Dion, Stewart, John to rotate at Colosseum at Caesars Palace

Some former headliners are finding it difficult to stay away from Las Vegas, which continues to earn its moniker as the "Entertainment Capital of the World."

Celine Dion has returned to Las Vegas to begin a three-year residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The brand-new show, centered on classic Hollywood movies and stunning visuals, premiered March 15 featuring 31 musicians and a full orchestra and band. When Dion is on hiatus, Rod Stewart and Elton John have recently signed multiyear contracts to perform at the Colosseum. Stewart will perform about 50 shows over two years; the first 18 shows begin Aug. 24. John returns to the Colosseum on Sept. 28 for a 16-show run that is part of a three-year residency at the venue.

Caesars Palace is also home to "Absinthe," an adults-only, risqué carnival that opened earlier this year in a circus tent outside the hotel-casino. The 600-capacity tent with surrounding beer garden and midway games will occupy an area originally known as the Roman Plaza. "Absinthe" has been produced in New York and Miami Beach by Spiegelworld and features a cast of wild and outlandish acts that perform amazing feats. "Absinthe" is performed within mere feet of the audience surrounding an intimate stage.

In other recent entertainment news, Tiësto, known as the world's No. 1 electronic DJ, has began a residency at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel on select dates through December 2011. "Tiësto in Concert" is a groundbreaking live show featuring a visual and aural experience that has been created exclusively for The Joint.

International recording artist and world champion pianist Ryan Ahern brings his high-energy show "Piano! Las Vegas" to Planet Hollywood Resort Ahern, with his mesmerizing hand speed and unique song arrangements, captivates audiences through his exciting and diverse piano stylings that feature every genre from rock to Broadway. The show is performed at the V Theater inside Miracle Mile Shops.

Comedian and impressionist Greg London has opened his show, "Greg London's ICONS," at the Las Vegas Hilton. Along with his cast of talented singers, dancers and the ICONS band, London aims to please the audience with his iconic renditions of music greats including: Louis Armstrong, Johnny Cash, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Presley, Dean Martin, Ozzy Osbourne and even Kermit the Frog.

Due to the overwhelming success of the critically acclaimed "MUS.I.C.," the world-famous dance crew, Jabbawockeez, has been extended at Monte Carlo through November 2011. Described as an audio-visual story of inspiration brought to life through the harmonization of sound and movement, Jabbawockeez has developed a one-of-a-kind style that has been incredibly influential in the dance community, effectively changing the way people view dance around the globe.

The estate of Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil have joined forces to create touring and permanent shows based on the music and songs of Michael Jackson. Special lifestyle projects, including a Las Vegas nightclub, will also be developed. A rock concert arena-type show, "The Immortal World Tour," will open in December at Mandalay Bay with tickets on sale now. This will be the largest music show touring North America and around the world for four nonstop years. The second show will have a permanent home in Las Vegas and will open in 2013 at Mandalay Bay in the theater where "The Lion King" is playing through this year.

A full lineup of entertainers is scheduled to appear in local hotel-casinos. These include:

n Aliante Station: Al Jarreau, June 3

n Boulder Station: T.G. Sheppard, June 10

n Cannery: Wilson Phillips, June 4

n Cosmopolitan: Cake, June 11

n Eastside Cannery: King of the Cage, June 4

n Green Valley Ranch Resort: Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt, June 4

n Hard Rock Hotel: Tim McGraw, Brandley Gilbert, June 7

n Las Vegas Hilton: Joe, After 7, June 4

n Mandalay Bay House of Blues: The Airborne Toxic Event, June 12

n Mandalay Bay Beach: Chris Isaak, July 16

n Mandaly Bay Events Center: New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys, July 3