Hard to believe that 10 years have passed, and back then we were just 60 days away from George Maloof opening the Palms. Hard to believe our town became so empty that we flew out first-responders from the Manhattan tragedy to thank them with a free vacation here.
All of us remember those awful moments and like me probably have a friend or know somebody who was directly affected by the tragedies and bravery in New York and at the Pentagon. Madame Tussauds at the Venetian is offering free admission to firefighters, Emergency Medical Team members and police officers on Sunday to say thanks and recognize their service.
The big question tomorrow involves Justin Bieber. Will he make it to The Strip to be with gal pal Selena Gomez and perhaps even surprise her with a walk-on at her Mandalay Bay concert? Will the cuddly, kissing couple turn up at our Las Vegas hotspots (where they can enter legally anyway!)?
I’ll keep watch on those two even as I celebrate a milestone birthday and 50 years of celebrity journalism with a blowout bash tonight at Encore Beach Club and Surrender at Steve Wynn’s Encore. Expect Strip stars to join the festivities and a few surprises, as well.
It also is the weekend that singer-impressionist Gordie Brown, a former opening act for Celine Dion on tour, celebrates his 500th show downtown at the Golden Nugget. Congratulations, good friend!
Here’s the Royal Robin Rundown:
Friday, Sept. 9
Music fans may choose among wild rock and country hits: Country king Garth Brooks continues his successful residency at the Wynn for two nights. … Crosby & Nash play Mandalay Bay Events Center, Shaggy is on the Mandalay Bay Beach, and Blue October rocks the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay. … Gordie Brown celebrates his 500th show at the Golden Nugget through tomorrow. … Billy Currington sings at Sunset Station. … The Airborn Toxic Event, Sleeper Agent, Red-Light King and Otherwise rock Sunset Station. … Viva Brother performs at Hard Rock Cafe on The Strip. … And Marcy Playground is poolside at Silverton Casino Lodge.
For comedy fans, there is Henry Cho with a three-night run at South Point. … Mark Curry has a weekend-long gig at the Las Vegas Hilton. … Chris Porter of Last Comic Standing entertains fans at The Playboy Comedy Lounge at the Palms for two nights. … And Dustin Diamond, Screech from Saved By the Bell, brings the laughs to the new Big Al’s Comedy Club at the Orleans through Sunday.
Party Patrol
My pal actor Dennis Haskins, known for his long-running role as Principal Belding on Saved By the Bell, hosts the Back to School bash at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens, with dinner beforehand at Sugar Factory American Brasserie. … R&B star Iyaz performs at The Bank in the Bellagio. … And of course my 50 years of celebrity journalism party at Surrender and Encore Beach Club.
Saturday, Sept. 10
The Iggy and the Stooges concert at The Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel has been canceled because of Iggy Pop’s fractured left foot. But others play on led by Disney teen queen and Justin Bieber main squeeze Selena Gomez & The Scene at Mandalay Bay Events Center as Slightly Stoopid plays Mandalay Bay Beach. … Collective Soul unveil the group’s memorabilia case and performs at the Hard Rock Hotel. … Thievery Corporation is at Boulevard Pool at the Cosmopolitan. … And Brass Transit plays the music of Chicago at Suncoast.
For the funny bone, there’s late-night Politically Incorrect satirist Bill Maher at the Orleans for two nights. … Paul Rodriguez with Murray “The Unknown Comic” Langston headline for two nights at the Riviera. … “Weird Al” Yankovic is at the Cannery. … And One Night, Two Stars features Amr Diab and Arash at the Hilton.
Tickets go on sale today for Don Henley’s Oct. 7 concert at The Joint and for Louis C.K. at The Pearl in the Palms on Oct. 29.
Party Patrol
*Gorgeous girls looking for a big modeling break: FHM hosts an open casting party with photographer Laurens Antoine.
It’s time for us to get ready to party, but we’ll be here throughout the weekend -- and then Monday with super-sexy photos from Donald Trump’s Miss Universe Pageant in Brazil with stunning redhead Alyssa Campanella of California who won her Miss USA title at Planet Hollywood three months ago, plus reports and photo galleries of the celebs at work and play in The Entertainment Capital of the World.
Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.