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
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas Holds Farewell Party for Iconic Center Bar
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas bid farewell to the original and infamous Center Bar in true rock ‘n’ roll fashion on Sunday, June 28. The commemorative event signaled the end of an era for the property, but plans for a new bar concept were officially announced to open this fall as part of a larger casino remodel.
Locals and visitors alike came together to say goodbye to Center Bar as the “Final Toast” party kicked off at 7 p.m. Day one employees were behind the bar serving guests 1995-themed cocktails including “Surfer on Acid,” “Purple Hooter,” “Scooby Snack,” “Red Headed Slut” and “Cosmopolitan Shot” in honor of the year it opened. Throughout the evening, attendees were encouraged to leave their mark on the original Center Bar by signing the walls, floors and stairs. Stories were told all over the interior and exterior of the venue from people who had met celebrities such as Guns N’ Roses’ frontman Axl Rose and guitarist DJ Ashba there, how they met their husbands and wives there, how they learned life lessons there and so much more. Mötley Crüe’s lead singer Vince Neil also showed up to the event to say goodbye to a piece of Las Vegas history and leave his own mark on the side of the bar.
Center Bar's Final Toast Party
Photo credit: Patrick Gray/Kabik Photo Group
Day One Center Bar Employees
Photo credit: Patrick Gray/Kabik Photo Group
Robin Leach
Photo credit: Patrick Gray/Kabik Photo Group
Rain Hannah and Vince Neil
Photo credit: Patrick Gray/Kabik Photo Group
Photo credit: Patrick Gray/Kabik Photo Group
Photo credit: Patrick Gray/Kabik Photo Group
Shortly before 10 p.m., Hard Rock Hotel’s Assistant General Manager Gary Scott welcomed celebrity columnist Robin Leach on stage to give the final toast. Leach discussed the impact Center Bar had on casino floors throughout the city, told his own Center Bar story and encouraged everyone to raise their glasses for last time at trendsetting hub. He then led the crowd with a countdown and flipped the Center Bar power switch off, signaling the official close of a Las Vegas icon.
Center Bar became known for its panoramic views of Hard Rock Hotel’s casino floor, nonstop parties and as the trailblazer for center bars all around Las Vegas when it opened in 1995. It truly redefined the way gaming executives viewed their casino floors – nestled in the heart of tables and slot machines, the trendsetting bar created an infectious energy that other gaming companies adopted.
WSOP.com’s Second Annual Battle of the News Poker Tournament Awards Several Charitable Donations
The 2015 World Series of Poker currently ongoing at the Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino is on record-setting pace, following what was a record-breaking year in 2014. On Sunday, June 28, WSOP.com hosted the second annual Battle of the News charity poker tournament. Selected members of local television news stations had the opportunity to play on the WSOP final table for Las Vegas network bragging rights, in addition to benefitting the charity of their choice.
This year’s Battle of the News tournament participants were Vicki Gonzalez from KSNV News 3, Christine Maddela and Jon Castagnino from FOX 5 and Shawn Tempesta from ABC’s “The Morning Blend.” The four television personalities competed for a total prize pool of $5,000, with first place receiving $3,000, second place receiving $2,000 and third place receiving $1,000.
Shawn Tempesta walked away with his second Battle of the News win. He will be splitting his wins, with $2,000 going to International Rett Syndrome Foundation and $1,000 going to Jon Castagnino’s charity of choice, Healing NET Foundation. Christine Maddela placed second with $2,000 going to Geoff Morris Gray House Scholarship Fund. Third place finisher Vicki Gonzalez won $1,000 to Safe Nest.
Local television personalities Christine Maddela, Jon Castagnino, Shawn Tempesta and Vicki Gonzalez participate in the second annual Battle of the News charity poker tournament.
Photo Credit: JAYNE FURMAN/WSOP
Battle of the News back-to-back winner Shawn Tempesta displays his winning hand.
Photo Credit: JAYNE FURMAN/WSOP
Christine Maddela, Jon Castagnino, Shawn Tempesta and Vicki Gonzalez show off their Battle of the News winnings.
Photo Credit: JAYNE FURMAN/WSOP
WSOP.com’s Battle of the News is an annual event with dedicated local journalists supporting great causes and having some fun with the gaming industry’s largest annual event each year.
Additionally, for the first time in WSOP’s 46-year history, a bracelet will be awarded in an online tournament on WSOP.com. It is officially Event #64 on the WSOP schedule. The event plays out online at WSOP.com with the final six players coming to the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino on July 4 at 12 p.m. to play on the final table for hundreds of thousands in prize money and the WSOP gold bracelet. Anyone in Nevada 21 years or older is eligible to play.
ACLU of Nevada Hosted 13th Annual Celebration of Civil Liberties
American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada (ACLUNV) hosted its 13th Annual Celebration of Civil Liberties on Friday, June 26, 2015 at Panevino Ristorante. The event celebrated the Nevada chapter’s achievements within the past year and helped raise money for the non-profit with staff, board, volunteers, friends and supporters.
ACLUNV presented former United States Congresswoman, Shelley Berkeley, with the prestigious 2015 Emilie Wanderer Civil Libertarian of the Year award. Berkley was the first woman to serve in Nevada’s First Congressional District, which she held for seven terms. Berkley has a strong record of defending and advancing civil rights for the three decades she served in Congress. Berkley now serves as CEO and Senior Provost, for Touro University’s Nevada and California campuses. The ACLU of Nevada’s Emilie Wanderer Civil Libertarian of the Year award is given to individuals who have significantly contributed to the protection and advancement of civil liberties in Nevada. It is named in honor of Emilie Wanderer, one of Las Vegas’ first female attorneys and a long-time civil rights advocate. More than 100 guests attended the event and participated in the silent auction. They also enjoyed gourmet hors d’oeuvres and complimentary beer and wine. Notable guests in attendance at this year’s event included Clark County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani, Judge Elisa Cadish, Judge Gloria Sturman, Senator David Parks, Former Assemblyman Paul Aizley, and CCSD Trustee Carolyn Edwards.
ACLUNV’s Director of Development and Major Gifts, Rosine Zelicskovics, and Executive Director, Tod Story, strike a pose at the organization’s 13th Annual Celebration of Civil Liberties event on June 26, 2015.
Photo courtesy of ACLUNV
Former United States Congresswoman and the 2015 Emilie Wanderer Civil Libertarian of the Year, Shelley Berkley, and Clark County Commissioner, Chris Giunchigliani, celebrate at the ACLUNV’s 13th Annual Celebration of Civil Liberties event on June 26, 2015 at Panevino Ristorante.
Photo courtesy of ACLUNV
Opportunity Village Celebrated Groundbreaking for Innovative Park for People with Intellectual Disabilities
On Tuesday, June 23, Opportunity Village celebrated the groundbreaking of Sean’s Park at the organization’s Ralph and Betty Engelstad Campus located on 6050 S. Buffalo Drive. Clark County Commissioner Chair Steve Sisolak, along with Opportunity Village executives Ed Guthrie and Linda Smith, and board member Mike Morrissey and his wife Patty, dug the commemorative golden shovels into the dirt in an empty lot behind the campus, which will soon be the home of Sean’s Park. The first of its kind in the U.S., the 2.5-acre project will create an innovative life-learning park for children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities in the Las Vegas community. Recognized worldwide for setting precedence in care, service and programs for people with intellectual disabilities, Opportunity Village envisioned the park nearly six years ago, and now has the funding to turn the dream into a reality. “Sean’s Park will be a model for the rest of the country, something very special and very unique," said Linda Smith, senior vice president at Opportunity Village. “It really will bring acclaim to Las Vegas, to show that we have so much more to offer than The Strip. It's a community full of generous people with huge hearts and a place that cares for everyone.” Sean’s Park will offer new skill-building equipment such as a “live” street crosswalk, way-finding path, moonwalk pad, raised bed garden and many more. Overall, the park will present visitors with an opportunity to enjoy diverse activities and learn life skills that promote independence. The park is expected to be completed by Spring of 2016.
Clark County Commissioner Chair Steve Sisolak speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony of Sean’s Park at Opportunity Village’s Ralph and Betty Engelstad Campus on Tuesday, June 23, 2015.
Photo courtesy of Opportunity Village
Sean Morrissey, namesake of Opportunity Village’s Sean’s Park, greets the crowd along with his parents Mike and Patty at the park’s groundbreaking ceremony at the Ralph and Betty Engelstad Campus on Tuesday, June 23, 2015.
Photo courtesy of Opportunity Village
Opportunity Village CEO Ed Guthrie, Clark County Commissioner Chair Steve Sisolak, Mike Morrissey, Sean Morrissey, Patty Morrissey and Vadim Fridman from the Windsong Trust pose with ceremonial shovels to commemorate the groundbreaking ceremony of Sean’s Park at Opportunity Village’s Ralph and Betty Engelstad Campus on Tuesday, June 23, 2015.
Photo courtesy of Opportunity Village
Joe Spinella, The Tenor of Illusions, Blends Two Art Forms to Create “IllusionAria” Stage Production
Florida based entertainer, Joe Spinella, known as The Tenor of Illusions, recently held a special one night only showcase in Las Vegas where he gave invited guests and VIP's a chance to experience a sample of his extraordinary talents.
Joe Spinella
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Joe Spinella
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Joe Spinella
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
As a classically trained tenor (with a three octave range) and magician, Spinella brings his fantastic vocals, a fusion of Italian and Spanish opera and wizardry to the stage in a show that is not like any other magic show. Aptly titled, IllusionAria, tells a timeless story through song and magic, colorful costumes, lighting and special effects, and state of the art sound system, in one spectacular production. Spinella also collaborated with some of the top notch professionals in the industry for the creative process including music by Emmy Award winning, Macedonia Radio Symphony Orchestra and sound engineering by multi Grammy and Platinum award winner, Eric Schilling.
During his showcase, Spinella presented several video segments from the stage show, and also performed a few live operatic songs, each supported by illusions that showed just how talented the performer truly is. In fact, Spinella's talents and experience include, but are not limited to, percussionist, songwriter, musical director and theater work.
By combining two arts forms, music and magic, Spinella has created a innovative form of entertainment with magic and illusions that were designed and built by Spinella himself. Through the use of these elements and his own brand of storytelling, Spinella says he wants to move people and take them on a journey though several emotions, which he has succeeded to do.
IllusionAria is a show that people of all ages and cultures will enjoy. Spinella is eager and ready to share his concept with Las Vegas audiences and hopes to make that a reality in the near future. Presently he is in talks with several local venues that have shown interest. In the meantime, you can read more about this multi talented performer by visiting his website www.JoeSpinella.com or his Facebook page:www.facebook.com/MyTenor.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
After a complete $233 million renovation The LINQ Hotel & Casino is now open. Located at the heart of Center Strip, the all-new LINQ complex offers brand new modern and playful rooms and suites and more than 30 restaurants, bars and retail outlets, all steps away from the world’s tallest observation wheel, the High Roller.
Wednesday, June 17, country music powerhouses Reba, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn reunited onstage to premiere their new, one-of-a-kind residency, REBA, BROOKS & DUNN:Together in Vegas at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Over the past two weeks, the superstar entertainers have performed to sold-out crowds and multiple standing ovations, bringing a unique pairing of their biggest hits and exciting collaborations to the stage night after night. They will continue to perform July 3 and 4, as well as six dates in Dec. 2015. Ticket prices are $205/ $155/ $105/ $85/ $59.50 (prices include 10% Live Entertainment Tax).
GORDIE BROWN is celebrating “The True North strong and free” on Canada Day at The Golden Nugget Las Vegas with a very special deal for his fellow Canadians: FREE TICKETS to his show during the month of July. Guests that present a valid Canadian ID to The Golden Nugget Las Vegas box office will receive a complimentary pair of tickets to the show.
The ADVENTUREDOME AT CIRCUS CIRCUS LAS VEGAS is giving adventure-seekers the chance to validate their love of thrill rides with a “COASTER CRED” PROMOTION which runs July 1-31. Upon arrival to the theme park, visitors who mention the “Coaster Cred” promotion will receive a punch card to signal the start of this adrenaline-pumping adventure. Participants must ride all seven thrill rides in the park – roller coasters El Loco and Canyon Blaster, Chaos, Disk’O, Sling Shot, Inverter and Happy Feet: Mumble’s Wild Ride 4-D inside the Extreme Ride Theater. Ride operators will punch guests’ cards to verify their accomplishment. Once all seven rides have been conquered and the daring have proven themselves worthy, the card can be redeemed for an official Adventuredome “Coaster Cred” T-shirt and lanyard. The bragging rights will be endless!
EKLETICA GALLERY, located at the Arts Factory, 107 E. Charleston Blvd., suite 110, presents two exhibits in July. Both exhibits open Thursday, July 2 and run through July 31. “The h.e.art of HE Kell” features the work of H.E. Kell, a 93-year-old painter from Minocqua, Wisconsin. Combining an extraordinary memory with sure technique on interesting substrates, Kell’s small paintings are mirrors of the scenery which has surrounded him throughout life. The second exhibit, “String Theory: Explorations in Fiber as Art,” features sculptures from three resident artists, Lynne Adamson Adrian, Bill Fravel and Debbe Sussman, who are each departing from their primary media. Gallery hours are Wed-Sun, Noon-4pm, Fridays 11am-8pm.
Season 20 Dancing with the Stars champion RUMER WILLIS joins the cast of dancing professionals in 25 cities across the US. and fans will have an opportunity to see her perform live with the DWTS professional dancers when DANCING WITH THE STARS: LIVE! Makes a stop at The Venetian Theatre July 3 & 5. Tickets are available at the box office.
Music-lovers coming into Las Vegas for July 4 Weekend are in for a trifecta of concerts at Drai's Beachclub Nightclub atop The Cromwell. The club's DRAI'S LIVE CONCERT SERIES is in full swing with live concerts from THE WEEKND (July 3 - tickets starting at $100 for men and $50 for women.), CHRIS BROWN (July 4 -tickets starting at $100 for men and $50 for women) and the first official concert in TYGA's Drai's LIVE residency (July 5 – ticket starting at $40 for men and $20 for women). With the rooftop hotspot perched 11 stories above Las Vegas Boulevard, revelers on July 4 will have prime viewing of the iconic fireworks that explode over the Strip.
Las Vegas’ famed FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE invites everyone to come out and celebrate the Fourth of July with a weekend of free concerts and virtual fireworks. The festivities include performances from patriotic band, MADISON RISING, on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 from 9:10 p.m. – 10:40 p.m. on the 1st Street Stage at Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas. Additionally, visual fireworks and patriotic images – set to some of America’s favorite songs – will be shown overhead on Viva Vision on July 3 and July 4 following each regular Viva Vision show between 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. Fremont Street Experience’s Fourth of July weekend festivities are free and open to the public.
KESHA returns to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas for an Independence Day Weekend performance at REHAB on Sunday, July 5.Tickets to REHAB start at $20 for females and $40 for males. Guests must be 21 years of age or older with a valid form of identification to attend.
25 year old Magician TOMMY WIND, who has his own theatre so aptly named after himself on The Las Vegas Strip, will be appearing on the “Masters of Illusion” TV series on the CW network beginning on July 10.
House seats Las Vegas, in conjunction with Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, presents THE SET LIST, an exciting celebration of great albums in music history. The Set List continues its season by honoring the top selling album of 1987, SLIPPERY WHEN WET BY BON JOVI. The special event, benefiting Rudy Foundation, will take place Thursday, July 9 at 11 p.m at Vinyl inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Slippery When Wet, a concert celebration, will feature Las Vegas vocalists BRANDON NIX, LILY ARCE, AND PAUL JOHNSON alongside the musical styling of VINCENT VERDERAME and various members of the LAS VEGAS BLUE MAN GROUP BAND. Brandon Nix can be seen performing nightly in “Rock of Ages” at The Venetian. The talented Lily Arce can be seen in “FANTASY” at the Luxor Hotel & Casino, as well as the highly acclaimed Cirque du Soleil show “O” at Bellagio Hotel & Casino. Tickets are now on sale.
UFC star JOE SOTO will host a FIGHT NIGHT VIEWING PARTY for the highly anticipated UFC 189: Chad Mendes vs. Conor “The Notorious” McGregor at award-winning gentlemen’s club CRAZY HORSE III (located minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip, just a few blocks west of I-15 on Russell Rd.) on Saturday, July 11 starting at 5 p.m. UFC aficionados will view the mixed martial arts mania on the sports bar’s massive 70-inch and 100-inch flat-screen televisions. Guests of this viewing party can enjoy discounted bottles, beer buckets, food and more.
EPICUREAN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION OF LAS VEGAS (ECF) will partner with HEXX KITCHEN │ BAR & CHOCOLATE at Paris La Vegas for an ICE CREAM SOCIAL FUNDRAISING EVENT on Wednesday, July 15. Between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m., HEXX, Nevada’s first bean to bar-to-bar chocolate maker, will donate 10 percent of all ice cream sales from their café located in their retail store to ECF. HEXX features High Road Craft Ice Cream in flavors such as Bake Sale, Brown Butter Praline and Berries & Prosecco sorbet. Signature flavors include HEXX Chocolate Single Source Chocolate ice cream made with HEXX’s signature chocolate that’s made with only two ingredients: cacao beans and organic palm sugar.
FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE will be hosting another SLOTZILLA CHARITY CHALLENGE, this time to benefit THREE SQUARE FOOD BANK. Fremont Street Experience will be donating 100% of SlotZilla revenue to Three Square on Thursday, July 16 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will be a 1 p.m. media event where members of Three Square and local celebrities will be on-site taking pictures and flying on SlotZilla. The local celebrities attending the event include: UFC Hall of Famer Forrest Griffin, Pro BMX rider and television personality Ricardo Laguna, Chef Rick Moonen, Miss Nevada US 2014 Lisa Song Sutton, Food Blogger Al Mancini, Chef Johnny Church and Chef Beni Velazquez. Flight times can be purchased at the SlotZilla box office.
In recognition of its 80th anniversary, the award-winning COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA will perform at the Suncoast Showroom July 17 and 18. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. each evening and tickets start at $15.95 plus tax and fees.
Legendary artists DON MCLEAN and JUDY COLLINS will perform classic American hits at The Orleans Showroom July 18 and 19. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets start at $39.95, plus tax and convenience fees and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming Box Office.
Houston-based rapper CHEDDA DA CONNECT will perform live under the iconic Eiffel Tower at Chateau Nightclub & Rooftop at Paris Las Vegas on Saturday, July 18. Discovering stardom with his hit single “Flicka Da Wrist,” which was recently featured on the Billboard Hot 100 list, the artist will perform several hits off of his Catchin Playz 2 mixtape for fans. Admission to the party is $30 and table reservations are also available.
FERAL TALE THEATRICALS presents a hilarious new comedy by playwright Nell Benjamin: “THE EXPLORERS CLUB” for four special performances. The wildly farcical production will be offered to the Las Vegas community, Thursday, July 30 – Saturday, August 1, at Faith Lutheran High School’s Chapel and Performing Arts Center at 2015 S. Hualapai Way, Las Vegas.Performances of “The Explorers Clubs” can be seen Thursday, July 30 at 7 p.m., Friday, July 31 at 7 p.m., and two performances on Saturday, August 1 at 2 p.m. (Matinee) and 7 p.m. All tickets are $12.00.
EYES & OPTICS, an independent eye care and eyewear boutique in Las Vegas, has been recognized by leading eye care industry magazine INVISION as one of the top five 2015 finalists for its annual coveted competition, “America’s Finest Optical Retailers.” Locally owned and operated by acclaimed optometrist Dr. Edward J. Malik, Eyes & Optics was awarded with a feature story and fourth place out of ten finalists in the competition, which will appear in the July/August 2015 print issue of the magazine.
MACHINE GUNS VEGAS, a premiere firearms facility that allows first-time shooters to advanced firearms enthusiasts to shoot full auto/machine guns on the Strip, has announced a partnership with WISHES FOR WARRIORS, a 100% non-profit organization dedicated to helping combat disabled veterans, to serve as the official Nevada chapter to support local veterans. Machine Guns Vegas plans to hold several events a year including an annual gala and firepower demonstration events to raise funds for Wishes for Warriors NV. The luxury gun range will also partner directly with Nellis Air Force and Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs to allow veterans who have suffered disability as a result of combat in the US Armed Forces to begin the approval process to benefit from Wishes for Warriors NV.
Celebrity sightings:
Thursday, July 2...
Terrell “T-Sizzle” Suggs, outside linebacker for the NFL Baltimore Ravens, was spotted at TAO’s Worship Thursday, taking in the sounds of DJ FIVE with a group of friends.
Ed Dixon, tight end for the NFL Carolina Panthers, also was spotted at TAO with three other NFL players.
Monday night, June 29...
Grammy award-winning rapper T-Pain was spotted at Marquee Mondays taking in the sounds of DJ Politik with a group of friends. The Nappy Boy Entertainment founder rocked the mic from the DJ booth as Politik played the rapper’s current and classic hits for the packed nightclub.
DJ Politik and T-Pain
Photo credit: Oliver Linter
EDM DJ Dash Berlin was spotted dining with a group of friends at LAVO.
Sunday, June 28...
Former Calvin Klein model and “True Blood” star Mehcad Brooks enjoyed a delicious meal at Joe Vicari's Andiamo Italian Steakhouse at the D Casino Hotel Las Vegas. Brooks will star as Jimmy Olsen in the highly-anticipated CBS pilot, “Supergirl,” scheduled to premiere this fall.
Mehcad Brooks visits Andiamo Steahouse at the D Las Vegas
Photo courtesy of The D Las Vegas
Derek Waters, actor and TV host for Comedy Central’s hit series, “Drunk History,” also paid a visit to D Hotel in downtown Las Vegas. He was spotted hanging out with the D’s troupe of Flair Bartenders and gorgeous Dancing Dealers at the LONGBAR.
Derek Waters hangs out with Flair Bartenders and a Dancing Dealer at the LONGBAR
Photo courtesy of The D Las Vegas
Saturday night, June 27...
Michael B Jordan, who will play the Human Torch in the upcoming Fantastic Four movie, was spotted at Marquee taking in the sounds of ATB with a group of friends.
Michael B. Jordan
Photo courtesy of TAO Nightclub
Actor and TV host Marlon Wayans capped off his Vegas comedy show with a night at TAO.
Bismack Biyombo, center for the NBA Charlotte Hornets, also was spotted at TAO as DJ Eric Dlux provided the soundtrack for the evening.
Friday, June 26...
EJ Johnson was spotted dining at TAO. The son of Magic Johnson and star of E!’s Rich Kids of Beverly Hills enjoyed dinner with friends before heading upstairs to the club.
Reality show star Scott Disick hosted a party at 1 OAK Nightclub inside the Mirage Hotel & Casino. After relaxing in his suite at The Strip-side resort with close friends, Disick made his way to the nightspot, where he celebrated his birthday in late May alongside longtime girlfriend Kourtney Kardashian. Disick and his group got settled at a VIP table located behind the DJ booth where DJ Shift was laying down popular tracks for clubgoers.
Scott Disick, DJ Shift at 1 OAK Las Vegas
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image
Scott Disick at 1 OAK Las Vegas
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image
