by Jackie Brett Send Me E-mail

The legendary performer Wayne Newton has extended his engagement at the Flamingo Showroom through April 2006. Shows are Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Newton is a musical icon who has performed over 25,000 shows in Las Vegas alone and released 164 albums. His repertoire includes number one favorites such as "Danke Schoen," "Daddy Don't You Walk So Fast" and "Red Roses for a Blue Lady," among others.

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Tickets for Newton's shows are $65 and $75 plus handling fee. Golden Circle tickets are $100 and they include a meet-and-greet and photo session with Newton. For tickets, call 702-733-3333 or 800-221-7299.

Television mainstay and cultural icon Regis Philbin will return to the Golden Nugget's 400-seat Theatre Ballroom Jan. 20 and 21. His wife Joy Philbin will be his special guest. Tickets are on sale now for $125 plus tax, call 702- 386-8100 or 866- 946-5336.

Philbin. who co-hosts the daily chat fest "Live with Regis and Kelly (Ripa)," returns with his live show featuring selections of standards from the Great American Songbook, audience interaction and lively anecdotes told in his inimitable style.

Philbin is a multiple Emmy Award winner, best selling author and a Guinness World Record holder for logging the most hours on American television.

As a singer, his first record, "It's Time for Regis," was released in 1968. In 2004, Philbin released "When You're Smiling," his first recorded collection of songs in 36 years. Fall 2005 saw the debut of "The Regis Philbin Christmas Album," currently making its way up the charts. Both albums also showcase him and his wife doing duets on several songs.

Quick-witted, veteran comic Vinnie Favorito has resumed his comedy act at a new location center Strip at the 150-seat O'Sheas Theatre. Audiences need to "Buckle Up" with The Vinnie Favorito Comedy Show as he takes them on a comedic ride where the crowd learns all the stories behind their fellow audience members.

Playing on the world's current events, Favorito has stand-up comedy down to a tee.

He began delighting audiences in 1986 and was first noticed nationally as a WZOU 94.5 FM (Top 40) Star Search champion. His diverse appeal has earned him silver screen exposure on various Comedy Central shows, "The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn" and the "Best Damn Sports Show Period." He is also known throughout Hollywood as one of the country's top "roasters" for celebrities including Tom Arnold, Jerry Springer and Larry King.

Favorito made his way to the Las Vegas circuit in 1990, where he is best known for his performances at The Improv comedy club at Harrah's. In Boston, he has served as host of "Boston Chronicle," a magazine television show, and guest radio host on Boston's EAGLE 93.7 FM. Other honors include Favorito's 1998 victory as winner of the renowned San Francisco International Comedy Competition, and recognition from the "Boston Herald" as one of Boston's Top 10 Comedians. Most recently Favorito served as the first-ever headliner at Binion's Gambling Hall, formerly known as Binion's Horseshoe.

Favorito performs two shows nightly Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. For tickets, visit the Flamingo or O'Sheas Box Offices or call 702-733-3333. Guests must be at least 18 years of age.

Steve Connolly has settled into the Fitzgerald's showroom with his full-time "Spirit of the King" show presented by Rockin' Ass Coffee. Backed by a seven-piece live band and two beautiful backup singers, he performs nightly at 7 p.m. Beginning tomorrow night, general admission is $30 and $40 for VIP seating.

Since Connolly took over the showroom, he's improved the interior atmosphere by adding authentic Elvis, Beatles and other legends' photographs and memorabilia to all the walls. An interesting note, Connolly who also sketches, has had a business restoring art and painting church ceilings.

Connolly rather than mimic Elvis takes what he calls an "Elvisesque"-approach and offers an authentic portrait of an American icon.

Connolly uses his ample skills as a composer, musician playing bass, drums and guitar, and vocalist to offer insight into the King and the musical eras he encompassed. With his own stage charisma and consummate talent, Connolly chooses not to wear sunglasses or jumpsuits and even performs a couple of his own original compositions at the end of the show thus making his concert more original.

Connolly has been performing his Elvis act in Las Vegas since he appeared in "Love Him Tender: The Spirit f the King" in Bally's "Jubilee!" Theatre in 1999/2000. An extended engagement followed in the musical comedy "Tease" at the former Blue Note Cabaret. Connolly has mastered Elvis' physical nuances, moves and conversational tones to match his musical ability and interpretations. You don't have to be an avid Elvis fan to appreciate Connolly's show and his talent.

Now through Jan. 4, the Bellagio's Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is featuring a Winter Wonderland with an Ocean Spray cranberry bog, fanciful penguins, carnation-covered polar bears and a towering 45-foot bejeweled Shasta Fir tree.

The schedule for displays in 2006 are Chinese New Year Exhibit: Jan. 14 - Feb. 25, Spring Celebration: March 5 - May 13, Summer Garden Party: May 21 - Sept. 9, and Harvest Show: Sept. 17 - Nov. 25.

The Coffee Pub, one of Las Vegas' most notable and frequented breakfast and lunch spots, will locate its second local restaurant at THE CURVE in Phase One and open in early 2007. The Coffee Pub's original location on West Sahara Avenue has attracted the political and business elite for more than two decades. THE CURVE will be the second Las Vegas location for Coffee Pub and will offer the area a neighborhood bistro with al fresco dining and a San Francisco feel. THE CURVE is a 47.5-acre mixed-use master-planned suburban village located between Sunset and Durango on I-215. The $300 million first phase will include two 18-story hi-rise luxury condominium towers. For information call 702-221-1186.

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