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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
Jonathan Byrd Unveils Plaque to Commemorate 2010 Hole-In-One Win at Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open Media Day
PGA Tour Professional Jonathan Byrd unveiled a commemorative plaque on the 17th tee at TPC Summerlin, on Tuesday, September 6, in honor of his 2010 hole-in-one win at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.
Byrd recollected this historic PGA Tour moment for members of the media, Shriners Hospitals for Children executives and Crimson Links members at the tournament’s media day and credited his win in Las Vegas for momentum in future tournament titles. Joined by fellow PGA Tour Professional Charley Hoffman, the two noted that the Fall Series events, including the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, brings a competitive edge over other stops for many players as they compete to retain their PGA Tour card.
University of Nevada Las Vegas alum and Las Vegas resident, Hoffman shed light on his 2011 season and shared details of his Charley Hoffman Foundation Las Vegas Pro Am to take place on Monday, Sept. 26, at TPC Summerlin. Following this year’s event, Hoffman, among other PGA Tour pros, will act as celebrity servers at Morton’s The Steakhouse Las Vegas to raise funds for his foundation which provides financial support for a variety of children’s organizations in San Diego and Las Vegas. Last year’s Pro Am donated more than $77,000 to five local charities including the Transportation Fund of the local Zelzah Shrine Temple, helping transport local Las Vegas children to Shriners Hospitals free of charge.
Jonathan Byrd and Adam Sperling
Jonathan Byrd unveils commemorative plaque
Tournament Director Adam Sperling announced details of the upcoming 2011 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children explaining how the event is more than a golf tournament with the numerous community events taking place throughout the week. New to the tournament line-up, two post-play celebrations will be held in the tournament’s upgraded ticket venue, The Hill on Wednesday and Sunday evening that are free for the public to attend.
Sperling also announced this year’s MGM Resorts International Pro Am will welcome Anthony Anderson, George Lopez, Cedric the Entertainer and Marshall Faulk among others.
For more information on the 2011 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, visit www.jtshrinersopen.com.
2011 La Cumbre TRAVEL SUMMIT Returns to the Venetian and Palazzo Las Vegas
The 22nd annual La Cumbre Travel Summit kicked off in grand style Wednesday evening, September 7 at the luxurious Venetian and Palazzo resorts. Now in its 22nd year, La Cumbre is the continental marketplace for travel professionals from The Americas. It is the only industry event that includes exhibitors from throughout the hemisphere and buyers from The Americas, Europe and Asia.
Over the next two days, La Cumbre hosted more than 1,000 delegates from Europe and Latin America.
More than 60 international journalists attended the opening press conference in The Venetian Showroom where Gaston Isoldi, show director of La Cumbre; John Caparella, president and chief operating officer of The Venetian; and former Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman addressed the audience.
During the press conference, Caparella commented on the upcoming upgrades to the resorts, including the current construction on both resorts’ sports books and the future modernization of the entire casino floor at The Venetian, stating that the resorts will boast the "best sports books in the country."
When asked about this year's La Cumbre summit being held at The Venetian, show director Gaston Isoldi exclaimed, "Why not The Venetian? It's one of the most wonderful resorts in the world and a Five Diamond resort where you can mix business and entertainment. It was a no-brainer for us to come here."
After the press conference, guests enjoyed a private reception at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bistro before heading up to Azure Luxury Pool for a fashion show featuring looks from The Shoppes at The Palazzo. Local Las Vegas salsa band “Latin Vida” with Brazilian drummers and salsa dancers spiced up the evening while the 30-plus restaurants from The Venetian and The Palazzo provided culinary delights for the crowd.
Audience gathers
Photo Credit: Robyn Preske, IS Photography, ImagesOfVegas.com
Gaston Isoldi
Photo Credit: Robyn Preske, IS Photography, ImagesOfVegas.com
Oscar Goodman Gaston Isoldi
Photo Credit: Robyn Preske, IS Photography, ImagesOfVegas.com
Oscar Goodman offers a toast
Photo Credit: Robyn Preske, IS Photography, ImagesOfVegas.com
John Caparella, president and chief operating officer of The Venetian
Photo Credit: Robyn Preske, IS Photography, ImagesOfVegas.com
Las Vegas's Top Retail Destinations Celebrate Fashions Night Out
Thousands of fashionistas and trendy, smart shoppers flocked to The Shoppes at the Palazzo, Crystals at City Center and The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace to partake in Fashion's Night Out on Thursday evening, September 9. The one-night-only shopping extravaganza featured an evening of fashion shows, exceptional in-store events, product demonstrations, parties, giveaways and special restaurant offerings at all three retail destinations. Participating retailers donated a portion of the evening's sales to a local charity of their choice.
At The Shoppes at The Palazzo, “E! News” and “Fashion Police” host Giuliana Rancic, and her husband Bill, the first winner of Donald Trumps “The Apprentice”, hosted Las Vegas’ fashion’s elite.
Bill and Giuliana Rancic
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Women's Fashions
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Men's Fashions
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
The couple started the evening by shopping and mingling at a private reception at Barneys New York before arriving to the shops full of cheering fans. Giuliana looked stunning in a plunging purple Diane von Furstenberg dress and statement necklace while her handsome hubby Bill wore a pinstriped tailored Dolce & Gabbana suit.
When asked about hosting the special evening, Giuliana exclaimed, “This is our first time doing Fashion’s Night Out in Vegas and you guys are doing it right. All of these people here – it’s great! I love celebrating fashion. I go to Barneys New York to see what I should be wearing.”
Commenting on the hottest fall trends, Giuliana said, “It’s all about the structured handbag for fall and a more professional look. Fur on shoes is a very hot look right now and tea length dresses are in.”
Giuliana shared her secret fashion tips: “When you’re wearing a strapless dress, use duct tape!” and “Shoes – the higher, the better!”
Giuliana and Bill led the crowd through their top five coveted items for fall including bracelets from Links of London, a colorful chameleon bag from Fendi, black hair calf kitten heels from Cole Haan, a blue paisley men’s shirt from Billionaire Italian Coutoure and fur stilettos from Christian Louboutin. The crowd was then treated to a fashion show featuring top three head-to-toe looks with signature items from Diane von Furstenberg, Canali, 7 For All Mankind and Chloe.
Giuliana and Bill concluded the evening by picking out shoes and purses for the lucky mom and daughter duo who won a $2,000 shopping spree before heading to The Venetian’s famed gondolas where Bill tried his hand as a gondolier.
Guests of Assoulines Brazilian themed Fashions Night Out event at Crystals at CityCenter
Photo credit: Jacob Andrzejczak/ImagesOfVegas.com
ARIA Resort Casinos Lemongrass serving Prawn Cake and Som Tam at Crystals for Fashions Night Out
Photo credit: Jacob Andrzejczak/ImagesOfVegas.com
Carnivale Costumed Samba dancers at Assouline for Fashions Night Out at Crystals at CityCenter
Photo credit: Jacob Andrzejczak/ImagesOfVegas.com
Crystals at CityCenter Fashions Night Out crowd enjoying Fitz and The Tantrums performance
Photo credit: Jacob Andrzejczak/ImagesOfVegas.com
Guests of Assoulines Brazilian themed Fashions Night Out event at Crystals at CityCenter
Photo credit: Jacob Andrzejczak/ImagesOfVegas.com
Lanvin raffle winner Jessica Amick celebrates at Fashions Night Out at Crystals at CityCenter
Photo credit: Jacob Andrzejczak/ImagesOfVegas.com
Live lingerie window-models at Kiki de Montparnasse for Fashions Night Out at Crystals at CityCenter
Photo credit: Jacob Andrzejczak/ImagesOfVegas.com
Inside the high end shopping mall, Crystals at CityCenter, guests were treated to unique in-store experiences, heart-pumping entertainment from soul group Fitz and the Tantrums, delicious restaurant tastings, the stylish talents of KLAS-TV news anchors Chris Saldaña and Dayna Roselli, and a surprise visit from American pop singer and member of the Grammy-nominated group 98 Degrees, Jeff Timmons!
Fitz & The Tantrums stole the show for the evening with their infectious musical performance. The Rolling Stone “Band to Watch” closed their set by belting their breakout hit “Moneygrabber” and ended the night perfectly when devoted fan and Las Vegas local Melanie Munsell (who waited over three hours to be in the front row) won a signed Fitz & The Tantrums’ Fashion’s Night Out tote. She wasn’t the only one squealing when the band, including lead vocalists Michael “Fitz” Fitzgerald and the seductive, velvet-voiced Noelle Scaggs, signed autographs and took pictures with a line of anxious fans during the post-show meet and greet.
Grammy-nominated 98 Degrees member and Chippendales’ guest star Jeff Timmons popped onstage for an impromptu appearance, modestly dismissing his fans’ applause by saying, “Tonight is not about me, it’s about these great retailers benefiting these amazing local charities.” Timmons and his pregnant wife were pulled to the stage after being spotted shopping by 8 News Now personality, event host and friend, Chris Saldaña.
Saldaña, fashionably dressed in a Paul Smith suit, and his co-host and colleague, Dayna Roselli, looking gorgeous in a sexy lace-inset Stella McCartney dress guided guests through the night’s raffles with prizes such as a two-night stay at ARIA Resort & Casino, tickets to Viva ELVIS, a VIP experience at HAZE Nightclub, Spa & Salon Vdara spa treatment, $500 Crystals gift card, Disney’s THE LION KING at Mandalay Bay tickets, passes to BODIES… The Exhibition and Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, and much more.
Additional exciting events throughout across Crystals included:
Flirty samba dancers and a Caipirinhas bar at Assouline’s Brazilian fiesta.
· Kiki de Montparnasse’s live lingerie-clad “mannequins” enticed passers-by.
· TAG Heuer offered swanky watch and 10 year old scotch paired with motor-inspired timepieces and studded with “real deal” scotch rocks.
· Hermès doormen clad in horse-heads held horse-shaped balloons and paid homage to the brand’s equestrian past.
· Stella McCartney had shoppers lined up for their old-time popcorn cart and photo booth with over-the-top props.
Las Vegas favorites, the Nevada Pops Jazz Trio also entertained guests at Mikimoto and localite Michael Shulman provided fabulous DJing at Dior, complete with crystal-encrusted headphones and one snazzy velvet blazer. Minglers included CityCenter President & CEO Bobby Baldwin, Founder of Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health Larry Ruvo, Smith Center for Performing Arts President Myron Martin, Light Group President Mike Myers and Nevada Cancer Institute Vice President Shelley Gitomer.
CityCenter restaurants: Todd English P.U.B., Mastro’s Ocean Club, Eva Longoria’s Beso Steakhouse, Social House, Lemongrass and UNION Restaurant & Lounge drew endless lines of guests with delicious offerings at complimentary tasting stations. When not feasting on the amazing food, guests could create keepsakes for the night with a unique iPhoto booth that uploaded their portraits instantly to a Facebook gallery.
Meanwhile, at The Forum Shops at Caesars, Jimi Urquiaga, a 20-year-old aspiring fashion designer was awarded the first-ever title of Las Vegas’ Best New Designer by Caesars Palace headline entertainer Matt Goss at a special fashion show.
Designer Frankie Ortiz was 1st runner up and local student Mikayla Marrujo was named 2nd runner up in the unprecedented, month-long online search and public voting period that culminated in a special fashion show featuring the top three finalists at the premiere retail shopping destination.
“What an amazing feeling,” said Urquiaga. “It is really satisfying to know that my hard work and dedication really paid off. It feels great to be named Las Vegas’ Best New Designer.”
Along with winning bragging rights and having his fashion featured on the runway, Urquiaga also takes home a $500 shopping spree from The Forum Shops and an opportunity to spend a “Day in the Life” with Vegas Magazine editor Abby Tegnelia. In honor of Fashion’s Night Out and the search, The Forum Shops also provided the Art Institute of Las Vegas with a scholarship.
In addition to the naming of Las Vegas’ Best New Designer, Fashion’s Night Out at The Forum Shops was a magical evening of hourly fashion shows featuring 25 specialty retail partners, and as well as other event festivities. Further creating a distinctly celebratory vibe for Fashion’s Night Out, special lounge areas, photo booths and entertainment were offered throughout the retail destination.
This year, more than 80 retailers and restaurants at The Forum Shops participated in the global celebration of shopping.
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Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Lemongrass Restaurant
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Sushi
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Ocean Club
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Dessert Pops
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Carnivale Costumed Samba dancers at Assouline
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas includes:
It is with great sadness to report the sudden, unexpected death of Amy Roberts, whose husband, Dan, is the editor of The Vegas Voice and North Las Vegas Voice newspapers. Our deepest, sincere sympathy goes to our colleague Dan Roberts and his family for their tragic loss.The newest addition to The Mirage’s family of bottlenose dolphins is a healthy male calf born Saturday, Aug. 20 to Huf n Puf, who was born at Siegried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat in March 2000. The birth of this calf marks the second time within seven weeks that a dolphin has given birth at the facility.
BLUSH NIGHTCLUB, which recently celebrated its fourth anniversary, closed its doors on Saturday, September 10. Wynn Las Vegas and Las Vegas Nightlife Group said plans for the space will be announced in the coming weeks.
With new ownership in place the LAS VEGAS MOB EXPERIENCE announced it will make significant improvements to the attraction. During this time, the museum that houses the artifacts will remain open while upgrades are being made to the “Experience” portion of the attraction. The technology upgrades will begin Monday, September 12; an announcement will come soon regarding a completion date. Upgrades will be made to the technology aspects within the attraction, audio/visual effects as well as changes to the sets/scenes within. During this time guests will be able to visit and view the Mob Experience’s world-class collection of mob artifacts and memorabilia incuding personal items, photos and videos belonging to Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel, Meyer Lansky, Sam Giancana, Tony Spilotro, Charles “Lucky” Luciano, Mickey Cohen and many others. The museum will be open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Admission will be $10.
As football season kicks off, Caesars Palace Race & Sports Book announces the voice of sports for Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas resorts, Todd Fuhrman in the role of Senior Race and Sports Book Analyst. Fuhrman also acts as the spokesperson for each of Caesars Entertainment’s eight sports books in Las Vegas.
World-famous dance crew JABBAWOCKEEEZ has extended the run of its celebrated show “MÜS.I.C.” at the Monte Carlo through Spring 2012.
Third season-winner of American Idol and Grammy winning R & B singer, FANTASIA, will perform at the Las Vegas Hilton Theater on September 16. Special guest will be Grammy-nominated R&B singer and songwriter Jon B (born Jonathan David Buck). Show time for Fantasia and Jon B. is at 10 p.m. Tickets are $69 and $79, plus taxes and fees.
Legendary boxer, MIKE TYSON, will host an exclusive autograph signing and public appearance on the Chateau Nightclub & Gardens’ terrace at Paris Las Vegas on Friday, Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Memorabilia will be available for the public to purchase including, photographs, gloves, trunks, championship belts and photo opportunities.
Mike Tyson
For the 6th consecutive year, OLYMPIA WEEKEND, the most prestigious event in the world of bodybuilding, returns to the Orleans Arena, Friday and Saturday September 16 and 17. Doors open at 6 p.m. Mr. Olympia is an annual bodybuilding competition sanctioned by the International Federation of Body Builders Professional League (IFBB Pro League).Four-time and current Mr. Olympia and Las Vegan Jay Cutler will compete to defend his title. Competing to take Cutler’s title are the world’s best bodybuilders, including Phil Heath, Dexter Jackson, Kai Greene, Branch Warren and Dennis Wolf, among many others.
The parallel contest, Ms. Olympia, will feature Ms. Olympia Iris Kyle, Fitness Olympia Adela Garcia, Figure Olympia Erin Stern and Bikini Olympia Sonia Gonzalez, who will return to defend their titles.
Reserved seating for Mr. Olympia Judging, Fitness and Ms. Olympia Finals on Friday, September 16 –are priced at $64.86 to $211.52 Reserved seating for Figure and Mr. Olympia Finals on Saturday, September 17are priced at $75.33 to $263.90.
Seven-time Grammy Award winner GLADYS KNIGHT was originally scheduled to hold her final performance at the newly transformed Tropicana Las Vegas on September 3. But due to the show’s immense success, the “Empress of Soul” will be extending her special engagement. Gladys Knight “A Mic and a Light”, which showcases 90 minutes of fan favorites such as “Midnight Train to Georgia” and “The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” as well as newer hits, will continue to entertain audiences Tuesdays through Sundays at 8 p.m. through the end of the year. Tickets are priced at $75 and $85 plus tax and applicable fees. VIP packages are also available for $105 plus tax and applicable fees. Las Vegas locals who purchase tickets at the Box Office are eligible to receive a VIP assigned seat for the price of a general admission ticket Tuesdays through Thursdays when they present a valid Nevada ID.
PEEPSHOW, Las Vegas’ hottest show and only striptease spectacular has announced that Las Vegas local Angel Porrino, co-star on the hit TV series, “Holly’s World” on E! and featured performer in “Absinthe,” will once again take over the role of “Bo Peep,” a modern woman who discovers her sexuality, during Holly Madison’s hard-earned vacation from September 19-25 and December 5-11, 2011.
KLUC’s FREESTYLE EXPOSITION, a night filled with music, returns to the Orleans Arena for one night only, September 24 at 7:30 p.m. Featuring: Exposé, Lisa Lisa, The Cover Girls, Shannon, Debbie Deb, Johnny O, Cynthia and Nice and Wild. Reserved seating is priced at $30, $45 and $75. Prices include tax.
The Jewish Community Center of Southern Nevada (JCCSN) is celebrating their one year anniversary in their new home in Summerlin on Sunday, September 25 from 1 – 4 p.m. The event is FREE and open to the public, and JCC of Southern Nevada will highlight all of its programs and activities by giving guests a “Taste of the JCC.” Free activities for all ages, including health screening by Touro University, vendors, raffles, complimentary cake and live entertainment by America’s Got Talent finalist and Acrobatic Magician Seth Grabel are just some of the highlights of the one-year anniversary festivities. JCC of Southern Nevada is located at 9001 Hillpointe Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89134.
As part of their North American Tour ‘ALL YOU NEED IS NOW’ British rock band Duran Duran will perform at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino along with special guest American alternative pop-rockers NEON Trees on Friday, Sept. 30. Tickets start at $89.50 (plus applicable service fees),
Celebrity Sightings:
Friday afternoon, September 9 Gretchen Rossi and her longtime beau, Slade Smiley, of Bravo TV’s “The Real Housewives of Orange County” enjoyed lunch at Sugar Factory American Brasserie) at Paris Las Vegas.
Gretchen Rossi and Slade Smiley with Couture Pops at Sugar Factory in Las Vegas
Photo credit:: Sugar Factory
Gretchen Rossi enjoying lunch at Sugar Factory American Brasserie
Photo credit:: Sugar Factory
Saturday evening, September 10, Pete Wentz, former bassist of the rock band Fall Out Boy joined friend and fellow entertainer, Clinton Sparks in Moon Nightclub inside the Palms Casino Resort. Wentz joined Sparks to celebrate his birthday and revel at his resident DJ bash at Moon entitled The Awesome Party. Wentz was joined by members of his new group, The Black Cards.
Pete Wentz
Photo credit: Joe Fury for 9 Group
Pete Wentz and Clinton Sparks
Photo credit: Joe Fury for 9 Group
Television personality and Kevin Federline's former girlfriend, Shar Jackson, showed off her sexy side for an over-the-top birthday celebration at the all-new Night School 4 Girls class inside Excalibur Hotel & Casino.
Shar Jackson become Peaches Galore during class at Night School 4 Girls
Photo credit: Scott Harrison/RETNA
Jackson and girlfriends learned the sultry moves of burlesque and pole-style dancing from pro-instructor, Tracey, one of the showgirls from FANTASY at Luxor Hotel & Casino.
Legendary beat boxer Doug E. Fresh, known as "the Human Beat Box", celebrated his birthday at LAX Nightclub inside Luxor Hotel & Casino. The artist took the stage just after 1:30 a.m. and delivered a memorable show-stopping performance for the partygoers. After the mini-concert, he joined his entourage in their exclusive VIP booth next to the DJ booth.
Doug E. Fresh with cake
Photo credit: Scott Berry
Sunday night, September 11, Shar Jackson, accompanied by one of her close friends, took a spin around Sugar Factory at Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Shar Jackson at Sugar Factory
Photo courtesy of Sugar Factory