Saturday, May 4, 2013

The Latest From Vegas


Mandalay Bay Redefining Resort with Property-Wide Transformation
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, the destination that first brought a comprehensive resort experience to the Las Vegas Strip, is partnering with some of the leading brands in hospitality to redefine the resort experience with a property-wide transformation. The 120-acre resort is collaborating with brands such as Morgans Hotel Group to introduce Delano, Cirque du Soleil and The Light Group to refocus the spotlight on the property where guests shed the tourist mantel and envelop themselves in the "Resortist" experience. Mandalay Bay’s transformation began in early 2013 with the guest room renovation of the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas and the opening of Citizens Kitchen & Bar. During the next 10 months Mandalay Bay will introduce new amenities including restaurants, a visionary nightclub experience, a dynamic dayclub, a new show from Cirque du Soleil centered around the King of Pop, Michael Jackson and Delano Las Vegas, a new all-suite boutique hotel within the resort. For more information, contact Stacy Hamilton, MGM Resorts International, shamilton@mgmresorts.com.  


Cirque du Soleil to Begin Previews of Michael Jackson ONE
The Estate of Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil have announced that Michael Jackson ONE will open and take residency exclusively at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Directed by Jamie King, Michael Jackson ONE will start its preview performances in May.  This entirely new show is the second creative project to be developed between Cirque du Soleil and the Estate of Michael Jackson after the top grossing Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour, currently playing arenas in Europe as it travels the world. For more information, contact Jeff Lovari, Cirque du Soleil, jeff.lovari@cirquedusoleil.com.


Tourism Matters: Las Vegas celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week, May 4 -12
National Travel and Tourism Week is scheduled for May 4-12 and focuses on the importance of travel and tourism. The industry generates approximately $45 billion for the local economy and supports nearly half the jobs in Southern Nevada. Tourism week gives Las Vegas the chance to recognize the "unsung heroes" of the industry. These "Hospitality Heroes" are being surprised on-the-job during May. Las Vegas will also show support for the industry by wearing BLUE on Tuesday, May 7. For more information, click here.


KRAVE Massive Announces June 15 Opening
Following its successful limited engagement at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, Krave Massive, the world’s largest gay nightclub, will open in Downtown Las Vegas on June 15. Through its continued partnership with Caesars Entertainment, Krave Massive club-goers may soon be able to start booking "The Massive Package," entitling them to a bevy of benefits like shuttle service between venues, room accommodations, resort spa and health club access passes and admission for two to Krave Massive. When Krave Massive opens downtown at the Neonopolis, the 80,000-square-foot venue will feature: five themed dance rooms; 3opolis, the first 3D nightclub; three separate bars; a martini lounge; Guest House Theaters, the country’s only LGBT movie theater; Tickled Pick, a gay comedy club; a performing arts theater; a retail store; a lesbians-only dance lounge; and "Boots N Boys," a male revue show. For more information, contact Steven Le Vine, Grapevine PR, steven.levine@theprgrapevine.com.


MGM Resorts Outlines Vision for Dynamic Entertainment District in Las Vegas 
MGM Resorts International has unveiled details about the experience it is creating in Las Vegas surrounding the world-class 20,000-seat arena under development in partnership with AEG.  Plans include new Stripside experiences at New York-New York and Monte Carlo resorts and a public park leading to the new state-of-the-art arena. For more information, contact Kate Whitely, Kirvin Doak Communications, kwhitely@kirvindoak.com.


Virgin America Launched New Route to Las Vegas 
Virgin America has launched daily nonstop flight service from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport (LAS). The three daily roundtrip flights will add to the airline’s existing service from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to LAS and from New York’s Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to LAS. With its custom-designed leather seats, food and cocktails on demand and touch-screen entertainment at every seat, Virgin America brings its stylish design and award-winning service to those seeking the perfect way to kick off a weekend getaway at some of the best resorts, restaurants and shopping destinations in the world. The estimated non-gaming economic impact from this new route is $91.9 million for the Las Vegas economy annually. For more information, contact Patricia Condon, Virgin America, patricia.condon@virginamerica.com.


World-Renowned Entertainer Véronic to Launch Limited Engagement Resident Show 
Véronic DiCaire, the extraordinary singer, comedian and entertainer will be bringing her new show VÉRONIC Voices to the Jubilee! Theater at Bally’s Las Vegas for a limited engagement this summer June 20 through August 31. VÉRONIC Voices will feature the unique talents of Véronic, the only female tribute artist of her kind, paying homage to the most popular female recording artists in the world, like Lady Gaga, Madonna, Whitney, Adele, Pink and Celine. For more information, contact Kelly Frey, Caesars Entertainment, kfrey@caesars.com.


The Light Group Announces Kumi at Mandalay Bay
The Light Group continues to redefine the Las Vegas food and beverage scene with the soon-to-debut Japanese restaurant, Kumi. With an opening scheduled for summer 2013, Kumi will join the recently introduced Citizens Kitchen & Bar and Red Square as the latest addition to Mandalay Bay’s dining scene. At Kumi, The Light Group will team up with Chef Toshiyuki Motoyama to offer fun and approachable Japanese cuisine for an American palate, while using fresh and innovative ingredients. Kumi is one of five new venues The Light Group is opening at Mandalay Bay in 2013. For more information, contact Casey Brennan, The Light Group, cbrennan@lightgroup.com.


Fremont Street Experience Announces Rock of Vegas Summer Concert Series Lineup
Fremont Street Experience’s Rock of Vegas concert series announces the lineup for May and June that will turn the legendary Downtown Las Vegas entertainment venue into summer’s alternative music destination.  Celebrating its fifth anniversary, the free concert series has become one of the most popular summertime events in Las Vegas. The current lineup includes: Theory of a Deadman; Fuel and Lit; Hinder; Summerland Tour 2013 Alternative Guitars starring Everclear, Live, Filter and Sponge; and Puddle of Mudd. Additional bands will be announced at a later date. For more information, contact Rachel Diehl, Preferred Public Relations, Rachel@preferredpublicrelations.com.


Morton Group Opens La Comida in Downtown Las Vegas 
La Comida invigorates the burgeoning Downtown Las Vegas dining scene with a menu inspired by the cosmopolitan fare of Mexico City. The latest creation by the Morton Group, led by restaurateurs Jenna and Michael Morton, La Comida blends authenticity and tradition with a delightfully funky vibe. The menu offers familiar Mexican cuisine using true traditional ingredients and cooking styles from various regions in Mexico with the sophisticated influence of Mexico City. For more information, contact Cara Zizzo, Wicked Creative, cara.zizzo@wickedcreative.com.


Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical to Open at The Venetian
The first national tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical makes its way to the sparkling lights of Las Vegas for an 11-week engagement at The Venetian Las Vegas, with performances beginning June 18. Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical features a trio of friends, on the road trip of a lifetime, who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship in the middle of the Australian outback and end up finding more than they could ever have dreamed.  With more than 500 dazzling 2011 Tony Award-winning costumes, Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical features a hit parade of more than 20 dance-floor favorites including "It's Raining Men," "Finally," "I Will Survive," "Material Girl," "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," "Like a Prayer," and many others. For more information, contact Kate Whitely, Kirvin Doak Communications, kwhitely@kirvindoak.com.


Mandalay Bay Announces 2013 Beach Concert Series
Each summer, music enthusiasts and outdoor lovers unite for the best of both worlds at the beach concert series at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. The 2013 series kicks off this month featuring a wide range of musical genres and an outstanding lineup scheduled to run through September on the Mandalay Bay Beach stage. This season’s concerts will include: Gary Allan; Lifehouse; Bell Biv DeVoe; Grace Potter & The Nocturnals; Under the Sun featuring Sugar Ray, Gin Blossoms, Smash Mouth, Vertical Horizon and Fastball; Lost 80’s Live featuring A Flock of Seagulls, Wang Chung, Naked Eyes, Animotion and Bow Wow Wow; Sublime with Rome; Ziggy Marley. For more information, contact Scott Ghertner, MGM Resorts International, sghertner@mgmresorts.com.


Spirit Airlines Begins New Service to Las Vegas
Spirit Airlines has begun daily nonstop ultra-low fare service from Baltimore/Washington and Philadelphia to Las Vegas. Spirit currently offers daily nonstop service from Las Vegas to Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Oakland/San Francisco, San Diego and Portland, Oregon, as well as a variety of connections throughout the Americas. The new flights are estimated to bring a non-gaming economic impact of more than $74 million annually to Las Vegas. For more information, contact Misty Pinson, Spirit Airlines, misty.pinson@spirit.com.


All-New Jabbawockeez Show “PRiSM” at Luxor Debuting May 18
The world-famous dance crew Jabbawockeez dances into the brightest light on the Strip with preview performances of its all-new show, "PRiSM," beginning Saturday, May 18 at Luxor Hotel and Casino. A celebration of imagination, the show is an eclectic mix of awe-inspiring choreography, captivating storylines and stunning special effects, forming a production that challenges audiences to embrace the unexpected. For more information, contact Stephanie Chavez, Kirvin Doak Communications, schavez@kirvindoak.com.


“Naughty Mommy” Maria Walsh Wins Nationwide Comic Search at Riviera Casino & Hotel
The Riviera Casino & Hotel crowned its next comic headliner after scouring through 226 submissions from around the country. Following more than a month of competitions, Maria Walsh, the "Naughty Mommy" from Long Island, N.Y., earned the title of "Riviera Next Comic Headliner" as part of the hotel’s 58th anniversary celebration. Walsh won a one-week gig at the Riviera Comedy Club and will headline June 17–23. For more information, contact Stephen Miller, Preferred Public Relations, stephen@preferredpublicrelations.com.


The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Announces “Set Your Life to Music” Concert Series Lineup 
As the sun sets over The Strip each Thursday night, the Boulevard Pool deck comes to life with the energy of Las Vegas during the "Set Your Life to Music" series. From the aroma of the outdoor grills to the sounds of hand-crafted cocktails being stirred, guests can revel in the spirit of music at the intimate outdoor venue. Doors open at 7 p.m. with celebrated DJ Mike Attack spinning before headliners take the stage at 9 p.m. The "Set Your Life to Music" series features: New Beat Fund; Marina & The Diamonds; Yellowcard; JJAMZ; Matt & Kim; Iration; Ryan Bingham; Infected Mushroom; Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown; Twin Shadow; Makua Rothman;  Elan Atias; Theophilus London; Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros; Gary Clark, Jr.; and Fitz & The Tantrums. For more information, contact Kimberly Diller, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, pr@cosmopolitanlasvegas.com.


American Muscle Car Challenge Opens in Las Vegas 
Featuring three models of classic American muscle cars at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, American Muscle Car Challenge by Richard Petty Driving Experience has hit the track with an all-new experience that puts speed-seekers in the driver’s seat of the hottest and fastest muscle cars in production today. Unlike any driving experience in the country, American Muscle Car Challenge appeals to muscle car enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike as guests are able to put the performance characteristics of America’s three favorite muscle cars, including the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, to the test. For more information, contact Jennifer Bradley, BRAINtrust Marketing + Communications, jennifer.bradley@braintrustlv.com.


California Hotel and Casino to Celebrate May Day with 16th Annual Lei Day Polynesian Festival
The California Hotel and Casino will host the 16th Annual Lei Day Polynesian Festival May 4-5 in downtown Las Vegas. The annual Polynesian festival brings together musicians, dancers, artists, craftsmen and food and beverage vendors to showcase the very best of Hawaii. Entry to the two-day event is free. For more information, contact Jasen Woehrle, The Firm Public Relations, jasenw@thefirmpr.com.


World-Famous Juicy Beach Parties to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for Summer Residency
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas expands its poolside options by launching a brand new residency with Robbie Rivera and his world-renowned Juicy Beach party. This marks the first ever residency for Juicy Beach outside of its Miami home base. The Juicy Beach lineup at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino includes Robbie Rivera, Stonebridge, Felix Cartal, Manuel De La Mare and Hot Mouth. Robbie and Monica Rivera present their high-energy, 17-hour event to Las Vegas at the one-and-only Paradise Beach in Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, home of the famous original dayclub REHAB. Partygoers can expect the same unforgettable experience Juicy Beach is known for with top DJs providing the hottest dance music at the luxurious pool. Current dates include May 25, June 22 and July 6 with additional dates to be announced. For more information, contact Lindsey Rathjen, Kirvin Doak Communications, lrathjen@kirvindoak.com.


House of Blues Launches All New Gospel Brunch
GRAMMY-award winning star and Gospel music icon Kirk Franklin is joining forces with House of Blues and its venues across the United States to create a new Gospel Brunch experience as part of its year-long 20th anniversary celebration. House of Blues Gospel Brunch has been a staple of Sunday morning entertainment around the country for more than two decades. Now, House of Blues has reinvented the renowned dining entertaining experience with even more spectacular interactive energy and excitement. Considered by many to be the most popular brunch experience in the country, Kirk Franklin’s Gospel Brunch at House of Blues will be unveiled for the first time this Mother’s Day.  The new Gospel Brunch experience will be infused with the same kind of contemporary energy that has made Franklin the biggest selling Gospel music artist in the world. For more information, contact Alissa Kelly, PR Plus, Alissa@prpluslv.com.


Lake Mead Cruises Announces Summer Schedule
Lake Mead Cruises offers a lineup of boat excursions on Lake Mead aboard the Desert Princess, a unique and delightful Mississippi River-style paddlewheel vessel. Guests can choose from several different excursions as they cruise in air conditioned comfort, enjoying the picturesque and natural surroundings of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Each cruise includes photo opportunities of the Hoover Dam and the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. Cruise options include two daily 90-minute sightseeing excursions, evening dinner cruises and a champagne Sunday brunch. For more information, contact Earl Jobson, Lake Mead Cruises, earl@lakemeadcruises.com.


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