Mary J. Blige has abruptly shuffled her show schedule in her “My Life, My Story, The Las Vegas Residency” show at Dolby Live. “The Queen of Hip-Hop” soul moved her August and September dates into February.
The changes were posted on Ticketmaster.com, AXS.com and secondary-ticket sites on Friday.
The updates: Blige’s Aug. 28, 29 and Sept. 2, 5 and 6 shows have been rebooked on Feb. 13, Feb. 17, Feb. 19 and Feb. 20. Ticket-holders who purchased for those specific shows are offered the new dates. Otherwise the change schedule falls into the show’s “no refund” policy.
Blige’s reps have not returned requests for explanation or comment about the shift in the headliner’s schedule. Usually such wholesale changes are summed up with “sales.”
Blige kicked off the series May 1. She said upon opening her first Vegas residency, “Creating a show like this has been something I’ve always wanted to do. It’s a chance to get my fans together from all over – different cities, states, and countries – to experience something together.”
Rising at Hard Rock
Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip is a partner in “Hard Rock Rising,” the global music competition for emerging artist.
Hard Rock International and Coca-Cola are partnering in the contest. A total of 34 countries and 64 Hard Rock Cafes are participating.
Submissions are being accepted at cafe.hardrock.com/hard-rock-rising.aspx through Tuesday. The format is a series of live performances at Hard Rock Cafe running Sept. 2, 9, 16 and 23. The global winner will be announced Oct. 5.
The grand prize includes a Coke Studio recording session, $10,000 and a Hard Rock Orlando performance. Hard Rock Cafe officials in Las Vegas are confident the city will be well-represented.
“Hard Rock Rising gives us the opportunity to showcase the incredible musical talent right here in Las Vegas,” Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas Sales & Marketing Manager Jason Lent said in a statement. “This competition is a real opportunity for our local artists to get discovered on a global stage.”
What Works In Vegas …
Frankie Moreno in his “Vegas Remastered” series at Westgate’s International Theater.
Moreno has sold out his latest show at at 7 p.m. Saturday. The veteran Vegas showman and his powerhouse band are joined by his wife and acclaimed dancer, Lacey Schwimmer. The blend of Vegas-tinged classics, Moreno’s stellar originals and a generally buoyant vibe make this one a winner. Look for a return in November.
Cool Hang Alert
A cool hang and more, much more, in store from “Zowie Bowie Vegas” on Sunday at the Italian American Club. Chris Phillips brings his throwback production to the unofficially named Ben Spano Showroom. Dinner at 6:30 p.m., show at 8. Go to iacvegascom for intel.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.