Vegas Happenings | Marbella Tapas Bar | Runway For Life | Starbright Theatre | United Way | Ethel M Holiday Cactus Lighting

Marbella Tapas Bar & Music of Spain Opens in Las Vegas

The sophisticated and stylish Marbella Tapas Bar & Music of Spain opened Thursday, Oct. 27, in the former Ruth’s Chris Steak House space on 4561 W. Flamingo Road. For those looking for something unique, Marbella brings all the colorful flavors of food from Spain as well as musical entertainment and dancing to the Las Vegas valley. Marbella features innovative food concepts, signature cocktails and an extensive wine selection including Spanish, Argentinean, Chilean and Californian wines.

“We're very excited to be opening a new restaurant in this economy,” said Jamshid Nahreini, co-owner of Marbella. “We feel we're filling a niche and at the same time stimulating the local economy and opening up employment opportunities within the city.”

Marbella offers a unique dining experience daily, with a tasteful selection of signature delicacies, including paella and ceviche, as well as traditional cocktails and signature drinks like Sangria, Mojitos, Caipirinhas and Margaritas all made with fresh fruit. Along with personal sized pizzas, gourmet burgers, steaks and seafood, Marbella also offers some vegan and vegetarian options, ensuring that a wide range of diners can experience the tastes of Spain.

Nightly, Marbella transforms its dining atmosphere into a trendy lounge and afterhours hotspot, similar to the Discotecas that can be found on the coast of Spain. Authenticity runs high with Flamenco dancers, Spanish string bands and DJs providing entertainment until the sun comes up.

Throughout the week, Marbella boasts an exciting happy hour from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. with menu and drink specials; and for those who miss happy hour, there is a daily bar menu with specialty items. Marbella transforms it’s Thursday nights into THE place to be for ladies, with a free cocktail, entertainment and dancing to compliment a “Ladies Night Out.” The party continues every Friday and Saturday night when Marbella embraces the infamous Vegas late night crowd with music and dancing starting at 10 p.m. and boast a breakfast menu which will be available until 5 a.m.

MJ Christensen Hosts Gala Fundraiser to Benefit Impoverished Ugandans

MJ Christensen Jewelers hosted a gala fundraiser, "Runway for Life" on Thursday night, November 10 at the store's Henderson location at 10400 S. Eastern Avenue to benefit Bead For Life! a non profit organization working to eradicate extreme poverty by impoverished Africans.

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

"Runway for Life" Fashion Show at MJ Christiansen Jewelers
Video by Stephen Thorburn

"Runway for Life" Fashion Show
Video by Stephen Thorburn

The evening's festivities included a red carpet fashion show emceed by reporter Rachel Smith from Fox 5's MORE show that featured fashions by Eccoci as guests enjoyed live music provided by African drummers, wine from Rock N' Roll Wine and delicious hors d' oeuvres by national and local restaurant Brio.

Showcased were beaded jewelry hand made by Ugandan women who turn colorful recycled paper into beautiful beads and gather shea nuts and press them into shea butter for cosmetics and soaps. During this special event proceeds from the purchase of the very affordable Bead For Life jewelry including necklaces, bracelets, brooches, and earrings as well lip balms and soaps, went to a great cause, providing impoverished Ugandan women the opportunity to take control of their economic future.

For more information about Bead for Life go to www.beadforlife.org.

Seniors put on USO show at Starbright Theatre in Honor of Veterans Day

In honor of Veterans Day, The Backstage Revue, presented “Backstage Canteen” A Senior Salute to the USO at the Starbright Theatre in Summerlin on Friday evening November 11.

The entire cast was made up of talented senior citizens from throughout the Las Vegas valley and as far as Pahrump who had worked hard to put together an entertaining evening of nostalgic music, song and dance, and comedy that took us back to a bygone era of the 1940's. During World World 11, as our soldiers were fighting overseas to preserve our freedom, back home in the states 'swing' was king, pin up queens were movie stars such as Betty Grable and Rita Hayworth and comedian George Burns was helping to make us laugh.

Starbright Theater's USO Show on Veterans Day 2011
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Starbright Theater's USO Show's Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Starbright Theater's USO Show tap dancing
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Starbright Theater's USO Show's "Jimmy Durante" impersonation
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


The Cast of the Starbright Theater's USO Show on Veterans Day 2011
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Video by Stephen Thorburn

Leading the show's troupe of performers were three former professional dancers/retired las Vegas Showgirls, Karlyn Zambrotta, Liz Lieberman and Troy Papameletios. The dynamic and still beautiful women not only choreographed the numbers but also performed in the show that featured colorful red, white and blue costumes that were fitting to the patriotic theme.

For those military veterans and others in the audience, it was a night to remember.

United Way of Southern Nevada's Women's Leadership Council Collects More Than 5,700 Suits and Professional Attire At 4th Annual Fall Suit Drive

United Way of Southern Nevada’s Women's Leadership Council (WLC) held its 4th Annual Fall Suit Drive at NV Energy on Friday, Nov. 4. In conjunction with the annual clothing drive, Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino also served as drop off location for gently-used business attire from Monday, Oct. 24 through Thursday, Nov. 3. The nonprofit collected more than 5,700 professional items including suits, dresses, shoes, handbags and jewelry, topping last year’s total by more than 1,500.

Southern Nevadans showed their generosity with many individuals donating an entire car full of pieces. WLC members served as volunteers during the event, placing outfits together, organizing shoes and jewelry as well as handing out receipts and thanking those who participated. “Each year, we are thrilled to host the suit drive because of the direct impact it has on women in the Las Vegas Valley,” said Rhonda Clausen, Women’s Leadership Council suit drive co-chair. “It may be that one outfit that helps an individual land a job, receive acceptance to college or gain the confidence to face their abuser in a courtroom. It only takes one suit change the course of a woman’s life.”

Hosted by WLC, the drive helps women prepare for career opportunities and gain confidence to succeed during an interview and in the workplace. Items collected benefit Safe Nest, S.A.F.E. House, The Shade Tree and Goodwill of Southern Nevada Career Connections, HopeLink and Help of Southern Nevada’s W.O.R.C. (Work Opportunity Readiness Center).

Ethel M Chocolates 18th Annual Holiday Cactus Lighting

For the 18th consecutive year, Ethel M Chocolate Factory in Henderson unveiled a spectacular display of holiday lights in their Cactus Garden on Tuesday, Nov. 15 for the public to enjoy throughout the holiday season. Las Vegas headliner, comedian George Wallace acted as host for the festive event with live entertainment provided by Human Nature, Zowie Bowie, a children's choir and a visit from old St. Nick, more commonly known as Santa.

Geechy Guy and George Wallace
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


George Wallace introduces Human Nature
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Zowie Bowie (Chris Phillips) and Marley Taylor
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

This year the display is bigger and brighter than ever, featuring an eye dazzling, colorful display of over 500,000 Christmas lights that decorate and illuminate the three acres of cactuses and desert landscaping. What's more, Ethel M visitors are able to experience the Holiday Cactus Garden in 3-D by purchasing special glasses inside the Ethel M store located next to the garden.

George Wallace, Zowie Bowie and Marley Taylor count down to the lighting of the cactus garden.
Video by Stephen Thorburn

In exchange for one new, unwrapped toy, the public was invited to pick up a family four-pack of tickets to the event at the Ethel M Chocolates Factory. The toys will be donated to KLUC's Annual Toy Drive to benefit children in need.

Additional recent and upcoming happenings include:

COYOTE UGLY celebrated their 10-year anniversary. at New York - New York Hotel and Casino on Friday evening, November 11. The high- energy bar brought in clubgoers from all over to commemorate a successful decade of non-stop partying while also honoring our military Veterans. All active and military veterans were invited to the bar for free shots "Coyote" style.

Shots at Coyote Ugly
Photo credit: Scott Berry


Coyote Ugly Balloons
Photo credit: Scott Berry


Coyote Ugly honors our Veterans
Photo credit: Scott Berry

Las Vegas Design Center (LVDC) named KELLEY COZZOLINO from Bigelow Interiors as the winner of its inaugural Design of the Year award. The first-of-its-kind local design competition was created to recognize excellence in design among Southern Nevada interior designers and design students. Cozzolino was recognized for her Cottage in Cardiff remodel. Seven judges, consisting of select LVDC showroom owners and managers along with World Market Center Las Vegas senior management, juried the submissions and ultimately awarded Cozzolino the grand prize during an awards luncheon at LVDC featuring cuisine from Mundo on Thursday, November 10.

The COSMOPOLITAN OF LAS VEGAS has been named one of Fodor's 100 best hotels in the world. The newest resort to open on the Strip was nominated in the travel guide's "new and worthy" category.

For the sixth consecutive year, The COLOSSEUM AT CAESARS PALACE has been named Top Venue Under 5,000 seats at the recent 2011 Billboard Touring Awards. The annual award was based on global box office numbers reported to Billboard Boxscore from Oct. 1, 2010, through Sept. 30, 2011.

Multi-platinum group LADY ANTEBELLUM will perform at The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Friday, Nov. 18. The Grammy-winning trio will be joined by special guests Josh Kelley and Randy Montana. Tickets start at $45.00 (plus applicable service fees).

DAVID HASSELHOFF’s performances at The Orleans Showroom on November 18, 19 and 20 have been cancelled. Ticket holders may call the Coast Casinos box office at 702.365.7075 for details on how to receive a refund.

After touring the West Coast, Gregory Popovich's COMEDY PET THEATRE, featuring an amazing cast of housecats, dogs, parrots and even geese and mice, is back at V Theater inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood for for the rest of 2011 beginning November 21st.

The Venetian and The Palazzo invite guests and shoppers to join world-renowned CHEF MARIO BATALI as he performs a live cooking demonstration on Black Friday. The FREE event will take place on Friday, Nov. 25 from 1 to 3 p.m. by the outdoor gondolas of The Venetian. As part of The Venetian and The Palazzo’s first-ever Winter in Venice, guests will be able to watch Batali prepare his signature pizza in a wood-burning oven, as well as interact and ask questions during the demonstration.

Fremont Street Experience Hosts The 25TH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN HOEDOWN celebrating the return of the National Finals Rodeo – on Wednesday evening, Nov. 30. The event begins at 6:10 p.m. and showcases popular country music entertainment with free live concerts on three stages. The 25TH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN HOEDOWN will have everyone two stepping with its entertainment lineup that includes top country music talents: Craig Morgan, Glen Templeton, Hunter Hayes, Lee Brice, LoCash Cowboys and Exile. To coincide with the National Finals rodeo, FSE will have additional nightly free concerts Dec. 1-11 featuring Dean Simmons as Garth Brooks, Exile, Jimmy Ray’s Johnny Cash Tribute, Voodoo Cowboys, Ryan Whyte Maloney Band, Route 66 and Fairchild.

The recently opened MARTIN LAWRENCE GALLARIES located in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace will display an unprecedented collection of Russian born French artist ERTE'S work on Thursday, December 1st. In addition to complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., this special night celebrating his vast and extraordinary portfolio will include rare original works, limited edition hot-stamped and embossed serigraphs and bronze sculptures. Also on display will be The Clasp, a jeweled evening bag (with a price tag of $780,000) brought to life from Erte’s design in celebration of the artist’s 110th anniversary. The entire collection will be presented for viewing and available for purchase.

Rio Spa & Salon at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino is hosting a HOLIDAY SEASON TOY DRIVE to benefit children in need. Guests will receive 10 percent off any service when they bring a new, unwrapped toy to the spa now through Dec. 1, 2011, and a complimentary spa or salon treatment with a new bike donation on selected days.Tuesday, Nov. 22 - Bring in any new, unwrapped bike and receive an express pedicure. Wednesday, Nov. 30 -Bring in a new, unwrapped bike and receive a complimentary men’s or women’s haircut. Thursday, Dec. 1 - Bring in any new, unwrapped bike and receive a complimentary deep-cleansing facial. All toys and bikes collected will be donated to HELP of Southern Nevada.

In honor of World AIDS Day, “FALLEN GUARDIAN ANGELS” by Las Vegas playwright Edward D Padilla, will be performed as a benefit for Golden Rainbow beginning Thursday, Dec. 1 through Saturday, Dec. 3 at the West Charleston Library (6301 W. Charleston). Padilla will be in attendance at the event, selling and signing copies of the script with all proceeds going to Golden Rainbow. Doors open at 7:05 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission is complimentary, but donations are encouraged. For more information, please visit www.goldenrainbow.org.

The NEVADA FILM ALLIANCE (NFA) will be presenting the first in a series of NV Silver Screen film industry seminars and events for actors, writers, producers and directors. Each event will offer an opportunity to get up close and personal with one or more prominent professionals working in Hollywood Independent film, to talk about how successful films are made. The first event features EDWARD SAXON, one of Hollywood's most respected producers, and will be held on Saturday, December 3, from 9 am to 3 pm in the Veranda Room C, located on the 5th floor Conference Center at the Red Rock Casino Resort.

Register before December 2, 2011 to get a discounted cost of $145 ($30 off) for the seminar. Visit www.nevadafilm.org and click the seminar image to go to the Eventbrite page. NFA and Student discounts apply through December 3. Students w/valid ID enter DISCOUNT PROMO CODE: student11.

Rock and roll legend DOMINICK ALLEN, along with 10 of Las Vegas’ finest musicians – a.k.a. VINYL – will rock the Suncoast Showroom for two performances, Saturday, December 10, at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $15.95, plus tax and convenience fees.

STUDIO 54 will close its doors to the public Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012 after a remarkable 14 years at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.The legendary club will host one final unforgettable bash Saturday, Jan. 7 to toast Vegas’ longest-running and most successful nightlife venue.

Celebrity Sightings:

Wednesday, November 9...
R&B artist Ginuwine performed at gave LAX Nightclub.

Destin Jude Pfaff and Rachel Federoff from Bravo’s Millionaire Matchmaker took time off from their matchmaking skills to enjoy the wild and outlandish show, ABSINTHE. Following the show, the “love experts” hung out with the eccentric cast for a photo.

Destin Jude Pfaff and Rachel Federoff
Photo credit: Spiegelworld 2011

Thursday night, November 10, singer and estranged husband of Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony was spotted taking in the sounds of DJ Five at TAO’s Worship.

Also seen at TAO was Sammy Sosa who partied at the hot spot until the early hours of the morning.

Friday night, November 11...

LAX Nightclub welcomed hip-hop artists the New Boyz as they hit the main stage of the luxurious mega-club.

Also spotted parting at LAX Nightclub was basketball star, from the Los Angeles Lakers, Ron Artest.

Ben J and New Boys
Photo credit: Scott Berry


New Boys at LAX
Photo credit: Scott Berry

Break out star of MTV’s “Jersey Shore”, Vinny Guadagnino celebrated his birthday at Chateau Nightclub & Garden. His large entourage included some family and close guy friends."Absinthe" and "Holly's World" star Angel Porrino joined Guadagnino's table for the evening, as well.
Also spotted partying at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens for his birthday was L.A. Lakers player Ron Artest, or newly renamed Metta World Peace.

Vinny Guadagnino on the red carpet at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens.
Photo Credit: David Becker, WireImage


Vinny Guadagnino gets wild with the crowd inside Chateau Nightclub & Gardens.
Photo Credit: David Becker, WireImage


Ron Artest inside Chateau Nightclub & Gardens with a Sugar Factory couture lollipop.
Photo Credit: David Becker, WireImage

Nelly kicked off his birthday celebration in the Boombox Room at Marquee Nightclub.

Next to Nelly's table was Red Sox outfielder Carl Crawford's party.

Free agent NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens had dinner at N9NE steakhouse inside the Palms Casino Resort.

DJ Pauly D and some friends also had dinner at N9NE Steakhouse.

Saturday, Nov. 12...

Reality TV sensation DJ Pauly D was the celebrity DJ at GBDC, ghostbar dayclub at the Palms Casino Resort.

Also at GBDC was 2010 Miss USA Rima Fakih.

Saturday evening, professional boxer Evander Holyfield and five guests dined at Simon Restaurant & Lounge following the Manny Pacquiao fight.

Bree Olson on the red carpet at Posh Boutique Nightclub
Photo credit:Bryan Steffy/WireImage

Grammy winner Nelly celebrated part two of his birthday weekend as the host of Tao's Post Fight party.

At Lavo, Ron Artest, aka Metta World Peace, celebrated his birthday as the host of the Post-Fight Baller's Ball.

After taking some photos At Marquee, NFL star Shawne Merriman was spotted with friends on the dance floor checking out the sounds of Kaskade.

Dallas Mavericks star DeShawn Stevenson and Chicago Bull’s Kurt Thomas enjoyed their night in the Boombox Room.

Peep Show star, Holly Madison also made a late night stop at the club.

DJ Vice and Nelly
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery


Nelly
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

The oldest Jonas brother, Kevin Jonas, Disney-star phenomenon, celebrated his birthday on Saturday night with his family: wife, Danielle, and brother, Joe Jonas, at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens.

The highlight of the birthday boy's night was his surprise guitar-shaped birthday cake decked out in black and gold and was lined by signature Couture Pops.

Kevin Jonas poses for pictures on the Chateau Nightclub & Gardens Red Carpet
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage


Kevin Jonas, his wife, Danielle, and brother, Joe Jonas, celebrate Kevin's birthday at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage

"EXTRA" anchor and television personality Maria Menounos performed live at Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Saloon inside Gallery Nightclub at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

After her incredible performance, Menounos thanked her family and friends for supporting her and also gave a big thank you to close friend and PCD creator, Robin Antin, who invited her to live a dream and become a Doll for the night.

Vinny Guadagnino, "Jersey Shore" nice guy, stopped by to catch her performance and continued his birthday celebration into Saturday night inside the exotic VIP area at Gallery Nightclub.

Maria Menounos poses with Couture Pop on Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Saloon Red Carpet
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage


Maria Menounos poses with military men in honor of Veteran's Day weekend in Las Vegas
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage


Vinny Guadagnino stopped by to catch Maria Menounos’ performance and continue his birthday weekend celebration
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage

"Jersey Shore" starlet Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi celebrated her 24th birthday at LAX Nightclub joined by family and friends, including best friend Caitlin Ryder and father Andy Polizzi. Oddly enough, boyfriend Jionni LaValle who is usually by her side, was not in attendance.

Prior to entering the luxurious nightclub, Polizzi and her party of 25 enjoyed a private celebratory dinner at the delectable Pan-Asian restaurant, Social House located inside Crystals at CityCenter.

Snooki
Photo credit: Isaac Brekken


Snooki with birthday cake
Photo credit: Isaac Brekken

The Ying Yang Twins performed to a sold-out crowd at Tropicana Las Vegas' Club Nikki. Academy Award winner DJ Paul from Three 6 Mafia joined the Ying Yang Twins onstage and whipped the crowd into a frenzy while resident DJ J. Nice celebrated his birthday in style.
Photos courtesy of Tropicana Las Vegas.

Yin Yang Twins
Photo credit: Carlos Larios

Direct from Europe, Master Illusionist Jan Rouven, the star of ILLUSIONS, suited up this weekend in the official KISS boots that are currently touring Las Vegas in celebration of the upcoming opening of KISS® by Monster Mini Golf®. Jan Rouven added a little magic to the KISS® Boots during a photo shoot at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Tuesday, Nov. 15., Jessa Hinton, July 2011 Playboy Playmate stopped by to enjoy the wild antics at the Strip’s favorite show, ABSINTHE. After taking in the show, The Gazillionaire used his charming ways of persuasion to convince Hinton to stay after for photos with the outlandish cast of eccentrics.

Jessa Hinton (center) with cast of Absinthe
Photo Credit: Joseph Sanders/Spiegelworld 2011

Wednesday, Nov. 16, The Red Rocker himself, Sammy Hagar, enjoyed lunch at his Cabo Wabo Cantina at the Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino with his wife and friends.

Sammy Hagar dines with his wife and friends at his Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.