By Judy Thorburn This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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
Entertainers Come Together for June edition of Monday's Dark with Mark Shunock
The 7th edition of Monday's Dark with Mark Shunock took place on Monday, May 19 inside Vinyl at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with all proceeds from ticket sales and a silent auction benefiting the Neurofibromatosis Network. The inspiration for this charity was six year old Emma Lebow, who suffers from the neurological disorder known as neurofibromatosis. Emma is the daughter of Jersey Boys cast member Jeff Lebow.
Mark Shunock
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jeff and Melody Leibow
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Silent Auction Items
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The theme for this month's charity event was “Boy Bands” and featured hit songs from such groups as N' Sync, The Jackson 5, The Temptations, Back Street Boys, Hanson, and the greatest boy band of all time, The Beatles. Among the entertainers lending their time and talent for the good cause were former American Idol finalist Jasmine Trias and her main squeeze, singer Ben Stone; the guys and gals of Jersey Boys; Rock of Ages original cast member Jason Oles; comedienne Shayma Tash; singer Anne Martinez of BBR; The Cast of Rock of Ages; MTV's Top Pop Group “Mo5aic”; Paul Johnson, lead singer of “Generation”, as well as the event's creator/host and star of Rock of Ages, Mark Shunock.
Anne Martinez
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Singer/Magician Ben Stone
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Season 3 American Idol finalist Jasmine Trias
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Paul Johnson of Generations
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Travis Cloer, Jeff Leibow, Jason Kappus and Deven May of Jersey Boys
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Las Vegas performers that were in attendance to show their support included comedy hypnotist Anthony Cools, singer Pia Zadora, Zowie Bowie's Chris Phillips and violinist Lydia Ansel, magician Mark Bennick, Jason and Janea Ebs of Jet Velocity; singer Marc Love Chemerys; singer Tony Felicetta; dancer/choreographer Jennifer Romas; snake handler Maria Gara and pyrotechnic performer Steven Lee August.
Violinist Lydia Ansel and singer/entertainer Chris Phillips (Zowie Bowie)
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jason Ebs and Janea Chadwich Ebsworth of Jet Velocity
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Snake handler Maria Gara and pyrotechnic performer Steven Lee August
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Magician Mark Bennick
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Morea Reveen and Anthony Cools
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Pia Zadora and Michael Jeffries
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Publicist Stephen Will and Cheryl Ruettiger
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
At the conclusion of the show Mark Shunock announced that the theme for next month's June edition of Monday's Dark will be “Mama Rocks A Million Boys”. The title is a mix of the names of the four Broadway shows, Mama Mia, Rock of Ages, Million Dollar Quartet and Jerseys Boys, now playing in Las Vegas and as such, the evening's event will pay homage to the Tonys and traditional Broadway cabaret. All proceeds from that event will go to the Rudy Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the support and recognition of those who aspire to fulfill their dreams through character, courage, contribution and commitment. Las Vegas residents Rudy Ruettiger, the inspiration for the blockbuster movie "RUDY" and his wife Cheryl, founded The Rudy Foundation in 1997.
Mark Shunock and wife Cheryl Daro
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
MAMMA MIA! Celebrates Opening Night at The New Tropicana Las Vegas
The Las Vegas production of Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus’ global smash-hit musical MAMMA MIA! celebrated its grand opening at The New Tropicana Las Vegas in the newly transformed Tropicana Theater on Friday night, May 16.
The talented cast includes Christine Sherrill as Donna Sheridan, Kimbre Lancaster as Sophie Sheridan, Mary Callanan as Rosie, Alison Ewing as Tanya, Trey Ellett as Harry Bright, Steve Judkins as Bill Austin, Sean Allan Krill as Sam Carmichael and Jordan Bondurant as Sky. The high-energy performance had the crowd channeling their inner “dancing queens” throughout the performance that ended with a standing ovation for the company.
Notable names in attendance at opening night included: Judy Craymer (global producer/creator of MAMMA MIA!); Alex Yemenidjian (Chairman and CEO of The New Tropicana Las Vegas); the Sister Wives (of TLC’s hit television show); Mary Wilson (The Supremes); Frank Marino (Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas); Jaymes Vaughn (Chippendales); Ricardo Laguna (Professional BMX rider); Jabbawockeez (world famous dance crew); the cast of ROCK OF AGES; the cast of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET; the cast of JERSEY BOYS; comedy magician Murray Sawchuck; the Australian Bee Gees; and The Quad headliner Jeff Civillico.
Alex Yemenidjian and Judy Craymer
Photo Credit: © Erik Kabik
The full cast of MAMMA MIA!
Photo Credit: © Erik Kabik
Alison Ewing, Christine Sherrill, Sean Allan Krill, Mary Callanan
Photo Credit: © Erik Kabik
Alison Ewing and Joe Moeller
Photo Credit: © Erik Kabik
Judy Craymer
Photo Credit: © Erik Kabik
Trey Ellett, Alison Ewing, Christine Sherrill, Sean Allan Krill, Mary Callanan and Steve Judkins
Photo Credit: © Erik Kabik
Trey Ellett, Steve Judkins, Jordan Bondurant, Kimbre Lancaster, Christine Sherrill and Sean Allan Krill
Photo Credit: © Erik Kabik
The Australian Bee Gees
Photo Credit: © Erik Kabik
Cast of TLC's Sister Wives
Photo Credit: © Erik Kabik
Frank Marino
Photo Credit: © Erik Kabik
Jabbawockeez
Photo Credit: © Erik Kabik
Jeff Civillico
Photo Credit: © Erik Kabik
Jersey Boys Travis Cloer, Jason Kappus and Jeff Leibow
Photo Credit: © Erik Kabik
Mary Wilson
Photo Credit: © Erik Kabik
Million Dollar Quartet
Photo Credit: © Erik Kabik
Ricardo Laguna
Photo Credit: © Erik Kabik
The New Tropicana
Photo Credit: © Erik Kabik
Opportunity Village Announces Gift of $35 Million Challenge Donation, Plans for 60th Anniversary, Village Residences Project and more.
While celebrating its 60th anniversary at a private media event and press conference on Thursday, May 15, at Sunset Springs Ranch, Opportunity Village announced they have been offered $35 million -the largest monetary donation in the history of the organization – from the Engelstad Family Foundation. Believed to be the largest private foundation gift ever given to an organization that serves people with intellectual disabilities, the generous amount will be provided as a challenge gift, which has already been partially matched by Dorothy and Lacy Harber, owners of Sunset Springs Ranch (former Wayne Newton estate), who came forward with a donation $10 million. Other announcements included plans to commemorate Opportunity Village’s 60th Anniversary with a full year of celebrations through May 15, 2015; plans for The Village residences, the organization’s first residential facility, and a permanent North Campus; a retrofit of its Oakey Campus, which houses the organization’s renowned Magical Forest holiday attraction; and an expansion of the Walters Family Campus, home of the Paper Prossm document management division.
In an effort to secure the additional funding necessary for these projects, Opportunity Village also announced it will execute an aggressive $136 million Capital Campaign crucial to the success of the unveiled projects. Also announced was Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman's proclamation of “Opportunity Village Year”. “While we are excited to celebrate and reflect on Opportunity Village’s accomplishments over the last 60 years, our work is not done,” said Linda Smith, Chief Development Officer of the Opportunity Village Foundation. She continued, “We have very ambitious plans, and with the help of benefactors like the Engelstad Family Foundation and the Harber Family, we can make these plans a reality. We encourage our community to follow their lead in helping to grow Opportunity Village so that we can someday meet the needs of every person on our waiting list.” Smith continued, “Words cannot express our gratitude to the Engelstad Family Foundation. Their generosity will go a very long way toward positioning Opportunity Village for the next 60 years – and beyond.” She concluded by saying, “This truly is our year, and what an amazing way to kick-start our 60th Anniversary year of celebrations.”
Jeff Cooper, trustee of the Engelstad Family Foundation (center, left), presents a check for $35 million to Opportunity Village’s Executive Director Ed Guthrie (center) and President of the Foundation, Bob Brown (center, right); alongside OVIPs at a private media event and press conference held at Sunset Springs Ranch on May 15, 2014.
Lacy Harber (center, left), co-owner of Sunset Springs Ranch, announces her family’s commitment to partially match the Engelstad Family Foundation’s $35 million challenge donation with a $10 million gift to Opportunity Village, alongside husband Dorothy Harber (center) and Las Vegas mayor Carolyn G. Goodman (center, right) and OVIPs at a private media event and press conference held at Sunset Springs Ranch on May 15, 2014.
Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman proclaims May 15, 2014 through May 15, 2015 as “Opportunity Village Year” at a private media event and press conference held at Sunset Springs Ranch on May 15, 2014, where the organization announced a gift of $35 million challenge donation to be provided by the Engelstad Family Foundation.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
In honor of America’s servicemen and women, POLE POSITION RACEWAY held a MILITAIRY APPRECIATION EVENT on Friday, May 16 to honor military personnel. With its commitment to honoring those who serve our country, the indoor racing facility will give all active and retired military personnel a free race and membership during the month of May in celebration of the upcoming Memorial Day holiday.
The military membership includes one free race the day of sign-up and an additional free race during the recipient’s birthday month. In addition, race discounts will be applied on all arrive and drive races for one year. The offer is limited to one per person and proof of past or present service is required at time of race. Prizes will be awarded to the top serviceman at the end of the month and special member t-shirts will be available for purchase at a discounted rate of $9.95.
Pole Position Raceway has two Las Vegas locations with a total of 11 locations nationwide and three additional locations under construction. For more information, please call 702-227-7223 or visit www.PolePositionRaceway.com.
Brad Mark, C.O.O. of Pole Position Raceway, stands with active and retired military personnel at the high-performance indoor kart track on Friday, May 16.
Photo Credit: Quillin Advertising, Public Relations and Social Media
BLUE MAN GROUP LAS VEGAS is offering Nevada residents a savings of 30 percent off ticket prices on performances at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino now through Sunday, Aug. 24 To receive the deal, locals must present their Nevada ID when purchasing and picking up tickets at the Blue Man Group Box Office. The offer is not valid in conjunction with any other discount or on previously purchased tickets. Guests may buy up to eight tickets per Nevada ID.
TEMPTATION SUNDAYS, the longest-running Las Vegas LGBT pool party, for tourists and locals alike, began May 18 at Luxor Hotel and Casino. Hosted by J.Son from NakedBoyNews.com, the weekly party continues each Sunday through September 28.
The newest CLAIM JUMPER location opened inside the Golden Nugget on Tuesday, May 20 at 4 p.m. This is the fourth location for the casual dining concept to open in the Las Vegas area. Known for their wide selection of fresh options, the American cuisine favorite offers guests tasty selections including burgers, sandwiches, fresh baked pot pies, specialty salads, pasta, baby back pork ribs, fresh fish, Certified Angus Beef, USDA Choice steaks and more. Asian and Hawaiian-inspired entrées are also available. Located in the Carson Tower at 129 E. Fremont Street, Claim Jumper is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
ZOWIE BOWIE featuring the musical talents of lead singer Chris Phillips, violinist Lydia Ansel, vocalists Nieve Malandra and Christina Amato and a high-voltage band, celebrates eight years in Las Vegas with a special performance at Rocks Lounge inside Red Rock Resort and an official proclamation from the City of Las Vegas, declaring Friday, May 23, 2014 as Zowie Bowie Day. Doors open at 10 p.m. and guests must be 21 years or older.
FIZZ, the lavish champagne lounge inside Caesars Palace, will host “POP & SHOP,” a champagne and shopping experience, from noon to 4 p.m. on Friday, May 23 and Saturday, May 24. Each “Pop & Shop” package will include a signature FIZZ champagne flute complete with endless refills, along with a FIZZ gift bag containing special offers, discounts and samples from various retailers inside The Forum Shops at Caesars. Shoppers can feel free to fill up their glasses at FIZZ before perusing the latest fashions, and are welcome to return for refills throughout their shopping sprees. Packages are priced at $50 per person, and are available for purchase at FIZZ.
The award-winning PURE NIGHTCLUB inside Caesars Palace, recently acquired by HAKKASAN GROUP, will close its doors to begin a full venue remodel Monday, May 26. The newly remodeled space will make its debut in early 2015.
THE ANIMAL FOUNDATION needs your help. They are at capacity and need to find loving homes for their incredible pets as quickly as possible. In an effort to save lives, the foundation is reducing adoption fees to just $40 for all Pit Bulls and Chihuahuas 6 months and older now through Tuesday, May 27 during #SaveALifeWeek Special. The #SaveALifeWeek Special is valid at both of adoption locations:
Campus Adoption Center
655 N. Mojave Road, Las Vegas
Open daily, 11am-7pm
; PetSmart Charities Everyday Adoption Center
286 W. Lake Mead Parkway, Henderson
Open 9am-8pm Monday through Friday, 9am-7pm on Sunday *
*Special PetSmart Memorial Day Hours Monday: 10am-6pm
Discounted adoption fees also apply to eligible dogs at upcoming off-site events: Mutt Mixer (Thursday) and Paws for the Cause (Saturday).
ELIXIR AND DISTILL invite all people named Hamilton, Eisenberg, Hamm and Berger to celebrate NATIONAL BURGER DAY, on Wednesday, May 28, from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Lucky patrons with any variation of “HAM” or “BURGER” in their legal name can feast for FREE on any one of the gourmet burgers at either Elixir in Green Valley (2920 N. Green Valley Parkway just north of Sunset Road) or Distill in Summerlin (just off the I-215 and West Charleston at 10820 W Charleston. Free burgers are only available on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Guests must be 21or older at both locations with valid identification. Dine in only and limit of one burger per qualifying customer. Tax and gratuity are not included.
Comedienne, actress and author PAULA POUNDSTONE returns to The Orleans Showroom, Fri. & Sat. May 30 and 31 with a fresh stand-up act. Showtime each night is 8 p.m. Tickets start at $19.95.
The AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION IN NEVADA – LAS VEGAS (ALAN) will hold its fourth annual Fashion Show event with Saks Fifth Avenue, on Friday, June 6 at the Las Vegas Country Club. The SWING INTO SUMMER FASHION SHOW AND DINNER will be hosted by comic and magician, Adam London. The event will include a fashion show showcasing the Best of Saks Fifth Avenue with men’s and women’s fashions. Special guests at Swing into Summer who have benefitted from the ALAN’s programs will be recognized. The event will also include a cocktail hour and silent auction. Prior to the event, guests can enter into a silent auction, which kicks off for online bidding on May 30th and ends the evening of the event. Tickets for Swing into Summer with Saks are $150 each and can be purchased at SwingintoSummerWithSaks.com. Guests are encouraged to wear tropical attire. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 702.431.6333. All proceeds benefit the American Lung Association.
The RUMOR HOTEL (455 E.Harmon) will host the first ever BARK AND BREW dog friendly beer festival on Saturday, June 7 from 6 – 9 pm. Sample of the best local and regional beers while your dog gets to taste an array of special dog treats. Breweries like Ellis Island and Banger Brewery will be on hand, offering unlimited samples of more than 40 beers, while specialty vendors will provide dog products. You and your pup can jam to the live music, and some of the proceeds from this unique event will benefit Adopt a Rescue Pet. Tickets are $30.
TV and movie legend WILLIAM SHATNER will bring his one-man show “SHATNER’S WORLD: WE JUST LIVE IN IT” to the Hollywood Theatre inside the MGM Grand. for a three-night engagement, June 19 – 21. In April 2011, Shatner launched what would eventually become his hugely popular stage show in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. In 2012, the show opened on Broadway and has been performed in more than 50 cities in the United States. During his show, Shatner takes his audiences on a 90-minute voyage through his life and career, from Shakespearean stage actor to internationally known icon and personality. Tickets are priced at $69.99, $79.99 and $99.99, plus service charges and taxes.
At a recent press conference at The Venetian Las Vegas, comedienne Whitney Cummings, TV personality and co-creator of the hit CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls, announced that LIPSHTICK – THE PERFECT SHADE OF STAND UP, a newly branded resident comedy series marking the first time in the storied entertainment history of Las Vegas that the comedy stage will be taken exclusively by female performers, will debut July 11 at the Venetian. Cummings, who will debut at The Sands Showroom on Aug. 15, is part of a 2014 lineup that features today’s premiere, and up-and-coming female stand-ups, including:
Joy Behar, former host of The View and the Joy Behar Show; Jennifer Coolidge, best known for her roles as “Stifler’s mom” on American Pie and Sophie on the series 2 Broke Girlls; Susie Essman, best known for her role as Susie Greene on Curb Your Enthusiasm;Jen Kirkman, known for her regular appearances as a round-table panelist on Chelsea Lately; Lisa Lampanelli, whose snarky brand of stand up has lovingly earned her the nickname Comedy's Queen of Mean; Natasha Leggero, known for her regular appearances as a round-table panelist on Chelsea Lately and judge of NBC’s Last Comic Standing; Wendy Liebman, a regular on the late night circuit, including The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the Late Show with David Letterman, and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson; Loni Love, co-host of the new Fox daytime show The Real and author Love Him or Leave Him But Don't get Stuck with the Tab; Heather McDonald, known for her regular appearances as a round-table panelist on Chelsea Lately and author of My Inappropriate Life (Some Stories Not Suitable for Nuns, Children, or Mature Adults); Caroline Rhea, best known for her role on Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, and as the host of the talk show, The Caroline Rhea Show; Rita Rudner, a Venetian headliner since 2001, and one of the most successful comedians in Las Vegas history; Iliza Schlesinger, winner of the sixth season of NBC's Last Comic Standing and former host of the syndicated dating show Excused; Wendy Williams, media personality, actress and host of the daytime talk show The Wendy Williams Show
Artists are engaged to perform two to three shows over a weekend, on Friday and Saturday evenings. Once part of the LIPSHTICK family, most of the comediennes will be scheduled into a rotation to perform at The Venetian three to four times per year. In addition, more comediennes will be added at later dates.
Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) has announced that it will honor dancer, choreographer, actress, producer, director and author DEBBIE ALLEN as Woman of the Year for the 31st Annual Black & White Ball. The recipient of numerous awards, including a Tony Award, Golden Globe and three Emmy Awards among others, Allen’s many contributions to the performing arts and entertainment industry will be celebrated on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at ARIA Resort & Casino, CityCenter.
Celebrity Sightings:
Tuesday, May 20...
Former NBA player, Devean George dined at MTO Café.
Photo courtesy of MTO Cafe
Floyd Mayweather hosted an over-the-top celebration for his daughter Iyanna Mayweather, who celebrated her 14th birthday at Sugar Factory Town Square. The world champion boxer treated his daughter like a princess with a party for her and 30 of her closest family and friends, including her grandmother.
Monday, May 19...
Lance Bass, radio host and ‘NSYNC alum, attended RuPaul’s Drag Race Season Six Finale Viewing Party at the new Tropicana Las Vegas.
Shangela and Lance Bass
Photo Credit: Courtesy of GLOSS MAGAZINE
Sunday, May 18...
2014 Icon Award-winner, Jennifer Lopez, treated herself to a night out at Hakkasan Restaurant following the Billboard Music Awards. She was joined by her beau, Casper Smart, longtime manager Benny Medina, and Epic Records CEO and Chairman L.A. Reid and wife Erica Reid.
Jennifer Lopez
Photo credit: Gabe Ginsberg/ Wire Image
Season Five winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Jinkx Monsoon, was spotted attending ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace.
Jinkx Monsoon and Melody Sweets
Photo credit: Ben Lewis/Spiegelworld
Saturday, May 17...
Pop sensation Carly Rae Jepsen was spotted partying the night away inside the main room of Hakkasan. Also in attendance was sultry R&B sensation. The Weeknd as he took over the third level of the hot spot for an unforgettable performance. Enjoying her time, the “Call Me Maybe” singer danced the night away to renowned beats of Hakkasan resident Calvin Harris.
The Weeknd
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery LLC
Calvin Harris
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery LLC
Latin music sensation Ricky Martin, joined by family and friends, dined at TAO Asian Bistro.
Pretty Little Liars star Lucy Hale was also seen dining at TAO, as was Christian Siriano of Project Runway fame who was joined by boyfriend Brad Walsh and friends.
Singer Carly Rae Jepsen continued celebrating the bachelorette party of a girlfriends with dinner at the Asian Bistro followed by a VIP table in the nightclub.
At LAVO Italian Restaurant Albie Manzo from The Real Housewives of New Jersey dined with friends, as did YouTube vloggers Joey Graceffa and Cat Valdes.
Mark Cuban was spotted at Marquee for Kaskade’s Summer Lovin’. The Dallas Mavericks owner and Shark Tank star took over a VIP table in the nightclub with a group that include The Bachelor/Bachelorette host Chris Harrison and this season’s new bachelorette Andi Dorfman.
Earlier in the day Jermaine Dupri manned the DJ booth at TAO Beach, treating pool partiers to a two hour set.
Eric DLux and Jermaine Dupri
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
Cast members from ABSINTHE served as celebrity guests in the Poker For Hope charity tournament at Caesars Palace.
Friday, May 16...
Television stars Lamorne Morris of New Girl, Kevin McHale of GLEE, Willie Garson of White Collar, Sara Rue of Rules of Engagement and actress Camyrn Manheim were spotted attending ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace. In town to participate as celebrity guests in the Poker For Hope charity tournament at Caesars Palace, the group stopped by to see the show and to meet the cast following the performance.
Photo Credit: Ben Lewis/Spiegelworld
Emily Van Camp, star of television’s hottest show “Revenge,” was spotted celebrating her birthday alongside boyfriend Josh Bowman and a group of friends including ABC co-star Ashley Madekwe, at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub at MGM Grand
Emily Van Camp
Photo credit: Al Powers of Powers Imagery, LLC.
Wednesday afternoon, May 14...
Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama, Valerie Jarrett, joined by 11 friends including Jenna Morton, owner of La Cave, dined at La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway inside Wynn Las Vegas for lunch.
