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
Ravella, the sprawling new 349-room-and-suite resort located on the site of the former Ritz Carlton at Lake Las Vegas opened its doors to the public on Friday, February 11. Only a fifteen-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip, Ravella is situated on the shores of the largest privately owned man made lake in the country.
The name Ravella is based on the picturesque coastal town of Ravello in southern Italy and inspired by the word “revel,” meaning ‘to take great pleasure or delight.’” No question, the resort lives up to its name. To begin with, Ravella’s dazzling Mediterranean architecture is reminiscent of Europe’s colorful waterside villages. Settled into the picturesque community the resort offers guests breathtaking views, miles of green, two marinas for kayaking, boating and fly fishing, a nearby Jack Nicklaus golf course, hiking and jogging trails and the neighboring The Village Lake Las Vegas, with scenic walking streets of boutiques and restaurants.
Managed by Dolce, the re-branded resort strives to deliver the same type of impeccable hospitality and personal service, premier cuisine, outstanding amenities and excellence in meeting experiences for which the company is known for. Among its outstanding amenities, Ravella features a 30,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, 39,000 square feet of meeting or social event space including Vegas’ only over-water chapel; multiple lounge and dining experiences.
Ravell has partnered with the nearby Village enabling guests to enjoy preferred reservation at the nearby Village restaurants and the opportunity to bill their meals to their Ravella guestroom. Ravella’s rooms are luxurious yet affordable luxury, with rates starting at $120 per night. Nevada residents have the privilege of being offered a 25-percent locals discount with valid Nevada ID.
To celebrate the opening of Ravella, there was a morning press conference followed by a buffet luncheon and tours of the property for invited guests. In attendance were Henderson Mayor Andy Hafen, Ravella General Manager Mario Mazzini, and President of Dolce Hotels and Resorts, Richard Maxwell.
Luxurious Bedroom Accommodations
The Lounge
The Florentine Garden
The Chapel
Mayor Hafen started off by saying, “Our vision (Henderson) is to be America’s premiere community. Today’s opening is making that vision come true. We are “revelling” today at this opening which beings hundreds of jobs to our community. The experience Ravella will give visitors from around the world will provide a needed boost to our economy.”
Henderson Mayor Andy Hafen, Ravella General Manager Mario Mazzini, and President of Dolce Hotels and Resorts, Richard Maxwell make a champagne toast at the opening.
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
After the Mayor presented Dolce President, Richard Maxwell with a “Certificate of Recognition”, Maxwell thanked everyone for the “friendship and warmth I received today.” He went on, “We will work hard to bring business (in the area) back to life. Our core is service from the heart. Half of the associates from the Ritz Carlton have been hired on and we are happy to get them back on their feet and employed. Dolce is thirty years old, with twenty three hotels worldwide and 4,000 associates. We could not be more pleased to add Ravella to our portfolio.”
Entrance
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Pool
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Beach At Ravella
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Open Air Spa Treatment Room
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Ravella General Manager Mario Mazzini, who was born and raised in Florence, Italy and has a thick, charming accent from his native country, said that Italian olive trees have been planted throughout the gardens. “The planting of trees, he stated proudly, is symbolic of planting roots in the community.”
For more information about Ravella at Lake Las Vegas, or to make a reservation, visit www.ravellavegas.com or call 888.810.0440.
"Why We Do What We Do on The Dr. Oz Show" Lecture with Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen
Saturday evening, Keep Memory Alive hosted “Why We Do What We Do on The Dr. Oz Show,” an entertaining and educational lecture and reception inside the stunning Frank Gehry-designed Keep Memory Alive Event Center at Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.
The lecture from Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Michael Roizen gave guests a deeper understanding about health topics through an inside look at the Dr. Oz show. Dr. Oz is the Emmy Award-winning host of "The Dr. Oz Show" as well as a renowned surgeon, educator and best-selling author. Dr. Roizen is the Chief Wellness Officer of Cleveland Clinic and best-selling author.
Dr. Oz at Keep Memory Alive’s “Why We Do What We Do on The Dr. Oz Show”
Photo credit: Erik Kabik/erikkabic.com
“Why We Do What We Do on The Dr. Oz Show” at Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health
Photo credit: Erik Kabik/erikkabic.com
From Left: Dr. Michael Roizen, Larry Ruvo, Dr. Mehmet Oz
Photo credit: Erik Kabik/erikkabic.com
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
More than $4,600 was raised for Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas during the January run of Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through The Hits at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Continuing Carlos Santana’s philanthropic mission to support the local community by enhancing the lives of children, donations were collected during the eight January performances of Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through The Hits. In addition, a limited-edition Carlos Santana t-shirt designed by a B&GCLV Club kid was sold at The Joint’s merchandise booths and on Santana.com to raise additional funds for the organization. A total of $3,700 was raised from sales of the shirt, with close to $1,000 in cash donations collected at the shows. Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through The Hits returns to The Joint for its final shows April 20, 22, 23, 24, 27, 29, 30 and May 1
Las Vegas has been named the third sexist city in the country according to a new survey from Orbitz (www.orbitz.com). San Francisco was honored as the the country’s #1 sexiest city, followed closely by Miami. Orbitz collected the data as part of their 2011 Valentine’s Travel Survey, asking users to select from one of six selected sexy destinations. Information given as to why Las Vegas is so attractive to A-listers is as follows: Sin City is a natural spot on any list of sexy destinations thanks to a bevy of nightclubs and options for adult entertainment. Vegas regulars include Rihanna, Diddy and Justin Timberlake.
Vdara Health & Beauty, located on the second floor of Vdara Hotel & Spa, has changed its name to Spa & Salon Vdara. The 18,000-square-foot, two-level spa, salon and fitness center celebrates the calming power of water and features a selection of globally-inspired signature treatments using quality ingredients derived from herbs, flowers, fruits, vegetables and essential oils and is the first Las Vegas spa in the Green Spa Network.
It was recently announced that The Blue Man Group is moving their show to the Monte Carlo Theater in Fall 2012. The mega-enhanced show will present an exciting iteration of the Blue Man experience and will feature new material for repeat customers along with signature pieces for guests who have never seen the show. The new production in the 1,200-seat Monte Carlo Theater will be fully loaded with creative and unique acts, taking the audience on an incredible journey that will engage the senses while creating fun and lively moments only Blue Man Group can provide.
A new airline called LV Air that will fly non-stop flights from Las Vegas’ McCarran Airport to JFK in NYC is scheduled to open in Las Vegas in 2011. The company plans to charter four wide body aircraft to Las Vegas daily. LV Air will serve only Las Vegas. No other destination will be offered.
Beginning on Wednesday, Feb. 16, guests aged 50 and over can take advantage of new benefits and discount every Wednesday throughout the M Resort Spa Casino as the property introduces its new “50 Plus Senior Rewards” program. All guests need to do to take advantage of the benefits is be a member of the iMagine Rewards Club.
The new benefits range from dining and gaming offers to special entertainment including:
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50 cash and dining prize winners selected each Wednesday at 4 pm with a $1,000 top prize available.*
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Buy-one, get-one free buffet at the award-winning Studio B Buffet every Wednesday with a 50% discount for single diners.
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30% discount on salon services at Spa Mio every Wednesday.
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Free pastry with purchase of a Medium coffee at Baby Cakes every Wednesday.
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Buy-one, get-one free lunch entrée at Hash House A Go Go every Wednesday from 1-5 pm.**
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Special performance by classic crooner Mark O’Toole from 2:30-5:30 pm in Ravello Lounge every Wednesday.
In honor of February being National Heart Month, and as part of its ongoing effort to become one of Las Vegas’ premier sources of health and wellness information, Bodies…the Exhibition is showing some love and appreciation to current organ donors and guests who pledge to become organ donors by offering a $10 discount available throughout the month of February. Organ donors must present a valid ID with proof of donation or sign up to become an organ donor at the Luxor box office when purchasing a ticket. Regularly priced tickets are $32 for adults, $30 for seniors and $24 for children 4 – 12 years of age. It is recommended that children 12 and under are accompanied by a teacher or parent as an adult guide.
Insurgo Theater Movement, Las Vegas' leading independent theater company, presents a new adaptation of the children's classic THE LITTLE PRINCE, adapted and directed by Insurgo Artistic Director Brandon McClenahan. Featuring a staggering score from Sandy Stein and fueled by unbridled theatrical imagination, THE LITTLE PRINCE is presented by the team that brought you THE INSECT PLAY and last season's smash hit production of ROSSUMS UNIVERSAL ROBOTS. THE LITTLE PRINCE performs for seven performances only - Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM February 18 - March 5th and a special industry night performance February 28 @ 8PM. All shows play at Insurgo, 900 E. Karen Ave #D114, Las Vegas. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $10 for students/seniors/children
Shelley Fisher brings his show, “Dem Boys From Chicago" a tribute to Joe Williams, Lou Rawls and Nat "King" Cole to the Star Bright Theater, Sun City, Summerlin on Saturday, February 19th. "Dem Boys From Chicago"™ stars Fisher backed by eight of the finest musicians in Las Vegas performing 60 minutes of music of three legends from the "Windy City" presented in the "Old Las Vegas" style. Tickets are $13.00 for residents and $15.00 for non-residents and can be purchased at Desert Vista, Mountain Shadows and Pinnacle Centers in advance. No tickets at the door.
Club Tattoo inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino hosts an autograph signing session with alternative rock band Linkin Park from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19. All the Linkin Park band members including Chester Bennington, Rob Bourdon, Brad Delson, Dave “Phoenix” Farrell, Joe Hahn and Mike Shinoda will be available to meet fans and sign autographs. The event is free and open to the public. Fans must obtain a wristband to gain access to the meet-and-greet. Club Tattoo will hand out a limited number of wristbands, on a first-come first-serve basis, beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 19. Patrons with a wristband will be asked to return to the tattoo hotspot to form a line beginning at 4 p.m. A wristband does not guarantee entry into the autograph signing.
In a partnership with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Jabbawockeez will host a new dance workshop program to be held at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, beginning February 19. “The Exchange” dance workshops will take the participants through the mind of a Jabbawockee, delving into the dance techniques and movement exercises used to create their groundbreaking show “MÜS.I.C.” at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino. Open to all ages, “The Exchange” dance workshops begin at 1:30 p.m. and run until 5:30 p.m., with registration beginning at noon. Passes to the workshops begin at $30 for a one-hour class ($20 for UNLV students). Other packages include $60 for three, one-hour classes ($35 for UNLV students) and $80 for the VIP bundle ($65 for UNLV students), which includes three dance workshops, Jabbawockeez merchandise and a discount to their critically acclaimed show “MÜS.I.C.” at Monte Carlo Resort. All passes are available for purchase at the front desk of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, located on the UNLV campus. Tickets are subject to availability. Class schedules and directions to the Student Recreation and Wellness Center can be found at srwc.unlv.edu.
The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) Performing Arts Center and the Ira Aldridge Theatre Company will present their 3rd “Hands Across the Arts” (HATA) benefit on Friday, February 25, 2011 at the Nicholas J. Horn Theatre on CSN’s Cheyenne Campus (3200 E. Cheyenne Ave.) to celebrate Black History Month and raise much needed funding for performing arts students.
The event will honor Steve Schorr, vice president of Cox Communications with a “Lifetime Community Service Award. The evening will begin with a VIP Reception at 6 p.m., followed by an Award Presentation at 7 p.m. The show, “The Music of Duke Ellington Meets the Music of Count Basie,” begins at 7:30 p.m. This musical tribute to the big band era is produced and directed by Walter Mason and features the Jimmy Wilkins New Life Orchestra. Tickets for the February 25 reception, award presentation and performance are $25 per person. Additional performances are scheduled for Saturday, February 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 27 at 2 p.m. Tickets for February 26 and 27 are $15 and $10.
For the first time in 22 years, ’80s rock band Little America will reunite at Club Fortune Casino for a special performance. The band was formed in 1985 and has performed with groups such as Aerosmith, Meatloaf and The Romantics. Little America is well-known for hits such as “Walk on Fire” and “Where Were You.” With a ’60s folk-rock sound, the group released a self-titled album in 1987, which was followed by an extensive United States tour. This free show will take place at Club Fortune Casino located at 725 Racetrack Road in Henderson, Nev. on Saturday, Feb. 26. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and guests must be 21 years or older.
Cabo Wabo Cantina will host the UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann viewing party Thursday, March 3, live from Louisville, Kentucky. The awaited bout will feature American fighter Diego Sanchez take on Danish fighter Martin Kampmann. Admission is free and includes access inside Cabo Wabo’s viewing party. Shown on multiple high-definition television screens throughout the restaurant and bar, guests can watch the fights from the best seats on the Strip while enjoying killer margaritas and tasty Mexican fare. Doors open at 6 p.m. and include the showing of all matches leading up to the main event.
Nevada Ballet Theatre announces its Spring Series, The Tried and True and the New to be presented March 4 -6 at Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall on the campus of UNLV.
The program will open with George Balanchine's classical one-act ballet, Donizetti Variations featuring eleven dancers (one principal couple, six women and three men). This ballet has been described as "cheerful and sunny" while it showcases Balanchine's unique marriage of movement and music.
Guest artist Matthew Rushing from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will perform A Song for You from Alvin Ailey's world-renowned signature work, Revelations.
Still, a new pas de deux by Artistic Director James Canfield is set to music from Elegy, performed by award-winning Composer and Cellist, Adam Hurst. Hurst, along with accompanying pianist and Emmy Award winning composer and musician Vince Frates, will perform live as part of this world premiere work. This is Canfield's second original work for the company.
Guest Artist Clifton Brown will join Matthew Rushing in the Duet from Concerto Six Twenty-Two, by contemporary choreographer Lar Lubovitch.
The program will culminate with an exciting work by Pennsylvania Ballet Resident Choreographer, Matthew Neenan. Utilizing 14 dancers, At the border is staged by Tara Keating, former dancer with Pennsylvania Ballet and current company member of BalletX, co-founded by Neenan.
Legendary Bad Boy of Comedy, Andrew Dice Clay is scheduled to perform at the Award-winning Playboy Comedy March 3 – 5, 2011. Hosted by Cort McCown and Paul Hughes, Show Times are Thursday and Friday March 3rd and 4th at– 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 5 – 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. (These special performances replace the previously announced Bob Marley dates). Ticket prices are $99 for the first two rows – the ultimate Dice experience – with additional seating at $59 (inclusive of taxes). Tickets also include entry into the legendary Playboy Club following the show.
The Nevada Conservatory Theatre at UNLV presents the original play by Robert Benedetti, Summers of Fear, March 4 – 13 in the Judy Bayley Theatre. This play chronicles a thrilling episode of American medical history when Jonas Salk created an effective polio vaccine using a method that defied conventional wisdom. By 1953, the Salk vaccine had reduced polio deaths by 80 percent, but the storm of controversy it caused left Salk's reputation in tatters. Performances are at 8 p.m. on March 4, 5, 10, 11, and 12, with matinees at 2 p.m. on March 6 and 13. Tickets are $20-$30 and on sale at the UNLV Performing Arts Center Box Office.
Celebrity sightings:
Monday night, February 7, football players wrapped up the big game weekend at Marquee Nightclub inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Buffalo Bills linebacker Shawne Merriman, who just moved to Las Vegas for the off, season was with his brother and friends and was spotted drinking Patron.
Vernon Davis of the San Francisco 49ers took in the scene with friends, as did Darrelle Revis of the New York Jets.
Also spotted at Marquee, Julius Peppers of the Chicago Bears and Charles Johnson of the Carolina Panthers.
Saturday night, February 12 Jonah Hill and friends continued day two of their yearly Vegas trip, stopping first for a dinner of Italian favorites at LAVO. After fueling up, the group of friends from high school and college made their way to TAO Nightclub to take in the sounds of DJ VICE and then headed to their final stop, returning to Marquee for the second night in a row.
Holly Madison hosted a special Valentine’s Day affair at Tryst Nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas. She walked the red carpet joined by her two best friends and Holly’s World co-stars, Josh Strickland and Angel Porrino.
Missing from the event was Holly’s current beau, Jack Barakat, guitarist in the rock band All Time Low. Holly confirmed on the carpet that she is still dating Jack, but that because of their very busy schedules, they opt to keep things very mellow and not put any pressure on each other. He is currently on the East Coast preparing for a European tour.
The staff at Tryst presented Holly with an immaculate Valentine’s Day cake, a three tier creation by Freed’s Bakery in Las Vegas. Each layer was a giant stacked candy heart, with oversized Valentine’s Day candy and cherries topping it.
Josh Strickland, Holly Madison, Jesse Waites and Angel Porrino
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik/ Retna/erikkabik.com.
Holly Madison
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik/ Retna/erikkabik.com.
Angel Porrino,Josh Strickland and Holly Madison with specialty cake
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik/ Retna/erikkabik.com.
Lauren Conrad, star of the former hit MTV reality series The Hills and Laguna Beach celebrated her 25th birthday at PURE Nightclub inside of Caesar’s Palace. The Hollywood starlet was joined by eight of her closest friends including boyfriend and My Boys actor Kyle Howard, best friends Frankie Delgado and Maura McManus.
Later in the evening, Conrad was surprised as she was presented with a stylish cake decked out in the fashionistas’ favorites, a classic Chanel handbag and a pair of Christian Louboutins.
The fashion entrepreneur and New York Times best-selling author was also seen dinning at Social House inside Crystals at CityCenter before she headed over to PURE.
Lauren Conrad with her birthday cake
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image.
Lauren Conrad autographs the Pure Nightclub sign
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image.
Frankie Delgado, Lauren Conrad and Maura_McManus
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image.
Sunday night, February 13, Destin Pfaff and Rachel Federoff of Bravo’s Millionaire Matchmaker hosted “A Match Made at LAVO”, the ultimate single ladies event.
Also spotted in the club were Julian and Rohan Marley, the sons of reggae legend Bob Marley.
Rachel Federoff and Destin Pfaff
Photo credit: Al Powers
Rachel Federoff, Destin Pfaff and DJ Vice
Photo credit: Al Powers
Monday, February 14, Kim Kardashian celebrated Valentine’s Day at Marquee Nightclub inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Kardashian was accompanied by her girlfriends, including Angela Simmons, Mayte Garcia, Carla DiBello and Joyce Bonelli. Before heading to the nightclub the group dined at LAVO.
Once in the club Kardashian made her way to the stage where she joined DJ Eric D-Lux in the DJ booth, grabbing the mic and shouting out to the crowd. “I’m so excited – this is my first time at Marquee. Thanks for spending Valentine’s Day with me. We want to have a really crazy fun Valentine’s Day, so let’s party!”
A little after Kim left the club, her younger brother Rob Kardashian arrived with Shaun Phillips of the San Diego Chargers.
Enjoying the party by the pool was Twilight star Kellan Lutz, who took over a cabana with a group of male friends before getting up to check out the rest of the club.
Also at the club, was Rohan Marley who was spotted at poolside table with friends.
Dawn Richard from Diddy's new group "Diddy Dirty Money" commanded a table in Marquee's main room with a group of friends.
Tuesday night, February 15, comedian Gilbert Gottfried, along with his manager and a friend, enjoyed dinner at First Food & Bar inside The Shoppes at Palazzo. Following dinner, he enjoyed some laughs inside First’s infamous photo booth.
Wednesday, February 16, Runway Magazine held a party at LAVO’s Label Junkie Wednesday hosted by Nole Marin, a judge on America’s Next Top Model and the fashion director for Runway Magazine. He was joined by Runway’s CFO Jay Falz and Editor in Chief Diane Wallace.
Nole Marin
Photo credit: Tony Tran/Powers Imagery
Jay Falz, Dianne Wallace and Nole Marin
Photo credit: Tony Tran/Powers Imagery
