Las Vegas Spotlight: May 2011

Glee‘s Dianna Agron, Chris Colfer, Darren Criss, Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Kevin McHale, Heather Morris, Chord Overstreet, Amber Riley, Naya Rivera, Mark Salling, Harry Shum Jr., and Jenna Ushkowitz arrive in Las Vegas this month. The TV phenomenon’s Glee Live! tour is kicking off at Mandalay Bay Events Center (May 21), and with the cast performing some of their most memorable tunes, “don’t stop believin'” that this will be one incredible show.

As usual, The Colosseum at Caesars Palace provides a mix of music superstars and comedy headliners. Promoting her new “In Your Dreams” album is the legendary Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks, making a rare, special concert appearance on May 14. Pop icon Kylie Minogue brings her Aphrodite – Live 2011 World Tour to town on May 22. If comedy’s your bag, then you’re in luck. On May 7, ventriloquist Jeff Dunham brings his menagerie of crazy characters to The Colosseum. Caesars Palace mainstay Jerry Seinfeld is back in town on May 20-21. And the always outrageous Chelsea Handler brings her “Lies Chelsea Handler Told Me” tour to Vegas on May 28.

Music’s biggest names come out to the MGM Grand Garden Arena at the Billboard Music Awards on May 22. With performances by The Black Eyed Peas, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Taio Cruz and more, it promises to be a spectacular evening. Over at MGM Grand’s Hollywood Theatre is Martin Nievera: A Knockout Concert (May 6). The “Concert King of the Philippines” is putting on a benefit for Sagip Kapamilya sa Japan – a program directed to Filipinos affected by the recent disasters in Japan. Also at MGM’s Hollywood Theatre is comedian Jo Koy, who’s debuting his stand-up routine on May 5-7.

Spring in Vegas means outdoor concert time, and The Cosmopolitan dips its toe in the water at The Boulevard Pool with Ms. Lauryn Hill on May 13. The former Fugees frontwoman will no doubt show the crowd that “A Rose Is Still A Rose.”

At The Paris, Barry Manilow continues his residency (May 20-June 12). An intimate evening with a music superstar — “This One’s For You,” Manilow fans. Another Vegas residency artist, comedian Tim Allen, performs at The Venetian on May 20-21. And the witty Rita Rudner continues her run throughout the month as well.

At The Palms, pop sensation Ke$ha is playing at The Pearl Concert Theater on May 7. Also at The Palms are Elvis Costello & The Imposters (May 13) and alternative rockers System of a Down (May 22). The Joint at The Hard Rock has a mélange of music in May. Once again, DJ Tiesto will “Just Be” when he spins on May 7 and May 28. And rock icons The Moody Blues bring their timeless music to The Joint on May 13.

The Mirage continues to present “The Aces of Comedy.” This month, “Soul Plane” and “Death at a Funeral” star Kevin Hart performs on May 6-7. “Tonight Show” fixture Jay Leno cruises into town on May 13-14. And Ron “Tater Salad” White is swilling scotch and telling jokes on May 28-29. Treasure Island is also the home to comedy this month. On May 6 is Carlos Mencia. On May 27, the incomparable Bill Cosby sits down for some stand-up.

The Las Vegas Hilton has some events not to be missed at The Hilton Theater. On May 6, Sugar Shane Mosley Presents The Knock Out Kings of Comedy! Four of today’s funniest comics, Lavell Crawford, DeRay Davis, Aries Spears, and Gary Owen will have you on the mat. On May 20 is Experience Hendrix, the all-star concert tribute to Jimi Hendrix. Starring such performers as Hendrix’s old band mate Billy Cox, along with Steve Vai, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, David Hidalgo and Cesar Rosas (of Los Lobos), Aerosmith’s Brad Whitford, and many more. Also at The Hilton are beloved R&B group The Whispers, joined by Temptations Review with Dennis Edwards (May 21).

Country fans get a treat over at Green Valley Ranch Resort‘s Grand Events Center, when “The First Lady of Country Music” Loretta Lynn performs on May 7. You’ll definitely be “lookin’ at country.”

A wide variety of music comes to The Orleans in May. At The Orleans Showroom, Filipino entertainment icon Imelda Papin performs on May 6. 70s teen idol (and Partridge Family alum) David Cassidy appears on May 7-8. Superstar Yang Yen, the “Julie Andrews of the Far East” comes to Vegas on May 14. Soft rockers Air Supply will have you “Lost in Love” on May 27-29. And at the Orleans Arena, world class musician Yanni will put on a memorable show on May 14.

Planet Hollywood‘s Theatre for the Performing Arts has some exciting performances planned. On May 14, it’s Art Laboe Radio Show – Live. The Radio Legend and King of the Oldies hosts an evening of songs from his radio show, performed by the artists that made them famous. Spend the night with Peaches and Herb, The Temprees, MC Magic, and many more. On May 28, Spanish singer Camilo Sesto brings his farewell tour, Gira del Adios, to Las Vegas.

As for theater, Las Vegas Little Theatre’s Mainstage presents Neil Simon’s Lost in Yonkers, directed by Brian Scott (May 6-22). The coming-of-age comedy tells the story of teenagers Arty and Jay, and their life in 1942 Yonkers, New York with their off-kilter relatives.

And if you’re looking for something for the kiddies, you’re in luck. Over at UNLV’s Cox Pavilion is Sesame Street Live’s Elmo’s Healthy Heroes (May 6-8). All your favorite Muppets from Sesame Street come together when Super Grover loses his superness. Watch as Elmo, Abby and the rest of the team of Healthy Heroes save the day!