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
Blue Man Group Turns “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” Sign Blue to Support World Autism Awareness Day
Blue Man Group Las Vegas joined Clark County Commission Chair, Steve Sisolak; Clark County Commissioner, Mary Beth Scow; Autism Speaks; the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders; the Touro University Nevada Center for Autism and Development Disabilities; and the Grant a Gift Autism Foundation to turn the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign blue, in recognition of Light It Up Blue for World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month on Thursday, April 2.
Blue Man Group
Photo courtesy of Blue Man Group
In honor of Autism Awareness Month (April), the world-renowned Blue Man Group unveiled a yearlong partnership with Autism Speaks; the company pledges to give a $25,000 donation to the cause and will host at least one sensory-friendly show, suitable for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), in each of its markets. In Las Vegas where there is no local Autism Speaks chapter, Blue Man Group will support Grant a Gift Autism Foundation.
Blue Man Group will offer a sensory-friendly show with a percentage of proceeds benefitting Grant a Gift Autism; official performance date is to-be-determined. For the sensory-friendly shows, slight modifications will be made including reducing sound and light levels at various moments during the performance and making headphones available upon request. The Blue Men will limit the amount of “chair walking” and keep their approach to the audience more subdued. Blue Man Group will also create calming environments in each theater’s lobby for families seeking a break from the excitement.
Jack Kenn of Blue Man Group
Photo courtesy of Blue Man Group
Photo courtesy of Blue Man Group
“Grant a Gift Autism Foundation was honored to Light It Up Blue on World Autism Day as well as announce our partnership with Blue Man Group. We appreciate their support in bringing attention to this condition and shining a bright light on autism,” said Lynda Tache, founder/executive director of Grant a Gift Autism Foundation.
Charles S. Ressler Performs Inspirational One Man Show BRAVE at The Smith Center
Las Vegas’ own creative and beloved community member, Charles S. Ressler, teamed with three of Las Vegas’ most esteemed organizations on April 2 for a evening of entertainment and fundraising at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. Ressler hit the stage of Reynolds Hall for an exclusive, one-night-only engagement “BRAVE” in which he shared stories of inspiration and dreams.
Charles S. Ressler
Photo courtesy of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts
Written by and starring Ressler, “BRAVE” featured a variety of songs to inspire, back up singers, a live orchestra and most importantly the message of how to achieve personal triumph, despite the odds, to warm the heart, encourage dreams, motivate the imagination and influence the community for a better Las Vegas. Proceeds from the sale of tickets that started at $22 (plus applicable fees) benefitted Opportunity Village, the I Have a Dream Foundation and the Las Vegas Philharmonic.
Divided into three parts, each with their own charitable tie-in, “BRAVE” is a musical journey of one child who, against all odds, has led an extraordinary life. With a variety of music from the Great American Songbook, Broadway, modern pop and original compositions, it is a youthful musical showcase peppered with stories of the human spirit. “BRAVE” is a gift to audience members who leave with the spark to fulfill their own dreams and walk away thinking differently about self-value and their place and interaction in the community.
“It was an easy decision to choose the charities that will benefit from ‘BRAVE,’” says Ressler. “Opportunity Village, the I Have a Dream Foundation and the Las Vegas Philharmonic are all closely tied to my life. The executive directors of these charities also epitomize what it means to be brave whether it is their tireless dedication to the cause, their outreach or their mission.”
“BRAVE” at The Smith Center also coincided with the launch of Ressler’s “dreamMaker” application which was available for FREE download immediately following the performance through iTunes and the Google Play Store. “dreamMaker” allows ‘dreamers’ – those with dreams, ideas and goals they need enhanced or funded – to connect with ‘makers’ – those with the ability to fund, connect and inspire these dreams.
“Charles Ressler is a unicorn and a flying monkey all rolled up into one underneath a rainbow of energy,” says Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos. “There is no one like him in the world.” Often referred to as a creative juggernaut, a market phenom and an artistic warrior, Ressler has devoted his career to arts in all forms, whether it’s music, fashion or entertainment. Most recently he was the Head of Marketing, Sponsorships and Activations for First Friday Las Vegas and led logistics and communications for Art Odyssey at the inaugural year of the Life Is Beautiful Festival. In October, Ressler took a sabbatical alone to Asia where he reflected on his next steps in life. Upon meditating in Thailand and Cambodia, he decided he wanted to return to the stage and perform.
Charles S. Ressler
Photo courtesy of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts
It is this divine reflection that brings “BRAVE” to The Smith Center. Ressler boasts a decade long professional acting career including starring in such performances as “Benefit,” “The Little Prince,” “Pippin” and “A Midsummer’s Night Dream.” Ressler has an accomplished creative, marketing and scientific background including the world’s leading cold-fusion research company Electro-Chemistry Physics, Bergdorf Goodman in New York, Resonance Music Group and Delivering Happiness. He is an alumni of the prestigious Professional Children’s School in New York, where his classmates included such notables as Scarlett Johansson.
New California Pizza Kitchen Opens in Summerlin
A brand new California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) recently opened at 10345 Oval Park in the thriving Las Vegas community of Summerlin. With its new location the restaurant chain continues to bring its strong passion for offering guests imaginative foods, flavors, service and a unique California-style dining atmosphere to this modern desert oasis. Situated on the edge of the Red Rock National Canyon Conservation Area, not too far from the Las Vegas Strip, CPK's Summerlin location offers a great place for residents and visitors alike to take a break from the daily hustle and bustle of the casinos and enjoy a trendy but totally relaxed dining experience with family and friends.
The restaurant's interior design beautifully integrates reclaimed woods, natural stone and local artwork, and boasts an extensive patio dining area that provides a unique indoor/outdoor setting. Commenting on the opening of the new California Pizza Kitchen in Summerlin, the company's CEO, G.J. Hart said, "We're really excited about bringing our fresh and imaginative California-style menu and hospitality to Summerlin. This is a terrific community, and the location for what we have to offer couldn't be better. The combination of CPK and Las Vegas makes for a perfect dining duo."
California Pizza Kitchen
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
California Pizza Kitchen
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
California Pizza Kitchen
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
California Pizza Kitchen
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
California Pizza Kitchen
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
California Pizza Kitchen
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
California Pizza Kitchen
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Just in time for spring, California Pizza Kitchen at Downtown Summerlin has launched a selection of new food and beverages as part of their seasonal culinary lineup beginning Tuesday, March 31 through mid August featuring an array of limited time offerings that honor the season’s clean flavors and bold tastes. New food items include the California Fields Salad, comprised of fresh watermelon, strawberries and field greens, served with housemade Champagne vinaigrette, feta and California pistachios; the Tricoloré Salad Pizza made with a caramelized Parmesan pizza crust topped with field greens, tomatoes and shaved Parmesan tossed in housemade Dijon balsamic vinaigrette; and the Maine Lobster Flatbread featuring Maine lobster salad, fresh herbs, arugula and shaved onions on a Parmesan flatbread. And to accommodate non meat eaters, vegetarians, or those with special dietary needs there are also vegetarian as well as gluten free options made to order to satisfy their tastebuds.
Sesame Ginger Chicken Dumplings, California Cobb Salad, and Avacado Club Egg Rolls
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Gluten Free Marguerita Pizza
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Gluten Free Pizza with Mushrooms
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Maine Lobster Flatbread
Photo courtesy of California Pizza Kitchen
As for dessert, guests with a sweet tooth and no dietary restrictions can indulge in the Strawberry Shortcake, a delectable classic served with a fresh shortcake biscuit and piled high with seasonal strawberries, whipped cream and housemade candied lemon zest.
Whether seated at a table or the contemporary bar area, one of CPK's largest, guests can choose from a diverse selection of handcrafted cocktails using the freshest juices, fruits, purees and herbs. New beverage offerings include the Seasonal Harvest Sangria, a crispy, unique mix of Bacardi Superior Rum, St. Germain Elderflower and Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay with muddled grapes, basil and fresh agave sour; the cooling Strawberry Mojito served with Bacardi Superior Rum, fresh strawberries, muddled mint and agave sour; and the refreshing Strawberry Lime Margarita made with Casamigos Tequila Blanco, fresh strawberries, Perfect Purée Strawberry, fresh agave sour and lime. For a non-alcoholic option, guests can enjoy the low calorie Fresh Strawberry Mango Cooler made with fresh strawberries hand-shaken with Fresca and Monin South Seas, featuring natural flavors of mango, guava and ginger that is deliciously refreshing.
California Pizza Kitchen unique and spirited cocktails
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Seasonal Strawberry beverages
Photo courtesy of California Pizza Kitchen
“We take pride in having an all-from-scratch menu,” says CPK at Downtown Summerlin General Manager Clayton Wilson. “We use the most seasonal ingredients in these new menu items with an emphasis on fresh produce such as greens, fresh herbs and strawberries.”
“We continue to look for a new and innovative ways to captivate the palette and enhance our guests' dining experience”, adds Wilson. In keeping with that promise, as the outdoor temperature rises in Las Vegas, CPK in Summerlin has also introduced a new cool Happy Hour from 3-6 pm and 8:30 – 20 pm. Monday though Thursday when guests can enjoy a delicious selection of California flatbreads, small bites and drink specials.
The new CPK at Downtown Summerlin, is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. For more information call: 702-978-5759.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Guests of MGM Grand Hotel & Casino had the opportunity to fool their friends and family members on April 1 by “winning” a $1 million jackpot and sharing the false photo on social media during an APRIL FOOLS' DAY PRANK. Guests over 21 years old checking into the hotel were invited to participate in the hoax by posing with the Double 7 Slot Machine located near the lobby that looked as if it had just hit the big jackpot. They were then able to take photos with an oversized fabricated check complete with their name and the big $1 million prize before posting the monumental moment on their own Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages utilizing the hashtag #MGMJackpot.More than 325 guests participated in the prank and an untold number of their friends and family around the country were fooled.
MGM's April Fools prank
Photo courtesy of the MGM Grand
THE COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF FINE ARTS will host an exhibition of artwork created by students of the CSN Early Childhood Education Laboratory Program. This exhibition, a collection of artwork by children ages 6 months through kindergarten, utilizes a variety of media and expresses the thoughts, emotions, and creative explorations of it’s young artists. “2015 ART OF THE YOUNG CHILD” will begin Friday, April 3, and will run through Saturday, May 2, 2015.
This exhibition is featured in conjunction with the CSN Early Childhood Education Program and in celebration of the National Association of the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) “Week of the Young Child,” April 13 – April 18, 2015. This exhibition is FREE and open to the public during normal campus building hours. The Artwork will be on display at the Artspace Gallery on the Cheyenne Campus, 3200 E. Cheyenne Avenue, North Las Vegas and in the “I” Building, First Floor, Main Corridor, on the Charleston Campus, 6375 W. Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas.
The COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA FINE ARTS GALLERY presents A SOLO EXHIBIT OF SCULPURAL WORK BY WAYNE LITTLEJOHN TITLED “FANTASTIC PLASTIX” . Littlejohn’s work involves an intensive investigation of polystyrene, resins, powder coats, and urethanes using a variety of techniques and modern mold-making materials. According to Littlejohn, “Sculpture, on some level, is always about materials. It is simply a matter of degree. While Richard Serra and Jeff Koons use different forms of steel, expounding its utilitarian familiarity and accepted status as a proletariat material, I immerse myself in plastics. At once loathed, loved and revered, plastic permeates all cultures, constituting much of our physical world here at the dawn of the millennium.”
An opening reception was held on Thursday, April 2, from 6 – 8 p.m. with the exhibit on display to the public Friday, April 3 to Friday, May 29, 2015. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Friday and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday. The Performing Arts Center/Fine Arts Gallery is located at the half circle drive near CSN’s main entrance, on the Cheyenne Campus at 3200 E. Cheyenne Avenue, one mile East of I-15 North.
Jarrett & Raja Productions, along with community partners Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada, Nevada Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts and Southern Nevada Music, presents “RAJA AND FRIENDS IN CONCERT” starring “America’s Got Talent” pianist Raja Rahman, at the Flamingo Library, 7:30 p.m on April 6, 2015. Proceeds from this unique community event will benefit Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada. “Raja and Friends In Concert” will feature performances of Beethoven’s “Moonlight” Sonata, Chopin’s “Revolutionary” Etude, Dvorak’s “Dumky” Trio, Hindemith’s Sonata No. 4 for Viola and Piano and more. Along with performances by Raja, scheduled to perform are his talented friends: Cirque du Soleil “O” cellist Dena Massaro; Grammy-nominated arranger, original Broadway orchestra member of “The Lion King,” former musical director for The Who’s Roger Daltrey, violist Ralph Farris; and Las Vegas Philharmonic/“ShowStoppers” violinist De Ann Letourneau. Tickets for “Raja and Friends In Concert” at the Flamingo Library are priced at $15 for adults, and $10 for children and are on sale now at rajaconcert.brownpapertickets.com or 1-800-838-3006.
Elvis tribute artist BRANDON BENNETT returns to the Suncoast Showroom to celebrate the “King of Rock and Roll” with his “ELVIS MY WAY” show on April 10 and 11. Performances begin each evening at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from $15.95, plus tax and fees, and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming box office.
The Second Annual POKER FOR HOPE TOURNAMENT tournament will take place at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Saturday, April 11 at 12:30 p.m.. Poker for Hope is held in support of TIA’S HOPE – a foundation whose mission is to bring joy to hospitalized children who are receiving treatment during the holiday season by providing them with a holiday gift.
Online registration for the tournament is now open and may be completed by visiting PokerforHope.com or in-person on The Mezz at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino beginning at Noon on Friday, April 10. Late registration will be available on the day of the tournament through 2:30 p.m. Following check-in that morning, a complimentary poker Q+A session led by the tournament’s host, poker professional Antonio Esfandiari, will take place at 11:30 a.m. Cards will fly at 12:30 p.m. and the tournament winner will receive a $25,000 cash prize.
The first 175 participants to register online by or before April 10 will receive one complimentary ticket voucher to attend the 10 p.m. performance of ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace that evening.
Several new and returning celebrity guests participating in the tournament include: professional skateboarder Tony Hawk, Cheryl Hines of Suburgatory, Kevin McHale of Glee, Willie Garson of White Collar, actor and comedian Kevin Pollak, Cheri Oteri of Saturday Night Live, Sara Rue of Rules of Engagement, Camryn Manheim of The Practice and cast members from ABSINTHE, ROCK OF AGES, JERSEY BOYS, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET and 50 SHADES! THE PARODY.
PT'S ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, operators of PT’s, Sierra Gold and Sean Patrick’s taverns, will host the MOTORCYCLES & MUTTS POKER RUN benefitting the ANIMAL FOUNDATION on Sat., April 11 to not only raise funds and awareness for the foundation, but also encourage shelter adoptions. Registration begins at 7 a.m. at Sierra Gold (6515 S. Jones Blvd., just off the I-215). From there, riders will cruise out to the Pahrump Nugget, take a scenic drive through the Red Rock loop on to PT’s Gold (3770 S. Hualapai Way at Twain Ave.), then out to Sean Patrick’s Pub & Grill (11930 Southern Highlands Pkwy.) before making their final stop at PT’s Ranch (2430 E. Pebble at Eastern Ave.) for a post-run after-party concert, cookout and raffle drawing. Additionally, the Animal Foundation will be on-site hosting a pet adoption. The raffle drawing is open to poker run participants as well as the public (tickets are $5 each or five for $20) and includes such prizes as a two-night getaway at the Pahrump Nugget, a Motorcycles & Mutts-themed video poker machine, Petsmart® gift cards, show tickets and much more.
Registration for the Motorcycles & Mutts Poker Run is open now for $35 and a guest can ride along for $10. Participants will enjoy food and drink specials offered at each stop, receive a commemorative pin and bandana, a 50% discount on pet adoptions, one raffle ticket and entry into the official after-party.
For SPRINKLES CUPCAKES, 2015 is the year of milestones. Their Las Vegas location at the LINQ celebrated a successful first year on March 21 and April 13 marks the 10 year anniversary for the opening of their first bakery in Beverly Hills, Calif. To celebrate their anniversaries, the gourmet bakery will launch 10 new flavors beginning with the special birthday "Sprinkle" flavor as well as giving away a FREE CUPCAKE to every guest in the store on April 13. Fans will also have the chance to win a red velvet car from a surprise dealership during the Sprinkles summer sweepstakes.
LIFE TIME ATHLETIC SUMMERLIN, located at 10721 W Charleston Blvd., will toast to the creative spirit with a ‘VINO AND VAN GOGH’ PAINT PARTY from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 17. The event will be hosted at the LifeCafe and offer aspiring artists the chance to learn painting techniques from local experts while enjoying wine, beer and small appetizers. ‘Vino and Van Gogh’ will be priced at $35 for Life Time Athletic members and $45 for non-members. The price includes painting materials, food and drinks.
Comedian JERRY SEINFELD returns to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for two nights of his critically acclaimed stand-up comedy on April 17 and 18. Showtime each night is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $75 - $150 (plus applicable tax and handling fee).
Accomplished actor, dancer, and singer BEN VEREEN will bring his one-man show to the Suncoast Showroom April 18 and 19. Showtime each evening is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from $15.95, plus tax and fees, and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming box office.
MAT FRANCO, the first magician to win NBC’s America’s Got Talent, brings his captivating, hold-on-to-your-seat illusions to the heart of the Las Vegas Strip this summer with an all-new resident show at The LINQ Hotel & Casino. Tickets will go on sale April 22 at 10 a.m. in advance of the June 24 first performance in a soon-to-be renovated LINQ Theater at the recently reimagined LINQ Hotel.
Country music's THE ELI YOUNG BAND, who scored its first No. 1 hit in 2011 with “Crazy Girl” that earned an ACM Award for Song of the Year, will hit the stage inside the Access Showroom at Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa for a live performance at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 24. Individual tickets will start at $36.50 and luxury booths are also available. Guests 21 and older.
Las Vegas’ original dayclub, REHAB at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, reveals its 2015 grand opening with a DJ set by Paris Hilton on Saturday, April 25 and performance by Flo Rida on Sunday, April 26. This season, REHAB will add Just the Tip Wednesdays, an industry day that grants locals and industry professionals free entry to the dayclub, and Backyard Pool Party Fridays, a country-themed bash featuring red cup drinking games and sounds of Top 40 hits with light infusions of country, to its signature Saturday and Sunday events. Relax Mondays will return with its regularly-scheduled programming.The dayclub will also host exclusive DJ residencies with Dee Jay Silver, DJ Pauly D, Flux Pavilion and Paris Hilton. Crystal Hefner will return to REHAB as the exclusive Bikini Invitational DJ as well.
Chateau Nightclub & Rooftop at Paris Las Vegas will be the site of over-the-top costumes and a celebration of popular television shows for the official WIZARD WORLD COMIC CON OFFICIAL PARTY on Saturday, April 25. RJ Mitte, star of AMC’s hit show, “Breaking Bad,” will host the post-convention bash with a DJ performance on the club’s spectacular rooftop. The Wizard World Comic Con convention, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, will bring science fiction and pop culture characters together in one large festival. Fans of popular shows like “Orange is the New Black,” “The Walking Dead” and “Breaking Bad” will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with some of their favorite actors.
British luxury shoes and accessories brand, CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA recently opened its first Las Vegas store inside The Forum Shops at Caesars. The new store encapsulates the spirit of the brand and is inspired by a by-gone era of old Hollywood glamour.
Celebrity sightings:
Tuesday night, March 31...
Actor James Franco, joined by a female friend and an assistant, was spotted dining at TAO Asian Bistro.
Actor and “Captain America” star Chris Evans along with “All About That Base” Grammy nominated singer Meghan Trainor were both spotted partying the night way inside the venue’s ultra-lounge Heart of OMNIA Nightclub at Caesars Palace
Meghan Trainor with friends
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
Earlier in the evening, Evans was spotted dining at Searsucker, the latest incarnation of Celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey’s New American Classic restaurant.
Monday night, March 30...
A special edition of Marquee Monday took place as the club hosted the Nightclub & Bar Opening Platinum Party. Jon Taffer, Nightclub & Bar president, was on hand with his wife Nicole for a special performance by TPain, who treated club goers to a medley of hits.
Saturday, March 28...
In the evening...
NFL offensive tackle Roger Saffold of the St. Louis Rams was spotted at Marquee taking in the sounds of DJ Alesso with Cedric the Entertainer and friends.
Roger Saffold and Cedric the Entertainer at Marquee
Photo courtesy of Marquee
At LAVO actor Erik Estrada dined with his wife and daughters as well as members of his production company team.
Snoop Dogg brought the Snoopadelic Cabaret back to TAO, entertaining a packed club with an energetic DJ set and performance of his hits.
Snoop Dogg
Photo credit: Tony Tran Photography
“RichKids of Beverly Hills” reality TV stars, Morgan Stewart and Dorothy Wang hosted an epic spring break bash under the Eiffel Tower at Chateau Nightclub & Rooftop. Celebrating Stewart's recent engagement to RichKids co-star Brendan Fitzpatrick with a fun girls' weekend, the ladies kicked off the festivities with dinner at HEXX at Paris Las Vegas.
Morgan Stewart, Dorothy Wang and Christopher Dewitt pose on the red carpet at Chateau Nightclub & Rooftop
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy
Earlier in the day, Wang and Stewart were judges in a spring break hot body contest at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino's GO Pool, where they selected Las Vegas local Christopher Dewitt as the winner.
Friday, March 27...
Comediennes Caroline Rhea and Elayne Boosler visited Noah’s Animal House at The Shade Tree. The funny ladies and animal lovers, who co-headlined in “LIPSHTICK – The Perfect Shade of Standup” on Saturday, March 28, toured the facility, met volunteers and staff, and made a donation to the shelter on behalf of Tails of Joy, Boosler’s nonprofit organization.
Elayne Boosler and Caroline Rhea Visit Noahs Animal House
Photo courtesy of The Shade Tree
