Country music sensation, Josh Gracin will perform at PBR Rock Bar & Grill, the ultimate spot on the Strip for National Finals Rodeo (click link to book) fans on Thursday, December 8, at 10 p.m.

Performing hits off his brand new self-produced studio album, Redemption, Gracin promises a night full of excitement over American-style comfort food, an endless array of booze and hydraulic mechanical bull riding.

Any country boy can receive 10% off their entire dining bill at PBR Rock Bar & Grill by presenting their NFR ticket stub. After a long day of lassos and hog-tying, guests can enjoy PBR Rock Bar & Grill’s Texas Style Beef Brisket or slow smoked, fall off the bone, Memphis Style Ribs.

PBR Rock Bar & Grill is the latest spot to hit Las Vegas offering beers, bulls and plenty of babes in its sprawling, 16,800-square-foot venue. Open seven days a week from 9 a.m. until the early morning hours, PBR Rock Bar & Grill offers guests hearty, American comfort food and barbeque around the clock. Rodeo queens and bull-riding bucks are dared to attempt to defy gravity on PBR Rock Bar & Grill’s daunting, hydraulic mechanical bull. Located at the center of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip at Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, PBR Rock Bar & Grill’s expansive, 3,000-square-foot patio gives patrons a front-row seat to all of the action. Complete with 105 wall-to-wall high-definition televisions, PBR Rock Bar & Grill provides sports enthusiasts with the perfect game-day retreat. For more information, call 702.750.1685

Book Now and Save: National Finals Rodeo

Book Now and Save: Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

PBR Rock Bar & Grill

Saturday, March 27 at 8pm or Sunday, March 28 at 2pm

An Incandescent Start choreographed by contemporary powerhouse Thaddeus Davis – music by Joan Jeanrenaud;

Song of the Nightingale, a story ballet choreographed by local artist Gail Gilbert – music by Igor Stravinsky;and

Cyclical Night, a James Canfield ballet inspired by the sizzling Tango to music by Astor Piazzolla!

ORDER NOW FOR THE BEST SEATS (702) 895-ARTS (2787)

(Box office hours – 10am to 6pm Monday through Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays) TICKETS FROM $10 TO $75 (Excluding Box Office or Online Fees)

Come Early, Stay Late for our interesting before and after the ballet programs:

Insights-a brief perspective on the art of ballet in the theatre lobby 45 minutes prior to curtain; and Talk Back-an after-performance question and answer opportunity from the stage with artistic staff.

Captivating, never-before-seen works by cutting-edge choreographers including local artist Gail Gilbert, New York powerhouse Thaddeus Davis and nationally renowned choreographer, James Canfield.

Nevada Ballet Theatre announced today it will present Brave New World, featuring three world premiere works: Song of the Nightingale, a story ballet based on the original Hans Christian Andersen tale, The Nightingale, choreographed by local artist Gail Gilbert; a fascinating new work by Wideman/Davis Dance Company Artistic Director Thaddeus Davis; and Cyclical Night, a tango-inspired piece by Nevada Ballet Theatre’s own Artistic Director James Canfield. This eclectic program will be presented on Saturday, March 27 at 8 pm and Sunday, March 28 at 2 pm at UNLV’s Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway. Ticket prices range from $10 – $75 and can be purchased by calling the UNLV Performing Arts Center Box Office at (702) 895-ARTS (2787) or ordering online at www.nevadaballet.com.

Set to Igor Stravinsky’s riveting score by the same name, Song of the Nightingale tells the story of an emperor who covets the beautiful voice of a nightingale living in his kingdom. When he is presented with a mechanical jewel-encrusted version, he loses interest in the real one. The mechanical bird eventually breaks, and as the emperor nears death, he realizes the treasure he pushed aside. The struggle between reality and imagination leave the emperor longing for the beauty he has lost.

Described by Gilbert as “a play without words,” Song of the Nightingale uses imagery and symbolism, with strong movement and props used to tell the story. “Many older story ballets have moments where the dancers use pantomime to convey the story,” said Gilbert. “In Song of the Nightingale, I am not interested in “telling” the story; rather, I want to allow the audience to witness the story as it unfolds.”

As a graduate of the famed North Carolina School of the Arts, and a former dancer for the renowned modern troupe Parsons Dance in New York City, Gilbert’s accomplished career has included setting Parsons’ work on dance companies throughout the world, leading the Taos Dance Festival as artistic director and choreographing her own works on companies, colleges and universities. The New York Times once described Gilbert as having “one of the most vivid, bizarre imaginations in New York Modern Dance.”

Next on the program is a compelling and purely contemporary piece by the talented and creative Thaddeus Davis, choreographed especially for Nevada Ballet Theatre. Davis’ rhythmic aesthetic will captivate Las Vegas and inspire local dance lovers. Deemed one of “25 to watch” by Dance Magazine in 2002, Davis has worked with numerous companies, setting works and teaching master classes around the world. As a teacher and choreographer, Mr. Davis has participated in residencies at The Julliard School and Alvin Ailey among others. The premiere of his first work, Once Before Twice After, was named one of the top ten moments in dance by The New York Times, calling it “reassuring evidence of New York Dance’s promising future.”

Nevada Ballet Theatre rounds out the program with James Canfield’s Cyclical Night, his first original work for Nevada Ballet Theatre. Set to the music of Argentine Tango composer, Astor Piazzolla, dancers will bring to life the composer’s unique blend of jazz and classical music. This sultry ballet will showcase physically-appealing movements based on the famous “forbidden dance,” the Tango.

Prior to Brave New World, “Insights,” a free pre-performance perspective will offer patrons an insider’s view into the performance they are about to see. Held in the lobby, “Insights” will take place 45 minutes prior to curtain. Furthering this, the company will present “Talk Back,” an interactive Q & A following the performances that will lend patrons a greater understanding into the world of dance and the artists who make it happen.

This is the first in Nevada Ballet Theatre’s new “Signature Series,” Sponsored by Wendy & Richard Plaster.

SPECIAL EVENT: DINNER & THE BALLET

Mix and mingle with an exclusive VIP circle of patrons. In celebration of Brave New World, the company will host a special pre-performance dinner on Saturday, March 27 at Lawry’s The Prime Rib at 5:30 pm. Tickets are $100 per person. For reservations, please call Jessica Erali Milazzo at (702) 243-2623 ext. 222 or email jerali@nevadaballet.com.

Nevada Ballet Theatre announced today it will present a new production of its annual holiday favorite, The Nutcracker, at the beautiful Paris Las Vegas. Choreographed by Peter Anastos, this production will make its Las Vegas debut on Friday, December 18 in the 1,533-seat Paris Theatre, Paris Las Vegas, 3655 Las Vegas Boulevard South. The show will run through Thursday, December 24. Tickets are on sale now and ticket prices range from $30 to $85 (plus fees) and can be obtained by calling the Paris Theatre Box Office at (702) 946-4567. Tickets can also be purchased online through www.nevadaballet.com.

A traditional story ballet, The Nutcracker has become a highly-anticipated holiday event, beloved by families across the country. Anastos’ unique version includes imaginative and lighthearted choreography complemented by ornate sets and costumes by designer A. Christina Giannini. With an elegant holiday party, a Christmas garland dance and a mix of magical characters, Nevada Ballet Theatre’s company dancers and more than 90 children from its affiliated academy and the surrounding Valley will be showcased in this fantastical family event.

“I’m thrilled to be presenting my Nutcracker for Nevada Ballet Theatre,” said Choreographer Peter Anastos, who is also the artistic director of the new Ballet Idaho. “My Nutcracker is very traditional, as it should be, and celebrates the warmth, joy and fantasy of the holiday season.”

Not a stranger to Las Vegas, Anastos’ fanciful choreography has garnered local audience and media acclaim. He most recently staged his Cinderella for Las Vegas audiences in May 2008.

“There are a lot of children’s roles in this production, in fact they are often the stars of the show!” remarked Anastos. “In addition, there is a fun Mechanical Mouse at the Party scene and the Nutcracker is a life-size doll who dances with Clara. All in all, this is a festive production, very bright and colorful.”

Perhaps the most famous fairytale ballet of all time, The Nutcracker premiered over 100 years ago in St. Petersburg, Russia. It was first performed in the United States by the San Francisco Ballet. The famed New York City Ballet cemented the production’s popularity when it premiered George Balanchine’s version in 1954.

Based on the famous novel by E.T.A. Hoffmann entitled The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, The Nutcracker was originally transformed into a classical ballet by choreographers Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. Accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s amazing score, it is now his most celebrated composition and the ballet itself regarded as a true American pastime.

“We are excited that this new production will include so many roles for children,” said Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre Principal Anna Lantz. “In addition to sharing the stage with professional company dancers, children will have the opportunity to be a part of the entire production process as well as learning theatre etiquette and performance skills. The level of commitment and dedication to excellence that is required will be an invaluable experience for all,” remarked Lantz.

Six Performances:
Friday, December 18 at 8 pm
Saturday, December 19 at 2 pm & 7 pm
Sunday, December 20 at 1 pm & 5 pm
Thursday, December 24 at 1pm

Nevada Ballet Theatre is thrilled to present an all-new production to Las Vegas of its annual holiday favorite, The Nutcracker. With choreography by the new Ballet Idaho Artistic Director Peter Anastos, this traditional story ballet has been a holiday event for hundreds of families every year. Anastos’ lighthearted and whimsical artistry brings to life imaginative choreography and ornate sets and costumes – adding up to a very fashionable holiday experience. With an elegant holiday party, a Christmas garland dance and a mix of magical characters, over 90 children will be showcased in this fantastical family event.

NUTCRACKER GROUP SALES AVAILABLE
Special group pricing for The Nutcracker is available for groups of 15 or more and can be purchased by calling Joel Mann at (702) 967-4938.

GIVE THE GIFT OF THE NUTCRACKER
Corporations and organizations are encouraged to bring their staff and employees to a performance as a unique holiday gift, or to sponsor underserved populations for this performance. For further information on this great gift idea, call Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Marketing Department at (702) 243-2623 or email cfox@nevadaballet.com

ABOUT NEVADA BALLET THEATRE
Under the direction of Artistic Director James Canfield, Nevada Ballet Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and the largest professional ballet company and dance Academy in the state. Committed to the highest artistic standards, dancers for the company hail from around the world and include artists with international performing experience. This classically-based company is at home in an eclectic repertory, moving easily from the classics to the high-energy contemporary ballets. The mission of Nevada Ballet Theatre is to educate and inspire regional, statewide and national audiences and vitally impact community life through professional company productions, dance training and education and outreach. Upon its completion, Nevada Ballet Theatre will be a resident company in the new world-class Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

Related Links:

The Nutcracker Tickets

Paris Hotel and Casino

A new musical, “God Lives in Glass,” composed by “Jersey Boys” conductor Keith Thompson will be presented Oct. 24 and 25 at the College of Southern Nevada’s Performing Arts Center.

“God Lives in Glass” is based on the book by Robert J. Landy, a New York professor who interviewed children worldwide of all denominations about their perceptions of God. The theatrical concert will be performed by up to 60 singers/musicians who work in shows on the Las Vegas Strip. Sixteen songs from pop to gospel to reggae to rap represent diverse faiths from around the world. Local pianist Philip Fortenberry and a 10-piece band provide musical accompaniment.

The CSN Performing Arts Center and Family Promise of Las Vegas have partnered to present the show, which is a benefit for each organization and includes a silent auction.

The shows producer and Family Promise board member, Bruce Ewing notes, “The response we’ve received from the singers and musicians from the Las Vegas shows -”Jersey Boys,” “Phantom,” “Lion King” and “Love”- has been phenomenal. Because the event benefits such worthwhile causes, everyone has been very generous with their time and talent.”

Family Promise is a non-profit transitions and transforms local families from homelessness to sustainable independence through compassionate guidance, shelter and education. Family Promise is not a religious organization, but partners with faith houses to provide shelter and meals. The Performing Arts Center’s share of the proceeds will go to its “Friends of the Horn,” which is used to enhance productions by bringing in guest artists and more diverse programming for the students and the community.

WHEN: October 24 and 25.

12:00 pm silent auction / Box Office open

1pm performance; post-performance Meet & Greet by performers

WHERE: Nicholas J. Horn Theatre in the Performing Arts Center at the College of Southern Nevada, 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave., 89115 (one block west of Pecos)

TICKETS: $25 general admission / $20 students. Available only through the CSN Performing Arts Center Box Office by calling 651-LIVE (5483).

WHAT: Nevada Ballet Theatre is pleased to present Timeless Innovation featuring George Balanchine’s jazzy and upbeat Rubies, from his full-length ballet Jewels and two Las Vegas premieres by James Canfield including Coco, homage to the life of fashion empress Coco Chanel and the nationally renowned Jungle, set to the music of electronic super group, Future Sound of London.

WHEN: Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 8 pm
Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 2 p

WHERE: UNLV’s Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall
4505 S. Maryland Parkway

COST: A: $75, B: $49, C: $35, D: $20 (Balcony), E: $10 (Balcony)
Groups of 15 or more receive a 25% discount.

INFO: Single tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the UNLV box office at (702) 895-ARTS (2787).
For more information on this program, visit www.nevadaballet.com.

Prior to the performance, the company will offer “Insights,” a free pre-performance perspective offering an insider’s view into the performance they are about to see. Held in the lobby, “Insights” will take place 45 minutes prior to curtain. Furthering this, the company will present “Talk Back,” an interactive Q & A following the performances that will lend patrons a greater understanding into the world of dance and the artists who make it happen.

Nevada Ballet Theatre is thrilled to present American Masters, an evening of works by contemporary choreographers Christopher Wheeldon, James Canfield and Val Caniparoli, who continue to shape the dance scene in America. The program includes four Las Vegas premieres and performances by distinguished guest artists Wendy Whelan, Albert Evans and Sébastien Marcovici, who are principal dancers with the New York City Ballet (NYCB). This powerful program will be presented on Friday, April 10 at 8 pm and Saturday, April 11 at 2 pm at UNLV’s Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway. Ticket prices range from *$25 – $75, and can be ordered by calling (702) 895-ARTS (2787) or by visiting www.nevadaballet.com.

Whelan, a principal dancer for New York City Ballet since 1991, is one of the world’s most esteemed ballerinas, known for her versatility and bold, modern approach. Evans, a principal dancer since 1995, and the Paris born Marcovici, a principal dancer since 2002, have enjoyed distinguished careers as well, garnering them worldwide audience and media acclaim.

“We are very fortunate to have the incomparable Wendy Whelan, Albert Evans and Sébastien Marcovici join us as we present the works of three master choreographers,” said Executive Director Beth Barbre. “These will be performances to remember in Las Vegas.”

These exceptional artists will perform Liturgy and After the Rain (pas de deux), two critically acclaimed works by choreographer Christopher Wheeldon. A former Royal Ballet and NYCB dancer as well as NYCB’s first resident choreographer, Mr. Wheeldon’s works are now featured in the repertoire of the world’s leading ballet companies. Liturgy, a spiritually-inspired duet, is set to Estonian composer Arvo Pärt’s Fratres for violin, strings and percussion and will be performed by Whelan and Evans. Wheeldon’s romantic ballet After the Rain features Whelan with Marcovici in a pas de deux from the ballet’s second movement. Touted as “rich in feeling,” it is set to Arvo Pärt’s hypnotic “Spiegel Im Spiegel.”

In addition, the company will present two works by newly appointed Artistic Director, James Canfield. Up is an imaginative work set to seven different versions of Richard Rodgers’ famous ballad, “Blue Moon.” Artists range from the soulful sounds of jazz artist Billie Holiday, to the country and alternative rock sounds of The Cowboy Junkies, and even the Doo Wop sounds of the Marcels. Neon Glass Pas de Deux, a unique collaboration between composer Philip Glass and renowned glass sculptor, Dale Chihuly, brings together the grandeur of dance, music and visual art in a single ballet. The New York Times declared this work “choreographically fascinating.”

The finale is Val Caniparoli’s Lambarena, a celebration of life’s diverse energy and the universality of music and rhythm. Combining the classicism of Bach with traditional African songs, as well as classical ballet with African dance, this captivating work won the hearts of Las Vegas audiences when it was presented by the Company in 2007.

“American Masters has something for everyone,” remarks Artistic Director James Canfield. “Music lovers will excite to the contemporary stylings of composers Philip Glass and Arvo Pärt, while dance aficionados will witness some of the world’s most striking choreography to date – coupled with African dance and rhythms…nothing could be more educating, elevating and entertaining than this program.”

*SPECIALLY PRICED BALCONY SEATS AVAILABLE!

Nevada Ballet Theatre is offering special $25 Balcony Seats for American Masters. Call the UNLV Box Office at (702) 895-ARTS (2787) for more information.

ABOUT NEVADA BALLET THEATRE
Under the direction of Artistic Director James Canfield, Nevada Ballet Theatre, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is the largest professional ballet company and dance academy in the state. Committed to the highest artistic standards, dancers for the 30 member company have been recruited from around the world and include artists with international performing experience. This classically-based company is at home in an eclectic repertory, moving easily from the classics to the high-energy contemporary ballets. The mission of Nevada Ballet Theatre is to educate and inspire regional, statewide and national audiences and vitally impact community life through professional company productions, dance training and education and outreach. Beginning in 2011, Nevada Ballet Theatre will be a resident company in the new world-class Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

Guest Artist Bios:

WENDY WHELAN
Wendy Whelan was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, where at the age of three she began taking dance classes with Virginia Wooton, a local teacher. At age eight she performed as a mouse with the Louisville Ballet in its annual production of The Nutcracker. Joining the Louisville Ballet Academy that year, she began intense professional ballet training. In 1981 she received a scholarship to the summer course at the School of American Ballet (SAB), the official school of New York City Ballet, and a year later, became a full-time student there. In 1984, Ms. Whelan danced as an apprentice with New York City Ballet. Ms. Whelan became a member of New York City Ballet’s corps de ballet in January 1986. She was promoted to the rank of soloist during the 1989 spring season and to the rank of principal dancer in the 1991 spring season.

ALBERT EVANS
Albert Evans was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He began his ballet training at Terpsichore Expressions in Atlanta. In 1986, he was awarded a full scholarship to the School of American Ballet (SAB), the official school of New York City Ballet. Mr. Evans was made a member of New York City Ballet’s corps de ballet in the spring of 1988, and was immediately given leading roles in two American Music Festival ballets: William Forsythe’s Behind The China Dogs, and Eliot Feld’s The Unanswered Question. He was promoted to soloist in the spring of 1991, and to principal in the winter of 1995.

SÉBASTIEN MARCOVICI
Born and raised in Paris, France, Sébastien Marcovici began his ballet training at age eight with local teachers, and at age 12 he enrolled at the School of the Paris Opéra Ballet. During the summer of 1993, while studying with Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux and Patricia McBride at the Chautauqua School of Dance, Mr. Marcovici was invited by Ballet Master in Chief Peter Martins to take Company class with New York City Ballet at Saratoga Springs. In November of 1993, he was invited to join New York City Ballet’s corps de ballet. Mr. Marcovici was promoted to the rank of soloist in 1998 and to principal dancer in May 2002.

CHOREOGRAPHER BIOS:

CHRISTOPHER WHEELDON – Choreographer for Liturgy, After the Rain
Christopher Wheeldon, the Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Morphoses/The Wheeldon Company, is one of today’s top ballet choreographers. He has created works for many of the world’s leading ballet companies, and his awards include the Martin E. Segal Award from Lincoln Center, the London Critics’ Circle Award, the American Choreography Award, the Olivier Award, and the Dance Magazine Award.

Wheeldon founded Morphoses/The Wheeldon Company in 2007 with the goal of introducing a new spirit of innovation to classical ballet. Morphoses is a Guest Resident Company at both at Sadler’s Wells in London and New York City Center and has also performed at the Vail International Dance Festival.

Wheeldon was born in Yeovil, Somerset, England. In 1991 he joined The Royal Ballet, and also that year, he won the prestigious Gold Medal at the Prix de Lausanne competition. In 1993, Wheeldon was invited to become a member of New York City Ballet, where he was promoted to soloist in 1998. He retired from dancing in 2000 to concentrate on his choreographic work. From 2001 to 2008, he was NYCB’s first Resident Choreographer.

Among Wheeldon’s notable works for NYCB are Polyphonia, Carnival of the Animals, After the Rain, An American in Paris, and The Nightingale and the Rose. He choreographed Continuum for San Francisco Ballet, Tryst and DGV (Danse à Grande Vitesse) for The Royal Ballet, a full-length Swan Lake for Pennsylvania Ballet in 2004, and Misericors for the Bolshoi Ballet in 2007, and his works have entered the repertories of other major companies. For Morphoses’ inaugural season, Wheeldon choreographed two new works: Fools’ Paradise and Prokofiev Pas de Deux. He also choreographed ballet sequences for the 2000 feature film Center Stage, collaborated with director Nicholas Hytner on the 2002 Broadway production Sweet Smell of Success, and created “Dance of the Hours” for The Metropolitan Opera’s production of La Gioconda.

JAMES CANFIELD – Choreographer for Up, Neon Glass Pas de Deux
James Canfield, founding artistic director of Oregon Ballet Theatre from 1989-2003, was born in Corning, New York, and received his early dance training at the acclaimed Academy of the Washington School of Ballet under the direction of Mary Day.

Mr. Canfield was a member of the Washington Ballet in Washington D.C., the Joffrey II Dancers in New York City and the Joffrey Ballet under the direction of Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, where he danced an extensive repertoire of works by Jirí Kylián, Agnes de Mille, John Cranko and William Forsythe among others.

In 1986, he left the Joffrey Ballet to become the Artistic Director of Pacific Ballet Theatre, and once the company combined with Ballet Oregon, Mr. Canfield was appointed Artistic Director of the new Oregon Ballet Theatre (OBT) in 1989. There, he choreographed numerous ballets for the year-round company and established the School of Oregon Ballet Theatre in order to provide the best classical training to dancers throughout the Northwest. For the last three years, he has participated in the Northwest Professional Dance Project in Portland, Oregon.

VAL CANIPAROLI – Choreographer for Lambarena
Val Caniparoli’s versatility has made him one of the most sought after American choreographers in the United States and abroad. He has contributed to the repertories of more than 35 dance companies, including Pacific Northwest Ballet, Boston Ballet, Northern Ballet Theatre, Pennsylvania Ballet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Ballet West (Resident Choreographer 1993-97), Washington Ballet, Israel Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Singapore Dance Theatre, Atlanta Ballet, State Theatre Ballet of South Africa and Tulsa Ballet, where he has been Resident Choreographer since 2001.

Caniparoli is most closely associated with San Francisco Ballet, his artistic home for over 30 years. He began his career under the artistic directorship of Lew Christensen, and in the early 1980s was appointed Resident Choreographer of San Francisco Ballet. He continues to choreograph for the company under Artistic Director Helgi Tomasson.

Born in Renton, Washington, Caniparoli opted for a professional dance career after studying music and theatre at Washington State University. In 1972, he received a Ford Foundation Scholarship to attend San Francisco Ballet School. He performed with San Francisco Opera Ballet before joining San Francisco Ballet in 1973. More than 30 years later, he continues to perform with the company as a Principal Character Dancer.

Las Vegas’ famed Fremont Street Experience is ready for a smash New Year’s Eve celebration with TributePalooza and the world premiere of its newest Viva Vision extravaganza, “KISS Rocks Vegas.” Tickets are free to locals with valid Nevada ID (21 and over). For those traveling from out of town, tickets can be purchased for $20 by calling 877-834-2748.

Revelers are invited to celebrate the final hours of 2008 in true Las Vegas fashion at the city’s one-stop outdoor entertainment venue. The night will be filled with music as eight live tribute bands rock the crowd. The street will be packed with action while the Riders of the Thunderdome thrill with their Globe of Death motorcycle show and the giant Viva Vision screen dazzles with a light and sound extravaganza 90 feet above the street. The five blocks of the fabulous Fremont Street Experience, home to 10 legendary casinos, will be transformed into the biggest private party in Las Vegas.

TributePalooza features eight top tribute bands, performing classic favorites for all ages from Aerosmith, Billy Joel, David Bowie, Eagles, KISS, Queen, the Rolling Stones and U2.

The performance schedule is as follows:

6 pm – 7:15 pm
The Long Run (Eagles) 1st Street Stage
Michael John (Billy Joel) 3rd Street Stage
Riders of the Thunderdome Main Street

7:30 pm – 8:45 pm
Space Oddity (David Bowie) 1st Street Stage
Original KISS Army (KISS) 3rd Street Stage
Riders of the Thunderdome Main Street

9:15 pm – 10:45 pm
2U (U2) 1st Street Stage
Satisfaction (Rolling Stones) 3rd Street Stage
Riders of the Thunderdome Main Street

11 pm – 1 am
Aeromyth (Aerosmith) 1st Street Stage
Queen Nation (Queen) 3rd Street Stage
Riders of the Thunderdome Main Street

Aeromyth, the ultimate tribute to Aerosmith ( www.aerosmithtribute.com ), not only has amazing Steven Tyler and Joe Perry look alikes, but all band members look and sound like the band members they portray. The Long Run ( www.thelongrun.net ) is regarded as the finest tribute to the Eagles, consistently delivering faithful recreations of the lush harmonies and rich instrumental arrangements that make the Eagles an unforgettable part of rock history. Local Las Vegan Michael John’s seamless imitation of Billy Joel (www.billyjoeltributeshow.com ) entertains crowds with the same intensity and passion as the Piano Man himself. Space Oddity, David Brighton’s Tribute to David Bowie (www.davidbowietribute.com ) pays tribute to rock’s most electrifying superstar, complete with costume changes and an extensive set list. The Original Kiss Army™ (www.thekissarmytribute.com ) fully re-creates vintage KISS in all its glory. The band members prowl the stage and stalk the audience, generating unrivaled excitement with unbridled energy and classic stage raps. 2U (www.notu2.com ) faithfully imitates U2′s top hits through the decades. Satisfaction (www.rollingstoneshow.com ) is internationally acclaimed as the most authentic cast and production show paying tribute to the Rolling Stones. Lastly, Queen Nation (www.queennation.com ) rounds out the TributePalooza line-up with their amazing renditions of Queen’s explosive hits.

In conjunction with America’s Party, Fremont Street Experience presents the world premier of “KISS Rocks Vegas” Viva Vision show at 9 p.m. The show features three of the band’s worldwide hits, “Lick It Up,” “Shout It Out Loud” and the rock anthem “Rock ‘n’ Roll All Night,” stylistically showcasing the band’s rich history, iconic make-up and costumes surrounded in a cacophony of fire and pyrotechnic graphics.

“As part of America’s Party, Fremont Street Experience’s New Year’s Eve celebration is the party of the year. Nothing can compare to standing beneath 12.5 million lights counting down the last seconds of the year with the classic Las Vegas neon flashing, nonstop entertainment and everyone having the time of their lives,” said Jeff Victor, president of the Fremont Street Experience. “This year, the party is even bigger and better with fireworks under the canopy, a Fremont Street Experience first.”

America’s Party is the official moniker coined by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and Las Vegas Events to signify the annual citywide celebration on December 31. This year’s festivities include a themed fireworks extravaganza on the Las Vegas Strip, as well as the TributePalooza live concerts at the Fremont Street Experience. This New Year’s Eve also marks a first for Fremont Street Experience with a special fireworks display under the canopy.

Guinness World Record Holders Bela Tabak’s Riders of the Thunderdome perform in the Globe of Death, which is fashioned from four tons of steel. The motorcycle daredevil team features four riders who attain speeds in excess of 40 mph while racing inside the 14-foot, 3-inch globe simultaneously.

Viva Vision®, the LED display canopy rising 90 feet in height and stretching 1,500 feet along the Fremont Street Experience promenade from Main Street to Fourth Street, forms a spectacular foyer for the existing resorts. Stretching the length of five football fields, Viva Vision serves as the showcase for the world’s largest graphic display system. Within the canopy itself are 208 speakers capable of producing 550,000 watts of concert-quality sound.

America’s Party and TributePalooza Live in Concert at the Fremont Street Experience opens at 6:00 p.m. Guests can access the venue at any of the gates located at Fremont and Casino Center, Fremont and 4th and Fremont and Main. All attendees must be at least 21 years of age. Parking is available at the Fremont Street Experience parking garage on the corner of 4th and Carson and at all Fremont Street hotel-casinos.

The New Year’s Eve celebration at the Fremont Street Experience brings crowds of partygoers to Downtown Las Vegas every year and has become a tradition for visitors and locals alike.

The Fremont Street Experience is a five-block entertainment complex located in historical downtown Las Vegas. In 1995, Fremont Street was closed to vehicular traffic and a giant screen was suspended 90-feet over the street to display spectacular light and sound shows on its 1,500 foot surface. The 12.5 million lights of the Viva Vision screen dazzle 365 nights a year and make the Fremont Street Experience a one-of-a-kind venue. With direct pedestrian access to 10 casinos, more than 60 restaurants, specialty retail and free nightly entertainment, the Fremont Street Experience attracts millions of annual visitors. The Fremont Street Experience can be found online at www.vegasexperience.com .

Fremont Street Experience Information

Every Friday night, Jerry’s Nugget Casino features Motown Fridays, offering a rotating lineup of the best Motown acts Las Vegas has to offer inside its Royal Street Theater. Following its debut performance in December, Mocca returns as well as the Huck Daniels revue. The always popular band Sho Tyme returns for two nights in January.

Every Saturday, Royal Street Theater presents Latin Explosion, with musicians performing the best in Latin pop, salsa and Regional Mexican. The theater bursts with energy and great music as Latin Explosion shakes things up.

Royal Street Theater schedule – January 2009:

Every FRIDAY night:                                     

Motown Fridays

Jan. 2               Mocca

Jan. 9               Huck Daniels

Jan. 16             Huck Daniels

Jan. 23             Sho Tyme

Jan. 30             Sho Tyme

10 p.m. to 2 a.m. $5 cover charge

Every SATURDAY night:

Latin Explosion

Dec. 6              Claudine Castro

Dec. 13            Claudine Castro

Dec. 20            Claudine Castro

Dec. 27            Claudine Castro          

10 p.m. to 2 a.m. $10 cover charge, single ladies $5

All shows are open to those 21 years or older and have a two drink minimum. For more information, please visit www.jerrysnugget.com/entertainment/.

About Jerry’s Nugget Casino

Jerry’s Nugget is “Your Kind of Place” for great food, lively entertainment and winning good times! Just recently, the casino launched its new player’s club, The More Club, offering tiered levels of rewards and empowering the customer to take control over their club membership, watch their points grow and decide where and when they want to use comps or obtain cash back. For more information on Jerry’s Nugget Casino, please call 702.399.3000 or visit www.jerrysnugget.com. Jerry’s Nugget is located at 1821 Las Vegas Blvd. North, North Las Vegas, NV 89030.

COLABO THEATRE COMPANY offers professional stagings of popular shows. They currently offer three shows.

HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH (Saturdays, 8pm) is a rock musical set after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Hedwig is the epitome of Glam Rock. She tells her life story through a series of beautifully bitter and comforting songs. Hedwig struggles with her past love, Tommy Gnosis, and her ownself-identity. Once you experience the beauty that is Hedwig, you will never forget her.

LIGHT MY FIRE (Fridays, 8pm) Jim Morrison¹s poetry, outrageous antics, and timeless music, magically comes to life and is retold by the Wild Child himself. This show takes you back to the tumultuous 1960¹s, when a young and charismatic college dropout, became the voice of a generation. Is Everybody in? Because the Ceremony is about to begin! Break on through to the other side with LIGHT MY FIRE!

AN EVENING WITH BILLIE HOLIDAY (Sundays, 5pm) takes you back to an era of juke joints, zoot suits, big bands, and jazz. The time is 1959. The place is a seedy bar in Philadelphia. The audience is about to witness one of Billie Holiday’s last performances, given four months before her death. More than a dozen musical numbers are interlaced with salty, often humorous recollections to project a riveting portrait of the lady and her music. God Bless the Child who misses this performance!

For more info about these shows, call 702.742.6109 or go to the company website http://www.colabo.biz/index.html.

Fremont Street Experience Information