Monthly Archives: November 2009
NASCAR’s Season-Ending Events in Las Vegas
Well, after nearly three decades of trying, it finally happened: NASCAR moved its season-ending party to Las Vegas after being in New York. This week the season-ending NASCAR events will be showcased. NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson showed his … Continue reading
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Huge CityCenter Project Prepares for Las Vegas Public Unveiling this Week
The cost: $8.5 billion. The decision: Let it ride- open the doors to the public! The much anticipated CityCenter project in Las Vegas- the largest construction project in the U.S. this year – is taking its opening public curtain calls … Continue reading
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USA Sevens Rugby Tournament Prepares for Huge Las Vegas Tournament in February
Sports fans may find something to interest them during the usually quiet February when Las Vegas, the so-called Entertainment Capital of the World, hosts the USA Sevens rugby tournament and an International Fan Festival on February 13 and 14. Set … Continue reading
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Mist Lounge in Las Vegas to be Resurrected as Gilley’s Saloon in TI
The cozy Mist Lounge in Las Vegas, located just off the Treasure Island casino floor, has closed awhile back, ending its memorable six-year run. Now, a new nightclub and restaurant is planned in its space. The Lounge has been sold back … Continue reading
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Ne-Yo to Perform in Las Vegas on Jan. 1.
Grammy-award winner Ne-Yo is set to perform at The Pearl Concert Theater in the Palms Casino Resort on Jan. 1. In 2006, Ne-Yo hit the R&B scene with a style all his own – a mix of classic sounds with … Continue reading
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Las Vegas Backstage Access Says “Thank You”
Thanksgiving. It’s a time for slowing down a bit, all the while giving and sharing. So, we at Las Vegas Backstage Access want to take time to give thanks to everyone that has helped us along the way. We could print … Continue reading
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Las Vegas Lady Entrepreneur to Star in “Launch My Line”
Bravo’s new fashion reality TV show “Launch My Line” partners successful professionals with established fashion designers to do just as the title says: create a fashion line. A graduate of the Harvard Executive Business School, Marilyn Crawford, who lives in … Continue reading
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Las Vegas’ Rough Road Continues
That potent one-two Las Vegas punch has lost its zing. All year long it’s been a hard fought battle, with the bad economy and slashed discretionary spending yielding the crushing blows. Adding to the demise, with more than 150,000 hotel … Continue reading
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Donny Osmond Wins “Dancing With the Stars”
An estimated 19.2 million people watched Donny Osmond last night win “Dancing With The Stars” — the smallest audience for the show’s finale since the first season – and take home the show’s traditional mirrored ball trophy in the season … Continue reading
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Steve & Elaine Wynn Plan Amicable- & Most Expensive Divorce in History
Steve and Elaine Wynn, in a joint statement released yesterday, after eight months of hammering out some of the details, the couple announced they have reached “an amicable settlement” agreement in the split of their estimated $2 billion gambling empire– … Continue reading
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Bone-Jarring Off-Road Desert Race Planned outside Las Vegas, Dec. 4-5
The Henderson Fabtech Desert Classic off-road 60-mile race for cars, trucks and utility vehicles will be Dec. 4-5 in Henderson, Nevada, located just south of Las Vegas. In its eighth year, the event marks the final race for this year’s … Continue reading
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Disaster Planned for Las Vegas Strip
Las Vegas is the designated epicenter for a mock nuclear explosion planned by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA had planned to simulate a nuclear explosion right on the Las Vegas Strip to test for emergency preparedness. But the … Continue reading
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Las Vegas Pitches for Fossil National Park
Las Vegas is making a pitch to have an area including fossil beds northwest of Las Vegas designated as a national park. A Clark County spokesman says commissioners endorsed the idea last week and officials say Las Vegas and North … Continue reading
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Sean “Diddy” Combs to Open Las Vegas Nightclub
Sean “Diddy” Combs is about to open a new nightclub in Las Vegas. Well, at least he’s going to help open one. “(The) Hard Rock is opening a club and I’m supposed to be opening up that new club for … Continue reading
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Christina Aguilera Invites Fans to Ring in New Year in Las Vegas
Christina Aguilera is reportedly inviting fans to join in her bash New Year bash in Las Vegas – for a price. The singer will allegedly play the role of the hostess at the December 31 party at Tao nightclub in … Continue reading
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Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas has new Rush Tower
Landry’s Restaurants Inc. on Friday opened its $150 million Rush Tower at the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas. The tower features a floating reservation desk for private check-in service, a 75,000-gallon tropical aquarium fish tank, 500 guestrooms that are … Continue reading
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Ex-Madam Heidi Fleiss Back on Top- Again!
Las Vegas Backstage Access has written many times on the illustrious Heidi Fleiss. Now, the ex-Madam Heidi Fleiss is back in the news again, and pretty much for the same reason she always made news, selling sex. This time however, … Continue reading
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Holly Madison Ushers in 3rd Annual Georges DuBoeuf Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Celebration at Paris Las Vegas with Grape Stomp & Week of Events
As the 2009 French grape harvest is declared by celebrated wine connoisseurs worldwide as the best in the last 50 years, crowds converged on Paris Las Vegas yesterday afternoon with a traditional grape stomp to celebrate the harvest. Blonde bombshell … Continue reading
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CityCenter Too Big for Mr. Big– Las Vegas?
Turns out Sin City is far from recession-proof. Citigroup Global Markets analyst Anil Daswani has doubts that MGM Mirage’s latest offering on the Las Vegas Strip, the gargantuan $8.5 billion CityCenter, planned for official opening and much fanfare on Dec. … Continue reading
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Las Vegas New Year’s Eve Firework Displays to Return to Strip Rooftops
Las Vegas residents and vistors alike finally got some great news– they just may be able to actually see the New Year’s Eve half-million dollars of fireworks displays this year! Las Vegas Events (LVE) and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors … Continue reading
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Only One Gambling Site in Las Vegas’ New $8.5 Billion CityCenter
Is gambling in Las Vegas becoming passé with the advent of new venues? Gaming regulators in Las Vegas last Friday granted preliminary licensing approval for the only casino component inside the $8.5 billion CityCenter project and suggested the revenue mix … Continue reading
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FREE Beer Tastings in Las Vegas
Here’s a super holiday savings deal you can’t beat: Free beer tastings are held from 7 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday at Lee’s Discount Liquor, 7411 W. Lake Mead Blvd. in Las Vegas. It’s a chance to experience global beers. … Continue reading
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Wanna Learn to Roll Sushi in Las Vegas?
If you’re like us at Las Vegas Backstage Access, you love dining on sushi, it’s just that if you partake often it leaves a big dent in your wallet. Well, here’s your opportunity to learn to roll sushi and save … Continue reading
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Michael Jackson’s Doctor Appears Before Judge Today in Las Vegas Court
Dr. Conrad Murray, the physician at the heart of Michael Jackson’s ongoing death investigation, appeared in Clark County Family Court today in Las Vegas because of his delinquent child support payments. In a surprise move, the child’s mother agreed to … Continue reading
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Slipnot/Stone Sour Frontman Corey Taylor Weds Stephanie Lub in Las Vegas on Nov. 13
According to People.com, Slipknot/Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor married Stephanie Luby on ‘lucky’ Friday, Nov. 13 at Las Vegas’ Palms Casino & Hotel, where the wedding party walked down the aisle to Metallica’s “For Whom The Bell Tolls”. Approximately 350 … Continue reading
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Asian Megastar Rain Plans Rare U.S. Appearance in Las Vegas
Extremely popular Korean superstar Rain, 27, promoted by J-Tune Entertainment, has announced he will play his first American concerts in three years when he headlines The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas Dec. 24-25. Rain is one of the … Continue reading
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Bette Midler to Leave Caesars in Las Vegas in January
Caesars Palace in Las Vegas is losing its Colosseum headliner in a few months and has had to hustle to replace her. Bette Midler is wrapping up her two-year run in “The Showgirl Must Go On” in January. Cher has … Continue reading
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Hey, Steve Wynn, can you spare a dime?
As most everyone, casino mogul Steve Wynn has gone through some cash woes this year, what with his impending divorce and bad stock performance. But things are apparently looking up for Stevie… Last week Wynn Resorts, Ltd. announced it will … Continue reading
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Rolling Strippers Prove Too Much for Las Vegas
As previously reported by Las Vegas Backstage Access on Nov. 11, live strippers cavorting on the back of a truck have now proved too much — even for Sin City. A Las Vegas strip club has agreed to stop an … Continue reading
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Jeffery Pollack Resigns from World Series of Poker, Harrah’s in Las Vegas
World Series of Poker (WSOP) Commissioner Jeffrey Pollack has resigned from his post at the WSOP and Harrah’s. Friday, November 13th, was Pollack’s last day on the job. “It’s bittersweet, but I’m leaving with just great memories and a really … Continue reading
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Missouri couple Hits Las Vegas Jackpot
Last week a Missouri couple hit the jackpot at Mystere … Cirque du Soleil declared them their 30 millionth Las Vegas customer and awarded them a VIP return trip.
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Sahara’s Las Vegas Deal for Hawaii Residents
The Sahara in Las Vegas has quite a deal with Hawaiian Airlines: Buy a specially priced package for Hawaii residents and fly on Hawaiian Airlines and get a 5 percent discount on your air and two miles for every buck … Continue reading
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Wayne Newton Saying “Danke Schoen” to Las Vegas?
Wayne Newton is telling his fans “Danke Schoen” after 50 years in Las Vegas and hinting that his latest run in Las Vegas could be his last. But the singer synonymous with Sin City says he’s leaving himself an opening … Continue reading
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Cirque du Soleil Announces New Elvis Presley Show in Las Vegas
Cirque du Soleil has announced the title for its new show based on the life and music of Elvis Presley: Viva Elvis. The production, to be directed by choreographer Vincent Paterson, will take up residence at the new Aria Resort … Continue reading
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The Venetian & The Palazzo Welcomes the Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s 5th annual Carnivale du Vin Saturday night in Las Vegas
The Venetian and The Palazzo in Las Vegas welcome the Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s 5th annual Carnivale du Vin charity event this Saturday evening, Nov. 14. Ranked by Wine Spectator as a “Top Ten U.S. Charity Wine Auction,” the Carnivale du … Continue reading
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Betcha Can’t Down this Las Vegas Rippa of a Burger!
Designed like an artsy roadhouse (or are all longhorn skulls just blown glass?), this eco-friendly Las Vegas burger joint serves juicy piles of dry-aged, hormone-free Hereford beef with never-frozen accoutrements: homemade pickles delivered daily, from-scratch ketchup, and farmstead cheeses (American, … Continue reading
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Only the Taliban Views This Type of Las Vegas Air Show
…and it’s a whole lot of pain mixed in with terrible shock and awe! This Saturday and Sunday, more than 100 of the best fighter planes in the world will loop, swoop and dive in the sky over Nellis Air Force … Continue reading
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Pacquiao-Cotto Fight in Las Vegas on Saturday to Be One for the Ages
Boxer Manny Pacquiao’s massive punching power is only matched by his massive drawing power, which has grown to overwhelm the traditional boundaries of the often insular realm of boxing, is driving the appeal of Saturday’s megafight with Miguel Cotto at … Continue reading
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Las Vegas & Philippine Economies Get Boost this Weekend in Las Vegas
The “Philippine Connection” is very strong this weekend in Las Vegas. For one, this Saturday night is “Fight Night” at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas with the welterweight title bout of Manny Pacquiao versus Miguel Cotto bringing businesses from … Continue reading
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Another Las Vegas Gameshow Opens: “The Las Vegas Rock and Roll Gameshow”
If Wayne Brady and “Let’s Make a Deal” isn’t enough, the Four Queens in Las Vegas is doing a test run of “The Las Vegas Rock and Roll Gameshow” that runs today, Sunday, Wednesday and Nov. 19 and 22. It’s a low-budget … Continue reading
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Singer Toni Braxton & Hubby Splitting Up?
Soul singer and frequent Las Vegas performer Toni Braxton has reportedly split from her husband Keri Lewis after eight years of marriage. The couple has two children, seven year old Denim and Diezel, six. The split news, reported by Essence.com, … Continue reading
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Managing Editor of the Las Vegas Sun to Retire in December
The managing editor of the Las Vegas Sun says he’ll retire next month. Michael J. Kelley said he plans to split time between his hometown of Kansas City, Mo., and Maryland, where his daughter and two grandchildren reportedly live. Kelley, … Continue reading
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Actress Eva Longoria Parker Shows Her Stuff on Stripper Pole
Actress and frequent Las Vegas partier Eva Longoria Parker gave comedian pal and Las Vegas imbiber George Lopez a thrill of a lifetime on his new late-night TV show on Monday– by slithering seductively on a stripper pole! The Desperate … Continue reading
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Six Hells Angels Clubs Raided in Nevada
Six Hells Angels motorcycle club locations were raided today in an investigation of a brawl that left two people with stab wounds at a Las Vegas wedding chapel nearly a year ago, police said. There were no confrontations or injuries … Continue reading
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Strippers Strip Down Strip in Las Vegas
Even the men who hand out the alluring but tawdry “nude girls direct to your room” handbills stopped their hawking long enough to do some gawking at the “stripper-mobile” as it rolled down the Strip in Las Vegas. Nearly everyone … Continue reading
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Lily Tomlin Survives Fast Pace of Entertainment – and Prospers – after 70 years
Lily Tomlin is 70 years old. But don’t tell her that. Heavens, no! For the past five decades, since her days performing on the Rowan and Martin sketch comedy TV show Laugh-In, she has been cracking up audiences without missing … Continue reading
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Las Vegas World Series of Poker $8.5 Million Main Event Won Today by Youngest Winner Ever– 21-year-old Joe Cada from Michigan
A 21-year-old Michigan poker professional who chose cards over college won the World Series of Poker main event in Las Vegas early today, winning $8.55 million and becoming the youngest player to win the tournament in its 40-year history. Joe … Continue reading
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Sneak Peak into Las Vegas’ Kingdom of Haute Opulence- CityCenter
Time is getting close for the long-awaited opening of extravagant and opulent Las Vegas entertainment and retail businesses galore. Not just ordinary businesses, but the most haute and opulent on the planet! If you ever wanted to know what it’s … Continue reading
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“Burglar of the Stars” Awaits Criminal Charges?
As reported by Las Vegas Backstage Access on Oct. 29, 19-year-old Rachel Lee was nabbed in northwest Las Vegas for allegedly burglarizing the Hollywood Hills homes of celebrities including Audrina Partridge, Lindsay Lohan, Orlando Bloom and the Hilton family. Few … Continue reading
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Big Name Rockers Perform in Las Vegas with Naked Strippers
The Playground/Crazy Horse III strip club complex in Las Vegas has just opened an intimate, 200-person rock club called Dead Man’s Hand. So, what’s the big deal you ask? Curiously, there is no gambling permitted, thus the customary restrictions on … Continue reading
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Joey Chestnut Sets World Meatball Eating Record today in Las Vegas: stuffed 6 pounds down in 10 minutes!
Joey “Jaws” Chestnut became the first-ever Martorano’s Masters Meatball Eating Champion today, Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Chestnut devoured 50 meatballs in the 10-minute Major League Eating (MLE) sanctioned competition. The … Continue reading
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Dead Nightclubs Sleep in Las Vegas
Our choking economy has exacted its toll on many Las Vegas nightclubs that were once beacons the entertainment mecca of the world: Ice, The Hop, Empire Ballroom, Puff, and Red Room Saloon, to name but a few of the more … Continue reading
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Las Vegas Extreme Makeover: Ape Edition
Apes everywhere are likely celebrating their new digs planned for Las Vegas. Reportedly, there will be an ape exhibit containing six apes in a new Las Vegas habitat in the next few months. Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman is also … Continue reading
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One less Peep in Las Vegas’ Peepshow
Planet Hollywood’s’ topless review “Peepshow” plans to really lay bare someone- Aubrey O’Day, the co-lead with Holly Madison. Reportedly, her contract will not be renewed when the current run ends in December. Some say this action further waters down an … Continue reading
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Las Vegas Mothballs $4.8 Billon Echelon Resort
With a growing list of partially finished resort projects dotting the Las Vegas skyline, the shelving of the $4.8 Billion Echelon project joined the ranks of the Strip boneyard late last week. The Boyd Gaming project, on the site of … Continue reading
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Actor Sandy Hackett Plans Las Vegas Revival
Sandy Hackett is coming back to Las Vegas with a new “Rat Pack” reincarnation. After falling out with Plaza-based show, “The Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean” in which he played Joey Bishop, Hackett will open “Sandy Hackett’s Rat … Continue reading
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Final Table of World Series of Poker Starts Saturday in Las Vegas
The final nine poker players will square off next Saturday at Noon at the Rio at the final table of the World Series of Poker. It will conclude when two remain and await the championship. The winner will receive a … Continue reading
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