Vegas and more: Off the Strip for free thinkers and adventurers » Deals for Locals

Dollar Drinks at South Point Casino

Rex — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 03:26:25 +0000

Rex Reviews

Check this out!

Through the month of June the South Point Casino is offering every Friday a happy hour from 4pm to 10pm with any drink $1 – yes Dollar Drinks – at all casino bars. That’s right - everything’s one greenback from Patron to beer.

This being almost too good of a deal to pass up, I hope I see you there.

Only two Fridays left in June – Let’s Party!

I will post more details after I check it out this Friday. TGIF – almost.

Martha Stewart Radio Show from the M

Sandra — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 02:37:11 +0000

Here’s another example of the free, fun, frivolous things you can find to do on a Thursday morning in Las Vegas. Martha Stewart’s satelite radio show Living Today on Sirius XM was recorded live from Studio B at the M Casino and Resort with an audience of invited locals.

A sample of the M’s sous chef’s braised pork ribs, nibbles of cupcakes from Retro Bakery and tastes of “Vegas” wines were highlighted by a visit from a cutting edge floral designer and a real Vegas-style showgirl.

The radio host Mario Bosquez was upbeat, entertaining and everything you would expect from a representative of a class act like Martha Stewart. Studio B is a brilliant little spot with great seating and a fully-equipped kitchen primed and ready for TV/video viewing.

One of the audience expressed surprise that there was something to “see” on a radio show. In fact, a radio broadcast in the genre of Martha Stewart’s Living Today is little different from a TV show. The crew video tapes the guests (audience and interviewees) as well as snaps photos for the blog; it’s a multi-media event.

Your job in the audience is to applaud and be sufficiently boisterous to communicate enthusiasm across radio waves, ask questions, sample good food, be educated and entertained. Not bad work if you can find it.

Living Today

Weekdays 1 pm – 5 pm ET

Hosted by Mario Bosquez.

http://www.sirius.com/marthastewartlivingradio

Jubilee

Bally’s

The Showgirl, all 6 feet of her, swept her way to the microphone amidst wows and applause. With a great personality and obvious love of her job, she carried her plumed headdress with confidence and aplomb. The Jubilee cast of 85 with 9 costume changes each every night and a stage half the size of a football field gives you some idea of the production sophistication of this most Vegas of all Vegas shows. Jubilee is a must see if you want to experience the real Las Vegas. p.s. If you have aspirations of joining the show, grow to 6′ (male) or 5′8″ (female) and be prepared for 2 shows a night, rehearsals and carrying anywhere from 10lbs to 40lbs on your head – while wearing 3″ heels – if female.

http://www.lasvegastourism.com/jubilee.htm

Destinations by Design

Allison Hart

According to Allison, designer from DBD, the trend to green is also driving the floral arrangement market. Allison brought a wheatgrass table arrangement with driftwood “vases,” orchids and moss balls – all requiring very little water and made from recyclable materials. Earthernware-appearing vases were actually made from newspaper, with metallic cores for holding the flowers.

Check out their website for diverse and innovative travel and meeting planning services of Destinations by Design.

http://www.dbdvegas.com/

Retro Bakery

Kari Haskell

A tight bundle of energy, Kari is so imbued with enthusiasm that she could hardly be contained in the space of Studio B. Inspired by Dairy Queen from her childhood days in Oregon, she has developed her signature butter cream swirl in so many flavors and variations that it would take days to try them all. Her husband is the cake master and together they are re-inventing the American standard in home-style gone commercial baking.

http://www.retrobakerylv.com/

http://twitter.com/retrobakery

M Resort

Hostile Grape

Mark Thomas, Director of Beverages

Mark poured two wines from the selection of 160 found at the M’s Hostile Grape. The two reds were from California, one a husky Syrah and the other akin to Chianti – both reasonably priced in the $10/bottle range. A third white was from Pahrump NV, but not enough for the audience to sample. The label Pahrump Valley Winery is a bit misleading. If you visit, you discover that they mostly blend with grapes from California. They have produced and released a locally grown Zinfandel – quite a feat for the Mojave Desert . p.s the restaurant there was good, worth the drive. http://www.pahrumpwinery.com/

You can read more about the M Resort at:

New M Casino Modern Chic Oasis

Another Live Radio Show

Les’ Wines and Vines is a weekly radio show with a live audience that moves from restaurant to restaurant around the city.

To find out more:

Les’ Wines and Vines Radio Show

The M beer bar best in Vegas

Sandra — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:08:12 +0000

I’m going to change my mind about the 32º Draft beer bar at the M Resort Casino Spa, Las Vegas. I wasn’t enthusiastic about it on my first visit because I didn’t like its location next to the Sports Betting area, in earshot of a cacophony of slot machines.

But on the second visit, in the late afternoon, we sat at the bar and began sampling some of the 71 ice cold brews on tap. I am ready to tolerate a little slot machine noise in the background for the opportunity to drink domestic microbrewery draft beer for $3.50 (including tax) and imported draft beer for $4.50 (also including tax.) These are arguably the best prices in town. I don’t know anywhere else you can get a Chimay for $4.50.

The service was extremely friendly – as is everywhere we went at the M. We were offered several generous samples along with the 4 brews we ordered for a grand total of $15. At those prices, we felt more than comfortable leaving a very generous tip.

It seems the Marnell Family may have achieved the dream – "build it and they will come" – even in a recession."

MY RECOMMENDATION:
32º Draft beer bar at the M is the place to go for beer lovers – excellent air conditioning, elegant surroundings, friendly service, incredible easy on the budget prices and a wide selection of fine brews, domestic and imported.

Blue Martini is local hot spot in Vegas

Sandra — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:59:27 +0000

Wednesday night and the Blue Martini is jammed. What would it be like if there were no recession? It’s refreshing to see high heels, sexy dresses and crisp shirts. You get so tired of the slobby tourists on the Strip with their shorts, sloppy T-shirts and sandals. This is Las Vegas, for *** sakes!

The Blue Martini, across from the Rave Movie Experience, at the top of the escalator and to the left, at the west end of Town Square, is pulsating with feverish energy. Three giant bars anchor this sprawling hot spot, one with outdoor patio, one with live music stage and the last secreted in the far back with cozy alcoves for tête á têes. With an outdoor terrace that stretches on two sides, there is always quick access to fresh air and open space. The bathrooms are also buried in the back, which can seem like quite a trek if you don’t plan ahead.

The servers are sweet and sexy in their powder blue bodices, a vague reference to French cancan and Playboy bunny. The bartenders, handsome young lads, pour genereous martini’s and are well trained to keep customers happy. In fact, the service everywhere is excellent - friendly and casual without the pretensions of the Strip.

The live music in the middle bar is rock sold dance quality, although there is no dance floor per se. But who can sit still to Santana, although the average age of the dancers is way older than the sitters. Do we just get freer as we age, or don’t people know to dance any more?

Happy Hour serves $6 martini’s (regular $12) with beers about half that. The food menu is diverse and the portions designed to set in the middle of the table and share.

Although most of the crowd is well under 40, you won’t feel ridiculous if you could be their parents. It’s a great spot and one I hate to write about because I’d still like to get a seat at the bar or a table when I go. But if you are wondering where locals go – “to see and be seen” – it’s Blue Martini.

Frontier Implosion 11-13-07

Sandra — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 11:24:22 +0000

Sometime after 2am just off the strip, with sliding doors cracked to let in the cool desert night air, the still of the night was shattered by the sounds of deep rumbling. Like a giant Harley revving its powerful engine, reverberating vibrations stirred us from heavy sleep.

Luckily we weren’t so lazy we pulled the covers and pillows over our heads, but let curiosity drive us from our bed to the balcony. Although mainly blocked by the new Wynn Encore, we still had a good enough view of the implosion to make it another memorable night just “off the strip.”

It wasn’t long ago that we had full view of the marvelous demise of the old Stardust Casino. Even though we were not afforded the full view this time around, this implosion party perhaps delighted all the more because of the complete unexpectedness of it.

Isn’t that why we love this town? You never know what’s going to happen – and most of the time the surprises are pleasant. Thank you Las Vegas again!

National Coming Out Day

Sandra — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 15:38:13 +0000

Here’s to all my gay friends - certainly some of the top party people I know.

The following events are for National Coming Out Day 2007:

Visit NCODvegas.com for most current info.

Fri Sep 28 6pm NCOD VIP Showing Of Zumanity. Only at NY NY. Meet & Greet with the artists To Book: Call 1-877-274-6958 with code Reference Code "NCOD" to obtain a 15% discount.

Fri Sep 28 11pm Kick-Off Party KRAVENo Cover for Locals.

Sat Sep 29 Noon Free Pool Party Alexis Park Resort. All Ages.

Sun Sep 30 Noon Free Last Chance Pool Party Alexis Park Resort. All Ages.

May you have a wonderful, joyful, fun-filled weekend at Alexis Park Resort 375 E Harmon Av Las Vegas NV. Las Vegas.

Free UNLV Forum Lecture Series

Sandra — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 14:20:18 +0000

The UNLV Forum Lecture Series runs each academic year. This article is from 2007 and covers the fall semester only.

FOR MOST RECENT ARTICLE, see UNLV Forum Lecture Series Open & Free to Public

Certain articles are not accessible due to deletion of entire site by BlueHost. If you are interested in more detail about the deletion, check out the link at end of article.

For all of you out there in Vegas Valley who feel you live in an intellectual, as well as geographical desert, relief is on the horizon. And this oasis is not a mirage.

After a long hot summer with little to stimulate the mind except the the Las Vegas World Affairs Club, some excellent films at CineVegas, various poetry readings, the Socrates Discussion Group and well actually, quite a few other places if you read my articles – UNLV has announced its fall 2007 schedule for the University Forum Free Lecture Series open to the public.

You can check out details at liberalarts.unlv.edu or call 702- 895-3401. Please note that the lecture series is only for fall and spring semester. Fall semester is not posted until late summer, so the site may say “I’m sorry, there are no upcoming events.” We hope that this series will survive the deep budget cuts in the Nevada university system.

The University Forum is a lecture series sponsored and funded by UNLV’s College of Liberal Arts for the edification of the Las Vegas community. All events are free and open to the public, no reservation is necessary – just show up and enjoy. Lectures start at 7:30 pm sharp. Venue is the Barrick Museum Auditorium, UNLV campus, Las Vegas NV.

Did you experience these?:

Sep 12 – The Climate History of the Earth: A View to the Future Prof. Matthew Lachniet, Department of Geoscience, UNLV

Sep 17 – The U. S. Constitution and the Lessons of Experience: Does What Made Sense in 1787 Serve Us Well in 2007? Prof. Sanford Levinson, W. St. John Garwood and W. St. John Garwood, Jr. Centennial Chair in Law and Professor Government, University of Texas

Sep 20 – What’s Wrong With the Way Nevada Selects Its Judges? A Legal and Policy Analysis Prof. Tuan Samahon, William S. Boyd School of Law, UNLV

Sep 21 – The Social Critique of Social Knowledge (or, But Mom, Crop-Tops are Cute!) Prof. Sally Haslanger, Department of Linguistics and Philosophy, and Acting Director of Women’s Studies, MIT

Sep 24 – Dancing under Desert Stars: Ballroom in Las Vegas Amanda Haboush, Nevada Institute for Children’s Research and Policy, UNLV; Gail Michel-Parsons, Director of Rebel Dancesport Team, UNLV

Oct 04 – The Mystery of Labyrinths Gael Hancock, William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration, UNLV Tue

Oct 09 – Endangered Wildlife of the American Southwest (slide illustrated) Mitch Tobin, Scholar, Newspaper Reporter and Author

Oct 11 – The Road to the Viral Superhighway: Emerging Diseases in the Time of Globalization Prof. George J. Armelagos, Goodrich C. White Professor of Anthropology

Oct 24 – Screening the Mafia (Why is “Italian American” Synonymous with Organized Crime?) Prof. Ben Lawton, Department of Foreign Languages, and Chair, Interdisciplinary Italian Studies Program and Chair, Interdisciplinary Film Studies Program, Purdue University

Nov 01 – The Sex Life of Orchids Carol Siegel, President, Greater Las Vegas Orchid Society

Nov 08 – Time-Loops, Superstrings, and Other Weird Stuff: Are Physicists for Real (or Is This Just a Lot of Mathematics)? Prof. Jody Azzouni, Department of Philosophy, Tufts University

Nov 14 – Spilling Over: The Migration between Attitudes Regarding Immigration and Policy Preferences Prof. Max Neiman, Program Director and Senior Fellow, Governance and Public Finance Program, Public Policy Institute of California

Nov 16 – The Culture of War and Peace in Europe, 1789 – 1815 Prof. David A. Bell, Mellon Professor in the Humanities and Dean of Faculty, Krieger School of Arts & Sciences, Johns Hopkins University

Nov 29 – The Grand Canyon: 125 Years of Photography of an American Icon (slide-illustrated) Stephen Trimble, Ansel Adams Award-Winning Photographer and Writer

If you want to know more about opportunities for free lectures at UNLV, jump to :

3 Different UNLV Lecture Series Free to Public

Related note: many of these articles were not able to be reconstructed after my site was deleted by BlueHost: Drilling for Oil in ANWAR, UNLV Free Lectures for Public, Las Vegas World Affairs Council, Orchid Lovers Meet, Socrates Cafe Discussion Group, Poetry Nights @ reJAVAnate, Poet’s Corner, From Apartheid to Darfur: Africa’s Struggle

BlueHost deletion of Sandra Off the Strip:

SandraOfftheStrip deleted from BlueHost database, Did Pornography or Politics bring down my site?

“JJ” for Just Jazz

Sandra — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 11:00:10 +0000

“Just Jazz” realizes Mark’s vision of every night live jazz for Las Vegas. “JJ’s” is patterned after the wildly successful Just Jazz Night Club of Philadelphia in the 60’s which showcased names like Louis Armstrong, Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa. We can hope for a rebirth of that fire here on East Sahara Ave. The hours now are 24 hr/7 with video poker. You are encouraged to “dress to impress” at this self-proclaimed speakeasy jazz joint.

JJ’s features the best jazz trio in Las Vegas with The Cocho Arbe Trio – Cocho Arbe on upright piano, Chris Gordon on upright bass and Boris Shapiro on drums.

line-up:
cocktail hours 5p-8p- Joe Darro, piano & voice with Happy Hour 1/2 price drinks on everything.

Mon – 9pm DJ Jazz Mixes & Service Industry Night – 25% off with ID
Tue 5pm -
Wed – Ladies Night – 1/2 price all night
Thu 5pm-
Fri 10pm – February Fridays with the Cocho Arbe Trio and Ronnie Rose
Sat 10pm – the Cocho Arbe Trio and guests
Sun 8pm- Sunday Swing with Joe Darro Trio

Full Bar. No food. No cover charge , but 2 drink minimum. For more info visit justjazzlv.com. 702-650-0432. Just Jazz 1000 E. Sahara Ste 105 Las Vegas NV

“Fireworks in the Cage II”

Sandra — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 08:20:52 +0000

The next boxing/martial arts spectacular is billed for Sep 1 when the “Fireworks in the Cage II” Fight at the Riviera Hotel & Casino heralds two IFO Title Fights and 7 non-title bouts.

Hall of Fame Boxing Referee Richard Steele and Steve Oshins, co-owners of Steele Cage Promotions, LLC (steelecage.com) and the International Fighting Organization, LLC (IFO) present Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), a combination of different styles of fighting with a wide array of techniques drawing from multiple combat and boxing arts.

Look for championship fights featuring 1) Travis Wiuff vs Sean Salmon and Zac George against Chris Mickle. The fight card will be televised nationally and will be available in more than five million homes on Mark Cuban’s HDNet (HDNet.com). Tickets range from $30-$150. Purchase at Riviera Hotel & Casino Box Office or call 702-794-9433 ext 2. Rivera Hotel & Casino 2901 Las Vegas Blvd S Las Vegas NV.

3 Different UNLV Lecture Series Free to Public

Sandra — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 23:06:02 +0000

UNLV offers three lecture or discussion series free to the general public.

The University Forum Lecture Series features speakers on a variety of subjects which run the gamut from "Climate History of the Earth", "The Mystery of Labryrinths," "Screening the Mafia" to "Time-Loops, Superstrings, and Other Weird Stuff."

You will find something for every taste and every interest. The Forum Lecture Series is offered two to four times a month, at 7:30 pm, at the Barrick Museum Auditorium. You can check the UNLV website for full details: liberalarts.unlv.edu. (Pls note that the site may state "I’m sorry, there are no upcoming events." The fall semester schedule is not posted until late summer. The program is not expected to be cut in spite of the deep budget cuts for 2009-2010.)

The Barrick Lecture Series, funded through a grant by Marjorie Barrick, presents nationally and internationally known speakers and are often presented in round table discussion format. Two or three events are scheduled annually, usually commencing at 7:30 pm. The Barrick Lecture Series is held at the Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall at UNLV.

The Black Mountain Institute is a think tank for writers and artists founded under the vision of Carol Harter, former UNLV President. The BMI is composed of the Forum on Contemporary Cultures (BMI), the Cities of Asylum and the International Institute of Modern Letters. Its mission is to bring together thinkers from all cultural and political perspectives.

All three of the UNLV Lecture Series are open and free to the public. The University Forum Lecture Series and the Black Mountain Institute require no reservations, while the Barrick Lecture Series requires advance acquisition of free tickets with limitation of two per person.

Contact information for the Forum Lecture Series: 702-895-3401 or liberalarts.unlv.edu.

Contact information for BMI: 702-895-5542 or blackmountaininstitute.org.

Contact information for the Barrick Lecture events: Performing Arts Center Box Office 702-895-ARTS (2787) or pac.unlv.edu.

Free Forum Lectures are at Barrick Auditorium while the Barrick Lectures are at Ham Concert Hall. The venue of the Black Mountain Institute is announced with each event.

Thank you to UNLV for photo.

Related note: some of these articles were not able to be reconstructed after my site was deleted by BlueHost: UNLV Free Lecture Series, Black Mountain Institute on Vietnam & Iraq, Taxes and Politics, Home From Iraq, Author Richard Wiley Reads, From Apartheid to Darfur: Africa’s Struggle

BlueHost deletion of Sandra Off the Strip:

SandraOfftheStrip deleted from BlueHost database, Did Pornography or Politics bring down my site?

LV Hilton is good to locals w/ Cool by the Pool

Sandra — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 18:08:38 +0000

This summer, in addition to a Sounds of Summer Concert Series, the Hilton is offering Cool by the Pool Happy Hour with 2-for-1 Fosters and cocktails from 5:30p-8p daily. Live entertainment too.

The Las Vegas Hilton is good to locals. Your red Hilton card will get you the buffet for about $14 and that includes house wine or their keg beer. Play the slots a little and the offers for free tickets and other goodies will start to come. The Illa coffee in the lobby coffee bar also comes with a discount when you present your card. A Nevada driver’s license is all you need.

The Paradise Cafe serves a very decent matzah ball soup along with your standard American fare like hearty soups, fresh salads, thick sandwiches and, of course, burgers. They are open 24 hours and serve breakfast round the clock. Las Vegas Hilton 3000 Paradise Rd Las Vegas NV www.lvhilton.com

Pre-Sale Discount Tickets for Ice Hockey

Sandra — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 20:41:08 +0000

Act now and get your discount tickets for the L.A. Kings vs. Colorado Avalanche on Sat Sep 22 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

The Los Angeles Kings celebrates 10 years of bringing NHL Hockey to Las Vegas with Frozen Fury 10! You can get your pre-sale tickets until Friday June 22 at 10am for only $26.25.

This is a special offer by the Las Vegas Review Journal. Log onto: ticketmaster.com/ffx and type in the password: REVIEWJOURNAL.

Grand Opening of Springs Preserve

Sandra — Thu, 24 May 2007 06:24:14 +0000

Jun 8-10 was the grand opening weekend of the Springs Preserve, a multi-sensory nature and historical experience park with outdoor concerts, museums, restored environments, nature walks and other exhibits designed to educate on the human and natural culture of the Las Vegas Valley. The springs area was home to native Americans thousands of years before the Spanish arrived to name the area “las vegas” or “the meadows.”

Several “experiences” are listed as attractions: The ORIGEN Experience, the Desert Living Center, Gardens/Trails and a beautiful new Nevada State Museum scheduled to open in 2008.

ORIGEN captures the human story from early inhabitants to the possibilities of the future, a story told in 3 interactive exhibits progressing from long ago yesterdays to not-so-distant tomorrows.

Desert Living Center (DLC) is called the “green” jewel in the crown of the preserve. Buildings are the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) structures in Nevada. The purpose of the the DLC is to educate on environmentally sound protection of resources without sacrificing quality of life.

Gardens and Trails consist of 4 themed walking trails bordering the cienaga (wetlands) plant, bird and animal sanctuary and an 8 acre Botanical Gardens with a range of desert landscapes and hands-on activities. You’ll also find a children’s theatre, a weather station, a kitchen area for outdoor cooking classes and an Enabling Garden for those with physical challenges.

Hours for the preserve will be 10a-10p during summer and 10a-6p during winter. Prices for tickets vary according to exhibit access, age and residence (for example: NV adult $14.95, NV child $6.95). General admission annual family passes are $75. Gardens & Trails entrance fees are $6 . Call 702-822-8344 for general information about springs preserve. Call 702-258-3205 specifically for the Gardens. Visit the website springspreserve.org. 333 S. Valley View Blvd Las Vegas NV. (US-95 & Valley View Blvd)

“Open Cup” Coffee with Mayor Goodman

Sandra — Wed, 16 May 2007 15:18:56 +0000

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman will be at Starbucks from 7:30a-9:00a on Fri May 18 to talk with any constituents who want to share their thoughts. This is a casual setting designed to give you the chance to meet the mayor in an every day kind of way, without the formality of protocol. For more info call the mayor’s office 702-229-6241. The Starbucks is located at 10260 W. Charleston Blvd Las Vegas NV (Ward 2).

Menopause without pause

Sandra — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 18:33:48 +0000

I thought I was the last woman over 50 in Las Vegas to see Menopause, the laugh-out-loud Broadway Musical Comedy that parodies the dreaded Change of Life awaiting half of the world’s population. But judging by the packed house at Shimmer Cabaret at the Hilton, there are still quite a few of us left to savor hearing the woes of our sweat and tears playfully bantered in adaptations of beloved rock classics. And there were plenty of guys in the audience too, the grey-headed males following along with telling chuckles and guffaws. Yeah, they knew all about that, all too well.

The four caricatures of middle-aged womanhood were played superbly and delightfully by the seasoned Paige O’Hara as Soap Star, Cheryl Spencer as Earth Mother, Annette Verdolino as Iowa Housewife, and Sandra Benton as Power Woman. And powerful Sandra was, with a stage presence that commands your attention and a voice pure and strong with incredible range. I got to know Sandra from her guest appearances around town, especially at the Stirling Club where her vocals leave a sophisticated audience in awe. All four performers could tell an entire story with a 30 second facial expression, and were so convincingly in part you had no trouble replacing their faces with those of so many ladies in your life.

You find yourself wanting to share the show with your girlfriends, get them all here to Vegas and do a side-splitting, tears-rolling-down-cheeks kind of old girls night out. It’s hard to imagine that someone who hasn’t experienced the change themselves could get that much out of the show. But looking around at the tables, I saw laughter and joy from fresh young things, both male and female, who might just be seeing their moms up there in the lights. The cleverness of the dialogue and genius of the lyrics stand on their own merit, and when you combine the great music and clever staging with the non-stop talent of the stars, you have a show that is worth every bit the price of admission.

Residents with Nevada driver’s license get discounted tickets at $54.51. Showtimes: Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri 7 pm, Wed 2 pm & 7 pm, Sat & Sun 4 pm & 7 pm. You can also check the entertainment section of the Hilton website for details. The Las Vegas Hilton.