From: Norm Johnson
For Week of: 12-17-2015
We’ve been telling you readers of this column about the newest venue for those who like to feel the need for speed. And, SPEEDVEGAS, has been the most prominent and newest venture to come along in a long, long time and will definitely take care of that need.
Well, gang, SPEEDVEGAS will start its engines come March 2016, when the 1.5-mile supercar track at Las Vegas’ newest and most thrilling attraction opens for business. By May 2016, the entire $30 million motorsports complex—including a multilevel welcome center, event center with a capacity of up to 1,000 guests, café and much more—will be complete. The 100-acre supercar driving experience broke ground in September 2015. Designed for the truly global audience that comprises Las Vegas’ more than 40 million annual visitors, SPEEDVEGAS will be a destination for not only exotic car enthusiasts, but also anyone and everyone seeking an exhilarating, only-in-Vegas-style experience. An onsite meetings and events facility means SPEEDVEGAS stands poised to accommodate not only leisure visitors, but also corporate and incentive group business with ease.
Keeping in mind the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s (LVCVA) stated goal of growing international visitation to the destination to 30 percent by the end of the decade, SPEEDVEGAS sought expert input from an international panel of travel and tourism experts in the development of its design. Plans incorporated input gleaned from a focus group SPEEDVEGAS hosted composed of leading professionals from the LVCVA, international tour operators from UK, Latin America and Asia, along with meeting and event planners. For example, participants recommended shuttle service from the Las Vegas Strip, an option to be driven in the car instead of driving and flexibility to arrive at the visitor’s leisure instead of committing to a specific time and car.
“We listened to our customers and industry colleagues to create the ultimate experience,” explained Aaron Fessler, founder and chief executive officer, SPEEDVEGAS. “It’s critical we stay nimble and able to accommodate different cultures. It’s also essential we offer ample and flexible space for groups. After all, the LVCVA’s emphasis on growing Las Vegas’ profile as an international destination and a global business hub demanded it.”
The destination will offer an entire speed experience with activities such as drifting, demonstrations, simulators and driving the world’s most sought-after exotic and muscle cars.
THIS AND THAT QUICKLY:
Chadwick Johnson was on hand to help Walker Furniture celebrate its annual “Home for the Holiday’s” event last Monday, with a “kick-off” luncheon at “The Joint” inside the Hard Rock Casino. This marks the 22nd year that Walker Furniture has presented local families with a collection of free furniture. “As in past years, the final selection of 30 recipients to receive and entire houseful of new furniture is one of the hardest chores we have,” Larry Alterwitz, CEO of Walker Furniture, said at the event. “I just wish we could do more!”
Chadwick, brought his entire band comprised of Yves Frulla on keyboards (musical director for Johnson); Tasos Peltekis, guitar; Carlos Holguin, bass; and Alex Keating on drums, along as he performed for invited guests with a very nice selection of Christmas songs, appropriate for the occasion: “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Please Come Home for Christmas,” “Grown Up Christmas List,” and “Jingle Bells.” Deliveries of began early Thursday (Dec. 17) morning and will continue through the weekend until all 30 homes are complete with new furniture.
With less than a week until Christmas, the City of Henderson is ready to ring in the holidays this weekend. The Jingle Bell Run, one of the city’s most festive family activities, is this Saturday. Registration is $30.00 per person. The 5K fun run allows participants, who are encouraged to don their best holiday apparel, to jingle all the way down Pittman Wash Trail. In addition, Santa Claus makes a special appearance at the start and finish line at Pecos Legacy Park. Run packets may be picked up at Silver Springs Recreation Center, 1951 Silver Springs Pkwy., between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 17 or the day of the event at 8 a.m. at Pecos Legacy Park. People interested in participating in the Jingle Bell Run may register online or in person at any of the city’s recreation centers using activity code 644080-58. For more information on the fun run, visit cityofhenderson.com or call 702-267-4050. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
“Merry Christmas Darling: Carpenters’ Christmas,” a tribute to 1970s musicians The Carpenters, will bring the group’s renowned holiday classics to the Suncoast Showroom Dec. 19-20. The tribute features singer-actress Michelle Berting Brett accompanied by a live, seven-piece Nashville band directed by Harry Sharpe. The group will perform hits including “The Christmas Song,” “Do You Hear What I Hear,” “Jingle Bells” and “Merry Christmas Darling” from The Carpenters holiday albums “An Old Fashioned Christmas” and “Christmas Portraits.” Grammy Award-winning duo Karen and Richard Carpenter sold more than 100 million records and had 12 hits in the top-10 on the “Billboard Hot 100” with “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Merry Christmas Darling,” “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” “I Won’t Last a Day Without You” and more. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $30.28 plus taxes and fees and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming box office by calling 702.284.7777 or visiting www.suncoastcasino.com.
Minus5 Ice Bar, the company that launched America's first ice bar, is gearing up for the New Year with a complete makeover of its flagship location inside The Shoppes at Mandalay Place. Slated to be unveiled early 2016, Las Vegas' original ice bar will offer guests a newly renovated venue with 100% new material and a frosty, winter wonderland that is double its original size. The revamped location will feature more than 120 tons of fresh 100% pure Canadian ice and a 1,300 square-foot ice bar, making this location the largest permanent ice bar in the world. The Minus5 teams of award-winning ice carvers are busy at work creating an all-new space, giving guests a new reason to visit one of the coolest bars in Sin City. Their museum-quality carvings will amaze visitors with an eclectic mix of replica-inspired sculptures such as the Las Vegas Skyline, the Iron Throne from HBO's Game of Thrones, and much more. "Locals and tourists alike have been huge supporters of Minus5 since we first opened our doors seven years ago and we cannot wait to showcase our brand-new space, filled with truly spectacular sculptures," said Noel Bowman, president of Minus5 Management. "We've almost doubled the size of our space due to its popularity and high demand for private events."
The warm space adjacent to Minus5 Ice Bar, known as the Ice Lounge, will also offer a new look and experience in a larger space. The newly expanded 3,000 square-foot lounge will feature seating for up to 500 guests on a flow, including a 20-seat bar and two private rooms that can accommodate up to 80 guests each, making it a great destination for private events."Minus5 is a totally unique location for those looking for a memorable Vegas experience with a small or large group of friends, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and corporate outings," Bowman continued. "It truly is the coolest experience in Las Vegas." For more information about Minus5 Ice Bar, guests can visit www.minus5experience.com.
Well, gang, that’s about it for another week. I’m outa here!
