Vegas Happenings | Alan Dershowitz | Sun Youth Forum | Mixed Martial Arts Awards | Erte | The Immortal World Tour | Stella McCartney | The Waterfall | Santa Run

Professor Alan Dershowitz Honored at Annual "In Pursuit of Excellence" Gala

The Dr. Miriam & Sheldon G. Adelson Educational Campus honored Professor Alan Dershowtiz at the annual In Pursuit of Excellence scholarship gala on Sunday, Nov. 13 at The Venetian Las Vegas. Dershowitz was awarded the Pursuit of Excellence Award for his longstanding defense to civil and individual rights. 
 
Dershowitz, a Harvard Law School professor, has written more than 27 non-fiction works and two novels. He has been an advisor to presidents, United Nations officials, prime ministers, governors, senators, and members of congress. He is also credited as one of Israel’s most ardent legal defenders.
 
The In Pursuit of Excellence Gala was held to raise funds to benefit Adelson Educational Campus’ scholarship program for students in need. It is the campus’ mission to never turn a student away due to financial hardship. The night entailed a silent auction and cocktail reception followed by a gourmet dinner, program and dancing.

Professor Alan Dershowitz accepting the In Pursuit of Excellence Award at the annual In Pursuit of Excellence Gala on Nov. 13 at The Venetian Las Vegas.
Photo credit: The Main Event Photography


Professor Alan Dershowitz receiving the In Pursuit of Excellence Award from Sheldon G. Adelson, Dr. Miriam Adelson and Paul Schiffman, head of school of Adelson Educational Campus at The Venetian Las Vegas on Nov. 13.
Photo credit: The Main Event Photography

Las Vegas Sun Hosts 2011 Sun Youth Forum

The Las Vegas Sun hosted the 2011 Sun Youth Forum for more than 1,000 students on Tuesday, Nov. 22. Students from high schools throughout Clark County were given the chance to voice their opinions on various topics including law and crime, world events, teen issues and more. Discussion groups were moderated by 28 distinguished experts including Publisher/Editor of Las Vegas Sun Brian Greenspun, U.S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, Vice President of Student Affairs for University of Nevada, Las Vegas Dr. Juanita Fain, President and CEO of the Nevada Broadcasters Association Bob Fisher and many more.

In addition, students were treated to a special lunchtime performance by Monte Carlo headliner Jabbawockeez and scholarship presentation by Brian Greenspun and Janie Greenspun Gale.

Jabbawokees
Photo credit: Steve Marcus


Brian Greenspun
Photo credit: Steve Marcus


Students participate in a discussion
Photo credit: Steve Marcus


Moderator Congresswoman Shelley Berkley

Founder and former Las Vegas Sun Publisher Hank Greenspun and his assistant Ruthe Deskin started the program to bring diverse and forward-thinking Las Vegans more in touch with the local youth, to listen and moderate a discussion of their opinions and life experiences. The first Sun Youth Forum in 1955 featured 96 students from five high schools. Today, more than 1,000 of the Las Vegas Valley’s top performing juniors and seniors from 50 schools participate in the sharing of ideas. The program teaches young adults how to listen, discuss and respect the opinions of others in a civil and respectful manner.

The 2011 Fighters Only World Mixed Martial Arts Awards at the Palms

The 4th annual Fighters Only World Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Awards took place at the Pearl Theatre inside the Palms Casino Resort on Wednesday night, November 30.

The star-studded, black-tie event, which was hosted by UFC fighter Chael Sonnen and included a performance by world-wide dance sensations and Las Vegas headliners Jabbawockeez, featured awards from more than 20 categories that celebrated all that is the sport of MMA.

Derek Hough, Cheryl Burke and Mark Ballas
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image


Katrina Law
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image


Mikalah Gordon
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image


Steve Rannazzisi
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image

Awards included Fighter of the Year (winner – Jon Jones), Knockout of the Year (winner – Anderson Silva), Comeback of the Year (winner – Cheick Kongo) and Fight of the Year (winner –Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard; UFC 125). Celebrity fans including Derek Hough, Cheryl Burke, Mikalah Gordon, Frankie Muniz, Katrina Law, Steve Rannazzisi and Mark Ballas also showed their support by attending and presenting awards alongside industry leaders. Fans and winners then celebrated with an after party at Palms’ Playboy Club.

Jon Jones - Fighter of the Year
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image


Anderson Silva - Knockout of the Year
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image

The 2011 Fighters Only World Mixed Martial Arts Awards will premiere nationally on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. on FOX Sports.

Martin Lawrence Galleries inside The Forum Shops Celebrates Erte - The Father of Art Deco

The 27,000 square foot Martin Lawrence Galleries, which opened this past Summer inside the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, is presently celebrating the life and work of Romain de Tirtoff (commonly known as Erté, derived from the French pronunciation of his initials R and T) with a world class exhibition that runs through December 31.

Erté was one of the most influential artists of the 20th Century. His designs influenced not only the world of theatre, film and fashion, he inspired and led an entire art movement, that led him to be known as the Father of Art Deco. Born in Russia in 1892, Erté's illustrious career began in Paris in 1912. In 1915, he partnered with Harper’s Bazaar and designed more than 200 covers for the magazine over a 22-year period. His elaborate couture illustrations defined the era. Erté also created original costumes for Folies Bergère in Paris, George White’s Scandals in New York, and productions at New York’s Radio City Music Hall, the Casino de Paris and the Paris Opera. His lavish fashion creations were worn on celebrities such as Joan Crawford, Lillian Gish, Marion Davies, Anna Pavlova and Norma Shearer.

When Erté was 75, he revived his career by recreating designs from his earlier career in bronze and serigraphy that brought about the rebirth of “Art Deco,” inspiring designers such as Yves Saint Laurent’s Ballets Russes collection, Oscar de la Renta, and Ralph Lauren. Known for his use of lush fabrics, rich colors, and his attention to delicate details Erte continued to influence the fashion and art worlds until his death at the age of 97 in 1990. 

To celebrate his illustrious career and inimitable style, Martin Lawrence Gallery is showcasing an unprecedented collection of works from his vast portfolio including several rare original works, limited edition serigraphs and bronze sculptures that are available for purchase.

Also on display is The Clasp, a jeweled evening bag inspired by a design from 1926. The one of a kind, beautifully detailed Clasp pays homage to Erté and his dedication to opulent, original, and impeccable design. It is an example of elite jewel making and technologically advanced engineering, which rivals the objets d’art of the renowned Fabergé workshops in Erté’s home city of St. Petersburg. The Clasp is comprised of a staggering 540 grams of 18k gold and is embellished with precious stones including 3ct Rubies, almost 4000 43ct Diamonds, 200ct Rubellites, 6.5ct Black Sapphires and 3mm Pearls. This extraordinary piece is available for sale at $780,000. 

The retrospective exhibition also features Erté: A Celebration, an exquisite catalogue of Erté’s expansive career and offers essays and reflections by Stella McCartney, Barbra Streisand, Twiggy, as well as art critics, close friends, and renowned curators. The newly published book, which is a must have for collectors, was compiled and edited by Charlotte Perman, of Martin Lawrence Gallery. Many of the works shown in the book is featured at the exhibit.

Along with the Erte exhibition, Martin Lawrence Galleries displays important artwork by modern masters, including but not limited to, Dali, Picasso, Chagall and Warhol, as well as both original and limited edition artwork by best-selling contemporary artist Robert Deyber and others.

Martin Lawrence Galleries is located near the Atlantis Fountain Show and Aquarium and is open to the public. Hours are 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. – midnight on weekends.

Michael Jackson 'The Immortal World Tour' Celebrates Las Vegas Premiere with Red Carpet Event

Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour kicked off its three week engagement at Mandalay Resort & Casino on Saturday night, December 3 with an opening night star studded red carpet event.

Celebrities that walked the carpet prior to seeing the highly anticipated show included: actors James Gandolfini (The Sopranos) Justin Long, Allison Janney, Jason Biggs, Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), Alex Meraz (Twilight), Edi Gathegi (Twilight), Mark Salling (Glee), Kevin McHale (Glee), Harry Shum Jr. (Glee), Orlando Jones (Seconds Apart), Rex Lee (Entourage), Robert Buckley (One Tree Hill), Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan, singer/songwriter Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and his family, Mike McCready (Pearl Jam), John Landis (Director “Thriller” and “Black and White” Music Videos), Berry Gordy (Producer, Founder of Motown Records), Jason Kennedy (E! Correspondent), Las Vegas performers Criss Angel (Illusionist), Carrot Top (Comedian), Holly Madison and Josh Strickland (Peepshow), singer Matt Goss, Robin Anton (choreographer/creator of The Pusssycat Dolls); Cirque du Soleil creative team members: Daniel Lamarre (President & CEO of Cirque du Soleil), Jamie King (IMMORTAL Writer and Director), Travis Payne (IMMORTAL Choreographer), Kevin Antunes (IMMORTAL Musical Designer), Zaldy Goco (IMMORTAL Costume Designer), and Chantal Tremblay (IMMORTAL Director of Creation)

Michael Jackson Immortal Tour Red Carpet Gallery
Photos credit: Judy Thorburn

Aaron Paul


Alex Meraz


Babyface and family


Berry Gordy and John Landis


Blanket Jackson, Paris Jackson, Prince Jackson with other Jackson family children


Carrot Top


Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan-Tatum


Chantal Tremblay, Cirque Performers, Zaldy Goco


Cirque Performers


Cirque Performers


Criss Angel and Sandra Gonzalez


Daniel Lamarre


Edi Gathegi


Harry Shum Jr. of 'Glee'


Holly Madison of 'Peepshow'


Holly Madison and Josh Strickland of 'Peepshow'


Jackie Jackson and daughter Brandi


Jackie Jackson and Jennia Fredrique


James Gandolfini
Photo credit: Amy O'Brien


Jamie King


Jason Kennedy - E! Correspondent


Jenna Dewan-Tatum


Jennia Fredrique


Josh Strickland of 'Peepshow'


Justin Long and Aaron Paul


Kevin and Dora Antunes


Kevin Antunes, Jamie King and Travis Payne


Kevin McHale of 'Glee'


Mark Salling of 'Glee'


Matt Goss


Mike McCready of 'Pearl Jam'


Orlando Jones


Rex Lee of 'Entourage'


Robin Antin


Ryan Basford of 'Chelsea Lately'


Tito Jackson, Babyface, Ray Parker and Jackie Jackson


Travis Payne and Chantral Tremblay

Menopause The Musical celebrates its 2,500th performance at Luxor Hotel and Casino

Menopause The Musical, celebrated its 2,500th performance at Luxor Hotel and Casino, Sunday, Dec. 4. The hysterically funny show that pokes fun of of the 'changes' and is a tribute to female empowerment, is the longest-running scripted production in Las Vegas.

Since making a modest debut in a converted perfume shop in downtown Orlando, Fla. In 2001, Menopause has grown into a cultural phenomenon, entertaining and inspiring audiences worldwide with shows performed in more than 450 U.S. cities and 15 countries including Australia, Canada, England, Ireland and South Korea

Consisting of parodies from classic songs of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, Menopause The Musical® is filled with optimism, friendship and laughter.

“Having produced shows in cities from Broadway to Brisbane, we have never been associated with a theatrical phenomenon such as Menopause The Musical®,” said Producer Kathi Glist. “We love making audiences laugh every night and to have been embraced by the Las Vegas community is exciting beyond words.”

The cast of amazing, talented actresses includes Paige O’Hara, who lent her voice to the character of Belle in the Disney classic “Beauty and the Beast,”, Laura Lee O’Connell, who has performed in the musical throughout the country, Lisa Mack, Vita Corimbi, Lori Legacy, Cheryl Spencer, Richel Kompst and Annette Verdolino, who has been nominated as “Best Actress in a Musical” on BroadwayWorld.com.

Menopause The Musical® performs in the Atrium Showroom at Luxor Wednesday – Monday at 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday at 8 p.m. During Carrot Top’s monthly dark week, all performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. Tickets, priced at $65 and $49.95 (not including tax and service fee).

Stella McCartney at Crystals in City Center holds event to benefit Communities In Schools

Sunday afternoon, December 4 Communities In Schools of Nevada welcomed fashionistas and their children to Stella McCartney inside Crystals at CityCenter. Ladies who splurged on a chic designer ensemble aided the mission of serving at-risk children in Nevada as a portion of the day’s purchases benefited Communities In Schools raising a total of $5,000.

The event kicked off shortly after noon as style devoted ladies with children in hand filled the venue. Tables for the little ones were adorned with gingerbread cookie decorating stations as well as jazzed up finger foods including divine almond butter and jelly sandwiches, pinwheels and a variety of veggie tapas courtesy of Marie’s Gourmet Bakery.

Festivities included a balloon artist making various creations and a hair styling center set up by Sqaure Salon for youngsters to receive a stylish new do. Attendees were also invited to capture a moment with friends or children in a photo booth which printed out a reel of black and white images as a souvenir.

The kid-friendly event was hosted by Elizabeth Blau and son, Cole Canteenwalla; Diana Bennett and grandson, Hunter Czaja; Erin Bendavid and daughter, Morgan; Dee Berkley and daughter, Maddie; and Laila Spiegel and children, Stella and Stone. Supporters in attendance at the benefit included Jennifer Blumberg, Venessa Yerushalmi, Michael Shulman and Gina Schonfeld, plus key executives from CISN, such as Board Member LeeAnn Inadomi, Board President Susie Lee and CEO Terri Clark.

As the event came to an end, CISN closed the silent auction that included an exquisite Stella McCartney fur handbag and goodie bags full of holiday treats were given to children.

(from left to right) Terri Clark, Elizabeth Blau, Laila Speigel, Erin Bendavid, Dee Berkley, LeeAnn Inadomi and Susie Lee
Photo credit: Tracie Graf tfgphotography.com


Diana Bennett and grandson, Hunter Czaja
Photo credit: Tracie Graf tfgphotography.com


CISN Board President Susie Lee and daughter Nevie
Photo credit: Tracie Graf tfgphotography.com

The Waterfall, Atrium & Gardens Of The Palazzo Transform Into A Majestic Winter Utopia

As part of The Venetian and The Palazzo’s inaugural Winter in Venice celebration, the resorts’ horticulture team put the finishing touches on its unique winter displays in the resort’s Waterfall, Atrium & Gardens Monday morning, December 5.

Traditional red beaded ornaments, pinecones and fresh poinsettias line the gardens of the three-floor-high atrium as 16-foot, hand-crafted white and pearl peacock statues sit atop The Palazzo’s ground fountains. The whimsical winter display is surrounded by hand-designed snowflakes suspended midair, ice branches and 20-foot frosted birch, pine and glittering trees.

Guests are invited to enjoy one of the resorts’ festive Winter in Venice cocktails while enjoying the distinctive scenery including the popular Gondolier Blanco served at The Venetian and The Palazzo’s bars and lounges. The holiday display and festive cocktails are available for guests to enjoy through the New Year.

Photo credit: Audrey Dempsey, Infinity Photo


Photo credit: Audrey Dempsey, Infinity Photo


Photo credit: Audrey Dempsey, Infinity Photo


Photo credit: Audrey Dempsey, Infinity Photo

7th Annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run Benefitting Opportunity Village Draws Over 8,000 Santas

Opportunity Village’s seventh annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run at Town Square Las Vegas drew 8,123 Santas Saturday, December 3. The attendance numbers reached a new record for the World Santa Challenge, beating out Liverpool which previously held the record with 7,312 participants.* The official trophy will soon be delivered to Opportunity Village.

Making this year’s race a global initiative, nearly 500 men and women with the Army National Guard participated in the race from Afghanistan. SPC Cintya Martinez and the 422 Signal Battalion organized the race and raised $8,700 for Opportunity Village.

In Las Vegas, runners experience a star-studded lineup featuring entertainment from a number of Las Vegas Strip headliners, parachuting Santa Clauses, special guests and more.

Prior to the race, runners were energized with high-energy performances by Jabbawockeez, Recycled Percussion and Zowie Bowie. Las Vegas Mayor, Carolyn Goodman, heated up the opening ceremony speaking to the crowd flanked by two shirtless Chippendales while Honorary Chair, Robin Leach, did the same with Las Vegas Showgirls. The event’s Grand Marshal, Terry Fator, also took the stage discussing Opportunity Village’s importance to the community before kicking off the 5K race. The event also featured five parachuting Santa Clauses courtesy of Las Vegas Extreme Sky Diving.

The Las Vegas Great Santa Run serves as a fundraising effort to benefit Opportunity Village, a Las Vegas-based, not-for-profit organization that serves people with intellectual disabilities to improve the quality of their lives and the lives of their families. Opportunity Village is the largest private provider of vocational training, employment, advocacy and recreation for people with disabilities in Nevada and is currently serving 1,700 people every day with severe disabilities.

* The World Santa Challenge was created by Santa Fun Run events in the United Kingdom, United States and Tasmania to introduce an element of playful competition between Santa Fun Runs across the globe.

Santas gather at Town Square
Photo Credit: Mignon Lazatin, Opportunity Village


Jabbawokeez perform at Town Square
Photo Credit: Mignon Lazatin, Opportunity Village


Mayor Carolyn Goodman with Chippendale performers
Photo Credit: Mignon Lazatin, Opportunity Village


A group of soldiers gather in Afghanistan for the Great Santa Run

Afghanistan Photo Credit: SPC Cintya Martinez, Bravo Co. 422nd ESB


A group of soldiers in Afghanistan prepare for the Great Santa Run

Afghanistan Photo Credit: SPC Cintya Martinez, Bravo Co. 422nd ESB


Soldiers in Afghanistan running the Great Santa Run

Afghanistan Photo Credit: SPC Cintya Martinez, Bravo Co. 422nd ESB


A  soldier gets dressed in Afghanistan for the Great Santa Run

Afghanistan Photo Credit: SPC Cintya Martinez, Bravo Co. 422nd ESB

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

Thursday morning, December 1,TAO Cares, the charitable arm of TAO, LAVO and Marquee delivered a truck load of bikes to kick off 98.5 KLUC’s 13th annual Chet Buchanan & The Morning Zoo Toy Drive. Employees from the clubs, many who came straight from work, gathered for the honor of being the first to donate to this year’s toy drive. TAO CARES supports local charitable organizations as well as national and international programs that benefit causes near and dear to the employees and ownership of the company. Support TAO CARES in Las Vegas by visiting TAO Asian Bistro, Nightclub and Beach at The Venetian, LAVO Italian Restaurant and Nightclub at The Palazzo and Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

On Thursday, December 1, guests of The Mirage were treated to a special surprise upon arrival as cast members from all seven Cirque du Soleil productions welcomed hotel patrons to kick off the 2nd annual CIRQUE WEEK offering fans the experience of a lifetime with access to a 10-day series of exclusive events.

The Spermatos from Mystère greeted guests at valet, the groovy characters from The Beatles LOVE checked in visitors at the front desk, the wild performers in Zumanity put their styling stills to the test in Kim Vo’s salon, the Viva ELVIS’ dancing Elvi helped guests sign up for the M Life reward card, and the “O” cast members swam with the resident dolphins, while the ushers from CRISS ANGEL Believe were dealing cards at the blackjack table.

CIRQUE WEEK offers fans the opportunity to get an all-access look into how these extraordinary shows come to life nightly. CIRQUE WEEK packages range from $165 for a two-show ticket package to $561 which includes tickets to all seven Cirque du Soleil productions in Las Vegas.

Credit: photographer Jacob Kepler, copyright Cirque du Soleil Inc.


Credit: photographer Jacob Kepler, copyright Cirque du Soleil Inc.


Credit: photographer Jacob Kepler, copyright Cirque du Soleil Inc.


Credit: photographer Jacob Kepler, copyright Cirque du Soleil Inc.


Credit: photographer Jacob Kepler, copyright Cirque du Soleil Inc.

Now through Jan. 8, The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas are introducing Winter in Venice, the first true celebration of the winter season on the Las Vegas Strip. Winter in Venice features 49 days of holiday festivities throughout both resorts, including strolling carolers, candy cane stilt walkers, the Nightly Holiday Spectacular and an awe-inspiring 65-foot LED holiday tree.

As part of The Winter in Venice celebrations, Wolfgang Puck's Las Vegas Director of Pastry, Kenny Magana, and the pastry chefs from Postrio Bar & Grill and CUT hosted a CANDY CANE AND FLAVORED MARSHMELLOW COOKING DEMONTRATION on Saturday, December 3. Guests gathered in St. Mark's Square to watch and learn how to make the tasty treats, ask Chef Magana questions and sample the finished desserts.

Chef Kenny Magana
Photo credit: Mike Hewitt/IS Photography/ImagesOfVegas.com


Candy Canes
Photo credit: Mike Hewitt/IS Photography/ImagesOfVegas.com


Flavored Mashmallows
Photo credit: Mike Hewitt/IS Photography/ImagesOfVegas.com


Winter In Venice
Photo credit: Mike Hewitt/IS Photography/ImagesOfVegas.com

Luxor Hotel & Casino's sexy adult revue FANTASY spices up the season with a special deal for Nevadans for the holiday season. With a valid photo ID, Nevadans will receive half-off the total ticket cost for shows from Friday, Nov. 25, to Sunday, Dec. 25. Additionally, Las Vegas locals will receive a complimentary 2012 “Ultimate FANTASY” calendar with their purchase.

Boyd Gaming’s Gold Coast, Sam’s Town and Suncoast properties are now rewarding area students for top grades with FREE GAMES OF BOWLING. Under the new “MAKING THE GRADE” PROGRAM, local elementary, middle and high school students will receive two free game passes for every A earned during the most recent grading period, and one free game for every B. To redeem the offer, students must bring their latest report card to one of the participating bowling centers and register for membership in Kidz Klub, a free bowling rewards program.

Grammy award-winning artist MICHELLE BRANCH will perform a one-night only concert in The Venetian Showroom as part of the Winter in Venice celebrations on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 8 p.m. In partnership with Sunny 106.5 andbenefiting HELP of Southern Nevada, the acoustic concert will feature her hits such as “Everywhere” and “Breathe” as well as holiday favorites.

General admission tickets are available two ways:

- Bring $20 minimum donated items to a designated Sunny 106.5 drop off location. Visit ksne.com, keyword “Michelle Branch” for a list of Sunny 106.5 drop off locations around town. Additionally, the Sunny 106.5 office will be accepting donations Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. located at 2880 Meade Avenue, Suite 250, Las Vegas. HELP of Southern Nevada is in need of winter items for boys and girls, infant to 18 years old, specifically scarves, gloves, hats, socks and slippers.

-$20 monetary donation at any Venetian | Palazzo Box Office, online at venetian.com or by phone at 702.414.9000

- All tickets are general admission and doors will open at 7 p.m.

Las Vegas legend CLINT HOLMES, along with wife KELLY CLINTON and sister GAYLE STEELE, will perform songs of the holiday season at the Suncoast Showroom on December 17 and 18. Showtime each evening is 7:30 p.m. Tickets start from $15.95, plus tax and convenience fees.

The LAS VEGAS IMPROVISATION PLAYERS spread their unique brand of holiday cheer and laughter with an all new comedy and musical improv show on Saturday, December 17 at 7:00pm. The “clean-burning” improvised comedy show will be held at the American Heritage Academy, located at 6126 South Sandhill Road in Las Vegas. Tickets are only $10 and available for purchase at the door which opens at 6:40 p.m.

In honor of the holiday season, BLUE MAN GROUP is offering a 4 p.m. performance in addition to its regularly scheduled 7 and 10 p.m. shows beginning Monday, Dec. 19 through Friday, Dec. 30. In addition, there will only be performances at 4 and 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, Dec. 31. Nevada residents looking to celebrate the season with Blue Man Group can take advantage of the show’s current buy one, get one free offer. Locals can show their Nevada ID and mention the code “LOC241” at any box office location inside The Venetian® or Palazzo® to receive one complimentary ticket with the purchase of one regularly priced ticket.

Celebrity sightings:

Tuesday night, November 29...

Dancing with the Stars pros Mark Ballas and Derek Hough took in the sounds of DJ Cedric Gervais for All Night Tuesday at LAVO. They first dined on signature dishes at the Italian eatery with friends before heading up to the nightclub where they were joined by Cheryl Burke.

DJ Cedric Gervais
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery

Afterwards, Dancing with the Stars Cheryl Burke, Derek Hough and Mark Ballas hung out at Bang! Tuesdays at Moon Nightclub inside the Palms Casino Resort.

Thursday night, December 1...

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver, Kevin Harvick, and wife, DeLana, enjoyed the acclaimed dance crew Jabbawockeez MÜS.I.C. show at Monte Carlo Resort and CasinoBefore the show, Kevin joined the famed dancers backstage for a behind the scenes look.

ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace welcomed the cast from History Channel’s “Pawn Stars”. Rick “The Spotter” Harrison, Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison and Austin “Chumlee” Russell took a break from their “pawning ways” of wheeling and dealing to enjoy some laughs from The Gazillionaire, his raucous assistant Penny Pibbets and the whole eccentric cast.

Friday night, December 2...

“Dirty Soap” stars Nadia Bjorlin and boyfriend Brandon Beemer were spotted checking out Marquee Nightclub where DJ Porter Robinson was spinning for the night.

Also at Marquee, Chris Tucker, who was spotted in the hot spot’s Boom Box room, while “Breaking Bad” star Aaron Paul took in the scene in The Library at Marquee with girlfriend Lauren Parsekian after dining at TAO earlier in the evening.

Jason Kennedy of E! News kicked off his birthday weekend with dinner at TAO before heading to the nightclub to take in the sounds of DJ Reach. The TV personality then made a late night stop at Marquee to round out the night.

Ashley Madekwe of the hit TV show Revenge dined with friends under TAO’s famed Buddha as part of her birthday weekend celebration.

Ashley Madekwe
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Actor Edi Gathegi, from the wildly popular “Twilight” series, was spotted eating dinner with friends at Sugar Factory American Brasserie. Prior to leaving, the actor headed over to the retail side where he posed for pictures with a signature Sugar Factory Couture Pop. After dinner, Gathegi went up to Chateau Nightclub & Gardens.

Edi Gathegi with a signature Sugar Factory Couture Pop at Sugar Factory in Las Vegas
Photo Credit: Josh Metz/ SpyOnVegas


Edi Gathegi enjoying the night at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens in Las Vegas
Photo Credit: Josh Metz/ SpyOnVegas

Saturday, December 3...

“Dancing with the Stars” champion Karina Smirnoff celebrated the holidays and her mirror ball trophy win at the first-ever Winter in Venice™ celebration at The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas.

Fans and onlookers flooded to the resort to catch a glimpse of their favorite dancing star as they enjoyed strolling holiday carolers and festive eggnog cupcakes and warm apple cider. Smirnoff graciously stopped and posed for photos with fans while enjoying the Winter in Venice festivities including the 65-foot tree.

Ashley Madekwe from the hit ABC TV show “Revenge” and Jason Kennedy from E! News each celebrated their birthdays with separate parties at LAVO.

Madekwe, toasting her 30th birthday, was joined by her boyfriend Iddo Goldberg and many of her show’s co-stars including Connor Paolo, Gabriel Mann, Emily VanCamp, Joshua Bowman, Nick Wechsler, and Margarita Levieva.

Emily VanCamp and Ashley Madekwe
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Kennedy, also turning 30, dined at LAVO with friends and then made his way to the nightclub where he stood atop of his booth taking in the scene as well as some birthday cake.

Jason Kennedy
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Brooke Burke-Charvet and her husband David Charvet made their way to LAVO after midnight, taking over a VIP table with friends.

LeAnn Rimes and husband Eddie Cibrian had dinner at LAVO.

Eddie Cibrian and LeAnn Rimes
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Also spotted dining at the Italian hot spot were Molly and Jason Mesnick, who found love on The Bachelor.

At Marquee, actress Haylie Duff checked out DJ Erick Morillo in the main room with two girlfriends while Chris Tucker made his second visit in two days to Marquee’s Boom Box room with friends and Aaron Paul returned to the Library with girlfriend Lauren Parsekian for a second night in a row. Also spotted in Boom Box room at Marquee was Brandon Rush of the Indiana Pacers.

Halie Duff (center) and Friends
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery

Peepshow star Holly Madison celebrated her 32nd birthday at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens inside Paris Las Vegas. 

Accompanied by her good friends and co-stars of "Holly's World," Josh Strickland and Angel Porrino, the group gathered in their VIP booth at the lavish nightclub.

Also seen partying at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens was former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Quinton Rampage Jackson. The prime time fighter turned actor, including a lead role in "The A-Team," was joined by a large entourage in his VIP booth next to the birthday girl.

Holly Madison poses on the red carpet at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens
Photo Credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage


Holly Madison with her troll themed birthday cake at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens
Photo Credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage


Holly Madison and good friends, Josh Strickland and Angel Porrino, with her birthday cake
Photo Credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage


Holly Madison, Angel Porrino and Josh Strickland eat cake and joke around at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens
Photo Credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage

Sunday, December 4,

Celebrity hair colorist and leading Las Vegas salon owner, Michael Boychuck and Miss Nevada 2012 pageant host and the organizations creative director, a former Miss USA Shanna Moakler, hosted the pageants meet-and-greet and open casting call at renowned AMP Salon at Palms Resort & Casino. The bevy of beautiful pageant hopefuls received pageant consultations, interview and runway tips from Moakler, and the exclusive opportunity to meet and mingle with reigning beauty queens, Miss Nevada USA Sarah Chapman and Miss Nevada Teen USA Ashley Brown.

Monday night, December 5,

Resident DJ Steve Aoki celebrated his 34th birthday at XS. Notable faces in the crowd included Michael Trevino, from the hit CW series “Vampire Diaries”, French DJ Joachim Garraud, as well as hip hop legend Flavor Flav who joined Aoki on stage for a portion of the evening.

Aoki was presented with a four tier cake from XS Managing Partner Jesse Waits, created by Las Vegas bakery Gimme Some Sugar.

(from left to right): Friend, Steve Aoki, DJ Joachim Garraud, and Vampire Diaries Michael Trevino.
Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/XS Nightclub


Steve Aoki with his birthday cake from Gimme Some Sugar.
Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/XS Nightclub


Steve Aoki’s stage dive.
Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/XS Nightclub


Steve Aoki and Flavor Flav.
Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/XS Nightclub

Gavin Rossdale stopped by STK Las Vegas along with the rest of his Bush band mates. Gavin Rossdale was performing with Bush as part of a private show at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Gavin Rossdale
Photo Credit: Hew Burney

Tuesday, December 6,

Playboy Playmate, Crystal Harris, most recently known for calling off her engagement to Hugh Hefner just days before their wedding in June, was sighted at BODIES…The Exhibition and Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition inside Luxor Hotel & Casino. She was accompanied by Ciara Price, Playboy Playmate Miss November 2011.

Both Harris and Price drove from their L.A. homes to visit 2008 Playmate of the Year and reality television personality, Jayde Nicol, and decided to visit both exhibitions while in town.