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
Launch Party for Jack Jones new CD “Seriously Frank” a Tribute to Frank Sinatra
Singer/talk show host Dennis Bono and his wife, Lorraine Hunt Bono hosted a CD launch party for legendary singer Jack Jones, considered one of the greatest singers of all time, at The Bootlegger Bistro's Casa di Copa room on Friday afternoon, November 6. The afternoon event, which featured a delicious lunch buffet of Italian food and drinks, was held to celebrate the release of Jones' new CD titled, “Seriously Frank”, a tribute to Frank Sinatra for what would have been his 100th birthday on December 12.
Jack Jones
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Among those in attendance were a bevy of entertainers including comedian Marty Allen, singer Pia Zadora, consummate entertainer Clint Holmes, singer/impressionist Bob Anderson, conductor/pianist/Frank Sinatra's musical director Vince Falcone, singer/comedian Nelson Sardelli and comedienne Kathleen Dunbar.
Clint Holmes
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Marty Allen
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Dennis Bono
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Vince Falcone
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Bob Anderson and Jack Jones
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The album features a collection of 13 songs that were selected by Jack, which he feels accurately reflect the life, times, and career of Frank Sinatra. The track listings include Teach Me Tonight, Please Be Kind, For Once In My Life, The Best Is Yet To Come, I Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out To Dry, Drinking Again, Only The Lonely, That’s Life, When The World Was Young, The Lady Is A Tramp, It Was A Very Good Year, All Or Nothing At All, and for the epilogue, the soulful and very reflective, The Singer.
Look for Bobbie Katz's interview with Jack Jones in next week's edition of her “The Katz Meow” column.
Carlos Santana Receives Commemorative Display Marking 100,000 Tickets Sold to House of Blues Residency
House of Blues executives honored headliner Santana with the unveiling of a commemorative display on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The display marks a milestone in the guitar legend’s career, celebrating the sale of his 100,000th ticket to An Intimate Evening with Santana: Greatest Hits Live. The memorabilia display will be installed in the House of Blues Las Vegas Music Hall.
Carlos Santana
Photo credit: Erik Kabik
On hand for the unveiling were Ron Bension, President, House of Blues Entertainment, Tim Jorgensen, General Manager, House of Blues Las Vegas, Michael Vrionis, COO, Cristalino.
Since making Las Vegas his home, Santana has made an effort to support local charitable organizations and schools. One of those past recipients, the Agassi College Preparatory Academy, made a special appearance with its drumline, treating the crowd to a performance.
Santana resumes his residency at the intimate concert venue at Mandalay Bay with performances throughout November.
Fogo de Chao Opens in Downtown Summerlin
Internationally-renowned Southern Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chao (pronounced fo-go dee shown) opened its second Las Vegas-area location on Thursday, November 5 in the Dining Arroyo at Downtown Summerlin.
Fogo de Chao
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Ribbon cutting
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Fogo de Chao bar
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Specialty Wines
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Dining room
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
One of the private dining rooms
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Salad Bar
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Fogo de Chão shares the Brazilian gaucho traditions of churrasco, the art of roasting meats over an open fire, and espeto corrido, or “continuous service.” Their menu features a wealth of savory, fire-roasted meats perfectly seasoned, prepared and carved tableside for each guest by a team of authentic Brazilian-trained gaucho chefs. To complement the variety of fire-roasted protein options, guests can also enjoy the gourmet Market Table & Feijoada Bar, which includes seasonal salads, soups, fresh vegetables, feijoada (traditional black bean stew with rice, fresh orange and yucca flour), and authentic Brazilian side dishes. Summerlin’s culinary team is proudly led by Head Gaucho Chef Milton Kerber, who first learned the gaucho style of cooking on his family farm in Santa Catarina, Brazil. His team of Brazilian-trained gaucho chefs personally butchers all of the meats in-house, roasts them over an open fire, and then carves each piece tableside. Some guest favorites include:
Picanha – Their signature steak featuring the prime part of the sirloin, seasoned with sea salt, or flavored with garlic
Filet Mignon – The most elegant and tender cut of beef, it is simply dressed with sea salt to expose its natural flavors
Fraldinha – A richly marbled cut from the bottom sirloin
Cordeiro – Fresh lamb flavored with a special mint marinade, sliced off the bone or served as tender chops Lombo – Pork loin encrusted with parmesan cheese, a house specialty in Brazil
Frango – A variety of cuts, including tender chicken breast wrapped in bacon, and chicken legs
Steak
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Sausage and Chicken
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
For those who are gluten sensitive I am very pleased to report that 95% of the food offerings at Pago de Chao are gluten free including their freshly made delicious cheese biscuits. Furthermore, non meat eaters and vegetarians will be delighted to know that there are numerous, delectable options available on the terrific salad bar to satisfy their tastebuds.
The Summerlin location also includes the Bar Fogo concept, a more casual way to experience the restaurant’s distinctive menu offerings through smaller, shareable plates, a variety of craft cocktails, award-winning wines, and other drink options. In addition, Summerlin offers the new Gaucho Lunch menu, a customizable experience designed for time-crunched weekday diners craving Fogo’s authentic hospitality.
The restaurant boasts an award-winning wine list and an extensive drink menu, featuring Brazil’s national drink, the Caipirinha, handcrafted with cachaça, a Brazilian liquor made from sugarcane, fresh lime and sugar. To complete the dining experience, Fogo de Chão offers a tempting dessert menu, including their signature Papaya Cream - made with fresh papaya and vanilla ice cream, then finished with Crème de Cassis at the table.
Fogo de Chão was founded in 1979 in Porto Alegre, Brazil and expanded into the U.S. in 1997. The new Downtown Summerlin location boats a vibrant dining room, an outdoor patio, and a lively bar area. Private dining space is also available and offers complimentary A/V equipment, making Fogo the ideal place for meetings and group events.
A dining experience for all ages, children six and under enjoy complimentary dining at Fogo de Chão and ages 7-12 dine at half price for the full Churrasco experience. Beverages, desserts, tax and gratuity are additional.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Dave Oancea, aka "VEGAS DAVE," one of the most aggressive and successful future sports bettors in the gambling world, WON A HISTORIC $2.5M PAYOUT - the largest future bet in the history of sports betting when the Kansas City Royals won the World Series on Sunday night, November 1. He placed his bet in week one when the odds were 30 to 1 and bet it all the way down to 8-1 (the Royals haven't won a World Series in 30 years). Declining several opportunities to cash out and make a guaranteed $750,000, Vegas Dave showed his faith in the team by letting the bet ride.
Vegas Dave
American singer-songwriter KENNY LOGGINS joins the stage with local medical community talents on November 10 to raise funds for Nathan Adelson Hospice. Loggins will perform his greatest hits for the 20th ANNUAL “SERENADES OF LIFE – DOCTORS IN CONCERT” presented by the Lynne Ruffin-Smith Charitable Foundation and benefiting the state’s largest non-profit hospice. Actor/Comedian BRAD GARRETT will conduct a special introduction to kick off the night’s entertainment. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10 at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts.
Aside from Kenny Loggins, other performers include: Loren Little, M.D. and the Little Jazz Band; Dr. Alan Arnold; Dr. Linda Woodson; Dr. Sam Mujica Trenche; Dr. Morton Hyson; and Alter’d Ego featuring Dr. Edwin Kingsley. Musical numbers will range from soul to rock ‘n’ roll to pop rock. Ticket Prices vary from $39 to $175. To purchase tickets, call The Smith Center Box Office at 702-749-2000 or visit the website at www.thesmithcenter.com. More information can also be accessed by calling Stephanie Forbes at Nathan Adelson Hospice is 702.938.3910. Proceeds from the concert support The Bonnie Schreck Memorial Complementary Therapies program at Nathan Adelson Hospice.
For the fifth year in a row, WESTGATE RESORTS and CEO David Siegel are continuing the company tradition of HONORING FORMER AND CURRENT U.S. MILITARY PERSONNEL by giving away FREE VACATIONS – and for the first time this year, the number of vacations is being increased to 2,500. Beginning November 11 at 9 a.m., the first 2,500 eligible service members who complete the online military appreciation form at www.westgatedestinations.com/thankyoumilitary will receive a complimentary three-day, two-night vacation at an eligible Westgate Resorts property in Orlando, Fla., River Ranch, Fla., Branson, Mo., Gatlinburg, Tenn. or, for the first time, Las Vegas. To be eligible, military members must have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and/or The War on Terror (Service dates of Sept. 11, 2001, through today).
With the addition of this year’s families, Westgate has honored our nation’s heroes with more than 7,500 free vacations for military families.
Caesars Entertainment is recognizing Veterans Day with the following variety of programs and initiatives.
Enlisting Heroes will host a MILITARY NETWORKING EVENT Nov. 9 from 12:30 p.m. –3 p.m. in the Gallery on the Mezzanine level at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Local veterans are encouraged to attend to learn more about the Caesars Enlisting Heroes veterans program and consider a variety of open positions at Caesars Entertainment. Senior Caesars executives will be in attendance. Veterans attending the mixer will wear yellow ribbons as a sign of support for those currently serving.
Caesars Entertainment is proud to co-sponsor the Las Vegas VETERANS DAY PARADE on Wednesday, Nov. 11, the largest such parade west of the Mississippi that draws more than 30,000 attendees. Soldiers and military vehicles will accompany Caesars Entertainment's civilian float, alongside veteran employees and supporters.
Bally's Las Vegas will host WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT, veterans who were injured during their time of service, and provide them with VIP treatment including hotel accommodations, care packages of their favorite foods, complimentary meals and transportation to the parade.
Veterans and active military can experience several attractions as well as entertainment and dining specials at Caesars Entertainment’s Las Vegas resorts. Through Caesars Entertainment’s partnership with ID.me, veterans, active military, and their families are offered year-round discounts and other qualifying reductions on hotel reservations. In addition to any other promotional sales or hotel discount codes applied to the reservation, 10 percent will be deducted off the price of the stay. Additionally, in honor of Veterans Day, veterans who verify their identity through ID.me and visit Caesars.com during the dates of Nov. 11 - 13 to book a future stay will receive an additional 5 percent discount amounting to a 15 percent savings.
Again this year, the HIGH ROLLER—the world’s tallest observation wheel—will offer a complimentary ride to active military personnel with a military ID on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Family and spouse IDs are also accepted.
Four-time GRAMMY® Award-winning R&B vocal group BOYZ II MEN has extended its residency at The Mirage Hotel & Casino through December 2018. The trio, featuring baritone Nathan Morris alongside tenors Wanya Morris and Shawn Stockman, will continue to perform in the Terry Fator Theatre on select weekend dates over the next three years. Tickets starting at $39.99 (not including tax and service fees).
Boyz II Men
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
Entertainment legends DONNY & MARIE, who recently celebrated their seven-year anniversary at Flamingo Las Vegas, have signed an extension to entertain sold-out audiences with their lively 90-minute variety show through the end of 2016. Donny & Marie perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday in the Donny & Marie Showroom at Flamingo Las Vegas. Tickets range in price from $95 - $260 (plus tax).
After two successful performances at The Smith Center, one of the most inspiring movies of our time, “RUDY,” now a one-man show starring Rudy Ruettiger, will be performed in the IAC Showroom at the Italian American Club (2333 E.Sahara Avenue) on Friday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Ruettiger will entertain and inspire as he shares his life story of how he accomplished his dream of going to Notre Dame and how he convinced Hollywood to make a movie of his life, which earned him an invitation to the White House. Tickets are $30.
Fremont Street Experience will host, for the third year, a special post-Veterans Day free concert featuring actor/humanitarian Gary Sinise’s Lt. Dan Band. GARY SINISE & THE LT. DAN BAND'S “SALUTE TO THE TROOPS” CONCERT AT FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE will be Saturday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m. on the 1st Street Stage The event will kick off with the Nellis Air Force Base Color Guard and Lt. Daniel Vargas singing the National Anthem.The concert is FREE and open to the public. A VIP area will be set up in front of the stage to be exclusively used by approximately 150 disabled veterans from both Walter Reed at Naval Support Activity Bethesda & Fort Belvoir.
Award-winning actress, comedienne and producer WHOOPI GOLDBERG returns to Treasure Island, November 13. Showtime is 9 p.m. Tickets start at $69.95, plus taxes and service charges.
Comedian GARY OWEN will bring his fearless and entertaining stand-up comedy act to The Orleans Showroom Nov. 13 and 14. The show begins at 8 p.m, and tickets start at $39.95 plus tax and fees. Tickets can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming Box Office.
THE PLAZA HOTEL & CASINO, which offers the only bingo room in downtown Las Vegas and the highest bingo payouts in the city, welcomes bingo players from around the country for its next SUPER BINGO TOURNAMENT, Nov. 15-17. Each Super Bingo session starts at 11:30 a.m. and has 21 non-linked games for a total of 42 games paying out $78,000 each day with a $25,000 coverall each day. Once the Super Bingo sessions are complete, players can take part in regularly scheduled bingo sessions.
IL DIVO - the record-breaking classical crossover group that has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide will bring the AMOR & PASION TOUR to The Pearl inside Palms Casino Resort on November 18, 2016 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $74, plus any additional service fees.
Jeff Civillico's nonprofit Win-Win Entertainment's HEADLINER'S BASH 2015 will take place November 20th at The Penn & Teller Theater at The Rio (7:00pm silent auction/cocktail reception, 9:00pm show). The annual Headliners Bash is a celebration of the philanthropy and volunteerism of the Las Vegas community. The event brings together Las Vegas Strip headliners on one stage, for one evening, in support of Win-Win's programs.
This year's amazing lineup of entertainers include Mat Franco, winner of America's Got Talent and headliner at The LINQ, Travis Cloer from the cast of Jersey Boys, Martin Kaye from the cast of Million Dollar Quartet, The Rat Pack is Back, Nunsense, and Win-Win Entertainment's "Entertainers of the Year" The Australian Bee Gees, who are recognized for their outstanding service to the Las Vegas community in support of Win-Win programs. The show will once again be hosted by Win-Win Entertainment Founder & Chairman, Jeff Civillico, and will feature music by the Lon Bronson Band.
Win-Win Entertainment is a Las Vegas non-profit dedicated to connecting great causes with great entertainment. Since 2011, Win-Win Entertainment has grown from arranging a dozen events for a handful of nonprofits, to serving 82 nonprofits in 2015. By the end of this year, Win-Win will have supported more than 220 charity shows, galas and appearances in support of other non-profit agencies throughout Southern Nevada, including; hospital visits, senior care facilities, programs serving the homeless, special needs initiatives, and USO performances for our servicemen and women.
Headliner Bash tickets start at just $24.95 and are available for purchase at http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/39004F53D25D8BB0
After reviewing over 100 dancers who auditioned for the role of his lead assistant in his show at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, MURRAY SAWCHUCK, aka 'CELEBRITY MAGICIAN', and his team selected APRIL LEOPARDI ANNEBERG. April's credits include The Latin Grammy's, Vegas The Show, Zombie Burlesque, Alice and numerous shows where she has been the lead choreographer. April's opening week in Murray's 4 pm show inside the Sin City Theatre at Planet Hollywood Resort Casino, will be November 25.
April Leopardi Anneberg
Photo courtesy of Murray Sawchuck
Dedicated to excellence in footwear, MEPHISTO has opened its first Las Vegas location inside The Forum Shops at Caesars. A world-renowned brand with a strong international reputation for comfort and quality, Mephisto features its high-quality handcrafted footwear in a range of styles including sandals, boots, clogs, dress and classic walkers, as well as an ergonomic brand, MOBILS by Mephisto. Throughout November, Mephisto is offering special Grand Opening promotions including a gift with try-on, a special gift with purchase and a free pair giveaway. Discover Mephisto on the first level near the spiral escalator.
Celebrity sightings:
Thursday night, November 5...
Hip hop star Juicy J took over Worship Thursday with a blowout performance at TAO Nightclub.
Juicy J
Photo credit: Rockbear for Tony Tran Photography
Wednesday night, November 4...
Joey Kramer, drummer for the legendary band Aerosmith, was spotted at LAVO Italian Restaurant enjoying dinner with his wife.
Sunday, November 1...
Professional poker player and social media star Dan Bilzerian hosted the Day of the Dead party at Marquee Dayclub Dome.
Dan Bilzerian at Marquee Dayclub Dome
Photo courtesy of Marquee Day Club
HALLOWEEN, Saturday, October 31...
DJ Carnage provided the soundtrack to the daytime pool party at the grand opening of the Marquee Dayclub Dome.
Over at LAVO a special Halloween edition of Champagne Brunch was hosted by social media star The Fat Jew (aka Josh Ostrovsky).
At night the festivities continued as The Fat Jew hosted Halloween at TAO where he enjoyed dinner before heading up to nightclub to watch the costume contest. Wrapping up the night, he and some friends made their way to Marquee Nightclub where they took in the sounds of Alesso.
The Fat Jew
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
Also spotted at TAO Asian Bistro was pop star Nick Jonas with friends before they also headed to Marquee for the Zombie ApoQlypse.
At LAVO Casino Club, Bryshere Grey aka ‘Yazz The Greatest’ from the hit show Empire, hosted the venue’s inaugural Halloween party with a group that included his girlfriend Allonie Janet.
Bryshere Gray and Allonie Janet
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
At Marquee Nightclub Alesso manned the decks for the Zombie ApoQlypse party. After enjoying dinner at TAO, professional poker player and social media star Dan Bilzerian joined the celebration.
The Bank Nightclub at the Bellagio Resort & Casino transformed into Brody Jenner’s Haunted House with Devin Lucien. Arriving around midnight, Jenner walked the red carpet with girlfriend Kaitlynn Carter as ghoulish vampires clad in all black with fangs and grey contacts. Lucien donned a redneck look, sporting no shirt, overalls and a John Deere hat.
Earlier in the evening, Jenner, Carter, and Lucien dined with friends at Fix Restaurant.
Friday night, October 30...
Halloween weekend kicked off at TAO Nightclub with DJ Daddy Kat aka Wiz Khalifa taking over the DJ booth for the night. Joining the party was NFL star Andre Roberts who enjoyed the night with a group of friends.
DJ Daddy Kat
Photo courtesy of TAO Nightclub
Over at Marquee the Zombie ApoQlypse descended on the nightclub as Dash Berlin set the tone for the holiday weekend.
1 OAK Nightclub was as transformed into Fun-OAK Haunted Funhouse at The Mirage where Global superstar Nicki Minaj hosted a memorable evening.
