BARRY MANILOW, WHO exclusively headlines at the LAS VEGAS HILTON through 2007, is taking a few weeks out of his 2006 engagement to undergo outpatient arthroscopic surgery on both of his hips. He recently tore the labrum (cartilage) in both of them. According to his doctors, labrum tears are quite common among pro-athletes playing aggressive sports, and Barry is known for his high-energy performance during each of his shows at the HILTON. Barry's recovery and rehabilitation time is approximately six to eight weeks. He'll continue to perform at the HILTON through Saturday, August 19 and return on November 8.

The third annual World Gourmet Summit, "Grand Gourmet Safari" will convene on September 7–9 showcasing the World Market Center, located at 489 S. Grand Central Parkway. The gastronomic event allows international and local visitors to explore the latest trends in art, wine and food from around the globe and provides a unique opportunity for patrons to provide scholarships for UNLV and CCSN students while enjoying the unique venue of World Market Center not normally open to the public. More than 90 vineyards representing 15 countries and 22 worldwide regions will converge at this unique wine extravaganza, offering visitors an unprecedented opportunity to sample nearly 300 wines from five continents and devour gourmet cuisine prepared by Master Chefs from around the world. Well-known wine and food authors will autograph copies of their latest editions. Special culinary competitions such as ice carving and vegetable carving will entertain guests. For what may be a rare opportunity to view the World Market Center and benefit UNLV/CCSN students through ticket purchases and active bidding on the auction items, contact the UNLV ticket office at 1-866-388-3267 or 1-702-739-3267.

More than 15,000 "Star Trek" fans from around the world beamed into the LAS VEGAS HILTON for the Fifth Annual Official Star Trek Convention celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the franchise. The event featured more than 70 celebrities from all incarnations of "Star Trek" such as "Voyager's" Kate Mulgrew (Captain Janeway), "Star Trek's" William Shatner (Captain Kirk), Leonard Nimoy (Mr. Spock), George Takei (Lt. Sulu), Walter Koenig (Chekov), Nichelle Nichols (Uhura), Grace Lee Whitney (Yeoman Janice Rand), William Campbell (Koloth and Trelane), Mariette Hartley (Zarabeth) and Robert Justman, one of the classic "Star Trek" producers that started it all.

The 4 PLAIDS recently celebrated their 500th performance at the GOLD COAST. This talented group of four, plus pianist and bass, give audiences a great evening of entertainment. Their harmony is impeccable, their humor hilarious. I've seen them many times and each time enjoy them more and more. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley and Susan Anton were among the many dignitaries and celebrities celebrating the 500th performance. Congratulations, Plaids, long may you reign.

The World Famous Popovich Comedy Pet Theater is a most unique and hilarious show featuring 15 talented cats and eight amazing dogs. Pet Theater performs at 3:30 p.m. Saturday–Thursday inside the V Theater in the Desert Passage at the ALADDIN. The ringleader, Gregory Popovich, leads an extravaganza of juggling and comedy with furry friends performing astounding tricks. All the adorable animals featured in the show were strays rescued from animal shelters. Audiences will be amazed to see pets that were once homeless perform skits, ride scooters and dressed in costumes. Popovich and his pets have been seen on Jay Leno and David Letterman and were featured on Animal Planet, CNN and NBC.

Robby Love, a.k.a. The Roller Rapper, a Hollywood, California resident, is a performing artist who kicked off his roller skating tour of the entire length of the historic Route 66 in Chicago. The Roller Rapper will be the first person to ever roller skate the entire Route 66. His performances along Route 66 are aimed at bringing people together across the nation for a celebration of giving and love on a tour that will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and 16 other local charities along the way. OPRAH has been invited to join the Roller Rapper in Chicago. The Roller Rapper has asked OPRAH to select her favorite charity, and monies will be raised for OPRAH's selected charity throughout the tour.

"The Sopranos Last Supper" at KRAVE at the ALADDIN is now at the same location, but the theatre area is now called "THE HARMON THEATRE." What a fun evening at "The Soprano's," an interactive show with good food. And now, Bacardi of Southern Nevada has made a deal to promote their drinks at the show with a free "Big Apple Panic Attack Martini" to start out the evening with a Ba Da Bang.

Also at THE HARMON THEATRE is the retro-cool musical production "Shag With A Twist" The action takes place at a 1960s shagedelic Tupperware party hosted by retro couple Eldon and Othal and their over-the-top friends. Party guests include: Shimmy and Shake (Siamese twins joined at their fabulous hair): the debonair and egotistical Foot: the very seductive Kitty: the ultra glamorous and ever mysterious Slinky and the creepy Coroner (because all coroners love Tupperware). The party quickly takes a turn when someone ends up dead—screwed by a giant corkscrew—and it takes a bumbling police inspector, his pet monkey and a séance to solve the crime. Created by famed visual artist Josh "Shag" Agle and choreographer Cynthia Bradley, the show serves up music, color and choreography that brings to life the campy, hip artwork of Shag, while capturing the carefree spirit of a retro era with big hair. As if immersed in a cartoon, the zany plot comes to life with outlandish characters, vividly colored costumes and sets, along with catchy swing music and dance.

THE CANNERY celebrates peace, love and happiness with three original groups who played at Woodstock in 1969—Mountain, Ten Years After and Santana original lead singer Gregg Rolie on Aug. 19 at 4:00 p.m. In addition, there will be themed food and drinks and vendors selling items such as tie-dyed clothes, candles and incense. Opening the festivities at 4:00 p.m. is Jimi's Image, a tribute to Jimi Hendrix…On Aug 26, Smooth Jazz 105.7 FM presents George Benson, Al Jarreau and Raúl Midón inside The Club at 7:30 p.m.—"The Guess Who" returns to THE CANNERY September 16 inside The Club. Still going strong forty years after their formation, their concerts are as popular now as they have ever been. "The Guess Who" remains one of today's top touring rock bands.

Wow! 12 Million$ was won by one person at the World Series of Poker at THE RIO. In addition to playing in or watching the great poker tournaments, the 2nd annual Gaming Life Expo opened with 235 booths and 23,000 square feet of retail including the hottest poker products as well as a wide range of gaming lifestyle items such as apparel, jewelry, books, magazines and art.

Rick Thomas, fabulous afternoon magic show at THE STARDUST has added a 7:00 p.m. show to its schedule. This is really a marvelous show.

The legendary BARBRA STREISAND is the music industry's #1 best-selling female artist with 50 gold, 30 platinum and 13 multi-platinum albums to her credit. She is second on the all-time charts ahead of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, exceeded only by Elvis Presley. Streisand remains the only artist to receive Oscar, Tony, Emmy, Grammy, Golden Globe, Cable Ace and Peabody Awards, as well as the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award. Streisand starts a national tour Oct. 4 in Philadelphia, citing her motivation to return to the stage is her commitment to contribute to charitable organizations. Barbra Streisand will perform at the MGM GRAND along with the multi-platinum quartet Il Divo as her special guest, Nov. 18 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets priced at $1,000, $750, $350, $200 and $100.

The Karaoke Club at the IMPERIAL PALACE is back by popular demand—but in a new home on the third floor next to the Race & Sports Book. Crooners, divas and American Idol wannabes will once again be able to choose from 15,000 songs from Alabama to ZZ Top as Tequila Joe's former DJ Rusty Varney returns as host. The Karaoke Club is open Sundays through Thursdays at 9:00 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 10:00 p.m.

THE LUXOR presents The Spotlight Series, a star-studded line-up of entertainers to run until December. Starting August 17 with "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" comedian, Drew Carey and The Improv All Stars, the series continues with performances by Heart, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Earth Wind & Fire, Jim Belushi & The Sacred Hearts, Liza Minnelli, LeAnn Rimes, Olivia Newton-John and Styx, and The Beach Boys. This unique blend of performers, including Grammy award-winning musicians and comedians, makes for an exciting entertainment series.

THE VENETIAN's Blue Man Group appeared at FAO Schwarz to demonstrate their new unique musical instruments available at a toy store for the first time, including the Keyboard Experience and Percussion Tubes. Fifteen percent of the proceeds from the sales of the Blue Man Group toys sold during the two-hour launch event went to Olive Crest, a local organization dedicated to preventing child abuse, treating and educating at-risk children and preserving the family.

Adding to its repertoire of captivating television performances, Blue Man Group was the Las Vegas headliner for this summer's #1 show on NBC, "America's Got Talent." The widely popular bald and blue characters joined Regis Philbin on stage as they performed a rockin' rendition of 'The Who's' "Baba O'Riley."

Tequila Ley .925 has introduced a new tequila that is attempting to break the Guinness Book of Records for the most expensive bottle in the world. Priced at $225,000 per bottle, the 100 percent blue agave tequila is aged for six years and packaged in limited edition platinum bottles. Sixty-six bottles in total were produced, half of them at a slightly lower price of $150,000 and packaged in gold decorated bottles.

George Wallace has music sensation Jennifer Holliday performing for a special engagement at his show at the FLAMINGO through September 2.

The Tenth Annual Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant, brought Hooter Girls from around the world to vie for the Miss Hooters International crown. Over 130 contestants representing their hometowns from Shanghai, China to Atlanta, GA competed for over $150,000 in cash and prizes. Of the 24 blackjack tables at HOOTERS CASINO HOTEL, six of them are in a very special location—the Hooters Girl Party Pit! These special tables include Michelle Nunes, who was selected as Miss Hooters International 2006 from more than 120 regional Hooters pageant winners from across the globe.

Another David Saxe Production, "Showtime in Vegas" is a hot competition to find the next big superstar. "Showtime in Vegas" is a mix of comedy, sexy dancers and impressive performers battling it out each week for a spot in the finals. The six week competition started August 4th at 10:30 p.m. at the V Theater inside the Desert Passage Mall at the ALADDIN. Contestants will be at the mercy of the audience, and at the end of each show a champion is selected and moves on to compete in the grand finale show for big prizes. Go-go dancers and the "Showtime Dimes" offer sexy dance entertainment between acts. Funny man Mike P., star of the Morning Madhouse on 97.5 FM and famous for his morning phone pranks throws in his own mix of comedy as master of ceremonies. From the streets to the stage, it's the audience's vote that will decide the fate of one lucky performer.

Talented juggler/comedian, Michael Holly, appears as the variety act in the "Folies Bergere," at the TROPICANA through January 2, 2007. Michael brings his quick wit and juggling talent as part of a 10-minute variety act in "Folies Bergere." Holly has been a Las Vegas highlight for several years, even voted best specialty act in Las Vegas by Casino Player magazine.

The Mac King Comedy Magic Show has delivered non-stop laughs and dazzling magic to audiences of all ages at HARRAH's since 2000, Now, the Mac King Comedy Magic Show has been extended for five more years. Mac has a unique and universally appealing comedy style that resonates with all audiences. King, one of today's brightest and most talented magicians, takes the stage twice daily, Tuesday through Saturday, at 1 and 3:00 p.m. in the Clint Holmes Theatre. Tickets are $19.95 plus tax.

Two warriors, one ring. four fists, one great fight. Just 12 rounds, too close to call. So why not do it again? On Saturday, Sept. 16, live from the MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA, Marco Antonio Barrera and Rocky Juarez will pick up where they left off in May as they determine once and for all who is the best 130-pound fighter in the world. In the first bout between these combatants, held May 20 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif., Barrera scored a hard-fought 12-round split decision over Juarez, a result that provoked weeks of discussion among fight fans who had varying opinions on the final verdict of the fight. Marco wants to prove that the first win was no fluke and Rocky wants that title belt around his waist. This should be quite a fight!

Thirteen years into her career, Mary J. Blige continues to be the Queen of Hip Hop Soul. Mary J. Blige: The Breakthrough Experience summer tour will be at the MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA Saturday, Sept. 2 at 8:00 p.m. Special guests Jaheim and Letoya will open the evening's performance.

SUPER SUMMER THEATRE, now in its 31st annual lineup of shows under the stars is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing affordable, high quality productions to the people of Southern Nevada. The outdoor theatre is located in Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, 10 miles west on Charleston Blvd You can also picnic or buy food there. The season continues with Bells are Ringing and Noises Off. For a most enjoyable evening, call: 895-2787. Advance tickets are priced at $8 and tickets at the gate are $10, children under five are free.

Successful author and talented actress, Brett Butler performs one night only August 26 at THE TROPICANA. Brett Butler is best known for her role as quick-witted Grace Kelly on the hit ABC-TV series "Grace Under Fire," She recently made her big return to the small screen as "Joy's Mom" on the hilarious new NBC sitcom, "My Name Is Earl." Brett has toured the United States with her sidesplitting no-holds-barred stand-up performance for more than 20 years. She's known as the "Southern Lenny Bruce."

Las Vegas gets the best of the best! The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino presents KC's Boogie Blast featuring KC & The Sunshine Band, Gloria Gaynor and Sister Sledge at The Joint inside the Hard Rock August 4.. Selling millions of records and nine Grammy nominations, KC & The Sunshine Band are known for producing some of the disco era's biggest and instantly recognizable dance hits such as "Shake Shake Shake, Shake Your Booty." Formed in 1973, the band issued a number of singles and albums before finding international success. The group's hit track "Boogie Shoes" was featured on the soundtrack to Saturday Night Fever (1979).

Gloria Gaynor has become one of the best-known female disco artists from the 1970s. Gaynor found success with the release of her album, 'Never Can Say Goodbye' (1976) and her power anthem "I Will Survive."

In the early 1970s, Sister Sledge released a number of successful singles, but it wasn't until 1974 that the sisters produced their first national hit "Love, Don't You Go Through No Changes on Me." In 1979 they produced their successful hit "We Are Family." That song, along with "He's the Greatest Dancer" peaked at #1 and #2 on the Billboard charts, respectively.

Local favorite, Memphis Championship Barbecue, filmed an episode of "Unwrapped" hosted by Marc Summers during the 2005 Big Apple Block Party in New York City. The episode, featuring a taste of real American barbecue first aired during February and will air again Thursday, September 7, at 7:30 p.m. PST on the Food Network on cable channel 42.

PARIS HILTON, actress, model and now pop singer, has been spending quite a bit of time in Las Vegas. Now, she celebrates the release of her debut album 'PARIS' at the grand opening of BEACHER'S ROCKHOUSE at the IMPERIAL PALACE, followed by an after-party at Pure Nightclub. In addition to Paris Hilton releasing her debut album, "Mr. Vegas" Jeff Beacher, will attempt to break the record for "World's Heaviest Pig In a Blanket" by being wrapped in dough, lifted 10 stories by crane, and dropped in a pool of ketchup. He will stay submerged, holding his breath, for a record-breaking 10 minutes—a feat that even David Blaine could not accomplish, coming up for air at the seven-minute mark. LATE BREAKING NEWS: Beacher Postpones 'World's Heaviest Pig In A Blanket' Desert high temperatures have forced the postponement of heavyweight comedian Jeff Beacher's attempt to set a world record of being submerged in ketchup and mustard at the grand opening of his new Beacher's Rockhouse Bar on Tuesday, August 29th. "I am bitterly disappointed," said Beacher, "but it's only being postponed until things cool down. I still intend to go for the record for holding one's breath while submerged."

Starting at 7:00 p.m. with a Paris Hilton CD Release Block Party on the Las Vegas Strip on Las Vegas Blvd. off Caesars Way, between Flamingo and O'Sheas Casino. The Block Party will feature a carnival atmosphere, including go-go dancers, sword swallowers, light bulb eaters, a lady who rolls around in glass, a man who can jump rope with three girls on his back, human jugglers, a man who balances stoves on his chin, drag queens, hand balancers, contortionists, little people, live bands, spring jumpers, stilt walkers, monkeys, goats and much more. This all takes place, Tuesday, August 29.th Paris Hilton CD Release Block Party is from 7:00 p.m. to Midnight. BEACHER'S ROCKHOUSE at the IMPERIAL PALACE, will start immediately following the block party with Paris Hilton, Jeff Beacher, emcee Pete Giovine, Tiny Kiss and Beacher's cast of characters.

By the way, the new Mr. Vegas Jeff Beacher, Creator and Host of Beacher's Madhouse is taking legal action Against NBC's hit talent show "America's Got Talent." Having the likes of Nicky and Paris Hilton, Jon Bon Jovi, Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson, Jack and Kelly Osbourne, Britney Spears and Kevin Federline, Tiny Kiss and other celebrities attend his Madhouse shows over the past four years would not have been possible had Beacher not put together an amazing show of variety acts and comics that kept audiences entertained, including the act known as Leonid the Magnificent. The producer's of "America's Got Talent" saw that same potential when they were in the audition process and called on Jeff Beacher to refer talent to them. Beacher gladly obliged to help the show, as his Madhouse revue is known for having the most outrageous and unique talent from all around the world. And, the thanks he got for sharing his uncanny knack for finding and exposing the greatest acts out there to AGT was losing his ability to work with the same acts he invented and introduced to the producers.