Saturday

04-26-2025 Vol 1942

Las Vegas Cultural Highlights: NFL Draft Party, Comedy Shows, and Jazz Celebration

This week, the buzz in Las Vegas revolves around the Raiders Draft Party taking place at Kaos at the Palms, an evolution from what was once the Rain nightclub.

As the Raiders make their selections for the upcoming NFL season, the message rings clear: “Pour a draft, for the draft.”

Afterward, Raiders owner Mark Davis is expected to retreat to one of his favorite dining spots, Michael’s at the South Point, to unwind after the event.

In the realm of comedy, the spotlight shines on John Mulaney, who is set to headline at Dolby Live on October 11 as part of his “Mister Whatever” U.S. tour.

Tickets for the highly anticipated show go on sale this Friday at 10 a.m. Pacific time, and given Mulaney’s knack for selling out venues, a full house is anticipated.

He previously sold out Encore Theater in April 2023, as well as headlined at Dolby Live in September 2022.

Mulaney has gained significant traction in the past couple of years, particularly following his memorable appearance on David Letterman’s “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction” series and his engaging Netflix talk show, “Everybody’s in L.A.”

The latest installment, “Everybody’s Live,” runs until May 21, where Mulaney’s improvisational comedic style keeps the segments fresh and unpredictable.

Each live episode focuses on a relevant non-entertainment topic, often exploring aspects related to Los Angeles, with special guests who share an interesting dynamic.

In a recent episode of “Everybody’s In L.A.,” star comic Luenell made waves alongside Pete Davidson.

Her humorous commentary strayed from the subject of funeral planning to questioning Davidson’s dating life.

Luenell playfully probed into how he attracts numerous famous exes, including Kim Kardashian, and also expressed her own interest in dating Davidson.

In a cheeky blindfolded segment, Luenell playfully ran her hand along Davidson’s leg but later apologized as he conveyed his discomfort.

Despite the awkward turn, Luenell reiterated her interest in dating him while promising to respect his boundaries.

Last year, after Luenell impressed audiences during a show featuring actor Bill Hader, there was talk between David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel about launching a talk show for her, though nothing has materialized yet.

In a humorous moment on April 16, Mulaney orchestrated a lineup of men of varying heights at his show, with Kimmel arriving unexpectedly to fill a spot at the 6-foot mark.

This unique arrangement underscores the unpredictability and charm of Mulaney’s live performances at 7 p.m. Los Angeles time.

Shifting gears, the Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) is gearing up for the 35th annual AIDS Walk Las Vegas on Sunday at Las Vegas Ballpark.

The event features Penn & Teller returning as grand marshals, a testament to their longstanding support for community initiatives.

Kicking off with a pre-walk festival and resource fair starting at 9 a.m., the actual walk begins at 10 a.m.

Funds raised during the walk will directly aid AFAN’s client services that support Southern Nevadans affected by HIV/AIDS.

Antioco Carrillo, executive director of AFAN, emphasized the importance of this event in demonstrating community solidarity and commitment to those in need.

“Every year, this walk reflects our commitment to health, dignity, and support,” he stated.

Participants can register for the walk by visiting AFANLV.org.

On a more elegant note, the Rouge Room at Red Rock Resorts has recently launched Salon Rouge, a weekly event that celebrates refined taste and feminine empowerment through live music.

The inaugural event kicked off Thursday night, featuring Dame Madelyn, who blends jazz roots and reinvention in her performance.

Attendees enjoyed crafted cocktails and dessert items at the event, highlighting a commitment to sophisticated entertainment for all.

The Salon Rouge series will continue, with a growing roster of talented singers expected to perform in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, culinary enthusiasts are excited for the return of the Vegas Unstripped festival, taking place at Palms from 6-9 p.m. on Sunday.

This event spotlights over 30 chefs and a selection of bartenders who will create specialized dishes and drinks for guests.

The festival aims to support local charities, including the John Arena Foundation and Help of Southern Nevada, both committed to community empowerment and support.

Co-producers Chef James Trees and PR expert Eric Gladstone expressed their enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the collaboration and excitement among local culinary talents.

“Every year, we are genuinely amazed by the enthusiasm from the chefs and bartenders,” shared Gladstone.

“It inspires us to make this event a truly unforgettable Las Vegas experience.”

Lastly, the Las Vegas Jazz Society is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a weekend of musical festivities.

The grand opening event takes place on Friday from 6:30-10 p.m. at the Nevada State Museum, honoring various jazz musicians from the 1950s onward.

From Saturday to Sunday, starting at 3 p.m., top jazz talents will perform at the Winchester Dondero Cultural Center, featuring a range of performances from local artists.

The jam-packed lineup includes acts such as Bruz Brothers, LV Jazz Syndicate, Joe Lano Quartet, and many others.

This plethora of musical talent showcases the rich jazz history and community of Las Vegas, with all events being free and open to the public.

For more information about the celebration, visit clarkcountynv.gov and search for the center hosting the performances.

image source from:https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/top-comic-on-a-hot-streak-to-play-las-vegas-strip-3362786/

Benjamin Clarke