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The Mike & Carla Morning Show

The Mike & Carla Morning Show

The Mike & Carla Morning Show

3 Things To Do On Your First Visit To Las Vegas

Author Mike O'Brian
The City of Las Vegas sign at the north end of Las Vegas Blvd.

A lot of people coming to town this week, but if it’s your inaugural visit, here are 3 things to do if it’s your first time to Las Vegas! The Mike & Carla Morning Show definitely wanted to share their over 70 years of living here. Despite the fact that the town has changed over the years, keep in mind, not everything is on the Las Vegas Strip!

When the question was thrown out there, there are no wrong answers. Just remember, if you have family or friends coming to town for the first time, these are three things YOU would suggest. Mike O’Brian, right off the bat, mentioned the High Roller, dinner at the Golden Steer and maybe a ride out to the Golden Saloon. The High Roller offers a nice view up and down the strip. The Golden Steer has great food and the history as well as The Pioneer Saloon in Good Springs.

What Are Your 3 Favorite Things To Do

Carla Rea mentioned the Boneyard, day or night, The Peppermill and a hike out at Red Rock. She even thought the railroad tunnels out in Boulder City as an honorable mention. All great places with their own page of history. Especially the Boneyard…seeing all the old Vegas signs up close and a flashback to old Las Vegas!

It was tough for Morty to come up with a few, but his mention of Area 15 was a good one. It’s a place that would keep you busy all day long…not Area 51, but Area 15! Afterward admitting that he is not a great “local” when it comes to suggesting where to go or what to do.

Those listeners that texted or called in, many of them suggested restaurants in town that also offered a bit of history. Batista’s Hole in the Wall came up…right on W. Flamingo. It’s been there for decades.

So listen, if you have family or friends coming to town for the first time, listen to the segment. Get some tips or it might even jog your memory about a few other places to add to the list…and enjoy!

Mike O’Brian is the Program Director and Morning Show host on 96.3 KKLZ in Las Vegas, along with Carla Rea. He has been with the Beasley Media Group for almost 23 years. Mike was named one of the “Best Program Directors In America” by Radio Ink magazine. Over the years, “The Mike & Carla Morning Show” have been presented with a number of proclamations for their work in the community and numerous awards. Having lived in Las Vegas for over 35 years, he writes articles on living in Las Vegas, sports, and odd stories happening within the state of Nevada. Mike is the host of the morning show and program director of 96.3 KKLZ/Las Vegas. He has been doing mornings in Las Vegas for the past 38 years. Over the years, he has hosted a numerous amount of community events and has been the P.A. announcer for a number of sports teams in Las Vegas. He has written on living in Las Vegas, the sports teams here, as well as odd & little-known facts about Las Vegas & Nevada.

Las Vegas Residencies Happening In 2024: Killers, Adele, Bruno Mars + More!

Las Vegas is the land of residency. And honestly, most of the residencies I’ve seen are spectacular.

From the Cirque du Soleil shows to the plethora of other magic and illusionist shows, there is an entertainment option for everyone.

For this article, we will be focusing on musical concert residencies only.

What Was The First Residency In Las Vegas?

According to Casino.com, Liberace is credited as being the first star with a Las Vegas residency. Liberace’s first residency night was at the Hotel Last Frontier in November 1944.

His branding, style and amazing talent attracted people from across the globe. Casino.com further reports that he played on The Strip for the rest of his life, engraining his showmanship into the current-day standards for performers.

The Sands Hotel was another iconic building that housed some of the world’s most-famous singers. It’s truly where the allure of Las Vegas and the glamourous idea associated with the city came from. The Sands’ famous Copa Room, “Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. performed in the 1950s and 1960s surrounded by legions of glamorous Copa Girls in beautiful costumes,” a report from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas says.

Eventually, singers flocked to Las Vegas for lucrative contracts. Now, we have the famous Barry Manilow, Donny Osmond and so much more.

The Economics Of Las Vegas Residencies

Although the big production of Las Vegas residencies may appear that these casinos are making a big profit, this isn’t quite the case. Casino.org reports that many residencies cause casinos to lose money in a way. The casino doesn’t make a huge profit from the ticket prices alone. These residencies aim to attract players to the casinos, so that’s how many casinos are able to cultivate a profit through that avenue.

According to the Genting Casino Insight, Celina Dion’s residencies from 2011-2019 and 2003-2007 were the highest-grossing residencies.

As we enter 2024, Las Vegas will host some of the most-talented and most-coveted artists. Scroll down below to see some of the most exciting upcoming residencies for 2024.

  • The Killers

    This announcement nearly broke the internet. The Killers will finally have a residency in their hometown and celebrate 20 years of “Hot Fuss.” This alternative rock band will be performing at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for eight days. For ticket information, click here. 

    “Hot Fuss,” is the album that gave us smash hits like “Mr. Brightside,” “Somebody Told Me,” and more. In an Instagram post, The Killers said, “It’s good to be home.”  

  • Christina Aguilera

    Christina Aguilera will be performing at the Voltaire located inside of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Aguilera will be hosting her shows throughout February and March.

    According to The Venetian’s website, “What I love about the intimacy at Voltaire at The Venetian Resort is how up-close-and-personal I can be with the audience…a truly modern twist on the performance experience,” Christina shares.

    Recently, she performed on New Year’s Eve at the Voltaire, and it was a stunning performance. She counted down to 2024 at her recent show on the Las Vegas Strip. The venue is intimate, and you’ll hear Christina like you’ve never heard her before. Tickets for this amazing residency can be found here.

  • Kylie Minogue: More Than Just a Residency

    Kylie Minogue will be performing at this exclusive residency at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas’ Voltaire venue. According to the Venetian’s website, “Kylie Minogue’s glittering career has seen her amass sales of over 80 million records worldwide, 5 billion streams and 8 UK No 1 albums.”

    Kylie’s most-famous songs include, “Padam Padam,” “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head,” and “Come into My World.” Tickets can be found here. 

  • Wu-Tang Clan The Saga Continues: The Las Vegas Residency

    This residency is historic because it’s the first hip-hop residency to happen in Las Vegas. Wu-Tang Clan will perform at The Theater inside of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas throughout February and March. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas’ website states, “his residency is more than a concert – it serves as a tribute to their prolific careers as individuals and as the most storied group in hip-hop history. A Wu-Tang experience like never before.” 

    This will be a prolific and amazing experience that any Wu-Tang fan will love. Get your tickets here.

     

  • Jodeci: The Show, The After Party, The Vegas Residency

    Jodeci will be hosting a residency called, “Jodeci: The Show, The After Party, The Vegas Residency.” This iconic R&B group will be the House of Blues in March and July. This will be a night of slow jams and great music that has entertained us for years. Edge, style and voices of gold, Jodeci is a must-see band that will grace the Las Vegas Strip.

    Get your tickets here.

  • Phish

    Phish will be bringing their talent to the famous Sphere! Phish has never played the same show twice, so each night at the Sphere will be a different setlist. The visuals will be an experience like no other. The band will be playing on April 18 until April 21, 2024. For more information, click here.

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