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 By
Judy Thorburn
Entertainment Reporter/Film Critic
Las Vegas Tribune
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer
www.theflickchicks.com
Photos by Stephen Thorburn
2007 VMAs Host Event Filled, Star Studded Weekend in
Las Vegas
On Sunday evening of September 9, the Palms Resort Casino played host to
the MTV Video Music Awards which was broadcast live from the Pearl
Concert Theatre, as well as cameras capturing some of the musicians
performing and/or partying in several of the hotel suites. Some of the
top names in the music business, movies and TV were in town to attend
the show as well as partake in many of the exclusive parties, concerts
and other festivities that took place in conjunction with the biggest
night in music and hottest entertainment ticket in Las Vegas.
Tao Nightclub at the Venetian
hosted a hospitality gifting suite for the VMA’s high profile talent to
indulge in complimentary shopping from some of the hottest fashion,
accessory, lifestyle and electronics brands, and other hotel/casino
venues including the Hard Rock threw bashes in which several celebrities
made red carpet entrances. With so much on my scheduled agenda I was
only able to fit in a couple of red carpet events and a benefit concert
at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay that was held during the VMA
weekend.
On Friday, September 7th my
photographer/webmaster husband Stephen and I made it down to the Rio
Hotel to cover the red carpet for Grammy award winning musician/actor
Chris “Ludicris” Bridges’ 30th Birthday Celebration at Café Martorano
where several of his celebrity friends showed up for an exclusive,
private dinner party. Those who arrived and stopped for a photo op on
the red carpet included Ludicris’ mother Roberta Shields, actresses
Tashina Arnold (the mom on TV’s Everybody Hates Chris), A. J. Johnson
(Baby Boy), stunning movie star Gabrielle Union, rap artist Chingy, and
chef/owner of Café Martorano, Steve Martorano.
Red Carpet event for Ludacris' 30th
Birthday Bash at Cafe Martorano
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A. J. Johnson, Ludacris and Gabrielle Union
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A. J. Johnson
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Ludacris and Gabrielle Union
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Gabrielle Union
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Ludacris
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Roberta Shields - Ludacris' mother
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Steve Martorano of Cafe Martorano
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Tashina Arnold
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Unfortunately, Saturday night’s Red Carpet event at Sapporo Breweries
inside Planet Hollywood for Kanye West’s Album Toast to celebrate the
release of his eagerly anticipated LP "Graduation" turned out to be a
bust. The invitation for the media said that we were to be situated on
the red carpet at 6:45PM. After waiting more than two and a half hours
with our feet and back in pain from standing in one tight spot squished
against other reporters and photographers, everyone decided it was time
to leave. The only recognizable arrival was John Salley, host of The
Best Damn Sports Show. I learned later that Kanye didn’t show up until
almost 10p.m.
John Salley, host of The Best Damn Sports Show
On the other hand, we were glad we
were able to get away and make it to the 10pm red carpet and 11pm
benefit concert at the House of Blues in time, because it turned out to
be a fabulous night. First of all, the event was for a good cause. MTV
helped LIFEbeat, the national non profit organization dedicated to
educating America’s youth on aids prevention, celebrate its 15th
anniversary with VMA Fandemonium: A Concert to Benefit LIFEbeat, which
was sponsored by Neutrogena.
The annual MTV concert featured
sensational performances by VMA nominated artists Maroon 5 and Robin
Thicke. The 2007 VMA Fandemonium also included DJ ?uestlove of the
Grammy winning hip hop group The Roots accompanied by MC Yameen Allworld.
Tickets for the benefit concert began at $75 for General Admission and
$400 for VIP.
Prior to the concert, arrivals on
the red carpet included Miss U.S.A. Rachel Smith, Shar Jackson (mostly
known for being the mother of K-Fed’s two children prior to his marriage
to Britney Spears), new rap artist Kenna, Medina Lake (a pair of rockers
turned MTV reporters) actor/producer, Christopher Broughton who has just
signed a three year contract with the Venetian for a TV talk/variety
show that will be airing on Direct TV, Neutrogena spokeswoman/actress
Hayden Panetierre, Robin Thicke, and rockers Maroon 5.
Red Carpet arrivals for VMA Fandemonium: A
Concert to Benefit LIFEbeat at House Of Blues
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Christopher Broughton
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Hayden Panetierre
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Hayden Panetierre and Robin Thicke
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Kenna
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Robin Thicke with Maroon 5
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Medina Lake
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Miss USA Rachel Renee Smith
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Miss USA Rachel Renee Smith
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Robin Thicke
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Robin Thicke, Hayden Panetierre and Maroon 5
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Shar Jackson
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Sunday night there was an Official
IGA (Interscope, Geffin, A&M) Record Label VMA After Party at the newly
opened Blush Boutique Nightclub inside Wynn Las Vegas. Arrivals included
Palm’s owner George Maloof and his brother Gavin, Paris Hilton, Pussycat
Doll Melody Thornton, Maksim Chmerkovskiy of Dancing With The Stars,
Pamela Anderson, D. Woods from R&B all girl group Danity Kane, Chicago
rock band Plain White T’s, Young Hot Rod from rap group G-Unit, up and
coming 16 year old New York female rapper Lanz and singer Tierra Marie.
Red Carpet at Blush Nightclub in the
Wynn
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D. Woods
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DJ Irie
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Famous
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Gavin Maloof
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Young Hot Rod from G-Unit
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Kenna
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Lanz
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DJ Little Fizz
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Max Chmerkovskiy
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Melody Thornton of The Pussycat Dolls
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Pamela Anderson
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Paris Hilton and George Maloof
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Plain White T's
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Shar Jackson
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Tierra Marie
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"V" The
Ultimate Variety Show Celebrates its 5th Anniversary
Last Thursday evening, David Saxes’ production of V - The Ultimate
Variety Show celebrated its 5th anniversary at Planet Hollywood
(formerly the Aladdin) by throwing a party and special performance.
Prior to the show, invited guests were escorted to the upstairs indoor
veranda that surrounds the V theatre where producer Saxe and the entire
cast of his show were in attendance mingling among the guests. Food
offerings consisted of chicken or cheese enchiladas, salsa, guacamole,
sour cream, chips, spicy chicken wings, chicken spring rolls, and liquid
refreshments as well as sampling a piece of the anniversary cake made
especially for this occasion. As a special treat, guests were given the
opportunity to get free palm readings by Rev. Teresa Calacino-Jurasovic
and have tattoo artist Rahja draw beautiful henna designs on a visible
body part.
Producer David Saxe with "V" Anniversary Cake
This was the fourth time I have
seen V-The Ultimate Variety Show since it opened and it seems to get
better with every incarnation. From the audience perspective, the
seating transformation now offers more comfort to sit back and enjoy the
show. New roomy chairs with grey cushioned seats and backs are a welcome
improvement that only helps to enhance the theatre experience. And what
a show it is.
V-The Ultimate Variety Show is fast paced, exciting, and as
host/featured performer Wally Eastwood said, “about having fun and being
amazed.” The show features some of the best specialty acts from all over
the world including said mentioned new host, comedy juggler Eastwood,
who jokingly describes himself as a Mexican redneck because he is the
son of an Alabama born father and Mexican mother. Eastwood is not only a
highly skilled, incredibly fast juggler, he is also charming, full of
personality, and a crowd pleaser. The rest of the cast is an eclectic
assortment of talented performers that hit the mark.
Wally Eastwood with Judy Thorburn
The comedy acts will have you
laughing so hard it hurts. Besides Eastwood they include, from
Argentina, Hugo and Eduardo, aka, The Crazy Gauchos, Russ Merlin one of
the most unusual and funniest acts in show business that requires four
volunteers from the audience whom he facially adorns with very funny
looking masks, and high energy comedic/fast changing costume and prop
artist Joe Trammel, from Wayne Newton’s E channel reality competition
series The Entertainer, whose acts consists of hysterical quick takes on
pop culture icons and memorable moments from TV, movies, and music.
Producer David Saxe (rear center) with the cast of "V"
The Ultimate Variety Show
Visually artistic are Iouri
(pronounced like Yuri) and Nikolai, a jaw dropping two man balance act
from Russia that showcases their incredible strength; “Aerial
Expressions”, two handsome muscular young men who do an acrobatic
performance suspended over the audience, and Ukranian born rhythm
gymnastics performer Tamara, who won a slot in this show by recently
beating out 200 contestants in the V-show’s recent “Vegas Got Talent”
competition.
Ukranian born rhythm gymnastics performer Tamara (left)
V-The Ultimate Variety Show is good clean entertainment for the entire
family and people of all ages and lives up to its name – the ultimate in
variety entertainment. Showtimes are 7 and 9 p.m. nightly.
Other
recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Congratulations to Kamel Guechida, pastry chef at the Mobil Five-Star,
AAA Five Diamond restaurant Joël Robuchon, located inside the MGM Grand,
for being named Bon Appetit’s Pastry Chef of the Year. “The passion and
creativity behind Kamel’s desserts are extraordinary,” said MGM Grand
President Gamal Aziz. “This award is a well-deserved honor and we are
thrilled to have this talent at MGM Grand.”
Starting Thursday, Sept. 13 heavy metal comedy sensations Metal Skool
will hit the stage at 9:30 p.m. every Thursday inside Body English at
the Hard Rock Hotel. Tickets are priced at $15 at the door, but
admission to Body English is restricted to those who are 21 years of age
or older.
On Tuesday, September 25, at 7:30 p.m. the UNLV Jazz Ensemble will
perform with The Liberace Quartet at Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall.
Conductors will be David Loeb and Bruce Paulson Tickets are $10 general
admission; $7 for Jazz Society members; $5 for general students and
seniors with ID; and free to UNLV students with Rebel card. Tickets may
be purchased at the UNLV Performing Arts Center Box Office or by calling
895-ARTS (2787).
On Friday, September 28, 2007 at 8:00 p.m, the Italian American Club
will once again present “DooWop in the Desert” as “Grease Meets West”.
Tony Sacca, Las Vegas’ official ambassador of entertainment, returns as
Master of Ceremonies to introduce New York’s hottest nu-wop sensations
“The Bronx Wanderers” who bring their tribute to ‘Dion’ and the music
from the motion picture ‘A Bronx Tale.’ Representing the west, will be
none other than Las Vegas’ best R & B band, “The Goodfellas” with a
string of oldies served up Las Vegas Style. Special guests, accapella
vocalists, “The Royals of San Diego” sing street harmony the way it’s
supposed to be. Tickets are $25 per person in advance, $30 at the door
and can be Purchased At The Italian American Club, 2333 E. Sahara Ave.
457-3866, Rich Rosen’s Wax Trax Records, 2909 S. Decatur - 362-4300. For
more information call: DooWop in the Desert – 454-4229
Hans Klok - The Beauty of Magic” at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is
offering $25 tickets to Las Vegas school system students and faculty
from the Clark County School District, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
and College of Southern Nevada, now through Dec. 8, 2007. Students and
faculty can purchase their ticket online, over the phone or in person at
the Planet Hollywood Theatre for the Performing Arts box office. Those
purchasing via telephone or online are advised to use the code HKEDU to
receive the discounted ticket. Purchases made at the box office require
a school ID.
Hans Klok has also formed a partnership with the Las Vegas charity,
Opportunity Village. To show his support of the organization, Klok is
offering a series of special events and promotions that includes an
upcoming benefit performance, unique incentive packages for donors, and
special appearances at events such as the Magical Forest and the Las
Vegas Great Santa Run. Those wishing to make a donation to Opportunity
Village are advised to visit the community page of the Hans Klok
website,
www.hanslasvegas.com/charity .
On October 1 at 7 p.m. entertainer Kelly Clinton will preview her one
woman show – “Out of My Mind: An Evening with Kelly Clinton” – at the
Family Music Centers, 8125 W. Sahara, that will feature Clinton singing
with her band plus surprise guests that include a cast of characters who
have played a role in her life through the years. “You might call them
my alter egos who have supported my career,” laughs Clinton. Proceeds
from the $25 ticket price will go to the Southern Nevada chapter of the
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training campaign whose goal is to
raise funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and
myeloma from taking more lives. Clinton’s stepfather Alfred Issa,
recently received a clean bill of health after battling lymphoma. . Her
brother John is a member of the Local Team in Training who will be
competing in the Chicago Marathon event on October in honor of Alfred
and all individuals who are battling blood cancers Tickets for the Kelly
Clinton’s show can be purchased by e-mail at
prlieber@aol.com or by
calling 210-9721 or 810-0995.
The UNLV College of Fine Arts Departments of Dance, Music and Theatre
invite seniors aged 62 and older to attend a special Encore!
Performance. There will also be a presentation and information about
taking classes and earning degrees at UNLV. No prior experience is
necessary for Dance or Theatre classes. The New Horizons Band is
designed for those individuals who are reacquiring their musical
instrument talents.
Seniors who meet Nevada residency requirements may earn tuition-free
credits (some fees apply). The Encore! performance will be held on
Tuesday, October 2nd from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at the Sahara West Library
(9600 West Sahara Avenue). For more information call the UNLV
Gerontology Program at 895-5871.
On Tuesday 7 p.m. October 2, UNLV vocal graduate students will perform a
recital “Words, Women, and Song” featuring the works of women composers
and writers. The FREE recital is open to the public, will be held in the
Doc Rando Recital Hall of the Beam Music Center on the UNLV campus, and
includes works by composers Amy Beach, Lilli Boulanger, Pauline Viardot
and Lori Laitman and poets Mona Bonelli, Emily Dickinson, Christina
Rosetti and Mathilde Wesendonck, in musical settings for voice and piano
from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Legendary insult comedian Don Rickles will conclude his 48th consecutive
year as a Las Vegas Strip headliner when he performs at the Golden
Nugget on October 5-7 for his third and final engagement of 2007.
Rickles will perform at 9 p.m. in the newly-renovated, 600-seat Showroom
for this 3-night engagement. Ticket prices start at $55, plus applicable
taxes and fees, and are available at the Golden Nugget Ticket Office,
online at www.goldennugget.com
, or by calling (702) 386-8100.
On Sunday, October 7 Hogs & Heifers is having a fundraiser for the
Police Officer’s Ride for Kids (P.O.R.K.), with an after party on 3rd
Street. Raffle tickets for the Hogs & Heifers Beach cruiser will be
available for sale at Hogs & Heifers beginning Wednesday night September
12th. Tickets are $5.00 each and second prize is an awesome custom Hogs
& Heifers lighted logo sign! Both items are on display directly inside
the front door of Hogs. The goal is to sell 500 tickets between now and
P.O.R.K. with the entire proceeds going to that charity event!
On October 6 at 8 p.m. celebrated Canadian rock band, The Guess Who,
known for their timeless classics such as “American Woman,” “Clap for
the Wolfman” and “These Eyes”, will take the stage at The Club, an
indoor/outdoor venue located at the Cannery Casino & Hotel. Doors open
at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $34.95, $24.95 and $14.95 plus tax and fees and
go on sale September 15 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
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For the 14th year Sunset Park transforms into a medieval kingdom when
Clark County Parks and Recreation presents the annual Age of Chivalry
Renaissance Festival on October 14-16. Lavishly costumed knights,
knaves, fine ladies and wenches will take over Sunset Park, 2601 E.
Sunset Road. The festivities begin with free admission for schools from
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 12 and continue until 10 p.m. The festival is
open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 13 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 14.
Several stages will feature entertainment with costumed performers
presenting more than 50 shows per day along with historical
re-enactments, jousting tournaments, medieval pageantry and more than
100 artisans – including blacksmiths, stained glass designers, jewelers,
wood workers, toy makers, perfume blenders, stone carvers and sword,
dagger and armor craftsman -- to demonstrate and sell their wares.
Authentic food, from fish and chips to an English feast, also will be
available as well as beer and ales for adults with proper
identification.
Admission is $10 per day or $25 for a three-day pass for adults and $5
per day or $10 for a three-day pass for seniors and students. Ages 5 and
younger are free. Those interested in the Age of Chivalry Renaissance
Festival can call 455-8200 or visit the Web site at
www.lvrenfair.com .
I’ll be back next week with more of what’s “happening” in and around Las
Vegas.
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