by Jackie Brett Send Me E-mail

AEG Live and The Venetian announced that legendary Diana Ross will perform a special nine-show engagement at The Venetian Theatre from April 1-18. Tickets to “The Essential Diana Ross: Some Memories Never Fade” start at $59.50.

Ross' famed and remarkable career spans almost five decades and includes many major awards, accolades, and music history milestones. Her show at The Venetian will highlight the diva's illustrious career and feature a carefully curated music list covering Ross' musical milestones. Beginning in the ‘60s, Ross was lead singer of the world-renowned group, The Supremes. As the most successful American group in history,

Ross achieved the unprecedented feat of 12 number-one singles in the United States.

In her solo career, Ross garnered six number-one singles. In the United States alone, to date, she has tallied 31 Top Ten singles and 14 Top Ten Albums selling more than 100 million units around the globe.

The music icon is forever cemented in history with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “Stop! In The Name of Love,” “Where Did Our Love Go” and “You Keep Me Hangin' On” have all been inducted into the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame.

FOUR NEW RESTAURANTS IN LAS VEGAS

The Buffet Is New At Excalibur

The media experienced the newly redesigned contemporary buffet at the Excalibur located on the Castle Walk. The new look is refreshing and the layout is simple and spacious accommodating up to 610 guests at a variety of booths, banquettes and loose seating.

The six food stations are located in the back and what's really nice is a long overdue concept of having a full bar located inside next to the food. It's always been that the wait staff takes your drink order and has to go to an outside bar to get it. Makes you wonder what took so long for someone to put a bar inside for convenience.

When you enter The Buffet, you come upon the room's focal point, which is the dessert station with treats and two interactive areas where guests can have made-to-order crepes and ice cream bars hand-rolled and dipped.

Hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Prices range from $17.99 for breakfast to $26.99 for dinner on Friday and Saturday. There are also discounted children's prices and all-day passes. Something else is a Buffet To Go for $16.99 Monday-Thursday and $19.99 on weekends and holidays.

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar At The Venetian

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar to The Venetian® hosted before and after parties for Bob Anderson's debut of his Sinatra show. This restaurant by 50 Eggs, Inc. has been successful in South Florida for 10 years.

Yardbird occupies an 8,000-plus square-foot-space in the resort's busy Restaurant Row and seats180 guests throughout the main dining room and two private rooms, one of which accommodates 25 guests for a reception and 16 seated for dining. The décor is comfort oriented in a setting featuring wood reclaimed from old barns. A highlight on the walls is a rare 75-piece collection of John R. Hamilton black-and-white photography from the 1940s to '90s showing many celebs... when they were younger or alive.

Urban Turban, A Bombay Kitchen And Tapas Bar

Urban Turban is a Bombay Kitchen and Tapas Bar located near the Strip in an area plaza at 3900 Paradise Road. This is Urban Turban's first location in the United States following success with the original New Zealand location. Owners Jasmine and Bhushan Arolkar drew inspiration from their hometown in India. The culinary team is professional chefs who integrate classic Bombay flavors and spices with contemporary Indian fare favorites. Urban Turban is open daily from 11 a.m. until late.

Urban Turban has a separate bar area and a big dining room. The restaurant offers an extensive wine and cocktail menu in a modern dining ambiance. There is a happy hour from 3-7p.m. in the bar and DJ Brandon A Godfrey plays on Saturday from 10 pm till late.

Northside Café at SLS

SLS Las Vegas opened the 24-hour Northside Café this weekend serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night menus inspired by Las Vegas' classic coffee shops. Northside Café occupies the centrally located space that was formerly home to The Griddle Café that restaurant founder and owner Jodi Hortze closed last year to operate her brand in-house.

LEGENDS IN CONCERT AT FLAMINGO HAS NEW LINEUP

“Legends in Concert,” Las Vegas' longest-running live tribute show now in its 31^st year, has a new talent lineup for the spring season at the Flamingo. The show's new Elvis has Leo Days' making his Las Vegas debut. Katy Perry is portrayed by Nellie Norris and Steven Tyler by Chris VanDahl. Performing in Las Vegas for the first time, Elisa Furr takes the stage ad Celine Dion starting Feb. 2. Current cast member and fan favorite Jason Jarrett, performing as Michael Jackson, will continue his reign as the King of Pop. “Legends in Concert” is performed 11 times a week.

‘THE GENDER DEFENDERS’ VISIT PLAZA VALENTINE'S WEEKEND

“The Gender Defenders” will be a he said-she said comedy show performed at the Plaza downtown for a special, limited run on Valentine's Day weekend, Feb. 13 and 14. It's a humorous take on the sometimes-frustrating relationship between men and women. Show times are 9 p.m. and tickets are $25 for general admission.

The show is hosted by transgender comedian Jaye McBride, and stars nationally-touring comedians Kelly MacFarland and Steve Caouette, who bring their unique views on relationships to the audience (and each other), making sense of their own perspectives and how they see the other “species.”

MORE DATES SET THIS YEAR FOR THE ACES OF COMEDY SERIES

As part of The Aces of Comedy Series that launched in 2010 at The Mirage, comedian Ray Romano, best known for “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “Men Of A Certain Age,” will again team up with David Spade April 10-11 and May 29-30. Known as Dennis Finch, the wise-cracking, power-hungry assistant on “Just Shoot Me,” Spade became a household favorite during his five-year stint as a cast member of NBC's “Saturday Night Live.” The comedian was most recently seen in his Comedy Central special “David Spade: My Fake Problems” and is currently working on a memoir to be released in fall 2015. Tickets start at $79.99.

Daniel Tosh will return April 24-25. Tosh is one of the most requested headliners in the country and currently stars in “Tosh.0,” a series he executively produces for Comedy Central. Tickets start at $59.99.

Ron White, best known as the cigar smoking, scotch drinking funnyman from the “Blue Collar Comedy Tour,” will perform many dates in 2015 starting June 5-6. White has established himself as a star in his own right with multiple comedy albums and videos including “Drunk In Public,” “They Call Me Tater Salad” and “You Can't Fix Stupid.” Tickets start at $59.99.

TROPICANA WEDDINGS INTRODUCES ROCK STAR WEDDING PACKAGE

Tropicana Weddings, which is a full-service wedding venue with a free-standing wedding chapel, is partnering with the resort's headlining show “Raiding the Rock Vault” to offer a Rock Star Wedding Package with lead vocalist Paul Shortino, who is also an ordained minister, serving as the officiant.

To launch the package, “Raiding the Rock Vault” has selected a couple to wed in the inaugural service on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at The New Tropicana. Shortino as minister will be joined by fellow “Raiding the Rock Vault” stars serving as ushers. Access to the nuptials will be granted to fans through contests on social media, who will be invited to attend the ceremony and an exclusive VIP reception and see the show.

The Rock Star Wedding Package is available for $1,399 and features many amenities including VIP tickets to “Raiding the Rock Vault” and meeting the band.

TOP OF NEXT COLUMN

The Laugh Factory at the New Tropicana will celebrate veteran comedian Sammy Shore's 88^th birthday on stage and with a birthday cake on Saturday, Feb. 7. Shore was the comic who was hand-picked by Elvis as his opening act. Headlining the entire week, Feb. 2-8, will be Brian Scolaro and Rick Right with Traci Skene hosting. Tickets for the 8:30 and 10:30 performances are $34.95 and $44.95.

Scolaro is an actor, writer, and stand-up comedian who did his own half hour special, “Comedy Central Presents Brian Scolaro,“ as well as appearances on network shows. He is best known for playing Doug on TBS' new hit series “Sullivan and Son,” and was Stuart Miller on FOX's “Stacked,” starring Pamela Anderson. More appearances among many include TNT's “Men of a Certain Age,” Bob Odenkirk's “The Brothers Solomon,” and as Goblin on the Disney Channel's “The Wizards of Waverly Place.”

After 28 years, and several thousand gigs in 37 of the 50 states and 24 countries, Right is still entertaining with his knowledge of all that is worth ridiculing in the world of music. What sets Right apart from other musical comedians is his ability to create a musical on-stage based on challenges/requests from the audience. His knowledge of popular music is encyclopedic and his talents include being a fine guitarist, singer, impressionist, and humorist.

Skene was featured on season seven of NBC's “Last Comic Standing.” She co-wrote “The Comedy Bible,” the complete resource for aspiring comedians, which was published by Barron's Educational Series.

“LIPSHTICK - The Perfect Shade of Stand Up” has added Sarah Colonna to the list of powerhouse comediennes to appear on The Sands Showroom stage in 2015.

The “Chelsea Lately” regular and New York Times bestselling author will make her Lipshtick debut alongside fellow funny girl, Iliza Shlesinger on Saturday, May 2. Colonna's book “Life As I Blow It” chronicles her journey through stand-up. Appearing next will be Lisa Lampanelli on Feb. 7.

With the launch of eKey, guests at The Cromwell boutique hotel can now take advantage of entering their hotel rooms with only their phone. All 188 rooms are enabled for mobile key. This launch is the first step in a larger initiative to bring eKey to the majority of Caesars Entertainment affiliated properties, including nine resorts on the Strip.

Hotel guests using the eKey will receive a link to download The Cromwell app and an access code tied to their iOS device and reservation. When the app is downloaded, guests enter their ID number and enter their room by placing their iOS device next to the lock. The eKey will also activate the hotel elevator. The Cromwell is Las Vegas' first hotel to utilize Kaba's cloud-based, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) enabled locks featuring Legic ID Connect.

Martin Nievera will make a return visit to the M Resort's 2,300-seat M Pavilion on Saturday, April 4 at 7 p.m. Singer Nievera has earned 18 platinum records as well as five double-platinum, three triple-platinum and one quadruple-platinum album. As an actor, Nievera has appeared in 11 movies and seven television series and specials. He is currently a host on the musical variety television show “ASAP” and recently appeared as a celebrity judge on “The X Factor Philippines,” both programs of the popular ABS-CBN network in The Philippines. Tickets are $30, $38 and $46.

Throughout the month of February, Harrah's headliner comedy-magician Mac King is partnering with the YMCA of Southern Nevada, The Toy Box in Downtown Summerlin and Splash Studios LLC to collect books for elementary school children in local at-risk schools. Mac King is inviting the public in February to donate three or more new or gently used children's books at YMCA locations to receive a pair of tickets to “The Mac King Comedy Magic Show” and special offers from the host venue. King will personally deliver the books to kids in at-risk schools on March 2-6, during Nevada Reading Week 2015.

Tony Sacca and Saccettes Joelle Righetti and Connie Murray, who are both veteran performers from “Legends in Concert,” will take the audience on a captivating musical journey a 10-piece ensemble on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 4 p.m. in the Chrome Showroom at Santa Fe Station. Sacca's personal song exploration will be sprinkled with his hometown sounds of Philly, tributes to Barry Manilow, The Four Seasons, Doo Wop, his original Las Vegas songs and a touch of Broadway. The cover charge is $15 cash at the door. Call 702-364-8669 for advance reservations.

Love is in the air and murder on the menu for Valentine's week Feb. 9-15 at “Marriage Can Be Murder” at the D Las Vegas downtown. The “killer” date night special includes a glass of champagne, a rose, box of chocolates, an evening of murderous fun and a three-course meal. Cost is $74.98 per person; online promo code is VDay15.

The Gateway Arts Foundation will present Motown and more starring The Fabulous Nite Kings at the Starbright Theatre Sunday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18, call 702-255-0695.

Reminder that an opening reception will be held on Friday, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. for the debut of visual artist Linda Alterwitz's exhibit “While I Am Still,” combining art with science and technology to explore the human spirit, at “The Studio” inside the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District's Sahara West Library, 9600 West Sahara Ave. Exhibit runs through May 9.

The Vegas Shoot, the world's largest indoor archery tournament, will attract novice to Olympic archers for three days of competition at the South Point Arena Feb. 6-8. As the first leg of the 15th annual three-star tour, more than 2,500 archers will compete for $275,000 in cash and prizes. This event is free and open to the public.

The LVCHA Weekend Winter Championship Cutting Horse Event and Western Gift Show will be Feb. 11-15 at the arena. This event is free and open to the public.

The Rocky Mountain Gun Show will be in the South Point Exhibit Hall Feb. 14 and 15. The two-day exhibition offers access to one of the world's largest displays of machinery, ammunition and apparel.

Back Bar USA will present “For The Love Of Cocktails” in partnership with world-renowned mixologist and author Tony Abou-Ganim, the United States Bartenders' Guild (USBG), Delano Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay, and Herbs & Rye. The three-day mixology event runs Feb. 12-14.

On Thursday, events include: Meet The Masters Wine Dinner at Aureole in Mandalay Bay from 6-9 p.m.; Cocktails and Conversation at Franklin in Delano from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.; and The Life of a Bartender at Herbs & Rye, 3713 W. Sahara Ave., from midnight to 4 a.m.

There will be Cocktail Seminars and Interactive Classes on Friday from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The headlining event will be the “For The Love Of Cocktails” gala that evening at miX on the 64^th floor of Delano from 7-10 p.m. with more than 30 mixology stations with bartenders from Las Vegas and around the world featuring original cocktail recipes crafted with fresh ingredients, plus live entertainment and passed hors d'oeuvres. Fundraising tickets are $75.

On Saturday, there will be a Bloody Mary Brunch at Della's Kitchen inside Delano from noon to 3 p.m.

Andre's Restaurant and Lounge at Monte Carlo will host its first Whisk(e)y Wednesday of 2015 on Feb. 4 and showcase the Duncan Taylor company's Black Bull. Whisk(e)y Wednesday takes place in Andre's signature second floor cigar lounge and features an unlimited whisky tasting. The “grand tasting” will showcase two sessions: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight. After the debut of the new flight, it will remain on Andre's menu until the next tasting on April 1. Cost is $35.

The Lounge inside Palms continues to offer affordable and free live entertainment. Franky Perez and Barry Black will make 10 p.m. special guest appearances this month.

Perez will perform on Saturday, Feb. 14. He was a seasoned veteran of the Vegas music scene by age 16. In 2015, Perez is a staple on the LA and Las Vegas live circuit, Sons of Anarchy will release a documentary featuring Perez's voice and original music, The Forest Rangers continue to play shows and are scheduled for a 2015 Stagecoach appearance, and Perez continues as a regular guest with Camp Freddy off shoots The Royal Machines and Matt Sorum's Kings Of Chaos. Perez's latest studio album was “Addict” 2014.

Fresh from competing on NBC's “The Voice” in 2013, Black competed on “The Voice” in 2013. In 2014, he released his new EP “Lost and Found,” the first of three new albums in the BBSoul Trilogy.

WET REPUBLIC Ultra Pool at MGM Grand has a collection of new and returning highly acclaimed DJ superstars taking over the turntables this summer. The new talent (in alphabetical order) includes Armin Van Buuren, Chuckie, DVBBS, Oliver Heldens, Krewella, Nicky Romero and Showtek. Returning headliners include Calvin Harris, Tiësto, Hardwell, and Steve Aoki as well as Afrojack, Above & Beyond, The Chainsmokers, Fergie (DJ), Martin Garrix, Dada Life, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, The Bingo Players, Eva Shaw and W&W.