by Z.Z. Zorn

George Wallace shows military appreciation with free tickets to his show. In appreciation of our troop’s diligent efforts to protect the United States from threats both local and foreign, comedic legend George Wallace invites military members to attend his one-of-a-kind show at the FLAMINGO for free throughout the month of May. Military personnel, including active members, retirees and dependents, can present their government-issued military identification cards in exchange for a free ticket to his show.

George Wallace is in his sixth year as a headliner at the FLAMINGO and has packed the showroom every night with thousands of laughing fans. Known best for his “Yo Mama” jokes and his infamous “I Be Thinkin’” lines, Wallace creates a one-on-one atmosphere with his audiences, including them in the show and giving away a multitude of prizes during each performance. George Wallace performs at 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Gladys Knight is wowing a nostalgia filled audience at the TROPICANA in a showroom fittingly named The Gladys Knight Showroom. The legendary diva is filled with energy, marvelous voice and charisma at age 67. With an 11 piece band and great backup singers Gladys has audiences excitedly moving and clapping along. A closed curtain with a spotlight only on her is very moving as she sings `Memories’ and other classics in clear beautiful tones. Brother and former Pip, Bubba Knight was a comedic part of the show as well as an out-and-out performer. While Knight’s appeal would probably be to a more mature audience, there are enough of her many selections that would also appeal to a younger population. The real Gladys Knight is at the TROPICANA, not a tribute, but the real legendary icon whose many hits are ageless. The show is called: Gladys Knight: A Mic and a Light

Tickets are: Mezzanine - $75 Orchestra - $85 -VIP Package $105 (includes seating in the Orchestra section, a Gladys Knight CD and a $10 coupon to be used at the Gladys Knight Boutique) A Star VIP package - $250, includes post-show Meet-and-Greet

Now there is something special happening at SILVERTON starting June 3. Mosaic are five guys who play instruments acapella only from their own voices. They bring a magnificent array of music to an audience that might consider they are hearing each musician playing their own musical instrument.

In addition, their singing voices, including an operatic tenor are accompanied by musical instruments only created by using their voices that is unbelievable and great entertainment. They are also very charismatic and interact with audience members, who love it.

Temperatures will rise at the RIO in May as Jeff Timmons, the founding member of the internationally-acclaimed and Grammy nominated, multi-platinum selling group 98 Degrees, joins the cast of Chippendales as the Special Musical Guest Star and Emcee, where he will flex his vocal chords and muscles for four weekends, May 12 through June 5, 2011 (Thursday through Sunday nights).

Rock and Roll legend DOMENICK ALLEN, along with 10 of Las Vegas’ finest musicians, will rock the SUNCOAST Showroom this Memorial Day weekend with their show VINYL, May 28 and 29, each evening at 7:30 p.m. Domenick Allen is perhaps most associated as a former member of the multi-platinum rock group `Foreigner’, known best for such hits as “I Want To Know What Love Is,” “Double Vision” and “Cold As Ice.” In addition to Foreigner, Domenick recorded and performed with the legendary Buddy Rich Big Band.

Domenick is a professional actor, singer and musician who toured the world for four years with Liberace and has appeared on London’s West End in several productions. On Broadway, Allen co-starred with Helen Reddy in the musical Blood Brothers. Daytime audiences will recognize Allen for his long run as the evil Simon Prescott on NBC’s Days of Our Lives. Domenick has partnered with long-time friends Clint Holmes, Susan Anton and Martin Nievera as Vocal Soup—a showcase of solo performances, duets and group numbers.

Legendary Comedian and Impressionist Rich Little is set to launch a new headliner showcase at THE RIVIERA. Little will bring his acclaimed show “Will the Real Rich Little Please Stand Up?” to the Starlite Theater, five nights a week from May 25 through June 12.

Little’s last Vegas engagement was in 2008 and he has since toured the country, performing his standup routine “Will the Real Rich Little Please Stand Up.” He has also made several stops performing his one-man play “Jimmy Stewart and Friends,” which he wrote himself over the course of several years, where he performs 25 characters on the life of Stewart. Little plans on one day bringing his play to Broadway.

Zowie Bowie is celebrating his love for old “Vegas.” Chris Phillips, aka Zowie Bowie, pays homage to the city’s entertainment roots with Zowie Bowie’s Vintage Vegas Show featuring Marley Taylor. The evening of classic tunes and the “Rat Pack” style banter can be enjoyed every Sunday at 7 p.m. at Ovation inside GREEN VALLEY RANCH.

Zowie Bowie features the musical talents and unbridled energy of Chris Phillips, along with his esteemed songstress and fellow jokester Marley Taylor. The Vintage Vegas show is complete with a 14-piece orchestra, conducted by David Perrico, bringing the heyday of Vegas full circle to 2011. The show is open to adults 21 years or older and there is a $10 cover charge at the door

Chris Phillips and Marley Taylor moved to Vegas in 2006 from Scottsdale, Arizona to open and perform weekly at the RED ROCK RESORT as Zowie Bowie, where they quickly went on to become the city’s favorite local band. After three years, the pair moved to the Las Vegas Strip where they performed both their nightclub dance concert and the first incarnation of The Vintage Vegas show. However, it was the local scene where Zowie Bowie really was at home and the show moved back to the RED ROCK RESORT in September 2010. Now coming full circle, Zowie Bowie is performing their high-energy dance show at RED ROCK and its authentic, old-school Vegas show at GREEN VALLEY RANCH.

To commemorate Memorial Day, Piano! Las Vegas at the V THEATER inside Miracle Mile Shops at PLANET HOLLYWOOD is offering free show tickets to veterans and active military personnel on May 30 to show appreciation for their service to the United States. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are available on May 30 only. To get a free ticket, show your VIC ID (Veteran Identification Card) or DAV ID card (Disabled American Veterans ID) or Common Access Card (CAC) to the V Theater box office and receive a free ticket to see Piano! Las Vegas.

Building upon the popularity of comedy acts appearing regularly in its Showroom, THE ORLEANS is devoting a performance space solely to ‘making them laugh’ at Big Al’s Comedy Club. Formerly the Big Easy Lounge, Big Al’s Comedy Club seats 200 guests and has been renovated to include a small stage, new lighting and sound. Headlining shows are Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 7:30 and 10 p.m. An open mic night takes place on Sunday evenings from 9 to 11:30 p.m., no cover charge.

Headlining Big Al’s Comedy Club through July 2 is sassy senior Grandma Lee. Known as “America’s funniest and outrageous grandmother,” Grandma Lee shot to stardom on the NBC talent show America’s Got Talent, where she made it through to the grand finale. She was a contestant in the 2004 season of Last Comic Standing on NBC, where she later returned for three seasons as a special guest and was chosen as a Top 10 Favorite Comic of the program. Grandma Lee won the 2003 Las Vegas Comedy Festival at MGM Grand and appeared in America’s Got Talent Live at Planet Hollywood, hosted by Jerry Springer.

Jazz in the Park series packs in the talent

The talent is set and the amphitheater is ready for another season of music with Clark County Parks and Recreation’s Jazz in the Park concert series, which celebrates its 22nd year. This year, the FREE series features Jeff Lorber Fusion on May 21 and The Sax Pack on June 4. Seating for those with picnic baskets, blankets and low-back chairs begins at 7 p.m. with performances beginning at 8 p.m. at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater, 500 S. Grand Central 2Parkway. Food vendors also will be available on site. Parking is free.

DANCE, DRINK AND SWIM EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE M RESORT SPA CASINO, the only free Saturday night pool party in the city The M brings its unique daytime pool experience into the night when M Pool Live from 8-11 pm delivers an affordable, vibrant nighttime pool social scene filled with exciting live entertainment on the outdoor concert stage, nighttime swimming and flowing cocktails.

With no admission charge, partygoers can take a dip in the main pool deck’s two 5,460 square-foot heated, infinity-edge pools and two large Jacuzzis, purchase a cocktail at one of two pool bars or dine on light poolside treats including salads, wraps, pizzas and from-the-grill favorites like sliders all while mingling with friends and listening to concert entertainment throughout the evening. For guests looking to kick-back and relax, the resort’s main pool deck offers more than 400 lounge chairs, 20 cabanas and 22 daybeds all with stylish décor and surrounded by lush palm trees and fire torches.

TOP OF NEXT COLUMN

The FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE hosted the preliminary round of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. The 21 competitors from across the country participated in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest with guest judges determining the ‘best representation of the Elvis legacy.

After the field was narrowed to 10, a champion was crowned ‘King.’ Johnny Fortuno a resident of Las Vegas (originally from Honolulu, HI) won $2,500 cash, a Graceland Getaway prize package and most importantly, qualifies to compete in the 2011 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis, Tenn., during Elvis Week to be held Aug. 10-16.

A Choreographers’ Showcase, A Project Designed to Stimulate and Encourage Artistic Growth. The Showcase will be presented May 15 and May 22 at 1 pm at the new Viva ELVIS Theatre at ARIA. A Choreographers' Showcase began as a premiere collaboration between Nevada Ballet Theatre and Cirque du Soleil in 2007 at the TREASURE ISLAND and has created an avenue of growth for local artists while providing Las Vegas with a dynamic and completely organic dance experience. Over the last few years, A Choreographers’ Showcase has garnered rave reviews and sold-out houses in addition to significant media attention including the LA Times and LIFE Magazine.

The Choreographers’ Showcase allows artists from both NBT and Cirque du Soleil the freedom to develop their own choreographic skills through creating new work in a variety of dance styles. This 90 minute production features an array of contemporary artists from the various resident Cirque du Soleil shows performing with the classical ballet dancers of Nevada Ballet Theatre. A Choreographers’ Showcase will include ten original choreographed pieces, five from Nevada Ballet Theatre dancers and five from Cirque du Soleil artists.

In addition, a school-time matinee for Clark County students, as well as those in NBT’s Education and Outreach program, Future Dance, will take place on Friday, May 20 at Noon. Proceeds from the sale of the May 15 and May 22 public performance subsidize this special student-only performance. During the last three years, 3,000 local students have received the opportunity to witness this one-of-a-kind production bridging artists from diverse backgrounds and dance styles.

Tickets: $20 and $40 call the Viva ELVIS box office at (702) 531-3800 or via online at www.nevadaballet.org. All proceeds from the collaboration benefit Nevada Ballet Theatre’s professional company productions, dance training and education and outreach.

A new show, `The Viper Vixens’ brings their dangerous weapons and hot curves to the showroom at O’Sheas Casino. Vegas’ hottest dancers and specialty artists compose this cast of beautiful and multi-talented women that are `The Viper Vixens.’ Taking a twist on the traditional erotic show, `The Viper Vixens’ include dangerous weapons in their sultry act – where whips and chains never hurt so good.

This unique and one-of-a-kind production includes the crossbow act of Mr. and Mrs. G, who have made numerous celebrity performances with their death-defying act, including an appearance on “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien” and working with Britney Spears for the opening video of her “Circus” tour.

Mr. G, otherwise known as Ottavio Gesmundo, director and choreographer of `The Viper Vixens’ was celebrated for his stunt direction and choreography for the 2002-2003 touring spectacular “Spider-Man Live,” which played sold-out performances at Radio City Music Hall. Multi-talented singer Deena Cary adds live vocals to the show while showcasing her sexy moves at the same time. Cary has several credits to her name, including touring the country for two years as lead singer of “Purrfect Angelz” where she opened for artists like Big & Rich, Trace Adkins and Earth, Wind & Fire. She was also one of the top 20 women selected to compose what is now the international pop group “The Pussycat Dolls.” This topless show at 9 p.m. in the intimate O’Sheas Theater is for guests 18 years or older. Tickets are $45 plus tax and fees.

More than 100 of the world’s top-ranked professional grilling teams vie for their piece of the largest barbecue purse totaling $125,000 in prizes at THE ORLEANS USA Barbecue Championships and food festival, May 21 and 22. Professional teams representing 43 states including six from Canada and one from Tokyo will compete in four categories: Brisket, Chicken, Ribs and Pork Butt. Las Vegas Valley local expert barbecue teams such as Trailhound Smoker BBQ, Sin City Smokers and The Smokin’ B.A.R. are hoping to win the top $25,000 prize.

The Orleans USA Barbecue Championships and festival will feature professional and amateur barbecue cook-offs and 40 to 50 of the world’s best barbecue vendors, a barbecue expo, live music sponsored by Clear Channel and Budweiser as well as a kid play zone. The “UNLV ‘Ribba Ramma’ Amateur Rib Cook-Off” will also be held on the event grounds and for a $10 donation attendees will have the opportunity to sample ribs from five of the amateur competitors, with all donations supporting UNLV Athletics through the Rebel Athletic Fund. The festival is free and open to the public from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on May 21 and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 22

Something new is coming to town. “$TRIP The Play” is the first and only play to ever combine live acting, beautiful actresses stripping to pasties and pole dancing. “$TRIP” has a successful run in Los Angeles and now it is coming to Sin City to the newly renovated Aruba Hotel & Spa 1215 South Las Vegas Blvd. Based on true stories, the play is about a fictional Las Vegas strip club called "The Sunset Lounge.” Buck, the owner, has been murdered and now there's a crime to solve. That's when, Amanda Cole, a file clerk with Las Vegas Metro Police, goes undercover as “America” the stripper. “$TRIP” plays Wednesday nights at 9 p.m. – May 18 through July 13, 2011 Tickets: $25 plus tax and - Two Drink minimum includes “Aruba Comedy Show” (stand-up comedy) after “$TRIP The Play.”

SOUTH POINT ARENA will transform into an indoor aquatic playground as Grindco Entertainment’s H2Xbrings the world’s top jet ski racers and freestyle riders to Las Vegas for two days of intense race and acrobatic performances on May 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. More than 600,000 gallons of reclaimable water will create the World’s Largest Portable Indoor Pool for the water sport competition and thrill show featuring daring stunt athletes on wakeboards, waterskis, wakeskates and modified watercrafts. The jaw-dropping acts are the first of their kind and are staged in the astonishing 3.5 ft deep pool, spanning 125 ft by 200 ft. This is one of the first arenas in the world to host this new extreme indoor water sports show. H2X is the perfect event for families, extreme sport enthusiasts and Las Vegans looking for an out of the ordinary entertainment option.

H2X events include:
Watercross racing featuring head-to-head “supercross” style
Jet ski freestylers performing back flips, barrel rolls, submarine dives and other unbelievable water stunts on their modified watercraft
Wakeboarders, wakeskaters and waterskiers flipping, spinning and jumping off towering ramps
Costumed acrobatics performing bold fire acts and barefoot waterskiing

H2X is nonstop action at the SOUTH POINT ARENA. On May 21, ticket stub holders will also have free admission to the H2X after party featuring a post-apocalyptic themed masquerade and music live concert by Tony Grinder and the band, `Means to an End.’ Ticket prices range from $10 to $60 at the South Point Box Office, online at www.southpointeventscenter.com or by calling (702) 797-8055.

HEAVEN CAN WAIT ANIMAL SOCIETY presents Gimme Shelter’s third annual event on May 28, featuring live music and activities within the picturesque VILLAGE LAKE LAS VEGAS. The live outdoor concert fundraiser features Grammy award-winner Skip Martin, best known as former lead singer of Kool & the Gang who will be performing his hits and more. The evening kicks off with a special performance by U2 tribute Band, Arms of America at 6 p.m. Headliner Skip Martin performs at 7 p.m. A great night of live music in the beautiful lakeside village makes it an affordable, fun and entertaining night for the whole family. General admission tickets are available for $20. VIP Lounge tickets are available for $40 and include access to a private bar.

SOUTHERN NEVADA CHILDREN FIRST (SNCF), hosted their 2nd annual `Artfully Sweet’ event at a beautiful exclusive residence. About 150 guests enjoyed `Artfully Sweet’ desserts and pastries from a premium pastry chef, artwork from local artists, a silent auction, and a variety of amazing live performances.

SNCF has vowed to address the needs of homeless, pregnant and parenting youth throughout Southern Nevada and uses a strength-based holistic approach to developing these youth's qualities and competencies. SNCF efforts are achieved by providing various programs and services and concerns itself primarily with the provision of safe environments, in which youth are supported through mentoring, advocacy, education, counseling and intensive case management. In addition, these youths benefit from a host of activities designed to foster positive youth engagement. At the event, appreciative testimonials from individuals whose lives have been turned around for the better because of help by SNCF were heartwarming.

Just in time for the spring and summer wedding rush, ASTON MONTELAGO VILLAGE RESORT at Lake Las Vegas offers brides- and grooms-to-be a fantastic deal. Known as one of the most stunning locations for nuptials in Southern Nevada, Lake Las Vegas provides a feeling of being a world away, but is a mere 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. ASTON MonteLago Village Resort, in conjunction with sister properties Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel in Oahu and Aston Kaanapali Shores in Maui, is offering a free honeymoon for the new couple when the wedding package and minimum guest accommodations are booked at ASTON MonteLago Village Resort at Lake Las Vegas. The couple will receive a free five-night stay at the beautiful Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel in Oahu or at Aston Kaanapali Shores in Maui. The free Hawaiian honeymoon offer ends December 21, 2011. For more information on wedding packages and this special offer, call 866-399-2747 or 702-564-4700.

SCOOP: Now that the SAHARA is closed, headliner magician Rick Thomas will be opening in the main showroom at the RIVIERA when renovations of that showroom are completed. The newly renovated showroom will be named THE RICK THOMAS SHOWROOM.