Top, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Texas trio aka “That Little Ol’ Band From Texas,” can claim being the longest running major rock band with original personnel intact.
The trio with their iconography – beards, cars, girls and magic keychain – have transcended boundaries of geography and language and traveled the globe performing. ZZ Top’s music is instantly recognizable, profoundly soulful and 100 percent Texas American in derivation. The band’s support of the blues is unwavering both as interpreters and preservers of its legacy. ZZ Top celebrated all the “founding fathers” by transforming a scrap of wood from Muddy Waters’ sharecropper’s shack into a beautiful guitar, dubbed the “Muddywood.”
BUGSY & MEYER’S STEAKHOUSE WILL OPEN AT FLAMINGO
When Bugsy & Meyer’s Steakhouse opens in early 2020 at the Flamingo, the new $10 million restaurant will pay homage to the hotel’s more than 70-year history.The name is a nod to Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel and business partner Meyer Lansky, who famously opened the Flamingo back in 1946 creating the first resort-style hotel on the Strip. The Lansky family is involved in the new steakhouse, even assisting in creating original merchandise. The new vintage dining venue will be located across from the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat main entrance, in the former Center Cut, Café To Go and Laurel Lounge spaces.
The atmosphere will help transport guests back in time starting with a discreet entry through the “bakery” façade and past the kitchen and dry aged meat cooler. Once actually inside the steakhouse, an eye-popping dining experience awaits. The restaurant will boast a variety of ambiences, including the main bar, patio dining, a bustling main dining room, three private dining rooms and a raw bar. “The Count Room” will be a luxurious speakeasy and intimate private bar lounge with an expanded specialty cocktail menu and vintage images lining the walls from when the Flamingo first opened.
The oval main bar will be a focal point with rich woods, greenery, airy textures like linen coupled with bright leather and specially curated flamingo artwork. It will have booths and tables surrounding it, making it a destination for pre-dinner, small bites or late night.
The main dining room will highlight a mix of light and dark woods with bright jewel tones and artwork popping with vintage black and white historical images. Large booths will be anchors around the dining room, with traditional tables and half booths peppered throughout.
The three private dining rooms will embrace a collection of three themes which can stand alone but are cohesive when combined. Individually they seat between 16 and 24 guests, but as one room can accommodate close to 60.
The menu will have a vast variety of dishes including small bites at the bar, steakhouse classics and throwbacks, tableside presentations, a raw bar and more. Seafood will also be a cornerstone especially with the raw bar kitchen in the main dining room.
FSE UNVEILS $32 MILLION UPGRADED VIVA VISION CANOPY
The Fremont Street Experience (FSE), which attracts more than 24 million visitors annually, chose New Year’s Eve to reveal an entirely new collection of stunning visuals and 3D graphics created exclusively for the Viva Vision Canopy’s $32 million renovation, which is the world’s largest single video screen. Spanning five city blocks, the revitalized canopy illuminates the Fremont Street pedestrian mall with 16,433,152 pixels and 5,000 Nits, making it seven times brighter than before with four times the resolution allowing the screen to be seen 24 hours a day for the first time.
A highlight of the innovative content is the multi-sensory signature show “MIXology.” The groundbreaking show concept was inspired by “synesthesia,” a perceptual phenomenon where music, art and emotion collide to create an immersive, multi-sensory experience on a grand scale.
CHEF TODD ENGLISH WILL CREATE CULINARY EXPERIENCE AT AREA15
Renowned chef/restaurateur and four-time James Beard Award winner, Chef Todd English will be creating exclusively for AREA15’s food hall a new culinary theatrical dining experience with a customized menu. AREA15 experiential art, retail and entertainment complex will be opening in Las Vegas in 2020. English’s addition will join AREA15’s previously announced tenant lineup Nomadic, Emporium, Dueling Axes and anchor experience outlet Meow Wolf Las Vegas.
THE COSMOPOLITAN UNVEILS REDESIGNED VESPER BAR
The Cosmopolitan has reintroduced the newly designed Vesper Bar, which is a staple of the resort’s renowned mixology program and serves as a complement to the luxury casino-resort’s lobby and guest arrival experience. Named after the legendary Vesper cocktail in the James Bond novel “Casino Royale,” Vesper Bar’s redesign reflects the iconic mystery of 007 with modern décor, bold accents and an innovative menu.
Located off the main lobby on the first level of the hotel’s Chelsea Tower, Vesper Bar is open 24 hours daily. The atmosphere is highlighted by mirrored tiles, bold patterned carpet, plush lounge seating with rich upholstery in velvet jewel tones alongside contemporary fixtures, undulating brass pipes above the entire space, a main bar finished with deep red Rosso Levanto marble and a multi-tiered custom brass bottle display, and artwork curated from the 1960s-70s.
LIVERPOOL LEGENDS BRING BEATLES EXPERIENCE TO M RESORT
Liverpool Legends, “The Complete Beatles Experience,” will take over the M Pavilion at the M Resort on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 8 p.m. The group performs songs from the entire career of The Beatles and their solo years and pay close attention to every musical and visual detail with costume changes, vintage instruments and special effects. Tickets start at $15.
Liverpool Legends showcases four talented musicians and actors hand-picked by Louise Harrison, sister of the late George Harrison of The Beatles. Her involvement in Liverpool Legends makes them the only Beatles tribute band with a direct family link to the original Fab Four. Liverpool Legends, along with Louise Harrison, were nominated for a Grammy Award for their work on “Fab Fan Memories” - a Beatles Bond.
JUICY J WILL PERFORM AT DRAI’S NIGHTCLUB
Oscar-Award Winning rapper, producer and recording artist Juicy J will appear at the multi-level rooftop Drai’s Nightclub at The Cromwell with a live performance on Friday, Feb. 7. The founding member of hip-hop group, Three 6 Mafia, Juicy J is known for hits such as “Bandz A Make Her Dance” and “Shell Shocked.” Subsequent Juicy J performances in 2020 will be announced later.
KUH LEDESMA WILL PERFORM AT SILVERTON’S VEIL PAVILION
Kuh Ledesma, the Philippines’ most important female pop act today, will headline in the Veil Pavilion at the Silverton on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 8 p.m. The “pop diva” has conquered a myriad of entertainment platforms including recording, the concert stage, television, soap operas, advertising and musical production. Tickets start at $35.
52 FRIDAYS CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES AT GOLDEN NUGGET
Over the years, the Golden Nugget has raised the standard for entertainment in downtown Las Vegas with its acclaimed 52 Fridays Concert Series. The resort presents a diverse lineup of weekly acts, from Grammy award-winning pop artists to rock and roll royalty. Shows are at 8 p.m. For tickets, call 866-946-5336.
The new year lineup starts in January with Jack Russell’s Great White on Jan. 3; Gary Puckett and The Union Gap – Jan. 10; Ambrosia – Jan. 17; The Cowsills – Jan. 24; and the Grass Roots – Jan. 31.
California native Jack Russell, a founding member of early-80s hard rock radio staples Great White, is a rock vocalist and songwriter. Great White hit it big in 1987 with their third LP, “Once Bitten,” which featured the hit single "Rock Me," and again in 1989 with “Twice Shy.” Russell left the group in 1996 for a solo career and released “Shelter Me” in 1999.
Returning to the Golden Nugget along with performing more than 150performances a year is Gary Puckett and The Union Gap. The group had six consecutive Gold records and sold more records in 1968 than any other recording artist including the Beatles.
Los Angeles quartet Ambrosia was discovered in 1971 by Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor Zubin Mehta, who featured the foursome as part of a so-called All-American Dream Concert. Their first record, “Ambrosia,” was released in 1975 and spawned the chart singles “Holdin’ on to Yesterday” and “Nice, Nice, Very Nice.”
The Cowsills were one of the biggest pop acts of the late 60s and the real-life inspiration behind the hit television series, “The Partridge Family.” In 1969 they had their biggest hit, the multi-million selling title song from the musical “Hair.” Today, the remaining members of The Cowsills tour and perform together.
The Grass Roots managed to chart 14 Top 40 hits, including seven gold singles and one platinum single, and had two hit collections which effortlessly went gold.
BEER PARK WILL HOST UFC 246 VIEWING PARTY
Beer Park at Paris will host a viewing party for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 246 fight between former two-division champion Conor “The Notorious” McGregor and former lightweight champion Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18. The rooftop bar and restaurant will show the fight on more than 75 high-definition TVs throughout the indoor-outdoor venue. There will be live betting at an in-house sportsbook kiosk. Premium seating options are available at Beer Park’s website.
CANNERY LINES UP VARIETY OF ENTERTAINMENT
The Cannery in North Las Vegas features entertainment in The Club with shows at 8 p.m. Rock band Zowie Bowie led by local headliner Chris Phillips will perform on Friday, Jan.10. Zowie Bowie also wrote, recorded and performed an original song called “Road to Victory” for Las Vegas’ professional hockey team. Tickets are $10.
Throughout his five decades-long career, soul, funk and R&B tribute artist King James Brown has performed with legendary artists, including B.B. King, The Temptations, Frank Sinatra Jr. and others. He’ll be starring in his James Brown tribute show at the Cannery. Brown is in the process of recording his first album which will feature his lead single, “Soul of a Dancer.” Tickets start at $19.95.
The 5th Dimension throughout the group’s career has released more than a dozen hit albums, receiving 14 gold records, six platinum records and six Grammy Awards. The band has played stages all over the world, including a show at Radio City Music Hall with the late Frank Sinatra. Tickets start at $29.95.
Featuring the classic hits of Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Journey, REO Speedwagon and Styx, tribute band Arch Allies will rock a collective set of ‘80s favorites. Tickets start at $19.95.
LAS VEGAS’ FIRST PRO TENNIS TEAM, VEGAS ROLLERS, RETURNS
Following a successful inaugural season, Las Vegas’ first and only professional tennis team, the Vegas Rollers, is returning for the 2020 World Team Tennis (WTT) season. Tickets will go on pre-sale Friday, Jan. 31 and regular sale Wednesday, Feb. 5. Tickets start at $22 and season packages at $175. Special VIP packages are $180 and include premium seating, a gourmet three-course meal and unlimited premium alcohol. To reserve season tickets now, call 702-409-8752.
Several original leading players are returning including The Bryan Brothers, the all-time winningest doubles team in history, top American pro tennis player Sam Querrey, and local hometown hero Asia Muhammad. Also head coach Tim Blenkiron will be back alongside pop music icon and the team’s assistant coach Redfoo.
ABOUT TOWN
Local and national music industry veterans return to Downtown Las Vegas for the Vegas Music Summit Thursday-Friday, Jan. 30-31 at the Downtown Grand. The two-day conference brings together artists, entertainment executives, lifestyle brands, technology professionals, college students, entrepreneurs and visionaries to present, educate and share ideas which are facing the evolving music landscape. General admission starts at $79 and includes admission for both days. Visit event website.
Crafter’s Night: Paint and Wine will take over the Shady Grove Lounge at the Silverton on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. for a special “Winter Chickadees” canvas painting. Tickets are $25, which includes supplies and first drink. Must be 21.
Also, at the Silverton, the Las Vegas Farmers Market is held every Sunday on The Green from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. More than 30 vendors with fresh food and handmade artisan crafts are featured weekly with live music setting the mood for shopping and dining. Parking and admission are free.
While it may be the start of the year with a chill in the air, the Golden Nugget is hiring for the 2020 pool season at The Tank, which is set to re-open Jan. 30.
DINING NEWS
The Promenade Café at JW Marriott and Rampart Casino will be closed beginning at 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5 for renovation. Meanwhile the Clubhouse Deli on Jan. 5 will be open 24 hours daily during the renovation.
Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar will hold a Barolo Winemaker Dinner on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 6:30 p.m. hosting Wine Enthusiast Winemaker of the Year nominee Elisa Scavino of Paolo Scavino winery. She will be presenting some of this legendary Barolo winery’s most esteemed vintages, including an ’89 and ’99. Paolo Scavino is a historical winery founded in 1921 and now operated by Enrico Scavino and his daughters Elisa and Enrica, who represent the fourth generation of the family’s winemakers. Also, a five-liter magnum of Barolo Riserva Rocche dell’Annunziata valued at $4,000 will be auctioned off. Tickets are $175; call 702-364-5300.
Charlie Palmer Steak at the Four Seasons is holding an intimate 20-seat Global Steak Pairing Dinner highlighting the food and wine of Australia on Friday, Jan. 17 from 6-8 p.m. Guests will enjoy a standing reception followed by a decadent three-course meal from Charlie Palmer Steak Las Vegas’ Executive Chef Lalo Saavedra paired with bold wines. Tickets are $95.
SIGHTINGS
Blue Man Group Las Vegas ended 2019 by making a television appearance on “Live with Kelly and Ryan” on Dec. 27. The trio treated the audience to Blue Man Group’s signature chaos throughout the show including Paint Drumming and a colorful finale with the television hosts.
Recently actor and singer Taye Diggs, widely known for his role in the Broadway hit musical “Rent” and as Sam Bennett on ABC’s “Private Practice,” was spotted attending the show “Opium” featuring the raucous crew of the OPM 73 at The Cosmopolitan.
