Vegas Happenings
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Vegas Happenings
In this edition... "Awakening" Returns to the Wynn, "Spice Girls" Tribute Show opens Limited Engagement at Excalibur, and lots more
Awakening, a modern “only-in-Las Vegas” spectacle, returns to Wynn Las Vegas
Awakening, a modern “only-in-Las Vegas” spectacle, returned to Wynn Las Vegas on June 30.
I never got to see the original production when it opened back in November of 2022. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a critical and commercial failure with poor ticket sales and was forced to close. That was then and this is now. The show has since been reworked, re-imagined and has gone though a total makeover. So, when I received an invitation to check out this production in its new, restaged incarnation, I jumped on the chance to attend the 7 p.m. show on July 15, which was performed in front of a packed house.
Not being able to compare the former to the new, I can only report that Awakening is now an absolutely spectacular, immersive 360 degree, fantasy based, theatrical experience that draws you in with its meaningful, cohesive storyline, gorgeous staging and lighting, breathtaking visuals, stunning new costumes and choreography, amazing puppetry, technical wizardry, special effects, an original musical score that is delivered through a custom sound system, and some magic interspersed within the unfolding story narrated by Academy Award winning actor Anthony Hopkins that depicts the broken relationship between Darkness and Light that needs to be restored. The only negative elements that I feel the show could do without are two diminutive, sideline characters, referred to as Bandit and Boo, that act as side kicks to IO (pronounced Eye-Oh) the young, red haired female heroine. They are supposed to supply some comic relief, but I found the duo to be a silly, annoying, unnecessary distraction to the production’s otherwise wow inducing factors.
That aside, kudos goes to the brilliant creative team, led by director Baz Halprin who, along with Bernie Yuman, and Michael Curry, conceived and created this eye popping spectacle. They, along and their incredibly talented cast of singers, dancers, fire jugglers, aerialists, balancing acts and other performers, must garner high praise for their ambitious, hard work which has definitely paid off on every level.
Like the Phoenix that rises from ashes at the end of the show, Awakens rises and shines and must be seen and experienced as an extraordinary, welcome addition to the Las Vegas entertainment scene. I loved it and I am certain you will, too.
Performances of Awakening are Friday – Tuesday at 7 p.m., with an additional performance at 9:30 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Tuesdays. The show is dark on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Ticket prices range from $99 to $179 plus tax and applicable fees, with a special VIP package available for $279 plus tax and fees.
“Spice Girls Wannabe - The Spice Girls Tribute” Show Opens at Excalibur
The Spice Girls broke up in 2020 and are no longer touring as group. What their fans really really want is for them to get back together. But since that doesn’t appear to be happening any time soon or in the near future, the next best thing to seeing them perform live is “SPICE WANNABE – The Spice Girls Tribute” show, which opened inside the Thunderland Showroom at Excalibur Hotel & Casino on Wednesday evening July 5.
Spice Wannabee is high energy show transports its audience back to the 90s as it pays tribute to the best-selling girl group of all time, consisting of Posh Spice, Ginger Spice, Baby Spice, Scary Spice and Sporty Spice, who released 10 singles, three albums and sold over 90 million records worldwide. With their “girl power” mantra, they redefined the girl-group concept by appealing to a young female fanbase.
During the opening night performance the audience, along with invited members of the media and other VIPS, was filled with enthusiastic, boisterous fans who were excited to see the 5 incredible tribute artists, complete with soundalike vocal harmonies, looks, British accents, iconic costumes and original choreography, perform the biggest Spice Girls hits including “Wannabe,” “2 Become 1,” “Say You’ll Be There,” “Spice Up Your Life,” “Too Much,” and more. To ramp up the excitement, the show also features a trio of hot and sexy male dancers known as the Spice Boys that get to perform on stage with and without the leading ladies.
What makes this show different from other tribute shows, is that the Thunderland Showroom allows the cast to get up close with the audience for an intimate immersive experience. The result is an exhilarating and fun concert experience that will have you standing up, singing and dancing along.
Today the Spice Girls still maintain a loyal and energetic cult-like following and, “SPICE WANNABE” was created to deliver a high-energy concert experience not only for that 90’s generation but for all ages, and it does just that. The engagement also coincides with the 25th Anniversary of the iconic Spice Girls sophomore album “SpiceWorld,” which reached No. 1 in 13 countries.
The “SPICE WANNABE” limited four-week engagement runs through Thursday, July 27 with performances Sunday through Thursday at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 5 p.m. (dark Friday). Tickets range from $49.95 to $80.95 (not including applicable taxes and fees) and can be purchased at any MGM Resorts International Box Office.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
History was made at the 54th annual World Series of Poker (WSOP®) at the Horseshoe Las Vegas on July 17 as DANIEL WEINMAN was officially crowned the 2023 WSOP MAIN EVENT CHAMPION. Following 10 days of intense action, Weinman defeated a record 10,043 players from around the globe to take home $12.1 million in winnings. The win marks the largest first-place Main Event payout ever from the biggest prize pool in the history of live poker of $93,399,900.
To commemorate the historic win, the 2006 World Champion of the then-record-setting Main Event of 8,773 players, Jamie Gold, presented Weinman with the highly coveted WSOP Main Event bracelet.
Weinman took home what is considered to be the most valuable trophy in sports, the WSOP Main Event bracelet. Designed by Jostens exclusively for the WSOP, this year’s Main Event bracelet features approximately 500 grams of 10-karat yellow gold, 2,352 various precious gemstones, including 42 carats of round genuine diamonds, 425 black and red stones to accentuate the suits and a removable golden poker chip that sits in the center of the bracelet.
Above 2 photos credit - Poker News
“Today will hold a special place in the history of live tournament poker,” said World Series of Poker Senior Vice President and Executive Director, Ty Stewart. “After 17 years, we have named the winner of the largest Main Event in the history of the WSOP. To watch Daniel’s emphatic victory over the 10,043 entrants was nothing short of spectacular. It will be an honor to raise his banner next year and display his picture in the new Gallery of Champions Exhibit at the Horseshoe. This year’s WSOP broke records left and right and we are excited to keep the momentum rolling to WSOP Europe in the fall and WSOP Paradise this winter.”
As a part of the Main Event festivities, the WSOP announced the launch of WSOP Paradise, the organization’s new winter series set to debut at Atlantis Paradise Island, the Bahamas in partnership with GGPoker. Taking place Dec. 3-14, 2023, the new series will feature 15 bracelet events in total, with a total of $50 million in guaranteed prize pools including a $5,000 Main Event with a $15 million total prize pool guarantee and a $1,500 Mystery Bounty with a $5 million guarantee. The full schedule and additional details will be announced later this year.
The 54th annual WSOP ended Tuesday, July 18 following the conclusion of the $1,000 Super Turbo No-Limit Hold’em event.
On Thursday, June 8, 9 year old JACKSON RENWICK, who was diagnosed in early 2021 with cancer, and has since endured harsh symptoms and a nine-cycle treatment of chemotherapy and radiation, was granted his wish to go to Alaska by the MAKE-A-WISH® SOUTHERN NEVADA. Jackson’s vision was deep-sea diving, discovering the array of marine animals in the area, catching halibut, and going off roading. His surprise wish was revealed during an event hosted by Bass Pro Shop Las Vegas and sponsored by the NAIOP Community Services Committee. Surrounded by family and friends, Renwick was given a VIP welcome and party where the team at Bass Pro Shop Las Vegas provided him with everything he would need to fish both in Alaska and in the state of Nevada, from rods and reels to hooks and floats, and even a cooler that floats on the water.
Additionally, Renwick received an in-store lesson from the General Manager, Chris Beatty on how to properly cast his line. On hand for the event were representatives from the NAIOP Community Services Community, the leading organization for real estate developers, owners, and other CRE professionals. NAIOP representatives Chase Pavlov and Cooper Powell read the wish proclamation and revealed the major surprise to Renwick on behalf of their organization, which raised over $30,000 to make Jackson’s wish come true and support additional wishes waiting to be granted.
After putting just $40 into a slot machine, JESUS, a Las Vegas resident made his first trip to Boyd Gaming’s CANNERY CASINO & HOTEL a visit he’ll never forget, as he hit a JACKPOT OF NEARLY $10.5 MILLION while playing an IGT Megabucks® machine on Friday, July 7. Jesus, who typically plays at Boyd’s Orleans and Gold Coast properties, decided to try out the Cannery in North Las Vegas early Friday morning. Jesus lined up the three Megabucks symbols at 5:28 a.m. to capture a jackpot of $10,488,726. Not surprisingly, Jesus said he was very excited to win the life-changing jackpot, and said he planned to buy his mother a house with the windfall.
July 6 marked a monumental day in the history of the game of poker. THE WORLD SERIES OF POKER officially shattered the ALL TIME ATTENDANCE RECORD FOR ITS MAIN EVENT making the 2023 edition the richest tournament in live poker history. The record falls 17 years after Jamie Gold defeated a crowd of 8,773 entrants in 2006 to take home the prestigious WSOP Bracelet. Later that year the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act changed the poker landscape with many pundits speculating the 2006 record could never be broken.
The World Series of Poker announced BRIAN RAST as the 2023 POKER HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE. The six-time WSOP gold bracelet winner was honored with an induction ceremony surrounded by friends, family, and fans inside the Paris Ballroom at Paris Las Vegas before cards were in the air for the annual $1,979 Poker Hall of Fame Bounty No-Limit Hold'em. One of poker’s biggest names, Rast is credited as the only player to have ever cashed more than $1 million in tournaments for seven years in a row and is currently ranked 29th on poker’s all-time money list with a total of $25,258,945 in live earnings. So far, in his 2023 WSOP run, Rast has made history twice, becoming the 19th person in WSOP history to win a sixth bracelet and the only player to have won the $50,000 Poker Players Championship event three times.
On Saturday, July 15th HELP OF SOUTHERN NEVADA joined forces with 97.1 The Point and KOMP to organize the inaugural HELP20 WATER DRIVE EXTRAVAGANZA, the nonprofit’s annual water drive, collecting 2,478 water bottles in total, in an effort to raise awareness surrounding HELP’s mission to provide assistance to at-risk families and individuals throughout the Valley. The fun-filled afternoon included food trucks, water games and complimentary car washes courtesy of Terrible’s to the first 100 attendees who donated two or more cases of water. With over 70 cases of water donated, HELP will directly distribute the donations to homeless individuals throughout the Valley suffering in the extreme summer temperatures.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott® centrally located at CC-215 at 6590 South Decatur Blvd., opened its doors and welcome its first set of travelers on July 18, 2023. The 127-room, all-suite SpringHill Suites delivers easy access around the valley thanks to its proximity to the Las Vegas Strip and business landmarks including Allegiant Stadium, Mandalay Bay Convention Center, T-Mobile Arena, Switch, and Harry Reid International Airport. A perfect mix for business and pleasure, SpringHill Suites offers spacious and comfortable rooms along with complimentary hot breakfast daily, in-room microwaves and mini refrigerators, in-suite workstations with free wi-fi, and the three-in-one sofa trundle. The 75,000 square foot property includes a dining room, meeting space, pool and hot tub, fitness center, and a 24-hour marketplace. SpringHill Suites is also pet-friendly for those traveling with their four-legged friends.
Now through Thursday, July 20, THE PUNK ROCK MUSEUM, located at 1422 Western Ave, invites guests to enjoy COMPLIMENTARY ADMISSION with THE DONATION OF A NEW UNUSED BACK. In addition, guests donating new school supplies will also receive $10 off the price of admission. Donated goods will benefit the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth to help the more than 14,000 students experiencing homelessness in Clark County schools. School supplies needed include packs of paper, pencil boxes, pencil pouches, sharpeners, pencils, pens, rulers, scissors, binders, colored pencils, notebooks, crayons, erasers, folders, glue sticks, highlighters and markers. Guests can bring donated goods to the box office to redeem complimentary or discounted admission. The Punk Rock Museum is open Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday. from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Imagine Exhibitions, a leader in narrative-driven, immersive experiences is matching the hot weather with its hottest deal of the summer with the launch of its SUMMER COMBO TICKET featuring all three of its Las Vegas attractions: DISCOVERING KING TUT’S TOMB AT LUXOR, along with REAL BODIES AND DINO SAFARI: A WALK THRU ADVENTURE al Bodies both at the new HORSESHOE LAS VEGAS. The Summer Combo Ticket is available now for $70, a 25-percent saving on tickets that’s equivalent to one of the exhibitions for free in this all-in-one experience that includes admission to all three of Imagine Exhibition’s Las Vegas attractions. While all three experiences are included in the Summer Combo Ticket, they’re available for redemption separately now through Dec. 30, 2023. The Summer Combo Ticket is available for purchase now through Labor Day, Sept. 4, 2023.
1923 PROHIBITION BAR AT MANDALAY BAY, the private, hidden and modern speakeasy, presents “GHOST STORIES” with world-renowned magician and mentalist KENT AXELL. The dark magic show explores the haunting intersection of dreams and nightmares through intimate mind reading experiences. Not for the faint of heart, the show also includes a deceptive journey through the mind as attendees discover the power of the unseen. In this intimate show, guests will interact up-close with Axell who has been featured on large stages across the globe and several hit TV shows, including National Geographic’s “Brain Games” and “Masters of Illusion.” “Ghost Stories” takes place exclusively on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 and 10:30 p.m. Tickets range from $39 to $69 per person.
The new Ahern boutique hotel, located just west of Las Vegas Blvd. and Sahara Avenue presents COMEDY AND LATE NIGHT KAROAKE hosted by Lorenzo Clark inside the intimate AHERN LIVE SHOWROOM every Friday and Saturday night. There is NO COVER CHARGE and it’s FREE to to attend. Doors open at 7 p.m and the comedy show starts at 8 pm. followed by Karaoke at 9 pm. FREE bar bites from 8 – 8:30 p.m. Food and drink menu available all night. So come on down and join in for a night of comedy, musical mayhem and memorable performances.
Below are some of the upcoming FREE events and concerts at the CLARK COUNTY (FLAMINGO) LIBRARY. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis.
“AN EVENING WITH THE PHANTOM” will be presented on July 27 from 7pm.- 8:30 p.m. This will be an unforgettable evening when singers from Broadway and The Metropolitan Opera perform pieces from “Phantom of the Opera” and other great music from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Broadway shows. Featuring soprano ROSE KINGSLEY.
On July 30 from 2pm - 3 pm, experience the timeless music of Edith Piaf like never before with "EDITH PIAF: THE QUEEN OF HEARTS". French singer and professional cabaret artist MISS SYLVIE BOISEL brings her own interpretation and personal touch to the legendary songs.
LAS VEGAS ON FILM, part of Las Vegas Stories, a monthly series that examines the history of our city and the people, places and things that make Vegas our home, will be presented on Thursday, August 3 at 7 p.m. Historian LYN ZOOK will show how the movies that were filmed here utilized the landscape of Vega to tell their stories.
THE LI LIN HONG CHINESE MUSIC ENSEMBLE will perform a concert of traditional Chinese folk music and contemporary pop on Saturday, August 6 at 3 p.m.
On Thursday, July 27, the ATOMIC MUSEUM will host AN EXCLUSIVE CONVERSATION WITH THE GRANDCHILDREN of the distinguished American physicist J. ROBERT J. OPPENHEIMER AT THE BEVERLEY THEATER in Downtown Las Vegas. The event will follow the Friday, July 21 release of Christopher Nolan’s biographical thriller, “OPPENHEIMER,” in theaters nationwide. Attendees will receive the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear first-hand perspectives from Oppenheimer’s grandchildren Dorothy Oppenheimer Vanderford and Charles Oppenheimer as they discuss their grandfather’s legacy as “the father of the atomic bomb.” The Q&A discussion led by Atomic Museum Chief Executive Officer Rob McCoy will also include topics such as the portrayal of their grandfather in the “OPPENHEIMER” film and other biographies, the narrative the Oppenheimer family shares about their grandfather, the peace movement against nuclear weapons for warfare and the Oppenheimer Project established to address existential threats that arise from the growth of science and technology.
Additionally, the event will also include a cocktail reception and the unveiling of an original portrait of J. Robert Oppenheimer created by local artist Martin Kreloff. Following the event, the piece will be displayed at the Atomic Museum before it is permanently gifted to the Oppenheimer family. Tickets to the discussion are currently available for $35 per person. Admission includes access to a cocktail reception from 6 to 7 p.m. followed by the Q&A discussion from 7 to 8 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Atomic Museum to preserve and foster public accessibility to the history associated with the Nevada Test Site and the nation’s nuclear weapons program.
Smash Magazine heats up July with live entertainment in Downtown Las Vegas. SHAGGY 2 DOPE takes over BACKSTAGE BAR & BILLLIARDS on July 27. Doors: 8 p.m. Tickets start at $30 plus applicable fees. Age: 21+. The music continues throughout the summer with performances by NU SKOOL(July 30. Tickets start at $10 + fees), MADD CADDIES (August 20. Tickets start at $25 + fees), GUTTERMOUTH(August 24. Tickets start at $25 + fees) and more. All tickets are on sale now.
Retro by Voltaggio, the new Las Vegas restaurant from television stars, judges and celebrity chef icons Michael and Bryan Voltaggio, is rolling out the red carpet to host the raddest SUMMER PROM SERIES AT MANDALAY BAY RESORT & CASINO Starting July 28 and continuing the last Friday of every month through September, the event will feature a dance floor with a live 80s cover band, Jungle Juice punch bowl, themed photo opportunities, a prom king and queen coronation, and a prix fixe dinner from the brothers’ electrifying new menu. Tickets for the event are $150 per person and include dinner, one complimentary glass of Jungle Juice punch and a prom-themed photo. The series will kick off on Friday, July 28 with 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. seatings, and continue the last Friday of August and September.
As part of his upcoming fall 2023 “Antagonist Tour”, genre defying rapper PLAYBOI CARTI will make a Las Vegas stop at the MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA, Saturday, Sept. 9. Support for the tour includes Opium label signees, rappers Ken Carson, Destroy Lonely and Homixide Gang, which will be their first time hitting the road as an Opium Collective. Tickets went on sale starting Friday, July 14.
The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod and SPI Entertainment have announced that due to unforeseen circumstances that have arisen, performances by the iconic ’80s funk group, MORRIS DAY AND THE TIME, originally scheduled for Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29, have been moved to Friday, Sept. 29 and Saturday, Sept. 30. Tickets will be honored for the rescheduled dates. Those wishing to receive a refund must do so at their original point of purchase. Show times will be at 8 p.m. with doors opening at 7 p.m. Ticket prices start at $75.
Following a wildly successful, sold-out show at BROOKLYN BOWL LAS VEGAS in 2021, critically acclaimed musician and one-man improvised meltdown MARC REBILLET will be returning to the venue for an exclusive residency on Oct. 14, Oct. 28, Dec. 16 and Dec. 28. The four-night engagement is set to make history as both Marc’s and the Bowl’s first-ever Vegas residency. Tickets to Marc Rebillet at Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas will be available online starting at $59.50 on Friday, July 14 at 10 a.m. PST.
Comedian STEVE TREVINO, known as “America’s Favorite Husband”, due to his unwavering ability to “speak wife fluently,” will perform four evenings, December 10 – 13, at the DAVID COPPERFIELD THEATRE AT MGM GRAND HOTEL & CASINO. All shows are scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $39.99 (not including applicable service charges) and are on sale now at any MGM Resorts International box office.
Mixbook, a #1 rated design platform for photo books, carried out a poll of 3,000 singles to ask in which iconic landmarks top their list for ideal proposal spots and Las Vegas' BELLAGIO FOUNTAINS has been voted AMERICA’S 42nd FAVORITE LANDMARK FOR A MARRIAGE PROPOSAL. The Bellagio Fountains offer a dazzling and captivating setting that would make it a fantastic location for a marriage proposal. This iconic attraction showcases an awe-inspiring water show, where water dances and choreographed lights create a symphony of beauty and grace. The survey revealed that Americans are notably drawn towards unique, Instagram-worthy locales for popping the question.
Restaurant openings:
1228 MAIN, a new bakery, restaurant and bar in Downtown Las Vegas’ Arts District, is now open for dinner. Created by Wolfgang Puck and local Las Vegas partners, 1228 Main’s dinner menu showcases the diverse flavors of California through beautifully presented cuisine.
Celebrity sightings…
Wednesday, July 5…
90s boy-bander JEFF TIMMONS (from 98 Degrees), BANACEK (the world’s greatest mind reader), JASMINE TRIAS (American Idol), UK singing sensation BEN STONE, reality show star RICARDO LAGUNA attended the opening night performance of SPICE WANNABE - The Spice Girls Tribute show at Excalibur Hotel & Casino.