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 By
Judy Thorburn
Entertainment Reporter/Film Critic
Las Vegas Tribune
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer
www.theflickchicks.com
Photos by Judy Thorburn
unless otherwise credited
Performing
Dogs Charm Audiences in "Dog Gone Silly"
I recently discovered the most charming little show on the strip that is
perfect for people of all ages. It’s called Dog Gone Silly and is
presently being staged inside the Harmon Theatre at Krave on the south
end of Planet Hollywood. If you can’t tell by the title, the show
revolves around performing canines in skits that are just plain silly,
but nevertheless so funny as to put a smile on anyone’s face, young or
old.
The man responsible for the family friendly, funny
show is veteran dog trainer, J. R. Johns, who is featured along with his
“star” performers, fourteen of John’s four legged friends that he had
either rescued from the SPCA or adopted. The show is comprised of
vaudeville type slapstick segments, humorous pranks and props and
utilizes John’s talent as a physical comedian and his amusing
interactions with the cute dogs who seem to enjoy performing in front of
a crowd even as they parade across the stage in silly (there’s that word
again) looking costumes. The ensemble cast of “man’s best friends”
includes dachshunds, terriers and a beautiful white Great Dane, named
Jewel who is as gentle and sweet as she is big (about the size of a
small pony).
Photo by Judy Thorburn
Photo by Judy Thorburn
Photo by Judy Thorburn
As a special treat, the audience is also given an inside peak at what it
is like at home with Johns and his dogs. An endearing and often humorous
video presentation details a normal day in the dogs’ life inside John’s
spacious house specially tailored for their needs, where they are given
free reign. It’s obvious that a lot of hard work, love and devotion go
into training and caring for the animals and even with all the mischief
and mess that is sometimes endured, the result has been very rewarding.
Spike McGuire, the only “other” resident human performer in the cast
adds another spin to the show with his act that consists of neat tricks
with a couple of yo go’s and spinning plates as well as a swift and
careful trick that involves a long thin breadstick and an audience
volunteer.
Photo by Judy Thorburn
Photo by Judy Thorburn
I can’t see how anyone could walk away not being
thoroughly entertained by Dog Gone Silly with its “star” performers;
lovable and smart furry little creatures. With J.R. John’s leading the
pack, Dog Gone Silly is a must see for everyone, especially parents to
share with their kids. They will love it! Performances are Tuesday
through Sunday at 3 p.m. For tickets and reservations call (702)
836-0836
Celebrity
Investors Host Grand Opening Celebration At Company American Bistro
On Friday evening of November 30, the Grand Opening Celebration took
place at Company American Bistro, Las Vegas’s new chic dining spot,
located inside the Luxor Hotel and Casino. To mark the occasion
celebrity investors singer/songwriter Nick Lachey, young entrepreneur
Nicky Hilton and actor Wilmer Valderrama were on hand to host the event.
The trio walked the red carpet and waved to fans while cameras flashed
before they got cozy inside the rustic-chic restaurant where they
enjoyed their first delectable meal in their collaborative new dining
venue surrounded by aspen trees, hurricane candles, antler chandeliers
and a state of the art wine wall. Hilton was joined by boyfriend David
Katzenberg and local comedic entertainer Jeff Beacher. Lachey dined with
a group of close friends in one of the semi-private dining areas. Seated
close by, Valderrama and his guests sampled Waggu steak and many other
menu specialties created by the eatery’s team of talented chefs. Also
joining the grand opening occasion was “Mind Freak” illusionist Criss
Angel, Celine Dion’s husband Renee Angelil, Disney star Ashley Leggat
and poker pro David Williams.
Nicky Hilton and David Katzenberg
Wilmer Valderrama, Nicky Hilton and Nick Lachey
Criss Angel, Nick Lachey and Wilmer Valderrama
Ashley Leggat and Wilmer Valderrama
Hollywood
Obsessions Premieres Original Artwork By Rock Legend Jimi Hendrix
On November 27th, which would have been the late rock icon Jimi
Hendrix’s 65th birthday, Hollywood Obsessions art gallery located in the
lobby of Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino presented an exhibition
featuring the original artwork of the music legend who many consider to
be one of the greatest and most influential guitarists in the history of
rock. In his honor the art gallery premiered the release of the limited
edition prints of Hendrix’s imaginative water color paintings and
featured rare and never before seen photographs documenting Jim
Hendrix’s career on stage and from behind the scenes.
The Artwork of Jimi Hendrix
Photo by Stephen Thorburn
Leon Hendrix and Judy Thorburn
Photo by Stephen Thorburn
To mark the occasion, Hollywood Obsessions, in
conjunction with House of Hendrix, threw a special Birthday Celebration
a few days later on December 1, for VIP invited guests. In attendance
was Bliss Van Den Huevel, the man that discovered the art in a “roady”
case he had purchased at a church bazaar in Miami in 1972, his business
partner Thomas L. Ford III who is director of Hendrix Original Art
Expressions, and Jimi’s younger brother, Leon Hendrix, who authenticated
the watercolor collection of artwork by Jimi and declared that they,
indeed, are genuine. Bliss was so happy with the art world’s reaction to
his collection of Hendrix’s rare artwork that an idea to integrate his
art into fashion is becoming a reality. In the works are preparations to
market designer denim jeans and leather jackets embroidered with artwork
that match Hendrix’s.
Bliss
Van Den Huevel, Leon Hendrix and Thomas L. Ford III
Photo by Stephen
Thorburn
Adding to the evening’s festivities that included
complimentary Hendrix Electric Vodka drinks were three live performances
by artist David Garibaldi that blew everyone’s mind. David has gained
national fame and recognition for his pop icon portraits (James Brown,
Mick Jagger, Santana, to name a few) which he energetically creates to
the rhythm of popular music. For this event, a large black canvas was
set up against the back of a make shift stage for Garibaldi to work his
genius before the crowd of spectators. Dancing and moving to the beat of
Jimi’s music only helped to inspire Garibaldi as what seemed like
frenetic splashes of paint from his brushes resulted in an amazing
likeness of the deceased rock star. It is remarkable at how, in less
than ten minutes, the young artist was able to create such a memorable
and beautiful work of art. Garibaldi uses four words to describe his
method; rhythm, color, culture and energy. He exemplifies that and more
for he is truly a “performance” artist.
David Garibaldi
David Garibaldi and Leon Hendrix
Photos by Stephen Thorburn
The collection of Jim Hendrix original artwork will
be on display at Hollywood Obsessions for a limited time along with
Garabaldi’s painting of the legendary rock star. For more information
call the gallery at (702) 369-8585.
Additional
recent or upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Congratulations to “Dancing With The Stars” winners, champion race car
driver Helio Castroneves and his professional dance partner, Julianne
Hough, whose mother, step father and extended family live in Las Vegas.
The competition reality show was broadcast from Los Angeles, but now is
your chance to see some of the performing stars and their dance partners
live in person, as part the Dancing With the Stars tour, when it makes a
stop in Las Vegas on December 30, at 7:30 p.m. at the Orleans Arena. The
third Dancing with the Stars tour features an exciting new line-up of
stars includes season two winner and special guest star Drew Lachey with
Cheryl Burke, Sabrina Bryan with Mark Ballas; season three’s Joey
Lawrence with Edyta Sliwinska and Monique Coleman; professional dancers
Karina Smirnoff, Derek Hough, Kym Johnson, Alec Mazo and Brian Fortuna..
As with the network show, each dance number will be accompanied by an
amazing live band, performing the hit music that has become a much-loved
aspect of the program. Additionally, the show will feature two huge
video screens to the left and right of the stage showcasing
never-before-seen rehearsal footage, exclusive behind-the-scenes
interviews and outtakes. Dancing with the Stars alum, Louis Van Amstel
will once again choreograph the tour. Tickets ranging in price from
$52.50 to $198.00 including tax and facility fee are now on sale and can
be purchased at the Orleans Arena Box Office.
Robbie Hardy, a cocktail server at Tao Nightclub and Asian Bistro, was
recently crowned the Sexiest Server in Las Vegas, after winning a month
long online competition at
www.SpyOnVegas.com . Visitors to the website cast their votes among
the 32 contestants representing some of Sin City’s hottest nightlife
venues. The winner was announced during a celebration at Pure Nightclub
at Caesars Palace. It took 46,358 votes to put Hardy over the top.
Second place was claimed by Amber Buckley, a cocktail server at Body
English Nightclub at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, and the third place
winner was Natasha Meade, a cocktail server at the soon-to-be-opened
Bank Nightclub at Bellagio. For coming in second, Buckley won an
all-expenses paid trip for two to the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas and
a night at the property’s Aura Nightclub. Meade received dinner for two
at Social House and a spa package at Wet, The Spa and Salon at T.I.
Robbie Hardy crowned "Sexiest Server in Las Vegas"
In its search for the best restaurants of 2007, the users and editors of
Citysearch, a leading on line local guide, has chosen Morton’s The
Steakhouse as one of Las Vegas’s best steakhouses among their favorite
restaurants in the top 20 markets in the country. Morton's ambience,
generous portions, excellent service, as well as a great place for group
dining were all part of the reasons Morton's was selected.
The Firefighters of Southern Nevada Burn Foundation and its volunteers
is hosting its 6th annual Fill the Fire Truck Toy Drive in order to
collect toys that will be donated to low-income families. The toy drive
kicked off with a pre-event gathering on November 30 from 11:30 a.m. to
1 p.m. at Hennessey’s Tavern located on Fremont Street and Las Vegas
Blvd. However, toys can be dropped off at any of the following five
designated Wal-Mart locations on December 8-9 and 15-16, from 9 a.m. to
4 p.m.:
•8060 West Tropical Parkway, located off of Centennial Parkway and
Highway 95
•1807 West Craig Road, located at Martin Luther King Drive
•5200 South Fort Apache, located at Tropicana Ave
•540 Marks St, located at I-95 and Sunset
•6005 S. Eastern Ave, located at Russell Rd.
Toys can also be dropped off at the Palms Casino Resort located at 4321
W Flamingo Rd, on December 15 and 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m or at any of
the fire stations across the valley.
On December 6, a Chanukkah Celebration called Latka Vodka 2007 is taking
place from 6-9:30 p.m inside Tryst nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas Resort
and Casino. Admission is $55 per person at the door and includes
signature cocktails by the Jewel of Russia, gourmet latkas, hor’
oeuvres, fabulous prize drawings and gifts. Call 732-0556 for
reservations or visit
www.jewishlasvegas.com for more information.
The CineVegas Film Festival has partnered with Condé Nast Traveler for a
new on line film contest called Trip Takes. From now until February 15,
2008, anyone can capture their vacation on video, no matter what the
destination, and submit up to five minutes of their original film to the
Trip Takes contest. All films will be posted on the Trip Takes website
and will judged by both an online audience and a jury of experts,
including Dennis Hopper, chair of the CineVegas Creative Advisory Board.
The top five finalists, chosen by the expert jury, will be sent to Las
Vegas and have their films shown at the Tenth Annual CineVegas Film
Festival, to be held June 12 – 21, 2008. A $5,000 cash prize will be
awarded to the Jury Award winner, and the audience Award winner,
selected by both the online and live audience at the Festival, will
receive a $2,500 cash prize. The contest is open to residents of the 50
United States and the District of Columbia who are at least 21 years old
by the date of entry. For official contest rules and to submit a film,
please visit
www.cinevegas.com/cnttriptakes .
“V-The Ultimate Variety Show” is offering $9.85 tickets to Las Vegas
locals with a portion of the proceeds benefiting 98.5 KLUC’s 8th annual
Toy Drive”. The proceeds from the tickets will go towards the purchase
of new, unused toys and will benefit over 30 charities in Southern
Nevada. The $9.85 tickets will be available for Las Vegas residence with
a local ID beginning December 1st through December 6th. V-The Ultimate
Variety Show performs nightly at 7:30 and 9 pm. For show reservations
please call 702-932-1818.
The Spice Girls (including recent Dancing With The Stars runner up, Mel
B. aka “Scary” Spice) will be performing at the Mandalay Bay Events
Center on Saturday, Dec 8, Sunday December 9 and, Tuesday, December 11.
Tickets (limited to8 per person) are priced at $125, $95 and $75 (not
including applicable service charges and taxes) are now on sale and
available at the Mandalay Bay Events Center box office, (702) 632-7580
or on line at www.mandalaybay.com
To charge by phone with a major credit card, call the
From December 3 through December 28, 2007 Arizona Charlie’s Boulder and
Decatur are featuring the “Holidays’ Red Sleigh Giveaway” promotion.
A.C.E. Rewards Club members playing slots, video poker, and electronic
keno will be eligible to earn entries to win a Grand Prize 2008 red Mini
Cooper car or one of five $1,000 cash prizes during drawings at each
property on December 28. To begin earning entries, A.C.E. Rewards Club
members must swipe one time with their A.C.E. Rewards Club card at any
kiosk before their first day of play between December 3 – 28. Full
details are available by visiting the A.C.E. Rewards Center at either
Arizona Charlie’s Decatur or Boulder.
Kristi Holden (who plays Christine) and her fellow cast members from
"PHANTOM: The Las Vegas Spectacular" have joined forces for an Online
Silent Auction to benefit Family Promise of Las Vegas that is open for
bidding through Sunday, December 9th at 10AM. Winning Bids will be
announced after the "Phantom Family Holiday Benefit Concert" on Sunday
December 9th at 2 PM at the Nicholas Horn Theatre on the Cheyenne Campus
of the College of Southern Nevada. Over 40 items have been donated by
the cast to benefit Family Promise, a local charity that helps homeless
families in Southern Nevada. Items include Ultimate Backstage Passes,
Tours, visits with cast members, a chance to conduct the Phantom
Orchestra, signed souvenir Items, a hand-quilted pillow made of Costume
fabric scraps, handmade ornaments based on Phantom Characters, artwork &
recordings created by Phantom Cast Members and more. Local businesses
have also participated by donating items. 100% of the proceeds go to
Family Promise of Las Vegas. To see & bid on the items being auctioned,
visit
www.FamilyPromiseLVTickets.com , and go to the Silent Auction Page.
For more information, call 702-245-0992.
On December 7, Studio 54, the legendary nightclub inside of MGM Grand,
is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a dazzling winter ball called
“54 Below”. The evening will be filled with music, fashion and decadence
and guests are encouraged to dress in their very best sexy “winter chic”
attire. Seductive snow bunnies, cascading snow, chilled cocktails,
scintillating aerialists, and go-go dancers will be featured as well as
DJ Dynamixx who will keep the energy pumping igniting a fashion frenzy
on the Studio 54 catwalk. In addition, dancers from MGM Grand’s Crazy
Horse Paris will deliver a sultry performance and in the exclusive VIP
area stunning models will showcase ‘barely there’ Frederick’s of
Hollywood lingerie. The first 200 VIP guests also will receive a 54
Below gift bag featuring items by Frederick’s of Hollywood and more.
During the Nationals Final Rodeo (NFR), The Kelly J. Band will perform
in the Naughty Ladies Saloon at Arizona Charlie’s Decatur from December
4 through December 15 and The Randy Anderson Band will perform at the
Palace Grand Lounge at Arizona Charlie’s Boulder from December 4 through
December 16. Both bands will be dark on Monday, December 10. Showtime's
for both bands are 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Tuesdays through Thursdays and
9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
As part of its National Finals Rodeo Concert Series, The Golden Nugget
Hotel & Casino will present country music singer Terri Clark Dec. 9
though 11 in the Showroom. On Dec. 12 multi-Grammy Award winning country
soul singer Ronnie Milsap will take to the stage, followed by Clay
Walker’s two night engagement on Dec 14 and 15. Ticket prices for all
Showroom headliners start at $35 plus applicable taxes and fees. All
performances start at 10 p.m. For more information, contact the Golden
Nugget at 800-634-3454 or online at
www.goldennugget.com .
I’ll be back next week with more of what’s “happening” in and around Las
Vegas.
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