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Chuck Rounds' LV Entertainment News

A monthly Las Vegas Entertainment Newsletter

Chuck Rounds' Las Vegas Entertainment News

November 2008

I will be so glad when this election is over...
I am sick of the ads---completely sick of them. Aren't we proud of how much money that the candidates have raised? Now we get to see political commercials at every commercial break on our televisions...we can even see the same ad three times in a half hour program. I'm so glad that they raised so much money. My mailbox is filled with jumbo cards from every candidate, and I don't look at any of them. There is an entire tree's worth of these crappy cards in my recycling bin. All of our streets are cluttered with sign after sign...and after the election; we'll still see these signs for months. Was the best use of this money? With the money that was raised, some truly significant changes could have been made in the lives of some people...but instead, I've got jumbo cards in my mail. There are some particularly nasty campaigns in Nevada and after seeing all of these mud-slinging ads, I've decided to not vote for either of those candidates. I want candidates that I can vo te for instead of against. I'm tired of choosing the lesser of two evils. I will be glad when this election is over. Maybe the economy will settle down after the election...at least we'll know which direction in which we'll be moving...

Providing that each of you has survived Halloween in Las Vegas, it's the Holiday Season!! In spite of the economy, it is a Great time to be in Las Vegas--good cheer and good weather are abounding throughout the city. Convention business is bustling with several monster conventions coming into town that have a couple of hundred thousand attendees. Holiday shows are starting to appear all over the city, and Christmas lights are being added to the neon. Thanksgiving has become a major event in town. Many people are taking advantage of the long weekend and spending in extra time in Vegas, and most restaurants have Thanksgiving offerings and specials, which will rival even the finest of home cooked meals. Las Vegas wants your business and has a lot of offer. Many of the Hotels are offering outrageous deals for you to come and stay here. November is one of the best months of the year.

Criss Angel has officially opened his show in conjunction with Cirque du Soleil at the Luxor Hotel. It is not what you expect of Criss Angel and diehard fans of Mindfreak are going to be disappointed...it is far more Cirque, and far less Angel. Actually, the very first part is VERY much Criss Angel---which could have been done without Cirque, and then the second part is VERY much Cirque and could have been done without Criss Angel.

Keith Barry, an amazing psychological illusionist, is playing at Planet Hollywood for the month of November. His show will amaze you...the feats are truly unbelievable. He is hoping that with this limited run, it will inspire enough interest to have him return for an extended run in the spring of next year.

Scarlett: Princess of Magic received the Female Magician of the Year award. She has been performing at the V Theatre since August, and her show continues to improve and get better and better.

On October 21, Treasure Island commemorated the fifth anniversary of its production, the Sirens of TI, by renaming the street leading into the property as "Siren's Cove Blvd." Formerly "Buccaneer Blvd," the new name celebrates the Las Vegas show that has welcomed more than 10 million viewers in the last five years - a true milestone in a city of constant reinvention.

Beloved singers and songwriters Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith will provide the magical sounds of the holidays while an impressive cast of national, world and Olympic figure skaters skate to the music of the season in the "Holiday Celebration on Ice" at the Orleans Arena on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. Olympic Silver medallist and U.S. National champion Nancy Kerrigan and six-time U.S. champion Todd Eldredge highlight the skating cast. In addition to the legendary musical talent, champion figure skaters will ring in the holidays with unforgettable routines and breathtaking talent. Kerrigan and Eldredge will be joined by Olympic champion Ilia Kulik, World champion Yuka Sato, six-time Canadian National champion Jennifer Robinson, and World ice dancing champion and nine-time Canadian National champion Shae-Lynn Bourne. Two-time World Silver medallist ice dancing champions Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice Lauzon, plus three-time World Silver medallist Surya Bonaly an d three-time U.S. champion and World Bronze medallist (with partner Kyoko Ina) John Zimmerman, will make for an incredible holiday celebration.

Award-winning comedian Kathy Griffin has been making audiences laugh for years with her quick wit. In September, her unique brand of comedy led to a second Emmy Award for Griffin's Bravo series "Kathy Griffin: My Life On The D-List." On Friday, November 14 Griffin returns to Mandalay Bay to discuss Hollywood gossip and celebrity blunders. Show times are 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. inside the Mandalay Bay Theatre.

Don't forget to put Friday November 7th on your calendar for the opening of the 2008 Las Vegas Showgirl Art Competition & Costume Exhibition at the Nevada State Museum. The third annual Cast and Crew Reunion will be included in this event.

Frank Marino has just celebrated his 23rd year starring in "La Cage," making him the longest running headliner in Las Vegas. He has been in the show since its opening, and he plans to be there as long as they'll let him. "La Cage" is the third longest running show in Las Vegas, behind Jubilee and Folies Bergere.

Opportunity Village..."The Magical Forest" opens November 22nd. The Enchanted Carousel, the Forest Express Trains, live music, sweet treats, lavishly decorated trees, whimsical displays, millions of lights and visits with Santa Claus provide people of all ages with a winter wonderland each night during the holiday season. This season hold a truly magical surprise with new exciting attractions and an expanded Magical Forest that Las Vegas has never seen before. Opportunity Village is a not-for-profit organization that serves people with intellectual disabilities by providing them with vocational training, employment and social recreation services that make their lives more productive and interesting. Once thought by society to be unemployable and unimportant in the community, people with severe disabilities are engaged, active residents who contribute to our society. Through Opportunity Village's programs and services, hundreds of people with disabilities are learning vocati onal skills and being placed in jobs throughout the community.

The fourth annual Comedy Festival, presented by HBO and AEG Live returns to Caesars Palace from November 20th to 22nd. Jerry Seinfeld, Dane Cook, and Ellen DeGeneres will head the Comedy Festival. Individual tickets and packages for this year's festival are currently on-sale. For the full Festival line-up and schedule log on to www.thecomedyfestival.com.

And this weekend, don't forget to fall back...daylight savings is over.

November is a huge time for entertainment...I mean HUGE!! This is prime time Vegas entertainment. This is our busy season...which you'll probably be able to tell from the enormous entertainment schedule.

The first week includes:
Steve Dacri: Impossible Magic
SIX TABLES RESTAURANT Through - Nov 30
Fighter Pilot for a Day
Through - Dec 21
Air Combat USA is the original civilian dog fighting school in the world.
Elton John - The Red Piano
Caesars Palace Through - Nov 9
Hypnomagician Keith Barry
Planet Hollywood Throught - Nov 27
AC Delco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals
Las Vegas Motor Speedway Through - Nov 2
Blenheim Equisports
South Point Casino Through - Nov 2 - Free
Engelbert Humperdinck
Orleans Hotel Through - Nov 2
Tom Jones
MGM Grand Through - Nov 12
2008 PBR World Finals
Thomas & Mack Through - Nov 9
Billy Childers
South Point Casino Through - Nov 2 - Free
Black Diamond - Kiss Tribute Band
Cannery Casino Through - Nov 1
Rodney Carrington
MGM Grand Through - Nov 9
Sha Na Na
South Point Casino Through - Nov 2
Sonny Turner - former lead singer of the Platters
Suncoast Hotel Through - Nov 2
Chavez vs. Vanda II & Donaire vs. Mthalane
Mandalay Bay Nov 1
Experience Hendrix - 2008 Tribute Tour
Palms Casino Nov 1
Fabulous Festival
Orleans Hotel Nov 1
ART OF DANCE
Hiroshima
Santa Fe Station Nov 1-
Jenni Rivera in Concert
Rio Nov 1
Mark Wills
Sunset Station Nov 1
Patti LaBelle
Buffalo Bill's Resort Nov 1
Soul'd Out Halloween Bash
Four Queens Nov 1
MECCA Exotic & Luxury Auto Show
MonteLago Village Nov 2 - Free
The Faint with special guest Dr. Dooom aka Kool Keith
Mandalay Bay Nov 2

The second week in November has:
Rise Against w/ Alkaline Trio, Thrice & Gaslight Anthem
Mandalay Bay Nov 4 - 5
The Blackest of the Black Tour, featuring Danzig and Dimmu Borgir
Hard Rock Hotel Nov 4
Smothers Brothers
Orleans Hotel Nov 6 - 9
Dave Mason
Santa Fe Station Nov 7
George Lopez
Las Vegas Hilton Nov 7 - 8
James Darren
South Point Casino 7 - 8
My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish & I'm In Therapy
Suncoast Hotel Nov 7 - 9
Patriot Party
Fremont Street Experience Nov 7 - 9 - Free
Ray Romano & Kevin James
Mirage Nov 7 - 8
Southern Nevada Aussie Club ASCA Nationals
South Point Casino Nov 7 - 15 - Free
Steve Powers Great Las Vegas Craft Show
Cashman Center Nov 7 - 9
The Fab
Cannery Casino Nov 7
The Fixx
Green Valley Ranch Nov 7 - 8
Wendy's 3-Tour Challenge
Lake Las Vegas - Multiple Courses Nov 7 - 11
Wranglers Professional Hockey
Orleans Hotel Nov 7 - 8
Y & T
Sunset Station Nov 7
Atomic Punks
Santa Fe Station Nov 8
Aviation Nation
Nellis Air Force Base Nov 8 - 9
English Beat
Four Queens Nov 8
Las Vegas Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Classic
Cashman Center Nov 8
Madonna
MGM Grand Nov 8 - 9
Robin Thicke
Mandalay Bay Nov 8
The Comets
Cannery Casino Nov 8
Gino Vannelli
Las Vegas Hilton Nov 9
M & M in Let's Dance Musical Comedy
South Point Casino Nov 9
Silverman Nevada Triathlon
Lake Mead National Park Nov 9

Week number three brings:
Joe Satriani w/ Mountain featuring Lesley West & Corky Laing
Mandalay Bay Nov 10
Bette Midler
Caesars Palace Nov 11 - 15
Dragonforce w/ Turisas and Powerglove
Mandalay Bay Nov 11
Holiday Celebration on Ice
Orleans Hotel Nov 11
Lordi w/ Lizzy Borden and Early Man
Mandalay Bay Nov 12
Mudvayne w/ 10 Years and Snot
Hard Rock Nov 12
The B-52s
Buffalo Bill's Nov 12
Best of Red Mountain Music Co (1998 - 2008)
Cashman Center Nov 13 - 14
Las Vegas Celebrity Chef Tour
JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort Nov 13
Neil Sedaka
Orleans Hotel Nov 13 - 16
Wayne Newton
MGM Grand Nov 13 - 19
Blues Traveler
Hard Rock Nov 14
Don McLean
Texas Station Nov 14
Fastball and Greg Modoro
Four Queens Nov 14
Howie Mandel
Mirage Nov 14 - 15
Kathy Griffin
Mandalay Bay Nov 14
Last Comic Standing Tour
Mandalay Bay Nov 14
Roslyn Kind
Cannery Casino Nov 14 - 15
Smokey Robinson
Aliante Station Nov 14 - 15
The Lettermen
South Point Casino Nov 14 - 16
Variety Live - Direct from the London Palladium
Suncoast Hotel Nov 14 - 16
Wranglers Professional Hockey
Orleans Hotel Nov 14 - 15
Alanis Morissette
Hard Rock Nov 15
Face to Face
Mandalay Bay Nov 15
Jason Mraz
Palms Casino Nov 15
Las Vegas Philharmonic: The Magic of Scheherazade
University of Nevada Las Vegas |Nov 15
Lee Ann Womack
Buffalo Bill's Nov 15
Tracy Lawrence
Boulder Station Nov 15
UFC 91: Couture vs. Lesnar
MGM Grand Nov 15
White Lion
Four Queens Nov 15
OneRepublic
Palms Casino Nov 16
Q-Tip with Cool Kids
Mandalay Bay Nov 16
Terry Fator
Las Vegas Hilton Nov 16 - 18

The fourth week of the month (which includes Thanksgiving,) has:
Underoath w/ Saosin, the Devil Wears Prada & the Famine
Mandalay Bay Nov 18
Who's Bad - World's #1Michael Jackson Tribute Band
Mandalay Bay Nov 19
David Copperfield
MGM Grand Nov 20 - Dec 7
The Comedy Festival
Caesars Palace Nov 20 - 22
Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Winter Tour 2008
MGM Nov 20
Bill Maher
Orleans Hotel Nov 21 - 23
Delbert McClinton
Boulder Station Nov 21
Jay Leno
Mirage Nov 21 - 22
Jerry Seinfeld
Caesars Palace Nov 21 - 22
Jumping Jack Flash - Tribute to the Rolling Stones
Cannery Casino Nov 21 - 22
Roy Clark
South Point Nov 21 - 23
Snowjam Ski & Snowboard Show
Cashman Center Nov 21 - 23
The Association
Suncoast Hotel Nov 21 - 23
Usher
Palms Casino Nov 21
Backstreet Boys
Palms Casino Nov 22
Bacon Brothers
Four Queens Nov 22
Dwight Yoakam
Buffalo Bill's Nov 22
Euge Groove
Boulder Station Nov 22
Happy Paws Pet Expo
Cashman Center Nov 22 - 23
Hatton vs. Malignaggi
MGM Grand Nov 22
Matisyahu w/ special guests Flobots and Chester French
Mandalay Bay Nov 22
Maxxis Endurocross Finals
Orleans Hotel Nov 22
REO Speedwagon
Aliante Station Nov 22
Best of Broadway Dance & Gymnastics
Cashman Center Nov 23
In Flames with All That Remains, Gojira, and 36 Crazyfits
Mandalay Bay Nov 23

The last week in November, which includes the first weekend in December brings us:
National Youth Football Championships
Cashman Center Nov 24 - 26
Bette Midler
Caesars Palace Nov 25 - Dec 10
Brandon Bennett - Elvis My Way
Suncoast Hotel Nov 28 - 30
Bret Michaels
Aliante Station Nov 28
Chris Botti
Green Valley Ranch Nov 28
David Spade
Planet Hollywood Nov 28 - 29
Faster Pussycat
Four Queens Nov 28
Kingston Trio
South Point Casino Nov 28 - 30
Las Vegas Invitational Basketball Tournament
Orleans Hotel Nov 28 - 29
Motor Trend International Auto Show
Las Vegas Convention Center Nov 28 - 30
The Sisters of Mercy
Mandalay Bay Nov 28
Tony Bennett
Las Vegas Hilton Nov 28 - 29
Bell Biv Devoe
Mandalay Bay Nov 29
Chris Botti
Aliante Station Nov 29
Jolin Tsai 2008
Mirage Nov 29
Jonas Brothers Live!
MGM Grand Nov 29
Nicky Cruz Outreach
Cashman Center Nov 29
Smashing Pumpkins
Palms Casino Nov 29.
Vicente Fernandez
Mandalay Bay Nov 29
Victory Outreach Cruzade with Nicky Cruz
Cashman Center Nov 29
Terry Fator
Las Vegas Hilton Nov 30
The Australian Pink Floyd Show
Hard Rock Hotel Nov 30
Jody Nix
South Point Casino Dec 1 - 3 - Free

For dates and times, be sure to log onto the Las Vegas Online Entertainment Guide: lvol.com.

Igoshows.com is, of course, the place to read the reviews of all of the shows that are in town so that you can be better informed as to what you should expect from a certain production. The reviews are updated as needed to give you the knowledge you need to spend your entertainment dollars better.


Now you can sign up to receive Chuck Rounds' LV Entertainment News in your e-mail box each month. Just enter your e-mail address in the box below and click on the "Sign Up" button:

Tags: Las Vegas Shows Information Chuck Rounds

Halloween is coming and obviously it will continue to be a huge

October 2008

Spring and fall are my favorite times of the year. The weather is perfect, and one gets filled with a sense of renewal. The summers get long in Vegas…you just get tired of the heat all the time. The energy is just sapped out of your body every time you walk out of doors. So when the fall comes, it is exceedingly uplifting. In Las Vegas, fall usually also means big business. It is time for the busy convention season to begin, and the football season is under way, hockey is getting started, too. Casinos are usually very busy this time of year, and the economy usually booms…but the economy is very bad right now…it’s bad all over the country, and when times are tough, a lot of people decide that a Vegas trip just isn’t in their best interest. The town has suffered, and there have been a lot of layoffs…most people are hoping that the economy will adjust itself after the election…right now, we seem a bit directionless as a country, and that lack of direction is causing a lot of unrest. We will still have our high points in the month; Halloween is always a big celebration. There have been some big changes in the shows recently, but most of the shows have dug in a prepared for the season, but there are always a few adjustments going on.

The Criss Angel/Cirque du Soleil show “Believe,” has pushed its opening back…again (I think that I mentioned that this would probably happen.) The new official opening will be Halloween night—which should actually be a good night for them, and it will be very appropriate as well since the show pays a lot of homage to Harry Houdini, who passed away on that same night. The previews will continue as scheduled, and the push back will simply increase the number of preview showings.

Disney Theatrical Productions and Mandalay Bay are proud to announce the award-winning Broadway phenomenon THE LION KING coming to the Mandalay Bay Theatre May 2, 2009 with preview performances beginning April 20, 2009. This sit-down production will join the six other highly successful companies of THE LION KING around the world in New York, London, Hamburg, Paris, Tokyo and Fukuoka. Mandalay Bay’s production of THE LION KING will be virtually identical to the other companies seen around the globe and will be staged with all of the same spectacular music, sets, and costumes that have made it a worldwide phenomenon.

The Golden Nugget signed singer/impressionist/entertainer Gordie Brown to a multi-year contract to headline at the property. Brown, who is currently touring North America with Celine Dion, will begin performances in February 2009, in the property’s Showroom, which will be renamed in his honor, The Gordie Brown Showroom.  Brown will perform five nights a week with a four-piece band. He is well known for his amazing comedy and vast repertoire of celebrity impressions such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jack Nicholson and Sylvester Stallone, as well as Las Vegas icons like Elvis Presley and Sammy Davis Jr.

The Mirage announced details of a dynamic redesign to its signature Volcano.  Known the world over for its iconic Strip-front feature, The Mirage has joined forces with legendary Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart, Indian tabla sensation Zakir Hussain and Fountains of Bellagio design firm WET, to create an all-new audio/visual spectacle.  The top-to-bottom overhaul is the final step in the property’s ongoing transformation and is scheduled for completion late 2008. The Volcano first erupted in 1989. 

The 5^th Annual Meatball Awards Presentation will acknowledge and Honor those talented Entertainers, Members of the Press, Radio, Television Media, Chefs, Sommeliers and Entrepreneurs, etc. that made Las Vegas into what is now – the “Entertainment Capitol of the World.” Despite its comedic name, the Meatball’s Award recognizes those performers and entertainers that serve as the backbone to the entertainment industry. The early years of Las Vegas saw a collection of singers, comedians and musicians who painted a historical canvas for what we now call “Vintage Las Vegas.” This year, Executive Producer - Grant Griffin of Griffin Productions Group will open new avenues of awards to an ethnically diverse group of performers and entertainers worthy of recognition in media broadcasting, celebrity, and lifetime achievement. The 5^th Annual Meatball Awards will take place at The Plaza Hotel & Casino (across from downtown Fremont Street) in the Main Showroom theater on Sunday afternoon, October 5^th with doors opening and seating beginning at 3 PM.

This October 25, the Sirens of TI will be celebrating its fifth anniversary – a milestone that most Las Vegas shows don’t reach in this day and age of constant reinvention In 2003, the Battle of Buccaneer Bay at Treasure Island was revamped into the Sirens of TI by Emmy award-winning director and creator of High School Musical Kenny Ortega.  This rebirth was part of the domino effect that prodded many Las Vegas resorts to update their properties into venues that once again catered to the 21 and over crowd.  As the brand ambassadors for TI’s revamped image, the Sirens offer the best free show on the Las Vegas Strip and perform to thousands nightly.  Five years and still going strong, visitors to TI begin to line up an hour in advance of the show to get the best spot to feel the heat from the show’s famous fire explosions.

Southern Nevada Pug Rescue (SNPR), a non-profit organization, will host its seventh annual Pug-O-Rama Picnic on Sunday, October 26, from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. at Hills Park in Summerlin. The Halloween-themed event will continue to feature costume contests, prizes, raffles, and a silent auction. Pug owners are encouraged to dress up their Pugs, pack a picnic, and enjoy a few hours socializing with other Pug parents. Pug-O-Rama Picnic tickets are available now for $10 per person, $7 for children 6-12, and children 5 and under are free. Check or money order should be made to SNPR and sent to P.O. Box 20875, Las Vegas, NV 89112, along with your name, number of guests and contact number. Tickets will be sold at the door for $15. Pug-O-Rama helps SNPR to raise funds for spay, neuter, shots, exams, and other medical necessities that take place when a rescue Pug is brought into the organization. For more information, visit rescuepugs.com.

Stagecoach Depot’s haunted corn maze will open in Glendale on October 3^rd. Nevada's largest Halloween festivity features a humongous corn maze in the crop circle style of a fire truck and it runs from Friday, Oct. 3-31 and ends with a barbeque and entertainment. The admission prices are $12 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under includes entrance to the haunted corn maze. Bring a can of food to donate to the poor and receive a dollar off admission prices.  The corn maze theme was born out of the April 10th fire that wiped out the Broken Spoke Saloon and Restaurant. It reads Thank You! Firefighters. It’s a 35-minute drive north of North Las Vegas off of I-15. There is plenty of parking. This is the fifth year that the event is taking place.

The Fourth annual Vegoose Music Festival has been cancelled. The main problem was the drop in attendance. The first year that the festival played, around 72,000 people attended. In the next two years, attendance dropped to below half of that.

The Second Annual Pure Aloha Fall Festival will be presented by Vizzun Entertainment at the Cannery Casino & Hotel.  The three-day festival runs Friday, October 12 through Sunday, October 14 and will be held at the Club, an indoor/outdoor festival venue located at the Cannery Casino & Hotel. The event includes concerts from popular Hawaiian and Polynesian acts and daytime festivals that bring a little bit of the Hawaiian homeland to Las Vegas.

For the 14^th year, a medieval kingdom will take over Sunset Park, 2601 E. Sunset Road, with lavishly costumed knights, knaves, fine ladies and wenches as Clark County Parks and Recreation presents the annual Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival, Oct. 12-14. Several stages will feature entertainment with costumed performers presenting more than 50 shows per day along with historical re-enactments, jousting tournaments, medieval pageantry and more than 100 artisans – including blacksmiths, stained glass designers, jewelers, wood workers, toy makers, perfume blenders, stone carvers and sword, dagger and armor craftsman. Authentic food, from fish and chips to an English feast, also will be available as well as beer and ales.

Rod Stewart, Sheryl Crow, The Killers and David Spade will headline the 13th annual Andre Agassi Grand Slam for Children benefit concert, presented by Genworth Financial. The event, benefiting underserved children, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11 at Wynn Las Vegas and begins at 6:30 p.m. Several other top performers and surprise guests will be added to the stellar roster. Grammy award-winning producer, arranger and composer David Foster will return for his 13th year as musical director. The past 12 Grand Slam events have raised more than $70 million for charity. For more information, please contact The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation at (702) 227-5700 or visit www.agassifoundation.org.

Fright Dome takes over The Adventuredome at Circus Circus beginning October 3^rd.  This season of fright, not even the sky is safe.  Drop Demons are the latest addition to the already horrifying experience known as Fright Dome, ranked 4^th Scariest Haunted Attraction in the country by AOL. Multiple Drop Demons will unexpectedly fall from the sky and torment passers by.  Dressed in professionally designed costumes and intricate masks as they descend from the ceiling, these flights of horror will induce blood-curdling screams from all that they encounter.  In addition to the Drop Demons, Fright Dome also will add new attractions such as a terror-filled Wax Museum, a haunted 4D Special FX Theater and the haunted house, Killer Clowns in 3D.   Fright Dome will offer five enhanced haunted houses, including all new Cell Block 13, Chainsaw Massacre, Morgue of Misery, Cavern of The Living Dead and the brand new Killer Clowns in 3D. Three spine tingling ride films, four extreme scare zones plus rides and attractions.  Pitch black and fog filled, Fright Dome will set a chilling atmosphere with the dramatic Drop Demons, roaming scare monsters, high-powered strobes, multi-colored lasers and eerie sound effects.

Halloween is always an interesting day in Las Vegas. Most available venues will host some sort of costumed ball—usually having to do with some sort of sexual content, and the more outrageous the better. There are a couple of Fetish and Fantasy balls, several Erotic balls, and the Pimp an’ Ho ball, of course. It’s a strange night and not one for the timid. It will continue to be a huge party weekend in Las Vegas. Vegas continues to prove that there might not be a better city in which to celebrate Hallow’s Eve. Of course, one sure highlight will be the 42^nd annual Beaux Arts Ball, a huge costume bash which will help raise money for the Golden Rainbow Foundation. Studio 54 always goes above and beyond on Halloween with a whole week of parties…be sure not to miss this year! After all, it is Halloween in Las Vegas…

Freakling Brothers, the creators of Las Vegas' premier haunted attractions, will terrify visitors again this year as it celebrates its 32^nd anniversary in Las Vegas. By concentrating on primal fears, relying on the power of live performers, and employing the art of theatrical illusion, Freakling Brothers will once again frighten yet delight thousands of Las Vegas' bravest thrill seekers! The haunted attractions are scattered throughout the Vegas area, so there will always be one within close proximity.

…And not to be outdone, Madame Tussauds’ is going to have live characters as well. Freddy Kruger has moved to Las Vegas from Elm Street. So has Crystal Lake's unstoppable monster Jason Voorhees and Leatherface, toting his chainsaw from Texas. The three most frightening horror movie characters in Hollywood history are now scaring guests at the new "Chamber of Horrors, Live" experience at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas. Characters of Freddy (A Nightmare On Elm Street), Jason (Friday The 13th) and Leather Face (Texas Chain Saw Massacre) will be portrayed with special effects and live actors to create the ultimate in scare maze experiences. Guests will walk through a number of themed environments where they should expect the unexpected!

And November 2^nd is the end of Daylight Savings time (fall back), and the 31^st is Nevada Day and Halloween.

October also brings hockey back to Las Vegas with the opening of the season with the Las Vegas Wranglers.

In spite of the economy, however, there is a ton of stuff going on.

The first week of the month brings in…

David Copperfield
MGM Grand Aug 21 - Oct 1

UNLV Football
Sam Boyd Stadium Aug 30 - Nov 22

Band Battle for Bite
Mandalay Bay Oct 2

Chicago
MGM Grand Oct 2 - Oct 15

Indian National Finals Rodeo
South Point Oct 2 - Oct 5

Las Vegas Bikefest 2008
Cashman Center & Fremont Street Experience Oct 2 - Oct 5

Acoustic Alchemy
Santa Fe Station Oct 3

Cherry Poppin Daddies
Four Queens Oct 3

Dana Carvey
Orleans Hotel Oct 3 - Oct 5

Detroit All Stars
Eastside Cannery Casino Oct 3 - Oct 4

Hollywood All Stars
Cannery Casino Oct 3

Mindless Self Indulgence
Mandalay Bay Oct 3

Sheena Easton
South Point Oct 3 - Oct 4

The Vegas Exchange
Aruba Hotel Oct 3 - Oct 5

Beach Boys
Buffalo Bill's Oct 4

Chelsea Handler
Palms Casino Oct 4

Disney Playhouse Live!
Orleans Hotel Oct 4 - Oct 5

Norm MacDonald
Mandalay Bay Oct 4

Ray Romano & Kevin James
Mirage Oct 4 - Oct 5

Santana w/ the Salvador Santana Band
MGM Grand Oct 4

The Guess Who
Cannery Casino Oct 4

The second week of the month is insanely busy with…

Bette Midler
Caesars Palace Oct 9 - Dec 2

Fabulous Thunderbirds
Four Queens Oct 9

Gavin DeGraw
Hard Rock Hotel Oct 9

Henry Rollins Spoken Word
Mandalay Bay Oct 9

Las Vegas Wranglers Professional Hockey
Orleans Hotel Oct 9 - Apr 4

Rock Band Live w/ Dashboard Confessional, Panic at the Disco, More . . .
Hard Rock Oct 9

BJ Thomas
Santa Fe Station Oct 10

Creedence Clearwater Revisited
Orleans Hotel Oct 10 - Oct 12

Jay Leno
Mirage Oct 10 - Oct 11

Las Vegas Renaissance Festival
Sunset Park Oct 10 - Oct 12

Linda Eder
Suncoast Hotel Oct 10 - Oct 12

Pure Aloha Fall Festival & Concert
Cannery Casino Oct 10 - Oct 12

Sara Bareilles
Hard Rock Hotel Oct 10

South Point Futurity Cutting Horse Event
South Point Casino Oct 10 - Oct 20

Starship starring Mickey Thomas
Las Vegas Hilton Oct 10

Tony Orlando
South Point Casino Oct 10 - Oct 12

US Open of Supercross
MGM Grand Oct 10 - Oct 11

Viva! - Tribute to Santana
Eastside Cannery Oct 10 - Oct 11

Yngwie Malmsteen with ANJ
Mandalay Bay Oct 10

Foghat
Sunset Station Oct 11

John Edwards
Flamingo Oct 11

Kings of Leon w/ special guests We Are Scientists and The Stills
Hard Rock Oct 11

New Kids on the Block
Mandalay Bay Oct 11

Santogold w/ Mates of State and Low vs Diamond
Mandalay Bay Oct 11

Tony Orlando
South Point Casino Oct 11

Wynonna
Buffalo Bill's Oct 11

Amateur Arenacross World Finals
MGM Grand Oct 12

L.A. Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings
Thomas & Mack Center Oct 12

Las Vegas Philharmonic: Israel @ 60 Gala Concert
University of Nevada Las Vegas Oct 12

Lowrider Magazine Show
Cashman Center Oct 12

New Found Glory w/ A Day to Remember, Four Year Strong, More . . .
Mandalay Bay Oct 12

The third week has…

Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open
TPC Summerlin Oct 13 - Oct 19

Terry Fator
Las Vegas Hilton Oct 13 - Oct 15

The Academy Is . . . W/ We The Kings, Carolina Liar, & Hey Monday
Mandalay Bay Oct 14

Lee Brice
South Point Casino Oct 15 - Oct 16

Angels and Airwaves
Mandalay Bay Oct 16

Wayne Newton
MGM Grand Oct 16 - Oct 22

America's Best Dance Crew
Orleans Hotel Oct 17

Bill Medley with Paul Revere & the Raiders
South Point Oct 17 - Oct 19

David Brighton - Tribute to David Bowie
Cannery Casino Oct 17 - Oct 18

Jay Leno
Mirage Oct 17 - Oct 18

Jay Mohr
Orleans Hotel Oct 17 - Oct 19

Justin Timberlake & Friends
Planet Hollywood Oct 17

Lez Zeppelin
Sunset Station Oct 17

Mary J. Blige
Palms Casino Oct 17

Michael John - Tribute to Billy Joel
Eastside Cannery Casino Oct 17, 2008 - Oct 18, 2008 | $5

Randy Travis
Texas Station Oct 17

Renee Taylor & Joe Bologna
Suncoast Oct 17 - Oct 19

Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert
Buffalo Bill's Resort Oct 18

Cheech & Chong - Light Up America
Palms Casino Resort Oct 18

Crossroads of the West Gun Show
Cashman Center Oct 18 - Oct 19

Freestyle Explosion
Orleans Hotel Oct 18

Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band
MGM Grand Oct 18

Joe Jackson
Green Valley Ranch Oct 18

Lez Zeppelin
Santa Fe Station Oct 18

Set It Off Dance Competition
Cashman Center Oct 18

War
Eastside Cannery Oct 18

Gym Class Heroes & the Roots
Mandalay Bay Oct 19

K-9 Metro Trials
Orleans Hotel Oct 19 – Free

The fourth week includes:

Elton John - The Red Piano
Caesars Palace Oct 22 - Nov 9

Craig Ferguson
MGM Grand Oct 23 - Oct 29

DevilDriver w/ SNOT, Stright Line Stitch & Instict of Aggression
Mandalay Bay Oct 23

David Spade
Planet Hollywood Oct 24 - Oct 25

Debbie Reynolds
South Point Casino Oct 24 - Oct 26

Dennis Miller
Orleans Hotel Oct 24 - Oct 26

Flogging Molly
Palms Casino Oct 24

Fred Travelena
Suncoast Hotel Oct 24 - Oct 26

Freda Payne - Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald
Cannery Casino Oct 24 - Oct 25

Jack Ingram
Green Valley Ranch Oct 24

Las Vegas Home & Outdoor Living Show
Cashman Center Oct 24 - Oct 26

Limey Bar Stewards
Eastside Cannery Oct 24 - Oct 25 - Free

Los Enanitos Verdes
Mandalay Bay Oct 24

Ray Price
Santa Fe Station Oct 24

Championship Off-Road Racing
Primm Valley Oct 25 - Oct 26

Chiodos & Silverstein, Escape the Fate & special guests
Mandalay Bay Oct 25

Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band
MGM Grand Oct 25

Slaughter
Sunset Station Oct 25

Sound Tribe Sector 9
Hard Rock Oct 25

The last part of the month and into November will have:

All Time Low w/ Mayday Parade, the Maine & Every Avenue
Mandalay Bay Oct 29

AC Delco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals
Las Vegas Motor Speedway Oct 30, 2008 - Nov 2

Beaux Arts Ball 2008
MGM Grand Oct 30

Blenheim Equisports
South Point Casino Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Free

Engelbert Humperdinck
Orleans Hotel Oct 30 - Nov 2

Las Vegas NHRA Nationals
Las Vegas Motor Speedway Oct 30 - Nov 2

Tom Jones
MGM Grand Oct 30 - Nov 12

2008 PBR World Finals
Thomas & Mack Center Oct 31 - Nov 9

Apocalyptica
Mandalay Bay Oct 31

Black Diamond - Kiss Tribute Band
Cannery Casino Oct 31 - Nov 1

Cowboy Mouth
Four Queens Oct 31

Maxwell
Palms Casino Oct 31

Next Movement
Eastside Cannery Oct 31

Rodney Carrington
MGM Grand Oct 31 - Nov 9

Sha Na Na
South Point Oct 31 - Nov 2

Fabulous Festival
Orleans Hotel Nov 1

Hiroshima
Santa Fe Station Nov 1

Patti LaBelle
Buffalo Bill's Nov 1

The Faint
Mandalay Bay Nov 2

For dates and times, be sure to log onto the Las Vegas Online Entertainment Guide: lvol.com.

Igoshows.com is, of course, the place to read the reviews of all of the shows that are in town so that you can be better informed as to what you should expect from a certain production.  The reviews are updated as needed to give you the knowledge you need to spend your entertainment dollars better.

Tags: Zakir Hussain Bellagio Volcano Mickey Hart Meatball Awards Presentation Wil

Chuck Rounds' LV Entertainment News

A monthly Las Vegas Entertainment Newsletter

Chuck Rounds' Las Vegas Entertainment News

September 2008

The happy and sad times of September are upon us...parents are happy that the kids are back in school, while the kids are sad that school is back in session. Businesses are happy that the convention season is about to begin, but businesses have been very sad because of the beating they have taken because of the economy. I think that most of American is happy about the pending election, but also very sad that official campaigning has begun, and we'll have to endure the next couple of months of campaign ads.

The economy has hurt us all. Tourism and gaming are down in Las Vegas...people don't want to pay for the gas that it will take to get across the desert. The foreclosure rate of homes in the city has been staggering. The budget cuts in the schools have been unconscionable---parents are being asked to pitch in and buy the supplies for all of the classrooms...it seems that even paper and pencils have been eliminated from the state budget.

The economy has taken its toll on the shows in town as well. Over the summer, there have been about a dozen strong shows that have closed... "Spamalot," "Hats," "Toxic Audio," "Second City," Gordie Brown, Ronn Lucas, Rosanne Barr, "Ooh La La," and even "The World's Greatest Magic Show," just to name a few. There have been a bunch of smaller shows as well...some that opened and closed so quickly that they never even merited a mention.

Of all of the shows that are going away, I think that I'll miss "The World's Greatest Magic" the most. It was a great show in an unfortunate location, and in spite of tremendous ticket offers, was never able to draw the crowds that it needed. It made a tremendous run at it, but when the going got tough, people decided not to venture over to the Greek Isles...it is a shame.

The only positive note on all of this is that more shows are offering discount tickets and half price tickets than ever before...It is a great time to get a good bargain on show tickets.

There are a couple of shows that will be opening in the near future that will hopefully spark a lot of interest...Donny and Marie Osmond will be the newest headliners in the Flamingo Showroom. Beginning Sept. 9, the duo will delight audiences of all ages with their iconic style of entertainment, the 90-minute extravaganza will highlight Donny & Marie's greatest hits in a multimedia spectacle presented on a custom designed stage with multiple video screens and a large cast of dancers. This will mark the first time in 29 years that they will have performed an extended residency engagement in Las Vegas.

The Cirque du Soleil production of "Believe," starring Criss Angel will open at the Luxor in October...tickets have now officially gone on sale, and the show promises to in fact be...unbelievable.

The trends of fall in Las Vegas are very much the same as elsewhere in the country---it's time to get back to work, summer break is over. The pools and pool parties are starting to close, and the big business of conventions is on the horizon for our city. We finally get a break from the summer heat and fall (which is one of the best times of the year,) is upon us.

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

Olympia Weekend...the most prestigious event in the world of bodybuilding, returns to the Orleans Arena, September 25 through 28, 2008. Mr. Olympia is a bodybuilding competition held annually by the International Federation of BodyBuilders (IFBB). Winning this event is considered to be the highest accolade in the professional bodybuilding field. Fitness enthusiasts from around the world will take part in Mr. Olympia, Ms. Olympia, and Fitness and Figure Olympia Championships.

In keeping with the storied tradition of the Binion's legacy, Binion's Gambling Hall & Hotel has unveiled a new version of the famed $1 Million Display that, over the last five decades, has brought millions of visitors for a chance to pose with $1 million. Binion's new $1 Million Display holds exactly one million dollars and is structured in a pyramid design of acrylic glass boxes filled with cash denominations ranging from ones to one hundred dollar bills. The new display is only one of many changes taking place at Binion's during the remodeling and refurbishment of the property. The $1 Million Display is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Photo subjects must be 21 or older...(which is a shame...I got my picture with the million dollar display when I was 12.)

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

August 16th was the 31st anniversary of the death of Elvis Aaron Presley. Still very much alive in Las Vegas, homage was paid to him by of fans at the statue of him in the lobby of the Las Vegas Hilton.

One of the best family events of the year is the 29th Annual San Gennaro Feast, they promise to be bigger than ever with more Italian entertainment, food, music and carnival rides. This huge Italian Festival is expecting over 150,000 attendees. The Feast will be held at 4245 Grand Canyon Drive and West Flamingo Rd., in the Grand Canyon Shopping Center, Sept. 9 through Sunday Sept. 14. The State Fair-sized carnival featuring more than 60 spectacular rides and game-midway will accompany the Italian Festival the biggest we ever had.
...and right after the Italian festival is the Greek Festival.

The Magical Forest at Opportunity Village is now looking for volunteers. It takes 70 – 90 volunteers a night to run the event, and it is one of the great celebrations in our city. To get involved contact Debbie Smith at 702-880-4081 or write her at: smithd@opportunityvillage.org

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

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

The first week of the month has:
Cher
Caesars Palace, Through Oct 5
Steve Dacri: Impossible Magic
SIX TABLES RESTAURANT, Through Nov 30
David Copperfield
MGM Grand Hotel, Through Oct 1
UNLV Football
Sam Boyd Stadium, Through Nov 22
Bob Dylan
Hard Rock Hotel Sept 1
Judas Priest
Palms Casino Sept 1
Motorhead w/ Misfits, Airborne, Vallient Thor, Year Long Disaster
Mandalay Bay Sept 4
Alice Cooper, "Psycho Drama"
Orleans Hotel Sept 5 - Sept 7
Billy Bob Thornton & the Boxmasters
Hard Rock Sept 5
Brian Culbertson
Santa Fe Station Sept 5
Collective Soul
Hard Rock Sept 5
David Allan Coe
Cannery Casino Sept 5
David Brenner
Suncoast Hotel Sept 5 - Sept 7
Harvest Festival Art & Craft Show
Cashman Center Sept 5 - Sept 7
NHL Rookie Exhibition Game - Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks
Orleans Hotel Sept 5
SCORE Primm 300
Primm, NV Sept 5 - Sept 7
Shinedown w/ Red & Jet Black Stare
Mandalay Bay Sept 5
Vicki Lawrence
South Point Casino Sept 5 - Sept 7
Petula Clark
Cannery Casino Sept 6
Skid Row
Sunset Station Sept 6
Young Dubliners
South Point Casino Sept 7

The Second week brings:
2008 High Roller Reining Classic
Mandalay Bay Sept 9 - Sept 14 Free
Brian Wilson
Buffalo Bill's Resort Sept 9
Cracker
Hard Rock Sept 9
Donny & Marie Osmond
Flamingo Sept 9, 2008
The Temptations
Orleans Hotel Sept 11 - Sept 14
Billy Idol
Hard Rock Sept 12
Gabriel Iglesias
Monte Carlo Sept 12 - Sept 13
John Davidson
Suncoast Hotel Sept 12 - Sept 14
Lady Antebellum
Green Valley Ranch Sept 12
Log Home & Timber Frame Expo
Cashman Center Sept 12 - Sept 14
Luis Miguel
Caesars Palace Sept 12 - Sept 15
Mary Wilson
South Point Casino Sept 12
Paul Rodriguez, Frank Lucero, Manny Maldonado & Gene Pompa
Treasure Island Sept 12
Polo Polo
Mandalay Bay Sept 12
Ray Romano & Brad Garrett
Mirage Sept 12 - Sept 14
Shawn Barker - A Tribute to Johnny Cash
Santa Fe Station Sept 12 - Sept 13
Sister Hazel
Sunset Station Sept 12
Al Green
Buffalo Bill's Resort Sept 13
Alan Parsons
Santa Fe Station Sept 13
Amanda Miguel & Diego Verdaguer
Las Vegas Hilton Sept 13
An Evening with Jaguares
Mandalay Bay Sept 13
Casamayor vs. Marquez
MGM Grand Sept 13
Enrique Iglesias and Aventura
Mandalay Bay Sept 13
Eric Burdon & the Animals and Rare Earth
Cannery Casino Sept 13
Eve 6
Sunset Station Sept 13
Jesse McCartney w/ the Higher
Mandalay Bay Sept 13
Las Vegas Mariachi Festival
Planet Hollywood Sept 13
Neville Brothers
Green Valley Ranch Sept 13
Rubber Stamp & Scrapbook Expo
Cashman Center Sept 13 - Sept 14
The Black Crowes w/ Special Guest Howlin Rain
Hard Rock Hotel Sept 13
The Marriage Experience
Cashman Center Sept 13 - Sept 14
Rodeo De La Decada Tour
Thomas & Mack Center Sept 14
Toadies
Mandalay Bay Sept 14
Alejandro Fernandez

The third week of the month features:
Mandalay Bay Sept 15
Placido Domingo
Planet Hollywood Sept 15
Sonora Show
Mandalay Bay Sept 15
Terry Fator
Las Vegas Hilton Sept 15 - Sept 17
Vampire Weekend
Hard Rock Sept 15
Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks
Orleans Hotel Sept 16
Nina's Night Out featuring Jessica Simpson
Palms Casino Sept 18
The Bangles
South Point Casino Sept 18
Boyz II Men
Orleans Hotel Sept 19 - Sept 21
Home Decorating & Remodeling Show
Cashman Center Sept 19 - Sept 20
Janet Jackson
Mandalay Bay Sept 19
Jay Leno
Mirage Sept 19 - Sept 20
Michael Lington
Santa Fe Station Sept 19
Paul Williams
South Point Sept 19 - Sept 21
Rodrigo y Gabriela
Hard Rock Sept 19
The Fab
Cannery Casino Sept 19 Free
Time Out for Women Conference
Cashman Center Sept 19 - Sept 20
Tony Bennett
Las Vegas Hilton Sept 19 - Sept 20
Tower of Power
Suncoast Hotel Sept 19 - Sept 21
6th Annual Hoodie Awards - presented by Steve Harvey
Orleans Hotel Sept 20
Billy Ray Cyrus
Cannery Casino Sept 20
Children of Bodom w/ Between the Buried In Me and The Black Dahlia
Mandalay Bay Sept 20
Foreigner
Buffalo Bill's Sept 20
Keiko Matsui
Green Valley Ranch Sept 20
Kid Rock
Palms Casino Sept 20
Knock Out Kings of Comedy
Planet Hollywood Sept 20
Lindsey Buckingham
Hard Rock Hotel Sept 20
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series 350
Las Vegas Motor Speedway Sept 20
Seal
Green Valley Ranch Sept 20
Common & N.E.R.D.
Mandalay Bay Sept 21

The fourth week of the month presents:
Arena Mountain-X Bike Competition
South Point Casino Sept 24
Trapt
Mandalay Bay Sept 26
Foo Fighters
Hard Rock Hotel Sept 25 - Sept 26
Atmosphere w/ Blueprint and Abstract Rude
Mandalay Bay Sept 26
Bobby Rydell
Suncoast Hotel Sept 26 - Sept 28
Bonnie Tyler
Cannery Casino Sept 26
Cecilio & Kapono
Four Queens Sept 26
Jay Leno
Mirage Sept 26 - Sept 27
Mr. Olympia
Las Vegas Convention Center Sept 26 - Sept 28
Richard Marx
Green Valley Ranch Sept 26
Roger Williams
South Point Casino Sept 26 - Sept 28
The Osmond Brothers
Orleans Hotel Sept 26 - Sept 28
Beauty Health & Fitness Expo
Cashman Center Sept 27 - Sept 28
Charlie Murphy
Mandalay Bay Sept 27
Great American Model & Talent Search
Cashman Center Sept 27
Little Anthony & The Imperials
Tropicana Resort Sept 27
Los Angeles Kings vs. Colorado Avalanche
MGM Grand Sept 27
Louis C. K.
Hard Rock Hotel Sept 27
Soul Express
Santa Fe Station Sept 27
The Lettermen & the Vogues
Cannery Casino Sept 27
Wine Amplified Festival featuring the Gin Blossoms & Sherwood
Mandalay Bay Sept 27
Queensryche
Mandalay Bay Sept 28

And the last week into October will bring:
Chicago
MGM Grand Oct 2 - Oct 15
Indian National Finals Rodeo
South Point Casino Oct 2 - Oct 5
Las Vegas Bikefest 2008
Cashman Center Oct 2 - Oct 5
Acoustic Alchemy
Santa Fe Station Oct 3
Dana Carvey
Orleans Hotel Oct 3 - Oct 5
Hollywood All Stars
Cannery Casino Oct 3
Mindless Self Indulgence
Mandalay Bay Oct 3
Sheena Easton
South Point Casino Oct 3 - Oct 4
Beach Boys
Buffalo Bill's Resort Oct 4
Chelsea Handler
Palms Casino Oct 4
Disney Playhouse Live!
Orleans Hotel Oct 4 - Oct 5
Norm MacDonald
Mandalay Bay Oct 4
Ray Romano & Kevin James
Mirage Oct 4 - Oct 5
Santana w/ the Salvador Santana Band
MGM Grand Oct 4
The Guess Who
Cannery Casino Oct 4

For dates and times, be sure to log onto the Las Vegas Online Entertainment Guide: lvol.com.

Igoshows.com is, of course, the place to read the reviews of all of the shows that are in town so that you can be better informed as to what you should expect from a certain production. The reviews are updated as needed to give you the knowledge you need to spend your entertainment dollars better.


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