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
MJ Live Opens at the Stratosphere
MJ LIVE, the world’s most successful Michael Jackson tribute show, opened at its new home inside the Stratosphere Theater on Monday, March 30.
Jallas Franca performing as Michael Jackson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
“We’re excited about adding this fun new production show to our entertainment line-up,” said Matt Mascali, Stratosphere’s Vice President of Entertainment and F&B. “MJ LIVE will complement our current nightlife offerings, and provide an early evening option for guests of all ages.”
“This will be an exciting new chapter for MJ LIVE to move to the Stratosphere on the north end of the iconic Las Vegas Strip,” said Feeney, a 40-year veteran of the entertainment industry. “We’ve had a fantastic, near three-year run with this critically-acclaimed tribute show to date, and our multi-talented cast will enthusiastically continue to entertain thousands of visitors from all over the world.”
MJ LIVE features a powerful sound, spectacular lighting, visual effects, and showcases rotating tribute artists Justin Dean, Jalles Franca and Tony Kouns who perform spot on impersonations that include fantastic dance moves and incredible soundalike vocal renditions of some MJ's biggest hits such as “Bad,” “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Dangerous,” “Smooth Criminal,” “Black & White,” “Thriller,” “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough,” and more, backed by an amazing team of dancers and live band on stage that takes audiences back to when the King of Pop ruled the charts. The theatrical production also includes a Jackson 5 segment (“I’ll Be There,” “I Want You Back”) inspired by Soul Train.
Jallas Franca performing as Michael Jackson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jallas Franca performing as Michael Jackson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jallas Franca performing as Michael Jackson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jallas Franca performing as Michael Jackson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
MJ Live is performed seven nights a week at 7 p.m. Tickets priced at $49.95, $59.95, $69.95 and $79.95 plus tax and applicable fees are on sale at the Stratosphere Ticket Center.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc. and Coca-Cola have entered into formal, multi-year agreements to become “Founding Partners” of the new LAS VEGAS ARENA that is scheduled to open in spring 2016, and is owned by Las Vegas Arena Company partners AEG and MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL. A central component of Toshiba’s agreement is the naming rights partnership for the two-acre outdoor public plaza being created outside of the arena’s main (north) entrance. With customized brand integration designed by AEG, MGM and Toshiba, the 75,000 sq. ft. entertainment space has been named TOSHIBA PLAZA and is being developed as an integral part of the guest experience. It will have a performance stage and a variety of video screens and other interactive content and display areas which will be programmed before, during and after Arena events.
Raising the standard in guest service and luxury accommodations yet again, BELLAGIO recently completed the remodel of the final 403 suites in the resort’s main tower. This marks the conclusion of an approximately $165 million remodel that began in 2011 and encompassed all 3,933 of the resort’s rooms and suites.“Our team has developed an incredible collection of newly redesigned rooms and suites, each meant to create an elevated and memorable guest experience,” said Randy Morton, president and COO of Bellagio.
In honor of Testicular Cancer Awareness Week, PUPPETRY OF THE PENIS, the internationally acclaimed phenomenon that Vanity Fair called “Dementedly Good Fun!” officially offers the world famous, and recently unemployed, musician ZAYN MALIK a job as a puppeteer in the new Las Vegas production of the critically-acclaimed show. In return for his services, the show will donate $100,000 to testicular cancer research for every week he stars in the show. PUPPETRY OF THE PENIS will be performed Tuesday through Sunday inside The Jewel Box, adjacent to the Erotic Heritage Museum located at 3275 South Industrial Road, beginning Tuesday, April 14. Tickets start at $49 plus tax and fees. PUPPETRY OF THE PENIS is a non-sexual adult show.
In honor of the Hard Rock Cafe's upcoming attempt to break the current world record for Largest Stage Drag Show, the city of Las Vegas and Clark County has proclaimed Sunday, April 12 as the city's official DRAG QUEEN DAY. The event will act as a symbol of the cafe's global mantra to "Love All, Serve All" and will be raising money for The Center -- serving the LGBTQ community of Nevada through a variety of auction items, including a special package to attend the upcoming comedy performance of "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 6 winner, Bianca Del Rio.
A record-breaking 1,000 runners and walkers are expected for the fifth SUMMERLIN HALF MARATHON on Sunday, April 12, which is held in partnership with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The event features an all-new 13.1-mile course that begins and ends at Downtown Summerlin®. In addition to the new location, this year lululemon athletica will host a Zumba warm-up while other Downtown Summerlin vendors including CRAVE and Nekter Juice Bar will sponsor special menu offers and provide drinks before and during the event. A portion of the proceeds benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which has members of its Team In Training fundraising program registered to run.
BEN & JERRY'S will commemorate its 37th “ ANNUAL FREE ONE DAY” at Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops at the District at Green Valley Ranch and inside Sunset Station Hotel & Casino on Tuesday, April 14 between noon and 8 p.m. The Scoop Shops will enlist help from some of Vegas’ hottest entertainers who will lend a hand and serve ice cream lovers of all ages to help raise money to benefit the CASA FOUNDATION. All small cones are FREE with no purchase necessary, however patrons are encouraged to make a donation to benefit the charity. Gracious celebrity “scoopers” include comedian George Wallace; comedian and Star of “40 is the New 20” at the Riviera, Matt Kazam; singer Josh Strickland and cast members from Vegas! The Show; Zowie Bowie, joined by Jennifer Romas and the girls from “Sexxy”; The ladies of FANTASY and TV personality Dirk Vermin.
Nevada’s original wine festival, UNLVino, will celebrate more than 40 years of “sipping for scholarship” April 16 through 18, 2015. This year’s festivities will feature three days of spectacular events, including Bubble-Licious, Sake Fever, and the Grand Tasting, that will showcase an array of incredible cuisine, wine, spirits, beers and cocktails, as well as top celebrity chefs and exciting continues the mission of Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada to raise millions of scholarship dollars for the students of UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration. Event details are as follows: Bubble-Licious will take place at The Venetian Las Vegas's Doge's Palace Plaza,. Thursday, April 16, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m; Sake Fever will take place Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa. Friday, April 17, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Grand Tasting will be take place Paris Las Vegas, Saturday, April 18, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets prices vary per event, ranging from $100 to $150.
TREASURE ISLAND is honoring LAPD OFFICERS with END OF WATCH MEMORIAL WALL on display in SIREN'S COVE through April 17. The travelling exhibit is dedicated to the 207 Los Angeles Police Department officers who have fallen in the line of duty. The End of Watch memorial wall features all six LAPD badges in chronological order, surrounded by the names of all 207 officers. Two names have been added since the project began. Admission is FREE and retired LAPD officers and memorial staff will be on site to answer visitors’ questions
The “FUNNIEST PERSON IN THE WORLD,” ISMO LEIKOLA of Finland, will take the stage at the LAUGH FACTORY, inside the New Tropicana Resort, the week of Monday, April 13 through Sunday, April 19. Leikola won the World Competition which was determined by fans voting while they watched a group of comedians from around the world on streaming Internet compete in 2014. Also scheduled to perform is Japanese-American comic, Jackson Perdue, with John Clark as host for the two shows each night at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $34.95 and $44.95 plus fees.
Ismo Leikola
Photo courtesy of The Laugh Factory
Cuban singer-songwriter OSMANI GARCIA will take the stage at Sam’s Town Live! on Friday, April 24. Doors open at 10 p.m. and the show begins shortly after. This event is restricted for guests 18 years and older. Tickets start at $40 plus taxes and convenience fees and are available at any Boyd Gaming Box Office location.
Communities In Schools of Nevada (CIS Nevada) and After-School All-Stars Las Vegas (ASAS) presents the second annual SPLASHDOWN FOR KIDS. The weekend event, held April 25-26, at WET ‘N’ WILD offers the Vegas Valley a preview to summer with proceeds benefitting both local non-profits. For the person or family that is hard to shop for, has everything, or just needs a day of fun-in-the-sun, tickets for Splashdown For Kids are only $25 and includes entry to Wet ‘n’ Wild and lunch with drink.
The ANIMAL FOUNDATIONS 12TH ANNUAL BEST IN SHOW Returns to the Orleans Arena on April 26 beginning at 1 p.m. This one-of-a-kind dog show features fifty shelter dogs, which are available for adoption after the show at 2:30 p.m. As these precious pooches compete for your heart, they also help raise funds to support The Animal Foundation, who receives 100 percent of the proceeds from this event. General admission tickets are $12 for adults, and $5 for children and seniors, plus taxes and convenience fees. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Orleans Arena Box Office.
COMMONWEALTH, the stylish cocktail bar located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, will host “UNCOMMON CANVAS”, A SERIES OF SUNDAY NIGHT PAINTING EVENTS from 6 to 9 p.m. beginning on Sunday, April 26. Painters of all experience levels are invited to attend painting classes hosted by Christina Ambubuyog, local artist and owner of the I Love Intuition art studio. Classes are priced at $30 per person, and include art supplies, lesson fees and one complimentary Jameson Irish Mule. Local artists from Industry Supporting Industry (ISI) Group will show off their talents throughout the evening by creating drawings of still life subjects using a number of visually dynamic techniques and generating creativity among students.
Smash Magazine presents the HELMET 2015 US BETTY TOUR on Thursday, April 30 at BACKSTAGE BAR & BILLIARDS (601 E. Fremont. St.). Helmet will perform the critically-lauded “Betty” album from start to finish, followed by a second set spanning the entirety of Helmet’s catalog. Doors open at 8 p.m. with the show beginning at 9 p.m. Tickets are $18 in advance and $21 day of show. Advance tickets are on sale now. The show is 21+ with valid ID.
Celebrity sightings:
Friday, April 10...
Actor Channing Tatum stopped by Absinthe at Caesars Palace for the 10 p.m. performance. Following the show, Tatum met with The Gazillionaire, his assistant Joy Jenkins and the “Green Fairy” Melody Sweets.
Channing Tatum with cast members of ABSINTHE
Photo credit: Joseph Sanders/Spiegelworld
Also attending the 10 p.m. performance of Absinthe were actors Willie Garson of Sex and the City, Camryn Manheim of Person of Interest, Kevin McHale of Glee and Melissa Peterman of Reba. The group attended the performance following their celebrity improv show at Caesars Palace, as part of the Poker for Hope poker tournament taking place this weekend at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Following the show, the group of comedy actors met with The Gazillionaire, his assistant Joy Jenkins and ABSINTHE performers Ming and Alexa, Duo Fevrier, the “Green Fairy” Melody Sweets, Lea Hinz and Fat Frank of the Frat Pack.
Willie Garson (3rd from left, in back) Camryn Manheim (seated in center) Kevin McHale, and Melissa Peterman with cast of ABSINTHE
Photo credit: Joseph Sanders/Spiegelworld
Jennifer Lopez and her boyfriend, Casper Smart were spotted together at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub at MGM Grand, as they enjoyed a night out with a few close friends. Before making their way out of the destination, Lopez made a stop inside the third level Ling Ling Club where she spent some time enjoying the open-format music selection and finished off her night dancing to some of her favorite hits.
Jennifer Lopez
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage
Thursday evening, April 9...
A who's who of celebrities from the Las Vegas entertainment community were seen at celebrity magician Murray Sawchuck and his wife Chloe's Vintage Vegas party at the Riviera. Guests included Murray' sidekick/card trickster Doug "Lefty" Leferovich;legendary impressionist Rich Little; singer/actress Pia Zadora; Divas Las Vegas star, female impersonator Frank Marino; Bob Anderson who stars in Frank Sinatra: The Man, The Music; comedian Lenny Windsor; musical magicians Jarrett & Raja; the girls of Fantasy and its comedy star Sean E. Cooper; Rock of Ages cast members Mark Shunock,Troy Burgess, Becca Kotte and Paul Johnson; singer Lisa Marie Smith from Pin Up; Prince Tribute artist Jason Tenner; singers Ben Stone and Jasmine Trias; Zowie Bowie's Chris Phillips and violinist Lydia Ansel; comedy hypnotist Anthony Cools; magicians Steve Wyrick and Jeff McBride; choreographer Mistinguett; BMX star Ricardo Laguna; Vegas Rock's Magazine publisher Sally Steele; acclaimed Disney graphic artist and actor James Mulligan; singer/writer/producer Jerry Jones; producer/award winning set designer Andy Walmsley; producer Jeff Kutash, CEO of the Smith Center Myron Martin; singer Chadwick Johnson; Dean Martin impersonator Tony Felicetta; tribute artist Peter Pavone; DJ Liz Clarke, former Lt. Governor Lorraine Hunt and singer/variety talk show host Dennis Bono; comedian/radio show host Crazy Jay Bird, Sean Scott half of the amazing tap dancing twins, Sean and John; and radio show hosts Stephen and Caroline Jacobs.
Murray Sawchuck and Chloe Louise Crawford
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Comedian Lennt Windsor
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jerry Jones, Judy Thorburn and Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Larry Burton
Magicians Jeff McBride, Murray Sawchuck and
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Sally Steele
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Peter Pavone, Chloe Louise Crawford, Rich Little, Murray Sawchuck, Pia Zadora, and Sally Steele among others
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Peter Pavone, Chloe Louise Crawford, and Murray Sawchuck
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Judy Thorburn, Douglas "Lefty" Leferovich, Amy Pittle, and Ken Owens
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Ricardo Laguna and Miss Nevada USA 2014 Lisa Song Sutton
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Brittney Shae Cobb and Chadwick Johnson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jeff Kutash
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Anthony Cools and Andy Walmsley
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Lisa Marie Smith and Paul Johnson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jasmine Trias and Ben Stone
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Sean E. Cooper and Jason Tenner and friend
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tony Felicetta
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Lydia Ansel and DJ Liz Clark
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Chris Phillips and James Mulligan
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tony Bennett was in the audience at “FRANK – The Man. The Music.” at The Palazzo Las Vegas. After the show, the legendary crooner went backstage to catch up with longtime friend and star of the show, Bob Anderson.
Bob Anderson, Tony Bennett, and Vince Falcone
Photo courtesy of the Palazzo Las Vegas
Tuesday night, April 7...
Actress Zoe Saldana was spotted having dinner at TAO Asian Bistro with her husband Marco Perego, her sister Cisely, and a group of friends.
Sunday, April 5...
Youtube sensation Megan Rienks was spotted with friends at Lavo on for brunch.
Actor Anthony Mackie and his girlfriend were spotted dining at Lavo.
Saturday, April 4...
Singer, songwriter and actress Katharine McPhee was spotted enjoying a night out with a group of friends at OMNIA Nightclub inside Caesars Palace. In town celebrating her birthday, the talented star was seen dancing to the sounds of the DJ duo NERVO and mingling with friends as she was presented with an eye-catching three-tiered birthday cake.
Katherine McPhee
Photo credit: Aaron Garcia of Hakkasan Group
Also spotted at the nightclub was model and actor Kellan Lutz inside OMNIA’s exclusive ultra-lounge Heart of OMNIA.
Alesso headlined the season grand opening of Marquee Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan, with a surprise set by Dash Berlin as TAO Group partner Jason Strauss celebrated his birthday.
Alesso
Photo credit: Tony Tran
Jason Strauss
Photo credit: Tony Tran
Brody Jenner and William Lifestyle provided the soundtrack for the season preview of TAO Beach at The Venetian. Spotted in the crowd at the pool party were NFL free agent Ray Rice and Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor of the Seattle Seahawks.
Brody Jenner and William Lifestyle
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery
Kam Chancellor and Richard Sherman
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery
Ryan Serhant of Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing threw a bachelor party for a friend, taking over a cabana for the day.
Ryan Serhant
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery
Beauty YouTube star Meghan Rienks was spotted dining with friends at TAO.
The Seahawks continued their Vegas tour, settling in at Marquee for the night to take in the sounds of DJ Vice.
Real Housewives of Orange County star Shannon Beador stopped by Rock of Ages at The Venetian for the 8 p.m. performance. Following the show, Beador met with the cast.
Shannon Beador with cast of Rock of Ages
Photo courtesy of Sharon delPilar - Rock of Ages
Friday, April 3...
“The Longest Ride” star Scott Eastwood was spotted enjoying a belated birthday celebration inside Las Vegas’ hottest nightlife destination OMNIA Nightclub at Caesars Palace.
Scott Eastwood
Photo credit: Aaron Garcia of Hakkasan Group
Joined by a number of close friends, the hunky star seemed to be in good spirits as he took in the sights and sounds put on by DJ Nicky Romero who was making his OMNIA debut.
DJ Nicky Romero
Photo credit: Aaron Garcia of Hakkasan Group
A group of players from the Seattle Seahawks, including Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor were spotted at TAO Nightclub. The NFL stars checked out “One Night Stand”, the DJ residency of Brody Jenner and William Lifestyle. Before hitting TAO they dined at LAVO.
Seattle Seahawks at TAO
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery
Jenner and William Lifestyle fueled up for their night at TAO Asian Bistro before taking over the DJ booth upstairs in the club.
Actor Anthony Mackie, joined by his longtime girlfriend, also dined at TAO.
TAO Group partner Jason Strauss kicked off his birthday celebration in the nightclub, and was surprised with a cake in the shape of an iPhone, featuring an Instagram shot of the birthday boy himself doing a headstand at Red Rock.
Jason Strauss
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery
