Vegas Happenings 02-16-10

VEGAS HAPPENINGS

By Judy Thorburn

2010 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Models Greet Fans in Las Vegas

Last week, in celebration of the launch of the 2010 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, The 2010 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models made special appearances at several public and private events in Las Vegas including two on Thursday, February 11.

The Men of Chippendales Celebrates 3,000 performances at The Rio All Suite Hotel Casino

Thursday night, February 11 marked a milestone for the world famous Men of Chippendales, the longest running male revue in Las Vegas. That evening the handsome and sexy hunks performed their 3,000th show at the Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino in front of a packed audience of predominately women and invited members of the media, including yours truly.

Eleven Spa Vegas, the luxury spa featuring a salon by world-renowned hairstylist Ken Paves, celebrated its one year anniversary on Thursday, February 11, with a stylish celebration to kick off New York Fashion Week 2010.



Jason Alexander brings “The Donny Clay Experience” to Planet Hollywood

Award winning actor Jason Alexander, best known to TV audiences as George Costanza in the comedy series Seinfeld, spoofs motivational speakers in his uproarious show “The Donny Clay Experience” that opened at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on February 11 for a limited engagement.



Kenya Rugby Team Honored with Welcome “Meet & Greet” Reception at Planet Hollywood

WATU & Co. held a welcome ‘meet and greet’ reception on Thursday February 11, in honor of the visiting Kenya rugby team attending the USA Sevens International Rugby Tournament that was held in Las Vegas for the first time.



Grand Opening of Sugar Factory at Miracle Mile Shops

Several celebrities were on hand Sunday February 14, for The Grand Opening Sugar Factory inside the Miracle Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.



Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:

On Wednesday, February 10, Stations Casino filed bankruptcy on its fifty percent share of ownership of Green Valley Ranch Resort. The Greenspun Corp., which owns the other half share of the resort, has not filed bankruptcy on its portion.

Comedy-magician Mac King was interviewed by renowned American astrophysicist, director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York and popularizer of science, Neil deGrasse Tyson, on Thursday, February 11 at Harrah’s Las Vegas. The interview will air in an upcoming episode of the PBS series, NOVA scienceNOW.

The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (BGFA) recently debuted docent tours that are complimentary with the purchase of any BGFA admission. Derived from the Latin word “docere” meaning “to teach,” a docent is a trained guide who leads visitors through a museum and delivers an educated commentary on the works in an exhibition. The tour is designed to appeal to art lovers of all ages and participation requires only an enthusiasm for fine art and a willingness to learn. BGFA’s Docent Tours are offered five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Limited to the first 20 attendees, each tour begins promptly at 3:30 p.m. and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Admittance is $15 for general admission, $12 for Nevada residents and seniors 65 and older, $10 for students, teachers and military with valid ID.

Ben Creed headlines Riviera Comedy Club February 22 – 28. Also on the bill are Fred Anderson (who has appeared on FOX’s “Comedy Express,” A&E’s “An Evening At The Improv” and PBS’ “New York Street Performers”) and Kris Tinkle, veteran of the comedy club circuit. Show times for the Riviera Comedy Club are 8:30 and 10 p.m. Tickets are $24.99 plus tax and fee.

The Stratosphere Tower, on the Las Vegas strip will dim its lights for three minutes on February 18, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. PST to pay tribute to racing legend and seven- time NASCAR® champion Dale Earnhardt who died on February 18, 2001, in the last lap of the Daytona 500.

The Dale Earnhardt Foundation logo will be the only light displayed on the Tower legs; during this time the hotel marquee will also stop all advertising and play a tribute to Dale Earnhardt. The tribute will occur simultaneously with a candlelight tribute at Dale Earnhardt, Inc., Highway 3, in Mooresville, NC. With the Stratosphere Tower joining Dale Earnhardt, Inc., this will be the first time that Dale’s memory will be honored by a coast to coast tribute. The Las Vegas casinos have dimmed their lights before in rare tributes to Sammy Davis Jr, Frank Sinatra, President Reagan and President Kennedy.

The “Dale Earnhardt Foundation Celebrity Poker Tournament” will be held on Thursday, February 25, at 4 p.m. in the Stratosphere Theater of the Stars Showroom at the Stratosphere Hotel. The Dale Earnhardt Foundation’s mission is to continue Dale’s legacy through charitable programs and grants that sustain his lifelong commitment to children, education and environmental/wildlife preservation.

Kerry Earnhardt, eldest son of NASCAR racing legend and seven time champion Dale Earnhardt, will host the tournament and Nationwide driver and TV personality Kenny Wallace will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. Kirk Shelmerdine, a former crew chief of Dale Earnhardt’s race team, will attend the event. Other drivers scheduled to appear are Casey Mears, Matt Crafton, Regan Smith, Aric Almirola, Eric McClure, Todd Bodine, Mike Bliss, Scott Lagasse Jr, Andy Ponstein, Danny Efland, and many others including car owner Tommy Baldwin.

A $150 entry fee into the tournament will be donated to the Dale Earnhardt Foundation. Fans will not only have a chance to play poker, but they will also be able to meet their favorite drivers, collect autographs, and win cash or valuable driver merchandise. Space is limited to the first 70 people who enter the tournament.

In celebration of Black History Month, the Dr. William U. Pearson Center will host The Black History Legacy Bowl, a series of all-day events on Feb. 20 and 27 at the center located at 1625 W. Carey Ave. in North Las Vegas. Eight teams, coordinated by Las Vegas Sports, will gather from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 20 in a flag football match-up to be held every hour on the hour. The top team, crowned as winner will receive a cash prize. Ten high school teams will complete the Mind and Body Challenge from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 20 consisting of a series of sports and mind challenges. The teams with the most points will be awarded scholarships and awards.

The Neo Food Festival wraps up the series Feb. 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Food vendors will serve barbecue, Creole, Cajun and soul food for a separate cost. Local performers in spoken word, song, music and comedy, as well as celebrity talent, also are scheduled to perform throughout the day. Those interested can call the Pearson Center at 455-1231

Henderson Libraries will host its 5th Annual Teen Talent Show from 7-8:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 22, and Tuesday, Feb. 23, at the Galleria Library located within the Galleria at Sunset and Stephanie Street in Henderson. Local teens are invited to dance, sing and act in the family-friendly event. First, second and third place winners of each talent show will win gift certificates to Galleria at Sunset mall.

A dual star presentation ceremony is set for 1 p.m. Feb. 22 for Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin by the Las Vegas Walk of Stars at the Flamingo showroom. Dean Martin's daughter, Deana, will attend, along with members of the Golddiggers, who appeared on "The Dean Martin Show” TV series that aired in 1960s and '70s.

In celebration of Black History Month, the 25-voice Chamber Chorale of the College of Southern Nevada, under the direction of Dr. Mark Wherry, will present “The History of the Negro Spiritual” at the Recital Hall (Room 1430) on the Cheyenne Campus on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10 and will benefit the CSN Choir Club.

The Band of the Irish Guards with the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland will perform at The UNLV Performing Arts Center at 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 28 as part of the Charles Vanda Master Series. Tickets to the Band of the Irish Guards are $35, $50, and $80 and can be purchased at the Performing Arts Center Box Office at 895-ARTS (2787) or by visiting pac.unlv.edu.

Known around the world for his psychic talent, Gary Spivey will appear for two nights at the Palms Casino Resort inside the intimate venue, The Lounge. This limited engagement will be held on Thursday, March 4 and Friday, March 5, 2010 with a 7:00 p.m. show time.

The Village Lake Las Vegas, Buckbean Brewing Company and New Vista Community host “Brews Best Village Beer Fest” on Saturday, March 13, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. The breweries will set up along the waterfront cobblestone streets of The Village and guests can taste top-notch beers while enjoying live music from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. To round out the evening guests can choose from one of the many restaurants in The Village for dinner. Tickets are available at the event for $25 per person with proceeds benefiting New Vista Community.

Celine Dion has announced that she will be returning to Las Vegas in March 2011 to begin a three year residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The brand-new show designed exclusively for The Colosseum will premiere on March 15, 2011 and features 31 musicians, consisting of a full orchestra and band. The show’s concept will be one-of-a-kind, centered on capturing the romance of classic Hollywood movies and performed with a stunning visual presentation. Tickets for the first 54 performances from March 15 through August 14, 2011 will go on sale Friday, February 12, 2010 at 10 a.m. PST.

Comedienne Lily Tomlin will perform her unique brand of comedy in the Hollywood Theatre at MGM Grand March 11 – 17 at 8 p.m. nightly. Tickets are priced at $150 (limited number of Golden Circle tickets), $70 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes.

Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino will host its inaugural St. Patrick’s Day Festival on Saturday, March 13 at the Mandalay Bay Beach. Guests will be treated to “An Evening with Everlast, the music of Whitey Ford Sings the Blues, House of Pain and La Coka Nostra, along with special guest performer B-Real of Cypress Hill.” The concert is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. The all-day celebration will feature complimentary beach entry for all hotel guests and locals, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., along with free, live entertainment with DJs and Irish bands from noon – 5 p.m. Moorea Beach Club will be home to a beer garden while the entire beach complex will offer guests food and drink specials. The Beach is scheduled to close at 5 p.m. while the concert stage is prepared for the evening’s festivities; doors will re-open at 7 p.m. Tickets for the concert priced at $40, not including applicable service charges,

Chart-topping comedic phenomenon Jeff Dunham will return to his Las Vegas home at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Friday, March 19 and Saturday, March 20. Ticket prices are $89.50/$69.50/$59.50/$49.50. (All prices include 10% Live Entertainment Tax). Showtime is 8pm.

Celebrity Sightings:

Wednesday night, February 10, Dancing with the Stars pro Cheryl Burke stopped by LAVO’s Label Junkie Wednesday with a group of five friends.

stunning crowd took in TAO’s Worship Thursday for the SI Swimsuit Overtime Party. Sports Illustrated swimsuit models including Bar Refaeli, Hilary Rhoda, Jessica Gomes, Cintia Dicker, Genevieve Morton, Irina Shayk, Dominique Piek and Melissa Satta commanded the entire VIP sky box section overlooking the crowded club. Crooner John Legend was spotted in the sky boxes with model girlfriend Christine Teigen, while Maroon 5 took over a VIP table on the dance floor, partying until 3 am with models Anne V and Jessica White. Also spotted was Toronto Raptor center Patrick O’Bryant with his girlfriend.

Friday February 12…

Champion swimmer, Amanda Beard, who won seven medals at the Olympic games, hosted the Opening Ceremonies Viewing Party inside Lagasse’s Stadium. Read more about the event in Jacqueline Monahan’s About The Town column.

Amanda Beard
Photo credit: Images of Vegas.com/IS Photography



Amanda Beard
Photo credit: Images of Vegas.com/IS Photography

“90210” starlet AnnaLynne McCord hosted a season wrap party and birthday bash for her best friend and agent Melissa Hirschenson at Eve nightclub. McCord was joined by friend and star of “The Spy Next Door,” Katherine Boecher and “Twilight” actor Kellan Lutz. Hirschenson, Boecher, McCord and sister Angel McCord all walked the carpet before heading inside to Eva Longoria Parker’s celebrated steakhouse Beso for dinner with a party of 25.

AnnaLynne McCord and best friend/agent, Melissa Hirschenson posed on the carpet at Eva Longoria Parker’s nightclub Eve, where McCord hosted a birthday bash for Hirschenson.
Photo Credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage


“90210” star AnnaLynne McCord celebrates the end of the season with sister Angel McCord at Eve nightclub.
Photo Credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage


AnnaLynne McCord takes a bite of cake to celebrate the sweet success of 90210’s second season at Eve nightclub.
Photo Credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage

After a surprise visit from Oompa Loompas, McCord excitedly stops to pose for photos inside Eve nightclub.
Photo Credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage

Professional golfer Ernie Els and five pals were at Blush Boutique Nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas.

Gretchen Rossi and Alexis Bellino of the Real Housewives of Orange County were spotted dining at TAO. Slade Smiley, Gretchen’s boyfriend and Alexis’ husband Jim joined the women for a dinner. Afterwards, the group made their way to the nightclub.

Also seen dining at the Asian Bistro was Major League Soccer player Freddie Ljungberg and his girlfriend.

Upstairs in the club Patrick O’Bryant, center for the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, along with fiancée Molly Bergeson, and friends took over a VIP table.

Saturday night, February 14…

Kim Kardashian hosted the Queen of Hearts Ball at LAVO inside The Palazzo. Kim and her Super Bowl champion boyfriend Reggie Bush arrived on the red carpet looking as stunning as ever. A surprise was in store for Kim when Mark Ballas, her partner from Dancing with the Stars snuck up behind her on the red carpet to say hello.

Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush
Photo Credit: Denise Truscello

Also enjoying Valentine’s Day at LAVO were couples Gretchen Rossi and Slade Smiley along with their Real Housewives of Orange County co-stars Alexis and Jim Bellino.

Mark Ballas and girlfriend, former American Idol contestant Joanna Pacitti enjoyed dinner at TAO before heading over to surprise Kim on the LAVO red carpet.

Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck was spotted dancing at TAO, joined by friends including Jersey Boys star Travis Cloer who plays Frankie Valli.

Brooke Burke, the former Dancing with the Stars diva and new host of the hit reality series She’s Got The Look hosted a posh pre-Valentine’s Day soiree at Tabú Ultra Lounge.

Comedy king Andrew Dice Clay spotted enjoying dinner with five friends at Strip House inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

E! Entertainment Television's famously loving couple, Hank Baskett and Kendra Wilkinson, celebrated the arrival of Valentine's Day with a romantic dinner at Eva Longoria Parker's steakhouse, Beso, and dancing at her luxurious nightclub, Eve, in Crystals at CityCenter in Las Vegas.

Kendra Wilkinson
Photo Credit: Isaac Brekken, WireImage


Hank Baskett and Kendra Wilkinson
Photo Credit: Isaac Brekken, WireImage


Hank Baskett and Kendra Wilkinson
Photo Credit: Isaac Brekken, WireImage

UFC legend Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell was spotted taking his family, including children Trista and Cade to see the breathtaking aquatic show Le Reve at Wynn Las Vegas. After the show, Liddell and family were taken backstage for a tour of the production and also to meet the talented cast.

Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell
Photo credit: Joe Durkin/Wynn Las Vegas


Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell
Photo credit: Joe Durkin/Wynn Las Vegas

Sunday, Feb. 14 Hank Baskett spotted chatting with customers and purchasing three pairs of shoes at Bakers Shoes for his wife, Kendra Wilkinson at Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Real Housewives of Orange County stars Gretchen Rossi and Slade Smiley along with newbie housewife Alexis Bellino and friends, ventured from their luxury suites at The Palazzo and stopped by Laguna Champagne Bar in The Palazzo then headed to TAO Asian Bistro at The Venetian for dinner.

Gretchen Rossi and Slade Smiley
Photo credit: Images of Vegas.com/IS Photography


Gretchen Rossi with Alexis Bellino
Photo credit: Images of Vegas.com/IS Photography

Actor, director and producer Jason Alexander, currently performing his uproarious show “The Donny Clay Experience” at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, was spotted enjoying dinner with friends at Strip House inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Brody Jenner, star of MTV's Bromance, hosted a Valentine’s Day bash at Vanity nightclub inside Hark Rock Casino. Also spotted inside the club, rapper Lil’ Bow Wow, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino from MTV’s Jersey Shore, and Javon Walker of the Oakland Raiders.

Lil’ Bow Wow, Javon Walker and Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino from MTV’s Jersey Shore, and
Photo credit: Hard Rock Hotel/Scott Berry

Angela Simmons, daughter of hip-hop pioneer Rev Run from Run-D.M.C., was spotted enjoying two meals at Society Café at Encore Las Vegas. Simmons returned to the restaurant on Monday for lunch with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, hip hop artist Bow Wow.

Jersey Shore sensation Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino and a group of six friends enjoyed a late lunch at Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Dancing with the Stars pro Mark Ballas and his girlfriend, former American Idol contestant Joanna Pacitti, enjoyed a romantic Valentine’s dinner at LAVO.

Mark Ballas former American Idol contestant Joanna Pacitti
Photo Credit: Denise Truscello

Monday night, February 15, actor David Arquette hosted an intimate dinner gathering at LAVO in celebration of his clothing line PROPR, developed in conjunction with musician Ben Harper and David Bedwell, former creative director for Penguin.

David Arquette, Bree Cohen and David Bedwell
Photo Credit: Al Powers


David Arquette
Photo Credit: Al Powers

Tuesday afternoon, February 16, Hollywood’s hot new couple Audrina Patridge and Ryan Cabrera were spotted having lunch at Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

I will be back next week with more of what’s “happening” in and around Las Vegas.