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

SHARE |

September 2010
I
am amazed every year...as soon as September hits, the temperature suddenly drops 10 to 15 degrees. It tells us that we have survived the summer and we can look forward to the fall. We will, of course, have a few hot days ahead of us, but we have broken through the oppressiveness of the summer heat. The heat at the end of August is just brutal. The days seem to drag on, and there is no relief in the evenings...it is hot and stifling. But not anymore...September has arrived, and the fall season has begun.

The kids of Clark County have gone back to school, and with that, motorists need to be very aware of school zones. Police will be vigorously patrolling school zones, and this year, I expect even stricter enforcement than ever before. Seeing the police around schools is always good publicity for the force...and the tickets in school zones are a good source of revenue (due to the outrageously high fines), but it is all justifiable...because it’s for our kids. And let’s face it; our police force certainly needs some good publicity these days...their credibility is at an all-time low. Over the summer, there have been some highly questionable shootings by our police. (Warning! I’m about to go off the entertainment topic for a bit...if you don’t want to read it, then skip a few paragraphs.) The first wrongful shooting was of an unarmed man that was in his home. The police had burst into the home to serve an arrest warrant...the problem was that they burst into the wrong home...and the man they shot didn’t even fit the description of the suspect. The suspect was seven years older, three inches taller, and a HUNDRED pounds heavier. The inquest determined that the officer had no criminal intent when he killed the man. The jury said that ‘[they] sided with the officer because he seemed credible, even though the details and evidence didn’t support what he had said.’...uh, excuse me?

The second killing was in the parking lot of a Costco store. A man was stopped by police for erratic behavior...and while I am skipping the bulk of the details...the man was not guilty of anything, had done nothing illegal, but was shot by the police...seven times. He was shot in the chest, in the leg, and then...five times...in the back...while he was on the ground...then he was handcuffed. (At least they followed that procedure.) There is something so wrong about these shootings... They have been weighing on my mind and whirling in my head.

All of this to say, the police are going to be out in force around schools...both for publicity and politics...oh yes, and for the kids...Even though traffic control is only one small element of the things that could be done to keep all of us and our children safe. OK...I’m done.

The business of Las Vegas is business, and our businesses are becoming happy because the convention season is about to begin. It is always a bright spot in our year, and again this year, we need something to kick off a recovery. Businesses have been taking a beating because of the economy. The economy has hurt us all. Tourism and gaming are down in Las Vegas...people don’t even want to pay for the gas that it will take to get across the desert. The foreclosure rate of homes in the city has been staggering. The budget cuts in the schools have been unconscionable—parents are being asked to pitch in and buy the supplies for all of the classrooms...it seems that even paper and pencils have been eliminated from the state budget.

The name of the game this summer in the entertainment world has been “survival”—discount what you have to, cut where you can, take a break if you need to...it has all been about surviving. You can feel the collective sigh of relief that the summer is over, and the convention season is about to begin, and the continued hope that maybe this month the economy will show signs of recovery for our industry.

For the tourist, the only positive note in all of this has been discounts...everyone has a discount—even all of the major shows...discounts. If you are paying full price for anything, you just aren’t trying.

The trends of fall in Las Vegas are very much the same as elsewhere in the country—it’s time to get back to work, summer break is over. The pools and pool parties are starting to close, and the big business of conventions is on the horizon for our city. We finally get a break from the summer heat and fall (which is one of the best times of the year) is upon us. We have Labor Day, Mexican Independence, and September 11th (which, oddly enough, has turned into a day of celebration and reflection...there are more concerts on that day than any other in the month).

The NFL is getting started—which means that sports books across the city will be happy, and thousands of wives will be seeing shows, as thousands of husbands are watching and betting on the games.

Lance Burton will be ending his 13-year run at the Monte Carlo on Saturday, September 4th. He has had a great run and has impacted the entire city with his production. He has helped define Las Vegas as a city of magic. The Master Magician will undoubtedly be making a reappearance at another location, but as of yet, nothing has been announced.

Ah, yes...before I forget...I missed an event last month, and I don’t want to make the same mistake...Rob Garrett does a great Neil Diamond Tribute show...I missed his show last month, but this month, he’ll be at the Starlight Theatre in Summerlin on September 11th. Go see his show. He does a great job. Sorry about last month, Rob.

Sin City Burlesque will run September 1–5 inside Don’s Celebrity Theater at Don

Laughlin’s Riverside Resort in Laughlin. Sin City Burlesque wants to invite you into the mischievous world of Burlesque with an edgy Las Vegas flair. In this show—Las Vegas’ hottest female dancers, one hilarious comedian, specialty acts, and an ultra-sexy female vocalist, reinvent the world of burlesque with loads of modern twists. This hot new modern burlesque revue combines fantastic choreography, stunning costumes guaranteed to tease, while occasionally paying tribute to one of our country’s most fabulous theatrical traditions.

HELLZAPOPPIN: A Sideshow Revue combining the style of the classic era sideshows with modern day edge features the best attractions and performances from the best shows around the country. HELLZAPOPPIN: A Sideshow Revue is a hit with audiences around the world. It is true popular entertainment, thrilling the most jaded rock festival attendee while at the same time touching a chord in the hearts of circus and music fans, historians, and art enthusiasts everywhere. Mere mortals who use their specialized knowledge and training to strive for the heavens in an effort to inspire others perform these stunts. One mistake could send them back to Hell! Do not try these stunts at home! Shows are at 9 p.m., September 10 and 11, at the Queen Victoria Pub.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association today announced that plans for its 2010 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon are almost complete, and the 21½-hour live show is going to be spectacular. From live remotes to amazing dance and production numbers, to sensational music performances (e.g., David Archuleta, Enrique Iglesias, Lynyrd Skynryd, WAR, John Ondrasik, OneRepublic, and Barry Manilow, etc.), to side-splitting comedy and dramatic appeals by some of America’s most popular entertainers, the two-day television event is certain to delight viewers Labor Day weekend. Legendary entertainer and MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis will be headlining the star-studded television program that’s expected to be watched by some 40 million Americans, thanks to the “Love Network” of more than 170 television and cable stations broadcasting the show Sept. 5 and 6. Millions more worldwide will see the show live via the Internet at www.mda.org.

Get an up-close, in-your-face look at a majestic cast of exotic cats and be amazed by never-before-seen illusions when magician Dirk Arthur debuts his new show at O’Sheas Casino on Monday, Sept. 13, 2010, at 7 p.m. Promising fast-paced excitement and spectacular illusions, Dirk Arthur’s Wild Magic is a high-energy show that blends comedy, dance, magic and a rare opportunity to see the largest collection of awe-inspiring large, exotic cats in Las Vegas. Audiences can experience the uncaged animals from as close as 10 feet away and no farther than 40 feet away. The show will be 60 minutes blending spine-tingling magic sequences with dramatic opportunities to witness a multitude of exotic cats in very close proximity. The assortment of cats varies on a daily basis, making each show a surprise as to which cats will appear. Among them are snow white tigers, orange- and white-striped Bengal tigers, spotted leopards, black panthers and even a rare liger. Arthur’s show also includes an educational video segment detailing his conservation and breeding program, which includes how the cats are raised and cared for by the illusionist himself.

The Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino announced their newest production show, Country Superstars Tribute, which started Tuesday, August 31 in the Gordie Brown Showroom. The fast-paced, concert-style event, featuring a world-class, live five-piece band and some of the biggest names in country music history, treats guests to the sights and sounds of America’s heartland. The 75-minute production features incredible impersonations from the hottest stars in country music such as, Brooks & Dunn, Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Kenny Chesney, Big & Rich and Keith Urban. More information about the show can be found at www.countrysuperstarstribute.com.

Fright Dome is hiring more than 250 positions for the 2010 Halloween season. Interviews will take place on the dates listed below. All applicants must bring a valid government-issued ID and social security card and must be 18 or older to apply. Created from the mind of hauntrepreneur Jason Egan, Fright Dome at Circus Circus has been horrifying the masses since 2003. Egan’s 12 years in the industry and passion for all things terrifying culminate to make Fright Dome one of the top haunted attractions in the nation. Spread throughout five acres, this haunted theme park features dark, fog-filled attractions complete with ghoulish and gore-clad professional actors.

WHEN:
Saturday, Sept. 4—4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 5—4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 11—4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 12—4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 18—4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 19—4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

WHERE:
The Adventuredome at Circus Circus
2880 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109

“Politically Incorrect” comedian and political commentator Bill Maher brings his trademark humor back to The Orleans Showroom September 25 and 26, each evening at 8 p.m. Best known for his sharp political satire and sociopolitical commentary, HBO late-night talk-show host and comedian Maher began his stand-up career in 1979, and was host of New York City comedy club Catch a Rising Star. In 1982, Maher began appearing on the Johnny Carson and Dave Letterman shows, and made other television appearances, including a guest appearance on the popular drama Murder She Wrote. After his feature film debut in 1983’s D.C. Cab, Maher appeared in several films, including Rat Boy, Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death and Pizza Man.

Suncoast Hotel and Casino is proud to welcome entertainment icon and veteran of film, television and stage Cloris Leachman at the Suncoast Showroom performing Cloris Leachman: A One-Woman Show, September 18 and 19, each evening at 7:30 p.m. In Cloris Leachman: A One-Woman Show, the famed entertainer draws from the magical moments of her dynamic professional and personal careers through stories, song and video clips of some of her most noted film and television roles.

Creedence Clearwater Revival founding members Stu Cook and Doug “Cosmo” Clifford bring their band Creedence Clearwater Revisited to The Orleans Showroom for two nights, September 11 and 12. The Creedence Clearwater Revisited show is more than a simple rock concert. It is a celebration and performance of the popular hits of ‘Revival,’ who gained initial notoriety and fame in the late 1960s. Well known CCR songs include “Travelin’ Band,” “Down on the Corner,” “Bad Moon Rising,” “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?,” and a cover of the popular Marvin Gaye tune “I Heard It through the Grapevine,” among many others. “Revisited” has released two live albums including the 1998 two disc Recollection and the 2006 The Best of Creedence Clearwater Revisited.

Talk show host, author and stand-up comedian Chelsea Handler announced that she will return to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Saturday, Sept. 4 with her riotously funny CHELSEA CHELSEA BANG BANG tour presented by Belvedere Vodka. Joining the Las Vegas stop will be Brad Wollack, a writer and producer for Handler’s “Chelsea Lately” and also an Emmy-nominated television writer, producer and comedian. As one of the nation’s leading female stand-ups, Chelsea has performed to sold-out audiences at venues and festivals across the country, including, most recently, the prestigious Carnegie Hall. Her comedy mixes fearless honesty, ironic riffs and self-deprecations with an abundance of always fresh material.

Olympia Weekend, the most prestigious event in the world of bodybuilding, returns to the Orleans Arena, September 24–25. Its sixth consecutive year at the Orleans Arena, Mr. Olympia is an annual bodybuilding competition held by the International Federation of BodyBuilders Professional League (IFBB ProLeague). Winning this event is considered the highest accolade in the professional bodybuilding field. Three-time and current Mr. Olympia, and Las Vegan, Jay Cutler will compete to defend his title. The world’s best bodybuilders, including Phil Heath, Kai Greene, Dexter Jackson, and Branch Warren will work to take the champ’s title. The parallel contest, Ms. Olympia, will feature Ms. Olympia Iris Kyle, Fitness Olympia Adela Garcia and Figure Olympia Nicole Wilkins Lee, who will all return to defend their titles. The Olympia Weekend is bringing even more beautiful women to the stage by inaugurating the new Bikini Olympia division.

Elias Entertainment Presents the 20th Annual Las Vegas International Mariachi Festival, Saturday, September 18 at the Rio. The Mariachi Show features Latin and Mariachi sensation Lucero, along with Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlán and Mariachi Sol de México De José Hernández. Celebrating years, the traditionally grand music event is held each year in September to coincide with Fiestas Patrias, Mexico’s Independence.

“V-The Ultimate Variety Show” is celebrating its eighth year in production. “V” originated at the Venetian in 2002 and moved to the V Theater in 2003 when producer David Saxe bought the theater in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.

“Bite” at the Stratosphere just celebrated its sixth year in production.

August 16th was the 33rd anniversary of the death of Elvis Aaron Presley. Still very much alive in Las Vegas, homage was paid to him by fans at the statue of him at the Las Vegas Hilton.

One of the best family events of the year is the 31st Annual San Gennaro Feast, they promise to be bigger than ever with more Italian entertainment, food, music and carnival rides. This huge Italian Festival is expecting over 150,000 attendees. The Feast will be held at the Silverton Hotel, Sept. 14 through Sunday Sept. 19. The State Fair-sized carnival featuring more than 60 spectacular rides and game-midway will accompany the Italian Festival the biggest we ever had.
...and right after the Italian festival is the Greek Festival.

Mexican Independence Day is now celebrated in Las Vegas, and September is jammed with some of the brightest and most notable Latin artists around.

September is a busy time with a lot of great headliners coming into town.

There are still a few pool parties and continuing events winding up...
Las Vegas 51s AAA Baseball
Cashman Center through Sep 29
Matt Goss Live
Caesars Palace through Sep 5
Mark Curry
Las Vegas Hilton through Sep 15
Pool Parties at the Riviera Hotel & Casino Oasis Pool Complex
Riviera Hotel through Sep 2
Red Rock Cabana Club
Red Rock Casino through Sep 6 FREE
The Spazmatics
Rio through Sep 24
Silverton Sway Pool Lounge
Silverton Hotel through Sep 6
Lance Burton: Master Magician
Monte Carlo through Sep 4
David Copperfield
MGM Grand through Sep 15
Ditch Fridays at the Palms
Palms Casino through Sep 24
Beat Port Sundays at Tao Beach
Venetian Resort through Sep 26
Daylife Sundays at Wet Republic at MGM Grand
MGM Grand through Oct 10
Rehab Sundays at the Hard Rock Beach Club
Hard Rock through Oct 10
Recycled Percussion
MGM Grand through Sep 30

THE FIRST WEEK OF THE MONTH HAS:
Days of the New
Hard Rock Café Sep 1
Supernatural Santana: A Trip through the Hits
Hard Rock Sep 1–5
The Rising—Bruce Springsteen Tribute
Las Vegas Hilton Sep 1
Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse
South Point Sep 2–4
The Avett Brothers
Silverton Hotel Sep 2
Air Supply
Orleans Hotel Sep 3–5
Asia
Green Valley Ranch Sep 3
Craig Shoemaker
South Point Casino 3–5
David Gray and Ray LaMontagne
Palms Casino Sep 3
Jeff Dunham
Caesars Palace Sep 3
Ozomatli
Hard Rock Sep 3
Ron White
Mirage Sep 3–4
“Theatre of the Spanish Horse”
South Point Event Sep 4
38 Special
Silverton Hotel Sep 4
Chelsea Handler
Caesars Palace Sep 4
Cher
Caesars Palace Sep 4–11
Chris Botti
Texas Station Sep 4
Jack Ingram
Santa Fe Station Sep 4
Labor Day Weekend with Jefferson Starship
Fremont Sreet Experience Sep 4—FREE
Melissa Etheridge
Palms Casino Sep 4
Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers
Mandalay Bay Sep 4
The Doobie Brothers
Las Vegas Hilton Sep 4–5
The Las Vegas Gun Show
Cashman Center Sep 4–5
Celtic Woman
Southeast & Henderson Sep 5
Jerry Lewis Labor Day MDA Telethon
South Point Casino Sep 5–6—FREE
Lee Greenwood
Cannery Casino Sep 5

THE SECOND WEEK BRINGS:
Apocalyptica with special guest Dir en grey and Evaline
Mandalay Bay Sep 7
Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven
Hard Rock Café Sep 7
Mark Curry
Las Vegas Hilton Sep 8–12
Rolling the Stones
Las Vegas Hilton Sep 8
“Sgt. Pepper Live” featuring Cheap Trick
Paris Las Vegas Sep 9–11
Gabriel Iglesias
Monte Carlo Sep 9–11
15th Score Terrible’s Las Vegas Primm 300
Buffalo Bill’s Sep 10–12
David Spade
Venetian Resort Sep 10–11
Garth Brooks
Encore at Wynn Sep 10–12
Gretchen Wilson
Silverton Hotel Sep 10
Harvest Festival Art & Craft Show
Cashman Center Sep 10–12
Ho’o’lau lea feat. Fiji & Nesian Nine
Hard Rock Hotel Sep 10
KC & The Sunshine Band
Eastside Cannery Sep 10
Mark Chesnutt
South Point Casino Sep 10–12
Ray Romano & Kevin James
Mirage Sep 10–11
Scissor Sisters
Palms Casino Sep 10
Collective Soul
Hard Rock Sep 11
Creedence Clearwater Revisited
Orleans Hotel Sep 11–12
Ho’olaule’a Pacific Islands Festival
Henderson Convention Center Sep 11–12—FREE
Patti Labelle
Buffalo Bill’s Resort Sep 11
Sheryl Crow with special guest Brandi Carlile
Hard Rock Sep 11
Smash Mouth
Henderson Pavilion Sep 11
TOP RANK BOXING: Gamboa vs. Salido
Palms Casino Sep 11
Willie Nelson
Cannery Casino Sep 11
Willy Chirino
Mandalay Bay Sep 11

THE THIRD WEEK OF THE MONTH FEATURES:
High Roller Reining Classic Quarter Horse Show
South Point Sep 12–18—FREE
San Gennaro Feast
Silverton Hotel Sep 14–19
Alejandro Fernandez
MGM Sep 15
Luis Miguel
Caesars Palace Sep 15–18
Mark Curry
Las Vegas Hilton Sep 15–19
The Joshua Tree: U2 Tribute
Las Vegas Hilton Sep 15
VIVA—One Vegas Weekend, Five Days of Fiesta!
MGM Resorts Sep 15–19
“Sgt. Pepper Live” featuring Cheap Trick
Paris Las Vegas Sep 16–18
Gabriel Iglesias
Monte Carlo Sep 16–18
The Cult
Palms Casino Sep 16
Blue October
Hard Rock Sep 17
Carlos Mencia
Treasure Island Sep 17
David Spade
Venetian Resort Sep 17–18
Half Pint Brawlers
Silverton Hotel Sep 17
Henderson Symphony Orchestra
Henderson Convention Center Sep 17—FREE
Jay Leno
Mirage Sep 17–18
John Heffron
South Point Casino Sep 17–19
Lyfe Jennings
Mandalay Bay Sep 17
Michael Franks
Aliante Station Sep 17
Showtime Boxing
Buffalo Bill’s Sep 17
UFL Football—Las Vegas Locos vs Florida Tuskers
Sam Boyd Stadium Sep 17
Average White Band
Silverton Hotel Sep 18
Cloris Leachman
Suncoast Hotel Sep 18–19
Don Henley
Red Rock Sep 18
Freestyle Explosion
Orleans Hotel Sep 18
Hermans Hermits starring Peter Noone and the Turtles
Cannery Casino Sep 18
Je’Caryous Johnson’s Cheaper To Keep Her
Planet Hollywood Sep 18
Las Vegas International Mariachi Festival
Rio Sep 18
Los Temerarios
Hard Rock Hot Sep 18
Marco Antonio Solis & Pedro Fernandez
Mandalay Bay Sep 18
Michael Bolton
Sunset Station Sept 18
The Mike Posner Up in the Air Tour
Mandalay Bay Sep 18
Margaret Cho—Cho Dependent
Palms Casino Sep 19

THE FOURTH WEEK OF THE MONTH PRESENTS:
Cher
Caesars Palace Sep 21–29
Further: Phil Lesh & Bob Weir
Hard Rock Sep 22
Phoenix
Palms Casino Sep 22
Ratatat
Mandalay Bay Sep 22
Space Oddity, A Tribute to David Bowie
Las Vegas Hilton Sep 22
3rd Annual Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Event
Mandalay Bay Sep 23–25
Joan Rivers
Venetian Resort Sep 23–25
38th Greek Food Festival
Southwest Sep 24–26
70s Soul Jam
Texas Station Sep 24
Jim Gaffigan
Mirage Sep 24–25
Ms. Olympia, Fitness Olympia, Bikini Olympia & Mr. Olympia Judging
Orleans Hotel Sep 24
Olympia Weekend 2010
Orleans Hotel Sep 24–25
OutKast MC Big Boi
Palms Casino Sep 24
Three Dog Night
Silverton Hotel Sep 24
Tony Orlando
South Point Sep 24–26
Train
Red Rock Sep 24
UB40
Mandalay Sep 24
5th Annual Wine Amplified Festival featuring Third Eye Blind
Mandalay Bay Sep 25
Bill Maher
Orleans Hotel Sep 25–26
Giovanni
Suncoast Sep 25–26
J-Mo Scrapbook Expo
South Point Sep 25–26
John Michael Montgomery
Buffalo Bill’s Sep 25
Las Vegas 350—Nascar Camping World Truck Series Race
Las Vegas Motor Speedway Sep 25
Lit w/ Zebrahead
Rio Sep 25
Mr. Olympia Finals, 202 Showdown, Figure Finals
Orleans Hotel Sep 25
Set It Off Dance Competition
Cashman Center Sep 25
Street League Skateboarding Pro Tour
Thomas & Mack Center Sep 25
The Pixies
Hard Rock Sep 25
Third Eye Blind
Mandalay Bay Sep 25

THE LAST WEEK OF SEPTEMBER, AND THE FIRST WEEKEND IN OCTOBER INCLUDES:
Band of Horses
Hard Rock Sep 27
Vampire Weekend
Palms Casino Sep 29
Wild Child: Doors Tribute
Las Vegas Hilton Sep 29
5th Annual Pure Aloha Fall Festival
Silverton Hotel Sep 30–Oct 3
David Copperfield
MGM Grand Sep 30–Nov 3
Hilary Hahn and Natasha Paremski, Piano
University of Nevada Las Vegas Sep 30
Joan Rivers
Venetian Resort Sep 30–Oct 2
Las Vegas Bikefest
Cashman Center Sep 30–Oct 3
Stephen Schwartz’s Godspell
Green Valley Ranch Sep 30
Blueprint, Grieves & Budo, and DJ Rare Groove
Mandalay Bay Oct 1
Dennis Miller
Orleans Hotel Oct 1–3
Garth Brooks
Encore at Wynn Oct 1–3
Jay Leno
Mirage Oct 1–2
The Frightdome
Circus Circus Hotel Oct 1–31
Tower of Power
South Point Jazz Oct 1–3
Cher
Caesars Palace Oct 2–31
Domenick Allen
Suncoast Hotel Oct 2–3
Frozen Fury XIII: L.A. Kings vs. the Colorado Avalanche
MGM Grand Oct 2
Jeffrey Osborne
Boulder Station Oct 2
Suicide Silence with MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE, More . . .
Mandalay Bay Oct 2
The Dukes of September Rhythm Revue
Hard Rock Oct 2
The Guess Who
Cannery Casino Oct 2
Anberlin with special guests Civil Twilight
Mandalay Bay Oct 3
Van Morrison
Hard Rock Oct 3

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.