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
Fremont Street Experience Rings in 2018 at “America’s Party Downtown”
Thousands of revelers took over Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas on Sunday night, December 31, to ring in 2018 at “America’s Party Downtown.” Partiers enjoyed live entertainment on four stages throughout the night, including an exclusive EDM stage, posed for photos with dancers donning LED light suits and experienced the world premiere of The Killers’ new Viva Vision light show, featuring the band’s top hits “Mr. Brightside” and “When You Were Young.”
Pyrotechnics light up the 3rd Street Stage as the clock strikes midnight on NYE during Americas Party Downtown at Fremont Street Experience - Photo credit: Black Raven Films
Dancers wearing LED light suits posed for photos with guests and hyped up the crowd on NYE at Fremont Street Experience - Photo credit: Black Raven Films
Tony Marques Band performs on the 3rd Street Stage during Fremont Street Experiences NYE party downtown - Photo credit: Black Raven Films
Earlier in the evening, guests were treated to a live look at the festivities in New York City as they watched the iconic ball drop in Times Square.
As 2017 came to a close, Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman, along with her husband former Mayor Oscar Goodman, the D Las Vegas owner Derek Stevens, and Fremont Street Experience President and CEO Patrick Hughes took over the 3rd Street Stage to introduce the year-in-review video montage and lead the countdown to 2018. They expressed their gratitude to everyone for coming out and making 2017 an unforgettable year, and as the clock struck midnight, stunning pyrotechnics lit up the stage and confetti rained down on the crowd as “Auld Lang Syne” played, welcoming a new year.
Guests ring in 2018 at Americas Party Downtown at Fremont Street Experience - Photo credit: Black Raven Films
Caesar's Entertainment Las Vegas Resorts Welcomes the New Year with Star Performances
Nearly 3,000 guests were present during a private engagement at Caesars Palace, where they were treated to exclusive performances by Darci Lynne Farmer and Fergie.
Darci Lynne Farmer, the winner of Season 12 of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” kicked off the New Year’s Eve celebration by singing “O Mio Babbino Caro” and “Hit The Road Jack” with her puppet, Petunia. The singing ventriloquist also showcased her amazing talent with appearances from puppets Oscar and Edna.
Darci Lynne Farmer at Caesars Palace - Photo credit: Karl Larson
Eight-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer-songwriter Fergie took the stage later that night in a blinged-out blazer and opened with her hit song, “You Already Know.” set also included her most popular hits including “London Bridge” and “Fergalicious.”
Fergie at Caesars Palace - Photo credit: Karl Larson
Legendary icon Céline Dion returned to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on New Year’s Eve with her critically-acclaimed Las Vegas residency,“Céline.” During CNN’s “New Year’s Eve with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen, the songstress showcased her talent to viewers across the globe as she performed “Where Does My Heart Beat Now” from her show at Caesars Palace.
Celine Dion at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace - Photo credit Denise Truscello
Legendary pop icon Britney Spears took the stage for the final time to perform her record-breaking Las Vegas residency, “Britney: Piece of Me,” at The AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. A celebration of one of the most illustrious careers in music history, the jaw-dropping production is a compilation of more than 20 of Britney’s worldwide hits. ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” featured Spears performing “Toxic” and “Work Bitch” during her final performance.
Britney Spears at The AXIS at Planet Hollywood - Photo credit: Denise Truscello
FOX’s “New Year’s Eve with Steve Harvey” featured the best-selling boy band of all time, Backstreet Boys, as they performed “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” from their record-breaking Las Vegas residency, “Backstreet Boys: Larger Than Life,” at The AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Backstreet Boys at The AXIS at Planet Hollywood - Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Wedding bells rang for Kristi and Adam Nolan of Billings, Montana on December 25 at Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
In the first ever wedding at the lights, the couple said 'I DO' under the holiday globe perched on a hill with the Vegas strip skyline as the backdrop and hundreds of guests driving by in their vehicles viewing the lights. The couple was married by ordained minister, Jayne Post outfitted in her character D.D., the hostess of Marriage Can Be Murder. Post is co-founder and co-senior pastor of Sin City Church.
The couple loves Las Vegas and loves Christmas lights. They could not think of a more fitting way to share their special day than to get married at one of Las Vegas' most loved holiday traditions. The ceremony was a quaint, winter wonderland of love. The couple was joined by their daughter, Marissa, and their close friend and Vegas Kool, photographer Gabe Ginsberg.
Kristi and Adam Nolan - Photo courtesy of Las Vegas Motor Speedway
The VEGAS STRONG BENEFIT CONCERT announced that more than $700,000 WAS RAISED BY THE DEC. 1 ALL STAR CONCERT AT T-MOBILE ARENA. Held in honor of the victims of the October 1 tragedy, the special event to benefit the Las Vegas Victims fund featured more than a dozen A-list entertainers and homegrown talent, drawing a capacity crowd of 12,000 guests. “We are grateful for the outpouring of love from these icons of Las Vegas entertainment, who once again proved that our community stands as one to support the victims of this senseless tragedy,” said Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak, who organized the Las Vegas Victims’ Fund with Sheriff Joseph Lombardo.
A.Y.C.E, the all-new buffet concept inside Palms Casino Resort is now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Newly added to the Station Casinos' family, the iconic property welcomes the casual eatery offering up distinct culinary dishes and preparations in a comfortable atmosphere. An abbreviation of "All-You-Can-Eat," A.Y.C.E. buffet is a continuation of the Palms' $485 million revitalization plan.
New York-born DJ and music producing sensation 3LAU, originally scheduled to play Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas at The Linq Promenade on Saturday, Dec. 30, has moved the show to Saturday, April 7, 2018 due to scheduling conflicts. All currently held tickets will be valid for the new performance date and refunds are available at point of purchase.
In 2018, LYFT LAS VEGAS is teaming up with local businesses and organizations to form a year-long coalition dedicated to eliminating impaired driving fatalities in Las Vegas. Lyft will pledge an unprecedented $100,000 IN FREE CREDIT RIDES to be distributed throughout the year to support the coalition's campaigns that PROMOTE SAFE TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS to the community.
World-renowned hospitality company Hakkasan Group announced its renewed partnership with multi-platinum and GRAMMY Award-winning artist ZEDD with a residency extension through 2020. Zedd will bring numerous headlining performances to premier nightlife and daylife destinations on the Las Vegas Strip, including Hakkasan Nightclub and WET REPUBLIC at MGM Grand, as well as OMNIA Nightclub inside Caesars Palace.
Multiple GRAMMY® Award-winning artist RICKY MARTIN has announced 12 performance dates for his headlining Las Vegas residency “ALL IN” at Park Theater at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in 2018. The 2018 performance schedule is: March: 15, 17, 18, 21, 24 and 25; May: 23, 26, 27 and 30 and June: 2 and 3. Tickets beginning at $59.50, not including applicable service charges, are on sale now. Additionally, for every ticket sold to his Las Vegas shows, Ricky Martin will donate $1 to The Ricky Martin Foundation which has provided the much needed help for the damages in Puerto Rico and to denounce human trafficking.
SHAKIRA has POSTPONED the U.S. leg of the “El Dorado World Tour,” including the Las Vegas stop at MGM Grand Garden Arena previously scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018. Doctors have determined that she needs to spend the next few months working towards recovery in order for her vocal cords to be in optimal condition for touring. . Tickets will be valid for the new Las Vegas date, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018 or can be refunded at point of purchase if needed. Tickets for the “El Dorado World Tour” range in price from $50.50 to $160.50 (not including applicable service charges or fees).
“SEX TIPS FOR STRAIGHT WOMEN FOM A GAY MAN" is entering 2018 with two new headlining stars: SCHEANA SHAY AND CHESTER LOCKHART. Shay, an actress, model, and reality television personality will make her Las Vegas stage debut alongside recording artist and MTV star Lockhart on Thursday, Jan. 4 at Paris Las Vegas. Tickets for 2018 performances are now on sale.
FIRST FRIDAY FOUNDATION, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, announces that JANUARY 5TH FIRST FRIDAY’S THEME IS “COMMITMENT". Key elements for this month include:
·First Friday's Featured Artists - a collaborative featuring artists of LaRon Emcee and AROSE1. They will be displaying and collaborating on a painting Live at First Friday. LaRon Emcee is influenced by afro-futurism, cartoons, comic books, realism and portraiture and has shown his work throughout the U.S. AROSE1 is a 27-year-old multimedia/grafitti artist.
·Live entertainment with music of all kinds provided from 5:00PM until 11:00PM. On the City Stage: 05:00PM-05:45PM DeBlanc; 06:00PM-06:45PM Gia K & Mango Rankin; 07:15PM-07:45PM Travis Slumberland; 08:15PM-09:00PM B. Bigga; and 09:30PM-10:10PM Sounds Hound.
·Kids Zone: Kids Zone has a new partner: The Girl Scouts of America. They will be bringing a Planetarium for January’s event with several other interactive activities all geared towards . Kids Zone will be an educational and FUN must see! :)
·First Friday Footprint – Once again, the main stage moves to south end of Art Way parking lot. Majority of artists/vendors move to First Street, extending to Hoover. Premium Parking available in lot in front of Mission building and Art Square (accessed via Coolidge and South Casino Center Blvd.).
LAND ROVER LAS VEGAS, ALONG WITH CLARK COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICE DEPARTMENT AND BMX PRO RICARDO LAGUNA, team up once again in an effort to educate young people about the importance of making safe decisions for 14th ANNUAL AFTER CHRISTMAS HELMET GIVEAWAY on Saturday, Jan. 6 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Land Rover Las Vegas, 5255 West Sahara Avenue,Las Vegas. Kids will have the chance to meet the BMX star and receive a free helmet from Clark County School District Police Department. Additionally, Laguna and friends will put on a BMX demonstration for everyone and other entertainment including music by DJ Ocho, free bike raffles, and much more. Kids must be present for helmet fitting and helmets are available while supplies last.
NuLeaf Las Vegas, located on 430 East Twain, celebrates the new year with NULEAF'S SIGNATURE SERIES EVENT on Thursday, January 11 from 8 – 11pm. The lively party will feature live spinning by DJ Freddy B, representatives from Moxie and Green & Gold brands providing product activations, raffles and more. Green & Gold will also be providing 100 one-cent pre-rolls. Admission is FREE. Ages 21 and over with valid ID.
Entertainer and beloved showman Matt Goss returns to the Las Vegas Strip, headlining an extended engagement at The Mirage. “MATT GOSS AT THE MIRAGE” is appearing now on select evenings inside 1 OAK Nightclub, beginning January 12. All shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. Known for his impassioned performances that combine intoxicating vocal sets, big band instrumentals and old-school glamour, British-born singing sensation Goss’ sleek style and unparalleled ability to engage audiences embody the magic of Las Vegas’ classic lounge crooners. Goss, along with his sexy dancers - The Dirty Virgins, gets up close and personal with the audience in the relaxed, intimate club setting, reminiscent of The Rat Pack era. Fans can order a bottle of champagne or a Matt Goss-themed specialty cocktail direct to their table, while singing and grooving alongside Goss. Tickets starting at $49.99, plus service charges, are available now. A VIP meet and greet, including a photo opportunity, is available for an additional $50. Tickets can be purchased at The Mirage Box Offices.
For the first time ever, multi-talented songstress and Frank Sinatra’s granddaughter, AJ LAMBERT will perform in Las Vegas with a monthly residency at The Space beginning Friday, Jan. 12. AJ will rotate between performing two of her grandfather’s albums – the 1955 pioneering concept album “In The Wee Small Hours,” as well as his 1958 album, “Only The Lonely.” Tickets are $35.
Comedy Magician ADAM LONDON'S 'LAUGHTERNOON' celebrates its five-year anniversary at the D Las Vegas in January. The all-ages comedy-magic show fills the 4 p.m. afternoon slot that opens the showroom nightly. To celebrate the milestone, London has decided to make 2018 a year of giving back to the community that has helped to make his show such a success. With the “I Give a Duck” celebration, London has chosen a different local charity or organization to donate to for each month of 2018. The yearlong spree kicks off January 13, National Rubber Ducky Day. The charity of choice will be Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation.
The 9th ANNUAL PAINT THE TOWN will return on Friday, Jan. 19 from 6-10 p.m. at the Zappos Headquarters, located at 400 Stewart Avenue, to BENEFIT AID FOR AIDS OF NEVADA'S (AFAN) CLIENT SERVICE PROGRAMS FOR MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN LIVING WITH OR AFFECTED BY HIV/AIDS. Paint the Town is an annual one evening only "pop up" fine art exhibit where philanthropists, artists, and art lovers converge to celebrate fine art and give back to their community. Guests will enjoy complimentary refreshments provided by Back Bar USA and appetizers. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. VIP tickets are also available for $50 and includes entry into the VIP reception from 6-7 p.m., an intimate meeting and champagne toast with the artists, and first chance to "buy it now." All ticket sales are applied toward the purchase of art with a value over $250. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com/e/paint-the-town-tickets-38646165722.
The Sichuan Tianyu Culture Communication Co., Ltd., in cooperation with Zigong City and the Sichuan Provincial Department of Commerce, announces that world-class CHINA LIGHTS LANTERN FESTIVAL will debut at Craig Ranch Regional Park in North Las Vegas as part of a cultural trade mission. From Jan. 19 through Feb. 25, Craig Ranch Regional Park will be illuminated with 40 larger-than-life lantern displays, comprised of more than 1,000 components using state-of-the-art LEDs and animation. The festival will also include cultural demonstrations and displays, traditional Asian and western dining options, and nightly live stage entertainment.
DIVA'S DAY OUT Las Vegas’ Largest Annual Women’s Event is returning to the South Point Hotel Casino & Spa's Convention Hall on Saturday, January 27th, 2018 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm ! Over 175 businesses that have everything any woman could hope for to stay healthy, be fashionable, manager her family, finances, and more will be featured. There will also be live performances from some of today’s hottest stars and the most talked about shows on the Las Vegas Strip! Admission is absolutely FREE with FREE Parking!
THE VOID has announced plans to open TWO NEW VOID EXPERIENCE CENTERS (VECs) in partnership with retail real estate company GGP, Inc. in early 2018. The new VECs will be located at the GRAND CANAL SHOPPES at The Venetian® and The Palazzo® Las Vegas. And at Glendale Galleria in Glendale, CA Each new VEC will feature the critically acclaimed hyper-reality experience Star Wars™: Secrets of the Empire, produced in collaboration with ILMxLAB and The VOID, and built using best-in-class technologies from OculusTM. "When it comes to immersive entertainment, seeing is believing and that's never been truer than with hyper-reality. Partnering with Oculus has enabled us to provide the most human experience imaginable, transporting guests to entirely new worlds. We look forward to opening our unique entertainment centers in additional key markets throughout 2018," said Cliff Plumer, CEO of The VOID.
Celebrity sightings:
Sunday night, New Year's Eve, December 31...
Unforgettable” Recording artist French Montana welcomed 2018 with a packed house of revelers at Marquee Nightclub in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Joining Montana on stage with an impromptu performance were rappers Nav and Belly who surprised the crowd. Also celebrating 2018 with Montana at his VIP booth was “Basketball Wives” star Evelyn Loazada.
French Montana - Photo credit: Tony Tran
New York Yankees star Aaron Judge rang in the New Year at Marquee with friends.
Gucci Mane headlined the party at TAO Nightclub in The Venetian, as he counted down to midnight before performing hits including “I Get the Bag” from the TAO stage. The newlywed artist was joined by his wife Keyshia Cole.
Gucci Mane and Keyshia Cole at TAO - Photo credit: Brenton Ho
Rapper Juicy J rang in the New Year at LAVO in The Palazzo.. Juicy J was joined by his wife Regina Perera, who is expecting a baby girl this year.
Juicy J and Regina Perera - Photo credit: Brenton Ho
Saturday night, December 30...
Foo Fighter’s front man Dave Grohl enjoyed dinner with family and friends at Beauty & Essex in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
Upstairs at Marquee Nightclub, DJ Mustard headlined the night. Party-goers danced the night away as Mustard pumped out the hits.
Over at TAO Restaurant in The Venetian, New York Yankee star Aaron Judge kicked of the night with dinner before heading upstairs to the nightclub where they partied the night away at a VIP table.
Manning the decks at TAO Nightclub was Grammy-award winning artist Jermaine Dupri. Joining the party was DTP artist and rapper Lil’ Fate.
Jermaine Dupri and Lil Fate - Photo credit: Tony Tran Photography
Friday afternoon, December 29...
Britney Spears’ mother Lynne Spears enjoyed lunch with Spears’ children Jayden James and Sean Preston along with friends and family at Virgil’s Real Barbecue in The LINQ Promenade.
Thursday, December 28...
Actor and comedian (White Chicks) Marlon Wayans was spotted dining at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant.
Saturday, December 23...
Vegas Golden Knights Alex Tuch and teammate Shea Theodore and their families headed to Andiamo Italian Steakhouse for a pre Chritsmas dinner and celebrate after a 3-0 win against the Washington Capitals.
Vegas Golden Knights players Shea Theodore and Alex Tuch dine inside Andiamo Italian Steakhouse Las Vegas - Photo courtesy of Andiamo Steakhouse
Friday night, December 22..
“Dancing with the Stars” pro Mark Ballas was seen enjoying dinner with his wife BC Jean and family at Beauty & Essex in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
NHL standout and Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brad Hunt was spotted attending the 7 p.m. performance of Mat Franco – Magic Reinvented Nightly in the Mat Franco Theater at The LINQ Hotel & Casino.
Vegas Golden Knight Brad Hunt Attends MAT FRANCO MAGIC REINVENTED NIGHTLY at The LINQ Hotel and Casino - Photo credit: Alicia Morse
