Vegas Happenings 01-26-09

By Judy Thorburn
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Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - Las Vegas Round The Clock
Entertainment Reporter/Film Critic - Las Vegas Tribune
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - The Flick Chicks
www.theflickchicks.com

Bellagio’s Conservatory Celebrates Chinese New Year With a Spectacular New Exhibit

In honor of the Chinese New Year, The Year of the Ox Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens has unveiled a spectacular new exhibit featuring a 15-foot-long ox (the second animal in the Asian zodiac) comprised of more than 10,000 living plants as the majestic centerpiece. Nearby stands an 18-foot-tall Chinese God of Wealth and Fortune amidst golden lucky coins. Visitors also will delight to discover a trio of charming, 6-foot-tall giant pandas made of more than 9,000 living plants frolicking in a lush garden filled with towering bamboo.

The dramatic design found within Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is guided by the ancient practice of Feng Shui – the art of using surroundings to attract harmony, balance and positive life energy.  The exhibit is on display through February 28.


Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:

Comedian and celebrity roaster Vinnie Favorito has announced that he will extend his run at the flamingo Las Vegas for an additional three years. Favorito performs nightly at 8 p.m.  inside the intimate 220-seat Bugsy’s Cabaret. Tickets are $49.95 and $39.95 (plus tax and fees).

Mobil Travel Guide announced that first time recipient Skylofts at MGM Grand and three-time winner Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand have been honored with Mobil Five-Stars, its highest accolade. With only 44 Mobil Five-Star hotel winners for 2009, this rating distinguishes SKYLOFTS at MGM Grand as one of the top hotels in the United States and Canada.  According to Mobil, a “Five-Star hotel provides consistently superlative service in an exceptionally distinctive luxury environment.  Attention to detail is evident throughout the hotel…” Joël Robuchon is one of only 20 Mobil Five-Star restaurant winners in 2009 and Spa Bellagio as one of the 2009 Four-Star Award winners.  The rating represents spas that provide a luxurious experience with expanded amenities in an elegant and serene environment. Other Mobil Four-Star recipients include The Signature at MGM Grand for lodgings and the following MGM MIRAGE restaurants – Aureole and MiX at Mandalay Bay, and Picasso and Michael Mina at Bellagio.

New York City-based artist Mary Miss will be giving a lecture, “Not Landscape, Not Architecture, Sculpture,” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28 in the new Downtown Design Center at the Fifth Street School, located at 401 South 4th St. The lecture and preceding reception at 6:30 p.m. inside the Downtown Design Center is presented as part of The UNLV School of Architecture Klai Juba Lecture Series and is FREE and open to the public. For more information, please call 895-3110.

The eights annual Las Vegas Women’s Fair will be held at the South Point Hotel Casino Exhibition Hall on Saturday January 31st from 10am-4pm, as an alternative to the testosterone loaded Super Bowl Weekend.  The best part is it is all FREE TO THE PUBLIC!  Over 100 booths will be available to attendees featuring jewelry, shoes, clothing, cosmetics, spa products, weight loss alternatives, interior design accessories, as well as free poker lessons, Stripper 101 demonstrations and more available to all attendees. Also included are performances on the Main Stage by Australia's Thunder from Down Under at noon and 2 p.m., Party Gals romance bags valued at $30 each, free hair and makeup makeovers all day from Euphoria Salons,  fashion shows by Star Costume featuring “Trashy Lingerie and giveaways. Wildcat from the Harlem Globetrotters will appear from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and Jason Cook (“Dr. Matt Hunter”) and Tyler Christopher (“Nikolas Cassadine”) from ABC’s General Hospital will make an appearance from 12 noon – 3 p.m.

Sunday, February 1, 2009 between 1 and 3 p.m., The UNLV Department of Film will hold an open casting call for the Film Production II and III short film productions this Spring semester, 2009. A “meal & reel deal” is included on all productions (on-set catering and a copy of the finished film for future auditions). To be a part of the future of cinema, simply bring a current headshot and resume, as well as your talent, to CBC A-106 (located on the UNLV campus see virtual map: www.unlv.edu). For directions / questions, please call 895-2535.

On Feb. 1 PT’s hosts an All-Inclusive Super Sunday Party at all tavern locations throughout the Las Vegas valley.  Sports fans will be able to enjoy numerous drink specials and all-you-can-eat buffet for $10 as they watch the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Arizona Cardinals. Guests can reserve their spot for the biggest football game of the season by purchasing a buffet wristband now at any of the 32 PT’s tavern locations.

Beginning Sunday, February 1 and every Sunday thereafter, ROK Vegas, the sexy new nightclub inside New York-New York, presents 360° Sundays featuring the Best Local and World Renowned House DJs. Helping to create a concert like atmosphere will be Las Vegas’ first-ever massive 360-degree video screen that surrounds guests with custom graphics, 3-D imagery, lasers and animation all choreographed simultaneously with energetic music.  During the debut event on Februay 1, spinning the music will be turntable phenoms Donald Glaude, DJ Loczi, Von Ukuf and host Shifty from Crazytown. The coming lineup includes:  2/8 – DJ Matt Lewis, Eclipse and Joey Mazzola.   2/15 – Oscar Molina, Von Ukuf and Perfecto artist David Hopper, 2/22 – Mike Remedy, Dave Onex and Jordan Stevens.  For table reservations or more information, please visit www.rokvegasnightclub.com. Guests must be 21 years or older. 

On Monday, Feb. 2nd Monte Carlo Casino resort headliner, magician Lance Burton will kick-off the 2nd annual Magic Week with an appearance on "The Late, Late Show" with Craig Ferguson. Check your local TV listings.

Friday, February 6 at 8 pm and Saturday, February 7 at 2 pm at UNLV’s Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall, the Nevada Ballet Theatre will present a full evening of works by George Balanchine, one of the 20th Century’s foremost choreographers, accompanied by live music from the Las Vegas Philharmonic.  The All-Balanchine Program, includes the Las Vegas premiere of two of Mr. Balanchine’s greatest creations Serenade, (1934) which was the first ballet Balanchine created in the United States and Concerto Barocco, (1941). UNLV’s Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall is located on 4505 S. Maryland Parkway.  Ticket prices range from $25 - $75.

Beginning Thursday, Feb. 5 and every Thursday for the month of February (Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26) the first 25 ladies that visit RA Sushi Restaurant at the Fashion Show Mall on Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. will receive a gift certificate from Mosaic Salon & Spa for a complimentary manicure when they purchase one of RA’s refreshing new martinis featured on the specialty “Martinis & Manicures” menu. Specialty martinis available for “Martinis and Manicures” include: Bruce Lee Chee ($9.50), a kicking gin martini made with lychee and cucumber; Mount Saint Melons ($8.50), a cool cantaloupe-flavored martini; and Chai One On ($8.50), a rich dessert-style cocktail.

A unique, carnivalesque version of “Twelfth Night” is being presented by the College of Southern Nevada’s Performing Arts Center as part of its annual SchoolFest program.  Two performances for the public will be held in the Nicholas J. Horn Theatre at the Cheyenne Campus Fri., Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. and Sat., Feb. 7 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors and may be purchased by calling the CSN box office at 651-LIVE (5483). The CSN Performing Arts Center is located at 3200 E. Cheyenne Avenue, one mile east of I-15 north.

The Boy Scouts of America, Las Vegas Area Council, is holding its second annual Las Vegas Sporting Clays Classic Feb. 6 and 7, 2009, to benefit more than 34,000 scouting youth.

The two-day fundraiser, held at Land Rover Las Vegas and the Desert Lakes Shooting Club, blends competition, outdoor adventure and luxury. The main event challenges four-person teams to earn the highest shooting score in three classes, allowing beginners and experts an equal chance to win. More than $30,000 in prizes will be given away with 24 players winning Smith & Wesson firearms, with one player drawn at random to win a two-year lease on a Land Rover Las Vegas Range Rover Sport. Other events during this two-day experience include the Las Vegas SWAT helicopter air-show and live-fire demonstration, live sporting auction, luxury Smith & Wesson firearms test shooting and a Range Rover off-road Fun Course.  New this year is the Diana Division for all-female teams. The event is limited to 75 teams of four with three sponsorship levels; $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000 per team. The entry donation is tax deductible and all donations will go to benefit 34,000 boys and girls served by Scouting in Southern Nevada.

For more information please call Jim Schmidt at 702-968-8153 or e-mail Joanne Ruyle at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

On Wednesday, February 11 at 8 p.m., The Russian National Ballet will perform at The UNLV Performing Arts Center as part of the Charles Vanda Master Series. The company, led by artistic director Sergei Radchenko, features leading dancers from across Russia and stars of the Bolshoi and Kirov Ballets which stages stunning productions of timeless classics, touring to great acclaim worldwide. Tickets to the performance $45, $60, and $90 and can be purchased at the Performing Arts Center Box Office at 895-ARTS (2787) or by visiting pac.unlv.edu.

Friday and Saturday, February 13 and 14 at 8 p.m. Bob Anderson, called “the best singing impressionist in America” by People Magazine, will be taking the stage with music, impressions, comedy and entertainment at The Club inside Cannery Casino & Hotel. Admission is $10 at the door.


Celebrity sightings:

On Monday evening January 19, The 52 Miss America Pageant Contestants went to see Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino. After the performance they met lead cast members Andrew Ragone (Raoul), Kristi Holden (Christine) and Tony-Award Winner Anthony Crivello (The Phantom) and took photos inside the famed Phantom Theatre.

Comedienne Kathy Griffin was is in Las Vegas last week filming her hit Emmy-Award winning series, Kathy Griffin: My Life On The D-List, which airs on Bravo TV.  Wednesday evening filming took place inside a suite at Caesars Palace, and joining her on the set was friend and resident artist at The Colosseum, Bette Midler.  Spotted preparing their dinner was Eric Klein, executive chef at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago located inside The Forum Shops. That evening Kathy Griffin made a special cameo on stage with Bette Midler at The Showgirl Must Go ON. The two gals had guests rolling with laughter as they appeared together and joked around.
On Thursday evening, “What Not to Wear” star Clinton Kelly spotted enjoying drinks at the bar in Strip House at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

On Friday, Jan. 23, on the eve of the 2009 Miss America pageant, more than 20 former Miss America contestants reunited at Hawaiian Tropic Zone inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood for an unforgettable night of dancing and fun. Former Miss America contestants included Elyse Umemoto (second runner-up 2008 Miss America Pageant, Miss Washington 2007), Caleche Manos (Miss Nevada 2007), Molly Hazlett (Miss Texas 2007), Jessica Jacobs (Miss North Carolina 2007), Kate Wismer (Miss North Dakota 2007),Katie Bailey (Miss Arkansas 2007), Maggie Ireland (Miss Colorado 2007), Elisabeth Baldanza (Miss New York 2007), Amanda Joseph (Miss Louisiana 2007), Hannah Kiefer (Miss Virginia 2007), Melissa Chaty (Miss California 2007), Ashley Layfield (Miss Hawaii 2007), Tara Allain (Miss Maine 2007), Kaitlynne Postel (Miss Kentucky 2007), Kylie Williams (Miss Florida 2007), Alyssa George (Miss Kansas 2007), Jenn McCafferty (Miss Wyoming 2007), Roberta Camp (Miss Ohio 2007), Ashley Bickford (Miss Rhode Island 2007), Rachel Barker (Miss New Hampshire 2007) and more.

Elyse Umemoto (second runner-up 2008 Miss America Pageant

Photos: Courtesy of J. Ludwig/ Night Vissions

Friday night, the dining room at LAVO inside The Palazzo was buzzing with notables.

Sgt. Harvey of The Biggest Loser and former American Idol finalist Kimberly Locke dined on Eggplant Parmigiano, Pizzette Margherita and Sea Bass before heading up to the nightclub.

At another table enjoying dinner was Mario Lopez and his family.
Actor Shane West and a group of friends and family had dinner before adjourning to the nightclub upstairs.

Actress Zoe Saldana along with her sister and friends drank Sangria and dined on specialties from the Mediterranean kitchen.
Actress Fairuza Balk also dined in the restaurant. She was overheard commenting on the beauty of the LAVO space.

Actor John Cleese was spotted dining at Strip House inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

On Jan. 24 actress, Candice Bergen attended the Divine Miss M’s show, The Showgirl Must Go On at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

Spotted dining at Strip House inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Las Vegas:John Cleese on Friday, Jan. 23 and Shanna Moakler on Saturday, Jan. 24.

After hosting this year’s "Miss America" pageant on Saturday, night actor and heart throb Mario Lopez arrived at LAVO around midnight with his crew of 15, including former Miss USA Shanna Moakler and George Maloof, owner of The Palms Casino Resort. Everyone danced to the sounds of DJ Skratchy and stayed past 2 am.

Sunday evening the private dining room at LAVO inside The Palazzo was packed with power players from the television industry as Ben Silverman, co-chair of NBC Entertainment /NBC Universal Television played host.  Silverman is being honored at this year’s NATPE convention and his guests included partners from Reveille, creators of The Biggest Loser and adaptors of The Office for the US market, Tony DiSanto, head of programming for MTV and John Ferriter, worldwide head of reality television for William Morris, among others.  The Alizma Triplets, the Polish violin trio also stopped by the dinner.

John Ferriter, Chef Ludo and Ben Silverman
Photo credt: Grace Rakish

Alizma Triplets, Chef Ludo
Photo credt: Grace Rakish

I will be back next week with more of what’s “happening” in and around Las Vegas.