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
Golden Rainbow Creates Human Awareness Ribbon With More Than 100 Volunteers at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts
Local nonprofit Golden Rainbow partnered with The Smith Center for the Performing Arts to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS by creating a human awareness ribbon at Donald W. Reynolds Symphony Park on Monday, June 3. The event marked the 27 day countdown until the 27th Annual “Ribbon of Life” spectacular on Sunday, June 30.
More than 100 volunteers decked out in red in honor of HIV/AIDS came together at the beautiful park to create a larger than life awareness ribbon. Myron Martin, president and CEO of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts; Lea Carrasco-Zanini, executive director of Golden Rainbow; Pietra Sardelli, vice president of Golden Rainbow; and Golden Rainbow executive board members including Scott Emerson and Brian Sagert joined in the spectacle. Tim Searcy, frequent “Ribbon of Life” performer, was on site providing inspiring vocals with songs like “We Can All Make a Difference” and more as participants lined up together to support the cause.
Golden Rainbow hosts the 27th Annual “Ribbon of Life” fundraiser at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 30. Tickets are priced at $38, $56, $81, $109 and $212.
“Ribbon of Life” is an original production unlike any other in Las Vegas, featuring some of the best performers from premiere shows on the Las Vegas Strip. This year’s extravaganza, “Tributes,” will feature a wide spectrum of tribute-themed performances from contemporary to classic, Broadway to film, pop to hip-hop, music videos, television and political comedy.
Photo credit: © Tom Donoghue
Photo credit: © Tom Donoghue
Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Unveils Dazzling New Summer Exhibit
Summer doesn't officially begin until June 21, but the hottest season of the year has already arrived at Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens with its unveiling of a lush summer floral exhibition filled with oversized sunflowers, polychromatic kites and live birds for guests to enjoy through September 8.
The traditional flower for the season, the sunflower, takes center stage in the exhibit. Numerous patches of sunflowers can be found in the West Garden beneath a 14-foot-tall sunflower with three stems. Overhead, colorful kites dance in the summer breeze and surround a 26-foot-tall red and white striped lighthouse with a rotating light. Fifty Finch birds and 12 Rosey Bourkes have flown the coop and are nesting in the Conservatory’s greenhouse. Guests can enjoy these multicolored birds up close as they chirp and sing the sounds of summer while larger than life birds made of seeds and organic materials soar overhead.
Photo courtesy of Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
In the North Garden, a traditional wooden treehouse sits above a garden full of hydrangeas and chrysanthemum. The flowers surround a tranquil pond with an uninhabited row boat as well as a brick bridge and serene waterfall.
Fitting for this summer sanctuary, the South Garden hosts live performances by saxophone and guitar players daily from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
In conjunction with the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art’s exhibit “Warhol Out West,” the Conservatory has created a floral interpretation of Andy Warhol’s Ads: Chanel, comprised of 1,000 flowers. Located in the Giardini corner, the recreated painting is fitted within a 6-foot tall elaborately carved frame.
Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is complimentary and open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Air Force Captain Boards Pirate Ship at Treasure Island to Surprise Family
United States Air Force Captain John “Arrow” Costa surprised his family Monday evening, June 4 by walking onto the pirate ship at the conclusion of the Sirens of TI show at Treasure Island.
Captain Costa was not scheduled to return from his one-year deployment in Qatar for another week. His wife, Lori, helped coordinate the surprise for the couple’s daughters, Ally, 10 and Tally, 6. After the surprise, the family was treated to dinner at Gilley’s Saloon, Dance Hall & Bar-B-Que and the evening performance of Cirque du Soleil’s Mystere.
Captain Costa is a F-16 instructor pilot with the 64th Aggressor Squadron. In his 16 years of military service, he has logged more than 1500 hours in the F-16 Fighting Flacon and F-15E Strike Eagle. He was deployed to Al Udeid, Qatar serving as the Chief of Contingency Plans in the Strategic Division for the 609th Air and Space Operations Center. As Chief, Captain Costa was responsible for authoring the entire Air Operations Plan for the Middle East region including Afghanistan.
Costa was born and raised in Henderson, Nev. and is stationed at Nellis Air Force Base.
Captain Costa and Family aboard ship at Treasure Island
All-New Jabbawockeez Show “PRiSM” Opens at Luxor
The world-famous dance crew Jabbawockeez celebrated the Grand Opening of the brand new show “PRiSM” at Luxor Hotel & Casino on Friday May 31.
Celebrity supporters and fans danced in their seats and cheered on the masked men known for their creative moves and captivating energy.
Jabbawockeez became the first dance crew to headline a show on The Strip in 2010 with the wildly successful “MÜS.I.C.,” which premiered at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino and later moved to Monte Carlo Resort and Casino. Continuing the relationship with MGM Resorts International, the crew brings their new show “PRiSM” to Luxor in a new 830 seat specially designed, custom-built theater. A year in the making, the new Jabbawockeez Theater features amphitheater style seating, creating an intimate feel for each guest in the house. The theater also features top-of-the-line acoustics to complement the musical artistry of the show.
Opening night attendees included Randy Jackson, creator of MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew” – the show that catapulted the Jabbawockeez to fame in 2008. Other special guests included Holly Madison, Josh Strickland, Carrie St. Louis and Justin Mortelliti of Rock of Ages, Angel Porrino and Melody Sweets of Absinthe, Chad Hugo (The Neptunes and N.E.R.D.) and world champion boxer, Nonito Donaire.
Randy Jackson
Photo credit: Erik Kabik
Angel Porrino and Melody Sweets
Photo credit: Erik Kabik
Rock of Ages stars Carrie St. Louis and Justin Mortelliti
Photo credit: Erik Kabik
Holly Madison and Josh Strickland
Photo credit: Erik Kabik
Nonito Donaire and his wife Rachel
Photo credit: Erik Kabik
Holly Madison and Jabbawokeez
Photo credit: Erik Kabik
Jabbawockeez performs at Luxor Sunday – Monday at 7 p.m., Thursday at 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The show is dark Tuesday and Wednesday. Tickets start at $55, not including applicable service charges and taxes.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
THE DAVE RICE FOUNDATION announced that it is granting over $250,000 to Autism-related organizations in southern Nevada. This follows the Foundation’s successful fundraiser from May 3: The Second Annual “An Evening with Dave Rice.
“Mindy and I are honored by the support we have received from our friends in the Las Vegas community,” said UNLV Basketball Coach Dave Rice, the Foundation’s Chairman. “It is because of their generosity that we are able to make a difference in the lives of so many families.”
The organizations receiving grants are: The UNLV Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Torino Foundation, Grant A Gift Autism Foundation, Touro University Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT) of Southern Nevada, Nevada Partnership for Inclusive Education and Peoples Autism Foundation.
NEVADA BALLET THEATRE recently announced the appointment of former New York City Ballet Principal Dancer and American Ballet Theatre Soloist Monique Meunier and former New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Nilas Martins as Co-Directors of the Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre, following a national search. The husband and wife team will oversee the Las Vegas-based Academy’s faculty and student body of almost 400 students who comprise its Pre-Professional Program, Children’s Program and Dance Program. Following relocation to Las Vegas, they will begin their duties in August for the start of the Academy’s fall semester.
3rd STREET STUDIO LV is now open and available to artists and small businesses for booking photography sessions, art shows, workshops, and events. With over 1,100 square-feet of studio space aiming to help support local creative entrepreneurs in their passionate pursuits, 3rd Street Studio LV is a new kid on the block revitalizing the Downtown Arts District. Bringing three businesses to Third Street, the studio is now home to both Paula McCartney Photography and Juliana Goldberg’s The Boudoir Club while remaining an open space available for rent to eligible clients.
50 GREATEST PHOTOGRAPH OF NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC in Imgine Exhibitins Gallery at The Venetian Las Vegas® invites teachers to enjoy their vacation with FREE admission to the gallery during the months of June and July.
World-renowned artist Michael Godard will host a special event at the MICHAEL GODARD ART GALLERY, located inside the Rio Hotel and Casino on Saturday, June 8 from 6 to 10 pm. Fans and art collectors will have the opportunity to see a brand new piece unveiled, purchase art, meet Godard and have pieces personally autographed as part of this event. The new piece, Key of G, is a piece for lovers of both wine and music.
Sing along with “The Lips of an Angel” with a FREE CONCERT BY HINDER during Fremont Street Experience’s Rock of Vegas summer concert series on Saturday, June 8 at 9 p.m. at the 1st Street Stage. The legendary downtown Las Vegas entertainment venue will transform into summer’s alternative destination through Labor Day weekend with a free concert series that showcases a stellar lineup of bands that take music to the edge.
Musicians from the national tour of American Idiot who will take a break from the Tony Award®-winning musical to perform Green Day’s hits during a 90-minute, FREE ROCK SHOW ,“AN EVENING OF IDIOTS: THE AMERICAN IDIOT BAND PLAYS GREEN DAY”, at Red Rock Resort on Thursday, June 13 at 10:30 p.m. Guests must be 21 years or older and entry will be first come, first served and based upon venue capacity. A critical sensation on Broadway and in London, the smash-hit musical American Idiot will perform at The Smith Center in Downtown Las Vegas June 11-16.
The 2013 AMAZING COMIC CON CONVENTION will be held on June 14-16 (Fri 3-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-6pm) at the South Point Hotel & Casino. Confirmed guests include Jim Lee (Batman HUSH, Superman, Justice League, The X-Men); Stan Lee (Creator/Marvel Comics Legend); Greg Capullo (Batman); Rick Remender (Captain America, Uncanny Avengers, Uncanny X-Force); Humberto Ramos/Ryan Stegman (Spider-man); Skottie Young (Marvel Now); Gerry Duggan (Deadpool); Jessica Nigri (Cosplay Superstar); Mat Nastos (Phineas & Ferb); Tony Fleecs (My Little Pony) as well as some of the most popular artists to be held on Artist Alley. Admission costs are: $25/$35 daily; | $50 3-day all Access pass | $150 VIP w/Full 3-day Passes | KIDS 10 & under FREE with paid adult. This is a family friendly event, open to all ages.
THE LAS VEGAS IMPROVISATION PLAYERS will host a comedy improv show benefiting the HELPING HANDS OF VEGAS VALLEY - a non-profit organization dedicated to serving our community’s senior citizens. The “all new, every time” comedy and music show will be held on Saturday, June 22 at 7:00pm inside the American Heritage Academy, located at 6126 South Sandhill Road. A donation of a non-perishable food item gains admission to the show. Show time is 7:00pm with doors opening at 6:40 p.m.
All food items and proceeds collected at the show will go to the Helping Hands of Vegas Valley food pantry and its mission of providing free, assistive services to senior citizens in Southern Nevada. The work and service they perform allows our community’s senior citizens to maintain their dignity and independence while improving health and daily living.
On June 12, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum will celebrate SAILOR JERRY DAY, honoring the anniversary of a legend’s death, at Vanguard Lounge., located on 516 Fremont Street. Beginning at 9 p.m., the first 102 (what would be Sailor Jerry’s age today) guests to visit Vanguard Lounge will receive a complimentary Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum Cocktail. In addition, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum cocktails will be on special all night for $5 including brand new Vanguard Lounge specialty cocktails, Sailor’s Revenge, Anchors Away and Mutiny. Shots of Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum will also be on special for $3 and music for the evening will come courtesy of DJs Oscar Wilde and VegasBanger.
Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins, most known for his art of tattooing, was an innovator, free spirit and left a lasting impression on many. To continue honoring his legacy, Industry Supporting Industry will be present and feature live art demos from three of Las Vegas’ top tattoo artists, Das Frank of Timeless Tattoo, Christian Wiltse of Red Handed Tattoo and Manny Fernandez of Black Wolf Tattoo. The artwork will be raffled off at the end of the evening.
STARLIGHT TATTOO, the innovative, state-of-the-art studio created by world-renowned celebrity tattoo artist Mario Barth, is now open at The Mirage. Located adjacent to the Impulse shop within The Mirage’s retail promenade, Starlight Tattoo is open Sunday - Wednesday, 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Thursday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - midnight.
Celebrity Sightings:
Thursday, May 30...
Duke Fakir, the only surviving original member of the legendary Motown act, the Four Tops, and Mary Wilson, founding member of The Supremes, attended Smoky Robinson Presents Human Nature: The Motown Show, at The Venetian Las Vegas.
The nightclub at Hakkasan Las Vegas at MGM Grand kicked off the weekend with one of dance music’s most controversial, successful and loved personas, DJ Fergie.
Duke Fakir with Human Nature
Photo Credit: Brenton Ho of Powers Imagery LLC/angelmg.com
Juicy J, best known for his success with hip hop group Three 6 Mafia, headlined the night at TAO's Worship Thursdays. After his performance, DJ Five kept the party going the rest of the night.
Juicy J
Photo Credit: Al Powers, Powers Imagery
Juicy J
Photo Credit: Al Powers, Powers Imagery
Friday, May 31...
NBA Player, Paul Pierce, of the Boston Celtics, was sighted at HERAEA inside Palms Casino Resort having lunch with a friend.
Famed hip-hop dance crew Jabbawockeez as they celebrated the grand opening of its new show “PRiSM” at LAX Nightclub inside Luxor Hotel and CasinoArriving just before 1 a.m., the dance crew members including Jeff “Phi” Nguyen, Kevin “KB” Brewer, Chris “Cristyle” Gatdula, Ben “B-Tek” Chung, Phil “Swagger Boy” Tayag and Tony “Transformer” Tran made their way to their VIP booths on the main stage.
Nearing 1:30 a.m., the group made their way to center stage as the dance crew was presented with a two-tiered cake by Darth Vader and the Storm Troopers of Star Wars.
DJ and production group The Bangerz took over the turntables at the mega-club just before 2 a.m. with an energetic, customized set to commemorate the Jabbawockeez newest venture.
Also in attendance celebrating was MTV’s “Making the Band” member Shannon Bex from the former pop group Danity Kane.
Jabbawockeez
L-R first row Tony Tran, Ben Chung, Chris Gatdula
Back row L-R Kevin Brewer and Jeff Nguyen
Photo credit: Karl Larson/Powers Imagery, LLC
Jabbawockeez
L-R first row Ben Chung, Phil Tayag, Chris Gatdula
Back Row L-R Kevin Brewer, Tony Tran and Jeff Nguyen
Photo credit: Karl Larson/Powers Imagery, LLC
Shannon Bex
Photo credit: Karl Larson/Powers Imagery, LLC
The Bangerz
Photo credit: Karl Larson/Powers Imagery, LLC
Friday night, June 1...
Hip-hop superstar, Coolio, counted down to midnight during the New Month's Eve celebration at Rockhouse, located at Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian | The Palazzo.
Absinthe stars, Angel Porrino and The Gazillionaire, were also at Rockhouse.
Coolio poses with Rockhouse Sign
Photo Credit: Bobby Jameida
Coolio Performs "Gangsta's Paradise"
Photo Credit: Bobby Jameida
Angel Porrino Signs Celebrity Wall at Rockhouse
Photo Credit: Bobby Jameida
Angel Porrino and Gazillionaire Pose with Rockhouse Celebrity Wall
Photo Credit: Bobby Jameida
Saturday, June 1...
Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps and Golf Channel reporter, Win McMurry stopped in for lunch at HERAEA inside Palms Casino Resort. The two were seen being affectionate with each other as they watched golf on one the LED screens.
Guest DJ Nick Cannon hit the decks at Las Vegas' hottest new nightlife destination, Hakkasan Las Vegas inside MGM Cannon kept the party bouncing downstairs in the Ling Ling Club, entertaining guests starting at 12:30 a.m. and spinning his favorite hits into the night.
Upstairs in the main room, DJ Zen Freeman kicked off the party around 10:30pm, followed by headliningelectronic dance music powerhouse, Michael Woods.
It was a star-studded affair as “Dancing With The Stars” pro Derek Hough took a break from his busy schedule to hang behind the DJ booth with his pal Freeman.
Also spotted in the main room was actor Jason Statham, in town filming his new movie "Heat." Noticeably in good spirits, the actor was seen drinking and dancing with friends to the heart pounding beats of Michael Woods.
DJ Freeman and Derek Hough
Photo Credit: Al Powers of Powers Imagery LLC/angelmg.com
Jason Statham
Photo Credit: Al Powers of Powers Imagery LLC/angelmg.com
Nick Cannon
Photo Credit: Al Powers of Powers Imagery LLC/angelmg.com
At TAO Beach, E! News host Catt Sadler started her day off poolside with friends at a cabana. Continuing the rest of her day at TAO, Catt was spotted at the Simon G event before dining on TAO Asian Bistro. She then headed up to the nightclub with her group of friends.
Gregg Sulkin, best known for his roles on the Disney Channel, was also spotted celebrating his 21st birthday VIP style at TAO Beach earlier in the day with fellow actors David Henrie and Daren Kagasoff.
At TAO Asian Bistro, both Jenny McCarthy and La La Anthony dined with separate parties beside TAO’s famed 20-foot floating Buddha after the Simon G event. Jenny, joined by her sister, enjoyed signature menu items, stating that her meal was perfect while La La and her group enjoyed sushi and other selections before taking in the sounds of DJ Vice at a VIP table in the nightclub with friends.
At LAVO, comedienne Joan Rivers dined on the terrace of the Italian eatery after her show at The Venetian.