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
Rockhouse Opens at The Venetian
Rockhouse celebrated its return to Las Vegas Boulevard with a grand opening party on Thursday, Feb. 28, at its new location at The Grand Canal Shoppes inside The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino.
Sin City’s iconic party bar opened at a new 9,000-square-foot location, bringing back the same let-loose attitude that made the original one of the most popular party spots on the Las Vegas Strip.
Jonathan Fine, owner of the ultra-dive bar and President of FINE Entertainment, Mateo Reyes, Vice President of Operations for FINE Entertainment, Sebastien Silvestri, Vice President of Food and Beverage for The Venetian and The Palazzo, and Laura Lake, Entertainment and Special Events Manager for The Grand Canal Shoppes, marked the grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony to kick-off the night long celebration.
Several of Las Vegas’ top entertainers including the casts of Human Nature, Rock of Ages, FANTASY and Chippendales, along with UFC President, Dana White, and entertainer, Anthony Cools, made an appearance at the party. Guests were treated to tasty Rockhouse menu items, including classic chili cheese dogs, grilled chicken and avocado sliders and carne asada tacos as well as Raffle giveaways and action-packed, bucking bull rides.
Just like the original, Rockhouse offers drinking games in the daytime and DJs at night, with a sexy bar staff that continually keeps the party going. The two-room venue features three bars, cocktail and high-top tables, plenty of room for dancing, and 83 flat-panel televisions lining every wall of the interior to watch sporting events. The new Rockhouse also has something the original did not: a full menu of bar food.
The interior of Rockhouse is set up like an adult playroom, with tire swings for the bartenders and birdcages for dancing, as well as pool tables, beer pong tables and a mechanical bull.
Chippendales
Photo courtesy of Rockhouse
Fantasy dancers
Photo courtesy of Rockhouse
Human Nature
Photo courtesy of Rockhouse
Rock of Ages
Photo courtesy of Rockhouse
Judy Thorburn (left) with Victor James and Alicia Perrone from the band Fans Of Jimmy Century, Singer/Songwriter Mar Soloman, and Journalist Bobbie Katz
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Comedian/Juggler Jeff Civilico and Fantasy dancer Stacey Smithson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Ribbon Cutting
Photo courtesy of Rockhouse
Grand Opening atmosphere
Photo courtesy of Rockhouse
Rockhouse
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Rockhouse
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Rockhouse mechanical bull
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The new Rockhouse is open daily from 11 a.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends, closing late into the night. With direct access from Las Vegas Boulevard, Rockhouse offers convenience for guests staying at nearby hotels as well as for those passing by.
LifeSpa + Salon at Life Time Fitness Celebrates Grand Opening
LifeSpa + Salon by Michael Boychuck celebrated its grand opening at Summerlin’s upscale Life Time Fitness, Thursday night, February 28 with a festive party was hosted by former Miss USA, Shanna Moakler, journalist, Robin Leach, and celebrity hair colorist, Michael Boychuck. Proceeds from the event benefitted The Animal Foundation, a non-profit organization.
Moakler was spotted cuddling Charlie, a foster from the Animal Foundation, throughout the night. Charlie was the star in a live auction with the winning bidder paying $575 for the adorable puppy.
Guests, including reigning Mrs. Nevada America Ruth Gray and tattoo artist Mario Barth, enjoyed a performance by entertainer, Chris Phillips, aka Zowie Bowie, and a fashion show with styles from local boutique, R + D Hipster Emporium, while indulging in fresh sushi and wine at the lavish salon.
The celebration raised over $1,200 for The Las Vegas Animal Foundation.
Ribbon cutting
Chris Phillips and Michael Boychuck
Michael Boychuck, Shanna Moakler and Robin Leach
Ruth Gray and Michael Boychuck
Shanna Moakler and Charlie
Best known for his work with longtime clients and friends Paris and Nicky Hilton, Boychuck and his salons have an impressive celebrity client roster that includes Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani, Eva Longoria, Lindsay Lohan, Kirsten Dunst, Fergie of The Black Eyed Peas and more, Boychuck was also named “Colorist of the Decade” by leading hair care company Schwarzkopf. The celebrity hair colorist has also been featured in Paris Hilton’s hit TV show “Paris Hilton’s My New BFF” and “The World According to Paris.”
Pinup Point Art Gallery Showcases Classic Pinups and Showgirls
Pinup Pointe art gallery, located at 4 E. Charleson Blvd. in the Las Vegas Arts District, held its Official Grand Opening on Friday night, March 1. Pinup Pointe celebrates the classic pinup and showgirl genres by bringing together a diverse array of art from around the world into a unique, retail gallery space. The Grand Opening took place during the monthly First Friday arts festival in downtown Las Vegas that draws thousands to the area each month.
The opening exhibition featured work from renowned photographer Michael Malak, Canadian artist Paul Butvila, exclusive limited editions from an art collective that were handcrafted in Belgium, and several local Las Vegas artists. "In recent years, we have seen a tremendous resurgence in the interest around classic pinup and in the rapidly disappearing image of the classic Las Vegas showgirl. The modern day pinup or showgirl artist has few dedicated spaces around the world in which to share their artwork, making the gallery a unique opportunity." says Brent Mizel, Gallery Owner of Pinup Pointe. "There are few places as uniquely suited for a dedicated space honoring these genres as Las Vegas. I am excited to be able to make this space available to the artists and share their work with the community.
" Playboy's 2011 Playmate of the Year, Claire Sinclair, who stars in the new show “Pin Up” at the Stratosphere and is the subject of several pin up photos and artwork adorning the gallery walls, made a special appearance. Also on hand at the grand opening were a couple of Las Vegas showgirls.
Pinup Pointe Art Gallery
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Pinup Pointe Art Gallery
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Pinup Pointe Art Gallery
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Pinup Pointe Art Gallery
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Claire Sinclair
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Claire Sinclair with showgirls
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Pinup Pointe Art Gallery owner Brent Mizel
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
In addition to the opening artists, Pinup Pointe will continually cycle in new artists that create work within the genres. The gallery is also available as an event space for organizations.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and New York New York host “Head Shaving Events” To Benefit Childhood Cancer Research
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino hosted “Rock ‘N’ Shave” a head-shaving event at Vinyl, featuring Sin City Sinners,” on Saturday, March 2 that benefitted St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Over 45 generous people including three young boys shaved their head during the event in support of the organization raising more than $35,000 for childhood cancer research to find cures that will enable survivors to live long and healthy lives.
Host of the event was Sin City Sinners’ Manager Jason Green and volunteering as guest shavers were Jason Cook guitarist of Five Finger Death Punch and KVVU Fox 5 news anchor Jason Feinberg. As Green entertained the crowd, attendees had fun watching the shavers create funny hairstyles on the donors before the donor's' heads were shaved.
Sin City Sinners’ long-haired drummer Rob Cournoyer and KOMP 92.3 FM’s Isaac “Big Mex” Andrade said goodbye to their locks and in honor of the nonprofit organization.
Several famous rockers were there in support of the cause including Frank Dimino of Angel, Jeff Duncan of Armored Saint, Chris Kael of Five Finger Death Punch, Danny “The Count” Koker of History Channel’s “Counting Cars” and “Pawn Stars,” Robert Mason of Warrant, Paul Shortino of Rough Cutt and Quiet Riot and Jeff Young of Megadeth.
Following the day of giving back, local rockers Sin City Sinners took the stage to celebrate with a high-energy performance.
Boys participate in Rock 'N' Shave at Vinyl Benefitting St. Baldrick's Foundation featuring Sin City Sinners
Photo Credit: © Erik Kabik / Erik Kabik photography
Guests donate hair at Rock 'N' Shave at Vinyl Benefitting St. Baldrick's Foundation featuring Sin City Sinners
Photo Credit: © Erik Kabik / Erik Kabik photography
Issac "Big Mex" Andrade at Rock 'N' Shave at Vinyl Benefitting St. Baldrick's Foundation featuring Sin City Sinners
Photo Credit: © Erik Kabik / Erik Kabik photography
Sin City Sinners long-haired drummer Rob Cournoyer donates his hair at Rock 'N' Shave at Vinyl Benefitting St. Baldrick's Foundation featuring Sin City Sinners
Photo Credit: © Erik Kabik / Erik Kabik photography
Sin City Sinners perform at Rock 'N' Shave at Vinyl Benefitting St. Baldrick's Foundation
Photo Credit: © Erik Kabik / Erik Kabik photography
New York-New York St. Baldrick's Event Raises $53,000 for Childhood Cancer Research
The same day, at New York New York Hotel & Casino's fourth annual St. Baldrick’s Day event, other courageous people turned out to shave their heads for the worthy cause. New York-New York and Nine Fine Irishmen were able to raise $53,000 to fund childhood cancer research for the St. Baldrick Foundation.
Guests enjoyed a heartfelt and fun-filled day on the Brooklyn Bridge with family-friendly activities like face painting, raffles and live performances by bands like the Spazmatics. The excitement continued late into the night with local entertainers including the Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages cast, members of Dancing Queen/Broadway Celebration, Angel Porrino of Absinthe and more lending their support for the cause by volunteering as celebrity head shavers.
Angel Porrino and the Dancing Queen Broadway Celebration cast shaving heads
Photo credit: David Tingey
Angel Porrino shaves a head
Photo credit: David Tingey
Face painting
Photo credit: David Tingey
Female shavee
Photo credit: David Tingey
Jersey Boys Graham Fenton with shavee
Photo credit: David Tingey
NFI chef David Suppe with guests
Photo credit: David Tingey
Rock of Ages Mark Shunock with shavee
Photo credit: David Tingey
Spazmatics performing
Photo credit: David Tingey
The Bonner boys
Photo credit: David Tingey
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
On March 1, my husband and I trekked over to Treasure Island for the tasting event at the Grand Opening of SEAFOOD SHACK'S MOJITO BAR where we had the pleasure of sampling several new exotic and very tasty mojitos available to patrons, as well as some delectable hors d'oeuvres from the retaurant's menu. To read more about the experience check out Dianne Davis' column.
Congratulations to my friend, publicist BRUCE MERRIN who just celebrated the 40th anniversary of his company, Bruce Merrin's Celebrity Speakers & Entertainment. Over the years, his long list of celebrity clients included Michael Landon, Johnny Carson, Ed McMahon, President Gerald Ford, Bruce Jenner, F-16 Pilot Scott O’Grady, Rich Little, and most recently, actor William Shatner, just to name a few.
Bruce Merrin
“It has been a dream come true to book so many people whom I have admired and respected. We have booked every Past President of the United States since President Ronald Reagan, most of the sports superstars, all of the famous astronauts, top newsmakers and best selling authors and motivational and inspirational speakers. The first sports star I booked was Jackie Robinson. That was an honor and privilege,” said Merrin.
Merrin has been a Las Vegas resident for 23 years. He is the President of the Stirling Club Business Network Group and has also served as a Captain of 3 different Nevada State Championship tennis teams.
Congratulations also goes out to UNLV alum KORRE HEGGEM, '08 BA Art, for winning the Academy Award Sunday, February 24, as part of the team behind the visual effects for Life of Pi.
Fremont Street Experience hosts DOWNTOWN HOOPSTOWN, a month-long event from March 1-31 to celebrate all the college basketball action in March. In addition to the basketball festivities, Fremont Street Experience will also celebrate NASCAR weekend with plenty of fast-paced fun with RaceJam 2013 from March 7-10. Additionally, “Paint Downtown Green” St. Patrick’s Day weekend with drink specials and free themed entertainment March 15-17 which culminates with the 5th Annual Fremont Street Experience St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl on Sunday, March 17.
Comedian GEORGE WALLACE, “The New Mr. Vegas”, received a Lifetime Achievement Award during the Soul Train Awards Weekend/Centric Comedy All-Stars show that aired on Saturday, March 2 at 6 pm PST. Mr. Wallace was honored for his nearly four decades in comedy. Hosted by Bill Bellamy and Anthony Anderson, the Centric Comedy All-Stars special features Sherri Shepherd, Tony Rock, Gary Owen, George Willborn and G-Thang, among others.
CELEBRITY CHEF VIC VEGAS opened his namesake restaurant VIC'S on March 2. Set high in the hills of Anthem, just minutes from the bustling Las Vegas Strip, VIC's awe guests with its almost 360 degree panoramic views. The menu is designed and orchestrated by Chef Vic Vegas and features a new take on a fine-dining restaurant; imagine country club cool meets rock ‘n’ roll - incorporating Vic’s unique persona with his culinary imagination in every course. Vic’s is opening for dinner served between 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday –Thursday and 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Lunch service will be added in the coming weeks.
To preview NASCAR’s return to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the Sprint Cup Series, the TAG-HEUER-sponsored RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING TEAM will appear at the Optica boutique inside The Venetian’s lobby on Friday, March 8 from 6 – 7 p.m. NASCAR enthusiasts will have the chance to meet legendary NASCAR owner and former partner to Dale Earnhardt, Richard Childress, along with his grandsons and protégés, Austin and Ty Dillon. The drivers will sign autographs and chat with fans at the luxury eyewear boutique. Fans are also invited to view the TAG Heuer Avant-Garde Eyewear – 51 Car that Austin Dillon currently drives, which will be displayed at McCarran International Airport March 5 – 12.
THE SMITH CENTER, the world class entertainment facility, located in downtown Las Vegas, celebrates its first year anniversary on March 10. Since opening to the public last year, the center has received wide-spread critical acclaim. It has hosted the best in Broadway, classical music, jazz and dance; has brought the performing arts to students across the valley; and has been a key player in the revitalization efforts of Downtown Las Vegas.
Attention fans of the TV series “Supernatural”! SALUTE TO SUPERNATURAL CONVENTION will take place at the Rio Suites Hotel, March 8-10, 2013. The three day event will include plenty of action and gore, celebrities (with appearances by the stars of the show Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki), programming and after hours events!
There will be appearances by other Supernatural stars, fan made video presentations, auctions, Supernatural costume, trivia and centerpiece contests, Supernatural themed parties and music, and merchandising. Hosting all three days will be Richard Speight, Jr. (Trickster/Gabriel).
Friday night will feature a free karaoke party with hosts Richard Speight, Jr. and Matt Cohen. They will be joined by Chad Lindberg, James Patrick Stuart, Gabriel Tigerman, and Rob Benedict. On Sunday night there will be a live concert with Louden Swain, featuring band members by Rob Benedict (Supernatural’s actor and singer), Michael Borax, Billy Moran, and Stephen Norton. A separate ticket is required.
General admission tickets are available in advance or at the door for $30 on Friday and $40 on Sunday. Reserved seating for Friday is $50 and Saturday and Sunday is $80. On Saturday, general admission tickets are sold out. Show hours are Friday, 1:00 – 6:00 PM, Saturday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM and Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (times are tentative). General admission tickets for the Sunday night concert are $10.
Blues-infused rock n’roll group The KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND will bring their chart-topping sound to Sam’s Town Live! for one night only, Saturday, March 9. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $30, plus tax and convenience fees.
In honor of daylight savings time, KRISPY KREME is offering fans a FREE Original Glazed® doughnut from 9 a.m. until noon Sunday, March 10 at Castle Walk Food Court inside Excalibur Hotel & Casino. No purchase is necessary for guests to receive the complimentary doughnut.
REGIS GALERIE, a high-end art collections boutique located in The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, will host an exclusive signing event featuring Spanish porcelain company Lladró, March 8-10, 2013. Rosa Lladró, president of the world-renowned company, will make a special appearance on Sunday, March 10 from 2-4 p.m. Guests who visit Regis Galerie March 8-10 and purchase any Lladró piece from the Galerie’s vast collection can have the pieces autographed by Rosa Lladró. Once signed, Lladró pieces increase in value. During the event weekend, Regis Galerie will highlight Lladró’s newest limited edition creation, “Winged Beauty.” Part of Lladró’s High Porcelain collection, “Winged Beauty” depicts a sensual female creature inspired by the sumptuousness of Greco-Roman mythological goddesses and adorned with rich jewelry and theatrical wings that emulate the majestic and indulgent decadence of a peacocks plumage. The piece values at $18,000 and only 750 are being produced.
THE ADICTS, the longest running Punk band in history with all of the original members, come to Hard Rock Cafe with special guests on Friday, March 15. Doors open at 8 p.m Ages 18 and up. Tickets are $22 in advance and $25 day of show.
POSH BOUTIQUE NIGHTCLUB at PLAYGROUND adult entertainment and nightlife complex (located minutes away from the Strip, just a few blocks west of I-15 on Russell Rd.) will host a UFC 158 viewing party as welterweight champion, Georges St-Pierre, defends his title against bad boy rival, Nick Diaz, starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 16.
In honor of St Patrick's Day...
RHUMBAR at The Mirage Hotel & Casino invites all Irish and non-Irish partygoers to enjoy holiday-themed drink specials at an upbeat and lively St. Patrick’s Day party Sunday, March 17.
PUBLIC HOUSE LAS VEGAS at Luxor Hotel & Casino will host a festive St. Patrick’s Day party with food and drink specials Sunday, March 17 beginning at 9 a.m. The stunning ladies of FANTASY will be on hand for a meet and greet and calendar signing from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Lucky revelers will have the opportunity to take photos with the showgirls and can enter to win show tickets and autographed 2013 “Barely Bejeweled” calendars.
GILLEY'S SALOON, DANCE HALL & BAR-B-QUE, BREEZE BAR AND MOJITO BAR AT SEAFOOD SHACK, all located inside Treasure Island, will offer drink specials during St. Patrick’s Day weekend, March 15 through 17.
The global introduction of RICK ALLEN'S prolific and distinctive art exhibit, ELECTRIC HAND: RHYTHM + CHANGE, makes its art stage debut at the 26,000 square foot Martin Lawrence Galleries at the Forum Shops at Caesars in Las Vegas from Mar. 22 – April 10. Already home to the masters and the best contemporary artists of our time, the Martin Lawrence Galleries will curate the work of Rick Allen, one of rock ‘n’ roll’s most prolific drummers and a member of rock’s most elite bands, Def Leppard. The unique exhibition will be staged appropriately alongside Warhol’s Mick Jagger suite. Besides being on display for the three-week period, all pieces will be available for purchase at the gallery. Additionally, Allen will make special appearances on Mar. 28th and Apr. 4th from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. where he will explain the unique process of his art and the inspiration for the exhibit. Allen will also be unveiling and signing a limited edition exhibition art print.
The 2013 GENERAL TIRE MINT 400, presented by Polaris RZR, will take over Las Vegas from Wednesday, March 20th through Sunday, March 24th! Festivities this year will include nightly parties, the annual Pit Crew Challenge, the Miss Mint Competition and Crowning, and the contingency vehicle parade down historic Fremont Street ... all culminating in the most brutal and challenging off-road race in America!
Vanessa Golub Ferrara Miss Mint 400
All of The Mint 400 festivities are FREE and open to the public, including dedicated high-speed spectator areas at the race itself. The Mint 400 race will take place Saturday March 23rd in Jean, Nevada – just outside the City of Las Vegas. To see a complete schedule of events visit www.themint400.com
Comedian, television host, political commentator and best-selling author BILL MAHER will make the Pearl Concert Theater inside Palms Resort Casino his 2013 home with performances on the following dates: March 23-24, June 8-9, Sept. 6-7 and Nov. 2-3, 2013. Show times are 8 p.m. Tickets start at $45, plus additional service fees.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey” star and recording artist, MELISSA GORGA, will host a meet-and-greet at Sugar Factory inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, at 1 p.m., on Saturday, March 23. Gorga will sign autographs at the popular sweet shop and fans that purchase one of Sugar Factory’s famous Couture Pops will have the opportunity to meet and take photos with the “I Just Wanna” singer.
BELLAGIO recently completed the $40 million remodel of all 928 room and suites in its SPA TOWER.
Kokomo’s lounge has changed its name to LOBBY BAR. This casual yet elegant bar concept is located between the front entrance of The Mirage and the casino floor, making it a prime spot for people watching and socializing amid the lush tropical atrium.
Celebrity Sightings:
Tuesday evening, Feb 26...
CeeLo Green was spotted for the second night in a row at Strip House at Planet Hollywood. The singer was joined by a large group of friends for dinner.
Wednesday night, Feb. 27...
Cee Lo Green celebrated opening night of his premier Strip show Loberace with the official after-party at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens inside Paris Las Vegas. The hip-hop artist was joined by his entourage including fellow Voice judge Christina Aguilera and longtime friend and Goodie Mob member Big Gipp.
Cee Lo Green
Photo credit: David Becker/Wire Image
Cee Lo Green greets fans
Photo credit: David Becker/Wire Image
Friday night, March 1...
Cornerback for the Washington Redskins, DeAngelo Hall, was spotted at Marquee in the club’s Boom Box room, where DJ Lema shouted him out.
Meatball Spot at Town Square Las Vegas was the hottest hangout in Sin City with a room full of famous diners including UFC fighter, Frank Mir, boxing legend, Leon Spinks, and boxing referee, Joe Cortez.
Frank Mir and his wife at Meatball Spot
Photo Credit: Meatball Spot
Leon Spinks and Joe Cortez at Meatball Spot
Photo Credit: Meatball Spot
Saturday night, March 2...
Actor Tom Felton, best known for playing Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, was spotted dining at TAO.
Successful hip-hop star turned business mogul Xzibit hosted a private, invite-only affair at Hyde Bellagio in Las Vegas to celebrate the launch of his newest business endeavor, Bonita Platinum Tequila.
The star was joined at the Sin City Hot spot by numerous celebrity friends including Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre.
Later in the evening, Xzibit surprised the packed nightclub by jumping on the mic from the DJ booth. After rapping alongside beats spun by DJ Konflikt. Virgin Records’ Ron Fair also treated the crowd to an impromptu rendition of a song from Xzibit’s latest album, Napalm.
Xzibit
Photo Credit: Hyde Bellagio
Dr. Dre
Photo Credit: Hyde Bellagio
Snoop Dogg
Photo Credit: Hyde Bellagio
Sunday, March 3...
Stratosphere headliner,Frankie Moreno, attended JERSEY BOYS at Paris Las Vegas. Moreno went backstage following the performance to chat with the cast.
(From L to R: Rob Marnell, Travis Cloer, Jeff Leibow, Deven May, Frankie Moreno and friends)
Photo Credit: Courtesy of JERSEY BOYS Las Vegas