Awesome Tattoos

Caesars Palace offered up a big surprise last week with the opening of Absinthe. I went back to see it again and I feel it’s worth talking about a bit more.

The show takes place under a wooden show tent from Europe that’s placed next to the Las Vegas Strip. An outdoor beer garden adds to the circus atmosphere. You might say this is a circus for adults.

No, it’s not another Cirque du Soleil. It’s a variety act like none seen before. it is well-tuned and full of surprises. It’s entertaining, camp, burlesque and good. Absinthe has a continental touch with old-fashion sideshow spice. With adult comedy, acrobats, circus acts and high-wire antics, this is a show to see.

The other surprise at Caesars is the unique Munchbar restaurant. They serve what I call lite fare in a charming, informal atmosphere. Management served us an array of delectable edibles such as southern fried popcorn chicken, (the best chicken nuggets I’ve ever had), Reuben wraps, sweet potato french fries and a great assortment of burgers – all at affordable prices.

One of the scrumptious desserts, a crunchy s’mores sundae, is not to be believed. in addition, they are open late every evening. a great place for a casual dinner or snack.

The on again, off again Marley Taylor and Chris Phillips, aka Zowie Bowie, will be making a move to Green Valley Ranch. They have a great sound – and a great look. With her face and figure and his suntan and blond hair, they’ve created a special kind of lounge lizard act. They have performed in a variety of musical stylings from small groups to big band sounds. how long will it last this time? All I know is if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it!

 Gordie Brown is reported to have signed a new contract with the Golden Nugget. Gordie has been a busy man these past few years. he began with an engagement at the Venetian, went on to tour with Celine Dion, and now is extending his long run at the Nugget.

The Hilton management says, "no comment," when it comes to the Vince Neil drama. Vince is allegedly being charged with battery due to an incident involving a local reporter/columnist. Kind of weird. Reportedly, Vince has a lot of lady friends, although he may be going back to his wife.

As of this writing entertainment reporter Alicia Jacobs, is allegedly set to leave Channel 3. ever since the death of Danny Gans, Alicia has been criticized and scrutinized for her coverage of several high profile stories. it will be intersting to see the outcome of her meetings with the News 3 executives.

Boyd Gaming will feature The Scintas’ return to the Suncoast, may 14-15, and the Orleans Arena will have Yanni in concert may 14. They are also in partnership with Rebel Oil in offering a $.05 per gallon discount at Rebel gas stations through June 30. Present your Boyd Gaming B Connected card for your discount.

Brio Tuscan Grill inside Tivoli Village (420 S. Rampart) is hosting a grand opening charity reception to benefit Aid for Aids of Nevada (AFAN) on April 27 from 6-9 p.m. a $25 donation invites you to join the fight against HIV/AIDS and preview authentic Northern Italian specialties and complimentary vodka martinis. For more information, please visit www.afanlv.org.

The mayoral race is down to Carolyn Goodman and Chris Giunchigliani. They’ll face each other in the general election. from their earlier campaign ads it would seem they’re both well aware of the struggles Las Vegas is facing. Jobs, jobs, jobs, renovation of downtown, education, yadda, yadda, yadda. Without exception, most mayors have little control over policy but lots of power to bring goodwill to the community. go get’em, ladies.

Gladys Knight opens at the Tropicana this week in her own theater. we wish her much success and hope the ticket brokers and marketing gurus create the "wow factor" she deserves to fill those seats. Gladys is a great entertainer and her fans have been looking forward to her return. many of her loyal fans are entertainers who have raved about this new show she has geared to entertain both young and old alike.

Former American Idol judge Simon Cowell is bringing his latest creation, The X-Factor, to TV, in which he’s offering $5 million to the winner. That’s really raising the stakes!

The current American Idol judges – Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler – have won me over even though I was reluctant at the start of this season. Lots of talent this year and with more than 50 million votes each week, FOX can still claim no. 1 on the TV entertainment scale. another FOX show, Glee, also draws top numbers.

It was my pleasure to join Danny and Robin Greenspun plus friends at Simon inside Palms Place to celebrate Greenspun’s latest business magazine, Vegas, Inc. The magazine concentrates on a business approach to many local issues and offers readers a unique point of view on gaming, tourism, finance, real estate, health care and more.

Let’s hope this magazine is successful in the era of fewer print venues. The Greenspuns are beyond gracious.

Sumita Beauty has finally come to Las Vegas in the Fashion Show Mall. Sumita is the leader in Eastern beauty traditions and has defined over one million brows per year. Two specialties are the Art of Threading, a non-invasive hair removal with cotton thread for eye brow defining, and the Art of Mehndi, a traditional form of painting that uses paste made from henna to give the body temporary tattoos.

Sumita clients include Jennifer Aniston, Madonna, Naomi Campbell and Teri Hatcher among others. For more information about Sumita’s products and services e-mail jenniferb@preferredpublicrelations.com or call Jennifer Bradley at 702-254-5704.

Yes, it’s that time again when we approach my Annual 70th Birthday Bash. This year’s birthday will be hosted by Bob and Debbie Swan at their wonderful estate and will be about music and my many charities.

As always, the Rev. Monti wishes you a great week.

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