by Jackie Brett Send Me E-mail

Michael Bolton will grace Lake Las Vegas Resort's floating stage, at 9 p.m. on Aug. 6, serenading the audience as part of the "Stars on the Lake" concert series.

Over the course of his extraordinary career, Bolton has sold over 52 million albums and singles worldwide. In addition, he has won two Grammys, six American Music Awards and has his star on the Hollywood "Walk of Fame." A legendary singer and songwriter himself, Bolton has collaborated with many musical greats such as Barbra Streisand, Patti Labelle, Bob Dylan and Ray Charles.

Tickets are $100 for VIP seating and $49.95 for General Admission plus tax or handling charges, call 702-795-SHOW (7469) or 702-474-4000.

Comedy hypnotist Justin Tranz has opened his "Hip-nosis: The Funniest Show in the World" for an indefinite run at the Lady Luck downtown. Tranz's two-hour shows are at 10:30 p.m. following the "Ovation" show Thursdays-Tuesdays. Tickets are $34.95 and $44.95 plus taxes and handling fees, call 702-292-7555.

Willing audience volunteers become the show as they are hypnotized into performing little skits as directed by Tranz. A few of his signature pieces include having people sing out loud accompanied by their shoe and having participants take part in a Big Butt Band. The show is R-rated.

Tranz, the star of the adult hypnosis show "Extreme Truth" on the Playboy Channel, has played in Las Vegas at various venues for the last six years, including a five-year run at O'Shea's and a one-year combined run at O'Shea's and the Flamingo.

Tranz claims he is the fastest hypnotist in the world, taking less than a second to hypnotize someone. Tranz is also backing up his claim of legitimacy by offering $25,000 to anyone who can prove that he uses plants or stooges at any time.

Hooters Casino Hotel, which will open in February 2006, has retained Kirvin Doak Communications as its public relations agency. The 711-room Hotel San Remo is remaining open as it evolves into Hooters conveniently located one block from the Strip.

While Hooters Girls will be throughout the property, alternatives in dining and entertainment will also be featured. A Hooters Restaurant, the largest in the country, will be connected to Porch Dogs with a full-service bar and entertainment. Nippers Pool Bar and The Bait Shoppe featuring a fresh sushi bar will inject the Hooters style into the new tropical pool area. Dan Marino's Fine Food and Spirits restaurant and popular 13 Martini Bar will be added, along Pete & Shorty's Book and Bar. There will be a 30,000-square-foot Hooters-themed casino floor with approximately 622 state-of-the-art slot and video poker machines and 32 table games.

J.C. Wooloughan Irish Pub at The JW Marriott will celebrate its sixth anniversary on Wednesday, Aug. 31, with an Irish party from 5 p.m. until the wee hours. The event will include prizes, giveaways, drink and food specials, live music provided by sing-along artist John Windsor from 5 to 8 p.m. and The Celtic Rockers will begin at 9 p.m.

The Cannery in North Las Vegas will present a Celebration of the King's Life at The Club on Aug. 12 and 13. The third annual celebration will include The American Trilogy Show featuring Paul Casey as well as special friends of Elvis. Tickets are $5 and doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Casey, who is Las Vegas' official Elvis, portrays the different stages of the King of Rock N' Roll's career by honoring his milestones and success.

Special guests Ed Bonja, Elvis' official photographer and tour manager, and Patti Parry, personal friend of Elvis and only female member of the Memphis Mafia, will provide personal anecdotes and reflections as they join Casey in telling the story of Elvis.

A special meet and greet will include Bonja, Parry, Cynthia Pepper, co-star in "Kissin Cousins," Darlene Tompkins, co-star in "Blue Hawaii," and Jimmy Velvet, personal friend from 1957 throughout Elvis' life.

Other activities taking place throughout the weekend include memorabilia dealers and fan club displays. The exact replica of Elvis' favorite Stutz Blackhawk automobile will be on display. The Cannery Row Buffet will be taking part in the fun by hosting a special food section featuring Elvis' favorite dishes.

Recently enjoyed a great party and special live performance by Hootie & The Blowfish at the Silverton. The group is promoting its new album, "Looking for Lucky," scheduled for release in August. Their first studio album in two years was recorded in Nashville and produced by Don Gehman, who helmed the band's hugely successful debut album "Cracked Rear View."

Another great party was held recently by Chef Kerry Simon, who has his own restaurant Simon Kitchen & Bar at the Hard Rock. He held a viewing of his appearance competing on the "Iron Chef America" series for the title of World's Greatest Chef.

Norbert Aleman and James Caan recently announced the re-launching of the Players Network. Producer Aleman of "Crazy Girls" and "La Cage" fame at the Riviera was selected to be the entertainment producer of the gaming network, while legendary actor Caan, currently starring in the "Las Vegas" series, will be the spokesperson and celebrity ambassador for the growing Players Network. Caan has appeared in 70 feature films and his next movie is "Dogville" co-starring Nicole Kidman.

Michael Berk is the president of programming and director. His claim to fame is creating and being the executive producer of "Baywatch."

Mark Bradley, executive producer and president, founded Players Network in 1993 and created the first 24-hour real estate channel in 1985.

"Players on Demand" will launch on its Broadband Network www.playersnetwork.com beginning Aug. 1. The company has a 10-year history of providing consumers with gaming content and business with strategic partner services in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and the greater U.S. gaming community.

Comedian Rita Rudner is donating proceeds from two upcoming shows on Aug. 12 and 13, to two local non-profit organizations. She is setting aside 600 discounted tickets for locals. Tickets are $36, call 702-740-6815.

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