July is the hottest month of the year according to all of the records kept in Las Vegas, but oddly enough, we have escaped the blistering heat of June and are just now getting into the hot weather. It's been an odd year...so there is no predicting what this July will bring...ok, we know a little bit...it will be hot, just maybe not as hot as usual...which by the way is still hot. We pride ourselves that it's a "dry" heat, but it's still hot. We thank God for the invention of air conditioning, and we curse the Devil for the invention of power bills. Sunscreen and water are essentials during this time of year...don't leave home without them. The best place to be is inside a casino or a showroom.  When the tourists are not inside; they'll be hanging out on the Strip suffering from heat exhaustion, or by the pool getting sun burnt. It's a great time to really enjoy the beautiful summer nights.

The fourth of July is going to be huge this year...especially since it lands on a Saturday. Our Independence Day is bigger and better here than just about anywhere else in the country, and because it's on a Saturday, all of the stops are being pulled out. The entire valley is going to part of this celebration. Over a quarter of a million people are expected to be visiting here on the fourth, and if you are anywhere near, or in view of, the Strip you are in for an amazing fireworks display.  There are events planned all over the city, and it will be almost impossible to miss.

One of the more interesting events on the Fourth will be the Death Drop by Steve Wyrick in front of Planet Hollywood. The event will be accompanied by Likon Park and features Steve being dangled high above the Strip on a crane and then dropped...how great is that? And it's free.

The purchase of the "sane and safe" fireworks are legal in Clark County, the local fire departments are hoping that few indulge themselves. After having a dry spring, there is a lot of fuel for a fire. Wildfires have already been plaguing the southwest, and no one wants the situation to be worsened by additional fires caused by the fireworks. "Insane and Unsafe" fireworks are available outside of the county, but are illegal in Clark County...Do everyone and yourself a favor-watch one of the planned displays.

The now singularly named, Scarlett, is opening her new show at the Riviera on July 1st. This is a new deviation for the red-haired illusionist/magician. Scarlett has gone through several changes since she arrived in town, hopefully honing in on the elements that will truly allow her to stand apart. She was initially Scarlett the Deceiver, and then became Scarlett – Princess of Magic, and now she is simply, Scarlett. She has worked hard to carve a niche for herself in a male dominated business. Scarlett will be in the Versailles Theatre at the Riviera, and she will bring her "Seductive Ladies of Magic" to the new show called, "Abracasexy." (not a fan of the title, but that's what it is...) The show will play after the production of "Ice," and the dancers will also perform topless.
 

"Sgt. Pepper Live," featuring Cheap Trick, will be presented at the Las Vegas Hilton September 13-15, 17-19 and 21-23. The performances, with special musical guests to be announced, will feature a full symphony orchestra. "One of America's greatest bands ever, doing their live interpretation of this classic rock album, an album nobody believed could be performed outside the recording studio, sets a new standard for rock and entertainment in Las Vegas," said Ken Ciancimino, executive vice president of the Las Vegas Hilton. In contrast to other shows in Las Vegas, tickets will be priced affordably, starting at $65. Previous performances of "Sgt. Pepper Live" featuring Cheap Trick drew tens of thousands of fans for sold-out performances in Los Angeles, selling more than 53,000 tickets.

Michael Flatley's "Lord of the Dance" returns to the Las Vegas Strip for a special limited engagement with its eclectic blend of Celtic dance in the intimate 425 seat, state of the art Steve Wyrick Theatre at Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. The performances run through August 16. "This intimate theatre setting for Lord of the Dance is one of the most incredible audience opportunities I have ever seen in my 11 years of working with this remarkable show," said Bob Cayne, promoter and president of Global Entertainment Group. "Las Vegas will be the only place in the world to experience this stunning and energetic Irish dancing, dramatic music, colorful costumes up close and personal." Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance, the international Irish dancing phenomenon, performed 2000 shows during its five and a half year residency on the Las Vegas Strip that ended in April 2004. The touring production has played in more than 300 cities, 67 countries and traveled a distance equivalent to circling the world three times. Flatley opened the show in Dublin in 1996.

The Limp Bizkit concert scheduled for Friday, July 10 at Mandalay Bay Beach has been cancelled. Tickets can be refunded at place of purchase. 

Comedian and celebrity roaster Vinnie Favorito will bring his racy and quick-witted comedy to the poker table as he competes in this year's World Series of Poker Main Event. The force-to-be-reckoned-with Favorito will be one of over 6,000 other expected poker players at the 2009 World Series of Poker Main Event at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino on Monday, July 6.  The WSOP Main Event has four starting days this year, July 3 through 6, with Favorito choosing to play on the last day, Day 1D on July 6.  This marks Favorito's third time participating in the tournament in Las Vegas.

BRITNEY SPEARS, in association with AEG Live, is bringing "The Circus Starring Britney Spears" back to Canada and the United States later this summer.  Currently touring Europe, Spears will return to North America to perform in 20 cities, including two performances at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27.  Both shows are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

The nationally renowned Motown Revue "Hitzville - The Show" starring Jin Jin Reeves returns to the Harmon Theater July 1. The show had a successful eight-month run at the Harmon Theater. It just completed a previously scheduled tour across the United States. 

"Hitzville - The Show" is a journey through time with the music that made a city come alive. The show features hits made famous by Tina Turner, The Temptations, Gladys Knight, The Supremes, The Four Tops and more.  The revue features a cast of talented, accomplished performers that include a trio of women, a quartet of men and the seven-member Hitzville Band.

Comedy magician Mac King will travel to Beijing, China to participate in the 24th Annual World FISM (Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques or International Federation of Magic Societies) Championships Sunday, July 26 through Friday, July 31. The World FISM Championship of Magic will host more than 2,000 magicians from around the world participating for titles of the World's Best in categories such as card magic, manipulation and stage illusions, to name a few. King will participate as a guest performer during the six-day event in Beijing. This will be the first time that Mac King has participated in the FISM Championships since 2000 when the event was held in Portugal.

As one of the longest-running shows on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, the retro-glam showgirl extravaganza Jubilee! at Bally's Las Vegas has entertained more than 11 million guests. On July 31 the show celebrates 28 years of gorgeous showgirls, lavish costumes, dazzling scenery, world-renowned specialty acts, dynamic music and graceful pageantry. Conceived, staged and directed by the legendary Donn Arden, who brought the spectacular French-style revue "Lido de Paris" to Las Vegas, Jubilee! is an elaborate stage production. To commemorate the anniversary Bally's Las Vegas is offering a special hotel package. The glamorous getaway includes a minimum two night hotel stay in a Bally's deluxe room appointed in an art deco style, two tickets to Jubilee!, 2-for-1 Bally's Spa entrance and $50 dining credit.

Back by popular demand, Primm Valley Casino Resorts again offers Nevada residents a free vacation available Thursday, June 18  - Thursday, July 9, 2009. Guests must book their FREECATION by calling 1.800.FUNSTOP (1.800.386.7867) or visiting www.primmspecials.com.

Primm Valley Casino Resorts' FREECATION includes:

*  $50 free play valid at Primm Valley, Buffalo Bill's and Whiskey Pete's
*  Two all attraction passes, which include admission to the Adventure Canyon Log Flume, Turbo Drop and the Desperado Roller Coaster at Buffalo Bill's
*  Two free drinks at the world famous Tree Bar inside Buffalo Bill's
*  Two for one breakfast buffet at Miss Ashley's inside Buffalo Bill's
*  Two for one lunch buffet at Miss Ashley's inside Buffalo Bill's
*  Two for one dinner buffet at Miss Ashley's inside Buffalo Bill's
*  Complimentary appetizer with dinner at GPs inside Primm Valley
*  Two nights FREE accommodations at Buffalo Bill's

It is a great deal and a lot of fun to get away from the city.

This is going to be a big month in Las Vegas...

Continuing events include:
Las Vegas 51s AAA Baseball
Cashman Center Apr 17 - Sep 3
The Las Vegas Comedy Show
Alexis Park Resort May 19 - Dec 31
2009 World Series of Poker
Rio May 27 - Jul 15
Asset Thursdays at Bare
Mirage June 18 - Sep 7
Azure at the Palazzo
Palazzo Resort June 19 - Sep 7
Ditch Fridays
Palms Casino June 19 - Sep 7
Daylife Sundays
MGM Grand June 21 - Sep 7
Rehab
Hard Rock June 21 - Sep 27
Sunset Sessions at Tao Beach
Venetian Resort June 21 - Sep 1
Relapse Mondays at the Go Pool
Flamingo June 22 - Sep 7
Wet Grooves at Daydream
M Resort June 25 - Sep 7

The first week will have...
Andrew Dice Clay
Planet Hollywood Jul 2 - Jul 5
Annual Night of Fire at the Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Las Vegas Motor Speedway Jul 2
Stone Temple Pilots
Hard Rock Jul 2
All-American Rejects
Mandalay Bay Jul 3
Bill Maher
Orleans Hotel Jul 3 - Jul 5
Creedence Clearwater Revisited
Las Vegas Hilton Jul 3
Idolized
South Point Jul 3 - Jul 5
Jamie Foxx
Hard Rock Jul 3 - Jul 4
Jay & the Americans
Cannery Casino Jul 3
Jay-Z
Palms Casino Jul 3 - Jul 4
Jeff Dunham
Caesars Palace Jul 3 - Jul 4
Kathy Griffin Live
Mandalay Bay Jul 3
Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr
Suncoast Hotel Jul 3 - Jul 5
Summer of 69: American Pie 4th of July
Fremont Street Experience Jul 3 - Jul 5 Free
4th of July Freedom Fireworks Extravaganza
M Resort Jul 4 Free
4th of July with Mystic Roots & Fireworks
Mandalay Bay Jul 4
Arrival - Music of Abba Tour
Cannery Casino Jul 4
City of Henderson Independence Day Celebration
Henderson Events Plaza Jul 4 Free
Death Drop by Magician Steve Wyrick
Planet Hollywood Jul 4 FREE
Fireworks by Station Casinos
Red Rock Casino Jul 4
July 4th Celebration at The Village
The Village at Lake Las Vegas Jul 4 Free
Las Vegas Gun Show
Sport Center of Las Vegas Jul 4 - Jul 5
Uncle Sam's Comedy Jam w/ Michael Epps
Orleans Hotel Jul 4

The second week includes:
Kid's Artistic Revue National Western Finals Dance Competition
MGM Grand Jul 5 - Jul 10
Drums Along the Strip
Sam Boyd Stadium Jul 6
Howie Mandel
MGM Grand Jul 9 - Jul 15
2009 NBA Summer League
Thomas & Mack Center & Cox Pavilion Jul 10 - Jul 19
Blazed and Confused w/ Slightly Stoopid and Snoop Dogg
Buffalo Bill's Jul 10
Duran Duran
Palms Casino Jul 10
Jack Jones
South Point Jul 10 - Jul 11
Kenny G
Orleans Hotel Jul 10 - Jul 12
Las Vegas Annual World Folk Festival
Fitzgeralds, Circus Circus & Fremont Street Experience Jul 10 - Jul 11
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Mandalay Bay Jul 10
Society of Seven w/ Jamine Trias
Suncoast Hotel Jul 10 - Jul 12
The Roots
Hard Rock Jul 10
ABC, Wang Chung, Missing Persons and Cutting Crew
M Resort Jul 11
Adler's Appetite w/ Steven Adler formerly of Guns & Roses
Santa Fe Station Jul 11
Blues Traveler
Silverton Hotel Jul 11
Disco Ball w/ the Village People, Gloria Gaynor, Tayares, & the Trammps
Orleans Hotel Jul 11
Incubus w/ the Duke Spirit
Hard Rock Jul 11
Joe w/ Chico Debarge
Mandalay Bay Jul 11
Little Anthony & the Imperials
Cannery Casino Jul 11
New Kids On the Block
Palms Casino Jul 11
Ottmar Liebert
Boulder Station Jul 11
UFC 100 Closed Circuit Viewing
Mandalay Bay Jul 11
Praise - A Gospel Experience
South Point Casino Jul 12

The Third week will feature:
Rise Against w/ Rancid and Billy Talent
Hard Rock Jul 13
David Copperfield
MGM Grand Jul 16 - Jul 29
Drive-In Movies: You Don't Mess with the Zohan
Mandalay Bay Jul 17 - $10 (2 free drinks)
Il Divo
Mandalay Bay Jul 17
Jay Leno
Mirage Jul 17 - Jul 18
Lonestar
Buffalo Bill's Jul 17
Pepper
Hard Rock Jul 17
The Fray with Jack's Mannequin
Palms Casino Jul 17
The Scintas
Suncoast Hotel Jul 17 - Jul 19
Demi Lovato w/ David Archuleta
Orleans Hotel Jul 18
Jewel
Aliante Station Jul 18
Keith Urban w/ Glen Campbell
Mandalay Bay Jul 18
Laughing with Samoans
Palms Casino Jul 18
Ratt and Extreme
Hard Rock Jul 18
Summer of 69: Man on the Moon
Fremont Street Jul 18
Tears for Fears
Green Valley Ranch Jul 18
The Rip Chords and Endless Summer Band featuring Al Jardine
Cannery Casino Jul 18 Free
Clutch
Mandalay Bay Jul 19

The fourth week has...
Trapt
Mandalay Bay Jul 22
Asher Roth and Kid Cudi with special guests B.o.B. and Pac Div
Mandalay Bay Jul 23
Blink-182 w/ Motion City Soundtrack & Valencia
Hard Rock Jul 23
Blink-182 w/ Motion City Soundtrack & Chester French
Hard Rock Jul 24
Counting Crows w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead and Augustana
Red Rock Casino Jul 24
Dana Carvey
Orleans Hotel Jul 24 - Jul 26
Lacuna Coil with Kill Hannah, Seventh Void, and Dommin
Mandalay Bay Jul 24
Lionardo Piano Follies
Suncoast Hotel Jul 24 - Jul 26
Sugarland
Buffalo Bill's Jul 24
The Wiggles Go Bananas!
Cox Pavilion Jul 24
Unwritten Law
Hard Rock Jul 24
Aerosmith w/ ZZ Top
MGM Grand Jul 25
Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire
Hard Rock Jul 25
Endurocross
Orleans Hotel Jul 25
Fabulous Thunderbirds
Silverton Hotel Jul 25
Gabriel Iglesias
Palms Casino Jul 25
George Thorogood and Johnny Lang
Buffalo Bill's Jul 25
Maxxis Endurocross
Orleans Hotel Jul 25
Mel Tillis & Pam Tillis
Cannery Casino Jul 25
Nat & Alex Wollf
Mandalay Bay Jul 25
Slaughter
Sunset Station Jul 25
Summer of 69: Man on the Moon
Fremont Street Jul 25
DevilDriver w/ Emmure, Despised Icon, My Children My Bride, Veil of Maya
Mandalay Bay Jul 26

The last week of the month and into August will have...
The 8th Annual World Hip Hop Dance Championship
Loews Lake Las Vegas Spa Resort Jul 27 - Aug 1
Cross Canadian Ragweed
Mandalay Bay Jul 29
Huey Lewis & the News
Buffalo Bill's Jul 29
Beyonce
Encore Las Vegas Jul 30 - Aug 2
Rodney Carrington
MGM Grand Jul 30 - Aug 5
Glasvegas
Mandalay Bay Jul 31
Imelda Papin and Melissa Manchester
Orleans Hotel Jul 31 - Aug 2
Jay Leno
Mirage Jul 31 - Aug 1
Jerry Seinfeld
Caesars Palace Jul 31 - Aug 1
John Caparulo
South Point Jul 31 - Aug 1
Robert Dubac's The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron?
Suncoast Hotel Jul 31 - Aug 2
The Fab
Cannery Casino Jul 31
The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron?
Suncoast Hotel Jul 31 - Aug 2
War, Tierra & El Chicano
Buffalo Bill's Jul 31
A Musical Tribute to Sarann Knight Preddy
South Point Aug 1
Crossroads of the West Gun Show
Tropicana Las Vegas Aug 1
Crüe Fest 2 Starring Mötley Crüe
Hard Rock Aug 1
Dave Koz & Brian Culbertson - Side-by-Side
Texas Station Aug 1
Grand Funk Railroad
Aliante Station Aug 1
Jonas Brothers with special guest Jordin Sparks
Mandalay Bay Aug 1
Little River Band
Cannery Casino Aug 1
Rod Stewart
MGM Grand Aug 1
The Full Moon Crazy Tour F/T Honor Society
Mandalay Bay Aug 1
The Wailers
Mandalay Bay Aug 1
Lisa Williams - Medium & Clairvoyant
Las Vegas Hilton Aug 2
World Hip Hop Dancing Championships
Orleans Hotel Aug 2