Las Vegas guide to Mexican Independence Day

By Allison Duck

Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009 | 8:14 a.m.

Mexican Independence Day is just around the corner and concert venues and clubs around Las Vegas are bringing in the big guns to celebrate. Famous musicians like Marco Antonio Solis, Ricardo Arjona and Luis Miguel have come to croon and rock out. Comedians like Kiki Melendez, Polo Polo and Paul Rodriguez will have you laughing in the aisles and there is even bloodless bull fighting at the South Point. So don your sombreros and break out the red, white and green flags; it's time for a fiesta.

Saturday, Sept. 12:

The 19th Annual Las Vegas International Mariachi Festival: The 19th Annual Las Vegas International Mariachi Festival will take place at the Paris Theatre at Paris Las Vegas. Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with performances by Luchero, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan and Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernanez.

Luis Miguel at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace: Luis Miguel will be performing live at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The Mexican singer known for his crooning ballads has been the recipient of several Latin Grammy and Grammy Awards. Catch him at one of four special performances surrounding Mexican Independence Day.

Marco Antonio Solis & Pepe Aguiliar at the Mandalay Bay Events Center: The Mexican singer, composer and record producer, Marco Antonio Solis, started his career at a young age as one half of Los Hermanitos Solís, with cousin Joel Solís then formed the group Los Bukis. After 20 years of working with this group, he decided to pursue a solo career and has been taking his show on the road. Solis will be performing live at the Mandalay Bay Events Center along with Pepe Aguilar.

The Gypsy Kings at the Star of the Desert Arena: While the band is from France, pop-oriented Flamenco group Gypsy Kings will bring some Latin flavor to The Star of the Desert Arena in Primm just in time for Mexican Independence Day. Remember to ask for two-for-one tickets for locals.

Sunday, Sept. 13:

Leblon Cachaca March for Cachaca Independence at Carnaval Court: Carnaval Court at The Rio is the meeting place for the Leblon Cachaca March for Cachaca Independence (from rum). Have a drink at this first stop from 5 until 6 p.m. then head to the Mojito Bar at Caesars Palace from 6:15 until 7:15 p.m. and cap the night off at Rhumbar from 7:30 until 9 p.m.

Ricardo Arjona at The Joint: Ricardo Arjona, the Guatemalan singer known as the Latin American Bob Dylan, will perform his famous folk ballads and rock songs at the Joint at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Kiki Melendez's Hot Tamales Live at The Pearl: Kiki Melendez's Hot Tamales Live will appear at The Pearl at The Palms. The show’s seventh anniversary will include special performance showcasing host Kiki Melendez, comedians Amy Anderson, Carla Collins, Tiffany Haddish, Jill Michele Melean, Nadine Rajabi and, direct from New York City, “The Ambassador of Love” Mucho Macho Valentino.

Polo Polo at the House of Blues Latin comedian Polo Polo brings his chistes to crack up the crowd at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay. The Mexican comedian is known for his racy adult-oriented albums and stand-up performances, particularly his use of double entendres. His jokes would make your grandmother turn the color of a tomato, but his humor should be perfectly suited for a Vegas crowd.

Monday, Sept. 14:

Lupillo Rivera at the House of Blues: Mexican singer Lupillo Rivera will be performing live at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay. He will sing his old standards and also music from his newest disc, Trio de Gracia.

Don Bull presents Toros Las Vegas at The South Point Equestrian Center: See bloodless bullfighting at its best as Don Bull presents Toros Las Vegas at The South Point Equestrian Center. If you're looking for the thrill of live bullfighting but are a little squeamish about blood and not so into inflicting pain on the poor bulls, this is your event. Catch more bull fighting on Tuesday.

Tuesday, Sept. 15:

Alejandro Fernández at Mandalay Bay: Alejandro Fernández infuses Mexican history and culture into his passionate music. A Latin Grammy award winner with the nickname of "El Potrillo" (The Little Colt), Fernández has become one of the most popular Latin recording stars in recent years.

Mexican Independence Day at Dos Caminos: Celebrate Mexican Independence Day at Dos Caminos in The Palazzo with DJ Carlos Sanchez, Rico Delargo, DJ Cyberkid and percussion by Frankie Metaphase. Check out Cyberkidand Carlos Sanchez in Las Vegas Weekly's Local DJ Guide.

Chuy hosts at Lavo: Jesus Melgoza, better known as Chuy from E!'s Chelsea Lately, will host the party at Lavo. Handler's hilarious sidekick will celebrate Mexican Independence Day in style at the Palazzo hotspot.