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
Human Nature Celebrates 1000th show in Las Vegas
Human Nature, the #1 vocal group in Australia, celebrated their 1,000th performance in Las Vegas inside the Sands Showroom at the Venetian on Saturday evening, April 12.
Human Nature
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Having given them a rave review when I first saw them perform, and after being in the audience at their 1000th show, I repeat, the group, comprised of four young white guys; lead singer Andrew, his younger brother Mike and best friends since childhood, Phil and Toby, are incredibly talented performers who delight audiences with their outstanding renditions of Motown's greatest hits from groups such as The Temptation, Four Tops, The Marvelettes, The Jackson Five and more, that include their own unique brand of flawless vocal harmonies as well as fabulously choreographed and beautifully synchronized, dance moves. Trust me when I say these guys are the whole package. Since Motown legend Smokey Robinson heard their amazing vocals and brought these talented Aussies to Las Vegas just a few years ago, positive word of mouth has consistently drawn both local and international audiences to their sensational, high energy show.
As a special treat and to help celebrate the milestone, mentor, good friend, and show presenter Smokey Robinson came on stage and joined the group in singing one of his biggest hits, The Tracks of My Tears. Later, John Caparella, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Venetian, The Palazzo & Sands Expo, made his way to the stage offering his congratulations to Human Nature for their 1,000th show, saying that he “encourages them to stay for another 1,000 shows.” In addition, a celebratory cake created by Carlo’s Bakery (which recently opened inside Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian/Palazzo) that depicts Human Nature performing on the Sands Showroom stage with Smokey Robinson, was presented to the group.
Human Nature with Smokey Robinson and John Caparella
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Without a doubt, Human Nature is one of the best shows in Las Vegas. If you are a fan of Motown (and who isn't) Smokey Robinson presents Human Nature: The Motown Show” is a “must see”. I can almost guarantee the foursome will have you up in your seat and singing along to their phenomenal renditions of some the best music ever.
Smokey Robinson Presents Human Nature: The Motown Show performs nightly at The Sands Showroom inside The Venetian Las Vegas Monday – Friday (dark Saturday and Sunday) at 7p.m.
Park on Fremont Celebrated One Year Anniversary
Park on Fremont, located in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas, celebrated its “first birthday” Wednesday night, April 9 with a one-year anniversary party. The eclectically chic gastropub celebrated with a packed house of Downtown Las Vegas business owners, industry executives and loyal patrons.
Park on Fremont
Photo credit: Joe Torrance
Park on Fremont back patio
Photo credit: Joe Torrance
Local musicians Matt Matelko and The Jeremy Cornwell Project performed on the back patio. Guests sipped on Mumm champagne, Chain Breaker IPA, and Park on Fremont’s signature cocktails The Unicorn, Pillow Talk, and Red Sangria. Servers passed a variety of appetizers, including Mac & Cheese Balls, Chicken Wings, and Deep Fried Oreos and Girl Scout Cookies.
Matt Matelko
Photo credit: Joe Torrance
Server with signature cocktails
Photo credit: Joe Torrance
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
SIERRA GOLD TAVERNS recently unveiled new menu items at all four Sierra Gold locations in the valley: 6515 S. Jones Rd., 6929 Aliante Parkway, 2400 N. Buffalo Dr. and 1341 W. Warm Springs Rd. in Henderson.
“Our culinary team at Sierra Gold has created a number of cutting edge and sophisticated new offerings including an expanded slider menu, sandwiches and a variety of healthy salads and bowls,” said Joseph Romano, Vice President of Operations for PT’s Entertainment Group. “Now our guests can enjoy even more choices when dining and playing with us.”
The expanded slider choices include Pastrami Reuben Sliders, beef sliders with pastrami, Swiss cheese, coleslaw and thousand island on a pretzel bun; Chili Cheese Sliders, Green Chile Sliders and Roast Beef Sliders.
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Already known for their hearty burgers and sandwiches, the taverns now offers The Big Boy Burger, an all-beef patty topped with fried mozzarella, bacon, thousand island, cheddar cheese, Gold Fever chicken fingers, cheese sauce and a fried egg, or try one of two new Sierra Gold Signature Items: The New Yorker, featuring three varieties of meat and cheese, coleslaw and thousand island on marbled rye; or The Kendrick, which includes oven roasted turkey and beef, bacon, and all the extras on sourdough.
Those looking for lighter fare can try one of the fresh new salads or rice bowls including a zesty Taco Salad; a Greek Salad with lemon vinaigrette; or a healthy Grilled Chicken Quinoa Salad with quinoa, arugula, chicken breast, tomatoes, cucumbers, roasted red peppers, crisp fried onions, red onions, avocado, candied walnuts and raspberry walnut vinaigrette. The rice bowls include fresh vegetables and a choice of Thai Curry Shrimp, Fajita chicken or steak, or Chicken Teriyaki.
America First Credit Union donated 34 hams to students of Gibson Middle School during the ANNUAL BUNNY RUN on Thursday, April 10. For most families, the donated ham is the only Easter dinner item they will have. The financial institution also provided cupcakes and water for the 300 people who attended the National Junior Honor Society Induction that same evening. In addition, America First provided 6,500 snacks to Gibson Middle School for the upcoming Criterion Referenced Test (CRT) students will partake in following the spring break week.
Melissa Fama-Flis, marketing coordinator for America First Credit Union, stands with Gibson Middle School students during the Annual Bunny Run on Thursday, April 10.
After marking his 10-year anniversary at Flamingo Las Vegas last month, comedian GEORGE WALLACE has announced he will be ending his run of his highly popular “Best 10 PM” show in Las Vegas. His final show will be April 26, 2014 with one remaining week after he returns from a Pentagon assignment overseas entertaining the troops the week of April 15 – 19. His final performance dates will be April 10 – 12 and 22 – 26.
In honor of Leonardo da Vinci’s 562nd birthday, April 15, DA VINCI THE EXHIBITION IN IMAGINE EXHIBITIONS GALLERY AT THE VENETIAN LAS VEGAS is offering $5 off admission and a buy-one-get-one photo booth picture to guests who mention the code “Happy birthday, Leonardo!” at the box office. The “Happy birthday, Leonardo!” promotion will run April 15 – April 29, 2014. Da Vinci The Exhibition’s operating hours are Sunday through Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., last ticket sold at 6 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., last ticket sold at 8 p.m.
Entertainer PETER PAVONE performs his music, comedy and impressions, Wednesdays 8-midnight, Thursdays 6-10 p.m. at The Parlour Bar & Lounge in the El Cortez. Admission is FREE. Guests must be 21 and older.
Peter Pavone
Multi-talented impersonator JEFF TRACTA will perform his explosively funny, cutting edge multi-media show "A JOURNEY THOUGH POP CULTURE” at the LVH Theatre at the Las Vegas Hotel and Casino on April 24. A portion of every ticket sold will go directly to ST. JUDE'S RANCH FOR CHLDREN, a non-profit organization that transforms the lives of abused, neglected and homeless children and young adults in Southern Nevada.The organization will have a table at the venue before and after the show to share information about the multiple-facilities, the organization's history and its programs. Tracta is sharing the one night only musical and comedy extravaganza with five piece country a cappella powerhouse Home Free, winners of Season 4 of NBC's "The Sing-Off” who just released their major label debut Crazy Life.Tickets are on sale now and priced between $49-100 plus tax and service charge. Premium seats ($100 tickets) include a VIP meet and greet with a CD giveaway. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office or over the phone at (800) 222-5361.
The UNLV Performing Arts Center welcomes Grammy-nominated, American contemporary jazz band THE RIPPINGTONS FEATURING RUSS FREEMAN at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 26. Tickets to The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman are $25, $40, $55, and $75 and can be purchased at the Performing Arts Center Box Office. A $1.50 facilities fee in addition to the ticket price, is charged on all Performing Arts Center tickets.
Making her first-ever public recital in Las Vegas, one of the most beloved and celebrated musical ambassadors of our time, soprano RENEE FLEMING will perform a diverse program of beloved songs and arias ranging from grand opera favorites to Broadway and The Great American Songbook, 7:30 p.m.Thursday, May 1 in Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center. Tickets start at $39 and are on sale now at The Smith Center Box Office, located at 361 Symphony Park Avenue.
The Nevada Conservatory Theatre at UNLV presents the classic musical “GREASE,” May 1-11 in the Judy Bayley Theatre. Show times are at 8 p.m. on May 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 & 10, with matinees at 2 p.m. on May 3, 4, 10, & 11, in the Judy Bayley Theatre. Tickets are $20-30, and 10 percent off for children under age 18.
The Orleans Arena hosts THE ENDUROCROSS SERIES Friday, May 2. The off-road motorcycle race is held entirely indoors, taking riders across a track filled with obstacles including rocks, boulders, logs, sand, mud, giant tires and a water hole.
EnduroCross Founder Eric Peronnard will be in attendance, along with local riders competing against some of the best riders in the world including Series Champion Taddy Blazusiak, X-Games Gold Medalist Mike Brown and female Series Champion and X-Games Medalist Chantelle Bykerk. Tarah Gieger, an athlete featured on the cover of ESPN Magazine’s “Body Issue,” will also participate. Spectator admission ranges from $37 to $47, based on seating level.
SNOOP DOGG AKA DJ SNOOPADELIC has signed an exclusive six date DJ and performance residency at TAO beginning on May 3. The venue will transform into The Snoopadelic Cabaret, a roaring twenties themed night brought to life by the one and only Snoop Dogg as the Master of Ceremonies. Snoop Dogg will headline each night with a special curated DJ set, along with a live performance of some hit songs. Throughout the night, guests will be treated to exclusive specialty acts and dance performances. This unique affair will mark the first residency for a hip hop artist in Las Vegas designed around an audio, visual and performance production that will create the all-encompassing guest experience that is the hallmark of TAO Group.
Following another incredibly-successful run on the famed Las Vegas Strip, Grammy Award-winning musician and acclaimed actor MEAT LOAF will return to the ROCKTELLZ & COCKTAILS stage at the PH Showroom inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino for 21 performance dates, beginning Tuesday, May 6. RockTellz & CockTails Presents Meat Loaf will be performed every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from Tuesday, May 6 through Saturday, June 21. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $69, $89, $109 and $149 plus tax and applicable fees. An exclusive meet and greet package, including a VIP ticket, signed Meat Loaf signature red scarf and souvenir photo, is available for $750 plus tax and applicable fees. RockTellz & CockTails Presents Meat Loaf is an all-ages show.
Multitalented entertainer BEN VEREEN will bring his one-man show to the Suncoast Showroom May 17 and 18. Showtime each evening is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from $15.95, plus tax and fees.
The GOODIE TWO SHOES FOUNDATION'S 6TH ANNUAL EVENING OF HEART N' SOLE will take place on Saturday, May 17 at the M Resort starting at 5 p.m. Goodie Two Shoes Foundation will be honoring their Patron of the Year, 6pm.com, for outstanding support to the organization during the 2013/2014 school year. This fashionably casual, poolside event will feature rock band The Limit, in addition to plenty of libations, eats and treats, plus silent and live auctions with fantastic “great escape” packages and prizes. Tickets start at $150 per person with tables available to purchase at http://www.goodietwoshoes.org/pages/events/heart-n-sole-event.php The Goodie Two Shoes Foundation,is a 501c3 charitable organization that provides disadvantaged children and children in crisis with new shoes and socks as well as other items deemed essential for good health and positive development.
Celebrity Sightings:
Saturday, April 12...
In the afternoon, Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas and fellow teammate Duke Ihenacho were spotted at TAO Beach. The two were joined by San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews enjoying Justin Credible setting the soundtrack.
Saturday evening, actress and model Pamela Anderson dined at LAVO Italian Restaurant.
Actor John Stamos treated his mom, Loretta Phillips, to an elaborate 75th birthday celebration on the Las Vegas Strip, culminating with a champagne toast at the owner's table at FIZZ, the lavish new champagne lounge at Caesars Palace.
Stamos and the birthday group headed over to FIZZ after going to see Sir Elton’s John’s show, “The Million Dollar Piano,” at The Colosseum.
Also seen at FIZZ was actor and Chris O’Donnell, who enjoyed champagne cocktails after watching “The Million Dollar Piano.” Before heading out for the evening, O’Donnell stopped by the second-story owner’s table to greet Stamos and wish his mother a happy birthday.
“Baywatch” star Jeremy Jackson was also spotted at the luxurious hotspot.