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
Showbiz Roast for Frank Marino
The Showbiz Roast for Las Vegas's longest running headliner, female impersonator and star of Divas Las Vegas, Frank Marino, took place in the Showroom of the Stratosphere Hotel late Friday night, October 4. Producer Andy Walmsley had promised that the show was going to be “by far the craziest and most outrageous”, and I must say, he kept his word.
Frank Marino
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
From VIP guests and celebrities that showed up dressed as the opposite sex (aka in drag) in honor of Marino, The Queen of Las Vegas, to the lineup of no holds barred celebrity roasters and raunchy, over the top entertainment, the third in a series of Walmsley's Showbiz Roasts was, by far, the best, most hilarious, and “fabulous”, yet.
Andy Walmsley and Frank Marino
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The event was free for VIP guests. However, boxes were placed on every table in the showroom in an effort to collect donations to benefit Marino’s chosen charity, the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Prior to the Roast kicking off, Walmsley presented a bouquet of flowers and a prize valued at $1000 to Burt Davis, as the winning guest who was decked out in the most flamboyant drag costume of the night. Needless to say, Burt was, to put it mildly, a sight to behold and the most deserving. Burt's wife, our very own LVRTC columnist, Dianne, was a close second, dressed as his anatomically correct, male pimp. Need I say more! Use your imagination.
Burt Davis, awarded the prize for the Most Flamboyant Costume of the evening.
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Acting as Roastmaster for the show was comedy hypnotist Marc Savard whose quick wit, funny one liners, comic timing and delivery was impeccable. Savard did an outstanding job leading the lineup of roasters that included journalist Robin Leach, comedienne Shayma Tash (Chelsea Lately show ), comedian and Plaza Headliner Louie Anderson, Mark Shunock (star of Rock of Ages at the Venetian), Frankie Scinta of the Scintas, Tropicana headliner comedy magician Murray Sawchuck, singer/actress Pia Zadora, and Marcus Deegan, host of Thunder From Down Under. After taking their seat on either side of the stage, the roasters were immediately targeted by Savard who got the ball rolling when he said,“Is this the best you can get? Punch me in the face, so that I can actually see stars.”
Marc Savard and Frank Marino
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Frankie Scinta
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Pia Zadora
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
John Katsilometes
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Shayma Tash and Frank Marino
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Marcus Deegan
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Louie Anderson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Murray Sawchuck and Chloe Louise Crawford
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Mark Shunock and Frank Marino
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Robin Leach
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
That marked the beginning of an unforgettable evening of uncensored barbs, pokes and jabs from the roasters that took aim at each other and Marino as he sat in the hot seat laughing right along. Everything was considered fair game including shots at Marino's sex life, plastic surgery, and more, which were all, of course, delivered in jest.
Although the evening was an adults only affair, and definitely not for prudes or those easily offended by off color remarks and sexually explicit references, one of the show's highlights was when Louie took his turn at the podium and kept it all clean. The self proclaimed food fanatic had everyone in stitches after saying, “I don't have anything prepared because I thought it was really a roast. I have a pig in the car”.
Besides the roasters, there were unforgettable musical performances. Backed by the fantastic Lon Bronson 11 piece band, taking the stage to perform were singer Skye Dee Miles (Tropicana), Jersey Boys stars Jeff Leibow, Travis Cloer, Deven May, Rob Marnell, Graham Fenton, Britney Spears tribute performer Derrick Barry (Divas Las Vegas ), Melody Sweets (Absinthe), the cast and dancers of Divas choreographed by Nick Foote (Quad) and a wild and extremely sexually suggestive performance by a scantily clad Mark Shunock and several male dancers.
Brian Thomas as Monticore and Siegfraud (Anthony Rais) as Sigfried
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Derrick Barry
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jersey Boys
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Mark Shunock
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Melody Sweets
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Skye Dee Miles
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
In addition, making special appearances were “height challenged” actor, Brian Thomas; Mateo Amieva, from Criss Angel's show “Believe” at Luxor; Las Vegas Sun journalist John Katsilometes; and a Siegfried lookalike that had everyone in the audience doing a double-take before realizing he wasn't the real deal.
Prior to the 11 p.m. roast, there was a red carpet for celebrity arrivals, and a pre-show in the lobby billed as "The Show Before The Show", hosted by Liberace tribute performer Daryl Wagner, featuring entertainment by Bella Strings; James C. Mulligan, Adam Flowers, Will Roberts, Jasmine Valencia, and Scott Land.
The roast was yet another way to honor beloved longtime Las Vegas entertainer, Frank Marino, who currently produces and stars in "Frank Marino's Divas Las Vegas" at the Quad Resort & Casino on The Strip. In 2005, Mayor Oscar Goodman proclaimed February 1st as Frank Marino Day in Las Vegas. The performer was also honored with two stars on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars and has a street named after him.
Adam Flowers and Frank Marino
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Alicia Jacobs and Frank Marino
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Bella Strings
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Bob and Betty Ann Golden
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Brian Thomas
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Burt Davis, Frank Marino and Dianne R. Davis
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Chef Josette LeBlond, Frank Marino and Tony Sacca
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Derrick Barry as Britney Spears
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jersey Boys and Frank Marino
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Divas Las Vegas cast
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Heather Marianna
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
James C. Mulligan with signed portrait and Frank Marino
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Magician Jan Rouven
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jasmine Trias, Frank Marino and Ben Stone
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Judy Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Leon Spinks
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Liberace impersonator Daryl Wagner
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Guest, Frank Marino, Maria Gara and Steve August
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Matt and Janell Lewis
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Scott Land and Frank Marino
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Sister Wives Janelle Brown and Christine Brown
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Skye Dee Miles
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Will Roberts
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Meat Loaf Stars in RockTellz and Cocktails at Planet Hollywood
RockTellz & CockTails premiered Sept. 26 at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino starring Grammy Award-winning rock star and actor Meat Loaf. Backed by two powerful female singers and a dynamite backup band, Meat Loaf performs a high energy show that incorporates his biggest music hits like “I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That),” as well as “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” and “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” from his 1977 classic Bat Out Of Hell – the 3rd best-selling album of all time, within a retrospective on his 47 year music, stage and film career that features video clips from some of the 59 films he has appeared in. There is also a Q&A session with the audience in which Meat Loaf has a chance to interact with fans on a more insightful, personal level.
During media night on October 3, there was a red carpet before the show. Among the celebrities who walked the walk were Meat Loaf's best friend, actor Brent Cullen, actor/dancer Adrian Zmed, Meat Loaf’s daughters, Pearl and Amanda Aday, Rick Harrison (Pawn Stars), comedian Carrot Top, the cast of Human Nature, rocker Paul Shortino, comedy hypnotist Anthony Cools, the cast of FANTASY, the cast of Thunder From Down Under, Divas Las Vegas headliner Frank Marino, the cast of Jersey Boys, pro BMX rider Ricardo Laguna, celebrity magician Murray Sawchuck, and artist Michael Godard.
Meat Loaf
Photo credit: Erik Kabik
Amanda Aday, Pearl Aday, Revel Ian and Scott Ian
Photo credit: Erik Kabik
Carrot Top
Photo credit: Erik Kabik
Human Nature
Photo credit: Erik Kabik
Meat Loaf and Adam Steck
Photo credit: Erik Kabik
Ricardo Laguna
Photo credit: Erik Kabik
Rick Harrison
Photo credit: Erik Kabik
British comedian Lenny Windsor, Artist Michael Godard, Murray Sawchuck and Chloe Louise Crawford
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tony Sacca
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
“I’m thrilled and honored to headline the first series of RockTellz & CockTails in Las Vegas,” said Grammy Award-winning musician Meat Loaf. “I’m excited to offer my fans such a personal experience, one that lets them share in the crazy journey I’ve been on for the past 47 years.”
“On top of being one of rock ‘n roll’s most gifted and chart-topping artists, Meat Loaf has a story to tell that is captivating and engaging,” said Adam Steck, RockTellz & CockTails producer and CEO of SPI Entertainment. “We couldn’t be happier to have Meat Loaf as our debut headliner”. Featuring live performances and captivating Q&A sessions, RockTellz & CockTails brings back the intimate, artist-centric shows of yesteryear that helped put the Las Vegas Strip on the map.
Curtain call
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
RockTellz & CockTails Presents Meat Loaf performs inside the PH Showroom at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino every Thursday, Saturday and Tuesday, through Nov. 5. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $69, $89, $109 and $149 plus tax and applicable fees. An exclusive meet and greet package, including a signed Meat Loaf signature red scarf and souvenir photo, is available for $750 plus tax and applicable fees. RockTellz & CockTails Presents Meat Loaf is an all-ages show.
BODIES...The Exhibition Donates Children's Vegetable Garden to Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada
On Monday, Sept. 30, more than 50 children gathered for the unveiling of a newly installed children’s vegetable garden at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada. As part of September’s National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, BODIES…The Exhibition inside Luxor Hotel and Casino, sponsored the garden at the Donald W. Reynolds clubhouse in hopes to foster healthy choices among young people.
Chief Executive Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada, Ken Rubeli, welcomed the children and thanked BODIES…The Exhibition for the generous donation. Rubeli spoke about his own journey to maintain a healthy lifestyle and encouraged the children to use the garden as a tool to implement new healthy habits with their families.
Rubeli also welcomed Dr. Roy Glover, Medical Director and spokesperson for BODIES…The Exhibition, who flew in from his hometown of Ann Harbor, Mich. for the ceremony. Dr. Glover engaged the children with professional suggestions on how to incorporate healthy eating and exercise into their daily routine. He also highlighted the importance of having a well-balanced life and how the choices they make now, can affect their bodies’ long term.
Dr. Glover then revealed the flourishing garden of artichoke, lettuce and tomato plants, which were kindly donated by Home Depot. A few of the children helped Dr. Glover sow the final vegetable plants into the fresh soil, while Maxwell Fenster – Program Director for the Donald W. Reynolds clubhouse – touched on the creative programming he will implement for the garden.
Afterwards, children and guests were treated to complimentary all-fruit smoothies courtesy of Jamba Juice.
Photo credit Gabe Ginsberg/Vegas Kool
Photo credit Gabe Ginsberg/Vegas Kool
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
The LAS VEGAS ANIMAL FOUNDATION edged out 48 other shelters nationwide to win Grand Prize in the 2013 ASPCA RACHAEL RAY $100K CHALLENGE. The Challenge took place in June, July and August and challenged participating shelters and animal rescue organizations to increase the number of lives they saved over summer of 2012. The winner was kept secret until October 1, when ASPCA President and CEO Matthew Bershadker and his staff surprised The Animal Foundation on their campus with cake, sparkling cider, and a giant, $100,000 check at the Campus Adoption Center.
Photo courtesy of The Las Vegas Animal Foundation
The Animal Foundation was in seventh place after June, and climbed to second place after July – just 60 lives saved behind Riverside County Department of Animal Services.
The Animal Foundation saved 1,055 more lives during the Challenge than they did during the summer of 2012. Riverside County saved 1,033 more lives, finishing in second place.
To celebrate their Grand Prize win, and continue to save lives, The Animal Foundation’s Happy Barktoberfest special will take place in honor of October, which is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Interested adopters can take $50 off the adoption fees of any dog 3 years or older throughout the month of October at The Animal Foundation’s two adoption locations.
Las Vegas Entertainer and TV host TONY SACCA celebrated his 50-year anniversary in showbiz with a special edition of Las Vegas Rocks Variety Show, that was taped live Sept. 27 at The Railhead inside Boulder Station. Read more about this event in this week's edition of Dianne Davis's column "Views of Vegas".
This September employees and patrons of GRIMALDI'S PIZZERIA raised $70,000 for SHARE OUR STRENGTH'S NO KID HUNGRY CAMPAIGN to help end childhood hunger in America. The restaurant offered guests the option to donate $5 or $10 to No Kid Hungry, and in return gave guests $5 or $10 back, to use on their next visit to Grimaldi’s from September 15th through September 30th, joining thousands of restaurants nationwide in the No Kid Hungry campaign this September.
The NATIONAL NURSES HEALTH INSTITUTE SPEAKERS SERIES will be held on Friday and Saturday, Oct.11 and 12 at the Red Rock Hotel and Convention Center and it is FREE. Event founder Helene Neville has assembled a specially selected group of speakers, exhibitors and vendors. Topics will include weight loss, nutrition, exercise, Pilates, Zumba, surviving cancer, motivation, holistic nursing and more. The National Nurses Half Marathon or 5K race follows Sunday morning, Oct.13 at Red Rock Canyon. So far, three countries, 21 states and 50 percent of the runners are nurses. Volunteers are still needed, contact Helene Neville at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 480-299-5748.
Milagro Tequila invites tequila enthusiasts to enjoy an evening of MARIACHIS + MARGARITAS at Double Down Saloon, 4640 Paradise Road, on Saturday, October 12 from 11:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. Award winning Milagro Tequila Brand Ambassador Gaston Martinez will on hand crafting custom cocktails for guests to enjoy as well as offering an range of Milagro Tequila to sample. Additionally the evening will feature a special performance by Mariachi de mi Tierra The event is FREE to attend and open to all ages 21 and older.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, SEND ME ON VACATION, a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to sending breast cancer survivors on vacations, is presenting “Pink InThe Park” a benefit fundraising concert on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 1-5 p.m at Fashion Village at Boca Park, 750 S. Rampart. The target is to send five Las Vegas breast cancer survivors on vacations to rejuvenate their mind, body and spirit. Jack Walker a world-renowned vocal entertainer and Rhayne Thomas, a singer and author, will host the show outside of the Sambalatte and Eccoci stores. Top performers, musicians, comedians and magicians will entertain while money is raised for a great cause. Many of the shopping center retailer stores have donated items, services and more to be raffled off in order to raise funds.The public is invited to this FREE event.
Fremont Street Experience will once again transform itself for the FIFTH ANNUAL OKTOBERFRIGHTFEST, combining Oktoberfest and Halloween for the ultimate street party, taking place October 7-31. The spooktacular festivities will include free performances on the 1st St. stage from the popular stage production show “Frank & The Steins” (Oct. 7-31 at 8:10, 9:10 and 10:10 p.m. (dark on Oct. 10, 17 and 24); Viva Vision light and sound shows themed to “Time Warp” and “Monster Mash,” (3-4 minutes long and will play after regularly scheduled shows at the top of the hour); and the Fourth Annual Fall Beer Festival at Golden Nugget (a two-day event on Oct. 18 & 19).
The city of Henderson hosts the 27th annual SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK this fall. The Las Vegas Shakespeare Company presents The Comedy of Errors, Saturday, October 12 at Discovery Park, 2011 Paseo Verde Pkwy.; and shore side at Lake Las Vegas, 15 Cost Di Lago, on Saturday, October 19. All performances begin at 7 p.m. with a green show taking place one hour prior to show time. Admission is FREE.
Red Rock Rotary Club invites the community to help paint kids to camp during THE ART OF GIVING FUNDRAISER sponsored by Blick Art Materials. The event will take place in the Downtown Arts District at Blackbird Studios, 1551 S. Commerce St., on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 3-5 p.m. and features an afternoon of painting live and still art with instruction from local artists. After class a reception with wine, appetizers and giveaways will be held to celebrate participants’ creations. Tickets are $35 and proceeds will support Red Rock Rotary Club’s commitment to send teens to Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) an intensive, two-and-a-half-day leadership training program for high school juniors in District 5300.
Singer/songwriter FRANK TURNER AND HIS BAND, THE SLEEPING SOULS will perform at Hard Rock Live Las Vegas, located inside of Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip, Saturday, October 12. Tickets are $17 in advance and $20 day of show.
Music Mogul SEAN KINGSTON will host an End-Of-The-Summer Bash at REHAB and Body English Nightclub & Afterhours, Oct. 13.
Stars from the blockbuster film, RUDY, will come together at the Brenden Theatres at Palms Casino Resort to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its release, Thursday, Oct. 17th. Celebrity guests will include the film’s star Sean Astin, writer Angelo Pizzo, and the legendary inspiration behind the blockbuster film, Rudy Ruettiger. The Rudy 20th Anniversary Celebration will include a star-studded red carpet, beginning at 5p.m., followed by a VIP reception with celebrity photo opportunities for attendees, a special screening of the film, and a post-screening Q&A with Astin, Pizzo, and Ruettiger. All proceeds from the event will benefit Rudy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, dedicated to providing support and recognition to individuals aspiring to fulfill their dreams, by supporting youth in sports, the performing arts, and academics through scholarship programs throughout Las Vegas.
Self-described “little folk singer,” ANI DiFRANCO brings her soulful sound to Hard Rock Live Las Vegas, Friday, October 18. Tickets are $34.50 in advance and $38 day of show.
TREASURE ISLAND LAS VEGAS is adding to its retail space with a remodeled area along Las Vegas Boulevard and Spring Mountain Road. The space will consist of approximately 40,000 square-feet across three stories and is targeting fall 2014 for opening. With the construction, as well as annual maintenance, the free, nightly Sirens of TI show will be closed October 21 through December 25. The show will resume on December 26 with shows at 5:30, 7, 8:30 and 10 p.m., pending any construction delays.
Grammy award winning metal band SLAYER WITH SPECIAL GUESTS GOJIRA AND 4ARM will perform at The Joint in Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas on Friday, Oct. 25. Tickets start at $39.50 (plus applicable service fees).
LIFE TIME ATHLETIC SUMMERLIN will host their annual Halloween celebration The Life Time “SPOOKTACULAR,” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 26. The gym will be transformed into a family-friendly Halloween haven for the day, complete with spooky decorations, monster mashes and spine-chillingly fun games for kids. Bounce houses, balloon artists and kooky carnival games will be set up around the grim gym, and a graveyard candy scavenger hunt will be held for all the ghouls and boys with a sweet tooth. In addition, a raffle for adults will feature prizes, including birthday and winter break camp discounts. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the cost is $15 for member children and $25 for non-member children. Cost of admission includes free admittance for one adult per child. Each additional adult will cost $5.
The first national tour of the Tony Award wining musical “EVITA” plays inside Reynolds Hall at the Smith Center, Nov. 26 to Dec. 1. Tickets begin at $26 and are on sale now at The Smith Center Box Office, located at 361 Symphony Park Avenue, in downtown Las Vegas.
Director Eli Roth's first year-round haunt, GORETORIUM, that followed the tale of Sin City’s most deadly mythical hotel and casino,The Delmont, has closed. The horror attraction, located at the corner of Harmon and Las Vegas Blvd, opened just over a year ago, in September of 2012.
Despite having garnered amazing reviews, and receiving standing ovations nightly. THE PHAT PACK has announced the closing of their 5PM show at the Plaza Hotel & Casino. Their final performance at the Plaza will be Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 5PM. Although the show is closing, THE PHAT PACK (Bruce Ewing, Ted Keegan, and Randal Keith) are not disbanding. “Closing the show doesn’t mean we are going away for good.” says Ewing. “We are open to looking at other venues, maybe for shorter periods -- and we are already getting booked on upcoming out of town engagements!” Tickets are available for their remaining shows at the Plaza. The PHAT PACK runs Wednesday - Sunday at 5PM through Saturday, November 16th, 2013.
Celebrity sightings:
Tuesday night, Oct. 1...
Stratosphere headliner Frankie Moreno joined the cast of the smash-hit musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET at Harrah’s Las Vegas for a special guest encore appearance, performing the Jerry Lee Lewis hit,“Rockin’ My Life Away.”
Frankie Moreno (center) with cast of Million Dollar Quartet
Photo courtesy of Caesars Entertainment
Frankie Moreno
Photo courtesy of Caesars Entertainment
Friday night, Oct. 4...
Internet personality iJustine was spotted dining at LAVO Italian Restaurant with two guests.
Saturday night, Oct.5...
Fashion designer and socialite Nicky Hilton celebrated the monumental 30th birthday with a weekend extravaganza in Las Vegas organized by sister, Paris Hilton. The blonde siblings reveled at XS nightclub on Friday, but made the official party on her actual birthday, returning to the award winning venue.
Paris and Nicky Hilton
Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/XS Nightclub
Paris and Nicky Hilton with birthday cake
Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/XS Nightclub
Nicky and Paris made an extravagant entrance as the complete model staff lined the nightclub’s iconic gold staircase as the siblings and their entourage of friends and family marched to their VIP table on the dance floor. Nicky was greeted with a four-tier birthday cake decorated with a Chanel-themed design incorporating diamonds, pears and lace. The group danced into the early hours of the morning, moving from their dance floor to the main stage as DJ Eric Prydz performed.
Sunday, Oct. 6...
Bassist Nikki Sixx of the legendary heavy metal band Mötley Crüe enjoyed a delicious Pan-Asian feast with fiancée Courtney Bingham and former bassist of the iconic hard rock band Guns N’ Roses, Duff McKagan at Social House at The Shops at Crystals.