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 Alliancehttp://www.theflickchicks.com
American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada Celebrated 50th Anniversary
American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada (ACLUNV) celebrated its 50th anniversary with a gala event at the Wynn Las Vegas on Saturday, June 11, 2016. The evening commenced with a VIP meet-and-greet reception with the highly influential artist and designer, John Van Hamersveld, who created the organization’s 50th anniversary commemorative artwork, and American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) national ambassador and CNN television host, W. Kamau Bell.
Celebrating 50 years of public service, ACLUNV honored five notable Nevada dignitaries at the gala including Jan Jones Blackhurst who was honored with the Community Equality Award and Paula Francis who received the First Amendment, Freedom of Press Award. Colin Seale received the Community Juvenile Justice Award and Sheila Leslie was recognized with the Liberty in Government Award. Richard Siegel received the Emily Wanderer Award, recognizing a life-long career in public service and activism.
The night included a silent auction, dinner program and a speech from the evening’s special guest, W. Kamau Bell.
On Saturday, June 11, Shelley Berkley, former U.S. Representative, posed with legendary artist John Van Hamersveld, who designed the organization’s 50th anniversary commemorative artwork, in the VIP reception at ACLUNV’s 50th Anniversary Gala at the Wynn Las Vegas.
Photo credit: Theresa McNally
Tod Story, executive director of the ACLUNV, introduced honorees at ACLUNV’s 50th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, June 11 at the Wynn Las Vegas.
Photo credit: Tonya Harvey
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) national ambassador, socio-political comedian and TV host, W. Kamau Bell, was the special guest speaker at ACLUNV’s 50th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, June 11 at the Wynn Las Vegas.
Photo credit: Tonya Harvey
Executive Vice President, Government Relations & Corporate Responsibility for Caesars Entertainment Corporation and former Las Vegas mayor, Jan Jones Blackhurst, was honored with the Community Equality Award at ACLUNV’s 50th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, June 11 at the Wynn Las Vegas.
Photo credit: Tonya Harvey
>From left to right: Randy Boyd, Jan Jones Blackhurst
Over the last 50 years, the ACLU of Nevada has worked on dozens of initiatives and high-profile cases that have shaped our state’s history including racial desegregation, abortion rights, gay rights, marriage equality, prisoner rights, education, sex education and many more.
Other recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
In honor of the recent 78th National Donut Day which was first held in America in 1938 by THE SALVATION ARMY, once again, The Salvation Army partnered with Pink Box Doughnuts to raise money for charity. The new one-day partnership-high resulted in a donation of $1,600. NATIONAL DONUT DAY PINK BOX DOUGHNUTS proceeds and Red Kettle donations from their location on June 3 went towards The Salvation Army’s Family Services programs. “The proceeds for Family Services will help provide needy families with food, rent and utility assistance,” says Phillip Hollon, Director of Social Services. “We assist an average of 1200 families a month. Las Vegas summer months can be particularly difficult financially for families in need with their children out of school and not receiving school meal assistance.”
For seniors who would like to work and play in their golden years, a new study from SMARTASSET has identified the best cities for a worktirement and Las Vegas takes the number four spot. Of the 404 cities in their study, Sin City offers the fourteenth-highest senior population and the 20th-highest concentration of recreational facilities per thousand residents.
EYES & OPTICS, an independent eye care and eyewear boutique in Las Vegas, has been recognized by leading eye care industry magazine INVISION as one of the top five 2015 finalists for its annual coveted competition, “America’s Finest Optical Retailers.” Locally owned and operated by acclaimed optometrist Dr. Edward J. Malik, Eyes & Optics was awarded with a feature story and fourth place out of ten finalists in the competition, which will appear in the July/August 2015 print issue of the magazine.
Las Vegas’ Favorite Charity, OPPORTUNITY VILLAGE has partnered with the premiere shopping and dining center in Las Vegas, DOWNTOWN SUMMERLIN, to showcase UNIQUE ARTWORK created by Opportunity Village clients (OVIPs). Located outside of Dillard’s, shoppers can admire an Opportunity Village Art Gallery wall that contains more than 20 custom pieces of art and a window display across from Crazy Pita exhibiting custom pieces of framed art. “Downtown Summerlin graciously offered us the opportunity to share the work of our talented OVIPs with the community and they could not be more excited. Opportunity Village’s Fine Art Program encourages artists to reach for their dreams, and when OVIPs see their artwork on display at such a prominent location in Las Vegas, they truly light up,” said Linda Smith, senior executive vice president of Opportunity Village.
Photo courtesy of Opportunity Village
From the Italian Artisans who cultivated The Da Vinci Machines Exhibition, comes the Las Vegas premiere of ANCIENT ROME: THE EMPIRE THAT SHAPED THE WORLD at the LasAS VEGAS NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM as part of its traveling summer exhibit program. Ancient Rome: The Empire that Shaped the World will be available to Museum guests June 4 through September 11, 2016. Hand-crafted by three generations of Florentine artisanal experts, the Ancient Rome Exhibition explores an epic era in world history from the triumphant victory of Julius Caesar over the Gauls in 52 BC, to the transformation of Rome from a Republic and the rise of the mighty Roman Empire. Visitors will take a hands-on journey through the Roman Imperial period exploring military war machines, significant construction inventions like pottery wheels and grinding mills, large-scale technical innovations like cranes, water pumps and much more. Admission to the Las Vegas Natural History Museum starts at $10 for adults.
THE COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF FINE ARTS will host “GENESIS”, an exhibition of digital and mixed media artwork by University of Toledo Associate Professor of Art, Dan Hernandez, beginning Friday, June 10 through Saturday, July 30, 2016. Hernandez’s artwork combines concepts, imagery, and design taken equally from contemporary video games and from artwork of religious and historical significance. Professor Hernandez will participate in a Gallery Talk and Artist Reception on Wednesday, July 13, at 6 p.m. in the Fine Arts Gallery. The CSN Fine Arts Gallery is 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., on Saturdays. The Performing Arts Center’s Fine Arts Gallery are 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.
The cast and crew of the Tony award winning musical,“JERSEY BOYS” based on the career of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, were notified on June 7 that the show is closing at Paris Las Vegas. The final performance will be on Sept. 18. Jersey Boys is the longest-running Broadway-themed show to perform in Las Vegas. It opened in May 2008 at Palazzo Theater and moved to Paris in 2012. At this time there are no plans for what will replace “Jersey Boys” at Paris. Those who have ordered tickets to shows after Sept. 18 may exchange them for an earlier date or receive a full refund where the tickets were purchased.
Rising pop and R&B sensation, AFTER ROMEO, comprised of Jayk Purdy and Drew Ryan Scott, will return to their hometown of Las Vegas for a special FREE concert with bandmates TC Carter and Blake English on Saturday, June 18 at the Great Hall inside the Fashion Show Mall. The band will perform a 30-minute set from 2 pm to 2:30 pm featuring songs from their upcoming “Good Things” EP releasing June 24, followed by a special meet and greet with fans at 4:00 p.m.
On Father's Day, restaurants HEARTHSTONE, SALUTE, LIBRE at Red Rock Casino Resort, and BORRACHA AND BOTTIGLIA at Green Valley Ranch are inviting families to bring their Dads so that he can receive a gift of a FREE ENTREE on Father Day, Sunday, June 19.
BEER PARK, the open-air rooftop bar and grill at Paris Las Vegas invites guests to raise a glass to dads everywhere with a COMPLIMENTARY FIRST ROUND OF BUDWEISER DRAFT BEER in honor of Father’s Day on Sunday, June 19.Patrons looking to enjoy a larger selection of beer can choose from over 100 cans, bottles and drafts including 36 beers on tap. In addition, those looking to show off for dad, can partake in yard games including bean boss toss, shuffleboard and adult-sized Jenga.
Comedian JIM JEFFERIES will perform June 24 and 25 at the Terry Fator Theatre for the first time as the newest performer in the Aces of Comedy series lineup at The Mirage Hotel & Casino. Ticket prices start at $49.99 plus tax and service fees and can be purchased at any MGM Resorts box office, the Terry Fator Theatre box office. Children over the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult (18 years of age or older). Children under 16 are not permitted.
CARLOS MENCIA will bring his side-splitting stand-up comedy back to The Orleans Showroom June 24 and 25. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $34.95, plus tax and convenience fees, and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming Box Office.
SHIRLEY ALSTON REEVES, ORIGINAL LEAD SINGER OF THE SHIRELLES, AND THE CHIFFONS, will bring nostalgic doo wop classics of the 50’s and 60’s to the Suncoast Showroom June 25 and 26.The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from $22 plus taxes and fees, and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming box office.
On Wednesday, June 29 from 6-9 p.m., the public is invited to attend ART: abOVe & BEYOND at OPPORTUNITY VILLAGE'S RALPH & BETTY ENGELSTAD CAMPUS located at 6050 S. Buffalo Dr., where 100% of ticket sales will benefit Las Vegas' favorite charity, Opportunity Village, which serves people within our community with significant intellectual disabilities. Open to anyone at least 21 years of age, the event will include live music, wine, appetizers, mingling and a silent auction. OVIP artwork, scarves and jewelry will be for sale in the Opportunity Village artWORKS Studio Store. For $45, participants will enjoy wine, appetizers, a souvenir Opportunity Village wine glass, and an instructional painting session with a canvas and art supplies. For attendees who would just like to sip and mingle at the event, there is a $30 ticket available that includes wine, appetizers and a souvenir wine glass. Tickets for this event must be purchased in advance and space is limited: http://bit.ly/ARTabOVE.
After a multimillion dollar renovation adding brand new resort-style furnishings, a wet deck, hot tub, refurbished outdoor recreation space and its own food truck, the rooftop POOL at the Plaza will celebrate its grand opening with festivities for hotel guests and the general public on Saturday, July 2 at the PLAZA HOTEL & CASINO. The entire renovated pool deck encompasses approximately 70,000 sq. ft., making it one of the largest in downtown Las Vegas.
The Plaza will celebrate the Pool’s official grand opening with festivities throughout the July Fourth holiday weekend, starting with a weekend-long BBQ beginning at 11 a.m. each day featuring entertainment from a local DJ. In the evening, on Saturday, July 2, the Plaza will hold a grand opening celebration with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. for a special performance of the Johnny Cash tribute band, Cash’d Out at 8:30 p.m. The night will culminate with a fireworks show off of the roofs of the Plaza’s two towers by Advanced Entertainment Services at 9:30 p.m.
On Sunday, July 3 and Monday, July 4, the Plaza will also host a Pickleball exhibition and round robin in conjunction with players from the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA).
Admission to the pool is free for hotel guests and residents (with local identification), of all ages. The Pool will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer, with extended hours for special events.
The City of Henderson will salute America by hosting its annual FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION. The all-ages event will feature entertainment, activities, concessions and a spectacular fireworks show. Admission is FREE. Loveshack will send residents back to the future with an energetic performance of classic songs from the 1980s. The night will be topped off with a dazzling 18 minute fireworks display by Lantis Fireworks and Lasers that will have audiences “oohing” and “aahing” to the colorful display of dancing rockets, sparklers and firecrackers.
LIFE TIME ATHLETIC GREEN VALLEY is holding a FOURTH OF JULY BASH. The poolside event will feature a live DJ, signature cocktails and a front-row view of the holiday fireworks from 1 to 10 p.m. on Monday, July 4. The party will kick off with family-friendly activities including a dunk tank, Jenga and cornhole on the pool deck, along with dance parties and complimentary hot dogs and hamburgers. Life Time will also offer a selection of its signature cocktails and health-conscious appetizers, salads and sandwiches, available for purchase from the Poolside menu. Life Time Athletic’s Fourth of July Pool Party is free for members. Non-members may purchase a 24-hour day pass for full access to the club and Pool Party, priced at $30.
Multi-Grammy Award-winning and top-selling salsa artist of all time MARC ANTHONY will perform at The AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino to celebrate Mexican Independence Day on Saturday, September 17 at 10 p.m. Tickets ranging in price from $105 to $301, plus applicable tax and fees, are on sale at The AXIS box office.
Celebrity sightings:
Sunday, June 12...
Actor and comedian Bob Saget was spotted attending the hit show ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace. Following the show, Saget, along with his girlfriend Kelly, met with The Gazillionaire, his assistant Joy Jenkins and the “Green Fairy” Melody Sweets for photos and to express their enjoyment of the production
Bob Saget and girlfriend, Kelly, attend ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace
Photo: Courtesy of Joseph Sanders/Spiegelworld
Upcoming NBA stars Julius Randle (LA Lakers), Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns) and Victor Oladipo (Orlando Magic) attended Mike Tyson’s hit show UNDISPUTED TRUTH at the Brad Garret Comedy Club inside MGM Grand.
Devin Booker and Mike Tyson
Photo courtesy of the MGM Grand
Julius Randle and Kendra Shaw with Mike Tyson
Photo courtesy of the MGM Grand
Victor Oladipo and Mike Tyson
Photo courtesy of the MGM Grand
Thursday night, June 9...
Nightlife photographer Kirill Bichutsky celebrated his birthday at Beauty & Essex in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas After dinner, the birthday boy and his friends headed to TAO Nightclub in The Venetian.
