Vegas Happenings | Gospel Brunch at The House of Blues | Rich Little "Jimmy Stewart and Friends" at LVH

Gospel Brunch at The House of Blues Serves Up Food and Spirit Lifting Entertainment

If you are hungry for good food as well as a spiritual lift that feeds your soul, than head on over to the House of Blues on Sunday at Mandalay Bay where you can satisfy your appetite for both. Each Sunday, House of Blues hosts one of their  signature events, a Gospel Brunch, a one-of-a-kind live music show and dining experience, where guests enjoy an all-you-can-eat Southern style buffet, while being entertained by various high-energy gospel groups. Seating times are at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The brunch takes place in the House of Blues main music hall and features an expansive menu with items such as made to order, as-you-like-it omelets at Omelet Stations and other breakfast favorites like the Mini Waffles of Love with fresh strawberries, whipped cream and maple syrup.  There are also Carving Stations serving oven roasted turkey breast, maple glazed ham and more and salads such as couscous with fresh vegetables, tomato and cucumber salad, plus desserts that include house baked cookies, brownies, muffins and of course, white chocolate bread pudding.

Entertainment is supplied by gospel choirs Firm Soundation, Patty Pennington Gospel Ensemble, The Gastons, St. Paul’s Choir and Sharon Smith and the Nu Vision Ensemble perform on the world-famous House of Blues stage, complete with updated lighting and sound systems.

Serving as Mistress of Ceremonies for the Gospel Brunch is Miss Sylvia St. James. Alternating between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, her group, St. James Gospel Music Services, has performed alongside acts such as Stevie Wonder, Barbara Streisand, Yolanda Adams, The Winans, Wynonna Judd, The Blind Boys of Alabama and more. Alternating hosting duties with St. James is Gospel singer and recording artist Ms. Saundra Alexander.

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Fans of the Gospel Brunch series include American Idol finalist Jacob Lusk, who appeared as a guest performer in Las Vegas in February, Wynona Judd who recently visited the Los Angeles brunch and even Stevie Wonder has attended to enjoy the Southern cuisine. Future special guests are in the works – diners never know who might make an unscheduled appearance.

Gospel Brunch takes place every Sunday at House of Blues at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. Seating times are 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Ticket prices are $37 for adults and $17 for children 11 and under.

Rich Little Brings His One Man Show “Jimmy Stewart & Friends” to LVH – Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

Legendary comedian and impressionist Rich Little has returned to the Las Vegas stage with his one-man show, “Jimmy Stewart & Friends”at the Shimmer Cabaret inside the LVH – Las Vegas Hotel & Casino.  During the show Little embodies the persona, voices and mannerisms of more than 25 celebrity icons, including Cary Grant, George Burns, Ronald Reagan, Clark Gable, John Wayne, George C. Scott, among others, as he pays homage to life and career of the legendary Hollywood icon Jimmy Stewart, who, according to the American Film Institute, is considered the third greatest movie star of all time.

“In addition to being my first celebrity impression, Jimmy Stewart was a dear friend and a life-long inspiration of mine,” said Rich Little. “Jimmy had no idea how he affected my life; but I did and you will too.”

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

“It’s an honor to welcome a true show business institution to the LVH,” said Rick White, Vice President of Brand Marketing and Entertainment. “Rich has delighted audiences around the world for decades and will be great a addition to the LVH lineup.”

Performances for “Jimmy Stewart & Friends”  are 8:30 p.m, Saturday – Wednesday at the Shimmer Cabaret inside the LVH.  Tickets are $63.90 plus tax and applicable fees. A VIP package, which includes premium seating and a meet and greet with Rich Little following the show is available for $73.90 plus tax and applicable fees. Nevada residents and LVH Hotel guests receive a $10 discount.

Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:

CANTOR GAMING recently opened its sixth owned-and-operated race and sports book in Las Vegas, a luxury facility at the Palms.  The high-end Palms venue is also the first Cantor sports book to include a poker room - a marriage that makes financial sense, according to Lee Amaitis, president and CEO of Cantor Gaming. The 9,840-square-foot space took three months to build and is decorated with Cantor's trademark red leather furniture. It features marble floors and hand-stitched leather walls as well as 1,290 square-feet of high-definition TVs and 93 carrels for bettors. In addition, Cantor built a new bar, Tonic, to be operated the Palms adjacent to the entrance of the sports book.

In honor of TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK, May 7-11, promoter ANTHONY PALMISANO and president of the San Gennaro Feast is donating 600 admission tickets for teachers to use and $1,000 to The Public Education Foundation to support music and arts programs in local public schools through the Artists 4 Kidz program. Artists 4 Kidz connects the creative energy of the Las Vegas arts community with Clark County School District students.

In celebration of NATIONAL HAMBURGER MONTH, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville restaurants is giving back to the armed forces, by donating $1 of every specialty burger sold (5 burgers in all) in May to the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team with a $1 from EVERY BURGER sold on May 19th (Armed Forces Day) being donated in addition to the specialty burgers.

On Wednesday, May 9, Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer at Excalibur Hotel & Casino launched “HOMEGROWN WEDNESDAYS,” a live stage show featuring the music of two local bands every Wednesday at 10 p.m.

After six years on the Las Vegas Strip, the men of “AMERICAN STORM” , previously named “Best Male Strip Show” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, debuted in the Plaza Hotel & Casino’s showroom on Thursday, May 10.  The 70-minute, fully costumed and choreographed production show in which the men of “American Storm” reveal their sexy side and represent every woman’s fantasy, from a lonely cowboy to the proud men in uniform, will run every Thursday through Sunday at 10:30 p.m.

“We are very excited about bringing American Storm to downtown at the Plaza,” said Adam Steck, CEO of SPI Entertainment. “Since the revitalization of downtown, we feel that there is an untapped market of female show goers that are looking for a fun girl’s night out. Ticket prices start at $29.95 for general admission

VEGAS UNCORK'D,  a world-class culinary extravaganza and wine festival presented by Bon Appetit, that celebrates Las Vegas' standing as the world's most exciting & entertaining culinary destination.,will  take place on 5/10-13, at Bellagio, Caesars Palace, The Cosmopolitan, & Mandalay Bay.

For the third year, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Las Vegas' famed Fremont Street Experience and the celebrated tribute artist production "Legends in Concert,” host the official Las Vegas preliminary round of the ULTIMATE ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST CONTEST. The Elvis competition will take place on Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12 from 8 p.m. to midnight on the 3rd Street Stage.

Elvis Tribute Artists are competing for a chance to proceed to the semifinals during Elvis Week 2012, the 35th anniversary celebration in Memphis. Enjoy special presentations on the Viva Vision canopy and a parade of Elvi starting each night’s competition.  VIP seating for both nights will also be available directly in front of the stage for $20 but is limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.  On both Friday and Saturday nights, Elvis Karaoke will be featured at 3rd Street Stage immediately after the event.

The cast of BEATLESHOW! is paying tribute to the men and women who serve our country this ARMED FORCES DAY by offering FREE show tickets to all active military personnel who present proof of service.

ARMED FORCES DAY is the third Saturday of May, a day to acknowledge the efforts of the people who serve in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and the National Guard and Reserve. All active duty military who present proof of military service will receive TWO complimentary tickets to see BeatleShow! at Saxe Theater inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Proof of service includes a U.S. Uniform Services I.D. Card, current Leave and Earning Statement, or photograph in uniform. The complimentary show tickets will be issued on a first come, first serve basis Monday, May 14th through Saturday, May 19th at the Saxe Theater box office.

THE MENTALIST, starring Gerry McCambridge, known internationally for his remarkable ability to get inside the minds of others, is celebrating 7 years performing in Las Vegas on May 15th. To mark this special occasion, V Theater inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood is offering $7 tickets to locals now through May 20th. Locals who would like to take advantage of this limited time special offer must present their Nevada IDs at the V Theater box office when purchasing show tickets. This offer cannot be applied to prior purchase. Seating is limited.  (Please note: special pricing does not include taxes and fees.) The Mentalist takes the stage Thursday through Tuesday at 7:30pm at V Theater inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood.

SPYRO GYRA launches another season of Jazz in the Park at the Clark Co. Government Center Amphitheater on May 12 at 7:30pm. The free concerts will take place on Saturdays through June 9. The public is invited to bring a picnic, blankets, & low back chairs. Food & drink will be available for purchase. The LV Academy Jazz Combo opens each week at 7pm.

The "2 KINGS" in the Crown Theater at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino will be dark thru May 20 and re-opening May 21 at 5:30 p.m. where it runs seven nights a week. Elvis impersonator Charlie Franks has been diagnosed with "Vegas throat" (enflamed vocal chords) so his doctor ordered him not to sing for two weeks and rest his voice. He's not alone, Donny Osmond is out of his show and Marie is holding down the fort at the Flamingo Las Vegas. Celine Dion has similar health issues and won't be returning to the stage at Caesars' Colosseum until June 9.

Australian soft-rock group AIR SUPPLY, who has been performing together for more than 30 years,   returns to The Orleans Showroom for three shows Memorial Day weekend, May 25, 26 and 27. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $39.95 plus tax and fees.

CHAPEL OF THE FLOWERS wants to honor its troops this Memorial Day and has created a ceremony package just for them that is available for both active duty and veteran military that either want to get married or renew their vows on Monday, May 28 only.

The Memorial Day Military Special Ceremony Package includes a Seven-Rose Hand-Tied Bouquet; 12, 4x6 candid ceremony photo prints; one, 8x10 photo print; wedding DVD; live internet broadcasting with one week of extended internet viewing; limousine transportation to and from their hotel; Unity Candle Ceremony; traditional wedding music; and a First Look Service, so the groom doesn’t see his bride until she walks down the aisle.

Additionally, if the Groom wears his military uniform, the couple will receive a $50 print credit for use in the Photo Gallery. If he doesn’t wear his uniform, he will receive a rose boutonniere. Couples can book their ceremony now and must present Military or Veterans ID to redeem. The special is not valid with any other offers.

‘America’s Got Talent’ finalist, comedienne GRANDMA LEE will begin her two-month stint at The King’s Room in the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino beginning Thursday, May 31st, a couple of days after celebrating her 78th birthday. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Thursdays thru Sundays.

Celebrity sightings:

Friday night, May 4... Busta Rhymes made a late night stop at TAO Nightclub, taking in the scene and staying until the lights came on.

Internet sensation iJustine dined at LAVO.

Marquee featured headline DJs Cosmic Gate and EDX with a special vocal performance by Nadia Ali.

Busta Rhymes
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery


Nadia Ali
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

It was a star studded day at Social House as former NBA player Calvin Booth of the Sacramento Kings, along with his beautiful wife Keisha stopped in for lunch.  Heather Chadwell, a former contestant of “Rock of Love” also came in to enjoy a quick lunch at the bar.

Saturday night, May 5...

Puerto Rican hip-hop sensation Fat Joe took over  LAX Nightclub for an unforgettable Cinco de Mayo celebration. Arriving after 1 a.m. the artist and his entourage of eight, including beautiful wife Lorena, made their way through the packed nightclub to their VIP booth.

Earlier in the evening Fat Joe  accompanied by his wife and friends was spotted dining at the Pan-Asian restaurant, Social House located inside Crystals at CityCenter.

Fat Joe
Photo credit: Tony Tran of Powers Imagery LLC.


Fat Joe performs for the crowd
Photo credit: Tony Tran of Powers Imagery LLC.

Saturday night the season opening celebrations for TAO Beach continued with an all night party.

Joe Jonas dined with TAO owners and a group including Vinny Guadagnino from the Jersey Shore.  Nearby Krysten Ritter and her boyfriend Brian Geraghty had dinner with another couple.

At another table were Jessica Szohr, Samantha Ronson and friends.

Samantha Ronson and DJ Vice
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery


Samantha Ronson and Joe Jonas
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

After dinner all made their way upstairs to TAO Nightclub where boxing announcer Michael Buffer announced the start of the party with DJ Vice.  Joe Jonas popped into the booth with Vice.  Samantha Ronson also got in the DJ booth and she and Vice entertained the packed club with an east coast vs. west coast DJ battle.

Busta Rhymes made a surprise visit to wish manager Chris Lighty a happy birthday.

Jessica Szohr danced the night away with friends including Vinny from Jersey Shore before Vinny made a late night stop at Marquee to check out DJ Erick Morillo.

Busta Rhymes and Chris Lightly
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Pink and husband Carey Hart headed to XS nightclub to celebrate a night on the town. Carey had received the Legends & Heroes Industry Leader Award at the supercross finale event in Las Vegas earlier that evening. The happy couple arrived just after 1 am to take in the DJ set by dance music icon, Tiesto. They sat with a small group of friends on stage right beside the DJ booth.

In a separate group on stage, San Diego Chargers' Shaun Phillips was celebrating his 31st birthday with a large group of friends including Buffalo Bills linebacker Shawne Merriman. Also in a separate group seated inside the club was Major League Baseball's big time hitter, Sammy Sosa.

Carmen Electra celebrated her 40th birthday  at Crazy Horse III Gentlemen's Club and Posh Boutique Nightclub. As a special treat, the "Baywatch" babe was presented a three-tier birthday cake with Coca-Cola theme, a favorite of Electra.

Carmen Electra posing on the red carpet during her special birthday party at Crazy Horse III and Posh Boutique Nightclub.
Photo credit:Jeff Bottari/WireImage

Carmen Electra showing off Coca-Cola theme birthday cake at Crazy Horse III.
Photo credit:Jeff Bottari/WireImage

The band Ozomatli took to the stage for a one-of-a-kind performance,  showcasing their wide array of musical styles including salsa, jazz, funk, reggae, rap and more, inside Body English Nightclub at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Osomatli
Photo credit:© Scott Harrison/ Erik Kabik photography

Celebrating the start of the 2012 season at TAO Beach were:DJ Samantha Ronson, who provided the soundtrack that kept pool goers partying all afternoon.

Joe Jonas hung out in the grand cabana overlooking the pool for a prime view of the party.

Gossip Girl’s Jessica Szohr, along with Krysten Ritter, star of the new hit Don’t Trust the B in Apt. 23, and her boyfriend actor Brian Geraghty all celebrated the day in a cabana.

Chris Lighty, head of entertainment conglomerate Violator, celebrated his birthday at the pool season opening, with a beach ball cake and a performance by mariachis in recognition of Cinco de Mayo.

Also spotted taking in the scene was actor Josh Henderson.

Jessica Szohr and Krysten Ritter
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image


Samantha Ronson
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image


Chris Lightly presented with his birthday cake
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image

Recording artist Roscoe Dash, along with DJ J Nice and Bass Kleph, celebrated Cinco de Mayo at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at Paris Las Vegas.

DJ J Nice in the DJ booth at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at Paris Las Vegas
Photo credit: Jeff Ragazzo

Roscoe Dash parties in the VIP section at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at Paris Las Vegas
Photo credit: Jeff Ragazzo

Bass Kleph in the DJ booth at BAZAAR in Las Vegas
Photo credit: Jeff Ragazzo

Monday, May 7...

Joey Fatone and Tia Carrere were spotted at Marquee on. Along with a large group of friends they hung out in the Library at Marquee, taking part in Celebrity Karaoke.

Tuesday night, May 8...

Rising star Richard Andrew, better known as Outasight, took over Vegas' hottest industry night at PURE Nightclub with a live performance.

Outasight
Photo credit: Tony Tran of Powers Imagery LLC.


Outasight performs for the crowd
Photo credit: Tony Tran of Powers Imagery LLC.

Wednesday night, May 9...

NBA star Grant Hill and his wife R&B singer Tamia were spotted at LAVO’s Old School Wednesday.  The Phoenix Suns forward treated his wife to a 37th birthday celebration with close friends.

Thursday night, May 10...

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and friends were spotted at TAO’s Worship Thursday.