Las Vegas Spotlight: July 2010

July in Las Vegas means things are really about to heat up, and we’re not just talking about the temperature. Wayne Brady continues his run of his successful Making It Up improv show at The Venetian (July 1-5). On July 2, Bill Cosby is back at Treasure Island, while NewsRadio alum Joe Rogan plays the House of Blues, and 2010 Tony Award nominee David Alan Grier — fresh from Broadway’s Race — performs at Mandalay Bay. The cynical — and always funny — Kathy Griffin serves up her biting wit at The Colosseum At Caesars Palace on July 10. And the insightful Bill Maher dishes out some political commentary at The Orleans Showroom on July 17-18.

For those of you in the mood for something offbeat, Sugar Puppy Comedy Cabaret begins a limited late night run at Insurgo, July 2-17. Starring burlesque comedienne Emily Lauren, the show is described as a “one-two punch of satirical sexuality and physical comedy.” With a little help from Breon Jenay as Sweetie Puss, who says you have to go to The Strip to see a sexy revue?

The Las Vegas Little Theatre presents I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (July 9-25), written by 2010 Tony Award winner Joe DiPietro. The critically-acclaimed musical comedy, directed by Rob Kastil, takes on everyone’s favorite topics: love, relationships, marriage, and all stops in between.

Stage Door Entertainment, in conjunction with The Super Summer Theatre, presents the rollicking revue, Ain’t Misbehavin’ at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park (July 7-10, 14-17 and 21-24). A celebration of the rowdy (and randy) tunes of “Fats” Waller and others, it promises to be one swinging evening as it takes you through a musical journey of the music of the Harlem Renaissance.

Giving audiences a firecracker of a show, Lilith: The Celebration of Women in Music heads to Mandalay Bay (July 9). This year’s lineup is scheduled to include some of the foremost females in the music world: Sarah McLachlan, Queen Latifah, Emmylou Harris, Miranda Lambert, The Bangles, Susan Justice, A Fine Frenzy, Marina and the Diamonds, and Elizaveta. Meanwhile, James Taylor & Carole King bring their popular “Troubadour Reunion” Tour to the MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 17. The iconic singer-songwriters team up for the first time in four decades, presenting a show that’s sure to delight fans old and new.

Some other big names hit Sin City this summer. Rihanna, with special guest Ke$ha, brings her Last Girl on Earth Tour to the Mandalay Bay Events Center on July 17. Teen singing sensation Justin Bieber will make sure there’s “One Less Lonely Girl” when he performs at Planet Hollywood (July 24). Aerosmith presents their COCKED, LOCKED, READY TO ROCK TOUR! at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 31. Country music star Toby Keith brings his American Ride Tour to the Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino (July 31). Fans looking for an 80s fix should head over to the Thomas & Mack Center to check out REO Speedwagon & Pat Benatar and their Love on the Run Tour on July 23. And Lionel Richie will have you dancing on the ceiling when he performs at The Colosseum At Caesars Palace on July 30-31.

Hit the beach this July — Mandalay Bay Beach, that is — and soak in the unforgettable concerts they’re offering this month. The Backstreet Boys perform on July 2, followed by pop rock band OneRepublic (July 3), reggae legends The Wailers (July 10), the Gipsy Kings (July 16), reggae star Ziggy Marley (July 17), and another reggae icon, Jimmy Cliff himself (July 24). And America’s favorite American Idol runner-up, the dynamic Adam Lambert, is joined by special guest Orianthi on July 31.

At The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel, singer-songwriter Jackson Browne won’t be “Running on Empty” when he performs on July 20. And Lyle Lovett and his Large Band will play their country tunes there on July 24. Meanwhile over at The Orleans Showroom, R&B legends Boyz II Men harmonize on July 10-11, and “It’s My Party” Girl Lesley Gore sings her golden hits on July 24-25.