Las Vegas Review-Journal

One hundred-plus temperatures I can live with; 54 percent humidity I can't, and that's just what it is outside my window as I write this column. I know what you're thinking. Why the hell should I care, when I'm sitting in an air-conditioned house? You're right, I shouldn't, but it's the expectation that I may, at some point during the day, have to go out in it. It's a depressing thought and not one I should have as I try to keep you informed on what's happening in our town.

So to get you all in a good mood, especially you Barry Manilow fans, the Las Vegas Hilton has extended Manilow's contract into 2007. The reason for this is simple -- he's been packing them in for his first 50 shows, and that, my friends, means big business for the hotel.

I think one of the reasons for its success, other than the appeal of Manilow himself, is that the show changes nightly, which means he can get a lot of repeat visits. Manilow says, "I've always avoided a 'fixed' show that repeated the same thing every night. I'm glad to have the chance to surprise the audience every night. And over the next 150 shows, there'll be lots of surprises."

Tickets for these newly added shows go on sale Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. They range from $85 to $225 (yikes!!!) and you can purchase them by going to www.lvhilton.com or calling 1-800-222-5361. By the way, beginning in 2006, those $85 tickets go to $95.

MIRAGE TRANSFORMS

The Mirage has announced some major plans for the next year in an effort to keep its position in the tourism market. Here's what you can expect:

• STACK Restaurant & Bar. The Light Group will present its second restaurant venture (Fix at Bellagio is the first), with Stack featuring American cuisine. Stack replaces Moongate, The Mirage's current Chinese restaurant. (Opens December 2005)

• Fin. A high-end, contemporary Chinese restaurant. With a décor largely centered around elegant glass designs, the restaurant will showcase a spectacular water feature gracing one end of the room. This restaurant will replace the space formerly occupied by Renoir. (Opens November 2005).

• Jet Nightclub is the latest evolution of nightlife artistry developed by the Light Group. Previous Light Group creations include Light Nightclub (Bellagio), Caramel Bar & Lounge (Bellagio), Mist Lounge (TI) and Fix restaurant (Bellagio). (Opens December 2005)

• Kokomo's. One of the city's most successful steakhouses will be updated this fall. Once hidden behind a tropical rainforest, Kokomo's will be revealed with a new bar lounge overlooking the entrance lobby of the hotel. (Opens December 2005).

• Mink Bar & Lounge. Located at the center of hotel, Mink Bar & Lounge will combine the energy of a rockin' bar with the chic elegance of a cool lounge scene. (First quarter 2006).

• Japonais. The marriage of modern-day Japan with old-style European elegance. Offering the best of new Asian cuisine, Japonais will take the space currently occupied by Mikado and the Ava lounge. (Opens April/May 2006)

• Volcano. Wet Design will enhance the resort's volcano to include fire explosions that blast taller, lava which appears hotter, sounds that boom louder and an overall more realistic volcano experience. (Summer 2006).

• Cirque du Soleil will celebrate the musical legacy of the Beatles in a live theater production. This show is a joint artistic venture and marks the first time that Apple Corps has agreed to a major theatrical partnership. (Summer 2006).

BALI HAI HAS GOLF DEAL

Here's a great deal for you golfers. Through Aug, 25, Bali Hai golf course is offering special resident rates starting from only $75. Okay, so it's 110 degrees, but you've got a covered cart and a cooler full of cold beer, so quit your whining. If you want to get in on this, call 702-597-2400 to book your tee time. In case you don't know where the club is, it's located at 5160 Las Vegas Blvd. South, just south of Mandalay Bay.

Before I leave Bali Hai, let me mention that tomorrow night (Aug.4) at Cili (the restaurant at the golf club) is having a party from 6 to 9 p.m. with live music by Big Bruce and Blackberry Jam. I don't know who they are, but like all entertainment in our town, I'm sure they're very good. But I digress. A $10 cover includes two drink tickets and each additional ticket is only 3 bucks. You also get a chance to win some door prizes, including a round of golf for two at Bali Hai. Sounds like a good deal and more importantly, a lot of fun.

FROM ACROSS THE POND

I will wrap this up with an e-mail from Carole Wright in London, who writes: "Dear Lenny: Love your column and am a faithful reader. My husband and I haven't been to your great city since 2001, but are planning another trip this October. You wrote recently about going to see Danny Gans and how much you enjoyed it.

"I have to agree with you. We saw him last time we were there and he was incredible. We also went to see Mystere and the Folies Bergere at the Tropicana. All the shows were wonderful. Our only complaint was the cost of the tickets for the shows. As we both love live music, we went to a number of lounges and we were so impressed with the musicians and singers. Plus it was very affordable to see all of this wonderful talent. You are so right when you say, 'Only in Las Vegas'. Keep up the good work and keep all of us on the other side of the pond informed."

Good luck and I'll see you on the Strip.

If you have a question or a Las Vegas experience you would like to share with my readers, please e-mail me at lennylv@cox.net. Please include your full name and the city or town where you live.