Category Archive: Shows

  1. February 2013 Events in Las Vegas

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    February in Vegas teases that Spring is just around the corner, with an average high temperature of 63 F. But watch out for early morning and late night chills, with an average low near freezing (34 F). So you might want to skip that early round of golf in favor of a pleasant afternoon outing! Wind will still be cool, so you might want to keep a jacket with you.

    Matching the weather, February is full of cool events in the area; but to offset the chill, we’ve got a hot deal for you. Read below about a special room rate we’re offering for early birds.

    At the Riviera:

    Come watch the Super Bowl with us

    February 3, 2013 from 2 p.m.
    Le Bistro Bar

    Join us at the Riviera’s own sports bar, Le Bistro Bar, where we’ll be watching the first Super Bowl to ever pit head coaching brothers against each other: John Harbaugh with the Baltimore Ravens and Jim Harbaugh with the San Francisco 49ers will be duking it out on the field. Oh, to be a fly on the wall of their next family dinner.

    The Ravens are making their second Super Bowl appearance; this is the sixth time for the 49ers, who are in fact favored by 4½. If they win, they’ll tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most Super Bowl wins. Watch the game unfold on our jumbo HDTVs.

    Entry is free; for $40 you’ll get all-you-can-drink domestic beer and well drinks.

    The Original Pranksters Comedy Duo

    February 14–17, 2013 at 10:30 p.m.
    Steve-O & Tom Green

    Two true icons of comedy, the Riviera is proud to present Steve-O and Tom Green as “The Original Pranksters” in a hilarious new show in February. Get your tickets now!

    Springs Preserve CSI: Crime Scene Insects

    February 3 to May 12, 2013 at Springs Perserve
    http://www.springspreserve.org/apps/event/details.cfml?id=454

    The perfect follow-up to Dr. Entomo’s Palace of Exotic Wonders, which closed last month: all month in February, Springs Preserve is showcasing a special exhibit about crime-solving insects. This is a traveling exhibit that’s been hugely popular at other venues, like the Museum of the Rockies and the New York Hall of Science. Especially great for kids, it explores how insects can help solve crimes through “forensic entomology.”

    If you’re a Bank of America cardholder, you might try to visit on February 2 or 3, when you get free admission (see below for more details).

    Bank of America Museums on Us® (Free)

    February 2 & 3, 2013

    Various museums

    http://museums.bankofamerica.com

    Are you a Bank of America debit or credit cardholder? Then you have automatic free admission the first full weekend each month to several museums and attractions in the Las Vegas area.

    Participating museums in the BofA program include:

    First Friday Art Celebration (Free)

    Friday, February 1, 2013 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
    Downtown Arts District
    http://www.firstfridaylasvegas.com/faq.htm

    Vegas celebrates its arts community the first Friday of every month. It’s a fun and family-friendly event that includes artists, vendors and activities. It’s also free, but you may want to bring along some cash if you plan on purchasing any art or taking advantage of the many, many food trucks. The celebration also usually features multiple live bands and live performance “paintings.” It’s one of our favorite events to take the family, get away from the Strip for an evening and discover a cornucopia of artisans specializing in all kinds of media, like painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, and more.

    For more information about getting there and what it includes, visit their website.

    Heads Up: Electric Daisy Carnival

    June 21 to 23, 2013

    Four months might seem awfully far in advance to mention this stellar event, but considering the EDC is the largest dance music event in the nation, you don’t want to delay making your travel arrangements. The Riviera is offering added incentive to make your plans early: 25% off our already unbeatable room rates. Book now.

  • Trace Adkins and Jamey Johnson at the Riviera Hotel and Casino

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    As you may have read in our December Events in Vegas post, this month sees the annual Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in our beautiful city. It’s a huge event that brings out the country in all of us, and we at the Riviera are thrilled to present two of country music’s biggest stars over two consecutive nights: Jamey Johnson in his Hank Cochran tribute tour on Dec 14, followed by Trace Adkins in his “Songs and Stories Tour” on December 15.

    If you haven’t made your reservations already, we have some great offers on tap for a two-night stay with tickets to either or both concerts!

    Jamey Johnson

    Jamey Johnson Header

    December 14 at 10 p.m.
    The Riviera Royal Pavilion
    Buy tickets here

    Jamey Johnson has rocketed to Nashville stardom since he self-released his first album, They Call Me Country, in 2002. Since then, the award-winning artist has been lauded by fans and critics alike for his exceptional The Lonesome Song. Rolling Stone, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times are just a few of the major publications that sang its praises. He followed it with his album, The Guitar Song, which hit the top spot on the U.S. country music charts.

    Of his own success, Jamey says simply, “All I ever wanted was to get to just ride around and sing country music. It’s cool when things happen along the way, because those are things I never thought I could achieve.”

    In October of this year, Jamey released his latest effort, Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran. He worked with many of country music’s finest voices, like Allison Krauss and Lee Ann Womack, to honor one of country’s greatest musicians, and Jamey is bringing his tribute tour to the Riviera this month. Get your tickets now

    Here’s a preview of his “Living For A Song” tour.

    Trace Adkins

    Trace Adkins Header

    December 15 at 10 p.m.
    The Riviera Royal Pavilion
    Buy tickets here

    Trace is a certified country superstar. In the fifteen years since his platinum debut, out of ten studio albums, he’s had over thirty chart singles, four Grammy nominations and five ACM and CMT awards. He’s also branched out to film and TV, including a run on NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice. In fact, he’ll be reprising that role come March 2013, as he participates in the first ever Celebrity Apprentice All-Stars.

    Trace is joining us at the Riviera Hotel & Casino as part of his “Songs and Stories Tour.” Do you have a special request of him? Hit up his website, Twitter or Facebook. “I wanted it to be more of an interactive tour,” he says.

    He has plenty of material to draw from. In addition to classics like his first single, “There’s a Girl in Texas,” he’ll be performing numbers from his latest album, Proud To Be Here. Get your tickets now.

    As a preview, here’s a video of a new song released last month, “Tough People Do.”

  • Thanksgiving Day 2012 at the Riviera Hotel & Casino

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    Image of a turkey carving station at the Riviera

    About to find yourself in Vegas over the Thanksgiving holiday? Here’s a plan for a great Thanksgiving at the Riviera Hotel & Casino.

    Start the day off right: The Life Time Fitness Turkey Day 5K

    November 22 at 8 a.m.
    Fremont Street and Las Vegas Blvd.

    An annual event since 1989, participants can run, walk or jog the 3 mile course, which tours historic downtown Las Vegas. A party immediately follows the race. The cost of registration starts at $25.

    A word to the wise: This 5K first came to Vegas just last year, and let’s just say that organization was not its strength. It was still a fun race, but the event itself wasn’t so much on track (i.e., when it came to picking up packets, getting started on time, etc). The official website doesn’t even mention Las Vegas! But the 2012 downtown Las Vegas race is still being advertised.


    View Larger Map

    Don’t waste those burned calories: T-Day Dinner at R Steak & Seafood

    2901 Las Vegas Blvd., South, Las Vegas, NV 89109
    http://newsite.rivierahotel.com/las-vegas-dining/r-steak-seafood/
    (702) 794–9233 for reservations

    R Steak and Seafood, the Riviera’s celebrated steakhouse, is offering a special prix fixe Thanksgiving menu. The four-course meal includes a choice of roast turkey or Maple Baked ham, plus a bevy of delicious side dishes like orange cranberry sauce, sausage and chestnut stuffing and green beans almandine.

    Or, you might opt for a Thanksgiving meal at The Riv Buffet. The enormous buffet will include a carving station for turkey and ham along with a huge selection of other entrees, side dishes and desserts.

    Be thankful by giving back while having fun: Magical Forest at Opportunity Village

    6300 W. Oakey Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89146
    Opens at 5:30 p.m. daily
    http://www.opportunityvillage.com/magical-forest/

    Opportunity Village is a Las Vegas-based nonprofit for the disabled. Each year, they host the Magical Forest, a multi-acre fest that features holiday entertainment and displays, rides, food and gifts. The holiday decorations – including millions of holiday lights and hundreds of beautifully adorned trees – are spectacular. Guests can further enjoy an antique carousel, a holiday-themed Forest Express Passenger Train, mini-golf, Twas the Night Before Christmas in 3D and more.

    This year, Magical Forest opens on November 21 and runs through January 6, 2013. Tickets start at $9. All proceeds benefit people with disabilities at Opportunity Village.


    View Larger Map

    End the day on an up-note with a show

    Bring your magical day to a close with the perfect show: ILLUSIONS with celebrated magician Jan Rouven. We recently highlighted this amazing show on our blog, and Thanksgiving is the perfect day to check it out. Jan’s exciting brand of magic tricks will keep you on the edge of your seat and bring to a perfect end to a perfect Thanksgiving Day at the Riviera.

  • Spotlight on “ILLUSIONS” Starring Jan Rouven

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    ILLUSIONS Starring Jan Rouven

    Starlite Theatre at the Riviera Hotel & Casino
    7pm daily (closed on Wednesdays in October; closed on Fridays starting in November)
    All ages welcome

    Prices start at $54: tickets can be found here.

    Jan Rouven is a master illusionist on fire, and we couldn’t be happier to have him burning up the house here at the Riviera.

    His show, “ILLUSIONS,” features acts that are equal parts mystifying and death-defying — like the Bed of Death, the Fire Spiker and the Hand Stab where Jan and an audience volunteer play Russian roulette with a wicked sharp knife. Combined with heart-thumping music and five hot dancers, this is a show that will get your pulse pounding from go, and won’t let up until the end.

    Ultimately, it’s Jan himself who makes all the difference in the show. He’s funny and charismatic on stage, and also genuinely a nice guy — don’t be surprised if he’s waiting as you walk out, to say hello and thanks for coming!

    An International Class Act

    In his native Germany, Jan was already a superstar, easily able to pack houses and even earning a spot opening for German pop-star Michelle. His performances have earned him accolades like “Magician of the Year” and “Entertainer of the Year.”

    So why Vegas, where he doesn’t have the same name recognition (yet!) and must compete in a bloodthirsty marketplace of entertainers of all stripes?

    “Vegas is every performer’s dream,” he says simply. He also found his success in Germany a bit insular. “Germany is a small country. After two months on tour, I saw every city. I was looking for a new adventure.”

    Vegas the German Way

    Jan’s show in Vegas started out very hands-on and self-sufficient. “We do it the German way,” he says. “It’s very personal.” He’s been known to man the phones and sell tickets when needed.

    He also brings distinctly German humor to the stage. Stop us if you’ve heard this one: as he sets up a trick with a brick wall, he deadpans, “Trust me, I’m from Germany. I have experience with walls.”

    The Real Stars of the Show

    Of course, as much as Jan’s show earns him new personal fans nightly, it’s the fantastic tricks that he executes to perfection that elicits gasps, cheers and applause. Fellow Germans Siegfried & Roy have said that Jan brings “new life” to magic.

    Jan purchased some of his acts (a good magician’s trick can go for upwards of six figures), but he also invents many of his acts himself. That means you can expect to experience unique, never-seen-elsewhere tricks when you come to Jan’s shows.

    Tickets start at $54 and can be found here.

  • Labor Day Weekend in Las Vegas 2012

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    Labor Day Weekend is one of Las Vegas’s most exciting times of the year, with parties galore set against the backdrop of the stunning September desert.  Here’s some of what’s on tap for Labor Day Weekend 2012 in the entertainment capital of the world.  (Labor Day is Monday, September 3rd.)
    But first, a tip:

    Book a Room at the Riviera Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

    Not only do we have some of the most competitive rates in town – and a fantastic, classic hotel to book – but you can save even more money on your room rate at the Riviera by booking online with us directly.  (We’re also pet-friendly: bringing the pooch definitely saves money over hiring a sitter or kennel.)

    Click here for more information on the best stay on the strip.

    Bask by the Water at Sin City’s Best Pool Party

    In a desert town that worships the water, one of the best parts about staying at the Riviera Hotel & Casino is the opportunity to indulge in the most glamorous pool party around.
    Our guests are glamorous, sexy and ready to soak in the fun next to our shimmering pool.  Have a cocktail and work on your tan during the day so that you look oh-so-Vegas at night.

    Take in a Show

    Here at the Riviera, we’ve got lots of entertainment on tap to help you celebrate your three-day weekend in style.

    Extreme Midget Wrestling
    Saturday, September 1st and Sunday, September 2nd
    8:00 PM
    In the Royal Pavilion

    Oh, yes, we did say it: extreme midget wrestling is here!  You won’t believe the hardcore midget mayhem that abounds when nonstop midget violence takes over our Royal Pavilion.  Not only do they jump off bars, hit each other with trash cans and staple guns, and do everything they can to defend their titles, but they even take it out into the crowd!  A crazy-fun event not to be missed.

    The “Metal” King
    Friday, August 31st and Saturday, September 1st
    9:00 PM and 11:00 PM
    In Le Bistro Lounge

    Nominated as Vegas’s #1 Tribute Band for the 2012 Vegas Rocks Awards, The “Metal” King is an 80s-stlye hard rock tribute to Elvis that merges the songs of the King with the best of heavy metal. The energy they bring to the stage is second-to-none, and their unique blend of classic Elvis tunes with heavy metal favorites creates a 90-minute, unforgettable music experience we at the Riviera are proud to host.

    Crazy Girls
    Every night except Tuesdays
    9:30 PM
    Mardi Gras Theatres, Level 2

    There are no more stunning, sexy showgirls in Sin City than right here at the Riviera: Crazy Girls is the all-new edition of the most sensuous, funniest and most musical topless revue ever to grace a Vegas stage.  Tickets are available at the link above.

  • EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE FORCE FROM SIN CITY ROLLERGIRLS

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    “We go around in circles really fast and mash into each other and score points all at the same time…Mashing into someone makes you feel alive.” – The Force, a member of Sin City Rollergirls, who happens to be a banker by day.

    The most exciting, intense, freewheeling event on the Strip is just seconds from your room when you stay with us at the Riviera Hotel & Casino!

    The Sin City Rollergirls bring the action-packed sport of Roller Derby to the Riviera with their no-holds-barred, thrilling competitions.  It’s a wee bit violent.  It’s breathtakingly fast.  And it’s the hottest thing on the Strip.

    If you’ve seen the Drew Barrymore film Whip It, then you know how exciting roller derby can be.  Don’t miss the chance to see a match in person!

    Our 2012 Sin City Rollergirl Dates are:

    We were lucky enough to snag a few minutes with one of Las Vegas’s roller derby stars.  A vice president at a bank by day, she’s known as The Force by night, whipping around the rink with power, aggression, and of course, force.

    If you’ve never seen roller derby, you’re missing out on the most exciting sport around.  And if you’ve never met a rollergirl, know that whatever you say to her before a match, don’t say, “Break a leg.”

    The Force
    Yeah, I used to be an actress, and that was the thing to say.  (Laughs.) But this is a sport, not a performance, and we need our legs.  We have people to mash and run down.

    The Riviera Hotel & Casino
    Which is why people love it.  People love watching roller derby, but some people don’t know about it unless they’ve seen the movie Whip It.

    The Force
    Roller derby is like NASCAR and football at the same time, except you’re using people instead of cars and there’s no ball.

    We go around in circles really fast, and we mash into each other and score points at the same time.  You’ve got two teams on the track at one time, with five people on each.  Four on each team are blockers, and one is the jammer.  She’s the one who scores, so you’re always trying to block her.

    The Riviera Hotel & Casino
    It looks so demanding and intense.  And it looks like so much fun.

    The Force
    It’s such a fantastic sport.  And let me just emphasize here, it is a real sport – not your mom’s roller derby from the 1970s that was choreographed and prissy.  This is a real sport, with real rules, real competition, and it’s something that the athletes take very seriously.  We fight very hard to stay in shape and sacrifice so much in our lives not only to participate in it, but also to grow it to a real professional level.

    The Riviera Hotel & Casino
    The sport is really picking up, too.

    The Force
    We’re working really hard to pull it up.  It’s homegrown.  It started here in America. There are hundreds and hundreds of leagues around the country, and we just had our first-ever World Cup in Canada.  The U.S.A. definitely has the most teams, and the U.S.A. just whipped the pants off every team they played at that World Cup.  Which is exciting, because other countries are starting to pull up and are going to be at that level at some point, too.

    We’d love to see roller derby in the Olympics.

    The Riviera Hotel & Casino
    Absolutely!  We love that you’re a banker by day, a Vice President, no less.  Can’t imagine a more incongruous image: the banker vs. The Force.

    The Force
    Yeah, it’s wild.  But in our league, we’ve got teachers, people who work with kids with autism, bartenders, and a whole range of other people.  We all get our aggressions out in the rink.  It’s a great release.

    The Riviera Hotel & Casino
    How long have you been a part of the sport?

    The Force
    Since 2005.  I was a rink rat as a kid and was playing roller hockey, and some girls who had just started a roller derby team in Vegas came to play at my roller hockey rink.  I found out I was pretty good at [roller derby].

    I took a break for a while, but I’ve been doing this for about six years.  It’s intense.  We practice three, four, five days a week for three or four hours a day.  We’re also cleaning our warehouse where we practice, doing league fundraising events, and going to teambuilding events so that we can play seamlessly.  We’re really in this.  We see our roller derby family more than our actual families.

    The Riviera Hotel & Casino
    You must love it to be so dedicated.

    The Force
    I do: the camaraderie, the competitiveness, even the violence.  I feed off of how competitive I am, and I can’t believe the relationships I’ve made: before roller derby, you couldn’t pay me to get along with a female, but now I get along great with so many of them.  And I’m just as animalistic as anybody else: it’s amazing, the feeling of your impact on another human when you mash into them.  It makes you feel alive.

    The Riviera Hotel & Casino
    Are you ever afraid of getting hurt?

    The Force
    No; I’ve been getting hurt doing sports since I was little.  It’s just a part of it.  And I’ve been very lucky, the worst I’ve been hurt doing this is a sprain.  But I am afraid of getting hurt only in that it would keep me off the track.  Injury is the worst.  You just have to sit there while your teammates practice and play.

    The Riviera Hotel & Casino
    Guess you can’t be a wuss to play this sport.

    The Force
    I can be a wuss.  You should feel the pad burn from the Velcro.  That hurts much worse than a sprain.

    The Riviera Hotel & Casino
    The Riviera loves hosting your matches.  For those who’ve never seen roller derby, tell us why someone visiting Vegas should come check out your games.

    The Force
    Well, in Vegas you have a lot of different choices: the comedy shows or big Cirque shows or music shows, but this is a chance to watch not just a sport, but something totally new.

    It’s a lot of fun to try something new, and it’s on the Strip: where else in Vegas are you going to find this kind of entertainment for $15? [Editor’s note: presale price is $10]

    I mean, fifteen bucks for something cool and new and live and exciting…or would you rather pay $150 to see the same old thing all the tourists are seeing?

    The Riviera Hotel & Casino
    Wusses.

    For tickets, match times and more information, visit http://newsite.rivierahotel.com/las-vegas-entertainment/sin-city-roller-girls/.

     

     

  • FIVE TIPS FOR DOING SIN CITY ON A BUDGET

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    Yes, you can enjoy Las Vegas and still save money: Sin City is rife with activities and opportunities that won’t drain you wallet.  You just have to know where to look.  Here are some of our favorite money-saving tips for exploring Las Vegas.

    Book a Room at the Riviera Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

    Not only do we have some of the most competitive rates in town – and a fantastic, classic hotel to book – but you can save even more money on your room rate at the Riviera by booking online with us directly, guaranteed.  (We’re also pet-friendly: bringing the pooch definitely saves money over hiring a sitter or kennel.)

    Click here for more information on the best stay on the strip.

    Buy Your Show Tickets Online, Ahead of Time

    Buying show tickets in person is generally more of a budget-buster than a Sin City saver, so decide which shows you’d like to see well before you arrive here.  Pick “Will Call” as your ticket option, which will save you delivery fees.  And explore less expensive shows, such as the Riviera’s resident hit, Illusions, starring Jan Rouven . Don’t miss the best magic show in town!

    Learn the Games

    If you’re new to gambling, it’s always a great idea to really learn the rules of engagement: check out free gaming lessons. Ask the casino host for more information.

    Tech Deals

    If you have an iPhone or iPad, consider downloading the Travel Vegas app, which helps you find deals on shows, dining, and gambling credits.

    Pretend You’re a Local

    Vegas4Locals lists a number of activities that can be done on the cheap or even for free.  From shows to tours to museums, the site gives you the scoop on how to make even the most sinful city in the country a budget angel.

    Enjoy Vegas!

  • CONFESSIONS OF A ROCK STAR

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    We here at the Riviera are proud to host the famed Las Vegas Strip’s only resident rock show! Not only does the Smithereen’s Pat DiNizio wow you with an award-winning, high-octane, brilliant musical journey through his life, but he harnesses his storytelling abilities (the same abilities that got him a gig as a satellite radio host) to bring home intimate, hilarious, rousing stories of what it’s really like to be a badass rock star.

    His show is so good, in fact, that it beat out EVERY other show on the Strip to win the staff’s pick for the “Best of Las Vegas” award from the prestigious Las Vegas Review Journal.

    As DiNizio himself puts it: the show is the story of “how a 31-year-old Italian American went to bed one night as a garbage man and woke up the next day as a rock star.”  He’s honest.  He’s refreshing.  He’s instantly likeable.

    The Smithereens were an 80s sensation (thanks to their 1986 hit Blood & Roses) who made a name for themselves by mixing power chords with sunny, 60s-like, Beatles-esque melodies. They toured with the Ramones and came within centimeters of mega-stardom.

    And then Nirvana and the surly grunge movement came along and ruined all that.

    Not that DiNizio is bitter.  As you’ll see in the show, he’s humble about being in the right place at the right time, enjoying being paid for what he loved to do, and being lucky enough to chase and realize his dream.

    Confessions of a Rock Star is a fantastic show that combines Smithereens hits with covers of DiNizio’s heroes.  You’ll hear classic songs by the Beatles, Buddy Holly and others who inspired DiNizio to follow his heart into music.

    Embodying consummate showmanship, Confessions of a Rock Star was recently voted Las Vegas River-Journal’s “Best Bargain Show” on the Strip! The performers will leave you energized, excited about life, and ready to take on the world.  They’ll also leave you an enormous fan of DiNizio and the Smithereens.

    Tickets are $29.95, with the show running at 11:00pm every night but Tuesday at the Crazy Girls Theater.  Click here to purchase your ticket now: don’t miss the best concert in town!