Vegas Happenings | Bellagio's Conservatory Exhibit | Fire-Breathing, 128-Foot Dragon | 2012 International CES | Canon's 13th Annual Benefit Fundraiser | Miss America's Outstanding Teens

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Celebrates Chinese New Year with Spectacular New Exhibit

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens invites visitors to celebrate the Year of the Dragon during Chinese New Year with a vibrant display honoring the mythical creature that symbolizes good fortune and power. A serene sanctuary guided by the ancient practice of Feng Shui – the art of using surroundings to attract harmony, balance and positive life energy – is on view through March 4.

The majestic centerpiece of this exhibit consists of two animated 25-foot blue Dragons coiled around a cylinder of water. Rising from an island of tropical botanicals, the cylinders are accompanied by two 3,000-pound stone waterfalls surging nearby. A spectacular photo opportunity presents itself as the Dragons blow steam from their nostrils in an attempt to playfully swat at a legendary, oversized iridescent red pearl hanging directly above. The pearl, in Chinese lore, represents wealth, good luck and prosperity.

Nearby, two additional animated dragons, green and gold in color, actively lunge in the direction of the centerpiece. These 15-foot long dragons represent the elements wood and metal and are surrounded by a zig-zag bridge that leads to the striking gazebo. The bridge’s design follows the principles of Feng Shui, providing a difficult route for negative energy and bad spirits.

Just steps away in the North Garden, two animated dragons, brown and red, mirror their counterparts. These dragons represent the elements earth and fire and are surrounded by oversized silk red Chinese lanterns, a Chinese-style bridge and gold-leafed I-Ching coins, a traditional Chinese symbol for money.

The entrance of the Conservatory features a 21,000-gallon pond housing more than 200 Koi fish. The pond is found amidst I-Ching coins and flanked by four Ming Dynasty-style dings, ancestral vessels that protect against bad fortunes.

Legend has it that Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came. The fifth animal in the Asian zodiac, the legendary Dragon, serves as a symbol of ambition and is a master of authority. Those born in the Year of the Dragon, the most desirable year, tend to be passionate, strong leaders and artistically gifted.

For the first time during Bellagio’s Chinese New Year display, the Conservatory will feature live entertainment.  Chinese musicians will perform traditional folk and pop music with authentic Chinese instruments including the erhu, ruan and pipa. Complimentary performances take place 5 p.m. – 6 p.m., daily, within the South Garden, for the duration of the exhibit.The Chinese New Year exhibit within Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is on view seven days a week, 24 hours a day through March 4.  Visitors are welcome to enjoy the spectacular display for FREE.

Fire-Breathing, 128-Foot Dragon Settles in at the Palazzo for Chinese New Year

The Waterfall & Atrium Gardens of The Palazzo will host Las Vegas’ premier Chinese New Year attraction as a 128-foot hand-crafted, fire-breathing dragon is suspended above in the 65-foot-high space. Spanning the entire atrium, the one-of-a-kind, 8,000-pound dragon will be perched amidst the ground fountain and breathe fire from Jan. 23 through Feb. 5 at 1 and 5 p.m. (2 p.m. on Chinese New Year Day following the dragon dance).

Regarded as the mightiest of signs, the dragon symbolizes such traits as ambition, passion and success. Those who possess the sign of the Dragon are said to take risks, are unafraid of challenges and embody colorful personalities.

“During Chinese New Year, it is beneficial to visit the dragon for its blessing and protection. It is good luck to walk around the entire dragon three times in a clockwise motion to remove obstacles for 2012,” said Peter Lung, with World of Feng Shui, who consulted on the design of the dragon. “You should build friendships with those who possess the sign of the dragon for better luck and blessings in the New Year.”

The west garden will be complete with rocks, plants and metals representing earth elements while the east garden will embody water elements with live orange Koi fish and one black fish to represent Yin and  Yang, the ancient Chinese philosophy of polar opposites being interconnected and interdependent.

“The dragon is the most powerful of the zodiac signs. We had to create something that Las Vegas would never forget,” said Dana Beatty, director of horticulture for The Venetian and The Palazzo. “From the number and location of our displays to the length and direction of the dragon, everything about the Waterfall & Atrium Gardens is feng shui-inspired, creating the perfect environment to bring wealth and prosperity in 2012.”

A secret friend to the dragon, a rooster will sit to the west of the ground fountain. The two zodiacs are compatible with one another and together bring harmony, wealth and lucky relationships.

The gardens and entrances to both The Venetian and The Palazzo will be adorned with fresh bamboo, citrus trees and 15-foot floral arrangements of tangerines, bromeliads and orchids. Nine traditional I-Ching coins, representing an abundance of wealth, will surround the dragon and Lalique statues of The Palazzo. Six-foot-tall, hand-loomed brocade silk and jade gold and red lanterns will be suspended from the atrium ceilings signifying the lives of those around to always be bright.

The larger-than-life dragon took more than 60 designers, conceptualists, welders and painters from across the globe more than a year to create and will take nearly 10 days to construct onsite.

2012 International CES Convenes in Las Vegas

The 2012 International CES, the world's largest trade show for consumer technology, opened on January 9 and ran through Friday, January 13 in Las Vegas. This years trade show was the largest in the event's 44 year history, with a record number of more than 3,100 exhibitors across the largest show floor in CES history – 1.861 million net square feet of exhibit space – and drawing a record of more than 153,000 attendees, including more than 34,000 international attendees. More than 20,000 new products were launched at the 2012 CES, which also featured top executives participating in keynote sessions, including those from Qualcomm, Mercedes, Wal-Mart, Intel, Ford, Verizon, Unilver, Ford, eBay, GE, Google and Facebook. Executive delegations from thousands of global companies, from Apple to Zeo, attended the 2012 CES to meet with current and future customers.

Technology innovations generated excitement across the 2012 CES showfloor including the launch of dozens of ultrabooks, OLED TVs, Android 4.0 tablets, next generation smartphones and 3D printers.

The 2012 CES was a star-studded event with numerous Hollywood celebrities in attendance including Eliza Dushku, who served as the Official Ambassador for the CES Entertainment Matters program, as well as Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber, Ludacris, 50 Cent, Wil.i.am, Wayne Brady, Jillian Michaels, LL Cool J, Ryan Seacrest, Will Smith and Kelly Clarkson.

The 2012 International CES featured government leaders from the U.S. and around the world including FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Representative Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA), Representative John Shimkus (R-IL), Representative Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Representative Lee Terry (R-NE) and FCC Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Robert M. McDowell. Also, several ministerial level officials and commissioners from Canada, Columbia, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Korea, Lebanon and Oman also attended CES.

Pre-CES media events kicked off Sunday evening with CES Unveiled: The Official Press Event of CES. The sold out event featured a record number of 78 exhibiting companies and drew the highest media attendance in Unveiled history. With companies including Cobra Electronics, DISH Network, Lenovo, LG and Onstar, major trends at CES Unveiled included the latest in tablets, smartphones, solar charging devices and digital health products.

Product announcements continued on Monday, January 9 with CES Press Day, featuring 25 exhibitor press conferences, the largest number of Press Day events in CES history.

Major  product launches included:

•    Dish Network – The Hopper Whole Home DVR Entertainment System
•    Ford/NPR – NPR smartphone App for Ford SYNC
•    Fujifilm –X-Pro 1 Interchangeable Lens Camera
•    Huawei – Ascend P1 smartphone with dual-core processors.
•    Intel - Lenovo Ultrabook with ArcSoft Quick Photo
•    Klipsh - G42 Sound System
•    LG Electronics –55inch 3D OLED TV
•    Livio Radio - Livio Connect
•    Monster Cable - NCredible N-ERGY earbuds
•    Netgear  - Universal Dual Band Wi-Fi Range Extender
•    Nokia – Lumina 900
•    Panasonic – MySpace TV
•    Pioneer - App Radio 2
•    Samsung – ES8000 LED SmartTV
•    Sharp - Aquos 80-inch display/board
•    Sony - Android-powered Walkman Z
•    Stream TV –Ultra-D, glasses-free 3D TV  
•    Voxx Electronics - Insite personal property tracking system

"The 2012 CES was the most phenomenal show in our history, generating more energy and excitement across every major industry touching technology than ever before,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA, owner and producer of the International CES. "CES is the change agent, the catalyst, that brings executives from a wide range of industries together and helps them create better ways of doing business together. The breadth and depth of the 2012 CES, which featured more innovative technology products than anywhere else on Earth, is a testament to the dynamic and innovative global consumer technology industry, which will reach $1 trillion globally this year.”

Industries with increased presence at the 2012 International CES include healthcare, automotive, entertainment, advertising and marketing.

Canon U.S.A.'s 13th Annual Customer Appreciation Reception and Benefit Fundraiser at The Bellagio

Canon U.S.A., a leader in digital imaging solutions, and The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children held its 13th Annual Canon Customer Appreciation Red Carpet Reception inside the Grand Ballroom at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino on Wednesday night, January 11. The evening was sponsored by Canon USA and produced by John Arnos of Canon Corporation and Jaki Baskow, CEO of Baskow & Associates. Guest enjoyed a gourmet buffet and open bar as well as the chance to participate in a silent and live auction with proceeds from winning bids going to help NCMEC provide the resources and information to assist in the recovery of abducted children and promote child safety.  Musical entertainment was provided by Don Felder, former lead guitarist of the rock group The Eagles, who along with his fantastic backup band, performed a set featuring a long list of The Eagle's chart topping hits that rocked the house.

Acting as Master of Ceremonies for the evening's festivities was Emmy Award Winning Actor and Golden Globe Nominee Bryan Cranston; Mark Steines co-host of Entertainment Tonight; and special guest John Walsh, host of “America’s Most Wanted” and co-founder of NCMEC.  More than 25 celebrities were in attendance to show their support for raising awareness about the worldwide issues of child abduction and exploitation. They included actors Jeffrey Donovan (Burn Notice); Chris Rich (Murphy Brown, Reba); Robert Hays (Airplane); Joe Regalbuto (Murphy Brown), Stephen Baldwin (The Usual Suspects); Michael Pena (Crash, Tower Heist); Del Zamora (TV's True Blood); MMA fighter Chuck Liddell, actor/dancer Adrian Zmed; former heavyweight boxer Ken Norton; former prof football players Nat Moore and Rillie Fingers; Dave  Dettman, aka “Dr Gadget”; former “Supreme” Mary Wilson; comedy magician Murray SawChuck, and his assistant “Lefty”; Las Vegas entertainers Chris Phillips, aka Zowie Bowie;  Eric Jordan Young (star of Vegas The Show); the girls from “Fantasy”; the hunks of “Thunder Down Under”; Liza Minelli impersonator, Suzanne Goulet, and many more.

Ben Stone
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Chuck Liddell
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Robert Hayes
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Seth Grabell
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Bryan Cranston
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Rollie Fingers
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Liza Minelli impersonator, Suzanne Goulet
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


John Walsh
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Joe Regalbuto
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Mark Steines
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Actor/Dancer Adrian Zmed
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


The hunks of Thunder From Down Under
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Stephen Baldwin
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Actor Del Zamora
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Rick Faugno
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Danny Latham
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Jeffrey Donovan
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Eric Jordan Young
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


The girls from Fantasy
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Celebrities on stage
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Silent auction items
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Silent auction items
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Silent auction items
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Silent auction items
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Silent auction items
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Silent auction items
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Silent auction items
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn


Don Felder
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn

Since 1998, Canon U.S.A. and NCMEC have partnered to educate the public about the growing issue of child abduction. The Canon4Kids program, a partnership between Canon U.S.A. and NCMEC, donates product to help law enforcement quickly disseminate photos and information about missing children, produces PSAs with missing children photos, and educates parents about the importance of updating photos of their children.

As part of the Canon4Kids program, more than 2,000 pieces of donated Canon equipment (digital cameras, fax-phones, printers and scanners) have been distributed to law enforcement agencies in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The program also includes the placement of public service announcements with photographs of missing children in newspapers and magazines across the country to help in the recovery process.

The next morning, at 9 a.m. on Thursday, January 12, a Celebrity Golf Tournament was held at the Tournament Players Club in Summerlin to benefit NCMEC. The two-day event proved to be a major success, raising over $400,000 for NCMEC.

To learn more about NCMEC, call its toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST or visit its web site at www.missingkids.com

Wayne Newton's Museum and Casa De Shenandoah Hosts 53 Miss America's Outstanding Teens

On January 13, 53 Miss America’s Outstanding Teens from around the country explored Wayne Newton’s Casa de Shenandoah Ranch, the iconic entertainer’s 42-acre property and highly anticipated attraction. The Wayne Newton Museum sponsored the ladies’ visit for the day while in town for the Miss America pageant by providing lunch, transportation and a sneak peek at the famed estate.

Miss America's Outstanding Teens at Wayne Newton's Shenandoah Ranch
Photo credit: Miss America's Outstanding Teens Organization

The teens marveled at the beauty and splendor of Casa de Shenandoah Ranch while surrounded by an impressive display of exotic wildlife including a slew of sloths, penguins, wallabies and Arabian horses. The Wayne Newton Museum and Casa de Shenandoah Ranch will be opening to the public later this year.

Additional recent and upcoming happenings include:

PT’s Entertainment Group, operator of PT’s and Sierra Gold taverns, has opened its newest PT’s location on Desert Inn Road, just west of Eastern Avenue. The newly renovated PT’s has taken the place of the former Rosie’s Saloon bar and offers 2820 square feet of entertainment, dining, lounge, and gaming space.

On Friday, Jan. 6, Las Vegas headliner and Broadway veteran, RICK FAUGNO took a hiatus – duration to be announced - from his show, “Body & Soul,” performed in Shimmer Cabaret at Las Vegas Hilton.  Rick Faugno will perform a self-titled show in The Lounge at the Palms Casino Resort on Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 17 at 9 p.m. Doors will open at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 (including tax and service charge).

In Faugno’s new one-man show, audiences will experience a combination of the upbeat New Classic Vegas styles of Blues, Jazz, Soul, Pop, Rock, and Latin genre. His journey of self-expression includes music by innovative performers such as James Brown, Sammy Davis, Jr., Michael Jackson, and Frank Sinatra, as well as original tracks Faugno wrote himself.

After extending its winning streak to seven games.The UNLV basketball team, THE REBELS climbed five spots from number 17,  settling in at No. 12 in the weekly Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today coaches polls that was released on Monday, January 9.

GEORGE WALLACE, headliner in the “I Be Thinkin’” show at the Flamingo welcomes all active United States military members with a valid military ID to come see his show for free throughout 2012. Military members will each receive one free ticket to see “The new Mr. Vegas” in return for the support and dedication they have given the country.

DJ KASKADE returns to Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas  for an exclusive 2012 residency, which will begin January 14 and showcase brand new production content. In addition to packing in the crowds with monthly shows at the nightclub, Kaskade also will play several dates at Marquee Dayclub this upcoming pool season, making Marquee the only club venue in Las Vegas where electronic dance music fans can take in the sounds of America’s #1

DJ.ROCKHOUSE BAR & NIGHTCLUB is offering complimentary entry Wednesday, Jan. 18 to Saturday, Jan. 21, for Adult Entertainment Expo convention (AEE) attendees. Anyone with an AEE badge to Sin City’s most erotically entertaining convention will get in FREE until midnight.

DALE JARRETT RACING ADVENTURE, Inc., a "Full Throttle" lifetime experience company, will hold the grand opening of its Las Vegas operations on Saturday, Jan. 21. The festivities will be held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and will feature ride and drive opportunities. Additionally, NASCAR champion Dale Jarrett will be on hand to meet the public and provide customers with the once-in-a-lifetime experience of riding along, as he puts the company's new fleet of NASCAR-style race cars through their paces around the mile and a half D-shaped oval race course. Racing packages begin at $195 and racers can choose between riding shotgun for four laps or taking control of the wheel for 6, 10, 20, 40 or even 60 laps around Las Vegas Motor Speedway. A special 20-lap ride along with Dale Jarrett is available on select dates. All packages include driver and safety orientation, with all drivers fit for a fire-retardant racing suit, a full-faced Bell helmet and HANS safety device. Drivers must be 18 years or older and no racing experience is necessary.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino gears up for the 2012 pool season and ninth season of its world-famous pool party, REHAB, with a casting call inside Vanity Nightclub from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 24. Open positions include: model cocktail servers, VIP hosts, bartenders, lifeguards, food runners, cabana attendants, barbacks and seasonal security officers. Job-seeking industry professionals are encouraged to bring their resumes and come dressed to impress in their best beach attire as audition photos will be taken.

In honor of the most celebrated sign of the Chinese Zodiac, THE VENETIAN AND THE PALAZZO are commemorating the CHINESE NEW YEAR in an over-the-top fashion. Beginning with a ceremonial dragon dance at 1 p.m. on Jan. 23, the Chinese New Year celebrations include lavish feng shui-inspired décor, auspicious dish offerings and festive cocktails.Symbolizing good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year, the dragon dance is an important ritual of Chinese culture.

On Monday, Jan. 23 at 1 p.m., a ceremonial dragon dance complete with firecrackers and eye painting ceremony will begin at The Venetian porte cochere, making its way through The Palazzo. The colorful spectacle will feature a parade of dancers and musicians dressed in elaborate costumes playing authentic music.

The GOLD COAST HOTEL & CASINO is welcoming Chinese New Year - the Year of the Dragon with a variety of Chinese New Year events and promotions.

The Lohan School of Shaolin will perform a traditional Lion Dance parade through the casino on February 1 at 7:30 and 10 p.m. The parade includes several dragons, a percussion procession and characters that will make several stops in the casino to pull ceremonial lettuce from the ceiling and toss the leaves to spectators.  Being hit by a piece of lettuce during a Lion Dance parade is considered particularly lucky, and is an auspicious way to begin the New Year.

The casino will hold multiple gaming promotions, including drawings for $16,800 in promotional chips on January 23 and 30, and a $5,000 Slot Hot Seat contest on January 28. Complete details and rules are posted at the property.

Chinese New Year decorations and lucky citrus trees will adorn the casino floor, and popular restaurants Ping Pang Pong and Noodle Exchange will serve authentic and delicious dishes.

MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL celebrates Chinese New Year 2012, the Year of the Dragon, with exhilarating lion dances, spectacular displays at Crystals at CityCenter and Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, as well as authentic cuisine at a variety of resort restaurants.

The Dragon is unique to the Asian Zodiac as it is not recognized as a real animal.  It does, however, represent a symbol of power and remains prominent in Chinese astrology.  The Dragon is viewed as a powerful almighty king made up of multiple parts of animals such as the tiger, fish, snake and eagle.  Individuals born in the Year of the Dragon tend to be powerful and often own a sharp tongue.

Lion Dances The following schedule outlines each lion dance to be held in the respective resort’s main valet and porte cochere:

•    ARIA – Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 1 p.m.
•    Crystals – Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 1:30 p.m.
•    The Mirage – Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 4 p.m.
•    MGM Grand – Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 1 p.m.
•    Bellagio – Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 6:30 p.m.

Yau Kung Moon will perform traditional Chinese lion dances at ARIA, Bellagio, MGM Grand and The Mirage.  Yau Kung Moon, which translates to “Style of Flexible Power,” is considered one of the most-respected martial arts, dragon and lion dance organizations in the world.  It is a traditional Southern Shaolin Kung Fu system with more than 1,000 years of history.

Beginning Saturday, Jan. 7, the Flower Carpet on the first floor of Crystals at CityCenter will be decorated with a 43-foot long and 12-foot high authentic ceremonial dragon chasing a pearl symbolizing the constant pursuit of wisdom.  The dragon will be surrounded by more than 4,000 flowers and plants including China mums, guzmania finest red, vriesea splendens, oncidium orchids, citrus trees and bamboo.

Celebrity Sightings:

Saturday evening, January 7...

Complete with sash and crown, The 2012 Miss America Pageant contestants paid a visit to Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant at the Excalibur.  The beauties dined on delicious, family-style Italian cuisine such as Mozzarella Caprese, Chicken Limone and Spaghetti with Meatballs. For dessert, the ladies enjoyed a bevy of sweet treats including Buca’s famous Colossal Brownie Sundae.

During their dining experience, each of the girls - including Miss Nevada, Alana Lee – were immortalized in marinara sauce, as part of Buca di Beppo's newest tradition.

The iconic Miss  America Pageant takes place at the Theatre for the Performing Arts at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino and will air live on ABC on January 14, 2012.

Actress Teri Polo, best known for her role as Pam Focker in Meet the Parents and its two sequels, was spotted dining at Strip House inside Planet Hollywood.  Polo was in town to judge the Miss America Pageant.

Jordin Sparks, the beautiful multi-platinum, GRAMMY nominated songstress and Season Six winner of “American Idol” celebrated her 22nd birthday with family (including mother Jodie, pictured) and friends at RPM Nightclub. She enjoyed a weekend at the new Tropicana Las Vegas, dining at Biscayne and Bacio (pictured here with Chef Carla Pellegrino) and enjoying the GLOW (Mandara) Spa.

Other sightings (not pictured) at RPM included Flavor Flav and Frank Trigg (MMA).

Jordin Sparks
Photo credit: Denise Truscello / WireImage


Carla Pellegrino and Jordin Sparks
Photo credit: Denise Truscello / WireImage


Jodie and Jordin Sparks
Photo credit: Denise Truscello / WireImage

Kim Kardashian and Cheryl Burke were spotted at a dance floor table at Marquee Nightclub.  Also at Marquee taking in the scene was Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas.  Apl.de.Ap started his day with LAVO’s Champagne Saturday brunch where he jumped on the decks with DJ C*LA.

Legendary DJ and producer Tiësto took the stage at XS Las Vegas for his debut at the award-wining nightclub. Playing until the break of dawn, Tiësto, known as the World’s No. 1 DJ, did not disappoint his fans for his first set at the Wynn Las Vegas hot spot.

Joining in on the occasion were fellow EDM standouts and XS resident DJs deadmau5 and Brad Roulier of Manufactured Superstars.

Monday, January 9...

Entertainment icon, Ryan Seacrest interviewed  Microsoft Corp. Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer, onstage and introduced a series of guests to showcase the company’s latest products after Ballmer's opening keynote address at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

CAPTION: TALK OF THE TECH TOWN Ryan Seacrest talks tech and entertainment with Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer during the company’s final CES keynote at the 2012 show in Las Vegas, NV.

LOCATION ID: Microsoft’s keynote at the 2012 CES show in Las Vegas, NV

Ryan Seacrest and Microsoft's Steve Ballmer
Photo credit: Microsoft


Ryan Seacrest and Microsoft's Steve Ballmer
Photo credit: Microsoft

Rock group Nickelback enjoyed a nice meal at N9NE Steakhouse inside the Palms.

Redfoo of LMFAO kicked-off his 2012 residency at Marquee. Before hitting the nightclub, Redfoo and the Party Rock Crew fueled up for their performance at LAVO Restaurant  Black Eyed Pea Apl.de.Ap got on stage and joined in the revelry.

Drummer Vinnie Paul of the heavy metal band Pantera was seen in the Boombox room at Marquee.  He took in the sounds of DJ Scotty Boy with a group of friends.

At LAVO, Emma Greenwell and Jeremy Allen White from the hit TV series Shameless were spotted dining in the restaurant.

Apl.de.Ap
Photo credit: Brenton Ho | Powers Imagery


Redfoo
Photo credit: Brenton Ho | Powers Imagery


Redfoo PartyRock
Photo credit: Brenton Ho | Powers Imagery

Tuesday night, January 10...

Actor and comedian Steve Carell was spotted dining at Strip House inside Planet Hollywood.John Francis Daley, actor from FOX TV's Bone,s was spotted dining at Strip House. He mentioned to the bartender that he was enjoying dinner as an escape from work while in town for filming.Spotted taking in the scene at LAVO’s All Night Tuesdays were Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner, Dancing with the Stars pro Mark Ballas and Good Morning America anchor Lara Spencer.  The trio and friends, in town for the Miss America Pageant, took over a VIP table at the hot spot.

Mark Balla Kris Jenner and Lara Spencer
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery


BT at LAVO
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery

Reality TV star, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, brought her signature party personality from the shore to the Strip as she danced the night away with hunky beau, Jionni LaVelle at Gallery Nightclub inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.  The "Jersey Shore" favorite was in Las Vegas for the annual Consumer Electronics Show to unveil her partnership and new line with iHip headphones.  Chuck" star Zachary Levi and former NSYNC boy band member Joey Fatone dined at Sugar Factory American Brasserie inside Paris Las Vegas with friends.

Joey Fatone shops for sweets at Sugar Factory at Paris Las Vegas.

Zachary Levi shops for sweets at Sugar Factory at Paris Las Vegas.

Zachary Levi indulges in a strawberry cheesecake ice cream sundae at Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Paris Las Vegas.

Wednesday night, January 11...

will.i.am along with some friends had dinner at Nove Italiano inside the Palms Casino Resort. St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson had dinner at N9NE Steakhouse inside the Palms Casino Resort.

Actress Eliza Dushku and her beau, basketball pro Rick Fox were spotted at TAO and LAVO. Dushku was in town to host the CES Entertainment Matters party at LAVO and before the event the couple dined at TAO Asian Bistro.  After hosting the event at LAVO they stayed for the Old School Wednesday party, which this week featured a performance by Rev Run.

Rick Fox and Eliza Dushku
Photo credit: Powers Imagery

Friday night, Jan. 13...

Following week long performances at Las Vegas' CES convention, the showgirls from FANTASY celebrated with an after-party at Sin City's hotspot Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at Paris Las Vegas, Friday night.

Comedians Kathy Griffin and David Spade dined at LAVO.Miss America judges Kris Jenner, Mark Ballas and Lara Spencer dined at TAO before hitting the nightclub.

As DJ Five wrapped his set he welcomed Z Trip into the booth to headline for the night as part of TAO’s new Friday night programming.

Kris Jenner with DJ Five
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery


Lara Spencer, Mark Ballas and Kris Jenner
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery


Crowd cheers for Z-Trip
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery


Z-Trip
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery

Following a great dinner at Nove Italiano, Grammy Award-winning recording artist Mya hosted at Rain Nightclub inside the Palms Casino Resort.

Superstar DJ, Samantha Ronson, treated a crowd full of partygoers to an explosive mix of club favorites at Gallery Nightclub at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Also spotted at Gallery Nightclub, was award-winning and HBO's "Boardwalk Empire" star, Steve Buscemi who was taking in Las Vegas after taking a break from filming "Burt Wonderstone”.

Samantha Ronson spinning at Gallery Nightclub at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
Photo credit: Josh Metz

Samantha Ronson posing in the DJ booth at the nightclub.
Photo credit: Josh Metz