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
Brenden Theatres Holds Special Screening of 'A Better Life'
Johnny Brenden, in collaboration with The Latin Chamber of Commerce, hosted a special screening of the soon to be released movie “A Better Life" at the Brenden Theatres inside the Palms Resort Casino on Thursday, June 16, 2011.
Chris Saldana, TV reporter from local television station Channel 8, addressed the audience with the announcement that Johnny Brenden was unable to be in attendance as he was was unexpectedly called away. Saldana went on to thank Brenden for his continuous support and contribution to the community and philanthropic endeavors. Following in the footsteps of his philanthropic grandfather Johnny Mann, owner of the famed, Mann Theatres in Hollywood, Brenden has donated millions to worthy causes.
As an example of his commitment to the community, Brenden's generous grant of $25,000 to UNLV's film program enables film students to complete their education. Francisco Mendendez, Chair of UNLV'S Film Department was on hand to present the Inaugural Filmmaker's Award of $25,000 to student, Constanza Castro, the first Latin student to produce her own film.
Francisco Mendendez, Chair of UNLV'S Film Department (left) and Constanza Castro
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The presentation was a fitting accompaniment to the preview screening of the gripping film, “A Better Life”, which tells the timely story of a Mexican immigrant and his struggle to make a better life for himself and his son in the United States.
Prior to the start of the screening, the film's producer/director Chris Weitz, best known for his work as a producer on “American Pie,” “In Good Company,” and “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist,” and for directing “The Golden Compass” and “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”, made a special appearance to talk briefly about his latest work that means so much to him.
Chris Weitz
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Weitz told the audience about his personal connection to the Latin community. Most people are probably not aware that Weitz's grandmother was a Latina, born in Mexico before coming to the United States. It was obvious this film and it's theme is very dear to his heart. Before leaving to head back to Los Angeles, Weitz said he hoped audiences will be moved and that “This is a film that needs tender loving care.”
'A Better Life', directed by Chris Weitz is rated PG and opens in theatres on Friday, July 8.
'Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular' Celebrates Fifth Anniversary at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino
Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular celebrated its fifth anniversary Thursday, June 23. The success of the production goes to show that “Broadway” can and does flourish in Las Vegas.
After the performance, during curtain call, Phantom star Anthony Crivello was presented with a bottle of champagne and, along with the entire cast, made a toast in honor of the momentous occasion. “On behalf of the cast, crew, producers and all of us from top to bottom, I want to thank you for the support for over five years”, Crivello told the packed audience. Then raising his glass he said, “Here's to another five years.”
Video credit: Dianne R. Davis
More than 150 cast and crew members work together each night to put on a dazzling experience for the audience. The fifth anniversary performance of Phantom—The Las Vegas Spectacular on June 23 marked 2190 performances at The Venetian. To date, this production has executed more than 500,000 special effects, 11,000 romantic kisses have been shared on stage and the $5 million chandelier has “crashed” a distance equal to five times the height of Mt. Everest.
“Five years ago 'Phantom—The Las Vegas Spectacular' raised the bar for Las Vegas entertainment with a show that added brand new elements to a classic story,” says Scott Zeiger, co-CEO of BASE Entertainment. “The success this show has achieved is due to the world-class cast and crew who put on a production each night that can only be seen here in Las Vegas. It is an unforgettable and unmatched theater experience.”
'Phantom—The Las Vegas Spectacular' will continue to celebrate its fifth anniversary throughout the duration of the summer with a special offer for its fans. For a limited time, guests can enjoy a 2 for $99 ticket offer. This offer can be redeemed by using the code 99PAIR when ordering tickets. The offer is valid through September 4, 2011 and is not valid on previously purchased tickets.
'Absinthe' Stars Get The Roman Treatment at Ceasars Beer Garden Tweet Up Event
'ABSINTHE' and The Gazillionaire celebrated the overwhelming success of the hit show at a special party at Caesars Palace's outdoor Beer Garden. During this celebration, the cast of 'ABSINTHE' made a grand entrance surrounded by a host of Roman characters. Caesar and Cleopatra, along with their entourage, proclaimed June 24 as 'ABSINTHE' Day.
The Gazillionaire arrives
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The full cast of Absinthe
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
During this celebratory afternoon, KVGS-FM 107.9 The Alternative broadcast, held a live radio remote from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.while 'ABSINTHE' also hosted a “Tweet Up” meeting over 100 avid social networkers, as well as onlookers enjoying the festivities. Social media mavens tweeted for special prizes including show tickets, overnight hotel packages at the Flamingo Las Vegas, dinner for two at Bradley Ogden, Qua Spa Packages and much more. Complimentary food and beverages were provided by Serendipity 3, PJ Clarkes, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville and Planet Hollywood Restaurant.
Serendipity 3 also presented the cast with the 'ABSINTHE' Gazillionaire Sundae which will be part of the menu throughout the summer. Recently declared “The Best Show on The Strip” by Las Vegas Weekly, 'ABSINTHE' can be seen Tuesday – Sunday at the Roman Plaza at Caesars Palace. Locals receive $20 off per ticket by using the code “LOCAL” in all ticketing channels.
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
World Tea Expo Features All Things Tea
The biggest and grandest Tea Party in the world is held annually in Las Vegas and it has nothing to do with politics. I am referring to the World Tea Expo which took place June 24-26 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. It is the largest and most prominent event for the tea industry drawing thousands of professionals for three days filled of all things tea. The 2011 Expo featured numerous new product launches, the hottest tea topics, and hands-on educational and networking opportunities for tea professionals, retailers, restaurateurs, food service leaders, hoteliers, spa owners and other business professionals who want to learn more about the latest opportunities and tea trends, which consumers can expect to see more of in the future.
A s the annual trade event for the $8 billion tea industry, which is expected to grow to nearly $15 billion in 2012, World Tea Expo brings more than 4,000 attendees to Las Vegas, Nevada for the annual convention. This is the place where Delegates are given the opportunity to gain extensive product knowledge, connect with peers, visit more than 200 exposition booths and experience more than 200 new tea product unveilings. In addition, the event featured more than 60 conference sessions, including hands-on skill building workshops, focused tea tastings, technical education and insightful industry round tables.
Highlights for this year’s World Tea Expo included: Industry Night with the Pioneers; Cooking with Tea Workshop with award-winning chefs; a keynote address by Chuck Underwood, author of “The Generational Imperative --- Understanding Generational Differences in the Workplace, Marketplace and Living Room”; the Tea Infusion Challenge; and the North American Tea Championship Winners Tasting Circle.
This year's World Tea Expo also featured a World Origin Tasting Tour, an interactive and informative program that allows attendees to experience the tastes and cultures of some of the most important tea-growing regions in the world, including Sri Lanka, India, China, Japan and Taiwan. Expert tour guides led attendees on a journey through each country's tea culture and unique manufacturing processes. During the "tour," attendees were offered samplings of six to eight teas that are authentic to each origin, giving them a solid understanding of the flavors and profiles of the regions.
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Read this week's edition of Jacqueline Monahan's About The Town column for her coverage and highlights of the 2011 World Tea Expo.
Golden Rainbow's 25th Annual Ribbon of Life at Paris Theatre
Local HIV/AIDS nonprofit GOLDEN RAINBOW hosted its 25th annual “RIBBON OF LIFE” fundraising spectacular at Paris Théâtre inside Paris Las Vegas Hotel on Sunday, June 26. Prior to the show, guests were greeted at the theatre entrance with fancy feather boas to celebrate the show’s silver anniversary. This year’s “Ribbon of Life” drew a record-setting crowd with 1,158 people in attendance including Siegfried Fischbacher from Siegfried & Roy. Hosted by 8 News Now anchor Chris Saldaña and Edie the Entertainer, each number left the audience curious for more. Hit acts included “Big Spender” by Fantasy, “The Color Purple” by THE LION KING, Tarzan’s “Everything I Am” by PEEPSHOW headliner and co-star of E!’s “Holly’s World” Josh Strickland, “Footloose” by Human Nature and Clint Holmes’ rendition of “West Side Story” which earned a standing ovation from the crowd, just to name a few.
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue/Donoghue Photography
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue/Donoghue Photography
Josh Strickland
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue/Donoghue Photography
Clint Holmes
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue/Donoghue Photography
Rick Faugno
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue/Donoghue Photography
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue/Donoghue Photography
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue/Donoghue Photography
Following the spectacular, show attendees enjoyed an after-party at Chateau Nightclub and Gardens and celebrated with a silent auction, music, cocktails and a cake designed by Freed’s Bakery of Las Vegas. The benefit raised more $151,000, surpassing the previous year’s goal by $20,000. Money raised during the event directly supports Golden Rainbow’s mission to provide housing and financial assistance to individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Starting June 27, PIANO! LAS VEGAS™ is offering a Summer Special at V Theater inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. All children ages 18 and under will get in for free. The show featuring Ryan Ahern's exciting and lush arrangements, is for audience members of all ages.
The COSMOPOLITAN OF LAS VEGAS has received two top awards at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, an international awards contest for advertising and communications.The resort and its digital ad agency, Digital Kitchen, received a Grand Prix design honor and a Gold Lion for the digital displays throughout the resort which include columns in the hotel lobby with digital screens featuring artist videos.The Cosmopolitan's outdoor marquee along the Strip also shows artist videos, live boxing matches alongside marketing messages.
JOE MAGLIARDITI, former President and CEO of the Hard Rock Hotel, has been appointed President of THE PALMS. In his role, Magliarditi will oversee all hotel and casino operations for the 1,300-room resort destination. The announcement came three days after Paul Pusateri's departure was announced. Pusateri was executive vice president of The Venetian before he joined the Palms in September 2009.
All summer long guests of the seductive hit show FANTASY now have the opportunity to receive a complimentary calendar when they mention “Summer Sizzle” with the purchase of two (2) tickets to FANTASY at any box office location inside the Luxor Hotel and Casino. FANTASY performs nightly at 10:30 p.m. in the Atrium Showroom at Luxor Hotel and Casino. Tickets start at $39, plus taxes and handling fees. Guests must be 18 years of age or older.
In addition to celebrating their 500th show at Imperial Palace on June 30, “Smokey Robinson Presents Australia's “HUMAN NATURE – THE ULTIMATE CELEBRATION OF THE MOTOWN SOUND” will film the group’s first PBS special at the Paris Théâtre inside Paris Las Vegas on Wednesday, July 6 and Thursday, July 7. The special is set to air on PBS later this fall and will include an appearance by Smokey Robinson. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. each night. Tickets are $79 and $59 plus applicable fees and taxes.
Disney’s THE LION KING at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino welcomes PHINDILE MKHIZE, DASHUAN YOUNG and SAMANTHA WARE to the cast of the Las Vegas production this summer. South African native Mkhize takes the stage as Rafiki Monday, July 4 after touring with THE LION KING for eight years. LION KING veteran, Young began his role as Simba in Las Vegas Thursday, June 23 following performances in London, Broadway and the National Tour. Broadway newcomer, 19 year old Ware debuted as the playful and determined lioness Nala.on Monday, June 13.
The Orleans Arena hosts the upcoming 105.7 THE OASIS OLD SCHOOL SUMMER JAM, Saturday, July 23, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The line up of chart toppers performing at the event include: Ohio Players - "Fire" and "Love Rollercoaster"; SOS Band - "Take Your Time (Do It Right)" and "Just Be Good to Me"; Midnight Star - "Operator," "No Parking (On the Dance Floor)," "Slow Jam," "Midas Touch" and "Freak-A-Zoid"; Evelyn Champagne King - "Shame," "Betcha She Don't Love You," "I'm in Love" and "Love Come Down"; Atlantic Starr - "Always" and "Secret Lovers"; Tone Loc - "Wild Thing" and "Funky Cold Medina"; and Young MC - "Busta Move.” Reserved seating is priced at $65, $35 and $29 including taxes.
Latino comedian and actor GABRIEL IGLESIAS will debut his hilarious stand-up routine at The Mirage Hotel & Casino Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23. The shows are scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. nightly. Tickets are priced at $49.99 and $59.99, not including tax and fees.
On July 30, 2011, JUBILEE! at BALLY'S LAS VEGAS will not only celebrate its Pearl anniversary; it will secure a place in Las Vegas history as the longest-running show on the famous Las Vegas Strip.
Celebrity Sightings:
Wednesday, June 22 singer Ryan Leslie hosted the evening at LAX Nightclub inside Luxor Hotel and Casino with a special performance.
Attached images by Kyle Hines.
Slick Rick hosted the latest installment of Old School Wednesdays at LAVO. The rapper dined with his wife and friends at the Italian eatery. Afterwards, he made his way to a VIP table in the club before performing for the packed crowd and taking photos with fans.
Slick Rick performing
Photo credit: Al Powers
Slick Rick performing
Photo credit: Al Powers
Anaheim Ducks star Corey Perry celebrated his NHL Hart Trophy win with friends and family at dinner at Nove Italiano inside the Palms Casino Resort after the 2011 NHL Awards show. T
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Actor Jon Hamm and some friends had dinner at N9NE steakhouse inside the Palms Casino Resort after the 2011 NHL Awards Show.
Legendary NFL running back, Larry Johnson, showed off his musical talent as he DJed at Gallery Nightclub inside Planet Hollywood. Also spotted were members of Far East Movement enjoying the party scene.
Larry Johnson in the DJ booth at Gallery Nightclub
Photo Credit: Gallery Nightclub
Far East Movement enjoys the party at Gallery Nightclub
Photo Credit: Gallery Nightclub
Thursday night, June 23 Miami Heat superstar Chris Bosh had dinner with some friends at N9NE Steakhouse.
Friday night, June 24, Resident DJ, Samantha Ronson, hit the turntables at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens inside Paris Las Vegas for a high-energy set.
Overlooking the Las Vegas Strip on Chateau’s outdoor terrace, UFC superstars, Michael Bisping, Tiki Ghosn and Razor Rob McCullough were seen partying together in a cabana. The trio will be featured on the upcoming season of "The Ultimate Fighter" on Spike with Bisping serving as a head coach and Ghosn and McCullough as assistant coaches.
Samantha Ronson live DJ set at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens.
Photo credit: Anthony Cordell
Samantha Ronson at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at Paris Ls Vegas.
Photo credit: Anthony Cordell
UFC's Tiki Ghosn, Michael Bisping and Razor Rob McCullough at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens.
Photo credit: Anthony Cordell
Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas launched the residency of DJ Pauly D.
DJ Pauly D kicked off the weekend with an energizing performance poolside at the Palms’ weekly party, Ditch Fridays, at the Palms Pool & Bungalows.
Later Pauly enjoyed a great dinner with a few friends at Nove Italiano inside the Palms.
From MTV’s “Jersey Shore” fame, the reality star closed the night at Palms and performed to thousands at Rain Nightclub. A red, white and green carpet was rolled out for him and fans as they entered the club.
Beyonce's younger sister, singer/actress Solange Knowles enjoyed lunch at Marquee Dayclub. Knowles, who is celebrating her 25th birthday, was surprised with cupcakes the arrived with cocktail servers carrying giant animal rafts.
Cam Newton, quarterback for the Carolina Panthers was back at Marquee Dayclub for the second night in a row, enjoying the day with friends and his brother.
Later in the evening Miami Heat power forward Chris Bosh was spotted at Marquee Nightclub. He partied in the Boombox Room after having dinner at LAVO.
Solange Knowles also hit the Boombox Room in the early hours of the morning after her party at LAVO.
Also celebrating a birthday was Marquee resident DJ Chuckie, who turned 33 at midnight. The “Dirty Dutch” was surprised with a cake during his set in the main room.
DJ Chuckie
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery
DJ Chuckie spins at Marquee
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery
Nicole Scherzinger celebrated her upcoming 33rd birthday with a weekend in Las Vegas. The pop star and host of the X-Factor started the Vegas vacation relaxing in the sun at Marquee Dayclub. At night the solo artist and lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls dined at LAVO, enjoying signature dishes before heading up to the nightclub where she was surprised with birthday cupcakes.
Saturday, June 25...
Nicole Scherzinger continued her birthday celebration on Saturday afternoon as she returned to Marquee Dayclub, commanding a cabana and taking in the sounds of DJs Roger Sanchez and Dirty South with a surprise set by ATB. She was treated to a cake designed by Gimme Some Sugar before hopping into the DJ booth with Roger Sanchez.
The celebrating wrapped up Saturday night at TAO with her friends from high school joining the party. As a five tier cake with a microphone was presented to the pop star her friends, including members of the Lion King cast and the A Cappella group Mosaic, sang happy birthday.
British pop music sensation Jay Sean took Sin City by storm as he thrilled partygoers with a live performance at PURE Nightclub inside Caesars Palace.
Saturday afternoon,Jay Sean also performed his chart-topping hits poolside at Venus Pool Club also at Caesars Palace.
Jay Sean performing
Photo credit: Scott Berry
Jay Sean
Photo credit: Scott Berry
Music superstar and budding pop culture icon, Nicki Minaj, held her official Femme Fatale Tour after-party at Gallery Nightclub at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The self-proclaimed “Harajuku Barbie” walked Gallery's red carpet joined by singer Taio Cruz.
Before joining the party, Minaj indulged in a late night dinner at Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Paris Las Vegas.
Nicki Minaj walks the red carpet at Gallery Nightclub inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage
Taio Cruz walks the red carpet at Gallery Nightclub inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage
Nicki Minaj at her official Femme Fatal Tour after-party at Gallery Nightclub in Las Vegas
Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage
Award-winning group Jagged Edge celebrated its album release party at LAX Nightclub in Luxor Hotel and Casino by including a special performance.
Jagged Edge
Photo credit: Scott Berry
Jagged Edge performing
Photo credit: Scott Berry
Shaq and his friends dined at Nove Italiano inside the Palms Casino Resort. Afterwards Shaq went to Chef Geno’s office to sign his famous shakedown door and take a picture with him.
After dinner Shaq, along with family and friends, headed to celebrate his retirement party at Moon Nightclub inside the Palms Casino Resort.
New York Jets Quarterback Mark Sanchez stopped by to say hello to Shaq as did Illusionist Criss Angel. Palms resident DJ Pauly D topped off his weekend launch at Moon Nightclub in front of a packed and passionate crowd.
Earlier in the night Mark Sanchez had dinner with some friends at N9NE steakhouse.
Taio Cruz performed live at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at Paris Las Vegas. Also at Chateau on Saturday was Chad Rogers from Bravo TV’s “Million Dollar Listing,” reality producer David Weintraub, professional gamer Johnathan Wendel (better known as “Fatal1ty” in the gaming world), Katie Cazorla from TV Guide Channel’s “Nail Files,” Kristen Sciacca and Kara Henderson from E!’s hit show “Bridalplasty,” Jacob Young from “The Young and the Restless” and straight from their Vegas concert, Britney Spears’ cast and crew.
Taio Cruz inside Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at Paris Las Vegas.
Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage
Taio Cruz performing live at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at Paris Las Vegas.
Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage
Lo Bosworth partied poolside at Tao Beach to celebrate her sister Erin Bosworth’s bachelorette party.
The bride-to-be was surprised with a violet cake adorned with the saying “Last Fling Before the Ring.”
The bachelorette party continued Saturday night as the Bosworth ladies and friends dined at TAO Asian Bistro before heading up to the nightclub.
Solange Knowles also dined at TAO with friends and then made her way to Marquee where she manned the tables in The Library.
Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat dined with friends under TAO’s famed Buddha. After dinner they took over a VIP table in the moat section of the club.
Marcus Trufant of the Seattle Seahawks was spotted taking in the scene in the nightclub.
Nicole Scherzinger wrapped up her birthday celebration with dinner and dancing at TAO.
AT LAVO Michael Del Zotto of the New York Rangers celebrated his 21st birthday with a group of friends that included MMA fighter Sam Stout.
Erin and Lo Bosworth
Photo credit: Al Powers
Chris Bosh and friends
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Lo and Erin Bosworth toast with friends
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Indiana Pacers power forward, 25 year old Tyler Hansbrough held his friend’s bachelor party at XS Nightclub. The NBA star celebrated with seven of his closest friends at a private table.
Electronic artist Skrillex played to a massive crowd at the Neon Garden stage at Electric Daisy Carnival. Just before ending his set in the early hours of the morning, Skrillex asked the fans to dedicate a moment of silence in memory of his friend Ryan Dunn. The daredevil, made famous by appearances in Jackass and MTV’s Viva La Bam, was tragically killed in a recent car accident.
NBA phenom Shaquille O'Neal celebrated his retirement and satisfied his sweet tooth at Sugar Factory at Paris Las Vegas. O'Neal, who was accompanied by girlfriend, reality star Nicole Alexander, sampled sweets in Sugar Factory's retail store.
Following their shopping excursion, O'Neal and Alexander grabbed a private booth at The Chocolate Lounge inside Sugar Factory American Brasserie.
Also spotted at the sweetest spot on the Strip was Indiana Pacers player, Tyler Hansbrough. with a group of friends.
Shaquille O’Neal and girlfriend, Nicole Alexander with Sugar Factory Couture Pops
Photo Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty Images
O’Neal eating candy in Sugar Factory at Paris Las Vegas
Photo Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Tyler Hansbrough, of the Indiana Pacers, at Sugar Factory in Paris Las Vegas
Photo credit: Sugar Factory
Boxing legend Mike Tyson renewed his vows with wife, Lakiha Spicer in Las Vegas.
this weekend. Jenny McCarthy and Holly Madison were among the tens of thousands of attendees at the 3 day event, Electric Daisy Carnival, known as North America’s largest electronic music festival, that was held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
The girls hung out on the posh VIP stage run by XS and Marquee nightclubs where they had the best views in the house for headlining performers Tiesto, David Guetta and Swedish House Mafia, overlooking a sea of more than 40,000 festival goers below at just one of the event’s six stages. McCarthy was spotted on both Friday and Sunday nights while Madison was a dedicated fan, attending each evening after her performances in PEEPSHOW.
Jenny McCarthy and Holly Madison
Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/XS Nightclub
Monday night, June 27, Britney Spears, was spotted in the crowed at Jabbawockeez critically acclaimed show, MÜS.I.C. at Monte Carlo with rumored finance Jason Trawick and sons, Jayden James and Sean Preston.
Actor, Taye Diggs, known for his role as “Dr. Sam Bennett” on the hit ABC series, “Private Practice,” was spotted watching the sexy Las Vegas female revue, FANTASY, inside Luxor Hotel and Casino with a close friend.
Taye Diggs and FANTASY dancers outside the Atrium Showroom