BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: April 30, 2017
BY: Jackie Brett
PAUL RODRIGUEZ AND FRIENDS HEADLINE TROPICANA TWO NIGHTS
The Tropicana and the Laugh Factory are teaming up and launching a new Laugh Factory Concert Series starting with Latino comedy super star, Paul Rodriguez and fellow Latin Kings of Comedy Joey Medina, Manny Maldonado and Gene Pompa during Cinco De Mayo weekend May 5-6 in the Tropicana Theatre. Friday’s show is 9 p.m. and Saturday 10 p.m. Tickets are $39.95 to $79.95.
In a phone interview with Rodriguez, it’s mostly nonstop laughing. As one of the most influential Hispanics in America, he always works on Cinco de Mayo. “I wish there was a cuarto, tres and more ‘de Mayo’ and Latin holidays,” he said and commented on Las Vegas. “I love Vegas but I lack self-control. It’s a fabulous city of extremes!”
Rodriguez has been working movies with more than 45 to his credit including Adam Sandler’s recent Netflix film “Sandy Wesler,” and “Ali” with Will Smith and Jon Voight that filmed in Africa. “We filmed three months in Africa without tortillas,” laments Rodriquez. “When there’s no tortilla, it’s a Mexican nightmare.”
Rodriquez is always working on some creative endeavor. “Residuals,” he said “Are my 401K plan along with the actors’ home.” A pilot he wants to make is three generations with him, Cheech and his son Paul Jr. But he said stand-up comedy is his real passion.
On a serious note, he’s been writing a film “Freddy’s Fabulous Food” about overeating for four years. “I’m too cheap to pay people,” he said tongue-in-cheek and continued, “America has the fattest poor people in the world. The script is about a young mother of six with a sister in Africa, who buys a taco truck.” While there is a funny side to the script, it’s still a conscious look at starvation. This low budget project may be ready in time for the October film festivals.
MAGICAL MEMORIES WITH DISNEY FINE ART OPENS AT FORUM SHOPS
In May, Magical Memories featuring Disney Fine Art will open at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. The gallery is designed with theme-park inspired special effects, an interactive fiber-optic entrance, and a private viewing room modeled after a studio executive’s office. Styled as a 1950’s sound stage from the Golden Era of animation and filmmaking with mid-century furniture and vintage props, the aim is to bring canvas to life with audio/visual special effects that will over time include hourly firework shows and custom projections.
The film executive’s office will feature a digital screen that functions as a window overlooking a studio lot when not displaying artwork from Magical Memories stable of officially contracted artists. Special events at the gallery will enlist a cast of characters, including a rotating selection of featured artists and talent from the film animation realm. A custom recreation of a classic animator’s desk will be activated for artist visits.
DOWNTOWN ROCKS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES NAMES MORE HEADLINERS
Fremont Street Experience has announced additions to its Downtown Rocks Summer Concert Series lineup. Headliners on the roster for 9 p.m. free outdoor performances include: Friday, May 26: Theory of a Deadman; Monday, July 3: Ann Wilson of Heart; Saturday, July 22: Good Charlotte; Saturday, Aug. 12: Rick Springfield; Saturday, Aug. 26: Seether; Friday, Sept. 1: Collective Soul; and Saturday, Sept. 30: Chevelle. On Saturday, June 10, entertainment will be the Rock’n Road Trip Tour featuring Fuel, Tonic, Marcy Playground and Dishwalla at 7 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Street Stages. For complete entertainment information, visit www.vegasexperience.com.
PROOF TAVERN IS OPEN NOW AT LAKE LAS VEGAS
The newest gaming and dining destination at MonteLago Village is Proof Tavern, which recently had its grand opening. The tavern is the only establishment at the Lake Las Vegas with gaming, offering 15 video poker machines. There’s a full-service bar, breakfast, lunch and dinner options, and patio and inside seating. Hours are 8 a.m. to midnight Sunday – Thursday and 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday – Saturday. Happy hour specials are Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.
MORE ACTS BOOKED DURING EDC WEEK
Final phase of parties on the Strip during EDC Week, June 12–19, programmed around the 21st annual Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) dance music festival at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, June 16-18, will have more than 100 eclectic DJs and producers performing across more than 60 events at day clubs, pool parties and nightclubs.
Some of the names to be featured include: Bingo Players, Jonas Blue, Grandtheft & Henry Fong, Electric BBQ, Boys Noize, Schoolboy Q, Steve Powers, Jamie Jones & Green Velvet, Morgan Page, Rae Stemmund, Zeds Dead, Louis The Child, and TroyBoi, etc. See the full list of EDC Week events at www.EDCWeek.com.
ROCKERS SKID ROW AND KIX STOP AT THE CLUB INSIDE THE CANNERY
Hard rock bands Skid Row and KIX will bring their biggest hits to The Club at the Cannery on Saturday, May 13 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $21.95. In addition, concert goers can enjoy a free after-concert party at Victory’s Bar and Grill, where Skid Row’s Rachel Bolan will be spinning classic rock hits alongside Ryan Cook as part of the “Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio Show.”
Skid Row made the heavy metal scene in 1986. In 2013 and 2014, Skid Row released the first and second chapters of its “United World Rebellion” albums and they are currently working on the third and final chapter of the collection.
KIX gained popularity in 1978 and released its most famous album “Blow My Fuse” in 1988. More recently, the group released their documentary “Can’t Stop the Show: The Return of KIX.”
STEEL PANTHER VISITS HOUSE OF BLUES
Eccentric glam metal quartet and party band Steel Panther will hit the stage at the House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay for two nights May 4 and 11 at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $22.
In 2016, the band issued their first concert LP, “Live from Lexxi’s Mom’s Garage,” in conjunction with their first full-length film blending vignettes and other assorted antics with a glam-folk garage show. In addition to their first live record, 2016 also saw the release of their fourth studio album, “Lower the Bar.”
ROYAL TEA EVENT TO BENEFIT DISCOVERY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Discovery Children’s Museum is holding its annual family-friendly Royal Tea event at the Mandarin Oriental Ballroom Sunday, May 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. with proceeds benefitting the museum’s programming. Guests will enjoy a whimsical tea time in a storybook setting with expertly crafted scones, sandwiches, and pastries. Children will have an opportunity to use their imaginations and get creative with art activities throughout the event and to interact with real life princesses and storybook characters. Tickets are $150 for adults and $125 for children.
SPRINGS PRESERVE HOLDS ‘OHANA FESTIVAL
The Springs Preserve ‘Ohana Festival is a family-friendly celebration of Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture taking place Saturday, May 6 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Commemorating Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, this event will feature food, live music, performances by local hula schools, cultural workshops, island crafts activities, an outdoor luau with kids’ games, and more. Cost is $6.
IT’S HELLDORADO TIME
A time-honored tradition in Las Vegas is the month-long Elks Helldorado Days celebration culminating May 11-14 with PBR’s (Professional Bull Riders) Last Cowboy Standing, live music, a PRCA rodeo and a carnival at the Las Vegas Village. Created in 1934 and produced by Elks Lodge No. 1468, the 83-year civic event has raised more than $4 million to assist local children’s and veterans’ charities. The parade and event are sponsored by the Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial. For a list of Helldorado events, visit elkshelldorado.com.
The annual parade will take place on Saturday, May 13 beginning at 10 a.m. downtown on Fourth Street and is expected to last two hours traveling north from Gass to Stewart Avenue.
Also on Saturday, May 13 from 1–3 p.m. will be a presentation and book signing with Stan Paher, author of “Nevada: The Spirit of the Silver State” at The Mob Museum. This event will be free for museum members or with museum admission; or $4 off a single admission for visitors wearing an Elks Helldorado button on May 13. The first 10 guests to purchase the book will receive one free ticket to the rodeo.
AMERICAN PATRIOT FEST IS FAMILY AFFAIR
The third annual American Patriot Fest, a free annual family-friendly event designed to celebrate our armed forces, is returning May 18-21 at Craig Ranch Regional Park with new components. The American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT) will bring a replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall, there will a 5K and walk, and a Ride for Troops charity motorcycle ride.
The festival will begin with the arrival of the AVTT memorial wall, an 80 percent scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., visiting the Las Vegas Valley for the first time in a decade. The public is invited to view the wall free of charge and make rubbings of the names of their fallen loved ones 24 hours a day from 3 p.m. Thursday, May 18 to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 21. The official escort of the AVTT to Craig Ranch Regional Park will be on Wednesday, May 17 at 6 p.m. beginning at Henderson Harley-Davidson, with a free BBQ from 4 p.m.
On Saturday, the morning will start with the Red, White and Blue 5K Run and Walk, with the race and walk at 8 a.m. Tickets are $30, $25 for military and $20 for the walk.
The Ride for Troops motorcycle charity ride is also on Saturday beginning at the Henderson Harley-Davidson, where riders will have rare access to a military installation to tour a threat training facility featuring Soviet era equipment and vintage Russian motorcycles. The ride will conclude at Craig Ranch Regional Park where participants will receive a complimentary meal. Tickets are $30 and $15 for active military.
The American Patriot Fest activities will run 4-10 p.m. Friday, May 19 and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 20. There will be bounce houses, kids’ activities, military displays and performances by local bands with the country duo, Love and Theft at 8 p.m. on Friday and The Long Run – Experience the Eagles on Saturday at 5 p.m. Also on Saturday, attendees can enjoy a showcase of cars by 360 Car Show.
DRI HOSTS SPECIAL SCIENCE DAY EVENT
DRI GreenPower and the National Atomic Testing Museum are partnering to present the “May Science Be With You” special event as part of the area’s Las Vegas Science & Technology Festival. At the Desert Research Institute (DRI) on East Flamingo on Thursday, May 4 from 4-8 p.m., the free event will feature science presentations, hands-on activities, DRI lab tours, and a special appearance from the 501st Legion Star Wars Characters plus performances from the light saber guild.
A free public Kentucky Derby Viewing Party will be held at the South Point Grand Ballroom May 6 with doors opening at 9 a.m. There will be various food specials and complimentary drink tickets by placing bets at designated wagering stations in the ballroom. Guests can take part in an “All Under One Roof” $5,000 Twin Quinella by choosing the first two finishers. Professional handicapper, Patrick McQuiggan will dispense handicapping tips and tricks.
Chef Emeril Lagasse’s sports bar, Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo is celebrating the Kentucky Derby with a specialty menu accompanying viewing with more than 100 HD screens. Seasoned-menu items that day include: fried green tomatoes; Kentucky French fries; fried chicken biscuits; and Woodford Reserve mint julep.
La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway in Wynn will have the Kentucky spirit with its “Quadruple Crown” bourbon flight featuring one-ounce pours of four ultra-premium bourbons on Saturday, May 6 served while watching the horse race.
KENTUCKY DERBY INSPIRES MINT COCKTAIL
It’s time for the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 6. Along with placing bets and watching the event, the four Batali & Bastianich &B Hospitality Group (B&BHG) restaurants in Las Vegas at The Palazzo and The Venetian – Carnevino Italian Steakhouse; B&B Ristorante; B&B Burger & Beer; and OTTO Enoteca e Pizzeria – are serving a race-inspired cocktail on May 5 and 6. The $15 drink “Local Hero” is named after the #28 horse competing in this year’s race and made with Makers 46, Montenegro Amaro, simple syrup, muddled best mint and club soda garnished with fresh best mint, also known as spearmint.
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar at The Venetian will serve a specialty mint julep cocktail featuring Old Forester Bourbon on May 5 and 6.
The Dorsey, The Venetian’s newest cocktail bar, will celebrate with a specialty Julep for 2 (Don't Mind If I Do) cocktail, available on May 5 and 6.
ABOUT TOWN NEWS
Elton John for serious medical reasons had to cancel his entire April/May performance schedule of “The Million Dollar Piano” at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. His show is entering its final year of performances and will end its run in May 2018. His show will resume performances this October.
Jared’s Old Fashioned Hot Dogs & Hamburgers is now open daily from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Pawn Plaza downtown featuring a variety of classic hot dogs and hamburgers with a choice of toppings, onion rings, French fries and tater tots.
Howie D. of Backstreet Boys, currently performing at The Axis at Planet Hollywood, drove five laps around SPEEDVEGAS’ 1.5-mile Formula One-inspired track in a Ferrari 458 Italia and reached a top speed of 131 MPH.
The Flamingo hosts Beach Club at Night, a weekly Wednesday nighttime bonfire pool event beginning May 3 and running to the end of September with DJ Tavo, cocktails, games, etc.
The 2017 Hoops Central Celebrity Bracket Challenge winner at the Westgate was Golden Globe-winning actress and singer Pia Zadora. She was presented a $5,000 check for a charity of her choice, which is UNLV’s Project F.O.C.U.S. to help college students with intellectual disability and autism. Zadora beat 16 other celebrities in the inaugural bracket challenge and was presented the check by runner up, professional dancer Tony Dovolani of “Dancing with the Stars.”
For Teacher Appreciation Week through May 7, The Mob Museum is offering buy-one, get-one admission for teachers and educational support professionals. The same offer for Law Enforcement Appreciation Week will go to all federal, state and local law enforcement professionals May 14-20.
MORE AREA FOOD-RELATED NEWS
Backstreet Boys, who are celebrating their 24th anniversary, were at the grand opening of Sugar Factory’s newest confectionery location in Las Vegas at the Fashion Show mall. The group took a photo in front of the 14-seat horse-drawn carousel.
The buffet at the Eastside Cannery has closed.
Hard Rock’s World Burger Tour, a limited-time offering of Hard Rock Local Legendary© Burgers inspired by the taste and flavors from cafe locations around the world, runs May 1-June 25 with the Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas Strip a participating venue.
Zappos downtown will be host a Green Our Planet’s Farmers Market on Thursday, May 4 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. with more than 350 students from 35 Las Vegas elementary schools selling produce grown in their school gardens. Proceeds will go directly to the schools to expand and maintain their school garden programs.
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar located at Restaurant Row in The Venetian will feature shrimp n’ grits in honor of National Shrimp Day on May 9.
From May 1-31 during the 6th annual Great American Shake Sale, guests who donate $2 or more to the No Kid Hungry campaign receive a card for a complimentary hand-spun shake—valued at $6— for their next visit to Shake Shack.
Cabo Wabo Cantina inside the Miracle Mile at Planet Hollywood is offering a 20 percent discount for Military Appreciation Month to all active duty military members and veterans during the month of May.