Springtime in Las Vegas is a beautiful thing. The weather is perfect to the point that everything seems right with the world. March is one of the best times of the year to come to Las Vegas. This is an interesting year, though...the economy is in the toilet, Vegas has been marked as the place where giant corporations come to waste bailout money (which has scared other conventions away,) and we have more foreclosures than anywhere else in the country. Tourism is down, gaming is down, and there are shows and businesses closing all over the place. It is a tough time, but that is no secret to anyone...and yet, there are still hundreds of conventions coming into town; students from all over the country make Vegas their Spring Break destination; there is St. Patrick's Day; March Madness, NASCAR; pools are opening up, there are still new shows opening as others are closing.

Egad...the economy has taken its toll on our entertainment industry. We have heard about "Folies Bergere," but we now have several other iconic shows that are packing their bags and closing their doors...the third longest running show in town, after 24 years, "An Evening at La Cage" shut down. Frank Marino was very cheery and says that after a long vacation will open a new show. Also, The Scinta's will be ending their run at the Hilton, and there are even rumors that Lance Burton might be closing down as well.

On a better note, "Ignite," a new fire and magic show, will be opening at the Greek Isles Hotel on March 13th. The show stars Antonio Restivo, who is formerly the star of "Bite," and continues to perform in the "Tournament of Kings." The show is also exciting because I am the show's director. It will be a great show. There is a tremendous cast, and it's an exciting concept. Come and see the show. It plays at 11:00 pm nightly and is dark on Mondays.

Springtime brings a sense of renewal to the air. Since the beginning of recorded history, there have always been celebrations in the spring honoring that spirit of rejuvenation. It is the end of winter. Spring is about re-birth, life after death, and a fresh start after a cold period in our lives. All of these things that we naturally feel in ourselves could easily characterize the nature of entertainment in Las Vegas during March. This is the time to get new things going. In Vegas, just like in any other city in the country, Spring-cleaning will occur, and we'll have more garage sales than at any other time of the year.

Replacing the Scinta's in the Shimmer Cabaret at the Las Vegas Hilton will be Earl Turner and Lani Misaluci.

Kathleen Dunbar will headline at the Riviera Comedy Club March 23rd to 29th. Her comedy has been called sexy and sassy, but never dirty. Recently named the Midwest's newest and funniest female comedienne, Kathleen is fresh off a Midwestern comedy club circuit. She has also performed with Bob Saget, Emo Phillips and Bob Zany. Joining in on the fun is Dave Russo who received national attention when he beat out over 30,000 entertainers in 10 major cities to be a part of E! Entertainment Network's "The Entertainer."

Tickets are on sale for preview and regular performances of "Peepshow," the sexy new production set to open at Planet Hollywood. "Peepshow," starring television personality Mel B and sultry television siren Kelly Monaco, will open for preview performances on March 30, 2009, with an opening night gala planned for April 18 of 2009. "Peepshow" is a highly stylized, full-throttle production show that combines sexy striptease and celebrity with high-level production values and a dash of passion, "Peepshow" is a collaboration between Tony award-winning director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell and Las Vegas entertainment pacesetter BASE Entertainment.

The legendary comedy performer - "Mr. Warmth," Don Rickles, returns to the city where he first starred as a headliner more than 50 years ago, Rickles will be performing at The Orleans Showroom at 8 p.m. each evening March 20, 21 and 22. Rickles took his first step toward national fame in 1957, when Frank Sinatra wandered in to 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. He soon became the "in" comic among the Hollywood stars, who flocked to his nightclub engagements to become the targets of his "insults."

ND's Fuego - The Evolution of Nightlife, a multi-faceted new nightclub at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino is a Latin-themed club that combines elements of an interactive production with live performances creating an exciting and unique evolution of Las Vegas nightlife.  The nightclub provides a total sensory experience with state-of-the-art technology and integrated performances by talented dancers and singers backed by live music. Interludes with surreal characters, elaborate costumes, high-tech digital imaging and guest performances from world-renowned DJs make ND's Fuego a premier nightlife destination.
 
For more than 40 years, The Temptations have shined as pioneers of popular music with decades of smash hits and sold-out performances. From March 12-15, Otis Williams, Bruce Williamson, Terry Weeks, Ron Tyson and Joe Herndon will come together again at The Orleans Showroom for four nights, starting at 8 p.m. each evening. The Temptations are central characters in the history of contemporary American pop. An essential component of the original Motown machine invented by Berry Gordy, The Temptations began their musical career in Detroit in the early '60s. Beyond their fabulous singing, The Temptations became known for smooth-stepping and flawless presentations. The Temptation Walk became the staple of American style, flair, flash and class.
 
Cirque du Soleil and Springs Preserve host the eighth annual Run Away with Cirque du Soleil 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk on Saturday, March 21.  Returning this year, Mayor Oscar Goodman will be on hand to perform the shotgun start and Nevada Public Radio's President & General Manager Flo Rogers will emcee the day's events. Race Day Registration begins at 7 a.m. with the 5K and 1 Mile Fun Walk starting at 8:30 a.m.  The first 1200 participants to sign up will receive an event t-shirt and free raffle tickets for a chance to win tons of different prizes.  Cirque du Soleil's musicians and performers for the day's activities will provide entertainment.  Massage therapy, face painting, a circus play area for children and refreshments donated by Whole Foods Market will also be available.  Runners and walkers can either download an application form or register online at www.cirquedusoleil.com/5krun.  All proceeds from the race, walk and raffle will benefit the Springs Preserve Foundation.

Seth Grabel has created a new style of magic, Acrobatic Magic.  Grabel fuses acrobatic skills similar to that of Cirque Du Soleil with slight of hand stage magic.  You can catch his show at the Harmon Theater 9pm every night opening for The Amazing Johnathan (dark Sunday, Monday). 

The real-life inspiration behind hit television series "The Partridge Family," The Cowsills, will perform at the Suncoast Showroom at 7:30 p.m. on March 6, 7 and 8. Distinguished by their harmonies and sun-kissed melodies, The Cowsills' origins lie with brothers Bill and Bob, who as children began their singing careers covering Everly Brothers hits. Given guitars by their father, Navy man William "Bud" Cowsill, the siblings soon recruited younger brothers Barry and John to play bass and drums.  After signing with MGM in 1967, The Cowsills had their first million-selling single. They performed on such notable TV shows as the Ed Sullivan Show, the Johnny Cash Show, the Tonight Show, Merv Griffin, Mike Douglas, and had their own NBC television special in 1968. 

Sporting events will bolster the economy in Vegas this month. The race weekend at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway will feature all of the big names of NASCAR. The Speedway fully expects to again sell out at this year's event. Over 140,000 fans will be on hand to watch the races-and big crowd always means big entertainment. The other big sports event is the March Madness tournament. Every sports book in town will be packed throughout the event. These events bring in a lot of people, and when the game is over, all these folks want something else great to watch.

There will be a St. Patrick's Day parade in Downtown Las Vegas, and every Irish Pub in the city will put on some sort of celebration.

...In addition, remember that clocks spring forward March 8th.

As far as all of the other entertainment goes...during the first weekend of the month...
2009 United States Bowling Congress Open Championship
Cashman Center Through - Jul 23
Winter Championship & Millionheir Classic & Western Gift Expo
South Point Casino Through - Mar 6 - Free
The Buckinghams
Suncoast Hotel Mar 1
Wayne Newton
MGM Grand Through - Mar 4
Cher
Caesars Palace Mar 1 - Mar 21
Enrique Bunbury
Mandalay Bay Mar 1
The Shelby 427 NASCAR Sprint Cup Race
Las Vegas Motor Speedway Mar 1
Big League Weekend: Chicago White Sox vs. Chicago Cubs
Cashman Center Mar 4 - Mar 5
West Coast Conference Basketball Championships
Orleans Hotel Mar 5 - Mar 9
100 Proof Allstars
Santa Fe Station Mar 6
Collin Raye
South Point Casino Mar 6 - Mar 7
George Lopez
Las Vegas Hilton Mar 6 - Mar 7
Kevin James
Mirage Mar 6 - Mar 7
Lena Prima - Louis Prima "That's My Dad"
Cannery Casino Mar 6 - Mar 7
Les Claypool
Mandalay Bay Mar 6
Marcia Ball
Boulder Station Mar 6
The Cowsills
Suncoast Hotel Mar 6 - Mar 8
The Neville Brothers with Dr. John & The Lower 911
Las Vegas Hilton Mar 6 - Mar 7
Tower of Power
Orleans Hotel Mar 6 - Mar 8
Tyler Perry's the Marriage Counselor
Planet Hollywood Mar 6 - Mar 7
Chicago
Buffalo Bill's Mar 7
Phil Vassar
Boulder Station Mar 7
Sister Hazel
Silverton Hotel Mar 7
The Pretenders w/ American Bang
Mandalay Bay Mar 7

The second weekend includes:
Mountain West Conference Basketball Tournament
Thomas & Mack Center Mar 10 - Mar 14
Juice Newton
Buffalo Bill's Resort Mar 11 - Mar 12
The Temptations
Orleans Hotel Mar 12 - Mar 15
Atlanta Rhythm Section & Special Guest Bob Welch
Suncoast Hotel Mar 13 - Mar 14
Credence Clearwater Revisited
Las Vegas Hilton Mar 13 - Mar 14
Cut Copy with Matt & Kim
Mandalay Bay Mar 13
Jay Leno
Mirage Mar 13 - Mar 14
Kenny Loggins
Green Valley Ranch Mar 13
Sha Na Na
South Point Casino Mar 13 - Mar 15
Wranglers Professional Hockey
Orleans Hotel Mar 13 - Mar 14
Charlie Murphy
Mandalay Bay Mar 14
Gilby Clarke
Sunset Station Mar 14
Jewel
Boulder Station Mar 14
Kenny Loggins
Aliante Station Mar 14
Los Temerarios
Buffalo Bill's Mar 14
Tarver vs. Dawson
Palms Casino Mar 14
Cute is What We Aim For w/ Meg & Dia and Breathe Carolina
Mandalay Bay Mar 15

The Third weekend has...
Joe Bonamassa
Mandalay Bay Mar 17
Wranglers Professional Hockey
Orleans Hotel Mar 17
Michael Schenker Group
Mandalay Bay Mar 18
Silver Dollar Circuit Quarter Horse Event & Gift Show
South Point Casino Mar 18 - Mar 22 - Free
T.I., the King of the South, and Friends
Thomas & Mack Center Mar 18
Blue October w/ Ours
Mandalay Bay Mar 19
Platinum Masters' Monster Circus
Las Vegas Hilton Mar 19 - Mar 21
Tom Jones
MGM Grand Mar 19 - Apr 1
An Evening with Clint Holmes & Musical Director Bill Fayne
Suncoast Hotel Mar 20 - Mar 22
Don Rickles
Orleans Hotel Mar 20 - Mar 22
Jay Leno
Mirage Mar 20 - Mar 21
Knight Rider Festival 2009
Fremont Street Experience Mar 20 - Mar 21
Vicki Lawrence
South Point Casino Mar 20 - Mar 22
Wranglers Professional Hockey
Orleans Hotel Mar 20 - Mar 21
Babyface and Jordan Sparks
Buffalo Bill's Mar 21
Better Than Ezra
Silverton Hotel Mar 21

The fourth weekend presents:
Bette Midler
Caesars Palace Mar 24 - Apr 5
Wranglers Professional Hockey
Orleans Hotel Mar 24
Neil Sedaka
Orleans Hotel Mar 26 - Mar 29
Platinum Masters' Monster Circus
Las Vegas Hilton Mar 26 - Mar 28
The AP Tour featuring the Maine, 3OH!3, Family Force 5, More . . .
Mandalay Bay Mar 26
Candlebox w/ Jet Black Stare, Royal Bliss
Silverton Hotel Mar 27
Daniel Tosh
Mandalay Bay Mar 27
Ray Romano & Kevin James
Mirage Mar 27 - Mar 28
Sheena Easton
South Point Casino Mar 27 - Mar 28
Spring Wine & Jazz Fest
Golden Nugget Mar 27 - Mar 29
The Osmond Brothers
Suncoast Hotel Mar 27 - Mar 29
Wranglers Professional Hockey
Orleans Hotel Mar 27
2009 Extreme Thing Action Sports/Music Festival
Desert Breeze Skate Park Mar 28
Charlie Daniels
Silverton Hotel Mar 28
John Edward
Flamingo Las Vegas Mar 28
Los Tigres del Norte y Banda El Recodo
South Point Casino Mar 28
Monster Jam World Finals 2009
Sam Boyd Stadium Mar 28
Montgomery Gentry
Buffalo Bill's Mar 28
Touch-A-Truck
Orleans Hotel Mar 28
Hollywood Undead, Senses Fail, Haste the Day & Brokencyde
Mandalay Bay Mar 29

And the fifth weekend of the month has...
Suffocation w/ Whitechapel, Decrepit Birth, Veil of Maya & Psycroptic
Mandalay Bay Mar 31
Moody Blues
Buffalo Bill's Apr 1
David Spade Live
Venetian Resort Apr 2 - Apr 4
3 Doors Down
Green Valley Ranch Apr 3
Air Supply
Suncoast Hotel Apr 3 - Apr 5
Alan Jackson
Buffalo Bill's Apr 3
Big League Weekend: Colorado Rockies vs. Seattle Mariners
Cashman Center Apr 3 - Apr 4
Gladys Knight
Orleans Hotel Apr 3 - Apr 5
Glass Craft & Bead Expo
South Point Casino Apr 3 - Apr 5
Jay Leno
Mirage Apr 3 - Apr 4
Keith Anderson w/ Luke Bryan and the Lost Trailers
Mandalay Bay Apr 3
The Lettermen
South Point Casino Apr 3 - Apr 5
Wranglers Professional Hockey
Orleans Hotel Apr 3 - Apr 4
The Outlaws
Cannery Casino Apr 4
Trace Adkins
Buffalo Bill's Apr 4
44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards
MGM Grand Apr 5
Academy of Country Music All-Star Jam & After Party
MGM Grand Apr 5
Fall Out Boy
Palms Casino Apr 5
Academy of Country Music - Artist of the Decade Special
MGM Grand Apr 6