Vegas Happenings | Henry Hill | Bradley Cooper | Holly Madison | Sammy Hagar

Panel discussion with Henry Hill and Former Wise Guys at Las Vegas Film Festival

Along with a block of movie shorts, several feature films and VIP parties, the 2011 Las Vegas Film Festival which took place at the Las Vegas Hilton on July 15-17 featured a few panel discussions with screenwriters, producers and filmmakers, plus an informal, interactive discussion with legendary mobster Henry Hill, and former wise guys Frank Culotta (former member of the Chicago Syndicate, Las Vegas’ infamous Hole in the Wall Gang), Meyer Lansky II (namesake and grandson of the Kosher Nostra figure). Anntonnette Giancanna (daughter of Sam Giancanna) and Tony Montana (a reputed “hitman”) whose lives were portrayed in films. The event, moderated by actor Lou Martini, Jr., (the only actor to appear in both The Godfather movie and The Sopranos TV series) was held on Saturday afternoon, July 16.

Anntonnette Giancanna, Henry Hill, Lou Martini, Jr., Frank Culotta, Meyer Lansky II and Tony Montana
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Everyone knows that mobsters played an important part in the history of Las Vegas and their influence in the gaming/casino industry is not a surprising revelation. So, it was interesting, to say the least, to hear what Hill, (played by Ray Liotta in "Goodfellas"), a few infamous “goodfellas” and two family members of a couple of the most notorious mobsters had to say about their life in the mob.

The discussion started with Martini asking Hill, who was an informant, aka “stool pigeon' for the FBI, “Do you fear for your life?” Hill jokingly responded, “Only one woman I fear (pointing to his wife, seated in the audience). He then added, “When I walk into a restaurant I always look for the exits”.

Anntonnette Giancanna and Henry Hill
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

When asked about his life experience being adapted to the big screen in “Goodfellas”, Hill replied, “Val Kilmer was originally signed to play me. Ray Liotta campaigned for the role and took it for chump change. He did an unbelievable job (portraying me). It was so surreal sitting in a theatre watching your life portrayed.”

Regards to recollections and fond memories from their past, the following are some things they revealed.

Antonnette Giancanna, the self processed “Mafia Princess” spoke about growing up as the daughter of one of the most feared and dangerous “Godfathers” who had ties to the Democratic Party and a long affair with singer Phyllis McGuire of the McGuire Sisters. “I had a seventh sense and knew something was wrong; the way my Dad was treated, as if he was royalty everywhere we went. I knew instinctively that something shady was going on; some things that should not have been done. She then stated emphatically, “ I don't watch movies about the mob. I lived it!”

“Phyllis McGuire would come to our house every Christmas. One night she took out a box. Inside was a somali leopard coat and she gave it to me. Only a few were available at the time. Liz Taylor was the first to get one. Nowadays they are an endangered species.”

Meyer Lansky II said he grew up in Tacoma, Washington and was mostly removed from his grandfather's “business” . He went on, “When I asked about it, he eluded to it and instead would ask me about my studies. I remember, though, when we were out somewhere, a couple of Jewish kids came up to him as if he was a celebrity and asked him for an autograph and I didn't know why.”

Meyer Lansky II
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Any regrets?

Montana said his most fond memories relate to the thrills, rewards and the perks and has no regrets.

Tony Montana
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Culotta, on the other hand, responded by saying he regretted “killing people, but they were orders.”

Frank Culotta
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

As the lone woman on the panel, Giancanna pointed out, “There wasn't equal opportunity in the Mob. I would have loved to be on top”, she said causing roars of laughter from the audience.

As for their future plans, Montana said he is working on a movie titled “All American Mafia”. Lansky is writing a biography about things that have never been seen or published. Culotta said he and Hill did a TV show that will air in August and his biography, which will be turned into a 12 part mini series, is in negotiations. Hill has a projected, not yet named, TV series in the works, that will include stuff left out of the movie, Goodfellas. Nick Pellegi is the main writer and has signed a contract with AMC.

Going in another completely different direction, Giancanna said she would like to get away from talking about her dad and the Mafia. Her dream and goal is to be a success in the Italian food business. She has created her own marina sauce and took the opportunity to promote it.
All in all, the conversation with these figures from organized crime gave listeners a little insight into their lives. Based on what I gathered, the former wiseguys who are long retired from the mob are not only older, but a lot wiser.

Actor Bradley Cooper's Wax Likeness Unveiled at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

On Monday, July 18, actor Bradley Cooper, star of blockbusters “The Hangover” and “The Hangover Part II,” joined the esteemed Madame Tussauds Las Vegas collection with a likeness worth $300,000.

Bradley Cooper (left) with wax likeness
Photo credit: WireImage

The 36 year old actor met his wax figure for the first time at the side-by-side unveiling.  Cooper commented, “Thank you, Madame Tussauds Las Vegas.  I am honored to be added to the collection.”

Bradley Cooper met with Madame Tussauds artists months before, where hundreds of measurements of the actor were taken - along with color matching of his hair, eyes and skin tone in preparation for his figure.  Along with his signature smile, the figure is donning a tailored two-piece Tom Ford suit.

“We’re thrilled to add Bradley Cooper to our attraction.  He has become an iconic Vegas figure with the popularity of ‘The Hangover,’ so it was a great match-up,” said Madame Tussauds Las Vegas General Manager Rosita Chapman.

“Bradley Cooper” joins more than 100 celebrity wax figures at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, located in front of The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino.  The attraction features seven themed rooms and includes new figures such as Eva Longoria, Gwen Stefani and Lady Gaga.

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas is currently offering an online summer locals special.  Locals with a Nevada ID can purchase tickets online for $12.50 each (50 percent off the General Admission rate) through September 5, 2011.

U.S. Marines Treated to Special Homecoming from Holly Madison and Sammy Hagar

Ten U.S. Marines that recently returned from Afghanistan were treated to a night to remember, care of Peepshow and Cabo Wabo Cantina.
Sammy Hagar stopped by his very own Cabo Wabo Cantina at Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino to surprise the group with dinner prior to the show. The Red Rocker spent more than two hours with the Marines enjoying shrimp tacos, carne asada and Cabo Wabo's specially made guacamole. The group relaxed on the patio while swapping stories and enjoying the sunny afternoon before they headed inside to see Peepshow starring Holly Madison.

After the show Madison surprised the Veterans with a special post-show meet & greet where she posed for photos and signed autographs for the special fans.

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

TERRY LANNI, former chairman and CEO of MGM Mirage Corp., died Thursday, July 14 at age 68 after a two-year battle with cancer. Lanni is survived by his wife, Debbie, and sons, Sean and Patrick. Funeral services were held at Holy Family Catholic Church, in South Pasadena, California. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.

Great news for THE SANDOU TRIO RUSSIAN BAR ACT who perform in VEGAS! THE SHOW inside the David Saxe Theatre at Planet Hollywood. They've made it to the semi-finals of "America's Got Talent" on NBC.

BELLAGIO, Julian Serrano’s renowned restaurant PICASSO, AND LE CIRQUE have been awarded the prestigious AAA FIVE DIAMOND AWARD for 2012.  With unsurpassed service, world-class dining and luxurious amenities, Bellagio also has the distinction of being the only hotel in the U.S. to have two AAA Five Diamond restaurants under one roof.

The American Gaming Association recently announced that Las Vegas Sands Corp. Chairman SHELDON ADELSON, Strip headliners the BLUE MAN GROUP and celebrity chef CHARLIE PALMER are the 2011 inductees to the GAMING HALL OF FAME. The inductees will be honored Nov. 1 at the 23rd annual Gaming Hall of Fame Charity Dinner and Induction Ceremony which will take place at the Venetian. Proceeds will benefit the National Center for Responsible Gaming.


Multi-faceted entertainer, NICK CANNON, will begin his residential DJ debut on Saturday, July 23 at Gallery Nightclub inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Cannon, who has been cited by People Magazine as one of the ‘Top Ten Most Successful Young People in Hollywood,’ will spin a blend of top 40, hip-hop and R&B tracks and will be sure to keep party-goers dancing until the early morning hours with his high-energy playlist. Along with being one of the hottest and most successful DJs around, Cannon is also the brilliant host of NBC’s hit television show, “America’s Got Talent,” husband of music superstar, Mariah Carey.

As part of the band’s first tour in over 13 years, SOUNDGARDEN will make a stop at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Saturday, July 23. Opening up the show will be progressive rockers The Mars Volta. Tickets, start at $69.50 (plus applicable service fees).

Miami-based electronic music DJ and producer, GEORGE ACOSTA has signed an exclusive one-year, twelve-date Las Vegas DJ residency with Encore Beach Club and Surrender Nightclub, the premier daylife and nightlife venues at Wynn Las Vegas. Acosta debuts Saturday, July 23 at Encore Beach Club.

RICK FAUGNO will light up the stage in Shimmer Cabaret at the Las Vegas Hilton on Monday, July 25 and Monday, August 1 at 8:30 p.m. Body & Soul is a tour de force of pop, rock, soul, funk, blues, jazz, Latin and just about every musical genre imaginable. Tickets for Body & Soul starring Rick Faugno are $39-$49 (plus tax and service charge). Prior to his one man show, he returned to the Las Vegas Hilton on the big screen on Sunday, July 17 for the 2011 Las Vegas Film Festival.  Faugno’s new movie “Virgin Alexander,” in which he plays the title character,  screened at the Las Vegas Film Festival on Sunday, July 17 at 12 p.m.

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is happy to announce the wait is over for those wanting tickets to the Broadway Las Vegas series featuring THE COLOR PURPLE, MARY POPPINS, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET and MEMPHIS.  Series tickets will go on sale Tuesday, July 26 and  are priced at $99, $139, $229 and $309 for all four shows, depending on seating preference. Prices include any/all sales tax and handling fees. Individual tickets for these four performances will go on sale at a later, to-be-announced date.

THE WOMAN OF COLOR CONFERENCE takes place Aug. 1-3 at Mandalay Bay.  All proceeds benefit local non-profits for women/girls.  Also, it’s the first time the event will be three days instead of one.The “WOCC” is open to all women and men and offers a forum for career development and networking, featuring nationally recognized speakers and executive development experts. This year’s keynote speakers will include Janet Murguia, president and CEO of the National Council of LaRaza;  Dr. Robin Smith, motivational speaker and best-selling author of “Lies At The Altar – The Truth About Great Marriages” (Scribe Publications) and Linda Clemons, motivational speaker and self-improvement expert. Early registration fee for participants is $150.  Registration includes the full conference and all workshops, lectures, access to the Career Center where participants obtain advice from certified career coaches and the conference’s signature Empowering Our Future Luncheon. Reduced Student registration (with valid college ID) is available for $75.

Due to increased expenses and the need for a "sustainable fundraising plan ", Whirleygig, Inc, the organizers of FIRST FRIDAY, the popular monthly street fair in downtown Las Vegas, have canceled the monthly event for August and September. The fair is scheduled to resume on October 7, which would be First Friday's ninth anniversary.


Celebrity Sightings:

Wednesday night, July 13 …

Comedian Sammy Shore and actress Morgan Brittany were seen (sitting inseparate booths) in the audience at Connie Steven's show at the Riviera.

Music sensation Mya performed in front of a packed house at LAX Nightclub inside Luxor Hotel and Casino.

Mya
Photo credit: Scott Berry


Mya
Photo credit: Scott Berry

Friday night, Canadian film and television actress from the hit TV show "Two and Half Men,"nd the highly anticipated new series on FOX, "Human Target", Emmanuelle Vaugier kicked-off her birthday celebration in style at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at Paris Las Vegas. Also at Chateau celebrating his birthday with friends was James Maslow from Nickelodeon's, "Big Time Rush" who turned 21 at the stroke of midnight.
The birthday girl dined with close friends at Sugar Factory American Brasserie and was overheard saying how excited she was to celebrate her birthday at Chateau.

Emmanuelle Vaugier at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens.
Photo credit: Angela Weiss / WireImage


James Maslow celebrates 21st birthday at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens.
Photo credit: Angela Weiss / WireImage

Friday night, July 15...

Singer Leona Lewis was seen dining with friends at TAO Asian Bistro.

Also at TAO was Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul before hitting TAO Nightclub.  After taking in the scene there the group made a late night stop at Marquee.

CSI: Miami actress Eva La Rue partied at LAVO with her husband and a large group of friends.

Jareb Dauplaise from MTV’s The Hard Times of RJ Berger enjoyed dinner at LAVO with Kyle Kaplan from the ABC hit Ten Things I Hate About You.

Leona Lewis
Photo credit: Al Powers


Eva La Rue
Photo credit: Al Powers

Award-winning actor Michael Madsen hosted at Gallery Nightclub inside Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. Madsen, who had won the Las Vegas Film Festival’s “Indie Icon” award hours earlier, enjoyed the night with his wife Deanna and friends at his VIP table.

Michael Madsen greets the crowd at Gallery Nightclub
Photo credit: Angela Weiss / WireImage


Michael Madsen posing from his VIP table at Gallery Nightclub
Photo credit: Angela Weiss / WireImage


Michael Madsen and his wife Deanna at Gallery Nightclub
Photo credit: Angela Weiss / WireImage

Rick and Corey Harrison of the hit show "Pawn Stars" were spotted at Marquee checking out the club from VIP tables in the Boombox Room. The father-son duo came in with a large group of friends, with Corey looking noticeably slim after losing a reported 115 lbs. They were later joined by cast mate Austin "Chumlee" Russell.

Also spotted at Marquee was actor Aaron Paul, who made a late night stop at the Library after spending the evening at TAO.

Aaron Paul
Photo credit: Al Powers

Saturday, July 16...

Actress Jamie Chung from The Hangover Part II and Sucker Punch spent the night partying with friends at PURE Nightclub inside Caesars Palace.

Jamie Chung
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image


Jamie Chung dancing
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image

Grammy Award-winning hip hop artist Chamillionaire performed at LAX Nightclub inside Luxor Hotel and Casino..

Chamillionaire
Photo credit: Scott Berry

NBA star, Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets, kicked off his bachelor party weekend at TAO Beach with friends and family.  At night as the group commanded tables in Marquee’s Boom Box room.

Also spotted at Marquee in the Boom Box room was NBA free agent Devean George, who partied with friends.

Comedian and actor David Spade dined at TAO.

Earlier in the day, Mike “Boogie” Malin, the original winner of Big Brother and host of VH1’s Famous Food was spotted celebrating his 41st birthday at Marquee Dayclub.

Club Nikki at the all new Tropicana Las Vegas hotel and casino hosted a special DJ set by Rev Run, one of the founding members of the influential hip hop group Run-D.M.C., that featured Mel Debarge.

After Rev Run and Debarge completed their set, rap artist/singer Hot Rod from 50 Cent’s G-Note label gave a surprise two-song performance.

Earlier in the day at Nikki Beach, Rev Run enjoyed the afternoon in one of Nikki Beach’s signature teepee cabanas.
In a separate group, singer Taylor Dayne soaked up the sun on a day bed.

Attached are two photos of Rev Run and Mel Debarge. Rev Run is wearing black.

R&B singer Ray J gave a stellar performance of his hottest hits at Gallery Nightclub inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Ray J surprised the packed club when he brought rapper 40 Glocc on stage and the duo sung their new single, "Damn."

Ray J performs live at Gallery Nightclub at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage


Ray J at his VIP table at Gallery Nightclub at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage


Ray J on the red carpet at Gallery Nightclub at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage


Ray J performs with a dancer at Gallery Nightclub at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage

Sunday, July 17...

New Orleans Hornets star Chris Paul continued his bachelor party continued at Marquee Dayclub for Regatta Chic Sundays. He was joined by fellow NBA pros including Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Carmelo Anthony

Sunday night they made their way to LAVO for Vice Sundays.

In a fun twist, actor Clifton Davis, most well-known for his role as a reverend on the NBC hit show “Amen” (’86-’91), served as minister at a friend’s wedding at Chapel of the Flowers.

Monday night, July 18...

NBA star and infamous bad boy Dennis Rodman took over the stage at XS Nightclub partied into the early hours of the morning. Rumored to be in Sin City for his belated 50th birthday celebration, the 6’6” power forward was hard to miss among the sea of clubgoers in attendance for Diplo’s DJ debut at XS. Rodman was joined by a group of beautiful women, before jumping onto the stage and taking over the mix master tasks from Diplo for a few songs.

Dennis Rodman
Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/XS Nightclub


Diplo and Dennis Rodman
Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/XS Nightclub


Diplo
Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/XS Nightclub


Diplo
Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/XS Nightclub

Actor Joseph Gannascoli, most notable for his portrayal of Vito Spatafore on the HBO series, “The Sopranos,” dined with a party of five people at N9NE Steakhouse inside the Palms Casino Resort.

Former 98 Degrees heartthrob and current Chippendales sensation, Jeff Timmons, was spotted watching the sexy Las Vegas female revue, FANTASY, with his wife inside Luxor Hotel and Casino.

Jeff Timmons and FANTASY dancers outside the Atrium Showroom

Chris Paul wrapped up his bachelor party weekend with dinner at LAVO.  Joining the NBA pro for a feast inside LAVO’s private dining room were fellow athletes Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony and Jannero Pargo, along with comedian Kevin Hart.

Tuesday, July 19...

Hip-hop legends Naughty By Nature performed at PURE Nightclub during its highly popular industry night.

NBA power player Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks dined with a few friends at N9NE Steakhouse inside the Palms Casino Resort.

Continuing his 50th birthday celebration, five-time NBA champion and notorious bad boy, Dennis Rodman, was spotted at Crazy Horse III Gentlemen’s Club inside PLAYGROUND adult nightlife complex. The retired NBA all-star arrived with a group of friends.