Michael Ross Nugent performs at the Showbar during the opening celebration for the newly expanded casino floor at the El Cortez on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in downtown Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/neon)
Go time: A classic showman in the heart of downtown
Updated January 4, 2026 - 8:18 am
The year 2025 is when El Cortez upped its game across the casino. A build-out of Showbar is a key element in the hotel’s $20 million renovation.
Overlooking the casino, the performance platform is Michael Ross Nugent’s residency home. The Vegas-based showman performs 5-9 p.m. Jan. 7, Jan. 14, Jan. 21 and Jan. 28. Nugent has performed at several lounges and showrooms around town (including Italian American Club and the pre-renovation Lobby Bar at El Cortez.
Toggle your time with pianist Ray Horvath at Lobby Bar from 4-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
On the corner of Fremont and 6th streets, the new El Cortez presents classic lounge entertainment the way it ought to be: No cover, open seating. Go to elcortezhotelcasino.com for intel.
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