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
Chicken Soup for the Soul Debuts Newest Book with Las Vegas Contributors
Chicken Soup for the Soul hosted an evening full of heartfelt testimony and charity on May 7 to celebrate the launch of its newest book, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Time to Thrive at Vasari at Tivoli Village. Co-author and Las Vegas local Loren Slocum Lahav hosted the fabulous soiree, as well as five other Las Vegans who contributed stories to the book, including Sam Georges, Jaki Baskow, Andrea Hadhazy, Linda Johnson and Marcia Castro-Rosenburg.
Loren Slocum Lahav
Photo credit: ChezarayPhotography.com
Copies of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Time to Thrive
Photo credit: ChezarayPhotography.com
During the party, Slocum Lahav graciously thanked guests for supporting the book’s release. She also discussed how her life changed for the better when she decided to embrace life by not saying “yes” to every opportunity she was presented – a key theme in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Time to Thrive.
Slocum Lahav then invited contributors Castro-Rosenburg and Baskow to share the stories they wrote for the book. Both writers gave emotional speeches, and Baskow, Founder of Baskow & Associates, tearfully thanked Chicken Soup for the Soul for giving her the closure she craved after her father passed away years ago.
Ginny DePaso, Jaki Baskow, Art Marshall, and Bonnie Marshall at CSS Book Launch
Photo credit: ChezarayPhotography.com
Throughout the evening, Slocum Lahav and the contributors autographed copies of the book and took photos with fans. Part of the proceeds from book sales at the event were given to local non-profits Create a Change Now and Elevate Las Vegas’ S.P.I.N. program, “Supporting People in Need.” Guests nibbled on Caprese skewers and chocolate-covered strawberries while mingling and participating in a charity raffle, featuring coveted prizes from sponsors Vasari, Scarpetta and Juice Plus.
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Time to Thrive, co-written by Slocum Lahav and Chicken Soup for the Soul publisher, editor-in-chief and author, Amy Newmark, features 101 empowering stories that motivate readers to create balance and give more meaning to their lives. The book is now available for purchase in book stores everywhere.
Linda Johnson, Andrea Hadhazy, Sam Georges, Jaki Baskow, Marcia Castro-Rosenburg, and Loren Slocum Lahav
Photo credit: ChezarayPhotography.com
Loren Slocum Lahav and Sam Georges
Photo credit: ChezarayPhotography.com
Journey and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Entertained K.O. Knudson Middle School Students Behind-The-Scenes at The Joint
K.O. Knudson Middle School’s eighth grade orchestra class was given the opportunity of a lifetime on Wednesday, May 13. The youngsters were treated to an “all access” tour of The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, went on stage to speak with members of JOURNEY’s production crew and interacted with the band members.
K.O. Knudson Middle School’s eighth grade orchestra class with JOURNEY
Photo credit: Patrick Gray/Kabik Photo Group
The field trip kicked off as Lori Guzzard, entertainment manager at Hard Rock Hotel, gave Journey Las Vegas pins to each student before bringing them inside of The Joint. Upon entry, Guzzard discussed the history of the venue and showed them how pieces of the flooring and railings from the old Joint were incorporated into the new Joint when it was built in 2009. The tour continued up to the third level where students were able to hear from Scott Ara, stage manager at Hard Rock Hotel, regarding some of the technological aspects of the venue. They were then taken to the second level, also known as the VIP level, where they were given an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at Journey’s uniquely-designed greenroom, the band’s wardrobe room, the meet-and-greet room, the suites and more. Following, they were brought down to the floor level where they met with Rob Kern, Journey’s longtime production and tour manager, at the soundboard.
K.O. Knudson Middle School’s eighth grade orchestra class with Rob Kern of JOURNEY
Photo credit: Patrick Gray/Kabik Photo Group
Kern explained how the production crew comes in daily to test the lights and make sure all of the instruments are working properly. The students were able to experience a line check and were fascinated by the unique sounds of Journey’s instruments and all of the work that goes into preparing for a show. Kern then led the class on stage through the loading dock and introduced them to the production crew who went over details of the band’s instruments. Several students even showed off their own skills by playing songs on Jonathan Cain’s piano.
Shortly after, Journey band members Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Ross Valory, Deen Castronovo and Arnel Pineda came on stage and surprised the group with “Don’t Stop Believin’” T-shirts and an autographed band poster for their classroom. For about 20 minutes, they interacted with the class and answered questions about their careers as musicians, what inspired them, who their musical influences are, how they got to where they are today and more. Journey also wished the students good luck on their future endeavors and treated them to an unprecedented glimpse of their rehearsal as they prepped for last night’s concert.
Journey’s residency at The Joint concludes this weekend with two sold-out shows.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
The American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada is pleased to announce that FORMER U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN SHELEY BERKLEY has been chosen to receive the 2015 EMILIE WANDERER CIVIL LIBERTARIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD. She was the first woman to serve in Nevada’s First Congressional District, which she held for seven terms. Berkley has a strong record of defending and advancing civil rights for the three decades she served in Congress. Berkley now serves as CEO and Senior Provost, for Touro University’s Nevada and California campuses. The ACLU of Nevada will present Berkley with the Civil Libertarian of the Year award at its Thirteenth Annual Celebration of Civil Liberties on Friday, June 26, 2015, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Panevino Ristorante.
Confirming rumors that have been circling for months, JENNIFER LOPEZ announced during last Tuesday night's (May 12) “American Idol” Season 14 finale that she will begin a Las Vegas headlining residency show at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino beginning Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016.Tickets range in price from $59 to $219 (excluding service charges), with VIP packages available, including meet & greets with Lopez. All shows begin at 9 p.m. Tickets for the first 20 performances will go on sale to the public on Saturday, May 16 at 10 a.m. PT.
VERONIC VOICES will raise a glass to the LGBT community during May and June performances to benefit the HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION. The hit show at Bally’s Las Vegas will celebrate diversity as part of “Lend Your Voice,” which supports selected nonprofit organizations. “LGBT rights are human rights and love is love,” said Véronic. “Whether it’s a family member, friend, peer, or colleague, everyone of us has a special person in their life who deserves all the happiness in the world.”Véronic was on-hand at the Human Rights Campaign 10th Annual Las Vegas Gala on Saturday, May 9 at ARIA Resort & Casino, where she walked the red carpet and met with the organization’s supporters.
Sr. Vice President AEG LIve John Nelson, Veronic DiCaire, and Milo Miloscia attend Human Rights Campaign 10th Annual Las Vegas Gala
Photo courtesy of Bally's Las Vegas
The world’s greatest gathering of TV and movie cars will takeover Fremont Street Experience during LAS VEGAS CAR STARS 2015 on Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 with a special 30 Year Anniversary Celebration of Back to the Future. The event will begin on Friday, May 15 with a warm welcome from Clark County Commissioner Lawrence Weekly, Clark County Commissioner Tom Collins and LVCVA President/CEO Rossi Ralenkotter at the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign followed by a parade of cars from hit shows and films. The festivities will continue at Fremont Street Experience where visitors can line up to see the legendary cars. Mayor Carolyn Goodman and Ralenkotter will kick off the Opening Ceremony at 5 p.m. on Fremont Street Experience’s 3rd Street Stage. The entertainment on Saturday, May 16 will include tributes to Back to the Future and feature appearances by Back to the Future writer Bob Gale, cast members Christopher Lloyd and Lea Thompson and Jaws cast member Susan Backlinie, famed stuntman Bob Bralver and more. Las Vegas Car Stars and vintage, hotrod and classic car owners participating in the event will be raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network, a nationally recognized charity that assists children and their families in need. The schedule of events is as follows: Las Vegas Car Stars Press Conference – Friday, May 1 - 5-6:30 p.m. – Press Conference (3rd Street Stage); Oscar Goodman Proclamation, Las Vegas Car Stars lined up along Fremont Street Experience, Celebrity appearances.
Las Vegas Car Stars Day – Saturday, May 16 - 10 a.m. – Opening ceremony. 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Celebrity cars on display, celebrity appearances and autographs (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.), Q & A session (1 p.m. – 2 p.m.),
The Broadway musical,“YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN”, based on Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts comic strip, will be performed at the Henderson Pavilion (200 S. Green Valley Pkwy.) Friday, May 15-Saturday, May 16 & Friday, May 22-Saturday, May 23 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $12 and can be purchased by visiting the Henderson Pavilion Box Office, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.Tuesday-Friday.
PRESTIGE CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE, in conjunction with THANKS-A-BUNCH™, will honor Military Appreciation Month by giving away $50 DINNER CARDS to all military veterans, active personnel and Clark County first responders who visit the dealership from Saturday, May 16, through Monday, June 1. Any veteran, active military, police officer, firefighter or paramedic may receive the $50 gift card by visiting the dealership and presenting a valid ID. There is no purchase or obligation required and the offer is valid one-per-person. Thanks-A-Bunch™ is a national nonprofit 501c3 charity that works to give back to military and first responders who dedicate their lives in service of others. The gift cards are valid at more than 18,000 restaurants nationwide including local favorites such as Original India, Shish Kabob, Pineapple Park and others.
Legendary comedian and impersonator Rich Little has announced THE MARIE AND RICH LITTLE FOUNDATION'S ANNUAL BENEFIT will be held Sunday, May 17, 2015 at 4 p.m. inside the Golden Nugget Showroom at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Downtown Las Vegas. All proceeds will benefit THE SALVATION ARMY AND HEAVEN CAN WAIT for their many programs which help support children, families, homeless and animals in need in Southern Nevada. The unbelievable lineup of entertainers include Rich Little, singer, comedian and celebrity impressionist Terry Fator, impressionist Gordie Brown, magician Lance Burton, singer Ronnie Rose and Bernadottae Larson as Whoopi Goldberg. Tickets are $27.50 plus tax and applicable fees and can be purchased online at www.goldennugget.com or by phone at 866-946-5336. Guests under 21 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Harrah’s Las Vegas Headliner and Comedian-Magician MAC KING is celebrating “NATIONAL PLAID DAY” by inviting plaid loving guests in for a special deal. On Tuesday, May 19 “The Mac King Comedy Magic Show” will offer a FREE TICKET to anyone that shows up wearing a plaid shirt at the 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. shows. “The Mac King Comedy Magic Show” has delivered non-stop laughs and dazzling magic to audiences of all ages at Harrah’s Las Vegas since 2000. King’s contract was recently extended through 2019, which will give him 19 years at the hotel making him the longest running magician working at the same hotel.
Mac King at age 6
Photo courtesy of Harrah's Las Vegas
The LAS VEGAS EPICUREAN AFFAIR, sponsored by the Nevada Restaurant Association, returns to The Palazzo® on Thursday, May 21, 2015. Guests at the Las Vegas Epicurean Affair will spend the evening poolside at The Palazzo indulging in the best cuisine along with a premier selection of libations offered from many notable restaurants from both on and off The Strip.
Chef José Andrés will bring his culinary magic as the celebrity chef host of this year's event. Named one of Time’s “100 Most Influential People” and awarded “Outstanding Chef” by the James Beard Foundation, Andrés is a pioneer of Spanish tapas in the United States. VIP ticket holders will experience an exclusive meet and greet with the renowned chef, as well as enjoy tastes from one of his newest Las Vegas restaurants, Bazaar Meat SLS.
“The Las Vegas Epicurean Affair is a must-attend event for anyone who wants the opportunity to taste gourmet selections from the finest chefs, all for a great cause,” said Sebastien Silvestri, vice president of food and beverage for The Venetian and The Palazzo and chairman of the board for NvRA. “We are thrilled to present this event, which for 32 years has provided Las Vegas the opportunity to help fund the educational dreams of high school students interested in culinary careers,” said NvRA president and CEO Katherine Jacobi. “It is an amazing occasion to enjoy many of the great restaurants that have made Las Vegas a culinary destination.”
Las Vegas Epicurean Affair is open to the public and will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2015, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at The Pools at The Palazzo. Tickets will go on sale this April, and can be purchased at www.palazzo.com or any Venetian or Palazzo box office. Tickets for the event start at $100.
HENRY'S PLACE FOUNDATION, a 501(c)3 organization formed in 2006 to honor Las Vegas Metro Sergeant Henry Prendes who gave his life protecting his hometown community, will host the 9th Annual Henry Prendes Charity Golf Classic at 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2015 at Spanish Trail Country Club. In the past year, the property has been re-graded, the septic and water systems have been installed and the focus is now on development of the electrical infrastructure. Proceeds from the tournament will be applied towards this and the continued build out on the 14-acre camp and retreat facility in Cedar City, UT currently being developed for the Las Vegas Valley’s at-risk youth.Spanish Trail Country Club is located at 5050 Spanish Trail Lane. Individuals can register for $200 and foursomes are $700. The tournament will be followed by an awards dinner ceremony, concert, raffle drawing and silent auction featuring prizes for many of the city’s top attractions, restaurants, shows, spas, golf courses and more! Non-golfers are invited to attend an afternoon cocktail and shopping reception starting at 4 p.m. for $30 and stay for the ceremonial festivities. To register or become a sponsor for the tournament, or for more information, please visit henrysplace.org or call 702-296-5078. A portion of the registration fees are tax deductible. The tournament is open to all ages and all levels.
Australian soft-rock group AIR SUPPLY returns to The Orleans Showroom for three shows over Memorial Day Weekend, May 22, 23 and 24. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets start at $39.95, plus tax and fees, and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming Box Office.
ROMEO SANTOS, the top Latin music artist in the country, will perform at The AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Sunday, May 24, 2015. Tickets range in price from $59 - $175 plus applicable tax and fees.
Southwestern artist, JULIE SNIDER will reveal a special art collection of 50 never before seen pieces to commemorate her 50th birth year and the beginning of a new collection. The event will be held at the Keep Memory Event Center on Wednesday, May 27th at 7:00 p.m.
Snider specializes in framed three-dimensional mixed media—her unique amalgamation of handmade colored paper embellished with rare and interesting items produces abstract art. She has assembled and sold more than 350 pieces—including the highly acclaimed “Thought Patterns,” featuring a wisdom tooth dangling from its center. The piece is located in the conference room of a Las Vegas business office.
Snider is known for replicating some of Southern Nevada’s most beautiful landscapes, including the Red Rock Canyon and surround Las Vegas area.
Doors open at 7 p.m for seating. Show begins promptly at 8:00 p.m. Individual pieces of art will be introduced, and explained as they continue their procession through the audience and into the display areas. Reception and viewing are from 9:00 p.m. until midnight. Admission is FREE and reservations are required. For further information and to RSVP, visit www.3dabstractsbyjulie.com.
Fresh off an extremely successful tour of Australia, and now on a highly anticipated American tour, DEANA MARTIN will premiere a completely new show at the South Point Hotel & Casino, when she perform there the weekend of Friday, May 29 to Sunday, May 30, with show times set for 7:30 p.m., and tickets ranging from$30 to $40.00.
Fremont Street Experience ROCK OF VEGAS CONCERT SERIES announces lineup for the summer that will turn the legendary downtown venue into summer’s alternative destination. Celebrating its seventh anniversary, the FREE concert series in Downtown Las Vegas will kick off Memorial Day Weekend with KC and The Sunshine Band, and runs through Labor Day Weekend with performances by Kansas and Blue Oyster Cult. Rock of Vegas Summer Concert Series at Fremont Street Experience headliner concerts: May 23 – KC and The Sunshine Band – 3rd Street Stage May 30 – Tonic & Vertical Horizon – 1st Street Stage June 13 – Martha Davis and The Motels, The Tubes & The Smithereens – 3rd Street Stage June 27 – Smash Mouth & Toad the Wet Sprocket – 1st Street Stage July 10 – UFC Fight Week Concert (band TBA) – 3rd Street Stage July 18 – Theory of a Deadman – 1st Street Stage Aug. 1 – Spin Doctors & Cherry Poppin' Daddies – 1st Street Stage Sept. 6 – Kansas & Blue Oyster Cult – 3rd Street Stage.
Venue Openings include:
On May 16, SOMA will have a Grand Opening of a new boutique at Fashion Show mall, located at 3200 Las Vegas Boulevard South, offering beautiful and sensual lingerie, loungewear, and beauty products.
ROTELLA GALLERY, a fine art photography gallery showcasing highly collectable works from a handful of the world's most distinguished photographers, has opened a third location at Appian Way located inside Caesars Palace. With full-time galleries already operating at The Forum Shops in Las Vegas and SoHo in New York City, Rotella Gallery's latest venture at Appian Way brings the gallery's transformative photographs to an even wider audience of collectors and fans.
Celebrity sightings:
Wednesday, May 13...
Professional baseball player Hunter Pence was spotted on the second, VIP level of The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with a group of friends during JOURNEY’s sold-out show.
Journey’s lead guitarist Neal Schon also surprised the crowd as he handed his guitar over to his son, Miles Schon, so he could play during the band’s encore performance of “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’.”
Saturday, May 9...
Master illusionist David Copperfield stopped by ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace for the 10 p.m. performance. Afterwards, Copperfield met with The Gazillionaire, his assistant Joy Jenkins and the “Green Fairy” Melody Sweets.
Friday, May 8...
Following their evening performance at Rock In Rio, No Doubt’s Adrian Young and Stephen Bradley, along with Young’s son Mason, took their trip to Vegas to new heights at Vegas Indoor Skydiving, the United States’ first indoor skydiving experience.
No Doubt’s Adrian Young and Stephen Bradley
Photo courtesy of Vegas Indoor Skydiving
