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Backstage Country

Another Show On The Las Vegas Strip Is Closing This Year

I turn 40 this month, on March 28th. And as someone who’s a born-and-raised Las Vegan, I have seen the entertainment in our city change a lot over those nearly…

Adrian Stoica and Hurricane attend the red carpet for "America's Got Talent" season 18 live show

Adrian Stoica and Hurricane attend the red carpet for “America’s Got Talent” season 18 live show

Kevin Winter via Getty Images

I turn 40 this month, on March 28th. And as someone who's a born-and-raised Las Vegan, I have seen the entertainment in our city change a lot over those nearly 40 years.

There was a time when magic shows reigned supreme on the Las Vegas Strip! You couldn't turn a corner without seeing a David Copperfield, Penn and Teller, or Siegfried and Roy billboard! The same could be said for showgirl revues on the strip! Who could forget the world famous Jubilee dancers? It's hard to believe their final show was in 2016, ending an impressive 36-year run in our city! Burlesque queen, Dita Von Teese, has since taken over their theater and is currently doing a show that pays homage to the showgirl reviews of yesteryear.

Or how about Planet Hollywood's "Crazy Girls" show? The show's famous motto was "No if's, ands, or..." Get it?  Their bronze statue was definitely a fan favorite spot to take a photo in Las Vegas. Perhaps you, or someone you know, took a photo with the now retired statue? Besides Dita's new show and the Fantasy show at Luxor, I can't think of many other showgirl revenues in town.

Nowadays it feels like residencies, comedians, and Cirque shows have taken over the billboards. Whether it be: Miranda Lambert, Carrot Top, The Beatles Love show, Adele, or whoever's playing The Mirage this month. Trends come and go, as have certain shows on the Las Vegas strip. And pretty soon, we'll be saying goodbye to another one.

America's Got Talent Is Leaving The Luxor

According to reporting by the Las Vegas Review Journal, “America’s Got Talent Presents Superstars Live” will be ending its run at Luxor Theater on May 11. The show has been part of the property's entertainment lineup for  a little over 2 years. AGT, at Luxor, had its first show in November 2021.

If you'd like to purchase tickets for one of the remaining shows, click HERE.

6 Inexpensive Date Ideas: Ignite Romance Without Breaking The Bank

Some of us are perfectly okay with romance on a budget. But sometimes coming up with inexpensive date ideas can be a challenge. That's why we came up with a list of the perfect inexpensive date ideas.

Dating Perspective

These days, people often meet on social media, dating apps, and through friends. And more people are opting for less formal first dates. It gets pricey paying for multiple dates at an expensive restaurant. Verywell Mind, a mental health platform listed some of the common reasons people are opting for "cheap" dates. Some of the reasons include inflation taking a toll on people's monthly budgets, having bigger-than-expected housing costs, they're just saving up, and others. But the good news is that dates don't have to go on hold or be a problem for someone due to limited finances.

Collin Rutherford went viral on X, formerly known as Twitter, after sharing his inexpensive date night idea called "bottle night." He and his girlfriend lock their phones, turn off the TV, and each grab a bottle of wine and talk. This style date is something they do just to "enjoy each other's presence." Although many people just considered it "getting drunk and hanging out," the thought behind it seems lighter on the pockets than most dates.

You Don’t Have to Stay In For An Inexpensive Date

Unlike Rutherford's date idea, there are serval date options that don't involve sitting at home. And of course, that type of date is generally best when you know each other well. But some workarounds that can help a date be more budget-friendly include using coupons or vouchers, finding a place with perks like a bar with a trivia night and prizes on the line, and searching up some free local events.

Inexpensive dates can alleviate your social anxiety on a first date and the financial stress of any date. Take a look at 6 inexpensive date ideas below.

Coffee Date

This date is a personal favorite because it's not overly complicated. Coffee dates are casual and very low pressure. It allows you and your date to talk in a relax environment. Bonus points, if you make a local coffee shop. Local coffee shops often have a more intimate setting.

Romantic date. Charming girl and her boyfriend sitting at the table and holding cups of coffee

YakobchukOlena/ Getty Images

Walk A Scenic Trail

By no means are we talking about an intense hike up and down mountains and hills. But a simple nature trail will do the trick. This kind of date gives you both a chance to enjoy nature and create a memorable experience. You can even plan for a sunrise or sunset walk for added romance. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Close up shot of couple hiking in field, holding hands. Nature outdoors. Caucasian couple. Sport, freedom, holiday concept.

LuckyBusiness/ Getty Images

Sip Date At A Brewery Or Wine Tour

There are several local breweries and wineries that offer tours throughout their establishment. These establishments usually have fun tours that break down the process of how their product is made. Sharing the experience with your partner is even better because you’ll get to talk about what you both think of the drinks. Some breweries and tours include tastings and often start at just $15 per person. Sometimes these places offer games and live music.

Young man and woman at the bar with different types of beers. Couple at brewery bar and tasting beers.

jacoblund/ Getty Images

Go On A Picnic

Picnic dates are a classic. You can get as elaborate as you want to and work it into any budget. You can have a picnic almost anywhere as long as there's a place to drop a picnic blanket or a table for eating. Other than having food on hand, it wouldn't hurt to have a card game handy or a Bluetooth speaker at hand to prevent awkward moments. Just a heads up, this date involves careful planning. If it's peak sunshine and mosquito season, be sure to pack your sunscreen and bug spray.

Young couple enjoying picnic

Paul Bradbury/ Getty Images

Volunteer Date

Volunteer dates can work really well for established couples. They can create new opportunities to meet people and make couple of friends. Obviously, a volunteer date may not be a good idea if you're separated the entire time. So, this one may require a bit of research. Unless you're looking to add a bit of adventure  or something different to your date.

Two humanitarian people working in community charity donation center. Volunteers putting food and other supplies in donation boxes. Focus on a middle aged man and blonde woman wearing eyeglasses.

zamrznutitonovi/ Getty Images

Antiquing And Thrifting

Garage sales, estate sales, antiquing, thrifting, whichever you choose can make for a fun budget-friendly date. It's like a scavenger hunt where you don’t know what the items are you're supposed to find. But whatever you two may find you can always laugh and bond about it. There's even the possibility of a fashion show if you find yourself in a place with a load of vintage clothes. The same concept can also be applied to bookstores and music stores.

Young couple shopping in thrift store, man trying on hat, side view

Chad Baker/Jason Reed/Ryan McVay/ Getty Images

Ransom Garcia is the music director and afternoon host on 1079 Coyote Country. He’s been with the station since 2017, but he’s been on the Las Vegas airwaves since 2003. Although he's Vegas Born AND Raised, Ransom also has on-air duties on sister station Kiss 95.1 in Charlotte, NC. He is also set to be inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame in September of 2024. Ransom writes articles about pop culture, human interests, technology, video games and anything affecting Las Vegas.