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
Frankie Moreno Brings his new show Under the Influence to Planet Hollywood
Popular Las Vegas entertainer Frankie Moreno celebrated the grand opening of his brand new show, “Under the Influence”, inside the newly renovated PH Showroom at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Wednesday, May 4.
Frankie Moreno and the band
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Moreno returns to the Las Vegas strip with a show that is different than what he did before. He always has put on a great show, but this time around, the versatile singer/songwriter, who also plays a mean guitar, piano and harmonica, ups the ante by delivering a high energy mix of some of his original songs like Diva and Moonlight Matinee along with cover songs by legendary recording artists that have inspired, or as the show's title implies, influenced him, ranging from Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Michael Jackson, The Beatles and others to contemporary pop stars like Bruno Mars.
Frankie Moreno
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Frankie Moreno and the band
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Frankie Moreno
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
What's more, this entire new production features magnificent state of the art lighting, sound, graphics and video and a fantastic five piece band that includes Frankie' s brother, Tony on bass guitar, guitarist Alexander Zeilon, trumpeter Chris Massa, drummer Peanut Butter, saxophonist Fabricio Bezerra, and vocalists Markevius Faulkner, Crystal Robinson and Ashley Roberson. In addition, professional dancer Lacey Schwimmer of Dancing With the Stars fame, is aboard as the featured dancer. Not only does she perform in a few numbers, she is credited as the show's choreographer.
Crystal Robinson
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Alexander Zellon
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Tony Moreno
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Chris Massa
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Fabricio Bezzera
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Markevius Faulkner
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Lacy Schwimmer
Moreno has been named “Las Vegas Headliner of the Year” two-times running, which comes as no surprise to anyone that has seen him perform. He is a gifted artist who brings loads of talent, charisma and showmanship to each performance and never fails to dazzle audiences, bringing them to their feet. Once again, he really delivers the goods with the must see, UNDER THE INFLUENCE.
Notable names in attendance at the opening night blue carpet and performance include Motley Crüe frontman Vince Neil, Madam Secretary co-star Erich Bergen, Chef Rick Moonen, Robert Diggs aka RZA of Wu Tang Clan, Olympic figure skater Jeremy Abbott, So You Think You Can Dance Season Two winner Benji Schwimmer, singer extraordinaire Clint Holmes and his wife, entertainer Kelly Clinton-Holmes, magician Murray Sawchuck, and others.
Lacy Schwimmer and her brother Benji Schwimmer
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Chef Rick Moonen
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Clint Holmes and Kelly Clinton-Holmes
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Earl Turner
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Murray Sawchuck
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Heather Mariana and Frankie Moreno
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Pat Thrall and Frankie Moreno
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Sabrina Bryan
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Paul Zerdin and Robyn Mellor
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Wu Tang Clans Robert Diggs aka RZA and Zita Vass
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Chippendale dancers
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
For three nights, May 20-22, Frankie Moreno welcomes James Maslow, a member of the highly-successful pop band Big Time Rush, to UNDER THE INFLUENCE at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Maslow will debut a brand new, original song entitled “Change” during the show, which is being produced by Moreno.
UNDER THE INFLUENCE will continue to welcome a series of artists to the stage for surprise performances and appearances. Most recently, UNDER THE INFLUENCE was joined by Kip Winger of the popular ‘80s rock band Winger for a surprise performance of The Beatles’ “Oh! Darling.”
FRANKIE MORENO – UNDER THE INFLUENCE is now electrifying audiences nightly inside the PH Showroom at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Tuesday-Sunday at 9 p.m., dark Mondays. Tickets can be purchased at FrankieMoreno.com, by phone at 800-745-3000 or in person at the PH Showroom box office.
Smile Design Gallery & Bernard Hopkins Presented “The Art Of Boxing” event at Hakkasan Las Vegas
Canelo Alvarez might have won the fight against Amir Khan Saturday night in Las Vegas, but it was boxing living legend Bernard Hopkins who is the real winner of the weekend. Friday night, Smile Design Gallery and Golden Boy Promotions partner Bernard Hopkins teamed up with Dr. Lee Gause as they hosted The Art of Boxing event within the Ling Ling Lounge Hakkasan in the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.
Dr. Lee Gause and Bernard Hopkins
The intimate charity event celebrated Hopkins’ commitment to provide health care to the boxing community as notable guests including Leon Spinks (American former boxer), Roy Jones Jr. (professional boxer commentator/trainer), Mustafa Muhammad (former professional boxer/current boxing trainer), Jim Lampley (HBO commentator, Sportscaster), and Kevin Kelley (former professional boxer/WBC featherweight title holder) attended in support of Smile Design Gallery’s mission.
Dr. Lee Gause
Bernad Hopkins
Mustafa Muhammed, Leon Spinks, and Kevin Kelley
Along with the art pieces displayed for purchase, a live auction took place where 100 percent of all proceeds raised will be matched in free dental care for uninsured boxers, trainers and professionals in the boxing community.
Antonio Sabato, Jr. Makes Chippendales debut at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino
The world famous Chippendales welcomed actor and model, Antonio Sabàto, Jr. as their hottest new celebrity guest host with a red carpet and opening night celebration on Friday, May 6, at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
Antonio Sabàto, Jr.
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy/Wireimage
Sabato’s limited engagement with the legendary Chippendales runs for five weeks only, from May 5 through June 5, 2016, at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. Sabàto amped up the acclaimed production and graced the stage with his stunning good looks and physique, not to mention his unmistakable charm and moves.
“Hitting the stage with Chippendales for my opening night was incredible!” says Sabato, Jr. “It was everything I was expecting and more - the energy from the crowd was electric - it’s going to be a fantastic five weeks!”
Antonio Sabàto, Jr. (center) with cast
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy/Wireimage
The evening began with a red carpet welcome for Sabato Jr. with the cast of Chippendales, followed by a VIP reception in the Flirt Lounge at the Chippendales Theatre, with tasty bites provided by Guy Fieri’s El Burro Borracho, adding a spicy flare to this Cinco de Mayo weekend and ‘Chipps’ celebration. In addition, the acclaimed SHOWBOY BakeShop designed Sabato Jr. a special cake to welcome him to the show as one of Las Vegas’ hottest headliners.
Antonio Sabàto, Jr., is the latest celebrity to join the exclusive roster of guest hosts at Chippendales. From international supermodel Tyson Beckford to everyone’s favorite crush, Ian Ziering, every celebrity guest who’s ever donned the brand’s iconic cuffs and collar brings new excitement to sold-out audiences.
Antonio Sabàto, Jr.
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy/Wireimage
Antonio Sabàto, Jr.
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy/Wireimage
The Chippendales revamped the show just last year and the already sexy production is now amped to hot and heavy heights. The show’s new music features top artists from Bruno Mars to Chris Brown. The lighting and musical staging is on point and the signature strip style, combined with edgy dance moves makes the Chippendales show an audience and critic’s pick!
Every naughty fantasy you can imagine comes to life in a dynamic, immersive environment, perfect for any Girls Night Out occasion such as women looking to celebrate their bestie’s bachelorette party, their big birthday bash or just a wild night out. Chippendales shows are the ultimate way to let loose and have fun.
Recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
MAVERICK HELICOPTERS took home its seventh consecutive award for BEST AIR TOUR from the Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association’s (SNHCA) Concierge Choice Awards. The company was honored during a ceremony on Sunday, May 1.
On Wednesday, May 11, SEAN'S PARK, a 2.5-acre innovative life-learning park developed for children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities will open at Opportunity Village’s Ralph and Betty Engelstad Campus. The first of its kind in the U.S., Sean’s Park will offer Opportunity Village clients and other members of the community with disabilities new life-skills building equipment such as a “live” street crosswalk and stop light to promote safety. Other activities include a way-finding path, moonwalk pad, a full size bowling lane and several other park features. The Liberty Swing at Sean’s Park, a unique swing-set designed to enable individuals to swing while in a wheelchair, provides the individuals that Opportunity Village serves (OVIPs) the feeling of freedom of movement. The park will encourage conceptual learning, personal awareness, physical activity and social learning. Sean’s Park is a private facility; public interested in visiting should call (702) 262-1550 for details. Different learning areas will include a creative arts plaza, designated gardening area, and a play area, which is completely ADA accessible, including a drop-shot basketball area, and many additional programs and activities. The majority of the equipment at Sean’s Park will serve multiple purposes, such as the 18-hole miniature golf course, which will also be utilized as a maze and Frisbee golf course. Display cases have been installed to showcase art created by OVIPs from the Fine Art Program. Sean’s Park will serve as an extension of the programs offered at Opportunity Village and provide OVIPs diverse activities that promote and encourage growth and independence. Besides serving as an outdoor resource and learning area for OVIPs, Opportunity Village will also host special events onsite and rent the park out to the public for private events in the future.
Opportunity Village’s Sean’s Park is a 2.5-acre innovative life-learning park developed for children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities at Opportunity Village’s Ralph and Betty Engelstad Campus, opening on Wednesday, May 11, 2016.
Photo courtesy of Opportunity Village
Opportunity Village’s Sean’s Park will encourage conceptual learning, personal awareness, physical activity and social learning at Opportunity Village’s Ralph and Betty Engelstad Campus, opening on Wednesday, May 11, 2016.
Photo courtesy of Opportunity Village
Opportunity Village CEO Ed Guthrie, Clark County Commissioner Chair Steve Sisolak, Mike Morrissey, Sean Morrissey, Patty Morrissey and Vadim Fridman from the Windsong Trust posed with ceremonial shovels to commemorate the groundbreaking ceremony of Sean’s Park at Opportunity Village’s Ralph and Betty Engelstad Campus on Tuesday, June 23, 2015.
Photo courtesy of Opportunity Village
Notable Vegas act, ZOWIE BOWIE begins a weekly residency with Downtown Grand Las Vegas Hotel & Casino on Friday, May 13 at CITRUS GRAND POOL DECK. Zowie Bowie will take the stage at Citrus Fridays at 10 p.m. Citrus features an all-new lineup of live entertainment including DJs on Thursdays and Fridays from 4-7 p.m. and Saturdays 12-5 p.m., as well as concerts and special events.
In a continued effort to nurture artistic expression and development within its employees, the Global Citizenship Service at CIRQUE DU SOLEIL will host its 11th annual art exhibition, THE COLLECTIVE, featuring artwork by the company’s performers, technicians and support staff in Las Vegas. Presented exclusively at the EDEN GALLERY inside the ARTS FACTORY in Downtown Las Vegas, the extraordinary collection will be shown for a limited time from May 14 – June 14, available Thursdays through Mondays from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. with a special reception on June 2 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. In addition to the 33 works showcased this year, The Collective will also feature the square project from the Zarkana Theater, a collection of squares created by individual cast and crew members that, once brought together, represent the beauty, importance and impact of working together toward a common goal.
Longtime Las Vegas entertainer GORDIE BROWN will celebrate the work of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department with a very special offer for its employees. Now through June 30, 2016, LVMPD EMPLOYEES who present an employee ID at the Golden Nugget Las Vegas Box Office are eligible to receive a BUY ONE GET ONE FREE TICKET OFFER for any Gordie Brown performance through the end of June. Officers who present a badge at the Box Office will receive a complimentary pair of tickets for shows May 15-21, 2016, in honor of National Police Week.
CELEBRATE ISRAEL FESTIVAL, the largest Jewish happening in Las Vegas, presented and sponsored by the Israeli-American Council (IAC) Las Vegas and with the support of the Jewish Federation, JCC and other Jewish organizations, will take place on Sunday May 15, 2016 at Palazzo Ballroom located at the Venetian Hotel (meeting space, 5th floor) from 2pm - 7pm.Over 4,000 community members will celebrate the State of Israel with live entertainment, interactive activities, culture, food & art. FREE ADMISSION with Advanced Online Registration: https://celebrateisrael68lasvegas.eventbrite.com
“American Idol” season seven champion DAVID COOK returns to Las Vegas for a performance inside Club Madrid at Sunset Station on Friday, May 20 at 8 p.m.. Tickets are $20, $30 and $40 plus tax and applicable fees.
“KNOCKOUT NIGHT AT THE D” returns Saturday night, May 21, with the second event of its 2016 series, as undefeated middleweight Arif “The Predator” Magomedov takes on upset-minded Andrew “Hurricane” Hernandez in the 10-round main event, airing (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET) live on CBS Sports Network from under the neon lights at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center outdoor venue. Tickets are priced at $99.99 VIP ringside, $49.99 ringside, $24.99 and $14.99 general admission (seated).Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
"THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK" will be performed inside The Theatre at Temple Sinai on May 21st or 22nd. Proceeds from ticket sales will provide 1,700 Clark County School District Students the opportunity to see the play at The Smith Center, and each will receive a T-shirt bearing the important message "No Tolerance For Intolerance!" Showtimes are 8 pm on Saturday, May 21 and 2 pm on Sunday, May 22, The Theatre at Temple Sinai s located at 9001 Hillpoint Road, Las Vegas. Tickets can be purchased by calling the JRTN box office 818.994.7050 during regular box office hours, noon - 4 PM, Monday - Friday.
Renowned musical performer CELINE DION will be honored with the esteemed ICON Award at the “2016 Billboard Music Awards”, which will be broadcast live at the T-Mobile Arena on Sunday, May 22nd. Dion will also take to the stage for a special rendition of Queen’s “The Show Must Go On” after she accepts one of the most prestigious Billboard awards an artist can receive. The ICON Award is a lifetime achievement award that honors the cultural impact of an artist whose extraordinary talent as a creator and entertainer has stood the test of time. Past recipients include Neil Diamond (2011), Stevie Wonder (2012), Prince (2013) and Jennifer Lopez (2014).
SLS Las Vegas brings an ALL-STAR LINE UP TO THE FOUNDRY with THE NEON COWBOY COUNTRY SERIES, beginning May 22. The six-part series will unveil a powerhouse lineup including chart-topping duo DAN + SHAY on Sunday, May 22 and chart-topping sensation JERROD NEIMANN on Saturday, June 4, with additional performances to be announced at a later date. This one-of-a-kind series will give concert goers a rare look inside the Nashville music scene as some of country’s most popular artists take the stage at Vegas’ hottest live music venue. Tickets start at $29, not including applicable service charges.
Comedian CHRIS TUCKER is set a return date to The Pearl inside Palms Resort Casino on May 28 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $50, plus any additional service fees.
Golfers and families from across the valley will come together for The 8th ANNUAL WE♥ MAGGIE (We Heart Maggie) GOLF TOURNAMENT supporting the Children’s Heart Foundation on Saturday, May 28 at the Rio Secco Golf Club (2851 Grand Hills Drive, Henderson).Registration and pre-event activities begin at 11:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. Children’s activities are 3:30 – 6 p.m., and the awards reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. Golfers and guests can also vie for prizes in the raffle and bid on silent auction items 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Featuring a silent auction, raffle, awards reception and afternoon events for kids, the We Heart Maggie Golf Tournament makes a difference in the lives of heart families throughout the Las Vegas valley by supporting such programs as Camp Mend-a-Heart, Smart Heart Scholarships, family outreach, research and of course, Maggie’s Garden which is a whimsical room full of toys, butterflies, flowers and a tall oak tree. Children about to undergo a cardiac procedure will be allowed to select something special from Maggie’s Garden to take with them. It is intended to provide a positive experience to heart children and families during particularly difficult times. It also serves as a way to introduce Children’s Heart Foundation to families early in their heart journey.
To register as a golfer or virtual golfer, sponsor or donate, please visit www.weheartmaggie.com or call the Children’s Heart Foundation at 702-967-3522.
Celebrity sightings:
Sunday, May 8...
Kix Brooks, of country music power duo Brooks & Dunn, along with his wife Barbara, was spotted attending the hit show Absinthe at Caesars Palace. Following the show, they met with The Gazillionaire, his assistant Joy Jenkins and the “Green Fairy” Melody Sweets.
Kix Brooks attends ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace
Photo credit: Joseph Sanders Spiegelworld
famed ventriloquist and impressionist Terry Fator was spotted attending Paul Zerdin: Mouthing Off at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Terry Fator attends PAUL ZERDIN-MOUTHING OFF at Planet Hollywood
Photo credit: Robyn Mellor
Saturday afternoon, May 7...
Reba McEntire, joined by friends, her son and business colleagues, revisited Carmine’s in The Forum Shops at Caesars for lunch.
Latin music star Prince Royce celebrated his upcoming birthday at TAO Beach in The Venetian. The pop star took photos with adoring fans before the TAO staff delighted him with a birthday presentation complete with a celebratory cake.
Later that night, Prince Royce enjoyed dinner at TAO Asian Bistro before heading to Marquee Nightclub in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas where he kept the festivities going. After a celebratory presentation from the staff, the singer took to the stage and treated fans to a blowout performance.
Over at TAO Asian Bistro in The Venetian, Mario Lopez, Courtney Lopez, Larry Rudolph, Cedric Gervais and Lennox Lewis were spotted having dinner together.
Friday May 6...
In the afternoon, boxer Bernard Hopkins, known as “The Executioner”, was spotted at Carmine’s in The Forum Shops at Caesars.
In attendance at Mike Tyson UNDISPUTED TRUTH at MGM Grand was legendary boxing promoter Bob Arum, former Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion boxer Lennox Lewis, comedian and actor Russell Peters, Boston Celtics star Evan Turner, “Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood” star Hazel-E, DJ Peter Rosenberg and television producer Cris Abrego.
Evan Turner and Mike Tyson
Photo courtesy MGM Grand
Hazel-E and Mike Tyson
Photo courtesy MGM Grand
Peter Rosenberg and Mike Tyson
Photo courtesy MGM Grand
The Bachelor Ben Higgins and his fiancé Laura Bushnell were spotted at Marquee Nightclub in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The couple was joined by Marquee cocktail waitresses Emily and Haley Ferguson, the Bachelor twins who appeared on his season of the show, as DJ Vice manned the decks.
Over at LAVO Casino Club in The Palazzo, Mario Lopez hosted the launch party for Casa Mexico Tequila.
Also enjoying dinner at LAVO was Prince Royce who joined Lopez upstairs at Casino Club for the tequila launch party before he and his friends ended their night at Marquee Nightclub.
Prince Royce
Photo courtesy of LAVO
Mario Lopez
Photo courtesy of LAVO
Ben Higgins, Lauren Bushnell, Emily & Haley Ferguson
Photo courtesy of Marquee
Known for her roles on “Greek” and “The Carmichael Show”, Amber Stevens West also dined at LAVO with friends.
Thursday evening. May 5...
Delanie Walker, tight end for the Tennessee Titans, was spotted at Jenna and Michael Morton’s La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway inside Wynn Las Vegas.
Sunday, May 1...
Actress and comedian Gabrielle Dennis, star of FOX’s new medical drama “Rosewood,” attended the hit show Mike Tyson UNDISPUTED TRUTH at MGM Grand. Following the sold-out show, Dennis joined Tyson onstage for photos.
Gabrielle Dennis and Mike Tyson
Photo courtesy MGM Grand
Las Vegas gentlemen’s club, Crazy Horse III, hosted superstar DJ David Guetta, UFC legend, Tito Ortiz and rapper Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) during a jam-packed late night party in the early morning hours.
