Joy of Youth

It’s July 4th. A holiday. Or should be. So what am I doing writing this crummy column on a day when I should be thinking of hot dogs and burgers on the grill, cold drinks in the cooler and firework displays? Unlike most of you, I have a tyrant of a boss whose mantra to me has always been: "No column, no cash." As I really would like to keep my home and car, I continue top put up with this crap and try to look on the bright side — that one day I will hit Megabucks and tell all what they can do with this job. Until then, I will try and keep you informed as to what’s going on in our town.

Although these items may be more targeted for locals, if you’re visiting you may want to spend a few hours off the Strip and enjoy them. Let’s start off with a kids show called "The Broadway Vignettes," performed by Helen Joy’s Young Entertainers. It takes place July 6-7 at 7 p.m. in the Starbright Theater in Summerlin. This year’s show features performances from "Annie," "The Wiz," "The Wizard of Oz," "Wicked," "Fiddler on the Roof," "Sweet Charity," "Chicago, ""South Pacific," "Les Miserables," "The Best of Cole Porter" and more.

If you’re not familiar with Helen Joy, she produced and headlined in Helen Joy & The Joy Bells from 1975 to 1989, performing at the MGM Grand, Dunes, Jockey Club, Sahara, Aladdin and the Landmark. Before bringing her show to Las Vegas, Helen entertained the troops during the Vietnam War. For her service, Helen was awarded a Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal by Her Majesty, The Queen of England. In addition to teaching stage and vocal dynamics, she also produces shows throughout the community each year featuring these talented young performers. Just to show how good these kids are, the Young Entertainers have been invited to perform at the White House five times. I, on the other hand, have never been invited. Catch one of the shows this weekend if you can. You won’t be disappointed.

CHILL OUT WITH SPLASH TEAM

I’d go to this next event simply to feel cool (we’re supposed to hit 116 degrees today). The Las Vegas Splash team is having a tropical adventure on Saturday, July 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Pavilion Center Pool and invites all of you to attend. The Desert Mermaids synchronized swimming team will perform at 6 p.m. Hot Lava Polynesian dancers and Samoan fire-eaters will entertain from 7 to 8:30 p.m., inviting pool partygoers to join them and learn the dance moves during this annual "Another Hot Tropical Night" event. A DJ will spin Hawaiian and beach songs as well as a variety of other favorites all evening. Families will enjoy crafts, swimming, pool games and prizes.

Advance tickets are on sale now at the pool, priced at $8 for adults, $5 for youth under age 14 and $20 for a family of four. Tickets at the door will cost you $10 for adults, $7 for youth under age 14 and $25 for a family of four. Pavilion Center Pool is located on the west side of Las Vegas at 101 S. Pavilion Center Drive (north of Alta Drive, between Palo Verde High School and Veterans Memorial Leisure Services Center). Chairs, tables with umbrellas, lockers, pool toys and ample free parking will be available. Call the pool at (702) 229-1488 for tickets and information.

SMOOTH JAZZ RETURNS

Here’s some good news. There was such a great response to the Rampart Casino‘s Smooth Jazz Series featuring some of Las Vegas’ finest jazz artists that it is returning this month. The performances, in Addison’s Lounge at the resort, are from 6 to 8 p.m. and admission is free. If you want to catch any of the performances, here’s the sked: July 11, Tommy Thompson Project; July 18, The Julius Show; July 25, Ghallib Ghallab; and Aug. 1, David Van Such.

CANADIAN’S LONGING FOR LV

Okay, that’s enough. Time to start enjoying my day, so I will wrap up with a nice letter from Brenda Carrier of Edmonton, Alberta, who writes. "Hi Lenny, Seems that you had a restful break in Reno. Long story, but I promised my Maker that if He got me home safe I would never step foot in the place again. So good to read your column every week. Las Vegas is such a vibrant city and it’s great that you promote local events and fundraisers. It gives us "foreigners" a glimpse of what goes on beyond the Strip.

"The first week of June I booked an impulse trip to your shining town — by myself. I went to one show — Legends in Concert — which was fabulous. The rest of the time I spent on the usual tourist duties: walking; feeding those hungry slots; buying souvenirs for the poor slobs back home; taking pics; more walking. I had to take a pic of the "Vince Neil Tatoo" sign — too funny. I stayed at the Tropicana for the first time and, sad to say, the last. It’s too bad the owners have neglected this property since she has a great history and is on prime land across from Excalibur, MGM & NYNY. Contrastly, the Deuce is simply fabulous. I do hope the ridership on it is enough to keep it around. It seemed popular when I was there. I experienced the windstorm June 5. That was surreal.

"Despite the scorching summers in Las Vegas, I find myself daydreaming about becoming a resident. I read the news daily on the Las Vegas Review-Journal site and comb the real estate listings. Even though Albertans are experiencing a major boom, this past month has also seen near-record rainfalls. People are soggy and grumpy from lack of sun and being chased by mosquitos. You remember mosquitos, right Len? Why Noah let 2 of those things on the Ark is beyond me. Seems my only solace is another trip to Las Vegas right around the corner.

"Some family members are planning a trip in November and I’m so there! But here is my dilemma — hubby can’t rationalize me wanting 2 trips a year to Las Vegas and doesn’t think I should go in November. Help! I know there are probably 100 reasons why one should go to Las Vegas. Can you think of any that might help convince the old ‘ball and chain’? Anyway, please keep up the interesting articles Len."

Thanks, Brenda. Does hubby know the meaning of the word FUN? That one word is enough reason to come to our town.

Good luck and I’ll see you on the Strip. And don’t forget to check out www.valleyblogs.com.

If you have a question or a Las Vegas experience you would like to share with my readers, please e-mail me at lennylv@cox.net. Please include your full name and the city or town where you live.