Access Vegas Insider Vibe – March 5, 2008

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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


Book Online or over the phone! Call 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas Hotels, Shows, Nightlife, Tours and Golf. We live here. We know Las Vegas!

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! NASCAR weekend came and went with a big bang… as in a number of top drivers plowing into the wall with a flat tire or simply “getting loose” with the high winds. It wasn’t cold, but our desert can have unpredictable high winds in the early Spring.

One of the highlights everyone could enjoy was the parade of these huge NASCAR “haulers” right down The Strip! These oversized vehicles (even by truck standards) haul two race cars plus all the crew gear from race-to-race.


You can click on the above photo to see our complete photo gallery set of this unique event!

My favorite driver is Las Vegas native Kurt Busch, who pilots the Miller Lite #2 Dodge car. I moved here before Kurt was old enough to drink and have enjoyed watching both he (and his brother Kyle’s) rise through the ranks of racing.

I couldn’t pass up the chance to be front-and-center at the Kurt Busch autograph signing at the Sierra Gold “ultra-lounge” last week. Close to a thousand people (maybe more) lined up around the building to wait their turn. Inside, the Miller Lite and Jack Daniel’s girls were handing out free beer and swag in probably one of the most festive atmospheres ever for a NASCAR driver signing. We have the pics:


Las Vegas Native NASCAR Driver Kurt Busch

Click on above photos to view this entire photo set!PT’s Pubs (a chain of bars around the Las Vegas area) owns Sierra Gold and is a sponsor of the Kurt Busch car, so they went all out to do it up right. You can view the PT’s/Kurt Busch commercial (YouTube) that has been in heavy rotation on local TV here in Las Vegas.OK… OK… hold the emails and complaints. We realize everyone isn’t a NASCAR fan. This is a once-a-year deal. As always, we have our usual huge newsletter with everything you need to know about all the latest happenings in Las Vegas, plus our regular Members Mania and News sections.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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


Featured Review – Hooray for HATS!

Reviewed March 2008
by Terri Feld

A life-affirming musical review inspired by the The Red Hat Society. Founded 10 years ago in California, the RHS is a diverse network of women 50 years and older who meet for outings dressed in colorful purple clothing crowned with red hats. Today nearly 40,000 chapters exist throughout the U.S. as well as 30 other countries. HATS! the show promotes the organizations’ mission of maintaining a positive outlook on aging, by emphasizing sisterhood and the empowerment of maturity.

At least a dozen genuine Red-Hatters in full regalia comprised part of a recent Sunday matinee audience dominated by fellow female fifty-somethings. The intimate venue consists of floor seats and table banquettes, giving audiences optimal accessibility to the performances throughout this one-act production. Ushers point out the bar located at the rear, however, purchasing drinks is not required. In fact, despite signage to the contrary, they gallantly wave me and my Starbucks to our seat. Click to read the entire review…

Comedy Superstar David Spade Returns To Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino – After successfully completing his first two shows to a packed house, comedy superstar and long-time Las Vegas headliner, David Spade, will continue his 2008 series at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino from March 14-15, with two more nights of hysterical comedy. (Tickets) A Las Vegas favorite, Spade joined the Planet Hollywood entertainment line up for a series of weekend dates through 2008: March 14-15, April 11-12, July 25-26, August 30-31, October 10-11, October 24-25 and November 28-29. Click to Read The Full Story …

‘La Cage’ Plays Celebrity Judges For ‘Next Best Food Star’ – CELEBRITY JUDGES – From left Crystal Woods as Diana Ross, Frank Marino as Joan Rivers along with Steven Wayne as Cher were selected as judges recently for the Food Network’s next big show “Next Best Food Star” to begin airing this coming August and September. The gentlemen from “An Evening at La Cage” (Tickets) at the Riviera Hotel & Casino judge the finale held in Las Vegas by taste testing the various dishes. Frank Marino is on a self-proclaimed mission to become the next wax figure in Madame Tussaud’s. Marino is photographed with his mannequin but says, “Rue Paul is in NYC and Dame Edna is in London. Why not?”

Banned for Decades, Forbidden Cocktail Now Available at Luxor – Nicknamed the “Green Fairy” for its occasionally milky green color and mythical hallucinogenic effects, absinthe is legal in the U.S. after a 95-year ban. Patrons of LuxorÆs new center bar, Liquidity, now can experience the once-forbidden liqueur for themselves. Available for $300, “Absinthe Envy” is served in an elaborate tableside presentation that offers a modern take on the tradition of serving the illicit concoction with a sugar cube and chilled water.

Venetian Headliner Wayne Brady Extends Hit Show Through August 2009 – Wayne Brady has captured the hearts of Las Vegas audiences with his one-of-a-kind show, Making It Up, at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino. (Tickets) Due to the show’s success, BASE Entertainment and The Venetian are pleased to announce Making It Up has been extended for another year, which will keep Brady entertaining on The Las Vegas Strip through July 2009. “I couldn’t be happier being in Las Vegas doing what I do best, entertaining audiences,” says Brady. Click to Read The Full Story …

Nevada Ballet Theatre Set For Creative Exchange With The Seoul Ballet Theatre – Nevada Ballet Theatre continues its 2007-2008 season with the most cultural of all productions — the highly anticipated East Meets West. Nevada Ballet Theatre will host members of the Seoul Ballet Theatre of Korea for a unique exchange production — uniting dancers from two different continents on the same stage! This stylized and distinctive performance will take place on Friday, February March 21 at 8pm, and Saturday, March 22 at 2pm at UNLV’s Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall. Click to Read The Full Story …

Ago Officially Opens At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas – AGO, the elegant Italian trattoria named after its celebrated Executive Chef Partner, Agostino Sciandri, officially opened its doors at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, hosted by Robert DeNiro and Sciandri. The opening of the Las Vegas restaurant coincides with the tenth anniversary year of the landmark Los Angeles eatery. Click to Read The Full Story …

Circus Circus’ Carnival Midway Debuts New Acts In 2008Circus Circus’ hallmark is the wonderful array of circus acts that perform center stage at the Carnival Midway. Performers from around the globe grace the Midway stage under Circus Circus’ big top, comprising the world’s largest permanent circus. From the dazzling aerialists to the fearless trapeze artists to the amusing clowns, the performances on the Midway stage take place daily, twice every hour from 11 a.m. to midnight with complimentary admission. Several amazing new acts will entertain audiences at Circus Circus this year. Click to Read The Full Story …

Gambling Talk: Video Keno – Part Seven – with Victor H. Royer. Four Card Keno – This is currently my all-time favorite keno game, and the one on which I have won the vast majority of my most recent Video Keno jackpots. It was on this game that I have hit numerous 8 out of 9 hits, for $4,700 plus all the other pays, as well as solid 9s for $5,000 pays (2 coins) plus all the other pays in the “wheel”, many, many 8 out of 10 hits for $500 (2 coins) and $1,000 (four coins), plus all of the many other pays this provided for the combination hits. Click to Read Complete Article…


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Reader Rick Bobst submitted a number of amazing Las Vegas photos. Enjoy these, and see the rest in our AccessVegas.com Reader Submitted Photos Gallery!


Ted,
My nephew is going to Vegas in a couple of weeks for his 21’st birthday. He wants to go to clubs like Pure and Studio 54. What is his best chance of getting in? They are staying at The Palms. Is he better off trying to get into Rain or Ghostbar?

Thanks,
Bob

á

We are going to get into a lot more club stuff this year. In the meantime, the best bet is to hit our friends at Nightclubs.com. Have him hit that link and punch in the dates to see what is happening and what is available.

Staying at a hotel is no sure way to get into their club. And… unfortunately if you are a group of guys, it makes it even more tough (as the clubs want plenty of women in the club also). Even if you are a mix of males and females, that won’t always speed things up.

The bottom line is that the non-VIP line can be 1-2 hours (or more). Purchasing VIP tickets usually cuts the wait substantially.. (A club can only hold so many people… virtually no one except celebs get in right away). Also, tell him NOT to club hop. Las Vegas is huge, traffic is a problem. He should pick the club he and his friends want and do the night there.


Hi Ted,My name is Ed Robinson from Manchester, Michigan and I read one of your articles about the traffic on the Vegas strip and the monorails design to help it. My question/comment is why I never hear or read anything about running the monorail right down the center of strip itself instead of behind the hotels. Being elevated, it would not take up much space and would be a hundred times more efficient and convenient.For starters, just being out front, people would see it and I am sure use it instead of driving. The way it is now, nobody in my family or any of our friends ever uses it because in the time it takes to walk through the casino and find the stop, we can just as easily and for free, walk to where we are going or use the bus system (which I think its the Best way to get up and down the strip for a small fee).

I am willing to bet that the monorail could be built to utilize the existing overhead crosswalks and maybe build some more to get people from crossing the side streets and further congesting traffic. Imagine walking out of the Mandalay Bay and having a monorail right there that could get you all the way downtown or just up to the Monte Carlo or any stop along the way and never have to worry about cars on the strip. It will never be that way with the monorail behind the buildings as it is now, never.

Right now it is just an inconvenience to use the system. Even when my wife and I stayed at the MGM last year, our one ride on the monorail was an expensive pain in the butt and probably won’t happen again.

I love going to Las Vegas but I always thought the monorail was a mistake and one that was not planned out enough to be worthwhile.

Thanks,
Ed Robinson

á

I couldn’t have said it better myself. The monorail is on reserve funds and may face either a demise or an expensive local government takeover.

Rebuilding it down the center of The Strip (no matter how much sense it makes) may be cost prohibitive. Especially since people are gun-shy about the failure of the current one.

I keep touting an elevated cable tram, just like they have in Palm Springs and Albuquerque. Cars holding 50+ people, running above the traffic lanes, making stops at selected casinos with one car running after the other after the other. The cars would stop on (what amounts to) the third floor of various casinos and the ride above traffic would be scenic with great photo-opts without the need for an unsightly structure disrupting the center of The Strip.

Our local officials and the gaming companies better figure something out. If we can’t get our loyal visitors around when you are here, you might not want to come back so often.


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:

  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday March 23
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 11
  • Victoria Day, Canada May 17-19 (3 day weekend)
  • Memorial Day May 24-26 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 15
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4-6 (3 day weekend)
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 2-4 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S August 30-September 1 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada August 30-September 1 (3 day weekend)
  • Grandparent’s Day September 7
  • Jewish New Year September 30
  • Yom Kippur October 9
  • Columbus Day October 11-13 (3 day weekend)
  • Thanksgiving Day, Canada October 11-13 (3 day weekend)
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day November 27-30 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 22 – Dec. 29
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 1
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year January 26
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 14-16 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22

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.

March 5, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – February 20, 2008

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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


Book Online or over the phone! Call 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas Hotels, Shows, Nightlife, Tours and Golf. We live here. We know Las Vegas!

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! Running a little late this week. We have been hard at work on a Vegas online map that should pretty much blow everything else out of the water. Some Las Vegas maps only show where the hotels are and others are far too general. We’ve taken your feedback to heart and think you’ll be thrilled with this new feature. We’re hoping (knock on wood) to debut it in about three weeks.


Click on above photo to view photo set

We have some great new photos of Caesars Palace in our photo Gallery! Flip through them and maybe you’ll find that slot machine you enjoyed, and remember that sports bet you placed, see the restaurant or lounge you enjoyed. Or… get pumped up for your next visit!

Las Vegas Nightclub Offices Raided By IRS – We occasionally get notes from people who want to know what the secrets are to getting into the major Las Vegas nightclubs. The answer is simple: Cash. And, all this cash has attracted the attention of the IRS:

We’ll follow up as the story develops. It has never been a secret that the nightclubs seem only second to gambling as a cash cow in Las Vegas and the tips in that industry can be second to none.

Jimmy Hopper Returns – All-around singer and magician Jimmy Hopper is a favorite of long-time readers. Many times a year, we get a “what is up with Jimmy Hopper” email. After being gone from town for three years (he was a mainstay in the Fontana Lounge at Bellagio), he’ll now be performing in the Lava Lounge at Trader Vic’s (Planet Hollywood) Thursday through Sunday nights. He starts February 21’st. Welcome back Jimmy!

Last couple of issues, we have reported on the five year anniversary of Mamma Mia! here in Las Vegas. A tremendous run indeed! Mamma Mia! (Tickets) companies from around the world sent their best wishes and congratulations on this amazing milestone and you can view the video at http://www.mamma-mia.com/lasvegas5anniversary.asp


Click on above photo to view photo set

The Las Vegas NASCAR race is less than two weeks away. This is by far one of the biggest events of the year. The race is usually sold out and hosts one of the biggest crowds of any race on the NASCAR circuit. NASCAR Las Vegas Tickets: Las Vegas Pole Day, Sam’s Town 300, UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400

We made a photo run and grabbed some great photos of the interior of the NASCAR Cafe at The Sahara. Lots of full size replica cars, memorabilia, and the food/drink isn’t too bad. However… if you are coming in for the race, skip it. Enjoy the photos for now, and enjoy the actual Cafe another time. Just about everybody (literally) in town over race weekend is a NASCAR fan and you don’t want to fight anymore crowds than you’ll always have to.

PS I won’t call it The Sprint Cup. Sprint cell phones seem to have the worst reception in Las Vegas and their customer service is terrible.

Las Vegas Native Kurt Busch Meet/Greets – The driver of the Miller Lite #2 Dodge car is doing two meet and greets in conjunction with NASCAR weekend. The first one will be on February 28 at PT’s Sierra Gold Ultra-Tavern, 6515 S. Jones Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89118 from 7 – 9 PM (limited to the first 300 people in line). The second will be at The Palms, February 29 from 7:30 – 9:00 PM.

The Podcast Finally Returns… We’ve dusted off all the equipment, tested everything, and the Insider Vibe Podcast will return in about 10 days. So please… no more emails about bringing it back. We appreciate the interest, and are extremely close to cranking it up.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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


MAMMA MIA!, the longest-running, most successful Broadway musical to play the Las Vegas Strip, marks its fifth anniversary this week. (Tickets) To celebrate, Mayor Oscar Goodman took chance as a spandex-savvy Dynamo. – The show opened in the ‘entertainment capital of the world’ on February 13, 2003 and set a new house record within a week of opening at the Mandalay Bay Theatre. In five successful years it has played almost 2,000 performances and been seen by more than 2,000,000 people in Las Vegas.Las Vegas Strip To Host NASCAR Hauler Parade On Feb. 28 – On Thursday, Feb. 28, the colorful NASCAR team haulers, transporting the Sprint Cup race cars that will compete later that week, will parade north on the Strip. The transporters will be staged at approximately 2:30 p.m. at the south end of The Strip. The haulers will then move north using the middle lane of northbound Las Vegas Boulevard.

The haulers will proceed the roughly five miles to Sahara Avenue before returning to Interstate 15 and the short ride north to the speedway. Race fans will be able to watch the hauler parade from both sides of the Strip and from any of the properties along Las Vegas Boulevard.

Our tip? The convoy is expected to start rolling and will have a police escort (no red lights) so the entire trip is only going to take 15-20 minutes. I’d be on the east side of The Strip no later than 2:45 PM.

Panic At The Disco To Perform At The Pearl At The Palms June 13 – The Honda Civic Tour returns to the Palms Casino Resort featuring Panic at the Disco. (Tickets) Along with special guests Motion City Soundtrack, The Hush Sound and Phantom Planet; Panic will perform inside The Pearl Concert Theater on Friday, June 13 at 7:00 p.m. Las Vegas natives Panic at the Disco made their debut in 2005 releasing the album, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. Their single, “I Write Sins Not Tragedies,” became a hit on the music charts and propelled the band into stardom. Click to Read The Full Story …

Get Your Motor Running, Head Out To Fremont Street Experience Looking For Adventure At Race Jam – The Fremont Street Experience roars its engine for the annual Race Jam beginning Friday, February 29. The racing weekend will feature free live concerts, NASCAR merchandise booths and plenty of fast-paced fun. (NASCAR Tickets) The annual Race Jam brings two days of rocking entertainment to Fremont Street with Blake Shelton, LoCash Cowboys, Bruce In the USA and Garage Boys.

Bellagio Gallery Of Fine Art To Present ‘American Modernism’ Beginning February 2008Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art will showcase the best of “American Modernism” February 8 through October 15, 2008. Organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), the exhibition will feature masterworks by American modernists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Stuart Davis, Marsden Hartley, Arshile Gorky and others. An engaging retrospective, the carefully chosen display will showcase more than 30 of the MFA’s most renowned paintings. The contemporary presentation will advance Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art’s dedication to enhancing the cultural landscape of Las Vegas. Click to Read The Full Story …

Gambling Talk: Video Keno – Part Five – with Victor H. Royer. Top and Bottom Keno – This is quite a popular game, one that got its video version interest from the Lounge Keno version. In the Lounge Keno game, there are two versions of precisely this same game. The original version was the classic Top/Bottom ticket, where you bet on how many numbers would appear either at the “top” of the ticket — the “top” numbers 1-through-40 as shown on the ticket layout — versus the “bottom” portion of the ticket, showing the numbers 41-through-80, as printed on the keno tickets, and as being displayed on the keno board, and also on Video Keno screens. Click to Read Complete Article…


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I absolutely wait for your newsletter each week. I’m flabbergasted it’s free but I love that because it is the best source of unbiased reporting of all things Vegas around. I make one to two trips a year to Vegas and read a Vegas paper everyday but your newsletter keeps me up on what to do and what to avoid when in Vegas. Bravo!

For the life of me I cannot figure out why these people keep taking cabs to hotels from McCarran. You know they rip you off. Take a little more time and pay a lot less for a round trip shuttle. I love the shuttles and they are every inexpensive compared to the cabs. Also another way to beat the cabs is take the DEUCE around Vegas. This is another great bargain and beats walking to the monorail stations.
Michael Lewis
Lowell Indiana

Michael,

I’m flabbergasted we can do this also! I keep telling Mark and Amy (who do so much of the news research and story prep) and all of the new writers coming on board that the newsletter is at no charge so they should work for free. For some crazy reason, they don’t quite go along with that one.
In reality, we all do work very hard and appreciate the great advertisers like Las Vegas Hotel Deals, Blue Man Group, Stomp Out Loud, Mamma Mia!, Monty Python’s Spamalot and Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular.

á

Two huge things that you and every single reader can do which will help us maintain the sheer amount and quality of our information, and keep it all completely free:

  • Please tell as many people as possible about our newsletter. They can sign up on any page of AccessVegas.com and check us out. If it isn’t their thing, we have a working unsubscribe button at the bottom of every newsletter.The costs to produce the newsletter are pretty much fixed. We might as well have as many people as possible reading, which keeps our advertisers happy. Happy advertisers pay the bills and the newsletter remains available to all!
  • Patronize the advertisers and booking information listed here in the newsletter and at AccessVegas.com. We only work with top hotel providers and shows. The biggest Las Vegas shows advertiser here, often with discounts to our readers (see the upper right sidebar on this newsletter).Las Vegas Hotel Deals has some of the best prices you will find anywhere, for every major Las Vegas hotel. You can kill two birds with one stone by getting some great rates and show prices, and showing your appreciation for the top Las Vegas companies and shows that keep this newsletter coming your way.


Seeking Vegas Family for Prime Time!My name is Rachelle Mendez, Casting Associate Producer for Wife Swap (airing on ABC). I work with families to learn how their households run, what their philosophies are, to answer any questions about the show, and hopefully help families get cast on the show!I am currently hoping to cast from Vegas who embodies the Vegas lifestyle. Maybe you know a family who works in the gaming industry. Maybe you’ve moved your family to Vegas because you’re following a dream that you can only achieve in Las Vegas.Wife Swap is a hit family program airing on Disney-owned ABC. The show focuses on different family dynamics and parenting philosophies across the country.

This is a unique opportunity that can be life changing experience for everyone involved. We hope this is an experience where families share their lifestyle and experience a different family’s way of doing things.

All families featured on the show receive a $20,000 honorarium.

Potential families can live anywhere in the United States, but we ask that families applying for the show consist of two parents and have at least one child, age 5 or older, living at home.

To submit for the show please call: 646-747-7948, or email a family photo and description to: rachelle.mendez@rdfusa.com

Thank you!
Rachelle Mendez
Casting Producer
ABC Television’s “Wife Swap”/RDF Media
1790 Broadway, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 646-747-7948
Email: rachellemendez@gmail.com or rachelle.mendez@rdfusa.com

This sounds really cool, and with so many readers I’m sure there is someone (or someone who knows someone) who would be perfect for this. Plus, the $20,000 for the participants isn’t a bad chunk of change.

á

So Rachel knows you are a legitimate inquiry, make sure you mention that you read about the casting in the AccessVegas.com newsletter. And if you or a friend of yours gets picked, make sure to let us know!


Hello,I have a question from this weeks newsletter regarding The Producers ending in February. It seems that Las Vegas shows stick around for a while, and The Producers is closing only after a year. Is there a reason behind that, was it not profitable? If it has to do with profitability, what would this mean for future Broadway shows coming to stay for a long while in Las Vegas? Just curious, thanks for your time.Sandra KorbarThere isn’t any one single answer. Mamma Mia has been successful for years. Phantom is doing solid business, although it is somewhat of a derivative with the theater itself playing a role in providing the wow factor. (We don’t want to ruin it for those who have not seen it).

á

With The Producers, a run of a year isn’t bad. Shows that are complete failures don’t last that long. Numerous factors go into a show having a buzz and being successful. Just as one can’t pick a guaranteed winning slot machine ahead of time, there is no way to know what works in Las Vegas until someone tries it.


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:

  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday March 23
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 11
  • Victoria Day, Canada May 17-19 (3 day weekend)
  • Memorial Day May 24-26 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 15
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4-6 (3 day weekend)
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 2-4 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S August 30-September 1 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada August 30-September 1 (3 day weekend)
  • Grandparent’s Day September 7
  • Jewish New Year September 30
  • Yom Kippur October 9
  • Columbus Day October 11-13 (3 day weekend)
  • Thanksgiving Day, Canada October 11-13 (3 day weekend)
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day November 27-30 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 22 – Dec. 29
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 1
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year January 26
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 14-16 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22

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.

February 20, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – April 29, 2005

In This Issue: Wynn Las Vegas Opens, Free Show Tickets, Speakeasy Cabaret, Crazy Girls, Show Notes, Gambling Talk Blackjack Overview, more …
Book online or over the phone! Call (toll free) 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas hotels, shows, tours, golf, and dining.

Welcome to Access Vegas News and Reviews! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

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:

Free Photos, Wallpaper, and Streaming Videos
Free Online Games!

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

Note: Mr. Newkirk is recovering from illness. His return is projected for June. In the meantime, please enjoy the stories, photos, and news links complied by our staff!

Free Show Tickets – We’ll probably only be able to hand out the free Larry G. Jones tickets for a few more days. Here’s the deal: When Larry’s new ticket deal goes through, we must yank the coupon. However, if you have one, it will be honored on your future visit! So get over to Larry G. Jones – The Man of 1002 Voices and print a few out for yourself, your friends, anyone you know who might be coming to Vegas.

Photographers Needed – AccessVegas.com is looking for photographers to send on occasional freelance paid assignments. A resume is not necessary. The ability to take good shots with a digital camera is. Send info and a sample of your work to allvegastv@aol.com. We also consider the purchase of Las Vegas photo sets taken by readers for publication. Send samples for details.


Las Vegas hotels double down as more than just a place to sleep. Make your reservation for casinos, buffets, and neon lights. Book your flight + hotel together on Travelocity and save even more! Save on Fantastic Deals on Las Vegas Hotels


wynn las vegas
Photo Courtesy wynnlasvegas.com

Wynn Las Vegas Opens – The most anticipated casino opening in the history of Las Vegas took place this week!

Wynn-ing On A Budget – Even regular Vegas visitors might not have ventured north of The Venetian in years. Older resort properties were bypassed to see all the new South Strip resorts built during the past decade.

However … The opening of Wynn Las Vegas squarely moves the focus of “hot” back to the north. If you want to stay close to Wynn Las Vegas but you aren’t on a Steve Wynn budget, refresh yourselves with these established favorites. The following lodging choices are all within a comfortable walk of the new Wynn resort:

Attention Monorail Riders: You can see Wynn Las Vegas from the monorail, but no stop is close. Get off at Harrah’s and enjoy the walk past The Venetian.

Show NotesAnthony Cools The Uncensored Hypnotist has resurfaced at Paris Las Vegas, new dates are on sale for Barry Manilow (who is drawing great reviews), Forever Plaid is well worth the quick trip over to the Gold Coast (next to The Rio), and Hawaii’s Society of Seven is thriving with the addition of Lani Misalucha.

If you miss 80’s and 90’s rock/metal the trashy styles on sexy women, Erocktica is drawing one of the wildest crowds in town at The Rio. (Word is that the women in the crowd often get more wild than the women on stage)! On another adult note, Bite is the new erotic and sensual topless show at The Stratosphere.

Cousin Vinnie and the Ba-Da-Bing gang are inviting you to an evening that roars only with good fund, good music and an atmosphere that recaptures an era at the new Speakeasy Cabaret at Ba-Da-Bing at the legendary Stardust. And true to form, the gang’s all here. Cousin Vinnie and the flapper’s, dolls, goombas and gangsters.

Hey, what’s it a little ba-da-bang-bang between friends? We’re shootin’ from the “hip” and believe it when we tell you that this is the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights. You can dance to the sounds of Karin Denise and the Sin City Boyz Show Band, enjoy easy conversation with friends, meet cousin Vinnie and the Ba-Da-Bing gang, and enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two (no Prohibition here!). Cousin Vinnie says: “Be dere or else!” Click for Speakeasy Cabaret at Ba-da-Bing info.

Show NotesAnthony Cools The Uncensored Hypnotist has resurfaced at Paris Las Vegas, new dates are on sale for Barry Manilow (who is drawing great reviews), Forever Plaid is well worth the quick trip over to the Gold Coast (next to The Rio), and Hawaii’s Society of Seven (pictured) is thriving with the addition of Lani Misalucha.

If you miss 80’s and 90’s rock/metal and the trashy styles on sexy women, Erocktica is drawing one of the wildest crowds in town at The Rio. Word is that the women in the crowd sometimes get more wild than the women on stage! On another adult note, Bite is the new erotic and sensual topless show at The Stratosphere.

Crazy Girls Showgirl Controversy Puts Riviera On The Map – After 18 years it’s a household name: Makes history as “LV’s Sexiest Topless Revue”

Norbert Aleman, creator and producer of “Crazy Girls,” said, “‘Crazy Girls’ and ‘La Cage’ are the backbone of the Riviera’s entertainment. I began at the Riviera with a 12-week engagement and here we are 18-20 years later. I was told that we would never survive and we faced controversies with the National Organization of Women, Las Vegas City Hall and a powerful state senator and we survived it all. Public opinion was very supportive and we are still here. During the early to mid-’90s ‘Crazy Girls’ was the only show of its type and now there are nine copies of the show in Las Vegas.”

Norbert continued, “When the show began in 1987 we had a predominately male audience and bachelor parties and now it’s Middle America with half couples some women and some men in small groups. That’s how the mores of America are changing. The show has gained wide acceptance. Now the taboo is the (gentleman’s) clubs while the ‘Crazy Girls’ appeals to most adults.”

It all began at the Riviera Hotel & Casino. At 18 years, “Crazy Girls” is the longest running topless cabaret in the history of Las Vegas!

Gambling Talk: You Can Bet On it Blackjack Overview – with Victor H. Royer. is the second of a four part audio series. In this segment, Victor how people used to beat the game, the new rules and methods, which blackjack games/rules don’t rip you off, and how to play informed and maximize the ability to win! This week, click to learn all about Blackjack Overview.

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Live From Las Vegas,

Ted Newkirk

CEO
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http://www.accessvegas.com

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All contents copyright 2005 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

April 29, 2005 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us

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Access Vegas Insider Vibe – September 4, 2002

WELCOME to Access Vegas News and Reviews! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.com We talk about the Las Vegas attractions, dining, and shows that YOU really care about.

If you receive this by mistake, please note the simple unsubscribe instructions at the bottom. Feel free to forward this newsletter to others. To subscribe, simply send a blank email to (click) mailto:allvegastv@aol.com

Looking for specific Las Vegas information? Use the comprehensive “Las Vegas Search” Engine at Search

THIS ISSUE: Bellagio vs. Le Reve and other Las Vegas News

EVENT LISTINGS:

* SHOWS – listings available at Shows
* HEADLINERS – listings available at Headliners
* CONCERTS – listings available at Concerts




NEWKIRK’S NOTES – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello from Las Vegas! You guys are amazing. I really appreciate the great response last newsletter with suggestions for helpful information to be added to our site. We are working night and day to get this information up. Some of it is basic, like a gambling primer. Other sections will delve deep into our experiences from spending the past decade living in Las Vegas and frequenting the resort corridor to give you inside information you can use.

The incredible thing about Las Vegas is that we get well over 30 million visitors a year, and no two people have exactly the same experience. You may be a first time visitor, or you may be a regular who just wants to try something new and we’ll walk you through it all!

Finally, we have aligned ourselves with High Logic web hosting. Las Vegas based High Logic is truly the company you need to look at for web hosting, marketing, and more. The price is right and the service is great whether you are a very small outfit or a network of high traffic sites like ours. In addition, their easy-to-use control panel gives you (or your webmaster) simple and instant access to your hosting. Plus, they have a great spam and virus blocker. Our unwanted email decreased almost immediately! Check them out at HighLogic.com

BELLAGIO VS. LE REVE – Now that Steve Wynn (creator of Mirage, Treasure Island, and Bellagio) has announced his ambitious $1.85 billion dollar Le Reve hotel project to sit on the site of the shuttered Desert Inn, Bellagio (which he no longer has anything to do with) has announced a $375 million expansion to add new rooms, more spa, salon, meeting, dining and retail space. The completion date? End of 2004, just before Mr. Wynn expects to complete Le Reve.

So what is the story here? I personally know a number of Mirage/Bellagio players who have had nothing good to say about playing there since Steve Wynn left. We are talking the kind of person who comes prepared to lose thousands and thousands and doesn’t exactly play the nickel machines. They are pissed and counting the days until Le Reve opens. Be interesting to watch this hotel war heat up!

BEST SCENIC ATTRACTION – Last month you voted (or should have!) at AccessVegas.com for the best scenic attraction in the Las Vegas area. Hoover Dam won with 33% of the vote. Runners up were The Grand Canyon (27%), and Red Rock Canyon (20%). Also receiving votes were Valley of Fire, Oatman/Route 66, and Lake Mead. You can take a 1/2 day or full day tour from Las Vegas and enjoy the rugged, breathtaking scenery of the “wild west.” Tour details for all tours at http://www.accessvegas.com/tours

NEW YEAR’S EVE – If you have not done New Year’s in Las Vegas, you just haven’t done New Year’s Eve. If you are even thinking about it, book now because rooms are already filling up. Unfamiliar with Las Vegas New Year’s Eve or just want to show your friends what they missed last year? Check out our New Year’s Eve site with photos, free steaming video, hotel tips, party tips, parking secrets and just about everything else you’d want to see or know. No watered down second hand info here: Every year we are down on The Strip, enjoying it with you!

RESTAURANT REVIEW – Chef John says about Coffee Pub: “The Coffee Pub over time became the place to be seen and the place to see others. Besides the hundreds of daily regulars, celebrities love to hang out there as well.” Read his full review with photos at http://www.accessvegas.com/restaurants/coffee-pub.htm

TONY AND TINA’S Wedding – We’ve been hearing some great things about this show, the second longest running off-Broadway show in history. You actually “attend” an authentic Italian-American Catholic wedding including the nuptials, fully-catered Italian buffet dinner, and the reception with live music. Except the wedding isn’t real, it is just really funny! More details and ticket info at Tony & Tina

MORE NIGHTCLUBS – Ortanique Restaurant in Paris Las Vegas has opened the “Ovation” Nightclub Fridays and Saturdays from 12:30 AM to 6 AM. They feature house DJs playing music from the ’80s, ’90s and today. The nightclub scene in town is getting to be staggering, with so many hotels getting into the act. The scene is so swamped that we have put off developing an expanded nightlife section until it all shakes out.

ATTENTION LOCALS – Speaking of nightclubs and nightlife, we have acquired the domain name “partyvegas.com” (don’t bother … nothing there yet). If you or someone you know is a twenty-something (at least at heart) who enjoys hitting the clubs and lounges on a regular basis and an OK or better writer, we want you. The pay is lousy but the perks are great. Email us at mailto:allvegastv@aol.com

FREE TOURS – of Caesars Magical Empire take place Tuesday-Friday every half hour from 11 AM – 3:30 PM. Tour participants receive a $10 discount coupon for early seating at dinner shows. This is worth checking out just to see the lavish, medieval settting that is the Magical Empire. Read our review of the complete dinner and show at http://www.las-vegas-shows-reviews.com/caesars-magical-empire-las-vegas-shows.htm

BIKEFEST — The 2’nd Annual Las Vegas BikeFest will be held September 12-15, 2002 in Downtown Las Vegas and the Fremont Street Experience. Over 6,000 bikers and enthusiasts attended the inaugural event in September 2001. The event will consist of the Vendor Village with over 100 manufacturers, free entertainment, and activities such as a Freedom Rally on the Fremont Street Experience in memorial of the 9/11 tragedy, custom bike show, Miss Las Vegas BikeFest competition, two poker runs, Mr. Las Vegas BikeFest competition, tattoo contest, charity chili cook-off, Motorcyclympics, wet t-shirt contest, and more. Some events require registration. More info at BikeFest

ALL THE FOOTBALL – The Imperial Palace is one of the few hotels showing every single NFL game every Sunday for free. Because of licensing fees and restrictions, many hotels choose not the buy the NFL Sunday Package. In their defense, the NFL wants to charge them based on occupancy of the entire casino area, not just the sports book or bars! The Imperial Palace got around this by showing the games in the showroom of the casino.

800 free, comfortable seats are available. Food and drink specials are served, the Miller Girls are often on hand, and their sports book is just around the corner. This is probably your best bet to catch your favorite team play if the game isn’t broadcast in the Las Vegas area on local TV.

BLOW ME UP TOM – Radio talk show host Tom Leykis is bringing his nationwide (100-plus stations) broadcast to the Indigo Lounge at Bally’s this Friday from 3-7 PM Pacific time. His infamous “listener parties” are the stuff of legend. The event is free and open to the public. Locally, the show can be heard on 1140 AM from 3-7 PM live and repeated Midnight – 6 AM. If he broadcasts in your city (check both the AM and FM talk stations between 3-7 PM Pacific), you can hear the mayhem yourself.

AFAN BENEFIT – The Generic Black & White Party XVI, a fundraiser for Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) that benefits individuals and families living with HIV and AIDS, will be held Saturday, Sept. 21 at 8 PM at the outdoor nightclub SKIN in the Palms Casino Resort. A ticket to the event also includes admission to the pre-party at Ghost Bar at the top of the Palms from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the after-party entitled “The Lucille Ball” starting at 10 p.m. and the chance to see Grammy-nominated pop star Taylor Dayne performing such hits as “Tell It To My Heart,” “I’ll Be Your Shelter,” and “Every Beat of My Heart.”

Event tickets are $50 per person and may be purchased in advance by visiting http://www.insideafan.org or in person at Stuff inside the Palms Casino Resort. Tickets also go on sale the night of the event at 7 p.m. at the door. Additionally, guests can obtain a ticket by donating $40 worth of nonperishable food or toiletries. All food and toiletry items must be dropped off at the Official Generic Black & White Party XVI truck prior to entering the Palms Casino Resort.

SUBSCRIPTION “DUES” – This newsletter is absolutely free! We enjoy bringing you great Las Vegas information. If you enjoy our newsletter, we ask two small things: Consider booking your hotels, shows, and tours through AccessVegas.com or the links in this newsletter. We have great rates and fantastic selection in every category. Also, turn your friends on to Las Vegas by forwarding a copy to them and suggesting they subscribe. They’ll thank you and we thank you.




FEEDBACK:

M. Smithson of the Canary Isles wrote,

I know that we will never forget September 11’th but it just occurred to me, I know that you still fly, and encourage everyone to do so, but I visit Vegas and America every two years, would like it to be every two months, what I would like to say to the people of America is, don’t let them win. Keep your Airlines flying, so much heroism so much bravery, and to mention the last words of the guys on flight 93 LETS ROLL, so America lets roll, go enjoy all your wonderful resorts don’t let all those brave people down fly enjoy.

Thanks for the encouraging words! We were out both Friday and Sunday nights over the usually busy Labor Day weekend (last weekend was a three day American holiday weekend) and while always busy, The Strip seemed to resemble just another weekend, and not the throngs usually seen for a holiday. We’ve also seen soft booking numbers the past couple of weeks (people planing future trips).

I think people are concerned and reflective right now and will be for the next week. As noted, I’ll be flying on September 11 this year. No, not because I got a cheap deal, but to enjoy time with my out-of-state family for a few days. Of course, I’m also getting more pleasure out of flying than ever. It is my smack in the face to those who thought their actions were going to change our way of life. Not mine you won’t!

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For comments or questions regarding the newsletter, write us a “letter to the editor” at (click) mailto:allvegastv@aol.com We do certainly read them all and they help shape our content.

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All contents copyright 2002 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved. September 4, 2002 ISSN: 1529-2770