Wynn gives $7.5M in relief aid to Houston, Macau

In his role as Wynn Resorts chairman and chief executive officer, Steve Wynn issued a statement today detailing his company’s support of relief efforts:

“It is a very sad and tragic coincidence that in two major cities where we have our employees and customers – Macau, in the People’s Republic of China, and Houston, Texas — tragedy struck within a few days of each other.

“In Macau, our employees’ homes have been damaged and their lives have been interrupted; many of them have suffered. So, too, have our customers who were caught in the grip of the typhoon. In the United States, in the state of Texas, many of our customers and business associates have experienced the devastation of Hurricane Harvey.

“These events, 8,000 miles apart, have affected the lives of our employees and our friends in both cities, and we have felt compelled to help in some small way. Therefore, we have dedicated $7.5 million dollars to the aid of Macau and to aid in the relief of the disaster in Texas. We are proud to join the citizens of both countries who demonstrated their compassion and neighborly affection for the unfortunate souls struck by this natural disaster.”

New moves at HRH

The disassembling and planned move of the famed Hard Rock Cafe sign to Neon Boneyard at Hard Rock Hotel coincides with plans to develop a new performance venue at the hotel.

This is reported to be the long-rumored live stage show for NBC’s “The Voice” contest series. HRH Chief Executive Officer Jody Lake is not specifying what show is targeted for the hotel, other that it will be something unique to Vegas, nationally famous and very cool. This show is to open in the first quarter (or, in the spring, in non-corporate terms) of next year, and his to take over a new venue connected to the south side of The Joint.

Left open is what to do with the old Hard Rock Cafe building. Outside nightclub operators are kicking the tires of that property. Club official have also been checking out Vanity, which I feel we can all agree is a tired title and a venue in need of some form of refurbishing (such as adding escalators for better access, for starters). The hotel continues to ride the success of “Magic Mike Live,” where large-group reservations need to be made weeks in advance. I also understand that the show’s visionary and co-director, Channing Tatum, is planning a trip to the show next week.

Dead show

The opening party for “Fear the Walking Dead,” which fits neatly into the pedestrian traffic at Fremont Street Experience, was a staggering success. Based on the AMC TV series of the same name, the VIP party was highlighted by visits from cast members Kim Dickens, Colman Domingo, and Michael Greyeyes. Dignitaries adding some life to the fete: FSE President and Chief Executive Officer Patrick Hughes; Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman; D Las Vegas owner Derek Stevens and his wife, Nicole; AMC Studios co-head Stefan Reinhardt; Triotech founder Ernest Yale; and “Talking Dead” after-show Chris Hardwick.

Representing the VegasVille entertainment community: Melody Sweets of “Absinthe,” Murray Sawchuck of Planet Hollywood’s Sin City Theater, Liinda Garisto from “Magic Mike Live,” and Tyson Beckford, Okewa Garrett and James Davis of “Chippendales.”

The walking attraction is set at the base of the SlotZilla zip-line ride at FSE, and takes 20 minutes to complete. Producers have made impressive investment: The pre-party alone cost at least $50,000, as more than 30 actors portraying zombies and military personnel were hired to perform at the event. “This town deserved an over-the-top red carpet for an iconic brand,” Frank DiMaggio of the production company Padgett Productions said. “We conceptualized this back in May and it was crazy to see it come to life.”

Mix and Mars

Clap-clap for this news: Bruno Mars has extended his engagement at The Park Theater with six dates Dec. 30-31, and Feb. 14, 16, 17 and 19. Tickets are on sale 10 a.m. Sept. 8. Mars remains the gold standard among extended-engagement performers on the Strip.

Mix and Marx

Rita Wilson, the recording artist also known as the wife of Tom Hanks, joined Richard Marx at Flamingo Las Vegas on Tuesday night for “Say Yes.” The duo co-wrote the tune for Wilson’s 2016 debut album.

On Thursday, Marx was joined onstage by his sons Brandon, Lucas and Jesse. The four later hit “Absinthe,” marking Marx’s second trip to the show since his “Satisfied: Only The Hits” series launched Aug. 15.

Welcome (back) Mat & Piff

Linq Hotel headliner Mat Franco and Piff the Magic Dragon returned to where they vaulted to national fame on Tuesday night, appearing as a guests on “America’s Got Talent.”

Franco, the Season 9 champion poured multiple beverages (milk, wine, orange juice, water and beer) from a single milk carton for judges Simon Cowell, Mel B, Howie Mandel and Heidi Klum.

Piff and canine sidekick Mr. Piffles threw a new gag at Klum, who never does seem to grasp the magician dressed in a satin dragon outfit. Great quote: “Into the dark, Mr. Piffles! He likes the dark! It reminds him of … Prison!” Catch Piff at Bugsy’s Cabaret at Flamingo Las Vegas.

Who Was Where

Wealthy pugilist Floyd Mayweather at Thursday’s 10 p.m. showing of “Absinthe.” … Vinnie Paul of Pantera and Hellyeah, all over the place this week, including Sunday’s Cheap Trick/Foreigner show at the Chelsea at Cosmopolitan, Franky Perez & The Truth at Tuscany, and Frankie Moreno’s roaring finale at the Showroom at Golden Nugget … Broadcast legend Al Bernstein of Showtime, crooning the standards with Vegas lounge great Joe Darro at the Dispensary Lounge on Eastern and Tropicana on Thursday night.

John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.