Scaredy cats need not apply.... Fright Dome in Las Vegas is ranked in the Top 5 of Haunted Houses in America.

The popular annual fright fest, Fright Dome at Circus Circus Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, opens this Saturday, October 1 with a first-ever grand opening event — the premiere  Black Carpet!  The hotel promises the arrival of celebs, local headliners and more to opening night of one of the scariest haunted attractions in the nation.  Carpet arrivals start at 6pm and doors open at 7pm.

Created by Jason Egan, Fright Dome at Circus Circus has been horrifying visitors to Las Vegas since 2003.  Ticket prices this year are hovering right around $40 for General Admission.  For an extra $15,guests can buy a VIP Pass and the ability to skip to the front of the line at attractions within the Dome.

More info can be found at the event’s website:  Fright Dome at Circus Circus Las Vegas.

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Beginning March 15, Dion will be performing a brand-new Colosseum show featuring her most-beloved hits set to the music of a 30+ member orchestra.  The show’s co-producer promises a technically-innovative sound and screen experience courtesy of celebrated Grammys director Ken Ehrlich.  Although we’ve seen numerous reports of sell-outs, we found tickets available for even the debut performance through our affiliate at TicketNetwork –  Las Vegas Tickets.

The month of March also sees some famed performers hit the stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.  March 5 brings Eric Clapton to town for a single Saturday night show.  Clapton, whose hit song “Layla” and accompanying album celebrates its 40th anniversary in March (yeah, makes me feel old, too) had a recent stop in Tokyo and you can read about the show on this special Eric Clapton website — WheresEric.com. Tickets (starting at $59) info:  Eric Clapton Tickets 2011-03-05 Las Vegas, NV, MGM Grand Garden Arena.

March 19 is the date for the latest Las Vegas concert featuring Bon Jovi.  This one-night show is their only Las Vegas stop during 2011 in a tour dubbed simply Bon Jovi Live in support of their newest “Greatest Hits” recording.  Last year’s Circle Tour was named the highest grossing concert tour of 2010 according to Billboard’s annual Top 25 concert tours. Get Bon Jovi Tickets for MGM Grand Las Vegas at TicketsNow.

The Monster Ball World Tour featuring Lady GaGa takes the Las Vegas stage on March 25.  Tickets at MGM Grand’s Garden Arena to see the “Born This Way” singer are scarce and pricey but we found some starting at $200 on TicketsNow.  Lady Gaga Tickets.

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These limited-time offers for room discounts and special credits come directly from MGM Resorts and pop up fairly frequently but always on different properties.  The current ones happen to be for ARIA Resort and the Vdara, the non-gaming hotel across the traffic-circle, weird entryway, courtyard from ARIA.  (If you caught “The Bachelor” on ABC last night, you would have seen Brad Womack under the ARIA portico awaiting his posse of bachelorettes. What? No gaggle of desperate gorgeous women to accompany you? No problem, you can still stay there.)

We have to admit it.  We are strangely attracted to ARIA and, no, it has nothing to do with Brad.  We actually enjoy playing slots there (IGT’s Secrets of the Forest is a fave) and Julian Serrano has become our routine stop for yummy tapas — try the warm spinach salad with garlic and pine nuts — and white sangria.

Here are the latest deals we have as an affiliate of MGM Resorts:  (Affiliate means we get a couple of bucks if you book through our site.  Thanks.)

ARIA “$50 DAILY ARIA Resort Credit” The Center of Excitement has Shifted! *Be our guest on select dates now through June 30, 2011 and enjoy a daily $50 ARIA Resort Credit (*see site for additional details and restrictions). Promotion Runs: Jan 28 – Jun 30, 2011. Promo Code: AR7D50 (Exp 2/2/11)

Vdara – Room Rates From $119/nt.

And here’s a video look at “Secrets of the Forest” slot machine from IGT.

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LAVO at the Palazzo will ring in the New Year with hostess Holly Madison on hand to party with Las Vegas revelers.

“Maybe it’s much too early in the game
Aah, but I thought I’d ask you just the same
What are you doing New Year’s,
New Year’s eve?” *

Las Vegas for New Year’s Eve? That’ll work. So “who” will be lighting up the desert and ringing in 2011 with the masses? Here’s a list of “hosts” (we’re still not quite sure what that means…) plus performers booked into various Strip venues this year.

New Year’s Eve 2011 Events, Las Vegas

Reality star/entrepreneur/serial dater and “smart” sister, Kim Kardashian, will be hosting the party at TAO Las Vegas at the Venetian.  (Unfortunately for us girls, her liaison with Halle Berry ex, Gabriel Aubry, is over so no extra eye-candy for the $$$ you may be shelling out.)

Holly Madison, Las Vegas’ version of the girl-next-door (if you happen to live next door to a huge casino resort such as Planet Hollywood,) will be mingling with revelers at LAVO, the Palazzo’s celeb-heavy club. (We thought it odd that she wasn’t snapped up for a gig at one of the Harrah’s Caesar’s properties.)

Mario Lopez (we’re assuming sans baby and Screech) will be making an appearance at Eve nightclub inside the Crystals at CityCenter. Eve – owned by Eva Longoria (we’ll drop the “Parker”) – has a ton of packages available including the $10,000 “Celebrity VIP” blitz with admission for you and 14 of your BFF’s plus “Unlimited Premium Liquor, 4 bottles at a time, and 2 Bottles of Dom Perignon Magnum.”

Sean “Diddy” Combs will be hosting the blow-out at LAX at the Luxor. Other hip-hop and rap stars in town and hosting and/or performing for the night’s festivities include Ludacris at Vanity at the Hard Rock Hotel — packages start at $150 with open bar – plus NELLY at Haze in the new ARIA Resort and Casino or how about B.o.B. at the Mirage’s JET nightclub.

The most talked about “by-invitation-only” event is the Jay Z/Coldplay concert at the brand-new Cosmopolitan casino resort. Reportedly, the Empire State star is getting a cool mil for his performance. For this event, high-rollers only need apply. If your casino play is grand enough to impress the Cosmo’s powers-that-be, here’s a run-down on the event — Coldplay & Jay-Z LIVE Concert, Cosmopolitan Las Vegas NEW YEARS EVE 2011 — plus an email addy you can use to try for tickets. (We’re assuming your 2009 tax return complete with W-2G’s is the key to getting your golden ticket.)

Check out all the info on lots of New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas events at our favorite BestOfVegas.com site where tickets, line passes and more are available for purchase.

*  “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” Music and lyrics — Frank Henry Loesser

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Barry Manilow's new CD, "The Greatest Love Songs of All Time," hit the streets today.

Promising “something new” and a production “definitely not to be missed,” Barry Manilow will begin a new two-year stint at Paris Las Vegas on March 5. The mega-hit singer will perform 78 shows each year in the 1500-seat Paris Theater at the Harrah’s-owned property and tickets for the new Manilow show – including tickets for opening night! – are available online and at the Paris box office.

Manilow has been out and about quite a bit lately with appearances on one of Conan O’Brien’s last “Tonight Show” episodes, an interview on “Access Hollywood” as well as hosting his very own QVC special on January 19 to hawk his newest song collection, The Greatest Love Songs of All Time.  This newest CD dropped today and is already #10 on the Amazon sales list.

The new show at Paris comes on the heels of his long-time run at the Las Vegas Hilton which began in February 2005 and claimed gross ticket sales of more than $70 million over the years. The new show is under the direction of Jeffrey Hornaday (Flashdance, A Chorus Line, High School Musical), and Manilow promises an all-new production for his legion of “Fanilows.”

Check out Ticket Network for Barry Manilow Tickets Las Vegas.

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Vegas is wooing out-of-town shoppers with free tickets to shows like Blue Man Group at The Venetian.

Here’s how to roll three of my favorite things — Las Vegas, shopping and free — all into one sentence:  Do your holiday shopping in Las Vegas this year and get free show tickets.  No kidding.  Non-Nevada residents who shop from 11/29 through 12/13/2009 and spend $500 or more at participating retail shopping areas such as the brand-new Crystals at CityCenter, the Forum Shops at Caesars, the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian and even the stores at the Las Vegas Premium Outlet mall can qualify for two complimentary tickets to shows like Phantom at the Venetian, Peepshow at PH, Donny & Marie Osmond and more.  Find all the details at VisitLasVegas.com.

Speaking of CityCenter, the sure-to-be-spectacular new Aria and Vdara resorts are both taking reservations and you can get special rates when you use the promo codes plus these links:

Aria: ARIA “Winter Special” Rates from $159/nt (2nt Min). *Enjoy this incredible offer at ARIA, MGM MIRAGE’s newest resort-casino at CityCenter – Stay Two Nights at a Special Rate from $159 per night and Receive a $75 Resort Credit (*See site for additional details and restrictions). Dec 17, 2009 – Apr 1, 2010. Promo Code: AR159G75 (Exp 4/1/10).

Vdara: Vdara “Winter Special” Rates from $139/nt (2nt Min). *Stay Two Nights at Vdara Hotel & Spa at a Special Introductory Rate from $139 and Receive a $50 Resort Credit (*See site for additional detail and restrictions). Dec 1, 2009 – Mar 31, 2010. Promo Code: VRLVCVA (Exp 4/1/10).

Also, take advantage of more great rates this winter by booking a room at MGM Grand with this cool offer –

MGM Grand Las Vegas “Holiday Spree” — Rates from $75 per night. *Promo includes: $35 Dining credit, $25 Spa services credit, and 15% off retail purchases. (*See site for additional details and restrictions). Nov 4, 2009 – Mar 31, 2010. Promo Code: MKT320 (Exp 1/31/10).

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Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas will host special performances by Garth Brooks beginning in December.

Country superstar Garth Brooks is ending his retirement in a deal with Steve Wynn where the singer will perform a  limited number of engagements at the Encore Theatre in Las Vegas.  The all-acoustic performances begin with a single weekend in December and will continue on select dates throughout the term of the 5-year arrangement.

The price for tickets (said to be a point of discussion between Wynn and Brooks) is a very “reasonable-for-Vegas” $125 plus a $5 service charge and a $13 tax to equal a total of $143 and go on sale this Saturday, October 24 at 8:00 a.m. Pacific (9:00 a.m. MT, 10:00 a.m. CT and 11:00 a.m. ET). Tickets are available by calling 702.770.1000 and online at the Wynn Las Vegas box office.

The following weekend dates have been released with all performances happening at the Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas Resort:

December 2009:  11 – 13

January 2010:  1 – 3 and 22 – 24

February 2010:  12 – 14 and 26 – 28

Performance times are:  Fridays – 8:00pm; Saturdays – 8:00pm & 10:30pm; and Sundays – 8:00pm.

More information about ticketing can be found on the official Garth Brooks website plus there’s lots more info on the deal in a good article on CMT News online:  “NASHVILLE SKYLINE: Garth Brooks Goes Back to Work.”

You can check out room rates here for  Encore at Wynn Las Vegas and for Wynn Las Vegas where we found rates ranging from $235 on up with a $75 resort credit.  There are lots of options nearby including TI – Treasure Island Hotel and Casino ($101 – $139,) or The Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino and The Palazzo Resort Hotel & Casino at the Venetian for $219 per night each plus slot credit of $50 and dining credits as well.

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Starting October 7 and continuing through December 13, tabloid TV host (and, I kid you not, former Cincinnati mayor and Ohio congressional candidate,) Jerry Springer, will emcee the new variety show. Headlining the show is former chicken catcher now million dollar show winner, singer Kevin Springer, who will star in the new production along with other favorite acts from the show. (We thought the best acts from this year’s show were Recycled Percussion and the weirdly-named Acrodunk.  And, really, are we the only ones who thought opera singer, Barbara Padilla, had a great back story but as an opera singer isn’t exactly what we consider a “Vegas act?”)

Springer will host the 10-week run of America’s Got Talent Live!, with shows running every Wednesday through Sunday at Planet Hollywood’s 1300-seat CHI Showroom. Tickets range from $64 – $104 but we have seen mailers from PHo touting 2-for-1 ticket deals with certain room packages.  Or check out this deal from i4Vegas — Planet Hollywood from $69 per night!

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Take in a show this fall then head to the new Pink's at Planet Hollywood for one of their legendary dogs.

We’re starting a new feature this week — Friday Finds – featuring news about Las Vegas that we find interesting plus lots of great deals on Las Vegas hotel discounts, travel packages, shows, concerts, restaurants and more.  Take a look at what we’ve seen and heard this week:

We’re really digging some of the shows planned for this fall at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s “The Joint.”  Tickets are on sale now for Van Morrison (September 25,) Creed in concert on September 27, actor/comedian Dane Cook on both October 9th and 10th at 8:30pm plus one of our all-time favorites, Bob Dylan, on Sunday, October 18th at 8 pm.

At Mandalay Bay, Britney Spears is back with her “Circus” tour; this time featuring special guests Jordin Sparks and Kristinia DeBarge.  Special room + ticket deals are available at these properties:

Luxor “Britney Spears” Concert and Room Package. *Package Price of $154.00 plus tax and resort fee on Sunday September 27th includes: One night stay in a Tower Deluxe Room and Two tickets to Britney Spears in concert at the Mandalay Bay Event Center on Sunday, September 27 at 8pm (*See site for additional details and restrictions). Sep 24 – 30, 2009. Promo Code: PBRIT (Exp 9/24/09)

Mandalay Bay “Britney Spears” Rates from $194/nt. *The Final Act of the Circus Tour Starring Britney Spears at Mandalay Bay Sunday, September 27 –Book Mandalay Bay and receive 2 tickets to see Britney Spears Live in Concert on Sunday, September 27 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center (*See site for additional details and restrictions). Sep 22 – 30, 2009. Promo Code: PBRITH (Exp 10/1/09).

Also at the Mandalay Bay Events Center this fall, look for Grammy® -winning superstar Justin Timberlake who’s bringing his “Justin Timberlake and Friends, a Special Evening Benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children” event to the stage at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 8 PM.  Ticket prices for this charity concert range from $100 – $250. Check out tickets here: Justin Timberlake Las Vegas

On the restaurant front, don’t forget that Pink’s in now open at Planet Hollywood. The hot dog haven (which has been in business since 1939)  has a loyal following — and a sometimes hour-long wait — at its original location in the city of Hollywood.

This week’s restaurant.com deal: Take 50% off w/every $25 Gift Certificate order! Use code MENU and pay $5 thru 9/8/09 at Restaurant.com. And just a hint, when you do use these certificates toward your meal, be sure to give it to the server early on so they have time to validate the certificate number before you get your final bill.

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For a fun evening out, check out "Peepshow" at Planet Hollywood. (Photo property of royallyflushed.com)

So we’re back and still getting over our “eight-days-in-Vegas” hangover while working on putting together all the info we need to give you about what’s going on right now in Las Vegas. We ate at some terrific and not-so-terrific places, stayed at three different resorts, found and used a number of great Las Vegas deals, played lots of video poker, took tons of photos and spent a lot time just checking out the crowds (or lack thereof) on and off the Strip. (Hey, it’s a tough job but someone has to do it….)

Usually, we start with a round-up of where we stayed but this time we’re going to start with our review of the Planet Hollywood burlesque revue, “Peepshow,” starring Broadway-alumni Shoshana Bean, former Playboy Playmate Holly Madison and – we’re going to throw this name in because he deserves it – vocalist Josh Strickland from American Idol, Season 2.

First, what this show is not : It’s not Holly Madison dances “Swan Lake;” it’s not going to be nominated for a Tony; and it’s not got some deep dramatic storyline going on.

What this show is: A lot of music-and-dancing-girls fun! Terrific vocals from Shoshana Bean and Josh Strickland are the high points of the show. (Although, based on the reaction from the big groups of guys in the theater that Saturday night – bachelor parties? – I think most men will say the boobs and butts are points more worthy of notice!) Bean is particularly entertaining with her gravelly-voiced musical narration of a story based on Bo Peep’s (Madison) transformation from goody-goody to “shows-her-boobs-in-the-finale” kind of gal. And Strickland provides a little eye-candy for the ladies along with his powerful vocals.

“Peepshow” is fast-paced with one production number after another featuring dance numbers loosely based on Mother Goose rhymes. Our favorite dancer was “Ms. Pete,” a gorgeous gal pole-dancing inside of a pumpkin (did I really just write that?) in a take-off on the old “Peter, Peter, Pumpkin-Eater” rhyme. (You can make up your own jokes with that one.)

The show offers the ladies dressed in almost every stock-in-trade fantasy outfit imaginable. You got your sexy cheerleaders; your school girls complete with plaid pleats and knee-socks; the mistress of leather and chains and lots more. And, for the pet-lovers among you – there is even a weird dancing dog. (Ummm, yeah, make up your own jokes once more.)

So, can Holly Madison dance? Well, let’s say she has a really pretty face and I hear she is a real sweetheart in person. You can make up your own mind after seeing one of her performances on “Dancing with the Stars” on a YouTube video at the bottom of this post.

Again, it’s not “Jersey Boys” or “The Lion King,” (but those shows don’t have the bare boobs and butts you could bounce quarters off of like “Peepshow,” now do they?) but it can add to a fun evening out in Las Vegas.

More info: We had 2-for-1 tickets that came with our stay at Planet Hollywood but you can also get tickets the day of the show at our favorite discount ticket outlet, TIX 4 Tonight.

Planet Hollywood has some great Las Vegas room deals going right now. And, since the closing of their big nightclubs, Prive and The Living Room, expect to see the deals continue.   Planet Hollywood from $69 per night!

Take alongs: Whenever we have plans to see a show, I take these compact binoculars with me just in case I want a better view.

Holly Madison on “Dancing with the Stars”

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Sunset Station is one of the casino resorts taking part in this year's huge "Station's 4th of July Blast" fireworks show. (Click the pic to check on rooms.)

Station Casinos will be hosting the biggest fireworks show in Las Vegas this 4th of July 2009 when each of the Company’s nine properties participate in a huge simultaneous pyrotechnics show to celebrate the holiday.  Called the “Station’s 4th of July Blast,” the monster production will go off at 9:30 pm on Saturday with shows at Red Rock Resort, Green Valley Ranch, Palace Station, Boulder Station, Fiesta Henderson, the new Aliante Station, Santa Fe and Sunset Stations plus the shared location of neighboring properties Texas Station and Fiesta Rancho.

The show will be coordinated and produced by the Grucci Family, a company famous for providing magnificent displays at presidential inaugurations as well as legendary Fourth of July shows from coast-to-coast. During the show, several radio station including KSNE Sunny 106.5 FM, KWNR New Country 95.5 FM and KOMP The Rock Station 92.3 FM will provide a musical accompaniment choreographed to highlight the nine-minute fireworks show.

Want the “best seat in the house” for watching the show?  Here’s a list from Station Casinos of recommended public viewing areas that  each property has carved out  for their guests:

* Aliante Station – Hotel valet/parking lot area

* Boulder Station – Parking garage rooftop

* Fiesta Henderson – Parking garage rooftop

* Fiesta Rancho – Parking garage rooftop

* Green Valley Ranch – Backyard pool area

* Palace Station – Parking garage rooftop (south parking garage connected to casino entrance)

* Red Rock Resort – Pool area and amphitheatre

* Santa Fe Station – Parking garage rooftop (north parking garage) and the race and sports book patio

* Sunset Station – Amphitheater

* Texas Station – Parking Lot C off Rancho entrance

In addition to the free fireworks show, all Station Casinos will be celebrating the holiday weekend with food and drink specials, live entertainment and more.  Be sure to check with each casino for more info on the big Fourth of July bash.

Holiday Hint: Make it a “playcation” and book a night or two at one of the hotels.  Rooms are still available at several resorts including: Sunset Station Hotel And Casino,  Green Valley Ranch Resort and Spa and Fiesta Rancho Station Casino Hotel.

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Fourth of July fireworks explode in the sky between The Bellagio and Caesars Palace during 2008's display.

There’s still plenty of time and great hotel deals available if you want to spend this Fourth of July in Las Vegas.  P.B. and I usually spend three or four days at one of the resorts on The Strip hanging out at the hotel pool; sampling any new restaurants and ice cream joints (thinking Serendipity 3 at Caesars Palace this year;) and just relaxing over the lazy holiday.

This year we’re going to head for Fremont Street for at least one evening and check out the downtown’s “American Pie 4th of July” celebration which starts Friday, July 3 and goes through Sunday, July 5. The popular Fremont Street Experience has been running a “Summer of ‘69″ event featuring the Viva Vision show, “Don McLean’s American Pie,” so we’ll see that plus enjoy one of the weekend concerts. Headliners this year include Janis Joplin’s original band, “Big Brother & The Holding Company,” on Friday with “The Grass Roots” playing on Saturday. The evening of the 4th also promises a brilliant virtual fireworks show on the Viva Vision canopy.  Get more info here – Fremont Street 4th Celebration.

The Brooklyn Bridge at New York New York Hotel & Casino will be the scene of another week-end long event – the Fourth of July “Beer Bash on the Bridge.” Tickets for this party include unlimited beer from 20 brewers plus a changing schedule of daily entertainment featuring groups like “Boogie Nights,” ” The Spazmatics,” and “Phoenix.” Check out the details at the NYNY Hotel & Casino website, promotion section.

We found some really good hotel deals through Expedia’s big summer hotel sale with great rates at Treasure Island, Luxor, NYNY and The Flamingo plus a great offer at the downtown California Hotel.  Be sure to make your reservations by June 30th and don’t miss the special offer available for using your MasterCard® plus all the special coupon books and other cool freebies when you book through Expedia.

Expedia Hotel Sale! 5000+ Deals worldwide, hotels from $24! – Expires 6/30/09

We’ll be posting more events in Las Vegas as the holiday weekend gets nearer.

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Head for Planet Hollywood to catch the new "Peepshow" starring Mel B of Spice Girls fame.

With all the outrageous Las Vegas hotel deals (Last minute Vegas values at Expedia.com!) available this spring and summer now is a great time to plan on using some of the cash you’ll save on the room by booking a seat at one of the new shows in town.

At Planet Hollywood, the new “Peepshow” starring Mel B — aka “Scary Spice” from the pop group The Spice Girls — along with soap actress Kelly Monaco from ABC’s “General Hospital” is garnering good reviews since it opened earlier this month.  Part burlesque, part fantasy, the show features lots of lingerie-sporting dancing girls, exuberant singing numbers and a loose storyline.  Hotel packages are available that combine show tickets with room discounts, free slot play and more.  Ticket prices alone begin at $65 and go up to $175 each for VIP table seating.  Check out Planet Hollywood’s website here.

Coming to the Las Vegas Strip in May is the popular Broadway hit “The Lion King” which will open at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.  The Tony® Award-winning Broadway sensation that Newsweek calls “a landmark event in entertainment” will begin regular performances on May 18th.  (Previews begin May 5 and run on select dates through the May 17th opening night.)  Ticket prices range from $53 to $168.50.  Visit Mandalay Bay’s site for more info.

Also, when you visit Mandalay Bay, check out the Beachside Casino, a brand new three-story venue with dining, gaming and more overlooking the resort’s world-famous pool area.  The second floor features Blackjack, roulette and craps where casual beach attire is preferred and encouraged and even the dealers are dressed for a fun-filled day at the beach.

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Avenged Sevenfold ended their nearly two-year tour with a performance at the new Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. (Photo courtesy of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.)

There’s lots of hot new stuff happening at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas this spring!  With the grand opening of the new mega-music venue “The Joint” (including performances by The Killers, Avenged Sevenfold and Paul McCartney); the grand opening of Carey Hart’s Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co.; and the season opening of Rehab — complete with a Snoop Dogg set — the property was buzzing with capacity crowds and celebrity cameos throughout the past (4/17 – 4/19) weekend. Here’s a recap of the events and celebs that came to party at the HRH:

The Killers at the Opening of The Joint:

The Vegas hometown band, The Killers, officially opened the new Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas to a sold out show of 4,000 fans. Owen Wilson and Stephen Dorff caught the performance from a studio suite and were ushered backstage post-show to meet the band.  Also spotted were motocross star Carey Hart plus favorite Las Vegas residents, Andre Agassi and wife Steffi Graff (who were also seen dining pre-show at Rare 120, the new restaurant at the Hard Rock.)

Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co.:

Carey Hart opened the doors to his famed Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co. with friends Benji Madden and members of the band Avenged Sevenfold on hand to support. TV host Sal Masekela was first to go under the needle as he got a tattoo on camera for his show, the Daily 10.  Later that evening Hart, Madden and company set up shop in the Joint to watch fan favorites Avenged Sevenfold play the last show of their nearly two-year-long tour to another capacity crowd.

Famed Sunday Pool Party Rehab Debuts:

A 30-minute set from best-selling rapper Snoop Dogg kicked off the 6^th season of Rehab, the world-famous Sunday pool party at the Hard Rock.  Both locals and visitors alike came out to celebrate the beginning of pool season with over 3,000 people in attendance.  Celebrity partiers included New Orleans Saints Reggie Bush and Sedrick Ellis.

“Macca” Wows Crowd at Sunday Concert:

Paul opened with “Drive My Car” and played for more than two hours to a sold-out house, before getting back onstage for a double encore. Singing lots of old Beatles favs, cuts from his Wings days plus newer songs, the “cutest Beatle” was in fine voice for a now 66-year-old rocker. Celeb McCartney fans included: Donald Trump; Andre Agassi with wife, Steffi Graff; David Spade; Donny Osmond; and NASCAR driver Robbie Gordon.

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Dine for less at Enoteca San Marco at The Venetian and check out Chef Mario Batali's signature orange Crocs.

We’re always thrilled to bring you news of great deals on Las Vegas hotel rooms and now we have an amazing offer on some of the best restaurants in Las Vegas.

We’ve sung the praises of Restaurant.com in our “Las Vegas Values” article for “Casino Player” magazine (March 2009) and right here on RoyallyFlushed so we were excited to see this fantastic deal from the money-saving website.  From now through March 31 — you can purchase $25 dining coupons for just $3! Yes, you read that right…three bucks buys you twenty-five dollars in dining at restaurants all around Las Vegas.

And here’s what we really like about the program:  you buy certificates only for those restaurants you plan on visiting.  No more buying a whole “book” of coupons only to use one or two.  At Restaurant.com, you choose only those places you like or you’d like to try while on vacation.  (And if you live in Las Vegas, it’s a great way to try some new spots for a lot less dough or save some bucks at your favorite places, too.)

Here are some of our recommended restaurants in Las Vegas:

One of the best restaurants in Las Vegas, a consistent “locals favorite,” the award-winning and nationally-recognized Rosemary’s.  Chefs Michael and Wendy Jordan will wow you with their contemporary cuisine and wonderful atmosphere. Rosemary’s Restaurant

Three Strip favorites:

• RM Seafood (Located @ Mandalay Bay Shops) (Definitely have the clam chowder!)
• Border Grill at Mandalay Bay
• ENOTECA San Marco (Located Inside the Venetian Hotel & Casino) (Read our review here.)

Other favorites include Little Buddha at The Palms, Hennessey’s Las Vegas on Fremont Street downtown and Al’s Garage at The District near Green Valley Ranch.

Oh, and two other favorites of ours:

• McCormick & Schmick’s (Their planked salmon is especially good and they’re located just minutes off the Strip.)

• Hash House A Go Go — Popular with locals and visitors alike, this off-Strip joint rocks for breakfast or anytime at all!

Also, keep in mind that restaurant.com offers dining certificates for restaurants all around the country so be sure to check and see if your fav neighborhood place isn’t also on their extensive list of participating restaurants.  (We use them here in Phoenix and Scottsdale all the time!)

Here’s the link and code to get your great dining deals now: Save 70% Off with every order of $25 Gift Certificates. Use code SAVE and pay $3 thru 3/31/09.

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Some of the chefs appearing at the Vegas Uncork'd event include: Guy Savoy, top right; Bobby Flay, top center; and Francois Payard, bottom left; all from Caesars Palace.

Calling all foodies!  Tickets for the culinary festival, Vegas Uncork’d, are selling out quickly.  The annual event — held over Mother’s Day weekend this year — is being billed as “A Bon Appétit Epicurean Experience” with the popular cooking magazine a co-sponsor of the four-day bash.

With the Las Vegas dining event happening May 7-10, this would make a perfect Mother’s Day getaway weekend for the special lady in anyone’s life.  Moms who love gourmet dining, amazing desserts, superb wines and rubbing elbows with the top chefs who make it all happen will really enjoy this year’s agenda.  Mother’s Day hotel deals in Las Vegas are still available.  Check out the deals at Bally’s, The Venetian, Paris and more here >>>> Last minute Vegas values at Expedia.com!

Kicking things off in style is the Masters’ Series Dinner at Caesars Palace where guests can
mingle with celebrated chefs such as Guy Savoy and François Payard, among others. Those with a sweet tooth can indulge in a “Sweet Decadence” culinary workshop at the Bellagio during which Executive Pastry Chef Jean-Philippe Maury and Bon Appétit Editor-and-Chief Barbara Fairchild create a lineup of delectable chocolate desserts.  (And, yes, I will definitely be at this event!)

Another sure way to impress mom is with tickets to “A Tale of Five Chefs” at the Bellagio with
Julian Serrano, Todd English, Michael Mina, Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Jean-Philippe Maury. Night owls and card players can hold’em or fold’em with chefs and vintners at the Midnight Poker tournament at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

For a memorable Saturday afternoon, guests can attend the Wynn Star Chef Luncheon Series and meet chefs Alex Stratta, Paul Bartolotta, Daniel Boulud, David Walzog and Richard Chen. The perfect ending to a weekend with mom is at one of the Wynn’s two simultaneous Mother’s Day brunches at Tableau with chef Mark LoRusso and The Country Club with Chef Rene Lenger.

Find all the information on events and tickets here at the Vegas Uncork’d website.

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Las Vegas show and restaurant discounts are posted each morning at TIX 4 Tonight.

One of the best deals in Las Vegas for discounts on popular shows and restaurants — including one of the best buffets in town — is TIX 4 Tonight.  With five locations dotting the Strip plus one downtown, you’re sure to find one convenient to your hotel.

How it works:  This is a “same day” ticket service.  Each morning at 9:30 a.m., the TIX 4 Tonight booths begin posting the shows available for that night (with prices) on screens at each location.  When the booths open at 10 a.m., customers who’ve gathered in line can purchase popular show tickets on a first-come, first-serve basis at up to 50% off the regular price.  Show tickets are NOT sold online so you have to go to the booth of your choice and queue up to get tickets.  Keep in mind, extremely popular Las Vegas shows sell out quickly so it’s good to have a back-up choice just in case.  Also, if you absolutely have your mind set on seeing one particular show, this is probably not the option for you since ticket availability varies from day to day.  But, if you are flexible in your choice of entertainment, this represents a great deal.

A “sneak peek” at a few of the hottest Las Vegas shows available on January 25th:  Blue Man Group at The Venetian 40% off; Zumanity at New York-New York for 20% off; and the popular Beatles-themed Love at The Mirage for 35% off.

Another great Las Vegas deal offered by the TIX 4 Tonight is their dining discount coupons.  Arrangements for these vouchers can be made online and up to seven days in advance or you can purchase them the same time you buy your dicounted show tickets.  For a small service fee of $2 – $3, you can get 50% off coupons good for such restaurants as Enoteca San Marco at the Venetian (subject of an upcoming review,) Les Artistes Steakhouse at Paris, Planet Hollywood at Caesars Palace and more.  You can also book a discounted breakfast, lunch or dinner at one of the Strip’s highest-rated buffets, the Le Village Buffet at Paris.

Find all the information on TIX 4 Tonight including their booth locations and the ever-present fine print, restrictions, and so on.  Be sure to click on the tab marked “Coupon” to print out a $2 off deal you can use at their booth!

$10 off your next flight to Las Vegas! Coupon Code: LASVEGAS10

Click Here for the Best Las Vegas Hotel Deals!

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Among all the visitors coming into Phoenix for the upcoming Insight and Fiesta bowls happening here in Arizona next week, there are bound to be a lot of casino gaming fans.  For those who like to play, here is a list of our Phoenix and Scottsdale area casinos along with casino-related info on dining, lounges, shows, golf opportunities and more.

Harrah's Ak-Chin is one of several Phoenix area casinos visitors can choose from to play slots, poker and more.

Casino Arizona:  Two locations, both of which are just off the Loop 101 freeway making them very accessible to all the major hotels and resorts.  Free limo service available by calling 480-850-7790.

Casino Arizona at Talking Stick:  Loop 101 freeway at the Indian Bend Road exit.  This is the casino most convenient to our north Phoenix/Scottsdale mega-resorts like the Fairmont Scottsdale, J.W. Marriott at Desert Ridge, Westin Kierland Resort or any of the hotels on Scottsdale Road north of Lincoln Drive.

• – This is the place for poker players.  Large gaming room with 50+ tables, big screen TVs, table-side food service.  Lots of Scottsdale locals play here.
• – High-limit room for slots and table games.
• – Try the Blue Coyote Grill for their spicy stir-frys.
• – Good selection of slots plus lots of video poker and vp variations including a 25¢ progressive.
• – Blazing 7′s machines near the 50-play video poker machines seem to pay well.
• – Golf:  Talking Stick Golf Course

Casino Arizona at McKellips:  Loop 101 freeway at the McKellips Road exit.  Convenient to Tempe, the Loop 202 plus central and Old Town Scottsdale.

• – More than 1,000 slot and video poker machines including lots of new games.
• – Fun Vegas-style variety show —  ”Showstoppers Live” — is a musical tribute show with Elvis, Madonna and other impersonators.
• – High-end steakhouse “Cholla” offers pricy but excellent food, a great wine list and is open until midnight on weekends.
• – The Piano Bar is a classy spot for a glass of wine and some good laid-back music.

Gila River Lone Butte Casino:  Loop 202 at the Kyrene Road exit.  Close to Chandler and the I-10 freeway.  Good location if you are staying along the I-10 freeway.

• – Arizona’s newest casino (opened November 20) offers 850 slot machines, live blackjack, casino bingo, and poker.  Games include Fortune Pai Gow Poker^® Progressive, Let It Ride Three-Card Bonus^® and Three-Card Poker^® plus slots like the hot new eBay™ and Star Trek™ machines.
• – The gourmet Verona Chophouse restaurant menu spotlights aged beef while the adjacent cozy wine bar has a good list of bottles to chose from.
• – Cascades Lounge is hopping with live entertainment nightly.
• – High-limit room with slots and tables.

Gila River Wild Horse Pass Casino:  I-10 freeway at Wild Horse Pass Boulevard exit and just a couple of miles from the Lone Butte casino.

• – Home to 875 slot machines, live poker, blackjack, keno and a 1500 seat high-stakes bingo room.
• – Next door to the very popular Arizona attraction, Rawhide Western Town, with its famous steakhouse and Wild West shows.
• – Park at the nearby Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort where you can dine at a number of restaurants including “Kai” — one of only two Five Diamond restaurants in all of Arizona – then take a flat-bottom boat ride to the casino.  (This is one of our favorite evenings out!)
• –Golf:  Whirlwind Golf Club with two courses.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino:  It’s a drive out to the town of Maricopa (about 40 minutes from Sky Harbor airport, exit Queen Creek Road off the I-10 freeway) but may be worth it if you are a Harrah’s Total Rewards Club® member wanting to get credit for your play.

• – New slot games like the popular Wizard of Oz™ plus lots of Super Times Pay™ video poker machines bring Phoenix players out to play.
• – The Range Steakhouse – a Harrah’s favorite – offers prime rib, lamb chops plus good seafood options like the sea scallops in chive butter.
• – Live poker, keno, blackjack and bingo as well as slots.
• – On the way, stop at Arena Sports Bar in Maricopa for some of the best Buffalo wings in Arizona.

Fort McDowell Casino:  Located about 20 minutes from Scottsdale near the town of Fountain Hills, this casino is most convenient for those staying in north Phoenix or Scottsdale.  The trip is worth it simply for the spectacular scenery you’ll see driving out on Shea Boulevard to the Beeline Highway and the casino.

• – New slots like Star Trek™ and Wizard of Oz™ plus lots of video poker machines including a $.25 progressive.  Largest “smoke-free” gaming area in town.
• – Lots of dining options including the sophisticated Anhala Restaurant at the adjacent Radisson Fort McDowell resort.  (The fish tacos with watermelon salsa are outstanding.)
• – Live entertainment in the Lucky Sevens Lounge.
• – Golf:  Wee-Ko-Pa Golf Course.

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Check out Britney Spears tickets on pre-sale at MGM Grand.

Tickets for “The Circus Starring Britney Spears” on April 25, 2009 at the MGM Grand Garden are now available for pre-sale using password IHEARTBRIT.  Special guests are The Pussycat Dolls.  Tickets will sell out fast so go to Ticketmaster here.

Brit’s new CD “The Circus” drops today. You can buy Circus here for less than $10 and stuff Britney — who’s looking pretty darn good these days – into someone’s stocking this holiday season.

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Bette Midler's show at Caesars Palace wowed our guest reviewer.

Caesars Palace always manages to convince some of the biggest names in musical entertainment to pack up their bags and head to the Nevada desert for an extended run of shows and 2008 has been no different.   In a performance rotation that started after Celine Dion vacated Caesar’s Colosseum last December, Cher, Bette Midler and Elton John have been keeping audiences thoroughly entertained this year. 

Bette Midler especially made quite an impression on audiences and critics alike when she brought her concert act, “The Showgirl Must Go On,” to Caesars for the first time in February.  Reviewers called Midler a Las Vegas natural; the combination of Midler and the city a match made in heaven.  Even “The New York Times” weighed in with this positive review:  ”That Ms. Midler is capable of instantly warming up a room this daunting and filling a stage this forbidding is a testament to her consummate skills as an entertainer.”

One of our guest writers saw Bette Midler’s show this summer and wrote this exclusive review for RoyallyFlushed.

“Among the revered music giants staking their claim on the Las Vegas Strip is superstar Bette Midler who wowed crowds during her summer appearance at the Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace. 

One of the biggest venues in Las Vegas — the Colosseum holds thousands of fans — seating nonetheless filled quickly and soon the lights dimmed for Ms. Midler’s appearance. While the majority of attendees were probably long-time fans of Ms. Midler’s music, a clutch of younger admirers like myself fully shared in the excitement of seeing her perform.

The show opened with a Imax-sized movie montage of a tornado ripping through Las Vegas which set the stage for the appearance of a gaggle of showgirls — complete with tights, plumes and heavily-bejewelled regalia — who were then joined by back-up singers, a live band, and finally, the petite Ms. Midler herself. She stands around 5’0″ but easily commands the stage with her dazzling attire and out-sized personality.

The glittering set complimented her various songs with different backdrops gently swooping in and out of sight as the show played on. Midler, who, in her sixties, can still move across the massive stage with the nimble footing of a much younger performer, delivers a show packed with irreverent  humor and pure musical talent. It was difficult for fans not to sing along to her more famous numbers including “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “Wind Beneath My Wings” and “The Rose” to name just a few.

My companion and I were awed by the Divine Miss M’s pipes, still able to tear up those high notes. Her trademark humor dazzled the audience as she kvetched about the hard knocks life of a pop diva and mused about her own brand of Midlerian divinity. The star – never one to shy away from telling it like it is — spoke her mind on everything from the politics of Washington to the politics of the bedroom.

The ninety minute show proved that Ms. Midler still has the voice, the spunk, the wit and sheer talent to dazzle her audiences. We look forward to a return stint soon.”

Ms. Midler appears at Caesars on select dates from November 11 through December 31 with tickets available at the Ticketmaster box office. 

Also on the roster this fall:  Elton John brings his tour, “The Red Piano,” to the venue October 22 through November 9.

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