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.