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

Larry Hart’s PRAISE at South Point Casino

Sandra — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:53:38 +0000

I had the privilege of seeing Larry Hart’s production of Praise in the reception hall of Hart Mansion when he first launched the show before a small private audience of friends and special invited guests.

The rhythm and sounds of this unique show reflect Larry’s spiritual diversity with an eclectic mix of tunes and dance drawn from a full spectrum of religious and spiritual roots. This is not just gospel born from the American South, but a global gospel praising the Lords of all beliefs.

But no matter the origin of the inspiration, each number is indeed inspired and that inspiration is quintessential Larry Hart – all heart and masses of talent.

This is the kind of show that just makes you happy. Your consciousness naturally expands and your heart chakra nearly bursts from your chest. Don’t miss it if you want more joy in your life.

PRAISE
Grammy Award Winning recording artist
Larry Hart presents
Sunday July 12, 2009 @ 2:00 p.m.
South Point Casino Showroom

Tickets on sale now $25/$30/$35
702.796.7111
www.southpointcasino.com

Buscando Estrellas (Looking for Stars) YouTube

Janet — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:33:40 +0000

YouTube – Buscando Estrellas - Primer programa grabado en vivo en Las Vegas Nevada MEGA TV 32 en el Hotel y Casino Greek Isles.
Check out the YouTube of the first production of Buscando Estrellas (Looking for Stars) on MEGA TV 32 performed at Greek Isles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vComdw9uORo&feature=email

Nuestra Mision es llevar sano entretenimiento hasta todos los hogares in nuestro idioma y resaltar lo positivo de nuestra gente.
Our mission is to bring family entertainment to Las Vegas in Spanish and to highlight the positive in the Latino community.

Nuestro elenco artistico conformado por Franco de Leon, Sofia de Mexico, Damian Vazquez, Raul Morales, Jaqueline DiCaro, Cristina Pacheco con el apoyo de la Doctora Lynda Shore y el Sr. Alex Ezqueda y La Familia Palmer, Foto Estudio Palmer en coordinacion de camera y fotografia.

Muchas gracias por todas sus muestras de carino y apoyo.
Thank you to our cast and backers as mentioned above for their loving dedication and support.

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

Black Music Awards 2007

Sandra — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 18:35:52 +0000

The American Black Music Awards Honors Las Vegas 2007 will be held Aug 26 from 5pm at the Cashman Theatre. The Red Carpet ceremonies begin at 5pm with the Awards Show at 6pm. VIP admission/activities and regular tickets are now available. Call 702-982-3390. Don’t miss this sparkling gala with a showcase of fabulous talent. Cashman Theatre 850 Las Vegas Blvd N Las Vegas NV.

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

Gem & Jewelery Show

Sandra — Tue, 29 May 2007 15:24:53 +0000

Don’t know about you, but I love sparkles. Marilyn taught us that diamonds are a girl’s best friend and, although that just might be a little over the top, I don’t know many women whose eye is not caught by light reflecting off a brilliant stone – real or otherwise. Certainly Vegas is the place to strut your stuff, whether on fingers, belts, sandals or jeans, we love glitter.

The International Gem & Jewlery Show runs Jun 1-Jun 3 at the Cashman Center. Admission is $7 adults/under 16 free – but must be with adult. No strollers please or photography. You can get a $1 coupon by filling out a form on the website InterGem.com. They obviously are out for sales, but it still could be a dazzling event to add more stuff to your materialistic dream list. Cashman Center 850 Las Vegas Blvd No Las Vegas NV

Vintage Vegas @ Josette’s Bistro

Sandra — Wed, 23 May 2007 09:07:25 +0000

Only a few seats left to see Tom Wallek and let him lead you on a impersonator’s stroll through Old Vegas. Known for his comic impressions, he does Dean Martin, Joey Bishop, Rodney Dangerfield, Wayne Newton and more. This show is part of a series of cabaret dinners the last Friday of the month. You’ll get an appetizer, salad, entre, dessert and glass of wine for $49.50 pp + tax & tip. You definitely need to make reservations as this is a dynamite line-up with some very popular talent. The doors open at 6pm, dinner is served at 7pm and the show starts at 8:30 pm. 702-337-4575 4983 W. Flamingo Rd (west of Decatur) Las Vegas NV. www.josettesbistro.com

Don’t forget the every Saturday Dinner Cabaret with Kiki Kalor.

Broadway tunes en espanol

Sandra — Tue, 22 May 2007 17:06:45 +0000

May 25 & May 26 Memorial Day Weekend @ 7pm is the performance of popular Broadway show tunes in Spanish. This is an 80-minutes show with songs like “New York New York“, and “Singin in the Rain” with selections from “Evita,” “West Side Story,” “Chorus Line” and “Chicago.” The production is the brain child of producer, choreographer and dancer Ricky Vargas. Tickets are $15. Call 702-455-7340. Winchester Cultural Center 3130 S. McLeod Las Vegas NV

Ice: Direct from Russia @ the Riviera

Sandra — Fri, 18 May 2007 16:55:45 +0000

Dramatic, energetic and personal describe the experience of "Ice: Direct from Russia" at the Riviera Versailles Theatre. Because of the small size of the venue, the atmosphere is intimate and contact with the performers up close and personal. What an amazing array of talent – so young, so vibrant, so beautiful – there is a certain naivete that exudes from the postage-stamp size stage where such amazing feats of athleticism and grace are executed.

You take good old-fashioned juggling, trapeze work, flying through the air and landing in chairs, comic relief and elegant ice dance – combine it with wonderful music, whimsical costumes, magical lighting – and put it on ice skates on a tiny stage (3000 sqft) with a creative "ice walk" through the audience and you have "Ice."

Compared with other "Strip shows," this one is a real deal at $59.95 and $69.95. Call 702-794-9433 for tickets. The Versailles is so compact that there are no bad seats. Tues-Thur & Fri 8pm & 10pm. Sun & Mon 8pm. Dark Fridays. Riviera Hotel & Casino 2901 Las Vegas Blvd So Las Vegas NV.

For more photos go to Picassa on the Web

Chinese Variety Show

Sandra — Thu, 10 May 2007 08:20:07 +0000

The Tzu Chi Foundation of Taiwan is co-sponsoring with the Las Vegas Chinese Cultural Foundation a variety show on Sun May 13 1:30p-2:30p. Space is limited and reservations are requested. Call Deborah REiswig 702-360-6023 ext 227. Admission is free. Venue is the Heritage Club Las Vegas, an assisted living community, 8720 W. Flamingo Rd Las Vegas NV.

Cinco de Mayo @ French Josette’s Bistro

Sandra — Fri, 04 May 2007 15:39:15 +0000

This Saturday night is Cinco de Mayo at the French bistro owned by the blonde bombshell, Josette. You have Kiki Kalor who will lead the celebration with hot Latin song and dance. Look for a Spanish heritage show with flamenco and castenets with DJ Dancing after the show. The party at Josette’s Bistro opens for dinner at 6p and goes on til closing. This should be a great fun and lively evening with delicious food,for a reasonable price, in an intimate milieu all with such a gracious accueil that you feel Josette has been your amiga for years. 702-227-4575. 7983 W. Flamingo, 1 block west of Decatur. No cover charge.

Greatest Rock n’ Roll Story @ Planet Hollywood

Sandra — Tue, 01 May 2007 18:08:01 +0000

Las Vegas and the V Theatre inside the Miracle Mile Shops at the new Planet Hollywood is the home of a new Rock n’ Roll experience called “The Lost Outpost.” A multimedia music event in the making billed as “The Greatest Rock n’ Roll Story Ever Told” will include a yet-to-be released movie “The Lost Outpost,” TV series and televised music specials “Live at the Lost Outpost.” Tall Horse Entertainment out of Austin TX is the producer.

This sci-fi music adventure is based on the life and music of rocker Rob “Bad Boy” Brandon. Brandon and his Outpost Band will perform their new CD “Live at the Lost Outpost” at the kick off event on Fri May 4 @ 6pm.

You have the unique opportunity to experience the birth of a new Rock n’ Roll concept at the FREE Grand Opening event. RSVP: email rperles1851@aol.com. Call Trish 702-429-1623 for more details. The website is still largely under construction. www.lostoutpostmusic.com. Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino @ The Miracle Mile Shops V Theatre 3500 Las Vegas Blvd S Las Vegas NV

Kevin Spirtas Musical Afternoon

Sandra — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 17:56:38 +0000

You might know Keven Spirtas best from his role as Dr. Wesley on “Days of Our Lives.” But Kevin has vast experience from Broadway and cinema as well as TV. A veteran Broadway performer, he has also appeared in regional theatres across the country. Join him for a musical afternoon called “Night and Days,” Sun Apr 29 3pm. Tickets $10 advance/$15 performance day. The event is sponsored by the Performing Arts Division of the City of Las Vegas. Charleston Heights Arts Center 702-229-6383 800 So. Brush St Las Vegas NV artslasvegas.org

Related Nadler & Sullivan in “Always”

Local discounts for KA

Sandra — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 20:04:06 +0000

The Cirque du Soleil show “KA” playing at the MGM Grand is giving 50% discounts on tickets to locals. It’s one of the more amazing of the Cirque extravaganzas, so now would be an excellent time to make space in your busy life for an awe-inspiring experience. Reservations: www.mgmgrand.com or call 702-531-2000 from 6:00a-11:00p. I am assuming you will need a Nevada driver’s license for proof of residency. MGM Grand Las Vegas 3799 Las Vegas Blvd So Las Vegas NV

Cirque du Soleil Fan Club

Sandra — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 19:01:21 +0000

What do you do when you have seen every Cirque du Soleil show in town? Take it on the road, of course. There is a group of Cirque fans who are so dedicated that they are going to travel to Orlando and later Tokyo to continue their mission which is to “live passionately!” (by seeing every Cirque du Soleil production possible.) Called Cirquecon, they have a website for “The Unofficial Gatherings of Cirque du Soleil Passionates,” with a forum, lots of photos and travel schedule including hotels and “goodies” for “La Nouba” at Walt Disney World in Orlando in August ‘07 and CirqueCon 2008: Tokyo! in Fall ‘08. This is not a Las Vegas group, but I don’t think we would be excluded. Their invitation: “So come and have a Zippity-du-Soleil time!” www.cirquecon.com

Related Cirque du Soleil Auditions 2007

Cirque du Soleil Auditions 2007

Sandra — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 14:22:42 +0000

I saw The Beatles “Love” at the Mirage Sunday night and was wondering again where Cirque du Soleil finds their incredible dancers and acrobats, not to mention where they get their ideas. One answer is recruitment by email to participate in artistic auditions held in Paris, Orlando, San Francisco, Montreal, Vienna, Chicago, Oslo and Stockholm. I find it curious that they audition in two neighboring Scandinavian capitals, but not in Asia.

So if you’re interested in trying out in the 2007 auditions, Cirque du Soleil is seeking “professional artists with strong technique, stage experience, improvisational skill and versatility.” No kidding, especially the strong technique and versatility part. Requested talent includes singers, musicians, dancers and physical actors (meaning clowns, mimes, those with unique acts or unusual body types – it is Cirque, after all.)

Get further details at casting.cirquedusoleil.com and have your video demo ready for submission.

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.

FREE Hypnotist Show Tonight

Sandra — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 00:48:26 +0000

The Alladin Hotel is offering free tickets to Mesmerize (Hypnotist Show). Just show up at the box office at 10 pm and tell them you are with LVCEA and they will let you in. It’s FREE.

Joe Piscopo at the Hilton

Sandra — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 20:33:45 +0000

I didn’t really have any expectations about a show with Joe Piscopo. I remembered him vaguely from Saturday Night Live. I had no clue how incredibly talented this guy is. He was funny, you’d expect that. He can sing and does a great Frank Sinatra. Also predictable. But when he began taking up different instruments, he took the performance to a new level. From country western chords on his guitar, to boogie-woogie on the grand piano, classical flute, soulful saxophone, his finish on the drums was nothing short of heart-stopping. Jokes, slide show, white man’s rap, ballads, imitations of UniVision – he does it all with non-stop locomotive energy. He’s playing at the Shimmer Cabaret at the Hilton until mid-March. 702-732-5755 www.lvhilton.com

By the way, the Hilton is really 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. Our neighbor had free tickets last night for the Piscopo show, and though the show is worth the price of admission, free is always good. You need a Nevada driver’s license and you are good to go for the Hilton card.