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
Green Beret Foundation honored with fundraiser and special screening of the critically acclaimed film, The Hornet’s Nest
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, along with Green Beret (United States Army Special Forces) Foundation and Benefits eXchange Alliance, honored the fallen heroes of 9/11 with a special tribute screening of the critically acclaimed film, The Hornet’s Nest at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 11. The event was hosted by Willie Gault, former NFL player from the Super Bowl XX Championship Chicago Bears team and Los Angeles Raiders, and Julie McCullough, former Growing Pains actress and Playboy magazine Playmate and featured a performance by famed Elvis impersonator Trent Carlini from “The King” show at Westgate and a special performance by Lee Greenwood, best known for the song “God Bless the USA”.
The evening began with a cocktail reception and silent auction from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. inside of Westgate’s Tempo Lounge followed by a presentation and introductions inside of the Westgate Theater. Paul Shortino, former frontman of the bands Rough Cutt and Quiet Riot and current lead vocalist for the Raiding the Rock Vault show at Westgate, sang the National Anthem. There was also a live auction for a Super Bowl package that included a four day/three night stay and two tickets to both the 2015 Super Bowl and VIP party that sold for $10,000. In addition, David Siegel, CEO of Westgate surprised former Green Beret Scott Neil, the Green Beret Director of Strategic Development, with a generous donation of a check in the amount of $10,000 to The Green Beret Foundation.
Willie Gault and Julie McCullough
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Lee Greenwood
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Trent Carlini
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Paul Shortino
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Willie Gault, Julie McCullough, Scott Neil and David Siegel
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Celebrities and special guests that arrived on the red carpet included Mark Shunock, star of Rock of Ages; the stars of the Prince tribute show Purple Reign; choreographer/dancer Jennifer Romas; actor/dancer Adrian Amed; hynotist Marshall Sylver; boxing legend Leon Spinks; Jade Kelsall, former Miss Nevada USA 2012; Ana Braga, Brazilian Playboy model; players from the Las Vegas Legends of the Major Arena Soccer League; David Salzberg, The Hornet’s Nest Director/Producer, and Scott Neil, Green Beret Director of Strategic Development and former Green Beret; and several war veterans.
The Hornet’s Nest is an inspirational, never-been-seen picture of the everyday sacrifices and tribulations that our troops encounter every day in battle. The film follows Peabody and Emmy Award-winning ABC News Journalist Mike Boettcher and his son Carlos Boettcher as they enter the front lines in Afghanistan amid the constant threat of the Taliban. Armed with only their cameras, the film is a real life documentary of survival for the soldiers as well as the father and son team who seek to re-connect under the most harrowing of circumstances. This 97-minute film is rated R for mature audiences and contains adult language.
“Westgate Resorts has a long tradition of supporting our nation’s military veterans,” said David Siegel, Founder and CEO of Westgate Resorts. “As a veteran myself, we are proud to support our nation’s heroes and their families and bring this exclusive Nevada premiere screening of The Hornet’s Nest to Las Vegas in remembrance of 9/11 and those we have lost. We honor these brave and selfless men and women for fighting for our freedom.”
In the past three years, Westgate Resorts has donated more than 4,500 three-day, two-night vacations to military personnel involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, or the War on Terror.
Tickets to this event were free but suggested donations benefitted the Green Beret Foundation, a non-profit that provides unconventional resources for our Army Special Forces wounded, ill, injured and transitioning warriors.
David Siegel, Founder & CEO of Westgate Resorts
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Trent Carlini
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Paul and Carmen Shortino
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Mark Shunock
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Former Miss Nevada USA 2012, Jade Kelsall
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Cast of Purple Reign
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Adrian Zmed
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
David Siegel and Marshall Sylver
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Leon and Nova Spinks
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jeremy and Paige Hunt
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Several World War II veterans
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jennifer Romas
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Additional recent and upcoming happenings in and around Las Vegas includes:
STRIP HOUSE STEAKHOUSE at Planet Hollywood celebrated its seventh anniversary on September 9. As part of the momentous occasion, the venue unveiled their new stunningly sleek, modern and sophisticated 5” jumbo serrated steak knife by Schmidt Brothers Cutlery to bring world class cutlery to a world class dining experience.
Schmidt Brothers Cutlery
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
A custom design featuring the patented Schmidt Brothers curve and their new transitional bolster, the handle is crafted from luxurious black ash wood. The 100% German stainless steel blade showcases both brands’ logos. Donned “The Strip House Steak Knife” it will be used as tabletop in the venue’s two NYC locations and the Las Vegas outpost, as well as be available online for guests to purchase as a set of four, outfitted in a red oak wooden gift box.
“Co-branding with Strip House is a natural fit for us.” says Jordan Schmidt, half of the cutlery brother duo. “They take the philosophy of "New Tradition" and embody it in their locations, environment, service,and most importantly their food.”
BR Guest President & CEO James Gersten shares Schmidt’s enthusiasm and sentiments: ““We’re always focused on heightening the guest experience, hitting all five senses with ambiance, food and service. Philosophically, Strip House and Schmidt Brothers cutlery share a fundamental belief - deliver the best possible product to the guest at a great value.”
Entertainment venue, Sam’s Town Live!, located inside Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall, is transformed into a new, INDOOR WEEKLY FARMERS' MARKET – every Thursday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Several farmers and vendors will offer a variety of products, including seasonal fruits and vegetables, herbs, breads and other items. Las Vegas-based merchants include Sassy Salsas (fresh salsa made with farmers’ market produce) and Crave Balance Bars (raw, vegan, gluten-free snack bars). A bread baker (corn, zucchini, lemon, short and walnut breads), a fresh lemonade stand, a clean air product maker and the well-known home delivery service, Winder Farms, are among the vendors regularly expected at the Market.Market attendees can anticipate something different every week, as farmers’ selections vary seasonally. Admission is free.
17° SOUTH, the tropical new restaurant inside Tahiti Village on the south end of the Las Vegas Strip, has launched the unbeatable OPEN TO CLOSE Locals Happy Hour. Located adjacent to the main lobby of Tahiti Village, 17° South’s new Open To Close happy hour menu is available during all business hours and offers Las Vegas locals with a valid ID 50% off domestic beers, well drinks, specialty cocktails and select food items.
FLOYD MAYWEATHER AND THE MONEY TEAM take over Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas for the ultimate fight weekend experience from Friday, Sept. 12 to Sunday, Sept. 14. The off-Strip resort will host TMT’s star-studded events at Vanity Nightclub and REHAB featuring celebrity appearance by Mayweather, his crew and more.
THE SEPTEMBER EDITION OF “MONDAYS DARK WITH MARK SHUNOCK” will take place on Monday, September 15th, at 8:30 p.m. at Vinyl inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with 100 percent of the ticket proceeds from the show to benefit the Douglas J. Green Memorial Foundation. The evening titled “GONE COUNTRY” will feature Country Star Andy Ross, ROA and former Glee cast member Jon Hall, Travis Cloer of Jersey Boys, Ben Hale and Felice Garcia of Million Dollar Quartet, the magic of Jason Andrews, Lori Legacy and others.Tickets are $20 in advance, $30 at the door, and can be purchased by visiting www.MondaysDark.com and are limited to 300 tickets per event. For more information please call 702-485-1262.
Mark Shunock and wife Cheryl Daro
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Town Square Las Vegas will celebrate NATIONAL CHEESEBURGER DAY by offering the signature Sugar Factory cheeseburger and fries, for only $4.95, on Thursday, Sept. 18. Normally priced at $14, the eatery’s juicy signature cheeseburger is topped with crispy onions, fresh tomatoes, minced pickles, shredded lettuce, ketchup, mayo and a choice of cheddar, pepper jack, Swiss or blue cheese, all served on a brioche bun.
Country rock rebel JARED BLAKE, contestant on season one of NBC’s “The Voice,” is bringing his action-packed performance to Las Vegas this month with two special performances. Blake will perform alongside “The Voice” winner DANIELLE BRADBERY at Revolver Saloon inside Santa Fe Station on Thursday, Sept. 18 at 10 p.m. and return Friday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. at Rocks Lounge inside Red Rock Resort as part of Elvis Monroe’s second anniversary celebration. There is no cover charge for either show and guests must be 21 years or older. Entry is first-come, first-served and based upon venue capacity.
Legendary icon DIANA ROSS returns to the stage of The Colosseum at Caesars Palace with her “In the Name of Love” tour, a compilation of her most well-known and most beloved greatest hits, on Friday, Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices start at $49.50 (including 10% Live Entertainment Tax).
SEA SHEPHERD CONSERVATION SOCIETY PRESENTS A GALLERY EXHIBIT – TAIJI DOLPHINS: THE TRUTH BEHIND THE TARPS, Friday, September 19 from 10 am – 4 pm, Saturday, September 20 from 10 am – 8 and Sunday, September 21 from 10 am – 5 pm, at Brahms Ballroom inside Encore at Wynn Las Vegas. The exhibit documents the annual slaughter of thousands of dolphins and small whales in Japan's hidden shallow bay, now infamously known around the world as the Cove. Sea Shepherd introduced the atrocities of the Cove worldwide in 2003. Since 2010 Sea Shepherd has had an ongoing presence of volunteers from around the globe who remain on the ground in Taiji, documenting the slaughters in the Cove throughout the entire dolphin hunt season. These ocean sentinels, known as Cove Guardians, document and report on the atrocities in the Cove to pressure Japan to end Taiji’s unnecessary hunt and capture of these incredibly intelligent, sentient beings. The exhibit presents photos from the campaign in the hopes of raising awareness and garnering support for the cause. ADMISSION IS COMPLIMENTARY.
NEVADA CHILDHOOD CANCER FOUNDATION seeks the community’s help to find bone marrow matches for critically-ill children in Southern Nevada during its NINTH ANNUAL BONE MARROW DRIVE from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19 at the Zappos corporate office, located at 400 E. Stewart Avenue. The adult community is invited to potentially save a child’s life whose life-threatening illnesses can only be cured through a bone marrow transplant by joining the national bone marrow registry, at no cost – FREE REGISTRY. Potential donors, between the ages of 18 and 40 years old, who meet the health guidelines, visit www.marrow.org , to complete a brief health questionnaire and consent form to be listed on the registry. For those who are unable to join the donor registry, NCCF will accept monetary donations to cover the cost of the transplants which can be a burden on a family in need.
Dodge has announced it will auction the one-of-one special-edition 2015 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT HELLCAT VIN0001, the most powerful and fastest muscle car ever built, during the BARRETT-JACKSON LAS VEGAS 2104 AUCTION, which will be held Sept. 25-27 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Barrett-Jackson is waiving all bidding and consignment fees, so 100 percent of the sale price will be donated to Opportunity Village, a not-for-profit organization that serves people with significant intellectual disabilities in the Las Vegas area.
THE DAVE AUSTIN MEMORIAL POKER RUN will be held on Saturday, September 27, beginning and ending at the Boulevard Brew Fest located at the MGM Resort Festival Village. This year, 100% of the event’s proceeds are being donated to local law enforcement and military related 501(c)3 organizations Henry’s Place Foundation, formed in 2006 to honor Las Vegas Metro Sergeant Henry Prendes who gave his life protecting his hometown community, the Injured Police Officers Fund (IPOF) on behalf of fallen Metro officers Soldo and Beck, and the US Air Force’s That Others May Live Foundation. The entry fee is $30 per driver and $30 per passenger. Each entry includes a DAM Poker Run commemorative t-shirt and ride pin and an individual meal during the event. Additional hands can be purchased for $10. The first 200 registrants also receive a complimentary ticket to the Boulevard Brew Fest which features more than 50 Oregon brews and live music from Kings of Leon, Young The Giant and more.
Registration on September 27 begins at 11 a.m. with the last bike out at 1 p.m. The route is approximately two hours and the last bike is expected back by 3 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to “Best Hand” and “Worst Hand” and a raffle will be held for a variety of items totaling more than $25,000. To register now or for more information, call 702-499-2488 or visit austinride.org.
KRISTEN HERTZENBERG, who dazzled musical-goers as Christine in Phantom―The Las Vegas Spectacular, returns to Cabaret Jazz at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts on September 27 at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Backed by an eight-piece band, Hertzenberg unveils Spellbound, a love-haunted set of blues, rock, jazz, folk, and country. Tickets are $29-45.
GRAMMY Award-winning band KINGS OF LEON will move its Saturday, Sept. 27 performance from the MGM Grand Garden Arena to The Lot along the Las Vegas Strip when it headlines the Boulevard Brew Fest. Young The Giant, Kongos and others will join Kings of Leon for the event presented by MGM Resorts International and Oregon Brewers Festival. Doors are scheduled to open at 5 p.m. Blvd Brew Fest attendees will have the opportunity to tap in to a seven-hour beer-topia featuring more than 60 unique Oregon beers from more than 50 breweries, along with local selections handcrafted by multiple Las Vegas-based craft brewery favorites. There also will be food trucks offering a wide variety of food options.
Country newcomers CHASIN' CRAZY are chasing the success of their debut single, “That’s How We Do Summertime,” with a special performance during Henderson’s SUPER RUN CLASSIC CAR SHOW. The concert is Saturday, September 27 at 8 p.m. at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 Water St., in the Water Street District. Admission to the concert is FREE. Super Run, known as Southern Nevada’s largest car show will take place Thursday, September 25-Sunday, September 28 and features 1,000 custom cars, street rods and antique automobiles displayed in Henderson’s historic Water Street District. It also includes automotive competitions like burnouts, roaring engines and slow drags, kids’ activities, and a hubcap art gallery. Admission to Super Run is complimentary for spectators.
Considered “one of the funniest stand up comics" by her peers, comedienne WANDA SYKES will perform at Treasure Island Theatre October 3 at 9 p.m. Guests must be 18 years or older to attend. Tickets are available starting at $59.95, plus taxes and service charges.
Celebrity sightings:
Thursday night, Sept. 11...
Actress Tichina Arnold, best known for her role as Pamela James on the sitcom "Martin" and model Nicole Murphy were spotted at TAO Nightclub. Once inside, the two friends spent their night enjoying the sounds of Havana Brown.
Saturday night, Sept. 6...
"Divergent" star Theo James was spotted enjoying a night out at Hakkasan Nightclub at MGM Grand. Earlier in the evening Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant hosted the English heartthrob for a pre-nightclub dinner while he enjoyed the company of a few close friends.
Theo James
Photo credit: Joe Torrance/Powers Imagery, LLC/hakkasanlv.com
Martin Garrix
Photo credit: Joe Torrance/Powers Imagery, LLC/hakkasanlv.com
Hakkasan Nightclub
Photo credit: Joe Torrance/Powers Imagery, LLC/hakkasanlv.com
Actor and comedian Kevin Hart hosted the official HartBeat Weekend after party at Marquee Nightclub. After arriving with a large group of friends, he was joined by fellow actor and comedian Damon Wayans Jr. Later in the night, Hart took the stage and teamed up with Eric D-Lux who was manning the DJ booth to drop some of the biggest hip hop hits and sing along with the crowd.
Also spotted at a VIP table at Marquee was Cooper Hefner, the youngest son of Playboy’s Hugh Hefner. In town celebrating his 23rd birthday, Hefner partied with a group of friends and girlfriend, actress Scarlett Byrne, best known for her role as Pansy Parkinson in the Harry Potter series.
Eric D-Lux and Kevin Hart
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery
Kevin Hart hosts HeartBeat
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery
Friday, Sept. 5...
Singer and songwriter Solange Knowles joined HartBeat Weekend, DJing the after-party for Kevin Hart & Friends Comedy All-stars Hosted by Kevin Hart at Rose. Rabbit. Lie. inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Other notable celebrities were Terrence J from “E! News”, Kevin Frazier from “Entertainment Tonight”, actor Jay Ellis, NBA Analyst and NBA World Champion Kenny “The Jet” Smith and singer Keri Hilson.
Solange Knowles and Kevin Hart
Photo courtesy of the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Solange Knowles and Kevin Hart
Photo courtesy of the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Actor Joe P. Harris, who can be seen starring in the new CBS sitcom The McCarthys premiering this October, was spotted attending ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace. Following the performance, Harris posed for a photo with ABSINTHE’s “Green Fairy” Melody Sweets.
International DJ/producer Borgore kick-off his exclusive residency at LiFE Nightclub inside SLS Las Vegas. Earlier that evening, Borgore dined with friends on property at Bazaar Meat.
Borgore
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
Aerialist performs at LIFE
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery