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
Kevin Lepine Reveals New Showroom for “Hypnosis Unleashed” at Binion's
Hypnotist Kevin Lepine held a special ribbon cutting event for the media and invited guests on Thursday, October 1 to introduce his new showroom, The Lepine Goldman Theater, located inside Binion's Horseshoe in downtown Las Vegas.
Kevin Lepine and his stage assistant/fiance, Emily
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Kevin Lepine
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Among those in attendance to show their support for their friend and colleague were fellow magicians Mike Hammer, Dave Johnson, Greg “Shocker” Dow, Bizarro, and Kevin Johnson.
Shocker, Kevin Lepine, and Dave Johnson
Photo credit: StephenThorburn
“This is a dream come true for me. I am excited to be part of the team at Binions. We are now officially opened for business”, said Lepine after cutting the ribbon. There is no question as to why Lepine is part of the theater name. As for Goldman, Lepine stated, “I was adopted and it is my birth father's last name. After finally meeting him, we became good friends and ultimately family. I found out that his hobby is magic and hypnosis and I thought the best way to say thank you is to make him part of it.”
Kevin's show Hypnosis Unleashed, starring Lepine and volunteers from the audience, will debut in The Lepine Goldman Theater on October 9.
Read Dianne Davis' interview with Kevin Lepine in this week's edition of her Vegas Views column.
Tony Sacca Celebrates 30th Anniversary as Host of Entertainment TV Show
Veteran performer, singer, TV host and Las Vegas Ambassador of Entertainment, Tony Sacca celebrated his 30 year anniversary as host and producer of his TV show, Entertainment Las Vegas Style, at a party inside Ron DeCar's Event Center, 1201 South Las Vegas Blvd., on Thursday evening, October 1.
Tony Sacca
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Joining Sacca and the love of his life, renowned French Chef Josette Leblond, were invited guests including members of the media, close friends, and several celebrities and entertainers including Spanish born actress, comedian and flamenco guitarist Charo, singer Denise Clemente, former showgirl Cindy Doumani, Hall of Fame Broadcaster and Marketing and Advertising Executive Ron Garrett, and Ms. America 1997 Susan Jeske, among others. The event featured a delicious buffet, live musical entertainment, Classic Vegas Entertainment footage, and recognition from local and state dignitaries and even the White House for Sacca's outstanding achievements, including holding the title of the longest running talk show host in the history of Las Vegas, as well as his volunteer work and service to to the Las Vegas community.
Tony Sacca and Chef Josette LeBlond
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tony Sacca and Denise Clemente
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tony Sacca and Charo
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
In honor of his many accomplishments, Sacca was presented with A Lifetime Achievement Award from the White House signed by President Obama that included a certificate, medal and lapel pin. He was also presented with a Certificate of Recognition from Governor Sandoval; Congratulations from the offices of Mayor Carolyn Goodman; Senator Harry Reid and Congressman Joe Hecht. In addition, on September 17, Sacca became the 23rd recipient of his own star on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars, located on the sidewalk at Paris Las Vegas in front of Mon Ami Gabi.
Tony Sacca's awards
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tony Sacca receives honor from the White House
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tony Sacca
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Over the past 30 years, Sacca has produced more than 500 television episodes and won numerous awards for his outstanding TV productions. His show has featured thousands of celebrity interviews, specialty acts, show and hotel openings and attractions created by the powers that be in order to attract more tourists.
From his library of historical entertainment footage, Sacca has created a new series titled “Classic Vegas Entertainment” that began airing on the Family Network, Friday August 28 at 8:30 pm EST and locally on the CW Network on Sundays at 11 am and Saturday late night (Sunday morning) on NBC Channel 3.
Composer/Musician Brenda Bouchard, Tony Sacca, Judy Thorburn, and Entertainment Journalist Bobbie Katz
Tony Sacca has come along way since growing up in Philadelphia. You can read all about his life in the biographical book he wrote with local writer Arlene Krieger. “Tony Sacca: Las Vegas Ambassador of Entertainment,” describes his personal journey from being born an identical twin and performing at age 12 to his solo career today.
Penn & Teller Take Top Casino Entertainment Award at Global Gaming Expo
Magic duo Penn & Teller were named casino entertainers of the year Thursday night, October 1, at the Global Gaming Expo's (G2E) third annual Casino Entertainment Awards.
Penn & Teller
Photo credit: Tony Tran
Little River Band was named musical artist of the year and Ron White won comedian of the year at the awards ceremony held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino as part of the week's G2E conference and tradeshow for the casino industry.
Charo presented Jerry Lewis with the Casino Entertainment Legend award. The iconic comedian first performed in Vegas showrooms in the early 1950s.
H. C. Rowe, Executive Director of The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, also received a Casino Entertainment Legend award, which recognizes lifetime achievement in the casino entertainment industry.
The Showroom at Turning Stone Resort Casino was named showroom of the year. AVA Amphitheater at Casino del Sol won amphitheater of the year.
Other winners included: Bob Rech, Director of Entertainment at Potawatomi Bingo & Casino, named casino entertainment executive of the year; Terrye Seigel, President of Terrye Seigel Productions, named independent talent buyer of the year; and Seth Shomes, Vice President and Head of the Casino Division at United Talent Agency, named casino booking agent of the year.
Presented by G2E and the American Gaming Association (AGA), the Casino Entertainment Awards, are the only awards exclusively honoring outstanding artists, executives and venues in the casino entertainment industry.
Fifth Annual Solo Strips Benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Aid For AIDS of Nevada
More than 400 guests packed the Absinthe Theater at Caesars Palace Monday night, September 28, for the Fifth Annual Solo Strips to watch 15 of Las Vegas' hottest performers strip down for solo performances. The midnight event doubled its initial goal of $10,000 raising a Vegas Solo Strips record of nearly $20,000 to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BCEFA) and Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN).
The Absinthe tent heated up with burlesque-style numbers including a steamy bathtub scene by "Sexxy The Show" creator Jennifer Romas; a blindfolded scaffold striptease by Alex Stabler and breathtaking barely there aerial performances from Alyssa Mccraw and Miguel Garcia.
Photo credit: Christopher Grabowski
Photo credit: Christopher Grabowski
Photo credit: Christopher Grabowski
Photo credit: Christopher Grabowski
Photo credit: Christopher Grabowski
Photo credit: Christopher Grabowski
Photo credit: Christopher Grabowski
Five-year Solo Strips host Bryan Chan encouraged the audience to tip the performers on stage while Showboy Cake Shop passed chocolate covered strawberries from sexy waiters in backless aprons.
Illusionist and magician Murray Sawchuck and pro BMX rider Ricardo Laguna were spotted in the audience along with "Zowie Bowie" star Chris Phillips and Mark Shunock of "Rock of Ages."
Director/producer and recent "Le Reve - The Dream" retiree, Ryan Lyons, first brought the show to Las Vegas five years ago and has since raised nearly $35,000 towards helping those affected by HIV/AIDS.
"It is truly an honor to have 11 successful years within the entertainment community in Las Vegas," said Lyons. "I could not think of a better way to take my final bow than to do so with so many kind-hearted and talented individuals by my side, coming together for such a worthy cause."
To honor the Las Vegas community, BCEFA teamed up with AFAN this year to keep funds here in Southern Nevada. AFAN's Executive Director Antioco Carillo said, "We are honored to take part in Solo Strips this year to keep moving forward in our efforts to provide quality support within our community to the men, women and children living with or affected by HIV/AIDS." He continued, "It's so important to be there for one another in this fight against a disease that touches so many."
Contributing sponsors included Stardust Fallout Photo-Video Design, Summer Rich Dezign Productions, Emmanuel Rodriguez and Ashley Welbourne, Show Ready by Lacey and Christopher Michael.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
With a thrilling array of spectacular illusions featuring majestic cats, DIRK ARTHUR WILD MAGIC debuted his new show at the International Westgate Theater inside Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino on Monday, August 24. The exciting, fast-paced show interweaves comedy with breathtaking big cat magic, beautiful dancers and large-scale illusions. Show times are Monday through Saturday at 4 p.m. and tickets are available for $90 (VIP), $60 (Preferred) and $50 (GA), plus taxes and fees. Tickets are on sale at the Westgate Box Office.
For the first time in the history of the one-man Broadway show, DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN, all five of the active caveman actors currently performing across the nation, took the stage, Tuesday night, September 29, at The D Las Vegas. The actors convened in Las Vegas on Monday to update the show’s intro video sequence. Each performed lines in the iconic one-man role, alternating the script round-robin style. Caveman Vegas performs night at 8:40 p.m. at the D Las Vegas, 301 Fremont Street.
Defending the Caveman stars
Photo courtesy of the D Las Vegas
Based on consistently great reviews from patrons, TRIPLE GEORGE GRILL, located at 201 N. Third Street in downtown La Vegas, has received the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award. Certificate of Excellence winners include accommodations, eateries and attractions located all over the world that have continually delivered a superior customer experience. Now in its fifth year, the award celebrates excellence in hospitality and is given only to establishments that consistently achieve great traveler reviews on TripAdvisor.
THE FORUM SHOPS at Caesars in Las Vegas is wearing pink this month – literally. In support of NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH and for the first time ever, the exterior of the iconic center on the famous Las Vegas Strip will proudly glow in pink for the entire month of October. As part of a national engagement between Simon and Susan G. Komen® , the ‘MISSION PINK’ CAMPAIGN aims to raise awareness and funds for Susan G. Komen. Throughout the month, The Forum Shops will also sell its popular STYLE PASS FOR $5 with donations going to support the SGK Foundation in its ongoing fight to end breast cancer. Style Passes at The Forum Shops can be purchased for $5 at any of the Guest Services Centers located near the Fountain of the Gods and on the second level near the spiral escalator. The Style Pass features more than 50 exclusive offers and valuable discounts available at a wide variety of participating retailers and restaurants at The Forum Shops.
Under the direction of its Botanical Garden Custodian, Steve Bowdoin, ETHEL M CHOCOLATES began stringing more than 600,000 holiday lights across 300 species of plants on October 1 to prepare the annual HOLIDAY CACTUS GARDEN. Spanning more than three-acres, the seasonal attraction is a FREE HOLIDAY TRADITION for Southern Nevada. Each year, Steve and his team aim to create a more stunning display than the year before, with updated decorations, new designs and creative placements. In addition to aesthetic enhancements, more than 70% of the lights adorning the garden this year will be energy-efficient LED lights. The Holiday Cactus Garden will be open to the public Nov. 11 through Jan. 1.
Fremont Street Experience will once again transform itself for the Seventh Annual OKTOBERFRIGHTFEST, combining Oktoberfest and Halloween for the ultimate street party. The spooktacular nightly fun kicks off Sunday, Oct. 4 and continues throughout “Oktober,” ending on Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31. The festivities include free performances from the popular stage production show “Frank & The Steins,” on the 1st Street Stage Oct. 4 – Nov. 1 from 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. (dark on Mondays and on Tuesday, Oct. 20) and Saturday, October 31 from 7 p.m. – 12 a.m. The Sixth Annual Fall Beer Festival will also take place at Golden Nugget (Oct. 9 & 10) and the Halloween-themed Viva Vision shows will be set to musical favorites such as “Thriller,” “Ghostbusters,” “Monster Mash,” “Time Warp,” “Adams Family,” “Halloween” and “Nightmare on Elm Street.”
It's been one year since CRAVE American Kitchen & Sushi Bar opened its doors to the Las Vegas community at Downtown Summerlin. To celebrate and say thank you, CRAVE is giving guests a FREE PIECE OF CAKE with the purchase of any entree from Oct. 5-11. In addition, all Summerlin residents will receive 10% off their purchase for the week.
On October 6th THE UNITED CHURCH OF BACON, a church of over 12,000 skeptics and atheists, will be launching an Indiegogo campaign to buy magician Penn Jillette's former home in Las Vegas. Dubbed The Slammer by Jillette, the 8.5 acre estate with a 7,500 square foot home will be used for community meetings, prominent speaker events, weddings, memorial services, baptisms, and, as the fifth tenet of the church commands, "having fun". The United Church of Bacon is a church that accepts pork, turkey, and veggie baconists. The only requirement is the love of the smell of bacon. The church centers its beliefs on the fact bacon is real, and can be proven to exist. The Indiegogo campaign centers on the creation of a "Nevatican Wall². Built with "freedom of expression bricks" purchased through the church, the bricks will contain personal messages by the buyers. The church is accepting any message without censorship, but reserves the right to place the bricks in different sections for different types of messages. Additional items for donors will be announced with the launch of the Indiegogo campaign. The church launches with a goal of donating over 80% of revenue to non-profits and charities. Founder John Whiteside says "considering the fact most churches give only 5 to 25 percent of revenue to charity, this goal would be both commendable and place us into the category of being the most generous church in the world".
Legendary guitarist TRACII GUNS, who was part of the show’s original lineup when it debuted in 2013, returns to perform in ”RAIDING THE ROCK VAULT” at the New Tropicana Las Vegas, Wednesday, Oct. 7 – Monday, Oct. 12, 2015 and Friday, Oct. 23 – Monday, Nov. 16, 2015. Guns joins the all star lineup featuring Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Howard Leese [Guitar] (Heart), Robin McAuley [Lead Vocals] (MSG, Survivor), Paul Shortino [Lead Vocals] (Rough Cutt, Quiet Riot), Jay Schellen [Drums] (Badfinger, Asia), Andrew Freeman [Lead Vocals and Guitars] (Lynch Mob, The Offspring), Michael T. Ross [Keyboards] (Lita Ford, Hardline), Hugh McDonald [Bass] (Bon Jovi), Mark Boals [Lead Vocals] (Dokken, Ted Nugent), Rowan Robertson [Guitar] (Dio), and rotating vocalists Stephanie Calvert (Starship) and Cian Coey (Meat Loaf). “Raiding the Rock Vault” performs nightly at 8 p.m. Dark Tuesdays.
Rock ‘n Roll Wine and MGM Resorts International will host the tenth annual WINE AMPLIFIED FESTIVAL at the Las Vegas Village, across from Luxor Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip, Friday, Oct. 9 and Saturday, Oct. 10. The festival will be headlined by Panic! at the Disco and Sublime with Rome on Friday and Saturday, respectively. Wine Amplified will pour more than 150 wines by the taste or by the glass from more than 60 wineries. Additionally, there will be a craft beer garden with more than 20 selections, specialty cocktails, a New Amsterdam Speakeasy, the rave & barrel room and restaurant row.
HOUSE OF BLUES MUSIC FORWARD FOUNDATION has awarded a $4,500 GRANT IN SUPPORT OF ANDRE AGASSI COLLEGE PREPARATORY ACADEMY'S BAND PROGRAM as part of the 2015-2016 ACTION FOR THE ARTS GRANTS. Agassi Prep will receive the grant in the form of instruments and musical resources on Oct. 13 at 2:00 p.m. at 1201 W. Lake Mead Blvd, Las Vegas.
Now in its eighth event, THE GREAT AMERICAN FOODIE FEST, formerly the Las Vegas Foodie Fest, has found its new home in Henderson, Nev. from Oct. 15 through Sunday, Oct. 18. Debuting at a new location, outside at Sunset Station Hotel & Casino. The Great American Foodie Fest will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday, noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Individual general admission to Great American Foodie Fest will be priced at $10 per person for unlimited entry and re-entry throughout the event. Active military personnel and veterans, seniors 59 and older, and Clark County first responders will receive a discount of $2 off each ticket purchased at the gate with a valid ID. Individual food and drink items are priced per purchase. Parking will be available at no cost.
In support of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Forbes Four-Star SPA MIO at M Resort Spa Casino will introduce TRANQUIL RESPITE, a new facial therapy specifically formulated for patients seeking comfort from chemotherapy, radiation, medications and side effects from cancer treatments. On Thursday, Oct. 15, Spa Mio will host SPA FOR THE CURE offering cancer patients, survivors and caretakers a “Moment of Peace” with complimentary mini treatments in exchange for a donation. Intended to help provide comfort to those who have been affected by cancer, guests may book a complimentary service from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in exchange for a donation. Moment of Peace mini treatments include a blow dry, hand treatment, scalp massage, mini facial or energy treatment with optional aromatherapy. Appointments are based on availability. Additionally, throughout the month of October, Spa Mio will offer a 20% discount on all retail products with pink packaging. Guests can also participate in a complimentary, 30-minute Moment of Relaxation meditation session on Oct. 15 at 8 a.m. in front of Spa Mio.
Comedy legend and longtime Las Vegas headliner RITA RUDNER has been added to the newly-announced COMEDY ROCKS SERIES at Rocks Lounge inside Red Rock Resort. Tickets for Rudner, who will perform Saturday, Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. in place of “Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper” star Mark Curry, start at $25 plus tax and applicable fees and are available for purchase today. Curry’s performance will be rescheduled for spring 2016.
BOBBY RYDELL, all-American boy of the Baby Boom era, will perform his rock ‘n’ roll hits at the Suncoast Showroom Oct. 17 and 18.The show begins at 7:30 p.m. each night. Tickets are available from $29.95, plus tax and fees, and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming box office.
Multi-Platinum band DAUGHTRY is set to perform at Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, October 17. Tickets start at $35.
The October edition of the monthly entertainment filled fundraiser MONDAYS DARK WITH MARK SHUNOCK will be held October 19 at Vinyl inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The theme of the evening will be The Music of Trey Parker & Matt Stone with proceeds from ticket sales and auction items benefiting Project 150, which helps homeless, displaced, and disadvantaged high school students stay in school and graduate. Doors open at 8:30 pm. Show starts 9:30 pm. Tickets are $20 in advance at www.mondaysdark.com and $30 at the door.
Las Vegas' most prominent entertainers will share the stage once again at the fifth annual "NF HOPE CONCERT" Oct. 18 at The Venetian® Las Vegas. Tickets start at $45 and are available at www.venetian.com, or by calling The Venetian® box office at 702.414.9000 or 866.641.7469.
Benefit organizer Jeff Leibow, formerly of JERSEY BOYS, has brought together a veritable who's who of Las Vegas performers, including Frankie Moreno, Clint Holmes, Bob Anderson, Human Nature and many others in an afternoon spectacular to raise money and awareness for the NF Network, an organization dedicated to families and individuals suffering from Neurofibromatosis (NF), and the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation to support NF families in Southern Nevada. NF is a genetic disorder of the nervous system that results in a mutation on a gene that normally suppresses tumor growth, which allows for tumors to grow on any nerve in the body without warning. Leibow’s young daughter, Emma, was diagnosed with this condition in 2010 when she was just nine months old. As Leibow and his wife, Melody, learned more about the disorder’s devastating effects, they conceived the idea for the concert with the realization that they had an obligation to both their family and the 140,000 people living with NF to educate others about the disorder. Although it is a common genetic disorder, most people are not aware that one in 2,500 people are born with it and that it is more common than cystic fibrosis, hereditary muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s disease, and Tay Sachs combined.
Jeff and Melody Leibow
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
In its initial four years, the “NF Hope Concert” has raised more than a quarter of a million dollars for Neurofibromatosis research and advocacy. This year’s superstar lineup includes: Headliner of the Year Moreno, Las Vegas legends Holmes and Anderson, Las Vegas’ “Best Singers” Human Nature, Showstoppers star Nicole Kaplan, actress Pia Zadora, performance ensemble Molodi and Kristen Hertzenberg from MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET and PHANTOM – THE LAS VEGAS SPECTACULAR as well as some surprise guests and more.
A silent auction will be available with noteworthy items, including ticket packages to the best shows on the Strip, hotel stay packages, restaurant gift certificates, spa certificates and more. Participants can access the silent auction beginning Monday, Oct. 5 via www.nfhopeconcert15.auction-bid.org. The auction will open for viewing at 11:30 a.m. on the day of the event
JAIME LYNCH, headliner of FANTASY, Luxor Hotel and Casino's award-winning adult revue, will sing the National Anthem at the 2015 Professional Bull Riders’ (PBR) Built Ford Tough World Finals opening ceremony at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21 at the Thomas and Mack Center. Following Lynch’s performance at the PBR World Finals, the cast of FANTASY will heat up the PBR after-party at the recently redesigned LAX Nightclub, located within Luxor.
Five years into his enormously successful run as a regular comedicheadliner at TI, BILL ENGVALL returns to the Treasure Island Theatre for PBR Finals weekend, Friday, October 23 at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $59.95, plus taxes and service charges.
Celebrity sightings:
Sunday, October 4...
In the afternoon, Grammy award winning DJ and producer Cedric Gervais was spotted at LAVO Casino Club taking in the games at the football viewing party. Also in attendance was entrepreneur Gavin Maloof.
At night, Drake was spotted at TAO Asian Bistro enjoying dinner with friends.
Monday, September 28...
Recording artist Halsey celebrated her 21st birthday with a blowout bash at Marquee Nightclub with friends. The singer who was presented a vegas-themed birthday cake decorated with gaming chips danced the night away as Cash Cash provided the soundtrack to the party.
Halsey
Photo courtesy of Marquee Nightclub
Sunday afternoon, September 27...
Life is Beautiful headliner Kendrick Lamar was spotted at Marquee Dayclub with friends taking in the sounds of DJ Carnage in a VIP cabana before heading to the festival for his closeout performance.
Celebrity chef, restaurateur and television’s Top Chef host, Tom Colicchio, dined at Celebrity “Rock ‘n’ Roll” Chef Kerry Simon’s award-winning Downtown Las Vegas restaurant, Carson Kitchen. Colicchio was joined by trained culinary expert, food writer, cookbook author and dynamic TV personality, Gail Simmons for a late-night dinner.
Saturday, Sept. 26...
Jillian Rose Reed and Greer Grammer, also known as Tamara Kaplan and Lissa Miller on MTV’s comedy series “Awkward,” partied poolside at REHAB at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas.
Jillian Rose Reed and Greer Grammer at REHAB
Photo courtesy of REHAB
