Category Archives: Las Vegas Newsletter

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – July 7, 2009

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AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! July 4’th hit the Las Vegas Strip with a (literal) bang. Displays by Mandalay Bay, Caesars Palace, and Palace Station pretty much assured that no matter where you were, you could see fireworks. Also, kudos to the financially strapped Station Casinos company for shooting off a display from each of their nine properties around the Las Vegas Valley plus displays by M Resort and others. If you couldn’t see fireworks somewhere in Las Vegas, it was only because you didn’t step outside!

Fewer people are moving to Las Vegas due to the economy. Hence, I haven’t published a “so you want to move to Vegas” segment in a long, long time. However, the housing market has created a prime opportunity for those in a position to make the jump. Whether you are serious about moving here now, perhaps thinking about it for the future, or simply hold is as a “someday” dream, I’ve written a few words of advice in this issue.

Concert Goof – Last week, we somehow ran 2008 concert listings on the sidebar of the newsletter. Amy (who literally rarely screws up) inserted the wrong ones. Worse yet, Mark missed it and then I missed it. However… many of you didn’t and wrote us about it (which we appreciate)! I’m happy to report that we are running the proper listing this week. Also, keep in mind that you can always see the latest listings by week and by month on our Las Vegas Entertainment Concert Calendar

Our Phantom contest is coming to an end very quickly. If you have yet to enter, don’t delay. If you aren’t interested, I’m sure you know others who are. Make sure to note this on your Facebook, Twitter, tell your “Vegas” friends at work, at the bar, anywhere you know of people who’d enjoy winning this:

Enter To Win Tickets For
Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular

Grand Prize Winner Will Also Enjoy Dinner at the Fabulous New FIRST Food & Bar at Palazzo Las Vegas

Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular Entry

More Than Just Dinner and a Show…

Grand Prize: You and a guest will enjoy dinner at the brand new FIRST Food & Bar restaurant inside The Palazzo Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Following this unique dinner, you’ll move over to Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular’s custom theatre to be seduced by this exhilarating “Only In Vegas” rendition of this world famous, award winning show.

Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular Entry Page

Limp Bizkit Fan Appreciation Show – This notorious 90’s band is playing a “first come, first served” no ticket charge show at The Palms on July 18. Details are sparse at this time. Fans are urged to check out http://www.limpbizkit.com

Still Thinking Of Moving To Las Vegas? – We have readers who dream of living in Las Vegas, and those who are seriously considering the move. Every few weeks I remind people that this is a lousy time to move here. How lousy? The Review-Journal had a recent article about people from places like Detroit who were actually leaving Las Vegas and moving back to Detroit!

You know it is a tough job market here when people consider Michigan’s economy a better bet. Nothing against Michigan — we count numerous Michigan residents as readers — but they will probably be the first to tell you that their economy isn’t exactly humming along.

But… if you are moving here anyway, some tips:

  1. Most think of Las Vegas as this little island of a place in the desert. Nothing could be further from the truth. The populated portion of the Las Vegas Valley is about 25 miles north/south and 20 miles east/west. Don’t just assume you can plop down anywhere regardless of where you may be working or any special needs/desires (such as an interest in visiting The Strip on a regular basis or the need to fly often). Also, don’t simply assume that a real estate broker will take any of that into account. They all have their preferred areas of town that may be fantastic for them, but lousy for you.
  2. Plan to take a trip here solely based to scout the town. Stay downtown or at one of the chain hotels along Paradise Road (see our handy new Paradise Road hotel map) or an off-strip locals hotel such as Gold Coast or Orleans. You’ll be making a number of trips per day to scout out Las Vegas, and nothing is more miserable than having to deal with Strip traffic and parking multiple times a day. (Take it from us who have to do it from time to time for our jobs).
  3. Scout pretty much the entire Las Vegas area. I don’t just mean driving down a couple of main streets. Get off into a few neighborhoods here and there. Some of the “best kept secret” nicer neighborhoods (in all price ranges) are just off of main streets that otherwise look a bit dated or not-so-upscale. Break the Las Vegas area up into 3-4 sections and plan to spend a few hours a day on this driving quest.
  4. If you mark almost any spot on a Las Vegas map and draw a 5 mile radius line around it, you’ll find just about every kind of neighborhood and just about every price range of home and condo. I can’t emphasize this enough: Don’t let someone tell you what area you should live in. Do your own driving around.

    For example, a Realtor might try to steer you to the very nice, new community of Southern Highlands (the first developed area you see on your left when driving in from Los Angeles). Upscale, many gated communities. However… you may be someone who prefers a great view and would be much happier in the eastern foothills of Sunrise Mountain even though some a Realtor would rarely steer you to that part of town.

  5. The housing market here will be in the ditch for at least another year. If practical, figure out the area of town you think you want to live in and then rent for 6-12 before you buy a home. Nothing is worse than finding out that your “perfect” area might not meet your needs after all.

    Just ask many of the residents in Centennial Hills, which is the far Northwestern area of Las Vegas. A nice area? Yes. But so far from anything and everything that many of us long-timers call it “South Reno” (as it is so far north that it almost seems you are closer to Reno than Las Vegas). You’ll find yourself 25 miles from the McCarran Airport, 20 miles from The Strip, and with only one “usually congested” freeway between yourself and downtown. Move there then end up with a job in Green Valley and you are screwed into a Los Angeles style commute of 35 miles each way. Probably not what you moved to Las Vegas for.

    My tip? If you don’t have the time/ability to do the kind of research I outlined, lean toward the Southeast part of Las Vegas (anything between The Strip and Henderson). You’ll find out that your are no more than 15 minutes from just about anything important in our area.

Billy Mays R.I.P. – This has absolutely nothing to do with Las Vegas, but many us in the Access Vegas circle loved watching Billy Mays. Like him or not, his TV presentation style was unmistakably successful and we were also big fans of the show Pitchmen on Discovery. In this line of work, I can usually eventually find a way to meet people I want to meet (getting convention passes or whatever) and Billy Mays was way up there on my “want to meet” list. Our best to his family and friends.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:

Bally’s from $49, El Cortez from $17, Fitzgeralds from $20, Hooters from $17, Orleans from $26, Riviera from $27, Sahara from $20, Stratosphere from $27, Tropicana from $28, Tuscany from $20, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Las Vegas Show Reviews

Gordie Brown Live at The Golden Nugget

gordie brown las vegas

Impressionist, singer and entertainer Gordie Brown takes you on a wild ride, in his show “Gordie Brown Live” at the Golden Nugget, and you wonÆt want to get off. Most of the show is made up of songs heralded by famous musicians and spoofed by this amazing talent. In addition to his phenomenal mimicry, Gordie replaces the song lyrics with his own and you canÆt stop laughing. Brown is backed by a talented band.

He nails Randy Travis singing without moving his lips, jumps around the stage as an aging Mick Jagger, shows us what an oversexed Tom Jones looks like and hurts himself in order to reach the high notes as Joe Cocker. We hear Bruce SpringsteenÆs take on Internet Dating, Barenaked Ladies ordering a meal with Chris Isaac finding a roach in his soup. Brown moves seamlessly from performer to performer, poking fun at the idiosyncrasies that set each one apart. One of the highlights of the show is of Sean Connery, Ray Romano, Nicolas Cage, John Travolta, Christopher Walken and Chris Rock all auditioning for the role of Batman.

The Minus 5 Experience Unveiled The Life-Size “Ice Portrait” of Mayor Goodman – Minus 5 Experience unveiled their life size “Ice Portrait” of Mayor Oscar B. Goodman. The ice portrait is based on a photograph provided by famed photographer Tomas Muscionico (who’s photo credits include portraits of A-list celebrities including Ray Charles, President Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, and Steven Spielberg to name a few). Professional ice sculptors took approximately 32 hours to carve the portrait, utilizing more than 10 different tools to meticulously shape 550 pounds of crystal clear Canadian ice. The cool replica will remain on display throughout the summer, allowing visitors the opportunity to cozy up to the legendary Mayor.

Phantom û The Las Vegas Spectacular Celebrates Three Smashing Years At The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino – Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular, celebrated its third anniversary on June 24 as one of the most successful and longest-running musical theater productions on The Strip. After three thriving years and 1,353 performances, the cast and crew celebrated with an exquisitely decorated Phantom-themed cake during the curtain call at last night’s performance. Photo credit: Tom Donoghue.

Tickets For Floyd Mayweather vs. Juan Manuel Marquez Go On Sale – Fight Rescheduled For Saturday, September 19 at MGM Grand – Sports fans around the world can celebrate again as it was announced today that the highly anticipated 12-round welterweight showdown between Floyd Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez has been officially rescheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19.

Las Vegas Deals

These are only a few of the many Easy Vegas Deals we find each and every week (many of which happen too quickly for newsletter deadline). For a complete and constantly updated listing:

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I am visiting Vegas July 19-23. Contrary to your assertion in your 6-29-09 newsletter, the airfares are not coming down. I am traveling from Sacramento to LV and priced the round trip costs for two for five weeks. They never went down. Actually I think the airfares contribute to the tourism dwindling because of the economy and rates not traveler friendly.

Walley

Ted Responds:

We noted that according to the Associated Press, they are at the bottom and likely will be rising over the next few weeks. Let me quote:

Airfare Hitting Bottom - A very recent Associated Press story noted that airfare prices are at the bottom. The price of oil is starting to rise and people who cut back spending during the recession (but never lost their jobs) are starting to loosen up their spending a bit. They suggest that if thinking about a trip, book your airfare now.

Las Vegas visitor volume has been on a slow but steady upward trend as the extremely low room rates more than offset the price of airfare. Having said that, Las Vegas as a destination has absolutely no control over airfare. Airlines set their own prices.

Hope that helps explain it better!

I am not sure of where the airfare is way down but it sure is not BOSTON.

Gail Parkinson

Ted Responds:

Boston isn’t noted for having low prices for much of anything. As a business hub, the airlines that serve it know they can get top dollar.

Mark Jacobs (of our staff) if from Boston, so we are well in tune with your area.

You have to take the good with the bad, I guess. You have great sports teams, and are a center of education and commerce. The flip side of the coin is the cost of living (including the cost of flying).

I do appreciate you input. Please continue to enjoy the newsletter.

Love the newsletter. Thanks for all the useful information. One question though. Me and my wife venture to Vegas quite frequently (3 to 4 times per year). We stay at a new location every time. On our most recent trip (May 2nd through 5th) we were staying at the Encore. I decided to try tipping the front desk to get an upgrade, which you have talked about a few times in the news letter.

Since it was a pretty upscale place I decided that a $50 would be the right amount. I folded it and placed it between my I.D. and credit card and handed it to the lady at the front desk, making sure that the denomination of the bill was clearly showing. She saw it and responded, “you don’t need to do that sir, I will do my best”. Needless to say, we did not get the upgraded room as I had hoped. My question is: Did I not tip enough, or do they just not take “bribes” at the Encore? Or did I do something wrong? Please advise.

Thanks for all you do.

Scott Etherington

Ted Responds:

$50 should have been fine for Encore, and I’ve heard of the tip working at Wynn.

Having said that, it is not a guaranteed deal. I’ve had it both work and fail at the same hotel. Various hotels have various directives, plus some clerks are more “by the book” (if you want an upgrade, you pay for it), than others.

ALSO, you’ll usually have better luck with it on non-convention weekdays when the hotel might not quite be as full.

Bottom Line: It is always worth a try. If it doesn’t work, it’s not a personal rejection of you. Various reasons beyond your (and sometimes their) control. You are in Las Vegas to gamble. Might as well take a “can’t lose” shot at the upgrade. It is the one bet in town that doesn’t cost if you lose.

P.S. The trendy new name to call Wynn and Encore that seems to be starting to catch on (and that Steve Wynn probably hates): Wynncore

Just want to mention that we always stay “Downtown on Fremont Street” Have stayed at the Plaza, the Lady Luck and will stay at The golden Nugget this year… If anyone knows about “Downtown”, they will remember Lady Luck is/was at one end of Fremont, and The Plaza is at the other end.

While I have been with Family, Husband and best girl friend, I have always felt very safe on Fremont Street from one end to the other. Often, I am alone and going back to my room at 3am or later… walking by myself…. I have never felt unsafe or been approached in any way…and I also know that should this happen, all I need to do is walk into the door of a Casino for help. The casino’s are so close together that this would not be a problem.

Off Fremont, I would not venture though…and although the El Cortez has been upgraded and is very nice, I would think twice about venturing there by myself after dark… but we do visit from early AM thru Dusk… and enjoy it very much. However, if I had a partner to walk with me, I would not hesitate to go there and play later… just not by myself.

As for Fremont Street, I feel very much at ease and very safe alone. So Ladies, this comes from one of your own… and I would not hesitate to tell you to visit or stay at the Casino’s “Downtown.” And Ted is right about the Taxi service at every hotel… usually there is enough Savings on your rooms “Downtown” to pay for your Strip Visits by Taxi, and still come out ahead $$ wise. Food for thought!

Sherrie Brickey

Ted Responds:

Thanks for the input. Especially the great point about being able to walk into any casino if you even feel at all threatened. Pretty much every inch of a casino (except the restrooms) is always on camera and being recorded! If you ever feel unsafe at any time for any reason in any of the tourist areas of Las Vegas (highly unlikely), simply duck inside a casino.

I guess no matter where ya go politicians can find a way to spend tax dollars in weird ways, i.e. not to benefit of the most. I came to Vegas in Sept 2000 for the first time. My first vacation in 20 years. It was (I thought) just to appease my wife. She was telling me how I should visit as she had years before and how great it was. I thought O.K., one visit and get it out of my (our) system.

That trip, then one April 2001, Oct 2001 (5 weeks after open heart surgery 45 years old, I’m ex-army and terrorists will not dictate my life!!!) were great. We stayed at Treasure Island and always had a great time. We came out at least twice a year and once made it three times (son turned 21).

But I noticed as you talk about, all of a sudden things started changing, and drastically. Where we once felt we were welcome, it started to feel like we were a bother. Even when we did get offers from several properties for free or discounted rooms, we choose not to use them. We had 3 free nights at Treasure several years ago, and my wife was so upset with the way they changed, we walked out and went to the Riv. Then we made the big mistake, we bought a time share and have since upgraded it to Tahiti Village. The actual cost per night/lifetime use is pretty steep. However, the amenities are great and discounted tickets, free breakfast etc. can count for something.

We do very little gambling now as we rent a car all the time, and do shows and movies. Don’t get me wrong, we still enjoy Vegas, just not as much or in the same way we used to. And that is to their detriment. Before we would think nothing about putting back thousands in winnings (and did) because we could have fun doing it. That has changed. I probably spend 40% of what I used to.

I guess what I am saying is this. Politicians don’t know what entertains the common folk and the casino/resort owners better get back to what the used to do, entertain us. Even if they don’t like us anymore, they can hire people to fake it.

And to you I say, thanks for wanting us to come out and visit!!!!!

Richard Faw

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

  • Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 18-20 (3 day weekend)
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 13-15 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • Mardi Gras February 16
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 4
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 9
  • Memorial Day, U.S May 29-31 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 20

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

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All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

July 8, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – June 24, 2009

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AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

Can’t see all the great photos and graphics? Click to Read This Issue Online! Need to contact us? Send feedback to AllVegasTV@aol.com

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend! Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

This newsletter is published exclusively for visitors to AccessVegas.Com and can only be signed up for there. We do not buy or rent lists, and this information is only for our members and guests. If you feel you have received it in error, click the unsubscribe link at the bottom. To subscribe, visit our Newsletter Site.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! Weird week as we say goodbye to three entertainment icons: Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, and Ed McMahon. Plus, it was overcast with light rain here for a couple of days. Just a weird week. This newsletter is going to be all over the map. If a section doesn’t interest you, just keep scrolling! On to some fun and winning…

Enter To Win Tickets For
Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular

Grand Prize Winner Will Also Enjoy Dinner at the Fabulous New FIRST Food & Bar at Palazzo Las Vegas

Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular Entry

More Than Just Dinner and a Show…

Grand Prize: You and a guest will enjoy dinner at the brand new FIRST Food & Bar restaurant inside The Palazzo Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Following this unique dinner, you’ll move over to Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular’s custom theatre to be seduced by this exhilarating “Only In Vegas” rendition of this world famous, award winning show.

Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular Entry Page

4’th Of July – We’ve continued to add quite a bit of information to our Fourth of July 2009 Las Vegas page. If you are going to be here this coming weekend (or even thinking about it), make sure you find out what is going on. It is going to be one huge weekend in Las Vegas!

New York, New York Roller Coaster – Certainly one of the wilder rides in Las Vegas, but not cheap at $14 for the first ride and $7 for each re-ride. (Co’mon guys… Every time we drive by, it is running nearly empty. Could it be the price)? However… for those who are true thrill seekers, they do offer a $25 all-day Scream Pass.

I haven’t done the NY, NY ride but a few years ago bought an “all you can ride” pass for the rides atop Stratosphere Tower (currently running $33 for Tower admission and all the rides you can handle) and went on the Big Shot ten straight times. (That is the ride which shoots you straight up off the top of the tower). Once you get used to both the height and the weightlessness, the view is unmatched!

Play The Machines Loaded – Very recently, I stopped to toss a few bucks into a Megabucks slot machine (our version of the lottery). The last person to play it before me had only bet two coins instead of the maximum three one can bet on this machine. Like just about every other “progressive jackpot” machine (where there is a huge top prize), you must play Megabucks “loaded” (full coins in) to hit the top prize.

If you line up the winning symbols but are playing for a smaller bet than the maximum, you won’t get the top prize. Even if you line up the highest winning symbols! If a certain progressive jackpot machine beckons you but is a little bit out of your financial league, do one of two things: 1. Plan of playing fewer hands or 2. Find a machine that is in your price range. Never, ever “try your luck” with less than the maximum bet allowed on a progressive.

New Las Vegas Deals TV Show – Our friend Alan Mendelson (long time Southern California newscaster) is bringing a new type of TV infomercial program is coming to Las Vegas TV called Vegas Best Buys. Unlike traditional TV infomercials that have advertising from one company, Vegas Best Buys will feature “mini infomercials” from ten to twelve advertisers with each advertiser getting a segment of several minutes on the program.

Alan has been producing the “Best Buys TV Show” in Los Angeles. The shows — both the Los Angeles and the Las Vegas versions — follow a “news format” that Mendelson developed while doing bargain shopping news reports for the CBS TV stations in Los Angeles. Interested businesses should contact him through his web site www.AlanBestBuys.com. Alan has told us that there will be no charge to the businesses that are picked to participate in the pilot. So pass this along to any local business owners you know.

Airfare Hitting Bottom – A very recent Associated Press story noted that airfare prices are at the bottom. The price of oil is starting to rise and people who cut back spending during the recession (but never lost their jobs) are starting to loosen up their spending a bit. They suggest that if thinking about a trip, book your airfare now.

If coming to Vegas, don’t forget to compare hotel prices with our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals. How do they keep their prices so low? They buy rooms in bulk, at wholesale prices from the hotels (who are willing to do so because it guarantees that the rooms are sold). They then pass the savings along to you.

Lowest Graduation Rate – Nevada has the lowest high school graduation rate in the country, with less than 50% of students grabbing that diploma. In the past, this was attributed to the ease of getting a good paying job in hospitality or construction (or on a stripper pole) without an education. Given the 11% unemployment rate and the end of the “gravy train” of high paying, low skill jobs because of the economy, let’s hope we see that number start creeping up a bit.

Summer Of ’69 Contest – If you missed our last issue (or just forgot to enter), you only have a few more days to take a shot at our Summer Of ’69 giveaway of lots of cool and unique Vegas stuff. Details are in the archives of our June 17, 2009 Access Vegas Insider Vibe.

More Members Mania – I’ve had to skip doing our very popular Members Mania section of the newsletter (scroll down about 2/3 of the way) a couple times in the past two months. So… we did a double-dose for you this week.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:

Bally’s from $49, El Cortez from $23, Fitzgeralds from $23, Hooters from $20, Orleans from $28, Riviera from $27, Sahara from $23, Stratosphere from $25, Tropicana from $28, Tuscany from $31, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Las Vegas Show Reviews

Barbra & Frank, The Concert That Never Wasà

barbra streisand frank sinatra las vegas

“Barbra & Frank, The Concert That Never Wasà” at the Riviera Hotel & Casino is pure Vegas entertainment. Imagine if you will, an evening with two of the greatest musical icons of the 20th Century û Barbra Streisand and Frank Sinatra, together on the same stage. It never happened. It never could have happened. But Sharon Owens and Sebastian Anzaldo will make you feel as if it did, with you right there in the audience. Frankie starts the night off with the classic “I’ve Got A Crush On You.”

Anzaldo is dapper and debonair as Sinatra and quickly pulls you into the illusion. He’s got Frankie down. The voice and the physicality is unmistakably Sinatra. Owens’ Streisand has all the mannerisms of the real Streisand û the long nails, the hair. But it’s when she opens her mouth that she becomes Barbra. Her nasally speaking voice is true to character. She delivers the songs like a pro.

Penn & TellerÆs Magic Keeps Las Vegas Mesmerized

penn teller las vegas

In terms of upholding their reputations, the two do not disappoint here at The Rio. Employing a variety of standard magic bits from a simple Cups & Balls illusion to the more dramatic Sawing a Lady in Halves, Penn & Teller manage to inject their unique take and unexpected punchline every time. Other parts of the act incorporate totally unusual devices, such as an Airport Metal Detector. And PennÆs romantic fire-eating interlude is in a category all its own, as is his nail-biting nail gun routine. Teller, despite his trademark staunch silence, shines every bit as brightly in many acts highlighting his deft sleight of hand skills.

“Sgt. Pepper Live” Featuring Cheap Trick Exclusive Las Vegas Hilton Engagement – “Sgt. Pepper Live,” featuring Cheap Trick, will be presented at the Las Vegas Hilton September 13-15, 17-19 and 21-23. The performances, with special musical guests to be announced, will feature a full symphony orchestra, audio production by Geoff Emerick and set design by Rene Lagler. “One of America’s greatest bands ever, doing their live interpretation of this classic rock album, an album nobody believed could be performed outside the recording studio, sets a new standard for rock and entertainment in Las Vegas,” said Ken Ciancimino, executive vice president of the Las Vegas Hilton.

One Less Timeshare Company?

This past week, the company that probably was THE major timeshare company in Las Vegas (and one of the biggest in the U.S.) declared bankruptcy. These are my thoughts:

The economy has forced Consolidated Resorts into bankruptcy this past week. You might know then as the people behind Tahiti Village, the timeshare resort on the very, very, very south end of The Strip (2 miles south of Mandalay Bay). This may mean less people stopping you along The Strip at various hotels and asking you if you want free show tickets in return for listening to a timeshare pitch.

What remains to be seen will be the impact on the various shows which they promoted. They would actually buy the show tickets (presumably at some discount) then give them away. Various shows over the years continued to soldier on largely in part due to this guaranteed revenue.

Believe it or not, their preferred method of getting people to take timeshare tours was NOT stopping people on The Strip. It is costly to rent the space, put up the incentives, etc. Consolidated had an widespread radio campaign (featuring celebrities like Rosanne Barr and Tanya Roberts) and were in the process of developing a very aggressive internet presence in order to target regular Las Vegas visitors who would be interested in a dedicated place here.

How do I know all of this? We had discussions a few years ago regarding working with them on this effort, and again last fall a few more informal discussions regarding their internet marketing strategy.

The great thing about the internet is the ability to target those who might be interested in a product without the “in your face” presentation you (as a visitor) get from the sales people while you walk down The Strip. Final Note: At this time, Access Vegas own the undeveloped properties FreeStayVegas.com and FreeStayLasVegas.com. They are currently for sale or lease. Interested parties should email allvegastv@aol.com

Las Vegas Deals

These are only a few of the many Easy Vegas Deals we find each and every week (many of which happen too quickly for newsletter deadline). For a complete and constantly updated listing:

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I am bringing my grown up family to America in June/July – (3 nights San Francisco, 2 nights Lake Tahoe, 7 nights Las Vegas and 3 nights LA). The last time I visited Las Vegas for a few days was pre-Wynn hotels. Our week in Vegas commences 30’th June. Apart from the Grand Canyon, what are the top five places I should show them whilst there?

Graham

Ted Responds:

That sounds like quite the trip, and you are sure to enjoy yourself!

Las Vegas has so much to do and see, and everyone has different tastes. Hence, a “Top 5” would be impossible to come up with.

If you go to our newsletter archives site at https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com and scroll down the right sidebar, you will see links to years worth of archives. You may wish to scroll though them and see what catches your eye!

I have read that the M resort shuttle to and from Fashion Show Mall is only available to residents of the hotel, is this fact ? We would like to visit M on our next trip but the thought of return cab fares from Wynn would be prohibitive for a lunch outing at Studio B. (This may sound strange but I am happy to gamble say $500 on our visit there but reluctant to pay a return cab fare! More to play with I suppose).

Regards,

Annette & Bill from the UK

Ted Responds:

Nothing wrong with saving your money for playing the machines or taking in some great shows!

I personally called M not long ago was told that anyone can use their to come on down and visit the hotel. My advice? Call M when you are in town to double check. Tell them you are staying on The Strip and want to come down to eat and do a little playing. And, ask the M shuttle driver when you get in the shuttle to confirm.

P.S. Many don’t know this, but it is a proper courtesy to give a shuttle drive $1 per person tip upon exiting the shuttle.

I first visited Vegas in 1960, on my way to being sworn-in as a new Navy Medical Officer. Over the years, my wife and I have visited Vegas many times. Over the past 20+ years we’ve averaged visiting once a year (our most recent visit was in January) and what a change we’ve noted over the years.

I enjoy Blackjack but I couldn’t find a decent game anywhere on the Strip what with hardly a $10 minimum, 3:2 Blackjack payoffs, Dealer hitting Soft 17, No Late Surrenders, etc.. And, hardly anyone at the tables. Vegas is going down the tubes & it’s not just because of the economy. The MBA bean counters are ruining it for everyone. I think things were a lot better during the Bugsy Siegel era (from a gaming standpoint).

Ham

Ted Responds:

Thanks for reading and thanks for your input. Surrender (a blackjack rule that lets you save part of your bet) went away years ago. It made the game too advantageous for card counters. Having said that, downtown still has plenty of lower limit blackjack with a full 3:2 payoff for a blackjack.

We’ve been talking about downtown quite a bit the past few months because downtown is still very much run the old way. Smaller operators (or single casino owners), food deals, cheaper drinks, looser slots, and better table game rules.

You can win or lose anywhere on a given day, but we continue to encourage people who want to do some serious gambling without breaking the bank to plan a session or two downtown. Fremont Street downtown is no longer as far removed from The Strip as it once was. The Deuce bus runs every few minutes, 24/7 and you can hop off at The Sahara and catch the monorail to most parts of The Strip in a matter of minutes.

The only way the casinos on The Strip will get the message to bring back decent rules and lower limits is if more and more people take their gambling downtown.

I am planning a trip to Vegas sometime this year and I would like to bring my 17 year old niece with me. She has a great interest in singing and I would love to take her to see some of the shows. Are there any age restrictions for the shows? I know there are age restrictions for the casinos and of course, the X-rated shows, but, is there anything else I need to know?

Thanks for your help.

Heather Rhind

Ted Responds:

Except for any show that features some form of nudity (or some of the comedy shows because of content and/or a bar setting), shows generally don’t have age restrictions.

I say this generally, because some may not encourage (or actually have a ban on) young children.

However, a teenager won’t have any issues. Especially a 17 year old girl. You won’t see or hear anything at most Las Vegas shows that they already see or hear on MTV.

Thank you for your continued excellent newsletter. Being from the UK itÆs a great way to stay in touch with all the latest gossip from your wonderful city. We are planning a trip in the summer with our 3 kids and their partners, 2 of whom are vegetarian. Can you suggest the best places to go for good ‘veggie’ food at reasonable prices, credit crunch problems here in UK means we donÆt have as many US$ as we would like to spend!!

CanÆt wait to see Vegas again soon. Keep up the great work we really appreciate it!

Kind Regards,

Kim from Essex U.K.

Ted Responds:

As you can imagine, Las Vegas isn’t exactly a bastion of vegetarian dining. Your best bet for a variety of non-meat items would be the various hotel buffets. Buffet prices vary widely and you get what you pay for.

If renting a car, you’ll find major grocery stores just a couple minutes east of The Strip at Flamingo/Maryland Pkwy. (Albertson’s) and Tropicana/Maryland Pkwy. (Vons) where you will be able to find plenty of food that should suit your needs. Plus, you can buy a cheap, disposable cooler to keep in your room and keep it filled with ice from the hotel ice machine.

Any word on the Lady Luck Casino???

We visit Vegas about once a year and have stayed there a couple of times. We thought it was a lot of fun (we prefer the smaller casinos) and the food was great! Hope it returns.

Judy from Minnesota

Ted Responds:

Nothing will happen to it until the economy improves. Sadly, it probably won’t be the same when it re-opens. Different owners, etc.

I miss it, too. Really enjoyed it. Over the years when heading downtown alone (strictly for research purposes, or course), I’d usually park at the Gold Spike for some $1 blackjack (back when the Gold Spike was a dive), and hit the Lady Luck for a couple of cocktails and 25 cent video poker before moving on to dinner somewhere on Fremont Street.

My dad & I returned from an 8 day stay at the Flamingo earlier this year. The closet was broke in the room and I don’t think the maid vacuumed the whole time we were there. One day, she never even left any towels! We will not be staying there again.

Did get to Fremont Street this trip. it was wonderful, just wish we would have eaten in the Golden Nugget sooner. Best buffet we ever had! Marvelous time at the Wayne Newton show at the MGM. Had fun at the meet and greet after the show. Wayne is soooo gracious and really gives everything hes got at every show. Cant wait till next time!

Donna

Ted Responds:

A word to the hotels who have been cutting staff to the bone in an effort to save money: This is what you are getting. Unhappy customers.

Never be afraid to call (or visit) the front desk if service is lacking. Something as simple as “It doesn’t appear that our towels were changed out nor was our room vacuumed today. Can you send someone up to take care of this” should suffice.

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

  • Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at I4Vegas Discount Las Vegas Reservations and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 18-20 (3 day weekend)
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 13-15 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • Mardi Gras February 16
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 4
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 9
  • Memorial Day, U.S May 29-31 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 20

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend!

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.

New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

June 24, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – June 17, 2009

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! Usually I tell you how busy things have been on the Las Vegas Strip, but we experienced a little bit of that June lull mid-week this past week. With the weather getting nice in the northern hemisphere and graduation taking center stage, June represents soft travel to Las Vegas. Things are set to pick back up again as summer gets into high gear!

We continue to add fireworks, concerts, and other events to our Fourth of July 2009 page. If you are coming for The 4’th, keep an eye on it. We add to it every couple of days as information becomes available!

Summer Of ’68 Giveaway

Las Vegas Summer Of 1969

We have brand new software to help us do promotions and giveaways, and you are going to help us crank it up. All summer long, the Fremont Street Experience downtown is doing a Summer of (19)69 celebration and we got our hands on a grab bag of cool promotional stuff. We don’t sell, trade, or share entry emails. You can enter with confidence. More details and email entry form:

Las Vegas Summer of ’69 Giveaway

Ensign Oooops – We don’t do much politics here, but occasionally I’ll offer a little local insight on a national story that has Las Vegas connections. This past week, US Senator John Ensign (R-Nevada) admitted to a 9 month affair with a close family friend. Given Ensign’s family values platforms, this obviously wasn’t his best career move.

Having said that… the fallout is pretty tepid. This is a real “live and let live” state. I’m not defending his actions, but the buzz surrounding this story seem to pale as compared to the new of the cause of Danny Gans’ death. Speaking of…

Danny Gans Death – Was determined to be from a very powerful painkiller that was in his system. He had a prescription for it, but that prescription was five years old. Although he hid it well, those close to Gans said that he was in constant chronic pain from years of athletic endeavors (including a stint in minor league baseball) and from the pounding his body took during his show.

Obviously, plenty of conjecture as to why. It was noted that the pain medication in combination with his high blood pressure medication and a heart/blood condition may have all come together in a very bad way. Word to the wise: Before digging out that old prescription, make sure it doesn’t mix poorly with what you presently take or any physical conditions that may have worsened over time.

Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood – Photographer Greg McFalls got a pile of great new photos from the Miracle Mile, including their new indoor fountain show! Go shopping in Las Vegas with out spending a dime by clicking on either of the photos below and enjoying the entire photo set:

Miracle Mile Shops Las Vegas Planet Hollywood

Miracle Mile Shops Las Vegas Planet Hollywood

MGM CityCenter Progress – Shopping not your thing? CityCenter is roaring toward completion and towering over the middle of the Las Vegas Strip. Greg McFalls also got a huge set of incredible shots of Las Vegas’ newest monstrosity. Click on either photo below to enjoy the entire photo set:

MGM CityCenter Construction May 2009

MGM CityCenter Construction May 2009

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:

Bally’s from $49, El Cortez from $23, Fitzgeralds from $23, Hooters from $20, Orleans from $28, Riviera from $27, Sahara from $22, Stratosphere from $26, Tropicana from $28, Tuscany from $32, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Las Vegas Show Reviews

George Wallace: I Be Thinkin’

george wallace las vegas

George Wallace has been thinkin’, and his audience is privy to the hilarious results in his show, I Be Thinkin’, in the Flamingo Hotel Showroom.

Attendees are treated to a classic show experience similar to what visitors of Vegas’ heyday must have experienced. Guests aren’t merely herded into a huge theatre constructed with hundreds of seats. Instead, a more genteel, supper club atmosphere is arranged in the showroom, more conducive to a comedy or variety show. A tuxedoed maitre ‘D greets guests and politely ushers audience members into the intimate yet comfortably sized showroom.

Bite: A Glimpse Into The Dark Side

bite las vegas

A vampire king that is who strikes a not so surprisingly similar look to that of the James Bond character DR-Death from the movie Live and Let Die. Throw in some magic coffins that make women disappear, a large black grand piano that helps the vampire ladies appear and some rather predictable rock tunes (Born to be Wild) and you have an erotic but decently priced show that caters to an audience who are very comfortably accommodated in an excellent cocktail lounge.

No Doubt To Rock The New Joint At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Friday, August 7 – No Doubt will return to Las Vegas this summer with special guests Panic at the Disco and The Sounds to deliver a high-energy show to their fans in Vegas’ top rock venue. No Doubt will take the stage at The new Joint at Hard Rock Hotel Casino on Friday, August 7. The legendary high energy live act No Doubt were formed in Anaheim, CA and reached international success with their 1995 release Tragic Kingdom. That album, including the mega hit “Don’t Speak” among many others, has sold over 15 million copies worldwide.

Krug Announces The Creation Of The First Krug Room In The United States At Restaurant Guy Savoy At Caesars Palace Las Vegas – Representatives of Krug, the world’s premiere champagne, and acclaimed French chef Guy Savoy today announced the opening of The Krug Room at Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace Las Vegas û the first of its kind in the United States. A proven success story. Krug Rooms are private dining rooms in exclusive locations around the world where groups can gather to enjoy superb cuisine, stimulating conversation and, of course, exceptional champagne.

Easy Vegas Deals

These are only a few of the many Easy Vegas Deals we find each and every week (many of which happen too quickly for newsletter deadline). For a complete and constantly updated listing:

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

My husband and I have been traveling to Vegas for several years now and enjoy each trip. We just recently returned from a 6 day holiday. We stayed and The Venetian and once again, it was excellent. The rooms are large, beautiful and most of all clean! The Grand Lux coffee shop is well priced with huge portions. Actually we found pricing better in comparison to Bally’s coffee shop.

After several years of saying we’ll try it, we had dinner at Battista’s – A Whole in the Wall. It was fantastic and brought back memories especially drinking wine out of the juice glasses! That’s how it is in Italy – Mama Mia!

For the first time though we found it very annoying all the people trying to sell time shares or “tickets for free”. They were everywhere we turned it seemed and in our face all the time.

I been an avid reader of your newsletter for years! Thanks for keeping me informed of my favorite city in the world!

Grace Pochodaj

á

Ted Responds:

Thanks for the great letter! The casinos are trying to make an extra buck with the time share people (who rent the space they use). The best way to ditch them? Tell them you are leaving the next day (or that you live here).

Battista’s Hole In The Wall is loved by regular visitors from around the world. A true one-of-a-kind place. It is a little tough to find: It sits in a mini-mall just behind the Flamingo Hotel at Flamingo and Audrie (just where the monorail crosses Flamingo). The nice thing? It is literally a 3 minute walk from The Strip and well worth the time for a visitor to at least poke their head in and take a peek!

I’ve been enjoying your newsletter, but I miss your podcasts. Your genuine enthusiasm and really knowledgeable comments and news were fun to hear. The newsletters are great, but there was something special about hearing you podcasting.

In all the years I’ve been coming to Las Vegas, I’ve only ventured downtown once since the old days and that was just to see the fabulous sound and visual display, the Fremont Experience. However, since my primary gambling is craps and blackjack, I’ve been interested in your suggestions about heading down there because of the looser slots and possibly lower minimum bets. The slots have almost no appeal for me, but I have always enjoyed the live excitement of the table games. Since I came of age in a time when the men played the tables and the ladies played the slots, I’ve always felt uncomfortable sitting at those silly machines. Now they are even sillier since they look like video games for kids.

The trouble is that over the years, the minimum bets have risen way beyond the $5.00 or $10.00 bets I was able to feel comfortable with. When I was a lot younger and learning how to play craps, there was a particularly memorable visit downtown where I could, risk as little as 25 cents on the pass line! I don’t expect the MBA types who are likely are running the show these days can understand how on earth they could make much money that way. The fact is that one visit made me a lifetime craps player, because I was able to play long enough to learn the game well.

The result is that even though my hotel preferences are Bellagio, Mirage, etc. because of the ambiance, pools, spas, lounges, shows, etc., I don’t get much of a chance to have fun gambling anymore, since after a few bad rolls of the dice, my daily self-imposed limit is reached and exceeded. Yes, I could afford to play the higher priced minimum tables, but the fact is that it’s not fun anymore, because I would lose money more than I care to.

Could you do a quick survey and let us know whether there are any $5-$10 craps and blackjack tables in the downtown area? Maybe there are some other casinos, not too far from the strip where I might go. What about the places actual locals go? Many years ago, when my parents were living in Vegas, they always knew the best casinos where you had a reasonable chance. They also knew all the best restaurant deals too. They are gone now, but fortunately we have Ted Newkirk to give us good advice from his unique perspective as a resident and enthusiastic Las Vegan (?) (but you do eat meat, right?).

Thanks for the terrific job you do!

David Durbin

á

Ted Responds:

We are still hoping to get back to the podcasts. We are finally (and I mean FINALLY) wrapping up an expansion that has taken over a year. As we’ve gone along, things just got bigger and bigger. We’ve added many things we never envisioned a year ago like our new EasyVegasDeals.com, Twitter feed, and huge expanded restaurant listings including the ability to make restaurant reservations online (going live in the next couple of weeks).

Soon will also be debuting a vastly expanded activities section where you can find out about (and book) activities ranging from Dinner In The Sky to VenetianáRomance Packages (think gondola and a romantic meal) to Tandem Skydiving over Las Vegas! Then, we’ll look to dust off the podcast equipment.

Table limits are always in a constant state of flux (depending on time of week and time of year), but $3 games can still be found in many downtown casinos. The Orleans is rumored to have a $2 game some of the time, but we have yet to confirm that.

Although people who live in Las Vegas are called Las Vegans, I certainly am no stranger to a good steak!

Ted, I love reading this newsletter. I think one of the failing casinos should hire you to run it (I will be your assistant) as you know and understand why people who made this city come here. We come to eat cheap, drink cheap, sleep cheap, with the hopes of winning enough to pay for it. If any of these three are not available we stop or cut back on our visits. The high rollers didnÆt make this city and they wonÆt bring it back! Keep up your hawking of down town we love it!!!!

Howard

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

  • Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 18-20 (3 day weekend)
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 13-15 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • Mardi Gras February 16
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 4
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 9
  • Memorial Day, U.S May 29-31 (3 day weekend)

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend!

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.

New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2009 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

June 17, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – June 3, 2009

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! I never thought I was going to get this issue out. This was supposed to be our 10’th Anniversary Issue and we have tons of new photo sets, show reviews, new giveaways and even more to roll out.

We played with the idea of making this a double-sized issue or doing two separate huge issues. But with Las Vegas heating up again (both literally with the weather and figuratively as visitor volume starts to return), this next year in our company history looks to be the biggest ever. So I sat down and said “Let’s celebrate our 10 years for the entire coming year. More photo sets, more in-house articles, more giveaways.”

We’ve hooked up with the various hotels, shows, and attractions to do just that. We already have a “line around the block” of PR friends setting up everything with us. Stay tuned and stay subscribed. This will be an amazing year for both us at Access Vegas and Las Vegas in general.

Fourth Of July – We already have people asking what will be happening, especially as this holiday falls on a weekend. We’ve set up a Las Vegas Fourth of July page you can follow. Please note that fireworks events are typically not announced until a week or two ahead of time. When we start to hear about specific events, we’ll certainly be listing them on that page, and here in the newsletter.

Bellagio Gardens Summer Display – New (to us) photographer Greg McFalls went over and took some incredible photos of the latest display, which is open to the public at no charge. You can view the entire photo set by clicking on either picture below!

bellagio gardens las vegas 2009

bellagio gardens las vegas 2009

The New Tropicana? – Tropicana Las Vegas owners are vowing a major $100 million upgrade of every facet of the resort. The Tropicana was the pride of The Strip at one time and actually still continues to be a very popular resort because of the location, price and famous pool area. (See Tropicana Las Vegas pool photos).

With the financial troubles of MGM Mirage and Harrah’s (the two big companies that each own a number of hotels), I believe we’ll see quite a resurgence of some of the older properties like the Tropicana, Riviera, and Sahara over the next few years.áDon’t be surprised if Circus Circus is eventually sold off and upgraded to its former state as a prime attraction as well. Hey, it could happen.

Over the decades, the Las Vegas Strip was at its best when many different groups owned the various hotels and competition for your gambling dollar was paramount. Side Note: The rumored shut-down of The Sahara for remodeling and upgrades at this time has proved to be just that: A rumor.

Rio and Girls Of Sapphire Charity Bikini Car Wash – Last week, The Rio hosted a charity car wash… Las Vegas-style. The girls of Sapphire offered plenty of eye candy in Sapphire bikinis as they lathered up cars for the cause. All contributions were donated to the United Way and festivities included a dunk tank, McFaddenÆs-sponsored food booth and even sno-cones. The days total netted more than $1700.áClick on either photo below to view the entire photo set of the event.

bikini car wash las vegas rio hotel saphire pool

bikini car wash las vegas rio hotel saphire pool

I can hear many of you sayingáHey Ted, you didn’t tell us about this… I would have been there! Actually… yes we did. News of the pending event didn’t make the newsletter in time, but we posted it on both our EasyVegasDeals.com site and on our Access Vegas Twitter Feed. For instructions on how to follow our regular specials and event updates, please see our Easy Vegas Deals section later in the newsletter.

El Cortez June Food and Booze Specials – The El Cortez Hotel downtown is newly remodeled (and looking quite good, see for yourself with our El Cortez Hotel Photo Set). And… they get it. Get you in the door with some great specials and you might enjoy yourself so much that you stay and play. The following are available June 2009:

  • Idaho Trout Special – The Flame Steakhouse now features Idaho trout flown in fresh weekly for the Friday and Saturday night dinner special. Idaho trout special is only $14.95.
  • Cafe Cortez Dinner Specials – Visit Cafe Cortez for prime rib dinner only $7.95. Meal includes choice of soup or salad. CafÚ also offers a fajita dinner for just $8.95.
  • Graveyard Specials Cafe – Cortez serves a limited graveyard menu Sunday through Thursday from 10:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. Specials include:
    • Two eggs with choice of bacon or sausage, breakfast potatoes and toast for $3.75 plus tax.
    • Ham and two eggs, breakfast potatoes and toast for $7.25 plus tax.
  • Martini Madness û Daily 2-for-1 happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. û at all casino bars (martini menu only).

And yes… the above also already went out on our Twitter and Easy Vegas Deals feeds.

Bootlegger Open Mic Returns – For much of this decade, a popular locals secret was the Monday night “karaoke” at longtime famous local hangout Bootlegger Bistro. The place would be packed, often with celebs and performers of many popular Las Vegas shows just having a drink and having some fun.

The tradition is revived on Monday nights at 9 PM with Kelly Clinton returning as host. Bootlegger is located three miles south of Mandalay Bay on Las Vegas Blvd at the corner of The Blvd. and Robindale (just south of the huge outlet mall). Maybe not a must-do for the first time visitor, but if you are a Las Vegas regular always looking for a special slice of our special culture, this is worth a couple hours of your time.

Viva Las Vegas – The 1964 Elvis Presley movie shot on location here airs this coming week at 11:15 AM Pacific Time on Turner Classic Movies (check your cable listings). Turner airs films un-cut and has no commercials. Set your DVR’s and tape decks.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:

Bally’s from $49, El Cortez from $23, Fitzgeralds from $33, Hooters from $20, Orleans from $28, Riviera from $27, Sahara from $25, Stratosphere from $26, Tropicana from $30, Tuscany from $20, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Las Vegas Show Reviews

Le Reve: A Surreal Journey Above and Below A Dream

le reve las vegas

Dreams can often be ethereal and elusive, and Le Reve is no different. Watching Le Reve is in essence watching someone elseÆs dream, which is represented through a bed that floats away in the beginning of the show. Nonetheless, if most peopleÆs dreams mirrored the spectacles and intricacies in ôLe Reveö it would be baffling if anyone would ever want to be awake!

The Wynn Theater, which is home toáLe Reve, is in and of itself an act. The round and tiered theater is drenched in rich colors and fabrics and eludes a sense of comfort and tastefulness. But the eye catcher is the center, the stage, if you will, which is water. Not water as in a small pool, but entirely consisting of water. However, all of the action is not in the water alone, quite a few of the intrepid acts also take place in the air.

Anthony Cools Induces What Happens In Vegas

anthony cools las vegas

Crude, crass, and utterly amazing easily describes the laugh out loud performance of Anthony Cools, hypnotist and comedian extraordinaire. The Anthony Cools Experience is a tremendous exercise in what can happen when you give someone else power over your mind, pushing you to do things you probably would not consider.

As you enter the theater, you pass a sign stating that you are waiving any rights to what happens in the theater and that the Anthony Cools Experience has the right to videotape and sell what happens during the show. At the start of the show, a little white rabbit greets the audience with warnings about the vulgar language and acts that will be performed; however, the rabbit does issue caveats regarding specific words that may not be uttered. This bunny sets the few lines that Cools will not cross.

Escape To A Tropical Paradise With Hawaiian Tropic Zone’s Lei-Monade Cocktail – This June, Hawaiian Tropic Zone inside Miracle Mile Shops features the tantalizing Lei-Monade cocktail, a refreshing libation perfect for visitors looking to flee the sizzling summer heat. Boasting a flirtatious pink hue, the sinfully delicious cocktail is a swirl of Finlandia Grapefruit Vodka, Patron Citronge liqueur, cranberry juice and fresh lemon sour mix. Served up by one of the beautiful and bikini clad Hawaiian Tropic Zone girls, the Lei-Monade is sure to drive taste buds wild.

Stone Temple Pilots To Play The New Joint At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino July 2 – Marking the first national tour for Stone Temple Pilots in almost eight years, the tour will bring the iconic band’s charismatic musicianship and exhilarating live show to The new Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on July 2. STP will kick-off July 4th weekend festivities in true rock style! Since the moment they appeared on the scene in the early 90’s, Stone Temple Pilots dominated the decade from start to finish, racking up 15 singles on the Billboard Top Ten, winning a “Best Hard Rock Performance” GRAMMY in 1994 for “Plush,” and having their five albums sell more than 35 million copies worldwide.

Blink-182 To Play The New Joint At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Friday, July 24 – blink-182 is reuniting for their first tour in 5 years and will be bringing their highly-anticipated show to The new Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Friday, July 24. Joining blink-182 for this incredible show will be indie-rockers Chester French and punk-rockers Motion City Soundtrack. Travis Barker, Tom Delonge and Mark Hoppus, better known as blink-182, set the alternative nation abuzz with excitement and anticipation earlier this year when they officially announced they are back together.

Limp Bizkit To Perform At Mandalay Bay Beach As Part Of UFC 100 Event Weekend – The most historic event in UFC just got bigger with the announcement that rap-metal pioneers Limp Bizkit will bring their Unicorns N’ Rainbows tour to Mandalay Bay Beach Friday, July 10. This will be the band’s first North American concert in eight years as they kick off the UFC 100 weekend. Once the hits “Break Stuff,” “Rollin” and “My Way” blast through the speakers, guests will have all the adrenaline they need for UFC 100 the next night. The concert is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. with special guest BoneyB.

Easy Vegas Deals

These are only a few of the many Easy Vegas Deals we find each and every week. For a complete and constantly updated listing:

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Members Mania will return next week, and I’m happy to announce that we’ll soon have an expanded Members Mania in the form of a web forum. Long time readers probably remember that we used to have reader forums. The ancient software we were using finally pretty much ceased functioning and we didn’t revive them at the time.

I’ve been putting Las Vegas information online since 1995 and on an internet site since 1996 with our original In-Vegas.com (which ironically we are reviving in the form of a Las Vegas news feed which aggregates from a number of sources). Blogs didn’t exist and web forums were clunky at best. All of the early software we used for everything from building the site to sending this newsletter became obsolete over the years. We’ve spent the past year completely starting from scratch with (mostly) custom built solutions that will continue to grow with us over the next many years.

We are putting the finishing touches on our new Members Mania forums and you’ll obviously be the first to know when they are up!

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 18-20 (3 day weekend)
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 13-15 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • Mardi Gras February 16
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 4
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 9
  • Memorial Day, U.S May 29-31 (3 day weekend)

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend!

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.

New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

June 3, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – May 20, 2009

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AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! It is Memorial Day weekend here in the U.S. and I’m going keep things a little shorter than usual. So I can take the weekend off? Not exactly (as the Hertz rental car ad says). Although the beautiful 95 degree weather does beckon.

This is technically our 10’th Anniversary issue of doing this newsletter! However… it kind of crept up on us (time flies when you are having fun). We’re working hard on the next two newsletters which will be jammed with photos, new show reviews, and a couple of nice giveaways if we can get it all to come through in time. Stay tuned.

Best Memorial Day Ever In Las Vegas? – It may just be in terms of hotel rates. No one can (literally) ever remember seeing these kind of prices over a major holiday. One guy in the paper was quoted as noting that he’s getting a good room here for what he paid for a roadside “roach” motel (very sub-par motel) room in Florida recently.

Is it going to last? No. Las Vegas has been busy again the past couple of months and things are bouncing back to normal. IF you (especially) are pondering coming to town over the July 4 weekend or Labor Day Weekend (US), I’d check with our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and grab the room now. Prices for holidays and the fall season in general are expected to climb over the summer. If you used to complain that Vegas is too expensive, these room rates leave you plenty of money to see a couple of shows and enjoy some fine dining.

Danny Gans Memorial – Took place this past week. Still no word on cause of death. Couple of related stories this week:

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:

Bally’s from $49, El Cortez from $33, Fitzgeralds from $33, Hooters from $20, Orleans from $40, Riviera from $54, Sahara from $33, Stratosphere from $44, Tropicana from $30, Tuscany from $47, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Tickets For Mayweather vs. Marquez Super-Fight – MGM Grand To Host Event Saturday, July 18 – Floyd “Money” Mayweather has returned to the sport of boxing and will put his undefeated record on the line when he faces the dangerous and highly touted five-time world champion Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez in MAYWEATHER vs. MARQUEZ “Number One/Numero Uno” Saturday, July 18 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Disney’s The Lion King Celebrates Las Vegas Premiere At Mandalay Bay – Disney’s award-winning Broadway phenomenon, THE LION KING, celebrated its Las Vegas premiere at Mandalay Bay Theatre Friday evening. Several members of the original creative team were in attendance to launch the show, including director/creator Julie Taymor; book writers Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi; choreographer Garth Fagan; scene designer Richard Hudson; and Thomas Schumacher, producer and president of Disney Theatrical Group.

Engelbert Humperdinck Returns To The Orleans Showroom June 11-14 – Dubbed music’s “King of Romance,” Engelbert Humperdinck has sold over 150 million records worldwide, including 64 gold and 24 platinum albums. The multiple Grammy-nominated artist will charm hearts once again June 11, 12, 13 and 14 at 8 p.m. each evening at The Orleans Showroom. Although born Arnold George Dorsey in Madras, India, it was over four decades ago that Engelbert Humperdinck emerged as one of the foremost entertainers in the world.

Starlet Holly Madison Prepares To Tease In Peepshow At Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino – PEEPSHOW, Las Vegas’ newest hit production and only striptease spectacular is pleased to announce blonde bombshell Holly Madison as the newest addition to the PEEPSHOW cast at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino beginning June 22. Madison, star of the TV Series’, “The Girls Next Door” and “Dancing with the Stars,” is strapping on her dancing stilettos once again to take over the role of “Bo Peep,” a modern woman who has yet to find her own confidence and sexuality, currently played by “General Hospital’s,” Kelly Monaco, a “Dancing with the Stars” champion.

Steely Dan To Perform At The Pearl At The Palms Friday, August 28, 2009 – Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, return to the intimate The Pearl Concert Theater inside the Palms Casino Resort as part of the Steely Dan Rent Party ’09 US tour on Friday, August 28, 2009. Concertgoers can expect a hefty draft of the incomparable Steely Dan experience this year. Supported by their renowned 11-piece band Becker and Fagen will draw from their deep catalog and showcase Steely Dan’s signature slinky grooves, sleek subversive lyrics, impeccable musicianship, and infectious hits.

Pussycat Dolls To Perform At The Pearl At The Palms – Sexy pop sensations The Pussycat Dolls, perform their energetic stage show at The Pearl Concert Theater inside the Palms Casino Resort on Saturday, June 27, 2009. After forming in 1995 as a burlesque troupe under the direction of famed choreographer Robin Antin, The Pussycat Dolls burst on to the pop scene as an all-girl pop group and dance ensemble in 2005.

MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris Welcomes Silver Screen Siren Carmen Electra To The Cabaret Stage – MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris is proud to announce a week-long guest-star engagement by actress, model and international sex symbol Carmen Electra. Electra will be the second celebrity to perform with the ensemble on the Crazy Horse Paris stage in Las Vegas, following only Dita Von Teese. Electra is set to kick off her guest-star appearance Wednesday, July 8 and will appear nightly through Monday, July 13 in both the 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. performances.

Comedian And Musician Rodney Carrington Will Perform At MGM Grand July 30 – August 12 – Comedian Rodney Carrington returns to the Hollywood Theater at MGM Grand July 30 û August 12. Carrington is scheduled to perform at 10 p.m. nightly. For more than 15 years, Carrington has blazed comedy trails with his stand-up comedy tour across America and multitude of chart-topping albums. In addition to recording six country music albums and performing stand-up comedy, Carrington has made several television appearances demonstrating his exceptional talents.

Kylie Minogue To Perform At The Pearl During First-Ever U.S. Tour – For more than 20 years pop sensation Kylie Minogue has fascinated fans with her studio releases and live tours. Kylie stops at The Pearl Concert Theater inside the Palms Casino Resort as part of her six city, first-ever U.S. tour on Saturday, October 3, 2009. In July 1987 Kylie released her first single; a remake of the 1962 Little Eva hit “Locomotion.” The song hit #1 in Australia and remained in the top spot for seven weeks, becoming the biggest Australian single of the ’80s.

Grand Poker Series Returns To Golden Nugget – The Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino will host its second annual Grand Poker Series June 6 û July 5. This month-long event will feature daily tournaments at noon in The Grand, the property’s luxurious events center, as well as hold cash games and much more, including special tournaments for seniors and ladies.

Easy Vegas Deals

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Just got back from another fine trip to Vegas. Stayed at Flamingo, food has gone up alot since last trip and we laid out at pool. I can’t understand why they don’t have a waitress working the pool area, after all there was at least 80 people laying out.

Rented a car and traveled the STRIP alot, you can not be in a hurry to travel the STRIP. Also visited Red Rock Canyon a must see!! Service in the casino was very good, drinks were delivered regularly with tip regularly!! Got home Thur. night, the next morning after calling in to unemployment I booked a 4 night to Laughlin, Nevada. I enjoy reading you letters.

Larryáfrom Wayne, Michigan

Ted Responds:

We’re sorry to hear about your employment situation, but since you have time on your hands and with Las Vegas (and Laughlin) being so cheap right now, I can’t think of a better way to kill the time!

On a first visit with so much to do and see on The Strip, no need to rent a car. But for the regular visitor, so much more you can get out to (and in much less time) with a car. A few cab rides and you’ve paid what a rental car will cost.

Driving Tip: Remember that Interstate 15 parallels The Strip. Even during rush hour (and yes, Las Vegas has rush hour), you can often move more quickly on the freeway.

Your newsletter has been a fantastic guide to me over the years — you and your staff are doing a fabulous job!! I also agree that the media is giving Vegas a bad rap on the amount of people visiting the town. Every time I am there, it is wall to wall people.

My mother and I were in Las Vegas the week before Easter and we were both absolutely amazed at how many kids were walking in the casinos as well as on the streets. From toddlers and strollers to teenagers, we were dodging them all over the place. We have been coming to Vegas once or twice a year for the past 8 years and neither of us were very happy that this seems to be a trend, as this is not the first time we have noticed children running amok.

While we will still plan another trip to the Strip, why does Las Vegas suddenly seem to be the “new” Disney World?? One of the main reasons we return year after year is that Vegas caters to the adult world. What happened to the old days when you had to be 21 to enter a casino??

C. Cessna from Cumberland, MD

Ted Responds:

You happened to be here during Spring Break, which I’m sure compounded matters. Plus, with Las Vegas being such a value right now, I’m sure that many families chose Las Vegas as a value Spring Break destination.

You did bring up a good point for families to keep in mind: Las Vegas hasn’t been overly child-friendly since the 90’s. Kids have never been able to do more than pass through casino gaming area and outside of Adventuredome, there really isn’t a place for a family to go enjoy an extended activity. I’m sure we’ll get a couple of letters about how someone had a great Vegas vacation with their family. But the truth of the matter is this: When you see parents with kids on The Strip, it rarely looks like they are having much fun.

Love all your info. We were just at The Rio. Blackjack at most tables 6/5. (Editor Note: Blackjack should pay 3/2 which would be $15 for a $10 bet, not $12 for a $10 bet). Now at craps they changed the odds.

If they can change the payouts where you can clearly see it, what do you think they would do to a slot machine payout where you cannot see it. The casino execs think all gamblers are idiots. I told my friends that The Rio does not deserve our business and went next door to the Gold Coast. All blackjack was 3/2 and all craps were the right odds.

Thank you,

Leonard

Ted Responds:

Leonard brings up a great point that I’ve been harping on for as long as I’ve been doing this newsletter: Too many gamblers act like there is a seat belt on their chair. They will lose and lose, complain about the lack of drink service, the odds, you name it… but just continue to sit there and play.

Pretty much only in Las Vegas are so many casinos so close together. If you aren’t happy, get up and walk your wallet to another one. (Especially downtown where you can be at another table or slot game in another casino in under a minute).

Also, a good tip: The Rio is no farther from Caesars than the Monte Carlo is. Rio, Gold Coast, and Palms all sit right next to each other. (Plus, there is a free shuttle from Bill’s Gambling Hall to Gold Coast which leaves from the side entrance to Bill’s on Flamingo). The Palms is a world famous property, the Gold Coast is a typical niceálocals casino (with traditionally better table game rules and looser slots), and The Rio is still one of Las Vegas’ most fun (and famous) properties. You won’t be sorry if you include them in your visit.

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at I4Vegas Discount Las Vegas Reservations and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 18-20 (3 day weekend)
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 13-15 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • Mardi Gras February 16
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 4
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 9

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend!

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.

New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

May 20, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – May 13, 2009

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AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! Sumer is here, temps have already hovered at the 100 (F) and the pools are packed. Hotels are working harder than ever on promotions that should make this one of the best Las Vegas summers in some time.

Reinventing Las Vegas – The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) was looking for ways to “reinvent” Las Vegas and the way they market it (Review-Journal April 13, 2009). Last we heard, the are probably going to bring back the “What Happens Here, Stays Here” motto.

My thoughts? Las Vegas does not need a budget in the hundreds of millions to reinvent itself. Supply and demand reinvents Las Vegas. Right now, we are in a significant “reinvention” without any slogans. The economy has brought back the Las Vegas of the 90’s (minus the “family friendly” attempt of that decade).

The economy has forced cheap room rates, and plenty of specials on food, drink, shows and attractions. People used to go home and tell their friends about the great room (for the money) or cheap late night meal specials which also soothed the gambling losses. Visitors are the best way to sell and promote Las Vegas (word of mouth). But… you have to give them something to talk about!

Casinos in other areas (in competition with Las Vegas) are following the tried-and-true. Reference this ad from a casino outside of Sacramento, CA:

99 cent breakfast

How about we see more of this in Las Vegas and the word-of-mouth (and gambling money) is sure to follow!

Clint Holmes Returns – If you’ve been coming to Las Vegas for a number of years, the odds are that you saw Clint Holmes perform at Harrah’s (or at least remember hearing about the long-running show). Clint is back later this month for a weekend run. Details down in our news section.

Wolfgang Puck Summer Dining – Many of Las Vegas’ nicer restaurants are offering some amazing Pre-Fixe (fixed price, fixed menu) meals right now. Starting June 1 – Sept. 30, 2009 the following Wolfgang Puck restaurants are offering the following:

  • Spago û $29 Pre-Fixe Lunch Menu: Spago presents a three-course, pre-fixe lunch menu created by Executive Chef Eric Klein. Available daily, the menu offers delectable, yet light fare, ideal for lunch and guests on the go. The menu changes weekly and features new dishes which arenÆt featured on the standard lunch menu. The pre-fixe menu is $29 per person (excluding tax and gratuity).
  • Chinois û $39 Three-course pre-fixe menu with wine: Wolfgang PuckÆs Chinois invites guests to savor the flavors of Asia with a three-course pre-fixe menu, paired with a complimentary glass of red or white wine. The pre-fixe menu is priced at $39 per person. (excluding tax and gratuity).
  • Postrio û $49 Three-course pre-fixe menu with wine: Postrio entices guests to experience its exciting new menu and stunning new design. The restaurant is offering a three-course pre-fixe menu priced at $49 per person (excluding tax and gratuity).
  • CUT û $75 Pre-Theatre Menu: CUT by Wolfgang Puck offers guests a new pre-theatre menu available from 5:30 û 7 p.m. nightly. The menu includes three courses, accompanied by three of CUTÆs signature side dishes. For dessert, guests have a choice of Banana Cream Pie, Baked Alaska or a Warm Chocolate SoufflÚ. The pre-theatre menu is available for $75 per person (excluding tax and gratuity).
  • Spago û $135 Six-Course Beer Pairing Menu: Spago has added a special six-course tasting menu paired with exotic beers from around the world including Belgium, Japan, Italy and Germany. The menu changes daily and is priced at $135 per person (excluding tax and gratuity).
  • Summer LocalsÆ Appreciation û 25% Off: Wolfgang Puck is expressing his appreciation to Las Vegas locals this summer by offering guests 25% off their check. Beginning June 1 through Sept. 30, guests may take advantage of this special offer at Spago, Postrio, Chinois and Trattoria del Lupo.

Did You Know – The president of the perennially failing Las Vegas monorail makes $339,000 per year and claims to work a 50 hour week? Let’s see: the line rarely announces new advertisers or promotions. The cars don’t even have drivers. I think we’d all kill for that kind of $1/3ámillion dollars per year, “50 hour week” job!

Ground Has Been Broken – on the downtown performing arts center. The one you are paying for with your rental car taxes and will probably never bother to visit. The one we needed so badly because we have such a lack of entertainment venues here (I’m being sarcastic).

Look… I think downtown will be an amazing city core in the next 5-7 years. We have a photo set of Fremont East coming up soon, and plenty of great development is taking place at Union Park (just west of downtown). Not to mention so many high-rise condos that are built and coming on line. But if a venue is needed downtown (as it eventually will be), one of the downtown casinos will build it when the time is right. Without taking any money out of your pocket (except for the voluntary money you choose to gamble).

Condos For “Cheap” – Just to give an idea of how Strip condo prices have fallen: Earlier this year, and formerly $11.5 million dollar penthouse condo at Panorama Towers was going for $3.1 million or best offer. No word on if it sold or what the final price was. Panorama Towers is just across the I-15 freeway from CityCenter, and now simply has a “panoramic” view of the back of the project.

Where Are You? – I often talk about our worldwide readership and I’m sure many of you have wondered where everybody is (on the face of the globe). I pulled the top ten countries from our statistics by percentage:

  • United States – 73.52 %
  • Canada – 10.02 %
  • United Kingdom – 5.43 %
  • Australia – 1.28 %
  • Ireland – 0.98 %
  • Germany – 0.98 %
  • France – 0.86 %
  • Mexico – 0.54 %
  • Italy – 0.44 %

Because so many people can use web email, the above stats are actually from our AccessVegas.com traffic. But based on our reader feedback, I’d say this newsletter readership falls into line with those state. Note: We have no way of knowing exactly who you are. When you visit our websites, we’re simply able to determine what country and city that request is coming from (i.e. who your internet provider is).

With over 15% of our readership outside North America, we’re pleased and humbled to be a key source of Las Vegas information. No matter where you live, we know that you expend significant time, effort, and money to come visit our desert paradise. We’ll continue to work very hard to provide you the best Las Vegas information and advice possible.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:

Bally’s from $49, El Cortez from $33, Fitzgeralds from $33, Hooters from $20, Orleans from $40, Riviera from $54, Sahara from $38, Stratosphere from $44, Tropicana from $30, Tuscany from $38, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

The Hit Musical Jersey Boys At The Palazzo Celebrates A Successful Year On The Strip – JERSEY BOYS Las Vegas, the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, celebrates its first anniversary on The Las Vegas Strip at the Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino Sunday, May 3. The show has become a staple of entertainment in Las Vegas, being named the number one show of 2008 by the Las Vegas Review-Journal after only six months of performances. In addition, just last month, JERSEY BOYS was named “Best Show” in Las Vegas by the staff of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, in the newspaper’s 28th annual “Best of Las Vegas” poll.

Clint Holmes Brings His Smooth Sounds To The Suncoast Showroom May 22-24 In ‘An Evening With Clint Holmes’ – Singing sensation Clint Holmes brings his powerful voice and magnetic stage presence to the Suncoast Showroom in “An Evening With Clint Holmes With Musical Director Bill Fayne,” May 22, 23 and 24. Holmes’ fans know him as more than just a singer. He’s famous for making every performance an original and captivating audiences with his charisma and signature style.

Legendary Groups Chicago And Earth, Wind & Fire To Co-Headline Show At The New Joint – Music legends Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago have reunited for a 30-city national co-headlining summer concert tour and will be making a stop at The New Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Saturday, July 25. Each band will perform a full set, and the two bands will come together both at the beginning of the night and for a final set that features both bands onstage together. In 2004 and 2005, the two bands teamed up for what is still talked about as one of the great musical spectaculars in recent touring history.

Comedian Artie Lange To Bring The Laughs To The New Joint At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Saturday, June 27 – Incredible comedy & non-stop laughter is coming to The New Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino when Artie Lange brings his live show to Vegas Saturday, June 27. Those are just a few ways to describe this prolific talent who continues his rise in the entertainment industry.

Duran Duran To Perform At The Pearl At The Palms – One of the most popular “British Invasion” bands of the ’80s, Duran Duran, takes the stage at The Pearl Concert Theater inside the Palms Casino Resort on Friday, July 10, 2009 as part of limited run dates along the West Coast. Duran Duran was founded in the United Kingdom in 1978 by Nick Rhodes and John Taylor. Over the years Duran Duran underwent several lineup changes however never disbanded entirely. Today’s lineup includes Rhodes and Taylor as well as Simon Le Bon and Roger Taylor.

Original Creed Line-Up Of Scott Stapp, Mark Tremonti, Scott Phillips And Brian Marshall To Play The New Joint – Creed, one of the most successful rock bands of the past decade, has announced all four of the original band members are back together for a summer tour and new album. Since their formation, Creed has sold close to thirty-five million albums and millions of concert tickets. Creed will play The New Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on September 27.

Performers Announced For Reggae In The Desert – The eighth annual Reggae in the Desert concert returns with a collection of well-known reggae acts including Ky-Mani Marley, Gregory Isaacs, Third World, Yellowman, One Pin Short and Jah Fusion. DJ Rhamma will spin tunes throughout the day and in between sets. Steve Edwards is the host for the event. The concert is set for Saturday, June 13 at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater in downtown Las Vegas.

Travel Back In Time To 1969 As Fremont Street Experience Presents “Summer of ’69: Vegas or Bust” – Fremont Street Experience takes Las Vegas back 40 years this summer with the “Summer of ’69: Vegas or Bust” festival and concert series beginning Memorial Day weekend. The celebration offers tourists and residents a summer full of free concerts by major iconic bands from 1969, including The Guess Who, Blood Sweat & Tears, Rare Earth, Janis Joplin’s Original Band Big Brother & The Holding Company, The Grass Roots, Jefferson Starship, The 5th Dimension, Canned Heat and Three Dog Night.

Easy Vegas Deals

These are only a few of the many Easy Vegas Deals we find each and every week. For a complete and constantly updated listing:

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Love your newsletter! My son and I just came back from a four night stay at Sahara. Compared to a number of other casino floors, I found they had a much better selection of slot machines, and they actually paid from time to time. Riviera was OK, but Circus Circus and Stratosphere were lacking in the newest games.

On the other hand, our room at the Sahara was peculiar. I normally stay at Imperial Palace or Circus Circus (low rates), and the rooms are functional. Our Sahara room was larger, had more character and a balcony with a nice view. The plumbing was hardly working, the carpet had burn holes, cleanliness was lacking – it clearly hadn’t been deep cleaned in ages, as evidenced by the dust on the electrical sockets. We chose it because of the Monorail, and were very pleased with the Caravan and Grind food services – both 24 hours and offering good variety and reasonable prices.

I was disappointed with the slot machines and food services at Imperial Palace just before Christmas, so with price, location and convenience factored in, I’d choose Sahara again. But you get what you pay for.

Dave from Canada

p.s. Somebody had written their phone number on our mirror, and it wasn’t cleaned off before we checked in. Didn’t call it, however…

Ted Responds:

You do get what you pay for and unfortunately, hotels are cutting costs (no room improvements and similar) to compensate for how low they have to keep the room rates right now.

I need to check on this, but I understand much of the Riviera’s rooms were upgraded a couple of years ago. We’ll look into that. We are going to start sending our stable of writers on “staycations” at as many local hotels as possible, and we are probably going to institute a “bang for your buck” ratings system. We’ll also ask readers who have stayed at Riv to let us know their thoughts.

Couple of notes:

1. It is a little bit of a pain, but if a room seems not clean in any way (including writing on the mirror), do not hesitate to call the front desk and ask for either a room re-assignment or if they can send a maid up IMMEDIATELY (let them know it appears the room wasn’t cleaned).

2. The Sahara is owned by one guy, not a big corporation. Many other hotels like Riv, Hilton and others are also owned by smaller concerns as are most of the hotels downtown. Absolutely drop the hotel’s general manager a snail mail note on situations like this. Just be clear and to-the-point like you were with me. (When people start exaggerating, it starts to sound like the writer just wants money or a free stay next time).

This is stuff they need to know, and they actually might toss you a couple of free nights or something similar on your next visit.

Lots of rumor floating around that The Sahara is winding down to a temporary closing phase. The properties owner wants to completely remake it into a Palms style hotel. Given the changes going on at the north end of The Strip (Wynn/Encore, Fontainebleau, maybe someday Echelon and Plaza), the north end of The Strip may finally turn into the new hot spot.

Thanks for the report!

My wife and I spent March 19-23 in Las Vegas and had a great time. We travel there from Ohio 1-2 times a year. We enjoyed the excitement of the first weekend of March Madness. The weather was pleasant and a nice switch from the damp gloominess of northwest Ohio in March. We stayed at The Hilton.

What we found disappointing there and along the strip was the poor gambling options, particularly if you are a low limit blackjack and craps player. Almost every blackjack game at the Hilton, during busy hours, were 6-5 (blackjack payoff). There were no $5 craps tables. Same was true along the strip, even at some of the traditionally lower end casinos.

We did manage to find options, but had to go to the Sahara or downtown. We had a great time and I’m not complaining since I came back ahead. It’s just harder and less convenient to find lower limits and favorable conditions. A tip of the hat to the 4 Queens and Binion’s where we spend several hours our last night. My wife and I concluded our blackjack session at the 4 Queens with blackjacks and a successful craps session at Binion’s. We’re already looking forward to our next trip.

Mark from Toledo, Ohio

Ted Responds:

I’ve been very vocal about suggesting people do at least one of their big gambling sessions downtown, and for the very reasons you noted. The lower limits let you play longer, the better odds and looser slots give you a better chance of winning, and if your luck at one hotel isn’t good, you can simply get up and be gambling in another hotel in a matter of a couple of minutes!

First I do enjoy reading your comments on what is going on in Vegas. I thought I would point out to fellow readers and people on a budget that I found some very good deals on Memorial day weekend. My girlfriend and I started going to Vegas a couple of years ago and since have been a couple of times a year.

Right now like a lot of people we have to watch our money but when things get a little better for us. Our first vacation will be in Vegas. I never had any interest in going to Vegas but my girlfriend wanted to see the lights on the strip so she talked me into the trip. I guess I was sold because we have been 8 times in 3 years pretty good considering I never really wanted to go the first time.

I found Vegas not to be what I thought it was. I thought it was all gambling and after over a half dozen visits I can tell you there is so much to do for couples and family that the gambling is actually pretty far down on the list when I think of Vegas.áOh, I’m sure I heard some of the casino owners gasp when I say that. Keep up the good work. love your news letter.

Joseph from Imlay City, MI

I love your newsletter. Reading this is better than the newspaper!

Myetta From Granada Hills

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Memorial Day, U.S May 23-25 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 18-20 (3 day weekend)
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 13-15 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • Mardi Gras February 16
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 4
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 9

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend!

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.

New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

May 13, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – May 6, 2009

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! Highs in the 90’s (F), low humidity, warm evenings this past week, what more can you ask for? Those of you who have been able to visit the past couple of months couldn’t have hit a more perfect time. Great weather, record low room rates (for the modern era), plenty of food and booze deals, show deals (see sidebar), the dollar went a long way. But…

The Word Is Getting Out – The economy never went into depression (and probably wouldn’t have gone into such a hard recession if our politicians didn’t scare us to death with the “end of the world” talk that made everyone stop spending). Then, the word started getting out about what a bargain Las Vegas currently is. March saw 3.2 million visitors. Bookings are up (and our web traffic and newsletter subscriptions are on the rise). Which means…

If you want to visit, plan and book now. Rates will probably stay pretty low for the hot summer months, but fall is prime time here and rates are expected to really start ticking upward.áVisit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals, poke around to check out some fall or even winter dates during which you can swing some time off, and really consider locking things up at current prices.

Same with show tickets. As things pick up, you’ll stop seeing some of the discounts like the ones our sponsors are offering. Similar with airfare: Oil prices seem to be ticking up, which will result in higher airfare. Lock up your fall visit now or pay more later.

Danny Gans Memorial Service will be later this month at Encore and by invitation only. An autopsy did not reveal the cause of his death. Hence, it will be a few weeks before toxicology and similar test results are available. Everyone is still pretty stunned a week later.

Lance Burton broke his foot about 15 minutes into a recent show. The show must go on and he finished it (his first on-stage injury in 15,000 shows over 30 years), but will miss 19áshows. Tickets may be refunded through point of purchase. We wish him well in his recovery.

New Feature: Easy Vegas Deals – debuts in this issue. Every week, we scan every source we can to find specials and deals. This will be a regular feature we know you’ll enjoy.

Perl Software Person Needed – No, I’m not talking about The Pearl at The Palms. We have a legacy (Perl/CGI) software that lets us run our contests. It “broke” when we upgraded servers a while back. We have the original software and need someone with Perl experience to re-install it and get it running properly so we can get back to doing all the great giveaways we were once famous for.

The person who can help us will be fairly and generously compensated (plus thanked by our tens of thousands of readers so we can start giving stuff away again)! Contact us at allvegastv@aol.com

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:

Bally’s from $49, El Cortez from $33, Fitzgeralds from $33, Hooters from $25, Orleans from $40, Riviera from $54, Sahara from $42, Stratosphere from $44, Tropicana from $45, Tuscany from $37, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Las Vegas Show Reviews

This week, we feature reviews of two recently opened shows at Planet Hollywood:

Peepshow – The Transformation From Nice To Naughty

by Denise Almas

Peepshow Las Vegas

Scantily clad, the performers of Planet Hollywood’s Peepshow bring high energy to an array of sexual fantasies. At the start of the show, we see a short video about a young woman who comes home to a dog and an empty house. As she falls to sleep, she is enveloped by the sexual fantasies of her dreams and her quest to find a man.

Peepshow Las Vegas

The cast, currently led by former Spice Girl Mel B and Kelly Monaco, bring these fantasies alive through dance and song. Throughout the show, the performers are careful not to bare it all. Instead, they attempt to tease audience members by showing just enough flesh to augment the fantasies they are portraying.

Viva Las Vegas! Experience The Elvolution

by Nicole “Niko” Acevedo

Hip-shakin’, heel-tappin’, finger-snappin’, and smooth-talkin’. Trent Carlini is back on his hog and ridin’ into town with an all new ôElvolutionö show for Elvis fans of every generation. On my left sat a sweet couple delighting in Carlini’s vibrant tribute of the Elvis they once knew, reminiscing of the good ol’ times after the show. Elvis once shined under Las Vegas lights, performing at the International Hotel (currently the Las Vegas Hilton). Now with his slicked back jet black pompadour and waaaay cool sideburns, Trent Carlini keeps the ladies screaming with excitement and stealing kisses from him all night long.

elvolution las vegas elvis trent carlini

Elvolution highlights Elvis’ successful musical career starting with the classic rock n’ roll tunes of ôBlue Suede Shoesö, ôDon’t Be Cruelö and ôShake, Rattle & Rollö. Carlini’s voice is strong and wide-ranging, his movements engaging. With every sway of the hip the audience can’t help but dance in their seats and clap to the beat.

Easy Vegas Deals

These are only a few of the many Easy Vegas Deals we find each and every week. For a complete and constantly updated listing:

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

My husband and I saw Danny Gans last year. He was one of the best shows we’re ever seen. He repeatedly thanked the audience for coming to his show. He was humble, happy and so talented. Even when we went to pick up our tickets, the woman at the window told us what a nice person he was and how we would love his show. She was right. We were looking forward to seeing him again. Love and prayers to his family…

Carol from Trumbull, CT

I was so saddened to hear of his passing. I have seen him 3 times and he was such a wonderful entertainer. I can’t agree more with what you said about him. He will be sorely missed.

Doris Osborne

Hi Ted and Crew: Love your news letter. We are Canadians and just love Vegas. Have visited 4 times in the last two years. Coming back again in July to experience your summer Heat. We have been asked why not go to Mexico, Cuba or the Dominican instead. We have experienced why. Please let all our Canadian friends know why Vegas is the ultimate Holiday experience.l

Thanks

Brian and Judy from Regina Saskatchewan, Canada

First in response to Barbara from Switzerland (previous issue): Amen that a month is not long enough! My mother in law has been going to Vegas twice a year since 1991 but would only stay 3 to 5 days. Two years ago we convinced her to stay a week and she loved it! It was my husbands first time going and he was like a kid in a candy store, we have already booked our trip for this September.

We are going for his birthday, if we ever get the chance we will some day live in Vegas, the people are friendly and there are so many great things to do. It is ever changing, and its very easy to miss something, thats why we keep coming back for more!

Love, love, love the newsletter. Keep the news coming!

Tina Holmes in Ohio

We got back from Vegas in March. We saw the show The Rat Pack is Back and have to say it was fantastic. If anyone is looking for a decent show to see this is the one. Also wanted to say that it didn’t seem to me that the economy was hitting Vegas tourism too hard. We were there M-F and it seemed like Monday was a little slow (it was also cold) but the rest of the week picked up a lot.

We stayed downtown at the Plaza in a suite (if you can call it that) definitely not worth the price upgrade. For our next trip we will probably stay somewhere else. Although the Fremont Street view rocked. Keep up the good work and can’t wait to get back to Vegas.

Crystal in Colorado

Ted Responds:

Thanks for the report! Plaza is planning for room upgrades once the economy turns around. They were just about to go forward with them last year.

Everyone raves about The Rat Pack show. Probably a best kept secret! Everyone can check out our review here: Indeed, The Rat Pack Is Back In Las Vegas

I am coming to Vegas for the 6’th time in May. I was reading some of your letters and tips. I would love to go downtown at night but I did this once before and I was a bit intimidated by some of the people hanging around. Is it safe as we are two women on our own without husbands with us? I love Vegas and I don’t mean to be rude about the place but i was told not to walk about at night down town. Would we be able to get a cab back to the MGM from downtown? Thank you.

Margaret

Ted Responds:

If you stay on the Fremont Street Experience (the main part of downtown) and go down in the evening (not late night), you will find no safety issue.

Yes, you can get a cab to anywhere in Las Vegas (including the MGM) from virtually all of the downtown hotels(at their cab stands).

Hope this helps and thanks for telling your friends about our newsletter!

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at I4Vegas Discount Las Vegas Reservations and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Memorial Day, U.S May 23-25 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 18-20 (3 day weekend)
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 13-15 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • Mardi Gras February 16
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 4
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend!

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.

New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

May 6, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – May 1, 2009 – Danny Gans 1959-2009

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AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

Can’t see all the great photos and graphics? Click to Read This Issue Online! Need to contact us? Send feedback to AllVegasTV@aol.com

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend! Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

This newsletter is published exclusively for visitors to AccessVegas.Com and can only be signed up for there. We do not buy or rent lists, and this information is only for our members and guests. If you feel you have received it in error, click the unsubscribe link at the bottom. To subscribe, visit our Newsletter Site.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello from Las Vegas. Long time readers know that I always end that greeting with an exclamation point. Not today.

danny gans las vegas 1956-2009
Danny Gans
1956 – 2009

I was running behind on the newsletter this week and was just about to send when we all got the very sad news that legendary (and well-loved) Las Vegas entertainer Danny Gans passed away Friday morning at the age of 52. To say that our community is heartbroken is an understatement. Even our local newscasters had problems holding their emotions as they reported the story.

Cause of death won’t be known for some time, but appears to be natural causes. Gans was a fitness buff who (by all accounts) ate an incredibly healthy diet. He was also very active in his church and his faith and a devoted family man. Hence, substance abuse or similar “early age death” problems would be unlikely. No one would confuse his lifestyle with that of Lindsey Lohan.

I never met Gans. The only thing he and I really had in common was a birthday (October 25). But he is truly one of those people you never heard a bad word about. His giving to the community through charity work was legendary.

I’m fortunate enough to have some Danny Gans video at his finest that I doubt you’ll find anywhere else. A number of years ago, we did some promotions with the Rio Secco Golf Club here in Las Vegas. Those avid golfers among you may know it to be the home of the Butch Harmon School of Golf. (Butch Harmon was Tiger Woods’ golf coach for many, many years).

Rio Secco gave me a VHS video featuring Butch’s golf school, golf tips, and similar promotions for online use. There was one thing on it they said I couldn’t use: Seven minutes of Danny and Butch clowning around (and Danny being amazingly funny). Gans was no longer playing at The Rio Hotel and Rio Secco golf club was associated with The Rio.

Today when I heard the news, I remembered this incredible segment that I wasn’t supposed to use. I dug it out, we encoded it, and now have it online. I think the fine folks at Rio All Suites Hotel here (and their parent company Harrah’s) won’t mind under the circumstances.

Danny Gans Clowns Around With Butch Harmon
At Rio Secco Golf Club Las Vegas

We also have an archived promo video from his time at The Mirage:

Danny Gans Promo From
Mirage Las Vegas Engagement

I had News Editor Mark Jacobs gather all the current local news stories links for those who want more information:

A couple of issues ago, I decried the fact that the lights along the Las Vegas Strip were turned off for an hour for Earth Hour. I noted that such an honor should be preserved only for those who had a significant impact on Las Vegas (I.E. members of the Rat Pack) or for national remembrance/mourning.

While no details at press time, the lights should (and probably will) be dimmed for Danny Gans. He deserves such a fitting tribute.

Enjoy This Issue,

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:

Bally’s from $49, El Cortez from $33, Fitzgeralds from $33, Hooters from $25, Orleans from $40, Riviera from $54, Sahara from $38, Stratosphere from $42, Tropicana from $46, Tuscany from $39, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Aerosmith With Special Guests ZZ Top At MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, July 25 – The rock event of the summer is coming to Las Vegas when one of America’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll bands, AEROSMITH, rejoins forces with Guitar Hero: Aerosmith.

Proud Poker Tradition Continues At Binion’s With 3rd Annual Poker Classic – The advent of Summer brings more poker to Las Vegas than any other time of year. Binion’s Gambling Hall & Hotel, with an unmatched poker lineage in both years and reputation, will usher in the season with the 3rd Annual Binion’s Poker Classic. Tournament play begins May 25 and culminates with a two-day No Limit Hold’em main event July 7 and 8. All-in-all, Binion’s will seat players for 45 different events over 45 straight days. With the wide variety of games and affordable buy-ins that characterize the Binion’s Poker Classic, players of all levels are sure to find events in which to compete.

Air Supply Performs At The Orleans Showroom May 21-24 – Australian soft-rock group Air Supply quickly became a staple of early ’80s radio after their first smash hit, “Love and Other Bruises.” Performing together for more than 30 years, Air Supply will return to The Orleans Showroom May 21, 22, 23 and 24 for four 8 p.m. performances.

Charity Poker Tournament Offers Winner Poker After Dark Seat – The Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino will host the inaugural Suzie and Howard Lederer Celebrity Charity Poker Tournament benefiting the Boys and Girls Club July 1, where first place will win an unprecedented seat on NBC’s hit poker program Poker After Dark. The tournament is open to the public and the winner will receive a $20,000 seat on the top-rated, late-night poker program, giving them the opportunity to become a television poker star and win $120,000 in cash.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

No Member’s Mania this week in light of the sad news. We’ll get back to all of your great questions and input next issue.

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10
  • Memorial Day, U.S May 23-25 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 18-20 (3 day weekend)
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 13-15 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • Mardi Gras February 16
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 4

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend!

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.

New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

April 29, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – April 22, 2009

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! In the 90’s this week, unusually warm (80 F is normal this year). Just a couple of quick things:

UNLV Football Tickets On Sale — If one of these teams is your team, what better excuse for a trip to Las Vegas to see your team (probably) kick the snot out of UNLV:

As a 16 year resident, I’m a UNLV fan and happy to see their football team on the rise. However, this is going to be a tough September for me: I was born and raised in Oregon and attended Portland State. I’m a big fan of both Oregon and Oregon State football so the UNLV/Oregon State game is going to be a tough one for me to watch.

I’m also a big fan of the Hawaii Warriors, who come to town to play a week later. I’ve been following them for years (former coach June Jones has a big Oregon connection) and enjoy their exciting brand of football.

With so many of our Hawaiian friends living here in Las Vegas, and so many more that visit (to the tune of about a million visitors per year from The Islands), the crowd at the UNLV/Hawaii game is going to be pretty evenly split with a likely sell-out and plenty of electricity in the air.

Both Mother’s Day and Cinco De Mayo are coming soon and we are compiling events for both days:

Check out the events happening for Cinco de Mayo!

Check out the events happening for Mother’s Day!

I’m a little under-the-weather this week (probably from the check I had to send the IRS last week… you want to talk about neusea-inducing). So I’m going to turn it over to our writer Denise Almas. We’ve assigned her to cover the pending launch of the new Lion King show here in Las Vegas. I’ll be back later in the newsletter with Members Mania.

The Lion King is obviously the biggest show to hit town in some time, and one that is already drawing great interest among our readers:

Lion King Las Vegas – Brilliant and Riveting

by Denise Almas

Preparing to leap onto the Mandalay Bay Theater stage is a talented international cast in DisneyÆs The Lion King. The cast, which includes nine South African natives, has been comprised of cast members from other Lion King productions, making this an experienced ensemble ready to be King of the Las Vegas Strip.

With brilliant costumes, more than 200 puppets, and riveting music, the coming of age story of the young lion cub, Simba, will entertain young and old alike. According to Thomas Schumacher, producer and president of Disney Theatrical Group, ôThe Las Vegas production will be every bit the equal of the spectacular Broadway experience.ö

Indeed, Alton F. White will don an 11 ounce mask as he plays ôMufasaö the lion king. WhiteÆs credits include The Lion KingÆs Broadway company, Ragtime, Tommy, The Color Purple, and Miss Saigon.

Buyi Zama, a native of South Africa, has performed in seven productions of The Lion King and will play the wise ôRafiki.ö Her credits also include backing as a vocalist for Whitney Houston and Rebecca Malope.

Kissy Simmons will be the lioness, ôNalaö. She joins the cast from the Broadway production and has also been in the national tour of the production.

ôSimba,ö the lion cub, will be played by Clifton Oliver who has also performed in the Los Angeles production of The Lion King, as well as in the Broadway productions of Grease, Rent and Wicked.

ôScar,ö the Lion KingÆs sinister brother, is played by Thom Sesma. SesmaÆs credits include The Man of La Mancha, The Times They Are A-ChanginÆ, and La Cage Aux Folles on Broadway.

This talented and celebrated cast will compliment the award winning music, which includes music by Elton John and Time Rice, as well as music by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor, and Hans Zimmer. The Lion King score fuses Western pop music with the sounds and rhythms of Africa, bringing to life this unique and award winning musical.

DisneyÆs Tony Award winning production will journey onto the Mandalay Bay Stage on May 5, 2009, with the premiere on May 15, 2009. Come enjoy the Pride.

Related Links: Lion King Las Vegas Tickets

P.S. Airfare is way down right now, and with the price of oil creeping back up, now is the time to lock in your next visit to come see us here. Plus, scroll past my signature and check out some of the amazing hotel prices right now. Even if you can’t come visit until fall (or even winter), what can be better than to have a Las Vegas trip lined up to look forward to.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:

Bally’s from $49, El Cortez from $33, Fitzgeralds from $34, Hooters from $25, Orleans from $40, Riviera from $54, Sahara from $29, Stratosphere from $44, Tropicana from $46, Tuscany from $39, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Funny Man Jeff Foxworthy Brings Comedy Act To Orleans Arena For One Night Only, May 16 – The best-selling comedy-recording artist in history, Jeff Foxworthy, will be bringing his signature redneck jokes and hilarious observations about human nature to the Orleans Arena in An Evening of Comedy with Jeff Foxworthy for one night only, May 16 at 8 p.m. He’ll deliver nonstop laughs and goes beyond the expected to explore the humor in everyday family and human interactions in a style that has been compared to Mark Twain’s.

Local Celebrities To Scoop Ice Cream For Charity For Ben & Jerry’s 31st Annual “Free Cone Day” April 21 – Henderson Ben & Jerry’s locations will serve free ice cream cones to benefit Lied Discovery Children’s Museum and the Nevada Community Learning Centers. Ben & Jerry’s, the company that broke the mold for businesses showing you could make a profit while giving back to the community, will commemorate its 31st Annual “Free Cone Day” at the Galleria Mall at Sunset in Henderson with celebrity scoopers to benefit Lied Discovery Children’s Museum. All small cones are FREE with no purchase necessary, but patrons are invited to make a donation to the respective local charity.

Ultimate Fighting Championship 100 Saturday, July 11 At Mandalay Bay – For the Ultimate Fighting Championship organization’s historic UFC 100 event Saturday, July 11 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, a stacked card featuring the best of the best in mixed martial arts is not only expected, but required. To celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event, the UFC is pleased to announce three featured bouts that individually would be main events anywhere else in the world. In the main event, the undisputed UFC heavyweight championship of the world is on the line when reigning titleholder Brock Lesnar faces interim champion Frank Mir in one of the most highly anticipated rematches in heavyweight history.

Dennis Miller Brings Stand-up Routine To The Orleans Showroom May 15-17 – Five-time Emmy award winner and crowd favorite Dennis Miller brings his hilarious act to The Orleans Showroom, May 15-17 at 8 p.m. each evening. Celebrated as a witty comedian with an entertaining and intriguing stand-up routine, Miller keeps audiences laughing with his irreverent observations.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I found this newsletter about a year ago and I really enjoy to read all the news about Las Vegas every time!

At the end of May I will visit Las Vegas again for 3 weeks! I try to do this every year (to be honest, it’s the only reason for me to go to work). We had the first snow this year October 31st and today it’s still snowing. Editors Note: This letter was sent to us a few weeks ago). We do have tons and tons of snow and even can’t go outside with the car. Also the last few ‘summers’ were not the best. The last really great summer we had was back in 2003.

I usually travel alone (nobody else stays for 3 weeks in Vegas) and my friends from Switzerland visit me and then travel to other places. This year my boss is in San Francisco and will drive with the car to Vegas for one week. And later another couple visits Vegas for 3 days and we will meet.

Last year I was staying at the Luxor in a tower room. It was so great there that I will stay there again this year. It’s also never a problem to book for such a long time. People here in Switzerland usually stay for 3-4 days in town and then drive or fly away. Back at home they jump in another airplane a travel to a Greek or Spain island and lay in the sun at the beach. That makes no sense for me. I can do all this in Vegas too. The pool area’s so great and relaxing. Of course I was on several islands in Europe too, but when I went to Vegas the first time in 1998 it was clear for me: that’s the town I will return as often as I can, and it’s every time the best time of the year I have. I can’t tell you how much I look forward to May 28th when the plane starts!!!

There are so much more things to do in Vegas than the Casinos. I travel with empty suitcases and buy as much as I can carry. Then the Motor Speedway is a must too! We also like to walk a lot or drive to Arizona or Utah and visit the National parks. This area is also very interesting. Sometimes I think 3 weeks is not enough…. 😉

Barbara Eichhorn from Switzerland

Ted Responds:

Thanks for the great letter! Sometimes, new readers (who have never been to Las Vegas) will write and say “We are coming for four days… what should we see?” I politely tell them that they could stay for a month and not run out of things to do or see as there is plenty to do for almost every interest and to just stay subscribed to the newsletter to find out what is currently happening.

May is a great month to be here as our 100 degree (F) temps generally have not hit yet, but it no longer gets cold at night. Every day is a perfect day to hang out by the pool or go see some of the amazing scenery of the beautiful Southwest U.S. and every night is perfect for strolling in the neon or taking in a show.

Thanks again for reading and telling your friends. We have a very loyal international readership base (about 25% of our readers) and are very appreciative of the time and effort it takes to visit us.

My wife and I spent a week in Vegas Feb 4 to 11. We stayed downtown 4 nights and on the strip for 3. We are more than upset with the number of card flickers in front of Flamingo, O’Shea’s, and Harrah’s. They are obnoxious flicking their cards in your face and blocking passage on the sidewalk. The casinos stand to lose as these people scare some elders. They should be limited or made to stand at the end of the walkway and not in the middle. Some of the people actually assault you with their mannerisms.

Ellis Island is every bodies dream of good food at reasonable prices.

RUSE1941

Ted Responds:

Believe me… the hotels have tried time and time again to restrict the people handing out the “girls to your room” cards. Including a move to attempt to make the sidewalks in front of each casino the private property of the casino. The ACLU has fought them tooth and nail as they feel it is a free speech issue. At this point, your best bet is to simply ignore them. Keep your eyes straight ahead and keep walking.

Just want to tell you about our visit Feb. 2, 2009. Our first stay at Planet Hollywood and I was most disappointed. No view from the window. One chair in the room to watch the nice TV. I ask for another chair and they told me to contact the banquet area and I did and was told there was a rental fee and they would call me back. No chair and no call back.

A standard fee of over $5.00 for water and newspaper that we didn’t want. A college group moved in Fri. night and no complimentary drinks. My last stay there. The beds were nice.

Thanks for all your news.

BJ Dailey

Ted Responds:

I know we’ve all had times when something doesn’t live up to expectations. When it comes to an issue with a Las Vegas hotel (attraction, restaurant, you name it), this is what I strongly advise:

Find the actual snail mail (postal) address and write them a letter. It doesn’t have to be long, but but it should be calm and rational (just as your note was). Let them know you were not pleased and why. At the very least, your voice gets heard. And, they just might offer to do something to make it right on your next visit.

Even though we live in a computer/email age, a real postal mail letter really sends an impact. If you go to Google Maps and then enter Name Of Hotel Las Vegas, it will usually pull up the hotel location and actual address.

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

  • Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10
  • Memorial Day, U.S May 23-25 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 18-20 (3 day weekend)
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 13-15 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • Mardi Gras February 16
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 4

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend!

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.

New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

April 22, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – April 8, 2009

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AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! 16 years, baby. 16 years. April 2009 is marking my 16’th year here in Las Vegas. I moved from the beautiful (but all too often overcast and rainy) Pacific Northwest near Portland, Oregon and never returned. I’ve been publishing this newsletter for nearly 10 of those years. Next year marks the 10 year anniversary of thisá AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe (which started as Las Vegas News and Reviews).

Far too many memories to list on one page, but rarely a dull moment. I was the last civilian (non-hotel or demolition employee) to step foot in the infamous Copa Room at The Sands. More recently, in line behind Andrew “Dice” Clay at a local convenience store (very surreal). In-between, things like heckling Carrot Top from the first row (he actually puts on a really good show) to a pre-opening visit to the top of The Stratosphere Tower thanks to a cocktail waitress friend who was a charter employee.

I’ve stumbled upon countless movie, TV, music video and commercial shoots (hint, they happen late at night), and seen more live radio and TV broadcasts produced than I can count. One of the more interesting: Don Imus doing his nationwide show from The Mirage in the mid-90’s, interviewing Steve Wynn at 4 AM (7 AM east coast time) in front of a crowd of bleary-eyed ápeople who had been up all night and were still boozing. Plus, more “What Happens In Vegas” moments than I can count. (Once again, best time for these sightings is well after midnight).

Here’s to the future and my continued quest to make you, our loyal readers, the best-informed Las Vegas visitors possible!

Dixie’s Dam Bar At Hooters Las Vegas – Over the past few years, a theme has developed in the massive amount of feedback we get from you, our readers. That theme? What happened to the old Las Vegas? I don’t want to go to a club with a dress code I’ll never meet and then have to pay $400 for “bottle service” just so I can have a table.

Dixie’s Dam Bar at Hooters is open Wed. – Sun. starting at 9 PM with no bottle service, no attitudes, and the Dixie’s Diva’s to pour you the drinks when they aren’t dancing on the bar. Cover is $20, a small price to pay for a night of unrestrained, unpretentious fun.

Dixie's Dam Bar at Hooters Hotel Las Vegas

Dixie's Dam Bar at Hooters Hotel Las Vegas

Dixie's Dam Bar at Hooters Hotel Las Vegas

Click on any of the above photos to view the entire Dixie’s Dam Bar at Hooters Las Vegas photo set.

Smoke ‘Em If You Got Em – The Nevada State Legislature is currently in the process of taking the teeth out of much of Nevada’s smoking ban. Specifically allowing smoking (should a business owner choose to do so) anywhere minors are prohibited.

This would allow both local bars and hotel casinos to allow smoking in areas where they have food service (at their discretion). IE, if a hotel restaurant saw fit to allow smoking at a restaurant baráand were willing to enclose it — probably with glass — to separate it from a main dining area where minors would be allowed, they would be able to do so.

If you wish to write our legislators (on either side of this issue), the following two gentlemen represent the area of the Las Vegas Strip:

Keep it brief and polite, represent yourself as a regular Las Vegas visitor, and let them know your feelings regarding loosening the smoking ban.

End Of An Era – Folies Bergere bowed out after 49 years of being a Las Vegas staple. Our local paper did a great photo feature of closing night: http://www.reviewjournal.com/media/slideshow/folies_finale_032809/

Earth Hour – Some of you may have read how most of the hotels along the Las Vegas Strip turned off their outside lighting for an hour in honor of Earth Hour a couple of weeks go. We didn’t cover it, nor will we if they do it again.

Over the years, the lights have been dimmed (usually for about 15 minutes) to honor the death of people ranging fromáU.S. Presidents to members of the Rat Pack. The lights were dimmed after 9/11 in honor of the victims as well. I believe this exercise should ONLY be reserved only as a special honor in similar situations.

I’m also concerned that between smoking bans and Earth Hour celebrations, Las Vegas is gaining a reputation for political correctness. Which is NOT why people come and visit.

Even if you recycle, carpool, watch your use of natural resources, drive an efficient car and other “earth friendly” activities, Las Vegas allows you to spend a few days tossing caution to the wind. At time to cut loose. Eat and drink a little too much. Use some electricity (or watch the hotels use it) purely for your enjoyment. Trust me… the earth will survive your visit to Las Vegas.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:

Bally’s from $49, El Cortez from $25, Fitzgeralds from $34, Hooters from $25, Orleans from $35, Riviera from $56, Sahara from $28, Stratosphere from $40, Tropicana from $40, Tuscany from $39, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Legendary Guitarist Carlos Santana Launches First Rock Residency Show In Las Vegas At The Joint At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Signing on as the first rock and roll resident artist in Las Vegas, Carlos Santana brings his legendary talent to The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino through a multi-year deal with AEG Live. Through 2010, The Joint will be the only place west of the Mississippi where fans can see Santana perform. Titled to pay homage to his most successful body of work to date, Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits debuts on Wednesday May 27 and features the artist’s signature fusion sound in a show designed exclusively for the new venue.

Vegas’ Sexiest Show Begins Preview Performances Peepshow Starring Mel B. Costarring Kelly Monaco – PEEPSHOW, the new, sophisticated, ultra-hot show begins preview performances this week at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Pop superstar Mel B (of the world famous Spice Girls) stars with General Hospital’s Kelly Monaco (“Dancing with the Stars” champion) and The Strip’s hottest dancers in this spectacular world premiere. In PEEPSHOW, Mel B. will originate the role of the mistress of ceremonies, the “Peep Diva.” Kelly Monaco will take the stage as “Bo Peep,” a timid girl who the Diva guides in her transformation into a confident, sensual woman. Alongside Mel B. & Kelly is a sizzling ensemble of sexy PEEPSHOW GIRLS, showstoppers from film, TV, Broadway and beyond who were handpicked to complete a highly-skilled, voluptuous cast unlike any other on The Strip.

Jimmy Buffett And The Coral Reefer Band Summerzcool Tour 2009 – Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band return to Las Vegas for one remarkable performance at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, May 16 as part of Jimmy Buffett’s “Summerzcool” Tour 2009. Tickets go on-sale Monday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. Parrotheads won’t want to miss their chance to soak in the full Margaritaville experience.

Keith Urban To Bring His “Escape Together World Tour” To Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, July 18 – As if a night with Grammy Award-winner Keith Urban isn’t enough, now comes word that Urban’s “Escape Together World Tour” will feature the legendary Glen Campbell. Urban, one of the industry’s most explosive and critically hailed live acts, and Campbell will perform at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, July 18.

Metallica To Bring “World Magnetic Tour” To Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, December 5 – Following a triumphant summer European tour, Metallica will return to rock North America this fall for the second leg of its “World Magnetic Tour.” The multi-platinum hard-rock band will perform later this year throughout the United States and Canada and will include a stop at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, Dec. 5.

Paul Anka Returns To The Orleans Showroom May 8-10 – With more than 125 albums, 15 million records sold and 22 Top 20 hits, Paul Anka has been one of the most influential voices in pop music since emerging as a teen idol in the 1950s. On May 8, 9 and 10, Anka will be bringing his incomparable sound to The Orleans Showroom for a three-night engagement.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Love your newsletter. I had a question. Have you seen the table game limits coming down in this economy? I’ve been visiting Vegas for 20 years now. One of the things I used to love was the ability to walk up and down the strip and stop in at a variety of difference casinos and find $5 craps and blackjack tables.

In the past 5 years or so I noticed all the minimums are $10 and your hard press to find $5 tables. I feel am an average gambler and would think I’m not the only one who would like to see the limits back down around $5.

Keep up the good work,

Randy

Ted Responds:

We had a Members Mania letter about this a few months ago. Certainly a topic that people continue to wonder about.

We have heard word of table minimums coming down on The Strip here and there but no major trend we can see as of yet.

We encourage people to gamble downtown where the minimums are still lower and rules still tend to be more favorable to the player.

It is interesting that gaming wins (what the casinos win in total) here in Nevada are plummeting. Execs are blaming it on the economy. But perhaps they are simply making games too expensive or unfavorable for the millions like yourself who will gladly risk your money for hours on end. IF you can do so at reasonable minimums.

Thanks for reading and telling your friends to subscribe. We are a small company that relies on word-of-mouth!

What is the appropriate amount to tip for valet? Does it depend on the hotel? Should you tip when you drop off the car, or pick it up, or both?

Thanks,

Maureen

Ted Responds:

One dollar when you drop it off is a nice token and two when you pick it up is satisfactory. I’d (more or less) double that at the high end hotels and/or if it is really, really busy. Also, the amount of time they take to retrieve your car should come into play. A little more if they are quick, less if it takes forever.

If you drive up to a hotel you aren’t staying at and they have a sign indicating valet for hotel guests only (or Valet Full), you’ll find out that a $10 bill will usually magically make the valet a little less full. IE, they will take your car.

Me? I usually skip the valet and do a little-known parking garage trick: Simply drive to one of the top floors of the parking garage where you’ll usually find plenty of parking within a few feet of the elevator. Sure, you spend an extra 30 seconds driving up a couple extra floors. But you’ll more than make up for the time by not circling a lower level floor looking for a space or having to park a long walk from the elevator. Plus, the view from the top floors of some of the parking garages are pretty cool!

My extra-top-secret Las Vegas Strip parking tip which I noted here a few years ago? The Casino Royale (just north of Harrah’s) has a four floor public parking garage right behind their little casino. The garage is open to the public and literally a 30 second walk from the Las Vegas Strip sidewalk.

Hope this all helps!

Hi! I read your newsletter all the time. We just LOVE Vegas and love to get all the news when we can’t be there in person. We will be coming for a visit next month and have heard recently that the casinos have stopped serving free alcoholic beverages while you’re playing. Just wondering if this is true?

Thanks,

Kristy

Ted Responds:

A few hotels have toyed with not serving video poker players free drinks at the bar unless someone is playing $1 level or more. Also, if you are playing penny slots and literally playing only a few pennies at a time, you might not get served.

Overall, casinos are continuing to serve free drinks to players.

If you ever get refused a free drink while gambling a “normal” amount of money (IE, not trying to scam a drink while only betting one nickel at a time or playing video poker one quarter at a time), cash out and move to another casino.

LOVE you guys. Having a family reunion next weekend in Las Vegas and forwarded your newsletter to everyone who’s going.

Absolutely the best source of Las Vegas information out there!

Keep on keepin’ on!

Johanna Greenfield

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

  • Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Easter Sunday April 12
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10
  • Memorial Day, U.S May 23-25 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 18-20 (3 day weekend)
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 13-15 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • Mardi Gras February 16
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend!

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.

New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

April 8, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

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