by Jackie Brett Send Me E-mail

The Golden Tiki is a new Polynesian tiki bar and gaming lounge located in Chinatown that recreates the classic mid-century tiki bar, reminiscent of Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic's storied establishments. The cocktail menu features nostalgic classics and new creations, as well as a traditional Martinique ti service and a special treasure chest VIP experience. The daily 24-hour establishment has original works by renowned artists including Tiki Bosko, Billy the Crud, Bill Collins and Oceanic Arts. The decor also features an animatronic skeleton of the mythical privateer and legend behind The Golden Tiki, William Tobias Faulkner. The Golden Tiki can host private parties up to 145 people.

THE D UNVEILS ITS VERSION OF BELGIUM'S MANNEKEN PIS

The D downtown introduced the property's newest attraction, which is a large-scale, 500-pound bronze replica of Belgium's famous Manneken Pis Dutch for “Little Man Pee,” Manneken Pis is a 17^th century statue of a nude young boy cheerfully “relieving” himself into a fountain's basin. The original piece in Brussels is special to D owners and brothers Derek and Greg Stevens, who are of Belgian descent and often visited the fun-loving statue.

Manneken Pis played an important role in Belgium's history. Surviving the bombardment of Brussels in 1695, it grew into one of the most widely visited and photographed statues in Belgium.

A distinguished trait setting the original cherub-like Manneken Pis apart from other statues is his elaborate wardrobe consisting of more than 900 suits and costumes to match holidays and other special occasions. The D will continue the tradition and put a variety outfits on its newest greeter throughout the year to match seasons, events and other citywide initiatives.

CELINE DION TRIUMPHANTLY RETURNS TO CAESARS PALACE

After a year hiatus, Celine Dion with “The Power of Love” resumed her critically-acclaimed Las Vegas residency show, “Celine,” at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace.

Dion's updated Las Vegas show includes her biggest hits mixed with timeless hits by iconic artists celebrating all generations and genres of music. The show features a full orchestra and band. Dion also returns with a new stage wardrobe composed of exclusive designs developed by her stylist in collaboration with Atelier Versace, Schiaparelli, Elie Saab and Mugler.

THE VENUE IS OPENING DOWNTOWN

The Venue Las Vegas at 750 Fremont Street is downtown's newest meeting space built from the ground up. The 38,430-square-foot building will celebrate its grand opening in October and in September host a portion of the Life is Beautiful festival.

The building includes a comedy club, lounge, stage, billiard room, executive lounge and rooftop bar. The complex can accommodate 2,700 persons and features three levels of rooms in a variety of configurations. The main room on the first floor includes a built-in stage and seats 300 to 400 or 800 standing room only. A full kitchen is available for outside catering or with an in-house chef and kitchen staff. Green rooms and private bathrooms are located backstage as well.

Located on the first floor is The Venue's cocktail lounge, Virtue Vice. The 75-seat bar will be open Thursday through Saturday starting in mid-September. The intimate lounge has a private entrance from the street and is decorated in vintage Las Vegas images. The rooftop bar can seat 100 and overlooks the Fremont Street side of the building.

ADRIAN ZMED WILL JOIN ‘ZOMBIE BURLESQUE’ CAST

Actor and Broadway star Adrian Zmed will join the cast of “Zombie Burlesque,” an original Las Vegas production at the V Theater. He will play the popular host and owner of “Club Z,” a nightclub staffed by a cabaret of the undead and a cast of zany characters. Zmed's celebrity guest performances begin Sept. 8 and will run on select dates through the end of the year.

Zmed was best known for his roles in the hit films “Grease 2” and “T.J. Hooker,” and his television role as the host of the hit musical variety series “Dance Fever.” He also starred alongside Tom Hanks in “Bachelor Party” and Daryl Hannah in “The Final Terror.” Zmed made his Broadway debut as Danny Zuko in the musical “Grease.”

JENNIFER ROMAS STARS IN ‘SEXXY’ AT WESTGATE

Jennifer Romas stars in the topless revue, “Sexxy” in the Westgate Cabaret at the Westgate Hotel. The show features six “sexy” ladies, plus Romas who absolutely stands out with her incredible Pole Dance routine. “Sexxy” is performed at 10:45 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. General Admission is $32.95, VIP $65.95.

After months of Romas proposing various entertainment opportunities to Westgate's owner David Siegel, she got the opportunity to produce this show after he watched her perform in the hotel's “Purple Reign” show. However, the challenge was she only had three weeks to create “Sexxy.” Romas with the help of many completed the task as creator, producer, choreographer and star of the show.

Since moving to Las Vegas in 1997, Romas has never stopped dancing. She was the lead dancer in “Splash,” and danced in numerous other shows including “Xposed,” “Striptease the Show,” and “Monster Circus.” She also danced with the lounge band “Kristine W &The Sting” when it was at the Shimmer Cabaret.

Ramos garnered national exposure when she competed with then-husband Mario Ferreira on NBC's “America's Got Talent” as the Mario & Jenny, Sexy & Dangerous acrobatic, chainsaw, fire act duo, finishing in 11^th place. More recently, she created the choreography for the arrival of Britney Spears' at Planet Hollywood for her “Britney: Piece of Me” residency show.

‘MISS MARGARIDA'S WAY’ WILL DEBUT THIS FALL AT THE SMITH CENTER

Table 8 Productions will present “Miss Margarida's Way” Oct. 22-25 at Troesh Studio Theater at The Smith Center. The limited engagement stars Las Vegas local Annette Houlihan Verdolino as the tyrannical eighth-grade teacher Miss Margarida in the first professional production of the critically acclaimed play to be staged in 25 years. Tickets are available for $39.

The show transports audiences back to the first day of eighth-grade with the infamous Miss Margarida and her unique way of teaching, promising mischief and fun especially with the audience becoming the students under her iron rule.

“Miss Margarida's Way” made its Broadway debut at The Ambassador Theatre in 1977 starring the illustrious Estelle Parsons. It received a Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience and was nominated for a Tony® Award for Actress in a Play in 1978. The show was revived 12 years later starring Parsons again and debuted at the Helen Hayes Theater in 1990.

LAVO AND THE PALAZZO CREATE NEW ‘CASINO CLUB’

Launching in mid-September at The Palazzo, the new LAVO Casino Club will be a modern gaming experience fusing blackjack table games with Vegas-style VIP bottle service, mixology, and Italian cuisine. The concept will create a new type of nightlife and gaming experience where guests can enjoy a DJ and dancing, along with amenities like: classic premium cocktails from LAVO's inventive mixology menu, served direct to the gaming table from a butler's cart; an opportunity to order from LAVO's award-winning Italian menu; and featured sporting events, including college and NFL football games on the flat-screen TVs.

TOP OF NEXT COLUMN

Brian Malarkey's acclaimed ocean-to-table concept, Herringbone, will open this winter at ARIA under the direction of Executive Chef Geno Bernardo. Like its successful flagship La Jolla, Calif., location and recently opened Santa Monica, Calif., outlet, Herringbone Las Vegas will stay true to its fresh, beachy-chic roots, offering a market-driven menu, relaxed yet refined décor complete with indoor and outdoor seating, and live music.

Westgate is bringing the “Heavyweights of Comedy” to the International Theater on Friday, Sept. 11 at 10 p.m. Earthquake will headline and be joined by Capone, Red Grant and “Last Comic Standing” alum Aida Rodriguez. Tickets start at $55.

Earthquake aka Nathan Stroman is a veteran of the United States Air Force and has appeared in the movie “Clerks 2,” the television show “Everybody Hates Chris,” and on the HBO special “One Night Stand.”

Award-winning vocalist and musician Paul Rodgers will perform at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC) on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 9:30 p.m. Rodgers has led three bands to worldwide successes including Free, Bad Company and The Firm, and has sold more than 90 million albums worldwide. Achieving a Grammy-nominated solo career, Rogers recorded his first album in 13 years in 2013. Described as “The Voice” due to his bold and unforgettable sound, Rodgers has continued to perform internationally to audiences of all ages. General admission tickets are $32.15.

The Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS) in conjunction with JusTours has launched the LVMS Express, which will provide bus service to the speedway for race fans staying in both the Strip corridor and downtown during NASCAR and NHRA event weekends.

Race fans can begin reserving seats for the NHRA Toyota Nationals Oct. 39-Nov.1 on the LVMS Express on Wednesday, Sept. 9 on the LVMS website. Tickets will be $99 for the three-day weekend or $60 for a one-day pass.

The LVMS Express will have at least five pickup and drop-off stops along the Strip and downtown during the NASCAR Weekend. Most of the buses will be equipped with restrooms, and all buses will have dedicated routes to and from the speedway. NASCAR fans will also find a new bus depot located much closer to the seating areas when they arrive at the speedway on the LVMS Express.

Las Vegas based company JusTours services music festivals, sporting events, corporate groups and universities across the country.

The “In Focus: Downtown Architecture” exhibit resulting from the City of Las Vegas Office of Cultural Affairs issuing a call last April for photographers will feature 25 images captured by Ryan Reason and Jennifer Burkart on display at the Las Vegas City Hall Chamber Gallery from Sept. 17 to Nov. 19. The exhibit highlights historic, unique and important downtown buildings and took the two co-owners of commercial photography studio Square Shooting nine months to complete. An opening reception will be held Thursday, Sept. 17 at 5 p.m.

Delano Las Vegas continues acknowledging local artists with the installation of “Defiantly Inspired” by Las Vegas photographers Robert Knight and Maryanne Bilham put on display through Sept. 30. These images combine bold musicians with the timeless beauty of the desert to create compelling portraits. The interactive exhibition includes a complimentary audio tour describing the history and technique behind each piece. Utilizing the mobile app LAYAR, guests may simply scan each photograph to hear about its story as they stroll through the hotel lobby.

Rockhouse inside the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian|The Palazzo has created an eating challenge known as the “Rock Out With Your Guac Out” four-and-a-half-pound burrito challenge. Cost to participate is $45 and free if you can down the burrito in 20 minutes or less. Champions will earn $50 in Rockhouse bucks, $25 to each of Rockhouse's sister joints PBR Rock Bar & Grill and Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar, plus a free Rockhouse T-shirt.

PBR Rock Bar & Grill (PBR) at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood has a new timed eating challenge. The Cowboy Challenge has a participant chowing down on a two-pound beef burger, topped with a half pound of cheddar cheese, a half-pound hot dog and a half pound of PBR's house-made chili, on a giant burger bun. The burger is topped with four fried pickles and accompanied by a pound of French fries and a 24-ounce milkshake. To enter is $99 but free along with the added bonuses like above if the meal is finished in 30 minutes.

In addition, Rockhouse has also added a Wednesday night special menu of “Hump Day Hot Dogs.” featuring a wide variety of new flavors of mini hot dogs offered a la carte or as a flight of three for variety.

Honey Salt at 1031 S. Rampart Blvd will continue its Farm Table dinner series on Monday, Sept. 14. This month, the menu is conceived by Chef Brett Uniss, now of Andiron Steak & Sea. Farm Table dinners are served family style and showcase beverage pairings, as well as occasional special guests. Tickets are $45 and an optional beverage pairing is available for an additional $25.

Locally-owned Azzurre Spirits will celebrate its launch by teaming up with celebrated chef Rick Moonen at rm Seafood inside Mandalay Bay for a three-course dinner incorporating the flavors of Azzurre Vodka and Gin in both the cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails. The dinner will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sep. 23 and be hosted by Moonen and Azzurre owner, Dan Pettit. Price is $125; 702- 632-9300.

Andiron Steak & Sea in Downtown Summerlin will continue its monthly specialty dining series with The Wagner Family Wine Dinner on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. The five-course dinner will be executed by newly appointed Executive Chef Brett Uniss with wine selections from the Wagner family's vineyards in Napa Valley. Cost is $150; call 702-685-8002.

Itsy Bitsy: Ramen and Whisky located downtown in The Ogden will celebrate National Rice Month with a variety of rice dishes available exclusively throughout the month of September.

Sierra Gold at 6515 S. Jones Blvd. will hold a burlesque-themed 10^th anniversary party with live music, food and cocktails starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18. Guests will enjoy an ice luge, photo booth and entertainment by the Shaun Degraff band from 7–9 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Complimentary champagne will be served at the door. Burlesque attire encouraged.

Jimmy Hopper “Up Close and Personal” will sing Rock Opera, classical Broadway and Big Band at the Italian American Club on East Sahara on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25.

Joe Weider's 2015 Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend will be held at the Orleans Arena and Las Vegas Convention Center, Sept. 18-20. This year's Mr. Olympia, an annual international bodybuilding competition, is expected to attract an estimated 50,000 attendees.

The Las Vegas Valley's four Sean Patrick's Pub & Grill locations will hold a Halfway to St. Patrick's Day Party on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 6 p.m. serving $3 Guinness, $3 Jameson Irish Whiskey, $3 green beer, Irish food specials and an evening of prizes and giveaways. Happy hour will be extended an hour and run from 5-8 p.m.

Barrett-Jackson's 8^th Annual Las Vegas Auction will be held at the Mandalay Bay Event Center, Sept. 24-26. Barrett-Jackson is the leader in collector car auctions and automotive lifestyle events.

The Life is Beautiful Festival featuring a combination of music, food, art, inspiration and education will be held downtown Sept. 25-27 and attract an estimated 87,200 attendees.

The Global Gaming Expo (G2E) is an international gaming trade show and conference taking place at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, Sept. 29-Oct. 1.

The Nevada Division of Tourism (TravelNevada) will present its inaugural Governor's Global Tourism Summit Nov. 16-17 at the Hilton Lake Las Vegas. This conference is the evolution of the long-running Governor's Conference on Tourism. The keynote speaker will be Chris Thompson, President/CEO of Brand USA.

The following three events are open to the public and free at South Point.

The High Roller Reining Classic, recognized as the international “crown jewel” of western riding competitions, will be held Sept. 11-20. Coinciding with the event will be the Western Gift Show.

The second Andalusian World Cup, the largest Iberian horse show in North America, returns to the South Point Arena Sept. 24-26. The annual American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Level I Championships are Sept. 30-Oct. 4.

The International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) World Gay Rodeo Finals (WGRF) for the first time will be held at South Point Oct. 9-11. Tickets start at $20.