Hate to start off my column with bad news, but that's just what some 125 employees of the Lady Luck hotel-casino downtown got Monday when they learned the property would be closing for at least a year for renovations. By the time everything is shut down in February, 684 people will have lost their jobs. Staff were shocked by the news when they were called in for a morning meeting and were told to turn in their keys and any other hotel property in their possession. Helluva Christmas present, huh?
MAD FOR PLAID
Went to see Forever Plaid, one of my favorite shows, again the other night. But this time, they were performing a special holiday season show, so 90 percent of it was new and I gotta tell ya, it was great. The room at the Gold Coast is perfect for them and I have a feeling they will be there for a long time.
The reason I also bring this item up is that the cast will be signing their recently released CD on Monday, Dec. 19, at ReJavaNate Coffee Lounge (3300 E. Flamingo Rd. at Pecos) from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Why there, you ask? Because two of the cast members, J. Gregory Davis and Bruce Ewing, own and operate the Lounge. The CD covers original material from the production with both studio and live contributions from a variety of props used in the show.
"There was so much music to record, and the harmonizing vocal parts of this group of guys are exquisite. The hard work and talent they perform on stage nightly comes through perfectly on this album," producer Richard Martini said. Songs include Three Coins in the Fountain, Magic Moments, Crazy 'Bout Ya Baby, No, Not Much, and Love Is A Many Splendored Thing, to name a few. If, like me, you love the music of the '50s, you're gonna love this CD. Plus, they're a great bunch of talented guys. If you can't make it, you can still buy the CD at most stores or by logging on to www.drgrecords.com.
MORE MR. VEGAS
Looks like Mr. Las Vegas hasn't lost his touch. Wayne Newton has extended his engagement at the Flamingo and will perform in the Flamingo Showroom through April of next year. Newton said, "From watching old movies I thought I understood the importance of what the original Flamingo meant to Las Vegas. Now, being able to perform at a more modern Flamingo, I realize the importance of the hotel still exists within the city. I love performing at the Flamingo, in the showroom, in the heart of the Strip."
COLLECTOR CHIP
For you collectors, the Palms is offering a limited edition casino chip commemorating the grand opening of Studio at the Palms. Chips are now available in $5 denominations at the casino cage while supplies last. Studio at the Palms opened Dec. 5, the first-ever recording studio built in a Las Vegas hotel-casino. The 8,000-square-foot facility boasts two state-of-the-art music recording and mixing studios, with Solid State Logic and Neve consoles, spacious control rooms and private lounges. For more information on the studio, call (702) 944-3400.
NEW FLAVORS
Harrah's has opened the doors to its new buffet, Flavors. Flavors room chef, Debbi Lewis, has created a menu representing cuisines from around the world, including Churrasco (Brazilian BBQ), pizzas and Italian casseroles prepared in a wood-burning oven, fire-roasted rotisserie chicken, steamed crab legs, Asian selections like hand rolled-sushi, Maki Rolls and homemade Won Ton soup as well as traditional Southwestern dishes. Breakfast is offered from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. for $12.99; lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $14.99; dinner from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. for $18.99 and on Saturday and Sunday a Champagne brunch is available from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for $18.99.
UPSCALE ALLEYS
Bikinis Beach and Dance club at the Rio has closed to make room for Las Vegas' first high-end bowling lounge. The new venue, scheduled to open in the fall of next year, will feature a 12-lane bowling alley and a high-end martini lounge and cafe. Hey, who sez Las Vegas ain't got no class?
SPLASH CAMP
If you don't want your kids to just watch TV, play video games and hang out with their friends during the December school break, Las Vegas' Department of Leisure Services is offering the Winter Break Splash Camp at the Municipal Pool from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, Dec. 19 to 23. Kids from 6 to 11 can learn snorkeling, diving, water safety, games, water polo, synchronized swimming and a variety of swimming strokes.
The cost is $50 per child for the week. The kids will need to bring a sack lunch, beverage, swimsuit, towel and a change of clothes each day. Space is limited so if you're interested, you might want to either get down to the pool at 431 E. Bonanza Road, go online at www.clvbeyondtheneon.com, or call 229-5445 to register. Sounds like a good deal to me and a lot of fun for the kids.
DANCE DANCE DANCE
Let's not let the kids have all the fun. The Northwest Senior Center is inviting seniors age 50 and older to have fun and practice their dancing skills at the center's ballroom dancing, or line dancing classes. Ballroom dancing is held on Tuesdays from noon to 2 p.m., and costs $5 per class. Line dancing is offered on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 to 10 a.m., and costs $3 per class. Can't beat those prices.
Beginners, intermediate, singles and couples are welcome to join these ongoing classes at any time and you don't need reservations. For more information on these and other classes and activities available at the center, call (702) 229-4794. The center is located at 6841 West Lone Mountain Rd. Should be fun and good for your health as well.
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.
