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
Million Dollar Quartet Celebrates Grand Opening at Harrah's
The Las Vegas production of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET celebrated its Grand Opening at Harrah's Las Vegas on Tuesday night, February 19. The Tony® Award Winning musical is inspired by the extraordinary true story of the fateful evening that brought music icons Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together for one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll jam sessions in history.
Million Dollar Quartet
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The talented cast includes Robert Britton Lyons as Carl Perkins, Benjamin D. Hale as Johnny Cash, Martin Kaye as Jerry Lee Lewis, Tyler Hunter as Elvis Presley, Marc D. Donovan as Sam Phillips, and Felice Garcia as Elvis' girlfriend of the hour, Dyanne, Mikey Hachey as Jay Perkins (Bass Player) and Jim Belk as Fluke (Drummer). Director Eric Schaeffer, Musical Director Chuck Mead, and Author Colin Escott were also in the showroom supporting the cast.
Celebrities in attendance included Holly Madison, 2011 Playboy Playmate of the Year Claire Sinclair, Professional BMX Rider and MTV Tr3s personality Ricardo Laguna , comedienne Rita Rudner, Melody Sweet of ABSINTHE, World Famous Dance Crew Jabbawockeez, Chef and owner of Bratalian and Meatball Spot Carla Pellegrino, guitarist Esteban and violinist daughter, Joy; comedian/star of Defending the Caveman Kevin Burke, former star of Phantom the Las Vegas Spectacular Kristen Hertzenberg, The Australian Bee Gees, James Davis, one of the hunky Chippendale dancers, singer Lorena Peril, comedian/impressionist Sean E. Cooper and several dancers from the topless revue Fantasy; Orel Hershiser (MLB Hall of Famer) and singer/impressionist Rick Michel.
Million Dollar Quartet takes place on December 4, 1956, when Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll” who was responsible for launching the careers of each superstar, brought the four legendary musicians together at the Sun Records storefront studio in Memphis for the first and only time.
That legendary December night is brought to life within a story that reveals secrets, betrayal, and the once in a lifetime celebration of four friends. Both poignant and laced with humor, the show features an incredible score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B and country hits, performed live onstage by world-class actors and musicians. Classic hits include: “Blue Suede Shoes,” “I Walk the Line,” “Great Balls of Fire,”“Sixteen Tons,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Fever,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Hound Dog,” and more.
The Australian Bee Gees
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Chef Carla Pellegrino
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Claire Sinclair
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Esteban with his daughter Teresa Joy
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Holly Madison
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jabbawockeez
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
James Davis
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Kevin Burke
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Kristen Hertzenberg
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Melody Sweets
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Ricardo Laguna
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Rick Michel
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Rita Rudner
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Fantasy cast members Sean E. Cooper, Lorena Peril (center) and dancers
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET performs in the Harrah’s Showroom Thursday – Tuesday at 7 p.m., with an additional performance at 9:30 p.m. on Thursday and Saturday. Ticket prices range from $69 to $94.
Human Nature Brings the Music of Motown to the Venetian Showroom
Smokey Robinson Presents Human Nature: The Motown Show celebrated its official Grand Opening at the Venetian's showroom on Friday night, February 22.
Having seen Human Nature perform when they were at the Imperial Palace, I already knew how talented these four singers from Sydney, Australia were and gave them a much deserved rave review. Never expecting they could outdo themselves, I was amazed to discover the quartet has raised the entertainment bar to a higher level at their new home at the Venetian. There on the showroom's stage, they deliver an even better show featuring a bit of their history, the support of a fabulous seven piece back up band called Funk Foundation, and dynamite visuals on video screens surrounding the stage. Kudos to Andy Walmsley for designing the eye catching, glitzy stage that enhances the overall experience.
Human Nature at the Sands Showroom
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Comprised of brothers Andrew and Mike Tierney and their high school buddies Phil Burton and Toby Allen, Human Nature has performed together for 23 years and its clear that they have honed their craft to perfection.
Displaying fantastic vocal harmonies and tightly choreographed dance moves, Human Nature brilliantly showcase their love for the classic hits that came out of Motown in the 60's from legendary groups such as The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Marvelettes, The Supremes, The Jackson Five and more, but with their own special twist. Just My Imagination, Mr. Postman, Can't Help Myself, Stop In The Name of Love, People Get Ready, The Tracks of My Tears, I'll Be There and Ain't No Mountain High Enough, are just a few of the oldies but goodies that had the audience up on their feet and singing along on opening night.
Human Nature at the Sands Showroom
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The memorable performance included the appearance of legendary music icon Smokey Robinson, who joined the group on stage to sing and dance along to one of his hits. Another surprise was when Deniece Williams (Let's Hear it For the Boys) was plucked out of the audience to sing with the boys.
Smokey Robinson performing with Human Nature
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Deniece Williams on stage with Human Nature
Photo credit: Stehen Thorburn
That said, the night belonged to the headline act, Human Nature for owning the stage. Along with their immense talent, the group are easy on the eyes, exude lots of charm, and are superb showmen that easily connect with their audiences. Exciting, high energy, and totally engaging are but a few more words that best describe Smokey Robinson presents Human Nature: The Motown Show at the Venetian. A huge thumbs up to the boys from down under for offering one of the most entertaining shows in Las Vegas.
Among the celebrity guests at the Opening Night VIP event were: Smokey Robinson, Mary Wilson of the Supremes, prop comedian Carrot Top, a very pregnant Holly Madison, Stratosphere headliner Frankie Moreno, Deniece Williams (Let's Hear it For the Boys), Claire Sinclair, BMX and reality TV star Ricardo Laguna, Chef Carla Pellegrino, Divas Las Vegas star female impersonator Frank Marino, Teller (of Penn & Teller); comedy hypnotist Marc Savard, singer Chris Phillips aka Zowie Bowie, Jeff Leibow and Deven May (Jersey Boys), Melody Sweets (Absinthe), Martin Kaye (Million Dollar Quartet), Staci Wilson and Kaci Wilson (Peepshow), Mark Shunock, Carrie St. Louis and Justin Mortelliti (Rock of Ages), FANTASY, Thunder from Down Under, The Australian Bee Gees, comedy magician Murray SawChuck, Maren Wade (iCandy Burlesque), Kevin Burke, Jeff Civillico, the cast of America’s Got Talent Live in Las Vegas and more.
Alex Schechter and Adam Steck with Thunder From Down Under cast members
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The Australian Bee Gees
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/ WireImage
Autumn Belanger
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/ WireImage
Carrot Top
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/ WireImage
Chef Carla Pellegrino
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Chris Phillips (Zowie Bowie)
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/ WireImage
Claire Sinclair
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/ WireImage
Doug "Lefty" Leferovich, Adam Steck, Chloe Louise Crawford and Murray Sawchuck
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Fantasy Dancers with Fantasy star Lorena Peril (second from left)
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/ WireImage
Frankie Moreno
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/ WireImage
Holly Madison
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Human Nature
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/ WireImage
Jeff Civilico
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/ WireImage
Jersey Boys
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/ WireImage
Kevin Burke
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/ WireImage
Fantasy star Lorena Peril
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Marc Savard
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/ WireImage
Maren Wade
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/ WireImage
Martin Kaye
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/ WireImage
Mary Wilson
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/ WireImage
Melody Sweets - Absinthe
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/ WireImage
Murray Sawchuck and Chloe Louise Crawford
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Ricardo Laguna
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image
Mark Shunock, Carrie St. Louis, and Justin Mortelliti - Rock of Ages
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/ WireImage
Seth Yudof and Mike Hammer
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Smokey Robinson
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/ WireImage
Smokey Robinson and Human Nature
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/ WireImage
Staci and Kaci Wilson - Peepshow
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/ WireImage
Tara Palsha - Vegas The Show
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/ WireImage
Teller - Penn & Teller
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Thunder From Down Under
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/ WireImage
Produced by Adam Steck and SPI Entertainment, Human Nature will now call The Sands Showroom (formerly the Venetian Showroom) at The Venetian, a 742-seat venue, home for a two year residency. Smokey Robinson Presents Human Nature: The Motown Show performs nightly Thursday – Monday (dark Tuesday, Wednesday) at 7p.m. Ticket prices are set at Reserved $59.95, Preferred $79.95 and VIP $99.95 (plus tax and handling fee – VIP ticket price also includes a commemorative CD).
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Sunday afternoon, February 17, The Jump for Joy Foundation and TAO Cares, the charitable arm of TAO Group, teamed up to present the DANCE AGAINST OBESITY CAMP J.U.M.P. in an effort to fight childhood obesity.
The free event took place at TAO Nightclub as more than 200 kids aged 6-17 registered to learn dance routines and spend the afternoon moving to the sounds of TAO Group’s resident DJs VICE and LEMA. While the kids were getting their groove on, parents were treated to a seminar with tips on creating fast, affordable and healthy meals at home from TAO Group’s Corporate Executive Sous Chef Marc Marrone and Paul Rosenberg of the Real Results Fitness nutrition program.
Cheering on the kids were BMX Pro Ricardo Laguna and boxer Lonnie Love, along with featured performers Visual Audio, The Prodigy Dance Crew, Sean and John, Hypontix/WHK/TPB and The Rock Center for Dance.
Ricardo Laguna at TAO Cares
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
Ricardo Laguna at TAO Cares
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
TAO Cares - nutrition workshop
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
E!’s “Ice Loves Coco” reality star, COCO AUSTIN has signed a four-month contract extension to continue her headlining role as “Bo Peep” in PEEPSHOW at Planet Hollwood through July 28.
Señor Frog’s Las Vegas at Treasure Island Hotel & Casino will kick off Spring Break 2013 with ‘GLOW PARTY WEDNESDAYS’ on Wednesday, Feb. 27. The entire upper level of Señor Frog’s will be transformed into a colorful black light paradise with white fabric covering the walls, glow bracelets, body paint and more. Partygoers will be ready to glow at 8 p.m. every Wednesday with an array of drink specials, including an open bar for señoritas from 9 to 11 p.m. and drink specials from 9 p.m. to midnight.
During NASCAR Weekend (Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 9, or March 9 and 10) the Plaza Hotel & Casino in downtown Las Vegas will be hosting an exclusive meet and greet party in its Z Bar, located on the casino floor, with drivers of the TriStar Motorsports team, such as Jeff Green, Eric McClure, Mike Bliss and Hal Martin. The meet and greet party will be open to the general public on a first-come-first-serve basis, following the initial opening for those who book the NASCAR weekend package.
Ska musicians THE ENGLISH BEAT perform FREE at the Hard Rock Cafe at Hard Rock Hotel as part of the Cafe’s new live music showcase on Wednesday, March 13. Note --- this show has been moved from Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip. Doors opens at 9pm doors. Show starts at 9:30pm. Ages 18 and up.
THE PHAT PACK, a new hit musical show in Las Vegas, has announced their return to the showroom at the Plaza Hotel & Casino. The show is set to re-open on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 after a 10 week layoff for showroom renovations. THE PHAT PACK’s new schedule will be Wednesday through Sundays at 5PM.
Canada’s hottest guitar ensemble,THE MONTREAL GUITAR TRIO (MG3), noted for the wit and warmth of their audience interaction, perform at The UNLV Performing Arts Center, at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13.Tickets to the MG3 are $40, and can be purchased at the Performing Arts Center. Student rush tickets are $13 each 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. A $1.25 facilities fee, in addition to the ticket price, is charged on all Performing Arts Center tickets.
ETHEL M® Chocolate Factory, located at 2 Cactus Drive in Henderson, is hosting its Annual SPRING SPECTACULAR WEEKEND March 29-31 from 1 pm to 5 pm. Always FREE and open to the public, the Spring Spectacular features free photos with the Easter Bunny along with complimentary face painting and balloon art. Families are encouraged to take advantage of the free factory tour, complimentary chocolate samples, peruse the retail shop and stroll the blooming 3-acre Botanical Cactus Garden that sits adjacent to the Factory.
The Las Vegas based XYIENCE announced that local resident and UFC fighter Dan Hardy has renewed his contract to serve as an athlete ambassador with the company that is the fastest growing energy drink brand on the market. Hardy joins UFC fighters Matt Serra and KSOS, along with BMX pro Mike Escamilla and fitness model Amanda Corey, as 2013 ambassadors.
Xyience - Dan Hardy
XS, the sophisticated nightclub in Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, has been named the No. 1 nightclub in the country based on Nightclub & Bar’s Top 100 rankings. The annual list, based on revenue, was announced on Feb. 14, following a monumental year for the renowned venue, breaking the revenue record with an excess of $80 million in 2012.
EL CORTEZ HOTEL & CASINO has been named to the National Register of Historic Places, the nation’s official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation.
Forbes Travel Guide unveiled its 55th annual list of Star Award-winning hospitality establishments worldwide and ARIA RESORT & CASINO has earned the prestigious Five-Star Award for its Sky Suite, joining an elite class of resorts.
Celebrity Sightings:
Wednesday night, Feb 20...
Reality television’s favorite bargaining couple Brandi Passante and Jarrod Schulz of the hit A&E series “Storage Wars” were at LAX Nightclub located inside Luxor Hotel & Casino with several of their friends, taking in the sights of the packed dance floor and sounds of resident DJ Gusto.
Also spotted at the mega-club was former American professional wrestler and actor Robert Alex Szatkowski, better known as World Wrestling Entertainment Champion Rob Van Dam.
Whitney Port was spotted at LAVO Italian Restaurant with her family.
Kristin Cavallari was also seen dining at the Italian eatery with beau and NFL quarterback Jay Cutler.
At the Official PROJECT Party at Marquee, Drop the Lime headlined the main room while Samantha Ronson hit the turntables in the Boombox Room. Twin sister and designer Charlotte Ronson was seen partying to the sounds of her sister at a VIP table with friends.
Project Party
Photo Credit: Karl Larson, Powers Imagery
Samantha Ronson - Project Party
Photo Credit: Karl Larson, Powers Imagery
Local entertainer, Chris Phillips, known by his stage name, Zowie Bowie, hosted Wicked Wednesdays at Meatball Spot at Town Square Las Vegas.The singer was accompanied by violinist Lydia Ansel and backup singers Nieve Malandra and Christina Amato.
Chris Phillips with the Zowie Bowie punchbowl at Meatball Spot
Photo courtesy of The Meatball Spot
Christina Amato, Chris Phillips, Lydia Ansel and Nieve Malandra at Meatball Spot
Photo courtesy of The Meatball Spot
Thursday, Feb 21...
In the afternoon, Celebrity chef, Gordon Ramsay, made a trip with his children to Sugar Factory at Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Gordon Ramsay with Couture Pop at Sugar Factory inside Miracle Mile Shops
Photo courtesy of The Sugar Factorry
At night, Theophilus London hosted the official SUPRA Footwear partyat TAO’s Worship Thursday. The rapper treated club goers to an impromptu performance of his hits. Afterwards, London was surprised with a cake celebrating his 26th birthday. Before hitting the club he dined at the Asian bistro.
Comedienne Roseanne Barr dined at LAVO.
DJ Five and Theophilus
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
Expert judge on Oxygen TV’s “Best Ink,” Sabina Kelley, and Neff Headwear clothing designer, Tal Cooperman, were spotted having a cozy dinner at Eva Longoria’s new SHe by Morton’s inside The Shops at Crystals.
Former Heavyweight boxing champion, Michael Moorer, was seen dining with friends for a birthday celebration at Heraea, the new high-energy restaurant and sports lounge with a feminine twist at Palms Resort Casino.
Michael Moorer
Photo courtesy of Heraea
Friday night, Feb. 22...
Washington Redskins Defensive End Stephen Bowen and his entourage were spotted at LAX Nightclub located inside Luxor Hotel & Casino.
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Brandi Glanville, along with her co-author Leslie Bruce and two girlfriends, celebrated the release of her new book Drinking and Tweeting and Other Brandi Blunders, at LAVO.
After dinner Brandi headed upstairs to the nightclub, where she was surprised by a huge cake depicting her new book with the arms and legs of a man looking like ex-husband Eddie Cibrian squashed underneath.
Also spotted at LAVO Friday night was Ray Rice of the Superbowl Champion Baltimore Ravens.
Theophilus London dined at the Italian eatery as well. Joined by friends the rapper, who turned 26 at midnight, then headed upstairs to the nightclub where he was treated to a birthday celebration.
Theophilus with birthday cake
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
Saturday night, Feb 23...
Superbowl champ, Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens, and a group of longtime friends, dined at Tao Asian Bistro before making his way to the club.
At Marquee, Taye Diggs was spotted with friends in the club’s Boom Box Room.
Sunday, Feb. 24...
Professional boxer Floyd Mayweather was spotted celebrating his 36th birthday with friends inside Body English Nightclub & Afterhours at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
Floyd Mayweather
Monday, Feb. 25...
Reality star Vin Armani of the hit docudrama Showtime series “Gigolos” had lunch at Social House inside The Shops at Crystals Arriving around 2 p.m. The charming dating professional was joined by two female acquaintances as they treated themselves to a number of Social House favorites.
Monday night, Feb. 25...
CeeLo Green was spotted dining with friends at Strip House in Planet Hollywood.
