Vegas Happenings | Michelle Branch in The Venetian Showroom

Michelle Branch Performs in The Venetian Showroom to Celebrate Winter in Venice and Benefit HELP of Southern Nevada

Grammy award-winning artist Michelle Branch performed an acoustic concert in The Venetian Showroom on Thursday night, December 15, to celebrate Winter in Venice and benefit HELP of Southern Nevada in partnership with Sunny 106.5.

Looking rocker chic in a leather jacket and skinny black jeans, Branch opened the show with her chart topper “Everywhere” before going on to perform other hits including “Goodbye to You” and “Leave the Pieces.” Getting everybody into the holiday spirit, she also performed holiday favorites such as “Silent Night” and “River.” The audience was treated to a sneak peek off her upcoming album, due to be released next year, which she described as “poppier” but with a touch of the country twang people are used to from The Wreckers.

Branch joked with the crowd, telling them it was okay to take pictures and get a little rowdy since “it’s Vegas after all!” Some audience members shouted out requests to which Branch graciously obliged, resulting in loud cheers. The crowd went especially wild for her hit “All You Wanted” and the Grammy award-winning Santana collaboration “Game of Love.” After entertaining guests for more than an hour with her songs and personal stories, Branch ended the show to a standing ovation.

Branch said the holidays are her favorite time of year because, “Work slows down and I can put on sweatpants, not wear any makeup, cuddle up on the couch with my daughter and watch old Christmas movies. I’ve found new joy in Christmas as a mom and all of the holiday magic comes flooding back.”

She continued, “The season is all about sharing and giving back so I’m here to support a great cause with HELP of Southern Nevada. That’s always the message I keep at the forefront of my mind and I’m instilling that in my daughter as well, reminding her not to get carried away with the presents and to keep the spirit of giving alive.”

On the Winter in Venice celebrations, Branch exclaimed, “It’s phenomenal what The Venetian has done to get everybody in the mood. I love The Venetian because you never have to leave – it’s a one-stop holiday destination. This is my last show of the year and this has been a perfect way to wrap up 2011.”

Michelle Branch
Photo credit: Jacob Andrzejczak / ImagesOfVegas.com / ISPhotography


Michelle Branch
Photo credit: Jacob Andrzejczak / ImagesOfVegas.com / ISPhotography


Michelle Branch performing
Photo credit: Jacob Andrzejczak / ImagesOfVegas.com / ISPhotography

Additional recent and upcoming happenings include:

Setting a new attendance record, more than 35,000 residents came out the weekend of December 10 and 11, for WINTERFEST, the city of Henderson's annual Christmas celebration. They enjoyed two days filled with holiday festivities, ranging from horse-drawn carriage rides to strolling carolers and Santa Claus, and closing the event with a spectacular grand finale – the INAUGURAL WinterFest Evening Light Parade, which included more than 60 entries.

Winterfest parade


Cub Scout Pack 304


McCaw School of Mines

In the true spirit of the season, TEAM MEMBERS FROM THE VENETIAN AND THE PALAZZO adopted 55 families through HELP of Southern Nevada’s Adopt-A-Family program and donated more than 35 bikes. For many years, HELP of Southern Nevada has provided assistance to Clark County residents and their children.

Team Members from The Venetian and The Palazzo with all the gifts that were donated to 55 adopted families.
Photo credit: Robyn Andrzejczak / ImagesOfVegas.com / ISPhotography

A LOCAL SECRET SANTA donated $1 million to the non profit organization UNITED WAY OF SOUTHERN NEVADA. The  anonymous donor asked that it be used to brighten the winter season for families in need. United Way enlisted a careful vetting process to determine the individuals in need of the holiday gift, which can be used for the most basic human needs including food, diapers and shoes as well as those items that can bring a smile to a child’s face like a bike or a new book.

“We are thankful for our Secret Santa, who has already inspired others to step up and help those in need,” said Cass Palmer, president and CEO of United Way of Southern Nevada. “As a result of the contribution, United Way will be able to help thousands of Southern Nevadans have a happier holiday and have their immediate needs met.”

United Way of Southern Nevada was chosen by the donor based on its experience and knowledge of the community's needs and its ability to respond quickly and effectively.

Thanks to supporters, volunteers and one very generous donor in the community, United Way of Southern Nevada is helping more than 2,000 families, including military reservists, in dire need. Beginning Thursday, Dec. 22, text "Secret" to 545454 or go to uwsn.org/secretsanta to make a donation.  


CONGRATULATIONS to WOLFGANG MUCHOW of Henderson, NV & co-writer SETH GROSSMAN for winning the 2011 Nevada Film Offfice Screenwriting Competition!! The winning screenplay is a dramedy called "Saturday Night Samurai"..." A 50-something Japanese swordsman ventures to Las Vegas in hopes of landing a samurai dinner show on the strip".

Las Vegas was ranked the No. 1 travel destination on Travel Leaders' list of the top domestic destinations already being booked for 2012. The list of 2012 Travel Trends is based on a survey of 640 travel leaders throughout the United States. Conducted Nov. 21 to Dec. 16, the survey is based on actual booking data.

Ravella at Lake Las Vegas, a Dolce Hotel & Resort, located just seventeen miles from the action the Strip,,has been named one of GAYOT’s “Top 10 New U.S. Hotels” in 2011. GAYOT was launched in 2002 to serve as a serious resource for consumers on dining, travel and lifestyle.

TARA PALSHA, the featured dancer in VEGAS! The Show, hosted Nevada Ballet's "The Nutcracker", Sunday, December 18th at 5pm.

Tara Palsha


Tara Palsha in the Rat Pack number

For the 11th consecutive year, RIO ALL SUTE HOTEL & CASINO headliners PENN & TELLER join forces with UNITED BLOOD SERVICES to raise awareness of the need for blood donations during the holiday season. Donors will receive two complimentary tickets to Penn & Teller’s show.The blood drive will be held Saturday, Dec. 17 through Saturday, Dec. 31 at designated United Blood Services locations and mobile units. Guests may donate at the following locations and designated times:
6930 West Charleston and 601 Whitney Ranch Drive
Monday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tuesday – Thursday: 12:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed Sundays

BATTLE OF THE DANCE, the electrifying entertainment experience showcasing a dynamic fusion of dances, is playing an exclusive engagement in the Flamingo Showroom at Flamingo Las Vegas Dec. 13, 2011 – Jan. 15, 2012. Shows will be nightly at 7:30 p.m., with an additional Sunday matinee at 1:30 p.m. The show will be dark on Monday.

Battle of the Dance is a spectacular combination of color, light and movement. The international cast of award-winning professional dancers creates astounding artistry by combining the disciplines of traditional Latin, passionate Flamenco, rhythmic Celtic and exhilarating Tango dance. Ticket prices are $35.99, $54.99, $67.99 and $79.99 (plus tax and fees).

Following a successful stint as guest host on “Kelly Live!” along with an appearance on “Late Night with David Letterman,” comedian JERRY SEINFELD returns to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for two nights Dec. 26 – 27, 2011. Tickets range from $75 to $150, plus applicable tax and handling fees. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.

RPM NIGHTCLUB at the all-new Tropicana Las Vegas kicks off its Grand Opening festivities on December 30.   The gran opening also marks the debut of “WTF” Fridays with a superstar lineup of renowned House DJs DJ Dan, Christopher Lawrence and Donald Glaude guaranteed to keep the dance floor packed all night.  “WTF” will showcase popular DJs in a variety of genres guaranteed to keep the party rocking each and every Friday.

The newly-renovated space features significant aesthetic and cosmetic improvements within the interior and exterior of the venue including the addition of fifteen plush party booths and upgrades to the club’s lighting and audio/visual effects.  General admission tickets to RPM’s WTF Grand Opening featuring DJ Dan, Christopher Lawrence and Donald Glaude are $30 for women and $50 for men including an open bar from 10-11:30 p.m.  21 and over with valid ID.  All tickets are subject to tax and service fees.

Comedian/actor EDDIE GRIFFIN performs on New Year's Eve at The King's Room inside Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. Guests can enjoy an open bar 9 to 10 p.m. and then party the night away after Griffin’s performance with the house DJ spinning the best in hip-hop and R&B. Tickets are $30 plus taxes.

JOHN LEGEND Legend ring in the new year in style with a performance of his smooth, R&B sound at the Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort on Saturday, Dec. 31, at 9 p.m.Tickets are $99, $129, $154, $199 & $254, plus any additional service fees.

Multi-talented comedian and actor RODNEY CARRINGTON will host the biggest celebration of the year and ring in 2012 on AMERICAN COUNTRY NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE airing Saturday, Dec. 31 (11:00 PM-12:30 AM ET live; CT/MT/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. Carrington, and co-hosts Rick Harrison and Austin “Chumlee” Russell of “Pawn Stars,” will help count down to 2012 during the ultimate year-end party featuring some of country’s biggest and brightest musical stars.

Grammy-nominated country star JOE NICHOLS will join previously announced AMERICAN COUNTRY NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE performers LAUREN ALAINA and RODNEY ATKINS to rock the Vegas strip. The year-end festivities also will feature performances by ELI YOUNG BAND and TOBY KEITH. HOWIE MANDEL will make a special appearance to share his New Year’s resolution and offer a sneak peak of his upcoming MOBBED series of specials, airing Wednesdays, Jan. 4, Jan. 11, Feb. 1 and Feb. 8 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling recording artist and actor DRAKE takes over The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for a special New Year’s Day performance on Sunday, Jan. 1. Following the show, fans can keep the vibe going with the Young Money/Cash Money performer at the official concert after-party inside Vanity Nightclub. Individual tickets are sold out, but VIP packages are available which includes a three-night stay from Friday, Dec. 30 to Monday, Jan.  2, 2012, pair of tickets and open bar wristbands for Drake on Sunday night at The Joint and entry for two to the official concert after-party at Vanity Nightclub.  Packages start at $1,799.

MAYOR CAROLYN GOODMAN has issued a proclamation officially declaring January 2, 2012, “DEADMAU5 DAY” in the City of Las Vegas. This marks the date the electronic music phenomenon will launch his exclusive partnership with Wynn Las Vegas, debuting at XS nightclub during New Year’s Eve weekend and continuing with additional dates at both Encore Beach Club and XS through 2012.

The DR. MIRIAM & SHELDON G. ADELSON EDUCATIONAL CAMPUS is offering a free Parenting Workshop hosted by world-renowned psychologist specializing in children and families, MICHAEL G. THOMPSON, Ph.D. who has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show, CBS 60 Minutes, ABC 20/20, Good Morning America, and The Early Show.  On Sunday, Jan. 8 at 1 p.m., 400 parents will have the intimate opportunity to hear from this best selling author and sought after speaker who will provide a practical guide to raising healthy children. Adelson Educational Campus is located at 9700 West Hillpointe Road in Summerlin.

PBR ROCK BAR & GRILL inside Planet Hollywood, will offer a 10 percent discount off patrons’ dining bills when they present their badge from Las Vegas’ Consumer Electronics Show (CES) from Tuesday, Jan. 10, through Friday, Jan. 13.

STUDIO 54 AT MGM GRAND will remain open through Saturday, Feb. 4. The legendary nightclub will announce details for a closing bash in the coming weeks.

To celebrate its 50th year in operation, the ELDORADO CASINO in downtown Henderson, will offer specials and promotions throughout 2012, starting New Year’s Day:
 - The Eldorado will create a set of 2,000 commemorative, limited-edition $5 gaming chips in recognition of the anniversary.  The property will distribute 1,000 of the chips to its VIP customers on New Year’s Eve, and put the remaining 1,000 into general circulation starting in January.
 - In the property’s bingo hall, any customer winning a game on “G-50” will receive a $200 cash bonus throughout 2012.


- In a throwback to the prices of 1962, the snack bars at both the Eldorado and Jokers Wild will offer a variety of 50-cent specials throughout the year, including shrimp cocktails, hot dogs, soft drinks, draft beer and coffee.
 
On Sunday, July 1, the Eldorado will host a 50th anniversary celebration for the public, featuring cake and a champagne toast.


Celebrity Sightings:

Friday night, December 16, Britney Spears and Jason Trawick  celebrated their engagement and Trawick's 40th birthday at Sugar Factory's  bustling retail shop, sitting side-by-side over dinner with friends at Sugar Factory American Brasserie and in their luxurious private section at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens.

Chateau will host the most elaborate New Year's Eve bashes on the Las Vegas Strip, with a performance by Good Charlotte and special guest Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino on Friday, Dec. 30, and Scott Disick and Kourtney Kardashian ringing in the New Year with DJs Joel and Benji Madden on Saturday, Dec. 31.

Saturday afternoon, December 17

Forer Bachelorette, Melissa Rycroft and her husband Tye Strickland hosted an ice skating party at The Venetian’s Winter in Venice. The two traveled from Dallas, Texas celebrating the holiday season as well as their second wedding anniversary.
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Sunday afternoon, December 18, Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and Al B. Sure had Sunday brunch at Simon Restaurant & Lounge inside Palms Place Hotel And Spa.

Mike Tyson and Al B. Sure with Chef Kerry Simon
Photo credit: Simon Restaurant & Lounge

Monday night just after 8 p.m. the star studded cast of “American Idol” Steven Tyler, Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest, Jennifer Lopez accompanied by rumored beau Casper Smart and more  arrived at Social House, the delectable Pan-Asian restaurant  located at Crystals inside CityCenter to unwind and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Redfoo headlined the final Party Rock Monday of 2011at Marquee Nightclub with a special edition: All I Want For Christmas Is Foo.  Redfoo and the Party Rock crew were surprised as a marching band played in celebration of LMFAO selling 10 million singles of their hit “Party Rock Anthem” and they also were treated to a custom cake in honor of the milestone.

Spotted in The Library at Marquee for Monday night’s Celebrity Karaoke was comedian TJ Miller.

Redfoo
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery


Redfoo toasts the crowd
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery


Redfoo birthday cake
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery

Tuesday, December 20...

Vegas MAACO Bowl rivals Arizona State University and Boise State University enjoyed the acclaimed dance crew Jabbawockeez MÜS.I.C. show  on at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino.  After the show, the teams joined the famed dancers backstage for a private lesson before facing off in their own dance competition.

DJ Chuckie headlined LAVO’s All Night Tuesdays.  The mastermind behind the Dirty Dutch phenomenon was joined in the booth by Redfoo of LMFAO and some of the Party Rock Crew.

DJ Chuckie
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery


DJ Chuckie
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery


DJ Chuckie with Redfoo
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery

Friday night, December 23, “Two Broke Girls” star Jonathan Kite, stopped by Sugar Factory American Brasserie and the adjourning retail shop  at Paris Las Vegas. Then the actor posed on the red carpet before making his way to Chateau Nightclub & Gardens.

Jonathan Kite shows off his Sugar Factory couture pop
Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage

Jonathan Kite enjoying the evening at Chateau Nightclub & Garden
Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage