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
Echoes of the 60’s at V Theatre at Planet Hollywood
If you love the music of the 60’s, then you have to check out Echoes of the 60’s, the newest, multi-media production to open at the V Theatre inside Planet Hollywood.
Performers Help Raise $12,000 for Vegas Charities at MGM Resorts Softball Tournament
MGM Resort entertainers and employees joined forces for a great cause on Friday, November 19. Performers from Luxor’s FANTASY, MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris, Excalibur’s Defending the Caveman and Vinny from New York-New-York kicked off a two-day companywide charity softball tournament, which raised $12,000 for the MGM Resorts Foundation.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Students Keep Veteran's Day Alive
Parents and students at The Adelson Educational Campus spent the morning of November 11th remembering, honoring and commemorating the heroes of our country during a community celebration. The morning began with a flag raising ceremony accompanied by the singing of The Star Spangled Banner and Hatikva. The students were addressed by the Head of Public Affairs of the Veteran Administration and listened to community veterans’ share their experiences in Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam. The Upper School students assisted Lower School children as they composed letters to our soldiers and veterans confined to VA hospitals. Middle School students wrote reflections about veterans using words and pictures and then assembled an abstract flag, currently being displayed for viewing and reflection.
Many of the students shared how great it was to be at school to be reminded of the meaning of the holiday and to learn about heroic veterans rather than watching TV or hitting the mall. They expressed how they grew to have a personal connection to the holiday. As one Upper School student remarked, “I didn’t realize the commitment these soldiers make and how much they love our country. I’m proud to be an American!”
Purple Rein Celebrates One Year Anniversary at Hooters
The “Prince” Tribute show, Purple Reign, voted “Best Tribute Act of 2009” by the 28th annual Las Vegas Review Journal Poll, celebrated their one year anniversary at Hooters Casino Hotel with a VIP party at Dixie’s Dam Bar On Tuesday, November 16th. The evening began with cocktail reception and a Hooters style buffet. Afterwards, VIP guests were invited to a private show in the Night Owl Showroom. To read more about Purple Reign’s anniversary performance and celebration at Hooters go to Dianne Davis’s column in this week’s edition of Las Vegas Round The Clock.
In honor of Veterans Day, Greg London welcomed 27 members of the U.S. VETS organization to his show Greg London – Impressions That Rock! at the Riviera Hotel & Casino on Friday, Nov 12, 2010. London welcomed his special guests from the stage and thanked them for their service to our country. After the show, the veterans had a private meet & greet with London where he gave each person a free autographed Song of America CD.
Greg London (Center) with veterans
The Estate of Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil recently announced the official international launch of Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour™ written and directed by the world’s leading pop music concert director, Jamie King. This once-in-a-lifetime electrifying production will combine Michael Jackson music and choreography with Cirque du Soleil creativity to give fans worldwide a unique view into the spirit, passion and heart of the artistic genius who forever transformed global pop culture. Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour will begin in Montreal in October 2011 and travel to select North American cities including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Houston, Seattle, Toronto and Vancouver with additional cities and dates yet to be announced.
Liberace - Music & Memories” starring master pianist Wayland Pickard opened at the Saxe Theatre at Planet Hollywood on November 9. This is the only “officially licensed” Liberace musical revue in the world. Performances are daily at 2 p.m.
Despite objections by many of his neighbors, on Wednesday November 17, Entertainer Wayne Newton won approval by the Clark County Commissioners to run shuttle tours to his 52 acre Casa de Shenandoah ranch on Sunset Road.
In its debut year, CityCenter Las Vegas has received the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award® for both ARIA Resort & Casino and Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas. While the award is bestowed only upon select properties deemed the finest in North America, it is even more rare for hotels to attain the rating within the first year of operation.
Mandalay Bay Resort has earned the highest, Five Key rating from the Green Key Global Eco-Rating Program. Mandalay Bay joins only six other US resorts to achieve this honor. Designed specifically for hotel operations, the Green Key Eco-Rating Program is a comprehensive environmental audit and is the first of its kind to rank, certify and inspect hotels and resorts in North America based on their commitment to sustainable “green” operations.
For the second consecutive year, Forbes Travel Guide honored the M Resort Spa Casino with a 2011 Forbes Four-Star Award. The Awards ratings process is based on more than 750 standardized criteria for hotels, restaurants and spas worldwide, making it the most rigorous and comprehensive in the industry.
Bellagio has been awarded the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award for the tenth consecutive year. With its unsurpassed service, world-class dining and luxurious amenities, Bellagio is the first resort and casino in Las Vegas to ever reach this amazing milestone and the only hotel in the America to have two AAA Five Diamond restaurants under one roof. Bellagio continues to be the only resort in the United States to be home to two AAA Five Diamond restaurants. Joining Bellagio in making Las Vegas history, Julian Serrano’s Picasso restaurant earned its tenth AAA Five Diamond Award this year while Le Cirque has earned the distinction for the eighth consecutive year. Further adding to its dining accolades, Bellagio’s Jasmine, Michael Mina and Sensi all earned the AAA Four Diamond Award.
United Way of Southern Nevada’s Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) collected 4,027 gently-used suits and professional attire at its annual suit drive on Friday, Nov. 12. The WLC clothing drive received 3,239 women’s suits and business apparel as well as 788 professional accessories including handbags, shoes, belts, scarves and other items from community members supporting women in need. The one-day-only women’s suit drive was held in the parking lot of United Way of Southern Nevada from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All items collected benefit local area shelters including Safe Nest, S.A.F.E. House, The Shade Tree and Goodwill of Southern Nevada.
United Way of Southern Nevada’s “Earn It Keep It Save It” collaborative has been awarded an $85,000 IRS grant to provide free tax services during the 2011 tax season. The grant allows United Way to offer free tax preparation services to hard-working families and individuals in the Valley who earned less than $49,000 in 2010. The $85,000 will be matched by local businesses totaling $170,000.
IRS certified volunteers will provide assistance to thousands of eligible Nevada residents at one of the 30 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites this tax season. For more information on United Way’s “Earn It Keep It Save It” free tax preparation, visit uwsn.org/EITC.
On Nov. 20, famed contemporary artist James Rosenquist, who is represented in museum collections internationally, unveiled an original piece of artwork that he crafted specifically for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in downtown La Vegas. Commissioned by Las Vegas casino mogul Steve Wynn, the massive oil-on-canvas painting is titled, “Cervello Spazio Cosmico,” which means “brain space” in Italian. The piece will hang in the Keep Memory Alive Event Center and be a part of the Cleveland Clinic’s extensive art collection of more than 4,000 pieces.
Matsuri, Japan’s most acclaimed musical production, celebrated a milestone performance on Sunday, November 21st with its 400th performance. Well into its second year at The Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino, Matsuri continues to wow audiences daily. Matsuri, The Strip’s Biggest Afternoon Show, performs at 8 p.m. on Fridays and 4 p.m. Saturdays through Thursday. Tickets for Matsuri are $49.99 (plus tax and fees) and $59.99 (plus tax and fees) for VIP tickets that include prime seating. Matsuri is currently offering a fantastic special for locals at just $20.00 per ticket (plus tax and fees) to those with Nevada ID.
On Tuesday, November 23, Harrah’s Entertainment officially changed its name to Caesars Entertainment Corp. Company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Gary Loveman said the name change reflects the company’s luxury brand. The name Harrah’s will remain as one of the company’s primary casino brands, along with Caesars and Horseshoe. In addition to Caesars Palace on the Strip, the company operates Caesars-branded casinos in Atlantic City and Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Easter Seals Southern Nevada will host its annual Thanksgiving meal on Wednesday, November 24 for the more than 100 staff and employees with disabilities who work at the Community Training Center. Easter Seals Southern Nevada relies on donations to make this Thanksgiving meal possible. Donations are tax deductible and all donors are invited to join Easter Seals Southern Nevada for the Thanksgiving meal. Anyone interested in donating should contact LaDonna Flake-Buckles at 702-789-5406 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Easter Seals is also looking for volunteers to assist with this and other Thanksgiving events.
The Firefighters of Southern Nevada Burn Foundation will kick off its 9th annual “Fill the Fire Truck Toy Drive” on Friday, Nov. 26. Firefighters and volunteers will be collecting new, unwrapped toys and gift cards on Friday, Nov. 26 from 4 a.m. to 12 p.m. and throughout the rest of November and December on Saturdays and Sundays (Nov. 26-27, Dec. 4-5, 11-12 and 18-19) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at any of the five following Wal-Mart locations:
7200 Arroyo Cross Pkwy, located off of S. Rainbow Rd. and I-215
8060 West Tropical Pkwy, located off of Centennial Pkwy and Highway 95
6464 N. Decatur Blvd., located at North I-215
4350 N. Nellis Blvd. at Craig Rd.
540 Marks St. at Sunset Rd.
The Australian comedy trio Axis of Awesome, made of three “human men who sing funny songs”, will perform a set of free shows inside The Lounge at the Palms over Thanksgiving weekend (Playboy Comedy will be dark Nov. 25-27). The shows will be held Friday, Nov. 26 and Saturday, Nov. 27 at 10 p.m. Both nights are free to the public (21 years of age and older) as a way for the Palms and Playboy Comedy to say “thanks” to Las Vegas for their support of the award-winning comedy show series.
After a five-year absence CIRCUS VARGAS is returning to Las Vegas on Thanksgiving Weekend for a limited engagement at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, November 25 – 29. America’s Favorite Big Top Circus stresses FUN family entertainment, starring performers from all over the world, working together in a spectacular extravaganza!
The ladies of FANTASY will host their 2011 Swimsuit Calendar launch and autograph signing at Cabo Wabo Cantina on Black Friday, November 26. Calendars will be available for purchase and the gorgeous cast of the Strip’s sexiest adult revue will pose for pictures and sign autographs from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Calendars will be available for purchase on location for $20.
Accomplished magician and entertainer Aaron Radatz opens his new family friendly show, Aaron Radatz – Magical Entertainer, Friday, Nov. 26 at the Clarion Las Vegas. The 70-minute performance features magic, illusion and music, as well as plenty of audience participation. The ongoing show runs afternoons at 2:30 pm. daily Thursday through Monday Tickets are $19.95 for adults and $9.95 for children.
In honor of the 2010 World MMA Awards, former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Vitor Belfort will make a special appearance and sign his cover of Fighters Only magazine at the Palms on Saturday, November 27. Signing will take place from 1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Attendees can also receive a buy-one-get-one-free ticket offer for the Fighters Only World Mixed Martial Arts Awards which take place on Dec. 1 at the Palms.
Magician Dirk Arthur is offering ticket buying audiences who come to see his show Wild Magic inside O’Shea’s Theater an irresistible offer; a 100 percent money back guarantee if they aren’t satisfied with the show. Guests will likely love the high-energy show that blends comedy, dance, magic and a rare opportunity to see the largest collection of awe-inspiring large, exotic cats in Las Vegas. The affordably priced tickets start at just $22.95.
Beginning November 26, International Reggae sensation Michael Black and the Jah Guide Band will perform in the Embassy Theater at Vegas Rocks Café on Fremont Street at 10:30 p.m. every Friday night. Tickets are $39.95 (plus tax). Present your Nevada ID and pay only $16.95 (plus tax). Add $20.00 for Las Vegas Rocks Cafe Dinner Menu (plus tax – drinks and gratuity not included).
Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix, 1401 N. Rainbow Blvd, has created a fundraising program to help members of the community benefit their school or organization. The events are a great way to boost school spirit, build up a team or celebrate a goal or victory! Guests can call the family fun center to arrange for their fundraising program event Mondays through Thursdays, excluding holidays. The school or organization can reserve the space free of charge and host as many people as they would like to invite. Ten percent of the proceeds raised from the group’s food, games, racing and rides throughout the event will be donated back to the organization or school. Contact the family fun center at (702) 259-7000 to register your school or organization.
The Forum Shops at Caesars have announced they will be open during normal business hours this holiday season and all restaurants and shops will keep doors open on Thanksgiving AND Christmas Day.
The Orleans Arena Hosts 102.7 Coyote’s Jingle Bell Jam on December 5 at 7 p.m. starring Country Superstars Rodney Atkins, Craig Morgan and James Otto. General admission tickets for this one-night-only event are $10; reserved seating is $25; and inner circle reserved seating is $45 and includes a Rodney Atkins and Craig Morgan CD. All ticket prices listed include tax and fees.
Las Vegas saddles up as cowboys and cowgirls invade Sin City for National Finals Rodeo, held at Thomas & Mack Center Thursday, Dec. 2 – Saturday, Dec. 11. Below are some of the special events and parties:
On Wednesday, Dec. 1, Fremont Street Experience kicks things off early and hosts the 24th Annual Downtown Hoedown, featuring some of today’s hottest country acts: Eli Young Band, Jason Jones, Randy Rodgers Band, Kevin Fowler, Stealing Angels and Trailer Choir.
The annual Cowboy Christmas Gift Show takes place Thursday, Dec. 2 – Saturday, Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the Las Vegas Convention Center’s North Halls. The 300,000-square-foot show floor features 400 vendors selling jewelry, western wear, boots and spurs, furniture, art, crafts and pottery, as well as Official Wrangler NFR and PRCA merchandise.
Guests can get their two-step on and enjoy drink specials at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar at Harrah’s , Gilley’s at Treasure Island, Stoney’s on South Las Vegas Boulevard, PBR Rock Bar at Planet Hollywood, Cadillac Ranch at Town Square and Revolver at Santa Fe Station.
Rockhouse Bar & Nightclub offers viewing parties, drink specials and lots of rodeo fun. Fans can catch all of the rodeo action on 28 high-definition TV screens throughout the bar and patio. Patrons who present an NFR ticket stub will receive complimentary admission and a drink on the house. Guests will also enjoy $5 Bull Rider shots, a combination of Jack Daniels and Red Bull.
Cabo Wabo Cantina at Planet Hollywood features country music and drink specials. Fans will enjoy two-for-one drinks all weekend with their NFR ticket stub as well as $8 Cowboy Cocktails – a Coors Original draft and a shot of Jack Daniels.
Tacos & Tequila at the Luxor has a surprise star rider appear for an autograph signing Tuesday, Dec. 9 from noon until 2 p.m. All week long, guests can enjoy food and drink specials including T&T’s signature cowboy special, “C&C,” a hearty serving of authentic Mexican-style chili and a Coors original draft.
A surprise guest appearance takes place at RHUMBAR inside The Mirage on Thursday, Dec. 2 for an exclusive autograph signing and photo opportunity.
Headlining Entertainment
Friday Dec. 3 Saturday, Dec. 4: Clay Walker at Golden Nugget
Friday Dec. 3 – Saturday, Dec. 4 and Friday Dec. 10 – Saturday, Dec. 11: Ron White at The Mirage
Monday, Dec. 6: Ronnie Milsap at Golden Nugget
Monday, Dec. 6 – Saturday, Dec. 11: Rodney Carrington at MGM Grand
Monday, Dec. 6: American Country Awards at MGM Grand
Friday, Dec. 10: Miranda Lambert at Palms Casino Resort
Grant Kirkpatrick, the CEO and principal of KAA Design Group, Inc., located in Marina del Rey, California, will discuss his approach to design and more behind his architecture, which ranges from commercial to pre-fabricated homes, during “Lifestyle Design: Spaces That Tell a Story” December 3 at 10 a.m. at Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center Las Vegas as part of the monthly First Friday design series.
Crazy Horse III, the sprawling gentlemen’s club located at PLAYGROUND, Las Vegas’ first nightlife and entertainment complex, will host “Show Us Your Cans” Holiday Food Drive and customer appreciation party on Friday, December 10. Crazy Horse III will thank all their loyal customers on this giving night with an open bar and complimentary sushi from 9 p.m. until 11 p.m. In return, Crazy Horse III asks guests to participate in the “Show Us Your Cans” holiday food drive, by bringing in cans.
Celebrity sightings:
Monday, November 15, celebrated boxer Zab “Super” Judah dined at Munchbar in Caesars Palace. Last Saturday, Judah won the highly anticipated HBO Boxing match against undefeated boxer Lucas Matthysse.
Famed hip hop star, rapper and producer Too-$hort also dined at Munchbar in the afternoon.
Tuesday, November 16, DJ Ruckus (real name Greg Andrews) performed at the weekly party BANG at Moon Nightclub inside Palms Casino Resort.
Strip headliner, Kevin Burke made an appearance at the cocktail party at Purple Reign’s anniversary celebration at Hooters before heading off to his hit show “Defending the Caveman” at the Excalibur.
Kevin Burke and Jason Tenner as 'Prince'
Free agent and former Philadelphia Phillies Jayson Werth outfielder was spotted at Blush Boutique Nightclub with friends.
Wednesday evening, November 17, former New York Yankee Bernie Williams and three friends was spotted at Surrender Nightclub at Encore.
Bernie Williams
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy
Howie Mandel was spotted at Hussong’s Cantina.
Chef Noa Alcala and Howie Mandel
Playboy Club inside Palms Casino Resort hosted a special edition of Snitch Wednesday in conjunction with the birthday celebration for Bree Cohen (DJ 88), M!KEATTACK and 9 Group’s Rachel Wenman. Singer Amanda Blank partied at a VIP table with two frienDS. Blank performed a live set, along with DJ 88 and M!KEATTACK.
Earlier that evening, rocker Vince Neil dined at N9NE Steakhouse. He sat in the main dining room with a guest.
Thursday, November 18, Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison and Austin “Chumlee” Russell from History Channel’s reality TV show, Pawn Stars, and friends dined at N9NE Steakhouse inside Palms Casino Resort.
Friday, November 19…
Manager of the 2010 World Series Champions, the San Francisco Giants, Bruce Bochy, dined at N9NE Steakhouse inside Palms Casino Resort.
Hip-hop artist, Rev Run (real name Joseph Simmons) performed inside Rain Nightclub. Rev Run took the stage with DJ Ruckus (real name Greg Andrews).
Saturday night, November 20…
Bam Margera was at LAVO to celebrate the success of Jackass 3D and the release of the new book, Jackass: 10 Years of Stupid. Margera hammed it up on the carpet before sitting down to dinner at the Italian eatery with friends. In the club he jumped into the DJ booth where he handed DJ Skratchy a CD – little did he know the CD of Die Antwoords “ninja” would become the theme song for a surprise cake presentation. Bam and friends danced and made their way around the club, posing with fans.
Bam Margera
Photo credit: Al Powers
Zach Abel from ABC Family’s Make It or Break It was spotted at LAVO with friends before heading up to the nightclub.
Rock group Rooney had an early dinner at LAVO. After the show they hit TAO where they took over a lower skybox and danced with their girlfriends.
At TAO DJ Vice provided the soundtrack for an amazing party. LA Dodger Matt Kemp and a group of guy friends commanded a dance floor VIP table, and while girlfriend Rihanna was not there, her presence was felt.
DJ Vice, Matt Kemp and Nelly
Photo credit: Al Powers
At nearly 3 am Nelly stopped by TAO. An impromptu concert took place as Nelly entertained the packed club.
Nelly
Photo credit: Al Powers
Sunday November 21, Bridget Marquardt, best known for her role on E! reality TV show The Girls Next Door, dined at Nove Italiano inside Palms Casino Resort with a friend.