Vegas Happenings | Mob Museum Opens | Muhammad Ali's 70th Birthday at Power of Love Fundraiser | Cancer patients Exchange Vows

The Mob Museum Opens In Downtown Las Vegas

For years, former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, who in his career as a defense attorney, built a reputation for representing reputed mob figures such as Meyer Lansky, Frank Rosenthal and Anthony Spilotro, had wanted to build a museum in his city that would tell the truth about organized crime.

It took ten years and an additional $42 million dollars for Goodman's dream to finally came to fruition with the opening of The Mob Museum, housed in the old 1933 Federal Courthouse and U.S. Post Office on Stewart Street in downtown Las Vegas that the City of Las Vegas bought for $1 in 2002. It appears to be the perfect venue, since this courthouse was where Tennessee Senator Estes Kefauverand his committee held hearings in 1950 that sought to expose and control organized crime. It  is in this beautifully restored courtroom where guests can sit on the benches and watch a film about the hearings.

The official opening of the Mob Museum, also known as "National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement," took place on Valentines Day, February 14, the 83rd  anniversary of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.  The wall from that infamous, bloody event is just one of over 600 artifacts and a vast collection of Mob memorabilia on display in the museum that provides an insider's look into organized crimes most notorious mobsters including Al Capone, Charlie “Lucky” Luciano, Meyer Lansky, Ben “Bugsy” Siegel, Sam Giancana, Joe Bonnano, Frank Rosenthal. Mickey Cohen, Mickey Cohen, John Gotti, among others and their battle with law enforcement.

Oscar Goodman and his wife, current Mayor Carolyn Goodman were on hand Monday, February 13th during the media preview tour of the extensive exhibit that covers 17,000 square foot of space within three stories. Dr. Dennis Barrie, Creative Director of the Museum acted as my group's guide on this highly, informative journey that immerses visitors in the history of the mob.  The story begins in the 1890's with the immigration of Italians, Irish and Jews in the east coast ghettos who were looking for a shortcut to the American dream, to prohibition that changed everything, the rise of the mob bosses, the transition into Las Vegas, law enforcement's response, and the Mob's influence in cities across the country and on world affairs. Wherever there is money to be made, you can bet that organized crime has a hand in it.  It is easy to understand why the mob played a major role in the development of Las Vegas, the gambling capital of the world.

For those who are fascinated by organized crime and want to know how and where it all started, its  growth and the key figures who played a part on both sides of the law, the Mob Museum tells it all. The walking tour includes video interviews with mob figures from their perspective including Frank Cullotta, onetime aide to Tony “The Ant” Spilotro, artifacts gathered from family members, a “Black Book” containing a list of excluded persons from gaming venues, “Mob's Greatest Hits" which show graphic photos of mob killings, and “Choice of Weapons”, or what I would label “tools of the trade”. Another notable artifact is the barber chair from New York City's Park Sheridan Hotel, where Albert Anastasia, aka “Lord High executioner”, was murdered in 1957.  At the time, Anastasia was the boss of the Gambino crime family whose hit-men were known as Murder Inc.

Each gallery room and corridor presents a themed chapter in the evolving story that explores the mob's influence in politics, unions, sports, and the list goes on. One room is titled “The Skim at the Tropicana” and features wall to wall, floor to ceiling, counterfeit money representing tons of cash that was skimmed, as in taken illegally, from casinos.

There are also multi media presentations and interactive exhibits that include having your photo taken behind the plexiglass wall of a police lineup, shooting a simulated tommy gun, listening to  incriminating wire tapped conversations on real FBI surveillance tapes, and taking part in FBI weapons training.

The public had always had a fascination with organized crime and its key figures that made the headlines, and Hollywood is no different. Actors such as James Cagney, Edward G. Robinson and George Raft were some of the first movie stars to portray gangsters on the big screen. More recently, Al Pacino, Marlon Brando, Warren Beatty, Johnny Depp and other big name stars have embodied on screen characters based on real life mobsters. The tour ends with a visit to a room resembling a lounge with plush red sofas where a short video about Hollywood and the Mob is narrated by author and script writer Nicholas Pileggi, whose book Wiseguy was adapted to the screen as Goodfellas. He also wrote the book and screenplay for Casino.

There is lot to take in at the Mob Museum. One thing is for sure. It is certainly an educational, eye opening experience. Hoping to revive the downtown area and attract as many as 300,000 new visitors annually, the Mob Museum aims to be a hit. Although using a mob term that refers to a killing, I of course, mean that in a very positive way.

Mob Museum Photo Gallery
Photos credit: Judy Thorburn

Ellen Knowlton, President of The Mob Museum Board of Directors and former Special Agent in Charge FBI, Las Vegas with Dr. Dennis Barrie, Creative Director of the Mob Museum


Former Mayor Oscar Goodman


Mayor Carolyn Goodman


Mob Figures


The end of prohibition


Murder INC.


Replica of an electric chair




The actual courtroom where Kefauver hearings were held in 1950


Interactive displays


The infamous Black Book featuring Anthony "The Ant" Spilatro


Howard Hughes memorabilia


The infamous barber chair


Tools of the trade


Mob Murders


Law enforcement gets connected


Undercover surveilances


Interactive surveilance recordings


Surveilance display


Interactive weapons training


The mob as portrayed in the movies


Edgar J. Hoover's FBI

The Mob Museum is opened Sundays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays until 8 p.m. Admission is $18 for adults ages 18 and over; $12 for children ages 5 – 17 and students ages 18- 23 with ID;  $14 for seniors, military, law enforcement, and teachers and $10 for Nevada residents of all ages.

Muhammad Ali's Birthday Celebrated at Keep Memory Alive's Annual Star Studded "Power Of Love Gala" Fundraiser

Keep Memory Alive’s 16th annual Power of Love Gala on Saturday, Feb. 18, at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas brought out some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment to celebrate Muhammad Ali’s 70th birthday and raise funds for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Muhammad Ali Center.

Highlights of the evening included a heartfelt “Happy Birthday” serenade by Stevie Wonder, Snoop Dogg leading the crowd in chanting “Ali” during his performance of “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” and famed boxers Sugar Ray Leonard, Evander Holyfield and Tommy “Hitman” Hearns joining LL Cool J on stage for “Mama Said Knock You Out.” Stars like Sean Combs, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard and David Beckham gave personal remarks and remembrances about “The Greatest” while Lenny Kravitz, Cee Lo Green and Kelly Rowland performed for Ali and the sold-out crowd of about 2,000.

Celebrities who appeared at the event included Cindy Crawford, Randy Gerber, Samuel L. Jackson, David Beckham, Larry King, Quincy Jones, Ken Jeong, Buzz Aldrin, Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J, Common, Lenny Kravitz, Sean Combs, Anthony Hopkins, John Legend, Chris Cornell, Cee Lo Green, Joe Perry, Slash, Terrence Howard, Kris Kristofferson, David Copperfield, Siegfried & Roy, Andre Agassi, Stefanie Graf, Jim Brown, Randy Couture, Brad Garrett, Kelly Rowland, Dave Koz, Robin Leach, James Gandolfini, Steve Schirripa, John Paul DeJoria, Tony Danza, Raphael Saadiq, Haley Reinhart, and Sammy Hagar.  Boxing icons who attended include Manny Pacquiao, Mike Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Evander Holyfield, Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini and Tommy “Hitman” Hearns.

Power of Love Photo Gallery
Photo credit: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Muhammad Ali and his wife Lonnie Ali


David Copperfield


Larry King


James Gandolfini


Brad Garrett and Isabeall Quella


Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi


Larry Ruvo and Emeril Lagassi


John Legend


David Beckham


Muhammad Ali and Top Rank Founder and CEO Bob Arum


Sugar Ray Leonard and Anthony Hopkins


Chris Kristopherson, Anthony Hopkins, Stella Arroyave and Samuel L. Jackson


Paul Mitchell CEO John Paul DeJoria


Quincy Jones


Chazz Palmiteri


Ken Norton


Former boxer Chuck Wepner


Stevie Wonder with Muhammad Ali and his wife Lonnie


Stevie Wonder


Chris Cornell


Sammy Hagar and wife Kari


Lenny Kravitz


Kelly Rowland


Sean "Diddy" Colmbs


Snoop Dogg


Dave Koz


Auctioneer C K Swett and Cee Lo Green


Cindy Crawford

In keeping with its 16-year history, the Power of Love Gala showcased a celebrity-chef-packed dinner featuring creations by Tom Colicchio, Scott Conant, Michael Mina and Wolfgang Puck. Guests were treated to a Dom Perignon reception and were able to bid on one-of-a-kind live and silent auction items, including Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves he wore to defeat Floyd Patterson in Las Vegas in 1965 and an extravagant vacation of a lifetime for two couples on David Copperfield’s private island in the Bahamas.

The gala’s celebration for Ali aligns with the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health’s recent launch of a landmark study examining the long-term brain health of professional fighters. Aiming to improve the safety and health of fighters, the study will help determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, along with other tests, can detect subtle changes in brain health that correlate with impaired thinking and functioning.  Researchers hope the information uncovered by this research will eventually result in better ways to prevent permanent brain injury in not only fighters, but also in others who may suffer from brain trauma.

The once-in-a-lifetime birthday celebration, “Ali 70th From Las Vegas,” will air nationally on ESPN2 on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 10 p.m. local time in all markets. ABC will air the celebration in Las Vegas at 4 p.m. PT that day as well. For possible ABC broadcast in all other markets, viewers should check their local listings.

The Power of Love Gala was produced by Bill Edwards Presents Inc. and supported by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), Muhammad Ali Enterprises and Keep Memory Alive, the fundraising arm of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. The star-studded celebration for Ali honored the boxing legend’s contribution to the world and raised awareness for Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, ALS, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.

Married Cancer Patients Exchange Vows at the Riviera Hotel & Casino

In honor of Valentine’s Day and World Cancer Awareness month, Cancer Treatment Centers of America surprised married cancer patients with a trip to Las Vegas. Celebrating the couple’s 40 years together, the vow renewal ceremony took place in the Riviera Royale Wedding Chapel at the Riviera Hotel & Casino on Friday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. The couple traveled to Vegas for a trip that included a complimentary ceremony, accommodations, dinner at popular hotspots and entertainment.

“Cancer Treatment Centers of America is pleased we can provide hope, personalized care and support for this devoted couple.  Our team wanted to do something special to celebrate their strength and unified commitment to one another,” says Dr. Edgar Staren, President and Chief Executive Officer of CTCA at Western Regional Medical Center. “Also, I am happy to say, Lynn will take part in our ‘Celebrate Life’ ceremony this spring where we celebrate our patients who are five-year survivors. They are a true inspiration.”

William and Lynn Dochnahl

William and Lynn Dochnahl, residents of Oregon, both battling the most prevalent forms of cancer in their gender, prostate and breast cancer, continue to provide emotional and physical support for one another as they each combat the disease.  Lynn, 64, was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 1981.  After being in remission, Lynn’s cancer returned with a vengeance, with Stage IV metastasized breast cancer in 2002 that led her to CTCA. In 2010, William, 69, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Now the roles are reversed with Lynn becoming Bill’s strength and hope, as they re-visit CTCA to aggressively manage his care. Currently, Lynn receives weekly chemotherapy and they both continue to travel to the Arizona location for lab work and follow up tests every 3 to 4 months to monitor their cancer.

“We are very thankful to Cancer Treatment Centers of America. They never give up and gave us hope when we thought it was lost. We chose them above all other cancer centers because of their positive attitude and philosophy of healing the total person: body, mind and spirit,” says William. “ Lynn and I would also like to thank the generous Las Vegas community who have so graciously provided us with the ultimate Vegas romantic get-away. This will truly be a trip to remember.”

Big hearted partners who have donated to this trip include: The Riviera Hotel & Casino, Riviera Royale Wedding Chapel, R Steak & Seafood, flowers by Enchanted Florist, Executive Las Vegas Transportation, and make-up by Sumita Beauty.

Additional recent and upcoming happenings include:

The CITY OF HENDERSON DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL ARTS & TOURISM was recently honored by the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) for excellence in travel writing, photography and promotions, winning a 2011 NATJA Award for its self-produced Discover Henderson video. The department received third place, or bronze level, in the Destination Video category of the competition, which recognized the “best of the best” in travel media and promotion that cover all facets of the travel industry worldwide. The grand prize was awarded to Ultimate Wave Tahiti: Beyond the Wave and Seattle won silver for its CityPass video.

“AVANT GARDE,” a collection of “music, mirth, magic and mayhem” opened at the Plaza Hotel in downtown Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 14. The new show, created specifically for Las Vegas, is directed by Juliana Chen, the only woman to win the World Championship of Magic in the last 50 years. Veteran producer Jon Fondy, who has produced more than 600 television shows and more than 400 live shows, brings together award-winning acts in one unforgettable entertainment experience. While cutting-edge, the show is family-friendly and appeals to all nationalities since talking is minimal. “Avant Garde” is staged in the Plaza’s historic 600-seat  showroom.  Performances are six nights a week at 7 p.m., and dark on Friday nights. Ticket prices start at $34.95 for general admission.

The art exhibit, “CLAUDE MONET: IMPRESSIONS OF LIGHT” opened at BELLAGIO GALLERY OF FINE ART(BGFA) on Feb. 18. Organized in partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), this landmark exhibition features works that illustrate the height of Claude Monet’s engagement with color and light. BGFA will showcase 20 pieces by Monet, the founder of French Impressionist painting, accompanied by eight additional canvases by the master’s predecessors and contemporaries. All of these works are drawn from the MFA, which holds one of the largest collections of paintings by Claude Monet outside of Paris.

Spanning four decades of Monet’s career and featuring many of the artist’s most celebrated and recognized paintings, “Claude Monet: Impressions of Light” will also highlight paintings by other masters of the genre including Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Camille Pissarro and Eugene Louis Boudin. It was from Monet’s collaboration with these painters, along with his solitary explorations of the French countryside, that his own signature style eventually emerged.

“Claude Monet: Impressions of Light” is on view Feb. 18, 2012 through Jan. 6, 2013. BGFA is open daily from 10 a.m. to  8 p.m. Last admissions are sold 30 minutes prior to closing. Tickets are $15 for general admission; $12 for Nevada residents and seniors 65 and older; and $10 for students, teachers and military with valid ID. Children 12 and younger are free.

HASH HOUSE A GO GO is working with RICK HARRISON from HISTORY Channel’s Pawn Stars, N’Sync member and current host of The Price Is Right Live! at Bally’s JOEY FATONE and Flamingo headliner and comedian GEORGE WALLACE in honor of NATIONAL PANCAKE WEEK. Each celebrity is designing their own pancake to be listed on the Hash House A Go Go menu from Feb. 19 – 25.  The pancake that sells the most at the end of the week will be declared the winner with $1 from each of the three celebrity pancakes sold to be donated to the charity of the celebrity’s choice. Rick Harrison has chosen Child Focus, Joey Fatone has chosen the Fatone Family Foundation and George Wallace has chosen Smile Train. Visit any of the four Hash House A Go Go locations in town at either the Imperial Palace, the M Resort Spa Casino, the Sahara location, or the Plaza Hotel and Casino, and try these pancakes to decide which one will go on to be the winner.

In celebration of Fat Tuesday, on Feb. 21 entertainers from various Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas shows will guest-star in a special Show in the Sky performance, 6 p.m. at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino as they ride the fantasy floats and pass Mardi Gras beads to the crowd. Guests are encouraged to join in on the fun and ride the floats during the 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 p.m. performances. Float ride tickets are available for $12.95 per person.

Iconic screen star and singer, ROBERT DAVI, is coming to the Venetian Showroom for a special 3 night engagement, Thursday February 23 to Saturday, February 25 at 9 p.m. to perform music from his new Sinatra tribute album, Davi Sings Sinatra: On The Road To Romance, which recently hit the Top 10 on the Billboard Jazz chart. Tickets are now on sale and prices are $38.85, $58.85, $80.85. A limited number of VIP Packages, including preferred front-row seating and a meet-and-greet with Davi, are available for $113.85. Performance dates and times are subject to change.

The 9th Annual WALK WITH THE HEART OF A CHILD, presented by Paragon Gaming, to support the Nevada based, Children’s Heart Foundation, is set for Saturday, February 25, 2012, at the Fashion Show Mall and Walk with the Heart of a Child is a high-energy celebration including a 3k walk, entertainment, raffle and the ever popular Kids Zone.

During this event, teams gather at the Fashion Show Mall to walk in celebration and remembrance of children with heart conditions, and to unite the community through awareness. More than 1,400 local people support the Walk each year to help generate funds that allow the Foundation to continue to carry out its programs, including Camp Mend-a-Heart, Smart Heart Scholarships, Family Outreach and more.

The walk begins at 8 a.m. with registration at 7 a.m. On-line registration is available now at www.chfn.org. Fees are $25 for adults, $15 for virtual walkers, and $15 for active-duty military, students and seniors. Community members and businesses interested in supporting Children’s Heart Foundation may phone (702) 967-3522 for sponsorship and team registration information. Sponsorships begin at $1,500.

Silverton Casino Hotel is partnering with the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) to support the no-kill animal shelter by holding the CELEBRITY BINGO BOW WOW CHARITY EVENT on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 1 p.m.

Celebrities bringing their game faces to play some bingo for a good cause include Richard “The Old Man” Harrison from History Channel’s Pawn Stars, Zak Bagans from Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures, the stars of Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular, magician Nathan Burton, Chopper, magician and America’s Got Talent finalist Murray SawChuck, illusionist Tommy Wind, Las Vegas headliners Australian Bee Gee’s, star of Absinthe Angel Porrino, pro BMX rider Ricardo Laguna from MTV Tres, stars of Absinthe The Gazillionaire and Penny Pibbets, celebrity blogger Robin Leach, hypnotist Marc Savard, Strip headliner Recycled Percussion, former American Idol contestant Jacob Lusk, Scott and Amie Yancey the stars of A&E Channel’s “Flipping Vegas” and other surprise guests.

The bingo session is open to the public for a $30 entry fee, which includes one blue promo paper pack, a free dauber, special performances by Fantasy and Thunder From Down Under during intermission and a portion of the proceeds going to support the Nevada SPCA. The first 100 guests will also receive a gift bag valued at $300 with show tickets, samples, goodies provided by Yelp and much more.

All bingo players will play for the chance to win a Pawn Stars Meet & Greet package, $225 Michael Boychuck Color Salon gift basket, dinner & show and hotel packages, VIP concert package, as well as other special prizes. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase to win other great prizes. Bingo blue packs can be purchased the day of inside Veil Pavilion.

In honor of legendary boxer MUHAMMED ALI’s 70th birthday celebration in Las Vegas, the MARTIN LAWRENCE GALLERIES located inside The Forum Shops at Caesars is featuring a trio of Ali images by famed artist, ANDY WARHOL.

MARTIN LAWRENCE GALLERIES, the 26,000 square-foot gallery featuring more than $50 million of art from the masters to the modern marvels, will host a special exhibition at their new flagship location in The Forum Shops featuring the artist LIUDMILA KONDAKOVA on February 25th from 3pm – 7pm. For one day only visitors will have an opportunity to meet and hear from Kondakova, as well as acquire from original works and other strikingly detailed limited edition print images. Martin Lawrence Galleries is located near the Atlantis Fountain Show and Aquarium.

WYNN LAS VEGAS' RACE & SPORTS BOOK will host a viewing party for the 84th ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS on Sunday, Feb. 26 beginning at 3 p.m. The event will be open to the public and attendees will have the opportunity to walk away with exciting prizes courtesy of Wynn Las Vegas and Encore. Johnny Avello, director of race and sports operations for Wynn Las Vegas, will host the event and challenge guests with trivia contests and chances to win prizes throughout the show. Avello, famous for his spot-on entertainment odds, will guide guests in casting their ballots.  Prizes will include tickets to Le Rêve - The Dream, passes to The Buffet at Wynn, fine dining and spa gift certificates and a complimentary, two-night stay at Wynn Las Vegas.

Legendary act, THE OSMONDS – brothers Wayne, Merrill, Jay and Jimmy – return to perform five shows at The Orleans Showroom, March 1 through 4.Show times are: March 1 and 2 at 8 p.m.; March 3 at 2 and 8 p.m.; and March 4 at 7:30 p.m.
 Tickets start from $34.95, plus tax and convenience fees.

The beautiful club called CABARET JAZZ, overlooking Symphony Park, at THE SMITH CENTER FOR THR PERFORMING ARTS (located in downtown’s 61-acre urban development) will spotlight some of the world’s most gifted jazz artists and cabaret entertainers beginning March 2012. Cabaret Jazz will showcase legendary names in entertainment and music history, including three-time Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year Clint Holmes, SFJAZZ Collective, three-time Grammy® winner and saxophonist Brandford Marsalis, and cabaret vocalists Barbara Cook and Andrea Marcovicci. Tickets for most shows in Cabaret Jazz start at $35.

Celebrity Sightings:

Monday night, Feb 6...

Hip-hop star Busta Rhymes hosted Marquee Mondays at the hot spot. He wowed the packed crowd with a thirty minute medley of new and old hits.

Also spotted at Marquee were the Jabbawockeez, Marcus Gilbert of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Lance Briggs and Julius Peppers of the Chicago Bears, Lee Evans of the Baltimore Ravens and free agent quarterback Donovan McNabb.

Busta Rhymes
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery


Busta Rhymes performing
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

The XS nightclub celebrated its three year anniversary with a party featuring Grammy Award nominee, Skrillex. The 40,000-square-foot venue was packed wall to wall with the city’s nightlife industry elite, dance music mega-fans, celebrities and close friends and partners of the club.

Just before 1 am, the XS management team was presented with a massive cake, embellished in gold, the nightclub’s signature color, with an iconic number three as the cake topper. The group, consisting of Co-Owner and Managing Partner Jesse Waits, Director of Strategic Marketing Ronn Nicolli, General Manager Brian Affronti, General Manager Yannick Mugnier, Executive Director of VIP Services John Wood, and Assistant General Manager Eric White snapped a few photos to celebrate this significant moment in their careers. The team, which has been together since opening on New Year’s Eve 2009, were quickly joined by electronic dance music’s breakout star of the year, Skrillex, as he jumped in for some shots and posed taking a bite into the dessert.

Recognizable faces in the VIP area ranged from The Hills reality star Brody Jenner to Dennis Haskins, best known as Mr. Belding in Saved by the Bell.

Dennis Haskins and Skrillex
Photo credit: Erik Kabik/Retna.


Ronn Nicolli, Eric White, Brian Affronti, Jesse Waits, Skrillex, Yannick Mugnier and John Wood
Photo credit: Erik Kabik/Retna.


Skrillex
Photo credit: Erik Kabik/Retna.


Skrillex performance
Photo credit: Erik Kabik/Retna

Holly Madison and the sexy cast of PEEPSHOW celebrated a triumphant milestone, the show’s 1,000th performance with a PEEPSHOW-inspired centerpiece of cupcakes provided by Retro Bakery and a special champagne toast.

Cast of Peepshow
Photo credit: Denise Truscello


Holly Madison, star of Peepshow
Photo credit: Denise Truscello


Holly Madison and Josh Strickland of Peepshow
Photo credit: Denise Truscello

Tuesday, Feb. 7...

Jade Kelsall, the newly crowned Miss Nevada, celebrated her 26th birthday at LAVO All Night with a group of friends.

Miss Nevada, Jade Kelsall
Photo credit: Carlos Larios


TV Rock
Photo credit: Carlos Larios

Members of the USA Eagles national sevens rugby team were spotted enjoying Blue Man Group Las Vegas at The Venetian. The team is competing in the 2012 USA Sevens international rugby tournament Feb. 10 – 12 at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Wednesday, Feb. 8.

In honor of his 51st birthday, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and AEG Live surprised Mötley Crüe vocalist Vince Neil with an extravagant rock ‘n’ roll inspired cake during Mötley Crüe in Sin City at The Joint.

Friday,  Feb. 10...

Fashion designer and reality TV icon Lauren Conrad celebrated her 26th birthday at Hyde Bellagio in Las Vegas with an entourage of close friends including “The Hills” co-star Frankie Delgado. After enjoying a gourmet dinner, the group headed to the lavish new nightspot inside Bellagio Resort and Casino.

In a different part of the club, actor/comedian Harland Williams partied with friends. DJ Devin Lucien pumped up the crowd with hits like Flo Rida’s "Good Feeling" and T-Pain’s "Drop It To The Floor" while Hyde's sexy performance artists and the Fountains of Bellagio provided clubgoers with unique entertainment.

Lauren Conrad
Photo Credit: Shane O’Neal


Lauren Conrad and Frankie Delgado and friends
Photo Credit: Shane O’Neal


Lauren Conrad with specialty birthday cake
Photo Credit: Shane O’Neal


Lauren Conrad parties with friends
Photo Credit: Shane O’Neal

KISS front man Paul Stanley, guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer were spotted enjoying “Mötley Crüe in Sin City” at The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Saturday, Feb. 11...

The Undisputed Heavyweight Comedy King – Andrew Dice Clay – took some time out from his year-long stint at the Riviera Hotel & Casino to show off his fun and tough side by donning the official KISS® boots that are currently touring Las Vegas in celebration of the upcoming grand opening of KISS® by Monster Mini Golf® on March 15, 2012.

Andrew Dice Clay
Photo credit: Erik Kabik

NY Giants star Victor Cruz, joined by his girlfriend and a group of friends including teammate Prince Amukamara, celebrated the Super Bowl win with a party at TAO.

Actor Miles Teller, from the stage and screen version of Footloose, dined at TAO with a group of friends.

At LAVO, former Dancing with the Stars contestant, Niecy Nash hit the club after dining at the Italian hot spot. NFL free agent William Demps Jr was at Marquee with friends including retired cornerback Jason Bell.

NY Giant, Victor Cruz
Photo Credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery


NY Giant, Victor Cruz parties
Photo Credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

"Jersey Shore" star, Jenni "JWOWW" Farley, celebrated her birthday at Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Paris Las Vegas. The reality TV princess arrived on the arm of her boyfriend, Roger Mathews.

Also spotted at the sweetest place on the Strip was top female Latin artist, Jenni Rivera, who was in town celebrating her son's birthday.

JWOWW with Berry Bliss Goblet
Photo Credit: Bryan Steffy/WireImage


JWOWW on the Sugar Factory red carpet
Photo Credit: Bryan Steffy/WireImage


Jenni Rivera at Sugar Factory
Photo Credit: Bryan Steffy/WireImage

Later in the evening Farley continued her  birthday celebration at Gallery Nightclub at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

She entered Gallery Nightclub around midnight, but before making a quick pit stop to Chateau Nightclub & Gardens.

Jenni “JWoww” Farley poses with her fans at her VIP table at Gallery Nightclub
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy/WireImage

Jenni “JWoww” Farley is presented with her birthday cake
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy/WireImage

Rapper and actor Ice-T and Coco hosted an incredible evening at PURE Nightclub to celebrate the start of the second season of their reality television series "Ice Loves Coco"airing Sunday, Feb. 19.

Coco and Ice T
Photo credit by Erik Kabik of RETNA.


Coco and Ice T with birthday cake
Photo credit by Erik Kabik of RETNA.

Hip-hop and R&B sensation Sean Kingston celebrated his 22nd birthday at RPM Nightclub inside the new Tropicana Las Vegas with a special live performance. After greeting the crowd, he asked for a moment of silence in honor of Whitney Houston before performing his hits “Beautiful Girls,” “Fire Burning” and “Party All Night (Sleep All Day).” He was later presented with special Louis Vuitton-inspired cake created by the Tropicana.

Sean Kingston
Photo credit: David Becker, WireImage


Sean Kingston celebrates birthday
Photo credit: David Becker, WireImage

Chris Pontius aka “Party Boy” from “Jackass” and Vinnie Paul, Hellyeah, Pantera and Damageplan drummer, were spotted enjoying “Mötley Crüe in Sin City” at The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Monday night, Feb 13...

Redfoo returned to Marquee Nightclubfor his monthly Party Rock DJ residency. Taking in the scene was musician and producer Pharrell Williams.

Designer Kenneth Cole was also spotted enjoying the party at a VIP table in the main room. Earlier in the night Redfoo and the Party Rock Crew fueled up for the performance with dinner at TAO Asian Bistro.

Actress Nadine Velazquez also dined at TAO, joined by her boyfriend who was celebrating a birthday.

Redfoo
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery


Redfoo party atmosphere
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery


Party Rock atmosphere
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Travis Barker, famed drummer for several bands, including Blink 182, dined with his kids at Nove Italiano inside the Palms Casino Resort.

Tuesday night, Feb 13...

Actress Jaime Pressly and a friend were spotted dining at Strip House inside Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas on. Project hosted their official party at Marquee Nightclub on Tuesday night featuring A-Trak, Wale, Kreayshawn and DJ Vice.

Earlier in the night Wale dined at TAO. Supermodel Selita Ebanks made a late night stop at Marquee, kicking off her birthday week with a couple friends.

Leann Rimes and Eddie Cibrian were spotted enjoying date night in the club, and Mark Foster of Foster the People joined Project president Andrew Pollard at his table.

Patrick Chung of the New England Patriots also took in the scene at Marquee. Nylon, the official magazine of Project, presented the launch of Soundclash’s residency at LAVO.

Lupe Fiasco and Sky Gellatly, DJ partners for Soundclash, first dined at the Italian eatery before heading upstairs to the nightclub.

Actor Andrew James Allen was spotted taking in the scene.

Kreayshawn
Photo Credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery


Eddie Cibrian and Lee Ann Rymes
Photo Credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery


Wale and A-Trak
Photo Credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery


Wale
Photo Credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery


Selita Banks
Photo Credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery


Andrew Pollard and Mark Foster
Photo Credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Lupe Fiasco and Sky Gellatly
Photo Credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery

Wednesday, Feb. 15...

Sexy and sultry 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition models posed for photos as they cemented their handprints at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. to celebrate their iconic achievement.  Models Chrissy Teigen, Izabel Goulart, Crystal Renn and Nina Agdal were joined by Planet Hollywood headliner Josh Strickland and David Hoenemeyer, regional president of Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models with Josh Strickland and David Hoenemeyer
Photo Credit: Denise Truscello / WireImage

Treach from Naughty By Nature headlined Old School Wednesdays at LAVO.  Spotted taking in the scene was DeSean Jackson, wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Friday afternoon, Feb 17...

Magician Nathan Burton did some magic while his sister Emily read to the students at Wright Elementary School in Southwest Las Vegas in honor of Nevada Reading Week.

Comedy Magician Nathan Burton

In the evening, Dancing with the Stars pro Mark Ballas was spotted at LAVO Nightclub. He and three friends from the UK were celebrating a childhood friend’s bachelor party.

At TAO Dash Berlin headlined TAO Fridays, while Gareth Emery and Jochen Miller took over the main room at Marquee.

Dash Berlin
Photo Credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery


Gareth Emery
Photo Credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery

Chord Overstreet
Photo Credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery


Chord Overstreet with birthday cake
Photo Credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Sammy Hagar celebrated the launch of his new rum, Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum, at his Cabo Wabo Cantina  at the Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The Red Rocker hosted a private event inside the Cantina with wife Kari and friends including close friend, Emeril Lagasse, in celebration of his newest endeavor.

Saturday night Feb 18...

Reality star Audrina Patridge took over PURE Nightclub inside Caesars Palace as she celebrated the launch of curve appeal for men, a new fragrance by Elizabeth Arden.

Audrina Patridge
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik/RETNA/erikkabik.com.


Audrina Patridge with birthday cake
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik/RETNA/erikkabik.com.

Reality star and face of Night School 4 Girls Laura Croft and an entourage of eight including Night School 4 Girls instructors Dar Brzezinski and Tracey Gittins of Fantasy as well as instructor Heidi Huckelberry partied at LAX Nightclub.

Laura Croft
Photo credit: Powers Imagery LLC.

Laura Croft Hypnotiq
Photo credit: Powers Imagery LLC.

Playboy Playmate and reality television siren, Jayde Nicole, celebrated her birthday, music sensation and actress Samantha Mumba celebrated her engagement to longtime love, Torray Scales at Sugar Factory American Brasserie inside Paris Las Vegas.

Guns N' Roses guitarist, Slash, made a pit stop at Sugar Factory to pick up two gift baskets earlier in the evening for his kids.

Also seen dining at the bustling hot spot was Randy Fenoli of TLC's popular show, "Say Yes to the Dress," dining with friends and former *NSYNC member, Joey Fatone, scooping up a bag of Swedish Fish in the retail store.

Jayde Nicole with Sugar Factory’s Couture Pop
Photo credit: Sugar Factory


Samantha Mumba with Sugar Factory’s Couture Pop
Photo credit: Sugar Factory

Samantha Mumba and fiancé Torray Scales being affectionate at Sugar Factory
Photo credit: Sugar Factory

Jayde Nicole continued her birthday celebration with friends at Gallery Nightclub at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino Las Vegas. Close by, actress Ricki Lake and fellow "Dancing with the Stars" performer, Mark Ballas, joined Pussycat Dolls founder, Robin Antin, at the Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Saloon inside Gallery Nightclub.

Also enjoying the evening at Gallery was local star, Matt Goss, and "Californication" actress Pamela Adlon.

Ricki Lake, Mark Ballas, Pamela Adlon, Robin Antin and Matt Goss at Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Saloon inside Gallery Nightclub in Las Vegas.
Photo credit: Jeff Bottari/WireImage

Adult film star Tabitha Stevens celebrated her birthday, surrounded by family and friends, at Crazy Horse III Gentlemen's Club and Posh Boutique Nightclub.

Tabitha Stevens on the red carpet at Crazy Horse III and Posh Boutique Nightclub.


Tabitha Stevens showing her ice sculpture some love at Crazy Horse III.

Tabitha thanking the crowd during her birthday party at Crazy Horse III.

Actor and singer best known for his role on the television series "Glee", Chord Overstreet celebrated his 23rd birthday at LAVO. He was accompanied by a large group of friends including co-star Harry Shum Jr.

Afterward the party headed to Marquee Nightclub where DJ Benny Benassi headlined the night.

Stevie Wonder made a late night stop at TAO restaurant and dined in the private dining room.

At TAO Nightclub, Ben Lyons, entertainment journalist and film critic, was spotted at a table on the dance floor with friends taking in the sounds of DJ Vice and later concluded the night at Marquee Nightclub.

Chord Overstreet
Photo Credit: David Becker | Wire Image


Chord Overstreet and Harry Shum Jr.
Photo Credit: David Becker | Wire Image

DJ Benny Benassi
Photo Credit: Brenton Ho | Powers Imagery