November 2015 - Las Vegas Entertainment News

VEGAS INSIDER REVIEW

by Chuck Rounds

  November 2015

  

  Las Vegas Entertainment News

     To keep folks up to date, I continue to work both in Dallas and Las Vegas...in Vegas, of course, I work on shows, reviews, photography, etc.; in Dallas, I'm working on the Dallas Christmas Parade-a huge event that takes most of the year to put together, and is the largest single day event in Texas.  On December 5^th at 10 a.m., we will roll out the parade that will include nearly 4,000 participants, 1,500 volunteers, 400,000 people on the street watching the parade live, and then also filmed, televised, and syndicated to approximately 90 million households in 160 countries (it even plays in Las Vegas.)  It is one of the largest parades in the country.  This is a huge and glorious beast that will kick off the holiday season for Texas with more participants, more bands, and bigger floats than has ever been presented before...so I've been a bit preoccupied...

If you didn't turn your clocks back on the 31^st, then you're late...Daylight savings time is over!

Nellis Air Force Base will not be hosting an Open House or an annual Las Vegas air show.
So sad.

Opportunity Village..."The Magical Forest" opens November 20^th and runs until January 3^rd. The Enchanted Carousel, the Forest Express Trains, live music, sweet treats, lavishly decorated trees, whimsical displays, millions of lights and visits with Santa Claus provide people of all ages with a winter wonderland each night during the holiday season.  This season hold a truly magical surprise with new exciting attractions and an expanded Magical Forest that Las Vegas has never seen before.  Opportunity Village is a not-for-profit organization that serves people with intellectual disabilities by providing them with vocational training, employment and social recreation services that make their lives more productive and interesting. Once thought by society to be unemployable and unimportant in the community, people with severe disabilities are engaged, active residents who contribute to our society. Through Opportunity Village's programs and services, hundreds of people with disabilities are learning vocational skills and being placed in jobs throughout the community. On a side note...Opportunity Village was the official manufacturer of Elvis' scarves. They made the buttons that welcomed thousands of people to see "Elvis Live at the Hilton." They also made the ribbons for the "hound dogs" that became popular trinkets of the King's stay in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas' favorite holiday tradition returns in 2015! Featuring a full orchestra and larger than life landscapes, Nevada Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker has been hailed as "the most visually beautiful production ever staged in Reynolds Hall" by the Las Vegas Sun. Enter into a wonderland of moonlit snow and waltzing flowers as Clara and her Nutcracker Prince dance along the border between imagination and reality. Be a part of this cherished holiday tradition that the Las Vegas Review-Journal calls, "a cannonade of stimuli... visually arresting at nearly every juncture."

The producers of X Burlesque, X Rocks and X Comedy have announced the newest addition to the "X" brand, with the premiere of X Country on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 10:30 p.m. inside Harrah's Las Vegas. A Kick'n topless revue featuring a combination of traditional and modern country music chart toppers, X Country will showcase stimulating performances from the X Country Girls, who will leave nothing to the imagination. True to the "X" brand, the X Country Girls are some of the most beautiful and talented dancers on the famed Las Vegas Strip, who will tease and seduce the audience to country music's most popular songs from artists including Tim McGraw, Patsy Cline, Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, Trace Atkins and Hank Williams Jr., among many others.

Las Vegas' only magic dragon is staring in a new solo show beginning Monday, Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. inside Flamingo Las Vegas, "Piff the Magic Dragon." Piff will also star in Piff's Piffmas Piff-Tacular Saturday, Dec. 12 through Wednesday, Dec. 30. Fresh from his success on "America's Got Talent" and following record-breaking ticket sales throughout North America on his first U.S. tour, Piff the  Magic Dragon will finally be debuting his long awaited one-hour solo show on the Las Vegas Strip at Flamingo Las Vegas.  Piff and Mr. Piffles, the World's Only Magic Performing Chihuahua, will perform a selection of their greatest hits from a repertoire that stretches over six previous critically acclaimed solo shows, with each routine featuring their signature approach to conjuring that puts a new twist on the traditional magic show.

The Ninth Annual Ping Pong Palooza at Sapphire Gentlemen's Club Las Vegas to Benefit Sapphire Foundation for Prostate Cancer is Tuesday November 10th at 6pm. This Is The Most Fun You Can Have with Beautiful Women and a Paddle! 

Fall season at Sapphire means Ping Pong Palooza. The Las Vegas nightlife industry is invited to come out to compete for the No.1 spot and bragging rights on Tuesday, Nov.10th. Get your paddles ready for a night of fun, drink specials, delicious appetizers and great competition. This year's tournament is the Ninth Annual Sapphire Gentlemen's Club Ping Pong Palooza, and Sapphire is proud to host this popular event which was originally inspired by the Christopher Walken' flick Balls of Fury and has grown to be one of the most popular annual events at Sapphire. This event is the largest mixed team ping pong tournament in the world. Teams should sign up early, starting at 6pm, because participation is limited. For even earlier registration call 702.869.0003 or register online at www.SapphireLasVegas.com.

Experience the oldest culture in America, vintage cars and more for the whole family to enjoy. From the annual Pahrump Social Powwow to classic cars and family fun at one of the only clay-based speedways in the country, there is always something to keep you busy.  Stay up to date with everything happening in Pahrump by visiting, www.visitpahrump.com.

The Pahrump Social Powwow: The Pahrump Social Powwow is back. Social Powwow celebrates the Native American heritage as well as friends and strangers coming together to experience fun, laughter, crafts and games. This celebration features special intertribal dances, kid-friendly dance competitions and traditional Native American bites perfect for the whole family. Not only are kid-friendly dance competitions held, but adults can also enjoy a friendly dance competition or two. Thursday, Nov. 19- Sunday, Nov. 22

 The HUBB Classic Car & Parts Swap Meet: Located at the gates of Death Valley in Pahrump, Nevada, The HUBB is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of work or travel.  Held every second Saturday of the month, the HUBB Classic Car & Parts Swap Meet is the premier monthly automotive swap meet in Pahrump Valley.  Buy antique, vintage, classic and or high-end cars and parts at bargain prices.  For more information visit www.thehubbnevada.com. Every second Saturday of the Month, Nov. 14  

Pahrump Valley Speedway: Race season is in full effect at the Pahrump Valley Speedway. One of the only clay-based, high-banked, quarter-mile dirt tracks remaining in the U.S., Pahrump Valley Speedway promises action and thrills galore.  Bring the family for a day of racing and cheer on different classes of cars including Modifieds, Super Stocks, Dwarf Cars, Coupes, Bombers, Mod Minis, and more. Saturday, Nov. 7; Sunday, Nov. 15; Saturday, Nov. 21  

Pahrump Valley Museum Lecture Series: 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. Second Saturday of the month; Nov. 14

JERSEY BOYS star Travis Cloer sets the tone for this holiday season with the debut of his brand new, fully orchestrated holiday album, "Christmas at My Place," on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The album will be available for purchase on iTunes and other music platforms for $11.99 that Tuesday. A special CD release party will follow on Monday, Nov. 9 at The Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay. For more information, visit traviscloer.com. Proclaimed "One of Vegas' most accomplished showmen," Cloer's album will combine holiday standards with never-before-heard tracks, including original songs "Christmas is My Favorite" and "(Baby, It's Cold) Under the Mistletoe." Featuring brand new arrangements with swinging horns, lush strings and special guests, "Christmas at My Place" provides the perfect musical mood for the giving season.

Las Vegas' electric male "strip-hop" revue Aussie Hunks, move from downtown Las Vegas to the V Theater inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The newly re-designed production will feature state-of-the-art surround sound, HD visual effects, live motion video streaming, revamped costumes and new routines to its cheeky line-up creating the ultimate night out. 

Aussie Hunks will perform five nights a week at 10:30 p.m. inside the V Theater Upstairs Showroom. Previously seen on Australia's Got Talent and So You Think You Can Dance Australia, the group of Australia's hottest performers are specialized in various dance and skill styles including break dance, street dance, hip-hop, pop, lock as well as seductive entertainment. Also featuring its own line of currency, Aussie Hunks offer guests the option to get up close and personal with cast members utilizing certified ‘Hunk Bucks.'

After several contract extensions resulting in a successful eleven-month run, The Venetian/Palazzo Resort announced that, "Frank--The Man, The Music," staring Bob Anderson, will perform its final show in the Palazzo Theater on Saturday, November 28th, 2015. The closing of the show was a mutual decision by both parties. While the Hotel has spent the greater part of the year reminiscing about the glory days of the Copa Room, with the sound and timeless classics of the legendary artist, it will begin preparing the stage in December for a new show to open in early 2016. "Frank--The Man, The Music," staring Bob Anderson, quickly became ‘the talk of the town' and the ‘must see show on the strip' Anderson's reviews were nothing less than spectacular. His 32 piece Orchestra, with more than half of them former players of Sinatra, and under the direction of Sinatra's former conductor, Vincent Falcone, was an experience not to be missed.

"50 Shades! The Parody!" will close at Bally's. A show that was better than its film inspiration. It was fun for a while but lacked staying power. Show producer BASE Entertainment confirmed that the show would close after the performance Nov. 15. It opened Feb. 3. In a statement, a company spokeswoman said, "The show has been well received and has entertained thousands of audience members since opening Feb. 3, but after careful consideration and analysis, the decision was made to bring the production's engagement to an end."

September 25, 1987 is a day that changed Las Vegas forever... the date marked the first live performance of the now iconic "Crazy Girls" (www.crazygirlslv.com) at the Riviera Hotel & Casino. Now for more than 28 years "Crazy Girls" has remained as fresh, new and controversial as the day it opened. -With the demise earlier this year of the Riviera Hotel & Casino, "Crazy Girls" found itself in serious demand as big name hotels courted the world-famous show - and was finally wooed by Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino to become a member of its entertainment family and now plays nightly (except Tuesdays) at Planet Hollywood's Sin City Theatre located on The Mezz overlooking the casino. The producer-director Norbert Aleman is an experienced producer with decades of experience in show business, but the "Crazy Girls" with a cast of seven girls who are the stars of the show is the longest running. For those who like comedy-magic Tony Douglas hosts the show. There's even a songstress.

Las Vegans will celebrate a night of fashion and fundraising at the 6th Annual Fashion for Autism Gala on Thursday, Nov. 5^th from 6 - 9 p.m.at the Aria Resort & Casino Las Vegas. The theme of the evening is "Bringing a Solution Into Focus."  Featuring Porsche Design at Crystals, the annual fashion event celebrates community members leading the fight against autism and benefits the Grant a Gift Autism Foundation.  Individual tickets and tables are available by calling 702.564.2453, online at www.GrantAGiftAutismFoundation.org. Attendees of Fashion for Autism will sip champagne while bidding on lavish and luxurious items at an exclusive silent auction beginning at 6 p.m. 

"Voices of Rudy: The Journey To The Movie" starring Rudy Ruettiger plays at the Italian American Club Nov. 13. After two successful performances at The Smith Center, one of the most inspiring movies of our time, "Rudy," now a one-man show starring Rudy Ruettiger, will be performed in the IAC Showroom at the Italian American Club on Friday,  Nov. 13. Ruettiger will entertain and inspire as he shares his life story of how he accomplished his dream of going to Notre Dame and how he convinced Hollywood to make a movie of his life, which earned him an invitation to the White House. The play will include a multi-media presentation with scenes from the blockbuster movie as well as personal photos of his family of 14 brothers and sisters. As Ruettiger tells his story, he will share many voices of people who influenced his life as well as naysayers that he confronted on his journey.  

Hip-hop legends Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, DJ Quik, Collie Buddz and Tha Dogg Pound unite for the West Coast's most extravagant Thanksgiving celebration - West Coast Feast. This legendary lineup will hit The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas on Friday, November 27 at 9 p.m. This year's West Coast Feast follows the heels of Straight Outta Compton - a film that garnered fresh appreciation for the West Coast hip-hop roots. The event will give thanks to artists who, while prolific themselves, have boasted collaborations with stars like Dr. Dre, 2Pac, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg and countless others. In other words, it will be a family celebration.

America's loudest lounge singer Richard Cheese & Lounge Against The Machine will return to Las Vegas with two shows at Club Madrid inside Sunset Station on Friday, Nov. 13 at 9 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Coinciding with the release of three new albums. Richard Cheese performs swingin' Vegas versions of rock, rap and Top-40 hits, "swankifying" contemporary songs into traditional pop vocal standards. Imagine Frank Sinatra singing Radiohead and you've got Richard Cheese & Lounge Against The Machine. Since 2000, Cheese has released 14 albums, including Lounge Against The Machine, Tuxicity, Aperitif For Destruction, The Sunny Side Of The Moon, OK Bartender and Atlas Lounged, which featured rare recordings, audio clips and unreleased tracks.

Multi-platinum, GRAMMY nominated band GODSMACK returns to The Pearl inside Palms Casino Resort with special guests Red Sun Rising on November 14, 2015 at 8 p.m. Supporting last year's 1000HP (Republic Records), GODSMACK expands their already stacked North American fall headline tour into November with a string of new dates ending with the Las Vegas date at The Pearl. To date, GODSMACK have notched a staggering seven No. 1 singles on both the Billboard Mainstream and Active Rock Chart, including "Awake," "Straight Out of Line," "Cryin' Like A Bitch" and "I Stand Alone." Moreover, they've enjoyed 21 Top 10 hits at the format-the most of any act since February 1999 as well as four GRAMMY nominations, and winner of Billboard Music Awards Rock Artist of the Year in 2001.