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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
Hollin
Models Holds Fashion Show and Talent Search at MGM Grand's Studio 54
At Midnight on Tuesday, September 18, a chic fashion show was held at
Studio 54 inside the MGM Grand to showcase the top ten finalists
competing in Hollin Models and Talents’ search to find the next striking
talent. The evening began with a great performance from the talent
agency’s R&B artist Double-R, followed by the 10 finalists, four guys
and six girls, strutting their stuff on the runway in hopes of winning
the title of Hollin Model and Talents’ next hot thing. After showcasing
two sexy outfits for local fashion boutique Glamour, Rebecca Utley was
chosen as the winner of a photo shoot valued at $2,500 for her
portfolio.
Double-R and Rebecca Utley
Las
Chicas Cazadores Appear at Mi Casa Cantina
Besides the usual offerings of great Mexican food, on Wednesday evening
September 19, Mi Casa Grill Cantina in The Silverton Casino Lodge had a
special treat for dining guests and bar patrons to enhance the
restaurant experience. The venue presented Tequila Casadores’
spokeswomen Las Chicas Cazadores, in an Open Bar event in conjunction
with www.SpyOnVegas.com.
This
was the only Las Vegas appearance this fall for the group of ten
beautiful and sultry, Mexican born dancers, singers and models, who
performed traditional and contemporary dance routines, sang traditional
songs, and mingled with the guests. In addition to displaying both
beauty and talent, the young women were eager to fulfill their duty as
spokeswomen and chat about Tequila Casadores. As an added bonus the
troupe handed out complimentary cowboy hats and calendars in which they
are showcased.
Las Chicas Cazadores
Las Chicas Cazadores perform at Mi Casa Cantina
Judy Thorburn with Yolanda Santana and Diana Jimenez
Photos by Stephen Thorburn
I spoke with two of the lovely young spokeswomen, Yolanda Santana and
Diana Jimenez who informed me, “For six months we travel throughout the
United States, spending one week each in various cities making
appearances in bars, clubs, restaurants and grocery stores. We perform
as well as educate people about the traditional Mexican drink “tequila”
and how it has to processed and made in Mexico”.
For that evening Mi Casa Cantina served up not only delicious Mexican
food but also special guests who proved to be informative as well as
entertaining.
Planet
Hollywood Hosts Red Carpet World Premiere of Resident Evil: Extinction
The red carpet was laid out on Thursday evening, September 20, for
Screen Gems’ Resident Evil: Extinction, the first ever World Movie Premiere to
be held at Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino. As a film critic as well
as entertainment reporter, I was invited to cover the red carpet, the
screening and the fabulous after party.
Most of the film’s cast were in attendance and made their way down the
red carpet allowing for some photo ops and a few Q & A’s with the press
before entering the theatre. Those who made an appearance included a
very pregnant, and glowing Milla Jovovich (without fiancé, RE writer
Paul W.S. Anderson), her co-stars Ali Larter, Oded Fehr, Mike Epps,
Ashanti (with rapper boyfriend, Nelly), Spencer Locke, child actors
Madeline Carroll and Connor McCoy, Joe Hursley, Jason O’Mara, Matthew
Marsden,
Linden Ashby (with actress wife Susan Walters), and Las Vegas band Searchlight whose single “Contagious” is
featured on the movie’s soundtrack. Other celebrity guests were
Sylvester Stallone and wife, former model Jennifer Flavin, Amy Smart,
Pamela Anderson, magician Hans Klok,
Graham McTavish who co-stars with Stallone in his upcoming flick
John Rambo, and mixed martial arts fighter
Frank Trigg.
Red Carpet
Photo Gallery
Photos by Stephen Thorburn
Models dressed as Alice clones from Resident Evil:
Extinction
Ali Larter
Amy Smart
Ashanti and Nelly
Ashanti
Conner McCoy
Frank Trigg
Graham McTavish and Matthew Marsden
Graham McTavish
Magician Hans Klok and his "Beauty of Magic" lead dancer Candi Kirtz
Jason O'Mara
Joe Hursley
Susan Walters and Linden Ashby
Spencer Locke
Searchlight
Pamela Anderson
Oded Fehr
Oded Fehr and Milla Jovovich
Oded Fehr, Milla Jovovich and Linden Ashby
Oded Fehr, Milla Jovovich, Conner McCoy and Linden Ashby
Milla Jovovich
Mike Epps
Matthew Marsden
Madeline Carroll
Sylvester Stallone and wife Jennifer Flavin
After the screening, my husband Stephen and I, along with other invited
guests, headed upstairs to the spacious outdoor After Party where there
were tables and tables of fabulous food, desserts and an open bar, and
visual entertainment provided by costumed performers on stilts, and
stages set up with topless models body painted in military camouflage.
We bumped into my friend, Chris Farley look-alike/impersonator Paul Heier
before sitting down at a table alongside a young couple from New York
who had been the lucky winners of a radio contest in which they received
an all expense paid three day trip to Las Vegas for the Planet Hollywood
Premiere of Resident Evil. Unfortunately, they arrived in town too late
to make the screening, but were thrilled to be in Las Vegas for the
first time and attend the glamorous party. For Nassau County, NY
resident 29 year old Anthony Rosas, who repairs restaurant equipment and
his 21 year old college student girlfriend Deanna Ely, attending a star
studded special VIP event in Las Vegas was like nothing they had ever
experienced.
Radio Contest winners Anthony Rosas and girlfriend Deanna
Ely
Word is that Planet Hollywood is planning to hold movie premieres on a
regular basis. With the Palms Resort used to having that distinction in
Las Vegas, the bar has been raised. It appears Planet Hollywood is a
force to be reckoned with and is now giving that other property a run
for their money when it comes to the Hollywood-Vegas connection and
drawing top name celebrities and A-list movie stars. Hey, there is a
reason it is called Planet “Hollywood” Hotel and Casino. Movies, stars,
glamour, and everything associated with Hollywood is what this casino
resort is all about.
You can read my review of Resident Evil: Extinction
at http://www.theflickchicks.com
Bellagio
Conservatory Debuts its Fall Exhibit
As the seasons change so do the exhibits at the Bellagio’s Conservatory
& Botanical Gardens. In celebration of the Fall season a new colorful
and serene exhibit debuted on September 16 and, as always, is showcased
FREE for the visiting public and guests to enjoy in all its visual
splendor through November 24, 2007.
Powered by a slow-flowing stream, the centerpiece of this charming
display is a towering 35-foot-tall cider mill set amidst a stand of
regal white birches. Just steps away, a bountiful harvest of more than
1,000 Red Delicious and Granny Smith apples evoke memories of piping hot
cider and homemade pies. Nearby, a babbling brook leads to a covered
wooden bridge surrounded by ornamental grasses, evergreen shrubs,
stately firs and bright blossoms. An unexpected surprise resting atop a
bed of pumpkins awaits guests. A 10-foot-tall Ent, a mythical talking
tree, sits atop the colorful gourds and enchants passers-by with a sweet
smile, gentle eyes and wild botanical hair made of moss and bittersweet.
The Ent’s charming garden abode features a living table and chairs made
of more than 5,000 green and purple succulents. In addition, oversized,
carved pumpkins ranging in size from 600 to 1,000 pounds can be found
throughout this elaborate display.
Other
recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
The Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino has one again been named as one of
the best in the industry by readers of Strictly Slots, one of the top
consumer gaming publications in North America. The October issue
announced that in its Seventh Annual “Best of Slots” survey, its readers
awarded the Golden Nugget 34 accolades in downtown-region categories, 25
of which were first-place honors, including the top three wins for "Best
Overall Hotel and Casino", "Best Overall Casino" and "Best Overall
Hotel”.
Spas at Bellagio, MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay have been named among the
“Top 10 Best” in Luxury Spa Finder Magazine and
www.Spafinder.com’s 2007
Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers of the magazine and visitors to the
website voted on 1,500 spas worldwide and the following MGM MIRAGE spas
were honored: Best Spa at a Casino Hotel – Spa Bellagio MGM Grand Spa
and Spa Mandalay; Best Spa for Interior Design – Spa Bellagio; Best Spa
for Luxury – Spa Bellagio. SpaFinder, Inc. President Susie Ellis stated:
“This represents an especially meaningful validation of the premier
experiences provided by the attentive and knowledgeable staffs of Spa
Bellagio, MGM Grand Spa and Spa Mandalay.” Indulgent, romantic, sleek
and relaxing, the spas of MGM MIRAGE offer each guest a pampering spa
experience. For more information, links are provided to each of the
resorts and spas at www.mgmmirage.com
.
The Liberace Foundation for the Performing & Creative Arts recently
announced the winners of its 2007 Liberace Piano Competition in which a
total of 14 finalists competed. The winners in the following categories
were:
Classical-Junior (age 12 and under) - Nicholas Rule, an 11-year old
middle school student and Las Vegas/Summerlin resident. During the
finals, he performed: “Etude Opus 1 No. 9” by Franz Liszt
Classical-Senior (age 13 and over) - Ray Kim, a northwest Las Vegas
resident and high school senior. He performed: “Prelude in G Major Alla
Marci Op 23 No. 4” by Sergio Rachmanifnoff.
Classical-Adult,- Carolyn Villavicencio Grossmann of Henderson, Nev.,
professional piano teacher and UNLV honors graduate, Master of Music
Piano performance in 2006. She performed: “Reflets dans L’eau"
(Reflections on the Water) from Images Book 1 by Claude Debussey
Showmanship-Professional -Jon England of Wilmington, NC and native of
Great Britain,who since 1979 at the young age of 19 has been giving his
enthusiastic audiences of his sparkling and unique renditions of
everything from “New York, New York” to Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.”
He performed his own arrangement of a Hollywood and Broadway Rhapsody
(medley).
The four winners received a beautiful piano-shaped crystal trophy and a
$250 cash prize. Each performed live on stage a five-minute glittering
showcase of music on a Yamaha Grand Piano, for 400 family, guests and
supporters at the Community Lutheran Church auditorium, just a few
minutes drive from the fabulous Liberace Museum. Proceeds from ticket
sales will benefit the Liberace Foundation Scholarship Fund, the
Liberace Adopt the Collection Fund, and Family Promise
2007 Liberace Piano
Competition Winners
Jon England, Carolyn Villavicencio Grossmann, Ray Kim, and Nicholas Rule
Photo courtesy of Barrett's
Photography
Every Monday night beginning at 4 p.m. during football season, Hootie &
the Blowfish’s Shady Grove Lounge inside Silverton Casino Lodge is
inviting football fans to enjoy half-price appetizers, drink specials
and a chance to win various prizes including a Nintendo Wii, which
patrons can play during the games, dinner for two at Mi Casa Grill
Cantina, dinner for two at Seasons Buffet and complimentary appetizers
and cocktails for four people at Hootie & the Blowfish’s Shady Grove
Lounge. On Dec. 17, one grand prize winner will receive a trip for four
people to the final Monday Night Football game in San Diego, CA on
Monday, Dec. 24. Weekly entries will be collected every Monday night.
For more information, call (702) 263-7777 or visit
www.silvertoncasino.com .
Beginning Sunday, September 16, and running Sunday through Friday at 3
p.m. Hooters Casino Hotel’s Night Owl Showroom presents the hilarious
new game show, “BONK” that will keep the entire audience involved from
start to finish with its tricky questions, physical mayhem, and
out-of-this-world laughter for an experience that is all comedy! BONK
begins with three randomly chosen contestants wearing helmets and
holding soft foam mallets. In order to “bonk in” and answer a question,
one must hit him or her on the head with the mallet and score points for
a correct answer, or lose points for an incorrect answer. After
elimination rounds the person with the most points is crowned champion
with the mirrored BONK disco helmet and winner of the grand prize.
Prizes may include an overnight stay at Hooters Casino Hotel, dinner at
one of the properties restaurants and much, much more. Audience tickets,
which also includes a chance to compete in the show are only $14.95 a
ticket.
 On Friday, October 5, insult comedian and celebrity roaster, Vinnie
Favorito, will celebrate his contract re-signing with O’Sheas by
throwing a FREE party on the casino floor that is open to the public.
Vinnie is inviting everyone to be there for an Italian-style festival
including games and gags and an up-close performance. The party takes
place from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. but guests must be 21 years or older in
order to be admitted to his show. Tickets are priced at $39.95, and can be
purchased by calling the Flamingo Las Vegas Box Office, (702) 733-3333
or by visiting the Flamingo Las Vegas Box Office or O’Sheas Box Office.
O’Sheas is located between the Imperial Palace and Flamingo Las Vegas on
3555 Las Vegas Blvd. South.
On Friday October 5, Las Vegas Design Center, located within World
Market Center will present a comprehensive exhibition of paintings and
sculptures in a variety of media with American Artist, Paul Maxwell. A
short film entitled "Through a Veil of Knowledge - The Legacy of Paul
Maxwell," will showcase the artist’s illustrious career.
 Maxwell will explain his views on “The Importance of Art in an
Architectural Environment.” In addition, he plans to lend an Australian
flavor to his comments when discussing the “Australian Images Project”
and his experiences in Australia in 1988 that affected his work and
direction.
Maxwell’s talk will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on the 16th floor
at 495 South Grand Central Parkway in Las Vegas as part of the Las Vegas
Design Center’s monthly “First Friday” program. To R.S.V.P. or for more
information, 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.
 On Saturday, October 13, inside MGM Grand Hotel Conference Center, MGM
Nevada Arts Advocates will pay tribute to Southern Wine and Spirits of
Nevada, for their contributions to the arts at NAA’s eighth annual Gala,
“An Evening in Wine Country”. The event’s silent auction and cocktails
begin at 7pm followed by a dinner at 8pm and are co-chaired by Senator
Joe Heck and Lisa Heck. Honorary co-chairs for the evening include
Governor Jim Gibbons and First Lady Dawn Gibbons, Governor Bob Miller
and Sandy Miller and NAA’s Ambassador for the Arts Clint Holmes. As part
of the evening’s festivities, attendees also have the opportunity to
stomp grapes. For more information, email
nvartsadvocates@earthlink.net or call 702-362-8885.
The Second Annual Pure Aloha Fall Festival, bringing Hawaiian culture,
food and music to Las Vegas, will take place for three days, Friday,
October 12 through Sunday, October 14 at the Club, the indoor/outdoor
venue at the Cannery Casino & Hotel. The event includes concerts from
some of the most popular Hawaiian and Polynesian acts, and daytime
festivals that will include cultural performances and Pacific Island
vendors featuring a variety of island arts and crafts, and food booths
offering everything from local plate lunches to delicious snacks and
desserts. Tickets for the Friday evening concert are $30 in advance and
$35 the day of the show; a Saturday evening concert ticket is $23 in
advance, $28 the day of the show and are available at the Cannery Casino
& Hotel’s ticket sales counter or by calling 702-617-5585 or
866-287-4643 (toll free). Doors open 9 a.m. each day. Admission to the
daytime festival on Saturday, and Sunday is $5 for adults and $2 for
children under 10, military, and seniors 65 and older. Festival tickets
are only available for purchase at the door.
On Saturday and Sunday, October 13 &14, MonteLago Village Resort, Lake
Las Vegas in Henderson will be the setting of the Fifth Annual Fall Arts
Festival. The picturesque village will transform into an art walk, as
fine artists and unique crafts persons from California, Arizona,
Colorado and Utah as well as many of Nevada’s best will be exhibiting
their newest creations including painting, mixed media, sculpture,
jewelry, pottery and glass. The event takes place from 10 a.m. until 5
p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and is FREE and open to the public, with
free parking. Featured artist for the weekend festival will be Lena
Prima, singer/entertainer, daughter of the late entertainer Louis Prima,
and also an accomplished fine artist and jewelry designer. For more
information, call Mark Vranesh Studio at 702.245.6077 or visit
www.montelagovillage.com .
On October 13 and 14, leading Las Vegas professional model and talent
agency, Cool Blue Entertainment will host “Fusion Model Talent Search”.
Agents and managers from the top agencies of New York, Los Angeles and
international cities will be in attendance in search of new talent in
runway, Print and Commercial ,TV and Film actor, vocalists, dancers and
choreographers, and for the first time, a baby category, extending the
age range from infants -35 years. This new category will bring in
additional top agencies in search of babies and young children. “Fusion
Model Talent Search” will include one-on-one meetings, seminars and a
question and answer session with national and international agents and
managers. To attend “Fusion Model Talent Search” call (702) 804-2501 or
visit www.123pickme.com or attend an open call at Cool Blue
Entertainment 3960 Howard Hughes Pkwy, Suite. 500 on one of the
following dates: September 28, or October 5 between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Please check the website for other audition dates and times.
On Saturday, October 20, at 3 p.m. the Golden Nugget is hosting
“Cavetoberfest” featuring the European version of the show spoken
entirely in German, in celebration of Oktoberfest.
Karsten Kaie, who has been performing “Defending the Caveman” in Germany
since 2001 will star in the show.
Tickets for the one-time only performance are priced at $40 for adults
and $20 for students with a valid ID (tax and service fee not included)
and can be purchased at the Golden Nugget Ticket Office, toll free at
(866) 946-5336 or online at
www.goldennugget.com .
“Cavetoberfest” will kick off on Monday, October 1 with special German
drinks at the showroom bar including an imported German beer. Souvenir
Caveman Las Vegas beer steins will also be given out as part of the
month long promotion. Local star of “Defending the Caveman” Kevin Burke
will join Kaie, to tap the keg at Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas on Friday,
October 19. The festivities start at 7 p.m. at the Hofbräuhaus located
at 4510 Paradise Road, across the street from the Hard Rock Hotel &
Casino.
The Golden Nugget is also offering special room rates of $169-$209 on
Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20 as part of the celebration.
Mention the promotion code “Cavetoberfest” to receive the discounted
rate.
I’ll be back next week with more of what’s “happening” in and around Las
Vegas.
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