THE WEEK AHEAD: Aug. 28-Sept. 1
Aug. 28
• The Fixx do it right at the Linq.
• DJ EDX spins the wheels of steel at the XS nightclub in Steve Wynn’s Encore.
Aug. 29
• The King of Pop’s annual birthday bash is all set to salute Michael Jackson with a never-before-seen, one-time-only performance of “Blood on the Dance Floor” at the One Theater in Mandalay Bay. Michael’s designer and dresser for 25 years, Michael Bush, will attend to sign copies of his book on the pop royal. VIP guests and cast members from “One” will cut the birthday cake. The party is free and open to the public. It’s a special day on my own personal calendar as I celebrate my birthday too!
• Simple Plan headline at The Linq.
Aug. 30
• Comedy ventriloquist Jeff Dunham returns to the Colosseum at Caesars Palace to continue his summer residency.
• Dude Ranch wrangles the fans into the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay.
• The EDExpo gets underway with its bikini contest at the Hard Rock Hotel with local beauty Daisy Monroe who has made it to the finals representing the Bucks Cabaret Club.
Aug. 31
• Yes, starring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman, play at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts.
Sept. 1
• D Las Vegas owner and downtown advocate Derek Stevens will be joined by Mayor Carolyn Goodman to unveil the expansion of his Golden Gate, continuing its 111-year legacy. He’s doubling the casino in size and adding a dramatic entry from the Fremont Street Experience. Local casino merchandise collectors Christine and Sheldon Smith will be the first couple to enter the expanded property after the ribbon cutting.
• First Friday is celebrated at its “Too Cool for School” party with a battle of the bands as the group’s race toward an October finale and UNLV artist Kurtis Rykovich will showcase his fantasy dangerous and intriguing paintings of gorgeous creatures.
• Usher is the headliner at The Chelsea Ballroom in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
• Air Supply has a three-night stand at The Orleans.
• George Lopez is on comedy duty at the Terry Fator Theater in The Mirage. As Boyz II Men begin a 17-day residency there, too.
• The Chainsmokers are lighting up at XS in the Encore.
Memorial Day Weekend.
• Bruno Mars returns to the Park Theater at the Monte Carlo.
• George Strait reigns as King of Country at the T-Mobile Arena for two nights.
• Mary J. Blige and Idina Menzel make the holiday sing at the Pearl in the Palms.
• Jon Lovitz and Dana Carvey team up for their headline “SNL” comedy acts at the Foundry in the SLS Hotel.
• Viva Las Vegas with the Expendables celebrates the holiday at the Brooklyn Bowl in the Linq. Plus, the Long Beach Dub all-stars.
• Richard Marx wraps his summer residency at the Flamingo.
• Tommy James and the Shondells bring back the sounds of yesteryear’s pop charts to the Golden Nugget downtown.