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PhotoDump RoundUp – Week Ending 6/21/25

Backstage access, a supernatural clown, a Latina songbird, David Perrico’s POP 40, and more await you in Vegas Unfiltered’s latest adventures around town…

If you happened to be on Las Vegas Boulevard this past Monday, things might have seemed a little…quiet. The post-weekend weather was scorching, and tourism continues to be impacted by economic and political factors. But inside the Excalibur Resort, a collection of brawny men from Australia drew a healthy crowd.

VEGAS 411 was invited to watch portions of Thunder From Down Under from behind the stage…and it was an enlightening experience. It takes a small army to handle the lights, sounds, costumes, props, seating, bar service…and crowd control. And this team makes the magic happen with flying colors.

View from a backstage monitor screen

Video cameras and backstage monitors enable performers and the tech team to see what’s happening onstage and in the audience…in real-time. Much of the show takes place in and around the guests, so safety issues are of utmost importance.

Every performance is followed by an opportunity to take a professional photo with the shirtless cast. Afterwards, the Thunder boys get dressed and head outside to personally greet fans, take additional photos, and sign autographs. An adjacent Thunder Bar is open for post-show cocktails Thursday through Sunday.

Australia’s Thunder From Down Under performs seven nights a week at Excalibur Resort. Showtimes vary by day and season. For the full schedule, click here. The official website is currently offering a 20% discount with seats as low as $62 inclusive.

Welcome to Derry at ‘Escape IT’

Escape rooms and movie-based attractions are two popular activities around town. Jason Egan and Egan Productions specialize in combining the two. We returned to Escape IT this week and shared the full round-up here. But we’ll include some photos in this column to whet your appetite.

Regal Cinemas at Red Rock Casino

If you read this Vegas 411 article, you know that Regal Cinemas at Red Rock Casino is one of our favorite movie houses. Unfortunately, it is undergoing major renovations this summer…the peak moviegoing season of the year. An all-new lobby, concession area, bathrooms, and corridors are just a few of the upgrades.

Individual auditoriums are being retrofitted with a modern design and plush recliner seating. The cinema will continue to offer new releases in IMAX and the full-sensory 4DX format. Regal Red Rock is the only theater in Las Vegas with a 4DX screen, which enhances top titles with moving seats, mist, scents, snow, bubbles, lightning, and more.  See showtimes and purchase tickets here.

David Perrico’s POP 40 at Wahoo’s Beach Cantina

David Perrico is not only a musical genius but also a workaholic. Overseeing at least eleven bands, the composer/arranger/musician was in Orlando this week. The reason was a three-day orchestra event that Perrico described to us as “epic.”

Despite David’s absence, his POP 40 Band blew away patrons at Henderson’s Wahoo Beach Cantina on a windy Friday night. POP 40 is fronted by the glamorous Lily Arce. The band ripped through hits of the seventies, eighties, and more on Wahoo’s rooftop patio.

Cooler temps and a spectacular view of the city skyline made for a very memorable evening. Much of it was captured by man-about-town Bill Hiltz, our colleague, friend, and a huge supporter of the LV entertainment scene.

To find out where David Perrico Music will appear next, follow the official Facebook page.

QUEEN SELENA debuts at Alexis Park Resort

The first of three new ADMIT.VIP shows premiered this weekend. QUEEN SELENA, starring Mayra Alejandra, had a fantastic first night at Alexis Park Resort.

QUEEN SELENA performs Thursday through Sunday at 9 pm inside Alex Park’s Pegasus Showroom. Tickets start at $44.95 and can be purchased here. To discover more new Las Vegas productions, visit my Summer Show Shuffle by following this link.

Farewell to Gunner May, the “Furry Angel”

It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of handsome canine Gunner May. This dashing fellow, who was only eleven years old, died suddenly with his mom, entertainer Lucie May, at his side.

We introduced you to Gunner just last month in this feature. Mr. May is the protagonist in a new children’s book, “The Furry Angel”, the first in a proposed series. 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 Lucie, with colors from his grandmom, Janine Palmer. Two more titles are in the works. You can order your copy of the first by heading here.

A memorial gathering was held last Wednesday at Gunner’s favorite restaurant…LAZY DOG in Town Square. Dozens showed up to pay tribute to the rescued companion. Friends signed a piece of artwork dedicated to the beloved pooch, as videos of the Furry Angel played on screens around the Lazy Dog patio.

Lucie May (right) with LAZY DOG manager Matilda…

Until next time, have a great week in Las Vegas…or plan your getaway as soon as possible!

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