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
AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) hosts 19th Annual AIDS Walk Las Vegas
Sunday morning April 19, 2009 AID for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) hosted the 19th Annual AIDS Walk Las Vegas, downtown at the World Market Center. More than 8,000 people showed up to join the fight against HIV/AIDS. As AFAN's largest fundraiser of the year, the event raised $401,000 which will go towards assisting and educating more than 3,000 men, women and children infected with HIV and AIDS in Southern Nevada.
At this year's AIDS Walk, AFAN announced details regarding AFAN's Annual Black & White Party, which takes place at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009. To celebrate the news, multiple Frisbees with event information were thrown into the crowd.
The event featured entertainment by DJ Axis, as well as a special performance by the talented singer/songwriter Jake Walden. It drew support from Las Vegas' own resident entertainers, including: Penn & Teller, Grand Marshals and hosts of the Penn & Teller Challenge team, who matched every dollar the team raised for the event (more than $110,000 after matching); celebrity co-hosts Chris Saldana of KLAS Ch. 8 Eye Witness News and Duncan Payton of 105.7 FM The Oasis, Area 107.9 FM and founder/CEO of StudioOUT.com; and teams led by The Fantasy Girls and the casts of Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular, JERSEY BOYS, Lion King, Jubilee and Le Reve. In addition, juggler Michael Goudeau from Lance Burton's show and comedian Mac King came by to show their support.
singer/songwriter Jake Walden
Photo credit: Brian Steffy
Sponsors included: Vitamin Water, Tropical Smoothie, Trader Joes, Samurai Sam's, Jason's Deli and Starbuck's. Children enjoyed the designated play area, which featured jumpy houses, popcorn, pony rides, a petting zoo, snow cones and cotton candy.
Photo credit: Brian Steffy
For the past 18 years, AFAN has hosted the AIDS Walk with great success. Throughout the years, the AIDS Walk has drawn in an increasing number of participants including large corporations and families in the community. The AIDS Walk serves as a creative and exciting way for businesses and organizations to come together to be involved with sponsors including: Blue Man Group, Penn & Teller, World Market Center, Bank of America, Wells Fargo Bank and Starbucks.
"Dancing with the Las Vegas Stars" Fundraiser Event Helps Battle Cancer
Resort on Sunday, April 19, celebrities showed off their stuff at Rain Nightclub inside the Palms Casino Resort during the fundraising competition "Dancing with the Las Vegas Stars," which supports five local charities that help Las Vegas residents fight cancer.
Hosted by The Caring Place and presented by Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, the dance competition featured the following celebrities representing a specific charitable organization: City of Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman for the American Cancer Society, World Champion boxer Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini for The Caring Place, KLUC Radio Personality Chet Buchanan for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Zowie Bowie singer Chris Phillips for the Candlelighter's Childhood Cancer Foundation, and siner/actor Brent Barrett for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Master magician Lance Burton served as the master of ceremonies, Mrs. Nevada Tiffany Comstock was on hand as the celebrity hostess, while TV host Robin Leach, Channel 13 weatherman Brian Scofield, comedian Louie Anderson, female impersonator Frank Marino, professional ballroom dancer Tony Delgado and actress Tina Walsh roasted the competitors. Tina Walsh from Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular and Travis Cloer from Jersey Boys performed while the final votes placed by the public were tallied. Votes placed during the show or via the event's Web site at DancingWithTheLasVegasStars.com were $1 each with all proceeds benefiting each charity. "Boom Boom" Mancini and Mandy Kuhn won 1st place while Mayor Oscar Goodman and Dana Delgado came in 5th but received accolades from the judges.
"Boom Boom" Mancini and Mandy Kuhn won 1st place in "Dancing With the Las Vegas Stars" for their favorite cancer charity at Rain Nightclub Sunday in The Palms.
Master of Ceremonies Lance Burton hosted the event. Mayor Oscar Goodman and Dana Delgado came in 5th but received accolades from the judges.
The Caring Place is the only center of its kind in southern Nevada, and it was created to provide an oasis for individuals and families on their journey with cancer, in order to enhance their quality of life. Programs at The Caring Place began in February of 2008 and include complementary therapies such as Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Reiki, Meditation, Reflexology, Wellness Seminars, Support Groups and Art Therapy. All programs and services are provided at no charge; in addition, they are available not only for those journeying through cancer, but also for their family, friends and caregivers. The facility includes therapy and classroom space, a lending library with cancer resource materials, general interest books and Internet access, a children's playroom, an art therapy room, and a beautiful lounge area.
Additional recent and upcoming "happenings" in and around Las Vegas include:
On April 23, music icon Carlos Santana was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his accomplishments in Latin music, at the Latin Music Awards that took place at the Eden Roc Resort in Miami Beach. Santana recently signed on as resident performer of The New Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino where he will play approximately 36 shows per year.
Downtown Las Vegas' Fremont East Entertainment District is now the home of The Las Vegas Farmers Market every Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. Located between Las Vegas Blvd. and Sixth Street, the weekly farmers market features more than 20 vendors bringing the freshest foods for purchase, including fruits, vegetables, a large variety of breads and pastries, pasta, salad mix, and more. For more details on the Las Vegas Farmers Market visit http://www.lasvegasfarmersmarket.com.
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (BGFA), known for exceptional fine art exhibitions showcasing the masterworks of renowned artists ranging from Picasso to Warhol, is showing its appreciation for the city's art enthusiasts by hosting a special locals' night every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Las Vegas residents are invited to enjoy the world-class exhibitions of BGFA at a special admission cost of $8 per person - a savings of $4 off the regular pricing for locals - along with extended hours of operation that provide added value and convenience. Every third Wednesday, locals also will have the unique opportunity to participate in a curatorial tour of the exhibition led by BGFA Director Tarissa Tiberti or Curatorial Advisor Michele C. Quinn.
BGFA is currently showcasing "Classic Contemporary: Lichtenstein, Warhol & Friends" in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego through September 7. For more information, call (702) 693-7871 or visit www.bellagio.com.
On April 28, Blush Boutique Nightclub inside Wynn Las Vegas is hosting H2H - Halfway to Halloween event. There will be a $2,500 prize awarded to the vixen in the sexiest costume. Local ladies and service industry professionals are free. Doors open at 9 p.m. and costumes are mandatory.
On Thursday, April 30, from 6 to 9 p.m Loren Slocum international speaker, life coach and author of Life Tuneups will unveil her book and reveal her secrets to living a balanced life at her Book Launch Party at ElevenSpa located at 6611 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Suite 160 at Town Square. The event is free and the public is invited to come down and enjoy complimentary samples of ElevenSkin products and services, refreshments from Whole Foods Market and fashion trends from premiere image consultant, Ginny DePaso.
Golden Casino Group, an affiliate of Golden Gaming which owns the PT's taverns throughout Las Vegas, is holding a Job Fair in Las Vegas to fill approximately 35 positions at its Golden Mardi Gras and Golden Gates casinos in Black Hawk, Colo. Golden Casino Group is in need of experienced craps dealers, table games supervision and management positions, experienced surveillance operators and supervision positions and cage supervision positions. The Job fair will be held on Wednesday, April 29 from 4-8 p.m. and on Thursday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Golden Gaming Corporate Offices, 6595 South Jones Blvd.
In honor of the show's first anniversary on The Las Vegas Strip at the Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino the cast of JERSEY BOYS, the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, will present a medley of songs in a rare, live performance in support of Race for the Cure and its valued mission Saturday, May 2 at 9:50 a.m. on the 3rd Street Stage of the infamous Fremont Street Experience.
ElevenSpa Vegas has also co-partnered with TMG Films to launch a brand new television show, "Meet at Eleven," that will début on FOX in May. The 30-minute celebrity lifestyle talk show will feature high-profile celebrities and prominent socialites talking exclusively with the "Meet at Eleven" host as they experience luxurious treatments and decadent pampering at ElevenSpa Vegas. ElevenSpa Vegas plans to donate $1,000 to the featured guest's charity of choice in lieu of a celebrity appearance fee.
Viva! A Tribute to Santana, will return to the Club inside the Cannery Casino & Hotel at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 1. Tickets are $5 at the door on the day of the performance. The group will also be performing at Marilyn's Lounge inside Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel on Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 at 8 p.m. For more information, please visit www.EastsideCannery.com.
The Las Vegas Tenors -- Bill Fayne, Bobby Black and Teddy Davey, bring their eclectic performance to the Suncoast Showroom, May 1, 2 and 3. All three shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start from $19.95, plus tax.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Legends, The Four Tops bring their soulful classics to The Orleans Showroom May 1-3 at 8 p.m. each evening. Tickets start at $39.95, plus tax.
The Nevada Conservatory Theatre at UNLV presents the classic musical, "The Music Man," May 1-10 in the Judy Bayley Theatre. The production features Broadway veterans Patrick Ryan Sullivan as Harold Hill and Teri Bibb as Marian Paroo. Performances are May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 at 8 p.m. and May 3 and 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20-$30 and on sale at the UNLV Performing Arts Center Box Office.
On Saturday, May 2 from 4 - 7 p.m. Agave restaurant on 10820 W. Charleston is hosting a special margarita tasting in support of Nevada Ballet Theatre, the state's largest professional ballet company. The event will feature Agave's award winning margaritas, tequilas, and live entertainment. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door. To RSVP, call 702.243.2623.
Beginning May 2, Santa Fe and The Fat City Horns, a staple in the Las Vegas music scene since the '70s, will perform every Saturday night inside Bonkerz Comedy Club at Palace Station. The shows begin at midnight and there is no cover.
For the 12th straight year New York-New York Hotel & Casino will host the highly anticipated Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Championship. The contest will be held Thursday, May 7 at 3 p.m. on the Brooklyn Bridge at New York-New York. A special employee contest, as well as "Heroes" competition for charity, is scheduled for 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. The winner will earn the right to represent the United States in the 93rd Annual Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest Saturday, July 4 in Coney Island, N.Y. Interested competitors must be 18 years of age or older and must pre-register by visiting www.nathansfamous.com.
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) hosts the 2009 Hope Gala Destination on Saturday, May 9, 2009 at the World Market Center Las Vegas, Pavilion 2. The Gala, which begins at 6 p.m., will feature a cocktail reception, dinner by famed chef and restaurateur Gustav Mauler, exceptional silent and live auctions and live entertainment featuring Gala Master of Ceremonies, Clint Holmes. Table Sponsorships range from $3,500 to $25,000. Individual tickets are $350 per-person. For more information, or to RSVP, please call (702) 732-4795.
The College of Southern Nevada features its music classes in semester-ending concerts May 4-10 at the Performing Arts Center at the Cheyenne Campus, 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave. Admission is $5 for each concert; tickets are available from the CSN Box office at 651-LIVE (5483).
The CSN Orchestra leads off the week May 4 at 7:30 p.m. The group will play works by Vincent D'Indy, G.F. Handel, Eric Satie, Etienne-Nicolas Mehul and Frederic Delius. Guest soloist James Harvey will perform Antonin Dvorak's "Romance for Violin and Orchestra, Op.11."
The 55-member CSN Concert Band takes the stage May 5 at 7:30 p.m., with Dr. Richard McGee conducting the performance of concert band favorites.
The Spring Choral Concert on May 7 at 7:30 p.m. features the College Singers, Chamber Chorale, Jazz Singers and students of the Voice Classes. The concert will feature an eclectic selection of music including selections from the Broadway musical "Wicked", from Lewis Carroll's "Through the Looking-Glass", Mozart's "Regina Coeli", The Jackson 5's "I Want You Back", and a swinging arrangement of Tiny Tim's "Tip Toe Through the Tulips."
A Weekend of Jazz, May 8-10, includes the CSN Big Bands, led by Walt Blanton and Bob Scann on May 8 at 7:30 p.m.; invited guests--the UNLV Big Band and Jazz Combo, directed by Dave Loeb--perform May 9 at 7:30 p.m., and the CSN Jazz Combos, led by Matt Taylor, take the stage May 10 at 2 p.m. For more information, call 651-LIVE or log on to csn.edu/pac.
To kick off the sizzling summer hours, ONE SIX Sky Lounge at the Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel, will host happy hour at ONE SIX on Thursday nights from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. featuring happy hour specials great music, breathtaking views of the Vegas skyline, complimentary appetizers and half-priced martinis until 8 p.m.
In honor of women and the celebration of Mother's in May, Nevada Cancer Institute is offering reduced-cost $50 screening mammograms to Nevada women over the age of 40 from May 18 - 22. The $50 special price is only for cash-pay uninsured patients. To schedule an appointment for your $50 screening mammogram, please call (702) 822-5416.
POOLSIDE summer CONCERT SERIES RETURNS TO ROCK VOODOO BEACH at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino beginning May 21 and will take place one Thursday per month through September. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and all shows are scheduled to start at 9 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public based on capacity, but guests must be 18 and older with valid ID.
Celebrity sightings:
Tuesday night (4/21)...
Adult film star Tera Patrick hosted the "Lingeriegasm" at LAVO. Patrick arrived with husband Evan Seinfeld of The Spyderz and posed on the red carpet with models clad in designs from Seven Til Midnight, I Basic Intima and Ed Hardy Lingerie.
Tera Patrick and the "Lingeriegasm" models
Photo credit: Arlene Richie
Evan Seinfeld of The Spyderz and wife Tera Patrick
Photo credit: Arlene Richie
MLB designated hitter who is currently a free agent, Frank Thomas, dined at N9NE Steakhouse inside Palms Casino Resort with his cousin.
Wednesday night (4/22)...
Poker's sexiest pro Lacey Jones celebrated her 30th birthday at LAVO. Joined by friends, she first hit LAVO's expansive Strip-front terrace for a drink before heading in for dinner. Afterwards they went upstairs to take in Label Junkie Wednesday in the nightclub.
UFC champion, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and a lady friend was spotted at ghostbar inside Palms Casino Resort.
Poker's sexiest pro Lacey Jones
Photo credit: Aaron Thompson
Actor Paul Adelstein was spotted playing blackjack at Playboy Club with two friends.
Thursday (4/23)...
Robbie Amell, the star of the TV series "True Jackson" and the upcoming film "Scooby Doo: The Mystery Begins" was spotted celebrating his 21st birthday at Hooters Hotel and Casino. Jonathan Bennett, who appeared in "Mean Girls" and will be seen in the upcoming movie "Van Wilder - Freshman Year", was also present at the birthday bash.
Basketball stars came out to celebrate Spencer Haywood's 60th birthday and the grand opening of the Basketball Hall of Fame's Hoop Hall Experience at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Those who joined him included: UCLA Bruin Ed O'Bannon, NBA all-star Spencer Haywood, New York Knicks veteran Jerome Williams, former Bulls player and assistant coach Michael Brown, NBA star Tracy Murray along with stylist to the stars Michael Boychuck and Kato Kaelin.
Spencer Haywood
Left to Right: Tracy Murray, Tom McCartney, Ed O’Bannon and Spencer Haywood
Friday, (4/24)...
Sports Illustrated cover model Marisa Miller kicked off The Mirage's 20th Anniversary Celebration with a special autograph session at RHUMBAR, the stylish new drink spot at The Mirage..
Marisa Miller
Actors, Milo Ventimiglia and Masi Oka were spotted at LAVO inside The Palazzo. In town for a wedding, the stars of NBC's Heroes gathered with a group of guy friends, including sexy British import and Tony Award nominee Ben Chaplin.
Nearby at a table with LAVO partners Noah Tepperberg and Jason Strauss were director Brett Ratner, comedian Pauly Shore and Evan Seinfeld of The Spyderz.
Jorge Garcia of ABC's LOST and a large group of guys gathered at TAO to celebrate a friend's upcoming marriage.
Also dining at TAO was DeAnna Pappas, reality star of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. Pappas was with a group of friends and former contestants from various seasons of the two shows, including Jeremy Anderson, who unsuccessfully vied for her love on season four of The Bachelorette..
DeAnna Pappas
Photo credit: Aaron Thompson
Kunal Nayyar from TV's The Big Bang Theory also partied at TAO.
N9NE Group and Palms Casino Resort welcomed new resident DJ and turntable phenom DJ AM (Adam Goldstein) at Rain Nightclub.
Kenny Chesney was also spotted inside ghostbar joined by a group of friends at a VIP table.
DJ AM (Adam Goldstein)
Photo credit: Joe Fury
Saturday evening (4/25)...
At LAVO, celebs lined up to try the new Italian menu from Chef Ralph Scamardella. Spotted in the main dining room were sisters Paris and Nicky Hilton, who were joined by Paris' boyfriend Doug Reinhardt and funnyman Jeff Beacher. Also dining inside the hot spot at a table full of sexy blondes was actress and former pro wrestler Stacy Keibler. At the center of the restaurant, with a bachelor party table that spanned the entire dining room, actor Dash Mihok treated thirty of his closest boys to dinner.
Chef Ralph Scamardella with Paris and Nicky Hilton
Photo Credit: Aaron Thompson
Having spent the day outside at TAO Beach, LOST star Jorge Garcia kept with the open air theme by dining on LAVO's expansive Strip-front terrace with his group of friends.
LOST star Jorge Garcia
Photo Credit: Aaron Thompson
Over at TAO, hosting for the night in celebration of her 30th birthday was actress and model Jamie King who was joined by her husband, director Kyle Newman, her parents and friends. When she learned that Paris and Nicky had come to TAO to wish her "Happy Birthday" she was persuaded to join them at their table in the club where she danced with her longtime friends.
Jamie King
Photo Credit: Aaron Thompson
Also enjoying DJ VICE at TAO was boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. with a group of friends.
Actor and comedian Pauly Shore dined at N9NE Steakhouse inside Palms Casino Resort. Shore then made his way over to Playboy Club with his manager and two friends.
Boxing champion Ricky Hatton dined at Nove Italiano with a group of six. Masi Oka and Milo Anthony Ventimiglia were seen at Playboy Club.
Wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Jr. hung out at Playboy Club with his wife and two friends.
Sunday afternoon (4/26)...
Carmen Electra, with fiance Rob Patterson of KORN in tow, celebrated her birthday and hosted the launch of Daylife Sundays at WET REPUBLIC - the ultra pool at MGM Grand for Vegas party pool's weekly industry event.
Carmen Electra, with fiance Rob Patterson
Photo credit: Jill Ann Gifford/Star Traks
Carmen Electra
Photo credit: Jill Ann Gifford/Star Traks
At TAO Beach actress Jamie King and her husband Kyle Newman continued the weekend celebration of her 30th birthday with a relaxing afternoon in a cabana. They we joined by friends including actor Jsu Garcia and singer/songwriter Nat Sharrat.
Jamie King
Photo Credit: Aaron Thompson
Also spotted in a cabana at TAO Beach was Pussycat Dolls lead singer Nicole Scherzinger.
Sunday night...
At LAVO inside The Palazzo, Jamie King wrapped up a birthday weekend with an Italian feast on LAVO's expansive Strip-front terrace.
Upstairs in the nightclub for DJ Vice Sundays were hip hop legend Guru from Gang Starr and MC Solaar. Guru hopped up on stage and gave a surprise four song performance for the packed crowd that included Wayne Brady and the cast from his show at The Venetian.
Boxing champion Floyd Mayweather dined at N9NE Steakhouse inside Palms Casino Resort. Over at Playboy Club, Miss Playboy Alison Waite (May 2006) announced Victoria Moore as the winner of Miss Playboy Club April. Moore celebrated her new title alongside Waite and Kasey Unroe, Miss Playboy Club March.
Photo credit: N9NE Group
On Saturday night (4.25.09), boxing champion Ricky Hatton dined at Nove Italiano with a group of six. The party shared family-style appetizers sent out by Executive Chef Geno Bernardo. For their main course, they feasted on the NY strip steak, chicken parmesan, veal Nove and Bolognese. Hatton also made his way into the kitchen, said hello to the staff and signed Chef Geno's door.
Executive Chef Geno Bernardo with Boxing champion Ricky Hatton
Photo credit: N9NE Group
I will be back next week with more "happenings" in and around Las Vegas.