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Luxe Life Blog • Archive for November 2011
Creation director: ‘Immortal’ is unlike any other Cirque du Soleil show
It was a 20-month journey from the first day of planning “Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour” spectacular to curtain up on its world premiere at Cirque du Soleil headquarters in Montreal last month. The nearly two-year process fell on the shoulders of Chantal Tremblay, the company’s director of creation. Chantal told me that the most important first step was putting the team together, and that took place at Neverland: “It was the first brick we set in stone for ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: What happens in Vegas with AVN won’t stay in Vegas!
What happens in Vegas when the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo, with its plethora of porn princesses, arrives for the annual sexy hi-jinx definitely won’t be staying here next month at the Hard Rock Hotel. Thanks to seven cameras, an Internet web cast hosted by Jessica Drake will run for 12 hours live from 1 p.m. Jan. 20 until 1 a.m. Jan. 21. The virtual cast will include the erotic exhibitors on the convention floor, the sex toys showcase, the notoriously ... Read more...
Motley Crue set to confirm residency at the Hard Rock Hotel?
Superstar rockers Motley Crue appear on CNN’s “Piers Morgan Tonight” from the Hollywood Whiskey a Go Go tomorrow as part of the group’s 30th anniversary celebrations. I’m reliably told that there will be a “big announcement” either tomorrow or Friday on the British TV personality’s hourlong talk show that took over from Larry King this year. It should confirm my exclusive report Nov. 14 that they will become the first heavy metal group to sign a short-term Las Vegas residency. ... Read more...
Bull-riding and music stars hit town for the 53rd National Finals Rodeo
Top country recording stars join the more than 20,000 cowboys and cowgirls expected to swarm the Strip for the next 10 days starting tomorrow as the 2011 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo rides into town for its 53rd annual battle of the bulls. For the fourth consecutive year, MGM Grand becomes “Home of the Champions” as the resort hosts 25 cowboys, including eight-time all-around world champion Trevor Brazile during the 10 days of competition at the Thomas & Mack. Trevor is ... Read more...
Host Chael Sonnen talks MMA Awards, Anderson Silva and ring girls
By Allison Duck The Fighters Only World Mixed Martial Arts Awards return tonight to the Pearl at the Palms for a second year. Fighting royalty will walk the red carpet at the MMA’s version of the Oscars hosted by UFC middleweight fighter Chael Sonnen and TV personality Molly Qerim. After defeating Brian Stann at UFC 136, Sonnen issued a challenge to middleweight champ Anderson Silva: “Anderson Silva, you absolutely suck. I’m calling you out, Silva, but I’m upping the stakes. ... Read more...
2011 Mixed Martial Arts Awards at Palms to honor top Octagon stars
2011 has been a sensational year for mixed martial arts inside and outside the Octagon. Fighters have become bona-fide stars, and network television has started major fight-night presentations as the reach of hometown hero UFC President Dana White’s sport has really gone global. In fact, co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta and he compete against each other in the Man of the Year category at tonight’s Fox Sports-televised Fourth Annual Fighters Only World Mixed Martial Arts Awards at the Pearl in the Palms. ... Read more...
Photos: It’s a Holly (Madison) Jolly Christmas at Venetian’s Winter in Venice
By Don Chareunsy Ice, ice, baby. No, that’s not Vanilla Ice on ice, although the two reality TV stars did share the same hair color at one point. Platinum blonde bombshell Holly Madison, star of “Peepshow” at Planet Hollywood and “Holly’s World” on E! Entertainment, laced up Tuesday afternoon to enjoy some outdoor holiday fun at the Winter in Venice ice-skating rink at the Venetian. “American Idol” Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks christened the first-ever outdoor ice-skating rink on the ... Read more...
Photos: Trey Songz celebrates 27th birthday at Vice Sunday at Lavo
By Don Chareunsy Singer Trey Songz celebrated his 27th birthday at Vice Sunday at Lavo in the Palazzo, and the sharp dressed man partied with his friends, among them hometown hero and Grammy Award winner Ne-Yo (a fellow dapper dresser), comedians Kevin Hart and Eddie Griffin and music executive Kevin Liles. After dinner at the popular Italian restaurant, the group headed upstairs to the boutique nightclub and took over a number of VIP tables on the dance floor and enjoyed ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: ‘American Chopper’ with Jesse James to air live from HRH
Strap on your helmets and fasten your seatbelts. Hot-tempered biker Jesse James will go head-to-head against feuding motorcycle stars Paul Teutul Sr. and Paul Teutul Jr. in a first-time live telecast of “American Chopper” from the Hard Rock Hotel next Monday and Tuesday. Jesse returns to the network for the first time since 2006 to take on the Teutuls as they put their skills and egos on the line. He’ll compete against the father and son for the title of ... Read more...
Costume designer, technicians bring ‘Michael Jackson: Immortal’ to life
Costume designer Zaldy Goco (Gwen Stefani, Lady Gaga) was personally chosen by the late King of Pop Michael Jackson for the London This Is It concerts that were canceled because of the superstar’s unexpected death. When Cirque du Soleil called Zaldy a year later to create an all-new, outrageous wardrobe for “Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour,” he didn’t know if he wanted the assignment. Now on Saturday, he’ll have 20 of his family and friends see his creations for ... Read more...
Photos: A gallery of downtown’s Neon Museum Boneyard Park
Contributing photographer Tom Donoghue recently shot this wonderful photo gallery at the Neon Museum Boneyard Park at downtown Las Vegas’ Neon Museum. The museum has been collecting signs since 1996, and the nearly 2-acre Boneyard is home to more than 150 rescued and donated signs. Tom told me: “It was like walking through and around Old Las Vegas. I would close my eyes and picture all the smiles that these old neon signs shined down upon. “There was always excitement, ... Read more...
Stars, high-speed drivers in L.V. for 5-day NASCAR Champions Week
Country queen Reba McEntire, rocker Kid Rock and comedians Bill Engvall and Luxor headliner Carrot Top are featured entertainers as the NASCAR drivers roll onto the Strip for five days of Champions Week that starts today. It’s a gathering where fans get up close and personal to their high-speed heroes. The three highlights are tomorrow’s downtown Fan Fest, Thursday’s wheelies and blowouts on the Strip in the Victory Lap of drivers and their racecars and then the live Speed telecast ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Neil Diamond’s summer 2012 tour to end in Las Vegas
Music legend Neil Diamond has kept his promise to include a rare Las Vegas appearance when he takes his next greatest-hits tour on the road. The 2012 shows kick off in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on June 1 and close here at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sept. 1 to kick off the Labor Day holiday. Neil made the promise to me when I interviewed him in May on the 2011 Billboard Music Awards red carpet . At the time, he ... Read more...
Photos: iCandy Burlesque adds sizzle to the Strip in debut at the Tropicana
The new iCandy Burlesque show opened at the Tropicana Las Vegas over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, and the barely dressed burlesque beauties performed onstage and off-stage with ultra-sexy songs. There’s a six-table playpen for delectable dealers, go-go dancers, aerial performances and stilt walkers. Our thanks to contributing photographer Tom Donoghue for capturing the new act that makes up a little more thankful this holiday season on the Strip! Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and ... Read more...
Michael Jackson’s brothers weigh in on Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Immortal’
Thousands of fans cheered from the first moment one of the “Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour” cast members shot up to the top of an exploding fire hydrant and danced on the high-powered water jet. However, Cirque du Soleil chief Daniel Lamarre only wanted to listen to the verdict from Michael’s family at last month’s world premiere in Montreal, where the entertainment company is headquartered. “We did all this for them,” Daniel told me. “We wanted to do it ... Read more...
‘Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour’ and Fan Fest roll into L.V.
With preplanned military precision, a fearsome fleet of more than 45 semis, buses and vehicles for the 220-strong cast, crew, equipment, instruments, scenery and theatrical-rigging equipment of Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour” spectacular will roll onto the Strip early this week. It will take some 14 hours to set up the largest-ever rock road show for Saturday’s glittering gala premiere, which kicks off the near monthlong run at Mandalay Bay. More Cirque executives and show creators ... Read more...
Photos: Holly Madison serves Thanksgiving meal; surfs at Encore
By Robin Leach and Don Chareunsy While people were busily preparing a Thanksgiving Day meal for family and friends — or perhaps trying a new recipe from a Las Vegas chef (shameless plug) — “Peepshow” at Planet Hollywood and “Holly’s World” star Holly Madison started her holiday serving a Thanksgiving meal to the needy at Hard Rock Cafe at Paradise and Harmon. Hard Rock Cafe bused in people from the Shade Tree, the Salvation Army and the Las Vegas Rescue ... Read more...
Flamingo headliner Michael Grimm: I’m ‘going to bare my soul up there’
“America’s Got Talent” winner, hometown hero and soulful singer-songwriter Michael Grimm still hasn’t come to grips that in the year since winning Season 5, he’s now a bona-fide star with a bestselling album. Now as he gets ready to celebrate his 32nd birthday Dec. 30, he realizes that he’s about to walk the toughest tightrope of his life as he steps onto the Strip on Tuesday as a headliner with his own show at the Flamingo. He’ll take Donny & ... Read more...
Photos: Mario Batali’s cooking demo at Winter in Venice at the Venetian
As part of the Winter in Venice celebrations at the Venetian, Chef Mario Batali brought pedestrian traffic — and nearly Strip automobiles — to a standstill with a live cooking demonstration the day after Thanksgiving. As Mario worked with his wood-burning sidewalk grill outside the Venetian by the outdoor gondolas, he joked that his signature orange Crocs can’t ever come off. Mario stepped onto the ice skating rink to pose for photographs without falling — thanks to Michael Hewitt of ... Read more...
Photos: B.B. King performs at Veil Pavilion at Silverton Casino Lodge
Blues guitar and singer-songwriter legend B.B. King took to the stage at Veil Pavilion at Silverton Casino Lodge the night after Thanksgiving, and our contributing photographer Scott Harrison was onsite for the performance. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, whose B.B. King’s Blues Club at the Mirage is embroiled in a lawsuit, continues to tour heavily at age 86 and has won more than a dozen Grammy Awards, his first in 1971 for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and ... Read more...
Photos: Snoop Dogg hosts concert after-party at Gallery Nightclub
The Doggfather himself, Snoop Dogg, hosted a concert after-party at Gallery Nightclub in Planet Hollywood last night, where fans partied with the West Coast rap legend after his concert at the Theater for Performing Arts at Planet Hollywood. As the DJ spun many of Snoop’s hits from the past 20 years, Dogg danced and rapped along as the crowd chanted his name. Wearing black shades bearing “I heart haters!” on the sides, pigtail braids with white bulb rubber-band holders and ... Read more...
Exclusive photos: Rising stars steal David Foster’s show at Mandalay Bay
If you missed “David Foster & Friends” at Mandalay Bay Events Center last night, you lost out on one of the most incredible concerts of all time. It even beat his last spectacular, as seen on YouTube, at Mandalay Bay. This was truly a magical extravaganza, and three of the stars of the extraordinary show were unknowns in the audience. Onstage, two other unknowns — for now — stole the show. Our thanks to Tom Donoghue for his exclusive and ... Read more...
Photos: Morrissey is the one for fans at the Cosmopolitan
By Brjden Crewe You have to love the Smiths. Although split for nearly 25 years, the British alternative rock band and their legacy have continued to grow through multiple generations enjoying their music. Former lead singer and songwriter Steven Patrick Morrissey (better known as Morrissey) has since enjoyed a stellar solo career while also offering fans of the Smiths an opportunity to relive some of the band’s magic. With many younger bands influenced by the Smiths and movies like 2009’s ... Read more...
David Foster discusses how he discovers future music superstars
When hit-maker David Foster presents the second of his three monthly Mandalay Bay concerts Friday night, he’s going to introduce two unknown singers he believes will be America’s next superstars, just as he did when he ran a talent contest in Pennsylvania in 2008 and discovered tiny Jackie Evancho. She has become such a recording giant that she will co-star with him at his third concert here in December. With David, you always get surprise guests on top of the ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Recycled Percussion’s record attempt postponed by illness
Tropicana headliners Recycled Percussion were forced to postpone their 24-hour concert and attempt for a world record due to illness. It should have started last night at 10 and was due to run through tonight at 10 at Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip. Now the group is trying to set another date. Doctors diagnosed founder Justin Spencer with a viral infection and exhaustion Sunday and ordered him not to perform the show. However, the band is continuing with its ... Read more...
MGM to Cirque du Soleil: Close ‘Viva Elvis’ by end of 2012
By Robin Leach and John Katsilometes MGM Resorts has asked Cirque du Soleil to replace its show Viva Elvis at the Aria by the end of 2012, citing poor ticket sales. The move is the first time that the Canadian company, which has come to dominate the big-production showrooms on the Strip, has been asked to shut a show. “As attendance levels have not been meeting expectations, we have asked our partners at Cirque du Soleil to replace the show,” ... Read more...
Counter Intelligence: Bradley Ogden, K.J. Kitchen, Marbella and Beso
Hot off the grill! Chef Bradley Ogden has wanted to write a holiday dinner book for the past eight years. Originally, it was to be a seven-part series using three decades of recipes updated for seven holidays on the calendar. Finally, he’s managed to find time to release the first, “Holiday Dinners: 150 Festive Recipes to Bring Family & Friends Together.” At the launch-autograph signing in his Caesars Palace restaurant Monday night, he told me his dream was delayed with ... Read more...
Celebrity preview: Janet Jackson, Sting, Snoop, Morrissey, Mario Batali
As we wish all of our readers a very Happy Thanksgiving and many turkey treats, we’re just a week away from the monthlong run of Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour” at Mandalay Bay. Coincidence or strategic planning, sister Janet Jackson will be here this weekend to tease the Jackson juggernaut with her Caesars Palace show. As if her appearance Saturday isn’t enough for a star-studded concert weekend, the legendary Sting kicks it off Friday night. That’s ... Read more...
Photos: At autograph show, Tempest Storm talks romps with Elvis, JFK
Vivacious redhead Tempest Storm has admitted that she had sex romps with Elvis Presley and John F. Kennedy during her more than 50-year career as America’s longest-reigning burlesque and striptease queen. Tempest, 83, who lives here in Las Vegas, made the revelations to former “Dynasty” star Joan Collins at the huge Hollywood stars autograph and memorabilia show at Harrah’s. “Elvis tore his pants climbing a fence to get to me backstage. So I simply said since they were already hanging ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Zappos Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon and debut Stiletto Dash
A record number of more than 30,000 runners are registered, so be prepared for afternoon and night road closures in and around the Strip when the Zappos Rock ’n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon sets off Dec. 4 for the first time as a late afternoon-into-nighttime race. It starts from Mandalay Bay at 4 p.m. and the half-marathon at 5:30 p.m. Parts of the Strip will be closed until staggered late hours from 8:30 p.m. until 2 a.m. I-15 eastbound ramps ... Read more...
Photos: Strip transforms into winter wonderland with Jordin Sparks
When platinum recording artist and Season 6 “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks kicked off the opening-night celebrations of Winter in Venice last night, I was reminded of holiday festivities at Rockefeller Center in New York. It was a snowflake-covered winter playground outside the Venetian and Palazzo last night complete for the first time with an ice-skating rink on the Strip. That’s right! Only in Las Vegas in the middle of the desert could we have an outdoor rink. It all ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Oscar Goodman faces Leno, Kimmel; ‘Pawn Stars’ at ACAs
Lots of Las Vegas TV news again today: Former Mayor Oscar Goodman may well wind up on late-night TV with his new night court series going up against Jay Leno, David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel. Talk show titan Jerry Springer and I worked with Oscar’s new judge series, and we both gave him a thumbs up for his performance. He’s simply a natural TV sensation. Word is that the pilot’s producers are in talks with Fox for the series, which ... Read more...
Photos: Tony Stewart wins NASCAR title, preps for race week in L.V.
It was a neck-and-neck, down-to-the-wire battle between Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards to claim victory and the NASCAR championship in Florida yesterday, and now they all head to Las Vegas. The race was so tight that 15 drivers led at various times, and there were 26 lead changes — all-time NASCAR records. Tony passed 118 cars under the green flag to become the first driver/owner since 1992 to win the Sprint Cup. Additionally, this season for him marked the first ... Read more...
Videos: ‘Michael Jackson: Immortal’ album soundtracks are available today
Michael Jackson fans headed to Las Vegas for the Dec. 3 premiere of the monthlong “Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour” spectacular get an advance listen of the extraordinary soundtrack as of today. In fact, two CDs of the musical land this morning 12 days before the Cirque du Soleil show opens with its extended stay at Mandalay Bay Events Center. It took a year for legendary music designer Kevin Antunes to take over 40 of the King of Pop’s ... Read more...
Jordin Sparks headlines Winter in Venice premiere tonight at Venetian
Grammy-nominated platinum recording artist Jordin Sparks makes the holidays in Las Vegas official tonight with a kickoff concert for Winter in Venice at the Venetian. It’s the first celebration party of the holiday season on the Strip, and it comes complete for the next 49 days with a giant 65-foot LED tree and an ice-skating rink above the outdoor Grand Canal. It’s a first for the Strip complete with 30 larger-than-life snowflakes and more than 2,000 overhead holiday lights. The ... Read more...
Prince Harry parties for a third night with the return of the blonde beauty
Just as he promised, Britain’s royal bachelor Prince Harry stayed in Las Vegas for a third — and final — consecutive night of late-night clubbing — and the blonde he was closerthanthis to Friday night was with him again early this morning also at XS in Steve Wynn’s Encore. The twosome had been together at Tryst early Saturday morning when news of his Las Vegas party weekend first surfaced. He left there at 3 a.m. after drinking and dancing with ... Read more...
Photos: Rick Springfield hangs with his longtime fans at Eastside Cannery
By Don Chareunsy Singer Rick Springfield performed at Eastside Cannery last night, and the Grammy Award-winning recording artist, who has sold more than 20 million records and racked up 17 Top 40 hits, wandered into the audience, much to the delight of his longtime and loyal fans. Widely known as Dr. Noah Drake on ABC’s “General Hospital” from 1981-1983 and 2005-2008, Australian-born Springfield’s hits include “Jessie’s Girl” (which found a whole new generation of fans when it was performed on ... Read more...
Katy Perry provides fireworks in concert at Mandalay Bay
Pop princess Katy Perry performed to a wild, cheering and sold-out crowd at Mandalay Bay Events Center last night, and contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was on duty for a fabulous photo gallery. Check out the images — all 40 of them — and a report by colleague Mark Adams at LasVegasSun.com and LasVegasWeekly.com. Meantime, enjoy this video of Katy’s “The One That Got Away” and then be certain to see how gorgeous she looked on her Las Vegas visit this ... Read more...
Prince Harry’s second Strip night: ‘O’ and XS, plus a Harley Davidson
Britain’s bachelor Prince Harry kept his party image intact on his second consecutive night on the Strip with a 4 a.m. exit today from XS at Steve Wynn’s Encore. Now a third night looms! The previous night, it was a 3 a.m. finish at sister nightclub Tryst in the Wynn. Last night, Harry and his military pals watched Cirque du Soleil’s “O” at the Bellagio, where he drank Corona. He’s no stranger to Cirque shows, having seen many of the ... Read more...
Photos: Paris, Rick and Kathy toast Barron Hilton’s birthday at Marquee
By Don Chareunsy Barron Hilton continued his 22nd birthday weekend celebration last night in Las Vegas joined by his sister Paris Hilton and their parents Rick and Kathy Hilton at Marquee in the Cosmopolitan. The family had a VIP table on the dance floor to listen to the sounds of DJs Sunnery James and Ryan Marciano. Barron was surprised with a birthday cake, and Vanessa DuBasso was part of the celebratory group. There was no sighting of sibling Nicky Hilton, ... Read more...
Photos: Lady Antebellum owns the night at the Joint in the Hard Rock
By Kyle Ellis In the world of country music, Lady Antebellum has gotten used to taking ownership of things. Take, for example, three platinum albums, five No. 1 singles, six Grammys and more than a dozen nods from country’s two flagship organizations, the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. They continued that trend Friday night when their sold-out “Own The Night” tour stop played the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel. The trio — Dave Haywood, Charles ... Read more...
Prince Harry, Paris Hilton, Holly Madison party, separately, on the Strip
Britain’s party-loving Prince Harry just missed meeting America’s platinum party princess Paris Hilton and reality TV star Holly Madison by minutes and less than 100 yards apart in neighboring nightclubs last night. Harry turned up at midnight to party until 3 a.m. today at Tryst in Steve Wynn’s casino resort Wynn, according to our pal Mark Gray’s exclusive report for People. Paris was across the Strip at Tao in the Venetian celebrating her younger brother Barron Hilton’s 22nd birthday. Another ... Read more...
Photos: Holly Madison celebrates opening of 300th Sephora in U.S.
“Peepshow” at Planet Hollywood and “Holly’s World” star Holly Madison was the glamorous center of attention at yesterday’s opening of Sephora’s 300th nationwide store here in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. The blonde beauty went shopping for the makeup retailer’s cosmetics, but, honestly, when you look as great as she did, who needs anything more? Las Vegas showgirls in skimpy attire and feathered headdresses who welcomed customers were even overlooked once Holly arrived — looking a 10 — for ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Celine Dion and Rene Angelil celebrate 17th anniversary
To celebrate their 17th anniversary, Caesars Palace headliner Celine Dion and Rene Angelil are traveling to Utah for their first-ever ski vacation, and then it’s back here for her next series of performances starting Dec. 28 at the Colosseum. Celine revealed her family holiday plans to her fans: “We’re going to be doing our first ski trip. We’re going with friends to Utah. The twins will be playing in the snow, I’ll be making snow angels, and R.C. (son Rene-Charles) ... Read more...
Fourth Annual Fighters Only World MMA Awards at the Palms on Nov. 30
The Fourth Annual Fighters Only World Mixed Martial Arts Awards will be held at the Pearl in the Palms on Nov. 30 with 22 categories up for grabs. It’s a black-tie night of celebrities from the world of sports and entertainment on Fox Sports hosted by UFC middleweight star Chael Sonnen and Emmy Award-winning sports reporter and MMA Live correspondent Molly Qerim for a second year. Among the stars expected on the red carpet: pro dancer champions Cheryl Burke and ... Read more...
Winter in Venice at Venetian with Jordin Sparks, Mario Batali, skating
It’s going to be a star on ice at the Venetian and Palazzo on Monday when “American Idol” Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks hosts the welcome to the holidays celebration with the premiere of the Winter in Venice festivities. Strolling carolers and festive holiday characters will start the first of the nightly holiday spectaculars winding up with the lighting of a majestic 65-foot LED holiday tree. Winter in Venice is free to the public, and Jordin will sing some of ... Read more...
Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart neck-and-neck heading to NASCAR week
Just three points separate NASCAR racecar stars Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart as they go into the final Super Bowl-styled weekend showdown to determine this year’s champion who will be honored in two weeks here in Las Vegas. As contributing photographer Tom Donoghue captured in his March photo gallery of the Sprint Cup race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the two drivers wound up first and second there, too. Sunday’s finale at Homestead has Carl (#99) with a three-point edge ... Read more...
Celebrity preview: Girl power with Katy Perry, Lady Antebellum, TV divas
The ladies have taken control of this weekend’s entertainment scene, and we have been graciously given a day off Sunday as the Strip sizzle slows to prepare the turkey and the trimmings for next week’s Thanksgiving Day festivities. Joan Collins, Barbara Eden, Loni Anderson and Tippi Hedren lead the feminine foray as they arrive for the first-ever on-Strip autograph show being billed as the world’s largest. Expect to see a host of years-ago top TV beauties including Stella Stevens, Susan ... Read more...
New TV series for Oscar Goodman, DJ Pauly D and fired Bellagio chef
Three intriguing TV stories make headlines today: Talk show titan Jerry Springer and yours truly “judge the judge” when former Mayor Oscar Goodman films the pilot of his new Las Vegas-based courtroom show “Vegas Night Court With Oscar Goodman” at the Las Hilton tomorrow afternoon. Filming will take place in the legendary Elvis Presley Showroom, and the Sin City icon promises to have his sexy Las Vegas showgirls on his arms and a martini in hand. His new TV deal ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Studio 54 at MGM Grand to close its doors Jan. 8
MGM Resorts International and Angel Management Group yesterday confirmed what we’d first reported several weeks ago that the iconic Studio 54 at MGM Grand is closing for a major makeover. After 14 remarkable years on the Strip, the nightclub closes Jan. 8 after a final party. A joint statement said the transformation is part of a 360-degree renovation at MGM with new dining experiences and casino floor attractions. Details will be announced later, but I’ve already reported that the new ... Read more...
Las Vegas nightclub and restaurant operator Light Group is sold
Morgans Hotel Group confirmed today its 90 percent purchase of the Las Vegas-headquartered Light Group, which was first reported as rumors here at Vegas DeLuxe this past spring. Here is our Las Vegas Sun colleague Steve Green’s story: Morgans Hotel Group Co. of New York, a former manager of and investor in the Hard Rock Las Vegas hotel-casino, is returning to the city with the purchase of a controlling interest in restaurant and nightclub operator the Light Group. Morgans on ... Read more...
Large autograph show of TV legends signs in at Harrah’s, Caesars Palace
They are the iconic names of television’s glory days. A glittering galaxy of small-screen superstars is en route for one of the world’s largest-ever autograph shows. It’s the first of its kind to ever be held on the Strip: “The Hollywood Show: Vegas.” It’s an astonishing lineup of legends with my pals Joan Collins and Barbara Eden leading the parade that includes Loni Anderson, Stella Stevens, Tippi Hedren, Carol Lynley, Valerie Perrine, Pamela Sue Martin, Barbara Luna, Charlene Tilton, Jenilee ... Read more...
Counter Intelligence: Caesars Palace eateries; Beso’s new chef; ‘ELV2012’
Hot off the grill! Chef Guy Savoy hosted the exclusive launch party for the 2012 edition of “Eating Las Vegas: The 50 Essential Restaurants” at his restaurant Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace on Monday evening. I served as master of ceremonies for the second consecutive year and presented the Top 10 awards to the 10 finest restaurants in the city, including, of course, our host Guy Savoy. In addition to the awards, the Top 50 restaurants in Las Vegas ... Read more...
David Foster weds model Yolanda Hadid in fourth walk down the aisle
Sixteen-time Grammy Award-winning hit producer and songwriter David Foster revealed in an interview with me about his upcoming Las Vegas visit that he’d just married his longtime love former Ford supermodel Yolanda Hadid, an interior designer in Beverly Hills. The Mandalay Bay regular headliner was feted by one of the largest superstar turnouts ever for a showbiz wedding. A 40-piece orchestra played as David walked down the aisle for the fourth time accompanied by two uniformed Royal Mounted Canadian Police ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: L.V. hotels, restaurants, spas make Forbes Travel Guide list
Forbes Travel Guide unveiled its 54th annual list of five- and four-star award-winning hotels, restaurants and spas today, along with a new Web site Startle.com. The interactive site gives readers an inside look into the world of the Travel Guide’s team of inspectors as it scours the globe looking for the ultimate in luxury travel at top-rated spots. The star ratings system has been the gold standard in the global travel industry since 1958. This year’s list included four new ... Read more...
L.V. drivers in tight battle to win daredevil Baja 1000 desert race
Motorsports enthusiasts from around the world — including Las Vegas daredevils — arrive today in Ensenada, Mexico, for the legendary Baja 1000, the granddaddy of all desert races. It’s a tight, down-to-the-wire, split-second battle for the Top Two racers from Las Vegas, and several other Sin City drivers are fast on their tires. Today is the first registration day and technical inspections of the five days of races 65 miles south of the U.S.-Mexican border with more than 275 adventurers ... Read more...
George Maloof reflects on the Palms turning 10 in Las Vegas
By John Katsilometes The hotel has grown almost boundlessly over the past 10 years in its physical structure and its readily recognizable brand: the Palms. “A Maloof Family Resort” reads the hotel marquee, a lasting nod to its founding family. The Palms is still widely regarded as George Maloof’s place, similar to Wilbur Clark’s Desert Inn, a product of its founder’s thoughtful planning and vision, where two towers — the Fantasy Tower and Palms Place — and scores of sensational ... Read more...
Derek Stonebarger launches Vegas Independent Film Festival at Orleans
Las Vegas filmmaker and TV producer Derek Stonebarger is launching the Vegas Independent Film Festival in hopes that it will fill the void left by CineVegas when it ended an 11-year run in 2010. It starts today and runs through Sunday at Century movie theaters at the Orleans. Derek has lined up an impressive first-time series of indie features, documentaries, short and student films — even music videos. Winners receive Golden Bulb Awards themed from the Welcome to Fabulous Las ... Read more...
The Palms, popular among playboys and performers, celebrates 10 years
During its 10 years of existence, the Palms has managed to pull off a most unlikely stunt — becoming a Hollywood hangout and a locals favorite. Somehow, hipsters and people with hip replacements have co-existed there. To mark the resort’s 10th anniversary, the Las Vegas Sun looks at memorable moments at the Palms from the past decade. Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach. Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe. Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon. Read more...
Photos: What’s new, pussycat Maria Menounos, at Planet Hollywood?
Away from her news desk and field reporting duties, Maria Menounos is one bona-fide bombshell. The “Extra” anchor stripped off her corporate suit and swapped it for fishnets and a sequined bra to play sexy burlesque dancer at the Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Saloon in Gallery Nightclub at Planet Hollywood. The Greek goddess gave a shout-out to members of the military on the Strip for Veterans Day Weekend and posed for photographs with the uniformed officers. “Jersey Shore” nice guy Vinny ... Read more...
Photos: Vinny Guadagnino toasts 23rd birthday at Sugar Factory, Chateau
By Don Chareunsy Nov. 11, 2011, was a special day for many couples getting married, but it also was cause for celebration for Vinny Guadagnino, as Mr. Nice Guy from “Jersey Shore” celebrated his 23rd birthday on his actual birthday at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at the Paris. Guadagnino kicked it up a notch from his GTL cast mates and went for dapper in a Theory suite with a plaid shirt and a matching bowtie. On the red carpet, the ... Read more...
Photos: Snooki, at her 24th birthday celebration at LAX: ‘I love Vegas!’
By Brjden Crewe Hundreds of people lined up at LAX in the Luxor in anticipation of celebrating “Jersey Shore” star Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi’s 24th birthday on Saturday night. Dozens of Snooki doppelgangers came dressed to impress and pay homage to their favorite New Jersey resident wearing her signature poufy hairstyle and black attire. “Jersey Shore” premiered on MTV on Dec. 3, 2009, and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, with the series garnering record ratings for MTV and becoming the network’s ... Read more...
‘Eating Las Vegas’ 2012: Who’s in, out in the local culinary world?
They are the three food writers feared yet feted, respected but reviled, loved and loathed simultaneously. Tonight, John Curtas, Max Jacobson and Al Mancini are praised and pummeled one more time as they unveil their second edition of “Eating Las Vegas: The 50 Essential Restaurants.” It’s the most eagerly anticipated yet dreaded ranking of our Las Vegas eating establishments. The trio of enfants terribles know that they will again rock and shock the on- and off-Strip food world, particularly with ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles exclusive: Las Vegas residency for Motley Crue at …
The 30th anniversary celebrations for Motley Crue are heating up, and it appears that they are set to become the first heavy metal group to sign a short-term residency here in frontman Vince Neil’s hometown. Details are shrouded in secrecy, as nobody in the group or at the Hard Rock Hotel will reveal details, but here’s what I’ve confirmed so far: The four bad boys of rock will play a nearly monthlong series of three- and four-night concerts a week ... Read more...
Photos: DJ Pauly D leads the GhostBar DayClub party at the Palms
By Don Chareunsy GhostBar DayClub at the Palms partied away Saturday with the talents of “Jersey Shore” star and all-around nice guy DJ Pauly D. Greeted by fans as he entered GBDC atop the Palms, Pauly made his grand entrance and GBDC debut among beer bongs, confetti cannons and hot girls and guys — is there better daylife debauchery? Pauly took a swing at a pinata created for him, a large, stuffed party favor that resembled him and his trademark, ... Read more...
Photos & video: Bree Olson hosts fight-night party at Posh Nightclub
One-time Charlie Sheen “goddess” and porn princess Bree Olson hosted a fight-night party at Posh Boutique Nightclub at Crazy Horse III last night. The August Playboy magazine cover girl will be back in Las Vegas on Jan. 21 to host the adult film industry’s 2012 AVN Awards at the Hard Rock Hotel. Thanks to contributing photographers Scott Harrison and Bryan Steffy for their photo gallery and to Richard Corey for his video posted on YouTube. Richard spoke with Bree, and ... Read more...
Photos: Adrienne Bailon celebrates 28th birthday at Hard Rock Hotel
Singer Adrienne Bailon captivated fans at the 2011 Latin Grammy Awards on Thursday night at Mandalay Bay Events Center, but she had her own celebration Friday night for her 28th birthday at the Hard Rock Hotel. Adrienne dined at the new 35 Steaks + Martinis, met Floyd Mayweather Jr. (who was a no-show at the Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena) in the jewelry store Rocks and then partied at nearby Vanity. En route through the ... Read more...
Photos: Manny Pacquiao defeats Juan Manuel Marquez in controversial win
For the third consecutive time, controversy erupted over the almost too-close-to-call scoring of the big fight between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez at MGM Grand Garden Arena last night. In two previous meetings, Juan believed that he’d won despite one being a draw and the other narrowly going to Manny. This time it was supposed to be different, as sports books had Manny as a clear winner over his older opponent. But it didn’t happen that way, and our ... Read more...
Photos: Carlos Santana performs final encore shows at Hard Rock Hotel
Legendary superstar Carlos Santana returned to Las Vegas for an encore performance of his hit residency show “Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits” last night at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel. The Grammy winner’s three encore performances end tomorrow. Thanks to contributing photographer Erik Kabik for his photo gallery of the band and Carlos, who was decked in white from head to toe, including a matching fedora. Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 ... Read more...
Photos & video: L.V. Sin upset champs L.A. Temptation; now 3-0
It’s the Las Vegas Sin win they said would never happen! The I-15 is a long, lonely and miserably depressing drive for team members of Los Angeles Temptation today as they return home beaten and demoralized — maybe busted with broken spirits. They arrived here as confident and conquering defending champions expecting to hold onto their unbroken string of wins and instead leave defeated. It might not be as significant in sports history if Juan Manuel Marquez KO’s Manny Pacquiao ... Read more...
Photos: Pat Boone sings national anthem to start Veterans Day Parade
Singing legend Pat Boone kicked off the Las Vegas Veterans Day Parade performing the national anthem on Fremont Street Experience downtown yesterday, and Scott Harrison was onsite for this photo gallery for Vegas DeLuxe. Vegas DeLuxe posted a Veterans Day weekend rundown on Thursday. Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground. Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at ... Read more...
Photos: Pacquiao produce, fragrance unveiled at MGM Grand weigh-in
Five thousand fans cheered for Manny Pacquiao at this afternoon’s weigh-in at MGM Grand Garden Arena in advance of his big fight tomorrow, the third meeting with Juan Manuel Marquez, who had an equal number of supporters on hand. It also marked the unleashing of a Pac-Man brand-marketing blitz as fresh fruit, vegetables and fragrances were revealed. A special edition of his home country Manila Times was unfurled as a banner proclaiming “Manny for President.” Contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Still no restart date for Penn & Teller at the Rio
This was the weekend that magicians Penn & Teller were due to resume their headliner show at the Rio after a four-week break from each other. However, I’ve learned that despite tomorrow and Sunday’s shows being sold out, they’ve been canceled — and still no new starting date of their incredible illusions. Refunds are being issued for all ticket-holders. As of yesterday, the official word is that both magic men are “still out of town.” Penn is reportedly involved with ... Read more...
Photos: Calle 13 dominates Latin Grammys with nine awards
By Don Chareunsy It was a record-setting evening for Calle 13 at the 12th Annual Latin Grammy Awards last night at Mandalay Bay Events Center, as the Puerto Rican hip-hop duo won 9 of their 10 nominations, bringing their career total to 19 and surpassing Juanes’ 17 wins. The controversial duo’s only loss was for Album of the Year, which they won … and lost because they also were nominated in the category for 2011 Latin Recording Academy Person of ... Read more...
LFL photos & video: Las Vegas Sin battle L.A. Temptation tonight
Strap on the shoulder pads and gird yourselves for an all-girl war. The only two undefeated teams in the Lingerie Football League’s Western Conference face each other tonight at Orleans Arena. Our Las Vegas Sin are the underdogs because the Los Angeles Temptation had a perfect 6-0 season last year in winning the Lingerie Bowl, and the last time they lost a game, the Sin didn’t even exist. However, never underestimate an underdog. “The Las Vegas Sin aren’t playing like ... Read more...
Photos: Usher and Rico Love party at Haze post-Latin Grammy Awards
Superstar singer Usher, fresh from an appearance at the 2011 Latin Grammy Awards at Mandalay Bay Events Center last night, hosted and partied post-awards at Haze in Aria with singer-songwriter-producer friend Rico Love. Usher sported longer-than-normal hair and a crazy animal black T-shirt and black slacks, while Love wore sunglasses, a black leather jacket and a white T-shirt. Usher, who started his evening dining at Chef Akira Back’s Yellowtail in the Bellagio, performed “Without You,” his current hit with DJ ... Read more...
Celebrity preview: Pauly D, Snooki, Manny, Nelly, Maria Menounos strips
With the big Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez fight and the first home game of the Lingerie Football League’s Las Vegas Sin, it’s the athletes who take charge of our celebrity scene this weekend. Fret not, my pets, because how could a weekend on the Strip go by without a “Jersey Shore” cast member grabbing some desert sun for a shore tan? Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi flies in to celebrate her 24th birthday, DJ Pauly D is back at the ... Read more...
Specter of Pacquiao-Mayweather looms; somber salutes to Joe Frazier
Before the fight starts in the third meeting between Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez on Saturday night, MGM Grand Garden Arena will silence to recognize a 10-count KO salute to former world heavyweight champion “Smokin’ ” Joe Frazier. The great 1964 U.S. Olympic gold medalist from Philadelphia died Monday, and his funeral — with Floyd Mayweather Jr. offering to pay the cost — is Monday after his body lies in an open coffin all weekend for fans to ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Jackson brothers to attend Fan Fest at Mandalay Bay
Three of the late Michael Jackson’s brothers — Marlon, Jackie and Tito — will meet fans to provide a more in-depth look at the pop superstar’s life the day after Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour” premieres at Mandalay Bay next month. The arena concert, which we featured on Vegas DeLuxe when it premiered in Montreal last month, opens here Dec. 3. The first-ever estate-authorized Michael Jackson Fan Fest is set for Sunday, Dec. 4, beginning at ... Read more...
Veterans Day weekend: Salute to the troops; 200 couples to wed 11/11/11
In celebration of America’s service members this Veterans Day weekend, Las Vegas is throwing a huge welcome party. Two hundred veterans will marry or renew their vows at the Little Wedding Chapel as part of the 11/11/11 celebrations. The ceremonies take place in what’s known as the wedding chapel of the stars and are a complimentary gift from the owners. The military will be walking the aisle following such famous footsteps as Michael Jordan, “Sugar” Shane Mosley, Mickey Rooney, Joan ... Read more...
LFL photos & videos: Las Vegas Sin vs. L.A. Temptation preview
Our glamour gridiron girls Las Vegas Sin, as the newest Lingerie Football League’s expansion team, are hoping with a 2-0 away game record to pull off a major upset against the two-time defending Lingerie Bowl champion Los Angeles Temptation tomorrow night at Orleans Arena. Sin Head Coach Dion Lee boldly guaranteed victory earlier this season, and now his reputation goes on the line as the two tangle in the Sin’s home opener. Jim Wallin of the LFL provided Vegas DeLuxe ... Read more...
Latin Grammy photos: Shakira star of the year; Marc Anthony, Pitbull tonight
Latin music’s most prestigious awards telecast returns again for the fourth time to Mandalay Bay Events Center tonight, and the live, 3-hour, star-studded special airs worldwide to 100 countries on Univision. The headline names will perform and celebrate musical excellence during the 12th Annual Latin Grammy Awards, including Usher with Romeo Santos in a TV debut duet and Marc Anthony with Pitbull. Boxer Juan Manuel Marquez, in the fight of his life against Manny Pacquiao on Saturday, will be a ... Read more...
Photos: 11/11/11 wedding rush is on; couples booking for 12/12/12
It’s taken an exact year of planning for the staff at Chapel of the Flowers to prepare for the extraordinary onslaught of Friday’s 11/11/11 wedding ceremonies. The first service is set for 8 a.m., and they will run nonstop for 15 hours in three chapels until 11:11 p.m. Couples at this local marriage Mecca are arriving from as far away as Great Britain, Canada, Hungary, French Polynesia and Singapore. Several made their reservation 12 months ago, and couples have already ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: “Vegas! The Show” to Macy’s parade for L.V. choreographer
Las Vegas choreographer and director Tiger Martina is one of the stars of this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC, but he might not even be seen by cameras. That’s because he’s the brains behind some of the large-scale event planning and is responsible for dancers on one of the largest and major float attractions along the Manhattan parade route. This year’s parade is Macy’s 85th annual event and starts at 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT on Nov. 24. ... Read more...
‘Bath Crashers’ photos: Vodka bar, see-through Jacuzzi in L.V. bathroom
Over the weekend, “Bath Crashers” host Matt Muenster and his DIY crew demolished a Las Vegas couple’s bathroom and rebuilt it as one of the most unique fantasies in the world of interior design. Jakub and Kat Medrala were prowling the aisles of a Las Vegas valley Loews when Matt surprised them saying that he wanted to wreck their bathroom and renovate it into something extra-special. “I was sold on their Polish accents! … When I said, ‘Hit me with ... Read more...
Jerry Springer celebrates ‘Price Is Right’ 5th anniversary on the Strip
Jer-ry! Jer-ry! Jer-ry! Talk show titan Jerry Springer is back in town after just a week away from the Strip to host a 21-day run of “The Price Is Right Live” to celebrate the show’s fifth anniversary at Bally’s starting today. “All my life, I’ve been a huge fan of the classic television show and have always wanted to yell “come on down!” to the excited audience,” Jerry confessed. The anniversary shows continue through Nov. 20 and then resume Nov. ... Read more...
Pius Heinz wins 2011 WSOP, $8.7 million; Ben Lamb of L.V. finishes 3rd
A 22-year-old student and professional poker player made history early this morning by becoming the first German to win the largest, richest and most prestigious poker tournament on the globe — the World Series of Poker Main Event — while Ben Lamb, 26, of Las Vegas was surprisingly KO’d within an hour of play resuming last night in the Penn & Teller theater at the Rio. That set up a 6-hour, head-to-head battle between Pius Heinz of Cologne and Martin ... Read more...
‘Pawn Stars’ stars and staff make donation to Justin Timberlake charity
Gold & Silver Pawn employees, including Rick Harrison and Austin “Chumlee” Russell of the hit History Channel series “Pawn Stars,” presented an $11,500 donation Monday to Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children tournament staff at their Las Vegas pawnshop on behalf of the network of 22 hospitals. As fans and customers gathered outside, Rick and Chumlee joined fellow employees and tournament staff members — including Stephanie Maes, Mike Siegel and Donna Millwood — to take photographs and express their support ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Frank Marino sets sights on ‘Millionaire Matchmaker’
Tonight’s the night Patti Stanger of Bravo’s “Millionaire Matchmaker” sets up a date for Imperial Palace headliner Frank Marino of “Divas Las Vegas.” The show airs at 9 p.m., so Frank is hosting a screening party at 6 in the casino’s sports book for the East Coast telecast, as he will be onstage performing during the West Coast airing. Although Patti won’t be at the party, series stars Destin Pfaff and Rachel Federoff are scheduled to attend. Patti began the ... Read more...
Photos: Manny Pacquiao arrives at MGM Grand for Saturday’s fight
Hundreds of fans turned out today to welcome boxer Manny Pacquiao to MGM Grand in advance of his big fight there Saturday night against Juan Manuel Marquez, and contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was on duty for a Vegas DeLuxe photo gallery. Tom told me: “He was all smiles, quite calm and looking confident. There was no truth to the rumor that Floyd Mayweather Jr. was going to welcome him to the Strip, but everybody speculates that Floyd will be there ... Read more...
Photos: Tony Hawk’s 2011 Stand Up for Skateparks at Red Rock Resort
Eight hundred guests and celebrities didn’t know whether to look or listen at Tony Hawk’s third annual Stand Up for Skateparks Las Vegas skateboard party and fundraiser at Red Rock Resort over the weekend. Singer-songwriter Ben Harper took to the stage, but as he began to perform, along came a shock-and-awe demo of Vert skating that defied imagination. It took 14-year-old prodigy Mitchie Brusco to nearly steal the skateboarding show from Tony himself and a lineup of sick-trick stars that ... Read more...
Poker’s biggest payday: Will Ben Lamb of Las Vegas win the $8 million?
It’s poker’s biggest payday as the richest prize in gaming is divided by three players each seeking the massive $8 million winner’s haul — and one of the hopefuls is from right here in Las Vegas. The months-long journey of the 42nd Annual World Series of Poker concludes today when Las Vegas pro player Ben Lamb, 26, faces two European contenders for $8,715,638 and the prized championship bracelet. Ben, who moved here from Tulsa, Okla., battles Martin Staszko, 35, from ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Are stars of ‘Holly’s World’ planning a wedding?
Is “Holly’s World” reality TV star Laura Croft planning a wedding? Have all those bachelorette parties she’s been hosting at her Night School 4 Girls at the Excalibur rubbed off? Certainly seems that way after a flurry of tweets yesterday among Laura and best girlfriends Holly Madison and Angel Porrino. In a private Twitter exchange with me yesterday, Laura confirmed: “It’s not official yet. It hasn’t been very long, but we are really into each other.” She’s remaining tight-lipped about ... Read more...
LFL photos: Las Vegas Sin are 2-0; home debut Friday at Orleans Arena
It was a back-and-forth battle right down to the very final minutes as the sexy sports stars of the Las Vegas Sin tackled their away-game Lingerie Football League opponents, but the glamour girls in white rained on the Seattle Mist over the weekend with an impressive 28-24 victory. It was the second road victory this season for the sassy Sin sensations in their inaugural season. Commentator Jim Wallin of LFL reported: “The Las Vegas Sin stormed into the sold-out ShoWare ... Read more...
2011 WSOP photos: Top 3 set; Guy Laliberte adds $40 million-plus event
It was as if Sylvester Stallone had switched movie scripts and decided to make his next “Rocky” film a story of struggle at the World Series of Poker. He couldn’t have made it more dramatic than yesterday’s 7 hr 45 min battle to find the final three players attempting tomorrow night to finish the quest for the $8 million top prize. Just as the final four sat down to become the top three, Cirque du Soleil’s mastermind Guy Laliberte upped ... Read more...
Tiffany Masters plans world’s largest 11/11/11 wedding reception at Trop
Las Vegas nightlife queen Tiffany Masters is throwing the world’s largest wedding reception on Friday to mark the extraordinary calendar date 11/11/11, but it won’t be celebrating her marriage. Tiffany is throwing the unique nightclub party at the Tropicana for the couples who are headed here for their nuptials, then have nowhere to go after saying, “I do.” She explained: “All the research tells us that there will be some 75,000 weddings on Friday across America. Over 4 percent will ... Read more...
Star Surveillance: Simon Cowell, A-Rod, Sean Hannity, Ronnie, Thunder
The Entertainment Capital of the World continues to be the party playground for celebrities. Champion racecar driver Mario Andretti attended the SEMA automotive specialty products show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Mario raced in the Caesars Palace Grand Prix Formula One in 1982. Also at SEMA: legendary 1963 Indianapolis 500 winner Parnelli Jones. … Acidic “X Factor” judge and creator Simon Cowell attended the Fallen Angels-themed Halloween costume party featuring DJ Avicii at XS in Steve Wynn’s Encore. … ... Read more...
Photos: Chumlee reads winning haikus at First Friday Las Vegas
By Don Chareunsy “Pawn Stars” fan favorite Austin “Chumlee” Russell and Las Vegas personality Dayvid Figler kicked off the Vegas Valley Book Festival with a haiku reading at Brett Wesley Gallery during First Friday Las Vegas last Friday night. The chilly and rainy weather didn’t stop attendees from participating in the reading and poetry walk and hitting the streets of the monthly First Friday for art and food. The haikus, centered on Las Vegas, were submitted online, and Chumlee and ... Read more...
Photos: Deena Nicole at Gallery, Paris, ‘Love’; Lucy Hale at Chateau
By Don Chareunsy “Jersey Shore” star Deena Nicole and boyfriend Chris Buckner made it a weekend to remember in Las Vegas with dinner at Sugar Factory American Brasserie in the Paris, hosting duties at Gallery Nightclub in nearby Planet Hollywood and Cirque du Soleil’s beloved “Love” at the Mirage. D.N., full name Deena Nicole Cortese, donned a sheer black top, a black-and-gold sequined skirt and sparkling gold stilettos on the Gallery red carpet. The DJ announced, “Everyone, give it up ... Read more...
Photos: Travis Barker and Mix Master Mike at Haze; Mark Lash at Gold
By Don Chareunsy Shortly after midnight, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker and Mix Master Mike arrived at Haze in Aria with an entourage of crewmembers and friends for their appearance and performance at the CityCenter hotspot. Thirty minutes later, Mix Master Mike hit the turntables, revving up thousands of partygoers, followed at 1:30 a.m. by Barker on drums. The duo then performed an explosive set for revelers that included including pro skateboarder Tony Hawk (in town for his annual Stand Up ... Read more...
Skating skirmish, nudity raise eyebrows at returning ‘Absinthe’
By John Katsilometes The new Spiegeltent at Caesars Palace appears so unassuming from the outside, a nondescript, eggshell-white domed structure that looks like it could serve as nothing more than a temporary storage facility. But what happens inside, that’s another story. The new, reinforced Spiegeltent has become a cauldron of mischief, unforeseen conflicts and wacky off-the-script behavior that has only enlivened the dirty/quirky/inspired circus show, “Absinthe.” When “Absinthe” debuted in March, it quickly became a fan and media favorite for ... Read more...
Photos: Legendary ‘60 Minutes’ commentator Andy Rooney dies at 92
By Don Chareunsy Longtime journalist and legendary “60 Minutes” commentator Andy Rooney has passed away, and contributing photographer Tom Donoghue submitted the following thoughts along with his photo gallery: He died Friday night, a month after delivering his 1,097th and final televised commentary about life’s large and small absurdities. … He said that he probably hadn’t said anything on CBS’ long-running hit “60 Minutes” that most of his viewers didn’t already know or hadn’t thought. “That’s what a writer does,” ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Erotic lifestyle fair AdultCon takes over the Mirage
For 10 years, the provocative and erotic lifestyle fair AdultCon has held its three-day porn star meet-and-greets across the country, and this weekend the adult entertainers are here at the Mirage. Hundreds of fans greeted the princesses of pulchritude upon arrival last night and at this morning’s opening flesh fest. Dozens of torrid temptresses dressed in their tottering high-heels, shortest of skirts and lowest-cut lingerie modeled for photos. They’ll be on parade until 10 p.m. today and tomorrow. Eva Lovia, ... Read more...
Photos: Rod Stewart an entertainment dream of fabulous music and lyrics
Four amazing and incredible pieces of showbiz magic were the icing on the cake for rocker Rod Stewart’s return opening show at Caesars Palace last night: *He stepped off-stage and strolled like the Pied Piper of Hamlin up and down aisles of the Colosseum, delighting fans as he hugged them, was kissed by them and posed for photos with them not once breaking his stride or missing a note. *He pulled up a stool for himself and chairs for eight ... Read more...
Muhammad Ali to get all-star 70th birthday salute at MGM on Feb. 18
It promises to be one of the largest “knockout” galas and all-star salutes ever presented to a legendary sports superstar. Muhammad Ali will be honored here on President’s Day Weekend at MGM Grand Garden Arena, the site of some of the world’s best boxing bouts. Manny Pacquiao fights there next weekend, and Floyd Mayweather Jr. is set there for May 5. Save-the-date notices were mailed this week for the annual Keep Memory Alive Power of Love gala announcing that the ... Read more...
Celebrity preview: WSOP, Tony Hawk, Eagles, Deena Nicole, no Kris Humphries
After the madness of Halloween and before the excitement of Manny Pacquiao’s mega fight, we get a little breather this weekend, but that’s not to say that Las Vegas isn’t still full of surprises, events, concerts, parties and, most importantly, the start of the World Series of Poker’s Final Table November Nine with three Las Vegas players. On Sunday just before noon, the nine players will sit down in Penn & Teller’s Rio theater to start playing. By Sunday night, ... Read more...
Photos: Carrot Top, Holly Madison celebrate ‘CSI’ anniversary at MGM
“CSI: The Experience,” the attraction at MGM Grand based on the mega-hit CBS drama, celebrated its second anniversary by inviting two Las Vegas headliners to tour the interactive experience. Luxor comedian Carrot Top and Holly Madison of “Peepshow” at Planet Hollywood put their crime-solving skills to the test and gained hands-on knowledge. In honor of the anniversary, “CSI: The Experience” is donating $1 of each ticket sold to Madison’s charity of choice, The Lili Claire Foundation, and Carrot Top’s charity ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Las Vegas residents compete in death-defying Baja 1000
The world’s best desert racers — including father-and-son Las Vegas drivers Bobby Baldwin and B.J. Baldwin — start practice and pre-runs tomorrow as action adventurers on the 44th Annual Baja 1000. “West Coast Choppers” and reality TV star Jesse James, who was here yesterday for SEMA, already has the first starting position. More than 250 entries from 15 countries as far away as Australia and Denmark and 32 states compete in 36 pro and six sportsman classes for cars, trucks, ... Read more...
Photos: Jesse James talks his home video series at SEMA show
By Don Chareunsy The Special Equipment Market Association, or SEMA, welcomed reality TV star Jesse James to its show yesterday at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and James took questions from the media before noon. James discussed the five new titles from his home video series “Jesse James Presents.” In the series, James shares his master craftsmanship skills in how-to videos “Jesse James Presents Austin Speed Shop,” “Jesse James Presents Austin Speed Shop Bomber Seats” and “Jesse James Presents Austin ... Read more...
Rod Stewart’s confessions about sex, ‘Maggie May’; plus, his bucket list
Raspy rocker Rod Stewart returns to his residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace tonight and says that although he had a successful test run, he hesitated committing to the contract — but it eventually turned out as “perfect timing” and caused him to resume something he’d abandoned 14 years ago. In an exclusive one-on-one conversation, the British singer-songwriter-musician told me: “I’ve certainly settled in, and I’m doing, thanks to the people at the Palace, I’m doing exactly what I ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Frank Marino to appear on Bravo’s Millionaire Matchmaker
Wicked whispers and racy rumors! Expect to see Divas Las Vegas female impersonator star Frank Marino matched up with a male date when his episode of Bravo’s Millionaire Matchmaker airs next Tuesday. Although Frank’s date won’t be attending the viewing party at Imperial Palace’s sports book, the show’s matchmakers Destin Pfaff and Rachel Federoff are expected. … Two of the high-roller villas at the Mirage have had their mini-putting golf greens removed in favor of a luxury barbecue, oversized bar ... Read more...
Kim Kardashian copes with split; Kris Humphries cancels at Chateau
Newly separated Kim Kardashian was somber and appeared stunned today as she arrived in Australia after an overnight, 14-hour flight from Los Angeles. She was swarmed by paparazzi and grilled by media about her split from Kris Humphries. Before leaving the United States, the reality TV star posted a letter on her blog to address the bust-up: “I married for love. Filming my wedding was a tough decision to make, and maybe it turned out not to be the smartest ... Read more...
The Gazillionaire jabs at other Strip producers for ‘stealing’ his stars
Absinthe is still one of the most outrageous and unique shows on The Strip, and now it has new acts and a new tent. The erotic and outrageous circus of bad behavior makes a triumphant return tonight at Caesars Palace, and producer and ringmaster The Gazillionaire isn’t even that angry that rival producers “hi-jacked” his acts while the show’s new home was completed. During the summer, Fire Department officials ordered the temporary wood and glass circular structure closed over safety ... Read more...
Photos: Carmen Electra hosts eBay and SEMA party at Pure
Sizzling actress, TV personality and Playboy pinup Carmen Electra hosted the Third Annual eBay Motors RPM XI party at Pure in Caesars Palace last night in conjunction with the 2011 SEMA show. Carmen posed on the red carpet with Las Vegas showgirls before entering the nightclub, where DJ Shift rocked the turntables for partygoers all night long. It’s a convention not open to the public, yet still attracts 100,000 attendees and 2,000 exhibitors. The annual SEMA show opened yesterday at ... Read more...
Chris Hanmer of Las Vegas wins Bravo’s Just Desserts, $100,000
Congratulations to Las Vegas’ Chris Hanmer, the pastry prince who won the title of America’s Top Dessert Chef and $100,000 that will help pay medical costs from his newborn daughter’s congenital heart defect operation. Chris, formerly with the Bellagio, creamed Matthew Petersen and Sally Camacho in the final seconds of Bravo’s Season 2 of Top Chef Just Desserts and received a champagne spray from his competitors. Chris, who defeated 14 rivals, is the owner of his School of Pastry Design ... Read more...
Grand Slam photos: $18 million donation, marriage proposal, Train
By Don Chareunsy Oh, what a night! The 16th Andre Agassi Grand Slam for Children benefit gala and concert Saturday night at Wynn Las Vegas was memorable for a number of reasons: an unprecedented gift of $18 million from mega-resort mogul Kirk Kerkorian that served as an unofficial end to a longtime fundraising effort; an energetic performance by San Francisco band Train led by charismatic frontman Pat Monahan; and a marriage proposal by former tennis pro Justin Gimelstob. A Grand ... Read more...
Photos: Kardashian Khaos opens as Kim ‘kalls it kwits’ with Kris
How kould we resist the headline? (Still, it’s a bit much, we know!) Khaos is about to erupt, but reality TV star Kim Kardashian is battling chaos of another kind as the klan’s lifestyle boutique celebrates its soft opening here this morning at the Mirage. If Kim, mom Kris Jenner and sisters Khloe and Kourtney had been expected back on The Strip today about a week after Kim was here celebrating her 31st birthday at Marquee at the Cosmopolitan, those ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Axwell at Eclipse, Santana, ‘Being Oscar,’ Jerry Lewis
It’s more than 24 hours of nonstop activities, and that’s before the huge attractions open up for Memorial Day Weekend. The insanity began ...
Debbie Reynolds: More of Liberace the showman in HBO's ‘Candelabra’
Actress Debbie Reynolds has just a few significant scenes in HBO's "Behind the Candelabra" but relished the chance to play Liberace's mother, ...
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