Vegas Happenings | Esteban Delivers “Music From The Heart” at LVH | Midnight Skye Debuts at the Sin City Theatre | Drai’s After Hours Celebrates Final Bash

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

Esteban Delivers “Music From The Heart” at LVH

If you haven't had the pleasure of experiencing the  musical artistry of classical guitarist Esteban live in Las Vegas, now is your chance, since he recently kicked off a three month gig inside the Shimmer Showroom at the LVH.

Esteban and Teresa Joy
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

His show is titled Music From The Heart and it could not be more fitting.  Esteban says that he puts his heart and soul and every ounce of his fibre and being into his guitar and that emanates to everyone in his audience.

Dressed in black from head to toe with leather hat, pants, ankle boots and dark shades (due to impaired vision as a result of a 1980 collision with a drunk driver that almost ended his career) the handsome and charming Esteban performs a repertoire of international songs that transport listeners though many centuries, countries, and music genres ranging from from classical, flamenco, pop, Irish, folk as well as an original piece he wrote from a personal dream. No matter what selection he performs, from recognizable tunes to mankind's first written music, Esteban lends his own magnificent stylings to each piece.

Esteban and Teresa Joy
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Teresa Joy
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Born Stephen Paul, (dubbed Esteban, the Spanish equivalent of his name, by his mentor, classical guitar master Andres Sergovia), the former Pittsburgh native, who resides in Las Vegas, shares the stage with his talented raven haired daughter, Teresa Joy, an accomplished, gifted violinist whose musicianship and stage presence is the perfect complement to her father's.  A drummer and keyboard player also provide excellent musical backup.

For a magical evening of beautiful music that will linger in your soul, give yourself a gift and experience the live guitar artistry of Esteban. With Valentine's Day approaching, there isn't a better way to celebrate the most romantic day of the year with a loved one than Esteban's Music From The Heart.

Esteban and Teresa Joy
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

ESTEBAN Music from the Heart Featuring Teresa Joy performs 8:30 PM Thursday/Friday and Select Saturdays through March Inside the Shimmer Showroom at LVH. Tickets are priced at $19 – Locals Only w/ valid photo ID; $29 – General Admission; $39 – VIP  Benihana Dinner/Show package also available

 Read more about Esteban in this week's edition of Bobbi Katz's column "The Katz Meow".

Midnight Skye Debuts at the Sin City Theatre at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

Rock/soul diva Skye Dee Mile’s premiered her newest sexy, sassy, and soulful show Midnight Skye at the stroke of midnight on Jan. 30 at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino’s newest entertainment hotspot, the Sin City Theatre.

Skye Dee Miles
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Accompanying Skye Dee Miles are a four-piece band, three dancers, and back-up singers who can regularly be found in many of the Las Vegas Strip’s major productions, including Jersey Boys, Vegas! The Show and iCandy Burlesque. The show delivers an original cabaret style vibe, with a set list that includes unique renditions of the music of The Beatles, Janet Jackson, Tina Turner, Bette Midler, Aretha Franklin, Joe Cocker and Journey.

Since the year 2005 Skye Dee Miles has starred in shows including the popular Menopause: The Musical. Despite being a self-proclaimed “simple country girl from Boonville, Missouri," Miles is no stranger when it comes to the entertainment world. She spent seven years starring in the longest-running musical revue in history, San Francisco’s Beach Blanket Babylon. Miles also had made a remarkable appearance by performing with her band Skye 5, which has steadily developed a reputation for attracting the top musical talent.

Celebrities in attendance to show their support for Skye Dee Miles' new show included singer Lorena Peril and her understudy Lily Arce and comedian/impressionist Sean E. Cooper of the sizzling topless revue Fantasy; Chris Phillips, aka Zowie Bowie, violinist Lydia Ansel; dancer Tara Palsha and Louis Charles Gazzara from Vegas The Show; singer Lisa Gay, singer Michelle Johnson, local entrepreneur/entertainer Seth Yudof, singer Jerry Jones, and Victor James and Alicia Perrone of the avant-garde electronic dance band, Fans of Jimmy Century.

Also celebrating a special occasion was our very own staff reporter Dianne R. Davis, whose birthday was acknowledged by Chris Phillips. He brought Dianne onto the stage and sang happy birthday to her.

Chris Phillips (Zowie Bowie) introduces the show
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Chris Phillips (Zowie Bowie) sings happy birthday to Dianne R. Davis
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Judy Thorburn, Lydia Ansel, Dianne R. Davis and Tara Palsha
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Lorena Peril and Lily Arce
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Stephen and Judy Thorburn with Alicia Perrone of "Fans of Jimmy Century" (right)

Admission to Midnight Skye is free and exclusive drink specials will be offered to guests that attend in sleepwear attire.  

Drai’s After Hours Celebrates Final Bash at Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon

Drai’s After Hours, one of Las Vegas’ hottest  after hours nightclubs for the past 15 years, celebrated one last bash at Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon on Sunday, February 3 before the hotel closes for renovation.

Victor Drai
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

The closing night party kicked-off with a red carpet starting at 10 p.m featuring Victor Drai, owner and operator of Drai’s After Hours, along with son Dustin who was accompanied by his girlfriend Yolanda, two hunks from Chippendales' male revue, comedian Jeff Civillico with girlfriend, dancer Stacey Smithson, and actor/comedian Kevin Burke.

Victor Drai and Rick Mazer, Regional President of Caesars Entertainment
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Victor Drai, owner and operator of Drai’s After Hours, his son Dustin with girlfriend Yolanda
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Two cast members of Chippendales
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Comedian Jeff Civilico and dancer Stacey Smithson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

"Defending the Caveman" star Kevin Burke
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Drai Management Group is owned and operated by Victor Drai, who is regarded by many as the “father of the Las Vegas after hours scene.” Drai is the creator and founder of Las Vegas mega-clubs Tryst and XS, as well as the visionary and owner of the legendary Drai’s After Hours inside Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon.

In 2014, Drai Management Group will introduce a new concept, Drai’s Beach Club, in the renovated boutique hotel that will occupy the former Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon space. The rooftop venue will encompass 65,000 square feet offering panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip and boast a pool, dayclub/nightclub and concert space.

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

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino donated 500 pounds of food collected during MARK OTOOLE’S holiday shows at Vinyl, equaling more than 359 meals for those in need, to THREE SQUARE FOOD BANK. OToole had asked fans to contribute non-perishable food and everyday necessities during all of his December performances. He personally delivered the items to thank Three Square Food Bank CEO and President Brian Burton for all his team does for the community.

Vinyl headliner Mark OToole

Vinyl headliner Mark OToole and Three Square Food Bank CEO and President Brian Burton

Excalibur Hotel & Casino's full service bar, The Lounge, introduces new resident band DOLLFACE, an all-girl band comprised of unique, pop-punk musicians, playing for guests looking for a variety of music in one show. Dollface rocks out under the leadership of Tiffany Martin (vocals), accompanied by Crystal Mesina (bass), Danielle Delin (guitar) and Niki Sticks (drums). Dollface Performances are 9 p.m. – 10 p.m.; 10:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.; midnight – 1 a.m. The Lounge is open 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Guests must be 21 and over to enter.

TAO BEACH is looking to hire for the following available positions: cocktail servers, bartenders, bar backs, bussers, porters, security officers, cooks, dishwashers, cashiers, go-go dancers, runners, VIP hosts, promoters, set-up, restaurant servers. Interviews are February 5-9 and February 12-16 from Noon to 5 p.m. inside TAO Nightclub Please bring a resume and any head shots to the interview. Beach attire preferred.

Ward 1 FIT FAMILY HEALTH FESTIVAL & TRAIL WALK will take place on Sat., Feb. 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Pioneer Park, 7449 Braswell. Come learn the many fun ways to get active and healthy in your community with the Outside Las Vegas Foundation, Weight Watchers and the city of Las Vegas Dr.  All ages are invited to participate. Free admission.

To celebrate Chinese New Year and welcome the Year of the Snake, for the 17th consecutive year,  THE MEADOWS SCHOOL will perform the TRADITIONAL DRAGON PARADE throughout The Forum Shops at Caesars on Monday, February 11. The cast of singers and dancers includes 120 Meadows students – 60 from kindergarten and 60 from fifth grade plus the school’s very special guest, founder and Mayor of Las Vegas, Carolyn Goodman. Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman will be in attendance. The parade begins at approximately 10:00 a.m.

IMAGINE EXHIBITION GALLERY at The Venetian presents 50 GREATEST PHOTOGRAPHS OF NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC beginning February 14. The traveling exhibition showcases some of National Geographic’s most-remembered and celebrated photographs from its 125-year-old history, such as Steve McCurry’s unforgettable “Afghan Girl,” Nick Nichols’ iconic image of Jane Goodall and chimpanzee, and Thomas Abercrombie’s never-before-seen view of Mecca. Imagine Exhibitions Gallery was previously home to Da Vinci – The Genius, which recently concluded its limited engagement.

In addition to seeing the photographs as they appeared in the magazine, visitors to 50 Greatest Photographs of National Geographic will learn the stories behind the photos and more about the photographers themselves. For some images, visitors will be able to see the “near frames” taken by the photographer: the sequence of images made in the field before and after the perfect shot. Additionally, documentary videos throughout the exhibition tell the stories behind these iconic photographs and the photographers who shot them.
 
The exhibition will also serve as an exhilarating field trip destination for local schools and universities, giving students the opportunity to step out of the classroom and into the world of National Geographic.
 
50 Greatest Photographs of National Geographic will run for a limited engagement and open daily starting February 14 from 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., last ticket sold at 6 p.m. Ticket prices will be as follows: General admission $16; students with a valid ID, Nevada residents, military and seniors $13; children 12 and under enjoy free admission when accompanied by a paying adult. Taxes and fees not included.
 
"MJ LIVE!” STARRING MICHAEL FIRESTONE, performing a tribute to Michael Jackson, moves to 8:45 p.m. in the Crown Theater at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.General Admission is $51.10 and Golden Circle is $70.15 inclusive of taxes and fees. With each paid admission one child 12 and under is free.
 
Cancer Train of Southern Nevada hosts its first CUT-A-THON FOR CANCER with the help of Smokin' Hot Hair Salon, 2185 E. Windmill (at Eastern), 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 23. The event features $10 haircuts or $10 mani/pedis. Proceeds benefit 16-year-old Leah Goldberg who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for a recently removed cancerous brain tumor.

Cancer Train, founded by cancer survivor Trish Georges, raises money to help cancer patients undergoing treatment. "Cancer Train helps pay for bills, surgeries, doctor visits, and special needs during care." said Georges.

Multi-Grammy-winning Guatemalan recording artist, RICARDO ARJONA, will bring his world-renowned “METAMORFOSIS” tour to PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013 at 8 p.m. Tickets range in price from $65.50 to $150, not including taxes and fees.

TAO Asian Bistro and LAVO Italian Restaurant have announced a LOCALS AND VENETIAN/PALAZZO HOTEL GUEST HAPPY HOUR. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays at TAO and Monday and Thursdays at LAVO, guests can enjoy two-for-one cocktails and complimentary small bites from 5 pm to 7 pm and after 11 pm at the restaurant bars and lounges.  Guests must show their Nevada ID or Venetian/Palazzo room key before ordering to receive the happy hour special.

“AMERICA'S MATCHMAKER” PATTI NOVAK has opened her first office in Las Vegas, not to mention on the West Coast. High Desert Introductions, Inc. is located at 1515 E. Tropicana Ave., Suite 345. Novak’s intuitive abilities, no-nonsense and confidential approach have helped match thousands of clients safely and successfully.

Celebrity Sightings:

Monday night, Jan. 28...

Famed actor John Ratzenberger best known for his role as Cliff Clavin on “Cheers” and his recurring roles in Pixar films, stopped by Terry Fator: The Voice of Entertainment at The Mirage Hotel & Casino. Ratzenberger was there to honor Wounded Warriors and was joined by several military veterans in the crowd.

Tuesday night, Jan 29...

The cast of Absinthe including The Gazillionaire, his assistant Penny Pibbets and ABSINTHE’s Green Fairy Melody Sweets, headed over to Hyde Bellagio to celebrate a special milestone for The Gazillionaire at the venue’s weekly industry party, Lost Angels. 

 Also enjoying the party was Wayne Gretzsky. The National Hockey League player hosted a private birthday celebration at the venue earlier in the evening with family and friends including wife Janet Jones-Gretzky, actor Alan Thicke and professional golfer Dustin Johnson, who is dating Wayne and Janet’s daughter Paulina Gretzky.

Penny Pibbets and the Gazillionaire of Absinthe
Photo credit: Hyde Bellagio

The Gazillionaire and Melody Sweets of Absinthe
Photo credit: Hyde Bellagio

Wednesday night, Jan. 30...

Country music superstar and "Celebrity Apprentice All-Star" cast member John Rich visited Gilley's Saloon, Dance Hall & Bar-B-Que at Treasure Island.

The ladies from “The Strip’s Biggest Tease,” FANTASY, hosted Wicked Wednesdays at Meatball Spot at Town Square.Fans of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” the ladies were excited to pose with Chef Carla Pellegrino for photographs, offering to make her an honorary showgirl.

Thursday evening, Jan. 31...

Actor, singer and songwriter Al B. Sure  and his girlfriend were spotted dining at Meatball Spot at Town Square.

Al B. Sure
Photo courtesy of Meatball Spot

The lovely ladies of Bravo’s hit reality show, “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,”Brandi Glanville, Yolanda H. Foster, Lisa Vanderpump, Kyle Richards, Camille Grammer and Jennifer Gimenez  channeled their inner bombshells as they mastered the art of sensuality, pole dancing and burlesque. at Las Vegas’ sexiest educational institution, Night School 4 Girls.

“The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” Brandi Glanville, Yolanda H. Foster, Lisa Vanderpump, Kyle Richards, Camille Grammer and Jennifer Gimenez
Photo courtesy of Night School 4 Girls

Friday night, Feb. 1...

Singer, songwriter and rapper Sean Kingston celebrated his 23rd birthday with a special live performance at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens inside Paris Las Vegas, Arriving to the hot spot just after 1 a.m. the young artist took his place at his VIP booth located on the main stage and was joined by his entourage including special guest Soulja Boy. Nearing 1:30 a.m.  a dozen of beautiful cocktail servers presented the birthday boy with his cake resembling the cover of Kingston’s latest single  “Rum and Raybans”.

Sean Kingston performs at Chateau
Photo credit: David Becker of Wire Image

Sean Kingston and Soulja Boy
Photo credit: David Becker of Wire Image

Sean Kingston birthday cake
Photo credit: David Becker of Wire Image

Dancing with the Stars pro Mark Ballas was spotted dining at LAVO with his girlfriend and her parents.
 
At Marquee, Benny Benassi wowed the packed club with his new Metamorphosis show.

Benny Benassi
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Benny Benassi dancers
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Marquee atmosphere
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Top baseball prospects and Las Vegas natives Jake Hager, a shortstop with a Tampa Bay Rays affiliate, and Nick Kingham, a pitcher with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, were spotted enjoying Blue Man Group’s newest production at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino. The longtime friends stopped by the VIP room following the 7 p.m. show for a private meet-and-greet. There, Hager and Kingham took time to learn how to play the PVC pipes and toss some marshmallows all under the guidance of a Blue Man.

Jake Hager and Nick Kingham
Photo courtesy of Blue Man Group

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino hosted a weekend of unforgettable parties in Body English Nightclub & Afterhours with DJs Chris Kennedy, Peanut Butter Wolf and more, Feb. 1 – 3.

Actor and artist Chris Kennedy made his second appearance at Body English Nightclub. Following, Tom Linder of Detroit Techno Militia took the stage for afterhours and turned up the noise with his electronic mixes.

Chris Kennedy
Photo Credit: © Carlos Larios / Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 

Saturday night, Feb.2...

Popular Italian house DJ Stefano Noferini posed for pictures and then hit the DJ booth inaide Body English at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Stefano Noferini
Photo Credit: © Carlos Larios / Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Miss August 2008, Kayla Collins, kicked off "Big Game" Weekend with hundreds of revelers at Crazy Horse III. Once settled at her lavish VIP booth, the gorgeous actress was joined by fellow Playmate, Miss September 2007, Patrice Hollis.

Kayla Collins on the red carpet with Patrice Hollis at Crazy Horse III
Photo Credit: Scott Harrison www.HarrisonPhotos.com


Kayla Collins posing next to Game Day poster inside Crazy Horse III
Photo Credit: Scott Harrison www.HarrisonPhotos.com

Hip-hop icons Rev Run and Ruckus  took over the turntables at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens inside Paris Las Vegas for a special live DJ set.

Also spotted partying at Chateau Nightclub was Big Black of Rob and Big, Chicago Bears Linebacker Lance Briggs and Chicago Bears Running Back Kahlil Bell.

Rev Run and Ruckus
Photo credit: Brenton Ho of Powers Imagery LLC.

GRAMMY Award-winning legendary rapper, record producer and actor Method Man performed a special energetic, mini concert for the crowd at LAX Nightclub inside Luxor Hotel & Casino.
 
Taking in the bird’s eye view of the performance on the second story of LAX was American flyweight mixed martial artist Ian “Uncle Creepy” McCall and Nigerian lightweight mixed martial artist Anthony “The Assassin” Njokuani. Also found partying within the star-packed crowd and only a table away on the main stage from Method Man, were NFL mega-stars Brandon Bostick and Jarrett Boykin from the Green Bay Packers. Joining in on the camaraderie was Defensive Back, Eddie Whitley from the Philadelphia Eagles.

Method Man
Photo credit: Karl Larson of Powers Imagery, LLC.

Anthony Njokuani and Ian McCall
Photo credit: Karl Larson of Powers Imagery, LLC.

NFL Hall of Famer, Lawrence Taylor hosted the LT Bowl at TAO Asian Bistro. In the nightclub he was joined by wrestling legend Ric Flair and former Chicago Bears player Steve McMichael. 

Comedienne  Kathy Griffin dined at LAVO and made a stop into the kitchen to say hello and take a picture with Executive Chef Massimiliano Campanari.

LAVO Executive Chef Massimiliano Campanari with comedienne Kathy Griffin
Photo courtesy of LAVO

Also at LAVO was UFC fighter Francisco Rivera for his after-fight party.  The mixed martial artist, who won his match over Edwin Figueroa earlier in the night, celebrated his win to the sounds of DJ C*LA.

Matt Stafford was spotted at Marquee Nightclub.  The quarterback for the Detroit Lions spent the night in the club’s Boom Box Room with friends.

Francisco Rivera
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Lawrence Taylor signs a helmet
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Chicago Bears Steve McMichael, World Famous wrestler Ric Flair with NFL Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor of the NY Giants at TAO
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Actor and producer Wilmer Valderrama returned to Hyde Bellagio in Las Vegas to celebrate his birthday for the second year in a row.

Also spotted on Hyde's dance floor was New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis wearing a Chicago Bulls hat.

Wilmer Valderrama parties with friends
Photo credit Bryan Steffy/Getty Images

Wilmer Valderrama birthday cake
Photo credit Bryan Steffy/Getty Images

Wilmer Valderrama in the DJ booth
Photo credit Bryan Steffy/Getty Images

Sunday, February 3...

Heraea, the new high-energy restaurant and sports lounge with a feminine twist at Palms Resort & Casino, welcomed its first celebrity guests at a sneak preview.  International super model Selita Ebanks enjoyed the big game with a selection of Heraea’s signature bites, and Taylor Dane got the crowd going by singing her club hit “Tell it to My Heart.” A crowd of NFL stars came to cheer on the competition during the football league’s championship game. Notable players included Greg Little of the Cleveland Browns, Michael Bush and Lance Briggs of the Chicago Bears, James Johnson of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jalil Brown of the Kansas City Chiefs, Brandon Bostick of the Green Bay Packers and former San Francisco 49er, Rock Cartwright. Also attending were former players Keith Bulluck and Kelvin Smith.

The opening of Heraea is part of the $50 million renovation underway at Palms. The restaurant will have its grand opening in February 2013.

Sunday evening, Feb 3...

Notorious DJ, producer and founder of Stones Throw Records Peanut Butter Wolf joined fans at Body English for an amazing night following the big game.

Peanut Butter Wolf
Photo Credit: Hew Burney

Bikini model, Bobbi Billard, hosted a sexy ‘Big Game’ party at Crazy Horse III and Posh Boutique Nightclub.

Bobbi Billard tosses a football around on the red carpet of Crazy Horse III’s ‘Big Game’ party.
Photo Credit: Scott Harrison www.HarrisonPhotos.com


Bobbi Billard poses with ‘Big Game’ event poster at Crazy Horse III.
Photo Credit: Scott Harrison www.HarrisonPhotos.com

Monday, Feb. 4...

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cameron Newton enjoyed dinner at Social House inside Crystals at CityCenter . The football star was joined by five guests and took a seat at the bar.