Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall, on Boulder Highway, is all lit up as they celebrate the holidays with its annual winter display at Mystic Falls Park for the 20th time.
“For the past 20 years, we have looked forward to starting off a holiday season of giving and celebration with this tradition, and are always so honored to share it with families from our community,” Bill Boyd, executive chairman of Boyd Gaming, said.
Boyd was joined by Sam’s Town Vice President and General Manager John Sou when they flipped the switch on the season’s first run of the cherished holiday show. Each year, the pioneer-themed Mystic Falls Park Light and Water Show transforms just before Thanksgiving to kick off the holiday season. This time-honored tradition has been decking the Gambling Hall since 1994, with decorations beginning in Sam’s Town’s porte-cochere. Festive lighting and decorative snowflakes lead guests through the property to Mystic Falls Park. Garland streams, wreath-adorned lampposts, and white light and snow-covered trees fill the atrium, while Cowboy Santa takes up residence in the Park’s gazebo. The festive décor includes fan favorites such as lighted sculpture polar bears, indoor snow and mountains of poinsettias.
Sam’s Town will be hosting the 15-minute laser light spectacular hourly throughout the holiday season, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through January 1. And until December 23, Cowboy Santa will be appearing Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 4 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 8:30 p.m. For further information on Mystic Falls Winter Wonderland, visit www.samstownlv.com.
Pia Zadora is back at Pia’s Place inside Piero’s Italian Cuisine, at 355 Convention Center Drive, as she continues to recover from a recent accident. Zadora was anxious to return to Pia’s Place and, in the spirit of the holiday season, has added some of her favorite classic holiday songs in her repertoire during the shows. Zadora, her musical director Vincent Falcone, and her band, put their twist on traditional favorites – and even Santa himself stops by each night for a little Jingle Bell Rock!
She’s a Golden Globe and ShoWest winner, a GRAMMY Award® nominee, an accomplished singer, and a film and Broadway star all wrapped into one little package. Performing since the age of six, for those who have seen her in concert, what comes to mind first and describes this multi-talented performer is simply this: Pia Zadora is the complete entertainer. What makes it even more interesting is who stops by to say “hello,” to one of the more popular entertainers in our little village. You might find world famous impressionist Rich Little doing a 10-minute salute to some Presidents, or you may listen to someone like an original Supreme, Mary Wilson, singing a song or two. That’s what, for me, makes it a great place to spend an hour or so with a really super gal. For more information, visit http://piazadora.com or follow her on Twitter. Zadora will perform on Friday and Saturday evenings, beginning at 9 p.m. for the remainder of the year, with a special New Year’s Eve show.
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The Riviera Hotel & Casino is proud to usher in 2015 with a free performance from singer, songwriter and celebrated pianist, George Bugatti. Held inside the intimate Le Bistro Lounge located in the heart of the casino, Bugatti’s performance will take place from 11:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 31.
Discovered by the legendary Steve Allen while performing at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills, Bugatti was born in Brooklyn, NY, where he honed his skills as a classical pianist at both the prestigious High School of Performing Arts and The Juilliard School. After studying under the legendary acting coach, Stella Adler, at New York University, he released his debut album, “Oh, What a Night for Love,” and made his concert debut in Los Angeles alongside Tony Bennett. Following a move to Las Vegas, George released his sophomore album, “Bugatti Live on the Strip,” and followed with, “A Night for Romance,” which was produced by “American Idol’s” Executive Music Producer Nigel Wright. The critically-acclaimed album features the single “Two Shots of Happy,” which was given to Bugatti by U2 front-man Bono after Frank Sinatra, for whom the song was originally written, passed away.
Recently, Bugatti performed as music supervisor for the film documentary and Off-Broadway hit show “Surviving Mommie Dearest,” staring Christiana Crawford, daughter of Joan Crawford and author of “Mommie Dearest.” He also appeared for 18-months in the off-Broadway production of “The Wonderful Wizard of Song,” and most recently at the Smith Center. The production is the music of Oz composer, Harold Arlen. There will be no cover charge and guests must be 21 years or older. For more information, please visit www.RivieraHotel.com or www.georgebugatti.com.
Chadwick Johnson returns to the Suncoast Showroom with an all-new show entitled ‘Champagne Wishes’ on Tuesday, Dec. 30, just in time for the New Year. ‘Champagne Wishes’ is a celebratory musical journey of both vintage and modern classics, featuring a soulful eight piece band and exquisite dancers, paired with Johnson’s retro-driven sound and style. The production pays homage to vintage music while delighting his audience with the sounds of today. Known for his soulful approach to music, Johnson has been sought out by celebrated producer David Foster, who has produced music for high profile artists such as Celine Dion, The Bee Gees, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, and many more.
Specializing in jazz, pop, R&B and soul, his range has been compared to artists such as Journey’s former lead vocalist, Steve Perry, and powerful songstress Eva Cassidy. Johnson’s vocal ability and soulful “throwback” sound on stage has led him to perform for prestigious American icons including President Bill Clinton, Kevin Spacey, Shel Talmy, Howard Stern, Zac Efron, and Tom Arnold. Showtime for the evening is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from $19.95, plus tax and fees, and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming box office, by calling 702.636.7075, or visiting www.suncoastcasino.com.
Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s position as the premier motorsports facility in the world was further solidified with its third consecutive selection as Speedway Motorsports’ Speedway of the Year. LVMS, which hosts more than 1,400 event days a year, is the only winner in the three-year history of the award. The announcement was made by Speedway Motorsports Inc. President Marcus Smith.
“This award is all about the employees who work tirelessly and take great pride in what we do here at Las Vegas Motor Speedway,” Chris Powell, LVMS president, said. “I’m thrilled for our staff. This has been a remarkable year at LVMS with successful racing events and track-rental business. We have eight fantastic facilities within the SMI family, and to be selected as the top-performing speedway out of that group for a third straight year has excited everyone on our staff.”
In 2014, LVMS again hosted many racing events, including the annual NASCAR Weekend, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race and two NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series national events. The Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) returned for the third consecutive year and featured record crowds. The speedway also buttressed its reputation as one of the world’s most diverse facilities by hosting the Red Bull Air Race World Championship.
“The 2014 season was a special one for us here at the speedway,” Powell said. “On any given day there can be as many as eight or 10 different events going on. As we look ahead to 2015, we’ll continue to stage NASCAR and other premier racing series as well as several ‘non-traditional’ events, including EDC and the Red Bull Air Race. Meanwhile, we’ll continue to explore new avenues that help maximize the use of our world-class venue.”
Ten talented Las Vegas vocalists will bring beautiful harmonies to the Ten Tenors Holiday Show, returning to The Orleans Showroom, Saturday, Dec. 20. The group assembles some of the best male singers in the Las Vegas Valley: Ken Young, Bruce Williamson, Antone Dotson-Parson, Giloh Morgan, Reggie Gonzales, Mark McCuthen, Markevius Faulkner, DeShawn Horne, Nate Pointer, and Mathew Goins. Joe Pigee is the musical director and Aaron Arrington returns as producer and creative director for the group. The concert will feature holiday classics, jazz, Motown and more, all with a gospel twist. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets start at $32 (LET included) plus convenience fees, and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming Box Office, by calling 702.365.7075 or visiting www.orleanscasino.com.
Well, gang, how is your shopping going? Mine is done and over for this year. So, that means only one thing,