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

 “DIRTY Rock Hard Comedy Hypnosis” at the House of Blues

The evening of July 30 was the Grand Opening celebration for “DIRTY, the Rock Hard Comedy Hypnosis Show” at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay that started off with some rockin music by a five member band before the host of the show made his entrance.

Although the invite said the show stars blonde spike haired, Michael Johns and the more conventional looking Terry Stokes, they actually split the duties of resident hypnotist. This particular evening, Stokes, dressed in a conservative suit, was the man in charge. After telling some off color jokes and getting a feel for the audience Stokes invited volunteers to fill the eleven seats on the stage before whittling them down to his carefully selected eight victims, err, I mean subjects that are the real stars of the show.

Terry Stokes

It never fails to amaze me how anyone has the nerve to go on stage in front of an audience filled with strangers and make a fool of themselves. But they do, and there wouldn’t be a show if that wasn’t so. In any case, once Stoke’s subjects have been put under, they are like putty in his hands and capable of doing anything he suggests.

Remember the show is called DIRTY, and although there is no nudity, the majority of Stoke’s suggestions are aimed at the volunteers’ private parts. Yes, he gets down and dirty with the power to make his subjects believe anything that he sees fit. A cigarette that they are told is a joint is passed around from one to the other which results in a bunch of silly and stoned characters. However, the idea is to be the raunchier the better. For instance, whenever a volunteer heard a sneeze, how shall I say it, it caused her to reach the height of sexual pleasure. Another is led to believe that her private parts can talk. One young man is turned into a six year old girl that can’t wait to put on the reddest lipstick from his “mother’s” purse and then smear it on the face of his nearest fellow volunteer. Later, wearing a blonde wig along with those cherry lips, the same poor shlub is sent into the audience to give a “lucky” male audience member a lap dance.

The show is unpredictable and changes with the subjects chosen from the different audiences that attend. You never know what to expect. One thing is for sure, you can “expect the unexpected”, but without a doubt, I can guarantee you will never get me on that stage.

Tickets for “DIRTY Rock Hard Comedy Hypnosis” at the House of Blues are $39.95 (not including tax and fees). Admission is restricted to 21 years of age and older. Locals can call 702-632-777, toll free number is 877-632-7000 for more information.. Show times are 11PM nightly, dark on Saturday.

 World Market Center's "2007 Summer Market" Furniture and Home Furnishings Tradeshow

From July 30- August 3, The World Market Center off of Grand Central Parkway in downtown Las Vegas and the more centrally located Sands Expo played host to the 2007 Summer Market tradeshow for furniture, home accessories and furnishings. An estimated 50,000 people from more than 80 countries around the world including manufacturers, designers, builders, retailers, contract buyers and industry professionals converged in Las Vegas to either buy or sell the latest creation and trend in the home furnishings industry that were displayed by over 1,300 exhibitors in showrooms throughout the two buildings, the temporary massive white tented Pavilions or Sands Expo during the four day event. In the late afternoon/early evening, attendees (including yours truly) were invited to enjoy entertainment and complimentary food at parties that included a Grand Opening Celebration at the Sands Expo, a Viva La Venetian Festival, a Japanese Tea Ceremony and The Green Party which was a celebration of bringing eco friendly furniture into the mainstream.

Buildings A & B of the world class design center are filled with floors after floors of individual showrooms that incorporate what you could call one gigantic shopping mall featuring new lines of furniture from leading manufacturers from all over the world. European motifs, Asian, New World, Contemporary, Modern, Retro, Antique reproductions, Exotic and every other style of home furnishings and accessories like rugs, lamps, mirrors, bedding and so forth that you could think of that make up the interior (as well as outdoor) décor of a home was on display. Also showcased were the designs from celebrities such as husband and wife tennis greats Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, and supermodel Kathy Ireland, to name a few.

Actress Jane Seymour made an in person appearance in the Vintage Verandah showroom to help promote the company’s Jane Seymour Home Collection which features four distinct design aesthetics that are named for and inspired by the actress/designer’s several homes, art and family that have significance in her life. As an accomplished artist and designer in her own right Jane’s designs have been incorporated into the Jane Seymour Home Collection in which items such as table lamps, night lights, floor lamps, candleholders, decorative boxes as well as pillows and bedding reflect the actress’s distinct style and creative influence.

Jane Seymour

Interesting enough I discovered that the major trend in the industry is “eco-consciousness” or, in other words, “eco-chic” which has come to the attention of concerned citizens thanks to Al Gore’s environmentally conscious, award winning documentary, An Inconvenient Truth”. Partly due to the awareness generated by that movie, there is a growing interest in going “green” and creating/designing eco friendly products for the home and garden that are inspired by nature.

Since “Green” is one of the hottest topics, the Summer Market included the debut of the Living Green Pavilion which highlighted the growing style of eco-friendly home furnishings. One company whose designs and products reflect that trend is Eastern Breeze, at the forefront of reclaiming products that would have been trashed, and transforming them into art pieces and functional furnishings for the home. The aptly named, Environment Furniture Inc. is another guiding force in creating environmentally sustainable, cutting edge furniture.

According to industry professionals that I had the pleasure to chat with, The World Market Center, the new kid on the block that had its inaugural Las Vegas Market just two years ago in 2005, appears to be stealing the show from its rival Highpoint Market in Highpoint, North Carolina which has been recognized as the largest home furnishings show in the world; that is, until now.

Currently the World Market Center consists of 3.8 million square feet of space. Construction is underway to expand the complex and upon completion in 2013 the additional space in the new buildings will expand that size to 12 million square feet making it the largest complex of its kind in the world.

Artist's rendering of completed World Market Complex

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman says that the project is a key component in his plan of revitalizing downtown. From my point of view and those of the home furnishings professionals, the impact will be far reaching as to hit a High Point, if you know what I mean.

 Second Annual Simon Super Chefs Live! cook-off competition in The Forum Shops at Caesars

On Saturday, July 28th the second annual Simon Super Chefs Live! food extravaganza took place in The Forum Shops at Caesars. In addition to live cooking demonstrations, audience participation and autograph signings, the highlight of the free, day long, in mall celebration of food, was food lovers witnessing some of the best chefs in Las Vegas go head to head in the cook off competition. In the end, José Aleman, from BOA Steakhouse stood out from his competitors, shocking fans by being able to produce six dishes in twelve minutes, beating out last year’s winner Dave Simmons of Stage Deli.

Simon Super Chefs Live! winner José Aleman, from BOA Steakhouse (left) holding crystal award

All five participating chefs were given a mystery ingredient and a time limit to create their original dishes. The chef that produced the most food in the given time was pronounced the winner. Upon winning the competition, Caesar and Cleopatra presented Aleman with the Simon Super Chefs crystal award, in a presentation that drew loud cheers from his fan base. Other participating chefs from The Forum Shops at Caesars included Chef Kiko Ojeda of The Palm Las Vegas, Chef Kiichi Okabe of Sushi Roku and Chef Matt Montoya of Trevi Italian Restaurant.

“We are very excited that BOA Steakhouse took this year’s prize. Aleman deserves an award for being able to cook that fast!” said Maureen Crampton, director of marketing of The Forum Shops at Caesars. “Simon Super Chefs Live! is such a unique and successful event because local and national celebrity chefs get the chance to connect face-to-face with their fans who share a common interest – their love of food and cooking,” she added.

In addition to the cook off competition celebrity guest Duff Goldman, of the esteemed Food Network show “Ace of Cakes,” also joined in the festivities by signing books, answering audience questions and producing his own slot machine cake.

Duff Goldman

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

On July 30, MAMMA MIA!, the most successful Broadway musical that is celebrating its fourth year on the strip, added four new, talented principals from film, television and the stage to the Las Vegas cast. Actress Libby Winters with experience in film, television and stage including “The Like Girl,” “Champs” and the New York musical White Noise, takes over the lead role of Sophie Sheridan, the bride-to-be. Rob Sutton, comes directly from the Broadway company of Beauty and the Beast, and joins the cast as Sam Carmichael, the American architect. Gracing the stage as Bill Austin, the Australian traveller, Ron McClary comes to Las Vegas from New York City where he starred in Summer ’69: The Musical and The Lightning Field. Joining Sutton and McClary is T. Scott Cunningham as Harry Bright, the British banker, with experience ranging from Broadway, film, television, and national tours. His credits include Broadway’s Love! Valour! Compassion!, Design for Living and Tartuffe as well as television appearances on “Law and Order” and the role of Ryan in the major motion picture “Serendipity.”

On Thursday, August 2, legendary magicians Siegfried & Roy attended Hans Klok’s magic show, "The Beauty of Magic" at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. After the show, Siegfried & Roy met with Hans.

Siegfried and Roy with Hans Klok (center)

In celebration of its 5th anniversary, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® invites Las Vegas locals to participate in a series of events where they can win free drinks, partake in exciting events and win great prizes. The 5th anniversary celebration kicks off on Monday, August 13, 2007, and ends Sunday September 16, 2007 and include:

Meltdown Mondays: Purchase any large Ice Blended® and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ® will “Extreme” it for free.

Celebrity Sightings: Bring in 5 photos of yourself sipping their favorite Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ® drink in their top 5 Las Vegas haunts and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ® will display your photos on the community board in your favorite store. Each participant will receive a free Ice Blended® or their favorite Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ® drink.
 
Fridays at 5: Visit any of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ® from 5:00 p.m. to 5:55 p.m. and buy one Ice Blended® get the second one for only $0.05!

Coloring Contest of Mr. Ice Blended: Bring the family and enjoy your favorite Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ® drink while the kids color Mr. Ice Blended®. Each child will receive a free small Pure Mocha or Pure Vanilla Ice Blended® and their artwork will be displayed on The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ® wall.

On Sunday afternoon, September 16, the final event will be the First Annual Ice Blended® Drinking Contest and will take place at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ® University of Las Vegas location. Contestants who participate will drink up to 5 small Ice Blended® summer drinks within a 5 minute time period and try to avoid the inevitable brain freeze! Delicious drinks include: Mocha Mudslide Ice Blended, Espresso Mint Chip Ice Blended, Vanilla Ice Blended , Pomegranate Fru-Tea™ Ice Blended® and Pomegranate Blueberry Ice Blended.

There is a $5 entry fee for contestants, with a percentage of the fee donated to the Toni Tanase fund. Contestants will receive a commemorative 5th anniversary T-shirt and 5 small Ice Blended® drinks. The winner will receive a gift basket filled to the brim with great The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® products. Contestants can sign up at any of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® stores in Las Vegas by September 10. For more information, visit www.coffeebean.com .


International psychic, spiritual teacher and best-selling author Sylvia C. Browne is bringing her one-woman show, “An Evening with Sylvia Browne,” to Excalibur’s Banquet Center nightly at 7:30PM, August 9 - 27, dark Tuesday and Wednesday. Browne will discuss many captivating topics during her show and also will use her insights into “the beyond” to give live readings on stage to selected members of the audience. Tickets are priced at $75 plus tax and fees and are available at the Excalibur box office and www.excalibur.com . To charge by phone with a major credit card call the Excalibur box office at (702) 597-7600 or (800) 933-1334.

On Friday, August 31, Britney Spears hosts the grand opening of LAX nightclub at the Luxor, the hottest new nightclub that has celebrities, Christina Aguilera and DJ AM as two of its investors.
“LAX is going to blow people away with its sheer beauty and design,” said Robert Frey, Managing Partner of Pure Management Group. “When guests come to LAX, they are going to be treated to a nightclub experience unlike any other and one that leaves a lasting impression.”

Like its sister property in Hollywood, LAX will cater to a young, sophisticated crowd and become the hottest destination for discriminating club-goers, A-list celebrities and the social jet set. With an unrivaled décor featuring a top-tier sound system perfect for multiple music styles, the 26,000 square-foot, two-story space is sure to be one of the most talked about clubs in the country.

Rock singer/electric violinist phenomenon Antonio Pontarelli has been added as the opening act for the rock extravaganza line-up with Vince Neil, Slaughter and Quiet Riot on Saturday, September 1 at 7 p.m. at the Henderson Pavilion located at 200 S. Green Valley Parkway. Tickets priced at $30, $40 and $50, plus tax, and can be purchased at the Henderson Pavilion Box office located at 200 S. Green Valley Parkway, by calling 702-267-4TIX(4849) or online at www.hendersonlive.com.

After more than three years as one of Las Vegas’s top nightclubs, Tangerine will close its doors on Saturday, September 1 for a major renovation. A star-studded Labor Day weekend party hosted by Rock Star Dave Navarro is scheduled for closing night. The club, which opened July 4, 2004, will be expanded and redesigned by New York design firm Seed and is set to reopen and be reborn as an entirely new venue on New Year’s Eve 2007.

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