A long-time mainstay in Las Vegas, Mac King continues to make “Best” categories awards.  He recently had a carnival party after his show for kids of all ages, including me, and we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon with this captivating comedian magician.  Mac King, was  named “Best Magician” for 2007 and “Best Bargain Show” for 2007 and 2008 by the Las Vegas Review-Journal Best of Las Vegas readers’ poll. King has also been named the “Funniest Act in Magic Today” by the April 2008 issue of Magic Magazine and   Magician of the Year by The Magic Castle. King takes the stage at HARRAH’s twice daily, Tuesday through  Saturday at 1 and 3 p.m. Tickets are $24.95.

 

Emmy award-winning comedian and one of the most versatile men in show business. Wayne Brady, has now become a staple of Las Vegas entertainment. Celebrating his first anniversary as a Strip headliner at the VENETIAN, with more than 200 performances, Brady is only getting started and will continue to entertain audiences until August 2009. An anniversary cake was presented at the end of his show on his anniversary performance.  His one-of-a-kind show, “Making It Up,” is hysterically funny. It is a variety show style that incorporates improv, singing, dancing and amazing audience participation. In a Tina Turner costume, this guy has legs that any woman would want. He does Celebrity Idol improv with lyrics from titles from audience members that he makes up as he goes along (title ie: Wipe My Butt).  His excellent talent, a fabulous sidekick, band, dancers and interactive audience participation make this show a side-splitting evening of entertainment. 

 

Brady will soon celebrate the release of his first studio album, On September 16, Brady’s debut album, “A Long Time Coming” will be released, further expanding the scope of Brady’s incomparable talent. Media and other guests had an opportunity to greet Wayne Brady at an anniversary celebration at the PALAZZO’s now defunct 40/40 Club after the show. Congratulations to Wayne and his wonderful cast. 

Little Anthony and The Imperials will perform at the TROPICANA Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. Little Anthony and The Imperials are the only vocal group originating in the 1950s that still perform with all of the original members. Best known for favorites such as “Tears On My Pillow,” “Shimmy, Shimmy Ko-Ko-Bop,” “I'm On the Outside Looking In,” “Going Out of My Head” and “Hurt So Bad,” they offer a unique blend of doo-wop, soul, and rhythm and blues.

Pop music icon Janet Jackson returns to the touring circuit for the first time in seven years.  The tour will land at the MANDALAY BAY Events Center Friday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m .and will feature the hit songs and innovative dance routines that have made Jackson one of the most celebrated artists in history.  Jackson has left an indelible mark on pop music as a female artist, having reached the No. 1 spot on Billboard Magazine’s Top 200 Album Chart six times.  She is one of only three female musicians who have achieved this accomplishment.  

Paul Rodriguez, referred to as the “Richard Pryor and George Carlin of original comedy” within the Hispanic community, will perform with the “Latin Kings of Comedy” inside the Treasure Island Theatre September 12 at 9 p.m.  This one-night only engagement marks Rodriguez’s first performance at TI (TREASURE ISLAND).

 

The infamous rocker with the bad ass attitude Grammy award-nominated Kid Rock returns to The PALM’s Pearl Concert Theatre on Saturday, September 20 at 8:00 p.m.  In 2003, Rock released a self-titled album followed by a tribute album to Bob Seger entitled Live Tucker (2006) and another album Pickin’ On Kid Rock: A Badass Bluegrass Tribute (2007) to show his down home bluegrass side with guitars, banjos, mandolins and harmonica sounds
 

MORTON's THE STEAKHOUSE in Las Vegas celebrated the grand opening of Bar 12-21 with guest of honor and self-proclaimed "martini aficionado" Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman. The event showcased Bar 12-21 -- named after the opening of the first MORTONS's STEAKHOUSE in Chicago on December 21, 1978.  In honor of the grand opening, hiz honor, Mayor Oscar Goodman was presented with the "Oscartini" that will be a permanent fixture on MORTON's Las Vegas signature cocktail menu.  Mayor Goodman also received a wine locker with his name engraved on a gold nameplate. The restaurant's 56 wine lockers are located in the entryway next to photos of the many celebrities who have dined at the steakhouse.

 

KIWANIS, Las Vegas chapter, in cooperation with nine affiliated KIWANIS clubs throughout Southern Nevada, will conduct “DISCOVER CHINATOWN,” a fundraising and awareness building  “get acquainted” tour and theatre performance at the CHINATOWN PLAZA on Spring Mountain at Arville, Saturday, September 13, from 5:00 pm until 9:00 p.m.

 

The CHINATOWN PLAZA consists of a performance theatre and approximately 45 restaurants and businesses catering to Chinese and Asian-Pacific cultures. Entertainment will include a 90-minute performances by the LOHAN SCHOOL of SHAOLIN, a non-profit martial arts training school, dedicated to teaching the arts of ancient China both martially and spiritually. Their emphasis is to encourage youth to adopt Chinese-founded arts of dance, song and martial arts in order to instill positive values to enrich body and mind through the teaching of mental and physical discipline. 

 

The LOHAN SCHOOL operates an “Anti-Gang Task Force” to direct youth away from gang influence and into behavior respecting positive life values.  The 6:00 p.m. event will highlight the famous Chinese dance ritual Lion Dance and will include performances of martial arts, kung fu, Chinese folk dancing and more. 

 

Prior to the 6:00 p.m. performance and afterwards, attendees are encouraged to visit all the merchants and restaurants at the CHINATOWN PLAZA and familiarize themselves with Chinese and Asian Pacific culture and arts.  Tickets are $12.00.  Attendance is limited to the first 400 people who buy tickets.  A commemorative “Discover Chinatown Program Book”, a full-color publication which features information on KIWANIS and the LOHAN SCHOOL, will be given out to participants. Tickets are available from Joe Gereghty, Kiwanis Las Vegas President, 839-9509. KIWANIS is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time.

 

You might have seen or heard of HITZVILLE -THE SHOW when it had its successful run at the HILTON.  The Producers took it on the road throughout the country and now HITZVILLE is back in Las Vegas Wednesday through Sunday at the HARMON Theater next to the Planet Hollywood.  HITZVILLE – THE SHOW is a journey through time with the music that made MOTOWN come alive.  The revue features a cast of talented, performers that include a trio of women, a quartet of men and a four piece band.  The performers remarkably become Tina Turner, The Drifters, Gladys Knight, The Supremes, The Four Tops and more as they perform their hits.  Jennifer “Jin-Jin” Reeves stars, but she is quick to give credit to her band. Jin Jin raves, “the guitar player comes from Stevie Wonder and the Musical Director from Gladys Knight, and of course the drummer from church!” In addition to the spectacular performances, you receive an authentic Soul Food Buffet that includes: Fried Chicken, Barbeque Ribs, Collard Green and Sweet Potato Pie.  HITZVILLE – THE SHOW performs at 7 p.m. nightly, with buffet seating at 6:30. Tickets are $54.95 or $64.95 for VIP seating.

 

The week before I saw this great show I was at the BMA - BLACK MUSIC AWARDS Awards show where Jin Jin Reeves received awards for best Image and Best Show. Here are some pictures of  that event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the most influential Latin singers, Marco Antonio Solís, will perform at PALM’s Pearl Theater on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 8 p.m. Hailing from Michoacán, Mexico, Solís became fascinated with music at a young age and formed his first band when he was only 12. In the mid-1970s, Solís formed the group Los Bukis. He spent nearly two decades as the lead singer and principal songwriter for the group before deciding to embark on a solo career.

 

The SPRINGS PRESERVE announced that it has achieved LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification on all seven of its buildings.  The result of nearly a decade of designing, planning and constructing, the SPRINGS PRESERVE is the greenest attraction in Las Vegas and serves as a model and hands-on educational resource for green buildings and sustainability within the Southwest.  Not only a resource for those who are building new, the public can learn how to retrofit existing dwellings or gain valuable tips to lower their utility bills. Total square footage of Platinum LEED building space at the Preserve is 149,560.

 

The Springs Preserve, in keeping with its ongoing mission to provide environmental leadership to the Las Vegas community, will host a Bicycles-As-Transportation event on Thursday, September 25 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  The event will be hosted by actor/environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr.  Beginning at 5 p.m. and continuing until dusk, everyone in attendance will have the opportunity to ride one of several IZIP hybrid electric bicycles from Currie Technologies.  In addition, Mr. Begley and special guests will speak on the importance of bicycles as transportation. Ed Begley Jr. and I knew each other years ago when I was acting and we met again recently.

 

BINIONS’s GAMBLING HALL has unveiled a new version of the famed $1 Million Display that, over the last five decades, has brought millions of visitors for a chance to pose with $1 Million.  The $1Million Dollar Display is a major component of Binion’s legacy and a piece of Las Vegas history.  Binion’s new $1 Million Display holds exactly one million dollars and is structured in a pyramid design of acrylic glass boxes filled with cash denominations ranging from ones to one hundred dollar bills. The display is set up on a poker table, evoking the nostalgia of the BINION’s poker heritage and the days when Benny Binion would present stacks of cash to poker tournament winners.  The $1 Million Display is located in the BINION’s casino near the CLUB BINION Booth 

 

Guests of Mint Monday pool party events at the TROPICANA can enjoy live entertainment, a variety of food and drink, swimming, dancing and gaming through Sept. 22.  Mint Monday events are from noon to 11 p.m. They are free of charge, open to the public and offer half price drinks from 5-7 p.m. on Monday evenings. Upcoming entertainment includes: 9/8 Bonafide Reggae 7 p.m., 9/15 Yellow Brick Road 7:30 p.m. and 9/22 Zowie Bowie 7 p.m.

 

The Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas will host its 7th annual scholarship fundraiser gala at MANDALAY BAY BEACH on Friday, Oct. 3, featuring world-class cuisine, fine wines and spectacular entertainment.  UNLV Men’s Basketball Head Coach Lon Kruger will be honored by the Foundation that will also include a special performance by singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles. The casual beachside setting will feature food prepared by the finest chefs and restaurants in Las Vegas along with a fantastic collection of wines and spirits. Some of the participating restaurants include BOA Steakhouse, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, BLT Burger, SEABLUE and more.  Proceeds from the event will go toward the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas’ scholarship program that supports Las Vegas area students in their pursuit of a career in the hospitality field. For information on purchasing tickets, contact the Foundation at (702) 932-5098 or via email at info@ecflv.org.
 

Las Vegas staple, JERRY’s Famous Coffee Shop inside JERRY’s NUGGET CASINO, offers an incredible $11.99 lobster dinner special 24/7.  The succulent lobster comes with a wide array of side dishes as diners can choose the homemade soup or Jerry’s famous signature salad, a whipped or baked potato or rice, and garlic or French bread. If foodies want to sweeten the deal, a marinated, grilled-to-perfection New York Steak can be added for $2.00 more.

 

Voter registration is important because every vote counts and you must be registered in order to vote.  With this in mind, a VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE will be held every Tuesday from now through October at JERRY’s NUGGET.  Saturday, October 4 is the last day to register to vote during the General Election on November 4.

 

What a fun time can be had at the SPRING MOUNTAIN SUMMER THEATRE. This theatre that brings superb live affordable shows under the stars has been around since 1976 and is getting better and better.  I recently saw a great production of Elton John and Tim Rice’s AIDA while enjoying a picnic dinner we brought along.  Prior to AIDA, the SPRING MOUNTAIN SUMMER THEATRE presented ‘BEAUTY and the BEAST’ and ‘1776.’  Following ‘AIDA’ will be perfomances of CONTEMPORARY DANCE THEATRE on Sept. 5 and 6 and JAZZ FEST September 12 and 13.

Oldies but goodies are here in Las Vegas as three of the best ol’ time performers show off their talents at THE GRAND COURT on September 24 at 5p.m.  Renee Lee, Ann McCormack and Greta Lorworth are mature (senior) professional entertainers who have been performing all their lives and still going strong.  Audiences love them. (Annie is 87).   

TERRIBLE’s PRIMM VALLEY CASINO RESORTS is giving an entertainment stimulus by offering 500 free tickets to every show until the end of the year. If interested, go to www.primmconcerts.com

New York based fashion designer, Jason Wu unveiled his new line of fashion dolls at TREVI Italian Restaurant in CAESARS PALACE Forum Shops. Jason Wu is a designer for celebrities and began his career in fashion design at the age of 14. He is the creator of the AvantGuard dolls that were dressed in designer outfits shown at the TREVI reception. The dolls are geared to collectors and girls 14 and up and are at FAO Schwartz and Integrity toys Websites.  David Buttry of Integrity toys walked around holding the dolls for the attendees to see close up. The event also featured TREVI's own AvantGuardtini martini and AvantGuard desserts.

 

 

For the second consecutive month, Hash House A Go Go is partnering with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) to raise money for the organization and its Walk to Cure Diabetes on Saturday, Oct. 11.  Created by 15-year-old, type-1 diabetic Jordan Exber and named for her walk team, For the Love of Jordan, Hash House A Go Go’s special pancake is loaded with macadamia nuts and white chocolate. For the entire month of September, the restaurant is donating $2 from the sale of every For the Love of Jordan to the organization.

 

Olympia Weekend, the most prestigious event in the world of bodybuilding, returns     to the ORLEANS Arena, September 25 through 28.  Mr. Olympia is a bodybuilding competition held annually by the International Federation of BodyBuilders (IFBB). Winning this event is considered to be the highest accolade in the professional bodybuilding field. Las Vegas resident, Jay Cutler, is competing to defend his Mr. Olympia title for the third consecutive year. Other national and international competitors include Melvin Anthony, Gustavo Badell, Phil Heath, Dexter Jackson and Dennis Wolf.
       

Fitness enthusiasts from around the world will take part in Mr. Olympia, Ms. Olympia, and Fitness and Figure Olympia Championships.  The parallel contest, Ms. Olympia, is specifically for female bodybuilders. Fitness Olympia and Figure Olympia are held for fitness and figure competitors, respectively.

 

The Hard Rock has created a decadent atmosphere in mind to attract the world’s top poker players, as well as high-end bachelor parties, and private events, with Las Vegas’ first Poker Lounge.  A private bar, bottle service, certified masseuses, music, plush couches, and video poker machines…sounds more like a nightclub than a traditional poker room. The $30 million designed space features 18 poker tables including five private, high limit tables that have already turned the heads of some of the biggest names in the poker world, as well as Hollywood and professional athletes.