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
VEGAS HAPPENINGS
by Judy Thorburn
Delano Las Vegas debuts on the Las Vegas Strip
Formerly known as THEhotel, situated steps away from Mandalay Bay, the highly anticipated luxury, all-suite Delano Las Vegas, debuted on Tuesday, September 2, bringing a touch of South Beach to The Strip. On hand for the morning ribbon cutting were executives and employees of MGM Resorts International and Morgans Hotel Group.
“Delano Las Vegas marks a new chapter in the Las Vegas hotel experience, ushering in elevated levels of personalized service, style and attention to detail,” said General Manager Matthew Chilton.
General Manager Matthew Chilton
“We’re challenging the quintessential over-the-top Vegas experience by introducing a new brand focused on understated luxury, appealing to in-the-know travelers.,” added Chilton.
Intimate and stylish, Delano’s public spaces envelop guests in a welcoming ambiance punctuated by eclectic, playful details and a modern sensibility. The non-smoking, non-gaming, all-suite hotel offers sophisticated accommodations and dynamic social spaces such as Franklin, an eclectic lounge; 3940 Coffee + Tea; and Della’s Kitchen, where historic farmhouse meets urban kitchen. A new menu at BATHHOUSE Spa infuses the soothing elements of locally sourced desert ingredients while drawing inspiration from Morgans Hotel Group’s collection of hotels around the world.
Jason Kalisman, Chairman of The Board of Directors at Morgans Hotel Group, stated, “The arrival of Delano to the Las Vegas Strip is a historic moment for Morgans. A Delano is so much more than just a physical structure; it is a special experience that transports guests into a world that combines fantasy and modern luxury. We are both excited and honored to be partnering with MGM Resorts International, a leader in hospitality and entertainment, in bringing this unique lifestyle brand to the Las Vegas Strip.”
Las Vegas's Newest Resort/Casino SLS Opens ts Doors
After years in the making, the highly anticipated SLS Las Vegas, a $415 million dollar renovation of the legendary Sahara on the North end of the strip, opened its doors at midnight August 22. SLS is the first major casino resort debuting in Las Vegas in several years. A fully-integrated, entertainment-driven resort and casino with more than 1,600 guest rooms and suites, SLS Las Vegas features a curated collection of hospitality industry trendsetter sbe's most beloved brands, refined and reinvigorated for Las Vegas as well as original concepts all set in an atmosphere that’s both dynamic and approachable.
Photo credit: David Becker/Getty Images
Photo credit: David Becker/Getty Images
This is the beginning of a new era for The Strip,” said , Founder, Chairman and CEO, sbe. “We are thrilled to throw open our doors and show the world what we’ve been working on for the past several years. It feels good to be back in the former Sahara space, and we look forward to creating new, legendary memories as SLS Las Vegas.”
Sam Nazarian and TV personality Maria Menounos
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
Destined to become one of the most energetic hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, SLS is high-style collaboration between Nazarian, James Beard award-winning chef Jose Andres and design visionary Phillippe Starck in collaboration with globally acclaimed architectural firm Gensler. Every element of SLS Las Vegas’ guest rooms, multi-concept restaurants and social atmospheres was conceptualized by Starck and Gensler. Featuring more than 1,600 rooms in three distinctive towers – World, Story and Lux – each space was designed with elegance and sophistication.
Highlights of the property include Andres’ Bazaar Meat, a twist on his hugely popular concept Bazaar; the second location of The Sayers Club, one of Los Angeles’ best-loved live music venues; celebrated restaurants Katsuya by Starck, Umami Burger, Beer Garden and Sports Book ; an exclusive partnership with retailer Fred Segal, and The Strip’s most exhilarating nightclub, the 20,000 square-foot LiFE, a venue designed, with sbe’s myriad years creating superior nightlife venues, to maximize the club-going experience. The property also introduces all-new concepts like Ku Noodle, a casual Asian eatery also by Andrés, The SLS Buffet and The Perq.
Photo credit: David Becker/Getty Images
Iggy Azalea and Rita Ora
DJ Samantha Ronson
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
Lenny Kravitz
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
“We’re incredibly proud of our partners and our approachable mix of amenities,” added President and COO of SLS Las Vegas, Rob Oseland. “As a result, we have a property that speaks to everything that the 40 million tourists who find their way to Vegas every year expect while at the same time stays approachable and welcoming to the vibrant community of Southern Nevada.”
The resort celebrated its opening with a star-studded preview party with guests including, actors Aaron Paul, Emile Hirsch and Kellan Lutz, model Dita Von Teese, UFC star Chuck Liddell, and actress Brittany Snow. Partygoers enjoyed tastes of the resort’s signature food and beverage offerings and live performances from rock legend Lenny Kravitz, who designed a handful of the resort’s top tier suites, and rising star artists including Iggy Azalea, Rita Ora, JoJo and Jhené Aiko. As the clock struck midnight, amid a dazzling display of fireworks, the SLS team led by Sam Nazarian officially cut the ribbon and escorted the first guests to the gaming floor.
Chuck Liddell and Heidi Northcott Liddell
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
Jason Scoppa and Dita Von Teese
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
Holly Madison
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
Dancer/choreographer Jennifer Romas
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
Kellan Lutz
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
Jodi Hortze and Michelle Branch
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
Pamela Anderson
Photo credit: Erik Kabik
Blanda Eggenswiler
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
Angela Aguirre and DJ Vice
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
Bernie Yuman and Jamie King
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
Emile Hirsch and Adam DeVine
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
Iggy Azalea
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
Rita Ora
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
Jermaine Jones
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
Lenny Kravitz
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
Pia Toscano
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Perry Christie and Bernadette Hanna
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
Rami Malek
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
The Righteous Young
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
“This is a very exciting day for us,” said Nazarian. “SLS Las Vegas is the embodiment of a dream that began seven years ago when we purchased the Sahara. To see this legendary property come back to life in the vision that we created all those years ago is nothing short of incredible and I am grateful for all of our visionary partners and the incredible community support we have received during this transformation. We invite everyone to be legendary and join us at SLS Las Vegas.”
Photo credit: Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Additional recent and upcoming happenings in and around Las Vegas includes:
On Thursday, September 4, the High Roller at The LINQ Promenade – Caesars Entertainment’s open-air shopping, dining and entertainment district – ceremoniously lit up the Las Vegas Strip orange in honor of ‘GO ORANGE DAY,’ the public campaign to raise hunger awareness as part of Hunger Action Month. Organized by the Feeding America nationwide network of food banks, the campaign brings greater attention to the issue of hunger in America and promotes ways for individuals everywhere to get involved with the movement to solve it. In the past, the High Roller’s LED lights have been programmed in honor of eight different holidays and special events, with the lighting in honor of ‘Go Orange Day’ only being number nine.
Photo credit: Erik Kabik
Caesars Entertainment Chief Marketing Officer Tariq Shaukat and Vice President and General Manager of The LINQ Jon Gray were joined by Three Square executive team members Brian Burton, Matt Muldoon and Dan Williams to light the observation wheel at 7:06 p.m. on Thursday.
The LINQ Promenade is teaming up with THREE SQUARE, Southern Nevada’s only food bank, to join a movement to build a hunger-free community, ensuring families, children and seniors have access to nutritional meals. To help combat hunger in Southern Nevada, The LINQ has pledged to donate all of the coins collected from The LINQ Fountains during the month of September to Three Square. To increase the non-perishable food items provided to local families, the High Roller will be the official Three Square Strip drop-off location all month long for all canned food items at the designated donation bins located inside the High Roller Charter Groups entrance and main lobby.
For the second consecutive year, Caesars Entertainment properties on the Las Vegas Strip changed their digital marquees to orange Three Square messaging in honor of ‘Go Orange Day’ and Hunger Action Month.
VIVA VERACRUZ! THE SHOW will not be opening at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino as originally scheduled. Producers for the show will be continuing to work on it and will be making decisions regarding its future. Refunds will be given for any tickets purchased to date, at the point of purchase.
The 35th ANNUAL SAN FENNARO FEAST will take place Sept. 9-14, 2014, at the Grand Canyon Shopping Center, 4245 Grand Canyon Drive and West Flamingo Road (just west of the 215). The Las Vegas food and music festival celebrates the spirit of San Gennaro and features more than 70 restaurant food booths, 80 amusements rides including the 100-foot Vertigo, midway games, arts and crafts booths, and live music. Entertainment coordinator and host Tony Sacca will be introducing Las Vegas’ finest entertainers and best bands and also headline his own show. Tickets are $9 for adults and children (children 54 inches and under are free); $8 for seniors and military at the door. All military (with ID) and their families get in free on Thursday, Sept. 11.
On Sunday, September 14, at 8pm, for one night only, ‘VARIETY LIVE’ A World Class Variety Show will be presented at the Orleans Hotel & Casino featuring an incredible line-up of international talent. Host for the show will be British Singing Sensation BEN STONE who will be joined by fellow Las Vegas Headliners: Master Magician LANCE BURTON, American Idol Star JASMINE TRIAS, Award-Winning Illusionist JAN ROUVEN, star of Cirque Du Soleil’s ‘Michael Jackson One’ XAVIER MORTIMER, and America’s Got Talent Illusionist KEVIN JAMES. Top European Variety Stars also flying in to appear: Legendary Juggler KRIS KREMO, Quick Change Artists SOS & VICTORIA, World Champion Acrobat WOLFGANG, Hula Hoop Artist YELENA LARKINA, and many more!
Ben Stone
‘Variety Live’ is a tribute to iconic circus impresario and magician, TIHANY, who lives in Las Vegas and recently celebrated his 98th Birthday. ‘Variety Live’ will also be supporting the HEAVEN CAN WAIT ANIMAL SOCIETY (https://hcws.org) in memory of dancer, choreographer and director, Joanie Spina. All Tickets are $30 (including Tax).
Latin superstar JUAN GABRIEL has announced that he will add a special Las Vegas El Grito show to his acclaimed VOLVER 2014 tour, with a Sept. 15 performance at The AXIS Powered by Monster at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Show time is 8 p.m. Tickets range in price from $99 - $310, plus applicable tax and fees.
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, along with Green Beret (United States Army Special Forces) Foundation and Benefits eXchange Alliance, will honor the fallen heroes of 9/11 with a SPECIAL TRIBUTE SCREENING OF THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED FILM, THE HORNET'S NEST. The event will take place on Thursday, September 11 and will include a cocktail reception with silent auction inside of Westgate’s Tempo Lounge from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A presentation and introductions will occur inside of the Westgate Theater at 7 p.m. The film will begin at 7:30 p.m. and a question and answer segment will immediately follow the screening conducted by the film’s Director/Producer, David Salzberg.Tickets to this event are free and available at the Westgate Las Vegas box office. Donations are suggested and will benefit the Green Beret Foundation, a non-profit that provides unconventional resources for our Army Special Forces wounded, ill, injured and transitioning warriors.
LIMELIGHT, named after one of Charlie Chaplin's most famous films, brings the world of black and white silent films to vivid technicolor life through the art of contemporary burlesque. With a mix of singing, dancing, comedy and magic LIMELIGHT rekindles the feel and energy of the roaring 20s with a seductive edge. Tickets are on sale now for a limited engagement at The Plaza Hotel & Casino downtown from Sept. 12 through Nov. 1 every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night at 10 p.m.
For the 5th consecutive year, Hard Rock Cafe, 3771 Las Vegas Boulevard South, is partnering with ConKerr Cancer to help bring smiles to the faces of teens across the valley that are currently receiving treatment for cancer and other life changing diseases. On September 16, 2014, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Hard Rock Cafe and ConKerr Cancer volunteers will spend the day creating pillowcases to help contribute to the MILES OF PILLOWCASE SMILES NATIONAL CAMPAIGN of creating more than 44,000 pillowcases (20 miles) during the month of September, each one representing a child currently in treatment. The mission of ConKerr Cancer (http://www.conkerrcancer.org/) is to provide a bright, cheery pillowcase to all youngsters who are in treatment for cancer or dealing with any other serious medical issues. The young patients get to choose a case, use it in the hospital and bring it home after treatment. Each visit to the hospital warrants a new case. These cases not only brighten up the sterile hospital room, but also are a reminder to the family that someone is thinking of them and wishing them well. The public is invited to join the event and help by donating their time to the cause. Pillowcase materials will be provided but additional material donations would be appreciated as well.
The UNLV PERFORMING ARTS CENTER debuts the first concert of the 2014-15 season with the Chamber Music Series performance of “BEETHOVEN, BRAHMS AN SCHUMANN” at 7:30pm on Wednesday, September 17. The concert features Oleh Krysa, esteemed violinist and professor at the Eastman School of Music, performing with UNLV faculty Timothy Hoft, Taras Krysa, Mykola Suk, Bill Bernatis, Andrew Smith, and Jason Bonham.
Tickets to “Beethoven, Brahms & Schumann” are $25 and can be purchased at the Performing Arts Center Box Office at 895-ARTS (2787) or by visiting pac.unlv.edu. Student rush tickets are $10 each (not inclusive of the $1.25 facilities), and available one hour prior to each event, based on availability and with valid student I.D. UNLV faculty and staff discounts also are available.
For the third straight year, JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa will host the LAS VEGAS JAZZ FESTIVAL. The popular three-day festival will be held Sept. 19-21, at the resort’s state-of-the-art outdoor event center. This year, festival seating has been expanded to accommodate 2,800 jazz enthusiasts. Performers expected at the event include Maze, Keith Sweat, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Eric Benet, Anthony Hamilton, Ledisi and Brian Culbertson. The JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa is located at 221 N. Rampart Blvd. in Las Vegas.
Reggae artist YELLOWMAN'S PERFORMANCE AT BAKSTAGE BAR & BILLAIRDS (601 E. Fremont. St. Las Vegas) has been rescheduled to Friday, September 26 at 8:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. doors. All tickets for the original August 11 show will be honored or patrons can request a refund at point of purchase. Tickets for Yellowman and supporting artists Ras Kronik and Najja Dread are still available for $16 in advance, $21 day of show, plus any service charges. Tickets are on sale now.
Comedian, actress, author, mother and cat-lover PAULA POUNDSTONE will return to The Orleans Showroom September 26-27, bringing her wry observational humor and a fresh stand-up act.Showtime each evening is 8 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $19.95, plus tax and convenience fees, and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming Box Office.
LIPSHTICK – THE PERFECT SHADE OF STAND UP continues to bring the best names in comedy to Las Vegas with the announcement of a new show to the all-female comedy series. Hosts of MTV’s late night show Nikki & Sara Live, Nikki Glaser and Sara Schaefer are set to co-headline the Lipshtick stage Friday, Sept. 27. Ticket prices range from $37.50 to $77.50, not including tax and fees. A limited number of suite packages that include a meal at select Venetian and Palazzo restaurants, as well as VIP packages that include preferred front-row seating and a meet-and-greet with the comedienne, will be available.
Celebrity Sightings:
Sunday, Aug. 31...
Music mogul and record producer Puff Daddy took over REHAB to celebrate the launch of his Ciroc Pineapple vodka. Spotted in the crowd was adult entertainer Ron Jeremy. Later in the evening Puff Daddy continued the party in Vanity Nightclub.
Puff Daddy at REHAB
Photo credit: © Lauren Ungerer / Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Puff Daddy at Vanity
Photo credit: © Claire Hart / Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Actress Jessica Szohr and Glee’s Jenna Ushkowitz celebrated a friend’s birthday with a small group at Katsuya, inside SLS. Former Light Heavyweight Champion Tito Ortiz, accompanied by his girlfriend Amber Nichole Miller and a small group of friends, was also spotted at the cult favorite Umami Burger, Beer Garden & Sports Book. Afterwards, they made their way to LiFE nightclub to enjoy Deep Dish’s ultimate dance party.
Jessica Szohr and Glee’s Jenna Ushkowitz
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
Deep Dish
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
Pete Tong
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
Saturday, Aug. 30...
In celebration of the grand opening weekend International music sensations Nico & Vinz put on a special performance at Foxtail nightclub at the new property, SLS Las Vegas.
Nico & Vinz
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
Also on property, two UFC stars were spotted partying at LIFE nightclub, former Light Heavyweight Champion Tito Ortiz and ring girl Arianny Celeste, while actresses Jenna Ushkowitz from the hit series Glee and Addison Timlin vibed to the beats by two-time Grammy® nominated Australian DJ and producer, Dirty South.
Dirty South
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
Grammy-nominated producer and rapper DJ Khaled dined at LAVO Italian Restaurant.
Also spotted at LAVO was singer and actress Katharine McPhee. After enjoying dinner McPhee was surprised with a custom cake celebrating her role on the upcoming CBS series “Scorpion.”
Katherine McPhee
Photo credit: Amit Dadlaney
At TAO Nightclub, entertainment icon Snoop Dogg hosted the latest installment of his exclusive DJ and performance residency The Snoopadelic Cabaret. DJ Khaled was spotted enjoying Snoop Dogg’s performance from a VIP table and later surprised partygoers by stepping into the DJ booth alongside Snoop Dogg.
Also seen enjoying Snoop Dogg’s DJ set and performance was Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Alan Anderson.
Award-winning artist Jason Derulo performed at Las Vegas’ original dayclub REHAB then headed to his after party at Body English. Olympic Skier Ted Ligety was also at the dayclub and nightclub celebrating his 30th birthday.
Jason Derulo at REHAB
Photo credit: © Claire Hart / Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Friday, Aug. 29...
In the afternoon record producer and rapper DJ Khaled was spotted at TAO Beach. Khaled and a small group of friends took over a VIP cabana where he enjoyed the soundtrack set by Havana Brown.
Later that evening, Khaled dined at TAO Asian Bistro with friends. After dinner, they made their way upstairs into TAO Nightclub where DJ Khaled commanded the DJ booth for a special set to kick off Labor Day weekend.
Also at TAO Nightclub was Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte. Joined by fellow swimmers and Olympic medalists Cullen Jones and Ed Moses, the group took over a VIP table where they enjoyed the party atmosphere.
Actor Jimmy Tatro, best known for his role in “22 Jump Street” was spotted partying with a large group of friends.
Friday, August 23...
Some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry came out to celebrate the grand opening weekend of SLS Las Vegas. Highlights from the night included Australian rap sensation Iggy Azalea and sultry songstress Rita Ora hitting the stage for a special poolside performance at Foxtail Pool Club. At The Sayers Club, DJ Sam Ronson took to the turntables to deliver a high-energy set as intimate performances were scattered throughout the evening by Jhene Aiko and Jojo. Partygoers were also treated to an impromptu performance by Lenny Kravitz with a special introduction by Sam Nazarian (founder, chairman and CEO of sbe).
Celebrity guests who also attended the Grand Opening event included Aaron Paul, Kellan Lutz, Emile Hirsch, Randall Slavin, Jeremiah Samuel, Rami Malek, Maria Menounos, Wynter Gordon, Dita Von Teese, Michelle Branch, Brittany Snow, DJ Vice, Cindy Crawford and husband Rande Gerber, Pam Anderson, Shane West, Chuck Liddell, Adam Devine, Kelly Monaco, Jermaine Jones, Rick Fox, Holly Madison and husband Pasquale Rotella, Pia Toscano, Blanda Eggenschwiler, Dr. Julius Erving, Claire Sinclair amongst others.
International DJ megastar Tiesto was spotted dining at Katsuya by Starck, the famed LA-based Japanese restaurant that recently opened at SLS Las Vegas.
Hip-hop artist and television personality, Flavor Flav, partied at celebrity hotspot Beacher’s Madhouse inside MGM Grand.
Flavor Flav and Jeff Beacher
Photo courtesy of the MGM Grand
Arriving shortly after midnight with his signature clock necklace, Flavor Flav enjoyed the show’s off-the-wall antics at his VIP Table, along with OK! TV’s production crew, including producer, Jade Delgado.
Emmy-award winning TV personality, chef and restaurateur Giada DeLaurentiis was among the fans who showed up to enjoy Questlove's live DJ set at Silent Disco at The LINQ Fountain stage.
Questlove
Photo credit: Erik Kabik
Breakout vocalist SoMo performed at Body English Nightclub. That same evening, singer Pia Zadora was seen across the casino enjoying Andrew Dice Clay’s comedy show at Vinyl.
SoMo at Body English
Photo credit: © Joey Ungerer / Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Saturday night, August 22...
American super model, Cindy Crawford, was joined her husband, Rande Gerber, and Casamigos Co-Owner, Michael Meldman, and his wife at Michael and Jenna Morton's newest celebrity hotspot hangout at CRUSH eat, drink, love inside MGM Grand.
Rande Gerber, Cindy Crawford, John O'Donnell, Michael Meldman and his wife
Photo courtesy of the MGM Grand
Also spotted dining at the restaurant were internationally-renowned electric dance music DJ Tiesto for a meet & greet, and famous sports agent and inspiration behind the film "Million Dollar Arm," J.B. Bernstein and his wife, Brenda.
Sunday night, August 24...
Legendary EDM superstar DJ Erick Morillo ran into international superstar Tiesto while dining at the new SLS Las Vegas property's Mediterranean restaurant Cleo with TAO Group’s Noah Tepperberg.