By Judy Thorburn
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Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - Las Vegas Round The Clock
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - The Flick Chicks
Director of Communications - Nevada Film Alliance
www.theflickchicks.com
Variety Toast of the Town launches at Sam’s Town
Variety Toast of the Town, the new weekly afternoon show at Sam’s Town Live inside Sams Town Hall and Gambling Saloon made its debut on June 24, and I had the chance to catch a performance along with several members of the media on Thursday, July 8. Like the name implies, Variety Toast of the Town (which was the original title of the old Ed Sullivan TV Show) is presented in a variety show format featuring musical director Bill Fayne and an array of Las Vegas entertainers, acts and celebrity hosts that rotate on a weekly basis.
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Sharing the stage as guest co-hosts for the show I attended were talented vocalists Robin Vincent (who also performs with the Swing Dolls) and Scottish born Jack Walker. The attractive entertainers, who have worked together in the past, have great chemistry and when not introducing another act they sang duets from Broadway musicals, with each given a chance showcase their gifts as solo artists.
Keeping with the Broadway theme, pretty blonde Robin belted out an emotional Don’t Cry For Me Argentina from Evita and handsome Jack tackled Tom Jones’ sexy moves along with his own very impressive vocal renditions of She’s a Lady, It’s Not Unusual and Delilia. As entertaining as they were, what blew me away and stood out as the highlight of the show was Wagner’s amazing and beautiful rendition of Josh Grobin’s You Raise Me Up, that he sang in both Spanish and English.
Robin Vincent
Photo credit: Terra King
Jack Walker
Photo credit: Terra King
The eclectic line up of additional acts included Robert and Sara, a pair of statuesque, graceful dancers from Jubilee performing an exquisite ballet number to “Over the Rainbow”; 13 year old singer Ellie Smith, who has performed in theatrical productions such as Annie and Les Miserables and sang at Tony Bennett’s 83rd birthday party; the very funny, cowboy comedian “Big John” The Barbeque Man, and Sonny Turner, the legendary, former lead singer of The Platters.
Robert and Sara
Photo credit:Terra King
Ellie Smith
Photo credit: Terra King
"Big John"
Photo credit: Terra King
Sonny Turner
Photo credit: Terra King
“In Variety Toast of the Town, we are able to bring in a diverse and exciting group of performers each week”, said the show’s producer, Ed Matthews of Desert Production. “There is nothing like an afternoon crowd and they are an extremely devoted audience.”
Of course, that means audiences who are devoted to good, worthwhile entertainment, and at the right price. Variety Toast of the Town fits the bill in every aspect by presenting, a lively, well paced show with some of the best talent Las Vegas has to offer every Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m. To top it off, admission to Variety Toast of the Town is FREE for all B connected members.
For more information call 702-456-7777 or visit www.samstownlv.com
Rock & Rita's Hosts Grand Opening Party
Rock & Rita’s the brand-new, 14,000-square-foot, dining, entertainment and live music venue at Circus Circus hosted its VIP Grand Opening bash Thursday, July 9. The guest list included celebrities Kevin Burke, comedian and star of “Defending the Caveman, the gorgeous cast of FANTASY at Luxor, and Nisha and Seema Sadekar, professional golfers and the latter, star of the Golf Channel’s “Big Break Sandals Resorts” television show.
Burke got the party started when he was spotted with Rock & Rita’s signature toilet bowl souvenir cup, while the women of FANTASY kept crowds revved-up as they cheered on the amazing flair bartender show. Several of the world’s top flair bartenders stepped to the stage to showcase their award-winning skills to an enthusiastic group as the balanced, juggled and poured libations to a roar of applause.
Iconic rock stars, “Rock” and “Rita,” made their debut at their namesake restaurant with owners David Tuttleman and Mark Green. Bartenders kept the bar “flairing” while guests enjoyed an array of signature dishes from Chef Alfonso Contrisciani’s All-American menu including “Ma’s mac and cheese,” cheese burger sliders, hot dog sliders, mini pulled pork sandwiches, fried bologna sandwiches and coconut shrimp.
Bar
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Dining Room
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Stage
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Tour Bus
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Rock & Rita’s is open daily, offering reasonably priced menu selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as late-night dining.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
President Obama visited Las Vegas on Thursday, July 8 to support and help raise money for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s re-election campaign. After arriving at McCarran International Airport, the president attended a rally at Aria Hotel Casino.
17 year old Bryce Harper, who skipped high school for two years to star at the junior college level this past spring for the College of Southern Nevada, was honored with the Gold Spike Award, as the nation's top amateur baseball player. The freshman catcher was presented with the award during a ceremony on Tuesday, July 13 in Anaheim California as part of All Star Game Week.
For the remainder of the summer, Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall presents Rock Town, a FREE weekly concert and dance event every Friday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sam’s Town Live! featuring Las Vegas-based classic rock cover and tribute bands. Upcoming bands include: July 9 – Crossfire / July 16 – Women of Rock and Heart Alive July 23 – RockDaddy / July 30 – Phoenix
Hash House A Go Go will open its third Las Vegas location inside the M resort in early October 2010. M Resort’s Hash House A Go Go will replace the resort’s Red Cup Café, which closed at the end of business on Monday, July 12 to begin remodeling for the opening of Hash House A Go Go. To provide guests with a breakfast option, the resort will offer summer breakfast hours in Studio B Buffet beginning Tuesday, July 13.
As part of the City of Henderson's schedule of events, Fern Adair Conservatory of the Arts' Summer Theatre Workshop presents Willie Wonka, Jr. July 31 & August 1at 8 p.m. in the Henderson Events Plaza. Admission is FREE.
As part of the “Summer of the 70s”concert series at Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas, Rockin’ the Paradise, a high-energy Styx tribute band from New York City will perform three sets nightly free from Tuesday, July 13 to Saturday, July 17. Showtimes are at 9, 10 and 11 p.m., each starting after the top-of-the-hour Viva Vision shows.
Singer and former teen idol, Bobby Rydell will perform in The Club at Cannery Casino & Hotel on Saturday, July 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available in three levels: Prime $29.95, Patio $19.95 and Reserved $9.95.
Renowned impersonators Sebastian Anzaldo and Sharon Owens' tribute to Sinatra and Streisand, Frank & Barbra The Concert That Never Was, will be performed in Addison’s Lounge at the Rampart Casino on Friday, July 16 and Saturday, July 17 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, July 18 at 4 p.m. Tickets are available at the casino cage for $15 or at the door for $20.
Touro University Nevada’s Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (Center) and the Grant a Gift Autism Foundation join together to present a complimentary lecture for the community on Autism on Thursday, July 22, 2010 at 6 p.m. The lecture will discuss developmental milestones for children and when parents should be concerned to seek an evaluation for a child. Parents, teachers, healthcare providers, daycare providers and other interested community members are invited to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about autism and other developmental disabilities faced by many families here in the valley. The lecture will be held in lecture hall two at Touro University Nevada, located at 874 American Pacific Drive in Henderson. For further information about the Center or this lecture, please visit www.tun.touro.edu or call 702-777-4808.
Acclaimed ventriloquist Terry Fator has partnered with MGM Resorts International to pay tribute to The Public Education Foundation (PEF) with a special performance of Terry Fator: Ventriloquism in Concert Sunday, Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m. inside the Terry Fator Theatre at The Mirage. All proceeds of the show along with a $350,000 contribution will be made to benefit PEF. Tickets are priced at $129, $99, $79 and $59, plus tax and service fees are now on sale.
The lineup of upcoming July and August concerts at the Crown Theater, Las Vegas’ newest entertainment complex located inside the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino are as follows:
July 24 – Queensryche Cabaret; $50 & $125
July 27 – Squeeze with guests English Beat; $49
August 1 – Level 42; $27
August 16 – The Swell Season; $29
All concerts are 21 and over. Doors are at 7:00 p.m. and show time is at 8:00 p.m.
The July Concert Schedule at Las Vegas Country Saloon, located at 425 Fremont St., above Hennessey’s Tavern in downtown Las Vegas are as follows:
Sunday, 7/18 – LA Guns, Faster Pussycat
Friday, 7/23 – Slow to Surface, Bright City Magic
Saturday, 7/24 – No Bunny, The Maxies, The Mapes
Sunday, 7/25 – High Voltage (AC/DC)
Wednesday, 7/28 – Parlor Hawkins
Saturday, 7/31 – Dead Laslo’s Place, Symbol Six, Social Task
Attention Star Trek Fans, aka Trekkies: The Official STAR TREK Convention 2010 will be held at the Las Vegas Hilton, Thursday – Sunday August 5 - 8, 2010. Over 15,000 fans will convene from all over the galaxy in a non-stop four days of fun highlighted by the on-stage appearances, partying, autographing and photo ops with 70 great Trek celebrities. Add in a giant vendors room, auctions, incredible musical and comedy performances by Star Trek celebrities, costume and trivia contests, two stellar parties at the top of The Stratosphere Hotel, and tons of cool surprises. For more information go to http://creationent.com.
The King of Blues, B.B. King, is set to perform two shows at the intimate B.B. King’s Blues Club at The Mirage Monday, Aug. 16 and Tuesday, Aug. 17 at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale for dinner-show seating. Ticket prices are now available for $75, $100 and $125 plus tax and applicable fees. A limited number of King’s Court tickets are available for $150 plus tax and applicable fees and include VIP seating and a complimentary glass of champagne
Comedian Bob Saget will appear at The Orleans Showroom for a two-night engagement, August 14 and 15, both evenings at 8 p.m. Tickets start from $39.95, plus tax and convenience fees.
Grammy Award-winner Michael Bublé will bring his “Crazy Love Tour” to Las Vegas for a one-night-only performance at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, Aug. 28. The concert is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Tickets priced at $95, $75 and $55, not including applicable service charges and taxes
Multi Grammy Award winning singer Norah Jones and special guest Corrine Bailey Rae perform on Sunday, August 22 at 8:00 p.m. inside the Pearl Concert Theatre at the Palms. This stop is part of Jones’ 2010 U.S. tour in support of The Fall (2009). Tickets are priced at $59 & 69.
Celebrity sightings:
Tuesday, July 6 basketball legend Shaquille ONeil took on the role of magician for an upcoming episode of his hit ABC show “Shaq Vs” After taping concluded the stars posed for photos in the Penn & Teller green room, aka Monkey Room, backstage of their theater at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. Photo credit: Penn & Teller
Penn & Teller and Shaquille ONeil
Wednesday night, July 7, The Hills star Audrina Patridge was spotted cozying up to former flame, Australian BMX-rider boyfriend Corey Bohan at Surrender Nightclub.
Also at Surrender was Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce, who was celebrating his four year extension with the Celtics. With him was fellow teammate Glen “Big Baby” Davis. NFL stars Shawne Merriman from the San Diego Chargers and Chris Johnson from the Tennessee Titans were also spotted partying at Surrender in a lower level Bungalow.
Shawne Merriman
Photos by Bryan Steffy
Thursday, July 8...
Domenick Allen, former lead singer of Foreigner and singer Kelly Clinton were at the afternoon performance of the new show, Variety Toast of the Town, at Sam's Town.
Dominic Allen
Photo credit: Terra King
Audrina Patridge headed to Encore Beach Club for the launch party of Rawteams.com, which took place during the venue’s weekly Dip and Dance evening swim party. Patridge stayed close to former flame, Australian BMX-rider boyfriend Corey Bohan
Audrina Partridge
Photos by Bryan Steffy
Also at the Rawteams.com launch party at Encore Beach Club, Hip Hop icon and television personality Flavor Flav who posed for photos with fans and Shawne Merriman from the San Diego Chargers.
Flavor Flav
Photos by Bryan Steffy
Gabe Saporta, the lead singer of Cobra Starship performed at HAZE.Following his performance, he sat VIP mingling with the Haze crowd until the early hours of the morning!
Also at HAZE were NBA stars Marcus Banks of the Toronto Raptors, Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics and Marcus Camby of the Portland Trail Blazers joined with NFL stars Gerald Sensabaugh of the Dallas Cowboys and Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans.
Friday night, July 9 Camp Freddy rockers Matt Sorum and Donovan Leitch, Jr. and a group of their friends were spotted dining at LAVO.
Also spotted at the Italian eatery was Ty Lawson from the Denver Nuggets.
Saturday, July 10...
R&B singer Ashanti enjoyed a “Glow” body scrub and a “Drift Away” massage at Drift Spa & Hammam inside Palms Place Hotel & Spa.
Pamela Anderson, who turned 43 on July 1st celebrated her birthday at TAO Beach, taking over a cabana with friends including Jesus Villa from Zumanity.
Pamela Anderson
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
The birthday party continued at night as Pam took over a dance floor table at TAO Nightclub. She was joined by Heatherette’s Richie Rich, who flew in from New York for the party and tattoo master Mario Barth.
Pamela Anderson with Mario Barth
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Pamela Anderson with Richie Rich
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Also at TAO on Saturday was Derek Fisher, fresh off the plane from Miami where the Heat was wooing the free agent. Fisher brought his wife Candace to celebrate her birthday.
New York Jet Darrelle Revis dined at TAO with friends. The cornerback turns 25 on July 14th and had an early celebration, enjoying dinner and then heading up to the nightclub.
As part of his 21st birthday celebration, David Henrie, the star of Disney’s Emmy Award-winning, “Wizards of Waverly Place” saw Phantom—The Las Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino with fellow Disney co-star, Gregg Sulkin and Brandon Smith of Disney’s “Sonny with a Chance.”
USA soccer forward Landon Donovan relaxed at LIQUID Pool Lounge.
On Sunday, July 11, Wizard’s of Waverly Place actor David Henrie continued his 21st Vegas Birthday weekend at LIQUID Pool Lounge with friends. Ay night, Henrie attended Jersey Boys at The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino with his family. David went backstage after both shows to meet the casts and congratulate them on a wonderful performance.