February 2020

 

It’s difficult to find a better place to be, then Las Vegas in February.  The weather is gorgeous.  There are tons of things to do--The Super Bowl, Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year, and MAGIC; just to name a few.  February is the shortest month of the year, but it’s packed full. February is a busy time for conventions, and is always the start of new things as the city looks ahead to the summer

 

 February 2 - Super Bowl LIV will be held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. Kansas City Chiefs verses San Francisco 49ers. The Chiefs are favored to win by only 1.5 points. It should be a great game.  Find a great sports book and have a blast.

 

Some of the interesting days that occur in February are:  The 2nd is National Groundhog Day.  February 4 is National Thank a Mailman Day. February 5 is National Shower with a Friend Day. The 7th is National Periodic Table Day.  The 8th is National Kite Flying Day.  The 11th is National Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk day.  February 17 is National Random Acts of Kindness Day.  Also February is An Affair to Remember Month, and the 3rd Week of the month is International Flirting Week.

 

2020 is a year of the Rat, starting from January 25th, 2020 and lasting until February 11th, 2021. It will be a Metal Rat year. In 2021, a year of the Ox will follow. The Year of the Rat is the first zodiac sign in the Chinese zodiac cycle. According to the Chinese zodiac story, in the competition held by the Jade Emperor to decide the zodiac animals, the quick-witted rat asked the diligent ox to take him on a ride to cross the river and jumped down before the ox crossed the finish line, so the rat won the race and became the first of the zodiac animals. Rats are quick-witted, resourceful, and smart but lack courage. With rich imaginations and sharp observations, they can take advantage of various opportunities well. In Chinese culture, rats represent working diligently and thriftiness, so people born in a Rat year are thought to be wealthy and prosperous.

 

Every February and August, the retail industry convenes in Las Vegas for the United States’ most comprehensive fashion marketplace - MAGIC. Here you will find the latest in apparel, footwear, accessories, and manufacturing. From the height of advanced contemporary luxury brands, to the latest trends in fast fashion, MAGIC fuels the business of fashion.  MAGIC is in town the 5th – 7th to introduce the spring fashions. MAGIC is one of the biggest conventions of the year with nearly 100k attendees...but in addition to this convention; there are also a couple of hundred other conventions that hit the city this month. 

 

Valentine’s Day!  February 14th falls on a Friday this year.  A great day to be in Vegas for a wedding.  Look for weddings and a long weekend.  Normally, Las Vegas hosts nearly 10,000 weddings per month, and on Valentine ’s Day, they should do about 7,000.

 

Three Legends come together to celebrate Vegas. The longest-running headliner in Las Vegas history, Frank Marino, joins the longest-running production show, Legends in Concert in its legendary home at Tropicana Las Vegas, for an all-new Vegas extravaganza. Starting February 10, audiences will celebrate Vegas with three Queens and a King. The Queen of Las Vegas, Frank Marino will star as comedic legend Joan Rivers, alongside incredible tributes to the legend of Queen, Freddie Mercury, and the King and Queen of Rock n Roll, Elvis Presley and Tina Turner. Fans will be taken into a “Bohemian Rhapsody” with Fernando Castro’s mesmerizing tribute to the one and only Freddie Mercury and the iconic catalogue of Queen; moved to get up and dance with Vivian Scott’s “Simply the Best” recreation of Tina Turner, and Elvis returns to the Legends in Concert Theater with hunk of “Burnin’ Love” Matt Lewis and his beloved portrayal of The King. 

 

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO LAS VEGAS SAYS GOODBYE WITH FINAL TOAST DURING THE LAST GREAT PARTY WEEKEND, FEB. 1.  Known for unforgettable memories and iconic musical performances, @HardRockHotelLV will give one final toast to an iconic 25 years in Las Vegas on Saturday, Feb. 1.  Say goodbye to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas during a final toast at the iconic off-Strip property.

 

TriviaCon, April 3rd-5th, The Rio; casual and hardcore trivia players from around the globe will converge in Las Vegas in April 2020 for the first ever TriviaCon. With more than 75 different events taking place over the weekend, there will be something for everyone. Over $50,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded. This event is the only one of its kind: other conferences have a weekend schedule of events for trivia fans, and others still award big cash prizes, but none combine the two to create the ultimate trivia experience like TriviaCon will.

 

Gordie Brown Limited Engagement – Opens February 11.  Captivating and hilarious, resident Las Vegas headliner Gordie Brown delivers an exhilarating show of music and laughs, making him one of the most sought-after impressionist comedians of our time. His dynamic collection of material makes for one hilarious high-energy performance! Gordie Brown will perform every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday in The Showroom.

 

52 Fridays Concert Series in the Golden Nugget Showroom

The Yardbirds – February 7 at 8:00 p.m.

The Yardbirds features a lineup of innovative and legendary musicians— notably, of course the Yardbirds’ leader/drummer/singer/co-founder Jim McCarty, guitarist Godfrey Townsend, bassist Kenny Aaronson, singer/harpist/percussionist Myke Scavone, and lead singer/guitarist John Idan.  Since the Yardbirds’ birth from 1963 to 1968, and then its 2003 reformation, the group has been known for its incredible guitarists. Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page, plus rhythm guitarist/bassist Chris Dreja have contributed to the band’s history. Jim McCarty continues to lead this innovative British rock band that provides the crucial link between British R&B, Psychedelic Rock, and Heavy Metal, while pioneering the use of innovations like fuzztone, feedback and distortion. The drummer/singer/songwriter is responsible for its haunting sound.

 

Blue Öyster Cult – February 14 at 8:00 p.m. 

For over four decades, Blue Öyster Cult has been thrilling fans of intelligent hard rock worldwide with powerful albums loaded with classic songs. Indeed, the Long Island, NY-¬‐based band is revered within the hard rock and heavy metal scene for its pioneering work. Blue Öyster Cult occupies a unique place in rock history because it's one of very few hard rock/heavy metal bands to earn both genuine mainstream critical acclaim as well as commercial success.

 

Grand Funk Railroad – February 21 at 8:00 p.m. 

Originating from Flint, Michigan in 1969, this top selling American rock group of the ‘70s is “Comin’ to Your Town to Help You Party It Down.” Grand Funk Railroad is excited to tour in 2018 marking a milestone in which they played to millions of fans on tours from 1969 to 2018. The band will continue to reach both new and long-time fans.

 

FireHouse – February 28 at 8:00 p.m. 

FireHouse is an American glam metal band formed in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1989. The band reached stardom during the early 1990s with hit singles like "Don't Treat Me Bad" and "All She Wrote", as well as their signature ballads "I Live My Life for You", "Love of a Lifetime", and "When I Look Into Your Eyes."

 

 

Prepare to take a heart-stopping journey through the dazzling world of Las Vegas entertainment with the critically acclaimed production, "EXTRAVAGANZA – The Vegas Spectacular."  This thrilling new Las Vegas production from the creators of "WOW – The Vegas Spectacular" and Caesars Entertainment will make its North American premiere on March 14, 2020, on the iconic stage at the Jubilee Theater inside Bally's Las Vegas. Tickets are on sale now.  This extravaganza of passion and thrills features sensual performances that showcase the captivating talents of over 30 of the most talented, sexy and breathtaking artists from around the world - including dancers, acrobats, aerialists, skaters, ventriloquists, comedians and, the return of the iconic showgirl to the legendary Jubilee Theatre.  Beautiful feats of strength and flexibility will make you gasp while the spectacular sets, massive LED screens and state-of-the-art holograms (which include some of Las Vegas' most famous headliners, from Elvis to Frank Sinatra, among others), will take your breath away. 

 

Longstanding comedy club and entertainment company, The Comedy Works, has a full slate of nationally acclaimed stand-up comedians and up-and-coming talent scheduled to appear at the Plaza Hotel & Casino.

January 30-February 1: Kevin Brennan – Host of the wildly popular Misery Loves Company and Burning Bridges podcasts, Brennan was voted “Best Comedian” at the 2005 Aspen Comedy Festival which led to him taping his own HBO half-hour comedy special. Brennan started his career in Chicago but soon relocated to New York City to pursue his dream of being on the Late Show with David Letterman. He nailed his first Letterman set which led to bookings on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Last Call with Carson Daly. Brennan is also a former writer/performer on Saturday Night Live.

February 6-8: Steve Byrne - One of the industry’s most innovative and sought-after performers, Bryne has evolved throughout the years into an extremely versatile entertainer. Hailing from Pittsburgh, Penn., Byrne was born to a Korean mother and an Irish father. His unique background gave him the base comedic material for his first television show, Sullivan & Son, which aired for three seasons on TBS.

February 13-15: Mike Gaffney – With a conversational comedic style, Gaffney discusses day-to-daylife, not only as a single dad, but as a friend, son, uncle and all-around good guy.  Gaffney is a comedy club favorite thanks to his likability, high energy and quick wit that keeps audiences engaged and entertained. A semi-finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing. Executive Producer Wanda Sykes was so impressed with him that she used his clip to promote the show on Ellen and The View. He has appeared on The Artie Lange Show, Gotham Comedy Live, and 30 Rock and has his own weekly podcast All in Our Heads.

February 20-22: Jade Catta-Preta – A Brazilian Comic who was recently tapped to host The Soup on the E! Network beginning in February of 2020, Catta-Preta performs stand-up comedy all over the country and features for Bill Burr, Kevin Nealon and Bobby Lee. You can catch her on Pop's New Series Return of The Mac and Trutv's Those Who Can't, Greatest Ever and Comedy Knockdown.

February 27-29: Kevin Farley – After studying at the famous Second City in Chicago, Farley starred in films such as Black Sheep with his brother Chris Farley and The Waterboy with Adam Sandler. He is a regular comedian at notable venues such as The Laugh Factory in Los Angeles and Chicago and The Improv in Los Angeles and Palm Beach, Florida. His TV guest appearances include Curb Your Enthusiasm, Rules of Engagement, The Neighbors, Hot in Cleveland, Just Shoot Me, United States of Tara, True Jackson, VP, Comedy Central’s Drunk History, and Hawaii Five -O to name just a few.

March 5-7: “The America I Grew Up In” with Jeff Allen – Now in his fifth decade as a working comedian, Allen has been on Comedy Central, VH-1, Showtime, TBN, CBN, Family Net and many other television networks. He has performed for our troops on aircraft carriers and ships in the Indian Ocean. Allen is heard regularly on SiriusXM’s comedy channels and on the fast-growing comedy internet sensation, Drybar Comedy, surpassing 30 million views on Facebook and YouTube. He also produced and starred in his own sitcom pilot for Castlerock Television and in the critically acclaimed films, Apostles of Comedy.

 

 

At ABSINTHE, two's company but three's a party! The Green Fairy invites you and yours to celebrate Valentine's Day at her garden party under the boughs of the Electric Oak at ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace. From 7 p.m. through 2 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, the sprawling Green Fairy Garden will transform into a date night paradise featuring music from a live DJ, samplings of Freakshow Wines, multiple cash bars, and more. There is no charge to access the Green Fairy Garden and its plentiful amenities, but visitors are always encouraged to turn up the party with a trip inside the Spiegeltent to experience one of ABSINTHE's nightly performances at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

 

Founder and four-time world champion bull rider Tuff Hedeman has announced that the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding, presented by Boot Barn and Discount Tire, will be held another year at the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center on Saturday, Feb. 29 at 7:00 p.m. Featuring Hedeman’s signature style event 24 of the world’s best bull riders will compete in an invitation-only, exciting three-round competition.

 

Fremont Street Experience, the six-block entertainment district located in historic downtown Las Vegas, will celebrate NASCAR Weekend with free, non-stop live entertainment and an unforgettable performance by multiplatinum rock star and frontman of Poison, Bret Michaels on Saturday, Feb. 22 beginning at 9 p.m. Best known as the lead singer of the chart-topping rock band Poison, Michaels has taken the music world by storm since the release of his solo debut album Custom Built, which peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Rock list. Collaborating with some of music’s most influential artists including Joe Perry, Loretta Lynn, Jimmy Buffett, Ace Frehley and Michael Anthony, the multifaceted entertainer has also made a name for himself in the film industry directing, producing and staring in record-breaking reality shows “Rock of Love with Bret Michaels” and “Life As I Know It.” Additionally, Michaels is a passionate philanthropist serving as a spokesperson and sponsor for the American Diabetes Association and has championed to help raise more than $10 million for charities such as Michigan’s Rainbow Connection, Rock the Cure, VH1’s Save the Music, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Hospital and more.

 

The North American Tour of the critically acclaimed, award-winning THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL will make its Las Vegas premiere at The Smith Center in Las Vegas Feb. 4-9. THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL explodes with energy and features an original pop and rock-infused score by a legendary roster of Grammy® Award-winning songwriters.

 

The Annual Pahrump Hot Air Balloon Festival returns to Petrack Park Feb. 21-23. The three-day family-friendly festival will fill the Pahrump skies with more than 30 colorful hot air balloons from the western states and will host a variety of additional activities for the whole family.  Guests can watch the balloons lift off in the morning and then stay for more fun as the festival continues throughout the day, and will feature a youth rodeo, mutton busting, car show, carnival with midway games, tethered balloon rides, cold inflation experiences, tasty bites, vendors and more. In the evening, enjoy a mesmerizing glow show where more than a dozen balloon will illuminate Petrack Park as they synchronize their balloons to music.

 

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is pleased to welcome one of the most influential bands in rock music, Dave Matthews Band, to The Chelsea on Friday, Feb. 28.  Currently nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Dave Matthews Band has released nine studio albums and numerous live recordings, selling a collective 38 million CDs and DVDs combined since the 1994 release of its 6x Platinum major label debut, Under the Table and Dreaming. With the release of 2018’s Come Tomorrow, Dave Matthews Band became the first group in history to have seven consecutive studio albums debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. 

 

The Aces of Comedy series at The Mirage Hotel & Casino continues to 'deal' big laughs by adding dates for crowd favorites Iliza Shlesinger and Jim Jefferies.

 

Shlesinger is one of today's leading comedians selling out theatres around the world to a fan base which shows their loyalty by creating Iliza-inspired swag to wear to her shows. This month she will launch her fifth stand-up special "Unveiled" for Netflix – her past specials on Netflix are "Elder Millennial," "Confirmed Kills," "Freezing Hot" and "War Paint." This past summer she released "Over & Over," a documentary that gives fans a behind-the-scenes look into the making of "Elder Millennial" and will next be seen co-starring opposite Mark Wahlberg in "Wonderland" as well as her new Netflix series "The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show" both premiering in 2020. Ticket prices start at $29.99 plus tax and service fees.

February 7 – 8, 2020

July 10 – 11, 2020

 

Jefferies is one of the most popular and respected comedians of his generation, entertaining audiences around the world with his provocative, belief-challenging and thought-provoking comedy. He was recently honored as Stand-Up Comedian of the Year at the Just for Laughs Festival. His eponymous Comedy Central series "The Jim Jefferies Show" debuted its third and final season on March 19, 2019. As a strong voice in late night, the weekly series featured Jefferies traveling across the globe to tackle the top news stories and controversial issues of the day.

February 14 – 15, 2020

 

 

Critically acclaimed actor and author Rob Lowe is returning to Las Vegas as part of his "Stories I Only Tell My Friends: LIVE!" tour. After a successful show in April of 2019, Lowe announced his return to The Strip with an additional tour stop at Criss Angel Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Saturday, February 15, 2020. Inspired by the success of his two NY Times Best-Selling memoirs, Stories I Only Tell My Friends and Love Life, Rob has created an all-new, peek behind the curtain at Hollywood, fame, fatherhood, marriage, and a life lived at the forefront of culture for four decades. Broadway World calls Lowe "as personable and charismatic of a presence onstage as he is onscreen." 

 

And in honor of Valentine’s Day:

 

I asked my friend if he'd bought his wife a gift for Valentine's Day.

 

He's a bit of a chauvinist pig so he surprised me when he replied, "Yeah, I've got her a belt and a bag."

 

I said, "That's very thoughtful of you. I hope she appreciates it."

 

He said, "So do I. And hopefully the vacuum cleaner will work much better now."

 

 

 

What is the difference between a calendar and you?

 

A calendar has a date on Valentine's day.

 

 

Yesterday morning, my wife woke up with a start.

 

When I asked her what the matter was, she said, "I just had a dream you gave me a diamond ring and diamond earrings for Valentine's day. What do you think it means?"

 

I winked and said, "You'll know tonight."

 

In the evening, I came home with a small package and gave it to my wife.

 

She was delighted and opened it excitedly.

 

In it was a book called "The meaning of dreams".

 

 

My wife just sent me a text saying, "I've just got you the best Valentine's Day present ever! xox"

 

I really hope she mispelt "Xbox".

 

 

My wife rang me at work on Valentine's Day.

 

She said, "Three of the girls in the office have just received bunches of flowers. They're absolutely gorgeous."

 

I said, "That's probably why they've been sent flowers then."

 

 

What do you call a very small Valentine?

 

A Valen-tiny.

 

 

It's always exciting to get a Valentine's Day card pushed through your door, with no stamp on it - just your name on the envelope.

 

Except when you're in prison...

 

 

Yet again, this Valentine's Day I'll be in my house all alone, watching a film on TV and eating a takeaway.

 

I really can't see a downside.

 

 

Last Valentine's Day, my fiancee of four years bought me a lottery ticket and I won $5 million.

 

I wonder what's she doing nowadays?

 

 

My wife just called me lazy and said I'd better have something planned for Valentine's Day.

 

I said, "Yes, I was thinking of taking the Christmas decorations down."

 

 

For the last twenty years, I've received a Valentine's Day card from the same secret admirer.

 

So I was upset when I didn't get one this year.

 

First my gran dies, now this?

 

 

I've just booked a table for me and my girlfriend on Valentine's Day.

 

I hope she knows how to play snooker.

 

 

I gave blood today.

 

It may not be the best Valentine's Day present but at least it came from the heart.

 

 

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.