From: Norm Johnson
For: Column for 07-22-2021
Trumpeter and singer Brian Newman will bring his late-night show Brian Newman: AFTER DARK, back to NoMad Las Vegas for six performances this summer. Newman will perform at the NoMad Library August 12 – 14 and August 19 – 21 with all shows scheduled to begin at 11:30 p.m.
Previously serving as the bandleader for the LADY GAGA JAZZ & PIANO resident show at Park Theater, Newman designed Brian Newman: AFTER DARK as an ode to vintage Las Vegas, creating a late-night rendezvous filled with great music and good friends. NoMad Library also will offer handcrafted cocktails, wine, and small bites for show goers to enjoy during Newman’s performances.
The intimate evenings will feature special guest performers from New York City, Las Vegas and beyond. During his last run at NoMad Las Vegas special guests included multi-award-winning superstar Lady Gaga, Jaclyn McSpadden of Postmodern Jukebox, Ashanti, Robby Krieger from The Doors, Terence Blanchard, Puddles Pity Party, and burlesque great Angie Pontani, among many others.
Newman has made a name for himself as a consummate entertainer on the New York City club circuit in recent years with extended engagements at The Oak Room, Birdland, The McKittrick Hotel, and The Rose Bar. His debut album, SHOWBOAT, proves that Jazz isn’t what it used to be. The album provides Newman with the opportunity to break the art form out of its constraints, allowing the jazz influences of Miles Davis and Chet Baker to find room with his love of rock bands such as Nirvana, Beck and Thin Lizzy. His latest album, Electric Lounge, was released November 2020.
Newman recently co-produced the soundtrack version of “La Vie En Rose” for the film “A Star Is Born” with Lady Gaga and was her bandleader and trumpeter for the Cheek-to-Cheek project with Tony Bennett. Both albums debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200 chart. They originally met in the downtown New York City club scene where Newman was a bartender, and they discovered their shared love for jazz and tattoos (the two share the same tattoo on their right arms of Miles Davis’ trumpet taken from a sketch done by Tony Bennett).
Hailing from Cleveland, Newman played trumpet for his local high school jazz band, but also honed-in on his skills by listening to his musical influences. He attended the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music but decided to end his formal training and move to New York City in 2003. During that time, he hustled for club gigs, recorded on hip-hop sessions, and tended bar. His exposure to the music scene expanded and he landed a regular gig at Plaza Hotel’s famed Oak Room where Stefani Germanotta first heard him perform. Their friendship led to Brian’s involvement in the Cheek-to-Cheek project and the global world tour. His engaging stage persona, musical chops, suave suits, and jazz/rock communion has created a unique sound and sensibility.
Tickets starting at $49, plus applicable services charges, are on sale and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com or at any MGM Resorts box office. Must be 21 years of age or older to attend. Guests interested in dining at NoMad Library prior to Brian Newman: AFTER DARK should call 702.730.6785 for reservations or more information. Members of MGM Resorts International’s loyalty program, M life Rewards, received access to a pre-sale. To join the M life Rewards program, or for more information, visit mlife.com.
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Four-time NFL champion and iconic entertainer Terry Bradshaw will bring his one-of-a-kind hit production, “The Terry Bradshaw Show,” back to the Las Vegas Strip at the Luxor Hotel and Casino this fall with the first show scheduled Thursday, Sept. 9. The hilarious and entertaining production chronicles Bradshaw’s life through music, comedy, and storytelling in a way that only he can deliver. Show times will be 8 p.m. in the Atrium Showroom on the following dates:
The widely acclaimed 70-minute production showcases Bradshaw’s incredible talents in a show that welcomes the audience into an up-close-and-personal account of his storied life, from growing up in Louisiana to his latest role as a reality TV star in “The Bradshaw Bunch.” He delivers his entertaining performance with the same straight-shooting humor that has made Bradshaw an all-time favorite as an Emmy Award-winning co-host and analyst on FOX NFL Sunday.
The talented team behind “The Terry Bradshaw Show” includes musical direction by Smokin’ Joe Escriba. The show was written by Jon Macks with original songs by David Goldsmith and John Kavanaugh.
Bradshaw is the only NFL player with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Terry continues to entertain fans far and beyond his legendary professional football career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The four-time Super Bowl champion quarterback, two-time Super Bowl MVP and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee joined FOX NFL Sunday as co-host and analyst with the show’s inception in 1994. In addition to his long-term role as a multi-Emmy and award-winning broadcaster, Bradshaw has starred in movie and television hits including the box office smash comedy romance, “Failure to Launch,” “Father Figures,” “Better Late than Never,” and “The Masked Singer.” Bradshaw is also a gospel and country singer, motivational speaker.
Tickets are now on sale with prices starting at $65.99 (not including applicable taxes and fees). A meet and greet package are also available for purchase and includes a ticket to the show and autographed photo. Tickets may be purchased at the Luxor box office, online at mgmresorts.com/luxor, or by calling 702.262.4400.
A longtime Las Vegas icon for live music and craft cocktails, The Sand Dollar Lounge will open a second location inside the Plaza Hotel & Casino this fall, bringing to downtown Las Vegas a venue dedicated to late-night live music and entertainment. In 1976, the Sand Dollar Blues Bar opened its doors, and almost instantly became one of Las Vegas’ most iconic bars.
Some of the greatest blues’ legends, as well as many other famous musicians, graced its stage for more than 30 years. People like Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and even Mick Jagger would swing into the Sand Dollar when they were in Las Vegas. In 2007, the Sand Dollar Blues Bar closed its doors, but it was resurrected in 2009, when The Sand Dollar Lounge opened on Spring Mountain Road honoring the tradition and history of the iconic Vegas venue. In 2015, the Sand Dollar Lounge was taken over by the current owners Nathan Grates and Anthony Jamison with an eye on bringing back and building on its original luster. Now the iconic venue will open The Sand Dollar Downtown, a second location in a similarly iconic Vegas destination, the Plaza Hotel & Casino, which dates to the Rat Pack era as well and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
The Sand Dollar Downtown will be in a nearly 5,000 sq. ft. space adjacent to the Plaza’s casino floor. It plans to offer its full menu of craft cocktails with pizzas made by Pop Up Pizza at the Plaza. Live music, both local acts and other headliners, will take the stage in the evenings on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
“The Plaza is known for its vintage Vegas character and is proud to partner with a legendary Vegas venue like the Sand Dollar,” said Jonathan Jossel, CEO of the Plaza Hotel & Casino. “The opening of the Sand Dollar at the Plaza will create a late-night destination for live music unlike any other in downtown Las Vegas.”
“We are very excited to be expanding The Sand Dollar legacy into Downtown Las Vegas with the Plaza," said co-owner Anthony Jamison.
“Sand Dollar Downtown will be focused on recreating the classic age of electric blues and Rock ‘n Roll in the Downtown corridor,” added Nathan Grates.
Nico Santucci’s film “Sarogeto” headlines the MegaFest Film Festival on July 28th. Santucci, a familiar name to Las Vegas, is the creator and owner of Capo’s Italian Steakhouse & Speakeasy, the luxurious mob-style restaurant. Inspired by the mobster era, Nico created Capo’s, featuring the actual Al Capone’s Family Secret sauces on "their” man-made pastas.
Nico’s first feature film "Sarogeto" is a story revealing the complicated and emotional struggle that Japanese American Grace / Minami Stanton faces and the controversial decision she makes on this unorthodox journey of a woman's search to find peace for her family and spiritual enlightenment. It's a film filled with relevant and thought-provoking subjects including spirituality, mental illness, and depression. Sarogeto stars Ikumi Yoshimatsu, Eric Roberts, and Winsor Harmon. Sarogeto is the first to be allowed to film in the Aokigahara Forest (Suicide Forest) in Japan and additional locations include Tokyo, Laguna Beach, Marina del Rey, and Newport Beach. This film is partially subtitled in Japanese, with the majority in English.
Nico is well-known as a top ranked entrepreneur and designer. Upon his move to Las Vegas some twenty years ago, he purchased a 14,000 square foot majestic French castle and redesigned the castle to resemble a 17th century Versailles Palace which later became known as the world-famous Parisian Palace with 21 rooms.
Arizona Charlie’s, known for its popular bingo sessions, will cool down the summer heat with VGK-themed bingo featuring a visit from Las Vegas’ favorite Gila Monster, Chance. The hockey-inspired session will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 30 at its Decatur location and at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 6 at its Boulder location, with a meet-and-greet with Chance at both locations beginning at 6 p.m.
VGK bingo promotions will include a complimentary Chance-themed dauber for all players who buy-in for the 7 p.m. session, while supplies last; five free electronic rainbows to players who wear Knights apparel with a minimum $10 electronic buy-in; $1,000 4X coveralls to the first, second, third and fourth chance; plus, refreshments and VGK prize drawings throughout the session. Players will have the opportunity to meet the Knights’ mascot, Chance, from 6 – 7 p.m. on both Friday, July 30 and Friday, Aug. 6.
Players are invited to sign up for True Rewards, Golden Entertainment’s rewards program, to receive bonuses including increased point multipliers, prizes such as cash and free slot play, as well as eligibility in select tournaments and special events. More information is available at the True Rewards center at either location or on the websites at www.arizonacharliesdecatur.com and www.arizonacharliesboulder.com .
Well, gang, that’s it for now. I’m outa here!
