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 By
Judy Thorburn
Entertainment Reporter/Film Critic
Las Vegas Tribune
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer
www.theflickchicks.com
Thank
You Reception Celebrates Success of “Hands Across the Arts” Fundraiser
for CSN’s Performing Arts Center
On Sunday evening June 1, a thank you reception was held inside the
World View Ballroom at the World Market Center’s Building Building B to
celebrate the success of the “Hands Across The Arts” Capital Campaign
which raised much needed funding for the College of Southern Nevada’s
Performing Arts Center and to honor several individuals who have
consistently been an advocate of the arts.
Host for the festivities was acclaimed entertainer
and Las Vegas’ Official Ambassador of the Arts, Clint Holmes
(singer/wife Kelly Clinton sat proudly on the sidelines) who performed a
heartfelt rendition of “If Not Now When”. Additional live entertainment
was provided by soulful singer Phil Flowers and his band and gifted
students of the performing arts including Primrose Martin who wowed the
crowd with her beautiful singing voice, and jazz music by the Mohammed
Shakir Sextet.
Clint Holmes
Phil Flowers
Primrose Martin
Mohammed Shakir Sextet
Deserving honorees who have made a significant impact
in their dedication and support of funding for arts were U.S
Congressional Candidate and Nevada State Senator Dina Titus, Thomas W.
Dortch, Jr. Founder & President Emeritus of 100 Black Men of America,
and Angie Wallin Executive Director of Nevada Arts Advocates. Each was
present at the reception to accept their recognition in front of the
many sponsors, celebrities and others in the community who were in
attendance as supporters of the arts.
State Senator Dina Titus
Thomas W. Dortch Jr.
Angie Wallin
The evening’s event was made possible by The Ira
Aldridge Theatre Company. Founded by producer, actor and director Walter
Mason, the company is a professional theatre program that provides
training for people of all ages. Together CSN Performing Arts Center and
the Ira Aldridge Theatre Company are seeking the support of individuals
and businesses that believe access to the arts improves quality of life
and builds a stronger community.
Walter Mason
Aradia &
Pole Fitness Studio Opens Second Studio in Las Vegas
Aradia & Pole Fitness Studio, which offers a variety of classes in
sensual movement, held a Grand Opening celebration last Tuesday for its
second studio in Las Vegas, the new West location at 5752 S. Fort Apache
Road. The fun evening included cocktails, tours and demonstrations and a
special mini class just for the ladies that combine beginning pole
dancing with other methods of sensual fitness that has numerous health
and other personal benefits.
Fawnia Dietrich
Aradia owners Fawnia Dietrich, Tracy Gray and Christine Boyer
Aradia Fitness was created by friends Tracy Gray and
Christine Boyer in 2003 with the start of the first pole dancing parties
and shortly thereafter with Canada’s first pole dancing for fitness
studio. Aradia has partnered with Fawnia Dietrich, who was the first to
introduce pole dancing to the world in 1995 with her instructional DVDs.
Besides pole dancing which is the latest craze for empowered women,
Aradia offers Exotic Dance 101, Booty Camp, Go-Go Dancing, Pilates,
yoga, lap dancing and belly dancing classes that promises to unleash
that sexy, confident, beautiful woman in all their clientele.
For more information visit
www.poledancinglasvegas.com.
Young
Dolphin Celebrates First Birthday with a Splash at The Mirage
Sgt. Pepper, the youngest Atlantic bottlenose dolphin at Siegfried and
Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage that was born to
Duchess and named by local school children, turned one year old on World
Ocean Day, Sunday, June 8. In celebration of his birthday, photo
opportunities were granted with the birthday guest of honor on Friday,
June 6. Like any toddler, Sgt. Pepper charms visitors each day with his
playful, adventurous antics. On this particular special day, he showed
off his adorable personality and happily played with new birthday toys,
including a shiny rubber ball.
Additional
recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (BGFA) is offering a new, enhanced
membership program for art patrons that underscore MGM MIRAGE’s ongoing
commitment to making BGFA a cultural destination for tourists as well as
residents of Las Vegas. From singles and couples to families and seniors
– offers include such benefits as members-only exhibition previews,
discounted admission for guests of members, and priority seating at
lectures. “The various levels of membership are tailor-made to suit our
visitors’ unique needs”, said BGFA Manager Tarissa Tiberti. Individual,
Dual, Family, Student, Teacher and Senior Memberships can be purchased
at BGFA Box Office. For more information, call (702) 693-7871 or visit
www.bellagio.com.
The Strip’s sexy 90 minute production, “X” Burlesque has extended its
run the intimate 180-seat Flamingo Second City Theatre at Flamingo Las
Vegas through July 2009. Tickets are $44.95 General Admission and $55.95
VIP (plus tax and fees).
RA Sushi Bar Restaurant raised more than $132,000 for the
internationally renowned St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as a
result of its fourth annual “Nicky’s Week” fundraiser. All 19 RA Sushi
restaurants nationwide participated in the fundraiser from May 25 - 31.
RA Sushi donated 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of Tootsy
Maki, Edamame, Pork Gyoza, FIJI Water, Red Bull and other select
beverages to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is
known for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with
cancer and other life threatening illnesses such as brain tumors,
leukemia, and sickle cell disease. The Las Vegas location raised more
than $5,500 alone, for the cause. On Wednesday, May 28, the Las Vegas RA
Sushi held a “Celebrity Bartending Competition” with celebrity
personality Robin Leach and Las Vegas’ own Mayor Oscar Goodman. Together
the duo battled it out by mixing and serving cocktails to see who could
raise the most donations for Nicky’s Week.
Jason Byrne, Magician Extraordinaire from “V – The Ultimate Variety
Show” at the V Theater inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet
Hollywood, was recently awarded the Merlin Award from the International
Magicians Society (IMS) for Best Cabaret Magic. The Merlin Award was
presented to Jason while onstage performing Thursday evening, May 29th,
2008 by IMS World President / Chairman and CEO Tony Hassini. Past
recipients have included David Copperfield, Criss Angel, Penn & Teller,
Siegfried & Roy, Blackstone, and Doug Henning, among many other
prominent magicians.
Nevada Ballet Theatre has named singer, actress and comedienne Bette
Midler as its Woman of the Year for the 2009 Black & White Ball. “The
Divine Miss M” will be honored on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at Caesars
Palace in Las Vegas. Since 1985, The Black & White Ball has been a
societal main stay in the city of glitz and glamour. Honoring legendary
females who have positively impacted the performing arts, this annual
fundraiser supports the state’s largest professional ballet company.
Proceeds from the evening will allow Nevada Ballet Theatre to continue
to provide main stage productions by its professional company, quality
dance training within its affiliated school, the Academy of Nevada
Ballet Theatre, as well as through its Education and Outreach program,
Future Dance.
From June 6 - July 25 UNLV Donna Beam Fine Art Gallery inside the Alta
Ham Fine Arts Building Presents "Amidst: An Exhibition of Recent
Coercions" by artist Brent Sommerhauser. Gallery Hours are Monday -
Friday, 9 -5.
Comedienne Rita Rudner and husband Martin Bergman will debut their new
play Room 776 at The Little Theatre in Las Vegas, where it will be
performed exclusively June 13-29, Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m.;
Sunday at 2 p.m. "Martin and I have written screenplays, novels, TV
shows, letters and grocery lists, but we have never written a play, so
we thought we'd give it a go," said Rudner. Bergman, who will direct the
play, began his career in theatre in England before directing films in
America and producing live shows around the world. He produces Rudner's
show in Las Vegas which has sold almost one million tickets since its
launch in 2001.
Room 776 is a comedy based on two strangers who are double-booked in a
Las Vegas hotel room over a sold-out weekend. Neither will relinquish
the room and are forced to share it. One of the country's top comedians
and a New York Times best-selling author, Vegas resident Rudner is
excited about working off the Strip and with the local arts community.
Tickets are on sale now and are available online at
http://www.lvlt.org/ or by
calling the theatre box office at (702) 362-7996. The Little Theatre is
located at 3920 Schiff Drive.
The Tenth Annual CineVegas Film Festival being held June 12 – 21, 2008
at the Palms Casino Resort and Brenden Theatres in Las Vegas will honor
six actors who have made significant artistic contributions to film and
the film industry, it was announced by Trevor Groth, artistic director.
Honorees include Angelica Huston who will receive The Marquee Award for
her career accomplishments in the film industry. Don Cheadle, Rosario
Dawson, Viggo Mortsensen and Sam Rockwell will be honored with a
Half-Life Award. Each will participate in moderated conversations, open
to the public, June 20 and June 21. In addition, James Caan will be
honored with the festival’s Vegas Icon Award which is presented to an
actor who embodies the spirit of Las Vegas and who has delivered
memorable performances in films and shows set in the city. He will be
presented with the award on June 20 at the CineVegas Honorees Reception
at the Planet Hollywood pool.
On Saturday, June 14, 2008, the CineVegas Film Festival will present the
World Premiere of the film Dark Streets at the Brenden Theatres at the
Palms Casino Resort, followed by a charity concert at the Palms Pool.
Featured performers include one of the film’s stars Bijou Phillips and
Grammy Award-winning blues musician Chris Thomas King, as well as other
musicians from the film’s original soundtrack. Proceeds from the concert
will benefit the Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation (LCEF), an
organization established to provide critical relief and recovery funds
for artists and cultural organizations in Louisiana in the aftermath of
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The World Premiere of Dark Streets will be
held at 8:30 pm on Saturday, June 14, with the after party starting at 9
pm and the concert, starting at 10:15 pm. The film will screen again at
12:30 pm on Monday, June 16. Tickets to the screenings are $10 each and
tickets to the concert are $25 each.
Goodwill of Southern Nevada and Southern Hills Hospital have teamed Up
To Give Back To The Community. Beginning on June 4 a large and
accessible attended donation center will be placed on the Southwest
corner of the hospital’s parking lot (corner of Fort Apache and Sunset
Rd) for southwest residents to drop off their gently used items from
Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Southern Hills Hospital’s
Goodwill donation site will be the only donation trailer in Southwest
Las Vegas.
Southern Hills Hospital has also announced that it is the first hospital
in the Southwest area to offer robotic minimally invasive surgery
through the use of the state-of-the-art da Vinci® Surgical System, an
enhanced technology that helps reduce infections and lessen recovery
time. While seated comfortably at a console, the surgeon operates by
viewing a 3D image of the surgical field. Surgeries will include
urological procedures such as prostatectomies, and kidney procedures.
The da Vinci Surgical System finally allows more surgeons to perform
complex procedures using a minimally invasive approach – routinely and
with confidence.
Legendary Minneapolis funk band, The Time will perform at Flamingo Las
Vegas June 24 - July 5 and July 29 - Aug. 2. ). Showtime is 7:30 p.m.,
Tuesday-Saturday. These exclusive performances mark the first time the
original band members have performed together in 18 years, following
their acclaimed appearance at this year’s Grammy Awards. Tickets for The
Time are on sale now and are priced at $150, $125, $75, and $65 (plus
tax and fees.
Cirque du Soleil has announced that tickets are now on sale for LOVE
Tapis Rouge™, an exclusive virtual behind-the-scenes psychedelic
experience. Beginning June 26, 2008, Tapis Rouge (French for “red
carpet) patrons will be introduced to the world of The Beatles LOVE by
Cirque du Soleil, while immersed in the ultimate VIP sensory experience
at The Beatles REVOLUTION Lounge. Tapis Rouge™ will begin each night 90
minutes before the 7 pm and 10 pm performances, Thursday through Monday
inside The Beatles REVOLUTION Lounge, which is located just steps away
from the LOVE Theatre.
Priced at $295 per person, Tapis Rouge™ includes the price of a VIP show
ticket (best seats in the LOVE Theatre) and the following amenities:
Special VIP will-call line at the LOVE box office; Customized gift bag
of merchandise created specifically for Tapis Rouge; Collectible Tapis
Rouge™ lanyard provided for complimentary VIP access to REVOLUTION
Lounge for an entire week; Exclusive reception before the LOVE
performance at the REVOLUTION Lounge including a selection of
tray-passed hors d’oeuvres and specialty cocktails, hosts to provide
insights into LOVE, and behind the scenes footage that includes
exclusive backstage video from the LOVE Theatre; VIP escorted access
from REVOLUTION into the LOVE Theatre and VIP line at concessions.
If you are looking for a way to celebrate Independence Day on July 4th,
here are a few options:
This year, the City of Henderson is celebrating Independence Day, July
4th by offering residents a variety of family-friendly events and
spectacular fireworks displays at two locations – Henderson Events Plaza
and Anthem Hills Park.
From 6 – 9 pm at Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water Street musical
entertainment will be provided by the Beatles Tribute Band, The FAB and
the Henderson Symphony Orchestra. On a second, stage country entertainer
Randy Anderson and rising star Emily West will perform. Additionally,
children of all ages can cool off with the dancing water play area as
well as participate in a number of other amusing activities. The night
will culminate with a sparkling fireworks display. Shuttle service will
be available from Morrell Park, located at 500 Harris Street.
From 7 p.m. to 9p.m. Anthem Hills Park, 2256 N. Reunion Drive will be
the location for more live entertainment. The evening will conclude with
the fireworks display. Shuttle service will be available from Coronado
High School, located at 1001 Coronado Center Drive.
Both City of Henderson 4th of July Celebrations are free and open to the
public. For additional information, call 702-267-2171 or visit
www.HendersonLive.com.
As part of its Independence Day festivities on July 4th, Torrid
Nightclub inside Hawaiian Tropic Zone, is holding a contest hosted by
Playboy cover model Tiffany Holiday called Red White and Boobs, in which
women will compete for a complimentary breast augmentation courtesy of
Dr. Pancholi from Cosmetic Surgery of Las Vegas. Three guest judges,
including Playboy cover girl Tiffany Holiday, Playboy model and Playboy
cyber girl DJ Roxanne Dawn and Dr. Pancholi of Cosmetic Surgery of Las
Vegas will determine the winner.
To register for the contest, please visit
www.HawaiianTropicZone.com.
All women (must be 21 or older) who register will receive a $50 gift
certificate to Cosmetic Surgery of Las Vegas. Men are not eligible to
compete or win.
On July 4th, Vertical Horizon will be appearing on concert starting at 9
p.m. at Mandalay Bay Beach. A pre-concert barbeque at Border Grill will
begin at 6 p.m. A fireworks show is scheduled at 10:30 p.m. The barbeque
at Border Grill will be available for an additional charge and will
include great food, drink specials and prize giveaways. Tickets (limited
to eight (8) per person) priced at $35, not including applicable taxes
and service charges are on sale at the Mandalay Bay Box Office. To
charge by phone with a major credit card, call the Mandalay Bay Box
Office at (702) 632-7580.
Celebrity
sightings:
On Monday June 1, World-renowned DJ Tiesto showed off his talents as he
spun a marathon set for yet another capacity crowd at Rehab at the Hard
Rock Hotel & Casino. Actor-turned Celebrity Apprentice star, Stephen
Baldwin made an unexpected appearance and enjoyed the party from the
privacy of his cabana.
DJ Tiesto
Stephen Baldwin
Also spotted on property was Jamal Anderson, former
Atlanta Falcons running back, who enjoyed the scene at Body English's
Sunday School party.
Actor Gary Marshall was spotted enjoying dinner last Monday night (6/2)
inside Strip House at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Las Vegas.
Magician, The Amazing Jonathan and his stage assistant, Penny were seen
(by yours truly) dining at Brio Tuscan Grille in Town Square last
Wednesday evening (6/4).
Legendary Punk band, The Sex Pistols played to a sold out crowd Saturday
night (6/7) at the Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The show brought
out visiting rockstars and celebs to catch the band's only US date
before heading out on a European tour. Matt Sorum of Velvet Revolver,
Dave Keuning, Mark Stoermer and Ronnie Vannucci of The Killers, Billy
Morrison and Billy Duffy of The Cult, Carey Hart, Tito Ortiz and Jenna
Jameson were all spotted in the VIP section of the balcony.
Sex Pistols
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Photo credit: Hew Burney
Photo credit: Hew Burney
Also that evening, Matt Sorum and Pamela Morrison as
well as Jenna Jameson and Tito Ortiz were all spotted dinning in AGO (at
separate tables).
Matt Sorum and Jenna Morrison
Photo credit: J. Ludwig
Jenna Jameson and Tito Ortiz
Photo credit J. Ludwig
Jamie-Lynn Siegler hit Body English for Smashtime
after a group dinner with friends and E! "Daily 10" host Ben Lyons.
Jamie Lynn Sigler and Ben Lyons
Photo credit: Cody Boor
Emmy Award-winning actress Susan Lucci was also
spotted having dinner with a small group at Wolfgang Puck's Spago,
inside the Forum Shops at Caesars.
Jamie Lynn Sigler enjoyed girls night out Saturday at Body English with
four of her friends. After catching up with pal Ben Lyons from E!’s
Daily 10 to pose for pics on the red carpet, she re-joined her girl
group for cocktails and dancing from a VIP table in the club.
Cat Sadler, Ben Lyons, Jamie Lynn Sigler and Sal Masekela
Photo credit: Cody Boor
In the early hours of Sunday morning (6.8.08).Carey
Hart played afterhours tour guide for punk rock icon John Lydon of the
Sex Pistols. Hart, who is gearing up to open his new rock lounge Wasted
Space at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was giving a preview tour of the
space to friend Matt Sorum of Velvet Revolver when Lydon dropped in for
a look. Then suddenly every rock star in town joined them including Dave
Keuning, Mark Stoermer, and Ronnie Vannucci of the Killers and Billy
Morrison and Billy Duffy of the Cult.
John Lydon and Carey Hart
Carey Hart and Matt Sorum
I’ll be back next week with more of what’s “happening” in and around Las
Vegas.
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