Return to Form
You can’t really reach true icon status until you find a way to appeal to multiple generations of fans. Of course, Celine Dion has done this several times over. Perhaps the greatest example is her timeless track “My Heart Will Go On,” forever embedded in the musical memories of millions thanks to its connections with 20-year-old blockbuster Titanic. Dion—who recently returned to her equally iconic headlining residency at the Colosseum after taking some time off to resolve an ear condition—has connected again with a big summer flick, contributing the catchy ballad “Ashes” to the soundtrack for Deadpool 2 and doubling down by appearing with the titular superhero in an uproarious music video. Dion is back onstage through June 9.
New Kid on the Block
Jen Kramer’s magical journey began when she was 10 years old and her uncle gave her a birthday gift—a book called The Royal Road to Card Magic. “It was a very old-school classic of a book, published in 1949, and I remember spending hours sitting on the floor of my bedroom going over passages which were often pretty dense, but I loved it,” says Kramer, who just launched her own show as the only current female headlining magician in Las Vegas at Westgate. “There was something about the idea of learning these magic secrets and being able to share this with people. As I continued, it wasn’t so much about fooling people but creating the experience of wonder, making people smile. That’s why magic is such a meaningful part of my life.” Catch her Wednesday through Saturday.
Quick Hits
Layers of Vegas headliners here: Lady Gaga was not going to miss the final performances of Elton John’s The Million Dollar Piano at Caesars Palace’s Colosseum. Gaga brought nothing but good vibes when she caught Elton’s last Saturday show, singing and dancing along to favorite songs. He even dedicated “Your Song” to Gaga, who starts a residency at the Park Theater later this year.
Speaking of that venue: The Stevie Wonder Song Party: A Celebration of Life, Love & Music is coming to Park MGM for five shows in August, the first time the singer, songwriter, musician and producer has performed in Vegas since 2015.
Did visiting celebrity chefs Graham Elliot or brothers Bryan and Michael Voltaggio spill the beans about potential upcoming restaurant projects during the annual Vegas Uncork’d weekend? They did not. But considering Elliot has an eatery at MGM Cotai in Macau and the Voltaggios run a steakhouse at MGM National Harbor in Maryland, don’t be surprised if it happens.
Funny seeing you here! The Dorsey at The Venetian has built a reputation as one of the Strip’s top cocktail spots, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that the lounge is drawing in the stars, too. Craig Robinson (The Office, Hot Tub Time Machine) was spotted there recently, sipping on Spicy Flamingos and posing for pics with fans.
Four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler is a Vegas resident, which is probably why he got some early access to the new Scotch 80 Prime steakhouse at the Palms before it opened this month.
Brock Radke is an award-winning entertainment reporter who has been covering the city since 2000, and interviews key movers and shakers on his All The Vegas podcast, available at LasVegasWeekly.com.
