Not that any of you out-of-towners care, but Tuesday was primary election day here in our town and a whopping 27 percent of registered voters came out to cast their ballots. Pretty impressive, huh? I hope there's a helluva lot more interest in those cities where you live. So forgive me if I'm just a bit grumpy today.
Remember last week I told you about going to see The Scintas at their new home in the Sahara and Toni Braxton at Flamingo. I hear the former aren't drawing the numbers like they did at the Rio and there's been bad reviews about the latter. Don't listen to either. Like I said, the problem with The Scintas is the theater, not the act. And as for Braxton, the only complaint I had was that the music, at times, was too loud when she was singing, but I was there opening night and I'm sure that was quickly resolved after a few performances. Let me know what you think of the show.
CIRQUE AUDITIONS
Okay, on to new stuff and this is going to get your heart thumping if you have any thoughts of being on stage. Cirque du Soleil will be holding acrobatic, music and singing auditions right here in Las Vegas this October. I'm telling you now because you're going to have to put together a tape to send them. The company is looking for talent for its 13 current productions and upcoming creations.
Cirque's casting team will be specifically seeking artists with strong technique, stage experience, improvisational skills and versatility: In the singing category, they'll be looking for all ranges in the areas of soul, folk, rock, jazz, gospel, R&B and world beat (I don't know what that means). If you're a musician, take note, as the search is on for sax, keyboard, woodwinds, bass/upright bass (bow), and bandleaders.
If you consider yourself acrobatic or athletic, you might be the one they're looking for in artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, sports acrobatics, circus arts, trampoline, tumbling, diving, synchronized swimming, martial arts, stunts, extreme sports (BMX, rollerblade, etc.), urban acrobatic disciplines (b-boy/hip-hop, urban movement, acrobat-dancers, etc.). Auditions are by invitation only, based on video demo submission (starting immediately). For schedule and details go to www.casting.cirquedusoleil.com. Good luck.
BULLRUN
And while I'm on the subject of auditions, read on, especially you guys. If you really love cars and big events, Spike TV, in partnership with Maloof Television and Rocket Science Laboratories, is producing a wild automotive rally called BULLRUN, based on the popular invitation-only car rally of the same name. If you think you'd like to take part in this competition reality television series, casting directors will be at the Palms on Saturday, August 26, from 10 a.m. to 6.p.m., looking for colorful characters, drivers with a passion to compete, and badass cars - whether it's a "Bitchin' Camaro", a killer low rider or a lime green Lamborghini. They're looking for car lovers to explain exactly why their car fits them. Go to the West Parking Lot (on Flamingo and Arville) of the Palms for your chance to be on the show. Sounds like it can be a lot of fun, plus there's some big money prizes involved and you get to go on a rally across North America. You can log on to www.bullruncasting.com for more info.
COOL AT THE POOL
It's hot. Supposed to be this time of year, and especially in Vegas. You want to cool down, right, but you want to cool off in a hot spot. The reason for this item? Last week, TI (formerly Treasure Island--I wish they hadn't changed the name as I have not heard one person refer to it as TI) launched Whisper, a new night-time pool party to be held every Thursday in August and wrapping up on Labor Day Monday. Can't have the kids going to school with hangovers in September, now can we? DJ Inferno will be on hand to keep things rocking and admission is free, but ya gotta be 21 or older, so get those fake IDs out.
PICK THE PONIES
Attention all you punters: If you like to bet the nags (and I'm not talking about your wives), the Las Vegas Hilton SuperBook will be hosting its summer edition of "Pick the Ponies" this week, beginning tomorrow (Thursday) and running through Saturday. The three-day tournament is one of the more popular handicapping contests in Las Vegas and precedes the running of the Pacific Classic at Del Mar scheduled to run Sunday, Aug. 20. For a $500 entry fee you can test your skills for a share of more than $100,000 (based on 200 entries) in cash prizes. The Hilton will also provide $5,000 (aggregate) in daily cash prizes awarded to each day's top scores. Rules and more details are available at the SuperBook.
BEST WISHES, BARRY
Speaking of the Hilton, Barry Manilow, who exclusively headlines at the resort, is taking a few weeks out of his 2006 engagement to undergo outpatient arthroscopic surgery on both of his hips. He recently tore the labrum (cartilage) in both of them. According to his doctors, labrum tears are quite common among pro athletes playing aggressive sports. So what, you ask, has this got to do with Manilow? A Bruce Jenner he ain't. But if you've seen his show, he gives one helluva high-energy performance and I guess it's taken its toll. Manilow will continue to perform at the Hilton through this Saturday, Aug. 19, and return on Nov. 8. His recovery and rehabilitation time is approximately six to eight weeks. We wish him 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.
