Harrah’s Entertainment Celebrates Mexican Independence Day

Harrah’s Entertainment is gearing up for one of the most memorable fiesta celebrations on the Las Vegas Strip with four days of Mexican Independence Day festivities taking place Sept. 15-18, 2010.

Commemorating 200 years of Mexican Independence, the fun begins with Latin singing superstar Luis Miguel as he spices things up with four nights of special holiday concerts during Mexican Independence Day week at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.  One of the most successful and prolific musical artists in Latin American history, Miguel takes the stage at 9 p.m. nightly Sept. 15-18. Miguel’s string of chart-topping hits is virtually unrivaled and he has consistently broken many box office records. Tickets for this unique musical experience are $95, $155, $185 and $250 and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 702-474-4000, in-person at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace box office, or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

Tequila lovers rejoice. The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino is hosting the fourth annual Las Vegas Tequila Fest, Sept. 17-18. A unique tequila tasting event, sample legendary brands from renowned international labels as well as new and upcoming brands from spirits distilled in the heart of Mexico. Continuous live entertainment adds to the festive atmosphere. The event takes place in the Miranda Room on Sept. 17 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sept. 18 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Guests must be 21 years of age with a valid ID.  Tickets are $60 and available in-person at the Rio Box Office, by calling 702-777-7776 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

The celebration doesn’t end there; The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino is also hosting the Las Vegas International Mariachi Festival on Saturday, Sept. 18 at 8:00 p.m.  This historic gala commemorates 20 years as the most prestigious Mariachi event in the United States and is proud to include special guests Shaila Durcal and Antonio Aguilar Jr. along with Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, Mariachi Sol de Mexico de José Hernández and Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano The festival will take place at The Pavillion with elegant table seating available.  Tickets are $75, $110, $150 and $185, available for purchase at the Rio Box Office, by calling 702-777-7776.

Harrah’s Entertainment will also feature roving Mariachi band performances at their resort properties throughout the festive weekend for all to enjoy.

The Colosseum at Caesars Palace and its Headliners Receive Five Awards from the 2010 Las Vegas Review-Journal’s
“Best of Las Vegas” Awards

The Colosseum at Caesars Palace and its headliners were honored with five awards from the 2010 Las Vegas Review-Journal’s 29^th annual “Best of Las Vegas” awards.

Chosen by the readers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal and its staff, the following is a list of the awards:

· Bette Midler was named by the readers as “Best All-Around Performer”

· Cher was named by the staff as “Best All-Around Performer”

· Bette Midler’s The Showgirl Must Go On took home the “Best Showgirls” honor, according to the staff

· The Review-Journal readers claimed Bette Milder as “Best Singer”

· The Review-Journal staff awarded “Best Concert” of 2010 to Leonard Cohen at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace

Each year thousands of local readers cast their votes for their favorite entertainment, restaurants and more. This year’s “Best of Las Vegas” featured 312 categories and printed in the Sunday, March 28 edition.

MGM MIRAGE’s highly anticipated CityCenterdevelopment will celebrate openings throughout December, culminating with a grand opening celebration Dec. 16. Vdara Hotel & Spa, an all-suite boutique hotel with a non-gaming, smoke-free environment, opened today, Dec. 1. Crystals, a 500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district featuring high-end designer stores and restaurants like BESO by Eva Longoria Parker, will open Dec. 3. Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, a 47-story, non-gaming hotel and residences featuring an unparalleled spa and unique Sky Lobby, will open Dec. 4. ARIA Resort & Casino, featuring Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil, dining experiences by world-renowned chefs and a luxurious spa, will open Dec. 16. CityCenter has earned its sixth LEED Gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council, marking the highest LEED achievement by any hotel, retail district or residential development in Las Vegas. LEED certified components include Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, Veer Towers, Vdara Hotel & Spa, Crystals, ARIA Resort’s hotel tower, and ARIA’s convention center and theater.

Treasure Island will add Khotan™ to its fine-dining options beginning August 10, featuring Pan-Asian cuisine, outdoor seating with views of the Strip and Sirens Cove, and ultra-chic indoor dining nooks for parties of two to 20. The menu offers delectable entrees influenced by Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Indonesian traditional and contemporary cuisine.

Khotan, which means “City of Jade,” will also contain the largest collection of jade and ivory antiquities in the United States. On loan from Treasure Island Owner Phil Ruffin’s private collection, the 20-plus pieces will include two five-foot hand-carved jade jars and a 35,000-year old ivory tusk adorned with an intricately designed Asian village.

 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on May 23 at the Palms Pool & Bungalows has been cancelled. Refunds are available at the point of purchase.

New York-New York offers a variety of exhilarating nightlife – all under one roof, for one low price. With the purchase of the new $25 Value Passport, guests can party all night at a variety of venues, without breaking the bank. Deals offered with the Passport include one premium specialty cocktail at Center Bar; a pint of beer at Pour 24; a ride on The Roller Coaster at New York-New York; a pint or cocktail at Nine Fine Irishmen; admission and a brew at The Bar at Times Square; and VIP line pass admission into ROK Vegas. The Value Passport is available at the New York-New York Box Office.

Effective March 30 Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce at Mandalay Bay will be closed. A new bar & lounge is slated to open in late summer.

During Wednesday Performances in March, Locals Can Enjoy Seating Upgrades
Returning to The Colosseum with her record-breaking hits, one-of-a-kind Bob Mackie costumes and several new musical numbers, Cher proves that her over-the-top show is even hotter in 2009. Locals who haven’t seen the spectacle can now take advantage of a special upgrade offer, with a savings of up to $45, for select shows in March. Fans who purchase tickets in the second mezzanine level will receive a complimentary upgrade to first mezzanine seating, and those who purchase tickets in the first mezzanine will receive a complimentary upgrade to rear orchestra seating. The locals offer is only valid during performances on Wednesday evenings in March (4, 11 and 18). Ticket prices start at $95 and the offer is based on availability.

To redeem this special offer visit www.ticketmaster.com <http://www.ticketmaster.com/>, keyword “CHER” and type in password LVCHER in the “LOCALS SPECIAL OFFER” box, or visit The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Box Office with valid photo I.D.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Celebrates White House Wednesday on Inauguration Day, Jan. 21

In honor of President Elect, Barack Obama, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino hosts a property-wide party to celebrate the beginning of Obama’s “A New Birth of Freedom” term on Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 7 – 9 p.m.

Being dubbed as “White House Wednesday,” everyone is invited to make a toast to the new beginning, regardless of which way guests voted. At the Hell’s Belles blackjack pit, guests can witness “Obama’s Mamas,” dealers and dancers geared up for the occasion by wearing red, white and blue. Exclusive cocktail offers include: $1 Bud Light, $1 Right gin red/blue cocktails and $2 Stella Artois at the Center Bar; ‘Obamaritas’ at Pink Taco; ‘Obamatinis’ and Lame Duck Special cocktails at AGO and more.

For additional information call 702-693-5000.

In honor of the 44th Presidential inauguration, world-renowned artist Peter Max has created an installation of 44 portraits of President Elect Barack Obama, which he will unveil on the CBS Early Show on Thursday, January 15. Four of the paintings will be unveiled locally at The Art of Peter Max Gallery on Friday, January 16, where they will remain on display in The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. The gallery is
located on the Terrace Level in the Phase III expansion.