KÀ—AS A longtime columnist I have seen most of the Cirque du Soleil shows presented in Las Vegas. Generally, I have said that my two favorite shows were Mystère and Jubilee! However, after seeing KÀ at the MGM GRAND, I certainly have to add this show to my small list of favorites. What a masterpiece production! I not only enjoyed the marvelous show, but I had a wonderful opportunity to have a backstage tour to see the remarkable workings of this show that are astronomical. With a cast of 80 and a crew of 180 both need to be exceptional in their talents. Of course, the talent seen by the audience is thrilling. The acrobats, twirling swords, realistic insects and fish, climbers, and so much more makes for an unusual experience. However, this Cirque du Soleil really has a story that can be followed. The remarkable element of this show is the fact that there is no stage, only walls and platforms that have to be seen to be experienced. The costumes and makeup are truly outstanding as well as the theater's design. Even the greeters are part of the show as they lead you to your seat. I guess I am gushing about KÀ, but I did not expect it to be so good. The only bad thing was the ticket price of $170 for good seats, although it is said the tickets start at $69. Please don't miss this production, you will love it!
Boys and Girls, Men and Women what do you really know about each other? You can find out by seeing 'DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN' now at the GOLDEN NUGGET. This is a fun one-man show whimsically offered by talented Kevin Burke about fun facts on relationships. Each gender will surely realize their differences in this hilarious revue that has been playing nationally and all over the world for the past four years. It originated in San Francisco, where I did my graduate work, and I believe I saw it there some time ago. However, the Las Vegas version is unique in many ways with its set, production elements and scripting. Hunting and gathering are explained—from Caveman Art to everyday events between the sexes, in a most uproariously revealing way. A fun and uplifting awareness evening for all.
The GOLDEN NUGGET now has new owners, and they have done some remarkable renovations. Especially the pool area called The Tank where $20 million was invested. There is a 200,000 gallon aquarium filled with Sharks and other species of marine life that is beautifully centered in the midst of the pool. A winding three-story waterslide lets you be inches away from the Sharks etc. as you are sliding down into the pool. In the evening the lighting makes for an exquisite sight.
Golden Rainbow's 21st annual "Ribbon of Life" was a true "Red Carpet Affair" drawing celebrities to the stage and to the audience, including John O'Hurley on stage and the legendary Siegfried in the audience. Joining O'Hurley were more than 225 performers from Las Vegas' top production shows and local groups volunteering their time and talents to this spectacular show.
Thanks to an incredible outpouring of support from the community, the show raised $285,000.00 for GOLDEN RAINBOW, the highest figure to date from past "Ribbon of Life" shows. All money raised stays in southern Nevada and supports Golden Rainbow's mission of providing housing and direct financial assistance to southern Nevadans with HIV/AIDS and funding prevention education. GOLDEN RAINBOW President Carol Hunter said, "Last year, there were 7,000 cases of HIV/AIDS in Clark County, and this year there are 8,000. These are real people, not just statistics, who need real help, and thanks to Las Vegas' support, we will be able to provide the assistance they desperately need. Of course, those 8,000 are just the known cases, and the increase underscores the need to be tested and to know your status."
Appearing in the "Ribbon of Life" show were cast members from American Superstars, A New Day, Asian Pacific Performing Arts Alliance, Chippendales, Crazy Horse Paris, Fantasy, Folies Bergere, Jubilee, KÀ, Le Rêve, Mamma Mia!, MGM Grand Productions, Missy Cochran Entertainment, 'O,' Phantom—The Las Vegas Spectacular, The Producers, Pussy Cat Dolls, Rat Pack, Rio Bevertainment, Searcy Entertainment Inc., Sirens of TI, Spamalot, Studio 54, Tangerine, Tony Braxton Revealed and The World's Greatest Magic Show. Nowhere else, can a great show of this caliber, with a cast such as this, be seen.
7-7-07 was a big day for weddings in Las Vegas. A special wedding occurred for David Heilman and Charlene Jimenez who were the lucky winners of THE SILVERTON CASINO'S underwater wedding contest. They "took the plunge" and got married underwater in the SILVERTON's enormous 117,000-gallon aquarium on 7-7-07—the luckiest day of the year. Along with the unique ceremony in the Mermaid Tank, the lucky couple celebrated with their family and friends at the Mermaid Restaurant and Lounge at an hour-long cake and champagne reception for 50 guests immediately following the ceremony. A custom wedding cake was prepared for the fortunate duo, and a hair and make-up artist primped and pampered the bride for wedding photos.
After an overwhelming response from audiences and critics alike, Wayne Brady is now a permanent headliner at The VENETIAN, extending his show Making It Up through mid-2008. Originally scheduled for a limited engagement, Making It Up developed a solid fan base during its initial run and the new agreement, providing for a minimum of 130 performances over the next year, will catapult Brady from one of many visiting entertainers, to a Las Vegas Strip resident. Proving that he is one of the most multi-talented performers in show business, Brady structures his show in the classic Variety Show-style, incorporating improv, singing and even dancing; including a three-piece band led by musical director Cat Gray, and a chorus of talented dancers.
Phantom the Spectacular at the VENETIAN is absolutely spectacular. Celebrating their one-year anniversary, I was invited to see Phantom again. I had seen the show when it opened and I raved about it then. Now, once again, I have more raves for this wonderful show that can be enjoyed more than once. In addition to the marvelous performances and a wonderful orchestra, the $40-million theatre itself is spectacular as are the sets, costumes and dazzling special effects. This production has been cut down to 95 minutes with no intermission, however, all the musical numbers have been left in and the story still moves along without really missing anything. One of the really best shows in Las Vegas, Phantom—The Las Vegas Spectacular is an absolute must see.
The same night, media was treated to a reception after the show at David Burke's restaurant/lounge. Delicious food is cooked as you pick out your choice.
Get ready to groove July 13 when KOOL and the GANG perform their greatest hits at GREEN VALLEY RANCH. Known as one of the most influential funk bands during the 1970s, their instantly recognizable dance hits including "Celebration," "I Wanna Take You Higher," "Some Kind of Wonderful" and "Open Sesame" off of the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack, continue to keep them in the spotlight.
SMASH MOUTH, the pop rock band that jumped from its San Jose base to worldwide renown, headline at the LAS VEGAS HILTON July 6 & 7 at 8 p.m. After 12 years together as a band and nearly 10 years after emerging on the national scene with their first #1 hit, "Walkin' on the Sun," all three co-founding members—Steve Harwell, Greg Camp, and Paul DeLisle—are as tight today as they were the day they first jammed together in their hometown of San Jose. Collectively, Smash Mouth has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide.
Worldwide high-energy band Coheed & Cambria known for selling out shows fast will be joined by Killswitch Engage, one of the most influential and inspirational modern music forces, as they rock The Pearl at THE PALMS on July 10.
MGM's exciting headliners at the Mandalay Bay Events Center: Country music superstar Martina McBride July 27. Country sensation Little Big Town will open the show. A four-time Country Music Award (CMA) vocalist of the year, McBride is currently nominated for a 2007 Grammy in the "Best Female Country Vocal Performance" category for "I Still Miss Someone," a top hit off her platinum-selling album Timeless…Young singing sensation Michael Bublé July 14. In what many believe will be one of the hottest concerts of the year, Bublé brings his irrepressible spirit, engaging humor and confident charisma to the concert stage…Renowned rock trio RUSH with the "Snakes & Arrows World Tour" July 28…Tim McGraw and Faith Hill bring their Soul2Soul Tour back to Las Vegas Saturday, Aug. 4.
Ice: Direct from Russia at the RIVIERA is a new twist on traditional ice skating shows. The iced stage has amazing talented ice skaters perform who have come from Moscow. Directed by Debra Brown, the show is adapted from Sergey Ryshkoff's Moscow Ice Circus and combines sensuality with acrobatic and aerial feats. The skaters first appear in traditional Russian garb—black furry coats and hats—but soon reveal beautiful, sexy and unique costumes. There is a wide range of music and stage settings including an ice catwalk that circles around the first rows of seats. A dreamy beautiful kite sequence involves a man and woman dressed in white among all-white surroundings, where kites eventually transform into wings. Musicians add live music to show. The music featured is as diverse as the skaters themselves. Skating violinists lead the group into a Russian-style hoe-down, encouraging the audience to clap along. Set to Janis Joplin's "Summertime," a limber female gyrates with a body full of hula-hoops, and a mini light show adds to Pink Floyd's "Us & Them" while two skaters embrace one another in a sensual number. The show ends with a funky James Brown medley, where all 42 of the skaters are showcased in all their glory, circling the crowd and catapulting one another from a giant see-saw onstage.
Once known as the youngest executive chef on the Las Vegas Strip, Honorio Mecinas brings new life to the VooDoo Cafe on the 50th floor of the RIO. Now called VooDoo Steak, Mecinas and his team have created new dishes and developed the Rio Dry Aged Beef Program in an effort to delight current customers and entice new ones as they dine and take in the breathtaking views of the Vegas strip. After dining at Voodoo Steak, guests can drink and dance at the Voodoo Lounge with DJs, live entertainment and Voodoo Dolls Go-Go dancers!
I was at the opening of Hans Klock, The Beauty of Magic at PLANET HOLLYWOOD and although it is a new show, new magic acts are not really there. A somewhat story-line about his father and Hans as a small boy getting into magic is interesting, but carried on too long. Another story line is about an evil female who tries to kill him repeatedly. Also repeatedly are the magic illusions such as metamorphosis of Hans and a female as well as many other well-done illusions that are done in different scenes, but are basically the same illusions. Many of the costumed dancers are part of the show and that adds to it. Some of the dancers came to Las Vegas from England where they were part of his touring show. He is very popular in Europe. Hans has a good personality, is very energetic and good-looking, in fact he looks like a young Siegfried. Pamela Anderson is billed as being featured, however, her appearance is way into the show and is more like eye-candy than anything else. 
She appeared nervous and did not do much more than flip her hair and act sexy. She was only on for a few minutes with an audience participant and then came on later for a levitation act. However, the levitating with her at the closing part of the show had been done earlier in another segment with another assistant. The only really new act was the one credited to the late Harry Blackstone, and that was quite good. We did experience a very interesting after-party. Leading to the pool area where the party was being held, we walked through carpeting strewn with rose petals. Then, white chiffon was draped through the walkway to the party area. Stiltwalkers and dancing girls entertained, while guests enjoyed food and libations. I happen to know Michael Burke who founded Baywatch and he introduced me to Pamela Anderson. Hans Klock was very personable and took pictures with the crowd. The show is good and perhaps I am jaded having seen so many magic shows here in Las Vegas, but usually a new show needs new tricks in additions to dancers and eye-candy.
Come get your kicks at DICK'S. Dick's Last Resort, that is, at the EXCALIBUR. What a fun, crazy place to unwind and enjoy some colossal portions of food including big sloppy beef ribs, messy honey-roasted chicken and juicy crab legs that you eat with your fingers, rather than silverware. Dick's has a wacky-tacky décor, live music and sassy service that sets the tone for a fun experience. It is the perfect place for groups to let loose and join in the unruliness. The opposite of a standard restaurant establishment, Dick's has outlandish entertainment and encourages patron participation to create a raucous environment. And, it is infectious once you get started. Each night Dick's features live entertainment as musical acts invite guests to rock out as they perform yesterday's classics and today's favorites. Dueling pianos duke it out Monday–Wednesday, Disco Inferno gets into the groove Thursday–Saturday and on Sundays the band Panama pumps up the energy with '80s rock and popular Top 40 hits. Serving lunch, dinner and late-night grub, everyone gets their fix at Dick's.
Really good Mexican food is at the new Café Rio a wonderful eatery now opened at 9002 West Sahara. There is an open kitchen where you choose your order and watch it being made. You can also view the tortillas being made on a wheel. The affordable menu items are humongous as well as delicious and the service is impeccable and friendly. Although I was there on a media day, I will certainly go back.
GEORGE MALOOF, owner of the PALMS and AUDREY ROBERTS, creator and Executive Producer of the 2nd "INTERNATIONAL FINE ART AWARDS (ARTV)" jointly announced that the PALMS will host the awards ceremony in the PEARL CONCERT THEATRE on September 29th, 2007. The Awards Ceremony will be taped for television broadcast later this year. The 2007 ARTV Program will present fine artists from the USA, Europe, Japan and South America.
Clint Holmes, Las Vegas' major talent is on his way to Broadway by way of Las Vegas and London. His 'Just Another Man' (JAM) recently previewed to standing-room audiences at UNLV. He is fine tuning his show that is almost biographical.
My dear friends, the talented Scintas have departed the SAHARA showroom and in their place producer David Sax (of Planet Hollywood's V Theatre) has brought in MATSURI.This is Japan's #1 show they call 'Muscle Musical' that showcases world champion athletes. MATSURI had played for a short time at the RIVIERA and I did enjoy it then. However, it is much better on the larger stage at the SAHARA. The cast consists of 28 performers with more than 18 acts, including world-champion German wheel gymnast, world champion mountain biker, world-class Yo-Yo champion, world record hula hoop champion, a karate expert specializing in sword fight action stunts and a world record bungee jumping act. Olympic medalists and world class athletes perform a combination of acrobatics, dance, stunts, athletics and comedic routines in vibrantly colored costumes set to high-energy music. MATSURI mixes elements of Japanese culture in an original show that is unique to this side of the globe.
The Food & Beverage Director's Association of Nevada is a nonprofit association formed and dedicated to the enrichment, involvement and education of those individuals committed to pursuing a career in the food and beverage industry. In the last 16 years, the association has donated over $1 million to further educational causes.
The Las Vegas Food and Beverage Director's Association held their 2007 Black Tie Gala Fundraiser at the TI (TREASURE ISLAND). Proceeds benefited the Las Vegas Food & Beverage Director's Scholarship Program and underprivileged children in our community. This year's themed event "The World Dines Here" featured an exquisite menu of five courses paired with different wines that showcased items from around the world courtesy of the talented Chefs of Treasure Island.
Mistress of Ceremonies was Sue Manteris from Channel 3. The distinguished "Autrui" Award was presented to former Lieutenant Governor and long-time ambassador to Las Vegas, Lorraine Hunt-Bono, in recognition of her commitment to the Las Vegas community. Lorraine's mother Marie Perry, her son Ron Mancuso and his beautiful wife Tina with their children (Lorraine's grandchildren) Zia, 8 and Roman, 10 were there to cheer her on. This year's "Culinary Achievement" Award honored Chef George La Forge, chef/owner of Pamplmousse, for his contributions to the industry. George's brother Pierre and his son Stephen were there to congratulate him. Additionally, The Food & Beverage Director's Association of Las Vegas presented a contribution to The Make-A-Wish Foundation President, Karen Iglesias.
The evening started off with a lavish cocktail reception and a silent auction. An ice figured Martini and Tequila Bar was a feature. Entertainment during dinner was provided by the Vince Falcone Trio. After dinner there was music and dancing by The Steve Beyer Band.
Although Prince has closed at his '3021' at the RIO, you can now see him (almost) at the STRATOSPHERE in a tribute performance at The American Superstars show. Jason Tenne does an unbelievable performance as Prince in addition to the show's line-up of other celebrity tributes to yesterday and today's hottest music stars.
Due to the success from its first blood drive, BODIES…The Exhibition and United Blood Services (UBS) once again had a second blood drive at THE TROPICANA. All donors received a free ticket to BODIES…The Exhibition and Folies Bergere.
The Supreme, Supreme, Mary Wilson, will make her poolside debut at the SILVERTON July 14th. Mary Wilson just concluded a highly successful tour of the East Coast, with a final stop in New York, where she wowed audiences for 11 nights in the glamorous Feinsteins Lowe's Regency Room. Mary Wilson has made her home in Las Vegas for the past five years and is looking forward to a new venue in Las Vegas. Her last local appearance was a crowd-pleasing two-nights at the downtown GOLDEN NUGGET in April. Wilson's latest album "I Am Company," has been getting rave reviews.
Also at SILVERTON's Poolside Concert Series: July 20–21, The Police Experience duplicating The Police in the most authentic way possible. July 27: Asleep at the Wheel The high-energy country band brings its unique brand of western swing.
Have you been to new multi-million $ "Bistro Buffet" in the PALMS? A bistro by definition is a café that serves modest seasonal food and wine, however, this new buffet far exceeds the definition of a bistro as it offers Korean, Lebanese, Italian, Mexican, Cuban, American food and more. It is not only the food that makes the Bistro Buffet special, the design too is special. TANDEM Design Company did the interiors of the 8,000 square-foot space adjacent to the Pearl Concert venue in a bold, contemporary design. Tandem's principals, Daoust and Banares, have more than 28 years of combined design experience in creating award-winning interiors for world-class hotels, casinos, retail and restaurant venues and spas in Las Vegas and around the world.
The Bistro Buffet features an orange and green color scheme with white and gray terrazzo polished tile flooring, black stone counters, chocolate brown paint accents, polished chrome metal accents, Macassar Ebony Wood finishes and raspberry light fixtures. Main elements of the buffet include decorative walls with custom wallpapers and art pieces and uniquely patterned orange and green backlit acrylic panel lights. Luxurious seats, feature a contemporary green-stripped fabric and metallic green fabric. The buffet has a dramatic effect as it is accented by stone tile mosaic pillars and accent lighting throughout. Not bad for a buffet to enjoy both a culinary and eye-appealing delight.
