As many of you are I’m sure, I too am a fan of America’s Got Talent on the big Tube. Over the years I, along with a couple of my close friends, have created a close friendship with one of the funniest ladies in comedy today, known throughout the world as the “Trailer Trash Lady,” Vicki Barbolak.
Well, gang, when I found out that she would be hosting the show at the Luxor Hotel & Casino for one week this month, I called my friends Nancy and Don and we agreed to fight the Las Vegas Strip and it’s new policy of charging for parking. I got to tell ya, gang, I think charging locals the same as tourist is WRONG. Enough about that.
Opening the incredibly talented presentation was the fabulous “Light Balance” a dance team from the Ukraine who placed third in the American version of the “AGT” in 2017. They are so good that they are also used to close the show. Following them is Vicki, dressed in her famous “Tiger Dress,” and the show is off and running. Her best lines of course had to be re-worked as she says, “there are kids in the audience, so I had to re-write the act.” The re-write is funny as hell, and we enjoyed her as did the audience. Vicki is a stand-up comedian who has worked in Vegas for a number of years including the “Laugh Factory” at the Tropicana and the “Jimmy Kimmel Theatre,” which is now closed by the way,
Her job as hostess is keep the audience entertained as the stage is set up for the next act. And her short appearances, with fresh material gained from firsthand experiences and the news, keeps the appreciative audience laughing throughout the evening. The entertainers who were there the night we attended were– The Silhouettes, a shadow dance group from Denver who were first runner up in 2011; Deadly Games, a knife throwing duo also known as Alfredo & Anna Silva, who made it to the semi finals in season 11; Ms Lee Kyle, a French magician who performs quick-change magic, competed in the 16th season (2021) finishing 5th in the finals; Peter Antonnio, a mentalist, magician, comedian, who also competed in Season 16.
Don Mikrut
And then the incredibly special highlight of the evening was when Vicki introduced the Winner of Season 14 (2019)—Kodi Lee, the blind, autistic singer, piano player from Utah and his mother, Tina Lee. This young man is without question a champion! His performance brought tears to many in the audience, and of course a standing ovation that lasted for what seemed forever. And, gang, he was well worth the acclimation from his peers. It was a beautiful show.
Closing the show was magician Dustin Tavella of Pennsylvania who was the winner of the 16th season (2021). Missing from the stage that night was Duo Transcend, a trapeze act from season 13, who made it to the finals that year.
And, gang, that’s about it. We enjoyed the show immensely and believe me you can’t go wrong any night as the acts are changed often. Vicki Barbolak is really special, and a great hostess!!!
THIS AND THAT QUICKLY:
The Neon Museum has joined Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums across America. As a member, The Neon Museum will offer active-duty military personnel and their families free general admission to the Neon Boneyard this summer, from Armed Forces Day, May 21, through Labor Day, Sept. 5.
“To express our support and gratitude to those who serve our country, The Neon Museum has always offered discounted tickets to our veterans and active-duty military members,” said Aaron Berger, executive director of The Neon Museum. “We are proud to now also participate in Blue Star Museums and provide our active-duty military members and their families the opportunity to visit the Neon Boneyard this summer for free.”
Blue Star Museums began in an effort to improve the quality of life for active-duty military families, especially focusing on the approximately two million children who have had at least one parent deployed since 2001. The program offers families a chance to visit museums this summer when many will have limited resources and time together. For a list of participating museums, visit www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.
The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military —Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard as well as members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps — and their spouses and children. It is recommended that the free general admission tickets to The Neon Museum for the program be reserved online at https://www.neonmuseum.org/visit/ticket-pricing. Qualified military members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card for entrance.
Founded in 1996, The Neon Museum is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying, and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs for educational, historic, arts and cultural enrichment. Fully accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), The Neon Museum has been ranked No. 1 by a number of publications. On its 2.27-acre campus, The Neon Museum has an outdoor exhibition space known as the Neon Boneyard; the North Gallery, home to the immersive audiovisual experience “Brilliant! Jackpot” which uses technology to re-illuminate more than 40 non-operational signs: and its visitors’ center inside the former La Concha Motel lobby. The museum collection also includes nine restored signs installed as public art in downtown Las Vegas. For more information, including tour schedules and tickets, visit www.neonmuseum.org. Also follow @NeonMuseum on Facebook and Twitter and @theneonmuseumlasvegas on Instagram.
Brothers Michael Morton and David Morton’s ONE Steakhouse, located at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, will host a special wine tasting from Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley’s label in celebration of National Wine Day exclusively at the bar from 5 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25.
The featured wine of the tasting is the 2018 Foley Johnson Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from the Rutherford appellation in Napa Valley, one of the most highly regarded in America. The full-bodied wine fills the senses with aromas of black cherry and blackcurrants with an underlying hint of mocha after the initial opening followed by flavors of fig and hints of black olive and dried herbs for a pleasant balance on the palate. Also available exclusively at the bar is the wine and shellfish happy hour featuring half-off glasses of select wines with a petite shellfish platter from 5-7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.
In addition, ONE Steakhouse’s full menu will be available. Executive Chef Patrick Munster brings his talents to preparing steaks to excellence at ONE Steakhouse, where favorites include mouthwatering Japanese Satsuma Wagyu; ricotta gnocchi made with parmesan Reggiano and creamy peppercorn; and citrus-cured Hamachi topped with sweety drop pepper purée and jalapeño.
Spanning two stories and nearly 9,000 square feet, ONE Steakhouse is found within the exciting new Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, part of Curio Collection by Hilton™, at 4455 Paradise Rd. ONE Steakhouse is the second collaboration for brothers and acclaimed restaurateurs Michael Morton and David Morton, fourth generation restaurateurs following in the footsteps of their legendary father, Arnie Morton, and grandfather, Morton C. Morton.
Michael is behind top Vegas restaurants such as La Cave at Wynn and CRUSH at MGM, as well as is the co-founder of N9NE Steakhouse – the hottest scene in Vegas for over a decade. David’s portfolio of restaurants includes The Exchange and Marshall’s Landing in Chicago and Assembly in Washington, D.C.
ONE Steakhouse is open daily at 5 p.m. and can be found just steps away from the hotel’s valet on Harmon Avenue. Reservations may be made by calling 702-522-8111 or visiting www.onesteakhouse.com.
In honor of Military Appreciation Month, the ladies of FANTASY, the award-winning topless female revue at Luxor Hotel and Casino, will offer a complimentary performance for military personnel and a guest at the 8 p.m. or 10:30 p.m. show Wednesday, May 18.
Continuing the annual celebration of the United States Armed Forces, the gorgeous ladies of FANTASY will perform a tribute to the troops alongside a powerful performance of “God Bless America,” sung by lead vocalist Lorena Peril. A limited number of military personnel will receive two complimentary tickets to the patriotic performance.
Military personnel must RSVP by emailing [email protected] by end of day Monday, May 16 with preferred show time, number of guests and proof of valid military photo ID. After reservations have been confirmed, all tickets will be delivered electronically via text message or email. Tickets may not be exchanged for cash, are non-exchangeable and non-transferable. All tickets are subject to certain restrictions and availability, and management reserves all rights.
Show times are scheduled nightly at 10:30 p.m. inside the Atrium Showroom, with an additional 8 p.m. show on Sundays. All guests attending the show must be at least 18 years of age or older with valid ID. For a full schedule and tickets, please visit fantasyluxor.com. Tickets also are available at the Luxor box office or by calling 702.262.4400.
Captivating audiences on the Las Vegas Strip for 22 years, FANTASY has never been hotter, earning “All-Time Best Female Revue” and 2021’s “Best Production Show” by Las Vegas Weekly, and 2021’s gold award for “Best Female Revue” and “Best Bachelor Party,” as well as the silver award for “Best Production Show” in the esteemed “Best of Las Vegas” awards by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Dynamic lead singer Lorena Peril, recently awarded “Best Local Entertainer” by the Silver State Awards, delivers powerhouse vocals, taking center-stage alongside a talented cast of beautiful dancers. Popular among singles and couples alike, the always-evolving, sexy production displays 15 high-energy numbers set to a variety of today’s top music..
Well, gang, that wraps it for this week. My recommendation for spending your hard earned dollars is the America’s Got Talent show at the Luxor. Maybe one-day they’ll stop charging locals. I have to park valet (the old legs ya know) and my bill was $23.00. Bah humbug MGM!!!