December 2009

USUALLY I WOULD start this column proclaiming that the "holidays are here," however, because of the bad shape that all of the retailers are in, the merchandizing of Christmas started a couple of months ago...the holidays have been upon us this entire fall. Do we rejoice with the season, or merely brace ourselves. With our economy being what it is, it seems that a lot of people are doing the latter. We are all looking to find a way to fill this season with as much joy as ever, but a lot of us need to do it with a lot less. We had such high hopes for a recovery...but sadly, all that bailout money gave us a recovery that wasn't...the only ones that seem to be better off are the people that plunged us into this mess in the first place. It is a crazy time...and yet, it is still the holiday season...and we are still determined to have that joyous time---even if it kills us. The lists of things to do are still growing longer and longer. It's time to shop, time to decorate, time to send cards, wrap presents, plan parties, clean for guests, go see friends, bake, fewer people plan to get away, more people plan to stay at home, and...can we afford any of it? I'd sure hate to be a retailer this year...it is a joyful time in the bleakest time---both seasonally and economically.

And of course there is New Year's Eve...I'll deal with that at the end of the column.

Every culture in recorded history has had some sort of mid-winter festival, and the purpose of this festival was to celebrate and uplift...rejoice the harvest of the fall and anticipate the re-birth of the spring, and in some way, commemorate the endurance and spirit of humanity. It is difficult to celebrate this festival though, when the harvest of the fall is bleak...but we must celebrate and be thankful for all that we do have.

I celebrate Christmas. It is the mid-winter festival that most of us celebrate, but sometimes have trouble acknowledging because of political correctness. It does seem silly sometimes...I am not offended if someone wishes me a "Happy Hanukkah," or "Happy Kwanzaa." Why are people offended if they are wished a Merry Christmas? I love Christmas. I love both its spirit and its meaning. And I will be wishing people, "Merry Christmas."

Winter in Las Vegas is always an interesting time. The heat of the summer has long been forgotten, and everyone has truly enjoyed the fine days of fall...and now that the first cold front has passed through town, all the locals are feeling as if they are freezing to death as the temperatures dip down into the fifties. (Winter is really not that tough to endure here in Vegas.) December is a unique time for the city. The first couple of weeks in the month stay fairly busy, the week just before Christmas, the town is empty and is the slowest time of the year, and the last week, after Christmas and before New Year's, the town gets neurotic. During that week prior to Christmas, a lot of the shows take a holiday break and close down. It is a nice break for the performers, and they all get a holiday vacation...and visitors need to be sure to check the show listings to see the status of their favorite production.

The holiday season is always a time where the focus is on the family, and the more that people embrace the family, the home, and the holidays; the fewer people come to Las Vegas. Just before Christmas, the city is fairly empty.  (But usually Vegas locals don't mind this because we have families, too.) However, this time can be a great time to visit Las Vegas. You can enjoy most of what the city has to offer and miss all of the crowds. The shows that do stay open often offer 2 for 1-ticket deals, and other offers which will continue to entice people to the Strip. This year might be interesting because during this slowest time of the year, the largest and most expensive resort is going to be opening up. City Center, with a price tag of around 10 billion dollars, will be opening on Dec. 16th. Along with it will be previews of the new Cirque du Soliel show, "Viva Elvis." It should be very interesting.

There are not many conventions during the month, and after the first couple of weeks, there are no more conventions booked for the rest of the year...at all. In a city of conventions, it is amazing to have an empty convention calendar for two weeks. Things get going again at the end of the first week in January when the International Consumer Electronics Show brings with it a couple of hundred thousand people, and the Adult Entertainment Expo always piggybacks it.

There are many Christmas attractions, celebrations, and entertainment; and most of these things are geared to the locals and not to the tourists. These quiet and quaint festivities are nothing that a "Vegas tourist" might anticipate. They are peaceful, sweet and oftentimes show the true heart of the city. People forget that the Strip is not the city. The Strip is a fantasyland where people work, but do not live. The city is truly everything else, but the Strip. The real city is actually a quiet and rather humble place to live.

One of my favorite winter attractions is Opportunity Village's, "The Magical Forest," running through January 1st. The Enchanted Carousel, the Forest Express Trains, live music, sweet treats, lavishly decorated trees, whimsical displays, millions of lights and visits with Santa Claus provide people of all ages with a winter wonderland each night during the holiday season. Opportunity Village is a not-for-profit organization that serves people with intellectual disabilities by providing them with vocational training, employment and social recreation services that make their lives more productive and interesting. Once thought by society to be unemployable and unimportant in the community, people with severe disabilities are engaged, active residents who contribute to our society. Through Opportunity Village's programs and services, hundreds of people with disabilities are learning vocational skills and being placed in jobs throughout the community.

Another good holiday attraction is "The Gift of Lights" at Sunset Park. It is a holiday drive-thru spectacular featuring millions of twinkling and animated displays, and part of the proceeds go to charities. And you can also receive a discount on the admission if you bring a bag of stuff for Goodwill. Admission to this is only $15 per carload.

Other holiday events include the Chocolate Wonderland at the Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden, which is free; the Winter Wonderland at Mystic Falls at Sam's Town, which is free; the annual Holiday display at the Four Seasons, which is free; and Christmas Caroling on Horseback at Sagebrush Ranch, which is $35 per person. There is also the "Great Las Vegas Santa Run," which is an annual event that tries to break the record for the number of Santa's running in one place. This year the event is at Town's Square, rather than taking place Downtown. All the proceeds to this event go to Opportunity Village.

The first part of December is still busy in the city.  The biggest event for this time is the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) that runs December 3rd to 12th at the Thomas & Mack Center. This is one of the largest rodeo competitions in the world. It is filled with excitement, and in order to give all of the rodeo enthusiast's options for entertainment, the city does its best to book all of the top Country and Western singers and entertainers

The Las Vegas Marathon is going to be run on December 6th. The race will start at Mandalay Bay and proceed north to the downtown area. The success of this event in recent years (and a new sponsor)) will make this year even bigger and better. There will be thousands of runners that will line the streets. It's a great event to watch, but check for road closures if you want to drive anywhere in the city.

The internationally acclaimed Fercos Brothers return to perform on the Las Vegas Strip at the Theatre for the Performing Arts at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Dec. 22, 2009 through Jan. 3, 2010. The 90-minute family-friendly magic show includes levitation, locked boxes, flaming torches, instantaneous transformations and many other seemingly impossible feats of illusion. The Fercos Brothers began their careers at an early age as jugglers and later as a high-flying acrobatic duo. Originally from Czechoslovakia, the Fercos Brothers are sixth generation performers and have been involved in show business since age 5. The brothers reside in Las Vegas with their captivating creatures in the family compound.

Remember, too, Elvis' Birthday is on January 8th. He would have been 74! He's not gone; he's just left the building.

As far as the other Vegas entertainment goes...

Continuing events include:
The Las Vegas Comedy Show
Alexis Park Resort Through - Dec 31
Las Vegas Wranglers
Orleans Hotel Through - Apr 3, 2010
Gift of Lights
Sunset Park Through - Jan 4, 2010 $13 per vehicle Sun - Thu; $15 Fri - Sun
Chocolate Wonderland at the Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden
Ethel M Chocolate Factory Through - Jan 1, 2010 Free
David Copperfield
MGM Grand Through - Dec 2
Magical Forest at Opportunity Village
Opportunity Village Through - Jan 2, 2010
Annual Holiday Display at Four Seasons
Four Seasons Through - Dec 25, 2009 Free
Winter Wonderland Experience at Mystic Falls
Sam's Town Through - Jan 2, 2010 free
Xtreme Magic Starring Dirk Arthur - Christmas Version
Tropicana Through Dec 31
Christmas Caroling on Horseback
Sagebrush Ranch Through - Dec 21 (702) 645-9422 $35. Per person
Cher
Caesars Palace Through - Dec 15


The first weekend in December:
Bret Michaels
Buffalo Bill's Dec 2
Charmayne James Invitational Barrel Race
South Point Dec 2 - 3 Free
NASCAR Champions Week FanFest
Las Vegas Motor Speedway Dec 2 FREE to $250
Bill Engvall
Treasure Island Dec 3 - 4
Cliff Keen Las Vegas Collegiate Wrestling Invitational
Buffalo Bill's Dec 3 - 6
Country Christmas Western Gift Expo
Sands Expo & Convention Center Dec 3 - 13
Cowboy Christmas Gift Show 2009
Las Vegas Convention Center Dec 3 - 12 Free
Lonestar
Golden Nugget Dec 3
National Finals Rodeo
Thomas & Mack Center Dec 3 - 12
Outlaw Annie Mounted Shooting
South Point Dec 3 Free
Rodney Carrington
MGM Grand Dec 3 - 12
Steve Holer w/ De Azlan
Tropicana Dec 3 - 7
The Cranberries
Palms Casino Dec 3
2009 NASCAR Awards Banquet
Wynn Las Vegas Dec 4
Brooks & Dunn
Las Vegas Hilton Dec 4 - 5
Clay Walker
Golden Nugget Dec 4 - 5
Equigames 2009
South Point Dec 4
International Gem & Jewelry Show
Cashman Center Dec 4 - 6
Morrissey - The Swords Tour
Hard Rock Dec 4
Ray Price
Boulder Station Dec 4
Ron White
MGM Grand Dec 4 - 5
Sonny Turner "Former Lead Singer of the Platters"
Suncoast Dec 4 - 6
Tanya Tucker
Silverton Hotel Dec 4 - 5
The Fab - A Beatles Christmas
Cannery Casino Dec 4 - 5
Benny Binion's World Famous Bucking Horse & Bull Sale
South Point Dec 5 - 6
Boney James
Boulder Station Dec 5
Chickenfoot
Hard Rock Dec 5
Las Vegas Reptile Show
Cashman Center Dec 5 - 6
Metallica
Mandalay Bay Dec 5
Robin Williams
MGM Grand Dec 5
The Las Vegas Great Santa Run
Town Square Dec 5 $35, $25 Kids 12 and under. $45 day of event
The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale
Palms Casino Dec 5
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Orleans Hotel Dec 5
WCK Full Rules Muay Thai
Buffalo Bill's Dec 5
Willie Nelson & Family w/ Asleep at the Wheel
Planet Hollywood Dec 5
Cowboy Marketplace Western Lifestyle Expo
Mandalay Bay Dec 6 - 13
Lee Greenwood's Tennessee Christmas
Orleans Hotel Dec 6
Rock 'n Roll Las Vegas Marathon
Las Vegas Dec 6
The Lone Starlets
Golden Nugget Dec 6 - 9


The second week has:
Skinny Puppy
Mandalay Bay Dec 8
Fight Club 3 Charity Boxing Tournament
Hard Rock Dec 9
Michael McDonald - An Evening of Holidays & Hits
Buffalo Bill's Dec 9
11th Annual Double Dollar Performance Horse Sale
South Point Dec 10 - 11 Free
Adventura
Hard Rock Dec 10
Bill Engvall
Treasure Island Dec 10 - 11
City of Henderson's WinterFest
City of Henderson Convention and Events Plaza Dec 10 - 12
Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds
Planet Hollywood Dec 10 - 12
Dierks Bentley with special guest Eric Church
Mandalay Bay Dec 10
John Michael Montgomery
Golden Nugget Dec 10
Mosconi Pool Tournament
MGM Grand Dec 10 - 13
Pro Roedo League of Women NFR Luncheon & Fashion Show
South Point Dec 10
Alice in Chains, Dead by Sunrise and Smile Empty Soul
Hard Rock Dec 11
Chinese Starlight Circus & Acrobatics Show
Palazzo Resort Dec 11 - 12
Garth Brooks
Encore Dec 11 - 13
Jeff Dunham
Caesars Palace Dec 11 - 12
Miranda Lambert
Silverton Dec 11 - 12
Rodney Atkins
Golden Nugget Dec 11 - 12
Ron White
Mirage Dec 11 - 12
Sara Evans
Buffalo Bill's Dec 11
Winter Lights Festival at Springs Preserve
Springs Preserve Dec 11 - 24
World Stars of Magic
Suncoast Dec 11 - 13
World's Greatest Ever Boxer
Paris Dec 11 - 13
Y & T
Sunset Station Dec 11
Andrea Bocelli
MGM Grand Dec 12
Ice Cube
Mandalay Bay Dec 12
Larry the Cable Guy
Mandalay Bay Dec 12
Los Tres Locos Comedy Tour
Rio Dec 12
Muse w/ Cage the Elephant, Paper Tongues & Afghan Raiders
Hard Rock Dec 12
Team Matthews Annual Tournament
Cashman Center Dec 12
The 2009 Thunder Equigames
South Point Dec 12
UNLV Running Rebels vs. Kansas State
Orleans Hotel Dec 12
Bowfire Holiday Heartstrings Concert
M Resort Dec 13
David Copperfield
MGM Grand Dec 13 - 31
Mannheim Steamroller
Orleans Hotel Dec 13
Megadeth w/ Machine Head, Suicide Silence, and Arcanium
Mandalay Bay Dec 13
PRCA World Champions Brunch
South Point Dec 13


Week number three has: (Notice the dramatic drop in the number of events?)
Twisted Sister: A Twisted Christmas
Las Vegas Hilton Dec 15 - 17
UNLV Men's Basketball vs Weber State
Thomas and Mack Dec 17
A Scinta Christmas
Suncoast Dec 18 - 20
An Island Christmas
South Point Dec 18 - 20
Lady Gaga
Palms Dec 18
The Nutcracker
Paris Las Vegas Dec 18 - 20
Winter Wonder Slam with Toby Mac, Relient K, & More!
Orleans Hotel Dec 18
Crossroads of the West Gun Show
Cashman Center Dec 19 - 20
Guy Fieri Roadshow
Mandalay Bay Dec 19
Las Vegas Holiday Hoops Classic
South Point Dec 19 - 20
UNLV Men's Basketball vs South Carolina - Upstate
Thomas and Mack Dec 19
Wynonna, A Classic Christmas
Las Vegas Hilton 19 - 20


In week four, things really slow down:
The Forgotten Carols Production
Cashman Center Dec 21
2009 MAACO Bowl Las Vegas
Sam Boyd Stadium Dec 22
Las Vegas Classic NCAA Basketball Tournament
Orleans Hotel Dec 22 - 23
The Fercos Brothers "Untamed Illusions"
Planet Hollywood Dec 22 - Jan 3
Andy Williams Christmas Show
Las Vegas Hilton Dec 23 - 24
Brian Setzer Orchestra
Hard Rock Hotel Dec 23
The Nutcracker
Paris Las Vegas Dec 24
Clint Holmes Christmas
Suncoast Hotel Dec 25 - 27
BB King
Buffalo Bill's Dec 26
Jerry Seinfeld
Caesars Palace Dec 26 - 27
Leon Lai
MGM Grand Dec 26
Tony Orlando
South Point Dec 26 - 27
Boyz II Men with Salt-N-Pepa
Buffalo Bill's Dec 27

The Fifth week gears up for New Years:
Black Eyed Peas
Mandalay Bay Dec 29 - 30
Reverend Horton Heat
Mandalay Bay Dec 29
Bette Midler - The Showgirl Must Go On
Caesars Palace Dec 30 - Jan 2
World Mixed Martial Arts Awards
Hard Rock Dec 30


Then, of course, there is New Year's Eve...
The "Entertainment Capital of the World" puts on a bigger and brighter show than just about anyone else on the globe. Las Vegas is only second to New York City in being a favorite destination for New Year's Eve in the United States and our little "Glitter Gulch" continues bring in more and more people every year. Well over a quarter of a million tourists will pack the streets and the city on that night, and the city is always ready for them. The biggest problem for the tourist is trying to decide exactly what they want to do on this night, because just about every option is going to be open to them---big or little, loud or quiet. Choices for the evening can be overwhelming, but there are many ways in which you can quickly narrow down your options.

The first thing to understand is that every hotel, casino, bar and lounge is going to have a New Year's celebration, in addition to all of the fireworks shows that will be going on all over the city. So the questions that you'll have to ask yourself about your own celebrating will have to do with size, location, cost, and environment.

Do you want to be indoors or outdoors? A fairly simple way to start, but will certainly define the other parameters. If you choose to be indoors, then the next question that will immediately follow is...how much do you want to spend? Oddly enough, because of the number of celebrations out there, one really gets what they pay for when it comes to the parties. They are actually quite competitive. What amenities do you want or need? The more you spend, the more stuff will be made available to you. It will really all depend on your need for either extravagance or simplicity, and the size of your pocketbook.

If you choose to be outdoors you also have a lot of options, but the bigger questions for the outdoorsy folks will be, where? There are fireworks all over the city, and if you are outside, you will see fireworks. So, again, what do you want? If you want to be with a lot of people, in the heart of the action, then go down to the Strip. That's where you and a couple hundred thousand people can all get together to watch one of the best fireworks displays in the world. Not only that, it's free. Then again, some folks don't want to be jostled amongst the crowd and would prefer quieter surroundings. Then drive up to the foothills that enclose our valley and find a spot that looks over the city. From there, you will see fireworks displays from all over the city. It is both quiet and can be very romantic, too.

All of the best entertainment will be playing that night as well and will be having midnight shows. If you want to celebrate while watching your favorite band, performer, or show, then make your reservations early.

America's Party: Las Vegas New Year 2010
Fremont Street Experience
Bill Medley New Year's Eve Gala
South Point
Blood, Sweat & Tears
Eastside Cannery
Cocked and Loaded NYE with LA Guns
Santa Fe Station
Frankie Avalon
Cannery Casino
Gary Allan
Mandalay Bay
John Mayer Trio featuring Steve Jordan & Pino Palladino
Hard Rock
Maroon 5
Palms
Merle Haggard
Buffalo Bill's
New Year's Eve at Noon w/ Tom Stevens as Dean Martin & Swing City Dolls
South Point
New Year's Eve at Noon with Shades of Sinatra
Suncoast Hotel
New Year's Eve with Purple Reign
South Point
New Year's Eve with San Fernando
Suncoast Hotel
Tom Stevens
Aliante Station
Yellow Brick Road
Boulder Station

New Year's Eve is a great time in Las Vegas, and you can make it whatever you want it to be. You have more choices and options than anywhere else in the world, and that's one of the reasons that Las Vegas is so great. See the New Year's Eve Guide at: New Year's Eve In Las Vegas


The first week in January has:
Aaron Lewis
Aliante Station Jan 1
Family Stone
Orleans Hotel Jan 1 - 2
Garth Brooks
Encore Jan 1 - 3
Ne-Yo
Palms Jan 1
Phil Vasser
Green Valley Ranch Jan 1
Aaron Lewis
Green Valley Ranch Jan 2
Doobie Brothers
Texas Station Jan 2
John Caparulo
South Point Jan 2 - 3
UFC 108: Nogueira vs. Velasquez
MGM Grand Jan 2

For dates and times, be sure to log onto the Las Vegas Online Entertainment Guide: lvol.com.

Igoshows.com is, of course, the place to read the reviews of all of the shows that are in town so that you can be better informed as to what you should expect from a certain production. The reviews are updated as needed to give you the knowledge you need to spend your entertainment dollars better.

You can always view the current newsletter HERE

You can contact Chuck through the Feedback Form on the following page: www.igoshows.com/feedbacktochuck.php

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