I read an interesting article today in the Las Vegas Sun that spells doom for the future of the Vegoose music festival. Check out... Vegoose is one cooked goose.

According to the article, the folks at Thomas & Mack and the Silver Bowl are not hosting Vegoose this year.

There has been no word confirmed about the future of Vegoose from Superfly Productions and or A.C. Entertainment, the promoters who have put on this festival since 2005. Unless they can find a viable option to host the event, I'm afraid that the future of Vegoose looks bleak. With the abundance of musical festivals in the summer of 2008, you almost have to wonder if the market has become over saturated with festivals.

I went to the first Vegoose in 2005 and it was one of the better music festivals that I had experienced. They lineup consisted of a majority of jambands.The headliners that year included Beck, Widespread Panic, The Flaming Lips, Ween, Phil Lesh and Friends, Trey Anastasio Band, and Dave Matthews.

Attendance slipped in 2006 by almost 60%. I was there again and thought it was a fun festival, but it was obvious that less people were in attendance. The Silver Bowl wasn't even used as the main stage.

I skipped Vegoose in 2007, but it seemed obvious that the promoters were trying to boost attendance by adding mainstream acts and random indie bands such as Rage Against The Machine, Muse, The Shins, Cypress Hill, and Public Enemy. That seemed to work as attendance was over 46,000 an increase of almost 16,000 people from 2006.

Stay tuned for more info on the future of Vegoose.

Posted by Dr. Pauly at 3:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We're sitting back with popcorn, watching live coverage of a house fire aftermath in downtown Las Vegas at Galveston and Montebello.

The fire's now been extinguished and there are no reports of injuries, so we're watching rescue crews mopping up what apparently was a gas explosion.

Courtesy of Channel 8's Skywitness helicopter (the above photos were pulled from them), we can also hear the pilot's one-way conversation with headquarters while awaiting his time to go live.

Some highlights from the pilot monologue:

"Look at all that stuff."

"They got a dog, can't see what kind of dog that is."

"By the way, my lips are chapped."

"This is the helo, how may I help you?"

To eavesdrop with us, click here.

Update: looks like they cut the feed, oh well.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 4:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Like Ben & Jerry's free scoop day today, Baskin-Robbins would like you to know that you can also get a scoop at their shops, albeit for 31 cents.

The event takes place April 30 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and some stores will be set up to accept donations for America's firefighters.

To find a location near you (we found 10), click here<

To find 31 cents (or $10,000 like Janet Jackson) in your couch cushions, click here.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 3:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sk8r punks unite!

You still have time to see Avril Lavigne perform tonight at 7 p.m. at The Pearl (at The Palms).

Tickets run $35 to $75 but at this last-minute time, need to be purchased at the box office instead of Ticketmaster.

Then tonight at Moon (also at The Palms), check out the official Avril After Party (as opposed to the unofficial after party, which we aren't privy to) right after the concert.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

HDR photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

A dozen High Dynamic Range (HDR) photos of Las Vegas from Flipchip. The smaller images for the blog cannot do justice to highly detailed large format photos. Click the photo or caption for the direct link to the larger (suitable for desktop) images in the gallery . All FlipChip HDR photos are provided for free download and use as outlined in our Creative Commons License. Publication quality images are available.

Flipchip will be adding images to the HDR Photo Gallery weekly. Browse through the thousands of images in the LasVegasVegas Flipchip Poker and Las Vegas Photo Galleries.

HDR photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

More photos after the jump...

HDR photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

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HDR photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

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HDR photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 11:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A little bit country and a little bit rock 'n' roll have brought Donny and Marie Osmond to Las Vegas.

The dancing variety show reunites the brother-sister singers, who will be seen for 8 months at the Flamingo beginning Sept. 9.

This will be the first time in 29 years that the Osmonds will perform an extended residency in Las Vegas.

Tickets will run $85 to $115 and go on sale tomorrow at FlamingoLasVegas.com.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Flipchip went downtown last night and found heavy crowds, long lines at the casino eateries, and members of the Las Vegas Fire Department doing PR at the corner of Fremont and Casino Center. A few photos from the Saturday night scene in downtown Las Vegas.

More photos after the jump...

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 3:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is using a tried and true sales pitch to lure potential tourist to the city. The 'sex sales' philosophy has been put into play during these trying times of disappearing disposable income. The LVCVA dispatched genuine Vegas showgirls to San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle, and Denver to pose at selected photo ops locations. Show up with a camera, shoot some stuff and maybe see it published on the website.

Unfortunately, this happened yesterday; but, if the ad campaign is effective they'll be sending the girls out to other cities to provide potential tourist with a sample of what the town is all about. Hopefully these sequined, feathered skinny ladies will create the buzz that keeps tourist crowding into neon city in search of a good time. If all goes well, Las Vegas will once again buck the trends and avoid falling into the current national economic sinkhole. We'll try to get out a heads-up on any future cities and locations.

Posted by flipchipro at 11:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Parents, on your mark... get set...

This Saturday, tickets for "High School Musical" live on stage comes to Las Vegas at Planet Hollywood. The dates are irrelevant, because if you have kids, you have no choice not to go.

The stage version of the popular Disney series and movie will contain 34 cast members (including Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale), live orchestra, and all the songs your kids have been singing... plus two new ones.

Tickets go on sale at noon on April 26 simultaneously at all outlets (including online at Ticketmaster), but if you're in the Planet Hollywood theater line by 9 a.m., KMXB Mix 94.1 will give free tickets to one of the first 100 people in line.

(Okay. Dates are June 4-8 and prices range from $23 to $120.)

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We had a chuckle at an offer we received for a Tuscany Suite at Green Valley Ranch.

At first we thought it was for a free night and were already basking in the glory of sunken tubs and 600-thread sheets, but then we saw it was just a special rate.

Normally these suites are reserved for high-rollers and can't be booked by us regular folk, but for $750 smackers, you can see how the other half lives for one night.

The offer also includes free limo to and from the airport (ahem, GVR has this free shuttle anyway), a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, and a Veuve Clicquot traveler set with two champagne flutes.

To book, visit this link.

And hey, if you gamble enough during your stay, you may end up getting the room comped.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Mother's Day in Las Vegas isn't your typical holiday. Heck, any holiday in Las Vegas isn't your typical holiday.

Certainly we'll be expecting some local casinos to give point multipliers and maybe a buy 1, get 1 free here and there.

But on May 11 between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m., all moms will get a free dinner and rose at Roberta's Steakhouse (at El Cortez downtown).

Who's to say you're not a mother? How dare they ask!

Mothers do, however, need to be a Club Cortez member, which is free by visiting the player's club at El Cortez.

To make reservations or for more information, call (702) 385-5200.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

This summer and fall, The Orleans has cheap rates combined with slot tournaments with $10,000 prize pools.

For only $99, you get entry to one tournament of your choice plus 3 nights.

This is a terrific deal, as those nights are regularly more than $33 on their own.

Each tournament pays $2,500 for 1st, $750 for 2nd, $300 for 3rd, $100 for 4th-35th, and $50 for 36th-100th.

Dates are:

code SL80526: May 26-28
code SL80617: June 17-19
code SL80728: July 28-30
code SL80818: Aug. 18-20
code SL80922: Sept. 22-24
code SL81027: Oct. 27-29

To book, call 1-800-675-3267 and mention code Q0508JF. You can book one tournament or all six!

Posted by R.C. Clark at 9:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

HDR photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

More High Dynamic Range (HDR) photos of Las Vegas from Flipchip. We pay homage to Las Vegas Duece buses, neon, and downtown. The smaller images defined by the blog format cannot do justice to the vibrant, in-depth photos designed to be viewed in a large format. Click the photo or caption for the direct link to the larger images in the gallery (suitable for desktop). All HDR photos are provided for free download and use as outlined in our Creative Commons License. Publication quality images are also available.

Flipchip will be adding images to the HDR Photo Gallery weekly. Browse through the thousands of images in the LasVegasVegas Flipchip Poker and Las Vegas Photo Galleries.

More photos after the jump...

HDR photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

HDR photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

HDR photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

HDR photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

HDR photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

HDR photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

HDR photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 6:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

On Saturday, April 26, Oprah will be in Las Vegas filming guests Cher and Tina Turner at a super secret location (we think it's Caesars Palace).

News Channel 8 offers a chance to get in that historic studio audience by giving away 50 pairs of tickets.

Today, tomorrow, and Wednesday, tune into Channel 8 between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. Watch for the announcement, then be the first 50 people to sign up and fill out an entry form.

You and your guest must be at least 18, local Nevada residents, and available April 26 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Now that Oprah gives away cars on her show, what could she have in store for her Las Vegas audience?

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Gentlemen's club Scores Las Vegas has been sold.

Rick's Cabaret now has a presence in Las Vegas, snapping up the famous Scores for $21 million to make it the 18th club owned by the Houston-based adult nightclub operator. Rick's has other clubs in Austin, San Antonio, Philadelphia, Miami, New Orleans, Minneapolis, Charlotte, Austin, Dallas, and New York City.

Rick's will also have an option to purchase the property where Scores currently sits, on 3355 S. Procyon.

No word on whether Rick's will convert the 25,000-square-foot Scores to its Rick's Cabaret brand, but we assume so. Prior to Scores, the club was called Jaguar's and contained a sushi restaurant.

Closing is set for June 10.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

That the Guggenheim at The Venetian is now free through May 11 is a bit bittersweet, because May 11 is also the closing date of the museum.

The past 7 years, there's been a spot of culture right on the Las Vegas Strip, in the form of four art galleries within The Venetian.

And if you pop by, you can catch the current exhibition of Modern Masters, displaying 37 masterpieces, including pieces by Picasso (pictured above), Van Gogh, Cezanne, Manet, Monet, and many more.

The regular $15 admission fee is waived until May 11.

As for what will take over the space next, we suspect it will be something a little less high art couture. We'll hope for restaurants, lounges, or clubs, but we won't be surprised at slots.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Criss Angel finally has a date.

At Luxor, that is. The illusionist seemingly has no problem conjuring up escorts from models to Hollywood starlets.

His custom-built Cirque du Soleil show at Luxor has been long in the works, even before Luxor had begun switching away from their Egyptian theme.

But now, an end is in sight for performances beginning Sept. 12 (previews start Sept. 1).

The show will be called Criss Angel Believe, named after Harry Houdini's code word to his wife to prove he could speak to the living after his death.

Believe will contain illusions woven into a story about a surreal Victorian Noble (played by Angel) who runs into mysterious characters and dancers.

Tickets went on sale for fans of Angel (see crissangel.com) and Cirque Club Members.

Tickets range from $59 to $150 and can be reserved up to four months in advance.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

If you plan to see Monty Python's Spamalot at Wynn Las Vegas, you don't have much time.

After their contract ends July 13, the show will close and in February 2009 will be replaced with Las Vegas stalwart impressionist Danny Gans (formerly of Mirage).

When it goes dark, Spamalot will have performed over a year to 519 shows. A 2005 Tony Award winner for Best Musical, it continues playing on Broadway, in London, and a national tour. Wynn held an exclusive contract with the show, and after July 13, Spamalot rights will open up, enabling a productions in California.

Before Spamalot, another Broadway show Avenue Q was in its place for 9 months. The theater was entirely reconstructed for both shows.

Musical theater has not performed as well as expected in Las Vegas, with some prematurely dubbing our neon city as Broadway West.

The longest running Broadway musical on the Strip has been Mamma Mia!, a certified hit at 2,300 shows, but even that's expected to close at the end of this summer.

Hairspray at Luxor lasted less than 4 months and The Producers at Paris lasted a year.

That hasn't daunted casinos unable or unwilling to launch yet another Cirque du Soleil extravaganza - there are rumors of more Broadway musicals on the horizon, including a custom show helmed by Wes Craven.

In the meantime, locals can get 2-for-1 tickets to Spamalot by purchasing at the box office with the code word ANNIVERSARY and showing Nevada I.D. Tickets can also be purchased at (702) 770-9966.

Regular ticket prices are $69 to $99. The discount is good for shows through May 31.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Roger Bergendorff, the slot machine artist who fell into a coma possibly from the poison ricin that he allegedly made, was arrested Wednesday for possession and suspicion to poison others. He's also charged with possession of unregistered firearms - two .25-calibor pistols, a Ruger rifle, and a Browning pistol with silencer.

FBI officials suspect Bergendorff began making ricin from castor bean seeds 10 years ago. Falling ill ostensibly from pneumonia and kidney failure (no traces of ricin were found in his body, though the toxin would have broke down completely) on Feb. 14 in his extended stay motel in Las Vegas. Ricin was found in his motel room, along with a copy of the Anarchist's Cookbook, firearms, and instructions on how to make various poisons, including ricin.

He awoke a month later and has since been questioned and investigated by authorities.

Charges include up to a $750,000 fine and 30 years in federal prison.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 29 is Ben & Jerry's annual Free Cone Day.

This time, it's a little different because they're also celebrating 30 years of doling out creamy goodness. So for your free scoop, skip the Cherry Garcia and Chunky Monkey and try the new Cake Batter ice cream flavor.

Participating Las Vegas Ben & Jerry's scoop shops can be found at:

Green Valley Ranch
Sunset Station
Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino
Henderson Galleria Mall (1300 W. Sunset)
Trails Village Center (1910 Village Center Circle)

And yep, no one will bat an eyelash if you pick up a scoop at each.

(It's a nationwide event, so you'll be able to enjoy your free scoop even if you aren't in Vegas.)

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hopefully you've gotten over the tax day hump, now relax this weekend with a good vintage record.

Saturday, April 19 is Record Store Day, celebrating the not-yet-dead form of vinyl. Hundreds of independent record stores across the country will have free gifts, in-store performances, and other special events planned.

Come support your local record store!

In San Francisco, Metallica will appear with autograph signings and a meet-and-greet. Metallica hasn't appeared in a store in almost 10 years.

Participating stores can be found at recordstoreday.com. Also check that link to read about artists' memories of the record store.

In Las Vegas, pop by Zia Records at 4225 S. Eastern and buy as many records as you can. As Henry Rollins says, "Every time you buy your records at one of these places, it's a blow to the empire."

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

MGM Mirage spokesperson, Alan Feldman, announced on Monday the cutting of more than 400 managers from property and corporate operations. The company began a round of layoffs late last year when nearly 100 employees were given a pink slip during the initial round of downsizing.

A souring national economy, evaporation of sub-prime funny money, daily increases in gasoline, soaring jet fuel prices plus the 9-11 induced airline travel inconveniences have combined to finally move the needle on the usually bullet-proof Las Vegas gambling business. Las Vegas casinos have seen declining profits, an event rarely seen on the Las Vegas strip. Rumors of additional corporate cost cutting that may void casino comps, a decades-old Vegas casino tradition for rewarding customer patronage, are being whispered in the streets.

Posted by flipchipro at 7:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's back!

For the 7th year in a row, the Shark Reef will gladly take a bite out of your taxes.

Between noon and 10 p.m. tomorrow, April 15, bring your taxes to Mandalay Bay (for the most convenient entrance, park outside of the garage at the south entrance to the Shark Reef), and the friendly folks will stamp it with a unique shark cancellation that would be suitable for framing, except that the IRS will take the envelope too. Regular stamps will be available for purchase.

For mailing your taxes at a Mandalay p.o. box, you'll receive two free tickets to the Shark Reef Aquarium, plus an entry into a contest that awards a lucky tax procrastinator a free night at THEhotel, two spa treatments, and a $200 dining voucher at any of Mandalay's restaurants.

A few years ago, we took advantage of delaying our taxes to get entry into the cool aquarium (with temperatures in the 90s already, swimming with the fishies is a welcome respite) and received a gray commemorative t-shirt, and after dozens of washes, it's still holding up and still being worn.

For those who do their taxes early, we don't condone the scam of bringing a stamped empty envelope addressed to the IRS so that you can exchange it for 2 free tickets. Again, we wouldn't dare suggest you try this to sneak in. The last thing the IRS needs is empty envelopes to sift through. Humph. Now they know how we feel.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sure, our fine neon city is gearing up for the next big building boom, with CityCenter leading the way.

But with this influx of new people comes a greater need for hotels and convention space.

Look no further to Las Vegas Sands, owners of The Venetian and the newly unwrapped Palazzo, as well as the Sands Expo & Convention Center.

Plans are now in the works for a reboot of the 18-year-old Expo, with the new center directly across the street and costing $680 million for 1.2 million square feet of space with 7,000 hotel rooms, 1,800 parking spaces, and moving sidewalks to Venetian and Palazzo.

If all goes according to plan, we could see the new Expo by 2010.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Don't sit your kids in front of the TV, take them with you to your workout.

This Saturday, April 12, X-treme Family Fitness opens at 7660 W. Cheyenne (at Buffalo).

Now the whole family can enjoy Muay Thai kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu, Krav Maga, and other mixed martial arts.

The grand opening takes place from noon to 4 p.m. and will have free pizza, drinks, and door prizes.

In attendance will be MMA superstars Kevin "Monster" Randleman, Dewey "Black Kobra" Cooper, and Mike Whitehead.

The first class is always free. Afterwards, classes run $45 to $150 per month.

For more information, call (702) 202-6200.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 10:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

The Persian Gulf is ever-expanding into Las Vegas.

Yesterday, regulators of Michigan gaming gave its approval for Dubai World to own as much as 15 percent of MGM Mirage.

Already Dubai World owns half of CityCenter, MGM Mirage's $8 billion mixed-use project underway between Bellagio and Monte Carlo scheduled to open by the end of 2009. Dubai World currently has almost 10 percent of MGM Mirage, with mutual plans to purchase up to 20 percent. They initially purchased 5 percent and have been increasing ownership ever since.

Unlike Nevada, Michigan gaming law requires approval if any investor own more than 10 percent. MGM Mirage recently opened MGM Grand in Detroit.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Would Harrah's by any other name smell as sweet?

As one of the first moves by the private equity-owned company, Harrah's Entertainment will be changing its name to Caesars Entertainment Corp.

In 2005, Harrah's purchased Caesars but retained the Harrah's name.

Around town, Caesars has always been known as the more prestigious brand of its properties, with more money spent on Caesars Palace r