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Bringing a New Glow to Las Vegas

Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley cut the ribbon at the debut of the Elvis exhibition at the Westgate
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Elvis is back in the building and he entered in a most festive way.

On April 23, Elvis Presley’s Graceland celebrated the grand opening of its new permanent exhibition, theater showroom, and wedding chapel in Las Vegas at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino with star-studded, red carpet events. Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley were on hand for the afternoon ribbon cutting of Graceland Presents ELVIS, which includes a more than 28,000-square-foot permanent exhibition featuring hundreds of artifacts never-before-displayed outside of Graceland, live entertainment shows in the new Elvis Presley Theater, and the new Elvis Presley’s Graceland Wedding Chapel. It all took place on the 59th anniversary of Elvis’ very first performance in Las Vegas in 1956. “Graceland Presents ELVIS: The Exhibition - The Show - The Experience” brings the authentic Elvis Presley back to Las Vegas for the first time in 40 years at the same venue where he performed over 600 record breaking, sold-out shows.

“On behalf of my family, we are tremendously proud to bring Elvis Presley back to Las Vegas for the first time in 40 years,” stated Priscilla Presley. “Elvis loved performing for the amazing audiences in Las Vegas at this venue, so we’re thrilled that this is the now the site of the first Graceland-authorized, permanent exhibition outside of Memphis, as well as Graceland-produced live entertainment in the same showroom where Elvis performed so many incredible shows, starting with the ‘Elvis Experience,’ which Las Vegas audiences and Elvis fans will love.”

The festivities kicked off with a wedding ceremony in the new Elvis Presley’s Graceland Wedding Chapel at the hotel – the first chapel outside of Graceland in Memphis operated by Elvis Presley Enterprises where couples can be joined together in an atmosphere of southern hospitality unique to the Graceland experience. The unprecedented wedding ceremony was broadcast live on the Today Show on April 23rd and Priscilla Presley, who married Elvis in a Las Vegas ceremony in 1967, took part in this very special event as Matron of Honor. In addition to the wedding ceremony and reception, the winning couple received a private tour of the new Elvis exhibition and VIP tickets to the premiere of “Elvis Experience” in The Elvis Presley Theater.

The evening began with another red carpet and also a party before the show starring Martin Fontaine as Elvis. Of course, Priscilla and Lisa Marie were on the red carpet as well as several local celebrities. I bumped into former game show host Wink Martindale at the party as well as Zowie Bowie and other local celebs. The party was fun – and packed -- with lots of Asian fare and drinks as well as a DJ spinning records.

I was delighted to see Scott Dorsey, Engelbert Humperdinck’s manager, who had flown in from his home in Australia for the event and was leaving the next morning to be with his dad in L.A   Engelbert’s friendship with Elvis was a deep one -- Elvis had told his bodyguard that he considered Engelbert like his twin brother who had died at birth. Elvis also copied the long sideburns that Engelbert sported when he first came on the scene with “Release Me” and for years afterwards. There’s a huge picture of these two great artists, both of whom wear the “King” mantle– The “King of Rock ‘n Roll” and the “King of Romance,” respectively -- on a wall at the Riviera (closed as of May 4) and, other things aside, the physical resemblance between the two handsome men was astounding.

After the party, we all went in to see the Elvis show. Martin Fontaine, who has been impersonating Elvis for 20 years, has Elvis’ moves down perfectly and did a terrific job sounding like his singing voice. But the most poignant thing about this vehicle is the video of the real Elvis that plays behind Martin and the 24-piece band and the choir throughout the entire performance – pictures of young Elvis, Army Elvis, performing Elvis, offstage Elvis, and family and at home Elvis. I found myself wondering how Priscilla and Lisa Marie felt watching the images of them with Elvis exhibiting the obvious love he had for them both. The pictures of Elvis with Lisa Marie when she was just a baby and a toddler were exceptionally touching.

Mariah Carey, the iconic chanteuse and best-selling female artist of all time with over 200 million records sold, made her grand entrance to her new home at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on Monday, April 27.

Making final preparations in the days before the debut of her headlining residency, “MARIAH #1 TO INFINITY,” which kicks off on Wednesday, May 6, the five-time Grammy Award winner arrived in grand fashion with a parade of 18 mobile billboards, each vehicle representing and celebrating one of each of Mariah’s 18 timeless and beloved Number One Hits. As the city’s newest headliner pulled up in front of the iconic Caesars Palace porte cochere in a pink 1936 Auburn Boattail, fans went wild to welcome Mariah as she emerged from the car and was greeted by Caesar himself. The superstar was then carried by Caesar’s centurions through the property, and was accompanied by her dancers. Stopping on the front steps of The Colosseum, Mariah was then welcomed by Caesars Entertainment CEO Gary Loveman and President of Global Touring with AEG Live, John Meglen.

The superstar then took the excitement to a new level with the global premiere of her new single and lyric video, “Infinity,” in front of her new home. The crowd burst into cheers, celebrating the new song from Mariah Carey’s first album released with exclusive collaboration with Epic Records. For the first time ever, the album, “Mariah Carey #1 To Infinity,” will be one career-spanning chronological collection of her 18 Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles (17 self-penned), more than any solo artist in history. Arriving in stores Monday, May 18, the final track on the collection is Mariah’s breathtaking new single, “Infinity,” co-written and produced by Mariah herself.

“Britney: Piece of Me” performances scheduled for Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2 inside The AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will be rescheduled. The shows were canceled after Britney injured her ankle during her performance Wednesday evening and her doctor advised her not to perform Friday and Saturday evening so that she could heal. “Britney: Piece of Me” was recently voted “Best Overall Show” and “Best Bachelorette Party” by readers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Adding more cause for celebration this year, Britney will debut her new single with Iggy Azalea, “Pretty Girls,” on May 5.

Iconic rock group JOURNEY launched the first night of its nine-show residency, Journey Las Vegas, at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Wednesday, April 29. Band members Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Ross Valory, Deen Castronovo and Arnel Pineda had the entire crowd on their feet as they kicked the night off with “Any Way You Want It.” Throughout the high-energy, hit-filled, two-hour performance, concertgoers sang along to some of their favorite Journey songs including “Open Arms,” “Separate Ways,” “Stone in Love” and many more. Fans were also treated to guitar solos by Schon, a keyboard medley from Cain and some lead vocals by Castronovo. Before their encore performance of “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’,” Journey performed its timeless global mega-hit, “Don’t Stop Believin’,” as confetti dropped from the ceiling and poured over the crowd. The band plans to change up the set list so concert-goers experience a variety of songs at all of the shows.

Rock in Rio USA, the legendary music festival celebrating its 30th anniversary worldwide, will make its U.S. debut by welcoming full-set performances from some of the biggest names in music including Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Metallica, Linkin Park, No Doubt, Maná, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith and Jessie J, among others. Rock in Rio will take over the Las Vegas Strip on May 8-9, 15-16. The first weekend, dedicated to rock music, will feature No Doubt, Metallica, Linkin Park, Maná, The Pretty Reckless, and Hollywood Undead on the Main Stage. Mercedes Benz Evolution Stage performers for the first weekend include Foster the People, Deftones, Sepultura (featuring Steve Vai), Gary Clark Jr, Bleachers, Coheed and Cambria, Saints of Valory, Smallpools and Of Mice & Men.

The second weekend, May 15-16, will feature a pop-centric lineup with the Main Stage welcoming Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Echosmith, Empire of the Sun and Ivete Sangalo. The Mercedes Benz Evolution Stage lineup for the second weekend includes Jessie J, John Legend, Charli XCX, Joss Stone, Tove Lo, Magic, James Bay, Mikky Ekko and Big Sean.

The legendary music festival has enlisted world-famous chef Wolfgang Puck to create a special hospitality menu for VIPs attending the inaugural Rock in Rio USA, Celebrating the cultures of the three themed Rock Streets within Rock in Rio USA’s City of Rock, Puck will deliver his original take on signature dishes from the U.S., UK and Brazil for the event.

The Men of Chippendales welcome super model, fashion icon, and actor, Tyson Beckford, for the start of his limited four-week engagement as a Special Celebrity Guest Star (April 30-May 24th) with a red carpet event photo opportunity in iconic cuffs and collars. Tyson's modeling career took off when he appeared in the Fall 1994, Polo Sport campaign shot by Bruce Weber. He soon landed an exclusive contract with Ralph Lauren apparel, which subsequently lasted five years and also spent three years as the spokesmodel for Polo Sport Fragrances. The resulting campaigns heralded a new direction for the Ralph Lauren/Polo Sport brand and created an international following of Tyson fans. His admirers around the world have helped raise Tyson's image to that of a brand unto itself as indicated by the sales volume of his annual calendar. Among his many achievements and accolades, he hosted the reality series “Make Me A Supermodel” on BRAVO.

“Defending the Caveman” is back and the newest inarnation is even more hilarious than ever. The one-man show, now appearing nightly downtown at the D, speaks to anyone who has ever been in a relationship. The performance carries on like a conversation and dives into the differences couples may face through witty banter and insightful observations that teach the audience they’re not alone in navigating relationships – the ways one fights, laughs and loves. Returning to the one-man role is comedian and actor Kevin Burke. Burke was recognized as Las Vegas Entertainer of The Year in 2008, and received the Guinness World Record for most performances in a 50-day period. He has performed “Defending the Caveman” more than 3,500 times since 2003. Joining the Las Vegas team in 2014, esteemed writer, director, stage and television actor John Venable will continue his performance schedule in the Caveman role. Venable has been performing nationally in “Defending the Caveman” since 2012.

The iHeartRadio Summer Pool Party on Saturday, May 30 will be at Caesars Palace Las Vegas for the first time ever. It will kick off Saturday afternoon with an all-day pool party featuring sets by iHeartRadio's house DJs, including Prostyle. The ultimate party weekend will continue on Saturday evening with a live concert event featuring Nick Jonas, Chris Brown, Kelly Clarkson, Nicki Minaj, Shaggy and Echosmith.

Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino has changed the Las Vegas summer scene with the addition of the Strip’s first-ever FlowRider Wave-in-a-Box Double, now open. This new addition will have professional wave riders and novices alike hanging ten and testing their talents in a safe yet exhilarating environment. Beyond what most waterparks typically offer, the FlowRider Wave-in-a-Box Double sharpens a variety of board-sport skills – surfing, snowboarding, wakeboarding, skimboarding, and skateboarding.

Jerry Seinfeld fans can catch the all-star comedian as he returns to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for two nights of his critically acclaimed stand-up comedy on Sept. 18 and 19, 2015. The two-night engagement is presented jointly by AEG Live and Caesars Palace.

In honor of her internet-cracking photos, PUPPETRY OF THE PENIS, the internationally-acclaimed phenomenon that Vanity Fair called “Dementedly Good Fun!” has unveiled “The Kardashian” to their penial repertoire. Enjoy the Ancient Australian Art of Genital Origami, featuring an astounding series of penis installations, at The Jewel Box at 3275 South Industrial Road

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas started off the weekend with an afternoon in the sun during its Kenny Chesney Pre-Concert Pool Party Weekend at REHAB Pool on Friday, April 3; the fun continued on Saturday, April 4 with another pool party. .Country and music enthusiasts gathered for the bash, held within the property’s tropical pool area. The crowd was abuzz as Dee Jay Silver kicked off the event, playing today’s top hits with light infusions of country tunes. Following, Silver welcomed Uncle Kracker to the poolside stage. The artist played several of his fan favorites, including “Follow Me,” “Nobody’s Sad On a Saturday Night,” and more, as the audience danced and sang along. The afternoon was complete with cowboy hats, Corona Extra and cocktails infused with Blue Chair Bay® from Chesney’s Caribbean-inspired line of premium rum. As the sun went down, partygoers made their way across the casino for Chesney’s show at The Joint.

With the debut of Blue Man Group Las Vegas’ recently evolved show at the Monte Carlo, the production has created Behind the Blue ($50 per person upgrade to any ticket type; plus applicable tax), an enhanced version of the previous onstage experience. The 90-minute tours are now available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Behind the Blue is the company’s most exclusive behind-the-scenes access to date, providing the ultimate sneak peek into the workings of Blue Man Group. During the tour, a crew member will welcome guests on stage, give them a brief history of the award-winning production and allow them to observe pre-set and explore the one-of-a-kind props and instruments. Following that, fans will get pre-show action as they sit down for the evening’s official soundcheck. During this time, a crew member will be able to answer questions, as guests get a unique perspective into the amazing world of live theater.

The Las Vegas Walk of Stars honored three time Grammy Nominated group Los Rieleros del Norte during the 70th star dedication ceremony on Friday May 1, 2015 at 4:00 pm in the Shimmer Cabaret at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino located at 3000 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, Nevada. The public and media are invited to attend the star dedication ceremony.

Australian soft-rock group Air Supply returns to The Orleans Showroom for three shows over Memorial Day Weekend, May 22, 23 and 24. Englishman Graham Russell and Australian Russell Hitchcock met in 1975 while performing in the Australian production of the celebrated musical, “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Later that year, the duo formed Air Supply and released their first hit and self-titled debut album, reaching gold in Australia.

Grab the maracas and prepare for a fiesta at Tacos & Tequila (T&T) inside Luxor Hotel and Casino. Arianny Celeste will host “Sexy de Mayo Dos” in honor of Cinco de Mayo, featuring food and drink specials and action-packed “Cock-A-Doodle Duel” matches on Tuesday, May 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. Celeste is best known as a UFC Octagon Girl and for her modeling career, as well as appearances on TLC’s “Overhaulin’’ and MTV’s “Guy Code.” The beauty has been featured on Maxim’s Hot 100 list numerous times. While at T&T, Celeste will walk the red carpet before mingling with fans throughout the evening

The NHL Awards™ will return to Las Vegas this summer at the world-famous MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, the National Hockey League announced today. The NHL Awards will be held on Wednesday, June 24, at the renowned MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Multi-talented entertainer and showman Earl Turner returns to the Suncoast Showroom May 30 and 31. Turner began performing at the age of 13, and by age 19, he was traveling the country as a front man with various show bands. As a solo artist, Turner scored a top 40 dance hit in Europe in the mid-1980s with "Love Caught You By Surprise." Turner’s career spans the screens and the stage, as a singer, songwriter, musician, dancer and actor.

Academy Award and GRAMMY winning artist, Melissa Etheridge, will take the stage to perform songs from her new album, This is M.E., as well as some of her greatest hits like “Come to My Window,” “I’m The Only One” and “I Want To Come Over” as the tour heads to The Pearl inside Palms Casino Resort on Friday, August 7, 2015. Known for her iconic voice, profound lyrics and riveting stage presence; Etheridge will share personal stories about her remarkable journey through life and the inspiration behind some of her most beloved songs.

British rock band The Cult and American hip-hop group Public Enemy co-headline The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas on Saturday, June 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 24 at 10 a.m. Born out of the ashes of the U.K. post-punk scene, The Cult evolved into one of the most influential and controversial rock bands of the late 20th century. The group has sold millions of albums, headlined arenas and stadiums around the world, infused innovative possibilities into the worlds of music and art, and quickly ascended through the ranks of the indie music world to achieve global status. As early as its first American tour in 1984, The Cult became one of the handful of important bands in the U.S. post-modern and hard rock communities. It was embraced by the lost children of The Doors and Velvet Underground, and a generation that was waking up to the influence of ‘60s and ‘70s rock icons like Led Zeppelin, The New York Dolls and David Bowie.

Michael McDonald, the comedian best known for his longtime role on "MADtv," was spotted at Michael and Jenna Morton’s La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway inside Wynn Las Vegas on recently.McDonald was joined by a friend for lunch inside La Cave’s garden lounge. The two shared the three sausage flatbread and McDonald enjoyed the Robert Stemmler Chardonnay.

Sarah Jessica Parker previewed her two-day-only SJP Collection Pop-Up Boutique at The Shops at Crystals in Las Vegas Thursday, April 16. Parker hosted the VIP shopping event to debut “The Strip Collection,” a line of shoes, handbags and candles inspired by Las Vegas and exclusive to Zappos Couture. The pop-up boutique, plucked straight off Manhattan’s Fifth Ave, included displays of stunning SJP Collection items that set the stage for a luxurious event filled with fashion, Carrie Bradshaw’s favorite Cosmopolitan cocktails and plenty of bubbly.

BARDOT Brasserie, Michael Mina’s newest Las Vegas restaurant located at ARIA Resort & Casino, provided guests with miniature servings of Chef Josh Smith’s signature dishes including Lobster Thermidor, smoked salmon on brioche, panisse fries, Couronne de Touraine and endives with bleu cheese, along with the signature BARDOT Chocolate Macaron. Craig Schoettler, ARIA’s property mixologist, also created the BARDOT Cosmopolitan to match the iconic drink famously showcased on Parker’s Sex and the City, while Kim Wood, ARIA’s Director of Wine, handpicked a sparkling wine to match the fabulous occasion. VIP shoppers at the SJP Collection Pop-Up Boutique enjoyed the musical stylings of DJ Michael Shulman. Those who found their perfect shoe also were able to meet SJP, take a photo with her and even get her autograph as a memento from the evening.

The sensual show, “X Burlesque,” will celebrate 13 years in Las Vegas Thursday, May 7 at Flamingo Las Vegas. Several new dance numbers have been added to the show in honor of the 13th anniversary, including a seductive feather fan number to Beyonce’s “Haunted,” an over-the-top chair number to Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk” and a sexy fashion show of stunningly-beautiful costumes dripping with diamonds to Rhianna’s “Diamonds." The show has also added projection mapping to the choreography, becoming the first topless revue in Las Vegas to do so.

Magician and illusionist Criss Angel was spotted at Blue Man Group inside Monte Carlo Resort and Casino on Saturday, April 18. The Las Vegas Strip headliner went backstage after the performance for a private VIP meet-and-greet with cast members.

Celine Dion recently announced that she will return to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Thursday, Aug. 27 to resume her Las Vegas show, Celine. The residency, which is presented jointly by AEG Live and Caesars Entertainment, has been on hiatus since August 2014 when Celine put her show business activities on hold to focus on her husband Rene, their family, and associated health issues. The news of Celine’s return comes on the 12-year anniversary of her first performance in The Colosseum, when she opened the venue on March 25, 2003. Since then, Celine has performed 927 shows in The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

Two new curious creatures are lurking beneath the surface at Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. The attraction’s newest residents, a pair of Scalloped Hammerheads, were recently introduced into the 1.3-million-gallon Shipwreck exhibit. Distinguished by the unusual shape of their heads, Scalloped Hammerheads reside in coastal warm temperate and tropical seas, and can grow up to 14 feet in length, weighing over 300 pounds. Shark Reef Aquarium is one of only three aquariums in the United States that Scalloped Hammerheads call home.

Recently, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga took to The AXIS stage at Planet Hollywood, bringing elegance, grace and flair, with their critically-acclaimed Cheek To Cheek tour. On the heels of these two big, powerhouse voices, The AXIS will be home to many other incredible tours in 2015, including the top Latin music artist in the country, Romeo Santos on Sunday, May 23; Grammy and Academy Award-winning musician A.R. Rahman on Sunday, June 7; two of the most successful and critically-acclaimed bands, Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago, on Friday, July 17; and J. Cole, the Grammy-nominated and platinum-selling rapper, on Saturday, July 18.

Additionally, Mexican Independence Weekend will take over The AXIS in September with Mexican musician, composer and record producer Marco Antonio Solís on Friday, Sept. 11; Puerto Rican Latin pop singer Chayanne on Saturday, Sept. 12; popular Latin Grammy Award-winning Mexican group La Arrolladora on Sunday, Sept. 13; Grammy Award-winning Mexican singer-songwriter Pepe Aguilar on Monday, Sept. 14; and multi-platinum award winning artist Ricky Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Rick Michel will present his “Sinatra Forever” show focusing totally on the music of Frank Sinatra. Michel will salute and interpret “Ol’ Blue Eyes” standards with his 24-piece symphonic orchestra on Saturday, May 9 at the Cannery Hotel and Casino at 8:00 p.m.

Due to demand, comedian Jeff Dunham will be adding four months of performances to his highly-successful residency “JEFF DUNHAM: Not Playing with a Full Deck” at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Tickets for the new shows scheduled for June 10 – Oct. 4, 2015 will go on-sale Friday, March 27 at 10 a.m. The show is produced by Tate Entertainment Group, Inc. and AEG Live.

Due to overwhelming demand, “Queen of the Strip” and Las Vegas’ longest-running headliner Frank Marino and his cast of incredible female impersonators in Divas Las Vegas at The LINQ Hotel & Casino will continue to perform their show seven days a week at 9:30 p.m. through May 29. In addition, The LINQ Hotel & Casino recently welcomed a “Divas Las Vegas”-themed gaming pit, featuring six custom blackjack tables..This marks yet another first for Marino, the superstar female impersonator who can add to his long list of accomplishments being the face of a table game, as well as having a pit created in the honor of him and the brilliant cast of Divas Las Vegas. Previously, Marino has had a $25 poker chip in play on the casino floor and a Big 6 betting wheel, where guests were able to bet on impersonators from the iconic show.

The Robertsons are bringing their story to life onstage for the first time with the highly anticipated Duck Commander Musical, based on the best-selling book The Duck Commander Family by Willie and Korie Robertson. The production made its world premiere at the Crown Theater recently inside Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino

Prepare to be astonished and amazed by some of the coolest acts that can only be seen at The Greatest Show On Earth®! Children of all ages can let their imagination go wild in an exhilarating adventure with extraordinary circus artists and exotic animals at Thomas & Mack Center from Thursday, June 11 through Sunday, June 14 for seven performances. In Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Circus XTREME, Ringmaster David Shipman guides audiences on a quest around the world with the help of hilarious adventure seekers, Alex and Irina Emelin.

Ticketholders can also go behind the scenes at the Animal Open House and get up close to the menagerie of animals one and 1/2 hours prior to show time to learn how circus animals live, eat and play. They can then head inside the venue an hour before the show to the All Access Pre-show and meet the international cast of performers, try on custom costumes, learn circus skills - like juggling - from the famous Ringling Bros. Clown Alley -- and even have the opportunity to win a one of a kind masterpiece created by one of the Ringling Bros. painting pachyderms!

Super Freestyle Explosion brings together top ‘80s freestyle artists like Stevie B., Taylor Dayne, Lisa Lisa, Expose, The Cover Girls and more at the Orleans Arena on Friday, August 7. .    

Following an overwhelmingly successful first leg, Ariana Grande’s THE HONEYMOON TOUR is extending its North America run through the summer and will make a stop at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, Aug. 29. Grande recently received two GRAMMY Award-nominations for Best Pop Vocal Album for My Everything and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Bang Bang” with Jessie J and Nicki Minaj.

Renowned musician and songwriter Burton Cummings will return to perform his timeless hits at The Orleans Showroom on May 9 and 10. Cummings began his music journey as the lead singer of Canadian band The Guess Who, whose hits included “These Eyes,” “Laughing, No Time,” “American Woman,” “Share The Land” and “Hang On To Your Life.” The band was the first Canadian group to reach #1 on the Billboard charts, as well as the first to earn a platinum album for sales of more than 1 million copies in the United States.  

Raising the standard in guest service and luxury accommodations yet again, Bellagio recently completed the remodel of the final 403 suites in the resort’s main tower. This marks the conclusion of an approximately $165 million remodel that began in 2011 and encompassed all 3,933 of the resort’s rooms and suites.

Leading Latin pop star Alejandro Fernandez will return to Las Vegas bringing his Confidencias World Tour to the Mandalay Bay Events Center for a Mexican Independence Day celebration Tuesday, Sept. 15. Fernandez, who channels Mexico’s rich tradition through his music and continues to capture the hearts of fans worldwide, is one of the most accomplished vocalists and biggest-selling artists in Latin music history. The concert is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m.

California Pizza Kitchen at Downtown Summerlin has swung into springtime with a selection of new food and beverages. CPK announced the launch of their seasonal culinary lineup that began on, March 31 and continues through mid August. The array of limited time offerings honor the season’s clean flavors and bold tastes.

New food items include the California Fields Salad, comprised of fresh watermelon, strawberries and field greens, served with housemade Champagne vinaigrette, feta and California pistachios; the Tricoloré Salad Pizza made with a caramelized Parmesan pizza crust topped with field greens, tomatoes and shaved Parmesan tossed in housemade Dijon balsamic vinaigrette; and the Maine Lobster Flatbread featuring Maine lobster salad, fresh herbs, arugula and shaved onions on a Parmesan flatbread. For dessert, guests can enjoy the Strawberry Shortcake, a delectable classic served with a fresh shortcake biscuit and piled high with seasonal strawberries, whipped cream and housemade candied lemon zest.

This newest venue in the CPK chain is continuing its strong passion for offering guests imaginative foods, flavors, service and a unique California-style dining atmosphere. It offers a completely re-imagined menu along with classic favorites. I recently had an opportunity to delve into some of those offerings as well as the new beverage offerings that include the Seasonal Harvest Sangria, a crispy, unique mix of Bacardi Superior Rum, St. Germain Elderflower and Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay with muddled grapes, basil and fresh agave sour; the cooling Strawberry Mojito served with Bacardi Superior Rum, fresh strawberries, muddled mint and agave sour; and the refreshing Strawberry Lime Margarita made with Casamigos Tequila Blanco, fresh strawberries, Perfect Purée Strawberry, fresh agave sour and lime. For a non-alcoholic refreshment, guests can enjoy the low calorie Fresh Strawberry Mango Cooler made with fresh strawberries hand-shaken with Fresca and Monin South Seas, featuring natural flavors of mango, guava and ginger.

The food was delicious, from the appetizers and salads to the full entrees, such as the Chicken Picatta, and, of course, CPK’s famous gourmet pizzas, of which the Spinach and Artichoke is one of my favorites. CPK also offers gluten-free pizza and other gluten-free menu selections. There is a wide variety to choose from and everything is remarkably fresh.

“We take pride in having an all-from-scratch menu,” says CPK at Downtown Summerlin General Manager Clayton Wilson. “We use the most seasonal ingredients in these new menu items with an emphasis on fresh produce such as greens, fresh herbs and strawberries.”

Before the turn of the millennium, Bellagio altered the landscape of Las Vegas dining when it built world-celebrated chef restaurants overlooking its iconic fountains. The tradition of delivering award-winning, lakeside epicurean experiences continues as it debuts LAGO by Julian Serrano – a contemporary, Milan-inspired Italian restaurant concept. Boasting a new outdoor patio with arguably the most spectacular views of the world-famous fountains, LAGO’s cutting-edge space is inspired by Italian Futurism – the sweeping artistic and cultural movement of early 20th century Italy. The entire space is injected with a colorful pulse, from a bold 1,500-square-foot mosaic map of Milan at its entrance to the sleek marble mixology counter greeting guests with a one-of-a-kind cocktail program. The dining room, designed by the award-winning Munge Leung, features large arched windows maximizing views of the scenic fountains to ensure that every table is the best seat in the house.

The Las Vegas Epicurean Affair returns to The Palazzo® on Thursday, May 21, 2015. The soiree, sponsored by the Nevada Restaurant Association (NvRA), features many notable restaurants from around the city, along with a premier selection of libations. Chef José Andrés will bring his culinary magic as the celebrity chef host of the event this year. Named one of Time’s “100 Most Influential People” and awarded “Outstanding Chef” by the James Beard Foundation, Andrés is a pioneer of Spanish tapas in the United States. He is known worldwide for his groundbreaking avant-garde cuisine as well as his commitment to advocating for food and hunger issues. VIP ticket holders will experience an exclusive meet and greet with the renowned chef, as well as enjoy tastes from one of his newest Las Vegas restaurants, Bazaar Meat at SLS.

In anticipation of the summer 2015 grand opening, Rick Harrison, owner of Pawn Plaza, has announced his first three tenants today: Rick’s Rollin Smoke BBQ and Tavern, Poutine Vegas of Ontario’s Smoke’s Poutinerie and Rita’s Italian Ice. Poutine Vegas will serve an exclusive Poutine menu with its Signature Gravy, Fresh Hand-Cut Fries, Squeaky Cheese Curds and an unlimited combination of toppings like double-smoked bacon, flat iron steak, grilled chicken, caramelized onions, sautéed peppers and many more mouthwatering options. Rita’s Italian Ice, will feature custom Italian ices frozen custards, and Rick’s Rollin Smoke BBQ and Tavern is a Harrison family favorite. Rollin Smoke BBQ is known worldwide for their “Arkansas Style” southern hickory smoked BBQ meats and their “Hand-Rubbed” and Ole Hickory Pits smoked goodness. The restaurant will feature signature sandwiches and smoked meats, homemade sides and competition style BBQ ribs. The upstairs Tavern will overlook the Las Vegas Strip and will pour up to 16 beers on tap.

Take Mother’s Day to new heights with an adventure at Vegas Indoor Skydiving. Available on Sunday, May 10 from 9:45 a.m. to 8 p.m., all moms fly free with the purchase of one single flight at retail price and by using the phrase “Mom flies free.” Guests are limited to one free flight per group/family and not valid with any other offers or coupon. Built in 1982 in the heart of the famed Las Vegas Strip, Vegas Indoor Skydiving operates the first indoor skydiving facility to open in the United States. At Vegas Indoor Skydiving, guests will earn their wings and experience bodyflight during a simulated skydive experience without the use of an airplane or parachute. The experience is similar to the free-fall aspect of skydiving, with the addition of a mesh trampoline floor and foam-padded walls.

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