By Judy Thorburn This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - Las Vegas Round The Clock
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - The Flick Chicks
Director of Communications - Nevada Film Alliance
http://www.theflickchicks.com
Tribute Royalty Opens at V Theater at Planet Hollywood
A few of music industry's top icons are given the royal tribute in Tribute Royalty, the newest production staged inside The V Theatre at Planet Hollywood. The show is executive produced by Matt Lewis and produced by Joshua Pearson, with Matt's wife, Janelle Lewis, who did an outstanding job as creative director, costume designer and choreographer.
Joshua Pearson, Matt and Janelle Lewis
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The King of Pop, Michael Jackson and the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis may be long gone but they've left a legacy of music and charismatic stage presence that are impeccably recreated by two of the best tribute artists in the business. Every King must have their Queen and Lady Gaga, the contemporary Queen of Pop Culture completes the trio of top notch tribute headliners performing extraordinary mini concerts featuring several of the music icons' greatest hits. It is as close as you can get to experiencing the real thing, live and in person.
Erica Moul as Lady Gaga
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Erica Moul as Lady Gaga
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Travis Allen as Elvis Presley
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Travis Allen as Elvis Presley
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Edward Moss as Michael Jackson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Edward Moss as Michael Jackson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The entire production is first rate. Edward Moss as Michael Jackson, Travis Allen as Elvis and Erica Moul as Lady Gaga, not only look and sound like the stars they celebrate, each “royally” capture their stage magnetism, unique moves and mannerisms to a T. Fabulous costumes, dynamite choreography, some of the best back up dancers in the business and surrounding video screens enhances the production value of this awesome, high energy show.
Travis Allen, Erica Moul and Edward Moss
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
I've been to several music tribute productions, and Tribute Royalty stands out as the best of its kind to ever hit the Las Vegas stage.
Tribute Royalty performs daily at 4 PM (dark on Sundays) inside V Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.
Love is in the Air Extravaganza Showcases Local Dancers at Cashman Center
Some of the most talented dance and music students in the country were showcased in the first annual Love is in the Air dance extravaganza on Friday, February 8 at Cashman Center. Produced by Vegas Dance Starz, Love is in the Air featured a VIP cocktail reception and silent auction followed by a dance program, which were held to raise money for scholarships awarded to young dancers who want to train in dance, but are unable to meet the costs associated with dance class, attire, costumes, and competition fees. Since 2007, Las Vegas Dance Starz has provided $150,000 in scholarships to children in the Las Vegas community allowing them to fulfill their dreams of dance.
“The idea to create an annual celebration of dance fulfilled two goals for our foundation; raise money for our scholarship program and showcase the talents of our local dancers, musicians, and singers in a dance extravaganza at an affordable price,” said Tory Cooper, Board Member and Show Producer. “Love is in the Air is a fun family entertainment event created to provide an evening of dance and music for families in Las Vegas that want to experience an evening of dance, while also giving back to our community”.
The extraordinary evening was packed with great entertainment that kicked off with a musical performance by AC Generation, a five piece band made of Alani, Avalon, Alexey, Cody and Cidney, five young talented musicians and singers, followed by a program featuring 20 dancers and professional acts.
AC Generation
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Young local dancers from Studio One Summerlin Dance Academy and the Innovation Dance team, a competitive dance team comprised of youngsters from ages 5-18 took to the stage with captivating routines ranging from Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop to Tap.
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
In addition, showing support for this worthy cause, were several entertaining acts from the Las Vegas strip including H2H Duo Balancing, a duo previously with Cirque du Soliel performing an amazing hand-to-hand balancing act; singer Chris Phillips, aka Zowie Bowie; a troupe of Las Vegas Show Girls dancing a number choreographed by Kevin Leon, the artistic director for the Innovation Dance team; and Elvis impersonator, Steve Connolly, singing a medley of the King's classics, as well as dance instructor/choreographer Tony Delgado, from Dancing with the Stars fame.
H2H
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Lydia Ansel and Chris Phillips ( Zowie Bowie)
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Las Vegas Showgirls
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Steve Connolly as Elvis
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tony Delgado (left) and several young dancers
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
If you want to know what the future of dance has in store, no need to look further than these gifted young students who have a bright career ahead. Their talent, enthusiasm and love of dance filled the theatre and touched the heart of everyone in the audience resulting in a most enjoyable night that left a sweet and memorable imprint on all.
Madame Tussauds Las Vegas Unveils Wax Figure of Music Icon Whitney Houston
A wax figure of singer, actress and producer Whitney Houston was unveiled at Tussauds Las Vegas' interactive exhibit on Monday morning, February 11.
The first single from Houston’s second studio album was titled “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” and earned the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 30th Grammy Awards in 1988. The song’s accompanying video became one of Houston's best recognized music videos and ran in heavy rotation on MTV, VH1, and BET. Houston’s wax figure will be styled in the same way she appeared in the video, wearing a tight purple-pink tank dress and blonde curly hair.
Wax likeness of Whitney Houston
Photo courtesy of Madame Tussauds Las Vegas Photo credit: Patrick Gray/RETNA
“We are excited for one of Whitney’s four amazing figures to reside in our music room here in Las Vegas alongside other music legends,” remarked Madame Tussauds Las Vegas General Manager Rosita Chapman.
Jersey Boys and Eiffel Tower Restaurant Raise More Than $10,000 For American Red Cross At Oh What A Night Event
Jersey Boys and Eiffel Tower Restaurant Raise More Than $10,000 Jersey Boys hosted the "Oh What A Night" event at Eiffel Tower Restaurant on Friday night, February 6. Guests joined together for this unique culinary event, raising more than $10,000 to benefit the Red Cross of Southern Nevada’s Service to Armed Forces program.
At 4 p.m., JERSEY BOYS cast members Graham Fenton (Frankie Valli), Deven May (Tommy DeVito), Jeff Leibow (Nick Massi) and Rob Marnell (Bob Gaudio) joined acclaimed Chef Joho in the Eiffel Tower Restaurant kitchen, donning specially designed chef coats to prepare for the event. VIP package holders gathered alongside the cast and Chef for an exclusive cooking demonstration, joining in conversation and laughter as they prepared a selection of delectable treats and specialty cocktails. Guests sampled delicious French cuisine consisting of Foie Gras with persimmons, Osetra Caviar on Blinis, Gougères and Smoked Salmon on Brioche. Crafted cocktails, including the JERSEY BOYS signature cocktail “Sherry Baby,” were prepared by Eiffel Tower mixologists for the group to try.
Following the demonstration, guests traveled to the dining room to join the other attendees, engaging in conversation with the JERSEY BOYS cast, Chef Joho and American Red Cross representatives. Radio hosts, Carla Rea (96.3 KKLZ-FM) and Bill Meyer (KMED-AM 1440, Medford, OR), emceed the event and led a silent auction featuring donations from Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, JERSEY BOYS, Eiffel Tower Restaurant and others. Scott Emerson, CEO of the American Red Cross (Southern Nevada Chapter), and Chief Development Officer Jennifer Ramieh concluded the event, thanking guests for their contributions to the military community and the Service to Armed Forces program.
Chef Joho and Carla Rae (center) with the Jersey Boys
Credit: David Tingey/Tom Donoghue Photography
Credit: David Tingey/Tom Donoghue Photography
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Continuing its mission to provide assistance to those affected by and infected with HIV/AIDS as well as spread education and awareness about the disease, local nonprofit GOLDEN RAINBOW raised $265,793 and helped over 500 clients in Southern Nevada in 2012. The nonprofit collected nearly $40,000 more compared to the previous year. As a result of the successful 2012 fundraising efforts, Golden Rainbow provided 8,184 nights of shelter, 527 days of utility assistance, 1,054 days of transportation and medical and dental assistance to more than 500 households.
WINTER LAS VEGAS MARKET 2013, held January 28 to February 1 at World Market Center Las Vegas, exceeded expectations as the best attended market in four consecutive years driven by an influx of both new retailers and exhibiting lines-all against the backdrop of a number of strategic initiatives aimed at enriching the marketplace. Officials with International Market Centers, who own and operate Las Vegas Market, reported impactful attendance gains amongst retailers across all categories, as well as an increase among international buyers.
Starting the weekend of Chinese New Year (which began on Sunday, Feb. 10) REGIS GALERIE, a high-end art collection boutique located in The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, is hosting a unique ASIAN ART EXHIBITION showcasing rare, museum quality pieces dating back centuries.
The special display is open to the public throughout February and highlights approximately 60 individually selected pieces from Regis’ extensive Asian Art collection comprised of hundreds of exceptional pieces. Included in the display is a hand carved ivory Emperor and Empress, seated wearing a crown topped with finial and a brocaded robe, mounted on thrones dating back to the mid 20th century, and a grey and white jade sculpture of a recumbent water buffalo and a child holding an umbrella dating back to 1880.
Various mediums comprise the Asian Art collection, with everything from miniatures to sculptures to carvings, all paying tribute to Chinese culture.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, FLAMINGO headliner GEORGE WALLACE is showing love to all active first responders with a valid badge or department ID (i.e. police, firefighters and emergency personnel) to enjoy his show for FREE throughout 2013. Each defender receives one complimentary ticket to see “The New Mr. Vegas” in return for the support and dedication they show their community on a daily basis.
The Plaza Hotel & Casino in downtown Las Vegas is hosting a FREE SPEED DATING EVENT inside the Z BAR, Thursday, Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, from 7 to 11 p.m. There will be drink specials, live entertainment and $5 happy hour specials. No RSVP is necessary for a fun evening out and the chance to meet your match!
ROCKHOUSE, located at The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, will treat party animals to mid-week specials on Wednesdays and Thursdays with the launch of two new promotions.
Beginning Thursday, Feb. 14, the Strip-side destination will transform into a classic speakeasy during PROHIBITION THURSDAYS. In true prohibition style, guests will gain access with a password that will be given out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Flappers and Boot-Leggers will enjoy half-priced cover and $5 cocktails with the prohibition password from 7 p.m. until close. Las Vegas locals and Military with valid ID will get complimentary entry before midnight.
Starting Wednesday, Feb. 20, partygoers will face-off on “WINNER CIRCLE WEDNESDAYS,” the hot spot’s weekly Beer Pong tournament from 7 p.m. until close. Weekly winners will be added to Rockhouse’s “Winner Circle Hall of Fame.” Patrons will enjoy classic games, such as billiards, foosball, darts and cornhole, anytime at the ultra-dive bar.
Revelers will “Flip It To Win It,” on Wednesdays, by flipping a customized Rockhouse coin to win half-priced cocktails. Hungry guests can indulge in the eatery’s “Wing Wednesday” buckets of mouthwatering chicken wings and bottled beer buckets, both priced at $19.
In honor of BLACK HISTORY MONTH, the city of HENDERSON presents GOSPEL FEST, a two-weekend celebration of music, history and culture, Friday and Saturday, Feb 15 and 16 and Friday and Saturday, February 22 and 23 at the Henderson Pavilion, 200 S. Green Valley Parkway.The event includes a variety of family-friendly activities, games, music and food. Admission is FREE.. Each weekend is highlighted by an entertaining stage production at 6 p.m. nightly. Opening weekend features A Night of Soul, a musical revue of Motown’s greatest hits, featuring a talented cast from Broadway in the Hood. The second weekend is devoted to gospel with an extraordinary concert by a number of local singers and choirs.
The UNLV Performing Arts Center, located on the north end of the UNLV campus, welcomes THE PIPES AND DRUMS OF THE BLACK WATCH, 3RD BATTALION at 8 p.m. on Saturday, February 23. Nearly three centuries old, the Black Watch joins the Band of the Scots Guards, whose primary duty is to guard the British monarch. Tickets are $30, $40, and $55 (not including a $1.25 facilities fee) and can be purchased at the Performing Arts Center Box Office at 895-ARTS (2787) or by visiting pac.unlv.edu. Student rush tickets are $13 each (plus the 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.
GRIMALDI’S PIZZERIA, famous for its award-winning, hand-tossed, coal-fired brick oven pizzas, will host a SPECIAL DINNER FOR SUSAN G. KOMEN OF SOUTHERN NEVADA on Monday, Feb. 25 at the Rainbow restaurant (7155 S. Rainbow Rd.) A three-course meal, including salad, pizza and dessert, will be served for a cash-only donation of $15.“Komen Southern Nevada is a non-profit that is close to many of our employees’ hearts,” said Mikaela Clough, manager of S. Rainbow Grimaldi’s Pizzeria. “Raising funds for an organization that is vital to our community is our way of giving back and we hope that many people will come out and show support.”
The event is open to the public and two seatings will be offered for guests. The first from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. and the second from 6:30 – 8 p.m. To RSVP for this event call Komen Southern Nevada at 702-822-2524.
Following a successful limited-engagement run, AMERICA'S GOT TALENT LIVE IN LAS VEGAS, the one-of-a-kind live show, featuring stars from NBC’s #1 hit television sensation, will return to The Palazzo Theatre for a seven-week run beginning Monday, Feb. 25.
The live show kicked off an eight-week run just two weeks after Olate Dogs were declared season-seven winners of the one-million dollar grand prize. They along with other fan favorites from the season were whisked away to fabulous Las Vegas, where competitors became co-stars in the extraordinary 90-minute live stage production.
Tom Cotter, the first comedian ever to reach the finals of the hit show and season seven’s “top human finalist.” Cotter, returns to Las Vegas to host the production, which will star a diverse cast of season-seven talent, past fan favorites and surprising guest appearances.
The all star cast features: First place winner Olate Dogs – Led by champion trainer Richard Olate and his son Nicholas, the high-energy, magnificently coached four-legged posse will return with new routines, added agility and some new furry friends.
Lightwire Theater – The spellbinding group of performers will bring their electro-luminescent creations back to the stage, where new characters will combine dance, puppetry and beauty to create unforgettable glow-in-the-dark performances.
David Garibaldi and His CMYK’s – Combining masterful painting and explosive dance moves, David Garibaldi and his crew of performance artists create stunning visual images before audiences’ eyes to up-tempo beats that exhilarate and excite.
Jarrett & Raja – Las Vegas Strip regulars Jarrett & Raja have entertained audiences worldwide with their amazing and unique blend of magic, music and comedy, and illuminating feats that dazzle the eye.
Anna Graceman – 13-year-old musician and singer/songwriter blew America away with her soulful and powerful rendition of “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys when she auditioned for the sixth season of America’s Got Talent.
America’s Got Talent Live In Las Vegas will perform six shows per week at 7:30 p.m. purchase tickets are priced at $45-125.
LOUIS C.K., one of the most honest and respected comedic voices of his generation, will bring his routine to the MGM Grand Garden Arena for a special one-night appearance, on Friday, March 8. The The show is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.Tickets are priced at $45, $65, $85 and $125, not including applicable service charges.
Meagen Hensley, Kimi Bateman, Tara Taylor and Abigail Galloway, from the SIRENS OF TI outdoor show at Treasure Island, are featured in the Las Vegas advertorial in the SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIMSUIT ISSUE, which is out now. Additionally, eight Sirens, Sunny Vogel, Meagen Hensley, Rachelle Fournier, Stacey Kane, Kimi Bateman, Tara Taylor, Abigail Galloway and Monet Grzecka, are featured in the online contest ad.
The Adventuredome at Circus Circus will begin construction on EL LOCO, the venue's newest roller coaster, that will offer thrill seekers a unique and exhilarating ride experience in a custom and compact design guaranteed to excite all. The Adventuredome will begin construction on El Loco in the coming weeks and the coaster will be ready for screams and thrills in December.
El Loco roller coasters are famous for their record-breaking steep first drops and one-of-a-kind moves. With only five other El Loco coasters worldwide, the addition of the ride to America’s largest indoor theme park will provide Vegas visitors an exclusive opportunity.
Accompanied by a customized soundtrack, El Loco will deliver new and unique coaster elements that drop, turn and twist the rider in ways not previously experienced. Riders will ascend 70 feet before diving over and under in a backwards motion, delivering a negative 1.5 “vertical-G”. The ride’s unique elements, including a 45-degree outwardly banked turn, a greater-than-straight-down diving drop, and a 180-degree turn that races over the edge into a barrel roll, will provide guests with an extraordinarily thrilling adventure.
The new action-packed El Loco will take the place of the Rim Runner flume ride, one of the park’s four original attractions.
Celebrity Sightings:
Wednesday, Feb. 6...
USA Eagles players and coaches from the 2013 USA Sevens international rugby tournament to experience Blue Man Group's explosive, interactive and humorously invigorating new show at Monte Carlo Resort on. Following the performance, athletes and coaches posed for photos while proudly holding the American flag with a Blue Man and some band members in the VIP room. Starting Friday, Feb. 8, the 2013 USA Sevens international rugby tournament kicked-start three days of world-class rugby competition at Sam Boyd Stadium.
USA Eagles players and coaches from the 2013 USA Sevens international rugby tournament
Photo credit: Isaac Brekken/Getty Images
Thursday night, Feb. 7...
The Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles was spotted at TAO Nightclub in celebration of a friend’s bachelor party.
Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer, Michael Phelps, returned to N9NE Steakhouse at Palms Casino Resort with a small group of friends. Phelps and company were personally escorted by Chef Barry Dakake through the dining room, where they were greeted with excitement by other restaurant guests.
Michael Bolton and Smokey Robinson were spotted at LAVO Italian Restaurant. The two famed singers were joined by both of their managers in LAVO’s private dining room.
Friday night...
Michael Bolton and Smokey Robinson dined with a large group at TAO Asian Bistro. Paula Abdul also stopped by to visit them singers in the private dining room. After dinner Bolton and Robinson headed to the nightclub.
Actor Omar Epps was spotted along with his wife and friends at Marquee.
Sander Van Doorn at Marquee
Photo Credit: Karl Larson/Powers Imagery
Friday, February 8...
Decorated Olympian Michael Phelps had dinner at Heraea, the new high-energy restaurant and sports lounge with a feminine twist at Palms Casino Resort, during a friends and family preview. Heraea will celebrate its grand opening on Sunday, February 17.
Phelps, joined by a small crew of friends, enjoyed a selection of piquillo pepper poppers, Alaskan king crab cones and artichoke spinach dip while sipping on Bulleit and diet coke. The celebrated swimmer was overheard chatting about golf with his buddies.
Saturday night, Feb. 9...
Former Heavyweight champ, Mike Tyson, UFC champ, Frank Mir, and BMX pro, TJ Lavin, all dined at Meatball at Town Square.
Hip-hop, electronic dance foursome Far East Movement put on an unforgettable performance at PURE Nightclub. To get the crowd ready for the performance DJ Virman took over the turntables to spin some new music for the fans.
Far East Movement
Photo credit: Al Powers of Powers Imagery LLC
Far East Movement performing
Photo credit: Al Powers of Powers Imagery LLC
Sammy Hagar celebrated the third anniversary of his Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino with a free performance.
Sammy Hagar and wife Kari Hagar before his performance at Cabo Wabo Cantina
Photo Credit: Jeff Bottari/WireImage
Sammy Hagar at Cabo Wabo Cantina
Photo Credit: Jeff Bottari/WireImage
Season eight “American Idol” winner Kris Allen was spotted enjoying Blue Man Group at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino. After the performance, the singer-songwriter posed for photos in the private VIP room with a Blue Man and the show’s new Showbot character.
Season eight “American Idol” winner Kris Allen
Photo courtesy of Blue Man Group
Monday night. Feb. 11...
Rock Of Ages Las Vegas lead cast members Carrie St. Louis (Sherrie), Justin Mortelliti (Drew) and Mark Shunock (Lonny) were spotted enjoying Blue Man Group at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino.
Las Vegas Strip performer Frankie Moreno was also in attendance with his family. The groups attended private meet-and-greets separately with the Blue Men and posed for pictures in the VIP room.
Rock Of Ages Las Vegas lead cast members Carrie St. Louis (Sherrie), Justin Mortelliti (Drew) and Mark Shunock (Lonny)
Photo courtesy of Blue Man Group
Frankie Moreno and family with Blue Man Group
Photo courtesy of Blue Man Group
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