January 8, 2009 - VOL. 4. NO. 1

January 8, 2009 VOL. 4. NO. 1

GRAMMY HEADED BARRY’S WAY?

Barry Manilow, who returns to headline at the Las Vegas Hilton January 16-18, recently received a nomination for “Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album” for his holiday album, IN THE SWING OF CHRISTMAS! The Grammys will be televised on Monday, February 9, on CBS. Manilow has been headlining at the Las Vegas Hilton since 2005!

YOU’VE GOTTA HAVE HEART

Ann Wilson and her younger sister, Nancy, first showed the world that women can rock when their band, Heart, stormed the charts in the '70s with hits like "Crazy on You," "Magic Man," "Barracuda," “Straight On,” “Even It Up,” and “Kick It Out.” Their success helped influence other women in the hard rock and heavy metal genres including Pat Benatar and Lita Ford. Heart continued topping the charts through the ‘80s and into the ‘90s with hits like “These Dreams,” “Alone,” “What About Love,” “If Looks Could Kill,” and “Never.” Heart performs at the Las Vegas Hilton February 6 & 7.

THE KING IS HONORED

Elvis’ 74th birthday was celebrated Thursday night by The Viva Las Vegas Fan Club at the Elvis Statue in the front courtyard of the Las Vegas Hilton. Presley first performed at the Las Vegas Hilton (then called the International) on July 31, 1969. His final show was on December 12, 1976. During that time he played 15 engagements during which he performed two shows a night for a total of 837 shows. All of these shows were sold out, resulting in an estimated attendance of 2.5 million.

MAKE-UP, MADE-UP, ROCKS AND WEB

Celebrity makeup artist Maura ‘Mo’ Lewit; romance novelist Kathy Newbern; Pat Williams of “Friends of Red Rock”; and John Katsilometes, New Media Editor for Greenspun Interactive join Ira on “Lunchtime With Ira, Live from the Las Vegas Hilton.” “Lunchtime” can be seen on CCTV, Cox cable channel 4 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at Noon and 8 p.m., heard on NEWS/TALK 720 KDWN (Saturdays at 9 p.m.), and KUNV-FM (91.5) at 6 p.m. on Thursdays. It is available 24/7 at www.lvhilton.com and to download as a free podcast on iTunes (http://www.apple.com/itunes).

PUSH, PULL, WIN

The $75,000 Yin Yang China Slot Tournament at the Las Vegas Hilton, January 17-18, features a $20,000 first-place prize. The entry fee is $799, which includes four days/three nights and one entry into the slot tournament. Everyone wins at last $50. For more information, call 1-800-457-3307.

HAVING A CENTS OF IT

The casino at the Las Vegas Hilton is hopping with new machines, including “100 Wolves,” “Mayan Riches,” “Arctic Fox,” “Diamond Queen,” “Lil Lady and Grand Monarch,” all of which are 1, 2, 5 and 10 cent video slots. Also added: “2x3x4x5x Dragon” and “3x4x5x Pay,” which are multi-denominational; and “Triple Slingo Jackpot” (a progressive single denomination penny reel)

COFFEE, TEA OR CONVENTION?

Something is brewing at the Las Vegas Hilton for conventions. It’s the new “Coffee Corner,” located at the gateway to the Hilton’s convention center. The plush surroundings (it’s the former location for Le Montrachet) offer Seattle’s Best coffee, fresh pastries and artisan sandwiches.