Doing Things Their Way
Fans of the Backstreet Boys are probably glad the original ’90s boy band didn’t have a breakout star on par with Justin Timberlake. With all founding members together once again, Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, AJ McLean and Kevin Richardson have made it simple for the BSB faithful to catch them live and reunited at their Planet Hollywood Resort residency Backstreet Boys: Larger Than Life.
Last year, during their April 20 performance, the group celebrated the date they first united in 1993. That was the year they created the template that many multiple-male pop vocal groups after them would follow. Now, the Backstreet Boys have released their first album in five years, DNA, and will likely be adding their latest singles to the Planet Hollywood set list. The newfound inspiration they are experiencing as a result of the Vegas residency has affected the new music.
“I definitely feel that our resurgence that we’ve had by doing Vegas has influenced us with the new tracks (“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”), the album, the direction that we’re moving in,” said Dorough in a video posted in July to the BSB Twitter account. “I think Vegas brings a breath of fresh air to the way people perceive the Backstreet Boys again.” The Boys remain in good spirits, as evidenced by a June appearance singing “I Want It That Way” with Jimmy Fallon and The Roots on The Tonight Show. They’ve been on MTV’s TRL and Good Morning America, and performed “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” at the CMT Music Awards, where they announced plans for an upcoming world tour (which, unfortunately, also means the end of their Vegas residency). Still, nothing compares with Vegas for the first boy band, which is still the first and only boy band to score a headliner residency on the Strip.
Planet Hollywood Resort, 9 p.m. April 10, 12-13, 17, 19-20, 24 & 26-27, $79-$259 VIP plus tax and fee. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster
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Beauty in Bloom
The Conservatory & Botanical Gardens’ spring display is filled with perfect Instagram moments with 65,000 fresh flowers filling the scene. This year the theme is a nod to Japan and its traditions, beauty and iconic landmarks—like the replica of the Osaka Castle, 4-foot-tall Japanese lanterns, koi ponds, 8-foot-tall red-crowned Japanese cranes and stunning cherry blossom trees.
Bellagio, open 24 hours daily, free to view. 702.693.7111
Making a Splash
New to the scene this season, NoMad Hotel launches its weekend poolside shindig, Jemaa – The NoMad Pool Party. Beginning April 12, Mayer Hawthorne kicks off the party weekend, Mark Ronson performs April 13, and DJ Five closes out the fun April 14. Guests can also party in style inside luxurious cabanas and indulge in poolside bites and cocktails created with an upscale, whimsical twist.
NoMad Hotel, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri.-Sun. 702.730.7777
Wine and Dine
Enjoy a night of fine wine and fine dining at Oscar’s Steakhouse when Justin Baldwin, founder of Justin Wines, personally hosts a three-course wine-pairing dinner April 17. Executive chef Nicholas Sharpe will pair courses like pork loin and braised bacon cassoulet and grilled short rib with sweet and sour cippolinis with specially selected Justin wines including rosé, cabernet franc and sauvignon blanc.
Plaza, 6:30 p.m. April 17, $115, [email protected]
