Flight of the White Cotton Alien from the album Dreamscape

Opium –A Hilarious, Erotic Adventure in Space

I went into this show with only one preconceived notion – it is going to be a bit naughty.  I didn’t know how mild that statement would be.  Walking into the theater, you feel transported back into a 50’s sci-fi film.  Surprisingly, the tasty drink menu (the drinks are tasty, not the menu itself – I did not sample that), are served in bags.  It does make them a little awkward to carry and they may be a little cold in your hands but the show will warm you up quickly enough.  My drink came with Pop Rocks and I highly suggest it.

I love the intimate theater, glowing in neon colors inside the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino.  The stage area is very small by typical Vegas standards but is absolutely perfect for this show.  Certainly a throwback to the old days of smaller venues and feeling more connected to the show instead of just a spectator. 

The premise of the show is that you are on Uranus (a joke that does get slightly overplayed) and you are headed to Las Vegas.  You meet the crew and experience their special talents along the way.  There is a lovely merger between classic show skills and new, inventive ways of performance displayed here.  In particular, the juggler, for example.  I have seen lots of jugglers over the years but I have never seen one work in this style before and it is quite impressive.  The contortionist was not only enjoyable but absolutely hilarious.  Those two alone are well worth the price of admission.

That isn’t to say the rest of the performance wasn’t fantastic, because it was.  From start to finish, if I wasn’t laughing from the jokes, I was in awe of the performances.  All backed by a very solid band, playing a good amount of familiar music that you will clap your hands to (don’t worry, they’ll let you know when to do this).   My stomach is actually sore today from laughing so much.

If you are planning on coming to town or already there, take a couple hours and have a rip roaring good time at Opium.  Beware, one way or another, you may get wet.

For tickets:

https://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/entertainment/exclusives/opium

Jabbawockeez: Jreamz – Journey Within

Tonight, for the first time, I attended Jabbawockeez at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.  I had walked by the theater dozens of times and never thought much of it.  From what little I knew, it was a hip-hop dance show, neither of which held any interest for me.   Much like opera, I have the greatest respect for those who work hard and do it well, but I wasn’t excited to experience it.  Less than ten minutes in, I was so glad I went.

The setting is intimate.  Certainly comfortable seating (I was treated to the front row, where the long bench was comfortable and my ticket also came with a gift, free drink and popcorn (always remember to tip your bartender and wait staff)).  Even being nearly directly in front of the stage left speakers, the sound was not overbearing.  In all fairness, I did wear my Eargasm Ear Plugs, as I do in any venue.  Hip-hop, by nature, can be bass heavy and driving with percussion so I always suggest bringing ear plugs.

I don’t want to give away too much about the show because it really is simply an amazing experience with a fantastic message.  The story line is generally easy to follow.  It does get slightly abstract at points but always comes back quickly.  That is just the nature of the art but it is tastefully done with some fascinating dance moves and simple but powerful costuming.  The music, lights, and effects do not disappoint in any way; very tasteful and compliment the show well.  There are many musical favorites and even the sound of Mario grabbing coins in the basement.

Being the private, sheltered individual that I am, there is one thing I didn’t like.  I realize I may be in the minority on that so I will preface my statement with that going in.  There is some crowd participation involved.  Clapping, stand up (aside from the standing ovation) and two people are even brought to the stage.  My take on this is that I prefer to be fairly anonymous at an event.  I like to observe and enjoy and though this is common practice is some of the major shows, I prefer concert style, where I know I can go in, watch in my own way (which usually just tapping my foot while I watch and listen, taking it all in).  Again, I will say, that is just me.  There are plenty of people that jumped up immediately and I thought one girl might even start twerking.

Overall, I wish I had taken advantage and seen this show much sooner.  If you like talented dancers, a well put together evening and surprises around every corner, go see this show!

https://www.mgmgrand.com/en/entertainment/jabbawockeez.html

As of this writing, the show performs Thursday through Monday but that is always subject to change.  Enjoy!

What If We’ve Got It Wrong?

A few days ago, I had a thought.  I am not exactly certain where it came from but I let it carry out a bit and decided it was interesting enough to me to share and maybe someone else would find it interesting as well.  I remember a few years ago, reading one of Masaru Emoto’s books on water crystals, he told a story about a diseased lake.  A bunch of people got together and united to clear the lake of the disease and it worked.  They were all focused and concentrated on one thing, all together, and they solved a problem.

As that thought carried out, it made me think of all the people I see, friends included, that work hard to raise money to cure a disease or to prevent something like animal abuse.  Personally, I applaud anyone who fights for something to make the world better.  Whether I am able to participate or if it is something I believe in or like the way it is done, I support all of it on one level or another.  I’ve seen so many attempts to raise funds for research, prevention, and so on but what has it accomplished?  What has been cured?  Has abuse stopped?  No.

Maybe the problem is that everyone is so disconnected.  Everyone is fighting for their own causes, along with whatever group also supports that same fight, alone or separate or with smaller groups.  Maybe that only equals one or two people at that lake, with little power to make change.  Maybe it is like throwing a handful of water at a forest fire or like crushing an aspirin and only throwing a couple grains at a headache.  Not effective.  I’m not saying this absolutely is the answer but what we’re doing doesn’t seem to make much difference, does it?  At least not by the way people complain on social media and the fact funds are still being raised in mass quantity.

So what if we’ve got it all wrong?  What if we’re so busy doing what we know how to do that we’re missing what we could be doing?  Instead of attacking each of the individual problems, what if the answer were broader?  What if we focused on global health instead of breaking off into less powerful; groups attacking each individual issue?  What if we all gathered around the problem, held hands and could make an impact like that diseased lake?

Just like anything in life, when what you are doing isn’t working, you have to start looking for alternate solutions and giving things a try.

Like I said, I am not saying this is absolutely the answer but, what if…?

What do you think the solution is?

Cheers,

Scott

A Simple Thing That Has a Positive Impact

A couple years before I moved to Las Vegas, I decided to try an experiment on one of my visits.  The deal was that I was going to make an attempt to actually interact with everyone I came into contact with.  If I went to a sundry shop to get a bottle of water or with the desk clerk when I checked into my hotel, I would attempt to have a genuine connection and see what happened.

In general, we say certain things when we are in a position to interact with strangers, especially in the retail world.  “Hi, how are you?”  Oh good, yeah, me too.  Have a good one.”  Sound familiar?  Probably the same conversation you have with most people you are not friends with.  A brief, considerate, nearly scripted conversation.  But what if it was taken to the next level?

Going from the Phoenix airport to my Vegas destination, my efforts were not proving fruitful.  There was little time to take advantage of and people in some of those positions seemed to be strongly focused on their work, not leaving much opportunity for interaction.  I didn’t give up, though.  I knew there was more room for opportunity.

Once I arrived at my hotel, I found my first opportunity at the check-in desk.  The young lady that waited on me seemed genuinely surprised when I said, “You are YOU doing today?”  It wasn’t just the words but the honesty in them.  I knew I was just another face to her that was either making her do work or helping her pass the time, depending how she looked at it.  Either way, it was more the way I asked than the words I used.  There were probably other factors such as my demeanor, expression and whatever else.  In the end, she seemed to relax her shoulders and go about her work and got me checked in much more quickly than I was used to.  I told her I hoped she had a wonderful rest of her day and moved on.

Later that day, I wanted a snack so I went to one of the hotel stores and made a purchase.  Same thing with the cashier.  I had heard her greet a couple customers in line before me.  Plain, cursory conversation as she probably sees a few hundred people a day that could care less she is there as long as someone rings them up.  Same line, “How are YOU today?”  This time met with a huge grin as she stood more upright and relaxed her muscles.  We shared a quick but warm exchange and, as I walked away, “I hope you have a great rest of your day.”  She replied “You too!”  The best part was, as a made sure to fumble a bit getting my receipt into my wallet, I heard how warmly she greeted the next customer.  I made an impact!  It may not last long or it may but, at the very least, for a moment, I made a positive impact.

The rest of the trip continued that way but the journey home was the best of all.  It was a fairly slow day at the airport and I was getting my boarding pass.  The lady there warmed up when I offered my caring phrase and we started talking which brought a heart-warming story out of her.  She told me about the time one of her co-workers had been left at the counter, alone, and was overwhelmed with customers but management wouldn’t send anyone to help her.  Her cash drawer ended up being over $100 short and she was getting hysterical.  She was sure she was going to lose her job and the customers overheard her telling her boss.  They took up a collection and paid the missing money for her.  People joining together to help a complete stranger just because they could see what she was going through and wanted to help her feel better.  Amazing!

So try it for yourself.  Genuinely take an interest.  It doesn’t have to turn into a life-long friendship and yes, sometimes, you will get people that are happy to keep talking beyond what you wanted.  But take an interest.  Show someone you are glad they came into your world.  Maybe they will treat the next person they see a little better and that person will also.

Every little bit of joy matters.  Let me know how it goes!

Cheers,

Scott

Zumanity – The Darker Side of Cirque Du Soleil

If you want to see an amazing artistic show but want something with a bit of a naughty edge to it, Zumanity may be the show for you.  Located in the New York, New York Hotel and Casino on the south end of The Strip, across from The MGM Grand.

The music, dance and acrobatics are exactly the quality you’ve come to expect from Cirque.  The music has got some groove to it with strong funk beats backing a very powerful band that plays on a catwalk above the stage.  The show has everything from aerialists to cage fights all overseen by masters that make sure their prey do what they are told.  Intermingled with the show are several comedy sketches that I won’t spoil for you but add a great deal of levity to the atmosphere.

There is definitely a reason the show is for 18+.  Aside from suggestive sex and in your face provocative (but not actual sexual) acts, there actually is some nudity, so leave your inhibitions at the door, relax and enjoy a spectacular night at Zumanity!

www.cirquedusoleil.com

New Available: Mental Sauna IV: Worlds

It’s here!  The newest album in the Mental Sauna collection, Mental Sauna IV: Worlds, is now available for purchase!

This album is a unique take on the Mental Sauna series, featuring five extended songs, specially recorded in the tuning of A432. Believed to be more in harmony with the frequencies of the human body.  Each piece of music takes you in a journey to a different world for a completely unique experience.

The best part?  Special pricing at only $5.00 ($4.95 on some sites)!

A huge thank you to Kelly at OutsideTheBox.photo who has always done a stunning job on my artwork and to Kris Wagner for a beautiful job on the lettering.

Tracklist:

Field of Solitude

Water World

Forest Pathway

Warm Sand

Ice Cave

How can Mental Sauna music be used?

·  *  Assists with sleep and helps curb insomnia

·  *  Use during meditation

·  *  Great for your hotel when you travel

·  *  Use during yoga

·  *  Use during birthing exercises and add it to your birthing playlist

·  *  Use it to block out the world while working on creative projects, writing or journaling

·  *  Play it in your home or workplace to create a relaxing atmosphere

·  *  Play it when your mind is racing to help calm it

·  *  Great for calming children

Don’t just take my advice, check it out for yourself and read the reviews.

Mental Sauna IV: Worlds is now available at:
iTunes

CD Baby

Google Play

Amazon: (pending)

Enjoy and Namaste,

Scott

A Night at the Edge of the Water: “O” By Cirque Du Soleil

Maybe there is just something about the particular shade of blue that Cirque Du Soleil uses in their promotional material for “O” at The Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, but there is a deep coolness that touches your skin and draws you in to want to know what it is all about.  It had been about 8 years or so since I had seen the show from a seat that gave away a lot of secrets to how this masterpiece is achieved.  When I saw it again last week, I wished I had gone more often.

From what I remember about my first visit, some things in the show had changed.  Not surprising as shows are revamped from time to time.  For one, the sound in the theater is absolutely fantastic.  The music sounds larger than life and was crystal clear to this audio engineer’s ear.  The score by Benoit Jutras has some very ethnic touches among the ballads and power pieces that make a great balance and truly enhance the show.

Equally impressive is the talent on stage and the stage itself, which is constantly transforming.  The timing of the talent was virtually flawless and there are a lot of moving parts to this show.  A great deal of work goes into each and every one of these large scale productions but the water shows have another element (forgive the pun) altogether.

As if all that wasn’t enough, there is a perfect balance of music to show to comedy as a couple clowns bring levity when things are getting on the edge of too intense.

While a bit more expensive (that water doesn’t maintain itself, you know) than the majority of the rest of the shows, it remains a must see for Vegas.  For the best deals, check out www.cirquedusoleil.com and join the Cirque Club for free and doors to special pricing will be opened.

Warning… people in the first few rows may get wet…

Le Reve – A Show That Flows Like Water

Just a few hours ago, I was fortunate enough to attend my first performance of Le Reve at the Wynn Hotel.  Though the show has been there for many years, I hadn’t made it over to see it (quite regrettably).  I was thrilled I finally did.

As with all the major shows I have been to here in Las Vegas, from the moment you walk into the theater, you know you are about to see something sensational.  The setting is exquisite with a small lounge set in the middle of a pool of water, often barely visible in the mist.  The lighting changes and highlights it here and there as music plays softly in the background.

The show takes off from there and it is a non-stop ride.  Unlike many of the shows on The Strip, there is no pre-show.  Just mood.  Once the lights go down, you will be treated to a spectacular array of dance, acrobatics and the search for love, set on a constantly changing stage and pool.

While the show is generally fast moving and serious, there are a couple spots of relief from the story line with some wonderfully timed comedic acts.  They actually play into a bit of a side story, fighting for the affection of the lead and allow you some moments to catch your breath before the next choreographed piece.

Check out when you are in town.  It will be well spent time that you will not soon forget.

Click here for details:  Le Reve

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The $25 Amazon Gift card is still going, compliments of myself and these wonderful authors:  Natasha Larry, DE Wyatt, Kosta Angelou, Jeff Mariotte and Rainy Kaye.  This one ends September 24^th, 2016 with the drawing on the 30^th.

Click here for the Giveaway!

Journey of Life: Cirque Du Soleil’s Mystere

One thing that seems to hold true for every Cirque Du Soleil show I have attended:  from the moment you walk into the room, you know something spectacular is going to happen.  The Mystere theatre at Treasure Island in Las Vegas, NV is no different and the show certainly holds up to the initial impression.

The show starts before the show starts so make sure to keep your eyes moving around the room.  Then the lights dim, and the journey begins.  The story of life is told through acrobatics, seemingly inhuman balancing, jumping, tumbling, swinging, dance and comedy, all driven by beautiful music and vocals.  As soon as you leave, you’ll want to head across the aisle to the Mystere store and pick up a copy of the soundtrack, but we’ll get to that in a moment.

The lighting throughout the show sets the perfect mood as you go through the story and you can feel how hard these people have worked to make every act play out beautifully and every song the perfect accompaniment.  You’ll be amazed at how quickly time has passed when you are introduced to the famous Alice, the Snail.

A note on the soundtrack – The available soundtrack is a live show captured some years ago. Since then, the show has gone through some changes.  There is also an early studio soundtrack that you can sometimes find on Ebay.  Personally, I think it is worth hearing both versions.

I have always found the best to be in the front two or three rows in the upper section, near the audio engineer.  You can see pretty much everything from there as the show does have things going on outside of the stage area from time to time (or well above it).  I was surprised to find that sitting right by the stage was also a great place to be.  I would have thought much would be missed from there but I was wrong.

Go to their website www.cirqueDuSoleil.com and join the Cirque Club for free and you will be eligible for discount ticket pricing.  Treasure Island is no longer part of the MGM properties and so parking is currently free at the hotel.

On a personal note, this was the first Cirque show I attended and it had a huge impact on me.  It was the beginning of the inspiration for my album Kamu Vole’.

When you come to town, make sure this one is on your list of must see items!

The Bright Side

It is so hard to be impartial when you are talking about your favorite shows, as my last couple entries probably prove.  This one, in particular, is especially dear to my heart.

Aside from having the distinct honor of being the audio engineer on this production, working with this team is nothing short of an incredible experience.  Every single person is truly a talented and dedicated professional.  From the writer and composers to the musicians to the director and producer to the set designers to the lighting team to the support staff to the performers.

On top of that, the production is fantastic.  The story and characters are compelling.  The music will stay in your head for days.  The dialog will keep you laughing and the story will not be something you will soon forget.  It is the perfect combination of humor and serious life situations.  Equally as haunting as it is hilarious.

Written by Ernie Curcio, lyrics by Jolana Sampson, music by Jolana Sampson and Martin Kaye.

Music Director and Pianist Angela Chan, Score and Arrangements Martin St. Pierre (Cirque Du Soleil, Tin Toy Cars), Electric and Acoustic Guitar Andrew Chute (Tin Toy Cars) and Bass Guitar Peter Fand (Tin Toy Cars)

Cast:
Bob Torti - Richard Hauser

Victoria Matlock - Shelly Hauser

Maverick Hiu - Aiden Hauser

Marcus Weiss - The Doctor

Scott McAdam - The Colonel / Nurse

This is currently on short run in Las Vegas but I have no doubt it will be back.  Come see it at the Cockroach Theater, 1025 S First Street, Las Vegas, NV 89104, in the Art District near The Stratosphere Hotel.

Friday, May 21^st 8PM

Saturday, May 22^nd 8PM

Sunday, May 23^rd 2PM

Thurdsay, May 26^th 8PM

Friday, May 27^th 8PM

Saturday, May 28^th 8PM

Sunday, May 29^th 2PM

Thursday, June 2^nd 8PM

Friday, June 3^rd – DARK

Saturday, June 4^th 8PM

Sunday, June 5^th 2PM Final Performance of this run.

Come see it!!!

On another note, there is still a little time left:

a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Mesmerizing Experience - Cirque Du Soleil's KA

I’ll never forget the first time I attended Cirque Du Soleil’s KA at the MGM Grand hotel (the giant green building at the south end of The Strip – you can’t miss it), here in Las Vegas.  At least ten times through the night I thought it couldn’t be really happening right there in front of me.  It had to be a trick or a film projected onto the stage.  That was even before the stage got up and moved.

From the moment you enter the theater area, you’ll know something magical is about to take place.  Ornately decorated and towering above you.  Most seats in the theater are great but some of the far side seats have slightly limited views, though they make you feel more a part of the action, being so close.  Personally, I think the best seats are in the first couple rows of the upper section, right in the middle.

As is typical with Cirque, the show starts before the show starts so be sure to keep an eye on things once you find your seat.  When the lights go out, you won’t even remember you are sitting in a large theater as the show carries you away on an unforgettable journey of music, fighting, love, loss and the evil that set it all in motion.

The music is spectacular and is performed by truly world class musicians.  This is one of my favorite soundtracks and was composed by Rene DuPere, who also co-wrote my other favorite soundtrack, which I will be covering in an upcoming blog.

For tickets, be sure to check out Cirque’s free fan club at www.cirquedusoleil.com, and see what specials they have.  Definitely a show to see if you want to experience the true depth of entertainment offered here in Las Vegas.

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My newest book, What Happened In Vegas… is available on Amazon and the Kindle version is on sale for only $1.99.  If you do not have a Kindle, you can grab the free Amazon Kindle Reader app and enjoy it in full color.  There is a black and white print version also available there as well.
https://www.amazon.com/What-Happened-Vegas-Scott-Haskin-ebook/dp/B01E2AL28M?ie=UTF8&keywords=scott%20haskin&qid=1462810784&ref_=sr_1_1&s=books&sr=1-1

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I’m partnering with some amazing writers on a couple giveaways – take a moment to enter – you could win!

Rainy Kaye - http://www.amazon.com/Rainy-Kaye/e/B00JBI4VPM/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1462809548&sr=8-2-ent

Natasha Larry - http://www.amazon.com/Natasha-Larry/e/B0051BVEGW/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1462809567&sr=8-2-ent

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