Living in Las Vegas

Only hours ago, about 3 a.m. this morning, Las Vegas Entertainer Danny Gans died at his Las Vegas/Henderson home in his sleep. His wife called 911 at 3:44 a.m. to say he was having trouble breathing but by the time paramedics arrived it was too late. He was only 52 years old and the exact cause of this death is unknown at this point. He is survived by his wife and 3 children.

Danny Gans is known as the “Man of Many Voices” and has been the reigning Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year for the past 11 years. He has had a longtime comedy and musical show at The Mirage and I recently posted about how in February of this year he moved his show over to Steve Wynn’s The Encore. His marquee on the Strip is the largest freestanding one in the world.

Danny Gans’ manager, Chip Lightman, told Fox 5 News, “Obviously everyone is in shock, I apologize, I want to give you more information but right now I have to tend to the family.”

Steve Wynn is in New York, but stated over the phone, “Elaine and I and all of us in the Company are devastated at the loss of our brilliant, talented and loving friend. One of the most unique human beings and entertainers in the world has been taken from us in an unexpected moment. A profoundly tragic event that leaves us all sad and speechless. The loss of Danny to his wife Julie, his children Amy, Andrew & Emily is at this moment impossible to comprehend. We will all try to go on with our lives without our dear friend. At this moment it seems almost impossible.”

The Mirage said “All of us in The Mirage family are deeply saddened to learn of Danny’s passing. We all knew of his devotion to his family and our hearts and prayers are with his wife and children.”

Once again, Las Vegas as we know it is changing. I will keep you updated as new information arises.

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!

Danny Gans, “Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year” for the last 11 years, will be performing his last show Saturday, November 22, 2008 at The Mirage . However, for all you Danny fans, the good news is that he will be coming back in February to perform at the Encore Resort at the Wynn Las Vegas .

Steve Wynn stated “Danny Gans’ continuing role as the star of the Encore Theater underscores the individual identity of our new resort and underscores our continuing, unqualified commitment to excellence in service and entertainment. I built the Danny Gans Theater at the Mirage in 2000 as a result of being convinced that he would bring to our family a standard of performing artistry unequaled by any other single star in Las Vegas. The result has been obvious, and he has occupied that singular position ever since. On a very personal as well as professional level, I am absolutely delighted to welcome him back into our newer family across the street. We are going to have a great time together — just like the audience.”

Danny Gans is known as the “The Man of Many Voices” and his show is basically comedy and musical impressions. He started at the Stratosphere, then moved to the Rio and then the Mirage. For the last two years he performed for a sold out crowd of 1,250. The Danny Gans’ Las Vegas Strip marquee is the largest freestanding marquee in the world.

In addition to performing on the Las Vegas strip, he also a Christian singer and has two CD’s out “Danny Gans My Lord My Life” and “Danny Gans Brand New Dream“.

Tickets for the Danny Gans Show will run you $100, it starts at 7:30 p.m. and is dark on Thursday. It doesn’t look like you can reserve any for his new show at the Encore yet, but I am guessing they will probably be even more expensive. Enjoy!