Vegas Happenings 04-17-10

Bon Appetit Presents preview of Vegas Uncork'd with Francois Payard at Caesars Palace's New Garden Of The Gods

Celebrated French Pastry Chef Francois Payard, creator of the highly-acclaimed Payard Pâtisserie & Bistro at Caesars Palace hosted a special media event on Thursday afternoon, April 8th at Caesars Palace's new Garden of the Gods. The event served as a special preview on what to expect at this year's upcoming culinary extravaganza, Vegas Uncork'd presented by Bon Apetit magazine.



Mario Barth Opens King Ink at the Mirage

Renowned Austrian born tattoo artist, Mario Barth whose developed a celebrity clientele that includes Usher, Lenny Kravitz, Sylvester Stallone, Avril Levine, Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee to name a few, made a mark on the Las Vegas strip two years ago with the opening of Starlight Tattoo at Mandalay Bay.




Hugh Hefner Celebrates 84th Birthday at the Palms

Playboy magazine founder Hugh Hefner celebrated his 84th on birthday Saturday, April 10th at the Palms Casino Resort. He started the night with dinner in N9NE steakhouse with a party of ten that included his 23 year old girlfriend Crystal Harris, Playboy Playmates, and Palms owner George Maloof. Afterwards, Hef and his enterouge moved the party to the Playboy Club, located upstairs in the Fantasy Tower at the Palms.



Rock N Roll 2 Soul at Palace Station

Wednesday night, April 13 was media night for Rock N Roll 2 Soul, the new tribute show that opened inside the Palace Station Showroom.

The show is produced by Tom Biscardi and John Stuart, the founder of “Legends in Concert”, and the two have created a highly entertaining trip down memory lane showcasing three tribute acts backed by a five piece band.



Golden Gaming at Sierra Gold Tavern Celebrates Launch of Beer and Bites Club

Golden Gaming, the parent company of PT's Pubs and Places, PT's Gold, and Sierra Gold Taverns recently invited members of the press to an evening of great food and drinks, a chance to meet with Executive Chef Joe Romano and to celebrate the latest reward program, the revolutionary Beer and Bites Club, being offered to patrons.



Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:

UNLVino, the annual wine event with proceeds benefiting UNLV's William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration was held on three consecutive days, Thursday April 8 - Sunday April 10. The first of the three events, titled Bubblicious, took place poolside at Caesars Garden of the Gods on Thursday night from 7-10 p.m., and featured world class champagnes. Friday's event Sake Fever, featuring 50 Japanese tojiis or masters in the art of rice wine, was held from 7 – 10 p.m. at the Palms Pool and Bungalows and Saturday's Grand Tasting was held at 2-6 p.m. at Bally's Event Center, featuring almost 3,000 wines from 750 wineries. For more information on this year's UNLVino read Jacqueline Monahan's article in this week's edition of her column, About The Town.



Our sincere condolences go out to magician Lance Burton, whose mother Hilma Burton passed away in her sleep in Columbia, Kentucky at age 73 on Wednesday, April 7. Lance Burton canceled his show for Tuesday, April 13 at the Monte Carlo to attend the funeral services in Kentucky. He returned to his regular show schedule on Wednesday, April 14.


Although the real estate market is in a slump, unemployment has risen and tourism is down, Las Vegas manages to rank as the #2 destination for movers according to U-Haul International's annual survey. This year, Houston took the #1 spot. U Haul said the data was compiled from more than 1 million of their truck transactions that took place during a recent one year period.

The financially troubled Privé Nightclub and its adjacent Living Room ultralounge inside Planet Hollywood Resort have closed.

MSN Travel recently released its list of “The 50 Most Beautiful Things on Earth,” and The Fountains of Bellagio, with more than 1,000 choreographed fountains, enhanced by lighting and music, was named the world’s most beautiful fountains. MSN compiled the list from numerous surveys, input from art historians and their well-traveled staff of writers.

Eva Longoria Parker’s celebrated steakhouse, Beso,was named “Best New Restaurant” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal 2010 Annual Best of Las Vegas readers’ poll. Beso is situated directly beneath her nightclub Eve, at Crystals in the world-renowned CityCenter complex on the Las Vegas strip.

The next major new hotel to open on the strip, the $3.9 billion Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, is scheduled to open in Mid December, according to Cosmopolitan's CEO John Unwin. The hotel's amenities will include nearly 3000 rooms, 13 restaurants, a spa, nightclub, 150,000 square feet of meeting and convention space and retail stores.

Right now, locals that purchase a ticket to BODIES… The Exhibition at theLuxor can get complimentary entrance into Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition by showing a Nevada ID at the box office. Regularly priced tickets are $31 for adults, $29 for seniors and $23 for children 4 – 12 years of age. The Exhibition is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with last admission at 9 p.m. It is recommended that children 12 and under are accompanied by a teacher or parent as an adult guide.

To commemorate National Volunteer Week (April 18 – 24), the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open is seeking volunteers for its 2010 tournament. Tournament volunteers can assist in a variety of areas including admissions and greeting, caddie services, transportation services and more. The cost to volunteer is $40 and includes a tournament jacket, golf shirt and hat, week-long badge, a ticket to the volunteer party and meals during the volunteer shift. Volunteers must be 18 or older and may register online or contact Donna Millwood at 702.589.4945.

Nevada Ballet Theatre and Cirque du Soleil present their 3rd annual A Choreographers’ Showcase: A Project Designed to Stimulate and Encourage Artistic Growth. This highly anticipated production will include eleven originally choreographed works by artists from the various resident Cirque du Soleil shows as well as professional dancers from Nevada Ballet Theatre. The two public performances will be held 1 p.m. on Sunday April 18 and Sunday, April 25 at Mystere Theatre at Treasure Island. Tickets are priced at $20 and $40. In addition a special school-time matinee will be held on Friday, April 23 for schools from Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Future Dance program as well as students from the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy (part of the NBT-Agassi Partnership for Dance) and various other public, private and parochial schools. Purchasing a $40 ticket for either of Sunday performances will afford one student the opportunity to attend the school matinee on Friday, April 23. Ticket purchasers will also receive preferred seating when available.

In celebration of Earth Day and in the spirit of Carlos Santana’s continued environmental and humanitarian efforts, Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits is partnering with Project Sole, a local nonprofit formed to collect durable footwear for communities in-need. Fans will be encouraged to recycle their gently-used shoes during Santana’s next set of performances at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino from April 21 through May 2 to support worldwide disaster relief. As a “thank you” to those who donate, fashionable shoe brands Carlos by Carlos Santana and Unity by Carlos Santana will offer a generous discount of 20 percent off their merchandise.

The UNLV Performing Arts Center concludes the 2010 Classical Guitar Series with the duo Ricardo Cobo and Christopher McGuire at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 23. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at the Performing Arts Center Box Office at 895-ARTS (2787) or by visiting pac.unlv.edu.


Three-time Grammy Award winning Country Music star, Keith Urban will bring his electrifying live show to The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel on Friday, April 23. Tickets start at $99.50 (plus applicable service fees),

UNLV Dance presents "Last Chance Dance" at 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 22; 8 p.m. on Friday, April 23; and at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 24 in Dance Studio One of the Alta Ham Fine Arts Building. Tickets are $18 general admission, and $10 for students, seniors, military, and UNLV faculty and staff. Tickets can be purchased at the UNLV Performing Arts Center Box Office or by calling 895-ARTS (2787).

Nevada Conservatory Theatre at UNLV presents William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" Apr. 23 – May 2, in the Judy Bayley Theatre. For tickets, please visit the UNLV Performing Arts Center Box Office or call 895-ARTS (2787).


For the first time in more than four years, the legendary Eagles will perform at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday, April 24. The group, comprised of Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit – will perform hits from the chart-topping album Long Road Out of Eden, as well as classic selections from the group’s unparalleled 30-year career. The concert is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are priced at $220, $155, $95 and $55, not including applicable service charges and taxes.


On Saturday, April 24 from 10:00am to 2:00pm., the Atomic Testing Museum will be hosting a very special event for families called, "From Ordinary to Extraordinary". In conjunction with the current temporary exhibit that features trench art from World War One, the Family Fun Day art project parallels the artistic processes of the soldiers in the trenches who made beautiful art from their everyday objects. In honor of Earth Day, children and families will be encouraged to turn trash into treasure! Create something extraordinary out of ordinary items from our everyday life. The children will receive guidance from museum staff and volunteers as they create objects of art from soda bottles, paper towel rolls, newspapers, egg cartons, and more! ...

Comedy-magician Mac King is scheduled to do a special magic show and book signing of his new book, Mac King’s Campfire Magic at Borders located at 6521 Las Vegas Boulevard South at Town Square on Sunday, April 25 at 2 p.m. This event is open free to the public. Copies of Mac King’s Campfire Magic will be on sale for $12.95. The children’s book which presents more than 50 amazing tricks and feats of illusion, is published by Black Dog & Leventhal, is suitable for children ages 9-12.Mac King will also offer a free pair of tickets to the Mac King Comedy Magic Show, valued at $50, with every $12.95 purchase of Mac King’s Campfire Magic.

Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar, located at 4480 Paradise Rd. on the corner of Paradise and Harmon, south of Flamingo, is offering Las Vegas locals a new authentic Italian experience with late night hours every Wednesday night with “Food and Music” and a new outdoor dining lounge. Every Wednesday night Food and Music will feature a local live DJ from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Guests receive fifty percent off all food with a reservation at 702-364-5300 or www.ferraroslasvegas.com.

An open casting call for the all-new syndicated version of “Don’t Forget the Lyrics!” hosted by Mark McGrath will be held on Saturday, April 24th . Set to premiere in Fall 2010, “Don’t Forget the Lyrics!” is a musical game show that tests contestants’ knowledge of song lyrics from different genres, decades and artists. The auditions will be held on Saturday, April 24th at BONKERZ COMEDY CLUB (2411 West Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89102) from 11AM to 4PM. Photo ID is required. Casting is looking for contestants, over 18 years of age, that are fun, outgoing and very knowledgeable of popular song lyrics.

Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio will be honored by the Las Vegas Walk of Stars on April 29 at the Rio's Crown Theatre.

Historic California Hotel and Casino to Celebrate May Day with 13th Annual Lei Day Polynesian Festival – May 1 and 2. The annual Polynesian festival brings together musicians, dancers, artists, craftsmen and food and beverage vendors to showcase the very best of Hawaii. Entry to the two day event is FREE and will take place in the Parking venue adjacent to the California Hotel and Casino (Stewart and Main Street.) Special demonstrations and activities are also planned to highlight Hawaiian culture. Traditional Hawaiian dishes and delicacies will also be available for purchase. A special concert will be held on Saturday, May 1 at 7:15 p.m. featuring Hawaiian recording artists Darren Benitez and Eric Lee, along with singer, television personality and American Idol Season 2 Top 36 Finalist Jordan Segundo. This concert is a paid event and tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. On Sunday, May 2, the annual “Island Fever Block Party,” will be held on the festival grounds featuring local bands and non-stop entertainment. This is a free event.

Conan O’Brien will headline a live comedy/music review that begins a two-month, 30-city tour on April 12, 2010 and includes a stop at The Pearl Concert Theater at 9 p.m. Saturday, May 1. The aptly titled “Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television” tour kicks off in Eugene, Oregon, and will take Conan and a cast that will include longtime sidekick Andy Richter and the former Tonight Show band to theaters in at least 20 states and two Canadian provinces. Tickets are $75, $100 & $150, plus any additional service fees.

Latin Legends Live!” featuring three of the hottest Latin bands from the 1970’s bring their distinctive sound The Club inside Cannery Casino & Hotel on Saturday, May 1 at 8 p.m. Tierra, Malo, and El Chicano will spice up the Vegas night as they perform all of their greatest hits. Tickets are available now in four levels: Table for four $79.95, Gold $39.95, Prime $24.95 and Reserved $14.95.

In a loving tribute to his father Mel Tormé, the multi-talented musician Steve March Tormé brings Totally Tormé to the Suncoast Showroom for two performances May 8 and 9. Backed by a jazz quartet, Torme's show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $19.95, plus tax and convenience fees.

Pop sensations, New Kids on the Block has added a second performance to their spring dates at The Pearl Concert Theater inside Palms Casino Resort. A show on Friday, May 7, 2010, at 8:00 p.m. has been added to the previously announced date of Saturday, May 8. Tickets are $115, $125 & $135, plus any additional service fees.

Celebrity sightings:

Friday night, April 8... producer/director and actor, Forest Whitaker attended Disney’s THE LION KING at Mandalay Bay with his wife Keisha Nash and daughters, Sonnet and True. Whitaker and his family enjoyed an exclusive opportunity to meet the talented cast and crew backstage after the 7:30 PM performance. The Whitaker family talked with the cast members and were overheard chatting about how much they enjoyed the Las Vegas production.


TAO Group partner Jason Strauss, who turned 36 this week, celebrated at LAVO. Famed producer Swizz Beatz was on hand for the party, arriving after seeing girlfriend Alicia Keys in concert. He took over the LAVO turntables for an hour before switching to emcee, grabbing the mic for the rest of the night. Birthday boy Strauss had one request, New York State of Mind from Jay Z and Alicia Keys. The newly single Reggie Bush was spotted with Swizz and the producer made sure to give plenty of shout outs to the Superbowl champ.


NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback Warren Moon dined at LAVO with friends, while comedienne Joan Rivers dined on LAVO’s expansive Strip-front terrace.

Over at TAO, E! Entertainment’s Jason Kennedy, Ben Lyons, Cat Sadler and Ryan Basford were spotted dining with friends at the Asian bistro before heading up to the nightclub.


After checking out Matt Goss at Caesars Palace last week, Jersey Boy star, Rick Faugno, made a repeat visit joining Goss in a duet on two songs including the new Strip classic "Lovely Las Vegas."


On Sunday the group took over TAO Beach’s new Grand Cabana overlooking the pool and the entire party scene. Clad in a blue bikini Stephanie Pratt was surprised by yet another cake – this time one in the shape of a beach pail. The crew dined on afternoon snacks from TAO’s kitchen and enjoyed the sun.


The celebration wrapped up with dinner at LAVO on Sunday night.


DWTS alum and Entertainment Tonight correspondent Melissa Rycroft-Strickland and husband Tye Strickland celebrated Tye’s 29th birthday at the luxurious Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino. After arriving at their sienna suite, the newlyweds headed to TAO Asian Bistro, Tye’s favorite restaurant, for dinner. The two then partied late into the night at TAO Nightclub with friends and the DJ gave Tye a special “Happy Birthday” shout out.

The lovebirds spent Saturday morning at Canyon Ranch SpaClub where they enjoyed a couples massage. Afterwards, Melissa and Tye met their friends at Palazzo’s AZURE Pool where they enjoyed some sun and relaxed in their private cabana.


After a few hours downtime Melissa and Tye headed to FIRST for some evening warm-up cocktails and then attended Joan Rivers’ standup comedy show in The Venetian Showroom. Following the show they headed backstage to meet Joan then headed to Wolfgang Puck’s CUT for some delicious cuisine.

Saturday afternoon, Paris Hilton and Reggie Bush descended on MGM Grand’s WET REPUBLIC in Las Vegas for a friend’s birthday bash. They didn’t come together, and intentionally kept their distance from one another.

The former Mr. Kim Kardashian probably won’t be invited when his ex and her sisters head to WET REPUBLIC April 24 to celebrate Kourtney’s 31st birthday with a scorching soiree hosted by Bombay Sapphire.

Saturday night Express kicked off the launch of ReRock Denim with a party under the stars at TAO Beach. After enjoying dinner at TAO Asian Bistro, Joy Bryant, Rachel Bilson, Malin Akerman and Jessica Lowndes all walked the red carpet wearing a variety of Express fashions before heading to a luxurious TAO Beach cabana to toast the new line. Actress Samaire Armstrong joined the celebration, where party goers had the opportunity to sample specialty cocktails, get painted with temporary tattoos and capture the night in the Express ReRock photo booth, all while dancing to the sounds of DJ Samantha Ronson.


Bilson, Bryant and Lowndes kept the party going in sky box in the nightclub where TAO co-owner Jason Strauss continued his birthday celebration. Also spotted at TAO were Jamie Foxx, Paris and Nicky Hilton and Reggie Bush.

Earlier in the night the Hilton’s enjoyed dinner at LAVO.

Stephanie Pratt of MTV’s The Hills, who turned 24 at midnight started her own birthday celebration with dinner at LAVO. The reality star was joined by Ben Lyons, Jason Kennedy, Ryan Basford and Catt Sadler from E! Entertainment Network.


Also spotted at LAVO was actress Laura Prepon with friends.

"90210" star Michael Steger hosted a very special birthday for his wife, Brandee Tucker at Eva Longoria Parker's luxurious Las Vegas nightclub Eve. The couple enjoyed an intimate dinner with close friends at Longoria Parker's Beso steakhouse After dinner the couple headed upstairs to the CityCenter


Sunday evening, April 11, Former Guns N’ Roses and current Velvet Revolver drummer Matt Sorum stopped by Sugar Factory at The Mirage with girlfriend Ace Harper of the Darling Stilettosand.  The two left the store with three shopping bags filled with an assortment of sweet treats.


Monday night Paris Hilton and two friends was spotted dining at Dos Caminos Las Vegas

Wednesday, April 14...

Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani and a guest dined at Morton's The Steakhouse.

Angelica Bridges, star of FANTASY at Luxor, took the bull by the horns at the mechanical bull riding competition held in Las Vegas at Fremont Street in honor of the 2010 PBR World Cup. The former “Baywatch” actress received a bit of coaching from Team USA PBR Bull Rider, Ryan McConnel, before taking her turn in the competition. Although she did not take home first place, Bridges gave a hearty effort and was well received by the crowd. The winner of the competition received a $1,000 donation to a charity of choice.


Thursday night, April 15... poker pro Beth Shak was seen dining at LAVO with friends. Afterwards, she headed over to TAO for Worship Thursdays. At TAO NHL center Vincent Lecavalier and several members of the Tampa Bay Lightning were spotted in the nightclub celebrating the hockey star’s upcoming 30th birthday.

Friday night, April 16...

PBR’s Ryan McConnel and fellow Team USA member McKennon Wimberly were guests of Angelica Bridges at FANTASY at Luxor.

Country music star Reba McEntire was spotted dining at TAO with a large group of family and friends.

Up in the nightclub Hillary Scott from Lady Antebellum arrived with a group that included Green Bay Packer quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Poker pro Beth Shak was also spotted with friends enjoying the sounds of DJ Reach.

At LAVO Chuy from E!’s Chelsea Lately show dined with other comedians from the show.

Upstairs in the nightclub country star Gary Allan was spotted at a table on the dance floor.

On Saturday afternoon, April 17, Hip hop icon LL Cool J, looking cool as ice in his indigo sunglasses and Gucci sneakers, hosted the Grand Opening of MGM Grand’s WET REPUBLIC, Vegas’ hottest ultra pool. His heart-melting smile wooed the crowd as he mingled, took pictures and shook hands for more than an hour in the exclusive poolside lounge.


Adding to the already electric scene, LL COOL J took to the stage for a spontaneous performance in front of the thousands of poolside partiers. Craziness ensued when he invited all the ladies to join him on the stage to dance to hits like “Headsprung,” “Doin’ It” and “Going Back to Cali.”

I'll be back next week with more of what's happening in and around Las Vegas.