JULY…EGAD, IT is the hottest month of the year. We are already looking at record-breaking heat—which is truly significant, since the records are already in the excessive range. 110–115 degrees are normal right now, and 120 is not out of the question—and even though we are proud that it's a "dry" heat, at this point it's just plain hot. We thank God for the invention of air conditioning, and we curse the Devil for the invention of power bills. I know people that travel with oven mitts because if a car is left parked in the sun, the steering wheel is too hot to touch for driving. Sunscreen and water are essentials during this time of year…don't leave home without them. The best place to be is inside a casino or a showroom. When the tourists are not inside; they'll be hanging out on the Strip suffering from heat exhaustion, or by the pool getting sun burnt. It's a great time to really enjoy the beautiful summer nights.

The fourth of July is usually the biggest day of the month, but this year, 07-07-07 will certainly eclipse it. It is being billed as the luckiest day of the century…the town is going to be packed. The biggest occurrence on this day will be weddings…this year; this is the day to get wed. For all of the chapels in the city, it will be busier than any Valentine's Day. It is, in fact, going to be the busiest wedding day in the history of Las Vegas. All of the chapels with which I've had contact has altered their schedules in order to be able to double or even triple their capacity. Mandalay Bay is hoping to marry 777 couples on the Beach at the property, and the Stratosphere is working on having a ceremony every six minutes throughout the day. If you are getting married, or attending a marriage…please be nice to your wedding staff, your minister, and your photographer—these people are going to be stretched to the limit on this day, and these are the people that are going to be doing their utmost to make this day special for you…it doesn't matter that you are going to be one of 17,000 couples getting married…if they can do their job well, then you will have a special day.

The (Second) most notable event in July (the first for just about anywhere else in America) is our Independence Day, of course, and the Fourth of July is bigger and better here than just about anywhere else in the country. Since the Fourth is on a Wednesday, it is going to be a little smaller than usual…the biggest party in town is usually the Red, White, and Boom at Desert Breeze Park…but that has been cancelled. There are plenty of celebrations, though, throughout the city. Over a quarter of a million people are expected to be visiting here on the fourth, and if you are anywhere near, or in view of, the Strip you are in for an amazing fireworks display. There are events planned all over the city, and it will be almost impossible to miss.

The purchase of the "sane and safe" fireworks are legal in Clark County, the local fire departments are hoping that few indulge themselves. After having a dry spring, there is a lot of fuel for a fire. Wildfires have already been plaguing the southwest, and no one wants the situation to be worsened by additional fires caused by the fireworks. "Insane and Unsafe" fireworks are available outside of the county, but are illegal in Clark County…do everyone and yourself a favor—watch one of the planned displays.

"Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular" and "Love" have both just celebrated their one-year anniversary. "Phantom" is a brilliant adaptation (which was done by the original team of Hal Prince and Andrew Lloyd Webber,) and is housed in a beautiful custom-made theatre. "Love" is a spectacular show that features the music of the Beatles. It is a grand and wonderful production—one that you would certainly expect from the Cirque Company.

Toni Braxton will celebrate her one-year anniversary at the Flamingo next month.
"Country Superstars Tribute " showcases the best Country tribute artists in the business, bringing to life the music and performances of Brooks & Dunn, Faith Hill & Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, and Shania Twain in stunning detail. From time to time, the show will also feature special guest tributes to Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson, and other icons of the genre. This fast-paced, concert-style event features a world-class live five-piece band, absolutely no lip-synching, and multi-million selling hits by the biggest and best Country acts burning up the charts today. The show just opened at Fitzgerald's.

DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN is a hilariously insightful play about the ways that men and women relate and it proves its continued success in North America with recent sold out runs in Toronto, Philadelphia and Chicago with return engagements already booked. This show just opened at the Golden Nugget.

Wayne Newton is at Harrah's until the 7th.

Gerry McCambridge (The Mentalist) has opened at Hooters. Described as having the "Most Mind Boggling Show in Las Vegas," Gerry McCambridge not only makes you laugh, but also amazes his audience by reading their minds.

Ooh La La, from the wicked mind of producer Anthony Cools comes the sexiest topless show in Las Vegas: Ooh La La. The cast of five gorgeous dancers will leave jaws dropped and spirits raised as they display their talents and nearly everything else over at the Paris Las Vegas.

"Matsuri," the number one production in Japan, has come to Las Vegas and is performing in the main showroom at the Sahara Hotel & Casino. It is an amazing production that is filled with athletics, acrobatics, dancing, and Japanese tradition. The most prominent attribute to the production, however, is the pervasive joy that is permeated throughout the theatre. This troupe of high-energy performers does a stellar job at keeping things lively and vibrant.

This is going to be a big month in Las Vegas…

The first week will have…
David Copperfield
MGM, running to Jul 4
Spotlight West Coast National Dance Finals
Green Valley Ranch Jul 1 - Jul 7
Las Vegas 51s vs. Fresno Grizzlies followed by Fireworks
Cashman Center Jul 3
Outformation
Mandalay Bay Jul 3
Widespread Panic w/ The Crystal Method
Planet Hollywood Jul 3
13th Annual Summerlin Patriotic Parade
Hillpointe Road & Hills Center Drive Jul 4 - Free
The valley's largest Fourth of July parade.
4th of July Poolside Party
Las Vegas Hilton Jul 4
BBQ, Entertainment & Fireworks
59th Annual Boulder City Damboree
Bicentennial Park, Broadbent Park, Veterans Memorial Park Jul 4
Pancake Breakfast 7am; Parade 9am; Ceremonies 11am; Festivities & Fireworks 6pm
Henderson Fourth of July Fireworks & Celebration
Water Street - Downtown Jul 4 - Free
Las Vegas Desert Classic VI - Darts Tournament
Mandalay Bay Jul 4 - Jul 8
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo
Mandalay Bay Jul 4,
Summerlin 9th Annual Star Spangled Spectacular
Hills Park Jul 4
Las Vegas Philharmonic & Zambelli Fireworks
Lewis Black
MGM Grand Jul 5 - Jul 11
Lionel Richie
Caesars Palace Jul 5 - Jul 6
Coming Home Tour
Blake Shelton
Boulder Station Jul 6 - Jul 7
Charlie Murphy w/ Freeze Luv
Mandalay Bay Jul 6
David Spade
Mirage Jul 6 - Jul 7
Jim Belushi & the Sacred Hearts
Orleans Hotel Jul 6 - Jul 7
Katt Williams
Hard Rock Hotel Jul 6 - Jul 7
Loverboy
South Point Casino Jul 6 - Jul 8
NBA Summer League
Thonas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion Jul 6 - Jul 15
21 NBA Teams, 55 Games
Smash Mouth
Las Vegas Hilton Jul 6 - Jul 7
The Platters featuring Sonny Turner
Suncoast Hotel Jul 6 - Jul 8
Atomic Punks
Santa Fe Station Jul 7
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Silverton Hotel Jul 7
Fireworks in the Cage
Orleans Hotel Jul 7
Franky Perez
Suncoast Hotel Jul 7
Lee Greenwood & Crystal Gayle
Buffalo Bill's Resort Jul 7
Sammi Cheng
MGM Grand Jul 7
Warfest featuring Hemlock w/ Total Chaos, Sixstich & Gabiels Fallen
Mandalay Bay Jul 7


The second week includes:
L.A. Dance Magic
Tropicana Resort Jul 9 - Jul 13
Yellowcard w/ Bayside, the Spill Canvas and Meg & Dia
Mandalay Bay Jul 9
Coheed and Cambria w/ Killswitch Engage
Palms Casino Jul 10
Howie Mandel
MGM Grand Jul 12 - Jul 17
Diamond Rio
Whiskey Pete's Hotel Jul 13
Fab Forever
Cannery Casino Jul 13 - Free
Jay Leno
Mirage Jul 13 - Jul 14
Kool & the Gang
Green Valley Ranch Jul 13
Kottonmouth Kings
Hard Rock Hotel Jul 13
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Sunset Station Jul 13
Rockin' Roadhouse
Texas Station Jul 13
Rusted Root
Hard Rock Hotel Jul 13
The Four Tops
Orleans Hotel Jul 13 - Jul 15
W.A.S.P.
Four Queens Hotel Jul 13
Craig Chaquico
Santa Fe Station Jul 14
Doug Kershaw
Suncoast Hotel Jul 14 - Jul 15
Eric Burdon & Rare Earth
Cannery Casino Jul 14
Hellyeah
Mandalay Bay Jul 14
Mary J Blige
Hard Rock Jul 14
Mary Wilson of the Supremes
Silverton Hotel Jul 14
Michael Buble
MGM Grand Jul 14
Sally Yeh
Caesars Palace Jul 14
Showbiz National Talent Dance Finals
Cashman Center Jul 14 - Jul 17


The Third week will feature:
David Copperfield
MGM Grand Jul 18 - Jul 25
Bill Engvall
Orleans Hotel Jul 19 - Jul 22
SCORE Las Vegas Terrible's Cup III
Las Vegas Motor Speedway Jul 19 - Jul 21
Snow Patrol
Palms Casino Jul 19
Dana Carvey
Mirage Jul 20 - Jul 21
Gladys Knight
Buffalo Bill's Resort Jul 20
Patty Smyth & Scandal
South Point Casino Jul 20 - Jul 22
Quest for the Best: Sho Tyme vs. TBD
Cannery Casino Jul 20
The Police Experience
Silverton Hotel Jul 20 - Jul 21
An Evening with Boz Scaggs
Mandalay Bay Jul 21
Berlin
Hard Rock Hotel Jul 21
Boz Scaggs with special guest David Jacobs-Strain
Mandalay Bay Jul 21
Dave Mason
Cannery Casino Jul 21
Hopkins vs. Wright
Mandalay Bay Jul 21
Johnny Rivers
Boulder Station Jul 21
The Bangles
Mandalay Bay Jul 21
Calle 13
Hard Rock Hotel Jul 22
Las Vegas Prep Basketball Showcase
Cox Pavilion Jul 22 - Jul 26
Rainbow Connection Dance Competition
Green Valley Ranch Jul 22 - Jul 27
USA Basketball Men's Senior Team
Thomas & Mack Center Jul 22


The fourth week has…
Lamb of God w/ Hatebreed, Behomoth and 3 Inches of Blood
Mandalay Bay Jul 23
International Dance Challenge
Cashman Center Jul 26 - Jul 29
Rodney Carrington
MGM Grand Jul 26 - Aug 1
Asleep at the Wheel
Silverton Hotel Jul 27
Jay Leno
Mirage Jul 27 - Jul 28
Joe Walsh
Buffalo Bill's Resort Jul 27
Jonny Lang w/ Dusty Rhodes & the River Band
Mandalay Bay Jul 27
Jov Lovitz
Orleans Hotel Jul 27 - Jul 29
Jungle Boogie
Cannery Casino Jul 27 Free
Martina McBride w/ Little Big Town
Mandalay Bay Jul 27
Montgomery Gentry
Green Valley Ranch Jul 27
Paul Williams
South Point Casino Jul 27 - Jul 29
Tears for Fears
Mandalay Bay Jul 27
The Letterman
Suncoast Hotel Jul 27 - Jul 29
Violent Femmes
Hard Rock Hotel Jul 27
Cinderella Scholarship Pageant
Cashman Center Jul 28 - Aug 3
Fergie
Palms Casino Jul 28
Gerry & the Pacemakers, Tony Sheridan and Terry Sylvester
Cannery Casino Jul 28
British Invasion Concert
Pepe Aguilar
Caesars Palace Jul 28
Reggae Sunsplash
Mandalay Bay Jul 28
Rush
MGM Grand Jul 28
Snakes and Arrows Tour
Tanya Tucker
Buffalo Bill's Resort Jul 28
WWE Raw
Thomas & Mack Center Jul 28


The last week of the month and into August will have…
The International Belly Dancing Convention
South Point Casino Jul 30, 2007 - Aug 5
Beach Boys
Orleans Hotel Aug 3 - Aug 5
Bill Acosta
Suncoast Hotel Aug 3 - Aug 5
Billy Bob Thornton
Green Valley Ranch Aug 3
George Lopez
Las Vegas Hilton Aug 3 - Aug 4
Godsmack
Palms Casino Aug 3
Jay Leno
Mirage Aug 3 - Aug 4
Kathy Griffin
Mandalay Bay Aug 3
Ky-Mani Marley
Hard Rock Hotel Aug 3
Atomic Punks
Sunset Station Aug 4
Crossroads of the West Gun Show
Cashman Center Aug 4 - Aug 5
Hinder, Papa Roach and Buckcherry
Palms Casino Aug 4
The Bad Boys of Rock Tour
Little Anthony & the Imperials
Cannery Casino Aug 4
Pablo Cruise
Boulder Station Aug 4
Stanley Clarke
Green Valley Ranch Aug 4
Stanley Jordan
Green Valley Ranch Aug 4
Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
MGM Grand Aug 4
Soul 2 Soul Tour
Reel Big Fish and Less Than Jake
with special guests Streetlight Manifesto and Against All Authority
Mandalay Bay Aug 5