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
Insomniac Donates $105,000 from Electric Daisy Carnival, Las Vegas 2015 Ticket Sales to Three Las Vegas Charities
On Thursday, Oct. 8, Insomniac donated $105,000 raised through Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), Las Vegas 2015 ticket sales to three local nonprofit organizations, honoring the company’s commitment to giving back to the communities where their festivals are produced. This year’s recipients include the Injured Police Officers Fund, Emergency Medicine Resident Research Fund and HELP of Southern Nevada’s Shannon West Homeless Youth Center.
Insomniac CEO and Founder, Pasquale Rotella, with Injured Police Officers Fund’s Eric Solano and Sergeant Alan Davidson of Nevada Highway Patrol, Dr. Dale Carrison of the University Of Nevada School Of Emergency Medicine and Terrie D’Antonio of HELP of Southern Nevada.
Photo courtesy of Insomniac
Leaders from the three charitable groups came together at Downtown Container Park where Pasquale Rotella, Founder and CEO of Insomniac, presented each with a donation of $35,000. The Container Park stage was decorated with beautiful electric daisies and the crowd was full of smiling faces. Injured Police Officers Fund’s Eric Solano and Sergeant Alan Davidson of Nevada Highway Patrol, Dr. Dale Carrison of the University Of Nevada School Of Emergency Medicine and Terrie D’Antonio of HELP of Southern Nevada accepted the gift on behalf of their organizations.
This spring, Insomniac, in partnership with eBay Giving Works, held the first ever “EDC Week Charity Auction” during Electric Daisy Carnival, Las Vegas. During the 10-day online auction, festival fans bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences, raising approximately $70,000 for Culture Shock Las Vegas, a nonprofit dedicated to steering youth away from substance abuse, violence and hatred through performance art and dance. In recognition of the funds raised by the auction, 35 Culture Shock Las Vegas dancers performed a special dance routine and presented Rotella with original artwork created by the students.
Culture Shock Las Vegas dancers performed a special dance routine at the Downtown Container Park.
Photo courtesy of Insomniac
Culture Shock Las Vegas youth present Insomniac CEO and Founder, Pasquale Rotella, with original artwork.
Photo courtesy of Insomniac
Insomniac team with Culture Shock Las Vegas dancers.
Photo courtesy of Insomniac
Since 2011, Insomniac has donated $380,000 to local and regional organizations following EDC Las Vegas including Clark County School District’s School-Community Partnership Program, Smith Center for the Performing Arts, Speedway Children’s Charity – Las Vegas Chapter, Rock the Vote and Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada.
The 19th annual EDC Las Vegas brought together a sold-out crowd of more than 400,000 people from around the world to experience three incredible nights under the Electric Sky, June 19 – 21, 2015. Throughout the three-day festival, Insomniac transformed the 1,000-acre Las Vegas Motor Speedway into a fully immersive neon-lit playground, where Headliners danced from dusk to dawn to the music of 200 of the world’s top dance music artists across eight newly designed stages. Festival goers explored more than 20 immersive art installations, witnessed 72 wedding ceremonies, dined on local and organic food truck fare, and made new friends while riding full-sized carnival rides.
American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada Awards $10,000 in Scholarships to Three Local High School Students
American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada (ACLUNV) hosted a sex education essay contest (#SexEdSay) for Clark County high school students attending public schools. ACLUNV encouraged students in grades 9 through 12 to write an essay explaining their needs and perspectives about what sex education should be. In time for Sex Education Month, three winners have been chosen and were awarded a total of $10,000 in scholarships.
The three winning students and the scholarship amount each will receive are: ·
First Place: Samantha Gingrich, 12th grade student at College of Southern Nevada High School - Cheyenne Campus $5,000
Photo courtesy of the ACLUNV
Second Place: Riley Schlemmer, 9th grade student at Las Vegas Academy $3,000
Photo courtesy of the ACLUNV
Third Place: Anonymous, also a 9th grade student, has requested to remain anonymous due to concern with their parents’ objection to sex education. The winner will still be awarded the scholarship funds of $2,000 .
The ACLU of Nevada sponsored this essay contest to provide an opportunity for Clark County School District’s high school students to express their views about sex education. “Students know exactly what they have or have not been taught, what they know, and what they need to know, but their voices have been ignored or silenced throughout the CCSD process,” said Tod Story, executive director. “With our #SexEdSay scholarship competition, students were given the opportunity to finally express themselves without their voices being muted. We can only hope that their insights, perspectives, and needs will move our community to adopt a sex education curriculum that meets the health needs of all of our students, rather than catering to the fears of some vocal parents.” The ACLUNV believes students know best what information they need to be educated about making informed and healthy decisions when equipped with the facts. This opportunity was created because of the specific limits within CCSD’s current sex education program, student exclusion, and delays in updating the curriculum. This contest demonstrated how free speech works by giving students an opportunity and a platform to express their views.
Grand Prize Winner of “Endgame; The Calling” Claims Gold at Caesars Palace
Froylan Moreno del Rio was awarded with $500,000 worth of gold inside the iconic Caesars Palace on Thursday,October 8. Froylan solved the first puzzle in ENDGAME - an engrossing, high-stakes apocalyptic trilogy at the core of a groundbreaking multi-platform project - brought to life by bestselling authors James Frey and Nils Johnson-Shelton.
Within each book in the ENDGAME trilogy, there is an interactive puzzle comprised of clues that lead to real-life cash prizes. To solve the puzzle within Book 1, entitled ENDGAME: THE CALLING, Froylan competed against more than 135,000 participants worldwide from over 160 countries.
SKY KEY: AN ENDGAME NOVEL, Book 2 in this New York Times bestselling series, was published on Tuesday, Oct. 6. With its release, readers will have another chance to solve to win prize money, with multiple opportunities for a pay-out along the way.
Co-authors James Frey (left) and Nils Johnson-Shelton (right) award ENDGAME: THE CALLING grand prize winner Froylan Moreno del Rio (center) with $500,000 worth of gold coins at Caesars Palace.
Photo courtesy of Caesar's Entertainment
From left to right: Caesar, Caesars Palace General Manager Sean McBurney, co-author James Frey, ENDGAME: THE CALLING grand prize winner Froylan Moreno del Rio, co-author Nils Johnson-Shelton and Cleopatra pose in front of the gold display at Caesars Palace.
Photo courtesy of Caesar's Entertainment
Caesar helps ENDGAME: THE CALLING grand prize winner Froylan Moreno del Rio fill his bag with $500,000 worth of gold coins at Caesars Palace.
Photo courtesy of Caesar's Entertainment
ENDGAME: THE CALLING grand prize winner Froylan Moreno del Rio unlocks the display holding $500,000 worth of gold coins at Caesars Palace.
Photo courtesy of Caesar's Entertainment
Shake Shack Opens 2nd Location In Las Vegas
Shake Shack® opened its second location in Las Vegas on Wednesday, October 7 at 11 AM at Downtown Summerlin in the Dining Arroyo at 10975 Oval Park Drive. A ceremonial ribbon cutting took place before opening the doors to the first customers who received free Shack swag including sunglasses and t-shirts.
During the ribbon cutting ceremony, pictured left to right: Andrew Turcaz Representative for Congressman Joe Heck, Zach Koff, VP of Operations Shake Shack,
Michael Wang, Shake Shack Senior General Manager Las Vegas, Andrew Ciarrocchi, Senior GM at Downtown Summerlin, Bryan Murphy, Shake Shack Area Director
Photo courtesy of Shake Shack
Shake Shack
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Shake Shack menu board
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Shake Shack crew
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Shake Shack dining room
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Shake Shack patio dining
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Shake Shack is a critically acclaimed, modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100% all-natural, antibiotic-free Angus beef burgers (no hormones added ever), griddled flat-top dogs, fresh-made frozen custard, crispy crinkle cut fries and more. A fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal, Shake Shack has earned a cult-like following around the world.
In addition to the Shake Shack food and drink classics, the Summerlin Shack offers a selection of local frozen custard concretes: the Summerlin S’more (chocolate custard, marshmallow sauce, graham cracker and chocolate truffle cookie dough), the Red Velvet Rocks (vanilla custard and slice of Gimme Some Sugar red velvet cheesecake) and Desert Crunch-stellation (Vanilla custard, malt, Guittard chocolate chunks and chocolate toffee) will also be available.
Diners can wash their burgers and fries down with not only Shake Shack’s exclusive Brooklyn Brewery ShackMeister® Ale, but also brews like Ninkasi, Fat Tire and Sin City Seasonal. Wine lovers can enjoy a glass of organic and biodynamic Shack RedTM and Shack WhiteTM wine from Napa-based Frog’s Leap Winery, and also Kings Estate, Sonoma-Cutrer, A to Z Wineworks and 7 Deadly Zins. As part of its mission to Stand For Something Good®, the Summerlin Shack is partnering with nearby esteemed Community in Schools, whose mission is to support and empower students to stay in school and achieve in life. Five percent of sales from the Red Velvet Rocks will be donated to Community in Schools, and Shake Shack team members will volunteer at events run by the organization.
Read Dianne Davis' review of Shake Shack in this week's edition of her Views of Vegas column.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
ALLIED INTEGRATED MARKETING has acquired LANGDON FLYNN COMMUNICATIONS, a leading public relations firm in the dynamic Las Vegas market. The acquisition expands the capabilities of Allied's fast-growing Las Vegas office, and will enable the combined company to offer its clients innovative, full-service marketing campaigns in Las Vegas and beyond.
The LAS VEGAS BURLESQUE FESTIVAL returns to the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, Oct. 8, 9 and 10. Celebrating the Las Vegas burlesque community and beyond, the Las Vegas Burlesque Festival is three days of titillating events designed to satisfy audiences and artists of the well-known performance style. The Las Vegas Burlesque Festival will feature nightly showcases of local and nationally-renown burlesque stars, cocktail mixers, and swap meet-ups. The Thursday night showcase will be emceed by Elvis impersonator Harry Shahoian (Legends in Concert, State Farm commercial), and will feature a costume contest. The Friday night event is the “Best of the Fest” competition. Local and visiting performers will compete for titles including “The Ace of Spades - Best of the Fest Award” partially voted on by the audience. The winner will walk away not only with the pride of earning a title, but also with more than $1,000 in cash and prizes.Melody Sweets (Absinthe) is set to be a featured celebrity judge. The Saturday Night Burlesque Spectacular, hosted by the nationally know “boss of burlesque” herself- Foxy Tann, the largest, longest and “most spectacular” showcase of the entire Festival. The evening features live music, an opening comedy/variety act, the crowning of the “Ace of Spades” and some of the most well known, most decorated, most over the top burlesque performers form around the globe including winners of Burlesque Hall of Fame’s 2014 Most Comedic - Kitten N’ Lou; King of Burlesque 2014 - Mr. Gorgeous; 2013’s No. 1 Burlesque Figure in the World (21st Century Burlesque Magazine) - LouLou D’Vil; and Miss Exotic World 2009 - Kalani Kokonuts.
For the second year, the Las Vegas Burlesque Festival will offer a six-course BurlySchool. For the burlesque beginner, a “Burlesque 101” class will be offered for those interested in learning the basics of the art form. More seasoned performers who are looking to sharpen their skills can partake in continuing education classes taught by Festival headliners. Ticket options include a “Festival Package” which includes entry to all Showcases; burlesque classes; a one-year subscription to Bachelor Pad magazine; and an official festival duffle “goodie” bag. The “Showcase Package” gives access to all showcase events. Tickets are also available for individual Showcase performances. All tickets are sold in three levels: VIP, Premium and General Admission.
The Beatles REVOLUTION Lounge at The Mirage Hotel & Casino will close its doors Wednesday, Oct. 14 to make way for a new concept in 2016.
Sunrise Health System, along with Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, The Salvation Army, Serving Nevada, and Nevada Homeless Alliance, are excited to announce the premier of theater sensation STAND, written by Jim Reyland, on Oct. 16 and 17 at the Clark County Library’s Theater. Named best new play by the Nashville Scene, STAND raises funds and awareness countrywide for communities and organizations working with the homeless.
“STAND is an inspired play that will benefit those that struggle with homelessness in our Las Vegas community,” said Phillip Hollon, Director of Social Services for The Salvation Army. “The production sparks conversation, putting a face to those that are sometimes invisible. Our veterans, our students, our neighbors are all among those in our community struggling with homelessness.”
“We are fortunate and excited to be a part of this national initiative with the play STAND, said Deacon Tom Roberts, President and CEO of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada. “The funds raised by these performances allow us to continue to serve the many men, women and children who are homeless in our community.”
The Las Vegas performances of STAND take place Friday, Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 17 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit www.showtix4u.com or call 866-976-8167. Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, The Salvation Army of Southern Nevada and Nevada Homeless Alliance will have booths set up inside the theater lobby with information about how to donate and volunteer.
The World Famous STONEY'S ROCKIN COUNTRY, where country lives in Las Vegas, is back to its old stomping grounds at Town Square. Locals and tourists alike are invited to dust off their boots and enjoy the best of country music with regular concerts featuring top country artists along with activities that include line-dancing, mechanical bull riding, beer pong, pool tables and more. Stoney’s Rockin’ Country will be celebrating with a public grand opening event on October 16 with a special performance from season three winner of NBC’s The Voice, Cassadee Pope. The event is open to the public at 8 p.m. with a cover charge of $10 for 21+ and $15 for ages 18-20.
The College of Southern Nevada Fine Arts Gallery will present a SOLO EXHIBIT OF CERAMIC ARTWORK by local artist and CSN Professor, GARY MARX, from Friday, October 16 through Wednesday, November 25, 2015. An Artist Reception will take place on Friday, November 6, from 5p.m. to 7p.m. in the gallery. All CSN Gallery events are FREE and open to the public. Gallery hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The Performing Arts Center/Fine Arts Gallery is located at the half circle drive near CSN’s main entrance, on the Cheyenne Campus at 3200 E. Cheyenne Avenue, one mile East of I-15 North.
For the first time, an HOMAGE TO LEGENDARY RECORDINGS OF TONY BENNETT AND BILL EVANS, comes to Las Vegas. Featuring two quintessential Las Vegas veterans, SINGER GEORGE BUGATTI AND PIANIST VINCENT FALCONE, this night of music celebrates the 40th anniversary of the recordings of two musical masters. A perfect fit of both content and talent, both Bugatti and Falcone have worked with Tony Bennett, Falcone as his pianist and musical director and Bugatti making his Los Angeles concert debut alongside the icon. This evening of enchantment is set to debut at Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $39 and $45 and are currently on sale at The Smith Center box office.
Life Time Athletic Summerlin and Life Time Athletic Green Valley will celebrate Halloween with the annual “SPOOKTACULAR” family event from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Summerlin location and from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Green Valley location on Saturday, Oct. 24.
The “Spooktacular” event at the Green Valley location will feature a hayride, pumpkin patch and painting, a do-it-yourself caramel apple stand, inflatable bounce castle, face painting, refreshments and food. The event is open to both members and non-members of Life Time Athletic. The event will be priced at $15 per member child and $20 per non-member child. Members will be charged the discounted rate of $10 and non-members a rate of $15, per additional child.
The ghoulish event at the Summerlin location will take place on the outdoor pool deck and include activities such as pumpkin decorating, carnival games, a monster jam dance-off with the DJ and bounce houses. Life Time Athletic Summerlin will also be handing out takeaways including crayons, glow sticks and more. “Spooktacular” will be priced at $10 for children over the age of two plus one adult. Additional adults may join any parent-child duo for an extra $5 fee.
VENTRILOQUIST PAUL ZERDIN, the winner of the milestone Season 10 of America’s Got Talent, will headline an exclusive engagement of America’s Got Talent Live, a stage show version of the NBC #1 rated television show of the summer, in Las Vegas Thursday, Oct. 22, Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24 in the PH Showroom at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The starring role in America’s Got Talent Live is in addition to the million dollar prize he won during the exciting live Season 10 finale last night. Joining Zerdin on the Las Vegas stage will be Season 10 finalists, comedian Drew Lynch and the one and only Piff the Magic Dragon.Tickets range in price from $49 - $179, plus applicable tax and fees.
Smash Magazine presents “shock rock” masters, GWAR, for a night of music and mayhem at Fremont Country Club (601 E. Fremont. St. Las Vegas) on Friday, Oct. 23. Supporting acts include Born of Osiris, Battlecross and We Gave it Hell. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the show beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 day of show. The show is 18+ with valid ID.
PIANO MEN: A TRIBUTE TO SIR ELTON JOHN & BILLY JOEL brings the hits of two musical powerhouses to the Suncoast Showroom Oct. 24.The Piano Men tribute offers a night of songs, energetic performances, outrageous costumes and true rock ‘n’ roll. Sir Elton John and Billy Joel tribute artists – Jeffrey Allen and Matthew Banks – respectfully capture the prowess of the legendary musicians throughout the interactive show. Showtime begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from $15.95, plus tax and fees. Tickets can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming box office
Welsh rockers NECK DEEP will join ALL TIME LOW on their anticipated “BACK TO THE FUTURE HEARTS TOUR”, making its Las Vegas stop at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center on Saturday, October 24. The bands will be accompanied by co-headliners SLEEPING WITH SIRENS and opener ONE OK ROCK for this thrilling outdoor concert. Ticket prices start at $24.99.
THE MAGIC OF DEVEREUX, a magic show truly like none other, will be presented in the Copa Room at The Bootlegger on Thursday night, October 29. The immersive theatrical presentation blends illusion with humor, and puzzlement with astonishment. Every show is different as the audience makes choices and decisions creating the ultimate outcome. Devereaux almost exclusively performs for Fortune 500 companies and private receptions. This is a rare opportunity to see him perform for the public. If you enjoy magic, live shows, comedy, and a taste of the mysterious- this is the one show you don't want to miss. General seating is priced at $35. VIP seating is $50 (ticket cost do not include additional fees). *Ticket price includes one free beverage. Dinner packages available. Call The Bootlegger (702) 736-4939. Doors open at 6:30p.m. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.
Celebrity sightings:
Friday night, October 9...
Hip hop artist Silentó hosted the night at Tao Nightclub with a special performance for club goers. The "Watch Me" star fueled up at Tao Asian Bistro with a group of friends before heading up to the packed nightclub.
Silento
Photo credit: Joe Torrence/Powers Imagery
Silento
Photo credit: Joe Torrence/Powers Imagery
Over at LAVO Italian Restaurant DJ Carnage was spotted enjoying dinner with friends before heading over to Marquee Nightclub for his set.
Saturday, October 3...
Buffalo Bills offensive guard Keith Williams was spotted at the nightlife hot spot, LAX Nightclub at Luxor Hotel and Casino, where Dee Jay Silver hosted the Official Route 91 Harvest Festival After Party.
Friday, October 2...
Tyler Reeves, DJ Rectangle, Thomas Red, A.C.B., and bRad were at LAX Nightclub.
