Vegas Happenings | United Way | All-Star Blackjack | AFAN | Eva Longoria

By Judy Thorburn

United Way of Southern Nevada's Women's Leadership Council's Annual Membership Breakfast at The Smith Center for Performing Arts

United Way of Southern Nevada’s Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) held its annual membership outreach breakfast at The Smith Center for Performing Arts on Wednesday, Oct. 5.

More than 50 WLC members, potential members and Las Vegas business leaders were in attendance for the event. Keynote speaker Candy Schneider, Vice President of Education and Outreach for The Smith Center for Performing Arts, shared details on United Way’s partnership with the Southern Nevada Wolf Trap Early Learning Through the Arts program.

The Smith Center for Performing Arts launched the Southern Nevada Wolf Trap Early Learning Through the Arts program by establishing classroom residencies in 10 local preschools and plans to work with a total of 20 classrooms. The program provides innovative arts-based teaching strategies and services to early childhood educators, parents and children through the disciplines of drama, music and movement.

WLC spearheads several community projects supporting United Way’s efforts in education, health, volunteering, immediate needs and financial stability. Current projects include the Family Engagement Resource Centers, academic enrichment centers located in five local high schools specifically designed for parent-student learning, and partnerships with The Shade Tree and S.A.F.E. Nest, which assist women with resume-building and interviewing skills. In addition, WLC hosts an annual suit drive each fall to collect business attire for women in need. Last year’s drive collected more than 4,000 gently-used suits and professional accessories. The fourth annual suit drive takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov.4 in the parking lot at NV Energy (6226 W. Sahara).

WLC currently has more than 100 members and has raised a combined $740,000 since its inception in November 2007.

World's Greatest Athletes Gather at Tabu Ultra Lounge Before Sports Dream Celebrity All-Star Blackjack Tournament

On Friday evening, October 14, some of the world’s greatest athletes gathered for a meet-and-greet reception at Tabu Ultra Lounge before playing in the Sports Dream Celebrity All-Star Blackjack Tournament at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. The athletes gathered for a night of fun before heading out the next day to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the IZOD IndyCar Series World Championships.

Enthusiastic sports fans waited outside of the hot spot to get autographs and photos from all-stars like NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky, NFL Hall of Famer Warren Moon and NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady. The athletes were welcomed with cheers and camera flashes as they posed on the red carpet with several IndyCar stars, including Dario Franchitti, Graham Rahal and Jay Howard. Legendary Los Angeles Dodgers player and manager Tommy Lasorda arrived on the red carpet all smiles and graciously signed autographs for adoring fans.

Inside Tabú, Irvin worked the crowd, greeting Los Angeles Lakers’ Matt Barnes, New Orleans Hornets’ Marcus Banks and retired NFL star Marcellus Wiley. Retired Los Angeles Laker Robert Horry, retired Indiana Pacer Derrick McKey and retired NFL player and ESPN analyst Warrick Dunn also were in attendance, as the athletes enjoyed soaking up the sophisticated atmosphere at Vegas’ premiere ultra lounge.

Dario Franchitti
Photo Credit: Bryan Haraway

Janet Jones and Wayne Gretzky
Photo Credit: Bryan Haraway

Michael Irvin
Photo Credit: Bryan Haraway

Tracey McGrady
Photo Credit: Bryan Haraway

Warren Moon
Photo Credit: Bryan Haraway

Wayne Gretzky and Michael Irvin
Photo Credit: Bryan Haraway

AFAN Partners with Local Artist Robert Marlon for Art Studio Grand Opening

Aid for Aids of Nevada partnered with local artist Robert Marlon for the grand opening of his flagship art studio located in the northwest area of Las Vegas on Saturday evening October 15. Invited guests were given the opportunity to meet the artist and stroll through the three rooms of the gallery that features his eye catching artwork consisting of mixed media paintings and fine art available for purchase. Those in attendance were also treated to complimentary hor devourves, cocktails and cupcakes while enjoying ambiant live music provided by a pianist inside the gallery and a violinist in the open air, back courtyard.

Robert Marlon
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Robert Marlon Gallery Opening Night
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Robert Marlon artwork
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Robert Marlon artwork
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Courtyard
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

In support of AFAN, Marlon, a passionate philanthropist, donated a piece of his work, entitled Rainbow’s End to be auctioned off with 100 percent of the winning bid benefitting the organization. In addition 15 per cent of the gross sales of the evening was donated back to AFAN to continue supporting the more than 400,000 clients living within the HIV/AIDS community.

Eva Longoria and George Lopez Host Fundraising Gala at Tropicana Las Vegas

PADRES Contra El Cáncer (PADRES), a non-profit organization committed to improving the quality of life for Latino children with cancer and their families, celebrated the expansion into the Las Vegas community by hosting its 11th annual fundraising gala, “El Sueño de Esperanza” gala hosted by actress Eva Longoria at the newly transformed Tropicana Las Vegas on Saturday, October 15. Proceeds from the evening's event benefitted PADRES and the lifesaving work of the organization. Guests enjoyed gourmet cuisine and premier musical entertainment.

In June 2011, PADRES and Tropicana Las Vegas launched a cause-related partnership to promote pediatric cancer awareness and to provide opportunities to raise supplemental program funding. The first initiative under this partnership included PADRES’ largest fundraising campaign in 2011, “A Weekend of Latin Style & Entertainment,” was highlighted by the annual “El Sueño De Esperanza” gala.

(from left to right) Edward James Olmos, Eva Longoria and George Lopez
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue


Third: “American Idol” Finalist Stefano Langone
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue


“America’s Got Talent” Soprano Vocalist Barbara Padilla and “Entourage”  Actor Rex Lee
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue

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

We are saddened to report that Audrey Holmes, mother of entertainer Clint Holmes, passed away at the Nathan Adelson Hospice on Wednesday, October 12, at the age of 95. Audrey, a British born former opera singer, frequently was seated in the audience at Clint's shows and he always took the time to introduce her to the crowd. Our sincere condolences goes out to Holmes and his family.

Audrey Holmes
Photo credit: Kelly Clinton-Holmes

After more than three months of competition and thousands of votes cast via Facebook, Tommy Bahama has announced that JACK TERRY from Key West, FL is the first-ever Tommy Bahama Rumologist.

Jack Terry

World-class pianist ALPIN HONG will return to Henderson for a fourth appearance, visiting with local students at Basic High School, the Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing & Visual Arts, Nevada School of the Arts and the Las Vegas Youth Orchestra, as part of an extended musical residency program, beginning Wednesday, October 19 – Sunday, October 30.

RICK FAUGNO is moving his one man show, “Body & Soul” to Friday nights in Shimmer Cabaret at the Las Vegas Hilton beginning October 21 following his departure from “Jersey Boys”.

Jeanette Jurado, member of the hit girl group, Exposé, will perform in concert Friday October 21at 8 p.m.at ArtBeat on at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 Water Street. Fans will enjoy a collection of new songs that will be featured on Jurado’s first solo album, prior to its much-anticipated release. Admission is FREE.

Internationally famed DJ, SAMANTHA RONSON, continues her residency at Las Vegas’ most alluring nightlife destination, Gallery Nightclub at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Friday, Oct. 21.

Communities In Schools of Nevada (CIS) invites families for an evening of fall activities at the inaugural SCARECROW FESTIVAL on October 21 from 6-10 p.m. at The Sports Center of Las Vegas located at 121 East Sunset Road. CIS has gathered seasonal favorites for children of all ages to participate in as parents mix and mingle and enjoy live entertainment while benefiting the organization that is part of the nation’s leading dropout prevention network. Rounding out the evening is a full spread of delicious tastings prepared by The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas’ diverse assembly of award winning restaurants. Tickets are $175 for adults, $50 for kids, with tables of 10 available for $2,500.

Now through October 31, $1 from every chocolate or vanilla “Tickle Me Pink” cupcake purchased from THE CUPCAKERY locations at 9680 S. Eastern Ave.and 7175 W. Lake Mead Blvd. will be donated to the Southern Nevada Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® through the rest of October in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

ROGER DALTREY, the iconic lead singer of The Who, performs The Who’s Tommy, other Who classics and classic rock songs at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Saturday, October 22. Tickets, start at $56 (plus applicable service fees).

THE LAS VEGAS IMPROVISATION PLAYERS will conjure up the spirit of laughter, music and fun with an all new, Halloween-themed improv show on Saturday, October 22 at 7:00pm. The “clean-burning” improvised comedy and music show will be held at the American Heritage Academy, located at 6126 South Sandhill Road in Las Vegas. Tickets are only $10 and available for purchase at the door which opens at 6:40 p.m.

Celebrity hair colorist and leading Las Vegas salon owner, MICHAEL BOYCHUCK, will host the ‘AMP IT UP!’ event at his renowned AMP Salon at Palms Resort & Casino on Sunday, Oct. 23. Miss Nevada Organization’s Creative Director, Shanna Moakler, along with reigning beauty queens, Miss USA Alyssa Campanella, Miss Nevada USA Sarah Chapman and Miss Nevada Teen USA Ashley Brown will all be in attendance for the lavish affair. Starting at 4 p.m., the event will serve as an open casting call as it welcomes ladies to register for the highly anticipated 2012 Miss Nevada USA and Miss Nevada Teen USA pageants. Pageant hopefuls will also have the opportunity to meet and mingle with Miss Nevada USA Organization directors, as well as this year’s reigning beauty queens Campanella, Chapman and Brown.

MGM GRAND'S CRAZY HORSE PARIS will make a special appearance at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 1 p.m. Six of the most beautiful women on the Las Vegas Strip will pose for photos and show off their driving prowess as they take to the track in some of the most Expensive cars in world courtesy of Exotics Racing.

Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) hosts an Evening of Cabaret with acclaimed singer, actress and cabaret legend LAINIE KAZAN at The Lounge at the Palms Casino Resort, Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 8 – 10 p.m.Widely known for her starring role in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the Golden Globe and Tony Award nominee will deliver an evening of singing and comedy to support those affected and infected by HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada. Tickets to the Evening of Cabaret are on sale now and begin at $35 for general admission and $75 for VIP (including an exclusive meet and greet with Kazan before the show). Proceeds benefit AFAN and the fight against HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada.

Country music megastar MARTINA MCBRIDE will perform at Green Valley Ranch Friday, October 28 at 8 p.m.Tickets are $42.50, $55, $65 and $75 plus tax and applicable fees.

The Foundation for Educational Hope, benefiting Innovations International Charter School of Nevada, will hold its’ annual UN-MASKING THE MIND ART AUCTION AND FUNDRAISER - Saturday, October 29 from 6 to 9 p.m.at the Stan Fulton Building on the UNLV Campus 801 East Flamingo Road. Money raised during the event will go towards the purchase of  classroom supplies such as textbooks and desks, physical education equipment and art supplies. The auction will feature colorful, decorative Mardi Gras-style masks. The majority of the masks are autographed by celebrities, entertainers, musicians, political figures and Las Vegas businesses. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by calling 702.216.4337.

In honor of Halloween, SHARK REEF AT MANDALAY BAY will transform into Haunted Reef on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.  Last admission at 9 p.m. Guests 17 years of age and older will also receive complimentary admission upon donating blood at the United Blood Services booth. The booth, set up just for Haunted Reef, will be open Saturday, Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fearsome predators including sharks and a rare Komodo dragon with dagger-like teeth and piercing razor-sharp claws will lurk in exhibits, terrorizing spectators.  Rattling chains, creaking doors and haunting music will replace the normally soothing sounds of the ocean and the jungle. As visitors walk through Haunted Reef’s dark and spooky tunnels, they will pass ghostly decorations and jack-o-lanterns lining the walls. Cost of admission is $18 for adults, $12 for children 5-12 years. Costumed children 12 and under will receive FREE admission and sugary sweets.Nevada Resident Discount: present valid I.D. at box office to receive $3 off adult and $2 off child admission.

THE VILLAGE AT LAKE LAS VEGAS, located at 15 Costa di Lago in Henderson, will host a kid friendly Halloween festival, lakeside in the picturesque village, Sunday, Oct. 30 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Kids will be given the opportunity to go from shop-to-shop for fun Halloween treats, enjoy pony rides, a bouncy house, candy and games in a safe and beautiful environment of the Lake, shops and dining. This FREE event is open to the public of all ages. Plenty of FREE Parking is available.

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO offers an array of events and limited-time specials in celebration of Halloween on Monday, Oct. 31.  Haunting highlights of the weekend include: $50,000 cash and prize giveaways at Vanity Nightclub; mouthwatering menu at the tapas-inspired restaurant, Johnny Smalls; sultry costumes and free gift with purchase at Love Jones boutique and an unparalleled visual and aural experience featuring DJ Tiesto in concert at The Joint.

Singer-impressionist and comedian TOM STEVENS, who recently performed his 500th show in Las Vegas, returns to the Suncoast Showroom for two performances, November 5 and 6, each evening at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available for $10, plus tax and convenience fees.

To recognize and thank Nevada's military personnel for their honorable service and dedication to our country, the AARP SAFE DRIVER PROGRAM is proud to offer a FREE classroom course (a $14 value) to ALL, regardless of age, from November 1 through November 30, 2011. All military personnel--active duty, retired, guard, or reserve--and their spouses are eligible to receive this nationwide promotion.To locate a classroom course near you, visit the Classroom Course Locator or call 1-888-227-7669.

Celebrity Sightings:

Tuesday, Oct. 11, Rock ‘n’ roll legend Dave Amato of REO Speedwagon and a guest were spotted enjoying Blue Man Group at The Venetian Las Vegas.

Dave Amato or REO Speedwagon

Wednesday night, October 12...

B Real from Cypress Hill entertained the packed crowd at LAVO for Old School Wednesdays.

B Real

Nick Lachey joined by fellow members of 98 Degrees, Drew Lachey, Jeff Timmons and Justin Jeffre, had dinner at Nove Italiano inside the Palms Casino Resort.

Earlier in the day Nick Lachey and Justin Jeffre hung out at the Palms Pool & Bungalows.

(L to R Drew, Jeff, Justin and Nick)
Photo credit: Ed Graff

Friday night, October 14...

Designer John Varvatos presented a live concert by Gary Clark Jr. at The Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.Varvatos and event hosts Jason Demuth, Jimmy Foster, Bill Johnson, Erik Kabik, Ronn Nicolli and Jesse Waits, welcomed guests and local VIPs, including: Shaun White, Travis Pastrana, Ricardo Laguna, Robin Leach, Carla Pellegrino, George Lyons and Jay Brice of The Lyons Den.

Bill Johnson and C Moazzami

Jasom Demuth

Ricardo Laguna

Travis Pastrana

Robin Leach, Carla Pellegrino and Erik Kabik

Olympic Gold Medalist Shaun White hosted the Supply Co. Kick-Off Party at TAO to celebrate the launch of the newest line in his growing empire. He and his friends enjoyed the restaurant’s signature dishes and then made their way to the nightclub, taking over a VIP table on the dance floor.

Actress Jamie Chung was also spotted at TAO Nightclub and was joined by friends including her Sorority Row co-star Briana Evigan.

Shaun White
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Nick Cannon and Holly Madison hosted an elaborate party for the first night of Chateau Gardens' grand opening celebration at Paris Las Vegas. The new Chateau Gardens is situated on the rooftop of Paris Las Vegas under the awning of the Eiffel Tower.

The cast of eccentric performers from ABSINTHE including The Gazillionaire, his assistant Penny Pibbets, Angel Porrino, Melody Sweets and Tony Tightropes celebrated Okotberbest at Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas by kicking off the night of fun and festivities as special guest celebrity keg-tappers.

Actress and singer Christina Milian celebrated the end of summer at Azure Luxury Pool at The Palazzo Las Vegas. The gorgeous mother of one was joined by friends and family.

After enjoying the sunny day at Azure, Christina dined at LAVO.

Christina Milian
Photo credit: Robyn Andrzejczak / jnrphotography.com

At night, multi-platinum producer and music superstar Pharrell, "Jersey Shore" stud Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino and "Friday Night Lights" star Aimee Teegarden (who was celebrating her 22nd birthday) were all spotted at Sugar Factory at Paris Las Vegas.

Pharrell arrived with a group of close friends.

"Jersey Shore" mainstay Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino arrived with his mother, brother and sister.

Pharrell dines at Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Paris Las Vegas.
Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage

Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino indulges in a red velvet ice cream sundae at Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Paris Las Vegas.
Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage

Actress Aimee Teegarden celebrates her birthday at Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Paris Las Vegas.
Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage

DMC from the legendary Run-DMC partied at LAX Nightclub inside Luxor Hotel and Casino.

Photo credit: Scott Berry

Eva Longoria and George Lopez were spotted making a late night stop a Marquee, Longoria’s second visit to the hot spot in less than a month.  The group first ducked into to Library before making their way to the main room to check out Kaskade.

Holly Madison also took in the sounds of Kaskade.

Actress Jamie Chung was spotted having dinner at LAVO.

Miss. Nevada USA 2011 Sarah Chapman attended Phantom—The Las Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian Las Vegas. Following the performance she went backstage to meet “The Phantom” himself, Anthony Crivello.

(From L to R: Anthony Crivello, Miss. Nevada USA 2011 Sarah Chapman)
Photo credit: Courtesy of Phantom Las Vegas

DJ Vice celebrated his birthday at his weekly Vice Sundays party at LAVO.  Vice was surprised with a cake from Gimme Some Sugar in the  shape of an airplane for Vice Airwaves.

Spotted in the crowd was Olympic athlete Shaun White and friends, who first dined downstairs at the Italian eatery.

Evan Ross, son of Diana Ross, who was elebrating his birthday, also arrived early with friends.