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PhotoDump RoundUp – Week Ending 5/17/25

A furry angel, eggplant parmesan, Tom Jones, and much more in Sin City last week…as seen through the ‘Vegas Unfiltered’ lens…

Judging from this week’s PhotoDump RoundUp, you might assume that Vegas locals regularly flock to South Point Hotel Casino…and you’d be right. The massive resort, which resembles a golden castle, has everything a Vegas fan could hope for…including prices they’ll love.

Thousands of tourists flock to South Point every year, be it for conventions, sporting events, concerts, gambling, or just plain ol’ Sin City mischief. So don’t think that you have to pay top dollar or stay center Strip to have a blast.

Unfortunately, the week started with a less-than-impressive show by the Tierney Brothers. Despite being two-thirds of the popular group HUMAN NATURE (or half when original member Phil Burton occasionally rejoins), Mike and Andrew Tierney gave a disappointing performance in South Point’s Grandview Showroom.

The talented duo seemed ill-prepared and unpolished, despite years of touring around the globe. Mixing Motown and pop standards with their bland original material didn’t work. The sold-out show was hampered by awkward audience interaction, clumsy transitions, an ineffective sound system, and a finale that was more of a whimper than a climax. Not recommended.

DON VITO’S Italian Restaurant at South Point

Happily, the evening was saved by the first of two dinners at South Point restaurants throughout the week. After Tierney Brothers, we headed to Don Vito’s, a wonderful Italian dining room. Old-school charm, personable service, and homestyle cooking had my two Italian-descent companions satisfied and smiling.

Don Vito’s prides itself on seafood flown in daily, salads tossed table-side, fresh pasta, and savory soups. The restaurant is open daily from 5 pm. You can browse the menu and make reservations by heading here.

LAZY DOG – A Restaurant for Pets (and their parents)

Some restaurants go to the dogs, and others cater to them. LAZY DOG in Town Square welcomes four-footed friends with an outdoor patio and a menu just for pooches. Of course, human family members are welcome, and guests without dogs can enjoy the interior bar and restaurant.

VEGAS 411 was invited to lunch by Gunner May, a handsome eleven-year-old rescue who’s the subject of a new children’s book. THE FURRY ANGEL just hit Barnes & Noble‘s online store. It’s the tale of an oversized canine angel sent to Earth for a few lessons and to make new friends. The book is written and illustrated by his mother, with colors from his grandmom, Janine Palmer.

Gunner’s mom is entertainer/dance instructor Lucie May of the rock band LUCIEFR. The group created a fantastic theatrical experience, 7 Deadly Sins, which debuted at The Space last summer. It returns on Wednesday, July 23rd, at the Planet 13 Showroom. Curtain time is 9 pm, and you can order tickets here.

7 Deadly Sins

As for Gunner, Lucie tells me that her handsome companion will be the subject of at least two more books. You can order the first in the series by heading here.

Lucie May and Gunner

JONATHAN KARRANT at Myron’s Smith Center

What were you doing last Tuesday night? If you’re a fan of terrific live jazz, you might have been at Myron’s for Jonathan Karrant‘s second passionate tribute to the incomparable Johnny Mercer.

With musical director Dave Loeb on piano, Nick Schmitt on upright bass, sax player Charles McNeal, and Paul Rickenbach handling percussion, Karrant continued his lush stroll through the Great American Songbook. Titless included “Autumn Leaves”, “Summer Wind”, and “Moon River”.

Mercer’s standards were interspersed with other favorites. Jonathan also revisited the musical saga of “Frasier the Sensuous Lion”, an elderly circus cat with an uncontrollable libido. Gunner, the Furry Angel would have approved.

TROPICANA/I-15 Interchange Reopens (yeah, sure…)

In this era of “alternative facts”, many of our colleagues like to “shovel the shit”. By that, I mean passing on press releases without verifying the truth. On May 1st, it was (very loudly) announced that a three-year, $300 million-plus road project at Tropicana and Interstate 15, aka “Dropicana,” was fully open. Human eyes tell a different story:

I took these photos on Wednesday, May 14th, driving through the “former” construction zone from both directions. Does this look “fully open and at capacity” to you? Our VEGAS 411 Facebook page posts regular updates on lane restrictions, ramp closures, and entire shutdowns in this zone. They’re scheduled well into July.

So don’t believe everything you read. Check with us first.

FARREL DILLON at Jimmy Kimmel Comedy Club

Budget-friendly afternoon shows geared towards families are a dying breed. They often get a bad rap, sometimes deservedly. Still, Las Vegas offers very talented daytime performers, including Mac King and iLuminate.

MASTERS OF ILLUSION alumnus Farrell Dillon has been an afternoon mainstay at Jimmy Kimmel Comedy Club for three years. The charismatic magician combines jokes and physical comedy into his performances, with plenty of audience interaction and laughter along the way.

With lots of improvisation and unpredictable mayhem, no two shows are the same. Dillon delights in sharing the stage with his wife, Amanda, and their dog Eisley. Farrell Dillon performs daily at 4 pm (dark Wednesday). Tickets start at $42.79 inclusive and can be purchased here.

JSX AIRLINES – An Uplifting Experience

Are you familiar with JSX Airlines? After learning about it, you’ll want to be a regular customer. JSX is a small commuter airline that emphasizes convenience and comfort. It wonderfully straddles the line between simplicity and luxury. Everything about JSX is superior to your usual carrier…everything.

No crowds, no long lines, convenient curbside dropoff at the gate, and no TSA hassles. You can arrive mere minutes from your scheduled departure time and stroll right on board. This makes it especially attractive for weekend visitors arriving from Dallas, Salt Lake City, Denver, Orange County, Burbank, Los Angeles, Oakland, and more.

Drinks, snacks, luggage, and super-fast onboard WiFi are included in your ticket price. And get this….team members are fun, friendly, and eager to serve you!

The JSX Vegas hangar is directly across from Mandalay Bay Resort. Valet parking is available, as is an on-site car rental facility. Inside, comfortable seating areas offer free coffee, bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks.

Planes are capped off at thirty passengers per flight. Seating is extremely comfortable and spacious. You can get connected via Starlink wireless internet or doze off after a satisfying cocktail, Upon arrival, your bags are waiting on the tarmac. You’ll be on your way in a blink.

Despite its many advantages, JSX can be quite reasonable in price. One-way trips are currently as low as $179. Head to their website for more information, and learn to love flying again. “JSX exists to make flying simple, fast, and enjoyable.” And that, they do.

GARDEN BUFFET at South Point Casino

Feeling hungry but want to rein in the spending? Head to the Garden Buffet at South Point Casino. Freshness, cleanliness, and attentive service are hallmarks of the South Point, and its buffet never disappoints. Prices start as low as $15.95 for Slot Club members.

Friday is “Seafood Night”, and guests line up hours in advance. “Weekend Brunch” is also popular. This guy enjoys stopping by on weekday evenings before heading to $5.00 movies at the casino’s Cinemark Theater. You really can’t beat the convenience or price.

Garden Buffet is open seven days a week. Head here for pricing, hours, and more information.

TOM JONES at Encore Theater

Vegas sensation Tom Jones was back at Wynn’s ENCORE THEATER last weekend for three terrific shows. The Welsh legend began his Sin City history with a Flamingo Hotel residency in 1969. At the age of 84, he continues to tour and blast out hits that span a VERY lengthy career.

And there you have it. Another incredible time in Sin City. We hope your coming week is filled with adventure and fun.

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