DID YOU KNOW there is an area called the Central Park of Southern Nevada? You, and thousands of others, have probably passed this oasis in the desert many times without realizing it is there. Of course, it has taken ten years to develop before it was opened to the public. What I am talking about is the Spring Preserve on Valley View just before the 95 freeway. I recently visited the Springs Preserve and was astonished at what has been done at this 180-acre site. Buildings are filled with exciting fun video games of educational trivia, interactive displays, exhibits, films, classes, and demonstration areas. A flash flood exhibit is remarkably real. The beginnings of Las Vegas are represented with an early building, railroad and land auction. There is a mini zoo, Indian dwellings, a sandpit to play in and find archeological digs, hiking trails, gardens, a concert amphitheatre, where Jewel appeared opening night, and so much more. The Springs were really the birthplace of Las Vegas, as the Pueblo Indians settled here because there was water. This is really a hands-on fun educational history lesson and a great place to spend an entire day. The Springs Preserve hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $15 and free for kids under 5. There is no charge for the public to view the gardens. Be sure to put this on your must see list.
Just like the guys, I can also appreciate the beauty of the female body. And, it sure was appreciated by all present at the second anniversary event for the seductive adult revue "FANTASY" at the LUXOR. The gorgeous topless showgirls danced and sang to the new improved choreography by Chris Judd and new musical numbers by musical director Darren Sher. Multi award-winning producer Anita Mann is to be congratulated for the much-improved show. This event also served as the backdrop for the unveiling of the 2008 FANTASY Calendar—a sizzling sports-themed calendar featuring the stunning all-star FANTASY line-up. Lead singer Stephanie Jordan, who was in Midnight Fantasy before it became Fantasy, and who is a personal friend of mine, performed several original songs including "Sexy Thing," "Goin' To Vegas," "Night Time" and the "FANTASY Theme Song." Her interaction with the audience, and her talented vitality and beauty, light up the show.
The excellent show The Producer's at PARIS now has Tony Danza in the starring role of Max Bialystock. Most people know the story line from the marvelous movie of the same name back in 1958 with the incomparable Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder. I usually don't see movies more than once, but this one was the exception. I loved it and saw it 4 times over the years. Since the incomparable Mel Brooks made it into a musical, even the younger generation has had the chance to enjoy this brilliant, outstanding success. So far I've seen it twice. The first time was with David Hasselhoff in the uproarious role of the gay/crossdressing Director. At that time Max Bialystock was played by Brad Oscar whose roly-poly demeanor and Jewishness was in the style of the usual characterization of Max Bialystock. Now comes Tony Danza, an Italian, suave-looking Max, who does a great job of bringing Max to life in his own very lively characterization. Tony has played this role on Broadway and he is a brilliant comedic song and dance actor. Las Vegas' own, the late Pat Ricco was responsible for Tony's mastering the art of dance. Pat was a great dance teacher and it shows in Tony Danza's dancing ability. There were two other Cast changes, Lee Roy Reams replaces 
David Hasselhoff and Bill Nolte now plays the role of Franz Liebkind. The show is just a hilarious romp that leaves the audience laughing silly with a feeling of joy.
I put on my cowboy/girl hat and boots and boogied down to the opening of STONEY's ROCKIN' COUNTRY. I've been told this place is the largest Country Westen Nitespot and Concert site in Las Vegas. Named after owner Stoney Gray formerly of Gilley at the now defunct New Frontier, Stoney's Rockin' Country rocks with live music, a tremendous dance area, three "bowling lanes" (somewhat small), pool tables, of course, a mechanical bull, and bars and lounges. Country music lovers will love this place that is just a bit north of the SOUTH POINT HOTEL/CASINO.
Can't say that Hizzoner MAYOR OSCAR GOODMAN hasn't been trying to revitalize the downtown area. It's happening, but where are all the riffraff going? The City of Las Vegas lit up the night with new neon signs in celebration of the completion of a $5.5 million streetscaping effort for downtown's new entertainment district, "FREMONT EAST" (Fremont Street, between Las Vegas Boulevard and Seventh Street). Improvements include wider sidewalks, more pedestrian-friendly streets; landscaping; lighted gateways and four 40-foot-tall, retro-looking neon signs. Located in the heart of downtown, the Fremont East district sits adjacent to the FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE, which was visited by 18.7 million people last year…And, don't forget to enjoy the free entertainment shows at the FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE when you are downtown.
Hooray, The Scintas are back! They are opening at the LAS VEGAS HILTON on September 24. This is where they began and made their mark on Las Vegas as the wonderful performers they are.
And, another Hooray! The Backstage Revue, a Senior Musical Comedy Troupe that brought you "Hooray For Cabaret" will perform an all-new show—"Hooray For Broadway" at MacDonald Ranch, 2020 Horizon Ridge Pkwy in Henderson September 15 @ 7:00 p.m. Tickets $10.00 general admission, $8.00 for residents. Call 270-7000.
KRAVE THEATRE at PLANET HOLLYWOOD now offers shows all day long thru the late evening. Beginning with a mini-priced 4 p.m. 'Happy Hour' and 5 p.m. show called 'Little Legends' starring Little People as celebrity impersonators. This is a Las Vegas' first. Mini-Britney hosts this fun show along with comedic M.C. Jeff Hobson. There's a Mini-Elvis, Mini-Madonna, Mini-Tina Turner, Mini-Vanilli and Mini-Sonny & Cher. Terra Jole a.k.a. MINI-BRITNEY has become a bit of a press darling and has been featured on numerous TV programs and celebrity blogs.
"Bottoms Up" at 1 p.m. is a sequel to 'Bottoms Up,' and 'Bottoms Up II: Burlesque Strikes Back!' Hilarious entertainment in the bawdy style of old-fashioned burlesque comedy with producer Breck Wall, David Harris, Sue Motsinger, James Dalton and a supporting cast of alluring male and female dancers. Tuesday thru Sunday. Seniors $10 discount.
The 3 p.m. show called 'Doggone Silly' with J.R. Johns opens on Oct. 5. A dozen talented dogs will do outrageously funny tricks. J.R.'s dogs are the headliners. It was twice voted the 'funniest family show in America.'
The 7 p.m. show is called "America's Headliners," an interactive competitive variety show with host emcee/magician Jeff Hobson. The most talented headliners will have the opportunity to star in their own show in Las Vegas. There is a new headliner every month and four to five competing to be a headliner. This show opens on September 12."
The 9 p.m. show will be announced soon and the 11 p.m. show features actor-supermodel-author Janice Dickinson in a one-woman show called "What Would Janice Do?" This is a limited engagement. Call 702.836.0836. There is valet parking.
Internationally recognized comedian-ventriloquist Ronn Lucas and his puppets Scorch, Buffalo Billy and Chuck are now performing at the LUXOR's Atrium Showroom. He has been called "The World's Best Ventriloquist" by The New York Times and The London Times. Ronn Lucus performs at 3 p.m. with an additional show at 1 p.m. Saturday and Monday. (By the way, he was fabulous with Jerry Lewis as his dummy on the telethon.)
KELLY CLARKSON has sold more than 15 million records, won numerous Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, ASCAP Awards and a People's Choice Award. KELLY will perform at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, September 29. Mat Kearney opens the concert. After co-writing many of her greatest hits on previous albums ("Because of You," "Behind These Hazel Eyes" and "Walk Away"), KELLY is now unleashing 13 new songs, all of which she wrote or co-wrote. Hope you are lucky enough to get tickets.
From daring swordplay to high-diving acrobatics and eye-popping pyrotechnics, the Sirens of TI, the free show outside of Treasure Island (TI) is packed with countless thrills and gorgeous Sirens. However, the gorgeous Sirens are much more than eye candy. Three amazingly talented singers from the Sirens of TI left their ship behind for a performance of a different kind. Jasmine Jonas, Ashlee Lewis and Lucy Saunders returned to Phoenix for an encore National Anthem performance as the Arizona Diamondbacks took on the Colorado Rockies. Sirens of TI can be seen at nightly at 7:30, 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30 p.m.
Mexican Independence Day weekend events:
The longest running Hispanic entertainment event in Las Vegas is returning once again to the Theatre for the Performing Arts at PLANET HOLLYWOOD on September 15. Celebrating Fiestas Patrias (Mexico's Independence), this 3 1/2 hour musical event will feature the best Mariachis and entertainers from México and the United States. Featuring: The World's Greatest Mariachi: Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlán; Americas Premier Mariachi: Mariachi Sol de México De José Hernández; and The Incomparable: Mariachi Estrella de Jalisco de Ernesto Molina, Special guests are: Vikki Carr, Lupillo Rivera and Armando Manzaner.
MANDALAY BAY has added a second Maná show during Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Friday, September 14. The first performance is set for Thursday, September 13 at 8 p.m.
LAKE LAS VEGAS RESORT presents a unique and exciting set of cultural Flamenco shows called "Spanish Nights on the Lake" September 14 and 15 atop its signature floating stage. Featuring two separate 90-minute performances each show will include performances by 16 world-renowned Flamenco singers, dancers, and musicians—and special featured guest artists per evening. Tickets for "Spanish Nights on the Lake" can be purchased through Ticketmaster and are $10 for Lawn seating (general admission), $25 for reserved seats and $35 for VIP seats.
Hispanic comedian Gabriel Iglesias performs in the Lance Burton Theatre at the MONTE CARLO September 14 and 15. During an exclusive performance with special guest Joey Medina, Iglesias will entertain the crowd with his mixture of story-telling humor and sound-effect comedy routine. Known to his fans as the "fluffy" comic that wears Hawaiian shirts, Iglesias' popularity can be credited to his frequent appearances on many top TV shows.
In celebration of his 15th year of recording some of the hottest albums in Latin music, and in support of his upcoming release, VIENTO A FAVOR, Alejandro Fernández will perform at the MANDALAY BAY Events Center Saturday, September 15. The son of legendary ranchera singer Vicente Fernández, Alejandro has since achieved what few progeny of famous parents have ever been able to accomplish. Fernandez has followed in his father's footsteps, but at the same time, he has carved out his own separate path by releasing 16 albums and selling nearly 20 million copies along the way.
PRIMM:
American Idol's, Kellie Pickler, is set to perform at WHISKEY PETE's Showroom September 14.
CLAY WALKER performs at BUFFALO BILL's Star of the Desert Arena September 21. Clay Walker became a country music favorite in 1993 with number one hit. Walker has sold a combined 8 million albums throughout his celebrated career.
Comedian PAUL RODRIGUEZ'S career has spanned more than two decades and includes starring roles and featured appearances in over 30 films and countless television series and specials. He has performed his live stand-up comedy to well over one million concert and is referred to as the Original Latin King of Comedy. Paul Rodriguez performs at BUFFALO BILL's in Primm on Saturday September 22.
THE PEARL at THE PALMS: Morrissey returns to bring songs from The Smiths of yesterday and the Morrissey everyone loves today to life inside The Pearl on September 21.
ORLEANS ARENA: Joe Weider's internationally renowned 2007 Olympia Weekend (Mr. Olympia, Ms. Olympia, Fitness and Figure Olympia) will be held at the ORLEANS Arena September 27–30. This event draws fitness enthusiasts from all over the country to watch these amazing powerhouse bodybuilder's battle for each title.
Pamela Anderson extends her run as Hans Klok's leading lady in "Hans Klok—The Beauty of Magic" at PLANET HOLLYWOOD through December 8.
Master magician and illusionist David Copperfield continues his 2007 tour at MGM GRAND's HOLLYWOOD THEATRE through September 19. Dazzling new illusions include "Lottery," one of the most incredible predictions in the history of magic. During each performance, Copperfield transports himself and a member of the audience from the stage to a deserted island on the other side of the planet. Because the concept is so hard to believe, Copperfield takes proof during his journey of items randomly collected from audience members including Polaroid photographs of the audience. A lucky audience member is chosen to join him for the journey and together, they vanish on a platform suspended over the heads of the audience. Within seconds they are seen on a live satellite uplink at their chosen destination. Unbelievably, they are wearing the items of clothes, carrying the personal mementos and holding the signed photograph. Copperfield's astounding encore for the evening is a groundbreaking illusion where 13 members of the audience, chosen at random, vanish from the stage and reappear in the back of the theater. Among his many attributes, Copperfield has performed seven times for Presidents of the United States and was inducted into the Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame.
Boxing superstars Manny Pacquiao and Marco Antonio Barrera will collide in a 12-round super featherweight title fight Saturday, Oct. 6 at MANDALAY BAY. Promoted by Golden Boy Promotions (Oscar De La Hoya) and Top Rank, the Pacquiao vs. Barrera title bout will be broadcast live on HBO.
DAVID LONDON has been a mainstay here in Las Vegas forever. You may remember him as the star and producer of "Sex (or Love) over 40. David has a wonderful voice, having been classical trained. He and Alma Davis produced his first album, which is currently being aired on 43 radio stations worldwide. Now the World premiere of Captain David London's new CD Album "Here's To Romance." will be released on September 20.
I can remember seeing Toby Keith at ARIZONA CHARLIES on Decatur before he became a multi-platinum country music superstar and one of the most recognizable entertainers in the nation. Toby Keith brings his "Big Dog Daddy Tour 2007" to the MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER Saturday, September 8. ACMA award-winner Miranda Lambert as well as Flynnville Train will opens the show.
Award-winning comedian Mo'Nique performs her hilarious stand-up routine September 28 (my birthday) at MANDALAY BAY for one night only. In 2005, Mo'Nique created, produced and hosted the television special, "Mo'Nique's F.A.T. Chance," which was America's first full-figured reality beauty pageant. Great! Not only skinnies are beautiful!
Most people would like to attend an Italian wedding, and now everyone can attend Joey & Maria's Comedy Italian Wedding at THE EMPIRE BALLROOM. When Joey & Maria finally get married, all hell breaks loose and the party starts. They had me sitting in a chair in the middle of the dance floor while an outrageous act was going on. By the way, the food is great too. What a wedding, complete with wedding cake. Call 702.794.9571.
Although it may seem quite early to get tickets for JERSEY BOYS slated to open on April 4, 2008 at the PALAZZO RESORT HOTEL CASINO (a stand-alone resort currently being built by Las Vegas Sands Corp. combining with the Venetian and Sands Expo and Convention Center), tickets are now on sale. JERSEY BOYS opened to rave reviews on Broadway, November 6, 2005, and continues to set weekly box office records. JERSEY BOYS tells the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons and how a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time. Call The Venetian Box Office at 1-866-641-SHOW or 702-414-9000.
CineVegas is launching CineVegas Shorts Online, a channel on Veoh.com, that will present shorts the Festival has shown in the past, as well as bodies of work from former CineVegas filmmakers. A new video installment will be introduced every two weeks, each highlighting a specific filmmaker, and starting in January 2008, the Festival will showcase "best of" compilations on the site. Such collections will include the best shorts from each year on a single page, all leading up to the 10th anniversary of CineVegas in 2008.
A fun night of entertainment to benefit the "Premier Adoption Agency" and the "Sons of Erin" will be held on September 21 at THE SOUTH POINT's Fever showroom at 7:30 p.m. This is a half-way to St. Patrick's Day event and the theme is "That's What Friends Are For." Outstanding acts are The Goodfellas Band, Sharon Lynn, World Champion Irish Dancer, George Dare, Genevieve and Phil Flowers. Tickets $35, 45, and 55. Call 797-8055.
Adults age 50 and older are invited to the Island Nights Blue Moon Ball from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Friday, September 28, to enjoy an evening of light refreshments and dancing to the big band music of Boyd Coulter and the Good Times Band. The tropically themed event will be held at the EAST LAS VEGAS COMMUNITY/SENIOR CENTER ballroom, located at 250 North Eastern Ave. It is not necessary to bring a partner, as singles are encouraged to attend. The ballroom will be decorated in a Hawaiian style, and everyone is encouraged to dress in eveningwear appropriate for the islands. Tickets are priced at $10. For tickets and information, call (702) 229-1515.
