ENCORE PREPARES FOR GALA, WYNN’S 67TH BIRTHDAY

About 200 Steve and Elaine Wynn’s closest friends are arriving today and Friday for Saturday’s gala opening of Encore, the Wynns’s latest and, some say, most luxurious hotel.

Harry Connick Jr. and his wife, Jill, were spotted having lunch at Encore’s Society Cafe. Vegas Confidential reported earlier this month that Connick would be the featured entertainer at Saturday’s big bash.

The opening, an exclusive affair, will also serve as a celebration of Steve Wynn’s 67th birthday, which Jan. 27.

This time it’s his special little soiree. When he opened Wynn Las Vegas four years ago, it was Elaine’s birthday and her big night included a dance with featured singer Hugh Jackman and a surprise appearance by her favorite opera performer, Renee Fleming, whose dramatic grand entrance took place on the staircase at Alex restaurant.

Could there be a surprise in waiting for Steve?

–NORM CLARKE, Vegas Confidential