By Judy Thorburn
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Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - Las Vegas Round The Clock
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - The Flick Chicks
Director of Communications - Nevada Film Alliance
www.theflickchicks.com
The Venetian Rolls Out The Red Carpet for America’s Veterans with “Tribute to the Troops”
In celebration of Veteran’s Day, The Sands Foundation honored our nation’s veterans with an over-the-top weekend of entertainment, world-class dining, and relaxation at The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino.
Celebrities Partake in Nevada Cancer Institute’s Rock for the Cure at ARIA Resort and Casino
Nevada Cancer Institute’s Rock for the Cure gala event was held in CityCenter’s ARIA Resort & Casino on Thursday evening, November 11.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Joey “Jaws” Chestnut won the second annual Martorano’s Masters Meatball Eating Championship, beating out 12 other contenders at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino on Sunday, Nov. 7. The competition was held on the Masquerade Village stage in the middle of the casino, in front of a live audience. The No. 1-ranked eater in the world ate 43 2-ounce meatballs in 10 minutes earning himself $1,500 and a monogram “M” necklace courtesy of Cook/Owner Steve Martorano.
The Major League Eating-sanctioned contest also featured a special guest host, star of “Holly’s World” and “Peepshow,” Holly Madison.
Steve Martorano, Joey "Jaws" Chestnut and Holly Madison
Photo credit: Cassi Thomas/RETNA
Canadian Jonathan Duhamel has won the 2010 World Series of Poker Main Event Championship at the Rio. Duhamel, 23, a resident of Quebec earned the $8.9 first prize and becomes the first Canadian to win the $10,000 buy-in No-limit Hold’em World Championship. John Racener of Florida finished second and earned $5.5 million.
Entertainment producer, Bill Edwards (executive producer of “Sgt. Pepper Live” featuring Cheap Trick) commemorated this Veterans Day by making a $200,000 donation to the Veterans Airlift Command, a non-profit veteran support agency that provides free air transportation to wounded warriors, veterans and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes through a national network of volunteer aircraft owners and pilots. The VAC serves veterans of Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) as well as veterans of other conflicts as capacity allows. For more information on the organization visit www.veteransairlift.org.
Due to scheduling conflicts, the Seven Mary Three concert scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 20 a the Pub inside the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino has been cancelled. Previously purchased tickets can be refunded at place of purchase
On November 22, “Triumph. It Runs On Steam” opens at the Las Vegas Hilton Theatre. According to the press release, the production is described as “an alluring, entertaining and thrilling mystical journey that pulls back the cosmetic curtain taking you through the dimension of time and a parallel universe. Steeped with the influence from the work of Jules Vern and the imagination of H.G. Wells and the inventions of Nikola Tesla, “Triumph…” is set to transform audiences and begin its journey through an alternative history.” Performances for Triumph in the Hilton Theater are scheduled at 7:30 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, and at 7 and 9:30 p.m. on Sundays, during football season, and 4 and 7:30 p.m. on Sundays, during the rest of the year. Tickets are $44.95 - $99.95, plus tax and service charge.
The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas, two of the world’s largest and most luxurious resorts, both owned and operated by global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE-LVS), have once again been honored with the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award®. This marks the fourth year in a row The Venetian has been recognized with the AAA Five Diamond Rating and the second year in a row for The Palazzo, after attaining eligibility last year.
Travel + Leisure has named MGM Resorts International, a global leader in bringing sustainability to the hospitality industry, as a recipient of its 2010 Global Vision Award. The awards recognizes CityCenter for pioneering achievements and contributions to improve the world through sustainable travel. CityCenter garnered six LEED Gold Certifications, and at 18 million square feet, is the largest environmentally sustainable, mixed-use construction development in the world.
Wayne Newton has been added as a special guest panelist for the live taping of the wildly popular NPR radio show Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! which is coming to the Paris Las Vegas on Thursday, Nov. 18. Hosted by the one-and-only Peter Sagal along with judge and scorekeeper Carl Kasell, the live taping of the oddly informative quiz program will test your knowledge of current news and off-the-wall information. Other featured panelists will include sharp-witted comedian Paula Poundstone, “CBS Sunday Morning” contributor Faith Salie, and HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher” humorist Adam Felber. Tickets are on sale now and start at $50.
The Rat Pack Is Back! will put on a benefit performance in support of the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation on November 18, 2010 at the Plaza Hotel and Casino.The Rat Pack is Back! will donate $10 back to the organization for all guests who mention “Candy” when calling or visiting the Box Office to purchase tickets for this charitable evening. The melodic cast includes: Frank, Sammy, Dean and Joey, performing their classic songs nightly backed by a twelve-piece orchestra. Tickets start at $49.99 plus tax. A Vegas-style dinner, booth and VIP packages are also available.
i♥burgers is hiring talented, hungry staff for its new location, opening mid-December 2010 at The Shoppes at The Palazzo. i♥burgers will be interviewing for more than 100 positions for the approachable, gourmet burger restaurant including servers, hosts, bartenders, line cooks, prep cooks, and the first milkshake-ologist in the history of mankind. Interviews will take place Sunday, Nov. 21 – noon to 5 p.m. and Monday, Nov. 22 – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino- Casanova Ballroom. All applicants must bring a valid government-issued ID and must be 21 or older to apply.
The Western pioneer-themed Mystic Falls Park, located inside Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall, will once again transform into a popular winter wonderland for the holidays—November 24 through January 2. The official lighting ceremony will take place November 24 at 4:30 p.m. kicking off the more than five weeks of wintry delight. Coinciding with the date of the lighting ceremony on November 24, Sam’s Town will accept donations of used mobile phones for the Cell Phones for Soldiers program. Each phone donated to the program equates to an hour of talk time for soldiers abroad.
Chart-topping recording artist Lil Jon has launched a new partnership with Surrender Nightclub as resident DJ taking over the turntables once a month. His first appearance under the exclusive agreement is during Surrender’s weekly industry party, Surrender Your Wednesdays, on Wednesday, November 24.
Lil Jon is just the latest addition to an already remarkable musical line-up at Surrender, which includes musical director and Friday evening headliner Steve Aoki, and a rotating roster of unique DJ talent.
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Grammy Living Legend Rod Stewart, late night host and Las Vegas native Jimmy Kimmel, actress/singer Selena Gomez, LIVE favorite Howie Mandel, hot young singer Nicki Minaj and “Community” star Joel McHale are just a few of the highlights as Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa bring “LIVE! with Regis and Kelly” to the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas the week of November 29. In addition to interviews with Kimmel, Gomez, Mandel and McHale, performances also will take center stage during the four shows. Also, famed illusionist David Copperfield will wow the crowd with one of his fantastic illusions, ventriloquist Terry Fator will demonstrate why he walked away as the winner of “America’s Got Talent” and the cast of SINATRA Dance With Me will preview a number from their limited run at Wynn Las Vegas.
AFAN (Aid for AIDS of Nevada) hosts its Annual Holiday Toy Drive, encouraging the community to lend a hand by donating a new, unwrapped toy, which will benefit the organization’s children (ages 0-15) affected by HIV/AIDS. Donations are being accepted through Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. at the AFAN Office, 701 Shadow Lane, Suite 170 Las Vegas.
The Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower, an official sponsor of National Finals Rodeo 2010, will hold a contest for the best Famous Cowboy, Cowgirl and NASCAR Driver lookalikes on Thursday, December 2 in Images Lounge. The competition begins at 10 p.m. and $100 in Free Slot Play will be awarded to each of the best lookalikes in these categories: Best TV/Movie Cowboy, Best TV/Movie Cowgirl, Best Cowboy Entertainer, Best Cowgirl Entertainer and Best NASCAR® Driver.
Desert Outlaws, a talented and popular Country & Western band will perform live in Images Lounge during the festivities and emcee the lookalike contest.
To welcome the National Final Rodeo to Las Vegas, Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel presents acclaimed country music star Travis Tritt to the Casablanca Event Center Friday, December 3 at 10 p.m.Tickets are available in three levels: Gold at $69.95, Prime at $59.95 and Reserved at $49.95, not including applicable service charges and taxes.
Award winning country music star, Lee Greenwood, well known for his single “God Bless the USA,” will be performing traditional Christmas songs in Lee Greenwood’s Tennessee Christmas at The Orleans Showroom for one-night-only, December 5 at 8 p.m. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $29.95, plus tax and convenience fees.
Celebrity sightings:
Monday, November 8,
Dana White, UFC president, dined at N9NE Steakhouse inside Palms Casino Resort.
Tuesday, November 9
Mega-producer and super DJ, Chew Fu, performed a set at Moon Nightclub inside Palms Casino Resort. Chew Fu’s set included a unique performance by a tap dancer. Shane Sparks, award-winning hip-hop choreographer for So You Think You Can Dance and judge on MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew, partied at Moon.
San Francisco based DJ Erock, (real name Eric Nagrampa), celebrated his birthday at Moon. DJ Erock and 12 friends enjoyed the performance from Chew Fu.
The winners from the World Series of Poker Main Event rolled in to PURE Nightclub inside of Caesar’s Palace celebrate their earnings. First to arrive was Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi who placed fifth in the tournament. Michael, who never leaves home without his brothers, came with all four including Robert, Eric and Donny who are also professional poker players. As the host of the event, Michael also brought in a large entourage of 100 friends and family members. Other WSOP winners showed up to party, including Jonathan Duhamel who took everyone by surprise and won first place in the tournament. Others that came out to celebrate were Filippo Cadio (fourth place winner) and Matthew Jarvis (eighth place winner). Later in the evening, Mizrachi was presented with a magnum of Ace of Spades champagne as the DJ played his theme song “Out Here Grinding” by DJ Khaled.
Images attached by Steven Lawton of C1-photo.com
Wednesday, November 10,
Mexican singer Alejandro Fernandez headed to Blush Boutique Nightclub following his appearance at the 2010 Person of the Year event honoring Placido Domingo. Fernandez and his group spent most of the evening in the Blush VIP room with friends.
Thursday, November 11,
In town for the 11th Annual Latin Grammy Awards, Latin sensation Enrique Iglesias, dressed very casual in jeans, a hoodie and baseball cap stopped by the LAX Nightclub inside the Luxor following the long awards show. Just after 11 pm, he was seen being escorted by his large security team, followed by his entourage over to the nightclub. Inside LAX, Enrique headed to the main stage, where he and his friends got situated. The group was seated in the mega club’s VIP area and was surrounded by hundreds of admirers. Iglesias’ girlfriend of nearly 10 years, former tennis star and model, Anna Kournikova was not present.
Enrique Iglasias
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image
Neil Moffitt and Enrique Iglasias
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image
The crowd at LAX
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image
Denny Hamlin was spotted celebrating the 5th anniversary of TAO’s Worship. The race car driver, who is currently in first place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup mentioned having to catch an 8 am flight for a 10 am race in Arizona.
Clay Guida, American mixed martial artist and current UFC fighter, and friends dined at N9NE Steakhouse inside Palms Casino Resort. Urijah Faber, mixed martial artist and UFC fighter, hosted Moon Nightclub after winning his fight at The Pearl inside Palms Casino Resort.
Friday night, November 12,
Evan Ross was spotted at TAO. The 90210 actor is in Vegas for his mother Diana Ross’ concert.
Also spotted at TAO was Floyd Mayweather, who joined a table in the nightclub where his assistant was celebrating a birthday. The birthday guest of honor and friends dined at TAO before hitting the club.
Musican and American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, partied at Moon Nightclub inside Palms Casino Resort. Clarkson and friends were celebrating her sister's birthday.
Kelly Clarkson with her sister and friends
Photo credit: Shane O'Neal/9 Group
Boston Red Sox players Jonathan Papelbon, Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury were spotted at Blush Boutique Nightclub having an early 30th birthday celebration for Papelbon. The pitcher’s actual birthday is November 23rd. Papelbon and Pedroia were with their wives and Ellsbury with his girlfriend as they arrived at the Wynn Las Vegas hotspot just before 11 pm.
Boston Red Sox players Jonathan Papelbon, Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury
Photo credit: Bryan Steffy
Saturday, November 13,
Whoopi Goldberg celebrated her 55th birthday at TAO Las Vegas along with her granddaughter Amarah, who was also celebrating a birthday – the milestone 21st. The matriarch held court at the head of the table in TAO’s private dining room and was surrounded by family including daughter Alexandrea, who is Amarah’s mother, and Whoopi’s brother Clyde. After dining on signature dishes the group serenaded the birthday girls, singing a round of “Happy Birthday” that started traditional and ended with 50 Cent’s “In Da Club (It’s Your Birthday)”. They then journeyed to the sky box in the club, taking in the sounds of DJ Sander Van Doorn before moving to a VIP table in the Opium Room for some hip hop with DJ Lisa Pittman. They were surprised with a cake and birthday shout outs as Amarah reveled in the spotlight with her legendary and super cool grandma.
Whoppie Goldberg with granddaughter Amarah
Photo credit: Al Powers
Whoppie Goldberg with granddaughter Amarah and birthday cake
Photo credit: Al Powers
Actor and comedian, Bryan Callen, dined at Nove Italiano inside Palms Casino Resort on Saturday (11.13.10). Callen dined with four friends in the main dining room and enjoyed appetizers and cocktails. He was performing at Playboy Comedy Club this weekend.
Jessica Lowndes from the hit TV series 90210 celebrated her 22nd birthday at PURE Nightclub inside of Caesar’s Palace. The young star along with 12 of her closest friends started the night off with dinner at Social House inside Crystals at CityCenter. Later in the evening, Lowndes was surprised as she was presented with a two tier pink and black birthday cake while her newly released single “Falling in Love” played in the background. Smiling from ear-to-ear, the actress blew out her candles as friends sang “Happy Birthday” and the packed club cheered her on.
Jessica Lowndes
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image
Jessica Lowndes
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image
Also spotted partying at PURE, was David Zaya of the thrilling show Dexter and Las Vegas illusionist Criss Angel.
Television personality Carter Oosterhouse with girlfriend and actress Amy Smart spotted dining at Strip House inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.