Judy Thorburn and Debbie Hall

This week we dined with gangsters, hobnobbed with the stars, enjoyed guitar stylings, and enjoyed fine dining and cocktails.

One of the most successful men’s lifestyle magazines, Maxim, celebrated its 100th issue with a big weekend party at the Wynn Resort. At Primm, a 75 foot “cover” featuring Eva Langoria (of Desperate Housewives fame) was spread out on the desert landscape. On Friday, Maxim models and cover girls was part of the fun at The Rock and Roll Poker Tournament presented by LG®, a fabulous pool side late night poker game. Then on Saturday morning, the Maxim Shotgun Golf Invitational was held at Wynn Las Vegas’s famed golf course. But, the big night was Saturday at Wynn’s hottest new nightclub, Tryst, when celebrities, models, and all the beautiful in-people showed up for the big birthday bash. Maxim Radio, which broadcasts on Sirius radio, was there to capture interviews while photographers snapped away and the reporters interviewed those attending the exclusive birthday party.

Some of the celebrities we spotted on the red carpet included The Chopper (with a new television show about selling cars on A&E), Taye Diggs, Usher, Haylie Duff (Hillary’s older sister)), Shannon Elizabeth, Anne Heche, Kelly Hu, Lucy Lawless, Kelly Monaco, Jami Lynn Sigler, Kristi Swanson, Christina Aguilera, Criss Angel, James Franco, Gabrielle Union, Tori Spelling, Vanessa Minillo, Anthony Michael Hall, Nick Stahl, Rick Fox and Steve and Elaine Wynn. Later, in the club, Ludacris was joined on stage by Usher and Lil' John for the hit songs 'Yea' and 'Lovers and Friends.’

Special Maxim/Tryst Celebrity Red Carpet Photo Gallery - Click Here

Afterwards, a huge cake with 100 candles was brought on stage to the delight of the crowd who partied into the night. Congrats to Maxim Magazine.

The Media Divas were “MADE” by the Sopranos on Monday night. Actually, we attended the interactive musical theatre production titled “The Soprano’s Last Supper” at Krave in the Aladdin Resort. Based on the popular cable network television show, Tony Soprano, who is renamed Tony Baritone here, is supposed to be arrested later in the day and his “boys” decide to throw a big going away party (attended by the audience members) before Tony is carted away. Filled with music from the 70s, 80s and 90s, the audience is encouraged to clap, dance, cheer, jeer and help Tony find out who “ratted” him out. A buffet style dinner is included along with the entertainment. But, be warned. Much like the series, there is profanity and some risqué humor and you have to be over 21 to attend this interactive show.

On Tuesday evening Media Diva Judy and hubby Stephen attended a VIP invitation only preview of renowned guitarist Esteban’s upcoming concert at Sam’s Live, inside Sam’s Town on Boulder Highway. Many, many years ago Judy had the pleasure of being in the audience at a rare Las Vegas appearance of the great legendary classical guitarist Andres Segovia when he performed downtown at the Four Queens Hotel and Casino. To be in the presence and enjoy the artistry of such a master musician is something one never forgets. So Media Diva Judy was thrilled when she found out that this evening’s talent had, in his earlier years, spent time in Malaga Spain as a student of Segovia, where he trained and learned from the best. While Segovia’s influence is recognized, Stephen Paul, renamed Esteban by Segovia who called him by his Spanish name, goes a step further by blending music from other genres to create his own amazing musical style. His 2006 concert tour is entitled from Bach to Rock, which he says encompasses “all the music that we love to do that moves our hearts” and includes “elements of jazz, folk, country, flamenco, and even hip hop”. At this special preview he performed three songs from his repertoire that “pays tribute to the people you love”; Del Shannon’s “Runaway”, “Fuego Malaguena”, and a heartfelt tribute to George Harrison with an improvisational performance of “Here Comes The Sun” that garnered a standing ovation.

On stage, Esteban dressed in black including flamenco hat and dark glasses, sat with one foot propped up on a stool, guitar on knee, accompanied by an amazing band of musicians that includes Joe Morris on drums, bassist Mike Frost, Emilio Santiago on percussion/congas, Jim Ahrend on keyboard, Ray Nelson on trumpet, and Esteban’s lovely daughter Teresa playing a “mean” electric violin. You can’t help but notice the strong father daughter connection that translates into a spectacular musical bond on stage. Let me say that listening to Esteban’s music is quite an experience with uplifting, exciting, and emotional songs that grab at both your heart and body so that you can’t help but want to get up and dance. It is no wonder that Esteban’s 2006 Concert Series is subtitled “Music That Makes You Dance”. The date for his upcoming Sam’s Town concert is April 29 at 8PM, and I was told that areas would be set up at the concert so people in the audience can do just that. Tickets to see this acclaimed guitar virtuoso, Esteban and his extraordinary band play live starts at $20 plus tax and can be purchased at Sam’s Town’s box office or by calling (800) 255-2277.


While Judy was enjoying the talents of Esteban, Media Diva Debbie dined on authentic Chinese cuisine at Fin located inside the Mirage. A high-end Chinese restaurant, Fin features authentic Chinese dishes in a contemporary setting by the award-winning design firm Yabu Pushelberg. Using colors of gold and jade, with dark finishes on the walls, elegant copper color glass spheres suspended with the thinnest of wire separated tables in the open main dining room. There are two private dining rooms with silk screens painted with traditional Chinese imagery surrounding one private area and three layers of laser-cut acrylic, copper wire mesh and a painted mural surrounding the other private room.

Our special menu consisted of fine wines to enhance the courses and began with pan-fried goose liver, crisp shrimp on fried toast and shitake mushrooms in a sweet vinegar sauce. Our soup was a wonderful Won Ton soup with shrimp and pork. Our main courses included steamed coral cod, chicken breast with macadamia nuts, beef tenderloin in a black pepper sauce, young pea leaves and Indian fried rice. For dessert, we enjoyed a trio of Mochi ice cream, fried bananas and sweet cream and coconut tapioca and pineapple martini. Open for lunch and dinner, Fin at the Mirage offers a variety of seafood, vegetarian dishes, chicken and even live fish dishes.

Later that evening, freestyle motocross legend Carey Hart (husband of popstar Pink), who turned his passion for tattoos into a serious business venture by partnering with John Huntington to create Hart and Huntington Tattoo Co- H&H., threw a special late night fashion show at Ghostbar in the Palms Resort and Casino where he debuted his most recent creations, 2006 tattoo inspired clothing and accessory line from his edgy clothing company. The H&H brand was introduced to retailers nationwide this year and includes a hip assortment of shirts with original H&H designs and features accessories such as belts, hats, wallets and are debut of wrist bands, messenger bags and purses - all in keeping with Carey's own tastes and sensibilities. Hitting the runway for the very first time, Hart and Huntington introduced their expanded men's and women's line for 2006 and previewed some exciting new looks and initiatives worn by an assortment of models who strutted their stuff. Interestingly enough, the premier fashion show also doubled as the season finale to the highly successful show "Inked" on A&E, which stars Carey and his tattoo parlor located at The Palms Resort Casino. So, if you would like to see what you missed, remember to check out your local TV Guide listings for upcoming day and time.

Both the Media Divas attended the Epicurean Event held poolside at the Flamingo Hilton on Wednesday and all we can say is WOW. With over 90 vendors offering food and beverages of all different types of cuisines, the colors, aromas, sights, sounds and sheer joy of the event amazed us. Held poolside, we were treated to Cirque du Soleil characters, giant pink “flamingos,” go-go dancers, pirates, and showgirls. But, it was really all about the food. Many of the resorts had their finest restaurants represented which included MGM Mirage, Bellagio, Flamingo, Caesar’s Palace, and Mandalay Resort Group .

Other restaurants with booths include Maggiano’s, Roy’s, Gaylord, Wild Truffles, Lawry’s, Hugo’s Cellar, and Charlie Palmer, just to name a few. All sorts of beverages supplied by Southern Wine and Spirits, Deluca, Pepsi, Beck’s Beer, and Boyd Coffee were offered to the huge crowd. Along with the pool area, there was a real sand area featuring Gilley’s nightclub, Memphis Championship Barbecue and Chicago Brewing Company. We have to admit that sometimes, all of us were a little too close to the pool (there was no swimming) but we are happy to report that no one fell it and everyone attending seemed well-behaved. Chefs were on hand to speak to potential customers, the music was pulsating, people were dancing and everyone who attended had a great time. Tickets purchased in advance were $125, $150 at the door and a bloc of ten could be purchased for $1,000. This event is well worth it and we are looking forward to next year.

Remember, The Media Divas make entertainment news DIVALICIOUS!