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Luxe Life Blog • Archive for July 2010
Valentino’s Piero Selvaggio offers his five tips on ordering wine
CNN featured the story “5 Tips on Ordering Wine at a Restaurant: Piero Selvaggio of Valentino in The Venetian,” and it is too good to not share with Vegas DeLuxe readers: Be positive “First and foremost, go with the attitude that you will like the chosen wine and it will be a challenge to the food you put in your mouth. So, in the era of information, do some research on the particular vintage of the wine you are contemplating ... Read more...
Thunder From Down Under celebrates nine years on The Strip
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and keeping his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Penny Levin, guest columnist This month, we at Australia’s Thunder From Down Under proudly celebrate nine years of headlining on the Las Vegas Strip, with eight of those at ... Read more...
Photos: Hip-hop dancers compete in world championship finals
Dancers from all over the world are competing in the World Hip Hop Dance Championship, with preliminaries at Red Rock Resort during the week and then the championship finals Sunday at The Orleans Arena. For more about the talented dancers, check out Las Vegas Weekly colleague April Corbin’s story titled “Hip-hop dance culture is breaking out in Las Vegas.” Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside ... Read more...
Jabbawockeez dances to a string of successes on The Strip
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and keeping his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Jabbawockeez, guest columnist Hello, Las Vegas! We are the Jabbawockeez, stepping in to show some love to Mr. Robin Leach. In case you didn’t know, Las Vegas has been ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Mob Museum lands $500,000 grant from commission
The Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial approved a $500,000 grant to the Las Vegas Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, aka The Mob Museum, this week. Funds for the commission, a nonprofit organization, are generated through the sale of Centennial license plates, and the historic Federal Courthouse and Post Office under renovation to house The Mob Museum is a legacy project of the commission. The grant brings the total awarded to The Mob Museum to more than $8.8 ... Read more...
Photos: Holly Madison celebrates no more resort fees at Planet Hollywood
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Planet Hollywood and PH Towers are the latest Harrah’s Entertainment properties to combat resort fees, and Peepshow and Holly’s World star Holly Madison and Planet Hollywood President Marilyn Winn celebrated the announcement of no resort fees yesterday by unveiling millions in cash bricks, the amount of money spent last month on resort fees by Las Vegas visitors. Planet Hollywood and PH Towers join Caesars Palace, Harrah’s, Paris, The Rio, Flamingo, Bally’s and Imperial Palace ... Read more...
Exclusive photos: Lorena Peril makes her Fantasy debut Sunday
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor In the decade that Fantasy has graced the Luxor, three singers have been center stage as the topless burlesque’s lead vocalist. Charidy Sullivan-LaFontaine was the first star for 1 1/2 years, then Stephanie Dianna Sanchez had the spotlight for more than eight years. Last October, Baywatch actress, Playboy model and Strawberry Blonde frontwoman Angelica Bridges took over the reins. This Sunday, Lorena Peril, most recently of Sin City Bad Girls at the Las Vegas ... Read more...
L.V. weekend w/Lauren Conrad, Adam Lambert, Toby Keith and Aerosmith
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Tao Beach is alive with a former star of The Hills. Another American Idol runner-up outshines the winner. He might not be as good as he once was, but he’s still standing tall at The Pearl. And stop by and say “Hello” to this Motown legend at The Colosseum. Friday, July 30 Rapper, songwriter and producer Chris Young — not country singer Chris Young or actor Chris Young or San Diego Padres’ Chris Young ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Angelica Bridges’ band performs at Playboy Mansion
Playboy model and Baywatch actress Angelica Bridges, who ends her Las Vegas run headlining in Fantasy at the Luxor on Saturday, performed at Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Summer Solstice Party with her band Strawberry Blonde. The radiant redhead and lead singer of the sizzling all-girl pop group took center stage at The Playboy Mansion, where they performed four of their songs, including “Everybody Wants You,” which was written by Angelica. The event, which also included a poker tournament and a Concourso ... Read more...
Photos: Shaquille O’Neal takes on ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley in the ring
In the Shaq Vs episode on ABC titled “Shaq Vs Sugar Shane Mosley/Shaq Vs Penn & Teller,” Shaquille O’Neal travels to Las Vegas to challenge boxer “Sugar” Shane Mosley to a hard-hitting, five-round exhibition fight at Caesars Palace. The free agent who played last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers also attempts to defy illusionists and comedians Penn & Teller at The Rio. The latest installment of Shaq Vs, a reality TV competition series, airs Aug. 10. Vegas DeLuxe reported the ... Read more...
Michael Boychuck’s Amp, Color and Primp keep stars, Las Vegas beautiful
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and keeping his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Michael Boychuck, guest columnist It’s been an incredible year since the last time my good friend Robin Leach took his annual trip to Italy, and more than ever, I’m ... Read more...
From nanny, housekeeper and Wayne Brady sidekick to Peepshow star
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and keeping his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Cheaza, guest columnist OK, so here it goes … I haven’t always been the Peep Diva of Peepshow, the hottest show on the Las Vegas Strip (in case you’re ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Holly Madison signs adoption papers for ferret
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Peepshow and Holly’s World blonde bombshell Holly Madison has added another member to her Las Vegas family. Madison, with her ferret Sid and newly adopted ferret Nancy, was at The Animal Foundation yesterday to sign adoption papers. Since moving to Las Vegas, Madison has been very active in the community, and one of her, ahem, pet causes has been animals and The Animal Foundation. Sid and Nancy join Madison’s pet pooches Napoleon and Josephine ... Read more...
Photos: Chef Barry S. Dakake’s 9 most memorable N9NE Steakhouse moments
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and keeping his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Barry S. Dakake, guest columnist In November, Barry S. Dakake, executive chef of N9NE Steakhouse at the Palms, celebrates nine years at one of Las Vegas’ hottest restaurants. With ... Read more...
Photos: Moksha celebrates third anniversary atop Binion’s
Contributing photographer Erik Kabik was on duty for Moksha’s third anniversary performances over the weekend at Binion’s, and the following review is from George Lyons of the radio show The Lyons Den. Moksa celebrated its third anniversary on Binion’s rooftop with two nights of performances last Friday and Saturday. Las Vegas-based Moksha made its triumphant return to the stage, after a short layoff after the release of its debut CD Mammal or Machine, to a crowd of locals that welcomed ... Read more...
Celebrity chef Rick Moonen’s Big Five Theory on fish
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and keeping his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Rick Moonen, guest columnist If you caught star chef Rick Moonen on the recent season of Bravo’s Top Chef Masters, you’ll know that he’s being referred to as the ... Read more...
Photos: Pleasure Pool at Planet Hollywood is hot, hot, hot
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor It was a sizzlin’ hot 118 degrees at Pleasure Pool at Planet Hollywood over the weekend for another installment of the weekly bikini contest, and contributing photographer Tom Donoghue, who has this really tough assignment, reported that it was so hot, he had to wrap a towel around his Nikon camera to complete the photo shoot under the relentless sun! The top three winners hailed from Wisconsin, Virginia and Arizona, on the heels of ... Read more...
Josh Strickland’s summer of Peepshow, Holly’s World, Holly Madison
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and keeping his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Josh Strickland, guest columnist Hey, gang! Josh Strickland here, and I’m honored that Robin Leach asked me to fill in for him while he is away. Before I moved ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Celebrity chef Daniel Boulud and wife reportedly divorcing
New York gossips are reporting that Steve Wynn’s celebrity chef Daniel Boulud is divorcing his wife (this would be the second kitchen split within a month in Las Vegas culinary circles!). Six months after putting his condo on the market, Daniel is getting divorced from wife Micky, according to Gawker. “Court records indicate that she’s seeking an uncontested divorce, which means the couple needs to have already been legally separated for at least a year, according to New York law.” ... Read more...
Producer: Angelica Bridges ‘has enriched my life … I already miss her’
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Actress and singer Angelica Bridges departs Fantasy at the Luxor this weekend after a headlining stint that began in October. Senior Editor John Katsilometes has been following the now-official exit by Bridges, confirmed in his The Kats Report on the Las Vegas Sun last night, and the arrival of Lorena Peril, who was with Sin City Bad Girls at the Las Vegas Hilton until a few weeks ago. Producer Anita Mann of Anita Mann ... Read more...
Studio at the Palms’ Zoe Thrall shares new model of music development
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and keeping his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Zoe Thrall, guest columnist In the past 10 years, there have been enormous changes in the music recording industry as technology has advanced. Long gone are music stores with ... Read more...
AFAN asks community to Adopt a Piggy in fundraising effort
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and keeping his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN), guest columnist Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) was founded in 1984 and is the oldest and largest AIDS service organization in Nevada. ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Drive to aid Young Nala actress Aug. 3 at Mandalay Bay
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Disney’s The Lion King, bone marrow center DKMS, GetSwabbed.org, Disney Theatrical Productions and Mandalay Bay are hosting a bone marrow drive at Mandalay Bay Theater on Aug. 3 to assist Shannon Tavarez, 11, and other leukemia patients. Diagnosed with acute leukemia in April, Shannon, who portrays Young Nala in Broadway’s The Lion King, is fighting for her life, and a bone marrow transplant might be her only chance at survival. DKMS, the largest bone ... Read more...
Photos: Fans catch a show by Katchafire at Hard Rock Hotel pool
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor New Zealand roots reggae band Katchafire hit the outdoor poolside stage at Friday Night Live at the Hard Rock Hotel, and contributing photographer Erik Kabik was on duty for all the action. Katchafire began as a Bob Marley tribute band in Hamilton 13 years ago before later writing and performing its own work. Katchafire, whose name was inspired by the Bob Marley and The Wailers’ album Catch a Fire, has released three albums, Revival ... Read more...
2009 Miss America Katie Stam weds longtime boyfriend Brian Irk
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Vegas DeLuxe congratulates 2009 Miss America Katie Stam on her marriage to the love of her life Brian Irk. The couple wed in their home state of Indiana on Friday, and the current issue of Bridal Guide details Stam’s magical day. VDLX broke the news of their engagement, as Mr. Vegas DeLuxe Robin Leach was part of the surprise proposal, during a 2010 Miss America Pageant event at Planet Hollywood on Jan 29. VDLX ... Read more...
Angelica Bridges shares her kind of Las Vegas — it’s after midnight
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and keeping his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Angelica Bridges, guest columnist Coming to Las Vegas as an outsider is like going to Disneyland as a child for the first time. Vegas can mesmerize with all the ... Read more...
Photos: LeBron, Lamar, Shawn Marion, Dwyane, Justin Bieber rule The Strip
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor NBA superstars led by new Miami Heat player LeBron James, Lamar Odom of the Los Angeles Lakers and Shawn Marion of the Dallas Mavericks ruled The Strip over the weekend, but the athletes were given a run for their money by a 16-year-old Canadian heartthrob named Justin Bieber (a photo gallery from his sold-out Planet Hollywood concert was posted yesterday). James hosted an all-star party at Lavo in the Palazzo on Friday night and ... Read more...
Photos: Menopause the Musical celebrates 2,000th show in Las Vegas
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Menopause the Musical at the Luxor celebrated its 2,000th show in Las Vegas on Friday night, and commemorating the milestone onstage were cast members Skye Dee Miles, Laura Lee O’Connell, Cheryl Spencer and Lori Legacy, who received a standing ovation after their performance. Luxor and Excalibur President and COO Felix Rappaport and Vice President of National Marking Jean George presented the cast and crew with a card signed by friends and family of Luxor ... Read more...
Photos: Teen heartthrob Justin Bieber in concert at Planet Hollywood
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Sixteen-year-old Justin Bieber, the Canadian heartthrob and singer of hits “Baby,” “One Less Lonely Girl” and “Somebody to Love,” performed to a sold-out audience last night at the Theater for the Performing Arts at Planet Hollywood, and while some young fans’ dreams were realized, others’ were dashed at the box office in the casino resort. Thanks to contributing photographer Erik Kabik, who shot the concert and reported: “I’ve included some photographs of atmosphere, signage ... Read more...
Charitable Robin Hood 702 strikes again in Las Vegas
We wanted to share this feel-good story with Vegas DeLuxe readers courtesy of Rick Leventhal at FoxNews.com. On a blistering hot Friday morning in Las Vegas, an unusual crew strolls out the VIP entrance of one of the most luxurious hotels in town and steps into a stretch limousine. Leading the group is a man who calls himself Robin Hood 702 (702 is the Las Vegas area code) wearing jeans and a T-shirt and hiding his face behind a beard, ... Read more...
Photos: LeBron James hosts all-star party at Lavo
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor New Miami Heat star LeBron James kicked off the weekend last night hosting a celebration at Lavo in the Palazzo. King James was joined by Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets (for the time being anyway), San Diego Chargers’ Shaun Phillips, Atlanta Hawks’ Josh Smith, Memphis Grizzlies’ Rudy Gay, Boston Celtics’ Rajon Rondo and Charlotte Bobcats’ Larry Hughes. Fans, probably not too many from Cleveland, waited outside the hotspot for the arrival of ... Read more...
Photos: Second Huckabee Fox News special at The Venetian airs tonight
The second of two Huckabee TV specials hosted by former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee for Fox News airs tonight and repeats tomorrow. Guests on the first-hour special in May included The Venetian/Palazzo head honcho Sheldon Adelson, Gov. Jim Gibbons, the cast of Jersey Boys from the Palazzo, Monte Carlo comedy impressionist Frank Caliendo and of course Mr. Las Vegas himself Wayne Newton. I was tapped to open both shows and appear in the Q&A sessions. Contributing photographer Tom Donoghue captured ... Read more...
Crazy Girls: Pool parties are the place to be in the summer
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and keeping his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Crazy Girl Liz Grantham, guest columnist When it comes to summertime in Las Vegas, nobody says it better than hip-hop recording artist Nelly: It’s getting hot in here, so ... Read more...
Steak Pizzaiola, Chicken Scarpariello from Frank Pellegrino Jr.
Opened in 1896, Rao’s in New York’s East Harlem is widely regarded as one of the most difficult restaurant reservations to land in the United States. Barring a special circumstance and unless you have table rights to one of the restaurant’s 52 seats, you won’t be sitting down to dinner. Just ask the celebrities and politicos who have all been turned away at the door because there wasn’t room. In December 2006, getting a table got a little easier when ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Obama picks Elaine Wynn for Kennedy Center board
President Obama has named Elaine Wynn, the ex-wife of hotel mogul Steve Wynn, to the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, following billionaire Steve onto the board, as President George W. Bush appointed him in 2006. Steve stepped down this year before completing the six-year term. Elaine, like Steve, is a prolific political donor. The Kennedy Center board is a coveted presidential appointment that is frequently given to top contributors. Her selection comes ... Read more...
Photos: Multifaceted Nick Cannon performs standup at the Palms
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Actor, comedian, writer, producer and America’s Got Talent host Nick Cannon performed his standup at The Playboy Comedy Club in The Lounge at the Palms last night, with the sold-out crowd especially enjoying his take on being married to Mariah Carey and celebrating their second anniversary. Cannon landed his first comedy gigs in Hollywood at age 15, performing at venues including The Laugh Factory, and his first TV job was with Nickelodeon’s All That. ... Read more...
LeBron James, Justin Bieber, Twilight ’wolves, Eve in L.V. this weekend
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Whether you’re into NBA superstars including LeBron James and Lamar Odom, Tosh.O, Team Jacob (or at least his wolf pack) or have Bieber Fever, or perhaps all of the above, Las Vegas has something for all the star-struck party people out there this weekend. Friday, July 23 In case you’ve been living under a rock, James recently made The Biggest Sports Decision of the Year and left the Cleveland Cavaliers to sign with the ... Read more...
Louis Prima Jr., Lena Prima to accept father’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Music and Las Vegas legend Louis Prima would’ve turned 100 this year, and to celebrate the anniversary, he will receive the 2,413th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. His son Louis Prima Jr. and daughter Lena, both Las Vegas residents, will be on had to accept the long-overdue honor. Vegas DeLuxe spoke with Louis Prima Jr. ahead of this weekend’s ceremony. Don Chareunsy: First of all, congratulations on ... Read more...
Human Nature’s four singing Aussies share their love of Las Vegas
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and keeping his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Human Nature, guest columnists On behalf of Human Nature — brothers Michael and Andrew Tierney, Toby Allen and Phil Burton — we want to thank Robin for this opportunity ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Sign up for Rumor’s private preview weekend events
Rumor, the new boutique resort from Stephen Siegel and his The Siegel Group, opened to the public last week and this weekend celebrates a private preview weekend for invited guests. Whispering Giants, the company overseeing the private preview weekend, is offering the VIP RSVP guest list to Vegas DeLuxe readers for some of this weekend’s events. Vegas DeLuxe ran an interview with CEO and founder Stephen last month, as well as photos of the progress of Rumor. A grand opening ... Read more...
Photos: MLB stars and celebrities at play at Angels Stadium
Loyal baseball fans from Las Vegas turned out en masse to watch the celebrity game at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., as part of the fun-filled All-Star week. Food Network celebrity chef and UNLV graduate Guy Fieri and Extra and Miss America Pageant host and Las Vegas nightlife regular Mario Lopez were among the VIPs. The MLB stars at the Taco Bell Legends & Celebrity Softball Game included Bo Jackson, John Kruk, Mike Piazza, Chuck Finley, Fred Lynn, Tim Salmon, ... Read more...
Matt Goss talks Caesars Palace, music and his new jewelry line
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and keeping his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Matt Goss, guest columnist Greetings, mates, Just coming off the tails of what was truly probably the best show I have had at Caesars Palace to date. Definitely one ... Read more...
Rick Harrison of Pawn Stars isn’t taking success for granted
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and keeping his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Rick Harrison, guest columnist So here I am really just a normal, regular guy who likes to read books about batteries, history and mathematical equations. Everyone wants to know ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: MTV signs Jersey Shore cast to Season 3
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor MTV yesterday signed seven members of the Jersey Shore cast, many of them Las Vegas regulars, to Season 3 of the hit reality TV series, with production to begin this weekend in Seaside Heights, N.J., after a salary dispute that sees the cast reportedly earning $30,000 an episode for Season 3, up from $10,000 in Season 2 and $5,000 in Season 1. Returning with a hefty pay raise: Paul “DJ Pauly D” DelVecchio, who ... Read more...
Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria & Cucina chef discusses — what else? — pizza
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and keeping his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Dustin Lewandowski, guest columnist Hello, Vegas DeLuxe readers! I’m Dustin Lewandowski, executive chef at Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria & Cucina inside Crystals at CityCenter. Today I am briefly stepping away ... Read more...
Spago executive chef Eric Klein shares tips for summer entertaining
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and keeping his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Eric Klein, guest columnist Hello, Vegas DeLuxe readers! I’m Eric Klein, executive chef at Spago at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. While I’m in Europe learning all Spain ... Read more...
Executive Monkeys producer Emily Jillette: ‘So you think you can tweet?’
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and keeping his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Emily Jillette, guest columnist Everyone is doing it. You send tweets to brag, tweets of private jokes, tweets of the funny things your kids say. Now your Twitter activity ... Read more...
Photos: Jackson Browne, with David Lindley, at The Joint
Singer Jackson Browne performed at The Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel last night, and contributing photographer Erik Kabik was onsite for the show. Erik reports that Jackson performed with longtime friend and bandmate David Lindley, who opened the show with an acoustic set, in which Jackson sat in for a few songs. David also sat in with the band for most of Jackson’s performance. Last night’s concert followed a busy weekend at The Joint that included shows by Silversun ... Read more...
Photos: Terry Fator throws first pitch at Las Vegas 51s game
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor It was Terry Fator Bobblehead Night at the Las Vegas 51s game against the Tacoma Rainiers at Cashman Field last night, and the evening included The Mirage’s $100 million headliner throwing out the first pitch. Terry was joined at Cashman by his girlfriend Taylor Makakoa and Winston the Impersonating Turtle, one of the America’s Got Talent Season 2 champion’s most popular characters in his show Terry Fator: Ventriloquism in Concert on The Strip. 51s ... Read more...
Photos: Holly Madison unveils 3 Las Vegas Couture Pops at the Paris
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Peepshow and Holly’s World blonde bombshell Holly Madison unveiled Sugar Factory’s signature Las Vegas edition Couture Pops at the Paris, home of a future mega-site Sugar Factory, on National Lollipop Day yesterday. Mayor Oscar Goodman and the city of Las Vegas, accompanied by showgirls from Jubilee!, officially declared July 20, 2010, Sugar Factory Day in Las Vegas as Holly debuted three Las Vegas Couture Pops beneath the Eiffel Tower at the site of the ... Read more...
Photos: Another hot Las Vegas day, another hot bikini contest
It’s become a midweek tradition now at Vegas DeLuxe to take a moment on hump day to go through the photographs of the new bikini beauties at Planet Hollywood’s Pleasure Pool, which was a sizzling 116 degrees during this week’s competition. And that was before the bikini contest! Contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was on duty yet again, and Planet Hollywood became even hotter for the weekly, summer-long bikini contest. California girls finished first, second and third, and the winner, in ... Read more...
Photos: Silver Lake stars Silversun Pickups headline at The Joint
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor The rock show featuring Silversun Pickups, Against Me! and The Henry Clay People at The Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel on Friday night was a strong, loud and proud display of guitars skills and extended solos by Silversun Pickups, vocals by Against Me! and surprisingly high-level lighting for The Henry Clay People’s set, with an encore by Silversun Pickups ticking the evening past the 3-hour mark. Best New Artist Grammy Award-nominated Silversun Pickups ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Beautiful British blonds Matt Goss and Kelly Osbourne
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Singer and newly single Kelly Osborne, looking as gorgeous as ever with one hair color, watched fellow beautiful blond Brit Matt Goss’ show at Cleopatra’s Barge in Caesars Palace over the weekend. The duo posed for photographs and signed autographs for fans after the performance, with Osbourne in a sexy and slimming sleeveless black dress and Goss in his smooth-as-velvet red blazer and trademark fedora. Osbourne, 25, last week reportedly ended her engagement to ... Read more...
Louie Anderson’s busy life with new comedy club and boot camp
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and keeping his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Louie Anderson, guest columnist Hi All, It’s Louie Anderson, and I’ve got exciting news to share. While Robin is away in Italy for some well-deserved R&R, I’m filling in ... Read more...
Grandma Lee says she isn’t your ‘grandma’s grandma’ — so there
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and keeping his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Grandma Lee, guest columnist Comedienne Grandma Lee was a fan favorite on NBC’s America’s Got Talent this past Season 4 (and appeared in America’s Got Talent Live! at Planet ... Read more...
Kristi Holden: ‘Las Vegas has always been here waiting for me’
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and will keep his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Kristi Holden, guest columnist “When we grow up, let’s move to Las Vegas and be strippers!” said a young playmate of mine out of the blue. “Odd,” I ... Read more...
Andrew Ragone’s adoration for Phantom — Las Vegas Spectacular
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and will keep his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Andrew Ragone, guest columnist The most rewarding part of performing in a live theatrical show versus other mediums such as TV or film is getting that immediate response ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Zowie Bowie is returning to Red Rock Resort
Zowie Bowie, the dynamic duo of Chris Phillips and Marley Taylor, is resuming its mix of dance, hip-hop and Top 40 music at Red Rock Resort’s Rocks Lounge every Friday beginning Sept. 3. Zowie Bowie moved to Las Vegas in 2006 from Scottsdale, Ariz., to perform weekly at Red Rock Resort, and three years later, relocated to the Palms and then the Monte Carlo. “It was amazing getting to perform on The Strip. However, we missed the fans that our ... Read more...
The Phantom makes his argument for building two dome facilities
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and will keep his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Anthony Crivello, guest columnist Las Vegas is caught in a sports/entertainment financial quagmire. And until we see momentum or resolution, the city and Nevada economy will be subject ... Read more...
Photos: Parties w/AnnaLynne & Kellan, J.Love, Ke$ha, Rihanna, Mel B
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Las Vegas was sizzlin’ hot over the weekend, and it wasn’t just because of the 110-plus-degree heat. Gorgeous 90210 starlet AnnaLynne McCord celebrated her 23rd birthday Saturday at Wet Republic at MGM Grand with hunky boyfriend and co-star Kellan Lutz, the Twilight series’ Emmett Cullen. McCord arrived at the Fiji Water-sponsored soiree in Ray-Bans, a jean skirt and a tank top over a string bikini, while Lutz hid his six-pack abs under a beige ... Read more...
New boutique hotel Rumor is now open for business
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Rumor, the chic new boutique resort hotel by The Siegel Group, has opened for business in Las Vegas. Rumor, across the street from the Hard Rock Hotel where Paradise meets Harmon and formerly the St. Tropez Hotel, is an 18-and-over resort with 150 suites, a unique courtyard with pool, wet deck and lawn framed by palm trees and a restaurant, Addiction, with chef Vic Vegas. Vegas DeLuxe posted an extensive interview with The Siegel ... Read more...
Exclusive: Inside Criss Angel’s 22,000-square-foot estate Serenity
Originally posted 7/17/10 at 3:36 a.m. Inspired by an Old World Tuscan castle, Criss Angel’s extraordinary 22,000-square-foot home is a breathtaking 2 1/2-acre mountaintop paradise with spectacular views of the mountains and the entire Las Vegas Strip. Spend a little time gazing at the stunning 2,200-square-foot luxury pool and spa that’s open from the entire back of the mansion, and you’ll understand why the Mindfreak magician calls his palace Serenity. The Association of Pool and Spa professionals named it one ... Read more...
The 2010 World Series of Poker’s November Nine has been seated
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor After a massive pool of 7,319 players and nearly two weeks of play, the 2010 World Series of Poker’s Main Event is finally down to the November Nine, or the Final Table, who return to The Rio on Nov. 6 to compete for the first-place prize of nearly $9 million. Each player in the Top Nine is guaranteed more than $1 million. A few facts: Eight of the nine are professional poker players, with ... Read more...
Photos: The star-studded 2010 ESPY Awards red carpet in L.A.
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Contributing photographer Tom Donoghue had a busy week away from the extreme desert heat of Las Vegas shooting the MLB All-Star Game in Anaheim, Calif., followed by the 2010 ESPY Awards at the Nokia Theater in downtown L.A. Among this year’s ESPY highlights: New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees was the night’s big winner with four ESPYs, three of them individual honors, and the Arthur Ashe Courage Award recipient, the family of coach Ed ... Read more...
Magician Nathan Burton’s hectic life as a bi-coastal headliner
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and will keep his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Nathan Burton, guest columnist Nathan Burton here. It’s been a busy time since I wrote last year’s guest column. I’ve had the pleasure of celebrating my second anniversary ... Read more...
Poker expert Michael Craig on who will survive the 2010 WSOP at The Rio
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and will keep his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Michael Craig, guest columnist Since May 27, the Convention Center at The Rio has served as the home to the 41st Annual World Series of Poker. In 57 ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: New York Knicks’ Anthony Randolph turns 21 at Eve
New York Knicks’ star Anthony Randolph celebrated his 21st birthday last night at Eva Longoria Parker’s Eve Nightclub in MGM CityCenter’s Crystals. The Knicks forward and friends showed up at the club shortly after midnight and enjoyed Eve’s lingerie party featuring designer Kiki de Montparnasse. Anthony was surprised with a custom Las Vegas-themed birthday cake featuring a deck of cards and a replica No. 4 Knicks jersey. He partied the night away in Eve’s VIP section sipping on Ciroc berry-flavored ... Read more...
Defending the Caveman star Kevin Burke’s tales of Sin City
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and will keep his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Kevin Burke, guest columnist Thanks for letting me sit in, Robin! I’ve been here for just over four years and have been keeping a diary of the wonderful ... Read more...
Johnny Chan eliminated from WSOP Main Event on Day 6 at The Rio
Theo Jorgensen of Copenhagen, Denmark, became the chip leader at 9,300,000, and 1987 and 1988 champion Johnny Chan was eliminated on Day 6 of the World Series of Poker’s Main Event at The Rio yesterday. Day 6 started with 205 players, and after 4 1/2 levels and 9 hours of play, 78 hopefuls remained. Johnny finished in 156th place. Other notable names who busted out on Day 6: Jimmy Tran (Houston), Robert Mizrachi (Las Vegas), Phil Galfond (New York City), ... Read more...
Condolences to Rich Little on the death of his wife Marie
Vegas DeLuxe sends our sincerest condolences to legendary comedian Rich Little on the passing of his wife, Marie Morotta Little. Tony Lofaro of The Ottawa Citizen reports that Marie was found dead yesterday in the bedroom of their home here in Las Vegas. Marie died from an apparent overdose of sleeping pills, and the Citizen story said a note was by Marie’s bedside when Rich found his wife unconscious. The couple wed in 2003. Our thoughts and prayers are with ... Read more...
Photos: Just married — Peter ‘Big Elvis’ Vallee and Amanda Lasham
Peter Armand Vallee, aka “Big Elvis,” wed Amanda Rose Lasham last night in The Lounge at Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon where Big Elvis performs every night. Delbert “Sonny” West served as best man, and Jimmy Velvet was one of the groomsmen; both men were close friends of Elvis Presley. The reception was at Bill’s Steak House. Contributing photographer Erik Kabik shot this photo gallery for Vegas DeLuxe, and Senior Editor John Katsilometes posted a full report of the wedding ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Blue Man Group auditions are Monday at The Venetian
Blue Man Group is holding an open call for performers to portray Blue Men in current and upcoming productions and multimedia projects from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday at Blue Man Group Theater in The Venetian. Applicants — male and female (Blue Women!) — must be 5’10” to 6’1 with an athletic build, have solid acting, drumming and performance skills and be willing to relocate. The Blue Man Group cast includes classically trained actors, rock musicians, performance artists, musical ... Read more...
WSOP Main Event at The Rio down to 205 players after Day 5
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor The World Series of Poker No-Limit Hold ’Em World Championship is at 205 players after starting Day 5 yesterday with 574 and the overall Main Event with 7,319. The race is on for the first-place prize of $8,944,138 in November. With the money bubble burst at 747 hopefuls, the remaining 205 are guaranteed at least $48, 847. Evan Lamprea of Woodstock, Ontario, has a slim chip lead for first place with 3,564,000 after four ... Read more...
Lance Burton’s Aug. 22 benefit assists Shriners Hospitals for Children
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and will keep his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Lance Burton, guest columnist The Shriners has been my favorite charity for as long as I can remember because of the work they do. Once again, I’m calling ... Read more...
Holly Madison: ‘I’m very blessed to have so many good people in my life’
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and will keep his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Holly Madison, guest columnist Hey, everyone. Holly Madison here reporting for Mr. Champagne Wishes himself. I finally get to turn the tables on him. LOL. I’m actually sitting ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Steve Wynn buys Plaza penthouse for $23 million
Hotel mogul Steve Wynn has purchased one of the largest penthouses at New York’s Plaza Hotel after a previous owner backed out of a contract to buy the residence. Josh Barbanel of The Wall Street Journal reported that the sale closed today for about $23 million, about $1 million below the asking price. The 5,600-square-foot penthouse was in contract three years ago when the Plaza was undergoing a renovation and condominium conversion. At the time, the apartment’s asking price was ... Read more...
Pawn Stars’ Chumlee offers fashion tips to stay cool in Las Vegas
From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and will keep his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe. By Chumlee, guest columnist Hey, it’s Chumlee the fashion guru (and star of The History Channel’s Pawn Stars), and this is your fashion wake-up call for the summer of ... Read more...
Photos: Pat Sajak and Vanna White spin Wheel to 30th anniversary
Thousands of Wheel of Fortune fans will pour into The Venetian’s convention center over the next eight days, as hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White are taping six weeks of episodes for the 28th season of the ever-popular game show. “It’s the biggest number of shows we’ve ever filmed in one location. It’s the most time we’ve spent shooting in one city,” Pat said during the first day yesterday. “This is our longest stay of nine days in one place, ... Read more...
WSOP Main Event play resumes at noon at The Rio with field of 574
From 7,319 entrants, the 2010 World Series of Poker’s Main Event now sits with less than 10 percent of that number, as 574 players take to the felt today for Day 5. The money bubble hit shortly after the dinner break yesterday, when Tim McDonald became the unfortunate bubble boy, bowing out in 748th place — just one shy of the money. Tim, a professional fisherman from Kentucky, took it in stride and walked away with a free entry into ... Read more...
Photos: Planet Hollywood’s weekly bikini contest nears finale
Hot town, summer in the city, and Planet Hollywood’s weekly bikini contest at its Pleasure Pool moves ever closer to the finale. For Vegas DeLuxe, it’s just another day in paradise with the bikini beauties. For the contestants, it’s a moment to shine and perhaps start out on the road to model stardom. For contributing photographer Tom Donoghue, it’s another opportunity to showcase his glamour photo skills. Here’s this week’s gallery of the bathing beauties, with winners from Orange County, ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Wizard star David Henrie celebrates The Big 2-1
Disney star David Henrie of Wizards of Waverly Place had a real Las Vegas blowout birthday bash to celebrate his 21st. His show has just been nominated for 2010 Primetime Emmys and a Teen Choice Award. David flew here with fellow Disney stars Chelsea Staub, Gregg Sulkin, Courtney Galiano and Brandon Mychal Smith for the celebration. It kicked off at Phantom — the Las Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian while he waited for the clock to tick to midnight so ... Read more...
Criss Angel’s Mindfreak media blitz includes Leno, Kimmel and AGT
Mindfreak magician Criss Angel is getting ready for a massive media blitz that will kick off the new Season 6 on A&E on Aug. 4. Die-hard Mindfreak fans will be thrilled because it even includes a marathon of previous episodes, so it’s all Criss all the time on launch day. Additionally that same night, Criss is set to appear on America’s Got Talent on NBC. A&E also has scheduled airdates for the 1-hour Biography on Criss to run as a ... Read more...
2009 champ Joe Cada, Rene Angelil, Gabe Kaplan eliminated from WSOP
As of noon today, 1,204 players remain in the Main Event of the World Series of Poker, including UFC ring announcer Bruce Buffer, who has his own new high-limit poker room at the Luxor. Yesterday saw the end of the run at The Rio for Celine Dion’s husband and manager Rene Angelil and actor Gabe Kaplan. Also ousted yesterday were poker favorites Phil Laak, Jennifer Harmon, Chris Moneymaker, David Williams, Erik Seidel, Daniel Negreanu, Vanessa Rousso and last year’s $9 ... Read more...
Photos: Behind the scenes of Mickey Thomas and Starship shoot
Celebrity and fashion photographer Carlo Roncancio shot lead singer Mickey Thomas and his band Starship during their stop in town at Eastside Cannery for a weekend concert. Carlo is headquartered here with a studio in Paradise Palms at a home once owned by Dean Martin. Carlo worked on new promotional photos for the band’s upcoming album and invited Vegas DeLuxe along for the behind-the-scenes look at a rock and roll photo session. All the photographs in this unique gallery are ... Read more...
Photos: Rock & Rita’s opening at Circus Circus a party with flair
They spin. They twist. They juggle. They throw. They catch. They perform what looks absolutely impossible. They are some of the world’s top multi-talented flair bartenders of the new Rock & Rita’s “Great American Hotspot” that’s just opened at Circus Circus. The party place welcomed Defending the Caveman star Kevin Burke, the gorgeous dancers from Fantasy at Luxor and pro golfers Nisha and Seema Sadekar, who star on The Golf Channel’s Big Break Sandals Resorts, to the grand opening. The ... Read more...
Photos: Partying with Camp Freddy, Pamela, Audrina and Carmen
Blonde bombshell Pamela Anderson continued her champagne-fueled late birthday celebrations right into the early hours yesterday. Vegas DeLuxe posted yesterday red carpet photos at the start of her partying at Tao Beach in The Venetian on Saturday, and now we’ve got the inside fun at Tao nightclub Saturday night. At Tao Beach, the Dancing With the Stars contestant took over a cabana with friends that including one-time-horned Zumanity star Jesus Villa. Pamela was surprised and thrilled with a replica Veuve ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Tao Group is betting $60 million on Cosmopolitan hotspot
It could wind up being the most expensive nightlife attraction in America, and advance word is that The Tao Group from The Venetian and Palazzo have already committed more than $60 million for their entertainment extravaganza opening New Year’s Eve at The Cosmopolitan alongside MGM’s CityCenter. Vegas DeLuxe was first to bring you word on the project, and I’m now reliably told that the sprawling three top floors of The Cosmopolitan will feature not only a nightclub and restaurant but ... Read more...
Photos: The Lion King celebrates anniversary on the road in L.A.
To celebrate and promote its first anniversary, the cast of Disney’s The Lion King at Mandalay Bay took their show on the road. More than 3,000 fans were at The Grove in Los Angeles to salute the performers of the only permanent West Coast production of the Broadway extravaganza. The cast, who put on a performance, included principals Kissy Simmons (Nala), Buyi Zama (Rafiki) and Jelani Remy (Simba), who were joined by L.A.’s Fame Choir. Adults and children packed the ... Read more...
Rene Angelil, Bruce Buffer, Gabe Kaplan remain in contention at WSOP
A slew of celebrities were eliminated during weekend play of the World Series of Poker’s Main Event, but Celine Dion’s manager husband Rene Angelil is still alive, and he resumed play today at noon. Celebrities still playing today are Gabe Kaplan of Welcome Back Kotter fame and UFC ring announcer Bruce Buffer. WSOP Players of the Year still in are Las Vegas hometown heroes Daniel Negreanu and Allen Cunningham and 2003 champion Chris Moneymaker. Defending champion Joe Cada, who won ... Read more...
Julianne Hough and Ryan Seacrest’s romance blossoms in Italian Riviera
It began as an unconfirmed rumor, then the whispers started, and Vegas DeLuxe reported that our hometown darling Julianne Hough had started quietly dating American Idol host Ryan Seacrest. Over the weekend after a month of speculation, the twosome went public with their romance. Ryan was already onboard a yacht in Italy when Julianne flew there to join him. Julianne, who stars with Cher and Christina Aguilera in the upcoming film Burlesque, and Ryan were spotted arm in arm hugging ... Read more...
Photos: Carmen Electra, with fiance Rob Patterson, hosts at Crown
Carmen Electra hosted at Crown Nightclub in The Rio last night, arriving with her fiance Rob Patterson of Korn and posing for red carpet photographs with Crown owner Darin Feinstein. Contributing photographer Erik Kabik covered the red carpet and also was invited inside The Rio’s new hotspot for additional candid shots. The actress, Playboy pinup and occasional guest star in Crazy Horse Paris at MGM Grand partied less than 50 yards away from where rocker and ex-husband Dave Navarro performed ... Read more...
Photos: Pamela Anderson celebrates her 43rd birthday at Tao Beach
Pinup princess and Playboy’s most photographed actress-cover girl Pamela Anderson drove herself across the desert to Las Vegas yesterday morning from San Diego in time for a double celebration of her 43rd birthday. The recent Dancing With the Stars contestant enjoyed two parties yesterday, and contributing photographer Erik Kabik was on duty at the first red carpet at Tao Beach in The Venetian, and Richard Corey posted his video on YouTube for Vegas DeLuxe. Last night, the blonde bombshell continued ... Read more...
Photos: Obama’s 20-minute talk at UNLV tackles unemployment
President Obama wrapped up his two-day visit to Las Vegas yesterday with a 20-minute address at UNLV, in which he discussed jobs, unemployment, clean energy and the economy, and contributing photographer Erik Kabik shot this photo gallery for Vegas DeLuxe, while Richard Corey posted his videos on YouTube. The president stumped for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in an appearance that included The Killers and Sarah McLachlan at Aria in MGM CityCenter on Thursday. For extensive coverage of Obama’s visit, ... Read more...
Photos: Lilith Fair: Celebration of Women in Music at Mandalay Bay
Lilith Fair: Celebration of Women in Music has been a troubled affair this summer, and literally singlehandedly, long-absent Sarah McLachlan has revived it and kept it going. Ticket sales have withered in the bruising economy, and musicians have dropped out. Show dates have been canceled and changed around, and all in all, it’s been a real struggle. The Mandalay Bay venue was changed from the larger Events Center to the more relaxed ambiance of Mandalay Bay Beach, but Sarah loved ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Nickelback to wrap world tour in Las Vegas on Oct. 30
Billboard’s Group of the Decade Nickelback, who performed at the closing ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, has extended its Dark Horse World Tour with a new leg to start Sept. 14 in Nashville and wrap right here in Las Vegas on Oct. 30. The show, with Buckcherry and Three Days Grace, is at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Tickets go on sale July 17. Since starting the Dark Horse trip, Nickelback has sold more than 1.6 million tickets ... Read more...
Photos: Shaq vows to wear pink bikini if he loses to Shane Mosley
Cleveland Cavaliers superstar Shaquille O’Neal is so confident that he’ll defeat boxer “Sugar” Shane Mosley tonight at Caesars Palace that he’s made one of the more unusual bets of his life: “If I lose to ‘Sugar’ Shane, I will walk through Caesars Palace in a pink bikini.” Heaven help us if he fails! Tonight’s fight will be featured in an episode in late August that kicks off Season 2 of his ABC series Shaq Vs. Although the athletes posed for ... Read more...
WSOP Main Event winner will walk away with nearly $9 million
Experts feared that the slowing global economy, weakened overseas currencies and the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act would severely affect this year’s Main Event at the 41st Annual World Series of Poker at The Rio. In fact, it’s the second-largest field ever, with 7,319 players taking part, and that results in a prize pool of $68,798,600. The ultimate winner of the $10,000 No Limit Hold’ Em World Championship receives $8,944,138. It may be the only sport in the world that’s ... Read more...
Celine Dion announces that her twins due in November will be boys
Superstar Celine Dion announced this morning on her Web site that the twins she’s expecting will be boys, just as we wrote on Tuesday. The twin sons are expected the first week of November, and Celine, 42, will move them to her Lake Las Vegas home Feb. 24. Celine starts rehearsals Feb. 28 for the March 15 first night of her new three-year contract at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace. Celine will perform 70 shows a year timed around her ... Read more...
Photos: Obama welcomed to town by 3,000 — and The Killers
President Obama was welcomed to Las Vegas yesterday on his two-day visit to boost Sen. Harry Reid’s re-election campaign by 3,000 chosen fans — and hometown heroes The Killers. I don’t know if their band name is a prophecy one way or the other, but it’s the president’s second visit on behalf of the senator this year. The nation’s chief executive and the Senate majority leader were at Aria in MGM’s CityCenter, and the bleak employment picture for America is ... Read more...
Carmen Electra hosts at The Rio, Pamela Anderson celebrates at Tao
Ah, the merry ways of Playboy pinups — and their rocker boyfriends — and how their paths always seem to cross in Las Vegas. Pint-sized powerhouse Carmen Electra hosts at the new Crown Nightclub tomorrow at The Rio across the street from The Pearl at the Palms, where former love Dave Navarro will be storming the stage with his Camp Freddy pals. Married in November 2003, their love life was documented in the MTV reality TV series Till Death Do ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Ringo Starr turns 70 with parties here and in New York
It’s difficult to believe that music icon and former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr turned 70 yesterday. He celebrated at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York while our Cirque du Soleil’s Love cast at The Mirage saluted him with a Peace & Love wave from our Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip. Here are YouTube videos of his birthday sing-along in Times Square and his 70th birthday interview in which he revealed that he nearly died on his 7th and ... Read more...
Angel Management Group taking over operations at Hard Rock’s Rehab?
Las Vegas nightlife is rolling this week with all the major rumored shakeups. We reported Tuesday the massive changes expected at former Barbary Coast turned Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon. The latest bombshell dropped last night with exploding whispers that Angel Music Group is taking over Rehab for the new management at the Hard Rock Hotel. If true, this move comes less than a week after AMG was handed marketing and management operations for Moorea Beach Club at Mandalay Bay. ... Read more...
Counter Intelligence: Thomas Keller, Charlie Palmer and Rick Moonen
Hot off the grill! I’ve been fortunate this past month to sit down to very memorable meals with our Las Vegas chefs — albeit two of them were out of town up in California wine country (my report from Social House with executive chef Joe Elevado and Iron Chef Kerry Simon’s KGB in Harrah’s was posted yesterday. With our desert temperatures now a 100-degree constant, a lot of Las Vegas residents travel to the cooler Southern California beach climes. I ... Read more...
Photos: Joe Cada and Phil Hellmuth at The Rio for World Series of Poker
It’s taken four days to get the playing field in order for the Main Event of this year’s World Series of Poker. Today at noon, Dallas Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith kicked off the final day of players with the shuffle up and deal. High attendance is expected for this final day of sign-ups, and tonight we’ll know the exact final number of competitors and the grand prize purse. Yesterday, reigning WSOP champion Joe Cada, who was supposed to officiate today ... Read more...
Las Vegas teenager Malia Civetz to sing for President Obama
Congratulations to 16-year-old Las Vegas resident Malia Civetz, who has been selected to sing the national anthem for President Obama during his visit here tomorrow. Malia was chosen after her performance of the national anthem and her rendition of “God Bless America” at last week’s New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers game at Dodger Stadium. Malia, pictured here at the Suncoast Showroom, has sung at New York’s Apollo Theater and performed the national anthem at California games for the ... Read more...
NBA stars arrive for 58 Summer League games tipping off tomorrow
Dozens of NBA stars and court heroes arrive in Las Vegas today for tomorrow’s start of the 2010 NBA Summer League. Eleven of the teams appeared in this season’s playoffs, and there will be 23 teams playing a 58-game schedule over 10 days, including a team of NBA D-League stars for the second consecutive year. Games will be played at Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion, and this year’s event features the Washington Wizards, who won the top overall ... Read more...
Photos: No matter the NBA team, LeBron James is headed to Las Vegas
It’s one of the biggest sports stories of the decade. You can call it D-Day! Today at 6 p.m. PT, LeBron James, the most-sought-after basketball player in the world, announces his decision live on ESPN as to which team he’s signing for a $100 million contract. Will music mogul Jay-Z succeed in getting LeBron to play for his New Jersey Nets? Will LeBron sign with the New York Knicks, who saw their corporate shares rise and sink on yesterday’s rumors? ... Read more...
Counter Intelligence: Social House at CityCenter, Kerry Simon’s KGB
Hot off the grill! It’s a year in the making for the reopening of the celebrity hotspot Social House, and it was absolutely worth the wait. Last July 4, Pure Management Group shuttered Social House at Treasure Island after new casino hotel owner Phil Ruffin took over from MGM. This July 4, Social House reopened quietly with a new look and tasty additions by brilliant executive chef Joe Elevado to his masterpiece of a menu. “There’s about a 10 percent ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Shaquille O’Neal faces Shane Mosley in the ring
For the second time this week, NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal is doing battle. Last night, he played basketball against Penn & Teller at The Rio, and he faces “Sugar” Shane Mosley in a boxing match Friday. Both events are featured in the same episode of next season’s Shaq Vs on ABC. The fight is free, but seating is limited, so reserve your tickets in advance at ShaqVsMosley@gmail.com. The showdown is at the open-air Roman Plaza on The Strip at Caesars ... Read more...
Criss Angel’s new-look Believe to include 40 illusions
Illusionist Criss Angel is in the final stages of the current changes he’s making to his Cirque du Soleil show Believe at the Luxor. He has five more illusions to introduce into the show, and that will put him around the 40 mark, more than any other magic show in the world. When he returns from his long-planned two-week break from the elaborate production, in my opinion it will look a lot more like his A&E hit Mindfreak than a ... Read more...
Photos: As temperature sizzles, so does Planet Hollywood bikini contest
It’s Wednesday and thus time yet again to get over the midweek hump with another set of shots from the summer-long Planet Hollywood bikini contest at the casino resort’s Pleasure Pool. Contributing photographer Tom Donoghue has this event as a weekly assignment through Labor Day. It’s a tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it! The contest ends on the last holiday weekend of summer with each week’s $500 winner returning for final voting, so there are another eight weeks until ... Read more...
Stars at Play Day 4: Mike Epps, Kelly Rowland, Busta Rhymes, Bruce Buffer
The shows, parties and performances continued through the Fourth of July holiday weekend until it was time to go home last night, and our contributing photographers got the chance to lay down their cameras and take a break for the first time from the celebrations, as it was four nonstop days of festivities. KELLY ROWLAND AT PURE AND VENUS Singer Kelly Rowland’s performance at Pure in Caesars Palace not only brought down the house, but she also turned herself into ... Read more...
Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon is getting an extreme makeover
When Barbary Coast opened on The Strip in March 1979, it cost $11.5 million, and with 196 rooms, it was one of the smallest properties in town. Now it’s about to get a giant facelift costing more than when it was first built. In 2007, it was traded to Harrah’s Entertainment for land on the Strip where owner Bill Boyd would start construction of his now-stalled Echelon Place and renamed Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon in honor of Harrah’s founder ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Criss Angel’s mother hospitalized after holiday barbecue
Mindfreak magician Criss Angel began his two-week hiatus from Cirque du Soleil’s Believe with a party at his new palace Serenity over Fourth of July weekend, and magic colleagues Lance Burton and Amazing Johnathan, along with Motley Crue rocker Vince Neil, Luxor headliner comic Carrot Top and artist Godard were among the guests. But it ended with his mother Dimitra in a hospital. She had passed out three times in two days, and family wanted to have doctors find out ... Read more...
Photos: Steve Dacri escapes shackles, handcuffs at bottom of Hilton pool
Veteran close-up card magician Steve Dacri hasn’t tried an escape routine from handcuffs and shackles in 20 years, but when Las Vegas Hilton executives challenged him to try again, he dived right in! Said Steve: “It started as a joke when Advertising Director Robin Biffinger wanted me to make a Friday night pool party appearance. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, though, to entertain a huge, spread-out crowd with close-up magic. “I mentioned an escape routine I once did for ... Read more...
Celine Dion sets rehearsal start date, revels in twins pregnancy
This is the week that superstar Celine Dion will learn whether her two babies expected in November will be boys or girls — or one of each. Her husband and manager Rene Angelil was here over the weekend and shared the news with friends. He also confirmed that they will move here with 9-year-old son Rene-Charles on Feb. 26 to start rehearsals of the new three-year run of 70 shows per year at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace. The opening-night ... Read more...
WSOP sets record attendance; prize money again over $100 million
The first heat of the World Series of Poker’s Main Event got underway yesterday, and it will take four days to get the players in order for the actual start of the largest poker event of the year. At noon Thursday, reigning WSOP champion Joe Cada will shuffle up and deal to make it official. The final number of competitors and the total prize purse will be known that night. This year’s 41st annual WSOP has already set a new ... Read more...
Exclusive: Criss Angel talks Mindfreak’s secrets and future
Mindfreak magician Criss Angel knows that every time he tackles the increasingly creative stunts and illusions for his top-rated A&E series, he risks danger, yet he constantly attempts more and more death-defying challenges. In Season 6 starting Aug. 4, he pushed the experiences so far that not only did he produce the best season to date, but also one stunt nearly ended his life. During a long interview at his new home Serenity, Criss talked candidly about the six new ... Read more...
Stars at Play Day 3: Holly Madison, Jersey Shore, UFC and WSOP
Fireworks and the stars lit up The Strip and Las Vegas Valley yesterday for the Independence Day holiday weekend. Contributing photographer Erik Kabik captured the red, white and blue fireworks that brightened the sky as they were shot off from Caesars Palace, and Christopher Rauschnot @24kMedia on Twitter posted his fireworks videos on YouTube. Meantime, the celebrity invasion continued at full power all over town for a third day with poolside and nightclub parties. HOLLY MADISON AT WET REPUBLIC Holly’s ... Read more...
Photos: Parties continue w/Kendra, Mark Salling, JWoww and UFC stars
The four-day holiday weekend continues in Las Vegas with a nonstop parade of celebrities celebrating in style. On Saturday, there was Jersey Shore stars, Playboy honey Kendra Wilkinson and Glee hunk Mark Salling. Yesterday, Holly Madison led the parade and the Jersey Shore cast continued with their parties. KENDRA WILKINSON AT MANDALAY BAY It was a red-hot mamma alert when Kendra Wilkinson arrived at Moorea Beach Club in Mandalay Bay. She looked spectacular in an H&M cover-up, Versace sunglasses and ... Read more...
Photos: Don Cheadle, Annie Duke’s Ante Up for Africa raises $275,000
Even without movie star Ben Affleck, felled upon arrival here with a blinding migraine, there was still an all-star turnout for Oscar nominee Don Cheadle and Celebrity Apprentice star Annie Duke’s Fourth Annual Ante Up for Africa charity poker tournament yesterday at The Rio. Action hero superstar Matt Damon was the focus of the photographers’ flashes on the red carpet, and he told me exclusively that he would like to do another Jason Bourne film. Thanks to our contributing photographers ... Read more...
Photos: Brock Lesnar regains tower of power status at UFC 116
Back in October, UFC heavyweight giant Brock Lesnar feared that he’d never fight again. He battled something far greater than an Octagon challenge. Suffering from mononucleosis and a serious stomach ailment , diverticulitis, brought on by a torn intestine that leaked waste into his abdomen, he was unable to eat and started losing weight — eventually 40 pounds. Surgeons estimated that the damage had been continuing for 12 months. As a result, his UFC 106 and 108 challenges were canceled. ... Read more...
Exclusive: Badd Garrett on Twitter is not Brad Garrett
“This is way beyond weird — it is sick — it is scary. I am being stalked by somebody who has taken on my identity and is fooling people thinking he is me!” Comedy kingpin Brad Garrett is angry — rightfully so — and he told me today that he’s had his lawyer go to the District Attorney’s Office and criminal detectives to hunt down the impostor and prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law. “Two days ago, ... Read more...
Star-studded holiday weekend gets underway in Las Vegas
It was only the first day of the four-day holiday weekend celebrating America’s 237th birthday, and the stars were out in full force. There were even reports that some of the Twilight Saga: Eclipse cast turned up unannounced at two movie theaters here to surprise fans of their new box office blockbuster. Legendary comedy king Bill Cosby, long revered and admired as one of America’s top superstar entertainers, kicked off our Las Vegas holiday weekend last night with a show ... Read more...
Weekend rundown: UFC 116, WSOP, Chesney, Jersey Shore and porn stars
The biggest event of this holiday weekend in Las Vegas will be when UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar creates his own fireworks stepping back into the Octagon to defend his championship against interim titleholder Shane Carwin in UFC 116. Expect celebrities ringside at MGM Grand Garden Arena. It’s a matchup of rivals a year in the making, and UFC President Dana White believes it’s the biggest fight in MMA history. They were due to battle each other in UFC 106, ... Read more...
Photos: World Series of Poker Main Event begins with record numbers
As the richest sport on Earth with the biggest payday of them all, the World Series of Poker No-Limit Hold ’Em championship is simply known as the Main Event. Last year, Joe Cada walked away with a prize of $8,546,435, with Darvin Moon the runner-up. A year earlier, Peter Eastgate won $9,152,4166, but it is Jamie Gold who holds the record of $12 million in 2006. Entries this year are already up 22 percent for the Main Event getting underway ... Read more...
Photos: Vince Neil rocks the Palms Pool & Bungalows
Rocker and hometown hero Vince Neil’s first show since his arrest last weekend on drunken-driving charges was a howling success at the Palms Pool & Bungalows last night. Fans gave the Motley Crue singer a huge welcome, and Vince started out the set with “Live Wire” and “Dr. Feelgood.” Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick jumped onstage four songs into the show to add to the excitement. Contributing photographer Erik Kabik was on duty at the Palms pool, and our thanks ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck support Ante Up for Africa
Poker pro and Celebrity Apprentice star Annie Duke is “thrilled” with the pledged celebrity turnout for her fourth annual Ante Up for Africa charity poker tournament she hosts with Oscar-nominated actor Don Cheadle at the 2010 World Series of Poker kickoff this weekend at The Rio. To date, they’ve raised more than $3 million to fight the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, Sudan. Annie told me that in addition to Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, our friend Brad Garrett, Tropicana’s new ... Read more...
‘I think we’ve achieved something completely unique this season’
The premiere of Criss Angel’s sixth season of the top-rated Mindfreak on A&E is set for Aug. 4, and the Magician of the Century told me yesterday, “There will be six one-hour specials this year, 12 half-hours in a sense. I’m very proud of what we are accomplishing. We really have some incredible challenges this season, which totally raise the bar.” The episodes, syndicated in 90 countries and watched by 100 million viewers, will include an astonishing attempt to earn ... Read more...
Shakespeare, dancing, comedy all in a day’s work for David Alan Grier
Audiences know him as the outrageously irreverent contestant from Dancing With the Stars. His face gave away every one of his inner feelings when the judges handed out their votes. Audiences know him from four years of memorable characters on the Emmy Award-winning In Living Color. But people might not know that he trained in Shakespeare at Yale University and earned an MFA from the School of Drama. That was long before Comedy Central named him one of the 100 ... Read more...
Photos: Chuck Liddell meets double for first time at Madame Tussauds
UFC sports legend Chuck Liddell comes face to face today with a mighty tough guy that he’s never fought before. In fact, it’s himself! The beloved celebrity athlete has been immortalized in wax by Madame Tussauds at The Venetian, and this morning the 40-year-old fighter sees his $300,000 double for the first time when it’s unveiled here on The Strip. Fans received an advance peek at the figure at the recent UFC Fan Expo, but Chuck didn’t. Now he becomes ... Read more...
A video message from rocker Vince Neil: Come to the Palms tonight
Tickets are still available for hometown hero and Motley Crue rocker Vince Neil’s show at the Palms Pool & Bungalows tonight as part of the Cruzan Rum Campfire Concert series. As Vegas DeLuxe posted yesterday in a story about Vince, he is kicking off the Fourth of July holiday weekend at the Palms with music from his new album Tattoos & Tequila and promises to include Motley Crue hits. Vince said his new solo album features hits from rockers such ... Read more...
Photos: Partying with Leo & Paris, Derek Fisher, Carrie Underwood, more
It could’ve become the ultimate showbiz merger in the department of romance! Superstar Leonardo DiCaprio and socialite Paris Hilton partied together over two consecutive days at Surrender in Steve Wynn’s Encore and then at Wet Republic in MGM Grand. It would’ve fed tabloid headlines and the rumor mill for months, but the party princess and the silver screen heartthrob are friends, and no love match is in the cards. Paris and sister Nicky Hilton were with friends at the owners ... Read more...
Preview: Light, Daylight and Eclipse at Mandalay Bay are ready to rumble
If you’re going to challenge Hakkasan Las Vegas, the new kid on the block, you’d better be bigger and better. It looks as if rival The Light Group has ...
Photos: Billboard Awards a ratings hit with stars, outrageous outfits
Las Vegas was the center of attention on three simultaneous and competing TV network primetime shows Sunday night and wound up the winner. ...
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