Motownphilly is Back
Boyz II Men launched its acclaimed Las Vegas residency in 2013, and the energy hasn't dipped. (They actually recently announced new dates through June of next year.) Yes, Grammy-winning vocalists Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman and Wanya Morris are still very much "going off," weaving their R&B megahits with covers of pop, rock, country and Motown gold.
The Mirage is the perfect home for their concoction, offering fans an intimate feel wrapped in top-level production. Backed by a clutch live band, the singers rock black suits, retro-chic gold blazers, and Philly-approved athletic jackets with snapbacks. Screens project cascading rose petals and psychedelic flames, but the spectacle is mostly about the men serving enormous personality with their music. And not just on a triumphant "Motownphilly."
Embracing the over-the-top steaminess of ultimate slow jam "I'll Make Love to You," Wanya unzips his jacket inch by inch, grinning and shedding dark glasses to lock eyes with fans screaming for long-stemmed red roses. Nathan wades into the crowd during "End of the Road" (considered one of the most successful songs of all time) to dance with lady after lady. Shawn loses himself soloing the crescendo of "On Bended Knee," ending in that physical pose.
Certain numbers are smartly spare, such as "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" backed only with piano. These are the moments when the harmonic firepower stuns.
During the show's Motown tribute, the trio busts sharply choreographed routines and properly hams it up. Singing and playing instruments, they style The Beatles and contemporary artists from Bruno Mars to Lenny Kravitz to Lonestar. Genre to genre, they show their ability to stamp even the most iconic songs.
Audience engagement is a cornerstone of the production, and this latest run offers new meet-and-greet packages with personal photos, autographed mementos, exclusive merch and access to sound check.
But you don't have to pay extra for the chance at a hug or handshake. The Boyz have plenty of love to around. Just be patient and wait your turn; there's going to be a crowd. –Erin Ryan
The Mirage, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17 & 22-24, starting at $49.99 plus tax and fee. 702.792.7777
Smith and Wollensky
Cow-abunga!
Where are the carnivores? Raise your hands high—then book a reservation for Smith & Wollensky's The Whole Cow on Nov. 20. The nose-to-tail dinner is a 10-course tasting menu that lets guests try several cuts including marrow and tendon, rib, sirloin, cheeks and more, enjoy beverage pairings and learn about the nost-to-tail movement. –Kiko Miyasato
The Grand Canal Shoppes, Nov. 20, 195 per person plus tax and gratuity. smithandwollensky.com/the-whole-cow
Omnia
Thank You for Your Service
Retired and active military women (and men), listen up! Throughout November, Hakkasan Group is offering complimentary entry, plus one guest, to its Strip nightclubs, including Omnia at Caesars Palace, 1 OAK at The Mirage, Hakkasan at MGM Grand and Jewel at Aria. And enjoy dining perks that include 20 percent off at Searsucker at Caesars Palace and Hakkasan Restaurant at MGM Grand. Just make sure to have a valid ID. –KM
NoMad Bar
Party Rockin’
Come sail away! Head out for a night of smooth sounds and cool cocktails. Friday nights, NoMad Bar at NoMad Hotel sets sail with its Yacht Rock Fridays party. Guests enjoy live yacht rock tunes from the late '70s and early '80s while sipping on tiki-inspired cocktails and beach-inspired desserts. Your servers all don captains hats and yacht-style outfits and help set the mood, so you'll never want to jump ship. –KM
NoMad Hotel, 9 p.m. Fridays. 702.730.7000
