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Sunday, June 20, 2004 PRIOR ISSUE   -   ARCHIVES
Smash Mouth, Go-Go's, Springfield Play The Bay, Tangerine Ready To Peel, Women On Audition Block, Premier Bridal Show Premiers, Cats Take Over Museum, Brett Butler Tops Riv, Tony Danza Taxis In, "We Will Rock You" Readies, "Spotlight" Hits Highlight, Love Concert Set, Free Downtown Entertainment, Zagat Says Bring The Family, More...

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Jackie Brett
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The alternative rock sounds of the group Smash Mouth, formed in 1994, will play at the Mandalay Beach outdoor concert stage on July 10. Tickets are $38.50 in advance and $44 day-of-show, call 702-632-7580.

The female band The Go-Go's will take over the open air venue on July 24. The group is one of the first commercially successful female bands that was independent of male producers or managers. The band got its start in 1978 as The Misfits. Tickets are $37.50 and $40 day-of-show.

Rick Springfield is set for Sept. 3. Born in Sydney, Australia as Richard Springthorpe, his musical career started in high school after forming the band Zoot in 1968. After going solo and moving to the U.S., he recorded his first single "Speak to the Sky." His career took a turn when he became famous as Dr. Noah Drake on the hit soap opera "General Hospital" in 1981. Tickets are $38.50 and $44.

Other acts set for the outdoor venue include Counting Crows on June 25, Cyndi Lauper on July 23 and Reo Speedwagon on Sept. 4.

"M"...Mariachi Passion & Tradition," the ultimate mariachi experience presented by Rodri Entertainment Group, is now open at the V Theater inside Desert Passage at the Aladdin. The Latino-themed extravaganza delivers performances by 15 musicians and vocalists, 11 men and four women, who showcase Mariachi music.

The 90-minute show has audience participation and a brief video montage on the great mariachi legends. The "M"...Mariachi show is bi-lingual with a 22-song set and features Maureen, a nine year old prodigy.

Performing Wednesday thru Sunday, show times are 10:30 p.m. nightly, plus at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $66 and $55 inclusive and matinees are $55 and $45, call 888- 652-7847 or 702.892.7790.

The nightspot Tangerine at Treasure Island will open on July 2 with a performance by Carmen Electra. It will be a burlesque atmosphere with a jazz trio performing at the indoor-outdoor club. This is the third club from Jennifer Worthington and Robert Frey, who opened Coyote Ugly at New York-New York and BiKiNiS at the Rio.

Later this summer, look for Ivan Kane to open a spin-off of his Hollywood club at the Mandalay Place retail mall. The Forty Deuce club will be 45,000 square feet. In addition, the club's preparation and opening will be cause for a Bravo cable network reality show. "Forty Deuce" will break down into four hours of "docudrama."

Palms Resort owner George Maloof and Ford Models are teaming up to create the 1st Palms Girl Competition. The contest is open to woman ages 21-35 and will take place on three separate days over the summer. The first event on June 27 at 1 p.m. at the Skin Pool Lounge will feature a concert by Island Def Jam recording artist Everlast and a party atmosphere with a barbeque. The following dates will be July 25 and Aug. 22.

The women will be auditioned and filmed throughout the day. Video clips of the finalists will be on the Web site and voted on by visitors. The winner will receive a one-year, $100,000-plus contract with the Palms which includes a salary and Palms benefit package, wardrobe allowance, spa and beauty allowance, one-year car lease, possible film and television work, and a housing allowance. The four finalists from each day's competition will appear in a Palm's calendar for 2005.

Congratulations to the very upscale, glossy, high society fashion "Vegas" magazine on its one year anniversary. A late night party around the glamorous pool at Caesars Palace was a perfect setting for hundreds of people to honor the occasion.

The Premier Bridal Show will make its Las Vegas debut on Saturday, Sept. 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The extravaganza, aimed at upscale couples tying the knot, will feature top local wedding professionals and informative workshops, demonstrations and fashion shows. The one-day event will be held in the Rio's Pavilion Convention Center. Admission is $14 at the door. Attendees can get discounted rates by pre-registering on their website.

Sam's Town on Boulder Highway netted 32 first place wins in "Casino Player" magazine's 2004 annual poll in the "Local Las Vegas" category. The resort was honored in every category, winning awards for its gaming, accommodations, dining and entertainment options.

Instead of the popular one dollar stores, the TI, New York-New York and MGM Grand have a new retail fashion outlet called Luxury at $10, where everything is priced at $10. Stores are open from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily.

This is fun. It's the Pink Panther's 40th anniversary and merchandise is now available at the MGM Grand's lobby store, Grand & Company.

CATS! Mild to Wild is a fabulous new exhibit at The Las Vegas Natural History Museum located at 900 North Las Vegas Blvd. in front of Cashman Field and next to the Old Mormon Fort. Organized by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the show traces the history of cats from wild, exotic felines to America's number one pet.

CATS! Mild to Wild is open to the public through December 2004. Museum hours are 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. seven days a week. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for students, seniors and military and $3 for children ages 3 to 12. For more information, call 384-DINO (3466).

In addition, the Animal Foundation will have kittens and cats available for adoption every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum.

TOP OF NEXT COLUMN

"Spotlight" is a variety show at Bourbon Street. On any particular night you may see the best magicians, jugglers, comics, impersonators, dancers, singers, contortionists, fire eaters, Elvis and surprise guest stars. The acts rotate on a weekly basis. The show is hosted by magician and juggler Will Roya and comedian Michael Johns. Show times are 7 p.m. Saturday through Thursday. The Tickets are $39.95 plus tax with one drink include, call 702-737-7200. Children 12 and under are free with each adult paid admission.

"Grace Under Fire" sitcom star Brett Butler, who is celebrating 21 years in comedy, will once again take over the Top of the Riv Ballroom on Aug. 20 and 21. This People's Chocie award winner will remind fans of her abusive relationships, her battles with life's demons and the unpredictable tabloids. Butler is also the author of the bestseller "Knee Deep In Paradise." Tickets for her shows are $27.50 plus tax and fee, call 702-794-9433.

Ray Charles will be missed. He headlined in Las Vegas numerous times beginning with a date in 1979 at the old Silverbird, which this reporter was privileged to work in a public relations capacity. In September 1988, he made his Caesars Palace debut on a co-bill with Natalie Cole. He did six more engagements at Caesars Palace through 1996, and also played at the Desert Inn. His later performances were at off-Strip locals, The Orleans and Texas Station.

In respect, headliner Danny Gans is removing his Ray Charles impression from his show for awhile. Gans opened for Charles about 20 years ago but didn't perform his impersonation of the legendary singer until 13 years ago when Charles turned 60.

Actor, singer and dancer Tony Danza will perform at The Orleans, July 1-3. Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Danza earned a wrestling scholarship to the University of Dubuque and was discovered after college at a local boxing gym in New York, which led to his role in "Taxi." He also starred in "Who's' the Boss." Tickets are $34.95 plus tax, call 702-365-7075.

Tony Vincent, who portrayed Galileo in the London production of the Queen Musical "We Will Rock You," has been signed for the same role in the Paris Las Vegas production of the show that will open this summer. He was also a former "Rent" star on Broadway.

Courtney Love will perform on July 18 at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay. Tickets range from $20 to $45, call Ticketmaster.

Andrew Dice Clay will headline at the Mandalay Theatre on July 9. Tickets cost $49.50 and $66, call 702-632-7580.

Fitzgeralds downtown offers entertainment daily. Two shows in the Showroom on the second floor offer free admission and a one-drink minimum. Steve Connolly, an Elvis impersonator, portrays the king at 7:15 p.m. in his "Spirit of the King." Wild Billy Tucker provides comedy at 9:15 p.m.

Also at Fitzgeralds is Bobby Ruffin's "Tribute to the Drifters" performed on Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:15 in the Showroom. Loni Clark's "Tribute to the Marvelettes" takes place at 9:15 p.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday. Tickets for both shows are $12.95.

Zagat Survey, known for its restaurant and lodging guides for cities around the world, has released its first U.S. Family Travel Guide. Amazing, 11,000 travelers were surveyed for the guide and Las Vegas came out as one of the best destinations for vacationing families. Two of the top 50 most poplar attractions were the Fountains of Bellagio at number 13 and Hoover Dam at number 29.

Some of the obvious family friendly attractions on the list include the Venetian's gondola rides, Adventuredome at Circus Circus, the MGM Grand's lion habitat, Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage, and the Strip arcade GameWorks. Less obvious were the Flamingo's wildlife habitat and the laser-light show Mystic Falls at Sam's Town.

The off-Strip Boulevard mall will begin a multi-million-dollar renovation this summer. Some of the changes include two new entrances, a new streetscape of shops and restaurants, a widened promenade connecting the east and west wings, a raised roof for a more open effect, and a children's play area. Completion is expected in the fall of 2005.

The Verandah Restaurant at the Four Seasons closed last week for renovations. The hotel is offering breakfast and lunch out of Charlie Palmer's Steakhouse and a dinner buffet out of the Palm Lounge while the 6-8 week renovations take place.

This week, Fiamma closed for lunch indefinitely. The restaurant is only open for dinner, which starts at 5:30 p.m. nightly.

On June 30, the Mexican restaurant Diego will open at the MGM Grand and be awash with a never before seen color palette. One thing that will make this eatery different will be its focus on Tequila. The Ambassador of Tequila appointed by the Mexican government will consult on a rare list of tequila from around the world. There will also be some unusual desserts like margarita popsicles and sweet and sour cotton candy.

Also at the MGM, the upscale lounge Teatro will be opening at the end of this month. The lounge will not offer front bar or walk up service, but will instead focus on club service from the model/servers. The model/bartender will only be seen through a cut out opening in the wall.

Another new establishment at the MGM will be Shibuya, a Japanese and TeppanYaki restaurant that is also suppose to open at the end of this month.

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Editorial Content Copyright(c) 2000-2004 Jackie Brett; Internet Presentation Copyright(c) Las Vegas Leisure Guide