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
Mondays Dark Celebrates 2nd Year Anniversary
Mondays Dark, the monthly entertainment filled fundraising event hosted by Mark Shunock celebrated its 2nd anniversary inside The Joint at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Monday night, December 14.
Mark Shunock with wife Cheryl Daro
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
For the past two years, the events have raised over $250,000 with 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting local charities. Instead of being held in Vinyl, for this special anniversary event, the show was moved to the nearby larger venue, The Joint, to accommodate a greater number of ticket holders and guests that were eager to show their support for the good cause and enjoy an amazing evening of top notch entertainment. Representatives from the past year's eleven featured charities along with the eleven upcoming charities to benefit from Mondays Dark proceeds in 2016 were in attendance.
The eclectic cast of performers included Strip headliners, Human Nature from the Venetian, Travis Cloer from “Jersey Boys” at Paris Las Vegas and singer/comedian/impressionist Gordie Brown from The Golden Nugget, Paul Shortino and Stephanie Calvert from “Raiding the Rock Vault” at The New Tropicana, REO Speedwagon guitar legend Dave Amato; female impersonator Andrew Ryan from“Divas Las Vegas”, singers Chris Phillips of Zowie Bowie, Ruby Lewis (currently guest starring in Human Nature’s Christmas show at the Venetian and star of Cirque du Soleil’s upcoming new Broadway show “Paramour”), Rockie Brown, comedian Louie Anderson and of course, a vocal performance by Mark Shunock, who stars in Rock of Ages. Joining in later in the show with some vocal accompaniments were Michelle Johnson and Chadwick Johnson (no relation). Other “acts” included The Baron who has made the Guinness Book record for heaviest weight lifted by his nipples; burlesque performer/ Miss Exotic World, Lou Lou D’vil, and entertainment journalist Robin Leach who came on stage to read a Missed Connection classified ad from Craig's List. The biggest surprise was the special guest appearance by former teen pop star Debbie Gibson, who went on to perform Electric Youth and the holiday classic, Sleigh Ride.
Gordie Brown
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Robin Leach reads "Missed Connections"
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jassen Allen, Chadwick Johnson, Michelle Johnson, Philip Drennen, Francesca Camus, Cheryl Daro and Mark Shunock
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Lou Lou D'vil
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Chris Phillips of Zowie Bowie
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Human Nature
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Mark Shunock
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
John Katsilometes
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Mark Shunock performing with Jassen Allen and Philip Drennen
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Sinatra portrait on left, Mark Shanuck and James C. Mulligan
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Dave Amato
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Rockie Brown
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Travis Cloer
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Stephanie Calvert
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Paul Shortino
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Louie Anderson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Debbie Gibson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The Baron
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Andrew Ryan
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
As usual, musical backup for the show was provided by Kenny Davidsen and The Mondays Dark Band with singers Jassen Allen and Phillip Drennen.
Along with a silent auction that is part of every Mondays Dark event, the 2nd anniversary event featured a couple of live auctions. A storm trooper helmet from the new Star Wars film “The Force Awakens” drew a winning of bid of $2,000. Later on,Walt Disney Animation Studio’s artist James Mulligan made a special appearance on stage where he created a glittery painting of Frank Sinatra, in honor of the legendary singer who would have celebrated his 100th birthday on December 12. After its completion, the painting was auctioned off with the lucky winning bidder paying $2,000 for the one of a kind artwork. Additionally, raffle items included a one year lease of a Jeep donated by Chapman Automotive.
Mark Shunock with wife Cheryl Daro
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Mark Shunock with representatives of Chapman Automotive raffle off one year lease on a Jeep
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
To top off the night, Mark Shunock was presented with a proclamation from Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval's office honoring Mark with recognition for all his hard work in helping to provide funds for non profit organizations.
Mark Shunock receives proclamations
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
RED CARPET ARRIVALS
Norma Llayman
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Brittney Shea Cobb and Chadwick Johnson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Yamila and Mateo Brenes
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Bob and BettyAnn Golden
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Andrei Jikh, Geechy Guy and Mat Black
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Mariah and Patrick Rivera
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Penn Jilette
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Andrew Ryan
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
James C. Mulligan
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Chris Phillips and Jennifer Turco
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
DJ Liz Clark
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Travis Cloer and wife Jennifer
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jassen Allen and Philip Drennen
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Roli Szabo
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Dave Amato, Stephanie Calvert, and Paul Shortino
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tasha Cherie and PIP
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Rockie Brown
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Natalie Manning
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Vanessa LeGrand
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tony Hsieh
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Chet Buchanan
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The next edition of Mondays Dark, the first in the new year, will be held January 25, 2016 in Vinyl at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and will benefit the IPOF (Injured Police Officers). For tickets and info visit MondaysDark.com
Magical Memories featuring Disney Fine Art Celebrates Gallery Grand Opening at Town Square
Fans of all ages and artists celebrated the grand opening of Magical Memories featuring Disney Fine Art's newest gallery at Town Square with three days of festivities., Friday, Dec. 11 through Sunday, Dec. 13.
Event highlights included live performance painting from Trevor Carlton and Steven Fishwick while excited crowds hung on each brush stroke waiting for the final images to be revealed. Fans met with Disney artists including Manuel Hernandez, John Ramirez and Paige O'Hara, the original voice of Belle in "Beauty and the Beast," while enjoying champagne and mini Disney princess-themed cupcakes.
Magician Murray Sawchuck, Mark Shunock from "Rock of Ages," fashion designer Joey Galon, Miss Nevada USA Emmy Adams and Miss Nevada Teen USA Carissa Morrow also joined in the festivities and admired the artwork on display at the gallery.
Joey Galon with James C. Mulligan
Photo credit: Tony Tran
James C. Mulligan and Murray Sawchuck
Photo credit: Tony Tran
Mark Shunock and James C. Mulligan
Photo credit: Tony Tran
Emmy Adams and Carissa Morrow
Photo credit: Tony Tran
Magical Memories featuring Disney Fine Art is the premier dealer of a diverse portfolio of limited edition, hand signed, and numbered fine artwork by some of the world's most popular artists, inspired by the rich artistic heritage of Disney. Disney Fine Art published by Collectors Editions consists of only the finest quality giclees, serigraphs, lithographs, mixed media prints and original paintings in the art market today. The gallery features both limited edition and original artwork from notable Disney artists such as Trevor Carlton, James Coleman, Rodel Gonzalez, Manuel Hernandez, Rob Kaz, Tennessee Loveless, James C. Mulligan, Tim Rogerson, John Rowe, Michelle St. Laurent, Jim Salvati, as well as Disney Legends Peter Ellenshaw and Paige O'Hara. Additionally, the gallery features a selection of Disney animation art and Disney themed toys and collectibles both vintage and new.
The Town Square gallery is located in between Brighton and California Pizza Kitchen on Marketplace South and is open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Toys for Tots – Its a Wonderful “Vegas” Life Benefit Concert
This year, there are not one, but two Toys for Tots concerts to benefit needy and underprivileged children. The first, executive produced by Jonathan Scott, was presented as a Vegas-inspired rendition of the holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” honoring Frank Sinatra’s 100th birthday. Titled “It’s a Wonderful Vegas Life All-Star Benefit Show”, the show took place 7 p.m. Friday, December 11 inside the Tropicana Theater. General admission tickets were priced at $20 but a complimentary ticket was given to anyone that donated an unwrapped toy.
Jonathan Scott
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The show was hosted by British singing sensation Ben Stone and former American Idol finalist Jasmine Trias, who are not only charming and easy on the eyes but incredibly talented vocalists who blew away the audience with their beautiful rendition of The Prayer. Later in the show the two were joined by singer Nikki Logan and John Weidermeyer on guitar for a medley of Christmas songs including Sleigh Ride, White Christmas, Winter Wonderland as well as Bobby McFerrin's Don't Worry Be Happy.
Ben Stone
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jasmine Trias
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The additional lineup of Las Vegas entertainers who lent their time and talent for the good cause included legendary comedian/impressionist Rich Little (Laugh Factory at the Tropicana), singer Pia Zadora accompanied by Vince Falcone on piano; Jersey Boys star Travis Cloer; vocalist Jennifer Joseph Lier doing an impersonation of Marilyn Monroe; Ruby Lewis of Human Nature’s holiday show at the Venetian and Circque du Soleil's upcoming Broadway show “Paramour”; singer Nieve Malandra of Zowie Bowie; singer Gene Anderson, hilarious stand up comedian Geechy Guy, Reckless in Vegas, who rocked the house with their unique and exciting mix of 60's rock and Sinatra tunes; rising star/singer Tommy Ward; magician Tommy Wind; Sinatra impressionist Gary Anthony; “Shades of Sinatra”, and singer Adrian Zmed, with musical backup provided by Chandler Judkins and his Wonderful Life Band.
Pia Zadora
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Geechy Guy
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Travis Cloer
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tommy Wind
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Gene Anderson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
John Weidermeyer, Ben Stone, Jasmine Trias, and Nikki Logan
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Rich Little
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Reckless in Vegas' Michael Shapiro and Ryan Low AKA Dr. FU and Chris Nichols on drums
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jennifer Joseph Lier and Michael Shapiro
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Nieve Malandra
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tommy Ward
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Ruby Lewis
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Shades of Sinatra
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Adrian Zmed
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Gary Anderson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Proceeds from this special one-night-only performance supported the Toys for Tots and Las Vegas’ KLUC 98.5 FM toy drive led by radio personality Chet Buchanan of the Morning Zoo. Once again Buchanan spent a dozen days on top of a 30-foot-high scaffold in the NV Energy parking lot in an effort to raise money, awareness and, of course, collect toys and bicycles for needy kids.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
To celebrate the return of Luke’s namesake kin to the silver screen, LUKE'S LOBSTER is offering everyone named LUKE a FREE LOBSTER ROLL on Friday, December 18 from 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Local Time. If your name is Luke, or Lucas, come to any of the eighteen Luke’s Lobster shacks and present your ID – the first twenty-five eligible Lukes will receive a free lobster roll.
Newsmax has named Las Vegas one of the TOP 50 CHRISTMAS DESTINATIONS in the U.S. Among the many dazzling displays and events for locals and visitors to enjoy during the holidays, Bellagio takes the lead by transforming its 13,000-square-foot conservatory and botanical garden into a Christmas wonderland, while in front, carolers sing around the dancing lights. At the Ethel M. Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden in Henderson more than a half million lights sparkle over three acres of cacti, and at Doge's Palace at the Venetian, there is also the giant Christmas tree.
DOWNTOWN SUMMERLIN HOLIDAY PARADE, a visual feast of sight and sound for the whole family, takes place every evening now through Dec. 24 @ 7 p.m. (6 p.m. on Dec. 24) and runs along Park Center Drive, starting by Footlocker and ending near MTO Cafe. Don’t miss this 20-minute spectacle of floats, toy soldiers, snowflake princesses and princes, nutcrackers, dancers, drummers and festive music! Mingling with the crowd are penguins, polar bears and reindeer!
Photo courtesy of Downtown Summerlin
Photo courtesy of Downtown Summerlin
TONY SACCA'S HOLIDAY SPECIAL “MERRY CHRISTMAS LAS VEGAS”, featuring some of Las Vegas’ finest entertainers and headliners, will air on Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. on the Retro TV Network and on the Family Network at 8 p.m.The show features a stellar cast of Las Vegas entertainers performing in the holiday spirit.
GRIMALDI'S PIZZERIA, known for its award-winning, coal-fired, brick oven pizza, will sponsor the LAS VEGAS NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM for a day of FREE admission for all families in Southern Nevada on Saturday, Dec. 19. Students across the valley are invited to visit the scholastic institution free of charge, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. as an educational kickoff to Winter Break. The Museum’s 9th annual cultural celebration ‘A December To Remember’ will also be kicking off on Saturday, Dec. 19, complete with special programs including a visit from Santa from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., as well as displays featuring a variety of cultural traditions celebrated around the world during this time of year.
Patrons who visit Grimaldi’s Pizzeria throughout December may bring their receipt to the Museum and receive 2-for-1 admission. Offer ends Wednesday, Dec. 30. For 10 shows this December, the “America’s Got Talent” star and the world’s most popular magic dragon, PIFF THE MAGIC DRAGON will take a break from The Piff The Magic Dragon Show to spread holiday cheer.
With a sleigh of new tricks and a special guest appearance from Mr. Piffles the Red Nose Chihuahua, Piff’s Piffmas Piff-Tacular will run Monday, Dec. 21 through Wednesday, Dec. 30 inside the Bugsy’s Cabaret at Flamingo Las Vegas. Piff’s Piffmas Piff-Tacular will be performed Monday, Dec. 21 through Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 8 p.m. inside Bugsy’s Cabaret at Flamingo Las Vegas.In addition to providing holiday cheer for all of Las Vegas, Piff will make the season a bit more enjoyable for some of Las Vegas’ favorite furry friends. Each show will culminate with the auction of Piff’s Magic Muffin, with sales directly benefiting the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) and their dog shelter program.
Tickets are $49.95 plus tax and fees for general admission, $59.95 plus tax and fees for VIP, $69.95 plus tax and fees for Circle of Trust and $100 plus tax and fees for a special Pifftacular VIP meet and greet. Tickets can be purchased at the Flamingo Box Office.
Emmy Award-winning Beatles tribute band, THE FAB FOUR – THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE, will bring the Beatles’ timeless hits to the Suncoast Showroom Dec. 26-27. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. each night. Tickets start at $30.28 plus taxes and fees and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming box office
Legendary comedian JERRY SEINFELD returns to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for two nights of his critically-acclaimed stand-up comedy on Dec. 26 and 27, 2015.Show Times each night is at 7:30 p.m.Ticket Pricing: Tickets prices range from $82.50 - $165 and are inclusive of tax (plus handling fee).
Swing revival group, BIG BAD VOO DOO DADDY, will bring its trademark sound to The Orleans Showroom Dec. 29-30. The show begins at 8 p.m. each night. Tickets start at $19.95 plus taxes and fees and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming box office.
Multi-platinum GRAMMY®-nominated singer and songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen will ring in the New Year at Venetian Las Vegas during three concert performances: Dec. 30, and 31, 2015 and Jan. 2, 2016. Jepsen will perform her headline shows inside The Venetian Theatre at 8 p.m. on Dec. 30 and Jan. 2. On New Year’s Eve, she will perform at 10 p.m.Tickets start at $55.50 (plus applicable fees) on all nights but New Year’s Eve. On Dec. 31, tickets start at $75.50 (plus applicable fees).
Comedian MIKE EPPS, who was scheduled to host the New Year’s Spectacular at the Orleans Arena on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016; will now be performing his own show at the Orleans Showroom. Mike Epps will appear in the showroom on Friday, Jan. 1 and Saturday, Jan. 2 and do his full comedy show both nights. Ticket prices for this event start at $39.95. The original musical artists including Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, SWV and After 7 will perform as scheduled in the Orleans Arena on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016 as part of the New Year’s Spectacular.” Tickets for the New Year's Spectacular start at $34, plus taxes and convenience fees.
Due to popular demand, the current BELLAGIO GALLERY OF FINE ART exhibit, “PICASSO: CREATURES AND CREATIVITY” will extend past its original end date and run through February 14, 2016. The exhibit showcases 43 original works from the iconic artist on display together for the first time, including a portrait that has never been on public view, Profile of a Woman with Blue Hair.
“ART & WINE: A PERFECT PARING,” an event that pairs wines from Bellagio’s cellar with artwork featured in the gallery’s exhibit also will extend with two additional dates on January 13 and February 10 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Admission tickets to the gallery are $19; $16 for Nevada residents and seniors 65 and older; and $14 for students, teachers and military with valid ID. Children 12 and younger are free. Admission tickets to “Art & Wine” are $34 for BGFA members and $42 for non-members.
After a 34 year run, Don Arden's spectacular showgirl revue, JUBILLEE! at Bally's will have its final curtain call on February 11, 2016. The news was reported just days after the show’s co-founder and longtime manager, Fluff LeCoque, a trained dancer and singer, died Dec. 10 at age 92. The show will continue six nights a week (dark on Fridays) until the February closing. Tickets are available at the box office.
Celebrity sightings:
Saturday night, December 12...
UFC fighter Francisco Rivera was spotted at TAO Nightclub at The Venetian with friends taking in the sounds of DJ Politik from his VIP table.
Friday night, December 11...
UFC fighter Paige VanZant enjoyed dinner at TAO Asian Bistro with a group of friends.
Paige VanZant
Photo credit: Tony Tran
Paige VanZant
Photo credit: Tony Tran
Following dinner, VanZant was welcomed to the nightclub with a presentation as she hosted the post fight afterparty and danced the night away to the sounds of DJ Jerzy with friends including UFC fighter Chad Mendes.
Baseball player Giancarlo Stanton was spotted at LAVO Italian restaurant having dinner with friends.
