June '09 Entertainment—Jackie Brett Column

MICHAEL FLATLEY’S ‘LORD OF THE DANCE’ RETURNS

Michael Flatley's “Lord of the Dance” will return to the Las Vegas for a special limited engagement in the 425-seat Steve Wyrick Theatre at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood from June 25 through Aug. 16. Tickets are $59, $73, and $114 for VIP, call 800-210-0745. Shows are Tuesday through Saturday. “Lord of the Dance,” the international Irish dancing phenomenon that opened in Dublin in 1996, performed 2,000 shows during its five-and-a-half year residency at New York-New York that ended in April 2004. The touring production has played in more than 300 cities and 67 countries.

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS WILL PLAY HARD ROCK’S NEW JOINT JULY 2

Marking the first national tour for Stone Temple Pilots (STP) in almost eight years, the tour will bring the iconic band’s musicianship and live show to The New Joint at the Hard Rock on July 2. Tickets start at $45, call 800-745-3000.

Since they appeared on the scene in the early 90s, STP dominated the decade racking up 15 singles on the Billboard Top Ten, winning a “Best Hard Rock Performance” Grammy in 1994 for “Plush,” and having their five albums sell more than 35 million copies worldwide. The band quietly went their separate ways after their turn-of the millennium release of “Shangri-La Dee Da.”

BILL MAHER RETURNS TO THE ORLEANS

“Politically Incorrect” comedian and political commentator Bill Maher will return to The Orleans Showroom for three repeat 8 p.m. performances on July 3, 4 and 5. Tickets start from $54.95, call 702-365-7075.

Best known for his sharp political satire and sociopolitical commentary, HBO late-night talk-show host and comedian Maher began his stand-up career in 1979. For the last seven years, he’s done HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher” and overall garnered 21 Emmy nominations. In October 2008, Maher took a swipe at organized religion with “Religulous,” which went on to become the seventh-highest grossing documentary ever.

Maher has appeared in several films and written four bestsellers: “True Story,” “Does Anybody Have a Problem with That? Politically Incorrect’s Greatest Hits,” “When You Ride Alone, You Ride with Bin Laden” and most recently, “New Rules: Polite Musings from a Timid Observer.”

MIND READER LUKE JERMAY OPENS ‘MENTAL’ AT O'SHEAS

Marking his Las Vegas debut, mind reader Luke Jermay has opened “MENTAL” at O’Sheas Casino on the Strip. This UK native’s 75-minute production with a lot of audience participation is produced by Las Vegan Anthony Cools, who has his own hypnosis show at Paris Las Vegas. Jermay’s skill is manipulating and even implanting thoughts in the minds of others. Shows are at 7 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. Tickets are $29.95.

CANNERY HOSTS ANNUAL BLUES, BREWS & BBQ FESTIVAL

The Cannery in North Las Vegas will present the eighth annual Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival on Saturday, June 20 at The Club’s indoor/outdoor festival grounds starting at 5 p.m. Headlining entertainment will include Marcia Ball, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, John Lee Hooker, Jr. and Ironing Board Sam. Admission is $5 at the door. Ball, a Texas-born Grammy nominated musician, will offer a blend of southern boogie, roadhouse blues, heartfelt ballads and playful piano pounding. Ball will be singing tunes from her newest album, “Peace, Love and BBQ.”

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band established in 1977 is an eight-piece band that blends traditional New Orleans and modern jazz sounds. Their newest album made in 2006 is“What’s Going On.” Hooker Jr., the son of the great John Lee Hooker, was born in Detroit “Motor” City. By age 16, Hooker Jr. was able to develop his own sound and now has five albums under his belt. Ironing Board Sam, born Sammie Moore, formed his own band in 1959. Without regular legs to support his keyboard, he improvised and used an ironing board stand and earned his name. In 1974, he strapped the keyboard around his shoulders and walked around the club in New Orleans playing his tunes.

HIPPIE NATION™ GALLERY & RECORDS WAS UNVEILED DOWNTOWN

Fremont Street Experience and John Van Hamersveld, the “Official Artist of Summer of ’69,” have unveiled the Hippie Nation™ Gallery & Records featuring various works of art including concert posters and a collection of rare vinyl records. Located next to Mickie Finnz on Fremont Street, the themed store is part of Fremont Street Experience’s “Summer of ’69: Vegas or Bust” concert and event series taking a 40-year look back. The summer-long celebration runs through Labor Day weekend. The gallery is open by appointment only throughout the summer.

QUICK CLIPS

“Wheel of Fortune” will be filming four weeks of shows at The Venetian and The Palazzo on July 17, 18, 20 and 21.

Julien's Summer Sale auction being held at Planet Hollywood on June 26 and 27 will include items from Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe. Items can be viewed online or at the resort from June 13-25.

The “American Superstars” show at the Stratosphere is keeping up with the time by introducing a Carrie Underwood tribute with Felice Garcia filling the role. Other tributes in the show are portraying Elvis, Tim McGraw, Michael Jackson and a new Britney Spears.

The Happenings will be performing their international hit song, “See You in September,” at Marilyn’s Lounge inside the Eastside Cannery on Boulder Highway on Friday and Saturday, June 19-20. The song made in 1966 was their first single and “Go Away Little Girl” was next. Tickets are $10 at the front desk prior to the show.

Trader Vic’s at the Miracle Mile Shops will be closing and an announcement about a new concept will be made in the near future.

Trent Carlini, a famous Elvis tribute artist, has closed his show at the Steve Wyrick Theatre at the Miracle Mile Shops.

“ND's Fuego Show” at the Rio has closed.

The Divine Miss M., Bette Midler, commemorated a milestone on June 7 by celebrating her 100th performance of “The Showgirl Must Go On” at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Midler’s show is performed approximately 100 times a year.

Doyle Brunson and Mike Caro Power Poker Seminar series is talking place at Pavilion 9 inside the Rio convention area at 10 a.m. on June 13-14 and 27-28.

Caro, also known as “The Mad Genius of Poker” is the leading authority on poker strategy, psychology and statistics and will lead the seminars. Brunson will do Q&A. Seating is on a first-come first-served basis and admission (a $95 value) is free. A classic dinner show series with chef/owner Roberto Perotti will be taking place at La Scala restaurant at 1020 E. Desert Inn Road in the Mark 1 Tower. On June 14 and 28 at 4 and 7 p.m., “To Italy With Love” will feature Teddy Davey of the Las Vegas Tenors performing. Dinner, the show and a complimentary glass of wine or champagne are $50, call 702-699-9980 for reservations. Other dinner show dates are: July 12 and 19, and Aug. 9, 23 and 30.

Annie Duke of “The Celebrity Apprentice” will host The Summer of Poker Main Event-Kickoff Party at LAVO inside the Palazzo on Tuesday, June 30. Red Carpet arrivals are at 10 p.m. and doors will open at 11 p.m. Regular cover charges apply: Gentlemen $20, Ladies $10, locals free.

Fusing restaurant and ultra lounge CatHouse at the Luxor will present the Annual CatFight Competition on Thursday, June 18. The best Las Vegas dancers will compete to win a $2,500 cash prize.

Bonkerz Comedy Club at Palace Station rotates comics every week. Pam Matteson with Kathleen Dunbar will perform June 18-20. Shows are Thursdays at 8 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets are $29.95.

The Omelet House, a Las Vegas icon for 30 years, is opening a Downtown Las Vegas location at the Plaza. The new location with a nostalgic diner feel is opening this month inside the property’s front doors. The Omelet House also has hamburgers, appetizers and fun food. The original locations at 2160 West Charleston and

316 North Boulder Highway will remain open.

The Rockhouse Bar & Nightclub on the Strip in front of the Imperial Palace holds a ladies night party where women drink free from 10:30 p.m. to midnight every Thursday. On Thursday, June 18, the Rockhouse will promote “Jugs and Uggs,” hosted by Syrup Swimwear and sponsored by Ketel One. Women wearing bikini tops and Ugg boots will drink free from 4 p.m. until midnight.

The Hawaiian Tropic Zone inside Miracle Mile Shops is now hosting a movie night every Tuesday and Sunday at 10 p.m. Films are shown on a 36-foot tall plasma screen wall with free popcorn for snacking.

The Bullring, Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s NASCAR-sanctioned 3/8-mile asphalt oval, will kick off the Independence Day holiday weekend on Thursday, July 2, with its annual Night of Fire. The evening of family fun will include fireworks, the lightning-fast SMRA Supermodifieds, a spectacular dual jet-car burn, freestyle stunt street bikes and a drifting exhibition. For information, call 702-644-4444 or visit www.LVMS.com.

The Liberace Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts (www.Liberace.org), which has awarded more than $6 million in scholarships, is endorsing a collaboration with producer/lyricist Barbara Carole Sickmen of New York City to create, produce, and present a Broadway musical play based Liberace’s life and career. It is anticipated that the creative team will include composer Marvin Hamlisch (Chorus Line), playwright Roger O. Hirson (Pippin), and Sickmen, who has written the original concept and lyrics.

Jerry’s Nugget Casino in North Las Vegas features Motown acts in the Royal Street Theater on Friday nights from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. for a $5 cover charge. Latin Explosion from 10:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. is the Saturday night theme with Claudine Castro performing. Cover charge is $10 and $5 for single ladies. June 19 will mark the ninth annual Juneteenth Festival at Lorenzi Park celebrating the end of slavery and Jerry’s Nugget will host an after party with performers In A Fect. For information, visit jerrysnugget.com/entertainment

This summer, Monday through Friday in the bar area between 4:30 and 7 p.m. at Roy’s on Flamingo specialty cocktails, glasses of featured wines and six menu items for $5.

The City of Henderson will celebrate Independence Day with a star-spangled evening filled with a variety of family-friendly events, three stages with live music and a fireworks show on Saturday, July 4 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water Street. Admission and parking is free.

Ricardo’s Mexican Restaurant located at 4930 W. Flamingo Road is hosting a fundraising dinner from 6 to 10 p.m. for the Nevada Cancer Institute on Thursday, July 16. Ricardo’s will donate 30 percent of all sales that hone night to the Nevada Cancer Institute.

RUSS RIVAS HEADLINES RIVIERA COMEDY CLUB JUNE 29 – JULY 5

Russ Rivas will headline the Riviera Comedy Club with fellow comedians Gary Cannon and Boris Hamilton, June 29-July 5. Tickets are $24.99 for the 8:30 and

10:30 pm. nightly shows, call 702-794-9433.

Rivas has played the Stanford Comedy House and Laffs Club circuits and owns Laffs in Albuquerque, Froggy Bottoms in Lubbock, Texas, Pepperonis in Sioux City, Iowa, and Wise Crackers in Kankakee, Ill.

Cannon has worked with numerous comedians including Dana Carvey, David Allen Grier, Bob Saget, Damon Wayans and Ralphie May. He is currently performing in a two-man funny team with comedian Mitch Fatel through the end of 2009.

Boris has appeared on Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend,” “The Man Show” and NBC’s “Late Night With Conan O’Brien.” He’s also performed in ABC’s “Alias,” CBS’s “Judging Amy,” and the independent film “Life With Fiona.”