By Judy Thorburn
Entertainment Reporter/Film Critic
Las Vegas Tribune
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer
www.theflickchicks.com

 Las Vegas Hosts Fashion Week with MAGIC and Related Trade Shows

New York may be the home of the garment industry but last week, Las Vegas took over as the fashion capital of the world for several days when the city played host to MAGIC (the Men’s Apparel Guild of California), the largest annual men’s apparel and accessory trade show in the U.S., that was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Las Vegas Hilton on August 27 – 30. It was the place to be for buyers, sellers and trendsetters in the fashion industry.

In conjunction with MAGIC, the Venetian and the Sands Expo also hosted several other trade shows that showcased the latest fashions for both men and women. Coinciding with MAGIC were Exclusive, the trade show featuring high end men’s clothing lines; ASAP, the premier sourcing show and one-stop marketplace for sourcing apparel overseas; the Global ECO Show that is focused on environmentally conscious fashions and products, and Project and Accessories Show, trendy rock and roll, urban and casual fashions.

I received a personal invitation to attend CURVE NV the premier women’s and men’s Intimate Apparel and Swimwear Trade Show on the West Coast, and I was blown away with all the gorgeous and sexy fashions by international leaders in the industry, as well as a group of new designers who are hoping to make a mark in the industry by presenting samples of their spring/summer 2008 collections that ranged from women and men’s sleepwear, underwear, loungewear, swimwear, and women’s foundations, shape wear, plus size, maternity, and bridal. Big names such as Calvin Klein, Donna Karen, were just a few of the over 182 brands including vintage inspired lingerie from up and comers Lucy B. (their catalogue models look like raven haired 1950’s pin up Bettie Page) and Chiari (inspired by 1940’s movie star glamour queens) to maternity fashion brands like Bella Materna and other intimate accessories.

Besides the exhibitor booths where live models paraded around in sexy intimate apparel, exclusive daily fashion shows were held with models strutting their stuff across the stage in lingerie and swimsuits from American, Canadian, French and Italian brands.

Photos by Judy Thorburn

The good news is the fashion trend is for apparel that is not only eye catching but comfortable to wear. Now, if only I had the money and the closet space to be able to indulge in every item that caught my fancy.

 Celebrities Showcase Fashion Lines at PURE Nightclub

Fitting perfectly into Las Vegas’ Fashion Week, on Monday night, PURE Nightclub was the scene for two celebrities who unveiled THEIR new clothing lines. Linkin Park front man Chester Bennington launched his new fashion brand of clothing, Ve’Cel at the savvy nightspot. Wilmer Valderrama also threw a party at the same venue to debut his cutting-edge clothing line Calavena.

Chester Bennington and Wilmer Valderrama
Photos courtesy of PURE Nightclub

Then on the following night, Tuesday, socialite and entrepreneur extraordinaire Nicky Hilton made her way down the red carpet before hosting a bash where she unveiled the latest from her sassy line of stylish attire, Chick.

Nicky Hilton
Photos courtesy of PURE Nightclub

 LA Comedy Club Opens at Palace Station

To kick off its opening, last Thursday night the L.A. Comedy Club at Palace Station held a special performance for invited media and VIP’s that included local entertainers Marc Savard, Gerry McCambridge, Mac King and Tim Gabrielson in the audience.

This newest comedy venue to debut in Las Vegas is the brainchild of Bill Voelkner and Joaquin Trujillo who are working together with their former Maxim Comedy Club colleague Matt Chavez as their booking agent to bring in some of the best comedians. Already open to nightly audiences, each show features two comedians, both of headlining caliber in the Showroom, which used to be the former Laugh Trax comedy club that closed in 2005.

Vinnie Favorito
Photo by Stephen Thorburn

In its new incarnation as the L.A. Comedy Club, for this particular night, Boston born comedian Vinnie Favorito who headlines at O’Shea’s in downtown Las Vegas played host and warm up comedian, although warm is not exactly a suitable word for Vinnie. Just get him started, and this guy is on fire.

Favorito is one of the funniest guys in the business and doesn’t seem to need any rehearsed material to make his audience laugh. He works off the crowd, picking on those in his sight with his edgy, biting, but harmless and very hilarious humor that had everyone in stitches. He had me laughing so hard that I would have been happy if he was the only featured performer for the evening. That not being the case, the first scheduled headline act was the comedy team of O’Brien and Valdez, an Irish guy from Chicago and a blind Mexican from Southern California that Favorito introduced as one of Jay Leno’s favorite acts. If you like comedy that includes a mixture of sound effects, observations based on their diverse backgrounds, other ethnic groups, and blind jokes, these guys will tickle your funny bone.

O'Brien and Valdez
Photo by Stephen Thorburn

Blonde long haired, redneck comedian Steve McGrew’s material is something else. His act ranges from observations of old people, gambling, mobile home residents, fights with his ex wife, and getting drunk and its aftermath. He had me laughing until his overdone puking and gagging routine became more crude than funny.

Steve MvGrew
Photo by Stephen Thorburn

The L.A. Comedy Club hosts two shows nightly at 7 and 9 p.m. in the intimate 150 seat venue at Palace Station. Tickets are $24.95 each and includes either two drinks inside the showroom or a meal at the Palace Station Feast Buffet that must be redeemed within seven days of purchase date. The featured comedians alternate every one to two weeks, splitting their time on stage equally. To purchase tickets call (702) 574-5300.

 Fremont Street East Transformation Kicks Off with Lighting and Dedication Party

On Friday, August 24, the city of Las Vegas threw a Fremont East District lighting and dedication party on Fremont Street, between Las Vegas Boulevard and Seventh Street to celebrate the completion of a $5.5 million street-scaping effort for downtown’s new entertainment district that took seven months to complete. The event, in which the public was invited, kicked off at 7 p.m. with live music and included a lighting ceremony at 7:45 p.m. “This signals yet another successful achievement in the ongoing rebirth and urban renaissance of downtown Las Vegas,” Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman said. “With the completion of this major project, Fremont East will be transformed into an exciting, thriving area that will offer entertainment options for residents and tourists alike.

Photos courtesy of City of Las Vegas

This project is a partnership between the city of Las Vegas and those business owners who believe in the city’s desire to revitalize downtown,” said Ward 5 Councilman Ricki Y. Barlow, who represents this area.

Improvements include the creation of wider sidewalks and more pedestrian-friendly streets; landscaping; lighted gateways and four 40-foot-tall, retro-looking neon signs that capitalizes on popular nostalgia by reviving the old glamour of vintage Las Vegas.

 Other recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:

The Jameson Comedy Tour featuring four of today’s finest stand-up comedians: Billy Gardner, Nick Griffin, Danny Bevins and Michael Loftus kicks off its 2007/2008 national tour with two shows nightly, September 4- 10 at the Improv inside Harrahs Las Vegas. Show times are 8:30 and 10:30 pm.

 On Thursday September 6 at 2 p.m. John Fredericks is hosting the grand finale of The Fourth Annual Suncoast Talent Show. Talented participants range from an award-winning cellist to a Guinness Book of World Records magician. Two winners from each of the three preliminary competitions will face-off in front of the guest judges that include Tede Davey of the Las Vegas Tenors, Larry Leeso of Shades of Sinatra, Arnie Webster of the Young at Heart Orchestra and many other Las Vegas favorites. FREE tickets are available the Monday prior to performance but you must be a Club Coast member to attend.

On Friday September 7, from 10 a.m. to noon, Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center, will present “A Stitch Above the Rest” with well-known wall upholsterer Dean Robert Jones who has worked with some notable clients such as Barbra Streisand, Cher, Eddie Murphy, Tom Selleck, Christina Aguilera and the late Michael Landon. Dean Robert Jones will share with the audience how his diligence to craft and client keeps his niche of design, “one stitch above the rest.” Jones said he plans to show numerous photos of completed projects as well as tangible samples of wall upholstery and techniques such as leather button tufting. He will discuss do’s and don’ts regarding fabrics along with acoustical benefits and durability of wall upholstery, which he calls “one of the most elegant things you can do to your walls.” Jones’ seminar will take place on the 16th floor of Building B, at Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center. To R.S.V.P., please e-mail lvdc@lvdesigncenter.com  or call (702) 599-3093. On-site seminar registrants will be asked to make a $20 donation to Safe Nest.


The event will occur on Friday, September 7, 2007 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at 495 South Grand Central Parkway in Las Vegas as part of the Las Vegas Design Center’s monthly “First Friday” program.

At noon on Sunday, Sept. 9th, finalists in the Liberace Piano Competition will perform in the Wes Winters Showroom at the Liberace Museum located at Tropicana and Spencer. Admission is free. Winners in their division will then go on to compete in The Liberace Piano Competition Finals, to be held on Sunday, Sept. 16th, at 1 p.m. at the Community Lutheran Church auditorium, 3720 E. Tropicana Ave. Cost of admission to the finals event is $10 per person, and $5 for children ages 12 and under and can be purchased in person at the Liberace Museum store. Admission proceeds will benefit the Liberace Foundation Scholarship Fund, the Liberace Adopt the Collection Fund, and Family Promise.

Beginning Tuesday September 11 for six days, the 28th annual San Gennaro Feast will take place in the Grand Canyon Shopping Center, at 4245 Grand Canyon Parkway on West Flamingo Road, west of I-215. The feast features an assortment of Italian foods and specialties, Italian music, arts and crafts, over 60 amusement rides, games, pony rides and a petting zoo. Moms ride all butler amusement rides FREE on Tuesday, opening night. TV personality and entertainer Tony Sacca will host an evening of entertainment, featuring stars from the Strip starting at 9:00 p.m until closing. There is FREE parking and admission tickets are $7.00 for adults and $6.00 for seniors. Children 54 inches and under are free. For discount tickets go to www.sangennarofeast.com 

Brian Stokes Mitchell opens the UNLV Performing Arts Center 2007-2008 Season at 8 p.m. on Friday, September 14 as part of the New York Stage & Beyond Series. Dubbed “The Last Leading Man” by the New York Times, Brian Stokes Mitchell’s career achievements have included starring on Broadway, television and film, along with appearances in the great American concert halls. Tickets to Brian Stokes Mitchell are $40, $55, and $85 and can be purchased at the Performing Arts Center Box Office at 895-ARTS (2787) or by visiting www.pac.unlv.edu . Student rush tickets are $13 each and available one hour prior to each event, based on availability and with valid student I.D. UNLV faculty and staff discounts also are available. Information about all of the season’s performances can be found on the Performing Arts Center website, located at www.pac.unlv.edu .


On Saturday, September 22 at 8 p.m. Grammy award winning R&B trio, The Pointer Sisters will be appearing in concert at The Club at the Cannery Casino & Hotel. They will be performing several of their popular hits such as “He’s So Shy,” “I’m So Excited” and “Jump (For My Love),” as well as “Neutron Dance.”
Tickets are $29.95, $19.95 and $14.95 plus tax and fees and on sale Saturday, September 1 at the Cannery Casino & Hotel’s ticket sales counter located at the front desk. Tickets will also be available for purchase by calling 702-617-5585 or 866-287-4643 (toll free), or by visiting www.cannerycasinos.com .

The Pointer Sisters

UNLV will induct legendary comedian Rich Little, Nevada Ballet Theatre co-founder Nancy Houssels, architect Thomas Schoeman, and CSI creator Anthony Zuiker into the 5th Annual Nevada Entertainer/Artist Hall of Fame at UNLV during an award ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 20 in Artemus Ham Concert Hall. Tickets to the UNLV award ceremony are $25 general admission, $10 for seniors and children, and free to all UNLV students (one ticket per valid student I.D.). They are available at the UNLV Performing Arts Center Box Office. Tickets can be purchased by calling 895-ARTS (2787).

One of rock’s most electrifying bands Velvet Revolver and opening act, Seattle’s popular metal rock band Alice in Chains, will perform at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Friday, Sept. 21. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show are priced at $80 and $55, not including applicable service charges and taxes, can be purchased at the Mandalay Bay Events Center box office. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

On September 22 at 8 p.m. Comedian Paul Rodriguez, who is referred to as the Original Latin King of Comedy, and has been featured in 30 films and countless television series and specials, will perform at Buffalo Bill’s Star of the Desert Arena in Primm, Nevada. Tickets priced at $19.95 and $29.95 plus applicable taxes and fees are available at Buffalo Bill’s Box Office or by calling 1-800-FUN-STOP.

Full figured, award-winning comedienne and actress Mo’Nique will perform her hilarious stand-up routine for one night only at the Mandalay Bay Theatre Friday, September 28 at 10 p.m. Tickets priced at $60 and $50 plus tax and handling fees are now on sale and can be purchased at any Mandalay Bay box office. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call the Mandalay Bay box office at (702) 632-7580.

Recent “America’s Got Talent” winner, impressionist/ventriloquist Terry Fator’s announcement that he will be headlining at the Las Vegas Hilton on October 14, has resulted in a sold out show, prompting him to add another performance on October 15. Fator’s special guest for both shows is Bobby Badfingers. Show times are 6 p.m. Sunday, October 14 and 7 p.m. Monday, October 15 in the Hilton Theater. Tickets are $39.95 - $79 (plus tax and service charge).


I’ll be back next time for what’s “happening” in and around Las Vegas.