Las Vegas Connection

BY BART TORRES  

July 26, 2010

Venetian Showroom Welcomes Bell’Aria for One-Night Concert

Bell’Aria, a new sensational singing group created by acclaimed EMI/Manhattan Records showcasing Italian-American music and culture will appear at The Venetian Showroom in a one-night only, nationally-televised concert on August 4, 2010. The program featuring behind-the-scenes footage of the taping will be aired in December on more than 350 PBS stations across the country coinciding with the release of their debut album. Bell’Aria’s repertoire includes classic hits and favorites of the 1950s and 1960s. The concert will get underway at 8 p.m. and while no tickets are available for purchase, a select block of seats will be distributed for free by going to The Venetian Facebook and Twitter pages. For additional information, call (702) 414-9000.

Papillon Airways, Inc. Adds Hoover Dam Ground Tour to Attraction

Papillon Airways, Inc. has expanded their new Hoover Dam helicopter attraction by adding a ground tour to the breathtaking experience. Priced from $154 per person, the Hoover Dam Helicopter Tour now includes a low level air tour inside a deluxe EC-130 Eco-Star helicopter. After completing your air tour that flies over Lake Mead, the tributaries of the Colorado River and the beautiful Black Canyon guests will be taken by shuttle to explore the interior of Hoover Dam featuring its power plant and history of the creation of Hoover Dam. Tours depart daily from either Papillon’s Las Vegas or Boulder City Terminals. With nearly 100 drivers and 30 to 40 shuttles per day, tours include transfers to and from all major Las Vegas resorts. The tour lasts about two hours without transfers and about 41/2 hours with transfers. Hoover Dam, named one of the top 10 construction achievements in the 20^th century attracts more than one million visitors a year. For reservations, call (888) 635-7272 or visit on line at www.Papillon.com.

M Resort Spa Casino Giving Away Buffets for Six Months, One Year or Life

As part of its “Biggest Winner Club” promotion, beginning Monday, August 2, the M Resort Spa Casino is giving their guests a chance to win buffets for six months, a year or for life. Patrons purchasing a meal at the resorts Studio B Buffet will earn one entry and iMagine Rewards card members can receive up to 10 entries per day with slot play. 100 same day base points gets you one entry into the drawings. The “Biggest Winner Club” prizes includes: One VIP Studio B Buffet pass for six months, one year and for life for two people daily; Priority Line Pass and seating in Studio B for up to four guests; a custom-designed Studio B VIP T-shirt, hat and apron; or two tickets to any Martini Time show, based on availability. Drawings for the winners will take place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7 p.m. at Studio B Buffet. Winners must claim their prizes within 24 hours. The properties Studio B Buffet recently received the nod as the “Best Buffet” in Las Vegas from Las Vegas Review Journal’s 2010 Best of Awards.  

Lance Burton & Friends Host Benefit for Shriners

Before he ends his engagement this Labor Day at the Monte Carlo, you will have one last chance to catch magician Lance Burton who will be joined by his friends to host a benefit for the Zelzah Shrine Temple (The Shriners) at 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 22. Tickets are on sale for $25, $30 and $35 and may be purchased at the temple at Mesquite& Rancho or by calling (702) 382-5554.     

South Point Ready for $130,000 Bingo Gala

$130,000 is in the pot for South Point’s Bingo Gala set for Monday, August 2-Tuesday, August 3. The door open at 9 a.m. with warm-ups getting underway at 11:30 a.m. and the gala games starting at 12:30 p.m. An entry fee of $150 gets you into all the action for both days plus all players will receive one six-pack. Extra packs (maximum of 9) are available for $25 each. Additional double action sheets are $2 each. Players buying in for both days will also get 2 breakfast and dinner buffets and bingo daubers. To reserve your spot, call (866) 796-7111. Booking ahead is mandatory! South Point guests will find a lot more room to move around with a 55,000 square foot expansion of the casino floor that opened this past weekend.  This is the first phase of a pricey renovation that also includes a larger poker room, sports book, lounge space and more slot machines.

Cool off with Las Vegas Hilton’s Summer Splash Package

Beginning as low as $49 per night (two-night minimum required) you can book the Hilton’s mid-week Summer Splash Package which comes with a ton of extras. Not only do you get a comfortable room, but you will receive two free breakfast buffets; $20 in gaming credit; $100 in dining vouchers; a couple of complimentary cocktails at the Cabana Bar; 20% off a cabana rental (Sunday-Thursday); and a 15% discount on purchases made at the Paradise Gift Shop. Better yet, no Resort Fee at the Las Vegas Hilton. The Summer Splash Package is valid Sunday-Thursday through September 9, 2010. For reservations, call (888) 732-7117 and ask for “PSUM10”

Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel Celebrating Second “Canniversary”

Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel will celebrate its official two-year anniversary on August 28, but the property will celebrate throughout August with top entertainment, dining, drink specials and player promotions. The “Canniversary” kicks off Sunday, August 1 with free cupcakes and champagne in Marilyn’s Lounge from noon to 5 p.m. The dessert and bubbly will also be offered on Saturday, August 28 at the same time and location. On Saturday, August 21 at 8 p.m., the Grammy Award winning R&B musician and TV star Brian McKnight will take center stage in the Casablanca Event Center. Tickets for the concert are available in three levels: Gold $59.95, Prime $49.95 and Reserved $39.95. Purchase tickets by calling (702) 856-5470, logging on to www.eastsidecannery.com or stopping by the box office. A host of gaming incentives and promotions will also be offered on designated days throughout the month. Check with the club booth for complete details. 

BODIES…The Exhibition Commemorating 2^nd Anniversary with Two-For-One Ticket Deal

BODIES…The Exhibition, the amazing educational attraction giving the public an up-close look inside the skeletal, muscular, respiratory and circulatory system of real human bodies is celebrating its 2^nd anniversary at Luxor Hotel. To celebrate its success, the Exhibition is offering guests a complimentary pass with each ticket purchased from August 9-15. On August 12, Dr. Roy Glover, Chief Medical Director will make an appearance and guests will have the opportunity of meeting him and enjoy a piece of custom BODIES’S cake designed by Freed’s Bakery. Taking the celebration nationwide, the Exhibition, which has displays throughout the world, is searching for its 1.5 millionth guest. The winner will receive a trip to Las Vegas for two including two nights at the Luxor, VIP admission to the resort’s nightlife venues, a private tour of the Exhibition and a gift bag worth over $250. Details on how to enter are available at all Exhibitions. The winner will be announced on September 17, 2010. Tickets to BODIES…The Exhibition are available at Luxor’s Box Office or by visiting www.bodiestickets.com. Tickets for adults are $31, seniors $29 and $23 for children 4-12. The Exhibition is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with the last tour scheduled for 9 p.m. For more information, call (800) 557-7428 or (702) 262-4400.

The Orleans Summer Comedy Series Starring Tom Papa Comes to a Close

The popular Orleans Summer Comedy Series concludes August 27-28 starring comedian, actor and host of NBC’s The Marriage Ref Tom Papa. Featured with Papa for the final 2010 Comedy Series is Greg Giraldo. Papa has been touring with Jerry Seinfield for the last eight years and continues a successful career in movies and television. Greg Giraldo, well known for his appearances on Comedy Central Roasts is a regular guest star on the Late Show with David Letterman and Late Night with Conan O’Brien. The Summer Comedy Series playing at 8 p.m. in the Orleans Showroom is one of the best values in town with tickets priced from $19.95 plus tax and fees. For advanced reservations, call (702) 365-7075 or save on the fees by purchasing your tickets in person at any Coast Casino. 

Jenny McCarthy to Host 4^th Annual Midsummer Night’s Dream at Palms Pool & Bungalows

9 Group and Palms Casino Resort are presenting the 4^th Annual Midsummer Night’s Dream-A Masquerade Lingerie Bacchanalia poolside Saturday, August 14 at 9 p.m. Hosting the annual gala evening will be model, actress and author Jenny McCarthy. Tickets are going for $140, $170 and $220. Costumes or masks are required for admission. For cabana and table reservations, call (702) 942-6832. Room reservations may be booked by calling (866) 942-7770.

Crack the Code Promotion at the Plaza/Las Vegas Club

Downtown dwellers will find a decent promotion at the Plaza/Las Vegas Club called Crack the Code going on every Friday and Saturday in August. For every 500 points earned on your Players Card, you get a shot at winning $1,000 by typing in any 3-digit combination of numbers on the safe. If it opens with your selected numbers you pocket a generous one thousand clams. If the safe does not open you can still win $50 in free slot play. Everyone will win something. See the club for further information.  

Check with resorts for all current offers published. Hotels have all rights and may cancel or modify at anytime. On your drive up to Vegas tune your radio to The Highway FM 98 & 99 for my up-to-date Las Vegas reports. GOOD LUCK!