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
Second Annual Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Crowned at Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas
On Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) and the celebrated tribute artist production "Legends in Concert” presented the only Las Vegas EPE-sanctioned preliminary round of the Second Annual Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest at Las Vegas' famed Fremont Street Experience.
Twenty one competitors from across the country participated in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest on Friday, with guest judges determining the ‘best representation of the Elvis legacy.’ On Saturday, after the field was narrowed to 10, a champion was crowned ‘King.” Johnny Fortuno a resident of Las Vegas (originally from Honolulu, HI) won $2,500 cash, a Graceland Getaway prize package and most importantly, qualifies to compete in the 2011 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis, Tenn., during Elvis Week held Aug. 10-16.
On Saturday, May 7, Johnny Fortuno a resident of Las Vegas (originally from Honolulu, HI) was named the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist at Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas and now qualifies to compete in the 2011 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Finals in Memphis, Tenn., during Elvis Week held Aug. 10-16.
Photo credit: Larry Burton Photography
Six year-old Gabriel “The Storm” Jarrett performs at Fremont Street Experience during the Ultimate Elvis Weekend.
Photo credit: Larry Burton Photography
Cirque Du Soleil’s Viva Elvis performs during the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest at Fremont Street Experience.
Photo credit: Larry Burton Photography
Photo credit: Larry Burton Photography
“The road to Memphis went through Vegas last year with the Las Vegas winner, Justin Shandor, taking first place in the national competition in Memphis. You can believe that all of us at Fremont Street Experience are hoping that our winner this year takes the national title again,” said Jeff Victor, President of Fremont Street Experience.
The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis is one of the highlights of Elvis Week, attracting more than 70,000 fans worldwide last year. The winner of the contest will be offered the opportunity to sign a performance contract with “Legends in Concert,” $20,000 cash, recognition by EPE as the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist of 2011 and a selection of other valuable prizes.
Also during the Ultimate Elvis Weekend fans had the chance to jump on stage and show the massive crowd their inner Elvis with a special Elvis Karaoke; get their pictures taken with Elvis at Binion’s Gambling Hall and Four Queens; play Bingo with Elvis and go to an Elvis After-party complete with live Elvis ice sculpting at Binion’s.
Marquee Nightclub Inside The Cosmopolitan Hosts 9th Annual “Girls Night Out” Fundraiser For Shade Tree
The Shade Tree celebrated its Ninth Annual Friends of the Shade Tree “Girls Night Out” on Thursday, May 5, at Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
The event raised nearly $200,000 for the non-profit organization that benefits battered and homeless women, children and their pets.
Jason Feinberg
Photo credit: David Becker/Wire Image
Lorena Peril
Photo credit: David Becker/Wire Image
Emcee for Girl Night Out was FOX 5 news anchor, Jason Feinberg, with live entertainment provided by Red Rock Casino’s Zowie Bowie and FANTASY headliner, Lorena Peril, who sang “Halo” in memory of dancer Debbie Flores-Narvaez.
The benefit included a silent and live auction that featured tickets to ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars, a private tennis lesson with retired professional tennis player, Steffi Graf, a weekend package to the Marchesa Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week and three hosted dinners by master chef, Julian Serrano, who generously offered two more than originally planned due to its high-demand from the bidders.
Hussong’s Cantina Celebrates Cinco de Mayo with Rock n Roll Mariachis and Dos Equis Most Interesting Man in the World contest
Hussong’s Cantina at The Shoppes at Mandalay Place celebrated Cinco de Mayo with great food and drink and musical entertainment provided by the Rock n Roll Mariachis. Highlighting the night was the Dos Equis Most Interesting Man in the World contest. Seven contestants competing for cash and prizes with each given 80 seconds to tell their story as guests at Hussong’s voted via ballot on the winner.
Taking home top honors and a $250 cash prize was Las Vegas’ own “Big Al” Bjorkland, who came prepared with resumes to hand out to everyone in the restaurant. At 78 years old he has survived five types of cancer and three wives, been pronounced dead twice, survived two place crashes and racked up over two million flight miles. Al has sat in the Oval Office with three different US Presidents, caught a 1,000 pound blue marlin, helped build the NASA space program and sat in Apollo 11 just before its journey to the moon. He has traveled to 49 countries, was kicked out of a brothel in Spain and ran with the bulls.
Al Bjorkland
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy
Rock n' Roll Mariachis
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy
Travis Arket from 'The Deadliest Catch'
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy
Travis Arket from the TV show The Deadliest Catch competed, but was dwarfed by Big Al’s tenacity. Taking home second place was Blake, who for the last month has been skateboarding his way across the US, starting in Boston and heading to the Pacific, while third place went to a gentleman named Terry from Ohio who shared an outlandish story of boating in the Caribbean with Victoria’s Secret supermodels and an A-list actor.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include;
The Mirage headliner and “America’s Got Talent” winner Terry Fator has donned a pair of combat boots and is this week’s featured celebrity at www.bootcampaign.com.
The boots are part of a national initiative called the Boot Campaign. The campaign’s motto is, “When They Come Back, We Give Back.” Proceeds from every pair of boots sold through the Boot Campaign go to charities that assist military members and their families cope with physical injuries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The Boot Campaign’s goal is to see one million Americans sporting a pair of “Give Back” boots to represent the 1.4 million Americans serving in the armed forces. “I wanted to get involved with the Boot Campaign because I don’t believe enough is being done to take care of our military personnel once they get back home,” Fator stated.
The Smith Center for the Performing Arts recently celebrated one of the final steps needed to complete its exterior. The final cap on the Carillon Bell Tower, a massive 68,000 pounds of steel, was raised on April 23, taking it to its highest point of 170 feet. During the capping, the bell tower was simultaneously adorned with the American flag. The capping of the bell tower serves as a critical milestone for the performing arts center, which many believe will quickly become the cultural arts epicenter of Las Vegas upon its opening in March 2012.
Henderson resident, Carly Richardson, has been cast to portray Dorothy Gale, in the upcoming May production of The Wizard of Oz at the Henderson Pavilion, 200 S. Green Valley Parkway. Richardson auditioned for the part, edging out 30 other Dorothy hopefuls for the chance to wear the ruby red slippers. Fans will have the chance to see Richardson as Dorothy along with Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion, live, on-stage as the Las Vegas Shakespeare Company present multiple performances, May 13-14 at 8 p.m., May 15 at 4 p.m., May 21 at 8 p.m. and May 22 at 4 p.m., at the Henderson Pavilion, 200 S. Green Valley Parkway. Tickets are only $10.
Palms Pool & Bungalows inside Palms Casino Resort will host Cabanas for a Cause every Monday, beginning on May 23 that will benefit Links for Life Foundation. Conceived in 1995, the Links for Life Foundation has remained dedicated to be the link of hope in the lives of disadvantaged children in the local community. The community-driven project will donate all cabana sales for the day towards a non-profit charity, with each week dedicated to a different organization/local chapter throughout the Valley. Cabanas will be specially priced at $100 each, upon availability. Special guest DJs to entertain from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Casino MonteLago, the only gaming site at Lake Las Vegas, which opened in 2003 and has been run by three operators before it closed a year ago, is set to reopen on May 26. The Gaming Control Board gave tentative approval to Intrepid Gaming,the newest operators of the 40,000-square-foot casino pending approval of the Nevada Gaming Commission.
PBR Rock Bar will launch its new monthly event, Playmate Bull Riding, on Thursday, May 26, to kick-off the Memorial Day Weekend festivities with February 2010 Playboy Playmate, Heather Rae Young. Ladies are encouraged to compete and challenge the mechanical bull wearing bikinis. The winner will get a $200 bar tab, $100 for second place and $50 for third. Prizes are subject to change based on audience participation. PBR Rock Bar is located at the center of the Las Vegas Strip at Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Vdara Hotel & Spa, a luxury boutique property located at CityCenter, has earned the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award for 2011. The all-suite, non-gaming hotel made its debut in December 2009 and the designation marks the hotel’s first AAA rating.According to AAA standards, a Four Diamond rating reflects accommodations that are “refined and stylish” with “enhanced quality throughout” and a “high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail.”
Celebrity Sightings:
Thursday, May 5
It was Cinco de Mayo mayhem Thursday night at Tacos & Tequila inside the Luxor Las Vegas.
The Mexican restaurant was in full swing to celebrate the 2nd Annual CHiP and Salsa Cinco de Mayo Fiesta with former “CHiP’s” star Erik Estrada hosting the evening, joined by special guests Tamra Barney and Eddie Judge from the “Real Housewives of Orange County,” the Half Pint Brawlers from “Jackass 3D” and the World Power Lucha Libre wrestlers.
Also on hand to walk the red carpet were the Half Pint Brawlers from “Jackass 3D” and the World Power Lucha Libre wrestlers.
Also walking the red carpet were the hunks from Thunder from Down Under as well as the gorgeous ladies of FANTASY.
Erik Estrada arrives at Tacos & Tequila at Luxor Las Vegas.
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
Tamra Barney and Eddie Judge arrive at Tacos & Tequila at Luxor Las Vegas.
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
The Half Pint Brawlers arrive at Tacos & Tequila at Luxor Las Vegas.
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
Erik Estrada Celebrates Cinco de Mayo at Tacos & Tequila at Luxor Las Vegas.
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
Chuy Bravo, Chelsea Handler’s sidekick from the show Chelsea Lately, led the Cinco de Mayo celebrations at TAO’s Worship Thursday. He helped to judge the club’s Sexy Senorita contest. Chuy fueled up for the festivities with dinner at TAO Asian Bistro.
Photo credit: Al Powers
Kody Brown, star of TLC’s hit show “Sister Wives,” and wife Janelle were spotted enjoying Blue Man Group at The Venetian Las Vegas.
Kody Brown and wife Janelle
Friday, May 6...
Paris visited Michael Boychuck’s world-class salon, COLOR at Caesars Palace to touch up her signature golden locks with color and highlights. T
Alaska's favorite political bad-boy, Levi Johnston, who is best known as the former fiancé and father of Bristol Palin’s child, rung in his 21st birthday at Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Paris Las Vegas. Afterwards, Johnston stopped into Sugar Factory's retail store.
Also spotted at Sugar Factory American Brasserie was co-star of the famed Harry Potter film franchise, Tom Felton and a group of friends.
A few tables down, "Dawson's Creek" star, James Van Der Beek, dined with his wife, Kimberly.
American short track speed skating competitor and eight-time Olympic medalist, Apolo Anton Ohno, stopped into Sugar Factory to check out the retail store.
"No Ordinary Family" star, Kay Panabaker, also stopped by the retail store to pick out some treats before heading up to Chateau Nightclub to celebrate her birthday.
Levi Johnston dining at Sugar Factory
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
Levi Johnston posing with a couture pop
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
Tom Felton dining at Sugar Factory
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
Tom Felton posing with a couture pop
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
James Van Der Beek and wife, Kimberly, dining at Sugar Factory
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
Apolo Anton Ohno posing with a couture pop
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
Kay Panabaker posing with a couture pop
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
After stopping into Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Paris Las Vegas and its retail store continued his 21s birthday celebration Chateau Nightclub & Gardens
Also seen at Chateau were Tom Felton from the hit franchise “Harry Potter” and Kay Panabaker from ABC’s “No Ordinary Family.” Panabaker was also celebrating her 21st birthday at the Vegas hot spot.
Levi Johnston on the red carpet at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens inside Paris Las Vegas on Friday, May 6.
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
“Harry Potter” actor Tom Felton at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens inside Paris Las Vegas on Friday, May 6.
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
“No Ordinary Family” actress Kay Panabaker celebrating her 21st birthday at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens inside Paris Las Vegas on Friday, May 6.
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
Levi Johnston inside Chateau Nightclub & Gardens celebrating his 21st birthday inside Paris Las Vegas on
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
In anticipation of the Manny Pacquiao vs. Shane Mosley fight, Arianny Celeste hosted a pre-fight party at Studio 54 inside MGM Grand as part of the Knockout Kings’ Pound4Pound Weekend. Inside the nightclub, Celeste and her girlfriends settled into their VIP table overlooking all of the dance floor action just as DJ Loczi took the reins for his signature night, Electric Dream.
Arianny Celeste
Photo Credit: Bryan Haraway
Arianny Celeste
Photo Credit: Bryan Haraway
Arianny Celeste and Dj Loczi
Photo Credit: Bryan Haraway
Marcus Camby of the Portland Trail Blazers was spotted at Marquee Nightclub inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas,in the club’s Boombox room at a VIP table with several other athletes. Vince Carter of the Phoenix Suns was at another table, checking out the sounds of DJ Jason Lema in the Boombox, and Cedric the Entertainer made a late night stop at the hot spot.
Saturday afternoon, May 7, Local teen music sensation Lex Rox performanced at Komen's Race for the Cure followed by 94.1 FM's Kid's Mix. At the Kid's Mix event she had fans lining up for an hour to get her autograph and CD. She also became a fan of national band He is We and they of her.
Attached are photos of Lex Rox performing at Kid's Mix as well as one with Rachel Taylor and Trevor Kelly of the band He is We.
Lex Rox
Photo credit: Stardust Fallout
Lex Rox (center)
Photo credit: Stardust Fallout
Reality starlets Bridget Marquardt and Angel Porrino went on a double date with boyfriends in tow at Tryst Nightclub inside the Wynn Las Vegas. Fresh off a two year anniversary, Bridget and movie director boyfriend Nick Carpenter cuddled in the VIP booth all night, looking in love as ever. Holly’s World star, Angel and her boyfriend, Tal Cooperman, co-owner of the DCMA Collective clothing line with Good Charlotte’s Joel and Benji Madden, danced and joked with each other throughout the evening.
Bridget Marquardt and Angel Porrino
Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/Tryst Nightclub.
Tal Cooperman and Angel Porrino
Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/Tryst Nightclub.
Bridget Marquardt and Nick Carpenter
Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/Tryst Nightclub.
Saturday, May 7...
Nicky Hilton popped into Michael Boychuck's COLOR Salon Saturday afternoon to get dolled up for the highly-anticipated Manny Pacquiao and Shane Mosely fight.
E! News and Fashion Police host Giuliana Rancic celebrated her husband, Bill Rancic’s 40th Birthday at Azure Luxury Pool located at The Palazzo in Las Vegas. The couple spent the day with life long friends in celebration of Bill's BIG 4-0!
After lunch, Bill was surprised with a casino inspired four-layer cake topped with a candid photo of him, sent by Giuliana. The party continued through the evening with an Italian dinner at his favorite restaurant Lavo.
Bill and Guilianna Rancic
Photo credit: IMAGESOFVEGAS.COM/IS PHOTOGRAPHY
Multi-platinum recording artist Chris Brown celebrated his 22nd birthday at PURE Nightclub inside Caesars Palace with a large entourage of over 20 guests.
Brown decided to stay out of the limelight until the whole club stopped to wish him a “Happy Birthday” as he was presented with an impressive four-tiered graffiti themed cake.
Chris Brown
Photo credit: Erik Kabik/RETNA.
Jamie Foxx hosted a post fight party at TAO. After dining under the watchful eye of TAO’s famed Buddha, Foxx headed up to the nightclub with a large group of friends, including actor Tyrese Gibson.
At LAVO Aaron Paul hosted a post fight party of his own. The Emmy Award winning actor and star of the AMC hit series Breaking Bad headed to LAVO directly after the fight for dinner with friends at the Italian eatery. After dinner they made their way upstairs to a table on the dance floor.
Bill and Giuliana Rancic took over LAVO’s private dining room in celebration of Bill’s upcoming 40th birthday next week. The stars of the reality show Giuliana and Bill were joined by friends for the party, as well as cameras from the show that captured the festivities. After dinner Bill was surprised with a birthday cake.
Jamie Foxx
Photo credit: Al Powers
Jamie Foxx
Photo credit: Al Powers
Aaron Paul
Photo credit: Al Powers
Aaron Paul with friends
Photo credit: Al Powers
Bill and Guilianna Rancic
Photo credit: Al Powers
Several celebrities packed Marquee Nightclub after the fight. Paris and Nicky Hilton were spotted taking over several tables in the main room for a friend’s birthday. Also nearby was Stacy Keibler.
Kelly Osbourne and professional snowboarder Louie Vito, who both competed on season nine of Dancing with the Stars, as well as Bridget Marquardt and Angel Porrino also stopped by the club.
Actor Aaron Paul made a late night stop to check out the Library at Marquee after hosting at LAVO.
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey arrived at the club with a bevy of beauties, while Kevin Federline was spotted in the Boombox room.
Also spotted, Oshiomogho Atogwe of the Washington Redskins, with a group of NFL players.
Former Destiny’s Child singer, Kelly Rowland dined at Eva Longoria’s Beso Steakhouse at Crystals CityCenter. The Grammy Award-winning pop star hosted a special meet and greet party for fans who won a chance to meet Rowland in a radio contest on local radio station, Hot 97.5FM. After arriving, Rowland dined with a group of friends on Beso Steakhouse's chic and stylish patio, overlooking the stunning architecture of CityCenter Las Vegas.
Later in the evening, upstairs at Eva Longoria’s Eve Nightclub, NBA all-stars Vince Carter of the Phoenix Suns and Antawn Jamison of the Cleveland Cavaliers hosted a star studded after-fight party.
Comedian, Kevin Hart was also spotted on the mic in the DJ booth with DJ Franzen as he hit the decks to get party-goers pumped for the night.
Kelly Rowland arrives at Eva Longoria's Beso Steakhouse at Crystals CityCenter in Las Vegas.
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
Kelly Rowland dines at Eva Longoria's Beso Steakhouse at Crystals CityCenter in Las Vegas.
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
Kelly Rowland signs autographs for fans at Eva Longoria's Beso Steakhouse at Crystals CityCenter in Las Vegas.
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
Monday, MAY 9, Rocker Vince Neil was spotted enjoying a late lunch with his wife, Lia Gerardini. Afterwards, the couple headed to Sugar Factory’s expansive retail store for a sweet shopping spree.
Vince Neil and Lia Gerardini in the Sugar Factory retail store.
Vince Neil and Lia Gerardini at Sugar Factory American Brasserie.