Vegas Happenings 06-22-10

The Tropicana Unveils The Mob Experience at Press Conference

At a recent press conference The Tropicana Las Vegas unveiled a new attraction, the Mob Experience that is scheduled to open December 2010  in the 25,000-square-foot Pavilion Center, as part of the $165 million transformation to the property.


Wayne Brady Wax Likeness Unveiled at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

Madame Tussaudes Las Vegas honored Venetian headliner Wayne Brady with a wax figure likeness that was unveiled during a VIP reception on Thursday evening, June 17.


Excalibur Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Tournament of Kings

In a city where shows come and go, it is rare for a production to be around for as long as 20 years.

Kourtney and Kim Kardashian Host Vegas Magazine's 7th Anniversary Party at Surrender

On Saturday night, June 19, Vegas Magazine celebrated its 7th anniversary with a gala party at the newest night hotspot, Surrender Nightclub, which is attached to the new luxurious Encore Beach Club at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas.


Licensing Exposition at Mandalay Bay Attracts International Retailers

The 2010 Licensing International Expo was held  at the Mandalay Bay Las Vegas June 8-10.

Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:

Smashburger, a fast-casual “better burger” restaurant opened its second Las Vegas location on Wednesday, June 16. The new location is at 9109 W. Sahara Avenue.  The first is located at 7541 W. Mead Blvd.

“The response to our first Las Vegas location has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Smashburger Founder Tom Ryan. “We look forward to bringing better burgers to the rest of the valley.” The new location also features the popular Las Vegas regional menu items including the Sin City Smashburger, the All Nighter Salad and the Caramel Häagen-Dazs shake.

Smashburger is known for its savory burgers, but the restaurant also serves up delicious Smashchicken sandwiches, Smashdogs, and Smashsalads, with sides like veggie fries and rosemary and garlic–seasoned Smashfries. Burger lovers can pair their meals with beer, wine, Häagen-Dazs shakes and root-beer floats.

The winner of Hash House A Go Go's inaugural Father’s Day Photo Contest was 16- month-old A.J. Tillitson of Henderson. The photo shows A.J. and his father, Colby, walking along the beach at sunset. The photo was taken in San Diego by mother Mandy. As winners, the Tillitson family received brunch on Father’s Day as well as dinner once-a-month for the next year. Contestants were asked to send in their favorite photo with their father.  Judges were famous Las Vegas fathers; including Rick Harrison and Richard “The Old Man” Harrison from The History Channel’s “Pawn Stars” and KOMP personality “Big Mex.”

The Liberace Foundation & Museum is offering a discounted admission rate for the hot summer months. Beginning Monday, June 21 and running to Labor Day, Monday, Sept.6 , admission for adults is $10, while seniors and students may enter for $8. The Museum  offers complimentary shuttle service to and from several Las Vegas Strip hotels daily including Bally’s, Bellagio, Treasure Island, The Mirage, Flamingo and Excalibur.

Fremont Street Experience continues its “Summerof the ’70s” by welcoming Desperado, a premier Eagles tribute band that will perform three sets nightly from 9 p.m.-midnight Tuesday, June 22 through Saturday, June 26 on the 3rd Street Stage. The concerts are FREE with each starting after the top-of-the-hour Viva Vision shows.  

Thursday, June 24 at 8 p.m., The 300th Army Band, which is comprised of Army Reserve soldiers, will perform classical, patriotic and contemporary pieces will perform at Henderson Events Plaza,  200 S. Water Street. Admission is FREE.

The Palms Casino Resort will display more than a dozen prestigious NHL trophies including the Stanley Cup – the oldest and most revered trophy in all professional sports – in anticipation of this year’s NHL Awards. The trophy display will be unveiled at 5 p.m. Monday, June 21, and will be open for public viewing through 12 p.m. Tuesday, June 22, 2010.The 2010 NHL Awards will be presented at the Pearl Concert Theater inside the Palms Hotel Las Vegas on Wednesday, June 23.

Beginning June 24 inside Sam’s Town Live! at Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall, a new weekly variety and music show produced by Ed Mathews’ Desert Productions launches—Variety Toast of the Town. Every Thursday at 2 p.m., Variety Toast of the Town will feature well-known Las Vegas entertainers in a 75-minute variety show format. For the launch performance on June 24, special guest emcees Clint Holmes and Domenick Allen (Vocal Soup) will present an array of acts including the ladies of Menopause The Musical, Genevieve Dew and Mark Giovi of Ebony and Ivory, Lena Prima, the magic of Jason Andrews, Fifth Avenue and Leonardo and his Piano Follies’ Hit Parade Band. *Entry is free to all B Connected Club members.

International singer/songwriter Erykah Badu will perform at The Pearl Concert Theater inside the Palms Casino Resort on Thursday, June 24, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $45 & $65, plus any additional service fees.

Carlos Mencia kicks off the summer comedy line-up at the Treasure Island Threatre June 25 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $49

*Must be 18 years or older to attend .Bill Cosby brings his signature comedy July 2 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $59,  and Engvall extends the laughs August 13.8 p.m.Tickets start at $35.

Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health will host a performance of Caregiver Collage by the UNLV Senior Adult Theatre Program on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. in the new Gehry-designed Life Activity Center.  Based on empathy, compassion and humor derived from real stories, Caregiver Collage brings to life the situations and feelings experienced by caregivers.  Caregiver Collage is performed in reader’s theater style, offering a series of monologues that explore the challenges, humor, and isolation that many caregivers experience as they are called upon to look after their loved ones.  The performance is FREE and will be followed by a discussion, as well as an optional tour of the Lou Ruvo Center facility.

Beginning June 30, 2010 at 9:00 p.m. Matt Donnelly’s Executive Monkeys takes over The Lounge at the Palms Casino Resort every Wednesday featuring a weekly celebrity guest.

The show, which will run through the month of July, features some of the most supreme improv comedians hailing from Upright Citizens Brigade, Second City, Improv Olympic, Peoples Improv Theatre and Improv Vegas performing a two-act 70-80 minute show.

Unlike any other show in Vegas, the first set calls upon audience participation, encouraging the audience to use social media outlet Twitter via their cellular phones as the performers create characters and sketches based on the pictures and words from the tweeting audience. The suggestions are tweeted and are broadcast to an on stage screen to keep the audience up to speed.

The second act offers a comedic tarot reading of a celebrity guest that will result in an outpour of spontaneous sketches created around the reading. On June 30, celebrity guest will be actress, professional poker player and all-around hottie, Shannon Elizabeth. Additional celebrity guests will be announced soon. Ticket are on sale beginning Thursday, June 17 at noon and prices are $25.

The Palms Pool & Bungalows, in partnership with Cruzan Rum, has announced another exciting live poolside performance in its Cruzan Campfire Concert Series. Vince Neil will kick off the Independence Day weekend with a performance on Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 9:00 p.m. that will include music from his latest release Tattoos & Tequila as well as chart-toppers from his days as Mötley Crüe’s front man.

Tickets for Vince Neil are $30 for general admission and $50 for a VIP ticket that allows guests access into a special viewing area and includes a complimentary Cruzan cocktail.

Country music stars Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers will perform at The Club inside the Cannery Casino & Hotel on Saturday, July 3 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available in four levels: table of four $79.95, Gold $39.95, Prime $24.95 or Reserved $14.95.

In celebration of Independence Day the Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower will host a “Red, White and You” pool party on Sunday, July 4 starting at 11 a.m. The party will be open to the public with free cover, drink and food specials and live entertainment. The sexy girls from BITE® and the cast of American Superstars™ will make special appearances throughout the day to ensure the party keeps rocking. After a full day of partying, revelers will want to head up to Level 107 Lounge or Air Bar, the highest bar in Las Vegas located on level 108. These will be the best spots on the Strip to watch fireworks all over the Las Vegas valley.

“America’s Got Talent” finalist Grandma Lee will be returning to headline at Bonkerz Comedy Club at Palace Station July 5 through Sept. 4 nightly. Tickets are $34.95. Station Casinos hotel guests and locals with a valid Nevada ID receive a $15 discount

Master mimic Rich Little will perform at The Club inside the Cannery Casino & Hotel on Saturday, July 10 at 8 p.m. Known as “The Man of a Thousand Voices” for his incredible range of impressions.
Tickets are available now in three levels: Prime table $29.95, Patio table $19.95 or Reserved $9.95.

Singing sensation Clint Holmes brings his powerful voice and magnetic stage presence back to the Suncoast Showroom July 10 and 11.Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $29.95, plus tax and convenience fees.

Rock super group Camp Freddy perform their high energy set inside The Pearl Concert Theater on Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 9 p.m. Camp Freddy is headed up by Billy Morrison (The Cult), Dave Navarro (Jane’s Addiction), Matt Sorum (Guns N Roses/Velvet Revolver), Donovan Leitch (son of legendary folk singer Donovan) and Chris Chaney (Jane’s Addiction). This show also serves as the world premiere of Teased, the new burlesque show from the creators of X Burlesque. Admission is for ages  21 and over. Tickets are priced at $30 & $40.

Double Emmy Award winning, New York Times Best Selling Author and Grammy® nominated comedienne Kathy Griffin will perform at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on Saturday, July 10 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $49.50/ $59.50/$69.50/ $85.

Due to a scheduling conflict, the 40 Oz to Freedom show scheduled at Crown Theater on July 4th is being postponed – a new date has not been set yet

The LeAnn Rimes concert originally scheduled for July 16 at Crown Theater inside the Rio is being canceled. There is no replacement date at this time.

The Grammy-nominated, Los Angeles-based quartet, Silversun Pickups will make a stop at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Friday, July 16. Tickets go on-sale this Saturday at noon. Tickets, starting at $28 (plus applicable service fees),

Espinoza Paz, known as “the people’s singer/songwriter” has announced his first U.S. national tour, Nace Una Estrella (A Star is Born). The two-time Latin Billboard Award winner will be making a stop at The Joint on Saturday, July 17 at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Singer-songwriter Jackson Browne will perform with his band and longtime friend and musical co-conspirator David Lindley, July 20 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Tickets start at $39.50 (plus applicable service fees),

Lyle Lovett and his Large Band will perform at The Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on Saturday, July 24 at 8 p.m. Tickets, start at $59.50 (plus applicable service fees

After completing a great run at the Excalibur, Comedy legend Louie Anderson announced today that he will begin a new headlining residency at Palace Station on Tuesday, September 7, 2010, performing in what is currently Bonkerz Comedy Club ShowroomTo compliment the move, Palace Station will be renaming the showroom in Louie’s name. The new show will be a family-friendly show for all ages.

Recent closings:

ESPN Zone at New York-New York.

"Paul Rodriguez and the Whole Enchilada" show is no longer playing at Tropicana Las Vegas.  

Celebrity Sightings:

Tuesday, June 15, fresh from his fight victory over Chuck Liddell, UFC fighter Rich Franklin headed to Blush Boutique Nightclub on Tuesday for locals night to celebrate the victory. Also at Blush on Tuesday was America’s Best Dance Crew Season 2 Champions Super Cr3w.

Wednesday night, June 16 Rapper, Flavor Flav surprised partygoers when he showed up to support longtime friend Doug E. Fresh during his performance at Eve nightclub.


Angelica Bridges and the stunning cast of FANTASY were a part of Vegas' sexiest happy hour Bubble Wednesdays at RHUMBAR at The Mirage.


Thursday night, June 17  DJ Pauly D dined at TAO Asian Bistro with six friends.

Retired quarterback Warren Moon, in town for the NFL Super Star Sports Dream Bowl, was spotted checking out Encore Beach Club’s evening pool party, Dip and Dance.


It was a star studded night at LAVO on Friday to kick off the weekend.  Taking over the private dining room at the Italian eatery was a large group that included Jamie Foxx, Paris and Nicky Hilton, David Katzenberg and Stacey Keibler.  In the main dining room Olympian Michael Phelps dined with friends including Miss California Nicole Johnson.  Wayne Gretzy stopped by to say hello to Phelps during dinner.  Also spotted in the restaurant were former NBA star Robert Horry, Atlanta Falcon Tony Gonzalez and Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin.

The party eventually moved to the club where the stars took over the dance floor.   Also spotted in the club was the super sexy Olivia Munn.

At TAO, UFC fighter Kenny Florian dined with friends.

Friday evening. June 18, Poker pro Tiffany Michelle celebrated her 26th birthday at Eve nightclub in Crystals at CityCenter. One of the top female competitors in the 2010 tournament, Michelle dined at Eva Longoria Parker’s Beso steakhouse with fellow WSOP players Liv Boeree, Maria Ho, Jeff Madsen, Adam Levy, Trishelle Cannatella and adult film actress Samantha Ryan among others.


Madsen and Cannatella, the former star of MTV’s “Real World Las Vegas,” were seen dancing and flirting together. Ho’s boyfriend, professional poker player McLean Karr also joined up with the group after a late finish from the competition.


An elaborate, pink, poker-themed cake with the words “Hot Chipz,” Michelle’s nickname, was presented around 1 a.m.


Singer-songwriter Michael Bolton dined at Rao’s prior to his private concert at Caesars Palace' Garden of the Gods pool oasis. 

Saturday. June 19,

Mario Lopez enjoyed some fun in the sun with his mother-to-be girlfriend Courtney Mazza at LIQUID Pool Lounge, at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.  The toned and tanned TV star spent the day at the lavish pool lounge signing copies of his new book, Knockout Fitness before soaking up the sun's rays, taking a dip in the pool.


Hot reality starlet Kristin Cavallari soaked up the Vegas sun at WET REPUBLIC .


Saturday night Chris Mintz-Plasse, who played McLovin in the movie Superbad turned 21 at TAO.  Joined by friends including Ryan Cabrera and actor Evan Ross (son of Diana), the group gathered in the private dining room.    After dinner they hit the nightclub where he jumped into the DJ booth with Olympian Michael Phelps and DJ Vice.


Michael Phelps and Miss California Nicole Johnson dined at the Asian bistro after spending the day at TAO Beach where the swimmer cooled off in the pool.  Former NFL stars Eddie George and Michael Irvin, who also enjoyed TAO Beach during the day, were spotted dining at TAO as well.


At LAVO, Mark Mothersbaugh, the lead singer of Devo, dined at LAVO with friends before hitting the nightclub.  Michael Johnson was spotted dining at the Italian eatery, as was Pauly Shore and Hockey great Wayne Gretzky.

Though Jamie Yager lost The Ultimate Fighter finale he was still in good spirits as he hosted a post fight party at LAVO.   UFC ref Herb Dean was also spotted in the club.


Actress and musician Juliette Lewis was spotted celebrating her birthday with six of her closest gal pals at MunchBar, the newest dining destination at Caesars Palace. 

Warren Moon celebrated his NFL Super Star Sports Dream Bowl with an after-party at Surrender Nightclub on Saturday

Sunday, June 20 Chris Mintz Plasse, McLovin from the movie Superbad, continued his 21st birthday weekend celebration at TAO Beach on Sunday.  Friends including Ryan Cabrera and Evan Ross helped the star celebrate in the grand cabana overlooking the pool and Chuck Liddell stopped by to say hello.  Cabrera presented his friend with a beach ball shaped cake as the DJ played “I’m Too Sexy.”  The party continued with dinner at LAVO before heading up to a VIP table in the nightclub.


NHL players spotted at LAVO on Sunday included Philadelphia Flyer captain Mike Richards, Florida Panther Bryan Allen, Barret Jackmnn and Jay McClement of the St. Louis Blues and John Tripp. 

Also spotted at LAVO was Euro house/electronica duo Dada Life.  The pair spun earlier in the day at TAO Beach for Beatport Beach Party Sunday.

Comedian Pauly Shore was spotted dining at TAO.

Several celebrities came out to hear resident DJ Kaskade play his weekly set at Encore Beach Club including Warren Moon, who made his third visit to the property over the weekend.  Also at Encore Beach Club on Sunday, Second Season Dancing With The Stars Contestant Stacy Keibler, who spent the afternoon in a bungalow drinking several of Encore Beach Club’s signature cocktails, and UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell.


Tuesday, June 22, Philadelphia Flyers superstar Mike Richards had lunch at Simon at Palms Place.

Also on Tuesday Holly Madison shopped at the Palms Place Boutique.