by Jackie Brett Send Me E-mail

Superstar Jennifer Lopez will be ringing in the New Year with a live concert at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on New Year's Eve. She'll be performing all her hits in a spectacular entitled “The Best Is Yet To Come.” Her Vegas show will feature a cast of 25 musicians and high-energy dancers and will start at 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $175, which includes a hosted bar inside The Colosseum.

DONNY & MARIE EXTEND THEIR FLAMINGO RESIDENCY

Donny & Marie recently celebrated their six-year anniversary at the Flamingo and have signed an extension to entertain more sold-out audiences through the end of 2015. Additionally, a new building wrap of America's beloved brother-sister duo has been installed on the front of the property. Donny & Marie opened at the Flamingo on Sept. 9, 2008, and their success was instantaneous. Right away their original six-week contract was extended.

IGGY AZALEA BRINGS ‘THE GREAT ESCAPE TOUR’ TO THE MGM GRAND

After igniting a twitter frenzy following her arena tour announcement, the official dates for Grammy-nominated Iggy Azalea's “The Great Escape Tour” presented by AEG Live will be April 25 with multi-talented recording artist and actor Nick Jonas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. In addition, also joining as support acts are R&B/Hip-Hop favorites Tinashe and DJ Wizz Kidd. Tickets are $39.50, $57.50 and $69.50.

After years of honing her signature style on hip-hop's underground circuit, Azalea burst onto the charts with her critically acclaimed debut album, “The New Classic,” and emerged as the breakout story of 2014, with one of the year's most-streamed albums globally. Azalea is the first international female rapper to reach No. 1 on both the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap Album Charts, and has been nominated for four 2015 Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, Best Rap Album, Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Fancy” featuring Charlie XCX.

THE BUFFET IS NEW AT EXCALIBUR

The Excalibur's newly redesigned buffet opened last week on the Castle Walk near the Thunder From Down Under Showroom. The contemporary dining room features an interactive dessert station as well as six food stations serving a variety of cultural cuisine including American, Asian, Italian and Latin. Every Friday, The Buffet transforms into a seafood extravaganza featuring crawfish, blue crab, crab legs, sushi, peel-and-eat shrimp, lobster polenta and more. Menu items will rotate seasonally to highlight the freshest produce and ingredients.

The Buffet's front façade is made from warm, wood paneling and crisp metal accents and the venue's focal point is the dessert station. Vibrant graphic illustrations of fresh produce line the walls while pops of pink, purple and white highlight each display. Dewdrop pendant lighting fixtures spotlight the culinary displays illuminating each dish. The dining room seats 610 guests and can easily adapt to accommodate groups of all sizes with a variety of booths, banquettes and loose seating.

Prices range from $17.99 for breakfast to $26.99 for dinner on Friday and Saturday. There are also discounted children's prices and all-day passes.

‘LIPSHTICK’ ANNOUNCES SECOND SEASON FEMALE COMEDY STAR LINEUP

The Venetian® has announced the return of the funniest women in comedy to The Sands Showroom for the second season of “LIPSHTICK - The Perfect Shade of Stand Up.”

Among the comedy powerhouses who have confirmed dates for the first half of 2015 are: Lisa Lampanelli, comedy's loveable Queen of Mean - Feb. 7, April 4 and June 13; Loni Love, co-host of “The Real” talk show (and guest DJ on “Ellen”) - Feb. 14; Jennifer Coolidge, actress from “2 Broke Girls,” also known as “Stifler's Mom” from “American Pie” - Feb. 21and April 18; Roseanne Barr, outspoken comedian and sitcom superstar - Feb. 28, April 11 and June 6; Whitney Cummings, creator of the hit CBS comedy “2 Broke Girls” - March 13-14 and May 22-23; Los Angeles-based comedy-folk duo Garfunkel & Oats - March 21; Iliza Shlesinger, winner of season six of NBC's “Last Comic Standing” and Carly Aquilino - May 2; Caroline Rhea, comedian, former talk-show host, and “Teenage Witch” alum and comedy legend Elayne Boosler - March 28; and Fortune Feimster, semi-finalist on “Last Comic Standing” and a regular on the former hit show “Chelsea Lately” with national comedy headliner Cameron Esposito - April 25.

LIPSHTICK, which debuted in 2014, marked the first time in Las Vegas entertainment history that a stage has been taken exclusively by female comediennes.

BELLAGIO'S DAVID OSBORNE WINS ‘CONCERT PERFORMER OF THE YEAR’

The Bellagio's nationally recognized pianist David Osborne recently won “Concert Performer of the Year” at the 24th Annual Los Angeles Music Awards (LAMA). Osborne was nominated for two awards and performed for guests at a private dinner for the award recipients. The LAMA was founded in 1991 to honor the rising stars of independent music while giving them a platform to move toward commercial success. It created a Hollywood media event that generates high profile publicity.

During the holidays, the famed musician performed at Rockefeller Center in New York City on MSNBC's weekday morning talk show “The Morning Joe,” and at the White House while the First Family privately unwrapped Christmas presents with guests.

Osborne is known as the “Pianist to the Presidents.” He has played at the White House for President Barack Obama and former Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Osborne has performed at the Baccarat Bar and Petrossian Lounge at Bellagio since the resort's grand opening in 1998 and guests can enjoy his music five nights a week.

SHAKE SHACK OPENS FIRST WEST COAST OUTLET ON THE STRIP

The opening of the first West Coast Shake Shack® will be Monday, Dec. 29 at 11 a.m. on the Strip adjacent to The Park at the foot of New York-New York. Founded by famed restaurateur Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG), Shake Shack is a critically acclaimed, modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100 percent all-natural Angus beef burgers, griddled-crisp flat-top dogs, fresh-made frozen custard, crinkle cut fries, craft beer and wine, and more.

The Vegas Shack will feature an expansive outdoor patio prominently overlooking the Strip. Capturing the essence and origins of Shake Shack, which was born in New York City's Madison Square Park in 2004, the restaurant will also neighbor a future park environment developed by MGM Resorts International. The Park will feature dining pavilions and performance spaces complemented by areas for quiet relaxation.

OFF THE STRIP AT THE LINQ IS NOW OPEN

Opening last week, the LINQ's newest restaurant is Off The Strip. The 11,000-square-foot restaurant is open 23 hours, offering “just real food” for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Founded by brothers Tom Goldsbury and the late Chef Al Hubbard, Off The Strip became a locals' hotspot when it opened in Southern Highlands seven years ago. One night, renowned restaurant executive Andrew Belmonti dined and immediately loved the food. Belmonti is known throughout the industry for opening more than 20 of the nation's most successful restaurants, nightclubs and lounges, including N9NE Steakhouse. Around the same time, Off The Strip in Southern Highlands became known to Caesars executives who lived in the area and frequented the restaurant. Caesars eventually approached Goldsbury and Hubbard about bringing their concept to the Strip. It was that same concept that attracted the husband and wife team of James and Diane Cameron to the project, eventually becoming partners with Goldsbury and Belmonti.

‘FIGHTERS ONLY MAGAZINE’ OPENS FAN VOTING FOR MMA AWARDS

The strictly black-tie Seventh Annual World MMA Awards will take place Friday, Jan. 30 live from The Venetian with returning cohosts Brian Stann and Nicole Dabeau. As with previous events, “Fighters Only Magazine” once again gives fans the power to determine who takes home a World MMA Award. Fans can cast their votes at www.WorldMMAAwards.com through Friday, Jan. 23, 2015, at midnight PST.

This year, for the first time ever, the MMA Awards reflects a full calendar year of action from Jan. 1, 2014, to Dec. 20, 2014. Nominations are in 22 categories from Fight of the Year to Gym of the Year. “Fighters Only” was the world's first mixed martial arts magazine and now produces domestic versions of its publication in the US, Canada, UK, Mexico, Germany and South Africa.

TOP OF NEXT COLUMN

The Mirage will welcome back comedian Bill Burr when he returns to the Aces of Comedy lineup June 26-27 at 10 p.m. Tickets start at $69.99.

Burr, one of the top comedic voices of his generation, premiered his fourth hour-long special, “I'm Sorry You Feel That Way” Dec. 5 on Netflix. His upcoming projects include co-starring with Kevin Costner and Octavia Spencer in the film “Black or White” opening Jan. 30, and starring in his own animated Netflix series “F Is For Family” with Laura Dern and Justin Long as the voices of the Murphy family debuting in 2015. Burr's “Monday Morning Podcast” is one of the most downloaded comedy podcasts on iTunes.

Michael Grimm, winner of Season Five of NBC's “America's Got Talent,” will perform at the Silverton in the Veil Pavilion on Saturdays Jan. 3, 17 and 31. Grimm released his first major self-titled album in spring of 2011 and stays true to his southern style. Tickets start at $25.

Grammy Award Winner Ronnie Milsap is an influential performer from the 1970s and 1980s who was also one of American country music's first successful blind artist. He will headline on Saturday, Jan. 24 and tickets again start at $25. Milsap was a popular country “crossover” singer whose appeal was to both country and pop music that incorporated R&B, pop, and rock and roll elements.

Spectrum, Las Vegas' own award-winning soul and R&B quartet will return to Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center Jan. 17 and 18 with 3 p.m. performances. The group boasts four incredible singers, who combine their voices and dexterity to create the angelic harmonies and deft choreography that has become their trademark. The group showcases renditions of classic hits by The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, The Marvelettes, Vandellas, The Miracles, The Stylistics, Donna Summer and more. They also capture the period look, class, style, choreography, harmonies and costuming.

Spectrum was voted Best of Las Vegas in 2005 and 2006, received the Las Vegas Living Legends Award in 2009 and were awarded a star on Las Vegas' Walk of Stars in 2012. Tickets are $37-$40.

Jon Anderson former lead singer of Yes will perform at The Railhead at Boulder Station on Saturday, Jan 17 at 7 p.m. With Yes, Anderson helped produce 17 studio albums, many of which achieved gold certification or higher. Outside of Yes, Anderson has released a number of successful solo studio albums, including “Olias Of Sunhillow,” which reached number 47 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart, and “Change We Must,” which peaked at number eight on the Billboard Top Classical Crossover chart. In 2011, Anderson released the critically-acclaimed album “Survival & Other Stories.” Tickets range from $19 to $45.

Hosted by recording artist Ryan Whyte Maloney and Cali Tucker from season six of NBC's “The Voice,” “Voices” at Club Madrid at Sunset Station will feature live performances from former contestants of the popular reality singing competition on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. Other performers include Jake Worthington, Kristen Merlin and Michael Austin. Tickets are $22.50.

A musician at a young age, singer songwriter Maloney fronts the Las Vegas-based Ryan Whyte Maloney Band and has performed with a long list of artists. In 2010, Maloney wrote, recorded and co-producer his 10-song album “Where I've Been” and currently has two singles, “Hillbilly” and “Cadillac” playing on country radio stations across the country.

Tucker's raw edginess, soulful tone and deeply-personal lyrics make for an undeniably-recognizable sound that can't be mistaken as any other artist in music today. The next Tucker generation, she's the niece of legendary Tanya Tucker, has performed across North America.

A Texas native, Worthington developed a love for sports at a young age, which in turn led to music after he broke his back playing football. While laid up from the injury, Worthington discovered his passion for music and set about building a professional career. After earning second place on season six of NBC's “The Voice,” Worthington released his first digital single “Heaven” in 2014.

Merlin is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, who after a successful three-song set at an open-mic, formed the singing duo Circling Straight and soon broke away on a solo career. In 2014, Merlin placed in the top-five on season six of NBC's “The Voice” and followed with a 31-city American tour. She's currently recording her debut album.

Texas native Austin armed with age-defying vocals is a 20-year-old pop sensation who has blazed his way on the national music scene with the recent release of his eponymously-titled mini-EP.

After a very successful run of December charity nights, House of Blues continues the giving. What began as a celebration for the 20^th Anniversary of the House of Blues brand continues as the Foundation Room welcomes back the Happy Anniversary Hour hosting 22 charitable events to celebrate 22 years of the House of Blues brand. The Happy Hour events will go through early February 2015 benefitting 22 local nonprofit organizations and run from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. These events are open to the public, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the corresponding charity. January charity nights include organizations such as AFAN, American Heart Association and Habitat for Humanity. For more details visit Houseofblues.com/LasVegas.

The Boom Box room at Marquee Nightclub will be opening on Tuesday, Dec. 30 for a pre-NYE concert after party. Doors will open at 10 p.m. with DJ Mike Attack playing hip hop all night. Tickets are $10 for females, $20 for males and free to hotel guests and locals.

Golden Globe winner Pia Zadora will perform a special New Year's Eve show on Wednesday, Dec. 31at “Pia's Place” inside Piero's Italian Cuisine restaurant at 355 Convention Center Drive. There will be a two drink minimum that night.

Miracle Mile Shops will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on New Year's Day. Additionally, several merchants will feature special hours on New Year's Eve: Lobster ME until 11 p.m.; Ocean One Grille & Bar until midnight; Meatball Spot until 2 a.m.; Sin City Brewing Co., Sugar Factory and Fat Tuesday until 3 a.m.; and Halo Bar until 4 a.m.

Gerry Bednob and Kathleen Dunbar are the featured comedians at the Riviera Comedy Club Jan. 19-25. Bednob has appeared in the films “Encino Man,” “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story” and “The 40 Year-Old Virgin.” In 2003, Dunbar opened “Kathleen Dunbar's Divas of Comedy” on the Las Vegas Strip and has since toured comedy clubs around the United States. Tickets are $29.99 all inclusive.

Following the success of Coin Cloud's July launch of the Las Vegas Strip's first bitcoin ATM, the Las Vegas-based company unveiled its second bitcoin ATM located inside the Gold Spike at 217 Las Vegas Blvd. North. The BitAccess ATM is open 24 hours, seven days a week and provides digital currency.

Local favorite Mark Giovi will appear at the Mad Greek Café located at Sahara and Durango on Tuesday Jan.13.

“The Vegas Voice” will present “Happy Birthday Mr. Sinatra” featuring Gary Anthony and Denise Rose as Judy Garland Thursday, Jan. 29 at 8 p.m. at The Italian American Club. Tickets are $20.

Distill in Summerlin at 10820 W. Charleston Blvd. has added live music every Saturday night from 8-11 p.m. The January scheduled features: Michael Anthony Jan. 3; Patrick Genovese Jan. 10; Nick Mattera Jan. 17; Betsy Holm Jan. 24; and Stefanrock Jan. 31.

From Jan. 1-4, Life Time Athletic Summerlin and the newly opened Life Time Athletic Green Valley will open to the public to offer a weekend of events dedicated to helping people embrace healthier, happier, more active lives. Set to take place at 113 Life Time destinations from coast to coast, the Commitment Day Festival will feature healthy family events all weekend long. Life Time Athletic Summerlin will kick off the festival with a pet-friendly, stroller-friendly 5K Commitment Day Fun Run and a Kids 1K Fun Run at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 1.

Following the runs, Life Time will host a weekend of public events including: an Indoor Triathlon Workout in partnership with IRONMAN to encourage and educate people of all athletic abilities on the sport of triathlon; Fit Talks to educate and empower participants with approachable, relevant, and simple life-changing actions; Workout Workshops to provide participants the opportunity to learn and burn with a new workout; and more.