Million Dollar Weekend at Viva Las Vegas Event Center

By: Sam Wagmeister – Nightlife Editor

Crazy prices for shows on The Strip? Then get off The Strip!

Las Vegans are learning that their dollars go so much further when they go exploring. One of the hottest new places to explore is the new Viva Las Vegas Event Center.
 
Since its opening 4 months ago, local entertainers have been clamoring to showcase their talents at this state-of-the-art facility. Comfortably appointed both for guests and entertainers, the Night Club (yes, it is a Night Club) has attracted a loyal following of second-timers. Once you go, you’re hooked.

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The weekend of July 11-13 is a great example of the value and quality offered at the Viva Las Vegas Event Center.

Friday, July 11,  8:00-11:00 pm  - Tickets start at $15

The versatile Kelly Clinton opens the weekend Friday night at the Viva Las Vegas Event Center. Clinton, a Las Vegas fixture, is known for her singing and off beat, clean humor. Clinton served as the host at the iconic Sterling Club before heading over to the historic Bootlegger Bistro.

At Bootlegger, Clinton commands the Master of Ceremonies microphone to some of the city's top local and guest entertainers each Monday night. The energetic red head also tours with her Freckled for Life one woman show and has appeared coast to coast.

BroadwayWorld.com reviewed her lounge show at the Metropolitan Room, stating "a room full of cabaret connoisseurs were treated to a wonderfully entertaining show by an extremely beautiful and multi - talented performer." Clinton's singing talents, comedy and impressions have drawn comparisons to Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett.

Clinton's shows often draw her celebrity show business pals. Friday night her guest star is Elisa Fiorillo, former backup singer to Prince. Michael Clark serves as Clinton's musical director.

Doors open at 7:00pm.

Saturday, July 12,  8:00-9:30 pm  - Tickets start at $21

America got to know Michael Grimm as he climbed the ladder, week after week, before winning the Grand Prize on America's Got Talent in 2010. The next day, as a guest on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, he proposed to his girlfriend, Lucie...and then life got crazy.

The whirlwind tour started for the native of a small Mississippi town: the Today Show, Macy's Thanksgiving parade, an appearance at Caesars Palace that was part of the prize package.

"Grimm is notoriously uncomfortable around large groups of people," wrote John Katsilometes in the Las Vegas Sun's sister edition, The Weekly. But that was a different time and today, Grimm has emerged as a warm, affable personality with a brilliant approach to his music and he has accepted the appreciation of his music by his audiences, forming bonds both on and off stage.

Doors open at 7:00 pm.

Sunday, July 13, 5:00-8:00 pm - Tickets $10 at the Door

Go once and you're hooked. You never know who will show up for Kathryn Arianoff's Swingin' Sundays with the Jeanne Bullet Band.

In the short few weeks since Arianoff and Bullet kicked off the show, the reputation has spread, attracting many Strip performers looking to "chill" on an early Sunday. Jazz, show tunes, blues and rock and roll geared to the folks who grew up with Brylcreem and bobby socks are the order of the day.

Word of mouth has caused the crowds, which were sparse in the early days, to pack the place on these hot Sundays

Added Bonus: Bruce Harper's Big Band

Saturday, July 12, 1:00-4:00 pm - Tickets $15 (includes one beverage)

Well known band leader brings his brass, strings and drums to the elegant Viva Las Vegas Event Center. This week Harper offers “ The Great American Music Legacy of Big Band Jazz."

Viva Las Vegas Event Center

A long, empty shell, two adventurous entrepreneurs, Ron DeCar and partner Jamie Richards invested $4 million to design the most elegant night club in Las Vegas since... since... since "the good old days."

Draped chairs, beautifully adorned tables, soft lighting, the city's best off-strip stage and more have quickly attracted a loyal following. Conveniently located at 1201 S Las Vegas Blvd., one block south of Charleston, Las Vegans have discovered the venue that elicits "I didn't know there was anything like this place" raves from first time visitors.

To view their appetizer and dinner menu, or to reserve seats for shows, visit www.VivaLasVegasEventCenter.com.