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
Travis Wall of "So You Think You Can Dance" Creates Epic Dance Number for Bacchanal Buffet's 1st Birthday
Emmy-nominated dancer/choreographer Travis Wall of Fox’s hit show So You Think You Can Dance and co-founder of Shaping Sound, along with eight of his talented friends recently took over the expansive Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace and created a one-of-a-kind epic dance sequence celebrating the ground-breaking culinary paradise.
Photo credit: Erik Kabik/Erik Kabik Photography
In honor of the $17 million Bacchanal Buffet’s first birthday, Wall joined forces with Caesars Palace in creating the lavish dance number and video that showcases the talent, athleticism and expertise of the dancers while highlighting the fantastic array of culinary offerings and the sleek design of the space. From flipping off of the furniture to breathtaking pirouettes, dancing on the tables to synchronized plate manipulation, Wall expertly utilized all of the artistic tools at his disposal to create a mesmerizing dance performance.
Travis Wall
Photo credit: Erik Kabik/Erik Kabik Photography
“With Bacchanal we took a big risk and thankfully, it turned out to be a game changer,” explained Gary Selesner, Caesars Entertainment regional president. “We broke all the rules when we launched one year ago and the reception has exceeded all of our expectations. We have people lining up not only to eat the amazing food which is prepared in nine live kitchens, but also to be part of a new dining social experience. We are proud to have transformed the perception of what a Las Vegas buffet is and can be.”
Dancers from "So You Think You Can Dance"
Photo credit: Erik Kabik/Erik Kabik Photography
“We had a blast working at the Bacchanal Buffet,” Wall explained. “The space really lends itself to creativity – the different elements of wood, steel and glass all made for great backdrops and dance surfaces. When I was first approached to choreograph and perform a number in the middle of a Las Vegas buffet, I wasn’t sure what I would come up with, but I was completely inspired by the space, the design elements, and of course, the food. The hardest part was actually dancing around the abundance of food that all looked and smelled so delicious. But, it turns out it was pretty convenient too as we worked up an appetite.”
Choreographed by Wall, who in a recent episode of SYTYCD was lauded by the judges for his creative genius, several SYTYCD alum joined forces for this special project including: season one winner and co-founder of Shaping Sound Nick Lazzarini; top-four-SYTYCD-finisher Kayla Radomski; performer Albert Blaise Cattafi; SYTYCD All-Star, Shaping Sound member and star of “All The Right Moves” Jaime Goodwin; Shaping Sound members and SYTYCD alum Kayla Kalbfleisch and Channing Cooke; Dancer Adrian Lee, who appeared with Wall on his reality-based Oxygen channel show “All The Right Moves”, and world Champion gymnast Dom Palange, rounding out the skillful ensemble.
Since opening in September 2012, Bacchanal Buffet has set a new standard for Las Vegas buffets and continues to redefine the buffet experience by offering more than 500 dishes made-fresh daily by a team of specialized chefs who oversee the preparation of the food in nine open interactive kitchens. Serving an astounding 3,000 – 3,500 guest’s daily, the Bacchanal Buffet recently welcomed its one millionth visitor who was awarded a special Caesars Palace prize package. Bacchanal has become a major hotspot and favorite among locals, travelers and celebrities. The restaurant has hosted film legends such as Morgan Freeman and Bradley Cooper, renowned chefs including Guy Savoy, Giada De Laurentiis and Gordon Ramsay and super model Tyra Banks.
Overlooking the world-famous Garden of the Gods pool oasis at Caesars Palace, Bacchanal Buffet serves more than 500 dishes daily in a 25,000 square foot extraordinarily modern and inviting space that seats 600, designed by internationally renowned firm Super Potato.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Singer and Las Vegas resident PIA ZADORA joins forces with another notable mainstay, Piero’s Italian Cuisine, with the opening of “Pia’s Place,” a space long known as the Monkey Bar. Beginning September 19, Zadora performs in “Pia’s Place” at Piero’s Italian Cuisine, 355 Convention Center Drive, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings starting at 9 p.m.. A cover of $30 includes two drinks. Must be 21 and over with a valid ID.At “Pia’s Place,” the chanteuse reunites with legendary Sinatra pianist and musical director Vincent Falcone rounding out a quartet. Zadora will showcase her versions of standards such as “The Lady is a Tramp,” “Old Black Magic,” and “All of Me,” as well as a variety of timeless classics.
To celebrate the official opening of Global fashion giant H&M at the Galleria at Sunset at noon Thursday, Sept. 19, the store’s first 100 customers will receive a gift bag complete with a T-Shirt, magazine, an accessory and an Access to Fashion pass, a scratch-off ticket valued at anywhere from $10 to $300. All customers after the first 100 will receive a coupon for $10 off a $50 purchase. A live deejay will add to opening day’s festivities, providing mood music outside from 10 a.m. to noon and inside from noon until close.
“America’s Got Talent” season-five champion MICHAEL GRIMM returns to the Las Vegas stage with the “Grimm’s Fairytale Tour” performing at Club Madrid inside Sunset Station on Friday, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m.Tickets are $25 plus tax and applicable fees for general admission. Doors open at 7 p.m. and guests under 21 must be accompanied by an adult.
On Saturday, Sept 28 at 8 p.m., MARTIN LAWRENCE GALLERIES at The Forum Shops at Caesars will once again present a live auction spanning over 1,000 available works ranging from world class artists to limited edition works by acclaimed contemporary artists,valued at more than $24 million retail.Through the auction process, bidding often opens at between 30% – 70% off retail pricing. If you cannot attend the live auction, the gallery has created a spectacular 100 page full color catalogue which features all available artwork. To receive a copy and to discuss opportunities to make advanced purchases or place absentee bids, a seasoned Martin Lawrence sales consultant can help you purchase the art of your choice. The auction is open to the public.
EYES AND OPTICS, Las Vegas’ premier optometric practice and optical boutique, located at 2261 South Rainbow Blvd. north of Sahara Ave., is celebrating 25 years of serving the Las Vegas community with a TWO DAY TRUNK SHOW. Along with special pricing on designer eyewear, guests can enjoy complimentary refreshments, entertainment and giveaways on Friday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This special trunk show is open to the public and will display products from top eyewear designers such as Initium, OGI, Seraphin, Spectacle Eyeworks, X-Cide and Serengeti. Guests can preview new styles before they are available to the public. Special pricing* on frames and lenses will be available at the event. Entertainment will be provided by DJ EJ and guests can enter to win free prizes and gift certificates to Eyes and Optics.
The volunteers of www.VegasAnimalRescue.com are hosting the 2nd ANNUAL PAWCASSO LAS VEGAS ART AUCTION FOR SIX ANIMAL RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS, September 28 from 6-9 pm. at the Petographique studio at 2525 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway Suite #150 Hendersson. The funds raised from this year’s event will go to six wonderful Animal Rescue Organizations; Animal Network, Nevada SPCA, Old English Sheepdog Rescue, Saint Bernard Sin City Saint Rescue, Second Chance Rescue, & The Southern Nevada Beagle Rescue. Tickets for the 2nd Annual Pawcasso Las Vegas Art Auction are $10.00 and can be purchased through www.Pawcassolv.com or by contacting one of the participating Animal Rescue Groups. The event ticket includes delicious hors d'oeuvres, deserts, wines, beverages due to the generous event sponsors.
Legendary rocker BRET MICHAELS will be filming scenes for the next season of the Travel Channel’s Rock My RV at his October 2 concert at the Henderson Pavilion. Bret will be performing Poison hits and music from his solo career – including country music and for his Rock My RV show. This is his only solo show in the Las Vegas Valley in 2013. Tickets are $25 and $30.
The College of Southern Nevada Artspace Gallery will present a solo exhibit by local artist, CSN part-time instructor and Nevada Arts Council 2014 Artist Fellowship recipient, ROBIN STARK. “CERAMIC REFLECTIONS” opens Friday, Oct. 4 and will run through Friday, Nov. 29. A reception with refreshments will take place on Friday, Oct. 11, from 6 - 8 p.m.
DARIUS RUCKER, country star and former lead singer of the hit band Hootie & the Blowfish, is returning to Las Vegas with a performance at the Sandbar outdoor poolside venue at Red Rock Resort on Friday, Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $49 plus tax and applicable fees for standing room only and $89 plus tax and applicable fees for reserved seating.
Grammy Award-winning hard rockers KORN wrap up their fall tour with special guests Asking Alexandria and Love and Death with a performance at The Pearl inside Palms Casino Resort on Oct. 12, 2013 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $49, plus any additional service fees.
After a two-year $11.7 million renovation, Sunset Park will once again host again the AGE OF CHIVALRY RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL turning back the clock for three days of costumed knights, fair maidens, knaves, wenches, minstrels and more. The festivities begin on Friday, Oct. 11 and run through Sunday, Oct. 13 at 2601 E Sunset Road. Clark County Parks and Recreation presents the festival in its 20th year with more than 50 shows per day, more than 100 artisans, historical reenactments and plenty of food and drink to satisfy the masses. Admission is $10 per day for adults and $5 per day for seniors ages 60 and older and children ages five to 12. Ages four and younger are free. Three-day passes can be purchased for $25 for adults and $10 for children ages five to 12 and seniors ages 60 and older.
The new TOURBILLON BOUTIQUE , the largest and most impressive store to date within the Boutique Tourbillon global network, is now open at The Shops at Crystals. The boutique is located on Crystals’ second level.
Celebrity Sightings:
Wednesday, Sept. 11...
Mötley Crüe lead vocalist Vince Neil stopped by the historic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign to mark the official countdown to opening night of Mötley Crüe Invites you to an Intimate Evening in Hell, the band's return to The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. In true Las Vegas and Mötley Crüe fashion, Neil prepared to welcome his fellow band members back to his hometown while being accompanied by seven fiery hot Hard Rock Hotel cocktail servers clad in devil attire in honor of the residency’s theme. Mötley Crüe takes over the entertainment capital of the world for a second time during an exclusive 12-show engagement at The Joint, Sept. 18 – Oct. 6.Sept. 12, 2013
Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe
Photo credit: Erik Kabik/Erik Kabik Photography
Former adult actress and HBO starlet, Katie Morgan, hosted “Pussy Galore,” a benefit for Heaven Can Wait Animal Society at The ACT Nightclub inside The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian | Palazzo. She was accompanied by a group of friends, including Mark Shunock of “Rock of Ages”.
The evening was also a celebration of life for The ACT’s own, Sean Dunn, who celebrated his birthday alongside Morgan and friends.
Katie Morgan and Mark Shunock
Photo Credit: Shane O’Neal
Thursday night, Sept. 12...
NBA player, Dahntay Jones was spotted at the recently opened Carmine’s inside The Forum Shops at Caesars.
Friday night night Sep. 13...
Lucky Date, DJs From Mars, StoneBridge, The Partysquad and DJ Teenwolf they turned up the bass at the DJ booth inside Body English Nightclub & Afterhours. Among the crowd, R&B singer Ray J and former professional basketball player Gary Payton were spotted at the seductive nightclub.
After dining with friends on Italian specialties, Rapper, Trinidad Jame$ hosted a pre-fight party at LAVO. making his way into the nightclub. Jame$ then took to the stage for a special performance of some of his biggest hits including the popular club anthem “All Gold Everything.”
Trinidad Jame$
Photo credit: Karl Larson, Powers Imagery
Trinidad Jame$ performance
Photo credit: Karl Larson, Powers Imagery
Hip hop legend Nas also kicked off his 40th birthday at LAVO with a dinner in the private dining room. He was accompanied by friends including Michael Strahan and Nicole Murphy, who joined the group for dinner, After dinner, Nas’ group headed to the Boom Box Room at Marquee Nightclub where he was surprised with a huge presentation and three-tier cake branded with images of all of his albums.
At TAO Nightclub, rapper Busta Rhymes was spotted at a VIP table on the dance floor with a group of friends.
NAS with birthday cake at Marquee Nightclub
R&B singer Ray J dined at Tacos & Tequila inside Luxor Hotel and Casino,, kicking off the Mexican Independence Day weekend celebration. The reality star was surrounded by Mayweather's team.
Ray J at Tacos & Tequila
Photo Credit: Steven Sloter
Afterwards, Ray J was spotted partying at LAX Nightclub inside Luxor Hotel and Casino taking in the sounds of resident DJ Wellman.
Trevor Gretzky, son of NHL legend Wayne Gretzky,accompanied by a small group of friends and family including his mom and dad, celebrated his 21st birthday at Hyde Bellagio.
Saturday night, Sept. 14...
Body English proved to be the city’s hot spot as newlyweds Holly Madison and Pasquale Rotella were seen mingling with the partygoers. Record producer Suge Knight and rapper Too Short were also at the nightclub as Destructo, Digitalism, Dash and DJ Shift spun at the turntables.
GRAMMY Award-winning artist Enrique Iglesias partied at Hyde Bellagio for Mexican Independence Day. Before heading to the Sin City hot spot, the music superstar dined at Andrea’s at Encore.
Enrique Iglesias
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy / Getty Wire Image
Hip Hop legend Nas kicked off his 40th birthday at TAO Beach. He was surprised by friend and fellow hip hop artist Busta Rhymes who came to say happy birthday. The two hung out in the cabana, laughing and singing along to the sounds of DJ Jerzy. “All Gold Everything” rapper Trinidad Jame$, who also spent his day at a VIP cabana poolside, later came over to say happy birthday.
Later that night, TAO continued Nas’ 40th birthday festivities with a post-fight party.
Busta Rhymes, who dined at TAO Asian Bistro earlier that night, took over a VIP table next to Nas.
Comedian Dave Chappelle was also spotted at TAO Nightclub. Chappelle first stopped in the restaurant to wish Nas a happy birthday before taking over a skybox in the nightclub where he also partied with the birthday boy and hopped in the DJ booth to greet the crowd. Trinidad Jame$ was seen partying at a table with friends as was former NFL star Marcus Stroud and actor Dash Mihok, who also had separate VIP tables.
NAS
Photo Credit: Karl Larson, Powers Imagery
Trinidad Jame$
Photo Credit: Karl Larson, Powers Imagery
NAS and Busta Rhymes
Photo Credit: Karl Larson, Powers Imagery
FANTASY’s beautiful leading lady, Jaime Lynch, kept the excitement going between rounds as one of three ring girls at the highly anticipated boxing match between Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Canelo Alvarez at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Jaime Lynch as Ring Girl Round 10 Mayweather v. Canelo
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue
It was a family affair for the Jonas Brothers as they headed to Las Vegas to celebrate the youngest sibling, Nick’s 21st birthday. The group checked into Wynn Las Vegas on Saturday for a weekend excursion.
The adventure began at the Wynn Theater when they visited the cast of Le Reve—The Dream. The performers showered Nick with early birthday wishes before his brothers, Kevin and Joe, joined him to pose for shots with the cast and the beautiful ballroom dancers.
The rocker trio were joined by their significant others for an intimate dinner at Andrea’s. Nick was joined by girlfriend, Olivia Culpo, the former Miss USA and Miss Universe, while Kevin was doting on his pregnant wife Danielle.
On Sunday, Sept 15...
REHAB welcomed award-winning rapper Nelly for an unforgettable hour-long performance. Nelly pulled one lucky birthday girl onto the stage and serenaded her in front of the crowd. Rapper Tyga, hip-hop recording artist Pusha T and professional boxer Adrien Broner were spotted on stage dancing.
Nelly continued to make it “hot in herre” as he hosted a meet and greet Sunday prior to hosting at Body English. Upon arriving to the nightclub, the hip-hop icon jumped on stage to thank his fans for coming out to support him before heading to his table where he partied with members of the St. Lunatics.
At SOUNDWAVES poolside stage, Daddy Yankee and Baby Bash performed in honor of Mexican Independence Day.
Inside The Joint, Carnival of Madness Tour rocked the house with Shinedown, Papa Roach, Skillet, In This Moment and We As Human. Mötley Crüe’s bassist Nikki Sixx was spotted in the audience, where his band’s second residency, Mötley Crüe Invites you to an Intimate Evening in Hell, kicks off on Wednesday, Sept. 18.
Nelly performing at REHAB
Photo credit: © Joey Ungerer / Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Daddy Yankee performing at SOUNDWAVES
Photo credit: © Wayne Posner / Erik Kabik Photography
Baby Bash performing at SOUNDWAVES
Photo credit: © Wayne Posner / Erik Kabik Photography
Papa Roach of Carnival of Madness Tour at The Joint
Photo credit: © Chase Stevens / Erik Kabik Photography
Shinedown of Carnival of Madness Tour at The Joint
Photo credit: © Chase Stevens / Erik Kabik Photography
Nick Jonas and a group of 25 of his closest friends and family gathered at Botero, the steakhouse at Encore around 10:30 p.m. for dinner.
Fifteen minutes after turning 21, Nick led the group to the red carpet at XS nightclub, where the brothers all snuggled up to their significant others; Nick and Olivia, Kevin and Danielle, and Joe with model girlfriend Blanda Eggenschwiler.
The group of 20 were escorted in style down the nightclub’s signature golden staircase just after 1 a.m. with 30 waitresses flanking on both sides waving light wands to direct them through the crowd, before they arrived on stage.
Additional celebrity sightings in separate groups at XS also included Liam Hemsworth, Enrique Iglesias, and Lil Jon.
Monday, Sept. 16...
Current World Boxing Organization Middleweight Champion, Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, visited the recently-opened wellness spa, REVIV at MGM Grand.
Tuesday, Sept. 17...
Actor Anthony Mackie, dined at Hakkasan Las Vegas inside MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.
Anthony Mackie at Hakkasan
Photo Credit belongs to Al Powers of Powers Imagery, LLC.