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
Sammy’s Restaurant, Bar & Grill Celebrates Grand Opening in Henderson
Sammy’s Restaurant, Bar & Grill celebrated its grand opening in Henderson with a variety of festivities last week that included a VIP party and fundraising event which supported six local charities.
Sammy's Restaurant, Bar and Grill
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jesika Towbin-Mansour, Sami Ladeki and Carolyn Towbin
Photo credit: Jeff Ragazzo
Tuesday evening, Sammy’s Restaurant, Bar & Grill held “Sammy’s Gives,” a fundraising event where 100% of the proceeds was given to each charitable organization. The six honorees and charities that participated in “Sammy’s Gives” included: Jesika Towbin-Mansour on behalf of Three Square; Robin Leach for Keep Memory Alive; Chet Buchanan with The Dave Rice Foundation; Melissa Arias of The Epicurean Charitable Foundation; Michael Boychuck for The Animal Foundation and Chris Phillips on behalf of Opportunity Village.
Honorees at 'Sammy's Gives'
Photo credit: Jeff Ragazzo
Michael Boychuck, Robin Leach and Sami Ladeki
Photo credit: Jeff Ragazzo
By purchasing a $25 ticket to “Sammy’s Gives,” guests were able to donate their entry fee to the charity of their choice. In addition to the ticket donations, guests were invited to bid on raffle prizes, including a two-night vacation in La Jolla, Calif., with 100% of the $10 raffle donations going straight to each of the charities.
The grand opening party was held on Wednesday evening where guests enjoyed a variety of complimentary tapas and beverages. Celebrities in attendance included Talent from Thunder From Down Under, Chippendales, Tournament of Kings, ABC’s “ The Bachelorette” contestant Dan Cox, and world-famous chef, Carla Pellegrino.
Chef Carla Pellegrino
Photo credit: Jeff Ragazzo
Mikey Cross and Gavin McHale of the Chippendales
Photo credit: Jeff Ragazzo
Thunder From Down Under and Tournament of Kings performers
Photo credit: Jeff Ragazzo
Over 100 job opportunities became available with the opening of this new Henderson hot spot. Sammy’s Restaurant, Bar & Grill, which is open 24-hours a day, offers the Valley’s residents a variety of delicious food and beverage selections.
Sammy’s Restaurant, Bar & Grill is located directly across from the Pebble Marketplace on the corner of Green Valley Parkway and Pebble Road. Sammy’s Restaurant, Bar & Grill is open 24 hours daily, with the regular menu available 24 hours, the breakfast menu available until 10 a.m daily and on Sundays until noon.
Sammy's Restaurant, Bar and Grill interior
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Sammy's Restaurant, Bar and Grill interior
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Sammy's Restaurant, Bar and Grill bar
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
THE iHEART RADIO MUSIC FESTIVAL, which was held September 20 and 21 at the MGM Grand was a huge success with 13,000 to 14,000 fans in attendance. This year’s extraordinary line-up included Miley Cyrus, Justin Timberlake Paul McCartney , Elton John, Katy Perry, Tim McGraw, Avril Lavigne, Cher Lloyd and Bruno Mars.
ROCKTELLZ & COCKTAILS has partnered with the Grammy Foundation to benefit high school music programs in the Las Vegas community. A portion of every ticket sold to RockTellz & CockTails that premiered Sept. 26 at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino with Grammy Award-winning musician and acclaimed actor Meat Loaf,will go directly to the GrammyFoundation to help support its Grammy Signature Schools Community Award program. RockTellz & CockTails Presents Meat Loaf,an all-ages show, will be performed every Thursday, Saturday and Tuesday, Sept. 26 to Nov. 5. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $69, $89, $109 and $149 plus tax and applicable fees.
Beer lovers will celebrate LAS VEGAS OKTOBERFEST™ at Neonopolis on 450 Fremont St. at Las Vegas Blvd. Saturday night, October 5 from 6 - 10 p.m. The Bavarian festival will provide guests with oversized beer steins to get their fill of Schlagl Doppel Bock, Rieder Dunkel, Black Star Beer, Ellis AMBER and more to toast the traditional holiday. Beer maidens will keep the beer flowing and party going with live entertainment and dancing. Live entertainment and a DJ will keep the crowd in high spirits while beer-lovers show their strength during a stein holding contest. A silent auction and wine tasting will also be available.
VIP admission, priced at $100 per person, includes early admission at 6 p.m., and a 34-ounce glass stein with unlimited refills. Pre-paid general admission, priced at $35 per person, includes entry at 7 p.m., plus a 34-ounce glass stein with one refill. Nevada residents will enjoy a special half-off offer with promotional code LOCALS when purchasing tickets online at www.LVOktoberfest.com. General admission, priced at $49, will be sold at the event.
100 percent of funds raised from Oktoberfest will be donated to local charity, American Parkinson Disease Association.
Comedian/ actor/impressionist/singer, STEPHEN SORRENTINO will perform Saturday, October 5 at 7:00pm at the Starbright Theatre (2215 Thomas Ryan Blvd.in Summerlin) to benefit Gateway Arts Foundation’s Scholarship Fund. His one man stage show, “Voices In My Head”, includes segments of stand up, prop comedy, musical tributes, celebrity impressions and a killer voice all executed by a distinctive unique and likable personality. Tickets are $12 for Sun City residents or $15 for non-residents.
The a capella singing group MO5AIC has begun a 12 month residency in the Shimmer Cabaret Showroom at The LVH.
BOULDER CITY'S 51st ANNUAL ART IN THE PARK will take place on October 5 and 6 from 9 am to 5 pm in Boulder City's downtown parks. Featured will be hundreds of Fine art, crafts and traditional craft artists with proceeds benefitting Boulder City Hospital. Admission is FREE.
THE INTERNATIONAL BAKING INDUSTRY EXPOSITION (IBIE), the largest trade event for baking professionals, (which happens only once every three years) is coming to Vegas next weekend October 6-9, at the Convention Center, uniting thousands of attendees from across the globe representing all sectors of the industry. This year, IBIE has an increased international presence and over 800 suppliers on the Baking Expo floor. These companies will showcase innovations, solutions and products that are evolving the industry and providing ways for retail bakers and business owners to increase efficiency and return on investment.
The CSN Department of Fine Arts presents Dennis Bush’s poignant one act production, BELOW THE BELT, about a neighborhood tragedy that links ten people, whose characters and stories form a complete picture, at various campus locations, October 4 – 20. All nine performances are free, but tickets are required for the Cheyenne campus as seating is limited. Dates and locations are: Oct. 4 and 5, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 6, 2 p.m. - Henderson campus (C-133); Oct. 11 and 12, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 13, 2 p.m. - Cheyenne campus (BackStage Theatre); Oct. 18 and 19, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 20, 2 p.m. - West Charleston campus (D-101).
Playwright Bush, an acclaimed writer, acting consultant and coach, will attend the Oct. 12 performance and lead a talkback after the show. A panel discussion, open to the public, regarding public safety will be hosted by the Nursing Program immediately following the show at the Charleston campus on Saturday, Oct. 19. The CSN Performing Arts Center is located at 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave. For reservations and more information, call the CSN Ticket Office at 651-LIVE (5483) or visit www.csn.edu/pac.
The College of Southern Nevada Fine Arts Gallery will present a solo exhibit by Cathryn Sugg titled “CHAUVINSIM AT WORK: ROLE EVOLUTION?” beginning Friday, Oct. 11 and will run through Friday Dec. 6, 2013. An artist reception with refreshments will take place on Friday, Oct. 11, from 6 - 8 p.m. The CSN Fine Arts Gallery is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The Performing Arts Center/Fine Arts Gallery is located at the half circle drive near the Cheyenne campus main entrance, 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave., one mile east of I-15 North.
More than a dozen of Las Vegas of Las Vegas’ favorite bands and performers will take the stage on Saturday, Oct. 12 at the THE HIDEAWAY (3369 Thom Blvd.) to raise money for the Southern Nevada Conservancy in Las Vegas Music Scene Has a Heart! Benefit for Mt. Charleston. After suffering devastation due to the Carpenter One fire in July, the much needed funds will go back to assist restoration efforts on Mt. Charleston. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the benefit beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available for $5.00 at the door. This is a 21 years and older event.
The Orleans Hotel & Casino welcomes the addition of the upbeat, entertaining art and event venue BUZZ’N BRUSHES, now open in the space previously occupied by Big Al’s Comedy Club. Buzz’n Brushes, an “experiential event venue – 20 percent art instruction, 80 percent fun,” offers attendees the chance to learn and practice the basics of acrylic painting with or without an instructor, in a high-energy environment that includes music and live entertainment, cocktails and delicious food. Buzz’n Brushes is unique in that it is the first event/art class hybrid with a consistent residency inside a hotel casino, offering instructor led classes as well as open painting sessions. Honeycomb classes, led by a Buzz’n Brushes instructor, are scheduled on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and are $45 per person. BeeYou open paint classes will be held each Thursday and are $25 per person. Special pricing is available through Boyd Gaming’s “Young At Heart” senior program and for B Connected members. Tickets include a cocktail, light appetizers and painting supplies.
Circus Vargas's, “MAGIKARIA, A FANTASTICAL EXPERIENCE!” which combines the visual splendor and elaborate illusions of a magic show with the high-flying daredevilry of the big top, will be presented at the Galleria on Sunset, 1300 West Sunset Road in Henderson, Thursday, October 17 to Sunday, October 20. Tickets range from $25 - $65. Arrive early for the interactive pre-show where your children are the stars!
The Golden Nugget Las Vegas welcomes SPANK! THE MUSICAL, a parody of the best selling book, The Fifty Shades of Gray, to the intimate 600-seat Showroom, October 18-November 9. General admission ticket prices are $35 or $45 for premium seating and $55 for VIP seating (plus tax and fee).
Performers from across The Strip’s stages will come together at The Venetian Showroom for the THIRD ANNUAL NF HOPE CONCERT, a one-day-only performance on Sunday, Oct. 20, benefitting the NF Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to families and individuals with neurofibromatosis, more commonly known as NF. A portion of the proceeds will also go to the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation (NVCCF) in their support of local families touched by NF. The Third Annual NF Hope Concert will feature performances by some of the biggest names in Las Vegas as well as an impressive silent auction. Tickets are on sale now and prices start at $45.
Multi-platinum rock band ALICE IN CHAINS are coming to The Pearl inside Palms Casino Resort on October 26. Tickets for this 8 p.m. show start at $66, plus any additional service fees.
The team that opened the wildly popular Pop Up Pizza outlet in downtown Las Vegas will soon open BIER GARTEN, an indoor/outdoor eatery offering German-inspired food, microbrews and imported beers on tap in a relaxed beer garden setting in front of the Plaza Hotel & Casino.
Celebrity Sightings:
Thursday, Sept 25...
“American Idol” winner and Paris Las Vegas headliner Taylor Hicks joined the cast of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET at Harrah’s Las Vegas for an on-stage jam session, performing the Buddy Holly classic “Not Fade Away.” Immediately following the final number of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, Taylor was welcomed to the stage by Marc D. Donovan (Sam Phillips) to an enthusiastic response from the packed Showroom.
Taylor Hicks with Million Dollar Quartet
Photo courtesy of Caesars Entertainment
A-list celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Rosario Dawson, Kate Upton, Rita Ora and more along with turntable stars Calvin Harris, NERVO, Danny Avila, Rev Run and Ruckus among others, flooded through the doors of Hakkasan Las Vegas at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.
Jennifer Lopez
Photo credit: Al Powers of Powers Imagery, LLC/Hakkasanlv.com
Kate Upton
Photo credit: Al Powers of Powers Imagery, LLC/Hakkasanlv.com
NERVO and Rita Ora
Photo credit: Al Powers of Powers Imagery, LLC/Hakkasanlv.com
Rita Ora performing
Photo credit: Al Powers of Powers Imagery, LLC/Hakkasanlv.com
Also spotted in the restaurant was beautiful Sports Illustrated cover model Kate Upton and the stunning Victoria’s Secret model Selita Ebanks. Dining separately, the two were spotted enjoying their delicious meals and also continued their evening as they made their way up to the main room of the nightclub.
Selita Ebanks
Photo credit: Al Powers of Powers Imagery, LLC/Hakkasanlv.com
Rosario Dawson
Photo credit: Al Powers of Powers Imagery, LLC/Hakkasanlv.com
As the night continued, striking British singer-songwriter, and Calvin Harris’ other half, Rita Ora appeared in the DJ booth. Looking more beautiful than ever in an eye-catching, full-length red lace gown, the talented starlet put on a surprise performance at 1:30 a.m. as she hopped atop of the DJ booth and sang for thousands of partygoers while Harris stood back in awe. Shortly after her spontaneous performance, the young star was joined by her good friend, model Upton in the DJ booth. She also partied the night away with Liv and Mim of NERVO after their vivacious set.
As Calvin Harris wrapped up his set around 3:30 a.m., renowned artist DJ Ruckus made his way to the booth after finishing his set in the Ling Ling Club. Joined by close friend Swizz Beatz, the duo kept the party going and put on an impromptu performance.
Earlier in the evening the beautiful DJ duo NERVO took over the turntables as they got the party started in the main room while DJ Ruckus and iconic MC Rev Run put on an unrivaled set in the Ling Ling Club while rising electronic music star Danny Avila closed out the eventful evening with an energetic set.
Friday, September 27...
Victoria’s Secret models Selita Ebanks and Elsa Hosk were spotted at Hakkasan Las Vegas at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. Returning for the second night in a row, Ebanks was joined by good friend and fellow Victoria’s Secret Angel Hosk as they spent the night partying together.
Selita Ebanks and Elsa Hosk
Photo credit: Al Powers of Powers Imagery LLC/Hakkasanlv.com
Selita Ebanks and DJ Hardwell
Photo credit: Al Powers of Powers Imagery LLC/Hakkasanlv.com
Satuday night, Sept. 28...
Athletes and stars gathered at Hyde Bellagio for the launch of “Be In The Know About Bullying,” a non-profit organization that has partnered with numerous celebrities and sports stars to advocate the fight against bullying.
Guests included “Shahs of Sunset” stars Golnesa "GG" Gharachedaghi and Mercedes “MJ” Javid, former NFL players Sean James, Brendon Ayanbadejo and Jonas Jennings, NFL free agent Bernard Berrian and former Olympians Garrett Klugh and Katura Horton-Perinchief among others.
After enjoying gourmet appetizers and cocktails handcrafted by Hyde's expert mixologists, later in the evening guests gathered to watch an inspirational anti-bullying video and hear words from "Be In The Know About Bullying” founder Sean James.
The event concluded with James awarding Brendon Ayanbadejo with the organization’s first “Gamer Changer” award, for helping to change the game of bullying.
Bernard Berrian
Photo credit: Hyde Bellagio
Garrett Klugh
Photo credit: Hyde Bellagio
Katura Horton-Perinchief
Photo credit: Hyde Bellagio
Shahs of Sunset stars Golnesa Gharachedaghi (GG) and Mercedes Javid (MJ)
Photo credit: Hyde Bellagio
Jonas Jennings
Photo credit: Hyde Bellagio
Sean James and Brendon Ayanbadejo
Photo credit: Hyde Bellagio
Monday night, Sept. 30...
Members of the band Plain White T's (lead singer, Tom Higgenson and fellow band members Dave Tirio, Tim Lopez, Mike Retondo and De'Mar Hamilton) enjoyed a night out with a large group of friends, including "X-Men" film director, Bryan Singer, at The ACT Nightclub inside The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian | Palazzo.