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December 2008
The holidays are here!!? Do we cheer, or do we gasp and brace ourselves? With our economy being what it is, it seems that a lot of people are doing the latter. We are all looking to find a way to fill this season with as much joy as ever, but a lot of us need to do it with a lot less. No one has felt the effect of the bailout money—money that was supposed to be our salvation…more money than the entire cost of World War II…money that is too late for people that have already lost their homes to foreclosure. And now every big business in the country has its hands out. It is a crazy time…and yet, it is still the holiday season…and the lists of things to do are still growing longer and longer. It’s time to shop, time to decorate, time to send cards, wrap presents, plan parties, clean for guests, go see friends, bake, fewer people plan to get away, more people plan to stay at home, and…can we afford any of it? I’d sure hate to be a retailer this year…it is a joyful time in the bleakest time—both seasonally and economically.
And of course there is New Year’s Eve…I’ll deal with that at the end of the column.
Every culture in recorded history has had some sort of mid-winter festival, and the purpose of this festival was to celebrate and uplift…rejoice the harvest of the fall and anticipate the re-birth of the spring, and in some way, commemorate the endurance and spirit of humanity. It is difficult to celebrate this festival though, when the harvest of the fall is bleak…but we must celebrate and be thankful for all that we do have.
I celebrate Christmas. It is the mid-winter festival that most of us celebrate, but sometimes have trouble acknowledging because of political correctness. It does seem silly…would you be offended if someone wished you a “Happy Hanukkah,” or “Happy Kwanzaa?” I love Christmas. I love both its spirit and its meaning. And I will be wishing people, “Merry Christmas.”
Winter in Las Vegas is always an interesting time. The heat of the summer has long been forgotten, and everyone has truly enjoyed the fine days of fall…and now that the first cold front has passed through town, all the locals are feeling as if they are freezing to death as the temperatures dip down into the fifties. (Winter is really not that tough to endure.) December is a unique time for the city. The first couple of weeks in the month stay fairly busy, the week just before Christmas, the town is empty and is the slowest time of the year, and the last week, after Christmas and before New Year’s, the town gets neurotic. During that week prior to Christmas, a lot of the shows take a holiday break and close down. It is a nice break for the performers, and they all get a holiday vacation…and visitors need to be sure to check the show listings to see the status of their favorite production.
The holiday season is always a time where the focus is on the family, and the more that people embrace the family, the home, and the holidays; the fewer people come to Las Vegas. Just before Christmas, the city is fairly empty. (But usually Vegas locals don’t mind this because we have families, too.) However, this time can be a great time to visit Las Vegas. You can enjoy most of what the city has to offer and miss all of the crowds. The shows that do stay open often offer 2 for 1-ticket deals, and other offers which will continue to entice people to the Strip.
There are not many conventions during the month, and after the first couple of weeks, there are no more conventions booked for the rest of the year…at all. In a city of conventions, it is amazing to have an empty convention calendar for two weeks.
There are many Christmas attractions, celebrations, and entertainment; and most of these things are geared to the locals and not to the tourists. These quiet and quaint festivities are nothing that a “Vegas tourist” might anticipate. They are peaceful, sweet and oftentimes show the true heart of the city. People forget that the Strip is not the city. The Strip is a fantasyland where people work, but do not live. The city is truly everything else, but the Strip. The real city is actually a quiet and rather humble place to live.
One of my favorite winter attractions is Opportunity Village’s, "The Magical Forest," running until December 30th. 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. 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 vocational skills and being placed in jobs throughout the community.
Another good holiday attraction is “The Gift of Lights” at Sunset Park. It is a holiday drive-thru spectacular featuring millions of twinkling and animated displays, and part of the proceeds go to charities. And you can also receive a discount on the admission if you bring a bag of stuff for Goodwill.
The first part of December is still busy in the city. The biggest event for this time is the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) that runs December 4th to 13th at the Thomas & Mack Center. This is one of the largest rodeo competitions in the world. It is filled with excitement, and in order to give all of the rodeo enthusiast’s options for entertainment, the city does its best to book all of the top Country and Western singers and entertainers The Las Vegas Marathon is going to be run on December 7th. The race will start at Mandalay Bay and proceed north to the downtown area. The success of this event in recent years (and a new sponsor)) will make this year even bigger and better. There will be thousands of runners that will line the streets. It’s a great event to watch, but check for road closures if you want to drive anywhere in the city.
Would you like to hear some gossip? Of course you would…now mind you, this is complete gossip with virtually nothing to back it up, but it is going around town. The new Cirque show, “Believe,” with Criss Angel has gotten so much bad press, and the reports that Angel is unhappy with the project, have prompted talk of closing the show, in spite of the ten-year contract… The gossip is that Cirque will close the show and then keep the theatre to showcase the touring productions that Cirque has going. Each tour show would have a six-month run; the theatre would then be dark for a short period before the next show would be installed. It actually makes a lot of sense…the gossip may have some merit, but only time will tell.
The first week is January is also fairly slow. Things don’t really gear back to normal until the second week. The International Consumer Electronics Show brings with it a couple of hundred thousand people, and the Adult Entertainment Expo always piggybacks it.
Remember, too, Elvis' Birthday is on January 8th. He would have been 73! He's not gone; he’s just left the building.
As far as the other Vegas entertainment goes…
The first weekend in December: Zero G
Off-Strip Through - Dec 30 Fighter Pilot for a Day
Special Event Through - Dec 21 David Copperfield
MGM Grand Through - Dec 7 Bette Midler
Caesars Palace Through - Dec 10 Jody Nix
South Point Dec 1 - Dec 3 - Free 22nd Annual Downtown Hoedown
Fremont Street Experience Dec 3 - Free Five Finger Death Punch w/ In This Moment & Another Black Day
Mandalay Bay Dec 3 World Extreme Cagefighting: Torres vs. Tapia
Hard Rock Dec 3 Benny Binion Bucking Horse & Bull Sale
South Point Dec 4 - Dec 5 - Free Billy Childers
South Point Dec 4 - Dec 6 - Free National Finals Rodeo
Thomas & Mack Center Dec 4 - Dec 13 Brooks & Dunn
Las Vegas Hilton Dec 5 - Dec 7 Clay Walker
Silverton Hotel Dec 5 - Dec 6 Cliff Keen Las Vegas Collegiate Wrestling Invitational
Las Vegas Convention Center Dec 5 - Dec 6 Hawaiian Christmas
Suncoast Hotel Dec 5 - Dec 7 International Gem & Jewelry Show
Cashman Center Dec 5 - Dec 7 Merle Haggard
Aliante Station Dec 5 Miranda Lambert
Golden Nugget Dec 5 - Dec 6 Ron White
Mirage Dec 5 - Dec 6 Sawyer Brown
Boulder Station Dec 5 Teena Marie, Morris Day & the Time and Cameo
Orleans Hotel Dec 5 Tesla
Hard Rock Dec 5 Tommy Shaw from Styx & Jack Blades from Night Ranger
Green Valley Ranch Dec 5 Travis Tritt
Tropicana Resort Dec 5 - Dec 6 Viva! - Tribute to Santana
Cannery Casino Dec 5 - Dec 6 De La Hoya vs. Pacquiao
MGM Grand Dec 6 John Edward
Flamingo Las Vegas Dec 6 L.A. Guns
Santa Fe Station Dec 6 Merle Haggard
Boulder Station Dec 6 National Finals Rodeo 50th Anniversary Event
Orleans Hotel Dec 6 Oasis w/ special guests Ryan Adams and the Cardinals
Palms Casino Dec 6 Three Dog Night and Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone
Buffalo Bill's Dec 6 Tommy Shaw from Styx & Jack Blades from Night Ranger
Aliante Station Dec 6 Wu-Tang Clan
Mandalay Bay Dec 6 Las Vegas Marathon & Half Marathon
Begins at Mandalay Bay Dec 7 Lee Greenwood - A Tennessee Christmas
Orleans Hotel Dec 7 Pat Green
Golden Nugget Dec 7 - Dec 8 Susie Dobbs
South Point Dec 7 - Dec 10 - Free
The second week has: Rodney Carrington
MGM Grand Dec 8 - Dec 13 12th Annual Holiday Festival
Fremont Street Experience Dec 9 - Dec 20 Pauly Shore & Jamie Kennedy
Mandalay Bay Dec 9 Ronnie Milsap
Golden Nugget Dec 9 - Dec 10 Anthony Hamilton
Mandalay Bay Dec 10 John Rich featuring Cowboy Troy
Las Vegas Hilton Dec 10 - Dec 11 Bill Engvall
Treasure Island Dec 11 - Dec 12 Blaine Gray
South Point Dec 11 - Dec 13 - Free Charlie Daniels Band
Golden Nugget Dec 11 - Dec 12 Gary Allan
Mandalay Bay Dec 11 - Dec 12 World Series of Team Roping
South Point Dec 11 - Dec 14 - Free Blake Shelton
Silverton Hotel Dec 12 - Dec 13 Brian Culbertson - A Soulful Christmas
Boulder Station Dec 12 Etta James
Aliante Station Dec 12 Franz Ferdinand, The Ting Tings & Carolina Liar
Hard Rock Hotel Dec 12 Gretchen Wilson
Las Vegas Hilton Dec 12 - Dec 13 Jay Leno
Mirage Dec 12 - Dec 13 Jo Dee Messina
Orleans Hotel Dec 12 - Dec 14 Sully Erna
Green Valley Ranch Dec 12 World Stars of Magic
Suncoast Hotel Dec 12 - Dec 14 Black Nativity Musical
Cashman Center Dec 13 - Dec 14 Crossroads of the West Gun Show
Cashman Center Dec 13 - Dec 14 Escape the Fate w/ the Seventh Plague, More . . .
Mandalay Bay Dec 13 Larry the Cable Guy
Orleans Hotel Dec 13 Las Vegas Philharmonic: Pops II - A Christmas Celebration
University of Nevada Las Vegas Dec 13 Leon Russell & Zac Brown
Four Queens Dec 13 Lucha Libre Wrestling featuring Rey Mysterio
Buffalo Bill's Resort Dec 13 Nine Inch Nails
Planet Hollywood Dec 13 Sully Erna
Aliante Station Dec 13 The Ultimate Fighter 8 Finale
Palms Casino Dec 13 Tucker Family Christmas Show w/ Joe Gurcio Orch. & the Imperials
Eastside Cannery Dec 13 David Copperfield
MGM Grand Dec 14 - Jan 12
Week number three has: (Notice the dramatic drop in the number of events?) The Forgotten Carols Production
Cashman Center Dec 15 Suicidal Tendencies
Mandalay Bay Dec 16 Lamb of God w/ Job for a Cowboy & the Faceless
Mandalay Bay Dec 18 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy - Christmas Concert
Green Valley Ranch Dec 19 Clint Holmes & Friends - Holmes for the Holidays
Suncoast Hotel Dec 19- Dec 21 Papa Roach w/ Hoobastank and Hollywood Undead
Hard Rock Dec 19 Paul Anka
Orleans Hotel Dec 19 - Dec 21 Susan Anton
Suncoast Hotel Dec 19 - Dec 21 2008 Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl
Sam Boyd Stadium Dec 20 Annie Meadows Christmas Concert
Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas Dec 20 Appetite for Destruction & Back in Black
Mandalay Bay Dec 20 America's Party - Las Vegas New Year
Fremont Street Experience Dec 21 - Jan 1 Terry Fator
Las Vegas Hilton Dec 21 - Dec 22
In week four, things really slow down: Las Vegas Classic Basketball Tournament
Orleans Hotel Dec 22 - Dec 23 Hotel California - A Salute to the Eagles
Suncoast Hotel Dec 26 - Dec 28 Maz Jobriani
Mandalay Bay Dec 26 Davy Jones
Silverton Hotel Dec 27 Imelda Papin
Orleans Hotel Dec 27 UFC 92: The Ultimate 2008
MGM Grand Dec 27
And the last week prior to New Year’s has: Dancing with the Stars
Orleans Hotel Dec 29 Girl Talk w/ Dan Deacon
Mandalay Bay Dec 29 Bette Midler
Caesars Palace Dec 30 - Jan 25 Ratt - Invasion of Your Holiday Tour
Mandalay Bay Dec 30
Then, of course, there is New Year’s Eve… The “Entertainment Capital of the World” puts on a bigger and brighter show than just about anyone else on the globe. Las Vegas is only second to New York City in being a favorite destination for New Year’s Eve in the United States and our little “Glitter Gulch” continues bring in more and more people every year. Well over a quarter of a million tourists will pack the streets and the city on that night, and the city is always ready for them. The biggest problem for the tourist is trying to decide exactly what they want to do on this night, because just about every option is going to be open to them—big or little, loud or quiet. Choices for the evening can be overwhelming, but there are many ways in which you can quickly narrow down your options.
The first thing to understand is that every hotel, casino, bar and lounge is going to have a New Year’s celebration, in addition to all of the fireworks shows that will be going on all over the city. So the questions that you’ll have to ask yourself about your own celebrating will have to do with size, location, cost, and environment.
Do you want to be indoors or outdoors? A fairly simple way to start, but will certainly define the other parameters. If you choose to be indoors, then the next question that will immediately follow is…how much do you want to spend? Oddly enough, because of the number of celebrations out there, one really gets what they pay for when it comes to the parties. They are actually quite competitive. What amenities do you want or need? The more you spend, the more stuff will be made available to you. It will really all depend on your need for either extravagance or simplicity, and the size of your pocketbook.
If you choose to be outdoors you also have a lot of options, but the bigger questions for the outdoorsy folks will be, where? There are fireworks all over the city, and if you are outside, you will see fireworks. So, again, what do you want? If you want to be with a lot of people, in the heart of the action, then go down to the Strip. That’s where you and a couple hundred thousand people can all get together to watch one of the best fireworks displays in the world. Not only that, it’s free. Then again, some folks don’t want to be jostled amongst the crowd and would prefer quieter surroundings. Then drive up to the foothills that enclose our valley and find a spot that looks over the city. From there, you will see fireworks displays from all over the city. It is both quiet and can be very romantic, too.
All of the best entertainment will be playing that night as well and will be having midnight shows. If you want to celebrate while watching your favorite band, performer, or show, then make your reservations early.
Akon
Mandalay Bay Dec 31 Blast from the Past New Year's Eve Bash
Santa Fe Station Dec 31 Kid Rock
Palms Casino Dec 31 Mandalay Bay New Year's Eve Party
Mandalay Bay Dec 31 New Year's Celebration w/ Tony Orlando
South Point Casino Hotel & Spa | Southeast & Henderson | Music: Pop/Rock | Dec 31, New Year's Eve at Noon - Le Voci: Vegas
South Point Casino Hotel & Spa | Southeast & Henderson | Music: Other | Dec 31, 2008 | New Year's Eve at Noon - Shades of Sinatra
Suncoast Hotel and Casino | Northwest/Summerlin | Music: Pop/Rock | Dec 31, 2008 | New Year's Eve w/ Steel Panther
Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa | Southeast & Henderson | Music: Pop/Rock | Dec 31, New Year's Eve with Chaze
Suncoast Hotel Dec 31 New Year's Eve with Yellow Brick Road
Boulder Station Dec 31 Purple Reign
Mandalay Bay Dec 31 Red Bull Jump - Robbie Maddison - New Year's Eve
Paris Las Vegas Dec 31 Sha Na Na
Cannery Casino Dec 31 That's Italian
Eastside Cannery Dec 31 U2 Tribute New Year's Dance Party w/ Joshua Tree
South Point Dec 31
New Year’s Eve is a great time in Las Vegas, and you can make it whatever you want it to be. You have more choices and options than anywhere else in the world, and that’s one of the reasons that Las Vegas is so great.
The first week in January has: Aaron Lewis
Green Valley Ranch Jan 2 Comedian Mike Epps
Orleans Hotel Jan 2 - Jan 3 Legends of Motown Show
Cannery Casino Jan 2 - Jan 3 Neil Diamond
MGM Grand Jan 2 Oh What A Night
Suncoast Hotel Jan 2 - Jan 4 Stone Temple Pilots
Palms Jan 2 The Four Freshman
South Point 2 - Jan 4 Aaron Lewis
Aliante Station Jan 3 B.B. King
Buffalo Bill's Jan 3 Kathleen Madigan
Mandalay Bay Jan 3 L.A. Guns
Four Queens Jan 3 Smash Mouth
Silverton Hotel Jan 3 ZZ Top
Hard Rock Jan 3
For dates and time, 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: L.A Guns John Edward Merle Haggard National Finals Rodeo Wu-Tang Clan Thre
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 5th 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 5th 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 5th 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 3rd. 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 14th 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 3rd. 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 4th 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 42nd 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 32nd 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 2nd is the end of Daylight Savings time (fall back), and the 31st 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.
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:
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Tags: Las Vegas News
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