Emilio Estefan Jr. Takes The Stage At House Of Blues Las Vegas!

Saturday night, Emilio Estefan Jr. (amazing musician and of course Gloria's husband!) made a surprise appearance onstage at House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay with Carlos Santana during An Intimate Evening with Santana: Greatest Hits Live – Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow. Estefan sat in for a couple of songs with percussionist Karl Perazzo on drums and percussion.

Santana performs again tonight and then returns in September to continue his residency at House of Blues Las Vegas.

Photo credit: House of Blues Las Vegas

Colorful Celeb Chef Mario Batali Kicks Off Carlevale Festival At The Venetian & Palazzo!

Living Vines At Carnevale

On Saturday, June 1, The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas officially opened Carnevale -- the summer-long event celebrating the festivals of Italy. Chef Mario Batali arrived on the red carpet to kick off Carnevale wearing a special Carnevale-inspired pair of his signature orange Crocs. Along with John Caparella, president and chief operating officer of The Venetian, The Palazzo, and The Sands Expo; and Sebastien Silvestri, vice president of food and beverage, Batali cut the purple ribbon signifying the official launch of Carnevale. Guests who visit The Venetian and The Palazzo throughout the summer have the chance to partake in a number of different experiences that are focused on food, art, and music.

The Carnevale kick-off coincided with Mario Batali's Taste of Italy -- an event where guests were able to mingle with the celebrity chef, and sample delectable treats from Batali's restaurants -- Otto Enoteca Pizzeria, Carnevino, and B&B Ristorante -- at The Venetian and The Palazzo. During the Taste of Italy, Batali took a moment to make a special announcement. Later this year, Batali, and restaurant partner Joe Bastianich, will open B&B Burger & Beer. Batali's fourth restaurant at The Venetian and The Palazzo, B&B Burger & Beer, and will feature a menu with local ingredients and a beer-driven beverage menu.

ABOUT THE PALAZZO® LAS VEGAS

With more than 3,000 spacious suites, luxury shopping, world-class dining and entertainment, the $1.9 billion, Silver LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified Palazzo Las Vegas literally takes luxury to new heights. Ranked as one of the top 25 hotels in the U.S. and Canada in Travel + Leisure “World’s Best Awards” for two consecutive years, the AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide Four Star-Award winning resort is highlighted by a flagship 85,000-square-foot Barneys New York. Grand Canal Shoppes® feature more than 60 luxury boutiques, including 20 remarkable stores and couture brands making their Las Vegas debuts at The Palazzo including Chloé, Tory Burch, Christian Louboutin, Diane von Furstenberg, and Van Cleef & Arpels. The all-suite resort offers plush and opulent suite accommodations ranging from a Luxury Suite at an unprecedented 720 square feet to the 8,000-square-foot Chairman suite with private terraces and plunge pools. The Palazzo also offers a variety of cuisines from a collection of award-winning chefs such as Carnevino by Mario Batali, CUT by Wolfgang Puck and Table 10 by Emeril Lagasse. Other unique offerings include the chic dining and nightlife hotspot, LAVO; the world’s largest Canyon Ranch SpaClub®; the ultimate sports bar, sportsbook and restaurant on the Strip, Lagasse’s Stadium; and Prestige at The Palazzo – an exclusive space designed to offer the sophisticated traveler an elevated level of services and amenities including private champagne check in, packing and unpacking services, exclusive bath and pillow menus, complimentary cocktail reception and more. Guests can earn points while they eat, sleep, shop and play with Grazie, the premiere loyalty program, which rewards guests with the ease and usability of just one card and one program. The Palazzo and its famed sister resort, The Venetian Las Vegas, are the first-ever Alliance Resorts in the InterContinental Hotel Group global portfolio. For additional information, visit The Palazzo website at palazzolasvegas.com, follow on Twitter @palazzovegas and interact on Facebook at facebook.com/palazzolasvegas.

The names and brands mentioned above are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Vegas Chef Phillip Dell Takes Home Prize On Food Network's "Chopped"

Award-winning Chef Phillip Dell took home the prize as he competed in a unique episode of the Food Network’s ”Chopped” last night, Thursday, May 30. The Las Vegas native beat out three chefs in the competition in the “Cook Your Butt Off” episode, which featured four chefs with incredible weight-loss stories.

As they charged into the Chopped Kitchen to compete, the chefs – Chris Avtges, Elizabeth Mwanga, Joel Gargano, and Phillip Dell – shared emotional stories of weight loss and transformation to a healthy diet and lifestyle. In the first mystery basket, the competitors found a fatty protein that challenged them to stick to healthier food philosophies. In the entrée round, there was a fish to break down and a snack food to transform, and when the final two physically fit competitors dash into the dessert round, the judges watched eagerly to see if the angel food cake creations would be heavenly. In the end, Chef Dell took the “cake.”

“Being on the show was an absolute blast, and winning was completely surreal,” said Chef Phillip Dell. “I wanted to show people that they can transform their bodies and the way they feel, simply by transforming the foods they eat. There were some extremely tense moments, but looking back, things worked out very well.”

After enduring a compelling weight loss journey and losing 92 pounds in just over one year, Chef Dell, owner of Sin City Chefs, began teaching classes in healthy cooking and eating. Chef Dell works to teach others how to turn the foods they love into healthier versions while maintaining great taste. He has cooked for stars of music and film, and helped clients achieve their weight loss and health goals. He teaches healthy eating seminars and won the endorsement of the American Heart Association in recognition of his heart-healthy menus and cooking style.

Hailing from Traverse City, Mich., Chef Dell moved to Las Vegas in 2005 and worked as a pastry chef at Wynn Las Vegas. Halfway through his weight loss journey, Chef Dell was introduced to the sport of bodybuilding. In his first year competing, Dell finished top five in six shows and competed as a part of Team USA in the 2007 Natural Olympia in Greece. He holds the title of World Champion for the Deadlift in his weight class with a 440 pound lift.

Summer Fun In Vegas! MGM's Resorts Specials!

Mirage Pool

School is out and there’s no better place to escape to than Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps. Summer is the ultimate time to enjoy fun in the sun with an ice cold mojito in hand (poolside, of course). With world-renowned DJs performing at the hottest dayclubs and nightclubs, premier accommodations and enticing food and beverage offerings, fully crafted Summer Escape packages are too irresistible to pass up.

From now through September 30, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo, New York-New York, Luxor, Excalibur and Circus Circus are teaming up to host the ultimate summer block party with specially priced rooms and endless fun. Summer Escape packages provide guests with access to all of the deals and offers across the eight participating resorts including live entertainment, happy hour specials and a scavenger hunt, among other exclusive experiences:

MGM Grand

•    Rooms starting at $65

•    20% off services at Grand Spa at MGM Grand and Cristophe Salon

•    Complimentary admission to WET REPUBLIC (Monday and Thursday only)

Mandalay Bay

•    Rooms starting at $75

•    $50 cabana credit for Mandalay Bay Beach (Sunday – Thursday only)

•    $10 off any 18” pizza at Slice of Vegas

•    Complimentary dessert with purchase of two entrées at Hussong’s Cantina

The Mirage

•    Rooms starting at $75

•    25% off Cravings Buffet

•    $3 off admission to Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat

•    2-for-1 entry into Private Oasis at The Mirage Pool (Sunday – Wednesday only)

Monte Carlo

•    Rooms starting at $55

•    2-for-1 frozen cocktails at Big Chill

•    2-for-1 raft rentals at the pool

•    2-for-1 entrées at The Café

New York-New York

•    Rooms starting at $53

•    2-for-1 raft rentals at The Pool

•    2-for-1 breakfast at Il Fornaio

•    $1 JELL-O shots at Big Chill and Lobby Bar with purchase of any beer

Luxor

•    Rooms starting at $42

•    15% off Glow and Bronze Spray Tan Package at Nurture – Spa and Salon at Luxor

•    15% off purchase at Rice & Company

•    Complimentary admission for two to LAX Nightclub (excludes special events)

Excalibur

•    Rooms starting at $30

•    10% off retail items at The Spa at Excalibur

•    2-for-1 drafts and tequila shots at Dick’s Last Resort

•    25% off one purchase at Kids of the Kingdom or Dragon’s Lair

Circus Circus

•    Rooms starting at $22

•    Resort passport with more than $150 in savings

•    One complimentary premium ride pass at The Adventuredome

•    Buy one, get one drink free at select bars

Packages are based on availability and subject to blackout dates. Guests must be 21 or older to reserve these offers. Packages must be booked by September 29, are non-transferable and may not be used in conjunction with any other offers or promotions including those from other MGM Resorts International destinations. For a complete calendar of events and venues, or to book your Summer Escape package, visit mgmresorts.com/vegassummer/.

Legendary Member Of The Four Tops Stops By For Show Human Nature!

Duke Fakir, the only surviving original member of the legendary Motown act, the Four Tops, and Mary Wilson, founding member of The Supremes, attended Smokey Robinson Presents Human Nature: The Motown Show last night, Thursday, May 30 at The Venetian Las Vegas. Wilson joined the Australian quartet on stage for soulful renditions of The Supremes’ hits, “Stop In The Name Of Love” and “You Can’t Hurry Love.” In the attached photo, Fakir poses with Human Nature’s Michael Tierney, Andrew Tierney, Phil Burton and Toby Allen.

Juicy J At TAO! Awesome Performance!

Juicy J headlined the night at TAO's Worship Thursdays. Best known for his success with hip hop group Three 6 Mafia, Juicy J took over a VIP table next to the DJ booth with friends. Soon afterward he hit the stage and treated party-goers to "Show Out" as well as smash hit "Bandz a Make Her Dance." Fans sang along to the club anthems as confetti rained on the dance floor and camera flashes illuminated the space. After his performance, Juicy J returned to his table and enjoyed the club scene as DJ Five kept the party going the rest of the night.

Photo Credit: Al Powers, Powers Imagery

Rí Rá Las Vegas Offers & Music Schedule! 40% Off Lunch & Dinner For Vegas Locals!

Locals Lunch and Dinner Special

Rí Rá Las Vegas continues to offer locals 40 percent off lunch and dinner food items every Friday throughout June. Guests must present a valid Nevada ID to receive the discount. This special cannot be combined with other offers.

June Food and Drink Specials

Rí Rá celebrates summer with the Shandy beer cocktail ($5.50), a mix of Irish lemonade and beer. Guests can enjoy two variations of this summertime drink – Smithwicks and Red Lemonade or Harp and White Lemonade.

In June, the pub features one of the most popular delicacies in Ireland, Steamed Mussels ($13.95), served with a choice of Guinness with bacon and cream, whiskey garlic butter or citrus curry sauce and a side of fresh-baked crostini. The entrée includes choice of a side garden salad or side Caesar salad.

Rí Rá Las Vegas Nightly Entertainment

Guests can enjoy live, authentic Irish music nightly during dinner and evening hours with many of the bands coming directly from Ireland.

John Windsor

June 3, 10, 17 & 24 at 8:45 p.m.

A permanent entertainment fixture in Irish pubs throughout Las Vegas for more than a decade, John Windsor is a multi-talented performer who uses a signature personal touch to put a smile on the faces of his audience. Windsor provides nonstop entertainment throughout his sets by blending guitar, harmonica and amazing vocals into one spectacular performance.

Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones

June 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13 & 16 at 8:45 p.m.

June 7, 8, 14 & 15 at 9 p.m.

Following his success as the founding member of the legendary Wolfe Tones, Derek Warfield assembled some of the finest young talents on the Irish music scene to create Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones. The group presents a fresh and invigorating approach to Ireland’s music tradition. In 2010, the group performed more than 180 concerts across six different countries and was nominated as Ireland’s best folk group.

The Irish Brigade

June 18, 19, 20 & 23 at 8:45 p.m.

June 21 & 22 at 9 p.m.

Originally founded in 1974 by musician Mike Wallace, The Irish Brigade also features the musical prowess of Joe Smith (vocals / fiddle / guitar / bass). The group has been instrumental in introducing many new Irish performers to American audiences. Wallace and Smith have been playing together since 2007.

Mulligan

June 25, 26, 27 & 30 at 8:45 p.m.

June 28 & 29 at 9 p.m.

Joined onstage by multi-talented folk singer, songwriter and musician Stephen Leeson, Mulligan features accomplished tenor banjo and mandolin player Christy McLoughlin who is also the original founder of the Irish ballad group. Leeson and McLoughlin crossed paths when he was playing solo and she was performing with the band “Shenanigans.” They played their first gig together in a popular hotel in Dublin and have been entertaining audiences all over the world ever since.

About Rí Rá Las Vegas

Crafted in the warm pub style of 19th century Ireland, Rí Rá Las Vegas is located inside The Shoppes at Mandalay Place.  The authentic Irish pub features a multitude of artifacts that were carefully restored in Wicklow, Ireland and shipped to their new home in Las Vegas.  Rí Rá Las Vegas contains an authentic Victorian Shop bar that began its life in Ireland in the 1880s, a whiskey bar adorned with an original glazed jewelry cabinet from 1900, an oak floor from a whiskey distillery and an 8-foot-tall, 500-pound carved plaster statue of St. Patrick dating back to 1850.  The pub hosts live entertainment seven nights a week in a music room constructed with artifacts dating back to 1890 from the Olympia Theater in Dublin, Ireland. Born and raised in Dublin, Rí Rá Las Vegas owners David Kelly and Ciaran Sheehan have been close friends since they were 14-years-old. Kelly and Sheehan later partnered with Jay Luther, whom Kelly met while working for Guinness. Rí Rá Las Vegas is one of 12 pubs the trio has opened in the U.S.

Follow Rí Rá Las Vegas on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and updates.

Some Tips For Avoiding The Long Lines & Frustration At Wet 'n' Wild Las Vegas!

The highly anticipated Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas opened Memorial Day weekend for Gold Pass holders and continues to operate for Season Pass and Gold Pass holders through June 2.  The park reached capacity on Grand Opening Day, but continued to operate without reaching capacity the remainder of Grand Opening Weekend and throughout the first week.  As expected with most new water park openings and particularly in Las Vegas which has been without such a park for so long, visitation is expected to be higher than normal during the first few weeks of operation than typical summer operating days. 

Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas offers the following tips and answers to frequently asked questions for guests who want to visit the park during this time.

1.      Visit Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas during the week.

Monday – Thursday attendance tends to be lower than the weekend and is a great way to experience all the thrills and chills of Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas. Guests who can visit during the week are encouraged to do so to avoid potentially longer lines that occur on weekends.

2.      Make it an afternoon trip to Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas .

The majority of guests come to Wet ‘n’ Wild when it opens and leave in the middle of the day.  Visiting the park in the afternoon and early evening allows you to skip longer lines in the morning while still providing ample time to experience your favorite slides or chill out in the Colorado Cooler lazy river. Consider hitting the snooze button one more time and come to the park a little later in the day.

3.      Parking

Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas has two parking lots for guest use.  The first is located immediately in front of the park’s main gate.  The second is located a short walking distance on the north side of the park.  Both lots typically open one hour prior to the park opening.  During busier days, the front lot may become full and all vehicles will be directed to our secondary lot.   In an effort to be respectful to our neighbors, please park in water park parking lots only.

4.      Can we process our Gold Pass and Season Pass at the park?

Guest may process their passes at the front gate ticket windows during park operating hours.  During busier days, we may invite all guests to enter the park with the eTicket prior to it being processed in an effort to decrease the amount of wait time.  We ask that those guests visit our front gate ticket windows as they exit to process their passes.

5.       Can I bring my own floatation device or life jacket?

No external flotation devices are permitted inside the park.   Life jackets that have a Coast Guard approval printed on them may be used within the park.  The park provides tubes without cost for each attraction that requires a tube to participate. With the arrival of additional tubes this week, personal convenience tubes that can be used on most attractions are available to rent just inside the park’s main gates.  Life jackets also are available for guest use free of charge and are located at the entrance to Colorado Cooler (lazy river) and Red Rock Bay (wave pool).

6.      Can we bring our own chairs and shade?

The park provides lounge chairs and shade structures throughout the park.  However, guests may bring in their own chair and shade structure for use in our grass areas if they are able to be properly secured.  At times when winds may be higher than normal, park management may ask for these shade structures to be taken down until the winds subside.

7.      How do we rent a cabana?

Soon guests will be able to book cabanas online.  Currently guests may call 702-979-1600, email info@wetnwildlasvegas.com , or visit the park’s ticket windows during park operating hours to make a reservation.  Reservations are booked on a first-come, first -served bases, and cabana locations are assigned upon arrival and are also first-come, first-served.

For more information, visit www.wetnwildlasvegas.com.

The Hip Factor! Coolio At Rockhouse & In The House Angel Porrino & Gazillionaire

Coolio

Hip-hop superstar, Coolio, counted down to midnight during the New Month's Eve celebration at Rockhouse, located at Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian | The Palazzo, last night.

Surrounded by the sexy bar staff of the ultra-dive bar, Coolio and friends enjoyed a night of drinking and dancing to old-school classics, including personal hit's "1-2-3-4" and "Rollin' With My Homies." The rapper sipped on shots of Patron while meeting fans and posing for pictures.

Coolio surprised partygoers by performing his number one hit, "Gangsta's Paradise," for the packed bar. The rap legend told fans, "If you aren't here to party at Rockhouse, you must be getting old."

 

Angel & Gazillionaire

Absinthe stars, Angel Porrino and Gazillionaire, were also at Rockhouse last night. The pair signed their photos on the hot spot's celebrity wall and enjoyed drink specials.

Rockhouse, located inside Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian | The Palazzo, is open daily from 11 a.m.  on weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends, closing late into the night. Rockhouse, Las Vegas’ only ultra-dive bar, was recently awarded “Best Small Nightclub in Las Vegas” by Nightclub & Bar. For more information visit www.therockhousebar.com, and for bottle and table reservations call 702.731.9683 or email info@rockhousebar.com.  Stay updated and follow Rockhouse on Twitter @RockhouseVegas and Facebook www.facebook.com/Rockhouselv.

 Photo Credit: Bobby Jameidar

Become Part Of The Human Ribbon! Golden Rainbow & Smith Center Today!

Volunteers needed: Golden Rainbow Forms Human Ribbon At The Smith Center

Today 9:30 am until 10:30 am

Golden Rainbow partners with The Smith Center for the Performing Arts to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS by creating a human awareness ribbon on Monday, June 3. The date marks a 27 day countdown until Golden Rainbow’s 27th annual “Ribbon of Life” spectacular on Sunday, June 30. “Ribbon of Life” is the nonprofit’s main source of revenue and one of Southern Nevada’s largest HIV/AIDS fundraisers.

*Volunteers are needed to form the human ribbon. All patrons are asked to arrive at 9:30 a.m. and wear red, in honor of HIV/AIDS awareness.*

The Smith Center

361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89106

Sephora Does RIGHT For Homeless Animals! $20 Clutch Of Fabulous Make-Up!!

Special thanks to Sephora in Town Square for choosing Nevada SPCA as their charity! They are selling a $20 clutch full of cruelty-free makeup and donating the proceeds for animal rescue at Nevada SPCA.

Directions, hours of operation, and other contact information for Sephora in Town Square, Las Vegas: www.sephora.com/about/individual/individualStore.jsp?storeId=0114

Scott Weiland Concert - Some Rock Star Magic Still There!

Recently there have been a few instances of celebrities and stars coming unhinged and unglued right in front our eyes. Such was the instance of Scott Weiland with The Wildabouts "Purple at the Core" show on Saturday June 1 at The Pearl in Las Vegas at The Palms (http://www.palms.com/music-venues/pearl-theater.) We missed the opening band but went in fully hyped and excited to see and hear Scott perform. I had seen his electrifying performance on January 1^st , 1993 at Thomas & Mack when he was still with Stone Temple Pilots and the way he owned the stage and moved his body left me breathless and so enthralled with not only his talent and his singing but also with his charisma and pure sexuality.

What I saw on Saturday night was a rambling, still sexy, at times incoherent troubled rock star. The show started late and according to Scott the drummer missed his flight and had partaken of certain substances. At first I thought well maybe it is just a rough start, but the show became a tangled mess interwoven with glimpses of the rock star that Scott Weiland still can be.

After the statement of “As a person we are a person and all together we are a community” it became clear that Scott was not himself. Then came the by now infamous climbing on the PA rig and wrestling with the American flag for a good five minutes and then duct taping it to the drum stand. This might have been interesting if not for the sheer terror of me thinking “please do not let him fall.”

When he played Vaseline and Unglued there was a crowd around the stage with people reaching out to touch him. Some of the rock star magic is still there. His encore rendition of The Door’s LA Woman was electric and for a moment made me forget the former hour and a half of a roller coaster ride of a performance.

The performance left me feeling sad as I have read about his issues with substance abuse and I really, really was looking forward to seeing him perform. With that said, watching him sinuously dance on the stage, and yes Scott Weiland is still seriously rock star sexy; would I go see him again, yes. Would I be wary, yes.