Category Archives: Las Vegas

As the start of college basketball season approached last fall, the West Coast Conference, like other leagues around the country, exhaustively examined how games could be played safely amid a pandemic in enclosed spaces.

The WCC doesnt sponsor football, so ensuring that basketball games could be played was critical, even while knowing there could be spikes in COVID-19 cases during the winter months.

Honestly, we considered every scenario. If someone had a crazy idea, we tried to chase it down, said WCC commissioner Gloria Nevarez. No matter how crazy the idea sounded, we tried to see if it could be a reality.

One of those scenarios considered, widely reported in late October, was playing in a bubble in Las Vegas. That made sense in many ways, since the WCC plays its annual WCC Tournament at Orleans Arena every March.

The NBA managed to pull off a bubble in Orlando, Florida, in order to finish its interrupted season last summer. Could the WCC replicate that?

Well, thats easier said than done.

The WCC considered many options, including pods, back-to-backs, travel partners, a bubble, and a single site, in order to safely create a basketball season.

When you say bubble, the NBA had a true bubble. It was a hermetically sealed bubble. What we were looking at was a single site, Nevarez said. Of course, wed have really tight restrictions, probably higher than the local regulations. But we knew we couldnt pull off a true, NBA-style bubble. Thats just a massive undertaking. What we were looking at was a single site that would solve a lot of issues. There are multiple jurisdictions you have across the states and counties. Thats a challenge.

Among the many challenges in pulling off the WCC season included handling the officiating of games, with referees, not connected with the schools in any way, traveling in and out of different regions. There are television production trucks and staff that travel as well.

If you were at a single site, you could solve those issues, Nevarez said.

On the other hand, NBA findings and surveys have revealed that having student-athletes and coaches locked up in hotels for two or three weeks at a time can be detrimental.

NBA players struggled with the mental health aspect of it, Nevarez said. These adult men are somewhat further along in the maturity spectrum than the college players are in a lot of cases. So it was a whole, comprehensive look at a lot of moving pieces.

BYU deputy athletic director Brian Santiago, who oversees mens basketball, was involved in the many discussions.

For sure, (the bubble) was something that was on the table, he said. There were multiple conferences around the country looking at those bubble scenarios.

Santiago said pulling off a bubble would have been extremely difficult and complex.

When you look at those scenarios, you have to look at whats in the best interests of the student-athletes. We try to make all of our decisions on whats best for them, he said. When it came down to it, it wasnt really feasible. It wasnt financially feasible for the conference or the schools in the conference. I also dont think it was logistically feasible.

Is it really the best thing to quarantine? Can you have a true bubble if you go to Las Vegas? Can you have a true bubble in the hotel? The NBA was able to do it because they were able to spend unlimited resources down in Florida to make sure it happened.

The lengths that they were able to go, resource-wise, is not a feasible situation for college basketball, he continued. Not only for the student-athletes, but you have coaches that youre asking them to leave their families for a month at a time. You start looking at taking these student-athletes away for a month, it was too complicated.

Ultimately, as the start of conference play got closer, it became clear that teams were settling into the routine of frequent testing, playing nonconference games, flying to different locations, and the protocols.

Student-athletes were at least in their own beds and had the social interaction of their teams and the familiarity of their campuses, Nevarez said. At the time, we were feeling good about how were traveling and the institutional protocols to stick with the status quo, knowing that wed have interruptions.

We had also seen how football was making it work. You just had to be ready to go every weekend. Take a look at the schedule whos idle, whos on pause? Ready, go. Thats where we ended up.

The WCCs basketball liaison, Aaron Woliczko, the senior associate commissioner of mens basketball and sport administration, has been busy since the pandemic started.

Hes a gym rat, Nevarez said of the former Pacific player, assistant coach and head coach at Montana State. In a normal year, he creates the conference schedule and oversees creating schedules for all of our sports. He creates a schedule and oversees the officiating.

In this year, if that guy had a dollar for every mock schedule and concept he drafted up and then lit on fire, he could be retired. He has been amazing. Hes active every week as teams go on pause, working to match up idle teams and assist in rescheduling postponed games. His life is 24-7 since we left the tournament last March.

Other conferences have come up with their own scheduling formats. The Mountain West Conference, for example, has its teams playing back-to-backs, two games against the same opponent during the week, cutting down on travel, travel expenses and travel-related logistics.

Everybody was trying to figure out what was the best way and the safest way to get these games in, Santiago said. Everybodys gone to their own scenario to try to get their games in. The WCC has decided they were going to do the status quo and do the schedule as is and schedule make-up games as necessary.

Certainly in the first two weeks, there were a number of games postponed that have had to be rescheduled. Thats been very interesting.

At one point, half of the leagues teams were on pause due to COVID-19 issues. BYU, for example, had its first three conference games postponed. But games are being rescheduled.

I think its going as best as we can expect, Nevarez said. Obviously, there are so many unknowns. Youre always going to have that random case where an official didnt get their test back on time. Or someone on a team had a false positive. But our folks are really working through it. I couldnt be more pleased with the collaboration and the cooperation and the flexibility that weve had between the leadership at our institutions, specifically our athletic directors.

Theyve been amazing. BYU agreeing to play the No. 1 team, Gonzaga, in the nation on a day-and-a-halfs notice? Wow. Thats everybody rolling in the same direction. Our schools have been phenomenally flexible, always with the best interest of our student-athletes first and foremost, but ready to do what theyve got to do.

There is less than two months until the WCC Tournament is scheduled to tip off in Las Vegas (March 4-9 at Orleans Arena), featuring 20 teams 10 on the mens side and 10 on the womens. During a normal year, theres also thousands of fans, officials, conference and school administrators, media and television production staff to worry about.

What is Nevarezs outlook for this years tournament?

In this environment, we have contingency plans behind everything because thats just the prudent thing to do. Right now, were optimistic, she said. We have four other leagues that are tipping off in Vegas. We began meeting regularly with them, in order that were coordinated and all sharing the same information.

The city of Las Vegas will begin reviewing this week the large gathering protocols and permissions. Were still tracking in a positive direction. In a normal year, I would be saying, Oh my gosh, its Jan. 15, the tournament is just around the corner. In COVID, thats a lot of time. Weve shown that we can pivot if we have to move it to a campus or do whatever. But right now, were full steam ahead working on Vegas.

Were planning on it without fans, she said. If we can have fans, great.

Its extremely important that the tournament is played, in terms of revenue generated, exposure, and helping catapult teams into the Big Dance as long as it can be done safely.

The tournament is definitely the crown jewel of our conference operations and events. It is a sold-out event every year. Last year, it was amazing, Nevarez said. Its been sold-out every year since we began in Vegas (in 2009). Its been amazing. Thats the biggest feel-good about the student-athlete experience.

Secondly, our ESPN exposure during that event is amazing on both the mens and womens side. Were very fortunate. Leagues our size dont have that kind of tournament exposure. Typically, we send multiple teams to the NCAA Tournament. Our WCC event has definitely been a platform to doing that in a lot of years.

How difficult will it be to pull off a conference tournament during a pandemic? Theres still a lot of uncertainty.

I think theres a lot still up in the air. Theyre planning for a bunch of scenarios, with or without fans. Theyre looking at every option and trying to figure out which is the safest. Its got to be (resolved) over the next month or so, Santiago said. Theyre looking forward to a tournament but everybodys waiting to see how its going to play and what the protocols are in Vegas, whether or not theyre going to try to create a mini-bubble for the tournament.

To do that, then you have to have everybody at the same hotels, he continued. There are a lot of logistical things that need to be worked out. Theyve got to see where things are at with COVID. Were all in a holding pattern. I dont think anybody has answers as to how its going to play out for sure.

And there are other intriguing issues to consider, such as what if teams play an unequal number of regular-season league games due to COVID-issues? Seeding could be determined by win percentage and tie-breakers could be determined by the NCAAs NET rankings.

Those are issues that could make seeding in the NCAA Tournament troublesome as well.

But after the 2020 NCAA Tournament was canceled, everybody just wants it back in March. The NCAA has announced that the Big Dance will be held entirely in the state of Indiana, with the Final Four scheduled to be played in Indianapolis.

BYU coach Mark Pope is on board with that plan. Last years tournament was canceled due to the virus and the Cougars were set to return to the tournament as a single-digit seed.

Im just grateful that people are trying every way possible to make the NCAA Tournament a safe reality, Pope said.

I like it because theyre trying to figure out how to have a tournament, Santiago said. I hope for the student-athletes sake that they get to play in it.

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Why the WCCs Las Vegas bubble didnt materialize, and whats the outlook for the leagues crown jewel - Deseret News

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -- Siegfried Fischbacher, the longtime Las Vegas performer of "Siegfried and Roy", died Wednesday night. He was 81.

Fischbacher died at his Las Vegas home Wednesday night from pancreatic cancer, according to publicist Dave Kirvin.

German news agency dpa said Thursday that Fischbacher's sister, a nun who lives in Munich, confirmed his death of cancer. Sister Dolore told dpa that her brother was at home in Las Vegas. She says said she spoke with her brother on the phone before he died and they prayed together.

German newspaper Bild reported earlier this week that Fischbacher was terminally ill with pancreatic cancer and was in hospice care in Las Vegas.

Fischbacher performed alongside Roy Horn in "Siegfried and Roy." Together, Horn and Fischbacher captivated audiences with death-defying tricks and larger-than-life tigers beginning in the 90s.

Horn died of COVID-19 in May.

"Today, the world has lost one of the greats of magic, but I have lost my best friend, Fischbacher said in a statement at the time of Horn's death. "From the moment we met, I knew Roy and I, together, would change the world. There could be no Siegfried without Roy, and no Roy without Siegfried."

Siegfried and Roy began in Las Vegas in 1967 atFollies Bergre, Hallelujah Hollywood and Lido de Paris. Their show "Beyond Belief" headlines the New Frontier in 1981. The duo rose to fame in their 14-year run at The Mirage, which began in 1990.

The act included white tigers, white lions, leopards, jaguars and more. The Siegfried and Roy legacy continues at The Secret Garden at The Mirage, which houses big cats and dolphins.

We did what we did out of love, not for success or money, Fischbacher once said, according to Kirvin. We had a deep respect for each other. We literally raised each other: I created Roy and Roy created Siegfried.

Feld Entertainment CEO Ken Feld, also a former Siegfried and Roy producer, mourned the deaths of the iconic duo:

Today, the world of magic said good-bye to one of its greatest innovators. Siegfried Fischbacher, as part of the world-renowned duo Siegfried and Roy, took the art of magic to new heights through spectacular illusions while always maintaining his mastery of the close up, sleight of hand magic he developed as a young man. My father, Irvin and I first met Siegfried and Roy in 1977, collaborating with them on groundbreaking television productions and their first headline production, Beyond Belief, at The Frontier hotel in Las Vegas. Ultimately, this led to world tours and our ground-breaking show at The Mirage which redefined live-entertainment in Las Vegas. But perhaps Siegfrieds most important legacy will be his commitment to mentoring and inspiring magicians from around the world and championing the artform he loved for generations to come.

Gov. Steve Sisolak released a statement on Fischbacher's death:

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our legendary illusionist Siegfried Fishbacher. He was a Master of the Impossible and an exemplary Nevadan whose contributions alongside the late great Roy Horn - helped shine a bright spotlight on Las Vegass entertainment industry to the world. Kathy and I send our love and condolences to his family, friends and loved ones at this time.

Mayor Carolyn Goodman released a statement with her husband, former mayor Oscar Goodman:

We are just crushed to have lost Siegfried our wonderful friend and giant entertainer. Anyone who came to town, their request was always, I must see Siegfried and Roy! They put Las Vegas on the map not only as spectacular illusionists but also as breeders, trainers and caretakers of royal felines which grew to be an enormous part of their performance. Visitors to their personal home had the thrill of seeing the habitat where so many cubs were born and raised. And a trip to the Mirage Hotel and the Secret Garden was a treat one never could forget. More importantly than anything, Siegfried was the kindest and most loyal friend and a beautiful individual. What is calming now is to realize is that he is back with his life partner, Roy Horn, and at peace. You are loved, dear Siegfried.

MGM Resorts tweeted condolences following Fischbacher's death:

Kirvin said funeral services for Fischbacher will be private, but there are plans for a public memorial in the future. In lieu of flowers, Kirvin asked donations be made to the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Siegfried Fischbacher of Las Vegas illusion act 'Siegfried and Roy' dies at 81 - FOX5 Las Vegas

1. Tens of thousands on Las Vegas Strip despite warning  News3LV
2. #VegasNYE: Different feel, same Las Vegas flare  KLAS - 8 News Now
3. Las Vegas New Year's Eve celebration muted, different from other years  Las Vegas Review-Journal
4. Las Vegas New Year's Eve fireworks show canceled, yet thousands still expected to celebrate  KABC-TV
5. RECAP: Las Vegas New Year's Eve 2020 celebrations, welcomes 2021  KTNV Las Vegas
6. View Full Coverage on Google News

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Tens of thousands on Las Vegas Strip despite warning - News3LV

Since you didnt do much in 2020, your 2021 New Years resolutions should be easyjust copy last years resolutions and paste them into this year, but with one addition: Take the leap at Skydive Las Vegas. And have no fear. After 2020, jumping out of an airplane should feel like a breeze. Here, youre securely attached to a skilled jumper who controls your parachute and descent. That way, as you zoom through the sky at 120 mph, you can enjoy views of Lake Mead and the Strip without a worry.

Reservations required, 702.759.3483

Click here for your free subscription to the weekly digital edition of Las Vegas Magazine, your guide to everything to do, hear, see and experience in Southern Nevada. As part of your subscription, each week via email you will receive the latest edition of Las Vegas Magazine, full of informative content such as restaurants to visit, cocktails to sip and attractions to enjoy.

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Take a soaring resolution with Skydive Las Vegas - Lasvegasmagazine

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) Las Vegas had a memorable year of weather in 2020. We endured a historic stretch of dry weather for much of the year, as well as one of the warmest years in our 83 years of weather records.

HISTORIC DRY STRETCH

Let's start with the rain, or lack thereof, in 2020.

Between April 21 and December 16, a stretch of 240 days, there was no measurable rain (0.01" or more) at McCarran. This shattered the old record of 150 dry days, set back in 1959.

LOOKING BACK: Rain officially reported in Las Vegas, halts record-breaking dry streak

There were only 18 days with measurable rain all year, for a total of 2.35" of precipitation in 2020, which is just 56% of our annual average of 4.19". Talk about a big contrast from the 6.87" we picked up in 2019.

For context, the wettest year in Las Vegas was 1941 when we picked up 10.72" across 52 days of measurable precipitation (consequently, 1941 is also our coldest year on record).

The driest year Las Vegas has seen since 1937 (when records began) was 0.56" in 1953, so it has been worse in the past.

TURNING UP THE HEAT

Due to the lack of monsoon humidity, clouds, and downpours this summer, the heat dominated the forecast. Triple-digit heat occurred at McCarran at least once a month between May and October.

There were a total of 97 days at or above 100 this year, which is just behind 1947's record of 100 days at or above 100, and far beyond the 1981-2010 average of 70 days at or above 100.

LOOKING BACK: Las Vegas to see above-average temps on Election Day

The hottest temperature measured at McCarran this year was 114, which happened once in August and once in September.

While we're at it, the coldest temperature recorded this year was 31 in February. The average temperature this year was 71.5, good for the fifth hottest year on record (records go back to 1937).

It's interesting to note that the ten hottest years in our weather history have occurred since 2003.

WHAT TO EXPECT

What do we expect as the calendar flips to January of 2021?

A La Nina pattern of cooler than average ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean usually means temperatures that are a bit above-average and precipitation that's decidedly below-average here in Las Vegas.

While it only takes one storm system to deliver a heavy rain event to the Desert Southwest, the overall impression for the first couple months of the new year will be for dry conditions to prevail.

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Year in Review: 2020 was memorable year for Las Vegas area weather - KTNV Las Vegas

Its been a doozy of a year for us all, and thats especially true for the local arts community, which faced the outright cancellation of live entertainment in 2020. But the arts are all about resilience, finding hope and weaving gold from the most plague-infested straw. So we asked notables from Las Vegas creative community to share their thoughts and New Years Resolutions for 2021. Heres to better times!

Performing Arts

The outsider spirit drives circus and comedy. Its not just resilience. Its an anti-fragile ethos. Struggle makes it stronger. The hunger of the artist and the hunger of the crowd will fuel shows and art with burning energy in 2021. David J. Foster, comedy & circus producer

My word and intention for 2021 is to elevate. When I think of that word, it gets me hype[d] and excited about the things I want to do in my life. It reminds me of my worth, and it holds me accountable to maintaining a standard of actions and mindset that are necessary to achieve the big things I want for my life. Destiny Faith, actress & producer

Coming into 2021, I wish our entertainment communityfrom the Strips shows to the Smith Center to Downtown and community theatercan return to live performance once again. As for me, my resolution is to look beyond what Ive considered theater and expand my skill set to explore outside the box. Anita Bean Sande, performer

I resolve to face 2021 with a new appreciation for being in the moment and to live in a state of gratitude. During these nine months, I have realized that I took so much for granted. It becomes crystal clear that I have lived my life rushing through every moment, always on the precipice of the next production or project. Always on the go and working months in advance meant little time for reflection and celebration of accomplishments. Then suddenly it all stopped. Nothing to do nothing, but to be in the moment. Therefore, I resolve to maintain what I have learned about being in the now: in the moment. And I am resolute to live in a state of gratitude. In all of this time of uncertainty, the one thing that has remained constant is the support of this community of artists. I am supremely grateful to be part of this astounding the Las Vegas arts communitywith its amazing people. The arts will survive this time, and we will be required to be stronger than we were before. Norma Saldivar, Chair, UNLV Department of Theatre & Executive Director, Nevada Conservatory Theatre

My resolution is to be more considerate, less wasteful and to stop making excuses to be less than I accept from others. Colin Cahill, performer in Atomic Saloon Show & comedy duo Mak and the Cheese & co-owner of Fly Fearless Yoga

We are hopeful for an end to the pandemic and a return to in-person performances and to have the support to be able to remain operating until that day comes. Our resolution is to continue to find ways to bring theater to the community, if only a limited basis for now. Walter Niejadlik, President of Las Vegas Little Theatre

Im incredibly proud of the groundbreaking work The LABLV created this year and honored to work with the brilliant artists of Las Vegas. As challenging as 2020 was, it brought the Vegas community of producers (over 40 organizations) together to form the Producers Alliance of Southern Nevada, PALSNV. Im excited to continue to connect and create more opportunities for our incredible community through the arts. Kate St-Pierre, Artistic Director of the LAB LV & President PALSNV

If nothing else, 2020 taught me that any long-range season planning is hubristic at best. So my resolution for 2021 is to take everything a day at a time. This encourages me to appreciate the small moments that really make up the backbone of a life. Troy Heard, artistic director of Majestic Repertory Theatre

Literary Arts

2020 felt like our chrysalis year. With the Strip and Downtown stages going dark, so many of us performers felt lost in a quarantine cocoon. For 2021, I want to emerge from the darkness better than before. I want to see the world differently. No fear, only excitement and a playful anticipation of what is to come, like a butterfly beating its wings for the first time. I want to fly again, connect again. I want to love more. And I want hugs, lots and lots of hugs. Ashley Vargas (MsAyeVee), teaching artist & Program Director for Poetry Promise Inc.

I resolve to take my time, to rest often. Vogue Robinson, poet

For writers, seclusion and making word count are often synonymous. We are not in the clear with COVID, so Im leaning into writing. Not worrying about what Im missing, lamenting what I cant do or shaking my fist at 2020. Im just going to write sh*t, and write sh*t and write more sh*t in hopes someone will want to read it and it will mean something to them, which is the whole reason to do this work in the first place. I hope lots of other writers, aching to be heard and read, do the same. We need your words more than ever. Remember writers, seclusion can suck, but its also your superpower. Kim Foster, James Beard Award-winning food writer

Visual Art

2020 was a year for reflection and making moves toward a vision that decolonizes the arts and other marginalized communities. Culturally, when we look to strengthen our present community, we reflect seven generations back and plan seven generations ahead. So what have we learned from where we stand in 2020? We are reminded that there are still deep-seated inequities affecting our communities, and that two virusesCOVID and racismhave claimed the lives of many people we hold dear. We also have agency to push the narrative towards equality, social justice, healing and cultivating a stronger future for all through the arts in 2021. Fawn Douglas, Nuwu Art

In light of how fantastically awful 2020 was, the most pertinent words of resolve for the upcoming year come from Winston Churchill: If youre going through hell, keep going. JW Caldwell, artist and art handler

For myself this upcoming year is about connecting to the outskirts of the universal mind beyond the veil; creating more grand artworks and immersive experiences extracted from dreams that promote the deep feelings and celebration of the highest self. Watching my fellow art community colleagues adapt to these beautiful paths has been exceptionally delightful to witness. Las Vegas is continuing to enact its relevancy as a reflective monolith in the desert providing hope, dreams and new beginnings for many. Taking a moment to ponder and simply be in the moment is heavily needed this upcoming year. Vegas always finds a way to thrive, and as a community we stand strong together in our perseverance. The desert is always full of unsuspecting magic. The universe of love is just a fragment away, and the portal to activate it is within you and all of us together. Heather Hermann, Owner & operator of Metropa Studios, neo-noir artist, performer and immersive designer

Express gratitude and love, creativity and care. Nurture relationships that grew or have been fortified during the pandemic and through advocacy and organizing work with other artists. Continue to advocate for the arts/arts education in Las Vegas, and in particular, to help shine a light on the important role of artists and cultural institutions in our community and the critical work they do. Im looking forward to working with Justin Favela on Live in America, a live art festival in Northwest Arkansas where well have the pleasure of highlighting Las Vegas within a national context and to current and future collaborations with Desert Arts Action Coalition. Wendy Kveck, artist

As I approach 2021, there are undeniably moments of deep reflection about 2020 and an assessment of whether my goals have changed, as a human being, an artist, a business owner, or whatever. While it may be surprising to some, the only thing that has changed for me is the monumentally increased belief that arts and culture will restore the our cities, our communities, and our world, by bringing out the best of our humanity. My resolutionsor as I like to call them Re: Solutionsfocus on building upon my lifelong mission being of service to my community: through art, mentorship, through the nonprofits I founded or co-founded this past summer, through the exhibitions of local working artists I curate in the gallery, through art residencies in my working studio, etc. Nancy Good, artist & gallerist of Core Contemporary

My hope is to push myself to new realms in 2021 as a creator: to further hone the self discipline I developed in 2020 while prolifically producing new work. I am especially eager to reconnect and rekindle my relationship as a creator with the Las Vegas community. Kent Caldwell, sculptor & performer

Make more work. Thats my main concern in the new year after how destabilizing 2020 has been. While drawing and illustration have begun to take on a more prominent role in my work, Im most eager to revisit my painting practice after working as a studio artist for a company the past few years. I plan to re-examine themes about the body and mortality in my work while also engaging topics new to my oeuvre such as class issues, isolation and loss. Ideally Id like to connect with other artists working in similar themes and potentially curate an exhibition. Wendy Chambers, artist

For this year, my resolutions are simple: to study the resolutions you published [in 2019] and be inspired by them. And to continue to offer a high quality exhibition space for our outstanding local artists. Priscilla Fowler, gallerist & owner of Priscilla Fowler Gallery

Filmmaking & Music

While my vision of 2021 is drenched in an opaque fog, an unknowable territory, I hope to finish post-production on the film we shot during quarantine. The film is a coming-of-age-tale set in 1994 Las Vegas, and, save one brief cameo from Sean Astin, the film features an all-female cast. During the year we will also continue releasing music under our GC Records label. The first of many releases will kick off in January with Las Vegas rock/punk/folk act Lawn Mower Death Riders. Shahab Zargari, filmmaker & co-owner of GC Records

My resolutions: I would like to finish another two screenplays, produce another short film or two and go back to my roots and work on a theater production. Jeff Zampino, screenwriter

Res: let people know when I appreciate them and why, commit to buying an artists album if I listen to it more than once on a streaming service, encourage and inspire new artists to complete their projects and offer them assistance if they need it. Brian Garth, producer, sound engineer & singer/guitarist of Black Camaro

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Las Vegas creatives share their resolutions for 2021 - Las Vegas Weekly

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Looking ahead at what's coming to Las Vegas in 2021 - FOX5 Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) You can have the best seat in the house for the Las Vegas New Years Eve celebration and fireworks show safely from your home.

KLAS-TV, Channel 8 and 8NewsNow.com will be able to bring you the best views of the downtown fireworks show its the only fireworks exhibition happening in the Las Vegas tourist corridor and its taking place at the Plaza Hotel & Casino on Fremont Street.

The fireworks show will kick off when 8 News Now Weather Anchor Tedd Florendo launches the first fireworks at the stroke of midnight. Thats just one of the highlights in the 3.5 hour Las Vegas New Years Eve Countdown to 2021 special that begins at 8:58 p.m.

The show will be hosted from Circa which is the newest resort property in Las Vegas and just held its grand opening on Monday. The special will feature Las Vegas entertainment acts including the evenings musical host, Zowie Bowie, who is a six-time Best of Las Vegas winner. In fact, because no guests are allowed at the performance, you can only see it during the television special.

There will also be lots of celebrity greetings, and a live look at celebrations from around the country as the clock strikes midnight. The show will be broadcast across 13 West Coast television markets.

While the show will celebrate leaving behind 2020 and entering 2021, it will also focus on how you can help those who are facing difficult times due to the pandemic. There will be an opportunity for viewers to give back to local food banks by donating to theSouper Bowl of Caringwhich is a movement working across the nation to tackle hunger in local communities.

Since the organization started 30 years ago it has raised more than $163 million to feed the nations hungry. Any donation you make goes directly to a food bank in your community.

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Get the best view of the fireworks with Las Vegas New Years Countdown to 2021 show - KLAS - 8 News Now

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Although there wont be the annual New Years Eve fireworks show on the Las Vegas Strip, there will be one in downtown Las Vegas from the rooftop of the Plaza Hotel & Casino.

8 News Now got a preview of the pyrotechnics that will welcome in 2021.

Nathan Tanner, the pyrotechnics director at the Plaza, explains how this fireworks show will be different that what is usually done on the Strip.

The things they usually use on the Strip is a 1.3 G explosive. Those type of shells have mortar shells, lift charges, more of an explosion.What we have here is closer to a 1.4 G class. Its a close proximity. We also throw in a lot of stage pyro too.

Tanner says revelers can expect a more immersive experience.

I like to make this a 360 display.Ill put the audience in the middle of the show.I like it where the audience is looking all around, instead of just sitting there looking in the distance.

The Plaza is the only Las Vegas resort property doing a fireworks show.

We definitely wish we werent the only show in town.Vegas isnt the same without its live talent. We are currently thinking about others like us who are ready to get back to work.For us, its about them, Tanner said.

8 News Now Weather Anchor Tedd Florendo will literally push the button to start the fireworks show.

The fireworks will go off at midnight and you can watch it live on KLAS-TV, Channel 8 and 8NewsNow.com in a special Las Vegas New Years Eve Countdown to 2021, which will be broadcast across 13 West Coast TV markets, showcasing Las Vegas entertainment acts, celebrity greetings, celebrations as the clock strikes midnight on the East Coast, Midwest, Rocky Mountains and West Coast. The show will start at 8:58 p.m. and go until 12:35 a.m.

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What to expect from Las Vegas downtown New Years Eve fireworks show - KLAS - 8 News Now

Its completely understandable if you didnt get out to see What You Mean to Me, the recent show by the Neon Museums 2020 National Artist in Residence Victor Ehikhamenor. (Its safe to assume that you had other things on your mind.) But youve got another opportunity to experience it, albeit virtually: The Museum has posted an interactive, 360-degree tour of Ehikhamenors show to its website, direct from its Ne10 Studio.

Having viewed the show two different ways nowin person and in my browser (though Im curious to see how it looks through a VR headset, another available option)I can say that the show has an emotional impact even at a distance. Ehikhamenor, a Nigerian-American artist whose creativity isnt confined to a single medium, faced several unusual challenges in mounting What You Mean to Menot least of which was coming back to Las Vegas, a city he has visited often and knows well, and finding nearly all of its familiar elements closed up or locked down. In an interview during the shows closing reception, Ehikhamenor said that a coronavirus-stricken Vegas was just one element casting a shadow across the art he made.

I have family friends here; Ive come here every single year since 2014. So, it's like a second city for me. I have never seen it this chill, you know? Ehikhamenor says. When you go to places like this or New York, you realize how much [COVID-19] has pushed things back. I feel sorry for the businesses, and I feel sorry for the workers, but we can't talk too much about the businesses when there's also a human carnage, you understand? People are really suffering.

Ehikhamenor felt great empathy both for those suffering from COVID-19 and for the businesses hobbled by the necessary shutdowns needed to control the virus. At the same time, there's a deeply polarized political fight going on, one he felt he needed to acknowledge through the work.

I came right on time to be able to voteflew from Nigeria [and] got to Maryland, because thats home for me. So, I was able to quickly vote, but I've never seen it that charged up. People were using people. I mean, you could be a Republican, could be Black, could be whitebut I realized that the entire country had been manipulated.

Immediately, he began work on Red State, Blue State, Black State, ETC. A loosely-draped, painted canvas that suggests the American flag and several African flags, covered in intricate black swirls; two stark lines of red and blue neon jut upward into the piece, angled toward each other as if in conflict. It depicts Americas internecine struggle with an empathy similar to that he feels for our citys virus-stricken and endangered businesses. And it does so through the use of neon elements, a medium he confesses hes come to love.

Im very much a tactile guy. I needed to explore the medium, and I couldn't have done that from afar, he says. The Neon Museum residency, he says, was a perfect opportunity to embed himself in neon; he drew pieces that were fabricated by local firm Hartlauer Signs, a collaboration he describes as pure human creativity and a lot of fun. That joy of discovery finds perfect expression in the all-neon piece "Harvesting Light and Fireflies With My Brother, a jigsaw puzzle-like panel of colorful neon shapes that begs to be replicated much, much larger. And considering the artists newfound enthusiasm, it might well be.

This is my first neon piece, but it wont be my last, Ehikhamenor says, grinning.

See the virtual tour of What You Mean to Me at neonmuseum.org.

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Virtually tour the 2020 Neon Museum artist in residence's show - Las Vegas Weekly