Inside Las Vegas #10

Labor Day weekend is coming up, one of our last major summer holidays before the weather begins to cool down.

The MAGIC Fashion Convention is in town this week which brings the who’s who of entertainment and fashion to Las Vegas. Look for many of the entertainment venues to cater to the visitors of this convention.

Encore Beach Clubhas been sizzling all summer with a roster of DJs that keep the day parties going.  August 22 features Kaskade& Jonas Tempel, August 29 features Kaskade & Ming. These are all Sundays.

Labor Day Weekend, Friday 9/3 features resident DJ Steve Aokiwith guest Steve Angello at Surrender at Encore.

The kick-off of Frankie B. and Stash Clothing at Blush Boutique Nightclub at the Wynnon Tuesday 8/17 with a special performance by Steve Aoki.   

This weekend at Mandalay Bay’s Concerts at the Beach: Michael Franti and Spearhead’s Sound of Sunshie Tour, 8/21.  Go here for the beach vacation feel-good music. 

The Flamingo…we haven’t talked about them too much this summer – at the GO Pool on Fridays, 9 AM to 6 PM is Liquid Assetsfeaturing MGD 64 for $4.  However – plenty of hotspots on the Strip or near the Strip giving you one great deal on a selection of beverages – shop around!

Look for a comprehensive Labor Day Weekend write-up next time!


Inside Las Vegas #9

A nice rain came over Las Vegas this evening with a nice parting of the clouds shortly after.  We’re nearing our monsoon season, but that usually is more prevalent towards September.  There’s still plenty of time to take in the heat. 

Locals casino in Summerlin, Red Rock Casino, presents Rob Thomas (formerly of Matchbox 20) with a special performance to benefit the Sidewalk Angels Foundation on Saturday (8/14) at the Sandbar.   Looking ahead to September, Don Henley performs September 18 and Train performs Friday, 8/24.

As always, Encore Beach Clubhas a LOCALS beach party on Mondays – FREE ENTRY.  Ladies Mimosa open bar from 2 pm to 3 pm.  It’s the summer of resident and guest DJs at clubs and pools up and down The Strip.  On Sundays: 8/15 – Ned Shepard & Mikey Da Roza, 8/22 – Kaskade & Jonas Tempel, 8/29 – Kaskade & Ming.

At Caesars, Mims and Chingy perform at the Venus Pool Club and Pure Nightclub on Saturday, 8/21.  A mid-week comeback, it’s Vanilla Ice at Pure performing on Tuesday, 8/24.

At the Fashion Show Mall that’s across from the Wynn, Mexican restaurant el Segundohas a Cinco de Mayo every day of the month.  Offering Happy Hour all day long with menu specials offering $3 drafts, $5 frozen Margaritas, $3 Sauza shots, and $1 Coronitas.  Every day during the week, they also have Happy Hour with food and drink specials.  Restaurant is located on the ground floor.  For a quick snack, they have a ordering bar right out front where you can get a few tacos and items on-the-go.  Ultra convenient and very tasty.

This Friday at Hard Rock, Los Lonely Boys (8/13). 

The next big hangout weekend – Labor Day – is only a few weeks away.  Look for those events – coming soon!


Inside Las Vegas #8

The news today reported that July was the hottest month on record for Las Vegas.  There is no better weather than at four in the morning here – it’s in the eighties.  This is why pool parties have been so popular during the day, it’s a way to have fun while trying to stay cool.

Here’s what’s going on in the city this coming week:

Hard Rock Hotel has an industry pool party on Mondays at SKYBAR and admission for LOCALS is complimentary.

Another LOCALS free alert at Encore Beach Clubon Mondays as well.  The rival to the SKYBAR, they’ve also included a ladies Mimosa open bar from 2 pm – 3 pm. Sunday (8/8) features special guest DJs Steve Aoki and Jason Bentley.

I’m not sure what the contest is, but I do know what the prize is – an Inside Cabin for two people on Groove Cruise Miami, Jan. 21-24, 2011 as well as two round trip flights from Las Vegas to Miami. To enter the contest, go to Blush Boutique Nightclub at the Wynn, Tuesday 8/3.

Concerts on the Beachis always a post on the Inside Las Vegas editions, so the list may be redundant because it was covered in Inside LV #7, but to save a click-back, here’s the upcoming performers at this Mandalay Bayvenue: Blondie and the B-52s (8/7), Lost ’80s Live (8/14), Michael Franti and Spearhead Sound of Sunshine Tour (8/21), Steel Pulse (8/27), and UB40 (9/24).

Studio 54 at MGMhouses resident DJ  Skribble every Saturday.

The Joint at the Hard Rock has a long list of upcoming concerts: Dropkick Murphys (8/6), Cogeed and Cambria, Porcupine Tree (8/13), Primus (8/14), Meat Loaf “Hang Cool Tour” (8/20), Santana (8-25 to 9/5)

I wrote about the Grand Opening of Lolita’s Cantina & Tequila Bar at the premium Town Squareoutdoor retail mall just down on South Las Vegas Boulevard – a few streets down from Mandalay Bay.  They feature over 100 Tequilas and have hand-crafted Margaritas and specialty drinks.  Their food: contemporary Mexican.  News Flash: Happy Hour 4 pm – 8 pm EVERYDAY.  Happy Hour features $3 Jose Cuervo Shots, $5 Drink specials, and appetizers starting at $1.99.  Text LOLITAS to 87365 to win a free private party for you plus 20 friends.

Here’s a LOCALS restaurant alert – on the Southeast side of town off of Southern Highlands Parkway is Barcelona Tapas.  I haven’t been there before, but I love tapas especially at Firefly on Flamingo and Paradise, next to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and across the street from Gordon Biersch.  I’ve decided to write about Barcelona Tapas to encourage someone to go try it out and to report back. They have tons of specials all week long: I think their ad reads:50% off Entire Lunch Menu Mon-Fri.  I THINK that’s what it reads – or at least the “50% off” graphic directly precedes the “Entire Lunch Menu Mon-Fri.” Other specials: Sun-Mon – 50% off tapas 8 – 10 pm, Tues – 50% off Sangria 4 – 11 pm, Sat. – Ladies Night 10 pm – midnight, 50% off all drinks for ladies.  Interested in venturing off the strip to a locals hangout? Google their address at 10690 Southern Highlands Parkway, Ste. 100, Las Vegas, NV 89141. (702) 483-5764 or www.barcelonatapas.com.  Once again – I’ve never been there – but it sounds good.  If anyone’s gone there – report back!


Happy August?!?

We’re already into the eighth month of the year – has it gone by slow or too quick? I remember when it seemed as if the 2010 year was just creeping up over the horizon, and now we’re over half way through the year and planning for 2011.  Amidst all of the hard work – don’t forget to have some fun – some time to enjoy your life and to rediscover the simple things or acts of kindness that really make a difference in your life as well as in others. 

There was a memorable quote from a gentleman on one of ABC’s shows, “What Would You Do?”  It’s a show about staging certain public situations and testing out how different scenarios can yield different results. One set-up staged a person who asked people at a gas station if they could spare a couple of hard earned dollars to help them get some gas.  The person (staged by ABC) held a red portable gas can as well.  The first scenario employed a young woman who drove an SUV and the response was generally good.  One particular man, an immigrant of Hispanic descent, only had $13 in his wallet, but was more than happy to help the woman out.  When ABC intervened and asked him why he decided to help her, he replied that it’s the right thing to do.  If he can help, even with a few dollars only, he should. 

When ABC asked if he thought people would help him given the same scenario, he felt that people would be less inclined to help him because of his outward appearance.  So – they tried it out.  They gave him the same portable gas tank and he proceeded with the social experiment.  Interestingly enough, most men helped him.  They told him to open up the gas can and they would pump some gas in for him.  On the other hand, most women did not help him.

And finally – here’s the quote from one of the men who helped out the Hispanic immigrant in this social experiment – he told ABC, “Sometimes, you have to give it away to keep it.”

I reflected on this quote for a while.  To me, the words describe almost a boomerang effect.  If we throw it out there, it will return, and in life, it may return ten-fold.  I remember my mother telling me one time when I was a teenager.  She said, “If you can ever help someone or give to someone, you should.  No matter how much or how little we may think that we have, there will always be someone who has less.” 

Helping isn’t only defined as monetary means.  Helping is giving up some time, being selfless for that moment, in hopes that the beneficiary will go on with your help to pay it forward.  With that thought – I believe that we all can make a difference.


Inside Las Vegas #7: Events and Deals

There is a LOCALS alert for Social House at the Crystals Mall at City Center.  Open for lunch on Friday and Saturday from 1:00-4:30 pm and dinner is available 7 days a week from 5 pm – late.  Sunday through Thursday, a Nevada ID will get 20% off.

Reminding everyone on Concerts on the Beach at Mandalay Bay: Sublime with Rome and the Dirty Heads (7/30),  Adam Lambert w/ Orianthi (7/31), Blondie and The B-52s (8/7), Lost ’80s Live (8/14), and Michael Franti and Spearhead (8/21).

Anyone shopping at the Miracle Mile Shops at the Planet Hollywood Casino should always stop by the information booth for your discount book.  It’s a mini-book that includes discounts to many of the stores at the Miracle Mile, both restaurant dining and retail. 

Locals casino, Silverton, located on I-15 and Blue Diamond Road features a half-price happy hour at Twin Creeks from 6-8 pm, Tuesday-Saturday.  Offered are half-price on all items from the tapas menu including specialty cocktails.  Thursday evenings also feature live music.  This casino has a large Bass Pro Shop which is very interesting, even for the non-outdoors people.  Even though it’s not on the grand scale of Caesars Palaces’ Forum Shops fish tank, Silverton has its own fish tank that still is quite impressive.  Also for the coffee drinkers – they serve Starbucks on the floor!

At Haze nightclub at Aria (City Center) on Thursday (7/29) is Hyper Crush with DJ Eye.

At the Encore Beach Club at Encore – Thursday Night Pool Parties called Dip & Dance.  Any ladies with swim attire on will receive a champagne open bar from 11 pm to midnight.

Tao Beach at Venetianfeatures Shwayze, Cisco Adler, and Chris Young on Friday (7/30), Saturday (7/31) will be hosted by Lauren Conrad (you ask who?? She’s MTV’s reality star for the past few years - if you watch that stuff), and Sunday (8/1) will be hosted by DJ Chris Garcia. 

Palmswelcomes Ludacris on Thursday (8/5) at the Palms Pool & Bungalows.  Check in with the Pearl box office (@ Palms) or Ticketmaster for tickets.  There’s also a pool concert series coming up.  First up is Palms Raggae Fest on Thursday (7/29) and next will be Shaggy on Thursday (8/12).

The Hard Rock Hotel has  concert series at Rogue Friday Night Liveat the pool.  Los Lonely Boys on 8/13, Wolfmother on 8/20, Collective Soul on 9/11, and Blue October on 9/17.

What about easy going music? The smooth sounds of young crooner Michael Buble comes to the MGM Grand Garden Arena with his Crazy Love Tour with guests Naturally7.  He hits town on Saturday, 8/27.

Leave it to the House of Blues (Mandalay Bay) to bring a well-rounded collection of concerts and acts to Las Vegas.  Coming up: The Dan Band (8/20), Cyndi Lauper (8/21) and Mike Posner (9/18).

I expect more happenings to be reported this week - check back soon!


Incredible Sports Moments Bring People Together

I’ve always loved sports and I used to follow so many of them, but in recent times, a tight schedule and lack of free time have restricted me from really following any league series with championship play-offs.   A few weeks ago, I enjoyed a great sporting event with strangers and I wanted to share my observations and experience with this. 

For the NBA Finals with the Lakers and the Celtics – a rich history in the battle of two coasts – I was intrigued.  However, I hadn’t watched any of the first six games.  It wasn’t until the seventh and deciding final game that I decided that I wanted to watch the game, but more importantly, I wanted to watch the game with the people, the avid die-hard fans who had anticipated this championship moment for weeks if not months.  I parked myself into a comfy seat at the Luxor sports book well in advance of the tip-off time, about an hour early. 

For me, I enjoyed asking the other people around me who they wanted to win.  Naturally, with Vegas receiving many of the LA visitors, there were a tremendous amount of Lakers fans in the city.  However, there were the very brave Celtics fans who proudly wore their green jerseys and tees to the occasion.  I had no wager on the game but really was very excited based on the electricity in the air from everyone around me.

Throughout the entire game there were cheers and high-fives for every single basket – every point.  When the Celtics scored, the Celtics fans would stand up and exude excitement with loud claps, high-fives, and words of encouragement to their team although I’m quite sure that their sound could not penetrate through the screen and actually reach their beloved players.  Either way – they felt like they were a voice of encouragement to their team players and that was great to see.

Through this great battle of two hard hitting teams, what impressed me was the pure passion of fans from both sides rooting their team on while co-existing with fans of the opposing team.  There were no fist fights, no antagonizing, no bad mouthing – just fans of opposing sides enjoying an epic battle that really boiled down to the very last seconds.  Yes – people were drinking and most likely had throughout the day, but everything was so controlled and really, self-regulated among the spectators. 

For this period of a few hours, everyone forgot about their struggles or their problems.  People of all races and religions were getting along, excited to be witnessing a great championship final game.  Sports can often be seen as a big money business with ultra-elite, ultra-rich athletes who seem to live in their own world; but on this night, I witnessed how great sports can be for people from all walks of life.  Everyone came together with a common interest and more importantly, everyone showed passion for their team while respecting the fans of the opposing team.  At the end of the night – everyone was happy for a great game that really accentuated what championship caliber should be.  I was happy to be present with everyone as we all tuned in so intently for four quarters.

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Inside Las Vegas #6

Scorching temperatures have hit the valley and if you’re going outside, chances are that you are heading for the pool – or that would be a wise decision to say the least. 

 The World Series of Poker held at the Rio has ended with the “November 9″ narrowed down – meaning the last nine players to come back in November to contend and play for the almost $9 million top prize.  The Series, owned by Harrahs, boosted the Las Vegas economy immensely over the last two months.  On any given night, there was packed action at the Rio.  When I surveyed some of Rio’s table games dealers, most agreed that they had seen a 30% decline in their income this past year.  They look forward to the World Series of Poker every year and it’s been a while since I’ve seen one casino see so much daily business on a consistent basis.

This weekend in Las Vegas features the following events:

Any Twilight fans out there? I know there are many – but I haven’t even seen the first film yet!  At the Palazzo, inside Lavo, on Saturday 7/24 the Twilight Wolfpack appears with hosts Tinsel Korey, Alex Meraz, and Julia Jones.  DJ Skratchy spins.

There is a Grand Opening in town – Lolitas Cantina & Tequila Bar at Town Square, our posh outdoor retail center that includes shopping and dining.  It opens on Friday, 7/23.  The restaurant and bar features contemporary Mexican food, over 100 Tequilas, hand-crafted Margaritas, a live DJ, dancing, and live performances.  To win a FREE private party for you and 20 friends – Text LOLITAS to 87365.

At Pure Nightclub at Caesars, Lamar Odom (LA Lakers) and wife Khloe Kardashian host on Friday, 7/23.  At the Venus Pool, Eve will perform on Saturday, 7/24.   She will also perform at LAX (Luxor) that night. 

‘Tis the season for NBA stars as they become club hosts.  Lebron James is no exception, he has double duty: Lavo (Palazzo) on 7/23, doors open at 10 pm, and Tao (Venetian) on 7/24, doors open at 9:30 pm.  Music by DJ Reflex and a special DJ set by Mick Boogie. 

Sometimes laughter is better than ultra loud music – if this describes your tastes, Jerry Seinfeld has a two-night show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, 7/23-7/24.  He’s never been under $100 per ticket, so expect the prices to be around that area. 

Adding sand and water in the desert can make you feel like you’re at the beach – well, it’s a good attempt either way.  Add live music and you have the Concerts on the Beach series at Mandalay Bay.  The line-up: Jimmy Cliff on 7/24, Sublime with Rome and the Dirty Heads on 7/30, Adam Lambert with Orianthi on 7/31, and Blondie and The B-52s on 8/7.

Almost every pool has their resident DJ nowadays.  “Spinning Poolside” at Liquid Pool Lounge (Aria) is DJ Scene on Thursdays and DJ Loczi on Saturdays.

Ever get hungry during odd-ball hours? I can relate – on the Strip, the word “affordable” is scarce these days, but I really enjoy Ra Sushi, located on the ground level of the Fashion Show Mall across from Wynn.  From 4-7 pm, Mon.-Saturday, there is a featured Happy Hour with food and drink specials that include half price appetizers and sushi.  Hint hint – try the Chicken Teriyaki skewers – excellent sauce!

We started with Poker and we’ll end with Poker.  NBA’s Shawn Marion hosts his annual “Celebrity Charity Poker Tournament” this Saturday, 7/24  at 2 pm at the Palms Casino.  For more info, see www.martrix31.com or www.shawnmarionfoundation.org.


Inside Las Vegas #5

Independence Day means a very busy weekend for the city.  The temperatures are heading to be consistently in the 100 degrees-plus range, so having fun also means keeping hydrated and being safe.  Here’s what’s going on this weekend:

Venetian: TAO Nightclub & Beach: Paul Van Dyk spinning twice back-to-back.  He first starts at the nightclub on Saturday and goes straight to the beach on Sunday.  For anyone hanging out the weekend after Independence Day, see Pamela Anderson celebrate her birthday at the beach and the nightclub on July 10.

PalazzoLavo: Remember the cute red head from the Breakfast Clubmovie? Molly Ringwald is making an appearance at TONIGHT for her book release “Getting the Pretty Back”.

Caesars Palace: PURE Nightclub: Former Destiny’s Child group member Kelly Rowland makes an appearance July 3rd as host and performer at Pure.  Venus Pool: July 4th Big Boi hosts and performs as he does double-duty with his paired appearance at LAX the night before.

Luxor: LAX: Big Boi hosts and performs at LAX with a promotion of his new CD Sir Licious Left Foot…The Son of Chico Dusty. (July 3rd)

Mandalay Bay: The Mandalay Beach: One Republic performs on July 3rd at 9 PM.  A concert with a fireworks show on July 4th featuring Mystic Roots.  House of Blues: Comedian Joe Rogan on the 4th.

Hard Rock Hotel: Poolside: Performing is Good Charlotte on July 5th.

Mirage: Jet Nightclub: Public Enemy guest performs on Saturday – providing a night of hip-hop music.  On July 4th – Nelly is scheduled for an exclusive performance.

LOCALS and maybe VISITORS Alert: Sometimes a family environment is desired and for that, we have Lake Las Vegas.  One time, there was a casino there – but that recently closed in March.  However, it’s on the lake and gives a romantic setting for couples, friends, families etc.  There will be a concert and fireworks on July 4th, America, the 1970′s hit group will perform.  Floating VIP seats are $100, Reserved seats are $75 and $40 tickets yield general admission.  There isn’t as much as there used to be out at Lake Las Vegas, but Celine Dion makes her residence there and it’s always still a great scene outside of the city.


Inside Las Vegas #4

There will be a long list of July 4th weekend listings – it’s one of the next big boosts for Las Vegas tourism.  This week’s listings will have a mix of this week’s events mixed in with a few looking toward our next big weekend here.

Palazzo: Lavo- Tuesday, June 22 – Pro hockey players Jeremy Roenick and Alex Ovechkin will be hosting a party.

Red Rock Casino:  This is one of the premier locals casino resorts but it’s in a great location off the Strip and just a few blocks from the Red Rock Conservation Area which is an unbelievable place for hiking, holding picnics, mountain biking, etc.  The scenic route is a multi-stop route where you can park, hike, and explore the rich history of our geological foundations.  I highly recommend this! 

Getting back to the actual events within the Red Rock Casino – Pool Parties every Friday night starting at 8 PM.  Admission is FREE and there is live music, beer bucket specials, and monthly cruise giveaways. 

Rio: Voodoo Lounge(51 stories above the Strip) – 4th of July Weekend features DJ Tina T & DJ Tino on Friday, July 2; Sound Candy Saturday featuring DJ Frank E, DJ Petey & DJ Vajra, special guests DJ Spair & DJ Jeff G; Sunday July 4th’s Red, White & Voodoo celebration is hosted by Jesse Preston (Playboy Model), The Fire-N-Ice Dancers and special guest DJ Scene.  This will be a great location to watch the fireworks.

Venetian: Tao- DJ Paul van Dyk will be spinning at Tao Nightclub on Saturday July 3rd starting at 9:30 PM and will most likely not even sleep as he transitions to Tao Beach Sunday, July 4th from 10 AM to sunset.

Wynn: Blush Boutique Nightclub - special guest Travie McCoy performing his hit single “Billionaire” on Saturday, June 26.

Encore (Wynn’s sister/neighbor property): Surrender featuring a live performance from Bruno Mars on Wednesday, June 23rd. LOCAL ladies can enjoy an open bar from 11 PM to midnight.

Hard Rock Hotel: Poolconcerts to come – Friday, June 25th features Slightly Stoopid with the Expendables, Saturday, June 26th features Puddle of Mudd. 

Vanity Nightclub features SIN on Sunday – Ladies drink FREE champagne and FREE admission for LOCALS.

Planet Hollywood: Cabo Wabo Cantina- Every Sunday features live music karaoke starting at 9 PM. All singers will receive a FREE shot of Cabo Wabo Tequila for singing and performing with the live band.

MGM’s City Center: Eve Nightclubfeatures Jermaine Dupri on Wednesday, June 23rd – industry night.  $20 for ladies and $30 for guys.  LOCAL ladies and industry people are FREE.

Next Sunday will have the entire line-up of July 4th events – but even more important than planning on a great night of celebration is planning on how to be safe as you navigate the city.


Inside Las Vegas Sunday #3

With the NBA Finals, World Cup, and World Series of Poker happening all at the same time – Las Vegas is a busy place with many many events for everything and everyone.  Let’s take a look at what’s going on this coming week:

The Palazzo (next to the Venetian): Lavo- June 15 is Industry Tuesday coupled with their World Class Soccer Kick-Off.  Partnering with the Las Vegas Indoor Soccer and OM Las Vegas Soccer Club, wearing your country jersey will yield an open bar from 11-12 for you. 

Mandalay Bay: LOCALS ALERT.  Mandalay Beach is offering a $20 Locals One-Day Beach Pass.  Offer is good Monday-Thursday until the end of June.  Each local can purchase up to six tickets with their Nevada ID.

Encore: The Encore Beach Club has been featuring Kaskade on Sundays and on June 27, special guests Chuckie, Afrojack and Groove Armada will be appearing.  During the week, Thursdays feature Dip & Dance – a night pool party.

Mirage: CONTEST ALERT. Bare Pool Lounge is promoting Viva Los Cabos, Industry Monday – June 14.  Presented by The Beatclan Rally, there is a contest for the local DJ who brings the most industry followers.  The winning prize is a trip to Cabo San Lucas that includes airfare for four people and an ocean view villa for two nights.

For the poker buffs, a small neighboring casino town called Laughlin resides just 90 minutes south of Las Vegas and is offering a slew of poker tournaments (at Harrahs Laughlin) that yield great awards, one of them being a seat at the 2011 World Series of Poker $10,000 event. 

While full details of all the events can be found at www.harrahs.com(look for the Laughlin property), here’s a glimpse of some of the poker tournaments:

All daily tournaments are no-limit Texas Hold’em. 

Monday and Tuesday Daily Tournament: 10 AM and 7 PM, $40 buy-in.
Wednesday and Thursday Daily Tournament: 10 AM, $50 buy-in.
Friday: 10 AM, $60 buy-in.
Saturday: 10 AM, $40 buy-in.  2 PM, $160 buy-in.  7 PM, $120 buy-in.
Sunday: 10 AM, $40 buy-in. 2 PM, $70 buy-in. 7 PM, $40 buy-in.

Again – for full details of blind level times, option bonus buy-ins, and tournament chips given for buy-ins, go to www.harrahs.com.


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