VEGAS INSIDER REVIEW
with Chuck Rounds
with Chuck Rounds
February 2015
It’s the month of Love!! February is a great month…it’s beautiful out here. Lots of major events make February one of the best
months of the year--- The Super Bowl, Valentine's Day, MAGIC, and the
Chinese New Year (which is occurring the same weekend as the MAGIC
convention.) February is the shortest month of the year, but it’s packed
full. February is a busy time for conventions, and is always the start
of new things as the city looks ahead to the summer. Late winter and
early spring are good times to get shows opened so that they can
establish themselves prior to the summer season.
The Super Bowl…the Seattle Seahawks and
the New England Patriots…we don’t really know a lot about the game, but
we’ve heard as much as we possibly will ever want to about
under-inflated footballs. The latest…it’s the weather’s fault. Really?
It only affected the balls that the Patriots brought? Whatever… In Las
Vegas, we are not allowed to call the game, the “Super Bowl.” The NFL
has a love/hate relationship with the city and will not allow the use of
the name “Super Bowl.” So all of the football parties for that day will
be “The Big Game,” “The Championship,” and “The Super Party.” And then
there are the commercials…most of which we’ve already seen…most of us
have already choked up over the “Lost Puppy.”
Chinese New Year is on the 19th.
The Sheep (or Goat) is a Yin energy. It is a symbol of Peace,
Harmonious co-existence and Tranquility. That is the primary and
fundamental mood for this year. Though there are cries for War and a
countdown is soon to begin, if any almanac serves me well – War will be
averted and a period of mending and compromise will be undertaken to
ensure Peace is maintained. The Sheep is the symbol of the Arts. It
relates to passive and nurturing times. It will help the healing process
with regard to past events caused by individuals who have little
respect for the human race or life itself. It will be a year of banding
together in faith and in belief that good will prevail and win out over
the forces that refuse to comply to a peaceful way of life. The emphasis
will be on joining forces in order to fight the evil and destruction
that has been brewing. Much will depends on this – the balance of
international economy and social harmony is in peace. Though sabers are
rattling on either side, as the calming
vapors of the Sheep year spreads over the Nations, sentiments will be
kindled and wisdom will prevail. 2015 is a year to use mental abilities
over brute force. For those who wish to be aggressive, expect to be
out-maneuvered by strategy and common sense. (I hope the three branches
of our Government read this…)
MAGIC is in town the 17th – 19th
to introduce the spring fashions. MAGIC is one of the biggest
conventions of the year with nearly 100k attendees...but in addition to
this convention; there are also a couple of hundred other conventions
that hit the city this month. MAGIC is the world's largest fashion
marketplace, comprised of ten unique communities showcasing the latest
in apparel, footwear, accessories, and manufacturing. Every February and
August the retail industry convenes in Las Vegas to spot and shop the
latest trends in men’s, women’s, juniors' and children’s apparel,
footwear, and accessories.
February 14th falls on a
Saturday this year, and the following Monday is President’s Day…which
means a four-day weekend. Valentine’s should be huge this year!! Every
chapel will be filled to capacity from dawn until the stroke of
midnight. Normally, Las Vegas hosts nearly 10,000 weddings per month;
the anticipation is that this year, Las Vegas could host 10,000 weddings
on just that day. If you haven’t booked a time yet…good luck. This
feels like the perfect set of circumstances to generate a lot of
business. It should be a great day.
The 1st Oscar ceremony was held on
Thursday, May 16, 1929, at the Hotel Roosevelt in Hollywood to honor
outstanding film achievements of 1927/28. It was hosted by actor Douglas
Fairbanks. The 87th Academy Awards will be held on February 22nd, 2015.
Here are the latest odds:
OSCAR FOR BEST PICTURE
ODDS | |
BOYHOOD | 2 to 5 |
THE IMITATION GAME | 7 to 1 |
THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL | 9 to 1 |
BIRDMAN | 18 to 1 |
SELMA | 20 to 1 |
THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING | 30 to 1 |
WHIPLASH | 60 to 1 |
AMERICAN SNIPER | 75 to 1 |
OSCAR FOR BEST ACTOR
ODDS | ||
MICHAEL KEATON | BIRDMAN | 5 to 6 |
EDDIE REDMAYNE | THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING | 11 to 10 |
BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH | THE IMITATION GAME | 20 to 1 |
STEVE CARELL | FOXCATCHER | 30 to 1 |
BRADLEY COOPER | AMERICAN SNIPER | 75 to 1 |
OSCAR FOR BEST ACTRESS
ODDS | ||
JUNIANNE MOORE | STILL ALICE | 1 to 9 |
REESE WITHERSPOON | WILD | 8 to 1 |
ROSAMUND PIKE | GONE GIRL | 25 to 1 |
FELICITY JONES | THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING | 40 to 1 |
MARION COTILLARD | TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT | 60 to 1 |
OSCAR FOR BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
ODDS | ||
J.K. SIMMONS | WHIPLASH | 1 to 5 |
EDWARD NORTON | BIRDMAN | 10 to 1 |
ETHAN HAWKE | BOYHOOD | 12 to 1 |
MARK RUFFALO | FOXCATCHER | 14 to 1 |
ROBERT DUVALL | THE JUDGE | 30 to 1 |
OSCAR FOR BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
ODDS | ||
PATRICIA ARQUETTE | BOYHOOD | 1 to 7 |
EMMA STONE | BIRDMAN | 12 to 1 |
MERYL STREEP | INTO THE WOODS | 15 to 1 |
KIERA KNIGHTLY | THE IMITATION GAME | 25 to 1 |
LAURA DERN | WILD | 28 to 1 |
OSCAR FOR BEST DIRECTOR
ODDS | ||
RICHARD LINKLATER | BOYHOOD | 1 to 6 |
ALEJANDRO GONZALEZ INARRITU | BIRDMAN | 7 to 1 |
MORTEN TYIDUM | THE IMITATION GAME | 18 to 1 |
WES ANDERSON | THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL | 22 to 1 |
BENNETT MILLER | FOXCATCHER | 45 to 1 |
ODDS PRODUCED BY JOHNNY AVELLO
ODDS ARE FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. ODDS AS OF 1/15/15
There is a new web-isode series out about
Vegas Talent, called “Vegas Talent Live!” The first episode features
special guests Sammy Shore, Seth Grabel and Kento hosted by Bruce Radel.
Here is the link, http://youtu.be/xGNsBtUdGi4
The Gender Defenders brings the “he
said/she said” to the Plaza Hotel & Casino in Downtown Las Vegas for
a special, limited run on Valentine’s Day weekend. A hysterical take on
the sometimes-frustrating relationship between men and women, The
Gender Defenders will be performed Friday, Feb. 13 and Saturday, Feb.
14. Hosted by America’s favorite transgender comedian Jaye McBride, The
Gender Defenders stars nationally-touring comedians Kelly MacFarland
and Steve Caouette, who bring their unique views on relationships to the
audience (and each other), making sense of their own perspectives and
how they see the other “species.”
The sizzling American pop-rock duo
KendraBarry will take the stage at M Resort’s Ravello Lounge Friday,
Feb. 6. During this special, one-night-only performance, KendraBarry
will electrify the stage as they perform a medley of Top 40 hits from
artists like Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor, Katy Perry,
Britney Spears, Arianna Grande as well as some of their original hit
singles. The talented pair of singer-songwriters, Kendra Daniels and
Barry Allen of KendraBarry, is fast becoming a Las Vegas favorite with
hit singles like "Damn I'm Good," “Her Way,” and “Make Me Fall.” The duo
established a name for itself opening for the popular rock concert
Raiding the Rock Vault during the Las Vegas Fashion Mob Show and has
gained a loyal fan base through many performances in a variety of music
venues across the country.
Machine Guns Vegas (MGV), a premiere
firearms facility that allows first-time shooters to advanced firearms
enthusiasts to shoot full auto/machine guns on the Strip, introduces the
“Just Divorced” Package, allowing a recently divorced husband or wife
and up to four guests to celebrate the divorcee’s new independence by
utilizing wedding memorabilia as targets. Available starting this
Valentine’s Day, MGV’s “Just Divorced” package encourages ex-spouses to
celebrate their recent uncoupling and new beginning by taking aim at
wedding items from years past including (but not limited to) wedding
dresses, tuxes, and marriage certificates with MGV’s largest
caliber-shot available.
M Resort Spa Casino will host a job fair
to recruit candidates for a variety of seasonal positions for the 2015
pool season. The resort will hire for both of its pools, which were
named “Best Pool” by the 2014 Las Vegas Review-Journal readers’ poll,
during two separate job fairs in January and February. Available
positions include cocktail servers, bartenders, barbacks, lifeguards,
security officers, cashiers, pool supervisors, VIP sales representatives
and cooks. Cocktails server applicants are required to audition in
swimwear.
All interested candidates should apply
online in advance of the job fair by visiting www.themresort.com and
clicking on the “Employment” link at the bottom of the page.
Auditions will be held inside Ravello Lounge at the M Resort.
Tuesday, Feb. 10; Wednesday, Feb. 11; Thursday, Feb. 12
10 – 11 a.m.: Auditions for Cocktail servers only (must audition in swimwear).
11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Auditions for bartenders, barbacks, cashiers, pool supervisors, lifeguards, security officers, VIP sales representatives and cooks.
4 – 5 p.m.: Auditions for cocktail servers only (must audition in swimwear).
Auditions will be held inside Ravello Lounge at the M Resort.
Tuesday, Feb. 10; Wednesday, Feb. 11; Thursday, Feb. 12
10 – 11 a.m.: Auditions for Cocktail servers only (must audition in swimwear).
11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Auditions for bartenders, barbacks, cashiers, pool supervisors, lifeguards, security officers, VIP sales representatives and cooks.
4 – 5 p.m.: Auditions for cocktail servers only (must audition in swimwear).
Mariah Carey, the iconic chanteuse and
best-selling female artist of all time with over 200 million records
sold, is coming to Las Vegas with a headlining residency at The
Colosseum at Caesars Palace. For the first time ever, she will perform
all 18 of her timeless and beloved Number One Hits together in one
concert. Designed exclusively for The Colosseum, the production will
also feature fan-favorite album cuts, never-before-performed selections
and many more musical surprises. Presented jointly by AEG Live and
Caesars Palace, the residency will launch Wednesday, May 6, 2015.
Comedy group Trailer Park Boys will bring their Still Drunk, High and Unemployed Tour
to The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas on Sunday,
Feb. 22, 2015 at 8 p.m. Now, the hilarious trio is on the road. Spend an
evening with the boys as Bubbles tries to become a movie star, Julian
puts his latest money-making scams into action and Ricky comes up with
an idea that he thinks can change the world.
Rock bands Seether and Papa Roach with
special guests Kyng and Islander will take the stage at The Joint inside
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 at 7
p.m.
Visual artist Linda Alterwitz will debut
her exhibit “While I Am Still,” combining art with science and
technology to explore the human spirit, at “The Studio” inside the Las
Vegas-Clark County Library District’s Sahara West Library, 9600 West
Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, Nev., 89117, from Feb. 13 through May 9. “While I
Am Still,” a mid-career retrospective exhibition of Alterwitz’s work
includes five series: “In-Sight” (2009-2014), “Flesh and Bone” (2011),
“Just Breathe” (2013-14), “Mojave” (2014) and a traveling installation
that launched at the Las Vegas art and music festival “Life is
Beautiful” (2014).
The iconic Harlem Globetrotters are coming to the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV, February 5th with their unrivaled family
show, featuring some of the greatest athletes on the planet. With
incredible ball handling wizardry, amazing rim-rattling dunks and trick
shots, side-splitting comedy and unequaled on-court fan interaction,
this must-see event is guaranteed to entertain the whole family creating
memories that will last a lifetime. Join Globetrotter stars after the
game where they will stay for an autograph, photograph and high five
sessions for fans. The Globetrotters will face a great challenge this
year, as the infamous Washington Generals are more determined than ever
to beat the Globetrotters. The Generals, the last team to beat the
Globetrotters, are now coached by a former member of that 1971 team.
They are on a mission and will do whatever it takes to win, with a new
strategy that is sure to give the Globetrotters a run for their money.
Every week is a big week in February. As
you scroll through the special offerings, events, and headliners for the
month, you'll be amazed by all of the top-notch talent.
February 1 – 8
Lipshtick Comedy Series presents Lisa Lampanelli
Venetian: February 7, 2015
Ron White
Mirage: February 6, 2015 - February 7, 2015
Harlem Globetrotters
Orleans Hotel and Casino: February 5, 2015
Henry Cho
Suncoast Hotel and Casino: February 7, 2015
Seether & Papa Roach with special guests KYNG & Islander
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: February 7, 2015
Police Unity Tour Benefit Concert
Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall: February 7, 2015
Vegas Pet Expo produced by SBNQR Enterprises LLC
Cashman Center: February 7, 2015
World Archery Festival
South Point Hotel Casino & Spa: February 6, 2015 - February 8, 2015
Badfish, a Tribute to SUBLIME "40 OZ to Freedom" Tour
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: February 7, 2015
Dixie's Tupperware Party
The Smith Center: February 5, 2015 - February 8, 2015
Tom Cotter
Suncoast Hotel and Casino: February 6, 2015
Great White & Slaughter
Eastside Cannery Casino Hotel: February 7, 2015
The Wailers
Brooklyn Bowl: February 2, 2015 - February 3, 2015
RuPaul's Drag Race: Battle of the Seasons Hosted by Michelle Visage
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: February 1, 2015
Chadwick Johnson
Suncoast Hotel and Casino: February 8, 2015 - February 22, 2015
Las Vegas Legends Soccer
Orleans Hotel and Casino: February 6, 2015
Beginnings, A Chicago Tribute
South Point Hotel Casino & Spa: February 6, 2015 - February 8, 2015
Dinosaur Train Live! Buddy's Big Adventure
The Smith Center: February 4, 2015
Silverstein
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: February 3, 2015
Dancing with the Stars Live!
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino: February 7, 2015
FRANK The Man, The Music
The Palazzo Resort - Hotel - Casino: January 27, 2015 - April 30, 2015
52 Fridays - Mel Tillis
Golden Nugget: February 6, 2015
Taylor Dayne
Cannery Casino & Hotel: February 7, 2015
Tribal Seeds
Brooklyn Bowl: February 7, 2015
Mung Tuoi Me Featuring An All Star Vietnamese Line-up
M Resort Spa & Casino: February 7, 2015
Cannibal Corpse & Behemoth with special guests
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: February 6, 2015
Jack White
Brooklyn Bowl: February 4, 2015
Hellyeah
Brooklyn Bowl: February 6, 2015
Brett Scallions Unplugged: Roots to Rock
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: February 6, 2015
Punchlines and Pumps
Buffalo Bill's Resort and Casino: February 7, 2015
Boyz II Men
Mirage: February 6, 2015 - February 8, 2015
February 9 – 15
Eddie Money
Golden Nugget: February 13, 2015
Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr
Orleans: February 14, 2015 - February 15, 2015
Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds
Buffalo Bill's Resort and Casino: February 15, 2015
Lipshtick Comedy Series Presents Loni Love
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino: February 14,
Steel Panther - All You Can Eat Tour
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: February 13, 2015 - February 27, 2015
Future Stars of Wrestling: One For The Ages
Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall: February 15, 2015
Rita Coolidge
Suncoast Hotel and Casino: February 14, 2015 - February 15, 2015
Tower of Power
South Point Hotel Casino & Spa: February 13, 2015 - February 15, 2015
USA Sevens Rugby Tournament
Sam Boyd Stadium: February 13, 2015 - February 15, 2015
Rocky Mountain Gun Show
South Point Hotel Casino & Spa: February 14, 2015 - February 15, 2015
Kodo One Earth Tour: Mystery
The Smith Center: February 12, 2015
Las Vegas Pro Soccer Challenge
Cashman Center: February 15, 2015
Marilyn Manson
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: February 14, 2015
Love Affair Concert
Orleans Hotel and Casino: February 14, 2015
Bobby Caldwell
Santa Fe Station Hotel Casino: February 13, 2015
Queen Nation - Tribute to Queen
Cannery Casino & Hotel: February 13, 2015 - February 14, 2015
Brian McKnight
Eastside Cannery Casino Hotel: February 15, 2015
Engelbert Humperdinck
The Smith Center: February 15, 2015
The Rippingtons
Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa: February 14, 2015
The Spazmatics
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: February 12, 2015
LVCHA Weekend Winter Championship Cutting Horse Event & Western Gift Show
South Point Hotel Casino & Spa: February 11, 2015 - February 15, 2015
Pops III: A Gershwin Valentine
The Smith Center: February 14, 2015
Las Vegas Legends Soccer
Orleans Hotel and Casino: February 13, 2015
UNLV Runnin' Rebels Basketball vs Fresno State
Thomas & Mack Center: February 10, 2015
Tizer
The Smith Center: February 13, 2015 - February 14, 2015
Rock N Roll Fantasy Camp- Sammy Hagar + Pat Travers
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: February 12, 2015 - February 15, 2015
The String Cheese Incident: Sin City Incident
Brooklyn Bowl: February 13, 2015 - February 15, 2015
Guitars & Country Stars: Collin Raye
Sunset Station Hotel Casino: February 14, 2015
Lotus
Brooklyn Bowl: February 14, 2015 - February 15, 2015
In Its Entirety - Pink Floyd Dark Side Of The Moon
Red Rock Casino Resort Spa: February 13, 2015
Lover's Reminisce Concert
Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall: February 13, 2015
The Sin City Incident Bowling Tournament
Brooklyn Bowl: February 14, 2015
House of Blues presents Paper Tigers
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: February 13, 2015
February 16 – 22
Ray Romano and David Spade
Mirage: February 20, 2015 - February 21, 2015
Neil Sedaka
Orleans: February 21, 2015 - February 22, 2015
LeAnn Rimes
Buffalo Bill's Resort and Casino: February 21, 2015
Billy Idol
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: February 21, 2015
Lipshtick Comedy Series presents Jennifer Coolidge
Venetian: February 21, 2015
The Fabulous Thunderbirds
Cannery Casino & Hotel: February 21, 2015
Tiger Box - Ellis Mania 10
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: February 20, 2015
An Evening With Gov't Mule with Special Guest John Scofield
Brooklyn Bowl: February 22, 2015
Kevin Nealon
Suncoast Hotel and Casino: February 20, 2015 - February 21, 2015
Mondays Dark with Mark Shunock
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: February 16, 2015
Facebook Chorale 6th Anniversary
Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall: February 20, 2015
The Diamonds
South Point Hotel Casino & Spa: February 20, 2015 - February 22, 2015
A Gala Performance
The Smith Center: February 21, 2015
Kalin and Myles - The Dedication Tour pres by Ones to Watch with Skype
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: February 19, 2015
UNLV Runnin' Rebels Basketball vs Boise State
Thomas & Mack Center: February 18, 2015
Take Back the City Community Education Event
Cashman Center: February 21, 2015
52 Fridays - Chrisette Michele
Golden Nugget: February 20, 2015
Ana Gasteyer
The Smith Center: February 20, 2015 - February 21, 2015
Iration - Tales By The Sea
Brooklyn Bowl: February 16, 2015
Revolver Presents 10 Years From Birth to Burial Tour
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: February 18, 2015
Machine Head
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: February 19, 2015
Jamz All- Star Cheer and Dance National Championships
Orleans Hotel and Casino: February 20, 2015 - February 22, 2015
The Dread & Terrible West Coast Tour featuring Chronixx and Protoje
Brooklyn Bowl: February 20, 2015
Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: February 21, 2015
Dr. Dog
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: February 21, 2015
In Flames - Charming America Tour
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: February 22, 2015
Trailer Park Boys: Ricky, Julian and Bubbles
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: February 22, 2015
Gilberto Santa Rosa
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: February 16, 2015
G.E.M.
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino: February 21, 2015
Jon Pardi
Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa: February 19, 2015
February 23 – March 1
Jay Leno
Mirage: February 28, 2015
Wayne Brady
Mirage: February 27, 2015
Robert Cray Band
Orleans: February 28, 2015 - March 1, 2015
Tommy James & The Shondells
Golden Nugget: February 27, 2015
Taking Back Sunday
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: February 24, 2015
Home Expo Las Vegas
Cashman Center: February 27, 2015 - March 1, 2015
The Man In Black - A Tribute to Johnny Cash
Suncoast Hotel and Casino: February 28, 2015 - March 1, 2015
Cold War Kids
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: February 28, 2015
KOTC
Eastside Cannery Casino Hotel: February 28, 2015
Pentatonix
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: February 28, 2015
Jimmy Mulidore "Jazz For The Ages"
The Smith Center: February 26, 2015
Thunderstruck Regional Dance Competition produced by Las Vegas Dance Starz, Inc.
Cashman Center: February 28, 2015 - March 1, 2015
UNLV Runnin' Rebels Basketball vs Wyoming
Thomas & Mack Center: February 28, 2015
JDRF Nevada Chapter Outreach Program
Cashman Center: February 28, 2015
Nice Work If You Can Get It
The Smith Center: February 24, 2015 - March 1, 2015
Rascal Flatts Vegas Riot
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: February 25, 2015 - February 28, 2015
Phantogram
Brooklyn Bowl: February 23, 2015
McCartney Years
South Point Hotel Casino & Spa: February 27, 2015 - March 1, 2015
Flight Facilities
Brooklyn Bowl: February 28, 2015
That 1 Guy
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: February 28, 2015
Grasshopper
MGM Grand Hotel and Casino: February 28, 2015
Lipshtick Comedy Series Presents Rosanne Barr
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino: February 28, 2015
Montez De Durango Y Los Rieleros DeEL NORTE
Buffalo Bill's Resort and Casino: February 28, 2015
The Great American Soul Book - Lon Bronson Band With Special Guest Star Larry Braggs
The Smith Center: February 28, 2015
Shalom Asayag - Stand - Up Comedy
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino: February 25, 2015
Ozomotli
Brooklyn Bowl: March 1, 2015