Minogue to headline F1 party on Strip
LAS VEGAS is famous for exclusive events, having established a fear of missing out long before FOMO was an oft-used acronym.
In that spirit, during F1
Las Vegas Grand Prix, Kylie Minogue is performing at the hyper-exclusive Amber Lounge, which takes over Voltaire at The Venetian on Nov. 18. That’s the final night of F1 frivolity on the Strip.
Tickets and VIP tables are going on sale “soon,” with price points not yet posted. Expect the ticket range to be “very expensive” to “even more expensive” for such an event. Rates at the F1 race in Singapore last month ranged from about $9,000 for a single pass to $33,000 for a 10-person suite (which covered a full weekend, as opposed to the one-night event at The Venetian). Info is at voltairelv. com.
Amber Lounge prides itself as “the world’s most exclusive afterparty,” dating to its first event at the Monaco GP 20 years ago. The event is also held at each race in Singapore and Abu Dhabi. Guests are treated to opulence, extravagance, immersive entertainment and also luxe service. Minogue leads that experience in Vegas, with support from DJ Jellybean Benitez.
The Venetian is the official home and hotel partner of the BWT Alpine F1 Team during race weekend. Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon are Alpine’s F1 teammates competing in Las Vegas. Alpine debuted in 2021, re-branded after performing as Renault F1 Team and owned by the Groupe Renault automotive company.
Minogue is the 1,000-seat nightspot’s opening headliner, launching her series in Nov. 3-4. Christina Aguilera, announced this week, performs Dec. 30-31 and is also starring in an extended engagement, dates to be announced.
Voltaire founder Michael Gruber has created what he plans to be a unique Las Vegas nightlife option. As the longtime hospitality and entertainment professional says, “Voltaire is excited to once again bring the greatest offerings to Las Vegas and Amber Lounge has a long history of executing the best experiences to an exclusive clientele around the world.”
Illenium to Zouk
The first headliner ever at Allegiant Stadium is moving to Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World.
Illenium is reportedly bound for Zouk in 2024 in a multimillion-dollar deal. The deal helps offset the loss of Tiesto at Zouk, who is shifting to Fontainebleau’s LIV Nightclub next year.
Illenium is expected to perform at Zouk Nightclub and also Ayu Dayclub. The 32-year-old DJ and producer has previously been a headliner at EDC and at Tao Group venues.
Illenium performed at Allegiant Stadium in July 2021, the first show at the venue during the pandemic reopening.
“That was my favorite night of my life,” the Chicago native said during the Grammy Awards red carpet at MGM Grand in August 2022. “It was very healing for me to play for that long to that many fans in new stadium. Everything was perfect.”
Clooney, Gerber toast DTLV
A few years ago I got a tip that Hugh Hefner was hanging out at Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget. This person swore it was Hefner, wearing red-silk pajamas, seated in the VIP section and watching the band Dollface.
I actually visited the hotel, maybe to chat with Hefner about his then-new Playboy Club at the Palms.
This person was not Hugh Hefner.
He was a busker on Fremont Street. He sure looked like Hef, though.
Point is, you have to check when someone reports a celeb, such as George Clooney, is checking out Fremont Street. But Monday, Clooney was actually on hand at the Plaza. He and his buddy and business partner Rande Gerber were in a photo shoot for their Casamigos Tequila brand.
Plaza CEO Jonathan Jossel confirmed Monday night the two were on property. They posed on the hotel rooftop (where I spent New Year’s Eve, as it turns out) and at the now-famous Carousel Bar.
Clooney and Gerber also contacted Liberace Foundation Chairman Jonathan Warren for use of a vintage Lincoln limousine, also at the hotel.
In all, the duo spent about four hours at the Plaza, the shoot conducted by multitalented photographer Jason Lee Parry.
The Plaza, and especially the outdoor Carousel Bar at the old porte cochere, is on a hot streak. The property at 1 Main Street and Fremont Street was the central spot for U2’s “Atomic City” video shoot last month.
Maybe the spot will help the famous hep cats Clooney and Gerber move some tequila.
“This is great for the Plaza, coming right on the back of U2,” Jossel said Tuesday afternoon. “If the campaign turns out as well as the shoot, it should be a success.”
Shag time for Marino
The Vegas drag icon who performed on the Strip for some 37 years is hosting “Frank Marino’s Royal Tea Party” at The Shag Room at Virgin Hotels at 2 p.m. Nov. 5 and Nov. 26. Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Celine Dion, Debbie Harry of Blondie, Lizzo, Pink, Cher and Rihanna are in the rotation of tributes.
Cool Hang Alert
Gilley’s at Treasure Island hosts “Bluegrass & BBQ” with Bluegrass Republic at 5 p.m., then Brad Johnson at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Sunday it’s “Home Grown Sundays” with American Thunder at 8 p.m. Sunday. Go to treasureisland.com for intel.