A Guide to the Strip: New Year's Eve
December 26, 2007 | 10:34
am
And now it begins.
The slowest period in Las Vegas -- the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas -- ends abruptly with a swift build-up to the busiest weekend of the year.
Each day, the Strip will get more crowded as more people pour into town and occupancy for hotel rooms inches toward 99-100%. The weekend near the turn to New Year's is traditionally the busiest time of the year in Vegas.
Then nothing beats New Year's Eve, the one night a year the Strip actually closes to traffic and people walk along Las Vegas Boulevard.
The slowest period in Las Vegas -- the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas -- ends abruptly with a swift build-up to the busiest weekend of the year.
Each day, the Strip will get more crowded as more people pour into town and occupancy for hotel rooms inches toward 99-100%. The weekend near the turn to New Year's is traditionally the busiest time of the year in Vegas.
Then nothing beats New Year's Eve, the one night a year the Strip actually closes to traffic and people walk along Las Vegas Boulevard.
With road closures and drunken tourists, New Year's Eve and the days around
the event can be chaotic; and usually, unless I have to cover something (which I
usually do), I leave the resort corridor to the tourists.
A lot of locals feel the same way. But this year, I will be heading into the fray and bringing you New Year's weekend and New Year's Eve in Las Vegas as it unfolds, with regular updates on the Buffet. I could not be more excited. I don't know why I didn't do this last year.
A lot of locals feel the same way. But this year, I will be heading into the fray and bringing you New Year's weekend and New Year's Eve in Las Vegas as it unfolds, with regular updates on the Buffet. I could not be more excited. I don't know why I didn't do this last year.
On Saturday, December 29, I'll be checking into the Hard Rock, before
heading off to the Luxor for the opening of Cathouse, the new restaurant
from Kerry Simon (once of Simon's at the Hard Rock).
This particular event is being hosted by Mischa Barton, which I guess means enough of "The O.C." fans are now legal drinking age. But my favorite part of the invitation to the opening of CatHouse is the word "loungerie," used to describe the place, as in "combining a rich opulent loungerie with a world-class restaurant." No, I don't know what "loungerie" means.
This particular event is being hosted by Mischa Barton, which I guess means enough of "The O.C." fans are now legal drinking age. But my favorite part of the invitation to the opening of CatHouse is the word "loungerie," used to describe the place, as in "combining a rich opulent loungerie with a world-class restaurant." No, I don't know what "loungerie" means.
Then it is back to the Hard Rock to catch one of my favorite lounge acts:
Richard Cheese and his band Lounge Against the Machine.
I'm not sure if what Richard Cheese does is comedy or performance art, but he is brilliant at it.
His latest disc is "Dick at Night," which offers lounge versions of television themes. This is a bit of a departure from his sleazy, oozing lounge versions of metal, grunge and pop hits on earlier discs like "I'd Like a Virgin," "Aperitif for Destruction" and "Tuxicity."
I've always thought Cheese would get a regular gig in Vegas, but instead he has become something of a holiday tradition at the Hard Rock. I love the crowd, as he seems to be appealing simultaneously to lovers of camp, rockabilly revival, comedy and even music snobs.
I'm not sure if what Richard Cheese does is comedy or performance art, but he is brilliant at it.
His latest disc is "Dick at Night," which offers lounge versions of television themes. This is a bit of a departure from his sleazy, oozing lounge versions of metal, grunge and pop hits on earlier discs like "I'd Like a Virgin," "Aperitif for Destruction" and "Tuxicity."
I've always thought Cheese would get a regular gig in Vegas, but instead he has become something of a holiday tradition at the Hard Rock. I love the crowd, as he seems to be appealing simultaneously to lovers of camp, rockabilly revival, comedy and even music snobs.
On Sunday, I'll be moving to the Strip to spend two nights at the Luxor.
The first night, I am going to check out nightclubs. The big event will be the grand opening of 40/40 Club, Jay-Z's new Vegas venture at the Venetian's Palazzo expansion. I am hoping to interview him there about his recent departure as label head at Def Jam.
But more important, this will also be my first opportunity to see the Palazzo. Afterwards, I am dropping by the Bellagio to check out the new nightclub the Bank (pictured above) that has replaced Light.
From there, I am heading to Mandalay Bay to see adult film star Tera Patrick (pictured) perform burlesque at Ivan Kane's Forty Deuce.
Finally, I am going to take the exclusive elevator up 43 floors to the Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay to see the big Buddha (pictured below) and enjoy what is unarguably one of the best views in Las Vegas.
Of course, this assumes I am on the list for the Foundation Room and make dress code. I've messed up both requirements on previous visits.
Nonetheless, every time I've made it past the dark-suited guardians and onto the elevator, I leave the Foundation Room with a renewed love and appreciation of that spectacular view, which places you on an outdoor balcony adjacent to the gigantic letters atop Mandalay Bay.
The first night, I am going to check out nightclubs. The big event will be the grand opening of 40/40 Club, Jay-Z's new Vegas venture at the Venetian's Palazzo expansion. I am hoping to interview him there about his recent departure as label head at Def Jam.
But more important, this will also be my first opportunity to see the Palazzo. Afterwards, I am dropping by the Bellagio to check out the new nightclub the Bank (pictured above) that has replaced Light.
From there, I am heading to Mandalay Bay to see adult film star Tera Patrick (pictured) perform burlesque at Ivan Kane's Forty Deuce.
Finally, I am going to take the exclusive elevator up 43 floors to the Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay to see the big Buddha (pictured below) and enjoy what is unarguably one of the best views in Las Vegas.
Of course, this assumes I am on the list for the Foundation Room and make dress code. I've messed up both requirements on previous visits.
Nonetheless, every time I've made it past the dark-suited guardians and onto the elevator, I leave the Foundation Room with a renewed love and appreciation of that spectacular view, which places you on an outdoor balcony adjacent to the gigantic letters atop Mandalay Bay.
At
last comes December 31, the most intense party night in the biggest
party city in the country.
During the day, I plan to wander about doing interviews and see who is visiting town and what they are up to -- you know, annoy strangers.
I have set up one interview to meet Playboy Playmate of the Year Sara Underwood in the afternoon. She is hosting at Rum Jungle that evening.
Rum Jungle is a popular, if not hot, club in Mandalay Bay.
The fact that they have the Playboy Playmate of the Year speaks volumes about the importance of celebrity hosts to New Year's Eve in Vegas nightlife in the past couple of years.
Every nightclub has worked hard to score the big-name hosts for the evening.
Both Hilton sisters will be at LAX at Luxor. Mariah Carey hosts at Tao at Venetian. And at Pure at Caesars, Pamela Anderson will be doing the countdown and champagne toast.
As for myself, I will be heading to House of Blues to see the Goo Goo
Dolls' (pictured) annual New Year's Eve show in Vegas. I don't know how the Buffalo, N.Y., band became an annual Vegas tradition on the most competitive entertainment weekend of the year.
But by my count, for five of the last six years Goo Goo Dolls has been performing on the Strip on New Year's Eve.
Other shows that night include Kanye West at the Palms. And back at the Hard Rock, Three Doors Down plays at the Joint.
Of course, at midnight there will be fireworks up and down the Strip packed
full of celebrators.
In fact, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors' Authority, at that point there will be 303,000 visitors in town (more than last year).
A few hours later, the airport will begin the mass departure as the first week of 2008 starts on the Strip, and I will file my last item for the Buffet, check out of the Luxor and sleep away the first hours of the new year.
(Photos by Sarah Gerke)
In fact, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors' Authority, at that point there will be 303,000 visitors in town (more than last year).
A few hours later, the airport will begin the mass departure as the first week of 2008 starts on the Strip, and I will file my last item for the Buffet, check out of the Luxor and sleep away the first hours of the new year.
(Photos by Sarah Gerke)
The best thing anyone could do - for those of us who could care less about the celebs - is to get out on the street and enjoy the show on The Strip just leading up to midnight.
Posted by: David | December 26, 2007 at 11:35 AM
David, I agree. That massive crowd celebrating on the Strip is really what makes New Year's Eve special here. We get celebrities all year. But the Strip is only closed on one night. Thanks for reading. Yrs., Richard
Posted by: Richard Abowitz | December 26, 2007 at 11:44 AM
Who needs the crush of people...and all the pickpocets? That's why I'll be at home in the San Fernando Valley at the stroke of midnight. Anyway, I prefer to celebrate the Ukrainian, Chinese and Persian new years.
Posted by: Hal Bass | December 26, 2007 at 02:30 PM
What's playing at the Motel 6? That's where I wanna be.
Posted by: Reb Mel | December 26, 2007 at 02:37 PM
Richard...I realize you must take some literary license in order to keep blogging about Vegas from becoming the journalistic equivalent of a sleep aid...but the hyperbole of this statement strains all credible thought:
>>>We get celebrities all year.>>I don't know how the Buffalo, New York band become an annual Vegas tradition on the most competitive entertainment weekend of the year. <<<
The answer:
Compared to
Both Hilton sisters will be at LAX at Luxor. Mariah Carey hosts at Tao at Venetian. And, at Pure at Caesars, Pamela Anderson will be doing the countdown and champagne toast.
And
Playboy Playmate of the Year Sara Underwood
And
Three Doors Down plays at the Joint.
And
Tera Patrick
And ESPECIALLY
Mischa Barton (Who????)
It's no wonder Vegas NEEDS the Goo Goo Dolls. In the whole blog, there is only one 'celebrity' who isn't completely washed up: Kanye West. If it wasn't for his clothing line and his girl, Jay-Z would be on life support, too.
To reference one of your recent blogs, I have yet to see any evidence that Vegas is not still Fat Elvis. How about starting a petition to replace the Big Buddha with a bronze statue of The King?
Vegas needs to embrace it's cheesiness...it hasn't been cool since the Rat Pack left.
Posted by: Big Karl | December 26, 2007 at 05:11 PM
Embrace the cheesiness: See Richard Cheese at Hard Rock!
Posted by: Roberta | December 26, 2007 at 08:52 PM
Big Karl: If you don't think Vegas is cool again you haven't been there, or when you went you went to the wrong places. It may be true that you need money to have fun there, but only if you don't like people watching. I can see how people wouldn't like it there, it sure is a lot going on at once, but it is so very cool. I recommend you go back with new eyes.
Posted by: nicole | December 27, 2007 at 10:06 AM
See ya at the Goo Goo Dolls show....the reason they are mainstays of Vegas on NYE? They put on a KILLER live show and their fans love them because they love us back. :) Make sure you tell everyone what a great time you had at the show when you get back -- can't wait to read about it here in the column!
Posted by: Sharon L | December 27, 2007 at 06:41 PM
Kanye who? Ohhh The whiney guy at the VMA's.... I am glad they are bringing the Goo Goo Dolls here, and even the Doobie Brothers and the Bangles. Some of these "newer" acts need to take lessons from the older bands on how to act in public. As a local I don't care how much money you have just act like a human.
I wholeheartedly agree about the cab drivers, you could talk to them for a 1/2 hour in English, then when it comes to change, they don't speak english... go figure.
Concierge in Vegas
Posted by: DJ | December 31, 2007 at 03:13 PM
THE LAS VEGAS STRIP ON NEW YEAR'S EVE . I LIVED HERE FOR THE LAST 18 YEARS AND THE FIRST 13 OF THEM WERE AMAZING , BUT THEN THE CROWD STARTED TO GET REALLY CRAZY, AND CRAZY AND STUPID SO ME AND MY FAMILY STOPED GOING THERE FOR SAFETY REAZONS, NOW DON'T GET ME WRONG IT IS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE, IF THERE IS SOME KIND OF CONTROL ,BUT UNFORTUNATELY OUR YOUTH HAS NO SENSE OF IT
Posted by: jose l. candelaria | December 31, 2007 at 03:54 PM