Kicks! 03042016

Kicks!

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March 4, 2016

YOUR GUIDE TO ENTERTAINMENT FROM SoCAL TO LAS VEGAS

RASCAL FLATTS Country boys get The Joint jumping in Vegas Page 4

INSIDE: Six

Picks, Page 10 | The von Trapps, Page 20 | ‘Memphis,’ Page 26

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CoVeR StoRy

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Rascal Flatts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Gary LeVox. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

LoCAL

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Six Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Seventh Day Slumber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 An evening Affaire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

DInInG

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MUSIC

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Date night Dining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

I Love the ‘90s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 the Von trapps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Griffin House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

SoCAL

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Six Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Planes of Fame. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

VeGAS

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Six Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Hugo‘s Cellar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Recycled Percussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

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Cover photo: the Associated Press Contributing writers: Jeff Cooper, L.J. Gambone, Dave Herrera, Steve Hunt, Vincent Lovato, Monica Solano, ed Symkus, Kevin trudgeon, Mike Weatherford Contributing photographers: David Pardo, James Quigg, Jose Huerta, the Associated Press, Las Vegas Review Journal staff Copy editing: Steve Hunt, Kevin trudgeon Page design: Ivan Hundric Cover design: Ivan Hundric

March 4, 2016

Kicks!

is published and copyrighted 2016 by the Daily Press, 13891 Park Ave., Victorville, Calif. 92392 and the Desert Dispatch, 130 Coolwater Lane, Barstow, Calif. 92311 Publisher: Donnie Welch editor: Steve Hunt Kicks! editor: Martial Haprov Advertising Director: Angie Callahan Production Director: todd Bradshaw to advertise, call Retail Sales Manager Lisa Iskandar at 760-955-5341.

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kicks!

COVER STORY

Gary LeVox, from left, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney, of Rascal Flatts, arrive at the 50th annual Academy of Country Music Awards at At&t Stadium in 2015, in Arlington, texas. Photo by Jack Plunkett/Invision/AP

ROCK ‘n RASCALS Rascal Flatts makes a ‘Name That Tune’ game of own catalog

By Mike Weatherford Las Vegas Review-Journal

“T

hat’s bullcrap!”

This is not a quote from a critic from back in the day, when Rascal Flatts was briefly the group they loved to hate and call a “boy band” and all that.

No, it was Jay DeMarcus on the first of the trio’s nine-show

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Friday, March 4, 2016

run at the Hard Rock Hotel that ends this weekend. The bass-and-keyboard third of the trio was full of mock indignation after playing the piano intro to Journey’s “Faithfully.”

“Ya’ll shouted louder for that song than any song we’ve done so far,” he complained in fun.

Then he played the intro to “Don’t Stop Believin’” and had to chastise once again. “See, that’s bullcrap too ... I wish we had a song that started with a piano.”

That was a setup for “Bless the Broken Road,” which sounded enough like those Journey power ballads even

before lead singer Gary LeVox tagged it with a quote from “Open Arms.”

If “mash-up” isn’t the right word, it was certainly “rearrangment” night at the Hard Rock Hotel. Rascal Flatts used its second annual residency at The Joint to put even more distance from its nominal vvdailypress.com

COVER STORY connection to yesterday’s country music.

The Nashville trio blasted through hit after hit until the first third of its show peaked with its signature cover of “Life Is a Highway.” They were only a half-hour in, so what would come next?

An odd but fun game.

You know those radio jingles that can’t get the rights to a hit song so they commission a sound-a-like, changing the chords just enough not to get sued? The Rascals were more forthright about their “Name That Tune” game: starting with Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” but switching into their own hit “Stand” before kicking back over to an official shot of Phil.

Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” set up “Love You

Out Loud,” and Guns N Roses “Sweet Child O’ Mine” found its way into “Here’s to You.” What was all this about? I can only figure that 10 years ago, Rascal Flatts was at the forefront of merging country and pop. But now Taylor Swift and Florida Georgia Line have rearranged the game board, drawing new rules for pop songs that still qualify for country airplay, so the Flatts seem to be moving their pieces over by declaring their catalog up for renegotiation.

Whatever they are up to, it was a fun change of pace for a Las Vegas run, rather than just doing an encore of last summer’s “Riot” tour.

Their nice-guy qualities radiate from the stage, and Las Vegas seems to hold a solid, safe future for them whether

it’s as a “current” or “legacy” act.

Last year, the three official Rascals fronted a backline of four musicians and three female backup singers. The sound was so dense it was sometimes hard to make out the lyrics.

This time, LeVox teased some changes in an advance interview with the R-J’s Dave Herrera: “No one’s ever seen us like this before ... . There’s only two other people (but) the two sound like 10.”

The two turn out to be a conventional kit drummer, Jim Riley, and a utility guy, Casey Brown, on drums, keyboards and sampler, providing a percolating synthesized underscore to “What Hurts the Most.” Flatts guitarist Joe Don Rooney got in on the

act with an extended funky talk-box intro to “Me and My Gang.”

But if you were looking for a banjo in the song of that name, you had to settle for a brief turn on an electric one.

Oh well, the Flatts were never to be mistaken for country purists. Is this Hard Rock stint just a fun, off-tour lark for fans or a declaration of new intents? Time will tell.

Let’s just hope that by blending their own catalog with classics of proven longevity, they can figure out the difference between a formula radio hit such as “My Wish” and those songs by Collins and Journey, which somehow live on past the point when the Next Big Thing bumped them from Top 40 radio.

VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE. Loosen up a little. Come on, take five minutes and read the comics. Comics, recipes, entertainment, crosswords. The Daily Press has the variety. Go ahead, spice it up!

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Cover Story

MUSIC THAT MOVES YOU Rascal Flatts frontman Gary LeVox explains what motivates him as a performer

By Dave Herrera Las Vegas Review-Journal

G

Joe Don Rooney with Rascal Flatts performs during the Kicks 101.5 Country Fair 2015 at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. Photo by Robb D. Cohen/Invision/AP

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ary LeVox wants to move people with his music.

“That’s why I wanted to be a singer,” the big-voiced frontman of Rascal Flatts says. “You get to tell stories through music. And it may be your own story or it may be somebody else’s story or a story that the whole world deals with.”

LeVox has seen just how stirring those stories can be. The singer, born Gary Wayne Vernon Jr., remembers one scene in particular that touched an entire arena.

It was during “Skin,” a song that begins with the lines, “Sarabeth is scared to death / To hear what the doctor will say / She hasn’t been well / Since the day that she fell / And the bruise, it just won’t go away.” From the stage, LeVox says, he noticed a fan upfront wearing a bandanna, and he invited her up, motioning to security to let her pass.

“Obviously I could tell

vvdailypress.com

CoVeR StoRy that she had cancer,” he explains. “So I pulled her up, and she was dancing on stage. Security was holding this guy back. She was on stage, and I was singing to her, and she was singing all the words, and she kept going, ‘That’s my husband.’

He was a big old dude,” LeVox remembers. “So he comes up on stage, and she takes her bandanna off. She didn’t have any hair, and her husband takes his hat off, and it was right where I sing, ‘And they go dancing ‘round and ‘round.’ The whole entire place was in tears. It was just such a beautiful moment captured on stage. He shaved his head for her, and it was just their story.”

There have been many such moving moments involving fans, LeVox says.

Some of them he’s been blessed to be a part of in person, while others have been relayed to him, like the time when Gerry House, a DJ in Nashville, began playing the Rascal Flatts tune “I’m Moving On.” The song wasn’t even intended to be a single, but House played it because his wife loved it, and when he aired it for the first time, it changed the course of one man’s life.

“There was a guy who was driving to work that morning. He was thinking about committing suicide; he was on his way to do it,” LeVox says. “He heard that song and stopped, called the radio station and gave his story of what he was going to do. So that song just saved his life, just because he heard it.”

LeVox says he often thinks about stories like desertdispatch.com

these when he performs. “I love doing ‘Broken Road’ and ‘My Wish,’ and I love ‘Banjo,’ “ he says. “A lot of those songs have been the soundtrack to people’s lives.

Every time I sing ‘Broken Road’ or ‘My Wish,’ I think about a story that I’ve heard. I mean, every night on stage, something pops into my head which fuels me more to sing it with more passion.”

LeVox is a man of faith, and so, the fact that his band’s music has made a difference in people’s lives, well, “that’s kind of our mission field,” he says. “It’s just been … to have that kind of impact on somebody’s life through music is why I always wanted to do it.”

That mission probably came into focus pretty early on for LeVox, who grew up in Ohio singing gospel hymns with his grandfather as a grade-schooler. “ ‘The Old Rugged Cross’ is the first song I ever learned word for word all the way through with my grandpa,” he recalls. “I was 7 or 8 years old.”

Bluegrass, country and pop music played just as big a part in shaping LeVox’s sensibilities, and you can clearly hear the significance of those styles when he sings. But the soulfulness of his delivery — the thing about his vocals that really sells the songs and empowers the words to resonate so profoundly — is clearly rooted in those spirituals.

LeVox’s prowess as a performer, meanwhile, came courtesy of his time on a local karaoke circuit.

SEE MUSIC 8

Friday, March 4, 2016

7

Cover Story

MUSIC

From Page 7

After work, he used to hit up the hotspots around his hometown, where his talent helped him collect cash prizes. “You know it was like a hundred bucks, or two hundred bucks, or something like that a night,” he says. “On Friday or Saturday, man, I’d go try to hit three different places all around Ohio.”

Little did he know back then that some years later folks would be singing his songs at karaoke. And if not for the insistence of his friend Jamie Foxx (yes, that Jamie Foxx), those songs might have sounded quite a bit different.

At some point in the mid-’90s, LeVox was being courted by a major label as a solo artist. The imprint was looking to sign him to a pop deal, and so the singer headed out to the West Coast to meet with them and work on music. Through his manager, who had worked with Foxx, he became friends and roommates with the comedian, who had just landed his own show on the WB. “I moved in with Jamie, and we’d just sit around and make music, and go to ‘The Jamie Foxx Show,’ “ LeVox recalls. “That was our lives. He was learning how to do TV, and I was learning how to do music.”

Actually, it sounds like they worked on that last part together. “He loved to sing,” LeVox says. “His biggest fear was, you know, he was like, ‘Dude, I’m a comedian.’ Everybody knows how musically talented he is now, but he was like, ‘My biggest fear is that people won’t take me seriously as a musician, because I’m a comedian.’

Usually when you break on

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Friday, March 4, 2016

Gary LeVox

to the scene with whatever you’re doing, that’s what they know you as.”

Whatever anxieties he might have had regarding his own aspirations, Foxx was sure not to pass them on to LeVox. In fact, he pushed LeVox to pursue the music he really loved. “He was like, ‘Look, dude, country is your

roots. That’s where you come from,’ ” LeVox says. “He was like, ‘Go do your thing,’ you know. ‘You ought to just do country. Do something that you love.’ ” Not long after, LeVox did just that, answering the call when his cousin Jay DeMarcus encouraged him to move to Nashville, where

the pair ended up forming a band with Joe Don Rooney.

Nine albums later, Rascal Flatts is one of the most popular acts in all of country music. Just before the group begins working in earnest on its new album on the Big Machine imprint, the highly anticipated follow-up to 2014’s “Rewind,” LeVox and compavvdailypress.com

Cover Story ny have returned to town for their second series of shows at the Hard Rock Hotel.

“Man, we are fired up.

We are so pumped up and thrilled to be back. We just loved everything about it,” LeVox says of the first goround last February, sharing what he loved about the first residency and what fans can look forward to during this round of shows.

“We loved getting there and having everything set up, and we enjoyed sleeping in something that wasn’t moving. That was nice. And just the fun, you know? And the Hard Rock did such a good job of promoting it. It was fantastic. It was great. You know, any place you can sit and see and meet people from all over the world, it’s awesome.

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Rascal Flatts performs at the iHeartRadio Country Festival. AP

Friday, March 4, 2016

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kicks!

LOCAL

SIX PICKS:

CHECK OUT THESE LOCAL SPOTS

‘An Evening Affaire’

the Victor Valley Chamber of Commerce presents the 18th annual “An evening Affaire” at the Mall of Victor Valley. the signature event of the year for the Chamber showcases the finest cuisine of the Victor Valley, as well as art, music and wine and beer tasting. twenty-one different food vendors will be on hand, as well as 10 beverage companies, and live entertainment will be provided by the band the Working Poets and local High Desert singer Pegleg Slim. Presented

by Auto Park Valley Center, the private event provides an elegant night out with business associates and friends to network, relax and socialize. When: 7 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Where: the Mall of Victor Valley, 14400 Bear Valley Road, Victorville. Information: 760-245-6506.

Ray Brooks at High Desert Lodge

Songwriter-producerguitarist-vocalist Ray Brooks, a former Grammy nominee who’s still performing on a regular basis some six decades after he first started playing music in his home state of texas, will bring his talents to the High Desert Lodge with his band, Ray Brooks & the Bluzmasters. When: 7 to 11:30 p.m. Sunday.

Where: High Desert Lodge, 13410 Amargosa Road, Victorville. Cost: Free.

Information: Call 760-951-1696 or visit www.hdl107.com.

Big Bear Lake Polar Bear Plunge

Kissed Alive: A tribute to KISS

Kissed Alive brings the full KISS concert experience with costumes, makeup, stage theatrics and 40 years of rock ‘n’ roll. the band honors the legacy of one of the greatest rock bands of all time by performing material from the band’s entire catalog, from the first album to the most recent releases. When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday (doors open at 6:30 p.m.). Where: the Cave, 40789 Village Drive, Big Bear. Cost: tickets are on sale on www.ticketmaster.com. Information: Visit www.thecavebigbear.com or call 909-878-0204.

Live music at D’Vine Wine Bar

D’Vine Wine Bar has live music all weekend long. Classical guitarist Mark Peters will be playing tonight and Sunday, while jack-of-all-trades tim Forsythe, who plays the piano, flute, fiddle and more, will be performing on Saturday. D’Vine Wine Bar has over 75 different wines, as well as beers, microbrews and an expanded menu. When: 7:30 tonight (Mark Peters), 7:30 p.m. Saturday (tim Forsythe), 5:30 p.m. Sunday (Mark Peters). Where: 14845 Monarch Blvd., Victorville. Cost: Admission is free, but there is a two-drink minimum. Information: Visit www.dvinewinebar.net or call 760-843-3888.

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the 5th annual Big Bear Lake Polar Plunge is the closest thing in Southern California that resembles a plunge into the icy lakes of Minnesota or Canada. the event, which features courageous individuals taking a dip into the frigid waters of Big Bear Lake to help raise funds to benefit Special olympic athletes, is a sight to behold. When: Registration begins at 10 a.m.

Saturday, with opening ceremonies scheduled to begin at 11:45 a.m.. Where: Carol Morrison east Public Boat Launch, 41911 north Shore Drive, Big Bear. Cost: the event is free to watch, but anyone looking to take the plunge is asked to raise at least $50 through pledges from family, friends and co-workers. Information: Visit www.sosc.org/bigbearplunge or call 951-703-6502 or email aleffler@sosc.org.

Desert Discovery Center

A public-run community education center that focuses on promoting awareness of desert life to local residents, the Desert Discovery center is home to the famous “old Woman Meteorite.” It aims to develop and implement a comprehensive formal and informal education center with programs focusing on the natural, cultural, and historic resources associated with the Mojave Desert. When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. tuesday through Saturday. Where: 831 Barstow Road, Barstow. Cost: Free. Information: Go to desertdiscoverycenter.com or call 760-252-6060 or email admin@desertdiscoverycenter.com. vvdailypress.com

LoCAL

RIGHTEOUS ROCK

Seventh Day Slumber headlines City RockFest in Victorville on Saturday night

By L.J. Gambone Kicks!

From redemption to riches could easily be the slogan for Seventh Day Slumber’s frontman Joseph Rojas. Before rising to International fame with his Dallas-based Christian rock band, Rojas battled and overcame drug addiction along with a host of other personal demons.

Now, with 15 years of success under his belt, Rojas is touring with Seventh Day Slumber to promote the band’s new CD. Its next stop will be at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the High Desert Event Center, 14800 Seventh St. in Victorville.

The band is part of the City RockFest Tour, which also will feature Christian SEE ROCK 12

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Friday, March 4, 2016

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LOCAL

ROCK

From Page 11

rock groups Disciple, Decyfer Down, Spoken and Children 18:3.

According to Rojas, Seventh Day Slumber’s current set list includes songs from the band’s compelling and candid new CD, “The Anthem of Angels.” “’The Anthem of Angels’ has so many songs you can sing along to,” said Rojas on the band’s website. “You’ll hear catchy melodies and hooks and big riffs. From beginning to end, it’s a full rock worship experience.

“And it’s is one of the most honest records we’ve made.

We’ve opened ourselves up more, and been vulnerable.

On this record, we pull no punches.”

It seems Rojas, who plays guitar, has never pulled any punches when it comes to exposing his past. He said his catalog of self-penned tunes includes unapologetic true confessions of just about every dark and desperate moment in his life.

“If I was depressed, I’d write songs about it, and they were really depressing songs,” said Rojas.

“If I was in pain, hurting, struggling, that’s what you got out of me.

“All the songs I had written prior to becoming a Christian could be called ‘A Decade of Pain.’

“Now, I still write about hurting and how I make mistakes, but I know that God has taken us from nothing and given us hope and life.”

While Rojas has remained clean and sober for quite some time, he admits he still makes mistakes and relies on

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his relationship with Jesus Christ to keep him on the straight and narrow.

He wrote a song titled “One Mistake” for the band’s new CD, which is a candid account about a recent slip up where he let his eyes stray too long on illicit content on the computer.

“I looked at something I shouldn’t have looked at that night and I literally felt sick to my stomach,” Rojas said on the band’s website. “Here I am, lead singer of a Christian rock band, a lot of people look up to me. I felt like I had just made a huge mistake. I could have hidden it, but I know you

cannot hide from God.” Rojas embarked on his professional musical path in the late 1990s when he formed Seventh Day Slumber and started his own Indie label.

He succeeded at booking 30 shows for the band and eventually landed a distribution deal. The ensemble’s first independent release, “Picking up the Pieces,” sold 40,000 copies and helped Seventh Day Slumber garner a national fan base.

In 2005, the group signed a recording contract with Tooth and Nail Records. With the label’s support, Seventh Day Slumber has managed to

score several top 10 singles and become one of the hottest bands on the Christian music circuit. Among its hits are “Caroline” and “Oceans from the Rain,” Along with Rojas, the group’s lineup includes Jeremy Holderfield (guitar), Blaise Rojas (drums) and Ken Reed (bass).

Rojas said beyond Seventh Day Slumber’s hits and accolades, he and his bandmates are most grateful for the saving grace of Jesus Christ and how he has allowed them to touch many lives while following their heart’s desires.

“The stories we hear are amazing,” says Rojas. “Emails vvdailypress.com

LOCAL that say, ‘I was on the verge of pulling the trigger, and I heard your song on the radio, and it gave me hope, and I put the gun down.’

“It’s just crazy to me, that a guy once filled with so much pain and hurt could write songs that touch people’s lives and make them feel like they can go on.”

Learn more about the band at www.seventhdayslumber. com. Tickets to its show in Victorville are $10 general admission, $15 premium seating and $25 VIP, which includes premium seating and a special Q&A session with the bands. To purchase tickets, visit https://ticketriver.com/event/18197.

IF YOU GO: What: City RockFest Who: Seventh Day Slumber, Disciple, Decyfer Down, Spoken

and Children 18:3 When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday Where: High Desert Event Center, 14800 Seventh St., Victorville Cost: Tickets are $10 general admission, $15 premium and $25 VIP Information: Purchase tickets at https://ticketriver.com/ event/18197.

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LOCAL

The Mall of Victor Valley is transformed into “An Evening Affaire” featuring the High Desert’s restaurants, wine vintners, artists and musicians. A previous event paid tribute to local firefighters, policemen, and paramedics who are the first to respond to the scene of dangerous and life-threatening situations. DAILY PRESS FILE PHOTO

A TASTE OF THE HIGH DESERT

Fine cuisine a staple of Sunday’s annual ‘An Evening Affaire’

By Monica Solano Staff Writer

T

he finest cuisines of the High Desert will be showcased at the 18th annual “An Evening Affaire” as participants and guests come together to enjoy a night of fine art, drinks and food.

Presented by Auto Park Valley Center, the Victor

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Valley Chamber of Commerce event will provide an elegant night out at The Mall of Victor Valley for business associates and friends to network, relax and socialize.

The event will feature 21 different vendors from the High Desert, including the new BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, M Cupcakes N Pastries, Itchy Foot

Island Deli and BBQ, Edible Arrangements, El Pescador Seafood and Mexican Grill, Cross Eyed Cow Pizza, Steak’n Shake and more.

“There’s quite the lineup.

Everyone is excited for B.J’s Brewhouse since they’ll be there,” said Lovella Sullivan, co-chair for the event. “This is a wonderful sneak peak for some of the restaurants that

are getting ready to open, as well as to showcase old and new business and talent.”

Along with 10 beverages companies, including Coke, Stella Artois, Oak Hills Brewing Company and Starbucks, Sullivan said the chamber is expecting to see 600 attendees.

Live entertainment will be provided from the band vvdailypress.com

LOCAL The Working Poets and High Desert singer Pegleg Slim.

Eight artists also will be present to demonstrate their artistic skills and show off their work.

Victor Valley Chamber CEO Michelle Spears said it is “a huge social event and a way to show off what the High Desert has to offer and respect all types of cultures.”

“It’s a great way to pull all of the business leaders, employees and everyone together in the High Desert and sample their food,” Sullivan said. “It’s a wonderful way to showcase artists, entertainment and the local talent we have here.”

Each of the vendors attending will have booths spaced out throughout the mall so guests will be able to grab their sample and walk

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around and socialize.

“It’s been a lot of fun and we’re already brainstorming for really great ideas for 2017. I’ve seen some hidden talents in areas I would have

never guessed,” Sullivan said.

“Everything is pretty much portable, all the food samples and cupcakes are my favorite booths.”

The event will be held

from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday at the Mall, 14400 Bear Valley Road in Victorville. For more information, call Tari Blalock at 760-245-6506 or email tblalock@vvchamber.com.

Friday, March 4, 2016

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Date night dining

A night of stargazing, pasta Mama Carpino’s and the Luz Observatory are a winning combination

A

s Friday date nights go, eating pasta under the stars is pretty hard to top. But while I couldn’t deliver that exact combination recently, I came pretty darn close.

Like I mentioned last week, my girlfriend, Theresa, and I are new to the area and looking to pair Kevin Trudgeon quality places to eat with unique forms of entertainment to make our Friday outings in and around the High Desert as memorable as possible.

So when we learned of the public viewing nights at the Luz Observatory at the Lewis Center for Educational Research in Apple Valley, located just a few miles from the highly regarded Italian restaurant Mama Carpino’s, we knew we’d found a winning combination.

For all the negative stereotypes about living in the desert, one thing people down the hill can’t even begin to comprehend is the view of the desert sky on a cloudless night.

And if you think the stars and the moon are bright when seen with the naked eye, just wait until you get a look through a 14-inch Celestron Schmidt On a menu filled with delectable dishes, Mama’s Bowtie Special, which features bowtie pasta, garlic-herb Cassegrain telescope. cheese and mushrooms in a hearty cream sauce, stands out. Kevin Trudgeon, Kicks!

With the help of a couple members of the High Desert It didn’t matter if it was the scope’s lens –­­ “Oh wow!” fellow stargazers, so we figAstronomical Society, Theresa 5-year-old who had to be lifted We could have easily spent ured it was time to eat. and I, along with another cou- up in order to look through the entirety of our evening And we knew just the place ple and two families, got an the telescope or the grandpa at the observatory, but after to go to satisfy our hunger up-close-and-personal view of who was doing the lifting, each awhile the rumbling noises pains. the moon, Jupiter, and a series person had the same reaction coming from our stomachs Though our time living in of far-away stars. when their eye met the tele- were beginning to scare our the area has been short – only

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Friday, March 4, 2016

vvdailypress.com

Date night dining a few months – the number of people recommending Mama Carpino’s as one of the best places around has been staggering.

Which is why we decided to throw the cautionary tales of how long it can take to get a table on a Friday night out the window and put our hungry hopes in the hands of a restaurant many claim is tops in the High Desert.

Spoiler alert: We had to wait almost an hour to get seated.

Second spoiler alert: It was so very, very worth it.

An interestingly placed bar near the back of the restaurant helped us pass the time while we waited for our name to be called. We sipped our drinks – a Mission Hefeweizen beer for me and a glass of pinot noir for Theresa – and commented on the dishes being carried out of the kitchen by the servers.

About the time we began hatching a plan to grab an entrée off a tray as it passed by, our name was called and we were taken to our table.

Now most restaurants will bring bread to your table, so we knew we’d have something to tide us over while we perused the menu. What we didn’t anticipate was how good the bread was going to be.

Packed with Italian seasoning and the perfect blend of thickness and softness, the bread paired perfectly with the right mixture of oil, vinegar and a little parmesan cheese. We munched away contently as we took in a menu that featured everything an Italian lover could dream of.

The appetizers and salads options were plentiful, and the pasta plates were as diverse as they were divine. If there desertdispatch.com

Above: Located at 22010 Highway 18 in Apple Valley, Mama Carpino’s is regarded as one of the best Italian restaurants in the High Desert. Its popularity leaves many hungry patrons more than willing to wait up to hour just to get a table on a Friday night.

Left: No matter if it comes covered in a creamy white sauce or a meaty marinara, the cannellonis pack a punch, delivering savory goodness with each bite.

was an Italian dish we desired, they had it.

In the end we settled on an order of the fried calamari appetizer and Theresa selected the chicken and spinach cannellonis, topped with sauteed mushrooms, onions and spinach in a white wine sauce, while I picked Mama’s Bowtie Special, with garlicherb cheese and mushrooms in a cream sauce.

The calamari came out first with a huge helping of the lightly battered fried squid accompanied by a bowl of marinara sauce and a couple lemon wedges. Salty to the taste and crunch to the bite, they didn’t last long before our hungry eyes.

After a helping of corn chowder (for me) and a house salad (for Theresa), which

came with our entrée orders, the pasta dishes were brought out. And much to our delight, there was no worry about not having enough.

Both of our plates were overflowing with our selections that looked every bit as good as they tasted.

The pasta was perfectly cooked and the sauces accentuated the ingredients they covered, with Theresa’s cannelloni, stuffed with chicken and spinach, pairing well with the white wine sauce and my bowtie pasta and mushrooms sopping up the cheesy, cream white sauce that filled my plate.

Both ended up being too much for either of us to conquer in one sitting, not that we didn’t try, but the thought of having a second go-around

with our dishes the next day was simply something extra to looking forward to.

All told our meal ended up costing $53, which isn’t bad when you consider the fact that we got an appetizer and enjoyed the kind of quality food you could easily pay twice as much for at other restaurants.

As we walked outside, we couldn’t help but gaze up at the night sky. Delicious pasta and stars as far as you could see. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Kevin Trudgeon writes Date Night Dining, a weekly column that focuses on restaurants and entertainment options for Friday nights in and around the High Desert. Have a suggestion for a place or event to try? Send him an email at KTrudgeon@ VVDailyPress.com or call him at 760-955-5358.

Friday, March 4, 2016

17

Movie Review

Hard Landing for the Eagle True story of Olympic ski jumper Eddie Edwards doesn’t quite soar

By Ed Symkus More Content Now

T

here are a couple of reasons you never heard of Eddie Edwards: You don’t watch Winter Olympics ski jumping (at least you didn’t in 1988) and you’re not British. Edwards, who earned the nickname “The Eagle” due to his celebratory antics at the ’88 Olympics in Calgary, was a national hero in his hometown of Cheltenham, England. He didn’t win at the Games that year; in fact, he came in flatout last. But he was the only person on the British ski jumping “team,” so as long as he landed on his feet after soaring through the air, whatever he did was worthy of festivities back home.

The film, yet another inspirational true story of an underdog striving for success, presents its subject as a wonderfully nice fellow whose whole life seems to have been centered around getting over hurdles put in front of him.

A quick Google search reveals that the script has taken more than a few liberties with the truth, so whether or not it’s an important factor, it’s hard to tell if much of what happens on the screen happened in real life.

Was Edwards partially crippled by bad knees as a young boy? Sorry, couldn’t find that answer.

Was he taken under the wing of a bad boy ski jumper and coached to the point where he could compete in the Olympics? Ah, that was easier to come by. No, Bronson Peary, the quietly swaggering, hard-

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Friday, March 4, 2016

Confident Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman) and worried Eddie Edwards (Taron Egerton) prepare for a practice jump. 20th Century Fox.

drinking American former ski jumper who Eddie meets in Germany (in the film) didn’t exist. But, hey, when you get Hugh Jackman to play the part, whether he was real or not, it’s going to help your film get seen.

The Eddie Edwards we meet in the early parts of the film is a young lad wearing a leg brace, who is enamored by the idea of playing a sport. His total lack of athleticism, even after the brace comes off, leads to some sweetly funny scenes that initially show him to be full of ambition, but later get around to the harsh realities of his situation when his frustrated dad says to him, “Eddie, you are not an athlete.”

But he discovers downhill skiing, and his determination

grows, as does his inherent klutziness. Hold on, thinks Eddie, in 1987. The Calgary Winter Games are next year, what about ski jumping? Maybe I could compete in that? If nothing else, Eddie Edwards is presented as one of the most optimistic characters ever seen in a sports movie.

Played by Taron Egerton, who last year starred in “Kingsman: The Secret Service” and had a solid supporting role in “Legend,” Eddie will be found by some viewers, just as the filmmakers hoped, to be a great role model for young kids watching this (although the character is 22 years old and supposedly way past the age ski jumpers should start their training).

But older audience members might think that Egerton and his actor-turned-director Dexter Fletcher have erred in the way Eddie is presented.

It’s great to see a nevergive-up attitude in a lead character, but this Eddie is at times almost insufferable in his positiveness. After so many examples of him literally jumping up after falling down, you want to yell out to him to stay down one time.

But the film churns on, telling a story that, while partially made up, still feels for the most part believable, and the character’s boundless charm eventually outweighs his annoying side. It’s also that rare example of a film that uses far too much slow motion, but does so to good purpose. vvdailypress.com

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Friday, March 4, 2016

19

Music

The von Trapps. Submitted photos

VON TRAPP

FAMILY TRADITION Great-grandchildren of couple portrayed in ‘Sound of Music’ making their own name as performers

By L.J. Gambone Kicks!

F

ilm lovers would probably agree that one of the world’s most favorite flicks is the time-honored classic “The Sound of Music.”

The film, which follows the adventures of the real-life von Trapp Family Singers, quickly broke box-office records

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in 29 countries when it was released on March 2, 1965.

Over the years, it has earned over $2.366 billion and has gone down in history as the fifth highest grossing film of all time.

In addition, “The Sound of Music” was the recipient of five Academy Awards, and the American Film Institute (AFI) listed it in 1998 as the 55th greatest American

movie of all time.

Considering its success, it’s no wonder today’s incarnation of the von Trapp Family Singers, known simply as The von Trapps, is embraced by fans around the world.

The group’s members are the grandchildren of Werner Ritter von Trapp, who was portrayed as the character Kurt in “The Sound of Music.”

They also are the greatgrandchildren of the Captain and Maria von Trapp, portrayed in “The Sound of Music” by Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews.

According to von Trapps member Sofia, she and her siblings never planned on following a musical path. It all began quite unexpectedly 15 years ago when Sofia, now 27, Melanie, 26, Amanda, 24, and vvdailypress.com

Music August, 21, decided to make a homemade recording of Austrian folk songs for their ill grandfather.

“Our grandfather was very ill and we knew how much he loved to listen to Austrian folk music,” said Sofia, who will perform with her siblings at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center and at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Haugh Performing Arts Center at Citrus College in Glendora. “My sisters and brother and I just wanted to make him feel better, so we thought we would record some of his favorite songs and surprise him.

“Next thing you know, things took off for us, which is something none of us ever anticipated. We’ve been touring ever since.”

The von Trapps’ happy accident occurred in 2001.

When word began to spread about their self-produced recording, Sofia said music executives came calling.

O ve r t h e ye a rs , t h e ensemble has performed everywhere from Beijing’s Forbidden City to the Sydney Opera House in Australia.

They also have played with symphony orchestras, appeared on “Oprah” and recorded with artists such as Wayne Newton and Rufus Wainwright.

Additionally, the von Trapps have frequently performed with the pop group Pink Martini and collaborated with the band on its eighth studio album,” Dream a Little Dream.” The CD, which was released in the spring of 2014, has sold over 20,000 copies in the U.S. to date.

According to Sofia, the von Trapps’ music is an eclectic mix of traditional folk, classical indie and pop. The group released its debut CD, “Dancing in Gold,” last April. desertdispatch.com

It was produced by Israel Nebeker, the lead singer and songwriter of Blind Pilot.

“The von Trapps’ sound is an open collage, unafraid of combining disparate style and sentiment,” said Nebeker.

“Most importantly to me, it communicates honestly and is sung from the heart.”

Sofia said she and her sib-

lings’ most heartfelt desire is to keep on writing, recording, touring and polishing their craft. Beyond that, they all hope to continue carrying on the family’s incredible musical legacy, which seems to be every bit as impactful today as when it first began.

“It has been so rewarding to be out there spreading the kind of hope and joy that our

great grandparents did,” said Sofia, who grew up with her siblings on a farm in Montana.

“And along with entertaining the fans, we want people to leave our shows feeling uplifted by what they’ve heard.

“We are so fortunate to be a part of something that has brought happiness to every corner of the earth and it’s a beautiful thing to see, for sure.”

The Lancaster Performing Arts Center is at 750 W. Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster.

Tickets range from $15 to $26. To reserve seats, visit http://www.lpac.org/event. php?id=1431#shows.

The Haugh Performing Arts Center is at 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora.

Tickets range from $15 to $34. To purchase tickets, visit www.haughpac.com.

Friday, March 4, 2016

21

Music

GRIFFIN HOUSE

Singer/songwriter transports listeners with his new album, ‘So On And So Forth’

I

t’s easy to let go of inhibitions when you have Griffin House’s new album to listen to. It makes it even easier when you find out his new a l b u m’s title was inspired by his grandfaPatricia Sanchez ther.

T h e singer/songwriter’s latest album, “So On And So Forth,” is a lovely reminder that good music has a transporting quality. It’s a simple, reflective piece of work that takes the listener on a pleasant journey.

House is an indie/folk musician who resides in Nashville, Tennessee. His mix of folk, blues and country influences make for a unique sound that is ever present in his new album.

House opens his album with a questioning song of yesterday. “Yesterday Lies,” a thoughtful and modest song, transports the listener from qualms of the past to embracing the future. He reminds us that sometimes the past can be deceitful, and looking too much into how things used to be distracts you from present and future joy.

“You might get me once but you won’t get the rest

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Friday, March 4, 2016

of me/I’m looking in front of me/Yesterday lies/I’m looking in front of me.”

The next few tracks muse over love, life and getting past internal fears.

House asks himself questions about his actions and the time he’s spent looking for a sense of peace.

In House’s fifth track, he steps outside of himself to address a recent international tragedy. “Paris Calling (Sweet Sensation)” pays homage to the beauty

of Paris. House extends his arm to the city and reminds us that despite tragedies, the city is still full of wonderment and hospitality.

“It’s a healing song,” House noted during a recent performance in Los Angeles.

Halfway through the album, House slows down even more to reflect on his journey thus far with “Further,” a song that makes you realize no matter how you far you trav-

el, there are still things to learn. He sings, “The further that I go/The more I see/The less I know.”

In “Easy Come Easy Go,” House lets us know that life isn’t always so easy, but perhaps it’s better that way.

There are no shortcuts in life, and taking the longer, harder route makes the happy moments worth it.

In his last track, House leaves us with a somber tale about lost love. “Omaha” is a soulful and honest song about heartache. Guitar riffs, an echoing harmonica and House’s soft vocals distill every ounce of pain felt when you long for someone you can’t have.

The 12-track album is never difficult to listen to, and each song washes over you like the calmest waves.

“So On And So Forth” paints beautiful pictures of life from love, loss and acceptance. It’s a journey in itself and lets us know there is no formula to life, but if we keep looking forward and are resilient enough, we can find beauty in every experience.

“So On And So Forth” debuted March 4 and is available on iTunes. To listen to more of Griffin House’s music, visit his website at griffinhouse music.com.

vvdailypress.com

kicks!

SOCAL

SIX PICKS:

CHECK OUT THESE SPOTS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

“Memphis”

Set in 1950s Memphis, tennessee, the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll, “Memphis” tells the story of Huey Calhoun, a R&B DJ, and Felicia Farrell, an up-and-coming singer. Featuring an original score, the story follows the two through their affair as they struggle with success and a world that cannot accept their love. When: 7:30 tonight, 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Where: Center Stage theater, 8463 Sierra Avenue, Fontana. Cost: $25 - $45. Information: Call 909-4297469.

The von Trapps

If the name sounds familiar, think “the Sound of Music.” yes, the legacy of the famed Austrian family that escaped the nazis continues with siblings Sofia, Melanie, Amanda and August -- the great grandchildren of Captain and Maria von trapp. the four have been touring the world for the past 12 years, singing favorites from the movie as well as from their five critically acclaimed albums.

It promises to be an unforgettable musical evening. When: 8 p.m. Saturday. Where: Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 W. Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster. Cost: $15 youth, $21 balcony, $23.40 seniors, $26 orchestra. Information: Call 661-7235950 or visit www.lpac.org

MAVTV King of the Cage

David Crosby

the former member of the Byrds and Crosby, Stills and nash visits orange County for one night and has a wealth of material from which to choose. the two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member was one of the architects of the California folk-rock sound in the 1960s and ‘70s. He continues to be a social justice activist. When: 8 p.m. Saturday. Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Cost: tickets start at $39. Information: Call 714-556-2787 or visit www.scfta.org

Pomona Swap Meet and Classic Car Show

Fairplex will be holding a Classic Car Show in which hundreds of original and restored classics will be on display. the event also will include vendors selling classic car parts and accessories. When: 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Where: Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona. Cost: General admission is $10, children 12 and under are admitted free. Parking is $10 at Gate 17 on Fairplex Drive. Information: Call 714-538-7091.

desertdispatch.com

King of the Cage presents an evening of Mixed Martial Arts that will include four championship bouts and numerous other non-title fights, all televised live on MAVtV. the main event will be for the vacant, 160pound Junior Welterweight World title. Chris “Crash” Kirtley from Murrieta will put his title on the line against thor “tnt” Skancke from San Fernando. Current 170-pound champion Jesse Juarez from Lomita will defend his title against Sam Liera from Stanton, while Daniel “Blackout” Madrid from Glendale, Arizona will defend his middleweight belt against Daniel “el Leon” Hernandez from el Monte. the other title fight is for the women’s Strawweight belt and will be a rematch between champion Jamie Collen of Philadelphia and Danielle taylor of Palmdale. When: 6 p.m. Saturday (doors open at 4:30 p.m.). Where: Citizens Business Bank Arena, 4000 e. ontario Center Parkway, ontario. Cost: Reserved tickets are $50 (plus fees). Parking is $10 cash. Information: Call 909-244-5510 or visit www.cbbankarena.com

Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival

Friends of the Desert Mountains presents a Festival all about flowers of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains national Monument. Activities will include wildflower viewing, a 5k trail run, mountain biking, educational hikes, vendors, exhibits, and music at the wine and beer garden.

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Where: Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains national Monument Visitor Center in Palm Desert, off Highway 74. Cost: Free. Information: Call 760862-9984 or visit desertmountains.org.

Friday, March 4, 2016

23

SoCAL

Planes of Fame museum staff prepare one of their planes for flight. The museum will be featuring the P-47 in Saturday’s program. FILE PHOTO, Kicks!

WORLD WAR II

FLYING HISToRY

Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino salutes the ‘Greatest Generation’

By Jeff Cooper Staff Writer

I

n the twilight hours of Jan. 1, 1945, First Lieutenant Ed Lopez flew his P-47 Thunderbolt deep into Germany on a dangerous, classified combat mission. Now 92, he recalled some of the mission

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Friday, March 4, 2016

during a phone interview with Kicks! as he prepared for a presentation this weekend.

Once a life-or-death situation, his exploits during the war are now anecdotal, stories that he and three other Thunderbolt pilots will share at the Living History Flying

Day at the Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino.

On that fateful winter morning, Lopez received damage to his plane and was forced to turn around and head back to the base. But the base no longer existed. The Germans had bombed it, engulfing grounded planes and surrounding

buildings in flames.

Lopez couldn’t land. The surviving Americans on the ground, their vision obscured by heavy smoke, mistook Lopez’s plane for a German plane. They focused their machine guns’ sights on his plane to shoot him down.

He survived to tell the stovvdailypress.com

SoCAL ry.

He’ll provide the conclusion to his tale this Saturday.

The event will begin at 10 a.m. and is open to the public. The other speakers are Tom Glenn, Martin Jackson and Joseph G. Preston, all former pilots of the P-47 Thunderbolt, the most famous plane of the U.S. during the aircraft’s brief but poignant history during World War II. Glenn is a USAAF captain (retired) who served in the U.S. Army as a 9th Tactical Air Force Fighter Pilot in World War II. He has since published a book entitled “P47 Pilots: The Fighter-Bomber Boys” that also describes his combat experiences in German airspace and the South Pacific. He said Saturday’s event is a prime opportunity to tell visitors that there was a distinction between the Americans fighting in both locations.

“It’s a chance to tell people how we fought in the South Pacific as opposed to how we fought in Europe,” Glenn said. “It was a completely different war in the South Pacific. We were on the move most of the time in tents and sometimes we didn’t even have those; I slept on taxi ways and on wings of airplanes and in foxholes. We had a lot of accidents because of the poor flying conditions at the airports.”

The single prop P-47 was the largest and heaviest plane to be powered by a single engine during the war. The combat pilots nicknamed the plane Jugs.

“The other three guys will probably tell you about personal missions,” Glenn said.

“We would have three misdesertdispatch.com

sions: escort, supporting ground troops, and the other is where we would just look for Germans. (At one point) the French Government gave me a Legion of Honor medal.

To the French people, they were grateful that we saved their lives. To me it was just another mission.”

Glenn told Kicks! that the most ominous feeling about being in the war was the reality of climbing into a cockpit and knowing that your chances of returning home lessened with each mission.

“We were always on the verge of not coming back,” Glenn said. “But you could not let fear get into your mind, It happened to me twice. I told myself to get in the fight or die, kicked that fear out of your mind or die.

“I always figured that I would survive; you train for it. We had excellent training. Each time you flew, your chances of surviving is lessened, but we still climbed into that cockpit.”

Lopez flew over 100 missions in the Thunderbolt.

“The experience I had in flying the Thunderbolt (was extensive),” Lopez said. “It’s the heaviest and biggest, a clumsy airplane. But easy to fly, especially on landing.”

“Buzz” Jackson was in college when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. A year later he was flying over Germany and the South Pacific.

Jackson said that he survived more than just the deadly air combat. He wrote in his bio that there were three mortal dangers in the South Seas: Japanese antiaircraft fire, taking off in a aircraft loaded with napalm and gas tanks on its wings,

and tropical illnesses endemic to the region.

Jackson flew 72 combat missions during World War II, most of them as a fighter bomber. After the war, Jackson went back to Chicago and earned a law degree. He then moved to L.A. and spent 30 years as a trial lawyer.

Preston, a USAF lieutenant (ret.), also will be speaking as a World War II veteran P-47 pilot. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943 and after about his 30th mission Preston’s plane was hit,

causing the tail to catch fire, forcing him to belly-land.

Preston made it home that time, but was later shot down and captured by the Germans. He was held as a prisoner before being freed

by General George Patton’s Army at the end of the war.

After they speak, the same panel with host a questionand-answer period. At noon, a flight demonstration of the P-47 is expected.

The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt also will be on display.

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25

SoCAL

Jimmy Saiz and Krystle Simmons star together in “Memphis,” a musical running through Sunday at Tibbies Center Stage Theater in Fontana. Photo

by Mike Meyers, courtesy of Stargazer productions.

turning up the heat ‘Memphis’ still about breaking down racial barriers

By Jeff Cooper Staff Writer

“M

emphis,” a 2010 Tony Award winner for Best Musical, is finishing its limited engagement this weekend in Tibbies Center Stage Theater in Fontana.

Directed by Brian Thomas Barnhart, the production tells

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Friday, March 4, 2016

the fictional story of when “black music” found a home in segregated 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, championed

by Huey Calhoun, a white DJ who falls in love not only with the Rhythm and Blues sound but also a girl, Felicia, an upand-coming black singer at a nightclub.

The show ran on Broadway from Oct. 19, 2009 to Aug.

5, 2012, winning four Tony awards, including best musical.

“It does have a ‘Romeo and Juliet’ kind of feel where the protagonist falls in love with one of the black singers at the club,” Barnhart said. “They have to keep the relationship quiet.”

The love affair drives part of the story, tackling topics

such as racial tolerance and aggression. But the caveat, according to Barnhart, is that music has the power to bridge the racial divide.

“It’s really about breaking down those molds that they had to live by back then,” Barnhart said. “it’s really the music that ties everyone together and brings everyone together, (making it) a really a vvdailypress.com

SoCAL good show in this day and age to see.”

“Memphis” is by David Bryan (music and lyrics) and Joe DiPietro (lyrics and book) and is based on Memphis disc jockey Dewey Phillips, who was actually one of the first DJs to play “race music” in the ‘50s.

Segregation history adds to the danger of the story, for Memphis was a hotbed for the bloody civil rights movement in the 1950s and ‘60s and was the city where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.

“The whole story takes place in Memphis, Tennessee, where strict segregation laws (prevailed),” Barnhart said.

“So what (Calhoun) did was ground breaking and dangerous at the same time.”

The show was one that had been on Barnhart’s mind for some time.

“We pick the shows kind of ‘Pull from in hat’ but ‘Memphis’ is a show that we wanted to do for a long time,” Barnhart said. “Luckily, the rights were available.”

Luck was also in Barnhart’s favor for he was able to acquire the talents of musical director and choreographer Jill Morrison, an original Broadway cast member.

“Morrison was actually a dancer on the show on Broadway,” Barnhart said. “She did live ‘Memphis’ for five years.

As far as the music goes and the dancing, she knew what needed to be done to really make it a great show.”

Morrison’s intimate knowledge of the show helped Barnhart bring out the best in each performer and dance number, which aided in effectively delivering the central message of the show – love and tolerance.

“This is one of the shows desertdispatch.com

Above: Dancers perform a musical number in “Memphis,” a musical running through Sunday at Tibbies Center Stage Theater in Fontana. Photo by Mike Meyers, courtesy of Stargazer productions.

Left: Jimmy Saiz and Krystle Simmons share an intimate moment in “Memphis,” which finishes its limited run this weekend at Tibbies Center Stage Theater in Fontana. Photo by Mike Meyers, courtesy of Stargazer productions.

that I can say that we had a fantastic cast and that they did most of the work,” Barnhart said. “I was just there making sure they are being steered in the right direction. Ninety percent of my job is to make sure that the right people are doing the right parts and make sure they are there on stage at the right time.”

The message is topical, mirroring some present day attitudes about race in social media and in the news.

“There is no doubt that

when you turn on the news, there is some sort of agenda,” Barnhart said. “We are constantly getting bombarded with race-related stuff. This show to me is one of those shows that I wish we all could be behaving like the people in the show behave.”

The show portrays the characters knowing that they are different while the music brings them together. Ultimately, they understand that they are all really alike, not different.

“That’s the kind of message that I am realty happy that this show has to offer, because when you turn on the news, you’re not going to get that.

That’s one of the messages I get from this show, but not in a preachy way. It’s just a great show.”

IF YOU GO What: “Memphis” When: 7:30 tonight, 7 p.m.

Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday Where: Tibbies Center Stage Theater, 8463 Sierra Ave, Fontana Cost: Tickets are $51.80 to $71 and include dinner Information: Call the box office at 909-429-SHOW (7469) Friday, March 4, 2016

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kicks!

ON THE HORIZON: SoCAL

MARCH 9 An Evening with Natalie Merchant

Where: the orpheum, 842 S. Broadway, Los Angeles. When: 8 p.m. Cost: tickets are $4590.

MARCH 10 Tchaikovsky’s Fifth

tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony culminates in a triumphant final movement. It is led by Manuel López-Gómez, one of the most exciting talents to emerge from Venezuela’s internationally renowned “el Sistema” music program.”

Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. When: 8 p.m.

Cost: tickets are $25, Information: 714-5562787, (through March 12)

MARCH 11 Jose Gonzalez

Bringing together folk, rock, and world-wide music traditions, Jose Gonzalez performs songs that are powerful, haunting, and intimate accompanied by his classically-inspired guitar playing.

Where: Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. When: 8 p.m. Cost: tickets range from $53-87. Information: Call 714-8051500 or visit www.scfta.org (also on March 12)

CHON, Polyphia, Strawberry Girls, Iris

Progressive Rock comes together as CHon’s prog-rock and jazz-inspired songs and Polyphia’s blast beats and guitar shreds are put on display for the enjoyment of the crowd. they will be joined by guitar-drum duo Strawberry Girls and the blues-rock band Iris, who bring their big-hearted sound. Where: the Glass House, 200 W. Second St., Pomona.

When: 7:30 p.m. Cost: tickets range from $14 - $17. Information: Visit www.dola.com

Strangers You Know

Where: the Roxy theater, 9009 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. When: Doors open at 8 p.m., show starts at 8:30 p.m. Cost: $15. this event is all ages.

MARCH 12 American Youth Symphony

A symphony orchestra and a children’s chorus comes together to perform a large-scale work by tan Dun. Commissioned to celebrate the

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reunification of Hong Kong and China, the symphony’s three movements explores the traditional past of the Chinese people, the equilibrium between nature and the elements, and the commemoration of those who fought and suffered in war. Where: Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave, Los Angeles. When: 2 p.m.

Cost: tickets range from $20-50. Information: Visit www.laphil.com

5th and Birmingham

In a musical era of unoriginality, 5th & Birmingham is truly a breath of fresh air. With bold lyrics and music, 5th blends rock and traditional country sounds to produce music that will keep your toes tapping and your fingers snapping. Where: Pappy + Harriet’s, 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown. When: 8 p.m.

Cost: Free. Information: 760-365-5956

Silverstein with Being as an Ocean, Emarosa, Coldrain, and Rarity

Melodic punk comes to the Fonda in the form of Silverstein, a band whose aggressive sound has remained a constant feature over their past 15 years. this commitment to their sound, while constantly innovating, has brought them from basements and community centers to main stages and global festivals. Where: the Fonda theatre, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. When: 6:40 p.m. Cost: tickets range from $19-$23. Information: Call 323-464-6269 or visit www.fondatheatre.com

Symphony in Space

the Pacific Symphony youth orchestra will be performing Holst’s “the Planets” as well as selections from “Star Wars” as real footage from nASA takes you on a journey through our solar system. this concert is meant for kids ages 5-11. Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

When: 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Cost: $15.

Information: Call 714-556-2787 or visit www. scfta.com

Kristin Chenoweth

the Broadway and tV actress will be performing a collection of beloved songs from stage, film, and her debut live album, “Coming Home.” Accompanied by a 5-piece rhythm section, be blown away by this emmy and tonywinning actress. Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

When: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $39. Information: Call 714-556-2787 or visit www.scfta.org

Skaterade 2016 Tour

Where: the Roxy, 9009 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. When: Doors open at 5 p.m., show starts at 6:15 p.m. $20-$70.

“Forbidden Broadway”

Where: Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside. When: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Cost: $28.50-$38.50. Information: 951-779-9800.

MARCH 13 Peter Frampton

Frampton comes alive in a rare acoustic show.

Where: Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside. When: 6 p.m.

Cost: $35-$155. Information: 951-779-9800.

Cochon555

this event is meant to unite consumers with local farmers, renowned chefs, prominent winemakers, restauranteurs, craft brewers and distillers and to promote socially responsible farming. the main event features five chefs cooking five heritage breed pigs in a friendly competition. Where: Viceroy Santa Monica, 1819 ocean Ave., Santa Monica. When: 4 p.m.

VIP, 5 p.m. General admission. Cost: $130258. Information: Visit www.cochon555.com

Born of Osiris, Veil of Maya, AFTER THE BURIAL, Erra, Bad Omens

Where: the Glass House, 200 W. Second St., Pomona, When: 7 p.m. Cost: $18-$20.

Andrea Gibson with SOAK

the first winner of the Women’s World Poetry Slam, Gibson has headlined prestigious performance venues coast to coast with powerful readings on war, class, gender, bullying, white privilege, sexuality, love, and spirituality.

Where: the Fonda theatre, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. When: 8 p.m. Cost: $20.

Mel Brooks Back in the Saddle Again!

“the incomparable Mel Brooks provides an exclusive, inside look at his storied career, and the making of the legendary and groundbreaking movie “Blazing Saddles.” this outrageous masterpiece, considered one of the top comedy films of all time, will be presented on the big screen followed by a live conversation and audience Q&A with Brooks. Segerstrom Center for the Arts 600 town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. When: 3 p.m. Cost: $49. Information: 714-556-2787. vvdailypress.com

kicks!

VEGAS

SIX PICKS:

CAN’T-MISS SHOWS AND EVENTS IN LAS VEGAS

Rascal Flatts

the country super group (“Life is a Highway,” “Bless the Broken Road”) finishes its limited engagement Rhythm & Roots shows at the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. the opening act is Barrett Baber. When: 8 tonight and 8 p.m.

Saturday (doors open at 7 p.m.). Where: the Joint, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Cost: tickets range from $39.95 to $250. Information: Call 702-693-5222 or visit www.hardrockhotel.com

Ron White

the heralded comedian returns to the terry Fator theater at the Mirage with his Ron White for President (Vote smart!

Because you can’t fix stupid) show. When: 10 tonight and 10 p.m. Saturday. Where: terry Fator theater at the Mirage, 3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Cost: tickets range from $70 to $95 (VIP packages available for additional cost).

Information: Call 702-792-7777 or visit www.mirage.com

NASCAR Weekend

USA Sevens Rugby Tournament

Sixteen of the world’s best rugby teams are split into four pools for this threeday tournament at Sam Boyd Stadium. the Las Vegas Invitational, a major amateur competition, is being held concurrently. When: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. today, 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 10:20 a.m. to 4:05 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Sam Boyd Stadium, 7000 e. Russell Road. Cost: tickets range from $30 to $198 (youth tickets start at $15), but Club Gold and Premier Lounge tickets are considerably more. Information: Visit www.usasevens.com

Steve Martin and Martin Short

Comedic legends Steve Martin and Martin Short return to Caesar’s Palace for “An evening you Will Forget for the Rest of your Life.” Also performing will be the Steep Canyon Rangers. When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday (doors open at 6:30 p.m.). Where: the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, 3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Cost: tickets range from $49.50 to $179.50 (under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Information: Call 877-4277243 or visit www.caesars.com

desertdispatch.com

the Kobalt 400 highlights a weekend of racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway that starts with the Boyd Gaming 300 on Saturday afternoon. All of the nation’s best Sprint Cup drivers will be in town to race and there are multiple packages available to enjoy the action.

When: Boyd Gaming 300 at 1 p.m. Saturday; Kobalt 400 at 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Where: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 7000 n. Las Vegas Blvd. Cost: tickets range from $89 to $245. Information: Call 800-644-4444 or visit www.nascar. com

UFC 196

What was supposed to be a lightweight title fight between Ireland’s Conor McGregor and Brazil’s Rafael Dos Anjos has been changed to a welterweight non-title bout between McGregor (19-2) and nate Diaz after Dos Anjos was injured in training.

McGregor moves up two weight classes for this contest.

When: Featured fight at 7 p.m. Saturday (card starts at 3:30 p.m.). Where: MGM Grand Garden Arena, 3799 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Cost: tickets range from $200 to $955 and more. Information: Call 877-880-0880 or visit www. mgmgrand.com Friday, March 4, 2016

29

Vegas

Hugo’s Cellar. Submitted Photo

A taste of ‘old Las Vegas’ Hugo’s Cellar in the Four Queens is a must for that special occasion

T

here isn’t a lot of what I would consider “old” Las Vegas left anymore. Gone are many of the hotels and casinos from Vegas’ glory days of the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s.

The StarSteve Hunt, dust, the Kicks!

Hacienda, the Frontier, the Desert Inn, the Sahara and the Riviera are just memories now, replaced by massive towers on a Las Vegas Boulevard skyline that is truly impressive.

But every once in a while you can still stumble onto a place that features that old Vegas charm, that will take you back to the Rat Pack days, when

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Friday, March 4, 2016

Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop ruled Las Vegas entertainment.

One such place is Hugo’s Cellar, an exquisite restaurant found in the Four Queens Hotel-Casino in downtown Las Vegas.

Aptly named because you must go downstairs to find it, Hugo’s Cellar has been voted the Best Gourmet Room in Las Vegas for five straight years by readers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Wine Spectator has bestowed its Award of Excellence on Hugo’s since 1993.

Hugo’s Cellar exudes old Vegas charm, from the brick walls to the dark lighting to the special touches: Roses for the ladies upon entering and salads made to order at your

table.

The staff fusses over you like you’d expect at a 5-star restaurant, and the food is simply to die for. Entrees include filet mignon, ribeye steak, prime rib, veal oscar and marsala, rack of lamb, beef Wellington, raspberry chicken, Chateaubriand and lobster for two, salmon, sea bass, shrimp scampi and Alaskan king crab legs, among others.

This is not the restaurant to try if you’re on a budget, but if you’re more interested in the food and experience than the price, you simply have to try Hugo’s Cellar. Believe me, it will become a must for special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays or Valentine’s Day. Entrees range from $42 to $67, though some of the fish is market price and the Chateau-

briand and lobster for two will set you back $175.

Bottled water, assorted bread, cheese-toasted lavosh and the table-side salad are included with your entree, but you will want to save room and money to try some of their wonderful appetizers and desserts.

If you really want to have a good time and great food in Las Vegas, be sure to make a reservation for Hugo’s. You don’t have to dress up, but it’s much more fun if you do. And I recommend playing some Sinatra music on the drive over, just to get you in the mood for a night and a meal you won’t soon forget.

For reservations, call 702-385-4011 or book online at www.hugoscellar.com vvdailypress.com

Vegas

Humor with a beat Recycled Percussion pushes into more visual comedy

By Mike Weatherford Las Vegas Review-Journal

N

ow they’re talkin’!

Well, at least a little.

But after five years in town, Recycled Percussion finally became a show that’s not about drumming, but about the guys who wield the sticks.

When the two longest-tenured members, Justin Spencer and Ryan Vezina, divide the audience in half and compete for our affections, it soon shifts from who can lay down the fastest barrage to who can be the funniest. Vezina steals the crowd’s love as he mimics Spencer with the body language of a silent movie comedian.

Near the end of their “Chaos & Confetti” show at the Saxe Theater, Spencer jokes to the audience, “I’ve watched you guys kind of grow throughout the evening.” By then, I was thinking the same thing about seeing the lads evolve over the past five years. But maybe that’s not the best metaphor for Spencer putting on a crash helmet and driving a scooter headfirst into a stack of trash cans. “Redneck bowling,” they call it.

The point is, the troupe has finally shed its college-circuit, “Stomp”-on-a-budget origins. It’s been a steady climb through three hotels on the Strip. But with new ideas and investment from producer David Saxe, Recycled Percussion is finally an original product for its own audience.

Granted, it’s a loud, highly caffeinated product, and the audience skews to boys from desertdispatch.com

After five years on the Strip, Recycled percussion now comes off like a Saturday morning cartoon band from the ’60s as it bolts through quick changes to bring song titles such as “Milkshake” and “Pinball Wizard” to life or turn your favorite childhood toys into an orchestra. BILL HUGHES/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

ages 8 to ... well, as movies and video games prove, there really is no upper-end bracket range for boys, now is there?

But if the phrase “family show” usually makes us think of younger children, here’s one for tweeners, teens and even parents who remember Rock’em Sock’em Robots and what a cassette tape looks like.

The troupe may have even done a better job than Blue Man Group at growing out from its original concept, which in this case was fashioning drum kits out of trash barrels and drumming its way up and down construction ladders.

Both are still represented, but the past two editions at the Tropicana and Quad (now

the Linq Hotel) simply added flashier props and lighting to the old formula. The show hit a point of repetition, and there was only so much drumming you could take (especially in those late-afternoon time slots when visitors were still turning the corner from one late night on the town to the start of the next).

The new show hasn’t sacrificed cool visuals. The opening even has two of the guys hanging upside down. But Saxe has pushed the four (Matt Bowman and Jason Davies are the newer members) into more visual comedy and away from drumming along to Styx songs.

Recycled now comes off like a Saturday morning cartoon band from the ‘60s — the Ba-

nana Splits maybe? — as it bolts through quick changes to bring song titles such as “Milkshake” and “Pinball Wizard” to life or turn your favorite childhood toys into an orchestra. Always knew the “Bop It” jingle was a hit single waiting to happen.

A couple of audience participation bits involve monkey masks and a game of “Name that Tune.” But in a way, the whole show is audience participation. One thing that’s never changed over the years is you getting handed a drumstick and banged-up pot or pan as you enter. These come in handy should the audience need to entertain itself during a technical breakdown, and when things veer off into downright silliness.

Friday, March 4, 2016

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Vegas

SLS UPS THE ANTE Former Sahara opens venue for live entertainment

By Mike Weatherford Las Vegas Review-Journal

A

nyone who doesn’t believe in second chances never worked in the casino industry.

Las Vegas has always kept contractors busy with its malleable entertainment scene, and the SLS Las Vegas fixed what now seems like a terrible mistake when it entered the live entertainment business last month.

If you don’t remember, yes, you read that right.

The former Sahara, home to Louis Prima, the epitome of golden-age Vegas, reopened in 2014 with three nightclubs but no place for concerts or traditional ticketed shows.

So much else went wrong with the rest of the SLS before part-owner Sam Nazarian sold his company’s 10-percent stake last year, the entertainment strategy seemed almost like a footnote.

But now, one of the clubs has converted to a live music club, The Foundry opened Feb. 5 with Awolnation. The former LiFE Nightclub will be operated by the SLS but booked exclusively by behemoth concert promoter Live Nation.

Other early bookings include X Ambassadors on March 26, Adam Lambert on April 1 and Boyce Avenue on April 23.

Matthew Minichino, the

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The former LiFE Nightclub at the SLS Las Vegas is completing its conversion to a live music club, The Foundry. It opened Feb. 5 with Awolnation. LAS VEGAS REVIEWJOURNAL

SLS’s vice president of nightlife and entertainment, didn’t come on board until March. So he’s diplomatic when speaking of the original team and its decisions.

“In a perfect world, I do believe The Foundry would have been a great addition to the property at the opening of the hotel,” he says.

Reality-TV addicts might have figured Minichino for one to have partaken of the nightclub-euphoria KoolAid. As the Hard Rock Hotel’s director of nightlife, he got plenty of face time on truTV’s “Rehab,” centered around the hotel’s notorious pool club.

So Minichino’s view might be a surprise: “I always say that 85 percent of people who do come to Las Vegas on an annual basis don’t want to frequent the nightclubs.”

The live music club will “really give the property a true entertainment driver,” he says. “It’s just identifying what our nightlife offering is, but also trying to find a way to get additional bodies to the property, the bodies that aren’t interested in the nightlife offerings.”

One of his favorite days at the Hard Rock was the April 2009 opening of the second version of The Joint with Paul McCartney. “But mean-

while, I had Wyclef (Jean) at Rehab and an electronic music open-format offering at Vanity nightclub. You had three different types of clientele on the property and it was a record day for that property.”

The Foundry’s capacity will range from about 600 for a seated stand-up comedy show to about 1,800 for a standing-room, generaladmission concert. That will keep it out of competition with 4,000-plus capacity rooms such as The Joint, Planet Hollywood’s Axis or the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

But the new venue is the vvdailypress.com

Vegas same size as the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, which also is booked by Live Nation. Both clubs will go head-on with the Brooklyn Bowl at The Linq, and the potential competition includes the smaller Hard Rock Live on the Strip and the larger Pearl at the Palms or Cosmopolitan’s pool deck.

Kurt Melien, who heads Live Nation’s Las Vegas office, doesn’t see bidding wars for club-sized acts.

“Artists have more choices, which means they’re more inclined to play Vegas. This is a room that’s going to attract artists,” Melien says.

Melien also notes the growing number of multipleengagement “residencies” around town leave fewer nights available for singlenight concert stops. And in the big picture, the pie is growing as “the tourism fan base is moving more and more toward artist-based content, which is everything from residents to one-off shows.”

Minichino says the SLS’s isolated, north-Strip location makes it a “destination property” almost by default.

“Having an additional entertainment offering on the high volume of the weekends will start to catch the attention of other people to come down to the property.”

In retrospect, the original strategy of working the club demographic to the exclusion of everyone else was such a colossal blunder, you might wonder just what they were thinking?

Perhaps they were thinking about 10 years of entertainment in the very room that became The Foundry.

The music club is the fordesertdispatch.com

Adam Lambert will perform at the Foundry on April 1. Photos courtesy of Adam Lambert

mer Sahara showroom, but not the classic-Vegas Congo Room that hosted Johnny Carson and Sonny & Cher.

This one was part of the “new Sahara,” built out as a theater — with auditorium seating replacing the showroom table-and-booth seating — in 2000 on a lease to magician Steve Wyrick.

Maybe it was built on an ancient and cursed burial ground. Wyrick went on to a succession of failed projects and bankruptcy. The Sahara theater became a revolving door for the rest of its days, whether it hosted established draws such as the Scintas or train-wreck experiments such as “Raw Talent Live.”

Even a solidly branded musical, an adaptation of “Saturday Night Fever,” disappointed in 2004. The theater closed a few months before the rest of the Sahara in 2011, having come full circle to another magician, Rick Thomas.

Blame runs both directions, and management disputes or lawsuits derailed an elaborate magic show from Brett Daniels and a hand-off to experienced producer David Saxe.

Still, it’s not a stretch to say the Sahara showroom represented everything that was wrong with Las Vegas

entertainment in the 2000s: Tired, recycled formats and/ or lopsided “rent the room” deals doomed from the getgo.

Hence, a little sympathy for SLS executives choosing to make a clean sweep of the past and say “No thanks” to magicians and topless shows.

But now Melien notes the town’s larger “shift from

(production shows) to music.

This is a piece of that. I think it’s great for the north end of the Strip, too.”

And Minichino knows, if only by the room’s history, to never say never when it comes to a weeknight or afternoon show to expand the club’s usage. “If there’s an opportunity that makes sense for the venue, we’re all in the business to be successful,” he says.

Then again, history also backs him up when he adds, “we want to make sure we make the right choice in rolling out this venue.”

— Read more from Mike Weatherford at reviewjournal. com. Contact him at mweatherford@reviewjournal.co mand follow @Mikeweatherford on Twitter.

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housefinder Friday, March 4, 2016

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kicks!! kicks

SHOW GUIDE

‘ABSINTHE’ 8 and 10 p.m. Wed.-Sun. in the Roman Plaza at Caesars Palace, $119.90-$147.40 (800-745-3000).

Resort, $55.69-$66.69 (866932-1818).

GORDIE BROWN 7:30 p.m. Sat., Sun., tue.thu. in the Showroom at Golden nugget, $31.45$75.45, buffet packages are available (866-946-5336).

ANTHONY COOLS 9 p.m. thu.-Sun. and tue. in the Showroom at Paris Las Vegas, $55.75-$88.75 (702777- 2782). Dark tue.

GREGORY POPOVICH: COMEDY PET THEATER 4 p.m. tue.-Sat. in the V theater at Planet Hollywood Resort, $34.99-$49.99 (866932-1818).

AUSSIE HUNKS 10:30 p.m. thu.-Sat. at in the V theater at Planet Hollywood Resort, $54.99-$94.99 (866932-1818).

‘THE AUSTRALIAN BEE GEES SHOW’ 7 p.m. Sat.-thu. at excalibur, $49.45-$65.95 (702-5977600).

BLUE MAN GROUP 7 and 9:30 p.m. daily in the theater at Luxor, $75.90$136.40 (800-258-3626).

Additional 4 p.m. show on Sat. BRAD GARRETT’S COMEDY CLUB 8 p.m. daily at MGM Grand, $46.40-$68.40. no one younger than 21 (866-7407711). Brad Garrett hosts Fri.-Sun., $68.40-$90.40.

BRITNEY: ‘PIECE OF ME’ 9 p.m. Sat., Sun. and Wed. in the Axis at Planet Hollywood Resort, $59-$179 (800-7453000).

‘CHIPPENDALES: THE SHOW’ 8:30 p.m. daily with 10:30 p.m. shows Fri.-Sat. at the Rio, $61.45-$89.80 (702777-2782).

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Friday, March 4, 2016

Penn & Teller

CRAZY GIRLS 9 p.m. Fri.-Wed. in the Sin City theatre at Planet Hollywood Resort, $54.95-$98.95 (702777-2782).

CRISS ANGEL ‘BELIEVE’ 7 p.m. Fri. and Sun., 7 and 9:30 p.m. Sat., Wed.-thu. in the Criss Angel Believe theatre at Luxor, $69.76$147.15 (702-262-4400).

DAVID COPPERFIELD 7 and 9:30 p.m. Sun.-Fri. and 4, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Sat. in the Hollywood theatre at the MGM Grand, $86.22-$119.22 (800-745-3000).

DIRK ARTHUR: ‘WILD MAGIC’ 4 p.m. tue.-Sun. in the theater at Westgate Las Vegas, $50-$90 (800-2225361).

DONNY AND MARIE OSMOND 7:30 p.m. tue.-Sat. in the Showroom at the Flamingo,

$95.87-$262.39 (702-7772782).

EDDIE GRIFFIN 7 p.m. Mon.-thu. in the King’s Room at Rio, $77.75$100.75 (702-777-2782).

‘FANTASY’ 10:30 p.m. daily in the Atrium Showroom at Luxor, $46.40$68.40, no one younger than 18 (702-262-4400).

JAN ROUVEN: ‘THE NEW ILLUSIONS’ 6 p.m. Wed.-Mon. in the theater at tropicana, $64.90$108.90 (702-739-2411).

JEFF CIVILLICO: ‘COMEDY IN ACTION’ 5:30 p.m. Sat.-Wed. in Bugsy’s Cabaret at Flamingo, $41.20-$61.20 (702-7772782).

‘JERSEY BOYS’ 7 p.m. tue.-Sun. in the Paris theatre at Paris Las Vegas, $52.80-$184.80 (702-7772782).

‘50 SHADES! THE PARODY’ 7:30 p.m. tue.-Sun. in Windows Showroom at Bally’s, $69-$84. no one younger than 18 (702-7772782).

‘KA’ 7 and 9:30 p.m. Sat.-Wed. in the Ka theatre at the MGM Grand, $75.21-$196.20 (702-531-3826).

FRANK MARINO: ‘DIVAS LAS VEGAS’ 9:30 p.m. daily in the theater at the Linq, $54.99-$87.99 (702-777-2782).

LAS VEGAS LIVE COMEDY CLUB 9 p.m. daily in the V theater at Planet Hollywood Resort, $49.99 (866-932-1818).

GERRY MCCAMBRIDGE: ‘THE MENTALIST’ 7:30 p.m. thu.-tue. in the V theater at Planet Hollywood

‘LE REVE — THE DREAM’ 7 and 9:30 p.m. Fri.-tue. at Wynn Las Vegas, $114.45$223.45 (702-770-9966).

vvdailypress.com

kicks!

COMING ATTRACTONS

MARCH 8 “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder,” the Smith Center (through March 13)

MARCH 9 PAC-12 Men’s Basketball tournament, MGM Grand (through March 12)

MARCH 10 Beck, the Linq

MARCH 11 America, Golden nugget Biz Markie, empire Records, Mandalay Bay Cheyenne Jackson, the Smith Center (also March 12) Herman’s Hermits with Peter noone, South Point (through March 13)

MARCH 12 Ambrosia, Suncoast (also March 13) Bill Maher, the Mirage (also March 13)

the String Cheese Incident, the Linq (through March 20)

MARCH 19 engelbert Humperdinck, the Smith Center Jonathan Butler, Aliante Casino Mopars at the Strip with World Class Rockers, Cannery

MARCH 21 new order, the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas yanni, the Smith Center

MARCH 23 Issues, Hard Rock Hotel

MARCH 25 Coheed and Cambria, the Linq Daniel tosh, the Mirage (also March 26) Dion, the orleans (also March 26) Il Volo, Palms Justin Bieber, MGM Grand

Pitbull, Planet Hollywood Resort (through March 26)

Kristin Chenoweth, the Smith Center

MARCH 13 MARCH 16 August Burns Red, Between the Buried and Me, the Linq Billy Idol, Mandalay Bay (through March 26)

MARCH 17 “Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games,” Caesars Palace Monster Jam World Finals, Sam Boyd Stadium (through March 19) Roseanne Barr, South Point (through March 19)

MARCH 18 eddie Money, Golden nugget Gabriel Iglesias, the Mirage (also March 19) nonpoint, Hard Rock Hotel desertdispatch.com

Neon Reverb festival downtown announces lineup for March 10-13

Rod Stewart, Caesars Palace (through April 5)

Gary Clark Jr., the Linq

Silverstein, Hard Rock Hotel

ELECTRIFYInG AGAIn

the Lettermen, South Point (through March 27) Pam tillis and Lorrie Morgan, Golden nugget Richard Cheese & Lounge Against the Machine, Sunset Station tony DeSare, the Smith Center (also March 26)

MARCH 26 Alan Parsons Live Project, the Smith Center An evening with Sophia Loren, the Venetian “He Said! She Said!” Comedy tour, Aliante Casino Jay & the Americans, the Vogues, eastside Cannery Jay Cutler Desert Classic, Palms Slayer, testament, Hard Rock Hotel

By Dave Herrera Las Vegas Review-Journal

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ust before the holidays, local music fans were gifted with news that Neon Reverb, the downtown music festival founded by Thirry Harlin, James Woodbridge and Jason Aragon, was being revived in the spring after taking three years off.

Slated for the second weekend in March, the festival was being planned for those dates (Thursday, March 10 through Sunday, March 13) specifically in an effort to align with the routing of bands making their way to Texas for South By Southwest, Austin’s annual music festival which draws acts from all across the globe.

“It’s a pretty easy diversion to Las Vegas on your way down to Austin, no matter where you’re coming from,” 11th Street Records owner Ronald Corso, one of the festival’s organizers, told us at the time. “We figure that we’ll be able to catch some pretty cool touring bands on their way to South By Southwest by doing it that weekend.”

Great call, obviously.

The festival’s full lineup was revealed recently, and from the looks of it, full is an incredibly apt description. If you haven’t seen it yet, Neon Reverb’s roster is righteous. Headliners this year include Melvins, Big Business, Ty Segall and and the Muggers, Beach Slang, Sage Francis, Eleanor Friedberger, Big Business, Chuck Ragan and more, along with some solid independent acts from elsewhere like Wheelchair Sports Camp and My Body Sings Electric and a laudable list of local favorites like Mercy Music, Cameron Calloway, the Lique, Rusty Maples, Same Sex Mary, Hassan Hamilton, the Astaires and Dusty Sunshine, whose reunion will see an encore performance, and more.

Tickets for the fourday festival, which will be spread out across downtown at a number of venues, including 11th Street Records, the Bunkhouse, Backstage Bar & Billiards and Beauty Bar, and range from $50 for a weekend pass to $15 for a single show (in limited quantities) and are available now via Ticketfly.

Friday, March 4, 2016

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