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
http://www.theflickchicks.com
Founder - Nevada Film Critics Society
http://www.nevadafilmcriticssociety.org/
“Mentalist of the Year” Recipient, Banachek, Celebrates Grand Opening of “Banachek’s Mind Games Live” at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod
Thursday night, August 26,world-famous mentalist, Banachek, was named “Mentalist of the Year” during the grand opening celebration of his exhilarating new production, “Banachek’s Mind Games Live,”at The STRAT, Hotel, Casino & SkyPod.
During his 4 p.m. residency performance, Banachek was surprised on stage with a video from the International Magicians Society where he was presented with this year’s award. A category in the “Merlin” awards, the “Mentalist of the Year” title has been given to the most globally renowned magicians and mentalists since 1968. This is Banachek’s second time being name the recipient.
Alex Schechter of SPI Entertainment Presents Award
“It is truly an honor to be considered ‘one of the greats’ by such an influential organization,” said Banachek. “I’m thrilled to have an opportunity to headline my own show in Las Vegas at The STRAT, and I can’t wait to challenge myself to take mind reading to new heights every night.”
Showcasing his astonishing talents, Banachek performed his mind-blowing production during the celebration. The 600-seat STRAT Theater was filled with Banachek’s friends and family, and some of the biggest names in magic, including Criss Angel and Colin Cloud. Throughout the show, Banachek had the audience on the edge of their seats with one mesmerizing act after the next.
Following the performance, guests were invited to attend an unforgettable after-party ceremony while taking in breathtaking views at The STRAT’s Observation Deck. Las Vegas’ top entertainers dazzled the red carpet, including the cast of “FANTASY” at Luxor Hotel and Casino and “Thunder from Down Under” at Excalibur Hotel and Casino and Vinny Grosso, headliner of Notoriety’s “Totally Mental,” among others.
During the ceremony, vice president and general manager of The STRAT, Stephen Thayer, and senior vice president of SPI Entertainment, Alex Schechter, formally welcomed Banachek to his new home at The STRAT.
“Banachek’s Mind Games Live” is part of a collection of top productions among SPI Entertainment’s world-class shows at the STRAT Theater. Show times are schedule for 4 p.m. six days per week, dark Fridays. Ticket prices begin at $29.
Additional recent and upcoming ”happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Internationally recognized multimedia artist PAOLA PIVI transformed the lobby at ARIA RESORT & CASINO into a WONDERLAND OF NEON-COLORED BABY POLAR BEARS on display throughout the fall. Guests are transported out of the realm of the ordinary upon encountering Pivi’s installation featuring 51 vibrant baby bears that frolic, yoga pose and even hang suspended in mid-air in spirited fashion. The bears, flocked in fluorescent feathers, highlight Pivi’s ability to create human and animal connection in a playful manner while drawing attention to the reality of polar bears losing their natural habitat.
Photos courtesy of Aria Resort & Casino
ARIA RESORT & CASINO is celebrating home team Las Vegas Raiders with LIFE SIZE PASTRY ART CREATIONS of Raiders players, as well as replicas of Allegiant Stadium and the Las Vegas skyline, all made entirely of chocolate, sugar and fondant on display at ARIA Patisserie,throughout the football season.The all-stars of the showcase are lifelike sculptures of Quarterback Derek Carr and Tight End Darren Waller rendered entirely from chocolate and fondant. Handcrafted by a team of 10 pastry chefs over the course of four weeks, the display required over 40 pounds of fondant, 100 pounds of sugar and 200 pounds of chocolate.
A lucky visitor kicked off Labor Day weekend at BOYD GAMING’S FREMONT HOTEL AND CASINO with a $380,000 JACKPOT WIN on IGT’s Wheel of Fortune® slots. The player, who was visiting Fremont to celebrate her wedding anniversary, was playing on a Wheel of Fortune® Triple Red Hot 7’s slot machine Friday, September 3 at 1:20 a.m. After putting just $10 into the machine, the lucky winner scored a progressive jackpot of $382,311 on her third spin. The winner requested to remain anonymous. The big win follows a similar jackpot at Fremont earlier this summer, when a fortunate visitor from Hawai’i hit a nearly $650,000 progressive jackpot on July 15.
Friday, September 10, a lucky Las Vegas resident turned her visit to CANNERY CASINO HOTEL into a million-dollar payday playing Aristocrat Gaming’s Buffalo Grand™ slot game. The winner, who asked to remain anonymous, was playing Buffalo Grand™ at 2:19 a.m. when she made a $3.75 bet and hit the PROGRESSIVE JACKPOT TOTALING $1,024,065.
Congratulations to UNLV SCHOOL OF MUSIC ALUM BONSON LEE (BA Music Education ’17) who won FIRST PRIZE IN THE CHARLESTON INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION! Bonson played “As I Am” for baritone saxophone and piano, written by Steven Banks, who also happens to be one of Bronson’s colleagues. Bonson was accompanied by collaborative pianist John Solari.
RESORTS WORLD LAS VEGAS, the Strip’s newest integrated resort, has introduced a SELF GUIDED TOUR for visitors to explore the property’s ECLECTIC ART PROGRAM featuring works created by both renowned and local artists along with a mix of modern and historical fine-art pieces. Using a mobile phone, guests can scan the QR codes on a variety of art pieces throughout the resort’s public spaces to learn more about them, including details behind the creation of the art pieces, their origins and artist information.
On September 1, Las Vegas’ first flight ride attraction –FLYOVER– located next to the Hard Rock Café and across from T-Mobile Arena on Las Vegas Boulevard, officially opened. This high-tech adventure from parent company Pursuit takes guests on a multi-sensory journey over 22 of the United States’ most stunning destinations in an original flight ride film, “The Real Wild West”. FlyOver uses state-of-the-art technology to give visitors the feeling of flight. Shown in stunning 8k resolution on a massive 52.5ft screen, location specific mists, scents and wind fully immerse guests in the action taking place all around them on a spherical screen. Fliers glide over landmarks in Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Montana, California, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico.
The 25-minute experience begins with a six-minute pre-show by Montreal-based Moment Factory. Setting the stage for the flight to come, guests learn the history of the booms and busts of the American West, where scenes such as the Cambrian explosion to the ghost towns of Gold Rush are shown on a dynamic 360-degree video wall.
After the pre-show, visitors then board the flight ride, where they soar to tremendous heights. Land, sea and sky are all shown throughout the film, punctuated with a captivating musical score by GRAMMY-nominated composer Tom Holkenborg.
FlyOver in Las Vegas is open daily from noon – 8 p.m. to guests of all ages, with tickets starting at $24 for children and $34 for adults. Children must be at least 40 inches tall to ride.
Singer, actress, and comedienne KELLY CLINTON debuted her new show, THE “SIT IN” WITH KELLY CLINTON in THE NEVADA ROOM SHOWROOM, September 9 at 7 p.m. Clinton’s new show is entitled The “Sit In” because she will invite audience members and surprise guest performers to sit in with her while she performs. This is a favorite of Kelly’s and the past audiences at her shows, as she is passionate about mentoring new talent. Also featured from time to time will be her singing abilities and skills as an impressionist, a talent she acquired as a child while mimicking family members. Performances of The Sit In with Kelly Clinton are 7pm every Thursday night. The Nevada Room is located in Historic Commercial Center at 953 E. Sahara Ave, just three minutes off the Strip and complete with ample free and convenient parking.
PIFF THE MAGIC DRAGON, the breakout star of “America’s Got Talent”, is inviting EDUCATORS TO RECEIVE UP TO FOUR COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS to his acclaimed show at Flamingo Las Vegas throughout September. Piff is joined onstage by Mr. Piffles, The World’s Only Magic Performing Chihuahua, and showgirl Jade Simone, who entertain guests from the ages of eight to 80 with a nonstop blend of wizardry, wit and sarcasm. Piff the Magic Dragon performs at 7 p.m. Thursday through Monday inside of the Piff the Magic Dragon Theatre at Flamingo Las Vegas. Complimentary tickets (limit four) are available to all teachers and educational staff through Thursday, Sept. 30. To RSVP, visit https://bit.ly/3mHPm2M and provide a full name, mobile telephone number, email address and the number of tickets requested. All reservations must be made 48 hours in advance of the preferred show date. Tickets starting at $62.95 (plus taxes and fees) are now on sale.
This September, ENCORE AT WYNN LAS VEGAS will debut CASA PLAYA, a coastal Mexican concept featuring authentic dishes, innovative cocktails, and a lively lounge. Located adjacent to the renowned Encore Beach Club, the restaurant is the ultimate destination for those seeking an all-encompassing dining experience boasting an upscale twist on authentic dishes and a buzzy aura in a chic setting.
GRAND CANAL SHOPPES AT THE VENETIAN RESORT® LAS VEGAS will become the ultimate destination for MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE WEEKEND as guests are invited to revel in the CELEBRATORY FESTIVITIES all weekend long. From heartfelt Ranchera songs serenaded by former “The Voice” season 19 contestant, Las Vegas local ELI ZAMORA in the romantic setting of St. Mark’s Square” (performing September 16 - 19 at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m ), to vibrant and colorful folkloric dancing and mariachi performances, to an exclusive gift with purchase, an “El Grito” celebration, and more, The Shoppes will throw a spectacular Mexican Independence Day fiesta that the entire family will enjoy.
To kick-start the extra long holiday weekend, GRAND CANAL SHOPPES will host an “EL GRITO” CELEBRATION, a Mexican tradition that dates back centuries, in St. Mark’s Square on Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 11 p.m. This is an annual celebration that takes place the night before the holiday and will include performances by MARIACHI DE MEXICO, a six piece local mariachi band, for guests to enjoy. Additional performances by Mariachi De Mexico will take place September 16 - 19 at 3 p.m. in St. Mark’s Square. Guests visiting The Shoppes during the long holiday weekend won’t want to miss the exclusive GIFT WITH PURCHASE that includes a $25 DINING VOUCHER to one of the destination’s renowned restaurants such as Trustworthy Brewing Co., Mercato della Pescheria, Smith & Wollensky, Cañonita, Grimaldi’s or Trattoria Reggiano as well as a signature travel straw set. Guests can receive the gift with purchase by showing $200 worth of same day receipts to Guest Services located near Michael Kors September 16 - 20 from noon to 7 p.m.
The award-winning female revue, FANTASY, performing nightly at Luxor Hotel and Casino, will celebrate EL GRITO AND MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY with the addition of a special show number added to performances beginning Thursday, Sept. 16 through Friday, Sept. 18. To honor the holiday and her own Mexican heritage, the show’s powerhouse vocalist LORENA PERIL will sing “La Charreada.” Peril selected the song for Mexican Independence Day because it was written in traditional ranchera singing and mariachi instrumentals by legendary singer and songwriter Linda Ronstadt. This will be the first time she will publicly sing “La Charreada,” which will showcase Peril’s incredible vocal range.Show times are scheduled nightly at 10:30 p.m. inside the Atrium Showroom, plus a second show scheduled at 8 p.m. every Sunday. All guests attending the show must be at least 18 years of age or older with valid ID. Tickets are available at the Luxor box office.
STONEY'S ROCKIN' COUNTRY (located at 6611 Las Vegas Blvd. So., Unit 160 at Town Square) hosts live music in September with some of country’s hottest new stars! Additionally, line dancing is back and in full effect! Stoney’s has you covered with free line dance lessons Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Upcoming dates and performers are as follows: Friday, Sept. 17 – Stephen Carey; Friday, Sept. 24 – Adam Sanders
Advance tickets start at just $10 and are on sale now. Shows are open to 18+ and doors open at 7 p.m.
LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL, Las Vegas’ premier three-day music, art, culinary and comedy festival will welcome DEEPAK CHOPRA, world-renowned pioneer in personal transformation and founder of The Chopra Foundation, to this year’s festival for a series of transcendent and cathartic gatherings.
As the past months have shined a light on the importance of mental health, Life is Beautiful and The Chopra Foundation are honoring the community and creating space to gather in awareness, embody infinite creativity and remind ourselves that we are all connected.
Dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of all who seek it, Chopra will host three distinct events throughout the festival:
On Friday, Sept. 17 festival attendees are invited to join Chopra at the Fremont Stage and take part as he sets the intention for the weekend through a guided mass meditation.
On Saturday, Sept. 18, Chopra will join his Never Alone co-founder GABRIELLA WRIGHT at The Kicker for a special conversation surrounding NEVER ALONE, a Chopra Foundation initiative and worldwide alliance dedicated to addressing the roots of human stress and suffering. Fans can also view a sneak peek of its namesake film, “Never Alone”, a powerful film that creates awareness for suicide prevention.
On Sunday, Sept. 19 fans can spend a soul-filled Sunday session with Chopra at The Kicker for a special live edition of his SUNDAY SATSANG focused on the spontaneous fulfilment of desire.
THE COMPOSERS SHOWCASE OF LAS VEGAS will return to MYRON'S AT THE SMITH CENTER on Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m., nearly 15 months since its last performance at The Smith Center due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The evening will feature a still-developing line-up of special performances and dynamic original music by Thompson as well as TCS co-founder Michael Brennan, iconic Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Clint Holmes, Tony-award nominee Richard Oberacker, Righteous Brothers band members Bucky Heard and Timothy D. Lee, pianist Philip Fortenberry, along with local favorites Dr. Mark Wherry, Enoch Augustus Scott, Christopher Lash, Tymara Walker, Kevin Gardner Rose, Ian Ward and the Originals, Michelle Johnson and guest New York composer Mark Hartman, among others. Tickets are priced at $25 and $40 for floor seating and $35 for mezzanine, plus taxes. Profits from ticket sales of the 90-minute musical showcase will benefit the TCS Entertainment Community Relief Fund which provides financial assistance to those in the local performing arts community who continue to struggle through the economic challenges of the pandemic-related shut-down.
Celebrate the bright, white light of giving back at the inaugural NIGHT EN BLANC to benefit the COLLABORATION CENTER FOUNDATION DISABILITY NETWORK and the launch of the organization’s campus expansion. The funds raised throughout this beautiful evening at the Collaboration Center Las Vegas Ranch (8390 W. Windmill Ln.) will go directly toward the transformation of the property into an innovative and world-renowned treatment, therapy, recreation, and empowerment center for all those with disabilities. Kicking off the fall fundraising season, Night en Blanc will light up Las Vegas’ West side on Thursday, Sept. 23 beginning at 6 p.m. and features elegant social experience complete with a fun, cocktail party vibe, world-class entertainment by Cirque Mechanics, Las Vegas’ finest bites and cocktails, and a silent and live auction sure to raise money for the long-awaited center of innovation, inclusion, and service for thousands of Nevada families.Night en Blanc will also honor Las Vegas disability champion and nonprofit pioneer Linda Smith with a lifetime achievement award. She is also the founder of the Christopher Smith Foundation, named for her son Christopher and serves on the Board of Directors at the Collaboration Center Foundation. Night en Blanc is 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23 at the Collaboration Center Foundation Las Vegas Ranch at 8390 W. Windmill (between Durango and Buffalo). Tickets and sponsorships for Night en Blanc are available now by visiting www.collablv.org and going to the events section. Guests can also email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. VIP Reception tickets are also available.
THE UNLV FILM DEPARTMENT IN COLLABORATION WITH THE UNLV WILLIAM S. BOYD SCHOOL OF LAW presents “WINDSOR PARK: THE SINKING STREETS,” a short documentary premiere and panel event at 6 p.m. on September 23 in UNLV’s Flora Dungan Humanities RM 109.
The world-famous CHIPPENDALES are showing thanks to all first responders by offering free tickets to their “off-the-chain” party at the Chippendales Theater inside RIO ALL-SUITE HOTEL & CASINO. To show gratitude for risking their lives and their commitment to our community’s health and safety, Chippendales is reserving 25 PAIRS OF FREE TICKETS to every show for frontline workers (doctors, nurses, hospital employees, fire fighters and police officers), now through October 31. To take advantage of this offer, first responders simply need to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and include the code 1STRESPONDER in the subject line, as well as proof of employment by including a photo of their work ID. Offer is limited to one pair of free tickets per employee ID.
Nevada locals, businesses and corporations will come together to support the ALS ASSOCIATION NEVADA CHAPTER and those living with ALS at its annual 'FOOD IS ART” CHARITY EVENT set to take place 855 feet high at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 24. While on the 108th floor of The STRAT’s SkyPod, guests will be treated to world-class cuisine, fine wine and signature cocktails with opportunities to win extravagant prizes through silent auctions and mystery boxes. Las Vegas’ top restaurants will cater the event, including Top of the World, PT’s Taverns, Al Solito Pasto, Stockman’sSteakhouse, River Rock Pizza & Pasta, Pierro’s and a variety of restaurants from ARIA Resort and Casino, among others. Tickets start at $250 each or a table of 10 for $2,500. For more information about sponsorship opportunities or tickets, visit bidpal.net/fia2021 or contact Lisa Tomlin-Kurr at 702-768-4288.
Experience a musical collision between hip hop, history, and artistry as RASAR ARMANI returns to the WRITER’S BLOCK on Saturday,September 25, for a special pop-up event exploring Blu & Exiles 2007 debut album “Below The Heavens.” "The Vinyl Say w/ Rasar Amani" is presented in tandem by The Writer's Block Book and Coffee Shop and The Lucy, a first-of-its-kind creative community in Downtown Las Vegas. Doors open at 6 p.m. Records by DJ Mr. Vibe. This is a FREE ALL AGES EVENT. In alignment with COVID protocols face masks must be worn properly by all in attendance.
THE NEON MUSEUM will host a panel discussion, “REMEMBERING THE FRONTIER STRIKE: 30 YEARS LATER” on Thursday, Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m. in-person at the museum and virtually via livestream on Facebook.
In September 1991, one of the longest labor strikes in U.S. history began as workers with the Culinary Union and others staged a strike at the Frontier Hotel and Casino in response to cuts in benefits and compensation. In February 1998, the dispute was settled in labor’s favor after the ownership of the hotel changed. The strike lasted a total of six years, four months, and ten days. Panelists will reflect on the lasting impact of this successful struggle for decent wages and benefits in Las Vegas. A bilingual exhibit about the strike curated by Maribel Estrada Calderon will be on display in the La Concha visitor lobby for the panel discussion and remain until Jan. 28, 2022.
The educational event will be moderated by Claytee White, Director of the Oral History Research Center at the University of Nevada – Las Vegas (UNLV). Panelists to include historian Maribel Estrada Calderon and members of the Culinary Union who were part of the strike: Geoconda Arguello Kline, Secretary-Treasurer, Culinary Workers Local 226, Mary Burns, and Gloria Hernandez.
The FREE EVENT will be held at The Neon Museum, 770 N. Las Vegas Blvd. Space is limited and registration is required in advance at:https://bit.ly/frontierstrike. The event will also be livestreamed via Facebook (@NeonMuseum). Registration for the virtual livestream is available online at: https://secure.neonmuseum.org/21055/21089.
The 15TH ANNUAL PURE ALOHA FALL FESTIVAL, celebrating all things Polynesian culture, will be held THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, at the new location of Craig Ranch Regional Park, 628 W. Craig Road in North Las Vegas, Guests can enjoy a wide variety of vendors offering crafts and cuisine native to the AAPI communities, in addition to carnival rides, Polynesian entertainment, live music, and more. Festival dates and times are: Thursday, September 30 from 5 – 10 p.m; Friday, October 1 from 5 p.m. – Midnight; Saturday, October 2 from 1 p.m. – Midnight and Sunday, October 3 from 1 p.m. – 10 p.m. General admission tickets are on sale now and are $10, and $15 after 8 p.m. Children under 42” receive free admission.
Multi-GRAMMY Award-winning superstar BRUNO MARS has confirmed two new performances at PARK MGM Friday, Oct. 1 and Saturday, Oct. 2. Tickets for both shows at Park Theater start at $99.50, plus applicable service charges, and are now on sale.
FASHION SHOW LAS VEGAS, located at 3200 Las Vegas Blvd S, will welcome the return of its famed complimentary, family friendly walkthrough experience, TRICK OR CHIC, allowing guests to trick or treat themselves throughout the month of October. Starting Friday, Oct. 1, guests will be spellbound as ghosts and ghouls of fashion’s past take over the iconic destination every Friday and Saturday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and a special addition on Sunday, Oct. 31 for a spooktacular Halloween affair.
Guests will be affright as they are guided through a bone-chilling couture walk-through experience. Led by ghost story-telling tour guides, Trick or Chic will provide a frightful delight as the smell of crisp air, spooky sounds and skeleton models dressed in killer looks create a spooky night to remember. The haunts continue into The Great Hall as guests will have the opportunity to watch an eerie-sistible light show to the smash Halloween hit, “Monster Mash”. To add a little treat to the experience, guests can receive a Gift with Purchase when they show $250 worth of same day receipt at Guest Services. This exclusive offer includes a spook-tacular gift bag with fun surprises. The Trick or Chic walk-through experience will be located near Zara on level 2.
HALLOWEEN PARADE,“PARADE OF MISCHIEF” returns to DOWNTOWN SUMMERLIN, located in the heart of the Summerlin master planned community, this October.“The parade will feature an all-star line-up of local youth including dancing zombies, ghosts, witches, wizards, wild creatures, a rockin’ dead skeleton band and more,” said Halee Mason, marketing director, Downtown Summerlin. The frightfully fun, family-friendly parade will fill the streets of Downtown Summerlin with mischievous mayhem every Friday and Saturday night in October (Oct. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30) starting at 7 p.m. The event is FREE, open to the public, and takes place along Park Centre Drive.
FREAKLING BROS. HORROR SHOWS is back from the dead and ready to scare the hell out of Las Vegas for its 29th horrifying year! Rated the scariest haunt in the country by USA Today, Freakling Bros. Horror Shows offers a hellishly-curated festival of nightmares - three expertly-crafted haunts in one horrifying location, including Nevada’s first and only R-rated attraction, Gates of Hell, the experimental COVEN of 13 and the classic Castle Vampyre. Located in the IKEA PARKING LOT at 6555 S. Riley St. in Southwest Las Vegas, Freakling Bros. Horror Shows returns Friday, Oct. 1, 2021 at 7 p.m. Dates of operation will be Oct. 1 – 3, Oct. 7 – 10 and Oct. 14 – 31.The Freakling Bros. Horror Shows box office will operate from 7 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sundays - Thursdays, through Thursday, Oct. 21. The box office will also remain open until midnight from Friday, Oct. 22 through Sunday, Oct. 31. Haunt lines will be CLOSED 45 minutes after the ticket booth closes.
For the first time ever, Freakling Bros Horror Shows passes are “All You Can Scream”. Park admission is $50 per person and includes UNLIMITED trips through all three haunts on the night of purchase. General admission Passes also include a FREE trip to the Freakling Bros resident Fortune Teller (find out when you’ll die!), nightly food trucks and up-close-and-personal performances by the Freakling scare characters. The show starts when you enter the park! Cashman Photo will also be on site nightly, offering group souvenir photos.
Pacific Concert Group and Q100.5’s Nightmare on Q Street Featuring LEGENDS OF HIP-HOP returns to ORLEANS ARENAon Saturday, October 16. Starring West Coast hip-hop icon ICE CUBE, the concert will also feature performances by special guests WARREN G, XZVIT, N2DEEP and more. Showtime is 7 p.m. Tickets start at $49 plus tax and fees. All tickets from the postponed April 25, 2020, September 26, 2020 and April 24, 2021 concert dates will be honored.
This Halloween, CIRCA RESORT & CASINO will host its first VEGAS VICKIE “NEON IDOL” CONTEST, boasting a $10,000 prize for the winner.
The Neon Idol costume contest will feature an esteemed panel of local celebrity judges who will select the most creative and show-stopping Vegas Vickie lookalike. Honoring the iconic Vegas figure, participants will be asked to show off their style and incorporate neon elements into their interpretation of this sassy blonde lady.
Known as the dazzling illuminated cowgirl whose mechanical boot hovered playfully over crowds for more than three decades, Vegas Vickie was created by Las Vegas casino owner and entrepreneur Bob Stupak and is now synonymous with downtown Las Vegas.
In 2016, Stevens and his brother Greg acquired Vegas Vickie and collaborated with YESCO – the 101-year-old company known for creating, repairing and maintaining internationally recognizable signs – to give her a much-deserved makeover. She now presides over her namesake cocktail lounge in Circa’s lobby as a must-see art installation, kicking daily and looming large at 25 ft. tall by 20 ft. wide.
Neon Idol entrants must be 21 years of age or older. Registration will be open Halloween night from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the entrance of Stadium Swim. After a costume parade at 9 p.m., the winner will be awarded the title of Neon Idol 2021 and given a cash prize of $10,000. Only Vegas Vickie costumes will be judged for the contest.
Celebrity sightings:
Friday, September 3...
UFC No. 8 ranked flyweight Jessica Eye, fresh off at week’s Fight Nights announcement, “Jessica Eye vs. Andrea Lee Set For November 13 UFC Event”, had dinner at JING Las Vegas located at Downtown Summerlin.
Jessica Eye
Also seen dining at JING Las Vegas was Turntablist and Disc Jockey Michael Schwartz, better known as “Mix Master Mike” through his work with the Grammy Award-Winning Hip-Hop Group The Beastie Boys. Schwartz was joined by a handful of close friends as they entered the Global Asian Fine Dining Hotspot at approximately 10 p.m.
Michael Schwartz poses for a photo outside of JING Las Vegas - Photo credit: Juan Macias
Sunday, September 5...
Vegas Golden Knight star William Karlsson was spotted having brunch at hotspot Kassi Beach House,a European style restaurant and lounge with Coastal Italian influences, located inside the newly reimagined Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Karlsson was accompanied by “The Bachelor” star and fiancé, Emily Ferguson and friends.
Wednesday, September 8...
Raiders Tight End Darren Waller came to face-to-face with his “sweet” lookalike handcrafted from 80 pounds of chocolate and 40 pounds of fondant. The Raiders chocolate showcase can be seen at ARIA Patisserie starting September 13 and will remain on display throughout the season.
Raiders Darren Waller poses with chocolate statue that will go on display at ARIA Patisserie September 13 - Photo Credit MGM Resorts House Photographer Al Powers
Thursday, Sept. 9...
Reality TV star Brittany Cartwright, widely known for her role on Bravo’s TV series Vanderpump Rules, was spotted attending the 8 p.m. performance of the hit show ATOMIC SALOON SHOW at the Grand Canal Shoppes inside The Venetian Resort.
Brittany Cartwright Attends Atomic Saloon Show 9.9.21 Photo courtesy of Bryce Betts/Spiegelworld
Saturday, September 11...
Rapper, Producer and Double Platinum Recording Artist Too Short , and a few close friends, were spotted for having dinner at Global Asian Hotspot JING Las Vegas located at Downtown Summerlin®
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