Magic Evolution

One of the world’s most popular and successful illusionists is closing out a 10-year run this fall, but Criss Angel has already announced his next step. After Mindfreak Live concludes at Luxor in October (where you can still catch the show Wednesday through Sunday), the acclaimed magician will begin an all-new, upgraded version of the show at Planet Hollywood Resort in December.

“For the last 10 years this show has been the best-selling magic show in the world, not just Las Vegas, and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to do this. But it’s time to close this chapter and go on to the next phase,” Angel told me just before announcing his new project. “I’ve been working on this new material for 20 years and it’s time for a new chapter.”

All The Vegas: Mike Minor

“To be able to work with chefs who say, ‘Pack your (stuff), we’re going to Mexico for two weeks to travel through as many regions as we can to see and eat all this food,’ that’s what makes them pioneers. That’s why Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken are at the forefront of Mexican food. We didn’t eat out at restaurants. We traveled all day, city to city, and hit the streets because the philosophy is that’s where the heart of food and culture is, on those streets and at all those taco stands. That’s what Border Grill is. That’s why you can come into an amazing casino like Mandalay Bay and get this really authentic Mexican meal.” For the complete conversation with Border Grill Executive Chef Mike Minor, visit allthevegas.com.

Around the Strip

If you caught one of Stevie Wonder’s five shows this month at Park Theater, you probably fall into the consensus category that would love to see the Motown music legend return to the Strip for an extended residency. The Stevie Wonder Song Party thrilled audiences every night, but the Aug. 4 concert included a special guest: Percussion icon and pop star Sheila E., who brought her family to the show and sat in on drums for a bit.

Speaking of legends, the great Carlos Santana and the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay announced an extension of his musical residency into 2019. Santana is back on the HOB stage this fall and now he’s planning six shows in January and two in February, marking the seventh year of the blockbuster Vegas jam session.

Model and swimsuit designer Nazanin Mandi is also known as fiancé to R&B star Miguel, but after the wild bachelorette party weekend she just wrapped up, Mandi might be considered a true Vegas party princess. After checking into a Mandalay Bay room filled with balloons and white roses from her husband-to-be, Mandi and crew took in Magic Mike Live at the Hard Rock Hotel, partied at Light Nightclub and recovered quickly enough for a stop at Daylight Beach Club for some rosé in a private bachelorette bungalow. That’s how you Vegas, ladies.

Aug. 7 was special for Matt Goss, who celebrated his 100th show at 1 Oak at The Mirage by receiving a Key to the Las Vegas Strip and the proclamation of Aug. 8 as Matt Goss Day.