Vegas Happenings | Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer | iCandy Burlesque | Carnival of Cuisine

Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & BEER Opens at Excalibur Hotel & Casino

Lynyrd Skynyrd, one of the most iconic rock bands in American history, celebrated the grand opening of their new rockin' eatery, Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer, inside the Excalibur Hotel & Casino on December 8.

“With Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer, we wanted to create the kind of place that we’d like to hang out at,” says Johnny Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd. “With Southern-style barbecue and great music, this will be the perfect spot for rock and barbecue fans to kick back and have a great time in Vegas.”

The band’s famed “Hell House” is the inspiration behind the atmosphere, and band members Van Zant, Gary Rossington and Rickey Medlocke have consulted with the culinary team to highlight some of their Southern favorites.

Designed to capture the spirit of the band’s “Hell House,” the walls are made of authentic barnyard wood, with concrete floors and aged brick that gives it a down home feel of. Never-before-seen Lynyrd Skynyrd relics including original album covers, guitars, artwork and photos from the bands more than five-decade-long career are on display for fans. The staff is part of the action – hot bartenders and servers will be swinging, singing and jumping atop the bars and stage throughout the night -- leading riotous sing-alongs to classic rock songs and Lynyrd Skynyrd favorites.

Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer serves mouthwatering ribs, brisket, chicken and more. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the high-energy hangout will transform into a late-night, high-energy rock club every night with great music and entertainment.

The grand opening celebration kicked off the first day of National Finals Rodeo on Thursday, Dec. 1, and culminated with an exclusive “Eat ‘N’ Greet” luncheon and evening concert by Lynyrd Skynyrd on Thursday, Dec. 8. Throughout the week, Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer featured a series of live bands, promotions, giveaways and more.

The “Eat ‘N’ Greet” luncheon featured a unique opportunity for fans to enjoy an intimate meal with the band members of Lynyrd Skynyrd and a presentation by Jeff Arnett, the 7th master distiller in Jack Daniel’s 142-year history. The evening concert offered Lynyrd Skynyrd fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be one of just a few hundred people to see the iconic band perform in their first dining venue.

Tickets for the “Eat ‘N’ Greet” and concert package (priced at $750 per person) included an array of signature grand opening items including a limited edition single-barrel bottle of Jack Daniels topped with a commemorative bronze bottle-necker autographed by Arnett and the band members of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

A portion of proceeds from both events was donated to the Lynyrd Skynyrd Foundation, which will then make contributions to the Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas and Nevada Children’s Medical Center.

iCANDY Burlesque Opens At Tropicana Ambhar Lounge

iCANDY Burlesque, the best new show in Las Vegas, debuted at the Tropicana Las Vegas’ Ambhar Lounge on Thursday, Nov. 24. And get this...it's free! Nannette Barbara, producer and choreographer has gathered together some of the most talented performers for a one of a kind sexy experience that showcases a cast of gorgeous and amazing dancers and singers, heart pounding music, fabulous dance routines and stunning costumes.

In addition to burlesque beauties in skimpy attire, performing on and off stage to ultra-sexy songs like “Striptease,” “Lady Marmalade,” “Naughty Girl” and “Fever,” iCandy features aerial performances, platform dancers and stilt walkers. To complete the experience there are six table games featuring iCandy Burlesque dealers in risqué clothing, mini stages in the cocktail areas, specialty iCandy cocktails, go-go dancers, special guest DJs and a Party Pit.

The schedule for each night constantly rotates with fresh dance numbers, mini-themed shows, aerial performances, go-go dancers and other surprises to create a non-stop, high-energy night of entertainment!

“The new Tropicana is the perfect setting for our energetic yet playful show,” said Barbara. “We’ve created a fun environment with the hottest music, performances and beautiful dancers in sexy costumes to captivate the audience and keep them coming back for more.”

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Showtimes for iCandy Burlesque are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., with performances at 8:30 p.m., 10 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Admission is free. Guests must be 21 years of age or older.

Please note: There will be no performances December 22nd, 23rd and 24th in observance of the holidays. Shows will resume Thursday, December 29th.

4th Annual Carnival of Cuisine at the Venetian and the Palazzo

The Venetian and The Palazzo presented the fourth annual Carnival of Cuisine in the Palazzo Ballroom on Saturday afternoon, December 10. The culinary extravaganza featured more than 15 restaurants and eateries including five James Beard Award winners. Guests enjoyed palate-pleasing dishes by restaurants of The Venetian and The Palazzo including B&B Ristorante, Bouchon, Café Presse, Carnevino, Delmonico Steakhouse, Otto Enoteca Pizzeria, FIRST Food & Bar, Grand Lux Café, Lagasse’s Stadium, Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro, Pinot Brasserie, SUSHISAMBA, Sweet Surrender, Table 10, Valentino, The Venetian and The Palazzo Catering, ZINE Noodles Dim Sum and Zeffirino Ristorante.

Chef Sammy D of FIRST Food & Bar, Chef Francesco Schintu of Zeffirino, Chef Herb Wilson of SUSHISAMBA and Chef Luciano Pelligrini of Valentino performed live cooking demonstrations while guests sipped on specialty cocktails and enjoyed live entertainment.

Carnival of Cuisine is presented by Grazie, the premier loyalty program that rewards guests of The Venetian and The Palazzo for staying in the resorts’ suites, dining at the restaurants, shopping at the boutiques and gaming in the casinos.

Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Photo credit: Judy Thorburn

Additional recent and upcoming happenings include:

The Meadows senior, GARRETT GOSS, a football, basketball and baseball standout has been named the national male winner of the Wendy's High School Heisman, Wendy's announced in an awards banquet Friday night, December 9, in New York. The award honors seniors who excel in athletics, academics and community leadership.

HIV/AIDS nonprofit GOLDEN RAINBOW received a $25,000 grant from M·A·C Cosmetics’ M·A·C AIDS Fund for 2012. The donation will be used to support the organization’s Affordable Housing Program.

To celebrate the season of giving, on December GOLDEN RAINBOW beautified the exterior of its resident properties with holiday lights and décor donated by Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood customers and volunteers from the nonprofit. Clients and volunteers worked hand-in-hand to create a festive display for Golden Rainbow’S Affordable Housing Program tenants.

GOLDEN RAINBOW’s Affordable Housing Program is designed for people living with HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada who would otherwise have no place to call home. The nonprofit has been offering permanent housing specifically for people affected by HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada for 25 years and currently owns eight two-bedroom apartment units, one three-bedroom house and one two-bedroom townhome. All units are fully-furnished by Golden Rainbow and tenants are responsible for a discounted monthly rent equal to 30 percent of their income. The program’s housing facilities are designed to be a place where residents can feel safe and at home, live a normal life while maintaining steep medical bills.

CRAZY HORSE III will kick-off the world’s longest running consecutive open bar beginning at midnight on Sunday, Dec. 18, until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 27. Locals will receive drink tickets to the open bar event which features 24 hours of free well drinks for 10 consecutive days, giving Las Vegas residents an opportunity to party with hundreds of beautiful babes, without breaking the bank. Free limo pick up service will also be available from any major hotel on the Las Vegas Strip when guests call 702-673-1700.

NAME THAT TUNE!, the up-to-date, fast-paced version of the iconic daytime game show, is performed Saturday through Thursday at 4 p.m. in the Human Nature Theatre at Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino (Dark on Fridays). Name That Tune Live! will to be dark from Saturday, Dec. 3 – Friday, Dec. 16, as well as Dec. 24, 25, 31 and January 1. Tickets are $29.95 plus tax and applicable fees.

ROCKHOUSE BAR & NIGHTCLUB, located in front of the Imperial Palace on the Las Vegas strip, will celebrate Christmas weekend by throwing a SEXY SANTA PARTY on Friday, Dec. 23 and Saturday, Dec. 24. For two days, a $15 branded Santa hat will be party goers ticket to an open bar from 9 p.m. to midnight, plus $5 shots and two-for-one Budweiser products.

Comedic hypnotist, MARC SAVARD has signed a 3 year contract extension to perform at the V Theatre. The new deal extends the performance agreement for Marc Savard Comedy Hypnosis through 2014, which would mark 8 years at the theater inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Each week, the world-famous comedy club, IMPROV at Harrah’s Las Vegas showcases three of the funniest and freshest faces in comedy. The comedians who will perform Dec. 20 – 25, 2011 are:

LACHLAN PATTERSON: Hot off his memorable debut performance on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”. Last year, his rib-tickling debut CD, "Jokes to Make Love To," made Rooftop Comedy's "Best of 2010" list.

STEVE MITTLEMAN: Mittleman is a nationally-recognized talk show guest with more than 90 television appearances, including the “Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Rosie O’Donnell Show” and is one of the rare comedians who has appeared on “The Tonight Show” with both Johnny Carson and Jay Leno.

DAVA KRUASE: She performs stand-up regularly at The Hollywood Improv, The Ice House and on Tom Arnold’s show “Laughing with the Stars “at The Laugh Factory and also has a recurring role on the TV' series “House”.

Shows are at 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. every Tuesday through Sunday. Tickets are $29.05 or $44.95 (plus applicable taxes and fees) for VIP tickets that include special seating, an Improv t-shirt and post-show meet-and-greet with the comics. Special two-for-one tickets are also available for locals for the 10:30 p.m. Show.

The ultimate street party with nonstop entertainment has been set for Fremont Street Experience’s New Year’s Eve celebration with the 4th Annual TRIBUTE PALOOZA, From 6 p.m. – 2 a.m. two featured bands, Steel Panther and Rock Sugar, will perform plus great music from 10 incredible and authentic tribute bands performing throughout the evening.

TributePalooza will also include a 2011 year-in-review retrospective on the Viva Vision screen, a midnight countdown led by Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman and an epic Fireworks by Grucci produced fireworks show synchronized with virtual fireworks on Viva Vision that is part of the citywide celebration, “America’s Party: Las Vegas New Year 2012.” Additionally, the celebration will happen all weekend with free concerts by tribute bands on both Friday, Dec. 30 and Sunday, Jan. 1.

On New Year’s Eve, admission to TributePalooza is just $30 per person and marks the only time of year when Fremont Street Experience has paid, ticketed admission. Fremont Street Experience is restricted to persons 21 and over on New Year’s Eve only.

Comedian/actor DOV DAVIDOFF, who was named “one of the top 10 to watch” by Variety magazine, is scheduled to perform as the New Year’s Eve weekend headliner at the award-winning Playboy Comedy inside The Lounge at the Palms Casino Resort. Davidoff’s Filthy Operation Tour hits The Lounge nightly at 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29 – Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011. Ticket prices start at $39.99 (inclusive of taxes). VIP tickets are also available for $59.99, which includes a line pass into Playboy Comedy, VIP seating at the show and entry after 12:30 a.m. into Playboy Club. Buffet dinner package is also available, which includes VIP ticket amenities and a dinner buffet ticket for $69.99.

Legendary rockers GUNS & ROSES are doing their first US tour in 5 years and their final 2 shows on December 30 and 31 will be a big party at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Guns N’ Roses will be joined by Sebastian Bach and Las Vegas’ own Adelitas Way for both shows. Tickets start at $95 (plus applicable service fees).

Celebrity Sightings:

Friday night, December 9...
Actress/model Jenny McCarthy and friends Kelly Monaco and Cheryl Burke, partied at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens inside Paris Las Vegas. Prior to heading into the club, the group enjoyed sundaes at Sugar Factory American Brasserie.

Jenny McCarthy in front of the Chateau Gardens sign at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens
Photo Credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage


Jenny McCarthy enjoying the night with friends Cheryl Burke and Kelly Monaco at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens
Photo Credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage


Jenny McCarthy sipping on a Sugar Factory Lollipop Goblet at Sugar Factory.
Photo Credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage


Jenny McCarthy holding a signature Sugar Factory Couture Pop at Sugar Factory.
Photo Credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage

X Factor judge Paula Abdul along with a friend had dinner at Nove Italiano inside the Palms Casino Resort. After dinner Abdul headed to the Playboy Club where she met up with some friends and enjoyed a VIP table. After Playboy Club the group headed to Moon Nightclub.
VH1 Mob Wives Ramona Rizzo and Karen Gravano had dinner at N9NE Steakhouse inside the Palms Casino Resort. After dinner they headed to Moon Nightclub where they enjoyed a VIP table.

Chef Barry Dakake with the Mob Wives
Photo Credit: 9 Group

Actor Jesse Williams from the hit TV Show Grey’s Anatomy was spotted at LAVO, while Jaleel White, best known for playing Urkel on Family Matters checked out Marquee.

Saturday night, December 10...

"Absinthe" and "Holly's World" star,Angel Porrino hosted the 'XXXMas' bash at Crazy Horse III Gentlemen's Club and Posh Boutique Nightclub inside the PLAYGROUND nightlife complex.

Angel Porrino with her poster at Crazy Horse III.
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy


Angel Porrino poses next to the Christmas tree at Crazy Horse III.
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy

Jay-Z whose, Watch the Throne concert was Friday, decided to throw an “after, after” party at TAO on Saturday night for fans wanting more.

He commanded a VIP table on the dance floor with a group of his close guy friends. A six piece marching band with a little person conductor traveled through the partiers to his table, where they launched into the intro of his hit “N**gas in Paris”.

Also spotted at TAO taking in the incredible scene was R&B artist Jeremih.

Earlier in the day Olympic Gold Medalist, Apolo Anton Ohno partied at LAVO’s famed Champagne Brunch.

Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery


Jay Z
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery


Marching Band for Jay Z
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Monday, Dec. 12, former British professional boxer Richard John Hatton, known as Ricky "the Hitman" Hatton, visited Ri Ra Las Vegas, an authentic Irish pub, located inside The Shoppes at Mandalay Place.

Ricky "The Hitman" Hatten (right)

Tuesday, Dec. 13, former heavyweight boxing champion Leon Spinks was spotted in the pub.

Leon Spinks (left)