Menopause The Musical® has made the much-deserved move to the Las Vegas Strip at LUXOR inside the Atrium Showroom.  Over the course of the last three years in Las Vegas, this “little show that could” has performed 1,534 times and worldwide has played to more than 11 million people in 250 cities in 13 countries.  In Las Vegas alone, Menopause The Musical® has entertained nearly 500,000 guests.

 

Inspired by a hot flash and a bottle of wine, writer and producer Jeanie Linders created the show as a celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived “The Change.”  From its first performance, the show has evolved as a “grass-roots” movement of women who deal with life after 40 and all the challenges that result in the mental, physical and spiritual freedom of the post-World War II baby boomer generation.

 

 

Since 2001, Menopause The Musical® has amused and inspired audiences globally.  This hilarious show has launched a women’s movement that has superseded entertainment, empowered its audiences and become a must-see event.  Consisting of parodies from the classic songs of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, the show is filled with optimism, connection and laughter.  It had its modest debut on March 28, 2001 in a converted perfume shop in downtown Orlando, Fla.  After eight years with productions from Toronto to Texas as well as Off-Broadway to Australia, the curtain rises with consistent success.  The Las Vegas cast includes Queen Emily, a finalist in last year’s America’s Got Talent), as well as Paige O’Hara, the voice of Belle in the Disney classic Beauty and the Beast, local favorites Laura Lee O’Connell, Annette Verdolino, Cheryl Spencer, Sandra Benton and Lori Legacy.  Menopause The Musical® performs seven-days-a-week.  What a fun show, and guys love it too. Tickets priced at $49.95, not including applicable service charges and taxes may be purchased by calling (800) 557-7428 or (702) 262-4400.

 

International music sensation and “cuchi-cuchi girl” Charo has signed a long-term contract to perform her new show,  “Charo in Concert:  A Musical Sensation” at the RIVIERA Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas beginning Friday, July 10.

 

“Charo in Concert:  A Musical Sensation” will play Wednesday thru Monday at 7:30 PM and features Charo’s virtuoso Flamenco guitar, accompanied by a full orchestra performing her biggest hits, complemented by her dancers, lighting and special effects. Charo is an award-winning recording artist.  For decades Charo has been entertaining audiences around the world with her unique brand of hilarious comedy and unparalleled guitar playing, singing and performance skills. Since the 70's, Charo, the musician, singer, comedienne, stage and screen performer, has been an integral proponent of contemporary Latin music. The spotlight on Charo has been shining brighter than ever since her acceptance of the "Female Pop Album of the Year" award. She received this accolade at the Billboard International Latin Music Conference for her flamenco inspired platinum album, "Guitar Passion." Tickets are available at the Riviera Hotel Box Office, or via internet at www.rivierahotel.com or toll free at 877-892-7469.

 

Also new at the RIVIERA starting July 31 are SCARLETT AND HER SEDUCTIVE LADIES OF MAGIC. Red-hot illusionist/magician, Scarlett has successfully carved a unique niche for herself in a male dominated business. She has mastered some of the most difficult feats performed by the legendary Harry Houdini and Harry Blackstone, Jr. Scarlett has conquered the unimaginable by being handcuffed; feet shackled, dropped upside down and locked in bone-chilling water in an escape never intended for a woman.

 

Scarlett and Her Seductive Ladies of Magic bring an abra-ca-sexy element to the show, the beautiful dancers will be topless.  Scarlett performs 10 p.m. nightly (dark Friday). Tickets are GA $44.55 and VIP $53.64 plus tax and fee. All guests must be at least 18 years of age. 

 

Comedienne, double Emmy award winner, Grammy nominee and Star of Bravo’s Kathy Griffin: my Life on the D-Lister Kathy Griffin leaped to A-List when she was immortalized with her very own wax figure at Madam Tussauds at the VENETIAN.

Kathy attended the unveiling of her stature and her entrance was astonishing as she was carried in on a bed by four gorgeous hunks who were only wearing gold trunks. Kathy is a funny, funny lady, although quite risqué and often controversial.  I had a chance to meet with her and her boyfriend and when she heard I was the Dr. Ruth of Las Vegas, some sex questions came about. She was gracious enough to invite me to see her performance at Mandalay Bay. This is one hilarious lady, and she looks great.

 

The grand illusions of legendary Master Magician Lance Burton will continue to captivate and enchant audiences at Monte Carlo through 2015.  The signing of the new agreement comes at the completion of an already legendary 13-year run, which began the day the resort opened on June 21, 1996.  The addition of six more years celebrates one of the longest partnerships in the history of Las Vegas entertainment and promises Monte Carlo guests almost two decades of astounding performances and mesmerizing sleight-of-hand.  This announcement was made at a press conference where Mayor Oscar Goodman proclaimed that day as Lance Burton Day.

 

Lance Burton is now back after a two month hiatus doing his remarkable magic after breaking his foot during a performance which he competed, even though he was in terrific pain.  Ah yes, “The Show Must Go ON.”

 

The world’s most renowned saxophonist, Kenny G, returns to THE ORLEANS Showroom July 10, 11 and 12 at 8 p.m.  A longtime aviator, Kenny is no stranger to risk- taking.  After years of playing professionally with groups like Barry White’s Love Unlimited Orchestra and Jeff Lorber Fusion, Kenny signed with Artista Records in

1982 and three critically-acclaimed jazz albums later, he was on his way to stardom.

 

Kenny’s big moment came in 1988 on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. That night he launched into “Songbird,” the landmark of his fourth album Duotones, and a star was born.  From there, Kenny went on to become a multi-platinum sensation, collaborating with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Natalie Cole and Frank Sinatra.  His next studio albums, Silhouette and Breathless were extremely successful, the latter becoming the biggest selling instrumental record in U.S. history with more than 12 million copies sold.

 

With each new recording, Kenny begins from a personal place — the sounds that move him. On his most recent album, Rhythm and Romance, Kenny ventures into uncharted creative territory with his first Latin Jazz release.  Over the past two decades, Kenny has established himself as the top-selling instrumental musician of the modern era with global sales totaling more than 75 million albums, with 45 million sold in the United States alone.

 

Actor Don Cheadle and poker pro Annie Duke co-hosted the third annual Ante Up For Africa tournament at THE RIO. Since 2007 this event has raised nearly $2.5 million to build awareness for the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, Sudan, and support those who are victimized by it. Everyone who participated in Ante Up For Africa paid a $5,000 entry fee and was encouraged to donate a portion of any winnings for the immediate benefit of ENOUGH and the International Rescue Committee. Last night’s winner – Alex Bolotin of Brooklyn, NY – donated half of his winnings. In all, the third annual Ante Up For Africa raised  $362,000.

 

In addition to Cheadle and Duke, prominent names who participated in the event include:Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Charles Barkley, Jason Alexander, Hershel Walker, Brad Garrett, Cedric the Entertainer, Jennifer Tilly, Sarah Silverman, Montel Williams, and poker greats such as Chris “Jesus” Ferguson, Phil Hellmuth, Joe Hachem, Jennifer Harman and Phil Gordon.

Grammy winner Larry Hart’s Concert of “Praise” – An Irreverently Reverent GOSPEL Experience returns by popular demand to the Showroom at SOUTHPOINT Hotel Casino on Sunday, July 12 at 2 p.m. Praise has been described as “Pussycat Dolls for Jesus.”  The show stars Larry Hart, special guest Darcus Speed, six sensational female singers in designer costumes and a special appearance by Toni Hart.   “Praise” is inspired by the world’s 10 major religions and in a fun and entertaining way celebrates the rural roots of gospel music while fusing it with the idea of higher consciousness.  The original 90-minute, fully orchestrated non-secular musical was written and conceived by Larry Hart, who is a multi-platinum and Grammy winning recording artist.  “Praise” is a condensed version of a future Broadway show.

 

Special guest Las Vegas legend Darcus Speed will join the cast for this performance. The rest of the over-the-top experienced singing cast, each with their own stand-alone career, includes: former Shirelle Diane Spann, five-octave wonder Nikki Logan, country dynamo Jennifer Weatherly, commercial and casino lounge singer Jeneane Marie, jazz vocalist Paris Red and Korean-American songstress Jenevi.  The ladies’ outfits are another show-stopping element.  The designer costumes by Lorenzo Valentino and Michael Flach feature vintage Escada, Chanel, Oscar de La Renta, Bob Mackie, Givenchy, Yves St. Laurent, Dior, St. John, Anna Nateece and some Ross Dress for Less. Tickets with tax included are $25, $30, and $35; call the South Point box office at 702-797-8055 or 1-866-796-7111.

 

CANNERY CASINO & HOTEL host The Fab who will perform one of the Beatles’ finest albums, Abbey Road, in its entirety on Friday, July 31 at 8 p.m. With authentic sound and genuine talent, The Fab, one of the finest Beatles tribute bands will perform many of the Beatles’ greatest hits including “Come Together,” “Something,” and “Oh! Darling.” Abbey Road is the last album to be recorded by the Beatles and is a return to the group’s original sound. The special performance will be held in The Club.  Admission is $10 at the door.

 

The LAS VEGAS HILTON opened its free to the public annual “Cool By The Pool” Happy Hour at its third-floor pool deck overlooking the Las Vegas Strip skyline.  Hours are 4 p.m.-8 p.m. daily. “Cool by the Pool,” features live entertainment (5:30 p.m-8 p.m.) from Tommy Rocker, Kenny Owen and Bert Lynch, two-for-one drinks, $2 shrimp cocktails and $3 ceviche. Daily drawings (7 p.m.) offer show tickets, dinners, and souvenir cocktails.

 

THE VILLAGE at LAKE LAS VEGAS and the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Southern Nevada (MDA) host the Vino di Lago wine tasting event. Saturday, July 18

 

Tickets for Vino di Lago are available at the event for $25 per person with proceeds benefiting the MDA. Tickets can be purchased at https://secure.mdausa.org/mdavinodilago

 

The Village Vino di Lago monthly wine tasting event is the perfect evening for wine enthusiasts to experience wines from vineyards across the country. Guests can stroll through The Village visiting the many stores or dine in one of the culinary hotspots.

 

Auld Dubliner restaurant/pub will host a Leprechaun Luau from– 5 p.m. to 1 a.m with live entertainment by the JV All-Starz, a pineapple eating contest, hula hoop contest and much more. Fun drinks such as Primo Hawaiian Lager and Pyramid Curveball Summer Blonde Ale are only $5. Traditional Hawaiian barbecue will be on the menu including, Huli-Huli chicken, coconut creamed corn, Kulua roasted suckling pig, Luau fried rice and oven roasted pineapple with caramel and vanilla bean over fry bread.

 

Local jazz artist, Boy Kantindig, will be performing lakeside at the free “Jazz on the Lake” concert from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

 

Additional Vino di Lago events this year will be held on the following Saturdays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.: August 15, September 12 and October 10. Afternoon wine tastings, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., will be held on November 21 and December 19.

 

FIRST FOOD & BAR opened in the Shoppes at the Palazzo and what a place it is.  Open from Breakfast to really really late late night. This is a hip, yet comfortable restaurant and lounge that has the vibe of a late-late night spot blended with the casualness of a local eatery. FIRST caters to those who stagger in to feed their late- night cravings as well as those looking for an early breakfast or mid-day business lunch.  FIRST is huge, with high open ceilings and has tribal tattoo imagery embedded in the floor.  The furniture mashes up styles that are modern, vintage and gothic set to a palette of dark, warm colors, making the more than 10,000 square foot restaurant feel intimate and edgy. Chef Sam DeMarco( aka Chef Sammy D.) Executive Chef of FIRST FOOD &  BAR is no stranger to creating a late-night destination.  He put industry dining on the map in the ‘90’s with the opening of FIRST in New York that became a mecca for NYC society.

 

Hawaiian Tropic Zone inside Miracle Mile Shops invites singers and song-lovers to discover their inner rockstars on the Las Vegas Strip with karaoke tournaments beginning at 10 p.m. every Thursday and Sunday. Brave souls can step into the spotlight and show off their talents by choosing from more than 275,000 songs to perform on Hawaiian Tropic Zone’s strip-side patio. Guests must be 21 years of age or older. On the heels of their sold-out engagement at the SUNCOAST earlier this year,

 

The Scintas bring their high-energy, one-of-a-kind musical act back to the SUNCOAST Showroom, July 17, 18 and 19. The Scintas, Buffalo, New York-raised brothers Joey and Frankie, sister Chrissi and “Irish Scinta” Peter O’Donnell, entertain, surprise and provide an anything-but-typical performance filled with music, comedy and impersonations. A family on stage and off, The Scintas often welcome their mother Mary Scinta, affectionately known as “Mama Scinta,” and their brother Tony, a retired Buffalo homicide detective, and his family, as special guests at their shows.

 

Tickets are now available starting from $29.95, plus tax. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 702.636.7075 or visiting www.suncoastcasino.com.

 

Eighteen of Southern Nevada’s finest firefighters put themselves on the line – for a good cause – at the 10th Annual Fire & Rain Firefighter Bachelor Auction, held at RAIN Nightclub inside the Palms Casino Resort.  The Firefighter Bachelor Auction yielded more than 700 attendees and raised $55,000 for the Firefighters of Southern Nevada Burn Foundation and the UMC Burn Center.

 

The finalists of Hip Hop International’s 8th Annual United States and World Hip Hop Dance Championships, the most thrilling live event in urban street dance, compete at the ORLEANS ARENA August 2.  World champion Philippine Allstars will defend their title as nearly 2,000 dancers from around the globe compete for world street dance supremacy in this exhilarating show of talent and athleticism. A testament to the growing popularity of hip hop, this year’s event features the largest roster of dancers in the competition’s history. Dance crews representing more than 30 nations will compete in preliminary rounds in late July. The crews will showcase their best skills with the hope of advancing to the finals at the ORLEANS ARENA, where they’ll battle for World titles in a high-energy evening hosted by comedian Chris Spencer, who has multiple television, film, writing and producing credits including Significant Others, Soul Food, The Jamie Foxx Show, BET’s Comic View and HBO’s Def Comedy Jam.

 

The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are now on sale, and are priced at $39.50 and $59.50, inclusive of tax. Tickets can be purchased at the Orleans Arena Box Office by calling 702.284.7777 or by visiting www.orleansarena.com.