JudyThorburn1 Judy Thorburn's 'Vegas Happenings' column

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 
http://www.theflickchicks.com
Founder - Nevada Film Critics Society
http://www.nevadafilmcriticssociety.org/  


Vegas Golden Knights and The D Las Vegas Host Thousands of Fans at 3rd Annual Fan Fest

Thousands gathered at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center on Saturday, February 29 to experience fun-filled festivities at the VGK 2020 Fan Fest in celebration of the Vegas Golden Knight’s exciting third season. Marking the first chance for fans to meet a number of new players and head coach Pete DeBoer, hordes of hockey-lovers showed up to the annual event to enjoy all-ages activities and plenty of team spirit.

Fans Show Off VGK Signs at Third Annual Fan Fest Event
Fans Show Off VGK Signs at Third Annual Fan Fest Event - Photo credit: Mike Xavier/Renowned Photos

The Downtown celebration kicked off with an energetic performance by the team’s in-house drumline, the Knight Line. A selection of Golden Knights players were then accompanied on stage by their broadcasting crew, coach DeBoer, President Kerry Bubolz and the D Las Vegas’ CEO Derek Stevens. The hockey heroes kept fans entertained with several on-stage showdowns, including getting-to-know-you games between players, as well as Las Vegas-themed trivia played by Stevens, Bubolz, broadcasters and a VGK season ticket member.

The Vegas Vivas Perform at the Third Annual VGK Fan Fest
The Vegas Vivas Perform at the Third Annual VGK Fan Fest - Photo credit: Mike Xavier/Renowned Photos

The afternoon was rounded-out by performances from the team’s dance crew, Vegas Vivas, and question-and-answer sessions with coach DeBoer, broadcasters Dave Goucher and Shane Hnidy and several players.

VGK Broadcasters Join a Fan to Play Fan ily Feud at Third Annual Fan Fest Event 2
VGK Broadcasters Join a Fan to Play Fan ily Feud at Third Annual Fan Fest Event - Photo credit: Mike Xavier/Renowned Photos

VGK Broadcasters Join a Fan to Play Fan ily Feud at Third Annual Fan Fest Event
VGK Broadcasters Join a Fan to Play Fan ily Feud at Third Annual Fan Fest Event - Photo credit: Mike Xavier/Renowned Photos

Alex Tuch Stormy Buonantony Nick Holden and Nate Schmidt Play Newlywed Game
Alex Tuch Stormy Buonantony Nick Holden and Nate Schmidt Play The KNIGHTLYWED Game - Photo credit: Mike Xavier/Renowned Photos

Offering a chance for fans to honor their favorite team in the league, the public party comes as the Golden Knights are gearing up for their third year of high-stakes playoff hockey. Continuing their quest for the cup, the team will face off against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, March 3.

The D Las Vegas is the official Downtown Las Vegas casino partner of the Vegas Golden Knights and hosts game-day viewing parties all season long at LONGBAR. Furthermore, the iconic Fremont Street Experience offers free live entertainment on three stages and is home to the world’s largest single video screen, Viva Vision.


Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:

Las Vegas Legends FC has named ROGÉRIO MENDES the women’s head coach. The soccer club announced Sunday, March 1, at the men’s NPSL Season Opener where the Legends men stunned the league with an 8-0 win against Temecula FC. The club is among the latest to join the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) as a 2020 expansion team.

Las Vegas Legends FC women Head Coach Rogerio Mendes
Las Vegas Legends FC women Head Coach Rogerio Mendes - Photo courtesy of Las Vegas Legends FC.

Las Vegas Legends FC women Performance Coach Mckenzie Karas
Las Vegas Legends FC women Performance Coach Mckenzie Karas - Photo courtesy of Las Vegas Legends FC.

Las Vegas Legends FC women GK Coach Romi Gomez
Las Vegas Legends FC women GK Coach Romi Gomez - Photo courtesy of Las Vegas Legends FC.

Las Vegas Legends FC women Asst Coach Pedram Mahinpey
Las Vegas Legends FC women Asst Coach Pedram Mahinpey - Photo courtesy of Las Vegas Legends FC.

Las Vegas Legends FC women Asst Coach Nelson Medina
Las Vegas Legends FC women Asst Coach Nelson Medina - Photo courtesy of Las Vegas Legends FC.

Las Vegas Legends FC women Asst Coach Keren Sharabi
Las Vegas Legends FC women Asst Coach Keren Sharabi - Photo courtesy of Las Vegas Legends FC.

Another LUCKY WINNER hit big Wednesday, March 4, while PLAYING BINGO AT ARIZONA CHARLIE’S BOULDER, located at 4575 Boulder Hwy.,winning $66,865. The Arizona Charlie’s guest was playing Charlie’s Double Progressive Bingo, a coverall game that can only be won within the posted number of balls, starting at 32 and progressing up to 35, won on number 33. Both Arizona Charlie’s Boulder and Arizona Charlie’s Decatur offer Las Vegas’ only 24-hour bingo sessions, with sessions held every odd hour. The local casino has awarded over $100,000 to two bingo winners, within the last week.

London’s West End hit, Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience - A Parody by Dan and Jeff continues to cast its spell on Las Vegas as the hit, family-friendly show celebrated its 350th performance (and Leap Year) at The Magic Attic showroom inside Bally’s Las Vegas on Saturday, February 29.  In addition, the show “leaps” into a new year by announcing the show has extended its run at Bally’s Las Vegas through January 2021. Tickets are currently on sale at Ticketmaster.com or PottedPotter.com.

POTTED POTTER, the enchanting, intimate production has plenty to celebrate in Las Vegas. In just six months on the Strip, the show, which currently stars Nicholas Charles and Calum Gittins, has garnered two Best of Las Vegas awards – “Best New Production” (Gold) and “Best Value Show” (Bronze) and, legions of Potter fans making their way to Las Vegas. Created by two-time Olivier Award-nominated BBC actors Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, the show debuted in Las Vegas on June 4, 2019

Multiple GRAMMY Award-winning vocal group BOYZ II MEN announced additional 2020 performance dates at The Mirage Hotel & Casino will go on sale Friday, Feb. 28. The trio, featuring baritone Nathan Morris alongside tenors Wanya Morris and Shawn Stockman, perform on select weekend dates.Additional performance dates are: Friday, July 10 to Sunday, July 12; Friday, July 31 to Sunday, Aug. 2; Friday, Sept. 11 to Sunday, Sept. 13; Friday, Oct. 16 to Sunday, Oct. 18; Friday, Oct. 23 to Sunday, Oct. 25; Friday, Nov. 20 to Sunday, Nov. 22; Friday, Nov. 27 to Sunday, Nov. 29; Friday, Dec. 18 to Sunday, Dec. 20. Tickets start at $49.99 (not including tax and fees) and can be purchased at any MGM Resorts International ticketing outlet.

Actor, executive producer and Emmy-nominated comedian KEVIN JAMES will bring his new comedy tour to MGM Grand Hotel & Casino Friday, May 29 at 9 p.m. Tickets to see the Long Island comedian headline at KÀ Theatre start at $49.99 and go on sale Friday, March 6 at any MGM Resorts International box office.

McMullan's Irish Pub unites with Nine Fine Irishmen at NYNY (7th March), 7th and Carson Restaurant (7th March). Khourys Fine Wine and Spirits (14th March), Lied Stem Academy (13th March), Veterans Tribute Career & Technical Academy (13th March), Faiss Middle School (25th March), Rogich Middle School (25th March), Founders academy (28th March), The Las Vegas Lights (28th March), Fertitta Middle School (16th March). The Sons and Daughters of Erin (14th March) among other in support of ST. BALDRICK'S FOUNDATION this year, to help spread the word about the desperate need for funding and awareness for pediatric cancer research. Together the collective group has raised $8.6 Million for St.Baldricks. All the dedicated 'shavees', barbers, volunteers and committee members who have participated for seven years become 'Knights of the Bald Table'. An experience looked forward to by all participants. Throughout the day you will be able to see people being knighted on stage in honor of their contribution to this great cause. The event is live streamed and thus enables friends and families far and wide to be able to watch loved ones being shaved.

Master of Ceremonies for this year include TV anchors Brian Loftus and Sherri Swensk from CBS, Channel 8, DJ 'Big D' from I Heart Radio, TV news personalities Gerard Ramalho, Heather Mills and Krystal Allan from NBC Channel 3, Columnist John Katsilometes from the Review Journal, Comedian Enoch Augustus Scott, Huggy Bear Antonio Fargas, James Healey Executive at Excalibur, Jennifer Romas and her SEXXY girls  and Cory Harwell, President of Simon Hospitality Group.

QUEEN BEE MARKET the popular urban-style handmade market, has partnered with SPREAD THE WORD NEVADA to host a FUNDRAISING DRIVE at the annual shopping event held at The Conference Center of Las Vegas on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8.

Spread the Word Nevada is a children’s literacy organization dedicated to advancing early childhood literacy by giving books to Nevada’s at-risk and low-income communities. Since 2001, Spread the Word Nevada has given more than 5.5 million gently used and new books to more than 575,200 low-income youth in the state. Spread the Word Nevada will have a booth at Queen Bee Market, where representatives will collect new and gently used books.Shoppers who donate three or more books will receive $1 off their general admission ticket. Attendees can also make monetary donations at the booth.

AFTER SCHOOL ALL-STARS (ASAS), a nonprofit organization that provides free, comprehensive afterschool programs for youth in Las Vegas, will partner with leading mobile game developer, PLAYSTUDIOS, to host its 6th ANNUAL AFTER SCHOOL ALL STARS DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, inside the Bill and Lillie Heinrich YMCA at 4141 Meadows Lane.

Teams of 10 are encouraged to participate in the dodgeball event, while all members of the Las Vegas community are invited to watch and cheer courtside. Registration is priced at $1,000 per team and each team will play in one of two preliminary rounds consisting of three matches. Each team is guaranteed to play in at least six games. The top 16 teams from each preliminary round will advance to a single-elimination tournament.

“Our annual ASAS dodgeball tournament has become one of our most popular fundraisers of the year. It’s a fantastic opportunity to raise money for a good cause while having fun with colleagues and friends,” said Jodi Manzella, executive director of After-School All-Stars Las Vegas. “We are thrilled and grateful to see this annual event continue to involve an array of support from the Las Vegas community, including the employees of our amazing sponsor, PLAYSTUDIOS, who are volunteering their time and energy to ensure this is a thrilling and memorable tournament.”

The event will feature student performances; complimentary food and beverage from Coca Cola®, Pinkbox Doughnuts® and others; a costume contest; and trophies for the winning dodgeball team. The tournament will conclude with a closing ceremony in which the “Best Costume” will be announced, and the winning teams will receive a trophy and bragging rights as reigning Dodgeball Tournament Champions.

FRIENDS! THE MUSICAL PARODY! is moving to the Paris Las Vegas to continue their successful Las Vegas run beginning Monday, March 9.  The hilarious parody musical of TV's iconic sitcom gives guests a night of nostalgic moments from all ten seasons, including "UNAGI!" and Phoebe’s songs at Central Perk. The fan-favorite show will perform Friday to Wednesday in the Anthony Cools Showroom at 7 p.m.with added Matinees at 3 p.m. on March 14, 21 & 28 and April 4 & 11. Tickets are available at any Las Vegas Caesars Entertainment Box Office.

EXTRAVAGANZA – THE VEGAS SPECTACULAR” – A DAZZLING & SEXY NEW PRODUCTION FROM THE CREATORS OF “WOW” will make its North American premiere  at the Jubilee Theater inside Bally’s Las Vegas on March 14.“EXTRAVAGANZA - The Vegas Spectacular” will perform nightly at 7 p.m. (dark Wednesday) with an additional show Saturdays at 9 p.m. Tickets ranging from $49.99 to $109.99 + taxes and fees are on sale now and can be purchased at the Bally’s Las Vegas Box Office.

The 2018 Tony Award-winning Best Revival of a Musical, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND will play  THE SMITH CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS in downtown Las Vegas March 10-15, 2020. ONCE ON THIS ISLAND is the sweeping, universal tale of Ti Moune, a fearless peasant girl in search of her place in the world and ready to risk it all for love. Guided by the mighty island gods, Ti Moune sets out on a remarkable journey to reunite with the man who has captured her heart.Tickets for ONCE ON THIS ISLAND at The Smith Center range from $30-128 plus applicable tax and fees and are available by phone at 702.749.2000, or in-person at The Smith Center box office located at 361 Symphony Park Ave.

The ladies of FANTASY at Luxor Hotel and Casino will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by giving away a special gift basket to one lucky guest attending the show at 10:30 p.m. onTuesday, March 17. All guests attending FANTASY on St. Patrick’s Day will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win the basket, which will be packed full of gifts from the cast. During the seductive performance, the FANTASY ladies will randomly select a ‘lucky seat’ in the audience. The selected audience member will be treated to a FANTASY “Pot of Gold” gift basket containing the show’s “2020: Vision of Beauty” calendar, a deck of FANTASY-branded playing cards, FANTASY-branded poker chips, a FANTASY-branded hoodie and more. The winner may pick up their complimentary gift basket at the Atrium Showroom merchandise counter following the show. Following the show, all guests are invited to a complimentary meet and greet opportunity with the cast for photos and autographs. Tickets are available for purchase at the Luxor box office.


Party it up at any of the eleven DISTILL AND REMEDY'S locations as they host their annual St. PATRICK'S DAY PARTY on Tuesday, March 17 at 6 p.m. Enjoy green beer, leprechauns, Irish car bombs, 16oz Guinness, homemade corned beef and cabbage and a ‘Wear’n O’ the Green’ costume contest. Party goers must be 21 years or older to attend.

A free ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARTY will overtake the iconic dome entrance of the PLAZA HOTEL & CASINO on Tuesday, March 17 starting at 7 p.m. The party will culminate at 10 p.m. with a live fireworks show shot from multiple locations on the Plaza’s rooftops, lighting up the sky with green pyrotechnics viewable by the party guests, those on Fremont Street and beyond.  The Plaza invites the public to join in the fun taking place throughout the evening under the dome porte-cochere, where guests will enjoy St. Patrick’s inspired entertainment and a DJ. The party will also offer several drink specials, and guests at the dome party will receive discounts redeemable for cocktails at the Plaza’s Omaha or Race & Sports Book bars on the casino floor.

It’s time to huddle up for some MARCH HOOPS  fun at The D LAS VEGAS. From March 18-22, guests are invited to score big on the most anticipated games in college basketball with free 12th floor watch parties, private rentable Man Caves, discounted room rates and live casino sports betting from Circa Sports. Additionally, guests will be able to grab a brew or cocktail at the D’s brand-new beverage venue, BarCanada.

One of the most buzzed about punk-heavy festivals VIVA SKA VEGAS returns to BACKSTAGE BAR & BILLIARDS in downtown Las Vegas on Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21, 2020. Punk and ska fans will be slamming and moshing their way to Downtown Las Vegas to watch legendary headliner and Orange County resident Save Ferris take the stage. Additional bands on the lineup include Buck-O-Nine, Pilfers, The Untouchables, Unsteady, Chencha Berrinches and local groups The Retrolites and Muertos Heist. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the skankin’ starts at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $12. Concert goers must be 21 years or older.

Slated to open in May in downtown Las Vegas’ Arts District, the residential apartment complex share DOWNTOWN has announced its first retail tenant, GOLDEN FOG COFFEE, a new venture conceived by Derek Douglas and his wife Juliet. A native Las Vegan, Derek Douglas is an artist professionally known as SNIPT who specializes in pop culture mixed media mashups and murals. Juliet is a hospitality professional with over 15 years of event planning experience in the food and beverage industry, including almost a decade of experience as a small business owner specializing in wedding planning. Inspired by Juliet’s youth spent in San Francisco and Las Vegas’ hometown hockey team the Vegas Golden Knights, Golden Fog Coffee will merge the couple’s individual passions, art and dining, into a casual coffee bar offering high-quality specialty coffees and a bakery / quick bite menu catering to plant-based options.

Store and Restaurant openings:

SKSI Plans and Permits, the first national brand offering architectural plans, engineering and building permit services, has opened its newest store, located at the main entrance on the south side of Meadows Mall.

Rick Harrison, owner of Pawn Plaza, announced the newest tenant at Pawn Plaza as BLVD COFFEE as they open at 8 AM on Friday, March 6th. The new Pawn Plaza tenant joins Good Pie, Rick’s Rollin Smoke BBQ & Tavern, Chumlee’s Candy on the Blvd., Chapels at the Pawn, Highway Radio, Pawn Plaza Visitors Center, Master Barbering Galo Shop and Elite Motorsports to round out the dining and shopping opportunities across the parking lot from the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop.

Nobu Restaurants, the globally established brand founded by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Teper introduces NOBU AT BALLY’S LAS VEGAS. This is the latest Las Vegas iteration of Nobu, following the closure of Nobu Las Vegas at Hard Rock Hotel, reopening as Virgin Hotels Las Vegas in fall 2020. Nobu at Bally’s joins the flagship Nobu Hotel and Nobu Restaurant & Lounge at Caesars Palace.


Celebrity sightings:

Friday afternoon, February. 28...

Comedian and actor, Bob Saget, dined with his wife, travel blogger Kelly Rizzo, at Morton Group’s  La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway at Wynn Las Vegas.

Saturday, February 23...

Comedian and actress, Jade Catta-Preta, who was in Las Vegas to perform her show at the Plaza Showroom, dined with a group of friends, including fellow comedian Cort McCown, at Morton Group’s  La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway at Wynn Las Vegas.

There was no better place to see or be seen during Fight Weekend in Las Vegas, as countless athletes and celebrities, including Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Floyd Mayweather Jr., partied at Drai’s Nightclub at The Cromwell Hotel.

Still relishing the excitement of their Big Game win, the Chiefs’ Mahomes and Kelce were spotted at an exclusive VIP table, adjacent to the club’s main stage while taking in a performance by Migos.

Victor Drai Patrick Mahomes 2 22 2020 Drais Nightclub PRESS 2
Victor Drai and Patrick Mahomes - Photo courtesy of Drai’s Nightclub at The Cromwell Hotel

Victor Drai and Quavo of Migos Drais Nigthclub 2 22 2020 PRESS
Victor Drai and Quavo of Migos Drais Nigthclub - Photo courtesy of Drai’s Nightclub at The Cromwell Hotel

Victor Drai and Takeoff of Migos Drais Nigthclub 2 22 2020 PRESS
Victor Drai and Takeoff of Migos Drais Nigthclub - Photo courtesy of Drai’s Nightclub at The Cromwell Hotel

Across the club, Mayweather celebrated his 43rd birthday in style while surrounded by a large entourage of friends.

Also spotted in the club following the fight, Drai’s resident performer French Montana with a group of friends at a large VIP table; Gerald McCoy of the Carolina Panthers, enjoying Ace of Spades champagne with family and friends; Reshad Jones of the Miami Dolphins, celebrating his birthday with Ace of Spades champagne and Don Julio 1942; Marcus Denmon, former shooting guard for the San Antonio Spurs; Grady Jarrett, Roddy White and Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons; Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors at a VIP table with media personality Maverick Carter; Jermaine O’Neal, former forward-center of the Indiana Pacers; comedian Michael Blackson; Nick Kwiatkoski and Khalil Mack of the Chicago Bears; Brandon Marshall, former wide receiver for the Denver Broncos; as well as Brandon Marshall, former linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Thursday, Feb. 13...

2014 NBA Championship winner and two-time Olympian, Aron Baynes and his wife Rachel Adekponya, were spotted attending the 10 p.m performance of Opium at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Aron Baynes Attends OPIUM 2.13.20 Marcus SkrinakSpiegelworld
Aron Baynes Attends OPIUM - Photo credit: Marcus Skrinak/Spiegelworld


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