by Jackie Brett Send Me E-mail

“Dirk Arthur Wild Magic” will premiere in the Westgate's main showroom on Monday, Aug. 24 with 4 p.m. shows Monday through Saturday. Tickets range from $50 to $90.

Arthur's show features big cat magic interwoven with comedy, dancers and large-scale illusions. Arthur is a leading advocate of preserving endangered species and for the humane and proper care of all animals. A portion of the proceeds from merchandise sales at his show are donated to various animal care and conservation programs, animal sanctuaries and towards developing educational programs in schools to create awareness and educate future generations about the importance of endangered animal preservation.

SUZANNE SOMERS NOT RETURNING TO WESTGATE CABARET

It has been made public that Suzanne Somers will not be returning to the Westgate Cabaret room with her show in September as planned. Many executive changes have occurred at Westgate and the original fit and plans for her show that successfully premiered there on May 23 and met with positive reviews is no longer a compatible fit for the former “Three's Company” superstar.

It won't be surprising to see her show pop up somewhere else in Las Vegas and that would be a good thing.

Meanwhile, the “Sexxy” and “Purple Reign” shows continue in the Westgate Cabaret.

THE HABIT BURGER GRILL OPENS FIRST NEVADA LOCATION

The Habit Burger Grill, a California-based burger-centric fast casual restaurant chain, will open its first Las Vegas location at 365 Hughes Center Drive on Wednesday, Aug. 12. Better known as The Habit, the restaurant's concept is to specialize in preparing fresh, made-to-order char-grilled burgers and sandwiches featuring USDA choice tri-tip steak, grilled chicken and sushi-grade albacore tuna cooked over an open flame.

The new restaurant will feature 86 dining seats, including indoor dining complete with a communal table and an outdoor patio. The first Habit opened in Santa Barbara, Calif., in 1969, and now there are more than 115 locations in 11 markets.

HELLO KITTY FESTIVAL TOUR STOPS AT ORLEANS ARENA

Beloved pop icon Hello Kitty is on the road with her first live North American tour “Hello Kitty's Supercute Friendship Festival” that will visit the Orleans Arena Aug. 14-16 with four sessions and prices starting at $19 for youth. This will be an interactive musical and lifestyle event featuring Hello Kitty and friends in multi-stage live performances, DJ-driven dancing with dance group KRU HK, interactive exhibits, art, fashion, photo opportunities, “event-exclusive” collectibles and more.

THE FILAMENT OPENS AT THE FREMONT DOWNTOWN

The Filament is now open at The Fremont featuring a selection of signature cocktails, craft beers and frozen novelty favorites. The Filament offers “Beers. Yards. Liquor. Quicker.” in the heart of the Fremont Street Experience.

CHEF DUCASSE WILL DEBUT RIVEA AND SKYFALL LOUNGE AT DELANO

Chef Alain Ducasse will open Rivea and Skyfall Lounge at Delano this fall at the top of the resort. Rivea will be inspired by the casual elegance of the Mediterranean coast and the Skyfall Lounge will be a sophisticated nightlife concept. Ducasse and Rivea Executive Chef Bruno Riou's menu with house-made pizzette, pastas and premium grill offerings will focus on simple, fresh Mediterranean flavors made with West Coast-sourced seasonal ingredients.

BERGER & SON FINE JEWELERS WILL OPEN NEW FASHION SHOW LOCATION

Berger & Son Fine Jewelers known for one-of-a-kind fine jewelry and timepieces have begun construction on a new location inside the Fashion Show mall on the Strip that will be more than double the size of the existing store. It will open the first week in December with an extensive new line of jewelry, timepieces, and services. Owner and designer Stuart Berger is the longest-running independent retailer in the mall despite recessions, mall buyouts and big chain competition.

‘VOICE’ CHAMPION CRAIG WAYNE BOYD PERFORMS AT SUNSET STATION

Craig Wayne Boyd, season seven champion of NBC's “The Voice,” will return to Las Vegas for a performance at Sunset Station's Club Madrid on Friday, Nov. 6 at 8 p.m. As a member of “Team Blake,” Boyd made a premiere performance of “My Baby's Got a Smile on her Face.” Since winning he has been touring and writing a new album, which includes his new single “I'm Still Here.” Tickets are $20, $25, and $30.

Boyd was singing and playing guitar at the age of four. After maturing, Boyd made his way to Nashville and signed a publishing deal with EMI. Several years after prolific songwriting, Boyd toured constantly logging more than 1,000 shows in four years, and opening for acts like Jamey Johnson, Randy House and Brantley Gilbert.

M RESORT PRESENTS BEE GEES TRIBUTE SHOW

On Saturday, Sept. 19, Madsen Promotions' NZ Bee Gees Tribute Show will return to the M Resort by popular demand with a 7 p.m. performance. The popular New Zealand group will showcase “One Night Fever,” an all-new show dedicated to the Bee Gees' legendary disco hits along with a special pre-show video. Tickets are $19.99, $24.99 and $29.99. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and doors open at 6 p.m.

FAMOUS TV COMEDY WRITER KEN LEVINE VISITS LAS VEGAS

Writer Ken Levine, the name behind some of TV's best comedies “M*A*S*H,” “Cheers,” “Frasier,” “Wings,” The Simpsons” and “The Jeffersons,” has written more than 200 episodes for network television. Levine will visit and share anecdotes from his road to success during his talk “By Ken Levine” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts Lowden Theater downtown. His visit will be a fundraiser for the nonprofit Doberman Rescue of Nevada. Tickets are $29 and $49 through Eventbrite.

CINEVEGAS ADDS EVEL KNIEVEL DOCUMENTARY TO FESTIVAL LINEUP

The Evel Knievel documentary “Being Evel,” which premiered last January at the Sundance Film Festival, has been added to this year's CineVegas at the Las Vegas Film Festival (LVFF). The film tells the real story behind the daredevil and will be screened downtown at the Inspire Theater on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Local film festival CineVegas returns Aug. 13-15 after a six-year hiatus. Films presented at CineVegas will also include three features and one short with each highlighting directors and actors with connections to past CineVegas festivals.

The LVFF takes place at the Inspire Theater Aug. 11 to 16. For tickets and passes, visit www.lvff.com.

NEVADA BALLET HAS SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE

Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) is celebrating its 44^th performance season and fourth year as Resident Ballet Company of The Smith Center by releasing single tickets for the first half of its 2015-2016 season for shows including: “A Choreographer's Showcase;” “A Balanchine Celebration;” and “The Nutcracker.”

Now in its 8^th season, “A Choreographers' Showcase” will take the stage on Oct. 11 and 18 at the Mystère Theatre inside Treasure Island, featuring a unique blending of talent from the artists of Cirque du Soleil® and NBT.

“A Balanchine Celebration” on Nov. 7 and 8 will highlight three iconic works from the 20^th century's greatest choreographer, George Balanchine.

The beloved holiday tradition NBT's “The Nutcracker” will return with eight performances from Dec. 12-20.

TOP OF NEXT COLUMN

The hip hop dance crew Jabbawockeez will bring their innovative synchronized style choreography and signature white masks to Universal Studios Hollywood in a new show “Halloween Horror Nights” running on select nights from Friday, Sept. 18 through Nov. 1. This “Halloween Horror Nights” show will also mark their introduction into horror-themed entertainment and will take place at the park's Castle Theatre venue, performing multiple times per night throughout the event.

Jabbawockeez is currently starring in “PRiSM” at the Luxor and will follow up with a newly reimagined show at the MGM Grand this fall.

The 29^th Annual Black & White Party to benefit Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) will be held Saturday, Aug. 29 at The Joint at Hard Rock from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. with the VIP reception and early entrance at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50 and $130 VIP. Black and white attire is required for admission.

The night will be packed with eye catching fashion and entertainment from DJ Axis, Boiis, Brandon Godfrey, The Sound Collage and The Perry Twins on the DJ decks, bringing their LA energy to the dance floor. The Joint will be visually transformed with over-the-top decor by The International Special Events Society Las Vegas Chapter (ISES-LV).

Inspirada, a fully-planned community in Henderson, will celebrate Aloha Hau'oli Splash Day (Hello Happy Splash Day) on Saturday, Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. by opening three of its four resident-only swimming pools to the public for the first time. Plus there will be games and activities at the newly completed splash pads located in Capriola and Aventura Parks and refreshments. To RSVP, visit www.facebook.com/InspiradaNV.

For the upcoming Life is Beautiful festival Sept. 25-27, Commonwealth downtown will host weekly ticket giveaways from 7 to 9 p.m. for three-day $200-plus event passes beginning Thursday, Aug. 13. Guest DJs will spin selections from artists including Stevie Wonder, Kendrick Lamar and Imagine Dragons set to be featured at this year's event. Participants may enter by writing why they believe life is beautiful on a note card provided at Commonwealth. Free entries will be reviewed, and winners will be chosen at the end of each weekly event.

MADE L.V. FEATURES SPECIAL GUEST CHEFS DINNER

Made L.V. is teaming up with the Life is Beautiful Music & Art Festival and its culinary superstars for a special edition of the monthly Guest Chef Series at Tivoli Village. The dinner on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 6:30 p.m. will be a sneak preview of what the three-day festival will offer. A four-course, family-style dinner hosted by Made L.V.'s Kim Canteenwalla will feature chefs Ricardo Romo of Itsy Bitsy Ramen and Whisky, Brian Massie of Hearthstone Kitchen & Cellar, and Sam Marvin of Echo & Rig. Uber mixologist Mariena Mercer of the Cosmopolitan will also be on hand. Cost is $59; call 702-722-2000 for reservations.

Chefs/owners Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger will host fellow Top Chef Masters alumni in the Border Grill kitchen inside Mandalay Bay for a special Top Chef Masters Reunion Dinner on Wednesday, Aug. 19 from 6:30-9 p.m. Guest chefs will include Hugh Acheson with 5&10, The National, Empire State South and The Florence, and Rick Moonen with rm seafood and Rx Boiler Room. Overseeing cocktails will be The Modern Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim. Evening activities include a cocktail reception, panel discussion and an intimate dine around event. Cost is $150.

September is National Preparedness Month and to encourage residents to create a recipe for preparedness, local government teams with assistance from a local chef will compete in the 2^nd Emergency Kit Cook-Off from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10 at the Henderson Events Plaza amphitheater. They will be challenged to create the best gourmet dish and dessert using nonperishable food found in a 72-hour emergency supply kit. The event will also feature speakers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Nevada's Division of Emergency Management, as well as disaster preparedness information booths. Spectator admission is complimentary.

The giant 20,000-square-foot sportsbook at Westgate that opened at the former Las Vegas Hilton in 1986 is getting its first major makeover. The $12 million renovation will include a 140-foot-wide, high-definition 2.5-megapixel screen that will be operating in time for the opening of football season at the beginning of September. It will also have an 80-foot-long bar, VIP boxes, and a sports bar and grill.

The Encore Resort and Tower Suites at Wynn are undergoing a design refresh with expected completion this fall. The project includes updating furnishings, floor coverings, technology amenities, and custom bed linens.

Lagasse's Stadium® at The Palazzo® is teaming with Chicago-based brewery, Goose Island Beer Co., to host a five-course beer pairing dinner featuring a selection of classic craft beverages on Friday, Aug 21 at 6 p.m. The price is $55; RSVP by calling 702-607-2665.

The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo has been held at the Thomas & Mack Center for 30 years and that will continue for a length of up to 10 years. This year, the rodeo will run from Dec. 3-12.

Vocal quartet Spectrum will be returning to perform their tribute to Motown and R&B music at The Smith Center's Cabaret Jazz on Aug. 15 and 16. These stellar vocalists sing and dance.

Master Chef Gustav and Denise Mauler will host a Spiedini Wine Event fundraiser for Catholic Charities with wine, cheeses and culinary delights at Spiedini Italian Ristorante at JW Marriott on Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 6-9 p.m. Cost is $75; call 702-387-2275.

The Japanese tavern, Itsy Bitsy: Ramen and Whisky located at the base of The Ogden downtown, has introduced “The Web,” a tech talk speaker series taking place every Wednesday from 7 to 11 p.m. It began last week with Jimmy Jacobson, software developer and co-founder of Wedgies.com.

The next “Taste & Learn” at Ferraro's across from the Hard Rock Hotel will feature Italy's northeastern Veneto region with wines from the Allegrini winery on Saturday, Aug. 22 from 4-6 p.m. Cost is $50 and reservations are required.

Cabo Wabo Cantina will celebrate National Rum Day with a 10 percent discount on all cocktails made with Sammy's Beach Bar Rum on Sunday, Aug. 16.

The 12^th Annual Grape Stomp Festival in Pahrump will be held Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3 and. 4 at the Pahrump Valley Winery with gates opening at 11 a.m. The two-day event features live daily performances, craft and food vendors, an exclusive wine sale, free wine tastings and the grape stomp competition.

Crazy Horse III gentlemen's club will host “Topless Tailgate” game day viewing parties on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays for the duration of the 2015 NFL and NCAA seasons beginning Saturday, Sept. 3.

Downtown's new restaurant and lounge Therapy has introduced a happy hour menu featuring signature food and drink specials available daily from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. and from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Therapy's happy hour features $5 drink specials on draft beer, house wine, well cocktails and the “Shot of The Day.” Happy hour food and drink combinations are priced at $10.

In addition, Therapy offers comfort on weekend mornings with Recovery Saturday and Sunday sessions from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Specials for $15 include a bloody mary and ceviche combo, or a mimosa and summer squash or mushroom flatbread pairing. All regular menu items are offered for 20 percent off during these hours.

In 2002, around 10,000 fossil specimens were excavated from the Upper Las Vegas Wash by scientists from San Bernardino County Museum where they have since been curated. In June, the fossil collection was legally transferred from the Bureau of Land Management to the National Park Service and the fossils were transported from California to the Nevada State Museum where they are now exhibited. The collection of specimens includes Columbian mammoths, camels, bison, saber-tooth cats, horses and llamas.

United Blood Services (UBS) will hold a community blood drive at Nathan Adelson Hospice Walter L. Schwartz Center for Compassionate Care, 4131 Swenson Street on Wednesday, Aug. 19 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donors will receive a voucher good for a “2 for 1” All-Day Ride Pass voucher to the Adventuredome Theme Park at Circus-Circus and a voucher for a complimentary Large One Topping Pizza from Papa Murphy's participating locations. For appointment, call 702-233-9620 or go online.