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Joël Robuchon Only Las Vegas Restaurant to Once Again Earn Michelin’s Highest Honor.

Michelin Guide’s Las Vegas edition is a European nod to Las Vegas’ evolution into one of the world’s top dining destinations. Seven of the seventeen restaurants honored with at least one Michelin star are within MGM MIRAGE properties. Receiving top honors is the Michelin three-star restaurant, Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand, the only Las Vegas recipient of this well-respected distinction.

Earning an impressive two stars is Chef Julian Serrano’s Picasso at Bellagio. Two stars is defined by Michelin as “excellent cooking, worth a detour” and is bestowed upon restaurants exhibiting “skillfully and carefully crafted dishes of outstanding quality.” Chef Serrano’s signature creations, including Lamb with truffle crust and Medallions of Fallow Deer, are outstanding dishes that have contributed to this latest accolade.

Rounding out the honors and capturing one star are five impressive restaurants – L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand, Le Cirque at Bellagio, MICHAEL MINA Bellagio, Aureole at Mandalay Bay and miX atop THEhotel at Mandalay Bay.

“We are so proud to have been recognized by Michelin for having many of the world’s top chefs and restaurants within our resorts,” said Jim Murren, president and COO of MGM MIRAGE. “The Las Vegas Michelin Guide accolades have been made possible by the enormous creativity of our culinary talent.”

Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand was the “Chef of the Century’s” first fine dining restaurant in the United States and represents “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey” according to Michelin’s three-star criteria. A three-star Michelin restaurant also is defined by the following. “One always eats extremely well here, often superbly. Distinctive dishes are precisely executed, using superlative ingredients.”

Chef Robuchon said, “I couldn’t be more proud of this restaurant and these talented chefs. I am honored to receive this award for a second consecutive year and to have the only three-star restaurant in Las Vegas.”

The restaurant joins the ranks of only 69 other restaurants worldwide, including Jean-George and Le Bernardin in New York, to hold Michelin’s highest star rating.

Gamal Aziz, president and COO of MGM Grand, said, “Chef Joël Robuchon is one of those rare individuals with such drive, passion and pursuit of perfection, he was destined to achieve accolades such as the Michelin three stars. MGM Grand’s culinary scene has been raised to new heights with the addition of Joël Robuchon.”

Chef Robuchon has a longstanding relationship with the Michelin Guide. He was the youngest chef of record to receive three stars for his restaurant Jamin in Paris in 1984 and is currently the most starred chef in the world.

Robuchon and his team, including Executive Chef Claude Le Tohic, Pastry Chef Kamel Guechida and General Manager Loic Launay, have crafted an experience that has drawn raves from diners and media alike. This esteemed honor joins numerous other awards including Esquire’s Best New Restaurant 2

Bellagio Resort and Casino

Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino

MGM Grand Hotel and Casino

THEhotel at Mandalay Bay

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Get Schooled in the Fine Art of Maki-Making and Sake Tasting at SUSHISAMBA strip, Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 5.

Fish, foodies and the finest Japanese sake collide at SUSHISAMBA strip’s debut of SUSHI+SAKE101 – a deliciously interactive two-hour teaching and tasting event starting Wednesday, Nov. 5. Class participants will learn what it takes to become a “master sushi chef,” while sipping sake alongside a delectable five-course meal that includes sashimi, tempura, edamame and sushi rolls they help prepare.

Made popular at several SUSHISAMBA locations across the country, SUSHI+SAKE101 introduces guests to the history and traditions of sushi and sake, the art of sushi making and offers in-depth instruction about these two worldly traditions from resident experts. For the Vegas debut, SUSHISAMBA strip will up the ante (so to speak), unveiling its top talent to lead their Wednesday class: Sushi Chef Koji Kagawa and Las Vegas’ only female master sake sommelier, Tiffany Dawn Soto.

For the first half of class, sommelier Soto will guide pupils through the exotic world of sake tasting, introducing the traditions and history of sake while uncovering misconceptions about this increasingly popular Japanese alcohol distilled from a special kind of rice. From aromatic to aged to sparkling, guests will be exposed to new and diverse prefectures of sake every week; be it “sweet and spicy” or “rich and round with a sweet caramel finish.” Choosing from more than 130 different sakes in the award-winning SUSHISAMBA collection– Las Vegas’ largest — Soto will present guests with five flights in total, paired off with appetizing (and signature) selections from the SUSHISAMBA strip menu.

In the latter half of class, guests will get schooled on the schools of fish inside the SUSHISAMBA strip sushi bar. They will learn the simplified approach to cutting raw fish; how to identify what is “sushi-grade” and will even construct a sushi roll of their choice. All told, there will be enough “do-it-yourself” instruction for any aspiring at-home sushi chef to feel confident, inspired and ready to put their knowledge to the test.

Along these lines, SUSHI+SAKE 101 students will also be given an informative take-away booklet with restaurant recipes, a glossary of terms and a summation of what they learned in class.

Event Details:
$85 per person
Class starts at 7 p.m., concluding at 9 p.m.
Every Wednesday, beginning Nov. 5
Class size limited to 25 people

Whether it is a first-date or a group event such as a birthday or bachelorette party, SUSHI+SAKE101 is the perfect occasion for eating, drinking, and bonding at a reasonable price. Just in time for this holiday season, gift certificates for SUSHI+SAKE101 are also available, making for a unique gift to anyone who loves sushi be it a friend, family member, business colleague or even a bride-to-be (and her bridal party).

SUSHI+SAKE101 takes place within the intimate confines of SUGARCANE, SUSHISAMBA strip’s sexy space in back, where graffiti-lined walls from renowned Brazilian street artist, Felipe “Flip” Yung, make this one-of-a-kind setting an optimal “classroom” to host the fun, informative interaction of SUSHI+SAKE101.

Whether you are ravenous for knowledge or just a good meal, reserve your spot now at SUSHI+SAKE 101.

Located inside The Shoppes at The Palazzo, SUSHISAMBA strip offers inventive fare uniting bold Brazilian flavors, precise Japanese technique and exquisite Peruvian culinary traditions on one plate. In addition to the Las Vegas location, SUSHISAMBA also has outposts in New York, Chicago, Miami and Tel Aviv. Reservations can be made by calling (702) 607-0700; all major credit cards are accepted. For more information, visit www.sushisamba.com.

Sushisamba Information

Palazzo Resort Casino

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Sahara to Host Numerous “Official” PBR Events, Promotions & Room/Ticket Package Deals.

PBR Tickets

As an official sponsor of the 2008 Professional Bull Riders (PBR) World Finals, the legendary Sahara Hotel & Casino is hosting numerous events, promotions and offering premier room/ticket packages for cowboys and girls alike from Oct. 31 through Nov. 9. Savor the flavor of the “Ultimate Cowboy Dinner” in the House of Lords Steak House featuring rocky mountain oysters, buffalo filet and wild boar for $42 per person (Oct. 31-Nov. 9). Country Rock Band “Wolfcreek” will be holding free concerts in the Casbar Lounge Oct. 29 through Nov. 9 at 9 p.m. nightly.

The Sahara will be bucking throughout the finals with the hottest Bikini Bull Riding Contests in town Oct. 31 through Nov. 9. Don’t miss seeing six of the beautiful ladies of Ba-Da-Bing Gentlemen’s Club’s compete for cash prizes riding the Sahara’s mechanical bull on Nov. 7 at 10 p.m. in the Casbar Lounge. Each entertainer will also pick out a cowboy in the crowd to compete with them in a “Frozen T-shirt Contest.” The first three cowboys to complete the frozen T-shirt contest will escort the Ba-Da-Bing girls back to the Ba-Da-Bing Club via Hummer stretch limo. Two PBR riders will be making surprise guest appearances, along with the Jack Daniel’s and Miller High Life spokes models with giveaways.

The Sahara will be hosting the “Official PBR 3rd and 7th Round Drafts” and will be hosting the “Official PBR After Parties” on Saturday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 8. These parties will be held in the NASCAR Café and begin at approximately 9 p.m. just after the Sahara hosted PBR Drafts. All riders participating in the Finals will be attending the parties and a line up of well-known riders will be available for autographs and photos. A few of these riders will include Reese Cates, Kolt Donaldson, Mike Lee, Cord McCoy, McKennon Wimberly, and the 2000 PBR World Finals champion Tater Porter. The Jack Daniel’s and Miller High Life spokes models will also be on hand with giveaways. The events will include country DJs, dancing and drink specials featuring Jack Daniels and Miller High Life.

Other PBR promotions the Sahara will be offering include a “T-Bone-n-Brew Special” in the Caravan Café which includes a 1lb grilled t-bone steak with salad and choice of potato along with an ice cold Miller High Life or Miller Light for $14.95 (available 24/7 Oct. 31-Nov. 9); a “Thomas & Mack Coupon Giveaway” where 500 coupons for a ‘Free Miller High Life & Shot of Jack’ will be given away each evening at the Thomas & Mack’s “Jack Daniels Lounge” redeemable at any Sahara bar; and guests who show a “PBR Ticket Stub” will receive a $1 discount on all beverages at the casino bars. Other numerous “Drink Specials” will be available 24/7 in all the casino bars Oct. 29 through Nov. 9 including $2 Miller High Life Longnecks, Jack Daniels from $4, Gentlemen Jacks and Jack Single Barrels, $6 Miller High Life Longnecks and shots of Jack Daniels (double the shot for $2 more), and $10 buckets of six Miller High Life Longnecks.

In addition, the Sahara is offering three fantastic room/ticket package deals including a Basic Room & Ticket Package for the first weekend, Oct. 31 through Nov. 2, and two Deluxe Packages, “The Miller High Life Package” Oct. 31 through Nov. 2 and “The Jack Daniels Package” Nov. 6-9.

The “Basic Room and Ticket Package” includes three nights accommodation Oct. 31 through Nov. 2 and 1 PBR ticket, in the Plaza section, per occupant for each nights event. Single occupancy is $453, double occupancy is $744, triple occupancy is $1,032 and quad occupancy is priced at $1,317.

“The Miller High Life Package” includes three nights accommodation, free upgrade to a Deluxe room, one ticket (Plaza section) per occupant per day for the PBR event, $25 in free plays (slots or tables) up to double occupancy, $5 discount off of the House of Lords “Ultimate Cowboy Dinner,” one coupon for a free Miller High Life and roundtrip transportation to the PBR event each night. Single occupancy is $728, double occupancy is $1,019, triple occupancy is $1,362 and quad occupancy is $1,598.

“The Jack Daniels Package” includes four nights accommodation in a standard room, one ticket (Balcony section) per occupant per day for the PBR event, $25 in free (slots or tables) up to double occupancy, $5 discount off the House of Lords “Ultimate Cowboy Dinner,” two coupons for a free Jack Daniels Country Cocktail and roundtrip transportation to the PBR event each night. Single occupancy is $988, double occupancy is $1,346, triple occupancy is $1,699 and quad occupancy is $2,069. Upgrade to a Deluxe room at a rate of $1,005 for single occupancy, $1,367 for double occupancy, $1,729 for triple occupancy and $2,087 for quad occupancy.

For more information or to book any of these packages call 1-888-696-2121.

Located on the northern end of the famed Las Vegas Strip, the Sahara Hotel and Casino is a desert jewel rich with history and nostalgia. Since 1952, the Sahara has been a refuge for glitzy entertainment, exhilarating casino action, sumptuous dining and relaxing poolside decadence. The last remaining “Rat Pack” resort, the Sahara was the setting for the original “Ocean’s Eleven” film and has played host to everyone from The Beatles to Dean Martin to Marilyn Monroe. The legendary Sahara offers guests the opportunity to experience classic Vegas at its best, at one of the last remaining properties of the Strip’s glamorous heyday.

PBR Tickets

Sahara Hotel and Casino

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This Thanksgiving, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino welcomes locals and guests alike to enjoy a family-style holiday dinner at the elegant Italian restaurant, AGO. For only $49.95 per person, the delectable five course meal will offer a variety of antipasti, freshly crisp insalada, butternut squash risotto, a main entrée of roast organic turkey and maple pork loin and a traditional holiday dessert with hand-selected wines to accompany the meal. The delicious chef-selected menu well be offered on Thanksgiving Day only; hours of operation are 5pm – 11pm. The special holiday menu is available upon request.

Marking the tenth anniversary of his landmark Los Angeles eatery, restaurateur Agostino Sciandri, launches his first Las Vegas restaurant location along with partner and legendary Hollywood icon Robert De Niro. AGO’s authentic Tuscan-style Italian food attracts A-list clientele nightly and is a widely recognized favorite among dining enthusiasts. Some signature AGO dishes include Zuppe de Mare, Parmigiana di Melanzane, Lasagna a la Bolognese and their Tuscan-style wood fired pizzas. AGO also features delicious cuts of wood fired prime meats and seafood from beef rib eye steak to roasted organic salmon. Dessert selections include classics such as Ricotta Cheesecake, Tiramisu and Panna Cotta. Designed by Ralph Gentile, AGO at the Hard Rock includes a sleek and welcoming lounge where diners can sample AGO’s one-of-a kind cocktails and small plates from the bar menu. Guests enter the intimate dining area which features a special “Cava” room designed in the spirit of an underground wine cave. For reservations at AGO please call 702.693.4440.

Hard Rock Hotel Casino

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FORREST GRIFFIN VS. “SUGAR” RASHAD EVANS
ANTONIO “MINOTAURO” NOGUEIRA VS. FRANK MIR
WANDERLEI SILVA VS. QUINTON “RAMPAGE” JACKSON

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27 AT MGM GRAND

Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) is proud to announce three classic bouts on the historic final card of the year UFC 92: THE ULTIMATE 2008, live Saturday, Dec. 27 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena. UFC light heavyweight champion and the original The Ultimate Fighter® Forrest Griffin will headline the fight card. Griffin looks to defend his belt against The Ultimate Fighter® Season 2 heavyweight winner Rashad Evans, fresh off a devastating knockout win against former UFC champion Chuck Liddell.

UFC 92: The Ultimate 2008 Tickets

“We are ending 2008 with a fight card like no other,” said UFC President Dana White. “One for every fight fan out there.”

Former UFC Heavyweight champion Frank Mir continues his pursuit for not one but two titles when he meets Interim UFC Heavyweight champion Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira in the season-ending match-up between the two The Ultimate Fighter coaches. Also on the card is a grudge match between two former champions as MMA legend Wanderlei Silva takes on former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.

The question of who is the greatest champion to ever come out of The Ultimate Fighter could be answered when Forrest Griffin (16-4) meets the red-hot Rashad Evans (16-0-1) for the light heavyweight belt. Griffin, from Columbus, OH, has won three consecutive fights including a submission victory against former Pride champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and a unanimous decision victory against Jackson. Evans, a Niagara Falls, N.Y. native and former national junior college champion wrestler, has KO wins over Jason Lambert, Sean Salmon and most recently UFC legend Liddell.

“Forrest fights from the heart just like me, and everyone underestimates Forrest until they get in there with him, like me,” said Evans. “I think he and I are going to be like Ali vs. Frazier – this will be the first time we meet, but it won’t be the last, so I want to set the precedent. Fighting Forrest for the title is a dream come true; it’s crazy to think how far I’ve come but I’m going to treat this like every other fight. Like I’ve shown time and time again in my fights, opportunity is all I need.”

It’s almost time for The Ultimate Fighter’s Team Nogueira vs. Team Mir coaches to step from the Octagon™ apron to inside the cage and decide who deserves to be the heavyweight champion. Las Vegas’ Frank Mir (11-3) will meet the only man ever to hold the Pride and UFC heavyweight titles, Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira (31-4-1). The match-up features two Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belts who enjoy high-profile matches.

White added, “Mir won the heavyweight title in 2004, breaking Tim Sylvia’s arm in the process. However a severe motorcycle injury took him out of the UFC heavyweight picture for more than a year. After a rocky road back, Mir now has a chance to regain his championship belt. Nogueira is the only man to win both Pride and UFC World Heavyweight championships. He looks to defeat Mir and leave no doubt about who is the best submission specialist in the heavyweight division.”

In what could be the match of the night, former Pride champion Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva faces a man who he has beaten twice before, Memphis, Tenn. native Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. This time Rampage (28-7) is looking to prove he is a different and greatly improved fighter.

Jackson said, “Wanderlei is an exciting fighter with awesome skills. I think this is going to be the fight of the year. Don’t miss it.”

However, Brazil’s Silva (32-8-1), who is coming off a vicious KO win over Keith Jardine, didn’t return the compliment. Silva stated, “I’m not fighting him for money, I’m fighting him for pure pleasure. He talks bad about me on the Internet, yet he won’t talk bad to my face. I don’t like him and I can’t wait to beat him down at UFC 92.”

UFC® Fight Club™ members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to this event Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. PST via the website www.ufc.com. An Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Friday, Oct. 24 starting at 10 a.m. PST.

UFC 92: The Ultimate 2008 Tickets

MGM Grand Hotel and Casino

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The Smith Center for the Performing Arts announces new development plans for the world-class performing arts center to be built downtown. Citing recommendations from design architect David M. Schwarz, the exterior of the Smith Center will now be built using Indiana Limestone instead of the previously discussed rose metaquartzite. In addition, the 650-seat small hall previously envisioned for the campus has been removed from the building program.

Recognizable from its use in many of the nation’s great buildings and landmarks including the U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial and Empire State Building, Indiana Limestone was deemed the most appropriate choice for The Smith Center.

“Indiana Limestone is the most proven material used for buildings of this stature. This stone will add grandeur and elegance to The Smith Center and will stand the test of time,” said David Schwarz, president and chief executive officer of David M. Schwarz Architects.

In addition to the change in material, The Smith Center is also making adjustments to the building program. The previously contemplated 650-seat small hall, which was to be home to Nevada Ballet, has been removed from the plan. Due in part to Nevada Ballet’s projected growth, the Ballet will now be using the 2,050-seat main hall for all productions.

Plans for the cultural center now include a total of three theaters. The 2,050-seat main hall will be home for the Las Vegas Philharmonic and touring Broadway shows in addition to housing the Nevada Ballet. A smaller, 300-seat theater will have a stage facing Symphony Park and host jazz, cabaret and other intimate performances. The third theater will be a 200-seat flexible studio used for rehearsals, children’s theater and local community events.

“We are pleased to adapt to the growing needs of our resident companies and arts partners,” said Myron Martin, president of The Smith Center. “The three Smith Center theaters will provide wonderful programming for the community and I am convinced that this decision will allow us to consider a number of opportunities that will only enhance the offerings of our arts campus.”

City officials and Newland Communities approved all plan revisions for The Smith Center. A new rendering has been created and models of the main hall are being produced and will be available for public viewing in the near future. Groundbreaking for The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is slated for early 2009.

About The Smith Center

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is a public/private partnership that will become the centerpiece of cultural life in Las Vegas offering a blend of performances by local arts groups as well as first-run touring attractions. The 4.75-acre cultural complex will feature inviting lobbies with beautiful balconies, refined acoustics and a tastefully landscaped plaza linking surrounding hotels, restaurants, shops and offices in downtown’s 61-acre urban development, Union Park. Home to three theaters; a main hall, cabaret theater and flexible studio, The Smith Center will be a living room for the community; a place that will educate, entertain and excite the citizens of our great community. Groundbreaking for The Smith Center is planned for early 2009 with a projected opening in 2011. For more information about The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, please visit http://www.thesmithcenter.com.

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TBS Lines Up More than 25 Comics for LOL Lounge And Brings Excitement of THE COMEDY FESTIVAL Live Online For The First Time Ever.

Comedy Festival Tickets

Unprecedented Online Coverage of Event to Utilize Cutting-Edge Technology, Allowing Users to Interact with Web Show Hosts and Comics.

THE COMEDY FESTIVAL, a Co-Production with AEG Live, Returns to Caesars Palace in Las Vegas For Fourth Year Thursday, Nov. 20, through Saturday, Nov. 22.

TBS has tapped more than 25 emerging and established comic talents to perform in the network’s LOL Lounge, a specially designed comedy club being set up in Caesars Palace’s Emperors Ballroom during THE COMEDY FESTIVAL in Las Vegas. An outstanding roster of comedians (complete list attached) will take the stage each night of the festival, beginning at 6:30 p.m. (PT). Unlike other events during THE COMEDY FESTIVAL, the LOL Lounge performances will be free to the public, with no tickets required.

This year, for the first time ever, the excitement of THE COMEDY FESTIVAL will be just one mouse click away. TBS’s thecomedyfestival.com Web site will utilize cutting-edge technology to give fans the opportunity to choose from four simultaneous video streams direct from the event:

· The LOL Lounge stream will give users a front-row seat to the more than 25 performances set to take place in the comedy club.

· Backstage at the LOL Lounge will take viewers behind-the-scenes for interviews with the LOL Lounge comedians and a chance to catch them with their hair down.

· The Web Show, hosted by Janet Varney (TBS’s Dinner & a Movie) and Ian Bagg (The Ian Bagg Show), will head out onto the casino floor for interviews, background, interesting tidbits and lots of fun. The Web Show section will also feature a chat function to allow users to submit questions for interviews, as well as chat with the hosts and each other.

· Greatest Hits is a video stream of fantastic performances from past editions of the annual Vegas event, as well as other TBS comedy hits.

The technology that allows for the four simultaneous live streams got a high-profile tryout earlier this year by TBS’s sister network TNT. During the NBA Western Conference Finals, TNT OverTime NBA Playoffs on NBA.com provided feeds from four different arena cameras for all of the games during the series.

Now in its fourth year, THE COMEDY FESTIVAL, a co-production with AEG Live, is a three-day event taking place Nov. 20-22 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The extensive lineup for the event includes such previously announced performers as Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres, Joan Rivers, Dane Cook, Katt Williams, Tracy Morgan, Jeff Dunham, Dave Attell, Jamie Kennedy, Mike Epps, David Alan Grier, The Kids in the Hall, Russell Peters, Kate Clinton, Jim Breuer, Andrew Dice Clay, Jim Norton and John Oliver. TBS will televise several programs from THE COMEDY FESTIVAL, including the variety special Ellen’s Even Bigger Really Big Show, presented by DeGeneres; LAFFAPALOOZA!, an evening of performances by top comedians hosted by Morgan; and Cheech & Chong: Roasted, a celebrity-filled skewering of the legendary comedy duo. (A complete list of the previously announced acts is available at thecomedyfestival.com.)

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased for individual shows and packages online at thecomedyfestival.com, by phone at (877) TCF-FEST or in person at the box office at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Exclusive VIP packages are available online or by calling The Colosseum box office at (702) 866-1409. Hotel information can be found at www.caesarspalace.com, while additional festival information and schedule updates is available at thecomedyfestival.com.

The LOL Lounge

The Emperors Ballroom at Caesars Palace

Three talented and well-known comics will serve as hosts of TBS’s LOL Lounge. Comedian Jeff Garcia will handle hosting duties Thursday, Nov. 20, while Pete Correale will host Friday, Nov. 21, and Tammy Pescatelli will take over as host Saturday, Nov. 22. The three hosts will also be delivering their own comedy acts.

The following is a complete list of the hosts and comedians set to perform in the LOL Lounge:

Jeff Garcia, who got his comedy start at the young age of 15, uses hard-edged characters and street-smart stories in his versatile performance. Credits: Loco Slam, Friday Night Videos, Vibe with Sinbad, Funny is Funny, Latino Laugh Festival.

Pete Correale is a Long Island-born comedian who co-hosts Breuer Unleashed, with Jim Breuer, on Sirius Satellite Radio’s Raw Dog Comedy channel. Credits: MTV Super Bowl Special, The World Stands Up, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn, Shorties Watching Shorties, Premium Blend, performing for troops returning from Iraq on the U.S.S. Intrepid aircraft carrier, performing at Lincoln Center as part of the New York Comedy Festival.

Tammy Pescatelli is one of the funniest comedians working today. She has performed in comedy clubs all over the United States and recently made her mark in the feature world with the indie Everybody Wants To Be Italian. Credits: Last Comic Standing, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Comedy Central Presents, Last Call with Carson Daly.

Ian Bagg is a Canadian-born comedian who describes his act as “controlled chaos.” Credits: The Ian Bagg Show, Comedy Central Presents Ian Bagg, A Comic’s Climb with Ian Bagg, MVP II, MVP III.

Matt Braunger is a founding member of The Seaning improv group and has played several major comedy clubs in Los Angeles. Credits: MADtv, Pushing Daisies, iCarly.

Whitney Cummings is a comedian, actress and writer who has co-starred in films such as Made of Honor and Tell Me You Love Me and penned jokes for the Comedy Central Roasts of Flava Flav and Bob Saget, as well as various pilots and award shows. Credits: Down and Dirty with Jim Norton, Last Call with Carson Daly, Comedy All-Stars, Comics Unleashed, co-host of The Tony Rock Project.

Jim David, known as the “Mouth of the South,” has performed his outrageous and biting comedy across the country. Credits: Comedy Central Presents Jim David, Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn, Out on the Edge, Comedy Central’s USO Tour, The View, CDs Eat Here and Get Gas and Live from Jimville, one-man show South Pathetic, three-time winner of the Manhattan Association of Clubs and Cabarets Award for Outstanding Comedian, writes regularly for HuffingtonPost.com.

Dana Eagle is a petite, self-deprecating and off-beat misfit who says her humor allows others to embrace their feelings of inadequacy and celebrate their own “geekdom.” Credits: E! Entertainment, Comics Unleashed, Premium Blend, Bud Light Ladies of Laughter’s Best New Comedian, creator and star of Mood Disorders: A Light-Hearted Romp through Crippling Depression, host of Oxygen’s Girls On.

Bret Ernst can be seen headlining at top clubs across the country and received rave reviews for his performance in Vince Vaughn’s Wild West Comedy Show. Credits: Comedy Without Borders, Premium Blend, The Late Late Show, Showtime’s Weeds.

Kirk Fox is an actor and comedian who put his tennis talents to use co-writing and starring in the movie Tennis Anyone? Credits: Comedy Central Presents Kirk Fox, Live at Gotham.

Don Friesen’s comedy is a fresh , frenetic, self-deprecating skewer of his life as a suburban husband and father of two. Credits: Two-time winner of the San Francisco International Comedy Competition, Montreal Just For Laughs Festival, The Martin Short Show, Comics Unleashed.

Ron G., “The R&B Comedian,” is blazing a trail through the comedy circuit with a style he describes as “down to earth with an urban flare.” Credits: Winner of 2005 Sierra Mist Late Night Laugh Off, national spokesperson for Checker’s and Rally’s.

Eddie Gossling is known for his absurd humor and his outstanding vocal characterizations. Credits: Comedy Central Presents Eddie Gossling, Walt Disney’s The Wild, Jimmy Kimmel Live, CDs Fresh Brewed Eddie and Eddie Gossling Live at the DC Improv.

Brian Haner, known as “Guitar Guy,” is a highly talented musician who, two years ago, decided to combine his music and comedy talents into an amazing new career. Credits: CDs Songs to Make Love To and Cougar Bait, currently touring with Jeff Dunham.

Robert Hawkins has made a name for himself as a comedian, actor and writer for the acclaimed series Titus. Credits: Comedy Central Presents Robert Hawkins, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, The Bob and Tom Show.

Gayla Johnson was born and raised in Los Angeles. She uses her performance as an expression of ethnic diversity and performs at major clubs across the country. Credits: Brothers and Sisters, Comics Unleashed, Comic View.

Jesse Joyce has performed in 13 countries on four continents, from Iraq to Malaysia. Credits: Live at Gotham, Date Night, writer for Comedy Central’s Roasts of Bob Saget and Flava Flav, star of the upcoming feature film Stags.

Kristen Key, one of the youngest headliners working on the road today, is known as “The Preacher’s Kid Gone Wild.” Credits: Last Comic Standing, The Bob and Tom Show, The Preacher’s Kid Gone Wild (CD) and Buckle Up (CD).

Simon King mixes high-energy, physical, intelligent and often edgy comedy with impersonations and exceptional vocal characterizations. Credits: U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Yuk Yuk’s International Stand-Up Comedy.

Veronica Mosey delivers fiery performances laced with her unapologetically strong opinions. Credits: Comedy Central appearances, The Dr. Phil Show, US Weekly’s “Fashion Police” and named one of the Five Comics to Watch by Rolling Stone Magazine.

Tim O’Rourke draws upon his blue-collar roots for his high-energy, cutting-edge comedy sets. Credits: The Drew Carey Show, Family Guy, Nickelodeon’s Fairly Odd-Parents, Comic Strip Live, Half-Hour Comedy Hour, Stand-Up Spotlight, Heavyweights of Comedy.

Karen Rontowski is known as a “Baby Boomer Hippie” and claims Gracie Allen as her primary influence. Credits: Live at Gotham, Comics Unleashed, Return to Sender, opening for Bob Hope and Ray Charles.

Carl Rimi’s ability to deliver intellectual humor and physical comedy at lightning speed turns the mundane into the insane. Credits: Appearances on Comedy Central and ABC.

Ken Rogerson has been called “the funniest man you’ve never heard of.” A central component in Boston’s exploding comedy scene in the 1980s, Rogerson performs a routine that is “sharp enough to cut the head off a rabbit at 30 yards.” Credits: The Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Sunday Funnies, Rescue Me, It’s All Relative, Fever Pitch, There’s Something about Mary.

Malik S. is a fresh comedic talent who has toured with the best in the business, including D.L. Hughley and Dave Chappelle. Credits: Bad Boyz of Comedy, Live at Gotham, Last Comic Standing, Comic View, Blood Line.

Dwight Slade is not only funny, but also thought-provoking. He has been billed as “The Northwest’s Most Dangerous Mind,” known for his high energy and sharp wit he honed while being a talk-radio fixture in Portland, Ore. Credits: Winner of 2008 Boston Comedy Festival, Premium Blend, Comics Unleashed, Friends of Bob and Tom, five-star review at Edinburgh Film Festival, telefilms Inconceivable and My Way Home, CDs Weird State and Shut-Up.

Paul Varghese is one of the fastest-rising young comics touring North America today. Named by the Dallas Observer as the “Best Stand-up comic in Dallas,” Paul explores a wide array of topics including, but not limited to, his Indian heritage. Credits: Last Comic Standing, Live at Gotham and Loco Comedy.

Laz Viciedo hails from North Bergen, N.J., and was inspired to do standup after he played Freddie Prinze in the play Great Comedians of Color. Credits: Appearances on Fox, Court TV and Telemundo; performances in comedy clubs all over California; winner of the 2007 HBO New York International Latino Film Festival Award for his performance in the film Rewind.

Johnny Walker blends traditional standup comedy with parodies and original songs. Credits: Laugh Factory, Hollywood Improv, Boys Behaving Badly, Breaking Up with Shannen.

In addition to the extensive list of comedians, the comic musical duo TASTiSKANK will perform in the LOL Lounge Friday, Nov. 21, and Saturday, Nov. 22. Billed as the “rockin’ love child of Tenacious D and the Indigo Girls,” TASTiSKANK comprises Sarah Litzsinger and Kate Reinders. They recently performed at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen and won the Jury Award for Breakout Performance of 2007. The pair was also voted among the “Top 25 Sexiest New Yorkers” by the New York Post. *

About THE COMEDY FESTIVAL

With more than 70 performances and events over a three-day period, THE COMEDY FESTIVAL’s goal is to bring together the biggest names and cutting-edge comedy talent in a broad range of programming, from star-level performances and special events to stand-up and sketch comedy. TBS presented three prime-time specials from last year’s edition of THE COMEDY FESTIVAL, including Ellen’s Really Big Show, Blue Collar Comedy: The Next Generation and Frank Caliendo: All Over the Place. In addition, last year’s event featured performances by Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock. Past television highlights include a 2006 airing of the 20th anniversary of Comic Relief, starring Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg and Robin Williams; A Salute to the Troops and USO, with special guests Kid Rock and Carmen Electra; and 2005′s Earth to America, with Will Ferrell, Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Larry David, Steve Martin and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

Comedy Festival Tickets

Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino

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From a dynamic dinner show to its own house band, the variety of entertainment at the Plaza Hotel & Casino has made it known as the “Entertainment Capitol of Downtown Las Vegas.”

“Las Vegas has a variety of tourists visiting with varying taste in entertainment,” said Tony Bender, vice president of marketing for the Plaza Hotel & Casino. “We have tailored a wide array of entertainment options for our guests that are looking for a great time at a great value. Some want to experience the feel of classic-Vegas dinner shows and some want to just have drinks and listen to an amazing R&B band. Our variety has proven to be a success with many sold-out shows.”

The Plaza features show successes including The Rat Pack is Back, with the best Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Dean Martin impersonators, and Viva Las Vegas, the longest running afternoon show in Las Vegas history. The Rat Pack is Back captures the classic-Vegas theme. Boasting the only remaining live big band in Las Vegas, the dinner show transports the audience back to the Sand’s Copa Room and features the Lon Bronson Orchestra. The Rat Pack is Back!, performs at 7:30 p.m. nightly, except Sunday, with an additional show on Saturdays at 10 p.m. Viva Las Vegas is known for its spirited and lively dancing as well as its show-stopping vocal performances. Along with singing and dancing, the show features a variety of acts from comedy routines to enchanting magic tricks. Viva Las Vegas performs at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily except Sunday.

The Plaza recently signed The Next Movement, an R&B vocal group that has toured in Las Vegas and performed for Oprah, to be the Plaza’s official house band. The R&B group, which has been together for more than 34 years, has performed in the 70′s at the Thunderbird along side Redd Fox and has produced several musical hits. The Next Movement performs Sunday through Thursday at 8:30 p.m. inside the Aqua Lounge.

Another one-of-a-kind feature the Plaza has is the Ultra Sports Lounge under the DOME. The DOME offers a comfortable atmosphere while enjoying the most magnificent view in town of The Fremont Street Experience as well as a live betting station. The DOME compliments the Plaza’s race and sports book, which is the largest sports book in Downtown Las Vegas, and is a uniquely designed space for guests to watch their favorite sports teams. At the DOME, guests are able to have “Tailgate Parties,” in which the space can be reserved and decorated with the look of their favorite team along with great food and drinks.

For the guest who enjoys being part of the show as much as watching it, the Plaza as well as its sister property the Vegas Club Hotel & Casino has karaoke events throughout the year.

The Plaza offers an array of innovative table games and slot machines; a new restaurant called Lombardi’s Italian Kitchen; the DOME, Las Vegas’ only ultra sports lounge; the largest race and sports book downtown; the hottest shows in town – the Rat Pack is Back and Viva Las Vegas; free live entertainment right on the casino floor in the Aqua Lounge; the Lucky 7′s Buffet; and a host of other amenities including a roof top swimming pool and tennis courts. Guests may call (702)386-2110 or (800)634-6575 or visit www.plazahotelcasino.com for more information and/or hotel reservations.

The Vegas Club, located on the Fremont Street Experience, is ideal for the leisure traveler. Walk out of your hotel room, and you’re in the middle of the excitement and energy of classic Las Vegas. The hotel features more than 400 rooms and suites, a rapid rotation of the latest, most innovative slots, video machines and table games and the Great Moments Café. Many of its amenities – pool, beauty salon, tennis courts, fitness center, etc. are provided by its next door sister property, the Plaza.

Plaza Hotel and Casino

The Vegas Club

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Comedian, impressionist and actor Frank Caliendo will perform his stand-up comedy routine Friday, November 28 at 8 p.m. Star of “Frank TV,” Caliendo will perform a one-night only engagement inside the Treasure Island Theatre.

Frank Caliendo Tickets

Must be 5 years or older to attend.

In 2007, Caliendo created “Frank TV,” a comedy based on his impressions of famous personalities such as Robert DeNiro, Robin Williams, Al Pacino, John Madden and George W. Bush. The side-splitting show is an extension of his popular sketch comedy routine. Executive producer, writer, host and cast member of “Frank TV,” Caliendo performs hilarious sketches in full makeup as characters he impersonates.

A veteran of comedy for more than seven years, Caliendo has made several appearances on “Late Show with David Letterman,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” and “Conan O’Brien.” He also is a guest host on FOX Network’s NFL weekly pre-game show with Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long and Jimmy Johnson.

Frank Caliendo Tickets

Treasure Island Hotel and Casino

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New York-New York Hotel & Casino is treating its guests and fans of Halloween to the inaugural “Screamers – The Haunted Bridge” now through Sunday, Nov. 2.  The terrifying haunted house, built along the resort’s Brooklyn Bridge, has been created by Creeations Fabrications, the popular design company who has created and fabricated props and sets for more than 10 years for a variety of entertainers and their respective shows, both locally and internationally.  These shows include Siegfried & Roy, Steve Wyrick, Fashionistas and Nathan Burton, among others.

Many of the props from these past and present icons have been included in the haunted enclosure.  Additionally, more than 25 actors have been ornately costumed and specially trained for this event which will include dark mazes and scary talent sure to create horrific sights and sounds throughout the attraction.

Admission to The Haunted Bridge is only $20 per person with a discounted ticket price of $15 for all New York-New York hotel guests.  Guests of all ages are allowed to enter but children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.  Doors open at 6 p.m. and remain open until 2 a.m.  Tickets are available for purchase at the Zumanity box office inside New York-New York or outside at the Haunted Bridge event entrance.  For more information, call (702) 740-6969.

New York-New York Hotel and Casino

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