By Judy Thorburn
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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
http://www.theflickchicks.com
Comedian Eddie Griffin Brings his “Raw” Humor to Rio Hotel and Casino
Actor/ comedian Eddie Griffin kicked off his new Las Vegas stand-up comedy show “Comedy Without a Condom” on Wednesday night, April 18, at the King’s Room inside the Rio Hotel. Griffin’s new show, written exclusively for the Rio Las Vegas, is performed live every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night at 7 p.m.
Griffin's act changes weekly as he takes on the nation’s hot topics and current events. Race, politics, religion, and sex are just a few topics that he targets in his comedy repertoire. Coined “the rawest Vegas show since Redd Foxx,” nothing is off limits at Griffin’s “Comedy Without A Condom.”
“We are making sad people happy and happy people happier. Giving it to you straight, no chaser. We want gut laughs not giggles,” says Griffin. “Bringing joy to the world and giving people something to think about.” The show features new weekly opening acts and sketch comedy from the Front Of The Bus Players.
Comedian Eddie Griffin
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
X Burlesque Celebrates Ten Years at Flamingo Las Vegas
The steamiest topless revue on the Las Vegas strip, X Burlesque, celebrated its ten year anniversary at Flamingo Las Vegas on April 19.
“We’re thrilled and excited to be celebrating X Burlesque’s 10th anniversary on the Las Vegas Strip,” said Angela Stabile, who created and produced the show with her husband Matt. “Flamingo Las Vegas has been an unbelievable partner and we’re looking forward to another ten years as Las Vegas’ sexiest revue.
”X Burlesque is a high-energy, sexy show featuring a variety of tintillating performances by a cast of beautiful dancers, set to music by today’s hottest artists. In celebration of the show’s 10th anniversary, several new dance numbers have been added to the show, including a country tribute named “Down Home Cookin’” to music by Justin Moore, Jason Aldean and Travis Tritt, “Champagne Wishes,” a classic striptease performed inside a traditional burlesque champagne glass to Michael Buble’s “Fever”, “Sexy Silk” by Jessica Cornish and “Mirror, Mirror,” a tribute to famous burlesque dancer Sally Rand, performed to Aerosmith’s “Dream On.”
“We congratulate X Burlesque on the exciting milestone of 10 years on the Las Vegas Strip and look forward to many years at Flamingo,” said Rick Mazer, regional president of Flamingo Las Vegas. “We are thrilled to have such a high-energy show with a talented and professional group of dancers for our guests to experience.”
X Burlesque is performed nightly at 10 p.m. inside the X Showroom at Flamingo Las Vegas. Tickets range in price from $44.95 to $55.95 plus tax and applicable fees. Guests must be 18 years or older.
Ladies of X Burlesque
Photo credit: Dianne R. Davis
Regis Galerie Hosts Unveiling Celebration of Limited Edition Dean Martin Sculpture
An exclusive Dean Martin bronze sculpture, "The King of Cool", designed to pay homage to the legendary entertainer was unveiled inside Regis Galerie, located in The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, during a special VIP event on Saturday, April 21. Along with a first look at the bronze sculpture, which is featured among the other beautiful artwork on display and available for purchase at the high end art boutique, guests enjoyed fabulous hors devours and drinks served by pretty, statuesque servers dressed in white mini dresses and go go boots reminiscent of “The Gold Diggers” from Martin's popular 1960's TV show.
In attendance to celebrate her father’s contributions to Las Vegas and the sentimental tribute that Regis Galerie portrays in the statue, was the late singer's daughter, actress/singer and author Deana Martin, accompanied by her husband, John Griffeth. She was thrilled to be present at this unveiling of his bronze likeness and praised Los Angeles-based artist, Lance Richlin, for creating a “wonderful tribute that I could not be more happy with”. Richlin, who specializes in sculptures, drawings, and paintings and has created several pieces for Regis Galerie over the years, was commissioned by the art house to design the limited edition sculpture that depicts a young Dean Martin performing on a marble staircase.
The sculpture is the third piece in its signature Rat Pack Bronze Collection which features sculptures of Frank Sinatra from "Pal Joey" and Sinatra along with Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. performing together.
“Our family has always had a passion for the Rat Pack and the rich history of its’ members,” said Ike Dweck, general manager of Regis Galerie. “As one of the most iconic musicians of our time, we are excited to honor Dean Martin and share his legacy that is embodied in this piece.”
There will be only 300 editions of the Dean Martin bronze sculpture. The day of the unveiling, the sculpture was available for $5,500. Each will sell for $6,500 thereafter. Ten percent of sales made on April 21 will be donated to the American Lung Association.
Artist Lance Richlin, Regis Galerie General Manager Ike Dweck, Deana Martin, Regis Galerie President Samuel Dweck and Deana's husband, John Griffeth
"The King of Cool"
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Deana Martin (in black) surrounded by servers dressed as "Dean Martin's Gold Diggers"
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
NAB Show, the world's largest electronic media show covering filmed entertainment and the development, management and delivery of content across all mediums was held April 14 - 19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. In attendance were more than 90,000 people from 151 countries and 1,600 exhibitors spanning 815,000 net square feet of exhibit space, up from 1,550 exhibitors occupying 745,000 net square feet in 2011.
The focus at this years NAB Show was "The Great Content Shift: Defining Your Evolution," reflecting the changing nature of programming for traditional providers, as well as new media purveyors, according to Chris Brown, NAB's executive vice president of conventions and business operations. "Our event is about bringing together the leaders, the folks who are really driving media, entertainment, content development and distribution,” said Brown.
Gifted pianist/singer, and local favorite, WES WINTERS, celebrated his One Year Anniversary at the Grandview Lounge inside the South Point Hotel Casino on Saturday, April 21 with a performance and party that was open to the public. Along with his usual crowd pleasing performance that began at 6 p.m., those in attendance at the standing room only, packed venue enjoyed cake and champagne and shared a toast to a terrific year of music, entertainment and fun. Congratulations and continued success to Wes Winters, a wonderful entertainer and great guy.
Wes Winters
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The Tony Award winning show “THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS” is being staged at the Plaza Hotel and Casino. Based on the true story of the legendary Texas brothel known as the Chicken Ranch, the risqué musical chronicles how the town’s sheriff and regular patron of the brothel fights to keep the historical whorehouse open as a crusading do-gooder television commentator seeks to close its doors. Two veteran actresses, Jacquelyn Holland-Wright and Kellie Wright share the acting responsibilities for the lead character Miss Mona Stangley, who runs the brothel. Live performances are nightly at 5 p.m.
Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas Resorts and its entertainment partners, alongside Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino headliners and Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) Grand Marshals, Penn & Teller, contributed $80,000 in monetary and in-kind donations for the 22nd ANNUAL AIDS WALK LAS VEGAS, held Sunday, April 15 at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). The AIDS Walk serves as AFAN’s largest fundraiser of the year, providing funds for programs to assist and educate more than 3,500 men, women and children infected with HIV and AIDS in southern Nevada.
In addition to their role as Grand Marshals, PENN & TELLER once again led the Penn & Teller Challenge, with the promise to match all funds raised by their team. Caesars Entertainment employees hosted fundraisers at various properties, participated in the walk and donated retail items including t-shirts, water bottles, key chains and other items. Entertainment partners joined in the cause by providing tickets for the AIDS Walk fundraising efforts, including Imperial Palace headline acts Human Nature and Frank Marino’s Diva’s Las Vegas. Top fundraisers received tickets to Rod Stewart: The Hits at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Jersey Boys at Paris Las Vegas and vacation packages to Harrah’s Lake Tahoe and Harrah’s New Orleans.
Every Thursday from 5 – 8 p.m. Tivoli Village located at 302 S. Rampart, is hosting TASTE & TOAST, featuring a WEEKLY FARMERS MARKET with a twist. Visitors are invited to enjoy fresh organic fare like cheese salsa and jam as well as chef demonstrations, libation tasting, featured artists and live entertainment.
The 2:30 p.m. afternoon show , “One Voice” starring voice impressionist BETHANY OWEN, has closed at the King's Room in the Rio Hotel & Casino as of Tuesday, April 17.
Comme Ça at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas launched RIVIERA NIGHTS, an unparalleled dining and lounge party experience set on the restaurant’s stunning patio, on Thursday, April 26. The weekly event, available from 8 to 11 p.m. every Thursday night, will introduce a selection of French small plates and a signature sangaree as patrons enjoy the striking views of the iconic Las Vegas Strip showcased from Comme Ça’s breathtaking patio. A French house DJ will be on-hand to spin the hottest tunes under a canopy of neon red lights glimmering from the ceiling.
World Champion ballroom dancer and choreographer TONY DOVOLANI guest starred in Dancing with the Stars: Live in Las Vegas at the New Tropicana Las Vegas from Wednesday, April 25 through Friday, April 27.
Five-time Emmy Award® winner and crowd favorite DENNIS MILLER brings his hilarious stand-up routine back at The Orleans Showroom April 27 and 28.Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets start from $49.95, plus tax and convenience fees.
To help raise funds in the fight against heart disease among women, FLIGHTLINEZ and the Fremont Street Experience will donate all net revenue from zipline rides on Monday, April 30 from noon to midnight to The American Heart Foundation and Go Red for Women, a passionate, emotional, social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health. Las Vegas headliner FRANKIE MORENO, who is the local celebrity spokesperson for Go Red for Women’s movement, will be in attendance. Also in attendance will be former First Ladies Dawn Gibbons and Sandy Miller as well as IGT CEO and Go Red for Women Chairwoman for the year Patti Hart. Flightlinez Zipline rides are $15 from noon until 6 p.m. and $20 from 6 p.m until midnight.
Award winning actress and comedienne WHOOPI GOLDBERG returns to Treasure Island, May 4 at 9 p.m. Tickets are available starting at $79, plus tax and handling fees.
California Hotel and Casino hosts the 15TH ANNUAL LEI DAY POLYNESIAN FESTIVAL on Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. The annual Polynesian festival brings together musicians, dancers, artists, craftsmen and food and beverage vendors to showcase the very best of Hawaii. Entry to the two-day event which will be held at the parking venue at Stewart and Main Street, adjacent to the California Hotel and Casino is FREE. A special concert will be held on Saturday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m. inside the Ohana/Maile Room at the Cal, featuring Hawaiian recording artists Gary Haleamau and Kawili, Na Palapalai, and Kupaoa. Tickets for this event are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
On Sunday, May 6, at 3 p.m., the annual “Island Fever Block Party,” will be held, featuring local bands and non-stop entertainment -- including, direct from Hawaii, Na Hokupa. This event is FREE.
Celebrity sightings:
Tuesday night, April 17...
Billy Corgan, front man and sole permanent member of The Smashing Pumpkins, partied at Hyde Bellagio inside Bellagio Resort & Casino.
Billy Corgan
Photo Credit: Shane O’Neal
ABSINTHE, Vegas’ hottest show, which recently celebrated its first anniversary and 500th-show milestone, welcomed the sexy cast of Dancing with the Stars: Live to the show on April 17, 2012, where they hung out with the cast afterwards for photos. Dancing with the Stars: Live cast included Carson Kressley, Joey Fatone, Sabrina Bryan and choreographer Jason Gilkison.
ABSINTHE cast with Dancing with the Stars: Live cast
Photo credit: Spiegelworld 2012
Wednesday night, April 18...
GRAMMY® Award-winning music icon Mya put on a live performance at LAX Nightclub. Shortly after she arrived Mya took a seat in the DJ booth alongside resident DJ Gusto and signed copies of her latest single as she prepared to give an amazing performance.
MYA
Photo credit: AL Powers of Powers Imagery LLC
April 19...
Pawn Stars’ Rick Harrison attended ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace.
Rick Harrison with cast members of Absinthe
Photo credit: Spiegelworld
Friday, April 20...
Celebrity entrepreneur, Shayne Lamas, celebrated the launch of her new skincare line, Lamas Organics at Las Vegas' top nightlife destination, Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at Paris Las Vegas. The starlet began her evening with husband Nik Richie and close friends at Sugar Factory American Brasserie for dinner. Following dinner, the reality star made a quick stop to Sugar Factory retail store, where she had fun with the candy wall and picked out a pair of Sugar Factory studded jeans for herself and other goodies for her new baby girl, Press Dahl.
Shayne Lamas on the red carpet at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens
Photo credit: Jeffrey Bottari/WireImage
Shayne Lamas visits the DJ booth at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens
Photo credit: Jeffrey Bottari/WireImage
Shaunie O'Neal, ex-wife of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, and star of VH1's hit reality show "Basketball Wives," dined at Sugar Factory American Brasserie with a close group of girlfriends and before heading to Gallery Nightclub inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino last night.
After dinner, 'queen bee' and her group of gorgeous girlfriends headed to the flagship Sugar Factory retail store and loaded up on sweet treats.
Reality TV star Brody Jenner enjoyed dinner at LAVO and then hit the club for LAVO’s new La Freak Fridays.
Shaunie O’Neil poses on the red carpet at Gallery Nightclub
Photo credit: Jeffrey Bottari/WireImage
Shaunie O’Neil toasting with friends at Gallery Nightclub
Photo credit: Jeffrey Bottari/WireImage
Saturday, April 21...
Spotted celebrating the 2nd season launch of Marquee Dayclub featuring DJ headliner Avicii at The Cosmopolitan were DeAngelo Hall of the Washington Redskins, reality TV star Brody Jenner, and members of the Party Rock crew, who hopped up on the DJ booth to entertain the crowd near the end of the day.
LAVO featured the second installment of 'Stereo Saturdays' with DJ Reflex and a special appearance by rapper, singer and actress Rye Rye. Before hitting the nightclub she dined at the Italian eatery with friends.
Former N'Sync boy band member Lance Bass was spotted dining at TAO Asian Bistro with friends.
Marquee Dayclub featuring DJ headliner Avicii
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
Rye Rye
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery
Electro-pop duo Blackcards spun their heart pumping remixes at PURE Nightclub into the early hours of the morning.
Blackcards
Photo credit: Al Powers of Powers Imagery LLC.
Kody and Meri Brown, stars of the TLC hit show Sister Wives, were sighted at Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition inside Luxor Hotel and Casino.
