Entertainment Insider

Entertainment Insider by Victor “Vegas Vic” Royer

Elvis is In the Building!

A 19-year-old Elvis Presley performed his first concert in Las Vegas on July 30, 1954. He wasn't a big hit back then. In fact, his show pretty much flopped. That was because he was booked into the old (and original) El Rancho, and was playing mostly to an older audience used to Glenn Miller and Swing Bands, then to Rock 'n Roll. But despite this rocky beginning (pun intended), it didn't take long for Elvis to become an international sensation.

Since then, he has sold over one billion records, which is more than any other artist in history. He is now forever remembered as the King of Rock 'n Roll. Although Elvis passed away in 1977, it is apparent that he has not "left the building" in Las Vegas. Caesars Entertainment leads the way offering three Elvis shows on the Strip that feature award-winning Elvis tribute artists. These entertainers have been performing on the Strip for over a decade and have cumulatively performed over 10,000 shows. Caesars Entertainment's Elvises are sure to have audiences "All Shook Up."

Legends in Concert - Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino lights up the stage with live re-creations of superstars from the past and present. The show features several tribute artists including Britney Spears and Michael Jackson, but no tribute show would be complete without homage to the King of Rock 'n Roll, Elvis Presley. Victor Trevino, Jr. takes the audience back in time as he performs some of Elvis' greatest hits on the Legends stage.Trevino, who studied Elvis by watching YouTube videos, has performed in over a thousand shows, including Elvis festivals. See Elvis and the rest of the superstars perform in the Flamingo Showroom Sunday through Friday at 4 p.m. and additionally Sunday and Monday at 9:30 p.m.

Big Elvis - Harrah's Las Vegas: While the King has been gone for nearly 40 years, his legend lives on inside the Piano Bar at Harrah's, courtesy of Pete Vallee performing as Big Elvis. Vallee first knew he wanted to become a performer when he assumed the role as Elvis at the age of 13 for a school talent show. He was inspired to become an Elvis tribute artist by his mother, who is said to have had a special relationship with the King. Vallee sings some of Elvis' biggest hits, as well as popular rock, gospel, country and R&B songs. Celebrating his 11th year and over 7,000 performances on the center Strip, Valle was named one of the top ten Elvis tribute artists byTime Magazine and CNN in 2010. Watch Valle as Big Elvis take the stage Monday,Tuesday,Thursday and Friday at 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.

El Cortez - "Memories Of Elvis", Starring John Brooks. This wonderful tribute show is at the Parlor Bar at El Cortez on Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas every Friday and Saturday night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Ifyou've never been to an Elvis tribute show before, you will love this one. Brooks performs over three hours of Elvis's biggest hits from the 50's 60's and the 70's! A big portion of the show is doing requests from the audience. Brooks has a library of over 350 songs, so chances are whatever you want to hear he can do. Drinks at the Parlor Bar are very inexpensive, and they now have a "small bites" menu available as well.

"The King" Starring Trent Carlini at the LVH.

You'll swear he's back in the building! Nationally recognized Elvis tribute artist and winner of ABC's "The Next Best'Ihing," Trent Carlini combines his uncanny resemblance and incredible vocal ability in a performance that will electrify you.

In his most powerful tribute yet to the "King of Rock 'n Roll," Carlini will take viewers on a retrospective of Elvis Presley's career, from his unforgettable rock-a-billy sessions, through the movie years, his '68 comeback special, and the Las Vegas years of the '70s. With multiple costume changes, unbelievable visual media and more than 25 different hits, Trent Carlini truly showcases the King's exciting life in entertainment. Show is nightly (dark Tuesdays) at 6:30 p.m.

Million Dollar Quartet - Harrah's Las Vegas. The TonyAward-winning Broadway musical that takes place on December
4, 1956, the fateful day that brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together for the first and only time. Sam Phillips, the music producer responsible for launching the careers of these four musicians, brought them all together at the Sun Records store-front studio in Memphis,TN. The jam session that occurred that night was one of the most legendary in rock and roll history. Inspired at the age of 11 by an Elvis tribute artist by the name of Bill Chrastil,Tyler Hunter has been performing since he was 15, and has appeared as Elvis in over 1,500 shows. See Million Dollar Quartet inside the Harrah's Showroom Monday,Tuesday,Wednesda)~ Friday and Sunday at 7 p.m. and Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Neon Paradise – The Entertainment Capital of the World

All that glitters is not always gold – except in Las Vegas, where everything is a Golden Opportunity! We all shine and glitter here. From the giant new LCD displays, to the grand and glorious old gas neon lights, there’s nothing like Las Vegas. We have it all – great games, great food, great shows … lots and lots of slots – and the stuff that dreams are made of!

So, now you’re here … what to do and where to go? What’s happening? You’ve come to the right place. Here’s what we’ve got cooking … MORE