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
Vegas Happenings
R & B Stars Honored At 2015 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS At the Orleans Arena
The 2015 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS took place on Friday, November 6 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.
Host and legendary musical artist Erykah Badu opened up the show with a medley of her memorable songs including “Danger,” “On & On,” and “Love Of My Life.” The show also featured incredible performances by Jill Scott, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Fantasia, Bobby Brown, Tyrese, Jeremih, Brandy, Boyz II Men, R.Kelly, Jazmine Sullivan, V. Bozeman, Cameo, Erica Campbell and Tasha Cobbs.
Erikah Badu
Photo courtesy of BET/Soul Train Awards
Jill Scott
Photo courtesy of BET/Soul Train Awards
Bobby Brown and Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds
Photo courtesy of BET/Soul Train Awards
Tisha Campbell Martin and Erica Campbell
Photo courtesy of BET/Soul Train Awards
Fantasia
Photo courtesy of BET/Soul Train Awards
Janelle Monae
Photo courtesy of BET/Soul Train Awards
Jazmine Sullivan
Photo courtesy of BET/Soul Train Awards
The first-ever Lady of Soul Award was presented to Jill Scott. A special tribute video from industry’s top executives and artists such as Whoopi Goldberg, Usher and more, spoke to Scott’s energy, creativity, exceptional talent and inspiration. The honoree then proceeded to blow away the crowd with a selection of her most beloved hits including “Back Together,” “Long Walk,” “It’s Love,” “Golden,” “Cross My Mind,” and “Whatever”, that brought the crowd, including Janelle Monae, to their feet as they joined in with her mouthing along to every song.
L.A. Reid presented Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds with the night’s highly regarded Legend Award honoring the R&B legend and record producer for his tremendous influence in soul culture and music. . Babyface celebrated with R&B and soul superstars Brandy, Fantasia, surprise guest Bobby Brown, Boyz II Men and Tevin Campbell as they performed his legendary classics. He closed out his performance with “Whip Appeal” with the entire crowd singing alone and dancing and brought the audience back to 1989.
Brandi
Photo courtesy of BET/Soul Train Awards
Tevin Campbell
Photo courtesy of BET/Soul Train Awards
Erykah Badu, Chrisette Michele, K-Ci, Lalah Hathaway and Eddie Levert appeared for the first-ever Soul Train Soul Cypher during the 2015 Soul Train Awards.
The 2015 Soul Train Awards will air on Centric and BET on Tuesday, November 29 from 8:00pm-10:30pm E.T.
The National Atomic Testing Museum Hosts Its The 7th Annual National Day of Remembrance
The National Atomic Testing Museum (755 East Flamingo Road) along with Cold War Patriots, hosted its 7th Annual National Day of Remembrance (NDR) event in front of a packed audience on October 30. All members of the NATM's staff were proud to once again help organize and set up such an important and meaningful event as the National Day of Remembrance. The museum presents this annual occasion as a way to honor the sacrifices made by the workers and their families. They, along with the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, are the reason our nation continues to enjoy the freedoms we often take for granted.
Attendees at the National Day of Remembrance
Photo courtesy of The National Atomic Testing Museum
Photo courtesy of The National Atomic Testing Museum
From 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, those in attendance were treated to what some guests called the best NDR the museum has ever presented, complete with congressmen or their representatives, Department of Energy spokespersons, and personal stories from the nuclear complex workers and their family members.
The event began with the Posting of the Colors by Rancho High School followed by the Invocation led Oscar Foger, Matthew Moury, Troy Wade, Nelson Cochrane by Emeritus Bishop Sylvester Hooks, a former Nevada Test Site (NTS) worker. Nelson Cochrane, President of the Nevada Test Site Historical Foundation, introduced the numerous guest speakers.
Oscar Foger
Photo courtesy of The National Atomic Testing Museum
Troy Wade
Photo courtesy of The National Atomic Testing Museum
Matthew Moury
Photo courtesy of The National Atomic Testing Museum
Nelson Cochrane
Photo courtesy of The National Atomic Testing Museum
Throughout the day, visitors were able to listen to brief talks from Oscar Foger, former NTS worker and President of the NV Laborers Retiree Council, Associate Under Secretary Matthew Moury of DOE's Office of Environment, Health, Safety, and Security, and Congresswoman Dina Titus. Also in attendance at tables in the museum's lobby were representatives of Cold War Patriots, Giving Home Healthcare, Worker Health Protection Program, and Critical Nurse Staffing, Inc.
Congresswoman Dina Titus
Photo courtesy of The National Atomic Testing Museum
Former nuclear complex workers at the museum for the NDR event were encouraged to chat with these fine organizations following the reception. A large number of the National Atomic Testing Museum's Board of Trustees came to the event in support of both the nuclear complex workers and museum staff. Those representing the Board included Troy Wade, Linda Smith, Jack Doyle, Bob Agonia, and the aforementioned Nelson Cochrane. Great appreciation in honor and support of the Cold War Patriots who also provided The Memorial Quilt, hanging in the lobby of the Museum until the end of November 2015.
The National Atomic Testing Museum is in Las Vegas.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
LUKE'S LOBSTER, the Maine-bred seafood shack known for its simple menu and top-quality sustainable ingredients, opened its first Las Vegas shack at Fashion Show, Thursday, Nov. 12. With convenient valet and self-parking via multiple mall entries, locals and visitors can enjoy the city’s freshest seafood, and a breath of fresh air with al fresco seating right on The Strip. The menu features incredibly fresh lobster, shrimp and crab rolls, along with a selection of chowders and bisques. The rolls are of the purest form, a quarter pound of fresh seafood in a griddled New England-style bun, served with little adornment so the main ingredients shine. Beverages also hail from Maine, including craft drinks from Maine Root and Green Bee, a soda lightly sweetened with pure honey.
Luke's Lobster
Luke’s Lobster is located on the Plaza facing Las Vegas Boulevard at Fashion Show, 3200 Las Vegas Boulevard South. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – midnight Friday and Saturday.
To celebrate the opening, co-founder Ben Conniff will be reading from Real Maine Food, the Luke’s Lobster cookbook, as well as sharing samples from the newly opened Luke’s Lobster restaurant on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 4 p.m. at the Writer’s Block, 1020 Fremont Street, # 100, Downtown Las Vegas. This event is free and open to the public.
Philadelphia’s Joe McKeehen, 24, became poker’s world champion on Tuesday, November 10, leading wire to wire at the final table to capture his very first World Series of Poker (WSOP) gold bracelet and the top prize of $7,683,346 in gaming’s richest and most prestigious event.
Joe McKeehen
Photo Credit: Jayne Furman/WSOP
McKeehen captured the WSOP world championships late in the evening at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas in the famed Penn & Teller theatre. Monday’s action was carried on a 30-minute delay on ESPN2. The finale on Tuesday was carried on the flagship ESPN on 30-minute delay. The 2015 WSOP Main Event began in July with a total of 6,420 entrants. The event’s total prize pool was $60,355,857, with nearly $25 million going to the final nine players. A record total of 1,000 entrants cashed in the event.
Read more about the WSOP world championships in this week's edition of Dianne Davis's column Views of Vegas.
LORI BRENNAN, Leadership Development coordinator for Amazon, turned her family’s Seattle Salmon Bowl into an award-winning dish when she took first place in the second annual MGM RESORTS RECIPE SHOWDOWN in Las Vegas. Open to meeting planners, travel professionals and leisure partners, the competition was designed by MGM Resorts to showcase clients’ culinary talents and their favorite family recipes.
Combining Brennan’s two loves, Seattle and Sushi, the Seattle Salmon Bowl was created for her husband and is her family’s version of fast food. For her winning efforts, she received an all-expense-paid trip to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival in Miami, February 25 – 28, 2016.
The finalists went head-to-head during the main event, held in MGM Grand Garden Arena’s professional kitchen, and were judged by three of Las Vegas’ top executive chefs, Royden Ellamar of the soon-to-open HARVEST at Bellagio, Joshua Smith from BARDOT Brasserie at ARIA, and Steve Benjamin of L’ATELIER DE JOËL ROBUCHON at MGM Grand.
At the recent Icons & Idols: Rock n' Roll Auction event at Julien’s Auctions Beverly Hills, Hard Rock International, known for its memorabilia at locations worldwide, has acquired its 80,000th piece — ELVIS PRESLEY'S 24 KARAT GOLD LEAF GRAND PIANO. The most important piano to be offered from Elvis Presley’s history will join Hard Rock’s priceless collection of invaluable memorabilia pieces including handwritten lyrics, clothing and instruments from new and legendary music stars like Taylor Swift, Imagine Dragons, The Beatles, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Jimi Hendrix and many more.
Elvis' Gold Leaf Piano
Photo credit: Julien's Auctions
Due to unforeseen circumstances, “The D LAS VEGAS PRESENTS: SUPER SHOWDOWN AT DLVEC” was CANCELLED for Friday, November 13. There is no reschedule date at this time. All purchased tickets will be reimbursed.
Nevada’s largest holiday drive-thru light show spectacular, GLITTERING LIGHTS AT THE LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY celebrates 15 spectacular years of holiday tradition in southern Nevada. Opening night is on World Kindness Day, Friday, November 13, and through a partnership with Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican, the FIRST 200 PAID VEHICLES THOUGH THE GATE WILL RECEIVE A FREE TICKET TO RETURN. There are no restrictions on the free ticket, and it can be used the same night or passed along in kindness to a random stranger, friend in need. Tickets are available at the gate, glitteringlightslasvegas.com or area Walgreens stores. Entry is $20 per vehicle. Bring a donation of goods for Goodwill of Southern Nevada, and receive an instant $2 entry discount.
Other November promotions are:
November 16 is Free Military Night - active and inactive military and spouses with valid ID receive free entry. To experience the holiday light show, veterans and active duty military must present the appropriate ID at the entrance to Glittering Lights to receive free admission: U.S. Military ID, VIC ID (Veteran Identification Card) or DAV ID card (Disabled American Veterans ID). November 22 - Speedway Children’s Charities PJ Run through the lights. November 25 - Hope for Hearts Night - first 200 vehicles receive a piece of handcrafted jewelry from Uganda. Hope for Hearts-501(c)3 charity is dedicated to funding schools in conflict countries moving kids from Poverty to Prosperity through education. November 29 -Marriage Can Be Murder, Las Vegas' Killer Comedy Interactive Dinner Theatre Show gives the first 200 vehicles an advent calendar.
Glittering Lights will be on display Friday, November 13 through Sunday, January 3. Sunday through Thursday 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Friday, Saturday and holidays 5:30 – 10 p.m.
BILLY IDOL will take the stage of the intimate House of Blues Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino for his first-ever multi-date residency, Billy Idol: Forever. Tickets start at $79.50, plus applicable fees and go on sale Friday, Nov. 13 at 10 a.m.
Emmy Award winning producer ANDY WALMSLEY presents a unique one-night show pitting Las Vegas entertainers and headliners entitled, DROP THE MIC – The Las Vegas Entertainment Industry Lip Sync Throw-down in The Sayers Club at SLS Las Vegas on Tuesday, November 17 to benefit Shade Tree’s Noah’s Animal House. The show format will test 12 celebrities’ lip syncing skills to well known pop songs. Celebrity syncers will receive points for presentation, dance skills and ‘selling’ their performance to the judges and audience.
Las Vegas celebrity syncers include The Chippendales, Jennifer Romas and the cast of Sexxy, Paul Shortino Jeff Civillico, Geechy Guy, Frankie Scinta, Murray Sawchuck and Lefty, Jan Rouven, Eric Jordan Young, Nicole Caplan, Graham Fenton, Anne Martinez, Kathleen Dunbar, Penny Wiggins, each backed by The Nick Foote dance troupe.
The celebrity host for the event will be Comedy-Magician Mike Hammer, headliner at the Four Queens Casino with Zowie Bowie's Chris Phillips making his DJ’ing debut as DJZB. Celebrity judges include: Pia Zadora, Adrian Zmed, Melody Sweets, Johnny Kats, and Anthony Cools.
“The purpose of the show is simply to have fun, we don’t really care about the competition element its just a laugh and a fun night and raising money for a really great charity,” said Walmsley.
The event kick’s off with a pre-show party at 10:30 p.m. with the 70-minute Drop the Mic show beginning at 11:30 p.m. There will also be an after-party through 2 a.m. The event is FREE to the public, 21 and over, on a first come-first served basis.
The 5th annual, mouth-watering fundraising event CHEERS TO CHOCOLATE TO BENEFIT EASTER SEALS NEVADA will take place Friday, November 20 from 6 – 9 pm, 2225 Village Walk Drive at The District in Henderson. Connoisseurs of chocolate, foodies and lovers of vino can delight in a variety of culinary bites, cocktails and wine from notable restaurants and sweet shops from around the Las Vegas Valley during the evening of fun and fundraising. While listening to the sounds of MO5AIC and Empire Records, guests can also bid on a wide assortment of silent auction items including entertainment packages, beauty baskets, jewelry, art dining experiences and more. For the first time, Cheers to Chocolate will also include a new cake auction from more than a dozen bakeries and will be a family-friendly event. Tickets are $30 advance online and $35 at the door for adults 21+, $20 advance online and $25 at the door for young adults ages 13 – 20, children 3 – 12 are $5 each and children under 3 are free. All tickets include food and beverage. Those consuming alcohol must be over 21 with valid ID. Advance online ordering is encouraged at www.cheers2chocolate.com. Tickets will be available at the door pending availability only.
AMA PRO FLAT FINALE/SUPERPRESTIGIO OF THE AMERICAS comes to the Orleans Arena Friday and Saturday Nov. 20 and 21 at 7:30 pm each night. The 2015 flat track motorcycle racing series season will end with the AMA Pro Track Finale on Friday, with the inaugural Superprestigio of the Americas taking place Saturday.Single day tickets start at $45, plus taxes and convenience fees.
HUMAN NATURE, the award-winning Australian vocal sensations and Las Vegas headliners, announces their brand new, 2015 holiday show “Christmas, Motown and More!” for a limited engagement beginning November 21 at The Sands Showroom in The Venetian® Las Vegas. Back by popular demand, this year’s lively, holiday celebration also features special guest star, Ruby Lewis, direct from her critically-acclaimed, show-stopping performance in “BAZ.”
The new show will celebrate holiday favorites from the group’s best-selling CD, The Christmas Album, including Please Come Home for Christmas, Sleigh Ride, Silent Night, O Holy Night, and Winter Wonderland, as well a selection of Motown’s greatest hits which Human Nature have become famous for over the last decade. This spectacular holiday production also features a seven-piece band and is the ultimate family-fun Christmas show in Las Vegas. Human Nature: Christmas, Motown and More! Performs November 21-25, November 27-December 1, December 13-16, 18-22, 2015; all shows are at 7:00 p.m. except December 22 which is at 1:00 p.m., in the Sands Showroom at The Venetian Las Vegas. Tickets range from $49.00 to $125.00 + taxes and fees, with a special VIP ticket at $140.00 and can be purchased at any box office at The Venetian or The Palazzo.
BRET MICHAELS, the lead singer of the 1980s rock band Poison, brings his True Grit country-rock solo tour to The Orleans Showroom Nov. 21 and 22. The show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $59.95 plus tax and fees and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming Box Office.
LIFE LONG DREAMS, a local non profit organization that helps children and young adults with special needs express themselves and their dreams though the performing and visual arts, presents THE DREAM PUPPY, a tale of love, joy, and hope from a children's book by Las Vegas resident, Carla Masterson, on November 21 in Sam's Town “Live” Showroom. Red carpet is 1 pm, doors open at 1:30 and show starts at 2 p.m. General admission is $20. Reserved table seating is $50 or $200 for a table of 4. All proceeds from this performance will benefit Life Long Dreams' mission to help the special needs children of Las Vegas fulfill their dreams. Tickets can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming Box Office.
Downtown Grand (206 N. 3rd St.) will host the official LIVE VIEWING PARTY in Las Vegas for INTEL EXTREME MASTERS (IEM), an international annual e-sports competition for “Counter Strike” and “League of Legends” players on Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22, 2-6 p.m. both days. For guests 21 years and older, the IEM party will be located in the Fremont Room and include a giant projection screening of the live competition, as well as Cosplay hostesses from the Summoner’s Café, appearances by professional “League of Legends” player Sky Williams and other surprise guests, swag bag giveaways, a junk food buffet and more. Additionally, Downtown Grand will host an all ages viewing party at The Commissary Market & Café. Tickets are priced per day: $35 for VIP seating, buffet and two drinks (ages 21+); $20 for viewing and the buffet (ages 21+); $10 for all ages viewing party in The Commissary. A $2.50 service fee will be applied to each ticket purchased.
Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa, (located at Aliante Parkway and Interstate 215) will team up with the OPERATION WARMHEART PROGRAM to collect toys for the children of Nellis Air Force Base and Creech Air Force Base this holiday season from Monday, Nov. 23, through Monday, Dec. 14. Aliante encourages donations of new, unwrapped toys for the children of military personnel stationed at the two Las Vegas-area bases. Donations will be collected at the Players Club inside the casino and delivered to the base in late December.
The popular Las Vegas-based 10 piece pop and soul group THE ROCKIE BROWN BAND will host a special performance and ALBUM RELEASE PARTY at Hard Rock Live inside Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas Strip on Monday, Nov. 23 for their highly-anticipated debut LP Brand New Day that channels elements of funk, soul and R&B. Doors open at 7 p.m. Opening band The Lique will kick off the night, with performance at 8 p.m. and will be followed by The Rockie Brown Band at 9:30 p.m. and Funk Jam at 11 p.m. Tickets for The Rockie Brown Band’s Brand New Day album release performance at Hard Rock Live are $10 for general admission and can be purchased at the Hard Rock Live Box Office. Guests must be 18 years or older.
TOURNAMENT OF KINGS will debut its first-ever festive, holiday show “‘TWAS THE KNIGHT!” The Tournament of Kings Arena will be transformed November 25 – December 28 into a winter wonderland as guests are greeted by carolers singing seasonal tunes. Prior to the performance, Royal Heralds will play games and inspire guests with renditions of their King’s adventures. While experiencing the merry show, guests will enjoy a three-course holiday-inspired meal, sans utensils, complete with a festive dessert and egg nog as they cheer on their king!
Sprinklings of the season will be added throughout the show and will include Tournament of Kings’ version of the “‘Twas the Knight” holiday poem, seasonal decorations, new flags, banners and holiday-inspired costumes for Merlin, Jester and the maidens.
A lavish feast and gifts will be on display on the Roundtable for the Kings. The holiday revelry will be accentuated with additional choreography, including a holiday ribbon dance, and a snowfall conjured by Merlin.
Santa Claus will be giving out candy canes and taking show photos in the Fun Dungeon from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. as he listens to childrens’ last-minute holiday wishes. Photographs are available for purchase.
Performances are Wednesday – Thursday and Saturday – Sunday: 5:30 p.m. & 8 p.m. Monday & Friday: 5:30 p.m. Dark on Tuesdays Tickets are now on sale and start at $68.23 (not including applicable taxes and service fees) and are available at the Excalibur box office. Nevada residents (with valid I.D.) and members of the military (with a valid military photo I.D.) receive a $10 discount on admission; Children 3 years and younger are complimentary while sitting on an adult’s lap.
After several contract extensions resulting in a successful eleven-month run, The Venetian / Palazzo Resort announced that, “FRANK—THE MAN, THE MUSIC,” starring BOB ANDERSON, will perform its final show in the Palazzo Theater on Saturday, November 28th, 2015. The closing of the show was a mutual decision by both parties. Anderson’s reviews were nothing less than spectacular. His 32 piece Orchestra, with more than half of them former players of Sinatra, and under the direction of Sinatra’s former conductor,Vincent Falcone, was an experience not to be missed.
Comedian, voice actor and television star BILLY GARDELL will return to the Treasure Island Theatre November 27 at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $49.95, plus taxes and service charges,
Comedian and actor ARIES SPEARS returns to Las Vegas with his signature quick wit and charismatic stand-up comedy show at The Orleans Showroom Nov. 27 and 28.
The show begins at 8 p.m. and tickets start from $39.95 plus tax and fees.
Celebrity sightings:
Thursday night, November 12...
NBA star Robert Horry was spotted at TAO Asian Bistro with his family.
Monday, November 9...
Actress America Ferrera was spotted at Marquee Nightclub with cast members from her new show "Superstore" as Dash Berlin provided the soundtrack.
Legendary singer-songwriter and guitarist Kenny Loggins attended “Raiding the Rock Vault” at The New Tropicana Las Vegas. Prior to seeing the show, the artist, known for hits including “Danger Zone,” “Footloose,” “This Is It,” and “I’m Alright,” went backstage where he met and took photos with members of the band.
Blas Elias, Mark Boals, Robin McAuley, Howard Leese, Hugh McDonald, Sir Harry Cowell, Tracii Guns, Stephanie Calvert, Kenny Loggins, Unidentified, Michael T Ross, Andrew Freeman, Paul Shortino.
Photo credit: Erik Nielsen/”Raiding the Rock Vault.”
Sunday, November 8...
Actor Matt Lucas was spotted enjoying brunch with friends at LAVO Italian restaurant.
Fox Sports Radio host Ava Fiore aka Cleats and Cleavage hosted the Sunday football viewing party at LAVO Casino Club at The Palazzo.
Fox Sports Radio host Ava Fiore
Photo courtesy of LAVO
Saturday night, November 7...
In town for the St. Jude Against All Odds Celebrity Poker Tournament, several notable individuals made their way to OMNIA Nightclub inside Caesars Palace after the event. Celebrities in attendance included “Once Upon A Time” stars Jennifer Morrison and Jamie Chung with husband Bryan Greenberg, “7th Heaven” heartthrob Groff Stults, “How To Get Away With Murder” actor Charlie Weber, “Revenge” lead Josh Bowman and actress and model Shannon Elizabeth. Entering the nightlife mecca just after midnight, the popular group made their way to a VIP table next to the DJ booth in the Main Club enjoying the high energy set by Nicky Romero and opener Ansolo.
Adding to the excitement in the nightspot’s open-format lounge, Heart of OMNIA, was rapper and singer Drake who was in town for a friends birthday party.
Social media star and former Playboy Playmate Jessica Burciaga hosted Saturday night at LAVO. She enjoyed dinner before heading up to the Casino Club.
Jessica Burciaga
Photo courtesy of LAVO
Cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals Justin Bethel was spotted over at TAO Nightclub with a group taking in the sounds of DJ Justin Credible. Also spotted TAO were MLB stars Matt Kemp and Edwin Jackson.
R&B star R. Kelly was spotted at Marquee Nightclub with an entourage.
Friday night, November 6...
Rapper Jidenna hosted a celebration at The Bank Nightclub inside Bellagio Resort & Casino, where he made his Las Vegas debut with an unforgettable performance. Earlier in the evening, he was spotted at Fix Restaurant along with longtime pal and fellow musician Janelle Monae.
Actress and comedian Tichina Arnold was spotted at TAO Asian Bistro with friends.
