Senior Entertainment Editor
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Fact Or Fiction: Chip Lightman, producer of “Donny & Marie” at the Flamingo and the producer of the late Danny Gans, is representing Las Vegas’ newest impressionist, Brody Dolyniuk. Brody performed a free preview at Green Valley Ranch and is attempting to find a permanent local home...“Triumph,” the magic extravaganza, is still headed for the Las Vegas Hilton, albeit a few weeks late to iron out technical difficulties…the new date, which has changed several times, is now listed as Nov. 15...
Kelly Clinton was signed to play Sister Amnesia in “Nunsense,” opening Sept. 15 at the Las Vegas Hilton’s Shimmer Theater. It’ll play six days a week at 4 p.m. Following a rehearsal, she was doing a tap dance routine at home and slipped...breaking a toe. She'll be out of action for six weeks, but Nancy Gregory (director/choreographer) told her that the role was hers when the toe healed…
Wynn, Drai End Deal: Steve Wynn and Victor Drai have parted ways. Here is the statement concerning the split:
“In order to pursue other interests, Victor Drai has entered into an agreement with Wynn Las Vegas allowing him the ability to pursue a wide range of business opportunities which would necessitate reducing his responsibilities with our company. Hence, the relations that have worked so well for both Wynn Las Vegas and Victor Drai have come to an end on the best of terms, with the warmest possible feelings of both parties. Speaking for Mr. Wynn and myself, we wish Victor well in his future endeavors,” said Andrew Pascal, president of Wynn Las Vegas and Encore.
Jesse and Cy Waits, who have run Tryst and XS for Victor Drai, will remain along with the men and women that have worked in the clubs since their inception so that these operations will enjoy complete management continuity.”
2010 MDA Telethon: Jerry Lewis will be headlining the 2010 MDA Telethon that’s expected to be watched by some 40 million Americans, thanks to the “Love Network” of more than 170 television and cable stations broadcasting the show Sept. 5-6. Millions more worldwide will see the show live via the Internet at www.mda.org, courtesy of RealNetworks.
Lewis will be assisted by a cadre of co-hosts including Alison Sweeney (host of NBC’s Biggest Loser and Days of our Lives star); Nancy O’Dell, Emmy-winning entertainment personality, author and entrepreneur; independent producer, and Emmy-winning entertainment journalist Jann Carl.
The show will benefit from guest co-hosts, too. Nigel Lythgoe (executive producer of American Idol and co-creator, executive producer, and judge for So You Think You Can Dance; actor and comedian Richard Belzer (Law & Order); Ace Young, Grammy-nominated songwriter and star of Broadway; actor Brandon Barash (General Hospital) and actor/comedian John Pinette -- all will lend their talents to the show that brings so much help and hope to more than a million Americans living with neuromuscular diseases. Our Editor in Chief and prestidigitator Steve Dacri will be performing on the telethon as well.
Cosmopolitan Teams With Marriott: The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas has announced that they have entered into a distribution agreement with the Autograph Collection, Marriott International, Inc.’s portfolio of upper-upscale and luxury independent hotels and resorts.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, a design focused independent luxury brand, will be the Autograph Collection’s first member resort in Las Vegas. The partnership will provide The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas access to one of the largest databases in the hospitality industry, while offering strong and established relationships in the group and convention markets.
“This opportunity creates a powerful partnership for The Cosmopolitan and the Autograph Collection by aligning interests, broadening market share and driving growth. This platform enables us to build an iconic luxury brand at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip while simultaneously leveraging the seventh largest retail Web site in the world. The partnership also provides the Autograph Collection entry into the Las Vegas market,” commented John Unwin, chief executive officer, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will introduce a new category in the Autograph Collection and will be the brand’s largest property as well as the first casino resort. With an innovative perspective on luxury in the Las Vegas market, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will be in good company with other Marriott brands including Ritz-Carlton, known for service and luxury, as well as Edition, Marriott’s new lifestyle brand developed with Ian Schrager.
Through this partnership, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will benefit from full participation in the Marriott Rewards guest loyalty program, which drives customers in the leisure, corporate and group markets.
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Who, What’s On Tap: Jimmy Hopper performs music genres for all tastes on the first Sunday of every month in Ovation at Green Valley Ranch with doors opening at 7 p.m. There is a $10 cover and guests must be 21 years or older…Creedence Clearwater Revisited headlines The Orleans Sept. 11-12…
Five-time Emmy Award winner Dennis Miller brings his stand-up routine back to The Orleans for three nights, Oct. 1-3 with tickets starting at $49.95...Lance Burton's final show at the Monte Carlo is Sept. 4…Country star Gretchen Wilson plays the Silverton Sept. 10 with tickets priced at $40 followed by Average White Band (Sept. 18) and Three Dog Night (Sept. 24)…Radio host Dennis Bono will appear in concert in Addison's Lounge in the Rampart Casino Sept. 10-11 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 12 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the cage and $20 at the door…
Bob Kephart’s Comedy Stop at the Sahara Hotel has moved to the renovated Casbar Lounge in the hotel that allows for the first time, 18-year-olds to attend the Comedy Stop without an accompanying adult, with valid proof of age. Showtime is 9 p.m.
Ballet Theatre Sets Classes: Nevada Ballet Theatre’s affiliated school, the Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre, has announced announce its fall 2010-2011 schedule of classes.
The Academy offers classes for students’ ages 18 months through adult. They include ballet, character, modern, jazz, tap and hip-hop as part of five programs: the Pre-Professional Program, Children’s Program, Dance Program, Open Program and Adult Program.
In an effort to expand its offerings to include those in the local entertainment industry, the Academy’s popular intermediate/advanced level ballet class will take place at a new, afternoon time slot on Monday’s and Thursday’s from 2:30-4 p.m. in addition to Wednesday’s at 1:30-3 p.m. and Wednesday evening’s 7-8:30 p.m. The Summerlin-based school will continue to offer its “Absolute Beginner” class on Saturday mornings at 11 a.m. for those who have little or no dance experience.
The Academy will also present a new ballet-based workout taught by model and former dancer, Diane Boyle. The class will run on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Inspired and designed by one of the world’s most famous ballet companies, this ballet-based regimen includes a unique combination of stretching, toning and strength training that can easily be adopted by anyone. Catering toward all ages and fitness levels, this progressive class will incorporate basic ballet techniques and positions that will increase body tone and flexibility while enhancing cardiovascular stamina and posture.
All classes take place at Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Summerlin facility, 1651 Inner Circle. For more information, call the Academy at 702-243-2623.
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Harrah’s Celebrates Restaurant Week: As part of the fourth annual Restaurant Week, nine restaurants at Harrah’s Entertainment resorts are offering pre-fixe menus priced at $20.10, $30.10 or $50.10 per person with a portion of each cover benefiting local food bank, Three Square. Guests can enjoy world-class cuisine at great prices while helping end hunger in Las Vegas through Sept. 5.
Participating restaurants are Bradley Ogden, Mesa Grill, Rao’s and Serendipity 3 at Caesars Palace; Eiffel Tower Restaurant at Paris Las Vegas; Strip House at Planet Hollywood; KGB: Kerry’s Gourmet Burgers at Harrah’s Las Vegas; Steakhouse46 at Flamingo and Martorano’s at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.
Hotels Hold Bordeaux Celebration: Festivino, a celebration of Bordeaux, is being held throughout September at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino and The Palazzo Las Vegas. Guests will be able to enjoy three Bordeaux wines by the glass at The Venetian and Palazzo casino bars such as Laguna Champagne Bar and Fusion Bar for affordable prices. Select choices from this premier winemaking region of France will also be showcased in three-course prix fixe menus from French eateries, Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro at The Palazzo and Joachim Splichal’s Pinot Brasserie at The Venetian, along with a poolside tasting Sept. 24 at AZURE Luxury Pool at The Palazzo.
On Sept. 24, from 7-10 p.m., AZURE Luxury Pool will host a Bordeaux tasting event featuring wineries such as Château de Parenchere, Doyac Haut-Medoc and Château Vieux St. Andre, with cheese bites and a live DJ. Tickets are $29 excluding taxes and fees ($24 excluding taxes and fees for Las Vegas locals and Grazie members) and can be purchased at www.palazzolasvegas.com/festivino or at any Venetian or Palazzo box office.
Independence Celebration: In celebration of Mexican Independence Day, Tacos & Tequila (T&T) will launch “Viva T&T” on Sept. 15. The wacky rendition of Elvis Presley’s “Viva Las Vegas” will showcase an entertaining routine choreographed to DJ Ernan’s mariachi mash-up, starring Sin City’s unique trio -- a mini Mariachi Elvis, the sexy Elissa cast as a modern-day Ann-Margret and the one-and-only human rooster.
In addition, those who dress to impress in their best Elvis costume will receive a complimentary daiquiri on Sept. 15. The best Elvis impersonator will be crowned king, taking home the “Mr. VIVA Elvis” title and $1,000 in cash and prizes.
Chicken Fingers For Charity: Labor Day for Las Vegas residents is a day known for relaxing and the un-official end to summer. While friends and family gather to celebrate, employees at Raising Cane’s Chick Fingers will be at work for a good cause. On Sept. 6, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers will donate 100 percent of its profits from all five locations to Opportunity Village.
The decision to donate all of the profits to Opportunity Village was because there is a tremendous amount of synergy between both organizations. Both Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and Opportunity Village seek to help the Southern Nevada community. Opportunity Village serves people with intellectual disabilities and provides them with vocational training, employment and social recreation services that make their lives more productive and interesting. Additionally, Raising Cane’s Chick Fingers employs some members from the Opportunity Village team.
The five Las Vegas Raising Cane’s Chicken Finger locations will be participating in the fundraising efforts. All locations are open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to midnight, with the exception of the location near UNLV which is open until 1 a.m.
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Food For Thought: Hours have changed for the food and beverage outlets at Aria at CityCenter. American Fish is open for dinner from 5-10:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; Bar Mesa is serving dinner from 5-11 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday; Shaboo is open 5-9:30 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday; Skybox Sports Bar & Grill serves lunch and dinner from noon-midnight Sunday-Thursday and noon-2 a.m. Friday & Saturday; Union Restaurant & Lounge offers dinner 5 -11 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and the Breeze Cafe serves breakfast and lunch Friday-Sunday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m…
Football fanatics will have home-field advantage this season when they go wild for their team at Rockhouse Bar & Nightclub. From first downs to touchdowns, Las Vegas’ only ultra-dive bar is a top spot on the Strip to catch all the football action starting with an “NFL Season Kickoff Party,” Sept. 9…
In celebration of the fourth annual Restaurant Week, Kerry Simon is hosting an event at his newest restaurant, KGB: Kerry’s Gourmet Burgers at Harrah’s from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 1. Guests will be treated to signature samplings of his famous Iron Chef sliders, Captain Crunch milkshake, specialty cocktails, desserts and more. Donations of $20 to benefit Three Square will be collected upon entry.
It’s time to reward all that hard work and celebrate Labor Day. Tacos & Tequila (T&T), the rock ‘n’ roll-inspired Mexican restaurant at Luxor, will extend its happy hour and offer its signature Mariachi Brunch for a weekend of labor-less fun. Locals and tourists alike can enjoy a variety of specially priced libations and tasty tacos Sept. 2-6 from 3-5 p.m…
Rock & Rita’s invites revelers to join the “Great American Party” Labor Day weekend as the restaurant and flair bartending hotspot at Circus Circus will be lining up the tables and passing out pitchers for “Beer Pong-A-Palooza.” Rock & Rita’s will be bustling with pong enthusiasts and new beer pong players alike with “Beer Pong-A-Palooza,” kicking off nightly at 10 p.m. A $30 buy-in will get revelers unlimited draft beer until 2 a.m., plus pair them with a teammate in the nightly tournament. Teams will play until they lose and the final team standing at end of each night be awarded cash and prizes…
Golden Gaming, Inc., will host a grand opening for its newest southwest PT’s Gold tavern location on South Buffalo Drive just off the 215 at West Sunset Road, Sept. 8 from 6-9 p.m.
This PT’s Gold is a new tavern custom built from the ground up to meet the needs of guests. It boasts more than 6,000 square feet of entertainment, dining and gaming space, plus offers an additional outdoor patio. The tavern houses 20 high-definition plasma televisions including a scoreboard-style structure behind the bar with 12 HD televisions. This world-class audio-video system will feature year-round sports and current events viewing. Fifteen gaming machines, two pool tables and seating for more than 200, including a completely separate dining room, round out the list of its casually upscale amenities.
The grand opening culminates months of construction on the property, employing hundreds of construction workers during that time, as well as the three job fairs held in July and August where more than 90 team members were hired, most of whom will be working at this tavern…
Republic Kitchen & Bar, a modern, family friendly American bistro offering home cooking in a stylish setting, has opened in Henderson at Eastern and the 215. The 5,900 square foot restaurant invites guests into a great room-inspired setting, with hard wood floors, a cozy fireplace and a white brick accent wall. Guests looking to grab a quick drink after work are able to head upstairs to The Loft, a comfortable area featuring plush booths, high tables and a wide array of board games to keep everyone entertained. Chef Josh Green serves up a tasty menu blending comfort food with health conscience choices that will leave even the most discerning diner satisfied…
Uno! Dos! Tres! Thursdays at Hussong’s Cantina at The Shoppes at Mandalay Place is the perfect party to kick off the weekend. Comedian Carrot Top will be on hand to launch the weekly event on Sept. 2 as his likeness is added to Hussong’s Charcoal Portrait Wall of Fame. Every Thursday from 7-9 p.m., just three dollars buys locals a combo that includes one taco, one Dos Equis and one Tres Agaves margarita or shot…
Rockhouse Bar & Nightclub knows “Girls Love Football” just as much as their macho counterparts, so this season Vegas’ only ultra-dive bar invites pigskin fanatics one and all to football parties on the Strip. Starting with college ball Sept. 2, Rockhouse invites guys to bring their girlfriends, and ladies not to bring their men, for a good time at Rockhouse’s “Girls Love Football” college kickoff party. Hosted by Budweiser, Rockhouse will get the party started at 3:30 p.m. with the complete lineup of college games shown on 28 high-definition television screens throughout the bar and patio. During game time guests will receive two-for-one Bud Light bottles. And we didn’t forget about the ladies. Beginning at 10:30 p.m., female football lovers, and even those that aren’t, will celebrate their victory -- or drown their sorrows -- with drinks on the house until midnight.
Here And There: Former “Fantasy” and Baywatch star Angelica Bridges has been chosen for the new Las Vegas Lingerie Football League team. Fellow scribe Robin Leach reports that the sexy redheaded Strawberry Blonde singer and dancer has officially “made the cut,” according to executives with the new team. The team will be introduced, along with the unveiling of its official name, on Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 6) at the Thomas & Mack Arena. The halftime Lingerie Bowl special will be played live in Las Vegas and broadcast worldwide…
Veteran Las Vegas publicist Stephanie Heller has been named director of special events & foundation relationship manager Los Angeles of The Giving Back Fund, a national public charity specializing in helping celebrities increase the impact of their charitable giving…Atomic #7, 605 Mall Ring Circle #110 in Henderson, is hosting a fundraiser for the Shelter Pet Rescue Network on Sept. 9 from 4-8 p.m…As a go-to location for spectacular fireworks and more, Primm Valley Casino Resorts is commemorating Labor Day weekend with a fireworks display at dusk on Sept. 4.
Do you have what it takes? Fright Dome is hiring more than 250 positions for the 2010 Halloween season. Interviews will take place Sept. 4-5, 11-12 and 17-18 (4-7 p.m.) All applicants must bring a valid government-issued ID and social security card and must be 18 or older to apply. Created from the mind of hauntrepreneur Jason Egan, Fright Dome at Circus Circus has been horrifying the masses since 2003. Egan’s 12 years in the industry and passion for all things terrifying culminate to make Fright Dome one of the top haunted attractions in the nation…
Travel Web site VEGAS.com celebrates the end of the season by offering Facebook fans the opportunity to win its End of Summer Blowout Sweepstakes through Sept. 7. One grand prize winner will walk away with a trip to Las Vegas for two, which includes round-trip airfare, a three day, two night hotel stay and show tickets. One hundred first prize winners will receive a $50 promotion code valid for use on VEGAS.com. To enter complete the online entry on VEGAS.com…
9 Group and Palms Casino Resort are presenting “Glamorous Vegas” during Labor Day weekend featuring an unparalleled music lineup. Celebrity guest DJs includes DJ Reza, Scotty Boy, Eddie Halliwell, Jordan Stevens, Markus Schulz, Zen Freeman and resident DJs Paul Oakenfold, Z-Trip and ATB. For more info and tickets, visit www.GlamorousVegas.com...
The M Resort Spa Casino is offering iMagine Rewards members a chance to win their share of more than $150,000 in cash prizes. The contest begins Sept.6 and concludes Jan. 2. Open to all iMagine Rewards members, the contest includes $9,000 in weekly cash prizes with $5,000 going to first place, $2,500 to second place and $1,500 to third place. Rewards club members can receive a free weekly entry as well as up to 10 additional entries daily by earning base slot points or rated table play. iMagine Rewards members earning 5,000 base slot points within the past 30 days of the date of their win will receive double prize winnings in free slot play.
Fremont Street Experience has been named one of the “Top 10: Free Things To Do in the United States” by TripAdvisor. Fremont Street Experience is listed alongside other famous U.S. attractions and even a national monument. Also included on the list are the Big Apple Greeter and the Staten Island Ferry in New York, the Pearl Harbor exhibit in Hawaii, the Garden of Gods in Colorado, Samuel Adams Brewery in Massachusetts, the Jelly Belly Factory in California, Hershey’s Chocolate World in Pennsylvania, the St. Louis Zoo in Missouri, and D.C. by Foot in Washington, D.C. TripAdvisor is a Web site that provides recommendations, packages, and guides for travel, vacations, and hotels and resorts. With 15 million members and 35 million reviews and opinions, TripAdvisor attracts nearly 35 million monthly visitors, making it the most popular and largest travel community in the world…
Table Dancing Draws Fine: Caesars Palace has to pay a $250,000 fine for allowing a gambler to dance on a card table during a game. Caesars Palace settled with Nevada regulators who accused the casino of failing to protect the game and its patrons, according to documents.
The high-stakes gambler cavorted on a baccarat table and placed bets while a game was in progress last October. The state gaming control board said Caesars’ security should have stopped him from behaving in such a manner.
During a 45-minute period during high-stakes gambling the patron “climbed onto the baccarat table from his chair, walked on his baccarat table and placed baccarat wagers before returning to stand on his chair and eventually sitting,” the regulators’ complaint read. The unnamed gambler then proceeded to climb back on the table twice more, walking and dancing while up there, the state gaming control board said.
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New Awards For Vegas PBS: Vegas PBS has been recognized for excellence in its programming and green initiatives by Communitas Awards. The awards are an international effort to recognize exceptional businesses, organizations and individuals that are unselfishly giving of themselves and their resources, as well as those that are changing how they do business to benefit their communities.
Vegas PBS was given the award for Leadership in Ethical and Environmental Responsibility in the category of Green Initiatives for its new LEED Gold Certified Vegas PBS Educational Technology Campus. The campus is the “greenest” broadcasting facility in the nation and the only school building in the state of Nevada to have the EPA child recommended air quality. In accordance with Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) guidelines, the building uses all lead-free electronics.
In the category of Excellence in Community Service, Vegas PBS received an award for Leadership in Community Service for its Keeping Kids Fit (KKF) program. The program is a long-term initiative with the aim of reducing the rate of childhood obesity in Southern Nevada. KKF focuses on educating low-income families with children ages 2-12 about the importance of a healthy lifestyle through exercise and nutrition.
The third award, in the Excellence in Community Service category, recognized the Vegas PBS Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) with a Leadership in Organization’s Community Service Award. DCMP provides specialized learning tools and services for Nevada’s students with visual or auditory impairments. Nevada does not have a school solely for these students and Vegas PBS stepped in to create this much needed service.
Dirk Arthur Finds New Home: Get an up-close, in-your-face look at a majestic cast of exotic cats and illusions when magician Dirk Arthur debuts his new show at O’Sheas Casino on Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. Promising fast-paced excitement and illusions, Arthur’s Wild Magic blends comedy, dance, magic and an opportunity to see the awe-inspiring large, exotic cats. Audiences can experience the uncaged animals from as close as 10 feet away and no farther than 40 feet away.
The show will be 60 minutes, seamlessly blending magic sequences with dramatic opportunities to witness a multitude of exotic cats in very close proximity. The assortment of cats varies on a daily basis, making each show a surprise as to which cats will appear. Among them are snow white tigers, Bengal tigers, spotted leopards, black panthers and a rare liger. Arthur’s show also includes an educational video segment detailing his conservation and breeding program, which includes how the cats are raised and cared for by the illusionist himself.
Wild Magic will perform twice nightly at 7 and 9 p.m. in the intimate O’Sheas Theater. The show is dark on Wednesday and Friday. General admission tickets are $22.95 and VIP tickets are also available for $33.95 for reserved stage-side seating. Tickets are exclusive of tax and fees.
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John Lennon Celebration: The Village Lake Las Vegas is hosting a John Lennon Celebration Weekend Oct. 1-2 in honor of what would have been his 70th birthday. Beginning Oct. 1, guests can enjoy a free lakeside concert with hits from Beatles tribute band The Fab from 7-10 p.m. On Oct. 2 at 7 p.m., guests can get a preview of “Nowhere Boy,” the feature film about Lennon’s early life that is set for national release Oct. 8.
Following the screening, starting at 9 p.m. there will be a concert lakeside by Lennon’s original band-mates The Quarrymen -- the band that became the Beatles. The weekend’s events are free. The Children’s Heart Foundation will be on-site collecting new small toys; a donation is not required but would be appreciated.
Aston MonteLago Village Resort and the Loews Lake Las Vegas are offering a VIP package for the weekend. Guests can enjoy a one-night-stay at either Resort on Oct. 2, VIP seating for the screening and the lakeside concert from The Quarrymen, VIP meet-and-greet passes after the show to include two free drinks and a chance to enter to win an autographed guitar from The Quarrymen. Package starts at $162.
VIP seating and meet-and-greet passes are only available through the purchase of the package from Aston MonteLago Village Resort or the Loews Lake Las Vegas. For more information, visit www.thevillagellv.com or call the Aston at 702-564-4700 or the Loews at 702-567-6000 to make package reservations…
Golden Tavern Group, operators of Sierra Gold, PT’s Pub, PT’s Place and PT’s Gold have announced their upcoming tavern promotions and events for September. $35,000 Football Fever -- Join them all month for this free football contest at all PT’s & Sierra Golds. They’re giving away $1,000 every week to one winner, plus other weekly prizes. The end-of-season top scorer will win $5,000. $10,000 Football Cash Kickoff -- Through Sept. 27 at all PT’s & Sierra Golds, they’re giving away $2,500 each week, five $500 winners. You earn one entry for every 10 points earned Thursdays through Mondays during game time.
Bodybuilding Event Scheduled: Olympia Weekend, the most prestigious event in the world of bodybuilding, returns to the Orleans Arena, Sept. 24-25. Its fifth consecutive year at the Orleans Arena, Mr. Olympia is an annual bodybuilding competition held by the International Federation of BodyBuilders Professional League (IFBB ProLeague). Winning this event is considered the highest accolade in the professional bodybuilding field.
Three-time and current Mr. Olympia and Las Vegan Jay Cutler will compete to defend his title. The world’s best bodybuilders, including Phil Heath, Kai Greene, Dexter Jackson and Branch Warren will work to take the champ’s title.
The parallel contest, Ms. Olympia, will feature Ms. Olympia Iris Kyle, Fitness Olympia Adela Garcia and Figure Olympia Nicole Wilkins Lee, who will all return to defend their titles. The Olympia Weekend is bringing even more beautiful women to the stage by inaugurating the new Bikini Olympia division.
Bypass Bridge Almost Done: The Hoover Dam bypass bridge, more than five years after work began, is nearly complete and drivers will likely begin crossing the span in November. When the bridge opens, motorists traveling between Phoenix and Las Vegas will save an average of 17 minutes on their journey and potentially hours under the worst conditions. Truckers will be spared lengthy detours. All travelers will be treated to breathtaking views.
The Federal Highway Administration has not picked an exact opening date for the
$114 million span, officially named the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial
Bridge. At a recent preview to showcase the completion of the bridge deck, officials announced an opening gala on Oct. 16. A federal spokeswoman said the bridge will open in early November.
Workers are finishing the last details on the bridge as well as the highway connections and access paths for walkers, gawkers and bicyclists. The work includes installing a pedestrian railing, building a parking lot for visitors, and adding lighting, striping and crash barriers to the approach roads.
Visitors can expect a feast for the eyes. At approximately 890 feet above the Colorado River, the bridge is unofficially the second-highest in the United States and the 14th in the world, according to highestbridges.com, a Web site devoted to the most extreme spans on the planet. The Hoover bypass bridge is also the highest arched span in the Western Hemisphere, with dizzying views of Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and the sheer Black Canyon gorge.
Thousands of tourists will likely stop at the bridge every year. But bungee jumpers won’t be allowed, said Bob McKenzie, a spokesman at the Nevada Department of Transportation, which will oversee the daily operation of the bridge.The original completion date was delayed by two years. Wind gusts toppled rigging, another accident killed a worker, and construction was complicated by
high winds and heat and building on sheer rock faces.
The bridge is part of an overall $240 million bypass project, which includes new, gently curving and sloping highways on both sides of the gorge. The Federal Highway Administration says the work will finish within budget. The work is intended to eliminate sometimes long traffic delays over the Depression-era Hoover Dam caused by a steep, tightly winding single-lane road that passes over one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. The new bridge will also allow freight trucks to take a more direct route to Las Vegas.
After the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, trucks were detoured 70 miles downriver. After the new bridge opens, the existing Arizona approach to Hoover Dam will close to the public. That means motorists won’t have to wait at a Homeland Security Department checkpoint, which will shave more minutes off their trip. But it also means tourists can reach the dam only from the Nevada end.
In related work, during the first half of this year, the Arizona Department of Transportation blasted with dynamite through rugged terrain south of the federal project. ADOT plans to open 15 miles of new four-lane divided highway leading to the bypass in time for the bridge opening, replacing a stretch of two-lane road. The $71 million project features Arizona’s first overpass designed to help bighorn sheep move safely between habitat bisected by a major road. ADOT says that the work is ahead of schedule and that the new road will be ready for traffic by November.
The work is part of ADOT's ultimate goal of converting all of U.S. 93 from Wickenburg to the Colorado River into a four-lane, divided highway. Powerful interests in Arizona, Nevada and California have been lining up to designate the steadily improving route a future Interstate 11 as part of a goal to create a major north-south trade corridor that would boost the region's
economies.
Landowners, developers, regional governments, transportation departments and lawmakers have been drumming up support in Congress to study the route and spend millions on an environmental study.
City Offers New Exhibitions: The city of Las Vegas plans to open two art exhibitions this month -- the first in the West Las Vegas Arts Center Sept. 14 with works by self-taught artist Terry Hargraves and the next in the Charleston Heights Arts Center Sept. 17 with digital images created by Shaurya Kuma. Both are free exhibits.
“Masterworks: Visualizations of Binary Degradation,” by Delhi, India, native Kumar will be exhibited Sept. 17 through Nov. 27 at 800 S. Brush St. The Charleston Heights Arts Center is open Tuesday through Friday, 12:30-8:30 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 702-229-1012 for more information.
The works of Hargraves will be featured at the West Las Vegas Arts Center Gallery Sept. 14 through Nov. 13. The public is invited to meet the artist during a free reception on Sept. 18, at 2 p.m. at the gallery. Gallery hours for “Terry’s Works of Art” are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday at 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd. Both arts centers are closed Sundays, Mondays and holidays. Call (702) 229-4800 for more information.
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Hospital Offers Free Classes: Sunrise Hospital is holding free classes throughout September with the initial one dealing with diabetes on Sept. 7 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at 3186 Maryland Parkway. Reservations are required. Call 702-233-5300. Learn about the different types of medication therapy available to people living with diabetes. A second class on diabetes is Sept. 14 to learn about the dietary needs of diabetics and the benefits of diet and exercise.
Communicating with Your Physician is the subject of anther Sept. 14 class from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at 3061 Maryland Parkway. RSVP Required. Call 702-233-5300. Presented by Terri Gurevich, Certified LPN and Jill Paulson, physician services representative from Nathan Adelson Hospice.
Personal Health Awareness - Nutrition is the subject of the Sept. 21 class at 3061 Maryland Parkway from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. RSVP Required. Call 702-233-5300. Learn the importance of proper nutrition including how to properly measure your food to make sure your nutrition needs are being met.
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Send an email to Frank or call his office at 702-210-9721. We welcome your thoughts, comments or suggestions.
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