SPRING AND FALL are my favorite times of the year. The weather is perfect, and it fills you with a sense and feeling of renewal. The summers get draining after a while, and it feels as if the energy is being sapped out of your body each time you walk out of doors. That feeling goes away in the fall. In Las Vegas, fall also means big business. It is time for the busy convention season to begin, and the football season is under way, hockey is getting started, too. Casinos are very busy this time of year, and so, the economy booms here. And then, Halloween is at the end of the month. There have been some big changes in the shows recently, but most of the shows have dug in and prepared for the season, but there are always a few adjustments going on.

The official Web site of the Las Vegas convention and visitors authority lists approximately 300 gatherings for this month ranging from a few people to tens of thousands of people (there are a couple with over 100k attendees scheduled to arrive). Conventions bring in huge money to Las Vegas. The influx of conventioneers is always good business for the casinos and the shows.

The Scintas are moving back into the Las Vegas Hilton…officially opening October 2nd; the Scintas will be performing in the Shimmer Cabaret. It is the same spot that they made their Las Vegas debut seven years ago…they spent a year there (in what was then called “the Nightclub at the Hilton”), and then spent five years at the Rio, and most recently at the showroom at the Sahara. It will be wonderful to see them in a small venue again, and now with Asient Entertainment producing them, the show is said to be seventy percent all new material. It will be a treat.

Vinnie Favorito has just re-signed at O’Sheas Casino for another contract. Favorito is a world-class insult comic that is absolutely wonderful. You must go and see this man.

The Krave nightclub, also known as the Harmon Street Theatre is packing a full schedule of shows in their facility now. Starting at 1:00 will be Bottom’s up, at 3:00 will be Doggone Funny, 5:00 & 7:00 is Little Legends, and the day will end with The Fashionistas—who just moved back to the Krave from the Empire Ballroom.

With the exodus of the Fasionistas from the Empire, that leaves only two shows running in that venue—Joey & Maria’s Wedding, and The Soprano’s Last Supper. All of the shows at the Empire Ballroom seem to have been struggling…in fact, The Soprano’s Last Supper no longer even offers a supper…it is now just appetizers and cocktails.

The Gazillion Bubble Show is going to be moving into the Steve Wyrick Theatre. It should be a lot of fun. Bubbles as entertainment is something that I have loved since childhood, but as the saying goes, “you ain’t seen nothing yet.” The finale of the show promises to fill the theatre with bubbles of every size and shape imaginable.

The third annual Vegoose Music Festival will take place October 27 & 28 at Sam Boyd Stadium. Vegoose is a Halloween festival extravaganza that draws inspiration from both Las Vegas and Halloween. In addition to an eclectic group of music groups, there are interactive attractions, performance artists, and art displays.

There will be lots of “good fun” and “ono” food at the Second Annual Pure Aloha Fall Festival presented by Vizzun Entertainment at the Cannery Casino & Hotel. The three-day festival runs Friday, October 12 through Sunday, October 14 and will be held at the Club, an indoor/outdoor festival venue located at the Cannery Casino & Hotel. The event includes concerts from some of the most popular Hawaiian and Polynesian acts and daytime festivals that bring a little bit of the Hawaiian homeland to Las Vegas. The Pure Aloha Festival kicks off on Friday, October 12 at 6 p.m. with an evening concert of popular Hawaiian and Polynesian musical acts. The evening’s lineup includes Fiji, who will be launching his new CD, “Xperience,” and Cool Progression, winners of “Brown Bags to Stardom 2007, “Hawaii’s biggest high school talent competition. The evening will also feature performances by Bonafide and Rushouze Allstars.

For the 14th year, a medieval kingdom will take over Sunset Park, 2601 E. Sunset Road, with lavishly costumed knights, knaves, fine ladies and wenches as Clark County Parks and Recreation presents the annual Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival, Oct. 12–14. Several stages will feature entertainment with costumed performers presenting more than 50 shows per day along with historical re-enactments, jousting tournaments, medieval pageantry and more than 100 artisans—including blacksmiths, stained glass designers, jewelers, wood workers, toy makers, perfume blenders, stone carvers and sword, dagger and armor craftsman—to demonstrate and sell their wares. Authentic food, from fish and chips to an English feast, also will be available as well as beer and ales.

Fright Dome takes over The Adventuredome at Circus Circus beginning Oct. 5. This season of fright, not even the sky is safe. Drop Demons are the latest addition to the already horrifying experience known as Fright Dome, ranked 4th Scariest Haunted Attraction in the country by AOL. Multiple Drop Demons will unexpectedly fall from the sky and torment passers by. Dressed in professionally designed costumes and intricate masks as they descend from the ceiling, these flights of horror will induce blood-curdling screams from all that they encounter. In addition to the Drop Demons, Fright Dome also will add new attractions such as a terror-filled Wax Museum, a haunted 4D Special FX Theater and the haunted house, Killer Clowns in 3D. Spectacular freak shows will feature the engrossing Swing Shift Sideshow, Insane Entertainment and Lady Diabla. The returning, red-haired, femme fatale, Lady Diabla currently is on tour with Ozzy Osbourne’s Ozzfest 2007. She will spook audiences by driving nails four inches into her head, lying face down on broken glass and swallowing swords. Fright Dome will offer five enhanced haunted houses, including all new Cell Block 13, Chainsaw Massacre, Morgue of Misery, Cavern of The Living Dead and the brand new Killer Clowns in 3D. Three spine-tingling ride films, four extreme scare zones plus rides and attractions. Pitch black and fog filled, Fright Dome will set a chilling atmosphere with the dramatic Drop Demons, roaming scare monsters, high-powered strobes, multi-colored lasers and eerie sound effects.

Andre Agassi’s 12th Anniversary Grand Slam for Children will be at the MGM this month. The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation (AACF) has assembled another superstar line-up of entertainers for an unforgettable evening of music and other entertainment to benefit Las Vegas at-risk youth. Performers include Tony Bennett, Matchbox Twenty, Carlos Santana, Kelly Clarkson, Jerry Seinfeld, and many more. The stars will take the stage Saturday, Oct. 6 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Halloween is always an interesting day in Las Vegas. Most available venues will host some sort of costumed ball—usually having to do with some sort of sexual content, and the more outrageous the better. There are a couple of Fetish and Fantasy balls, several Erotic balls, and the Pimp an’ Ho Ball, of course. It’s a strange night and not one for the timid. It will continue to be a huge party weekend in Las Vegas. With the addition of the third annual Vegoose Music Festival to what was already a busy social calendar, Vegas continues to prove that there might not be a better city in which to celebrate All Hallow’s Eve. Of course, one sure highlight will be the 41st Annual Beaux Arts Ball, a huge costume bash which will help raise money for the Golden Rainbow Foundation. Studio 54 always goes above and beyond on Halloween with a whole week of parties…be sure not to miss this year! After all, it is Halloween in Las Vegas…

Freakling Brothers, the creators of Las Vegas’ premier haunted attractions, will terrify visitors again this year as it celebrates its 31st anniversary in Las Vegas. By concentrating on primal fears, relying on the power of live performers, and employing the art of theatrical illusion, Freakling Brothers will once again frighten yet delight thousands of Las Vegas’ bravest thrill seekers! The haunted attractions are scattered throughout the Vegas area, so there will always be one within close proximity.

…And not to be outdone, Madame Tussauds’ is going to have live characters as well. Freddy Kruger has moved to Las Vegas from Elm Street. So has Crystal Lake’s unstoppable monster Jason Voorhees and Leatherface, toting his chainsaw from Texas. The three most frightening horror movie characters in Hollywood history are now scaring guests at the new “Chamber of Horrors, Live” experience at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas. Characters of Freddy (A Nightmare On Elm Street), Jason (Friday the 13th) and Leather Face (Texas Chain Saw Massacre) will be portrayed with special effects and live actors to create the ultimate in scare maze experiences. Guests will walk through a number of themed environments where they should expect the unexpected!

Clark County’s largest Halloween celebration featuring the Broken Spoke Saloon 20-acre Haunted Corn Maze opens during the middle of the month. The ghosts and goblins will haunt the attraction for the last three weekends. Call 864-2277 or see the Web site at www.GLENDALECORNMAZE.com. The 20-acre corn maze will baffle anyone seeing it from the air. This is an art form developed in the Midwest and will be an amazing site from the air. The cornfield is four acres by five acres. [Editor's note: Huge KICK OFF BBQ!! Friday October 5, 2007, 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. The entire Family is welcome. Also visit their Web site for a Maize Coupon.]

With thousands of rhinestones and hundreds of beautiful girls, Donn Arden’s Jubilee! celebrates 26 fabulous years at Bally’s Las Vegas. Since 1981, rhinestone-clad showgirls and a talented cast of performers have graced the stage of Jubilee! one of the longest running shows on the Las Vegas Strip. Conceived, staged and directed by the legendary Donn Arden, Jubilee! is an extravagant stage production with an initial cost of $10 million, more than 1,000 costumes, 53 songs and set pieces weighing up to four tons. All of these elements come together 12 times a week in one of the most technically complex productions in the world. The gorgeous showgirls of Jubilee! are the epitome of the grace and elegance synonymous with classic Las Vegas.

November 4th is the end of Daylight Savings time (fall back), and the 31st is Nevada Day and Halloween.

October also brings hockey back to Las Vegas with the opening of the season with the Las Vegas Wranglers.

This should be a great month for shows…

The end of September still has a few things going on…

UNLV Football
Sam Boyd Stadium Sep 8–Nov. 10

Hit Parade featuring Entertainers Direct from the Strip
Suncoast Hotel Sep 13–Nov. 1


The first week of the month brings in…

David Copperfield
MGM Grand Oct. 4–17

Flynnville Train
Green Valley Ranch Oct. 4 • Free concert

Psychic Marlene Lombardi
Sunset Station Oct. 4

Teddybears
Mandalay Bay Oct. 4

Dennis Miller
Orleans Hotel Oct. 5–7

Don Rickles w/ Shawn King
Golden Nugget Oct. 5–7

Heaven & Hell w/ Queensryche
Palms Casino Oct. 5

Jay Leno
Mirage Oct. 5–6

New Found Glory and Senses Fail w/ Set Your Goals
Mandalay Bay Oct. 5

Pat Monohan
Hard Rock Oct. 5

Playhouse Disney Live! On Tour
Orleans Hotel Oct. 5–7

Quest for the Best: R&B Showband Finals
Cannery Casino Oct. 5

Stephen Marley
Hard Rock Oct. 5

Three Dog Night
Buffalo Bill’s Resort Oct. 5

Tower of Power
Suncoast Hotel Oct. 5–7

Andre Agassi’s Grand Slam for Children
MGM Grand Oct. 6

Bill Maher
Hard Rock Oct. 6

Pacquiao vs. Barrera
Mandalay Bay Oct. 6

Ray Price
Santa Fe Station Oct. 6

Saosin w/ Norma Jean, Alexisonfire & the Dear and Departed
Mandalay Bay Oct. 6

The Guess Who w/ American Woman, These Eyes, More…
Cannery Casino Oct. 6

VW Car Show
Fremont Street Experience Oct. 6 • Free

Lowrider Magazine Show
Cashman Center Oct. 7

Mandy Moore w/ Rachael Yamagata and Chris Stills
Mandalay Bay Oct. 7

The Used
Palms Casino Oct. 7


The second week of the month is insanely busy with…

Viva La Bands featuring Cradle of Filth w/ GWAR and CKY
Hard Rock Oct. 9

Perry Farrell’s Satellite Party w/ Mink
Mandalay Bay Oct. 10

The Black Crowes
Palms Casino Oct. 11

Australian Pink Floyd
Hard Rock Oct. 12

Bowzer’s Rock ’n’ Roll Dance Party
Suncoast Hotel Oct. 12–14
Featuring Bryan Hyland & Johnny Tillotson

Brad Garrett
Mirage Oct. 12–13

Dashboard Confessional w/ Augustana and John Ralston
Mandalay Bay Oct. 12

Etta James
Orleans Hotel Oct. 12–14

Foghat
Boulder Station Oct. 12

Kathy Griffin
Mandalay Bay Oct. 12

Pure Aloha Festival & Concert
Cannery Casino Oct. 12–14

US Open of Supercross & Amateur Arenacross World Finals
MGM Grand Oct. 12–14

Last Comic Standing
Orleans Hotel Oct. 13

Louis CK
Mandalay Bay Oct. 13

Oleta Adams
Santa Fe Station Oct. 13

Pat Benatar
Buffalo Bill’s Resort Oct. 13

Rilo Kiley
Hard Rock Oct. 13

K-9 Metro Trials
Orleans Hotel Oct. 14 • Free

Michael Ian Black & Michael Showalter
Mandalay Bay Oct. 14

Terry Fator
Las Vegas Hilton Oct. 14


The third week has…

Elton John “The Red Piano”
Caesars Palace Oct. 16–20

Pepper w/ The Expendibles and Passfire
Mandalay Bay Oct. 17

Chicago
MGM Grand Oct. 18–31

Smothers Brothers
Orleans Hotel Oct. 18–21

Eric Church
Santa Fe Station Oct. 19

George Jones
Texas Station Oct. 19

Jay Leno
Mirage Oct. 19–20

Peace Frog–Tribute to the Doors
Cannery Casino Oct. 19–20

Susan Anton
Suncoast Hotel Oct. 19–21

The Tubes
Four Queens Hotel Oct. 19

Bill Engvall
Green Valley Ranch Oct. 20

Carlos Mencia
Palms Casino Oct. 20

Crossroads of the West Gun Show
Cashman Center Oct. 20–21

Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefers
MGM Grand Oct. 20

Bama Breeze 2007 Tour
Hard Rock Oct. 20
Jimmy Eat World w/ Maritime

Live & Collective Soul
Mandalay Bay Oct. 20

Rick Springfield & Eddie Money
Buffalo Bill’s Resort Oct. 20

The 5th Annual Hoodie Awards—Hosted by Steve Harvey
Orleans Hotel Oct. 20

The Jesus & Mary Chain w/ Soul Savers, More…
Mandalay Bay Oct. 20

Las Vegas Wranglers Hockey
Orleans Hotel Oct. 21–Dec 28
Home Games: Oct. 21 & 23 • Nov. 2, 3, 20, 27, 29 & 30 • Dec. 1, 17, 27 & 28


The fourth week includes:

Elton John “The Red Piano”
Caesars Palace Oct. 22–30

Interpol w/ Liars
Hard Rock Hotel Oct. 22

Boys Like Girls w/ All Time Low, the Auditions & We the Kings
Mandalay Bay Oct. 23

Blue October
Palms Casino Oct. 24

Korn w/ Five Finger Death Punch and Droid
Hard Rock Oct. 24

NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals
Las Vegas Motor Speedway Oct. 25–28

NHRA ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals
Cannery Casino Oct. 26–27
Black Diamond–Ultimate Tribute to Kiss

Craig Ferguson
Orleans Hotel Oct. 26–28

Diane Schuur
Boulder Station Oct. 26

Fred Travelena
Suncoast Hotel Oct. 26–28

Gwen Stefani w/ Sean Kingston
Palms Casino Oct. 26

Home Improvement & Decorating Show
Cashman Center Oct. 26–28

Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony
MGM Grand Oct. 26

Kottonmouth Kings w/ Sen Dog, Sub Noize Souljaz, Danny Diablo
Mandalay Bay Oct. 26

L.A. Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings
Thomas & Mack Center Oct. 26

Moe
Hard Rock Oct. 26

Professional Bull Riders World Finals 2007
Mandalay Bay Oct. 26–28

Scandal with Patty Smyth
Green Valley Ranch Oct. 26 • Free

Thievery Corporation
Mandalay Bay Oct. 26

Vegoose at Night Concert
Boulder Station Oct. 27
Al Dimeola

America
Four Queens Oct. 27

Billy Ray Cyrus
Buffalo Bill’s Resort Oct. 27

Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefers
MGM Grand Oct. 27

Bama Breeze 2007 Tour
Hard Rock Oct. 27
Michael Franti & Spearhead

Mustang Car Club
Fremont Street Experience Oct. 27 • Free

PBR Western Gift Expo
Mandalay Bay Oct. 27–Nov. 4

Static X and Shadows Fall w/ 3 Inches of Blood, Divine Heresy
Mandalay Bay Oct. 27

Umphrey’s McGee
Mandalay Bay Oct. 27

Vegoose at Night Concert
Vegoose 2007
Sam Boyd Stadium Oct. 27–28

Vegoose at Night Featuring Umphrey’s McGee
Mandalay Bay Oct. 27

STS9 (Sound Tribe Sector 9)
Mandalay Bay Oct. 28

Vegoose at Night Concert
Hard Rock Oct. 28
The Shins

Vegoose at Night Featuring Sound Tribe Sector 9
Mandalay Bay Oct. 28


The last part of the month and into November will have:

Avenged Sevenfold
Mandalay Bay Oct. 31

2007 Professional Bull Riders World Finals
Thomas & Mack Center Nov. 1–4

Chevelle w/ Tyler Read
Hard Rock Nov. 1

Rodney Carrington
MGM Grand Nov. 1–7

Chidos w/ Emery, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, The Devil Wears Prada
Mandalay Bay Nov. 2

Debbie Reynolds
Suncoast Hotel Nov. 2–4

Elton John “The Red Piano”
Caesars Palace Nov. 2–5

Freda Payne’s Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald
Cannery Casino Nov. 2–3

Jay Leno
Mirage Nov. 2–3

Sinbad
Orleans Hotel Nov. 2–4

Steve Powers Great Art & Craft Festival
Cashman Center Nov. 2–4

The Bacon Brothers
Green Valley Ranch Nov. 2–3

The Pogues
Palms Casino Nov. 2

Bonnie Tyler
Santa Fe Station Nov. 3

REO Speedwagon
Buffalo Bill’s Resort Nov. 3

Sugarland, Little Big Town and Jake Owen
MGM Grand Nov. 3

CMT on Tour 2007