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
"Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man" Celebrates with New Stars Scheana Shay and Chester Lockhart
The smash-hit Las Vegas comedy production "Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man”, which is staged in the Anthony Cools Showroom at Paris Las Vegas, celebrated the premiere of its new stars Scheana Shay and Chester Lockhart, on Thursday evening, January 11. An exclusive group of celebrity and VIP guests attended the star-studded event and enjoyed the performance before heading to the after party at Alexxa's Bar to toast the premiere and its new cast.
Chester Lockhart, Scheana Shay, and Chris Hodgsen - Photo credit: Stacey Torma
Celebrity guests in attendance included Carlie Craig ("MADtv"), Mikalah Gordon (Rose. Rabbit. Lie., "American Idol"), Robby Hayes ("The Bachelorette," "Bachelor in Paradise"), Chad Johnson ("The Bachelorette," "Bachelor in Paradise"), Jef Holm ("The Bachelorette"), Jasmine Goode, Danielle Lombard, and Alexis Waters ("The Bachelor"), Jesse Montana ("Vanderpump Rules"), Melody Sweets, pro BMX rider Ricardo Laguna, the cast of "WOW," Jason Tenner ("Purple Reign"), magician David Goldrake ("Imaginarium"), Tenors of Rock, magician Tommy Wind ("Masters of Illusion"), cast members from "BAZ - A Musical Mash-Up," and more.
Bri and Adam Steck - Photo credit: Stacey Torma
Anthony Cools - Photo credit: Stacey Torma
Carlie Craig - Photo credit: Stacey Torma
Chad Johnson - Photo credit: Stacey Torma
David Goldrake - Photo credit: Stacey Torma
DJ Lisa Pittman - Photo credit: Stacey Torma
Jasmine Goode, Danielle Lombard, and Alexis Waters - Photo credit: Stacey Torma
Jason Tenner and Porsche Youssef - Photo credit: Stacey Torma
Jesse Montana - Photo credit: Stacey Torma
Katie Kenner - Photo credit: Stacey Torma
Melody Sweets - Photo credit: Stacey Torma
Mikalah Gordon - Photo credit: Stacey Torma
Ricardo Laguna and Amber Ramsay - Photo credit: Stacey Torma
Robby Hayes and Jef Holm - Photo credit: Stacey Torma
Tenors of Rock - Photo credit: Stacey Torma
The Cast of Wow - Photo credit: Stacey Torma
Tommy and Stacy Wind - Photo credit: Stacey Torma
Xavier Mortimer - Photo credit: Stacey Torma
Following the show, which received a standing ovation from a full-house of enthusiastic guests, the stars and their celebrity and VIP guests headed to Alexxa's Bar, where the new cast celebrated in true Las Vegas style, enjoying cocktails and dancing the night away.
A hilarious and highly informative production, "Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man" was a surprise sensation in New York City, before making its Las Vegas debut with Kendra Wilkinson and Jai Rodriguez.
Now a pop culture phenomenon, "Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man" was recently featured in three reality television series whose stars performed in the show, including "Kendra on Top," "Real Housewives and New York," and "Shahs of Sunset." The source material, the internationally bestselling book of the same title, has been published in more than 50 countries and translated into 17 languages.
A co-production of Adam Steck's SPI Entertainment with Matt Murphy and Shawn Nightingale, "Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man" is the perfect show for couples, girls' or guys' nights out, birthday parties, bachelorette parties, and even an adventurous office outing ready to take the term "team building exercises" to a whole new level.
"Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man" performs nightly (dark Wednesdays) at 7 p.m. with additional 11 p.m. shows Saturday nights. Tickets are now on sale and start at $39 (plus taxes and fees). A VIP ticket upgrade is available and includes a meet-and-greet and souvenir photo with the stars.
Italian American Club Hosts Charity Event for National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
The Italian American Club, located at 2333 East Sahara, hosted a charity event to benefit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) on Wednesday evening, January 10. The evening's affair featured musical entertainment by Frank Sinatra impersonator David DeCosta, a buffet style sit down dinner, a poker tournament (with a $750 buy in), and silent auction. The various items up for auction included two nights at the J.W.Marriott in Summerlin, a four course dinner with wine pairings at Ferraro's valued at $1,000, a Canon EOS7D camera, luggage, a $200 gift certificate at Maggiano's Restaurant in Las Vegas, a two night stay at Caesars Palace including two seats at the Baccanal Buffet, and much more.
Poker Tournament - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Event Sponsors - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Raffle Prizes - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Silent Auction Items - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Among the many guests in attendance to show their support for the good cause were several celebrities including actor John O'Hurley, actor Billy Hufsey from the 1980's TV series Fame and the daytime drama, Days of Our Lives (1987-1991), and British born rocker John Payne (lead singer and bassist of Asia). Also on hand was John Arnos, a consultant for Canon USA, whose technologies and products have been implemented to protect children. The Canon4Kids program, a partnership between Canon USA and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, has donated thousands of digital cameras, fax machines, printers and scanners to help law enforcement agencies and the center quickly disseminate photos and information about missing children, produces PSAs with missing children’s photos and educates parents about tips for taking and maintaining updated photos of their children.
Actor John O'Hurley and John Arnos of Canon USA - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Established in 1984, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is the leading nonprofit organization in the U.S. working with law enforcement, families and the professionals who serve them on issues related to missing and sexually exploited children. Thanks to partners and supporters, the National Center has been able to assist law enforcement in the recovery of more than 200,000 missing children.
Miss Nevada USA Organization Crowns Miss Nevada USA 2018 and Miss Nevada Teen USA 2018
The Miss Nevada USA organization crowned the new Miss Nevada USA 2018 and Miss Nevada Teen USA 2018 at the pageant, which was hosted at the Southpoint Hotel on Sunday, January 7. Carolina Urrea of Paradise was crowned Miss Nevada USA 2018 and Britney Barnhart of Las Vegas was crowned Miss Nevada Teen USA 2018.
Carolina Urrea and Britney Barnhart - Photo credit: Georgina Vaughan
The two beauty queens were crowned by the previous titleholders, Miss Nevada USA 2017, Lauren York, and Miss Nevada Teen USA 2017, Alexis Smith. Contestants were judged in three areas of competition, including: interview, swimsuit and evening gown for Miss Nevada USA contestants; and interview, athletic wear and evening gown for Miss Nevada Teen USA contestants. In the end, Urrea and Barnhart were the judges’ picks.
As Miss Nevada USA 2018, 23-year-old Urrea hopes to bring awareness to the community about the Nevada Partnership of Homeless Youth, an organization that offers programs to meet the survival needs of Nevada’s homeless youth to help them successfully transition out of homelessness. Bilingual in both Spanish and English, Urrea loves to travel and experience new cultures, food and people.
As Miss Nevada Teen USA 2018, 16-year-old Barnhart hopes to continue her crusade to end bullying in Nevada schools. Barnhart authored her own anti-bullying book, “Katie the Caterpillar,” which she has read to over 5,000 students across the community. In addition to being on the varsity dance team at Faith Lutheran High School, Barnhart is part of the honor roll with a 4.0 GPA. In her free time, she enjoys exploring music, movies and fashion from previous decades.
Throughout their reigns, the newly crowned beauties will help give back to the community, working with charities and becoming fashion icons while modeling the latest fashions at red carpet events. They will also represent the Silver State at the national level at the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA competitions later this year.
China Lights Lantern Festival Unveils Life-Size Kylin Lantern at Gold Coast Hotel and Casino
The Sichuan Tianyu Culture Communication Co., Ltd. and Boyd Gaming unveiled a spectacular, handcrafted, larger-than-life, purple kylin lantern at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino on the morning of January 4 as a preview of the upcoming China Lights lantern festival coming to Craig Ranch Regional Park in North Las Vegas from Jan. 19 through Feb. 25. Created by Chinese artisans, the lantern stands at six feet tall and illuminated with more than 100 LED light bulbs.
David Strow and Huiyuan Liu pose next to the kylin lantern - Photo credit: Madison Freedle, one7communications.com
kylin lantern - Photo credit: Madison Freedle, one7communications.com
Guest speakers included Huiyuan Liu, Sichuan Tianyu Culture Communication Co. Ltd. event manager, and David Strow, vice president of corporate communications at Boyd Gaming. Attendees continued the celebration at Ping Pang Pong, Las Vegas' most acclaimed Chinese restaurant, for a complimentary lunch at its newly-redesigned and expanded space.
"In traditional Chinese Feng Shui, the kylin is said to bring wealth and treasure, so we thought it would be fitting to showcase this lantern in the Gold Coast Casino," said Liu. "We hope China Lights' beautiful lanterns, art exhibits, cooking demonstrations, and stage performances become a part of the annual Chinese New Year celebration and also allow all visitors to learn about Chinese traditions and raise cultural awareness."
In addition to the larger-than-life sized kylin lantern which is now on display at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, other Boyd Gaming properties including Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa, Cannery Casino Hotel, Suncoast Hotel and Casino, The Orleans Hotel and Casino, Eastside Cannery Casino and Hotel, Sam's Town Las Vegas Hotel and Gambling Hall, and California Hotel and Casino will be home to smaller intricate and unique lanterns for guests to preview starting next week before the upcoming festival.
"Over the years, Boyd Gaming has cultivated many friendships within the local Asian community," said Strow. "We're excited to say thank you in a very tangible way by supporting the inaugural year of the China Lights lantern festival. We encourage everyone to visit Craig Ranch and celebrate the wonderful traditions and artistry showcased throughout this holiday."
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
After ending her run in the show, Kendra Wilkinson ("Kendra on Top," "The Girls Next Door") traded starring roles with Scheana Shay ("Vanderpump Rules") in "Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man" at Paris Las Vegas in the most suiting way for the smash-hit comedy: with a ceremonial passing of the "Sex Tips" banana between the outgoing and incoming actresses.
Kendra Wilkinson 'Passes on the Banana' to Scheana Shay in Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man - Photo courtesy SPI Entertainment
Wilkinson and costar Jai Rodriguez ("Queer Eye for the Straight Guy"), whose last performances in the roles they originated for Las Vegas audiences took place Tuesday, Jan. 2, were presented with flowers by the show's producers, Adam Steck and Matt Murphy. Wilkinson was then joined on stage by her kids and she and Rodriguez were met with a standing ovation to commemorate their nearly nine-month runs in the show.
Scheana Shay and Chester Lockhart took over the production's starring roles Thursday, Jan. 4. Shay takes on the role of Robyn while Lockhart, who has been featured on Spotify, NewNowNext, OutTV, and MTV's "TODRICK," will play Dan Anderson.
"BAZ - A Musical Mash-Up" raised $11,111.11 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS during its December 2017 performances. After each show at The Palazzo Las Vegas, cast members encouraged audience members to contribute to the nonprofit organization dedicated to helping men, women, and children across the country and across the street receive lifesaving medications, health care, nutritious meals, counseling, and emergency financial assistance.
THE WESTIN LAS VEGAS HOTEL & CASINO & SPA located just steps from the Las Vegas Strip, has completed major renovations, transforming into the city’s newest non-gaming, non-smoking option, perfect for corporate travelers and leisure guests. Under the management of Crescent Hotels & Resorts, the casino floor has been removed to make way for Jake & Eli, an original restaurant and lobby bar concept, as well as new and upgraded meeting spaces.
The world’s largest free-standing outdoor sign has received a major digital upgrade! In partnership with New Tradition, Westgate Resorts has announced the completion of the digital upgrade for its iconic WESTGATE LAS VEGAS RESORT & CASINO SIGN, standing 28-stories tall near the corner of Paradise Rd. and Elvis Presley Blvd. The updated sign’s state-of-the-art LED video displays cover a combined 15,000 square feet, with 16mm LED display areas of nearly 5,600,000 pixels that is larger than the Dallas Cowboys’ famous stadium video displays.
The year 2017 was one for the record books for The Howard Hughes Corporation and its SUMMERLIN master-planned community. Leading the list of 2017 milestones is Summerlin’s NATIONAL RANKING AS THE COUNTRY'S FOURTH BEST SELLING MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITY according to RCLCO, a leading national real estate consultant that has been ranking MPCs since 1994.
Pop culture icon and shock rocker MARILYN MANSON leads off House of Blues Las Vegas 2018’s year of concerts with performances on Friday, Jan. 12 and Saturday, Jan. 13.Tickets start at $65. Age:18+
Global superstar JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE brings his The Man Of The Woods Tour to T-Mobile Arena Saturday, April 14, 2018. Tickets will be on sale to the general public starting Tuesday, Jan. 16. Members of The Tennessee Kids Fan Club are also eligible for pre-sale ticket purchases starting Wednesday, Jan. 10.
ROGER DALTREY, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and founder of the iconic rock band The Who, returns to The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for two nights with special guest Leslie Mendelson on Wednesday, March 7 and Saturday, March 10 at 8 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, Jan. 12 at 10 a.m. Daltrey will be joined on stage by current Who band members Simon Townshend, Jon Button, Scott Devours, Loren Gold and Frank Simes. Tickets start at $49.50 (plus applicable service fees) and go on sale Friday, Jan. 12 at 10 a.m. at the Hard Rock Hotel box office.
As part of their This House Is Not for Sale Tour,Global rock icons and newly announced Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2018 inductees BON JOVI will make a stop at T-Mobile Arena Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. The Grammy-winning band will also celebrate their return to the road with the re-release of This House Is Not For Sale as a new version, containing two brand new songs, “When We Were US” and “Walls,” available via all download and streaming partners on February 23. “Backstage with Jon Bon Jovi” Fan Club tickets and VIP Experience Packages go on presale beginning Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. PST. American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. PST through Thursday, Jan. 18 at 10 p.m. PST.M life Rewards loyalty members and Live Nation customers will receive access to a pre-sale running Thursday, Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. PST. General public tickets ranging in price from $37.25 to $552.75 will be available for purchase starting Friday, Jan. 19 at 10 a.m. PST at the T-Mobile Arena Box Office. Each online ticket purchased will include a CD of the original This House Is Not For Sale.
The historic GOLDEN GATE HOTEL & CASINO in downtown Las Vegas will celebrate 112 years of service in Las Vegas on Saturday, January 13. Founded in 1906, the iconic property invites guests to a commemorative celebration, which will include free champagne for visitors who join its One Card™ loyalty program; $25 match play; and special Birthday Cake shots for 99 cents – a nod to the original shrimp cocktail price.
Locals’ favorite neighborhood bar DISTILL in Centennial Hills will celebrate turning one on Saturday, Jan. 20 with a head banging ’80s ROCK-THEMED ANNIVERSARY PARTY. There is no cover for the party, however, all guests must be 21 years or older with valid ID to attend. Distill’s First Anniversary Celebration will take place at 6430 N. Durango Dr. Beginning at 7 p.m., rock stars will enjoy a jammin’ party full of food, drink specials, and live entertainment. In addition to a dinner buffet and live entertainment, guests are encouraged to come in the best ’80s rock band attire for a chance to win at the costume contest. Other prizes will also be given away throughout the evening.
INFERNO, the fire spectacular that has taken Europe and Asia by storm, lands at Paris Las Vegas beginning Jan. 24, 2018. Led by critically acclaimed European illusionist Joe Labero and the most exciting fire, pyro and aerial group in the world, The Fuel Girls, INFERNO blends death-defying stunts, jaw-dropping illusions and more fire than you can imagine into a gasoline-soaked spectacular. Tickets for INFERNO are on sale with prices starting from $49.00 (plus fees & taxes.) Performances play Wednesday through Sunday at 9:30 p.m.
The rebels of sports are taking over the Las Vegas Strip with RENEGADES, a new interactive and totally unique show set to open Thursday, Jan. 25 inside Cleopatra’s Barge, the intimate 180-seat theater at Caesars Palace. Renegades gives sports fans an up-close and personal experience with three of their favorite sports stars. No subject is off-limits as legends recount stories from their playing days to tabloid-making headlines and beyond. Hear directly from the greats as they share their eyewitness accounts of the biggest sports stories in history, while getting your chance to play the role of sports reporter lobbing questions at the athletes during the show’s panel roundtable finale.
The starting line-up includes baseball great Jose Canseco and two-time Super Bowl champion Jim McMahon. The Fab Five’s Jimmy King will appear during the first eight shows, with six-time NFL Pro Bowler Terrell Owens taking over starting Thursday, Feb. 8. **Please note that Terrell Owens will not appear in the shows from January 25 through February 4. The shows will be hosted by comedian Martin Montana, with Eric Jordan Young serving as writer, director and creative director. The Renegades roster will rotate athletes every three months. Renegades will be presented Thursday through Sunday at 8 p.m. beginning Thursday, Jan. 25. Tickets are $75 and $100, with a VIP package available for $300 which includes VIP seating, a photo, merchandise and a meet and greet with the athletes in Montecristo Cigar Bar after the show.
WORLD'S LARGEST VINTAGE MOTORCYLE AUCTION returns to South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa Tuesday, January 23 through Saturday, January 27. This year’s 27th annual Mecum Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction will feature an estimated 1,750 antique, vintage and collectible motorcycles inside the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center and Priefert Pavilion. Bidder registration for the auction is available online in advance for $100, or $200 at the auction, and includes admission for two to each auction day. General admission tickets are available in advance online for $20, and for $30 at the door and online once the auction begins. Children 12 years of age and younger will receive complimentary admission. Doors open daily at 8 a.m. with the auction beginning at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23, and at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Jan. 24-27. Portions of the event will be broadcast on NBC Sports Network on Tuesday, Feb. 1 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m
“El Caballero de la Salsa” GILBERTO SANTA ROSA brings his romantic, Latin-Caribbean stylings to House of Blues Las Vegas on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018. Doors: 7:30 p.m. Show: 8:30 p.m. Ages: 21+ Tickets for Gilberto Santa Rosa start at $45, plus applicable fees.
Egan Productions, creative masterminds behind Las Vegas’ top-ranked haunted attraction Fright Dome, has partnered with Hollywood film studio and global content leader Lionsgate to bring to life the world’s FIRST IMMERSIVE ESCAPE EXPERIENCE THEMED AFTER THE BLOCKBUSTER SAW FILMS, one of the most successful horror franchises ever, grossing nearly $1 billion at the worldwide box office. The Las Vegas venue is set to open on January 26, 2018.
BELL BIV DEVOE will bring its smooth sounds to the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, Jan. 27. The legendary group has been bridging the gap between R&B and hip-hop music for more than 20 years and will perform alongside SWV, Whodini and EPMD. The show will be hosted by DJ Biz Markie and feature a special performance by Dana Dane. It is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.Tickets for the concert start at $39 (not including applicable services charges) and can be purchased in person at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Box Office.
REMEDY'S CONESTOGA will host the party of the year with their annual HILLBILLY BALL on Saturday, Jan. 27. There is no cover for the party, however all hillbillies who would like to attend must be over the age of 21 with valid ID. The Hillbilly Ball will take place only at the Conestoga location at 530 Conestoga Way in Henderson, just off the I-95 at the intersection of Wagon Wheel and Nevada State Dr. All of the hootenanny festivities will begin at 8 p.m. Rednecks of all kind can enjoy the southern tunes of Seth Turner and The High Desert Drifters. Guests can also enjoy a variety of theme-inspired snacks on the hillbilly-style buffet and drink specials including Jack Daniels. All guests are encouraged to dress in the Southern best and embrace their inner redneck in the costume contest.
The Rolling Stones’ first ever major exhibition, EXHIBITIONISM has extended its limited exclusive U.S. West Coast engagement at The Palazzo® Las Vegas through February 25, 2018. Originally scheduled to be in Las Vegas through January 31, 2018, the exhibition has quickly become a popular attraction for both visitors and locals alike since it opened on September 23, 2017.
Former nightlife executive turned beauty entrepreneur, Natalia Harris, has opened GLAM PARLOR LASH, BROW & BEAUTY LOUNGE in Southern Highlands, offering innovative beauty services in an alluring environment. Dedicated to all things glamorous, buzzworthy treatments such as lash extensions, eyebrow microblading, and waxing are the main focus at this posh beauty lounge. Glam Parlor Lash, Brow & Beauty Lounge is located at 10660 Southern Highlands Pkwy. Suite 103, Las Vegas.
LOLLI & POPS, a growing mass-premium candy company, will open its first location in Nevada with a brand-new store at Las Vegas's Fashion Show Las Vegas. Set to debut this month, the new store is the 46th location opened by San Francisco-based Lolli & Pops, which is on schedule to open over 30 more stores across the U.S. by the end of 2018.
Celebrity sightings:
Wednesday, January 10...
In the afternoon, Seattle Seahawks defensive player and Super Bowl XLVIII winner, Richard Sherman, dined at Cabo Wabo Cantina in the Miracle Mile Shops.
In the evening, actor Anthony Mackie was seen enjoying dinner with friends and family at LAVO in The Palazzo.
Monday, January 8...
Olympic Gymnast Nastia Liukin visited The Venetian Las Vegas when she experienced several of the property's world-class offerings with her fiancé Matt Lombardi and friend Amanda Keenan. Liukin, who was in Las Vegas to speak at a CES conference, "The Future of Fan Engagement," enjoyed dinner at Chica, craft cocktails at Rosina, and took photos at The Palazzo's LOVE art installation.
Nastia Liukin Matt Lombardi at LOVE at The Venetian The Palazzo - Photo courtesy of Venetian Las Vegas
“The Vampire Diaries” actor Ian Somerhalder and “Twilight” star Nikki Reed were spotted at TAO Restaurant in The Venetian.
Having dinner at LAVO in The Palazzo was Drew Scott of the “Property Brothers”. The soon-to-be wed star was joined by a group of friends that included YouTube sensation Justine Ezarik, also known as iJustine.
Later that night at Marquee Nightclub in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, French Montana kicked off CES week with a special performance for club-goers. Joining Montana at his VIP table and taking in the performance was rapper Machine Gun Kelly.
French Montana - Photo credit: Tony Tran Photography
Saturday, January 6...
Actor Luke Evans, known for celebrated roles in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and The Hobbit franchise, was spotted attending the 10 p.m. performance of Absinthe at Caesars Palace.
Luke Evans Attends ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace 1.6.18 - Photo credit JosephSanders Spiegelworld
Friday, January 5...
"BAZ - A Musical Mash-Up" welcomed more than 30 Miss Nevada USA and Miss Nevada Teen USA contestants to Las Vegas, when the honorees took in the smash-hit production at The Palazzo Las Vegas. After the show, the contestants joined the cast on stage for a photo opportunity and meet-and-greet, before their competitions, which took place Sunday, Jan. 7.
Photo credit: Erik Kabik
Wednesday night, January 3...
Singer-songwriter Ashant and friends dined at TAO Asian Bistro in The Venetian.
