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
Murray & Chloe Host 'Beggin' For Magic II' Charity Show at The New Tropicana
Tropicana headliner, celebrity magician Murray Sawchuck and his lovely wife Chloe, hosted a special edition of their afternoon show on August 5 to benefit the Friends For Life Humane Society, a no kill animal shelter/facility.
Murray Sawchuck and Chloe Louise Crawford with Rosie the dog
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Along with Murray, Chloe and slight of hand magician Douglas “Lefty” Leferovich who regularly appear in his show, celebrity guests that donated their time and talent for the afternoon charity event were vocalist Lisa Marie Smith from Pin Up; British comedian and former Benny Hill Show writer Lenny Windsor; comedian Geechy Guy, who appeared on America's Got Talent; magician Lance Burton who introduced his friend, comedy magician Fielding West; saxophonist Jim D’Arrigo; singer Tim Molyneux and magician Mark Bennick.
Murray Sawchuck, Chloe Louise Crawford and Douglas "Lefty" Leferovich
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Lisa Marie Smith
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Lenny Windsor
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Geechy Guy
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Murray Sawchuck Fielding West and Lance Burton
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Samantha Ratcliff and Jim D'Arrigo
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tim Molyneux
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Mark Bennick
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Several like minded animal lovers from the entertainment community turned out in support of this worthy cause. Red carpet arrivals included: magicians Jarrett and Raja; Top USA Magic Agent Jackie Beer; Jeff Civillico, rocker Paul Shortino; Paul Johnson and Robert Torti of "Rock of Ages"; Mosaic, the gorgeous FANTASY dancers, Michael "Wheels" Parise, singer Kristen Hertzenberg who formerly starred in Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular, singer Maren Wade; and radio talk show host Dennis Bono.
Dennis Bono
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
FANTASY dancers and Chloe Louise Crawford
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jarrett and Raja
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jeff Civillico
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Kristen Hertzenberg
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Maren Wade
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Michael "Wheels" Parisi
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
MO5AIC
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Paul Johnson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Paul Shortino
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Robert Torti and kids
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Sarah Jessica Rhodes
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Also in attendance were Bryce and Jennifer from No Kill Las Vegas (NKLV) who came on stage to talk about their goal to stop the needless killing of healthy animals and to turn Nevada into a No Kill state. All proceeds from the event including raffles, a silent auction, as well as a percentage of money taken in from merchandise sold during the show benefitted the Friends for Life Animal Society. Raffle prizes included an original painting by artist Tommy Vinci; a Murray Magic kit plus four free tickets to his show; four VIP tickets to the Laugh Factory; four tickets to Rock of Ages; four tickets to Raiding the Rock Vault; a Pete Rose signed photo and more. In addition, Murray and Chloe announced they had fallen in love with Rosie, one of the adorable pooches at the shelter and offered to pay the $175 adoption fees to anyone who would adopt her.
Auction items
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tommy Vinci painting
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Bryce and Jennifer of No Kill Las Vegas http://www.nklv.org
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
I am happy to report the “Beggin' For Magic II” charity show was a success for both animal lovers and the adorable four legged friends in need.
Madame Tussauds Unveils Wax Figure of Beloved Entertainer Olivia Newton-John at Flamingo Las Vegas
Internationally-renowned singer-actress Olivia Newton-John posed side-by-side with her Madame Tussauds Hollywood wax figure Saturday night, August 9 at the Flamingo Las Vegas before taking the stage for her wildly-successful “Summer Nights” headlining show.
Olivia Newton-John with wax likeness
Photo credit: Denice Truscello
In 1978, Olivia Newton-John’s co-starring role with John Travolta in Grease catapulted her into super-stardom and to date remains the most successful movie musical of all time. Madame Tussauds Hollywood is celebrating the iconic film by welcoming Olivia Newton-John’s wax figure, outfitted as her Grease character Sandy, into their attraction.
Olivia Newton-John takes a double selfie
Photo credit: Denice Truscello
Continuing her international tour from Sydney to the United States, Olivia Newton-John’s wax figure can be seen at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas from Aug. 10 – Aug. 14 before heading to the Madame Tussauds Hollywood attraction.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
English rock band and one of the pioneers of rock music, DEEP PURPLE, joins the stellar lineup of bands performing in the Rock of Vegas FREE summer concert series at Fremont Street Experience. Deep Purple will rock audiences on Friday, August 15 on the 3rd Street Stage at 9 p.m. in Downtown Las Vegas.
SYDNEY AFTER DARK, the sensual female revue from down under, will perform their last show inside the PH Showroom at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Sunday, August 17.
CELINE DION has canceled all scheduled performances through March 22, 2015 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in order to focus 100% of her attention on her husband Rene, their family, and recent health issues. Orders purchased with a credit card for the canceled performance will be refunded to the credit card used for purchase. Those who purchased tickets with cash may present tickets at the original point of sale for a refund.
Vocal impressionist VERONIC DICAIRE has announced Keep Memory Alive, supporting the mission of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, as the August charity partner for “Lend Your Voice,” her monthly awareness-building and fundraising effort for selected local nonprofits. During her performances from August 14 through August 31 at the Jubilee Theater at Bally’s Las Vegas, Véronic will collect audience donations and provide information on KMA’s mission from the powerful podium that is her stage. Tickets for VÉRONIC Voices are now on sale and range in price from $30 to $120 (additional service fees apply).
Tony Sacca’s “LAS VEGAS SINGS FOR AMERICA” fundraiser to benefit Las Vegas’ young entertainers will be held in the Chrome Room at Santa Fe Station on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2014, at 2 p.m. Sacca will host and perform patriotic tunes along with many other dynamic world-class Las Vegas acts backed by the live Michael T Band. The show will be taped before a live audience for broadcast over Labor Day weekend.Admission donation is $25 tax deductible 501(c)3. For advance reservations, call 702-364-8669. Payment can be by check to YFPA or Youth For the Performing Arts, credit card or cash in advance or at the door. Showroom doors open at 1:30 p.m.
Sunset Station and Basic High School will host the #BASIC STRONG BENEFIT CONCERT in honor of the Basic High School students injured in the tragic bonfire explosion on June 9, 2014. Featuring performances by local rockers Yellow Brick Road among others, the #BasicStrong Benefit Concert will be held at Club Madrid inside Sunset Station on August 20, 2014 at 8 p.m. and all proceeds will be donated directly to the families of the injured students. Tickets for #BasicStrong Benefit Concert are $25, $40 and $100 plus tax and applicable fees and can be purchased at any Station Casinos Reward Center and The Fiestas.
Guests are invited to experience a culinary adventure as LAS VEGAS RESTAURANT WEEK 2014 kicks off Friday, Aug. 22 and runs through Thursday, Aug. 28. For the eighth consecutive year, the city’s finest restaurants, celebrity chefs and sommeliers will come together to support Three Square Food Bank, a non-profit organization on a mission to end hunger in Southern Nevada.
The week-long event will offer unforgettable epicurean selections at participating restaurants inside Bellagio, ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo, New York-New York, Luxor, Excalibur and Circus Circus. Each restaurant will offer three-course specialty prix fixe menus priced at $20.14, $30.14, $40.14 and $50.14.
For the first time, PHIL'S ITALIAN STEAK HOUSE is joining SEAFOOD SHACK AND GILLEY'S SALOON, DANCE HALL AND BAR-B-QUE AT TREASURE ISLAND. Phil’s, Seafood Shack and Gilley’s will each offer a three-course prix fixe dinner menu for $50.14, $40.14 and $30.13, respectively. A portion of the proceeds from each meal ordered benefit Three Square and the fight against hunger in Southern Nevada. The program’s funds benefit soup kitchens, shelters, after-school programs, senior citizens care and more HAKKASAN LAS VEGAS RESTAURANT AT MGM GRAND HOTEL & CASINO is proud to offer guests an exceptional three-course menu while also allowing them to give back to the community. The restaurant will contribute $6 from each menu sold to directly support Three Square. The special prix-fixe dinner, available for $50.14 per person, is set to feature guests’ choice of small eat (first course), main dish and dessert.
Cuban comedian ANGEL SALAZAR headlines the The Laugh Factory at the New Tropicana Resort August 18-24. Also on the roster is Las Vegas native Brandon “Gooch” Hahn, and comic impressionist Penny Prince who is hosting. Show times are 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. nightly, with tickets priced at $34.95 and $44.95.
Angel Salazar
Brandon Gooch Hahn
After a one year hiatus, FREAKSHOW WRESTLING returns to Las Vegas with its largest and craziest show yet on Friday, August 29 at Helltown Studios (6425 W. Richmar Ave., Las Vegas 89139). Presented by Smash Magazine, Freakshow Wrestling: The End of the World Party features freaky fun for all including helicopters, wrestling legends, a zombie invasion, explosions and a clown army. Co-hosted by the Amazing Johnathan and Jenn O. Cide, the event features wrestling legends Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Gangrel, Chavo Guerrero, Sinn Bodhi, John Morrison and Brian Kendrick; with special appearances by GWAR’s Techno Destructo, the Ghost of Macho Man, Clownvis, Scorch the Clown and live music by the Radioactive Chickenheads. Tickets for the show are $20. Freakshow Wresting: The End of the World Party is a 21+ event. Concessions will be available.
The brand new DRAI'S BEACH CLUB, DRAI'S NIGHTCLUB and DRAI'S AFTER HOURS, will partner with chart-topping producer Arty for a ground-breaking, three club, multi-sensory 24-hour performance on Saturday, Aug. 30. Kicking it all off 11 stories above the Strip at Drai’s Beach Club on the rooftop of The Cromwell, Arty will begin his 24-hour journey at 2:30 p.m., turning the poolside party into the Strip’s must-attend event. As day transforms to night, Arty will take over the stunning new Drai’s Nightclub, where he will own the dance floor late into the night before heading below ground; culminating the all day/all night affair with his final performance at Drai’s iconic After Hours nightclub. The Full Labor Day Weekend Schedule is as follows: Friday, August 29: MAKJ (Beach Club) & Adventure Club (Nightclub); Saturday, August 30: “Up All Night” with 24 Hours of Arty; Sunday, August, 31: Unmet Ozcan (Beach Club) & Skratchy (Nightclub); Monday, September 1: Helena (Beach Club).
77 Year old Las Vegan BOB MARKWORTH, the world’s leading professional archer, who recently appeared on “America’s Got Talent,” and his female assistant Donni Haas, will depart for Paris, France, on Thursday, Sept. 4 where they will be featured on “France’s Got Talent” television show.
RITA RUDNER will be bringing her unique style of comedy and epigrammatic one-liners back to Harrah’s Las Vegas with her show, “An Evening with Rita Rudner” beginning Wednesday, Sept. 17. Performances are select Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 7 p.m. in the Harrah’s Showroom. Tickets go on sale Friday, Aug. 15 at 10 a.m. PST.
Celebrity sightings:
Thursday, August 14...
In the afternoon, R&B songstress Tinashe was spotted at TAO Beach.
That evening, after walking the red carpet, the singer fueled up for her night ahead with dinner at TAO Asian Bistro.
Following dinner, Tinashe and her friends moved upstairs to TAO Nightclub where the she hosted the latest installment of Worship Thursdays.
Tinashe
Photo credit: Al Powers, Powers Imagery
Tinashe performing
Photo credit: Al Powers, Powers Imagery
Wednesday, Aug. 13...
Chippendales stars James Davis and Nathan Minor stopped by VooDoo Zip Line at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. The guys pulled two lucky ladies from their show to ride the attraction after their performance.
Chippendale stars Nathan Minor and James Davis
Photo courtesy of VooDoo Zip Line
Friday, Aug. 8...
Neon Trees’ vocalist and keyboardist Tyler Glenn dined at Nobu Las Vegas inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
Thursday evening, August 7...
Greg Bennett of “Real Housewives of New Jersey” fame was spotted having dinner at TAO Asian Bistro. In town celebrating his birthday, Bennett was joined by friends.
Also at TAO for a birthday dinner was Instagram sensation Jen Selter. As the clock hit midnight, the newly 21-year-old headed upstairs to TAO Nightclub to kick off her birthday celebration weekend with friends and family.