The Las Vegas Adventurer

Modern-day swing kings Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (BBVD) are returning to Ovation after performing at the venue’s opening in summer 2007. The band formed in Los Angeles in 1989 by bandleader Scotty Morris as a jazz, blues and swing trio that included drummer Kurt Sodergren. In the years to come, they formed the remainder of the now swing band, playing swing music reminiscent of the ‘40s and ‘50s. In the mid-‘90s, the band released two albums, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Watchu’ Want for Christmas?, under their own label Big Bad Records. In 1996, the band received their big break when they appeared in the movie "Swingers" as the Derby Band and performed two of their songs, "You & Me & the Bottle Makes Three Tonight (Baby)" and "Go Daddy-O." The band then received a record deal with Capitol Records and has since released multiple albums and has continued to tour extensively. In their latest tour, they are premiering songs from their upcoming Cab Calloway tribute album, as well as performing music from the 2004 BBVD holiday album, Everything You Want for Christmas.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Holiday Concert

Genre: Swing

Venue: Ovation

Date: Friday, December 19, 2008, at 8 p.m.

Ticket Prices: $34.95, $44.95 and $54.95 plus tax and applicable fees

All ages welcome- Under 21 must be accompanied by an adult 

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Head off the strip to the Station Casino brand for great local bands and visiting bands at bargain prices.  The Railhead at Boulder Station always offers a top notch line up for the price of a drink.  Thursdays feature Boulder Blues at the Railhead (all ages) are a local favorite. Free; those under 21 must be accompanied by an adult.

Ovation at Green Valley Ranch (21 and up) at Steel Panther from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 80’s glam metal parity band, hair band Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard, great fun and rauncy humor.  Free.  Ages 21 and up.

The Chrome Room, Sante Fe Station features Purple Reighn, a Prince Tribute band, every Saturday night.  Doors open at 10:30 p.m. (ages 21 and up) with $5 cover charge.

Yellow Brick Road, a great tribute band that harnesses the sounds of Robert Plant, Jimmy Hendrix and other classic rock stars from the golden age of rock play each Saturday at Access Showroom inside the new Aliante Station.  Doors open at 10 p.m.  Free for Boarding Pass members, $5 for all others (ages 21 and up).

Sunset Station’s Club Madrid features ENVY, a contemporary hits and hip hop cover band, each Saturday at 11 p.m..  Free.  Ages 21 and up.

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This guest post comes from Mary Jo Manzanares, Travel & Culture Channel Editor and blogger at Flyaway Cafe.
 
I wnet to L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, while waiting to attendd a performance of Ka (a Cirque du Soleil performance).
Since I had about an hour to spare before meeting a friend to see the performance, and because I was looking for a quiet place to have a drink – away from the craziness, noise, and frenetic energy of the casino – and so I chose L’ Atelier du Joel Robuchon.
Walking to the door, I …read more

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Today’s guest post is from Mary Jo Manzanares, Travel & Culture Channel Editor and travel blogger at Flyaway Cafe.
Bing, bing, bing. . . the bells, whistles, and bumpers of pinballs fill the air at the Pinball Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, while on display is the world’s largest pinball collection.
Established as a non-for-profit corporation, the museum showcases games from the 60’s to the present. It’s pure pinball, so deposit your coin and see if you can play well enough to rack up those additional games. The museum is family-friendly (no violent games allowed), and prices for the games …read more

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Is it a nightclub? Or is it a pool? If you’re visiting the MGM Grand Las Vegas you’ll find both with its new Wet Republic!
Wet Republic is an adult-only 53,000 square foot water playground featuring lots of room and opportunity to swim, lounge and play. It’s a way of taking that hip Las Vegas night time vibe, and moving it to the sun. DJ’s spinning music, pampering staff, decadent food like frozen grapes served poolside, private cabanas for rent (with, among other upscale amenities, plasma screen televisions, wi-fi access, custom stocked mini-refrigerators), comfortable lounge chairs, and lots of other …read more

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This is a guest post from Mary Jo Manzanares, b5media’s Travel & Culture Channel Editor and travel blogger at Flyaway Cafe.
Las Vegas attracts lots of visitors from Los Angeles.  It’s a short distance in miles and time, and an escape to the craziness of Las Vegas is a welcome change from the craziness of Los Angeles.  For those travelers flying into or out of LAS, you’ve probably seen the Encounter, a spider looking restaurant at the airport.
You can’t miss seeing it when you fly into (or out of) LAX. Although it looks like something out of The Jetson’s, the Theme …read more

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This is a guest post from Mary Jo Manzanares, Travel & Culture Channel Editor and blogger at Flyaway Cafe
 

Arrive in Las Vegas to a beautiful sunny day, and around 90 degrees.
Checked into my hotel, got settled in my room, and then met up with some friends for a little Cold Stone Creamery Ice Cream. 
Cold Stone is located at the Excalibur Hotel & Casino (in photo).  I’ve never really loved the medieval theme of this place.  All those knights and princesses running around, and lots of kids and families.  But you gotta love the place for the ice cream. …read more

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This is a guest post from Mary Jo Manzanares, Travel & Culture Channel Editor and blogger at Flyaway Cafe

No, it’s not Venice.  It’s the Gondola ride at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Okay, it’s a little touristy, and it’s definitely NOT Venice, but it’s still a bit of romantic fun away from the flashing lights and noise of the casinos.  You need to take a break from the fast paced action some time, and this isn’t a bad choice.
The gondolas have been fashioned after authentic Venetian ones, each seating four, and operate rides both indoors and out.  If …read more

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Today’s guest post is from Mary Jo Manzanares, b5media’s Travel & Culture Channel Editor and travel blogger at Flyaway Cafe.
When you’re ready to escape the glitz and glamor that is Las Vegas, you’ll find the polar opposite at the Grand Canyon — a peaceful beauty that will take your breath away.  It’s a good weekend trip when you’re ready for something a little different.
Grand Canyon National Park was designated a national park on February 26, 1919, and is one of the oldest national parks in the United States. It is located within Arizona, near Flagstaff, and within the parks lies …read more

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