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 By
Judy Thorburn
Entertainment Reporter/Film Critic
Las Vegas Tribune
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer
www.theflickchicks.com
Tony
Sacca Honored With Star on Las Vegas Walk of Stars
On Sunday, February 17, singer/TV host and Las Vegas Entertainment
Ambassador Tony Sacca became the 23rd recipient on the Las Vegas Walk of
Stars. To celebrate this honor, a ceremony was held at 2:30 pm followed
by a dinner reception at Josette’s Bistro, 4983 W. Flamingo Rd.
Robert Alexander congratulates Tony Sacca
Tony was joined by several dignitaries, celebrities
such as magicians Lance Burton and Sigfried (Roy was not present), and
family and friends including Congresswomen Shelley Berkley who presented
Tony with a Certificate of Recognition and the Nevada flag that was
flown over the Capitol Building in Washington DC on January 29th. “I
have been a long time follower of Tony Sacca and appreciate all that he
has done for his community over the last 27 years. He spends countless
hours donating his services and has been a positive force in promoting
Las Vegas entertainment throughout the country as well his contributions
as an entertainer in Las Vegas,” states Congresswoman Shelley Berkley. I
am very happy that Tony’s talent and contributions to Las Vegas will be
immortalized on the “Las Vegas Walk of Stars. Tony is truly a star and
he deserves to have his own.”
Siegfried Fishbacher: "In 1981, Tony and his twin
brother Robert were finishing up a 3-year run at the El San Juan Hotel
in Puerto Rico. One night they had a surprise visit from Siegfried who
was visiting his fellow cast members from the Hello Hollywood show that
was on hiatus as a result of the MGM Grand fire. Unbeknown to the Sacca
Twins, he took in their show. He was so impressed with the act, that he
went back stage after the show and invited them to come to Las Vegas,
which would turn out to be a career change for the brothers from
Philadelphia."
Tony and Family
Sacca also received commendations and awards from the
governer’s, mayor’s and Clark County commissioner’s offices. Both the
city and county honored Sacca by making Feb 17th, Tony Sacca Day. Many
of the speakers mentioned Tony’s work with a variety of non-profit
agencies.
Tony Sacca’s star will be installed on the sidewalk outside of the New
York, New York Hotel & Casino at a later date.
Tony with star and picture painted of him by Ruel James
Red
Carpet Treatment for Opening Night of Bette Midler’s Show at Caesars
Palace
Wednesday, February 20 was the opening night of Bette Midler’s highly
anticipated Las Vegas show, “The Showgirl Must Go On” at the Colosseum
at Caesars Palace. As usual, the quintessential VIP Red Carpet event was
held for the arrival of big name celebrities.
VIP guests who trodded down the carpet’s path in front of Pure nightclub
before entering the nearby showroom, included singer Meatloaf, magician
Nathan Burton and his girlfriend Brittany Palmer, singers Lance Bass and
Joey Fatone of the successful boy band N*Sync, actor Taye Diggs and his
wife Tony Award winning singer/actress Idina Menzel, actress/talk show
host Ricki Lake, actress Jennifer Coolidge, actor Alan Thicke,
comedienne Rita Rudner, magicians Sigfried and Roy, actress Christine
Ebersole, choreographer Toni Basile, Shannon Durig from the Broadway hit
“Hairspray”, John Meglen President/CEO of AEG Live as well as the star
herself, The Divine Miss M, Bette Midler, who looked svelte and
glamorous in a silver sequined gown, and was accompanied by her daughter
Sophie.
Taye Diggs
Siegfried and Roy
Rita Rudner
Meatloaf and wife
Joey Fatone and Lance Bass
Jennifer Coolidge
Idina Menzel and Taye Diggs
Christine Ebersole
Brittany Palmer and Nathan Burton
Show Poster
Bette Midler and daughter Sophie
Bette Midler
John and Deborah Meglen
Alan Thicke
Toni Basile
Ricki Lake
Shannon Durig
Reporters covering the Red Carpet were not invited
into the showroom. However, I plan on seeing Bette Midler’s The Show
Must Go On in the near future, after which I will posting my review.
Odyssey
Lifestyle and A.R.T.evolution Introduce Work of Louis Cantillo
Thursday evening from 6 – 8 p.m, the stunning work of artist Louis
Cantillo was unveiled during the very first A.R.T. evolution event of
2008 which was held at the Las Vegas offices of Odyssey Lifestyle off
Sunset and Durango. Every quarter Odyssey Lifestyle and Art encounter,
Las Vegas’ largest fine art gallery, feature a new artist and host a
private event to meet the artists and view their works.
Odyssey Lifestyle Founders Mark V. and Virginia
Martino with Artist Louis Cantillo
Best known for his vibrant landscape photography and
his collection of doors and the windows of the world, Louis has a gift
for capturing unique perspectives on the familiar through careful
composition and use of color, texture and contrast.
During the event, Cantillo said, “I’m overwhelmed by this opportunity
with A.R.T.evolution. It’s a gift to be able to watch my audience as
they experience my art first-hand and speak with them about their
impressions. There’s nothing more rewarding for an artist than the
chance to see a response to his work in such an intimate setting.”
Guests also enjoyed champagne and wine provided by Southern Wine and
Spirits, hors d’oeuvres provided by Biaggio’s and Le Cordon Bleu College
of Culinary Arts, Las Vegas and the unique and exotic flavors of Vosges
Haut-Chocolate, courtesy of their location in The Forum Shops at
Caesar’s Palace.
Fifteen percent of the proceeds of the paintings sold during the evening
went to benefit The Odyssey Foundation, an organization that works
throughout the year to raise funds through luxurious lifestyle
experiences such as the A.R.T.evolution exhibits to benefit the National
Center for Missing & Exploited Children as well as the scholarship
program for Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Las Vegas.
A.R.T.evolution events are always well-attended by those who have a
passion for the visual, culinary and lifestyle arts and fellow artists
Jennifer Main, Janet Rosenberg, M.A. and Skip Swerdlow, Ph.D were in
attendance to admire Louis’ work.
For those unable to attend the event, Louis’ work will be on display at
the Odyssey Lifestyle offices through March 31, 2008. A.R.T.evolution’s
next featured artist will be on display beginning April 1 and runs
through June 30. During this time, guests can attend the Artist Opening
on Thursday, May 8 to view the work of Vladimir Atanian.
Louis Cantillo’s signature work, “Jagged Edge.”
For more information on Odyssey Lifestyle, including
their schedule of lifestyle events for 2008, and the Odyssey Foundation,
please visit
www.odysseylifestyle.com. For more information on Art
Encounter visit
www.artencounter.com.
Other
recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Award-winning vocal performer and Las Vegas favorite Jimmy Hopper, known
for his wide range of musical stylings from Sting and Elton John to
stirring operettas and Broadway, returns to Las Vegas, performing at the
new Lava Room, the intimate “tiki-chic” lounge above Trader Vic’s
restaurant in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort &
Casino. Hopper’s headliner engagement begins Thursday, February 21, and
runs Thursday through Sunday with performances nightly at 10:00 p.m.
Admission is $20 (audiences must be 21 years or older). For table
reservations, call 702.405.4700.
The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino hosts the 10th Annual Legends of
Bartending competition Tuesday, February 26th inside the Showroom
(Formerly 3121 & Club Rio with 70 professional flair bartenders from
more than 15 different countries participating in hopes of winning the
title of “World’s Greatest Bartender” and more than $40,000 in cash and
prizes.
In honor of the 10th Anniversary and for the first time in five years
Legends will be holding the Tandem World Championships: two-man teams
will square off in an exhibition of flair unlike no other. The
competition begins Sunday, February 24th with a registration, meet and
greet banquet and FBA Awards Ceremony for participants in the Showroom
inside the Rio (not open to the public.) The qualifying rounds begin
Monday, February 25th at 10 a.m. also in the Showroom. Nine finalists
will be announced at approximately 11pm Monday. On Tuesday March 1st,
the final rounds begin at noon in the Showroom (not open to the public)
where each finalist will be tested on speed, working flair and accuracy.
Doors to the Showroom will open for the final “main event” at 8pm with
festivities beginning at 8:30pm where the Grand Champion will be
announced at approximately 1:00am. Information about the event can be
found online at
www.legendsofbartending.com
On February 29 inside Studio 54 at MGM Grand, Grammy Award winning
singer Pat Monahan will appear in concert as part of Rock ‘n Roll Wine
AMPLIFIED!, a high energy wine tasting event coupled with live music.
Doors open at 7 p.m. The event will spotlight more than 20 wineries
representing more than 50 distinct wines and will present an opening
performance by Jeremy Cornwell. MGM Grand’s Fiamma Trattoria and Bar
will offer delicious bite-sized portions of its legendary Braised Short
Rib Hand-crafted Raviolini with black truffle butter and barbera red
wine reduction. Fiamma Executive Chef Carlos Buscaglia and Sommelier
Julia Moretti will recommend wine pairings to accompany Fiamma’s classic
Italian cuisine. Beginning February 29, guests who mention Rock ‘n Roll
Wine while dining at Fiamma Trattoria and Bar will receive a
complimentary round of Prosecco Italian Sparkling Wine, a $22 value.
Tickets for Rock ‘n Roll Wine AMPLIFIED! featuring Pat Monahan are on
sale for $45 plus tax and includes the concert, wine tasting and a $10
voucher redeemable at local retailers for many of the featured wines.
All tickets can be purchased at
www.rocknrollwine.com or by calling the Rock ‘n Roll Wine
office at 702-240-3066. Must be 21 years of age or older to attend.
Wayne Brady’s one-of-a-kind show, Making It Up, at The Venetian
Resort-Hotel-Casino has been extended for another year. The extension
will see Brady playing more than 300 performances before the end of July
2009. Living up to its title, not only does Brady create a different
show each night with improv partner Jonathan Mangum, he is also
constantly adding new elements to the line-up, making each show an
original. Backed by his four-piece band, led by musical director Cat
Gray, and a chorus of talented dancers and singers, he recently added
new production numbers including a tribute to Sam Cooke. Making It Up
can be seen Thursday – Monday at 9:00 p.m. in The Venetian Showroom,
though performance dates are subject to change. Tickets are $49, $69 and
$89 plus tax and handling fees. A limited number of VIP Packages, which
include front row seats and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet
Brady after the show, are available for $149 per person plus tax and
handling fees.
Beginning Saturday, March 1st, internationally renowned comic magician
Amazing Johnathan moves his show to the Miracle Mile/Harmon Theater at
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Performances are 9 p.m. nightly, dark
Wednesdays and Thursdays. Due to the show’s adult themes and language,
guests under the age of 18 will not be admitted without a parent or
legal guardian. General admission tickets are $59 plus taxes and fees,
or $69 plus taxes and fees for VIP seating, and may be purchased by
calling the Harmon Theater box office at (702) 836-0836, or by visiting
www.harmontheater.com.
On Tuesday, March 4 at 7:00 p.m. the UNLV Jazz ll and Special Guests
will perform in concert at the Judy Bayley Theatre. Tickets are
$10/General, $7/Seniors and LV Jazz Society, $5/ General Students, Free
for UNLV Students with ID.
On March 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m and March 16 at 2 p.m., The UNLV Opera
Theatre will complete its 2007-2008 season with a production of Mozart’s
masterwork, Così fan tutte (or, The School for Lovers) at the Judy
Bayley Theatre on the UNLV campus. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for
seniors/military/faculty/staff, and $5 for students with ID. Tickets are
available at the PAC Box Office, or by calling 895-ARTS (2787).
Saturday, March 15, World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight
champion Juan Manuel Marquez defends his title against three-division
world champion Manny Pacquiao, at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.
Tickets for Marquez-Pacquiao II (limited to 8 per person) are $600,
$400, $300, $200 and $100, are now on sale and available at the Mandalay
Bay Events Center box office (702) 632-7580.
On Monday, March 17 starting at 5 p.m. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood
Restaurant, located at 335 Howard Hughes Center, will be celebrating the
inner Irish in all with a special St. Patrick’s Day party. The
celebration includes Irish dishes, corned beef, cabbage and Irish stew,
in addition to their famous $1.95 bar menu and Irish drink specials
featuring pints of Green Beer, Guinness, Bushmills and Baileys and live
entertainment through the night. The restaurant will also fete the
city’s cab drivers with their 4th annual ‘Happy St. Cabby’s Day’
offering a complimentary breakfast of green eggs, ham and Lucky Charms
cereal between 8a.m. - 9 a.m. to cab drivers. In addition, if the
cabbie’s stop by anytime before 5 p.m. they can pick up a special gift
certificate while supplies last.
On Saturday, March 22 at 8 p.m multi-platinum and three-time Grammy
Award-winning singer Fergie will appear in concert at the Mandalay Bay
Events Center Saturday, March 22. Tickets (limited to 8 per person)
priced at $95, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and
taxes, are in sale at the Mandalay Bay Events Center box office (702)
632-7580 and are also available for purchase at
www.mandalaybay.com.
Rockers Collective Soul will perform an acoustic show at Mandalay Bay
Friday, March 28 and is scheduled to being at 9 p.m. This one-night only
engagement marks the first “unplugged” performance inside the Mandalay
Bay Theatre. Tickets are priced at $62.50 at the Mandalay Bay Theatre
box office (702) 632-7580. Tickets also are available for purchase at
www.mandalaybay.com
Very funny, controversial comedienne Margaret Cho brings her satirical
views on life to The Pearl at the Palms on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at
8:00 p.m. as part of her world-wide Beautiful tour. Tickets for Margaret
Cho are $38.00, $48.00 and $58.00, plus any additional box office or
service fees. The Pearl Box Office is open from noon – 7 p.m. daily. For
more information on upcoming concerts, please call 702-942-6888.
Tickets are now on sale for The Tiger Woods Foundation’s eleventh annual
charity event, Tiger Jam XI that will take place on Saturday, April 19
at The Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Golf legend Tiger Woods
will welcome rock icons VAN HALEN to Tiger Jam XI to help raise funds
for the Tiger Woods Foundation and select Las Vegas-based charities.
Saturday evening’s highlights will include top notch epicurean fare and
exclusive live and silent auctions featuring unique items. Following the
dinner and auctions, the celebration will progress to the Mandalay Bay
Events Center stage, where Woods will introduce Eddie Van Halen, David
Lee Roth, Alex Van Halen, and Wolfgang Van Halen for a rocking VAN HALEN
concert.
Ticket prices start at $125 and are available at the Mandalay Bay Events
Center box office and at all To charge by phone call the Mandalay Bay
box office at (702) 632-7580. Tickets are also available for purchase at
www.mandalaybay.com.
Celebrity
Sightings:
At the Sunday School party at Body English inside the Hard Rock, Slick
Rick took the mic bringing back his signature single “La Di Da Di”.
Spotted rapping along in the crowd were Dallas Cowboys players Anthony
Fasano, Marion Barber, Keith Davis, Miles Austin and Evan Oglesby. Also
representing for the NFL were Alex Smith from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
and O.J. Atogwe from the St. Louis Rams. John Doolmyan and Shavo from
rock band System of a Down were seen checking out the performance near
the stage.
On the night of 2/16 it was a packed house at Body English's Smashtime
Saturday's party at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Hosted by E!
Entertainment Television's "Daily 10" hosts Ben Lyons, DJ Clinton Sparks
and Sal Masakela. Catt Sadler was also there partying with her TV
co-stars. DJ Clinton Sparks entertained all night long and at one point
special guest Trey Songs got on stage and performed his hit single,
"Can't Hardly Wait" with Sparks. Also in the crowd was Richard "RJ"
Jefferson of the New Jersey Nets and Channing Frye of the Portland
Trailblazers.
Tuesday afternoon of February 19, Carrot Top was spotted having lunch at
Spago inside the Forum Shops at Caesars.
That evening, singer LeAnn Rimes was spotted with her husband Dean
Sheremet browsing in the Hard Rock Retail Store.
Also at Hard Rock on Tuesday was Lance Bass, spotted in Pink Taco having
lunch with a friend.
Saturday night 2/22 Ashlee Simpson made a surprise appearance at Pink
Taco inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Simpson, joined by her father
Joe Simpson, hopped on the mic to toast her dad and wish him a happy
birthday. She also played the lucky onlookers two tracks off her new
album which hits stores on April 15. Ray Brady, lead guitar player,
musical director, and long time friend of Simpson was also in the house.
Simpson posed for pics with fans and signed some autographs before
departing the restaurant.
Sarah Silverman was also spotted walking through the casino.
Comedian Sarah Silverman entertained fans with two shows Saturday night
2/23 inside The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Following her
performances, she was spotted at Mr. Lucky's having a late night treat
with four friends. Escorted by security, Silverman was observed to be
quiet and low-key, and on her way out she stopped to chat and sign a few
autographs for her fans.
On Friday night 2/22 Matt Sorum (Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver) and
Ja Rule were spotted partying in Body English.
I’ll be back next week with more of what’s “happening” in and around Las
Vegas.
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