A glance at last week in Sin City, as seen through the ‘Vegas Unfiltered’ lens…
CELLO Tower Breaks Ground in Downtown
Last week in Sin City started with a groundbreaking event….literally. Politicians, land developers, influential business people, members of the media, and future residents converged on the building site for CELLO TOWER in Symphony Park.
The 32-story luxury condominium high-rise has been in the planning stages for five years. Spearheaded by Red Ridge Development and its CEO/Founder, Patrick Brennan, the project received approval from former Mayor Carolyn Goodwin during her final term in office.
Patrick Brennan (right) holds a shovel on the grounds of the future CELLO TOWER
Jonathon Jossel of Plaza Hotel (left) chats with Circa’s Derek Stevens
At Cello‘s base will be Origin, a three-story retail development featuring a grocery store, restaurants, and other amenities. A rooftop pool will give Cello‘s residents unparalleled views of Downtown and the surrounding valley.
The groundbreaking took place on April 29th at 10:30 am. Current Mayor Shelley Berkley addressed the gathering, as did Brennan, Councilwoman Shondra Summers-Armstrong, and several others.
Patrick Brennan takes the podium
Mayor Shelley Berkley
Councilwoman Shondra Summers-Armstrong
A post-ceremony luncheon was held at the tower’s Sales Center, followed by a sunset party at Legacy Club inside Circa Resort.
The Symphony Park area will continue to grow…mostly upward. Plans include at least one hotel, a future art museum, a possible gaming resort, more residential developments, and a second tower on the Cello site.
RITA LIM – TWO HEARTS at Myron’s Smith Center
Rita Lim is an absolute angel…and a musical butterfly. The soft-spoken artist took audiences on a flight through a pair of iconic careers last week with TWO HEARTS. The salute to Olivia Newton-John and Karen Carpenter had audience members on their feet, often with tears in their eyes.
Musical Director David Siegel led his band through a songbook that included ballads, pop hits, duets, and even some dance classics. Vegas publicist Michael Caprio, Newton-John’s friend and representative for over 25 years, was visibly moved by the performance.
Onstage guests included Ashley Fuller and Michelle Johnson, whom we recently featured here. Johnson will have her showcase GIRL POWER at Myron’s on June 22nd (tickets here).
Rita Lim will return to Myron’s with another edition of SOUL FUSION. And be sure to get your tickets for David Perrico’s POP SYMPHONIC here before they’re all gone.
CIRCUS COUTURE 2025 at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
The massive 14th edition of CIRCUS COUTURE: A Benefit for CURE 4 THE KIDS Foundation took flight on Thursday, May 1st. The massive event filled The Theater at Virgin Hotel with fashion, music, and physical artistry.
Upon entry, guests were greeted by table after table of items up for auction. Funds raised from the auctions and show are directed against pediatric cancer and rare diseases. You can learn more about CURE 4 THE KIDS Foundation by reading the VEGAS 411 article here.
Air, fire, water, and earth represent the challenges faced by children suffering from cancer and other debilitating diseases. CIRCUS COUTURE: REimagined showcased their journeys and triumphs as only the Arts can. The entire production carried the indelible stamp of Benoit Beaufils of Le Reve, Cirque du Soleil’s “O”, and the upcoming Avatar 3: Fire and Ash.
Among the many fashion designs and acrobatics in CIRCUS COUTURE: REimagined was an aerial specialty created by the lovely Lea Hinz. We told you about it last month. Performers Frankin Mendoza and Michael Radiff wowed attendees with this stunning achievement.
Mendoza’s cancer-surviving mother traveled from Venezuela to witness her son’s remarkable talents. The hair-hanger aerialist dedicated his stunning landmark performance to honor her. Tickets for the gala started at $35 for general admission to thousands for donors’ tables serving dinner during the show.
To learn more about CIRCUS COUTURE‘s previous performances, visit the official Instagram page. The wonders of CURE 4 THE KIDS Foundation are yours to discover by clicking here.
CLOWN IN A CORNFIELD Premieres in Las Vegas
We’re one of the few metropolitan areas in the entire nation to have a drive-in movie theater within city limits. West Wind is a year-round six-screen complex that VEGAS 411 featured many times. Last weekend, we returned for the premiere of the critically-acclaimed CLOWN IN A CORNFIELD.
Based on a trio of successful novels, CLOWN IN A CORNFIELD is a smash among critics. It’s sure to join the HALLOWEEN and NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET series as a classic.
Drive-in exclusive screenings were held Friday and Saturday before the film opens nationwide on May 9th (get locations and showtimes here). Ticket buyers received a specially commissioned full-size poster. Author Adam Cesare was present, along with “Frendo the Clown”. They sent this greeting to VEGAS 411 readers:
While West Wind is steeped in nostalgia and embraces its old-fashioned appeal, modern enhancements allow for a near-perfect and totally comfortable experience. Digital projection, crystal-clear FM stereo sound, online ticketing, and a loyalty program are just a few of the perks. Snack prices are far lower than indoor theaters, too.
Movie titles and times change weekly, so click here to see what’s playing. Then load up the family or a hot date and rediscover the joys of movies under the stars. West Wind Drive-in 6 is ten minutes north of Palace Station Casino at 4150 W. Carey Avenue in North Las Vegas.
ENDLESS NIGHTS Vampire Ball on Fremont East
Our final stop of the week was ENDLESS NIGHTS Vampire Ball in the Fremont East District. The adults-only party was held at Fremont Country Club and the adjacent Backstage Bar and Billiards. Both are operated by Ava Berman and her husband, known simply as “Big Daddy”.
As vampires are known to lure their intended through seduction, ENDLESS NIGHTS was packed with sexy costumes, sultry dancing, and body-baring skin art. Dancing, romancing, and perhaps a few bites were on the menu.
Live entertainment included a show by Satanic consultant John Shaw (below) as “Court Magician”. Fans know Shaw for his eerie performances at Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum, Late Night Magic, and television appearances on The Late Show with James Corden, Pawn Stars, Ghost Adventures, and many more.
Follow the ENDLESS NIGHT website for information on future vampire balls around the world. And bite into VEGAS 411 every day for the latest and greatest things to do in Sin City. Until next week…
