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 By
Judy Thorburn
Entertainment Reporter/Film Critic
Las Vegas Tribune
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer
www.theflickchicks.com
Ago
Holds Exclusive Grand Opening Party at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
On March 3, an exclusive Grand Opening Party was held for the elegant
Italian eatery, AGO (pronounced Ah-go) the first new restaurant to open
inside the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in five years.
Robert DeNiro and Chef Agostino Scianti
Ago is named after its Executive Chef partner
Agostino Scianti, who hosted the evening’s event along with restaurant
co-partner, actor Robert DeNiro. The two made an appearance on the red
carpet entrance along with several other celebrities such as boxer Mike
Tyson and motor cross racer Carey Hart (who will be opening a new club,
Wasted Space in the Hard Rock in the near future) Bob Saget, Magician
Nathan Burton, Mary Wilson of the Supremes and Siegfried of Siegfried
and Roy who were anxious to experience Scianti and DeNiro’s first venue
to open in Las Vegas. Also showing support for the hotel's newest
culinary offering was Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, whose world famous restaurant
Nobu is located across from AGO.
Mike Tyson and Carey Hart
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Mary Wilson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Siegfried Fishbacher
Designed by Ralph Gentile, the restaurant features a
sleek and welcoming lounge where diners can sample AGO's one-of-a kind
cocktails or small plates from the bar menu, and leads into the intimate
dining area which includes an open show kitchen.
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The restaurant’s debut coincided with the tenth
anniversary of the original Los Angeles eatery, best known for its
authentic Tuscan style fare that emphasizes light and simple cooking.
Guests at this VIP opening were able to munch on signature dishes
including risotto funghi, gnocchi with pesto, spinach filled ravioli,
rigatoni with wild boar sauce, sliced filet mignon, wild salmon with
caper sauce, grilled shrimp, pizza, mini crab cakes, and a delicious
array of desserts.
For more information on Ago visit
http://www.hardrockhotel.com/las-vegas/dining/
ASD/AMD
Las Vegas Merchandise Variety Trade Show
Twice a year the nation’s largest variety merchandise trade show takes
place in Las Vegas. The ASD/AMD trade show is where manufacturers to
wholesale distributors of jewelry, handbags, cosmetics, clothing,
furniture, lamps, gifts, novelty items and other assorted merchandise
connect with buyers from independent retailers to international chain
stores.
Suresh Chawlu of Baba Clothing Corp. with Judy Thorburn
From March 2 - 5 the massive trade show encompassed
three venues; the Sands Expo Center, The Mirage Events Center and Grand
Ballroom, and Mandalay Bay Convention Center featuring aisles upon
aisles of thousands of vendor booths. It was virtually impossible to
visit every one of the booths in the allotted schedule time. However,
several vendors drew the attention of both me and my friend and
colleague Jacqueline Monahan during our visit to 2 levels of trade show
floors at the Sands. Read Jacqueline’s column “About the Town” in this
week’s edition of this newsletter to check out what captured our mutual
interest the most.
Tony
Pace Previews His Show “Up On The Roof” at the Greek Isle Hotel and
Casino
Tony Pace may not be a recognizable name for Las Vegas audiences, but
the talented entertainer is hoping to change that once word gets out
about his show that debuted at the Greek Isle Hotel and Casino. During
his two day engagement on March 6 and 7, Tony Pace gave audiences a
chance to see what he has to offer as a singer and impressionist with a
flair for comedy and improvisation, while he entertains offers to find a
permanent home in Las Vegas.
Tony Pace
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Pace describes his show titled “Up On the Roof” as
being “all about memories” and he goes through a series of
impersonations of several performers that made an impact on his life
throughout the years. Pace’s vocal impressions, some accompanied by a
prop and/or wig, include Johnny Mathis, Aaron Neville, a duet of Nat
King Cole and his daughter Natalie, Louis Armstrong, Neil Diamond, Tom
Jones, Elvis, Michael Jackson and Rod Stewart just to name a few in his
repertoire.
The press release mentioned that when Tony performs, every show is
different, no two are alike. I would guess that depends on the reactions
of the interactive audience who join in several sing-a-longs and the few
people chosen to partake in a comical number on stage.
Tony Pace's impression of Louis Armstrong
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
There is no doubt that Tony Pace has a beautiful
Broadway caliber voice, which he showcased best in a powerful rendition
of Phantom’s “Music of the Night”. That performance stood out as the
show’s highlight. But unfortunately, his vocal impressions of superstar
singers are inconsistent, ranging from dead on to barely fair. This is
something he needs to work on if he hopes to attract audiences that are
accustomed to some of the very best impressionists in the business
working Las Vegas showrooms.
Yet, Pace has a lot going for him as a likeable, energetic, showman who
knows how to connect with the audience. My advice is that his emphasis
should be on quality not quantity and stick with the voices he does
best. With a bit of tweaking, Tony Pace’s “Up On the Roof” could very
well bring down the house.
MGM
Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris Announces Winners of The First Ever American
Auditions
On Thursday March 6, MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris and special guest
judge, Dita Von Teese announced the winners of the cabaret’s first ever
American auditions at Tabú Ultra Lounge. More than 50 dancers vied for a
spot in the elite dance troupe, but after a three-day audition process,
four women were chosen to join the Crazy Horse Paris family. The winners
are Krystle Richeson from Virginia Beach, VA; Elena Lee Rodriguez from
Miami, FL; Polina Volchek from Las Vegas, NV and Kara McKinney from
Roanoke, VA. Each of the ladies will be flown to Paris, France, where
they will receive formal training for two months before joining the
dancers on the famed Crazy Horse Paris stage.
left to right: Krystle Richeson, Crazy Horse Paris guest judge Dita Von
Teese, Elena Lee Rodriguez, Polina Volchek, Kara McKinney
Kim Vo
Celebrates Salon Opening at The Mirage
On Friday night, March 7, Kim Vō, the most sought-after colorist in
Hollywood, whose personal clients include Kate Hudson, Goldie Hawn, Teri
Hatcher, Kirsten Dunst and Jenny McCarthy, celebrated his salon grand
opening at The Mirage.
Vō was joined by many of his celebrity friends at the impressive event.
Among those strutting down the “blonde” carpet was singer Taylor Dayne,
who celebrated her 46th birthday with the colorist to the stars and Shar
Jackson (Kevin Federline’s former lover and mother of two other children
he fathered before joining up with his other ex, Britney). Later that
evening inside the Revolution Lounge, Vō presented Dayne with a special
birthday cake and Dayne treated friends and fans to a special
performance in which she performed the single “Beautiful” off her new
album Satisfaction.
Kim Vo
Kim Vo and Taylor Dayne
Paris Hilton also stopped by the Kim Vō Salon and Spa
grand opening. Vō, who has been recently making trips back-and-forth
from Las Vegas to L.A. to reconstruct Britney Spear’s hair, was
surprised when Hilton arrived with friends. Word has it that Paris
Hilton appeared more happy than usual, probably due to that big Benji
Madden bling on her ring finger. Rumors have been circulating for weeks
that the hot and heavy romance is very serious.
Paris Hilton
Shar Jackson
Other
recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
The newly named golf course TPC Las Vegas, is building a display of
treasured memorabilia inside its clubhouse to celebrate the great
moments of professional golf in Las Vegas. Community golf enthusiasts
are asked to assist in the development of this museum by donating
objects such as ticket stubs, programs, posters or any other monumental
pieces. Donated items can be dropped off at TPC Las Vegas and community
members will be recognized for their contribution. The display will be
free and open to public. The drop off location is Golf Shop at TPC Las
Vegas, Attention: Todd Hajduk, 9851 Canyon Run Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89144.
Items must be received by April 1.
In honor of its 10th anniversary, Red Mountain Music Company (RMMC), a
nonprofit valley-wide musical performing arts organization, will host
its annual gala at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, March 14 at JW Marriott Las
Vegas Resort Valencia Ballroom, 221 N. Rampart Blvd. Las Vegas. Brent
Barrett, who is currently starring as the Phantom in “Phantom, the Las
Vegas Spectacular,” will be the featured performer. A silent auction
will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. A live auction and performance
will take place after dinner, which begins at 7 p.m. Proceeds from the
gala will help fund the nonprofit’s programming for 2008. Tickets for
the gala are $130 per plate or $1,200 for a table of 10 and can be
purchased by calling 702-294-0043.
On March 22 from 10 am – 4 pm. the annual Bunny Boogie: Hop and Shop
event will be held at the city’s newest shopping destination Town Square
Las Vegas. The Easter Bunny and other spring characters will be
available for meet and greets as children enjoy the day’s festivities
sponsored by the Clark County Parks & Recreation & Mix 94.1.
Egg hunts to find contain prizes such as show tickets, spa treatments
for mom and retail gift certificates are scheduled for 1 p.m. for ages 1
to 3; 2 p.m. for ages 4 to 6 and 3 p.m. for ages 7 to 10 in Town Square
Park. Candy will be provided by Mix 94.1, but children are advised to
bring their own baskets to carry their treats.
The day will also include face painting, live entertainment from
community groups, balloon art and more. Nevada SPCA will also be on-site
with bunnies to adopt. This event is free of charge with free parking.
Those interested can call 702-455-8200 or visit the Web site at
www.accessclarkcounty.com/parks . Town Square Las Vegas is located
on the south end of the Las Vegas Strip at the Intersection of I-15 and
the 215 Beltway.
A free seminar on Buddhism and its spiritual practices will be held on
March 28 from 6-9 p.m. and March 29 from 10 a.m. to noon at 6225 Foxhunt
St. Las Vegas, NV 89130 near the corner of North Rainbow Boulevard and
Azure Drive. A major Buddhist spiritual leader, Zhaxi Zhuoma Rinpoche
will be traveling to Las Vegas to lead a discussion of Vajradhara, H.H.
Great Dharma King Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu’s teachings of spirituality. This
lecture will introduce the Buddha-dharma of Exoteric and Esoteric
Buddhism, providing the resources of good fortune, wisdom, skills and
power necessary to achieve perfect enlightenment. Admission is free and
the public is welcome. For more information and driving directions
contact Lin Brown at 702-835-2832 or Katie Hughes-Appel at 702-292-4341,
or email
kblmconsult@hotmail.com.
A weekend of live entertainment kicks off on Saturday, March 15 in
downtown Las Vegas’s Fremont Street Experience in celebration of St.
Patrick’s Day with green beer flowing and three days of free concerts
with Whiskey Galore and Wild Celts. The performance schedule is as
follows: Saturday, March 15, Wild Celts , 6-8 pm, 3rd Street Stage;
Whiskey Galore, 9-11 pm, 3rd Street Stage; Sunday, March 16, Whiskey
Galore, 8-11 pm, 3rd Street Stage; Monday, March 17, Whiskey Galore,
8-11 pm, 3rd Street Stage. All concerts are free and open to the public
and parking is available at the Fremont Street Experience parking garage
located at Carson and 4th Streets.
Three Las Vegas nightclubs PURE, LAX and Aura Nightclubs, all under the
umbrella of the Pure Management Group, have received nine Club Award
nominations in eight different categories at the 6th Annual Club World
Awards. Winners are chosen by a panel of industry-expert judges and will
be disclosed at a ceremony on March 26.
On March 29, International champion Ricardo Laguna launches the Ricardo
Laguna Pro BMX Dirt Jump Competition during Findlay Chevrolet’s Extreme
Thing sports and music festival. The challenge will take place on a
specially designed course from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 29.
Elite riders from around the world will compete in the season’s first
National dirt contest of the year, where Laguna and Clark County Parks &
Recreation create an extreme setting for riders to showcase their latest
stunts in preparation for the upcoming season. The festival is from 11
a.m. to 10 p.m. All events take place at Desert Breeze Skate Park, 8275
Spring Mountain Road at Durango Drive. Tickets are $17 in advance, $20
day of show, if available. All ages are welcome.
In addition to extreme sports, this year’s festival will feature bands
Pennywise, Chiodos, Escape the Fate, Nonpoint, Streetlight Manifesto, In
This Moment, Scary Kids Scaring Kids and Alesana, professional wrestling
by Adrenaline Unleashed and the Vegas AmJam Skate and BMX amateur
competition. The XPOZ Zone also will welcome seven local bands
performing in the smoke-free zone promoting the
www.smokefreescene.com .
Those interested in this event can visit the Web site at
www.extremething.com
The four winners of the Henderson Symphony Orchestra’s annual Young
Artist Concert Competition, which recognizes the top youth musicians in
Clark County will be honored by performing a solo with the Orchestra in
its spring concert on Sunday, March 30 at 2 p.m. at the Henderson
Pavilion, located at 200 S. Green Valley Parkway. Admission and parking
is free. Seating is on a first come first-served basis.
For additional information on the Young Artist Concert Competition or
other Henderson Symphony Orchestra events, call (702) 267-2171 or visit
www.hsorch.org.
Celebrity
Sightings:
March 2, Smash Mouth lead singer Steve Harwell was spotted signing
autographs for fans inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino yesterday. Also
spotted on property was actress/model Jamie King, in the VIP lounge
checking into a suite with friends.
Last Monday evening 3/4 Bette Midler was spotted having dinner at
Wolfgang Puck's Spago, inside the Forum Shops at Caesars, last night
with a large group of people.
On Tuesday, 3/4, comedian, actor and all around entertainer Bob Saget
was spotted having lunch at Pink Taco yesterday inside the Hard Rock
Hotel & Casino. On his way out, he was very polite and even stopped and
chatted with fans at their tables. Saget was also seen last night at AGO
for his second night in a row. He dined with three friends.
Governor Jim Gibbons and friends attended Thursday night's Blue Man
Group performance at 8 p.m.
On 3/6 alternative rock band Linkin Park performed in front of a
sold-out crowd inside The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Linkin
Park dedicated some of their own personal gear including a piano
keyboard used on past tours. Band members also autographed a few other
items such as the HRH Magazine and a couple classic guitars. All
memorabilia will be used for the Linkin Park memorabilia case soon to be
displayed on the casino floor.
I’ll be back next week with more of what’s “happening” in and around Las
Vegas.
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