April '10 Entertainment—Chuck Rounds' Las Vegas Entertainment News Column

April 2010

S
pring is in the air, and Las Vegas will be enjoying some of the best weather of the year. We have gotten a lot of rain this year and everything in sight is in bloom—allergy sufferers beware...bring the Claritin. Things are in flux—both in the weather and in the entertainment world.

It is an interesting April...this month marks the seventh year anniversary of the war in Iraq—seven years! There have been some signs that things are turning around economically—they may be small signs, but we’ll take whatever we can get. 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.

However...all of that said, April is one of the best months of the year. I love the springtime in Las Vegas. It’s wonderful to be outside—it makes you feel alive—and in spite of everything, new shows have just opened, 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—partly thanks to the trouble in Mexico, people are staying more domestic this year (April Fool’s day is especially notable in Las Vegas when it coincides with spring break...a lot of vacationing students will truly make fools of themselves). Easter is just around the corner, the entertainment is great...it’s actually a wonderful time to visit.

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 “The Lion King” were chosen as the best production shows, Cher and Bette Midler as the best all-around performer, Carrot Top and Lily Tomlin as best comedian, and Lance Burton and David Copperfield as best magician. Best showgirls went to “Jubilee!” and “Bette Midler’s, The Showgirl Must Go On,” best singer went to Bette Midler and Human Nature, best male strip show went to “Chippendales,” and best bargain show went to Mac King and American Superstars.

Good picks, but...I think the best production shows are “Jersey Boys,” and “Le Reve.” George Wallace should be included in the best comedian category. Mac King and Penn & Teller 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, Santana, or even Donny and Marie.

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 “Sin City Bad Girls,” “V,” and “Matsuri.”

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. This is their fifth straight victory in this category.

Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada celebrates the 35th Annual UNLVino® April 8th–10th 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. Bally’s Las Vegas will host the signature UNLVino® event in 2010, The Grand Tasting.

Now in its 13th 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 was moved to a larger venue—The Orleans, another Boyd Gaming property. This four-day event begins Thursday, April 1st 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.

Delighting audiences of all generations and musical tastes, The Las Vegas Tenors bring their diverse repertoire of Broadway, R&B, opera and pop numbers to the Suncoast Showroom April 23, 24 and 25. Originally formed in 2005 by Bill Fayne, Bobby Black and Teddy Davey, The Las Vegas Tenors have been packing showrooms and entertaining standing-room-only crowds. The current incarnation of the trio includes original members Black and Davey, along with new addition Chris Coyne. The Las Vegas Tenors have been praised by entertainment writers and music legends alike.

Following multiple successful engagements in The Orleans Showroom in 2009, five-time Emmy Award winner and crowd favorite Dennis Miller brings his hilarious stand-up routine back to venue, April 16, 17 and 18. Celebrated as a witty comedian with an entertaining and intriguing stand-up routine, Miller keeps audiences laughing with his irreverent observations.

Academy Award winner and Grammy nominee Steven Wright brings his trademark wit, absurdist one-liners and monotone voice to The Orleans Showroom, April 10 and 11. Beginning his comedy career at the age of 23 as a regular performer at Ding Ho’s Comedy Club and Chinese Restaurant in Cambridge, Mass., Wright got his first big break and was booked on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Following his on-air performance Wright was invited to return the following week for a rare back-to-back performance, launching his career into high gear. In 1985, Wright received a Grammy nomination for his debut album, I Have a Pony, and one for its sequel, I Still Have a Pony 22 years later. Following his second nomination, he was named the first inductee into The Boston Comedy Hall of Fame. In 1989, he received an Academy Award for Best Short Film for his satiric film, The Appointments of Dennis Jennings, which he co-starred and wrote.

X Burlesque just celebrated its third anniversary at Flamingo Las Vegas by unveiling an “enhanced” version of the sexy revue featuring new dancers, new numbers, new costumes and new temptations. Performed in the intimate setting inside Bugsy’s Cabaret, the “X” Girls strip away their inhibitions to such new numbers as Britney Spears’ energetic “3” in honor of their three years at Flamingo and kick off the show in style to a new pulse-pounding opening set to Metallica’s “Roam,” where the girls come to life through a picture frame. Snow, pole tricks and a hot hip-hop medley are just some of the other additions to the show while fan favorites such as the bathtub and the bungee-ballet number remain in the line-up.

Blending elements of rock, pop and punk into a genre fans love, one of the top bands that came out of the ’70s, Cheap Trick, performs at Aquarius Casino Resort on Saturday, April 24 at 9 p.m. On the music scene for more than 35 years, the group has sold upwards of 20 million records and received 40 gold and platinum recording awards. Hailed as #25 on VH1’s List of 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock, Cheap Trick gained international success when their live concert album titled “Cheap Trick at Budokan” was released in 1978. The album went triple platinum in the United States and spawned the international smash hit “I Want You to Want Me.” Celebrating their 35th anniversary together, the original lineup of the band is still intact with lead vocalist Robin Zander, guitarist Rick Nielsen, bassist Tom Peterson, and drummer Bun E. Carlos.

Golden Nugget Las Vegas headliner Gordie Brown just celebrated his one-year anniversary. The impressionist/singer entertained more than 100,000 people during his first year, tallying more than 250 performances of his acclaimed show, Gordie Brown Live. Brown began performances in the newly named Gordie Brown Showroom after touring with Celine Dion on her North American tour in 2008 and early 2009.

Terry Fator also celebrated his one-year anniversary at the Mirage.

The Clark County Fair & Rodeo is at Clark County Fairgrounds Apr 8th to 11th. 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:
Las Vegas Wranglers
Orleans Hotel Through Apr 3
Barry Manilow
Paris Las Vegas Through May 8
David Copperfield
MGM Grand Through Apr 28
Mark Curry
Las Vegas Hilton Through Apr 4
Viva Las Vegas! Rockabilly Weekend
Orleans Hotel Apr 1–5
Aaron Kwok
Encore Las Vegas Apr 2
Chicago
Las Vegas Hilton Apr 2–3
Golden Boy Boxing
Hard Rock Hotel Apr 2
Jay Leno
Mirage Apr 2–3
Aaron Kwok
Encore Las Vegas Apr 3
Alkaline Trio w/ The Dear & Departed and Chemistry
Mandalay Bay Apr 3
Ellis Mania
Hard Rock Apr 3
Emerson Drive
Aliante Station Apr 3
Jay & the Americans
Cannery Casino Apr 3
Melissa Etheridge
Buffalo Bill's Apr 3
One Million Star
Palms Casino Apr 3
The Rivals: Hopkins vs Jones 2
Mandalay Bay Apr 3

THE SECOND WEEK HAS:
TMC Sports Boxing
Cashman Center Apr 6
Bella Donna—A Tribute to Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac
Las Vegas Hilton Apr 7
Glass Craft & Bead Expo
South Point Casino Apr 7–11
Joan Rivers
Venetian Resort Apr 8–10
Las Vegas 51s AAA Baseball
Cashman Center Apr 8–Sept 29
UNLVino
Various Locations Apr 8–10
AC/DC: Black Ice World Tour
MGM Grand Apr 9
Air Combat USA
North Las Vegas Airport| Apr 9–11
Garth Brooks
Encore Las Vegas Apr 9–11
Moksha CD Release Party
Mandalay Bay Apr 9
Ron White
Mirage Apr 9–10
Sha Na Na
South Point Apr 9–11
Sinatra Sings Sinatra—Frank Sinatra, Jr.
Suncoast Hotel Apr 9–11
Steve Powers Great Las Vegas Craft Show
Cashman Center Apr 9–11
The Freedom Tour: Alicia Keys w/ Robin Thicke and Melanie Fiona
Mandalay Bay Apr 9
Thirty Seconds to Mars
Palms Casino Apr 9
Cher
Caesars Palace Apr 10–25
Evander Holyfield vs. Francois Botha
Thomas & Mack Center Apr 10
Fear Factory
Mandalay Bay Apr 10
Jenni Rivera
Eastside Cannery Apr 10
Johnny Rivers
Cannery Casino Apr 10
Muse with special guest Silversun Pickups
Mandalay Bay Apr 10
Neil Sedaka
Buffalo Bill’s Apr 10
Steven Wright
Orleans Hotel Apr 10–11
Top Rank Boxing
Hard Rock Apr 10
Daylife Sundays at Wet Republic at MGM Grand
MGM Grand Apr 11–Sep 5
Rock & Worship Roadshow
Orleans Hotel Apr 11
Sunset Sundays at Tao Beach
Venetian Resort Apr 11–Aug 5

THE THIRD WEEK OF APRIL INCLUDES:
Steve Tyrell
Golden Nugget Apr 13–16
Rolling the Stones
Las Vegas Hilton Apr 14
Arabian Breeders World Cup
South Point Apr 15–18—FREE
Joan Rivers
Venetian Resort Apr 15–20
Sesame Street Live: “1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo & Friends”
Cox Pavilion Apr 15–18
Stiletto Spy School
Trump Hotel Apr 15–18
Adam Ferrara
South Point Apr 16–18
Artic Monkees
Mandalay Bay Apr 16
Bill Engvall
Treasure Island Apr 16
Dennis Miller
Orleans Hotel Apr 16–18
Earth, Wind & Fire
Las Vegas Hilton Apr 16–17
Las Vegas National Dance Title
Cashman Center Apr 16–18
PBR World Cup
Thomas & Mack Center Apr 16–18
Randy Travis
Silverton Hotel Apr 16–17
Ray Romano & Kevin James
Mirage Apr 16–17
The Outlaws
Cannery Casino Apr 16
Creedence Clearwater Revisited
Cannery Casino Apr 17
Gary Allan
Mandalay Bay Apr 17
Gold & Treasure Show
South Point Apr 17–18
Judy & Liza... Together Again
Suncoast Hotel Apr 17–18
Scottish Festival & Highland Games
Floyd Lamb State Park Apr 17–18
Sharp International Las Vegas National Title
Cashman Center Apr 17
Them Crooked Vultures
Hard Rock Hotel Apr 17
WCK Full Rules Muaythai
Buffalo Bill's Apr 17
45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards
MGM Grand Apr 18
Ramon Ayala w/ El Nuevo Galope
Mandalay Bay Apr 18
Rehab Sundays at the Hard Rock Beach Club
Hard Rock Apr 18—Sep 5
The Dead Weather
Palms Casino Apr 18
ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn—The Last Rodeo
MGM Grand Apr 19
Overkill w/ Vader, God Dethroned, Warbringer, and Evile
Mandalay Bay Apr 19
The South Point Showroom & Desert Chorale present Alex Boyé
South Point Apr 19

THE FOURTH WEEK HAS...
Steve Tyrell
Golden Nugget Apr 20–24
The Rising—Bruce Springsteen Tribute
Las Vegas Hilton Apr 21
Air Combat USA
North Las Vegas Airport Apr 23–25
Doo-Wopp Hall Of Fame Of America
Venetian Resort Apr 23–24
Imagine: Women of Faith
Thomas & Mack Center Apr 23–24
Jay Leno
Mirage Apr 23–24
Keith Urban
Hard Rock Hotel Apr 23
Perry Danos “The New Voice of Vegas”
Orleans Hotel Apr 23–25
Sugarland
Buffalo Bill's Apr 23
The Las Vegas Tenors
Suncoast Hotel Apr 23–25
Vicki Lawrence
South Point Casino Apr 23
18th Annual Las Vegas City of Lights Jazz & R&B Festival
Clark County Amphitheatre Apr 24
Al Stewart
Sunset Station Apr 24
Giants Live World Strongest Man Competition
South Point Casino Apr 24
HIM w/ We Are The Fallen, Dommin, and Drive A
Mandalay Bay Apr 24
Keith Emerson & Greg Lake
Las Vegas Hilton Apr 24
Las Maravillas de Dios, Asamblea de Dios Cruzada
Cashman Center Apr 24
Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits
Hard Rock Hotel Apr 24–May 2
The Eagles—World Tour 2010
MGM Grand Apr 24
The O’Jays
Cannery Casino Apr 24

AND THE LAST PART OF APRIL, AND GOING INTO MAY HAS:
A Bronx Tale
Venetian Resort Apr 28–May 9
Space Oddity
Las Vegas Hilton Apr 28
Daughtry w/ Lifehouse and Cavo
Orleans Hotel Apr 29
Lily Tomlin: Not Playing With a Full Deck
MGM Grand Apr 29–May 5
Bobby Bare
Fiesta Rancho Apr 30
Cedric the Entertainer
Planet Hollywood Apr 30
Jerry Seinfeld
Caesars Palace Apr 30–May 1
Joel McHale
Mandalay Bay Apr 30
Little Anthony & the Imperials
Las Vegas Hilton Apr 30
Rondell Sheridan
South Point Casino Apr 30–May 2
“People Are Crazy Musicfest” w/ Billy Currington, David Nail & Mark Willis
Sunset Station May 1
Billy Currington, David Nail, Mark Wills, More
Sunset Station May 1
Conan O’Brien
Palms Casino May 1–2
Latin Legend Live
Cannery Casino May 1
Little River Band
Green Valley Ranch May 1
Lupe Fiasco
Mandalay Bay May 1
Mayweather vs. Mosley
MGM Grand May 1
Petula Clark
Las Vegas Hilton May 1

For dates and times, be sure to log onto the Las Vegas Online Entertainment Guide: lvol.com.

Igoshows.com is, of course, the place to read the reviews of all of the shows that are in town so that you can be better informed as to what you should expect from a certain production. The reviews are updated as needed to give you the knowledge you need to spend your entertainment dollars better.