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
February edition of Mondays Dark Benefits The Blind Center of Nevada
The second edition of 2015's monthly charity event, “Mondays Dark” at Vinyl inside the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino was held on Monday night, February 16 with proceeds benefitting The Blind Center of Nevada.
Mark Shunock
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The musical theme for the evening was “Storytellers,” showcasing some of Las Vegas's most talented performers who donated their time and talent in support of the worthy cause. Joining Rock of Ages cast member Mark Shunock and the Mondays Dark Band featuring Kenny Davidsen on keyboard, Andy Gerold on guitar and Zoe Kohen on cello, were a lineup of powerhouse vocalists including Jassen Allen and Philip Drennen aka The Backup Boys; Rockie Brown, Troy Burgess, Travis Cloer, Cheryl Daro, Andy Gerold, country music quartet Ghostlight, Chadwick Johnson, Anne Martinez, Skye Dee Miles, Brett Pruneau, Niki Scalera, along with poet Sean Critchfield, comedian Geechy Guy, and special guests, The Broken Spectacles comprised of a group of singers, Ivan Delgado, Horatio Turner, William Stoakley, Shabeontae Smith, Anthony Andrews, that are blind or vision impaired.
Broken Spectacles
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Anne Martinez
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Brett Pruneau
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Chadwick Johnson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Cheryl Daro
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Geechy Guy
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Ghostlight
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Niki Scalera
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Phillip Drennen and Jassen Allen Cropp (The Backup Boys)
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Rockie Brown
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Sean Critchfield
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Skye Dee Miles
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Travis Cloer
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Troy Burgess
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Phillip Drennen, Mark Shunock, and Jassen Allen Cropp
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Among the repertoire of covered songs that tell a story were two Beatles classics, 'Yesterday' sung by Skye Dee Miles, 'Here Comes The Sun' sung by Mark Shunock with Phillip Drennen and Jassen Allen Cropp. and country group Ghostlight's rendition of “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky: A Cowboy Legend".
At each month's charity event there is also a silent auction offering bidders a chance to win items provided by Las Vegas businesses. In addition, keys to open a special “treasure” box containing $1500 worth of valuable items are sold for $20 each.
Next month's, March edition of Mondays Dark is themed 'Divas' and will benefit Dress for Success of Southern Nevada. The event will be held on Monday, March 16th. Doors open at 8:30 pm. Tickets are $20 in advance, $30 at the door.
“Raiding the Rock Vault” Raises $3,500 for The Cultural Arts Training Foundation
“Raiding the Rock Vault” held a special performance for charity on Friday, Feb. 13, 2015 to benefit The Cultural Arts Training Foundation at #RockAndRise. Proceeds from the one night only red carpet event, which totaled $3,500, will support the foundation’s programs that correspond to One Billion Rising, a global campaign to empower women.
A check for $3,500 was presented to Lance Parvin, Executive Director of The Cultural Arts Training Foundation, on stage at the Tropicana Showroom at the end of the show.
Cast of Raiding the Rock Vault and Lance Parvin, Executive Director, The Cultural Arts Training Foundation
Photo credit: Ira Kuzma
Jay Schellen and Carol-Lyn Liddle present check to Lance Parvin, Executive Director, The Cultural Arts Training Foundation
Photo credit: Ira Kuzma
The One Billion Rising global campaign was started in 2012 as part of the V-Day movement to end violence against women and girls. The “billion” refers to the UN statistic that one in three women – or about one billion – will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. The campaign seeks to end violence again women, rise for justice and promote gender equality.
The Cultural Arts Training Foundation is a local Las Vegas charity that was established in 2011. It was founded on the idea of using movement arts to empower and improve overall health. Programs that correspond to the One Billion Rising campaign include a Women’s Empowerment Program, Veterans Internal Health Program, Child Empowerment Program, Senior Self Defense, Specialty Self Defense and Fitness Fusion.
Urban Turban Bombay Kitchen and Tappas Bar Opens Its first Las Vegas Restaurant
The newest Indian restaurant in Las Vegas, Urban Turban Bombay Kitchen and Tapas Bar, located at 3900 Paradise Road, recently opened to showcase its traditionally international menu filled with a variety of Indian classics.
Urban Turban
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Urban Turban owners Jasmine and Bhusan Arolkar
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Chef Vijay Deokar
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
This is Urban Turban’s first location in the United States following the success of owners Jasmine and Bhusan Arolkar's New Zealand location. The Arolkars drew inspiration from their hometown of Bombay (Mumbai), the food capital of India, to create an innovative restaurant that fuses a modern dining experience with a wide variety of cuisine styles from all regions of India and across the globe.
Urban Turban Bar
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Bourban Turban
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Urban Turban Dining Room
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Urban Turban Kitchen
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Urban Turban head chef, Vijay Deokar, created a menu that fuses an assortment of Indian cuisine styles with American favorites. Tapas style offerings, known as Bombay Bites, include a variety of chicken, lamb, seafood and vegetarian options for guests. Bombay Bites menu items include Lamb Sliders, Ginger Chicken, Salt N Pepper Calamari and more. Additionally, Urban Turban offers sharing platters, like the Seafood Platter, that consists of gunpowder shrimp, curry leaf prawns and fish bites. Patrons can enjoy bottomless curries with unlimited refills like Himalayan Chicken, Bombay Lamb Masala and many more. Urban Turban Classics include Chicken Tikka Masala, Pesto Chilli Salmon and Salli Boti. The menu has additional options that include soups, salads, breads, rice, noodles and more. Urban Turban also offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Guests will want to save room for dessert staples like the Chocolate Samosa, Paan Shot and in-house made ice cream with flavors that include rose, beetle nut and mango, just to name a few. The Urban Turban bar offers local craft beers on tap, well-matched wines and a specialty cocktail menu that includes the Bourbon Turban, Indian Mule, East India and more.
Gluten Free Platter - Vada Pad, Garlic Mushrooms, Paneer Tikka, Ginger Chicken, and Gun Powder Shrimp
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Paneer Tikka
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Cracklin Spinach, Bhel, Paneer Tikka, Spiced Potato Mash
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Spinach and Chicken Fritters
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Ginger Chicken
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Russian Chicken Salad
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tappas Platter
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
“Opening our new international location has been an exciting rollercoaster,” said Urban Turban’s Chief Operating Officer, Bhushan Arolkar. “Now that we are open we are focused on producing authentic Bombay food mixed with outstanding customer service and a modern dining ambiance.”
Hours of operation are Tue-Fri 10am - 12am Sat-Sun 7am - 1am Holidays 7am - 1am closed on Mondays
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
I am deeply saddened to report the passing of legendary former UNLV basketball coach, JERRY TARKANIAN, considered one of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time, on Wednesday morning February 11 at the age of 84, after battling a respiratory ailment. In his 19 year run with UNLV's Running Rebels Tarkanian led the team to the Final Four four times winning the NCAA national championship in 1990. In 2013, Tarkanian, popularly referred to as 'Tark the Shark', was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. an honor his fellow coaches said was long overdue.
Jerry Tarkanian
Tarkanian is survived by his wife, Lois, a Las Vegas councilwoman; daughters Pamela Tarkanian and Jodie Diamant; sons George and Danny; all of Las Vegas; sister, Alice; brother, Myron; both of Pasadena, Calif.; and 11 grandchildren. A private funeral was held Monday, February 16. A public memorial service will be held March 1 at the Thomas &Mack Center at a time not yet determined.
The 12 story CLARION HOTEL & CASINO, which opened in 1970 as the Royal Inn, was imploded Tuesday morning Feb. 10. Located off the Las Vegas Strip on Convention Center Drive, the Clarion was the 13th hotel in the city to be demolished by implosion since 1993. Over the years the property has had many owners and undergone several name changes including the Debbie Reynolds Hotel and Casino, Greek Isles, Paddlewheel and Royal Americana. It has been reported that Clarion owner Lorenzo Doumani. wants to build a 60-story hotel tower that could be the tallest occupied building in Las Vegas and he hopes to have a plan in place by the end of the year.
Clarion Hotel implosion
The LINQ, Caesars Entertainment’s open-air shopping, dining and entertainment promenade, brought New Orleans style to the heart of the Las Vegas Strip during a MARDI GRAS BLOQ PARTY on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Beginning at 6 p.m., a Zydeco band played on The LINQ Fountain Stage while performers celebrating the best of Mardi Gras traditions paraded throughout The LINQ Promenade entertaining guests. During the festivities, the Las Vegas High Roller observation wheel was lit with purple, gold and green colors to celebrate Fat Tuesday. Both visitors and Las Vegas locals took part in the free celebration, enjoying the Carnival-style sights and sounds of Fat Tuesday at The LINQ.
Mardi Gras Performers entertain guests at The LINQ Promenade underneath the Las Vegas High Roller observation wheel
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy
A Mardi Gras float traveled from Las Vegas Blvd. down The LINQ Promenade on Fat Tuesday.
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy
A Zydeco band delights guests at The LINQ Promenade’s Mardi Gras celebration
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy
A Zydeco band and Mardi Gras performers entertain guests under the lights of the Las Vegas High Roller
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy
Mardi Gras performers paraded through The LINQ Promenade during a Mardi Gras celebration
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy
Tuesday, February 17, Bank of America announced GOODWILL OF SOUTHERN NEVADA as the recipient of its $200,000 NEIGHBORHOOD BUILDERS GRANT during an annual community celebration at The Smith Center.
The Neighborhood Builders grant will provide a financial boost to Goodwill's Veteran Integration Program (VIP) – which provides coordinated job training and employment services tailored to veterans, and their families’, unique needs. Since its inception two years ago, Goodwill’s VIP has helped more than 500 local veterans and immediate family members find work and become self-supporting. The grant is projected to assist approximately 225 veterans and/or family members find work in Southern Nevada over a two-year period.
Also at The Smith Center celebration, Bank of America announced more than $2 million in financial support for 75-plus Southern Nevada community nonprofits. The event provided a unique opportunity for Las Vegas' nonprofit leaders to come together and celebrate successes within our community.
Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino, Located on 3rd Street between Ogden and Stewart, announces the return of acclaimed rock band “RECKLASS IN VEGAS”, known for performing eclectic modern twists on some of Vegas’ most nostalgic artists including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Elvis and more, performing two free shows Friday, February 20 and Friday, March 27 at 9 p.m. (doors open at 8:30 p.m.).
Legendary singer, performer, producer and songwriter NEIL SEDAKA will perform at The Orleans Showroom on February 21 and 22. Showtime each evening is 8 p.m. Tickets start at $44.95, plus tax and convenience fees, and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming box office.
Life Time Athletic Summerlin (10721 W. Charleston Blvd.) and the new Life Time Athletic Green Valley (121 Carnegie Street, Henderson) will host a night of family fun with the DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will feature a winter princess theme and include dinner, music, games, special appearances, crafts and a lot of dancing aimed at bringing dads and daughters of all ages together to enjoy. Members and non-members of Life Time Athletic are welcome to attend. Tickets are priced at $60 per daddy daughter couple for Life Time Athletic members and $70 per non-member couples. Additional children may join any daddy daughter duo for an extra $10 fee. All attendees must register by Friday, Feb. 20.
Renowned rhythm and blues musician ROBERT CRAY AND HIS BAND will perform at The Orleans Showroom February 28 and March 1.Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $29.95, plus tax and convenience fees, and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming Box Office
Fremont Street Experience invites college basketball fans to dribble down to the 6th ANNUAL DOWNTOWN HOOPSTOWN taking place March 2 through April 6. The four blocks underneath the Viva Vision canopy will be lined with college banners and flags as Fremont Street Experience transforms into the ultimate college basketball destination with special events including: nightly entertainment from the stage production show Hardwood Hotties featuring American Idol Season 6 Finalist Haley Scarnato, an interactive High Hoops Zone, the world’s largest NCAA bracket and a special basketball-themed show displayed on the 1,500 ft. Viva Vision canopy. Hardwood Hotties will perform on the 3rd Street Stage on the following dates: March 2-4, 8-11, 18, 20-25, 27-31 and April 1 and 3-7.
THE WEST COAST CONFERENCE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS return to the Orleans Arena, featuring action-packed NCAA Division I college basketball match-ups. Teams include Brigham Young, Gonzaga, Loyola Marymount, University of the Pacific, Pepperdine, Portland, Saint Mary’s, San Diego, San Francisco and Santa Clara.
Games begin on Thursday, March 5, and the tournament continues through to the championship games held on Tuesday, March 10. Ticket packages range from $135 to $173. Women’s general admission ticket packages are available from $33. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Orleans Arena Box Office.
Southern rock legends THE MARSHALL TUCKER BAND return to The Orleans Showroom, March 6 and 7. Showtime each evening is 8 p.m. Tickets start at $29.95, plus tax and convenience fees, and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming Box Office.
Acclaimed actor and comedian BILL BELLAMY returns to the Suncoast Showroom March 6-7. Showtime each evening is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from $15.95, plus tax and fees and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming box office.
Celebrating his fifth year as a comedic headliner at Treasure Island, BILL ENGVAL brings his trademark comedy back to the Treasure Island Theatre March 6 at 9 p.m. during NASCAR Weekend in Las Vegas. Tickets start at $59.95, plus taxes and service charges,
THE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO heats up for SPRING BREAK 2015 with sizzling parties and pool season kick off beginning with the opening of its famed 4.5-acre tropical oasis on Friday, March 6.This year, American electronic music duo 3OH!3 will take over Rehab Pool’s stage on Saturday, March 21, while the following weekend, rapper Sammy Adams splashes onto the scene with a high-energy performance on Saturday, March 28. Tickets to 3OH!3 and Sammy Adams start at $20 for females and $30 for males. Guests must be 21 years of age or older with a valid form of identification to attend.
Rehab Pool is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. starting Friday, March 6; fees vary based on talent. Nirvana Pool and Breathe Pool are reserved for hotel guests and are open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. starting Friday, March 6.
Award-winning country group RASCAL FLATTS will sing the national anthem at the Kobalt 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, March 8 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The performance will take place in the midst of the band’s first-ever, nine-show residency, Rascal Flatts Vegas Riot!, at The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino from Wednesday, Feb. 25 to Saturday, March 14. In addition, Craig Wayne Boyd, the most recent winner of The Voice, will perform during pre-race festivities for the 18th annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The 18th annual Kobalt 400 headlines a race weekend that includes Stratosphere Pole Day on Friday, March 6 and the Boyd Gaming 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series event on Saturday, March 7.
Accomplished singer, actress, comedienne, impressionist, television personality and events host, KELLY CLINTON, will perform live in the Chrome Showroom at Santa Fe Station on Sunday, March 8. Showtime is 4 p.m. Doors open at 3 p.m. The cover charge for each show is $15 (tax inclusive), cash at the door.
THE WESTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS return to the Orleans Arena, featuring action-packed NCAA Division I college basketball match-ups. Teams include Bakersfield, Chicago State, Kansas City, New Mexico State, Seattle University, Texas – Pan American and Utah Valley. Games begin on Thursday, March 11. The tournament continues through to the championship games on Saturday, March 14.
Ticket packages range from $97 to $247 plus taxes and convenience fees. Women’s general admission ticket packages are available from $37. All-session packages are currently available; individual game tickets may become available closer to event date. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Orleans Arena Box Office.
EPICUREAN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION OF LAS VEGAS (ECF) will participate in NEVADA GIVES FOURTH ANNUAL STATEWIDE ONLINE CHARITY EVENT, NEVADA'S BIG GIVE, for a 24-hour period of giving beginning at 12 a.m. on Thursday, March, 12. ECF will join other Nevada nonprofits for a day of charitable giving through an online platform. Nevadans across the state are encouraged to donate to their favorite charity along with learning more about new and different nonprofit organizations. Participants may donate by logging on to www.NVBigGive.org and searching “ECF.” To date, Nevada’s Big Give has raised more than $1,440,600 for 463 Nevada charities from 10,744 unique donors.
Award-winning gentlemen’s club CRAZY HORSE III will host an action-packed FIGHT NIGHT VIEWING PARTY for the highly anticipated UFC 185: Anthony “Showtime” Pettis vs. Rafael dos Anjos on Saturday, March 14 starting at 5 p.m. UFC fanatics will view the mixed martial arts mania on the venue’s massive 70-inch and 100-inch flat-screen televisions. Guests of this viewing party may enjoy discounted bottles, beer buckets, food and more. The 40,000+ square-foot venue is located minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip, just a few blocks west of I-15 on Russell Rd.
Celebrity sightings:
Tuesday night, Feb. 17...
Eric Balfour was spotted dining at TAO Asian Bistro. The star of the series Haven on the Syfy network was joined by three female friends.
Also checking out the hot spot was fashion designer, Whitney Port.
At yet another table, Backstreet Boy AJ McLean and friends enjoyed dinner while taking in the old school music sounds playing through the dining room.
Monday, Feb. 16...
Recording artist and producer Jeremih kicked off Las Vegas Fashion Week at Marquee Mondays with a special performance.
Jeremih
Photo credit: Tony Tran
Spotted taking in the performance from a VIP table was James Harden of the NBA’s Houston Rockets with teammate Josh Smith, along with DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings and Marcedes Lewis from the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL. Harden and friends had dinner earlier in the evening at LAVO.
Feb. 14...
Rock star Marilyn Manson hosted the “Black Heart Ball,” a wild anti-Valentine’s Day bash at Hyde Bellagio. Manson was seated at a plush VIP booth overlooking the dance floor, where servers greeted the rock star with a parade of lights and giant letters spelling out “M-A-N-S-O-N.” Later, Manson was joined inside by the band’s guitarist Jeordie White.
Jeordie White and Marilyn Manson
Photo credit: Hyde Bellagio
Marilyn Manson
Photo credit: Hyde Bellagio
The party didn’t stop there, as DJ Crooked delivered high-powered sets for the festive club-goers well into the early hours of the morning.