Weekend happenings: ‘The Voice’ on tour, a hip-hop dance off and free lasagna

Lewis Jacobs / AP

“The Voice” winner Javier Colon and second-place finisher Dia Frampton during NBC’s live finale show Wednesday, June 29, 2011.

By Delen Goldberg

Thursday, July 28, 2011 | 2 a.m.

This isn’t the weekend to be on a diet in Las Vegas. Food figures heavily into many of the activities taking place here.

Start your weekend early today by celebrating National Lasagna Day, then head down to Fremont Street on Friday for a food truck throwdown. Finish your culinary tour off with poolside beer and barbecue Saturday at South Point.

If you’re in the mood for a higher-energy event, consider watching some of the world’s best street dancers in competition.

Here’s a menu of your options:

/AP
Thursday is National Lasagna Day

It’s unclear when or where National Lasagna Day began, but really, who cares? It’s a great excuse to down a plate of the cheesy decadent delight. Whether you like yours classic like mama used to make or with a new-age vegetarian twist, there’s likely a local restaurant serving up a dish to please.

Buca di Beppo will offer free lasagna to guests at any of its locations who purchase any large pasta or entrée. Brio Tuscan Grille at Town Square and Tivoli Village will serve up a square of the gooey stuff at half price. For $24, Café Martorano, 3700 W. Flamingo Road, will treat guests to an off-the-menu taste of their homemade lasagna.

Those who are especially hungry can even double up. Unlike the other two promotions that run Thursday only, Café Martorano’s special lasts all weekend.
Photo by Justin Massongill
Street Food Throwdown 4

Three local food trucks will compete for the top honor in a Vintage Vegas cook off. Cooks from Fukuburger, Sloppi Jo’s and Lulu’s On the Move will put their kitchen skills to the test in a culinary challenge inspired by an old menu from the Flame restaurant in downtown’s El Cortez. Let the best oysters rockefeller or peach melba win!

The competition begins 8 p.m. Friday on East Fremont Street between 6th Street and Las Vegas Boulevard. The event also includes drink specials and live music.
/AP
Vince Vaughn’s Comedy Roadshow at Mandalay Bay

Funnyman Vince Vaughn brings his nationally acclaimed “Comedy Roadshow” to Las Vegas. Vaughn shot to fame in 2003 after appearing in “Old School” and has since starred in almost a dozen more comedy hits. His live sketch comedy show will feature stand-up routines from Faizon Love, Ahmed Ahmed, Owen Benjamin and Steve Byrne.

The show starts at 9 p.m. Friday. Tickets cost $110 to $125, and all ages are welcome.

Lifehouse at Red Rock

These four rockers achieved mainstream prominence in 2001 with their hit single “Hanging by a Moment” from their debut studio album, “No Name Face.” They have since released four more discs, all of which have produced Top 40 songs. During their Vegas show, look forward to hearing such hits as “You and Me” and “Whatever It Takes.”

Lifehouse takes the stage at 9 p.m. Friday at the Red Rock pool. Tickets cost $30, and guests must be 18 or older.

/AP
The Wailers and Dirty Heads at Mandalay Bay

Reggae legends The Wailers return to Mandalay Bay for another summer concert. Count on a different set than during their previous visits, but one that’s sure to include classic Bob Marley hits. Southern California Reggae rock band The Dirty Heads open.

The show starts 8:30 p.m. Saturday at The Beach at Mandalay Bay. Tickets cost $25.15, and guests must be 21 or older.

Dave and Mahoney’s Beer and BBQ Bash

Forty choices of beer and sake. Barbecue platters with pulled pork, beef, baked beans, cole slaw and corn bread. Live music from Ashley Red and Jeremy James, and appearances by the ladies of Vegas Sin, Las Vegas’ Lingerie Football League team. That’s just some of what’s on tap for X107.5’s Dave and Mahoney’s Beer and BBQ Bash.

The fun runs 7 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday at South Point Pool. Early birds can start partying at 6 p.m., and all attendees are invited to a post-party afterward. Tickets start at $20 and are limited to guests 21 or older.

Photo by Lewis Jacobs/AP
The Voice Live on Tour at MGM Grand

Catch your favorite singers from the hit TV show “The Voice” live in concert. The final eight contestants, including winner Javier Colon and finalist Dia Frampton, will perform hit songs from their television run. But unlike the show, there will be no input or impromptu performances from the judges. Christina Aguilera, Cee-Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton will not be on tour.

The cast hits the stage 8 p.m. Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Tickets cost $36.05 to $68.55, and all ages are welcome.
/PUBLICITY PHOTO
Kenny Wayne Shepherd at Hard Rock

The self-taught blues rocker has heralded seven singles into the Top 10 and holds the record for the longest-running album on the Billboard Blues Charts with “Trouble Is...,” the hit album that features “Blue on Black.” Expect Shepherd and his band to bring a similar soulful sound to his Las Vegas show.

Shepherd performs 9 p.m. Saturday at Soundwaves at the Hard Rock pool. Tickets cost $38, and all ages are welcome.
Photo by Leila Navidi
World Hip Hop Dance Championships

More than 2,000 of the world’s best street dancers will try to pop, lock and freestyle their way to a win at the 10th World Hip Hop Dance Championship. Crews from 35 countries will compete, with defending champions from Japan and New Zealand fighting to retain their titles and gold medals. Randy Jackson, executive producer of “America’s Best Dance Crew,” will also be on hand to receive a Living Legend of Hip Hop Award.

The feet start flying at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Orleans Arena. Tickets cost $25 to $59.50, and the event is open to all ages.