Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé and Josh Groban are all vocal giants capable of selling out arenas. But for one night, all three will take the stage to pay tribute to legendary producer David Foster.

The event will take place Friday, May 23 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center and will feature Foster, a 14-time Grammy Award winner, performing his greatest hits with help from Bocelli, Buble and Groban. In addition to nuturing and working with these singers, Foster has also been instrumental in crafting hits for Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Madonna, Whitney Houston and Chaka Khan.

Also appearing onstage will be “American Idol” winner Katherine McPhee and former Chicago vocalist Peter Cetera.

Tickets are priced at $175 and $275 for the concert, which will be filmed for airing on PBS in December 2008. You can purchase yours at the Mandalay Bay box office or via Ticketmaster.

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George Michael Tours For New CD

From his early days in the UK pop group Wham! to his lengthy solo career, singer George Michael has been winning over music fans for twenty-five years. With his just-releases newest hits CD package, coincidentally called Twenty-Five, Michael is touring in support and will be hitting American shores this summer.

Michael has enjoyed one of the most successful and enduring careers in the history of pop music, selling more than 85 million records globally and encompassing seven U.S. No. 1 singles, two Grammy awards, three American Music Awards, an MTV Video Music Award and two prestigious Ivor Novello awards for songwriting. His single “Faith” has sold over 20 million copies alone.

If you want to see him perform live on his limited tour, he’ll be rolling into Vegas to perform at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on June 21. Don’t miss out on this chance to hear one of pop music’s best voices during his first North American tour in 17 years.

Ticket are $183.75, $94.50 and $68.25, and are available at the MGM Grand box office or via Ticketmaster.

I’ve tracked down several properties that offer a good value for your weekend getaway, each with reasonable prices and/or a little something extra to make your stay memorable.

213 Carlton, a bed and breakfast, charges from $119 to $169 (CAD) per night ($117 to $167 U.S., see XE.com for current exchange rates) double occupancy, including breakfast. If you’re traveling by yourself, you’ll be able to save even more: There are two single-occupancy rooms available; rates start at $79 ($78 U.S.). The Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel has more than 1,300 guest rooms, each with cable television, in-room movies and video games, and work spaces. The hotel also has a spa, a fitness center, an indoor/outdoor pool, and three restaurants. Rates start at $149 ($147 U.S.) per night.The Residence Inn Toronto Downtown/Entertainment District has more than 250 guest rooms, each with a full kitchenette. Rates start at $189 ($187 U.S.) per night. Accommodations also have sleeper sofas, LCD televisions, luxury bed linens, and high-speed Internet access. A complimentary breakfast is served daily, as well as evening hors d’oeuvres. The hotel also has a fitness center, a pool, and a hot tub.

If you’re traveling from out of town and need to book a flight, you can find the lowest prices for your route by comparing airfares from multiple travel providers with our price-comparison tool.

Housed in a custom-built theater at the Luxor, Angel has taken the name for his new show from a quote by the legendary Harry Houdini. The magician and escape artist reportedly told his wife on his deathbed, “After my death, many people will claim that they are still able to communicate with me. If their claims are valid, they will be able to tell you a code word — that word is BELIEVE.”

In an homage to Houdini, Angel has decided to name his new show, “Believe.”

He has also revealed the teaser poster for the new show, which can be seen to the right. Note the rabbit and doves, which signify the magic elements of the show. And while Angel is not seen beyond his eyes at the top of the poster and his feet sticking out from the parted curtain, the shadow on the floor is that of Angel in the typical cross position he stands in when doing his levitating illusion.

In his attempt to meld his illusions with the acrobatic prowess of Cirque du Soleil, Angel has written a story with show director Serge Denoncourt that centers around a Victorian Noble, played by Angel.

As the story weaves between reality and fantasy, Angel’s character encounters two women, Kayala and Crimson, along with four “bizarre” ushers and a high-energy troupe of Cirque characters and dancers who serve as both the backdrop and an integral part of Angel’s illusions during the show.

Angel’s illusions will be a major part of telling the story, rather than individual standalone elements, making this unlike anything he or Cirque du Soleil has done before.

Preview performances are scheduled to run September 1 through 11, 2008, with the gala premiere set for Friday, September 12th. Regular performances will then begin September 14, 2008 and run Friday through Tuesday nights, with the show dark on Wednesdays and Thursdays. There will be two shows nightly at 7pm and 10pm.

Tickets for “Believe” went on sale to Cirque Club members, Criss Angel Loyals and Luxor Insiders today (all three are free to join at their respective websites). Ticket prices are $150, $125, $99, $79, $59 plus tax. All preview performances will be discounted 25 percent, though these previews may be interrupted as necessary so adjustments can be made to the show based upon audience reaction.

I have to admit that I’m intrigued not only to see how Angel blends his magic and illusions with the fantasy world that Cirque du Soleil is known for creating, but to find out if Angel can keep up with such a busy schedule. Especially once one factors in his additional work on his TV series “Criss Angel: Mindfreak” on A&E, and his seemingly endless appearances at Vegas nightclubs.

How about you? Are any of you excited by this new pairing of Cirque du Soleil with Criss Angel? Let us know in the comments.

In the meantime, as an added bonus, Angel and Cirque have released a video of the illusionist talking about the upcoming show:

Earlier this week, resident Flamingo chanteuse Toni Braxton experienced chest pain during her performance and was taken to the hospital. It is believed this was related to the ongoing treatments she has been receiving for pericarditis (an inflamed lining of the heart), a condition she was diagnosed with following the birth of her second son.

Since then, Braxton has canceled all of her shows at the Flamingo and word comes today that this weekend’s shows are also going to be canceled. A Flamingo spokesperson says that Braxton plans to resume her regular performance schedule next Tuesday (April 15th), barring any more medical complications.

In the meantime, if you are holding a ticket for any of Braxton’s canceled shows, you can return your tickets to the Flamingo box office for seats for another show or a full refund.

We wish Ms. Braxton a speedy and full recovery.

“Toni Braxton: Revealed” showtimes are at 7:30pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. Tickets are $69, $89 and $109 and can purchased at the Flamingo box office or by phone at 702. 733.3333.

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Guggenheim to Close at The Venetian

Word comes this week that the Guggenheim-Hermitage museum at The Venetian is closing its doors. The museum has been facing declining attendance and a lack of funds for years, but is no longer going to continue the fight to stay open.

The only good news to come out of this is that from now until the museum closes for good on May 11, 2008, the $15 admission charge is being waived so everyone can enjoy the art collection one last time for free.

The Guggenheim-Hermitage is open daily from 9:30am until 7:30pm. The current exhibition, “Modern Masters from the Guggenheim Collection,” has been extended to run until the museum’s closing date.

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Rare Declaration of Independence Copy To Show at Madame Tussauds

If you’re in Las Vegas this Monday, April 14th, and you have an interest in American history, you’ll want to head over to Madame Tussauds Las Vegas at The Venetian. For one day only, from 10am until 7pm, a rare, original copy of the Declaration of Independence will be on display in the Spirit of America Room.

It’s all a part of the Cricket Wireless Declaration Road Trip 2008, an educational multimedia exhibit sponsored by the nonpartisan youth voter initiative Declare Yourself.

In addition to viewing the document, visitors can watch an informative Declare Yourself video hosted by actress Reese Witherspoon, a descendant of one of the original signers of the document, explaining the history and contemporary relevance of the Declaration. A 14-minute film produced by Norman Lear and Rob Reiner will also be shown and features a powerful theatrical reading of the Declaration of Independence by a distinguished group of actors, including Mel Gibson, Morgan Freeman, Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Spacey, Michael Douglas, and Renee Zellweger, among others.

Admission to the event is completely free.

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MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris Picks New Dancers

Last week, MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris hosted auditions to add three new dancers to its roster of beauties. Guest judge Dita Von Teese, managing director Andree Deissenberg, international choreographer Molly Molloy and show manager Volga Mostouskaya had such a hard time choosing that they eventually made the decision to think outside the box and pick four instead of three. And after ten hours of auditions, the finalists were announced at Tabú Ultra Lounge in a special party hosted by Von Teese.

Among the quartet are two Las Vegas dancers. Russian-born Polina Volchek was a dancer with The Fashionistas until it recently closed its run, and Krystle Richeson, a Virginia girl who moved here after touring with the Radio City Rockettes. The other two winners were Korean-born Elena Lee Rodriguez and another Virginian, Kara McKinney.

The four dancers will now head to France to undergo two months of rehearsals, costume fittings and styling. When they are done, they will then enter the dancer rotations between the three Crazy Horse Paris troupes in Paris, Spain and Las Vegas for a two-year contract.

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“X” Burlesque Celebrates One Year Anniversary

Housed in the intimate 180-seat Second City Theatre at the Flamingo, “X” Burlesque has just kicked off it’s second year at the venue. The 75-minute adult show combines erotic choreography with multi-media video projections and props such as bungees, bathtubs and beds to entertain its audiences.

It seems the formula is working as the show celebrates its first anniversary and show no signs of slowing down. Congratulations to show producers Angela and Matt Stabile, as well as their six dancers, for a show that’s highly rated among those who see it.

If you’d like to see “X” Burlesque for yourself, showtimes are at 10pm Mondays through Wednesdays, and at midnight on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The show is dark on Fridays. Tickets are $44.95 for general admission and $55.95 for VIP (plus tax and fees) and can be purchased at the Flamingo Box Office or by phone at 702.733.3333 or 800.221.7299. Guests must be 18 or older with valid ID.

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Stormy Monday Rolls Into Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce

Tucked away in a corner of Mandalay Bay, behind the escalator leading to the Mandalay Place shops, Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce has entertained thousands of guests with its hot female burlesque dancers. Now the club aims to redefine itself by offering a new special theme night called Stormy Mondays.

What’s so different about this weekly event is that the dancers are men. Yup, as of last week (March 3), Forty Deuce’s stage now features male burlesque starting at 10pm every Monday, with go-go boys, duets and larger scale production numbers entertaining those in attendance throughout the night.

The dancers were all hand-selected by club owner Ivan Kane and his choreographer Tovaris Wilson, and Kane says he hopes the male dancers will attract a new audience for the club.

“I’m always looking to push the envelope and reinvent burlesque again,” explains Kane. “Forty Deuce will always be known for the ‘classic’ burlesque show that started six years ago in Hollywood and began the burlesque craze, but with the incredible success of the rock n’ roll-themed Royal Jelly, I was looking to do something new… and there’s nothing newer than male burlesque. The show is ridiculously hot!”

Stormy Mondays looks to be yet one more reason to visit Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce at Mandalay Bay. But they might want to reinforce the stage poles to hold all that beefcake.

Forty Deuce is open every night except Tuesday, with special theme nights of Royal Jelly Thursdays (featuring Rock’n’Roll burlesque) and Silicone Sundays (an exotic dancer industry night). Admission to the club is $20 on Mondays and Wednesdays, $25 Thursdays and Sundays and $40 on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, you can call the club at 702.632.9442.

I was in Las Vegas a bit over a week ago and I headed to Downtown to see what the atmosphere was like. I’m not the main LasVegaslogue writer and I hadn’t been in the city in about 5 years so I specifically wanted to see what they’d done when they refurbished the Fremont Street Experience. After they covered Fremont Street in 1994 they added a sound and light show that runs hourly each evening, and I’d read that in 2004 they greatly improved it.

The old version was more Disney-like, or at least amusement park-like, with basic dancing shapes and whatnot, but in 2004 they made it higher definition with more lights and they call it Viva Vision. The sound system was enhanced as well, and I’m pleased to say the whole thing is quite amazing and really psychedelic. They could hold the world’s best rave Downtown now, if not for the fact that rave culture is pretty much dead and they seem to be struggling to get anyone Downtown, much less rave kids.

The show lasts only about 6 minutes and starts at the top of every hour in the evening, although the schedule does change a bit on certain days. There are many different themed shows, each with different light patterns and music. More information can be found on the Downtown Las Vegas page.

Below you can watch a 57-second video I took of my favorite show by far. If you think it looks cool on a video, obviously it’s infinitely better in person.

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Pure Offices Raided By IRS

In a surprise move, the IRS invaded the offices of the Pure Management Group on Wednesday (Feb 20) in an onsite investigation into the club’s finances and reported tax evasion tied to unreported cash transactions by employees.

This is said to include things like tips doormen receive for special treatment by guests looking to gain admission, a practice known as “line-fishing,” and possible “cash for hire” celeb appearances that might not have been properly documented.

Pure nightclub owner-partners Robert Frey and Steve Davidovic have reportedly ordered complete cooperation from their employees in assisting the IRS in their investigation. And while there was some worry that they might have to move the private party for Bette Midler’s grand opening night at Caesars Palace, they got the go-ahead last minute from the IRS to use Pure, as originally planned.

The investigation is expected to last several months, possibly until the end of the year.

In addition to Pure, the Pure Management Group also operates other Vegas hotspots such as LAX and the Pussycat Dolls Lounge.

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Vegas Clubs Receive 2008 Club World Award Nominations

Last week the nominations were revealed for the 2008 Club World Awards and several Vegas clubs racked up nods.

Here’s a quick rundown of the Vegas-centric nominations in the panel-judged categories:

“Best Superclub” – Pure (Caesars Palace)“Best Club” – Jet (Mirage)“Best New Venue” – LAX (Luxor) and Tao Beach (The Venetian)“Best Lounge” – Blush (Wynn) and Tabu (MGM Grand)“Best Video System” – Eyecandy Sound Lounge & Bar (Mandalay Bay) and Jet (Mirage)“Best Bottle Service” – Jet (Mirage), Pure (Caesars Palace) and Tao (The Venetian)“Best Resident DJ” – DJ Vice (LAX @ Luxor) and Roonie G. (Jet @ Mirage)“Best One-Off Collaboration” – Timbaland and DJ AM (Pure @ Caesars Palace)“Best Party” – Steven Lockwood’s A/V @ Jet (Mirage)

In the “People’s Choice” categories, which the general public is allowed to vote in, the Empire Ballroom is up for “Best Night Stalker Award” and listed in the “Best DJ Set” category is Bob Sinclair’s LAX launch of “Industry Wednesdays” on Sept. 5. Visit partystrands.com to vote.

The awards will be given out on March 26th during the Winter Music Conference in Miami, Florida. To view the full list of nominees, visit clubworldawards.com.

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Build Your Own Bloody Mary at The Beatles Revolution Lounge

If there’s one thing I’ve noticed about Bloody Mary drinkers is they are very particular as to how spicy their drink is. Some like it mild and others like it to scorch their tongues.

Now the Abbey Road Bar at the Beatles Revolution Lounge at the Mirage is set to cater to those who want their Bloody Marys a certain way with a build-your-own bar every day from noon until 6pm.

Start with your choice of any ten vodkas ranging from $16 to $20. To this you can add either Clamato, tomato or V8 juice, then go to town with the add-ins. Seasonings include everything from the traditional stuff like celery salt and cayenne pepper to fiery habañero Tabasco and wasabi. When the heat is where you like it, garnish with another buffet of items ranging from celery and olives to pickled asparagus and tomolives.

When you’re done, if you don’t like it, you only have yourself to blame.

Last night (Feb 20), Bette Midler officially opened her new run as headliner at Caesars Palace and it was an celeb-studded evening full of rave reviews.

Flaunting plenty of gags, and a wealth of hits, Midler’s “The Showgirl Must Go On” extravaganza features some of the singer’s favorite characters, from the wheelchair-bound mermaid Delores Delago to Soph, the oldest living showgirl in Vegas, all set against a backdrop that resembles a Broadway-style theater. And there is plenty of glitz and glam in everything from the set to the Divine Miss M herself.

“I’ve been hoarding feathers and fans and sequins and rhinestones for the last 50 years and, hey, I’m throwing ‘em all on stage,” she joked.

She is joined onstage by a trio of backup singers (Jordan Ballard, Kyra Dacosta and Kamilah Martin) known as the Harlettes, a 13-piece band-— which includes a six-piece horn section from the Las Vegas band “The Fat City Horns” — and 20 female dancers, who tackle the lively and energetic choreography created by the legendary Toni Basil (of “Mickey” fame).

On hand to take in the first night of was a crowd that included N’SYNC’s Lance Bass & Joey Fatone, Taye Diggs, Christine Ebersole, Jennifer Coolidge, Nathan Burton, Ricki Lake, Idina Menzel, Siegfried & Roy, Rita Rudner, Meatloaf, Toni Basil, and Alan Thicke. Post-show, Midler and her daughter Sophie stolled through the lobby (with bodyguards, of course) to cheers from those on the gambling floor to Pure Nightclub, which had some excitement of its own earlier in the day. At Pure, the Divine Miss M and her closest friends continued the grand opening celebrations until the wee hours.

Here’s a quick round-up of some of the exceptional coverage of the evening around the web.

The Review-Journal’s Mike Weatherford does an quick review of the show.Celeb-watcher Robin Leachcovers the arrivals and after-party on his Luxe Life blog.Local nightlife photog Jeremy Womack snapped some great shots of the red-carpet arrivals, including the Divine Miss M.Broadway World also offers up a red-carpet photo montage at their website.TMZ.com has video footage of Bette headed towards Pure for the after-party.

So it’s now official…Caesars Palace is now the only place on the Strip where you can not only make a bet, but also enjoy a night of Bette, all in the same place.Tickets for “The Showgirl Must Go On” are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 1.877.7BETTEM (723-8836) or logging on to www.ticketmaster.com, keyword “Bette Midler”. Tickets may also be purchased in person at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Box Office, which is open daily from 10am to 10pm. Ticket prices are $95, $140, $175, and $250.

Bette Midler will perform her show five nights per week at 7:30pm, with the show dark on Mondays and Thursdays. Whe she takes longer breaks, the stage time will be split between Elton John and newly signed Cher, who is readying her first show for Caesars Palace, starting May 6.

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Rockstar Taste of Chaos Tour Rolls Into The Pearl at the Palms

It’s going to get loud at The Pearl at the Palms when the fourth annual Rockstar Taste of Chaos tour takes over the stage on Tuesday, April 8, 2008.

This live music festival features openers Idiot Pilot from Seattle, along with a trio of Japanese rock bands: Mucc, D’espairsRay and The Underneath. Then comes the three co-headliners of the tour.

Blessthefall is a Phoenix-based Christian rock quartet that was the most popular new band of last year’s Vans Warped Tour. Their exposure on that tour enabled their debut cd, His Last Walk, to peak at number 32 on the Billboard 200 chart.

They will be followed by Welsh band Bullet for My Valentine whose 2006 debut cd, The Poison, sold more than 1 million copies worldwide. Their second cd, Scream Aim Fire, recently climbed as high as fourth position on the Billboard 200 chart, cementing their position as part of the new wave of British heavy metal.

Closing band of the night, Atreyu, may be new to some, but the Orange County, California band actually debuted in 1998. After several popular metal albums on the indie Victory Records label, the band’s fourth studio album, Lead Sails paper Anchor, debuted last August at number eight on the Billboard 200 chart and at number one on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart. This major label release melds the band’s trademark heavy music sound with the use of unusual instruments, such as the Turkish saz, and a variety of influences ranging from 80s metal to alt-country.

Along with the actual concerts, the one-night music festival also features a video game area, autograph signings and other interactive areas for fans to experience.

Tickets for the Taste of Chaos tour are $32.50 and are available at The Pearl box office and via all Ticketmaster outlets. Doors will open at 6pm, with bands taking the stage starting at 7pm.

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Panic at the Disco Returns for Hometown Show

Las Vegas natives Panic at the Disco exploded on the music scene with their 2005 release, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, and its hit single, “I Write Sins Not Tragedies,” but they’ve been a hit in their hometown a lot longer, constantly selling out concerts.

On Friday, June 13, 2008, the band will return to their stomping grounds to headline the Honda Civic Tour’s stop at The Pearl at the Palms. Joining them will be a diverse group of bands that fit the pop-emo-punk sound that is popular on the music charts right now, including Motion City Soundtrack, The Hush Sound and Phantom Planet.

But it’s Panic at the Disco that’s expected to make the show yet another Vegas sellout, as they hit the stage to support their new cd, Pretty Odd, due in stores on March 25. The band actually recorded the cd at the Studio at the Palms, making this tour stop even more of a homecoming for the band.

So how does the band feel about being on this tour?

“Last year we actually did a spur-of-the-moment acoustic set at the Vegas date of the Civic Tour,” said Panic at the Disco guitarist Ryan Ross. “So, it’s awesome to be playing every show this year.”

Tickets for Panic at the Disco and the Honda Civic tour are $39 and are available at The Pearl box office and via all Ticketmaster outlets. Doors will open at 6pm, with bands taking the stage starting at 7pm.

In a sample from a Globe Trekker program, Sami Sabiti tours the famous South African vineyards of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschoek, giving you an inside look at what goes into making these fantastic wines. And if just watching someone tour a vineyard is not enough for you, then check out some of the other videos you can download from GlobeTrekkerTV. The best part is that you can watch them in your own time, whenever you are ready for a travel fix.

And don’t forget to register to get the monthly emails about all of what’s new at GlobeTrekkerTV – from the free preview video to the full-length high-quality shows. It’s the next best thing to being there.