Judy_Thorburn_-_Vegas_Happenings_Aug_19

August 19, 2007
Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner Beam On Stage at 2007 Star Trek Convention in the Las Vegas Hilton
The Osmonds Begin Celebration of Their 50th Anniversary in Entertainment with Open Forum at The Orleans
An Evening With Famed Psychic Sylvia Browne At The Excalibur

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

A belated congratulations and best wishes goes out to Marleen Marino and her internet magazine www.vegascommunityonline.com . In my last column I inadvertently failed to mention that Marleen celebrated both her birthday and the second anniversary of her informative website on Monday August 6 with a bash at Take One in downtown Las Vegas that brought out colleagues, friends and several local entertainers who were happy to share in the celebration.

Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner Beam on Stage at 2007 Star Trek Convention in the Las Vegas Hilton

From Thursday August 9, through Sunday August 12 thousands of “trekkies” from all over the world beamed down, I mean, converged in Las Vegas for the 2007 edition of the Star Trek Convention that took place at the Las Vegas Hilton, which also happens to be the home of the Star Trek Experience. For four full days there was non-stop entertainment for attendees that included an amazing array of events such as celebrity appearances, autographing, photo ops, auctions, contests, a market place of vendors selling all sorts of Star Trek memorabilia, costumes, jewelry and more. I showed up on Sunday, the final day to check out the showcase of all things related to Star Trek and its subsequent TV spin-offs and major motion pictures. Throughout the hotel/casino as well as inside the convention, people of all ages could be seen wandering about in costume and/or makeup as their favorite Star Trek character.

At 2:30 p.m. I managed to get a seat on the floor (literally) in the standing room only packed ballroom alongside obsessed fans who paid a pretty penny to see and hear their beloved Mr. Spock himself, Leonard Nimoy and Captain Kirk, William Shatner first alone and then together on stage. The result was a very informative and entertaining discussion and interaction with the audience where everyone received some insight into the stars’ on screen and personal life.

Nimoy started his informal talk by saying “I can’t imagine what you want to hear me talk about”, of which the crowd responded with laughter. Nimoy was referring to the new Star Trek movie in the works where he returns to his role as an older Spock, but which an up and coming actor will be playing Spock as a young man. In hoping his fans will embrace the upcoming film, Nimoy said, “We have hired a very talented director and people to make the next film. Give these people a chance. It will be a great addition to the franchise.”

When it came to addressing questions from the audiences there were a few surprises that epitomized the true character of Nimoy as a human being. I found him to be an intelligent, spiritual man with integrity, a sense of humor and strong moral values. His generosity and kind nature was apparent when nine year old James Trowbridge (I hope I got his name right) said that he came to the convention from Hawaii as a 10th birthday gift from his father John, who was also present. Young James told Nimoy that he saw all the Star Trek shows except Deep Space Nine and Voyager. Nimoy was so impressed by this young mans devotion to Star Trek that he asked the boy to join him on the stage and extended a personal invitation to James and his immediate family, including siblings, to come to the movie premiere next year at Nimoy’s expense. James father, also a big Star Trek fan, stated that he met Nimoy back in 1985 at the convention in New York. Nimoy’s reaction to seeing generations of Star Trek fans was “That’s the future of Star Trek”. Another audience member from Toronto approached the mic and instead of asking a question took the opportunity to thank Nimoy for sending her a personal letter and signed photo.
Asked about the Vulcan mythology from another fan, Nimoy responded, “The concept came from Roddenberry (Star Trek’s creator). The Vulcans were warring and troubled. To end that, emotion was ruled out of the society. Spock, being half human and half Vulcan had aspects of both. I added the Spock salute.”

When it was time for Shatner to take over the stage the actor, who now stars on TV’s Boston Legal, spent most of his lone stage time telling anecdotes. One story entailed a recent experience on the road in which he was followed by car and didn’t realize that he could have gotten beaten up by the other driver when they both got out of the car. When meeting face to face, the big muscular fellow recognized Shatner, said he was a stunt man and gave him a big hug. Shatner then said he loves stuntmen, but did most of his own stunts on TV and in the movies. He went on to talk about the time he was taken on a gurney to the hospital after a horse he was riding fell on his leg. The medics were fans who recognized him as the star of TV’s Rescue 911.

The topping on the cake was when Nimoy joined Shatner on stage. It was obvious they have affection towards each other, are good friends but love to engage in witty, sometimes teasing, banter. Shatner told the audience about his upcoming TV talk show called Raw Nerve in which he will interview guests and “get inside their head where no other interviewer had been”. He used this as an opportunity to practice with his fellow actor. When Shatner asked Nimoy about his role in the film, Nimoy said that his appearance as Spock will be “more than a cameo, but less than a leading man”. Not being in front of the camera for a while, he added “I am excited, concerned and curious. I don’t expect to have memory problems. I am not sure where we will plug into his (Spock’s) character arc. I have to examine where he is (now) and his thought processes. Being older, he might have become more mellow or more crusty. The writers have done a great deal of homework in structure and elements. I want it to work and be successful. I am concerned about getting it right and not having fear. After the first take on the first day of shooting I will know.” Of course, a running joke throughout their conversation was Shatner wining about not being asked to appear in the upcoming, new Star Trek film.

Photo By Stephen Thorburn

As far as favorite projects in their personal life, Shatner said he has written a book called “The Shiva Club” based on the relationship between grief and laughter. He spoke about what caused him to laugh in the midst of sorrow during his father’s funeral. Shatner is also involved in a project in the Middle East that aids all children in that region. I am sure this was something his fans didn’t know about and showed another admirable side to the talented actor.

Nimoy, on the other hand, has been fascinated by photography for decades and in 1971 went to UCLA to study the art form where he learned the difference between commercial photography and fine art. He considered the possibility of changing careers. Finally, thirteen to fourteen years ago he decided to take it seriously. He has since published a book of photographs called “Shekinah” that conveys the feminine presence of God in the world. A more recent project of his is named “The Full Bodied Project” and features a collection of photographs of women who do not conform to others’ idea of beauty. “These are women who are proud of their body and their lives”, he stated which drew applause from admiring women who appreciate his view coming from a man.

Although I didn’t get a chance to cover all that the entire Star Trek Convention had to offer fans, I did come away learning alot about these stars who gave life to the most famous of Star Trek characters. Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner proved to be smart, funny and “real” people; good “role” models in more ways than one. For all the entertainment value they have given and continue to give to their fans may they live long and prosper.

The Osmonds Begin Celebration of Their 50th Anniversary in Entertainment with Open Forum at The Orleans

On Monday August 13, The Osmond Family reunited in Las Vegas to celebrate their historic 50th Anniversary in the entertainment business. And they had plenty of fans eager to join in the celebration. Devoted fans from all over the U.S. and as far away as Canada, Australia, Japan, Ireland, Finland, Israel and other countries traveled to Las Vegas to take part in of a series of celebratory events that took place in the Orleans showroom which was taped as a PBS special to be aired in March 2008.

The Osmonds perform at The Orleans
Photo By Judy Thorburn

First on the agenda, Donny, Marie, and the rest of the 9 musically talented siblings held an open forum on Monday afternoon in the packed showroom that was filled with enthusiastic fans. Many members of the predominately female audience were wearing T-shirts embossed with the Osmond’s names and faces or carrying signs that proclaimed their love for the group.

Osmonds fan Monica Romero
Photo By Judy Thorburn

I never realized that the Osmonds had made such an impact on several generations of fans and still have an avid following. But it was clear from the reactions of several people seated near me such as Rosemary and Ross Sutherland who had come down from Toronto, Canada and Monica Romero from Fairfield, California and the rest of the audience just how much the Osmonds meant to them and how excited they were to be in their presence.

Rosemary and Ross Sutherland of Toronto, Canada
Photo By Judy Thorburn

The Osmonds have a very strong connection to their fans who they view as “extensions of their family” and they wanted to show their love and appreciation the best way they could. This was evident from the moment you entered the showroom. The fans that were lined up outside the theatre and anxious to grab a seat inside were first met at the entrance by eldest Osmond brothers, Tom and Virl who are both hearing impaired. The warm and personable Osmond brothers personally greeted every one of the attendees on an individual basis with either a handshake or big hug and even allowed for a quick photo op.

Tom and Virl Osmond greeting fans at entrance to showroom
Photo By Judy Thorburn

The “show” got started with PBS representative Babette Davidson introducing the Osmond brothers Jimmy, Wayne, Alan, Merrill, Jay, Tom, Virl, Donny and their lone sister Marie as they arrived on stage and got seated on director chairs that were set up front and center. The youngest Jimmy was responsible for putting this together. He was at the forefront, taking control and wanted everyone to know that “the family stands for good quality entertainment”. He went on to explain that PBS represents “the absolute best place for entertainment” and that is why he chose this network over others to have the celebratory events taped for future broadcast.

The event tuned out to be mixture of wonderful treats for the fans. The siblings displayed witty banter in an informal discussion that clearly showcased their love and admiration for each other that transcended throughout the room and into the hearts of their devotees. Wayne (the jokester) showed off his sense of humor and did impressions of Jimmy Stewart and John Wayne. As a group they sang several songs that were accompanied by a hand waving audience sing a long.

But the most heartfelt moment came when Marie spoke about what inspired them all to start singing. With great emotion in her voice, Marie said it was to buy hearing aids for their two oldest brothers, Tom and Virl. A teary eyed Marie spoke of her beloved mother, who started the charity The Children’ s Miracle Network twenty five years ago because of her hearing impaired sons. Marie emphasized how her mom who has passed away, loved children and wanted to help other youngsters. As a result she founded the Children’ Miracle Network, which raises funs for a network of hospitals that are committed to providing the best state-of-the-art care, life-saving research and preventative education for children 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The charity has since raised $3.4 billion. Marie then sang a tribute to her mother titled “Thank God For Kids” which she dedicated to all children. As fate has it, Jimmy told the audience that his daughter Bella who suffers from seizures has been helped by the very charity his mother founded.

The Osmonds
Photo By Judy Thorburn

Afterwards, the Osmonds answered a round of questions that had been previously gathered from the audience. Collectively the family agreed that Andy Williams, Elvis, Bob Hope, Stevie Wonder and the Bee Gees were some of the performers that meant the most or had the most impact on them. Who would they want to sing with if they had an extra mic on stage? No surprise, their choice would be Andy Williams who they feel has one of the greatest of all singing voices. He taught them how to breathe when singing and is credited as discovering and featuring them on his popular TV show back in the 1960s.

Since it was not possible for the family as a whole to meet each and every fan, ten names were randomly drawn from a box and the lucky people where called onto the stage to meet and have their photo taken with the music stars. It was a big thrill for those happy fans who ran up to the stage screaming and filled with excitement.

The Osmonds and lucky fan Elaine Hall (center)
Photo By Judy Thorburn

The Osmonds were also presented with two proclamations in celebration of their 50th Anniversary in show business. The first was from the office of Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman who proclaimed August 13 Osmond Day and the second was from the Governor of Utah who recognized the achievements of “one of Utah’s finest families”. As recording artists since 1962 the Osmonds have released 142 albums, had 9 Gold records and sold more than 100 million records worldwide. The youngest, Jimmy, also was presented with a Gold Record from the U.K. for sales of his album titled “Over the Rainbow”.

The Osmonds receive proclamations from UNLV Dean of Fine Arts, Jeffrey Koep declaring August 13th "Osmonds Day" on behalf of Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and one from the Governor of Utah.
Photo By Judy Thorburn

The Osmonds
Photo By Judy Thorburn

The event ended on a perfect note with a cake brought out to commemorate the occasion. But the celebration was far from over. There was an after show fan party followed by Monday and Tuesday night’s Osmond Show Family Reunion Concert/PBS taping with surprise guests. I wasn’t able to attend, but I have no doubt it was another typically entertaining Osmond family performance. The talent is evident, but they exude something extra - lots of warmth and love towards each other AND their fans. No wonder it has been reciprocated and shows no signs of retiring.

An Evening With Famed Psychic Sylvia Browne At The Excalibur

On Sunday night my husband and I, along with a packed room of her devoted followers, spent “An Evening With Sylvia Browne” inside the Banquet Center at the Excalibur Hotel. She’s the world renowned psychic, spiritual teacher, and best selling author and TV personality who is a regular guest on the Montel Williams Show. Thankfully for Sylvia, no one in the audience seemed to be camera shy, because we were told that the evening’s show, which includes audience participation, was being taped for future broadcast on Montel's show.

Sylvia Browne
Photo By Stephen Thorburn

Seated on an elevated platform in a comfy, plush velvet purple chair alongside a small side table that held a vase full of flowers, a drinking glass and a pitcher of water, Sylvia opened the show with her thoughts and predictions about the end of the world. According to Sylvia, that which has come before her, including the Book of Revelations, Nostradamus, the Mayan Calendar and others that predict the end of the world to be in the year 2012 give or take a few years, are wrong. Sylvia stated that she has never seen so many people in their last life (referring to reincarnation). She thinks we will just stop reproducing. Based on what Sylvia’s spirit guide, Francine, told her, the world will not end, we will! And that won’t happen for another 95 years. Okay, then. We have nothing immediate to worry about. Showing the sense of humor which, in part has made her a favorite guest of several talk shows, the psychic said “As a woman, as long as I can take my purse to the other side that would be fine.”

Sylvia Browne
Photo By Stephen Thorburn

With that topic for discussion over, the floor was then open to those whose ticket stub number was called to come up, one by one in front of a mic and address Sylvia with a singular question about their life, past, present or a future prediction.

Most questions were related to the loss of a close friend or relative. A few were desperate in finding out about a murdered loved one. And, I was surprised at how many people wanted to know the name of their spirit guide. But the real question is, can Sylvia really communicate with the dead? Does she have the gift of seeing the future or diagnosing illnesses?

Thousands of people believe she is the real deal, are staunch fans and supporters and have looked to her for guidance and insight.

Sylvia Browne at After Show Book Signing
Photo By Stephen Thorburn

Make up your own mind by checking Sylvia Browne out in person for yourself. She completes her engagement at the Excalibur this Thursday thru Sunday, August 23-27. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. General admission tickets are priced at $75 plus tax and fees, and can be purchased at the Excalibur box office, toll free at 1-800-933-1334, or on line at www.excalibur.com .

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

Congratulations to Rock Harper for his win on the finale of Chef Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen TV reality show competition that was aired Monday night, August 13. His culinary inventiveness and expertise in the kitchen beat out the other chefs who were vying for the $250,000 grand prize and a job as Executive Chef for Terra Verde Restaurant at Green Valley Ranch Hotel and Casino.

Hell's Kitchen winner Chef Rock Harper

In conjunction with The National Association of Black Journalists’ annual convention that was held in Las Vegas, on Friday August 10 from 1am- 11:30 am, The Reading Room inside the r.bar.cafe at Mandalay Place hosted a unique discussion titled “What Does It Means To Be a Black Man?” that explored the making of the book “Being a Black Man: At the Corner of Progress and Peril” and the role black men play in today’s society. Participants in the panel discussion were Hill Harper, star of “CSI: NY,” Harvard Law School graduate and author of “Letters to a Young Brother”, Mike Mason, executive assistant director of the FBI, responsible for all agency criminal investigations. He is one of the highest-ranking African Americans in the FBI’s history and a subject of the book; Kevin Merida, associate editor of The Washington Post and lead editor of the series and book; Tanya Ballard, editor of investigative projects for www.washingtonpost.com and coordinator of online content for “Being a Black Man”. Moderator was Gwen Ifill, host and managing editor of PBS’s “Washington Week” and senior correspondent for “The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer”.

On Thursday, August 16, it was announced that actress/sex symbol Pamela Anderson officially extended her run as Hans Klok’s leading lady in “Hans Klok - The Beauty of Magic” at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino through December 8. In addition to Anderson’s extension, “Hans Klok -The Beauty of Magic” will add a Wednesday show to the weekly schedule. Beginning October 3, performances are: 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, 7 and 10 p.m. on Thursdays, 8 p.m. on Fridays and 7 and 10 p.m. on Saturdays. There will be no shows on Saturday, October 13. Instead, two performances will be held on Wednesday, October 10 and Friday, October 12 at 7 and 10 p.m. Klok and Anderson will also conduct one special Tuesday performance on October 30 at 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from $35 to $105 (plus taxes and fees).

Hans Klok and Pamela Anderson

Toni Spilsbury, co-founder of the Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation (NBCF), will be honored as Woman of Spirit for Morton’s The Steakhouse in Las Vegas at the Women of Spirit Wine Dinner, August 29 t 6:30 p.m. Spilsbury was selected for the prestigious award because of her work in the community and for being a role model to women everywhere. “She works tirelessly in the community and has made not only Las Vegas but Nevada a better place for children, who are visually impaired or blind, and their families” said Daniel Hurst, General Manager of Morton’s The Steakhouse in Las Vegas. “When Toni saw a need for resources for blind children in Nevada, she created them.” Spilsbury, a resident of Las Vegas for 12 years, faced tremendous odds when her infant son, Connor, was diagnosed blind. When she looked for resources in the community, such as books, videos, experts in the field and a school to get the basic skills he needed, she found that such a place was nonexistent in Nevada. Instead of moving to another state where Connor could get the necessary resources, tools and education he needed, Spilsbury and her husband, Kevin, founded the NBCF.

Violet Grgich, owner of Grgich Cellars, and Tylor Field, vice president of wine and spirits for Morton’s Restaurant Group, will be the guest speakers. The Southern Nevada Chapter of the American Red Cross will receive a portion of the proceeds from the Women of Spirit dinner. For more information and reservations, call Morton’s at (702) 893-0703 or visit www.mortons.com .

On September 4. Las Vegas' new multicultural repertoire dance company, The Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater (LVCDT) will debut at The Cashman Theater. Leading the company is Founder/Artistic Director is Bernard Gaddis, and Co-founder/ Associate Director is Charmaine Hunter, former principal dancers for two of the country's leading dance companies, Gaddis with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Hunter with the Dance Theater of Harlem. Gaddis and Donald McKayle will choreograph world-premiere Ballets, performed by acclaimed dancers from around the world. "Our goal is to bring dance to the people, it should be experienced by all, not just certain classes," says Hunter and Gaddis. "Dance is a gift, and as a new company forming roots in Las Vegas we have adopted the motto 'We have nothing to prove and everything to share.

Country music superstar Toby Keith is bringing his “Big Dog Daddy Tour 2007” to the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, Sept. 8. Opening the show at 8PM will be special guests ACMA award-winner Miranda Lambert as well as Flynnville Train. Tickets priced at $115, $85 and $65, not including applicable service charges, are now on sale. at the Mandalay Bay box office

Toby Keith

Red Mountain Music Company (RMMC), a nonprofit valley-wide musical performing arts organization, will present “Comedy Tonight” Saturday, Sept. 8, as part of its Second Saturday Concert Series performance. Featuring funny Broadway tunes, the cabaret-style performances by an accomplished lineup of vocal soloists and musicians will take place at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Los Angeles Water and Power Building Auditorium – located at 600 Nevada Way, just east of where Nevada Highway meets Buchanan Boulevard in Boulder City. Tickets for the performances are $10 and can be purchased in advance at the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce – located at 465 Nevada Way, just north of Wyoming St. – or at the door.

Starship starring Mickey Thomas, the band whose 1980’s hits include “Nothing Gonna Stop Us Now” and “We Built This City,” and Survivor who hit the charts with “Eye of the Tiger” and “The Search is Over.” perform at the Club at the Cannery Casino and Hotel on Saturday, September 8 at 8 pm. Tickets are $29.95, $19.95 and $14.95 plus tax and fees and go on sale Saturday, August 18 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 .

Former American Idol contestant Kellie Pickler, is set to perform at Whiskey Pete’s Showroom in Primm, Nev., on Friday, September 14 at 9 p.m. Tickets, priced at $24.95, plus applicable tax and fees are available at Whiskey Pete’s Box Office.

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