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
Douglas 'Lefty' Leferovich Honored with “Merlin Award” from International Magicians Society
Douglas 'Lefty' Leferovich, the silent, but lovable, comical sidekick in Celebrity Magician Murray's show staged in Sin City Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, was recently treated to a wonderful surprise during the 4 p.m. performance on March 7. Tony Hassini, President of the International Magicians Society came on stage to present Douglas 'Lefty' Leferovich the Merlin Award for Best Sleight of Hand 2016. Anyone who has attended Murray's family friendly comedy magic show has been blown away by Lefty's talent as a master card trickster who has perfected his craft and stands out as the top in his field.
Douglas "Lefty" Leferovich
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Murray Sawchuck, Tony Hassini, Douglas "Lefty" Leferocich, and April Leopardi
Photo courtesy of Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
The Merlin Award is to magic what the Oscar is to the movies, what the Emmy is for television, and what the Tony is for theater. Some of the past winners of the prestigious award are David Copperfield, Siegfried & Roy, Penn & Teller and Murray. The Merlin Award is presented to those magicians who have achieved the highest level in their craft, both on the national and international stage. The criteria that the voting members consider are talent, showmanship, originality, skills, and above all the rare ability to entertain under any conditions. The International Magicians Society (IMS) is the world's largest magic society as recorded in the Guinness Book or World Records.
Murray Sawchuck and Douglas "Lefty" Leferovich
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Lefty states, "For the past ten years I have spent a lot of time working behind the scenes on shows up and down the Las Vegas Strip. My job titles have included creative director, lighting designer, technical director, set designer, and casting director. I have also been hired by some of Las Vegas' most well know magicians to consult on their live shows, as well as, for various television appearances. This award for World's Best Sleight of Hand Artist 2016, is special to me as it acknowledges me on stage in the spotlight, doing what I love to do. Having done magic since I was 4 years old, this award shows that hard work, dedication and still practicing everyday, will be rewarded by your peers."
He then added, "I can't think of many other headliners in Las Vegas that would share their stage with another performer, and give them the opportunity to feature their talents center stage. For the past 5 years I have been very fortunate to be the featured guest act in the MURRAY: Celebrity Magician show. Not only have I been able to showcase my manipulation skill and pure sleight of hand with the audience, but Murray has helped me craft and hone my Lefty character, really making it into a known brand in the Las Vegas entertainment community. For all Murray has done for my career on stage in Las Vegas, I am very thankful."
Mac King¹s Magical Literacy Tour Book Drive Raises Over 3,500 Books to Donate to Four At-Risk Elementary Schools
Harrah’s Las Vegas Headliner and Comedy-Magician Mac King made a special visit to four local at-risk elementary schools as part of Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour: Nevada Reading Week 2016. King held assemblies at each school, reading short stories to the students, performing tricks from his show and discussing the importance of reading. During his scheduled visits, King hand-delivered books collected from book drives held throughout the month of February at Savers of Las Vegas, Harrah’s Las Vegas, Rio All-Suite Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Egg Works, The Egg & I, The Las Vegas Museum of Natural History and Darling Tennis Center. Book donations were distributed to the students that attend the local elementary schools selected by The Public Education Foundation. “To everyone who supported the Mac King Magical Literacy Tour 2016, I’d like to give a mighty big thanks,” said King. “With the community’s support this year, we put more than 3,500 books straight into the hands of kids in at-risk schools in Las Vegas during Nevada Reading Week. I greatly enjoyed sharing my love of reading with my new pals and their enthusiasm was priceless. I look forward to continuing my Magical Literacy Tour in 2017 and want to encourage students all across the valley to Read More Books!” Mac King has been a long-time supporter of childhood literacy. For years, King has visited Las Vegas elementary schools to highlight the importance of literacy to students. In 2011, King launched Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour, a citywide literacy program to encourage reading for Las Vegas school children. Since then, Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour has collected more than 25,000 books for local elementary school students.
Mac King reading an excerpt from Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar to the students at Sunrise Acres Elementary School during Nevada Reading Week on March 2, 2016. Each student at the school received their very own book to take home courtesy of Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour.
Mac King getting the students at Gene Ward Elementary excited about reading during Nevada Reading Week on March 3, 2016. Each student at the school received their very own book to take home courtesy of Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour.
Stops on Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour 2016 Tuesday, March 1, 2016 – Cyril Wengert Elementary School Wednesday, March 2, 2016 – Sunrise Acres Elementary School Thursday, March 3, 2016 – Gene Ward Elementary School Friday, March 4, 2016 – West Prep Elementary School
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Nonprofit EASTER SEALS NEVADA, serving 8,400 people with disabilities and their families each year, accepted a $14,316 DONATION FROM WHOLE FOODS MARKET last week. The funds were raised during a "5% Day" fundraiser hosted at Clark County Whole Foods Market stores in February, during which all four stores donated 5 percent of the day's total net revenues to the nonprofit. The event's proceeds will largely benefit Easter Seals Nevada's autism services, including early childhood intervention, occupational/sensory integration therapy, physical therapy and more.
MGM GRAND will be featured in the final two episodes of Bravo’s TOP CHEF, SEASON 13, Thursday, March 10 and Thursday, March 17 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
The episodes will include:
• MGM Grand’s luxurious SKYLOFTS, where the cast was hosted and treated to a variety of VIP experiences;
• A quickfire challenge in MGM Grand Garden Arena - a venue that’s held countless iconic showdowns;
• Elimination challenges onstage in David Copperfield Theater and in Top Chef host Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak restaurant;
• A final judges table at the world-class Hakkasan Las Vegas nightclub where the season’s winner will be announced in true Las Vegas fashion;
• A number of celebrities in the star-studded episodes including renowned illusionist David Copperfield;
• World-renowned chefs as finale judges such as Jean-Georges Vongerichten of Prime Steakhouse at Bellagio and Jean Georges Steakhouse at ARIA, Charlie Palmer of Aureole at Mandalay Bay and Charlie Palmer Steak at Four Seasons Las Vegas and Julian Serrano of Picasso at Bellagio and Julian Serrano Tapas at ARIA; and Top Chef Masters alum Emeril Lagasse of Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House at MGM Grand and Rick Moonen of RM Seafood and Rx Boiler Room at Mandalay Bay.
FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE invites college basketball fans to dribble down to the 7TH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN HOOPSTOWN taking place March 8 through April 4. The four blocks underneath the Viva Vision canopy will be lined with college banners and flags as Fremont Street Experience transforms into the ultimate college basketball destination with special events that are sure to be a slam dunk including: nightly entertainment from the stage production show Hardwood Hotties featuring American Idol Season 6 Finalist Haley Scarnato, an interactive High Hoops Zone, the world’s largest NCAA bracket and a special basketball-themed show displayed on the 1,500 ft. Viva Vision canopy.
Downtown Summerlin®, in partnership with St. Jude's Research Hospital will unveil its 2016 “CELEBRATION OF LIFE” sculptures and kick-off spring with the arrival of the Easter Bunny and Spring Festival! The festivities take place from noon till 3 pm on Saturday, March 12, at Festival Plaza Drive between Sage Park and Marketwalk Place in Downtown Summerlin. The not-to-be-missed community event includes kid-centric activities like a petting zoo, a spring themed social media photo backdrop, relay games, flower crown making, umbrella painting, hop scotch, cookie decorating, music and more. The “Celebration of Life” exhibit (which will be unveiled at 1 pm) features a collection of ten three-dimensional, five-foot sculptures created by Summerlin-based artist Dorit Schwartz and painted by a variety of artists including Michael Godard, Vladimir Kush and Alexander Nechita, among others. The artists portray a “celebration of life” based on their personal experiences. Once the sculptures are unveiled, many will serve as permanent fixtures at Downtown Summerlin for all to enjoy. Local children will also have the chance to share words of inspiration and well-being for the children of St. Jude by leaving a message on the St. Jude Wishing Wall. Children can stop by the St. Jude table at the event to write their message to the 7800+ children being treated at St. Jude each year. St. Jude is working to drive the overall survival rate for childhood cancer to 90 percent, and they won’t give up. The event is FREE and open to the public.
With the aim to be Nevada’s premier medical marijuana dispensary, THE+SOURCE, located at 2550 S. Rainbow Blvd., will offer an INFORMATIONAL ORIENTATION AND SEMINAR from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16. Aimed at new medical marijuana patients and cardholders, the orientation is also open to the public and anyone interested in learning more about the medical uses of cannabis. All attendees will have the opportunity to speak with The+Source’s Director of Medical Education, Dr. William Troutt. Attendees do not have to be cardholders to participate.
A celebratory parade will take place on March 17 at the Outdoor Plaza on the Brooklyn Bridge (outside of Nine Fine Irishmen) at NEW YORK- NEW YORK Hotel & Casino to kick off the first day of CELTIC FELS, the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day celebration on the Las Vegas Strip. Joined by a color guard, the Las Vegas Pipe Band will lead the procession through the hotel culminating on Nine Fine Irishmen’s outdoor patio with a Guinness toast. Following the spectacle, guests are invited to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with live music and traditional Irish fare at Nine Fine Irishmen. Admission is $10, beginning at noon.
On Friday, March 18 at 10 a.m., all new furniture and accessories will be delivered to Victoria Fertitta Middle School compliments of WALKER FURNITURE'S 16th ANNUAL “TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY” PROGRAM”. Each year, Walker Furniture in cooperation with the Clark County School District School-Community Partnership Program has given students in Southern Nevada an opportunity to win new furnishings for their school’s teachers’ lounge by writing a letter describing their favorite teacher. This year, Victoria Fertitta Middle School was the winner, thanks to a letter written by 7th grade student, Samantha Moon, on behalf of her teacher, Dr. Audra Duvall. The brand new furnishings will include a sofa, loveseat, end table, lamp, coffee table, bookcase, plants, and picture, etc. Moon’s class will be given a pizza party, where the teacher and student will be presented with certificates for their achievements. Walker Furniture will later make a plaque with commemorative photos of the event for the school. For her outstanding letter, Moon will receive $100 cash and the teacher $150 Walker Furniture gift certificate.
TACOS & TEQUILA at Luxor Hotel & Casino will bring basketball fans the ultimate college hoops experience with giveaways, food and drink specials from March 17 to March 20 and a special appearance by the ladies of FANTASY on Friday, March 18 at 8:30 p.m.
WIZARD WORLD COMIC CON makes its second trip to the Las Vegas Convention Center on March 18-20. The event bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, cosplay, comics, television, sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The roster of celebrity guests scheduled to attend the pop culture extravaganza include Doctor Who” stars Matt Smith (“The Crown”) and Karen Gillan (Guardians of the Galaxy), Jewel Staite (“Firefly,” “Stargate: Atlantis”), Eliza Dushku (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer,”Angel”), Mark Pellegrino (“Supernatural“Lost”),Elizabeth Henstridge and Brett Dalton (“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”), Sean Maguire (“Once Upon a Time”) and Michael Rooker (Guardians of the Galaxy, “The Walking Dead”) Show hours are Friday, March 18, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.,Sunday, March 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Shade Tree Shelter will hold the HERO 5K FUN RUN/WALK in place of the annual Walk of Hope on Saturday, March 19, in an effort to raise much-needed funds to support the women, children and their pets affected by domestic violence and homelessness. Join us downtown and wear your favorite real-life hero or superhero costume for entertainment,The event takes place at the Llama Lot downtown, 152 N. 9th St. and includes a vendor fair, raffles, food, music and more. Acting as hosts are Pro BMX rider and MTV Tr3s reality TV star Ricardo Laguna and Miss Nevada 2014 Lisa Song Sutton. There will be a special appearance by the Jabbawockeez JREAMZ cast, and music and sound provided by Blend DJ Institute with special guest DJ’s DJ Crykit and DJ BZ Beatz. Early registration is 8:30 am. 10am - HERO fun run and walk begins at 10 am.
Best Buddies Nevada will host its annual “FRIENDSHIP WALK” and “CELEBRATION OF FRIENDSHIP” at Bishop Gorman High School, 5959 S. Hualapai Way on Saturday, March 19. The one-mile walk around the school campus is free to the public, however interested participants are encouraged to form teams and aim to raise at least $50 per person. Immediately following the “Friendship Walk” will be the “Celebration of Friendship,” where there will be live entertainment, face painting, food trucks, bounce houses, dogs for adoption and more. Registration is at 8:45 a.m. Walk Festivities: 9:30 a.m. Friendship Walk: 9:45 a.m. Celebration of Friendship: 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Best Buddies Nevada, the local chapter of Best Buddies, a global organization that offers socialization and leadership opportunities to students and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Co-chairperson and Miss Nevada High School America, Kenzie Sullivan, will serve as the event’s emcee.
SPRINKLES CUPCAKES AT THE LINQ celebrate their two year anniversary on Monday, March 21 with gifts, giveaways and a social media contest to honor its loyal Las Vegas fans. Sprinkles Cupcakes is putting the icing on the cupcake with three chances to win, only available on March 21: Anyone who whispers "Happy Birthday!" before 3:21 p.m. will receive one free cupcake. The Sprinkles Cupcake ATM will disperse one gift card to win free cupcakes for a year (one dozen per month). The best photo using the hashtag #SprinklesTurnsTwo will win free Sprinkles Cupcakes for a year (one dozen per month).
ARTTEC. a first-of-its-kind entertainment career-training program, is partnering with founders of the iconic rock band THIRD EYE BLIND to host an ARTTEC Friendraiser at the Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay on March 25 at 7 p.m. The band will reunite for the first time in more than a decade to perform their hit songs. The event will include a cash bar with 10% of proceeds benefitting ARTTEC. A raffle for an autographed guitar, show tickets, and membership to the Foundation Room will also serve as a fundraiser for ARTTEC. Raffle tickets will be sold for $10 each, or $40 for five. Attendees will also be treated to the debut of a special video project created by ARTTEC students and Third Eye Blind’s Kevin Cadogan. Admission to the ARTTEC Friendraiser is available now at $250 per person.Tickets are available for purchase now at arttecfriendraiser.eventbrite.com. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit ARTTEC and its programs.
Grammy award-winning Saxophonist KENNY G will make his way to The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian Las Vegas for one unforgettable night, Friday, April 1 at 8 p.m. Tickets, starting at $49.95 (plus applicable fees) can be purchased at any Venetian or Palazzo Box Office.
“Saturday Night Live” alumni and beloved comedic star DANA CARVEY will perform at The Orleans Showroom on April 1 and 2.Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $54.95, plus tax and convenience fees, and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming Box Office.
Legendary R&B group THE MANHATTANS will bring their soulful sound to Sam’s Town Live! On Saturday, April 2. Showtime is at 8 p.m. Tickets are available starting at $25, plus taxes and fees, and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming Box Office.
“STAR TEK: THE ULTIMATE VOYAGE” will bring 50 years of “Star Trek” to the Orleans Arena on April 4. The production consists of a live symphony orchestra and international solo instruments bringing the music of “Star Trek” to life while the most iconic film and television footage is broadcast simultaneously on a 40-foot wide screen in high-definition. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available for $50 plus taxes and fees in celebration of Star Trek’s 50th anniversary. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Orleans Arena Box Office.
The Pac-12 has reached an agreement with T-Mobile Arena and Las Vegas Events to keep the PAC-12 MEN'S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT in Las Vegas for the next three years, the Conference recently announced. The tournament will be played in T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas’ newest sports and entertainment venue being developed by joint venture partners AEG and MGM Resorts International and set to open April 6, 2016.
HEATHERS THE MUSICAL based on the 1988 dark film comedy starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, makes its Las Vegas debut at the ONYX Theater, located at 953 E. Sahara Ave. #16B in Commercial Center, in April. Performances will be April 7 through 30, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm., with a 5:00 p.m. performance on Sunday, April 17. Tickets are $25 for General Admission and $28 for VIP seating.
LET'S DANCE TOUR will perform live at The Pearl inside the Palms Casino Resort 7:30p.m on April 8. “Let’s Dance – The Tour” 2016 features today’s most popular hip-hop music / dance artists, Silentó, iLOVEMemphis (fka iHEARTMemphis), DLOW, We Are Toonz and 99 Percent and is being co-hosted by #TeamNueEra. The energy-filled extravaganza will also feature DJ Double J and some of the world’s most loved and imitated hip-hop dancers, popularized through social media. Tickets start at $35, plus any additional service fees.
Celebrity sightings:
Saturday, March 12...
Known for his iconic role as Dr. Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd on ABC's smash hit, "Grey's Anatomy," Patrick Dempsey was spotted at Jenna and Michael Morton's downtown Las Vegas hotspot, La Comida. Dempsey joined a group of friends to participate in the Mint 400 vehicle parade and race in Las Vegas.
Friday, March 11...
Former Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis enjoyed breakfast at Cabo Wabo Cantina's picturesque Strip-side patio.
Thursday night, March 10...
Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson was spotted at TAO Nightclub in The Venetian
Tuesday night, March 8...
Retired professional boxer and five-time world champion Zabdiel Judah was spotted at Carmine’s in The Forum Shops at Caesars where he attended the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame's press conference to announce the 2016 inductee class.
Zabdiel Judah at Carmine's
Photo courtesy of Carmine's
Monday evening, March 7...
Las Vegas restaurateur and philanthropist, Jenna Morton of Morton Group, hosted a variety of special guests for the charitable “Share Our Strength” dinner on at La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway inside Wynn Las Vegas. As part of No Kid Hungry, “Share Our Strength” is a national non-profit working to end childhood hunger. The group of distinguished dinner guests included Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval and his wife, Kathleen, famed sports agent J.B. Bernstein, celebrity chefs Rick Moonen and Carlos Guia and the President of Share Our Strength, Thomas C. Nelson.
Hip hop star Juicy J took over Marquee Nightclub in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in honor of the Nightclub & Bar convention. The rapper delighted party-goers with a blowout performance featuring an array of his top hits.
Juicy J
Photo courtesy of Marquee Nightclub
Saturday, March 5...
In the afternoon, NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel and Super Bowl MVP Von Miller were spotted at Marquee Dayclub in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
Later that night at LAVO Italian Restaurant in The Palazzo Conan O’Brien enjoyed dinner with a friend. The two stopped in at the new LAVO Casino Club before heading downstairs to dinner.
Also at LAVO was YouTube star Justine Ezarik aka iJustine with friends.
At TAO Asian Bistro in The Venetian social media sensation Rudy Mancuso delighted in a celebratory dinner in honor of his recent birthday.
