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
Nevada Ballet Theatre Presents its Annual Future Dance “Go-Move-Dance!!!” Spring Concert
Wednesday night, May 20, 800 CCSD students from underserved communities across the valley danced and twirled across the stage at The Smith Center for Performing Arts for Nevada Ballet Theatre’s (NBT) annual Future Dance GO-MOVE-DANCE!!! Spring Concert. This year’s performance, “Vegas Does Broadway,” paid tribute to famous Broadway hits that have been performed at the world-class arts center. As the largest Future Dance GO-MOVE-DANCE!!! Spring Concert to date, hundreds of students filled the Reynolds Hall stage – while friends, family, NBT administrators, board members and sponsors showed their support for the aspiring dancers.
NBT Future Dance 2 May 20 Smith Center
Photo credit: Virginia Trudeau
NBT Future Dance May 20 The Smith Center
Photo credit: Virginia Trudeau
NBT Future Dance Sp Concert Finale May 20 Smith Center
Photo credit: Virginia Trudeau
Celebrating 23 years of Future Dance, 2015 marks the first time the program’s annual Spring Concert was presented on a professional stage, NBT’s performance home, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts.
An elementary school residency program that coincides with the school year, GO-MOVE-DANCE!!! offers students who live in underserved communities the opportunity to take part in free, in-school dance instruction where they are taught a variety of dance disciplines by NBT’s Future Dance Teaching Artists. Students enrolled in this dynamic after-school program showcase their accomplishments and garner live performance experience each May as part of a special end of the year Spring Concert.
Participating elementary school students hailed from the following CCSD schools: Brookman, C.V.T. Gilbert Magnet School, Lunt, McWilliams, Red Rock, Crestwood, Harvey Dondero, Harmon, Kit Carson, Paradise, Park, Lake, Tate, Rex Bell, 100 Academy of Excellence.
May Edition of Mondays Dark Benefits Keep Memory Alive
The May edition of MONDAYS DARK WITH MARK SHUNOCK, the 18th in a series of of the entertainment filled monthly fundraisers, took place on May 18 at Vinyl inside the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Mark Shunock
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The theme for the evening was Beach Party featuring the songs of summer, babes in bikinis, hunks in trunks and an amazing lineup of Las Vegas entertainers that donated their time and talent for a worthy cause. Performers included choreographer/dancer/star of SEXY, Jennifer Romas and two of her show's dancers, singers Adrian Zmed, Chadwick Johnson, Kellie Wright, Chris Hodgson, Robert Torti, Clint Holmes, Jersey Boys star Travis Cloer and other cast members, Ray Jon Narbaitz III, Tiffany and Brooke Engen, Paul Vann, Phillip Drennen and Jasen Allen Cropp. In addition, Scott Land, the lead puppeteer from the hilarious movie, Team America: World Peace, had the audience roaring with laughter with his dancing President Obama puppet and another “very naughty” (that's putting it mildly) male clown puppet.
Bette Narbaitz and Ray Jon Narbaitz
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Chadwick Johnson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Chris Hogdson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Clint Holmes
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jennifer Romas (center) with dancers from her show SEXXY
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jersey Boys cast members
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Kellie Wright
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Mark Shunock
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Paul Vann
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Philip Drennen and Jassen Allen Cropp (The Backup Boys)
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Robin Leach
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Scott Land
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tiffany and Brooke Engen, Adrian Zmed, Jared Dalley and Robert Torti
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Travis Cloer
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Entertainment journalist Robin Leach also participated by coming on stage to read real life, “missed connections". Proceeds from the evening's ticket and silent auction sales benefits KEEP MEMORY ALIVE, which supports the mission of Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in its fight to find a cure for Alzheimer Disease and other diseases of the brain. At the conclusion of the show, Dawn and Silvia from Keep Memory Alive appeared on stage to thank Mark and everyone for their support. The money raised at the event also helps to provide care for caregivers, those who physically care for those who do not know what is going on.
Dawn and Silvia thanked the audience for their support for Keep Memory Alive
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Next month's edition of Monday's Dark will be held on June 15 and will benefit the Orion Cancer Foundation. The theme for the evening will be “Motown”.
Murray’s Cheese Opens First Las Vegas location at Smith’s Food & Drug Stores
Murray’s Cheese, the nation’s “best loved cheese shop” has joined forced with Smith’s Food & Drug Stores to bring its delectable fare to Southern Nevada. The first Murray's Cheese shop in Las Vegas made its debut inside Smith’s at Windmill and Las Vegas Blvd. on May 19.
At Murray’s Cheese, Smith’s customers will have the choice of more than 175 types of specialty cheese products from all over the world, including classics like Double-Crème Brie, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Roquefort to new world originals like Tarentaise, Harbison, and Beecher’s Flagship Cheddar, plus national exclusives like Murray’s Estate Gouda and Sartori’s Bourbon Bellavitano. All cheese is cut fresh, with an emphasis on local sourcing. With a strong focus on cheese education, Murray’s highly trained ‘cheese-mongers’ will be on hand to assist customers in choosing the right products for their culinary needs.
Murray's Cheese
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Murray's Cheese
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Murray's Cheese samplings
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
“We hope Murray’s Cheese shops bring an irresistible opportunity for Smith’s customers to sample new cheeses and find the perfect cheese for their every occasion,” said Ranae Day, Smith’s Deli and Bakery Director.
Founded in 1940 by Murray Greenberg, Murray's Cheese has long been a fixture of New York's Greenwich Village. In 2008, Murray's entered into an agreement with Kroger, the nation’s largest retail grocery chain and parent company to Smith’s, to expand Kroger’s specialty cheese program. Murray’s Cheese shops can now be found in 30 states nationwide and continues to grow. With a focus on sourcing and selecting the best cheeses and specialty foods, and educating both staff and the public on great cheese, Murray’s is America’s first national specialty cheese brand.
The expansion of the Murray’s Cheese partnership with Smith’s follows the retailer’s recent opening of six Southern Nevada Smith’s stores, which were formerly Food 4 Less stores. Over the next five months, Murray’s Cheese shops will be installed in Smith’s stores located at 1000 N. Green Valley Pkwy in Henderson; 10100 W. Tropicana (at Hualapai) in Las Vegas; and 7130 N. Durango Dr. (at Elkhorn) in Las Vegas.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Two new tribute artist have joined the cast of LEGENDS IN CONCERT at Flamingo Las Vegas. Baritone-bass singer JOURDAN CARROLL made his debut in the show on Monday, May 11 with his tribute to Barry White, singing hits such as “Can’t Get Enough,” “Love Theme” and “My First, My Last.” Winner of the 2013 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist competition, DEAN Z will bring his “Jailhouse Rock” to the Legends in Concert stage beginning Monday, June 8, with other classics including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “If I Can Dream” and “Don’t Be Cruel.” The incoming legends will join current cast members Jason Jarrett as Michael Jackson, Chris VanDahl as Steven Tyler and Elisa Furr as Celine Dion. The longest-running tribute show in Las Vegas is currently offering significantly reduced tickets to anyone with valid Nevada ID through Tuesday, June 30. Based on the introductory ticket price from 1983, up to six tickets per ID can be purchased for $9.95 each, plus tax and service fees.
A very exciting (and lucrative) day for our local nonprofits is now complete! Within a 16-hour timespan on Wednesday, May 20, Bank of America hand-delivered 16 big checks to Southern Nevada nonprofits, with a focus on workforce development and education. The grants, totaling $200,000, were delivered by Bank of America's Las Vegas Market Manager, Dan Giraldo. Giraldo met with the nonprofits' leaders to discuss how they are helping locals prepare for, and ultimately secure, employment.
The recipient organizations included: Fulfillment Fund, The Shade Tree, Opportunity Village, Discovery Children's Museum, Communities in Schools of Nevada, Boys and Girls Club and Teach for America, Accion Nevada, Community Services of Nevada, Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow, Service Corps of Retired Executives, International Association for Working Mothers, Special Olympics Nevada, Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada, Clark County Summer Business Institute and Legal Aid Center.
Time to scream for complimentary ice cream during comedy magician ADAM LONDON'S LAUGHTERNOON at the D Las Vegas Casino Hotel. Paid audience members from May 22 through Labor Day weekend will scoop up a FREE CUP OF ANDERSON ICE CREAM as a nostalgic throwback to London’s job selling ice cream as a teen. Adam London’s Laughternoon is daily at 4 p.m. inside The Showroom at the D Las Vegas. Tickets start at $19.95.
Adam London
Photo courtesy of the D Las Vegas
Golfers and families from across the valley will come together for the 7th Annual We♥ MAGGIE (WE HEART MAGGIE) GOLF TOURNAMENT supporting the Children’s Heart Foundation. This family-friendly event wll be held on Saturday, May 23 at the Rio Secco Golf Club (2851 Grand Hills Drive, Henderson). To register as a golfer or virtual golfer, sponsor or donate, please visit www.weheartmaggie.com or call the Children’s Heart Foundation at 702-967-3522.
Featuring a silent auction, raffle, awards reception and afternoon events for kids, the We Heart Maggie Golf Tournament makes a difference in the lives of heart families throughout the Las Vegas valley by supporting such programs as Camp Mend-a-Heart, Smart Heart Scholarships, family outreach, research and of course, Maggie’s Garden which is a whimsical room full of toys, butterflies, flowers and a tall oak tree. Admittance to the hospital can be scary for a child, but Children’s Heart Foundation has a room full of toys to help ease that fear. Children about to undergo a cardiac procedure will be allowed to select something special from Maggie’s Garden to take with them. It is intended to provide a positive experience to heart children and families during particularly difficult times. It also serves as a way to introduce Children’s Heart Foundation to families early in their heart journey.
Registration and pre-event activities begin at 11:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. Children’s activities begin at 3:30 p.m. followed by a 6:30 p.m. awards reception and banquet hosted by Las Vegas radio and television personality, Chet Buchanan.
Fremont Street Experience’s ROCK OF VEGAS FREE CONCERT SERIES will kick-off the summer this Memorial Day weekend with the first concert Saturday, May 23 at 9 p.m. featuring KC AND THE SUNSHINE BAND performing on the 3rd Street Stage.
Harry Wayne Casey, KC for short, lead singer of KC and the Sunshine Band, will kick off the Rock of Vegas summer concert series at Fremont Street Experience on Saturday, May 23.
Photo credit: A. Streiber
MACHINES GUNS VEGAS, a premiere firearms facility that allows first-time shooters to advanced firearms enthusiasts to shoot full auto/machine guns on the Strip, is saluting veterans this Memorial Day, May 25, by hosting A SHOOTING BENEFIT AND PARKING LOT PARTY complete with a weenie roast with all proceeds benefitting Wishes For Warriors, a 100% non-profit organization dedicated to helping combat disabled veterans. With a live raffle including over $5,000 in prizes, the event is expected to draw hundreds of locals and firearm enthusiasts in Vegas.
On Memorial Day, the Wishes For Warriors supporters who choose to shoot will fire off a series of four firearms for precision and accuracy in an interactive event to support the veteran non-profit. The $160 event registration includes: M249 SAW Belt-fed machine gun (40 rounds), M4 (25 rounds), Shotgun (5 rounds), Beretta (10 rounds), Eye/ear protection, Targets, $5 food ticket and $5 raffle ticket.
A VIP package is also available for $1,000 and includes shooting with a Wishes For Warriors veteran along with an upgraded shooting package with the following firearms: Saw (40 RDS), 1919 (40 RDS), MP5 (25 RDS), AK47 (25 RDS), M4 (25 RDS), Full-auto Glock (20 RDS).
A raffle will also be held during the shoot-for-a-cause event for a chance to win experiences with event sponsors including Sky Combat Ace, Exotics Racing, Pole Position Raceway, and Sunbuggy Offroad Tour Company with all proceeds benefitting the Wishes For Warriors Foundation, while Machine Guns Vegas roasts up hotdogs for parking lot party guests.
BLUE MAN GROUP, the international entertainment phenomenon, is holding a national OPEN CALL FOR TALENTE PERFORMERS to portray Blue Men in its Orlando, Las Vegas, Boston and Chicago productions. Open call auditions will be held in Las Vegas on Wednesday, May 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Blue Man Group Theater inside Monte Carlo Resort and Casino.
Both male and female performers are encouraged to audition for Blue Man Group. Performers must be between 5'10" - 6'2" with an athletic build and must be willing to relocate. All training takes place in New York City. Other basic criteria for Blue Man auditioners include: Strong candidates frequently have backgrounds in physical theater and improvisation. They are compelling and genuine nonverbal storytellers. They must thrive in a constantly evolving team environment on and off stage. Drumming skills / musicianship are an advantage but a good sense of rhythm is necessary.
REMEDY'S, ELIXIR, AND DISTILL invite all Hamiltons, Eisenbergs, Hamms and Bergers to celebrate National Burger Day, on Thursday, May 28 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Lucky patrons with any variation of “ham” or “burger” in their legal name can feast for FREE on any one of the gourmet burgers at the following locations: Distill Summerlin – 10820 W. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas; Distill Southern Highlands – 4830 W. Pyle Ave. Las Vegas; Elixir – 2920 N. Green Valley Pkwy. Green Valley; Remedy’s St. Rose – 3265 St. Rose Pkwy. Henderson; Remedy’s – 530 Conestoga Way Henderson. Free burgers are only available on Thursday, May 28, 2014 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Dine in only and limit of one burger per qualifying customer. Tax and gratuity are not included.
Award-winning country band, THOMPSON SQUARE, will perform live at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, inside Access Showroom at Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa. Individual tickets to the performance will start at $38.50 and luxury booths are also available. Guests 18 and older.
Hello Summer at Inspirada celebrates the debut of Henderson’s new 20-acre AVENTURA PARK in the master-planned community starting with a 9 a.m. opening ceremony on Saturday, May 30. The FREE event includes food trucks, live music, sports and giveaways, as well as a watermelon eating contest, three-legged races and water balloon races. Activities will be in Aventura Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Henderson Mayor Andy Hafen, Councilwoman Debra March, UNLV Rebel Head Football Coach Tony Sanchez, representatives of the Inspirada Builders, the Henderson Symphony Orchestra and the Myron Heaton Chorale will be a part of the opening event at Aventura Park, 2525 S. Via Firenze in Henderson.
Aventura, the third City of Henderson park to open in Inspirada in the past nine months, includes two connected heated swimming pools, three multi-use playfields, two ball fields, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, kids’ water play area and a dog park. It was developed by Inspirada Builders LLC, designed by AndersonBaron Landscape Architecture and built by Martin-Harris Construction.
The Mario Batali Foundation (MBF) returns to Las Vegas for SWING SESSION LAS VEGAS CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC, hosted by actor and comedian Anthony Anderson and Tiger Woods’ former swing coach and one of the country’s most sought-after golf instructors, Hank Haney. The event includes pre and post parties taking place Friday, June 5th and Saturday, June 6th. Tickets are on sale now at mariobatalifoundation.splashthat.com and will grant access to all of the weekend’s events. Proceeds from these events will benefit the Mario Batali Foundation, whose mission is to ensure that children are well read, well fed and well cared for.
Friday, June 5th, MBF will kick off the weekend festivities with BURGERS IN THE BUNKER, a casual private party from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m on the spacious patio at B&B Burger & Beer inside The Venetian Hotel Resort Casino. On Saturday, June 6th, MBF brings its famed Swing Session Celebrity Golf Classic to Cascata located in Boulder City. Players will join celebrities and world-class chefs for an amazing day of gourmet food and golf, alongside MBF Founder and renowned chef Mario Batali, chef/owner of four award-winning restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip – B&B Burger & Beer, B&B Ristorante, Carnevino and OTTO. The event will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a golf clinic led by Hank Haney. A shotgun start will follow at 10:30 a.m. After the Swing Session Las Vegas Celebrity Golf Classic, the fun continues Saturday at 8 p.m. where guests can take part in the “19th Hole” at Carnevino Italian Steakhouse, inside The Palazzo Hotel. Guests will sample the restaurant’s brand of superior hand selected dry aged prime beef, paired with opulent Italian wines, all while mingling with celebrity chefs and TV personalities. Guests can also partake in a silent auction packed with unique goods and experiences, with proceeds going to help MBF and its local commitment to the children of Las Vegas.
Life Time Athletic Summerlin will host a glamorous afternoon for mothers and children with the ‘MOMMY AND ME FASHION SHOW’ from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, that include an array of appetizers and refreshments from the LifeCafe. Proceeds from the event will benefit Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas (ECF).The participating duos will receive hairstyles provided by LifeSpa + Salon located inside Life Time Athletic Summerlin. The event will be free for all children; pre-sale tickets for adults will be available for $40 per person, or at the door for $50 per person. Tickets are available by calling Life Time Athletic Summerlin at 702.228.2611 or by visiting the front desk inside the facility.
British rock band THE CULT and American hip-hop group PUBLIC ENEMY co-headline The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas on Saturday, June 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $45 (plus applicable service fees) and can be purchased at the Hard Rock Hotel box office.
Celebrity sightings:
Thursday night, May 21...
Brody Jenner and William Lifestyle kicked off Memorial Weekend early with a special Worship Thursday edition of their exclusive TAO One Night Stand residency. The duo, joined by Jenner’s mom Linda Thompson and his girlfriend Kaitlynn Carter, started the night with dinner at the Asian Bistro before heading up to the nightclub. During their set Jenner wowed his mom, who once dated Elvis Presley, with a cake presentation complete with a mini Elvis, in celebration of her birthday this coming Saturday.
Sunday night, May 17...
Comedian and YouTube sensation, Anthony Padilla was spotted at TAO Asian Bistro.
GRAMMY-award winning music artist Kanye West was seen dining at the modern Cantonese Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.
Later in the night, the “All Day” rapper also dined in the restaurant.
Grey’s Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo was spotted grabbing a bite to eat at Hakkasan’s bar following the Billboard Musc Awards show.
Saturday, May 16...
Pop sensation Joe Jonas stopped by the Hakkasan nightclub with a close group of friends for Hakkasan resident and Grammy Award-winning DJ Tiësto’s set.
Back to the Future actor Christopher Lloyd stopped by ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace. In town for the 30th anniversary of Back to the Future, Lloyd took in the 10 p.m. performance. Following the show, Lloyd met with The Gazillionaire, his assistant Joy Jenkins, the “Green Fairy” Melody Sweets and members of the ABSINTHE cast.
Christopher Lloyd
Photo credit: Joseph Sanders/Spiegelworld
Rapper Wiz Khalifa hosted the Official Billboard Music Awards Pre-Party at TAO. After dinner he made his way up to the nightclub where he thrilled a packed crowd with a 15 minute set.
Wiz Kalifa
Photo credit: Brenton Ho
Friday, May 15...
The evening before her big performance at Rock in Rio USA, English soul singer and songwriter Joss Stone, was spotted with a friend at Blue Man Group inside Monte Carlo Resort and Casino. The two went backstage after the performance for a private VIP meet-and-greet with cast members.
Joss Stone (right)
Photo courtesy of Blue Man Group
Oscar-winning singer/songwriter John Legend stopped into Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant at MGM Grand for an intimate evening. Taking his seat in the main dining room just after 9 p.m. he was joined by his wife, model Chrissy Teigen and a few close friends.
Shortly thereafter, British singer and global trendsetter Rita Ora was seen entering the modern Cantonese restaurant with a few friends around 10:30 p.m.
Scott Hoying and Mitch Grassi from the band Pentatonix and the YouTube sensations also known as Superfruit dined at LAVO.
Wiz Khalifa was spotted at TAO Nightclub. The rapper took in the sounds of DJ Eric DLux.
Thursday night, May 14...
Journey guitarist Neal Schon and former Real Housewife Michaele Salahi were spotted at Carmine’s in the Forum Shops at Caesars dining with family.
Also enjoying dinner at Carmine’s was NBA star Stephen Jackson, his girlfriend, and two friends.
Rock in Rio Founder Roberto Medina attended “FRANK – The Man. The Music.” at The Palazzo Las Vegas. The music impresario, who in 1980 brought Frank Sinatra to Brazil, where he performed the biggest concert of his career to 175,000 fans, met backstage with Bob Anderson and Vincent Falcone before the show. Falcone, who was Frank Sinatra’s musical director at the time of his performance in Brazil, reminisced about the famed concert at Maracanã Stadium and shared stories about Ol' Blue Eyes.
Bob Anderson and Roberto Medina
Photo credit: Joseph Donato, Cashman Photo
