A capsule glance at some of the fun Sin City activities this week, as seen through the ‘Vegas Unfiltered’ lens…
This past week was an exciting one all around: openings, anniversaries, fundraisers, and strolls through quiet spaces. For the best viewing on mobile phones, scroll to the bottom and select “Exit Mobile Version“.
MONDAYS DARK at The Space
The week kicked into high gear at The Space with MONDAYS DARK, a bi-weekly fundraiser showcase. Professional artists performed hits from the STUDIO 54 era, with proceeds directed to the ProStart culinary program.
Host Mark Shunock welcomed Chef James Trees (above) for Roadcase Conversations. Musical segments included classics from Niki Scalera, Patrice Petway (All Motown), Annie Lyon (Flashback), Jon Morgan, and Paige Strafella (The King Comes Home).
Niki Scalera and the Mondays Dark Band
Paige Strafella
Annie Lyon and Patrice Petway
The Space announced a massive expansion project (above) in February. You can read my coverage here.
Brenden Theaters 14 at Palms Casino
If you saw my piece on great mainstream Las Vegas cinemas, you know that Brenden 14 and IMAX at Palms Casino is a favorite destination. We strolled the facility after a late movie to enjoy graffiti art adorning every corridor. Created by local artists, the informal gallery was added in 2022 when the business reopened after COVID-19.
Discover the best venues for your cinematic adventures by heading here.
ABSINTHE Celebrates 14 Years at Caesars Palace
What do traditional German garments have in common with Spiegelworld’s hit ABSINTHE? Hardly anything, but that didn’t stop impresario Ross Mollison from throwing a lederhosen-and-beer gala this week.
On Tuesday, April 8th, Mollison marked the show’s 14th anniversary with remarks honoring the cast and crew through the years. As the show came to a close, Mollison bid a fond farewell to the handbalancing duo of Misha Furmanczyk and Lukasz Sczcerba (below). The performers, part of the show’s opening cast, will depart in a few weeks at the end of their contract.
After the performance, Spiegelworld’s Green Fairy Garden was filled with showgoers, invited guests, and a few celebrities. Beer flowed as revelers downed bratwurst topped with sauerkraut, German potato salad, warm pretzels with cheese sauce, and gingerbread cookies.
Rio’s MASQUERADE VILLAGE is Dead Dead Dead
What’s more depressing than a nearly empty casino like the echo chamber that is Resorts World? How about an aging one so dead that even the slot machines have left for greener pastures? Rio Las Vegas has been boasting about its revitalization ad nauseum, but a stroll through its once-popular Masquerade Village tells a different story.
The variety show WOW: World of Wonder continues to hang on, and a Star Wars-themed burlesque show is scheduled to debut next month. It replaces Chippendales, which moved to the Strip in January. Other than that, it’s just a lot of wasted, forgotten space.
With all the empty storefronts, restaurants, and bars filling the massive area, it’s no wonder this writer was able to reserve a room for only $6.00 (plus a $56.69 resort fee) this week. You’re sure to find a deal, too, but is this the atmosphere you want for a Vegas getaway?
Rio Las Vegas is dirty, depressing, boring, and run-down. The only positives of note are the large, extremely inexpensive rooms and free parking. Rio was my choice for Worst Overall Resort of 2024. You can read all about it here.
COMPOSERS SHOWCASE Celebrates 19 Years
Once a month, the stars head to Myron’s at Smith Center for Keith Thompson’s COMPOSERS SHOWCASE. That’s where artists perform their original works for an appreciative audience. The concept began with a few friends at a rundown drag bar. Nineteen years later, it’s the city’s best little secret and has expanded into a charitable event for young artists.
Forgive the quality of these pics and clips, as I was seated in the rear. Singer Monique Maffei Hester (below) will be featured in an upcoming profile.
RAINBOW CABARET at Alexis Park Resort
After months of preparations, Rainbow Cabaret finally debuted at Modern Showrooms at Alexis Park. The musical salute to Judy Garland and Liza Minelli was peppered with comedic bits from Barbara Brighton as “Joan Rivers”.
Denise Rose gave a faithful, spot-on interpretation of Garland while Suzanne Goulet combined physical comedy and Broadway-size theatrics for her “Liza”. Brighton continues to shine with every song and joke. She’s a true Vegas treasure.
RAINBOW CABARET was intended as a single evening showcase, but its solid turnout may suggest a repeat performance or two. We’ll let you know if that happens.
ROCK HARD Debuts at OYO Hotel
A hard man is good to find, and OYO Hotel Casino unleashed five of them this week. The debut of ROCK HARD Male Revue launched with a spectacular first-night attendance. Creator/executive producer Denise Kraft was thrilled with the opening performance and will continue to amplify and fine-tune the experience for eager women of all ages. Learn more about the production here.
THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD at Smith Center
Our final stop of the week takes us back to the Smith Center for the closing performance of The Gruffalo’s Child. Las Vegas resident Yvette Clutterbuck rejoined the international touring cast for Stateside performances after more than a decade away from the production.
The comedian/actress/singer was an absolute delight in the title role. Photos and videos were prohibited during the performance, but I snapped a few of the cast greetings afterward. Learn more about this wonderful show and its star by heading here.
And that’s a week in Sin City as seen through the ‘Vegas Unfiltered’ lens. Thanks for coming along!
