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By
Judy Thorburn
Entertainment Reporter/Film Critic
Las Vegas Tribune
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer
www.theflickchicks.com Photos by Stephen Thorburn unless otherwise noted
Reel Awards and the 7th Annual Celebrity Impersonator Convention at the
Imperial Palace
On Monday May 28 the 7th Annual Celebrity Impersonator Convention that
brings together hundreds of top celebrity impersonators and tribute
artists from all over the world, set up shop inside the Imperial Palace.
So it seemed perfectly fitting that after 15 years in Los Angeles, the
Reel Awards which honors the world’s best celebrity impersonators would
finally follow suit and bring its 16th annual awards ceremonies to the
same venue in Las Vegas, the city that is world renowned as home of the
best impersonators and tribute acts. It also makes sense since both the
Reel Awards and CIC are produced by the sister team of Janna and Alanna
Joos, who run the agencies International Celebrity Images and
Entertainment Express.
For the first time since its inception, the Reel Awards was held inside
the Legends Showroom at the Imperial Palace, on the evening of May 27,
the night before the CIC got under way. Prior to the awards, a Red
Carpet event took place for a more up close photo opportunity with some
of the look-alikes. Then it was on to the showroom for the evening’s
main event, aptly billed as “Hollywood Goes Vegas”. Acting as
“Mistresses of Ceremonies” was no other than Joan Rivers and Whoopie
Goldberg. No, not really! But Dee Dee Hanson and Bettina Williams are
such incredible dead ringers and sound a likes of the stars that you
could almost swear they were the real thing. Both have the looks, voice,
and mannerisms down pat. Add some very funny material and great
chemistry between the two and you have the perfect emcees for a
memorable evening filled with live music, comedy and dance performances,
and of course, 17 awards (winners chosen by industry members) given to
outstanding individuals who perform in the field of impersonations, plus
a special Favorite Director/producer award given to the show’s
producer/director Janna Joos.
Among the dozen or so tribute performances were Legends’ star Matt Lewis
as Elvis Presley, Suzanne Goulet as Liza Minelli, Hollie Vest as Tina
Turner, Suzanne Griffiths as Marilyn Monroe in a duet with Andrew DiMino
as Dean Martin, Sherie Rae Parker as Bette Midler, Jay White as Neil
Diamond, Inez Zak in gyrating form as Shakira and my personal favorites,
Marty Edwards and Sandy Anderson as Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. The
17 Award categories included Best Actress and Actor, Best Television
Performance, Rising Star Award, and Male and Female Life Achievement
Awards among others. The big winner of the evening was Deborah Smith
Ford who walked away with both Best Actress as “Trinity” from the
“Matrix” movies, and Television Performance as “self” in a national TV
commercial. Unfortunately, Jay Koch could not be there to receive his
Life Achievement Award. It was presented posthumously for his
impersonation of Ronald Reagan in films, Reagan Library functions and
hundreds of personal appearances.
Special Celebrity
Impersonators Photo Gallery
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Janie Minick as Elizabeth Taylor
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Bettina Williams and Dee Dee Hanson as Whoopie Goldberg and Joan Rivers
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Double Reel Award winner Deborah Smith Ford for Best Actress as "Trinity" from the Matrix and Best TV Performance in a national TV commercial
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Reel Award Rising Star winner Lisa Irion as Cher
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Reel Award Best Video Performance winner Susan Griffiths as Marilyn Monroe in Elton John's "Candle in the Wind" video
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Reel Awards winner for Impersonator you love to work with the Most - Joe Manuella as Robert DeNiro
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Reel Award winner for Comedy - David Born as Robin WIlliams
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Pop "N" Rock for Reel Award winner Simira Blinko as Tina Turner
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Reel Awards Humanitarian winner Peter Banks as Austin Powers
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Celebrity Impersonators as John Wayne and Lou Costello
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Connie Garrett as Tina Turner
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Harvey Phillips Blanc as Simon Cowell
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Dawnn Behrens as Anna Nicole Smith
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Susan Ritter as Ann-Margret
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A Blues Brother Impersonator
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Deborah Smith Ford as "Trinity"
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Jami Edwards as Marilyn Monroe
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Marilyn Manson Impersonator
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Robert Ensler as Donald Trump
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Minnie Pearl Impersonator
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Stuart Rigby as Tom Cruise
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Various Celebrity Impersonators on the red carpet
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Sandra Wood as Cher, unidentified Dolly Parton look-a-like and Vera Novak as Sophia Loren
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Ozzy Osbourne Impersonator with Classic Crooner Reel Award winner Bob Pasch as Bing Crosby
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Cab Calloway Impersonator
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News Hound Reel Award winner Jack English as Jack Nicholson
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Gary Allan as Jay Leno with Dean Martin Impersonator
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Roy Orbison Impersonator
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Ron Rodriguez as Captain Jack Sparrow
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Charlie Chaplin Impersonator
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Howard Stern Impersonator
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Mattisen Thompson as Lucy from Narnia
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Barbra Streisand Impersonator
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Drew Carrey Impersonator
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Tupac Sukur Impersonator
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Mick Jagger Impersonator
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Dianne Gordon as Beyonce
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Rob Valentine as Alice Cooper
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Tina Turner Impersonator
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Terry Ray as Roy Orbison
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Susan Goulet as Liza Minelli
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Bob Phillips as Barney Pfife
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Joe Lacoco as Wolfman Jack
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Daniel Lopez as Johnny Depp
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Davel as Bono
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Brent Mendenhall as President George W. Bush
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Dale Leigh as Bill Clinton
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Two Elizabeth Taylor Impersonators
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Manuel Caso as John Travolta
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Oprah Impersonator
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Roy Hammock as Willie Nelson
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Reel Awards Country Hottest Hitter winner Sandy Anderson as Dolly Parton and Marty Edwards as Kenny Rogers
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Cher and Sean Connery Impersonators
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Steve Larkins as Freddy Mercury
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Gary Brown as Austin Powers
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Lyndall Grant as Arnold Schwarzenegger
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Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand Impersonators
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Janet Valentine as Marilyn Monroe
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Now, it wasn’t just on stage as
presenters, performers and award winners where you could see the
celebrity doubles. The audience was filled with recognizable faces that
would cause anyone to do a double take. In fact, surrounding me were an
array of celebrity clones; the likes of Michael Jackson, Ozzie Osborne,
Jack Nicholson, Sean Connery, Robert DeNiro, Richard Gere, Paris Hilton,
George Clooney, U2’s Bono, not one but two Mick Jaggers and Austin
Powers, three Elizabeth Taylors, numerous Willie Nelsons, Hilary
Clinton, several Chers, Tina Turners and Marilyn Monroes, David
Letterman, Jay Leno, Pee Wee Herman, and Anna Nicole Smith, just to
describe a few in my eye-catching vicinity. I must admit while many of
these impersonators could be a celebrity twin, others, well you will
have to check the photo gallery that accompanies this article and make
up your own mind on how well they resemble someone famous.
Supposedly there are thousands of celebrity impersonators around the
world. A nice portion makes a decent living working at corporate events,
conventions, private parties, and in tribute shows. The Celebrity
Impersonators Convention, not only acts a gathering place for these
look-alikes, it offers them a chance to learn about the entertainment
business, meet agents and showcase their talents in front of the public
and talent buyers. That said, The Talent Showcase was held on Tuesday
afternoon inside the Legends Showroom. Robert Ensler as Donald Trump and
Richard Halpern as Austin Powers were Masters of Ceremony for the three
hour event where at least forty celebrity impersonators did their best
to “impress” the audience. Standouts for their amazing physical and
vocal impersonations were 19 year old Katie Shelswell as Kylie Manogue
which won her the FUGI Film UK competition, David Born as Robin
Williams, Steve Larkin as Freddie Mercury, William Peterson as Rodney
Dangerfield, Brent Mendanhall as President George W. Bush, Cindy
Harrelson as Barbara Streisand and Connie Garrett as Tina Turner.
I don’t know about you but after seeing all these impersonators, it got
me wondering what the real stars think about these faux celebrities
going around pretending to be them. If it is true that imitation is the
most sincere form of flattery, then the Annual Celebrity Impersonator
Convention is a huge compliment.
Hans
Klok's - "The Beauty of Magic" featuring Pamela Anderson opens at Planet
Hollywood
Dutch born Hans Klok, known as the “fastest magician in the world” is a
big star in Europe where he consistently packs venues with sold out
performances. Now he hopes to do the same in the U. S. with his new show
especially created for Las Vegas audiences, in the entertainment capital
of the world.
The evening of Saturday, June 2 marked the premiere of Hans Klok’s magic
based production called “The Beauty of Magic” featuring actress/sex
symbol Pamela Anderson that is being staged inside Planet Hollywood’s
Theatre for the Performing Arts. Those who had heard about this show
before previews began know that Carmen Elektra was originally slated as
the featured beauty alongside Klok, but backed out (at least this is
what was reported) for reasons of claustrophobia related to the
illusions. Pamela Anderson was then happily recruited, with one
stipulation that no animals were to be used in the show. That being a
done deal to begin with, Pam was thrilled to sign on (at a ridiculously
huge amount of cash) saying, “I finally get to live my dream of being a
Las Vegas showgirl”.
Along with the opening night crowd that consisted of invited guests and
the media who were anxious to see the show, several big name celebrities
and local entertainers including David Hasselhoff, Sylvester Stallone,
Rita Rudner, Maksim Chmerkovskiy (professional dancer/choreographer
featured on TV’s Dancing With The Stars), The Scintas, Dita Von Teese,
female impersonators Frank Marino and Larry Edwards, fellow magicians
Rick Thomas, Nathan Burton and close up magician extraordinaire Steve
Dacri, were in attendance and made their way down the red carpet before
entering the theatre. Later an After Show outdoor poolside party was
held upstairs on the six floor featuring tables filled with scrumptious
food, an open bar, music and live entertainment.
Special Hans Klok Red
Carpet Photo Gallery
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Hans Klok
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David Hasselhoff
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Hans Klok family members
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Raw Vegas reporter Julie Mac
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Magician Nathan Burton with girlfriend Britney Palmer
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Hans Klok and Pamela Anderson
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Hans Klok, Dita Von Teese and Pamela Anderson
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Douglas Teitelbaum co-owner of Planet Hollywood with unidentified friend
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Hans Klok (Center)
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Hans Klok and Pamela Anderson
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Female Impersonator Larry Edwards
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Magician Rick Thomas
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Rita Rudner with costumed character
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The Scintas
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Steve Dacri, Close-Up Magician Extraordinaire
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Female Impersonator Frank Marino
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Dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy
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Rita Rudner
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Sylvester Stallone
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Regarding the newly transformed
Theatre for the Performing Arts; curtains have been dropped in front of
several sections closing off portions of seating to create a smaller
more intimate venue for this production. Also, a giant size hand holding
a large circular video screen displayed in its open palm has been added
on each side of the stage for the audience to get a more close up look
at what’s happening before their eyes no matter where they happen to be
seated.
Calling the show “The Beauty of Magic” is fitting in regards to its
visual appeal and production value. Creative director Anthony van Laast
has staged a magic show that is certainly very pretty to watch starting
with the lighting, beautiful accompanying music, sets, and attractive
cast that includes (from what I counted) 14 very talented “Magic”
dancers and several assistants. If you are waiting to see Pamela
Anderson, she doesn’t make an appearance until 50 minutes into the show.
Pam is strictly male eye candy and shares some clever banter with Klok,
than assists in a trick that involves a man chosen randomly from the
audience, before existing the stage and returning later to take part in
a couple of other illusions.
What is different about this magic show compared to others is its well
written storyline that incorporates some video animations and some
innovative, beautifully costumed dance numbers. Hans Klok originally,
from Amsterdam Holland, weaves his magic and illusions based around his
real life journey into the world of magic that started as a child, with
support from his father, through his travels in other countries that
eventually landed him in America. Two actors, a young boy and an older
man portray the younger version of Klok and his Dad in several sequences
where they interact with him or watch from the sidelines. There is also
a female character dressed in body hugging black costumes that shows up
occasionally. I suppose she represents an evil spirit out to stop his
dream of success and is used as a set up for sending him to the
guillotine where he is cut in half or in other sequences where they
switch places instantaneously.
I’ve got to give it to Hans that his magic transitions are the fastest I
have ever seen. But, magic enthusiasts and fans are looking for
something new and different when comes to tricks or illusions. Although
filled with stunning eye appeal, magic is the core of his show and Klok
needs to come up with something to wow audiences other than the same old
tricks we have seen and over again. Being cut in half or levitating an
assistant has been done bigger and better, even if Pam Anderson is your
“victim”. I wasn’t alone in noticing that several of his illusions
entail a quick switch with someone in the cast. The backdrop and props
change, but it is essentially the same trick.
Now, I can’t say I wasn’t entertained. Don’t get me wrong. There are
enough aspects of this show I find appealing enough to recommend it.
Once again; production wise, the show is a dazzler. That doesn’t include
the fact that it offers a handsome magic star for the ladies and a
famous hot chick for the guys. Let’s face it, there are two very big
reasons Pamela Anderson will draw male audiences. And yes, guys, she
appears scantily dressed to show off her, err, attributes.
Out of towners who haven’t seen a live Las Vegas magic show before, will
enjoy the production. But for the rest of us who demand bigger, more
spectacular illusions, as a whole it might not be the magical experience
that Hans Klok hopes will do the trick.
Tickets for "The Beauty of Magic" at Planet Hollywood Resort are $38 -
$108. Performances are 8PM Thursdays and Fridays, 7 and 10PM Saturdays.
Other recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Liza Minnelli recently attended the newest show at the Riviera Hotel and
Casino, “ICE: Direct From Russia”. Prior to the performance, Ms.
Minnelli took a moment to go backstage and meet with ICE’s producer
Sergey Ryshkoff and the all-Russian cast of 42 and expressed her
excitement to see the new show on a stage where she had performed on in
the 70’s and 80’s and offered American show business advice and a story
about her days at the Riviera. During the curtain call, Ms. Minnelli was
one of the first in the audience to stand and applaud the performers and
was heard saying, “THIS is the show to see in Las Vegas!”.

Legendary performer Liza Minnelli poses with the cast of ICE: Direct
From Russia backstage at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Photo credit: Barry Sweet
On May 25 The Bellagio Gallery of
Fine Art opened a new Picasso exhibition that has been five years in the
making. Titled “In the Master’s Hands: Picasso’s Ceramics, Treasures
from the Estate of Pablo Picasso”, the exhibit features more than 30
unique ceramic objects by the legendary 20th century artist that will be
on view through January 14, 2008. The exhibition demonstrates Picasso’s
ability to join painting, sculpture and clay into a single discipline. A
comprehensive, illustrated chronology, authored by Picasso scholar and
art historian Marilyn McCully, and devoted to the artist’s ceramic
years, also will be on view. Tickets for In the Master’s Hands:
Picasso’s Ceramics, Treasures from the Estate of Pablo Picasso are $17
per person, $14 for Nevada residents and seniors 65 and older, and $12
for students. Audio-guides are included in the price of admission.
Tickets and information are available by calling (702) 693-7871 or (877)
957-9777, or online at www.bgfa.biz
and www.bellagio.com. Tickets may
be purchased online at
www.ticketweb.com. The gallery and Gallery Store are open Sunday
through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10
a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Bellagio’s Conservatory and Botanical Garden recently revealed a new
Summer exhibit, a trip through America’s scenic Route 66 that is filled
with thousands of vibrant plants, flowers and trees, a country fair and
an automobile museum piece that offers visitors a captivating view of
summertime adventures. Guests are welcomed with a sumptuous roadside
market replete with fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers followed by a
quiet town park that has cozy areas with vintage park benches, street
lamps providing a soft glow and where beautiful rose hedges filled with
4,000 red, orange, pin, yellow and peach Russian cut roses lead to a
three-tiered fountain, 12-feet-tall and eight-feet-wide, with water
gently flowing amid luscious white statice flowers, red yarrow plants
and moss. At the center of this memorable exhibit is a 42-foot Ferris
wheel with authentic seats full of flowing ivy and glorious sunflowers.
High above the fair, three “cold air” balloons float up and down. The
road trip ends as guests watch a classic 1962 Corvette convertible
(loaned to Bellagio by the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green,
KY) featured on a road of “Chocolate Chip” Ajuga plants and white
statice flowers, “drive” into the sunset. A trio of vintage gas pumps, a
desert landscape with Saguaro Cacti, and beautiful red Celosia and white
azalea flowers provide the backdrop. Visitors are invited to enjoy the
FREE summer display at Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
through September 8.


Sunset Station recently announced
an alternative to the typical Vegas pool party – the ‘Summerfest at
Sunset’ festival series featuring three months poolside performances by
some of the best rock tribute bands. Starting June 1, entertainment was
provided by Eruption – an amazing Van Halen tribute band and will
continue with concerts every Friday evening throughout the summer. The
party will begin at 6:00 p.m. each week with a pre-party at the Gaudi
Bar. Doors to the concert open at 7:00 p.m. and show time begins at 8:00
p.m. The evening features the tribute band, a playground of an infinity
edge pool and a lawn area for lounging in front of the stage. Private
VIP cabanas are also available featuring misters, a television, private
refrigerator stocked with bottled water, cushioned lounge furniture and
cocktail service. General admission is $7 which includes a FREE first
drink besides access to the pool and concert. Upcoming Summerfest at
Sunset performances are: June 8 - Pyromania (Def Leppard), June 15 -The
Original KISS Army (KISS); June 22 - Fandango (ZZ Top); June 29 -PUMP (Aerosmith);
July 6 -The Long Run (Eagles); July 20 -Rattle & Hum (U2); July 27 -Smokin’
(Boston). The tribute bands for August Summerfest has yet to be
announced.
In addition to the above poolside concert series June 23 marks the
beginning of the Summer Outdoor Concert Series in the Amphitheatre
featuring Clint Black and continues monthly with performances by
Southern rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd on July 13 and Country group Lonestar on
September 1. For more information, please contact (702) 547-7777 or
visit www.sunsetstation.com .
Talent Services International in cooperation with Ambient Light Films
has added FREE Saturday acting classes for adults. There is no catch
attached – just a chance to find out if acting is right for you and/or
you are right for acting. Actors who demonstrate professional talent
will have the opportunity to join the company and management services
without cost. To register for a class, call (702) 795-0487
www.talentservicesinternational.com . Talent Services International
is located at 5333 S. Arville St., Suite 209, Las Vegas, NV
From July 1-3 the Mirage will hold the first ever Las Vegas “ The Fest
for Beatles Fans”, a three day celebration of all things Beatles. For
more information visit www.thefest.com
. In conjunction with this event, there will be a Battle of the Beatles
bands competition with the winners chosen by the audience. Groups
performing must bring their own instruments and play one or two Beatles
songs during the Fest on July 3. To sign up for this contest go to
bands@thefestforbeatlesfans.com or call 1-866-THE.FEST or fax
1-201-666-8687. Deadline for registration is June 14. There will also be
a Beatles sound-alike contest for individuals or duos (trios must join
the Battle of the Bands). Tryouts are on Monday, July 2 with finalists
performing on the main stage later that evening. All participants for
the Battle of the Beatles Bands and the sound-alike contest must have
tickets to attend the Fest. Tickets can be purchased online at
www.thefest.com or by calling
1.866.THE FEST. Winners of each contest will receive prizes.
Film buffs are being offered a chance to attend the star-studded Las
Vegas premiere of Ocean’s Thirteen and official after party at Moon on
Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at the 9th annual CineVegas Film Festival at the
Palms Casino Resort. Stars from the film confirmed to attend include
George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Ellen Barkin and
Andy Garcia.
All those who purchase the festival’s Royal Flush Pass and donate an
additional $250 to the International Rescue Committee will be given a
seat to the screening and entry into the after party at Moon nightclub.
Proceeds from the money raised will benefit Not On Our Watch, an
organization whose initial campaign is to support existing Darfur
humanitarian relief efforts and to ensure the protection of civilians in
that region.
Tickets for a Royal Flush Pass is $525 and they can be purchased by
visiting www.cinevegas.com
or calling 1-888-8VEGAS8. Valid June 7-16, The Royal Flush Pass gets the
holder into the closing night film and party, the honoree reception, all
films, all panels and tributes, all general festival evening parties
from June 7-16, the Condé Nast Traveler Lounge and CineVegas
Headquarters. For complete program details please visit
www.cinevegas.com .
Attention single ladies! The 8th Annual “Sound the Alarm” Firefighter
Bachelor Auction, hosted by the Firefighters of Southern Nevada Burn
Foundation, will be held on Friday, June 15 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at
the Pearl Concert Theatre inside The Palms Casino Resort.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ® is offering a report card achievement
reward this summer for any child, elementary through high school that is
proud of this year’s spring report card. Worthy students who can show an
improvement or a hard earned “A”, will receive a free summer Ice
Blended® beverage of their choice at any location. Starting Friday, June
8, 2007 and continuing through Friday, July 6, 2007, parents can bring
their kids into any of the (7) Valley locations; upon showing their
report card, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ® will give the child or teen a
special recognition certificate to fill out along with a summer Ice
Blended® drink of their choice. Their certificate will prominently be
displayed in the store for the remainder of the recognition report card
campaign. The report card rewards program is available at all 7
neighborhood location. To find The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ® nearest you
or for more information, please call 1-800-TEA-LEAF or log onto
www.coffeebean.com
On June 23 at 9PM, pop star Nelly Furtado will be performing poolside at
the Sandbar Backyard outdoor concert venue as part of a series of summer
concerts at Red Rock Resort. Tickets are $67.50, plus tax, and can be
purchased at any Station Casinos Reward Center, the Fiestas and the
Galleria Mall, by calling (702) 547-5300 or by logging onto
www.stationcasinos.com .
Doors open at 8 p.m. Must be 21 years or older. Red Rock Casino, Resort
and Spa is located at 11011 West Charleston Boulevard at Interstate-215.
I’ll be back next time for what’s “happening” in and around Las Vegas.
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