By Judy Thorburn
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Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - Las Vegas Round The Clock
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - The Flick Chicks
Director of Communications - Nevada Film Alliance
www.theflickchicks.com
Viva Elvis’s Official Grand Opening at ARIA Hotel and Casino
Viva Elvis, the 7th and newest production by Cirque du Soelil to open on the strip, held its official Grand Opening performance and celebration on February 19 at its resident venue, CityCenter's Aria Hotel and Casino.
Frank Marino Unveils Dazzling “Divas Las Vegas”
After months of preview performances, female impersonator, Frank Marino, aka The Queen of the Las Vegas Strip, and the Strip's longest running headliner, celebrated the Official Grand Opening of his show Divas Las Vegas at the Imperial Palace on Thursday evening, February 25. with a performance for the media and VIPs. Fellow entertainers spotted in the audience showing their support included Angelica Bridges (headlining Fantasy at the Luxor), Zowie Bowie's Chris Phillips, Australian singing sensation Human Nature, magician Murray Sawchuck and hypnotist Marc Savard among others.
Stars Come out to celebrate the CW's "Fly Girls" Premiere at Lagasse's Stadium inside The Palazzo
“Fly Girls,” the CW network’s new reality docu-series that takes a 360-degree look at the airline’s jet-setting teammates, celebrated its upcoming debut episode with a star-studded premiere party inside Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo, on Friday February 26. Celebrity attendees included the cast of “Fly Girls”; Roxy Olin from “The City”; Gretchen Rossi and Slade Smiley from Real Housewives of OC; Gilles Marini from “Sex and the City: The Movie” and “Brothers & Sisters”.
The 14th annual Keep Memory Alive charity gala to benefit the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health was held the evening of Saturday, Feb. 27 a the Bellagio Hotel and Casino.
Disney's The Lion King and Madame Tussauds Las Vegas Unveil Iconic “Rafiki” Wax Figure
Madame Tussauds Las Vegas recently unveiled a wax figure that unites one of the world’s most visited attractions with the world’s #1 musical. Rafiki, the iconic baboon shaman from DISNEY’S THE LION KING, was revealed during a special ceremony on Thursday morning, March 4, that featured Buyi Zama who plays Rafiki in the Las Vegas production at Mandalay Bay and a performance by the production’s South African cast members.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Our sincere condolences goes out to entertainer, Marie Osmond and her family after the death of her 18 year old son Michael. It was reported that on Friday night, February 26 he committed suicide by jumping to his death from his apartment building in Los Angeles. He left a note referring to his continuing battle with depression. Marie and her brother Donny headline their own variety show at the Flamingo Las Vegas, but due to the devastating news the show has been canceled until March 9. Flamingo Las Vegas announced five extra show dates for Donny & Marie, April 13 – 17. These were previously unscheduled show dates, added to accommodate guests who had tickets to recently cancelled shows due to the personal tragedy in the Osmond family.
The world’s most popular and largest travel community, TripAdvisor, recently named Bellagio number two in its list of “Top 10 Famous Movie Hotels” for its eye-catching role in Ocean’s Eleven and Ocean’s Thirteen.. The world-famous Fountains of Bellagio were a prominent fixture in both movies. With more then 1,000 choreographed fountains, enhanced by lighting and music, the magnificent display has become one of Las Vegas’ must-see attractions on The Strip for tourists the world over.
Executive Chef Barry S. Dakake of N9NE Steakhouse inside Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas delivered a feast to former President Bill Clinton at Caesars Palace on Monday night, Feb. 22. after he gave his speech inside The Colosseum. This is the fourth time Dakake has prepared a meal for former President Clinton. Three years ago, he dined at N9NE Steakhouse and signed Dakake’s famous Shakedown Door and a few baseballs. Thursday, Feb. 18th, Dakake also cooked for the Democratic National Convention Dinner, hosted at George Maloof’s home, in which President Barack Obama was in attendance.
Kevin Harvick won the NASCAR Nationwide Sam's Town 300 race by 1.3 seconds over Denny Hamlin at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on February 27. Due to a brief shower, the start of the race was delayed by 1 hour, 45 minutes. Danica Patrick was involved in a crash and finished 36th in her third and final NASCAR race before she takes a four-month hiatus to return to IndyCar racing.
On the evening of February 27, Rockstar Club member John (last name withheld) won $877,061 after putting $100 in a 25 cent progressive Wheel of Fortune slot machine at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
Lance Burton hosted a luncheon and meet-and-greet with the most famous magicians in the world including Siegfried (of Siegfried & Roy)and Criss Angel at his castle in Henderson on Sunday, February 28. The event helped kick off a week of magic for the youth program of the World Magic Seminar that is based at The Orleans. Lance Burton invited many of the youth program into his show for the week long event. Some of the other magicians in attendance were Jeff McBride, Fielding West, Nathan Burton, Johnny Thompson, Eugene Berger, Max Mavin, Mac King and Darren Romeo. It's the 20th year of the convention which exceeds 1,000 members. About 53 members attended the luncheon.
Lance Burton, Teller, Siegfried and Roy, Penn and Criss Angel
Photo credit: Wain Bernath
Lance Burton, Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn
Photo credit: Wain Bernath
Fremont Street Experience welcomed race fans during NASCAR weekend with the 7th annual RaceJam beginning Monday, February 22 through Sunday, February 28. The week-long party featured live performances from headliner Foghat, in addition to Jimmie Ray’s Johnny Cash Tribute and The Jay Bolan Band
Vegas PBS and Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular marked this year’s Nevada Reading Week with a special reading March 1 at John Tartan Elementary School. Tina Walsh, who currently plays the leading role of “Madame Giry” in Phantom—The Las Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian, lent her powerful vocals to a new endeavor – the celebration of literacy – as she read to two individual classes. Since the opening of the show in 2006, Phantom cast members have shown their support by participating in the annual Nevada Reading Week.
Established in 1987 by the Nevada Department of Education, Nevada Reading Week celebrates reading through shared thematic activities. This year’s Nevada Reading Week took place from March 1 to 5 and was themed “pick a book from the reading garden.”
Third-grade students of John Tartan Elementary School in Las Vegas gave Tina Walsh their undivided attention as she read the book “Arthur’s Family Vacation.”
Tina Walsh of Phantom—The Las Vegas Spectacular read the book “Curious George” to kindergarten students at John Tartan Elementary School in Las Vegas.
For the second consecutive year, Aid for AID of Nevada (AFAN) and the Community Counsel Center of Southern Nevada (CCC) joined forces for the 2nd Annual HIV Wellness Center that took place place at Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino March 5-6, 2010. The latest research, resources and legal and healthcare concerns was shared with the local community. Guest speakers discussed substance abuse, mental health, family and relationships and ways in which those affected by such issues can overcome them. Fashion designer and model Jack Mackenroth served as one of the guest speakers during the two-day long conference.
Wynn Las Vegas is looking to fill 400 positions for The Encore Beach Club and Surrender Nightclub, the new entertainment complex, debuting Memorial Day weekend. Applications are now being accepted. Group interviews will begin March 11. Positions to be filled at the venue include: model cocktail servers, model bartenders, hosts, promoters, lifeguards, pool attendants, security and more. Model classification candidates are required to interview in swimwear and will be required to present a zed card/headshot upon check-in. All other applicants should come in a fitted t-shirt or tank top. Applicants must apply at wynnjobs.com to be considered.
The second annual “Scale the Strat” extreme stair climb will take place at the Stratosphere Hotel & Casino on Saturday, March 13 and Sunday, March 14 to support the efforts of the American Lung Association of Nevada. Last year’s event attracted 111 participants from across the United States and raised over $80,000 to help prevent lung disease and promote lung health in Nevada. Known as a “vertical road race,” stair climbs have become a signature fundraising event for the American Lung Association. Held in prominent skyscrapers across the country, climbers race to the top floor individually or asked to make a minimum fundraising pledge of $250 to the American Lung Association. Proceeds go to promote lung health and combat lung disease.
The UNLV Performing Arts Center welcomes The Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra - Alexei Kornienko, music director - at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 13 as part of the Charles Vanda Master Series. The program includes Rimsky-Korsakov's "May Night: Overture" and Stravinsky's "Petrouchka" for Orchestra and "The Firebird Suite." Tickets are $40, $55, and $85 and can be purchased at the Performing Arts Center Box Office at 895-ARTS (2787) or by visiting pac.unlv.edu.
Extreme Thing Sports and Music Festival announced the final lineup for the March 27 event at Desert Breeze Skate Park in Las Vegas. Due to the cancellation of Sum 41, Winds of Plague and I Fight Dragons, Five Finger Death Punch, The Bled and The Ready Set have been added to an already star-studded lineup. Other confirmed bands include: The Used, Escape the Fate, Less Than Jake, Reel Big Fish and Story of the Year on the Verizon Wireless main stage with Call the Cops, Never Shout Never, The Cab, Hey Monday, Every Avenue and The Summer Set taking the newly formed AP (Alternative Press) Stage. This will be the first year Extreme Thing will feature four stages, with the third being the XPOZ Local Band Stage and fourth being the Retaks Expression Tour. Tickets are $17 in advance and $20 day of the show. A VIP Package is also available for $35 and includes a ticket, commemorative event T-shirt and artist-signed event poster.
Celebrity Sightings:
Thursday night, February 25…
Carrot Top celebrated his birthday dinner with some friends at Simon at Palms Place.
Comedian David Spade, a TAO regular, returned to the hot spot for dinner with friends.
Friday, Feb. 26: NASCAR driver Ryan Newman (No. 39 Chevrolet, 2008 Daytona 500 Champion) enjoying dinner along with 13 others inside a private dining room in Strip House at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Pierre Thomas and Lance Moore of the Superbowl Champion New Orleans Saints celebrated their victory at LAVO. After enjoying a dinner of signature items from LAVO’s Italian kitchen Moore, a wide receiver and Thomas, a running back, made their way to a VIP table in front of the DJ booth.
Lance Moore and Pierre Thomas
Photo Credit: Al Powers
Pierre Thomas and Lance Moore
Photo Credit: Al Powers
Singer and Songwriter Kelis performed for a packed crowd at Eva Longoria Parker's nightclub Eve. Following the performance Kelis and friends, including "X-Men" actress and "Heroes" co-star Dania Ramirez, danced and partied at Eve. Kelis was presented with a giant milkshake cake - complete with a candy straw and a cherry on top - to congratulate her performance and success of her new album. Prior to going upstairs to Eve, Kelis dined at Longoria Parker's steakhouse Beso.
Kelis performs her new single "Acapella" in a sea of bubbles.
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
Kelis shakes her milkshake while performing her hit song at Eve nightclub.
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
Kelis poses alongside her custom-made milkshake cake at Eve nightclub.
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
Dania Ramirez pictured at Eve nightclub, in attendance for Kelis' performance.
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
Corey Harrison and Rick Harrison, stars of the reality TV series "Pawn Stars," attended George Wallace's show at The Flamingo with several friends and part of their production crew. After the show, the group chatted with Wallace outside the showroom.
Former NFL star Jamie Sharper was spotted enjoying a set by DJ Homicide inside Vanity nightclub at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
DJ Homicide
Photo credit: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino/Cassi Thomas
DJ Homicide
Photo credit: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino/Cassi Thomas
Saturday afternoon, February 27, actor Sam Worthington, star of Avatar, was spotted dining with a female friend at the bar at Dos Caminos inside The Palazzo.
Zero Gravity Corporation (ZERO-G) had a weightless flight that departed from The Signature Terminal at McCarran International Airport. On the flight was Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban who came into town specifically for the weightless experience. The post-flight celebration was hosted at the Four Seasons at Mandalay Bay. Nicole and Keith dined with all of the guests and talked about how much they enjoyed their time flipping and floating in zero gravity. The weightless flight was a Christmas present to Nicole this past year.
Actor, rapper and television personality Nick Cannon hosted the evening at Vanity nightclub inside the HRH Tower at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Cannon arrived without wife Mariah Carey but was joined by hip-hop group RydazNrtisT, currently serving as the opening act for his wife’s North American tour.
DJ Clinton Sparks and Nick Cannon
Photo credit: Cassi J. Thomas
Nick Cannon performing at Vanity
Photo credit: Cassi J. Thomas
DJ Clinton Sparks and Nick Cannon
Photo credit: Cassi J. Thomas
Sunday night,
NASCAR Sprint Cup winner Jimmie Johnson celebrated his victory with dinner at LAVO inside The Palazzo . He was joined by friends including fellow driver Brian Vickers and members of the Loews and Red Bull racing teams.
Sunday, Feb. 28) at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas:
NFL quarterback Jay Cutler and a few friends enjoyed the scene at Vanity nightclub inside Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Jay Cutler
Photo credit: Cassi J. Thomas
Meanwhile, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club rocked the crowd over at Wasted Space
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Photo credit: Cassi J. Thomas
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Photo credit: Cassi J. Thomas
Wednesday night, March 3, star of Peepshow, Holly Madison, and a group of five friends attended showgirl extravaganza Donn Arden's Jubilee at Bally's Las Vegas. Before heading into the show Holly was greeted by showgirl Kristina and the two posed for pictures.
Holly Madison with Showgirl Kristina
I will be back next week with more of what’s “happening” in and around Las Vegas.
