VEGAS VIBES
by ZZ Zorn

 Mayor Oscar Goodman doesn’t let too much grass grow under his feet. The Downtown area is sure looking different these days and much of its change is due to this colorful Mayor’s efforts. The City of Las Vegas’ re-development plans include establishing downtown Las Vegas as the premier cultural, civic, financial and business center with high-rise condominiums, restaurants, commercial and cultural centers, office complexes, parks, entertainment and shopping.

Two of the newest changes are: The Icehouse Lounge, a $5 million freestanding two story restaurant/lounge constructed on the historic, original icehouse site that served the city of Las Vegas and the Union Pacific Railroad with large 350 pound blocks of ice for refrigeration purposes. This 24/7 lounge and restaurant is quite a place. The exterior design is reminiscent of South Beach, Miami with white stucco and lights that shine on the building turning it different colors. The interior is accented with retro photographs of old Downtown LV, retro furniture from the ‘60’s and bars made of frozen ice. The VIP opening had what looked to be about 2000 people enjoying the food, entertainment and atmosphere. This is certain to be a very successful hot spot. Another new downtown venture is the Las Vegas Premium Outlet with 120 stores opposite the Government Center on Grand Central Parkway. I remember when this area was all old railroad cars and tracks. There is also a new art district in the area and Neonopolis (which hasn’t quite caught on as yet). Look it over!

The STARDUST recently celebrated their 45th year anniversary with a party that included many celebrities, great food and nostalgia. Performers from past shows such as `The Lido’ and `Enter The Night’ were in attendance. A STARDUST Time Capsule and a showcase gallery of photography visuals of days past were unveiled. Wayne Newton and Don Rickles who are currently entertaining at the STARDUST in a showroom named for Wayne were there to celebrate. Wayne Newton performs until Aug. 17. Rickles is enjoying his 44th consecutive year as a Las Vegas entertainer, the last 38 as a showroom headliner. He will be appearing with Gene Ferrari on Aug. 21-24 followed on Aug. 28-31 by the Legendary Ladies of Rock `n Roll starring Lesley Gore, Darlene Love, Little Peggy March and the Chiffons. A special attraction in the Wayne Newton Theater is Andrew Dice Clay on Aug 29-30’ at 11p.m. and Lupillo Rivera on Aug 29 at 9.pm. An uncensored Hypnotist Anthony Cools is appearing for an indefinite engagement Thurs. Fri. and Sat. at 11 pm

What a town we have in Las Vegas. Never a dull moment. The New York International Independent Film and Music Festival just finished when VSDA, the Video Software Dealers Assn. brought their films turned video - and guess what’s next. About 3,000 Swingers turned themselves and the town on with their Lifestyles Convention. Most of the conventions had afterparties that went on until dawn with loud, loud music, although a having a contagious primitive beat doesn’t allow for any conversation besides screaming to try to get yourself heard. This music is in now and danceable and most of the hotels have late-nite clubs where generation X club-goers line up in droves waiting to get in. ICE a meta club that suites the desires of these club-goers has a 100,000 mega watt sound and light system. ICE features the "Fur Room," with shocking pink fur-lined walls, latex and S&M iconography and mirror polished panels. Opened on Aug 9th, ICE is located a 200 E. Harmon directly of the LV Strip.

STOMP, the international percussion sensation returns to the ALADDIN THEATRE Aug. 5 - 10. From its beginnings as a street performance in the UK, STOMP has grown into an international phenomenon over the past ten years, having performed in over 350 cities in 36 countries worldwide. STOMP uses everything but conventional percussion instruments - trashcans, tea chests, plastic bags, plungers, boots, and hubcaps - to fill the stage with compelling and infectious rhythms.... For Its First Ever National Tour Dora the Explora Live! appears at the Aladdin Theatre August 22, 23 & 24 Dora the Explorer Live! is based on the number one preschool show on commercial television. The popular Dora is a seven-year-old Latina heroine, whose adventures take place in an imaginative, tropical world filled with jungles, beaches and rainforests. Dora and her best friend Boots invite the audience to join them in an exciting adventure. Each step of their journey consists of a problem or puzzle that Dora and the audience must solve in order to move on to the next challenge.

In a town where Elvis sightings are commonplace, it seems only appropriate to be dealt a hand of Blackjack by "The King" himself. But, who would expect to see Madonna dealing across a Blackjack table? How about Crocodile Dundee, The Blues Brothers or Liberace! The IMPERIAL PALACE is mixing the thrill of gambling with the tribute spectacular, "Legends in Concert," by introducing a new "Legends Pit" with celebrity impersonator dealers or "Dealertainers." Every Thursday through Sunday from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. witness and participate in this original program THE ORLEANS hosts Rock `n Roll Hall of Fame’s ,The Righteous Brothers until Aug 10th. For nearly four decades, the Righteous Brothers have endured and thrived as legendary talents. Bill and Bobby have reached generations of fans with the raw emotion they convey as singers. And talking of legends, the legendary Debbie Reynolds performs Aug 13 to 17. Debbie’s live show is a wonderful blend of song dance and comedy. She is a topnotch comedian and impressionist.

Her Barbra Streisand and Cher impressions are classic and extremely humorous. Debbie is truly A Hollywood Legend.

Unfortunately we are losing too many Hollywood Legends these days. Who can ever replace Buddy Hackett and Bob Hope.

Nine Fine Irishmen, the new pub at NEW YORK-NEW YORK boasts an authentic Irish experience. Capturing the camaraderie and spirit of an Irish pub, there is also the diverse regional food specialties that Ireland has to offer. Nine of Ireland’s most esteemed chefs were selected to provide traditional dishes and each chef has contributed a signature dish.

The Cast Inc. continues great events for all to enjoy while honoring old-time Las Vegas performers. The Treniers were recently honored at a CAST luncheon at THE GREEK ISLE. A delicious sit-down lunch and an interactive Fame Game, with gifts for audience participants, preceded the tremendous talents of The Treniers, Bill Acosta, Sonny Charles and Sweet Louie, a new and very funny comedian, Kathleen Dumbar and Freddie Bell. Cork Procter was M.C. and the Tommy Deering Band supplied great music. Aug. 11 will be the next event that will honor the ever entertaining 87 year old Bernie Allen. If interested to attend these events look up www.thecastinc.com.

Season subscriptions on now on sale for the three-show series of `BROADWAY at the ALADDIN.’ The season opens Oct. 14-19 with THE FULL MONTY, a musical about six guys whose desperate plan to get their lives back together requires them to triumph over their fears, nerves and their clothes. Others in the series are STARLIGHT EXPRESS and 42ND STREET. (702) 798-5090; Congrats go out to `SPLASH’ the show at the RIVIERA now celebrating 18 years of thrilling and exciting shows, making it one of the longest running shows on the Strip.

Hamilton and Adina Erridge met 8 years ago at the swim-up Blackjack table at the TROPICANA. Now married 5 years they renewed their wedding vows at the same place where they met. An Elvis minister, Jesse Garon conducted the ceremony while surrounded by two showgirls dressed in mermaid costumes. The bride, currently 5 months pregnant, was decked out in a bathing suit and the groom wore a bow-tie along with his swim trunks. "Only in Las Vegas!"

MANDAYLAY BAY BEACH CONCERT SERIES continue in August with The Go-Go’s (Aug 9), Kenny Loggins (Aug 15) Hall & Oats (Aug 16). Pat Benatar (Aug 22) and Blues Traveler Aug 31. The concerts conclude in Sept. with B-52’s (Sept 5), India.Arie (Sept 12) and Billy Idol Sept (26). Quite a line-up!

Guests were treated to a collection of Original erotic Art by the beautiful artist, Lori Benson at the Caramel Lounge in THE BELLAGIO.... If you want to be truly entertained, singer Jimmy Hopper and his band still are still at the BELLAGIO’s Fontana Room.

The WINCHESTER CULTURAL CENTER presents the opening of the 7th Folkloric International season on Aug 22. This performance kicks off a week of Folkloric dance performances at locations around Las Vegas and features: Las Vegas dance groups, Mexico Vivo, Ballet Folklorico Tepuchcalli and Mexico Lindo.

FREE!.....AND, on Aug 23 a great show will be presented BROADWAY MEETS OPERETTA WITH Suzanne Farace, Lee Hughes, Erica Banks and Gary Oakes . $10 call 658-6741.