April 2010
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SN Travel recently released its list of “The 50 Most Beautiful Things on Earth,” naming THE FOUNTAINS of BELLAGIO as the world’s most beautiful fountains. MSN compiled the list from numerous surveys, input from art historians and their well-traveled staff of writers. With more then 1,000 choreographed fountains, enhanced by lighting and music, the magnificent FOUNTAINS of BELLAGIO have become one of Las Vegas’ must-see attractions on The Strip for tourists the world over.
What a shocker! Master Magician Lance Burton will end his historic run at MONTE CARLO on Sept. 4. The final performance follows 14 years of captivating audiences at the Lance Burton Theatre. Lance Burton has been with the MONTE CARLO since its opening day on June 21, 1996. Known for his astounding illusions, mesmerizing sleight-of-hand and charismatic audience appeal, he is one of the best. Better see him while you can. Lance Burton performs at 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Congratulations to Terry Fator who just celebrated his one year anniversary at THE MIRAGE. This guy is phenomenal. The ventriloquism is great, but his own singing voice and the capturing of impersonations is perfection itself. His puppets become alive as his motions and non-moving lips belie the fact that the puppet themselves are not real. Some new puppets were inaugurated on the night of his anniversary too. Long live this entertaining show!
A new show “Rock N’ Roll 2 Soul” by veteran producers John Stuart (Legends in Concert founder and Tom Biscardi, is now at the PALACE STATION. Featuring a real live band and great performers who bring back the groups that made the ’50s and ’60s so great that they are still hits today. A 3 girl group with Mary Williams called the Sensations perform like the Supremes or the Shirelles. An Elvis performer, Jonathan Von Brana shakes, rattles and rolls as he entertains and the Original Cornell Gunther’s Coasters entertain with songs such as Yakety Yak and Charlie Brown’s have the audience swaying and singing along. Lots of fun!
Also at the PALACE STATION, back by popular demand, “America’s Got Talent” finalist Grandma Lee is headlining at Bonkerz Comedy Club uncensored and uncut, May 3 through May 29 (dark on Sundays). Lee won the hearts of millions and made it all the way to the grand finale last season on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” making it her personal goal to help older people realize that it’s never too late to follow your dreams and laugh.
It doesn’t matter how many times I see the SOCIETY OF SEVEN perform as every time it is just as enjoyable as ever and sometimes even more so. I just saw them perform at the GOLD COAST with their two new stars; a wonderful male singer and Jasmine Trias, an American Idol finalist. The group is so talented and entertaining that you must leave smiling from the experience.
The Nevada Ballet performed a 3-part Brave New World Ballet. Although enjoyable with excellent dancing this Ballet was quite different in costume, story-line, and music than the traditional ballets that I usually see. The dancing was quite athletic and beautiful, even though there were no tutus on the ballerina’s and no tight tights on the male dancers. I brought someone who had never been to a ballet and he was quite surprised at what he saw. The first ballet, ‘An Incandescent Start’ and the third ballet ‘Cyclical Night’ were like seeing an impressionistic painting as to story line. However the middle ballet ‘Song of the Nightingale’ had a vivid storyline that was outlined in the program. Although I love ballet, I think I still prefer the traditional. There was an after-show program with the choreographer, lighting manager and two performers who discussed and answered questions from the audience. Unfortunately, perhaps many in the audience were not aware of this as it didn’t start immediately, and most of the audience left. However, it was most interesting and enlightening.
Sammy Shore’s “Barking Mad Comedy Jam” will stage a series of performances at Eastside Cannery’s Marilyn’s Lounge. The five comedy shows will run April through June. Award-winning standup comedian Sammy Shore will perform with two rotating guest comedians, the first pair being Pete Barbutti and Ron Shock.
Show dates for “Sammy Shore’s “Barking Mad Comedy Jam” are: Saturday, April 24; Friday, May 21; Saturday, May 22; Friday, June 25; and Saturday, June 26.
In a career spanning more than 50 years, Shore has performed with fellow comedians Milton Berle, Bob Hope, Sid Caesar, Red Buttons, Mel Brooks and Buddy Hackett. He has also shared the stage with music legends including Tom Jones, Sammy Davis, Jr., Tony Bennett, Ann Margaret and Tony Orlando. In his autobiography, The Man Who Made Elvis Laugh—A Life In American Comedy
Shore relates stories of the four years he spent as the opening act for Elvis Presley’s infamous “Comeback Tour” in Las Vegas. Tickets are $15. To purchase tickets call (702) 856-5470.
The regularly scheduled band begins after the comedy show.
The CALIFORNIA HOTEL presents its 13th Annual Lei Day Polynesian Festival Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 2 beginning at 9 a.m. both days.
The annual Polynesian festival brings together musicians, dancers, artists, craftsmen and food and beverage vendors to showcase the very best of Hawaii. Entry to the two-day event is FREE.
Throughout the festivities, a continual flow of Hawaiian and Polynesian musicians and dancers will entertain attendees. Special demonstrations and activities are also planned to highlight Hawaiian culture. Traditional Hawaiian dishes and delicacies will also be available for purchase including kalua pig, lau lau, poi, beef teriyaki sticks and hot malasadas. On Sunday, May 2, the annual “Island Fever Block Party,” will be held on the festival grounds featuring local bands and non-stop entertainment. This is a free event.
A special concert will be held on Saturday, May 1 at 7:15 p.m. featuring Hawaiian recording artists Darren Benitez and Eric Lee, along with singer, television personality and American Idol Season 2 Top 36 Finalist Jordan Segundo. This concert is a paid event and tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Call the California Hotel 702.388.2705.
IN BUSINESS LAS VEGAS saluted individuals and organizations responsible for excellence and leadership and for amazing breakthroughs and medical achievements in the health care industry at the beautiful LOWES LAKE LAS VEGAS.
HEALTH CARE HONOREES were: Fran Brown—Professor of Nursing at the College of Southern Nevada; Gard and Dr. Florence Jameson—Community Outreach Award/ Founders of Volunteers In Medicine of Southern Nevada; Dr. Noah Kohn—Founder/ Medical Director Clinics in Schools; Dr. Manny Rapp—Dentistry/ owner Adavon Children’s Dentistry; Sam Scheller—Emergency Services Award/ Paramedic MedicWest Ambulance; Ernie DeVald—Volunteer Award/St. Rose Dominican Hospitals; Dr. Geoffrey Sher—Physician/ Sher Institute for Reproductive Medicine; Karen Wilkins-Jarvis/ Innovation Award/ AmPro Orthotics & Prosthetics Inc.; Dr. Joseph Kaufman, M.D.—Former President Southwest Medical Associates; Dr, Charles Bernick, M.D./ Research Scientist Award/ Associate Medical Director Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health; Barbara Wood—University of Southern Nevada and Charles Perry/ Lifetime Achievement Award—President and Chief Executive Officer Nevada Health Care Association. Congratulations to all the Honorees.
Although the Ritz Carlton and Casino MonteLago are closing, the owner of The Village Lake Las Vegas, a separate entity from both the Ritz Carlton and Casino MonteLago, reiterates that despite the loss of these two venues, the business operations and events at The Village will not be affected. Maurice Talley, commercial manager of The Village says, “The Village drives its own traffic with events and entertainment, and is going to continue to do so. “The Village is home to more than 30 unique shopping and dining options and is currently at 91 percent occupancy with its various tenants.”
Village Lake Las Vegas kicks off 2010 Friday Night Live on the Lake free Concert Series with a selection of pop, rock, soul, country and classic rock bands. All concerts are on Friday night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Moon Nightclub at THE PALMS presents Bang, a new locals’ industry night every Tuesday. Revelers can bang the night away to the beats spun by resident DJ Benji Madden. Bang at Moon Nightclub is a retro-inspired and ’50s sci-fi theme and offers partygoers a unique fun experience. Cover is $20 per person, local ladies are free. Must be 21 years of age or older.
FERRARO’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar is offering Las Vegas locals a new authentic Italian experience with late night hours every Wednesday night with “Food and Music” and a new outdoor dining lounge. FERRARO’s is now adding a new flair to the restaurant every Wednesday night beginning at 9 p.m. and continuing through the late hours. Known for its extensive wine selection and authentic Italian cuisine—and more recently, Antipastini (also referred to as small plate dishes)—FERRARO’s has become a staple in Las Vegas for fine Italian dining, quality food and service. With over 25 years of loyal Las Vegas service,
Back by popular demand, the Hostile Grape, the city’s sexiest wine bar at the M RESORT, announces all new themes for its “As Single As I Wanna Be” Saturday events. Quickly becoming the Saturday hot spot for singles, the Hostile Grape’s “As Single As I Wanna Be” Saturday parties provide the perfect atmosphere for guests to drink, dance and flirt the night away starting at 8 p.m. Throughout the month of April and May, different themes will be offered weekly where participating guests can receive a complimentary bottle of wine. The cover is $20 and includes: Choice of two signature cocktails or a $20 wine card to be used in one of 12 unique Enomatic wine dispensing systems, a Chocolate fountain with your choice of strawberries, marshmallows and more. A Live DJ spins hot dance club hits.
Our performers of old are getting older and unfortunately we are losing too many of them. The DE CASTRO SISTERS who performed in movies, recordings and lived and performed here in Las Vegas were down to two, and now they are all gone. Sherie De Castro just passed away. The DE CASTRO SISTERS were well-known for their great hit song ‘Teach Me Tonight’ as well as ‘Copacabana’ and many others. I was a good friend of the group and whenever I went to see them I was asked if I was one of them, as I did look like them. They were great fun and great performers and I hope won’t be forgotten.
CABO WABO is ready to rock ’n’ roll this Cinco de Mayo. The Mexican Cantina will celebrate Sammy Hagar-style on Wednesday, May 5, with Cabo Wabo Tequila specials, prizes, and plenty of partying. Plus, one lucky partier will even win a one-of-a-kind autographed Sammy Hagar guitar. Raffle tickets will be given to any customer purchasing a CABO WABO Tequila cocktail between Friday, April 30 and Wednesday, May 5. The winner must be present at the time of the drawing. Cinco de Mayo revelers will also enjoy live rock ’n’ roll as well as sensational food and drink specials throughout the night.
The Fourth Annual Jennifer Harman Charity Poker Tournament at The Venetian Poker Room in Las Vegas is a media and fan favorite, where participants enjoy a rare opportunity to mingle and compete against Hollywood celebrities and world-famous poker players. The $300 + $30 No-Limit Texas Hold’em tournament took place on April 13. The grand prize of the tournament was a $10,000 World Series of Poker® Main Event Seat, and a Curtis & Co. watch. The top ten finishers were awarded prizes that have a combined total value of $30,000. Celebrities and players included “Curb Your Enthusiasm” Cheryl Hines, “Saved by the Bell” Dennis Haskins, actor Lou Diamond Phillips, modern artist Michael Godard, ESPN commentator Lon McEachern, and professional poker players Marco Traniello, Daniel Negreanu, Phil Ivey, Doyle Brunson, Eli Elezra, Hoyt Corkins, Andy Bloch, Chau Giang, David Chesnoff, Lacey Jones, Jeff Madsen, Todd Brunson, James Van Alstyne, Shun Uchida, Erica Schoenberg, David Grey, David Singer and Lee Watkinson.
Club Fortune Casino is offering its players the opportunity to win a seat at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) main event, normally a $10,000 buy-in.
During the five-month promotion, Player’s Club members will receive one drawing entry for every hour of live play in the Club Fortune Casino Poker Room. Drawings will be held on the last day of each month at 7 p.m. where four lucky winners will be selected to compete in a special “Free WSOP Seat” tournament at Club Fortune Casino. Once the drawing is complete for each month, the drawing drum will be emptied and a new period will begin. Beginning the next day, participants will be able to start earning entries for the following month’s earning period. The final drawing will be held on June 25.
The 20 players selected during the five drawings will compete in the “Free WSOP Seat” tournament on June 27 at Club Fortune Casino. The grand prize will be the $10,000 buy-in to the WSOP main event beginning July 5. The second place winner will receive a 50-inch plasma TV and the third place winner will receive $500 cash. Remaining contestants will receive $50 cash each.
