I just saw 'The Lion King’ production at MANDALAY BAY and it is a wonderful evening’s entertainment.  The elaborate costuming is superb. Actors as `Animals’ as large as a full grown elephant pass through the aisles of the audience as they move to the stage.  You are immersed in believing you are seeing real Giraffes, Hyenas, Lions, Tigers, and other wild animals moving about onstage in a African jungle. The Baboon singer opens the story and she is brilliant.  All in all, fabulous music, staging, costuming, effects and wonderful performances make this a sure fire hit.  It actually has been, as it has played around the world.  But, Vegas is another place that cannot be compared with anywhere else, as you never know what will succeed here.  I for one, believe it will be very successful, and I hope they keep prices with in reach of all in this economy, where money for shows are not the first thing on the list for the masses.  

 

Two top performers have joined together to give audiences a super live evening of entertainment.  Each one is a superstar and could headline a show alone, but together they bring a double threat performance. to the LAS VEGAS HILTON’s Shimmer Lounge in a show called “VOICES.”  I am talking about Earl Turner and Lani Masaluchi. Their stage presence and terrific talent are a perfect blend.

 

Earl’s singing and dance movements are remarkable, as is Lani’s voice and impersonations. Lani’s operatic singing tore the house down.  Earl and Lani indulge in affable conversations with the audience and Turner moves about the room making friends as he sings. Media was invited to a reception to meet and greet these wonderful performers that most of us knew from pervious shows they were in.  Make sure to see this show, you’ll love them. And, now you have a special opportunity to see this fabulous show as the show’s producers have decided to give audiences an entertainment stimulus package. When you buy a ticket for any Las Vegas show, concert or special event, use that ticket stub to receive a complimentary ticket to see “VOICES.” This offer is valid with the purchase of a full priced ticket, so grab a friend and bring your original ticket stub, within 30 days of the performance date printed on that stub, directly to the LV HILTON Box Office and you will receive your complimentary ticket to “VOICES.”  This offer continues until September 30.

 

IMPERIAL PALACE once again offers a sizzling summer season of the poolside, Imperial Hawaiian Luau. In its 18th year, the open-air dinner show for all ages, promises to be better than ever, with an all-you can eat buffet, all-you-can drink adult beverages and a souvenir Pagoda cup for every ticket holder. From the ten beautiful Pacific-Island dancers, to the sounds of the drums and conch shells, to the taste of the delicious Pacific-Island Cuisine, the IMPERIAL HAWAIIAN LUAU is a journey for all the senses. The 90-minute dinner show features live music and traditional dances and costuming from several of the Pacific Islands, including Hawaii, Tonga, Fiji and Samoa. The island-themed cuisine is a plentiful offering of roasted pig, seafood, an extensive dessert bar and many other island favorites. The Hawaiian Imperial Luau performs every Tuesday and Saturday thru  Sept. 29.

 

 

Las Vegas has a very bright cultural future on the world stage with the coming of THE SMITH CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS.. The Las Vegas City Council gave unanimous approval to several agenda items that clear the way for construction to begin. THE SMITH CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS is a public-private partnership that will become the centerpiece of cultural life in Las Vegas. Designed to address the cultural needs of the community, The SMITH CENTER will offer a blend of performances by local arts groups as well as first-run touring attractions. The 4.75-acre cultural complex will feature music, theater, and dance companies who celebrate cultures from all over the world.  

 

DANCING WITH THE LAS VEGAS STARS was such an interesting event.  Not only was the dancing great, but five charities benefitted, not only financially, but were able to give information about their organization to the audience.  What a pleasure watching my good friend from way back, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini win the coveted crown. He hasn’t aged a day and his dancing was superb.  You have to give Mayor Goodman credit for doing his “dance” as a mafia guy.  (Mayor, stick to your day job).  The others were: Chet Buchanan (came in 2nd), Zowie Bowie (Chris Phillip) and Brent Barrett.

 

 

XMen at HOOTERS makes the ladies sizzle.  Whooo!  Not only with their sensual dancing and disrobing, but they give lap dances as they venture into the audience. I saw guys there too who appreciated what was going on.  All in fun, if this is your kind of entertainment, you will certainly enjoy what these Xmen have to offer.

 

The landscape of Las Vegas entertainment is about to get a bit more freakish with O’SHEA's Casino show FREAKS.  The newest production by Anthony Cools, FREAKS features the most extreme “freakish” human behavior, including human shish-kabobs, glass eating, knife throwing and sword swallowing. The 70-minute variety show takes audiences on an emotional roller coaster, inspiring spectators to laugh, cry, squirm, cringe, gasp and applaud. FREAKS is an extremely adult-oriented production and includes partial nudity, adult language and graphic stunts. Audience members must be 18 years or older. 

 

If you like Reggae, get ready for this. The eighth annual Reggae in the Desert concert returns with a collection of well-known reggae acts including Ky-Mani Marley, Gregory Isaacs, Third World, Yellowman, One Pin Short and Jah Fusion. DJ Rhamma will spin tunes throughout the day and in between sets. Steve Edwards is the host for the event. The concert is set for Saturday, June 13 at the CLARK COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER AMPHITHEATER, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway in downtown Las Vegas. Doors open at 2 p.m. Tickets are $22 in advance and $25 the day of the show. Tickets are on sale now through all Ticketmaster outlets. 

 

Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation® is dedicated to making sure no child in America grows up hungry. Each spring, the nation’s hottest chefs and mixologists donate their time, talent and passion at more than 45 Taste of the Nation® events across the United States and Canada, with one goal in mind – to raise the critical funds needed to end childhood hunger. Since 1988, Taste of the Nation® has raised more than $70 million.

 

This year’s event at THE HARD ROCK featured Las Vegas’ most talented chefs and mixologists from AGO, Pink Taco, Rare 120, Hawaiian Tropic Zone, N9NE Steak House, Nove Italiano and more as they donated their time and talent to end childhood hunger in America. Guests also enjoyed the city’s best cuisine, wines and spirits while taking in entertainment by The Jeremy Cornwell Band. A live auction featured auctioneer Holly Madison.

 

While at THE HARD ROCK, I was fortunate to be invited to see the fabulous SANTANA’S Supernatural show. Carlos Santana and his amazing band tore the house down. Although the loud music can almost burst an eardrum, forget about it, as this is a show you won’t forget.  SANTANA’s Supernatural show has signed to be the HARD ROCK’s resident performer, so there will be plenty of dates for all to see and hear this magnificent show that performs music from SANTANA’s 40 year collection along with unreal background settings, lighting and more that cannot be beat. 

 

 

Now through June 30, PAMPAS BRAZILIAN GRILLE inside MIRACLE MILE SHOPS at PLANET HOLLYWOOD invites Dads to dine free in honor of Father’s Day. Those interested cab call 702 737 4748 or email saleslv@pampasusa.com to receive a complimentary $40 gift certificate.  PAMPAS BRAZILIAN GRILLE’s menu features succulent, Brazilian-inspired dishes.

 

For the perfect Father’s Day experience, The Auto Collections at IMPERIAL PALACE offers visitors the opportunity to view some of the world’s most desirable cars. On Sunday, June 21, Fathers and their guests are invited to experience The Auto Collections for free. The Auto Collections has gained worldwide attention with its impressive collection of 250 antique, classic, muscle, famous and infamous cars valued at more than $250 million. Visitors can stroll among a variety of automobiles, all for sale, making it the perfect Father’s Day destination.

 

GOLDEN RAINBOW celebrates LAS VEGAS ENTERTAINMENT in its 23RD ANNUAL “RIBBON OF LIFE” PRODUCTION SHOW This year’s HIV/AIDS Fundraising Spectacular will be performed on Sunday, June 28 at 1 p.m. at THE LAS VEGAS HILTON.  The annual “Ribbon of Life” is a completely original production show. The largest of its kind staged in Las Vegas, the production typically involves more than 200 performers from Las Vegas Strip shows and other theatrical organizations in the city. The show contains all original work that will only be seen only in this event. It is an  all-singing, all-dancing musical throwback to the heydays of Vegas.  All talent in the show donates their time and talents to the cause, and THE LAS VEGAS HILTON donated the theater space.

 

The 23rd annual “Ribbon of Life” is a fun dose of old Vegas nostalgia that will have audiences tappin’ their toes and singing along. Scheduled to appear are George Wallace, Human Nature, MTV’s Top Pop Group Mosaic and performers from Chapquist Entertainment, “Fantasy,” “Jersey Boys,” “Jubilee!,” “Ka,” “La Femme,” “Love,” “O,” “Phantom  the Las Vegas Spectacular” “Rich & Famous,” Searcy Entertainment, “Sin City Bad Girls,” “Voci Vegas” and “Zumanity.”

 

The thrilling show is staged in three acts, celebrating the fun Vegas entertainment traditions of Rock & Roll (complete with Elvis tribute), Supper Club and Motown. Directing are veteran Las Vegas performers Chris Coaley and Shannon Hardin.

 

Tickets are priced at $250, $200, $150, $100 and $50 and are available now at www.goldenrainbow.org by calling (702) 384-2899. All proceeds benefit Golden Rainbow’s mission to provide housing and direct financial assistance to Southern Nevadans living with HIV/AIDS and to support prevention education. 

 

“Ribbon of Life” sponsors include Las Vegas Hilton, Brendan Theatres, Century 21 MoneyWorld, Fladmo Family Foundation, HouseSeats, The Idea Factory, IGT, Imperial Royal Sovereign Court of the Desert Empire, John Kish Foundation, Orbitz, PR Newswire, Q Vegas, Sin City Real Estate, Southwest Airlines, Steinbeck Communications, St. Rose Dominican Hospitals, Vegas.com, VegasAuditions.com and Wells Fargo.

 

HAWAIIAN TROPIC ZONE Zone inside Miracle Mile Shops at PLANET HOLLYWOOD hosts a movie night every Tuesday and Sunday at 10 p.m. Catch the biggest blockbusters and beloved classics on HAWAIIAN TROPIC ZONE’s 36-foot tall plasma screen wall while snacking on complimentary popcorn. Tuesday nights feature newer releases while some of the most popular flicks from the past couple years are screened on Sunday. Guests must be 21 years of age or older.

 

Friends, families and neighbors can gather for a free film during Friday Family Flicks sponsored by PARADISE RECREATION CENTER, 4775 McLeod Dr. near Eastern  and Tropicana avenues in southeast Las Vegas. Films are shown at 6 p.m. every Friday from June 12 to Aug. 14. The films, all rated G or PG, will be shown in the comfort and air conditioning of the Recreation Center. Groups, couples and children with parental supervision can gather at the center and bring picnic dinners and snacks to enjoy during the movie. Although admission is free, pre-registration is required.  Additional information, along with the list of films scheduled for the series, can be found by calling Paradise Recreation Center at 455-7513 or visit the Web site at www.accessclarkcounty.com/parks. 

 

I’ve thrilled to this orchestra on PBS and now Las Vegas has a chance to see them in person.  Known as the “King of Waltz,” André Rieu and His Johann Strauss Orchestra brings his North American tour to the ORLEANS ARENA for an evening of uplifting entertainment, Wednesday, June 24 at 7 p.m.

 

A Dutch violinist, conductor and showman, Rieu opened his tour in Toronto this April. Fans across the United States and Canada anxiously await their chance to experience the classical musical talents of Rieu, who has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide, including 11 gold or platinum releases. Together with “His Johann Strauss Orchestra,” Rieu’s tour will cover five continents. In 1978 he formed the Johann Strauss Orchestra, which has grown from 12 to nearly 50 members. 

 

The 2nd Sunday of each month the LIBERACE FOUNDATION & MUSEUM is open with free museum admission to Nevada residents and their guests. Regular admission applies for non-residents.  Special entertainment and exhibits for all guests, and live entertainment featuring the Liberace “Music In The Museum” series.  Location:  Liberace Museum 1775 E. Tropicana Avenue at Spencer, Las Vegas.

 

The inaugural fundraising event of THE COLORS of LUPUS NEVADA, a local non-profit community organization dedicated to providing services to Nevadans infected by the Lupus disease will be held on June 27 at the TI-TREASURE ISLAND Ballroom.

 

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that is hard to detect, and has no cure. Monies from the fundraiser will stay in Las Vegas and go to ease the pain and facilitate helping people who have Lupus and no money.

 

The COLORS of LUPUS Gala will include a Cocktail Reception, Silent Auction,(Congresswoman Dina Titus will speak during the Silent Auction), Food-on-Foot, Dinner, Awards Ceremony and Entertainment.  Featured performers include: Magician Steve Dacri, Emcee; Terry Davis, Jr. and Band Singers: Grant Griffin, Jeneane Marie, Tony Sacca, Kelly Clinton; Contortionist Samson The Great; Violinists Olga Breeskin and Willy Wainwright; and Jose Fajardo’s Troupe of Mexican Folk Dancers with Mariachis.

 

The COLORS of LUPUS will honor nine community leaders whose support of Lupus has been invaluable. The 2009 diversity Award Honoree are:  Media  .....Chris Roman, V.P. & General Manager, Entravision Communication  Corporation Advocacy……...Maggie Arias-Petrel, CEO, Global Professional Consulting

 

Community…...Carolyne Sharp - Community Relations Specialist - NV Energy

Education .........Wayne Tanaka, Retired Clark County School Teacher,

Principal  and Administer 

Business ............Brian Greenspun, President, Las Vegas Sun

Healthcare.........Dr. Romualdo A. Aragon, Jr., Primary Care Physician

Humanitarian ..First Lady Dawn Gibbons

Politics ..............Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader

 

Tickets to the Gala are $50. Call Julie Gibbs at 630 3414 or 688 0951

 

Renewing its commitment to developing future hospitality professionals, officials from the EPICUREAN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION announced that the Foundation has awarded a record-number of eight local High School students with financial aid to attend a four-year accredited college or university anywhere in the country to major in hospitality or food and beverage programs.

 

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, THE MIRAGE is partnering with Walters Golf to offer guests a “stay and play” package available thru the end of the year.  The package allows guests to receive a 20% discount when booking a minimum three-night stay at THE MIRAGE and earn up to 40% off green fees at one of three select courses in town, including Bali Hai Golf Club, Royal Links Golf Club and Desert Pines Golf Club.

 

TMG Films and ELEVEN SPA VEGAS have announced plans to launch a brand new television show, “Meet at Eleven,” to air locally on FOX. The 30-minute celebrity lifestyle talk show will feature high-profile celebrities and prominent socialites talking exclusively with the “Meet at Eleven” host as they experience luxurious treatments and decadent pampering at ELEVENSPA VEGAS. In addition, ELEVENSPA VEGAS will donate $1,000 to the featured guest’s charity of choice in lieu of a celebrity appearance fee.