April 2018

 

The Easter Bunny is dead!!  April Fools…  Hey kids, I hid a bunch of eggs in the backyard.  You should go look for them…  April Fools…  It could be a very fun combo-holiday this year. 

 

It certainly kicks off the best month of the year.  I know that I’m playing favorites, and I really don’t care about diminishing the other months. In Las Vegas, April is a beautiful thing...partly because of the weather, partly because of the sense of renewal this time of year brings, partly because of the bikini clad women at all of the pools in town, and partly because of all of the activities and events that inundate the city: Spring Breaks, Easter, Passover, Earth day, and lots of conventions will make this a busy month.

 

The third week of March got really warm here in Vegas, and everything bloomed all at once. Clouds of yellow pollen are wafting off the trees as the wind blows.  Everything is covered with this yellow dust, and every allergy sufferer…is suffering. I don’t have allergies, but it is a tough month for a lot of people...the Las Vegas valley seems to find whatever it is that you might be allergic to and sends it your way...so allergy sufferers...bring the allergy medicine.

 

The monthly celebrations include: Keep America Beautiful Month, National Welding Month, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. As for the daily celebrations: The 1st of course is April Easter and Fool's Day, but it is also International Tatting Day. The 3rd is Don't Go to Work Unless it's Fun Day. The 4th is Hug a Newsman Day, as well as, Tell a Lie Day. The 5th Go for Broke Day, the 6th Plan Your Epitaph Day, the 7th is National Beer Day, No Housework Day, and World Health Day. The 8th is Draw a Picture of a Bird Day. The 9th is Name Yourself Day and Winston Churchill Day. The 10th is Golfer's Day!! The 11th is Eight Track Tape Day (but we’re not sure why). The 12th is Russian Cosmonaut Day, and the 14th is Ex Spouse Day, International Moment of Laughter Day, Look up at the Sky Day, and Reach as High as You Can Day. The 15th is Titanic Remembrance Day. The 17th is Blah, Blah, Blah Day and Pet Owners Independence Day. The 18th is International Juggler's Day, The 20th is Weed Day and my birthday, the 21st is National High Five Day, the 22nd is Earth Day, the 23rd is Lover's Day and Take a Chance Day, and the 26th is Hug an Australian Day. The 27th is Babe Ruth Day and Tell a Story Day. The 28th is Kiss Your Mate Day and Take Your Daughter to Work Day. And finally, the 30th is National Honesty Day (really it is.)

 

Golden Nugget Las Vegas has raised the standard for entertainment in downtown Las Vegas with its acclaimed 52 Fridays Concert Series. The resort presents a diverse lineup of weekly acts, from GRAMMY award-winning pop artists to rock and roll royalty.

Gin Blossoms - April 6 at 8 p.m.       

Formed in 1987 in Tempe, AZ, the Gin Blossoms are a pop/rock band known for their southwestern sound and dominating the alternative rock era in the '90s. With hits like "Hey Jealousy," "Found Out About You," and "Follow You Down," the Gin Blossoms have earned several platinum albums and a Grammy nomination. Don't miss your chance to hear Gin Blossom's infectious pop rock songs!

Garry Puckett and The Union Gap Band - April 13 at 8 p.m.         

Gary Puckett and The Union Gap had six consecutive Gold records and sold more records in 1968 than any other recording artist, including the Beatles. Their first big hit, "Young Girl," topped the charts in both the US and the UK. Other big hits include "Woman Woman," "Lady Willpower," and "Over You." Gary and the UGP perform to sold out crowds doing over 150 performances a year.

Jay & The Americans - April 20 at 8 p.m.    

Jay & The Americans are a pop group hailing from Queens, NY who debuted in 1961. Fronted by John "Jay" Traynor, their greatest hits include "She Cried," "Only In America," "Come A Little Closer," and "Cara Mia." The band eventually split in 1973, but in 2006 its founding members reunited fronted by a different "Jay" by the name of John "Jay" Reincke. They are as good as any band with over half a century's worth of performing experience would be, and with a back catalogue like theirs, they come highly recommended.

Herman's Hermits - April 27 at 8 p.m.

Herman's Hermits is an internationally successful 60s British rock band, from Manchester, England, formed in 1963. Part of the British Invasion, their trademark simple, non-threatening, clean-cut boys next door image made them easier to listen to and more accessible than other British Invasion bands. Their hits include "I'm Into Something Good," "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter," and "I'm Henry VIII, I Am."

 

Learn to fight and dress authentically like a Viking in a free workshop set for Saturday, April 14 at 10 a.m. at Lorenzi Park.  Swords and shields will be provided along with safety lessons in performing stage combat by a former member of Wolves of Odin, an authentic Viking reenactment group, and of Vikings North America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to Viking authenticity, reenactment and living history, and a current member of the Vegas Viking lodge of the Sons of Norway.  Advance registration is not required. Attendees should wear appropriate footwear and long pants and long sleeves. The training event will be held at the southwest area of Lorenzi Park, on the southeast side of the lake, just east of the footbridge that stretches across the lake.

 

 Freedom Beat (Las Vegas’ home to the tastes and tunes of the American road) inside the Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino announces the return of “City Soundtracks,” the city’s only fixed, concert tour celebrating the vast musical landscape with live concert sessions that highlight the sonic movements of a different region with each performance.  The series returns with a FREE, two-night concert event on April 12th and 13th from 7p-10p. California Dreamin’, the second stop in the series, will celebrate the spirit that bubbled up from the Golden State and feature a musical journey that highlights such iconic bands and artists as The Eagles, The Beach Boys, The Grateful Dead, Sublime, Stone Temple Pilots, Neil Young, The Doors and MORE.  In addition, all concert-goer’s from each night will be entered to win a Free two-night stay at Hotel Erwin in Venice Beach.

 

Curated by Ryan Elisabeth Reid and the Sprat Artistic Ensemble, local teens from non-profit Core Academy and senior residents from Ovations Senior Living will come together April 14 and 15 as an intergenerational group to participate, co-create, and explore Las Vegas’ rich history on site at the Neon Museum’s Ne10 Studio warehouse.  Designed to be an immersive performance and visual arts-based experience for both seniors and teens, participants will learn about the history of Las Vegas through the world-famous neon signage and will be encouraged to create and share (perform) a response using techniques taught by artists Ryan Reid, Stormy Budwig and Chase McCurdy.    This project is funded in part by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

 

Celebrate 420 with artists Ice Cube, Cypress Hill featuring Mixmaster Mike, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Baby Bash as they bring the blazing Roll It Up celebration to the Thomas & Mack Center on Friday, April 20, 2018.   The Vegas 420 Pre-Party kicks off at 3:30 p.m. at the front of Thomas & Mack Center and features A Lighter Shade of Brown; Mellow Man Ace; special Raider Nation guest, Raiders legend Frank Hawkins; food and drink vendors; and more.

 

Caesars Entertainment and Sidekick Productions LLC, in partnership with The Coalition, are pleased to announce the second Gears Pro Circuit Las Vegas Open, taking place Friday, April 6 through Sunday, April 8. Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, the most intense game in esports competition returns to Caesars Entertainment Studios, located behind Bally’s Las Vegas. The Gears Esports teams from around the world will compete head-to-head in Gears of War 4 for a prize pool of $150,000 USD.

 

Pahrump is packed with outdoor activities to welcome the warm weather this month. From taking the family out to the speedway for a thrilling afternoon, channeling your inner Viking and fighting dragons, or enjoying a comedy show while gazing at the stars, Pahrump is the go-to destination for all things exciting. Stay up to date with everything happening in Pahrump by visiting, www.visitpahrump.com.

Girls Night Out: Grab your dancing shoes and get ready for a night to remember with your best gals. Great for birthdays and bachelorette parties, guests will become mesmerized by limitless abs and amazing choreographed dance numbers. Girls Night Out The Show is a fully interactive show with multiple opportunities for you and your girls to get in on the excitement and action.

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Starkhafn Anniversary: Relive the Middle Ages and channel your inner pre-17th-century aficionado with the Barony of Starkhafn. At the 36th Starkhafn Anniversary, guests can enjoy a weekend filled with thrown weaponry, archery, a hearty meal fit for a Viking, and more. Guests are welcome to enjoy the camping amenities and revel near the fire for more fun and entertainment.

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.

Intro to Climbing: For those looking to get out of the gym, Intro to Climbing Self Rescue is the perfect activity for you. Based off the basic ropes program, this scenario-based course allows participants to try out real gear while focusing on self-rescue techniques. Perfect for all kinds of thrill-seekers, now both single and multi-pitch climbers can participate in this 2-day course.

Comedy Under the Stars: A night of jokes and fun is heading to Pahrump. Kiwanis Club of Pahrump Valley Foundation presents Comedy Under the Stars, featuring a live comedy show by Carla Rae and Friends. Make sure to pack your own food for a picnic dinner and bring your family and friends to ensure a night full of laughter. Sanders Family Winery will have beer and wine available on-site for purchase.

Monster Truck Insanity Tour: Join in the fun at the Monster Truck Insanity Tour. Live a Little Productions presents this crowd-pleasing event at McCullough Arena. The family-friendly event features TWO exciting shows in one day. The shows will feature awesome monster trucks and some entertaining events. It’s an event all motorsport fans don’t want to miss.

 

 

The Hydrant Club is thrilled to be kicking off its spring event and concert season with a very special event on Tuesday, April 3 - an intimate concert and record release party with singer-songwriter Jill Sobule.   Jill Sobule is a Denver-born, critically acclaimed, singer-writer with over 11 albums and more than two decades of recording and performing. Jill’s self-titled 1995 self-titled album proved a major popular breakthrough and included the hit singles “Supermodel” (featured in the movie Clueless) and the original, “I Kissed A Girl.” She has performed with Neil Young, Billy Bragg, Steve Earle, Cyndi Lauper, Tom Morello, Warren Zevon and John Doe (X), and has toured with Julia Sweeney (The Jill and Julia Show). Considered a pioneer in the crowdsourcing revolution, Jill remains a prolific and diverse writer and performer today. Her recent projects include a re-imagining of the 1970 Broadway play “Yentl” and a future one-woman show entitled "#Fuck7thGrade.”

 

Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa will bring top entertainers to Access Showroom in April, including country music star Tracy Lawrence, stand-up comedian Carlos Mencia and contemporary jazz artists David Benoit and Marc Antoine.

Tracy Lawrence, Saturday, April 7

Best known for his iconic voice and chart-topping singles “Alibis,” “Paint Me a Birmingham,” “Find Out Who Your Friends Are” and “Time Marches On,” Tracy Lawrence has become one of the most successful country music artists of all time. Throughout his musical career, Lawrence has released 18 No. 1 singles and 22 Top Ten hits, selling more than 13 million albums. The country star has also won a Country Music Association award as well as an Academy of Country Music award. In 2017, Lawrence debuted his most recent album “Good Ole Days,” pairing some of this most iconic hits with some of today’s best-known country artists, including his best-loved single “Alibis” with country singer Justin Moore.

Carlos Mencia, Friday, April 13 and Saturday, April 14

Carlos Mencia began his career as an amateur stand-up comedian at the iconic L.A. comedy club, Laugh Factory. The comedian later became a nightly performer at The Comedy Store, where his popularity continued to grow. After making a name for himself in the L.A. comedy scene, Mencia went on the Latino talent search show, Buscando Estrellas, and was recognized as the “International Comedy Grand Champion.” His success then led him to appear as a guest-star in television shows, such as “In Living Color,” “The Arsenio Hall Show” and “The Bernie Mach Show.”

David Benoit and Marc Antoine, Saturday, April 21

Contemporary jazz icons David Benoit and Marc Antoine have joined forces, bringing together their musical talents to produce their smooth Brazilian-inspired, Latin jazz album, “So Nice!” Creating a powerful synthesis of their unique individual acoustic styles, the album showcases Benoit’s piano skills and Antoine’s guitar-playing talents as they blend their boldly melodic and rhythmically eclectic sounds.

 

The global phenomenon Le Dîner en Blanc will once again take over a secret Las Vegas location on Sunday, April 29th. This will be the event’s second year in Las Vegas with its first edition attracting more than 1,000 guests at The Park Las Vegas for this refined and mysterious pop-up picnic.   This year marks the 30th anniversary for the event that was founded in Paris before becoming a world-wide event. Now held in close to 80 cities in 30 countries around the world, this annual secret affair brings an unforgettable evening of beauty and magic for the all-dressed-in-white foodies and cultural enthusiasts

How to participate:

Registration to participate happens in three stages: Phase 1 is for members from the previous year event; Phase 2 is for new members who are referred by Phase I members; Phase 3 is for people who signed up on the waiting list via the official website at lasvegas.dinerenblanc.com/register.

Phase 1 – Opens March 27 at 9 a.m.

Phase 2 – Opens April 3 at 9 a.m.

Phase 3 – Opens April 10 at 9 a.m.

A few rules:

Once confirmed, each guest’s participation becomes mandatory, regardless of weather conditions. This is a rain or shine event.

Dress code: elegant and white only. Originality is encouraged as long as it is stylish and tasteful.

Table setting: all white!

 

Former lead singer of The Platters, Sonny Turner, the Mrs. Nevada-America Pageant and Carlos Santana tribute band, Viva Santana, take the stage at Suncoast Showroom in April. Guests can also enjoy free dance parties and live entertainment throughout the month.

Sonny Turner, Sunday, April 8

Sonny Turner rose to fame in 1959 after being chosen out of 100 prospects to replace The Platters’ original lead singer, Tony Williams.  As the new lead vocalist of The Platters, Turner began touring the world with the group at age 19, performing top hits “I Love You 1,000 Times,” “With This Ring” and “Washed Ashore.” Turner also re-recorded The Platters’ most celebrated hits “Only You,” “The Great Pretender” and “The Magic Touch.” The Platters went on to become one of the most successful vocal groups in music history.

Mrs. Nevada-America Pageant, Sunday, April 22

Mrs. Nevada-America will host a pageant competition to crown its 2018 Mrs. Nevada-America Queen, featuring 2017 Mrs. Nevada-America Queen Stephanie Barret, who will be crowning her successor.  The competition is the preliminary pageant to the Mrs. America and Mrs. World pageants, giving married women the opportunity to participate in the pageant world and give back to their communities. Contestants from across the state of Nevada will take center stage in the swimsuit, interview and evening gown competitions throughout the evening.

Viva Santana: A Tribute to the Music of Carlos Santana, Sunday, April 29

Formed more than 25 years ago, tribute band Viva Santana has been performing their exceptional renditions of legendary guitarist Carlos Santana and his band Santana’s signature music. Throughout their career, the San Diego, Calif.-based group has brought their tribute act to various venues across the United States and Mexico.

 

 

THE VENETIAN THEATRE JUST ANNOUNCED!

INSPIRE Featuring Jason Mraz

Grammy Award-winner Jason Mraz will headline the second annual INSPIRE event presented by Sands Cares, with all proceeds from ticket sales benefiting Sands Cares Accelerator Program Members, including Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth and the Marty Hennessy Inspiring Children Foundation.

May 18 at 8 p.m.

ZZ TOP

ZZ TOP a/k/a "That Little Ol' Band From Texas," the longest running major rock band with original personnel intact, will perform a high-energy, five-show limited engagement at The Venetian Theatre.

April 20, 21, 25, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m.

Earth, Wind & Fire

Earth, Wind & Fire, one of the world's top-selling groups, will bring their signature groove to The Venetian Las Vegas for a special six-show limited engagement.

May 2, 4, 5, 9, 11, and 12 at 8 p.m.

 

The world-famous Comedy Cellar will debut its first West Coast location at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Thursday, April 5, 2018. The renowned comedy club will bring the unique vibe from the iconic, underground Greenwich Village club, including the “brick wall and stained glass,” low-ceiling design and full food and drink menu from the club’s sister bar and late-night hangout The Fat Black Pussycat. Comedy Cellar showcase performances are Thursday through Sunday at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. with an additional 11 p.m. performance on Saturday. Headlining performances will be held Wednesday at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 5 THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 8 (SHOWCASE):

Mo Amer, Kyle Dunnigan, Nathan McIntosh and Jessica Kirson

Description: Mo Amer - Performed sold-out shows in 30 countries; toured alongside Dave Chappelle and appeared in HBO’s “Crashing.” Mo was named one of 2017’s “Comedians you should know” by Rolling Stone.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11 (HEADLINING SHOW):

Steve Byrne

Description: Steve Byrne - A ten-time guest on “The Tonight Show,” Byrne has performed to sold-out crowds around the world, produced two hour-long Comedy Central specials, “Happy Hour” and “The Byrne Identity,” the hit Netflix special, “Champion,” and the Showtime special, “Tell the Damn Joke.”

THURSDAY, APRIL 12 THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 15 (SHOWCASE):

Greer Barnes, Emmy Blotnick, Julian McCullough and Emma Willman

Description: Greer Barnes – Credits include HBO’S “Crashing,” “The Chappelle Show,” “Tough Crowd,” “For Love of the Game” and the “Late Show With David Letterman.”

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18 (HEADLINING SHOW):

Judah Friedlander

Description: Judah Friedlander – Known for his role on NBC’s “30 Rock” and has appeared on a number of late-night television programs, including “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” and “Last Call with Carson Daly.” Television and movie credits include “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Showtime,” “American Splendor” and “Meet the Parents.” His current special, “America is the Greatest Country in the United States,” can be seen on Netflix.

THURSDAY, APRIL 19 THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 22 (SHOWCASE):

Matthew Broussard, Phil Hanley, Owen Smith, Ricky Velez

Description: Matthew Broussard – winner of Houston’s Funniest Person and appearances on “Conan,” Comedy Central “The Half Hour” and a finalist on Jeff Ross’ “Roast Battle.”

Phil Hanley - Credits include Comedy Central’s “The Half Hour” and appearances on “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” “The Pete Holmes Show” on TBS and John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show.

Owen Smith – Appearances on “Conan,” HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam” and two hour-long specials “Owen Smith: Anonymous” and “Good Luck Everybody.” Writing credits include “Everybody Hates Chris.”

Ricky Velez - Credits include “Larry Wilmore’s Nightly Show,” “Comic to Watch: Comedy Central” and NY’s Funniest: NY Comedy Festival.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 (HEADLINING SHOW):

Dov Davidoff

Description: Dov Davidoff - Appeared in the movies “Max & Grace,” “Ash Tuesday” and “Invincible,” as well as ongoing roles on NBC’s “Shades of Blue,” and HBO’s “Crashing.”  He’s written and performed two one-hour standup specials and appeared on “The Tonight Show,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “Showtime” and many others. 

THURSDAY, APRIL 26 THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 29 (SHOWCASE):

Dov Davidoff, Lynne Koplitz, Matteo Lane and Owen Smith

Description: Dov Davidoff - Appeared in the movies “Max & Grace,” “Ash Tuesday” and “Invincible,” as well as ongoing roles on NBC’s “Shades of Blue,” and HBO’s “Crashing.”  He’s written and performed two one-hour standup specials and appeared on “The Tonight Show,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “Showtime” and many others. 

Lynne Koplitz - Known for her hour-long comedy special “Hormonal Beast” on Netflix, the reality show “Joan Knows Best?” the IFC Channel’s “Z Rock,” host of the WB’s “Life & Style” and “Change of Heart.”

Matteo Lane – Appearances on the Comedy Central series “The Comedy Jam,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and “Late Night with Seth Meyers.”

Owen Smith – Appearances on “Conan,” HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam” and two hour-long specials “Owen Smith: Anonymous” and “Good Luck Everybody.” Writing credits include “Everybody Hates Chris.”

 

While in Las Vegas for the 53rd Annual ACM Awards, EMI Nashville’s Brothers Osborne is set to perform at a special FRYEDAYS event as part of their ongoing partnership with the authentic and timeless lifestyle brand Frye. The event will be held downtown at the Zappos Headquarters on Friday, April 13 at 4 p.m. PT. The Maryland natives are nominated again for “Vocal Duo of the Year” as well as “Music Video of the Year” for their Top 10 rowdy hit “It Ain’t My Fault” at the upcoming 53rd ACM Awards. In 2017, the singer/songwriter siblings added their name to the record books as the only duo besides Brooks & Dunn to win both ACM “Vocal Duo of the Year” and ACM “New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year” Awards in the same year.

 

Sin City’s premier rock and metal festival, Las Rageous, is excited to announce the addition of rock powerhouse A Day To Remember to the Friday night lineup. A Day To Remember will be taking the place of Ghost, who had to cancel the date and issued the following statement: “Due to unforeseen production delays, Ghost regretfully will not be able to appear at the Las Rageous festival next month in Las Vegas, NV. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to seeing our friends in Las Vegas very soon.”  A Day To Remember joins the exciting festival lineup also featuring A Perfect Circle, Five Finger Death Punch, Judas Priest, and many more! Las Rageous hits the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center for its highly anticipated second year on Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21 in the heart of iconic downtown Las Vegas.  

 

Unfortunately Burton Cummings has taken ill and will not be performing scheduled dates Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1 at The Orleans Showroom. For refunds, customers should call Ticketmaster directly at (800) 745-3000 or The Orleans Showroom box office at (702) 365-7111. As of now, performances on Thursday, April 5 and Friday, April 6 are set to move forward as scheduled.

 

The Orleans will bring top rock and country sounds to The Orleans Showroom. April entertainment will feature performances by  Canadian rock band April Wine, country artist Aaron Lewis and more.

April Wine, Saturday, April 7

With 16 studio albums and more than 40 years of hits to their name, April Wine’s imprint on the rock music scene began in 1969 in Nova Scotia, Canada. The group enjoyed initial mainstream success with their second album “On Record,” which received Gold status in 1972. The album’s first single “You Could Have Been a Lady” topped the Canadian charts at No. 1 and remained on the U.S charts for 11 straight weeks, cracking the Top 30. The band continued to record hits throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s, including “I Like to Rock.” “Roller,” “Sign of the Gypsy Queen,” “Tonight is a Wonderful Time to Fall in Love” and “The Whole World’s Goin’ Crazy.”

Aaron Lewis, Sunday, April 15

Multi-platinum singer, songwriter, and guitarist Aaron Lewis rose to fame as the frontman of the rock band Staind and later entered the country music world in 2011 with the release of his debut country EP, “Town Line.” Highlighted by the success of the single “Country Boy,” featuring the legendary George Jones and Charlie Daniels, the seven-song EP reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. 

 

 

Acclaimed actor, singer and songwriter Kiefer Sutherland is making his Las Vegas musical debut, performing hits from his debut country album Down In A Hole at Rocks Lounge inside Red Rock Resort on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 7:30 p.m., alongside special guest Rick Brantley.  Kiefer Sutherland has been a professional actor for more than thirty years, starring in movies like “Stand By Me,” “The Lost Boys,” “Young Guns,” “Flatliners,” “A Few Good Men,” “A Time to Kill,” “Dark City,” “Melancholia” and most recently, a western called “Forsaken,” as well as the TV series “24.” But unknown to many during the course of his career, he has taken on other vocations with the same kind of dedication and commitment. The first one, beginning around 1992, was that of a cattle rancher and competitive cowboy (roper) in the USTRC team roping circuit. He ran a successful ranch with partner John English for almost a decade. During that time frame, he won numerous roping events around the country including Phoenix, Indio and the Los Angeles Open.

 

Deana Martin returns to the South Point Showroom for her second edition of, The Deana Martin Celebrity Roast honoring “The Man of the Hour” – world-renowned actor, producer, writer and director, Joe Mantegna on Sunday, April 15 at 6 p.m. Following a sold-out roast honoring Dennis Bono in 2017, Deana Martin will continue her father’s legacy by recreating “The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast,” which ran on NBC between 1974 to 1984.  Joe Mantegna, best known for his role as David Rossi in the CBS hit-series “Criminal Minds,” is the Man of the Hour, and will have his life and career roasted by a variety of special celebrity guests. In addition, Mantegna is known for roles In box office hits, including “Three Amigos,” “The Godfather Part III” and “Up Close & Personal.” Mantegna won a Tony Award for David Mamet's play Glengarry Glen Ross and earned Emmy Award nominations for his roles in three different miniseries: The Last Don (1997), The Rat Pack (Staring as Dean Martin 1999), and The Starter Wife (2007). He’s also known for his role voicing Fat Tony in “The Simpsons.”

 

Rap pioneers and forefathers of flow, Eric B. and Rakim along with special guest Yo-Yo harness the funk and soul of ’80s New York hip-hop in The Technique Tour coming to House of Blues Las Vegas on Saturday, April 28, 2018.  When the duo first got together in 1985, Eric B. and Rakim began the formation of one of the greatest and most influential DJ and MC teams in the history of the craft. Putting together a master beat sampler and an incomparably poetic lyricist resulted in rap’s evolution from boisterous schoolyard rhyme schemes to elaborate poetry, complete with internal rhymes and metaphors that captivate any audience.

 

For the first time in a decade, the World Men’s Curling Championship will return to the United States at Orleans Arena through April 8, bringing talented curling teams from around the world, including Sweden’s Olympic Curling Team who took home the silver medal during the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea. This year’s Championship follows the historic first-time gold medal-win by the U.S. Men’s Curling Team in the 2018 Olympic Winter Games, giving fans an opportunity to experience the international sensation of curling in Las Vegas. A total of 13 teams from the European Zone, Americas Zone and Pacific-Asia Zone will compete for the championship title. Each participating team will play 12 games during the seven-day round-robin portion, followed by a playoff round featuring the top six teams. From there, the teams will be pared down to a medal round for the final four. The crowning of the new world champions will take place on Sunday, April 8.

Poised to be 2018’s biggest breakout act, American pop band THE SHADOWBOXERS will take their dynamic live show on the road this year as they join their mentor Justin Timberlake for the first leg of his highly-anticipated Man of the Woods Tour as the opening act on 30+ arena dates across the country. The tour will make a Las Vegas stop at T-Mobile Arena April 14 and 15.

 

Rising country star Tyler Rich will return to Las Vegas for a special performance at the Official Old Dominion After Party inside Crimson at Red Rock Resort on Friday, April 13, 2018. Doors open at 10 p.m.  Award-winning country superstars Old Dominion will bring their HAPPY ENDINGS WORLD TOUR, featuring special guest Michael Ray, to the Sandbar Poolside Stage at Red Rock Resort, as part of the 2018 ACM PARTY FOR A CAUSE.

 

Comedian, actor, director and producer Martin Lawrence will return to the stage as the host of 2018’s hottest comedy event: the “LIT AF Tour” at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m. Coming off the 20th anniversary of Def Comedy Jam, where he is known as the legendary host, Lawrence has made a triumphant return to the stand-up stage wowing audiences with his signature style of hilarious stories, social commentary and more. The “LIT AF Tour” stars Lawrence as the high-powered host who will present a lineup of comedians including Deon Cole, Rickey Smiley, Bruce Bruce and Benji Brown.

 

Singer/songwriter Vance Joy brings Nation of Two World Tour to the intimate Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort on Friday, April 20, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

 

alt-J with Aurora has been added to the entertainment lineup at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Friday, April 20.  alt-J is an English indie rock band comprised of Joe Newman, Gus Unger-Hamilton and Thom Green. Their first album An Awesome Wave won the prestigious Mercury Prize in the UK and sold Gold in the US and Canada.  Their second album, This Is All Yours, received a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative album and was certified Gold by the RIAA in the US. The band’s third album Relaxer was released in June 2017.

 

Hilarious comedian Brad Williams is returning to Las Vegas for two performances inside Rocks Lounge at Red Rock Resort on Friday, April 20, 2018 and Saturday, April 21, 2018.  Brad Williams has become one of the funniest, most in-demand comedians working today. A California native, Brad started doing stand-up at age 19 and has been touring ever since. He has appeared on numerous TV shows including “Legit,” “Dave Attell’s Comedy Underground,” “Sam and Cat,” “Live at Gotham,” “The Tonight Show,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “Mind Of Mencia” and “Pitboss,” among others. His one hour comedy special “Fun Size” was the highest-rated comedy special on Showtime in 2015. A year later, he followed it up with a second special called “Daddy Issues.”

 

 

The Doobie Brothers with JD & The Straight Shot have been added to the entertainment lineup at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Saturday, April 7.  Born out of northern California’s chaotic, late-1960’s musical stew, The Doobie Brothers’ rugged, real and authentic approach to rock and roll made them biker bar stalwarts. Their self-titled debut album in 1971 revealed even more musical layers – sweet three-part harmonies and introspective, acoustic flavors. The Doobie Brothers were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004, have won four GRAMMY® Awards and sold more than 48 million records worldwide (including three multi-platinum, seven platinum, and 14 gold albums).

 

 

One of the most buzzed about bands of recent music history, pop rock group Haim, makes a stop at the intimate Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort on Friday, April 13, 2018 at 8 p.m.  Haim have announced their spring headlining tour, Sister Sister Sister, on the back of their critically acclaimed sophomore album, Something To Tell You. The album and songs from it were included on nearly every year end “Best of” list including Rolling Stone, NPR, Associated Press, Pitchfork, Complex, USA Today, BuzzFeed, and Consequence of Sound. This week, they received their second BRIT Award nomination for Best International Group. Applauded by fans and critics alike for their energetic and captivating live performances, the Sister Sister Sister tour will bring Haim to more than 20 cities throughout April and May.  Citi is the official credit card of the Sister Sister Sister tour.

 

Danny Zelisko presents David Byrne at The Smith Center, Las Vegas Wednesday, April 18th at 7:30pm in support of his forthcoming solo record, American Utopia. David will perform songs from the new album, as well as classics from his solo career and his days with Talking Heads. A twelve-piece band will also join David on stage for a choreographed concert that he has called “the most ambitious show I’ve done since the shows that were filmed for Stop Making Sense.”

 

GLORIA TREVI and ALEJANDRA GUZMÁN’s ‘VERSUS WORLD TOUR’ begins its final leg this spring and includes a Las Vegas stop at Park Theater at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino Saturday, April 7 at 8 p.m.   The two superstars of Latin pop/rock also announce a closing night worthy of an entry in Hispanic music history’s records. It will be of a magnitude that only two of the most legendary artists in Latin music can achieve. The ‘VERSUS WORLD TOUR’ has been the most innovative and unexpected tour in recent memory and has broken box office records in every city it has visited, which earned them a nomination to the renowned Pollstar magazine awards as the Latin Tour Of The Year.

 

Portugal. The Man has been added to the entertainment lineup at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Friday, April 13. Since releasing its first record in 2006, Portugal. The Man has become a household name in the American rock band community. Hailing from Alaska, the band moved to Portland to tour and record. Over 10 years later, the group has released eight albums, four EPs, and 11 singles, such as the latest single “Feel it Still,” which peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

 

With a string of record-breaking sold out comedy appearances, a new top-ranked show on SiriusXM, and inclusion on Forbes’ 2017’s “The World’s Highest Paid Comedians,” comedian Sebastian Maniscalco is having an incredible year. People Magazine’s “The People's Comedian” is hitting the road in 2018 with his new Stay Hungry Tour including a stop in Las Vegas. Maniscalco is scheduled to perform Sunday, April 15 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, returning after a wildly successful premiere night at the venue in early October 2017.

 

Dubbed “one of the hottest comics” by Newsday and “one of the funniest comics working stand-up today” by Esquire, Sebastian’s live performance has become a critically-acclaimed event, with the Los Angeles Times raving, “onstage, there’s an impatience to Maniscalco’s delivery as well, a hair-trigger exasperation with people and modern life, punctuated with baffled expressions, percussive thumps on the microphone and wide-swung leg kicks more associated with an Olympic speed-skater than a stand-up comic.”

 

A big surprise is in store for Peppa Pig fans throughout the U.S. and Canada! The newest North American Peppa Pig Live tour, “Peppa Pig’s Surprise,” will visit an additional 33 cities in 2018. Following a 60-city leg this fall, “Peppa Pig’s Surprise” will stop at The Smith Center on April 8, 2018 for two performances (12pm & 4pm). Peppa Pig Live, based on Entertainment One’s (eOne) top-rated TV series, airing daily on Nick Jr., is one of the most successful family theater tours in U.S. history with more than 400,000 tickets sold in the U.S. and Canada to date.

 

Vizzun Entertainment presents the 17th Annual Pure Aloha Festival running all weekend from April 19th to 22nd outside at the Silverton. The two-fold event features a Hawaiian festival and comedy/concert series. Pure Aloha features more than 100 island craft and merchandise booths, authentic food vendors and amusement rides. While guests shop and dine on ono (delicious) food, they will be entertained by local performances and bands.

 

The Clark County Fair & Rodeo is at Clark County Fairgrounds Apr 11th to 15th. The Clark County Fair had its beginning back in 1965. Known as the Moapa Valley Fair, it was held at the Overton Community Center. Compared to the present day fair, this first fair was small in size. Nevertheless, it had all the flavor and elements of a good old county fair. From this simple beginning, the Moapa Valley Fair became an annual event. Each year new attractions were added, such as a carnival midway, junior livestock show, and a rodeo. Throughout the seventies and early eighties, the fair took place at various locations in the community such as the local park, churches and schools. Each location lacked some key elements necessary to house the ever growing and popular fair. In 1981 the fair committee decided to pursue a more permanent location for the fair. This committee, under the direction of Grant M. Bowler, was able to obtain 190 acres of ground in Logandale from the BLM. With a grant from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and the State Legislature construction began. Many others also contributed their resources to aide in the development of the new fairgrounds. In 1986 the Moapa Valley Fair officially changed its name to the "Clark County Fair". By 1988, the property had been cleared and fenced. Four buildings, a rodeo arena and various landscaping had also begun to take shape. In April, although the buildings were not yet completed, the very first Clark County Fair was held. Since that time, the fair has grown rapidly. With great effort from many volunteers, new buildings, bleachers, stages and animals facilities have been added. In 1997 due to the ever so popular Rodeo, the fair once again changed its name. Now known as the Clark County Fair & Rodeo over 80,000 patrons come to the fair every spring. It has been the combined work and efforts of many volunteers that have developed and managed the Fair and successfully produced an old-fashioned, family oriented fair for so many people to enjoy. With a part time staff of four, and over 500 volunteers working together, we pledge to continue to bring this flavor and fun to each and every Fair.

 

As I said...April is a great time to be here.

Here are some highlights:

 

April 2018

4/4 - 4/21

Jennifer Lopez

4/6

Gin Blossoms

4/6 - 4/7

Ray Romano and David Spade

4/7

April Wine

4/13

Gary Puckett & The Union Gap

4/13

Steven Wright

4/13 - 4/14

Daniel Tosh

4/14 - 4/15

Aaron Lewis - SOLD OUT

4/15

Sebastian Maniscalo

4/20

Jay & The Americans

4/20 - 4/21

Jerry Seinfeld

4/20 - 4/21

Las Rageous

4/20 - 4/21

Ron White

4/27

Herman's Hermits

4/27 - 4/28

Mel Brooks

4/27 - 4/28

Pitbull

4/27 - 4/29

Andrew Dice Clay

4/29

Elton John - SOLD OUT

 

For dates and times, be sure to log onto the Las Vegas Online Entertainment Guide: lvol.com.

Igoshows.com is, of course, the place to read the reviews of all of the shows that are in town so that you can be better informed as to what you should expect from a certain production. The reviews are updated as needed to give you the knowledge you need to spend your entertainment dollars better.