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
October Edition of Mondays Dark Benefits Project 150
The October edition of Mondays Dark with Mark Shunock took place on Monday evening, October 19th inside Vinyl at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. It was the 22nd in a series of monthly fundraising events, with each one raising money for a local charity. This month’s chosen charity was Project 150 that helps homeless, displaced and disadvantaged High School students stay in school and graduate.
Mark Shunock
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The entertainment filled evening's theme was “The Music of Trey Parker and Matt Stone” who are known for their work on ’South Park’, ‘Team America - World Police’ and ‘The Book of Mormon’. That said, the show was more adult themed (to put it mildly) than the usual family friendly shows of the past.
The list of amazing performers that lent their time and talent for the worthy cause included singers Jassen Allen and Phillip Drennen (The Backup Boys) who opened the show with the theme song from Team America - World Police, ‘America, F*** Yeah!’. Other performers and the songs they performed were Nicole Kaplan Fenton (‘Miss You’); Dane Biren, Paul Johnson, and Brandon Nix from Rock of Ages (‘Turn It Off’ from the Book of Mormon); Cheryl Daro (‘I’m so Ronery’ Kim Jong Il’s song from ‘Team America - World Police’ ); Keir Kirkegaard and Mark Shunock (‘You & Me (But Mostly Me’ )from The Book of Mormon); Glee actress/singer Dot Marie Jones, who also donated $1000 to Project 150 (Chocolate Salty Balls from South Park ); Anne Martinez (South Park’s ’Uncle F***er’) before pairing off with Jerry Jones for a duet of 'MMMKay' from 'South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut'; Niki Scalera (‘Blame Canada’); Philip Drennen (‘Everyone Has Aids’ from 'Team America - World Police') and Kenny Davidsen (‘The Lonely Jew on Christmas’ also from South Park).
Anne Martinez
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jerry Jones
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Keir Kirkegaard
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Niki Scalera
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Dot Marie Jones
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Cheryl Daro
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jassen Allen Cropp and Philip Drennen
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Nicole Kaplan Fenton
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Brandon Nix, Dane Biren, and Paul Johnson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Kenny Davidsen
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Additional entertainment included Mark Shunock performing a reading from the script of Team America. He also read this week’s amusing, true life, “Missed Connection” that was posted on Craig's List. Fantasy star Sean E. Cooper, performed a stand up comedy routine and Scott Land, creator of all the puppets for 'Team America - World Police', brought along a couple of his new puppet creations to entertain the crowd. As in every edition of Mondays Dark, the musical accompaniment was provided by musical director Kenny Davidsen and the Mondays Dark Band.
Mark Shunock
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Scott Land
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Sean E. Cooper
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Musical Director Kenny Davidsen (bowtie) with the Mondays Dark Band
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
As part of the evening’s festivities, The Fremont Rotary Club awarded Mondays Dark with a check for $1000 to help with costs for the upcoming year end 2nd Anniversary Event to be held in the Joint on December 14th. During that event an announcement will be made about the 11 featured charities for 2016.
Mark Shunock is presented with a check from the Fremont Rotary Club
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
All proceeds from this month's fundraising event, including ticket sales, a silent auction and the live auction in which a private tour for six of Scott Land’s puppet workshop received a winning bid of $1500, will all go to Project 150.
Chery Daro, Meli Pulido of Project 150, and Mark Shunock
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Project 150 volunteers
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Real Water has become a new sponsor for Mondays Dark
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
As of this date, the series of Mondays Dark has raised about $250,000 to support local charitable organizations.
The November 16th edition of Mondays Dark to benefit Home Aid of Southern Nevada will feature the music of Neil Diamond. Home Aid of Southern Nevada's mission is “Building new lives for Southern Nevada’s homeless through housing and community outreach, and is carried out through care days, education and awareness in the community and shelter projects”.
Advance tickets are $20, $30 at the door. You won’t find a more worthwhile, entertainment value in Las Vegas. Nowhere else can you some of the city’s best entertainers perform on one stage while at the same time helping to support a worthy local charity. http://www.mondaysdark.com #mondaysdark https://www.facebook.com/mondaysdarkvegas
Jeff Leibow Brings Together Notable Entertainers for 5th Annual NFL Hope Benefit Concert
Jeff Leibow, former star of Jersey Boys, gathered together some of the best entertainers in Las Vegas on Sunday afternoon October 18 in the Sands Showroom at the Venetian Las Vegas for the Fifth annual “NF Hope Concert”, to raise awareness and raise funds in the fight against Neurofibromatosis (NF). NF is a genetic disorder of the nervous system that allows tumors to grow on any nerve in the body without warning. Former star of Jersey Boys, Jeff Leibow's daughter Emma was diagnosed with NF in 2010 at the age of nine months and was the inspiration for this event.
Jeff and Melody Liebow with their daughter Emma
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Proceeds from the unforgettable afternoon event, which included a silent auction (featuring hotel packages, restaurant certificates, tickets to the hottest shows on the strip and much more), sales of 2015 NF Hope Concert posters signed by each participating performer, and a live auction where lunch with the cast of Jersey Boys, Clint Holmes and a surprise guest at Carmine's Italian Restaurant, received a winning bid of $5,000, all benefited NF Network, an organization serving families and individuals suffering with NF. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Neurofibromatosis Network and the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation.
The concert, hosted by Jeff Liebow, his wife Melody and Jersey Boys cast members Buck Hujabre, Graham Fenton, Jason Kappus featured performances by Headliner of the Year Frankie Moreno, Clint Holmes, Pia Zadora, Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees, Earl Turner, stepping body percussion group Molodi, Australian singing quartet Human Nature, Frank: The Man, The Music star Bob Anderson, Showstoppers star Nicole Kaplan, Daniel Emmit (who has been referred to as the next Josh Grobin); Kristen Hertzenberg from Million Dollar Quartet and Phantom, and a duet by Jeff Leibow and his wife Melody. While all the performers were fantastic, one of the highlights of the event was when adorable Emma Leibow joined Clint Holmes on stage. As he was singing, she performed a dance number that blew away everyone in the audience.
Frankie Moreno
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Nicole Kaplan Fenton
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Daniel Emmit
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Molodi
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jeff Timmons
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Clint Holmes
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Emma Liebow dances as Clint Holmes sings
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Group performance featuring Kristen Herzenberg
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Human Nature
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Earl Turner
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Pia Zadora with Vince Falcone on piano
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Bob Anderson with Vince Falcone on piano
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Kristen Herzenberg
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jason Kappus, Graham Fenton, Jeff Liebow and Buck Hujbre of Jersey Boys
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jeff and Melody Liebow
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Later in the show, several people who are afflicted with the disease took to the stage including Savanna Pageau (who lost her right leg at the age of 11 to the disease and wears a prothetic leg), Susie and her mother Amanda, and 29 year old Eli Oberlander. Each spoke about their personal struggle and how they refused to let the disease stop them from doing anything.
Savanna Pageau receives award from Jeff and Melody Liebow
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jeff Liebow with Kim Bischoff, NF Network Exectutive Director
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
This year's concert marked the inaugural presentation of two awards. Paul Bodner, who passed away from cancer, had touched people with his kindness and his sunny outlook on life, and he was posthumously honored with the first NF Network Advocate of Hope Award for his abundance of caring and sharing with the NF community across the country. The second award, the Paul Bodner Memorial Award, named in his honor, was presented to Savanna Pageau for being an inspiration.
Jeff and Melody Liebow with NF families and friends
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Leibow and his wife, Melody, conceived the idea for the concert upon the realization that they had an obligation to their family and the 140,000 people living with NF to educate others about the disorder. Since its inception in 2011, the NF Concert has raised over a quarter of million dollars for Neurofibromatosis research and advocacy.
Tivoli Village Hosts Special Community Dinner to Benefit Make-A-Wish of Southern Nevada
On Sunday, October 18 Tivoli Village hosted a special community dinner benefiting Make-A-Wish of Southern Nevada. Over 100 guests gathered under the night sky to enjoy an inspired five-course meal prepared by the city’s best and brightest culinary all-stars.
Local favorites Johnny Church (Artisanal Foods Café and Catering), Kim Canteenwalla (Made LV), Sam Marvin (Echo & Rig), Daniel Krohmer (Other Mama) and Desyree Alberganti (Gelatology) all donated their time and talents to create the mouth-watering menu which included:
·A series of delectable passed appetizers including Nashville Hot Chicken and Bacon Deviled Eggs, prepared by Kim Canteenwalla.
·Featuring a combination of fall flavors, Johnny Church presented a Curried Kabocha Squash Soup to kick off the seated portion of the meal.
·Daniel Krohmer plated a light and flavorful dish of Fregola with Halibut and Clams.
·Served family style, Sam Marvin prepared Baby Back Berkshire Pork Ribs which were braised, smoked and grilled alongside fresh herb spicy slaw.
·Desyree Alberganti finished off the evening with a surprising flavor combination, serving Bosc Pear Carpaccio, Gorgonzola and Pear Gelato, topped with Oprto Sauce and Candied Walnuts for dessert.
In addition to the culinary lineup, Clint Holmes closed out the evening with a set of fan favorites and wish inspired numbers.
100 percent of the ticket sales went to support the important work of Make-A-Wish Foundation and specifically to a special nine-year-old within the Las Vegas community, Emma Thurgood, who is battling a malignant neoplasm of the kidney, to help realize her dream of visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studio. Additionally, enough money was raised through the silent auction to fund another wish through the foundation.
Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. According to a 2011 U.S. study of wish impact, most health professionals surveyed believe a wish-come-true has positive impacts on the health of children. Kids say wishes give them renewed strength to fight their illness, and their parents say these experiences help strengthen the entire family. Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada is part of one of the world's leading children's charities, serving children living in Clark, Nye, Lincoln and Esmeralda Counties. With the help of generous donors and more than 500 volunteers, Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada has granted over 1600 wishes since its inception in 1996.Visit Make-A-Wish at snv.wish.org to learn more.
Chef Johnny Church pouring his course for the event for guests
Photo credit: Andrew James
Chef Kim Canteenwalla poses with Make-A-Wish beneficiary Emma Thurgood
Photo credit: Andrew James
Desyree Alberganti of Gelatology plating her dessert
Photo credit: Andrew James
Emma Thurgood is presented with Harry Potter themed cupcake specially designed by local bakery Cupkates
Photo credit: Andrew James
Guests seated family style at Giving Back from the Chefs Table
Photo credit: Andrew James
Ribs prepared by Chef Sam Marvin
Photo credit: Andrew James
Tables set for Giving Back from the Chefs Table October 18
Photo credit: Andrew James
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Loyal Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Backstage Pass member, DAVION CLARKE, hit the big bucks on the property’s “$100,000 HALLO-SPIN HALLO-WIN GIVEAWAY” promotion on Friday, Oct. 9 around 6 p.m. The Halloween-themed promotion involves landing on a Hard Rock Hotel & Casino logoed slot three times consecutively, which is 1 out of 8,000 chance on the mega-sized wheel. To win a spot to spin the wheel, players have numerous options including signing up for the Backstage Pass program, daily Backstage Pass swipes, table and slot machine play. Remaining on-site drawings dates and times include Friday, Oct. 23 and Friday, Oct. 30 at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. PDT.
From left to right: Javier De La Rosa, Vice President of Casino Marketing at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and Davion Clarke, winner of the “$100,000 Hallo-Spin Hallo-Win Giveaway.”
Photo credit: © David Rosales / Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Children 12 and under who visit the HAUNTED REEF AT SHARK REEF AQUARIUM AT MANDALAY BAY RESORT & CASINO in their Halloween costumes on COMMMUNITY DAY, Friday, Oct. 30, will receive FREE admission and sweet treats. United Blood Services will be on site during Community Day for visitors interested in donating blood. Guests 17 and older who give blood will receive complimentary admission. To make an appointment contact United Blood Services at 702-638-7400 or visit unitedbloodservices.org and enter sponsor code: SharkReef.
THE RANGE 702, Las Vegas’ ultimate shooting experience, hosts a third anniversary celebration Saturday, October 24 from 11 am – 3 pm, at the range's brand new, custom-built location, 5999 Dean Martin Drive. There will be giveaways, exclusive offerings from gun vendors and the chance to meet former Sons of Guns stars Joe Meaux and Charlie Watson. The event is FREE and open to the public.
Fans can join ‘Straight Outta Compton’ star O’SHEA JACKSON JR. as he pays homage to his pops, known to most as Ice Cube, with a “LAST FRIDAY” THEMED HALLOWEEN EVE PARTY on October 30 at the Foundation Room high atop the House of Blues. Cover Charge is $30 per person - Men; $20 per person after Midnight. Ladies receive FREE admission via Bubbles for Beauties Ladies Night promotion (occurs Every Friday & Saturday 10 p.m. – Midnight) featuring a hosted champagne and vodka bar.
World-famous dance crew JABBAWOCKEEZ's highly anticipated new show will debut inside the intimate, newly renovated Jabbawockeez Theater at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Monday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.
On November 4, FASHION SHOW (located at 3200 Las Vegas Boulevard South) kicks off the holiday season with a special event for 250 Clark County School District students enrolled in the After-School All-Stars program, as the children will be the very first to experience ADVENTURE TO SANTA – A DREAMWORLS DREAMPLACE. Fashion Show will provide bus transportation, a goody bag and delicious treats for these first and second grade students, who may otherwise not have an opportunity to enjoy this one-of-kind, interactive experience.
“Fashion Show is thrilled to host After-School All-Stars students for a true holiday experience. Adventure to Santa is unlike anything else in Las Vegas. It’s a perfect blend of storytelling coupled with digital animation and will undoubtedly provide smiles and holiday cheers,” said Janet LaFevre, senior marketing manager, Fashion Show.
Back for its second year after a highly successful and sold-out first year at Fashion Show, Adventure to Santa elevates the traditional holiday visit by blending the latest technology with captivating stories while Shrek and his friends guide family members of all ages on an unforgettable adventure to the North Pole to meet Santa. New features this year include two new app games, Sleigh Flight School and Gingy’s Cookie Maker, and three additional exterior skins: the Painted Lady, Candy Cottage and Enchanted Log Cabin. At the top of the hour, the cottage will perform a newly designed light show that cues a different exterior skin for each hour.
Adventure to Santa kicks off the holiday season to the public on Thursday, November 5 and will be open during regular shopping center hours through December 24.
CRAIG WAYNE BOYD, season seven champion of NBC’s “The Voice,” is returning to Las Vegas for a special performance at Club Madrid inside Sunset Station on Friday, Nov. 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20, $25, $30 plus tax and applicable fees and can be purchased at any Station Casinos Reward Center and The Fiestas, Doors open at 7 p.m. and guests under 21 must be accompanied by an adult.
Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC) will host “TIME TO SHINE” on Friday, Nov. 6 in Downtown Las Vegas, featuring a clash of world-ranked middleweights Antoine “Action” Douglas and Les “Lock & Load” Sherrington. The primetime boxing match, presented by ShoBox The New Generation, will air live from DLVEC, across from the D Las Vegas on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).
The 10-round ShoBox co-feature will match former international amateur standout and 2012 Olympic Games bronze medalist, Ukranain southpaw Taras “Real Deal” Shelestyuk (12-0, 8 KOs), of Los Angeles, against the vastly more experienced Aslanbek “The Warrior” Kozaev (26-1-1, 7 KOs), of Vladikavkaz, Russia, in a welterweight bout.
Two eight-rounders will round out a four-fight telecast: southpaw Keenan Smith (7-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Benjamin Whitaker (10-1, 2 KOs) of San Antonio in a welterweight scrap and O’Shanique Foster (8-0, 5 KOs) of Orange, Texas, confronts Samuel Teah (7-1, 5 KOs) of Philadelphia in a lightweight match.
Tickets are priced at $20.50, $25.50, $40.50, $75.50, $100.50 for VIP Ringside.
Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) presents A BALANCHINE CELEBRATION as the Company’s opening performance at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts for its 2015-2016 season. Each piece will be accompanied by a full orchestra featuring members of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, under the direction of guest conductor, Leif Bjaland. Performances will take place on Saturday, November 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 8 at 2 p.m. with tickets starting at $29.
Smash Magazine Announces the Return of VIVA SKA VEGAS on Nov. 7 at Vinyl inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.The ¡Viva Ska Vegas! stage will feature bands including Hub City Stompers, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Interrupters, Buck-O-Nine, Left Alone, Oceanside Sound System, A OK’s, Two Tone Lizard Kings, Jr. Ska Boss and Selecta Scream. Doors open at 5 p.m., bands start at 5:15 p.m. ¡Viva Ska Vegas! is an all-ages show. Full bar service is available for those 21+ with valid identification. General admission tickets are $20 in advance or $25 day of show (pending availability).
THE NINTH ANNUAL SAPPHIRE GENTLEMEN'S CLUB PIN PONG PALOOZA will be held on Tuesday, Nov.10th. Sapphire is proud to host this popular event which was originally inspired by the Christopher Walken’ flick Balls of Fury and has grown to be one of the most popular annual events at Sapphire. This event is the largest mixed team ping pong tournament in the world. The tournament pits teams of nightlife professionals against each other for a trophy that could only be described as the “Vegas Cup of Ping Pong.”
Winners of the tournament receive trophies and prizes including a Skybox Experience valued at $2,000 plus bottle of champagne. All players will receive participation medals and the teams that show “Best Team Spirit” and “Best Uniform” will be awarded bottles of champagne.
Teams must have minimum of four players and at least one female player (You can always choose one of the beautiful Sapphire entertainers to be your female player which is highly recommended!). Ping Pong Palooza boasts professional referees from the Las Vegas Table Tennis Association, regulation tables and even a special "exhibition table" complete with bubbly…and bouncy Sapphire's dancers doing what they do best! The day of the event registration begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails and complimentary food.
Arrive early to register and definitely don’t miss the “Topless” Entertainer Ping Pong Tournament that takes place on stage during registration. The tournament begins at 7 p.m.
Entry fee/donation this year is $10 per player, proceeds going to The Sapphire Foundation for Prostate Cancer. In addition to entry, players receive two (2) drink tickets, buffet and raffle ticket for prizes. Teams are also encouraged to raise additional donations for the Foundation and the team that donates the most will receive dinner for eight to El Dorado Mexican Cantina.
Celebrity sightings:
Thursday night, October 22...
The UNLV men’s basketball team welcomed the 2015-16 season with a new event, Runnin’ Rebel Madness, held at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center next to the D Las Vegas. The Downtown Las Vegas venue was packed with Runnin’ Rebel fans, including MLB National League MVP front-runner Bryce Harper, the honorable Mayor Carolyn Goodman, and the D’s CEO and Owner, Derek Stevens. UNLV’s Runnin’ Rebel Cheerleaders were on-hand to support the players.
Tuesday night, October 20...
YouTube sensation Colleen Evans aka Miranda Sings was spotted at TAO Asian Bistro with friends.
Saturday night, October 17...
Actor Joe Mazzello was spotted at TAO Asian Bistro enjoying dinner with friends before heading up to the nightclub.
American professional mixed martial arts fighter ,Quinton “Rampage” Jackson Hosts 2015 King of the Cage Official After Party at LAX along with cage girls including Amanda Sandoval, Natalie Sesko, Alejandra Salazar, Jesselee Maleport, Apple Bratt and Laryssa Bowden.KOTC champ Daniel Madrid also join the party.
Quinton Rampage Jackson and Cage Girls at LAX
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
Dylan Close and Daniel Madrid
Photo courtesy LAX
DJ Direct at LAX
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
DJ Cyberkid at LAX
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
