|
|
 |
 |
|
|
Thursday, January 22, 2004 Go: Where to Go, What to Do & Why
By James P. Reza
Maybe the taxi driver whom your Go tour guide had the misfortune of meeting New Year's Eve has a point. You may recall that the cabbie complained bitterly, mostly to himself, about the State of Vegas, and after last weekend's opening of the Plush Ultra Lounge & Supper Club (869-2335), his words are starting to make sense. Located at the Resort at Summerlin in the space formerly occupied by chef Gustav Mauler's steakhouse OXO, Plush is a collaboration between Mauler and the folks who run the Sunset Strip's Key Club--one of Hollywood's hottest tickets. Unfortunately, the Hollywood attitude that, back in the day, was thankfully abandoned in the trip across the Mojave was instead signed, sealed and delivered fresh to Summerlin last weekend. So-called VIPs were either extorted at the resort's front valet for an up-front handshake pass of $20, or sent around back to the "special valet for Plush VIPs" which turned out to be chock full o' cars and bad attitude and not so special after all. Once inside, guests of the over-attended event were forced to ruffle their suits and claw their way to the bar, where waits of up to 30 minutes for a drink were common. Not since the Palms grand opening in November 2001 have the words "clusterfuck" been uttered so many times in one location. Clusterf-ing aside, the venue appears impressive, exhibiting tasteful, elegant modernism as expressed by a very thick wallet (or, as one astute observer said, "like [the Bellagio's] Light on steroids"). Based on the decor, location, serving staff and demeanor, Plush is clearly courting the 30-to-50 crowd and not the Fake I.D.-to-25 crowd of most nightspots in recent years. There are some good indicators (Vegas DJ Michael Fuller, of the Foundation Room, is slated to start spinning Saturdays on Valentine's Day weekend), and when it's not packed to the armpits with crowds threatening fire safety, it could be enjoyable. But if the more-Hollywood-than-thou attitude remains, it will be a challenge to fill after the dinner plates are cleared and the they've-built-it-so-let's-go newness dissipates. Relax, guys. Remember, in Vegas, everyone is a VIP.
Blues, Berlin & Britpop Most former child stars end up in mugshots, but blues guitarist Jonny Lang ended up in church. Often compared to fellow axeman Stevie Ray Vaughan (whose career was cut short at 35 by a helicopter crash), Lang released his first album Smokin' at 15. Now 23, Lang has four albums of increasingly tight material, including 2003's appropriately named Long Time Coming. (Lang had not released an album since 1998; in the interim, he emerged as a born-again Christian and married his girlfriend, actress Hayley Johnson). Lang returns to the House of Blues on Thursday (Jan. 22, 8 p.m.; 632-7600). Electronica artist Jackie Green opens. At the House of Blues the following evening, '80s synth-poppers Berlin come to Vegas on the spiky-pump heels of their latest release, Voyeur, an appropriate album name for the band that penned the kinky hit "Sex." First recognized by the new wavers of the era, Berlin found 15 minutes of popular stardom after recording the sappy "Take My Breath Away," the theme from the film Top Gun. See Berlin with Ponder at the House of Blues Saturday (Jan. 23, 8 p.m.; 632-7600). Our favorite show of the week goes off Tuesday at the Hard Rock's Joint, where critically acclaimed Brit rockers Travis arrive to sing songs from four well-received efforts, including 2003's 12 Memories (Jan. 27, 8 p.m.; 693-5000). With influences from the Byrds and Bob Dylan to the Smiths and Radiohead, it's no wonder the critics love 'em. Pop music has notably shifted and split into bubblegum and hip hop/soul influences, but if you long for a return to thoughtful, jangly guitar rock, this is the show for you.
All that jazz Prolific jazz vocalist and Vegas regular Al Jarreau returns to Southern Nevada Tuesday, this time in Primm at Buffalo Bill's Star of the Desert Arena (Jan. 27, 8 p.m.; 386-7867). Jarreau, who released the first of his 29 albums in 1965, is the only artist to earn Grammy awards in three genres (jazz, pop, R&B). Also returning for his annual appearance this week is accomplished jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson and his Big Bop Nouveau Band, coming to the Riviera's classic La Cage Theatre on Tuesday (Jan. 27, 734-5110) (scenes in the film Casino were shot here). For a mere $20, jazz fans can experience a modern master of traditional jazz, leading a band of 18 up-and-coming musicians in a repertoire of bop, hard bop and big band. Once recognized by fans (and revered by high school and college-aged trumpeters around the world) for his ear-splitting range of high notes, Ferguson, at 75, has backed off considerably, but remains a worthy performer.
All the rest Rant, raves and wildly meandering pop culture references couch Dennis Miller's formerly Libertarian, increasingly conservative, humor. A regular on the Strip, Miller loses his cool at the Paris Le Theatre des Arts Friday through Sunday (Jan. 23-25, 946-4567)... Jerry's Nugget, an old-school North Las Vegas gambling hall, is holding a free car show all day Sunday (Jan. 25, 399-3000). The coffee shop at Jerry's Nugget is a decades-old local secret for some of the best fresh-baked desserts in the valley, so a stroll around some sexy hot rods followed by a slice of apple pie is a fun way to slack off a Sunday afternoon... If you prefer your art to hang and not roll, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (693-7870) is preparing to open an exhibit of 20 priceless works by Monet, a rare opportunity for West Coast art lovers to view so many Monets in one location. The exhibit opens Jan. 30.
James P. Reza is the editor of the Best Places-Las Vegas guidebook. E-mail nightlife, cultural event & dining tips to jpreza@cox.net. Deadline is the Saturday prior to publishing. |
|
|
Home | 2AM Club Guide | Archive | Contact | Personals
|
