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
VEGAS HAPPENINGS
by Judy Thorburn
Tropicana Headliner MURRAY Presents “Beggin' For Magic” Charity Show
Tropicana headliner, celebrity magician Murray recruited an array of his local Las Vegas entertainer friends to participate in a special afternoon 'Beggin' For Magic' Show on August 14 to benefit a charity he holds dear to his heart, 'Friends For Life Humane Society', a no kill shelter and animal sanctuary for our homeless or abused four legged friends. While most are hoping to be adopted into a loving home, it is a safe haven for life for each animal and those considered unadoptable due to sickness, old age, or other reasons. After visiting the shelter and adopting one of their adorable puppies, Murray and his wife Chloe became personally involved as spokespersons when they learned the shelter was privately funded and did not have anyone to represent them or give them notoriety.
Along with Murray, Chloe, and on stage sidekick, slight of hand, card trick artist, Lefty (Doug Lefrovich) who performed some magic and illusions for the audience in between acts, the special lineup of entertainers who came on board to support this worthwhile cause were former musical director of Kool and the Gang Rusty Hamilton on harmonica; legally blind juggler Nino Frediani; comedienne Shayma Tash; vocalist Tim Molyneaux; street magician Chris Randall; electric violinist Jennifer Lynn; impersonator/vocalist Peter Pavone; prop comedian and producer of Murray's show Harry Basil; singer Zowie Bowie (aka Chris Phillips) and his main squeeze, violinist Lydia Ansel; singers Sky Dee Miles and Jason Allen; comedy juggler Michael Goudeau; and rock star Paul Shortino, former front man of Quiet Riot. In addition, artist Tommy Vinci took to the stage, unveiling a colorful animal themed painting that he donated for auction.
Murray Sawchuck
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Douglas "Lefty" Leferovich
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Chris Phillips and Lydia Ansel
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Chris "Scandal" Randall
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Harry Basil
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jason Allen and Skye Dee Miles
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jennifer Lynn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Michael Goudeau
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Nino Frediani
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Paul Shortino
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Peter Pavone and Nieve Malandra
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Rusty Hamilton
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Shayma Tash
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tim Molyneaux
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Murray Sawchuck and artist Tommy Vinci
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Also in attendance were Robert, Ron, Terry and RJ, four of the people who work at 'Friends For Life Humane Society', in Pahrump, Nevada. Founders Robert and John's story is inspiring and uplifting. Both men were homeless 5 years ago, but turned their lives around. They went to church, met the owner of the land and the small shelter in Pahrump and were offered food and a place to live if they would take care of the dogs needing help. Unwanted and homeless was something they could personally relate to. As a result of their hard work, passion for what they do, and love for the helpless creatures, the two men created a 35 acre facility made up of in and outdoor kennels and holding facility for unwanted and homeless animals.
Murray Sawchuck with Robert, Ron, Terry and RJ
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
As part of the afternoon's festivities there was a pre show red carpet with celebrity attendees, and raffles sold with lucky winners walking away with prizes that included show tickets, autographed posters, and other valuable goodies. 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales, raffles and auctioned items went to “Friends for Life Humane Society”. Thanks to Murray, and to all of those who participated in helping to make this entertainment filled charity event a “doggone” great success.
Red Carpet arrivals included:
FANTASY dancers including Chloe Louise Crawford (center)
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Gallagher and Douglas "Lefty" Leferovich clowning around
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jasmine Trias and Ben Stone
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Chloe Louise Crawford, Mike Hammer and Murray Sawchuck
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Rock of Ages star Mark Shunock
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Ms. Senior Nevada 2012 Nicole Duffel
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Professional Poker Player Doralee Rae with Chloe Louise Crawford
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Murray Sawchuck, Rick Harrison, Chloe Louise Crawford and Gallagher
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Property Brothers star Jonathan Scott
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
To find out more about “Friends for Life Humane Society” or would like to make a financial contribution or help this wonderful cause go to: http://www.friendsforlifehumanesociety.org/index.html
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
SUPER SUMMER THEATRE will celebrate their one millionth patron on August 22nd at the Spring Mountain Ranch State Park which is located just 10 miles west of I-215 on West Charleston Blvd. Everyone in the audience that purchased a ticket for that evening's performance of "LEGALLY BLONDE" will be treated as possible "One Millionth" attendees. All attendees will be given a raffle ticket, 10 of those raffle ticket holders will be invited on stage prior to "Legally Blonde" on Thursday and one patron on stage will be selected by blind draw as the "One Millionth Patron". That lucky person will be given special treatment at future shows that they wish to attend at The Ranch and will be awarded other special prizes.
Many of the former Founders, Advisory Board Members, Representatives of Corporate Sponsors, State Parks and Government Officials and VIP Guests are invited and will attend that evening's performance of "Legally Blonde". It not only will be the Who's Who of Las Vegas Community Theatre but a wonderful evening of celebration for our long time hard working all volunteer board members and the patrons.
German luxury luggage manufacturer RIMOWA has opened a new boutique at The Shops at Crystals. The newest flagship store for the brand is located on the second level.
Cheyenne Marketing and The Radley Co. announce the launch of their “USE CONDOM SENSE” CAMPAIGN FOR TEEN PREGNANCY PREVENTION with their inaugural END OF SUMMER PARTY hosted by Jamila (ABC Family’s Twisted, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit) with headline performance by After Romeo and special guest performance by Joe Brooks Saturday August 24, 2013 from 7-10pm at Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix, 1401 N. Rainbow Blvd. Admission is FREE and the event is open to the general public of all ages.
Avant-garde DJ duo, POSSO, will be rocking The ACT all night long with the fiercest electro tunes on Friday, Aug. 30. POSSO has spun for sold-out crowds at festivals including Japan’s Summer Sonica Music Festival, Pacific Fest in Orange County and the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas.
On Labor Day weekend, the ARTISAN HOTEL BOUTIQUE (located west of the strip on 1501 W. Sahara Ave.) will be supercharged with entertainment from around the world. On Friday, Aug. 30 will showcase headlining Canadian duo, The Junkies, featuring resident DJs Edgar Reyes, Justin Baule, and JustIN KEY. Saturday, Aug. 31 will feature D.C.-native, Worthy, alongside residents DJs Spacebyrdz, MikeAttack, and J.Diesel. Finally, Sunday, Sept. 1 will headline French DJ sensation, Popof, featuring resident DJs Jeremiah Green, Steve Christmas, Rob Dub, Steve Walker, and Vibonacci. As always, there is no cover charge for ladies or locals.
Football legend, WARREN SAPP, will celebrate his his NFL Hall of Fame induction at Rockhouse, located at Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian | The Palazzo, during Labor Day weekend from Saturday, Aug. 31, until Monday, Sept. 2. The football superstar will host nightly Labor Day events at the ultra-dive bar, starting at 10 p.m. Bikini-clad partygoers who start the party early will enjoy the hot spot’s $10 “Bottomless Bikini Bar,” open bar available every day from 6 until 10 p.m.
Actresses HAYLEY HASSELHOFF AND NATHALIA RAMOS, plus a group of their young Hollywood girlfriends, will host The ACT’s ‘White Girl Wasted’ party, Saturday, Aug. 31. Graham Funk will provide the soundtrack followed by resident DJ, ShadowReD.
Australian soft-rock group AIR SUPPLY, a staple of early ‘80s radio, is returning to The Orleans Showroom for three shows August 30 through September 1.Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $39.95 plus tax and fees.
Hip-hop legends REV RUN & RUCKUS take over the main stage at PURE Nightclub inside Caesars Palace for a live performance Saturday, Aug. 31.
In light of the “extreme” success of last year’s event, interactive nightlife venue Insert Coin(s) will host the second annual HOMETOWN HEROES BMX EXHIBITION AND STREET PARTY on Sunday, Sept. 1 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. An all-ages event, Hometown Heroes is a great opportunity to bring the whole family out to experience action sports, and see everything that downtown has to offer. With the streets of Freemont East as its backdrop, the event will feature BMX riding from local amateurs and talented professionals, as well as the chance to win one of several coveted raffle prizes.
Hosted by BMX pro and MTV reality star Ricardo Laguna, Hometown Heroes gives guests the chance to witness the excitement of live action sports demonstrations, while contributing to the greater good through the purchase of raffle tickets or making cash donations to support the Downtown Boys & Girls Club. Anticipated raffle items include BMX bikes, autographed skateboards, a “night out” Downtown, and much more.
Immediately following the outdoor event, Insert Coin(s) welcomes guests 21 and over to an after party inside their venue, with music curated by Life is Beautiful, and some of Las Vegas’ hottest DJ’s. Bar proceeds from the entire night will also be donated in support of the chosen charity.
Special guest MOBY The GRAMMY Award-nominated music icon has been added to the A-list Labor Day Weekend lineup at Hakkasan Las Vegas at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. Moby will perform a special DJ set for thousands of dance music aficionados Sunday, Sept. 1. Guests must be 21 years of age or older. Cover charges and table reservations vary.
After postponement due to Carpenter One fire, “ROCK THE CANYON RALLY” CONCERT, CAMPOUT AND FUNDRAISING EVENT will be held September 7 – 8. Rock the Canyon Rally is presented by Black Patch Motorcycle Club and is a two-day, family-friendly festival featuring live music, a vendor expo, motorcycle rally and camping. A variety of LVSSR outdoor activities including disc golf, horseshoes and scenic chairlift rides are also available to attendees. The event is open to the public and admission prices are Adults – $25; Kids (ages 8–17) – $10; Children (ages 7 and under) – Free. As a special thank you to the local heroes of the Carpenter One fire, all area firefighters can enjoy free entrance to the rally with a current badge or military/state-issued identification. A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit You Got The Power, a local foundation working to empower women, youth and families in the Las Vegas area dealing with trauma, addiction, fractured families or who have been victims of violence.
TONY SACCA, entertainer and host of syndicated television shows “Entertainment Las Vegas Style” and “Las Vegas Rocks Variety Show” will headline in the Chrome Showroom at Santa Fe Station with The Saccettes and the live eight-piece Michael T Band on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013, at 7 p.m. Admission, which includes a free Las Vegas Rocks Alarm Clock, is $15 cash at the door or for advance reservations. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Award winning comedian and talk show host DENNIS MILLER returns to The Orleans Showroom September 7 and 8.Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $49.95, plus tax and convenience fees.
Celebrity Sightings:
Thursday night, August 14...
Grammy-winning Latin singer, LUIS MIGUEL, was spotted at La Cave Wine and Food Hideaway at Wynn Las Vegas. In between intimate conversations with his date, Miguel was seen smiling while having several chat sessions with Chef William DeMarco, Executive Chef of La Cave.
Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte kicked off his birthday celebration weekend at TAO with a large group of male friends. After dining on signature dishes they made their way to the nightclub, where Lochte was surprised with a birthday cake presentation.
Fellow Olympians Cullen Jones and Conor Dwyer were also spotted at Tao Asian Bistro and Nightclub. Jones was seen partying with Ryan Lochte while Dwyer was spotted with another group of friends.
Saturday night, August 17...
Reality TV star Brody Jenner celebrated his 30th birthday with a wild bash at Hyde Bellagio. He was also spotted partying at a neighboring table with blackjack legend Don Johnson, who gained fame last year for his big win in Atlantic City.
Later in the evening, Hyde presented Jenner with a beach-themed birthday cake adorned with sand and surfboards and topped with a photo of him catching a wave.
Legendary pro golfer Tommy Armour joined the group throughout the night as they celebrated into the early morning hours at the fountain-side hotspot.
Also at Hyde Bellagio was fellow reality star Kendra Wilkinson-Baskett with a group of friends. Shortly after arriving, she met up with Brody to wish him a happy birthday.
Brody Jenner
Photo credit: Hyde , Bellagio
Brody Jenner and Tommy Armour
Photo credit Bryan Steffy/Getty Images
Comedian and actor, David Spade had dinner at TAO Asian Bistro with a couple friends including late comedian,Chris Farley's brother.
Sunday, Aug. 18...
NBA All-Star, Shaquille O’Neal was at Azure Pool n The Palazzo. Local celebrity, Mark Shunock, who plays “Lonnie” in Rock Of Ages at The Venetian, and the resort’s resident drummers, also made an appearance to top off the star-studded afternoon at the luxurious hotspot.
Internet entrepreneur and CEO of Zappos.com, TONY HSIEH, and business magnate and CEO/Chief Designer of Tesla, ELON MUSK, were spotted lwith five friends having dinner at La Comida in Downtown Las Vegas.
11-time Olympic medalist swimmer Ryan Lochte and a small group of friends, including Olympic trial finalist Matt Haupt and fellow Olympic gold medalists Cullen Jones and Eddie Moses, continued his Vegas birthday celebration with dinner at Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Italian Steakhouse downtown at the D. To conclude the meal, the D surprised the birthday boy with a cake shaped like an Olympic swimming pool.
Later in the night, the boys headed outside where Lochte was pleasantly surprised by a birthday tribute displayed on the Fremont Street Experience’s Viva Vision canopy – the world’s largest video screen that towers over four neon blocks of party action. The friends then headed back into the casino where they partied and gambled with the D’s signature dancing dealers.
Ryan Lochte
Photo credit: Glenn Brogan
Ryan Lochte celebrates birthday at the D Las Vegas with Matt Haupt, Cullen Jones, and Eddie Moses
Photo credit: Glenn Brogan
“Twilight” star Kellan Lutz, “Man of Steel” star, super-hunk Henry Cavill, and US Olympian Ryan Lochte, were spotted at the nightclub at Hakkasan Las Vegas at MGM Grand. In addition to the star-studded evening, world-renowned electronic music sensation Tiësto stopped by to spend time with his turntable pal DJ Danny Avila in the iconic DJ booth.
Ryan Lochte with his birthday cake
Photo credit: Al Powers of Powers Imagery
DJ Chuckie
Photo credit: Al Powers of Powers Imagery
Reality star turned Hollywood actress Jamie Chung and actor boyfriend Bryan Greenberg were spotted having dinner with producer Tommy Alastra at TAO Asian Bistro.
Josh Flagg and Madison Hildebrand of Bravo TV’s “Million Dollar Listing” hosted the latest installment of Freedom Sundays, a weekly LGBT event celebrating equality at Marquee Nightclub. In honor of Flagg’s upcoming birthday, the duo kicked off their evening at LAVO Italian Restaurant with friends before continuing their night in Marquee’s Boom Box Room where Flagg was presented with a birthday cake.
Madison Hildebrand and friends
Photo credit: SPYONvegas
FREEDOM Sundays
Photo credit: SPYONvegas
Monday, August 19...
Entertainer, Lynn Marie Phoenix, also known as “The Detroit Diva” was spotted having lunch at the recently opened Carmine’s inside The Forum Shops at Caesars.
Whitney Port was spotted at TAO Asian Bistro with sister Paige and friends.
Brooklyn rapper Theophilus London headlined the night at TAO Nightclub on Monday where he performed during the official opening party for fashion tradeshow Liberty Fairs.
DJ 3LAU and DJ Carnage kept the party going in the main room at Marquee Nightclub during the official party for Young & Reckless hosted by the Reckless Girls and Drama. TV personality Rob Dyrdek, Drama, rapper Birdman and actor Kellan Lutz all partied together at a VIP table. Actor Dave Annable and his actress wife Odette Yustman were also spotted taking in the scene.
Drama and Rod Dyrdek
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery
Marquee Nightclub
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery
