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
Hypnosis Unleashed starring Kevin Lepine Celebrates One-Year Anniversary At Hooters Casino Hotel
Hypnosis Unleashed starring Kevin Lepine celebrated its one-year anniversary on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at Night Owl Showroom inside Hooters Casino Hotel. Recognized by Mayor Carolyn Goodman as “Kevin Lepine Day”, the one-year anniversary event featured a red carpet, reception and a performance showcasing Lepine’s hilarious and astonishing hypnosis.
Kevin Lepine
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Anthony Cools, Kevin Lepine and Marc Savard
Photo credit: Emmet Ramirez
Penny Wiggins, Kevin Lepine and guest
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Kevin Lepine and Amazing Jonathan
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Ricardo Laguna and Marc Savard
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Kevin Lepine with Monti Rock III
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Judy Thorburn and Kevin Lepine
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Celebrities in attendance included Ricardo Laguna, BMX rider; Anthony Cools, star hypnotist from Paris Las Vegas; Marc Savard, star of Marc Savard Comedy Hypnosis at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino; The Phat Pack at Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, comedy illusionist, The Amazing Johnathan; comedianne Penny Wiggins, Las Vegas personailty/columnist Monti Rock III; and Tony Delgado, from Dancing Just like the Stars at Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel and Casino.
Hypnosis Unleashed starring Kevin Lepine invites volunteers to be the stars of the show, where Lepine, a certified hypnotherapist, pushes boundaries but stops short of going over the limit. From fights for napkins that volunteers “believe” to be cash, to turning even the most macho man into a Britney Spears impersonator, each performance will leave audiences in stitches, providing everyone with a show they won't soon forget.
Hypnosis Unleashed: Starring Kevin Lepine entertains audiences Tuesday through Saturday (dark Monday) at 8 p.m. inside the Night Owl Showroom at Hooters Casino Hotel. Tickets start at $48.30 plus tax for general admission. VIP tickets are also available for $59.30 plus tax and includes preferred seating and a DVD of the show. Meant for mature audiences, guests must be 21 years of age. To commemorate the one-year anniversary, Hypnosis Unleashed is offering locals half-price tickets through December 30, 2013.
11,221 Santas Join Shania Twain for Las Vegas Great Santa Run
On Saturday, December 7, Opportunity Village made history as 11,221 participants dressed like Kris Kringle for the ninth annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run in Downtown Las Vegas. Led by Grand Marshal Shania Twain, the iconic event beat its personal record and defeated Liverpool rivals for the “World Santa Challenge” championship.
Shania Twain with 11,000 santas
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image
Shania Twain with Mayor Goodman and representatives of Opportunity Village
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image
“We were blown away by the outpouring of support from the Las Vegas community,” said Linda Smith, Associate Executive Director of Opportunity Village. “This was truly one of our best events yet, and we look forward to keeping the momentum going into the run’s 10th year.”
Shania Twain, who currently headlines SHANIA: STILL THE ONE at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace looked glamorous in a white Santa hat and chic black and white cape. “I want to give all of you a big thank you for supporting this beautiful cause,” she told the excited crowd as she beamed from Fremont Street Experience’s Third Street Stage.
After the national anthem, sung by JERSEY BOYS star Jeff Leibow, Twain guided the racers to the starting line on East Fremont Street where she was escorted by none other than Santa Claus in a shiny, red Jeep “sleigh” provided by Sahara Chrysler Dodge Jeep. Twain led the traditional “on your mark, get set, go!” countdown to start the race and the thousands of runners took off for the 5k, followed shortly by a one-mile Kris Kringle Jingle walk.
In honor of the event’s return to Downtown Las Vegas, Mayor Carolyn Goodman declared the morning’s festivities as the city’s official “Las Vegas Great Santa Run Day.” Representatives from Liverpool’s Santa Dash were on-hand to award the “World Santa Challenge” trophy to Opportunity Village, which has now held the coveted title for nine years. Shania Twain’s Great Santa Run team won the prize for the most funds raised and The Venetian/Palazzo took the title of the largest race team.
Throughout the day, racers were treated to acts from Las Vegas’ hottest performers: Jabbawockeez taught the Santas a special dance as part of their #CokeRedMoves campaign and had everyone grooving with the official Coca-Cola polar bear; Zumba girls, Kat & J-John, warmed up the audience with exciting aerobics; Chris Phillips of Zowie Bowie had the crowd singing along to holiday classics; Opportunity Village’s “OV Elvi” drummed and danced to some of Elvis’ greatest hits; and George Dare belted out event’s official theme song, “Run, Santa, Run!”
Jabbawockeez and the official Coca-Cola Polar Bear
Photo credit: Opportunity Village
Hungry racers stopped by popular food truck Lobster ME for a post-race bite, and event sponsors Krispy Kreme, Circle K Convenience Stores, Jamba Juice and Core Power provided runners with free food samples throughout the morning. The fun continued after the race as Hennessey’s Las Vegas hosted the official Great Santa Run after party.
“Extra” correspondent, Mario Lopez and E! Entertainment’s The Bella Twins, hosted the Grand Opening of Sugar Factory's new location at Town Square
"Extra" and “X-Factor” correspondent Mario Lopez and E! Entertainment Television's "Total Divas," The Bella Twins, Nicole and Bri, hosted Sugar Factory American Brasserie's new 7,000 square foot Town Square Las Vegas Grand Opening on Friday, December 6. Lopez was joined by his beautiful wife, Courtney. Guests included professional athlete, Marcus Banks and Pin-Up star, Claire Sinclair.
Official ribbon cutting at the Grand Opening
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The new Sugar Factory American Brasserie, which is the first to be located off the strip, features a sampling of the company’s signature treats and merchandise, including the world-famous Couture Pops. Synonymous with the Sugar Factory brand, Couture Pops have become a pop culture phenomenon with Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Nicole Scherzinger, and Kim Kardashian, just a few of the celebrities who have been spotted with the sparkly lollipops.
Mario Lopez and wife Courtney
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The Bella Twins
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Marcus Banks (fourth from left) and friends
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Created by a team of world-class chefs, the menu selections include everything from pancakes and sweet and savory crepes to salads, burgers and pizzas, all available throughout the day. Breakfast offerings include a steak and eggs sandwich; ham and cheese croissant; Nutella pancakes; banana walnut pancakes, chocolate French toast; a sausage and egg pizza, Belgian waffles, fresh fruit, oatmeal and more. An expanded dessert menu, including custom ice cream cones, will be available at the new location.
Sugar Factory American Brasserie will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily. A brunch menu will be available every Saturday and Sunday.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
HOLLY MADISON took the stage in Las Vegas for the first time in more than a year during a special encore performance of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET at Harrah’s Las Vegas. Performing on the 57th anniversary of the actual date that inspired the hit show, Dec. 4, 1956, Holly sang “The Lady Loves Me” a beautiful and fun rendition of the Elvis and Ann-Margret duet from the hit movie “Viva Las Vegas” alongside the cast during the finale.
Holly Madison guest performance at Million Dollar Quartet
Credit: Denise Truscello
Holly Madison with cast of Million Dollar Quartet
Credit: Denise Truscello
Hypnotist MARC SAVARD is spreading holiday cheer through the Las Vegas Valley by decking out his home with a light display for visitors and residents to come and admire. The decorative lights, which add up to about 85,000 in total, are synchronized to seasonal classics, as well as hit pop songs from the year. Savard’s holiday light spectacular can be seen nightly from 5-10 p.m. until New Year’s Day at 1420 E. Robindale Road.
The cast of HISTORY’s “Pawn Stars” and Rachel’s Kitchen Downtown at the Ogden have teamed up for a SPECIAL FUNDRAISER on Saturday, Dec. 14, the one year anniversary of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The two were brought together by a mutual friend who works with fallen teacher Vicki Soto’s father and the WHERE ANGELS PLAY FOUNDATION, an organization building playgrounds in each of the 26 victims’ honor as a way to celebrate their lives. The “Pawn Stars” and the employees of Gold & Silver Pawn are frequent patrons of Rachel’s Kitchen Downtown and, after learning more about the organization, thought this would be a great way to team up during the holiday season for a good cause.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 14, Rachel’s Kitchen Downtown at the Ogden, located at 150 Las Vegas Boulevard North, will donate a portion of their sales to the Where Angels Play Foundation.
Richard “The Old Man” Harrison will be signing autographs from Noon to 12:30 p.m. Frequent expert and Clark County Museum Administrator Mark Hall-Patton will also sign autographs during the event and other “Pawn Stars” cast members may stop by as time permits to meet those supporting the cause. Autographed memorabilia will be auctioned off live and raffle drawings will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with 100% of their proceeds donated to Where Angels Play.
Through Dec. 14, all National Finals Rodeo (NFR) attendees who wear their cowboy boots and/or hats to MADAME TUSSAUDS LAS VEGAS will receive $8 off the cost of admission.
In the spirit of the holiday season, SMASHBURGER is partnering with the dropout prevention organization, COMMUNITIES IN SCHOLLS OF NEVADA, to collect much needed school uniforms for students enrolled in its 20 participating Southern Nevada Schools. From now through Dec. 31, all seven local Smashburger locations will serve as collection sites. Items needed include khaki and navy blue pants and jeans in children’s and adult sizes, navy blue and white polo shirts in children’s and adult sizes, shoes in children’s size 12 to adult’s size 10, socks and underwear. All items should be new and unwrapped. To thank the community for joining in this effort, Smashburger will give a FREE side (French fries, Smashfries, sweet potato fries, veggie frites, haystack onions or side garden salad) to anyone who brings in a single item and a free Classic Smashburger to anyone who brings in two or more items.
The Riviera Hotel & Casino is presently hosting the TOY D-RIV-E to benefit local children in need and help spread the gift of laughter this holiday season. All Las Vegas locals who drop off a new, unwrapped toy (minimum value of $10) to the Riviera Box Office will receive a complimentary ticket to an upcoming comedy show at the Riviera Comedy Club. Donated toys will go directly towards the 15th Annual 98.5 KLUC Chet Buchanan and the Morning Zoo Toy Drive, benefitting HELP of Southern Nevada. Toys will be accepted at the Riviera Box Office through Saturday, Dec. 14 and there is a one-ticket maximum per person. All shows begin at 8:30 p.m. and guests must be 21 years or older with a valid ID.
As part of its Area 51 Special Lecture Series, The National Atomic Testing Museum, located at 755 E. Flamingo Road, is presenting “UFOs AT THE UNITED NATIONS, THE SMITHSONIAN, AND IN THE MEDIA' , a lecture by LEE SPIEGEL, on Saturday, December 14 at 7 p.m. Spiegel has researched and reported on unexplained phenomena and paranormal events for decades. He is the only person in history to produce, in 1978, a milestone UFO presentation at the United Nations. In his lecture, Speigel will reveal how he used his 1975 documentary "UFOs: The Credibility Factor" to open doors at the United Nations and pathways to international UFO disclosure. Speigel will also be discussing the UFO debate held at the Smithsonian Institution in 1980, which featured the leading UFO proponents and skeptics in the country, and how the media often mishandles the subject of UFOs. The cost of the lecture is $20 for museum members, $30 for non-members. Prior to the lecture, there will be a meet and greet with Lee Spiegel at 6 p.m.
On Saturday, December 14th, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve TOYS FOR TOTS BENEFIT CONCERT, will once again take place at 7 p.m. inside the Showroom at the LVH. This year's event, sponsored for the fifth year by Cadillac of Las Vegas and produced again by Jonathan Scott and LJ Harness, will be hosted by entertainers Clint Holmes and his wife, Kelly Clinton-Holmes. Co-hosting the festivities will be Zowie Bowie's Chris Phillips and violinist, Lydia Ansel. This year's theme is "Las Vegas Loves The Beatles," and features the entertainers performing their favorite Beatles songs, as well as their favorite holiday songs. David Perrico returns as the Musical Director, along with his 12-piece band and featured singers, Naomi Mauro and Laura Shaffer. Scheduled performers are Pia Zadora, comedian Steve Rossi, actor Adrian Zmed, singers Ben Stone and Jasmine Trias, Jason and Janea Ebs, and Skye Dee Miles, Vince Neil of Motley Crue, Elvis tribute artist Trent Carlini, rocker Paul Shortino, Rob Garrett, Kent Foote, Sam Riddle, and Michelle Johnson and the Desert Angels Children's Choir. The celebrity red carpet will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the theater doors opening at 6 p.m.
The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community . Tickets to this benefit concert are $20, and can be purchased at the LVH Box Office, or by delivering a NEW UNWRAPPED toy (valued at $20 or more), to Cadillac of Las Vegas, 5185 W. Sahara. ALL of the proceeds raised from this benefit will go directly to the charity.
Glenfiddich and Brand Ambassador Mitch Bechard invites scotch enthusiasts to attend a year ending GLENFIDDICH REVEALED EVENT on Monday, December 16 at 6 p.m. at FIN inside The Mirage. Guests Joining the scotch tasting will be treated to cocktails and appetizers before settling in to learn about the single malt scotch whiskey and sample 12-year, 15-year and 18-year single malts. The event is FREE to all guests 21 and over (based on capacity). Spots can be reserved by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Comedian/impressionist SEAN E. COOPER, best known as the only male cast member in the Fantasy Show at Luxor Las Vegas, headlines THE COOP SHOW, a new 60-minute comedy show at Planet Hollywood. Cooper performs singing impersonations of his favorites such as James Brown, Sammy Davis, Jr., Biggie Smalls and Michael Jackson.The show also features dancers, a DJ, and a wide array of clothing and hats. Joining the show nightly is Penny Wiggins, aka Psychic Tanya, the assistant and zany foil to comedy magician The Amazing Johnathan.
GIMME SOME SUGAR BAKE SHOPPE, a sweet yet chic concept where one can take treats on the go or relax and pair delectable desserts with champagne, wine, beer and more, has opened, located just off of the I-215 at 19 S. Stephanie Street, Suite 150, Henderson. Select vegan and gluten free items are also available daily. The Bake Shoppe will also offer a selection of champagne, specialty wines and craft beers in addition to coffees, teas and sipping chocolate.
Keeping with the spirit of the holidays this year are the enchanting holiday store displays that can be found throughout THE FORUM SHOPS AT CAESARS PALACE. Agent Provocateur, Ann Taylor, BCBG Maxazria, Bettie Page, Boss Hugo Boss, Breitling Boutique, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, Cache, Coach, Diesel, DKNY, Donald J Pliner, DVF, Elie Tahari, Fresh, GAP, Guess, H&M, Hearts on Fire, Henri Bendel, Jimmy Choo, Juicy Couture, kate spade, Kiehl’s Since 1851, Louis Vuitton, Lucky Brand Jeans, MAC Cosmetics, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Montblanc, Pandora, Rolex, Scoop NYC, Skechers, Swarovski, Tadashi, Ted Baker London, The Walking Co., Tiffany & Co., Tommy Bahama, UGG, Versace, Vilebrequin and Zegna are among the retailers with holiday window displays that represent the season with unique flair and tradition.
CHATEAU NGHTCLUB & GARDENS inside Paris Las Vegas will take a break this holiday season as it shuts down Monday, Dec. 16 through Thursday, Dec. 26. The Strip-side hot spot will return Friday, Dec. 27.
Rock ‘n’ Roll into the new year during the DOWNTOWN COUNTDOWN NEW YEAR'S EVE 2014 CELEBRATION taking place Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. at Fremont Street Experience. This year the ultimate New Year’s Eve street party will feature headliners Papa Roach, Blues Traveler, Loverboy, Vince Neil and Adelitas Way in addition to special performances from local bands including Arena, The Blackjacks, Clockwork, Kid Hollywood and Monroy.
Admission to Downtown Countdownis $30 per person when purchased online by Dec. 26. Beginning Dec. 27 tickets will be $40 per person and can be purchased online, in-person at any of the Fremont Street Experience member hotel-casinos, or at the event gates. New Year’s Eve is the only night of the year when Fremont Street Experience has paid, ticketed admission. New Year’s Eve admission is restricted to persons 21 and over.
Celebrity Sightings:
Thursday, Dec. 5...
Grammy Award-winning recording artist Bruno Mars attended JERSEY BOYS at Paris Las Vegas. Following the performance, he went backstage to meet and take photos with cast members from the smash-hit production.
Bruno Mars with cast of JERSEY BOYS at Paris Las Vegas – Dec. 5, 2013
Photo credit: Courtesy of JERSEY BOYS Las Vegas
Friday evening, Dec. 6...
Ali Fedotowsky, E! News correspondent best known from “The Bachelorette,” and actresses Lacey Chabert and Amy Davidson were spotted enjoying dinner at LAVO Italian Restaurant with friends on a girls getaway weekend.. After dinner, the girls made their way to a VIP table on the dance floor at TAO Nightclub.
Ali Fedotowsky
Photo credit: Al Powers, Powers Imagery
Amy Davidson, Lacey Chabert and Ali Fedotowsky
Photo credit: Al Powers, Powers Imagery
Dhani Jones, former NFL linebacker, and seated a few tables away, Brian France, CEO and chairman of NASCAR, dined at La Cave Wine and Food Hideaway at Wynn Las Vegas after the NASCAR Awards, each with a group of friends.
Skateboard pro Ryan Sheckler was spotted partying with Of Mice & Men lead vocalist Austin Carlile at Crazy Horse III Gentlemen’s Club.
Sunday, Dec. 8...
Actress and poker phenomenon Jennifer Tilly was spotted enjoying a delightful mid-day feast at Social House at The Shops at Crystals. While in town for the “All In for Cerebral Palsy Celebrity Poker Tournament”. Tilly had a busy afternoon shopping where she was joined by the company of two of her close friends.
U. S. Men’s National Team soccer player and Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan, joined by several of his friends, stopped in for dinner at Social House inside The Shops at Crystals.
Country and pop singer LeAnn Rimes received an afternoon of pampering by a stylist from COLOR: A Salon by Michael Boychuck at her Las Vegas hotel room. Rimes was treated to a blow-out hairstyle before heading out to a rehearsal for the upcoming American Country Awards.
LeAnn Rimes shows off her look by COLOR: A Salon by Michael Boychuck
Photo credit: Alfredo Andreani
Monday, Dec. 9...
American country artist and TV personality, Kellie Pickler, dined at TREVI Italian Restaurant inside The Forum Shops at Caesars this afternoon with husband, Kyle Jacobs, and a couple of friends. Pickler was in town to perform at the American Country Awards on Tuesday night.
Blue Man Group Las Vegas made a special stop to see their holiday tree at Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest. While there, the famous trio visited with Opportunity Village’s staff members at their office headquarters and mingled with Magical Forest volunteers. Following, the three Blue Men strolled through the forest where they visited their very own interactive custom-designed holiday display, composed of more than 3,000 twinkling LED lights and 80 feet of the production’s iconic PVC piping.
Blue Man Group
Photo credit: Paul Smith/Las Vegas Photo and Video
Tuesday night, Dec. 10...
Country music trio Lady Antebellum, joined by friends and spouses, was spotted dining at LAVO Italian Restaurant after winning Artist of the Year for Duos/Groups and Single of the Year at the 2013 American Country Awards.
