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
American Lung Association Hosts Fundraising 'Swing Into Summer' Fashion Show and Dinner
The American Lung Association – Las Vegas (ALAN) held its fourth annual Fashion Show event and fundraiser with Saks Fifth Avenue at the Las Vegas Country Club on Friday evening, June 6.
The Swing into Summer Fashion Show and Dinner was hosted by comic and magician, Adam London, and included a fashion show showcasing the Best of Saks Fifth Avenue with men’s and women’s fashions, a cocktail hour, sit down dinner, and silent auction to benefit The American Lung Association. Ten percent of the event sales of the fashions from Saks Fifth Avenue were donated to the American Lung Association of Nevada.
Adam London
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Best of Saks Fifth Avenue Fashions
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Best of Saks Fifth Avenue Fashions
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Best of Saks Fifth Avenue Fashions
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Best of Saks Fifth Avenue Fashions
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Best of Saks Fifth Avenue Fashions
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Best of Saks Fifth Avenue Fashions
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Best of Saks Fifth Avenue Fashions
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Best of Saks Fifth Avenue Fashions
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Among the eclectic, fabulous items up for bid during the silent auction were a Mandarin Oriental Spa Getaway, a one night getaway at a bed and breakfast at Sandy Valley Ranch in Utah that included dinner and a trail ride for two, a signed script from the TV show Criminal Minds, The Sands' Rat Pack Art, and exquisite John Hardy jewelry. Live auction packages included a 12 piece patio set, a one week stay at a 3 bedroom cabin overlooking Duck Creek Meadow in Utah, an in home dinner for ten provided by Executive Chef Rick Giffen plus 21 piece gourmet cookware gift, and more.
Silent auction items
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Silent auction items
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Silent auction items
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Silent auction items
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Silent auction items
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Silent auction items
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Silent auction items
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Silent auction items
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Live auction item
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Silent auction jewelry item
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The evening's musical entertainment was provided by pianist Michael Shane who performed during the cocktail reception and 14-year old vocalist, Kaelavii (aka Kayla Smith) who sang during the dinner portion of event.
Pianist Michael Shane
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
14-year old vocalist, Kaelavii (aka Kayla Smith)
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The American Lung Association recently made national headlines with the introduction of LUNG FORCE, an initiative addressing the startling statistic that lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer, killing more Americans than breast, prostate and colon cancer combined. Each year, 160,000 individuals die of lung cancer and more than two thirds diagnosed have never smoked or are former smokers. In 1999, Nevada had the highest teen smoking rates in the country, being at 33-percent. Today, that rate has increasingly dropped to 10.2-percent due to the efforts of the American Lung Association and its partners.
Actress Valerie Harper and singers Kellie Pickler and Jewel have joined LUNG FORCE as Celebrity Ambassadors to advance awareness and help save lives. Although they were unable to be there in person, they were shown on video providing welcome messages to the guests. Making a live appearance was Kathryn (Kate) Forbes, who stated that this was her first official event as the new National Chairperson for the American Lung Association.
Kathryn (Kate) Forbes
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
A few special individuals were recognized as Lung Force Heroes. Introduced on stage were Jemina Del Torro & Ziad Chaya, two students that benefitted from the ALA program called Open Airways that educates and empowers children through a fun and interactive approach to asthma self-management, and Lysa Buonanno, a lung cancer survivor. Two years ago Lysa came to the American Lung Association Walk at Floyd Lamb Park with a Stage Four lung cancer diagnosis, an army of friends and family, and a big bag full of money that she had raised for the American lung Association. You can read her story on the national website, LUNGFORCE.org.
Jemina Del Toro
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Ziad Chaya
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Lysa Buonanno
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Brand New Restaurant Concept “Tacos and Beer” Celebrates Grand Opening
The brand new restaurant concept, Tacos & Beer, held its VIP grand opening and media event on Thursday, June 5. Located on 3900 Paradise Road in the space formerly occupied by Firefly, which moved to a nearby location, Tacos and Beer is the latest brainchild of Firefly owner John Simmons.
Tacos & Beer
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The menu features Mexican-style fare and street tacos such as beer and chile braised beef, tender pork simmered in salsa verde and topped with crunchy chicharone, beer-battered Baja-style fish tacos with fresh veggies and chili-lime crema, and fresh guacamole topped with toasted spicy pumpkin seeds and pomegranate, all made with fresh ingredients. Signature cocktails include its house frozen sangria and frozen margaritas. Those who are sensitive to gluten and are on restrictive diet will be thrilled to learn that all items on the menu are gluten free, except for the flour tortillas, churros and beer.
Tacos
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Sopas
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tacos & Beer also boasts one of the few Certified Ciserones in Las Vegas, an expert who possesses a deep and well-rounded knowledge of beer and beer service as well as competence in assessing beer quality and identity by taste. Twenty rotating beers on draft and several dozen in bottles are available to the restaurant's patrons.
Tacos & Beer
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
During the Grand Opening event guests were treated to complimentary food and beer tasting, and a musical entertainment provided by Kalen, a live mariachi band. Along with a buffet style, all you could eat chips, salsa and guacamole bar, friendly servers passed trays of mouth watering items that included jicama salad, coctel de marisco tostadas, ceviche of mahi mahi tostaditas, puerco verde sopas, beef adobada tacos, mini crunchy tacos and Mexico City style “Quesadillas with veggies and cheese, and for dessert: churros stuffed with “Cajeta” and drizzled with chocolate.
Kalen
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Salsa Bar
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Chips, salsa and guacamole
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jicama Salad
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
puerco verde sopas
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
coctel de marisco tostadas
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
ceviche of mahi mahi tostaditas
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
churros stuffed with “Cajeta” and drizzled with chocolate
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
With its inviting, hip décor, vibrant atmosphere, friendly servers, and a great mix of reasonably priced, tasty Mexican food and a variety of beers, Tacos & Beer is a welcome new addition to the Las Vegas dining scene.
Tacos & Beer
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
In honor of national burger month this past May, HARD ROCK CAFE LAS VEGAS invited celebrities and local personalities from across the valley to participate in the second annual CELEBRITY BURGER CHALLENGE. Beating out almost 15 other entries, Thunder from Down Under and their “Six Pack Burger” will now be featured on the famous cafe’s menu throughout the month of June, available at both Vegas locations. The winning combination of ingredients includes 100% Angus Beef topped with Jack Cheese, Avocado, Bacon, 1000 Island Dressing and of course Shrimp. All served on toasted sourdough bread.
Thunder From Down Under performers
Photo courtesy of Hard Rock Cafe
The competition started with the cafe’s head chef, Jess Fulkerson, narrowing down the submission to include the top five creative creations. After surviving the first round of cuts, local food writers were invited to taste the remaining burgers and scores based on the following categories: Taste, Creativity and Appearance. The final vote was sent to the people as fans were allowed to like their favorite entry via Hard Rock’s Facebook page.
During a press conference on Friday afternoon, June 6, FIRST FRIDAY LAS VEGAS, the largest arts and culture festival in the Western United States, announced changes to the organization and festival, promising stronger and better events for the future of the arts community and Downtown Las Vegas that will begin on Friday, August 1 and continue throughout the second-half of 2014.
One of the important announcements included First Friday is going dark on Friday, July 4, 2014 for the month returning with a bold August event. This is the first time in three years First Friday Las Vegas will not producing an event. “As we celebrate our 12th anniversary this year, it is very important to us to keep moving forward and produce stronger events and work toward improving the community that has embraced First Friday,” says First Friday Las Vegas’ Head of Communications, Special Programming and Sponsorships Charles Ressler. “With a great amount of thought and respect to the community, we decided to use the holiday to allow everyone involved in First Friday to utilize this time to take it to the next level.” During this month hiatus, First Friday encourages artists and vendors to activate on their own in the arts district.
Beginning with First Friday on August 1, the traditional First Friday “footprint” will expand with happenings throughout Downtown Las Vegas, including the Arts District, Symphony Park and Fremont East. The epicenter will remain along Casino Center Drive at Charleston Boulevard in the middle of 18b, the Arts District. With the success of the Sheryl Crow concert at Container Park and Healthy Indulgence/Next Dimension at the Keep Memory Alive Events Center, it is an important time to expand the First Friday boundaries with the growth of downtown.
Acclaimed illusionist JAN ROUVEN, star of Illusions at Riviera Hotel & Casino, was presented the Merlin Award on Saturday, June 7, proclaiming him the 2014 “Illusionist of the Year.” Presented by the International Magicians Society, the world’s largest magic organization with more than 37,000 members worldwide, the Merlin Award is the most prestigious award given in the world of magic.
ALIANTE CASINO + HOTEL & SPAN, a AAA Four Diamond Resort, has been awarded a TRIP ADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE for 2014. The accolade, which honors hospitality excellence, is granted to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor® and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide.
SAMI LADECK of Ladeki Hospitality Group was named “RESTAURATEUR OF THE YEAR” for 2014 by the California Restaurant Association’s (CRA) San Diego chapter at the 30th annual Gold Medallion Awards at Town & Country Resort on June 4. Best known for his popular Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza concept, the restaurateur also celebrates the 25th anniversary of his first restaurant opening this summer. Also at the event was San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, who surprised the enterprising restaurant owner with a proclamation declaring the day Sami Ladeki Day.
MONTE CARLO RESORT AND CASINO has completed a multi-million-dollar reinvention of its Strip-facing facade, debuting a lively open-air plaza with six unique dining concepts, vibrant community spaces and dynamic live entertainment. The cool, high-energy atmosphere makes it the ideal setting to enjoy Vegas’ sultry summer nights. The destination includes Diablo’s Cantina, a festive, two-story Mexican restaurant from leading development and management company The Light Group, and introduces five indoor-outdoor restaurants new to The Strip: Yusho, featuring inventive Japanese-inspired street food by celebrated chef Matthias Merges; Double Barrel, the first authentic roadhouse from renowned hospitality group sbe; 800 Degrees, a pizzeria from the California-based restaurateurs behind Umami Burger; BLVD Creamery, a contemporary ice cream shop with innovative flavors and unexpected dessert offerings; and Sambalatte, a Vegas-grown premium coffee experience.Live entertainment features a rotating roster of live bands of all genres, solo musicians, artists and street performers take over the plaza daily from 3 p.m. until late night.
A New Exhibit “HATCHING THE PAST, DINOSAUR EGGS AND BABIES" is on display at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, 900 Las Vegas Blvd. No. Families are invited to enjoy hands on exhibits that explore dinosaur family groups and dinosaur eggs. Journey 65 million years in the past to discover why dinosaurs still fascinate us to this day and why paleontologists keep asking questions about these prehistoric animals.
Beginning June 14, LILIAN GARCIA & THE FUSE join the entertainment lineup at Club Madrid inside Sunset Station. Featuring the powerful vocals of singer, songwriter and WWE SmackDown host Lilian Garcia, Lilian Garcia & The Fuse will bring their high-energy performance, featuring a rocking mix of current covers and original songs, every Saturday at 10 p.m.
Award-winning comic, actor, writer and producer, LAVELL CRAWFORD will perform at the Suncoast Showroom June 14 and 15. Showtime for each evening is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from $15.95, plus tax and fees. The GAY AND LESBIAN COMMUNITY CENTER OF SOUTHERN NEVADA (The Center) presents ARTRAGEOUS VEGAS featuring an extravagance of music, culture and mind-blowing art on Saturday, June 14 from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Themed “Artists in Wonderland” and curated by historian and art enthusiast Brian “Paco” Alvarez, this year’s event will feature a juried art show and sale, fashion shows and live entertainment from many Las Vegas locals, including photographer Cameron Grant who will unveil a new three-foot by eight-foot photograph during the event. Attendees will be whisked away to a glitzy, mature version of the fantasy land from Lewis Carroll’s classic children’s book. Inside and outside, The Center will be decked out with special lighting, decorative elements, themed areas and high fashion versions of familiar Alice in Wonderland characters, creating an art show atmosphere with a nightlife feel.The evening will feature signature Wonderland inspired drinks such as a MAD-tini, hourly fashion shows, a rotation of live acts including singers, dancers and performance artists, a glitzy Queen of Hearts Cabaret area, and of course, plenty of amazing art. Guests must be 21 and older to attend ARTrageous Vegas. Tickets are $40 at the door. All proceeds benefit The Center.
Animator/voice over artist turned comedian GREG MORTON will be headlining the Laugh Factory, inside the Tropicana Hotel/Casino, the week of June 16-22; with two shows nightly at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Morton will be sharing the stage with Manny Oliveira, and host John Pate.Tickets are priced at $34.95 and $44.95 plus tax and fees.
The College of Southern Nevada Fine Arts Gallery will present A SOLO EXHIBIT OF DIGITALLY MANIPULATED PHOTOGRAPHS, VIDEO AND ANIMATION by The Ohio State University Mansfield Assistant Professor of Art, Kate Shannon. “KATE SHANNON: YOU DESERVE MORE” will begin Friday, June 20 and will run through Friday, August 1. Ms. Shannon will present a Preview and Gallery Talk on Thursday, June 19 at 1:30p.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. Saturday. The Performing Arts Center/Fine Arts Gallery is located at the half circle drive near the campus main entrance, on the North Las Vegas Cheyenne campus at 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave., one mile East of I-15 North.
On Friday, June 20, customers who stop by any participating TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE location throughout Nevada between the hours of 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. wearing FLIP FLOPS will receive a FREE 24 oz. JETTY PUNCH SMOOTHIE. During this time, customers can show their support for Camp Sunshine by purchasing a $5 flip flop key fob will be rewarded with a 10 percent discount on all future purchases through the end of the year.
First Friday Foundation announces UNDER THE LIGHTS LAS VEGAS, a full evening of music, art and entertainment presented by OFF SIXTH and Downtown Project and Downtown Container Park on Friday, June 20 from 9:30 p.m. – 2 a.m. From musicians to DJs to custom art, Las Vegans can enjoy an evening of global entertainment while supporting the First Friday Foundation and cultivating Downtown Las Vegas. Tickets are $26 and can be purchased online at www.underthelightslv.com. One dollar from every ticket purchased directly benefits the First Friday Foundation and supports their ongoing commitment to cultivating and inspiring the art scene in Las Vegas. The concert series also features events on July 18 and August 15 with musicians’ announcements at a later date.
Comedian PABLO FRANCISCO brings his arsenal of spot on impressions and hilarious observational spoofing to the South Point Casino June 27th 29th. Showtimes are Friday, Saturday, & Sunday 7:30PM. Ticket prices are $15, $20, & $25
Celebrate Fourth of July underneath the Viva Vision canopy with UFC IMTERNATIONAL FIGHT WEEK AND FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE'S ROCK OF VEGAS FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES featuring rockers Papa Roach, P.O.D. and Lit, 9 p.m on the 3rd Street stage. Downtown Las Vegas gets in on the UFC International Fight Week action as several events including an Ulti-man™ 5k run, meet-and-greets and autograph signings with UFC® fighters and Octagon Girls® and a special concert take over Fremont Street Experience. The third annual UFC International Fight Week returns to Las Vegas from July 1-6 with something for everyone and unprecedented access to the largest gathering of UFC fighters ever. The weeklong celebration culminates with two HUGE fight cards that weekend in Las Vegas – UFC 175, presented by Bud Light® on Sat., July 5 and The Ultimate Fighter® Finale: TEAM EDGAR vs. TEAM PENN on Sun., July 6 both at Mandalay Bay Events Center. While Fremont Street Experience will transform Downtown Las Vegas into the hottest place to be on Fourth of July featuring the free concert and a fireworks show displayed on the Viva Vision canopy screen, the UFC’s Fourth of July festivities during International Fight Week will be continuous throughout the day.
“GOTTA DANCE: A TRIBUTE TO...LIFE!” a spectacular, new stage extravaganza celebrating dance through the years, is set for a World Premiere showcase July 2 and 3, at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in the Troesh Studio Theatre. Presented by The HAND Company, the show is directed and choreographed by Giulio Scatola, produced by Steve Hand, with production design by Emmy Award winner, Andy Walmsley and music by Josh Connolly.“Gotta Dance: A Tribute To…Life!” is about the uncontrollable urge to move and freely express yourself as you find rhythm and music in everything that surrounds you,” says director/choreographer Giulio Scatola. “It could be a song or an unexpected beat pulsing from ordinary, every day sounds – from a machine engine hum to the sound of raindrops on the roof. As you liberate yourself through movement, you find connections with the vibrations of life and the people you come in contact with in a timeless celebration of who you are and who we all are!”
The showcase will consist of a variety of dance styles and music and will take the audience on a journey through some iconic and historical dance moments and figures from Hollywood to Broadway, to concerts and classic music videos. Styles will range from Jazz/Fosse to Tap, Modern, Hip Hop, Ballet, Latin, Ballroom, Acrobatics, Pole and Hand-To-Hand numbers and will be performed by a cast of some of the most in-demand, dancers from Las Vegas and around the world. The production will also incorporate an eclectic array of music featuring dance in the title from all genres and eras including the show’s title track to “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston, “I Hope You Dance” (Lee Ann Womack) to “Dance My Pain Away” (Wye Oak), among many others.
Actor and comedian, EARTHQUAKE (‘Everybody Loves Chris,” “Clerks II,” “The Longshots”) will headline COMEDY BLAST, a hilarious night of performances by popular comedians on Saturday, July 5 at 8:30 p.m inside the Orleans Arena. The lineup of comics include Deray Davis (“Barbershop,” “Semi-Pro,” "21 Jump Street"), Gary Owen ("Ride Along,” “Think Like a Man,” “Rebound”) and Arnez J (“Comedy Central,” “All-Star Comedy Jam,” BET’s “Comicview”). Ticket prices ranges from $49 to $74, based on seating level.
THE GEORGE GEE SWING ORCHESTA FEATURING VOCALISTS GARNER AND JOHN DOKES, returns to the Suncoast Showroom for a one-night-only big band dance event on Friday, July 4.This versatile ensemble performs everything from a sweet foxtrot ballad, to rock and soul party favorites and all-out rollickin’ roadhouse boogie. Gee is considered the world’s only Chinese-American swing big bandleader, offering a unique cross-cultural perspective to audiences. For one special night only, the Suncoast Showroom will feature dance floor space from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $15.95, plus tax and convenience fees and the event is general admission.
Renowned funk band, ZAPP BAND, ALONG WITH THE ORIGINAL STONE CITY BAND will join special guests, including dance hit maker, TRINERE, and local spin master, DJ R.O.B, for a performance at Sam’s Town Live! 8 p.m. on July 5. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are available from $25.
Singer/songwriter/guitarist, and multi-Grammy Award winner KENNY LOGGINS is set to perform at the Orleans Showroom on July 5 and 6. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $59.95 plus tax and convenience fees.
The GRATEFUL DEAD'S BOB WEIR will bring his band RATDOG along with him for his July 5 stop at The Pearl inside Palms Resort Casino. Tickets start at $40, plus any additional service fees.
THE WIENER'S CIRCLE, Chicago’s famed hot dog stand, is now open between the Sports Book and Poker Room at Red Rock Resort in Summerlin. The restaurant is serving up their exclusive only-in-Vegas-items in addition to the signature Chicago-style char-grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, fresh-cut fries and milkshakes.
Celebrity Sightings:
Sunday evening, June 8...
Actress and former model Gabrielle Union dined at LAVO Italian Restaurant with a group of friends.
Saturday night, June 7...
Food Network star Guy Fieri was spotted in attendance at Kid Rock’s concert at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas’ Boulevard Pool. Fieri enjoyed the performance from backstage, alongside friend and business partner Reid Strathearn of Grand Krew: A Guy Fieri Company.
Guy Fieri
Photos attached.Credit: © Brenton Ho
Academy Award winning actor and 30 Seconds to Mars front man Jared Leto showed up to support his friend Zedd’s residency at XS nightclub. Leto hung out with friends at a stage side table while taking in the DJ set.
Jared Leto, Zedd and XS Managing Partner Jesse Waits.
Photo courtesy of Danny Mahoney/XS Las Vegas.
Friday night, June 6...
Pentatonix, an a capella group best known for winning the third season of “The Sing-Off” on NBC, dined at TAO Asian Bistro.
Also at TAO Asian Bistro was Los Angeles Clippers’ point guard Chris Paul with friends. While at the restaurant, the NBA star headed back to the kitchen to see if he could talk Executive Chef Sean Kinoshita into giving him the recipe for his favorite dish.The group then headed upstairs to TAO Nightclub where they partied from a VIP table on the dance floor.
Chris Paul
Photo courtesy of TAO
NBA player and Golden State Warriors’ center-forward Jermaine O’Neal was also spotted at TAO Nightclub. O’Neal and a group of friends took over a VIP table and partied to the sounds of DJ Eric D-Lux.