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
Miss Nevada USA 2014 and Miss Nevada Teen USA 2014 Crowned at Artemus W. Ham Hall
Miss South Las Vegas USA Nia Sanchez and Miss Summerlin Teen USA Alexa Taylor were crowned Miss Nevada USA 2014 and Miss Nevada Teen USA 2014 during the exciting pageant held at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall on Sunday, Jan. 12. Miss Nevada USA 2013 Chelsea Caswell and Miss Nevada Teen USA 2013 Amanda Jenkins were on hand to place the tiara on the new title holders.
Miss Nevada Teen USA 2014 Alexa Taylor and Miss Nevada USA Nia Sanchez
Photo credit: Georgina Vaughan
Hosted by Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella and Chet Buchanan of 98.5 KLUC, the pageant featured more than 50 contestants who competed in swimsuit, evening gown and interview. In the end, Sanchez and Taylor were the judges’ picks. The newly-crowned beauty queens will represent Nevada at the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA competitions later this year.
As Miss Nevada USA 2014, 23-year-old Sanchez hopes to bring awareness to women’s and children’s issues as a titleholder. She currently donates her time to The Shade Tree and is passionate about continuing her work with organizations that empower women. She enjoys learning about new cultures by traveling and even lived in Hong Kong in 2012. Her hobbies include international travel, martial arts, hiking, volunteering, mission trips and cooking in her spare time.
As Miss Nevada Teen USA 2014, 15-year-old Alexa Taylor hopes to give back to the community and help mentor her peers. Taylor is a member of the National Charity League, a mother-daughter philanthropy organization which enables her to volunteer for more than 15 local Las Vegas charities. In her spare time, she is a competitive cheerleader and tumbler, and likes to dance, swim and spend time with her family.
Teen USA 2013 Amanda Jenkins, Miss Nevada Teen USA 2014 Alexa Taylor, Miss Nevada USA Nia Sanchez, Miss Nevada USA 2013 Chelsea Caswell
Photo credit: Georgina Vaughan
Throughout their reigns, Sanchez and Taylor will make their mark on the community with charitable endeavors, will become style icons on the red carpet and will bring pride and joy to their state while competing at Miss USA and Miss Teen USA later this year.
PANDA! Celebrates World Premiere at The Palazzo Las Vegas
Direct from Beijing, PANDA! the first ever Chinese-produced show to take up a Las Vegas residency, made its world premiere at The Venetian – The Palazzo Las Vegas on Saturday evening, January 11. In honor of its opening, there was a red carpet event featuring world-renowned celebrities, athletes, and beauty queens including current Miss Nevada USA and Miss Teen Nevada USA contestants, as well as 2013 Miss Nevada USA Chelsea Caswell and 2013 Miss Nevada Teen USA Amanda Jenkins.
PANDA!
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Among the guests in attendance were Holly Madison, Carrot Top, Olympic Gold Medalist Boxer Zou Shiming, former Miss USA Shanna Moakler, Josh Strickland, hypnotist Marc Savard, Pin Up star Claire Sinclair; BMX pro Ricardo Laguna, comedy juggler Jeff Civillico; comedy magician Murray SawChuck and his wife Fantasy dancer/Playboy Cyber girl Chloe; Thunder From Down Under’s Chris Asimos; magic and music entertainers Jarrett & Raja; speaker, actress, and former gymnast Cathy Rigby; Steinway artist Danny Wright; and cast members from Rock of Ages and Million Dollar Quartet.
Cast and executive staff of PANDA!
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Peacock Princess and costume designer Li Song
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Director An Zhao (center) and creative principles
Photo credit: Isaac Brekken/WireImage
Holly Madison
Photo credit: Isaac Brekken/WireImage
Josh Strickland
Photo credit: Isaac Brekken/WireImage
Jersey Boys star Graham Fenton and PANDA! American Director Wes Hyland
Photo credit: Isaac Brekken/WireImage
Cathy Rigby
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Shanna Moakler
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Cast of Rock of Ages
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Cast of Million Dollar Quartet
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
FANTASY dancers Mariah, Isabelle, Tracy and Chloe
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Breeana Diollo and Jeff Civillico
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Carrot Top
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Claire Sinclair
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jarrett & Raja
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Lorraine Hunt and Dennis Bono and family
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Marc Savard and his three lovely daughters
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Murray Sawchuck
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Olympic Boxing Gold Medalist Zou Shimming
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Ricardo Laguna
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Thunder From Down Under's Chris Asimos
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
2014 Miss Texas Teen Kellie Stewart
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
2013 Miss USA Nevada Chelsea Caswell
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
2013 Miss Teen Nevada Amanda Jenkins
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Representatives of several politicians, including Sen. Dean Heller, Sen. Harry Reid, and Rep. Dina Titus issued proclamations welcoming the Chinese production to Las Vegas.
“I’m humbled to bring my vision to Las Vegas,” said acclaimed director An Zhao. “This authentic Chinese production is unlike anything U.S. audiences have ever seen and I look forward to dazzling them with our spectacular show.”
Directed by creative genius An Zhao and produced by a team whose impressive credits include the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, the PANDA! combines high-flying acrobatics, mesmerizing martial arts, music and dance, and includes a talented cast of award-winning performers from China National Acrobatic Troupe and Shaolin Monastery Kung Fu Monks Troupe.
This one-of-a-kind production artfully mixes traditional Chinese themes with unprecedented theatrical effects and a mesmerizing music soundtrack, transporting audiences to a realm of Far Eastern folklore. The show is a visual masterpiece complete with stunning stage design, colorful costumes and lighting, along with background video and graphics masterfully integrated with live action.
A new spin on a timeless tale,PANDA! follows the heroic quest of Long Long, a warm and caring panda on a quest to rescue his beloved Peacock Princess from the malicious Demon Vulture, who has kidnapped her on their wedding day. In the face of desperation, Long Long seeks counsel from Immortal Old Kung Fu Man, who prepares him for the dangerous mission to save his true love. Confronted by hardship, danger, pain, and temptation, Long Long must overcome universal obstacles to defeat Demon Vulture and restore peace and balance.
PANDA! will perform Tuesday through Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at The Palazzo Theater. For up-to-date schedule information, including dark dates, or to purchase tickets ($48-$128) visit any Venetian or Palazzo Box Office.
Bellagio Hosts 15th Annual Canon Customer Appreciation Reception and Fundraiser
Canon U.S.A.'s 15th Annual Customer Appreciation and Fundraiser to benefit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Bellagio Hotel & Casino on Wednesday night, January 8.
This year's event which included a gourmet buffet style dinner and silent and live auction was emceed by actor Richard Burgi (Desperate Housewives) with special guest, co-founder of NCMEC, John Walsh of TV's “America’s Most Wanted”. More than 30 celebrities and patrons of NCMEC were also in attendance to show their support in helping to raise funds and awareness for child safety. It was reported that over $438,000 was raised to benefit NCMEC’s mission.
Since 1997, Canon U.S.A. and NCMEC have collaborated to educate the public about the growing issue of child abduction. The Canon4Kids program, a partnership between Canon U.S.A. and NCMEC, donates product to help law enforcement disseminate photos and information about missing children, produces PSAs with missing children photos, and educates parents about maintaining updated photos of their children.
National TV/radio host and correspondent Stacey Gualandi acted as host for the red carpet where she greeted celebrity arrivals including: comedy magician Murray Sawchuck and his wife, Fantasy dancer/Playboy Cyber Girl Chloem and sidekick Doug “Lefty” Leferovich; rocker Paul Shortino; rocker John Payne; Zowie Bowie's Chris Phillips and violinist Lydia Ansel; comedy hypnotist Anthony Cools; the girls of Fantasy; impressionist/singer/comedian Gordie Brown; actor/singer/dancer Adrian Zmed; comedian Bill Engval; baseball legend Roger Clemens; mix martial arts champ Frank Mir; former pro football player Nat Moore; illusionist Tommy Wind; magic and music entertainers Jarrett & Raja; Robert DeNiro impersonator Robert Nash; Dean Martin tribute artist Tom Stevens; actors Kevin Sorbo (TVs Hercules), Joe Regalbuto (former co-star of TV's Murphy Brown), Robert Hays (Airplane); Christopher Rich and Chris McDonald; Chef Dominic Tedesco; legendary singing groups The Platters and The Ink Spots, musicians Alicia Perrone and Victor James of Fans of Jimmy Century; performer/Cher tribute artist Heidi Thompson; Marilyn Monroe tribute artist Jane Valentine; Frank Sinatra impersonator Peter Pavone; and TV host and entertainer Tony Sacca.
John Walsh - Founder of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
John Arnos - Canon USA representative
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Richard Burgi
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Adrian Zmed
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Bill Engvall and Christopher Rich
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Christopher McDonald
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Alicia Perrone and Victor James of the band Fans of Jimmy Century
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Anthony Cools
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Chef Dominic Tedesco
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Derek Richards
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Dr. Gadget
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Gordie Brown
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jarrett & Raja
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Joe Regalbuto
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
John Payne
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jason and Janea Ebs
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Kevin Sorbo and Sam Jenkins
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
LJ Harness
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Lydia Ansel and Chris Phillips
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Marilyn Sherman
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Murray Sawchuck, Chloe Louise Crawford and Douglas "Lefty" Leferovich
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Nelson Sardelli
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Patrick Warburton
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Paula Trickey
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Paul and Carmen Shortino
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Phillip Friedman
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Prince Lorenzo Maria Raimondo de'Medici de'Gattis da Martirano
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Randy Rogan
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Ricardo Laguna
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Robert Hays
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Roger Clemmons
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Scott Schilling
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Taylor Barton (center)
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The Ink Spots
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The Platters
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tim Molyneux
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tommy Wind
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tom Stevens
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tony Felicetta, Pater Pavone, Janet Valentine and Robert Nash
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tony Sacca
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Epicurean Charitable Foundation Celebrates National Mentorship Month With 'Strikes For Scholarship' Fundraiser
In celebration of National Mentorship Month, Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas hosted the inaugural ‘Strikes for Scholarship’ bowling fundraiser Saturday, January 12, at South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa.
Notable attendees included local celebrities from the casts of “Rock of Ages,” “Jersey Boys” and “Million Dollar Quartet;” Joe McNulty, director of business development at Vero Water; Sandra Hinkelbein, owner of Market Right Inc.; Adam Sternberg, director of sales at Avero LLC; and Jody Lawrence, Nevada market director for Moët Hennessy USA, among others.
Current scholarship recipients were tasked with planning, promoting and executing Strikes for Scholarships themselves. Proceeds from the event benefit ECF’s primary charitable endeavor of providing full-ride scholarships to local students interested in pursuing careers in hospitality or the culinary arts.
ECF students and board members enjoy Strikes for Scholarships
Photo credit: Daniel Ward
ECF students with members of “Rock of Ages,” “Jersey Boys” and “Million Dollar Quartet”
Photo credit: Daniel Ward
Becca Kotte, Matt Meigs, Carrie St. Louis and Bob Torti of “Rock of Ages”
Photo credit: Daniel Ward
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas includes:
SUNDAY'S CHEFS TO THE MAX, the first of in a series of fundraising dinners to benefit critically injured Las Vegas-based food journalist Max Jacobson will take place this upcoming Sunday, January 19 at Chef Rick Moonen’s Rx Boiler Room at The Shoppes at Mandalay Place. On this special night, one-hundred percent of the proceeds will go to benefit Jacobson directly. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by a 7-course gourmet dinner from 7 to 10 p.m. For the menu, chefs are preparing side-by-side courses. Highlights include: Seafood based theme; vegetarian based theme;Pork based theme, and a 7 course dinner and wine pairing. The stunning line-up of chefs now include (in alphabetical order) Megan Bringas; Kim Canteenwalla; Shirley Chung; John Church; Saipin Chutima; Barry Dakake; Susan Feniger; Bobby Flay; Hubert Keller; Thomas Keller; Rick Moonen; Grant MacPherson; Mary Sue Milliken; Bradley Ogden; Luciano Pellegrini; Vincent Pilon; Pino Posteraro; Vincent Pouessel;Joey Romano and Megan Romano; Angelo Sosa and David Walzog.
Tickets for the dinner cost $1,000 per person* and are available for purchase by calling Rx Boiler Room at (702) 632-9305 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Subject: Chefs to the Max). A credit card will be needed to guarantee seats.
On January 20, The 32nd ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING PARADE will take place on Fourth Street from Gass to Ogden Avenues in downtown Las Vegas starting at 10 a.m.
Singer and burlesque performer MELODY SWEETS, featured as the Green Fairy in the Strip’s best show Absinthe at Caesars Palace, takes the stage at “MONDAYS DARK” WITH MARK SHUNOCK (ROCK OF AGES) at Vinyl inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Monday, Jan. 20 at 8:30 p.m.
The cast of EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL at V Theater inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will also an appearance at this fundraising event. All proceeds from the night will benefit Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA).
Comedian RICH HALL, will headline at the LAUGH FACTORY, inside the New Tropicana Hotel, Monday, Jan. 20-26. Hall shot to prominence as a cast member of Saturday Night Live. Hall also gained fame with numerous appearances on “Not Necessarily the News,” “The Late Show With David Letterman,” “Fridays,” “Sniglets,” and the “Tonight Show.”
Rich Hall
Photo courtesy of the Laugh Factory
Comedican JEFF ALTMAN will be making a special appearance at the Laugh Factory, Friday through Sunday, Jan. 24-26. With more than 40 appearances on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” the “slightly unhinged” Jeff Altman combines physical comedy with keen, honest observations about everyday life. Show times are 8:30 and 10:30 p.m., with tickets priced from $39.95 to $44.95.
Jeff Altman
Photo courtesy of the Laugh Factory
Las Vegas largest women's event, DIVAS DAY OUT will take place 10 am to 4 pm January 25 at the Southpoint Hotel & Casino. Over 100 businesses will be on-site with information on health, fitness, beauty, fashion, motherhood, finance, education, and careers. The one day annual event also features lots of shopping, giveaways, stage appearances by Divas Las Vegas star Frank Marino, the hunky men of Thunder Down Under, and a special performance by dance pro Mark Ballas, from TV's Dancing With the Stars. The event is FREE and opened to the public. The first 1000 women through the door will get a goody bag and a pink Boa.
The LVH – Las Vegas Hotel & Casino has announced that its spectacular show, "RAIDING THE ROCK VAULT," has signed a long term agreement to continue through 2014. "Raiding the Rock Vault" opened in March 2013 and has consistently received critical and audience acclaim, as well as having been rated Vegas' #1 Show. The show will reopen on January 24, 2014.
The original Urban Cowboy MICKEY GILLEY will bring his country hits to the establishment bearing his name – Gilley’s Saloon, Dance Hall & Bar-b-Que – January 29 through February 1 at 7:30 p.m. each evening. The concerts will be general admission and there is no reserved seating.
Multi-platinum artist ZEDD has established an exclusive residency with Wynn Las Vegas daylife and nightlife venues Encore Beach Club, Surrender and XS in 2014. The GRAMMY nominated DJ/producer/songwriter will debut at XS on Friday, Jan. 31, launching a powerfully programmed weekend featuring Skrillex (Feb. 1), Lil Jon (Feb. 2) and R.L. Grime (Feb. 3) at the award-winning nightclub.
The Dr. Miriam & Sheldon G. Adelson Educational Campus will honor Chemistry Nobel Laureate, Israeli biochemist, DR. AARON CIECHANOVER at the 9TH ANNUAL PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE GALA on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino. Tickets start at $250 per person and are on sale now. Corporate sponsorships and tables are also available. All proceeds from this event will benefit the school’s scholarship program to provide funds for students in need. To purchase tickets or make a donation visit http://www.adelsoncampus.org/ or contact Davida Sims, director of development at (702) 515-8203.
Fremont Street Experience, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and Golden Catalyst invite the public to celebrate the Year of the Horse during the third annual CHINESE NEW YEAR IN THE DESERT FESTIVAL. Ring in the Chinese New Year with a three-day festival taking place in Downtown Las Vegas Feb. 7 – 9, 2014. Chinese New Year is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays and is known as "Spring Festival" in China, “Tet New Year” in Vietnamese and “Seol-lal” in Korea.
Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman will kick-off the festivities during the opening ceremonies and ribbon cutting at 6:30 p.m. February 7 on the 3rd Street Stage, which will feature The Desert Winds, a premiere contemporary wind ensemble of more than fifty professional woodwind, brass, and percussionists and a live authentic dragon dance by the Las Vegas Lohan School of Shaolin. Throughout the weekend guests will also experience live International Cultural Performances; taste authentic dishes from around the world in the International Vendor Village; enjoy live concerts by Victoria Zhong Wei, Henry Chuc, Kevin Khoa, Gloria Papin, and the Society of Seven during the DragonFest concert series; join Dr. Teddy Sim, Jaqueline Andrea, and the Las Vegas Zumba® Crew as they attempt to make history by breaking the Guinness World Record for the Largest Zumba® Class; view stunning parade floats in the McDonald’s Las Vegas Spring Festival Parade; and along with students from Clark County School District, guests are also invited to create their own lantern to display on Fremont Street Experience to commemorate the Lunar Lantern Festival.
Guns and Ammo Garage, a state-of-the-art indoor shooting range, announced that the company has changed its name to GUN GARAGE, effective immediately. Gun Garage is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. They are located at 5155 S. Dean Martin Drive.
Celebrity Sightings:
Sunday morning, Jan. 12...
Television personality, DJ Pauly D, producer Jermaine Dupri and comedian Kevin Hart partied hard at the sexy Crazy Horse III Gentlemen’s Club.
Saturday night, Jan. 11...
Pawn Stars' Rick Harrison and baseball star Jason Giambi of the Cleveland Indians enjoyed dinner with restaurant owner, Tom Kelly, at Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar.
Former heavyweight boxing champion, Mike Tyson, enjoyed a night out at Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa’s Access Showroom where he listened to beats from DJ R.O.B. & The Funk All-Stars, who are part of ‘Aliante All-Star Weekends’ new lineup.
Barry Cofield, DeAngelo Hall and other NFL players from the Washington Redskins were spotted at TAO Nightclub partying to the sounds of DJ Vice.
Friday, Jan. 10...
Famed WWE wrestler Matt Hardy was spotted checking out Blue Man Group at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino. Following the show, the athlete attended a private VIP meet-and-greet with the Blue Men and posed for pictures with cast members.
Matt Hardy
Photo courtesy of Blue Man Group
Thursday night, Jan. 9...
Former San Diego Chargers lineman and reality TV personality, Takeo Spikes arrived at Crazy Horse III for a night of partying.
Hip-hop artist Juicy J hosted the official SOUL Headphones party at TAO Nightclub with sounds by DJ Five.
Grammy award-winning producer, DJ and recording artist Swizz Beatz dined at TAO Asian Bistro with friends.
Juicy J performing
Photo Credit: Brenton Ho, Powers Imagery
Juicy J SOUL Headphones party
Photo Credit: Brenton Ho, Powers Imagery
Model and actor Tyson Beckford joined friends and executives from Sol Republic at Tryst Nightclub inside Wynn Las Vegas.
Wednesday, Jan. 8...
In the early morning,Model and actor, Tyson Beckford and entertainer Lil Jon arrived at Crazy Horse III for after-hours partying.
At night...
Chateau Nightclub & Gardens hosted Monster’s 35th birthday party with special guest DJ Swizz Beatz. NE-YO, Jay Sean and Tyson Beckford, among others were spotted joining in the celebration at the Strip-side nightspot.
Professional dancer and choreographer Lacy Schwimmer who has appeared on Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance, was spotted at Carmine’s inside the Forum Shops at Caesars accompanied by Stratosphere headliner Frankie Moreno.
Lacy Schwimmer at Carmine's inside the Forum Shops
Photo courtesy of Carmine's
Monday, Jan. 6...
International music sensation Justin Bieber checked in to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas for two nights. The singer, joined by his father Jeremy Bieber, manager John Shahidi and rapper Xavier “Lil Za” Smith, arrived in Las Vegas after a long road trip from San Francisco.
Tuesday, Jan 7...
Justin Bieber along with five friends and family members dined at Culinarushiyaki. Later, his dad, Jeremy stopped by Body English Nightclub & Afterhours for a private event featuring a performance by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Before a private concert at The Joint, Imagine Dragons’ lead singer Dan Reynolds was also spotted with a group of eight friends at Culinary Dropout.
That same evening, retired professional basketball player Shaquille O’Neal was across the casino at 35 Steaks + Martinis.
