We’re Heading into One Crazy Summer

An emoticon guide to Las Vegas’ top headlines

By Larry Braverman


Before we get into it, we just have to ask, what is the ratio of Usher Dollars to Schrute Bucks?  

It’s Gonna Be One Crazy Summer

???? ☀️ ???? The pandemic is not over—not even close—but Vegas is coming back, big time. With Gov. Steve Sisolak announcing that Nevada will lift its social distancing mandates on May 1 and reopen the state at 100 percent capacity on June 1, the floodgates are down for one of the biggest summers in recent memory, as visitors (and locals) blow off steam after staying at home for a year. On the heels of the governor’s

Tuesday announcement, this morning’s inbox started filling up: The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas announced a third night for comedian Bill Burr at The Chelsea, he’ll now perform July 2 and two shows on July 3; and UFC head Dana White announced the third Dustin Poirier v Conor McGregor on July 10 at UFC 264 inside T-Mobile Arena. 

Although the capacity limits are ending, Nevada’s mask mandate is sticking around, and why not? Admit it, masks are kinda cool as a fashion accessory. So wear’em.

Jabbawockeez Keep On Dancing

???? ???? ???? That didn’t take long. GOAT dance crew Jabbawockeez just started drawing crowds back to their home at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, and they’ve already got a four-year extension. The crew is temporarily staging their show “TIMELESS” at MGM Grand Garden Arena, but should move back into their theater once the capacity limits are lifted. Congrats to the Jabbawockeez, those are good people under those masks.

Zombies or No Zombies, Vegas Never Stops

???? ???? ???? Netflix dropped the trailer for Zack Snyder’s “Army of the Dead” this week, and at first glance it confirms what many of us already know: Vegas never stops. The horror heist flick sees Dave Bautista leading his crew into a walled-off Sin City to take $200 million from a vault under the fictional Olympus hotel.

By the way, all of this is happening in post-zombie pandemic America, and the undead horde that’s swarming the Strip is somewhat intelligent or, at the very least, organized. The trailer, set to Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler,” features untold numbers of bullets, slow-mo shots of Bautista and others making it rain, and a zombie tiger. Nuff said.

Stay and Play the Virgin Way

???? ???? ???? We’ve seen inside the all-new Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, have you? The Richard Branson-branded destination wants to be your staycation home away home, and this week unveiled a locals deal that includes 25 percent off room rates and a $50 food and beverage credit that’s good at Casa Calavera, The Kitchen at Commons Club, The Shag Room, The Bar at Commons Club, or Night + Market. The offer is good through May 15 and you can book your stay via the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas website.

BTW, if you haven’t started exploring the former Hard Rock, we’ve already got a handy guide for your next girls night out and some choice locales you’ll want to visit when you get there.

Vegas Steps Up for Bobby Silva’s Family

Yeah, yeah, yeah there’s no community in Las Vegas. We’ve heard that before, so allow me to shove this next story in the faces of all the doubters. Last week, Las Vegans helped raise nearly $70,000 for the family of former Sparrow + Wolf Chef de Cuisine Bobby Silva at a memorial dinner announced after his sudden passing on March 23.

The dinner at Vegas Test Kitchen in Downtown Las Vegas drew 150 guests and featured dishes prepared by 11 chefs—Nicole Brisson; Roy Ellamar; Jennifer Murphy; Justin Kingsley Hall; Brian Howard; Sung Park; Bill Lee; Shaun King; Gary FX LaMorte; Brian Lhee; and Marc Marrone. If you couldn’t make it but still want to support Silva’s family, including his two sons, you can donate to a GoFundMe memorial fund.

And, Congratulations Mariena Mercer Boarini

???? ???? ???? Mariena Mercer Boarini, who put The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas’ cocktail program on the map, has been named property mixologist at Wynn Las Vegas. The “Top Bartender in Las Vegas” honoree and creator of Electricdust™ will be remaking the list of libations at all of the resort’s restaurants and bars. To celebrate, Mercer Boarini will host a private master class on cocktail design next Friday, April 23, at the resort. You can make a reservation to join her on the Wynn website.