Lots goin' on in our town these days, which translates to things are normal, as in driving down the same street each week seeing another monstrous condo or hotel being built. The housing market may be in a slump, but the building market certainly isn't. At least not here in Sin City.
But just to show you that it's not all about us, this Friday, Hooters Casino Hotel is opening its arms--as well as it restaurants, bars, clubs and pool--to those of you who are diehard Chicago Cubs fans. The resort plans to turn its pool area into Wrigley Field to get Cubbies fans all worked up for the team's final pre-season games against the Mariners.
All of you, Cubbies fans or not, will be able to take part in the Wrigley Pre-Game Baseball Pig Roast from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. where you will sample great food specials, live music and hey, it wouldn't be Hooters if the Hooters Girls weren't there to help you celebrate. The first 500 Chicago fans wearing their Cubs gear to the party will receive a free gift and you can enter a drawing for a chance to take your best swing at a "St. Louis Cardinals" cash piñata. Registration begins at 2 p.m.; piñata drawing will take place at 4 p.m. The first person to break the Cardinals cash piñata will win the cash and gift inside.
This should be a lot of fun, especially with the reggae music of Island Tyme, singalong songs to the music of Jimmy Buffett to Bob Marley and hanging out in the pool area that features two heated pools, beach sand, palm trees, a lagoon-style waterfall, cabanas, and an 8-person, 12-person and 60-person hot tub. The 60-person hot tub features a swim-up bar where Hooters Girls serve beverages to guests. I highly recommend it.
NOTHING IS 'FOREVER'
On the other side of the coin, I have to bring some sad news. One of the best shows in Las Vegas will be coming to an end on Sunday, April 1. I'm talking about the delightful Forever Plaid at the Gold Coast. Since it first debuted in Las Vegas at the Flamingo in 1995, then moved to the Gold Coast in 2005, this production that pays tribute to the music of the '50s and '60s, has been a winner with audiences, bringing back many fond memories of their youth. I have always rated it high in my Top 10 list of "shows to see" and will be saddened to see it go. If you've never seen it, make sure you do before it leaves.
If you don't get the chance, Forever Plaid will be performing at the Sycuan Resort & Casino in El Cajon, CA (30 minutes from downtown San Diego). Performances will be in the Showcase Theatre beginning the week of Monday, April 9. Tickets are only $30 and you can get them by calling 619-659-3380, or going online at www.sycuan.com.
ADAMS ART EXHIBIT
I have always been a big fan of Ansel Adams and have several of his works in my home, so I'm looking forward to a lecture and autograph signing by Dr. Michael Adams, the son of the famed photographer and current exhibit artist Ansel Adams. It all takes place Saturday, April 7. The lecture begins at 3 p.m. in Renoir One Ballroom at Bellagio and the reception and signing from 4-6 p.m. Dr. Adams will give us a unique glimpse into the photography of his father, aided by visual slide shows to illustrate his personal experiences on the scene of many his father's most famous photographs. We will also hear what motivated his father as an artist, innovator and environmentalist.
After the lecture, guests are invited to browse Ansel Adams: America, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Arts' current exhibit, and meet Dr. Adams in an evening reception. General Admission: $20, Bellagio Gallery Member admission: $15. Admission includes lecture, exhibit and reception. Guests are also welcome to purchase special Ansel Adams gift items from the Gallery Store for signing.
ADULTS ONLY
Okay, kiddies, you gotta stay in the room while mom and dad take in the Folies Bergere at the Tropicana. As of last Saturday, both Folies Bergere shows on Saturdays will be topless until further notice. This means all shows are now topless except the 7:30 p.m. shows on Monday, Wednesday & Thursday. Hmmmmm...these same kids can go see a movie where people are getting maimed, tortured and violently killed, but can't see a bare breast. Some world we live in.
BUNNY HOP
Hey, if you aren't aware, Easter is just around the corner and Easter Seals Southern Nevada is hosting the 2nd Annual Bunny Hop Easter Egg Hunt on April 7th at Wayne Bunker Family Park from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The Bunny Hop is the kick-off to its Easter Seals National Hang Tag Event with Safeway/Vons! The Bunny Hop is a 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk/Jog followed by a massive Easter Egg Hunt, blow up Jumpers, Slides, Basketball Hoops, Games, Food and much more. Great family fun so mark it on your calendars.
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.
