🌋 The Mirage era nears the end

🌋 Goodbye Mirage

The original mega-resort bids a mega-farwell. The Mirage closes July 17 for renovations as the property transforms into what is now being called the “Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas,” referencing the planned guitar-shaped tower. [PR Newswire]

⛪ Lone Mountain Church Inching Toward Reality

The Las Vegas Planning Commission voted to advance a proposed Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple in rural Lone Mountain, drawing a packed house of supporters and opponents in council chambers. Residents argue the temple would be intrusive. A church member resisted the idea of reducing the height of the steeple and spire, citing the “religious symbolism” of “pointing towards the heavens.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal]

🎰 Red Rock Taverns Coming Soon

Red Rock Resorts, parent company of Station Casinos, is expanding its tavern business, but it’s not known if the new openings will be Wildfire Casinos or use another name. [Nevada Independent]

It's the summer of Sammy Hagar in Las Vegas. The Red Rocker launches Sammy's Island this weekend, giving the Palms a rock n' roll pool party. He then brings his Best of All Worlds tour to the MGM Grand on August 19, featuring longtime Van Halen bandmate Michael Anthony on bass. As the song says, there's only one way to rock — and Hagar was happy to share the details.

Is Sammy's Island reflective of your original Cabo Wabo in Mexico — a party and live music venue by the water?

"It's a pool all day and party all night kind of thing. Just like Cabo Wabo, I'll show up all the time and jump up on stage … If there's a known band, we're going to have to sell some tickets. But the idea is to have it be free as much as possible."

What can fans expect at the MGM Grand? From what I understand, you're going to celebrate the Van Halen legacy with this tour.

"It's been 20 years since the Van Halen reunion in 2004, 20 freaking years since I played with those guys. Well, I'm not going to wait another 20, so Mike and I said let's go do it while we can still sing and play those songs."

How do you still sound like Sammy Hagar from 10, 20 years ago? Is it the tequila that keeps the vocal cords going?

"Yeah, every singer should drink Santo tequila. No, honest to God, I am lucky. I'm fortunate. I always kept myself in good shape physically, mentally, and spiritually. I don't use a teleprompter. I'm not sitting there reading the lyrics to you. I'm singing the fricking songs from my heart and soul. That's one of the reasons why it still sounds good."

Hot New Chefs You Need to Know About

You may have noticed … Las Vegas is in a boom period for homegrown dining. Secret Burger founder Jolene Mannina talks to City Cast Las Vegas co-host Sarah Lohman about new chefs elevating the local culinary scene.