Jazz is Coming Back to Water Street

Catch a Slice of Contemporary Jazz on Water Street

The Jazz Series is back at the Water Street Plaza Amphitheater from September 22nd through September 24th. Enjoy three nights of spectacular jazz performances in a beautiful outdoor setting. This year's lineup includes three contemporary artists you won't want to miss: Brandee Younger, Jumaane Smith, and the Lao Tizer Band.


Brandee Younger:

Brandee Younger, an innovative harpist, is reshaping the harp for the digital age. Over 15 years, she's pushed the boundaries for harpists, earning Grammy and NAACP Image Award nominations in 2022. Collaborating with cultural icons like Common and Lauryn Hill, her latest album "Brand New Life" celebrates her musical influences and charts new artistic, personal, political, and spiritual paths. The New York Times hails her as a modern harp pioneer, and she won the DownBeat Critics Poll's "Rising Star" harpist in 2020. Her presence in contemporary jazz is evident through her side work and curatorial efforts, honoring the legacies of black women harpists Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane.


Jumaane Smith:

Jumaane Smith, a versatile artist as a jazz trumpeter, vocalist, and composer, boasts an impressive resume. He's contributed to the success of five GRAMMY Award-winning records, collectively selling over 60 million copies, and earned two Emmy Award nominations for his TV performances. Notably, he's shared the stage at the GRAMMY Awards with Stevie Wonder and appeared in Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story." For the past 17 years, Smith has been the lead trumpeter and vocalist during extensive tours and recording sessions with Michael Buble. His own band has graced renowned venues worldwide, including Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Vail Jazz Festival, Java Jazz Festival, Loew's Regency, North Star Festival, Joe's Pub, Rochester International Jazz Festival, Catalina Island Jazz Festival, and many others.


Lao Tizer Band:

Nominees for "Jazz Group of the Year," THE LAO TIZER BAND featuring Eric Marienthal, Karen Briggs, and Elliott Yamin, will make their debut appearance at the Water Street Plaza Amphitheater on Sunday, September 24. This performance supports their latest release, "Songs From The Swinghouse," which has earned a spot in the Billboard Jazz Top 10. Led by accomplished keyboardist and composer Lao Tizer, a former nominee for "Best New Jazz Artist" known for his work with Special EFX and Down To The Bone, the band includes American Idol sensation Elliott Yamin, the exceptional violinist Karen Briggs (known for collaborations with Yanni, Chaka Khan, and Diana Ross), Grammy-winning saxophone legend Eric Marienthal (with credits including Chick Corea and the Rippingtons), Grammy-winning drum virtuoso Gene Coye (known for collaborations with Terence Blanchard, Hiromi, and Larry Carlton), Grammy-winning percussion maestro Munyungo Jackson (recognized for his work with Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis, and Herbie Hancock), and the talented Senegalese bassist, composer, and producer Cheikh N'Doye, known for his work with Baaba Maal and Mike Stern.


Tickets can be purchased through the City of Henderson, here, for $15 a piece. As of writing, there is no discount for purchasing tickets to all three nights.



Dive-In Movies at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: Summer 2025

June 9, 2025
This summer, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas invites guests to its iconic Boulevard Pool for the return of Dive-In Movies, a unique poolside cinema experience. Every Monday evening from May 19 to September 1, guests can enjoy a selection of blockbuster hits and timeless classics projected on a 65-foot digital marquee, all while lounging poolside or taking a dip in the pool. Event Details: • Dates: Mondays, May 19 – September 1, 2025 • Doors Open: 6:15 PM • Movie Starts: 8:00 PM • Location: Boulevard Pool, Level 3, accessible via the Boulevard Tower escalators • Admission: $15 for non-hotel guests; $10 for Las Vegas locals with valid ID; complimentary for hotel guests, Identity Membership & Rewards members, first responders, and military personnel with valid ID; children aged 5 and under are free. Upcoming Movie Lineup: • June 9: Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone • June 16: Wicked • June 23: The Goonies • June 30: Top Gun • July 4th: Top Gun: Maverick • July 7: Despicable Me • July 14: Inside Out 2 • July 21: Happy Gilmore • July 28: Elf • August 4: Lilo & Stitch • August 11: Twilight • August 18: Mean Girls • August 25: Legally Blonde • September 1: Good Burger  For those seeking a more luxurious experience, cabana and daybed reservations are available, which include a food and beverage minimum and complimentary admission to Dive-In Movies. Reservations can be made by calling 702.698.6797. Whether you're a hotel guest or a local resident, Dive-In Movies at The Cosmopolitan offer a memorable way to enjoy a night out under the stars with the Las Vegas Strip as your backdrop. The above info is subject to change, stay up to date on The Cosmopolitans website. https://cosmopolitanlasvegas.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/dive-in-movies.html

Wagging Tails Rescue: Giving Hope to Homeless Dogs in Las Vegas

June 4, 2025
Nestled in the heart of Las Vegas, Wagging Tails Rescue is a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to saving homeless and abandoned dogs from high-kill shelters and owner surrenders. Unlike traditional shelters, Wagging Tails Rescue operates through a network of loving volunteers and foster homes, providing temporary safe havens for dogs — especially pregnant moms and orphaned puppies — until they find their forever families. With no physical facility, the rescue’s strength lies in its community of passionate foster caregivers who nurture these pups with love, care, and attention. Beyond rescuing dogs, Wagging Tails Rescue champions responsible pet ownership through education on spay/neuter, positive behavior training, and proper nutrition. Want to meet some of these adorable dogs and maybe even adopt? Keep an eye on their Instagram @waggingtailsrescuelv for updates on frequent adoption events. From fun puppy yoga sessions to gatherings at Petco and even “Puppies and Pints” at Lovelady Brewery, there are plenty of opportunities to support and connect with this amazing rescue. Every wagging tail tells a story — and at Wagging Tails Rescue, those stories always end with hope and a happy home.

Las Vegas Parking Guide

May 27, 2025
If you’re a first-time visitor to Las Vegas, the idea of paying for parking might not be as big of a deal as it is to those of us who’ve been around for a while. Just a few years ago, it was practically unheard of to pay for parking on The Strip. Free parking was a standard expectation for both locals and casino guests alike. But times have changed, and many of the big casinos along the iconic Las Vegas Strip have started charging for parking. While we’ll let you draw your own conclusions about whether or not parking fees are justified (locals, we feel your pain), we’re here to guide you on where to park on the Las Vegas Strip. So, buckle up, and check out our list to see where you can park for free as a local! First three hours of self-parking are free for locals: • The Aria • The Bellagio • Caesar’s Palace • The Cosmopolitan • The Cromwell • The Excalibur • The Flamingo • The LINQ • Luxor • The MGM & Park MGM • Planet Hollywood • Wynn & the Encore Free Parking across the board • Rio • The Palms As a final tip when it comes to visiting the strip: Check and see if the casino does any sort of parking validation. A lot of times they will give you free parking if you spend a certain amount of money inside, are a guest (on a staycation) or are a certain tier level among their rewards programs. Remember, it never hurts to ask. If you're visiting Las Vegas, be sure to check with your hotel about whether parking and valet services are included when you book your room. It's a cost worth factoring into your trip planning!
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