LAS VEGAS CONNECTION BY BART TORRES

Celine Dion, Caesars Entertainment and AEG Live Support “Play Without Pain: Children’s Sickle Cell Benefit”
Celine Dion, Caesars Entertainment and AEG Live are teaming up to support “Play Without Pain: Children’s Sickle Cell Benefit” with a special concert at The Colosseum on Saturday, January 15. Tickets for the 8:30 p.m. benefit range from $155 to $350 are on sale at Ticketmaster.com, through the Box Office and by calling (877) 423-5463. Limited space is available for a VIP dinner at Restaurant Guy Savoy prior to the performance. A 5 p.m. cocktail reception with dinner following will allow guests the opportunity to meet with Celine Dion. For reservations to the dinner, call (702) 731-PLAY or email playwithoutpain@caesars.com.

The Cosmopolitan Debuts First-Ever Pop-Up Wedding Chapel
Here is one of those “Only in Las Vegas” stories that we all love. There’s a new quirky street level Pop-Up Wedding Chapel at The Cosmopolitan that is getting plenty of attention by visitors and locals strolling along the Strip. Complete strangers can view the goings on inside the chapel and actually become part of the wedding party. This is a tongue-in-cheek concept which offers a fun twist on the traditional wedding. Other services include vow renewals, commitment ceremonies, pet weddings or a faux wedding which is valid for 24 hours.  Also available is a retail space with wedding bands dispensed from gum ball machines, faux wedding announcements, apparel, beer, wine and champagne. Guests may also snap pictures of the happy occasion in the photo booth and have them posted on Facebook and Twitter. Three wedding packages are offered. For those with limited time you can select the “Hitched in a Hurry Package” priced at $80 which includes the ceremony, two Sofia Coppola Champagne Cans, two Molla Space Eraser Rings, one snap shot from the photo booth and a gift bag. The “On a Whim Package” goes for $125 and includes the “I Do’s”, a silk flower bouquet, a six pack of champagne, two eraser rings, two pictures, party favors, two cake tops, one logo T-shirt plus the gift bag. How about the “Going to the Chapel Package” topping out at $195? This one comes with the ceremony, bouquet, a bottle of champagne, two rings, two photos, party favors, six cake tops, two Logo-T-shirts, a gift bag and Marquee Hotel guest list for four people. All prices are based on a two person union. Legal wedding ceremonies will cost an additional $90. Group weddings may be arranged for an extra fee. The chapel is open Sunday-Wednesday from noon to 10 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, noon to 12 a.m. For more information, call (702) 698-7640 or log on to www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com .  

There She is! Miss America Pageant Coming to Planet Hollywood
Vegas is known for its beautiful girls and the cream of the crop will be taking Planet Hollywood’s Theater for the Performing Arts by storm Saturday, January 14 as they strut down the runway competing for the title of The 2012 Miss America. Brooke Burk-Charvet of “Dancing with the Stars” fame returns for the second year as co-host of the yearly pageant competition which will be televised live on ABC from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Among the panel of esteemed judges are Mark Ballas, also from Dancing with the Stars, photographer Raul de Molina, producer Mike Fleiss, Kris Jenner, famous mom of the Kardashian clan, actress Teri Polo, fitness expert Chris Powell, and television anchor Lara Spencer.  The Miss America Pageant is celebrating their 90th anniversary this year and since their inception they have awarded over $45 million in cash and scholarships to competitors. Three nights of preliminary judging will take place January 10-12 with the price of tickets to be announced closer to the event. If you want to be in the audience for the crowning, tickets are listed at $71.43 plus tax and fees. For reservations, call (800) 745-3000. Because of tape delay to other regions the show begins at 5:30 p.m.

MGM Grand Announces two Popular Venues Closing
MGM Grand’s Studio 54 was scheduled to close on January 7, but the powers that be have decided to keep the doors open through February 4, 2012. Another closure at MGM Grand is the Lion Habitat on January 31 in order to make room for future renovations. For my money, this was one of the best free attractions in town. When it was built in 1999 if cost $9 million! The cats will be relocated to the Cathouse, an 8.5 acre ranch outside Las Vegas. When it is up and running under the direction of trainer and habitat designer Keith Evans there will be a charge.  

Buffalo Bill’s Reopens at Primm
Over Christmas, Buffalo Bill’s in Primm reopened following a renovation of their guest rooms, and update to their casino floor, an expanded retail space and the addition of Crossroads BBQ, Booze & Blues. There is also a new party pit and new games in the Zone Arcade.

Australian Bee Gees Extended at Exclalibur
Good new for “The Australian Bee Gees Show-A Tribute to the Bee Gees” playing at Excalibur. Their contract has been extended through February 2013. The fast-paced 75-minute show features video clips, live camera images and graphics of the original Bee Gees. One of the best deals on the Strip with tickets a reasonable $44.95 and $54.95.

Pat DiNizio Opens at Riviera
There’s a new one-man show at Riviera Hotel & Casino starring Pat DiNizio, lead singer of The Smithereens, called Confessions of a Rock Star. A live band, video screens showing rare footage and photos are part of the musical journey from life in New Jersey to rock and roll stardom. This new venture could just be one of the most inexpensive shows in town with tickets only $29.95. DiNizio plays Wednesday-Monday at 7 p.m. For reservations, call (702) 794-9433.

PBR Rock Bar & Grill Offers Dining Discounts for Consumer Electronic Show Attendees
For those of you attending the Las Vegas’ Consumer Electronics Show (CES) from Tuesday, January 10-13, bring your badge to PBR Rock Bar & Grill inside Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops and you will receive a 10 percent discount off your dining tab. Drink specials will also be served from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and midnight until closing. Known for its extensive drink menu, diners will also find several new tasty menu items served from 8 a.m. until closing.  

Affordable Room Rates for M Resort’s 3rd Anniversary Celebration
Rates begin as low as $85 per night (two night minimum required) in celebration of the 390-room M Resort’s 3rd anniversary. Among the amenities included are accommodations in an upscale room, $20 off two entries at Marinelli’s, $25 off treatments or services at Spa Mio, a free bottle of vino, complimentary Internet Access from the comfort of your room, free access to the Fitness Center, two complimentary specialty cocktails at Ravello Lounge with the purchase of two cocktails, $30 off your bill at Hash Hash A Go Go which breaks down to $10 off breakfast or lunch with a $25 minimum purchase and $20 off dinner with a $50 minimum bill. The offer is valid for bookings through July 2012. For the third consecutive year, the M Resort was honored with a Forbes Four-Star Award by Forbes Travel Guide. The resort’s Spa Mio also received Four Star recognition for the second year. Call ((877) 673-7678 or (702) 797-1998 and ask for code: HM3YR12.

Wynn Las Vegas Offering Locals Huge Discount on Le Reve-The Dream Ticket Prices
In celebration of Le Reve-The Dream 3,000 show, Wynn Las Vegas is offering local residents special pricing through January 31. Purchase one premium ticket at the regular price of $129 and receive a second ticket for just $30. Call (702) 770-WYNN and mention code “3,000.” Le Reve-The Dream plays Friday-Tuesday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. (dark Wednesdays and Thursdays). Tickets are priced at $105 (Splash Zone), $129 (premium), $155 (Dream) and $195 for the VIP Indulgence Package.  

Hard Rock Introduces After-Concert Show Discounts with Show Your Stub Promotion
Start the New Year off on the right foot at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino where they have introduced their Show Your Stub promotion. Guests attending a concert at the resort and taking their ticket stub within 24 hours to various food, beverage and retail venues throughout the property will save some decent money. Enjoy 2-for-1 drinks at all casino bars; 2-for-1 Dos Equis, Tecate, Peligroso Blanco shots at the bar inside Pink Taco; a complimentary well drink with purchase of AYCE at Johnny Smalls, free Bloody Mary or milkshake with purchase of appetizer or entrée at Mr. Lucky Café; 2-for-1-beverage at Starbucks; 25% off total purchase at The Hard Rock Store (excludes some items) and 25 match play or $15 free slot play for Rockstar Club members.

Eclectic Mix of Entertainment Heading to the Orleans
Family fun is on its way to the spacious Orleans Arena this week with a star-studded lineup of performers including aerialists, stunt motorcyclists and more participating in the 2012 Circus Vargas Spectacular. Show times are January 5, 7 p.m.; January 6, 7:30 p.m.; January 7 and 8, 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. each day. General admission tickets are $12 for kids 12 and under, $18 for adults. Reserved seating is available for $23 to $45. Children two and under are free with a paid adult. Arrive 30 minutes before show time and get instructions on circus skills. Call (702) 284-7777 or on line at www.orleansarena.com. For the adult crowd, two great comics make a stop at the Orleans later this month beginning with the deadpan stand-up comedian Steven Wright in for a two-night engagement in The Orleans Showroom, January 20-21 at 8 p.m. each evening. Tickets are priced from $34.95 plus tax and fees. The following week, January 27-28, Bob Saget will be bringing his adult humor to the stage. Show time is 8 p.m. with tickets available from $39.95 plus tax and fees. For reservations to Wright’s and Saget’s shows, call (702) 365-7075 or stop by any Coast Casinos Box Office.   

South Point off to a Good Start with “$300,000 Swipe, Spin & Win” Giveaway
Here’s your chance to cash in on an assortment of prizes at the South Point where they are in the midst of their month-long “$300,000 Swipe, Spin & Win” promotion. Each Sunday through Thursday throughout January all you have to do is earn 200 same day points between 3 a.m. and 11 p.m. for a chance to spin the wheel and possibly win $50 in free play, $50 gas cards, $25 in free play, 2X points, free lunch buffet, movie tickets, T-shirts, mugs, or 2,500 in bonus points. Points must be redeemed on the day they are earned and only one prize per day per player during the promotion.   

Eldorado Plans Year-Long Promotions for 50th Anniversary Celebration
Henderson’s Eldorado Casino has a year-long promotion going on in celebration of their 50th anniversary. The Eldorado has created a set of 200 commemorative, limited edition $5 gaming chips. 1,000 of the chips were distributed on New Years Day with the remaining going into general circulation for the rest of the year. Bingo players winning a game on “G-50” will receive a $200 cash bonus throughout 2012. Prices in the snack bars will also be slashed back to 1962 with the Eldorado and Jokers Wild properties offering 50-cent specials throughout the year, including shrimp cocktails, hot dogs, soft drinks, draft beer and coffee. The local’s favorite has more than 400 slot machines and table games.

Generous Gaming Promotions at Silverton Casino Hotel
Silverton Rewards Club members are in for some good promos this month going on through January 31. Players will have two ways to enter for a chance at winning a share of over $300,000 in cash and prizes that will be awarded. Guests can earn one entry for 50 points earned and be entered into Friday night (8 p.m.) cash drawing that will payout $15,000. Players can also earn prize pulls Sunday through Wednesday. Earning 500 points gets you a prize pull for a chance to win iPods, 100+Total Nanos, Shuffles, Touches and Classics, iTunes Gift Cards, $$60,000+ Total Gift Cards, Free slot play, Silverton Concert tickets, and Silverton Rocks long-sleeved shirts.   

Miracle Mile Shops Kick off 2012 Caring, Giving, Changing Campaign
Miracle Mile Shops and Planet Hollywood are on a mission to raise more than $100,000 over the next year during its Caring, Giving, Changing campaign that begins this month with proceeds going to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. All change tossed into the Miracle Mile Shop’s fountain and center’s indoor rainstorm will be donated to the charity.

Check with resorts for all current offers published. Hotels have all rights and may cancel or modify at anytime. On your drive up to Vegas tune your radio to The Highway FM 98 & 99 for my up-to-date Las Vegas reports. GOOD LUCK!