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Luxe Life Blog • Archive for August 2008
Strip Scribbles and highlights for the holiday weekend
*Congratulations to our beloved hometown hero, Tony Curtis, who was honored this week by the Turner Classic Movies cable channel with a 24-hour marathon of his more than 100 movies, including The Defiant Ones, which won him a 1959 Academy Award nomination. It’s all part of his 83rd birthday celebrations, which will see his “American Prince Memoir” being published in mid-October. It’s been a two-year collaboration with respected sports author Peter Golenbock, and Tony is hoping that he’ll be able ... Read more...
Vegas gets its first resident superstar DJ in Paul Oakenfold
George Maloof’s entertainment team at the Palms is betting big on one of the world’s biggest DJ names in dance music. They’ve hired famed Paul Oakenfold to be the city’s first resident superstar DJ for the newly redesigned 25,000-square-foot Rain nightlife venue. Last weekend, Paul was back in his British home country as the opening act for Madonna’s world tour premiere and this Saturday he’ll kick off his long-term run at Rain. But Paul is far more than a man ... Read more...
Jerry Lewis takes on a $63 million challenge with annual telethon
In just a little more than 21 hours, hometown comedy actor Jerry Lewis has to reel in more than the record $63.8 million he raised last year for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The 43rd annual Labor Day telethon gets underway at 6 p.m. our time on Sunday live from the South Point resort casino and will run until 3:30 p.m. our time on Monday. It will be broadcast on 180 TV stations in the U.S. and Canada and via RealNetworks ... Read more...
Rumors indicate a $100 million price tag for Pure?
Mystery surrounds a staggering possible $100 million price tag that allegedly has been placed on the sale of Pure Management Group’s colossal Vegas nightlife empire, according to well-placed rumors yesterday and this morning! Luxe Life has reliably learned from entertainment industry sources that the Pure executives have possibly agreed to sell their successful Pure and Lax nightclubs in a deal that may close as early as the end of September. I have been told that an Internet music group has ... Read more...
Nightclub lawyers demand apology, retraction for anonymous letter
Against the background of the ongoing IRS probe into Pure’s “line-fishing tipping systems,” a major controversy has broken out over an anonymous, unsigned letter that was reportedly sent to the Enforcement Division of the Nevada Gaming Commission. Lawyers for the rival Prive nightclub at the Planet Hollywood resort casino have immediately demanded “a retraction and apology” from a local food and beverage magazine Web site that mysteriously posted the only copy under the shocking headline “PRIVE EXPOSED.” An investigation is ... Read more...
Siegfried & Roy make a VIP hero out of ‘the boy who can’t be hugged’
One touch of schoolboy James Dunn by another human can cause an entire layer of his skin to peel away. Even his mother, Lesley, can’t hug her 15-year-old son. James suffers from a rare disease known as Recessive Dystrophic EB, which causes his skin to blister severely and then become open wounds. But the Liverpool, England, youngster is about to have a long-time dream fulfilled, thanks to our hometown illusionists Siegfried & Roy. The boy will be their special VIP ... Read more...
Kiss guitarist moves into penthouse and pays homage to the Beatles
Paul Stanley is enjoying a honeymoon-styled Vegas vacation with his newly pregnant wife, Erin Sutton — all built around his KISS concert tonight at the Pearl in the Palms. The happy couple checked in first to their very own penthouse condo atop George Maloof’s new Palms Place tower. It’s their first weekend in the palatial pad, which has a spectacular 360-degree panorama view all the way from the Red Rock range on the West out to the mountain peaks on ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Jacko is back, Hef’s party girl and tonight’s tips
*Who was that masked man? Yes — Michael Jackson donned his face mask and hooded sweatshirt yet again when he took his three children, wearing jeans and baseball caps, to the Cirque du Soleil show KA at MGM as part of his birthday week celebrations. Less than a month ago they’d all taken in Cirque’s Mystere show at Treasure Island. Michael, who celebrates his birthday tomorrow, ordered popcorn, which they all munched on from their seats in the center of ... Read more...
Beacher spoofs the abominable snowman ripoff
Comedy impresario and showman Jeff Beacher had to get into the act. Headlines two weeks ago screamed the abominable snowman had finally been found. Even while I was in Europe the news broadcasts and papers screamed about the discovery. It seems everybody wanted to believe the creature was real! Naturally, within days the entire ruse unraveled as a horrid hoax — but that didn’t stop Beacher from jumping into action. Within hours of the con being exposed, Beacher produced his ... Read more...
Hard Rock adds sexy spa masseuses, all-female VIP host staff to new poker palace
It all appears far more like an exotic nightclub rather than a traditional smoke-filled traditional poker room. Forget the images of yesteryear, the Hard Rock is putting an admitted “sexy decadent” ultra-lounge spin on its parlor of playing cards. Designed to attract the world’s top poker players and high-end bachelor parties and private events, it is Vegas’ very first trend-setting Poker Lounge. The $30 million-designed space features 18 poker tables, including five private, high-limit tables that already have turned heads. ... Read more...
Entourage actress, Covergirl model opens Palazzo nightclub
Gorgeous Entourage actress Carla Gugino helped the owners of Tao from the Venetian softly open their new Lavo nightlife venture in the Palazzo. She was joined by fellow Entourage actress Emmanuelle Chiquiri and their friend, beautiful 27 Dresses star Malin Akerman. Comedian David Spade was also dining there on the first night just a table away from mine. Our colleagues from VEGAS magazine, president Michael Carr and publisher Alison Miller were on the red carpet with Carla as she signed ... Read more...
Dancing odds reveal who’s on top, who’s likely to get booted
Johnny Avello, director of the race and sports book at Wynn Las Vegas, has released his odds for the new season of Dancing with the Stars, starting in September. (Click here for our Luxe Life photo coverage yesterday as rehearsals got underway.) I have to officially advise that these odds are for entertainment purposes only and are not wagered on. Expect ribald roastmaster, fanged funnyman Jeffery Ross and veteran actress Cloris Leachman to be dispatched at high speed because Avello ... Read more...
After the Strip and Macau, next stop for Venetian is India
Wall Street sources tell me this morning that our billionaire casino mogul Sheldon Adelson has now set his eyes on India for the next worldwide expansion of his Venetian and Palazzo brands — and he’s willing to gamble $12 billion on the expansion. Presently, India, with its booming economy, only has one legal casino in Goa, which like Macau, was a former Portuguese colony up until 1961. However, gaming is an active enterprise there. Sheldon says he’ll “happily spend up ... Read more...
‘Suge’ Knight makes bail after knife attack and parties on the Strip
Hours after making bail, Death Row Records founder Marion “Suge” Knight was out and about on the town last night less than 24 hours after being jailed. He visited Drai’s After Hours Club inside Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall at center-Strip. Reports from Vegas police stated that Knight was jailed yesterday on assault and drug charges after he was accused of beating his girlfriend while brandishing a knife near the Las Vegas Strip. They had been partying at the Spearmint Rhino strip ... Read more...
Hometown rock group The Killers reveal new album title
Contrary to earlier reports elsewhere, The Killers are not going to “Do or Die” with their new CD. I can assure you that our hometown hitmakers will title their third hit album “Day And Age.” The hometown band’s leader, Brandon Flowers, broke the news himself and he’s expecting their new song “Spaceman” to be its first breakout hit — way before the album’s November release date. He says that “Losing Touch” will probably wind up being his favorite track on ... Read more...
Surprise contract negotiations will return Celine Dion to Caesars
It’s exactly as Celine Dion’s husband, Rene Angelil, promised! Even though the Vegas-based Canadian songbird is still on a world tour that won’t end until Valentines Day, she and manager Rene are in discussions with executives at her former Caesars Palace home for a return — maybe as early as fall of next year! Here’s what I wrote for Luxe Life last December: “This is not an end,” Celine Dion said as her final night of a five-year run at ... Read more...
Nick Cannon DJs at Pure — but no sign of Mariah
As part of MAGIC fashion week celebrations, comedy actor Nick Cannon hosted a party at the Pure nightclub in Caesars Palace at which he also played guest DJ! Celebrity photographer Erik Kabik captured this collection of candid close-ups for the enjoyment of our Luxe Life readers. Nick was mobbed by fans, and although he turned up with a rolling and ever-growing entourage through the night, there was no sign of his wife of two months, pop-queen Mariah Carey! Relax — ... Read more...
Strip scribbles and tonight’s blow-out bashes
*If selected to run as Sen. John McCain’s veep choice, former Gov. Mitt Romney would just be a heartbeat away from the presidency — and today some Vegas-area residents are seeing him close-up at different spots all around town. He lunched at the Panevino restaurant across from the airport and then late this afternoon he turned up at the Henderson Convention Center. McCain’s announcement could certainly come by Friday on his birthday, which he shares with Michael Jackson and me! ... Read more...
Nothing but parties, parties and more parties
Socialites Nicky Hilton and Kourtney Kardashian, along with their controversial galpal Courtenay Semel and a Keeping Up With the Kardashians film crew in tow partied at the new Sushi Samba hotspot in the Venetian. Kourtney had filmed her shopping spree earlier at the Dior, Annie Cream Cheese, Ralph Lauren and Poleci stores in the Palazzo mall. In the new “outing” of Hollywood it was safe to say Courtenay came without her new galpal Tia Tequila, although she still made headlines ... Read more...
‘Robin Hood’ high-roller wants to beat the casino to help the needy
My friend, Fox News on-screen reporter Rick Leventhal, is a frequent Vegas visitor and he’s discovered an incredible story right here. It came to light while I was away in Europe but Rick flew into town yesterday to check on “Robin Hood’s” progress. Here in his own words is Rick’s story that he posted on his Fox News Web site blog: He calls himself “Robin Hood 702.” He’s a high stakes blackjack player well known in certain Vegas casinos for ... Read more...
A magician with a mission, Jeff McBride opens first close-up ultra lounge
It’s one of the most stunning and incredible illusions you can imagine. Acclaimed magician Jeff McBride rolls up his sleeves to his shoulders to prove there is absolutely nothing there at all. Then hundreds of playing cards individually appear from his fingertips, pour from his mouth and race from his arms and elbows. He then flicks them at Guinness Book of World Records speed so fast they actually bounce off the floor and land perfectly in a pile 30 feet ... Read more...
Jay-Z and Beyonce’s 40/40 Club to become new Palazzo race and sports book
It’s official as of less than one hour ago that Sheldon Adelson’s Palazzo resort hotel casino will take back hip-hop mogul Jay Z’s 40/40 sports club and ultra lounge. Luxe Life previously reported that the Las Vegas Sands parent corporation was buying Jay-Z’s rights for $40-million — although that figure is not mentioned in this morning’s news (Click here for our exclusive report two weeks ago that the transaction was underway!) Jay Z had opened the third of his 40/40 ... Read more...
Vince Neil temporarily splits from Crue for solo tour
Motley Crue rocker Vince Neil will take off temporarily from the group’s ongoing worldwide tour in December for his own solo tour, traveling as far away as England, Spain and even Moscow! How will the Russians react to his wild ways? Vince, who lives around the corner from me here in Vegas, said the suddenly hot Swedish hard-rock group Fatal Smile will be his opening act for at least 13 European gigs. Vince’s tour has a Dec. 3 opening in ... Read more...
After health problems, Toni Braxton is ‘Dancing With the Stars’
For six months, Grammy Award-winning singer Toni Braxton has been away from the spotlight getting stronger after a heart-related health problem that KO’d her from the Flamingo headliner slot. She was even rushed to a hospital by ambulance after one emergency right from the Strip showroom after a performance. Now she’s signed on for the seventh season of ABC’s top-rated Dancing with the Stars show. Rehearsals already have begun for the Vegas-based songbird and she’s been partnered with Season One ... Read more...
Photos: Madonna’s world tour kickoff
First stage photos of the Madonna 2008 world tour that kicked off in Cardiff, Wales. Her outfits were Givenchy Haute Couture by designer Riccardo Tisci. Click here for our Monday coverage of the premiere in advance of Sweet & Sticky heading into Vegas in November. Read more...
Tonight’s tips on the Strip
Our merry mayor of mirth, Oscar Goodman, will be guest of honor when he opens the new 12-21 bar at Morton’s Steakhouse at 5:30 p.m. General manager Daniel Hurst will present the mayor with his very own personalized wine locker and he’ll unveil a new Oscartini martini! Members of our Chamber of Commerce will be on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony — and of course a couple of free drinks! … Our colleagues at Vegas Magazine will be joined by ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Hannah heart-throb, Ozzy rocks Vegas
*Official congratulations to Jenna Jameson and Tito Ortiz on the baby news we broke here at Luxe Life yesterday. (Click here for the full story in case you missed our breaking news report). Jenna says once she’s rested and in good shape she’ll proudly show the baby-bump here in Vegas but most of the time she’ll rest at their beachfront home in California until the big-day! *Don’t think that Miley Cirus gets all the attention on Disney’s Hannah Montana smash ... Read more...
Vegas rap star Flo Rida wows the hometown crowd
Hip-hop star Flo Rida, a former UNLV student, wowed the crowd in an unforgettable evening at Pure nightclub’s Summer Surprise Series. Not only did he perform on stage but he also jumped down to the floor to dance with his fans! It was shortly after midnight at Caesars Palace when he began the show with his current hit single “In The Ayer” and followed it with “Elevator,” the second single from his highly successful solo album Mail on Sunday. Flo ... Read more...
Nick and Macy duke it out at rival fashion parties
It’s a MAGIC fashion showdown between Mariah Carey’s new husband, Nick Cannon, and superstar singer Macy Gray on the arm of Christian Audigier tonight. Nick will be celebrity DJ at Pure nightclub in Caesars Palace for The Loots’ presentation of fashions. Ed Hardy designer Christian Audigier himself will escort international recording artist Macy Gray into his own Treasure Island nightclub for a fashion show of his designs titled When I Move You Move. Macy promises some impromptu R&B soul beats ... Read more...
1,000 Phantom shows is cause for celebration
Congratulations to the cast and crew of Phantom — Las Vegas Spectacular at the Venetian. Last night they hit another milestone celebrating their 1,000th breathtaking performance. The Las Vegas production of the worldwide favorite, which has been haunting the Venetian resort for two years, is enjoying enduring success that very few others have achieved. It was featured on the 2008 season of American Idol and named one of Las Vegas’ Top 10 shows in 2007 and the No. 1 show ... Read more...
Beauties Sarah Larson, Dita Von Teese, Pam Anderson land new romances
Superstar actor George Clooney chickened out on the “M” and “C” words after a near year-long whirlwind, worldwide romance with model beauty Sarah Larson, formerly a cocktail server at the N9NE Group venues in the Palms. For a while she enjoyed her new-found single status, but now, according to my nightclub spies all around town, she’s found a new beau! For now, the new man-date is unidentified but they were spotted at both the new LAVO nightspot in the Palazzo ... Read more...
Crazy Horse to get a new look, thanks to Cirque genius
For the first time in nearly 20 years the legendary Crazy Horse cabaret is to undergo a total revamping — and the new owners are spending more than $4 million in the process. It will be unveiled at the main showroom in the French capital. After Paris premieres it at the end of next year, the company will remake Forever Crazy here at the MGM Grand. The Crazy Horse has been a permanent attraction on the Strip since 2001. The ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Federline reunites with ex (Shar, not Britney); Hootie and the Blowfish experience ups and downs
*Sincere thanks to all the Strip performers who penned guest columns for me while I was away in Europe the past two weeks. I logged on daily to check them out and found every one fascinating, informative and entertaining — and learned things I never knew before! I trust you enjoyed all of them as much as I did. Now its time to get back to the big “scoops” and exclusives and prepare for this weekend’s huge Labor Day celebrations. ... Read more...
Is Peaches’ marriage already the pits?
Peaches Geldof, the 19-year-old, free-spirited daughter of rock giant Bob Geldof is already “apart” from new husband Max Drummey who she married just days ago in a runaway Vegas wedding chapel ceremony. It doesn’t spell an immediate breakup, but it’s the couple’s cute coy plan to avoid an immediate confrontation with her father. Musician Max is the 25-year-old leader of the Chester French band duo, and while he’s on a debut road tour by bus in Britain he sent the ... Read more...
Celebs join MAGIC invasion to Vegas
Tens of thousands of fashion industry folk arrived over the weekend for the four-day fall festival known as MAGIC, one of the twice- annual visits here that rank it in our top five convention business boosters. The glitz, glamour and excitement starts today (Monday) and runs through Thursday, headquartered at both the Las Vegas Convention Center and at the Hilton, with events also being staged at nightclubs and other resorts up and down the Strip. Not only can you expect ... Read more...
Porn queen Jameson confirms pregnancy
Sexy Jenna Jameson has won her wish to play a real-life mommy- and the former Vegas based porn-queen just confirmed moments ago that she’s pregnant after months of trying for a baby with former UFC heavyweight hunk, Tito Ortiz. Both Jenna and Tito who have been dating exclusively for the past two years told me at this year’s Adult Video awards held in Mandalay Bay back in January that she was quitting the XXX-rated adult-movie business and that although there ... Read more...
As Catwoman, will Cher have claws in her contract?
British film director Christopher Nolan is set to stage his third Batman movie with actor Christian Bale — and he wants our Caesars Palace headliner Cher to take the role of Catwoman. One of my London spies tells me reliably that the 62-year-old sexy singer’s business representatives are already in talks about filming in Vancouver early next year! A studio executive confirmed: “Cher is the director’s first choice. She’d be the exact opposite of the previous purring creations and this ... Read more...
Strip tease: Pool parties, topless temptresses and tonight’s tip
*For the next three nights, Iliza Shlesinger, the season six winner of TV’s Last Comic Standing, will guest at the 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Jubilee topless shows at Bally’s. Beforehand this evening, the showgirls there will teach her how to wear the rhinestone-laden costume and balance the heavy feathered head-dress as she performs the comedy routine that won her the show! *Dueling pool parties are underway at Relax in the notorious Hard Rock pool while a volleyball tournament keeps ... Read more...
Madonna kicks off her world tour (and here are the secrets before her Vegas visit)
Vegas fans of pop-queen, 50-year-old “Material Girl” Madonna have to wait until Nov. 8 and 9 to see her new Sticky and Sweet concert — but Luxe Life already has all the secrets from the weekend premiere of her world tour from Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium in Wales. For those who monitor Madonna’s personal domestic life, let me report that A-Rod was not in attendance among the 40,000-person crowd, but her film director husband, Guy Ritchie, and their growing brood of ... Read more...
Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Fergie give Vegas boosts to Britney’s comeback
Newly slimmed-down pop princess Britney Spears is readying for three possible Vegas events all planned for the year-end relaunch of her career — and she just may have former beau Justin Timberlake, Madonna and Black Eyed Peas star Fergie to thank for the comeback coup. Luxe Life has learned that Britney could team up with her former boyfriend during Justin’s charity concert planned at Planet Hollywood resort and casino in October. (Click here for our breaking Luxe Life news story ... Read more...
Dubai World to boost MGM stake; Sheldon Adelson secures loan for Macau projects
Wall Street gaming bankers are abuzz this morning with news that the New Jersey Casino Control Commission will give Dubai World permission to boost its stake in MGM Mirage to up to 20 percent from its current 9.4 percent ownership. However, Dubai World will still require permission from Michigan’s regulators before it can increase its ownership of the Vegas-based gaming company. Dubai World is now the main investor financier behind the current CityCenter construction project at center-Strip between the Bellagio ... Read more...
Kim Kardashian hospitalized in shattered glass drama
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian was injured late Sunday in a freak hotel room accident. A glass coffee table shattered and cut her feet so badly she was rushed to a hospital emergency room for treatment. Kim, who is a Vegas nightclub regular and shot scenes here at Caesars Palace for her Keeping Up With the Kardashians program just a few days ago had traveled to New York to announce she’s signed on as a contestant for the next Dancing ... Read more...
Exclusive photo coverage of Ashanti appearance
Celebrity Photographer Erik Kabik exclusively covered the Ashanti KVEG 97.5-FM Purse Party event at Poetry Nightclub on Friday at Caesars Palace. Ashanti greeted and took photos with fans when they came to pick up their prize purse (60 high-fashion purses were given away to radio station winners). She spent a lot of time trying to select her own favorite purse and ended up picking two favorites (pictured with them attached) and was also gifted with a Sephoria gift pack (also ... Read more...
Team USA literally “touches the sky” with their 118-107 defeat of Spain to capture the gold
They lived here. They played here. They practiced here - and surely Vegas can claim even the tiniest credit for helping contribute to the gold medal victory of the Team USA basketball earlier this morning at the Beijing Olympics. Here are the first official NBA photos from China of Kobe Bryant celebrating his 30th birthday and the other star players with their gold medals for the victory in the finals with an 11 point win over Spain. Kobe wound up ... Read more...
Crow, Blunt rock Planet Hollywood
It was a very successfull combination of pop, rock and folk in Planet Hollywood’s Theater for the Performing Arts. James Blunt opened with, “You’re Beautful” and Sheryl Crow kicked off with, “If It Makes You Happy” and “Soak Up the Sun.” Our Luxe Life photographer Tom Donoghue was in front row, center stage, for this amazing collection of photos, and he commented: “It was a superb concert and proved the TPA is the No. 1 venue in Vegas for these ... Read more...
An open letter from Louie Anderson to Robin Leach
Hey Robin, I hope you’re having a fabulous vacation and don’t worry about those of us who are here in Las Vegas enjoying the triple digit heat. After all, everyone keeps saying it’s not so bad because, “It’s a dry heat.” You know what that means– people just don’t stink when they die! Even the airport should be renamed the Las Vegas Airport & Fitness Center. The people there bet on whether I’ll make it to the gate or not. ... Read more...
Royal Rundown: Hootie in Primm, and a name worth a double-take
This weekend’s Royal Robin Rundown: Today *It’s worth the 25-minute drive down the I-15 to catch Hootie & The Blowfish at the Star of the Desert Arena in Primm Valley on the stateline border. *Just where do these names come from? Faster Pussycat and Bang Tango are the double-act at the Sunset Station casino. *Actress Anna Faris who actually looks like the Playboy bunny she plays in her new movie released this week is the host of her celebration party ... Read more...
Stephanie Middleton: Putting her Stomp on Las Vegas
If you were to tell me five years ago that one day I would be living and working in Las Vegas, I would have asked you, kindly, to put the bottle down and seek professional help. That would have been crazy talk. I am a diehard, proud, native New Yorker, and New York City is where I’ve always planned to lay my roots, professionally and personally. Why would I leave my favorite city in the world to live in Las ... Read more...
A night at the Improv
As part of the 45th anniversary of Budd Friedman’s and Mark Lonow’s Improv, and 15 years of the Las Vegas Improv at Harrah’s, we are covering a series of comedians performing through August at Harrah’s. Read more...
Nathan Burton: ‘Comedy Magic’ and a guide to Vegas
I’m your guest columnist for the day — Nathan Burton. I’m a comedy magician with the show “Nathan Burton Comedy Magic” playing daily at 4 p.m. at the world-famous Flamingo Las Vegas. I’m honored to be writing this column and I’m happy to report that I have my own piece of celebrity gossip to share. On Saturday, Aug. 3, Michael Jackson and his three children, Paris, Blanket and Prince, came to see my show, which Robin reported to his Luxe ... Read more...
Mamma Mia! It’s been quite a journey from rural Colorado to the Strip
I grew up the youngest of seven children on a nonworking farm outside of Denver, Colorado. t was like the sitcom Green Acres on our farm. Dad would milk the cow before putting on his business suit to drive to work, and Mom decorated the farmhouse in red velvet furniture, red-flocked wallpaper and smoked-mirror tile. With both parents working, my crazy, colorful Scottish grandfather in his room down the hall yelling at the television set and my siblings all hiding ... Read more...
Cher drops in on Clinton’s birthday bash
Politics makes for strange bedfellows, according to the old expression, so who would have guessed that Caesars Palace headliner Cher would team with Texas oil billionaire T. Boone Pickens to celebrate former President Bill Clinton’s birthday? Our Nevada Senator Harry Reid joined the unlikely dinner group at starchef Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak restaurant inside the MGM Grand for Clinton’s 62nd birthday celebration. I’ve probed and prodded to get full intimate details of their summit — but regret to inform I can’t ... Read more...
Justin Timberlake plans Vegas events, appearances
Grammy- and Emmy-award winning international superstar Justin Timberlake has agreed to host a special concert, “Justin Timberlake and Friends — a Special Evening Benefiting the Shriners Hospitals for Children,” at the Planet Hollywood Resort Theatre for Performing Arts on Friday, Oct. 17. It will be one of the biggest concerts of the year featuring performances from some of his mega-recording artist friends who will join Justin on stage in Vegas to support the very worthy children’s hospital organization. No official ... Read more...
Wayne Brady bunches a lot of action into weekend
So here I am in Las Vegas five nights a week. You would think that being a young brother with a hit game show on Fox (Don’t Forget The Lyrics), a successful show at the Venetian (Makin’ *&it Up) and reruns on the air 24/7 (Whose Line Is It Anyway), that I would be awash in good, old-fashioned Vegas naked fun. Nope. Sure, I go to the Vbar at the Venetian every couple of days to unwind after the show, ... Read more...
Photos: Energy brings Bill Clinton to Vegas
Former President Bill Clinton and Sen. Harry Reid on Monday addressed a Las Vegas audience regarding the power of a green energy economy. Clinton said Nevada is uniquely positioned to become energy self-sufficient by taking advantage of its resources and by building wind turbines and large solar plants in the state. Read more...
A Playboy match: Holly and Criss
Playboy king Hugh Hefner’s special “Girl Next Door,” Holly Madison, spent a full day shooting a new Playmate pictorial in the Playboy Club on Monday. Holly, who has told Luxe Life she would love to have Hefner’s next baby, joined friends in N9NE Steakhouse for dinner. Afterward Holly and her friends teamed up with Mindfreak magician Criss Angel to return to party at the Playboy Club. Criss played blackjack while Holly happily posed for photos with adoring fans. Read more...
Playmates party on the Strip
Former Playboy playmates Athena Lundberg (Miss January 2006) and Jordan Monroe (Miss October 2006) were spotted recently by photographer Alex Loc Thieu partying at Tryst at Wynn Las Vegas. Read more...
Daughtry hangs at Revolution Lounge
At The Beatles Revolution Lounge at The Mirage, members of Daughtry enjoyed beer and vodka while hanging out at the club’s oversized couches and writing on the interactive tables. Read more...
Leno to Luxor: A day in the life of Carrot Top
Hey, it’s your old buddy, Carrot Top, the Understudy, filling in for my good friend Robin Leach for his Luxe Life column. I wish I could get someone to do my job so I could go away for a week or two. You caught me on a very hectic day. I was in Los Angeles to do “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno. I’ve been on the show a lot but this is the first time I’ve tried to do ... Read more...
Fabulous foods, wondrous wines make Vegas the world’s fine dining leader
“Champagne wishes and caviar dreams” are always true when they involve fabulous food and wondrous wines in the new Las Vegas — which has become the world’s new No. 1 dining destination. Now it’s getting even more elaborate and expensive because the star chefs have literally turned the Vegas dining scene into a literal theater and nightclub experience. The yellow pages listing under restaurants looks like the secret phone directory at the Food Network! Everybody from Wolfgang Puck to Guy ... Read more...
Star Surveillance: Garrett Stacked at Mirage; View is Good at Bare Pool
A regular customer, comedian Brad Garrett, returned to the Stack restaurant in The Mirage yet again for his favorite signature items on the menu …Actress Megan Good basked in the sun at the Bare Pool Lounge in the Mirage, joining Janelle Perry and Kamela Brewer from the hit TV show Sunset Tan. Watching the action at the topless optional pool while chilling on the VIP deck was superstar Leonardo DiCapario … Mindfreak Criss Angel, surprisingly reunited with former gal pal ... Read more...
Marquart headlines Palms’ thematic Midsummer party
Hugh Hefner’s Girls Next Door playmate, gorgeous Bridget Marquart, reigned royally as “Queen” over the exclusive costume gala to celebrate midsummer at the Palms pool and bungalows. DJ Eric Cubeechee was on the “wheels of steel” for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which also attracted Hollywood celebrities including Beverly Hills 90210 star Ian Ziering, Efren Ramirez from Napolean Dynamite, Shifty Shellshock of Crazytown and Rock of Love’s Brandi M. It was the second year for the Midsummer Night’s Dream party at ... Read more...
Queen of Hills Patridge shines at Christian Audigier
Sexy Hills siren Audrina Patridge added her chic style to fashionable Christian Audigier when she hosted a posh party inside the energy-packed Treasure Island nightspot. Dressed head-to-toe in Betsey Johnson, Audrina glowed as she stuck a pose on the red carpet and signed autographs for eagerly waiting fans. Her new BMX beau Cory Bohan and sister Casey Patridge joined hner in the VIP area as she celebrated next week’s upcoming premiere of the 4th season. When Audrina and Cory weren’t ... Read more...
Stars party backstage at Colosseum; Wahlberg celebrates with reunited New Kids
Superstar Cher had an all-star lineup at her Caesars Palace headliner show, and played hostess backstage in her dressing room after her showbiz pals had given her a standing ovation in the Colosseum. TV personalities Rosie O’Donnell and Kathy Griffin from Bravo’s Life on the D List comedy show turned up together for their visit — and CNN talk-show royal Larry King joined them for the backstage “meet and greet.” Fellow Strip headliner, magician Lance Burton from the Monte Carlo ... Read more...
Star Surveillance Partridge rolls into Social House
Another reality star called Vegas home for another 48-hours. Hills hottie Audrina Patridge from MTV hit the Social House Asian-themed restaurant at TI. She and friends dined on the patio ordering up assorted sushi rolls, kobe sliders and sake. They then all enjoyed late night Grey Goose vodka cocktails at the Mist bar and lounge while at TI. Next night she played hostess there at the new Christian Audigier nightclub … A-list actor Leonardo DiCaprio feasted at Brand Steakhouse at ... Read more...
Strip Striptease: Kardashian stars as Pussycat Doll
It was an action packed 48 hours as sultry reality star Kim Kardashian stripped down to high heels, fishnet stockings and little else for her debut as a Las Vegas Pussycat Doll. She even brought her mom and sisters along to watch the sexy strip-tease at the Pure nightclub in Caesars Palace –- and Luxe Life cameras were there every step of the way as their Keeping Up with The Kardashians video units recorded the entire visit for the rest ... Read more...
Wallace has all the answers — and most of the questions
Hello my fellow Americans. Welcome to the fastest growing city in America. That’s because people come here, lose all their money, and can’t go home. But since you are here in the entertainment capital of the world, you might as well take advantage of it. Whatever you are in need of, we have it in this city. The good thing about Las Vegas is that this city offers the best of what you aspire to have. You want laughter? There’s ... Read more...
A night at the Improv, captured in photos
As part of the 45th Anniversary of Budd Friedman’s and Mark Lonow’s Improv and 15 years of the Las Vegas Improv at Harrah’s, photographer Erik Kabik exclusively covering a series of comedians performing through August. Here is his latest installment, from August 14. For more of Erik’s work, go to his official Web site. Read more...
More Royal Rundown: Liza in Primm; Kenny G at Montelago Village
Saturday *Our leading lady of song and cabaret, Liza Minelli is out in Primm Valley at state line, and if last year’s sensational shows at the Luxor serve as great memory then hi-speed it down the I-15 ! *Our favorite jazz musician Kenny G blows beautiful smooth sounds out at the waterfront of the Montelago Village at lake Las Vegas. There’s no better or more magical setting as he turns our desert into an oasis -– and Jeffrey Osborne sings ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Playmates, Strip sightings
* Playboy Playmates Jordan Monroe (Miss October 2006) and Athena Lundberg (Miss January 2006) recently partied at Tryst nightclub in the Wynn Las Vegas. Also there were rapper Ja Rule and Memphis Grizzlies forward Antoine Walker, holding court on a dance-floor table. * Hip-hop star and actor LL Cool J feasted at the Tao Asian bistro in the Venetian with his manager and security guard! The threesome dined as if they were 30 — they selected lobster wontons, satay bass, ... Read more...
Terry Fator: Following in the footsteps of history
Standing backstage waiting for my very first headline show in Vegas at the Las Vegas Hilton I felt the excitement mounting and heard the crowd tittering eagerly, excited about the show starting. I walked out on stage and did what I had done thousands of times before at every type of venue imaginable for small crowds — of as little as one person — to huge crowds of as many as 100,000, but something about being on stage in the ... Read more...
Another troubled Strip project: WSJ reports Plaza Hotel postponement
Hard on the heels of Boyd Gaming’s decision to delay its multi-billion dollar Echelon project, the Wall Street Journal will report Friday morning that a similar delay will now affect the neighboring Las Vegas Plaza complex. Both hotels were on expensive Strip land just north of Donald Trump’s new International Hotel Tower and caddy-corner opposite Steve Wynn’s new Encore project to open at year-end. Here’s the advance Wall Street Journal story: Plans for Las Vegas Plaza Pushed Back to 2009 ... Read more...
Caesars convention is Cher genius
Ever wondered how many Cher’s can fit in The Colosseum? On Tuesday’s performance fans found out it is more than one. Not sure who was the real Cher, hoards of impersonators packed The Colosseum as they were in town for Cher Convention at Caesars Palace on Aug. 11-12. Two eye-catching Cher impersonators from Tuesday’s performance are pictured above. Chad Michael, followed by Wayne Smith, who has been impersonating Cher for 27 years. Read more...
‘O’lympians star in Vegas Cirque show
As American heroes rack up extraordinary gold medal wins at the Olympics in China, 10 former Summer Olympics winners who now all appear in Cirque du Soleil’s O at the Bellagio got together for this unique souvenir photo. Front row: Terry Bartlett, clown (England); Middle row: Sergei Kudrevich, diver (Belarus), Cinthia Bouhier, synchronized swimmer (France), Suzannah Bianco, synchronized swimmer (USA), Madeleine Perk, synchronized swimmer (Switzerland), Imre Lengyel, diver (Hungary); back row: Belinda Schmid, synchronized swimmer (Switzerland), Zoltan Supola, acrobat/gymnast (Hungary), ... Read more...
Jay-Z’s 40/40 sale to Adelson rumored
Rumors are swirling this morning (Thursday) that rap mogul Jay-Z is in negotiations with Venetian-Palazzo officials to sell his 40/40 sports club ultra-lounge to Vegas hotel mogul Sheldon Adelson. The New York Post is reporting : “JAY-Z is about to get richer. Las Vegas spies said the hip-hop mogul’s in talks with the Las Vegas Sands Corp. - owners of the Venetian and the Palazzo - to sell them a 50 percent stake in his sports club, 40/40, for $44 ... Read more...
For Jordan, Vegas is Fantasy Land
“You were born and raised in Vegas?… But where did you really grow up?” If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it … Well, 777 times. I was born and raised in Vegas … Apparently, if most are to be believed, I’m the only one. I know, as a matter of fact, that many have been born, raised and have managed to become fine upstanding citizens of Las Vegas. I have two children of my own that fit that description ... Read more...
M Resort CEO celebrates topping off
With the official “topping off” ceremony, hometown builder Anthony A. Marnell III has now set a March 2009 opening date for his new $1-billion M Resort, Spa and Casino. It will be the most southern property on Las Vegas Boulevard South. The topping-off event was marked with an evergreen tree hoisted to the top of the building and concluded with a hard-hat tour of the property, led by Marnell. “This is a major milestone in our construction process,” Marnell said. ... Read more...
90210 doctor knows how to operate at Bare pool
America’s Next Top Model winner Jaslene Gonzalez joined Dr. Gary Motykie, of Dr. 90210 TV fame, for mojitos in the VIP section of the topless optional Bare pool lounge at The Mirage. The Beverly Hills plastic surgeon enjoyed a weekend-long birthday celebration at the resort. Read more...
E!’s Smashtime honors Mac at Hard Rock Hotel
DJ Clinton Sparks, Katt Sadlerand, Sal Masakela of E’s Daily 10 hosted Smashtime at Body English in the Hard Rock Hotel and dedicated the evening’s festivities to the memory of Bernie Mac who passed of pneumonia Saturday at age 50. These photos were provided by Erik Kabik. See more of his work at www.erikkabikphoto.com. Read more...
Strip scribbles: Method Man, ‘Boobs or Bust’
* Katie Rees, former Miss Nevada 2007, celebrated her 24th birthday at The Bank Nightclub in the Bellagio. The headline-making former beauty queen wore an eyebrow-raising short mini black dress for her “strut her stuff” red carpet walk. The Vegas Vixen was presented with a three-tiered pink birthday cake by Jean Philippe Patisserie in a flurry of streamers along with a tiara and sash that read “her highness.” * Method Man performed a 12-minute set at Prive’s Money For Nothing ... Read more...
Star Surveillance: Pink checks out Cher
Pop sensation Pink attended fellow-singer Cher’s show at The Colosseum at Caesars … NBA player Scot Pollard, center for the Boston Celtics, spent a second consecutive day at the topless-optional Venus Pool Club at Caesars Palace in a chic VIP cabana,and shared Belvedere vodka and tonic cocktails until sunset … Sunset Tan star Holly Huddleston turned heads as she enjoyed dinner at Strip House inside Planet Hollywood … August Playboy covergirl Sara Stokes will celebrate the new issue as she ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Jewell & Ty tie the knot, hit Pure sister club in Bahamas
It was Island fever at Pure’s sister club, Aura in the Bahamas with multitalented singer-songwriter Jewel and her brand-newlywed husband, Ty Murray. They’d eloped in the Caribbean just a night earlier, and celebrated the surprise wedding in style. Although they were inseparable, they did take time to stop by the DJ booth and greet fans. Also spotted at Pure was John Dolmayan, drummer for rock band System of a Down, comic book artist Jim Lee, NBA player Kelenne Azubuike of ... Read more...
From Drags to Riches
For the last 23 years, I have come out of –- and gone back into — the closet more times than any entertainer in Las Vegas history. Of course, changing costumes 17 times every night and being the longest running headliner on the Las Vegas Strip, starring as Joan Rivers in the hit show La Cage at the Riviera, I definitely have a handle on what it really means to be a quick-change artist. In fact, the only performer who ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Reality TV star celebrates during girls’ night out
It was a girls’ night out for gorgeous reality TV star Lauren Conrad when she celebrated the upcoming fourth season premiere of The Hills. The blonde beauty wore a stunning BCBG dress for her arrival with three galpals at the sushi hotspot Social House at Treasure Island. They feasted on yellowtail jalapeno, rock shrimp tempura and tuna ginger salads in the chic Birdcage lounge. Lauren ordered up a dessert platter with candles to celebrate one of her friend’s birthdays. Then ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: For Pineapple Express star, Tao is the scene and Heard
Pineapple Express actress Amber Heard hosted at the Tao hotspot in the Venetian. Amber, who arrived with her sister, Whitney, wore a stunning black belted dress. She and her feminine entourage dined on assorted sushi, Chilean sea bass and Buddha chicken with lots of champagne toasts and a Giant Fortune Cookie dessert platter before hitting the nightclub dance floor …. America’s Next Top Model Season 8 winner Jaslene Gonzalez also had dinner there with local showman Jeff Beacher … Actor ... Read more...
Tonight’s Tip: Crazy night with Kerry Simon
Look for all the gorgeous, scantily clad Crazy Girls from the Riviera when their producer Norbert Aleman premieres their debut movie Undercover at the Brenden movie theaters in the Palms. The spy spoof features all eight of the topless beauties in various stages of undress. OIronman chef Kerry Simon throws them all an after-party celebration in his new Palms Place restaurant after the screening … Carey Hart has booked a black night at his Wasted Space rock lounge in the ... Read more...
Crazy Girls, Aleman celebrate anniversary undercover
The gorgeous Crazy Girls have appeared on hundreds of magazine covers as the best long-running show dubbed, “Las Vegas’ Sexiest Topless Revue” time after time. Now producer Norbert Aleman is premiering tonight (Tuesday) the first of a series of Crazy Girl movies. It’s a spy-spoof Undercover and it screens at the Brenden Theaters in the Palms. No show in Las Vegas’ history has raised so much controversy as the topless showgirls at the Riviera. Norbert Aleman, creator and producer, explained: ... Read more...
Lance Burton: Kentucky magician at home in Monte Carlo
When I first came to Las Vegas in 1982, I drove a yellow Plymouth Duster filled with some birds and magic tricks. Now my show includes some 60-plus doves, geese, ducks and a parakeet named Elvis. I was beginning to fulfill my dreams of what is known as the quintessential American success story. When I was 12, I grew up in a hardscrabble section of Louisville, where residents scratched out their livings by being factory workers, waitresses and truck drivers, ... Read more...
A day in the life of Mark Jenkins, head of props for LOVE
The lights dim, four familiar voices from Liverpool, England, echo in the darkness and another performance of The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil is underway. For Mark Jenkins, this is just another day at the office. Or is it? As head of the prop department for LOVE, Mark’s role is to make sure the 520 props that are in the show are in tip-top condition. With a crew of 10 prop technicians, it is a constant battle to make ... Read more...
Strip scribbles: Star sightings, New York-New York’s newest rock spot
* Hot new pop-rock sensation Katy Perry will officially open the new rock nightclub at the New York-New York resort casino on Labor Day weekend. She will perform live at ROK Vegas on Aug. 30. Her sultry single, “I Kissed A Girl,” is now in the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart for the seventh consecutive week. ROK’s opening on Aug. 29 will bring two firsts to the Strip’s nightlife scene. ROK will feature the first-ever 360-degree video ... Read more...
Battle of the bottle is straightened out
My friend Jack Colton, who chronicles the inner-workings of our specialized nightlife industry for our Las Vegas Weekly and his own jackcolton.com blog, has penned an interesting read that I’d like to share with you. His article breaks down all the mysteries surrounding the seemingly never-ending baffling battles about bottle service in our Strip clubs. Jack’s article should help you from now on whenever you step foot inside a Vegas nighterie and try to fathom and unravel all the written ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Star sightings, weekend event rundown
* It wasn’t Whitney! R&B singer Bobby Brown enjoyed a late midnight dinner with three friends at Tao Asian Bistro at the Venetian. They dined on Kobe beef satay and lobster wontons at a table under the restaurant’s 20-foot-tall Buddha. * Star Surveillance: Actor Anthony Anderson, who starred in the hit TV show “Law & Order,” and in the blockbuster movie, “Transformers,” celebrated an early 38th birthday with friends at Tryst nightclub in the Wynn Las Vegas. Also partying there ... Read more...
Ice, ice, to the extreme: Minus 5 set to open at Mandalay Place
It’s not a case of just “on the rocks” — the entire place is made from ice! That’s the cold, freezing fact about the first Vegas lounge to be made entirely from the frozen blocks! The global ice-age has begun right here in the desert! The Minus 5 bar is currently under construction at Mandalay Bay and will open next month with plans to become the hottest nighhtlife destination. Vegas gets the first permanent ice lounge experience, which will be ... Read more...
Star Surveillance: The Game plays LAX
Hip-hop star The Game performed at the Summer Surprise concert Series in the LAX nightclub at the Luxor. After performing his hit songs including ‘Dope Boys’ he joined an entourage of friends including boxer Zab Judah, Houston Rockets star Chuck Hayes and former NBA player Maurice Taylor. Also on the main stage were R&B singer Bobby Brown and four-time NBA champion- turned-TV talk show host, John Salley. Partying close by at a VIP table on the dance floor were reality ... Read more...
Legendary counter-culture duo Cheech & Chong to roll (into town)
Tickets go on sale today (Friday) for a rare reunion Vegas experience of the infamous comedy duo of Cheech & Chong.They are set to appear at George Maloof’s Pearl concert theater at the Palms on October 18. Its the first tour in 25 years and will be headlined as ‘ Light Up America” Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong first hit the LA comedy scene in the early ‘70s and immediately won over audiences with their wacky routines which captured the ... Read more...
Stomp Out Loud celebrates 500th show on the Strip
Congratulations to the cast and crew of Stomp Out Loud, the wild, exuberant musical at the Planet Hollywood resort casino. They notch wacky performances tonight (Friday) with their garbage cans, broom sweepers and other odd-ball items that brilliantly become a symphony orchestra nightly of extraordinary musical instruments. They use 18 garbage cans and 24 lids imported from England for each performance. Since premiering in April last year the show has gone through more than than 200 tall bins, 125 small ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Wayne Brady’s first, Tom Jones on stage
* Congratulations to Wayne Brady on his first anniversary celebration taking place at his headline showroom in the Venetian. * The panties and room keys still get thrown when Welsh hip-swivel singer Tom Jones takes the stage — and he’s at the Hollywood Theater in MGM Grand until Aug. 20. * For raucous, guitar-stoked blues-rock, nobody does it better than George Thorogood and The Destroyers. They’ve been around since the 70s and their 30 Years of Rockalbum went gold and ... Read more...
Cher unveils an eyeful of a new ensemble at her Caesars show
Fans attending Cher’s show now returning to a new run at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace get a glittery surprise. The pop diva debuts a new Bob Mackie creation for her closing number “Believe.” Here’s the sketch of the glittering sequined slash-away sexy outfit. “Cher told me that she wanted to be more naked,’” says Mackie, who happily obliged by redoing what she wears for the finale number, “Believe.” “It’s not vulgar, but it’s quite shocking. It’s like we dipped ... Read more...
Strip scribbles: Vegas calendar shoot, Criss Angel grabs ratings
* Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is such an avid fan of Vegas that he approved his sexy team of dancers to shoot their annual calendar here. It was three intensive days of shooting, and Luxe Life had the first exclusive look at the gorgeous ladies on location. They also hosted Jet nightclub’s first annual Club Bling Ball at the Mirage after dining next door at Stack restaurant and bar. Joining the dancers, who put on their own shaking “groove ... Read more...
Hot off the grill: New restaurants on the Strip
* Open less than a month, the new Yellowtail Sushi restaurant at the Bellagio is quickly building a celebrity clientele. The latest star to visit was actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who played Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show. Malcolm and friends ordered up eel, yellowtail and sashimi while sipping on Kirin beer. * The actors who make up the cast of Jersey Boys at the Palazzo have begun calling the new Sushi Samba restaurant a second home! Owner Matt Johnson (in ... Read more...
Marnell’s M resort in tiptop shape
It is only five days since Boyd Gaming announced it was suspending construction at its new Echelon resort — despite the fact the steel girders were six stories high. However, today (Wednesday) hometown multimillionaire construction mogul Anthony Marnell III will officially “top off” his new $1 billion M resort, spa and casino. The ceremony for the most southern of our luxury hotels down Las Vegas Boulevard will include an evergreen tree being hoisted to the top of the 390-room building. ... Read more...
Pressly, Spelling parties party Purely
For television actresses Jamie Pressly and Tori Spelling it was a whirlwind 48-hour celebration party romp through Sin City’s nightspots. The prime-time stars both were in separate groups at the Social House restaurant at Treasure Island. It’s just seven weeks since Tori gave birth to a new daughter, Stella. Her husband, Dean McDermott, kept a close eye on his wife all night long as they dined on rock shrimp tempura, citrus peel miso cod and mini Kobe burgers. Tori was ... Read more...
Triple-8s a wedding jackpot in Vegas
In Vegas, we used to think 777 was our lucky number, but this year 888 is proving a bonanza — at a time our troubled economy really needs a boost. Hundreds of romantics are invading Sin City starting to ready for their weddings and marriage vow renewals at chapels downtown and up and down the Strip. “Definitely busier than any other day this year except maybe Valentines will just beat it out by a little” said one restaurateur who is ... Read more...
Strip scribbles: Sightings, impromptu performances
* It was the first sighting in Vegas of 24 star Kiefer Sutherland since his recent release from jail in Los Angeles following a DUI accident. He joined the “Bad Boys of Hockey,” who have been in town with Jerry Bruckheimer and Alan Thicke for their annual ice games. They were all hanging at the Hard Rock party that Body English nightclub hosted for them, along with NHL players and Cuba Gooding Jr. In the meantime, Carey Hart’s Wasted Space ... Read more...
New helicopter service lifts off
Vegas has a new helicopter tour company — and this promises to be the deluxe version! Stars and Stripes Air Tours threw itself a grand opening party at its new Heliplex, complete with a percussion band and helicopter aerialists. News anchors from our local TV stations were on-hand with company executives for the first flight. Stars and Stripes operates both airplanes and helicopters — all painted in the familiar, namesake trademark with full-theater seating and pilot-narrated tours — all of ... Read more...
Tonight’s tip: Amplify! Rocks downtown LV
Nearly 100 bands from across America will descend on downtown for the Amplify! Music Conference that runs through Friday night. By day, industry panels with top music executives, promoters and managers and by night band showcases including headliners Hawthorne Heights, Vanilla Ice and Big B. Our local groups Searchlight, Almost Normal, Think, Lydia Vance and many others are also set to perform … Until now, Rehab has always been the Sunday attraction at the Hard Rock Hotel — but there’s ... Read more...
ZizZazz wishes! Nelly injects pizzazz into his new Vegas energy drink
Hip-hop superstar Nelly is adding a new feather to his cap- and this newest venture in his string of successes is high energy packed with pizzazz! ZizZazz is a Vegas based energy drink mix company and Nelly is now one of the owners and will be its high-profile spokesman. “I didn’t just want to endorse it. I wanted to be part of the growth of the company,” he said. Unlike other energy drinks, this comes in a packet and one ... Read more...
No life-threatening stunts, but Angel ready to fly into the danger zone in Believe
Angel’s flight Criss Angel site Cirque-Believe site Even before Mindfreak magician Criss Angel escaped from the dynamited building in Florida last week, he’d promised his mom that he wouldn’t risk his life any further on death defying stunts! Well, that, too may have been a magical trick because Luxe Life has learned there will still be dangerous illusions in his new Believe show that launches for Cirque du Soleil this fall at the Luxor. “There is a fine line between ... Read more...
Tonight’s tips on the Strip
Want to win a trip to Los Angeles for 20 of your best friends? That’s the prize at Cathouse in the Luxor. It includes roundtrip transportation from Vegas, Sofitel luxury hotel accommodations, and our favorite Iron Chef, Kerry Simon, will pick up the dinner check for the group and usher them into an L.A. nightclub … Giveaways continue at Jet nightclub in the Mirage, with the first 100 lucky ladies getting a Jet bling chain at the debut of Club ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Paris Hilton’s lips, star sightings
* Yes, that was pop mogul Paris Hilton “kissing” the poster of her favorite hair guru in the lobby at Caesars Palace. Paris had just left Michael Boychuck’s salon, Color, when on the way to her limo she saw the lobby placard — and promptly smooched it! She left a perfect print of her lips in pink lipstick — and it’s still there so far! * P. Diddy’s all-girl group, Danity Kane, will take over the new, hot, hip Sushi ... Read more...
Thou$and dollar ticket$ for boxing bout on the Strip
“The Hitman” is returning — and probably all of his 12,000 British fans too! Tickets will go on sale this Friday — some for as much as $1,000 each — for the 140-pound world title unification bout, which will be broadcast live on HBO from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in November. Call it “Manchester Muscle vs. New York Flash,” “England vs. United States,” “Brawler vs. Boxer,” or simply a clash between the two best 140-pound fighters in the world. ... Read more...
Stars party hearty at Tao as Sophia Bush is center of 48-hour bachelorette bash
Lovely One Tree Hill actress Sophia Bush stole the spotlight at Tao –- even though actress and National Geographic’s Explorer host Lisa Ling, former Apprentice winner Bill Rancic and his E! News wife, Giuliano Rancic, were dining and partying in a VIP area. The Asian bistro and nightclub at the Venetian played host to all the stars as Sophia joined 10 other glam girls celebrating fashion designer Alisha Levine’s bachelorette party. They feasted on assorted sushi platters, vegetable egg rolls ... Read more...
Cher – a bride-to-be? – wants $45 million for her Malibu home
Cher Web site Is that alleged marriage between Caesars Palace headliner Cher and her Harley Davidson-riding beau, Tim Medvetz, actually moving closer to a reality — after all the denials? Cher, now 62, and the 38-year-old mountain climber have been dating seriously — and very much on the QT- since early June. Early reports that she was all set for a Vegas ceremony with the bearded adventurer were instantly ridiculed. However, Cher has now just put her beloved Malibu mansion ... Read more...
First North Korea rock concert to star Vegas Gumball 3000 stars and cars
How on Earth the strict dictators and autocratic army officials of the bizarre North Korean dictatorship are going to take to a rebel rousing “rat pack’” of rockers is way beyond even me! However, that’s the plan for the Gumball 3000 car rally drivers led by drummer Travis Barker, who descend on Vegas exactly one week from today (Monday). Also expected to drive into the Hard Rock Hotel parking lot next week will be MTV’s Rob Dyrdek of Rob & ... Read more...
Masked Michael’s newest trick: A trip to Nathan Burton’s show
Its another rare sighting on the Strip. Pop-royal Michael Jackson created his own illusion this afternoon (Saturday) when he took his children to the Nathan Burton magic show at the Flamingo- but no way he could magically disguise himself from one of our eagle-eyed Luxe Life fans. Looking like a wizard in his own right Michael showed up in the hooded cloak, baseball cap, facial mask and sunglasses - and six members of a security detail. Michael pulled his own ... Read more...
Sex museum exhibits are lust in time
In any other city there would be the angry placards protesting its arrival — but at most expect a blush from upright citizens of our valley when the worlds first erotic sex museum opens tomorrow (Saturday). Believe it or not, it has all been assembled by a lady! Laura Henkel, the curator from San Francisco, holds a doctorate in human sexuality. She says that even if the sex was removed her exhibits would still be fun — but not for ... Read more...
Strip scribbles and weekend entertainment highlights
*Paris Hilton wasn’t the only pop princess in Vegas this week to launch a line of fashion footwear for the fall: Now we’ve learned that the Duchess herself is following along in her footsteps! Fergie is the newest footwear fashionista, stepping into the high-heel headlines when she debuted her line at a private, exclusive showing in the World Trade Center downtown. *Our hometown group of wild and crazy former showgirls who are known as The Deadly Seven make their Hollywood ... Read more...
Poker stars get new role in interactive card show
Poker has become the deal of the century: It gets giant ratings from viewers tuning in to television. Thousands stand for hours to watch the poker princes and princesses do battle at the big purse tournaments. Now, it’s going live for the first time as theater — and audiences can sit beside the big-name pros! Veteran television producer Merv Adelson is betting The Real Deal! will be the next smash hit on the Strip. It will premiere this fall at ... Read more...
From Lil Jon to Wyclef Jean, stars play at Hard Rock
The weekly Smashtime party at the Hard Rock has rapidly become celebrity central and any number of famous faces are now showing up on a regular basis, making it one of the best parties in town. Rapper Lil Jon had the crowd in an uproar when he put on an impromptu show — until actor and singer Jamie Foxx arrived and took it over for an hour-long show of his own!! Paul Pierce, from the Boston Celtics, Hills co-stars Whitney ... Read more...
Construction on Strip’s Echelon casino halted
Construction on the $5 billion Echelon resort casino planned by Boyd Gaming is halted as of today. The locally headquartered gaming corporation had planned the super-luxury project on the site of the old Stardust property that was imploded last year. Luxe Life told readers almost two months ago that the plans for the Hard Rock Hotel’s parent, Morgans Hospitality Group, to build duplicates of two of their hip hotels — the Delano in Miami and the Royalton in New York ... Read more...
Pass the binky: Hef’s Kendra might quit party scene to turn to mommy scene
Hard to believe but the three girls who have romped with Hugh Hefner as the Girls Next Door on his TV reality show have been together for five years. Even they’ve grown up -– and now Kendra Wilkinson, the former San Diego cheerleader who will be at the Palms today (Friday) says the partying might be coming to an end. Kendra will celebrate Ditch Friday at George Maloof’s Palms Pool, and inaugurate the first inflatable Slip N’ Slide. Kendra will ... Read more...
Whether nude or semi-nude, Pam Anderson is Girl on the Loose
Girl on the Loose site Tommy Lee’s former wife and mother of their two children debuts her new E! Entertainment TV reality series on Sunday — and it promises to be a bust-popping eyeful! As executive producer of Girl on the Loose Pamela promises there will be lots of semi-naked shots of her as she cavorts in lingerie and “issues her bulletins” nude — directly from her bathtub! She uses pink lipstick to scribble the segment captions right onto the ... Read more...
The Crue true to form as “Loudest Show on Earth” hits Mandalay Bay
Rock rebels Motley Crue come home today for their outrageous Crue-Fest as part of their ongoing world tour for Live Nation. They’ll be joined by Buck Cherry and Papa Roach at the Mandalay Bay Events Center for what they describe as, “The Loudest Show on Earth.” My good friend, singer Vince Neil, who calls Vegas home and has his Vince Ink tattoo parlor at the O’Shea’s, says it’ll be good to sleep in his own bed for a few days ... Read more...
Louie Anderson makes waves at Plaza; 'The Showbiz Roast' to revisit skewering
Headliner comedian Louie Anderson took the high road, and high dive, on the ABC show "Splash." Now he's returning to Las Vegas, moving to the Plaza ...
Strip Scribbles: Coco Austin shoots film, watches ‘Peepshow’ proposal
It was the first time a “Peepshow” at Planet Hollywood audience had witnessed an onstage marriage proposal, and it also surprised stars Coco Austin, ...
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