A brief stay in Las Vegas gave me a front‑row seat to Gladys Knight, a wander through the casinos and a final taste of the Strip before flying on to San Francisco.
Las Vegas was a short but memorable stop on my 2011 tour. I stayed at the Flamingo Hotel, a place I’d stayed before, and one of many hotels I’ve tried over the years. Having visited Las Vegas several times, I’d already seen most of the big attractions, so this visit was more about enjoying the atmosphere and seeing if I could catch a good show.
Finding a Show.
On my first evening, I walked along the Strip to see what was on. Just a short distance from the Flamingo was a ticket office selling discounted seats for shows that hadn’t sold out. I spotted tickets for Gladys Knight at The Tropicana, a $150 ticket reduced to $75, and as a long‑time fan, I didn’t hesitate. They were also selling tickets for Garth Brooks at $250, and I would have bought one if I hadn’t been leaving the day before his show.
A Changing Las Vegas.
The next day, I wandered through some of the big hotels and casinos. It struck me how different the casinos felt. For the first time, I didn’t hear the familiar sound of coins spilling out of machines. Instead of paying out cash, the machines now printed tickets you had to redeem at the cashier’s desk. It changed the atmosphere completely. I missed the old days when you could hear the excitement of someone winning real money.
Dinner and a Front‑Row Surprise.
Before the show, I ate at the MGM Grand’s all‑you‑can‑eat buffet, which left me very full but ready for the evening. When I arrived at The Tropicana, I was shown to my seat, front row, centre stage. The table was meant for six people, but I was the only one there. In fact, the entire front section was empty. Everyone else had bought cheaper seats further back, leaving me with what felt like a private performance for half the price.
I ordered a couple of cocktails, two for one deal was great, and settled in. Gladys Knight performed a mix of her classics from her days with The Pips and some newer material. Because I was the only person in the front row, she often spoke directly to me during the show. It felt intimate, relaxed and genuinely special. Unlike Tom Jones, whom I’ve also seen in Las Vegas, she didn’t buy me a drink, but I’ll forgive her for that. It was still a fantastic night.
After the show, I returned to my suite at The Tropicana for a much‑needed sleep.
Leaving Las Vegas.
The next day, I flew to San Francisco. I had extended my holiday by a couple of nights to meet a cousin I hadn’t known existed until just days before the trip. Las Vegas had been a short stop, but it delivered exactly what it always does, entertainment, surprises and a few stories to take home.
Add comment