BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: Oct. 14, 2018
STYX PLAN SPECIAL TWO-ACT CONCERT AT THE PALMS
Legendary six-member rock band STYX will return to the Pearl Concert Theater at the Palms on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, at 8 p.m. and they will perform two sets in one night. Tickets start at $49.95.
After 14 years, STYX’s most ambitious 16th studio album and most rewarding album to date, “The Mission,” was released June 16, 2017, on the band’s label. For the first time ever, STYX will perform the album in its entirety as part of a two-act concert event. The second act will feature all STYX’s classic hits.
‘AGT’ FINALIST VICKI BARBOLAK DEBUTS AT THE LAUGH FACTORY
She may not have been in this past season’s “America’s Got Talent” (AGT) top five but comedienne Vicki Barbolak is still a Top 10 finalist and memorable character. The “Trailer Nasty Housewife” daringly left an indelible image at the finals coming out in a cheetah-print robe, taking it off and revealing a one-piece bathing suit; noting she thought it was a swimsuit competition.
Barbolak will be headlining at The Laugh Factory at the Tropicana Oct. 22-28 with 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. shows nightly. General Admission tickets are $37.95.
Barbolak now “sexty” as she proudly announces started her career as a comedienne when she was 38 years old. The go-getter saw an advertisement for a comedy class, took it, and after a couple of years met Mitzi Shore who helped her develop her skills. Adapting to her new career, she was selected as a member of Jay Leno’s “Laugh Squad” on NBC. In 2007, Babolak won Nickelodeon’s “Funniest Mom in America” hosted by Roseanne Barr.
The point is she’s not a newcomer; however, Barbolak notes she wasn’t famous but is now. “I thought I wouldn’t like it,” she said. “But, I love it! People are extremely nice.”
Asked why she decided at this point in her life to do AGT, she responded. “Why not. What did I have to lose…a tent!”
Barbolak says the biggest challenge for a comedian on AGT is the brevity only have two minutes to meet the audience and do jokes. Instead of at first resenting the time limit, she absorbed the Zen of it, even though she’s used to much longer shows. Along with other female joke makers, she’s been filling a 600-plus seat theater in Southern California as one of the headliners in “Funniest Housewives of Orange County.”
The 22-year comedy veteran, who is now an overnight success, also founded a mobile wedding business and considers herself “a woman of the cloth” because she loves animal prints. She’s also an actress having worked in “Call Me Crazy,” “Accidentally on Purpose,” and “Pickin’ & Grinnin’” movies.
In many respects, Barbolak’s career is just taking off. She will also be one of the acts in the AGT Champion show airing next January or February.
FLAMINGO HOLDS JIMMY BUFFETT PRE-CONCERT POOL PARTY
Margaritaville will host its annual pre-concert pool party at the Flamingo’s GO Pool Dayclub on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. to coincide with Jimmy Buffett’s 7 p.m. concert at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The Saturday all-day, outdoor party will offer guests interactive games, food and drinks, live entertainment by The Boat Drunks and giveaways. Admission is free.
Caroline Jones, who will be opening for Buffett, will also be performing inside Margaritaville Restaurant on Friday, Oct. 19 at 10 p.m.
SILVERTON WILL OPEN NEW CULINARY DESTINATION SU CASA
In early November, the Silverton will open its newest culinary venture, Su Casa. The eatery will merge trendy coastal Asian cuisine with the bold culinary traditions of Mexico and be nestled inside Mi Casa Grill and Cantina. The cozy full-service restaurant and bar will feature a completely new design and décor embracing a modern Asian experience.
The interesting mix of cultures and cuisine will take patron’s taste buds on a trip with fresh coastal favorites like Ceviche, Poke Bowls, Sashimi and Nigiri, and substantial dishes such as Sushi Rolls, Sushi Burritos, and Ramen.
Su Casa will be open for dinner Monday through Thursday at 4 p.m. and for lunch and dinner at 11 a.m. Friday through Sunday.
FREMONT STREET FEATURES ROCK OF HORROR EXTRAVAGANZA
Fremont Street Experience, the five-block entertainment district downtown, will be transformed into a mischievous haunt inhabited by the walking dead, zombies and creatures of the night during Rock of Horror, a Halloween extravaganza Oct. 26–31.
The six-day celebration will have haunts, flash mobs and free nightly entertainment including themed, theatrical musical performances by Alter Igor and Here Come the Mummies on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 9 p.m., as well as an exclusive production show “Wicked Dreams” with spirited visuals, dancers and aerialists.
Brave souls will also be able to explore the newest zombie-themed walk-through attraction downtown, “Fear the Walking Dead Survival,” inspired by AMC’s hit TV series, “Fear the Walking Dead™.” The multi-sensory adventure transports guests into a zombie apocalyptic world with motion rides, mazes, interactive and videogames.
FREAKLING BROS. CELEBRATES LGBTQ AND HALLOWEEN SPIRIT
Freakling Bros. returns and will hold its second Freakling LGBTQ Night on Thursday, Oct. 18 to kick off Pride Week 2018 offering special two-for-one tickets of the same type at the Trilogy of Terror, as well as a free rainbow glow necklace.
The Trilogy of Terror is celebrating its 26th terrifying season in Las Vegas with three haunting experiences: the classic Castle Vampyre $15; the experimental Coven of 13, which replaces Circus of Horrors, $15; and the R-rated Gates of Hell $17.
Freakling Bros. The Trilogy of Terror is located at 4245 S. Grand Canyon Drive and operating through Oct. 31. The box office operates 7 p.m. to midnight Friday-Saturday and until 11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday. From Friday, Oct. 26 through Wednesday, Oct. 31 it will remain open until midnight.
MIGHTY MIGHTY BOSSTONES PERFORM DOWNTOWN ROCKS CONCERT
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones will be a bonus show on Sunday, Oct. 21 as part of the free Downtown Rocks concert series at 9 p.m. The show will be on the 3rd Street stage, near the D, Four Queens and Fremont casinos.
The group, best-known for popularizing ska punk in the musical mainstream, will rock with a playlist of their chart-topping hits including “The Rascal King” and “Someday I Suppose.” The Boston, Mass., natives released their fifth studio album in 1997, “Let’s Fact It,” which went platinum with the help of their hit single, “The Impression That I Get.”
DOWNTOWN BREW FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR SEVENTH YEAR
Motley Brews’ Downtown Brew Festival (DBF) is returning to the Clark County Amphitheater for its seventh year on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 5-9 p.m. The event showcases more than 250 beers from 70 breweries, “Festaurant Row”, and live music.
The entertainment will include: songwriter - producer Ryan Whyte Maloney; rapper - songwriter Mike Xavier; and musician Vin A. Tickets start at $40 for general admission.
Maloney, who placed in the top 20 contestants on “The Voice,” is a session and studio vocalist and multi-instrument prodigy. Local rapper, Xavier, performs positive hip-hop music at dozens of clubs along the Strip and large-scale festivals. Vin A.!, who performs nightly on the Strip with the Bronx Wanderers, was recently the opening act ahead of Bon Jovi at T-Mobile Arena.
DOWNTOWN CONTAINER PARK HOLDS HALLOWEEN-THEMED EVENTS
Downtown Container Park open-air shopping center and entertainment venue will host an October Kids Camp event, Halloweentown, on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Lawn will be transformed from a grassy knoll to a creepy-crawly haunted haven. Each $10 ticket includes amusements like witch hat ring toss, a pumpkin balloon wall, balloon artist, face painter and the opportunity to create custom painted pumpkins to take home. Children will also be able to indulge in tasty treats and beverages. Tickets are online at the Downtown Container Park’s website.
On Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. costumed children are invited to an evening of trick-or-treating. Guests can go to retail tenant-to-tenant for special gifts and candy followed by a complimentary sunset screening of the haunted holiday animated film, “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
MINUS5 AT MANDALAY PLACE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS
Minus5 Ice Experience opened its first Las Vegas ice attraction 10 years ago inside The Shoppes at Mandalay Place. In celebration, the attraction is promoting a special entry offer and birthday-inspired cocktails throughout the month of October.
The entry deal is 20 percent off all entry packages at both Las Vegas locations, which includes the outlet at Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian. For the discount offer, text “COOLFOR10” to 313131, or mention the code at the door.
The drink deal is two for $10 birthday shots made with coconut rum, pineapple juice and topped with whip cream and sprinkles.
‘THE LION KING’ COMES BACK TO LAS VEGAS
Disney’s “The Lion King” has a limited three-week engagement The Smith Center Nov. 7-25. The musical’s North American touring productions have played more than 80 cities and been seen by more than 20 million theatergoers. The show was last performed more than 1,000 times in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Theatre from May 2009 – December 2011.
A special sensory-friendly performance will be presented at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17 for individuals with sensory sensitivities and other intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families. This marks the first-ever sensory-friendly performance of a touring Broadway show in Las Vegas, with support provided by Windsong Trust and other donors.
LAS VEGAS BOOK FESTIVAL IS NEVADA’S LARGEST LITERARY EVENT
Reminder, the 2018 Las Vegas Book Festival will take place Saturday, Oct. 20 at the Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth Street. The annual event featuring best-selling authors, panel discussions, and workshops for all ages is free and open to the public.
There will also be festival areas dedicated to musical performances – the Discovery Tent, readings – the Imagination Tent, illustration demonstrations – the Engaged Tent, and workshops in Room 140. The event’s full schedule is online at Las Vegas Book Festival.
THRIVEHIVE HOSTS BUILDING YOUR BRAND EVENT
ThriveHive, a local digital marketing firm, is hosting an exclusive Building Your Brand panel and networking event on Monday, Oct. 29 at 3 p.m. at The Hill at TPC Summerlin as part of Shriners Hospitals for Children Tournament Week events. The expert panel will feature the biggest names in the growing Las Vegas sports industry including reps from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, UFC, Raiders and Vegas Golden Knights. Reservations can be made online. The event is free and open to the public.
Shriners Hospitals for Children Open is Oct. 29 through Nov. 4 at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas.
HALLOWEEN-THEMED FOOD AND BEVERAGES
Andiron Steak & Sea in Downtown Summerlin will hold its first Spooky Ball on Friday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. The haunting evening affair will feature a live DJ, fortune teller, photo booth, Halloween-inspired cocktails, passed appetizers, and an array of food stations and devilish desserts. Costume attire is strongly suggested; however, no weapons or masks are allowed. Tickets are $79 online at the restaurant’s website.
Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood will celebrate Halloween and Dia de los Muertos with a handcrafted spooky cocktail, Once Bitten, offered Friday, Oct. 26 to Friday, Nov. 2. In the spirit of the holiday, the cocktail will be served in a skull-shaped souvenir glass, priced at $13.
Gold Coast’s Cornerstone Classic American Steakhouse is debuting a festive Halloween cocktail menu through Oct. 31 during lounge and restaurant hours 4–10 p.m. Bewitching handcrafted cocktails include: Dark N’ Spooky; Black Magic; Sweet Poison: and Witches Brew.
Therapy Restaurant downtown is featuring the ghoulish Boozy Bat cocktail through Oct. 31. The $10 concoction is made with bourbon, dark chocolate liqueur, the customer’s choice of brandy or cognac and honey syrup topped with Guinness, house made coconut hazelnut whipped cream, fresh grated cinnamon and a cocoa powder bat.
CELEBRITY NEWS ITEMS
Following the UFC event earlier this month, stars from the CBS drama “Seal Team” AJ Buckley, Max Thieriot and Judd Lorm with wives and friends had dinner at Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Steakhouse at the D Las Vegas. Thieriot tackled the restaurant’s signature 32-ounce tomahawk.
Actress Bella Thorne, known for her role as CeCe Jones on the Disney’s series “Shake It Up,” celebrated her 21st birthday at Sugar Factory American Brasserie at the Fashion Show on Oct. 8. After years of celebrating her birthdays at Sugar Factory and enjoying the restaurant’s virgin signature candy goblets, Thorne was excited to have an adult goblet.
OFF-STRIP RESTAURANTS FEATURING SPECIAL DINNERS
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill Downtown Summerlin will hold its second dinner in The Grill Gathering Series on Tuesday, Oct. 23 from 6-8 p.m. Guests will experience Chef Daniel Stramm and Executive Chef Matt Hurley from CUT at The Palazzo featuring their take on a New England Style Clambake. Tickets are $75 inclusive at Eventbrite.
Downtown Grand’s fifth anniversary is currently underway, and Chefs Scott Commings and Brearley Hernandez are taking their Culinary Road Trip dinner series across the street to property’s own Triple George Grill on Thursday, Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m. featuring a taste of some famous steakhouses in America. Tickets to the multi-course steakhouse experience are $55 with live music and five perfectly-paired cocktails included. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar will highlight the family-run Piemontese winery Braida for its next Taste & Learn event on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. “Braida” was the nickname of Giuseppe Bologna, the family’s patriarch. Tickets are $65 inclusive; call 702-364-5300.
Honey Salt at 1031 S. Rampart Blvd. will hold a Fall Harvest Farm Table Dinner served family-style on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m. The meal will feature Anson Mills polenta, Gilcrease Farms squash, and Bellwether Farms ricotta highlighting the finest natural and fresh products. Tickets available online are $49 with an optional wine pairing for an additional $25.
DINING • BEVERAGE NEWS
Chef Scott Conant’s Italian eatery Masso Osteria at Red Rock Resort started a weekly Sunday brunch with activated food stations, bottomless drinks, and a live DJ from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The live station offering is $42 and includes a choice of one main dish. Bottomless drinks including a Bloody Mary bar, Bellinis or Mimosas are $25.
The Salvation Army’s benefit night at Romano’s Macaroni Grill at 2001 N. Rainbow Blvd. will be Thursday, Oct. 18 from 4-9 p.m. The company will give back 20 percent of dinner sales to the nonprofit.
Carmine’s inside The Forum Shops at Caesars will celebrate with unlimited pasta on National Pasta Day Wednesday, Oct. 17. Known for its oversized, family-style portions, Carmine’s will offer all-you-can-eat penne, rigatoni, spaghetti with choices of garlic and oil, Pomodoro, marinara and vodka sauces from 2– 4 p.m. at a cost of $25 for two people. Advanced reservations required, call 702-473-9700 or go online.
Cabo Wabo Cantina will celebrate National Mezcal Day on Sunday, Oct. 21 with a signature cocktail and shot flight. With two of Mexico’s national spirits being mezcal and tequila, Sammy Hagar’s party cantina will offer a $14 spicy signature cocktail “El Santo” created with Hagar’s own Santo Mezquila, which is a combination of both liquors. The holiday-exclusive shot flight, the “3-Way,” will featuring three mezcal pours from Jalisco, Mexico, including Santo Mezquila, Xicaru and El Silencio for $24. Single pours of mezcal begin at $14.
On Oct. 16, Beer Park at Paris began hosting basketball viewing parties for the season with beer buckets and tailgate fare.
FUNDRAISER FOR NOTES WITH A PURPOSE
The benefit brunch-concert “Mimosas & Mozart” fundraiser for Notes with a Purpose will be held Sunday, Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. at Domsky Glass, the gallery and workshop of glassblowers Larry and Barbara Domsky, who are resident artists at Wynn. This multi-sensory concert with brunch and social mingling will be held at 2758 South Highland Drive with 100 percent of proceeds going to the nonprofit. Tickets are $50 and VIP $125.
