Water Street Jazz Series

If you enjoy fall weather and jazz music, find your way to the Water Street Plaza Amphitheater September 22nd-25th to enjoy four nights of live hazz music performed by some of the genres best contemporary artists.


On September 22nd, Sara Gazarek is performing. Her most recent project, Thirsty Ghost, explores a series of new instrumental colors and features several guests (Kurt Elling, Larry Goldings), new original material, contemporary covers, and jazz standards. She is hailed by the LA Times as “the next important jazz singer,” and “impeccable,” by the Winnipeg Free Press. Critics say that Sara continues to seamlessly combine the intimacy of singer/songwriter stylings with the musical and improvisational elements of jazz and yet with a renewed sound and spirit.


On September 23rd, you can see a performance by Matthew Whitaker. He has performed at many world-renowned venues such as the Apollo Theater, Carnegie Hall, and the John F. Kennedy Center, along with numerous international venues in in Europe, Asia, and Australia. At just 10 years old, he was invited to perform at Stevie Wonder’s induction into the Apollo Theater’s Hall of Fame. Matthew has been on national and international radio and television, which includes an appearance on the syndicated TV talk show Ellen and a segment on the most-watched news magazine on television 60 Minutes.


On September 24th, the Brubeck Brothers Quartet take the stage. Chris and Dan Brubeck have been making music together practically all their lives. Drummer Dan and bassist, trombonist, and composer Chris cut their first record together in 1966. Since then, they have played a variety of styles in a number of different groups, as well as with their father, jazz giant Dave Brubeck, and with their own Brubeck Brothers Quartet. With Dan and Chris as the foundation, guitarist Mike DeMicco and pianist Chuck Lamb, complete this dynamic quartet. They perform at concert series, colleges, and jazz festivals across North America and Europe. Critics say their concerts reveal an inherent ability to explore and play odd time signatures while integrating influences of funk, blues and world music.


The final performance in the Jazz Series on September 25th is by Shana Tucker. Critics rave that her unique genre of music waves jazz, roots, folk, acoustic pop, and a touch of R&B into melodies that echo in your head for days. Shana studied cello at Howard University in Washington, DC, where she took her first dive into improvisational performance and honed her sing-songwriting skills. Cirque du Soleil recruiters heard an NPR interview with Shana about her songwriting and performance style, and invited her to be cellist/vocalist for their show KÀ in Las Vegas, where she performed for five years before returning to North Carolina.


Tickets can be purchased through the City of Henderson, here. If you purchase a pack of 4 tickets, you can use the discount code JAZZ4PACK to save 25%!

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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