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
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons Receive Star on “Las Vegas Walk of Stars” in Celebration of JERSEY BOYS Fifth Anniversary
On Thursday, March 21, 2013 the smash-hit show Jersey Boys celebrated its fifth anniversary in Las Vegas by presenting a star to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons on the “Las Vegas Walk of Stars” outside of the show’s home, Paris Las Vegas. Original Four Seasons group members Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio were at the event to receive the commemorative star. It was the 64th star to be unveiled on Las Vegas Boulevard.
Jersey Boys cast with Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio
Frankie Valli with his son Francesco
“It is a real honor to receive a star on the ‘Las Vegas Walk of Stars’ in celebration of the show’s fifth anniversary in this city,” says Frankie Valli. “Bob and I are thrilled to be here to accept the star and to celebrate this milestone with the talented cast.”
In addition to unveiling the star, the ceremony also included a special performance by the cast of JERSEY BOYS to honor Valli and Gaudio.
“I can’t think of a better way to commemorate five years in Las Vegas than by presenting Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons with a star on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars,” says JERSEY BOYS producer Michael David. “None of this would be possible without them and we are so pleased that Las Vegas audiences, as well as audiences across the globe, have continued to embrace this show.”
“JERSEY BOYS has been an incredible addition to Paris Las Vegas over the past year. We look forward to celebrating many more milestones with this award-winning production,” says David Hoenemeyer, regional president of Paris Las Vegas.
Later that evening, Valli and Gaudio also attended the fifth anniversary performance of JERSEY BOYS, joining the cast onstage for a special presentation after the show to share in this incredible achievement.
JERSEY BOYS performs in the Paris Théâtre at Paris Las Vegas on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday at 7 p.m.; Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; Saturday at 5 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. and is dark on Monday. Ticket prices range from $48-$168 plus all applicable taxes and LET fees.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Celebrates Def Leppard VIVA Hysteria! Residency with Memorabilia Display Dedication
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino hosted a memorabilia display dedication with Great Britain’s premier arena rock band Def Leppard on Thursday afternoon, March 21, in honor of its upcoming residency VIVA Hysteria! at The Joint March 22 to April 13. Def Leppard band members Joe Elliott, Vivian Campbell, Rick Savage, Phil Collen and Rick Allen joined Paul Davis of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Bobby Reynolds of AEG Live Las Vegas for the special unveiling.
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik / Erik Kabik Photography
“Hats off to you guys,” said Davis to the band, “We’re honored to have this unique instrument here. To see a true piece of rock ‘n’ roll history is really moving – I can’t believe it’s here.”
The dedication features the original drum kit Allen used following a near fatal car accident. The instrument was custom designed by Allen so he could continue to play the drums after the loss of his arm. The elaborate set serves as Def Leppard’s memorabilia centerpiece due to its importance in the group’s rock ‘n’ roll history. During the event, Allen was emotional as he addressed the importance of the one-of-a-kind, self-made drum kit, giving insight into his personal story behind the piece.
Rick Allen
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik / Erik Kabik Photography
“The first time I played this drum kit it was with sheer terror, and it has gotten me to this point,” said Allen, “I’m just so happy I can share this not only with the band but all of you.”
Allen continued, “There’s a natural thing that happens when you lose something where the rest of your body takes over. I think it’s a natural response for survival, but there is also a learning curve and that learning curve is pretty steep. Once I got over it, I realized the information was in my brain, and I just needed to channel it to a different limb. It was a long journey, but it was well worth it. We’re here. I’m here.”
In addition, band members spoke about their upcoming performances and posed for pictures in front of the display. The dedication was the kick-off event to their residency starting today. Three additional exhibits are available for viewing at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino including a display of the band’s gold records, iconic guitars and costumes. The special memorabilia will be on display throughout the legendary rocker’s residency.
Cirque du Soleil and Celebrities Come Together to Raise Global Awareness and Funds for Water-Related Issues
ONE DROP partnered with MGM Resorts International and Lamborghini on Friday, March 22 to present One Night for ONE DROP, a global philanthropy event to raise funds and awareness to ensure water is accessible across the globe. This was the first time all seven Cirque du Soleil resident productions closed their doors to become one for ONE DROP – the non-profit organization established by Cirque du Soleil Founder Guy Laliberté – at the “O” Theatre at Bellagio Resort & Casino.
Guy Laliberté and Claudia Barila
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy/Getty Images
The event included a pre-cocktail party and celebrity blue carpet hosted by Hyde Bellagio. Celebrities joining the night’s event included Guy Laliberté; Olympic gold medalist swimmers Michael Phelps and Missy Franklin; Britney Spears; Shania Twain; Pamela Anderson; Criss Angel; musician Tom Higgenson (pop-punk band Plain White T’s); actress Hana Mae Lee (Pitch Perfect); Olympic gold medalist rowers Mary Whipple and Erin Cafaro; Holly Madison; Coco Austin (Ice Love Coco); Josh Strickland; Kyle Richards (Real Housewives of Beverly Hills).
Michael Phelps
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy/Getty Images
Special guest performers, including platinum-selling recording artist Jackie Evancho and performance painter David Garibaldi performed alongside the incredibly talented Cirque du Soleil artists to celebrate the earth as an artistic creation and highlight water as the essence of life. Victoria’s Secret model Orluchi Orlandi dazzled the audience in an original gown designed by Roberto Cavalli specifically for the performance. A breathtaking dance piece choreographed by Sonya Tayeh from “So You Think You Can Dance” and an original composition by award-winning composer Danny Elfman were also featured in the extraordinary extravaganza created and directed by Krista Monson.
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy/Getty Images
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy/Getty Images
The extraordinary evening ended outside at the Bellagio pool with a Cirque-esque party. Guests continued to celebrate the night’s theme – water – on top of the Plexiglas covered pool, while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Tom Higgenson and The Canadian Tenors gave special performances in honor of Guy Laliberté and ONE DROP for an unforgettable event.
STK Las Vegas Celebrated Two-Year Anniversary
STK steakhouse inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, celebrated its two-year anniversary on Monday, March 18. World famous DJ Jazzy Jeff provided the music along with SKAM Artist DJ Sky Nellor for the momentous occasion. Other celebrity and VIP attendees included pop star Taylor Dane; artist Peter Lik; Lorena Peril and the cast of Fantasy at Luxor Las Vegas; Chris Phillips from Zowie Bowie; Murray Sawchuck of Tropicana’s Laugh Factory with wife and magician’s assistant Chloe Crawford and “stage hand” Doug “Lefty” Leferovich; Jeff Civillico of Comedy in Action at The Quad Resort & Casino;” actress Jaimyse Haft; acrobatic magician Seth Grabel and Celeste Fierro, senior vice president of The ONE Group.
Photo credit: Gabe Ginsberg/Vegas Kool
Photo credit: Gabe Ginsberg/Vegas Kool
Photo credit: Gabe Ginsberg/Vegas Kool
The theme of the night was “let the madness begin” in honor of the NCAA basketball tournament. Approximately 1,000 guests filled the restaurant and enjoyed appetizers and desserts from Executive Chef Stephen Hopcraft. Guests were treated to Lil’ BRGRs, Pretzel Dogs, Tuna Tartare Tacos, Chicken Skewers, Vegetable Spring Rolls, Cracker Jacks, Churros, Chocolate Bourbon Ice Cream Sandwiches, Fried Snickers and Candied Apples.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
EASTER SEALS NEVADA hosted their fifth annual “WALK WITH ME” event at W. Wayne Bunker Family Park on Saturday, March 23, in support of disability awareness. Easter Seals clients, staff, families and local supporters celebrated the spring season with a 2-mile walk, a festive spring carnival and Easter egg hunts to help raise funds for children and adults living with disabilities.
Local Flamingo headliner GEORGE WALLACE hosted the event and introduced each of the honorary ambassadors, a child or adult who has directly benefited from services at Easter Seals Nevada. Jabbawockeez served as the grand marshals and helped kick off the walk by leading participants through the balloon arch to the walking path. Live music was provided by School of Rock. After the walk, attendees took photographs with the Easter Bunny, participated in Easter egg hunts and enjoyed a carnival with face painting, treats and games.
Other noted appearances include Miss Nevada Randi Sundquist and Nevada elected officials.
Brian Patchett CEO Easter Seals Nevada Congressman Joe Heck
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik / Erik Kabik Photography
George Wallace, Jabbawockeez, Las Vegas City Firefighters Local 1285 Honor Guard
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik / Erik Kabik Photography
Comedian George Wallace
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik / Erik Kabik Photography
In honor of DEF LEPPARD’s residency VIVA Hysteria!, Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman proclaimed Friday, March 22, 2013 as “Def Leppard Day.” Great Britain’s premier arena rock band will take over The Joint’s stage at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, starting with a sold-out opening weekend on Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23.
The RIVIERA CASINO & HOTEL’s search for its next comic headliner has reached the semifinal level as 16 people from around the country have been selected out of 226 entries to compete in four events beginning Saturday, Mar. 23. All comedians, both amateur and professional, were asked to submit a 3-5 minute video with the winner earning a one-week headlining gig at the iconic Riviera Comedy Club. Four comedians will perform per night on Mar. 23 and 30, Apr. 6 and 13 at 10 p.m. One winner from each semifinal will compete in the finale on Saturday, Apr. 20, to coincide with the 58th Anniversary of the opening of the Riviera Casino & Hotel. All of these competitions are open to the public and free to attend.
World-renowned guitarist JESSE COOK performs live in concert at the Henderson Pavilion (200.S. Green Valley Parkway) Friday, March 29. The veteran musician will serenade fans with new music from his latest album, The Blue Guitar Sessions, amongst his other award-winning rumba flamenco material. Showtime is at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission.
JOE LYNN TURNER, former vocalist for legendary hard rock bands Rainbow and Deep Purple, joins the all-star lineup of RAIDING THE ROCK VAULT, the ultimate journey through the history of rock ‘n’ roll, Monday, March 25 through Wednesday, April 17. The iconic vocalist, known for co-writing and recording hit Rainbow songs “Stone Cold” and “Street of Dreams,” also performed with Deep Purple and has had a prolific solo career.
LAS VEGAS SKI & SNOWBOARD RESORT (LVSSR) invites families and children of all ages to its annual Kids’ Carnival Weekend on Thursday, March 28 through Sunday, March 31, 2013. The festivities take place 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. daily and include a snow scavenger hunt, treats like popcorn and cotton candy, and a variety of carnival games including ring toss and beanbag toss. The event is sponsored in part by Centennial Hills Hospital and a lift ticket or season pass is required to participate. Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort is located approximately one hour from downtown Las Vegas in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.
POPPY DEN by Chef Angelo Sosa, will host a “MEANINGFUL MONDAYS” event to benefit Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas (ECF) on Monday, April 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. inside Tivoli Village. “Meaningful Mondays” is a community program benefiting local charity organizations in Las Vegas. Chef Sosa will serve the full menu for guests to enjoy and ECF will receive 20 percent of the proceeds made from the evening’s total sales.
Wednesday, April 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. GORDON BIERSCH BREWERY RESTAURANT hosts its annual tapping celebration to premiere its spring menu with an afternoon of appetizing cuisine and $5 premium beers with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Shriners Hospitals for Children. Guests can enjoy complimentary tastes of seasonal menu items and purchase raffle tickets for coveted prizes. Live entertainment will be provided by New Rhythm Quartet. Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant is located at 750 S Rampart Blvd. inside the Boca Park Fashion Village.
FIRST FRIDAY recently celebrated 10 years of art and community, and this month’s event on Friday, April 5 celebrates Vegas’ beautiful spring weather and performance art on the streets of downtown with presentations by NEVADA BALLET THEATRE and SHAOLIN KUNGFU CHAN.
PARK PLACE INFINITI (located at 5605 W. Sahara) will be holding a classic car show on Saturday, April 6, from noon to 2 p.m., at which visitors can tour classic cars from 1936-1954 and support the LITTLE FRIENDS FOUNDATION, a local no-kill animal shelter whose motto is “Rescue-Rehabilitate-Rehome.”
Guests attending the car show are encouraged to give a nominal donation to benefit the LITTLE FRIENDS FOUNDATION (LFF), which will also have staff on-site providing information and applications for pet adoption. During the car show, Park Place Infiniti will offer free refreshments, including from a local taco food truck that will be on-site.
ECCOCI Boca Park will focus on beauty on Saturday, April 6 with a book signing from 1 – 5 p.m. with “Gotcha Covered” author Judith August and a 2 p.m. lecture by world renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Julio Garcia. This free afternoon event for the public with refreshments will be held at ECCOCI located at 750 S. Rampart, Suite 8. Attendees will also be able to enter to win a $250 gift certificate and enjoy shopping with 50 percent off all regular priced styles.
Comedian/juggler JEFF CIVILLICO has a pilot on the Travel Channel of his own TV show, "Vegas Strip Search," that will air on Saturday, April 6th at 3pm EDT!"Vegas Strip Search" follows his search for undiscovered hidden talent in the nooks and crannies of North America. He visits different venues and local cultures, and connects with a vast variety of performers in their worlds. The performers do their best to teach him their talent, so the audience can see just how difficult their skills are to master. He then chooses 1 performer out of 4 each episode to come join him in his show at The Quad to get a shot at playing a big showroom in Vegas.
TABU, the boutique nightclub at MGM Grand, will close effective Saturday, April 6. The last night of operation will be Friday, April 5.
RICH MICHEL will present for one night only his “Sinatra Forever” show with a seven-piece Big Band whose members worked with Sinatra on Saturday, April 6, at 7 p.m. in the Chrome Showroom at Santa Fe Station Hotel ~ Casino. The show will feature original arrangements with Michel saluting and interpreting standards “Ol’ Blue Eyes” performed. Tickets will only be available for $15 (inclusive) cash at the door the night of the performance.
RED ROCK CASINO RESORT & SPA has has been named “CASINO OF THE YEAR” by the Academy of Country Music for having played host to many of Country music’s top artists in 2012. Red Rock will be honored at the 48th annual Academy of Country Music Awards, which will air on CBS on Sunday, April 7 and will officially be presented with the award during an off-camera industry celebration at the famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville in the fall.
Station Casinos has now won this prestigious award a total of five times, becoming the only casino to have received the award more than once. Boulder Station previously took home the award in 1999, 2001 and 2003, with Green Valley Ranch winning in 2009.
TRENT REZNOR'S COLLECTIVE PROJECT “HOT TO DESTROY ANGELS” will perform live following their Coachella debut at The Pearl Concert Theater inside Palms Resort Casino on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30, plus additional service fees.
English folk group, fresh off the Flogging Molly tour, SKINNY LISTER bring their eclectic sound to downtown’s newest entertainment venue Backstage Bar & Billiards on April 13. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 day of show, plus applicable fees. This is a 21+ show.
Singer/actress VICTORIA JUSTICE, best known for her lead role in the hit TV series, “Victorious”will no longer be appearing at The Pearl Concert Theater on June 21. Guests can return to the original point of purchase to obtain a refund. Credit card purchases will be automatically refunded. Ticket Holders - Ticketmaster will automatically refund their orders, including fees (except UPS and InStore Pick Up, if applicable) to the credit card used within 7 – 10 business days.
Celebrity Sightings:
Tuesday, March 19...
Actor Kelsey Grammer (best known as TV's Frasier) was spotted dining at Pink Taco in Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with his wife Kayte Walsh and their daughter.
Thursday night, March 21...
Former Chicago White Sox MVP Frank "The Big Hurt" Thomas, introduced his new line of Big Hurt MVP Beer at Meatball Spot at Town Square Las Vegas.
In the popular eatery's packed patio area, Thomas graciously signed autographs and took photos with admiring fans while chatting with mentor and longtime friend, Gene Kilroy, former manager of boxing legend, Muhammad Ali.
Frank Thomas showing off Big Hurt MVP Beer with promotional models at Meatball Spot
Photo Credit: Jimmy Atoa
Actor Joe Mazzello, who appears in the soon to debut action flick “G.I. Joe: Retaliation,” was spotted at TAO Asian Bistro with a few friends before checking out TAO’s Worship Thursdays in the nightclub.
Friday afternoon, March 22...
"The Real Housewives of New Jersey" star, Melissa Gorga, accompanied by her husband, Joe Gorga, and cast mates, Kathy and Rich Wakile, enjoyed a birthday feast at Meatball Spot inside Town Square.
Joe and Melissa Gorga sharing milkshakes at Meatball Spot
Photo Credit: Bryan Steffy/WireImage
(L to R) Kathy and Richard Wakile and Joe and Melissa Gorga sharing plates at Meatball Spot
Photo Credit: Bryan Steffy/WireImage
Friday night...
Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at Paris Las Vegas celebrated its anniversary party as they welcomed multi-platinum selling artist Jay Sean as he took over the Rooftop for a special live performance.
Jay Sean
Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage
Jay Sean performing
Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage
Television entertainment journalist Jason Kennedy helped kick off TAO Group’s commitment to WHOLE WORLD Water in celebration of World Water Day. Kennedy poured from TAO’s first WHOLE WORLD water bottle as he dined at TAO Asian Bistro, before stopping by LAVO Nightclub.
Gossip Girl’s Chace Crawford also dined at TAO with a friend, before heading over to LAVO Nightclub. He also made his way to TAO Nightclub where DJ Politik was spinning.
Actor Jayson Blair from TV's The New Normal was also spotted at the Asian Bistro. The actor and friends later hit Marquee to take in the sounds of DJ Chuckie.
At LAVO comedians Chris Rock and David Spade enjoyed dinner at the Italian eatery.
Chris Evans from Captain America was also spotted having a drink at LAVO Nightclub.
Screenwriter Diablo Cody took in the scene at TAO Nightclub.
Earlier in the day Real Housewives of New Jersey stars Melissa and Joe Gorga and Kathy and Rich Wakile took in the afternoon at TAO Beach. The group took over a private cabana and toasted with specialty cocktails in celebration of Melissa’s 34th birthday.
R & B singer, Shawn Stockman, of world-renowned group Boyz II Men, was spotted with his family enjoying Blue Man Group at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino.
Shawn Stockman
Photo courtesy of Blue Man Group
Saturday night, March 23...
Popstar Britney Spears and new boyfriend, David Lucado, dined at Meatball Spot at Town Square Las Vegas. The most decorated Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps, took in the NCAA college basketball action at HERAEA inside The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas with a group of friends.
Michael Phelps at HERERA
Photo credit: Jill Pham
Pop sensation Keri Hilson gave a live performance for the crowd at PURE Nightclub inside Caesars Palace.
Also spotted parting at the Las Vegas hot spot were members of the NFL team the Detroit Lions including award-winning defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.
Keri Hilson
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik / Erik Kabik Photography
Keri Hilson performing
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik / Erik Kabik Photography
Producer, songwriter and rapper Kid Ink performed at LAX Nightclub located inside Luxor Hotel & Casino. Accompanied by his personal mix master DJ Tech, the duo kept the beats pumping and the crowd on their feet throughout the performance.
Adult entertainer, author and entrepreneur, Jenna Jameson celebrated her birthday at Crazy Horse III gentlemen's club. Jameson was presented with a spectacular three-tier birthday cake and a bottle of Dom Perignon by two of Crazy Horse III's stunning entertainers.
Jenna Jameson is all smiles while being presented with three-tier birthday cake at Crazy Horse III
Photo credit:
Bryan Steffy/WireImage
Jenna Jameson signing Crazy Horse III event poster.
Photo credit:
Bryan Steffy/WireImage
Gossip Girl star Chace Crawford was spotted dining at LAVO Italian Restaurant. Also seen at eating at LAVO was actor Jayson Blair from The New Normal.
Chris Evans, star of the upcoming Captain America: The Winter Soldier, dined at TAO Asian Bistro before heading up to the nightclub.
Also dining at TAO were Melissa and Joe Gorga and Kathy and Rich Wakile as they celebrated Melissa’s 34th birthday with a feast of Asian dishes and a special birthday dessert.
At another table TAO regular David Spade.
E! News entertainment reporter Jason Kennedy returned to TAO for a second night in a row for dinner.
NFL cornerback DeAngelo Hall was spotted at TAO Nightclub taking in the sounds of DJ Vice.
At Marquee Emma and Anthony Hewitt performed an acoustic set in the club’s Library. Later in the evening, trance vocalist Emma joined Dash Berlin in the main room.
Emma Hewitt
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery
Emma and Anthony Hewitt performing
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery
Sunday, March 24...
Music icons Joe Elliott of Def Leppard, the property’s current resident headliner, and Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe, the property’s first-ever hard rock residency, were spotted watching Jon Bon Jovi & The Kings of Suburbia inside The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
Across the casino, Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen along with Lesley Mortimer-Wallace, Def Leppard wardrobe, stopped by Body English Nightclub & Afterhours for Sunday School.
Rick Allen along with Lesley Mortimer-Wallace
Wednesday night, March 26...
Angel Porrino, star of Spiegelworld’s Absinthe, hosted IN VEGAS Magazine's Spring Issue Launch during Hyde Bellagio's Lost Angels Insider’s Night.
