By Judy Thorburn This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - Las Vegas Round The Clock
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - The Flick Chicks
Director of Communications - Nevada Film Alliance
http://www.theflickchicks.com
Bob Anderson and Creative Principles Discuss the Making of 'FRANK – The Man. The Music' at the Palazzo
Singing impressionist, Bob Anderson, co-creator and star of 'FRANK – The Man. The Music', the newest resident show that recently opened at The Palazzo, and producer Stephen Eich, and musical director, Vincent Falcone, who spent 10 years as Frank Sinatra’s very own musical director, sat down in front of several members of the press on Tuesday morning, January 20 to speak about the production's creative process.
'FRANK- The Man. The Music', takes audiences on a musical journey through the legendary crooner’s timeless hits, highlighting three distinct areas of Sinatra’s career. Featuring a 32-piece orchestra to accompany Anderson’s remarkable portrayal of Ol’ Blue Eyes, 'FRANK – The Man. The Music.' marks a return to the era of Las Vegas glitz and glamour that the singer made famous.
Vince Falcone, Bob Anderson, and Steven Eich
Photo credit Dianne R. Davis
The following are some highlights from the informative and insightful discussion.
Anderson - “I first met Frank's daughter, Nancy Sinatra in 1973. She was void of an opening act at the Sahara. A reporter took me to meet her and I said I can do whatever you need. I am a singer. To make a long story short, I opened for her. Now years later, I am playing her father. I've been working on putting togther this theatrical production for over 2 and 1/2 years. This not another 'Rat Pack' show. Our production is reminicent of Sinatra's career featuring a wonderful group of musicians. We are thrilled about it. I am surrounded by the best of the best, including Vince and the incredible make up artist. Frank was the most difficult impression. I studied 25 different videos of Frank Sinatra. I put up mirrors all around my home and for 2 years got up at 6 am every morning, combed back my hair, and watched everything he was doing in every song to get as close to the ball park as I could.”
Falcone- “Bob's performance is as close as you can come to Sinatra. People like Jack Jones, Steve Lawrence and Tony Bennett has given Bob their endorsement. The difference between Bob and other impersonators is that he understands the music, understands the passion, and truly understands how to sing this material.”
Anderson – “Sinatra surounded himself with the finest musicians and conductors. This is what I did to give me the support. It is all about his music, and three phases in his career...personal appearances, in the recording studio and TV shows. It was difficult picking the songs (for the show). There is so much. Everyone has their favorite. Sinatra hated Strangers in the Night, but he sang it, and we can't leave it out of the show.
About 21 songs were picked...classics and his favorites, tunes everyone can recognize. The show is a taste of what it was like back then, when the biggest stars were performing in lounges on the strip. We take young people back to another time period, circa 1975.
The show is different than what you see today on the strip, or for that matter, the country. There is no lip syncing and we have the best sound in Las Vegas. The transformative makeup (to help complete the uncanny, spot on impersonation) by (Hollywood make up artist) Kazu Tsuji, takes 2 hours of sitting in the chair five days a week for the makeup to be good enough for people in the 20th row of the theatre to see.”
Asked if he ever met Sinatra, Anderson responded, “I met Frank a few times, and I have never met any entertainer who did not respect Sinatra and think he was the greatest entertainer. He was the most generous man to people that needed help.”
Eich – “The show is an authentic recreation with its original arrangments and environment that is indicative of a great Sinatra show. We provide an environment that was flexible enough for what we wanted to do and is evocative of showrooms of the past.”
At the end of the discussion Anderson stated, “I am excited and very greatful to be coming back to my (new) home in Las Vegas at the Palazzo Hotel where all the people have been wonderful. I hope that the show will have a home here for some time.”
Performances for “Frank– The Man. The Music' at the Palazzo Theatre are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Ticket prices range from from $71.50 to $176, plus fees.
Mondays Dark kicks of 2015 with January edition benefiting The Gay and Lesbian Center of Las Vegas
After an amazing, successful year of monthly shows in 2014 that raised over $120,000 for various local charities, “MONDAYS DARK WITH MARK SHUNOCK” kicked off the new year of 2015 with the January edition on Monday evening, January 26 at Vinyl inside The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Proceeds for this entertainment filled charity event benefited the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada. Each month, several local entertainers show their support to the worthy cause by donating their talent and time for an extraordinary 90 minute show.
Mark Shunock
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Michael Dimengo, Director of Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
This month's theme was "Music of the Mouse," with each performer singing a Disney song. Opening the show was a fun, lip syncing performance by drag queen, Norma Llyaman followed by a lineup of entertainers that included powerhouse singers: Jubilee's Ashley Fuller, singer/writer/producer Jerry Jones, Sandra Huntsman (from country group Ghost Light), Phillip Drennen and Jassen Allen aka The Background Boys, Rock of Ages' Tiffany Engen, Brandon Nix, Felice Garcia, Nicole Kaplan, Andrew Ragone and David Burnham from Showstoppers,, Rock of Ages' new cast member Diedre Lang, Vegas the Show's Josh Strickland, Mark Shunock and his wife, Cheryl Daro and comedian Jason Halpin.
Cheryl Daro and Mark Shunock
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Norma Llyaman
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Andrew Ragone, Nicole Caplan Fenton, and David Burnham
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Ashley Fuller
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Brandon Nix
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Deidra Lang
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Felice Garcia
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jason Halpin
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jerry Jones
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Joshua Strickland
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Philip Drennen and Jassen Allen Cropp
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Philip Drennen, Sandra Huntsman, and Jassen Allen Cropp
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tiffany Engen
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Michael Dimengo receives signed event poster from Mark Shunock
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
At every one of these popular fundraising events there is also a silent auction where bidders can win show tickets and other valuable prizes contributed by local businesses. In addition, guests can purchase a key for $20 with the hope of having the only one that opens a treasure box containing a special prize. This month's prize, which was won by lucky key holder Kathleen Jones, included a one night stay at the Palazzo, two tickets to Rock of Ages, and a $100 restaurant gift certificate.
Lucky key holder Kathleen Jones
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
At the show's conclusion Mark Shunock announced that next month's February edition of Mondays Dark will benefit the Blind Center of Nevada. He added that for that event there will be a twist which will take the show to a whole new level. The performances will be stripped down to piano accompaniment with the emphasis on storytellers.
Mark Shunock and Cheryl Daro
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door.
The Southpoint Hosts 2015 Divas Day Out
Thousands of women converged inside an exhibit hall at the Southpoint Hotel & Casino from 10 am to 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 24 for the 2015 Divas Las Vegas, the largest annual event in Las Vegas geared to women.
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Open to the public, this free, one day only event drew ladies of all ages, many accompanied by their husband, friend or significant other, who were eager to check out information and shop for products and services from over 150 businesses and vendors that were on site. Those who were lucky enough to be among the first 1,000 to come through the doors were given free boas and a special gift bag.
Lining the event center were aisles of booths showcasing something to complement every woman's lifestyle such as health, wellness and fitness, beauty and skin care products, hair and nail care, clothing, jewelry, and accessories, home and kitchen products, to financial information and travel as well as lots of complimentary goodies, giveaways, and a chance to win prizes.
Herbal Supplements
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jewelry Booth
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Purses
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Hats, Clothing, and Accessories
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Self-Defense Products
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The Animal Foundation reps with two furry friends, Captian (black), and Diesel (tan), looking to be adopted
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
On hand for a meet and greet and providing live entertainment was the cast of Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas and the hunks from the all male revue, Thunder From Down Under. Also, making a special appearance were Mirage headliners Boyz II Men and Dancing with the Stars dance pro/choreographer Derek Hough, who drew crowds of eager and excited women that anxiously waited in line for an up close, photo op and autograph with the celebrities.
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Boyz II Men sign autographs and pose for photos
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Derek Hough with fan
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
With over 7,000 attendees, the fashionable, fun and informative Divas Day Out was a great marketplace for women to find the necessary tools to kick start their female empowerment for the New Year.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
HUSSONG'S CANTINA, located inside The Shoppes at Mandalay Place, celebrated its Fifth Anniversary on Thursday night, January 29 by hosting an invite only event featuring complimentary food, drinks, musical entertainment provided by a mariachi band and a surprise appearance by Pee Wee Herman (actually a deadringer impersonator) who mingled with the VIP guests.
Hussong's Cantina
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Hussong's Cantina Executives
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Mariachi Band
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Pee Wee Herman Impersonator
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Pee Wee Herman Impersonator
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Thursday, January 29, GOODWILL hosted a ceremony to honor those who have benefitted from GOODWILL'S VETERAN INTEGRATION PROGRAM – which provides coordinated job training and employment services tailored to veterans, and their families’, unique needs. Since its inception two years ago, Goodwill’s Veteran Integration Program (VIP) has helped more than 500 local veterans (507 to be exact) and immediate family members find work and become self-supporting. Thanks to a $200,000 GRANT FROM BANK OF AMERICA, Goodwill of Southern Nevada will continue to provide life changing job placement help to local veterans and their family. This grant is expected to assist approximately 225 veterans and/or family members find work in Southern Nevada over a two-year period.
Photo credit: Goodwill of Southern Nevada
Photo credit: Goodwill of Southern Nevada
Photo credit: Goodwill of Southern Nevada
Las Vegas Market announced today that the WINTER MARKET, which ran Sunday, January 18, through Thursday, January 22, 2015, at the World Market Center in downtown Las Vegas, registered the highest attendance numbers in the Market’s nearly 10-year history, with overall growth of 11% over Winter 2014, and a 21% jump in attendance in the gift and home décor segment, specifically.
The dynamic cast of LEGENDS IN CONCERT, Las Vegas’ longest-running live tribute show, rings in the New year with an exciting new lineup of talented tribute artists at Flamingo Las Vegas. Leo Days began his reign as The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis, on Monday, Jan. 19. Nellie Norris, joined the Las Vegas show as Katy Perry on Monday, Jan. 26. Debuting on the same day as the California girl, Steven Tyler, portrayed by Chris VanDahl, performs legendary Aerosmith hits including “Walk this Way” and “Dream On.” Performing in Las Vegas for the first time, Elisa Furr will belt out Celine Dion classics including “My Heart Will Go On” and “Taking Chances” when she hits the Legends in Concert stage on Monday, Feb. 2. Current cast member and fan favorite Jason Jarrett, performing as Michael Jackson, will continue his reign as the King of Pop throughout the spring.
Nellie Norris as Katy Perry
Photo credit: Denci Freeri
Chris VanDahl as Steven Tyler
Photo courtesy of: Legends in Concert
Due to overwhelming demand, FRANK MARINO’S DIVAS LAS VEGAS at The LINQ Hotel & Casino has added a Friday evening show and will now perform seven days a week at 9:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 30, through April 3. With a show surviving five presidents, three wars and the turn of a century, superstar female impersonator Frank Marino will also celebrate his 30th year performing on the Las Vegas Strip in September.
New Divas Cast
Photo courtesy of: Divas Las Vegas
America's Got Talent Season 5 runner-up, JACKIE EVANCHO, will perform in Awakening at The Smith Center Saturday, January 31st. Tickets start at $24. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Awakening showcases some new directions for Evancho, who has become famous for her beautiful and lush classical- crossover compositions. The young, sensational vocalist is now extending her stylistic reach with contemporary material and will sing several original songs including "Take Me There" and "Open Fields of Grace."
THE NATIONAL ATOMIC TESTING MUSEUM (located at 755 E Flamingo Road) is celebrating their 10th ANNIVERSARY, Thursday, February 5, by offering $10 admission to the Museum that day, a 10% discount on all Museum Store books purchased that day, and a $10 discount on all Individual Memberships purchased that day. Just say, "Happy Anniversary" to receive your anniversary discount. Experience the stories of the NV Test Site (National Security Site) & Area 51 exhibits on this special day. Current Museum members are offered a free, 1 day pass for 1 guest. The Museum is open 7 days a week, Monday - Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday Noon to 5 pm. For more information call 702-794-5151.
American pop-rock duo KENDRABARRY will take the stage 10 p.m. at M Resort’s Ravello Lounge Friday, Feb. 6. During this special, one-night-only performance, KendraBarry will perform a medley of Top 40 hits from artists like Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor, Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Arianna Grande as well as some of their original hit singles. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. There is no cover charge with a two-drink minimum purchase.
The College of Southern Nevada Fine Arts Gallery will present a SOLO EXHIBIT OF MIXED MEDIA WORKS BY EMILY MCILROY, faculty at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, the Honolulu Museum of Art School and the Hawaii State Art Museum. “EMILY MCILROY:WILDS” will begin Friday, February 6, and will run through Friday, March 20, 2015. Ms. McIlroy will be available to the public and will present a Gallery Talk on Friday, February, at 1:30 p.m. in the CSN Fine Arts Gallery.
The CSN Fine Arts Gallery is FREE and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The Performing Arts Center/Fine Arts Gallery is located at the half circle drive near CSN’s main entrance, on the Cheyenne Campus at 3200 E. Cheyenne Avenue, one mile East of I-15 North.
After rebranding itself as a destination for live comedy, the ONYX THEATRE rounds out a slate of weekly improv shows with the premiere of DON’T QUIT YOUR DAY JOB, created by Second City alum Derek and Natalie Shipman. Don’t Quit Your Day Job follows a talk show format, with a special guest interviewed by one of the show’s directors. As the guest shares their workplace tales, a group of improvisors recreate the events on the spot, often to hysterical and enlightening results. The first three guests are director Troy Heard (February 5), plus size porn icon Kelly Shibari (February 12), and former Jubilee showgirl Kady Kay (February 17). Future guests will include a variety of local celebrities, politicians and service industry workers.
In addition to Don’t Quit Your Day Job, Friday night’s show, THE GET, is a unique blend of improv, sketch comedy and stand up. Saturday night’s JOKE KUNE DO is competition improv as two teams square off with the winner decided by audience response.
Performance times for all improv shows is 9:30 p.m.. Tickets are $10.00 and are available through the Onyx Box Office. Performances will be at the Onyx Theatre, located at 953 E. Sahara Ave. #16 in Commercial Center, Las Vegas, NV.
THE LAUGH FACTORY inside the New Tropicana, will be celebrating a special birthday on Saturday, Feb.7, when comedy veteran, SAMMY SHORE, celebrates his 88th birthday on its stage, birthday cake and all. Shore was the comic who was hand-picked by Elvis as his opening act. “He made him laugh,” Elvis has been quoted as saying. And headlining the entire week, opening Monday, Feb. 2, through Sunday, Feb. 8, will be Brian Scolaro, with Rick Right the featured comedian, and Traci Skene doing the hosting chores.Tickets for the 8:30 and 10:30 performances at the Laugh Factory are priced at $34.95 and $44.95.
Sammy Shore
“CLASSIC VEGAS ENTERTAINMENT” STARRING TONY SACCA AND THE SACCETTES will be presented in the Chrome Showroom at Santa Fe Station on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 4 p.m.The show will feature Sacca with Saccettes Joelle Righetti and Connie Murray, both veteran performers who have played in “Legends in Concert,” and the Michael T. Band. Show tickets are $15 at the door.
PAM HALL AND DONNA MARIE bring reggae hits to Sam’s Town Live!inside Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall on February 13.The show starts at 10 p.m. Tickets are available starting at $44 plus taxes and convenience fees and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming Box Office.
Visual artist LINDA ALTERWITZ will debut her exhibit “While I Am Still,” combining art with science and technology to explore the human spirit, at “THE STUDIO” inside the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District’s Sahara West Library, 9600 West Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, Nev., 89117, from Feb. 13 through May 9. An opening reception will be held on Friday, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m.
Harrah’s Headliner and Comedy-Magician MAC KING invites the public to jump on board this February as he embarks on MAC KING’S MAGICAL LITERACY TOUR: NEVADA READING WEEK 2015. Throughout the month of February, King is partnering with the YMCA of Southern Nevada, The Toy Box and Splash Studios LLC to collect books for elementary school children in local at-risk schools. Donate three or more new or gently used children’s books at any of the locations below to receive a pair of tickets to The Mac King Comedy Magic Show and one-week Y Family Pass to all the facilities including children and adult exercise classes, indoor pools, exercise/weight equipment and rock wall (Limit one per person). King will personally deliver the books to kids in at-risk schools on March 2 – March 6, during Nevada Reading Week 2015.
Book Drop Locations are: Heinrich YMCA - 4141 Meadows Lane, Las Vegas; Durango Hills YMCA - 3521 N. Durango Drive, Las Vegas; Centennial Hills YMCA - 6601 N. Buffalo, Las Vegas; SkyView YMCA - 3050 E. Centennial Pkwy, North Las Vegas.
DISTILL – A LOCAL BAR in Southern Highlands will put on its first Mardi Gras Party on Saturday, Feb. 21, in celebrattion of the time-honored holiday. Guests are encouraged to fashion ornate masks, bring their beads to share with friends and wear masquerade attire. There is no cover for the party, however all guests at Distill must be over 21 years-old with valid ID. Distill’s Mardi Gras Party is at the Southern Highlands location only at 4830 W. Pyle Ave.
Celebrity sightings:
Sunday, Jan. 25...
“The Bridge” and “National Treasure” star Diane Kruger and Norman Reedus of The Walking Dead” were spotted at the Riviera Hotel & Casino filming scenes for an upcoming movie. Reedus, who plays Daryl Dixon on the hit AMC series, was seen signing autographs and taking photos with “The Walking Dead” fans on the casino floor.
Adult entertainment star, Jesse Jane, was spotted attending ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace. Following the show, Jane met with ABSINTHE performers Charlie Starling, Lea Hinz, and the “Green Fairy” Melody Sweets for a photo and to share words of enthusiasm for the performance.
Jesse Jane
Photo: Courtesy of Joseph Sanders/Spiegelworld
The wall-to-wall crowd at Drai’s Nightclub – perched 11 stories high atop The Cromwell – celebrated the return of the club’s Sunday night party SunDrai’s with a special two-hour long DJ set from Nick Cannon. Among those joining Cannon in the DJ booth was model Amber Rose.
Saturday night, Jan. 24...
Pretty Little Liars star, Ashley Benson was spotted at TAO celebrating the bachelorette party of a girlfriend with a group of friends that included actress Francia Raisa from The Secret Life of The American Teenager. Singer JoJo, who was also dining at TAO with friends stopped by to say hello.
Francia Raisa and Ashley Benson celebrate the bachelorette party of a friend at TAO Las Vegas
After dinner Benson and friends made their way up to the nightclub where they danced the night away to the sounds of DJ Justin Credible.
Jake Shears, of the band Scissor Sisters, attended ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace. Following the performance, Shears met with the performers from the show, Charlie Starling, Lea Hinz and the Green Fairy Melody Sweets for a photo.
Jake Shears
Photo: Courtesy of Joseph Sanders/Spiegelworld
Award-winning saxophonist Michael Lington jamming with David Perrico – Pop Strings Orchestra following his show at Rocks Lounge inside Red Rock Resort.
Friday, Jan. 23...
Jarrod Schultz and Brandi Passante, husband and wife team on A&E’s Storage Wars, attended ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace. Following the performance, Schultz and Passante met with the cast for a photo and expressed their enjoyment of the show.
Jarrod Schultz and Brandi Passante
Photo: Courtesy of Joseph Sanders/Spiegelworld