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
Itsy Bitsy: Ramen and Whisky Celebrates Grand Opening in Downtown Las Vegas
Itsy Bitsy: Ramen and Whisky, located at 150 N. Las Vegas Blvd. at the base of The Ogden, in the space formerly occupied by Wild, introduced the Downtown Las Vegas neighborhood to an intimate Japanese-style tavern and dining experience with its grand opening, Wednesday night, April 29.
DJ Five and Ryan Doherty Ribbon Cutting
Photo credit: Thomas Tran
To kick off the night, Itsy Bitsy’s partners Ryan Doherty, owner of Corner Bar Management Group; and DJ Five, one of Las Vegas’ top DJs; toasted to the opening of the new restaurant and bar with a celebratory ribbon cutting ceremony. Hundreds of guests, including international house music DJ and producer, David Guetta, sampled a variety of Itsy Bitsy’s signature small plates prepared by Executive Chef Ricardo Romo, including veggie and pork pot stickers, beef and chicken robata skewers, Japanese street corn and mushroom spring rolls. Guests also sipped on handcrafted cocktails, beer and sake including the Sake-To-Me, the Asahi super dry and the Otokoyama “Namacho” sake.
“DJ Five and I have a friendship that was built on our love of food,” said Corner Bar co-owner, Ryan Doherty. “Opening a restaurant that combines our talents is something that has been in the works for years, and the space at The Ogden couldn’t be a better fit to open Itsy Bitsy.”
Corey Nyman, Craig Nyman, and DJ Five
Photo credit: Thomas Tran
“Itsy Bitsy will be a great addition to the ongoing revitalization efforts of our flourishing neighborhood,” said Downtown Project’s Executive Vice President of Operations, Michael Downs. “We look forward to the continued growth of our partnership with Corner Bar through this and other future projects.”
Quirky, colorful and full of flavor, Itsy Bitsy combines mixology, art and design, which have become signature qualities of Corner Bar’s concepts. The menu, executed by Executive Chef Ricardo Romo, is simple but satisfying, offering an array of create-your-own ramen bowls and rice dishes, as well as several hand rolls and more than a dozen Asian-inspired appetizers, each made with modern techniques and locally-sourced ingredients.
Named for its 2,500-square-foot footprint, Itsy Bitsy’s decor combines modern and old world sensibilities with an Asian tinge, filled with black-stained reclaimed woods and copper accents. Designed by Doherty, the convivial interior will be complemented by a playlist curated by DJ Five. Itsy Bitsy is open for lunch and dinner, daily, as well as for late-night service on select nights.
Wizard World Comic Con Kicks Off With Celebrities Participating in Official Ribbon Cutting
The first ever Wizard World Comic Con in Las Vegas, which was held Friday through Sunday, April 24-26 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, kicked off with an official ribbon cutting and opening ceremony Saturday afternoon on the show stage.
Wizard World Comic Con CEO John Macaluso cuts the ribbon with Former Mayor Oscar Goodman, Lou Ferrigno, and Kevin Sorbo
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
In attendance was former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman who made a grand entrance accompanied by two showgirls and his favorite cocktail in hand. Described as the Las Vegas #1 Ambassador of Tourism, Goodman said “Comic Con is a great addition to Las Vegas”. He than joked, “A new comic book about a former mayor who drinks to excess, is coming out”, before lifting his glass and making a toast to Wizard World Comic Con.
Also on hand was Wizard World Comic Con CEO John Macaluso and actors Kevin Sorbo, former star of the TV series Hercules, and TV's “The Incredible Hulk”Lou Ferrigno, who, along along with former mayor Goodman, gathered together to participate in the ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Kevin Sorbo, Wizard World Comic Con CEO John Macaluso, and Lou Ferrigno
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Wizard World Com Con brings thousands of fans of science fiction, movies, graphic novels, comics, TV, toys, video gaming, original art, collectibles, and pop culture characters, together in one large festival. Fans also had the opportunity to meet, have a photo op, and get autographs with some of their favorite celebrities, as well as attend panel discussions, sign up for contests and visit the slew of vendor booths where all sorts of genre related merchandise were available for purchase.
Read Jacqueline Monahan's coverage of Wizard World Comic Con this week's edition of her “About The Town” column that includes a gallery of photos.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
MAYOR CAROLYN GOODMAN proclaimed April 20 Defending the Caveman Day. Celebrating eight historic years in Las Vegas, DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN returned to its Downtown Las Vegas roots in March with performances at the Showroom at the D Las Vegas Casino Hotel. In addition to being the longest-running one-man show in Broadway history, it is the longest-running Broadway show in Las Vegas history.
Kevin Burke with Mayor Carolyn Goodman
Photo courtesy of D Las Vegas Hotel
Defending the Caveman speaks to anyone who has ever been in a relationship. The performance carries on like a conversation and dives into the differences couples may face through witty banter and insightful observations that teach the audience they’re not alone in navigating relationships – the ways one fights, laughs and loves.
Returning to the one-man role is comedian and actor KEVIN BURKE. Burke was recognized as Las Vegas Entertainer of The Year in 2008, and received the Guinness World Record for most performances in a 50-day period. He has performed Defending the Caveman more than 3,500 times since 2003. Joining the Las Vegas team in 2014, esteemed writer, director, stage and television actor John Venable will continue his performance schedule in the Caveman role. Venable has been performing nationally in Defending the Caveman since 2012.
Performances are 4 p.m. daily and 8:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the D showroom at the D Las Vegas. Beginning May 21, catch Defending the Caveman nightly at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $34.95+, general admission.
A local Las Vegas woman hit a jackpot worth more than $1 million, Saturday night, April 25, while playing a $1 Wheel of Fortune Slot Machine at ALIANTE CASINO + Hotel + Spa. Lisa Schmitz left with a check for $1,273,260.29 from the machine, which she credits as her favorite to play when visiting the property. Schmitz is a frequent visitor to the AAA Four Diamond resort.
Lisa Schmitz with her winning Check
Photo courtesy of Aliente Casino Hotel Spa
Adam Reed Tucker got a little help from the team at the High Roller on Thursday, April 30 completing a six foot LEGO® MODEL OF LAS VEGAS'S OBSERVATION WHEEL . In the morning, Tucker, along with High Roller General Manager Eric Eberhart, placed the final cabins built of LEGO® bricks on the structure on The LINQ’s Fountain Stage located in the central plaza of The LINQ Promenade while Las Vegas visitors and locals looked on.
High Roller General Manager Eric Eberhart attaches the final cabin to the LEGO High Roller replica at The LINQ in Las Vegas
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy
Certified LEGO® Professional Adam Reed Tucker and High Roller General Manager Eric Eberhart pose with the replica of the High Roller made completely from LEGO bricks
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy
Tucker’s version of the High Roller is made from 10,000 standard LEGO® pieces that can be found amongst many LEGO® sets on store shelves. Aside from the steel frame; the High Roller model is made entirely out of LEGO® bricks with no gluing or cutting. Tucker designed the 50 pound structure without a computer using only hand sketches and trial and error. Adam Reed Tucker is one of only a dozen Certified LEGO® Professionals in the world and throughout his professional career. Through his work Tucker strives to promote the brick as a creative medium, not just as the toy we all grew up with as a child.
Once on display in the High Roller Wheel House, guests will be able to view the LEGO® wheel daily during the High Roller’s operating hours from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Guests will also be able to see the wheel rotate in the same fashion as the original High Roller.
In honor of JOURNEY’s first-ever, nine-show residency at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Clark County declared Wednesday, April 29, 2015 as Journey Las Vegas Day. The residency, produced exclusively by AEG Live Las Vegas, continues through Saturday, May 16. Tickets to Journey Las Vegas start at $59.50 (plus applicable service fees) and are on sale at the Hard Rock Hotel Box Office.
(from left to right) – Ross Valory, Jonathan Cain, Arnel Pineda, Neal Schon and Deen Castronovo
Photo credit: Erik Kabik/Kabik Photo Group
Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa will show support during Military Appreciation Month and Teacher Appreciation Month with food, beverage and hotel specials throughout May. Aliante is offering a 20 PER CENT DISCOUNT FOR ALL ACTIVE AND RETIRED MILITAIRY PERSONNEL at BISTRO 57 with a valid ID. The restaurant and wine bar was named after the 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base. The Salted Lime will honor teachers of the Las Vegas valley with a special happy hour on the last Friday of every month including during Teacher Appreciation Month from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 29. The $10 all-you-can-drink deal will include well cocktails, house margaritas, 16-ounce drafts and unlimited chips and salsa with a valid school ID.
In addition, LEGENDS IN CONCERT at Flamingo Las Vegas will honor the nation’s military throughout the month of May by offering specially-priced show tickets to both active-duty military members and veterans with military ID. To honor those who serve the red, white and blue, Legends in Concert will bid adieu to full price tickets and offer DISCOUNT TICKETS of $9.95 each, plus tax and service fees, to anyone with valid military ID. The current lineup in Las Vegas features Jason Jarrett as Michael Jackson, Chris VanDahl as Steven Tyler, Nellie Norris as Katy Perry, Elisa Furr as Celine Dion and tributes to Elvis.
BRITNEY SPEARS has CANCELLED her “BRITNEY: PIECE OF ME” performances scheduled for Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2 inside The AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Britney injured her ankle during her performance Wednesday evening and her doctor has advised her not to perform Friday and Saturday evening so that she may heal. The cancelled shows will be rescheduled for a later date. Ticketmaster and The AXIS Box Office will contact ticket holders and issue exchanges or refunds. Please exchange or return tickets bought at a retail location to the same location.
Comediennes SARAH COLONNA and ILIZA SHLESINGER will take the stage in “LIPSHTICK – The Perfect Shade of Standup” on Saturday, May 2 at The Venetian Las Vegas. The stand up stars will share the stage at the Sands Showroom for one night only. Tickets are now on sale.
The 36TH ANNUAL SAN GENNARO FEAST, “A Love Affair with Italy”, honoring the patron saint of Naples, Italy, will be held Wednesday-Sunday, May 6-10, 2015, at the Grand Canyon Shopping Center, 4245 Grand Canyon Drive and West Flamingo Road (just west of the 215). Hosted by Las Vegas entertainment director and performer TONY SACCA, who has been part of San Gennaro feasts for 35 years, the feast features more than 70 restaurant food booths, 60 amusements rides, midway games, arts and crafts booths, and daily complimentary entertainment hosted by Tony Sacca, who also does his own show with the Saccettes. The San Gennaro Feast hours are Wednesday and Thursday 5 -11 p.m., Friday 5 p.m.-midnight; Saturday noon-midnight, and Sunday noon-11 p.m. Tickets are $9 for adults and children (children 54 inches and under are free) and $8 for seniors and military at the door. Parking is free.
The renowned Riviera Hotel & Casino is proud to conclude its historic Diamond Jubilee Anniversary, 60 years on the famed Las Vegas Strip, with the CLASSIC CASH GIVEAWAY SECOND CHANCE DRAWING. Scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 7:00 p.m., six lucky winners will share all unclaimed prizes, which sits at more than $145,000 With the iconic property closing its doors to the public at noon on Monday, May 4, 2015, the opportunity to come experience one of the Las Vegas’ most historic properties is coming to an end. For every 600 points earned, Riviera Rewards Club members will receive entries into the Classic Cash Giveaway second-chance drawing on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. The drawing will be held adjacent to the casino cage and entries are non-transferable. Complete details and a full set of rules for the Riviera Diamond Jubilee 60th Anniversary promotion are available at the Riviera Rewards Center.
The Department of Fine Arts at CSN present AN EVENING OF CHORAL ENSEMBLES performed by the Chamber Chorale, College Singers, Jazz Singers and members of CSN’s voice classes in a semester ending concert on Thursday, May 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the Nicholas J. Horn Theatre at the Cheyenne Campus. General admission tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.The CSN Performing Arts Center is located at 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave. in North Las Vegas.
Off Strip Productions, The Onyx’s resident theatre company, presents THOM PAIN (based on nothing) by Will Eno. A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2005, THOM PAIN has been called “Samuel Beckett for the John Stewart generation.” Mr. Pain muses on the two major turning points of his life: a childhood incident involving his dog, and a torrid-though-brief love affair with a beautiful woman. That is, if these incidents occurred at all. The various twists and turns that make up this 70-minute monologue lead the audience through truth, untruth, and various locations in between.
The limited run begins Thursday, May 7, at The Onyx, located at 953 E. Sahara Ave. #16 in Commercial Center, and plays through May 23. Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays, May 7 through May 23 at 7:00 pm with Sunday matinees at 2 pm. Tickets are $25.00 for general admission and $20.00 for students, seniors and military. Tickets are available through the Onyx Box Office.
POT LIQUOR CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN SMOKEHOUSE at Town Square Las Vegas is celebrating MOTHER'S DAY their own way: Southern brunch including grilled bacon steak, smoke house hash, chicken fried steak and pulled pork and waffles. Mom’s who visit Pot Liquor on Sunday, May 10 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. can receive a FREE BRUNCH ENTREE with the purchase of a brunch entrée or regular menu entrée.
CLARK COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT (CCSD) teachers will also be privy to a Teacher’s Getaway package at Aliante, which includes one night in a deluxe room, $25 pool credit, and no resort fee for a total of $55 for Sunday through Thursday nights and $75 on weekend nights. The boutique re:lax spa will also offer discounts of 10 percent off nail services, 20 percent off retail, and 30 percent off massage and facial services for CCSD employees when mentioning “teacher’s offer.”
VEGAS INDOOR SKYDIVING, the first indoor skydiving facility to open in the United States, takes Mother’s Day to new heights with its “MOM FLIES FREE” promotion. Available on Sunday, May 10 from 9:45 a.m. to 8 p.m., all moms fly free with the purchase of one single flight at retail price and by using the phrase “Mom flies free.” Guests are limited to one free flight per group/family and not valid with any other offers or coupons.Vegas Indoor Skydiving (located on 200 Convention Center Drive) is open daily from 9:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. Single flight tickets are available for $75, with repeat flights on the same day available for $40 each.
SAMMY'S RESTAURANT & BAR, located at 1501 N. Green Valley Parkway in Henderson, will toast to Mother’s Day by offering a COMPLIMENTARY MIMOSA FOR MOM and live music from local musicians, the Lisa Smith Jazz Duo, during brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 10.
The biggest-selling comedy recording artist in history, “WEIRD AL YANKOVIC”, will kick off his 100-city 2015 Mandatory World Tour with five performances in Las Vegas in the Showroom at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino May 12 – 16, 2015. Showtime is 8 p.m.Tickets are $59 and $89 (plus taxes and fees), and may be purchased in person at the Planet Hollywood Box Office.
Drs. Lexie and Lindsay Kite, 28-year-old identical twins with PhDs in the study of media and body image, will educate and empower women of all ages to rethink their body image and “take back beauty” at their lecture “BEAUTY REDEFINED”. The lecture will take place on Tuesday, May 12 at 7 p.m. at the Henderson Convention Center, 200 Water St., in the Water Street District. Tickets are $12.
Hot off the heels of the Comedy Central’s “Roast of Justin Bieber,” the one-man verbal assault unit JEFF ROSS joins forces with DAVE ATTELL to rock the house with laughter at the House of Blues, Friday, May 15th. Showtimes: Friday at 7:00PM. Tickets: $35 - $49.
THE DESERT WINDS, Las Vegas’ premiere contemporary wind ensemble, will perform “COLORATIONS IN AMBER” on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at CSN’s Nicholas J. Horn Theatre (CSN Cheyenne Campus – 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave., North Las Vegas, NV 89030) at 7:30pm. The concert will feature celebrity vocalist Susan Anton and acclaimed composer Ralph Ford. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.thedesertwinds.org, or in person on the night of the concert. Attendees of this final concert of the 2014-2015 season will be able to purchase subscriptions to the 2015-2016 season in advance of the official on-sale date later this year.
The May edition of the entertainment filled monthly fundraiser, MONDAYS DARK WITH MARK SHUNOCK will take place on May 18 at Vinyl inside the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. The theme for the evening will be Beach Party, featuring a lineup of incredibly talented entertainers including Adrian Zmed, Chadwick Johnson, Kellie Wright, Chris Hodgson, Anne Martinez, Robert Torti, Scott Land, Clint Holmes, Travis Cloer, Ray Jon Narbaitz III, Tiffany and Brooke Engen, Jennifer Romas, Phillip Drennen and Jasen Allen Cropp. Proceeds from the evening's ticket and silent auction sales will benefit KEEP MEMORY ALIVE.
Tickets are only $20. For more info visit www.mondaysdark.com
Celebrity sightings:
Thursday, April 30...
Scandal and Stomp the Yard actor Columbus Short, stopped by Absinthe at Caesars Palace for the 10 p.m. performance. Following the show, Short met with The Gazillionaire, his assistant Joy Jenkins and the “Green Fairy” Melody Sweets in addition to ABSINTHE’s tap dancing twins Sean & John.
Columbus Short with tap dancing duo Sean and John at ABSINTHE 4-30-15
Photo credit: Joseph Sanders/Spiegelworld
Wednesday, April 29...
Olympic gold figure skater Oksana Baiul stopped by Rock of Ages at The Venetian Las Vegas for the 8 p.m. performance. Following the show, Baiul met with the cast.
Oksana Baiul at ROCK OF AGES with Becca Kotte as Sherrie and Mark Shunock as Lonny
Photo credit-Sharon delPilar/ROCK OF AGES
Tuesday, April 28...
Model and actor Tyson Beckford was spotted enjoying an evening on the strip at OMNIA Nightclub inside Caesars Palace. In town to kick off his residency in the famed Chippendales show, the heartthrob made his way into the Main Club’s DJ booth to partake in the nightspot’s highly sought-after industry night as turntable twins NERVO spun a high energy set.
Monday, April 27...
Mariah Carey, the iconic chanteuse and best-selling female artist of all time with over 200 million records sold, made her grand entrance to her new home at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Making final preparations in the days before the debut of her headlining residency “MARIAH #1 TO INFINITY” at Caesars Palace, which kicks off on Wednesday, Mariah Carey, arrived in front of the iconic Caesars Palace porte cochere in grand fashion in a pink 1936 Auburn Boattail, with a parade of 18 mobile billboards, each vehicle representing and celebrating one of each of Mariah’s 18 timeless and beloved Number One Hits.
Maraiah Carey the best-selling female artist of all time, made her grand entrance to her new home at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on Monday, April 27.
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
Maraiah Carey the best-selling female artist of all time, made her grand entrance to her new home at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on Monday, April 27.
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
Sunday, April 26...
Rapper Flo Rida was spotted dining at TAO Asian Bistro with a group of 20 friends.
Saturday, April 25...
Actress Cassandra Peterson, best known as “Elvira” of Movie Macabre, stopped by Absinthe at Caesars Palace for the 10 p.m. performance. Following the show, Peterson met with The Gazillionaire, his assistant Joy Jenkins and the “Green Fairy” Melody Sweets.
Cassandra Peterson Elvira Attends ABSINTHE 4.25.15
Photo credit: Joseph Sanders/Spiegelworld
OMNIA Nightclub inside Caesars Palace welcomed the second evening of its grand opening celebration alongside celebrity attendees P.Diddy, Sarah Hyland and more.
Sarah Hyland OMNIA Grand Opening Red Carpet
Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage
The night began around 12:30 a.m. as “Teen Wolf” star Holland Roden made her way to the red carpet and posed for a few photos
Just after 1:30 a.m. headlining DJ Chuckie arrived and stopped by P. Diddy’s table to say hello.
P.Diddy and DJ Chuckie OMNIA Nightclub Grand Opening
Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage
Meanwhile, just steps away in the Heart of OMNIA, the “Modern Family” star was spotted dancing the night away with her friends. As DJ D-Nice spun the best open-format hits, he had the entire room on its feet.
The party continued into the early hours of the morning as electronic DJ, producer and musician Guy Gerber took over the exclusive ultra-lounge, Heart of OMNIA, for a late night DJ set around 3 a.m.
Actor BJ Britt, who recently appeared on Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, was spotted dining at TAO Asian Bistro.
Jersey Shore star Sammi Giancola also dined at the hot spot. He was joined by friends and family before dancing the night away at Marquee Nightclub to the sounds of Cedric Gervais.
Earlier in the day TAO Group Cares, the charitable arm of TAO Group, hosted Dance Against Obesity for the Jump for Joy Foundation inside TAO Asian Bistro and Nightclub in Las Vegas. More than 100 kids participated in the free event designed to introduce kids to dance and the importance of leading a healthy and active lifestyle. In attendance were tennis royalty Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi, whose daughter Jaz dances in the Prodigy crew, a local Las Vegas dance team that performed at the event.
Musician and actor, Nick Jonas, best known as a member of the musical group Jonas Brothers, hosted an over-the-top bash at Hyde Bellagio in honor of the hotspot’s third anniversary.
Before heading to the fountain-side club walked down the red carpet with girlfriend Olivia Culpo, Miss USA 2012.
Nick and Joe Jonas inside Hyde Bellagio 4.25.15
Photo credit: Hyde Bellagio
Nick Jonas and Olivia Culpo at Hyde Bellagio 4.25.15
Photo credit: Hyde Bellagio
Once inside, Jonas, Culpo and a group of friends including brother Joe Jonas, made their way to a plush VIP table sitting right beneath the club’s DJ booth where DJ Direct spun chart-topping tunes.
