BELLAGIO’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens welcomes winter with a spectacular holiday display, rich in nostalgia and filled with picture-perfect botanical creations.  Visitors discover flying reindeer made of whole pecans, a charming snowman family created with white carnations and an oversized wreath adorned with pinecones and a golden bow.  In the center of it all is a spectacularly adorned holiday tree and the beautiful musical sounds of the season. Upon entering the Conservatory, you stroll through a brick-lined path surrounded by pink and red poinsettias and a 21-foot-tall holiday wreath.  Standing at attention on each side of the wreath are four grand toy soldiers, each a commanding 15 feet tall.  Be sure to see this magnificent exhibit.  

‘The Real Deal’ a new concept in audience entertainment participation is now at THE VENETIAN SHOWROOM.  A roster of Who’s Who poker professionals are involved and two members of these icons team up to play live with six amateur players selected from the audience.  Along with this Texas Hold’Em game that is played onstage, each audience member gets to use their ultra-mobile touchscreen PC to try to accumulate points through wages on the action. This gives everyone in attendance an opportunity to win change and prizes, including a chance at the $1 million grand prize.  Quick-witted comedian, Vinnie Favorito M.C.’s the event in his own inimitable caustic funny way, along with two beautiful co-hosts. If you love Poker, you will love ‘The Real Deal’.  Even if you are not a poker player you will enjoy this evening and can probably win a prize too.     

Wow! The new Volcano at THE MIRAGE is something to see.  With fireballs, lava and music like a rumbling drum score by drummer Mickey Hart of “The Grateful Dead,” media was treated to its first explosion, followed by fireworks.  Appearing at the event were: President of the Mirage, our Happiest Mayor, Oscar Goodman, Mickey Hart and of all people Robbie Knievel, (Evil’s son) who rode his motorcycle onto the stage that was constructed on the water lagoon surrounding the Volcanic Mountain. 

And the wonderful Terry Fator and his friends (puppets) spoke prior to the first Volcanic explosion. Robbie Knievel will do his motorcycle stunt crossing over the Volcano on New Years Eve. A $5,000 check was presented to schools for their music program.  At an after-party at the REVOLUTION LOUNGE presentations were given to those involved with this new Volcanic undertaking.  A fabulous sneak peek by Terry Fator of his new show that will open on Valentine’s Day in the new Terry Fator room at the MIRAGE was superb. What a talent he is. Even being so close to him, his lips never seemed to move as his puppets talked, sang, moved and were so believable, you had to watch them and not Terry.  Terry also sang in his own great voice and the audience was thrilled to see him in motion.  Congrats to the MIRAGE for both the new Volcano and the new Terry Fator show.  

And another new recycle on the Las Vegas Strip is the new McDonalds. Prior to opening to the public, the new McDonald’s had a VIP opening that was nothing like anyone would think a McDonald’s would have.   

Ronald McDonald, Disney type characters, Elvis, Marilyn, Dean Martin and the like were there to celebrate.  This huge McDonald’s also has screening pictures above the entrance.  Only in Vegas!

Blue Man Group welcomes students home for the holidays with an all-new student rush promotion. Local and visiting college students can see the hysterically funny show at The Venetian for a student price of $32.50 (plus tax and service fees.)  The special holiday offer is available now through Jan. 12. The offer is only available on day-of-show purchases and applies only to red-zone orchestra seating. Students must mention the promotion code GB1 STURUSH when purchasing tickets at the Blue Man Group box office and by calling 702.414.9000 or 1.800.BLUEMAN and must present their student IDs when picking up tickets at the Blue Man box office.  Blue Man Group performs nightly at The Venetian at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., with an added 4 p.m. holiday performance between Dec. 22 and Jan. 3. Thursday, Dec. 25 will feature 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. performances only; Wednesday, Dec. 31 will feature 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. performances only.  

The Oldies are really Goodies.  Here are some legends that can make your New Years Eve. special.  A musical extravaganza. “That’s Italian” will be held at the EASTSIDE CANNERY, Wednesday, December 31 at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $24.95 plus tax and fees.  As the special guest star of “That’s Italian,” the legendary Jerry Vale will make the audience swoon with his tenor voice and timeless hits. After 50 years as an entertainer with more than 50 albums, Jerry Vale continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his enchanting pop ballads from the ‘50s and ‘60s. His hits include a parade of favorites such as “Al Di La,” “Pretend You Don’t See Her,” “Old Cape Cod,” and “It Had To Be You.”  

Dick Contino, one of the premier entertainers of our time, is a legendary virtuoso of the accordion and accomplished vocalist. Contino received his big break in 1947 when he performed “Lady of Spain” and won first place in the Horace Heidt/Philip Morris talent contest. His other known hits include “Granada” and “Tico Tico.” The consummate performer, Contino appeared on “The Ed Sullivan Show” for a record 48 times.

Frankie Randall is a vocalist, classical and jazz pianist, arranger, conductor and composer. Randall became a “professional” musician at the age of 13, which led to a booking at the popular New York hot spot Jilly’s, where he met Frank Sinatra. Ol’ Blue Eyes himself helped Randall obtain a recording contract with RCA, which led to numerous television appearances, including a regular role on “The Dean Martin Summer Show.” 

Musician and comedian Pete Barbutti toured the country, settling in Chicago, then Las Vegas, where he quickly became a favorite on the Las Vegas strip. After two years in Las Vegas, Barbutti started working as a standup comic in Washington. Talk show host Steve Allen saw a locally produced videotape of Barbutti and booked him as a regular on his popular late night television show. Best known as Frank Sinatra’s musical director and pianist, Vincent Falcone has also been a pianist and conductor for some of the country’s top leading performers. He has worked with Robert Goulet, Andy Williams, Connie Francis, Paul Anka, Jack Jones, Jerry Lewis, Steve Lawrence, Eydie Gorme and Tony Bennett, among others.  Sounds like great entertainment!

HARRAH’s Carnaval Court will host an electrifying outdoor New Year’s Eve party. Located in the heart of the action on the Las Vegas Strip, the open-air venue will host live music from bands “The Crashers” and “Band-She” and drink specials all day on Dec. 31 starting at noon.  World-renowned for its talented flair bartenders, Carnaval Court offers guests a heated, exciting and exclusive party venue to ring in the New Year. Starting at 9 p.m. partygoers will be charged a $30 admission fee, which includes one free drink and in-and-out access until the party wraps up at 3 a.m.

For the Las Vegas party-goers who cannot decide if they want to spend New Year’s Eve outdoors to partake in the wild scene on the Strip, or retreat inside to a warm environment, Margaritaville is the perfect party place. FLAMINGO’s Margaritaville boasts a long tradition of New Year’s Eve bashes. Starting at 9:00 p.m. on Dec. 31 live band “Synergy” will play on Margaritaville’s indoor stage while a live DJ will entertain guests on the third floor outdoor balcony starting at 10:00 p.m. Margaritaville will host drink specials all night long and feature a balloon drop and margarita toast at midnight.  Starting at 9:00 p.m. women will be charged a $10 cover charge and men a $20 cover charge. All guests must be 21.

Las Vegas favorite, Frankie Moreno and his band released their new CD at the Rush Lounge in the GOLDEN NUGGET.  Frankie is a sensational, really good-looking entertainer. He not only sings and plays piano brilliantly, but also does this by jumping on the piano and playing while bending over backwards and other antics.  He also plays guitar, mandolin, and harmonica and audiences love him.  You can catch Franke Moreno and his band nightly at the GOLDEN NUGGET. 

“Defending the Caveman,” will perform a limited engagement at EXCALIBUR December 15 - January 11 at 7p.m. with additional matinee performances at 3p.m. on Saturday and Sunday “Defending the Caveman” is a hilariously insightful play about the ways men and women relate.  It offers sidesplitting opinions on contemporary feminism, masculine sensitivity, and the erogenous zone.  Comedian Kevin Burke, a seasoned comedic stage actor, playwright and director stars in this production. Burke has starred in the Broadway tour of “Defending the Caveman” since 2003 and in a successful run at the GOLDEN NUGGET.  Burke was recently named Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year for his work in “Defending the Caveman” and has performed in the show more than 700 times in Las Vegas.  Guests must be 13 years of age and older to attend.   

Raw Talent Live at the SAHARA is a show that you either like or hate.  It has potential - however, much is taken away with so much movement going on and lighting that hits the eyes.  It does have high-energy talented dancers, live original music and creative costumes, but much too many effects, and a storyline that make you wonder what is going on.  I think the intricate storyline is about modern day’s duality and Internet technology as the performers interact with digital images. You have to read the story line that is given to you prior to the start of the show to even think you know what is going on.  Perhaps modifying some of the chaotic movement and lighting and effects, and making the story line more understanding, might make for a more successful show. That said, with such a large cast that needs to be working in this bad economy, I wish them much luck or as they say in show biz, “break a leg.”  

A goodie that is coming out of the bad economy we are in, is a Freecation offered by TERRIBLE’s PRIMM VALLEY CASINO. Clark County residents can get a free vacation available Wednesday, Dec. 10 through Wednesday, Dec. 31.

The Freecation includes one free night’s stay at BUFFALO BILL’s, WHISKEY PETE’s or PRIMM VALLEY RESORT.  Two all-day attractions passes valid for the Desperado Rollercoaster, Attraction Zone Arcade, Turbo Drop and the Adventure Canyon Log Flume at BUFFALO BILL’s and two free tickets to the Sin City Kitties, a burlesque cabaret production, inside the WHISKEY PETE’s showroom are part of the package.  Sin City Kitties is really a very good show.

PRIMM VALLEY CASINO RESORTS are located 25 minutes south of Las Vegas on Interstate 15 at the Southern Nevada/California state line. Guests must present valid Clark County resident identification.  Restrictions may apply. For more information, call 1.800.FUNSTOP (1.800.386.7867). Guests may book their FREECATION at www.primmspecials.com. 

HARRAH’s “Legends in Concert,” the longest running celebrity tribute show in the world, is moving from the IMPERIAL PALACE and will commence nightly performances in the HARRAH’s showroom beginning Dec. 15.  The award-winning ‘Legends’ production show will share the HARRAH’s showroom with renowned comedian Rita Rudner.  Featuring live re-creations of Superstars of yesterday and today and backed by a live orchestra and dancers, “Legends in Concert “Vegas icons like Elvis Presley and Tom Jones are joined onstage by some of the hottest artists of today like Britney Spears and Gwen Stefani. From Dec. 15-30, for only the second time in its 25-year run, “Legends in Concert” will turn its stage into a holiday show. 

Due to overwhelming demand for the “can’t miss” concert event of 2008, Neil Diamond has added a third leg to his 2008-09 North American tour to satisfy his legions of fans.  The legendary singer, songwriter and performer’s tour will stop at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Friday, Jan. 2.  The concert is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Tickets priced at $175, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are now on sale and are limited to eight (8) per person.

The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino’s holiday décor is complete as approximately 225,000 cranberries were poured into the Palazzo Atrium pond. The cranberries, donated by Ocean Spray, are a commonly used floral display piece and illuminates and enriches The Palazzo’s interior gardens with their color, size, and ambiance.

The cranberries complement the holiday décor throughout the atrium where large, white Aspen trees hang covered in a variety of peppermints, snow, and candy ornaments. Additionally, the waterfall wall transforms into a holiday theme with white pine, red and silver ornaments, and pinecones.  (picture of cranberries set at Holiday décor).

Las Vegas will have to wait until April, 2009 to see previews of a great production that is coming to the MANDALAY BAY showroom.  Broadway’s award winning “Best Musical,” THE LION KING is currently in its 11^th sold out year on Broadway and has been seen by more that 45 million people in 11 countries. 

RuPaul, the world famous Drag Queen made a rare performance to a packed audience at KRAVE’s Harmon Theatre.  

PEEPSHOW, the sexy new production at Planet Hollywood, starring pop superstar and television personality Mel B, a member of the world sensation Spice Girls will

open at PLANET HOLLYWOOD for preview performances on March 30, 2009, with an opening night gala planned for April 18 of 2009.  Mel B will originate the role as the mistress of ceremonies, the “Peep Diva,” a bold, sexy icon of female empowerment with all the answers.  In addition, sultry television siren Kelly Monaco ("Dancing With the Stars" first season champion and "General Hospital") will take the stage as “Bo Peep,” a timid girl on her search for love. who the Diva guides in her transformation into a confident, sensual woman. “PEEPSHOW” has gathered 20 of the sexiest dancers from film, video, and Broadway to bring the art of the tease, mixed with humor, razzle-dazzle, and today’s sexy music.  Tickets are now on sale. 

Best Wishes to all my readers for a wonderful Holiday Season and a wish for a Happy New Year.