Well, it’s finally happened. LAS VEGAS now has 2,000,000  residents. When I arrived here in 1982 the population was 250,000 and Decatur was the end of the west side. You could be out of town from any direction in 20 minutes. And, this is only the beginning. We, who have been living here for a long time, should have kept it secret about the great town that we were living in.

 

‘Dancing with the Stars,’ the extremely successful television show is bringing its most popular team of stars and professional dancers to the ORLEANS ARENA on Sunday, December 30 at 7:30 p.m. The ‘Dancing with the Stars’ tour will feature the show¹s most popular competitors including Season 2’s winner and special guest star Drew Lachey with Cheryl Burke, Sabrina Bryan with Mark Ballas; Season 3’s, Joey Lawrence with Edyta Sliwinska and Monique Coleman; professional dancers Karina Smirnoff, Derek Hough, Kym Johnson, Alec Mazo and Brian Fortuna. Additionally, the show will feature two huge video screens showcasing never-before-seen rehearsal footage; exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews and outtakes. ‘Dancing with the Stars’ alum, Louis Van Amstel will once again choreograph the tour.

 

The CITY  of HENDERSON Department of Cultural Arts and Tourism is bringing the “Da Vinci Experience,”  an educational, interactive and one-of-a-kind cultural exhibit to the Henderson Events Plaza.  The Da Vinci Experience is a special exhibit of more than 60 detailed replicas of scientific devices developed by Leonardo da Vinci himself. The models include a hang glider, a bicycle, a double-hull boat, an air-screw (precursor to the helicopter), a fly wheel, an early tank, a robot, a chamber of mirrors and a movable bridge, among others. Nearly half of all the exhibits are interactive. The exhibits will be open until March 2nd, 2008.

 

 

Mayor Oscar B. Goodman, Las Vegas City Council members and Jeff Victor, President of the FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE will bring holiday cheer to the FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE when Mayor Goodman flips the switch to light Las Vegas’ official Christmas tree. The 50-foot tree will be garnished with festive decorations and is set to stand below the 12.5 million lights of the Viva Vision screen.

 

Directly following the ceremony, the Bright Lights on Ice skating show will debut in a dazzling display of lifts, spins and acrobatics. Bright Lights on Ice will perform December 11-22.  The seasonal spectacular will feature an ensemble cast of professional figure skaters and gymnasts in a unique combination of winter athleticism and artistry, right on the outdoor promenade of Fremont Street. Amidst the illusion of falling snow, the skaters of Bright Lights on Ice will perform graceful solos; breathtaking lifts and spins from the iced platform of the 3rd Street stage while trampoline acrobats defy gravity from the ground below. The cheerful sounds of traditional holiday music and the glittering costumes will evoke the festive spirit of the season. The cast of Bright Lights on Ice includes former Canadian National and World Team members and 1995 Skate Canada bronze medallists, Jodeyne Higgins and Sean Rice; 22-year skating veteran, soloist and choreographer, Meegan McDonald; 2003 United States Championships competitor, Samira Banna, and four other skaters of astounding talent and experience in competitions, shows and instruction. Bright Lights on Ice showtimes are 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. nightly from December 11-22. All shows are free and open to the public.

 

And, once again, Las Vegas’ famed FREMONT STREET PARTY OF THE YEAR is ready for a smash New Year’s Eve celebration with headliners the Doobie Brothers and The Bangles at America’s Party Live in Concert. Tickets are on sale now for $60 per person and can be purchased by calling 877-834-2748
 
Not to be outdone, party celebrations with big name performers will be going on throughout Las Vegas on the weekend of  New Year's Eve and on New Year’s Eve. Some of the special events are: Friday, December 28 through Monday, December 31, Studio 54 inside of MGM Grand will ring in 2008 with the hottest New Year’s soirees on The Strip, including performances by hip-hop legend KRS-One and the ultimate after party with Ultimate Fighting Champion Chuck Liddell……The PEARL at THE PALMS will have Kanye West performing live on New Year’s Eve beginning at 10:45 p.m…… Superstar Beyoncé will celebrate New Years Eve Weekend when she performs at the MANDLAY BAY Events Center Sunday, Dec. 30 at 8 p.m…… Rock legends Van Halen with original lead singer David Lee Roth, for the first time in more than 22 years perform at the MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA for two nights, Friday, Dec. 28 and Sunday, Dec. 30.  Both shows are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. with special guest Ky-mani Marley…..And, as fireworks glitter the Las Vegas skyline on New Year’s Eve, Paris and Nicky Hilton will celebrate at the LAX Nightclub inside the LUXOR to lead the countdown to 2008 with a club-wide champagne toast at the stroke of Midnight. Criss Angel and Kevin Federline will be there too.

 

Maybe I am old-fashioned, I grew up with swing, and swing music gets me moving.. And the best of the best swing music nowadays is Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.  A great night was enjoyed by a very enthusiastic crowd who came to enjoy the group in concert at the SPRING MOUNTAIN PRESERVE Amphitheatre.

 

The group originated in 1989, when Scotty Morris, jaded by life as a young studio guitarist, decided to launch a three-piece jazz, blues and swing combo. The trio

included drummer Kurt Sodergren and was named Big Bad VoodooDaddy after meeting blues guitar legend, Albert Collins at one of his concerts. Collins signed his poster “To Scotty,the big bad voodoo daddy.  Morris and Sodergren formed the rest of the band, which includes Dirk Shumaker on string bass,Andy Rowley on saxophone, Glen ‘The Kid’ Marhevka on trumpet, Karl Hunter on saxophones and clarinet, and Joshua Levy on piano. They kicked off the swing revival in the mid-90s with their appearance in the film Swingers and began touring. From ‘94 through 200l, they did more than two hundred dates a year. The SPRINGS PRESERVE welcomed Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at their one-of-a-kind 1,800 seat outdoor amphitheater.  The Springs Amphitheatre features a unique garden setting and striking natural design. A 40 foot-high canyon wall with shrubs and trees planted throughout serves as an eye-catching backdrop.  All seating is located within 130 feet from the stage, which created an intimate setting where concertgoers enjoyed the performance under the stars.  Dance areas were available for the inspired fans to dance and show off their swing dancing skills.

 

The SPRINGS PRESERVE presents its first Winter Lights Festival with festivities continuing through the end of the year.  The lights display in the 8-acre garden and throughout the Preserve is created from half a million LED lights illuminated by solar power. Performances by the Chaparral High School orchestra, Sign Language Performing Arts Team, Sign Design Theater and Cockroach Theater’s original puppet show “Dicken’s Done Over”, are scheduled for the SPRINGS PRESERVE’s Courtyard Plaza, Garden Amphitheatre and Tool Shed Theater throughout the holiday season.  The Winter Lights Festival is open Friday through Sunday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and will be open daily starting December 24 through December 30.  Cost of admission to gardens only, is $4 for adults and $2 for children ages 5-17 and cost of admission for gardens and galleries is $9 for adults and $4.50 for children ages 5-17 (ages four and under admitted free.) 

 

What a void in the entertainment world now that ROBERT GOULET is no longer with us.  His voice always thrilled the masses and he was loved by all who knew him. I had an opportunity to meet him many times and always enjoyed his frivolity. This is a picture at a backstage party and you can see his playfulness in action. What a guy, what a voice and what a loss!

 

The SMITH CENTER for the PERFORMING ARTS has received a $100 million “challenge” grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation to provide funding for a second hall and education center, once fundraising is completed for the main 2,050 seat performance hall. 

 

The world’s top magical entertainers paid tribute to a living magical legend, John Calvert who was named ‘Magician of the Year’ by the Las Vegas Fantasma Ring 257 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. John Calvert, who is 97 years young, was honored at a Gala Event including dinner and a substantial magic and illusion show on Monday December 3^rd at The ORLEANS.. Many A-List celebrities attended including Siegfried of Siegfried & Roy fame. The unbelievably straight as an arrow postured Calvert, along with his wife Tammy,  performed his famed Appearing Cigarettes, Dancing Hanky and Buzz Saw illusion. Quick walking Calvert wandered through the audience to pick some victims for his saw illusion that has inspired generations of magic enthusiasts.

John starred in many famous films including his role as The Falcon in the 1950’s and gained the respect and friendship of many of the world foremost renowned actors. His first film was acting as a double for Clark Gable. He was the first magician to perform in Las Vegas in the 1940’s, before there was even a stage to perform on and he designed the first stage for the DESERT INN when it opened.  His stage shows are truly spectacular, floating not just one girl, but 3 at a time.

 

Performing at the event were: Jeff Hobson; Master of Ceremonies; Milt Larsen:  Co-Founder of The Academy of Magical Arts; The World Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood; Jeff McBride:  Las Vegas star performer, head of Mystery School and frequent guest star on Criss Angel’s Mind Freak and upcoming VH1 special. Aye Jaye:  Comic, author of The Art of Schmoozing and the head Ronald McDonald clown for many years: Carl Ballantine: Sterling Dietz:  Winner of the 2007 International Brotherhood of Magician’s Youth Stage Contest; Simon Lovell: Johnny Thompson; Leland Faulkner: one of the world’s top Shadowgraph artists who saw John Calvert perform in Tanzania when he was 10 years old; Luna Shimada: and Walter Zaney Blaney:  Founder and Charter President of the World Alliance of Magicians. Mike Close: was Music Director Dave Pavlov:  Stage Manager and producers were Roger Dreyer and Fantasma Ring 257.

 

Comedic stage actor, playwright and star of “Defending the Caveman,” Kevin Burke takes the stage for his 1000th performance of “Defending the Caveman” on Thursday, December 20 at the Showroom inside the GOLDEN NUGGET. In celebration of this milestone, a special performance and reception will be offered along with $10.00 tickets to all Nevada residents. A valid Nevada driver’s license must be presented when purchasing the discounted tickets at the Box Office.  Burke, who has wanted to live and perform in Las Vegas since the age of 12, began his performing arts career as a backup drummer touring with a number of bands. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in acting and directing from Indiana University at Bloomington, Burke landed his first acting gig at the Timberlake Play House, starring as Pooh in the play “Winnie the Pooh.” Burke then found his niche with comedy and went on to perform in small, medium and large clubs over the last 15 years. In 2003, Burke was introduced by a mutual friend to Rob Becker, the creator of “Defending the Caveman,” who wrote the show during a three-year period, while conducting an informal study of anthropology, prehistory, psychology, sociology and mythology. Kevin Burke has been performing the show ever since.
 

CANNERY CASINO RESORTS topped-off its EASTSIDE CANNERY CASINO & HOTEL at the NEVADA PALACE site located near Boulder Highway and Harmon Avenue.  The topping-off commenced with a Christmas tree hoisted to the top of the building. The new EASTSIDE CANNERY CASINO & HOTEL, slated to open late summer 2008, will be the latest addition to the Cannery Casino Resorts family.and will have 65,000 square feet of casino space that will house 2,000 slot machines, 26 table games, a 400-seat bingo hall, a live keno lounge, a first-class poker room and a top-of-the-line race & sports book.
 
Stephen Sorrentino amazes audiences with impressions and his ability to move at breakneck speed from dishing out one-liners and hilarious stand up to displaying his incredible musical talents on piano, guitar, saxophone and flute.  His musical impressions move expertly from Joe Cocker to Pavarotti and his world famous Elton John segment is always a showstopper. You can catch Stephen Sorrentino in his show, Voices In My Head, a combination of a Las Vegas stage show with showgirls, dancers, extravagant costumes, with your favorite stars of yesterday and today at the SUNCOAST SHOWROOM, Dec 14,15, and 16 at 7:30 PM.  Tickets priced $19.95 / $29.95/ $39.95 plus tax can be purchased by calling 702-636-7075.

 

STATION CASINOS is hosting today’s leading country music stars for a concert series in conjunction with the National Finals Rodeo. The concert series takes place Dec. 7 through Dec. 15, 2007, at multiple venues including Ovation at GREEN VALLEY RANCH, The Railhead at BOULDER STATION and The Chrome Showroom at SANTA FE STATION. The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo returns to Las Vegas as the world’s richest and most notable rodeo. The concert series features headlining artists Keith Anderson, Rodney Atkins and Phil Vassar.

 

The American Storm male revue, featuring the boys-next-door who took America by storm on VH1’s StripSearch, has moved to Polly Esther’s nightclub at the STRATOSPHERE.  The men of American Storm reveal their sexy side catering to the fantasies of the audience. This 70 minute, fully costumed and choreographed production show is sure to have woman wanting more as these hard-bodied performers live out every woman’s fantasy from a lonely cowboy to the proud men in uniform.  

 

The man who coined the catchphrases "Git-R-Done" and "Lord, I Apologize,” is coming to the ORLEANS ARENA on December 15 at 9 p.m.. Dan Whitney, better known as Larry the Cable Guy, has proven to be one of the most successful comics of his era.

 

”Lunchtime With Ira, Live from the Las Vegas Hilton,” a weekly Television/Radio/Internet show that promotes Las Vegas, is now in its third season. The show, produced live every Monday at Noon, features host Ira David Sternberg talking with celebrities, entertainers, writers, personalities and community leaders who make Las Vegas the most exciting city in the world.  The show airs on Clark County Television (CCTV), Cox Cable Channel 4 Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at Noon and at 8 p.m.;  KDWN AM 720 Talk Radio at 9 p.m. Saturdays;  and is webcast, podcast and archived at www.lvhilton.com 24/7. 

 

Once again, Entertainment Las Vegas Style, presented the 22^nd Annual “Merry Christmas Las Vegas” show.  “Merry Christmas Las Vegas” is presented as a Christmas gift from the headliners of the Entertainment Capital of the World, in support of the children known as “Helen Joy’s Young Entertainers” through the "Youth Foundation for the Performing Arts.  “Helen Joy’s Young Entertainers” and Entertainment Ambassador" Tony Sacca have once again been invited to perform at the White House on Saturday, December 8, at 7:00 pm, representing the City of Las Vegas.  This years’ event helped to offset the cost. The 2007 Scheduled Line-up consisted of: impressionist -Fred Travalena, singing sensation - Clint Holmes, comedian- Pete Barbutti, Las Vegas Tenor -Teddy Davey,  tribute artists - Shades of Sinatra, singer – Derek David, singer- Kelly Clinton, singers – Jeanine Marie and Michaelina, Cousin Itt – Felix Silla, the fabulous - Helen Joy’s Young Entertainers, backed by the - Michael T Orchestra.  Singer Jack Jones came on to say a few words of acknowledgment.  The proceeds from this performance directly benefited The Youth Foundation for the Performing Arts, a non-profit organization that awards grants and scholarships to students in the performing arts…...By the way, the Electronic Media Awards (EMA) celebrated its 20th anniversary honoring outstanding professionals in the fields of television, radio and Web. During its recent annual awards show, Tony Sacca creator, producer and host of “Entertainment Las Vegas Style” now in its 22nd year, won two awards; one for outstanding TV entertainment program and a second for outstanding principal of the year.

 

Culinary guru and television talk show host RACHAEL RAY personalizes her newly released cookbook and greets fans at Sur la Table inside Miracle Mile Shops from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, December 11.

 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!