Ring in 1998, Las Vegas Sun, Dec. 26, 1997

Make a date with ‘98 Friday, Dec. 26, 1997 | 9:13 a.m. Lisa Ferguson Choices, choices, choices. If you plan on spending Wednesday night -- coincidentally known as New Year's Eve -- out on the town, you're in luck: Las Vegas is simply overflowing with parties and entertainment options for those wishing to give 1997 the old heave-ho alongside the thousands of rowdy revelers sure to turn Las Vegas Boulevard into Celebration Central. The following is a hearty sampling of the shows, bashes and assorted happenings -- some of them stylish, others more relaxed, and most of them pricey -- that will salute the midnight hour. (All ticket prices listed are per person, unless otherwise noted.) And as all that bubbly is going to your goofy-hatted, horn-blowing head, try to remember: There's only 734 more days until you have to party like it's 1999. Entertaining possibilities Bally's: Liza Minnelli performs at 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $95 and $110 and include party hats and party favors, one drink or a glass of champagne. Comedians George Carlin and Dennis Miller yuk it up at 8 p.m ($38.50 per person) and again at 11:30 p.m., when the $55 ticket price includes one drink or glass of champagne, hats and favors. Tickets are $55 for songstress Taylor Dayne and comedian Richard Jeni, who perform at 10:30 p.m., and also include one drink or glass of champagne and favors. "Jubilee!" is featured at 7 p.m. Tickets are $49.50 and $66. For reservations, call 739-4111. Boulder Station: Rock legend Johnny Rivers plays at The Railhead, with The Checkmates opening the show at 9 p.m. Ticket prices are $54.45 for bar seats and $65.45 for floor seats, and include tax, party favors, a midnight balloon drop and champagne toast. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster locations and at the hotel's front desk and Promotions Center. For more information, call 432-7575. Buffalo Bill's: Country crooner Billy Ray Cyrus and opening act Lila McCann perform at the Star of the Desert arena at 10 p.m. To purchase reserved seats, which are $25 and $35 (add $2 day of show), call Ticketmaster at 474-4000. Caesars Palace: Earth, Wind & Fire perform in the Circus Maximus Showroom at 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $125. For a $15 cover charge, see Bobby Wade's Emperors play the La Piazza Lounge beginning at 10 p.m. Complimentary champagne will be served at Cleopatra's Barge Nightclub ($75 cover charge), where Anita Sarawak will host beginning at 9 p.m. Call 731-7333 for ticket information. Desert Inn: Blues legend B.B. King appears in the Crystal Showroom. The $195 ticket price includes dinner at 8 p.m. and the show at 10:30 p.m. For reservations, call 733-4566. Fremont Street Experience: Rockers Eddie Money and .38 Special in concert. Admission is $10 for the shows at 9:10, 10:10 and 11:10 p.m. And .38 Special will perform on the First Street stage, while Money appears on the Third Street stage. Gates open at 5 p.m. Call 678-5777 for more information. Gold Coast: Little Jo and La Familia perform at 9 p.m. Tickets are $40 and include party favors and a champagne toast. Jim Fitzgerald's Orchestra performs from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom. Tickets are $47.50 and include tax, gratuity, party favors and champagne. Call 367-7111 for information. Hard Rock Hotel: Singer Jewel performs at The Joint at 10 p.m. Tickets are $75, $125 and $150 (plus a $2 facility fee) and include balloons, confetti and champagne. Call the concert hotline at 693-5066 for more information. Holiday Inn Boardwalk: The 7:30 p.m. performance of "The Dream King," starring Elvis impersonator Trent Carlini, includes party favors and champagne. Tickets are $39.95 plus tax. For reservations, call 730-3194. Huntridge Performing Arts Theatre: Spend New Year's Eve in the mosh pit as rockers Sevendust and special guest Snot take the stage at 8 p.m. Tickets are $19.98. For more information, call FUN-HUNT. Imperial Palace: "Legends in Concert" performance at 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $49.95 including tax, tip, party favors, two drinks or champagne. The 7:30 p.m. show is regularly priced at $29.50. For tickets, call 731-3311. Las Vegas Hilton: Harry Belafonte performs in the Hilton Theater at 10 p.m. Tickets are $75, $90 and $125. Doors will open to the Nightclub at 8 p.m., when a disc jockey will spin tunes, followed by performances by Louie Louie at 9:30 p.m. and 1:45 a.m., and Kristine W at 11:30 p.m. Admission is $65 and includes tax, two drinks and party favors. Call 732-5755 for more information. Main Street Station: The "Divine Divas" show will be performed at 8 and 11:30 p.m. in the Triple 7 Brewpub. Party favors are included in the $10 cover charge with a two-drink minimum. Call 387-1896 for details. Maxim: "Heatwave," a magic and comedy show staring Karin Denise and magician Dixie Dooley, at 10:45 p.m. Champagne and party favors are included in the ticket price of $29.95 plus tax, or $49.95 plus tax per couple. Call 457-8448 for reservations. MGM Grand: Rodney Dangerfield performs at 10:30 p.m. in the Hollywood Theatre. The $125 ticket price includes tax, gratuity, party favors unlimited champagne and cocktails. "EFX" hosts two performances, at 7:30 (priced at $49.95 and $70), and 10:15 p.m., when tickets are $74.50 and $95 including tax, gratuity, party favors, two splits of champagne or two cocktails. Comedians Laurie Kilmartin, Todd Glass and C.D. LaBove take the stage at "Catch A Rising Star," at 7:30 (tickets are $20 plus tax) and again from 10 p.m.-midnight. Tickets for the second show are $65 and include tax, gratuity, two splits of champagne or two cocktails. Both shows are open to patrons ages 21 and over only. For reservations, call 891-7777. The Mirage: Sigfried & Roy take the stage at 7 and 10 p.m. The $100 ticket price includes a split of champagne, tax and gratuity. Call 792-7777 for ticket information. Monte Carlo: A 10:30 p.m. show of "Lance Burton: Master Magician" includes champagne. Balcony tickets are $64.95, and floor/mezzanine seats are $69.95. Regular prices for the 7:30 p.m. show are $34.95 and $39.95. For ticket information, call 730-7777. North Beach Cafe: A 9 p.m. performance of the interactive play, "Joey and Maria's Wedding." Tickets, which include dinner and a split of champagne at midnight, are $85. Call 247-9530 for more information. New York, New York: Audience at "MADhattan" receive a bag of New Year's paraphernalia, and champagne in a souvenir glass to toast with the cast. Ticket prices are $39.95 for adults, $19.95 for children ages 12 and under. Show times are 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. For information, call the box office at 740-6815. The Orleans: The Pointer Sisters perform two shows at 8 and 10:30 p.m. A "surprise" event is scheduled for the second show, which is restricted to ages 21 and over. Tickets are $55 with tax. Call 365-7111 for information. Pink E's Fun, Food and Spirits: The venue at 3695 West Flamingo Road, hosts '80s rockers Warrant, with opening act Sea Monkeys at 10 p.m. The $35 ticket price includes a dinner buffet, champagne and balloon drop at midnight. Ages 21 and over. Doors open at 6 p.m. Call 252-4666. Rio: The public is invited to attend the live taping of the Fox network's annual New Year's Eve special, beginning at 8 p.m. at the hotel's outdoor beach area. Music group Sugar Ray will perform, and a New Year's countdown at 9 p.m. (for East Coast viewers) will be followed by a fireworks display. Admission is free. Free champagne will be served throughout the casino starting at 10 p.m. The Masquerade Village will open at 12:30 a.m. with a performance by the Earl Turner Band, followed by Masquerade Show in the Sky at 1:30 a.m. Denise Clemente will perform in Mambo's Lounge from 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Club Rio opens at 1:30 a.m. Admission is $20. Call 252-7777. Riviera: Rock 'n' roll legends Frankie Avalon, Bobbie Vee and The Tokens perform in the Riviera Grand Ballroom. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Ticket price is $125 plus tax, fee and gratuity and includes unlimited drinks, a gourmet dinner, show and champagne toast. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. showing of "Splash" are $49.50 plus tax, fee and gratuity. A second show, at 10:30 p.m., is $75 and includes a drink and a split of champagne. "An Evening at La Cage," starring Frank Marino, begins at 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 plus tax and gratuity and include unlimited drinks and party favors. The 8 p.m. show is $21.95. "Crazy Girls, Las Vegas' Sexiest Topless Revue," offers an 8:30 p.m. show priced at $21.95 including two drinks. An 11 p.m. performance, priced at $40, includes unlimited drinks and party favors. Call 794-9433 for ticket information. Sahara: Comedienne Rita Rudner takes the Congo Room stage at 8 p.m. Tickets are $29.95 plus tax and $54.50 plus tax for the 10:30 p.m. show. Call 737-2515 for ticket information. San Remo: "Showgirls of Magic" hosts a topless show, including champagne and party favors, at 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $34.95 plus tax. The 8 p.m. family show is $19.95 plus tax. For ticket information, call 739-9000. Santa Fe: Dance to the music of Salsa Machine in the Ice Lounge. Hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, two drinks, champagne and party favors are included in the $49 ticket price. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Call 658-4900 for more details. Stardust: Mike Love, of the Beach Boys, and the California Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. in the Stardust Theatre. Tickets are $49.95, including tax, tip and two drinks. The "Enter the Night" performance at 10:30 p.m. is $40, $49 and $55 and includes tax, tip, two drinks, a champagne toast and party favors. Call 732-6111 for more information. Stratosphere: The 10:45 p.m. "American Superstars" show will include party favors. An 8 p.m. show will also be presented. Tickets are $22.95 plus tax. Call 380-7777 for ticket information. Showboat: Coco & the G's perform in the Mardi Gras Lounge from 9:15 p.m. to 1 a.m. No cover charge. Two drink minimum. Open to ages 21 and over. Call 385-9123 for details. Sunset Station: Lyin' Eyes and The Fab take the stage at Club Madrid from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets are $19.98 and are available at Ticketmaster locations and the hotel's VIP Experience Center. Call 547-7777. Texas Station: Grammy Award-winning country artists Sawyer Brown will play The Hall at 8 and 10:30 p.m., with a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $32.50, $40, $52.50 and $75 including tax, and are available at Ticketmaster locations and the hotel's Winners Center. Call 631-1000 for more information. Treasure Island: A 10:15 p.m. showing of "Mystere" includes party favors, a show program and champagne. Tickets are $82.50. The regular 7:30 p.m. show will also be offered. Call 894-7722. Tropicana: A 9:30 p.m. performance of "Best of Follies Bergere ... Sexier Than Ever" is $65 and includes the show, a split of champagne and party favors. Comedians Don Gavin, Blair Shannon and Kevin Knox perform at "The Comedy Stop" beginning at 10:15 p.m. Two drinks, a champagne toast and party favors are included in the $42.50 ticket price. Call 739-2411. Soiree suggestions Arizona Charlie's: A New Year's Eve gala begins at 8:15 p.m. in the Palace Grand Ballroom. A gourmet, sit-down dinner includes entertainment by the Joe Guercio Orchestra featuring Bonnie Graham. The $75 ticket price includes hats and party favors, champagne and dancing. A party begins at 9 p.m. in the Naughty Ladies Saloon. Party favors, snacks music and dancing are included in the $15 ticket price. Call 258-5200 for more details. Binion's Horseshoe: A "Disco Fever" gala, with champagne and party favors, will be held in the Special Events Room from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Julio the Gardener and The Boogie Machine will play dance music. Admission is $10. For information, call 382-1600. Barleys Casino and Brewing Company: The venue at 4500 East Sunset Road in Henderson, will host a free party from 9 p.m.-1 a.m., with live music beginning at 10 p.m., and free champagne and party favors at midnight. Call 458-2739 for details. Debbie Reynolds Hotel: Walter Boenig's Big Band will perform at a gourmet dinner, with seatings at 5 and 7 p.m., followed by a show starring Debbie Reynolds at 10:30 p.m. in the Star Theatre. Tickets are $150. Dinner only is $25, and the party and show without dinner is $125. Call 733-2244 for ticket information. Holiday Inn Boardwalk: A sock hop gala includes dinner, dancing, entertainment and a midnight toast. Tickets are $75. Call 730-3194 for more details. Luxor: Former "Married ... With Children" star David Faustino hosts a "celebrity" party at Ra, the casino's recently-opened nightclub. The $75 admission price includes one drink and party favors. Doors open at 10 p.m. Call 262-4000 for more details. Maxim: The Drifters ("Under the Boardwalk," "On Broadway") will perform, along with the Danny Gale Band, following a gourmet dinner featuring wine and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $110 and are available at the casino cage. Call 731-4300 for more information. MGM Grand: Doors will open at 10 p.m. for a party at the Studio 54 nightclub. The $150 ticket includes tax, gratuity, party favors, an open bar and tray-passed hors d'oeuvres. The "Disco Inferno" party takes place in the Grand Ballroom. A five-course menu with unlimited champagne and cocktails, party favors and a midnight balloon drop are included in the $200 ticket price. Ages 21 and over. To reserve tickets, call 891-7777. The Orleans: Party band NRG will perform at a gala in the convention area, featuring hot and cold hor d'oeuvres, an open bar and a champagne toast. Tickets are $70. Doors open at 9 p.m. Call 365-7075 for more information. Riviera : A "Top of the Riv" party, beginning at 10 p.m. and concluding at 2 a.m., will feature dancing, a disc jockey, hors d'oeuvres, unlimited drinks and party favors. Tickets are $58.50 plus tax, fee and gratuity. Call 794-9433. San Remo: A gala, featuring entertainment by Tim Ballard and his band and strolling musicians, will begin with cocktails at 9 p.m. in the Chateau Ballroom, followed by a five-course gourmet meal with wine at 9:30 p.m. Then it's dancing until midnight and a champagne toast. Tickets are $98 per person and are available at the hotel's Money Club Booth. Call 597-6024 for more information. Sand Dollar Blues Lounge: The club, at 3355 West Spring Mountain Road, will host a party starting at 9 p.m. John Earl and The Boogie Man Band and The Shuffle-Aires will perform. The $35 per person ticket price includes dinner, champagne and party favors. Call 871-6651 for information. Santa Fe: "Puttin' on the Ritz" is the theme of a party in the Santa Fe Ballroom. Tony Celeste and his Big Band will provide the dance music. The $75 ticket price includes a sit-down dinner with two cocktails, wine and champagne. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Call 658-4900 for reservations. Stratosphere: A party on the tower's two observation decks, being broadcast live on KXPT 97.1-FM and hosted by morning show personalities Lark Williams and Mike O'Brien, begins at 9 p.m. Live music by The Leisure Lizards, dancing, hors d'oeuvres, two drinks, champagne and party favors are included in the $50 admission price. Call 380-7711 for ticket information. Faithful standbys Wellspring Church and Christian Center: The center, at 1401 North Decatur Avenue, will host a praise gathering and worship music celebration beginning at 7 p.m., followed by a potluck dinner, a showing of the movie "Repeat Performance" and communion at midnight. For information, call 631-5027. Valley Outreach Synagogue: The synagogue, at 1692 Long Horizon Lane, Henderson, will host a progressive dinner and New Year's Eve celebration. Call 436-4900 for details. Mountain Top Faith Ministries: The ministries will present New Year's Eve services beginning at 9 p.m. at Durango High School, 7100 West Dewey Drive. Call 367-1636 for more information. Miscellaneous mixers Showboat's Bingo Garden: A $10,000 Super Bingo session at 11 p.m. Door prizes will be awarded. Call 385-9123 for more information. Sunset Station's Bingo Room: A $25,000 New Year's Eve session begins at 11 p.m. Call 547-7777 for information. Stratosphere: A pyrotechnics display kicks off at 10 p.m. Call 380-7711 for details. Luxor: A new, computer-controlled lighting system on the pyramid debuts at midnight. A fireworks program follows. For information, call 262-4825. Santa Fe Ice Arena: Skate into the New Year with party hats and noise makers. Skate rentals are $5. Doors open at 8 p.m. Call 658-4991 for details. archive