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
Grand Opening of two-Time Broadway World Award Winner Eric Jordan Young's New Production Show 'Shakin'
Eric Jordan Young, star of Shakin’ at Sin City Theatre inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, hosted an official grand opening event for media and VIPs on Monday, October 20. Beginning with celebrity red carpet arrivals including fellow Las Vegas performers Josh Strickland, Reva Rice, Tony Jones, Ariann Black, Maren Wade and Murray Sawchuck, the event included a performance of Shakin’ followed by a reception with cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres at Koi.
Eric Jordan Young
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Eric Jordan Young and the cast of Shakin’ (left to right: music director and keyboardist Alec Bart, bassist Blaise Sison, dancer Amanda Nowak, dancer Sarah Short, Eric Jordan Young, dancer Claudia Mitria, dancer Sarah Storey and guitarist Brian Bissell)
Photo credit: of Ira Kuzma
With his new production, featuring dazzling choreography and a live band, multitalented “triple threat” Eric Jordan Young brings a little piece of Broadway to Sin City. Young transforms a collection of quintessential pop, rock, funk, R&B and jazz songs, resulting in a fresh, current spin on some of the most recognizable and influential tunes.With inspiration from legendary Vegas performers including Sammy Davis Jr., Flip Wilson and Red Foxx, and the modern flair of stars like Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars, Young fuses an incredible repertoire that reinvigorates the great American songbook with contemporary arrangements, unforgettable characters and groove-inspired dance.
Jerry Jones and Eric Jordan Young
Photo credit: of Ira Kuzma
Bill Fayne
Photo credit: of Ira Kuzma
Anne Martinez
Photo credit: of Ira Kuzma
Josh Strickland and Eric Jordan Young
Photo credit: of Ira Kuzma
Monti Rock III and Eric Jordan Young
Photo credit: of Ira Kuzma
Maren Wade
Photo credit: of Ira Kuzma
Murray Sawchuck
Photo credit: of Ira Kuzma
Douglas 'Lefty' Leferovich
Photo credit: of Ira Kuzma
Jonathan Scott
Photo credit: of Ira Kuzma
Jerry Metellus Jennifer Romas
Photo credit: of Ira Kuzma
Jeff Civillico
Photo credit: of Ira Kuzma
Shakin’ takes the stage nightly, dark Thursday and Friday, at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino’s Sin City Theatre at 5:30 p.m. General admission tickets are priced at $44.95 and VIP tickets are $54.95 plus taxes and fees.
Read Dianne Davis' review of Shakin' in this week's edition of her Views of Vegas column.
CSI: The Experience celebrated its Fifth Anniversary with a Star-Studded Red Carpet Event
CSI: The Experience at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino celebrated its fifth anniversary with a special red carpet event, where Las Vegas celebrities came together at the scene of the crime to put their sleuthing skills to work. Among the guests in attendance were EMS Entertainment CEO Christoph Rahofer, Jaymes Vaughan (Chippendales), Dirk Vermin (A&E’s Bad Ink), Jabbawockeez, Thunder From Down Under, FANTASY, Ricardo Laguna, Paul Shortino (Raiding the Rock Vault), Jen Mateo (Top Rank’s Knockout Girls), Michael Godard and more.
Chloe Louise Crawford
Photos courtesy of CSI: The Experience
Christoph Rahofer
Photos courtesy of CSI: The Experience
Dick Vermin of 'Bad Ink'
Photos courtesy of CSI: The Experience
Jabbawockeez with FANTASY dancers Mariah Rivera and Chloe Louise Crawford
Photos courtesy of CSI: The Experience
Jabbawockeez
Photos courtesy of CSI: The Experience
Jaymes Vaughn
Photos courtesy of CSI: The Experience
Maraiah Rivera
Photos courtesy of CSI: The Experience
Paul and Carmen Shortino
Photos courtesy of CSI: The Experience
Ricardo Laguna
Photos courtesy of CSI: The Experience
Thunder From Down Under dancer
Photos courtesy of CSI: The Experience
Top Rank Knockout Girl Jen Mateo
Photos courtesy of CSI: The Experience
“I am proud that we have made CSI: The Experience a landmark of the Las Vegas market,” said EMS Entertainment CEO Christoph Rahofer.
As October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month, $3 from every full-priced ticket sold to CSI: The Experience during the month will benefit S.A.F.E. House, which is committed to stop violence and abuse in the family environment by providing safe shelter, support, advocacy, counseling and education.
A challenging and fun multi-sensory attraction, CSI: The Experience places guests in the role of a crime scene investigator as they solve one of three true-to-life mysteries. Spanning 12,000 square feet and featuring thousands of hand-made props, CSI: The Experience comes to life through a captivating multimedia environment featuring dazzling special effects, meticulous crime scene recreations and two state-of-the-art crime labs.
JERSEY BOYS Star Brings Together Notable Las Vegas Entertainers for Fourth Annual "NF Hope Concert" at The Venetian Las Vegas
JERSEY BOYS star Jeff Leibow gathered together an amazing group of Las Vegas entertainers in the fight against Neurofibromatosis (NF) for the fourth annual “NF Hope Concert” that took place in the Sands Showroom at the Venetian Las Vegas on Sunday afternoon Oct. 19. Proceeds from the event, which included a silent auction, sales of 2014 NF Hope Concert T shirts signed by each participating performer, and a live auction where lunch with the cast of Jersey Boys at Carmine's Italian Restaurant and 2 bottles of Magnum Wine received a winning of $1600, all benefited NF Network, an organization serving families and individuals suffering with NF. A portion of the proceeds will also benefit the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation in the support of Las Vegas families touched by this common, yet seldom supported disorder.
Melody, Emma, and Jeff Leibow
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
This year's concert included performances by vocal impressionist Veronic, singer/showman Clint Holmes, American Idol finalist Jasmine Trias, Ben Stone, comedienne Shayma Tash, Kristen Hertzenberg, stars of Jersey Boys, Martin Kaye of Million Dollar Quartet, an acoustic set by the cast of Rock of Ages, rocker Paul Shortino singing accapella, tap dancing twin brothers Sean and John, crooner Tommy Ward, R & B Group All-4-One, and a duet by Jeff Leibow and his wife Melody.
Clint Holmes
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Cast of Rock Of Ages
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jasmine Trias and Ben Stone
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jersey Boys: Travis Cloer, Buck Hujabe, Jeff Leibow, Graham Fenton, and Deven May
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Martin Kaye
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Paul Shortino
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Shayma Tash
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tommy Ward and his horn section
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Veronic DeCaire
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
All-4-One
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Keith Thompson and Kirsten Hertzenberg
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Sean and John Scott
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Melody and Jeff Leibow
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Also taking the stage were four young women, Elana, Savannah, Vicki, and Jennifer afflicted with the disease. Each spoke about their personal struggle and the programs available through the NF Network. Joining them was Emma Leibow, Jeff's young daughter who was diagnosed with NF in 2010 at the age of nine months and was the inspiration for this event. NF is a genetic disorder of the nervous system that results in a mutation on a gene that normally suppresses tumor growth, which allows for tumors to grow on any nerve in the body without warning
Emma Leibow sings after Elana, Savannah, Vicki, and Jennifer, afflicted with the disease, tell their personal stories
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Leibow and his wife, Melody, conceived the idea for the concert upon the realization that they had an obligation to their family and the 100,000 people living with NF to educate others about the disorder. Since its inception in 2011, the NF Concert has raised nearly $150,000 for Neurofibromatosis research and advocacy.
Leibow’s efforts will increase as he has accepted a full time position as executive producer and director of development of NF Hope Concerts. Following his final performance in JERSEY BOYS on Nov. 23, Leibow will focus on expanding the concert to other cities around the country.
Along with the performers, other red carpet arrivals included: singer Jerry Jones, Pinup's Lisa Marie Smith, and Rock Of Ages Paul Johnson.
Jerry Jones
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Lisa Marie Smith and Paul Johnson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Epicurean Charitable Foundation Hosts 13th Annual M.E.N.U.S. Fundraiser at MGM Grand
Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas hosted its 13th annual M.E.N.U.S. (Mentoring and Educating Nevada’s Upcoming Students) event on Friday night, October 17 at MGM Grand, with an exclusive poolside dine-around and entrance to a concert by the Zac Brown Band at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas and students
Photo credit: Cashman Photo Enterprises
ECF supporters enjoyed more than 30 participating restaurants including: CRUSH eat, drink, love from MGM Grand serving grilled Chilean sea bass and tuna tostada; Giada from The Cromwell serving orzo meatballs and chocolate peanut butter cookies; Aureole from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino serving grilled hanger steak; and Zenshin Asian Restaurant from South Point Hotel Casino & Spa serving mini malassadas and ahi poke tacos; among others.
The dine-around was followed by a rocking performance by three-time Grammy Award-winning country sensation, Zac Brown Band. Notable guests at M.E.N.U.S. included: Jason Shkorupa, president of ECF and vice president of food and beverage for MGM Grand; Ana Marie Mormando, ECF vice president and vice president of hotel operations for Bellagio; Larry Ruvo, vice president of Southern Wine & Spirits; Lincoln Spoor, owner of Feel Good Brands; and Stowe Shoemaker, dean of the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration at University of Nevada, Las Vegas; among others. Local entertainers also participated in ECF’s ‘purple carpet’ such as Carrot Top, Jabbawockeez, FANTASY and Thunder from Down Under.
Jabbawockeez and T&T staff
Photo credit: Cashman Photo Enterprises
Guests enjoy Food and Dine-Around
Photo credit: Cashman Photo Enterprises
M.E.N.U.S. Dine-Around
Photo credit: Cashman Photo Enterprises
M.E.N.U.S. is an annual event that raises money to support ECF’s primary charitable endeavor of providing full-ride scholarships to deserving local students interested in pursuing careers in hospitality or the culinary arts. Since 2001, ECF has donated more than $1 million to Clark County students.
Additional recent and upcoming happening in Las Vegas include:
WHIST STOVE AND SPIRITS AND DUE & PROPER located at The District at Green Valley Ranch, celebrated its grand opening on Tuesday night, beginning with a ribbon cutting ceremony by Ryan Doherty, Justin Weniger, Kenna Warner and Pete Kaufman of Whist Stove and Spirits and Due & Proper, Executive Chef Ricardo Romo and the Henderson Chamber of Commerce. The two eclectically chic venues celebrated with a packed house of Henderson business owners, industry executives and media VIPs. Prominent guests included world famous photographer, Peter Lik, Zappos.com CEO, Tony Hsieh and Jesse Waits, co-owner of Tryst at Encore and XS at Wynn.
Due & Proper Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – Ryan Doherty, Executive Chef Ricardo Romo, Pete Kaufman, Justin Weniger, Kenna Warner
Photo credit: Joe Fury
Exterior – Whist Stove and Spirits
Photo credit: Joe Fury
Bartender Serving Whist’s Signature Cocktails
Photo credit: Joe Fury
Guests sipped on signature cocktails from both venues, including Whist’s Aunt Ruby’s Slipper and Ladies’ First, and Due & Proper’s Dead Rabbit and Natives. Servers passed a variety of appetizers, including Fish Nuggets with housemade tartar sauce, Deviled Eggs, Curried Chicken Skewers, Sausage Crostini, and Miniature Chocolate Doughnuts.
British born comedian, PAUL SCALLY recently opened his “GRAND LAUGHS COMEDY SHOW” in The Downtown Grand Hotel and Casino. The comedy showcase stars Scally, who also acts as the host/headliner and is joined by some of the best stand up acts touring L.A. and Vegas, as well as up and comers delivering their own brand of humor. The show includes 1 variety guest spot totaling 4 professional acts each night.
Paul Scally and Casey McConachie
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The night I attended his show, Scally was in top form delivering hilarious material covering a variety of topics including the difference between the Brits and Americans and living in Las Vegas. Other acts included Allison Weber, aka The Dirty Guitar Girl, performing “blue” song parodies about sex, dating, drinking etc; Lance Montalto who compared fishing to dating; and one of the funniest comedians in Las Vegas, Geechy Guy.
Paul Scally
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Lance Montalto
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Allison Weber
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Geechy Guy
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Paul Scally is the comedy showcase's one fixture as star and headliner but his lineup of guest comedians are on an ever changing rotation. So if you a local or tourist visiting the downtown area and want to get your laugh on, The Grand Laughs Comedy Show is a must see.Tickets are $19.95.
In celebration of Halloween, LIFE TIME ATHLETIC SUMMERLIN, located at 10721 W. Charleston Blvd., will welcome little ghosts and goblins with a “SPOOKTACULAR” children's faire at the center’s resort-style outdoor pool from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25. Parents and children will enjoy an evening of fun with Halloween-themed games and entertainment including a treasure hay hunt, a bounce house, pumpkin decorating and other Halloween crafts, and a dive-in Halloween movie to conclude the evening. Members and non-members of Life Time Athletic Summerlin are welcome to attend.
THE LAS VEGAS LEGENDS, Las Vegas’ only current major league sports team, will challenge Turlock Express from California in its season opener home game on October 26, 2014 at 3 p.m. at Orleans Arena. This game will also benefit the Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada as they are the featured charity partner of the game. Partial proceeds from the ball toss fundraiser that is held between the third and fourth quarter will go toward Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada. The game will also celebrate Halloween with a costume contest for children and adults. The Top 10 costumes will appear on the field at halftime to showcase their innovative costumes, and will win various prizes including tickets for future games. Tickets are priced at $9 for children and $20 for adults.
Caesars Entertainment and AEG Live have announced that ELTON JOHN has extended his original three year contract at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace and will return with his critically acclaimed show, “The Million Dollar Piano,” for three more years. Tickets for the January, March and April 2015 performances will go on sale Sunday, Oct. 26 at 10 a.m. PT.
ELIXIR – a Local Lounge, Green Valley’s hottest place to ‘Relax, Dine and Play,’ invites horror fans to celebrate Halloween early at special midnight showing of the original George Romero's 1968 horror classic, “NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD” on Monday, Oct. 27. The special Halloween “Brewvie” night will be hosted by Las Vegas Weekly’s movie critic Josh Bell. Bell will be on hand throughout the evening to introduce one of his favorite horror films to the guests, as well as answer any questions about the horror masterpiece and lead a “Night of the Living Dead” themed trivia contest for Elixir prizes. Guests will also enjoy beer specials and free popcorn throughout the night. There is no cover for the party. Elixir is a 21 or older establishment with valid ID.
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay transforms into the spooky, hair-raising HAUNTED REEF Friday, Oct. 31 through Sunday, Nov 2. Visitors will make their way past the Aquarium’s most feared predators of land and sea as sounds of rattling chains, creaking doors and spine-chilling music fill the air. Tunnels that typically provide solitude and serenity will instead feel eerie and foreboding.
Haunted Reef will host its annual community day on Halloween, Friday, Oct. 31. Kids ages 12 and under dressed in a Halloween costume will receive complimentary admission to Shark Reef Aquarium, as will adults who donate blood at the designated on-site United Blood Services booth from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. that day.
This year, even after Halloween ends, there will be trick or treating and decorations that pay tribute to Dia de los Muertos, the three-day Mexican celebration that honors deceased family members through November 2.
Adult admission: $18; Children 5-12 years: $12; Nevada residents with valid I.D. receive a discount on admission: Adult: $15; Children 5-12 years: $10; Children four and under are complimentary.
Four-time GRAMMY Award-winning R&B vocal group BOYZ II MEN announced it has extended its residency at The Mirage Hotel & Casino through December 2015. The trio, featuring baritone Nathan Morris alongside tenors Wanya Morris and Shawn Stockman, will continue to perform in the Terry Fator Theatre on select weekend dates.
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET star and recording artist, MARTIN KAYE, brings his distinct showmanship and brand new show “Should’ve Been A Doctor” to Art Square for one night only on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20.
Movember, the global movement to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues through the Movember Foundation hits Las Vegas starting November 1.The Movember Foundation is the leading global organization supporting over 800 men’s health programs dedicated to combating prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health. Culinary Dropout, inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, is joining the movement this fall and invites guests to get in on the moustache magic by forgoing a trip to the barber until December.
Mo Bros and Mo Sistas can show their support by stopping by the restaurant throughout the month of November to snap a photo in front of a backdrop decorated with popular moustache styles. Don’t have a real ‘Mo’ to show off? No need to fret, faux ‘staches will be provided as well.
Photos will be uploaded to the Culinary Dropout Facebook “Movember Movement 2014” album daily at www.facebook.com/culinarydropout. The restaurant will donate $1 to the Movember Foundation for every photo posted and an additional dollar will be donated for every tag on the Facebook page.
THE LAS VEGAS ACADEMY OF THE ARTS (LVA) will host its second annual fundraising gala at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino on Monday, Nov. 10, 2014 in the Pavilion Ballroom. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with a silent auction and sideshow followed by dinner, a live auction and fabulous entertainment featuring stars from the Las Vegas Strip. Master artist Graham Knuttel is LVA’s 2014 Gala Honoree. “Ringmaster” and Strip headliner Jeff Civillico will be joined by Mark Shunock (“Rock of Ages”), magician Mac King, Travis Cloer (“Jersey Boys”), soprano Suzanne Vinnik, Broadway musical director Jack Gaughan and Elvis impersonator Brendan Paul, among other performers and surprises under the big top. In keeping with the LVA tradition, entertainers will be joined on stage by student performers.
Grammy Award-Winning performer JOAN SABASTIAN, recognized as one of the most influential Mexican performers of all time, brings his farewell tour “La Ultima Maroma” to the Orleans Arena November 30 at 6 p.m. Ranchera music vocalists Grupo Laberinto will open the show. Reserved seats range from $55-$125.
Celebrity sightings:
Monday, Oct. 20...
Grammy nominated musician/actor Joe Jonas made his Las Vegas debut spinning the hits inside FOXTAIL NIGHTCLUB AT SLS LAS VEGAS. Jonas began the evening at Cleo where he enjoyed an array of Mediterranean dishes with a couple of close friends before heading to the nightclub.
Sunday night, October 19...
Visiting Las Vegas as part of her last wish, Brittany Maynard, the 29-year-old woman with terminal brain cancer dined at LAVO with her mother Debbie Ziegler and husband Dan Diaz.
Saturday, October 18...
In the afternoon, LAVO Party Brunch kicked off its fourth season with Grammy award-winner Cedric Gerva acting as special guest lifeguard for the “Beach to Brunch” themed affair with DJ Lema spinning the sounds.
That night, the entire Los Angeles Clippers team visited TAO Asian Bistro for dinner after their preseason game against the Denver Nuggets. Shortly after the team dinner started, Glen “Big Baby” Davis took the microphone from the DJ and sang his song "Big Baby Gon’ Turn It Up".
The team then went up to the nightclub where Big Baby got on the mic, and Chris Paul, DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin made rookie C.J. Wilcox dance in the middle of the dance floor while the team cheered him on. They also tried to embarrass teammate J.J. Redick by having his name displayed on the LED screen and having the DJ shout him out. The group of players also included Reggie Bullock, Jordan Farmar, Matt Barnes, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Spencer Hawes and Hedo Turkoglu.
At Marquee Las Vegas, Bruno Mars hosted his official after-concert party. Spotted in Mars’ VIP area was Matt Damon with a group of friends, as well as Jennifer Lopez who was joined by her manager Benny Medina.
LiFE Nightclub welcomed back resident DJ Erick Morillo. Later in the evening, Grammy award-winning DJ/Producer Cedric Gervais was spotted with Morillo in the DJ booth before joining friends at a VIP table.
LiFE Nightclub welcomes back resident DJ Erick Morillo
Photo credit:: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
EDM sensation Erick Morillo performs to a packed crowd at LiFE Nightclub
Photo credit:: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
Aerialists take flight during Erick Morillo’s set at LiFE Nightclub
Photo credit:: Al Powers/Powers Imagery)
Comedian and New York Times best-selling author Heather McDonald was spotted dining on the patio at LAVO Italian Restaurant.
At Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas, UFC® fighter Ricardo “Demente” Abreu tapped the keg with ease and was joined by many of his friends including Wanderlei Silva.
Friday, Oct. 17...
Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas welcomed back their favorite Fräulein, Holly Madison, to tap the ceremonial keg. Holly was joined by her friend (and previous celebrity keg tapper) Claire Sinclair.
Actor and musician Tyler Posey was spotted enjoying his birthday celebration at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub inside MGM Grand. The popular twenty-three year old “Teen Wolf” star was joined by a number of close friends.
Tyler Posey
Photo credit: Al Powers Powers Imagery/Hakassan Las Vegas
Tyler Posey
Photo credit: Al Powers Powers Imagery/Hakassan Las Vegas
Prior to entering the club, Posey and friends were spotted dining inside Hakkasan Restaurant’s main dining room where they came together to toast the young star’s birthday and indulge in culinary creations from the internationally renowned destination.
Thursday, Oct. 16..
Pop superstar and Las Vegas headliner Britney Spears was spotted attending Absinthe at Caesars Palace.
Thursday afternoon, rapidly rising R&B songstress Tinashe was spotted at TAO Beach with a small group of close friends.
Later that night, Tinashe hosted the official album release party for her debut studio album “Aquarius” at TAO Nightclub. After enjoying dinner at TAO Asian Bistro, she kicked off the celebration for the highly anticipated album with a performance of a few hits from it. Afterwards, Tinashe returned to her table where she was surprised with a congratulatory custom cake featuring the cover of “Aquarius.”
Tinashe dancing at TAO
Photo credit: Al Powers, Powers Imagery
Tinashe performing at TAO
Photo credit: Al Powers, Powers Imagery
