There is a show coming to the Las Vegas Hilton on Sunday, Sept. 18, that I don't want you to miss. It's there for one night only and it's called Dragapella. I was lucky enough to see this hit off-Broadway production about two months ago when it first played the Hilton for one night.
It stars The Kinsey Sicks -- I originally thought it was The Kinsey Six and couldn't figure out the name, as there are only four of them. These four very talented guys, dressed in drag, combine incredible a cappella singing, biting wit and over-the-top drag for what has been called by Billboard Magazine, "one of the more uniquely original (and thoroughly fun and entertaining) acts we have encountered in years" and have been praised for their "voices sweet as birdsong" by none other than The New York Times.
I agree with both reviews. It is an original, funny, entertaining show that will keep you laughing for 90 minutes. Tickets are only 30 bucks, so it's well affordable and worth every penny. Call 1-800-222-5361 for tickets and remember, the show starts at 10 p.m.
BENEFIT FOR NOLA
As news unfolded about the destruction in New Orleans, Brad Brennan, GM of Commander's Palace at the Aladdin, could only hope that the employees at his family's Commander's Palace in the Big Easy were all okay and that the city's 125-year-old landmark would survive the onslaught. Although it seems everyone was accounted for, word came that part of the building had washed away, part of the roof was missing and there had been looting. Brennan says they will assess the damage before making any decision as to future plans for the restaurant.
In the meantime, he announced a weeklong promotion aimed to benefit The American Red Cross' relief efforts. The promotion will begin tomorrow, Thursday, Sept. 8 with a donation of 50 percent of the day's proceeds. The promotion will continue Sept. 9 thru Sept. 14, with additional proceeds being donated to the relief effort. Also, donations to the American Red Cross will be taken at Commander's Palace, located inside the Desert Passage Mall at the Aladdin.
OKTOBERFEST IS HERE
I know it's only September, but Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas will kick off its annual Oktoberfest celebration with a 7 p.m. keg tapping of the traditional Hofbräu Oktoberfest beer on Saturday, Sept. 17. The keg tapping celebration includes a special guest who will serve as the mayor (or Bürgermeister) and a parade through the restaurant. The festivities continue through Sunday, Oct. 31. At 7 p.m. each Friday, Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas will tap a new keg of the seasonal beer.
This year's activities include special Bavarian music, stein painting and spaetzle making demonstrations, a book signing and soft sculpture exhibit, and an ice cream giveaway. There will also be musical performances between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. each Sunday through Thursday and 6 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. This is a real fun event, so if you get a chance, drop by and lift a few.
SENIOR CENTER
I always love items that talk about stuff for seniors, seeing that I am included in that group, though I continue to vehemently deny it. Here's what we've got. Talented, mature performers (that lets me out on both counts) ages 50 and older, can pick up an audition packet now through Sept. 21 at the Las Vegas Senior Center to prepare for this year's Senior Idol Competition.
If you think you can sing, dance, play some kind of musical instrument, or consider yourself a comedian, and want to audition, you can call the center at 702-229-6454 and ask that they mail you a registration packet. If you want to pick one up yourself, the center is located at 451 East Bonanza Rd. and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Auditions will be held Sept. 27-28 by appointment only. There is no audition fee and the judges will be local entertainment professionals and educators. The competition will be held Nov. 5 at the Reed Whipple Cultural Center at 821 Las Vegas Blvd. N. so you'll have lots of time to hone your act. Tickets for the show are $3 in advance, $5 at the door. Advance tickets will go on sale at the Senior Center on Monday, Oct. 3. For more info, call 702-229-6454.
CULTURE SHOCK
Now for my Culture Corner: The Las Vegas Art Museum (LVAM) will honor late artist Laura B. Goodman, mother of Mayor Oscar Goodman, with a retrospective exhibition and gala museum fundraiser on Friday, Sept. 9. Goodman was a lifetime advocate of the arts, and a docent, volunteer and supporter of the museum during her residency in Las Vegas.
The gala evening will include a performance by the Las Vegas Opera and the Las Vegas Chamber Society, a video tribute presentation of her life, cocktails and delicacies provided by renowned area restaurants and chefs. A private VIP reception with Mayor Goodman and his family will be held from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by the gala reception from 7 to 9 p.m.
Tickets are a pricey $1,000 for the gala and VIP reception and $100 for just the gala reception, and you can get them by calling 702-360-8981. The "Laura B. Goodman - Creative Spirit: A Retrospective" exhibition will be open to the public Sept. 10-25, and include artworks in bronze, terra cotta, mosaics, wood, and oils. The museum is located at 9600 West Sahara Ave.
Good luck and I'll see you on the Strip. And don't forget to check out www.valleyblogs.com
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.
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