Las Vegas Weekly

February 4, 2010 · 4:04 PM

Strip Scribbles: Rumors of Celine Dion concert return still rumbling

By Robin Leach

Celine Dion in concert in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 28, 2009.

Photo: Tom Donoghue/www.donoghuephotography.com

Rumblings are intensifying that Caesars Palace executives and AEG concert producers are readying a Celine Dion announcement next week. I’m told but can’t confirm anywhere officially that next Wednesday, we’ll be given news that Ticketmaster will begin selling advance tickets for Celine’s return to The Colosseum on the Strip. I’m still told that the Web site accidentally flashed a March 25, 2011, start date for her new concert run.

*The mechanical bull that had been victorious in battles waged by tourists, locals and bikini-clad riders is back to defend its new home at Treasure Island, when Gilley’s Saloon, Dance Hall and Bar-B-Que opens April 16. Situated next to Sirens Cove, Gilley’s will have retractable glass for outdoor Strip seating and will be accessible from the casino and via a newly constructed bridge in front of the Sirens ship. Gilley’s will serve lunch and dinner and feature a show kitchen, saddle seats at the bar, live entertainment Thursdays through Saturdays, line dancing and the Gilley Girls. I’m still wondering if and how this affects Christian Audigier.

*Comedian Andrew Dice Clay puts the sin back in Sin City when he kicks off his new residency run at the Las Vegas Hilton tonight. He’ll be here for more than 30 weeks a year. The Dice Man’s run at the Hilton is a homecoming because he performed there more than 10 years ago. We have an interview with him about the run scheduled for next week.

*In a ceremony during a City Council meeting, Mayor Oscar Goodman recognized Donald D. Snyder and Myron G. Martin as February’s Citizens of the Month. Oscar chose the men because of their contributions to enhance and enrich Las Vegas. They are the driving force behind Smith Center, the centerpiece of Symphony Park. “It’s what will distinguish our city from other cities around the world,” Oscar said. The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is being designed as the future home of Nevada Ballet Theater, Las Vegas Philharmonic and touring attractions. The topping-off ceremony is next month for a March/April 2012 debut.

*For the Criss Angel fans who bombarded me with questions after we reported his March appearance hosting WWE Raw, it take places in Portland, Ore., an easy hop after his Sunday double-header of Believe at the Luxor. Criss says he’s going back into the ring because his career began in Long Island entertaining at a wrestling event.

*To give you an idea of the money involved in gaming in Macau, here’s how the Daily Times there explained it today: 2010 opened with new record revenues. The six operators have recorded a growth of 63 percent compared to January last year. Gross revenues in Macau casinos were up almost 63 percent from a year ago. Sheldon Adelson’s Las Vegas Sands is in second place with 22 percent, and Steve Wynn’s Wynn Resorts placed fourth with 13 percent, and in sixth place was MGM Grand Macau at 9 percent. The gaming industry is the main source of income for Macau, which collects 35 percent in direct taxes. Meantime, Forbes has an article about the fortunes Shelton, Steve and Kirk Kerkorian have riding on this weekend’s Super Bowl revenues here.

*The water shows at Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile fountain are turning the color red this month for National Heart Month. Additionally, all money tossed into the fountain and the indoor rainstorm attraction this month will be donated to the American Heart Association.

Star surveillance

Actress, author and lobbyist Fran Drescher of The Nanny uses wit and humor to discuss women’s philanthropy at today’s annual United luncheon and fashion show at the Wynn. Fran has been spotted at various restaurants in Steve Wynn’s casinos during her visit. Wynn and Encore fashion boutiques are presenting the clothing modeled at the luncheon by our city’s most generous women. The event benefits the Jewish Federation here. … Legendary guitarist Carlos Santana was with tennis superstar Andre Agassi at our hometown hero’s College Preparatory Academy, as we reported yesterday, and photographers Denise Truscello and Scott Harrison were there to capture the meeting. … DJ Steve Aoki celebrated the launch of his single “I’m in the House” at Blush in the Wynn. His energetic DJ set was part of the World Shoes and Accessories Show kickoff party sponsored by Puma.

Tonight’s tips

Comedy king Drew Carey leads his Improv All-Stars to MGM Hollywood Theater for four nights with familiar TV faces Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Kathy Kinney, Chip Esten, Jeff Davis and Jonathan Mangum. … Kurtis Blow, Mr. Freeze and DJ Aurajin of The Get Back perform in The Beatles Revolution Lounge in The Mirage. … Sexy Playboy Playmate Laura Croft, who is rumored to be dating George Maloof, celebrates her birthday at Tao’s Worship party in The Venetian. Laura is featured in the new E! reality TV series Holly’s World this spring. … Three pinup beauties will be picked by Miss Redd, aka Jennifer Affronti, to share $2,500 at Blush, and 50 ladies will each receive a gift bag from the Bettie Page boutique in Planet Hollywood.

Tomorrow’s teases

We’re celebrating not only Super Bowl weekend with parties and events, but also hometown rocker Vince Neil’s birthday at his Dr. Feelgood’s Rock Bar & Grill and UFC 109, with the clash of legends Randy Couture and Mark Coleman that fans have wanted for a decade. The Hall of Fame veterans are both in their 40s, so it’s a showdown of old-timers picking on someone their own age! Plus, a peek at Tiger Woods’ alleged mistress Jamie Jungers as she plans party night at Pure. (We posted a story about Jamie and Joslyn James earlier today.)

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 at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

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