Vegas Insider Review
by Chuck Rounds
by Chuck Rounds
MARCH 2015
Industry News
(Event Listings Below)
Springtime,
just about anywhere, is a great time of year; and in Las Vegas, March
has always been magnificent. Springtime has been celebrated by every
country and culture for as long as there have been countries and
cultures. As the earth regenerates itself after the winter, we feel that
sense of renewal as well. Something inside us just wants to bring life
and freshness to our lives. We clean things out…repair, plant, and grow
things. Spring may be delayed for some folks around the country, but we
are in full swing here in Las Vegas.
While Christians are observing Easter;
Pagans are celebrating Ostara. In ancient Egypt, the festival of Isis
was held to celebrate the resurrection of Osiris. The Celebration of
Dionysus always took place about this time in Greece; celebrating the
return of the leaves on the grapevines.
But wait, there’s more!!
For the ancient Romans, the Feast of
Cybele was a big deal every spring. Cybele was a mother goddess who was
at the center of a Phrygian fertility cult, and eunuch priests performed
mysterious rites in her honor. Her lover was Attis (who also happened
to be her grandson), and her jealousy caused him to castrate and kill
himself. His blood was the source of the first violets, and divine
intervention allowed Attis to be resurrected by Cybele, with some help
from Zeus.
In Iran, the festival of No Ruz begins
shortly before the vernal equinox. The phrase "No Ruz" actually means
"new day," and is a time of hope and rebirth. No Ruz is deeply rooted in
the beliefs of Zoroastrianism, which was the predominant religion in
ancient Persia before Islam came along.
One of Judaism's biggest festivals is
Passover, which takes place in the middle of the Hebrew month of Nisan.
It was a pilgrimage festival, and commemorates the exodus of the Jews
from Egypt after centuries of slavery.
In Russia, the celebration of Maslenitsa
is observed as a time of the return of light and warmth. A straw effigy
of the Lady of Maslenitsa, is burned in a bonfire, and when the fire has
burned away, the ashes are spread in the fields to fertilize the year's
crops.
In Ireland, It’s St. Patrick's Day! St.
Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland, and many people don't realize
that the serpent was actually a metaphor for the early Pagan faiths of
Ireland. St. Patrick brought Christianity to the Emerald Isle, and did
such a good job of it that, for a while, he practically eliminated
Paganism from the country…and now, in celebration; we drink!
Our modern day celebration centers around
young adults making pilgrimages to warm climates to celebrate the sun,
drink spirits, and engage in fertility rites and rituals….this is also
known as Spring Break. And Las Vegas is one of the chosen destinations
for these modern day festivals.
To further assist these festivals, Daylight Savings time begins on March 8th –spring forward.
The weather is perfect, and there are
thousands of events, conventions, shows, and things to do. I love the
spring and the fall—everything seems to be just right. And…it is always
busy here. Things are bustling, and we love it.
The annual kickoff to NASCAR weekend in
Las Vegas, the Hauler Parade, will rumble down the Las Vegas Strip on
March 5. During the first weekend in March, Sin City will host a pair of
races at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway– the Boyd Gaming 300 on March 7
and the Kobalt 400 on March 8. All of the excitement, however, starts
with the parade of about 50 colorful tractor trailers that haul the race
cars that will circle the track. This year, the parade will start at 6
p.m. and stretch for nearly five miles. The fanfare will start at the
iconic Las Vegas welcome sign and head northbound on Las Vegas
Boulevard, ending at Sahara Avenue.
See all of your favorite drivers in
fabulous Las Vegas for the March 6 - 8, 2015 NASCAR Weekend. Fans can
also experience the one-of-a-kind Neon Garage featuring live music and
entertainment all weekend long. Driver introduction and Lucky 7
preferred parking passes also are available. The event weekend includes
the Kobalt 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the Boyd Gaming 300 NASCAR
Xfinity Series race and Stratosphere Pole Day.
Sporting events will bolster the economy
in Vegas this month. The biggest of these sports event is the March
Madness tournament. Every sports book in town will be packed throughout
the event. The dates for 2015 are March 19 - 22 (or starting on March
17, for those who really get excited about the play-in games).
Elvis Presley’s Graceland and Westgate
Las Vegas Resort & Casino announced that they will bring the
authentic Elvis Presley back to Las Vegas for the first time in 40
years. “Graceland Presents ELVIS: The Exhibition - The Show - The
Experience” will include an expansive, new permanent exhibition
featuring hundreds of artifacts never before displayed outside of
Graceland, and live entertainment shows that celebrate the life and
legacy of Elvis Presley. Elvis will be back in the building on April 23,
2015.
Spring is in the air this month in
Pahrump. From the smell of chili, to tips on Nevada horticulture, to
Hot Air Balloons, Pahrump is celebrating the arrival of spring. Travel
“Over the Hump” to Pahrump and check out one of the following events
offered in the month of March:
The Silver State Chili Cook-Off: March 7th.
Come taste some of Nevada’s best chili in the Silver State Chili
Cook-Off. Vote for your favorite chili, chili verde and salsa. Enjoy
live music, reenactment of gun fighters, Nevada Silver Tappers, arts and
craft vendors and a car show featuring the Pahrump Valley Cruisers.
Chili tastings are just $5 for ten samples and all proceeds benefit No
to Abuse, a family resource center that offers case management &
needs assessment.
Pahrump Valley Museum Lecture Series:
March14th. Calling all history buffs: the Pahrump Valley Museum is
dedicated to inspiring curiosity and teaching the rich history and
culture of Pahrump through its one-of-a-kind exhibits that include early
farming and mining equipment, early relics from cowboys and pioneers,
and Native American artifacts. In addition to the historic items on
display, the Pahrump Valley Museum offers a monthly lecture series that
covers a wide range of topics.
Pahrump Hot Air Balloon Festival: Friday,
March 20 – Sunday, March 22. Dozens of colorful hot air balloons will
ascend to the skies during Pahrump’s Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival.
The three-day family-friendly festival will bring together more than 20
hot air balloon pilots from the western states, a drone and fixed wing
aircraft exhibition demonstrating top-notch aviation skills, a carnival
featuring classic carnival games and rides, and several food and craft
vendors.
Guests will have the opportunity to hover
and enjoy the scenic views of Pahrump high above the ground with
tethered balloon rides. On Saturday night the skies will be illuminated
by a spectacular balloon glow light show that will light up the sky for
miles.
Baker to Vegas Rally: Saturday, March 28.
More than 10,000 law enforcement members will be competing in the 31st
Annual Baker to Vegas Rally. Come support and cheer on runners as they
make their way to Las Vegas through the town of Pahrump!
Award-winning singer, musician and
composer Frankie Moreno is bringing his critically-acclaimed show to Red
Rock Resort for two special performances. Moreno and his incredible
10-piece band will perform original hits and classic covers on Saturday,
March 7, 2015 and will return Saturday, April 11, 2105. Both shows
begin at 7 p.m.
Craig Ferguson’s Hot & Grumpy Tour:
Walking the Earth has been added to the entertainment lineup at The
Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Friday, March 13. Craig
Ferguson entered the world of late-night comedy following a diverse and
eclectic career in film, television, music, and stand-up. In 2005,
Ferguson became the host of CBS’ “The Late Late Show with Craig
Ferguson,” where he enjoyed much success including an Emmy nomination
(2006), as well as a Peabody Award (2009) for excellence in
broadcasting. Additionally, Ferguson serves on the board of the Lollipop
Theater Network, an organization that brings movies that are currently
in theatrical release to hospitalized children facing chronic and
life-threatening illness nationwide.
Politically-charged comedian Bill Maher
has been performing successfully at The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort
since 2013 and the funnyman will return once again for a weekend of
shows March 21-22, 2015. For more than 20 years, Bill Maher has set the
boundaries of where funny, political talk can go on American television.
First on “Politically Incorrect” and for the last thirteen years on
HBO’s “Real Time,” Maher’s combination of unflinching honesty and big
laughs have garnered him 34 Emmy nominations. Maher won his first Emmy
in 2014 as executive producer for HBO series, “VICE.”
The Mirage Hotel & Casino will host
the seventh annual “Ron White’s Comedy Salute to the Troops” Wednesday,
March 4 at 7:30 p.m. The one-night show will take place at the Terry
Fator Theatre with proceeds benefiting the Armed Forces Foundation. Ron
White is best known as the cigar smoking, scotch drinking funnyman from
the “Blue Collar Comedy Tour.” He has established himself as a star in
his own right with multiple comedy albums and videos including Drunk In
Public, They Call Me Tater Salad and You Can’t Fix Stupid.
The Mirage Hotel & Casino welcomes
John Mulaney when he makes his Aces of Comedy debut Friday, March 6.
Mulaney, who is quickly becoming one of the most sought after young
comedians and actors in the comedy world, currently stars in “Mulaney,”
FOX’s new comedy about a rising stand-up comic trying to take his career
to the next level. He also serves as creator, writer and executive
producer of the series.
As part of his VIAJE Tour, Latin American
singer-songwriter Ricardo Arjona will perform at The AXIS Powered by
Monster at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Sunday, March 15 at 8
p.m. Selling over 20 million albums throughout his career, Ricardo
Arjona is one of the most successful and respected Latin American
musical artists of all time. Arjona has released 14 studio albums, one
live album, nine compilation albums and 43 singles. Four Arjona albums
have reached number one on the Billboard Top Latin Albums, and 10
reached number one in Argentina.
Ringo Starr is going to be at the Palms on March 15th. It’s Ringo. Do I need to say anything else?
“Pin-up” and “MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET” both just celebrated their two-year anniversaries.
And finally, the Sons of Erin Saint Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival will take place in Henderson on Saturday, March 14th. (Really…it’s on the 14th.)
And remember, if you’re attacked by a mob
of clowns, always go for the juggler. (I put this in just to see who
actually reads this far into my column.)
As far as all of the other entertainment goes:
Las Vegas - Upcoming Events
March 1 – 8
Olivia Newton-John
Flamingo: March 3, 2015 - March 21, 2015
Marshall Tucker Band
Orleans: March 6, 2015 - March 7, 2015
Bill Engvall
Treasure Island - TI Hotel & Casino: March 6, 2015
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art - Faberge Revealed
Bellagio: November 14, 2014 - May 25, 2015
52 Fridays - Don Williams
Golden Nugget: March 6, 2015
Bill Medley with Special Guest McKenna Medley
South Point Casino Hotel & Spa: March 6, 2015 - March 8, 2015
NASCAR Weekend 2015
Las Vegas Motor Speedway Motorsports Complex: March 6, 2015 - March 8, 2015
West Coast Conference Basketball Tournaments
Orleans Hotel and Casino: March 5, 2015 - March 10, 2015
Shen Yun 2015
The Smith Center: March 2, 2015 - March 4, 2015
Bill Bellamy
Suncoast Hotel and Casino: March 6, 2015 - March 7, 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
Championship Bull Riding
South Point Hotel Casino & Spa: March 7, 2015
Billy Ocean
Cannery Casino & Hotel: March 7, 2015
The O'Jays
Buffalo Bill's Resort and Casino: March 7, 2015
ESPN Friday Night Fights - Harrison vs. Smith
MGM Grand Hotel and Casino: March 6, 2015
Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp: Classic Rock Camp
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: March 5, 2015 - March 8, 2015
Vegas Nightlife Fights
Brooklyn Bowl: March 3, 2015
Masterworks IV: Cabrera Conducts Mendelssohn & Schumann
The Smith Center: March 7, 2015
The Composers Showcase of Las Vegas
The Smith Center: March 4, 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 San Diego State
Thomas & Mack Center: March 4, 2015
Rascal Flatts Vegas Riot
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: March 4, 2015 - March 7, 2015
John Mulaney
The Mirage Hotel & Casino: March 6, 2015
Unbreakable, A Tribute to the King of Pop
Texas Station Gambling Hall and Hotel: March 6, 2015
HAPA
The Smith Center: March 6, 2015 - March 7, 2015
Ozomotli
Brooklyn Bowl: March 1, 2015
Aloha Las Vegas Cheerleading Competition
South Point Hotel Casino & Spa: February 28, 2015 - March 1, 2015
Ring of Honor Wrestling's 13th Anniversary
Orleans Hotel and Casino: March 1, 2015
Schism: The Tool Tribute
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: March 5, 2015
Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: March 6, 2015 - March 8, 2015
Chris Brown with Trey Songz ft. Tyga
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: March 7, 2015
Talib Kweli
Brooklyn Bowl: March 6, 2015
Robert Cray Band
Orleans: February 28, 2015 - March 1, 2015
Tim Allen
The Mirage Hotel & Casino: March 7, 2015
Nice Work If You Can Get It
The Smith Center: February 24, 2015 - March 1, 2015
McCartney Years
South Point Hotel Casino & Spa: February 27, 2015 - March 1, 2015
Keith Thurman vs. Robert Guerrero
MGM Grand Hotel and Casino: March 7, 2015
14th Annual Taste and Sounds of Soul Food and Music Festival
Fremont Street Experience: February 28, 2015 - March 1, 2015
March 9 – 15
George Lopez
Mirage: March 13, 2015 - March 14, 2015
Ringo Starr
Palms Casino Resort: March 15, 2015
Dana Carvey
Orleans: March 13, 2015 - March 14, 2015
Lipshtick Comedy Series presents Whitney Cummings
Venetian: March 13, 2015 - March 14, 2015
Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan
Golden Nugget: March 13, 2015
Craig Ferguson"s Hot & Grumpy Tour : Walking The Earth At The Chelsea
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: March 13, 2015
Korn
Brooklyn Bowl: March 13, 2015
Future Stars of Wrestling
Silverton Hotel and Casino Lodge: March 14, 2015
Peace Frog
Cannery Casino & Hotel: March 13, 2015 - March 14, 2015
Paquita La Del Barrio
Eastside Cannery Casino Hotel: March 14, 2015
Jim Breuer
South Point Hotel Casino & Spa: March 13, 2015 - March 14, 2015
Western Athletic Conference
Orleans Hotel and Casino: March 11, 2015 - March 14, 2015
St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival
Henderson Events Plaza: March 13, 2015 - March 15, 2015
Big League Weekend
Cashman Center: March 13, 2015 - March 14, 2015
Ricardo Arjona
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino: March 15, 2015
Jonathan Butler
Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa: March 14, 2015
Silver Dollar Circuit Quarter Horse Show & Western Gift Expo
South Point Hotel Casino & Spa: March 15, 2015 - March 22, 2015
Pacific-12 Conference
MGM Grand Hotel and Casino: March 11, 2015 - March 14, 2015
Rebel Souljahz
Brooklyn Bowl: March 15, 2015
Momix Alchemia
The Smith Center: March 10, 2015
Broadway in the Hood “Once On This Island”
The Smith Center: March 13, 2015 - March 15, 2015
Uriah Heep
Boulder Station Hotel-Casino: March 13, 2015
Elvis Tribute Show Starring Justin Shandor
M Resort Spa & Casino: March 14, 2015
In Its Entirety - The Eagles Greatest Hits
Red Rock Casino Resort Spa: March 13, 2015
Celebrating Crosby Stills Nash and Young
Suncoast Hotel and Casino: March 14, 2015 - March 15, 2015
Jason Mraz and Raining Jane
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: March 14, 2015
Taste of Home
Silverton Hotel and Casino Lodge: March 10, 2015
Reggae Bowl featuring Irie Love & Haleamono
Brooklyn Bowl: March 10, 2015
Throwdown Capper vs Hirsch
Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall: March 14, 2015
ImaginOcean The Live Glow-in-the-Dark Family Musical!
The Smith Center: March 12, 2015
March 16 – 22
Elton John: The Million Dollar Piano
Caesars Palace: March 18, 2015
Bill Maher
Palms Casino Resort: March 21, 2015 - March 22, 2015
The Temptations
Orleans: March 21, 2015 - March 22, 2015
Ron White
Mirage: March 20, 2015 - March 21, 2015
Kansas
Silverton Hotel and Casino Lodge: March 19, 2015
Jo Koy
Treasure Island - TI Hotel & Casino: March 20, 2015
Frankie Moreno
The Smith Center: March 17, 2015 - March 31, 2015
Lipshtick Comedy Series presents Garfunkel & Oates
Venetian: March 21, 2015
eNVy Showcase featuring Wretched Sky
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: March 20, 2015
Temptations Review Featuring Dennis Edwards
Eastside Cannery Casino Hotel: March 21, 2015
The Lettermen
South Point Hotel Casino & Spa: March 20, 2015 - March 22, 2015
Richard Cheese & Lounge Against The Machine
Sunset Station Hotel Casino: March 21, 2015
52 Fridays - Bobby Vinton
Golden Nugget: March 20, 2015
NVHCA Perry Foundation Annual Fundraiser - Corks & Kegs
Silverton Hotel and Casino Lodge: March 21, 2015
Conversations With Norm presents Mayor Carolyn and former Mayor Oscar Goodman
The Smith Center: March 22, 2015
ALICE, A Steampunk Rock Concert Fantasy
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: March 18, 2015
Local Brews Local Grooves w/Empire Records, Elvis Monroe, and RNR
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: March 21, 2015
Newsies
The Smith Center: March 17, 2015 - March 22, 2015
Railroad Earth
Brooklyn Bowl: March 22, 2015
Jake Shimabukuro
The Smith Center: March 20, 2015 - March 21, 2015
Kilt Comedy
Buffalo Bill's Resort and Casino: March 21, 2015
Dan + Shay: Where It All Began Tour
Brooklyn Bowl: March 21, 2015
Hoops & Hops
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: March 19, 2015 - March 21, 2015
U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West - The Commanders Jazz Ensemble
Henderson Pavilion: March 21, 2015
Slaves
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: March 17, 2015
Tom Papa
Suncoast Hotel and Casino: March 20, 2015 - March 21, 2015
Mondays Dark with Mark Shunock
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: March 16, 2015
One Night for One Drop
The Mirage Hotel & Casino: March 20, 2015
Lipshtick Comedy Series presents Garfunkel & Oates
Venetian: March 21, 2015
March 23 – 29
David Copperfield
MGM Grand: March 29, 2015 - April 26, 2015
Lipshtick Comedy Series presents Caroline Rhea & Elayne Boosler
Venetian: March 28, 2015
Sheena Easton
Golden Nugget: March 27, 2015
BJ Thomas
Suncoast Hotel and Casino: March 28, 2015 - March 29, 2015
Monster Jam World Finals XVI
Sam Boyd Stadium: March 26, 2015 - March 28, 2015
Daniel Tosh
The Mirage Hotel & Casino: March 27, 2015 - March 28, 2015
Mopars At The Strip - Phoenix
Cannery Casino & Hotel: March 27, 2015
Spring Home Improvement & Backyard Expo
South Point Hotel Casino & Spa: March 27, 2015 - March 29, 2015
NRCHA Presents Stallion Stakes & Western Gift Show
South Point Hotel Casino & Spa: March 29, 2015 - April 4, 2015
Shaq's Next All-Star Comedy Jam
Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa: March 28, 2015
Girls Night: The Musical
The Smith Center: March 26, 2015 - March 29, 2015
Restless Heart
Buffalo Bill's Resort and Casino: March 28, 2015
Pops IV: Symphonic Spectacular
The Smith Center: March 28, 2015
Charlie Wilson
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: March 28, 2015
Charlie Murphy
South Point Hotel Casino & Spa: March 27, 2015 - March 29, 2015
An Evening With Karl Denson's Tiny Universe with Special Guest Roosevelt Collier
Brooklyn Bowl: March 27, 2015
Los 4
Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall: March 28, 2015
Las Vegas Gun Show
Sport Center of Las Vegas: March 28, 2015 - March 29, 2015
30th Anniversary Stellar Gospel Music Awards
Orleans Hotel and Casino: March 27, 2015 - March 28, 2015
Survivorman Live! Featuring Les Stroud
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: March 29, 2015
Ekoh
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: March 25, 2015
March 30 – April 5
The Essential Diana Ross: Some Memories Never Fade
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino: April 1, 2015 - April 18, 2015
Lipshtick Comedy Series presents Lisa Lampanelli
Venetian: April 4, 2015
Tony Orlando
South Point Casino Hotel & Spa: April 3, 2015 - April 5, 2015
Clint Holmes
The Smith Center: April 3, 2015 - April 5, 2015
Martin Nievera
M Resort Spa & Casino: April 4, 2015
Gabriel Iglesias
The Mirage Hotel & Casino: April 3, 2015 - April 4, 2015
Rocky Mountain Gun Show
South Point Casino Hotel & Spa: April 4, 2015 - April 5, 2015
Kenny Chesney - The Big Revival Tour
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: April 3, 2015 - April 4, 2015
52 Fridays - Tracy Lawrence
Golden Nugget: April 3, 2015
2015 Jay Cutler Desert Classic
Palms Casino Resort: April 4, 2015
Nekromantix
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: April 4, 2015
London Symphony Orchestra
The Smith Center: March 30, 2015
Trampled By Turtles
Brooklyn Bowl: March 30, 2015
Ed Kowalczyk
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: April 2, 2015
Bobby Kimball former lead singer of Toto w/ Kenny Cetera formerly of Chicago
Cannery Casino & Hotel: April 4, 2015
Mushroomhead
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: April 5, 2015
Hannibal Buress
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: April 4, 2015
Michael Berkowitz and the Gene Krupa Orchestra
Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall: April 4, 2015
Waka Flocka Flame
Brooklyn Bowl: April 4, 2015