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
Miss Nevada USA Organization Crowns 2016 Miss Nevada USA and 2016 Miss Nevada Teen USA
The 2016 Miss Nevada USA and Miss Nevada Teen USA pageant took Sunday night, November 22, at the Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus. Emelina Adams of Henderson was crowned Miss Nevada USA 2016 and Carissa Morrow of Seven Hills was crowned Miss Nevada Teen USA 2016, respectively.
Derek Stevens Shanna Moakler and Miss Nevada USA Contestants
Photo courtesy of The D Las Vegas
The two new beauty queens were crowned by the previous titleholders, Miss Nevada USA 2015 Brittany McGowan and Miss Nevada Teen USA 2015 Geovanna Hilton. The pageant featured more than 50 contestants who competed in swimsuit, evening gown and interview. In the end, Adams and Morrow were the judges’ picks.
Derek Stevens with Miss Fremont and Miss Downtown Las Vegas
Photo courtesy of The D Las Vegas
Miss Nevada USA Contestants with Manneken Pis
Photo courtesy of The D Las Vegas
Human Nature Performs Special Holiday Show, “Christmas, Motown, and More!”
Australian vocal sensations, Human Nature, who have become famous for their amazing vocal stylings and covers of Motown's greatest hits, held the opening night performance of their brand new 2015 holiday show, "Christmas, Motown, and More! on Nov. 21 at The Sands Showroom in The Venetian Las Vegas.
Human Nature
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Human Nature
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Back by popular demand, this year’s joyous, musical holiday celebration, which has a limited engagement, features festive and colorful stage decorations, a seven-piece band led by musical director Ronnie Foster and special guest star, Ruby Lewis, direct from her critically-acclaimed, show-stopping performance in “BAZ”and soon to be the star of Cirque’s Broadway show, Paramour.
Human Nature with Ruby Lewis
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Ruby Lewis
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Made up of brothers Andrew and Michael Tierney, and their childhood buddies and singing mates, Phil Burton and Toby Allen, Human Nature showcase's their magnificent harmonies in classic holiday songs from the group’s best-selling CD, The Christmas Album, including the opening number “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” sung in a capella. Other numbers include Let it Snow, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, Please Come Home for Christmas, Sleigh Ride, Silent Night, O Holy Night, and Winter Wonderland, as well as a taste of Motown in which the group deliver their fantastic renditions of chart toppers including Ain't No Mountain High Enough, You Can't Hurry Love, Stop In The Name of Love, Reach Out ( I'll Be There).
And while it is Winter in the states, its Summer in Australia and the boys from down, who have been performing as headliners in Las Vegas for seven years, pay tribute to their homeland with the charming and original “Christmas In Australia (on the sand)”.
Human Nature
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Filled with fantastic vocal stylings, holiday music, good clean fun and humor, Human Nature's Christmas Motown and More is a spectacular holiday production for the entire family to enjoy.
Human Nature: Christmas, Motown and More! with guest Ruby Lewis performs the Venetian's Sands Showroom through Dec. 22. All shows are at 7:00 p.m. except December 22 which is at 1:00 p.m., in the Sands Showroom at The Venetian Las Vegas. Tickets range from $49.00 to $125.00 + taxes and fees, with a special VIP ticket at $140.00 and can be purchased at any box office at The Venetian or The Palazzo.
Jeff Civillico's Win-Win Entertainment's Headliners Bash
Comedy juggler Jeff Civillico presented his non profit Win-Win Entertainment's 4th Annual Headliner's Bash, November 20th inside The Penn & Teller Theater at The Rio. The annual Headliners Bash brings together Las Vegas Strip headliners on one stage, for one evening, in support of Win-Win's programs and is a celebration of the philanthropy and volunteerism of the Las Vegas community.
Jeff Civillico
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The event began with a 7:00pm silent auction/cocktail reception. Back as host for the 9 pm show was Win-Win Entertainment Founder & Chairman, Jeff Civillico. Penn & Teller, didn't perform but arrived on stage at the beginning of the show to welcome and thank everyone for coming. They were followed by a line up of entertainers including Divas Las Vegas cast member, female Impersonator Derrick Barry, performing as Brittney Spears, Mat Franco, winner of America's Got Talent, who now headlines at The LINQ, Travis Cloer from the cast of Jersey Boys, Martin Kaye from the cast of Million Dollar Quartet, The Rat Pack is Back, comedian Matt Kazam, and Win-Win Entertainment's "Entertainers of the Year" The Australian Bee Gees, who are recognized for their outstanding service to the Las Vegas community in support of Win-Win programs. Musical accompaniment was provided by the Lon Bronson Band.
Penn & Teller
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The Lon Bronson Band
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Derrick Barry
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Martin Kaye
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Matt Kazam
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The Rat Pack Is Back
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Travis Cloer
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Matt Franco
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The Australian Bee Gees
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Also honored was Wayne Newton, who received Win Win Entertainment's Humanitarian Award. As a patriot and ardent supporter of U.S. military, and for his commitment to outstanding service to the USO for which he has performed for thousands of troupes around the world, Newton was recognized for epitomizing Win Win's “mantra” of love, service and give. Because he was filming a TV show in Nashville, and was not able to accept the award in person, Wayne appeared on video thanking Civillico and Win Win Entertainment. Accepting the award on his behalf was his publicist, Tricia McCone.
Auction Items
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Auction Items
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Auction Items
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Win-Win Entertainment is a Las Vegas non-profit dedicated to connecting great causes with great entertainment. Since 2011, Win-Win Entertainment has grown from arranging a dozen events for a handful of nonprofits, to serving 82 nonprofits in 2015. By the end of this year, Win-Win will have supported more than 220 charity shows, galas and appearances in support of other non-profit agencies throughout Southern Nevada, including; hospital visits, senior care facilities, programs serving the homeless, special needs initiatives, and USO performances for our servicemen and women.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
As part of their graduating class assignment, students from the University of Nevada, LAS VEGAS' CAPSTONE EVENT MANAGEMENT CLASS held a successful fundraising event on Wednesday, Dec 2,collecting more than $15,000 for medical flight charity, MIRACLE FLIGHTS.
Dubbed “Miracle on Maryland Parkway,” the event consisted of a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions and special appearance by famed dance troupe, Jabbawockeez. Featured foods were provided by Artsanal Foods Executive Chef Johnny Church, and bustling Spanish eatery, Firefly.
Located at the UNLV Richard Tam Alumni Center, guests were treated to exquisite auction items, such as diamond hoop earrings, a Mac Book Air, nightlife packages, spa certificates, restaurant vouchers and more.
Swag bags were provided by “on the go” wipes guru, Savvy Travelers, as well as an autographed book and merchandise from president and co-founder, Tina Aldatz. Savvy Travelers is currently donating 5% of all merchandise proceeds to Miracle Flights.
“Quite frankly, we were just blown away,” said Miracle Flights National CEO, Mark E. Brown. “We want to thank Professor Uglow and his class for working so hard to showcase their educational achievements while raising the money to help us expand our mission of flying kids across the country who are in desperate need of medical care.”
Famed chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger of Border Grill, Bank of America, NASCAR and Three Square Food Bank joined forces on Wednesday, December 2, to fight hunger in Southern Nevada.
The first-ever HUNGER COOK-OFF, coached by Chefs Milliken and Feniger, pitted Bank of America Nevada President, George W. Smith versus Three Square President and CEO, Brian Burton, against one another to see who can make the best-tasting guacamole (a fan-favorite at Border Grill). The showdown was preceded by a volunteer event, featuring more than 40 Bank of America employees sorting and packing food for local families in-need.
This event is the latest of Bank of America's efforts to raise awareness and take action on behalf of the approximately 305,000 people in Southern Nevada struggling with hunger. Through Dec. 31, Bank of America and Feeding America are working to support hunger relief through its "Give A Meal" campaign. For every dollar donated, via www.bankfamerica.com/give, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation will give $2 more.
Photo credit: Al Powers Imagery
Photo credit: Al Powers Imagery
Photo credit: Al Powers Imagery
On Wednesday, November 18, McCarran International Airport executives made a generous donation of holiday decorations to Las Vegas’ Favorite Charity, Opportunity Village. The donation included two 12-foot Christmas trees, seventeen 7-foot Christmas trees, two 3-foot wreaths, one 6-foot wreath and 35 bags of Christmas décor. “The Magical Forest continues to grow and expand year after year so this donation truly makes a difference to our organization and the thousands of visitors that attend each year,” said Linda Smith, Senior Executive Vice President at Opportunity Village. The holiday decorations will be used at Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest, a cherished southern Nevada tradition that began 24 years ago. The Magical Forest is open nightly through January 3 at Opportunity Village’s Main Campus located at 6300 W. Oakey Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89146. Tickets are available for purchase at http://www.MagicalForest.com or at the Magical Forest box office. All proceeds directly benefit the programs and services offered at Opportunity Village.
Trucks full of holiday decorations donated by McCarran International Airport arrive at Opportunity Village’s West Oakey Campus on Wednesday, November 18, 2015.
Photo courtesy of Opportunity Village
McCarran International Airport executives and Opportunity Village staff unload holiday decorations at Opportunity Village’s West Oakey Campus on Wednesday, November 18, 2015.
Photo courtesy of Opportunity Village
McCarran International Airport executives donated 19 Christmas trees to Opportunity Village and brought them to Opportunity Village’s West Oakey Campus on Wednesday, November 18, 2015.
Photo courtesy of Opportunity Village
Fremont Street Experience hosted a SLOTZILLA CHARITY CHALLENGE to benefit the American Heart Association in honor of the 2015 Heart & Stroke Walk and Run, on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 100% of SlotZilla revenue from flights on the lower Zipline ($20) or upper Zoomline ($40) went to the American Heart Association. Fremont Street Experience Director of Marketing, Thomas Bruny, presented the organization a check for $19,960 on Monday, Nov. 16. “We are thrilled that so many people came down and supported the American Heart Foundation by participating in the Heart Walk and then staying afterwards to fly on SlotZilla,” said Bruny. “We ended up setting the largest SlotZilla Charity Challenge record with $19,960 and all of that money will go to this terrific organization that is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke.”
Photo courtesy of The Fremont Street Experience
TONY SACCA, producer and host of “MERRY CHRISTMAS LAS VEGAS” will feature a series of six holiday programs derived from his past 30 years of holiday specials. Shows will air weekly for six weeks starting Nov. 27. Broadcast times and stations are: 11 p.m. – Friday nights on Prism channel. 10 p.m. – Saturday nights on Prism channel and 2 a.m. – Saturday nights on the CW cable 6, Direct TV channel. The show will also broadcast in Laughlin, Pahrump and Lake Havasu.
“Merry Christmas Las Vegas” features some of Las Vegas’ finest entertainers and headliners performing in the holiday spirit, such as: singers Charo, Gladys Knight, Wayne Newton, Cook E. Jarr, Clint Holmes, Sonny Turner, Lena Prima, Denise Clemente; magician Lance Burton; impressionists Gordie Brown and Rich Little; ventriloquist Ronn Lucas; flamenco guitarist Esteban and daughter Teresa Joy; musicals “The Rat Pack is Back” and “Nunsense;” and so many more with musical accompaniment by the Michael T Orchestra.
Beginning Sunday, Nov. 29th and every Sunday thereafter, ROB GARRETT & the K.O.D. BAND will be appearing 7:30 p.m. at the Tommy Wind Theater on the Las Vegas Strip across from the Monte Carlo Hotel/Casino.
TERRY FATOR: THE VOICE OF ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS A VERY TERRY CHRISTMAS, a holiday-themed performance by Terry Fator and his amazing cast. Showtimes are 7:30 pm Monday November 30 through Thursday, Dec. 24 and select Saturday shows , December 5 and 12. A Very Terry Christmas is an annual tradition in the style of the great family television specials of the past, while mixing in the perfect amount of Las Vegas. Fator and cast will celebrate the holidays with comedy, singing, celebrity impersonations and ventriloquism, featuring classics including “Winter Wonderland” and “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” plus the audience will learn all about “Juana,” a new holiday guaranteed to make them laugh.Tickets for Terry Fator: The VOICE of Entertainment presents A Very Terry Christmas start at $59.99, plus applicable taxes and fees.
Bringing a Company holiday tradition to southern Nevada for the first time, Boyd Gaming announced it will be awarding a total of $25,000 this December to local nonprofit organizations in TREES OF HOPE. Originating eight years ago at Boyd Gaming’s Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel in Vinton, La., Trees of Hope is a nationwide tree-decorating competition benefiting nonprofit organizations in the communities served by Boyd Gaming. This December, Boyd Gaming properties across the nation will participate in the 2015 Trees of Hope, awarding tens of thousands of dollars to nonprofits across the country. Southern Nevada will be Boyd Gaming’s single largest Trees of Hope competition, with more than two dozen charities decorating trees at the California, Gold Coast, Orleans, Sam’s Town and Suncoast. From December 1 to 21, members of the public are invited to visit each participating property and vote for their favorites. Each Las Vegas Valley property will award a $5,000 prize pool to participating charities, including a first-place prize of $2,000. Winners will be decided by public vote at each property, with an assist by special guest judge Bill Boyd, Executive Chairman of Boyd Gaming. Voting opens at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, December 1, and will remain open through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, December 21. Customers must have an active B Connected account to cast a vote. B Connected membership is completely free and available to persons 21 years of age or older. For more details, see the B Connected desk at participating properties.
Boyd Gaming Corporation announced a MULTI MILLION DOLLAR REDESIGN AND RENOVATION of the CALIFORNIA HOTEL & CASINO giving an entirely new look and feel to one of Downtown Las Vegas’s most popular gaming destinations. The update of the California’s public areas follows the January 2015 opening of the California Noodle House, a distinctive, modern restaurant with an eclectic Asian menu. When complete in early 2016, almost every public area in the property, including the valet and porte cochère, guest registration and casino floor, will have been refreshed and re-energized, inspired by modern Hawaiian colonial design. Distinctive elements include bright, brilliant metallic finishes, luxe textures like alpine white granite, and a dark, rich wood finish to accent molding throughout the casino. The public area project will be followed in 2016 by a complete redesign and upgrade of nearly 500 hotel rooms and suites, as well as additional food and beverage projects.
The Department of Fine Arts at CSN presents the JAZZ COMBO CONCERT in an afternoon of classic and contemporary jazz selections directed by Matt Taylor and Kevin Stout on Sunday, December 6 at 2:00 p.m. at the BackStage Theatre at the Cheyenne campus. General admission tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. The event is presented by the CSN’s Fine Arts Department. The CSN Performing Arts Center is located at 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave. in North Las Vegas.
Due to illness, MERLE HAGGARD's scheduled performances at Golden Nugget Las Vegas on Monday, Dec. 7 and Tuesday, Dec. 8 have been CANCELLED. Refunds will be made available at points of purchase.
TANYA TUCKER will add a performance on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at the Golden Nugget en lieu of the canceled shows. Those with tickets to canceled performances will have the option of exchanging their tickets for the newly added show at The Grand Event Center.
Award winning singer, TARRALYN RAMSEY, who was the first contestant on “The Voice” will début her holiday musical show “CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR”, a perfect blend of singing, dancers, live music and just plain fun, to the The Tommy Wind Theatre on The Strip. The show will begin on December 8th and run through December 30th (dark Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve). The Tarralyn Ramsey “Christmas Spectacular” is a family friendly holiday show appropriate for all ages, young and “seasoned”. The 4 p.m. show will run Tuesdays through Saturdays. Ticket prices are $50 VIP, $40 GA, ages 7-17 $20 and six and under free plus taxes and a $5 fee. The Tommy Wind Theater is located one block north of the MGM Grand and across from the Monte Carlo with lots of convenient parking behind the theater.
The College of Southern Nevada Fine Arts Gallery will present its annual JURIED STUDENT EXHIBITION beginning Friday, December 11, 2015 and will run through Wednesday December 30, 2015.A reception with refreshments, awards ceremony, gallery talk, and Salon de Refusés will take place on Friday, December 11, from 6 - 8 p.m. This exhibition will feature student artwork made in connection with CSN Fine Arts Department, Art and Art History courses with media including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, jewelry and design.
This year’s exhibition will feature guest judge Jerry Schefcik, Director of Galleries at UNLV. In addition to his responsibilities at UNLV, he currently serves as Commissioner for the City of Las Vegas Arts Commission and Board Member for the Nevada Arts Commission. A central figure within the ever-growing Las Vegas art scene, Schefcik demonstrates his dedication to the past, present and future art endeavors of this city by contributing much of his time as an advisor, juror, and mentor to numerous arts organizations in Las Vegas and the Western Region.
The CSN Fine Arts Gallery is FREE and open to the public. Gallery hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The Performing Arts Center/Fine Arts Gallery is located at the half circle drive near the Cheyenne campus main entrance, 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave., one mile east of I-15 North.
THE CHARLIE DANIELS BAND brings its unique blend of country, southern rock and Christian music to The Orleans Showroom, Dec. 11-12. Showtime is 7 p.m. each night. Tickets start from $29.95 plus tax and fees, and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming Box Office.
The Bootlegger Bistro (7700 Las Vegas Blvd. on the South end of the Strip) is planning a "CELEBRATION OF SINATRA" on Saturday, December 12th at 8pm featuring Lorraine Hunt-Bono & friends with George Bugatti on keyboards. The show will be dedicated to the music of Frank Sinatra from the 1940's-1980's with guest vocalists singing their interpretations of Frank Sinatra's greatest hits.
The 7th annual CADILLAC OF LAS VEGAS U.S. MARINE CORPS TOYS FOR TOTS CELEBRITY BENEFIT SHOW, which raises more than $200,000 annually for area children, will take place on Friday, December 18 at 7:30 p.m. inside The Orleans Showroom, 4500 W Tropicana Ave. The show will star David Perrico Pop Strings Orchestra as the featured act and house band. Joining Perrico’s group will be Las Vegas headliners, celebrities, and performers: Rob Garrett, LJ Harness, Chadwick Johnson, John Katsilometes, Lora Kelsey, Anne Martinez, Robert Nash, Naomi Mauro, Laura Shaffer, Justin Shandor, These Guys, Art Vargas, Maren Wade, Bobby Wilson, and Zowie Bowie. Musical selections from the star-studded extravaganza will include hits by Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Jersey Boys,Madonna, Michael Jackson Justin Timberlake, U2, The Temptations, Neil Diamond, Johnny Mathis, Elvis Presley, plus special comedy and holiday Christmas favorites, and a surprise celebrity Santa. The show is produced by LJ Harness & David Perrico, who is also serving as Music Director. Admission is $20. Supporters may drop off a donation of new unwrapped toys worth $20, or greater value, at Cadillac of Las Vegas located at 5185 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, in exchange for a free ticket to the performance.
Celebrity sightings:
Friday, December 4...
International superstar Tom Cruise was spotted at his first-ever Las Vegas nightclub experience with movie director, producer and screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie at XS Nightclub, the award-winning venue at Wynn Las Vegas. The two arrived following the NASCAR Spirit Cup Awards Ceremony at the resort where Cruise honored racing legend Jeff Gordon.
While at XS, Cruise enjoyed a performance by Nick Hissom.
Tom Cruise and Nick Hissom at XS Nightclubs at Wynn Las Vegas
Photo courtesy of Wynn/XS
Thursday night, December 3...
Professional dancer Cheryl Burke was spotted at LAVO Italian Restaurant enjoying dinner with a friend.
Wednesday, December 2...
In the afternoon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. visited The Cromwell to unveil the 2016 No. 88 Axalta Chevrolet SS car he will be racing in 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup events next season. The car will be on display for fans to see and take photos with at The Cromwell through tomorrow, Dec. 3, at 5 p.m.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Photo courtesy of The Cromwell
At night, NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick was spotted at Carmine’s at The Forum Shops at Caesars enjoying dinner with friends.
Monday, November 30...
In the afternoon, legendary country artist Reba McEntire was spotted at Carmine’s at The Forum Shops at Caesars enjoying lunch with her family and friends. T
American supermodel and actress Kate Upton was spotted at Lily Bar & Lounge inside the Bellagio Resort & Casino.
Saturday, November 28...
In the afternoon, Jaleel White, best known for his role as Steve Urkel on "Family Matters”, was spotted at LAVO Casino Club with his girlfriend and a group of friends.
Later that night actress Jess Weixler held her bachelorette party at TAO Nightclub with 13 girls that included Academy Award nominated actress Jessica Chastain.
Saturday, Nov. 21...
Action sports superstar Travis Pastrana, in Las Vegas for the final leg of the Nitro Circus tour, stopped by Vegas Indoor Skydiving on to test out his wings.
Travis Pastrana
Photo courtesy of Vegas Indoor Skydiving
Travis Pastrana
Photo courtesy of Vegas Indoor Skydiving
Contestants from the Miss Nevada USA competition (that took place Sunday, November 22) stopped by pageant sponsor, the D Las Vegas. Producer Shanna Moakler and the contestants were greeted by the D’s Owner, Derek Stevens. The lovely ladies also took a few minutes to pose with the hotel and casino’s newest attraction, a larger-than-life replica of Belgium’s Manneken Pis.
