Comedy star Jerry Seinfeld will return to Caesars Palace, May 2-3, for his first Las Vegas headlining engagement in eight years and be the first star after Celine Dion to perform in the new 4,000-seat, $95 million Colosseum. Tickets range from $75 to $150, call Ticketmaster at 702-474-4000.

In 1989, Seinfeld co-created and filmed the NBC pilot, "The Seinfeld Chronicles," which turned into the classic television series "Seinfeld" that ran nine years and ended in 1998. He can currently be seen in the docuemnary film "Comedian," which closely examines the birth of a comedy act and backstage life. The DVD of "Comedian" will be in stores on May 13.

The world's most successful classical crossover female artist, Charlotte Church, with international record sales topping 10 million albums, will make her first Las Vegas concert appearance at the Aladdin Theatre on April 19. Tickets are $50, $75 and $100, call 702-785-5000.

Church was born in Llandaff, Cardiff, on Feb. 21, 1986, and became an international sensation at age 13 with the release of her debut album, "Voice Of An Angel." Now only 17 years old, she has four hit albums to her credit. She will make her film debut this year in the comedy "I'll Be There," that will be released by Warner Brothers in the United Kingdom and the United States. She performs four songs in the movie.

Mark DiMartino, a longtime Las Vegas resident who owns the seafood Tillerman restaurant at 2245 E. Flamingo Road, opened the new contemporary Irish-American themed Tilted Kilt pub inside the Rio's Masquerade Village on St. Patrick's Day. The eatery is open daily from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. with a happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m., call 702-777-2463.

According to DiMartino, the Tilted Kilt puts a different slant on the popular trend of cozy Irish pubs by providing 24 premium beers on tap, bar games, unorthodox pub fare, Tilted Kilt Girls in sexy tartan ensembles and an eclectic d‚cor with a blend of Celtic artifacts and pop culture memorabilia.

The legendary vocal group, The Manhattan Transfer, will perform a special 9 p.m. concert in the Riviera's Royale Pavilion on April 12, as part of their 30th anniversary tour. The birth of the group was on Oct. 1, 1972, in New York. Tickets are $35 plus tax and fee, call 702-794-9280.

The group cut their first album, "The Manhattan Transfer," on Atlantic, in 1975 and also landed their first television show on CBS. Their album "Vocalese" in 1985 received 12 Grammy nominations. In 1992, the group released their first children's recording "The Manhattan Transfer Meets Tubby The Tuba." Staying versatile, in October of 2000, "The Spirit of St. Louis," based on Louis Armstrong's music, was released.

The seductive male strip revue, "Chippendales The Show" celebrated its one-year anniversary at the Rio this month and will recognize the show's 25th worldwide anniversary next month.

In honor of these anniversaries, Chippendales recently unveiled their updated Web site, which features interesting information about the show's history and the performers who have made Chippendales a household name. The Web site also allows women to contact their favorite performer as well as order merchandise, including everything needed for a bachlorette party night.

The completely fun-loving dance show filled with perfectly packaged hunks is performed nightly except Tuesday at the Theater at Club Rio. Shows are at 10 p.m. with the exception of 8 p.m. on Thursdays. Tickets are $34.95 and $44.95 plus tax, call 702-777-7776.

The 2003 Vegas Ventriloquist Festival, "Celebrating the Wonderful World of Edgar Bergen," will be held April 25-27, at Imperial Palace. It will honor Bergen, who would have turned 100 this year. The registration fee is $175, call 702-258-1556.

Bergen hosted his popular radio show, "The Edgar Bergen-Charlie McCarthy Show," from 1937 to 1957. He also made nine feature films and was awarded an Oscar for his contribution to the entertainment industry. In 1978, after 56 years in show business, Bergen announced his retirement in Las Vegas, performed for the last time on Sept. 29, at age 75, and passed away that same night following his act.

Bergen's work will be shown on film while family and friends share stories and his youngest son, Kris, accepts an "Askins Award," created by the International Ventriloquist Association, on his father's behalf. Past recipients include Paul Winchell, Shari Lewis, Willie Tyler and Jimmy Nelson.

Another highlight during the festival will be Las Vegas ventriloquist and festival promoter, Valentine Vox, "tying the knot" with fellow Las Vegas ventriloquist Eyvonne Carter on April 27 at 10 a.m. Ronn Lucas and his green dragon dummy, Scorch, will serve as Vox's best men; and second-generation ventriloquist Mallory Lewis, daughter of world-famous ventriloquist Shari Lewis, will serve as maid of honor alongside her mother's legendary puppet, Lamb Chop.

Giving the bride away will be Rick E. Lane, who appeared on the Ed Sullivan show 48 times. Pastor, and, yes, ventriloquist Sheila Loosley and her dummy, Digger, will perform the ceremony, while teenage ventriloquist Jessica Phillips and dummy, Daphne, will serve as bridesmaid and Native American ventriloquist Buddy Big Mountain and Windel will serve as head ushers.

Meanwhile, Edgar Bergen / Charlie McCarthy memorabilia is on display in The Auto Collections at Imperial Palace now through April 27. Bergen at age 19 in Chicago purchased his first McCarthy dummy for $35 in 1922. It was made of wood and actor W. C. Fields called Charlie McCarthy "the woodpeckers' pin-up boy."

Several McCarthy figures were made. In his will, Bergen bequeathed the original McCarthy to the Smithsonian Institute, where he is permanently on display.

The McCarthy on display at the Imperial Palace came from the Museum of Ventriloquism which was open in Las Vegas from 1997 to 2001.

For information, updates and a complete schedule on the Ventriloquist Festival, you can log on to www.ventriloquists.blogspot.com.

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Pearl Jam members Eddie Vedder, Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, and Matt Cameron will perform live in concert at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Friday, June 6, with special guests Idlewild. Tickets are $35, plus service charges, call Ticketmaster at 702-474-4000.

The MGM Grand performance is part of their major North American Tour, the band's first in three years. Pearl Jam is touring in support of their seventh studio album, "Riot Act," which features the recently released second single "Save You."

The Golden Nugget's 24 Karat Slot Club is offering a new rewards promotion for existing and new members. Points earned through June 4 are redeemable for various Martin Nievera rewards including a private "meet and greet" reception on June 5 with the celebrated entertainer hailed as the "Concert King of the Philippines."

Playing slots with the 24 Karat Club card can earn all members the chance to enjoy Nievera during his exclusive Las Vegas headlining engagement in the Golden Nugget's Theatre Ballroom, May 15-June 8. Members may earn slot club points to qualify for Nievera rewards at several levels, including two-for-one concert tickets, free tickets, a CD, and/or the exclusive cocktail reception. For more information call 1-800-634-3454.

Earlier this year, Nievera played to packed houses at the Golden Nugget. He is back by popular demand to perform 7:30 p.m. shows, Thursday through Sunday. Tickets are $45, call 1-866-946-5336.

As a tribute to spring's re-birth through May 31, swarms of huge butterflies have unfolded their colorful wings and are floating high above The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens' grounds located off the main lobby at Bellagio. The 15-foot and five-foot over scaled mechanical butterflies are covered completely in flowers and spread their wings.

The springtime display features a live butterfly exhibit, 10-foot tall sculpted palace urns holding 10-foot blooming branches, and shooting sprays of water that bounce from pool to pool. The visual displays are centered around a perfect replica of the Temple of Love at Versailles in France. The conservatory's changing exhibits are free to the public and worth a visit.

Longtime "Carol Burnett Show" comedy stalwarts, Tim Conway and Harvey Korma, will appear at the Stardust, April 2-5. Comedy impressionist Louise DuArt will open for the award-winning pair. Tickets are $59.95 plus tax, call 702-617-5577.

Conway and Korman displayed their comedic versatility for ten years on Burnett's TV show and each won four Emmy Awards. They recently joined Burnett as hosts of a CBS special featuring clips and outtakes from the series. The nostalgic reunion proved to be the fourth most-watched show of the season, attracting more than 30 million viewers.

Steve Allen discovered Conway on a local TV show in Cleveland. He gained star status as Ensign Parker on "McHale's Navy." His movie career includes starring roles in Disney films "The World's Greatest Athlete" and "The Apple Dumpling Gang." He also starred in his own TV sitcom and three variety specials. He won a fifth Emmy for a guest appearance on "Coach."

Korman earned plaudits for his portrayal of famed straight man Bud Abbott in the TV drama about comedians Abbott & Costello. His motion picture fame came when Mel Brooks featured him in "Blazing Saddles," "High Anxiety" and "History Of The World: Part I."

The Sahara Steakhouse has had a name change back to the House of Lords, which was what the old gourmet restaurant was named for many years. Entrees range from $18.95 to $58. In addition, the dining establishment is now open seven nights a week from 5 to 10 p.m.

World Featherweight Champion Marco Antonio Barrera will defend his crown against two-time world champion Kevin Kelley in a 12-round bout produced and distributed by HBO pay-per-view on Saturday, April 12. The World Featherweight Championship fight will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The undercard will also feature a title bout between WBA Featherweight Champion Derrick Gainer and Oscar Leon.

Marco Antonio Barrera (56-3, 39 KO's) is nicknamed "The Baby-Face Assassin" due to his aggressive style. After turning professional at age fifteen, Barrera was unbeaten for seven years, stopping 31 of 43 opponents by knockout, winning the Mexican, NABF and WBO titles along the way.

"The Flushing Flash," Kevin Kelley (54-5-2, 36 KOs) is a two-time, thirty-five year old world champion from Las Vegas who boasts a record of eight wins, two losses and a draw in world title fights.

Topical laugh master David Brenner is taking the stage at the 450-seat Suncoast Showroom, Mondays through Thursdays this month through March 27, to see if there's a continuing audience for the off-Strip resort. One advantage Brenner has is no two of his shows are alike because he concentrates on current affairs. Tickets range from $33 to $44, call 702-636-7075.

The Clark County Museum, located at 1830 South Boulder Highway in Henderson, will present its 14th Invitational Native American Arts Festival from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., April 4-6. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children and seniors, call 702-455-7955 for information.

The event highlights the history and artistry of Native American cultures, and includes artist demonstrations, a craft market under tents featuring more than 45 artists selling their work, dance and music performances, videos, cooking, foods, a children's "Make-and-Take" art area, and a special textile exhibit, "Kuna Mola: Maintaining Tradition Amid Change."

Approximately 50 of the CowParade Las Vegas cows are up for auction online at www.cowparadelasvegas.com through April 10. The artistic Las Vegas-themed bovines are being auctioned off in herds. The tentative schedule is: Herd 1 through March 25; Herd 2 - March 18-27; Herd 3 - March 26-April2; Herd 4 - April 1l-8; and Herd 5 April 3-10.

Pier 1 Imports, the home furnishings and furniture retailer, recently opened its fifth Las Vegas store off the Strip in Summerlin at 8945 W. Charleston Blvd. The new location marks the 40 year old company's 1,000th store and biggest one worldwide.

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