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
Dinner in the Sky Celebrates Groundbreaking in Las Vegas
Dinner in the Sky Las Vegas officially began construction on June 12 with a groundbreaking ceremony at an 8.8 acre site, minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip. The one-of-a-kind upscale dining attraction serving meals 180 feet in the air is scheduled to open later this summer.
Celebration attendees included Owner Janeen Hinden, Managing Partner Kelley Jones, and Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) Director of Customer Experience Hugh Sinnock.
Owner Janeen Hinden and Managing Partner Kelley Jones celebrate Dinner in the Sky Las Vegas Groundbreaking
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
“Dinner in the Sky will bring new meaning to ‘going out to dinner,’” said Hinden. “More than just a dinner, this is a dining attraction. Here at Dinner in the Sky you will enjoy your dinner 180 feet above the ground with the backdrop of fabulous Las Vegas.”
The groundbreaking ceremony was concluded with Hinden, Jones, Sinnock and Hinden’s two children, Michael Hinden Jr. and Janeen Hinden, breaking ground with oversized spoons.
Janeen Hinden, Michael Hinden Jr., Janeen Hinden, Hugh Sinnock and Kelley Jones pose with giant spoons
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Dinner in the Sky will suspend diners on two open-air tables, each weighing in at nearly seven tons with seating for up to 22 guests, offering 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Strip and surrounding mountains. The franchise will be the first of its kind in the U.S. and will become the first addition to the famous Las Vegas skyline since 2010.
Dining enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike will enjoy a night out unlike any other; strapped in by six-point harnesses for safety while enjoying a three-course gourmet dinner.
Dinner packages will start at $290 per person and include a three-course meal, with wine pairings, and a complimentary photo as a memento of the experience. Dinner in the Sky will offer eight nightly seatings at 5, 5:30, 6:30, 7, 8, 8:30; 9:30 and 10 p.m., with each table being in the air for approximately one hour.
Dinner in the Sky will also be a premier destination for events and occasions of all types, including “Wedding in the Sky” and “Meeting in the Sky.” The dynamic attraction will be home to a spacious ground-level reception area featuring an on-site bar, lounge and dining room serving the same signature food and libations as up in the sky. The space will be ideal for large-scale events with banquet facilities accommodating up to 1,000 guests.
Tea Professionals Gather at 2013 World Tea Expo
The annual World Tea Expo, the largest, most prominent event for the industry, covering every facet of the ever growing tea market, as well as a launching pad for hundreds of new products for consumers, took place June 7 - 9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The conference and exposition gathered thousands of professionals and businesses, to show them how to capitalize on the tea explosion in the consumer marketplace.
The three day event was packed full of of new tea products, educational sessions, workshops and tastings. According to George Jage, founder and director of World Tea Expo, some of the new products featured at 2013 World Tea Expo will revolutionize and excite the tea industry. "World Tea Expo showcases innovations and 'what's next' in tea through: a dynamic exhibit floor that gathers the global industry; in-depth training sessions; and industry experts."
Highlights of 2013 World Tea Expo included the 2013 World Tea Expo Best New Product Awards; the North American Tea Championship Winners Tasting Circle; the Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony; the New Business Boot Camp; a World Origin Tasting Tour; Core Conference Seminars; Executive & Technical Content; as well as Focused Tastings and hands-on Skill Building Workshops.
The event drew more than 4,000 attendees from around the globe where delegates acquired extensive product knowledge, visited more than 200 exposition booths and experienced over 200 tea product unveilings.
In addition, this year for the very first time, Healthy Beverage Expo, a brand new trade show dedicated to supporting and fueling the healthy drink segment of the beverage market, also took place within the World Tea Expo. Healthy Beverage Expo focused on numerous types of drinks, including: bottled water, dairy, juice drinks, sports and nutritional beverages, herbal extracts and other alternative products that are beneficial for consumers.
Delegates included beverage buyers, distributors and retailers, as well as food service professionals, independent merchants, product developers, health practitioners, dieticians, scientists and other decision makers. Attendees were able to preview and compare an extensive range of beverages, explore newly launched products, source vendors, participate in exclusive taste-test competitions, hear from top imbibe experts, establish key relationships and evaluate opportunities to capitalize on this fast-growing segment.
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
AEG and MGM Resorts International have completed and executed transactional agreements formalizing the details of the previously announced joint venture to build A NEW ARENA PROJECT, which will be the centerpiece of a complete revitalization of the area between New York-New York and Monte Carlo resorts, extending from Las Vegas Blvd. to Frank Sinatra Drive. They have selected Populous, designers of many of the world’s most memorable sports, concert and entertainment venues as the Architect of Record and designer for the new approximately 20,000-seat state-of-the-art indoor arena that will feature a variety of unique premium seating offerings as well as other hospitality areas for entertaining and private events. The arena is expected to break ground in summer 2014, with the grand opening projected for spring 2016
The partnership of Downtown entrepreneurs, Huntridge Revival, LLC, and a team of community members and stakeholders have announced initial plans to renovate and re-open one of the most beloved pieces of Las Vegas history, THE HUNTRIDGE THEATRE. The group, comprised of Downtown Las Vegas champion Michael Cornthwaite, Life is Beautiful founder Rehan Choudhry and First Friday Las Vegas managing partner Joey Vanas, will use crowdfunding to assist in raising the first level of capital needed for the project. Funding will likely require a mix of private investment, historical preservation dollars and alternative sources of financing to get the entertainment venue back up and running, so the public’s support is crucial to getting the project off the ground. “ The time to make the commitment is now – we need to show everyone that there is a want and a need in Las Vegas to bring back this amazing venue,” said Joey Vanas, who lives in the John S. Park neighborhood just a few blocks away from the theatre.
The group plans to return the iconic building to its original glory and more, restoring its place as Las Vegas’ favorite venue for live music, performing arts and cinema. Also included in the early discussions are a food and beverage outlet, a music education facility, a permanent exhibit curated by the Huntridge Foundation to preserve and continue the history of this cultural landmark, and flexible-use spaces for community-driven programming.
As part of the property’s 58th anniversary, the Riviera Casino & Hotel held a search for the next Strip comic headliner and MARIA WALSH, the “NAUGHTY MOMMY” from Long Island, N.Y. was crowned Riviera Next Comic Headliner. As the winner she is headlining for a week at the legendary Riviera Comedy Club from Monday, June 17 through Sunday, June 23. Show starts 8:30 p.m. This will be the first time Walsh performs in Las Vegas.
EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL is celebrating its one year anniversary of performances at the V Theater inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. This Friday, June 21, the cast of the show invites the public to donate blood during their event at MaximuM Comics, located at 520 S. Marks St. in Henderson. Those who donate from 3-7 p.m. will get FREE tickets to the show as well as a comic book.
The College of Southern Nevada Fine Arts Gallery will present a A SOLO EXHIBIT BY LOCAL ARTST WENDY KVECK, TITLED “GGW” beginning Friday, June 21, through Friday, July 26. Through her work in painting, performance, video and installation Kveck examines images of women from art history and contemporary media as cultural signifiers of excess and desire, anxiety and fear, regret and loss. Her hybrid figures often incorporate food imagery and references, creating literal, over-the-top representations of Woman as Consumer and the Consumed.
Opening reception and refreshments on Friday, June 21, from 6 - 8 p.m. The CSN Fine Arts Gallery is FREE and open to the public. Gallery hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. The Performing Arts Center/Fine Arts Gallery is located at the half circle drive near the Cheyenne campus main entrance, 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave., one mile east of I-15 North.
Aria Resort & Casino’s Bar Moderno, located near the guest elevators on ARIA’s casino level, has changed its name to LIFT BAR. In addition to masterfully crafted cocktails, the venue now offers live entertainment nightly beginning at 9 p.m.
Grammy award-winning rock legend BOZ SCAGGS will perform live at The Pearl Concert Theater inside Palms Casino Resort on Saturday, June 22 at 8 p.m. with special guest Dave Mason. Tickets start at $49, plus additional service fees.
The CITY OF HENDERSON is hosting a pair of BIKE FAIRS this month designed to help residents learn about the best of what Henderson has to offer for bicyclists of all abilities. Each event includes information of where the top places to ride a bike in Henderson, safety tips for bicyclists and bike amenities. The bike fairs also feature biking services provided by the city of Henderson Parks and Recreation and Police departments, Regional Transportation Commission and Clark County School District. The first bike fair will be held Wednesday, June 26, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at Black Mountain Recreation Center, 599 Greenway Rd. The second bike fair will be held Saturday, June 29, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Henderson Multigenerational Center, 250 S. Green Valley Pkwy. Admission is complimentary.
Starting July 3, BIG AL'S COMEDY CLUB will move from The Orleans to a larger venue at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino. At its new home in the Gold Coast Showroom, Big Al’s Comedy Club will have additional seating and state-of-the-art equipment. Tickets will remain $19.95 (including one drink). Showtimes will move to Wednesdays through Saturdays, 7 p.m. each evening.
For the remainder of June – performances will continue at The Orleans at 8 p.m.
The line up includes:
- June 19-23 – Timm Metivier with John Crist
- June 26-28 – Gary Caouette with Carla Rea
Beginning July 3, all performances will be at the Gold Coast, Wednesday through Saturday at 7 p.m.
The line up for July includes:
- July 3-6 – Bob Golub with Penny Prince
- July 10-13 – Mike Marino with Murray Valeriano
- July 17-20 – Rob Sherwood with Jen Murphy
- July 24-27 – Paul Ogata with Yoursie Thomas
MICKEY THOMAS, lead vocalist of the iconic ‘70s and ‘80s band, Starship, joins the all-star lineup of RAIDING THE ROCK VAULT, the Ultimate Classic Rock Concert Experience, July 5-9. Known for the unforgettable hits that defined the decade, including “We Built this City,” “Jane” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” Thomas will perform for five special shows, before continuing his national tour with Starship. Raiding the Rock Vault is staged at LVH – Las Vegas Hotel & Casino.
Popular 1960s rock group THE LOVIN' SPOONFUL will perform at the Suncoast Showroom July 6 and 7.Showtime each evening is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from $15.95, plus tax and convenience fees.
From July 12 - September 28, 2013, audiences will have the opportunity to view works selected from THE DOROTHY AND HERBERT VOGEL COLLECTION at the BARRICK MUSEUM. In 2010, UNLV was the recipient of fifty contemporary works from the celebrated collectors Dorothy and Herb Vogel. The Vogel Collection has been characterized as unique among collections of contemporary art, both for the character and breadth of the objects and for the individuals who created it.
The award winning documentary HERB & DOROTHY, by filmmaker Megumi Sasaki, will be playing in the Barrick to accompany the exhibition. The film tells the extraordinary story of the Vogels. Hours: Mondays - Fridays: 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Thursdays until 8 p.m. Saturday: 12 p.m.–5 p.m.Closed Sundays and state and federal holidays. The cost is FREE. However, a suggested voluntary contribution is $5 for adults and $2 for children and seniors.
Iconic funny man BILL COSBY brings his signature comedy back to the Treasure Island Theatre July 19 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $59, plus taxes and service charges,
ALABAMA SHAKES brings their retro-soul sounds to The Pearl Concert Theater inside Palms Casino Resort on Friday, July 19, 2013 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $45, plus additional service fees.
Celebrity Sightings:
Wednesday, June 12...
Blonde bombshell Pamela Anderson was spotted enjoying the hilarious antics from the The Strip’s hottest show, ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace. The former Baywatch babe stayed to meet the cast following the show and snapped a few photos with the show’s foul-mouthed host, The Gazillionaire and his raunchy sidekick, Penny Pibbets.
Pamela Anderson with The Gazillionaire and Penny
Photo credit: Spiegelworld
Friday night, June 14...
E! News host Giuliana Rancic was spotted dining with a few friends on the terrace of LAVO Italian Restaurant.
In Las Vegas for this weekend's 2013 Miss USA competition, the reigning Miss USA Nana Meriwether and Miss Universe Olivia Culpo were spotted dancing and celebrating into the night in Hakkasan Las Vegas' main club room. Seated at VIP table on the main stage, the beauty queens were seen sipping on champagne and tequila cocktails and dancing to Bingo Players fan favorite tracks such as "Cry (Just a Little)" and "Rattle".
Miss USA Nana Meriwether and Miss Universe Olivia Culpo
Photo credit: Al Powers of Powers Imagery LLC/angelmg.com
Hakkasan Las Vegas
Photo credit: Al Powers of Powers Imagery LLC/angelmg.com
Saturday, June 15...
Actor Wilmer Valderrama was spotted at Blondies Sports Bar & Grill inside Miracle Mile Shops. Valderrama stopped by to watch UFC 161, noting that he and Rashad Evans were friends and he had to see the fight.
Wilmer Valderrama
Photo courtesy of Miracle Mile Shops
R&B singer Mario dined at LAVO.
NFL player NaVorro Bowman spent his night at TAO Nightclub.
Following a busy week in Las Vegas leading up to tonight's 62nd Miss USA competition, Donald Trump took Miss USA Nana Meriwether out to Simon Hammerstein's renowned nightclub and theatrical experience, The ACT, located at The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, to celebrate her final evening as the reigning Miss USA.
Joined by Miss Universe Olivia Culpo, former Miss Alabama Katherine Webb and Azerbaijani singer and businessman, Emin, the group also toasted Trump's 67th birthday, which was Friday.
Olivia Culpo on the red carpet at The ACT Nightclub
Photo credit: Bobby Jameidar
Donald Trump and Olivia Culpo on the red carpet at The ACT Nightclub
Photo credit: Bobby Jameidar
Nana Meriwether on the red carpet at The ACT Nightclub
Photo credit: Bobby Jameidar
Nana Meriwether and Katherine Webb on the red carpet at The ACT Nightclub
Photo credit: Bobby Jameidar
Reality TV sensation Kendra Wilkinson-Baskett celebrated her 28th birthday Sin City style, at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens. The birthday girl took her place at her VIP table located next to the DJ booth with a group of her closest friends, including brother Colin Wilkinson.
Just after 1 a.m., as the lights went dim and confetti burst into the air, dozens of Chateau’s beautiful cocktail waitresses appeared presenting Baskett with a two-tiered pink and purple cake topped with a figuring resembling the star.
Kendra Wilkinson - Baskett
Photo credit: David Becker of WireImage.
New York Knicks basketball star, Carmelo Anthony, and TV personality wife, La La were sighted at BODIES...The Exhibition inside Luxor Hotel & Casino.
Street Drum Corps started its “Lost Vegas” residency with a high-energy night of entertainment at Vinyl inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The group played for a packed house and was joined on stage by guest drummer José Pasillas of Incubus and guest guitarist Deryck Whibley of Sum 41.
Street Drum Corps
Photo Credit: © Karen Mandall / Erik Kabik Photography
Sunday, June 16...
New York-based Progressive & Electro House DJ Bambi hit the decks at Hakkasan Las Vegas inside MGM Hotel & Casino.
Spotted partying at the nightlife hotspot, following the Miss USA pageant, were singer Joe Jonas and his pal, actor Wilmer Valderrama, former Miss USA Nana Meriwether and Miss Universe Olivia Culpo.
Wednesday, June 19...
Frank Marino and the cast of Divas joined mini divas from Toddlers & Tiaras at Something’s Brewing Café for viewing party of their episode. The episode, filmed on Jan. 10, finds Marino, Las Vegas’ longest running headliner, emceeing the Little Miss Nevada, LLC pageant, while his divas bring the glitz and glam from their show at The Quad Resort and Casino to the judging table.
Singer and former Pussycat Doll, Jessica Sutta, visited Sugar Factory's Goblet Bar located at the Miracle Mile Shops in Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Jessica Sutta
Photo credit: Jeff Ragazzo