Vegas Happenings | 50 Greatest Photographs of National Geographic

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

50 Greatest Photographs of National Geographic Opens at the Venetian

The traveling exhibition, 50 Greatest Photographs of National Geographic, celebrated its Las Vegas grand opening in Imagine Exhibitions Gallery at The Venetian, Wednesday night, Feb. 13, with an exclusive VIP preview.

Tom Zaller
Photo credit: Robert Sekata/Loose Puppy

Hosted by Imagine Exhibitions CEO & Founder Tom Zaller, guests were drawn into the fascinating world of National Geographic and its 125-year-old history.  Showcased in the exhibit are some of National Geographic’s most memorable and celebrated photographs such as Nick Nichols’ iconic image of Jane Goodall and chimpanzee, and Thomas Abercrombie’s never-before-seen view of Mecca. In addition to the photographs that adorn the walls are the accompanying stories that evoke  inspiration, heartbreak, awe and self-awareness.  Attendees are able to learn the intriguing stories behind famous pictures such as Steve McCurry’s mysterious Afghan Girl, a lion braving a Kalahari Desert dust storm by Chris Johns, and William Albert Allard’s tear-jerking image of a Peruvian boy mourning his sheep carelessly wounded by a hit-and-run taxi driver.

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Also on display are some of the photos “near frames:” 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 renowned photographs and more about the photographers themselves.

“We are thrilled to host 50 Greatest Photographs of National Geographic as Imagine Exhibitions Gallery’s second installation,” said Tom Zaller, CEO and President of Imagine Exhibitions, Inc. “Imagine Exhibitions strives to provide Las Vegas with inspirational, thought-provoking and immersive exhibitions, making this partnership with National Geographic a perfect fit.”
 
For students from local schools and universities the exhibition will also serve as an exhilarating field trip destination allowing them the opportunity to step out of the classroom and into the world of National Geographic.

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

50 Greatest Photographs of National Geographic runs for a limited engagement and is open daily starting February 14 from 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., last ticket sold at 6 p.m. Ticket prices  are 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.

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

On Friday afternoon, February 15, I attended a special open house at JUSTICE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, one of the leaders of entertainment in Las Vegas.  JEG expanded to Las Vegas two years ago, bringing aboard Thomas & Mack Center and Sam Boyd Stadium Director, Daren Libonati, as its President and COO.

JEG is a full service entertainment, sporting and event company specializing in successfully producing, promoting and providing event content for arenas, stadiums, theaters, nightclubs, casinos, hotels and television and motion pictures.  On hand to welcome guests and given a tour of the office were executives: Chairman and CEO Susan Joseph, President, Libonati, Vice Chairman, Jeff Flach, and Executive Vice President, Jason Finfrock.  Famed concert promoter Dick Klotzman, Joseph’s “significant other” who occupies an office as a consultant with JEG, was also present.  Klotzman was responsible for promoting the first Beatles concert in February 1964 at the Washington Coliseum.

Together, the powerhouse team boasts more than 200 years of experience and are behind some of the most successful events in the city, including last year’s international soccer event Real Madrid vs Santos Laguna and Batman Live, just to name a few.

Located off of Sunset Road near McCarrran Airport, the facility's walls are covered with Gold Records, posters and countless memorabilia from every aspect of the entertainment industry and the celebrity clients the principles have worked with throughout the years including such superstars as Elvis, Michael Jackson and Madonna.  In addition, the entire headquarters is filled with a massive amount of treasures collected by Susan Joseph, a 33 year veteran of the music and entertainment industry.  “Everything on the walls are “memories” of the people we've booked, managed and promoted”, Susan told me.

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

From what I gathered, JEG will be adding countless more memories as they continue to make a mark on the Las Vegas entertainment scene.

CELINE DION'S performances Tuesday, Feb. 19 through Friday, Feb. 22 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace have been cancelled. After recovering from the flu last week, Celine developed a secondary infection (sinusitis) which is being treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicine.  Her doctor has instructed her to rest for a period of seven consecutive days in order for her to fully recover. Celine’s previously scheduled dates Feb. 26 through Mar. 16 will proceed as scheduled. Those who purchased tickets with a credit card for the cancelled performances will be automatically refunded.  Those who purchased tickets with cash may present tickets at the original point of sale for a refund.

Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas had added a new show to its already spectacular Viva Vision line-up. HEART– CRAZY ON VEGAS – which premiered  on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 at 6 p.m. with a second showing at 11 p.m. – is a musical showcase with stunning graphics that is built around three of the band’s most iconic and popular songs: “Magic Man,” “Barracuda” and “Crazy on You.” The new Viva Vision show features live Heart performance footage from today as well as a newly restored rare and classic Heart concert film. Beginning on Feb. 18, Heart – Crazy on Vegas will air nightly at 8 p.m. as part of the ongoing Viva Vision show schedule.


Grammy-Award winning and multi-platinum recording artist ADELE joins the cast of Frank Marino’s “DIVAS LAS VEGAS” at The Quad Resort & Casino beginning February 16. Sammy Gonzales, who also impersonates Liza Minnelli and Mariah Carey, performs a disco mash-up of Adele’s top hits including “Rolling in the Deep” and “Rumor Has It.”  Frank Marino’s “Divas Las Vegas” performs six nights a week (dark Fridays) at 9:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $39 to $79 (plus tax and fees).

THE UNLV WIND ORCHESTRA, conducted by professor and American Bandmaster Association president Thomas Leslie, welcomes the U.S. Navy Concert Band in a very special performance at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 24 in Artemus Ham Concert Hall. Admission is FREE, but tickets are required. Tickets may be picked-up at the UNLV Performing Arts Center Box Office. The Box Office can be reached at 895-ARTS (2787).

THE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF SOUTHER NEVADA (JCC) and TEMPLE SINAI are having a Purim Festival on February 24 from 9:30 am to 2 p.m at Temple Sinai, 9001 Hillpoint Road in Summerlin. Festivities include food, games, crafts, shuk shopping areas, We Go Games Video Van, Pie the Rabbi and much more. Carnival wristbands are $18.00 advanced purchase (through 2/19) and $25.00 at the door. Children under 2 are FREE.

The 2013 TOUCH-A-TRUCK takes place at the Orleans Arena, on Saturday, March 2, 2013, from 9:30 am until 3 pm. TOUCH-A-TRUCK is Las Vegas' original family-oriented event that allows children to get up-close and personal with the vehicles they see every day on the road - fire trucks, police cars, school buses, sanitation vehicles, big rigs and more. It also allows them to rub elbows with hometown heroes.  Admission is $6 per person in advance/ $8 per person at event/ children under 2 are free!`

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino hosts “ROCK 'N' SAVE BENEFITTING ST. BLDRICK'S FOUNDATION FEATURING SIN CITY SINNERS” a charity head-shaving event, in Vinyl from 1 – 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 2. The nonprofit funds the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers, giving survivors long and healthy lives.

Sin City Sinners’ Manager Jason Green will serve as the host of the event and Jason Cook guitarist of Five Finger Death Punch and KVVU Fox 5 news anchor Jason Feinberg will volunteer as guest shavers. Sin City Sinners’ long-haired drummer Rob Cournoyer and KOMP 92.3 FM’s Isaac “Big Mex” Andrade will be saying goodbye to their locks and in honor of the nonprofit.

Several famous rockers will be there in support of the cause including Robert Mason of Warrant, Frank DiMino of Angel, Jeff Young of Megadeth, Jeff Duncan of Armored Saint, Paul Shortino of Rough Cutt and Quiet Riot, and more.

Check-in is at 1 p.m. with shaving festivities beginning at 3 p.m. for registered attendees who want to shed their hair to support the fight against childhood cancer. Those wishing to keep their mane can donate funds online and at the event. Throughout the day, guests can bid on various prizes and participate in multiple raffles with proceeds going to the organization. Raffle items include signed merchandise from the Deftones, Five Finger Death Punch, Sick Puppies, Ozzy Osbourne, Kofi Kingston, and more. At 8 p.m., Sin City Sinners will conclude the day of giving back with a free, high-energy rock show.

Interested participants can register online to shave their heads or to donate time or money to the cause.

The UNLV Performing Arts Center welcomes the CHINA NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, featuring director Xia Guan and violinist Xi Chen, at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6. The truly international program includes Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 2 in E Minor and the violin concerto, “Butterfly Lovers.”

Tickets  are $35, $50, and $75. Student rush tickets are $13 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. A $1.25 facilities fee, in addition to the ticket price, is charged on all Performing Arts Center tickets.

Veteran jam band, MOE., comes to Hard Rock Cafe on the Las Vegas Strip Thursday, March 7 with special guests Orgone. Tickets are $30.00 in advance and $35.00 day of show.

The Nevada Conservatory Theatre at UNLV continues its 10th Anniversary Season Mar. 8 with Peter Shaffer’s “EQUUS” in the Judy Bayley Theatre. Please note: "Equus" has scenes of full frontal nudity and is intended for mature audiences only.Show times are at 8 p.m. on Mar. 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16. Matinees are at 2 p.m. on Mar. 10 and 17. Tickets are $20-$30 for adults, and 10 percent off for those under 18. For tickets or additional information, visit pac.unlv.edu or call 895-ARTS (2787).

Country comedian BILL ENGVALL will bring his trademark blue collar comedy back to the Treasure Island Theatre March 8 at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $54.95, plus taxes and service charges


The history of rock 'n' roll will come to life like never before when “RAIDING THE ROCK VAULT”  a one-of-a-kind rock concert experience boasting the ultimate set list, kicks off a year-long run Saturday, March 9th at the LVH – Las Vegas Hotel & Casino.

Narrated, sung and acted along with compelling imagery including historical footage, the show transports the audience through the ‘40s, ‘50s, '60s, '70s and '80s featuring classic anthems from The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, The Eagles, Queen, Van Halen, AC/DC, Journey, Free, Bryan Adams, Supertramp, Toto, Deep Purple, and more, truly boasting "The Greatest Set List Ever."

These timeless gems are translated on stage live and loud by an all-star band comprised of Howard Leese [Guitar] (Heart, Bad Company), Tracii Guns [Guitar] (LA Guns, Guns n’ Roses), Robin McAuley [Lead Vocals] (MSG, Survivor), John Payne [Lead Vocals and Bass] (Asia), Paul Shortino [Vocals] (Rough Cutt, Quite Riot), Jay Schellen [Drums] (Badfinger, Asia), Andrew Freeman [Lead Vocals and Guitars] (Lynch Mob, The Offspring), and Michael T. Ross [Keyboards] (Lita Ford, Hardline). In addition, rotating special guests will be confirmed, kicking off with Bobby Kimball [Lead Vocals] (Toto), followed by Joe Lynn Turner [Lead Vocals] (Rainbow, Deep Purple) joining the show at the end of March.

“RAIDING THE ROCK VAULT” performs nightly (dark on Fridays and schedule subject to change) at 9pm in the LVH Theater. Ticket prices range from $49 to a special Rock Star Package for $100 (which includes tickets in first five rows, t-shirt, signed concert program, signed album, meet and greet and VIP pass) plus fees.

Ska musicians THE ENGLISH BEAT come to Hard Rock Cafe with special guests on Wednesday, March 13. Showtime is 8 p.m. Admission is for ages 18 and up. Tickets are $22 in advance and $25 day of show.

Groundbreaking comedian and actor ANDREW DICE CLAY begins a one-of-a-kind residency  at Vinyl inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino starting Thursday, March 14. Perfect for Sin City, the comedy legend will thrill audiences with fresh, timely material highlighted by his signature shocking jokes and controversial topics. His residency kicks off with 20 shows, additional performances to be announced later. Tickets start at $54 (plus applicable service fees) and are on sale now. Must be 18 years of age or older to attend.

In its most prestigious recognition to date, PING PANG PONG at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino has been named one of the “Best Chinese Restaurants in the United States” by Travel+Leisure magazine.



Celebrity Sightings:

Wednesday night, Feb. 13...

The 2013 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models celebrated the 50th edition of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue at Marquee Nightclub. The red carpet event featured Kate Upton, Cintia Dicker, Jessica Gomes, Julie Henderson, Ariel Meredith, Genevieve Morton, Jessica Perez, Chrissy Teigen, Anne V, Adaora, Nina Agdal, along with 2013 SI Swimsuit rookies Natasha Barnard, Kate Bock, Hannah Davis, Emily Didonato and Katherine Webb. After posing for photos on the red carpet, the group made their way up to the nightclub and took over a group of VIP booths.

As models and Sports Illustrated executives filled Marquee’s main room, DJ Vice hit the turntables while video footage of the models’ photo shoots from all seven continents played on the 40-foot LED screen, showcasing the exotic destinations found in the magazine. Cover girl Kate Upton was spotted chatting with DJ Calvin Harris and singer-songwriter John Legend was present to support his fiancé Chrissy Teigen. The two were seen mingling at a VIP booth with friends and other models.

Chrissy Teigen
Photo Credit: Al Powers, Powers Imagery

Hannah Davis
Photo Credit: Al Powers, Powers Imagery

Kate Upton
Photo Credit: Al Powers, Powers Imagery

Katherine Webb
Photo Credit: Al Powers, Powers Imagery

Swimsuit models
Photo Credit: Al Powers, Powers Imagery

Kate Upton and friends
Photo Credit: Al Powers, Powers Imagery

Natasha Barnard and Jessica Gomes
Photo Credit: Al Powers, Powers Imagery

Las Vegas headliner Gordie Brown was sighted at the Henderson Greens & Proteins.  

Thursday, Feb. 14...

DJs MiM0SA, Brillz and ETC!ETC! mesmerized the crowd with their extreme bass heavy dance music at Body English Nightclub & Afterhours

Friday night, Feb 15...

Reality television stars Ice-T and Coco of “Ice Loves Coco” made an impromptu visit to Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at Paris Las Vegas after Coco’s performance in “PEEPSHOW”.

Center for the Miami Heat, Joel Anthony was spotted at TAO.

Actor/producer Adrian Grenier hosted the Friday night party at Las Vegas hot spot Hyde Bellagio. Grenier arrived on the red carpet with a large group of friends including True Blood star Jamie Gray Hyder.

Adrian Grenier
Photo Credit: Bryan Steffy, Getty/WireImage

Adrian Grenier in the DJ booth
Photo Credit: Bryan Steffy, Getty/WireImage

Jamie Gray Hyder
Photo Credit: Bryan Steffy, Getty/WireImage

Members of Papa Roach including drummer Tony Palermo and bass player Tobin Esperance were spotted dining at the property’s popular Mexican cantina Pink Taco prior to their rock star performance at The Joint.

Spotted among the show's audience was actor and comedian Jim Florentine, Guns N’ Roses guitarist DJ Ashba and Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul. Across the casino, Body English was turning up the noise with resident DJ Richard Beynon and MICS.

Stone Sour
Photo Credit: © Scott Harrison / Erik Kabik Photography

Papa Roach
Photo Credit: © Scott Harrison / Erik Kabik Photography

Richard Beynon
Photo Credit: © Carlos Larios / Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

DJ Ashba and sister Kari Kaisner
Photo Credit: © Carlos Larios / Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Pasquale Rotella
Photo Credit: © Carlos Larios / Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Claude VonStroke
Photo Credit: © Carlos Larios / Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

The Pharcyde
Photo Credit: © Hew Burney

Saturday night, Feb 16...

Destructo, Oliver and Claude VonStroke performed at Body English. Among the crowd was Founder and CEO of Insomniac Pasquale Rotella. As afterhours kicked in, world-renowned DJ Avicii was also spotted hanging at the nightclub.

Adult film star Tabitha Stevens celebrated her birthday with an all-out bash at Crazy Horse III Gentlemen’s Club. Surrounded by her husband, Gary and Taylor Stevens, the AVN Hall of Famer was presented with a sexy, three-tier Moulin Rouge and leopard themed birthday cake.

Tabitha Stevens posing with sexy, leopard birthday cake at Crazy Horse III
Photo Credit: Scott Harrison www.HarrisonPhotos.com

 
Tabitha Stevens signs event poster at Crazy Horse III
Photo Credit: Scott Harrison www.HarrisonPhotos.com

Two-time UFC® Heavyweight Champion Francisco Santo Mir, III, better known as Frank Mir, was spotted at Club Tattoo inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Mir and his family attended Club Tattoo’s Linkin Park autograph signing session to meet the band and receive autographs.

Frank Mir and Sean Dowdell

Sunday night, Feb. 17...

LA Clipper Chris Paul headed straight to LAVO fresh off his MVP designation at the NBA All Star game in Houston. Arriving around 1:30 am with the trophy in tow, he immediately handed the prize to the club’s marketing director and the trophy spent a few short minutes in the club before being locked away in the back office for safe keeping during the NBA star’s stay.  He then stopped by the DJ booth to chat with Vice about LA and the city’s Lakers vs. Clippers rivalry, then spent the night at a VIP table on the dance floor.  Paul and the club helped his brother CJ celebrate his 30th birthday with a cake and danced with his friends all night.

Chris Paul and brother CJ
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Also spotted at LAVO was linebacker to the Miami Dolphins Karlos Dansby.

Glee star Chord Overstreet celebrated his 24th birthday with dinner at TAO.  Joined by a group of friends including Lamorne Morris, who plays Winston on the Fox sitcom New Girl. After dinner they made their way to LAVO where the birthday boy was surprised by a cake.

Chord Overstreet and DJ Vice
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Lamore Morris
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Whitney Port also dined at TAO with her sister Paige before heading to LAVO. The two are in town to promote her clothing line Whitney Eve.

Whitney Port and her sister Paige
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Body English ended the weekend on a high note during its industry night. The audience enjoyed the music stylings of alternative hip hop group The Pharcyde.

Billy Gardell and Reno Wilson, stars of the hit CBS series “Mike & Molly,” were spotted checking out Blue Man Group at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino with their families.

Billy Gardell and Reno Wilson
Photo courtesy of Blue Man Group

Tuesday night, Feb 19...

GRAMMY Award-winning R&B singer Miguel, accompanied by his stunning girlfriend Nazanin Mandi, took over PURE Nightclub.

Just before Miguel took the stage to deliver a memorable performance for clubgoers, the hot spot was taken over by the legendary NBA star Shaquille O’Neal as he hopped on the mic and had resident DJ Shift play a number of top hits.  O'Neal showed off his best dance moves and had the audience singing along.

Actor Chazz Palminteri was also spotted sipping cocktails in the main room, while World Welterweight Champion boxer Zabdiel “Zab” Judah was seated a few tables down from Miguel.

Miguel performing
Photo credit: Scott Harrison of Retna and Karl Larson of Powers Imagery LLC.

Miguel and Nazanin Mandi
Photo credit: Scott Harrison of Retna and Karl Larson of Powers Imagery LLC.

Miguel and Shaquille O’Neal
Photo credit: Scott Harrison of Retna and Karl Larson of Powers Imagery LLC.

Miguel and Zab Judah
Photo credit: Scott Harrison of Retna and Karl Larson of Powers Imagery LLC.

The Hudson Jeans/Creative Recreation party took place at Marquee. DJs A-Trak, Vice, Mike Attack, Lisa Pittman and Yaya, entertained the crowd as the brand took over the club. Spotted checking out the scene were former motorcross star Carey Hart and Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots.

Swizz Beatz was seen enjoying the night with friends at the Official PROJECT MVMNT Party at LAVO.

ATRAK
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Hudson Creative Recreation
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Hudson Creative Recreation
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

DJ Vice
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery