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
Golden Rainbow's 28th Annual "Ribbon of Life” Spectacular Raises Funds for Southern Nevada HIV/AIDS Community
Golden Rainbow took guests “Under the Big Top” during its 28th annual “Ribbon of Life” fundraising production at The Penn & Teller Theater at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino on Sunday, June 22. The one-of-a-kind event helped raise awareness and funds for those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in the Southern Nevada Community.
Returning emcees TV personality Chris Saldaña and Edie of Cirque Du Soleil’s Zumanity served as ringmasters of the circus-inspired production. The two announced the extravaganza’s eclectic lineup that featured mesmerizing acrobatics, goofy clown antics, powerful vocals, remarkable dance numbers, eye-popping illusions and more. Notable performers included Clint Holmes, Josh Strickland and Reva Rice; cast members from Dancing Queen, Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas, Jersey Boys, Jubilee, Million Dollar Quartet, RagTag Entertainment, Rock of Ages, Zombie Burlesque and Cirque du Soleil’s The Beatles LOVE, Michael Jackson ONETM, Mystère and Zumanity; vocal groups Sin City Opera and The Sound Collage; and many more.
In addition to the fundraising spectacular, Golden Rainbow hosted a silent auction with exclusive prizes including tickets to some of Las Vegas’ top shows, dinner at the city’s best restaurants and trips to premier destinations. Bidders were entertained by jugglers, clowns and acrobats as they browsed the items in the lobby of the theater.
All proceeds from “Ribbon of Life” benefit the nonprofit’s efforts in providing housing and direct financial assistance to the Southern Nevada HIV/AIDS community. As a result of last year’s fundraising efforts, Golden Rainbow provided its clients with 15,720 nights of shelter; money for medications, transportation and food; among other everyday necessities.
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue
Supporters can learn more about Golden Rainbow’s mission, donate to the cause and order DVDs from this year’s “Ribbon of Life” at www.goldenrainbow.org.
Electric Daisy Carnival Draws over 400,000 Partiers
The 18th annual ELECTRIC DAISY CARNIVAL (EDC) came to a successful close on Sunday night, June 22. EDC welcomed a sold-out crowd of 400,000 smiling faces during three beautiful nights of love, music, art and community. Fans from 40 countries and all 50 states came together to witness performances from over 200 of today’s most popular and underground EDM artists. The circuitGROUNDS stage expanded to almost twice its size in length this year, breaking the record as the largest clear-span structure in the world. Measuring 400 feet long, the stage also featured more than 750 lighting fixtures and 10,500 square feet of video panels that descended from the stage’s dome ceiling.
EDC Vegas saw the return of many fan-favorite art cars, including the BoomBox, which welcomed performances from up-and-coming DJs and producers. Fans danced as they followed the mobile sound system throughout the festival grounds. The Mayan Warrior art car, making its first Las Vegas appearance after its debut at EDC Mexico, wowed fans throughout the grounds with fiery special effects and vivid LED lighting.
For the first time, Insomniac and Global Inheritance teamed up to create the TRASHed recycling store where fans could bring recyclable materials and earn points towards special merchandise. Each day, two fans that participated were randomly selected to be upgraded to VIP, and an additional two lucky attendees will receive tickets for next year’s festival. Global Inheritance is a creative, cause-based campaign that aims to educate individuals about the global issues that affect us all.
7UP brought the party to life with the dynamic and immersive experience at Stage 7. Fans experienced endless tracks from some of dance music’s hottest DJs, and were able to dance high above the crowds on an elevated catwalk.
Setting the scene for love and unity, approximately 70 legal weddings took place over the course of the three-day festival—more than five times the amount of weddings than last year. Couples stood beneath the specially crafted altars that featured a beautiful arrangement of vibrant daisies to share their vows.
Electric Daisy Carnival
Photo credit: Alez Perez
Electric Daisy Carnival
Photo credit: Alez Perez
Electric Daisy Carnival
Photo credit: aLIVE
Electric Daisy Carnival
Photo credit: aLIVE
Electric Daisy Carnival
Photo credit: aLIVE
Electric Daisy Carnival
Photo credit: aLIVE
Electric Daisy Carnival
Photo credit: Barrie Martelle
Electric Daisy Carnival
Photo credit: Lauren Coakley
Electric Daisy Carnival
Photo credit: Marc Van Der Aa
Las Vegas Entertainers Join Forces for Surprise Party for Beloved Local Singer Jerry Jones
Friends, colleagues and local entertainers came together Wednesday night, June 19, at the Palms Lounge for a surprise party and a fantastic night of entertainment for beloved singer and founder of the vocal group 5th Avenue, Jerry Jones, to celebrate his recovery from severe health issues, due to a deadly spider bite. During the pre show party, monetary donations collected in exchange for special Jerry Jones Jazz Spider Tour T shirts went to help Jerry pay off his medical bills.
John Katsilometes, Jerry Jones and Kelly Clinton-Holmes
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jerry was totally in the dark about the event and everyone invited, including yours truly, were told it was to be kept “top secret”. To keep it that way, a brilliant plan was put into action for the evening that entailed John Kats (short for Katsilometes) taking Jerry to see Human Nature's show at the Venetian, followed by dinner. Afterwards Katz told Jerry that Jeff Bridges was in town with his band The Abiders and was “performing a VIP show at the Palms tonight, some sort of corporate gig”. Katz said he was invited and Jerry, a big fan of the actor/singer, was thrilled to hear that Katz was bringing him as his guest.
To say Jerry was surprised as he entered the Palms Lounge, is an understatement. It was obvious that Jerry had no idea what was in store. From the look on his face you could see that he was not only astounded, but extremely touched by the outpouring of love and support coming his way from everyone in attendance.
The evening's event for Jerry was produced by Emmy award winning set designer and show producer Andy Walmsley, and featured an hour of first rate entertainment and loads of fun. Hosted by the multi talented singer/comedienne/impressionist Kelly Clinton-Holmes (who, at one point. did a hysterically funny, but spot on impression of Wayne Newton) and entertainment reporter John Katz, the lineup of talented performers included singers Clint Holmes, Jasmine Trias, Ben Stone, Skye Dee Miles, Jerry Lopez, Anne Martinez, Savannah Smith, rocker Stephanie Calvert (Raiding the Rock Vault), dancer/choreographer Jennifer Romas, comedians Geechy Guy, Mike Hammer, Shayma Tash, Dennis Blair, DJ Liz, and Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns as the back up band.
The one hour, high energy show was filled with comedy, music, zany antics, and other surprises, for Jerry, the man of the hour, who was seated on the side of the stage in a director's chair taking it all in and enjoying every moment.
Thankfully, Jerry is on the road to recovery and the fun filled evening proved to be the perfect prescription for lifting his spirits.
Original 'The Four Seasons Member” Tommy DeVito Honored with a Party and Special Screening of Jersey Boys for his 86th Birthday
‘Warner Bros. Pictures, in conjunction with Michael E. Minden Diamond Jewelers, hosted a birthday celebration for Tommy DeVito, one of the founding members of The Four Seasons, who turned 86, in the Fantasy Tower of the Palms Casino Resort on Thursday, June 19.
Along with DeVito's longtime buddy Joe Pesci, celebrity guests in attendance were The Scintas (Frankie and Joey) singers Clint Holmes and his wife Kelly Clinton, and actor Antonio Fargas (Huggy Bear on Starsky & Hutch).
As part of the celebration, DeVito was presented with a special birthday cake and a proclamation by former Governor Bob Miller declaring June 19, 2014, “Tommy DeVito Day”
Clint Holmes, Frankie Scinta, and Tommy DeVito
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Clint Holmes, Former Governor Bob Miller, Tommy DeVito, Frankie Scinta and Joe Pesci
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
The party was followed by a private screening of the upcoming release, JERSEY BOYS for DeVito’s close family and friends and other invited VIPs.
JERSEY BOYS is a new film from director Clint Eastwood, based on the Tony Award-winning stage play about the talented singing group, The Four Seasons that has captured hearts for over four decades. It follows the story of how this group of New Jersey raised blue collar kids came together, their connections to the mafia, their family dramas and ultimately their sky rocket to fame.
Starring some of the actors from the original Broadway show, John Lloyd Young, as lead singer Frankie Valli; Erich Bergen as Bob Gaudio, who wrote or co-wrote all of the group’s biggest hits; Michael Lomenda as Nick Massi; and Vincent Piazza (BOARDWALK EMPIRE) as Tommy DeVito. The film also stars Oscar® winner Christopher Walken (The Deer Hunter) as mobster Gyp DeCarlo.
Read my review of Jersey Boys at www.theflickchicks.com
Jeff Civillico “Comedy In Action” Celebrates 2 year Anniversary at the Quad Resort & Casino
Jeff Civillico tells his audiences that his career in entertainment all began with juggling in his parent's kitchen as a youngster to honing his craft and winning the World Juggling Championship at the tender age of only 15. And like most performers, his dream was to eventually land a gig on the Las Vegas strip. Talent, as well as audience appeal, is the winning combination and Civillico certainly has what it takes to fit the bill, That said, the talented performer recently celebrated his 2 year anniversary headlining his own one man show “Comedy In Action” on the Las Vegas strip at The Quad (formerly known as the Imperial Palace).
Jeff Civillico
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jeff Civillico with audience volunteer
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
During his show, Jeff balances atop a unicycle and juggles an assortment of items including knives, bowling pins, apples, a bowling ball, with the assistance of volunteers from the audience. At one point he even has a child from the audience join him on stage. There is never a dull moment, as the likeable Civillico delivers a high energy, fast paced show in which he combines his quick, sharp wit, winning personality, zany antics, and amusing stunts, for a fun afternoon of wholesome entertainment for people of all ages.
You can catch Jeff Civillico Comedy in Action, 4 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and Saturday at the Quad. Tickets start at $33 plus tax and fees.
Summer Arrives at Bellagio's Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens unveiled its new summer display on June 19, just in time for the first official day of the season.
Visitors are invited to celebrate summer in the cool 69-degree Conservatory with an array of colorful finches and canaries as they flutter inside a New England style open glass green house. An oversized tree with a tree house atop is a sight to see with larger-than-life birds made of organic materials including natural seeds alongside custom designed kites suspended overhead. On either side of the tree house, life-size horses gallop through dancing sunflowers and vibrant blossoming buds. Live harp and saxophone performances take place nightly from 5 - 6 p.m.
A total of 83,000 fresh flowers including hydrangeas, bougainvillea, and sunflowers will be placed on display throughout the duration of the exhibit.
On view through September 7, the summer display within Bellagio’s Conservatory is complimentary to the public and open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
It saddens me to report that Steve Rossi, half of the legendary comedy team Allen and Rossi, passed away in a Las Vegas hospice on Sunday, 26, 2014 after losing his battle with cancer. He was 82 years old. Rossi was surrounded by Karma, his of 11 years, and family and friends at the time of his passing. Our sincere condolences goes out to his family and those who knew and loved him. A celebration of of his life will be held this Friday, June 27, from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m. at the St. Joseph Husband of Mary Catholic Church, 7260 W. Sahara Ave.
Steve Rossi
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
On to other news:
The CLARK COUNTY COMMISSION honored VOODOO ZIP LINE at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino by declaring the first day of summer (June 21, 2014) as “VooDoo Zip Line Day” on the Las Vegas Strip and throughout Clark County. Clark County Commissioner Susan Brager was on hand to present a proclamation to Dan Walsh, assistant general manager of Rio Las Vegas and Joe Shortal, owner of VooDoo Zip Line and partner of New Capital Ventures.The Clark County Commission acknowledges VooDoo Zip Line as an enterprise that enhances the community and supports Las Vegas as a premiere tourism destination. They also recognize Las Vegas’ newest thrill ride as a new and fun-filled attraction that visitors and residents will enjoy on the first day of summer and into the future.
On Thursday, June, 19, Las Vegas cast members from the smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! spent the morning visiting Opportunity Village. During the visit the cast took a tour of the beautiful Engelstad campus and got to meet some of the OVIPs while they were hard at work. The dance and theater group put on a special surprise performance for the cast of three hit songs from MAMMA MIA! including: “Money, Money, Money,” “Mamma Mia” and “Dancing Queen.”
MAMMA MIA! cast at Opportunity Village
Credit: Opportunity Village
MAMMA MIA! cast at Opportunity Village
Credit: Opportunity Village
MAMMA MIA! cast at Opportunity Village
Credit: Opportunity Village
Ashley Elizabeth Hale at Opportunity Village
Credit: Opportunity Village
Devin Archer and Bradford G. Rahmlow at Opportunity Village
Credit: Opportunity Village
Joe Moeller, Jordan Bondurant and Kaci R. Wilson at Opportunity Village
Credit: Opportunity Village
Jordan Bondurant at Opportunity Village
Credit: Opportunity Village
Kaci R. Wilson and Nadine Roden at Opportunity Village
Credit: Opportunity Village
Nadine Roden, Ashley Elizabet Hale and Joe Moeller at Opportunity Village
Credit: Opportunity Village
Opportunity Village Dance and Theater Group
Credit: Opportunity Village
“I HEAR VOICES”, a tribute to singer/impressionist Bill Acosta starring Bob Anderson, Rich Little, Gordie Brown, with musical backings by Vince Falcone and his orchestra, will take place inside the Gordie Brown Theatre at the Golden Nugget at 2 p.m on Sunday, June 27. Tickets are priced at $45.
The ONE STEP CLOSER FOUNDATION, a 501-c3 non-profit organization whose main goal is to help make the lives of those people suffering from cerebral palsy easier, is proud to partner with Voo Doo Zip Line at Rio All Suite- Hotel & Casino, home of the World Series of Poker, to announce the first ever “Share a Chair for Cerebral Palsy” charity event on Friday, June 27. For one day only, donors will have a chance to share a ride with a celebrity on the new Voo Doo Zip Line with 100 percent of the proceeds being used to give the gift of mobility to children in need.
“We are honored to be hosting this event for such an incredible cause and we’re proud of all the support the One Step Closer Foundation has deservedly earned over the years,” said Jonathan Borchetta, owner of Voo Doo Zip Line and partner of New Capital Ventures.“Some big names will be coming out to our VooDoo Zip Line to help raise money for these children in need, including Mehki Phifer, MMA star Forrest Griffin, TapOut founder Dan ‘Punkass’ Caldwell, Jennifer Tilley, Playboy Playmates and more."
Patrons looking to make a donation or purchase a ride with a celebrity can visit One Step Closer Foundation’s Indiegogo campaign page at www.indiegogo.com/projects/share-a-chair. Donation packages start at $5 and are available for purchase now through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25. Donation package perks include t-shirts, coffee mugs, entry into the “Raising the Stakes for Cerebral Palsy” poker tournament, dinner and a ride with a celebrity on the VooDoo Zip Line and more.
CRAZY HORSE III will host a CHARITY BIKE RUN IN SUPPORT OF THE FALLEN OFFICERS OF THE LAS VEGAS METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT, ALYN BECK AND IGOR SOLDO, with registration beginning at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 29. The registration fee, priced at $40, cash only, includes bike registration and a $50 Crazy Horse III gift card. A charity car wash will also be available, featuring the sexy dancers of Crazy Horse III, for those who do not have a bike and would like to donate to the cause.
The run will begin between noon and 1 p.m., where participants will leave Crazy Horse III to continue on to stops around town, such as The Pioneer Saloon and Mr. D’s Sports Bar and Grill. At each stop, participants will be able to purchase raffle tickets. The bike run will return back to the famed gentleman’s club for the after party where the raffle ticket prizes will be announced. All proceeds from the registration fees and raffle ticket sales will benefit the families of Beck and Soldo.
Crazy Horse III is located minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip, just a few blocks west of I-15 on Russell Rd.
After a well received Las Vegas run in 2013, THE PHAT PACK is back for a Benefit Performance before taking the show on the road. “On Sunday, June 29 at 2PM, we will be doing our show, THE PHAT PACK: THE BEST OF BROADWAY to benefit Off-Strip Productions of Las Vegas, said artistic director Brandon Burk. We love the company, and what Brandon is doing there... so we just want to offer our show to help them raise some much needed funds!” says PHAT PACK representative & performer, Bruce Ewing. The Phat Pack is made up of singer/actors, Ted Keegan (the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera on Broadway and on Tour); Randal Keith (Valjean in Les Miserables on Broadway and on Tour); Bruce Ewing (Jinx in Forever Plaid on the National Tour and in Las Vegas); and Kevan Patriquin (Lead Singer and Stunt Coordinator in EFX at MGM Grand, Las Vegas).
The show will take place at the Onyx Theater in Commercial Center on Sahara Ave. Tickets for this benefit performance are $20.
RAIDING THE ROCK VAULT has announced that bassist HUGH MCDONALD has joined its official lineup at LVH – LAS VEGAS HOTEL & CASINO. The esteemed musician, best known for his longtime work with Bon Jovi, has also performed throughout his career with music icons including Alice Cooper, Ringo Starr, and more.
LAS VEGAS: THE GAME, an innovative twist on nightlife, that provides multiple interactive experiences designed to prank your friends, recently debuted in Las Vegas. Perfect for bachelor or bachelorette parties, birthdays, corporate groups or any occasion, The Game is led by a team of professional pranksters who work with clients to target an entire group or an unsuspecting individual, and script an outlandish evening that takes its cues straight from Hollywood screenwriters. Several entertainment options include an interactive Vegas show that takes place throughout a luxury party bus tour, one-off slapstick gags and elaborate customized experiences. Each service can fit seamlessly within the client’s existing itinerary – such as reservations at a nightclub, a restaurant of choice, or a VIP pool party.
Specializing in a unique brand of scripted reality, has lead to several television production companies to take notice of Las Vegas: The Game to develop a reality show. On that note, Vegas: The Game has announced that the company is under contract with Langley Productions to secure a reality television show. Led by self-proclaimed wise guys Chad Hardy and Justin Oswald, Las Vegas: The Game, the reality program plans to showcase the team’s outrageous pranks and give viewers behind-the-scenes perspective while featuring the clients and characters who make the magic happen.
As part of PLANET HOLLYWOOD LAS VEGAS RESORT & CASINO'S “PHAMOUS” series, the CHARITY SERIES OF POKER' (CSOP) first tournament will be a $260 +$40 No Limit Hold’em poker event beginning at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 6, 2014. Players will have the chance to re-buy and add to their chips stacks for $100 during the first hour of the tournament. Half of the money raised through buy-ins, re-buys and add-ons will be donated to THREE SQAURE FOOD BANK, a non-profit organization committed to ending hunger in Southern Nevada. The remainder of the funds will be distributed among the tournament’s top finishers.
JJ Following a sold-out performance in March,iconic funny man BILL COSBY brings his signature comedy back to the Treasure Island Theatre July 18 at 8 p.m.
Tickets are available starting at $59.95, plus taxes and service charges,
Celebrity Sightings:
Monday night, June 23...
Mindy Kaling, creator and star of FOX’s “The Mindy Project” and her team of writers for season three, were spotted dining at LAVO Italian Restaurant.
Sunday, June 22...
Drew and Jonathan Scott, real estate’s twin brother duo and hosts of HGTV’s hit series “Property Brothers” and “Brother vs. Brother” held a family reunion at their home in Las Vegas with a candy lover’s dream table, courtesy of Sugar Factory.
Drew and Jonathan Scott
Photo courtesy of Sugar Factory
Drew and Jonathan Scott
Photo courtesy of Sugar Factory
NeNe Leakes, of Real Housewives fame, was spotted at TAO with her husband Gregg celebrating their anniversary. Leakes is in Vegas to guest star in Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity.
Saturday night,June 21...
After partying at EDC Las Vegas, socialite and heiress, Paris Hilton, enjoyed the after party at Crazy Horse III where she sat at a VIP Table and danced the night away.
Actor Erik Estrada,best known for his role as highway patrol officer Frank Poncherello in the highly successful television series, "CHiPs," had dinner at Tacos & Tequila at Luxor Hotel and Casino with his wife, daughters and friends.
Erik Estrada at Tacos & Tequila
Photo courtesy of Tacos & Tequila
Afterwards Estrada he and his family attended the Jabbawakeez show “PRiSM” at Luxor Hotel and Casino.
Erik Estrada with Jabbawockeez
Photo courtesy of Jabbawockeez
Thursday night, June 19...
Less than a week after their big win over the New York Rangers, the Stanley Cup champions L.A. Kings were welcomed into XS Las Vegas nightclub. Defensemen Jeff Schultz, Drew Doughty, Jake Muzzin, Alec Martinez, centermen Jarret Stoll, Trevor Lewis, left wing Tanner Pearson, and goaltender Martin Jones took turns showing off and proudly holding the Cup above their heads for the entire club to see. The Kings enjoyed their win while Avicii kicked off XS Las Vegas’ EDC weekend lineup.
LA Kings celebrate at XS
Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/XS Las Vegas
LA Kings at XS
Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/XS Las Vegas
