KISS® by Monster Mini Golf® is holding the “KISS® OFF” finale with KISS’ own, Tommy Thayer as the celebrity judge! Over 200 bands worldwide submitted their entries, and now it is down to the final four: KISS FOREVER (Hungary), MR. SPEED (Ohio), ROCK AND ROLL OVER (Texas) and KISSTERIA (Australia). And to add a bit of Las Vegas to the bill, local Las Vegas KISS tribute band, “Las Vegas KISS” is opening for the final 4! The finale is free to the public and will take place on Sunday, Jan. 29, from 2 – 6 p.m. at Body English in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

The top 4 “KISS® OFF” finalists will be judged based on talent, performance, appearance and showmanship to determine the ultimate KISS® tribute band. The winning tribute band will make their grand debut at the opening of KISS® by Monster Mini Golf® on Mar. 15, 2012.

“The response from the KISS OFF was incredible, with over 200 entries and more than 29,000 votes online, and with Tommy Thayer judging the finals we are confident that the best tribute band will play at the grand opening of KISS by Monster Mini Golf,” says Christina Vitagliano, Founder of KISS by Monster Mini Golf.

In conjunction with the “KISS OFF” finals, the finale for the “Lady Demon” model search will also take place. The 6 “Lady Demon” finalists, who were chosen online, will compete for the crown. The winner of the “2012 KISS® by Monster Mini Golf® Lady Demon” contest will debut the first ever custom designed $10,000 KISS studded black leather wedding dress on the “black” carpet at the grand opening of KISS® by Monster Mini Golf® on Mar. 15, 2012.

The judges of “Lady Demon” include:  the Founder of Monster Mini Golf®, Christina Vitagliano; Lotus Broadcasting 97.1 DJ, Steph MacKenzie; and celebrity photographer, Erik Kabik.

“This is a free event and open to the public and we encourage everyone to come down and spend the day with us,” added Vitagliano.

Hosting the finale will be “Lowercase g,” Ambassador of KISS® by Monster Mini Golf®; and media personalities, Tricia McCrone and John Katsilometes.

For those that would like to be a VIP that day, there are a limited number of VIP tickets available for purchase at www.monsterminigolf.com/kiss

VIP tickets are available for $99 and include:

·     Private VIP Section
·     Meet & Greet with Tommy Thayer
·     Autographed 8×10 from Tommy
·     KISS® Swag Bag full of goodies!
·     Free Ticket to KISS by Monster Mini Golf
·     FREE Pass to Vanity Nightclub on Jan 29th hosted by Tommy Thayer! ($30 value!)

Additionally, attendees of the KISS OFF and Lady Demon finals at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino who “Like” KISS® by Monster Mini Golf® on Facebook or Tweet using #KISSnGOLF will be eligible to win 2 VIP tickets to the KISS® By Monster Mini Golf Grand Opening on Mar. 15, 2012.

For more information please visit www.monsterminigolf.com/kiss/   KISS® By Monster Mini Golf® is located across from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino at the Shoppes at Harmon Square.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is offering preferred KISS® By Monster Mini Golf® room specials available for Jan. 28 – 30.  Please call reservations for room availability and additional information at 800.343.4346 and mention code HKISS2.

About Monster Mini Golf®
Monster Mini Golf is the leader in cutting-edge indoor glow-in-the-dark Monster themed entertainment centers. Founded in 2004, the company boasts 30 (and counting) 18-hole miniature golf courses across the country. Each custom-designed course also features an arcade game area, private event rooms, an in-house DJ, and fantastic entertainment for the whole family. For additional information visit www.monsterminigolf.com, or contact Christina Vitagliano, at 401-454-8100.  For updates on the KISS® By Monster Mini Golf project, visit our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/MonsterMiniGolfKISS.

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Book Now and Save: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Fremont Street Experience, CHD, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and Golden Catalyst are bringing the first-ever Chinese New Year celebration to Downtown Las Vegas.  Chinese New Year – Dragon In The Desert will celebrate the Year of the Dragon from Jan. 24 – 28 with a 5-day festival featuring many of the traditional and symbolic elements needed to wish good fortune to all.

Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman will participate in the Opening Ceremonies on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 6 p.m.  The new year will be greeted with a live authentic dragon dance performed by the Las Vegas Lohan School of Shaolin complete with virtual firecrackers on Viva Vision; the largest video screen in the world measuring 1,500 feet long and suspended 90 feet above the street, an eye painting ceremony and a parade of performers dressed in elaborate costumes.  Additionally, a ribbon cutting to start the opening ceremonies will consist of 888 people for extra luck.

“Fremont Street Experience is excited to help usher in the Chinese New Year for the first time to wish wealth, good health and good fortune to all,” stated Jeff Victor, president of Fremont Street Experience.  “We invite everyone to celebrate with us.”

Each night, beginning at 6 p.m., the festival will feature a live dragon and lion dance, a Vendor Village with Asian food and arts and crafts, and a virtual dragon dance on Viva Vision. Live entertainment will include cultural presentations on the 3rd Street Stage and a Karaoke competition hosted by Las Vegas Thai Elvis Prasith on the 1st Street Stage where anyone in the crowd can join in for a chance to win prizes. For a detailed entertainment schedule go to www.cnyinthedesert.com.   All entertainment is free and open to the public.

“We’re hosting over 2,000 international visitors for the week and to have Fremont Street Experience and LVCVA align with us to celebrate this festive time is wonderful,” said David Huang, President of CHD.

“China is our number one source of international travel from Asia,” said Cathy Tull, senior vice president of marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.  “Cultural celebrations such as Chinese New Year help showcase the amenities and attractions of Las Vegas as we continue to attract more international visitors.”

“Chinese New Year is the most important holiday of the year. Hosting this event in historic downtown at Fremont Street Experience is a wonderful opportunity to bring our two cultures closer together” said Jan-Ie Low of Golden Catalyst.

Fremont Street Experience is a five-block entertainment complex located in historic downtown Las Vegas. Fremont Street Experience features Viva Vision, the world’s largest video screen which is 1,500 feet long, 90 feet wide and suspended 90 feet above the urban pedestrian mall.  Viva Vision features nightly spectacular light and sounds shows with 12.5 million LED lights and a 550,000-watt sound system. Fremont Street Experience is a one-of-a-kind venue which includes free nightly concerts and entertainment on two stages. With direct pedestrian access to 10 casinos, more than 60 restaurants and specialty retail kiosks, Fremont Street Experience attracts over 17 million annual visitors.

On July 1, 1962, Sam and Bill Boyd opened the Eldorado Casino, marking the first joint venture of the legendary father-son team, and the beginning of what would become Boyd Gaming, one of the most respected companies in the gaming industry.

To celebrate its 50th year in operation, the downtown Henderson landmark will offer specials and promotions throughout 2012, starting New Year’s Day:

- The Eldorado will create a set of 2,000 commemorative, limited-edition $5 gaming chips in recognition of the anniversary.  The property will distribute 1,000 of the chips to its VIP customers on New Year’s Eve, and put the remaining 1,000 into general circulation starting in January.

- In the property’s bingo hall, any customer winning a game on “G-50” will receive a $200 cash bonus throughout 2012.

- In a throwback to the prices of 1962, the snack bars at both the Eldorado and Jokers Wild will offer a variety of 50-cent specials throughout the year, including shrimp cocktails, hot dogs, soft drinks, draft beer and coffee.

On Sunday, July 1, the Eldorado will host a 50th anniversary celebration for the public, featuring cake and a champagne toast.

Discuss the anniversary on Twitter: @eldoradocasino #Eldo50th.

About Eldorado Casino
Located at 140 South Water Street in Henderson, Eldorado offers a sports book, three restaurants, a bingo parlor and keno lounge. Guests will also find more than 400 slots and table games.

In honor of the most celebrated sign of the Chinese Zodiac, The Venetian and The Palazzo are commemorating the prosperous holiday in an over-the-top fashion. Beginning with a ceremonial dragon dance at 1 p.m. on Jan. 23, the Chinese New Year celebrations include lavish feng shui-inspired décor, auspicious dish offerings and festive cocktails.

DRAGON DANCE AND EYE PAINTING CEREMONY ON JAN. 23

Symbolizing good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year, the dragon dance is an important ritual of Chinese culture. On Monday, Jan. 23 at 1 p.m., a ceremonial dragon dance complete with firecrackers and eye painting ceremony will begin at The Venetian porte cochere, making its way through The Palazzo. The colorful spectacle will feature a parade of dancers and musicians dressed in elaborate costumes playing authentic music.

FIRE-BREATHING, 128-FOOT DRAGON TO MAKE THE PALAZZO ITS HOME

The Waterfall & Atrium Gardens of The Palazzo will host Las Vegas’ premier Chinese New Year attraction as a 128-foot hand-crafted, fire-breathing dragon is suspended above in the 65-foot-high space. Spanning the entire atrium, the one-of-a-kind, 8,000-pound dragon will be perched amidst the ground fountain and breathe fire from Jan. 23 through Feb. 5 at 1 and 5 p.m. (2 p.m. on Chinese New Year Day following the dragon dance).

Regarded as the mightiest of signs, the dragon symbolizes such traits as ambition, passion and success. Those who possess the sign of the Dragon are said to take risks, are unafraid of challenges and embody colorful personalities.

“During Chinese New Year, it is beneficial to visit the dragon for its blessing and protection. It is good luck to walk around the entire dragon three times in a clockwise motion to remove obstacles for 2012,” said Peter Lung, with World of Feng Shui, who consulted on the design of the dragon. “You should build friendships with those who possess the sign of the dragon for better luck and blessings in the New Year.”

The west garden will be complete with rocks, plants and metals representing earth elements while the east garden will embody water elements with live orange Koi fish and one black fish to represent Yin and  Yang, the ancient Chinese philosophy of polar opposites being interconnected and interdependent.

“The dragon is the most powerful of the zodiac signs. We had to create something that Las Vegas would never forget,” said Dana Beatty, director of horticulture for The Venetian and The Palazzo. “From the number and location of our displays to the length and direction of the dragon, everything about the Waterfall & Atrium Gardens is feng shui-inspired, creating the perfect environment to bring wealth and prosperity in 2012.”

A secret friend to the dragon, a rooster will sit to the west of the ground fountain. The two zodiacs are compatible with one another and together bring harmony, wealth and lucky relationships.

The gardens and entrances to both The Venetian and The Palazzo will be adorned with fresh bamboo, citrus trees and 15-foot floral arrangements of tangerines, bromeliads and orchids. Nine traditional I-Ching coins, representing an abundance of wealth, will surround the dragon and Lalique statues of The Palazzo. Six-foot-tall, hand-loomed brocade silk and jade gold and red lanterns will be suspended from the atrium ceilings signifying the lives of those around to always be bright.

The larger-than-life dragon took more than 60 designers, conceptualists, welders and painters from across the globe more than a year to create and will take nearly 10 days to construct onsite.

CELEBRATE CHINESE NEW YEAR WITH AUSPICIOUS DISHES AND FESTIVE COCKTAILS

During Chinese New Year, guests can enjoy auspicious dishes at The Palazzo’s Zine Noodles Dim Sum, ranked as one of the top 10 Chinese restaurants in the U.S. by Chinese Restaurant News.

Celebrated chef Simon To has created limited-time signature dishes including Live Lobster with golden garlic and spicy salt – the word “lobster” resembles that of “dragon” in Chinese, representing positive energy; Firecracker Manila Clams, infused with Chinese white wine, fish paste and spicy roasted pepper – representing hidden treasures, the dish brings wealth into the coming year; and Buddha Feast Creation, sautéed seasonal vegetables with ginger juice – meaning “a whole, good, healthy family for the entire year.”

Guests can also enjoy refreshing infusions including a Chamomile and Lychee Ice Tea, Green Tea with Rosemary, Chili and Lemon and the signature Dragon Cocktail created from vodka, ginger liqueur, lime, a spring of tarragon, lemongrass syrup and lemon rind. These refreshing libations will be served at each of bars and lounges at The Venetian and The Palazzo.

Share #ChineseNewYear wishes on Twitter with @PalazzoLasVegas and @VenetianVegas.

The Chinese New Year décor and specialty food & beverage offerings will be available through the end of February.

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First Friday Las Vegas will change to winter hours, 5pm – 11pm for the January, February and March festivals. Specific event details and programming for January 2012 will be distributed soon. In the Arts District location new art tents and a music stage will now extend south on 3rd Street from the intersection of Colorado. The Fremont East street art fair will now take place in the space behind Downtown Cocktail Room and Beauty Bar, between Las Vegas Blvd. and 6th Street.

”With our expansion we’re looking to bring in an even wider range of artists and vendors – from different styles of art and new food items to entertainers – there is a place for everyone at First Friday and we want to give them the opportunity to showcase their talents,” said First Friday Las Vegas Managing Partner Joey Vanas.

Anyone who registers for the First Friday newsletter or signs up as an artist, sponsor, vendor, volunteer or entertainer in the new system by Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, will be entered in a raffle to win an original piece or art from one of our fabulous First Friday artists.

For more information and continuous updates on First Friday Las Vegas, please visit www.firstfridaylasvegas.com

On Saturday, Dec. 10 from 1-4 p.m., The Venetian and The Palazzo (click to book) presents the fourth annual Carnival of Cuisine inside The Palazzo Ballroom in the Congress Center. Award-winning cuisine will be showcased exclusively by restaurants of The Venetian and The Palazzo. This palate-pleasing event will also feature cooking demonstrations, tastings from more than 15 eateries including five James Beard Award winners and live entertainment.

Participating restaurants and eateries include B&B Ristorante, Bouchon, Café Presse, Carnevino, Delmonico Steakhouse, Otto Enoteca Pizzeria, FIRST Food & Bar, Grand Lux Café, Lagasse’s Stadium, Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro, Pinot Brasserie, SUSHISAMBA, Sweet Surrender, Table 10, Valentino, The Venetian and The Palazzo Catering, ZINE Noodles Dim Sum and Zeffirino Ristorante.

Carnival of Cuisine is presented by Grazie, the premier loyalty program that rewards guests of The Venetian and The Palazzo for staying in the resorts’ suites, dining at the restaurants, shopping at the boutiques and gaming in the casinos.

WHO: Live cooking demos set for 1:30, 2, 2:30 and 3 p.m.

Photo opportunity from 1 to 3 p.m.

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 10

WHERE: The Palazzo Ballroom
Fifth Floor of the Congress Center
3325 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Book Now and Save: The Venetian

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On Wednesday, Jan. 4, when the world’s biggest beer pong tournament is going on, Rockhouse Bar & Nightclub holds one for the losers. The only ultra-dive bar on the Strip will turn the underdogs of the tournament into winners at the second annual ‘Rockhouse Cup’ tournament with a $5,000 cash prize.

For those that did not win in the big tournament will have a shot at being second best. The $35-per-person buy-in gives interested pongers a chance to compete in a series of single elimination rounds to take home the first place prize of $5,000 cash. Even the losers of the losing tournament will still be winners; second and third place teams will receive additional prizes from Rockhouse such as a private VIP table with bottle service.

January 1 through 5, Rockhouse is also the unofficial hotspot for those participating in the highly-anticipated beer pong tournament at Flamingo Las Vegas. Pongers that show their tournament credential can practice up or blow off some steam with two-for-one beers, $20 souvenir pitchers and ongoing games of beer pong at Rockhouse daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Day or night, it’s always the right time to party at Rockhouse. Whether people watching on the rowdy Strip-side patio by day, or dancing on the bar with an 80-ounce guitar by night, the ultra-dive bar is one of Vegas’ best-kept secrets. Rockhouse gives partygoers the ultimate nightlife experience – minus the ‘VIP’ attitude. With bottle service that won’t break the bank, a Strip-view daiquiri bar and casual dress code, Rockhouse is a must-visit hot spot for locals and tourists alike.

Blending a local dive bar with the glamour of Sin City’s party scene at a convenient center Strip location, Rockhouse is the top party destination on the Strip. Las Vegas’ only ultra-dive bar features top-notch lighting and sound with the best DJs in Las Vegas blending upbeat rock, hip-hop and dance. With beautiful bartenders pouring drinks from the bar tops, playing in the giant bird cage and dangling from tire swings suspended from the ceiling, Rockhouse is the spot where the party never stops. Rockhouse is located on Las Vegas Blvd. in front of Imperial Palace, directly across from Caesars Palace in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip.  The daiquiri and main bar open daily at 10 a.m. and the adjacent nightclub is open from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly. For more information visit www.therockhousebar.com, and for bottle and table reservations call 702.731.9683

Known for his fashionable men’s dress shirts, designer Georg Roth will make an appearance at Mojitos Friday, December 9 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Roth will be signing his limited edition shirt collection designed specifically for country music singer Sean Patrick McGraw who will be performing in-store for this special fashion and music event.

Mojitos is located at Wynn Las Vegas and is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. For additional information about the incredible array of exclusive and unique shopping boutiques at Wynn and Encore and for store hours, visit www.wynnlasvegas.com.

About the Retail Offerings at Wynn and Encore:

With over 100,000 square feet of luxury retail space, Wynn and Encore offer an incredible array of international, exclusive and unique shopping boutiques. The Esplanades at Wynn and Encore are home to the only U.S. boutique outside of Manhattan from famous footwear designer Manolo Blahnik and America’s only Rolex branded store. The repertoire of retailers includes Alexander McQueen, Brioni, Cartier, Chanel, Dior, Graff, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Oscar de la Renta and Wynn & Company Jewelry. The eponymous Wynn LVNV also features home furnishings and accessories that are hand selected from all over the world by famed interior designer and executive vice president of design for Wynn Design and Development, Roger Thomas, and are inspired by the rooms and restaurants of the resort.

Book Now and Save: Wynn Las Vegas

The Venetian and The Palazzo (click link to book) continue the holiday spirit as season 13 winner of ”Dancing with the Stars” Karina Smirnoff makes a stop at the resorts’ first-ever Winter in Venice this Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. Smirnoff will grace the Winter in Venice white carpet, take festive photos and mingle with fans amidst the strolling holiday characters and ice skating rink.

The majestic ice skating rink is just one of the many ways guests can experience Winter in Venice at The Venetian and The Palazzo this holiday season, taking place now through Jan. 8.  Winter in Venice is the first true celebration of the winter season on the Las Vegas Strip, with 49 days of holiday festivities throughout both resorts, including strolling carolers, candy cane stilt walkers, puppets, jugglers, magicians, the Nightly Spectacular holiday show and an awe-inspiring 65-foot LED holiday tree.

WHEN:  Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011

WHERE:  Winter in Venice at The Venetian Las Vegas, 3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Book Now and Save: The Venetian Hotel

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WHAT: On Saturday, Dec. 3, The Venetian (click link to book) invites guests to join Wolfgang Puck’s Las Vegas Director of Pastry Kenny Magana for a complimentary event as he performs a live cooking demonstration from 2 to 3 p.m. in front of Postrio Bar & Grill inside St. Mark’s Square. Guests will have a chance to learn how to make candy canes and flavored marshmallows during the first-ever Winter in Venice.

Now through Jan. 8, The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas are introducing Winter in Venice, the first true celebration of the winter season on the Las Vegas Strip. With 49 days of holiday festivities throughout both resorts, Winter in Venice will be the ultimate destination for an unforgettable holiday experience.

WHERE: The Venetian Las Vegas
Postrio Bar & Grill in St. Mark’s Square
3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Book Now and Save: The Venetian Hotel

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Postrio Bar & Grill