by Jackie Brett Send Me E-mail

Caesars Entertainment announced the current Quad Resort & Casino mid-Strip, formerly the Imperial Palace, will be completely re-imagined with a $223 million upgrade and become The LINQ Hotel & Casino. The hotel will feature 2,256 brand new rooms and suites, a completely renovated welcome experience built around a signature lobby bar, all new retail and spa amenities and a new pool deck. Combined with the world's largest observation wheel, the High Roller, and The LINQ retail, dining and entertainment promenade, The LINQ Hotel will welcome its first guests on Oct. 30, 2014, with rates starting at $89.

The new look will be urban-inspired with modern furnishings and contemporary colors. Every room will have one of three accent walls with vintage big Vegas graphic art and all rooms will have floor-to-ceiling windows. Registration will be tech-savvy with an automated check-in process.

Another feature will be the 21,000-square-foot Vortex Roof Deck, located on the fifth floor rooftop. It will host some events including fashion shows, live concerts, and weddings and have remarkable views of the Strip. Additionally, there will be a 15,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, a coffee shop and a social lounge.

LVH - LAS VEGAS HOTEL & CASINO BECOMES WESTGATE PROPERTY

Westgate Resorts has acquired LVH-Las Vegas Hotel & Casino as the newest addition to its portfolio of 28 resorts. The property formerly known before LVH as the Las Vegas Hilton will be renamed Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. There was a time when this property was the largest hotel in the world and home to such legendary greats as Elvis Presley and Liberace during Las Vegas's golden age.

This iconic resort is 30 stories tall and home to the world's largest freestanding sign at 279 feet. With nearly 3,000 rooms, including 300 opulent suites, Westgate will convert some of the rooms to luxury timeshare villas while still operating the resort hotel rooms and suites.

Westgate Resorts will retain Navegante Group, a casino management company that has been managing the property since October 2012.

‘VIVA VERACRUZ’ WILL MAKE AMERICAN DEBUT AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD

“Viva Veracruz! The Show,” a journey through the enchanted folklore of Veracruz, Mexico, commissioned by the state government will make its American premiere on the Strip on Monday, July 28 at the PH Showroom inside Planet Hollywood. The show's story is about a traveler's walk through the legends and colorful history of Veracruz. The adventure is told with dance and music, traditional and modern elements, artisanal handicrafts and cutting-edge technology.

Divided into 12 choreographed dance numbers, the show is composed of a series of vignettes. The music is a combination of original compositions and traditional songs such as the world-famous “La Bamba.” Salsa, Danzon, contemporary dance and, of course, Jarocho, the original Veracruz dance, confront each other, resulting in a beautiful combination of cultures and traditions.

Performances are Thursday through Tuesday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $39 and $69 and go on sale July 14.

‘ABSINTHE’ STAR MELODY SWEETS HOSTS BURLESQUE SHOW

The Green Fairy, Melody Sweets, from “Absinthe” at Caesars Palace will host a “Wild Wild West Burlesque Show” on Tuesday, July 22 at 10:30 p.m. at the Absinthe Spiegeltent. In celebration of the premiere of her latest music video “Shoot ‘em Up,” featured on Sweets' debut album “Burlesque in the Black,” fans will get an exclusive look at the video and a night of sultry and seductive Wild West burlesque. Revelers will also enjoy special guest appearances by the “Absinthe” cast as they've never seen them before, including The Gazillionaire and Penny Pibbets performing as Cowboy Summerlin Sam and his trusty steed Phallus.

Sweets is the first performer burlesque history to have produced, written and starred in her own music video for “Slice of Heaven.” Sweet's debut album “Burlesque in the Black,” released in 2013, features popular hits performed nightly in “Absinthe” including “Slice of Heaven,” “Taboo” and “Up All Night,” as well as a collection of other songs composed exclusively for Sweets' burlesque journey across the globe.

Pre-sale tickets are $15 online at www.MelodySweets.com, and $25 at the door with all proceeds benefiting AFAN and The Burlesque Hall of Fame Museum.

PRESTO CAFÉ OPENS SECOND HEALTHY CAFÉ LOCATION

Armed with the motto “Spread the Healthy Word,” Presto Cafe opened its second location at 215 and Stephanie last Saturday and will have a grand opening Saturday, Aug. 9. Partners and cousin duo, Reza Arshadi and Azad Zahedi, promote health conscious menus for every lifestyle including vegetarian, vegan, meat lover, and gluten free hero while using fresh produce from local vendors. Their first location opened about a year ago at 4950 S Rainbow Blvd. near Tropicana. The food is excellent.

AL PACINO BRINGS ‘PACINO: ONE NIGHT ONLY’ TO THE MIRAGE

Superstar Al Pacino will bring his “Pacino: One Night Only” show to The Mirage Saturday, Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to step into Pacino's world as he shares his passion for acting and directing in an up-close-and-personal setting in the Terry Fator Theatre. The evening will explore his life beginning in the 1960s when he performed Off-Broadway and will follow his iconic career to present day. The show will include previously untold stories, never-before-seen clips, and a question and answer session. Pacino is one of the rare winners of the acting Triple Crown: the Oscar, Tony and Emmy Award. Tickets are $149.99 and $199.99.

VICTOR DRAI TO BE INDUCTED INTO NIGHTCLUB HALL OF FAME

Victor Drai created the concept of a late night party with the original opening of his After Hours nightclub more than 15 years ago. Today, in just the past 30 days, Drai has proven to be a visionary opening an unprecedented three new venues, including: Drai's Beach Club Nightclub, Liaison Nightclub – the Strip's only gay nightclub in a casino on the Las Vegas Strip, and the return of his famed late night/early morning venue, Drai's After Hours.

The Nightclub Hall of Fame will induct and honor Drai with its most anticipated and highly sought-after accolade in nightlife on Tuesday, July 8. The private induction ceremony and public celebration will commence at Drai's Beach Club Nightclub at their weekly event, Yacht Club, set atop the new Cromwell. For table reservations, visit www.draislv.com.

TONY SACCA MAKES SECOND APPEARANCE AT CABARET JAZZ

Showman Tony Sacca is making a return engagement to Cabaret Jazz in The Smith Center with his show “A Celebration of Songs” on Saturday, July 19 at 7 p.m. featuring a 10-piece ensemble with rhythm section and horns along with The Saccettes. His show will be a personal song exploration sprinkled with his hometown sounds of Philly, tributes to Barry Manilow and Four Seasons, Doo Wop, his own original Vegas songs and a touch of Broadway.

Recently Sacca's biography by Mascot Publishing and written by Arlene Krieger describing his life's journey from being born an identical twin and first performing at age 12 with his brother to his solo career today was released.

DJ LADY STARLIGHT HOSTS OFFICIAL LADY GAGA AFTER-SHOW BALL

“Little Monsters” will unite as Lady Starlight, Lady Gaga's DJ, takes over Chateau Nightclub & Rooftop following Gaga's sold out concert performances on Saturday, July 19 and Friday, Aug. 1. Since Gaga's rise to fame in 2008, Starlight is known to be a huge influence on Gaga's on-stage persona and costumes. The lavish hot spot will party in true Gaga fashion into the late night hours, with Starlight bringing an epic conclusion to both shows. Admission for the Lady Gaga After-Show Ball is $20 for ladies and $30 for gentlemen.

WHISK(E)Y WEDNESDAY RETURNS TO ANDRE'S AT MONTE CARLO

On Wednesday, July 9, Whisk(e)y Wednesday returns celebrating domestic whiskies and is a series featuring unlimited whiskey tastings. The event takes place on the second floor of Andre's Restaurant & Lounge at Monte Carlo, inside their signature Cigar Lounge. The price is $35, call 702-798-7151.

For July, the flight will feature American whiskies from George Dickel and Bulleit, as well as a special 20-year old release from Barterhouse. The special guest speaker will be Dr. Tom Turner, master of whiskey, Diageo. Whisk(e)y Wednesday's “grand tasting” takes place over two sessions: the first from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. and the second tasting from 10 p.m. to midnight. After the debut of this new flight of American whiskies, the flight will remain on Andre's menu until the next tasting in September.

BLACK CANYON WATER TRAIL GETS NATIONAL RECOGNITION

Secretary of Interior Sally Jewell has designated the Black Canyon Water Trail, a portion of the lower Colorado River that flows through Lake Mead National Recreation Area, as a National Water Trail, making it one of America's 16 water trails. The trail, which flows between Nevada and Arizona, is the first water trail in America's Southwest and the first that traverses through a desert.

TOP OF NEXT COLUMN

“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star and New York Times bestselling author Brandi Glanville and daytime talk-show host Wendy Williams will host the World's Largest Bachelorette Party July 11–13. The two will join bachelorettes from across the country as TAO Group presents the third installment of the larger-than-life bachelorette bash, complete with gift bags, VIP nightlife treatment, prizes and giveaways, along with cocktails and fare from LAVO Italian Restaurant and TAO Asian Bistro. Benefit Cosmetics will be the “makeup of honor” for the weekend. For information, visit http://taolasvegas.com/wlbp/.

A recent Model Search took place for the upcoming Fashion Week Las Vegas Season 5 taking place Aug. 18-21 at Las Vegas Soundstage Studios, adjacent to the Palms casino hotel. The hopefuls auditioned to be among the 50 chosen from all over the world to compete in the Runway Model Competition held at the week-long event. A panel of industry experts will judge the 50 finalists with one female and one male each receiving a two-year contract with Envy Models.

Since the inception of Fashion Week Las Vegas three years ago, more than 430 models from all over the world have registered for this competition. The various designers showing their lines choose the models to display their garments on the runway from the final 50 contestants. So far, there are 30 designers from South Africa, Dubai, Paris, Trinidad, Georgia (Russia), the U.K., New York City, Texas, Boston, and California that will be attending the August event.

The Venetian and The Palazzo will host a special Glenlivet single malt dinner with Master of Scotch, Rick Edwards on Wednesday, July 23. The evening will start with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m., followed by four-course dinner paired with Glenlivet's critically acclaimed single malts in the Paiza Club on the 36^th floor of The Venetian. This intimate dinner, sponsored by Pernod Ricard, is $150.

“Las Vegas: The Game” nightlife experiences which are designed to prank friends has announced the company is under contract with Langley Productions to secure a reality television show. Changing the way Vegas vacations are done, “Las Vegas: The Game” specializes in an unconventional brand of scripted reality led by self-proclaimed wiseguys Chad Hardy and Justin Oswald.

The reality program plans to showcase the team's outrageous pranks and give viewers behind-the-scenes perspective while featuring the clients and characters who make the magic happen. Langley Productions has produced “Cops,” “Las Vegas Jailhouse” and “Vegas Strip.”

Celebrity Chef Kerry Simon's new Carson Kitchen is officially open inside the old John E Carson Hotel at 124 South 6^th Street downtown. Simon partnered with restaurateur, Cory Harwell, and executive chef, Matt Andrews.

Carson Kitchen uses locally-based ingredients to create an approachable menu, with all items under $20, along with a comprehensive drink collection of small-batch brews, global wines and microbrewed old-school sodas. The 1,800-square-foot dining room seats 60 guests with a design inspired by Chef Simon's own loft-style home in Las Vegas. Carson Kitchen is also scheduled to introduce a 910-square-foot rooftop patio which will host live music and offers skyline views of the surrounding city along with a lush six-foot-tall garden wall and granite full-service bar.

Comedian Gallagher will appear in the Golden Nugget Showroom for a limited engagement July 8-19 (except 13-14). Tickets start at $21.95.

“Lipshtick -The Perfect Shade Of Standup” is set to debut at The Venetian on July 11 with comedian Wendy Williams, who is best known for her long-running talk show “The Wendy Williams Show.”

Double Barrel Roadhouse at Monte Carlo's newly developed plaza is introducing a new Hosted Bar wristband. From 10 p.m. to midnight every night, guests can throw down endless draft beer and well cocktails for $25.

Native Austin, Texas, eight-member band and 2014 SXSW Music Festival showcasing artist, Mingo Fishtrap will bring their gritty Memphis soul, pop and funk to the Silverton's Veil Pavilion Thursday, July 10 at 7 p.m.

The LINQ will launch BLOQ PARTY Tuesdays on June 10 with live music from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., special offers, discounts, and 50 percent off High Roller tickets for locals.

The world's fastest amateur Bicycle Motocross (BMX) racers take over the South Point Arena during the USA/BMX Las Vegas Grand Nationals, July 11–13. This event is free and open to the public.

Special Olympics Nevada is partnering with Caesars Entertainment and The LINQ to host the first fundraising Party in the Pod event on Saturday, July 19. Sponsorships are available for companies and individuals to host a pod on the new High Roller. The inaugural event will feature a red-carpet walk with Special Olympics athletes and celebrities, a High Roller ride, and Jeff Civillico's afternoon show “Comedy in Action” at the Quad.

Rí Rá Las Vegas will celebrate International Beer Day with an #InstaGUINNESS party from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1. Attendees will raise a glass and toast to the worldwide celebration while enjoying a free pint of Guinness® and complimentary appetizers. RSVP is required by emailing rira@kirvindoak.com. Founded in 2007, International Beer Day is a worldwide celebration taking place in pubs, clubs, bars, breweries, beer gardens and backyards around the world.

TREVI Italian Restaurant inside The Forum Shops at Caesars will celebrate summer by offering Chef's Choice specialty brick oven-fired pizzas for $10 each throughout July along with introducing $5 house-made waffle sundaes to honor National Ice Cream Month.

PBR Rock Bar & Grill inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood will celebrate the daiquiri on Saturday, July 19 in honor of National Daiquiri Day. The party spot will offer guests a $1 bonus shot with the purchase of any signature frozen daiquiri.

The LVH - Las Vegas Hotel & Casino soon to be Westgate will feature the return of its annual pro football handicapping SuperContest and SuperContest Weekend, Aug. 22–23.

The SuperContest is the ultimate pro football handicapping contest in the world's largest race & sports book, the SuperBook®. Contestants can win their share of nearly $1,500,000 (based on number of entrants) by paying a $1,500 entry fee prior to the start of the regular professional football season and then picking five games each week against the point spread. Early bird contest entries end at 4 p.m. on Sept. 1 and final deadline is 11 a.m. on Sept. 6.

Also back by popular demand for a third year is the SuperContest Weekend, Aug. 22-23. This event includes a handicapping seminar, a golf event at the Las Vegas Country Club, a chance to win a new Audi, and a reception where four free SuperContest entries will be given away. The Super Handicapping Seminar will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22 in the LVH Pavilion. This seminar is free and open to the public. On Saturday, Aug. 23 at 1:30 p.m., guests can tee up for a four-man scramble at the Super Golf event at the legendary Las Vegas Country Club. The golf event fee is $95.

At 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, the Super Reception will be held in the LVH Pavilion. This reception is free and open to the public.

OV Nation, a new generation of Opportunity Village supporters, will host a summer happy hour event on Wednesday, July 9 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., with 25 percent of proceeds during the event benefitting Opportunity Village. Featuring 50 percent off all draft beer and wine on tap, Dom DeMarco's happy hour at 9785 W Charleston Blvd. occurs daily from 4-6:30 p.m., but will extend to 7:30 p.m. for this special event. Any guest who attends the event to support OV will receive a special wristband to enjoy the additional 60 minutes of happy hour.