Living in Las Vegas

As part of a 132 city tour, the Independent Entertainer’s Association’s Rock the Economy concert and family music festival will be held at the Henderson Pavilion on Saturday, April 4th.  The entertainment starts at noon and goes until 10:00 p.m.  There is going to be plenty of food, fun and music. 

Rock the Economy is intended to be an economic stimulus for different local schools, churches and social organizations.  In addition,  it is a way for people wanting to make an economic change in their lives to talk to different companies that can help with their home financing, finding employment or establishing new credit. 

The Independent Entertainer’s Association is a group of independent entertainers, businesses, and enthusiasts who support the independent entertainment industry.  The founder of IEA, CD Palmer, based the association on four objectives; production, promotion, distribution and marketing.

IEA recently built a  brand new recording studio at it’s local office to assist independent artists in being able to compete with the mainstream entertainment industry.  They will have programs for the novice and professional musician.  Sounds like it’s going to be a great opportunity for all the local Las Vegas musicians.

I think the Rock the Economy concert is exeactly what Las Vegas needs right now.  A little food, a little fun and a little free advice.

Good news Las Vegas, good news!!  Carlos Santana is going to be in town for a while.  He is set to be the first headliner at the Joint at the Hard Rock playing a show titled “Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits”  Nice!  Who does not love Carlos Santana?

The band will include drummer Dennis Chambers and keyboardist Chester Thompson.  They are scheduled to play 36 shows at the Joint over the next two years. Opening night is May 27, 2009 and you can get tickets at the Hard Rock ranging in price from $79 to $299.

Santana has been performing since 1966 when he formed the Santana Blues Band.  In 1999 Santana’s album, “Supernatural,” won 9 Grammy’s and the single “Smooth” was the last #1 single of the 90’s.  In 2003 he was named #15 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.”

Mike Weatherford of the Las Vegas Review Journal did a phone interview with Carlos Santana that I liked. in it, Santana stated:

“I’m 61 years old. I understand that if you go see (a legacy performer), there’s certain things you need to hear. We’re respecting and abiding with that,” he said.

“I can use my imagination and go to a sound check in Fresno in 1969 and it’s the first time we ever played ‘Black Magic Woman,’” he said. “I can go there and stay there. I can tell you what it smells like, I can tell you where the sun is. I utilize my imagination to take me to that place where it’s a first-time wonderment.

“A sunset and a sunrise is never the same. Making love is never the same unless you’re doing something wrong.”

I really need to see this show!

We are up to the 10th annual Pet-a-Palooza here in Las Vegas, this Saturday, April 4th.  Looks like it’s going to be a nice weekend and the location is perfect for a nice day out with your pets.

Pet-a-Palooza will be open from 10am to 5pm at the Star Nursery Fields over at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Admission is $5 for people ages 3 and up and all pets are free.  The Mix 94.1 website states that this year a portion of the proceeds will be donated to all the animal rescue groups attending Pet-a-Palooza

I have to list the performances because some of them sound so cute and funny!

 THE FINDLAY VOLKSWAGEN MAIN STAGE SCHEDULE

• 10:45 AM SMALL DOG FINALISTS
• 11:20 AM POPOVICH COMEDY PET THEATER 
• 11:45 AM BIG DOG FINALISTS 
• 12:00 PM THE SCRIPT  
• 12:45 PM UGLIEST DOG FINALISTS 
• 1:00 PM  BARKING CONTEST 
• 1:15 PM BEST DOGGIE SMILE FINALISTS 
• 1:30 PM   OWNER-DOG LOOK ALIKE FINALISTS 
• 1:45 PM   BEST DRESSED FINALISTS 
• 2:00 PM   MAT KEARNEY  
• 2:45 PM   BUFF DOG FINALISTS 
• 3:00 PM   HARRIEST DOG FINALISTS 
• 3:15 PM   MR. AND MRS. PETAPALOOZA 2008 
• 4:00 PM   GAVIN ROSSDALE

DOG SHOW ARENA SCHEDULE

• 10:30 AM PURINA INCREDIBLE DOG TEAM
• 11:30 AM SIT MEANS SIT DEMONSTRATION
• 12:30 PM PURINA INCREDIBLE DOG TEAM
• 1:30 PM WEINER DOG RACES
• 2:30 PM PURINA INCREDIBLE DOG TEAM
• 3:30 PM SIT MEANS SIT DEMONSTRATION
• 4:30 PM PURINA INCREDIBLE DOG TEAM

In addition, Mr. & Mrs. Pet-a-Palooza 2009 will be chosen among all 1st place winners of each contest.   Good luck and have fun!

The results are in! Here’s a quick run down of the staff and reader picks for Best of Las Vegas 2009.  To get the complete list, head on over to the Las Vegas Review Journal and click on the Best of Las Vegas.

Best Nightclubs: Pure and Prive

Best Family Attractions: Adventuredome and Bonnie Springs Old Nevada

Best Local Rock Bands:  The Killers and The Black Jets

Best Steakhouses: Outback and Capital Grille

Best Performers: Danny Gans and Bette Midler

Best Comedians: Rita Rudner and Craig Ferguson

Best Magicians:  Lance Burton and Keith Barry

Best Singers: Bette Midler and Rick Faugno

Best Strip Hotels: Bellagio and Paris

Best Downtown Hotels: Golden Nugget and El Cortez

Best Locals Hotels: Red Rock Resort and Eastside Cannery

Best Buffets: Bellagio and Wynn

Best Malls: Fashion Show and Town Square

Best Places to take out-of-town guests: Red Rock Canyon and Mount Charleston

Best Celebrity Residents: Andre Agassi and Vince Neil

Best Local TV Anchors: Paula Francis (KLAS-8) and Jim Snyder (KVBC-3)

Best Local Radio Personalities: Mark & Mercedes (KMXB-94.1) and Dave Berns (KNPR-88.9)

Best Local Politicians: Mayor Oscar Goodman and Senator Steven Horsford

Attorney Glen Lerner won the most annoying local TV commercial, beating out John Barr from last year. I have to disagree with this because John Barr’s commercials are beyond annoying, but at least Glen Lerner’s are somewhat catchy, and effective. 

And a special congrats to Paris Hilton who uniquely managed to win top pick as both best and worst celebrity tourist!

I finally found out the complete list of performers that will be headlining at the new Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

4/17 8 p.m. The Killers
4/18 8 p.m. Avenged Sevenfold (with Atreyu & Rev Theory)
4/19 8 p.m. Paul McCartney
4/24 9 p.m. Bon Jovi
4/25 8 p.m. Kenny Chesney (with Miranda Lambert, Lady Antebellum)
5/23 9 p.m. Flight of the Conchords (with Arj Baker)
7/13 7:30 p.m. Rise Against (with Rancid & Billy Talent)
9/13 8 p.m. Ricardo Arjona

In addition, things look like they are going to be sounding pretty good over at the Hard Rock pool for awhile also.

5/1 Rusted Root
5/15 Eek-A-Mouse
5/22 Ozomatli
5/29 Sugar Ray
6/5 Gavin Rossdale
6/26 Gin Blossoms (with Tonic)
7/24 Unwritten Law
8/14 Los Lonely Boys (with Los Lobos)
9/11 Collective Soul

All these concerts are going to be held on Friday nights starting at 9:00 p.m. 

As usual things are going to be pretty hot over at the Hard Rock all summer.  And congrats to The Killers for getting opening night, they deserve it!

My ipod is still pissing me off. I won’t go into the details, but let’s just say . . . it’s pissing me off. On a good note, during my search to resolve these ipod issues, I ran across a page over at Las Vegas Weekly where you can download MP3s of local Las Vegas bands.  Cool, I didn’t know you could do that.  And there is a really big list!

Psudeo Angel by As Yet Unbroken is #1 on top downloaded songs of the week.  The band Poppermost takes the next three spots, with songs Lady in Waiting, Isabella Vina and Kristen.  The most recently added songs to the page are Drag Me and Million Dollar Baby by Ayala.  Drive Machineis on the top of Las Vegas Weekly’s local band guide.  There’s even some stuff from The Killers.

This might be the answer to my ipod problem and also a way to get into the local music scene a little bit.  It also makes me curious what other places have free local band MP3 downloads like this.  This might be a whole untapped source of music for me!

I think I am having a mid-week crisis or something.  I am still feeling the need to rant, I can’t get my ipod to work, I had to stay late at the office again and my financial situation is just complete chaos. 

 So, in an effort to lighten my mood,  I thought I would go over some of the best things about Las Vegas.  Please note these are my random thoughts in no particular order and subject to change based on date, time and my mood!

1.  Gas stations, convenience stores and most grocery stores are open 24/7.  It’s just comforting to know, if/when there is a midnight emergency (beer, ice cream . . .) you can just run down to the store and get what you need.

2. No last call. If you are partying at a bar or club in Vegas, trust me 2am comes and goes with no problem.  As you know, I enjoy and appreciate uninterrupted partying.

3.  Awesome hotels and casinos and spas. I have seen and stayed at some really cool hotel rooms.  It’s so fun to just get a room, relax and be a tourist.  The Strip can be fun if you’re not driving or trying to cross it in rush hour traffic. 

4.  You cannot get lost in Las Vegas.  Vegas is completely surrounded by desert and mountains.  If you hit either make a U-turn and drive back into town. You will eventually find your way, trust me.

 5.  You can make U-turns at most intersections. This comes in handy  for the directionally challenged.

6.  If you are hungry, there is a restaurant to fit your every mood.  I have had the opportunity to enjoy some incredible meals and dining experiences here in Las Vegas.

7.  You do not need a winter wardrobe.  In fact, air conditioning can be a little over zealous in the summer and I actually need a sweater year round.  But I do not own or have a need for boots, gloves or a scarf.

8.  All the good concerts come into town.  And of course, there are always good shows on the Strip.

9.  Friends love to come visit.  Although I do like to get out of town occasionally, it’s always nice to have friends come here.  Then we can just go out and have a good time without all the hassle of traveling.

10. It’s sunny 24/7.  It’s a desert, you can pretty much count on it always being sunny.  We’ve been had a few rainy weekends this winter, and that one snow day, but that’s about it, you can count on sun every day.

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to see a performance by the Las Vegas Chamber Orchestra. It was beautiful in many ways and I started thinking about checking out the Las Vegas Philharmonic at the Performing Arts Center.

The Las Vegas Philharmonic just celebrated its 10th anniversary and has already become a nationally recognized orchestra.  It is the third largest arts organization in the state and a six-time recipient of the Best Performing Arts Group award.   The website describes the different types of concerts they give: “the Classical Series featuring some of the best touring artists in the world; a Connoisseur Series that presents top soloists performing in some of the city’s most luxurious homes; a variety of special events; a new Pops Concert Series for 2008-2009 and of course the ever-popular Fourth of July “Star Spangled Spectacular” concert.”

In addition, they also provide two very important music education programs: “Music In the Schools, which places LV Philharmonic musicians in schools for after-school programs; and the Sprint Youth Concert Series, which brings young people to the concert hall.”

The Las Vegas Philharmonic  and Nevada Ballet Theatre will have a new homes in 2011.  The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is currently under construction in downtown Las Vegas’ 61-acre Union Park across from the Clark County Government Center.   It will have a 2000 seat hall and will be able to accommodate first run Broadway shows as well as orchestra, opera and dance performances.  The center looks absolutely beautiful and will definitely enhance the quality for life for Las Vegas residents in many ways.

This weekend will be the last performances at The Joint as you know it.  Motley Crue is doing the honors.  Tickets are $97. After this, The Joint is undergoing renovations and will reopen on April 19th.

The Joint originally opened in 1995 and has hosted pretty much every rock band you can name.  The new venue will have 4,500 seats, including 700 fixed stadium seats. It will also have 7 luxury boxes.

It is rumored that Metallica is going to be the band playing at the re-opening April.  The now famous, local Las Vegas band The Killers, is scheduled to play on April 17th.  Then Paul McCartney is performing on April 19th.

I think this is one of those Las Vegas renovations that was overdue.  Concert venues can start looking pretty shabby pretty quickly, so this will a great addition to the Hard Rock .  For those of you that are not quite ready to part with your memories, I know how you feel, but we must let go.

Elton John has been a staple in the Caesar’s Palace entertainment line up for the last 5 years.  Tickets are available for  his last performance of The Red Piano at the Caesars Palace Colosseum on April 22, 2009.

The Red Piano has been summed up as a career overview performance. Elton John teamed up with photographer David LaChapelle and states on his website  “It’s what I am like from an artistic point of view. It’s fun, it’s deep, it’s the songs I really love and it gives me a chance to get across what I am all about, visually as well as musically.”

Caesar’s is offering a pretty good package deal for the next couple of weeks that includes a one night stay in a classic room and two rear orchestra tickets. From what I understand, all the rooms at Caesar’s Palace are really nice. In fact Caesar’s Palace in and of itself is more than really nice.  I think Caesar’s could even be described as timeless.  But I will probably have a good laugh about that statement when in 10 to 15 years it gets knocked down too.

Anywho, enjoy Elton John I am sure his show is absolutely amazing!