It is an interesting April...with a new President, new policies, an economy that's in the toilet, a stimulus package that's supposed to start helping (at some point)---banks, automakers, and even many of our own casinos all on the brink of financial disaster; rampant unemployment and foreclosures, and a war (that we shouldn't even be in) that has just passed the six year mark has many Americans asking if things could get any worse. We wake up each day and hope for the best. We scour the daily news for that sign that things are truly turning around...we wait, and we hope.

Las Vegas, a city that really depends on tourism, is doing it's best to not turn out the lights and lock the doors...business is horrific. Most places keep doing their best to trudge forward...prices are cut everywhere...room rates have been slashed, there are specials on show tickets for every production in town, and even high end restaurants are offering deals...the entire city is a tremendous deal...and yet, fewer and fewer people are showing up.

And because of that, layoffs at hotels are at an all time high. MGM has closed down an entire wing of it's hotel...from the casual onlookers perspective, it looks as if everything is business as usual because no one seems to notice that no one is going into "that" section of the hotel. The unemployment rate in Las Vegas is one of the highest in the country.

Shows have been hit especially hard...there are now 78 regularly running shows in town---which sounds like an awful lot, but when you consider that means we have nearly 20 fewer shows running than we had just two years ago, it becomes significant.

However...all of that said, April is one of the best months of the year. I love the springtime in Las Vegas. It is some of the best weather, and it's wonderful to be outside...it makes you feel alive...and in spite of everything, big new shows are opened or just about to open, there is a healthy convention calendar, and all of the pools have been opened at all of the resorts. The bikini is back, and scantily clad women are enjoying the brilliant sunlight and getting a start on their summer tans---spring breakers are everywhere, Easter is just around the corner, the entertainment is great...it's actually a great time to visit. The Showest convention is in town this month, as well as the National Association of Broadcasters...both huge events.

The Best of Las Vegas Awards have just come out. There are usually two winners in each category---one chosen by the readers and one chosen by the staff of our city's daily paper. "Love" and "Jersey Boys" were chosen as the best production shows, Danny Gans and Bette Midler as the best all-around performer, Rita Rudner and Craig Ferguson as best comedian, and Lance Burton and Keith Barry as best magician. Best showgirls went to "Jubilee!" and "Folies Bergere," best singer went to Bette Midler and Rick Faugno, best male strip show went to "Thunder From Down Under," and best bargain show went to Mac King and Nathan Burton.

Good picks, but...I think the best production show is "Le Reve." George Wallace should be included in the best comedian category. Mac King, Penn & Teller, and Steve Wyrick are the best magicians in town, and Barry Manilow is one of the best singers. There are so many great performers in town, it's tough to just highlight a few...not even mentioned were Terry Fator, Vinnie Favorito, Gordie Brown, Kevin Burke, Elton John, or even Cher.

There should also be a category for best small show...that would be a tougher category to choose a winner in. A top nod should go to "Ignite," and "Defending the Caveman."

There was another feather in the cap for entertainers, as the Best Cocktail service went to the Bevertainers at the Rio. These servers are entertainers that get up during their shifts and sing and dance for patrons in the casino. Their presence certainly changes the face of cocktail service in our town.

The town will not be the same now that the "Folies Bergere" has closed. After more than 49 years, the Parisian revue ended its run with a gala, celebrity filled finale. The final performance was for invited guest only...mostly alum from previous years. Even some of the original cast members from the show that opened in 1959 were in attendance.

Terry Fator has successfully opened at the Mirage.

"Ignite" has opened at the Greek Isles, and while it is still in its "soft" opening mode, it is a great show, and a good bargain. The fire and magic show has tremendous potential.

"Peepshow" is also in a preview mode. Its official opening will be in the middle of the month. "Peepshow" is a modern burlesque show created specifically for the dynamic, glamorous audience that exists only in the adult playground of Las Vegas. 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 Lion King" at Mandalay Bay is getting ready for previews and will officially open in May.

"Scarlett: Princess of Magic" suddenly closed her doors this past month. It was a gallant effort, and they get it their best shot, but the writing was on the wall for this one for a long time.

Trent Carlini opened his show "Evolution" at the Steve Wyrick theatre. Carlini is an Elvis impersonator and has had earlier success with his show at the Sahara.

Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada celebrates the 35th Annual UNLVino® in partnership with the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration. This Las Vegas tradition is an opportunity for wine enthusiasts and winemakers to meet and enjoy the latest releases, the best vintages, and the finest varietals in support of scholarship. Paris Las Vegas will again host the signature UNLVino® event in 2009, The Grand Tasting. All involved are very pleased that the Grand Tasting is returning to this beautiful Harrah's property whose dedicated staff and management make this enormous undertaking possible.
 

Now in its 12th year, Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend is bigger and more exciting than ever. After 11 years in its original location at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, the event is moving to a larger venue -- The Orleans, another Boyd Gaming property. This four-day event begins Thursday, April 9th and the party won't stop until Monday morning. Viva Las Vegas is an annual event that has been held in Las Vegas every spring since 1998. VLV is the largest event of its type in the world, and features bands and fans from all over the globe who come to experience Rockabilly, ‘50s music, the Classic Car Show, burlesque performers, dance lessons and contests, a Tiki Pool Party and more than 120 vendors.

And the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) hits Las Vegas this month. It is the largest gathering in the country. Around 150,000 people are expected to attend, and it will be filled with celebrities and attractions.

The Clark County Fair & Rodeo is at Clark County Fairgrounds Apr 9th to 12th. The Fair had its beginning back in 1965. Known as the Moapa Valley Fair, it was held at the Overton Community Center. Compared to the present day fair, this first fair was small in size. Nevertheless, it had all the flavor and elements of a good old county fair. From this simple beginning, the Moapa Valley Fair became an annual event. Each year new attractions were added, such as a carnival midway, junior livestock show, and a rodeo.
Throughout the seventies and early eighties, the fair took place at various locations in the community such as the local park, churches and schools. Each location lacked some key elements necessary to house the ever growing and popular fair. In 1997 due to the ever so popular Rodeo, the fair once again changed its name. Now known as the Clark County Fair & Rodeo over 70,000 patrons come to the fair every spring. It has been the combined work and efforts of many volunteers that have developed and managed the Fair and successfully produced an old-fashioned, family oriented fair for so many people to enjoy. With a part time staff of four, and over 500 volunteers working together, we pledge to continue to bring this flavor and fun to each and every Fair!

As I said...April is a great time to be here.
The first week of headliners include:
2009 United States Bowling Congress Open Championship
Cashman Center through Jul 23
Bette Midler
Caesars Palace through Apr 5
Andrew Dice Clay
Palazzo Resort through Apr 4
Moody Blues
Buffalo Bill's Apr 1
AAA Lucha Libre Invasion Tour
Orleans Hotel Apr 2
All-Star Guitar Pull
Green Valley Ranch Apr 2
David Copperfield
MGM Grand Apr 2 - 22
David Spade Live
Venetian Resort Apr 2 - 4
3 Doors Down
Green Valley Ranch Apr 3
Academy of Country Music New Artists
Fremont Street Experience Apr 3 - Free
Air Supply
Suncoast Hotel Apr 3 - 5
Alan Jackson
Buffalo Bill's Apr 3
Big League Weekend: Colorado Rockies vs. Seattle Mariners
Cashman Center Apr 3 - 4
Fighter Pilot for a Day
Special Event Apr 3 - 5
Gladys Knight
Orleans Hotel Apr 3 - 5
Glass Craft & Bead Expo
South Point Apr 3 - 5
Jay Leno
Mirage Apr 3 - 4
Keith Anderson w/ Luke Bryan and the Lost Trailers
Mandalay Bay Apr 3
Rodney Atkins
Henderson Pavilion Apr 3
The Lettermen
South Point Apr 3 - 5
Wranglers Professional Hockey
Orleans Hotel Apr 3 - 4
Bell Biv Devoe
Silverton Hotel Apr 4
Kellie Pickler and LeAnn Rimes
Fremont Street Experience Apr 4 - Free
The Outlaws
Cannery Casino Apr 4
Trace Adkins
Buffalo Bill's Apr 4
44th 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


The Second week has:
Academy of Country Music - Artist of the Decade Special
MGM Grand Apr 6
Elton John - The Red Piano
Caesars Palace Apr 7 - 22
Clark County Fair & Rodeo
Clark County Fair Grounds Apr 9 - 12
David Spade Live
Venetian Resort Apr 9 - 11
Las Vegas International Film Festival
Eastside Cannery Apr 9 - 12
Viva Las Vegas! Rockabilly Weekend
Orleans Hotel Apr 9 - 13
Billy Currington
Boulder Station Apr 10
Debbie Reynolds
South Point Apr 10 - 12
Kevin James
Mirage Apr 10 - 11
Psychic Gary Spivey
Sunset Station Apr 10
Society of Seven
Suncoast Hotel Apr 10 - 12
Billy Currington
Santa Fe Station Apr 11
Everclear
Silverton Hotel Apr 11
Sergio Mendes
Buffalo Bill's Apr 11
The Association
Cannery Casino Apr 11
Tiger Army w/ Frenzy and Stellar Corpses
Mandalay Bay Apr 11
Wright vs. Williams
Mandalay Bay Apr 11
Travis w/ the Republic Tigers
Mandalay Bay Apr 12


The third week of April includes:
FEI World Cup Jumping and Dressage
Thomas & Mack Center Apr 15 - 19
Kevin Rudolf
Mandalay Bay Apr 15
Sinbad
Buffalo Bill's Apr 15
The Let It Rock Tour featuring Kevin Rudolf
Mandalay Bay Apr 15
3rd Annual Arabian Breeders World Cup & Gift Show
South Point Casino Apr 16 - 19 - Free
Platinum Masters' Monster Circus
Las Vegas Hilton Apr 16 - 18
UNLVino
The Palms, The District at Green Valley Ranch and Paris Apr 16 - 18
Bill Medley with Paul Revere & the Raiders
South Point Casino Apr 17 - 19
Boxing at the Border: Gamboa vs. Rojas
Buffalo Bill's Apr 17
Foreigner
Texas Station Apr 17
KC & the Sunshine Band
Orleans Hotel Apr 17 - 19
Pure Aloha Concert & Festival
Cannery Casino Apr 17 - 19
Ray Romano & Kevin James
Mirage Apr 17 - 18
The Cure
Palms Casino Apr 17
The Killers
Hard Rock Apr 17
The Scintas
Suncoast Apr 17 - 19
Avenged Sevenfold
Hard Rock Apr 18
Britny Fox & Pretty Boy Floyd
Santa Fe Station Apr 18
Journeys Backyard Barbeque Tour
Galleria at Sunset Apr 18 - Free
Kottonmouth Kings
Mandalay Bay Apr 18
Ronnie Milsap
Silverton Hotel Apr 18
UB40
Mandalay Bay Apr 18
World's Collide - Mixed Martial Arts
Buffalo Bill's Apr 18
Lucha Libre Featuring Super Crazy & Super Parka
Buffalo Bill's Apr 19
Miss USA
Planet Hollywood Apr 19
Paul McCartney
Hard Rock Apr 19


The fourth week has...
Horrorpops w/ Longway and the Applicators
Mandalay Bay Apr 23
Platinum Masters' Monster Circus
Las Vegas Hilton Apr 23 - 25
Seasme Street LIVE: Elmo's Green Thumb
Cox Pavilion Apr 23 - 26
Wayne Newton
MGM Grand Apr 23 - 29
Bon Jovi
Hard Rock Apr 24
Chris Cagle
Silverton Apr 24
Common with Biz Markie and Kool Moe Dee
Mandalay Bay Apr 24
Darius Rucker
Silverton Apr 24
Jay Leno
Mirage Apr 24 - 25
John Heffron
South Point Apr 24 - 26
Kenny Rogers
Orleans Hotel Apr 24 - 26
Mary Mary
Mandalay Bay Apr 24
Mocca
Cannery Casino Apr 24
The Tokens
Suncoast Hotel Apr 24 - 26
17th Annual Las Vegas City of Lights Jazz Festival
Clark County Amphitheatre Apr 25
Britney Spears w/ the Pussycat Dolls
MGM Grand Apr 25
Cher
Caesars Palace Apr 25 - 29
Kenny Chesney w/ Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum
Hard Rock Apr 25
Queensryche
Mandalay Bay Apr 25
Rick Springfield, Eddie Money, More . . .
Thomas & Mack Center Apr 25
The O'Jays
Cannery Casino Apr 25
Zac Brown Band
Boulder Station Apr 25
Reverend Horton Heat w/ Maniac Hispanic & Old Man Markley
Mandalay Bay Apr 26


And the last part of April, and going into May has:
David Spade Live
Venetian Resort Apr 30 - May 2
Howie Mandel
MGM Apr 30 - May 6
Kreator w/ Exodus, Belphegor, Warbringer & Epicurean
Mandalay Bay Apr 30
Black Label Society w/ Dope and Cycle of Pain
Mandalay Bay May 1
Boz Scaggs
Las Vegas Hilton May 1
Four Tops
Orleans Hotel May 1 - May 3
Las Vegas Tenors
Suncoast May 1 - May 3
Maxxis Mini Moto SX
Orleans Hotel May 1
Platinum Entertainment Boxing Event
South Point May 1
Robin Thicke & Jennifer Hudson
Palms May 1
Rusted Root
Hard Rock May 1
Tony Orlando
South Point May 1 - May 3
Viva! - Tribute to Santana
Cannery Casino May 1
Cher
Caesars Palace May 2 - May 24
Monster Energy Supercross
Sam Boyd Stadium May 2
Pacquaio vs. Hatton
MGM Grand May 2
Stephen Lynch
Mandalay Bay May 2
The Cult
Hard Rock May 2
War
Cannery Casino May 2
Static-X and Saliva w/ Burn Halo & the Flood
Mandalay Bay May 3