Vegas Happenings | South Point Hosts Diva's Day Out | Chinese New Year attraction at The Palazzo

South Point Hotel and Casino Hosts Diva's Day Out

Local ladies and female visitors from all over got a chance to channel their inner diva at Las Vegas's largest annual women's event, Divas Las Vegas which took place inside the Exhibit Hall at The South Point Hotel and Casino from 10 am to 4 p. m on Saturday, January 28. The one day only event, which was free to the public, came through as an afternoon of fun for all, including some men who tagged along with their wives, daughters, significant others or friends.

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Over 100 businesses participated with on site booths offering shopping, lots of complimentary goodies, free prize giveaways and demonstrations. The first 1,000 to come through the doors were given free boas and the first 500 ladies received a party gals romance bag. Attendees were offered the chance to gather information and shop for products and services available from an array of health, weight loss and fitness products, spas and salons, financial information, clothing, jewelry, beauty, home and kitchen products as well as discounted tickets for several Las Vegas shows and attractions.

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Entertainment throughout the day was provide by the hunks from Thunder From Down Under, The Australian Bee Gees, as well as cooking and fitness demonstrations and a fashion show.

"Thunder From Down Under" performing
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


"The Australian Bee Gees" performing
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Female impersonator Frank Marino and star of Divas Las Vegas was in attendance and he brought along several members of his talented cross dressing cast including Janet Jackson and Bette Midler impersonators, each performing a fast paced musical number from their show. Making a special appearance in her booth to promote her female empowering class, Night School 4 Girls, was Laura Croft. Dancing With the Stars pros, brothers Maksim and Val Chmerkovskiy and entertainer Donny Osmond, drew crowds of eager and excited women that were more than happy to wait in line for an up close meet and greet, photo op and autograph with the handsome celebrities.

Tina Turner and Dolly Parton impersonators from Frank Marino's "Divas Las Vegas"
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Britney Spears impersonator from Frank Marino's "Divas Las Vegas" with Laura Croft of "Night School for Girls"
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Janet Jackson impersonator from Frank Marino's "Divas Las Vegas" performs
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Val and Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Bette Midler impersonator from Frank Marino's "Divas Las Vegas" performs
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Donny Osmond
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

With attendance of more than 5,000 women, this years Divas Las Vegas proved to be a big success.

On a personal note, after filling out my name on several free raffle tickets, I never expected to win anything. Yet, to my surprise, just as I was headed for the door, my name was called as the lucky winner of a piece of jewelry from Susan Dalton's High Design Fashion Jewelry Club. Susan's booth featured several gorgeous pieces of jewelry that were available for purchase and I felt like a kid in a candy store trying to decide what fabulous piece of bling to choose before one awesome bracelet called out my name. The sparkling fashion accessories were just a few examples of what could be found on her website ourjewelry.com where membership costs entitle those who join to use their monthly fee to purchase beautiful and affordable necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings.

Judy Thorburn with Susan Dalton
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

The Strip’s Top Chinese New Year Attraction Comes to Life at The Palazzo Las Vegas

The Venetian and The Palazzo rang in the Year of the Dragon on Monday, January 23 with a ceremonial Dragon Dance beginning in front of The Venetian where Dr. Miriam and Mr. Sheldon G. Adelson, chairman of the board for Las Vegas Sands Corp., painted the eyes of the majestic dragon, bringing it to life. The colorful spectacle paraded through the casino before arriving in The Waterfall & Atrium Gardens of The Palazzo for the 128-foot dragon’s inaugural fire breathing. Surrounded by overhead lanterns, fresh bamboo and the feng shui inspired gardens, guests were seen feeding traditional red envelopes to the lion dancers and circling the 8,000-pound dragon three times to bring good fortune in 2012.

Sheldon G. Adelson and his wife Dr. Mirriam Adelson

Spanning the entire atrium, the signature dragon attraction took more than a year to create and is the brainchild of more than 100 artisans from across the globe. Taking 10 days to install on site, the dragon and surrounding décor is designed by the ancient Chinese art of feng shui.

Throughout the month of February, Zine Noodles Dim Sum at The Palazzo will offer a limited-time auspicious Chinese New Year menu including live lobster and manila clams. Additionally, the bars and lounges of The Venetian and The Palazzo will offer an exclusive Dragon Cocktail for guests to enjoy.

Additional recent and upcoming happenings include:

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino celebrates Vanity Nightclub’s birthday during a special edition of Sin on Sunday on January 29. All guests will enjoy a Belvedere hosted bar from 10 p.m. until midnight and resident mix-master, DJ Wellman spins on the turntables. Guests must be 21 years of age and older.  Cover charge is $30 for men and $20 for women.

The comedians who will perform at the world-famous Improv at Harrah’s Las Vegas Jan. 31 – Feb. 5 are:

Anthony Griffith: His non-offensive humor coupled with his ability to bring his characters to life, has made Griffith an audience favorite at corporate events, concerts and comedy clubs for 18 years and has catapulted him to multiple appearances on “The Tonight Show,” HBO and Comedy Central, among others.

Carrie Snow: A headliner at Caroline's, The Punch Line, The Improv, The Comedy Store and Caesars Tahoe, Carrie Snow is a regular on “Comedy Tonight” and “Evening at The Improv.”

David Gee: Stand-up comedian, writer and actor, David Gee was named "Best Comedian in a Production Show" by the Las Vegas Review-Journal four years in a row.

Hitzville – The Show is offering locals a dinner and a show deal for just $38 (plus taxes and fees)February 11th through February 19th. To purchase, guests simply present their Nevada IDs at the V Theater box office inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood and ask for the “In the Name of Love” package. Each package includes a ticket to Hitzville – The Show and dinner at any one of four participating restaurants: Lombardi’s, La Salsa Cantina, Cheeseburger Las Vegas and the Spice Market Buffet.

Two new shows recently opened in The King’s Room at The Rio: Celebrity impressionist Bethany Owen “The Woman of 1,001 Voices and Faces” blends music, comedy and voice impressions (including Cher, Madonna, Marilyn Monroe, Liza, Barbra Streisand, Joan Rivers and more) along with audience interaction in her one-woman show “One Voice”. Showtimes are 2:30 p.m Tuesdays thru Sundays.Ticket prices are $50.60 for general admission and $79.95 for VIP seating plus tax and fee.

The other new show that opened inside the King's Room at the Rio is “2 kings”, a high-energy tribute show featuring Michael Jackson impersonator Chris Gardner as “The King of Pop” and Charlie Franks as Elvis Presley. Show times are 5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Tickets are $39.95 general admission, $59.95 VIP plus tax and fee.

Palms Pool & Bungalows is recruiting Brand Ambassadors for several positions including Cocktail Servers, Server Assistants, Bartender and Apprentice Bartenders. Group interviews will be held inside Rain Nightclub Feb. 3 and Feb. 4 from noon to 4 p.m.

21 year-old award-winning illusionist Tommy Wind, voted “Best Teen Magician of the Year” at the 2009 “World Magic Awards”, opens his new show, Tommy Wind: IMPACT: An Explosion of Magic and Music at The Clarion Hotel February 14, 2012. Show times are Tuesday’s through Saturday’s at 6pm in the Wolf Theater.

The University of California San Diego Health System recently announced that it has acquired the financially troubled Nevada Cancer Institute. Nevada patients will continue to see their current physician, with the advantage of potentially qualifying for a wider range of clinical trials, according to a statement from the UC San Diego Health System. The prepared release said the health system purchased the Nevada Cancer Institute with clinical revenue generated by its hospitals and that all philanthropic support for the cancer institute "will be specifically reserved for the Nevada facility and its patients."

Chapel of the Flowers been selected as a 2012 winner in The Knot Best of Weddings, a special section in The Knot: Nevada magazine and on TheKnot.com Nevada Weddings from The Knot (the No. 1 wedding resource most trusted by brides. This is the second year Chapel of the Flowers has been voted Best Ceremony Venue for The Knot Best of Weddings.

Celebrity Sightings:

Thursday, Jan. 19...

WWE wrestlers Wade Barrett and Drew McIntyre were spotted enjoying Blue Man Group.

In addition, DJs Andre Allen Anjos and Karl Kling of RAC, Remix Artist Collective, were also seen in the audience. The popular duo recently debuted their monthly residency at Savile Row inside Luxor Hotel and Casino.

On Friday, January 20...

RPM Nightclub inside the new Tropicana Las Vegas was home to Adam & Eve’s Official After-Party featuring many top adult film stars, making it the largest attended party of the AEE/AVN weekend.

AVN Award Nominee for “Unsung Starlet of the Year” Jacky Joy (center) brought a group of friends including (L) Jesika Lyn and Alana Mireles.
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy

Hosting the bash and partying the night away:

Left to Right: Lexi Belle, Alexis Texas, Kelly Devine, Sophie Dee, Nikki Benz and Lisa Ann
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy

Joining the party at RPM Nightclub inside the new Tropicana Las Vegas during the Adam & Eve Official After-Party for WTFridays were:

(CH comedians L to R): Steven Marmalstein (Head Writer), Brad Wollack and Chris Franjola from “Chelsea Lately” and “After Lately,” pictured with RPM servers

(CH-group L to R): Chris Franjola, RPM’s Director of Entertainment Anthony Pecora, Steven Marmalstein (Head Writer), Brad Wollack, , Josh Wolfe and “Bachelor Pad” Season One winner Natalie Getz

“The Bachelorette” Ashley Hebert and her fiancé J.P Rosenbaum met up with “Bachelor Pad” Season One winner Natalie Getz. RPM welcomed approximately 20 former “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” cast members in all that night, who were in town shooting promos for the upcoming season of “Bachelor Pad.”   Photo credit (all): Tony Cordell   Several celebrities were in town for the 29th Annual AVN Awards . Saturday, Jan 21... After playing host  to Las Vegas' annual AVN Awards, actress and Playboy cover girl, Bree Olson, celebrated with an after-party at Gallery Nightclub at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.

Bree Olson poses in front of her AVN after-party flyer inside Gallery Nightclub
Photo Credit: David Becker/WireImage

Sarah Jessie and Brooke Haven hosted a seductive adult entertainment after-party at Savile Row inside Luxor Hotel and Casino

Sarah Jessie
Photo credit:Scott Berry of SixEight Studios


Brooke Haven
Photo credit:Scott Berry of SixEight Studios

Adult film star Jesse Jane hosted her Diosa Tequila event at PURE Nightclub inside of Caesars Palace.the popular entertainer arrived at the mega-club ready to celebrate after winning “Best Supporting Actress” for her film “Fighters”.

Jesse Jane
Photo credit: Retna


Jesse Jane dancing
Photo credit: Retna

Ranked by AVN as the number one porn star of all time, legendary adult entertainer, Ron Jeremy, toasted  his “Crossover Star of the Year” victory at the Official AVN Awards After-Party at Crazy Horse III Gentlemen’s Club last night.

Ron Jeremy and beautiful entertainers playing around on the red carpet at Crazy Horse III.
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy

Matt Kemp, center fielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, was spotted at TAO with friends including R&B singer D’Angelo. Also at TAO was Josh Hopkins from the ABC series Cougar Town.  The actor and friends took over a sky box during the Official Penthouse Party.

Tennis greats Andre Agassi and wife Steffi Graf along with 10 friends were seen at Blue Man Group.

Sunday night, Jan.22...

Glee actor, Josh Sussman was spotted dining with a friend at TAO.

British actress Joan Collins, checked out the 10:30 p.m. show of Donn Arden’s Jubilee! at Bally’s Las Vegas. Prior to the show, Collins posed with a cast of showgirls in front of the famous stage.

Joan Collins

Shortly after midnight, UFC star Tito Ortiz strolled into the renowned XS Nightclub with wife, adult film star Jenna Jameson by his side, to celebrate his 37th birthday.

Jenna Jameson and Tito Ortiz
Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/XS Nightclub

Tuesday night, Jan. 24...

Aaron Paul, star of Breaking Bad, dined at LAVO with a group of male friends.

After dinner they made a stop at the club.

Thursday night, Jan. 26...

Rapper Lil Jon was spotted dining at TAO and later made his way up to the nightclub with his group.

At LAVO, Kid Rock was seen in the restaurant's private dining room, accompanied by Food Network star Guy Fieri and friends.

Saturday night, Jan. 28...

After performing at his sold out concert Kid Rock hosted an after concert party at TAO.  The rocker was joined by a large group of friends including Uncle Kracker and Rande Gerber. Having just celebrated his 41st birthday, Kid Rock was surprised with a belated birthday cake shaped like a "Badass" beer can, a replica from his own brand of beer.

Also spotted dining at TAO was Captain America star Chris Evans.

At LAVO rapper, singer and producer J Cole celebrated his 27th birthday surrounded by friends. His group swelled to nearly thirty people as he made his way up to the nightclub, taking over several VIP tables.  He was surprised by a cake in the shape of a keyboard that he pretended to play as the crowd went crazy.

J Cole treated club goers to an impromptu performance of two of his hits and graciously took photos with fans.

Kid Rock
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image


Kid Rock and Rande Gerber and Badass Lager birthday cake
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image

J. Cole
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery


J. Cole with keyboard birthday cake
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery

Evan Peters, star of FX’s “American Horror Story,” celebrated his birthday at RPM Nightclub inside the new Tropicana Las Vegas. Peters was joined by friends and family including his girlfriend, actress Alexia Quinn, and Ryan Eggold (“90210”).   Peters was presented a cake designed by Freed’s Bakery reminiscent of his “American Horror Story” character, Tate Langdon.

Later, Melody Sweets (“Absinthe”) and friends joined the festivities.  The party danced all night to RPM Saturdays Unleashed resident DJ sourMILK™ from LA’s Power 106.

Evan Peters and Ryan Eggold
Photo credit: Jeff Bottari / WireImage


Evan Peters presented with birthday cake
Photo credit: Jeff Bottari / WireImage


Evan Peters and Melody Sweets
Photo credit: Jeff Bottari / WireImage


Evan Peters and Alexia Quinn
Photo credit: Jeff Bottari / WireImage