Picnics and Jazz by the Secret “Other” Lake
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Photo by Megan EdwardsLake Las Vegas, the “other” lake
Many people think that Lake Las Vegas is another name for Lake Mead. In fact, Lake Las Vegas is a residential and resort community located about 20 minutes east of the Strip. The man-made, 320-acre lake is surrounded by custom homes, three championship-caliber golf courses, several marinas that offer yacht cruises and watercraft rentals, a lush Ritz-Carlton resort, and the Italian Mediterranean-inspired Monte Lago Village. The free concerts take place by the water’s edge, in front of a lush green lawn within the village of shops and restaurants. Click here, and here for additional LLV articles about Lake Las Vegas.
Rumors abound about Prince, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Cindy Crawford and, yes, even Michael Jackson buying up exclusive, custom homes around the lake. The place does have a certain celebrity vibe to it, but in all the times my wife and I have been out there, we’ve never spotted anyone more famous than a Sonny Bono look-alike. Actually, that’s not quite true. Last year the saxophonist for a jazz quartet that was performing recognized that Phoebe Snow was in the audience and invited her to join them up on stage for a number. She did and it was great, but go to Pure, or Tao, if you’re in need of a celebrity fix. Monte Lago Village is for a more subdued, elegant kind of fun. If you do happen to bump into some celebrities, nod and smile like they should ask you for your autograph because you know their secret hideaway.
iStockphoto\Giorgio FochesatoCool nights, hot jazz
From May through September, the Monte Lago Village events calendar features “Friday Nights Live at the Lake” and “Saturday Nights Jazz on the Lake.” The Friday shows feature all kinds of different bands, including country, rock, funk and top 40. The Saturday shows feature some of the best local and nationally known talent on the jazz and R&B scene. Bands like the Brothers Ali, the Bobby Cottonwood Quartet, Dotsero, and Lao Tizer light up the nights and get your foot tapping. Most shows start around 7 p.m. In June, July and August that can mean some pretty high temperatures until the sun goes down, even with a breeze coming off the lake. But by September, the days are shorter and generally cooler so it’s the perfect time to chill a nice pinot grigio, pack a picnic basket, and throw a blanket or a couple of lawn chairs into the car. From Summerlin or downtown Las Vegas, take the Route 95 freeway south to Lake Mead Parkway then head east about four miles until you see the sign for Lake Las Vegas. From the Blue Diamond area, the Strip, Green Valley or Henderson, take the Route 215 freeway east until it turns into Lake Mead Parkway, go east about another four miles and then turn left into Lake Las Vegas and follow the signs to the casino and Monte Lago Village.
Photo by Megan EdwardsHomes on the banks of Lake Las
Vegas
If you don’t feel like taking a picnic and spreading a blanket the grass, you can enjoy the view and the performances from one of several excellent restaurants with patio dining. We like the Bistro Zinc best, followed by the Sonrisa Grill and Luna Rosa.
Unfortunately, the Friday and Saturday night music series both end in September. I highly recommend the last two performances of the year. Stetzon, a rockin’ country band that covers the Rolling Stones and Allman Brothers, too, performs on Friday, Sept. 26. The Shapiro Project, a Vegas-based jazz quartet, wraps the Saturday night jazz series. They do some great blues and R&B numbers too, so even if you don’t consider yourself a jazz aficionado, mark your calendar and make a date night. The Saturday show is offered in conjunction with Vino di Lago, a wine-tasting event benefiting breast cancer research. The wine tasting is $25 per person but it’s not mandatory; you can go out onto the lawn, spread your blanket and drink your own wine for free if you want. But Vino di Lago is a great excuse to tour through about 20 shops and restaurants and learn about wine from all over the world for a good cause, while the band plays in the distance.
Photo by Megan Edwards“The green” at Monte Lago Village
Although the two music series end the last week in September, Octoberfest runs through the month of October out at Monte Lago Village and includes an art festival on Oct. 18 and 19 and a Halloween costume contest and parade on Oct. 25. November and December activities include a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and free ice-skating.
Now, about that free gelato. Free tastes are available at Tutti Gelati, which is located across from the events park and the concert stage along Via bel Canto. But I dare you to taste their famous pistachio, amaretto or mocha gelato and walk away without buying a cup!
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The Summer Jazz series used to be held across the bay, but this newer location at the Events Park is far more convenient for obtaining yummy libations and food. This is a very cool venue and I hope more fellow Vegasans take advantage.