By Judy Thorburn
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Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - Las Vegas Round The Clock
Entertainment Reporter/Film Critic - Las Vegas Tribune
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - The Flick Chicks
www.theflickchicks.com
Canon U.S.A. Sponsors Star Studded Reception to Benefit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
On Friday evening January 9, I had the pleasure of attending the 10th Annual Canon U.S.A. Customer Appreciation Reception that was held in the Bellagio Grand Ballroom at the Bellagio Resort and Casino. Commemorating Canon’s 10th year of sponsorship with the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), the event served as a benefit to raise money for the non profit organization that provides services nationwide for families and professionals in the prevention of abducted, endangered or sexually exploited children.
The gala event included a live and silent auction, buffet style fine cuisine and musical entertainment by Grammy winner Skip Martin, formerly of Kool and the Gang. Among the invited guests were over 50 celebrities who came in support of the good cause. Many made a grand entrance on the Red Carpet before making their way into the ballroom. Those in attendance included rock legend Alice Cooper, Ed Marinaro (Hill Street Blues), Bryan Cranston (Emmy winner for Breaking Bad, Malcolm in the Middle), pop icon/former Monkee Davy Jones, Kevin Sorbo (TV’s Hercules), Rudy Gatlin (The Gatlin Brothers), Domenick Allen (former lead singer of Foreigner), Robert Hays (Airplane, Superhero), Joe Regalbuto (Murphy Brown, Knots Landing), Gordon Clapp (NYPD Blue), Chris Rich (Boston Legal, Reba), Richard Karn (Home Improvement), Apollo 7 astronaut Walt Cunningham, football player Rudy Reutigger, Alan Thicke (Growing Pains), soap opera star Tom Hallick (Secrets, Days of Our Lives), Michael Storm (One Life to Live, Dynasty), Chris McDonald (Happy Gilmore, The House Bunny), Bailey Chase (TV’s Saving Grace), former NFL star Eddie Payton, Paula Trickey (The O.C., Pacific Blue), actress/models The Costello Twins (Julie and Shawnie), Las Vegas lounge act Zowie Bowie, magician Val Valentino, Dr. Gadget (featured on Extra, The View) and many more.
Zowie Bowie
Alice Cooper
Val Valentino
The Costello Twins
Kevin Sorbo
Davy Jones
In addition to the evening’s event, the following morning Canon sponsored a Celebrity Golf Tournament at The Tournament Players Club-Las Vegas to benefit NCMEC.
For more than 10 years Canon, the world renowned manufacturer of cameras and a leader in digital imaging has partnered with the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to protect children and raise awareness and educate the public about the growing issue of missing children. As dedicated sponsors, Canon has helped NCMEC raise and invest more than $5 million through product, service and monetary donations. The Canon4Kids program has donated more than 1925 pieces of equipment to help law enforcement in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and internationally, quickly disseminate photos and information about missing children. PSAs have also been produced with missing children photos, and parents have been educated about tips for taking and maintaining updated photos of their children. To date, 291 children featured in Canon 4Kids PSAs have been recovered.
For more information about The National Center for Missing Children visit www.missingkids.com. The center’s 24 hour, toll free, hotline number is 1-800-THELOST.
The 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show
From Thursday January 8 - Sunday January 11, 2009 The 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show, the world’s largest tradeshow for consumer technology convened in Las Vegas and was spread out among several venues: the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas Hilton, Sands Expo and Convention Center and The Venetian. Three hundred new first-time exhibitors were among the more than 2,700 exhibiting companies across a wide range of categories, including gaming, in-vehicle electronics, information technology, content and broadband service providers that unveiled the latest in new technology products.
This year, new exhibitors included such marquee companies as Blockbuster, Chumby, Electronic Arts, Eye-Fi, Huawei, Hyundai/Kia, Mattel, ooma, Phoenix Technology, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Verizon Wireless. In addition, sports icons, legendary musicians and television all-stars came together at this years’ tradeshow to experience and promote the latest products and technologies in the consumer electronics industry. For more information about the 2009 International CES including celebrity appearances and special events, visit www.CESweb.org
Additional new and upcoming 'happenings' in and around Las Vega include:
Although the high-energy dance show Fuego Raw Talent closed at the Sahara Hotel and Casino on January 4, 2009, the show’s producers have launched the first Spanish language reality television series, "Fuego en Vegas" that delves into the lives of the "Fuego" cast members, capturing performances and behind-the-scenes drama. The first show aired on December 27, 2008, and subsequent episodes will be broadcast Saturdays at 6 p.m. on KBLR Telemundo Las Vegas (channel 39). American Storm, the male dance review recently closed at the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino. The show, opened on November 7, 2007 inside of Polly Esther's nightclub, after a successful two-year run at the Riviera Hotel and Casino. Currently, the producers are in discussions with several venues and are close to signing a new deal with the hope of opening in its new home on the Strip in late January.
The interactive poker game show “The Real Deal” hosted by comedian Vinnie Favorito closed last month at the Venetian.
“Shear Madness” which was scheduled to premiere at Town Square has postponed its opening due.
The high-energy production STOMP OUT LOUD, ended its engagement at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on January 4, 2009 after 22-months and more than 600 performances in the custom-built, 1,500-seat theatre. Following the performance, the cast of STOMP OUT LOUD celebrated on stage.
CityCenter Holdings, LLC the corporation which is developing a spectacular 67-acre vertical city on the Las Vegas Strip has announced certain scope changes related to The Harmon Hotel & Spa which include postponing the opening of the hotel to late 2010 and canceling The Harmon residential condominium component.
Following an international search, the executive board of Nevada Ballet Theatre announced that James Canfield has been chosen as the Company’s next artistic director. Canfield had served as the Company’s interim artistic director since March 2008, and was the founding artistic director of Oregon Ballet Theatre, one of Oregon’s leading arts organizations, from 1989 to 2003. For the last several years, he has been teaching, choreographing and staging his ballets for companies across the country.
On January 16 and 17 Wes Winters takes his show “Wes Winters: A Musical Tribute to Liberace” to the SunCoast showroom at 7:30 p.m. each night. Tickets are priced at $19.99 to $39.99.
Through January 28, the Buffet at the Las Vegas Hilton is offering a special price for locals on Wednesdays and Sunday brunches. Breakfast is $3.99, lunch is $4.99 and dinner is $6.99. Sunday brunch is $9.99. In order to take advantage of this special offer, local residents need to show a local ID and Player’s Club Card with Hometown Hotspot sticker.
On January 14 Bonkerz Comedy Club takes over the showroom at Palace Station. The first comedians scheduled to perform are Dean Napolitano (HBO & Good Morning America) and Kathleen Dunbar. Bonkerz has been rated the "Best Comedy Club!..." by Casino Player Magazine and has been featured on Showtime, Comedy Central, America's Funniest People. Comic super-stars such as Jerry Seinfeld, Larry The Cable Guy, Paul Rieser, to name a few, have made appearances at Bonkerz.
On Sunday, January 18, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino is hosting “I Have a Dream Pajama Party”. Ladies who come dressed in their favorite sleepwear can enjoy complimentary cocktails, and guys can enjoy an open bar with the purchase of a wristband for $20. Everyone in their pajamas will be granted a complimentary cover. McFadden’s will feature 2-for-1 Budweiser products all night long along with discounted bottle service: $200 for two bottles.
Beginning January 23 through September 8, 2009 the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art will feature “Classic Contemporary: Lichtenstein, Warhol & Friends”. Organized in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego the exhibition will feature important paintings and sculpture by major contemporary artists ranging from Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol to Ellsworth Kelly and Sol LeWitt. The daily admission price is $15 for general admission, $10 for seniors 65 and older, and $10 for students, teachers and military with valid ID. Call 877-957-9777.
On January 24, MonteLago Village, Lake Las Vegas will launch its Inaugural Chili Cook Off drawing cooks from around the U.S. who will compete for a chance to win cash and prizes by producing the best Red Chili, Chili Verde and salsa. A People’s Choice Award also will allow the public to vote for their favorites. While enjoying the food and beverage offerings, attendees can take part in a raffle with fantastic prizes such as vacation getaways, plus enjoy shows by the Green Valley High School Band and Orchestra from noon to 2 p.m. A DJ will take to the stage from noon to 5 p.m. Throughout the day, anyone attending the event will receive a 25 percent discount at all MonteLago Village restaurants and shops. Admission to The MonteLago Village Inaugural Chili Cook Off is free (aside from food and beverages) and will benefit Green Valley High School and Lake Mead Christian Academy.
On January 24, RA Sushi Bar Restaurant is celebrating its 4th anniversary at Fashion Show Mall on Las Vegas Blvd. with a Throwback Prom Party that will have guests reliving their fun filled prom memories. Enjoy live entertainment, music and killer food and drink specials from 9 p.m. until close. Happy Hour drink specials will be featured all evening ranging from $1-$5 which include beer, sake and a wide variety of specialty cocktails. In addition to DJ G-Raw spinning old school tracks and hits of today, RA will also offer live entertainment from indie music group Last Pop Nation and local acoustic musician Justin Carder. Those who come dressed in prom clothes from yesteryear can enter the Throwback Prom Contest for a chance to be crowned Prom King and King. Along with bragging rights, winners will each receive a $50 RA gift card.
The Southern Nevada Center for the Arts, located on the second level of the Neonopolis at 450 Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas, is having its Grand Opening weekend Friday, January 23 through Sunday, January 25, 2009. The hours for the opening events will be Friday and Saturday, 10 am - 8 pm and Sunday, 12 - 5 pm. The Center is open to the public daily, from 9 am to 9 pm.
There are 30 artist studios and gallery spaces currently leased by painters, photographers, ceramicists, sculptors, jewelers, and other art related services with works of over 50 artists represented. The Center will be the location for a series of art related special events throughout the grand opening weekend, including a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday. There will be free entertainment throughout the days such as spoken word, art demonstrations, music, and dance performances. For a comprehensive schedule and more information as it becomes available, please visit the website: www.artcenteronline.com. Art classes and workshops for adults and children will soon be available at the Center. Admission is free to enter the Center and all artwork on display is for sale.
On Saturday January 31 UNLV Dance presents two performances at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. of Transit(ion) II: Dancing on the edge of a dream, a new ballet by Margot Mink Colbert, with music by Aaron Copland, George Gershwin and more, performed by a company of professional dancers from New York City and Las Vegas who take audiences on a choreographic journey inspired by the artistic contributions of the Jewish immigrants to American culture in the first decades of the 20th century. From New York’s lower east side sweat shops, the Broadway stage and Hollywood the ballet tours the trajectory of the early life of author Anzia Yezierska, dubbed by the press as the "Sweatshop Cinderella."
Transit(ion) II is the second in a trilogy that began with the trek of the Jewish immigrants through Ellis Island to New York’s lower east side at the turn of the 20th century. Tickets are priced at $12; Students, seniors, military $8 can be purchased at the UNLV Performing Arts Box Office - 702 895 ARTS (2787). For more information call UNLV Dance Office - 702 895 3827.
The Springs Preserve located at 333 S. Valley View Blvd (between US 95 and Alta Drive) is offering an Eco-Art class on Saturday, January 31, from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM. Fees are $8 for adults, $6 for children for non-members, $7 for adults, $5 for children for members,. Age 2 and under free. Reservations are required. Call Springs Preserve Adult Education at (702) 822-7786.
On February 7, 2009 to The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas will close its legendary concert venue, The Joint, to make way for a brand new expanded and state-of-the-art JointAs part of their Saints of Los Angeles 2009 Tour, Mötley Crüe will help close The Joint doors in true rock ‘n’ roll fashion with two closing weekend performances scheduled for February 6 and 7. Scheduled to open April 2009, the new Joint will be twice the size, feature an innovative sound and lighting system, and offer seven premiere VIP hospitality suites, making the new Joint the most sophisticated, intimate and authentic venue in Las Vegas for artists and fans.
Billy Joel returns to MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday, Feb. 14 to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a marathon of his hits. The engagement will be one of the first in North America since his record-breaking and critically acclaimed “Last Play at Shea” at New York’s Shea Stadium in July 2008. The concert is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.Tickets priced at $175, $125 and $75, not including applicable service charges and taxes.
The Dam Short Film Festival celebrates its fifth anniversary in downtown Boulder City over four days from February 11-14. Categories include Drama, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Horror, Documentary, Animation, Student, and Nevada Filmmaker, and shorts which are grouped into 22 different programs. In honor of the festival's 5th anniversary, a "5th Dam Festival" Mixer will be held on Thursday, February 12th. The first 50 guests to the fiesta will receive a free ticket to any program. The location of the fiesta will be announced later this month.
Since the festival overlaps Friday the 13th and Valentine's Day, two special programs have been added. A "Scream if You Can" horror program will be unleashed on February 13 and on Saturday, February 14th, Valentine's Day will be celebrated with a "Love & Romance" program.
Friday, February 13th The "Nevada Filmmakers" showcase will be presented with 7 films from up-and-coming Las Vegas filmmakers. The "Best of Ai" Showcase will take place Wednesday, February 11th and will show off the student and faculty work from the Art Institute of Las Vegas which actively encourages local filmmaking by serving as festival Showcase Sponsor for 2009.
For a third year, the festival will include a Film Market, where over 900 short films will be available for check out and viewing.
Celebrity sightings:
Linebacker Keith Bulluck and tight end “Bo” Scaife (Oliver Edward Scaife III) of the Tennessee Titans took a VIP table at LAVO inside The Palazzo Friday evening, January 2. The duo, while casually dressed, impressed the crowd with a stunning amount of bling.
On Saturday night, January 3, Actress Michelle Trachtenberg (Gossip Girl, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) continued a Vegas weekend at LAVO inside The Palazzo. Celebrating her sister Irene’s birthday, the group of girlfriends and Michelle and Irene’s mom feasted on specialty dishes from the Mediterranean menu. Following dinner they headed to a table on the dance floor. While their mother left early, the rest of the girls danced the night away to the sounds of DJ Reach.
ZZ Top legendary rocker, lead singer and front man, Billy Gibbons was spotted Monday evening, January 5, inside Frankie’s Tiki Room, located at 1712 W. Charleston (recently opened and created by nightlife legend P Moss - owner of Double Down Saloon, NY and LV). They were overheard saying how much they loved the place. They then proceeded to purchase two dozen of the collectable signature tiki mugs before leaving.
Al Roker from The Today Show, took in Bette Midler’s show, The Showgirl Must Go On at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace on Jan. 7, 2009. Mr. Roker is town for the international Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
On Wednesday evening January 7, inside Wasted Space at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, former NY Yankee Jason Giambi celebrated his 38th birthday with his wife and friends. The major leaguer just recently signed a multi-million dollar one year contract to play for the Oakland A’s.
Photo Credit: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino – Hew Burney
Jeffrey Katzenberg, Producer and CEO of DreamWorks Animation, was spotted dining with a guest Thursday afternoon (January 8) at Wolfgang Puck’s Postrio, inside the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian.
Will.I.AM, who has been known in the past to spontaneously guest DJ at the hotspot, decided to relax with friends in LAVO inside The Palazzo. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban danced the night away fueled by shots of Southern Comfort and Lime and Bud Light. Wilmer Valderrama was at a table nearby, and also spotted in the nightclub was adult film star Nikki Benz, in town for the Adult Entertainment Expo. Stopping by with his fiancé was Stryker, host of the nationally syndicated radio program LoveLine and former DJ of the Ellen DeGeneres Show.
On Thursday, January 8, during his keynote address at the 2009 International CES tradeshow, Sony’s president and CEO, Sir Howard Stringer was joined onstage by a variety of entertainment stars, including Tom Hanks, Usher, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Reggie Jackson, Dr. Oz and John Lasseter, to help him illustrate Sony’s cross-platform entertainment strategy that offers content and services at home and on the go.
Thursday evening The Pussycat Dolls performed for a private event at The Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. They went on at 9 p.m. and played a 45-minute set. Afterwards, the girls immediately headed to the airport to board their flight to London to jump back on their tour.
Friday evening Tabu Ultra Lounge at MGM Grand hosted the Official Vivid Party in celebration of the 16th Annual AVN Awards. Adult film stars Hanna Hilton, Savanna Samson, Monique Alexander, Nikki Jayne, Meggan Malone and featured Vivid Girl™ Sunny Leone turned heads when they arrived at the intimate lounge. The girls partied into the early hours of the morning at the Vegas hotspot.
Also on Friday night….
Renowned adult film star Ron Jeremy arrived at Studio 54 in MGM Grand to host a provocative soiree.The VH1 Surreal Life star captured attention from fans as he walked into the legendary nightclub and partied into the early hours of the morning. He was joined by the cast of Not the Brady’s XXX and Not Bewitched XXX as he partied in the exclusive VIP skybox.
Adult film star Jenna Haze was spotted hosting at the rock lounge Wasted Space, located inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Also seen in the lounge was actor Simon Rex, also known as his rapper persona “Dirt Nasty.”
Adult entertainment superstars Gina Lynn and Randi Wright, Corey and Susie Feldman, UFC fighters Ryan Bader and CB Dollaway and Frenchy from VH1’s “Rock of Love” enjoying Hawaiian Tropic Zone inside Miracle Mile Shops.
In a separate party, two-time Grammy nominated rapper Flo Rida made an appearance on the red carpet and into the Vegas hot spot. Once the club goers noticed his presence, the DJ spun his hit song “In the Ayer,” causing the crowd to go wild, cheering for him from the dance floor.
Friday at LAVO sexy rocker Dave Navarro, his stunning new girlfriend and a group of friends dined on specialties from the menu before climbing aboard the LAVO/TAO Escalade golf cart to head to TAO for his hosting duties there. Always gregarious, Navarro waved to fans and posed for pictures along the way. Also dining at the hot spot were R&B superstar John Legend, Wilmer Valderrama and Girl’s Gone Wild creator Joe Francis.
Upstairs in the nightclub adult film star Stormy Daniels hosted the night in celebration of her upcoming film release, “Operation Tropical Stormy.” Stormy arrived at 11 pm and headed directly to a table in the nightclub. Joined by friends she posed for pictures with fans and danced the night away to the sounds of DJ Crooked, even hitting the DJ booth to give the packed club a shout out.
Following dinner Legend took a dancer floor table in the nightclub where he was joined by UFC fighter Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, while Valderamma chose a large corner booth overseeing the party. Also spotted at a table was actor Simon Rex with a group of friends including History of Violence actor Ashton Holmes, Anna Chudoba from the reality show Average Joe and Stu Stone, Jamie Kennedy’s rap partner.
The following night (Saturday, January 10) Simon Rex was once again spotted; this time dining in Strip House at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Thomas Dekker was also spotted at the hot spot celebrating his 21st birthday.
Saturday night at LAVO, Gary Dell’Abate, Baba Booey from The Howard Stern Show, dined in the restaurant before heading upstairs to the nightclub where he was serving as guest Emcee.
The host for the evening, Tera Patrick, headed straight to LAVO after the adult film awards, where she was inducted into the AVN Hall of Fame. She and husband Evan Seinfeld flirted on the red carpet before heading up to the nightclub with Dell’Abate to get the festivities started. Together they introduced the girls of Vivid and celebrated Adult Film Week.
Following the 26th Annual AVN Awards Show, adult film stars flocked to legendary nightclub Studio 54 in MGM Grand to take part in Pornstarville, a celebration of the weekend festivities. Some of the most recognizable stars included three-time 2009 AVN award nominee Ava Rose with her sister Mia Rose, also an AVN award nominee. Other nominees from this year’s awards, Lexi Love, Keeani Lei, and James Bartholet walked the red carpet and celebrated with friends and fellow stars inside.
In a separate party, UFC fan-favorite Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell partied with friends in a private booth on the upper level of the nightclub. He danced with friends and posed for pictures with admirers into the early hours of the morning.
Smashtime Saturdays returned to Body English inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Spotted amongst the partygoers was Zacky of the band, Avenged Sevenfold, joined by his girlfriend. Smashtime host Clinton Sparks of The Daily 10 spun his set on the turntables, bringing back one of Vegas’ hottest parties. Over at Wasted Space, rock and alternative band Wingman performed.
I will be back next week with more of what’s “happening” in and around Las Vegas.