December 2009
Las Vegas excitement is all about the opening of CityCenter. CRYSTALS, the retail and entertainment district at CityCenter, celebrated its grand opening with a generous $25,000 donation to The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. “Similar to CityCenter, The Smith Center plans to elevate the experience in Las Vegas for those who live and vacation here,” says Myron Martin, president and chief executive officer of The Smith Center. “It is donations like this and the support of companies like CityCenter that help bring our vision to life.” Proceeds from the CRYSTALS Grand Opening also went to benefit the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Nevada Ballet Theater and Nevada Cancer Institute.
I told you so! Yes, legendary singer-songwriter Barry Manilow will be making music and magic at PARIS Las Vegas with a new resident show. On March 5, 2010 Manilow will open with a reimagined stage show. Manilow will perform 78 shows each year for two years. This new show will cast Manilow’s hits in a new light in the intimate and elegant 1,500 seat Paris Theatre, including all the songs that have made him a pop culture icon over the past 35 years. Tickets are already on sale now for performances March 5 through July 18, 2010 and are available on-line at Ticketmaster.com, in person at the Paris Theatre box office, or by calling 1.800.745.3000. Ticket prices are $250, $175, $125, and $95.
The Lion King and MANDALAY BAY are now offering locals an opportunity to take advantage to see their great production just in time for the holiday season. Locals can enjoy 50 percent off orchestra and mezzanine seats for purchases now to Dec. 24 and performances from Jan. 4 to Feb. 11, 2010. Offer is valid on $64, $86 and $113.50 price categories. To order by phone call TicketMaster at (800) 745-3000 or online at www.lionkinglasvegas.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Mandalay Bay box office. Use the code “Local 1” when placing ticket orders to take advantage of this offer.
Following a quick sell-out the PALMS announced a second Lady Gaga show which will take place on Thursday, December 17 inside The Pearl Concert Theater. Tickets for the already announced performance on Friday, December 18 are sold-out. Special guests Kid Cudi and Semi Precious Weapons will perform at both Thursday and Friday shows.
Lady Gaga came to the pop world the old-fashioned way—making a name for herself on the Lower East Side club scene. Her dance-pop and rock infused party songs were mixed with her flair for “shock art” performances and she was soon performing for all the party and club kids in the city.
At age 17, Gaga received early admission to Tisch School of the Arts at NYU and by 20 she was signed and writing hits for artists including Pussycat Dolls. Her debut album The Fame (2008) showcased Gaga’s talent featuring all self-written lyrics, melodies and even some of her own synth work. That album sparked the long-lasting hit Just Dance which propelled Gaga into a household name. The single hit the Billboard Hot 100 chart in August 2008 and stayed on the charts, reaching No. 1 in January 2009. The follow-up single Poker Face became a hit not only in the U.S. but extended to Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand among other markets.
The fabulous Scintas return to the SUNCOAST Showroom with their first-ever Christmas show, A Very Scinta Christmas December 18, 19 and 20. The Buffalo, New York-raised brothers Joey and Frankie, sister Chrissi and “Irish Scinta” Peter O’Donnell, entertain, surprise and provide an anything-but-typical performance filled with music, comedy and impersonations. Guest appearances will be fruitful for these special holiday performances as Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, George Burns, Kermit the Frog and many other favorites help The Scintas celebrate the special time of year with their own holiday twist.
Mr. Las Vegas, Wayne Newton, celebrates 50 years of entertaining audiences on The Strip with a historic all-new show entitled ”Once Before I Go” at the TROPICANA.
Opening night featured a red carpet consisting of comedian and TV personality Drew Carey, starlet Holly Madison (Peepshow), professional dancers Cheryl Burke, Kym Johnson, Edyta Sliwinska and Alec Mazo all of Dancing with the Stars, as well as celebrity contestants Jennie Garth and Sabrina Bryan (Cheetah Girls), Vanna White (Wheel of Fortune) and Louis Prima Jr. (entertainer). Las Vegas entertainers Carrot Top, Nathan Burton, Zowie Bowie, Frank Marino and cast members from Peepshow, Jersey Boys and Phantom—The Las Vegas Spectacular
While Wayne Newton’s voice may not be what it was in his younger years, his charm and charisma overcomes any shortcomings. Many films are shown of his iconic career, as well as his many charitable and veteran involvements.
Las Vegas legend Clint Holmes, along with his wife Kelly Clinton and sister Gayle Steele will perform songs of the holiday season December 25, 26 and 27. at the SUNCOAST. Holmes, with his wife and sister, have created a warm and inviting show, perfect to share with family and friends this holiday. Holmes’ fans know him as more than just a singer. He’s famous for making every performance an original and captivating the audience with his signature style.
Among his many recordings is the Top 10 smash hit Playground In My Mind (My Name Is Michael). His album Edges produced several standout songs, including the single Feel Like Makin’ Love. Earlier this year, Holmes partnered with long-time friends Susan Anton, Domenick Allen and Martin Nievera to create the critically acclaimed Vocal Soup—a showcase of solo performances, duets and group numbers.
Legendary comedian Don Rickles, who has starred in Las Vegas theaters longer than any other performer in the history of our gambling mecca, has signed for a third consecutive year of performances with THE 
ORLEANS. The much-honored comedian will launch his 51st consecutive year as a Las Vegas headliner when he brings his one-of-a-kind humor to The Orleans Showroom for his first scheduled engagement February 20 and 21.
Rickles took his first step toward national fame in 1957 when Frank Sinatra wandered into the small Hollywood nightclub where Rickles was performing. The still-unknown Rickles eyed Sinatra and said, “I just saw your movie, The Pride and the Passion, and I want to tell you, the cannon’s acting was great. And, make yourself at home, Frank. Hit somebody.” Sinatra doubled up laughing and became one of Rickles’ biggest boosters among Hollywood celebrities. Rickles soon became the “in” comic among Hollywood stars, who flocked to his nightclub engagements to become the targets of his insults. Since then, his unparalleled career has never missed a beat. While making his mark in movies, television, theater and recordings, Rickles has remained a master of nightclub comedy with a continuing love affair with live audiences.
Las Vegas is fortunate to have Dr. David Makil, the only Native American Nephrologist in the country, residing and practicing here, in Las Vegas. (In fact, he is my good neighbor.) Dr. Makil will deliver a seminar about Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and speak specifically to the challenges faced by American Indians to prevent and manage chronic kidney disease.
Mary and the Maori Hi Five Showband have been awarded the 40th star on the Strip. The presentation/ceremony was held on the Brooklyn Bridge in front of the NEW YORK-NEW YORK Hotel & Casino. The group was the first of the Maori Showbands to leave New Zealand in the 1960s. Mary and the Maori Hi Five toured Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Manila, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Japan, Hawaii, London, United Kingdom, Europe and Scandinavia. Coming to the United States in 1965, they worked the Nevada circuit in Las Vegas, Reno and Lake Tahoe; while doing side tours in Europe, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Canada and the Bahamas. In Las Vegas, they worked at the Sahara, Thunderbird, Hacienda, Tally Ho and Caesars Palace and at Harrah’s Club in Reno and Tahoe. They disbanded in 1971.
The group worked with many famous stars including: Louis Prima, Keely Smith, Gia Mione, Sam Butera, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Harry James, Louis Armstrong, Mel Torme, Ray Charles, Sammy Davis, Jr., Harry Belafonte and many others; but most notably, they headlined with the Beatles in Hong Kong in 1964.
One member of the group, Robert Hemi Te Miha passed away in November 2007. Of the remaining members, Kae Pohe is the only one living in Las Vegas and Solly Pohatu the only one still in New Zealand. A welcome reception was held at a private estate and many events were planned during their stay. The camaraderie even to this day is undeniable and they are proud to be representing the Maori race. At each event, Maori tradition played a key role.
The SAHARA and performers Sandy Hackett and Lisa Dawn Miller Hackett have launched the only Las Vegas Strip Rat Pack tribute, Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show.
The M RESORT SPA CASINO welcomes the nation’s tallest Christmas Tree, a 109-foot White Fir. The Christmas Tree is expected to wow throngs of spectators with its towering display of lights and ornaments this holiday season.
B.B. King’s Blues Club, at THE MIRAGE promises to pack a punch with live entertainment and soul food. Located across from The Beatles REVOLUTION Lounge and next to Samba Brazilian Steakhouse, the 558-seat venue features four bars; one outside looking into the club and three inside, all with great views of the stage and entertainment. The restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night dining; open until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 4 a.m. on weekends or until the last man (or woman) is left standing. The signature retail section of the famed blues club will be open all hours for patrons to take home some soul, including T-shirts, glassware, guitar picks and more. By the way, B.B. King happens to be my neighbor here in Las Vegas.
What a fun show Monte Carlo headliner Frank Caliendo performs. Not only at the MONTE CARLO, but Caliendo recently returned to The Jay Leno Show for the second time in three weeks. Caliendo performed an array of his signature impressions on Jay’s show last time. This time he impersonated Jay Leno during the television host’s signature “Jaywalking” segment.
Frank Cliendo is known for his dead on impressions of Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, John Madden, former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, Dr. Phil and dozens more. Caliendo’s new show is a dynamic mix of high-energy comedy and fast-paced impressions enhanced by live music, video sketches and much more. On opening night, Carrot Top, Louie Anderson and Terry Fator appeared onstage with Frank to the delight of the audience.
After eight years, Josette’s Bistro at 4983 W. Flamingo Road has closed, but owner Chef Josette LeBlond has taken her crew downtown to open the new Las Vegas Rocks Café. Along with founder, singer Tony Sacca, the Café will have a historical dining theme with a celebrity-themed menu. Some examples of Las Vegas Rocks Café menu items are The Bugsy Burger, The Louie Primavera Pasta, Lake Mead Dip, Charo’s Chili and Casino Chip Nachos. The Las Vegas Rocks Café will occupy the entire first floor of what used to be Jillian’s at 450 Fremont Street.
An important screening of Who Will Stand, an award winning documentary film created by local Las Vegas filmmakers, was shown in the Galaxy Theatre at the CANNERY. The film opened with Clint Holmes performing the title song that he wrote following 9-11. Clint Holmes was at the event and spoke about his feelings about Who Will Stand.
There are many films about the war in Iraq, but this small team of Las Vegas filmmakers decided that soldiers would be better served by addressing the issues they deal with after they return home. The movie focuses on more than a dozen soldiers who are either physically or psychologically wounded and the several charities—some of them local to Las Vegas—who assist them. Director Phil Valentine and Director of Photography Michael Bedik traveled across the United States to find soldiers who were willing to talk candidly about their issues. Who Will Stand is a call to action and inspires the community to help those brave men and women of our military.
When the troops come home they do not have any debriefing time. They happily and excitedly come home directly from the area of conflict. But their experiences often remain in the back of their minds and they do not talk about them. This often leads to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Many do not seek help because of the fear they will be psychologically marked and this will affect their ability to seek employment.
Startling statistics show there are many real consequences of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) going undiagnosed and untreated. More American soldiers are killing themselves after they return home than ever; the divorce rate has tripled since the beginning of the war and substance abuse among veterans has grown to four times the national average. Many even become homeless.
Executive Producer Gerald Gillock, a Las Vegas Attorney, originally set out to make a film to highlight amputees and their physical struggles. But they found that veterans deal with a wider scope of issues that went beyond the physical. The psychological scars are not as apparent but a lot harder to heal.
There are support organizations that help veterans anonymously, immediately and without cost. This includes the Wounded Warrior Project, Canines for Combat Wounded, The Soldiers Project and Help USA. For more information on Who Will Stand visit www.whowillstand4us.com.
Expanding the benefits of its player loyalty card, Boyd Gaming Corporation announces a partnership with Rebel Oil, owner and operator of one of the Las Vegas Valley’s largest chains of convenience stores and gas stations. Through December 31, 2009, Club Coast and B Connected members will receive a 2-cent-per-gallon discount every time they fill up at any one of Rebel Oil’s 50 participating stations. In addition, the Club Coast and B Connected card will double as a Rebel Rewards card, qualifying members for additional savings. Under Rebel Rewards, customers receive additional per-gallon discounts each time they purchase a wide range of items at Rebel Oil’s convenience stores. Discounts can be accumulated and redeemed within 30 days, allowing customers to roll back their per-gallon price as far back as zero (up to a maximum of 15 gallons).
To receive a discount, simply swipe your Club Coast or B Connected card at the pump, or present the card to a cashier at any Rebel Oil station. No separate sign-up is necessary to receive discounts under the program.
Joey Chestnut became the first-ever Martorano’s Masters Meatball Eating Champion at the Rio in Las Vegas after eating 50 meatballs in 10-minutes of Major League Eating (MLE) sanctioned competition. The 6.25 pounds of meatballs in 10-minutes set a new world record in the meatball discipline. The contest featured a star-studded field of Major League Eaters and celebrities all vying for a $1,500 first-place prize and title of Martorano’s Meatball Champion.
The Ninth Annual Gift of Lights illuminates SUNSET PARK through Jan. 3. The award-winning Holiday Event is a local tradition as families cruise through the park to marvel at millions of twinkling lights, including the second phase of LED lights for a greener planet. The brilliant display is open from 5 to 10 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays, and from 5 to 9 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays at Sunset Park located at Eastern Avenue and Sunset Road.
Admission is $15 per vehicle on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holiday nights and $13 per vehicle on Mondays through Thursdays. A special admission discount of $2 will be given to those who donate gently used items to Goodwill of Southern Nevada at any Goodwill location or on-site at the event.
Season’s Greetings to all. And, Best Wishes for
a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous, Peaceful, New Year.
