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
Two Final Candidates Vie to be Vinny “The Man”, New York New York’s Ultimate Spokesperson
A press conference was held on the afternoon of October 20, on Brooklyn Bridge at New York New York, to introduce the two final candidates in New York-New York’s search for the ultimate spokesperson, Vinny “The Man”. Kicking off several weeks worth of challenging competitions, Vinny Blue and Vinny Red first went head to head in Nathan’s hot dog eating contest and a one-hour Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) boot drive where they raised a total of $535 with the help of the Clark County Fire Department. Vinny Blue won the MDA boot drive competition raising an impressive $298 while Vinny Red reached a total of $237. The Vinnys used their New York swagger, over-the-top charisma and charm to get people to donate to the great cause. Vinny Blue has officially taken the lead by winning both the Nathan’s hot dog eating contest and the MDA boot drive.
The duo will battle until the end in over-the-top contests at various locations throughout New York-New York to determine which one can best walk the New York-walk and talk the New York-talk. The ultimate ‘Vinny’, determined by the public vote, will be crowned the resort’s new spokesperson and will be an easily accessible information source on-hand to tell guests where to go, what to do, what’s hot and what’s not, in a totally honest, no-apologies New York kind of way.
Vinny vs. Vinny competition and voter events included a Sports arcade contest, wing eating and sports trivia contest at ESPN Zone on October 26; a drinking song competition, Irish jig contest and stand up improve contest at Nine Fine Irishmen on October 30; and Rascal race at Center Bar, Fun facts memory quiz and Vinny vs. Vinny steak challenge at Gallagher’s Steak House on November 6.
The public is invited to watch the Vinnys in action and help New York-New York find their ultimate spokesperson by voting for their favorite ‘Vinny’ by November 12 when voting closes. The winning ‘Vinny’ will be announced on Monday, November 16.
Wayne Newton Celebrates the Grand Opening of His New Show “Once Before I Go” at The Tropicana
A bevy of celebrities, VIP guests and members of the media joined Wayne Newton on Wednesday night, October 28, to celebrate the Grand Opening of his new show “Once Before I Go”, which is being presented for a limited engagement at the Tropicana Las Vegas. Among the red carpet arrivals were Tropicana Chairman and CEO Alex Yemenidjian, Dancing With the Stars professionals Cheryl Burke (Wayne’s dancer partner on the show, a few seasons back), Edyta Sliwinska, Alec Mazo, Anna Trebunskaya and Jonathan Roberts, Wheel of Fortune star Vanna White, TV game show host Wink Martindale, Cheetah Girls star Sabrina Bryan, singer/entertainer Louis Prima Jr., comedy magician Murray SawChuck, pianist Wes Winters, impressionist Rich Natoli, actor-comedian Drew Carey, Peepshow star Holly Madison, strip performers Carrot Top, Dirk Arthur, Nathan Burton, Zowie Bowie, Frank Marino, cast members from Jersey Boys, Phantom - the Las Vegas Spectacular and Tracy Davis, daughter of Sammy Davis Jr.
This new production, which reportedly took Newton two and ½ months to write, is a trip down memory lane and a retrospect of the entertainment icon’s remarkable life and career from the early 1960’s up to the present. As told from the man who lived it, Newton, known worldwide as Mr. Las Vegas, looks back at his career of 50 years, with its ups and downs and shares some personal insights and anecdotes filled with humor as well as somber moments that took place along the way.
Once Before I Go, begins with a 15 year old Wayne (portrayed live on stage by a young actor) being told by his agent after arriving in Phoenix by bus, that he will have to work 6 nights a week, and follows his climb to becoming Mr. Las Vegas, and his volunteer work with the USO in which he has performed for thousands of U.S. troops in war zones around the world from Viet Nam to Afghanistan.
The production features Newton backed by a full orchestra, a trio of female singers, 3 photo/video screens and the latest in theater technology. Although Newton does sing an occasional song and shows off his versatile talents by playing several instruments including piano, banjo and electric violin, the show is more a career reflection and celebration than a concert experience.
In recollecting some of his showbiz highlights, Newton presents old video clips from TV appearances; as a guest on the Lucy Show, performing a medley with Dean Martin and a duet Sammy Davis Jr. He speaks fondly of his close friendship with President Reagan; how Bobby Darin gave him the song “Danke Shoen” that became a megahit for Newton in 1963 and also reveals words written on a note to him by Elvis Presley, that is emotionally wrenching.
Newton told the audience that in his career in which he recorded 165 albums it was tough for him to pick highlight songs. Nevertheless, his song choices of Summer Wind, Daddy Don’t You Walk So Fast and Red Roses For A Blue Lady were received with applause and standing ovations from the crowd.
There is no denying that the years have taken a toll on Newton’s voice, but the quality of showmanship, charisma, and personality that the beloved entertainer exudes is as strong as ever.
Having performed live to more than 40 million people, Newton has epitomized the talent, glamour and energy that is Las Vegas. It is only fitting that this never before seen show celebrating the man who has been such an integral part of the rich history of Las Vegas comes alive in the equally iconic Tropicana Las Vegas, one of the first resorts to make The Strip an international sensation.
Once Before I Go is performed Tuesday – Saturday at 8:30 pm in the Tiffany Theatre at Tropicana Las Vegas. Schedule is subject to change without notice. Tickets are priced at $79.99, $99.99 and the exclusive VIP Package for $149.99 plus tax and surcharge. The VIP Package includes a golden circle seat, a meet & greet with Wayne Newton and the opportunity to have a photo taken with the one and only Mr. Las Vegas.
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Wayne Newton and his wife
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Carrot Top
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Dirk Arthur
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Frank Marino
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Holly Madison
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Cast of Jersey Boys
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Murray Sawchuck and Stacey Smithson
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Nathan Burton
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Vanna White with Alex Yemenidjian
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Wayne Newton with Cheryl Burke
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Kristi Holden with Jason Martinez of JERSEY BOYS
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Rich Natoli
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Tracy Davis
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Edyta Sliwinska
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Anna Trebunskaya and Jonathan Roberts
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Sabrina Bryan
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Wes Winters
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Wink Martindale
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Zowie Bowie
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Drew Carey and Holly Madison
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Judy Thorburn and Wayne Newton
Additional recent and upcoming happenings in and around Las Vegas include:
Vegas PBS was honored during the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas’ 8th Annual Scholarship Fundraising Gala on Friday evening, Oct. 9, at the M Resort Spa Casino. Vegas PBS was selected as an honoree for its excellence in and commitment to educating young people throughout the community. General Manager Tom Axtell accepted the award on behalf of Vegas PBS during the event that featured world-class cuisine, fine wines and a spectacular performance by R&B music legend Al Green.
“Smokey Robinson Presents Australia's Human Nature – The Ultimate Celebration of the Motown Sound" at the Imperial Palace has moved its show time to 7:30 p.m. six nights a week (dark Fridays) in the Imperial Theater. Upcoming dark dates are Nov 4, 5 and 6.
Saturday October 24, casino legend and pioneer Jackie Gaughan celebrated his 89th birthday at the El Cortez Hotel & Casino on Saturday, From 1 – 7 p.m. Jackie handed out free cake and champagne to guests at the property. From 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. he was joined by two showgirls and an Elvis impersonator courtesy of the LVCVA .
Jackie Gaughan
Sunday night October 25, at the Playboy Club inside Palms Casino Resort. Playboy Playmate Alison Waite (May 2006) named Las Vegas resident and full time model Daycita Long, Miss Playboy Club October 2009.
Photo credit: Shane O'Neal
Daycita Long, Miss Playboy Club October 2009
Tickets for the first five weekends of Garth Brooks concerts at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas which went on sale on Saturday, October 24 at 8 a.m. were completely sold out within 5 hours. According to the Wynn’s PR department, there was an unprecedented demand for tickets at call centers and the Wynn web sites. Fans still stand a chance to obtain tickets for sold out concerts. Returned or unclaimed tickets will be released to a stand-by line that will form at the Wynn box office on show days. Future Garth Brooks concert dates will be announced soon.
Anita Mann, producer of FANTASY at Luxor Las Vegas announced that, after a brief hiatus, Angelica Bridges will be rejoining the cast of FANTASY, effective Tuesday, Oct. 27. Bridges is scheduled to complete the remainder of her three-month contract, which runs through the end of the year and includes an option to renew.
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Angelica Bridges
In celebration of Harlequin’s 60th anniversary, one of the world’s leading publishers of books for women is sponsoring an exhibition of original cover art that will focus not only on the changing shape of desire and fantasy but also on the social meaning and context of these images. THE HEART OF A WOMAN: Harlequin Cover Art 1949—2009 debuts at the Paris Gallerie on Oct. 24, 2009 and will be on display until Jan. 31, 2010. The exhibit is open to the public FREE of charge. The gallery is located just outside of the Paris reception area. Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
A special “National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Full Throttle Drag Racing Autograph Session” will take place on Friday, October 30 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the casino floor of The Stratosphere Casino Hotel. The session will feature Don Schumacher Racing drivers with Top Fuel Champion Tony Schumacher and Funny Car driver Ron Capps. The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series will be competing October 30 through November 1 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. All drivers are scheduled to appear. The line up of drivers is subject to change.
Monte Carlo headliner Frank Caliendo performs on “The Jay Leno Show” Friday, October 30 at 10 p.m. PST. Las Vegas’ newest headliner will give a nationwide audience a glimpse of what to expect at his show, performing an array of his signature impressions and slap stick comedy.
Popular Hawaiian variety act Society of Seven, joined by season three American Idol finalist Jasmine Trias will perform at the Gold Coast Showroom for an extended run beginning November 6. Scheduled show times are 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets go on sale Friday, October 30 starting from $29.95, plus tax.
Vince Neil’s 5th Annual “Off The Strip Poker Tournament” will take place at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino on Sunday, November 8th at 7:00pm with all proceeds to benefit the Skylar Neil Foundation. The No-Limit Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament will be the center of the action, just off the casino floor near Buzios restaurant. An amazing line-up of both rock and poker stars are anticipated at this year’s tournament, hosted by Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe, and emceed by world renowned poker tournament director Matt Savage. A cocktail reception for players and celebrities will take place in the tournament area beginning at 6:00pm, and a live charity auction will be held just prior to play. A silent auction will be held throughout the event, giving both players and the public the chance to bid on an incredible collection of music, sports and movie memorabilia. Players may register in person at the main casino cage starting at 4:00pm on the day of the event. Participants will vie for a cash prize pool of $50,000. The tournament buy-in is $500 plus a $50 registration fee, and seating is limited to the first 200 entrants.
In anticipation of its grand opening at Town Square Las Vegas on Friday, Nov. 13 Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar is holding a two-day job fair on Tuesday, Nov. 3 and Wednesday, Nov. 4 from noon – 5 p.m. to fill a number of positions including bartenders, cocktail waitresses, door staff, piano players, managers, cleaning crew and bathroom attendants. Those interested in applying can do so either day. For more information, call 702.220.PETE (7383).
UNLV welcomes acclaimed Serbian born marimba percussionist Nebojsa Zivkovic in concert at 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 8 in the Doc Rando Recital Hall of the Beam Music Center on the UNLV campus. The performance is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome at the door.
In honor of Veteran’s Day, on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 9 p.m. Vegas PBS Channel 10.1 will air “The Greatest Generation Goes to War: Las Vegans Memories of WW II” (parts one and two) taking viewers back in time as Las Vegans share their stories about the war and Las Vegas.
Rock legend Sammy Hagar is ready to rock Vegas – Cabo style, with the opening of Cabo Wabo® Cantina in early November inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. On Friday, December 4, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer will host an official grand opening bash with a live performance by his band, the Waboritas. The two-level, 15,000-square-foot live music venue, cantina and restaurant will be located directly on Las Vegas Boulevard across from the new CityCenter complex.
More than 4,000 walkers representing local corporations, families, schools, and other organizations are expected to turn out for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), Nevada Chapter’s annual Walk to Cure Diabetes, on Saturday, November 14 at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. The goal is to raise more than $600,000 for research to find a cure for diabetes and its complications. Entire families from kids to grandparents enjoy participating in the event – even if they are not among the 24 million Americans with a personal connection to type 1 diabetes. At the Southern Nevada Walk, there will be entertainment, food, activities and more. On-site registration begins at the North Field at 9:00 a.m. For more information, or to register for the Walk, visit the JDRF web site at www.jdrf.org or call the JDRF office at 702.732.4795.
An upcoming art exhibition and symposium will be held on the campus of UNLV. "Extreme Sensibility: Taiwanese Contemporary Video Art, will take place" November 13 - December 13, 2009 inside the Donna Beam Gallery. The exhibit, supported by The Council of Cultural Affairs, the Taipei Cultural Center, New York, features fourteen artists with examples of their video work available for viewing. A reception will be held 5 - 7 pm. on
November 13.
A FREE symposium titled Taiwan Cultural Forum - International Contemporary Art Symposium will be held November 13, 2009, 9:30 - 4:30 inside the Marjorie Barrick Museum Auditorium Speakers: John Begley, Professor, Allen R. Hite Art Institute, University of Louisville, Kentucky. Fuchiawen Lien, Professor, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas. Jeff Burden, Professor, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Nevada.Charles Liu, Curator, “Extreme Sensibility-Taiwanese Contemporary Video Art”. Box lunches will be provided by the Taipei Cultural Center at no charge to attendees. Faculty, staff and students are also invited to attend.
On Monday, Nov. 16 at 9 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 4 p.m. on Vegas PBS Channel 10 and 10.1.will air “Remembering the Holocaust: Las Vegas Survivors Tell Their Stories” that will feature the stories and experiences of 8 of the nearly 350 Holocaust survivors that reside in Las Vegas,
Legendary singer/songwriter Neil Sedaka’s will perform at The Orleans Showroom November 12, 13, 14 and 15 at 8 p.m. Tickets are priced from $39.95, plus tax.
Popular Las Vegas entertainer and “Concert King” of the Philippines, Martin Nievera, returns to the Suncoast Showroom for a weekend of solo performances the evenings of November 14 and 15. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $19.95, plus tax. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.
Celebrity sightings:
On Tuesday,October 20…
Bette Midler’s The Showgirl Must Go On at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace performed to a star-filled audience. In separate parties, famed fashion designer Betsey Johnson, actress Doris Roberts from “Everybody Loves Raymond” and the longest sitting Supreme Court Judge, Justice Stevens took in the show.
Grammy-Award nominated rock band from Las Vegas, The Killers dined at N9NE Steakhouse inside Palms Casino Resort with a party of nine.
Moon Nightclub hosted an evening with clothing company, DCMA Collective and drew in celebrity guests including songwriter and drummer for System of a Down John Dolmayan, Motocross racer Carey Hart and DCMA Collective owner Tal Cooperman.
At a separate table, former NFL athlete and current star and producer for the Fox sitcom, Brothers, Michael Strahan enjoyed the scene with a few friends.
Beth Shak, the “World’s Sexiest Poker Player”, dined at LAVO with friends including Heatherette designer and socialite Traver Rains. Afterwards, the group headed up to the nightclub where Shak hosted the evening.
Beth Shak, the “World’s Sexiest Poker Player”
Also spotted at LAVO was Chazz Palminteri.
Wednesday night, October 21, retired professional basketball player Gary Payton and his family dined at N9NE Steakhouse inside Palms Casino Resort.
Thursday night, October 22…
Peepshow star Holly Madison and celebrity blogger Perez Hilton were spotted dining with friends at LAVO.
TV host and actor Jason Acuna, better known as Wee-Man, partied at Playboy Club inside Palms Casino Resort.
Friday, October 23, Will.i.am, frontman and co-founder of the hit hip hop and pop group the Black Eyed Peas took over the turntables as the guest DJ at Z-Trip's Revolution at Rain Nightclub inside the Palms Casino Resort.
Photo credit: Joe Fury
Will.i.am and D.J.R.O.B
Other celebrities inside Rain Nightclub included Major League Baseball outfielder for the Boston Red Sox Jacoby Ellsbury.
Meghan McCain columnist, blogger, and the daughter of U.S. Senator John McCain, arrived with seven friends.
Saturday night, Oct. 24…
Adult film star Tera Patrick spotted enjoying dinner at Strip House inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Rob Thomas, recording artist, songwriter and lead singer of the band Matchbox Twenty, had dinner at N9NE Steakhouse inside the Palms Casino Resort. He was joined by two friends in the restaurant's main dining room prior to his concert at The Pearl.
Joe Mauer, Major League Baseball catcher for the Minnesota Twins, was joined by 10 guests in the main dining room.
Also dining at N9NE Steakhouse was actor Mark Salling (The Fox musical "Glee"). He was joined by a friend in the main dining room.
In Playboy Club English professional gambler and poker player David Ulliott (known by the nickname Devilfish), was joined by six guests including entertainer Matt Goss who arrived later in the evening with 15 other guests.
At Moon Nightclub Justin Berfield, actor, writer and producer (best known for his portrayal as Malcolm's 2nd-oldest brother, Reese Wilkerson, in "Malcolm in the Middle"),arrived with a group of friends.
Actress Jennifer Morrison, most known for her role on HOUSE and boyfriend Amaury Nolasco from Prison Break, were spotted dining at TAO Asian Bistro.
Also spotted the dining room was Stephen Dorff. The actor joined a group including TAO’s owners.
Upstairs in the nightclub DJ Vice spun for a crowd that included Floyd Mayweather Jr.
At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas:
Meanwhile, over at Wasted Space, Benji Madden played bass for Jason Ellis's band Taintstick. Spotted in the crowd was Travis Pastrana and the rest of the Nitro Circus crew along with Carey Hart and John Dolmayan (drummer from the band System Of A Down).
In town for the U2 concert, actress Jessica Alba and her husband Cash Warren hung out at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino where they took a private hard hat tour of the new luxury HRH Tower set to open in December. The couple also caught a concert by the Steve Miller Band at The Joint and then tried their luck at the high limit gaming tables.
Monday night October 26, Joe Jackson was at ghostbar inside Palms Casino Resort. He arrived around 10:30 p.m. with an entourage of about 25 people.
Tuesday, October 27…
Chuck Liddell spotted enjoying dinner in Strip House at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Playboy Club inside Palms Casino Resort hosted the official after-party for the exclusive screening of Michael Jackson’s This Is It. Special guests included Joe Jackson, the patriarch of the Jackson Family and Johnny Brenden, owner of Brenden Theatres.
Jackson was later spotted upstairs at Moon Nightclub with six friends.
Also at Moon Nightclub was actor and wrestler Todd Bridges accompanied by a few friends.
I will be back next week with more “happenings” in and around Las Vegas.
