Vegas Happenings 09-17-09

In the space formerly occupied by The Guggenheim Hermitage Museum inside the Venetian, International auctioneers Bonhams & Butterfields recently offered a preview look at incredible examples of gemstones and jewelry as well as pre-historic bones that will be offered at Bonhams & Butterfields’ first Jewelry and Natural History sales to be held at The Venetian later in September and in early October. Highlights on view included a distinctive group of diamond, platinum, famous-maker, signed jewels, watches from the Clavius Collection of Fine Watches and Property from a Private Las Vegas Collection as well as a first look at the rare, fully constructed 66-million year old Tyrannosaurus skeleton dubbed “Samson” that was excavated near Buffalo, South Dakota over 15 years ago.

Arguably one of the three most complete specimens to have been discovered, the expertly mounted female T. rex is expected to bring millions of dollars when it goes on the auction block October 3 at The Venetian. In addition to “Samson,” the October 3rd sale will also feature approximately 50 lots of high quality and distinctive dinosaur specimens and exceptional fossils. Other highlights will include a fully mounted, 28-foot-long “duckbilled” dinosaur skeleton and a 7-foot-long fossil shark from the Permian Period, which was discovered in Germany.

Public viewing of the jewelry was held over the Labor Day weekend (September 4-7) and will be available for viewing once again on September 20 at the Venetian before they go up for auction on September 21.

The pre-historic bones will be on view for the public September 18-October 3 at the Venetian.

A crowd of supporters including music fans, video gamers, and the general public attended the exciting competition, Santana Guitar Hero® 5 Challenge inside Wasted Space at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Thursday evening. Sept. 10.

Sean Guthrie Santana staff and band members Karl Perazzo, Dennis Chambers, Andy Vargas and Freddie Ravel

Karl Perazzo and Tony Lindsay of Supernatural Santana: A Trip through the Hits play Guitar Hero® 5

Ten lucky contestants, who won the chance to compete through 97.1 The Point, KOMP 92.3 and ESPN Radio 1100, went head-to-head playing Santana’s “No One to Depend On,” on the newly-released version of Guitar Hero® 5. Hosted by Steph Mackenzie of 97.1 The Point, the event featured ten pre-selected contestants, and members of the Santana band. Lead vocalists Andy Vargas and Tony Lindsay along with percussionists Karl Perazzo and Dennis Chambers and keyboard player Freddie Ravel were present to cheer on the contestants and mingle with guests. . Local Justin Taylor walked away with the grand prize: two tickets to Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through The Hits and a meet-and-greet with the legendary guitarist himself, Carlos Santana.

Santana band members Karl Perazzo and Freddie Ravel rocking out to Guitar Hero® 5

Guitar Hero® 5, which was released on Sept. 1, 2009, features a live version of the Santana hit “No One to Depend On.” Santana is currently performing at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through The Hits through September 15.

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

Last week magician Lance Burton, whose extended members of his family has been struck with the debilitating disease, muscular dystrophy, collected over $2,500 in monetary donations from his audiences on their way out of the theater doors at the Monte Carlo. The proceeds benefited the Jerry Lewis’ Muscular Dystrophy Telethon which was broadcast live from the South Point Hotel and Casino over the Labor Day weekend.

The Action News team including Steve Wolford, Nina Radetich, Bryan Scofield, Casey Smith & Lisa Remillard took part in Las Vegas fundraising efforts at the Las Vegas Hilton. They helped raise nearly $1 million for the fight against muscular dystrophy.

Those who you tuned into NBC's hit summer series "America's Got Talent" on Wednesday, September 9, got a chance to watch the Las Vegas cast of the multi- Award-winning musical, Jersey Boys, based on the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, perform a medley of songs from the hit musical.

Miss America 2009, Katie Stam made a special appearance at Pink’s Hot Dogs located at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Thursday, September 10. The pageant queen went behind the counter, rolled up her sleeves, and selected toppings to make her own hot dog that was then named in her honor. The new Miss America Dog, now featured on Pink’s Las Vegas menu, includes a traditional Pink’s hot dog topped with chili and nacho cheese.

Miss America 2009, Katie Stam
Photo courtesy of BRAINtrust Marketing

Prepared by Pink’s Chef Anthony Meidenbauer, the event follows in the Pink’s tradition of naming hot dogs after the restaurant’s celebrity friends. This is the first Pink’s location outside of Los Angeles and in fitting tribute to Americana, this was the first celebrity hot dog unveiled at the newest Pink’s Hot Dog location.

Saturday night, September 12 The America’s Best DJ Awards (ABDJ) ceremony hosted by DJ Times Magazine and Pioneer Pro DJ took place at ghostbar inside Palms Casino Resort. Rain Nightclub’s resident DJ Paul Oakenfold presented talented DJ and music pioneer Z-Trip with an award for being voted “America’s Best DJ for 2009.”

CSI: The Experience, the popular worldwide phenomenon, opened September 13 at MGM Grand’s Studio Walk in the hometown of the original top-rated “CSI” television series – Las Vegas. CSI: The Experience is a challenging and fun multi-sensory attraction that will place guests in the role of crime scene investigator as they solve one of three true-to-life mysteries. The attraction combines the entertainment of the hit show with real-life scientific principles and investigative techniques – from DNA and fingerprint analysis to forensic anthropology and toxicology. General admission is $30 per person.

Las Vegas beer stein-holding champ Michael Grossa, who beat out hundreds of competitors at Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas’ weekly Stein holding contests, is heading to New York City to compete for the title of U.S. Champion in Masskrugstemmen. A well-known competitive Bavarian sport, the one-liter stein Masskrug is held with one arm stretched parallel to the floor. Grossa claimed the regional championship at Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas on Aug. 15 by holding a full stein for 18 minutes and 20 seconds. He won round-trip tickets and hotel accommodations to compete at the German-American Friendship Party in New York City. More than 5,000 people are expected to watch the competition Sept. 19 on a Central Park stage following the 52nd German-American Steuben Parade.

Family and Child Treatment of Southern Nevada is hosting Children’s Safety Day 2009 on Saturday, September 19, 2009, at the Galleria at Sunset from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This FREE event that is open to the public will educate parents, caregivers, and children about safety techniques and procedures that may one day save their lives. Fun and entertainment is promised for the entire family; complete with variety acts, local performers, giveaways and Fox 5 News Anchor Jason Feinberg serving as emcee throughout the day. Through interactive safety demonstrations, children will be empowered to recognize unsafe situations; utilize assertive behavior; and protect themselves and others from abduction or exploitation. Every child will have the opportunity to be fingerprinted on-site, as well as the chance to interact with community heroes that keep us safe everyday, including firefighters, police and emergency medical personnel. Additional information about Children’s Safety Day 2009 can be found online at www.factsnv.org, as well as on KVVU-TV 5 and the Galleria at Sunset’s websites.

Holly Madison has extended her run as “Bo Peep” in PEEPSHOW at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino until September 2010. Joining Madison beginning September 21 is pop star (Danity Kane) and Playboy Cover Model Aubrey O’Day who will star in the role of the “Peep Diva” (originated by the Spice Girls’ Mel B).

After 6 months and over 150 performances, Ignite will be closing at The Greek Isle. The final show is Tuesday September 29th at 8pm.

Classic rocker Billy Squier will perform fan favorites of his chart-topping hits of the 80s and 90s including "The Stroke" and “Everybody Wants You,” one night only, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 8 p.m. at the Henderson Pavilion, 200 South Green Valley Parkway. Ticket prices start at $26.

Britney Spears is bringing her show “The Circus Starring Britney Spears” to the Mandalay Bay Events Center for two performances, Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27. Both shows are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

Nevada Open Doors Foundation will present its 16th annual fundraiser “A Celebration of Giving” luncheon and silent auction on Sept. 26 at the Stratosphere Hotel Casino in the Theater of the Stars Showroom. The money raised will benefit the disabled in the Las Vegas community. TV personality/entertainer Tony Sacca will act as host of the event which will feature singer/artist Lena Prima, singing tenor John Garafalo, Jamie Edwards as a “Marilyn”, magician Jason Andrews, Drew Anthony as “Dean” and more, backed by the Michael T Band. Raffle tickets are $10 or 11 tickets for $100. Grand prize is Seven days/nights at an exclusive Maui condo; Second prize is a Sharp 32” Crystal Television. Tickets for the fundraiser are $65 per person / table of eight $500 (tax deductible). For more information call Margie Groover at 702-230-0422.

One of the most iconic and influential pop acts in the world, Pet Shop Boys, are coming to The new Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Saturday, September 26. Tickets start at $45.

Celebrating 25 years of her epic journey in music, singer Wynonna continues her 2009 tour with a stop in Las Vegas at The Orleans Showroom, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 25-27 8 p.m. each evening. Her performance will feature an eclectic assortment of standards paying homage to all the different genres and songs that have formed the soundtrack to her life from her current album, Sing: Chapter 1. Tickets are priced from $74.95, plus tax.

Jerry’s Nugget Casino in downtown Las Vegas is presenting “A Tribute to the Life and Legend of Johnny Cash” on Sunday, Sept. 27 with shows at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. The 90-minute show features Jimmie Ray & the Ring of Fire starring Jimmie Ray as Johnny Cash and Cyndi Cantrell as June Carter. Show times for the special one night engagement are at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. inside the Royal Street Theater. Guests must be 21 years and older to attend and the cover is $10 with a two-drink minimum. Entry is first come, first served and based on venue capacity.

3 Lions Tattoo is set to Open October 1 at the Sahara Hotel & Casino and will be located across from the front desk in the main lobby area. This will mark the first time the resort has ever had a tattoo establishment on property in its almost 57 years of business.

Motorcycle enthusiasts will gather together October 1-4 for the 2009 Las Vegas BikeFest. The Sahara Hotel & Casino is the Official Hotel and Party Headquarters. The weekend of jam-packed activities include concerts, fashion shows, poker and slot tournaments, food and drink, and plenty of excitement going on throughout the property.

The new stage production Disney Live! Rockin’ Road Show featuring Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and other classic characters in an original storyline, performs at the Orleans Arena, October 2, 3 and 4. Show times are Friday, October 2 at 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, October 3 at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. and Sunday October 4 at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $18.50, $23.50, 36.50 and $66.50.

Legendary rock band, The Guess Who will perform their greatest hits at The Club inside Cannery Casino & Hotel Saturday, October 3 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $14.95 plus tax and fees.

Oscar winning actor and R&B superstar Jamie Foxx will bring his Blame It Tour to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for an evening of live music on Friday, October 9 at 9 p.m. Tickets are priced at $195/ $150/ $95/ $75/ $59.50 (All prices include 10% Live Entertainment Tax).

International superstar Justin Timberlake is set to bring his Justin Timberlake and Friends, a Special Evening Benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children event to the stage at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, October 17 at 8 PM. Tickets are priced at $250, $200, $150 and $100, not including applicable service charges. The concert is scheduled to feature performances by singer/songwriter and producer Timberlake, 12-time Grammy Award-winner R&B and Pop sensation Alicia Keys, Country and Pop superstar Taylor Swift, R&B star Ciara, and 5-time Grammy Award-winning R&B-Pop group TLC. The concert is one of several events during tournament week that will benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Justin Timberlake is the 14th celebrity to host a PGA TOUR Tournament, The Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. The fundraising event is seeking volunteers for its 2009 tournament Monday, Oct. 12- Sunday, Oct. 18 at TPC Summerlin. Tournament volunteers can assist in a variety of areas throughout the tournament including admissions and greeting, caddie services, transportation services and more. The cost to volunteer is $40 and includes a tournament jacket, golf shirt and hat, week-long badge, a ticket to the volunteer party and meals during the volunteer shift. Volunteers must be 18 or older. To register, visit the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open volunteer Web site or contact Donna Millwood at 702.589.4945.

Tuesday, Sept. 8…

Boxer Zab Judah and a group of friends were at Moon Nightclub inside Palms Casino Resort.

Ian Ziering, former “90210” star and contestant on the fourth season of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” was spotted dining at Rare 120 inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Wednesday night, Sept. 9 free agent Frank Thomas dined at N9NE Steakhouse inside Palms Casino Resort.

Thursday Sept. 10 …

British actor Julian Morris, who appears in the movie Sorority Row, was spotted at TAO Beach soaking up the sun on a daybed.
Miss America 2009 Katie Stam was seen enjoying dinner at Strip House inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Friday night, Sept. 11…

Allen Evangelista from ABC’s The Secret Life of the American Teenager was spotted in the nightclub at LAVO.

Rapper Mickey Avalon and former NBA star Gary Payton spotted enjoying dinner at separate tables inside Strip House at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Retired NBA player Spud Webb was at Rain Nightclub.

Saturday night, Sept. 12

Actress Andrea Bowen, who plays Julie on ABC’s Desperate Housewives, and her brother Cameron, also an actor, were spotted at TAO Asian Bistro. Cameron, who turned 21 on Sunday celebrated with friends and family over dinner.

Bowen also took in the 7 p.m. performance of Blue Man Group at The Venetian. She wished her brother Cameron a ‘Happy Birthday’ on the show’s LED screens.

Evander “The Real Deal’ Holyfield was spotted with friends in the lounge at LAVO.

Nicole Scherzinger, Lead singer for the Pussycat Dolls, was at Rain Nightclub. Joining Scherzinger at the VIP table were pop/R&B group The Pointer Sisters.

DJZ-Trip Ruth Pointer and Bonnie Pointer
Photo credit: Shane O'Neal

Upstairs at Playboy Club, musician Matt Goss and his entourage of about 45, sat at three VIP tables. Amongst guests were model and TV personality Daisy Fuentes, former MTV VJ Julie Brown and Robin Antin.

Matt Goss and friends
Photo credit: Joe Fury

Daisy Fuentes
Photo credit: Joe Fury

DJZ-Trip and Paul Oakenfold
Photo credit: Joe Fury

Paul Oakenfold, George Maloof, DJZ-Trip and Michael Fuller
Photo credit: Joe Fury

Julie Brown and DJ R.O.B
Photo credit: Joe Fury

Sunday night, Sept. 13 Evander Holyfield was spotted dining at Dos Caminos inside The Palazzo.

Monday, Sept 14 Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick had breakfast at Hash House A Go Go with Kerry Simon and friend.

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