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
Kelly Clinton Launches "Open Mic Cabaret" at the Bootlegger Italian Bistro
Kelly Clinton is a powerhouse performer who wears numerous hats. The vivacious, pretty, strawberry blonde is not only a triple threat entertainer, when she isn’t performing on stage as a gifted singer, comedienne and impressionist, she is also entertainment director for the Stirling Club where she books talent and also performs on Saturday nights as well as booking the Celebrity Spotlight for Sunday at the Bootlegger, and she own her own production company.
Kelly Clinton
But it doesn’t stop there. Recently, Kelly came up with an updated idea similar to the popular showcase she hosted at the Bootlegger for three years that drew standing-room-only crowds every Monday night. It’s been two years since she ended that revue, but with the hope of bringing “Old Vegas” back, she is launching Kelly Clinton’s Open Mic Cabaret at the Bootlegger Italian Bistro that promises to be better than ever.
During a recent luncheon at the Bootlegger, Kelly announced what will be evenings of entertainment that will be a draw for both performers and patrons reminiscent of vintage Vegas and its charm that has been missing for years.
Beginning June 1, starting at 9 p.m. some of Las Vegas’ most talented artists from established showroom entertainers to undiscovered talent will have a chance to perform at Open Mic Cabaret. As Kelly puts it, “I want to open the doors again to something that hasn’t been here (in Las Vegas) for a while."
Open Mic gives both established stars and unknown newcomers an opportunity to perform in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. "It’s a cool thing, a chance for camaraderie between performers; where show people can come in and cheer each other on. I will also make sure the show is balanced and fun for everyone and will make this a special night at the Bootlegger”, says Kelly.
Performers will be able to bring their own music track, choose from thousands of musical tracks, and be accompanied by the live piano stylings of Mike Clark, who also serves as Kelly’s musical director. Open Mic Cabaret will give unknown performers a great opportunity to showcase their talents and to stir up interest. Once people hear about it, they will want to come out.
Kelly is putting the word out, “The door is open to anyone who wants to perform a song, play an instrument or do comedy.They can be a total newcomer or a veteran. But, they should take it seriously as you never know who will be in the audience. The Las Vegas Tenors, Shades of Sinatra, and Mark Giovi of “Bite” at the Stratosphere were discovered after performing on our Monday nights. And there are others about ready to sign deals.”
The opening-night lineup on June 1, included Susan Anton; Domenick Allen, formerly of Foreigner; Clint Holmes (Kelly’s husband) and the Las Vegas Tenors.
The Bootlegger Italian Bistro is located on the south end of Las Vegas Blvd just pass the Las Vegas Outlet Center.
Planet Hollywood Hosts The Ruby Slipper Collection & Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Exhibition
From June 1 through June 4, Planet Hollywood in conjunction with Warner Bros. Consumer Products hosts The Ruby Slipper Collection & Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Exhibition, a celebration of high fashion and fine art in honor of the 70th Anniversary of The Wizard of Oz.
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue for Planet Hollywood
The ultimate collection of Oz inspired “Ruby Slippers” and “Fine Art” was designed by 19 fashion masterminds and 15 esteemed artisans and features Ruby Slipper interpretations from designers such as Betsey Johnson, L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani, Alberta Ferretti, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Oscar de la Renta and many more. The fine art collection will feature one-of-a-kind interpretive works from esteemed artisans such as Angelo Aversa, Romero Britto, Todd White and many more.
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue for Planet Hollywood
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue for Planet Hollywood
The exhibition is on display on the Mezzanine level of Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. This is the first and only Las Vegas showing and can be viewed by the public FREE of charge. The Exhibition has traveled to prestigious destinations such as New York, Beverly Hills, Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Boston, Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Milan, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sydney and Melbourne.
Rio hosts Bikini Car Wash to Benefit United Way of Southern Nevada.
On Friday May 29, Rio employees and the girls of Sapphire participated in a Bikini Car Wash at the Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino with all proceeds benefiting the United Way of Southern Nevada. The girls of Sapphire offered plenty of eye candy in Sapphire bikinis as they lathered up cars for the cause. All contributions were donated to the United Way. Festivities included a dunk tank, McFadden’s-sponsored food booth and even sno-cones. At the end of the day, more than $1700 was raised for the worthwhile charity. United Way is a national network of more than 1,300 locally governed organizations that work to create lasting positive changes in communities and people’s lives.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
The International CES® released an independent audit that verifies CES’ status as the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow and North America’s largest tradeshow of any kind. The audit, performed by Veris Consulting LLC, confirmed that the 2009 International CES drew 113,085 industry professionals during the tradeshow’s four-day run in Las Vegas, January 8-11. The audit confirms and exceeds the on-site released estimate of 110,000.
The Box Office for the 2009 CineVegas Film Festival opens on Monday, June 1, at the Brenden Theatres inside the Palms Casino Resort. Passes, ticket packages and individual tickets can be purchased from 12pm – 6pm from June 1 – June 9, and 9:30am – 11pm from June 10 – 15. All individual movie tickets are $10 per person, except for the June 10th opening night world premiere of Saint John of Las Vegas, which cost $25 each. This ticket also includes entry into the opening night after party at Privé. Tickets to the special screening of Attack of the 50 Foot Woman, at an outdoor drive-in theater in downtown Las Vegas on Monday, June 15, are also $10 each and include entry into the after party at Sidebar. The full screening and event schedule is now available online through B-Side. Festival fans are also encouraged to watch the trailers for some of this year’s films online at www.cinevegas.com.
The Girlfriend Experience, starring adult film star Sasha Grey, in her mainstream debut, will play at the Brenden Theatres at the Palms beginning Friday, May 29 as part of "CineVegas Presents at the Brenden.
Sasha Grey
Photo Credit: Denise Truscello
Vegas PBS and the Atomic Testing Museum co-host a planned giving seminar titled “Does Estate Planning Change During Recessionary Times?” at the museum on Tuesday, June 2, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Vegas PBS Planned Giving Council members Robert Bolick, of Bolick & Boyer, and Mark Dreschler, of Premier Trust of Nevada, will be speaking at the seminar. Following the seminar all attendees will be offered a free tour of the Atomic Testing Museum. The event is open to the public and refreshments will be served. Individuals interested in attending should RSVP to Vegas PBS Major Gifts Officer Kelly McCarthy at 702-799-1010, ext. 5319. Seating is limited.
The Las Vegas Weimaraner Club & Rescue is running out of resources and is in desperate need of donations in order help the animals in our community. As a way to raise money that will go to save these homeless, abandoned animals, give them medical attention and find them new homes, the Las Vegas Weinmaraner Club will be having a fundraising art auction, “Bark for Art” on June 6, from 5 – 8 pm at the Marquis Vegas Estate, 6755 Agave Azul Court off Tamiyasu Lane – between Sunset and Warm Springs Road, Las Vegas. www.marquisvegas.com. The event will feature food, adult beverages and entertainment, as well as fine art on auction from more than 40 artists. Tickets are just $20 each and available in advance at www.barkforart.com. where you can find more information. The Las Vegas Weimaraner Club & Rescue is an official 501 (c) (3) organization. All donations and purchases are tax deductible.
Las Vegans Riley Haase, age 10, and Conner Wattles, age 7, who live with type 1 (juvenile) diabetes are two of 150 children from across the nation that will go to Washington, D.C., to tell their stories and urge lawmakers to help find a cure during the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s (JDRF) Children’s Congress 2009, from June 22 to 24, 2009. Riley and Conner have been named delegates representing Nevada in the Children’s Congress. JDRF is the world’s largest charitable fundraiser for type 1 diabetes research.
To help United Blood Bank Services, SouthwestUSA Bank – located at 4043 S. Eastern Ave. on the corner of Flamingo Rd. – is hosting a blood drive from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m., on Wednesday, June 17, in the conference room at the bank. An appointment is required for a donation and can be scheduled online at bloodhero.com using the sponsor code “swbank,” or by calling April Spreitzer at 702-853-4739. Donors will receive vouchers for two FREE tickets to a Las Vegas 51s baseball game. Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, must feel well the day of their blood donation and present photo identification. Donors are encouraged to drink water in the days prior to their donation and to eat a good meal before giving blood.
Las Vegas’ own Rick Faugno, who currently stars as Frankie Valli in the Las Vegas production Jersey Boys, will be one of the featured entertainers when JERSEY Boys performs as part of a special feature on touring productions at the 63rd Annual Tony Awards. The show will be broadcast live in HD, from Radio City Music Hall on CBS, Sunday, June 7th, 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.
ROYAL CROWN REVUE Hits the stage at the Las Vegas Hilton THURSDAY JUNE 4! with its the brand new show "It's VEGAS, Baby!" starring Royal Crown Revue, featuring Eddie Nichols, Jennifer Keith, Maxwell DeMille and a cavalcade of stunning show girls led by Eliza Bane and Mia Vixen.( And Ken Levine from Jump, Jive, and Wail on Trombone!) Show starts at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $29-$39.
In June, The House of Blues at Mandalay is featuring the following acts - June 4 Taking Back Sunday; June 9 Testament; June 13 Pauly Shore; June 15 Reik ; June 19 The Dream With Keri Hilson; June 20 Matisyahu.
David de Alba, entertainer and legendary performer from the world famous Finocchio Club of San Francisco, brings his live female impersonation of Judy Garland to Las Vegas for two performances. David de Alba performs “A Tribute to Judy Garland” inside the theatre at the Summerlin Library on Saturday, June 6 and in the Concert Hall at the Whitney Library on Sunday, June 28. Both concerts star at 2 p.m. and are FREE to the public. Doors open at one thirty pm. and whoever gets first in line gets the best seats. There are no reservations. Alba’s loving tribute brings the essence of Judy Garland to the stage with many well-known Garland songs and anecdotes. Mr. de Alba is dedicating his performance in loving memory to his Mom Tila who passed away on July 14, 2008.
David de Alba as Judy Garland
The Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino will host its second annual Grand Poker Series June 6 – July 5. This month-long event will feature daily tournaments at noon in The Grand, the property’s luxurious events center, as well as hold cash games and much more, including special tournaments for seniors and ladies. For more information on The Grand Poker Series or for a complete schedule of events, visit www.goldennugget.com.
Every Friday from June 12 through Aug. 14 friends, families and neighbors can gather for a free film during Friday Family Flicks sponsored by Paradise Recreation Center, 4775 McLeod Dr. near Eastern and Tropicana avenues in southeast Las Vegas. The films, all rated G or PG, will be shown in the comfort and air conditioning of the recreation center. Everyone is invited to bring picnic dinners and snacks to enjoy during the movie. Although admission is free, pre-registration is required. Additional information, along with the list of films scheduled for the series, can be found by calling Paradise Recreation Center at 455-7513 or visit the Web site at www.accessclarkcounty.com/parks.
The Vegas PBS June membership campaign, which kicks off on Friday, May 29 and continues through Monday, June 8 offers Channel 10 viewers an opportunity to obtain select tickets in “Eric’s section” for the upcoming Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood Concert in Las Vegas on June 27 at the MGM Grand Arena. As an added bonus to viewers, basic membership levels will be available for $20 (regularly $40) during the campaign period. Membership provides viewers with a 12-month subscription to the Vegas PBS Source magazine and program guide, in addition to discounts and invitations to Vegas PBS events throughout the year. Vegas PBS will cease its analog broadcast at noon on Friday, June 12. For more information about the June membership specials and other Vegas PBS services, visit www.VegasPBS.org.
June 12,13,14, The legendary music of ABBA returns to Las Vegas with the debut of ABBACADABRA – the ultimate ABBA concert featuring 20 memorable songs that will have the audience dancing in the aisles. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday. Ticket prices are $19.95, $29.95, $39.95 and $49.95 for VIP seating with personal meet-and-greet and a gift bag featuring an autographed photo, CD and live performance DVD.
On June 20 and 21, Tony award winning singer-actress Patti LuPone will debut her new, one-woman show “The Gypsy In My Soul” at The Orleans Showroom. LuPone will perform songs that have long been associated with her four-decade Broadway career, as well as some of her personal pop favorites. In between musical numbers, LuPone will engage the audience as she shares backstage stories and personal reflections from her illustrious career. Tickets to Patti LuPone’s one woman show start at $29.95.
On Saturday, June 20 stand-up comedienne and host of her own late night talk show “Chelsea Lately, Chelsea Handler will bring her brand of humor to The New Joint at the Hard Rock. Tickets are priced from $45 to $89.50
Known as the “King of Waltz,” André Rieu and His Johann Strauss Orchestra brings his North American tour to the Orleans Arena for an evening of uplifting entertainment, Wednesday, June 24 at 7 p.m. Tickets for reserved seating are priced at $50, $79, $119 and $159, inclusive of tax and fees
Country music star Clint Black will perform at The Orleans Showroom June 26, 27 and 28. Tickets are now available starting from $74.95, plus tax. Showtime is 8 p.m.
Legendary rockers Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood will perform at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on June 27. This is their first concert together since performing together as members of the band, Blind Faith.
After just two months, Elvis tribute artist and winner of the 2007’s TV reality competition The Next Best Thing, Trent Carlini, has closed his show “Elvolution” at the Steve Wyrick Theatre inside Planet Hollywood.
On Saturday, June 27, multi-platinum recording artist Yanni will perform at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. This will be his first United States tour in four years and his “Yanni Voices” will feature four special singers. Tickets are priced at $45, $89.25 and $131.25.
Celebrity sightings:
Tuesday, 5/26…
Actor/comedian Jamie Kennedy celebrated his 39th birthday at LAVO on Tuesday night with girlfriend Jennifer Love Hewitt.
Jennifer Love Hewitt and Jamie Kennedy
Photo credit: Al Powers/Spy On Vegas
Kevin Federline and girlfriend Victoria Prince also dined at the Italian hot spot before hitting the club where DJ Five was spinning.
Kevin Federline and girlfriend Victoria Prince
Photo credit: Al Powers/Spy On Vegas
NHL Captain for the Philadelphia Flyers, Mike Richards, dined at N9NE Steakhouse inside Palms Casino Resort with a party of four. Following dinner, Richards was spotted hanging out at a VIP table at Moon Nightclub with nine others.
Also at Moon Nightclub was rapper and actor Nelly, who sat at a VIP table with eight friends.
Other celebrity guests amongst the crowd at Moon Nightclub included: San Diego Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips and seven friends; Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs, who was accompanied by five others; DJ Carl Cox, with his entourage of about 30 people, including Michael Fuller of N9NE Group; DJ Tiesto, joined by 12 friends and rapper Too Short and MMA fighter Chuck Liddell, who partied with about 20 others.
Wednesday night, 5/27 free agent Frank Thomas, along with his wife Megan and family members, celebrated his 42nd birthday at N9NE Steakhouse inside Palms Casino Resort.
Thursday, 5/28…
Carlos Santana was spotted dining with family and a friend at Mr. Lucky’s inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The legendary guitarist began his two-year headlining deal at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the previous night.
Rapper and reality TV star, Flavor Flav dined at Nove Italiano inside Palms Casino Resort. Accompanied by his girlfriend, the couple sat at in the terrace and enjoyed many Nove specialties. Flavor Flav also paid a visit into the kitchen to sign Executive Chef Geno Bernardo’s famous door and the kitchen clock. Following dinner, they headed upstairs to Playboy Club and then made their way to Moon Nightclub for a short while.
Executive Chef Geno Bernardo, Sous Chef Flavor Flav and Carmine Depascuale - NOVE Manager
Photo credit: N9NE Group
Also at Playboy Club was former NFL player Jamie Sharper and his girlfriend.
Friday, 5/29…
In the afternoon before their Friday Night Live performance at the pool at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Sugar Ray band members (Mark McGrath, Murphy Karges, DJ Homicide, Stan Franzier, Rodney Sheppard) walked past a hotel executive office on their way to sound check and spotted one of their guitars on display. They all walked into the office to say hello to their old guitar which they recognized from their “Fly” music video.
Mark McGrath, Murphy Karges, DJ Homicide, Stan Franzier, Rodney Sheppard
Photo credit: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
In the evening…
This year’s Dancing with the Stars” runner-up, actor/model Gilles Marini was spotted dining at Strip House inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino..
At LAVO inside The Palazzo…
Sasha Grey celebrated the premiere of her new film The Girlfriend Experience from acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh. Grey enjoyed an Italian dinner with friends before heading up to the club where DJ Skratchy was spinning.
Sasha Grey
Photo Credit: Denise Truscello
Also spotted having dinner was Bethenny Frankel from Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New York City. A chef, Frankel sampled selections from LAVO’s Chef Ralph Scamardella, and then headed over to TAO nightclub for a bit of dancing.
Bethenny Frankel
Photo Credit: Denise Truscello
ER’s Shane West had dinner with a group of friends including up and coming actress Alessandra Torresani, who is set to star in Caprica, the new Battlestar Galactica spinoff.
Alessandra Torresani
Photo Credit: Denise Truscello
At Tao Christina Aguilera arrived with husband Jordan Bratman and designer Stephen Webster. As the face of Webster’s 2009 Collection with Bombay Sapphire, Aguiliera hosted an Asian feast for jewelry industry VIPS in the private dining room of the hot spot.
Christina Aguilera with husband Jordan Bratman and designer Stephen Webster
Photo Credit: Denise Truscello
Christina Aguilera and designer Stephen Webster
Photo Credit: Denise Truscello
Christina Aguilera and designer Stephen Webster
Photo Credit: Denise Truscello
Also spotted in the nightclub was Nicky Hilton, David Katzenberg and DJ AM.
At Rain Nightclub, was song writer and record producer Bryan Cox, Jermaine Dupri, Nelly and actress Sanaa Lathan.
Actor Jason Hervey (played Wayne Arnold on The Wonder Years) was spotted at ghostbar with John Huntington and a large group of friends.
John Dolmayan, drummer for System of a Down, was at Moon Nightclub with two friends.
Saturday night, 5/30…
At Dos Caminos inside The Palazzo, Khloe Kardashian hosted the official Simon G after party benefitting the Lili Claire Foundation. Notable names packed the lounge following fashion show and concert at the Palazzo pool.
Kardashian and mom Kris Jenner were joined by Vanessa Minnillo and Grammy nominated artist Colby O’Donis at a VIP table in the lounge.
Kloe Kardashian, Vanessa Minnillo and Colby O’Donis
© Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com
At a table nearby former American Idol contestant Chikezie was spotted dancing to the sounds of DJ Chunk of LA’s KIIS FM.
R&B group All 4 One returned to Dos Caminos for the party, having dined at the hot spot earlier in the day. They were joined by hip hop trio MVP in the lounge’s VIP area.
Universal Recording Artists MVP
© Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com
Also spotted was David Alexander, fashion designer to the stars.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver, dined at N9NE Steakhouse inside Palms Casino Resort with a group of seven.
Upstairs in ghostbar, NBA player for the Philadelphia 76ers Kareen Rush partied with a female friend.
At Playboy Club, songwriter and record producer, Bryan-Michael Cox, rapper and songwriter Jermaine Dupri and rapper, singer and actor Nelly enjoyed the scene at a VIP table. At another table, members of the punk rock band The Offspring hung out with five friends.
Upstairs in Moon Nightclub, singer Ryan Cabrera hung out at a VIP table with six friends.
Ryan Cabrera and friends
Photo credit: Joe Fury
Ryan Cabrera and friend
Photo credit: Joe Fury
Nicky Hilton and boyfriend David Katzenberg had dinner at N9NE Steakhouse, inside the Palms Casino Resort, Friday night (5.29.09) before going to Rain Nightclub for DJ AM Fridays. The couple was joined by a group of six friends including DJ AM (Adam Goldstein) new Rain Nightclub resident DJ. After dinner, the group joined Michael Greco, vice president of entertainment for the Palms Casino Resort, at Rain Nightclub
Also at Rain Nightclub, was song writer and record producer Bryan Cox, Jermaine Dupri, Nelly and actress Sanaa Lathan.
Actor Jason Hervey (played Wayne Arnold on The Wonder Years) was spotted at ghostbar with John Huntington and a large group of friends.
John Dolmayan, drummer for System of a Down, was at Moon Nightclub with two friends.
At TAO Beach former Spice Girl Mel B hosted US Weekly’s Hot Bodies Issue. The Peepshow star was a perfect fit as she made her way around the outdoor oasis in her teeny black bikini and stilettos. She posed for photos with fans and danced at her cabana with hubby Stephen Belafonte and a group of her dancers from the show.
Also stopping by to join in the festivities was ER’s Shane West who sat smack in the middle of the pool showing off his own hot body and a new Mohawk style hairdo.
Making a late day appearance was Benji Madden, who stopped by to hang with his friends in a cabana.
The party heated up inside TAO as the sun went down, where DJ Vice was spinning accompanied by the sounds of RAVI Drums. Pulp Fiction star Ving Rhames stopped by the nightclub to help a friend celebrate a birthday, and in the moat VIP area Shane West partied with a group of 20 that included actress Evan Rachel Wood.
Over at LAVO, Mad Men’s Rich Sommer was spotted having dinner.
Dexter Holland of The Offspring spotted inside Wasted Space at the Hard Rock.
Sunday night 5/31, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen were seen enjoying dinner in the private dining room at LAVO inside The Palazzo. In Vegas to celebrate a friend’s birthday, after dinner the twins headed to a VIP table on the dance floor where they danced non-stop to the sounds of DJ Vice until 3 am.
Earlier in the day the Olsen’s were seen grabbing a bite to eat at Dos Caminos.
Ashley visited TAO Beach Sunday afternoon and her sister Mary Kate was spotted at TAO the night before.
Monday, 6/1, actor Ice-T and wife Coco were spotted dining at Strip House inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Actor Wilmer Valderrama and a bunch of friends were spotted Monday night dining at TAO Asian Bistro,
I will be back next week with more of what’s “happening” in and around Las Vegas.