Encore, Encore! Vegas’ Wynn hosts music legends in intimate venue

Like Wynn Las Vegas itself, the resort’s luxurious and intimate Encore Theater reflects decades of sophisticated hospitality and entertainment experience. Wynn’s ability to attract A-list performers to this 1,500-seat, state-of-art venue for multi-night “mini residencies” means a rare chance for Vegas visitors to enjoy arena-level artists up-close and in comfort.

“The farthest seat from the stage is approximately 80 feet,” said Rick Gray, General Manager of Entertainment Operations for Wynn Las Vegas. “You just can’t have that experience when you go to see [major artists] in an arena or an amphitheatre.” The Encore Theater has hosted the likes of Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and country music superstar Garth Brooks, who came out of retirement in 2009 to play three years of residency shows there.

“Like everything at Wynn, the Encore Theater is perfect,” said Bobby Reynolds, Senior Vice President of Entertainment for AEG Presents Las Vegas, which promotes shows at Encore. “It’s dialed-in, the ushers are fantastic, the sound is great [and] the feel is very intimate.”
The Encore Theater experience begins long before guests even enter the state-of-the-art venue, added Reynolds. “What we envision is a John Fogerty fan or a Diana Ross fan going to the Wynn … having a world-class meal and then going to see an arena-level artist playing in a very, very intimate, soft-seat, acoustically-perfect theater.”

Wynn Las Vegas and AEG Presents seek out performers with substantial catalogues, whose music speaks to multiple generations, and who are interested in playing a multi-date run at Encore Theater rather than just one huge show. “We look for somebody who’s got a special, unique voice – in the same way as Wynn has a special, unique voice,” said Gray. “We look for people who are classic and have classic songs and a classic performance, in the same way that we’re classics.” Artists appearing at Encore Theater this fall and winter personify this policy, bringing unmatched personas and hit-filled sets.

John Fogerty

As the frontman of Creedence Clearwater Revival, John Fogerty (who performs Sept. 20, 22, 23, 27, 29 and 30; Oct. 4, 6, 7; Jan. 10 , 12, 13, 17, 19 and 20) wrote the rootsy rock band’s hits and remains in the spotlight with a successful, 45-year solo career.

During his sold-out Encore Theater run earlier this year, the veteran musician “brought boundless energy to the stage,” according to the Las Vegas Sun. The show will include Fogerty’s band playing CCR’s mega-hits, including “Fortunate Son,” “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” and “Down on the Corner,” as well as solo hits including Centerfield” and “Hot Rod Heart.”

Diana Ross

Diana Ross initially found fame in the 1960s with The Supremes – who remain America’s most successful vocal group – and later as a solo artist, with No. 1 hits including “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Upside Down,” as well as being an Academy Award-nominated actress.

She’ll headline the Encore Oct. 11, 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, 25, 27 and 28, bringing a high-energy performance. In addition, $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to the Diana Ross Charitable Foundation, an organization that supports a variety of causes including HIV and Parkinson’s research and veteran’s benefits.

Tony Bennett

Tony Bennett is a legendary crooner of pop, jazz standards and show tunes who scored his first chart-topper in 1951. He reached new generations of fans with his 1994 “MTV Unplugged” appearance and 2014 “Cheek to Cheek” album, collaborating with Lady Gaga. He’ll take the Encore Theater stage for six nights on November 1, 3, 4, 8, 10 and 11.

The Moody Blues

In early 2018, The Moody Blues headline Jan. 26, 27, 30 and 31 at Encore Theater. The sweeping band is celebrating the 50th anniversary of their groundbreaking album, “Days of Future Passed,” which they will play in its entirety, including hits “Nights in White Satin” and “Tuesday Afternoon.” The group revolutionized rock‘n’roll in the mid-60s, paving the way for both the progressive and alternative genres.

Harry Connick Jr.

Harry Connick Jr.: Live in Las Vegas will dazzle and delight audiences at Encore Theater for four nights this holiday season on Nov. 17 and 18 and Dec. 1 and 2. Known for his show-stopping live performances, the multi-talented Connick Jr. and his band will take audiences on a journey featuring his vast catalog of standards as well as the rollicking sounds of his native New Orleans. His extraordinary talent as an entertainer, actor on the stage and screen, composer and host of his nationally-syndicated daily TV show HARRY, has been recognized by the Grammys, Emmys and Tonys.

--Paul Rogers, Custom Publishing Writer