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
Australian-based erotic male strip show, Aussie Hunks Debuts at The D Hotel & Casino
There are several male strip shows currently performing in Las Vegas. What they all have in common are sexy, hunky men performing seductive dance moves and stripteases that drive the ladies (and some men) wild. Just recently, a troupe of hot guys from Australia arrived in town to fulfill their dream of performing in Las Vegas. Called Aussie Hunks, these boys from down under realized that dream with the debut of their new resident show at The D in downtown Las Vegas, where they display their own brand of tantalizing moves, that takes male stripping to the next level.
Cast of Aussie Hunks with manager Johnathan Weinstock (center)
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Unlike others of this genre, the Australian-based erotic male revue, is comprised of eight classically trained dancers who have appeared on“Australia’s Got Talent” and “So You Think You Can Dance”. And yes, these guys can dance up a storm and they showcase their spectacular hip hop, break and street dance moves set to chart-topping music of all genres, in what is the first ever erotic hip hop, or to coin a new phrase, strip hop, male revue to be performed in Sin City.
Good looking, with diverse heights, builds and ethnicities, the cast of male hotties are not only immensely talented dancers, they also exhibit an enormous amount of charm and personality whether performing together, solo, or interacting with their audience in show segments featuring their take on The Village People, 50 Shades of Grey, or Dirty Dancing just to name a few. Add just the right amount of flirtatious comedy to the mix, and Aussie Hunks delivers the goods in this high energy, fun show that will leave enticed audiences wanting more.
At the Grand Opening celebration for VIPs and the media on Tuesday night, August 18, several local celebrities were among the guests in attendance including Monti Rock III, Defending the Caveman's Kevin Burke and magician Dave Johnson.
Cast of Aussie Hunks with Defending the Caveman's Kevin Burke
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Cast of Aussie Hunks with Monti Rock III
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Cast of Aussie Hunks with magician Dave Johnson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Celebratory cake
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Aussie Hunks emcee Adam Barr
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Aussie hunk interacts with an audience member
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The 75-minute male revue show, Aussie Hunks, performs seven nights a week at 10:10 p.m., in the Showroom at the D Las Vegas. Tickets to the stimulating show start at $55 (plus taxes and fees) and are on sale now. As a special bonus, each ticket includes a free “Croc-Tail” beverage; choice of house wine, domestic beer, well drink, soft drink or water. Exclusive Platinum Tickets are also available for purchase and include a meet and greet before the show, two “Croc-Tail” beverages and seating stage side.
August edition of Mondays Dark with Mark Shunock
The August edition of the monthly entertainment filled fundraising event, Mondays Dark With Mark Shunock took place at Vinyl inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Monday night, August 18. All proceeds from ticket sales and auction items benefited this month's chosen charity, Three Square food bank, whose goal is to take every dollar donated to feed the hungry in Southern Nevada.
Mark Shunock
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Representative from Three Square presented with signed poster.
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
It was an evening of firsts. For the first time since its inception, all advance tickets were sold out for the show and for the first time ever, a movie soundtrack was the theme. Titled Food Fight in honor of Three Square, the event featured the music from the motion picture comedy Animal House, which starred the late John Belushi in his feature film debut.
As usual, the performers were backed by the amazing band of some of the best Las Vegas musicians and musical director Kenny Davidson on keyboard with back up vocals provided by Jassen Allen and Vegas The Show's Tracy Distefano, who filled in for Phillip Drennan. This month's lineup of talented performers included Million Dollar Quartet cast member Rachel Dudt, writer/singer Jerry Jones, “Secret Identity” web series producer and creator Jillian Austin, Divas 3 member and original cast member of the D Word Laura Wright, comedian Anthony Padilla, Jersey Boys cast members Graham Fenton and Nikka Wahl, the cast of Baz from Mandalay Bay, Rock of Ages cast member Paul Johnson and of course, Mark Shunock. Last but not least, powerhouse singer Sky Dee Miles closed the show with her rendition of Shout that got everyone up on their feet.
Musical director Kenny Davidsen (center) and the band
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jassen Allen and Tracy Distefano
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Rachel Dudt
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jerry Jones
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jillian Austin
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Laura Wright
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Comedian Anthony Padilla
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Fassen Allen, Jon Celentano and Kenny Davidsen
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Graham Fenton and Nikka Wahl
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Mark Shunock
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Cast of 'Baz'
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Paul Johnson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Skye Dee Miles
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
During the show, Shunock proudly announced that since its inception, the monthly 90 minute shows have raised $200,000 for local charities. He also stated that for the 2nd anniversary show, which will be held on December 14, the event will be moved from Vinyl to the larger venue, the Joint.
In the meantime, the next edition of Monday's Dark will be held September 21 at Vinyl to benefit the Las Vegas Labrador Retriever Rescue Foundation. The evening's theme will be “North of the Border” featuring songs originally performed by Canadian artists. Tickets are $20 in advance at Mondaysdark.com.
Beggin For Magic III Charity Show for Friends For Life Humane Society
Celebrity magician Murray Sawchuck and his wife Chloe hosted a special edition of their afternoon show inside the SinCity theatre at Planet Hollywood on Sunday afternoon, August 16 for their third annual Beggin For Magic Charity Show to benefit Friends For Life Humane Society, a no kill shelter. Murray his wife are huge animal lovers/advocates and are the adoptive parents of three dogs that they rescued. In support of the cause that is so close to their hearts, all proceeds from ticket sales and raffles from this show will benefit the charity.
Murray Sawchuck and wife Chloe Crawford
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Several like minded animal lovers from the entertainment community turned out for this fundraising event. Among the Red carpet arrivals were the gorgeous ladies of Fantasy, Zowie Bowie's Chris Phillips, musical magicians Jarrett and Raja, dancer/choreographer and star of Sexxy, Jennifer Romas, actress/singer Pia Zadora and entertainer Barbara Brighton. Also in attendance was Murray's mother, Arlene Sawchuck, who flew in from Canada with her Chihuahua Minnie, a rescue from Friends For Life and the poster puppy of 2015, Samantha Radcliff, owner of Vegas Rock Dogs/host of her own radio show, and Ron and Robert from the main shelter in Pahrump, where the two live with 70 rescue dogs. Every Saturday and Sunday, the men come to Petco at Rainbow and Spring Mountain from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with several of the dogs ready for adoption. For this event they bought along five of their adorable pups that were available for adoption. To help someone that might have been strapped for cash, but wanted to give one of the dogs a loving home, Murray offered to pay the $175 adoption fee for the first person to adopt one of the dogs.
Douglas 'Lefty' Leferovich, Murray Sawchuck, Arlene Sawchuck, and Chloe Crawford
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
FANTASY dancers
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Barbara Brighton
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Professional Poker Player Lady Pink aka Doralee Rae
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Singer/Actress Pia Zadora (who adopted a dog at the event)
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Chris Phillips (of Zowie Bowie)
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Murray Sawchuck and Minnie with SEXXY choreographer/dancer Jennifer Romas and her English Bulldog, Napolean
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Musical magicians Jarrett and Raja
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Performers that donated their time and talent for the variety show was Murray's stage assistant/ master slight of hand card trickster, Doug “Lefty” Leferovich, singer/musician Paul Johnson (from the cast of Rock of Ages at the Venetian) and Lisa Marie Smith (featured singer in Pin Up at the Stratosphere), 23 year old magician Ben Young, comedy magician Mike Hammer (who performs at The 4 Queens), electric violinist Lydia Ansel (who performs in Rod Stewart's show at the Colosseum in Caesars Palace) and dance couple Tracy Vietmeier and Nic Foote.
Violinist Lydia Ansel
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Ben Young
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Mike Hammer
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Paul Johnson and Lisa Marie Smith
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tracy Vietmeier and Nic Foote
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
As an animal lover myself, I want to give a shout out to Murray and his lovely wife Chloe for their continued dedication and support for the Friends For Life Humane Society.
Kabuki Spectacle Premieres on Las Vegas Strip at the Bellagio
The ancient Japanese art form of Kabuki made its debut Friday night, August 14, on the Las Vegas Strip in a never-before-seen spectacle on Lake Bellagio, located in front of the Bellagio Hotel & Casino. Larger-than-life animations and stunning water choreography delivered an extraordinary rendition of Kabuki masterpiece Koi Tsukami or "Fight with a Carp" as an enormous fish and turbulent sea were projected onto the Fountains of Bellagio in an epic battle scene.
Photo courtesy of Bellagio Hotel & Casino
Ichikawa Somegoro and Nakamura Yonekichi
Photo courtesy of Bellagio Hotel & Casino
In a classic tale of good versus evil, renowned Japanese actor Ichikawa Somegoro played a handsome samurai who falls in love with a beautiful maiden - depicted by fellow Kabuki actor Nakamura Yonekichi - only to discover she is actually a giant carp's spirit taking the form of a woman who is out seeking revenge against humans for killing her carp lover. The 30-minute production culminated with a dramatic clash between Somegoro and the carp from an impressive 165-foot stage constructed on Lake Bellagio.
Shochiku, Japan's premier Kabuki producer and global ambassador - with artistic partners Panasonic, teamLab and WET- and support from MGM Resorts International, aimed to raise worldwide awareness for the art by orchestrating an elaborate, high-tech performance unlike anything Las Vegas and traditional Kabuki have ever seen. Projection mapping by Japanese artists and masterminds teamLab and spectacular water effects by WET brought the historic Japanese narrative to life in a Vegas-style production.
"We are honored to collaborate with Shochiku to present Kabuki in Las Vegas," said Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International. "The Kabuki Spectacle is the largest-scale production ever seen on the Fountains of Bellagio, and we are thrilled about the opportunity to participate in the celebration of this Japanese cultural tradition on the Las Vegas Strip."
Jay Sakomoto, President and CEO of Shochiku Co., Ltd., stated, "To be able to realize this new effort as Shochiku welcomes its 120th anniversary is extremely meaningful for us. As the one and only producer and exhibitor of Kabuki, we are dedicated to communicating Kabuki and other aspects of Japanese culture to the world, as well as preserving the traditions of Kabuki. We are excited to present this vast and new Kabuki performance with collaborations of Japanese music and cutting-edge video projections on water fountains in a never-before-seen scale, with Kabuki stars Ichikawa Somegoro and Nakamura Yonekichi."
The Kabuki Spectacle was part of MGM Resorts' larger commitment to celebrating Japanese culture and the arts, which also includes recently debuted art installations by renowned sculptor Masatoshi Izumi and the first-ever Japanese-inspired display at Bellagio's Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
The 30-minute production was performed 9:15 on August 14 and 9:15 pm and 11:30 pm on August 15 and 16.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
The BOOTLEGGER BISTRO, located on the south end of the Strip at 7700 Las Vegas Blvd., celebrated the Grand Opening for the "COPA" ROOM, a unique nightclub ambiance special event center accommodating up to 300 guests, on August 19th
The Copa Room
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The Copa Room bar
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The Copa Room interior
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Among the invited guests at the Grand Opening event that featured cocktails, Italian appetizers, and dancing, were elected Officials and The Las Vegas Metro Chamber Executives and Members.
"We are excited to present our new facility to the Las Vegas community," said Owner and Former Lt. Governor Lorraine Hunt-Bono. "We appreciate the opportunities Las Vegas has presented to our family over the past 65 years in the restaurant business. We are thankful that my mother Maria is still active in the business with us at the age of 98. As our Executive Chef, her original recipes have stood the test of time in the highly competitive food and beverage industry in Las Vegas."
Lorraine Hunt
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Mrs. Nevada, Dennis Bono, Lorraine Hunt and Ms. Nevada, Amanda Martinez
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Lorraine's son, Chief Operating Officer, Ron Mancuso said, The "Copa" Room is a special event facility for everyone's dreams and fantasies. It can be transformed into what-ever anyone wishes it to be, from intimate weddings to a hopping live music venue or memorable themed birthday and anniversary parties.
“RAIDING THE ROCK VAULT” welcomes to the stage former Dio guitarist ROWAN ROBERTSON, beginning Wednesday, August 19. Robertson will perform alongside lead guitarist Howard Leese in the acclaimed rock and roll production at The New Tropicana Las Vegas Tickets are now on sale.
Rowan Robertson
Photo credit: Natalia Britt
Due to overwhelming response, legendary comedian and impersonator Rich Little has announced his hilarious new show “RICH LITTLE LIVE” has been extended another 12 weeks at the world-famous Laugh Factory inside the New Tropicana Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Young Entertainers will take the stage in HELEN JOY'S 11th ANNUAL BROADWAY VIGNETTES, Friday and Saturday August 20 and 21 at 7 p.m at Summerlin Library and Performing Arts Center, 1771 Inner Circle Drive. Las Vegas’ youngest stars will come together to perform memorable songs from Broadway favorites including “Dreamgirls,” “Wicked,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Annie,” “Grease,” “South Pacific,” and “Rock of Ages.” Featuring solo and ensemble numbers, the showcase will benefit Rudy Foundation, which provides scholarships for youth in performing arts, sports, and academics.T ickets are on sale for $15 and are available at www.showtix4u.com.
The retail destination Tivoli Village (located at 440 S. Rampart Las Vegas) will host a FREE BACK TO SCHOOL AND HOMECOMING FASHION SHOW on Friday, August 21 at 7 p.m. featuring many of the property’s one-of-a-kind boutiques as well as big name brands. Local teens representing most of the high schools throughout the valley will be donning the latest looks for the upcoming season and highlighting fashions that ensure all of Las Vegas will be starting the school year in style. Sponsors and featured looks for the event include Azure Formal Wear, Parque, Studio K, Blowout Doll house.
THE NATIONAL ATOMIC TESTING MUSEUM invites you to delve into Japan's captivating civilization during their JAPANESE CULTURE DAY on Saturday, August 22 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The event's activities include tea ceremony demonstrations, Japanese style games, and a viewing of a short anime film sent from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
Japanese Culture Day is part of the museum's 70 Years of Peace Series of events taking place in August that celebrates the long-lasting friendship between the United States and Japan. This particular event brings Japan's influential culture to the forefront.Costs for the day's events are: FREE for National Atomic Testing Museum Members and $5 for Non-Members. Please RSVP by calling (702) 794-5151.
The CUPCAKERY, Las Vegas’ premier cupcake-centric bakery, opened its third Las Vegas location and is now serving clients on the East side of Las Vegas. The newest Cupcakery is located at 1150 E. Flamingo Rd. just west of Maryland Parkway and also services The Strip, UNLV and Central Las Vegas.
Best friends and long-time supporters of the CHILDREN'S HEART FOUNDATION, FRANCINE SANCHEZ ND JULIE MARCUS DOWNS are set to make their small screen debut Tuesday, Aug. 25 on Bravo’s new reality show, “MY FAB 40th” that takes viewers into the world of wildly extravagant fortieth birthday parties, and the dynamic duo are hosting a viewing party to celebrate. Friends, family and fans are invited to Dal Toro Las Vegas (lower level of the Palazzo® Las Vegas) for the local viewing party with festivities beginning at 9 p.m., followed by the premiere of the first episode of the series at 10 p.m. Donations collected at the viewing party will benefit the Children’s Heart Foundation.
As producer and host of the award-winning entertainment television show “ENTERTAINMENT LAS VEGAS STYLE”, veteran singer and entertainer TONY SACCA has collected and cataloged thousands of hours of rare entertainment and historical footage. From the hundreds of shows he’s covered, entertainers he’s interviewed and historical events he’s witnessed, Sacca is creating an episodic series titled “CLASSIC VEGAS ENTERTAINMENT” that will begin airing nationally on the Family Network on Friday, Aug. 28 at 8:30 p.m. and will repeat at 11:30 p.m. (EST). Locally it runs on The CW Network on Sundays at 11a.m. and Saturday late night on NBC Channel 3 (PMT).
The Grammy-nominated experimental rock group PRIMUS AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY WITH THE FUNGI ENSEMBLE WITH SPECIAL GUEST, Maryland heavy rockers, CLUTCH will perform at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Friday, September 4. Tickets start at $42.50 (plus applicable service fees).
Police officers and firefighters throughout Southern Nevada are lacing up their kicks and preparing to settle their friendly rivalry on the soccer field for The GUNS‘N’HOSES BENEFIT SOCCER GAME, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 5, at Peter Johann Soccer Field on the campus of UNLV. Proceeds from the event will benefit the INJURED POLICE OFFICERS FUND (selected by local police officers) and the Burn Foundation (selected by local firefighters). The winning team’s charity of choice will take home 60 percent of the event’s proceeds, with the remaining 40 percent going to the other team’s charity.
The family-friendly event kicks off at 3 p.m. with pre-game activities that include K-9 unit and SWAT unit demonstrations, police car and fire truck displays, a search and rescue helicopter exhibit, CPR training every 15 minutes and a children’s photo ID and finger printing station. Food will be aplenty with several local food trucks on-site. Additionally, bouncy houses and face painting will be available for kids. The benefit soccer game kicks off at 7 p.m. with a ceremonial first kick from Nevada State Senator Ruben Kihuen. LVMPD K-9 Unit will provide halftime entertainment.
Tickets are $5 for anyone 8 and older (in advance) or $7 (at the gate). Admission for children seven years and younger is free. Tickets may be purchased in advance, with no service fees, at VegasFamilyEvents.com.
Australian soft-rock group AIR SUPPLY returns to The Orleans Showroom for three shows during Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 4, 5 and 6. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $39.95, plus tax and convenience fees. Tickets can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming Box Office.
FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE’S ROCK OF VEGAS 2015 summer concert series will conclude this Labor Day weekend with a FREE concert on Sunday, September 6 at 9 p.m. featuring KANSAS and special guest BLUE OYSTER CULT performing on the 3rd Street Stage.
Kansas
Photo courtesy of Fremont Street Experience
Blue Oyster Cult
Photo courtesy of Fremont Street Experience
Multi-platinum alternative rock heavyweight INCUBUS heads to The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for a two-night concert series on Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $69.50 (plus applicable service fees).
Straight off NBC’s hit show, “Last Comic Standing” and the critically acclaimed movie, “Chef,” Canada’s number one stand-up export, RUSSELL PETERS returns to The Pearl inside Palms Casino Resort on Sunday, September 6, 2015 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $49, plus any additional service fees.
Producing Director Troy Heard and Second City’s Derek Shipman have collaborated to bring SHOWGIRLS THE MUSICAL, A PARODY OF THE CINEMATIC CULT HIT, to the Onyx Theater, September 10 through October 3, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm. with a Sunday matinee on September 20 at 5 pm. Tickets are $25 for General Admission and $25 for VIP, which includes splash zone seating.
Celebrity sightings:
Thursday night, August 20...
Actor Josh Duhamel and his wife, pop star Fergie were spotted enjoying a delicious dinner at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant with a group of family and friends. In town celebrating the birthday of Josh’s sister, Ashlee, the group headed into the restaurant around 8:30 p.m.
Later in the evening the group headed over to TAO Nightclub. Celebrating in style, Fergie jumped into the DJ booth with DJ Five and had him stop the music so she could lead the crowd in singing happy birthday as a cake arrived for Ashlee.
Monday night, August 17...
Lance Bass, former member of N'SYNC, was spotted with a group of friends at Mondays Dark with Mark Shunock.
Mark Shunock and Lance Bass
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Hip hop artist, Juicy J performed for a packed room of party-goers at WWDMAGIC’s 20th anniversary party at Marquee. Also at Marquee was P. Diddy’s girlfriend, Cassie Ventura and his son, Quincy taking in the performance with a large group of friends.
Juicy J
Photo credit: Al Powers
Juicy J performing at Marquee
Photo credit: Al Powers
Earlier that day, Ventura was spotted at TAO Beach enjoying a relaxing afternoon with friends.
At TAO Asian Bistro was fashion designer and TV personality, Whitney Port having dinner with two friends.
Sunday night, August 16...
Former member of One Direction, Zayn Malik was spotted inside the lounge at TAO with friends.
