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Access Vegas Insider Vibe û August 19, 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

Hello From Las Vegas! What a weird few days, with a couple of our hottest days of the summer (a recent night saw the temperature on my back patio RISE from 95 to 96 F between 10:30 and 11:00 PM) to seeing rain and much cooler temperatures come in as the weekend closed out. Highs will be right around 100 F the next couple of weeks, the we start to see cooling in as September kicks in.

Cell Phone Sim Cards – Running late this week as responses to last week’s question poured in and we wanted to make sure we didn’t miss anything. So many great responses, and we highlight some in Members Mania later in the newsletter.

Las Vegas Restaurant Week -áThree Square (charity) will be partnering up with the finest restaurants in Las Vegas to bring you Restaurant Week Aug. 31 û Sept. 6, 2009. This is your chance to sample the cuisine of world-famous chefs at a fixed price with the proceeds going to help Three Square end hunger in Southern Nevada.

We’re talking amazing meals at big name and celeb chef restaurants (many of them on the Las Vegas Strip) at significant savings while you help feed those in need. This is seriously worth taking an unplanned visit over. Full list of restaurants and offerings is at http://threesquare.org/?page_id=710

Frank Fertitta Jr. R.I.P. – Locals casino pioneer Frank Fertitta, Jr. passed away at the age of 70 this past week. He was the man responsible for the Bingo Palace Casino (later to be rebranded Palace Station) and his sons took and turned it into the Station Casinos empire after his retirement in 1993. If the Fertitta name rings a bell, the sons also own UFC (MMA fighting). Our deepest sympathies to family, friends, and the long-time Station Casino employees who knew him.

Gaming Revenue – Recent reports note that gaming revenue (the amount of money you are kind enough to donate in the casinos during your trip) are at 2004 levels. I realize many of the “Johnny-come-latelys” who have only lived in town a few years see the sky falling. But 2004 was a solid year for tourism, and if we are matching those numbers during what many call the worst economy in most of our lifetimes, that’s not too shabby.

McCarran Traffic Declines – Since this seems to be the day I am dispelling recession myths: June passenger counts at McCarran were down 11% from the previous year. On the surface, this would seem to indicate a severe drop in visitors.

The reality? Las Vegas is an island, and most of the people living on our “desert island” came from somewhere else and frequently fly “back home” to see friends and family. With money tight, people aren’t making as many of those trips, And… many of the more transient residents who would tend to fly in and out more often (mostly in construction) are simply leaving town.

2 Months, $2 Million – I checked out this new show on Game Show Network (Sunday nights, check your local listings). It basically follows four very dorky (but very successful) online poker players who share a luxury house here and have the goal of winning a collective $2 million in 60 days. Worth a watch if you need a Vegas fix (or if it makes you feel better to watch some very wealthy guys make total fools of themselves when hitting on women)!

PT’s And Sierra Gold Announce NCAA Football Season “Home Team” Bars – PT’s and Sierra Gold (the dominant bar chain in Las Vegas with well over 30 locations) are kicking off the college football season with a lineup of taverns dedicated to serving college alumni and fans throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

Represented are many of the more popular college football schoolsáplus some locations which will cater to specific conferences. The locations listed WILL show and promote their “home team” game each week (unless the game simply isn’t available through the many sports channels they subscribe to). Food and drink specials will be available at all locations.

Whether you live here or are just visiting, this is a great way to root on your team and probably get to meet and hang out with people from your neck-of-the-woods. Full list of which bars are supporting which teams at PT’s/Sierra Gold kick off the college football season with an all-American lineup

15% – Latest projections are that overall Nevada unemployment will hit 15%. Service industries are only down 5% (from last year) and hotel/gaming down 9%. Construction has taken the biggest hit (down 22%).

This confirms what I noted last issue: Impact to Las Vegas’ true core industries is moderate. The Resort and Service sectors have always been the foundation of our economy. The construction boom was an abberration and with the glut of empty homes, empty office space, and unfinished hotels, I don’t expect construction to be a factor for upwards of a decade. I do see tourism rebounding strongly by spring. It was never as soft as the national media tried to make it appear.

The kind of room deals now enjoyed will evaporate over time. If you are debating about splurging to stay at one of the higher-end hotels, or are usually a three-day visitor and have always wanted to enjoy a week here so you can really pace yourself and do everything you want, now is the time.

You don’t want to be kicking yourself for missed opportunity a couple of years from now. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and see what hotels such as Wynn/Encore, Venetian/Palazzo, Bellagio, Caesars, Planet Hollywood and MGM Grand are going for. You just might be surprised just how low current room rates are.

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 $9, Fitzgeralds from $21, Hooters from $20, Orleans from $28, Riviera from $27, Sahara from $26, Stratosphere from $40, Tropicana from $25, Tuscany from $19, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Kelly Clarkson To Play The Joint At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Friday, Nov. 6 – Pop Megastar Kelly Clarkson will be bringing her much anticipated All I Ever Wanted Tour to The Joint this fall. Joining Clarkson are red-hot Australian sister duo The Veronicas and rising band Parachute. Clarkson has sold more than 20 million albums since her 2002 debut.


Fremont Street Experience Celebrated 40th Anniversary of Woodstock With “Woodstock Tribute Palooza” August 14-16 – Fremont Street Experience took guests back 40 years with the “Woodstock Tribute Palooza: 40th Anniversary of Woodstock” Friday, August 14 through Sunday, August 16.


“Woodstock Tribute Palooza: 40th Anniversary of Woodstock” relived the historic music festival from August 1969 with the countries best tribute artists, paying homage to Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, Joe Cocker, The Grateful Dead and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Tickets For Pacquiao vs. Cotto, “Firepower” On Sale – MGM Grand To Host Event Saturday, Nov. 14 Live On HBO Pay-Per-View« – The date is set for the mega-fight between boxing’s No. 1 pound-for-pound king and reigning Boxing Writers Association of America’s (BWAA) Fighter of the Year, Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao, and the pride of Puerto Rico and three-time world champion Miguel Cotto. Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto, “FirePower” will take place Saturday, Nov. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and will be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9 p.m. PST/6 p.m. PST. “Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto have reached an agreement to fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Saturday, Nov. 14,” said Top Rank Chief Executive Officer Bob Arum.

Citycenter Drives Sustainability Efforts With World’s First Stretch-Limo Fleet Powered By Clean-Burning Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) – Keeping with its commitment to sustainability, CityCenter has commissioned the first stretch-limo fleet powered by compressed natural gas (CNG). Developed by Krystal Enterprises, the world’s largest manufacturer of stretch limousines, in collaboration with Clean Energy Fuels, BAF Technologies and Ford engineers, the 26 silver, 72-inch Lincoln Town Cars are 100 percent dedicated to utilizing CNG and will service CityCenter’s ARIA Resort & Casino and Vdara Hotel. “Commissioning the first CNG stretch-limo fleet is a demonstration of CityCenter’s commitment to environmental responsibility, while never sacrificing guest experience,” said Bill McBeath, president and COO of ARIA Resort & Casino.

Kid Rock To Perform At The Pearl At The Palms – Rocker Kid Rock brings his badass live performance to The Pearl Concert Theater inside Palms Casino Resort on Thursday, September 17, 2009, at 8:00 p.m. Grammy award-nominated Kid Rock released several successful albums including Devil Without A Cause in ’98 which includes smash hits, “Bawitdaba,” “Cowboy” and “Only God Knows Why” in addition to becoming Diamond Award certified by RIAA with more than 10 million copies sold.

M Resort Spa Casino Debuts As Official Production Location For Bravo’s ‘Top Chef: Las Vegas’ Season Six – No. 1 Food Show On Cable Affirms Resort’s Commitment And Passion For Great Dining – The sixth season of the No. 1 food show on cable, Bravo’s Emmy and James Beard Award-winning series returns when “Top Chef: Las Vegas” premiered Wednesday, August 19 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The M Resort Spa Casino, the newest resort in Las Vegas, served as the official production location for the show. Chef’testants competed throughout the property, during the filming process, stirring up amazing food and fierce competition to become Top Chef.

The Temptations Return To The Orleans Showroom September 17-20 – For more than 40 years, The Temptations have shined as pioneers of popular music with decades of smash hits and sold-out performances. From September 17-20, Otis Williams, Bruce Williamson, Terry Weeks, Ron Tyson and Joe Herndon will bring classic Motown to The Orleans Showroom for four nights, starting at 8 p.m. each evening. The Temptations are central characters in the history of contemporary American pop.

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!

Last issue, we asked about the best way for our international readers (who make up 25% of our readership) to enjoy using a cell phone here in Las Vegas without paying obnoxious international roaming charges. We were literally swamped with response, and I want to thank everyone who dropped us a line (even if I couldn’t get back to you personally). We are printing responses that covered just about every idea that was submitted.

Thanks to everyone!

I have been a subscriber for about a year and a half now, and always get excited to read my newest issue of your newsletter.

Iáam from Canada, and my wife and I fell in love with Las Vegas last April when i came to Vegas for the first time, Since then, I have been coming (on average) every 7 weeks. In fact i am here currently, and this will mark my 9th visit since last April.

Iárun my own business so it is essential I have my cell phone with me at all times. Roaming charges nearly broke me my first visit, so the solution that works wonders is as follows:

Buy a phone with a sim card with no plan, and unlock it (you can usually find unlocked phones on Ebay, or even locally on kijiji.com or craigslist.org). It is your choice if you want a dirt cheap phone or one you want to use full time. I personally enjoy the latest and greatest gadgets so i have an iPhone, which is unlocked.

When I am in Canada, i have a sim card with my own provider (in Canada it is Fido, or Rogers that offer sim cards type phones). I have a plan where I use it when i am there, then when i come to Las Vegas, I bought a GoPhone sim card through AT&T (T Mobile also offers sim cards but their rate was not as good a deal) which i believe is about 20 or 25 dollars, and i think it comes with some air time too.

Then I purchase as much time as i need when i am here, usually 100.00 in time is good because the time doesn’t expire, it lasts 1 year and they give you 10 dollars additional free. if you need less time, such as 25 dollars, the time expires in 90 days I believe. the minutes also will probably roll over if you keep adding more time, but you don’t have to.

when i make a call to Canada it costs .29 per minute, but when i receive calls from Canada, it costs only .10 a minute, so i generally will call someone in Canada, and ask they call me right back so its cheaper for me. Furthermore, when I am making calls here in the U.S. it costs 10 cents a minute anywhere in the us including local calls (or better yet,áfree to other AT&T clients).

This has saved me a fortune on roaming charges. Unfortunately Internet is not quite as cheap (at least for the iPhone, mobile Internet may be cheaper, it all depends on how much data you use, but roaming Internet with a Canadian phone provider will give you a big surprise when you get your bill) so I strongly recommend using my advice to any Canadians who come here or anywhere to the us frequently or even once in a while.

Hope this helps!

Justin from Edmonton, Alberta Canada

Love your newsletter!

I don’t know if this is what you’re looking for, but you can always buy a very cheap Virgin Mobile phone or Go phone for around $15 at Walgreens or Wal-Mart, and just about treat it like a disposable unit.

Virgin’s no contract plan is 25 cents per minute for the first ten minutes, and then 15 cents per minute after that. And you can buy a reloading cards for $15/$25/$50, or reload over the phone with a credit card.

Kara Catherwood

Editors Note: Walgreens has three locations on The Strip: Across from Monte Carlo, bottom floor of Palazzo, and across from (what used to be) The Stardust, just a couple blocks north of Wynn Las Vegas. You’ll also find one downtown at the east end of the Fremont Street Experience.

I’m from Germany and I always use the service of www.cellion.de. They send a new sim card with a new number. The cost is 39c (EU) / minute if I phone to Germany and 29c in USA and when I receive a call from Germany. No extra Money for the card and no extra fee.

Thats 1,20 EU less / minute than I would pay at my local company.

Martin (From Germany)

Friends of ours from Canada met us in Vegas for a few days. Before the trip I went to Target and bought a 19.00 (on sale for 15.00) T-Mobile “pay as you go” phone. After activating it, I mailed it to them so when we arrived in Vegas we could contact them. It worked perfectly.

I suppose they could have just had the sim card but I didn’t know if their phone was compatible. So it cost me $15 bucks and they got about 30 minutes with purchase which is enough to keep in touch for a few days.

Bob

My suggestion is to just get a phone like a Tracphone and a 30 day air time card.. There are also other brands available.

Sandy Paws Diving

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:

  • 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)
  • Super Bowl Sunday February 7
  • 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
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada July 31-August 2 (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

August 19, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – August 12, 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! We are well into the dog days of summer. Funny… every year the heat is a bit of a shock to the system come late June and July. By mid-August I’m finally used to it and enjoying that fact that it never gets cold… only to see cooler weather on the horizon.

For those whose systems aren’t programmed to take the heat (and who are facing a quick end to beautiful summer weather where you live), there isn’t better time to plan an October vacation here when daytime average temperatures are a perfect 81 degrees (F) and both NFL and College Football are in full swing!

Terry Fator’s Show On CMT – Terry Fator no longer needs any introduction as his show at The Mirage has been a nice success and he’s got a long term contract that will keep him in Las Vegas for years to come. But for those wondering if he’s worth seeing, CMT (Country Music Television U.S.) will be airing his show on August 28. Check local listings. Click for Terry Fator Tickets

Station Casinos Bankruptcy Won’t Affect Visitors – While the majority of our readers are oriented toward staying on The Strip, near Strip or downtown, we know that some of you do enjoy staying at the “locals” properties. Station Casinos (all those hotels with Station something or other in their name {except Main Street], plus Green Valley Ranch and Red Rock) has declared bankruptcy in order to reorganize their company. They specifically note that none of the hotels are part of the filing and business will continue as usual. If you have a reservation at one of their properties, I wouldn’t sweat it.

However… Boyd Gaming (Cal, Main Street, Sam’s Town, Orleans, Fremont, Suncoast, Gold Coast, Stardust… oops) are making a play for pieces of the company to expand their local empire. With their Echelon project dead for the foreseeable future, they have some cash and credit to go on a modest buying spree if the price if right.

Beyonce – was a big hit on her four night run at Wynncore (Encore Las Vegas). Much talk of her having a sit-down run here a la Cher, Bette Midler, Celine Dion (who is still the subject of continuing rumors regarding a possible return).

Speaking Of Celebs… – Mel Gibson recently attended a 7 PM Blue Man Group show. Sometimes it seems that Blue Man Group flies under the radar (IE, they don’t generate scandals or big splashy news) but this very unique, quirky (and quite fun) show experience continues to draw a-list attendees and has been entertaining Las Vegas visitors for years. Click the Blue Man Group graphic in the right sidebar to find out more (and save some money on this must-see show)!

Local Cell Phone Sim Cards? – 25% of our readership is from outside the U.S. (with around 12% from Europe alone) and we recently were asked something that stumped us:

When visiting from outside North America, is there a way to buy and put a local (Las Vegas) sim card in your phone while you are here instead of having to pay international roaming? Most of us take it for granted that we use our phones to stay in touch with our travel-mates, and it sure beats trying to say “let’s all meet at 6 PM” or whatever.

If anyone has some help on this topic, please do drop us a line at allvegastv@aol.com

Construction Job Losses – The Review-Journal notes that construction jobs are down nearly 20% here in Las Vegas. These probably won’t be coming back. CityCenter will be wrapping up at the end of the year, no restart time noted for Plaza (The Frontier) or Echelon, and Fountainbleau (Fblu) only needs some a few months of finishing work.

Also, until new homes can be built for less money than it costs to buy existing homes on the market, new home building will be minimal.

As someone who has lived here over 16 years, it was obvious that the house-of-cards was going to fall at some point. Las Vegas’ non-gaming economy was a ponzi scheme. Growth was driving the economy. People were kept busy building and selling houses to people who were new to town, who in turn got jobs fueled by the continued spending on new construction. Everybody is talking about how Las Vegas is going through a huge economic downturn and recession. However… we really just have a thinning of the herd. People who were probably ill-advised to move here here in the first place are moving back home.

At the end of the day, the core of Las Vegas (tourism) is still doing pretty well, and would be doing just fine if some of the resort companies hadn’t torched their “credit cards” in building just a bit too much. We were out on The Strip this past Thursday afternoon and the casinos were full, plenty of action at the games and slots, and strong crowds on the streets. We’ve noted similar results downtown.

Civic leaders spent the past decade thinking we need to diversify our economy here. Why? How about we stick to selling all of you an unmatched good time like we (as a city) have done for 75+ years! And how about the majority of the people living here work in that industry (and have the camaraderieáá and pride that working in hotels/tourism used to breed) so we provide you the most amazing experience of your life when you visit our neon-lit slice of high desert!

Bridge Across Hoover Dam – The beautiful, new arch bridge across the Colorado River just south of Hoover Dam is expected to open June 2010.

IMG_0757

This along with the four-laning of significant stretches of road between Kingman, AZ and Hoover Dam should shave a good 30 minutes off the drive from Arizona, New Mexico and points southwest 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 $45, El Cortez from $10, Fitzgeralds from $21, Hooters from $20, Orleans from $28, Riviera from $27, Sahara from $30, Stratosphere from $38, Tropicana from $25, Tuscany from $31, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Vegas Hot Shots

Rhumbar At The Mirage – Part of The Mirage’s major remodel (in preparation for their 20’th anniversary this year) was the addition of Rhumbar. Part-owner Michael Frey is also a principle in the Casa Fuente cigar store next door in the Forum Shops and also involved in Montecristo (brand) Rum. Hence, a cigar-friendly bar with around 40 types of rum right on The Strip seemed like a natural fit.

Rhumbar - New at The Mirage


View from Rhumbar patio close to sunset. It looks even better once the hotels all light up at night!


The Mirage’s Love marquee towers over Rhumbar.

Rhumbar isn’t just for lovers of rum and mojitos (the house specialty). A comprehensive menu of beer, wine, spirits, and house specialty drinks is available, with prices starting in the $8-10 range. Those seeking beer and margaritas for $1 (and don’t mind the frat party atmosphere) need only to go across the street to Casino Royale instead.

What you will find is a very nice, upscale, comfortable surroundings with lounge (acid) jazz* playing at volumes you can talk over, attentive cocktail waitresses, and an atmosphere that doesn’t make those over 30 feel out-of-place. *Acid jazz doesn’t mean you need to be on acid to enjoy it. Acid jazz is a more downbeat, groove oriented cousin of smooth jazz.

Rhumbar is cigar-friendly, and we aren’t talking Swisher Sweets. You are welcome to bring your own, but their humidor features many of the top-name premium cigar brands including the highly prized, hard-to-find Fuente Fuente Opus X ($27). If you are worried that their patio is overrun with smelly cigar smoke, think again: Las Vegas almost always has a gentle breeze blowing, and the premium cigars they sell for consumption (brands like Ashton and Montecristo) are grown and aged with the same care given to fine wine to produce aromatic notes of woods and spices. (Think of the pleasant aroma of burning oak or cedar in your fireplace). Dime-store cigars (which are not encouraged at Rhumbar) tend to be the cigars with a smell everyone turns their nose up at.

My suggestion? Next time you are in the Center Strip area and have some time to kill before dinner or your show (or if you are getting killed at the tables and need to just need a respite from gaming), stop in for a cocktail. Rhumbar is located just inside the street entrance to The Mirage (where the moving walkway used to take you to the tiger display). Hours vary by season, but currently Noon to around 1 AM.

Vegas Hot Shots will be a regular feature starting later this fall featuring reports on the most enjoyable, comfortable, upscale places to enjoy a cocktail in Las Vegas along with accompanying video reports.

Superstar Mariah Carey To Perform Special Engagement At The Pearl At The Palms – With worldwide sales of more than 175 million albums, Mariah Carey û the most successful female recording artist in history û is set to perform the most intimate shows of her career in a special engagement at The Pearl inside the Palms Casino Resort. These performances will take place on Friday, September 11; Saturday, September 12; Friday, October 9 and Saturday October 10, 2009. These once-in-a-lifetime, up-close-and-personal performances at The Pearl are the first of its kind and surround the highly anticipated release of Mariah’s latest album, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel which features the current hit single “Obsessed.”

Las Vegas Celebrates The Music Of Michael Jackson – Live From The Pearl Concert Theater Inside The Palms Casino Resort – Fundraiser to benefit Music Education in Clark County Public Schools. For one performance only, Las Vegas’ top entertainers will come together for a special performance Las Vegas Celebrates the Music of Michael Jackson on Saturday, August 29, 2009, at 3 p.m.

In this multi-artist production celebrating the many hits of The King of Pop, entertainers including cast members of Jersey Boys, Lion King, Peepshow and Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular will perform the hits of the Jackson songbook, all in celebration of what would have been the entertainer’s 51st birthday. This unique show will also include video montages throughout from those who knew Michael or were inspired by his work.

Las Vegas’ CityCenter To Be One Of The World’s Largest Green Developments – CityCenter Emerges as Leader of Sustainable Urban Development, Driving Green Economies of Scale in Multiple Industry Segments. Created with a vision to bring a new level of environmental consciousness to the world-famous Strip, CityCenter will be one of the world’s largest sustainable developments, from design and construction to operations and guest amenities. An extraordinary urban resort destination brought to life by eight world-renowned architects, the 18-million-square-foot development is set to achieve a combination of gold and silver LEED« ratings by the U.S. Green Building Council throughout its distinctive hotels; residences; dining, retail and public spaces. Using cutting-edge solutions, CityCenter has been able to grow responsibly without sacrificing the quality of materials or guest experience.

Due to its size and purchasing power, CityCenter is driving green economies of scale in multiple industry segments, paving the way for other entities to build and operate sustainably. CityCenter has moved beyond existing green practices to empower industry-wide innovations.

Tickets On Sale Now For Country Superstar Tim McGraw At M Resort Spa Casino – M Resort Spa Casino is proud to welcome American country superstar Tim McGraw to the Villaggio Del Sole Entertainment Piazza. Tickets are on sale now for his performance on Friday, October 23. The Grammy-award winning McGraw will take the stage at 8:30 p.m. and perform his chart-topping hits including “Live Like Your Were Dying,” “Something Like That,” “I Like It, I Love It” and more. McGraw has had eleven consecutive albums debut at No. 1 on the Billboard albums charts.

Hawaiian Tropic Zone Features THE EXOTIC Wild Orchid Cocktail This August – This August, Hawaiian Tropic Zone inside Miracle Mile Shops invites patrons to experience the succulent Wild Orchid cocktail. The sweet nectar is a smooth concoction infused with Cruzan Guava Rum, TY KU liqueur and pineapple juice. Boasting a glowing yellow hue, Wild Orchid is served in a Collins glass and garnished with a cherry.

Nevada Ballet Theatre Names Marie Osmond As Its ‘Woman Of The Year’ For The 2010 Black & White Ball – Nevada Ballet Theatre is honored to announce singer, author, television personality, Broadway performer and philanthropist Marie Osmond as its ‘Woman of the Year’ for the 2010 Black & White Ball. As one-half of the beloved singing duo “Donny & Marie,” this all-around entertainer will be honored on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at Paris Las Vegas. Born into an internationally known entertainment family, Osmond emerged on the country music scene at the tender age of 13 with her hit “Paper Roses,” making her the first female in country music history to debut with a number one record.

Air Supply ‘Live on the Road 2009’ Tour Stops At The Orleans Showroom September 3-6 – 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 returns to The Orleans Showroom September 3, 4, 5 and 6 for four 8 p.m. performances. Englishman Graham Russell and Australian Russell Hitchcock met in 1975 while performing in the Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Later that year, the duo formed Air Supply and released their first smash hit and self-titled debut album, reaching gold in Australia.

ENVY Presents A Touch Of Hope Breast Foundation Dinner – From August 15 through September 15, Envy The Steakhouse, located at the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel, will present A Touch of Hope Breast Foundation Dinner. With a portion of the proceeds benefiting A Touch of Hope Breast Foundation, Envy The Steakhouse is offering a $95 Prix Fixe, four-course meal paired with complementing wines. Reservations are recommended. For reservations or more information about A Touch of Hope Breast Foundation Dinner, please call 702.784.5716 or visit www.envysteakhouse.com.

“The Mac King Comedy Magic Show” Nearing One-Millionth Audience Member – Milestone Guest to Win the Ultimate Mac King and Harrah’s Las Vegas Prize Package – “The Mac King Comedy Magic Show” will celebrate its one-millionth guest this summer with the ultimate prize package giveaway in partnership with Harrah’s Las Vegas. All guests that attend a performance of the show between August 7 and August 29, 2009, will have the chance to win the ultimate prize package. Recently dubbed in the Las Vegas Review-Journal 2009 “Best of Las Vegas” poll as “Favorite Male Las Vegan,” and voted “Best Bargain Show” six years in a row, Mac King has performed his family-friendly routine at Harrah’s Las Vegas since January 2000.

Journey To Perform At The M Resort Spa Casino – M Resort Spa Casino is proud to announce that Journey will perform in concert at the Villaggio Del Sole Entertainment Piazza on Saturday, October 3. Journey – Neal Schon (guitars, backing vocals), Jonathan Cain (keyboards, backing vocals), Ross Valory (bass, backing vocals), Deen Castronovo (drums, percussion, backing vocals) and Arnel Pineda (lead vocals) – plays with a passion and commitment that wows both longtime fans and new generations of listeners alike.

Larry The Cable Guy To Bring His Comedy Routine To Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, December 12 – Larry The Cable Guy, the American stand-up comedian and actor known best for his signature catch-phrase “Git-R-Done,” will bring his hilarious routine to Las Vegas and make a stop at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, Dec. 12. The performance is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Larry continues to sell out theatres and arenas across the United States. On July 4 at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb., Larry performed in front of more than 50,000 fans, a show that was a ‘thank you’ to his fans as well as the entire state of Nebraska for their long-time support.

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 should be back with Members Mania next week (where we answer reader questions). As much as I’d love to tell you that I just sit around sampling shrimp cocktail and eating large steaks 24/7, I’ve had a rather heavy load of responsibilities in my Managing Editor (and overall visionary) of this little outfit. We’re just about to launch an email newsletter for our Easy Vegas Deals blog (finally), I’m working on a slew of new giveaways for fall, and an upgraded tours section. Fall is the perfect time to take one of those scenic tours and really see the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam and other area sights.

Plus… in response to significant reader requests for information where someone who is just a little past the “clubbing” age (IE, you don’t want people throwing up on you or tramping your feet when you party) but still want nice, fun places to enjoy cocktails here in Las Vegas, we’re working on our Vegas Hot Shots series.

Thank you so, so, so much to all of you who are telling your friends, family, and co-workers about us and also to those of you who are mentioning this newsletter in your blogs and in travel forums. I say it often, but we are completely independent. We put all our resources into bringing you this great info, and we don’t charge for it. But we need you to continue to “pay your dues” by making sure the world continues finding out about us.

Let people know that all they have to do is go to AccessVegas.com and sign up using the email form right at the top of that page!

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:

  • 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)
  • Super Bowl Sunday February 7
  • 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
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada July 31-August 2 (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

August 12, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – August 5, 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! – We had a scheduled week off last week and then I lost a couple of days to food poisoning this week, so plenty to cover in this edition. Let’s jump right in!

Pimping The Trop – The new owners of the Tropicana are going to dump $100 million into the aging resort and giving it a South Beach (Miami) theme. For some reason, many in the local media really like to trash-talk the Trop. But the property has a great tradition, history, and location and I’d opine that with new (but very experienced) management and the upgrades, the Trop will once again be one of Las Vegas’ talked about resorts.

Secondary beneficiaries will be MGM Mirage (the company) who own pretty much every surrounding hotel (except for Hooters). With only so much to do and see at Tropicana, the visitors drawn by the new South Beach vibe will spill over to spend their cash at MGM Mirage properties.

In the meantime, the Trop has joined the list of Vegas casinos with advertising on the side of their building. I took the above photo just a couple of days ago. (Twitter was down, or it would have ended up on our Access Vegas Twitter Feed).

New Strip Casino Approved – The vacant building just north of The Sahara has been approved as the spot for a new casino project. Unlike the zillion dollar projects that have struggled to get finished (or never got started in the first place), this project will be far more cozy with a modest size casino, a restaurant, and some retail. A 98 foot electric sign will help draw attention to the property. (Imagine being able to watch the Superbowl on that one).

I’m bullish on the north Strip area. Fontainebleau will eventually open. Echelon (former Stardust property) will eventually be developed, although probably not in the original incarnation. (Think anybody at Boyd gaming is feeling like an idiot for knocking down the Stardust)? The former Wet and Wild property (just south of Sahara) will see development. Perhaps something similar to this new casino if it does OK.

This new casino will help bridge the gap between The Sahara and Stratosphere, making the entire area seem more walkable and seamless. And… work is already underway to improve the neighborhood between the two areas. Reference: Pair taking steps to clean up Gateway District

Second Home Tip – With housing prices completely in the ditch here, I know that many regular visitors are doing the math on buying a vacation home here. No hotel bills and the ability to keep a modest second car in Las Vegas start to make this option pretty attractive. (Not to mention that it looks to be a good long-term investment).

My suggestion? Scope out the area just west of I-15 and north of Sahara Blvd. You’ll find everything from town homes (no maintenance) to single family homes to mansions in the area bounded by Charleston to the north, Sahara to the south, I-15 to the east and Valley View to the west. Do NOT let your real estate broker talk you into something way out in the suburbs. You can to Vegas to play and party. NOT to spend half your vacation fighting traffic like a local.

New Bus Routes For Visitors – A new express bus system will be serving The Strip and downtown starting in January, speeding passengers with more limited stops. The present bus route (The Deuce) will continue run the length of The Strip from Mandalay Bay to Palace Station. This is not a misprint. The Deuce will head up The Strip, then make a left turn onto Sahara and over to Palace Station. Think about this: If you buy a vacation town home within walking distance of Palace Station, you won’t even need a car here. Walk to the bus, and ride to/from the airport or anywhere on The Strip.

But What A Way To Go – A man recently committed suicide at the Welcome To Las Vegas Sign while sitting is his car early in the morning. (For those wondering, the iconic sign is just a couple of long blocks south of Mandalay Bay). Things like this always bring up the statistic of Las Vegas having the 4’th highest suicide rate in the country.

However… let’s keep in mind that this figure includes people who come here to end it all, and also people who call it a day when they move here and find out there is no instant pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. With an unemployment rate approaching 13%, I once again remind everyone: Enjoy visiting. There has never been a better time, lower room rates or more to do and see. But don’t move here if you are going to need a job.

Las Vegas Club Shows Off Upgrades – This casino has really fallen through the cracks over the years. I’d guess if you asked 95% of visitors where it is, they couldn’t tell you it is located downtown next to The Plaza and Golden Gate.

All that may change soon. Major remodeling, upgrades to food, entertainment, and gaming are designed to bring more attention to this historic property. We sent photographer Greg McFalls down to capture some pictures:

party pit blackjack las vegas 2009
Las Vegas Club “Party” Gaming Pit Area

party pit blackjack las vegas 2009
Las Vegas Club Hotel Casino Photos

Hint: Each photo above links to a different complete photo set.

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 $39, El Cortez from $13, Fitzgeralds from $22, Hooters from $20, Orleans from $28, Riviera from $27, Sahara from $30, Stratosphere from $38, Tropicana from $25, Tuscany from $24, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Legendary Entertainer Bill Cosby Shares Humor, Insights At The Treasure Island Theatre, September 5 – Iconic funny man Bill Cosby, who has been making audiences laugh for decades with his keen insight into everyday existence, brings his signature comedy to the Treasure Island Theatre for one night only, September 5. Showtimes are 7:30 and 10 p.m. In an illustrious career defined by intelligent standup comedy, Cosby ranks as one of America’s most influential stars. Audiences adore Cosby’s take on the vast, ordinary world, as he gives a twist of the ridiculous to everyday faults, foibles and successes.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas Introduces Paradise Tower – Next Phase of $750 Million Expansion Opens Ahead Of Schedule Adding 490 Guest Rooms To Inventory And Creating Jobs – Opening July 31, Paradise Tower becomes the newest addition to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The highly anticipated project, completed almost two months ahead of schedule, has created jobs and hope as the Las Vegas horizon begins to see signs of resurgence.

Just as Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is known in a sense for upping the game in Las Vegas, the new Paradise Tower steps up the Hard Rock’s game on the hotel side. The tower’s 490 lavish rooms were designed with the property’s signature party attitude in mind but with a jolt of sexy sophistication. Hotel devotees will notice a significantly more luxurious atmosphere in Paradise Tower, but without sacrificing the irreverent, anything-can-happen feeling that they’ve come to expect.

Rock Legend AC/DC Bring Black Ice World Tour To MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, October 3 – Multi-platinum rock legend AC/DC announced it will bring its highly successful Black Ice World Tour, which kicked off in October 2008, to the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, Oct. 3. The concert is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. AC/DC’s newest album, Black Ice, is its first in more than eight years and was released worldwide in October 2008. Evident that the band remains an incredible force in the rock industry, Black Ice made history when it debuted at No. 1 on album charts in 29 countries.

Hash House A Go Go Hosts Viewing Party For Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food” – Festivities Include Appetizers, Drink Specials and Raffle Drawings. Hash House A Go Go, Mix 94.1, Jack FM and party attendees What: Hash House a Go Go teams up with Mix 94.1 and Jack FM to host a viewing party for the Las Vegas episode of “Man v. Food,” which features the restaurant’s twisted farm food. There will be happy hour prices on drinks featuring $2 domestic 20-ounce drafts, $3 imported drafts and $3 well drinks. For non-drinkers, Hash House’s signature Kiwi Watermelon Lemonade, featured in the show, will be available for only $1 and the first 50 people to arrive at the event will get their first drink free.

Attendees can also enjoy complimentary big food appetizers including meatloaf sandwich skewers; mini double stack ham, egg and cheese burgers; mini chicken and waffle bites. Raffle drawings will be held throughout the evening where guests have the opportunity to win a variety of prizes including concert tickets and a $100 gift card to Hash House A Go Go.

When: Wednesday, August 12 9 p.m. until 11 p.m. (10 p.m. “Man v. Food” airs) Where: Hash House A Go Go 6800 W. Sahara Avenue. For reservations or inquiries, please call 702-804-4646 or visit www.hashhouseagogo.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!

First, I want to say that I REALLY enjoy your newsletter. I have gone to Las Vegas at least once a year for at least 25 years. I used to have a travel agency make hotel arrangements but finally just contacted the hotels and made my own arrangements.

However, I notice you advertise I4Vegas and I notice their room rates are cheaper than what I could make myself but I don’t know how safe it would be to use I4Vegas. I wouldn’t think you would advertise something that would turn out to be a gyp. But I am wondering if I should use them or not.

Thanks,

Clearnce from Garden City, Kansas

Ted Responds:

Their rates are cheaper because they buy blocks of rooms at wholesale well ahead of time. The hotels are happy to know the rooms are “sold” (they don’t have to market those blocks of rooms) and i4Vegas passes the savings along to you. Hotels across the country have this same arrangement with companies like Expedia as well.

These aren’t some kind of “bad” or undesirable rooms. Regardless of how you booked (with the exception of booking a special suite or similar arrangement directly with the hotel), the hotel basically places you in rooms based on when you arrive. They have every incentive to use their best rooms (most updated, best views) regardless of how you booked. They want to leave a nice impression so that you’ll come back time after time again to their property.

Seriously, if any of our readers aren’t visiting our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals before booking, you may be paying too much. They consistently have some of the lowest rates for hotels here in Las Vegas. And… even if they may be $1-2 more a night than someone else on the particular hotel you are looking to book, consider using them anyway. I4Vegas is one of the great sponsors that keep this newsletter complimentary. Please click on the link above and bookmark it so you always have access to it!

My wife and I used to vacation in Las Vegas at least once a year for the last 30 years. We have seen the rapid expansion of the Strip, especially the last 15 years. It was fun to vacation in L.V. Everything used to be cheap, cheap, cheap – the rooms, the food, minimum gambling limits. Not anymore. We just returned from a 4 day visit. The only thing cheap were the rooms. Food was outrageously expensive. Breakfast buffets average $12 on the Strip. That used to be the average price for a dinner buffet a few years ago. Gambling limits were $15 at the Blackjack tables on the Strip. This was the first time in 30 years that I didn’t spend a dime on gambling in Las Vegas.

I used to drop an average of $600 each time I visited L.V. (that is over $18,000) in the last 30 years. You might wonder why I always lost money. I used to gamble an average of $150 a day and did it for the fun. I used to stay at a table for over 16 hours straight until the money was gone for the day. It is no fun anymore when the limits are $15 minimum. I like staying on the Strip and not veer from it but I can’t afford the limits anymore.

My friends were planning a trip for September to L.V. but have changed their minds about going after I told them how expensive everything was. That is unfortunate. You are definitely on the right track that the people running Las Vegas casinos have no clue how to make more money. It is at the gambling tables, not the buffets. While I will still go to L.V. from time to time, I won’t be gambling there until they lower their limits to $5 again.

K.G. from Vancouver, Canada.

Ted Responds:

Thanks for the input. The days of $5 table limits up and down The Strip are probably gone. If nothing else, due to inflation. (Today’s $10-15 limit is the $3-5 limit of the 70’s and 80’s).

The super low room prices still do help balance the cost of other things. You won’t find a comparable room in any other city for anywhere near the price of a Las Vegas room.

Remember, 15 years ago there was no Bellagio, Venetian, Mandalay Bay and Wynn. Most of the casinos on The Strip were on par with what you now find downtown.

Having said that, it would be nice to see a few more loss leaders. Cheap food and booze used to get people in the door, and the properties made it back at the tables and slots.

I look forward to getting your very informative emails. Just can’t say enough to my friends about you, when they ask where to get great info on Vegas. Just turning 70, I still try to get to Vegas twice a year… spring and fall. áJust curious: I’ve stayed at a number of hotels, but ususally stay at the Sahara. Not much glitz, but laid back and with the monorail, easilyy accesible to The Strip. Whats your general opinion of the Sahara?

Again..thank you so very much for the great job with your emails on Sin City. People think I’m kidding when I say it’s a great place to unwind, especially with the magnificent mountain views and “indoor scenery” of the hotels.. GREAT JOB!!!!

Ray from Buffalo, NY

Ted Responds:

Thanks so much for telling all your friends about us! It really does help. As I’ve said before, we are independent. We aren’t owned by a big newspaper or other media group. Our readership consistently increases because our readers are telling their friends and online pals.

I personally like the Sahara for all the reasons you mentioned. I’d also suggest trying the Riviera. We just were there a few days ago and the property is in good shape, rooms were remodeled less than two years ago, really a piece of “old school” Vegas. You don’t have the monorail, but you are a short walk from Wynn and everything else.

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:

  • 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)
  • Super Bowl Sunday February 7
  • 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
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada July 31-August 2 (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

August 5, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – July 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:

Ted is taking a few well-deserved days off. (He works pretty much seven days a week). Newkirk’s Notes and Members Mania will return next week. Please enjoy this issue full of Las Vegas news and deals prepared by staff.

Also, now would be a great time to visit the Access Vegas Insider Vibe Newsletter Archives and read prior issues you may have missed, especially if your trip is looming (or you just need an extra fix of Las Vegas)!

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

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

Bally’s from $39, El Cortez from $13, Fitzgeralds from $23, Hooters from $20, Orleans from $8, Riviera from $27, Sahara from $23, Stratosphere from $41, Tropicana from $35, Tuscany from $24, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Las Vegas Show Reviews

Donnyáand Marie, Hot and Truly Vegas

donny marie osmond las vegas

Donnyáand Marie Osmond are sizzling at the 750 seat Flamingo Showroom on the Las Vegas strip. They are still incredibly energetic and entertaining at ages 49 and 51, even after more than 5 decades of stage performances all over the world, on TV, in movies, and on Broadway. Despite premium ticket pricing and killer economic times they are playing to full houses, and really giving their all for their screaming teen-like forty to fiftyish baby-boomer fans.

The show is amazing and wonderfully exhausting. Nutra-Marie walks out on stage appearing more svelte that a mother of eight ever should look, and all over the room men gulp the wordáwow, under their breaths. Ageless Donny walks out and women become 12 or 13 again, jumping from their seats to stretch out their hands and scream for his touch. Somehow after all these years they have gone from a cute brother and sister act to sexy and sazzy sex symbols. Both Donny and Marie stir up the madness further by singing in the audience and walking on tables to touch and torture their D&Maniacs.

“The Circus Starring Britney Spears” Returns To Las Vegas September 26 & 27 At The Mandalay Bay Events Center – BRITNEY SPEARS, in association with AEG Live, is bringing “The Circus Starring Britney Spears” back to Canada and the United States later this summer. Currently touring Europe, Spears will return to North America to perform in 20 cities, including two performances at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27. Both shows are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. “The Circus Starring Britney Spears” is a dazzling display of music, dance, magic and theatrics.

Plaza Congratulates First Winner Of Summer Of 69: $19,690 Bingo Promotion Payout – Natalie Nunoz, a native Hawaiian and Culinary Arts Instructor, was the first big winner of the Plaza Hotel & Casino’s Summer of 69: $19,690 Bingo Promotion. As part of the Fremont Street Experience’s “Summer of 69: Vegas or Bust” celebration, which began on Memorial Day weekend and continues through Labor Day weekend, the Plaza nearly doubled its regular $10,000 super coverall bingo prize payout to $19,690 every session, every day û by far the largest offered in Las Vegas. Featuring the only live Bingo downtown, the Plaza is already known for having the most liberal bingo coverall in Las Vegas with its regular $10,000 prize payout.

Renowned Comedian, Impersonator Dana Carvey Coming To The Orleans Showroom July 24-27 – Since bursting onto the national scene on Saturday Night Live in 1986, Dana Carvey has entertained millions with his uncanny impersonations of political leaders, entertainers and celebrities. From July 24-26, Carvey will be bringing his incomparable act to the Orleans Showroom for a three-evening engagement. All shows will begin at 8 p.m. Carvey’s comedic career dates back to his days as a student at San Francisco State University, where he won San Francisco’s Stand-Up Comedy Competition. But it was NBC’s SNL that made Carvey into a household name.

Lance Burton To Reappear At Monte Carlo For Six More Years – New Contract Marks Magical Moment For Evolving Resort – The grand illusions of legendary Master Magician Lance Burton will continue to captivate and enchant audiences at Monte Carlo through 2015. The signing of the new agreement comes at the completion of an already legendary 13-year run, which began the day the resort opened on June 21, 1996. The addition of six more years celebrates one of the longest partnerships in the history of Las Vegas entertainment and promises Monte Carlo guests almost two decades of astounding performances and mesmerizing sleight-of-hand. “We are thrilled to sign Lance Burton for another run,” said Monte Carlo President & COO Anton Nikodemus.

CSI: The Experience Adds A New Home On The World Famous Las Vegas Strip – EMS Exhibits, MGM Grand and CBS Consumer Products Bring the Popular Attraction to the Hometown of the Top-Rated CBS Series. The popular CSI: The Experience interactive exhibit will open this summer at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip û the setting of the original CSI television series û for the first time. EMS Exhibits, Inc., under a license from CBS Consumer Products, will produce the attraction at MGM Grand. Originally developed by the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History with a grant from The National Science Foundation (NSF) for a tour of U.S. science museums, CSI: The Experience gives guests the opportunity to play the role of a crime scene investigator, learning scientific principles and real investigative techniques as they try to solve one of three crime scene mysteries.

Music Of Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons Still Exciting Audiences 45 Years Later – July 18, 1964 marked a great milestone for Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons û when their popular song “Ragdoll” hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Less than two years since the release of “Sherry,” “Ragdoll” brought the group back to the top of the charts amidst stiff competition from The Beatles. The unique sound of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, including “Ragdoll,” can still be heard today in the musical JERSEY BOYS at The Palazzo, where nightly, Erich Bergen, Travis Cloer, Rick Faugno, Jeff Leibow and Deven May tell the untold true story of the most successful white doo-wop group in rock and roll history.

“Single Ladies” Dance Contest At Tryst Nightclub – Grand Prize Package Includes Front Row Tickets To Beyonce! – Wynn Las Vegas and Encore are excited to announce the Single Ladies Dance Contest, offering Beyonce fans and dancing divas the chance to win coveted tickets to her “I AMàYOURS” concert in the intimate Encore Theater. Tryst Nightclub invites groups of three dancers to compete in the qualifying round on Saturday, July 25 at 6 p.m. The final round will be held on Thursday, July 30. A panel of judges will choose the prize winners based on originality, execution, costumes and overall “fierce” factor.

Wine Dinner At Mon Ami Gabi – Thursday, July 30 – 7 p.m. – Mon Ami Gabi, a classic French bistro located inside Paris Las Vegas, to host a special wine dinner featuring a five-course dinner created by Executive Chef Terry Lynch paired with the classic wines of California’s Rodney Strong Vineyards. The Thursday, July 30th event begins at 7:00 p.m. and costs $85 per person, including tax and gratuity.

Las Vegas Dinner in the Sky

las vegas dinner in the sky

Dinner in the Sky Las Vegas is the most original fine dining adventure you’ll ever experience! Seated at your dining Sky Table, you’ll float gently into the air to enjoy fine food and wine, surrounded by unique views of the illuminated Las Vegas Strip. Dinner in the Sky is truly a night out in Las Vegas like no other! Click to Book Las Vegas Dinner In The Sky

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:

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
  • Independence Day July 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

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

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

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