Another overcast day in Paradise with the forecast yet again for possible scattered thunderstorms. I had to take a drive out to the city limits to make sure the sign said, "Welcome to Las Vegas" and not, "Welcome to Portland". For someone who cannot survive with at least 10 hours of sunshine a day, this has been a very stressful period for me, so forgive me if my column today lacks the brilliant wit you've all come to expect.
To try to cheer myself up and you as well, let me start off by telling you about the Las Vegas Hilton's "Pool Party Weekend." Believe it or not, this event, which is hosted by Owl Enterprises, was started in 1996 by four guys who rented a cabana at a hotel here. Since then it has turned into a very big deal and plenty of fun.
The Pool Party Weekend Aug. 19-20, features a bikini contest, a spokesmodel casting call, sexy go-go dancers and world-class deejays. There will be a special party on Friday, at Shimmer Cabaret that will feature a lineup of DJs and celebrities, as well as a fashion show and evening gown competition.
Owen Gonzalez, one of the original group of four who started it all, and now CEO of Owl, told me that the "Pool Party Weekend is the annual celebration of all of the people in our lives, both past and present, that make it special. It is a time to hang out with old friends, make new friends and connect with people you haven't seen in awhile (how touching). Just tell all of your friends to meet you at the pool party' in Vegas."
Ticket prices for the event are $20 Friday only (this ticket gets you into the private party on Friday at Shimmer Cabaret. Doors open at 10 p.m.) ; $20 Saturday only (this ticket gets you into the pool party and bikini contest on Saturday. Party starts at 5 p.m.; $30 for the Weekend Pass (One ticket gets you into two parties. The private party on Friday and the pool party on Saturday); and $100 VIP All Access (VIP includes access to both parties, plus an open bar from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. at the pool party, VIP priority entry and access to VIP areas. Call 800-893-9932 for tickets and hotel reservations. Should be a typical "let's-have-fun-and-raise-some-hell" Las Vegas bash.
TREKKIES UNITE
Gotta warn you, if your in town this week don't freak out if you see some very strange people walking around. They're harmless, or so I'm told. I'm talking about fans of Star Trek who are coming to our town from all over the world to attend Creation Entertainments Fourth Annual Official Star Trek Convention at the Las Vegas Hilton. from Thursday through Sunday, August 11-14.
I'm hear that celebrities from all incarnations of Star Trek will be there, so bring your cameras. Show hours are Thursday, Noon-6 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.. General admission tickets are available in advance for $35 through all Ticketmaster outlets. Children 6 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
ISLAND BREEZE
If you're a fan of Hawaiian music, you're in for a treat at the California Hotel downtown as Hawaiian entertainers, George Kuo, Martin Pahinui, and Aaron Mahi, bring their slack key guitars to perform Friday, Aug. 26 for two shows (7 p.m. and 10 p.m.). In case you're not familiar with the slack key guitar (ki ho'alu) this unique finger-style was developed by 19th century Hawaiian cowboys. Here's how it was explained to me. By lowering (slacking) the strings (keys) to non-standard tunings, a lingering sound and characteristic resonance behind the melody is produced.
These guys are well-known in Hawaii and for good reason, having produced albums, won a Grammy and conducted the Royal Hawaiian Band and Honolulu Symphony. No slackers here, despite what their instruments are called. Tickets are a reasonable $22 (and that includes tax). You can get tickets at the California Hotel's Players Gold Center or by calling 800-634-6505.
MAGIC MAN
Big news for local magician Steve Wyrick. He has signed a multi-year, $30-million agreement with The Shops in Desert Passage at the Aladdin to develop a 22,000-square-foot entertainment complex that will blend a state-of-the-art 500-seat theatre, ultra lounge and magic shop.
Wyrick's multi-level complex will be located inside The Shops in Desert Passage at the Aladdin (which will be renamed Planet Hollywood next year), just 30 feet from a planned 2,000 room luxury tower. The new theatre, to be located on the second level of the facility, will include stadium seating and a stage that rivals the size of other Strip resort theatres.
The complex will also be home to Triq, a signature ultra lounge located on the first floor. There will also be the Stever Wyrick Magic Shop, Magiq, which will offer his easy-to-learn magic tricks for adults and children alike and other fun illusions, including gift sets as well as his signature line of clothing. Or you'll be able to grab a quick bite at Flavour, before or after the show. The complex will be open 7 days a week.
Wyrick says his new show will be "faster-paced, more edgy and uncut, yet have the quality production value of a Broadway performance. With the large stage, I'll be introducing four new colossal illusions in addition to some favorites from previous shows." The new facility is slated to open in late fall of this year.
COMEDY CORNER
If you're a fan of The Second City, you're gonna love The 313 when they appear at the Flamingo on Aug. 13, 20, 27 and Sept. 3 at 10:30 pm. The 313 is made up of Second City alums Larry Joe Campbell (According to Jim), Andy Cobb (Family Guy), Joshua and Nyima Funk (MTV's Wild and Out), Marc Evan Jackson (VH-1's ILL-ustrated), and Keegan-Michael Key (MadTV). The name was derived from the area code of Detroit, as five of the six members got their start at the Detroit Second City.
Tickets are $39.95 plus taxes and fees and you can get them at the Flamingo box office or by calling (702) 733-3333. You must be 15 years and older and parental discretion is advised. That's the first time I've ever seen a cutoff age of 15. I guess they think 14-year-olds won't get the humor or that maybe it might be too raunchy for them. Hmmmm... aren't they aware of what teens are watching every night on cable TV? Anyway, sounds like a fun show, so catch it if you can.
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.
RSS
Twitter
Facebook