Some folks will just keep milking their talent until the cows come home, as they say. Just ask acclaimed singing impressionist Veronic, who had a “moo-ving” experience with the cows already at home in Canada. As she tells it, when she was young and growing up on her parent’s farm, she used to sing to the cows while dancing in the barn. “They enjoyed my voice,” Veronic laughs, “and we got lots of milk.”
Now having found truly green pastures, Veronic is back at Bally’s Las Vegas in her hit show VERONIC Voices continuing her residency. I went to see her last week and, once again, I was amazed by her talent. She is so right-on with her amazing impressions of female artists from every era and genre, including Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Celine Dion, Cher, Madonna, Sheryl Crow, Billie Holiday, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Pink, Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli, Katy Perry, Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and many, many more, that it blows you away, not to mention that she dances and plays the piano and guitar, too. She has also launched “Lend Your Voice,” a monthly awareness-building and fundraising effort for selected local nonprofits. Each month, Véronic will partner with a worthy cause and encourage audience donations by providing information on each of their missions during her performances at the Jubilee Theater.
Véronic had a surprise guest in the audience -- Queer Eye for the Straight Guy star Jai Roriguez. After the show, Véronic and Rodriguez (pictured here) had the chance to meet backstage, where he tweeted that her 50 vocal impressions left him "shocked" and "#inawe."
A week after acclaimed singing impressionist Bob Anderson performed his “Frank: The Man, The Music” one-night show at the Venetian to a cheering, packed house, the buzz is still going on. I keep hearing from folks about just how much they miss Las Vegas in the sense of the headliners and Vegas shows that this city used to have. The over-the-top reaction to this show exemplified that to the nth degree. In the audience were the old-guard Vegas greats such as Steve Lawrence, Marty Allen, Rich Little, and Steve Rossi. They reveled, along with the crowd in Anderson’s right-on impression of Sinatra – he nailed it both vocally and mannerism-wise – for an unbelievable 90 minutes as he rolled through the Sinatra songbook and bantered with the audience and his usicians as Ol’ Blue Eyes used to do.
With makeup by Oscar-nominated makeup artist Kazu Tsuji that took over three hours to apply and backed by a 32-piece orchestra led by Vinnie Falcone, who was Sinatra’s conductor and arranger for 10 years, the illusion was uncannily complete. Word has it that the show cost $400,000, $100,000 of that for the makeup alone. Both Steve Wynn and Sheldon Addelson were in the audience along with numerous entertainment buyers. And scores of us are hoping that one of them will realize that an entire market has been missing in Vegas since this town became a DJ-overkilled nightclub city. As the star of the reality TV show Bar Rescue said in a TV interview a couple of weeks ago, one casino is going to have to take the initiative to bring back Vegas or this town will not survive. He noted that he already has contracts with three casinos to turn nightclubs back into lounges with live entertainment.
Delivering downtown style to an outdoor beer garden and backyard getaway, Bier Garten is the location for the official welcome party for Las Vegas Car Stars on Thursday, May 15 at 7 p.m. Las Vegas Car Stars will showcase premiere examples of famous television and movie cars on the Fremont Street Experience May 16 -17. Before the event officially begins, Bier Garten will host car owners and VIP guests as well as some celebrities for a special welcome party.Produced by Paul Casey Productions, Las Vegas Car Stars is an event specifically for fans of shows like Knight Rider, Dukes of Hazzard, Starsky & Hutch, and Smokey & Bandit as well as famous movies like Batman and Ghostbusters, whose iconic vehicles are part of entertainment and pop culture histo
Due to popular demand, Chippendales® has announced that Sharknado and 90210 star Ian Ziering will return to its show at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas as a celebrity guest star from June 12 through July 19, 2014. Since joining the acclaimed Las Vegas production of Chippendales last summer, Ziering’s career has skyrocketed with hits such as the SyFy “People’s Choice” nominated cult-film, Sharknado and, the forthcoming Sharknado 2 set for release in July 2014.
Five-time Emmy Award® winner and crowd favorite Dennis Miller returns to The Orleans Showroom June 13 and 14. Celebrated as a witty comedian with an entertaining and intriguing stand-up routine, Miller keeps audiences laughing with his irreverent observations. Miller is host of the nationally syndicated radio show, “The Dennis Miller Show,” airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST at www.dennismillerradio.com.
Life does sometimes imitate art. One evening last week, Social House located inside The Shops at Crystals welcomed actor John Ratzenberger from the former hit television show Cheers. Accompanied by a close friend, the two arrived around 8:00 p.m. and made their way to the bar where they sipped on a few pre-dinner cocktails and took in the surroundings of the Pan-Asian destination. The two enjoyed a few mouthwatering selections such as the seared albacore roll and Social House’s famed “Crispy Pata” – a crispy pork shank marinated in garlic – sili vinegar and topped with thinly sliced pickles. Thoroughly enjoying their evening, Ratzenberger was seen engaging in conversation with other patrons at the bar until just after 9:00 p.m. when they exited the venue.
Produced by Relish, Wednesdays Downtown will occupy the streets in the Fremont East Entertainment District at Las Vegas Boulevard and 6th Street. The weekly event will bring local businesses together to transform the area into a festive block party featuring a Food Truck Village, Painters Lounge, Downtown Dirty Bar Fight, the “World’s Greatest Happy Hour” and more.
Golden Nugget Las Vegas continues a great summer of music with Lynyrd Skynyrd Saturday, August 9 in The Grand Event Center at 8 p.m. With room for only 1,100 concert-goers, this intimate venue assures an up-close-and-personal experience with one of the most epic rock bands of all time. With a catalog of over 60 albums and sales beyond $30 million worldwide, Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd is nothing short of legendary and remains a cultural icon that appeals to multiple generations. Led by core members Gary Rossington (guitar), Johnny Van Zant (vocals) and Rickey Medlock (guitar), Skynyrd’s most recent album continues to build on the legacy that began over 35 years ago in Jacksonville, Florida.
The Mirage welcomes back comedian Bill Burr when he makes his Aces of Comedy return at the Terry Fator Theatre June 27 – 28. Burr is one of the top comedic voices of his generation, achieving success in television and film as well as the live stage. The comedian recently had a recurring role on the hit AMC show “Breaking Bad” and appeared in the Paul Feig film “The Heat” alongside Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy.
The Prohibition Era of live jazz, bootleg liquor and seductive cabaret came to life with a modern twist as E! reality star Holly Madison debuted 1923 Bourbon & Burlesque at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Thursday, May 1. The new social lounge will transport guests to an exclusive speakeasy featuring Bourbon Burlesque by Holly Madison, along with 1923’s custom scratch cocktails, barrel-aged bourbon and premium cigars.
Reynold Alexander is no ordinary magician but this young illusionist is headlining in Las Vegas for eight weeks beginning Friday, May 23 thru July 20 with a 7 p.m. show for families. He is the first Latino illusionist to make his mark on Las Vegas. The show is being billed as “Reynold Alexander Magia – The Greatest Latino Illusionist of Modern Times.” He will perform in the Wolf Theater at the Clarion Hotel & Casino. Among his professional accomplishments, he is responsible for The Vanishing of Puerto Rico’s Capitol Building, which was broadcast on national TV in 2005. He successfully re-created Houdini’s Chinese Water Torture Cell escape act and holds the Guinness World Record for fastest straight jacket escape.
Local entertainer Jay White will pay tribute to Neil Diamond in a tribute performance at the Suncoast Showroom on June 7.An accomplished performer, White has appeared in theaters, casinos and hotels worldwide. He has had the honor to perform for President Reagan and the First Lady, has performed the National Anthem at dozens of high profile sporting events, and appeared on a bill with Bob Hope for the American Legion..
MGM Grand will host television and movie legend William Shatner for a three-night engagement when he performs his one-man show “SHATNER’S WORLD: WE JUST LIVE IN IT” June 19 – 21 at the Hollywood Theatre. In April 2011, Shatner launched what would eventually become his hugely popular stage show in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. In 2012, the show opened on Broadway and has been performed in more than 50 cities in the United States. Known as much for his unique persona as for his expansive body of work on television and the big screen, Shatner will take his audiences on a 90-minute voyage through his life and career, from Shakespearean stage actor to internationally known icon and personalit
The all-new live show MythBusters: Behind the Myths returns to Las Vegas, appearing for the first time the Orleans Arena on June 21. Starring Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, co-hosts of the Emmy-nominated Discovery series "MythBusters,” MythBusters: Behind the Myths presents a fantastical evening of on-stage experiments, audience participation, rocking video and behind-the-scenes stories. With this show, for the first time, fans have the opportunity to join Hyneman and Savage on stage and assist in their mind-blowing and mind-twisting approach to science.
On the eve of his return to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Rod Stewart announced plans to close out the 3rd year of his record-breaking residency “Rod Stewart: The Hits.” with 18 new shows added Sept. 17 through Nov. 23, 2014. Since his debut performance in 2011, the two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer has taken Las Vegas audiences by storm with high-energy performances of his iconic hits including “Maggie May,” “You Wear it Well,” “Hot Legs,” “You’re in My Heart,” “Do You Think I’m Sexy,” “Some Guys Have All the Luck,” “Young Turks,” “Forever Young” and more.
Comedienne, actress and author Paula Poundstone will return to The Orleans Showroom, May 30 and 31 with a fresh stand-up act.
Recently, reality TV starlet of E!’s hit series Keeping up with the Kardashians Kylie Jenner checked into the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and was spotted at Breathe Pool. That evening, Jenner joined her sister Khloé Kardashian for a late dinner with rappers Karim “French Montana” Kharbouch and Robert “Meek Mill” Williams at 35 Steaks + Martinis. The group indulged in signature menu items before Kardashian, French Montana and Meek Mill headed over to The Joint for Sean “Puff Daddy” Comb’s fight after party. Both Kardashian and French Montana posted to their Twitter and Instagram accounts about attending the event.
Fremont Street Experience invites the public to Zip Now, Zoom Soon on the world’s most unique zipline – SlotZilla. The new iconic attraction, built over the past 14 months at a cost of $12 million, is opening in two phases with the lower Zipline now open and the upper Zoomline opening later this spring. The attraction features two thrill levels, a lower Zipline and an upper Zoomline. Flyers on the Zipline will take off from the lower tier of the tower, 77 ft. high and zip in a traditional seated-harness position on an 850 ft. flight – half the length of Fremont Street Experience. Flyers on the Zoomline will be launched from 114 ft. high and zoom in a horizontal "superman" position 1,700 ft. across the entire length of Fremont Street Experience
MGM Resorts International has unveiled expanded plans and the first look at programming for its dynamic park, dining and entertainment district taking shape on the west side of The Strip. Creating an interactive neighborhood environment, The Park will connect New York-New York and Monte Carlo resorts and the new 20,000-seat world-class Las Vegas arena currently in development by MGM and AEG.
Chef Daniel Boulud’s db Brasserie has officially opened inside The Venetian Las Vegas. The restaurant, which Boulud calls his ‘ideal brasserie,’ is an updated version of a French brasserie, with a contemporary twist and international appeal. The opening marks one of the most anticipated culinary events of the year – Boulud’s return to the Las Vegas Strip .I attended the opening and can say that it was the classiest even I have attended recently. The food was incredibly delicious, the servers were friendly and wonderful, and the restaurant is beautiful. Among the guests were Sheldon and Dr. Miriam Addelson and Chef Nobu.
BLVD. Cocktail Company, located at The LINQ, recently celebrated its grand opening. BLVD. Cocktail Company offers finely-crafted cocktails and an artistic escape into yesteryear with a 2,700-square-foot lounge and patio at The LINQ. On any given night, guests may enjoy live performances on a sleek baby grand piano along with the creative influences of the ‘cloud,’ a custom art instillation by Gabriel Culp made from 14,000 light bulbs showcased by LED lights.
Temptation Sundays turns up the heat on the hottest summer yet at Luxor Hotel and Casino. Hosted by J.Son from NakedBoyNews.com, the longest-running Las Vegas LGBT pool party begins May 18 and continues each Sunday through September 28. The top LGBT pool event in Las Vegas for tourists and locals alike,
Rock in Rio, the world’s biggest music festival, has joined forces with entertainment giants MGM Resorts International, Cirque du Soleil and Ron Burkle (The Yucaipa Companies) for the festival’s U.S. debut in Las Vegas in May 2015. An alliance founded on a shared commitment to creating innovative entertainment, Rock in Rio, MGM Resorts and Cirque du Soleil will redefine the modern music festival for U.S. audiences with a monumental combination of the biggest names in music and a fully immersive entertainment experience, all housed in a spectacular, custom-made "City of Rock." The permanent open-air concert venue will be located on The Strip near the corner of Sahara Avenue and have the capacity for 80,000 people per day.
Blue Man Group Las Vegas at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino now offers fans an in-depth exploration of its award-winning show with the new all-inclusive Onstage Experience for only $299 per person. Hosted by cast and crew members, the Onstage Experience takes guests on a never-before-seen backstage journey through the magical world of Blue Man Group, including a 90-minute onstage tour of the show’s mind-blowing instruments and props. During the tour, patrons receive a one-of-a-kind music lesson on the show’s signature PVC instruments;
Juan Pablo Galavis, the sexy star of the most recent instalment of ABC’s The Bachelor, hosted a Bachelorette Bash at Chateau Nightclub & Rooftop at Paris Las Vegas recently. When asked about girlfriend Nikki Ferrell, who was noticeably absent from the night’s festivities, Galavis replied, “I wish she could have been here. She works so hard and wasn't able to make it. I respect her so much for it. I'm with her every day!"
Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) has announced that it will honor dancer, choreographer, actress, producer, director and author Debbie Allen as Woman of the Year for the 31st Annual Black & White Ball. The recipient of numerous awards, including a Tony Award, Golden Globe and three Emmy Awards among others, Allen’s many contributions to the performing arts and entertainment industry will be celebrated on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at ARIA Resort & Casino, CityCenter.
Award-winning singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley will bring his RISER 2014 tour to The AXIS Powered by Monster at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Friday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. The country superstar will be joined by special guests Chris Young, Chase Rice and Jon Pardi.
The beautiful ladies of FANTASY, Luxor Hotel and Casino’s tantalizing adult revue, honored the nation’s military with a special show to kick off Military Appreciation Month on May 1. More than 100 service members were treated to a complimentary FANTASY show to thank them for the service. Dynamic headliner Jaime Lynch finished the show with a beautiful rendition of “God Bless America,” which received a standing ovation from the crowd. Immediately following the sexy show, military members were treated to a special meet and greet with the cast, which included photos and autograph signings.
The 2014 Las Vegas dayclub season has arrived, with one giant improvement – PartyPetition. Thanks to the new mobile app and website, day-drinking and pool-partying fiends will need nothing more than an internet connection to find the hottest dayclub party in Sin City. PartyPetition eliminates the headache of contacting and comparing the rates of multiple dayclub venues by providing an all-knowing “electronic host” with the inside scoop on all the latest dayclub events and parties. Users can scroll through dayclub events by date, view venue information, and secure bottle and table reservations, all at the convenience of their fingertips
The party has arrived – and it’s on wheels. The most recent addition to the Las Vegas nightlife scene is MaxVegas, a wild new party bus that comes complete with a fully-stocked bar and plenty of room for dancing. The bus embarks on an all-night club crawl adventure every Thursday through Sunday, allowing partiers to skip long lines and high admission fees and receive VIP entry into the hottest spots on the Strip. Each night at 9 p.m., MaxVegas revelers convene at a predetermined location to begin a night of debauches fun. The party bus makes four stops throughout the course of a night, starting at PBR Rock Bar & Grill, followed by Rockhouse, and then heading down the Strip to two popular Las Vegas nightlife destinations, which could include LAVO, TAO, 1OAK, The Bank, PURE, HAZE, Chateau Nightclub & Rooftop, FIZZ and LAX
For the sixth year, Boyd Gaming will sponsor the Las Vegas Elks Helldorado Days, May 14-18. Boyd Gaming’s downtown properties California Hotel Casino, Fremont Hotel and Casino and Main Street Station Casino Brewery Hotel are the exclusive host hotels for the Wild West Weekend, offering special rates and food/beverage deals, while also hosting the annual Whiskerino Contest. A Helldorado Days tradition since inception, the Whiskerino Contest will be held at Pullman Grille inside Main Street Station on Friday, May 16 at 6 p.m. Whether entrants sport a full beard, mutton chops, goatee or handlebar moustache, there is a fitting category for contestants to enter to showcase their facial locks.
After breaking box office records and selling out in record time in 2012, WICKED, Broadway’s biggest blockbuster, will return to Las Vegas at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, from Wednesday, Oct. 8 through Sunday, Nov. 9.
American television personality of TLC’s Long Island Medium, Theresa Caputo, dined at Michael and Jenna Morton’s La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway inside Wynn Las Vegas for an early dinner.. Caputo was joined by her husband and two friends and sat in the main dining room looking out to the beautiful garden lounge. The group indulged in the warm salt-roasted beets, shrimp ceviche, jumbo lump crab lettuce cups, bacon wrapped dates, the beef filet flatbread and mini sliders.
In celebration of Mexican Independence Day weekend, Mexican musician, composer and record producer, Marco Antonio Solís, will perform inside The AXIS Powered by Monster at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Friday, Sept. 12 at 9 p.m. Marco Antonio Solís is one of the most important figures in the rise of Mexican and Latin music to world prominence. Over the past three decades, Solís has launched group and solo careers, resulting in best-selling albums including “En Vivo,” “Mas de Mi Alma,” “Tu Amor o Tu Desprecio” and “Trozos de Mi Alma, Vol. 2,” which earned Solís a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Pop Album. During his extensive career,
Caesars Palace is pleased to announce internationally renowned MR CHOW is expected to open its seventh restaurant location in early 2015. The luxurious Beijing cuisine eatery will be located in the impressive second story space currently occupied by Empress Court, which will close this spring. With locations in Malibu, Beverly Hills, New York, Miami and London, MR CHOW has conceptualized and perfected refined Beijing cuisine dining with European style service. The menu will feature beloved dishes such as the Chicken Satay, Green Prawns, hand-pulled MR CHOW Noodles and famed Beijing Duck.