Celebrate romance with your valentine throughout the month
It's February and there's a lot going on: Groundhog Day, Chinese New Year, Presidents' Day, and most important, Valentine's Day. I like Valentine's Day and keep it close to home, meaning making dinner for my wife. I enjoy her and I enjoy cooking for her.
My Valentine's Day activity is actually coming early -- more specifically, on Feb. 4. That's when "Love is Here to Stay" will be performed by KT Sullivan and Mark Nadler at 8 p.m. at the Historic Fifth Street School (401 S. Fourth St.). The show is a celebration of classic love songs from Irving Berlin, George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, Rodgers and Hart, and Rodgers and Hammerstein. Sullivan and Nadler are Broadway veterans. Their show, "Always: The Love Story of Irving Berlin," won the 2004 Nightlife and Manhattan Association of Cabarets Awards. Both have performed around the world and in every major cabaret in New York City. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For more information: 229-3515 or www.artslasvegas.org.
On The Road to Romance
If you want to celebrate Valentine's Day later in the month, Robert Davi, who has appeared in more than 100 movies, can take you on a journey to romance as he pays homage to Frank Sinatra at The Venetian (3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South) on Feb. 23-25. His show, "Davi Sings Sinatra: On the Road to Romance," has received critical acclaim. Originally a singer, he has shared screen credits with Clint Eastwood, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Josh Brolin and Bruce Willis in such movies as "Die Hard," "License to Kill" and "The Goonies." Showtime each night is 9 p.m. Tickets start at $38.85. For more information: 414-9000 or www.venetian.com.
Let's Go to a Wedding
Let's finish this discussion on love by going to "Joey & Maria's Comedy Italian Wedding" on Feb. 10 at the Eastside Cannery (5255 Boulder Highway.) During the wedding, you'll meet the Gnocchis and the Cavatellis -- two families in the longest-running interactive comedy wedding in the nation. As a guest, you'll be invited to join in the Tarantella (Italian folk dance), witness the wedding vows, enjoy dinner, sing along and mingle with the cast, take part in wedding reception dancing and be part of some unconventional surprises. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show are $30. For more information: 856-5470 or www.eastsidecannery.com.
50 and Counting
The Eldorado Casino (140 S. Water St., 564-1811) in Henderson turns 50 on July 1, and the party is already under way. Sam and Bill Boyd opened the Eldorado in 1962. It became the first joint venture of the legendary father-son team, Boyd Gaming, which has since become one of the most respected companies in the gaming industry. To celebrate, the Eldorado is already offering specials and promotions including commemorative, limited edition $5 gaming chips, a $200 cash bonus to any customer winning a bingo game on "G-50" and 50-cent specials such as shrimp cocktails, hot dogs, soft drinks and coffee at both the Eldorado and Jokers Wild (920 N. Boulder Highway).
Confessions of a Rock Star
Pat DiNizio, who gained fame as lead singer of The Smithereens, is telling his story of going from garbageman to platinum-selling artist at the Riviera. The show, "Confessions of a Rock Star," covers DiNizio's 32-year career in rock 'n' roll and pays homage to his musical heroes. He performs many of the hits from The Smithereens along with the music that shaped his childhood. Let me admit that I was not familiar with this group but can now tell you that this show reminds me of what really good rock 'n' roll music sounds like. DiNizio performs at 7 p.m. Wednesday-Monday. Tickets start at $29.95 and are $19.95 for Nevada locals. For more information: 794-9433 or www.rivierahotel.com.
Year of the Dragon
The Chinese New Year is under way, and we're celebrating the dragon, one of 12 animals that appear in the Chinese zodiac. The others are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. I'm a monkey. Dragon is regarded as the mightiest of signs as it symbolizes ambition, passion and success. Those who possess the sign are unafraid of challenges and embody colorful personalities.
This brings me to the Waterfall & Atrium Gardens of The Palazzo, where a 128-foot hand-crafted, fire-breathing dragon is suspended in air. The one-of-a-kind, 8,000-pound dragon will be perched amid the ground fountain and breathe fire at 1 and 5 p.m. through Feb. 5. The décor will remain through Feb. 28. Chinese custom says it is beneficial to visit the dragon for its blessing and protection. See you at The Palazzo.
Meanwhile Bellagio's conservatory has a display with animatronic dragons that breathe smoke available through March 4. Live music performances are scheduled from 5 to 6 p.m. daily.
And Finally
A group of reporters was interviewing a 104-year-old woman. One reporter asked her what she thought was the best thing about being 104.
She replied, "No peer pressure."
I felt like my body has gotten totally out of shape, so I joined a fitness club and decided to take an aerobics class for seniors. I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down and perspired for an hour. But by the time I got my leotards on, the class was over.
Jack Bulavsky is a 35-year Nevadan and has covered the entertainment, dining and gaming industries for local and national publications. Contact him at jackbulavsky@yahoo.com.
