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
Celebrity Chef Kerry Simon Memorabilia Case Dedication at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Kerry Simon, dubbed the “rock ‘n’ roll chef” by Rolling Stone magazine, was honored with the inaugural culinary memorabilia case at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Thursday, July 17. More than 100 patrons gathered as Simon, Warner Gaming Executive Don Marrandino and Hard Rock Hotel’s Memorabilia Curator Warwick Stone unveiled the permanent fixture which was flanked by models donning cotton candy wigs, a tribute to Simon’s signature dessert.
Kerry Simon
Photo credit: Erik Kabik
"This place has always honored rock stars and we think of Kerry as a rock star," explained Marrandino during the ceremony. He also made note of the impact that Simon and his culinary talents have had on not only the property but the city. In addition, Marrandino acknowledged his friend’s courageous battle with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) but that he can’t wait to one day bring another Simon restaurant concept back to the resort.
“Kerry has always kept Vegas in his heart,” praised Stone. Turning to Simon he added, “It is an honor to salute you.”
Kerry Simon
Photo credit: Erik Kabik
The display boasts a photograph of Simon and longtime friend actor Bill Murray in matching Elvis suits, a bust of Simon painted purple, black chef coat from Simon Kitchen & Bar, autographed guitar, culinary knives, image of him as a young chef with Bianca Jagger and various awards.
Kerry Simon display case
Photo credit: Erik Kabik
In 2002, Simon partnered with restaurateur Elizabeth Blau to open Simon Kitchen & Bar at Hard Rock Hotel. The venue quickly became a favorite of celebrities, tourists and Las Vegas notables. It was selected as one of "America's Best New Restaurants" by Esquire Magazine in 2003. Simon went on to become a two-time competitor and judge on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” and defeated Kat Kora on the station’s “Battle Hamburger.” Playgirl magazine even named him as one of the country’s sexiest chefs and featured an interview with Simon in the April 2003. These days, Simon has numerous restaurant concepts throughout Las Vegas as well as the world.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
SUSAN CUPIT, a 57-year-old homemaker from Palm Desert, Calif., hit the sought-after $2,690,428.99 JACKPOT while playing Bally Technologies' one-cent denomination Hot Shot Progressive video slot at The Palazzo on the Las Vegas Strip at 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 13.
Susan Cupit
Photo courtesy of the Palazzo
An avid gambler, Cupit's persistence paid off. After winning $1,500 on Bally’s Hot Shot Progressive video slot on Friday night, the wins kept on coming. On early Sunday morning, the lucky Californian hit a $2.6 million jackpot on the same machine. She and her husband recently celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary and are relieved they will now be able to retire comfortably. Cupit plans to remodel her home and purchase a motorhome to travel the country with her winnings.
THE NEVADA CONSERVATORY THEATRE AT UNLV (NCT) has announced the DONALD W. REYNOLDS FOUNDATION has selected it as the recipient of a $250,000 grant. The grant will fund the fall 2014 production of “The Last Five Years,” purchase technology to enhance the Judy Bayley Theatre, and support guest artists-in-residence. It is being made in honor of Dr. Keith Bowman for his years of dedicated service as a trustee of the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation.
The Nevada Conservatory Theatre at UNLV is among the most distinguished cultural institutions in Southern Nevada, and the public laboratory of the department’s professional training program both, at the graduate and undergraduate levels. It features professional actors, playwrights, designers, technicians, and directors performing along-side UNLV’s most advanced students. It continues to attract the highest level of student performers, designers, playwrights, and technologists from around the nation.
International Tango Masters Judy & Jon will hold a FREE MILONGA-TANGO DANCE PARTY at Eccoci Boca Park Saturday, July 19, 2014, from 1–4 p.m. This free afternoon event for the public will include: 2 p.m. fashion show; performance by Judy & Jon; introductory Argentine tango class; dancing for all-level dancers; and drawings for tango lesson and more will be held at Eccoci located at 750 S. Rampart, Suite 8.
The July edition of “MONDAYS DARK WITH MARK SHUNOCK” will take place on Monday, July 21st, 2014 at 8:30 p.m. at Vinyl inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Following the success of last month’s TONY night, 100 percent of the ticket proceeds from the July show will benefit SAFE HOUSE, which was established in 1994 as a grassroots effort by a group of community leaders concerned about the needs of abused women and their children. Today, through an undisclosed residency, support, advocacy, counseling and community education, the organization provides a comprehensive approach to working with survivors of domestic violence from all over Southern Nevada and provides tools to ensure each person's safety and independence from an abusive and/or violent life.
This month's edition of Monday's Dark, titled “Classic Vegas”, will feature Clint Holmes, Pia Zadora, Chris Phillips, Frankie Scinta, Peter Pavone and others. Tickets are $20 in advance, $30 at the door, and can be purchased by visiting www.MondaysDark.com and are limited to 300 tickets per event. For more information please call 702-485-1262.
Comedian JEFF ALTMAN, along with his co-headliner, HARRY BASIL, will be appearing in the Laugh Factory at the Tropicana Hotel/ Resort the week of July 21-27. Show times are 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. with tickets priced at $34.95 and $44.95 plus fees.
Right Now Air, a leading provider of HVAC services in Las Vegas, has again joined forces with the LITTLE MISS HANNAH FOUNDATION for its third annual “RAINBOWS IN THE WIND” event event on Wednesday, July 23 from 5:30 – 9 p.m. at Town Square Las Vegas. In addition to providing print, television and radio advertising support, Right Now Air launched a photo contest on its Facebook page to donate additional funds. The Facebook contest encourages photos depicting how fans stay cool during the dog days of summer. For each image submitted with the hashtag #StayCoolVegas, Right Now Air will donate $5 to Little Miss Hannah Foundation, up to $1,500 in total. The contest runs through July 22 and in addition to raising awareness for the Foundation, one lucky winner will be chosen at random to win a family four pack of tickets to Wet ‘n Wild Las Vegas.
Little Miss Hannah Foundation was founded in December 2011 in memory of Hannah Ostrea, who lost her battle against Neuronopathic Gaucher’s Disease, an extremely rare and life-limiting genetic metabolic disorder. The Ostrea family and their close friends formed the foundation to give hope and support to other families whose children have received the diagnosis of life-limiting disorders, as well as to support families with young children receiving end-of-life palliative care.
“THE SOUNDTRACK OF SUMMER TOUR” FEATURING STYX, FOREIGNER, AND SPECIAL GUEST DON FELDER (FORMER EAGLE GUITARIST) stops at the Orleans Arena on Friday, July 25. In Las Vegas, fans will be part of the only live tour recording of sets performed by Don Felder and Styx for use in a national TV broadcast to air later this year and be released as a DVD. Reserved seats are available for $70 and $55 and can be purchased by calling the Orleans Arena Box Office.
Retired veteran hockey player JEFF CHRISTIAN (Las Vegas Thunder 1997-98), who lost his daughter Ryan in 2013 after a three-year battle fighting a rare pediatric cancer, returns to Las Vegas to host a charity event, 7 pm on July 25 at McMullan’s Irish Pub – Shenanigan’s 4650 W Tropicana Ave #110. Proceeds from the event will benefit the TEAM RYAN FOUNDATION, which was created in her honor, and the CURE 4 THE KIDS FOUNDATION, which addresses the specialized health care needs of children in Nevada and the surrounding regions for children with or without medical insurance or the ability to pay for treatment. Local band Avalon Landing will perform an exclusive acoustic set and there will be an opportunity to win great prizes and experiences via raffle drawings. There is no cost for entry and donations will be raised through the purchase of $4 cans of Guinness and Carlsberg Beer, special food and craft items, raffle tickets and direct donations to the charities.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS SOUTHERN NEVADA will hold its third annual POWER WALK on Saturday, July 26, at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. The 1-mile fun walk will raise funds for the organization’s programs that support the health and wellness of disadvantaged women seeking to find a job and start a career.Set inside the air-conditioned Miracle Mile Shops, the fun walk will offer participants the opportunity to get some exercise, catch up with friends and do a little shopping too. There will be musical entertainment, vendors to visit and fun activities for the whole family. Check-in starts at 7:30 a.m. The event starts at 8 a.m. and walking will begin at 9 a.m. Early registration is $28/adult and $40/adult after July 24, 2014. To register or to become an event sponsor, please visit www.dressforsuccesssouthernnevada.org
The 17th ANNUAL ADVERTISING COMMUNITY TALENT SHOW (A.C.T.S.) returns to Las Vegas Saturday, August 2 at Chrome Showroom inside Santa Fe Station. Hosted by 97.1 FM The Point’s Steph McKenzie, 98.5 KLUC’s Chet Buchanan, KTNV Ch. 13’s Shawn Tempesta and Emmy Award-winning journalist Nina Radetich, the 17th Annual A.C.T.S. will feature acts from the Southern Nevada advertising and media community. Doors open at 6 p.m. and all proceeds raised will benefit SAFE NEST a local charity dedicated to providing temporary assistance for those going through domestic crisis in Southern Nevada. Tickets are $25 for general admission and can be purchased at any Station Casinos Reward Center and The Fiestas, by logging onto www.sclv.com/concerts. The silent auction begins at 6 p.m., with the show beginning at 7 p.m. Guests must be 21 years or older. The talent portion of the show is non-competitive.
Celebrated comedian RUSSELL PETERS returns to The Pearl inside Palms Casino Resort on Aug. 2, 2014 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $49, plus any additional service fees.
Chicago native JOHN CAPONERA will be headlining alongside fellow comedians DENNY JOHNSTON and host, FRAZER SMITH at the LAUGH FACTORY inside the New Tropicana Resort beginning Monday, July 28 through Sunday, August 3. Show times are 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.Tickets, priced at $34.95 and $44.95.
Super Summer Theatre and Feral Tale Theatricals presents SHREK THE MUSICAL (based on the 2001 blockbuster DreamWorks film, “Shrek,” and William Steig's 1990 story, Shrek!) on the outdoor stage at Spring Mountain Ranch, August 6-9, 13-16, 20-23 (show begins at 8:05 p.m.). Tickets start at $12.95
Renowned dog behavior expert CESAR MILLAN will bring his LEADER OF THE PACK LIVE show to The Pearl inside Palms Casino Resort on August 15, at 8 p.m. In this entertaining show, Millan will share his unique insights on understanding dog behaviour with the audience. Dog lovers will be inspired by Millan’s way, as he reveals the key to happier, healthier relationships between humans and their canine companions. Tickets start at $39, plus any additional service fees.
Celebrity sightings:
Thursday evening, July 17...
Guitarist and GRAMMY award-winning record producer Bob Kulick was spotted checking out Blue Man Group at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino. Following the show, the artist went backstage for a private VIP meet-and-greet with cast members.
Bob Kulick
Photo courtesy of Blue Man Group
Jerry West, retired NBA guard and former head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, dined at LAVO Italian Restaurant.
Wednesday evening, July 16...
ESPN NBA analyst Tom Penn and retired NBA player and former head coach of the Dallas Mavericks and Brooklyn Nets Avery Johnson dined at LAVO.
Tuesday, July 15...
Comedian and Las Vegas headliner Eddie Griffin, along with a group of friends, celebrated his birthday by riding VooDoo Zip Line at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino
Eddie Griffin
Photo credit: © VooDoo Zip Line.
Saturday afternoon, July 12...
Daytime talk show host Wendy Williams and “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Brandi Glanville hosted the third annual World’s Largest Bachelorette Party, made pretty by Benefit Cosmetics, at TAO Beach.
Brandi Glanville
Photo credit: Al Powers, Powers Imagery
Later that evening, Williams and her group of friends, which included her husband of 16 years, Kevin Hunter, continued their day TAO. Williams hosted the private WLBP celebration inside TAO Nightclub’s Opium Room alongside Chippendales star Jaymes Vaughan. Williams then moved downstairs to TAO Asian Bistro to fuel up on signature dishes for her birthday celebration.
After dinner, the group took over a VIP skybox at TAO Nightclub to celebrate Williams’ 50th birthday. Shortly after she arrived, the TV personality was surprised with another custom birthday cake, which was presented to her by the Chippendales as well as TAO’s mirror man.
Also at TAO Nightclub, rapper Too $hort was spotted at a VIP table with friends and family.
Actor Josh Peck and a group of friends had dinner at LAVO Italian Restaurant, then made their way to Marquee Nightclub to celebrate a friend’s 21st birthday where Kaskade, who was manning the DJ decks and treating a sold-out crowd to the latest installment of his Summer Lovin’ residency.
Wendy Williams with birthday cakePhoto credit: Al Powers, Powers Imagery
Friday afternoon, July 11...
UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis stopped by Towbin Dodge, located at 275 Auto Mall Drive in Henderson, Nev., to take a look around the dealership’s expansive showroom.
Also spotted at Towbin Dodge was Mike Henry, more commonly known as Horny Mike, from The History Channel’s hit reality show “Counting Cars.” Known for his love of adding 3-D horns to all of his projects, Horny Mike is the car show’s talented airbrush artist.
Thursday night, July 10...
Las Vegas celebrities and influencers alike came out to attend UrbanDaddy’s launch party for Le Melon, the latest flavor from Grey Goose, at the Euro Pool at the Wynn. The party was part of a national ten-city event series “Fruit of Kings” to celebrate the new flavor by toasting modern day “kings” who are shaking things up. The event was hosted by Anthony Pettis, the UFC Lightweight Champion who is currently filming the 20th season of the reality TV series, The Ultimate Fighter, in Las Vegas .Other notable guests were UFC Fighters Eddie “Truck” Gordon and Kevin Lee.
Grey Goose, at the Euro Pool at the Wynn
Grey Goose, at the Euro Pool at the Wynn
DJ Crooked