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 By
Judy Thorburn
Entertainment Reporter/Film Critic
Las Vegas Tribune
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer
www.theflickchicks.com
Symbolic
Gallery Holds VIP Opening of Rock Photographer Robert M. Knight’s 40 x
40 Exhibit
On Saturday evening, February 2, Symbolic Gallery, located on Dean
Martin Drive, held an Opening Night Party for 40 x 40, a retrospective
exhibit featuring 40 iconic images from the camera lens of legendary
rock photographer Robert M. Knight that were captured from 1968 – 2008.
The collection which is on display at the gallery for a limited time
includes classic photos of music legends such as Led Zeppelin, Eric
Clapton, Carlos Santana, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, and Stevie Ray Vaughn
just to name a few.
Knight, one of America’s most famous chroniclers of
the pop and music scene, was the first to photograph Jimi Hendrix and
the last to photograph Stevie Ray Vaughan. He began his career in 1968
and has since created a sprawling archive of classic rock ’n’ roll
stills. He is part of Guitar Center’s Hollywood RockWalk team, showing
works on the outside of more than 150 Guitar Centers around the
country—one of the largest outdoor gallery shows of original
photographic art in the United States.
The acclaimed photographer was on hand for the VIP opening of his
exhibit which was followed by an after party at REVOLUTION nightclub
inside the Mirage Hotel and Casino. Special guests who showed up for the
evening’s event included Prodigal Sunn from Wu Tang Clan, Seth “Shifty
Shellshock” Binzer from Crazy Town, Mark Goodwin, Emma Anzai and Shim
Woore who make up the group Sick Puppies, legendary funk star William
“Bootsy” Collins from James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic and adult film
star Tera Patrick with her husband Evan Seinfeld.
William "Bootsy" Collins and Robert M. Knight
Sick Puppies Mark Goodwin, Emma Anzai and Shim Woore
David Weintraub, Garth McKeown and Shifty Shellshock
Shifty Shellshock, William "Bootsy" Collins, Robert M.
Knight, Garth McKeown and David Weintraub
Garth McKeown, Prodigal Sunn from Woo Tang Clan and
Robert M. Knight
David Woo, William "Bootsy" Collins, Prodigal Sunn,
Mike Weiss and Talid Kerns
Tera Patrick and Evan Seinfeld
Robert M. Knight and Judy Thorburn
Photos credit: Stephen Thorburn
Besides the special 40 x 40 exhibit, Bernie Chase’s
Symbolic Gallery includes his largest privately held collection of
Johnny Cash memorabilia, works by Von Dutch, The Beatles animation cells
and original R. Crumb cartoons.
Symbolic Gallery is located at 3639 South Dean Martin Drive, Suite 200,
in Las Vegas.
Lifelike
Wax Figure of Jamie Foxx Unveiled at Madame Tussaud’s Las Vegas
 On
Wednesday, February 6, Academy Award winning actor, singer, comedian,
Jamie Foxx, kicked off Black History Month at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas
with the unveiling of his lifelike wax likeness in the Spirit of America
Room. The wax likeness joins other famous notables with world-renowned
figures already on display including, Muhammad Ali, Louis Armstrong,
James Brown, Whoopi Goldberg, Jimi Hendrix, Michael Jordan, Martin
Luther King, and Oprah Winfrey.
Every figure on display is accompanied with a
biography that acknowledges the significant contributions that they have
made to America. The exhibit is ideal in educating not only adults, but
also students – with the attraction already having confirmed a number of
field trips as a direct response to the exhibit.
For Madame Tussaud’s attraction hours and pricing, please call
702-862-7800 or visit online at
www.mtvegas.com.
Venetian
and Palazzo Celebrate Start of Chinese New Year
On February 7, The Venetian and The Palazzo celebrated the start of
Chinese New Year with an authentic dragon dance complete with
firecrackers and an eye painting ceremony. Las Vegas Sands Executive
Vice President, Brad Stone and President and COO of The Palazzo, Rob
Goldstein, painted the eyes of the dragon, awakening it for the
authentic Chinese dragon dance and fire crackers where set off to ward
off evil spirits. The colorful spectacle took the dragon and a parade of
dancers and musicians from The Venetian Porte-cochere, through the
casinos of both The Venetian and The Palazzo, and out the upper Palazzo
Porte-cochere.
Photo credit: Jacob Andrzejczak, IS Photography
Gold
Diggers Opens at the Gold Nugget
A VIP party was held on Friday night of February 8 to introduce Gold
Diggers, the newest hot spot to debut in downtown Las Vegas that is open
nightly at 4 p.m.
The state of the art entertainment venue is just one
part of the Golden Nugget’s $60 million expansion, and offers a fun
filled atmosphere that includes a main stage for live bands or a DJ to
deliver the best tunes, a large dance floor bordered by bartenders
serving up enticing libations and a fabulous 180 degree balcony that
overlooks the Fremont Street Experience offering stunning views for
visiting patrons. As a special treat for the evening’s invited guests,
servers carried around trays of delectable sushi from another fine
addition to the shiny resort/casino property, the new Red Sushi
Restaurant which offers the best in traditional Japanese cuisine in an
alluring atmosphere.
With all its amenities, Gold Diggers is sure to set
the new standard for nightlife in downtown Las Vegas.
12th
Annual Keep Memory Alive Charity Gala at MGM Grand Conference Center
On the evening of February 9th, The 12th Annual Keep Memory Alive
Foundation Charity Gala to Benefit the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute was held
at the MGM Grand Conference Center. The theme for the fund raising
affair was the “Power of Love” which can move mountains and, in this
case, by raising awareness and with proceeds generated from attendees,
help facilitate the discovery of therapies and cures for Alzheimer’s and
other brain diseases. Towards serving that goal, guests were invited to
first partake in a Silent Auction Reception featuring exciting items in
entertainment, escapes, dining, wine and spirits, jewels, health, beauty
and fashion sports, and collectibles up for bid.
Silent Auction Items
The reception was followed by an outstanding, world
class dinner prepared by culinary masters Wolfgang Puck, Tom Colicchio
and Guy Savoy, with entertainment provided by singer Michael Buble, and
a live auction that included a trip to Italy with Mario Batali, dinner
in New York City with Lorraine Bracco and Steve Schirippa, private
tennis lessons with Andre Agassi and Steffi Graff, a Mercedes SLR
McLaren Roadster, a walk on role in the TV series “24”, tickets to the
2008 Grammy’s and much, much more.
The star studded evening drew notable celebrities and
stars from across the world of entertainment. Red Carpet arrivals
included Teri Hatcher, Muhammad Ali, Danny DeVito, Sigfried and Roy,
Lorraine Bracco, Steve Schirippa, Robin Leach, Miss Universe Riyo Mori
and Miss Nevada U.S.A. Veronica Grabowski.
For more information about the Keep Memory Alive Foundation and the Lou
Ruvo Brain Institute visit
http://www.keepmemoryalive.org
Teri Hatcher
Steve Schirippa
Lorraine Bracco and Steve Schirippa
Lorraine Bracco
Siegfried and Roy
Siegfried and Roy with Muhammad Ali
Danny DeVito with Siegfried and Roy
Miss Universe Riyo Mori and Miss Nevada U.S.A. Veronica Grabowski
Danny DeVito
Steve Schirippa, Miss Nevada U.S.A. Veronica Grabowski, Larry Ruvo,
Founder of "Keep Memory Alive" and the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute,
Lorraine Bracco and Miss Universe Riyo Mori
Teri Hatcher, Danny DeVito surrounded by Chefs David Robbins,
Wolfgang Puck, Tom Colicchio and Guy Savoy
Other
recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
The Mirage volcano, an icon of Las Vegas since the hotel’s opening in
1989 and one of the most photographed features in Las Vegas, is
currently closed and undergoing a major renovation and will reopen later
in the year.
The legendary Cher finally announced that she will headline in Las Vegas
at The Coliseum at Caesars Palace beginning May 6.
The performance agreement, which is in partnership with AEG Live,
includes approximately 200 shows over a span of three years. Her
90-minute show will be presented at 7:30 p.m. four nights a week on
Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday (dark Monday, Thursday and
Friday). Tickets for performances from May 6 through August 31 are
priced at $95, $140, $175 and $250 and can be purchased by calling
1-866-510-CHER (2437) or in person at The Coliseum at Caesars Palace Box
Office open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
After the fire on January 25th damaged portions of the building’s
exterior façade, causing the building to be evacuated and temporarily
closed, The Monte Carlo Hotel will reopen its doors for customers on
Friday, February 15. With no fewer than 1,200 guest rooms available,
management anticipates an additional 1,300 rooms will become available
by February 22. The remaining 500 rooms in Monte Carlo’s normal
3,000-room inventory are located on the upper floors and will remain out
of service while undergoing more extensive redesign. Master Magician
Lance Burton will resume his long-running show February 15, in the
1,200-seat Lance Burton Theater.
On Friday, February 15 at 7:30 p.m. entertainer Danny Gans will perform
a concert at the Mirage with proceeds to benefit Opportunity Village.
Danny Gans has raised more than $200,000 for Opportunity Village through
benefit concerts since 2005. Tickets priced at $100 can be purchased by
calling The Mirage Hotel and Casino box office at 1-800-963-9634 or
(702) 796-9999.
To celebrate the release of Monty Python's Life of Brian: The Immaculate
Edition on DVD and Blu-ray Disc(TM), CineVegas and Monty Python’s
“Spamalot” will host a one-night-only screening of the film in the Grail
Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on Thursday, February 21. The only theatrical
screening of the re-mastered film, the night will also feature a
cocktail reception and a special appearance by “Spamalot” star John
O’Hurley. Tickets can be purchased for $30 each by calling (702)
952-5537 or visiting
www.cinevegas.com , with proceeds going to Nevada Public Radio.
The evening will kick off at 6:30 pm with a reception in the lobby of
the Grail Theater, where guests will be treated to complimentary
featured cocktails and have the opportunity to meet John O’Hurley. The
film will be screened at 8 pm in the Grail Theater, followed by
complimentary admission to Tryst nightclub for all guests.
At 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 21, The UNLV Department of Music will
present the 8th Annual African-American Festival in Artemus W. Ham
Concert Hall located on the northeast end of the university campus. Over
100 performers will participate in this annual celebration of the
African-American experience. Tickets may be purchased at the UNLV
Performing Arts Center box office or by calling 895-ARTS. General
admission is $8 (including UNLV Faculty & Staff), $5 students/seniors,
and
UNLV students are FREE with valid identification.
The UNLV Playwrights’ Festival, featuring three new plays, opens
February 21 in the Black Box Theatre at UNLV.
The Australia Project, Sin City: The Golden Years, written by Sean
Clark, runs in the Black Box Theatre February 21-24. Performances are
February 21, 22, 23 at 8 p.m. with matinees at 2 p.m. on February 23 and
24.
Oscar F. Limón’s “Freedom Deck,” originally entitled “The Ghost of You
and I” opens February 28 and runs until March 2. This play is for mature
adult audiences only. Performances are February 28, 29, March 1 at 8
p.m. with matinees at 2 p.m. on March 1 and 2.
Laura V. Turner’s “Take Me To Monaco” involves a mother’s
dissatisfaction with her comfortable suburban American life which drives
her to sabotage her daughter’s wedding, as she takes hostages and
demands a trip to the fabled city of Monaco. Performances are March 6,
7, and 8 at 8 p.m. with matinees at 2 p.m. on March 8 and 9.
Tickets are $12 and limited to seat availability. Contact the Performing
Arts Center Box Office at 895-ARTS (2787).
The UNLV Performing Arts Center presents An Evening of Words and Music
with Anthony Rapp at 8 p.m. on Saturday, February 23 as part of the New
York Stage & Beyond Series. The special evening features Rapp singing
and talking about his life in the theatre.
Rapp has performed on Broadway, originating the role of Mark in “Rent,”
starred in “Six Degrees of Separation”), television (“Law and Order:
Special Victims Unit”), and cinema, where he reprised his most famous
role. He also is the assistant director for the new musical “Next to
Normal” at Second Stage Theatre in New York.
Tickets to Anthony Rapp are $35, $50, and $80 and can be purchased at
the Performing Arts Center Box Office at 895-ARTS (2787) or by visiting
www.pac.unlv.edu . Student rush
tickets are $13 each (plus a $1 facilities fee) and available one hour
prior to each event, based on availability and with valid student I.D.
UNLV faculty and staff discounts also are available.
Beginning March 1, 2008, Emmy award winning comedian Rosanne Barr will
perform a nightly show at 9:30 pm Saturday through Wednesday in the
Sahara’s legendary Congo Room. Ticket prices begin at $59.50 (inclusive
of all taxes and fees); limited VIP and Golden Circle seats are also
available.
Eugene O’Neill’s expressionistic play, The Hairy Ape, will be staged by
the Fine Arts Department of the College of Southern Nevada on Feb 29,
Mar. 1, 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m., and on Mar. 2 and 9 at 2 p.m. in the
BackStage Theatre at the Cheyenne Campus. Admission is $10 for adults
and $8 for students and seniors. For reservations, call 651-LIVE (5483).
Nevada Palace is closing its doors and re-opening as the brand new
Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel this summer, but local residents will
have an opportunity to make a lasting impression on the community and
area hospital patients by giving blood at the property’s final blood
drive on Friday, Feb. 29 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Each donation can save up to three lives. Nevada Palace will be giving
out a special commemorative medallion to everyone who gives blood while
United Blood Services will be providing t-shirts. Additionally, donors
can be among the first to eat at the brand new Eastside Cannery Casino &
Hotel, which opens late this summer, with a meal voucher for two
provided exclusively to donors. To schedule an appointment for the blood
drive, donors should call (702) 228-8400 ext. 241, or log onto
www.bloodhero.com and enter
sponsor code: nevadapalace. Donor eligibility questions can be answered
by calling a donor counselor at (800) 289-4923.
On Sunday, March 2, 2008, The Da Vinci Experience, an exclusive exhibit
of Leonardo da Vinci’s remarkable inventions and copies of his most
famous paintings currently on display at the Henderson Events Plaza,
will close out its temporary run. The Da Vinci Experience is located at
the Henderson Events Plaza in the Water Street District at 200 South
Water Street and is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10
a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday through March 2, 2008.
Nevada residents pay a special ticket price of $8.50 per person;
children six and under are free. Clark County School District teachers
who present a valid CCSD ID are admitted free of charge. Local and
out-of-state school and/or youth groups of ten or more are $5 per
person. The adult admission ticket for out-of-state visitors is $17 per
person. Tickets are available at the exhibit. For more information call
267-4TIX or visit
www.HendersonLive.com .
Celebrity
Sightings:
Saturday evening (2/2) the "Iceman" Chuck Liddell and 50 of his closest
friends partied at the illustrious Studio 54, his nightclub of choice to
host the infamous UFC after-fight soirees. Just after midnight, Liddell
and his entourage arrived on the red carpet where he was greeted by
cheering fans waiting to get into the UFC 81 party. As he was escorted
inside by several security guards, Liddell stopped to shake the hands of
fans. Inside, Studio 54 was decked out with TapouT banners hanging from
the VIP sky boxes and the scintillating go-go dancers were also sporting
the popular MMA brand. Guests at the premier nightclub were amazed with
Liddell’s big entrance and large entourage as they rushed directly
upstairs to the VIP skybox. Later in the evening Liddell got on stage to
welcome the hundreds of fans.
The VIP area upstairs was packed with Liddell’s closest friends
including his blonde bombshell girlfriend, other UFC members and
numerous TapouT friends. Liddell and his entourage partied the night
away drinking Red Bull and LEVEL vodka.
On Sunday night (2/3) The Joint inside The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
threw a Super Bowl party open to casino high-rollers and a few famous
football fans, that was as good as anything that went down in Phoenix.
The Joint was transformed into the ultimate viewing lounge for gametime,
complete with a “super” sexy live halftime show.
HBO’s “OZ” actor Chuck Zito, actress Tera Patrick and
hubby Evan Seinfeld were watching the action. Stone Cold Steve Austin
walked into the room to a burst of applause and joined a table with
Trent Cole of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Tera Patrick
Garth McKeown, Steve "Stone Cold" Austin, Tera Patrick and Evan Seinfeld
Steve "Stone Cold" Austin and Tera Patrick
Evan Seinfeld and Tera Patrick
Post game, they all headed to AGO for a bite where
they bumped into “Shifty Shellshock” aka Seth Binzer, co-founder of
music group Crazy Town. Binzer remains sober after completing his stint
on VH1’s “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew." He is in Las Vegas filming his
own new reality show.
Meanwhile back in The Joint, supergroup Velvet Revolver reminded
everyone how true rock stars do it as they performed a post-Super Bowl
show to a packed house then continued the party in Body English. Band
members Slash, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum and Dave Kushner walked the red
carpet and were joined inside by frontman Scott Weiland. Tera Patrick
and Evan Seinfeld also joined the table.
Velvet Revolver's Scott Weiland
Scott Weiland and Slash
Slash
Scott Weiland
On Monday evening, 2/4, Patriots linebacker Junior Seau was seen having
drinks at BOA Steakhouse inside The Forum Shops at Caesars.
Jonathan Ogden from the Baltimore Ravens was spotted early on 2/5
enjoying a breakfast platter at the PT’s Gold tavern in Anthem. Ogden
joked with the staff while he tackled pancakes and took a gamble with
some slot play at the bar.
On Friday night, 2/8, hypnotist Anthony Cools, The Amazing Jonathon and
comedian Carrot Top were spotted hanging out together at the PT's tavern
on Rainbow. The trio chilled out inside the lounge area of the pub.
I’ll be back next week with more of what’s “happening” in and around Las
Vegas.
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