UNLVino Got Off To A Great Start! Tix Available For Today & Tomorrow's Events!

On Wednesday April 9^th, Nevada’s original wine festival, UNLVino, kicked off its 40th anniversary with a night of exceptional food and wine at the second annual Sip & Savor at Spago. World-renowned Chef Wolfgang Puck was honored at the event, as guests sampled exquisite dishes from his acclaimed array of Las Vegas restaurants while imbibing on renowned wine selections. A portion of the proceeds from the night went to the UNLVino scholarship fund at William F. Harrah’s College of Hotel Administration.

A special ceremony took place to present Chef Puck the Dom Pérignon Award of Excellence for his immense contributions to the Las Vegas culinary and business community. UNLVino’s founder, Larry Ruvo of Southern Wine & Spirits, UNLV’s Hotel College Dean Dr. Stowe Shoemaker, and UNLV student Jessica Gordon presented Chef Puck with the prestigious honor.

 “It’s because of all of you here that Las Vegas is a fabulous city,” Chef Puck told the crowd. “With people like Larry Ruvo, the city has become a place where people truly want to give back.”

Guests indulged on mouthwatering dishes from Chef Puck’s six Las Vegas restaurants including true Japanese Wagyu Steak sliced to order from CUT; Eggs Benedict 2014 from host restaurant Spago; Risotto Frutti di Mare from Lupo; Handmade Butternut Squash Agnolotti with crisp pancetta from Postrio; an array of signature wood-oven baked pizzas from Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria & Cucina; and Kobe Flank Steak Tacos from Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill. Renowned pastry chef Kamel Guechida created an extravagant dessert buffet complete with make-your-own s’mores, Salted Caramel Verine, Strawberry Basil Gazpacho Shooters, Cheesecake Lollipops, and an assortment of petit fours and chocolates.

The wine flowed the whole night through, with guests sipping on varietals from Wolfgang Puck’s personal collection as well as Holdredge, DAOU, Kistler, HALL/WALT, Chehalem, Robert Kacher, Cain, Henriot, Patz & Hall, Robert Talbott, Au Bon Climat, Enotec, Old Bridge Cellars, The Sorting Table, Marimar Torres, Swanson, Treasury Heirloom, Biale, Heitz and Emeritus.

Local Las Vegas comedians Brad Garrett and Carrot Top stopped by the event to show their support for the fundraiser, as well.

UNLVino continues tonight with the mixology-inspired BAR-b-q at Caesars Palace Garden of the Gods Pool at 7 p.m. Tomorrow, April 11, The Venetian Las Vegas’ Doge’s Palace Plaza will host the champagne-filled Bubble-Licious at 7 p.m. The event concludes on Saturday, April 12, with the Founders’ Grand Tasting at Keep Memory Alive Event Center at Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health at 7 p.m.

About UNLVino

UNLVino was cofounded in 1974 by the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration and Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada, the two organizations which continue to sponsor it today. Over the past 40 years, UNLVino has raised several million dollars for scholarships and other academic development needs of UNLV students. UNLVino is differentiated through unparalleled, hands-on student experiences at all levels of event planning, execution and promotion, as well as the impactful funds raised each year – all testaments to the celebratory weekend’s broader purpose – scholarship.  For more information, visit UNLVino.com.

Photo Credit: Matt Carter/LV Action Images

Intimate Tea Parties To Benefit Shade Tree Takes Place On Saturday 4/12

Hosted by DK from X107.5, April 12th will be an eventful night full of music, good eats, sweet treats, unique fashion, live art, and magic like you've never seen before. The main event begins at 6:30 pm and is FREE to the public. We will have 4 Secret Tea Parties through out the night at 6:45, 7:45, 8:45, & 9:45. With only 16 seats available per party, you will enjoy an intimate tea party with 4 separate tastings. It will begin with a wine and cheese tasting, followed by a dessert and tea tasting provided by Serenade Coffee Bar & CupKates by Kate. The tea party ticket will also include a private magic show by the amazing Rodney Reyes, a meet & greet with local fashion designers, entry into the dessert room, and a chance to win a painting from local artist Juan Muniz. Price: $35 per ticket in advance or $40 at the door

Reserve tickets here: unlokt.com/pages/page/secretteaparty

Below is the address, so you can find your way.

The View Wine Bar & Kitchen @The Market LV in Tivoli Village

420 S Rampart Blvd, Ste 150, Las Vegas, NV 89145

Empire Of The Sun Kicked Off Spring Concert Series At The Cosmopolitan!

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas kicked off the Valley to Vegas: Spring Concert Series with a mind-blowing performance by Empire of the Sun at The Chelsea last night (Wednesday, April 9).

The show opened with sounds from DJ Supra, who energized the crowd before Empire of the Sun emerged as a vision on stage. Clad in the signature golden headdress,  sparkling costumes and capes, Empire of the Sun entertained the audience with a sweeping electro-pop performance complete with stunning visual production elements unlike any other featuring hits such as “DNA,” “We Are the People” and “Walking On a Dream.” The show marked the start of an unparalleled eight-day entertainment experience. The Valley to Vegas: Spring Concert Series offers guests the opportunity to see some of the most talked about artists live at the most unique resort amidst the avant-garde of The Chelsea and the energetic social scene of Boulevard Pool.

Next up in the Valley to Vegas: Spring Concert Series is Grouplove at Boulevard Pool (April 10); Lana Del Rey at The Chelsea (April 11); Young The Giant at Boulevard Pool (April 11); Ellie Goulding at Boulevard Pool (April 12); Lorde at Boulevard Pool (April 15 & 16); HAIM at Boulevard Pool (April 17); and Foster the People at Boulevard Pool (April 18)

Credit: © Erik Kabik/ Retna/ erikkabik.com

Wet 'n' Wild Opens This Week-End For Spring Break! New Ride!!

Wet‘n’Wild Las Vegas opens for its second season on Saturday, April 12 in time to celebrate with fun and games of a traditional Spring Break Week. The water park will host a variety of competitions for prizes and bragging rights from April 12-18. These activities are all being offered in addition to Wet‘n’Wild’s more than 25 slides and attractions that satisfy both families and thrill seekers.

Daily Spring Break competitions and contests will include the limbo, dancing, hula hooping, scavenger hunts and trivia. Music from current chart hits to favorites from the 1950s and 1960s will set the mood. During Spring Break, attendees also will receive $3 off the Funnel Split Sundae, a new park treat with ice cream, funnel cake, bananas, three scoops of ice cream, whipped cream and choice of drizzle. A free photo booth will be available April 12 and 13 for guests to capture opening weekend memories to post to their social media sites.

“We’re excited to open Wet‘n’Wild for our second season, and the timing with Spring Break provides a great opportunity to add even more fun for our guests,” said Takuya Ohki, Wet’n’Wild Las Vegas general manager. “Our younger attendees and teens who are on school vacation will particularly enjoy all the contests and activities, making their Wet’n’Wild Spring Break very memorable.

“We’re also happy to be opening Wet’n’Wild earlier in the year to provide our season pass holders and guests with more operating days to enjoy the park,” added Ohki. “These Spring Break activities add to our other great family events such as our Dive’n’Movie program that will return Friday nights in June, July and August, providing even more events than last year and creating even more value with our season passes.”

Wet’n’Wild will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., followed by select weekends through to Memorial Day Weekend when the new Tornado extreme water slide will launch and the regular operating schedule will take effect. For details, visit www.wetnwildlasvegas and click on Park Info.

The Tornado is the world’s premier funnel slide that will catapult riders to a zero gravity experience. It will join Wet’n’Wild’s other extreme slides such as Rattler, the first slide of its kind in North America; Constrictor, featuring some of the tightest turns; Canyon Cliffs, twin slides plummeting riders down an almost vertical drop; and several others.  For families and those desiring a more relaxing experience, options include Paradise Falls, the interactive children’s area with kid friendly slides, a giant dumping bucket and heated water; Colorado Cooler, a 1,000-foot lazy river; and Red Rock Bay wave pool.

Visitors returning to the park will find several new improvements, including more parking, shaded areas and lounge chairs; heated water in the children’s area; new VIP Pass option; and an early entry option for Gold Pass and VIP Pass holders. There also will be more operating days, late night operating hours, and more park special events such as more Dive ‘n’ Movie nights, in addition to the new Tornado slide opening in May.

“We really appreciated and took to heart the feedback and comments we received from park visitors and guests, and have implemented many of their suggestions,” said Ohki.  “We had a very successful first season, and are always looking for ways to enhance the guest experience and expect to add several other recommendations. The entire Wet’n’Wild Las Vegas team and I look forward to making 2014 an even better season.”

Wet‘n’Wild is now selling its season passes, which sold out last year.  “Our three pass options are well-priced and offer a discount when purchasing four or more,” Ohki said. “They pay for themselves in as little as two visits and are a smart and affordable way to extend summer budgets. People shouldn’t wait too long to buy their passes, though, before prices increase or they sell out for the season.”

Pass options include the popular Season Pass and Gold Pass. The new VIP Pass expands on Gold Pass benefits by including a number of free Xpress Bands that allow guests to reserve their place in line virtually without actually having to stand in line.    

Wet‘n’Wild Las Vegas is located at 7055 S. Fort Apache Rd. near I-215 and Sunset Road. For information, season passes, group sales or sponsorships, call 702-979-1600 or visit www.wetnwildlasvegas.com.

"The Tempest" Opens To Rave Reviews At The Smith Center In Las Vegas!

“How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world that has such people in’t!” And what a

brave new world this stunning adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest invites you into.

Shakespeare’s final play has been given a magical and triumphant new life at The Smith Center.

Directed by Teller and award winning playwright and director, Aaron Posner, the complexity

of the tale could easily be lost as the many layers unravel, instead Posner and Teller stage every

movement with such precision that each relationship is made more clear and the actors are able

to convey the deeper underlying story.  Daniel Conway’s set, built like a majestic shipwrecked royal court recreates a barren circus and is nothing short of enchanting. From the moment you sit down, you’re wrapped up in this bewitching tale. On one deck, a ghostly band of gypsies, the band, Rough Magic. (Miche Braden, Michael Brun, Shaina Taub and Nate Tucker) led by two soulful and bewitching

beauties performs original songs of bluesy haunting melodies written by Tom Wait.

The audience is introduced to Ariel, (Nate Dandy) Prospero’s spirit servant while waiting for

the play to start. This naughty spirit plays tricks on unsuspecting patrons. As the band makes its

way to the deck, a hush comes over the audience and we are magically transformed to a royal

ship in the midst of a terrible storm at sea. A storm caused by Prospero, (Tom Nelis) his first act

of revenge, as he steals away Prince Ferdinand. Unlike any other adaptation, Teller’s Prospero

performs astounding acts of illusion on stage that will make you truly believe he is a powerful

enchanter. Prospero is a complicated soul, driven by revenge, seeking forgiveness and finally a

man just trying to do right.

When Prospero’s daughter Miranda (Charlotte Graham) falls in love with the prince Ferdinand

(Joby Earle), their infatuation is giddy to watch. Caliban, Prospero’s dark, earthy slave, frequently referred to as a monster by the other characters is portrayed by Zach Eisenstat and Manelich Minniefee, contortionists from the Pilobolus dance company; conjoined at all times to create this son of a witch hag, rolling, jumping and carrying each other across the stage. When Caliban convinces the drunken Trinculo (Jonathan M. Kim) and Stephano (Eric Hissom) to kill Prospero and the two torsos of the monster each stroke and caress a different person, it’s unsettling in the best possible way. Defiant and mysterious, the spirit servant Ariel plays with the audience as he plays with his victims, but even after working the whole play for his freedom, his final, almost regretful look at Prospero points to whole novels of emotional territory. Louis Butelli as Antonio delivers a searing grief that mirrors the hot fire of revenge that burns in Prospero. This epic tale of love, loss, virtue and vengeance will leave you with a haunted heart and begging for more.

See The Tempest in a tiered 500-seat, climate-controlled tent in Donald W. Reynolds Symphony

Park, where no seat is farther than 60 feet from the stage. April 1-27, 2014

TICKET PRICES: $35-$75 www.thesmithcenter.com/events/the-tempest/

By Andrea Dupper

 Photo Credit - ©Geri Kodey/The Smith Center for the Performing Arts

Lana Del Ray Coming To The Cosmopolitan Friday 4/11 Get Your Tix

Friday at 8:00 pm

Singer-songwriter, Lana Del Rey, will take the stage at The Chelsea on Friday, April 11. Tickets will go on sale to the public on Friday, February 14 at 10am.

For VIP table reservations please email: nightlifeMarketing@cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or call 702.698.7778. Guests must be 21+ to reserve a table.

Tickets Available

www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

3708 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109

#LiveAtHyde Tonight Patrick & The Effen Trio

Brad Garret In Vegas...Where??

Actor and stand-up comedian, Brad Garrett, dined  for the second time at Jenna and Michael Morton's newest restaurant, CRUSH eat, drink, love at MGM Grand on Monday night.

The local Strip headliner was celebrating his second year anniversary of “Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club” at MGM Grand with his girlfriend, Isabella Quella, and his brother, Paul.  The celebratory group indulged in Chef Billy DeMarco’s Kale Salad, Scallop Crudo, Angus Mini Burgers and the 28-ounce Tomahawk Ribeye Steak while drinking ice tea and Sculpin IPA.

Also seen at CRUSH was former chairman and CEO of General Electric, Jack Welch. The outspoken businessman and his wife, Suzy, dined at the hotspot after watching the Michael Jackson ONE show by Cirque du Soleil at Mandalay Bay. The couple enjoyed the Roasted Cauliflower, Margherita Pizza and the Ricotta Gnocchi with Short Rib.

ABOUT CRUSH

CRUSH, eat, drink, love, is a 7,000-square-foot restaurant serving a cosmopolitan share-plate style menu with large and small plate dishes prepared by Executive Chef Billy DeMarco. Located inside MGM Grand, CRUSH is open daily for dinner, starting at 5 p.m. For more information or reservations, guests may call 702-891-3222 or visit the website at Crushmgm.com, become a friend on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/CrushMGM, follow on Twitter at twitter.com/CrushMGM and on Instagram at CrushMGM.  CRUSH introduces an entirely new concept to The Morton Group repertoire, which also includes: La Cave Wine and Food Hideaway inside Wynn Las Vegas and La Comida, a Mexican restaurant in Downtown Las Vegas just off the corner of Sixth St. and Fremont St.

"Sing For Your Supper" Series Kicks Off On Tax Day With Singer Paul Shortino!

This year, on Tax Day, Hard Rock Cafe is cutting Americans a break by asking them to lay down their wallets and pick up the mic! On Tuesday, April 15, 2014, Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas opens up its stage to give fans a chance to “Sing for Your Supper.”

Rock ‘n’ roll legend Paul Shortino from Quiet Riot and Rough Cutt will be joined by some of his fellow Raiding the Rock Vault artists to kick off the evening at Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas on the Strip by performing one of his hit songs and encouraging guests to brave the stage and unleash their inner rock star.

Guests will have the opportunity to select their favorite song, which includes some of the classic hits Shortino performs nightly during Raiding the Rock Vault at LVH – Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, and then take the stage to perform in front of the entire restaurant. Guests who sing a complete song will receive a free dinner entrée from Hard Rock’s new menu.

Singers can choose from a selection of new menu items, including the Grilled Vegetable Sandwich, Arugula Salad with Shaved Marinated Chicken or Fiesta Burger (or Veggie Burger).

 “SING FOR YOUR SUPPER” AT HARD ROCK CAFE LAS VEGAS

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

 5:00 p.m. – Event begins

Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas

  3771 S Las Vegas Blvd

Las Vegas, N  

(702) 733-7625

Starting in April 2014, Hard Rock Cafe locations across the United States and Europe began serving a host of new offerings and updated fan favorites to more than 92 million guests across the brand that enter its doors each year. The brand surveyed more than 3,000 guests in cafes across 14 cities around the world to collect feedback on nearly 100 items from its existing and redesigned test menus. The research, conducted by Cohen Research Group, included a side by side comparison of current menu items and modified versions – taking into consideration variations of items like bun texture, burger patty blends, French fry cut and more. The process resulted in the addition of 30 new items and the modification of 28 existing menu items.

Hard Rock Cafe’s new and improved menu features Hard Rock’s authentic American, made-from-scratch cuisine, a commitment to fresh ingredients and the signature flair that guests can only get at Hard Rock. For more information about Hard Rock Cafe, Sing for Your Supper and the new menu, visit www.HardRock.com.

New Exhibit Featuring Las Vegas Lawman Ralph Lamb Will Open At The Mob Museum

Ralph Lamb, arguably Las Vegas’ most legendary law enforcement figure, will be celebrated with  a new exhibition, The Cowboy Sheriff, at The Mob Museum, the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement. Lamb will join Museum officials and tourism industry representatives in inaugurating the exhibition at a press conference on Tuesday, May 6, preceding the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s annual National Travel and Tourism Week rally, to be held on the Museum’s front steps that day at 3:45 p.m. 

Objects on display will include historic photographs, a belt buckle, handcuffs, a Colt .38 revolver, Lamb’s cowboy hat, boots, a Winchester .30-30 rifle, an award medallion, a custom bridle bit  and a saddle. Items have been loaned to the Museum by the Metro Museum as well as Lamb and private collectors.

From 1961-1979, Sheriff Ralph Lamb enforced the law in Las Vegas, a city teeming with organized crime. Having grown up on a ranch in rural Nevada, Lamb brought an old-school approach to the job. He was not above getting physical with hoodlums to make sure they followed the rules.

Lamb developed an extensive network of tipsters who let him know when gangsters were in town. Los Angeles Mob boss Johnny Rosselli was among those who received a dose of the sheriff’s frontier justice. In 1966, Lamb let Rosselli know who was in charge by roughing him up in a crowded casino and throwing him in jail.

When Lamb learned that a planeload of reputed mobsters was flying in from Kansas City, he and his deputies detained the group at the airport and sent them home.

Although Lamb was known as “the Cowboy Sheriff,” the community’s first modern crime lab and SWAT team were established during his watch. He also led the effort to merge the Las Vegas Police Department and Clark County Sheriff’s Department in 1973, creating the current Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

In 1984, Lamb joined a high-powered group of Las Vegas leaders who bid to move the annual National Finals Rodeo from Oklahoma City to Las Vegas. The competition has been held here ever since.

Ralph Lamb’s legendary 18-year tenure as Clark County sheriff inspired the 2012-13 television drama, “Vegas,” starring Dennis Quaid.

Artifacts After Hours

On Thursday, May 8, from 7–9 p.m., the Museum will present “Artifacts After Hours,” a Museum Members-only presentation series designed to give members an inside look at the Museum’s extraordinary collection. At this event, Museum staff will lead a presentation about Sheriff Lamb and The Cowboy Sheriff exhibition. The event is free for Members and $5 for their guest (one guest per member, please).

For general information about the Museum, its exhibitions, special programming, event rentals and admission, please call (702) 229-2734 or visit www.TheMobMuseum.org.  

ABOUT THE MOB MUSEUM

The Mob Museum is a world-class destination in downtown Las Vegas dedicated to the thrilling story of organized crime and law enforcement. It presents an exciting and authentic view of the Mob’s impact on Las Vegas history and its unique imprint on the world. True stories of Mob history are brought to life in a bold and contemporary style via engaging exhibits, high-tech theater presentations and more than 600 artifacts, the largest collection of Mob and related law enforcement memorabilia under one roof. Since opening in 2012, The Mob Museum has accumulated numerous accolades, including being named one of “20 Places Every American Should See” by Fox News and Budget Travel magazine, “Las Vegas’ Best New Attractions for 2012” by Travel + Leisure magazine, “9 Reasons to Visit Las Vegas” by CNNgo, a finalist for the “Best Wider World Project Award,” by the British Guild of Travel Writers and “Best Museum” by Nevada Magazine and the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Admission is $19.95 for adults ages 18 and over with special pricing for children, seniors, military, law enforcement, Nevada residents, and teachers. Museum hours are Sundays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. For more information, call (702) 229-2734 or visit www.themobmuseum.org. Connect on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/themobmuseum  and on Twitter: @TheMobMuseum.