Las Vegas Weekly

11.7.09 · 10:02 AM

Photo Gallery: MGM’s CityCenter will be a wonder of the world

The tram at Aria in CityCenter on Nov. 6, 2009.

Photo: TVT

It is the most extraordinary architecture ever seen in Las Vegas -- and even in America. It is so different and unique, quite honestly, it’s un-Vegas! In fact, it’s so new and different, it’s unlike anything else on Earth. It will join the design attractions of the world’s best: the Pompidou Center in Paris, the Sony Center in Berlin and the Guggenheim in Bilbao, Spain.

Truth is that CityCenter sets an entire new hallmark of design in America and when opened next month -- in less than 25 days -- it will change forever the skyline of Sin City. It also will forever change the image of our gambling and entertainment mecca. Las Vegas from here on in will be known not only for themed hotels and the neon lights of the Strip, but also for an evolutionary destination in its own right alongside the rich tapestry of such world capitals as London, Hong Kong, Paris and Rome. Las Vegas now has itself a whole new symbol for world recognition.

Not only is it America’s largest private construction project ever undertaken, but it also includes the world’s largest retail district. It took eight of the world’s most renowned architects to transform paper dreams into reality with this rare environment and community unlike anything ever seen in the world.

CityCenter becomes a city within our city. Vegas DeLuxe spent two hours yesterday on one of the first-look, sneak-peek media tours, and it was an overwhelming experience. The scope of the nearly 70-acre project is majestic. The style is a sleek, modern, environmentally conscious winner. The sweep of the entranceways and walkways with pedestrian corridors and dynamic pocket parks filled with unique powerful sculptures is staggering.

The two-lane driveway from the Strip alone is identical in width to New York’s Park Avenue! The creativity of the water walls, the horticultural-surrounded water fountains and other unique attractions from the winners at WET Technologies is not only new and unique but also exclusive to CityCenter. You simply won’t ever see anything like it anywhere in the world.

With just three weeks to go, the 9,000-strong construction force is working three daily shifts to polish it all to perfection. The buzz generated by enthusiastic, onsite workers is genuine and infectious. They have created not only a masterpiece but also possibly a new wonder of the world.

Yesterday, the three-stop tram that runs between the Bellagio and the Monte Carlo to link up the mind-blowing 500,000 square-foot Crystals retail plaza was being tested. Cirque du Soleil’s acrobats were rehearsing for the upcoming Elvis Presley spectacular Viva Elvis in their new theater. Hundreds of tall, potted trees were being installed in the lobbies and parks. Dozens of famous artists’ sculptures that make up CityCenter’s own art collection were being fork lifted into place, including this $7 million Henry Moore “Reclining Woman With Child” masterpiece under blue plastic wraps!

Over the next 20 days, Vegas DeLuxe will bring you a series of incredible CityCenter photo stories about the hotel and condo towers, spas, restaurants and attractions, plus our Tuesday interview with MGM’s head honcho Jim Murren. I’ve already picked out my favorite highlights in the three-level Crystals, all within easy reach of Eva Longoria’s Beso restaurant and Eve nightclub and her partner star chef Todd English’s Pub and close to the meeting point staircase inspired by Rome’s historic Spanish Steps.

You will be blown away by the imaginative genius of the water engineers at WET. In addition to walls of water wrapping around the exterior and interior walls of the Aria centerpiece, they have created two other amazing and extraordinary experiences inside Crystals. One is a color-changing hurricane of twisting water and then a glacier of ever-shifting melting and reborn ice sculptures near the front Strip entrance, plus the top brand name stores on the planet.

There’s a tree-house restaurant, and the star who started the entire celebrity chef business, Wolfgang Puck, has taken one giant step for mankind with space age-looking pods for one of his two restaurants here. Every restaurant in Crystals has patio seating to take advantage of the outdoor feel of the sprawling plaza arcades of shops that is a testament to architect David Rockwell’s tremendous talents.

If you thought televangelist Robert Schuller’s Hour of Power Crystal Cathedral was spectacular, this is 100 times more jaw dropping. It is so humungous that they’d better move air traffic controllers over from McCarran for when our tourist sightseeing prop planes try to add it to the flight route going through its interior.

Enjoy this first photo gallery I snapped while on my two-hour walking tour, and then come back on Monday for the start of our amazing photo story series.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter HERE.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter HERE.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter HERE.

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11.6.09 · 11:35 AM

Photo Gallery: A glittering green carpet at the Latin Grammy Awards

It was a glittering night of glamour at the Latin Grammy Awards at Mandalay Bay last night, and Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria Parker and recording sensation Alicia Keys simply dazzled.

Our contributing photographers Erik Kabik, Scott Harrison and the lens men from the Las Vegas News Bureau were all on the green carpet duty for the arrivals and our great photo gallery.

Eva is opening a branch of her Hollywood restaurant Beso here at MGM’s new CityCenter and its second-floor Eve nightclub for New Year’s Eve. She promises everything will be unique and never seen before here.

“Vegas has the most energy in the world. It’s a foodie city, which is great for us because of our menu. Everything we offer is pretty unique. Nobody in Las Vegas has anything similar.”

The stunning, always smiling actress is a partner with Bellagio celebrity chef Todd English in the venture. He is opening his own English Pub in the retail arcade Crystals at CityCenter.

Incidentally, Vegas DeLuxe gets the full tour of CityCenter today, and we will provide real-time Twitter reports and photos during the two-hour walk with a full photo gallery tomorrow here on Vegas DeLuxe.

The after-party was held at Hugh Hefner’s Sky Villa in the Palms’ Fantasy Tower. Chilean recording star Beto Cuevas performed at the Axe Instinct-sponsored bash.

All this week, Latin music stars have been at the Palms recording studio producing the song “La Gota de la Vida” to benefit City of Hope. Taking part in the historic recording were Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Luis Fonsi, Marcos Witt, Reik, Nathan Pacheco, Noel Schajris, Fanny Lu, David Bisbal, Dulce Maria, Espinoza Paz, German Montero, Luz Rios, Luis Enrique, Diego Verdaguer, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Oscar D’Leon, Los Rieleros Del Norte, Dylan Y Lenny, Tito El Bambino, Franco De Vita, Enrique Iglesias, Arthur Hanlon, Alexander Acha, Emmanuel, Aleks Syntek and Bebe.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter HERE.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter HERE.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter HERE.

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11.6.09 · 1:56 PM

Strip Scribbles: B.B. King opens his blues club at The Mirage

The secret ingredients on the menu at legendary blues guitarist B.B. King’s club opening tonight at The Mirage are live entertainment, soul food and the music of the world’s best blues guitarist! General Manager Cheryl Vereen, executive chef Oscar Pena and sous chef Charles McCann will oversee the “smooth operation.”

Cheryl, a Las Vegas resident, accepted the position after three years as the general manager at House of Blues in Mandalay Bay, Oscar has honed his culinary skills at the Luxor, The Venetian, New York-New York and the Monte Carlo, and Charles was a contestant on Hell’s Kitchen Season 4 and previously worked for celebrity chef Mario Batali at The Venetian.

The date for the star-studded grand opening celebration to be hosted by B.B. King will be announced shortly.

*Legendary musician Carlos Santana will help raise food, funds and awareness for America’s hungry children during his eight November performances of his multi-year resident show Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits at The Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel. Carlos will be at Three Square Food Bank next Thursday to discuss his partnership and then also voluntarily pack up foodstuffs for delivery.

Concertgoers who bring five nonperishable food items or make a $5 donation to Three Square will receive a $5 gift certificate to participating Hard Rock restaurants Ago and Rare 120. Representatives from Three Square will be on hand before and after each performance on Nov. 11, 13-15, 18 and 20-22 to collect donations. “It is my honor to help World Hunger Year and those who are in need in Las Vegas,” Carlos said. “This year above all others in recent memory is an important one to help our brothers and sisters of this family we call the human race.”

*Food Network cameras are wrapping up production today of Clockless in Vegas, a 24-hour report of the food cycle in our town. However, don’t think for a moment it’s all being filmed today. I ran into the cameras last Saturday at the newly reopened Capo’s Italian on Tropicana Avenue, and they’ve already recorded segments with former Top Chef contestant Gene Villiatora at Martini’s and star chef Julian Serrano from Picasso at the Bellagio about his new restaurant opening Dec. 16 at MGM’s Aria at CityCenter.

*Whoever would have guessed that Las Vegas regulars Air Supply would tour Vietnam, let alone find thousands of fans there? That’s exactly what happened to the 1980s hit-makers who appear here regularly at The Orleans and record their albums in Las Vegas with their local band members. They had two sold-out concerts in Ho Chi Minh City’s Hoa Binh Theater for their love songs, and Vietnamese pop singer Van Cam was in the massive crowd. The lads who have been touring for more than 30 years ended the Southeast Asian leg of their latest world tour in Malaysia and Qatar and now move on to Brazil and Mexico before heading home to perform in Australia. Click HERE for our recent Vegas DeLuxe interview with Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock.

*We’ve been monitoring the progress each Sunday night on CBS primetime of Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap and her husband Brian Kleinschmidt. Last weekend, they were nearly eliminated after winding up in fifth place. Now they face the biggest challenge of staying on by rising above all the other competitors. You can watch the full episode from last Sunday at CBS.com.

*Reigning Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music Association Male Vocalist of the Year Brad Paisley is continuing his successful American Saturday Night Tour into next year. Brad will appear with special guests Miranda Lambert and Justin Moore at Mandalay Bay on Feb. 20. Tickets go on sale Nov. 14.

Star surveillance

When Andre Agassi’s controversial new autobiography Open goes on sale Monday, his first book signing will be at the Wynn that night. However, the tennis legend who has candidly revealed his dark secrets, is confirmed to attend Tony Hawk’s Skate Parks benefit there tomorrow morning. Holly Madison, Aubrey O’Day, Erik Estrada, Chuck Liddell, Frank Mir, Gray Maynard and athletes from X Games and BMX will join Andre and Tony. Tony has turned the event into a carnival, complete with his own ramp for Vert demos and a preview of his new game Ride. Rancid will perform for the crowd. … Larry Birkhead, Anna Nicole Smith’s lover and father of their daughter Dannielynn, returned for a second weekend at the Hard Rock Hotel. Spywitnesses spotted him playing slot machines and then partying late into the pre-dawn hours with a new female friend at Carey Hart’s Wasted Space. …. Baseball great Mike Piazza enjoyed oatmeal and a veggie cocktail for breakfast at Simon in Palms Place this morning, and tonight he’s got front-row seats for Fantasy at the Luxor.

*It’s all about bodies beautiful this weekend with Playboy cover girl and Dancing With the Stars contestant and model Joanna Krupa appearing at Jet in The Mirage tonight. Former Baywatch beauty and Playboy cover girl Angelica Bridges competing in Steve Martorano’s Meatball Eating Contest at The Rio on Sunday; and sexy reality TV star Shayne Lamas hosting at Coyote Ugly tonight and LAX in the Luxor tomorrow. It simply doesn’t get any more sexciting than this trio, but there are even more hard bodies alongside Tony Hawk’s funfest. There’s another challenge between Vinny Red and Vinny Blue at New York-New York this afternoon, as they race tricycles around Center Bar and persuade guests to buy tickets for the roller coaster. The winning Vinny, to become host and spokesman for the resort, will be named Nov. 16.

We’ve wrapped our hands around all these goodies and tied a red ribbon around the important parts in a perfect measurement we refer to affectionately around here as the ROYAL ROBIN RUNDOWN:

Friday, Nov. 6

*Pop star Kelly Clarkson is joined by the Australian sister duo The Veronicas and Parachute for her Joint stop for the All I Ever Wanted Tour. Since her 2002 debut, Kelly’s sold more than 20 million albums, including her latest All I Ever Wanted.

*The double boxing main event Road to Redemption with Zab Judah, Joel Casamayor and Ron Johnson is live from The Pearl in the Palms with none other than Matt Goss going into the ring for the national anthem.

*Comedy is king with Tonight Show host Jay Leno starting two nights at Terry Fator Theater in The Mirage, and David Spade, mired in a controversy over images of the late Chris Farley edited into a Direct TV commercial, is at The Venetian in Wayne Brady’s theater through Sunday.

*Skid Row pumps it out at Sunset Station, Craig Morgan is at Aliante Station, and LMFAO brings their Party Rock Tour to the House of Blues.

*Hawaii’s Society of Seven opens its residency at the Gold Coast with American Idol star Jasmine Trias, and Roy Clark sings those country stories through Sunday at South Point.

Party patrol

R&B artist R. Kelly performs his bump and grind at Planet Hollywood and then proves his belief in flight by hosting his after-party at Hawaiian Tropic Zone in the Miracle Mile. … It looks as if record producer and singer Jermaine Dupri has become the new resident DJ on Friday nights at Prive in Planet Hollywood, and this evening, he’ll spin and launch his watch line Nu Pop Movement.

Saturday, Nov. 7

*Two-time Professional Bull Riders world champion and ex-UNLV student Justin McBride is the country singer attraction poolside at Silverton Casino Lodge.

*Old-time mates from the North of England Eric Burdon and his Animals trip back to yesteryear’s music at Green Valley Ranch. “Don’t Let Me Be Understood” when I want to hear “House of the Rising Sun” yet again.

*ABBA sound- and look-alikes Abbacadabra return to the Las Vegas Hilton for two nights of shows. Jerry Greenberg, ex-president of Atlantic Records who signed ABBA, says, “This foursome from Reno sounds exactly like the original band.”

*Rising Las Vegas rock band Theory of Flight is “Within Reach” of stardom and won the opening spot for Everclear’s concert at The Joint. Next weekend, Vince Neil has booked them for his Dr. Feelgood’s Rock Bar & Grill. … Anjelah Johnson of Mad TV is at the House of Blues, while six Vietnamese men and six women make up Song Ca Dec Biet in concert at the Star of the Desert Arena in Primm. …. It’s a Veterans Day tribute at the annual patriot party at Fremont Street Experience, as it goes red, white and blue all night long. The Tony Marques Band, Highwire, Bruce in the USA and the LoCash Cowboys entertain from 5 p.m. until at least midnight!

Party patrol

Miss Nevada 2009 Georgina Vaughan hosts the official after-party of the Miss Nevada USA Pageant at Prive, and all eyes will be on one former Miss America runner-up to see if she’ll win and enter the rival Miss USA Pageant.

Sunday, Nov. 8

*The first-ever Steve Martorano Masters Meatball Eating Championship starts at noon in Cafe Martorano at The Rio. Angelica Bridges goes up against Joey Chestnut and other Major League Eating champs. Stuffing the meatballs in the mouth with their hands is strictly forbidden. They must use knife and fork! I’ll be there to bring you the entire messy affair on Twitter and follow Monday with the full photo report.

*Carey Hart has Low vs. Diamond as the musical act at his Wasted Space.

*There’s far more than 76 trombones playing -- in fact, more like 100 -- at the 25th anniversary concert in UNLV’s Artemus Ham Theater with Nelson Sardelli as emcee.

*Two Strip headliners, magic greats Lance Burton and Mac King, are the star performers at the 53rd Annual It’s Magic event at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood to wrap a week of commemorative events for the 100th anniversary of the legendary conjurors’ world headquarters the Magic Castle. Actor Neil Patrick Harris will host the event, which also features incredible illusions from Kevin James, Joseph Gabriel, Shimada and Rudy Coby & Co.

Monday’s teases

We’ll have Donny Osmond’s plan to win Dancing With the Stars and the crowning of the new PBR world champion. We’ll also have coverage from the World Series of Poker Final Nine, which should be down to two players on Monday night, and Tony Hawk’s star-filled Skate Parks carnival.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter HERE.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter HERE.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter HERE.

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11.6.09 · 6:48 AM

November Nine in the hunt for $27 million in World Series of Poker

Darvin Moon shakes hands with Phil Ivey.

Photo: World Series Of Poker/Harrah's

At high noon tomorrow, nine card players will battle for the top prize of $8.5 million and split what’s left from the overall $27 million at the finals of the 40th Annual World Series of Poker. Either way, it’s not a bad payday! The showdown takes place at the Penn & Teller Theater in The Rio.

Seven of those men will be eliminated, and two will remain for Monday’s 10 p.m. head-to-head face-off to find the 2009 WSOP bracelet winner who will carry off with the $8.5 million in cash. Play at the table tomorrow will continue for as long as it takes to get down to the final two.

The runner-up receives $5.2 million, and the third-place finisher receives $3.5 million. From the fourth-place spot, the prize money eases down from $2.5 million to the $1.25 million that the first man ousted will win.

There are two players competing from Las Vegas, but the spotlight is on Phil Ivey, who is the heavy favorite, although he starts out in seventh place with 9.765 million chips. Phil has won seven WSOP bracelets, two this year before he became part of the November Nine. Not only has he won more than $10 million in his poker career, but also he once won $16 million in a single game of heads-up poker against millionaire Andy Beal. Insiders say that he’ll earn another $2 million in a side bet from Andy Bloch if he wins the championship bracelet.

The other Las Vegas player is Jeff Schulman, editor of Card Player magazine, who is being coached by legendary poker prince Phil Hellmuth. The chip leader with 58.930 million is Maryland logger Darvin Moon. Other players are Eric Buchman, Joseph Cada, Kevin Schaffel, Antoine Saout and James Akenhead. The remaining player is former Wall Street corporate strategist Steven Begleiuter, who lost his job at Bear Sterns when it collapsed in the financial meltdown pre-stimulus.

Just how do poker players of this caliber relax before what has to be the ultimate test of strength and tension? Well, Joseph and Eric worked it out by racing the electric cars at Pole Position Raceway yesterday on the 1/4-mile track opposite Palms Place.

Also on the WSOP agenda tomorrow night is the Poker Hall of Fame dinner, where Mike Sexton will be inducted as its 38th member. For the amazing history of the World Series of Poker, click HERE.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter HERE.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter HERE.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter HERE.

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11.6.09 · 9:38 AM

PBR Photo Gallery: It’s neck-and-neck for top World Finals riders

The battle for world champion has really come down to a neck-and-neck finish between this year’s leader, Kody Lostroh, and his nipping-at-his-spurs challenger J.B. Mauney. As if to demonstrate the season-long rivalry, the two respectful rivals placed first and second last night at the Thomas & Mack Center here.

Kody, 24, of Longmont, Colo., was the only rider with a 90-point ride of the night. North Carolina native J.B. was second with 89 points and an $18,000 check. Only three more rounds remain tonight, tomorrow and Sunday before the world champion is hailed. That cowboy gets the ultimate gold belt buckle and a $1 million bonus from Ford Built Tough.

Said Kody: “It feels great to be in the position I’m at. I’ve been at the other end of the ladder, too, so to come from there to here, I’m living a dream.” He won $25,000 last night and beefed up his lead over J.B. by 480 points. Kody has the advantage tonight of selecting his bull, and he’s already chosen Troubadour, who he’s conquered twice before winning event titles.

Kody has the last ride position each night, so he has to watch the other 39 go before him. “I don’t really like going last. I just have to stay relaxed the entire time. It’s really fun when you’re in the first group when the energy level is right up there. I have to stay in the zone all night with a clear mind.”

For the fourth consecutive round, last year’s winner, world champion Guilherme Marchi of Brazil, was bucked from his bull, ending his run for a back-to-back championship, something never achieved in the 16 years of the PBR.

Sunday’s finals will broadcast live from Las Vegas on NBC. Meantime, our contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was nearly face-to-face with the snorting bulls for our new gallery of 40 photos.

In other PBR news, our former UNLV student Justin McBride, who is serving as a color commentator for the nightly Versus coverage, continues with his new singing career. Tonight, he will play the Mizuya Lounge PBR Nightclub at Mandalay Bay, and then tomorrow, he hosts and performs at the Official PBR Party at the Silverton Casino Lodge, with Trent Willmon as a special guest.

Justin, who is a two-time PBR world champion (in 2005 and 2007), won more than $5 million before he switched to a recording studio from bull riding. His debut album is Don’t Let Go, which is obviously the mantra of the cowboys! This year, he performed for the first time at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter HERE.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter HERE.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter HERE.

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11.6.09 · 8:06 AM

Vince Neil hosts 5th annual poker event ahead of solo tour

Rock stars will join poker princes and princesses at Motley Crue frontman Vince Neil’s fifth annual celebrity charity poker tournament at The Rio on Sunday evening. The No Limit Texas Hold ’Em event benefits the Skylar Neil Foundation, named after his young daughter who died after a long battle with cancer in 1995.

The event begins with a 6 p.m. cocktail party for celebrities and players and is followed by a live charity auction before play starts at 7. We’ll have live Twitter reports on Sunday night. Past players have included such pro greats as Johnny Chan, Phil Gordon, Jennifer Harmon, Todd Brunson and Andy Block.

Vince tells me he’s been promised a glittering turnout of stars and players for this year’s event. After the tournament, the Las Vegas-based rocker begins a short solo tour starting in Walker, Minn., on Nov. 14. He’ll play five East Coast dates through Thanksgiving and then wrap with a West Coast gig in Washington next month.

He plans to be in a recording studio after that with the music and songs for his own upcoming solo CD. Don’t fret that Motley Crue are going their own separate ways. Their new album will be released next year, and then the foursome hit the road again under their long-play contract that has them on world tours through 2018.

Meantime, their fifth greatest-hits compilation on the heels of their Dr. Feelgood 20th anniversary drops Nov. 17.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter HERE.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter HERE.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter HERE.

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11.5.09 · 2:32 PM

Strip Scribbles: Bette Midler to end Caesars Palace run on Jan. 31

Superstar entertainer Bette Midler announced today that the final performance of her Caesars Palace spectacular The Showgirl Must Go On will be Jan. 31. It marks the end of her two-year residency at The Colosseum, which began on Feb. 20, 2008.

“What a fabulous two years this has been, and I thank AEG and Caesars Palace for the best partnership a showgirl could imagine. Who knows? These legs have had such a great run in the desert -- it may be time to haul them to places with more humidity and fewer slot machines. But first I need to finish recording my album of the sexiest new love songs that only a showgirl could sing,” Bette said in a release.

John Meglen, president of AEG, commented: “Bette is one of the most talented, hard-working professionals in the business, and we would have loved for her to stay longer. All of us at AEG Live thank Bette and the entire cast, crew and staff for a great two-year run at The Colosseum.”

Caesars Palace President Gary Selesner summed up: “Like every one of her performances, the approaching finale of Bette’s two-year engagement leaves us applauding for more. Bette always will have a home at Caesars Palace.”

Bette will perform The Showgirl Must Go On this Saturday through Nov. 15 and again Dec. 30 through Jan. 31.

*Whoever would have guessed that sleek, sexy, body beautiful Playboy cover model and new Fantasy headliner Angelica Bridges could eat up a storm? She will compete this Sunday at noon in Steve Martorano’s first-ever Masters Meatball Eating Championship! Click HERE for our story yesterday. More Major League Eaters have decided to compete against legends Joey Chestnut and Rich LeFevre, who is coming out of retirement, since our post yesterday.

Joining Angelica will be 105-pound Sonya “Black Widow” Thomas and No. 3-ranked Pat “Deep Dish” Bertoletti, who between them hold a combined 45 world records in Major League Eating. Before you dismiss Angelica’s chances, bear in mind that the Eaters normally use their hands to stuff as much as they can in their mouths. This challenge demands respect for the famous Martorano meatballs, and they have to use fork and knife. Angelica may have an advantage!

*The contract between pop artist supreme Michael Godard, who has a gallery here in Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile, and slot machine manufacturer Aristocrat was signed two years ago. It’s taken since then for Michael to create what is being described as “the greatest slot machine ever.” His artwork “Godard’s Rocking Olives” inside the machine is captured in a preview photo exclusive to Vegas DeLuxe. Michael will give a sneak preview of the machine to global buyers at the G2E gaming show here starting Nov. 17. He’s keeping the details secret until the first spin.

*Dancing With the Stars professional Lacey Schwimmer has a one degree of separation connection to the Society of Seven opening at the Gold Coast tomorrow. Her dad, award-winning choreographer Buddy Schwimmer, has created new routines for the production. Buddy also is the father of Benji Schwimmer, who was the Season 2 winner of Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance. Appearing with SOS is Jasmine Trias, the third-place finisher on Season 3 of American Idol.

*Ex-Society of Seven singer Lani Misalucha hosted Randy Jackson when he came to see her show Voices at the Las Vegas Hilton. Randy, the youngest of Michael Jackson’s brothers, also met with producer Angelo Giordano.

*On a personal note, I’m very sorry and saddened to see the final blog of my friend Richard Abowitz’s Vegas tales on the Los Angeles Times Moving Buffet. Richard’s writing skills and keen personalized views of all things Las Vegas were a true highlight of the Times’ sites. Fortunately, he’ll still freelance for the LAT and appear in its weekend edition, plus we can still read Richard’s wit and sharp pen in our sister Las Vegas Weekly. But hopefully he’ll find a new national outlet soon. He’s just too smart to keep in Las Vegas alone!

Star surveillance

Peepshow star Holly Madison enjoyed a day’s break from the hit burlesque show with dinner at Dos Caminos in the Palazzo last night. All the stage stunts worked up a hearty appetite for the Playboy beauty, and she devoured guacamole, short rib and carnitas tacos and a shrimp quesadilla accompanied with a prickly pear margarita.

Tonight’s tips

Singer LeAnn Rimes returns tonight for the third and final of her consecutive weekend appearances in concert at Treasure Island. Click HERE for our Editor Don Chareunsy’s story from her concert last week. LeAnn’s final show under this current contract is tomorrow. … It’s double the laughter and double the fun when The Smothers Brothers start a four-night run at The Orleans Showroom. Their first public appearance was at the Purple Onion in San Francisco in 1959, which means they’ve been working their seamless blend of comedy and music for 50 years!

Tomorrow’s teases

It’s nothing but poker this weekend in Las Vegas. The World Series of Poker Final Nine starts play Saturday, with Phil Ivey favored to scoop most of the $10 million pot. Motley Crue rocker Vince Neil holds his annual celebrity charity poker tournament also at The Rio. Plus, our pals from Air Supply are stunned to find they have fans in Vietnam; Kelly Clarkson holds court at the Hard Rock; and we have our interview with ABBA-alikes Abbacadabra, who headline at the Hilton.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter HERE.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter HERE.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter HERE.

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11.5.09 · 1:25 PM

Photo Gallery: Louis Prima Jr. continues ‘King of Swing’s’ legacy

Louis Prima Jr.

Photo: Denise Truscello/WireImage

From the 1950s through the 1970s, Louis Prima Sr. was a legendary Las Vegas headliner. Celebrities, high rollers and The Rat Pack were regulars at what was known as the “wildest show” in Las Vegas. For 40 years, he commanded top billing!

Now Louis Prima Jr. has begun to carry on his father’s legacy as “The King of Swing,” and he’s moved to Las Vegas preparing for his own assault on the Strip. Our leading lady of the lens Denise Truscello captured this remarkable set of photos and portraits when she experimented with a natural sunlight photo shoot through the window shutters at her beautiful home.

Incredibly, Louis Sr.’s first song “Sing Sing Sing” was inducted into the Grammy Awards Hall of Fame, and he and the Witnesses followed that with hits including “Just a Gigolo,” “Old Black Magic,” “Jump Jive” and “When You’re Smiling” -- many of which became classics and have been given modern-day covers by David Lee Roth, Reba McEntire and Brian Setzer. Elvis Presley, when asked where he got his wiggle, replied, “From Louis Prima, of course!”

Music had to run in the family, and destined for his own musical greatness, Louis Jr. began his career playing drums at age 5. By 8, he was playing piano brilliantly and then moved on to other musical instruments, including trumpet and guitar. In 1987, he formed a rock band but backed out when grunge took over the music scene.

Now he’s returned to his roots -- his father's music. He’s put together a show with a swinging and rocking band that will “Jive” you crazy with the feel of the wildest show in Las Vegas.

Louis has concentrated on the East Coast the past few years and has consistently filled 1,200-seat showrooms nightly in Atlantic City. He’s also been a regular back in his father’s hometown of New Orleans. Now with his own band and singer Sarah Spiegel, Louis has turned his focus to the West Coast.

His debut appearance was just two weeks ago at The M Resort for its Italian Festival, and the raves and applause were an over-the-top return. The dynamic performance won him private and corporate shows, and now he’s planning more in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Louis Jr. has been turning up more on the Las Vegas social scene in recent weeks and has a major Hollywood red carpet event before Christmas.

Louis Sr.’s legacy is in good hands, and the wildest show in Las Vegas is getting ready to explode all over again.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

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11.5.09 · 8:03 AM

Photo Gallery: Danica Patrick to become first female NASCAR driver?

Insiders expect the racecar world to be shaken up today with the surprise announcement that Danica Patrick will become NASCAR’s first female driver. The Indy 500 racer is expected to sign a two-year-deal with JR Motorsports, the NASCAR Nationwide series operation owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr.

I am reliably told that Danica will take to the track in 12 or 13 Nationwide races next year, including the big race here at Las Vegas Motor Speedway the last weekend in February. Danica’s first race should be the prestigious Daytona 500 run.

A regular Las Vegas visitor to Pole Position Raceway opposite the Palms and a supporter of race events here, Danica will drive car No. 7, which will have GoDaddy.com as its main sponsor. Danica was the 2005 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year and the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race.

Our contributing photographer Tom Donoghue compiled this gallery of Danica for Vegas DeLuxe, with a few photos of her new boss Dale thrown in for good measure! Danica will continue to race full time for Andretti Green driving an Indy car.

Expect the NASCAR news to make coast-to-coast headlines later today, with sports writers lining up on both sides of the decision to have a female take on the male stars of the sport and the near 200 mph race skills.

I think it will add more glamour and excitement to the 2010 race events. It’s sure going to get a lot more media coverage. If we have female fighter pilots in the skies, a woman on the racetrack has to be a good thing!

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

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Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter HERE.

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11.5.09 · 11:57 AM

Photo Gallery: Latin Grammy Awards week honors legends

International TV personalities Lili Estefan and Raul de Molina are honored with Las Vegas Walk of Stars in Las Vegas on Nov. 3, 2009.

Photo: Brian Jones/Las Vegas News Bureau

It’s the biggest night in Latin music, and Las Vegas will play host to the Latin Grammy Awards this evening at Mandalay Bay. The live global telecast starts here at 5 p.m. for the 8 p.m. East Coast primetime airing on Univision.

All week long, stars, producers, publishers and songwriters have been celebrating here. It began with a kickoff party downtown at the Fremont Street Experience, continued with the Walk of Fame celebrations and ended with the Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Contributing photographers Brian Jones, Glenn Pinkerton and Darrin Bush of the Las Vegas News Bureau were there for all the events, and, along with Erik Kabik and Tom Donoghue, will be on the red carpet and front row stage center for the music and awards tonight.

Actor and comedian Eugenio Derbez will co-host the all-Spanish show with singer actress Lucero. Performers and award presenters include Calle13, Ruben Blades, Grupo Montez de Durango, La Quinta Estacion, Shaila Durcal, Luis Fonsi, Laura Pausini, Alejandro Sanz and David Bisbal.

Calle13 leads the nominees in the 49 categories for best album and best urban music album with Los de Atras Vienen Commingo and also for best record and best alternative song with “No Hay Nadie Come Tu” and for “La Perla” for best short-form music video.

Among the stars who are nominated for three awards are Wisin & Yandel, who performed here last weekend at The Orleans Arena, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Ivete Sangaio, Ivan Lins, Jose Lugo, Caetano Veloso and Jorge Piloto.

We’ll have full coverage tomorrow right here at Vegas DeLuxe.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter HERE.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter HERE.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter HERE.

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