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
http://www.theflickchicks.com
Never Before Seen Sculpture by Leonardo da Vinci Unveiled at Las Vegas Country Club
A never before seen sculpture by famed renaissance master, Leonardo da Vinci was unveiled at Las Vegas Country Club on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012. Over 500 years in the making, this is the only authenticated Leonardo statue to ever be revealed and made available to the public.
The sculpture, a bronze cast from the mold of the original wax model, was named “Horse and Rider” by world renowned Leonardo expert Carlo Pedretti. Pedretti, author of more than 50 books and 700 essays on the works of Leonardo, stated in his letter of authentication that “…this wax model is by Leonardo himself.” The sculpture has been documented in several books and articles on the works of the original “Renaissance Man.”
Dubbing the work “Horse and Rider,” Dr. Pedretti stated that the sculpture was “possibly an equestrian portrait of Charles d’Amboise.” D’Amboise, the French Governor of Milan, befriended Leonardo upon his arrival in Milan in 1508, and quickly became one of his greatest patrons. The resemblance between the sculpted rider and Andrea Solario’s portrait of Charles d’Amboise, housed in the Louvre and the same period, is remarkable.
In attendance was the artwork’s owner, Richard A. Lewis from Indianapolis, Ind., who stated he had two objectives for the piece. “I want to share this remarkable sculpture with the world, and raise money to help people in need.” Lewis added, “To that end, I have decided to make a small number of reproductions from the original casting for sale to the public.”
Richard A. Lewis
Present at the event were representatives from the Salvation Army, designated by Lewis to benefit from sales of the masterworks and experts from the American Fine Art Foundry, where the sculpture is made.
Richard A. Lewis, Ithnaini Taib and Martin Cox
The bronze reproductions are now on display in the Renaissance Galleries at The Shoppes at the Palazzo, Las Vegas, where they will remain for public viewing and purchase. Each work will have its own individual number and security safeguards to prevent forgery. Art encounter, Las Vegas will provide worldwide distribution for the sculpture.
Historical information and video presentation can be found at www.davincihorseandrider.com
Chuck Jones Experience Opens at Circus Circus
Chuck Jones, the creator of the famed Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies shorts, Tom & Jerry cartoons, the TV version of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas and many other well-known classics, was a pioneer in the art of animation and a fine artist in his own right. His life and legacy was celebrated on January 19 with the official grand opening of The Chuck Jones Experience at Circus Circus Las Vegas.
Craig Kausen and Don Thrasher
Jackie Glass
Members of Jones' family were on hand along with a host of well-known animators, artists, Circus Circus officials and Las Vegas’ own Judge Jackie Glass, host of CBS' Swift Justice. Wile E. Coyote and friends opened the doors of attraction by “blowing up” sticks of ACME TNT, that blew the curtains aside.
Craig Kausen (Chuck Jones’s grandson), Don Thrasher (President, Circus Circus), and guests Judge Jackie Glass, animators, artists, and characters open Chuck Jones Experience on January 19th, 2012.
L to R Valerie Kausen (granddaughter), Linda Jones Clough (daughter), Todd Kausen (grandson), Marion Jones (wife), Craig Kausen (grandson)
Additional recent and upcoming happenings include:
TONY N' TINA'S WEDDING, the world’s #1 dinner comedy show, is celebrating its ten year anniversary performing in Las Vegas on January 31st. To mark the big occasion, the “happy couple” is offering $10 general admission to locals today through the end of the month. This special anniversary ticket offer is valid now through January 31, 2012. To make a reservation, call 260-7200 and give the box office agent code: TNT-10. (Please note the $10 admission does not include taxes and box office fees.)
As a special thank you for their continued support, BLUE MAN GROUP is extending its buy-one, get-one free offer for Nevada residents through Sunday, March 18. Locals interested in taking advantage of the ticket offer must show their Nevada ID and mention the code “LOC241” at any box office location inside The Venetian® or Palazzo®. Rules and restrictions apply.
In celebration of 46 years of Super Sunday, BlUE MAN GROUP is offering a $46 ticket for the 10 p.m. shows beginning Monday, Jan. 30 through Monday, Feb. 6 (dark Sunday, Feb. 5). Football fanatics looking to take advantage of the exclusive deal must wear logoed merchandise for one of the two teams playing and mention the code “Game46” at any box office location inside The Venetian® or Palazzo.Tax and service fees apply. Offer is valid on select seating and cannot be used on previously purchased tickets. Rules and restrictions apply.
Fremont Street Experience, CHD, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and Golden Catalyst are bringing the first-ever Chinese New Year celebration to Downtown Las Vegas. Chinese New Year – Dragon In The Desert will celebrate the Year of the Dragon from Jan. 24 – 28 with a 5-day festival featuring many of the traditional and symbolic elements needed to wish good fortune to all.
Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman will participate in the Opening Ceremonies on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. The new year will be greeted with a live authentic dragon dance performed by the Las Vegas Lohan School of Shaolin complete with virtual firecrackers on Viva Vision; the largest video screen in the world measuring 1,500 feet long and suspended 90 feet above the street, an eye painting ceremony and a parade of performers dressed in elaborate costumes. Additionally, a ribbon cutting to start the opening ceremonies will consist of 888 people for extra luck.
Each night, beginning at 6 p.m., the festival will feature a live dragon and lion dance, a Vendor Village with Asian food and arts and crafts, and a virtual dragon dance on Viva Vision. Live entertainment will include cultural presentations on the 3rd Street Stage and a Karaoke competition hosted by Las Vegas Thai Elvis Prasith on the 1st Street Stage where anyone in the crowd can join in for a chance to win prizes. All entertainment is free and open to the public.
The line up of comedians who will perform Jan. 24 – 29 inside The Improv at Harrahs are:
Brian Dunkleman: started doing stand up comedy in 1992 and won the “Buffalo’s Funniest New Comedian Contest” that same year. Since then, he’s performed at HBO’s US Comedy Arts Festival, on the “The Tonight Show,” NBC’s “Late Friday” and TBS’s ”Very Funny at the Laugh Factory.” He can be seen doing stand up regularly in Los Angeles at the Laugh Factory and Improv, as well as comedy clubs all over the country.
Amir K: Born in Tehran, Iran and raised in Southern California, Amir K is one of the fastest-rising young comedians in Los Angeles. His comedy is a hilarious blend of character work, storytelling and improvisation shaped by a multicultural upbringing.
Brett Walkow: For more than 15 years, Brett Walkow has enjoyed creating a vast array of characters for original comedy shows in which he starred, co-wrote, directed and produced. Walkow has been featured on “The Tonight Show,” “Seinfeld,” E! “Comic Relief,” HBO and more.
Shows are at 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Tickets are $29.05 or $44.95 (plus applicable taxes and fees) for VIP tickets that include special seating, an Improv t-shirt and post-show meet-and-greet with the comics. Special two-for-one tickets are also available for locals for the 10:30 p.m. show.
Flightlinez and the Fremont Street Experience will donate all revenues from zipline rides on Wednesday, Jan. 25 from noon to midnight to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society have several fundraising initiatives through the year and one of the largest reaching fundraisers is their Team In Training program. The TNT program was designed to take novice runners and exercisers and prepare them for physical challenges such as marathons and cycling events while raising funds to aide in research of life saving blood cancer treatments. The money raised will help with local patient medical costs and research. Noon until 6 p.m. Flightlinez Zipline rides are $15 and from 6 p.m. until midnight Flightlinez Zipline rides are $20.
Following sold-out performances at Aliante Station on Jan. 21 and Green Valley Ranch on Jan. 28, AARON LEWIS has announced a third Las Vegas performance, taking place on Sunday, Jan. 29 at Rocks Lounge inside Red Rock Resort. Las Vegas native, weekly Red Rock Resort headliner and former Velvet Revolver lead singer Franky Perez will open the show.Tickets are $49 and $65 plus tax and applicable fees.
The Utah Shakespeare Festival’s 2012 Shakespeare-in-the-Schools touring production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is coming to the Nicholas J. Horn Theatre, located on the CSN Cheyenne Campus, 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave. in North Las Vegas. The seventy-five minute production features a follow-up discussion, allowing the audience to ask questions of the actors and technicians. The tour also includes three workshops shortly following each student performance featuring stage combat, improvisation, and Shakespeare’s text. Performances are Jan. 30 – Feb. 10, 2012. Performances for school groups: Jan. 30 – Feb. 3 and Feb. 6-10 at 9:30 a.m. Public performances: Fri., Feb. 3 at 8 p.m. And Sat., Feb. 4 at 2 p.m.Tickets are priced at $10-$12. Call 651-LIVE (5483) for reservations.
Producer of the award-winning Playboy Comedy series, Cort McCown, has moved his comedy show lineup, now titled Empire Comedy, to Napoleon’s Lounge located inside Paris Las Vegas beginning February 9. This new live comedy show will boast some of the most noteworthy talent in the world of comedy for a night of funny, and always entertaining, standup. Show Times are Thursday and Friday – 8:30 p.m and Saturday 7:30 p.m and 9:30 p.m. Ticket prices start at $39.99 and VIP tickets are also available for $59.99, which includes VIP seating at the show. Ticket prices include taxes.
Internationally-renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay will open his first Las Vegas restaurant, Gordon Ramsay Steak, in the spring of 2012 in the heart of the picturesque resort, Paris Las Vegas. The new restaurant will replace Les Artistes Steakhouse.
Comedian, actor, radio host and best-selling author Jay Mohr will bring his one-of-a-kind, hilarious stand up comedy to the Improv stage at Harrah's Las Vegas Feb. 10 – 12. Tickets for Mohr’s performance are $45 and $55 for VIP seating (plus applicable taxes)
Celebrity Sightings:
Saturday night, Jan. 14...
“Dancing With The Stars” pro Karina Smirnoff celebrated her birthday at Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Paris Las Vegas where she was greeted by a sweet surprise, her "Dancing With The Stars "co-star, Mark Ballas.
Ballas, fresh off of hosting the Miss America pageant at Planet Hollywood, was joined by fellow judge and good friend, Kris Jenner at a private event in the Chocolate Lounge at Sugar Factory full of Hollywood A-listers including actress, Teri Polo, designer and socialite, Faye Resnick, and Lara Spencer from Good Morning America.
Following dinner, the birthday party made its way to Gallery Nightclub, where the Pussycat Dolls presented her with a mirrorball birthday cake.
Recording artist, 23 year old Bow Wow gave a powerful performance at his official album launch party at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at Paris Las Vegas when the prodigal artist. Prior to walking down the red carpet, Bow Wow stopped to shop at Sugar Factory.
Karina Smirnoff
Photo credit: David Becker/Wire Image
Karina Smirnoff with mirror ball birthday cake
Photo credit: David Becker/Wire Image
Teri Polo
Photo credit: David Becker/Wire Image
Mark Ballas and Kris Jenner
Photo credit: David Becker/Wire Image
International Queen of Burlesque Dita Von Teese delivered a sultry midnight performance of her infamous champagne glass act at Hyde Bellagio, the first Las Vegas nightlife venture by renowned hospitality leader sbe.
Dita Von Teese
Photo Credit: Shane O’Neal
Dita Von Teese performing
Photo Credit: Shane O’Neal
Dita Von Teese with Hyde performance artists
Photo credit: Scott Harrison
Monday night, Jan. 16...
Former ‘NSYNC member Joey Fatone was spotted at Henderson’s healthy hot spot, Greens & Proteins.
Fatone was in town to host the Price is Right live stage show at Bally’s Las Vegas.Current EDM phenom Calvin Harris celebrated his 28th birthday in style with a special set at XS nightclub in Las Vegas.
Singer Dani D serenaded him with “Happy Birthday” on the mic before the staff presented him with a three-tiered cake featuring neon embellishments by Gimme Some Sugar.
Calvin Harris
Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/XS Nightclub
Calvin Harris
Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/XS Nightclub
Wednesday night, Jan. 18...
The newly engaged star of TV's Breaking Bad, Aaron Paul was spotted dining at TAO. He was joined by friends. Later in the evening, Paul and a party of five was sighted at ghostbar inside the Palms Casino Resort.
At LAVO, Luke from 2 Live Crew entertained a packed club for Old School Wednesday.
Thursday night, Jan. 19...
Actress Drea de Matteo, who starred in The HBO series The Sopranos, celebrated her 40th Birthday alongside her husband, Country singer Shooter Jennings and a party of 8, at N9NE Steakhouse inside the Palms Casino Resort. The table sang Happy Birthday to Drea along as she was surprised with 2 birthday cakes.
Friday night, Jan. 20...
Ronnie Mund, best known as Ronnie the Limo Driver from the Howard Stern show and Howard TV, hosted at LAVO. After dinning at the Italian eatery Ronnie made his way to the nightclub to host a Vegas version of his “Hot Chick of the Week” contest, joined by Dirty Marie from Playboy Radio. There women competed with a dance-off for the honor, and in the end Tracy Patrick from California took home $1000. She will be flown to NYC and hold the title of Miss Howard TV for a month.
The Official Brazzers Party was at TAO, hosted by adult film stars, Kirsten Price, Asa Akira, Chanel Preston, Alexis Ford and Keiran Lee.
Just after midnight German superstar DJ ATB took to the decks to wow the crowd for another edition of TAO Fridays.
Lance Moore and Pierre Thomas of the New Orleans Saints were spotted in the Boom Box room at Marquee.
Asa Akira, Chanel Preston, Keiran Lee, Kirsten Price, Alexis Ford at TAO
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
ATB at TAO
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
Dirty Marie and Ronnie the Limo Driver
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
Ronnie the Limo Driver at LAVO
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
The stars of Brazzers Alexis Ford, Chanel Preston, Keiran Lee, Kirsten Price and Asa Akira at TAO
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery