Any Way You Want It
Like Aerosmith and Def Leppard have done this year in different venues on the Las Vegas Strip, Journey smashes its massive arena rock show into a much more intimate venue, refusing to tone down the volume or theatrics, for a blowout new headlining residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
Founding member Neal Schon takes every opportunity to unleash extended, squealing guitar solos. Drummer Steve Smith gets plenty of time for a booming solo of his own. Key songwriter Jonathan Cain gets to tell the tales behind the tunes and show off his keyboard skills, and Arnel Pineda, who famously became Journey's vocalist 12 years ago, shines on classic ballads like "Open Arms" and "Faithfully." The residency returns Dec. 30-31.
Human Nature
Must See: Human Nature
Toby Allen, Phil Burton and Andrew and Mike Tierney are wrapping up a hectic holiday season that saw them travel to Australia to perform a series of Christmas shows after being inducted into their home country's Aria Hall of Fame, switch up their Las Vegas Strip headlining gig into a festive holiday show and, in their rare offstage moments, celebrate an incredible 30 years together as a group. Human Nature's accomplishments put them in a rare category and their talent, versatility and musical connectivity are on display five nights a week at 7:30 p.m. during their fast-paced, hit-packed Motown and More show in The Venetian's Sands Showroom. If you crave the classics performed by true professionals, this is the revue for you.
Around the Strip
Rachel McCord Photo by: Tony Tran
Elvis Presley's Heartbreak Hotel in Concert had a very special guest in the audience at Harrah's recently. Sally Wilbourn, assistant to Sun Records founder and producer Sam Phillips, caught the show and spent some time afterwards with cast members Geno Henderson, Matt Codina, Fana Hughes, Cole Maxwell and Bill Morey. Wilbourn started working at Sun Records in 1955 and was present for recording sessions by several music legends, including the famed "Million Dollar Quartet" sessions with Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash.
Hometown sports hero Bryce Harper dined at Tao at The Venetian, joining friends for a feast of sushi and signature dishes, while actress and model Rachel McCord dined at the NoMad Restaurant at Park MGM with husband Rick Schirmer and friends, enjoying white truffle tagliatelle and baked Alaska.
Plenty of entertainers turned out for the grand opening of Icebar at The Linq Promenade, a new venue from the creators of the Minus5 Ice Experience. Among the party people: hypnotist Steve Falcon, magician Hans Klok, comic performer Tape Face, Piff the Magic Dragon and cast members from Friends! The Musical Parody, Marriage Can Be Murder, Potted Potter, WOW, "X"Burlesque and The Miss Behave Gameshow.
David Blaine Photo by: Paul Mattingly/Spiegelworld
Illusionist and endurance artist David Blaine visited Absinthe at Caesars Palace over the holiday season. The influential street magician took in the 10 p.m. performance and went backstage after the show for a photo and to mingle with cast members.
Brock Radke is an award-winning entertainment reporter who has been covering the city since 2000.
