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
4th annual Vegas Rocks! Magazine Awards 2013 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Celebrating its 9th anniversary, Vegas Rocks! Magazine presented The 4th annual VEGAS ROCKS! MAGAZINE AWARDS 2013 inside The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Sunday, August 25th. The event was co-hosted by the Publishing Queen of Rock n' Roll, Sally Steele, VEGAS ROCKS! Magazine Publisher/ Founder/ CEO and James Kottack from the SCORPIONS. House band for the event was The Sin City Sinners.
Vegas Rocks! Magazine publisher Sally Steele
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Co-host James Kottak
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Prior to the show there was a Grand Rock n’ Roll Royal Red Carpet jam packed with arrivals by some of the most famous rock artists in the music industry, Tribute artists: Iron Maidens, Kid Rock Tribute, Platinum Kiss, etc; as well as local bands, and Las Vegas entertainers including the all star cast of Raiding the Rock Vault; Tropicana headliner/celebrity magician Murray and his wife Fantasy dancer Chloe Louise Crawford; popular lounge singer Zowie Bowie (aka Chris Phillips); electric violinist Lydia Ansel; dancer/choreographer Lacey Schwimmer, comedian Craig Gass; former adult film star Ron Jeremy and the list goes on.
Carl Palmer
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jon Anderson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Laura Wilde
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Ron Keel
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jeff Young
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
DJ Ashba
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jordan Rudess
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Katie Daryl
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Sin City Sinners
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Queensryche
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Zakk Wylde
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Cast of Raiding The Rock Vault
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Dane Davis
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Frankie Moreno
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
IDSFA
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Iron Maidens
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Kid Rock Tribute Artist
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Lacy Schwimmer
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Lydia Ansel and Chris Phillips
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Murray Sawchuck and Chloe Louise Crawford
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Nick Oshiro
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Platinum Kiss
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Stereo Love
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
DSB
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
“A CELEBRATION OF CLASSIC ROCK” featured some of the most legendary artists in the music business who were honored with awards. Presenters included Chris Holmes (W.A.S.P.); Stratosphere headliner Frankie Moreno, Katie Daryl (AXS TV), Mark Kendall and Michael Lardie (Great White), Nick Ohshiro (Static X) among others.
Jon Anderson (Yes) was the recipient of the “Voice of Progressive Music” Award, Carl Palmer (Emerson Lake & Palmer/ ASIA) received the “Drum Legend Icon” Award, Zakk Wylde received the “Riff Monster” Award and newcomer, singer/guitarist Laura Wilde received “Best New Female Artist” Award. Other awards were given to Dane Davis for Vegas Star of Tomorrow; 333 for Best Vegas Rock Band; IDSFA for Best of Vegas (past winners); Sicosis for Best Vegas Metal Band; DSB for Best Rock Tribute Band and Stereo Love for Hollywood Rocks!
The music awards show opened with a high powered performance by Geoff Tate's Queensryche. Additional musical entertainment was provided by Carl Palmer performing a historic ELP song with keyboardist, Jordan Rudess from Dream Theater, and Rudy Sarzo (Dio/ Quiet Riot) took to the stage for a number with Jon Anderson and Carl Palmer.
Earlier in the evening raffles were sold with the lucky winner walking away with a Dean 'ML Chicago Standard Model Guitar” signed by several rock stars.
To top off the evening's rockin' festivities, for the finale there was an All-Star Celebrity Jam featuring Simon Wright (AC/DC) James Kottak (The Scorpions), Jon Anderson, Carl Palmer, Queensryche, DJ Ashba (Guns & Roses), Laura Wilde, Ron Keel, Jeff Young (Megadeth), and other musicians.
AFAN's 27th Annual Black & White Party
Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) hosted its 27th Annual Black & White Party, Saturday night, August 24 at The Joint in The Hard Rock Hotel. Nearly 3500 guests that were dressed head to toe in monochromatic fashion (including balloons, feathers and sequins) partied for a good cause while raising $130,000, approximately 10% over last years event.
The soiree was hosted by Chris Saldaña, former television anchor, Lauren Michaels from 98.5 KLUC's "Chet Buchannan and The Morning Zoo," and Jaymes and James, "Team Chippendales" from CBS' "The Amazing Race," who also performed their recent song, "Light Up the Skies."
Phenomenal vocal impressionist Veronic was the highlight of the night, channeling divas including Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, Madonna and more. Other standout performances included the cast of "The D*Word-A Musical,' Britney Spears impersonator Derrick Barry from Divas Las Vegas, FANTASY, Maren Wade from NBC's "America's Got Talent," Recycled Percussion, The Skating Aratas, Tony n' Tina's Wedding, VEGAS! The Show" and Zodiac Dragon, a multi-genre multimedia immersion.
Veronic
Claire Sinclair
Strolling entertainers including sword swallowers, hand magicians and impromptu performances from the Nevada Ballet Theatre added to the revelry.
Guests enjoyed food and beverage from a variety of vendors including Aliante, Avion Tequila, Brio, Culinary Dropout, Double Helix, Ferraro's, Mr. Lucky's, Pink Taco, Sugar Factory and Trader Joe's.
Proceeds from the event benefitted AFAN, the largest and longest running AIDs service organization in Nevada.
The Adventuredome at Circus Circus Celebrates 20 Years of Family Fun
One of Las Vegas most's popular and fun attractions for the entire family, The Adventuredome at Circus Circus, celebrated its 20th birthday on Thursday morning, August 22. The milestone event featured celebrities, clowns, cupcakes and confetti and celebrity guests.
Photo courtesy of Adventuredome
Photo courtesy of Adventuredome
Photo courtesy of Adventuredome
In attendance were world-famous dance crew Jabbawockeez, valiant performers from Tournament of Kings and Jason Egan, hauntrepreneur and owner/creator of Fright Dome, who joined The Adventuredome family to sing “Happy Birthday” around a 2,000-piece cupcake tower.
Opportunity Village Celebrated Life and Legacy of Elvis Presley with Elvis Impersonator Contest and Special performances
Opportunity Village, Las Vegas’ favorite charity, commemorated the anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death on Friday, August 16 with an Elvis impersonator contest and a special performance by the OV Elvi.
Photo courtesy of Opportunity Village
The Elvis impersonator contest was hosted by Elvis impersonator Jesse Garon, and featured a panel of judges that included members of the OV Elvi, news anchor Beth Fisher from KTNV Ch. 13 (ABC) and Opportunity Village’s Associate Director Linda Smith. Opportunity Village was the official manufacturer of Elvis’ scarves, and artists in the Fine & Performing Arts program continue to create hand painted scarves today, available for sale in our Engelstad Campus Boutique.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Congratulations to the beautiful and talented KATHLEEN (KAT) RAY for winning the title of Ms. Senior Nevada pageant on August 21 at the Southpoint Hotel & Casino. To compete in the pageant, now in its 28th year, contestants must be at least 60 years old and participate in an interview, evening gown and talent competition. Ms. Ray, won the talent portion of the program with her vocal rendition of "The Lady Is a Tramp".
Ms. Senior Nevada, Kathleen (Kat) Ray
Ms. Senior Nevada, Kathleen (Kat) Ray with her daughter Krystina
RAILROAD PASS HOTEL & CASINO, the oldest licensed casino in the nation, held the Grand Opening of its new William Hill "WATCH & WAGER" SPORTS BOOK, Thursday, August 22.The new sports book features 11 flat screen TVs,comfortable seating for 40 people, and 12 technological odd boards, and operates 24/7. on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony were (from left to right): Kensi Dobbs (Bud Girl); William Hill COO, Jeff Siri; CurtThompson, Executive Director Railroad Pass; Joe Asher, CEO William Hill, and Natalie Hersal (Bud Girl). As part of the grand Opening celebration those in attendance were treated to free appetizers and Bud Light. William Hill T-Shirts were also given away to the first 50 people that placed a bet in the new sports lounge.
Photo courtesy of Railroad Pass
GRAPE STREET CAFE WINE BAR & CELLAR (located at 7501 W Lake Mead Blvd.) has introduced OPEN MIC NIGHT every Friday from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m. when musicians, comedians and magicians are welcome to take the mic and show off their talents. Jason Hutchings; a local musician, songwriter and producer will be the host of Open Mic Night. Grape Street is also offering a reverse happy hour, with half off on all appetizers and buy one glass of wine or beer and get the next one free during Open Mic Night. Happy hour is not valid with any other offer.
MY HEALTY MEAL, offering all-natural organic and pre-portioned meals, celebrated the opening of its new location in Henderson, Tuesday, August 20th. On hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony were My Healthy Meal owner, Candace Bailey, Henderson Mayor Andy Hafen, several members of the Henderson Chamber of Commerce, and Henderson City Councilwoman, Gerri Schroder. The new Henderson location, at 9500 S. Eastern Ave, features My Healthy Meal's first ever Smoothie Bar with a menu consisting of 14 smoothie flavors, as well as fresh portion-controlled meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for people on the go including salads, seafood, beef, chicken, flatbreads, vegetarian, desserts and raw foods. For those with special dietary needs, there are also gluten free, low carbohydrate, high protein, low calorie and vegetarian options.
THE WORLD FAMOUS GOLD & SILVER PAWN SHOP (located at 713 S. Las Vegas Blvd.) home to HISTORY’s beloved “Pawn Stars,” will be closed from Sunday, August 25 through Friday, August 30 for renovation.
WHISKEY DOWN, a new high-end gaming lounge is scheduled to open Wednesday, Aug. 28 on the Casino floor at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. The space, formerly occupied by Tabu, has been transformed into an intimate lounge featuring six Blackjack tables, seven video-poker machines at the bar and seating for up to 64 guests. In its beverage lineup, Whiskey Down will offer a wide array of brown spirits including American, Canadian, Irish and Scotch whiskies as well as specialty cocktails. The lounge will be open 24 hours.
Celebrate Labor Day Weekend at Fremont Street Experience with a FREE concert by Puddle of Mudd on Saturday, Aug. 31st at 9 p.m. at the 3rd Street Stage. The band will close out Fremont Street Experience’s Rock of Vegas summer concert series performing popular songs including “She Hates Me”, “Blurry”, “Drift & Die” and more.
On August 30, International superstars EARTH WIND & FIRE will take the stage of The Venetian Theater for a special omni-platform HSN Live concert event from 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. broadcasting live on HSN, HSN.com and via HSN Mobile. EWF will be joined by special guests throughout the evening to perform tracks from their brand new album, Now, Then & Forever, as well as some of their greatest hits.
LAS VEGAS SKI & SNOWBOARD RESORT and Coors Light presents LEE CANYON MOUNTAIN FEST, an end-of-summer-season celebration, on Saturday, Aug. 31, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and features live music by local favorites Rusty Maples, To the Moon and Same Sex Mary. The event also includes the Templeton & Rye whiskey tent, Ballast Point beer garden and pig roast from Big Ern’s BBQ. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door and pending availability.Tickets include entrance to Lee Canyon Mountain Fest, music and two tickets for the Ballast Point beer garden for guests 21 and older with valid identification. LVSSR will donate 20 percent of all scenic chairlift ticket sales to the Mt. Charleston Volunteer Fire Department.
THE AUSTRALIAN BEE GEES SHOW – A Tribute to the Bee Gees and the Southern Nevada Chapter of the American Red Cross have partnered to host a series of special performances at Excalibur Hotel & Casino. This Labor Day weekend, a portion of proceeds from all ticket sales will benefit the American Red Cross.
For the eighth consecutive year, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino will partner with Rock ‘n Roll Wine to host the always entertaining ROCK N' ROLL WINE AMPLIFIED FESTIVAL WEEKEND on the Mandalay Bay Beach. Scheduled for Friday, Sept. 6 and Saturday, Sept. 7, the event will feature more than 50 wineries serving more than 150 wines from around the world along with a variety of delectable food items from Mandalay Bay’s award-winning restaurants, and concert performances by Collective Soul and Gavin DeGraw. Two-day passes, priced at $119.50 and individual night tickets ranging from $55 to $79.50, not including applicable service charges, are now on sale.
As a correction to previously distributed information, award winning comedian DENNIS MILLER will return to The Orleans Showroom on September 6 and & 7 and NOT September 8.
The FIRST ANNUAL AMERICAN IBERIAN GASTRONOMICA FIESTA, an international celebration of food and culture will take place September 7 from 1pm to 7 pm in the Sam's Club and Lowe's parking lot at Craig and Losee Road in North Las Vegas. Supporting the rich contributions of the Hispanic culture and recognizing the U.S. Military by Americans of Hispanic heritage, the event will feature cooking demonstrations, raffles, music, entertainment, and dancing. Admission is FREE and open to the public.
The 34th ANNUAL SAN GENNARO FEASTS will take place Sept. 10-15, 2013, at the Grand Canyon Shopping Center. The Las Vegas family fun festival features more than 70 restaurant food booths, 80 amusements rides including the new 100-foot Vertigo, midway games, arts and crafts booths, and complimentary headliner entertainment coordinated and hosted by Tony Sacca, who has been part of the event for more than 26 years. Tickets are: $7 for adults / $5 for seniors and military at the door. Children 54 inches and under are free.
Speaking of TONY SACCA, the legendary entertainer celebrates 50 years in show business with the Las Vegas Rocks Variety Show at The Railhead inside Boulder Station. Featuring celebrity guests and an array of talented performers, Sacca will present the Las Vegas Rocks Variety Show every Friday at 2 p.m., beginning Sept. 13. Doors open at 1 p.m. and guests must be 21 years or older.
Latin GRAMMY Award-winning group LOS HOROSCOPOS DE DURANGO will bring its high-energy regional Mexican genre music to the Mandalay Bay Beach Saturday, Sept. 14 at 9 p.m. Tickets for the special Mexican Independence Day Weekend concert are priced at $32.50 and are now on sale.
Singing Impressionist BOB ANDERSON will be performing a special engagement at the all new Italian American Club, 2333 E. Sahara, Saturday night, Sept 14 at 8:00 p.m., and the following Sunday afternoon at 3:00 p.m.The Italian American Club will be accepting dinner reservations prior to or after the 8:00 p.m. show. Show tickets only are $25.
The CARLY REA JEPSEN performance planned for Sept. 14, 2013 at the Pearl Concert Theater has been canceled due to scheduling. Guests can return to the original point of purchase to obtain a refund. Credit card purchases will be automatically refunded.
Celebrity Sightings:
Monday night, August 19...
Young Money rapper Tyga attended the Jabbawockeez show “PRiSM” at Luxor Hotel and Casino. Following the show, Tyga and a group of friends went backstage with the Jabbawockeez, put on masks and showed off a few of their own moves. Tyga was in town to perform at the Reebok Classic concert for the Project Trade Show later that evening.
Tyga
Photo credit: Jabbawockeez
Jabbawockeez
Photo credit: Jabbawockeez
Brian Greenberg from the HBO series “How to Make It in America” and girlfriend Jamie Chung, best known for her role in “The Hangover Part II”, were spotted at Marquee Nightclub.
Famed hip-hop dance crew Jabbawockeez hosted a special mid-week affair at LAX Nightclub inside Luxor Hotel and Casino. DJ Slip was the first to take over the turntables, kicking off the night with high-energy hits before the celebrated dance group entered the nightclub. The dance crew members present included Jeff “Phi” Nguyen, Kevin “KB” Brewer, Chris “Cristyle” Gatdula, Ben “B-Tek” Chung and Phil “Swagger Boy” Tayag and Joe "Punkee" Larot.
Production group The Bangerz hit the decks in the main room at the mega-club nearing 12:30 a.m. At 1 a.m.The Bangerz passed the torch to Las Vegas sensation DJ Franzen as he heated up industry night at the mega-club with his heart-pumping tracks until DJ Technicolor took over the booth to close out the evening.
L-R DJ NickNgo, Bangerz, DJ Franzen, Phil Tayag, Chris Gatdula, Kevin Brewer, Ben Chung, DJ Goldenchyld, Joe Larot and Phi
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery, LLC.
Tuesday, Aug. 20...
GRAMMY Award-winner Pharrell Williams took over the main stage at PURE Nightclub inside Caesars Palace for a special live performance. In town for the Liberty Trade Show, the multi-talented artist had thousands of partygoers flocking to the mega-club as he also celebrated the 10th anniversary of his clothing company, Billionaire Boys Club.
During his performance, he was joined by special guest hip hop recording artist and producer Swizz Beatz as they both took turns showing off their dance moves.
Pharrell Williams
Photo credit: Denise Truscello of WireImage.
Swizz Beatz
Photo credit: Denise Truscello of WireImage.
Swizz Beatz birthday cake
Photo credit: Denise Truscello of WireImage.
Project took over Marquee Tuesday evening, hosting its official party in the Main Room of the nightclub. The EC Twins provided the soundtrack for the night and pumped the crowd up with an energetic set. Rapper Juicy J joined the duo, stopping by the DJ booth to greet the packed crowd.
Juicy J and EC Twins
Photo Credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery
Juicy J and EC Twins
Photo Credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery
Hakkasan Las Vegas at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino was home to the official Hudson and Creative Recreation after-party during the fashion tradeshow in Las Vegas, MAGIC. For the first time in Hakkasan history, the main room of the nightlife mecca was transformed into an open-format destination, welcoming a never-before-seen performance by GRAMMY Award-nominated artist Nas. DJ Irie MC'd and throughout the night, renowned SKAM Artists including DJs Crooked, D-Nice, Fashen, Homicide, Five and Irie took turns manning the decks, spinning their hard-hitting tracks for over 5,000 partygoers.
Guests were dazzled during his performance as lights flashed, confetti flew in the air and cryo cannons went off, while DJ Irie MC'd. After Nas completed his show he was presented with a celebratory cake by the Hakkasan staff.
DJs Crooked, D-Nice, Fashen, Homicide, Five and Irie
Photo Credit: Al Powers of Powers Imagery LLC
NAS performance
Photo Credit: Al Powers of Powers Imagery LLC
NAS performance
Photo Credit: Al Powers of Powers Imagery LLC
Thursday, August 22...
NBA point guard Derek Fisher of the Oklahoma City Thunder attended V- The Ultimate Variety Show, along with his family, at the V Theater inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. The who used to play for the Los Angeles Lakers, was thrilled to take in the show that’s been voted the number one show in Las Vegas due to its ingenious collection of the greatest variety acts, internet sensations and TV talent show winners from around the world.
Following the show, the basketball star and his family posed with V- The Ultimate Variety Show’s death-defying roller skating duo, The Skating Aratas. Jenny and Vittorio Arata.
Derek Fisher and his family posing with The Skating Aratas
Photo courtesy of "V" The Ultimate Variety Show
Rock ‘n’ roll songstress Courtney Love took the stage at Vinyl in Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to kick off the venue’s weekend-long anniversary celebration.
The crowd of revelers included world-famous DJ/producer Tiësto, Guns ‘N Roses guitarist DJ Ashba and adult film star Ron Jeremy.
Courtney Love
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik & Scott Harrison / Erik Kabik Photography
Courtney Love with Vinyl's one year anniversary cake
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik & Scott Harrison / Erik Kabik Photography
Professional basketball player Derek Fisher of the Oklahoma City Thunder spotted at Lombardi’s Romagna Mia inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. Fisher dined on the patio with his family before attending V- The Ultimate Variety Show at V Theater.
Friday, August 23...
Famed musician and American Idol alumnus Chris Daughtry (in town to perform a concert at Mandalay Bay Beach later that evening) toured the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health with Keep Memory Alive founder and chairman, Larry Ruvo.
Chris Daughtry with Larry Ruvo at the Center for Brain Health.
Photo credit: Cashman Photo
Saturday night, August 24...
Grammy Award winner Will.i.am was spotted at TAO Nightclub.
Sunday, August 25...
Joe Zee, Creative Director of Elle Magazine, was spotted at a VIP table at Marquee Nightclub’s weekly FREEDOM Sundays event. Zee enjoyed the company of several friends while taking in the sounds of DJ Nick Ayler.
Adult actress and HBO sexpert, Katie Morgan, hosted a sexy Bangin’ Booty Contest at Posh Boutique Nightclub inside Crazy Horse III where $3,000 in cash and prizes was up for grabs. The contestants dazzled judges, comedian Daryl Wright, and photographer Johnny Brown, with their hottest dance moves.
Katie Morgan
Photo credit: Joel Ginsburg
Katie Morgan and Johnny Brown
Photo credit: Joel Ginsburg
Monday, August 26...
Las Vegas entertainers including The Las Vegas Tenors, Australian Bee Gees, Evil Dead The Musical and Turf, the hip-hop contortionist dancer from America’s Got Talent, gathered at the recently opened Carmine’s inside The Forum Shops at Caesars as part of the non-profit organization, WinWin Entertainment.
