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

The D Las Vegas Introduces City's Longest Entertainment Residency, Manneken Pis

The D Las Vegas unveiled the newest addition to its hotel and casino early Tuesday afternoon, September 1.

Manneken Pis Las Vegas
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

During the unique disrobing ceremony, the D Las Vegas CEO Derek Stevens, with his brother Greg by his side, introduced Manneken Pis, a large-scale bronze replica of the beloved 17th century statue in Brussels, Belgium.  Also on hand were Mayor Carolyn Goodman and her husband, former Mayor Oscar Goodman.

Mayor Carolyn Goodman, The D Las Vegas CEO Derek Stevens, Greg Stevens, and former mayor Oscar Goodman.
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Dutch for “Little Man Pee,” Manneken Pis is a bronze statue of a young boy cheerfully “relieving” himself into a fountain’s basin. The piece holds a special place in the lives of brothers Derek and Greg Stevens, who are of Belgian descent and visited the statue in Brussels often throughout their childhood and early adulthood. A lifelong fan of the cheeky work-of-art, Stevens always knew he wanted to incorporate Manneken Pis into the D’s playful landscape.

“Manneken Pis Las Vegas is a ‘tip of the cap’ to our parents and our family trips to Belgium,” said Derek Stevens. “We are thrilled to bring his whimsical spirit to the D, which will attract thousands of visitors from around the world to Downtown Las Vegas.”

While smiling coyly, Manneken Pis remains is representative of the rebellious spirit of Brussels. The statue been described as hard working yet fun, loving, affable and slightly irreverent – all qualities embraced by the D.

The D Las Vegas CEO Derek Stevens
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

One the distinguishing traits that sets Manneken Pis apart from other statues is his elaborate wardrobe, consisting of more than 900 suits and costumes to match holidays and other special occasions. This tradition will carry over to Las Vegas, where Manneken Pis will be spotted in a variety outfits throughout the year to match seasons, Downtown Las Vegas events and other city-wide initiatives. “We will have a seasonal wardrobe (for Manneken Pis) that is committed to bringing joy, a smile and joy to everyone that visits.  We always aim to please,” said Stevens.

Mayor Carolyn Goodman added “Derek Stevens is truly a friend of Downtown Las Vegas, and bringing Manneken Pis Las Vegas to the D is a testament to his investment in this area. The statue will be a symbol of the entrepreneurship that is taking place in Downtown Las Vegas and at the D.”

'Defending the Caveman' star Kevin Burke and Adam London of 'Laughternoon'
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

The D has entered into a 100-year contract with Manneken Pis as the official greeter of the property, making him the longest entertainment residency in Las Vegas history. Weighing in at 500 pounds,  the city’s newest headliner is ready to expose himself to Downtown Las Vegas and will likely become one of its most sought-after celebrity sightings.

Manneken Pis can be spotted right next to the D’s main valet.

3,000 Guests Raise $145,000 at AFAN's 29th Annual Black & White Party at The Joint

Nearly 3,000 guests filled The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino at Aid for AIDS of Nevada's (AFAN) 29th Annual Black & White Party on Saturday night, August 29. The event raised more than $145,000 to benefit AFAN's client service programs.  Dressed in only black and white attire ranging from balloon dresses and pasties to top hats and tuxes, the electrifying atmosphere continued to build throughout the night, resulting in one of the best Black & White parties to date.

TV personality Ross Mathews hosted the festivties, introducing performances from Maren Wade, Pia Zadora, "Love is Love" by Legends in Concert, The Sound Collage and Boiis.. Penn & Teller also made a surprise appearance and Carrot Top also was seen enjoying the party.

Black & White guests
Photo credit: Tonya Harvey

Champagne dress
Photo credit: David Carter

Fashion Icon winners
Photo credit: David Carter

Penn & Teller
Photo credit: Toyna Harvey

Ross Mathews, Carrot Top, and Legends in Concert tribute artists
Photo credit: David Carter

Ross Mathews
Photo credit: David Carter

Ross Mathews on the red carpet
Photo credit: David Carter

Sound Collage
Photo credit: David Carter

Steampunk characters
Photo credit: Tonya Harvey

Wedding ceremony at Black & White Party
Photo credit: David Carter

Revelers danced the night away with sets from DJs The Perry Twins, DJ Axis, Nick Ayler and Brandon Godfrey surrounded by steampunk-inspired decor from the International Special Events Society (ISES). A surprise performance from Cirque Mechanics and roaming performers donned in steampunk garb added to the exciting feel of the night. 

In celebration of the Supreme Court marriage equality ruling, Supreme Court Justice Michael Cherry performed weddings and vow renewals for couples in the pop up wedding chapel sponsored by Martini & Rossi. AFAN's Executive Director Antioco Carrillo and the board of directors announced Las Vegas resident and Miss Las Vegas Pride 2013 Selena D'Angelo as the "Fashion Icon" winner of a $500 Macy's gift card.

Top restaurants, including Culinary Dropout, Ferraro's, FU, Pink Taco, 35 Steaks + Martinis, Hexx, Popcorn Girl, Jamba Juice and Brio, provided bites of their cuisine while Back Bar USA poured top shelf spirits all night.

AFAN announced its next event, Solo Strips, to take place on Monday, Sept. 28. Tickets are on sale now at afanlv.org.

Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:

Wednesday morning, September 2, BANK OF AMERICA volunteers loaded up a large truck and hand-delivered nearly 10,000 supplies to local schools Ann Lynch Elementary, Sandy Miller Elementary and Monaco Middle School for students in need. 

The supplies were collected throughout the months of July and August during the bank's fifth annual school supply drive. In total 9,445 supplies were collected at Bank of America's 50+ banking locations across Southern Nevada. In its first four years, the drive collected more than 33,000 supplies. Items collected include paper, backpacks, pens and pencils, P.E. equipment and school uniform garments.

Photo credit: Bank of America

Photo credit: Bank of America

Photo credit: Bank of America

Photo credit: Bank of America

Photo credit: Bank of America

A long-time supporter of one of Las Vegas’ most anticipated weeks, THREE SQUARE FOOD BANK'S ANNUAL LAS VEGAS RESTAURANT WEEK, BOBBY FLAY'S MESA GRILL at Caesars Palace was honored on Wednesday, Sept. 2 with its seventh GOLD PLATE DONOR AWARD. As a result of selling 2,226 covers, Mesa Grill contributed more than $11,000 over the span of June 15 to June 26, 2015.

Photo courtesy of Mesa Grill

Three Square’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Brian Burton, presented Mesa Grill General Manager, Jean Pierre Francois, and the Mesa Grill team with the top honor. Since first participating, Mesa Grill has raised more than $70,000 through the Las Vegas Restaurant Week program, contributing nearly 210,000 meals.

Bobby Flay himself has been a major supporter of Three Square and has shared his passion for service with his Mesa Grill team. The Mesa Grill staff not only goes above and beyond for Las Vegas Restaurant Week, but participates in a monthly service visit to Three Square Food Bank, Southern Nevada’s only food bank. Three Square currently provides more than 34 million pounds of food and grocery product – the equivalent of more than 28 million meals per year to more than 1,300 community partners including non-profit and faith-based organizations, schools and feeding sites throughout Southern Nevada.

During the entire month of September, CRAZY PITA will participate in a paper sneaker sales campaign collecting monetary donations for the JDRF Nevada Chapter, the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, in support of their in JDRF One Walk™. Through Sept. 30, guests can purchase paper sneaker icons at any three of the Crazy Pita restaurant locations:  Crazy Pita Downtown Summerlin: 10975 Sage Park Drive, #100, Las Vegas; Town Square Las Vegas: 6587 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas; anD/or The District at Green Valley Ranch, 2225 Village Walk Drive. #175, Henderson. All donations collected at Crazy Pita restaurants will go directly the JDRF Nevada Chapter and their Annual One Walk™ on Nov. 14 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas which will help fund critically needed T1D research.

The 2015 WORLD WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS will take place at the Orleans Arena, Sept. 7-12, and welcomes the world’s best wrestlers from more than 100 countries. This is the first time since 2003 the World Wrestling Championships will be held in the U.S. It serves as the first qualifying event for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and is also where the largest number of athletes earn a spot in the Olympics. The championships will include all three Olympic styles of international wrestling – men’s freestyle, women’s freestyle and Greco-Roman – and is presented by United World Wrestling, USA Wrestling, the United States Olympic Committee and Las Vegas Events. Events begin at 10 a.m. each day.  Tickets start at $33.75, plus taxes and convenience fees.

The 18th Annual  ADVERTISING COMMUNITY TALENT SHOW (A.C.T.S.) returns to Las Vegas on Friday, Sept. 11 at Chrome Showroom inside Santa Fe Station. Hosted by some of Las Vegas’ top media personalities, including KLAS Ch. 8’s Sherry Swensk, KTNV Ch. 13’s Shawn Tempesta and Mark DiCiero & Aimee Montgomery from “Mornings With Mark & Aimee” on Star 107.9 FM, the 18th Annual A.C.T.S. will once again feature acts from the Southern Nevada advertising and media community, including a special performance from Kim and Dana Wagner from “Wake Up With the Wagners” on KSNV Ch. 3. Doors open at 6 p.m. and all proceeds raised will benefit SAFE NEST, a local charity dedicated to providing temporary assistance for those going through domestic crisis in Southern Nevada.  Tickets are $25 for general admission and can be purchased at any Station Casinos Reward Center and The Fiestas, by logging onto www.sclv.com/concerts or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com. The silent auction begins at 6 p.m., with the show beginning at 7 p.m. Guests must be 21 years or older. The talent portion of the show is non-competitive. For more information on how to submit an application, general rules and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.actslv.org.

Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino is bringing the HEAVYWEIGHTS OF COMEDY to the International Theater on Friday, September 11, at 10:00 PM. The show is headlined by Earthquake (aka Nathan Stroman) and he will be joined by Capone, Red Grant and Last Comic Standing alum Aida Rodriguez. Tickets start at $55.

The apex event for bodybuilding and fitness enthusiasts, JOE WEIDER'S OLYMPIA FITNESS AND PERFORMANCE WEEKEND returns to the Orleans Arena, Sept. 17, 18 and 19. More than 200 athletes are expected to compete in seven divisions, with the greatest bodybuilders in the world headlining the star-studded weekend. Four-time defending champion Phil “The Gift” Heath will go for his fifth consecutive Mr. Olympia title, but standing in his way are a host of formidable competitors, like Shawn Rhoden, Dennis Wolf, Dexter Jackson, Mamdouh Elssbiay, Roelly Winklaar, Branch Warren and other top contenders. On Friday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. is the  Mr. Olympia Judging, Fitness, Bikini Finals. Reserved seating - $72 to $176.  On Saturday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. is the Figure, 212 Showdown and Mr. Olympia Finals. Reserved seating - $88 to $237.

On Thursday, Sept. 17, fans can meet the sport’s superstars at Meet the Olympians, located at the Orleans Arena Concourse Level. VIP ticket holders and Platinum Members will be granted early entry at 7 p.m. The event is open to the general public, free of charge at 8 p.m.

All Las Vegans can show off their stride for a great cause at the inaugural “SHOW YOUR HEART RUN” TO BENEFIT THE CHILDREN'S HEART FOUNDATION on Saturday, Sept. 19 at Kellogg Zaher Park (7901 W. Washington Ave. Las Vegas).  Participants can enjoy their choice of a 5K race or a 1.7 mile fun walk.  Festivities begin at 6:30 a.m. with a warm up and announcements; the 5K run begins promptly at 7 a.m., with the 1.7 mile fun walk beginning immediately following the race start.  5K runner fees are $40 per person through Aug. 31 or $45 per person beginning Sept. 1 through the event. Walkers are $10 per person.  All runners receive a custom medal, bib, and D-tag for timing. Packet pick-up is available on Friday, Sept. 18 from 3 – 6 p.m. at REI at Boca Park or prior to the race.  To register as a runner, walker or sponsor, please visit www.chfn.org or call 702-967-3522.

THE LAS VEGAS IMPROVISATION PLAYERS will host a comedy improv show benefiting the HELPING HANDS OF VEGAS VALLEY- a non-profit organization dedicated to serving our community’s senior citizens. The “all new, every time” comedy and music show will be held on Saturday, September 19 at 7:00pm inside the American Heritage Academy located at 6126 South Sandhill Road. Show time is 7:00 p.m. with doors opening at 6:40 p.m.  A donation of tuna fish in a 5oz can or stay fresh package gains FREE admission to the show.  Tickets can still be purchased for $10 each with a special discount of 2 for 1 if you mention “Helping Hands.”

AUDITIONS FOR THE DOWNTOWN SUMMERLIN HOLIDAY PARADE will be held Saturday September 19th!  64 positions are needed to be filled including 16 drummers,16 costumed characters, 16 female dancers/performers and 16 tech float/pullers. Greg Thompson Productions is looking for those who have lots of energy and enthusiasm, big smiles and positive attitude to be in the Downtown Summerlin Parade. Auditions are by appointment only. To sign up contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Must be at least 16 years of age. Twenty performance dates. Earn up to $450. Call time is 5:30 pm sharp and the parade is 7:00 to 7:30 pm each night.

With a show surviving five presidents, three wars and the turn of a century, Las Vegas’ longest-running headliner and “Queen of the Strip”, FRANK MARINO, will celebrate 30 years performing on the Las Vegas Strip on Saturday, Sept. 19. In honor of his 30th anniversary, Marino has also created a Commemorative Frank Marino doll, named the “Frankie” Doll, which has hundreds of different costumes, just like the Diva himself.

Legendary Motown group THE TEMPTATIONS return to The Orleans Showroom on Sept. 19 and 20 with members Otis Williams, Bruce Williamson, Terry Weeks, Ron Tyson and Joe Herndon. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $39.95, plus tax and convenience fees. Tickets can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming Box Office.

Legendary vocalist SONNY TURNER, former lead singer of The Platters, brings his signature style back to the Suncoast for a one-night-only engagement on Sept. 19.  Showtime begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from $15.95, plus tax and fees.

GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS is partnering with Sunset Station and 97.1 The Point for a donation drive to benefit of Noah's Animal House.97.1  The Point will broadcast live from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Gaudi Bar inside Sunset Station on Wednesday, Sept. 16 and host a NOAH'S ANIMAL HOUSE DONATION DRIVE. The first 50 people who donate a minimum  of $25 in the form of gift cards, dog food, dog toys or dog supplies to Noah’s, will receive a pair of tickets to the George Thorogood & The Destroyers show inside the Sunset Amphitheater at Sunset Station, Saturday, Sept. 19.

Noah’s donation bins will be located at Lotus Broadcasting at 8755 West Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89147 as well as at the Sunset Rewards Center the week of September 14. Every guest who donates the appropriate amount, will also receive a raffle ticket for an once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet George Thorogood prior to the show.  Tickets to George Thorogood & The Destroyers are $23.50, $33.50, $38.50, $50 and $60 plus tax and applicable fees. Doors open at 6 p.m. and guests under 21 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be purchased at any Station Casinos Reward Center and The Fiestas.

LANCE BURTON'S movie 'BILLY TOPIT MASTER MAGICIAN', that he produced, directed cowrote and stars in, will be having its world premiere at Brenden Theater at the Palms on September 24.  Burton has stated he is donating all of the funds raised by the World Premiere and Limited Engagement run at Brenden Theaters to three local charities that are close to his heart - Variety The Children’s Charity of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas Shriners and Nevada SPCA.  Tickets are priced at $25 and are available at VarietySN.org. Red Carpet arrivals at 4 P.M. Curtain speech and welcome by Lance Burton & cast at 5:30 P.M. Movie begins 6 P.M.

One of Entertainment Weekly's 25 Funniest People in America, WANDA SYKES brings her uproarious stand up comedy to the Treasure Island Theatre, September 25 at 9 p.m. 
Tickets are available starting at $47.95, plus tax and handling fees. Guests must be 18 years or older to attend.

The award-winning blues-rock KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND will headline the inaugural HOT ROD POWERFEST WEST in Las Vegas. The two-day destination event, which offers participants and spectators the opportunity to share their appreciation for performance car culture, will be held at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino Pavilion Lot on Sept. 26 and 27.In addition to entertainment throughout the weekend, PowerFest West will also host a wide variety of vehicles from good old American muscle and street rods to high-end exotics. The two-day festival will also host a number of contests including a Dyno Challenge that allows participants to see how much horsepower is under the hoods of their respective rides, a Burnout Contest focused on tire smoke and engine noise and Show ‘n’ Shine judging, in which professionals and HOT ROD editors award rides in multiple categories.

Showtime will be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets for the general public for Saturday are $40 in advance or $45 at the gate, and tickets for Sunday are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. Two-day tickets are available for $55 and discounted tickets are available for children ages six to 13. Children five-years of age and under are free with a paid adult. 


Celebrity sightings:

Sunday night, August 30...

TV personality, Ross Matthews was spotted at TAO Asian Bistro with a group of friends.

Friday night, August 28...

In attendance at the “Heavyweight Extravaganza” at Downtown Las Vegas Events Center were a host of celebrities and athletes including professional boxer Zab Judah, MMA legend Randy Couture with girlfriend and actress, Mindy Robinson, IBA Super Bantamweight World Champion Ana Julaton and UFC heavyweight Frank Mir. Televised on Showtime/Shobox and hosted by the D Las Vegas and legendary boxing promoter Don King, the event ended when up-and-coming fighter Trevor Bryan defeated boxing veteran Derric Rossy for the NABF heavyweight title.

Don King with owner Derek Stevens
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue Photography

Dinner at Andiamo with Randy Couture, Ryan Couture, Emily Couture, Mindy Robinson, and owner Derek Stevens
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue Photography

Randy Couture and Mindy Robinson with Derek Stevens and wife
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue Photography

UFC Heavyweight Frank Mir at Andiamo Steakhouse
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue Photography

Winner DeCarlo Perez
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue Photography

Heavyweight Extravaganza at the DLVEC
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue Photography

Bryan vs. Rossy at Heavyweight Extravaganza
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue Photography

Bryan vs. Rossy fight at Heavyweight Extravaganza
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue Photography

Juan Ubaldo Cabrera vs. DeCarlo Perez
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue Photography

Natu Visinia vs. Joey Dawejko
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue Photography

Trevor Bryan throws punch to Derric Rossy
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue Photography

After the exciting fight, all of the special guests joined CEO Derek Stevens at the LONGBAR. Earlier in the night Julaton, Mir and wife, Jennifer dined at Andiamo Italian Steakhouse. Couture also dined at Andiamo to celebrate his son Ryan Couture’s birthday.

NFL star, Jerry Rice was spotted at TAO Nightclub. The former football player took in the sounds of DJ Justin Credible.