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June 2010
J
une is here! School is out, and everyone wants a vacation...whether or not they can afford a vacation is another question, but nonetheless, we all want to get away. Vegas (of course) is eager for everyone to come and get away here. We want and need your tourist dollars.
Normally temperatures never reach 100 degrees until the month of June...and once again, that will be the case this year—by the first or second we’ll have our first 100 degree day, and by the weekend, we should hit the 105 mark...and yes, it is true, it is a dry heat; and yes, that does make it more tolerable. This is good and bad—it is as if you’re standing in a convection oven, rather than a sauna. Without lotion, the dry air will suck out any moisture that you may have in your body, and you will burn faster here than a day at the beach.
Summer in Vegas is hot...pools and parties are the main tour de force for the season, and the entertainment usually brings a lot of wonderful surprises throughout the months ahead. Schools are out all over the country. College-aged people will come to Vegas and try to emulate the commercials and the mystique of this town—usually without the success and panache for which they would hope. Sometimes these folks think that normal rules of society don’t apply to this town...trust me though; drunk and disorderly and drunk driving will still get you thrown in jail. Families will come in, have a good time, but feel that there is less and less that the entire family can do on the Strip. (Actually, there are a lot of things that the family can do, but most tourists don’t venture away from the casinos to find them.)
Entertainment abounds in Las Vegas, and June is a busy month...
The Burlesque Hall of Fame weekend will be at Plaza Hotel from June 1 to 8. It is a showcase for over 100 of the world’s top burlesque acts from international entertainers. The Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend attracts outstanding artists, both exotic and mainstream. The weekend will also include a Striptease Reunion, now in its 53rd year, at which newer performers can learn tricks of the trade from surviving superstars of the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s. The mission of the Burlesque Hall of Fame is to inspire, educate and entertain the public, fostering an appreciation for and understanding of the unique history and heritage of vintage Burlesque—including but not limited to the art, artifacts and personal histories of its biggest names and brightest stars. In 2006, the Burlesque Hall of Fame relocated from Helendale, California to Las Vegas, Nevada—in hopes of establishing a permanent, first-rate tourist attraction and research/exhibition space for their collection.
Comic singing impressionist Larry G Jones takes the stage at the Harmon Theater on June 8th as he launches his newly refurbished one-man show. Larry’s new show is produced by Ray Wolfe—who also produces the “Naughty Boys of Hypnosis” in the same space. The show features an all-star celebrity cast of rapid-fire voice impressions including many of Las Vegas’ biggest headliners. Cher, Elton John, Neil Diamond, Elvis, The Phantom of the Opera, and The Rat Pack are a part of the 75-plus voices Larry performs in each show.
“VEGAS! The Show,” will open at the new Saxe Theatre in the Miracle Mile shops at Planet Hollywood on June 11th. This will be the production that the city has been waiting for—celebrating all of the entertainment that made Las Vegas great. In fact, the first couple of weeks of performances have already been sold out. This grand-scale revue tells the story of the most influential and exciting entertainers who made the city what it is today, the Entertainment Capital of the World. From vintage Vegas icons like The Rat Pack and Elvis Presley to some of the best production numbers this city has known, this show has it all. An award-winning cast, big band orchestra and scores of beautiful showgirls make “VEGAS! The Show,” one incredible production that audiences of all ages won’t want to miss.
Meanwhile...
Show producer and entertainer Tony Sacca plans to open his “Vegas The Show” as an afternoon program this summer with an optional lunch offer at the Las Vegas Rocks Café downtown in the Embassy Theatre. “Vegas The Show”—A Story In Song is a music, comedy and video journey through the history of Las Vegas. It starts from the 1930s, progresses to the present day, and includes a look into the future of Las Vegas in the year 2050.
Pretty weird, huh? We have “VEGAS! The Show,” and “Vegas The Show.” Knowing all the parties involved, it doesn’t really surprise me that much...the entertainment community in Las Vegas is really just one big dysfunctional family with both kindness and pettiness abounding... This is what I have gathered...Sacca had an idea for a show called, “Vegas The Show” but he never produced anything and never registered or copyrighted the name. David Saxe had an idea for a show called, “VEGAS! The Show,” and was already in production for the show. Saxe registered the name, but Sacca said that he had the name first, but since he had never done anything with the name and never registered it, he couldn’t do anything...except, since he did already have a project that existed with that name on it, there was nothing to prevent him from producing a show as well... So Sacca quickly got a show together and plans to open his show a couple of days before the Saxe production. I get the feeling that Sacca is making a lot of noise so that he can capitalize on both the stink and the inevitable confusion in the advertising...Saxe is focusing on putting up a show. The thing that I find odd of course is that Sacca is not accusing Saxe of stealing from him...the title is not so unique that it wouldn’t be inconceivable that two parties would come up with the name independently (how’s that for using a triple negative?)...only that he thought of the name first... More oddly, this strategy will in fact work for Sacca in the short term. People will want to make the comparison and will want to see what all the hoopla is about.
So we’ll have confusion for a while...feelings will get hurt somewhere along the way, and I will even brace myself for an angry letter from a strong advocate from one side or the other. The funny thing, of course, is that all of this will eventually go away...most of the tourists, as well as most Las Vegans, will never know anything about it, or even care. I am curious about how Sacca envisions Vegas in 2050...I’m sure that I’ll be amused.
Also in the Saxe Theatre will be a Chinese acrobatic and magic show, opening on the 18th in the 4:00 spot.
Comedy Central’s favorite up-front, man-on-the-street comedian Dave Attell returns to Las Vegas to perform at Treasure Island’s Mystère Theatre Friday, June 11. Named one of the “25 Funniest People in America” by Entertainment Weekly, Dave Attell got his start in comedy performing the open-mic circuit in Manhattan’s comedy clubs after graduating from New York University with a degree in Film and Television. After working his way up, he took his show on the road where he developed a huge fan following as a national headliner. Audience members must be over 18.
Society of Seven and “American Idol” star Jasmine Trias ended their run at the Gold Coast Showroom in May. The high energy variety show opened at the Gold Coast last November and even though they are closing here, the show will go on tour.
MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris will be dark Tuesday, June 8–Tuesday, June 22. Performances will begin again at its regular time slots on Wednesday, June 23.
Recording artist and entertainer Lena Prima, youngest daughter of music legend Louis Prima, will perform popular songs recorded by her father along with original hits in the Suncoast Showroom June 19 and 20. “That Old Black Magic,” “Jump Jive An’ Wail,” and “Sing Sing Sing” are among the songs made popular by her father that Prima will perform at the Suncoast, the latter featuring Lena on the drums. For the evening of music, joined by her seven-piece band, Prima will also perform tunes from her recently released album, “Since The Storm.”
Las Vegas piano man and entertainer Wes Winters returns to the Suncoast Showroom to debut his new show, Wes Winters All Keyed Up!, June 12 and 13. Winters will draw from a huge musical repertoire and once again bring the one-of-a-kind showmanship and musical prowess for which he’s become known, through dynamic piano pieces and signature vocal arrangements. An award-winning musician, Winters may be best known in Las Vegas for A Musical Tribute to Liberace.
Celebrated entertainer and Las Vegas mainstay Don Rickles brings his one-of-a-kind comedy back to The Orleans Showroom June 5 and 6, one performance each night at 8 p.m. Popular Vegas act Shades of Sinatra will perform prior to Rickles taking the stage, kicking off the evening with a vintage musical flair. Rickles took his first step toward national fame in 1957 when Frank Sinatra wandered into the small Hollywood nightclub where Rickles was performing. The still-unknown Rickles eyed Sinatra and said, “I just saw your movie, The Pride and the Passion, and I want to tell you, the cannon’s acting was great. And, make yourself at home, Frank. Hit somebody.” Sinatra doubled up laughing and became one of Rickles’ biggest boosters. Rickles soon became the “in” comic among Hollywood stars, who flocked to his nightclub engagements to become the targets of his insults.
CineVegas will be holding its annual film festival at the Palms again this year from the 10th to the 15th. This event has grown every year (now in its 11th year), and draws some of the top names in the entertainment industry to Vegas. It has become one of the major “Hollywood” events here in Las Vegas. Opening night will feature the film “Saint John of Las Vegas” and eight “Jackpot Premieres.” Closing night will include Bobcat Goldthwait’s film “World’s Greatest Dad,” starring Robin Williams. Festival fans can watch the trailers for many of this year’s films online at www.cinevegas.com. This year, of course, CineVegas will miss Dennis Hopper who served as the Chairman of the Creative Advisory Board.
The Greatest show on Earth is once again in town, the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Presenting Blue Tour—Funundrum, the 17th to the 20th. It celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of Pt Barnum, and it really is the greatest show on earth and is a wonderful event for everyone. I haven’t missed the show in years. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus was started when the circus created by James Anthony Bailey and P. T. Barnum was merged with the Ringling Brothers Circus. The Ringling brothers purchased the Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1907, but ran the circuses separately until they were finally merged in 1919.
And I am certainly not above doing my own flagrant self-promotion...My partner Minnie Madden and I will be having a showing of our Art and Commercial Photography at the Arts Factory during the First Friday Arts celebration downtown on June 4th. Our company, Maddmeat Photography, specializes in extreme and shock art (which actually is very comical and makes us laugh...granted, it is an odd dichotomy, but that’s what makes it fun). The Arts Factory is located on Charleston between Casino Center and Main. We will be showing there on the First Friday Festivals in June, July, and August. Please come out, support us, and enjoy our art photography. If you mention that you read about it here in my VCO article, we’ll give you 10% off on all prints and cards.
AS FAR AS THE CONTINUING EVENTS AND POOL PARTIES GO...
Las Vegas 51s AAA Baseball
Cashman Center through Sep 29
Pool Parties at the Riviera Hotel & Casino Oasis Pool Complex
Riviera Hotel through Sep 2
Ditch Fridays at the Palms
Palms Casino through Sep 10
Daylife Sundays at Wet Republic at MGM Grand
MGM Grand through Sep 5
Rehab Sundays at the Hard Rock Beach Club
Hard Rock Hotel through Sep 5
Sunset Sundays at Tao Beach
Venetian Resort through Aug 5
WITH THE HEADLINERS AND CONCERTS THIS MONTH...THE FIRST WEEK OF THE MONTH WILL INCLUDE...
Tech N9NE w/ Brotha Lynch Hung, Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Calhou
Mandalay Bay June 1
David Copperfield
MGM Grand through June 16
Fan Halen
Las Vegas Hilton June 2
Mark Curry
Las Vegas Hilton June 2–6
Dance Zone Recital
Cashman Center June 3–6
National Barrel Horse Association “Super Show” & Western Gift Show
South Point June 3–6—Free
The Bamboozle Roadshow
Hard Rock June 3
Vegas Cruise Weekend w/ Sweet in Concert
Fremont Street Experience June 3–6—Free
Bead Renaissance Show
Palace Station June 4–6—Free
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Mandalay Bay June 4
Bruce In The USA
Rio All-Suite June 4
Craig Ferguson
Venetian Resort June 4–5
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Hard Rock June 4
Gin Blossoms
Hard Rock June 4
Imelda Papin
Orleans Hotel June 4
Jon Reep
South Point June 4–6
Jonny Lang
Silverton Hotel June 4
Korn’s Ballroom Blitz
Palms Casino June 4
Las Vegas International Film Festival
Las Vegas Hilton June 4–6
Boz Scaggs
Mandalay Bay June 5
Brews and Blues Festival
Springs Preserve June 5
Don Rickles
Orleans Hotel June 5–6
Goo Goo Dolls
Palms Casino June 5
Jazz in the Park Series: Christian Scott
Clark County Amphitheatre June 5—Free
JD Lawrence presents “The Clean Up Woman”
Planet Hollywood June 5
Tracy Morgan
Hard Rock June 5
War
Cannery Casino June 5
50 Cent
Palms Casino June 6
THE SECOND WEEK WILL HAVE:
Aeromyth
Las Vegas Hilton June 9
Cats
Planet Hollywood June 10–12
David Spade
Venetian Resort June 10–12
Insane Clown Posse w/ Coolio, Kittie, and Necro
Mandalay Bay June 10
Julio Iglesias
Las Vegas Hilton June 10–12
Xfanz Expo
Hard Rock June 10–11
“Sgt. Pepper Live” featuring Cheap Trick
Paris Las Vegas June 11–29
Dave Attell
Treasure Island June 11
Fischerspooner
Mandalay Bay June 11
Pepper
Hard Rock June 11
Pool Party at Tao Beach
Venetian Resort June 11
Ron White
Mirage June 11–12
Soul Asylum w/ the Kin and David Ritz
Aliante Station June 11
Tower of Power
South Point June 11–13
Bobby Vinton
Cannery Casino June 12
Clinton Anderson “Walkabout Tour”
South Point June 12–13
Crossroads of the West Gun Show
Cashman Center June 12–13
Denis Leary with Special Guests Lenny Clarke & Adam Ferrara
Hard Rock June 12
Vocal Soup w/ Clint Holmes, Susan Anton, Domenick Allen & Martin Nievera
Orleans Hotel June 12–13
Wes Winters
Suncoast June 12–13
THE THIRD WEEK WILL HAVE:
Heart of the King Elvis Fan’s Festival
Las Vegas Hilton June 14–18
Julien’s Auctions
Planet Hollywood June 14—Free
Cher
Caesars Palace June 15–July 4
Don’t Stop Believin’—Journey Tribute
Las Vegas Hilton June 16
Mark Curry
Las Vegas Hilton June 16–20
Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Orleans Hotel June 17–20
Spin Doctors
Palms Casino June 17
Wayne Brady
Venetian Resort June 17–21
An Evening with STING
MGM Grand June 18
Clint Black
Silverton Hotel June 18–19
Jay Leno
Mirage June 18–19
Paul Willams
South Point June 18–19
R n R Featuring Rick Braun & Richard Elliot
Aliante Station June 18
The Offspring w/ Terrible Things
Hard Rock June 18
The Original Wailers
Hard Rock June 18
Alicia Villarreal & Mariachi Sol De Mexico
Buffalo Bill’s June 19
Dave Mason
Red Rock June 19
Devo
Rio All-Suite June 19
Junefest—with Steppenwolf, The Family Stone, Berlin and more!
South Point June 19
Las Vegas Midnight 7’s Rugby Tournament
Various fields around Las Vegas June 19–20
Lena Prima
Suncoast Hotel June 19–20
Rick Springfield
Mandalay Bay June 19
UFC Tuf 11 Finale
Palms Casino June 19
THE FOURTH WEEK WILL HAVE:
Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Business Expo
Southeast & Henderson June 23
Mark Curry
Las Vegas Hilton June 23–27
NHL Awards
Palms Casino June 23
David Copperfield
MGM Grand June 24–Aug 4
Erykah Badu
Palms Casino June 24
Pool Party at Moorea Pool
Mandalay Bay June 24
Wayne Brady
Venetian Resort June 24–28
Brad Garrett
Mirage June 25–26
Garth Brooks
Encore at Wynn June 25–27
Gary Puckett
South Point June 25–26
Gold Rush Peruvian Horse Classic X
South Point June 25–27—Free
Slightly Stoopid
Hard Rock June 25
Tom Papa
Orleans Hotel June 25–26
An Evening with Everclear
Silverton Hotel June 26
Experience Kirk Franklin and BeBe & CeCe Winans
Planet Hollywood June 26
Fifth Avenue
Suncoast Hotel June 26–27
Joe Nichols
Santa Fe Station June 26
Puddle of Mudd
Hard Rock June 26
The Pointer Sisters
Buffalo Bill’s June 26
The Psychedelic Furs w/ She Wants Revenge
Mandalay Bay June 26
The Spinners
Cannery Casino June 26
ABBA the Music
Eastside Cannery June 27
AND THE LAST WEEK OF THE MONTH AND INTO JULY WILL INCLUDE...
A Day To Remember, Saosin, Hit The Lights, More . . .
Fremont Street East June 29
Jerry Lee Lewis
Rio All-Suite June 30
Cash’d Out
Rio All-Suite July 1
Wayne Brady
Venetian Resort July 1–5
Backstreet Boys
Mandalay Bay July 2
Bill Cosby
Treasure Island July 2
David Allen Grier
Mandalay Bay July 2
Independence Weekend w/ the Little River Band
Fremont Street Experience July 2–5—Free
Joe Rogan
Mandalay Bay July 2
Kenny Chesney
Hard Rock July 2–3
Shooter Jennings w/ the Clydesdale
Rio All-Suite July 2
Whitney Cummings
South Point July 2–4
CoCo Lee
Encore at Wynn July 3–4
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes
Rio All-Suite July 3
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers
Cannery Casino July 3
OneRepublic
Mandalay Bay July 3
Sugar Ray
Silverton Hotel July 3
The Las Vegas Gun Show
Cashman Center July 3–4
The Scintas
Suncoast Hotel July 3–4
UFC 116: Lesnar vs. Carwin
MGM Grand July 3
Wonder Girls World Tour with special guest Asian artist 2AM
Mandalay Bay July 3
40 Oz to Freedom
Rio All-Suite July 4
Mike Epps
Hard Rock July 4
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.
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Vegas Community Online assumes no responsibility for incorrect or ommissions of dates, times, prices, venues, etc. appearing in the above article. ALWAYS CHECK WITH VENUE FOR UP-TO-DATE-INFORMATION. The above article is the opinion of the author and not necessarily the opinion of Vegas Community Online, its editors/publishers, and/or other Vegas Community Online columnists. VCO respects the right of each author to express their opinion. If you have an opposing viewpoint or would like to send feedback on any article, please send email to feedback@vegascommunityonline.com; state the title of the article and your comments. VCO reserves the right to add any submissions to its feedback page.
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