Archive for the ‘Caroline’ Category

The luck o’the Irish is making its way to Vegas for St. Patrick’s Day 2010. Here are some of the events going on to celebrate the greenest holiday of the year.

RockHouse Bar & Nightclub
Beerfest 2010
Come dressed wearing something green and get free entry before 10 p.m. Drink specials include two-for-one Budweiser St. Patrick’s Day commemorative aluminum green beers, green daiquiris and Rockhouse’s signature 80-ounce souvenir guitars filled with a choice of frozen daiquiri or beer for $38. If that doesn’t satisfy your thirst, Rockhouse is also offering $5 Patron shots and $5 Jager car bombs. Rockhouse is located in front of Imperial Palace.

McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon at Rio
St. Patty’s Day Shenanugans
This party is March 13 – 17 and features green beer, festive drink specials and live entertainment. March 13 is St. Practice Day where you can ready your liver for days of drinking with music group the Celtic Rockers who’ll hit the stage at 9 p.m. March 14 is Bloody Sunday featuring U2 cover band Vegas U2 starting at 9 p.m. March 15 is Celtic Monday featuring Finnegan’s Wake starting at 9 p.m. March 16 is Lift Up Your Kilt Karaoke with Darby O’Gill & The Little people at 9 p.m. On March 17, the festivities kick off with Kegs & Eggs from 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. for $20. The day will also include a build-your-own green bikini contest for a $1,000 cash prize and live entertainment throughout the day.

McMullan’s Irish Pub
This pub is celebrating with festivities March 12 – 14 and 17. On March 12 – 13 the pub will host live music from 6 p.m to 12:30 a.m. On March 14 the live entertainment will be from 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. On March 17 the party starts inside with live music from 1 p.m. – 1 a.m. including the Pog Mo Thoin Bagpipers. Darby O’Gill & The Little People and The Greenland Whalefishers will be performing outside during the day.

J.C. Whooloughan Pub at Rampart Casino
This party starts March 12 and goes through March 17. Irish Happy Hour runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. March 12 – 13 and 15 – 16 featuring pints of Guinness, Harp and Smithwick’s for $3. Get your gig on with Irish band the Wild Celts who will perform from 8 p.m. to midnight March 12 – 13. Thompson/O’Keefe will perform on March 16. There is no cover.

On March 14 the bar hosts a traditional Irish brunch and Seisiún from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $25 a person and children 10 and under are $15. Entertainment will be provided by Martin Percival School of Irish Dance and John Windsor. Reservations can be made by calling (702) 869-7725.

On St. Patrick’s Day the party starts at 10 a.m. with a smorgasbord of food and libation including a traditional steamship of Corned Beef Carvery served at 11 a.m. and available throughout the day. Entertainment starts at noon with John Windsor, Acoustic Soul and Thompson/O’Keefe providing continuous music throughout the day.

At 3 p.m. The Backyard opens with live entertainment by Tartanic starting at 4 p.m. Their high-energy show features large drums and bagpipes. The Wild Celts will perform at 9 p.m. until the wee morning hours. The cover charge on March 17 is $20 and it starts at 1 p.m. It allows guests access to both the pub and the outdoor venue. Tickets can be reserved by calling (702) 869-7725

Henderson St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival
Now in its 44th year, this annual celebration, hosted by the City of Henderson and the Sons of Erin, will run from March 11 – 14 in the Henderson Events Plaza on 200 S. Water Street in the Water Street District.

This family-friendly event features a parade, carnival, car show, live entertainment and more. Admission is free. Carnival hours are: 5 – 10 p.m. March 11 – 12; noon – 10 p.m. March 13; 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. March 14.
The main event and parade will be on March 13 at 10 a.m. It will include more than 100 festive floats, Celtic dancers, bagpipers and marching bands that will travel the mile-long route on Water Street from Ocean Avenue to Victory Road. The theme this year is “Rainbow & Pot of Gold.” After the parade, guests can enjoy live entertainment and the carnival, which will run from noon to 10 p.m. A car show will start at noon.

More Parties
Other places to find St. Patricks Day parties in Vegas include: Nine Fine Irish Men at New York-New York, O’Sheas’ Casino, Fremont Street Experience, Hennessey’s Tavern on Fremont Street and Crown & Anchor  near UNLV.

Dinning Specials
To get a real taste of the Irish, here are some not-to-be-missed dining specials.

Snap at Eastside Cannery will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 with a special three-course menu for $14.99 featuring traditional Irish favorites including beef brisket, Irish stew and Irish cream cheesecake with Irish Mist whipped cream.

Promenade Café at Rampart Casino will offer a special three-course St. Patrick’s Day menu on March 17 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $6.99 and dinner will be served from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. for $7.99. The menu will feature traditional Irish dishes including tender corned beef brisket, shepherd’s pie skillet and Bailey’s Irish Cream cheesecake with Irish Mist whipped cream.

Rampart Buffet will also feature a special Irish menu on March 17 from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. for $7.99 for lunch and $9.99 for dinner. The menu will feature traditional Irish dishes including bangers and mash, cottage chicken and mushrooms, champ and crispy onions, beef shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, Limerick sausage roll, honey mustard ham, rhubarb pie and spice cake.

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Cleopatra’s Barge at Caesars Palace is getting a new face, international pop sensation Matt Goss. Rest assured he’s not going to be replacing the prominent gold Cleopatra figurehead that guests walk under while passing the bar, but he is going to be the new lounge act starting March 12.

Matt Goss performs at the announcement of his new show at Cleopatra's Barge in Caesars Palace.

 “This production will add another exciting entertainment dimension to Caesars Palace and revive the Las Vegas tradition of presenting major recording artists in the city’s most popular late-night venues. I can imagine that Frank Sinatra is looking down from heaven smiling, as we make this announcement,” said Caesar Palace President Gary Selesner at a press conference on Jan. 28.

He along with show producer Robin Antin, creator of the Pussy Cat Dolls, made the announcement.

Afterwards media and other invited guests, along with a crowd of on-lookers, were treated to a preview of “Matt Goss Live from Caesars Palace produced by Robin Antin.” Goss, his 9-piece band, three sexy dancers branded “The Dirty Virgins” and two back-up singers performed several songs including “Luck Be A Lady” and an original called “Evil.”

Cleopatra’s Barge has been a Caesars Palace staple since it opened in August of 1970. Over the years it has gone from hip lounge to nightclub to just another casino bar amidst various others located in the expansive hotel. But now with Goss’ presence the bar is back in the spotlight.

At the conference Goss said that he thinks the new show will make Cleopatra’s Barge the next ”must-see destination point” in Vegas. 

To better accommodate the new show Selesner said that they are going to make the bar “a little less Egyptian and a little more contemporary to match Matt’s personality.”

Before the show opens the bar will be refurbished with new red curtains, carpet, furniture and other adjustments to recreate a vintage Vegas feel with maitre d’ seating, tableside cocktail service and specialty cocktails.  

On Friday and Saturday evenings when Goss performs the bar will be called The Gossy Room at Cleopatra’s Barge to let people know that the iconic venue has a new headliner. Previously Goss performed a limited-time engagement show at the Palms. His new show will be at 10 p.m.

While some people in Vegas might not be familiar with Goss, in other parts of the world he’s a well known entertainer. He rose to fame as a member for the ’80s pop group Bros. The group had more than a decade of success and sold more than 17 million records worldwide. In 2005 Goss released an autobiography that achieved “Best Seller” status in the “London Sunday Times.” He went on to focus on songwriting and penned the theme song for the No. 1 Fox program “So You Think You Can Dance.” He also wrote the hit song “Change Me” for Keri Hilson and Akon. When he’s not performing Goss is working on his next studio album.

Click here to see a video of Goss’s performance from the press conference:

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You won’t find sequins or feathers at these dance revues. What you will see are hard-bodied hunks wearing thongs and knee pads. As much as showgirls have become an icon in Vegas, performers in all-male revues are also a mainstay on the Las Vegas Strip.

Since 2002, “Chippendales” and “Thunder From Down Under” have called Vegas home, paving the way for other all-male revues including “Men of X” and “American Storm.”

“If that six-pack starts slipping to a four-pack, if you start losing those abs, people notice.” James Wilcox, Chippendales dancer

Dancing for crowds of screaming women, tearing off a white tank top and maintaining a muscular physique probably doesn’t sound like a job. But in the case of a male dancer, it’s all in a day’s work.

For James Wilcox transitioning from teaching health and physiology classes at Johns Hopkins Medical School to joining “Chippendales” was all part of the plan.

Performing in the show was on Wilcox’s bucket list. During a layover in Vegas, he finally decided to see what “Chippendales” at the Rio was all about. Despite his desire to be in the show he said he expected to see a bunch of “cheesy strippers.”

“By the end of the opening number I was blown away… I knew at that point that I wasn’t going to be a teacher for too much longer. Then I just had to figure out how to get hired because I had no dance background and I didn’t know exactly what they were looking for,” said Wilcox.

With five and a half years of working as a Naval Officer under his belt and his experience as a personal trainer, the fitness part came easy. Even the stripping aspect of the show wasn’t a challenge for him.

“I’ve always been very comfortable with my body. While I was personal training and teaching at Johns Hopkins I was a body builder. Standing in front of large crowds wearing very little is something that I had learned to not only not be embarrassed or shy about, but to actually enjoy and feed off of,” said Wilcox.

Despite having the right physique, it took Wilcox about a year and a half to get hired as a Chippendale, during which time he took dance classes. He was the only performer hired for the Las Vegas cast over a three-year period.

“That speaks partly to the quality of the performers and the scrutiny that anyone who makes it in the Las Vegas show should expect to go through,” said Wilcox.

Other requirements for every lead Chippendale in the Vegas show are a height of more than six feet tall, a perfect smile, dance ability and a visible six pack.

“If that six-pack starts slipping to a four-pack, if you start losing those abs, people notice. We hang out seven nights a week. You get to know each other very well, and you’ll notice if somebody is not doing their part to stay in top physical condition,” said Wilcox.

Being a Chippendale means more to him than just performing on stage. Through the show he also gets to work with local charities including five different events that he did during the summer.

“I never would have thought I’d say this, but all the jobs I’ve had, I’d say just short of the military, this is the job that I feel like I’ve been able to contribute the most to my community or the country on the whole, and that always feels good,” said Wilcox.

While Wilcox is married, he explained that for single Chippendales one of the main job perks is meeting women after the show in the Flirt Lounge and “other destination points.”

“I personally don’t know too much about that, but we do hear the stories,” said Wilcox.

Matthew Fardell who’s been in “Thunder From Down Under” for the past 10 years, described performing as a male dancer as a “dream job.”

“I come from a small country town of 500 people, so it wasn’t the obvious step.” Matt Fardell, Thunder from Down Under dancer

“You get to travel to 14 different countries and see the world with a bunch of different guys and live by your own rules” said Fardell.

He performed with the touring cast before joining the first “Thunder From Down Under” cast in Vegas seven years ago, which eventually moved to its current home at the Excalibur.

Prior to that, he was working towards his master’s degree in physical science and had a job at a fitness center. One of the performers from “ManPower,” as the show was called in Australia, came into the gym for a short-term membership and asked Fardell if he was interested in being in the show. It wasn’t something he had ever considered before, but with the show’s good reputation in Australia he decided to give it a shot and sent in some photos. Two weeks later he was interviewing with the show’s owner. Fardell was always into fitness so having the right body for the job came naturally.

“Dancing was the hardest part for me and getting used to taking your clothes off on stage in front of a whole bunch of people is, ah, I come from a small country town of 500 people, so it wasn’t the obvious step,” said Fardell.

Aside from learning the dance routines and staying in shape, Fardell explained that having a sense of humor is an important part of being in the show.

“We’re not a bump and grind show where we’re all serious about ourselves. There’s a lot of choreography and a lot of jokes. Our emcee is hilarious. It’s just a good fun night,” said Fardell.

Personality is a big factor when auditioning new talent, all of which is done in Australia. A guy can have a great body and be a talented dancer but if they aren’t good with the public then they can’t be in the show.

“Frankly, we’re looking for guys that aren’t d—heads. That’s the number one criteria. You have to be able to mix easily with people of all ages and backgrounds,” said Fardell.

The interactive element of all-male revues is something that only male dancers have to deal with, explained producer Angela Stabile. She used to dance in “Crazy Girls” and has created both all-female and all-male revues with her husband, including “X Burlesque” at Flamingo and “Men of X” at Hooters. In “Men of X” the performers go into the audience to say hello to and dance with women in the crowd.

“[The customers] actually touch their chest and that never happens with the girls. It’s definitely a double standard,” said Stabile.

In “American Storm” at V Theater at Planet Hollywood, men have to pass a psychological interview as part of the audition process, explained performer Tony Cress. This is to determine why guys want to be in the show and if they can handle interacting with women in the audience.

Cress became a member of “American Storm” through the reality television show “StripSearch” on VH1. Before that, he was working as a bartender and personal trainer in Chicago. Not only did he have to
get comfortable with removing his clothes in front of  a crowd, he had to do it with a film crew following his every move.

“You basically have to learn to lose most of your inhibitions and not be shy at all, which I kind of am. I’m kind of shy as a person anyway and to go the opposite spectrum it was hard,” said Cress.

His twin brother also performs in the show and helped him overcome his apprehensions about performing while wearing a costume that leaves little to the imagination.

“You play it off like you are used to it, but still in the back of your mind you’re like, ‘I’m naked in front of these people and they expect me to do something cool,’” said Cress.

He explained that being prepared for any unplanned scenarios that might happen during the show, like a woman throwing her panties on stage or flashing the dancers is all part of being a performer.

“You can’t break character if someone comes up and pulls your pants down. You just pull them back up, start smiling, laughing and continue on,” said Cress.

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Today, media and other invited guests got a sneak peek of Cirque du Soleil’s much anticipated show “Viva Elvis.” The press conference and preview were part of the events leading up to the grand opening of Aria Resort & Casino on Dec. 16.

“I think Elvis would be very pleased to know that he’s back in Vegas again in the way that he should be presented,” said Priscilla Presley at the press conference.

Some of the songs included in the preview were “Blue Suede Shoes,” “All Shook Up” and “Loving You (Got a Lotta Living to Do).” Each act portrayed Cirque’s interpretation of the King conveyed through singers, dancers, gymnasts, acrobats and a live band. Guests had a chance to see some incredible performers and exclusive footage of Elvis displayed on large screens that acted as a backdrop for the show.

Alan Feldman, senior vice president of public affairs for MGM Mirage; Robert F.X. Sillerman, chairman and CEO of CKX, Inc. the parent company of Elvis Presley Enterprises; Guy Laliberté, artistic director and founder of Cirque du Soleil and Vincent Paterson, writer and director for “Viva Elvis” were also present at the conference.  

“Unfortunately some people think that Elvis passed away … his performance career in Las Vegas ended until tomorrow. Elvis is back home where Elvis Presley really belongs,” said Sillerman.

He explained that not only is the show both a memorial to Elvis and an educational piece about him but it’s also, “a look at the future of what this wonderful talent has to offer.”

“What we’re all participating in… is in fact merely a continuation of the man who really started big entertainment in Las Vegas,” said Sillerman.

Preview performances for the show start Dec. 18. The show will officially open on Feb. 19.

Here are some photos from the show.

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Whether you’re looking to party with the stars or get your drink on in a swingin’ bar, New Year’s Eve in Vegas never falls short of spectacular.

Special celebrity guests from Black Eyed Peas to Cristina Aguilera and Mix Master Mike from Beastie Boys will all be on hand to host a night of outrageous partyting at various nightclubs on the Las Vegas Strip. The John Mayer Trio will help fans ring in the New Year with a performance at Hard Rock Hotel.

Here’s a list of New Year’s Eve parties that are sure to get you off to a good start for 2010:

PURE
Where: Caesars Palace
When: Doors open at
9 p.m. on Dec. 31
Price: $175 and up
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with rap royalty at Pure Nightclub inside Caesars Palace. Multiplatinum rap artist 50 Cent will host a night of non-stop revelry. World-renowned DJ Marshal Barnes will also spin throughout the evening, making this one party that you will not want to miss.

LAX
Where: Luxor
When: Doors open at 9 p.m. Dec. 31
Price: $200 and up
Grammy Award-winning music group Black Eyed Peas will help guests celebrate the New Year at LAX inside Luxor. Known for their recent party anthem hits, “I Gotta Feeling” and “Boom, Boom, Pow,” Black Eyed Peas are sure to make this New Year’s Eve celebration a night for the history books.

Coyote Ugly
Where: New York-New York
When: Doors open at 9 p.m. on Dec. 31
Price: $40 and up
If you are looking for a wild party atmosphere to ring in 2010 that’s more laid back than one of the high profile nightclubs, Coyote Ugly at New York-New York is the place to be. Sexy bartenders who dance on the bar will make this a New Year’s Eve celebration to write home about.

Christian Audigier The Nightclub
Where: Treasure Island
When: Doors open at 9 p.m. on Dec. 31
Price: $50 and up
Rapper Shwayze will have guests “Buzzin” for New Year’s Eve at Christian Audigier The Nightclub. Guests can ring in 2010 in style with a special celebration hosted by the chart-topping performer.

VooDoo Lounge
Where: Rio
When: Doors open at 7 p.m. on Dec. 31
Price: $50 and up
This New Year’s Eve, party under the stars with a view of the Strip. Located 51 stories atop the Rio hotel, VooDoo Lounge features live DJs and a dance floor on the outside patio, as well as a place to party inside where flair bartenders are always ready with your next drink.

Carnaval Court
Where: Harrah’s
When: Doors open at noon on Dec. 31
Price: $33 and up, includes one free drink
Carnaval Court at Harrah’s delivers the Strip experience one expects — a colorful flurry of sound, light and motion — and New Year’s Eve will be no exception. Get ready to count down to 2010 with a DJ and live bands. An ’80s cover band, The Spazmatics, will be performing in the afternoon and The Crashers will be performing in the evening. A DJ will keep the party going all night long, spinning between each act. Doors open at noon and the party keeps going into the night.

Tao Nightclub
Where: Venetian
When: Doors open at 9 p.m. on Dec. 31
Price: $150 and up
Grammy Award-winning diva Cristina Aguilera hosts New Year’s Eve 2009 at Tao Nightclub. Party in one of the city’s most notorious nightclubs with an open bar and passed hors d’oeuvres from 9 to 11p.m. and a champagne toast at midnight. After midnight, guests can present their Tao New Year’s Eve ticket stub at Lavo Nightclub in the Palazzo for complimentary admission.

Lavo Nightclub
Where: Palazzo
When: Doors open at 9 p.m. on Dec. 31
Price: $150 and up
Nicole Richie hosts and Joel Madden spins for one rockin’ New Year’s Eve party at Lavo Nightclub. Along with the celebrity host and DJ, this party features open bar and passed hors d’oeuvres from 9 to 11 p.m. and a champagne toast at midnight. After midnight, guests can present their Lavo New Year’s Eve ticket stub at Tao Nightclub in the Venetian for complimentary admission.

I-bar
Where: Rio
When: Doors open at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31
Price: $300 and up
Body-shakin’ beats, beautiful bartenders and a view of all the action on the casino floor make this New Year’s celebration perfect for toasting 2010. The New Year’s Eve packages include a VIP table, bottle service, party favors and more.

Risqué
Where: Paris Las Vegas
When: Doors open at 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 31
Price: $75 and up
Risqué hosts The Affair for New Year’s Eve, featuring special guests DJs, different party atmospheres and private patios with a view of the Bellagio fountains.

Rockhouse Bar & Nightclub
Where: In front of Imperial Palace
When: Doors open at 8 p.m.
Price: $50 and up
Rockhouse Bar & Nightclub (above), the Strip’s only ultra dive bar, hosts #@CK 2009 New Year’s Eve Party. Maybe your year wasn’t so hot — all the more reason to party all night long. Presented by Absolut Vodka, this celebration features live DJs, drink specials and a street-level view of all the New Year’s Eve action on the Strip.

Eve
Where: The Crystals at City Center
When: Doors open at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31
Price: $150 and up
Beautiful model and actress Eva Longoria Parker (pictured right) hosts a grand opening celebration and New Year’s Eve party at Eve The Nightclub located at City Center inside the swanky-yet-accessible Crystals shopping complex. Longoria Parker will lead revelers in a countdown and champagne toast to ring in 2010. The evening will also feature an array of signature hors d’oeuvres from Beso restaurant, as well as an open bar from 8 to 11 p.m.

Cathouse
Where: Luxor
When: Doors open at 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 31
Price: $50 and up
Decked out like a 19th century French bordello, Cathouse offers a sexy party atmosphere for New Year’s Eve. Sultry female dancers in lingerie are sure to inspire a toast to the good life when midnight rolls around.

First Food & Bar
Where: Palazzo
When: Doors open at 10 p.m. on Dec. 31
Price: $150 and up
A cool vibe, delicious food and signature drinks like the “adult” snow cone make First Food and Bar a prime party spot to gather with friends and ring in the New Year. This party features a special celebrity guest DJ, an open bar and selections of Chef Sam DeMarco’s Greatest Hits of shareable culinary delights.

Blush
Where: Wynn
When: Doors open at 9 p.m. on Dec. 31
Price: $75 and up
One of the city’s premiere boutique nightclubs, Blush, hosts High Society 2010: An Upscale New Year’s Eve with an open bar from 9 to 11 p.m. and a champagne toast at midnight.

Hard Rock Café
Where: On the Strip
When: Doors open at 9 p.m. on Dec. 31
Price: $83 and up
Ring in 2010 at Hard Rock Cafe with two of hip-hop’s most prestigious DJs, Mix Master Mike of Beastie Boys and DJ Muggs, founding member and DJ of Cypress Hill. Situated right on the Strip, this newly opened hot spot offers a prime spot to party with a view of all the revelers on the street below.

John Mayer Trio
Where:Hard Rock Hotel
When: Show starts at 9 p.m. on Dec. 31
Price: $156.50 and up
Ring in the New Year with Grammy Award-winning artist John Mayer and his blues-rock band, John Mayer Trio. The band is comprised of Mayer on lead vocals and guitar, Pino Palladino on bass and Steve Jordan on drums.

Maroon 5
Where:Palms
When: Show starts at 11 p.m. on Dec. 31
Price: $125 and up
Rock your way into the New Year with a live performance by Maroon 5. Known for mega hits including “Harder to Breathe,” “This Love” and “Wake Up Call” Maroon 5 is sure to end your year on a high note.

Fireworks on the Strip
When midnight strikes you’ll want to have a good spot to watch the fireworks being launched from the rooftops of seven different hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. MGM Grand, Planet Hollywood, Aria, Caesars Palace, Treasure Island, Venetian and Stratosphere will all participate in the $550,000 display. For the best spot to watch, head to the Strip or choose a venue with a view. The Strip closes to all traffic around 6 p.m.

Fremont Street Experience Counts Down to 2010
Fremont Street Experience, home to 10 legendary casinos, will also offer an outrageous party scene to celebrate the New Year. Partiers can ring in 2010 with tribute bands and midnight fireworks under the Viva Vision canopy with Fremont Street Experience’s 2nd Annual TributePalooza. Eight tribute bands performing classic songs from Aerosmith, Depeche Mode, Guns N’ Roses, INXS, Led Zeppelin, No Doubt, U2 and Van Halen will keep this party rockin’ all night long. Entertainment will start at 6 p.m. from bands perfoming on two different stages. Along with live music, this party features a light and sound spectacular on the Viva Vision screen located 90 feet above the street. Tickets start at $20.

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From left: Tony and Ferdinand Fercos with their white Siberian tiger

With one blond and one brunet, brothers Tony and Ferdinand Fercos might look like another iconic magic duo who also work with white tigers, but they’re different from Siegfried and Roy.

It’s like the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, they both play music and have long hair but they have different styles, said Ferdinand Fercos.

During the Fercos Brothers’ 90-minute show called “Untamed Illusions” at Planet Hollywood they amaze audiences with awe-inspiring illusions, dancers, specialty acts and exotic cats. One of the specialty acts is Tony Fercos, who was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records for being able to juggle seven ping pong balls in his mouth. Their limited–time engagement runs from Dec. 22 - Jan. 3.

Originally from Czechoslovakia, The Fercos Brothers are sixth generation performers and have been involved in show business since they were 5 years old. They started their entertainment careers as jugglers and later, a high-flying acrobatic act called “The Flying Fercos,” which included their mother, father and three sisters.

Their award-winning show brought them to Vegas in 1973. In 1979 the brothers incorporated lions and tigers into the show with the help of their father. Around that same time they were noticed by Frederic Apcar, senior producer of Casino de Paris at Dunes. The magic duo worked there until the Dunes closed in 1993. Afterwards, the Fercos brothers took their act on the road and have performed to audiences across the globe.

While some people might not think adding a 500-pound white Siberian tiger to their show is a good idea Fercos said that training an exotic cat is similar to training a dog. It takes time and a lot of patience.

“You have to understand that each animal has a different personality,” said Fercos. “We respect them and they respect us. We have a mutual agreement.”

The brothers start working with the cats when they are young. Right now they have a two-and-a-half month-old baby tiger that stays in the house. Fercos explained that once the cats get to be around five months old they get new teeth and start biting the furniture. At that time the cats are moved to one of the caged areas on their 5-acre compound in Vegas. Fercos walks the cats twice a day to prevent them from feeling confined.

He and his brother have lived with their animals in Vegas for 35 years. Along with the baby tiger, their place is home to two black panthers, a bengal tiger, three white tigers and one lion. Their home is also a breeding ground for these endangered species. So far they have bred a black panther and two tigers.

The cats are trained using positive reinforcement for good behavior. Ferdinand explained that he hand-feeds the cats meat as a reward, and has the marks to prove it.  

Ferdinand Fercos

“Sometimes my hand doesn’t open fast enough. When they are in their teenage years which is about one to one and-a-half years old, that’s when they like to get more of your hand,” said Fercos.

Through their work with animals they don’t just perform illusions. They also try to educate their audience about endangered species and the importance of helping to conserve them.

“It’s not just doing tricks like it’s a circus with our animals… We get them when they are small babies. They are with us until the end,” said Fercos.

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The Great Santa Run

The start of December means more than just cooler weather. The rodeo is in town. Cowboy hats, Wrangler jeans and boots abound as guests roll in for the National Finals Rodeo Dec. 3 – 12 at Thomas & Mack Center. With the NFR comes a jam-packed line-up of entertainment including Brooks and Dunn, Bill Engvall and Willie Nelson.

Cowboys aren’t the only ones flocking to Vegas this weekend. On Dec. 5 the city will host the 5th Annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run.

Events

Spruce up your spurs for National Finals Rodeo

The world’s premier rodeo kicks up some dirt once again in Las Vegas. The National Finals Rodeo features the cream of the crop in rodeo competitions. This event takes place Dec. 3 – 12 at Thomas & Mack. Event times vary.

Run Santa, Run: Race will help charity

Put on your running shoes for the 5th Annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run on Dec. 5 to raise money for Opportunity Village and break the Guinness World Record for largest Santa gathering.

Festivities take place at Town Square with check in at 8 a.m. and the 5k run/walk at 10 a.m. There is also a 1-mile walk around Town Square. Walkers, runners and other guests can sign a book to be counted for the world record attempt.

An all-ages event, people are encouraged to bring children, and strollers are welcome. Registration is $35 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under. Day of is $45. Fee includes a five-piece Santa suit, race bib and gifts from various Vegas vendors including a ticket to the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village.

Dining

In Vegas, seven fishes are better than one

Get a taste of Italian culture with the Feast of Seven Fishes at Nove Italiano as Executive Chef Geno Bernardo brings a southern Italian Christmas Eve tradition to guests in Vegas by adding seven new seafood items to the menu. Available only in December, items include baked clams oreganata, stuffed calamari, olive oil poached big eye tuna, marinated fresh sardines and raspberry point oysters.

Nightlife

Andrew Dice Clay shakes things up at the Riviera

Jazz up your Friday night at Sam’s Town
Unwind from the work week with Free Jazz Fridays from 7 to 10 p.m. at Sam’s Town through Jan 29, 2010. Enjoy the smooth sounds of various jazz performers including Paris Red, Velvet Sundae and Bobby C and the Windy City Band.

Frankie’s Tiki Room has a 1st birtday party

Frankie’s Tiki Room, celebrates its first anniversary on Dec. 5 with tiki artists, live music by DJ Rex Dart of the Bargain DJ collective and the unveiling of a new limited-edition High Roller tiki mug. Frankie’s, 1712 W. Charleston Blvd., is open 24 hours a day, every day.

Special country music guests at LAX

Best known for their single “Wild at Heart,”American country music group Gloriana get the party going on Dec. 4 at LAX Nightclub at Luxor. The country music hits keep coming with special guests Love and Theft on Dec. 5. The group made its chart debut in early 2009 with the single “Runaway.”

Penthouse potentials compete for photo shoot

Join Penthouse Pet Taya Parker at Pure Nightclub at Caesars Palace on Dec. 5 for a chance to win a photo shoot and appearance in “Penthouse” magazine. Doors open at 10 p.m.

Shows

Bill Engvall is performing at Treasure Island

Legends in Concert at Harrah’s puts on a special holiday show through Dec. 30. The show features the usual line-up of impersonators, but each will add a popular holiday song to their performance at 7:30 and 10 p.m. Thu. – Tue. (6:30 p.m. on select days).

A little bit country and a little bit rock ’n’ roll

Blue collar comedy funny man Bill Engvall entertains audiences Dec. 3 – 4 at 9 p.m. at Treasure Island.

Country music group Lonestar performs their hits in their 10 p.m. show at Golden Nugget on Dec. 3.

Country comedian Rodney Carrington leaves audiences in stitches at 10 p.m. at MGM Grand Dec. 3 – 12.

See America’s most controversial comic, Andrew Dice Clay, at the Riviera at 10 p.m. Dec. 3 – 13.

Popular country music duo Brooks and Dunn perform at the Las Vegas Hilton at 10 p.m. Fri.; 9 p.m. Sat. – Sun., Dec. 4 – 6.

Country singer Clay Walker sings his greatest hits in his 10 p.m. show at Golden Nugget Dec. 4 – 5.

Cher dazzles in her show at Caesars Palace at 7:30 p.m. Tue. – Wed., Sat. – Sun. Dec. 5 – 20.

Metallica rocks the house with head-bangin’ hits Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. at Mandalay Bay.
Celebrate the season with Lee Greenwood’s Tennessee Christmas show Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. at Orleans.

All-girl group The LoneStarlets stir up a foot-stomping good time at 10 p.m. Dec. 6 – 9 at Golden Nugget.

See Morrissey perform Dec. 4 at 9 p.m. at Hard Rock Hotel.

Chickenfoot , comprised of legendary rockers Joe Satriani (guitar), former Van Halen members Sammy Hagar (vocals) and Michael Anthony (guitar) and Red Hot Chili Pepper’s drummer Chad Smith, perform at 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at Hard Rock Hotel.

Watch living legend Willie Nelson perform “Crazy,” “Red Headed Stranger” and other greatest hits Dec. 5 at 9 p.m. at Planet Hollywood. Nelson will be joined by special guest Asleep at the Wheel.

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Put on your running shoes and get ready for the 5th Annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run on Dec. 5, 2009. This event helps raise money for Opportunity Village and is aimed at breaking the world record for the largest Santa Claus gathering.

This year the festivities are being held at Town Square. Check is in at 8 a.m. and the 5k run/walk starts at 10 a.m. There is also a 1-mile walk around Town Square for the more casual walker/ runner. Even if you don’t feel like walking or running you can still register and be a part of the event. Booths will be set up at Town Square on December 5 where you can sign a book and be counted for the Guinness World Record attempt.

Photo by Digital Kitten

The Santa Run is an all-ages event. People are encouraged to bring children and strollers are welcome. Registration is $35 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under. Day of registration is $45. The registration fee includes a five-piece Santa suit, race bib and gifts from various Vegas vendors including a ticket to the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village. You can register as an individual or team. Visit here to register or any PT’s Tavern or Sierra Gold location in Vegas.

This event is one of many around the world competing for the title. Manchester, Tasmania, Hungary, Italy, Canada, Denmark, Dublin and other locations are also hoping to win the title for having the world’s largest Santa gathering. The current world record was set in 2007 with 12,965 participants at the Santa Dash in Derry, Ireland.

Along with the run, this Santa gathering will include a full day of entertainment and activities. Various Vegas headliners and personalities will be on hand to add to the festivities including NASCAR champion Kurt Busch, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman, Robin Leach, Zowie Bowie, Strad, Drzhivegas, Yellow Brick Road and of course, Santa Claus. There will also be various contests including Best Dressed Santa, Best Dressed Baby Santa and Best Dressed Doggy.

The Las Vegas Great Santa Run is a fun way to get in the holiday spirit and help raise money for Opportunity Village, a local non-profit organization that serves people with intellectual disabilities.

Visit here for more information about this event.

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On Saturday, Oct. 24 downtown Las Vegas was invaded by plastic-brain-eating zombies who gathered on Fremont Street for the First Annual Zombie Walk.

People of all ages participated in the event, each portaying their own version of a blood-thirsty zombie. Wearing white facepaint and blood-spattered clothes they lurched their way downtown from the Plaza to Beauty Bar.

After the walk, zombies could be seen drinking at some of the downtown bars, congregating  in the street and dancing to the music of Frank & the Steins, one of the free live acts performing for OktoberFrightFest.

If you missed the walk, don’t worry. You can still enjoy Halloween activites at OktoberFrightFest through October 31. The festival features live Halloween-themed entertainment and a Viva Vision sound and light show themed to spooky songs including “Monster Mash” and “Time Warp.”

Here’s a gallery with photos of some freaking-looking zombies who rose from the dead for the First Annual Zombie Walk.

Click here to see other Halloween events taking place in Vegas.

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By Caroline Fontein
Vegas.com

Other cities may have their annual parades and customary parties, but if you’re really looking to tap into your inner sinner and indulge in everything that Halloween is all about, Vegas is the place to be.

“The great thing about Vegas is that people come to Vegas to be something else. They can leave their persona behind in L.A. and invent themselves for the weekend,” said Michael Gilmartin, director of public relations for PURE Management Group. “I think Halloween is a natural extension of that. You can dress up and be something completely different and Vegas is the place to do it.”

Whether you’re looking for a wild party atmosphere, costume contest or a spooky attraction, Vegas has something for everyone when it comes to Halloween. We’ve compiled a list of haunted happenings that appeals to Halloween fans far and wide.

The Horror Film Fanatic

If you’re anything like Slipknot lead singer Corey Taylor, who refers to his affinity for scary movies as the “junk food” syndrome, then you won’t want to miss this horror film extravaganza:

Trinity of Terrors
Where: The Palms
When: 4 – 8 p.m. Fri.; 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sat.; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sun. Oct. 30 – Nov. 1
Price: $20 for 1-Day Pass; $50 for 3-Day Pass; $275 Silver Bullet Pass (includes VIP admission for three days into the exhibition and film screenings, admission to private VIP celebrity party, complimentary autographs, admission to see Slipknot and more).

Slipknot will play at 8 p.m. at the Palms on Oct. 31. Photo by John McMurtrie

Trinity of Terrors, presented by Fangoria Entertainment, publisher of the world’s best-selling horror magazine, will feature horror film screenings, an exhibition hall with the latest and greatest in dark entertainment and a special Halloween-night performance by Slipknot.

“We wanted to bring the first horror convention to Las Vegas. We wanted to put together a really great show seeing as that was going to be our last show for the tour cycle. We also wanted to try and incorporate some kind of film festival that would really showcase new horror movies coming out,” said Taylor.

Trinity of Terrors will include appearances from horror film celebrities, signings, vendors, exhibitors, panel discussions with prominent figures in the horror film industry, special FX make-up applications, video gaming, tattooing, collectibles, special VIP parties and more.

Some of the special guests include: Roger Corman (“Death Race 2000,” “The Pit and The Pendulum”), Malcolm McDowell (“A Clockwork Orange,” Rob Zombie’s “Halloween”), George A. Romero (“Night of the Living Dead,” “Dawn of the Dead”) and more.

Panel discussions and film screenings will be presented in the Brenden Theatres inside the Palms. There will be more than a dozen films screened including Ti West’s “The House of the Devil,” the critically acclaimed documentary “Nightmares in Red, White and Blue” and the world premiere for “Dark House” starring Jeffrey Combs.

“This is something that is dedicated to real fans of the horror genre,” said Taylor. “It isn’t just a gimmick for Halloween’s sake. This is something we hope to do annually for a long time.”

The partier

There is no shortage of parties when it comes to Halloween. These events don’t include costume contests, but that doesn’t mean you won’t see people dressed up. Dance the night away amidst sexy nurses, scary ghouls, vampire vixens and other crazy characters.

Fetish and Fantasy Ball
Where: Hard Rock Hotel
When: 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Oct. 31
Price: $75
Indulge in hedonistic pleasure on the dance floor at Fetish and Fantasy Ball. Go-Go dancers, fire breathers, aerial silk dancers and more have landed this ball on “Maxim” Magazine’s list of events to attend before you die.

Se7en Sexy Sins
Where: Luxor
When: 10 p.m. Oct. 31
Price: $20 and up
Luxor celebrates Halloween with Se7en Sexy Sins, a party featuring specialty Halloween cocktails, Red Bull’s team of DJs and go-go dancers portraying the seven sins with a sexy twist. With drink and admission prices that won’t break the bank, this party is a great option for the budget conscious partier.

43rd annual Beaux Arts Ball
Where: Krave
When: 10:30 p.m. Oct. 30
Price: $20 in advance
Originally a party for Las Vegas Strip headliners, this ball is now open to the public and features performers from Strip shows and costume contests.

OktoberFrightFest
Where: Fremont Street
When: Times vary, Oct. 25 – 31
Price: Free
In downtown Vegas you can celebrate Halloween every day of the week with OktoberFrightFest, a street party featuring free live entertainment including a Viva Vision light and sound show themed to “Time Warp” and “Monster Mash” and three Halloween-themed stage shows. Performers include master illusionist Jan Rouven from Germany, musical revue “Frank & The Steins” and “Sexy and Dangerous Mario & Jenny” from NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” There will also be Oktoberfest food and drink specials. Dress up and enjoy the festivities.

Veuve Clicquot’s Yelloween
Where: Tao at Venetian and Lavo at Palazzo
When: Oct. 31 at 10 p.m.
Price: Men $40, Women $20 (Tao); Men $30, Women $20 (Lavo)
Party with celebrity guests who play vampires, shape-shifters and other mysterious characters.“Twilight” stars Ashley Greene and Kellan Lutz host Halloween night at Tao and “True Blood” stars Rutina Wesley and Sam Trammell host at Lavo.

Studio 54
Where: MGM Grand
When: 10 p.m. Oct. 30
Price: $40 men and women
The night before Halloween stay cool with a performance by Vanilla Ice.

The Thrill Seeker

From the Strip to Fremont Street you can find a wide assortment of haunted attractions for Halloween. They are a great option for families, groups and those who like the thrill of venturing into the unknown and getting scared by horrifying creatures.

Fright Dome
Where: Circus Circus
When: 7 p.m. to midnight Oct. 25, 28 – 31
Price: $34.95; Fast Pass Upgrade $15 (Includes express entry into all of the haunted houses)
Note: This event is not recommended for guests under 12 years old
Since Fright Dome opened in 2002, more than 60,000 visitors a year have visited the park for a night of frightening fun. This year Fright Dome teamed up with Lions Gate and Twisted Pictures to create two “SAW”-themed haunted houses. Each features “games” from the “SAW” movies created from scratch by Fright Dome creator Jason Egan and his team of designers and animatronics experts.

“Not only do you get to watch SAW on television and in the movies now you get to experience walking through some of it,” said Egan, who’s been creating haunted houses since he was a kid.

There are three additional haunted houses, 23 rides, freak show performers and scare zones. Even when you’re not in the haunted houses you’re likely to be getting scared. The five-acre theme park is filled with actors dressed as scary clowns and other ghoulish creatures who roam the park waiting to jump out at unsuspecting victims. “It’s a good full night of terror,” said Egan.

Zombie Precinct
Where: New York-New York
When: 6 p.m. to midnight Oct. 25 – 31
Price: $20
The Brooklyn Bridge at New York-New York is transforming into the only haunted house located directly on the Las Vegas Strip, a haunted zombie precinct filled with ghoulish creatures. “Legend” has it that inmate No. 13 cursed everyone in the precinct to an eternal life of darkness while he was sitting in the electric chair. Fright seekers will brave a dark maze of grotesque-looking guards and spooky inmates.

Haunted Casino You Bet Your Life
Where: Binion’s
When: 7 p.m. – 1 a.m. Oct. 25, 27 – 31
Price: $15 and up
Note: This event is not recommended for guests under 12 years old.
Located on the second floor of Binion’s casino, this theater-of-the-macabre attraction includes three separate haunts: Club Dead/Casino RoyHell, The Hotel Diablo and The 3-D Toxic Martini Lounge. Each haunt includes state-of-the-art animatronics and live “scare actors.” This is one casino experience where you might lose more than just chips.

Madame Tussauds After Dark
Where: Venetian
When: 10 p.m. – 1 a.m. Oct. 13 – 17, 20 – 24, 27 -31.
Price: $20; $35 for a combo ticket including general admission to Madame Tussauds during the day and a return visit for After Dark.
Note: This event is not recommended for guests under 12 years old.
If you think walking through a museum filled with more than 100 celebrity wax figures is creepy, then you’re in for a terrorizing treat with Madame Tussauds After Dark. Before entering the museum you’re handed a glow stick and a ghoulish-looking guide directs you to the escalator leading up to the museum and into the dark. Ominous music, fog machines, special lighting effects and live actors posed as wax figures add to the experience.

The Costume Contest Contestant

You’ve worked hard on your costume, and you’re ready to strut your stuff in hopes of cashing in on some of that prize money. Some of this year’s costume contests are themed while others award prizes for best overall costume. Even if you’re not entering, the spectacle is a not-to-be-missed experience.

Christian Audigier The Nightclub
Where: Treasure Island
When: 10 p.m. Oct. 31
Price: $30 for men and $20 for women
Party on the patio overlooking the Strip or break it down on the dance floor at this Halloween rendezvous complete with a $2,500 costume contest. First place will receive $1,250, second $750 and third $500.

Pure Nightclub
Where: Caesars Palace
When: 10 p.m. Oct. 30 & Oct. 31
Price: $30 for men and $20 for women
Friday night is a contest for the sexiest costume with prizes totaling $5,000. First place receives $2,500, second $1,500 and third $1,000. Saturday night is a $10,000 costume contest judged by celebrity guest Nicky Hilton. Best overall costume will get $5,000, second place $3,000 and third $2,000.

LAX Nightclub
Where: Luxor
When: 10 p.m. Oct. 31
Price: $30 for men and $20 for women
Black and reds create a haunted castle-like interior for this $10,000 sexiest costume contest. First place wins $5,000, second $3,000 and third $2,000.

Carnal Carnival at Voodoo Lounge
Where: Rio
When: 7 p.m. Oct. 31
Price: $30; Ladies in costume, free
“The Lost Boys” star Corey Haim hosts this night of goulish good times with dancers in latex body paint, freak show performers, a rock band, DJ Mike Toast and a costume contest with $5,000 in prizes.

3rd Annual Taolloween
Where: Tao Nightclub at Venetian
When: 10 p.m. Oct. 30
Price: $20 for men and women
This year Taolloween will feature a “SAW VI” release party hosted by 944 Magazine, including a $5,000 costume contest and sounds by DJ Reach.

Moon Nightclub
Where: Palms
When: 11 p.m. Oct. 27 & 31
Price: $20 for men and women on Oct. 27; $40 on Oct. 31
On Oct. 27, Moon Nightclub hosts J-ROC-O-Ween featuring a thriller costume contest with $5000 in prizes and nightlife guru JROC. On Oct. 31, the three most out-of-this-world Sci-Fi-costumes will win prizes totaling $13,000.

Rain Nightclub
Where: Palms
When: 11 p.m. Oct. 31
Price: $40. 
Cash and prizes nearing $38,000 will go to the top three funniest, scariest and most shocking costumes. 

ghostbar
Where: Palms
When: 8 p.m. Oct 31
Price: $25
Calling all creatures of the night, this costume contest will award approximately $8,000 to the top three ghostly goblins and ghouls.  

Playboy Club
Where: Palms
When: 11 p.m. Oct. 31
Price: $40
Channel your inner playmate for a Best Playboy-inspired costume contest. About $43,000 will go to the top three sexy-chic Playboy-themed costumes. 

Studio 54
Where: MGM Grand
When: 10 p.m. Oct. 31
Price: $40
Celebrate “Hollyween” at Studio 54 with a costume contest hosted by celebrity guest Holly Madison.

Mingle and Mayhem
Where: Blush at Wynn
When: 9 p.m. Oct. 29
Price: $50 for front-of-the-line admission
Come in costume for a night of wild fun and $5,000 in cash and prizes awarded for best costumes.

The Paranormal Researcher

If you’re looking for something less Halloween-themed and more about documented paranormal activity, then these are must-see attractions. Vegas is known for its lively nightlife, but these tours are devoted to showing people a darker side of Sin City.

Ghost Tours on the Titanic
Where: Luxor
When: 8 p.m. Oct. 25, 29 – 31
Price: $27 adults, $20 children, $25 seniors
Led by Titanic experts, this tour explores some of the strange occurrences that have taken place at Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. The exhibition was recently featured on SciFi’s “Ghost Hunters” and has many people wondering if any of the lost passengers ever return to some of the artifacts on display. Guests will learn about the “Lady in Black” often seen on the Grand Staircase, the longest living Titanic survivor who died exactly 80 years after the boat sank and other mysterious coincidences.

Haunted Vegas Tour and Séance
Where: Las Vegas
When: 9:30 p.m. nightly
Price: $66.25
Note: Guests must be 13 years of age or older.
The Haunted Vegas Tour and Séance takes guests to locations throughout the city where there have been recurring ghost sightings, such as the Flamingo pool where the ghost of notorious mobster Bugsy Siegel has been spotted and the Liberace mansion where it’s said that Liberace can still be heard playing one of his pianos. The three-hour experience includes a séance in the Liberace Plaza’s 1930s-style séance room, hosted by prominent Las Vegas medium Victoria Wayne.

Caroline Fontein can be reached at caroline.fontein@vegas.com. Follow Vegas.com on twitter at www.twitter.com/vegascom.

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