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
JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa and DT|LV Dynamos hosted “Downtown Dynamos Holiday Mixer”
JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa teamed up with DT|LV Dynamos to host the “Downtown Dynamos Holiday Mixer” inside the property’s award-winning Ceres Restaurant on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
Over 50 attendees enjoyed complimentary appetizers, drink specials and raffle prizes valued at $50 from the JW Marriott’s award-winning Spa Aquae and original Irish Pub, J.C. Wooloughan's located on property. Notable guests included executives from the City of Las Vegas, Zappos.com, Inc., United Way of Southern Nevada, Consulate of Mexico in Las Vegas, NV and others from the local business community. In addition to spreading holiday cheer, guests donated numerous blankets to benefit the Nevada Rescue Mission.
“We appreciate the gracious support of JW Marriott for hosting this event and for their support of the Dynamos’ efforts to help create a better future for Downtown,” said Chris Cappas, United Way Volunteer Center Senior Director. “This was a strategic opportunity for volunteers, sponsors, community members and those who are passionate about Downtown Las Vegas to come together and celebrate all of their accomplishments during 2013.”
DT|LV Dynamos, in partnership with the City of Las Vegas and United Way of Southern Nevada, are the ultimate ambassadors to visitors and tourists, offering guidance to the city’s downtown scene. Dynamos receive training to learn all about downtown Las Vegas. Volunteers also have an opportunity to participate in Downtown Dynamo Day Clean-Ups, which transform downtown city blocks improving business conditions, providing safe environments for families and more.
Mikela Lee- Manaois of Zappos.com, Inc., Chris Cappas of United Way of Southern Nevada and guest
*Photo Credit – JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa*
Raffle winner Julie A. Murray of CEO/Principal Moonridge Group Philanthropy Advisors with Joy A. Kennelly of JW Marriott and Janel Kapsy of Yokel Local.
Photo Credit – JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa*
DT/LV Dynamos Coordinator Riley Foley collects blankets to benefit the Nevada Rescue Mission.
Photo Credit – JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa*
Downtown Dynamos representatives and guest
*Photo Credit – JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa*
LVH Hosts 5th Annual Toys For Tots Benefit Concert
The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's TOYS FOR TOTS BENEFIT CONCERT, took place at 7 p.m. inside the Showroom at the LVH on Saturday, December 14th. This year's event, sponsored for the fifth year by Cadillac of Las Vegas and produced again by Jonathan Scott and LJ Harness was co- hosted by entertainers Clint Holmes and his wife, Kelly Clinton-Holmes and Zowie Bowie's Chris Phillips and violinist, Lydia Ansel.
Jonathan Scott and LJ Harness with representatives from the U. S. Marines
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Clint Holmes and Kelly Clinton Holmes
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Lydia Ansel and Chris Phillips
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
This year's show celebrated the music of The Beatles and featured some of the best talent Las Vegas has to offer performing their favorite Beatles songs, as well as their favorite holiday songs. David Perrico returned as the Musical Director, along with his 12-piece band and singers, Naomi Mauro and Laura Shaffer.
Also donating their talent and time for the good cause were singer Michelle Johnson and the Desert Angels Children's Choir, singer/actress Pia Zadora, comedian Steve Rossi, actor/dancer/singer Adrian Zmed, singers Ben Stone and Jasmine Trias, Jason and Janea Ebs, Skye Dee Miles, Christina Amato, Robert DeNiro impersonator/comedian Robert Nash, Vince Neil of Motley Crue, Elvis tribute artist Trent Carlini, rockers John Payne and Paul Shortino, Neil Diamond Tribute artist Rob Garrett, Kent Foote, Laura Shafer and Art Vargas.
Lydia Ansel and Chris Phillips
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Clint Holmes
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Adrian Zmed
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Ben Stone and Jasmine Trias
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jason and Janea Ebs of Jet Velocity
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Skye Dee Miles
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Robert Nash
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jasmine Trias and Vince Neil
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Trent Carlini
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
John Payne and Paul Shortino
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Kent Foote
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Laura Schafer and Art Vargas
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Rob Garrett
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Pia Zadora
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Kelly Clinton Holmes
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Michelle Johnson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Steve Rossi
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
5th Avenue
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Christina Amato singing with Chris Phillips
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community. ALL of the proceeds raised from this benefit will go directly to the charity. This years's event was a huge success, raising over $200,000 in donations for the children of Las Vegas.
Culinary Clash Master Chef Competition Returned To The Venetian For A Second 'Smack Down' - Day
The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas kicked off the second annual Culinary Clash Master Chef Competition at Doge’s Palace on Friday night, December 14. Known as the most outrageous chef competition on the Las Vegas Strip, chefs from the resorts faced off against one another, 16 in total, with Emeril Lagasse himself, serving as one of the judges and Robin Leach as the host. Each chef was asked to create a dish from ingredients found moments before in a “mystery basket,” which were then prepared in mobile “food truck” kitchens.
Emeril Lagasse
Photos courtesy of the Venetian and Palazzo
The judges for the competition
Photos courtesy of the Venetian and Palazzo
In addition, a new element was added this year, Masters of Mixology, a decidedly spirited competition among resort bartenders, hosted by master mixologist Dale Degroff. During the competition, two teams headed by celebrity mixologists Tony Abou-Ganim and Francesco Lafranconi, led a team of four bartenders. The teams competed in two rounds including a blind tasting and presentation of aperitivo, of which team Team Lafranconi came out on top.
Eight chefs, including Tim Doolittle of Table 10, Levi Hill of Aquanox, Ronnie Rainwater of Delmonico, Jon Littleton of B&B Burger & Beer, Jon Um of SushiSamba, Donna Willey of Taqueria Canonita, Joshua Bianchi of Venetian Las Vegas and Chaisith Crook of Tao, have been selected to move on to round two of the Culinary Clash Master Chef Competition, set to be held tomorrow night at 7pm Doge’s Palace.
Photographer Art Wolfe Unveils The Human Canvas ProjectTM at Rotella Gallery
The Rotella Gallery inside the Palazzo Hotel & Casino held a VIP opening of The Human Canvas ProjectTM, by world-renowned American photographer Art Wolfe, on Thursday night, December 12.
Art Wolfe
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Wolfe has turned his artistic lens in a new direction to create The Human Canvas ProjectTM, a dramatic new series celebrating the human form through art and photography. These intensely artistic works are part of an evolution of his 40-year career photographing wildlife, landscapes and native cultures throughout the world.
Printed on fine art papers with archival inks, the works in The Human Canvas have a truly magical quality. A marriage of ancient traditions and contemporary art, The Human Canvas celebrates the beauty of the human form and the environment in which we live. Bodies blend with the background, becoming one in an artistic camouflage.
The Human Canvas exhibit is on display and available for purchase at the Rotella Gallery inside the Palazzo Hotel & Casino.
Rotella Gallery: A Fine Art Photography Gallery offers collectors Artists Proofs of five, Exclusive Editions in a series of 12, Limited Editions of 100 and Open Editions. All images from the Gallery come with a hand-signed Certificate of Authenticity. All editions are hand-signed by the artist to confirm their authenticity as an original. Images are traditional darkroom enlargements and cold- pressed between UV-protected and scratch-resistant acrylic for a luminous and archival presentation without the weight and fragility of glass. They are mounted in a frame of the customer’s choice and available in several different sizes and custom oversize enlargements.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas includes:
On Sunday, December 15, the jolliest man of the north spread holiday cheer at TITANIC: THE ARTIFACT EXHIBITION inside Luxor Hotel and Casino. Santa invited 39 guests to share their wish list and take photos with him on one of the most memorable setting from the R.M.S. Titanic, the recreation of the Grand Staircase. Surrounded in opulence, guests relived the magic of the “Ship of Dreams” while embracing the holiday spirit with old St. Nicholas. Afterwards, visitors crossed off their holiday shopping lists and purchased Titanic-themed presents inside the gift shop.
Photo Credit: Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
UNLV film studies Hart Wegner has been awarded the Umhoefer Prize for Achievement in Humanities by the Arts and Humanities Foundation. The Umhoefer Prize includes: *An original 4” bronze sculpture of a young woman reading, titled “Favorite Pastime”, signed and numbered by sculptor Nancy Aldritt Smith from a limited bronze pour commissioned by the Foundation *Announcement of the prize in an ad space in The New Yorker magazine (issue dated December 23-30 2013, currently on the news stands, and mailed to subscribers this week) *A monetary prize of $3,500 *A bookstore copy of the magazine in an archival board and sleeve *A framed copy of the announcement It is the purpose of the Umhoefer Prize is to seek out, choose, and honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the Humanities in books, films, discs, or other materials that are generally available to the thoughtful reader, viewer, and listener. A prize recipient may be a writer, translator, photographer, editor, artist, actor, or other participant in the human creative enterprise. Wegner is professor of German, comparative literature, and film studies. He received his B.A. and M.A. from the University of Utah and his Ph. D. from Harvard University.
Wegner has received numerous grants and awards, such as inclusion in the Pushcart Prize and Best American Short Stories. He was the first foreign-born writer elected to the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame. He won the Charles Vanda Award for Creativity in its first year and the Regents Award for Creativity in its second year. He also received the William Morris Award for Excellence in Teaching. In 1998 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Shenandoah University, Virginia.
The December lineup of comedians scheduled to perform The Rivera Comedy Club inside the historic Riviera Hotel & Casino are as follows:
Date: Monday, Dec. 16 – Sunday, Dec. 22
Artists: Michael Wheels Parise with Carla Rea
Date: Monday, Dec. 23 – Sunday, Dec. 29
Artists: Greg Vaccariello with Jimmie J.J. Walker
Date: Monday, Dec. 30 – Sunday, Jan. 5
Artists: Mike Marino with Shayma Tash
*Comedians subject to change
Showtimes and ticket prices for all performances are 8:30 p.m., $19.99 plus tax and applicable fees.
Multi talented singer, comedienne, impressionist, TV personality, Kelly Clinton will headline a special holiday show, KELLY CLINTON AND FRIENDS, at Sun City Anthem's Freedom Hall Theatre on Friday, December 20th at 8 p.m. The one performance only show also features special guest singer, Malia Civetz, composer Bill Fayne, musical director Mike Clark and the beautiful Mistinguett Dancers. Surprise guest stars are expected to join Kelly Clinton on stage. Prior to the show, from 7 to 7:30 p.m., a special Holiday Wine Tasting reception will be held. Tickets are $18 for Sun City residents and $20 for the general public. Sun City Anthem's Freedom Hall Theatre is located at 2450 Hampton Road in Henderson.
The 2013 ROYAL PURPLE LAS VEGAS BOWL will take place during the official PEP RALLY on Friday, Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. at Fremont Street Experience. All are welcome to celebrate this bowl season with a free pre-game event under the neon lights. This year’s battle “Royal” features Mountain West Conference Champion, Fresno State University Bulldogs, facing off with one of college football’s most storied programs and member of the Pac-12 Conference, University of Southern California Trojans. Fans, alumni and sports enthusiasts alike are invited to make their way to Fremont Street Experience to support their team during a FREE Pep Rally alongside the Fresno State and Southern California coaches, school bands, cheerleaders and mascots. The 2013 festivities will include: interactive contests; a battle of the college bands; and performances from the cheerleaders. The Pep Rally will take place on Fremont Street Experience’s 1st Street Stage, next to Golden Nugget Las Vegas and Binion’s Gambling Hall & Hotel.
This holiday season, Macy’s will reprise its annual BELIEVE CAMPAIGN, bringing tidings of joy and goodwill to customers nationwide and lending support to Make-A-Wish. As in previous years, Macy’s invites believers of all ages to bring their letters to Santa to Macy’s at the Fashion Show Mall or Galleria Mall Henderson locations, and for each letter received, Macy’s will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish, up to $1 million. The campaign runs now through December 24 (Christmas Eve). For more details visit: www.macys.com/believe.
Towbin Dodge Superstore, located in the Valley Auto Mall in Henderson, will hosting a HOLIDAY DONATION PROGRAM on Monday, Dec. 16, through Tuesday, Dec. 24 to benefit THREE SQUARE FOOD BANK. For the 10 days leading up to Christmas, Towbin Automotive will donate $200 to Three Square for every new car sold at Towbin Dodge Superstore. The automotive group will present the final donation check to the local food bank on Thursday, Dec. 26 at 1 p.m.
The entire cast and crew of EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL will be taking pics, signing autographs, and singing some of their favorite Christmas Carols at The Opportunity Village Magical Forest, 6300 West Oakey Blvd, beginning at 8 p.m. on Monday, December 23. For those members of the public who worry that a show known for crude jokes, dancing zombies, and blood-covered fans might not seem like a fit for this sort of event, the cast and crew will be leaving the adult themes of EVIL DEAD at the venue and are looking forward to delivering feel-good, family-friendly renditions of holiday classics to attendees of the Magical Forest.
Hotel California 'A SALUTE TO THE EAGLES' will perform at the Suncoast Showroom on January 4 and 5, 2014. Showtime each evening is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from $15.95, plus tax and convenience fees.
Stage hypnotist and certified hypnotherapist KEVIN LEPINE will honor WORLD HYPNOSIS DAY with a complimentary group session inside the Night Owl Showroom at Hooters Casino Hotel on Sunday, Jan. 5 at 3 p.m. Lepine, who performs nightly in Hypnosis Unleashed starring Kevin Lepine, will guide guests through group hypnosis to help focus on their lofty new year’s resolutions, from quitting smoking or other vices to staying happy and losing weight. The event is free and open to the public, but is limited to 100 guests. Participants can register by calling (702) 221-0323 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Kevin Lepine
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Celebrity Sightings:
Thursday, Dec. 12...
Country singer Shania Twain dined at Carmine’s inside the Forum Shops at Caesars. Accompanied by a friend, the Caesars Palace resident performer enjoyed lunch in the restaurant’s Terrazza Room, which features a few of the Las Vegas Strip.
Friday, Dec. 13...
Rapper Jay Z hosted his Magna Carta World Tour official after-party at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
The iconic artist kicked the night off with a special dinner at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant along with his closest friends and family including good friend and fellow artist Timbaland prior to his concert.
Jay Z then returned to Hakkasan Las Vegas Nightclub immediately following his show-stopping concert arriving promptly at midnight. The performer arrived with an entourage of 85 guests to the Vegas hot spot where they took over the entire stage in the main room.
Jay Z
Photo credit: Denise Trucello of Wire Image
Poker pro, Antonio “The Magician” Esfandiari who is ranked #1 for all-time tournament poker winnings, celebrated his 35th birthday at Marquee Nightclub. He was surprised with a cake decorated with playing cards and branded with “Million Dollar Man” as he partied at a VIP table on the dance floor to the beats of DJ duo Tritonal.
Antonio Esfandiari
Photo Credit: Karl Larson, Powers Imagery
Aaron Lewis, best known as the frontman of Staind and country solo artist, was spotted hanging out at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. While on property, the artist was seen getting a tattoo of a bald eagle at Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co.
Aaron Lewis at Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co.
Photo Credit: © Cody Boor
Film and Television star, Pauly Shore, attended Rock of Ages at The Venetian. Following the performance, Shore headed backstage for a photo with the cast.
Pauly Shore with cast of Rock of Ages
Photo courtesy of Rock Of Ages
Actor Colton Haynes, best known for his roles on television shows “Teen Wolf“ and “Arrow,” was spotted dining with a small group of friends at TAO Asian Bistro.
Pageant hopefuls gathered for the official 2014 Miss Nevada USA and Miss Nevada Teen USA pageant orientation at Life Time Athletic Summerlin. Former Miss USA and Executive State Director of the Miss Nevada USA organization, Shanna Moakler, was accompanied by current Miss Nevada USA Chelsea Caswell and Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella.
The beauty queens mingled and posed for photos, before stopping by LifeSpa + Salon by Michael Boychuck, the official hair sponsor for the Miss Nevada USA organization, located inside Life Time Athletic. To conclude the fun-filled day, the contestants enjoyed a dynamic course in women’s self-defense taught by Life Time Athletic instructors, Matt Hodges and Eric Watts.
Miss Nevada USA Chelsea Caswell and Miss USA 2011 at Life Time Athletic Summerlin
Photo credit: Georgina Vaughan
Miss Nevada USA Chelsea Caswell and Miss USA 2011 at LifeSpa+ Salon by Michael Boychuck
Photo credit: Georgina Vaughan
Miss Nevada USA and Miss Nevada Teen USA contestants with Life Time Athletic instructors
Photo credit: Georgina Vaughan
The cast and crew of CBS’ “Criminal Minds” held the celebration of their 200th episode in the beautiful Havana Room at The New Tropicana resort. Stars from the hit show partied the night away, including Shemar Moore, Matthew Gray Gubler, Thomas Gibson, A.J. Cook, and Jeanne Tripplehorn.
With more than 400 attendees, the cast and crew, along with their family and friends, enjoyed an unforgettable night in the gorgeous and intimate venue of the Havana Room.
Cast and crew party at the new Havana Room
Actress Jeanne Tripplehorn
Actor Matthew Gray Gubler (left)
Actor Thomas Gibson (right)
Actor Shemar Moore
Sunday, Dec. 15...
Actor Colton Haynes was spotted at LAVO.
Joe Hahn of Linkin Park was spotted dining at the world-renowned restaurant Nobu Las Vegas at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino before heading over to Body English Nightclub & Afterhours where he spun a DJ set for the Dorm Days Red Tie Holiday Party.
Joe Hahn at Body English Nightclub & Afterhours
Photo Credit: ©Joey Ungerer