Vegas Happenings | Winter Las Vegas Market 2013 | Mitzi Gaynor Honored as Nevada Ballet Theatre's 2013 Woman of the Year

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

Winter Las Vegas Market 2013 Kicks Off With Strong Attendance

Winter Las Vegas Market, today's total marketplace for home furnishings industry professionals and interior designers, kicked off January 28 and runs through February 1, at the World Market Center located at 495 S. Grand Central Parkway in downtown Las Vegas.

Photo courtesy of www.lasvegasmarket.com

Photo courtesy of www.lasvegasmarket.com

Energetic crowds were drawn to opening day of the first 'total home' market of the year that included Gift+Home and featured more than 1,800 exhibiting companies across 5 million square feet of space in three buildings, including more than 200 new-to-market resources and exhibiting lines. More than 70 of those exhibitors will host ribbon-cutting ceremonies throughout the week.

The 2013 Las Vegas Market welcomed 200 new brands in permanent showrooms and temporary booths spanning every category of total home.  Newcomers included: 27 permanent furniture tenants; five powerhouse designer brands in the Las Vegas Design Center; 38 permanent Gift+Home tenants; along with 30 furniture temporaries located on the sold-out floor of B2; and 107 Gift+Home temporaries located on C4 and C5.


Registration and attendance is set to outpace the previous Winter Market, which was at its highest in three years. Pre-registration coming into market week was stronger than in recent years, and by the close of the first day Las Vegas Market, buyer attendance was up 7 percent while designer attendance rose more than 4 percent over last year.

Before doors even opened Monday morning, attendees were already abuzz from the previous night’s event, the WOW Awards. Presented by WithIt (Women’s Leadership Development Network), the event honored women who have made an impact in the growth and future of the home and furnishings industries. Honorees included Kathy Ireland (Kathy Ireland Worldwide, Legacy Award); Peggy Traub (Adesso, Inc., Founders Award); Kim Knopf (Innovative Mattress Solutions, Leadership Award), Cheminne Taylor-Smith (High Point Market Authority, Education Award); Ron Wright, Greg Wright and Don Wright (Wright Global Graphic Solutions, Mentoring Award) and Kiersten Hathcock (Mod Mom Furniture, Future Leader Award)

It was a memorable start to a packed week, including targeted speakers, exhibits and events to educate and prepare attendees for a year of growth and opportunity. Other highlights still to come include a special program recognizing Alexa Hampton as the 2013 Design Icon Award recipient, and more than 50 CEU accredited seminars and educational events tailored to the needs of retailers, designers and other Market attendees, exploring topics such as successful ingredients to building a customer-centric culture, current social media best practices, winning visual merchandising and store displays, a trend forecast for the interiors industry and more.

Photo courtesy of www.lasvegasmarket.com

A juried collection of handmade and one-of-a-kind works by more than 15 Las Vegas artists and designers is being showcased, and offered for sale, in a special “18b” temporary installation at the winter GIFT+HOME at Las Vegas Market. This first-of-its-kind partnership between International Market Centers and 18b, a non-profit association representing the Las Vegas Arts District community of artists, designers, and makers, is being presented in a 2,500 square foot showroom at Las Vegas Market, alongside a dynamic collection of home décor suppliers on C3.

This year also brings the launch of the inaugural Gift & Home CEO Summit, January 31-February 1, which, coproduced by International Market Centers (IMC) and Eller Enterprises, brings together more than 100 industry CEOs and leaders, who will hear from the economy experts, such as Robert Reich, former US secretary of labor, and Jon Huntsman Jr., former ambassador to China, as they share tips and insights on the global economy, mergers and sales of companies, the impact of the China economy and Euro crisis, acquisition strategies and more.

Mitzi Gaynor Honored as Nevada Ballet Theatre's 2013 Woman of the Year at Annual Black & White Ball

Legendary dancer, singer and actress Mitzi Gaynor was honored as Nevada Ballet Theatre's  2013 Woman of the Year at the annual Black & White Ball on Saturday, January 26 at Bellagio Las Vegas.

Mitzi Gaynor
Photo courtesy of Polly O Entertainment

An Emmy Award-winning and Golden Globe®-nominated star of both stage and screen, Gaynor debuted as a concert artist in 1961 during a record-breaking engagement at Las Vegas’ famed Flamingo Hotel. Gaynor’s groundbreaking, high-concept stage shows set the gold standard for performing excellence and established her as a major attraction in Las Vegas, where she received AGVA’s prestigious “Entertainer of the Year” Award, and at premiere nightclubs, concert halls and performing arts centers throughout the United States and Canada for decades to come.
 
“We are thrilled to recognize the multi-talented Mitzi Gaynor as our 2013 Woman of the Year,” said NBT Co-Founder and Board Co-Chair Nancy Houssels. “From her early beginnings as a ballet dancer and then a movie star, to her nightclub debut at the Flamingo in Las Vegas, Mitzi’s impact on the entertainment industry is unparalleled and her contributions to the world of dance continue today through her work with the Professional Dancers Society, where she serves as President.”
 
Gaynor’s achievements and legacy have reached beyond the stage and screen, making her one of the most influential legends in the entertainment industry. She continues to captivate audiences today with her new one-woman show, currently on tour, Razzle Dazzle! My Life Behind the Sequins: An Intimate Evening of Laughs, Love & Music, for which The New York Times deemed her “an all time great.” In 2011, at the 16th annual Satellite Awards, she received the Mary Pickford Award for “Outstanding Contributions to the Entertainment Industry,” the International Press Academy’s most prestigious honor.
 
Touted as the “crème de la crème” of society events by Luxury Las Vegas Magazine, the Black & White Ball is one of the most highly attended events of the social season, hosting an array of local celebrities, dignitaries, VIP’s and arts supporters. Since 1985, this star-studded gala has allowed NBT the opportunity to present professional company dance productions to the Las Vegas community, provide quality dance instruction within its affiliated Academy and expose students in underserved communities to the art form of dance through its well-known education and outreach program, Future Dance.
 
Past honorees of the Black & White Ball include luminaries of the stage and screen such as Debbie Reynolds, Chita Rivera, Celine Dion, Ann-Margret, Marie Osmond, Priscilla Presley and most recently Eva Longoria. NBT has honored these legendary women for their dedication to the world of arts and entertainment. Many of them have enjoyed a special connection to Las Vegas. 

Wax Figure of Sandra Bullock Unveiled at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

Thursday afternoon, Jan. 24,  Extra TV reporter Adrianna Costa unveiled a wax figure of Sandra Bullock at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas.

Sandra Bullock wax likeness with Extra TV reporter Adrianna Costa
Photo courtesy of Madame Tussaudes Las Vegas
Photo credit: Erik Kabik / erikkabik.com

The figure is the first of Bullock to be added to the Madame Tussauds estate. The wax replica of Bullock stands as a vision in red, red carpet ready, holding a clutch and wearing an elegant knee-length dress.

“There’s something about Sandra Bullock that leaves me in awe,” remarked Costa. “She has won numerous awards, yet manages to stay humble. Her talent, charming personality and dedication to charity is incredible, and makes her an inspiration to us all.”

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

Singer, comedian and celebrity impressionist, TERRY FATOR, celebrated another milestone as his first DVD, “Terry Fator: Live From Las Vegas,” has been certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) as having gone quadruple platinum. This accomplishment means more than 400,000 units of Fator’s 2009 DVD have been sold.

Taylor Makakoa and Terry Fator

Southern Hills Hospital is celebrating American Heart Month in February by providing a FREE DINNER WORKSHOP called “PREVENTING AND TREATING MINOR HEART ATTACKS.” The program provides the expertise of cardiologist Dr. Muhammad A. Bhatti, MD with the tips and tricks necessary to lead a heart healthy lifestyle and knowing what to do if a minor heart attack occurs. Southern Hills Hospital is an accredited Chest Pain Center.  The free dinner program is brought to the community by the hospital’s Health to You (H2U) program, a health and wellness membership program. The workshop is on: Thursday, Feb. 7 at 5:30 p.m.,Southern Hills Hospital Education Room/First Floor, 9300 W. Sunset Rd. The workshop and dinner are free, but registration is required by calling 702.880.2700 at least 48 hours in advance of the event date.

In support of American Heart Month, Sunrise Hospital is offering a HEART HEALTH SYMPOSIUM inside Sunrise Hospital Auditorium.  Through this free event, on Saturday, February 16 from 9 a.m. to noon, you can learn more about the signs, symptoms and treatment options for heart disease and other health conditions. The FREE events are as follows:

9 to 10 a.m. “Heart Disease and You” Lecture - Dr. Kathy Benson and Dr. Arjun Gururaj, Cardiologists on the Medical Staff at Sunrise Hospital, will provide a presentation on the risks, warning signs and treatment of heart disease and the different warning signs between men and women. Registration is required for this lecture. To register, call (702) 233-5454.

10 a.m. to noon: Heart Health Fair -  you can visit a variety of booths with information about your health and have your blood pressure checked. This is your opportunity to talk with nurses and other medical professionals on topics such as: heart disease, heart valve issues, Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB), strokes, robotic surgery, bariatric (weight loss) surgery and breast cancer.

THE AUSTRALIAN BEE GEES SHOW  – A TRIBUTE TO THE BEE GEES, capturing the look, sound and personality of one of the most successful groups in music history,  have signed a deal and will call Excalibur Hotel & Casino home for an additional two years, through 2015.The Australian Bee Gees Show takes the stage Saturday through Thursday at 7 p.m. nightly in the Thunder From Down Under Showroom at Excalibur Hotel & Casino.

Multi-GRAMMY Award-nominated producer DIRTY SOUTH has established an exclusive residency with Wynn Las Vegas daylife and nightlife venues Encore Beach Club and XS nightclub in 2013. The celebrated DJ, also known as Dragan Roganovic, will debut at XS on Friday, Feb. 1.

If you are looking to adopt a pet, or just love animals, head on down to the 2nd annual PET ADOPTION EVENT from 10 am – 4 p.m. Saturday Feb 2 at SILVERTON/BASS PRO SHOPS - IN FRONT PARKING LOT and find your Furry Valentine. There will be loads of Vendors/booths. ADMISSION IS FREE! 

Launching its search for the best musicians in the Valley, LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL, a new two-day music, food and arts festival that plans to attract thousands of locals and tourists to Downtown Las Vegas in the fall of 2013, presents a series of free local concerts designed to showcase homegrown talent for the opportunity of a lifetime. Local and regional bands, DJs and solo musicians will be on display starting Wednesday, February 6 in varying Downtown Las Vegas venues, playing for a spot on stage during the highly anticipated festival this Fall.At the first of these monthly showcases will be six local bands spanning genres from classic rock to pop and folk on Wednesday, February 6 starting at 8 p.m. at Artifice at 1025 First Street. The public is welcome and admission to this and future showcases is free. Subsequent showcases will be announced as they are planned.

Comedienne KATHLEEN MADIGAN has been added to the lineup of “RON WHITE'S COMEDY SALUTE FROM VEGAS”  Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m. inside the Terry Fator Theatre at The Mirage. The one-night show, benefiting the Armed Forces Foundation, also will include White’s always-amusing friends Brian Regan, Josh Blue, Ralphie May and John Caparulo – all on one stage for an evening of laughter, good times and giving back.   Tickets are priced at $79.99, $89.99 and $99.99 (plus service fees).

World-renowned recording artist “EL MEDICO DE LA SALSA” (“The Doctor of Salsa”) Manolin, and Antolin El Pichon, a beloved Cuban comedic character made famous by performer Angel Garcia, will perform at Sam’s Town Live!  on February 6. Tickets are $31.50 plus tax and convenience fees.

Las Vegas Dance Starz is producing the first annual “LOVE IS IN THE AIR” dance extravaganza on February 8, 2013 at Cashman Field to raise money for scholarships awarded to young dancers who want to train in dance, but are unable to meet the financial commitment. Proceeds from the event will go toward two scholarships for children who otherwise could not participate in a dance program due to the costs associated with dance class, attire, costumes, and competition fees. Performers include Studio One Summerlin Dance Academy and the Innovation Dance team comprised of local dancers from ages 5-18;  Tony Delgado, from Dancing with the Stars fame; H2H Duo Balancing, a duo previously with Cirque du Soliel.; Chris Phillips, of Zowie Bowie; a troupe of Las Vegas Show Girls; and Elvis impersonator, Steve Connolly.

The program begins at 6:30 PM with a VIP reception, followed by a cocktail reception and silent auction. The show begins at 8:00 PM. Special ticket pricing of $10 is offered to all school teachers, seniors, military, and city and county employees (ID required).  For complete ticket information, call 838-5131 or visit www.summerlindance.com

Golden Nugget's third annual MARDI GRAS THEMED MASQUARADE BALL, creating the perfect blend of fantasy and mystery, will be held in Gold Diggers Saturday, Feb. 9 beginning at 8 p.m. Partygoers are invited to dance the night away to high energy beats, and are encouraged to dress to impress in their favorite club chic attire, while sipping specialty cocktails from Gold Diggers’ full service bars. Entertainment will continue throughout the evening with Mardi Gras style masks and beads. Cover charge is $15* per person, or $25 per couple when purchased in advance. Cover charge at the door will be $20 per person.

 The UNLV Performing Arts Center and UNLV Department of Music welcome ZEPHYROS WINDS, one of America’s most distinguished chamber ensembles, for a special Valentine performance at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 14 in the Doc Rando Recital Hall of the Beam Music Center. Tickets to Zéphyros Winds are $25, (not including $1.25 facilities fee) and can be purchased at the Performing Arts Center Box Office at 895-ARTS (2787) or by visiting pac.unlv.edu. Student rush tickets are $10 each (not inclusive of the facilities fee), and available one hour prior to each event, based on availability and with valid student I.D. UNLV faculty and staff discounts also are available.

In conjunction with Black History Month, the city of Henderson, along with KCEP Power 88.1 FM, present the 10th ANNUAL GOSPEL FEST, a celebration of music, history and culture, Friday, February 15-Saturday, February 16, as well as Friday, February 22-Saturday, February 23 at the Henderson Pavilion, 200 S. Green Valley Parkway. Gates open at 5 p.m. on both Friday evenings and 11 a.m. on both Saturday mornings. Admission is complimentary.

The iconic R&B female sensation, EN VOGUE starring Maxine Jones, The Funky Divas, take the stage at Veil Pavilion inside Silverton Casino Hotel on Saturday, February 16 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 General Admission, $40 VIP seating, $65 VIP seating with Meet & Greet.

Comedy’s loveable Queen of Mean, LISA LAMPANELLI, makes her triumphant return to the Pearl Concert Theater inside Palms Casino Resort on February 16, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $49.50, plus additional service fees.

On Friday, Feb 22, National Margarita Day, RHUMBAR  at  The Mirage Hotel & Casino will celebrate the festive date by offering buy-one-get-one Pineapple Chipotle Margaritas all day.
 
Award winning singer/songwriter and guitarist BONNIE RAITT will perform at the Pearl Concert Theater inside Palms Casino Resort on February 22, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $49, plus additional service fees.

Nine time Grammy winning singer, NATALIE COLE will perform at The Orleans Showroom for two shows, February 23 and 24. Showtime each evening is 8 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $64.95, plus tax and convenience fees.

THE LAS VEGAS IMPROVISATION PLAYERS announced the launch of their 12th season of offering up “clean-burning” improvised comedy shows to the greater Las Vegas community. The troupe’s latest show will be held on Saturday, February 23 at 7:00 p.m. at the American Heritage Academy, located at 6126 South Sandhill Road in Las Vegas. Tickets are only $10 and available for purchase at the door which opens at 6:40 p.m. 


Celebrity Sightings:

 Saturday, Jan. 19...

Drummer Terry Bozzio spotted enjoying Blue Man Group’s newest production at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino. The rocker, best known for his work with Missing Persons and Frank Zappa, posed with the Blue Men and a couple Blue Man Group band members following the show.

Drummer Terry Bozzio
Photo courtesy of Blue Man Group

Monday night, Jan. 20...

Famous rapper and Celebrity Apprentice reality star Lil Jon celebrated his upcoming 42nd birthday  at his 2013 Wynn residency kick off at XS nightclub. The beautiful XS staff presented him with a cake fit for a king as they marched in waving their glow sticks, followed by a massive cake shaped like famous Wynn Las Vegas resort with a Lil Jon replica, complete with a king of crunk crown, stunner shades and a pimp cup, sitting on top.

Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/XS nightclub.

Tuesday evening, January 22...

Rocker Paul Shortino of Quiet Riot, and Joe Lynn Turner of Deep Purple, attended Rock of Ages at The Venetian. Shortino and Turner headed backstage after the performance for a photo with the cast and to applaud them on their performance.

Paul Shortino and Joe Lynn Turner
Photo: Courtesy of Rock of Ages Las Vegas

Wednesday night, Jan 23...

Youthful, hip-hop rapper Driicky Graham performed at LAX Nightclub located inside Luxor Hotel and Casino. At the end of his live performance, the gracious rapper walked up to the DJ booth to thank resident DJ Wellman.

Driicky Graham
Photo credit: Spy On photographer Bobby Jameidar

CEO of Planet Hollywood International, Robert Earl, and Sean Stewart son of music legend Rod Stewart, both paid a visit to Meatball Spot at Town Square Las Vegas.

Thursday afternoon, Jan. 24...

Singer/dancer/actress Jennifer Lopez and boyfriend Casper Smart enjoyed an intimate lunchtime feast at the delectable Pan-Asian restaurant, Social House located inside Crystals at CityCenter. Arriving around 2:30 p.m. the show-stopping couple, joined by three guests, sat at a table in the main dining room.

Thursday night...

Mario Lopez was spotted dining at Strip House inside Planet Hollywood

Also at Strip House was former UFC star Randy Couture.

Friday night, Jan. 25...

Rocker Vince Neil was spotted having cocktails at the bar at Strip House inside Planet Hollywood before heading to see Peepshow.

Actress Kirsten Dunst was spotted at Marquee.

World-renowned percussion rockers Street Drum Corps were spotted enjoying Blue Man Group’s newest production at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino. The band stopped by a private meet-and-greet following the show.

Street Drum Corps
Photo courtesy of Blue Man Group

Saturday night, Jan. 26...

Country artist Dustin Lynch attended jersey Boys at Paris Las Vegas. Lynch greeted the cast backstage following the show to congratulate them on their performance and stayed for a cast photo.

Dustin Lynch
Photo courtesy of Jersey Boys

Maxim’s 2012 Bottle Service Beauty Search winner, Gina Ruggieri, featured in Maxim’s January/February 2013 issue,  took over LAX Nightclub inside Luxor Hotel and Casino.
Photo credit: Bobby Jameidar/SpyOnVegas.com

Jillian Michaels was spotted dining at TAO Asian Bistro. Joined by girlfriend Heidi Rhodes , fellow fitness trainer Bob Harper and friends, the Biggest Loser trainer dinner before heading to the club where she got into the DJ booth with ERIC D-LUX.

Also at TAO was Nick Carter.  The Backstreet Boy, who turns 33 on Monday, celebrated the milestone with girlfriend Lauren Kitt, sister Angel and friends.  The group dined then hit the club where Carter was surprised with a birthday cake and enjoyed a piece of the sweet treat fed to him by his girlfriend.

Bob Harper, Heidi Rhodes and Jillian Michaels
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Nick Carter and Lauren Kitt
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Glee star Becca Tobin celebrated her 27th birthday at Hyde Bellagio in Las Vegas.  Also joining her for the birthday celebration was a large entourage of friends including DJ Ashba of Guns N’ Roses and representatives from Bullyville, an anti-bullying organization for which Tobin serves as a celebrity spokesperson.

The group snapped photos and continued to party while DJ Skratchy kept the party rocking into the early morning hours.

Becca Tobin and DJ Ashba
Photo credit: Isaac Brekken, Getty/WireImage

Becca Tobin with birthday cake
Photo credit: Isaac Brekken, Getty/WireImage

Sunday night, Jan. 27...

Pregnant reality star  Jenni Pulos from Bravo’s Flipping Out was spotted at LAVO.