CENTER STAGE
Vegas residencies expand to include some of the world’s most renowned acts.
The butterfly herself has fluttered back to the desert for her newest residency, “THE BUTTERFLY RETURNS.” As diva Mariah Carey begins her fourth stint in Las Vegas, it’s clear she can’t get enough of the town and it can’t get enough of her. Starting last month and continuing into September, Carey’s show will be performed at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Kicking off the hits
extravaganza, Carey begins her show appropriately enough with “Fly Away” and works her way through a megahit parade of her No. 1 chart toppers, including “Vision of Love,” “Emotions,” “Hero” and “We Belong Together.” (Mariahcarey.com/tour) It’s a “Hella Good” concert. Not only does Gwen Stefani bring a songbook of smash hits to her headlining residency, “GWEN STEFANI — JUST A GIRL,” at the Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino but also fashion changes worthy of a “Rich Girl.” Stefani takes fans through her compendium of chart busters from both her No Doubt tenure and her solo career, including everything from “Simple Kind of Life” to “Make Me Like You.” Her 25-show residency, with select dates in December, February and March, also includes a nod to Blondie’s “The Tide Is High” and Rihanna’s “Umbrella.” (Caesars.com/planet-hollywood/shows/gwen-stefani) Queen is spreading its epic brand of bohemian rhapsody via “THE CROWN JEWELS” limited engagement at Park Theater at Park MGM (formerly Monte Carlo Casino & Hotel) this September. Queen and Adam Lambert started a new era of the band in 2012 and have since toured the world. No longer “Under Pressure,” Queen’s catalogue of classic songs will rock you, from “I Want It All” to “Another One Bites the Dust.” You can count on glitter galore, big power chords, drum solos and the flamboyance of rock ’n’ roll royalty. (Mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/park-mgm/ park-theater/queen-and-adam-lambert.html) Pop-punk band Blink-182 started its first-ever residency, “KINGS OF THE WEEKEND,” at Pearl Concert Theatre at the Palms Casino Hotel on Memorial Day weekend. Named for a song from the band’s most recent album, “California,” the Vegas residency of Travis Barker, Mark Hoppus and Matt Skiba will continue with more dates in October and November. The trio’s late ’90s hits of “All the Small Things,” “What’s My Age Again?” and “Adam’s Song” from the group’s third album, “Enema of the State,” catapulted the band to stardom and make the most popular sing-alongs of the show. (Blink182vegas.com)