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Live from Las Vegas: ‘America’s Got Talent’ champion magician Mat Franco, Park MGM deejays take their shows online

Mat Franco’s “Mat Franco: Magic Reinvented Nightly” is at the Linq Hotel in Las Vegas. (Courtesy)
Mat Franco’s “Mat Franco: Magic Reinvented Nightly” is at the Linq Hotel in Las Vegas. (Courtesy)
By Don Chareunsy donc@spokesman.com(509) 459-5446

Despite the closure of the Las Vegas Strip, and the shocking photos of empty casino resorts along Las Vegas Boulevard being posted, the show must go on for headliner Mat Franco and the Entertainment Capital of the World’s deejays.

While performances of his Linq Hotel show “Mat Franco: Magic Reinvented Nightly” are suspended, the first magician winner of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” will continue to entertain fans from home tonight – and this is not an April Fools’ Day joke – with his weekly free live magic show on his Facebook page @matfrancomagic at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET.

This is Franco’s third Facebook Live magic show following virtual performances March 18 and 25, with plans to perform every Wednesday until he returns to the stage at the Mat Franco Theater inside the Linq.

Franco takes an approach to magic-making that’s driven by pure joy. Almost entirely self-taught, the Rhode Island native, 32, began staging his own shows before age 10 and has cultivated a performance style that highlights his warmth and wit.

Celebrating its fifth anniversary this summer, Franco recently announced that Caesars Entertainment has extended his award-winning show for five more years. I’ve attended Franco’s family-friendly show twice and highly recommend logging in tonight, and attending in person when it’s possible again, to be entertained by the very likable Franco and his magic and charisma.

‘The Wednesday Spin’

Across the Strip, Park MGM and On the Record are bringing their Industry Nights into homes every Wednesday starting tonight. “The Wednesday Spin” will video broadcast live from Park MGM’s Instagram account beginning at 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET featuring three hours of nonstop beats by the Strip’s turntable talents all representing Park MGM venues.

“While we continue to maintain social distancing practices, we can still come together to enjoy the irresistible energy of Las Vegas nightlife every Wednesday,” said Bryan Bass, MGM Resorts vice president of Marketing Events and Nightlife. “We are excited by this new take on Las Vegas nightlife and the opportunity to bring it into people’s homes.”

With new artists performing live sets each week, the April 1 debut of “The Wednesday Spin” will feature the following lineup:

  • 7 p.m. – DJ Crykit (representing NoMad Bar)
  • 8 p.m. – Jamie Da Great (representing Best Friend)
  • 9 p.m. – Mell Starr (representing On the Record)

Anyone can join the party’s conversation by using the hashtag #VegasFromHome.