VEGAS INSIDER REVIEW
by Chuck Rounds
October 2015
October 2015
Las Vegas Entertainment News
Halloween is always an interesting day in Las Vegas. It is a full contact holiday. Most venues will host some sort of costumed ball—usually having to do with some sort of sexual content, and the more outrageous the better. There are a couple of Fetish and Fantasy balls, several Erotic balls, and the Pimp an’ Ho ball. It’s a strange night and not one for the timid. It is a huge party in Las Vegas. There is not a better city in which to celebrate Hallow’s Eve.
Find your sexiest outfit and get ready for some of the best tricks and treats when AVN brings some of the biggest names in adult entertainment to Las Vegas for the inaugural AVN Halloween Porn Star Party. All the decadence of Las Vegas combines with the sexiness of adult performers during the two-night affair, which takes place Oct. 30-31 at The Artisan Hotel Boutique, 1501 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89102. The party starts at 10 p.m. each night and rages on until 4 a.m. The exclusive party will feature more than 30 of the hottest adult stars, more than 50 models in sexy Halloween costumes, themed Topless Play Rooms for VIP ticket holders, and a Naughty Costume Contest, with the winner receiving a $1,000 cash prize. Go to AVNHalloween.com and follow #AVNHalloween for more news and announcements on Twitter. Tickets can be purchased directly athttps://avnhalloween.eventbrite.com
Freakling Bros proudly announces The Trilogy of Terror will return for its 23rd petrifying year in Las Vegas with a frightening new haunt. Beginning Friday, Oct. 9, Freakling Bros will return with the classic Castle Vampyre, the world-famous Gates of Hell, Nevada’s first and only R-rated attraction, and the newly-constructed COVEN of 13. Pushing the boundaries of complete and total immersion, COVEN of 13 will take on one of Halloween’s oldest and most classic themes – witches, warlocks and black magic. Based in the thick darkness of the witching hour, when most are fast sleep, a pack of cloaked, ageless figures gathers and chants. They speak slowly, softly, deliberately and with insidious intention. Their physical bodies are diseased, decrepit and rotten, but when the Old Hag summons the dark spirit, and the High Priest channels the ferocity of its essence, they are empowered and they are fierce. These are the dark witches of 13, born of sepsis and poison. You have been invited to make their coven complete. They call to you and welcome you in, to be vetted, initiated, and even reborn as one of them. Located at the Grand Canyon Shopping Center at 4245 S. Grand Canyon Dr. (Flamingo and the 215 Beltway), Freakling Bros. The Trilogy of Terror will operate from 7 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday – Thursday. Tickets are $14 for COVEN of 13 and Castle Vampyre and $15 for Gates of Hell. Line-pass t-shirts are available for $10 and are valid all month. Discounts are available for combining houses and multiple visits, including the $35 “Freak Pass.” To enter the Gates of Hell you must be at least 17 years of age or accompanied by an adult, and you must sign a consent form.
Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales will be at the Orleans Arena, October 2nd – 4th. Prepare to step into a world of wonder where wishing is only the beginning and dreams really do come true in Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt. Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy as they bring the timeless fairytale adventures of Cinderella, Beauty and The Beast, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to life right in your hometown. Featuring dynamic storytelling, award winning music, stunning costumes and glittering special effects, audiences will be captivated by the humor, fun and adventure of these spellbinding stories. Dream with the princesses, cheer for the heroes as they conquer evil villains, and marvel as these classic tales are brought to life in a theatrical experience that’s pure magic.
For the first time, the legendary recordings of Tony Bennett and Bill Evans, come to Las Vegas. Featuring two quintessential Las Vegas veterans, singer George Bugatti and pianist Vincent Falcone, this night of music celebrates the 40th anniversary of the recordings of two musical masters. A perfect fit of both content and talent, both Bugatti and Falcone have worked with Tony Bennett, Falcone as his pianist and musical director and Bugatti making his Los Angeles concert debut alongside the icon. This evening of enchantment is set to debut at Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. This performance by George Bugatti and Vincent Falcone is not a “note for note” recreation of the recordings, but rather their homage to the mastery and artistic integrity of the songwriters, as well as and Bennett and Evans. Bennett and Evans never performed these songs on stage together. This is the first time this collection is being presented live.
Award-winning vocalist and musician Paul Rodgers will perform at Downtown Las Vegas Events Center on Saturday, October 3. Voted as one of the 100 Greatest Singers by Rolling Stone, Paul Rodgers has become a true and influential voice in music history. He has led three bands to worldwide successes that include Free, Bad Company and The Firm and has sold more than 90 million albums worldwide. Achieving a Grammy-nominated solo career, Rogers has worked with many notable artists such as The Four Tops, Queen, Buddy Guy and Bryan Adams.
An “inside” look at some of the sea’s most magnificent inhabitants awaits guests with the Las Vegas premiere of Sea Monsters Revealed at Shark Reef Aquarium inside Mandalay Bay. The world’s largest exhibition of uniquely preserved sea animals features an 18-foot, 3,000-pound whale shark along with a 15-foot-long mako shark and giant sunfish among its more than 18 full-body sea creatures. Additional displays include 150 individual organs and smaller specimens such as tropical fish, crustaceans and octopuses.
SLS Las Vegas invites partygoers to the most thrilling Halloween parties in Las Vegas as it unveils a star-studded lineup boasting some of the hottest hip-hop and EDM acts of 2015. Beginning Friday, Oct. 30 at 10:30 p.m., Dutch EDM sensation Fedde Le Grand will kick off the festivities with a spine-tingling performance at Foxtail® Nightclub, setting the mood for an electrifying weekend of nonstop partying. The following night on Oct. 31, Grammy award-winning artist Lil Wayne will celebrate Halloween “Lil Weezy” style as he presents Halloweezy—a special, one-night-only soiree held exclusively at LiFE™. Revelers who wear the best costume will have the chance to win $50,000 in cash and prizes, proving there is no better place to get dressed up and party. Also on property on Oct. 31, EDM heavyweight Gareth Emery will be hosting a late-night Halloween bash at Foxtail Nightclub, luring guests to the venue with his melodic beats and infectious energy.
Sir Elton John and Billie Jean King have finalized their teams for the 23rd annual Mylan WTT Smash Hits, a charity tennis event set for October 12 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The two longtime friends have selected their lineups with Elton John taking Andy Roddick to head up his squad, while Las Vegas residents and Hall of Famers Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf will lead Team Billie Jean. The one-night event will benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation and Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN). Tennis action is set for 7:00 p.m. on a specially-constructed tennis court in the valet parking lot adjacent to Caesars Palace Drive. The overall series is tied 11-11 after Team Billie Jean posted a 22-16 victory over Team Elton in London last year.
The Pure Aloha Development Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Vizzun Entertainment are proud to announce the 10th Annual Pure Aloha Fall Festival. The 10th Annual Pure Aloha Fall Festival will be held October 1-4 at Rio All-Suite Hotel Casino in the Pavilion Parking Lot, located at 3700 W. Flamingo Road in Las Vegas. To celebrate their 10th anniversary, they would like to say “Mahalo” or “thank you,” for 10 years of support and offer free admission to their opening night on Thursday, October 1. The festival will welcome more than 20,000 guests with traditional live entertainment, evening concerts featuring the best in island music, more than 100 specialty food and retail vendors, and a large carnival with midway rides. The four day event will include performances by multiple local and out of state Halau’s (hula schools) hailing from Nevada, California, Arizona, Utah and Hawaii.
On Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015, veteran performer/singer Tony Sacca is celebrating 30 years as producer and host of the award-winning entertainment television show “Entertainment Las Vegas Style” at Ron Decar’s Event Center located at 1201 Las Vegas Blvd South from 7-9 p.m. Admission is free and a buffet is available for purchase. The evening’s festivities will include showing historical television footage from over the past years that highlights celebrities, entertainers and Las Vegas history, live music, and performances by fellow talent.
World-famous dance crew Jabbawockeez announced its highly anticipated new show will debut inside the intimate, newly renovated Jabbawockeez Theater at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino Monday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. Jabbawockeez will mesmerize and entertain audiences with its dynamic mix of awe-inspiring choreography, pulse-pounding music, and stunning special effects in its new show at MGM Grand Las Vegas. This high-tech production will bring the audience up-close-and-personal to the group as it performs the intricate dance moves that have positioned Jabbawockeez as the world’s most influential dance crew. Voted “Best Family Show” and “Best All Ages Show” for three consecutive years, Jabbawockeez is cutting edge entertainment at its best.
Las Vegas’ largest fall craft beer event, Motley Brews’ Downtown Brew Festival (DBF), returns, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015, to the Clark County Amphitheater for an evening guests will never forget. More than 3,000 craft beer enthusiasts will enjoy a night filled with non-stop live entertainment, delicious beer-inspired menu items and over 200 tasty brews from more than 60 local, national and international breweries. As a follow-up to Nevada’s largest craft beer event, the Great Vegas Festival of Beer, Motley Brews’ Downtown Brew Festival offers a more intimate affair, translating to fewer lines, a smaller crowd and more beer to go around. In addition to the delectable brews, guests will have the opportunity to explore Festaurant Row and sample a variety of craft beer-inspired menu items from some of Las Vegas’ top restaurants.
With an in-your-face stage presence and a classic funk sound, Cameo returns to the stage with a new residency show at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. The residency kicks off on Wednesday, October 7, 2015, in the Westgate Cabaret. As one of the most influential groups in funk music in the 1970s and 1980s, Cameo will perform weekly from Wednesday through Saturday at 7:00 PM. Their debut album Cardiac Arrest featured the hit “Rigor Mortis,” and established the group as a mainstay on the dance floor. Cameo released a string of gold-certified albums including Cameosis, which peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot R&B Albums chart. Their 1986 album Word Up! went platinum and climbed to number eight on the Billboard 200 chart, becoming the group’s most successful album.
On Sunday, Oct. 4, Opportunity Village will host the Spook-tacular Kids Fashion Show presented by Neiman Marcus
from 1-3:30 p.m. at the Events Center at The Magical Forest. The event
will feature various themed activities, fashion and kids couture. On Saturday, Oct. 24, Opportunity Village will host the Monster Masquerade, an adult-only evening of mystery and mayhem from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Guests can enjoy HallOVeen from 8-10 p.m. and attractions such as train rides on the Forest Express, Cheyenne’s Enchanted Carousel, Boris the Elf’s 3D Experience and Rod’s Monstrous Mini Golf. Guests can then move inside for the night filled with spirits and entertainment. Guests can creepily disguise themselves with Masquerade Masks available for purchase in the Ghoulish Gift Shop. There will also be a costume contest for $10. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.opportunityvillage.org.
HallOVeen debuts Oct. 9 and will be open every Friday-Sunday night throughout the month of Oct. During the last week of the month, HallOVeen will be open nightly through Nov. 1, which will feature a “Day of the Dead” theme for the final evening. HallOveen hours are Fridays-Saturdays 5:30-10 p.m., Sundays 5:30-9 p.m. and Oct. 26-29 5:30-9 p.m. General admission pricing is $11.99 for adults and $9.99 for children. Wristbands will be sold for $12 and individual ride tickets for $3. Passport all-access tickets are $21.99 for entry and unlimited rides or a child Passport for $17.99. Children two and under are free.
Clark County Parks and Recreation presents the 22nd Annual Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival as it returns to Sunset Park (2601 E. Sunset Rd. Las Vegas) Oct. 9 – 11. Traveling back through centuries when knights and kings, maidens and wenches, minstrels and jesters ruled the world, the festivities begin on Friday, Oct. 9 and feature various shows per day, more than 200 artisans, historical reenactments and plenty of food and drink to satisfy the masses. Along with the traditional musical performances from Wicked Tinkers, Dread Crew of Oddwood, Bogtrotter’s Union, Killian’s Angels and the return of the dinner theater, this year’s event will feature several smaller stages throughout the lands featuring entertainment by the Gypsy Time Travelers, Mullaney, Nature of Mercy, Whiskey Bards, and costumed performers such as the Bawdy Juggler Adam Reid, Endless Productions and the Snake Army. The festival presents various shows per day along with historical re-enactments, jousting tournaments, medieval pageantry and more than 200 artisans – including blacksmiths, stained glass designers, jewelers, wood workers, toy makers, perfume blenders, stone carvers and sword, dagger and armor craftsman – to demonstrate and sell their wares.
Studies show the United States is one of the kindest countries in the world. With acts of giving spreading nationwide, the City of Henderson is encouraging residents to contribute to its kindness movement by participating in the inaugural Color Me Kind 5K at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 10 at Cornerstone Park, 1600 Wigwam Pkwy. Registration starts at $25 per person, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Josh Stevens Foundation. The Color Me Kind 5K is part of the city’s overall “Be Kind” campaign. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department partnered with the Josh Stevens Foundation to launch the initiative in 2012. In a course of three years, the city established an anti-bullying policy, displayed the “Be Kind” message at every parks and recreation facility, and recognized thousands for their random acts of kindness.
Celebrating a decade of wine events and entertainment, Rock ‘n Roll Wine in partnership with Circle TPR, will return with the highly anticipated “Wine Amplified” Festival Friday, Oct. 9 and Saturday, Oct. 10 at the Las Vegas Village. The larger-than-ever event will begin at 5 p.m. both days and feature Panic! At the Disco, Passion Pit, Sublime with Rome, 50 Cent featuring G-Unit, Fitz and the Tantrums, Cold War Kids, Robert DeLong, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, The Sheepdogs and many more. Touted as the world’s greatest wine and music celebration, this high-energy, interactive festival pours on the experience with more than 60 wineries, more than 150 wines by the taste or by the glass, a craft beer garden with more than 20 selections, specialty cocktails, New Amsterdam Speakeasy, rave & barrel room, restaurant row, The Farm and live performances. This year’s festival will once again be completely cashless utilizing the latest in radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. Patrons will be able to load money on their RFID wristbands and use them as a virtual wallet to purchase wine, beer, food and festival merchandise.
Mother-daughter duo, The Judds, will reunite and grace the stage for Girls Night Out, a truly special nine-show residency at The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian Las Vegas, Oct. 7-24, 2015. Produced by AEG Live, Girls Night Out will mark the iconic and multi-platinum country duo’s first concerts together in nearly five years. Songs fans might hear include “Love Can Build a Bridge,” “Why Not Me,” “Give A Little Love” and the residency’s signature song “Girls Night Out” as well as solo numbers such as Wynonna’s “No One Else on Earth” and “I Saw The Light.” Girls Night Out will boast an all-new show created specifically for the Las Vegas audience featuring a set list handpicked by Wynonna and Naomi. Performances will take place Oct. 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 21, 23 and 24. Currently celebrating the 25th anniversary of their fifth and final studio album Love Can Build a Bridge, The Judds have sold more than 20 million albums to date. In addition to successful music careers, Naomi and Wynonna are both bestselling authors, prominent humanitarians and TV stars.
Blues rocker Gregg Allman makes a return to The Pearl inside Palms Casino Resort on October 9, 2015 at 8 p.m. It’s been more than three decades since Allman first made his impact on rock music as lead singer, organist and songwriter in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted Allman Brothers Band, which he helped create in 1969. Known for their bluesy, improvisational style, the group hit it big in the 1970s, headlining sold-out concerts across the country. With the Allman Brothers wrapping up their storied forty-five year career last October, Allman is showing no signs of slowing down. In August, Concord Records will release Gregg Allman Live: Back to Macon, GA, a stellar live DVD/CD package that captures Allman and his eight-piece solo band in a high-energy performance. This emotive show was recorded in January, 2014 at the Grand Opera House in Macon, GA, the Middle Georgia town where it all began for the Allman Brothers Band. Gregg Allman Live: Back to Macon, GAfeatures sixteen tracks, made up of a nicely-varied selection of songs from the ABB catalog (“Statesboro Blues,” “Melissa,” “Whipping Post”), tunes from Allman’s solo albums (“Queen of Hearts,” “I’m No Angel”) and several dynamic cover songs.
Rick Harrison of HISTORY'S hit reality show "Pawn Stars" will lead the 2nd Annual “Pawn Stars Poker Run” on Sunday, October 4 in Las Vegas to benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Nevada. Rick, accompanied by his son Corey, will lead motorcycle riders through Las Vegas starting at 10:00 a.m. at the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, 713 S. Las Vegas Blvd., out to the historic Pioneer Saloon in Good Springs, Nev., and the final stop bringing the riders back downtown at 2 p.m. for the Official After-Party and prize raffle at Pawn Plaza, located next to the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. Grand Prize for best hand is $2,000 and $1,000 will be awarded for the worst hand. Registration is open now online at www.epilepsy.com/nevada. Early registration is $30 per rider and $20 per passenger.
Rock legend Rick Springfield headlines The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas with special guest Loverboy on Sunday, October 25 at 8 p.m. Springfield’s first love has always been music, a lifelong passion that was ignited after picking up his first guitar at the age of 12 in his native Australia. Throughout his career, Springfield has sold 25 million records, received a GRAMMY award for his No. 1 smash hit, “Jessie’s Girl,” and has received a whopping 17 Top 40 hits for songs including “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” “An Affair of the Heart,” “I’ve Done Everything for You,” “Love Somebody” and “Human Torch.” He has also toured for more than 30 years, hand-delivering the hits to millions of fans worldwide during his legendary live shows.
Loverboy has sold more than 10 million albums and earned four multi-platinum plaques including the 4 million selling Get Lucky album and a trio of double-platinum releases in their self-titled 1980 debut, Keep It Up and Lovin’ Every Minute of It. The band’s string of hits, in addition to the anthem “Working for the Weekend,” include arena rock staples such as “Lovin’ Every Minute of It,” “This Could Be the Night,” “Hot Girls in Love,” “The Kid is Hot Tonite,” “Turn Me Loose,” “When It’s Over,” “Heaven In Your Eyes” and “Queen of the Broken Hearts.”
For one night only, the hilarious Bill Maher returns to The Pearl inside Palms Casino Resort on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at 8 p.m. Bill Maher just wrapped up his first-ever headlining European tour, playing to sold-out houses in four countries, and with election year approaching here in the states, this is prime time to catch the politically charged comedian live. For more than 20 years, Maher has set the boundaries of where funny, political talk can go on American television. First on “Politically Incorrect” (Comedy Central, ABC, 1993-2002), 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.”
Live Nation and Caesars Entertainment are thrilled to announce that music icon, multiple GRAMMY® Award-winner and multi-platinum selling artist Janet Jackson will be bringing her world tour to a two-night engagement at The AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Friday, Oct 9 and Saturday, Oct 10. The UNBREAKABLE WORLD TOUR will return one of this world's most influential entertainers back to the live stage in support of her upcoming album due out this Fall on Rhythm Nation Records/BMG.
Iconic UK reggae/pop ensemble UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue have confirmed their first extensive North American tour in eight years. The band’s principle songwriter and venerable vocalist Ali Campbell, will be joined by exceedingly talented percussionist/trumpeter/vocalist Astro and outstanding keyboardist Mickey Virtue, all of whom are founding members of the original UB40. The trio (along with their seven-piece band) are about to embark on a flurry of concert dates including a stop at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Friday, October 16.
Hot off the heels of their latest studio album, “Return To Forever,” the Scorpions celebrate their 50th Anniversary and stop at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with Queensrÿche on Wednesday, October 7.
The walking dead invades Henderson for the Zombie Run 5K and Family Fun Walk, Saturday, October 24. You better run for your life when things go bump in the night. The living dead and everything ghoulish invades Henderson for another fright. Try and survive the apocalypse by using your brains (pun intended) and disguises to outsmart hungry zombies along the 3.1-mile trail. All fitness levels are welcome. Ages 5 and up. Visit cityofhenderson.com/parks
Las Vegas Foodie Fest will take place from Oct. 15 through Oct. 18, with a new location at Sunset Station. Las Vegas Foodie Fest will feature more than 50 of the nation’s top food trucks and food vendors highlighted by East Coast and Midwest favorite, White Castle, along with a number of celebrity trucks from The Food Network, History Channel, Cooking Channel and Travel Channel.
White Castle, America’s first fast-food hamburger chain, is back by popular demand for its fifth festival appearance and will once again provide grills and fresh ingredients to serve its famous sliders to all attendees. The White Castle Crave Mobile will serve foodies looking to purchase 10 or less sliders in addition to separate lines for those looking to indulge in larger quantities.
Nevada Day is a grand celebration commemorating our admission to statehood in 1864. Nevadan's have the distinction of holding the largest statehood celebration in the nation! The highlight is the Nevada Day Parade, which is held on the last Saturday of October.
And October 31st is the end of Daylight Savings time (fall back.)