by Jackie Brett Send Me E-mail

The iconic chanteuse and multi-platinum global superstar Mariah Carey has begun her residency and new show “MARIAH #1 TO INFINITY” at Caesars Palace. The production has been designed exclusively for The Colosseum with a six-piece live band, three back-up vocals, two DJs and 10 dancers choreographed by Nappytabs, the double Emmy Award-winning married choreographers Tabitha D'umo and Napoleon D'umo. Tickets range from $55 to $250 for her 8 p.m. performances.

Carey is the best-selling female artist of all time with more than 200 million albums sold and 18 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 singles (17 self-penned), more than any solo artist in history. She performs her 18 hits in chronological order.

In tandem with her headlining residency and groundbreaking record, Carey will release her first album with exclusive collaboration with Epic Records, arriving in stores Monday, May 18. The final track on the collection is “Infinity,” co-written and produced by Carey.

HELLDORADO DAYS INCLUDES PARADE AND RODEO

The 2015 Las Vegas Helldorado Days celebration and rodeo will return to Symphony Park Thursday through Sunday, May 14-17, 100 S. Grand Central Parkway. Helldorado was created in 1934 and produced by the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge No. 1468. The 81-year civic event has raised during its history more than $4 million to assist local children's and veterans' charities.

The annual and historic downtown Helldorado Parade will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 16 instead of in the evening like in the past. With 100 entries, the parade is expected to last approximately two hours heading north on Fourth Street from Gass to Stewart Avenues.

Helldorado Days, an annual cowboy-themed outdoor festival, offers a nightly Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeo, carnival, live music, exhibits, vendors and food, as well as a parade, whiskerino contest, Farm Days for school children, and other activities.

NEW FOUNTAIN AND ESCALATOR AT THE FORUM SHOPS AT CAESARS

The Forum Shops recently debuted the new Laocoon Fountain and escalator making the transition from the level two to three visually-picturesque with a straight path at The Forum Shops at Caesars. The Laocoon Fountain, a 2,000 gallon waterfall cascading down 14 feet with three mushroom-style bubblers, leads to a custom replica of a famous ancient statue depicting Laocoon and his sons fending off a sea serpent.

GREAT AMERICAN FOODIE FEST ROLLS INTO GRAND BAZAAR SHOPS

Building off of successful past Las Vegas events and its recent expansion to San Diego, the Great American Foodie Fest rolled into Grand Bazaar Shops, the newest open-air shopping attraction on the Las Vegas Strip, directly in front of Bally's last Friday and will continue into the summer opening at 10 a.m. daily.

Participating trucks include: Jogasaki Sushi Burrito; 2015 “Best of Las Vegas” winner, Dragon Grille; Nonna's Kitchenette; White Rabbit; Island Time Floats; I LUV Cotton Candy; Frach's Fried Ice Cream; Bacon Boys; and “The Great Food Truck Race” season five winner, Middle Feast.

HUSSONG'S CANTINA WILL OPEN SECOND LAS VEGAS LOCATION

Hussong's Cantina will open its second Las Vegas location this summer in the Boca Park Fashion Village on the west side of Las Vegas. The original Ensenada restaurant, which offers Mexican fare with a Baja twist, margaritas and a buoyant atmosphere, debuted its first U.S. location in 2010 at The Shoppes at Mandalay Place, followed by a second location in Reno in 2013.

The new 3,250-square-foot location will mark the debut of the first premium fast-casual location with a full bar, the Hussong's ambiance and famous margarita with a pared down menu for quick and easy service. Highlights of the new menu include expanded taco offerings with new-to-market specialty items and a one-of-a-kind salsa bar with a variety of flavors.

The margarita was created at Hussong's Cantina Ensenada in 1941 and the now-famous Original Margarita, which took home Best of Las Vegas honors in 2015, will remain the signature libation, backed by an inventive and expansive cocktail menu.

GLUTTON AND VEGENATION SHARE DOWNTOWN ADDRESS

The building at the corner of 7^th and Carson downtown recently got a new face lift and some new tenants: Glutton talked about in a recent column and VegeNation. Two of Downtown's newest eateries are both located at 616 East Carson Ave.

VegeNation serves fresh, vegan menu options. Most of the plants and vegetables used in the dishes are locally sourced and many of the herbs are grown at the restaurant. The bar menu features a selection of “juicetails” made from locally sourced distilled liquors and cold pressed juices. In addition to the plant based menu, the establishment itself is green-rated and used composted and reclaimed materials for its interior, focusing on sustainability in design and practice. VegeNation is open for lunch and dinner daily.

Create A Change Now, a local charity teaching at-risk students to plant, grow and cook fresh, healthy meals in order to prevent childhood obesity, will host its annual Food Revolution Day Dinner at VegeNation on Sunday, May 17 from 6:15 to 9 p.m. Five Las Vegas chefs will create a three-course dinner comprised of appetizers, entrees and desserts while educating individuals on nutritional values and the importance of healthy eating. Featured chefs will include: Jesse Moreno of MGM Grand; Donald Lemperle of VegeNation; Holly Fonda of Bite Vegan Bakery; Johnny Church of MTO Café; and Shane Stuart of Grass Roots. Tickets start at $75.

INSOMNIAC AND EBAY LAUNCH FIRST EDC WEEK CHARITY AUCTION

Insomniac, in partnership with global e-commerce partner eBay Giving Works and dozens of EDC Las Vegas partners, has launched the first EDC Week Charity Auction to raise funds for local charity, Culture Shock Las Vegas (CSLV). The auction offers fans of Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), unparalleled access to the festival, its DJs, multiple Las Vegas hot spots, and much more. The auction of more than 50 unique experiences runs through Friday, May 15, at 9 a.m. PT at Ebay.com/Insomniac.

This is the first auction of its kind to be launched by a music festival. A couple examples of items being offered are: party in Pasquale Rotella's cabana, make sushi with a megastar; become a Cirque du Soleil performer; etc.

COMEDY STAR BASILE HEADLINES THE LAUGH FACTORY

A vigorous trio of comedians will take over the stage inside the Laugh Factory at the New Tropicana Hotel May 11-17 with comedy star Basile headlining along with Spencer James and Traci Skene hosting. Show times are 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $34.95 and $44.95.

Currently, Basile is touring throughout North America with his show “A Pinch of Basile.” He also stars in the critically acclaimed comedy series “Growing Up Greek in America,” which is spoken in Greek and English. Basile has made more than100 television appearances throughout the world and is known for his voice work as Universal Studio's Bullwinkle J. Moose and other voices for the Cartoon Network. In March of 2010, Basile was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on an episode of ESPN's “30 for 30,” recalling “The Legend of Jimmy the Greek.”

CHARLIE CHAPLIN'S ‘THE KID’ SCREENED WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

Charlie Chaplin's 1921 silent movie “The Kid” starring Chaplin as the Tramp and child star Jackie Coogan will be screened like a classic cinematic experience reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties with the Henderson Symphony Orchestra at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 7 at the Henderson Pavilion, 200 S. Green Valley Pkwy. As audiences watch the duo's story and the events that may jeopardize their relationship unfold on the silver screen, the orchestra performs the musical score, synchronizing the soundtrack and sound effects to each scene for nearly 70 minutes. Tickets start at $12.

TOP OF NEXT COLUMN

Broadway starlet Annaleigh Ashford known for her roles in “Rent,” “Wicked,” “Legally Blonde” and her Tony-nominated performances in “Kinky Boots” and “You Can't Take It With You” will appear at Cabaret Jazz on Saturday, June 27 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 28 at 2 p.m. with her “Lost in the Stars” show. With songwriter and music director Will Van Dyke and the Whiskey 5 band, “Lost in the Stars” celebrates the classic cabaret with an eclectic mix of music from the Donna Summer's disco days to the haunting melodies of Kurt Weill and Stephen Sondheim to a sing-a-long of Alanis Morrisette. Tickets start at $49.

The Carnival of Cuisine culinary spectacle will be held poolside at The Palazzo® on Friday, June 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. and feature a special visit by celebrity chef Mario Batali. This celebrated annual event showcases cuisine from the distinguished restaurants at The Venetian and The Palazzo. Restaurant partners already confirmed include: Aquaknox, B&B Burger & Beer, B&B Ristorante, Bouchon, Buddy V's Ristorante, Café Presse, Carlo's Bakery, Carnevino, db Brasserie, Lagasse's Stadium, LAVO, Otto Pizzeria, Public House, Table 10, TAO, Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, and ZINE Noodles Dim Sum. General Admission tickets are $100, VIP $150.

On Saturday, May 16, the streets of Tivoli Village will hold its inaugural spring event, Streetfest. This one-day-only festivity will feature the fresh52 farmers market, live music, raffles, unique street food and beverage provided by the property's culinary experts, special popup experiences including outdoor games, beer gardens and much more beginning at 10 a.m.

Machine Guns Vegas(MGV), a premiere firearms facility, is saluting veterans this Memorial Day by hosting a shooting benefit and parking lot party complete with a weenie roast and all proceeds benefitting Wishes For Warriors. The “Shoot to Salute” event will take place Monday, May 25 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Machine Guns Vegas, located at 3501 Aldeberan Ave. There will be a live raffle with more than $5,000 in prizes. Event registration is $160, call 877-955-4172.

“X Burlesque” celebrated its 13^th anniversary at the Flamingo.

This month, The Beatles™ LOVE™ by Cirque du Soleil® at The Mirage began offering Sunday matinee performances at 4:30 p.m. through the remainder of the year.

Sky Suites at ARIA has unveiled Sky Pool, an upscale exclusive pool with personalized services such as a private guest entrance, complimentary refreshments, luxurious amenities and more. The lavish hideaway offers 125 single and 15 double chaise lounge chairs as well as five daybeds.

In honor of the band's nine-show residency at The Joint, Journey unveiled its memorabilia case at the Hard Rock on Wednesday, May 6. The display is complete with pieces from the band's history as well as personal items from each member.

Delano Beach Club at Delano Las Vegas is now open introducing a new pool experience with a South Beach-inspired paradise including an a whimsical oversized chess board perched atop the pool's refreshing wet deck.

The payment technology Apple Pay will make its Las Vegas Strip debut at The Cosmopolitan this summer. In addition to Apple Pay, all terminals will accept any and all existing forms of electronic payment, including contactless systems such as Google Wallet.

The Golden Nugget will kick off the 2015 pool season with its first time night swim, “Rock Out Inside The Hideout,” on Thursday, May 14 from 7-11 p.m. Downtown's brand new pool scene will feature music spun by DJ G-Squared and drink specials. Entry is free for locals and $20 for non-locals.

Nevada-based band Big Talk will perform live at the Bunkhouse Saloon at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26. The band has worked alongside music experts including Grammy Award-winning producer Joe Chiccarelli, former Weezer bassist Matt Sharp and American guitarist Ted Sablay. Doors open at 7 p.m. and admission is $15.

CRUSH at MGM Grand has introduced new happy hour specials available Monday-Thursday 5:30-7 p.m. and 10 p.m.-closing.

Chef-owner Daniel Boulud and Chef de Cuisine David Middleton of db Brasserie at The Venetian have created a limited-edition burger in honor of the restaurant's first year anniversary. The Le Grande Burger with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut is available for $50 in May.

Michael and Jenna Morton's La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway at Wynn has introduced a number of new menu options to complement the change in season.

Aureole at Mandalay Bay will hold an exclusive six-course wine-pairing dinner with Famille Perrin, the leading organic wine grower of the Southern Rhône Valley on Tuesday evening, May 26. Mandalay Bay's director of wine Harley Carbery, along with proprietor Marc Perrin, will host the event and give insights. Cost is $250, call 702-632-7401.

TREVI inside The Forum Shops at Caesars will honor dads this Father's Day with a hearty Italian three-course prix fixe menu and specialty cocktail pairing offered exclusively on Sunday, June 21 for $45.95 per person.

Made L.V. at Tivoli village will hold a Tequila Dinner with Chef Mike Minor on Wednesday, May 13 and Chef Sam “Sammy D” DeMarco Keeps It Hot! Dinner on Wednesday, May 20. Each dinner is $39.

DJ and record producer Kaskade was spotted dining at the newly opened Itsy Bitsy: Ramen and Whisky downtown with the restaurant's managing partner, DJ Five, a resident DJ to several of Las Vegas' biggest nightclubs.

Acclaimed Chef Hubert Keller has combined his affinity for beer and brunch with his new brunch menu at Fleur by Hubert Keller at Mandalay Bay served every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Following an expansion, which doubled their capacity last month, CraftHaus Brewery will be offering their craft beer in cans beginning with four-pack 16-ounce cans of two flagship beers, Evocation, a Saison style, and Resinate, an India Pale Ale.

Radius° Rooftop Pool & Wet Lounge on the 25^th floor at the Stratosphere will open to the public in May.

The 4^th Annual Sundown Downtown event will be held Friday, June 5 from 6 to 10 p.m. The theme is “A Night at the Museum, Under the Stars.” The outdoor adult soiree features small bites, refreshments, and entertainment donated by Downtown Las Vegas businesses. Event proceeds assist in furthering the mission of the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. Single tickets are $55 and $100 per couple.

On Saturday, May 16 from 2-4 p.m., the Las Vegas Natural History Museum will host a speaking engagement and booking signing with the world-famous paleontologist Dr. Jack Horner. He will discuss why bony features such as horns, plates, shields, and spikes were not used for defense or any kind of combat. Event is free with paid admission to the museum.

Dr. Horner discovered the first dinosaur eggs in the Western Hemisphere, the first evidence of dinosaur colonial nesting, the first evidence of parental care among dinosaurs, and the first dinosaur embryos. He served as the technical advisor for Steven Spielberg's “Jurassic Park” movies and is the inspiration for the movie's lead character Dr. Alan Grant. He has the honor of having two species of dinosaurs named after him.

A concert and fundraising event is planned on Friday, May 22 at 7 p.m. by Cirque du Soleil performing artist and musician Sami Saula at Domsky Glass Studio, 2758 S. Highland Drive. The special event is to help Saula and his wife, Leslie, raise funds to pay for their son's extensive medical bills. Four-year-old Elann Saula was born with hypogammaglobulinemia, a disorder in which the body creates a level of antibodies too low to sustain a normal immune system. Saula, who performs as a musician in “Ka,” at the MGM Grand has released a CD of world music titled “Awaken.” It is also available for purchase at www.samisaula.com.

The Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities will host the 13th annual Drive for Charity Golf Tournament Presented by Insomniac on Monday, June 8 at TPC Summerlin. The tournament helps those in need in Southern Nevada and benefited more than 45 charities in 2014 alone. The entry fee is $250.