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
Entertainers Come Together for 7th Annual NF Hope Concert, a Benefit for Neurofibromatosis
Former star of Jersey Boys, Jeff Leibow, once again gathered some of the best performers in Las Vegas in support of a very worthy cause, to raise funds and awareness in the fight against Neurofibromatosis (NF) for the 7th annual “NF Hope Concert”, on Sunday afternoon October 22 in the Palazzo Theatre at Palazzo Las Vegas.
NF is a genetic disorder of the nervous system that is characterized by tumors that can grow anywhere and at anytime in the body without warning. Jeff's daughter Emma was diagnosed with NF in 2010 at the age of nine months and was the inspiration for this event. Jeff and his wife, Melody, conceived the idea for the concert upon the realization that NF had no treatments and no cure. They felt compelled to do something to help Emma and the thousands of people living with NF and to educate others about the disorder. Jeff is the executive producer and director of development of NF Hope Concerts.
Jeff Leibow and his wife Melody perform at the NF Hope Concert - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The concert was hosted by radio personality Chet Buchanan and featured performances from some of Las Vegas's best entertainers including female vocal quartet Lady Luck, male vocal quartet These Guys Worldwide; comedy-magician Murray Sawchuck and his on stage sidekick: master slight of hand trickster Doug (Lefty) Leferovich; UK's Tenors of Rock, amazing up and coming singer Daniel Emmet; singer Nicole Pryor; Michael Shapiro and Paul Johnson from the cast of “World’s Greatest Rock Show” at the Stratosphere; award-winning Vegas headliner Clint Holmes and wife Kelly Clinton; The Space founder and “Magic Mike Live” star Mark Shunock with wife Cheryl Daro; a duet by Jeff and Melody Leibow; a special guest appearance by their adorable daughter Emma who displayed her talent on the recorder, and BAZ cast member Ruby Lewis.
Lady Luck Quartet - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
These Guys Worldwide - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Murray Sawchuck with assistant Stacey Smithson - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tenors of Rock - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Daniel Emmet - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Clint Holmes - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Nicole Pryor - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Michael Shapiro - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Paul Johnson - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Cheryl Daro and Mark Shunock - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Kelly Clinton-Holmes - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The event included a silent auction where bidders had an opportunity to win an array of fantastic prizes such as a Samsung Galaxy Tablet A; an Ultimate Dance With Me Package; a Black Canyon River tour for 4; 2 nights at the Paris Las Vegas with dinner and a show; a night at the Cromwell and dinner at Giada's; 2 front row seats to see Celine Dion; 2 tickets to Magic Mike Live, 2 tickets to Donny and Marie Osmond that include a meet and greet; 2 VIP tickets to Absinthe; dinner and a movie – Brio and AMC Town Square; Brunch at Buddy V's including drink and appetizer, and much, much more.
Auction items - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Buchanan also officiated over a live auction where 2 VIP tickets to see the Tony Award winning Broadway show, Hamilton, a back stage pass, hotel accommodations at the Marriott and roundtrip airfare to New York garnered a winning bid of $5,100. Buchanan then asked everyone in the audience to make a $20 donation to NF with the goal of reaching $20,000 for the cause. As it turned out, that goal was way surpassed when it was announced that the audience donations totaled $40,199.
Jeff Leibow and Chet Buchannan - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Several people that are stricken with NF also took to the stage. Each spoke about their personal struggle and how they refused to let the disease stop them from doing anything. A couple of awards were then given out to recognize and honor those who have made a positive impact in the fight against NF. The Paul Bodner Memorial Award (named after the man who passed away from cancer and had touched people with his kindness and his sunny outlook on life) was presented to Eli Oberlander for being an inspiration. The second award, The Advocate of Hope Award, for someone who does not have NF, but has become a part of the NF family, was presented to Brenda Halverson, CEO Pappillion Grand Canyon Helicopters, for their amazing support.
Proceeds from the unforgettable event will benefit Neurofibromatosis Network, an organization serving families and individuals suffering with the neurological disorder. A portion of the proceeds will also benefit the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation in the support of Southern Nevada families touch by this common, yet seldom supported disorder. Plus, this year, in support of those affected by the recent tragedy at the Route 91 Harvest Festival, a portion of the proceeds will be contributed to the Las Vegas Victims Fund.
Jeff Leibow is now furthering his mission to expand the NF Hope Concert to other cities throughout the U.S. Presently there is a concert planned for New York City in 2018 with one in the works for Chicago in 2018.
Since its inception in 2011, the NF Concert has raised over $500,000 for Neurofibromatosis research and advocacy.
Fantasy Celebrates 18th Anniversary and 2018 Calendar Launch
Fantasy, the longest running Las Vegas topless revue to remain in one location, celebrated its 18th anniversary on the Strip and launch of their 2018 calendar on Tuesday night, October 24 a the Luxor Hotel & Casino.
FANTASY cast members with creator/producer Anita Mann - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Prior to the show, the gorgeous ladies of Fantasy posed for photographers as each showed off their new calendar pages. Also walking the “pink” carpet were Fantasy's creator, producer and choreographer Anita Mann, prop comedian Carrot Top, Glorya Kaufman of USC Kaufman School of Dance, magicians David Goldrake and Murray Sawchuck, hypnotist Mark Savard, Mark D’Agostino and Christie Copeland from Marriage Can Be Murder, Chloe Crawford from Criss Angel's Mindfreak, and the hunky men of Thunder From Down Under, who were accompanied on the carpet by two rescue dogs, Sassy and Rufus, from the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA).
A pre show reception was held in the Velvet Room where invited guests were treated to signature cocktails, an assortment of hors d’oeuvres, and mingled with the cast, before heading over to the Atrium Showroom for a special anniversary performance of Fantasy. The high energy production, where “fantasy becomes a reality”, features the dynamic, powerhouse vocalist Lorena Peril who also acts as host, eight amazing, talented and beautiful dancers performing an array of steamy, seductive numbers, and the lone male member of the cast, comedian Sean E. Cooper who has the audience laughing out loud with his very funny antics and spot on impressions of James Brown and Michael Jackson. For the special performance, all twelve of Fantasy's rotating dancers were featured in the final number.
Awarded best female revue three times, Fantasy is a sexy production that is always evolving, in order to keep the show fresh, up to date, and continually appealing to both new and returning audiences. That said, new numbers set to a variety of today’s top music genres have been added to replace others. I have seen the show numerous times, and it is now better than ever.
Fantasy performs at 10:30 pm. nightly, 7 days week.
The 2018 “Black & White and Nude All Over” calendar, which displays the stunning ladies of Fantasy photographed by renowned photographer, Oscar Picazo, is priced at $20, and available for purchase at various retail locations throughout Luxor, including the Atrium Showroom and on Fantasy's’ website.
Harrah’s Las Vegas Hosted 80th Anniversary Party with Headlining Band Asia and Flair Bartending Contest
Guests at Harrah’s Las Vegas had a blast from the past during the Harrah’s 80th anniversary party at Carnaval Court on Saturday, Oct. 21.
The free event kicked off at 3 p.m. with a flair bartending contest that featured judges from Carnaval Court’s own talented team. The competition was tight, with many flair bartending all-stars from around the city competing for the prize – and ultimate bragging rights. After several rounds of eliminations, one flair bartender ranked supreme -- Danilo Oribe, who won a cash prize of $1,000 with his incredible bottle juggling skills.
Danilo Oribe - Photo credit: Digi Photo Global
The entertainment lineup for the event featured sets from Harrah’s Las Vegas performers Tenors of Rock in addition to bands Silversage and Percussia. Fans jammed out to ’80s rock band, Asia, who performed some of their greatest hits including “Heat of the Moment” and “Only Time Will Tell.”
Asia - Photo credit: Digi Photo Global
Silversage - Photo credit: Digi Photo Global
Tenors of Rock - Photo credit: Digi Photo Global
The iconic brand got its humble start when Bill Harrah opened Harrah’s Bingo Club on Oct. 30, 1937, in Reno, and hasn’t stopped bringing fun and excitement to guests since then. While the brand may be celebrating 80 years, at Harrah’s Las Vegas it’s all about what’s new with 600 standard guests rooms and 72 suites recently renovated; an expanded patio at Piano Bar where you can see 12 hours of free live music daily; updates to Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, Oyster Bar and Harrah’s Race and Sports Book; as well as a variety of new entertainment from Tenors of Rock and headliners The Righteous Brothers featuring Bill Medley with Bucky Heard.
6th annual Downtown Brew Festival at Clark County Amphitheater
Las Vegas-based beer festival production company, Motley Brews, hosted a sell-out crowd of beer enthusiasts with the sixth annual Downtown Brew Festival at Clark County Amphitheater on Saturday, Oct. 21. The backyard beer bash featured a silent auction with items from participating sponsors, breweries and distributors. The auction raised over $4,000 for Zappos’ Las Vegas Victims’ Fund in support of Vegas Strong, where Zappos will double all donations collected.
Photo credit: Fred Morledge
Photo credit: Fred Morledge
Photo credit: Fred Morledge
More than 4,000 guests attended the nighttime festival, with more than 60 breweries pouring nearly 200 beers. VIP ticketholders were treated to exclusive rare pours paired with samplings of cuisine by Chef Joshua Clark in the VIP Pavilion, where he prepared popular selections from The Goodwich.
Guests also had the opportunity to pair their brews with a bite from local restaurants and food trucks, including QFS Tacos, Donut Bar Las Vegas, Mochiko Chicken, Sin City Wings and Oming’s Kitchen, which were available on-site for the duration of the event.
Along with the beer and culinary offerings, guests enjoyed live musical acts Naked Elephant; genre-defying five-piece band, The Routine; and hip-hop artist Mike Xavier.
Multi Purpose Special Events Center, Enclave, Celebrates Grand Opening
Enclave, a groundbreaking three-story 75,000-square-foot multi-purpose special events venue with a 5,000-square-foot, panoramic rooftop deck, celebrated its grand opening Thursday night, October 19. In attendance at the ceremonial ribbon cutting were Keith Conrad, Eli Stearns and Jay Curiel, managing partners of Enclave and sister company 3G Productions, along with Commissioner James Gibson.
Ceremonial ribbon cutting - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Enclave - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Located at 5810 S. Eastern Ave, just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip , Enclave is available for weddings, product launches, press conferences, conventions and more. Backed by decades of experience via sister-company 3G Productions and its collection of exceptional production engineers, the 75,000-square-foot space is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and audio/video technology, electrical distribution, acoustically designed spaces and a top-of-the-line loading dock for care and efficiency. Plus, Enclave’s team of experienced hospitality professionals ensure the highest level of service for all events.
Enclave - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Enclave - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Enclave - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Enclave - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Enclave - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Enclave - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Enclave - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The evening's party showcased Enclave’s various capabilities with performances by Cirque du Soleil, live music by Mike Xavier and Brittany Rose, mock wedding ceremonies and rooftop dancing under the stars.
In an effort to support and help heal everyone impacted by the October 1 tragedy, through its grand opening, Enclave will match donations up to $5,000 to the Las Vegas Shooting Victims’ Fund, created by Commissioner Steve Sisolak.
‘Battle of the Bras’ Fashion Show Raises Over $106,000 for the American Cancer Society to Benefit Las Vegas Community
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas resorts raised $106,746 to benefit the American Cancer Society through the eighth annual “Battle of the Bras” fashion show hosted at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Wednesday, Oct. 18. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society and the services and treatments the organization provides specifically to the Las Vegas community.
Caesars Entertainment executives and senior leaders auctioned off bras designed by employees at the eighth annual “Battle of the Bras” fashion show at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Wednesday, Oct. 18 to raise $106,746 for the American Cancer Society to benefit the Las Vegas community.
Photo credit: Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas Resorts
Teams of Caesars Entertainment employees from the Las Vegas region embraced this year’s ‘80s theme of “Let’s 86 Cancer” by decorating bras and selecting costumes for their property or corporate leaders to model down a catwalk in front of cheering fans. To raise money, this fun competition for a cause concluded with a public auction for the bras decorated by Caesars Entertainment’s employees, celebrity partners and members of the local media. The two decorated bras signed by celebrated chef, author and television personality Giada De Laurentiis and America’s favorite brother-sister duo Donny & Marie Osmond were auctioned off together for a total of $28,300.
This year, the event and month-long fundraising effort exceeded the goal of raising $100,086. A total of 175 bras were decorated and available for bidding in the live and silent auctions.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Hundreds of people participated in The Seventh Annual UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF) TEDDY BEAR RUN, a 5k run and one-mile walk to raise money to benefit children with medical expenses, on Saturday morning, October 21 at Tivoli Village.
Before the race, which was was emceed by KLUC’s Chet Buchanan, UnitedHealthcare executives recognized two current grant recipients: 12-year-old Max and his 13-year-old sister Karlee, who both have Cystic Fibrosis. Their single mother is an eighth grade science teacher who last year spent half of her take-home pay on medical expenses.
Since 2007, UHCCF has awarded over 13,000 grants valued at more than $35 million to children and their families across the United States for treatments associated with medical conditions such as cancer, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, hearing loss, autism, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, ADHD and cerebral palsy. UHCCF grants are available to children who have medical needs that are not covered, or not fully covered, by commercial insurance. Grants are available up to $5,000 annually per child and $10,000 in a lifetime.
Oktoberfest celebrations continued at Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas with additional celebrity keg tappers. Friday evening, October 20, Harrah’s Las Vegas headliner and “Magician of the Year” MAC KING brought his quirky humor to the Las Vegas beer hall as he tapped the keg of authentic, limited-edition Oktoberfestbier. Then, tapping the keg on the Hofbräuhaus stage on Saturday, October 21 was master impressionist and Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino headliner GORDIE BROWN.
Impressionist Gordie Brown and local hero David Adolph - Photo credit: Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas
Mac King - Photo credit: Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas
Comedian TOM GREEN brings his unique brand of onstage hilarity to Las Vegas with “The Tom Green Show” opening in the Back Room at Bally’s Las Vegas Sunday, Oct. 29. “The Tom Green Show” performs Sunday through Wednesday at 10 p.m. beginning Sunday, Oct. 29, with an additional midnight show on Sundays. Tickets are $39, $59 and $79, with a meet-and-greet package available for $99, plus applicable tax and fees.
On Tuesday, Oct. 31, one of the sexiest and most dangerous acts from ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace, roller skating siblings BILLY AND EMILY ENGLAND, otherwise known as “The Skates of Hell,” will deliver a special death-defying performance on Access Hollywood Live on NBC. Check local listings for showtimes in your area.
PURPLE REIGN, the world's #1 Prince tribute starring Jason Tenner kicks off their NEW LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY AT TROPICANA LAS VEGAS beginning November 1. The award-winning Prince Tribute Show will bring its high-energy musical performance to Tropicana Theater as the 9 p.m. headlining show. Tickets for Purple Reign are now on sale starting at $49.99 (excludes tax and fees). Performances dates will be Wednesday through Saturday at 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Tropicana box office.
Beginning on November 2, Nevada residents will be charged to park at Caesars Palace, Paris Las Vegas, Bally’s Las Vegas, The Cromwell, Flamingo Las Vegas, The LINQ Hotel & Casino and Harrah’s Las Vegas. Parking will remain free at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino and for all Total Rewards loyalty members rated Platinum and above. Parking at Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will also remain free, for the time being.
Majestic Repertory Theatre presents Branden Jacobs-Jenkins 2014 Obie Award-winning satire, AN OCTOROON. When Dion Boucicault wrote "The Octoroon" in 1859, it was considered a masterpiece. Its story of a plantation owner falling for a woman of mixed race was taken as a bold plea for racial tolerance; now, it just seems embarrassingly racist. So why has America’s hottest young black playwright decided to rescue such a play from obscurity? AN OCTOROON, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ radical response, compares attitudes to race then and now in the funniest and least comfortable theatre experience in years. AN OCTOROON continues Majestic Rep’s “revolutionary” second season, which focuses on hot topics effecting today’s America, following the fiftieth anniversary production of HAIR: THE AMERICAN TRIBAL LOVE-ROCK MUSICAL and the thrilling KID SISTER. Other shows in the season include ANIMAL FARM, MARIE ANTOINETTE and the sci-fi world premiere SENTIENCE. Performances of AN OCTOROON will be November 2nd through November 18th, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. Majestic Repertory Theatre performs at 1217 S. Main Street. General admission tickets are $25.
JDRF ONE WALK will kick off its 33rd annual event in Las Vegas on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, aiming to raise more than $586,000 to help fund critically needed type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. The event, organized by the JDRF Southern Nevada Chapter, is expected to attract more than 4,000 supporters representing local businesses, families, schools, and other organizations. The walk is one of more than 200 community JDRF One Walks nationwide that bring together hundreds of thousands of people each year who share JDRF’s vision to create a world without T1D. JDRF encourages people of all ages driven to support a great cause to participate in JDRF One Walk and enjoy a fun day with other members of the type 1 community and supporters in Southern Nevada. On-site registration begins at 9:00 am just north of the Student Union on the campus of University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The JDRF One Walk is approximately a 5K length and starts and finishes at the Student Union. Participants will enjoy a musical performance by TOXSIN from the Sam Ash Music Ash Rock Program and additional artists courtesy of Joze Perez. The national anthem will be performed by Skyler Elaine.
THE DOWNTOWN GRAND HOTEL & CASINO is hosting a one-of-a-kind VIEWING PARTY FOR THE LEAGUE OF LEGENDS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS FINAL MATCH held on Saturday, Nov. 4 beginning at 4 p.m. in the property’s dedicated Esports venue, THE COMMISSARY. As the only location in the United States to offer the opportunity to bet on the League of Legends World Finals, wagers must be placed at the Downtown Grand by midnight on Nov. 3. Once the action gets underway, guests can watch and play League of Legends with like-minded fans while enjoying food and drink specials including $1 PBR and $5 Burger + Side, games and raffles during this free, immersive viewing party experience of the spectacular finale of the world's biggest Esports league.
Hakkasan Group has announced a BENEFIT CONCERT will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at OMNIA Nightclub inside Caesars Palace. In response to the recent tragedy, the Las Vegas-based company will look to bring the industry together to raise funds for families and victims affected by this devastating event. In a city known for its world-class entertainment and legendary events, the night will bring iconic headliners Tiësto, Zedd, Kaskade, Steve Aoki, Lil Jon, and many more on one stage. These legendary artists will come together with locals and visitors alike to host an evening that further cements Vegas as the entertainment capital of the world.
With tickets starting at $30 and VIP tables available for purchase, all proceeds will be donated to the Las Vegas Victims Fund via the Direct Impact Fund, a 501(c)(3) which will take no fees or operating costs for their help in distributing relief to the victims. Headlining DJ and Hakkasan Group resident Tiësto, who has strong ties to the city, has already committed to contributing the first donation, a generous sum of $200,000.
Headliner JEFF CIVILLICO resumes his residency at Paris Las Vegas after a one-year hiatus recovering from knee and shoulder surgeries. He will be performing one night a week, Wednesdays at 7p.m, in the Anthony Cools Showroom. Civillico has been a headliner with Caesars Entertainment for over five years, having performed a total of 1,000 shows at The LINQ Hotel & Casino, Flamingo Las Vegas, and now Paris Las Vegas.
MAYESH WHOLESALE FLORIST presents ART IN FULL BLOOM on Friday, Nov. 10 from 4-9 p.m at the Mayesh Las Vegas warehouse, 3950 West Diablo #B11, to benefit Aid for AIDS of Nevada's (AFAN) client service programs helping men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada.
Art in Full Bloom is a FREE event that started as a simple open house for Mayesh Wholesale Florist and has grown into an eclectic mix of floral, art, and fun. Local artists will exhibit creative art pieces available to purchase and create a floral design to complement their work. The event will also feature Floral Fantasy designs, a student competition, raffles, silent auction, and dishes and libations.
In celebration of this year's theme, "Crazy Daisy: A Neon Celebration of Colors," artists and designers will be creating over-the-top and vivid pieces influenced by electronic dance music (EDM). Attendees are encouraged to participate with festival-style costumes and revelry. Tickets are FREE, but guests can support by donating or purchasing art, participating in the raffle, and bidding on silent auction items.
In honor of Veterans day, Cabo Wabo Cantina, located inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, invite all veterans and active-duty service members with a valid military ID to enjoy a twenty percent off drink special all day, Saturday, November 11.
THE SALVATION ARMY is looking for energetic, giving, community-minded VOLUNTEERS this holiday season to be bell ringers at the Army’s famous RED KETTLES in order to stretch donations as far as possible to help those in need. The Salvation Army will have Red Kettles at several Southern Nevada businesses during the holiday season and encourages individuals, groups, organizations and companies to participate.
“Bell ringing is fun, easy and an excellent way to give to those in your community,” said Lt. Col. Kelly Pontsler, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army’s Southwest Division. “For groups, organizations and companies, it is great for team building and a fantastic way to embrace the spirit of the season.“Red Kettle volunteers help lower our costs, so we can continue to do the most good throughout the year.” For more information on volunteering or how to sponsor a kettle, please contact Connie Brown, Corporate Engagement / Volunteer Coordinator of The Salvation Army Southern Nevada at (702) 870-4430 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – or visit volunteer.usawest.org.
Celebrity sightings:
Friday evening, October 13...
Actress and model Shauna Sand stopped by Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Fashion Show in Las Vegas with her three daughters, Alexandra, Victoria, and Isabella, to celebrate her 46th birthday.
Shauna Sand and daughters - Photo courtesy of the Sugar Factory
