BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: Feb. 16, 2020
‘THE MASKED SINGER TOUR’ WILL VISIT THE SMITH CENTER
On the heels of the Season Three debut of FOX’s No.1 hit “The Masked Singer,” which had 26.7 million viewers and was the most-watched reality telecast in eight years, is a phenomenon growing into an all new live show and national tour visiting more than 45 cities. “The Masked Singer” tour stop in Las Vegas will be Friday, July 24 at The Smith Center at 7:30 p.m. The live show will bring fan-favorite characters to life and feature two celebrity guest hosts as well as one local celebrity who will be in a top-secret disguise keeping the audience guessing until they are unmasked at the end of the night. Tickets start at $45.
JOHN LEGEND’S ‘BIGGER LOVE TOUR’ WILL VISIT COSMOPOLITAN
EGOT winner John Legend will visit The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan on Saturday, Sept. 19 as a stop on his “Bigger Love Tour” with an opening act by soul duo The War and Treaty. Tickets start at $59.
Legend started 2020 with the release of his newest song “Conversations In The Dark,” which hit No. 1 on the overall iTunes songs chart upon its release. The song was featured on NBC’s Award-winning hit television show “This Is Us” with a performance by Legend on the show.
Legend recently won his 11th Grammy Award for “Higher” with DJ Khaled and Nipsey Hussle. The three friends performed the song at the 62ndAnnual Grammy Awards in honor of Nipsey, which was one of the most moving highlights in the show.
As “People” magazine’s reigning “Sexiest Man Alive,” Legend is also currently a coach on his third season of NBC’s “The Voice.” He won his first season as a coach with his mentee Maelyn Jarmon.
PRENDI OPENED AT SAHARA
Prendi located in the newly updated hotel lobby is the latest addition to the Sahara Las Vegas culinary program to open. The new grab-and-go eatery offers a fresh menu with items made in-house including cold-pressed juices, focaccia pizzas, pastries, salads and sandwiches. Hours daily are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Prendi features a unique-to-Vegas Focaccia Bar featuring a variety of focaccia pizzas. The distinctive menu is curated by Executive Sous Chef Lyle Kaku and Pastry Chef Christina Roed. Kaku brings nearly 20 years of experience including posts with Wolfgang Puck and at the Fairmont San Francisco prior to joining the Sahara. Roed’s culinary talent is demonstrated through more than a decade of experience as a pastry chef at Las Vegas resorts including Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas and Mandarin Oriental.
NOBU OPENS AT BALLY’S
The latest Las Vegas iteration of Nobu, the globally established brand founded in 1994 by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, producer Meir Teper and restaurateur Drew Nieporent, opened at Bally’s following the closure of Nobu at the Hard Rock Hotel, which shut down for remodel and rebranding and will reopen as Virgin Hotel in fall 2020. Nobu at Bally’s joins the flagship Nobu Hotel and Nobu Restaurant & Lounge at Caesars Palace. The Nobu restaurant brand, now an empire spanning across five continents, is recognized for pioneering a new-style Japanese cuisine.
FRANK MARINO JOINS ‘LEGENDS IN CONCERT’
It’s a rather historic time with three “legends” coming together. The longest-running headliner in Las Vegas history, Frank Marino, has joined the longest-running production show, “Legends in Concert” in their home at the legendary Tropicana Hotel. This is the show’s second year at the Tropicana and the 37th season for the production in Las Vegas.
Last year, female impersonator Marino was invited into the show to host and star as the comedienne Joan Rivers. “What I thought would be an exciting three-month gig turned out to be the next chapter in my show business career,” said Marino. “I can’t believe what a great marriage it has become.” Marino’s joining the award-winning show comes with the most lucrative talent contract in “Legends” history.
This month, the cast change is highlighting three Queens and a King. The Queen of Las Vegas, Marino is again starring as comedic legend Joan Rivers, alongside tributes to the legend of Queen, Freddie Mercury, and the King and Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley and Tina Turner.
What makes “Legends in Concert” special is the tribute artists use their own voices, and perform with a live band, backup singers, and dancers who constantly change costumes making the show vibrant and colorful. The show is performed Thursday through Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $59.99.
ILUMINATE™ WILL DEBUT SHOW AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD
A new show “iLuminate™ Presents: Happy Hour” will open in the Sin City Theater at Planet Hollywood beginning March 26. The show will be an all-new experience from the performance group, iLuminate™ (pronounced “i” “luminate”), which held a finalist spot on “America’s Got Talent” in 2011. The show’s 6 p.m. timeslot makes Happy Hour the ultimate Vegas pre-game featuring some of the city’s best comedic hosts and a journey through several styles of dance and music while interacting with the audience in this immersive experience. iLuminate™ performs in the dark to create the ultimate performing arts experience.
ELIO WILL OPEN AT WYNN IN MARCH
A new restaurant concept, Elio, in partnership with Enrique Olvera, Daniela Soto-Innes and Santiago Perez of ATM Group will debut at Wynn on Thursday, March 19. The international hospitality company is behind acclaimed restaurants Cosme and Atla in New York City and Pujol in Mexico City. The restaurant will occupy the space adjacent to Encore Beach Club and showcase a thoughtful menu of recipes grounded in Mexico’s rich culinary traditions. Small plates and appetizers featuring a heavy emphasis on seafood and produce will be paired with signature shareable entrees. The bar and lounge will showcase Mexico’s best hand-selected agave-based spirits.
‘KINETICZEN’ IS THEME FOR EDC LAS VEGAS 2020
The EDC theme for the 2020 Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas was released through a special Instagram message by Insomniac’s CEO Pasquale Rotella. This year, headliners will celebrate mindfulness with kineticZEN at the world’s largest dance music festival. Every year EDC Las Vegas creates a new theme and colorful logo.
EDC Las Vegas will take place three nights from dusk till dawn at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, May 15-17. This year marks the festival’s tenth year in Las Vegas, creating a world of experiences celebrating love, life, art and music with nightly fireworks displays and eight stages.
FIFTH LAS VEGAS GIFT SHOP OPENS AT MCCARRAN AIRPORT
Marshall Retail Group opened its fifth Welcome to Las Vegas Gift Shop inside McCarran International Airport in Terminal One at the D gates. The souvenir-novelty gift shop offers exclusive Las Vegas-branded merchandise and apparel, professional hockey team gear, T-shirts, keepsakes, mugs, keychains and more. Customers are greeted by the bright lights of the “Welcome to Las Vegas” neon sign replica, while the space features vintage Las Vegas graphics, paying homage to the city’s nostalgia. Hours are 5 a.m. to midnight daily.
ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ MAKES TOUR STOP AT MANDALAY BAY
Multi-Latin Grammy Award winner Alejandro Fernández will make a stop in Las Vegas in celebration of Mexican Independence Day at Mandalay Bay Events Center Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 9 p.m. His “Hecho En México’ World Tour” coincides with the release of his new album of the same name marking his return to the mariachi ranchera format popularized by his father and living-legend Vicente Fernández. Tickets range from $49 to $299.
The “Hecho En México” (Made in Mexico) album includes hit single “Caballero” and Fernández’s most recent single, “Te Olvidé” (I Forgot You), among other great songs. Fernández, lovingly called “El Potrillo,” has sold more than 35 million records worldwide and won countless awards and nominations. Throughout his career, Alejandro has collaborated with many musical powerhouses including Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, Gloria Estefan, Marc Anthony, Rod Stewart, Plácido Domingo, Morat, Sebastián Yatra, and more.
MOON PALACE IS NEW QUICK SERVE AT THE PALAZZO
Moon Palace at The Palazzo is a new concept from David Chang and the team behind Majordōmo Meat & Fish at The Venetian. Moon Palace aims to serve quick, tasty food in a fast-paced environment. The eatery centers around a compact menu of Tastys, Hot Chips, and Half Dips. To order at Moon Palace, guests line up along an open kitchen where they can watch the cooking team griddling Tastys and frying Hot Chips. Guests can take their food to go or grab a seat at one of 20 stools along a countertop with a view of the kitchen.
SKYJUMP AT THE STRAT OFFERS A LEAP DAY SPECIAL
The Strat will celebrate the year’s extra day, which is Leap Day Saturday, Feb. 29, with the SkyJump attraction offering ticket discounts, complimentary cocktails and a giveaway promotion. SkyJump is an exhilarating controlled descent from 829-feet off the resort’s iconic tower.
For adventure seekers 21 and over taking a leap on Leap Day, SkyJump is offering $29 off the purchase of a future pass to be redeemed before Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020. Restrictions and blackout dates will apply. Also, jumpers on Feb. 29 will receive a complimentary cocktail at 108 Drinks, located on the Observation Deck.
The Strat will also host a promotion on Instagram @STRATVegas from 9 a.m.–9 p.m. on Leap Day for the chance to win a complimentary SkyJump.
QUEEN BEE MARKET EXPO WILL BENEFIT SPREAD THE WORD NEVADA
Queen Bee Market, the urban-style handmade market, has partnered with Spread the Word Nevada to host a fundraising drive at the annual shopping event taking place at The Conference Center of Las Vegas at 6690 Bermuda Road on March 7 and 8. Hours are Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Described as “Etsy comes to life,” Queen Bee Market hosts vendors who make their products by hand and display their products from booths designed with flair. Queen Bee Market co-owners, sisters Kellie Dooley and Allison Gharst, hand-pick artisans who will be showcasing and selling an array of handmade home décor, accessories, clothing, paper arts, vintage items and more.
Spread the Word Nevada is a children’s literacy organization dedicated to advancing early childhood literacy by giving books to Nevada’s at-risk and low-income communities. Spread the Word Nevada will have a booth at Queen Bee Market, where representatives will collect new and gently used books. Shoppers who donate three or more books will receive $1 off their general admission ticket. Tickets are $5 for purchase at the door. Children 12 years old and younger and military members with ID receive free entry.
MAYDAY PARADE WILL ROCK FREMONT COUNTRY CLUB
Emo-rock group Mayday Parade will take over Fremont Country Club at 601 E. Fremont Street when they bring their “It Is What It Is Spring Tour” to the Fremont East Entertainment District on Saturday, April 18 with fellow rock bands Grayscale and Point North. The show begins at 5 p.m. and tickets start at $30 on Eventbrite or Smash Mobile App.
Since Mayday Parade made their debut with 2007’s “A Lesson in Romantics,” they have sold more than 1.1 million albums and steadily been amassing a worldwide following. Their chemistry has gotten more potent with all five members now contributing to the songwriting process. The group’s start was selling CDs in the parking lot of the Vans Warped Tour. Now Mayday Parade has headlined the tour five times and took the main stage the summer of the tour’s final run.
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS ITEMS
Due to popular demand, American ventriloquist, stand-up comedian Jeff Dunham and his somewhat-inappropriate-proteges, Peanut, Walter, José Jalapeño, Bubba J. and Achmed the Dead Terrorist announced five new dates this year for their international tour, “Jeff Dunham: Seriously!?” at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Tickets starting at $46 go on sale this week for his 7:30 p.m. performances on July 5, Aug. 16, Sept. 20, Oct. 4 and Nov. 15.
Due to illness, The Doobie Brothers could not perform their scheduled Feb. 14, 15 and 18 shows at The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian®. Tom Johnston, Pat Simmons and John McFee of The Doobie Brothers plan to return for their scheduled shows this week Feb. 19, 21, and 22, plus three newly added shows Nov. 11, 13 and 14. Refunds will be available at their original point of purchase.
Mariah Carey, the chanteuse and best-selling female artist of all time with more than 200 million records sold, has returned to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for her headlining Las Vegas residency, “The Butterfly Returns.” More dates this month are Feb. 19, 21-22, 26, and 28-29. Her production features a four-piece live band, three backup singers and seven dancers. Tickets for her 8 p.m. shows begin at $55.
Lindsey Buckingham, widely considered one of the greatest living guitar players and songwriters of our time, will perform at The Smith Center Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and three-time Grammy® winner, Buckingham is best known as the producer, guitarist, vocalist and chief songwriter for Fleetwood Mac and as a celebrated solo artist.
MORE DINING NEWS
On Wednesday, Feb. 26, Las Vegas’ five Bok Bok Chicken locations will celebrate National Pistachio Day with a free baklava (layers of filo pastry and walnuts soaked in rosewater syrup and topped with pistachio) with the purchase on an entrée. The complimentary desserts are available for in-store dining only.
Restauranteur Elizabeth Blau and Chef Kim Canteenwalla will celebrate Mardi Gras at Honey Salt at 1031 S. Rampart Blvd. on Tuesday, Feb. 25 with a Farm Table dinner served family-style featuring traditional Louisiana creole dishes including shrimp and chicken gumbo, cajun-blackened redfish, and jambalaya. Tickets are $59 with an optional wine pairing for an additional $25. Tickets are online at the restaurant’s website.
ABOUT TOWN EVENTS
The annual NASCAR Hauler Parade scheduled for Feb. 20 is now cancelled due to the Daytona 400 rain postponement and being logistically impossible to get the haulers here in time to participate. Regardless, the double-header action at the Bullring at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway will start with the Star Nursery 100 Super Late Model Open Comp race at 7 p.m., and the Star Nursery 150 ARCA Menards Series West race at 8 p.m. that night.
The LINQ Promenade’s Mardi Gras celebration on Saturday, Feb 22 will host Vegas Live featuring new and upcoming Las Vegas musicians. From 5 to 8 p.m., three Las Vegas bands will perform on the outdoor Fountain Stage. The event is free and open to all ages. Tuesday, Feb. 25 the Fat Tuesday party there will have the New Orleans themed strolling piano show and loads of beads.
Meet the Mint 400 desert off-road racers at the 7th annual Rugged Radios Driver Meet and Greet on Thursday-Friday, March 5 and 6 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at 8th and Fremont next to the Driver’s Lounge in the heart of the Off-Road Festival downtown. The Meet and Greet is open to all the teams and drivers competing in the 2020 BFGoodrich Tires Mint 400.
Nevada Restaurant Association will present its 37th Epicurean Affair on Thursday, May 14 from 7 to 10 p.m. poolside at Red Rock Resort. The special cuisine-beverage scholarship fundraiser is offering early bird pricing by March 31, general admission $70 and VIP $85 before going up $40 more.