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Luxe Life Blog • Archive for August 2012
Kristi Holden, Christine Daae in ‘Phantom,’ prepares to exit stage left
By Shawna Laing It’s the final weekend of “Phantom — the Las Vegas Spectacular” at the Venetian after a six-year run, and locals and tourists alike are likely to reminisce about Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved and sweepingly romantic musical. Mr. Vegas DeLuxe Robin Leach talked with lead stars Anthony Crivello (The Phantom), Kristi Holden (Christine Daae), Andrew Ragone (Raoul) and Madame Giri (Tina Walsh) after the show’s sixth anniversary and 2,614th performance in July. Now Holden talks about the ... Read more...
Review: Very po-pu-lar ‘Wicked’ soars at Reynolds Hall in Smith Center
By Don Chareunsy Also: “Photos: Dragons and witches and neon, oh my! A behind-the-scenes look at ‘Wicked’ ” “Popular — you’re gonna be po-pu-lar!” sings Glinda (Patti Murin) to new BFF Elphaba (Nicole Parker) in Act I of “Wicked,” the Tony- and Grammy-winning musical now at Reynolds Hall in the Smith Center for the Performing Arts through Oct. 7. The song could be about “Wicked” itself, as the Broadway smash based on the 1995 novel “Wicked: The Life and Times ... Read more...
Photos: Frozen yogurt fans tickled Pinkberry at Crystals in CityCenter
By Don Chareunsy Top tart frozen yogurt brand Pinkberry celebrated its debut in Las Vegas with a public and VIP grand opening at its Crystals in CityCenter outlet Thursday with free froyo from 5 to 8 p.m. and a private party at the art gallery (oddly minus any art!) at nearby Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas. The line was out the door and approximately 40 strong after 6 p.m. for the complimentary frozen treats. At the VIP party steps away, guests ... Read more...
Celebrity preview: ‘Phantom,’ ‘Viva Elvis’ closing; DJs and parties galore
Mixed emotions! It’s a Labor Day Weekend of celebration as summer fun draws to a close and fall festivities begin, but this year the holiday weekend is tinged with sadness as two Strip musicals pack their bags. We say a loving goodbye to the beloved “Phantom — the Las Vegas Spectacular” at the Venetian closing Sunday after nearly six years and Cirque du Soleil’s “Viva Elvis” at Aria shuttering tonight after two years. The Strip theatrical landscape changes this fall ... Read more...
Carla Pellegrino’s love at first sight with L.V., new restaurant, cookbook
By Carla Pellegrino First of all, I would like to thank my friend Robin Leach for this wonderful opportunity of being him for a day — I’m so excited! Who would think that six years ago when I met him for the first time, at Rao’s in Caesars Palace, that we would become good friends. Love at first sight! Robin moved immediately to my good side when he showed me his patience and willingness to understand my accent — not ... Read more...
Photos: Industrial metal band Static-X rocks Vinyl at Hard Rock Hotel
By Don Chareunsy Industrial metal band Static-X rocked the new music venue Vinyl at the Hard Rock Hotel on Wednesday night with guests Davey Suicide, 9 Electric and Bobaflex, and contributing photographer Erik Kabik was on duty for a rockin’ photo gallery. Static-X’s set list included “Wisconsin Death Trip,” “Black & White,” “Bled for Days,” “The Only,” “Cold,” “Dirthouse,” “Assassins of Youth,” “Destroyer,” “Stingray,” “Just in Case,” “Destroy All,” “Cannibal,” “This Is Not,” “Push It,” “I’m With Stupid,” “Love Dump” ... Read more...
Photos: Caesars Palace beefs up dining with Bacchanal Buffet
By Ron Sylvester Las Vegas buffets have always been gluttonous affairs. In their early years, quantity trumped quality with institutional displays of food piled into stainless steel bins covered by sneeze guards. Years later came serving stations, where food types were grouped in islands by cuisine, and chefs carved prime rib and flipped omelets to order. Now, Caesars Palace hopes to take the concept to a new level by adding gourmet goods, prepared fresh in front of diners’ eyes by ... Read more...
Photos: Lucy Hale hosts opening of Henri Bendel at Fashion Show
By Don Chareunsy New York shopping icon Henri Bendel opened its first store in Las Vegas on Wednesday at Fashion Show mall, and “Pretty Little Liars” starlet Lucy Hale was on hand in the early evening for a ribbon cutting and to welcome the first customers to the store. Henri Bendel President Chris Fiore also was on hand for the opening. A second Henri Bendel, which opened in Manhattan in 1895(!) and is widely known for its signature brown-and-white stripes, ... Read more...
Photos: Dragons, witches and neon, oh my! Behind-the-scenes at ‘Wicked’
By Andrea Domanick “Wicked,” the hit “The Wizard of Oz”-inspired Broadway musical, opens tonight for a six-week run (through Oct. 7) at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts in downtown’s Symphony Park. The Tony- and Grammy-winning production marks the first musical to come to the new downtown performing arts center. On Tuesday morning at Reynolds Hall, the process of transforming the performance space, which has traditionally been used for concerts, seemed more like an Olympic event than a theater ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Criss Angel at odds with Britain’s Steven Frayne
“Mindfreak” magician Criss Angel is on the warpath against an alleged British copycat, and our “Believe” at the Luxor headliner started an overnight campaign to have his fans shut down the supposed imposter. Steven Frayne has been performing on a reality TV series in England. Criss says that Dynamo, as he bills himself, has copied his trademark look and is performing his tricks, too. Criss created, produced, directed and starred in “Mindfreak” on A&E for six seasons from 2005 to ... Read more...
Even in closing, ‘Viva Elvis’ produces some amazing stuff
By John Katsilometes On Tuesday night, I attended “Viva Elvis” with that rare figure: a Las Vegas resident who was entirely uninitiated with Cirque du Soleil. This person had never seen Cirque before, ever. A Non-Cirquean, if you will. We watched the show roll out, and it was a pretty rockin’ good time. As we shuffled out, I asked, “How did you like your first Cirque show?” Her response: “It’s amazing all the stuff they do!” It is amazing all ... Read more...
Chippendales’ Jaymes Vaughan, James Davis on ‘Amazing Race’
By Don Chareunsy Hunks Jaymes Vaughan and James Davis of Chippendales at the Rio are competing in Season 21 of CBS’ Emmy Award-winning “The Amazing Race” premiering Sunday, Sept. 30. CBS has released the new cast photo and the official race photo of Vaughan and Davis in trademark Chippendales cuffs and collars — and shirtless, thankfully — plus, official race back packs and matching khakis and cross-training shoes. Vaughan is the host and singer in the nightly Chippendales show, and ... Read more...
‘Peepshow’ star Holly Madison confirms pregnancy; 12 weeks along
“Peepshow” star Holly Madison confirmed this morning that she is 12 weeks pregnant and expecting her first baby. The platinum blonde beauty has been dating Electric Daisy Carnival founder Pasquale Rotella for just over six months. She was his front-row VIP guest this summer at EDC at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. In an interview with me in July, Holly talked about wanting to become a mother and raise a baby when she exits the hit adult burlesque show at Planet ... Read more...
Star Surveillance: Chad Michael Murray, Douglas & Zeta-Jones, Duncan
Oscar-winning couple Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones brought their kids to Nathan Burton’s comedy magic show at the Flamingo. Nathan chose their son Dylan to be his onstage volunteer for a prediction trick. Backstage while posing for photographs, Michael chatted with Nathan and his crew about currently filming the Liberace film for HBO here. Michael and Catherine plan to take the kids to Criss Angel’s “Believe” at the Luxor on Thursday. Catherine also had lunch today with a friend at ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Porn stars invade for topless club expo; Nelly fires guns
A platinum posse of porn princesses and a troupe of topless temptresses have tottered into Las Vegas on their sky-high heels for the 20th annual Gentlemen’s Club Owners Expo, and the silicone is spilling and on show all over Cleavage City! The erotic edginess kicked off Monday night with the Porn Star Takeover party at Crazy Horse III, and contributing photographer Scott Harrison didn’t stop to blush while taking this sexy and sassy collection. Porn stars Alektra Blue, Kirsten Price, ... Read more...
Photos: New Pussycat Dolls lineup as Robin Antin expands empire
The new Pussycat Dolls lineup of singer-dancers is headed to the Strip. PCD founder Robin Antin has assembled five stunners to relaunch the group that shot Nicole Scherzinger to fame and fortune and then went their separate ways. The five new beauties are Natalie Mejia, Lauren Bennett, Simone Battle, Paula van Oppen and Natasha Slayton, the daughter of regular Las Vegas comedy headliner Bobby Slayton. “They’re all different and unique, but all have equally incredible voices and are talented dancers. ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Marie Osmond begins filming her new TV talk show
Production is underway on Flamingo headliner Marie Osmond’s debut daily, one-hour fall daytime TV talk show for the new-look cable channel Hallmark, and we’re learning advance details. After shooting the first weeks of episodes in L.A., the singer returns to her hit Flamingo show with brother Donny Osmond today. Producer Beth Cochran (“Soap Talk,” “Dr. Phil,” “The Great American Dream Vote”) said: “We’re all having such a blast. … Every show day brings something new. The producing team has become ... Read more...
Cirque to open Mandalay Bay club ahead of Michael Jackson show
Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte is reportedly opening a nightclub in February at Mandalay Bay ahead of his new Michael Jackson residency show starting there in the spring. It confirms our previous Vegas DeLuxe story, but because there is no official announcement yet, it’s unclear if this will take the place of the long-vacant nightspot Rumjungle. It would be Cirque’s first standalone nightclub, and Andrew Sasson’s Light Group will manage it as Guy’s partner. Cirque launched Revolution at the ... Read more...
Photos: Vegas Rocks! Magazine Awards rock with Hagar, Coverdale
It was a night when the music roared — and soared. For the rockers, it was one nonstop party on and off the red carpet and onstage and off. For the fans and the audience, it was a total blast from start to finish. Rock and roll publishing queen Sally Steele, dressed in rocking red, masterminded her third-annual Vegas Rocks! Magazine Awards to celebrate the eighth anniversary of her music magazine. TV and radio personality and “American Idol” host Ryan ... Read more...
Photos: Khloe Kardashian-Odom appears solo at Kardashian Khaos
By Don Chareunsy Reality TV star and basketball wife Khloe Kardashian-Odom promoted “Unbreakable,” her fragrance with Los Angeles Clippers forward and husband Lamar Odom, at Kardashian Khaos in the Mirage on Friday afternoon. It was Kardashian-Odom’s first solo appearance at the boutique (minus mom Kris Jenner and sisters Kim Kardashian and Kourtney Kardashian, obvi, as well as brother Rob Kardashian Jr. and stepfather Bruce Jenner, stepbrother Brody Jenner and stepsisters Kylie Jenner and Kendall Jenner). That’s how they’re all related, ... Read more...
Photos: ‘ICandy Burlesque: the Show’ opening night at Planet Hollywood
By Don Chareunsy The sizzling “ICandy Burlesque: the Show” celebrated its opening night Friday at Saxe Theater in Planet Hollywood, and contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was on duty for his sexy, start-to-finish photo gallery. Donoghue shot the red carpet, which featured cast members and crew, Tropicana headliners Recycled Percussion (the “America’s Got Talent” foursome brought their own candy) and cast members of eye candy (guy candy) Chippendales at the Rio. Donoghue also was allowed a rarity — to shoot a ... Read more...
Photos: EDM group Julien-K opens Vinyl at the Hard Rock Hotel
By Don Chareunsy California-based electronic dance music group Julien-K headlined the first night of the new music venue Vinyl at the Hard Rock Hotel with opening act Battle Tapes on Friday night, and contributing photographer Erik Kabik was onsite for a photo gallery. Julien-K has toured with Linkin Park and Evanescence and Europe three times. Vinyl features rock, jazz, blues, pop and country bands both up-and-coming and headlining. Upcoming at Vinyl: Static X on Wednesday, Saving Abel on Thursday, the ... Read more...
Photos: ‘Symphonic Rock Show’ is Brody Dolyniuk’s crowning moment
By John Katsilometes Brody Dolyniuk strode onstage at Reynolds Hall in the Smith Center for the Performing Arts on Friday night and stopped, gazing up and around the packed music hall. If he didn’t say “wow,” his halted gait fairly shouted that reaction. A long career of playing for a couple hundred devotees at Las Vegas taverns and hotel-casinos had led to that moment, and the silver-suited Dolyniuk was up for it. Long familiar to local rock fans as the ... Read more...
Little Buddha at the Palms closing; new restaurant on the way
The legend of four powerful and beautiful Chinese women who dazzled an empire and toppled its kings will be told when a new Pan-Asian restaurant opens at the Palms. After 11 years the hip Little Buddha — part of the George V music, restaurant and hotel empire headquartered in Paris — will close within two months to make room for Xishi, named after one of four legendary women from ancient China. “Xishi’s beauty was so incredible that the name to ... Read more...
Celebrity preview: Hagar, Nelly, Vegas Rocks! Awards, Khloe Kardashian
It’s a “turn back the hands of time” weekend for Las Vegas entertainment. It’s a step back into the last century for shows this weekend as a DJ invasion competes with today’s modern electronic sounds. There may well be a lot of music fans over the next 72 hours asking the simple question: “Who?” There’s everybody from Jack Jones, Tanya Tucker and Huey Lewis to Jay and the Americans and even Chubby Checker, who invented “The Twist.” The music weekend ... Read more...
Magazine has it covered when Celine Dion doffs her top
FIrst it was “full Monty” Prince Harry making world headlines with his randy romp in a Las Vegas hotel room. Now — as hard as it is to believe — even Celine Dion has gone topless! Yep; she’s posing topless in what’s described as a risqué high-fashion photo shoot for the V magazine issue coming out Thursday. With her bare back to the camera and barely there leather gloves and pants discreetly covering the “naughty bits,” Dion comes across as ... Read more...
Photos: Parker Young celebrates 24th birthday at Sugar Factory, Chateau
By Don Chareunsy Heartthrob Parker Young, star of ABC’s “Suburgatory,” celebrated his 24th birthday in Las Vegas, first at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens in the Paris last Friday night, then returning the following evening for dinner at nearby Sugar Factory American Brasserie, followed by a stroll through the adjoining retail store. Parker’s birthday entourage included his swimsuit-model girlfriend Stephanie Weber, actress Brit Morgan (“True Blood”) and six of his friends. Young looked, well, young and hip in a black leather ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Love is in the air for Cher and Hells Angel
Gossip mills are abuzz over reports on both sides of the Atlantic that former Caesars Palace headliner and superstar Cher is planning to marry again — this time in Las Vegas, as early as this fall! I find it hard to believe, but reportedly the 66-year-old singer has renewed her lovematch with mountain climber and Hells Angel Tim Medvetz, 24 years her junior. When Cher was performing at Caesars, Medvetz was on her arm, and there were rumors of a ... Read more...
Local adult industry insiders on alert over syphilis scare
Despite an STD scare and shutdown that’s paralyzed Hollywood’s adult-film industry — to date, nine performers have been diagnosed with syphilis — plans are still in place for the Adult Video News awards ceremony at the Hard Rock Hotel in January. However, fear over the 90-day undetected syphilis scandal, which originated in Hungary — European sources are reporting that more than 25 percent of the 400 on-screen porn performers in Budapest are infected! — with a Hollywood actor, has spread ... Read more...
TMZ photos give partying Prince Harry more exposure
A firestorm over nude photos of Prince Harry and an unidentified beauty in a suite at the Wynn has erupted on both sides of the Atlantic. Buckingham Palace took the unusual step this morning of urging British newspapers not to print leaked cell phone photos of the sexy shenanigans. Naked Prince Harry — seen in the full Monty from front and back on TMZ — was set to return to London today. U.K. royal watchers say he’s certain to be ... Read more...
Photos: J.Lo parties at Wet Republic, Pure; Enrique Iglesias at Hyde
By Don Chareunsy What are music superstars supposed to do after headlining a sold-out tour stop at Mandalay Bay Events Center on a Saturday night? (And in this case before the concert.) Party like a rock star in the Entertainment Capital of the World, of course, and that’s precisely what Jennifer Lopez and Enrique Iglesias did. On Saturday afternoon, J.Lo spent the afternoon lounging poolside at MGM Grand’s Wet Republic. She arrived at 3 p.m. wearing a two-piece, midriff-bearing white ... Read more...
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill bringing togetherness to Venetian run
Country music’s loving couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill have promised Venetian executives that they will be together onstage the entire time for their upcoming 40-show residency, which starts in December. The duo look and act like lovebirds after 16 years of marital bliss. In a video interview for Venetian executives and staff, the chart-toppers explain why they said “yes” to the offer to perform on the Strip. For one, they look forward to performing for people who have never ... Read more...
Photos: Setting records and having fun at MAGIC
Celebrities and nightclub parties are in full swing and helping set record numbers for this year’s MAGIC fashion shows. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported early today that a record 81,000 delegates will contribute a record $103 million to our local economy. Exhibitors anticipate writing $600 million in fashion sales! First-day celebrities at Mandalay Bay Convention Center included reality TV star Whitney Port from “The Hills” presenting her Whitney Eve line, rapper Soulja Boy at the BLVD Supply ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Prince Harry, Ryan Lochte hit the pool; da Vinci unveiled
Britain’s Prince Harry lived up to his wild reputation by jumping into XS’ pool at the Encore with his jeans still on. It was an unexpected after-hours swimming race against Olympic champion Ryan Lochte, who continued his own nonstop 28th birthday party spree on the Strip. British tabloids, paparazzi and sneaky video cameras went into overdrive as they finally got the much sought-after stories and photos of the party-loving playboy prince they’d staked out all weekend. “Extra” got video of ... Read more...
Laura Croft shares secrets for wearing barely there beachwear
As a Playboy Playmate and reality star, Laura Croft knows a thing or two about what to wear when sitting poolside. Vegas DeLuxe asked for some of her best fashion tips: By Laura Croft This summer has been outrageously hot. I don’t remember the previous two being this intense! Anyhow, there’s nothing we can do about it, but there are ways we ladies can deal with it and still be fashionable. If you don’t want to deal with the heat, ... Read more...
Photos: Ryan Lochte continues party at Lavo, Azure, Tao, Bacio and XS
By Don Chareunsy If there is one It Boy celebrity who could overshadow superstars Jennifer Lopez and Enrique Iglesias in Las Vegas, it’s 11-time Olympic medalist and Speedo-rockin’ Ryan Lochte, who partied in the Entertainment Capital of the World over the weekend like it was the last weekend on Earth. As previously reported, Lochte kicked off the party whirl with teammate Cullen Jones at Tao in the Venetian on Thursday night, followed by daytime fun in the sun — and ... Read more...
Photos: Enrique Iglesias and Jennifer Lopez electrify Mandalay Bay
By Don Chareunsy To borrow Justin Timberlake’s overused lyrics (but it really does apply here), superstar singers Enrique Iglesias and Jennifer Lopez brought sexy back to Mandalay Bay Events Center on Saturday night in four hours of highly charged sets and choreography (complemented by LED screens above and behind the stage), hard bodies and electrifying, nonstop-energy dance hits that literally shook the music venue to its core. Iglesias was up first, and based on the reaction of the audience’s women, ... Read more...
Photos: DJ Pauly D unveils case of memorabilia at the Hard Rock Hotel
By Don Chareunsy Paul “DJ Pauly D” DelVecchio of “Jersey Shore,” “The Pauly D Project” and GTL fame attended the unveiling of his memorabilia case in the Hard Rock Hotel on Sunday, and Erik Kabik was onsite for a photo gallery. The dedication took place before the resident DJ’s set at Rehab Sundays at the nearby pool. The reality TV star rocked a whole lotta look at the unveiling — a Chicago Bulls 91 jersey (for Dennis Rodman?!), camouflage shorts, ... Read more...
Photos: Rick Springfield, still rockin’ at 62, performs at Eastside Cannery
By Don Chareunsy Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, musician and actor Rick Springfield rocked Eastside Cannery on Friday night, and Scott Harrison was on duty for a photo gallery of the concert. Springfield, the Australian who is still making hearts skip a beat at age 62, is widely known for his role as Dr. Noah Drake on “General Hospital” (1981-83 and 2005-08) and his hits “Jessie’s Girl” (his No. 1 hit that also garnered him a Grammy), “Love Somebody,” “Affair of the ... Read more...
Photos: Jenny McCarthy parties with Perez Hilton at 1OAK in the Mirage
By Don Chareunsy Newly single Jenny McCarthy — the actress has confirmed in recent days that her relationship with Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher has ended — partied at 1OAK in the Mirage on Friday night, looking better than ever in a LBD with a matching black belt and black pumps. McCarthy, who was joined by her sister Joanne and friends, including gossip guru Perez Hilton (in town for a second weekend after hosting a pool party at Rumor Boutique ... Read more...
Photos: How Danny Zelisko snuck into Yes and wound up booking … Yes
By John Katsilometes It seems everyone who grew up in the rock industry has a Bill Graham story, and Danny Zelisko has one, too. This yarn is the story of Zelisko’s life, or maybe the opening chapter. It could well make a great movie, or at least a top-selling rock song, and took place in the summer of 1972 in Berkeley, Calif. Zelisko, who today runs Danny Zelisko Presents in Phoenix and this year has been contracted as the chief ... Read more...
‘Crazy Horse Paris’ to close Oct. 1 after 11 years at MGM Grand
Plans for South America’s wild nightclub party playground Pink Elephant to move into an expanded “Crazy Horse Paris” venue space at MGM Grand have fallen through, and now the gorgeous topless dancers will be moving out Oct. 1. But they’re not saying a final farewell to Las Vegas. “There are definite plans for a surprise new joint venture on the Strip along with a new U.S. tour,” executives at the French company told me today on a transatlantic call from ... Read more...
Photos: Ryan Lochte rocks a small white Speedo (wow!) at Tao Beach
By Don Chareunsy 2012 London Summer Olympics gold medalist Ryan Lochte partied at Maxim Fridays in Tao Beach the day after a night with friends at nearby Tao Nightclub in the Venetian. Lochte was joined by fellow gold medalist Cullen Jones, and the group enjoyed the sunshine from a VIP cabana before making their way to the pool to beat the desert heat. The swimmer, an 11-time Olympic medalist, happily posed for photographs with fans, all the while giving them ... Read more...
Photos: Ryan Lochte and Cullen Jones party at Tao in the Venetian
By Don Chareunsy No abs were on display, at least not on the dance floor. 2012 London Summer Olympics gold medalists Ryan Lochte and Cullen Jones celebrated their victories at Tao in the Venetian on Thursday night. The two athletes started their night with dinner at the popular restaurant. Post-dinner, Lochte, probably the breakout heartthrob of the recently ended Olympics in the British capital, made his way upstairs to the nightclub for the weekly party Worship Thursdays, where he was ... Read more...
Photos: Fun is more fun pop than indie at Boulevard Pool
By Jack Houston Nate Ruess stood center stage and glanced up at the live video feed of himself on the marquee. Plenty of frontmen would kill to have themselves reflected back on such a scale, but Ruess was not pleased. “I might as well untuck my shirt,” he said, doing just that. “Oh, these love handles have never been so massive.” The 30-year-old Ruess, lead singer of the indie pop band Fun (often stylized as fun.), doesn’t need to be ... Read more...
Celebrity preview: J.Lo, Iglesias, DeGraw, Caillat, McCarthy, Pauly D
It’s all about girl power — or, rather, Jennifer Lopez power — this weekend with a J.Lo takeover of Las Vegas. With or without Casper Smart, her dancer boyfriend, J.Lo embarks on a nonstop Party Patrol while here for her tour stop at Mandalay Bay Events Center with fellow Latin superstar Enrique Iglesias. First, Jenny From the Block parties at Wet Republic at MGM Grand during the day. Then after her show with Enrique, which includes opening act Frankie J ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: L.V. shines brighter than ever on film, TV and in books
Our pleasure playground is front and center with a Las Vegas magic duo on “America’s Got Talent”; a new movie with two Las Vegas filmmakers; and a new book about the dark side of boxing in Sin City. Here’s the Royal Robin Rundown: Las Vegas on film Two local filmmakers, Sean Fallon and Charlotte Barrett, are the co-producers, writers and directors of “Virgin Alexander,” which features former “Jersey Boys” song-and-dance star Rick Faugno. The film was shot here, and the ... Read more...
Counter Intelligence: Tom Colicchio, FutureGrowing.com, Michael Mondavi
Hot off the grill! MGM Grand celebrity chef Tom Colicchio will host the first-ever Top Chef’s Cruise next April from Miami to Mexico, and Mandalay Bay’s Hubert Keller will be on board with other former “Top Chef” and “Top Chef Masters” contestants. Gail Simmons will co-host the four-night trip starting April 11 on the Celebrity Constellation. Tickets for the cruise go on sale today starting at $699, with $5,999 for the penthouse. Pack your knives and go cruising! WINE AND ... Read more...
WW&RR: Jackson feud, Miss Cupcake Pageant, VIBE and 2-for-1 tickets
It’s Thursday, and we have a few … WICKED WHISPERS & RACY RUMORS Jackson family matriarch Katherine Jackson has been making under-the-radar visits with her late son Michael Jackson’s children Prince, Paris and Blanket to Janet Jackson’s Las Vegas home, and, as a result, the King of Pop’s estate has filed documents with a California probate judge to help pay part of her property bills. However, Janet’s lawyer denies that she made any request to the estate for monetary assistance ... Read more...
Photos: The 2012 L.V. Housekeeping Olympics at Mandalay Bay
By Don Chareunsy The 2012 Las Vegas Housekeeping Olympics took over Mandalay Bay Events Center on Wednesday, and contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was onsite for his fabulous photo gallery capturing the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. Donoghue reports: “There was bed making, mop racing, a vacuum race, a buffer pad toss and spirited performances. Sixteen Las Vegas hotels competed, with the Wynn and Encore taking the gold.” “The energy level was that of a concert there at ... Read more...
Criss Angel’s tricked-out, 60,000-square-foot box of magic
By John Katsilometes Seated on a bench in front of a stage where a line of dancers in leather and lace gyrate to house music is a guy wearing a ball cap sideways on his head. Around his neck is an oversize clock. He is master magician Lance Burton, dressed as Flavor Flav. Just a few feet away, nearly crawling across the bar, is a slightly built guy ordering a cocktail. He also is wearing a ball cap askance, and ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: ‘Zumanity’ cast to invade NYC to celebrate Henri Bendel
Loved by socialites, jetsetters and hipsters, New York’s Henri Bendel will open two outlets over the next few weeks here, and store executives have enlisted the help of Cirque du Soleil’s sexy “Zumanity” cast to promote the Las Vegas outlets. The first Henri Bendel opens at Fashion Show mall Aug. 29 and then another Nov. 15 at the Forum Shops in Caesars Palace. But the party to celebrate the locations will be held in Manhattan on Sept. 6 and tied ... Read more...
Photos: Diana Krall at Reynolds Hall in Smith Center for Performing Arts
Grammy-winning singer Diana Krall brought her ”Summer Nights 2012” tour to Reynolds Hall in the Smith Center for the Performing Arts in downtown’s Symphony Park on Monday night, and contributing photographer Erik Kabik was on duty for a photo gallery. Since her Grammy-winning 10th studio album “Quiet Nights (Verve)” dropped in 2009, Krall has performed on four continents, produced Barbra Streisand’s “Love Is the Answer,” contributed “Simple Twist of Fate” to the charity album “Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of ... Read more...
Photos: ‘La Cage Aux Folles’ at Smith Center a gay ol’ time with a message
By Don Chareunsy Drag queen warm-up act Lilly White Ass asks the opening-night audience Tuesday for “La Cage Aux Folles” rhetorically, “Do you know what our drag name is for George Hamilton? Melanie Noma!” And with that, the touring production of the 2010 Tony Award winner for Best Musical Revival starring Hamilton was off to a rip-roarin’ start in the beautiful Reynolds Hall at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts. I’m familiar with the 1996 hit comedy “The Birdcage” ... Read more...
Star Surveillance: George Takei, Nic Cage, Havana Brown, Perez Hilton
“Star Trek” legend and Penn Jillette’s fellow “Celebrity Apprentice” contestant George Takei attended Penn & Teller’s headliner show at the Rio after joining Penn for the taping of his weekly podcast backstage. Also there: actress Virginia Madsen. Retired NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-wife Shaunie O’Neal of “Basketball Wives” dined at Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria & Cucina in Crystals at MGM Grand’s CityCenter. “American Idol” Season 5 winner and Bally’s headliner Taylor Hicks watched “Jersey Boys” at the Paris and went backstage ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: LFL players head north; new coach for Las Vegas Sin
Three sexy members of the Las Vegas Sin in the Lingerie Football League have been tapped to play in the new Canada kickoff season this fall, and a new coach has been signed for the Sin. Running back Carmen Boursea and 2011 All-Star quarterback Nikki Johnson will be playing for the Regina Rage in Canada. Cassandra Strickland, the Sin’s wide receiver, will play for the British Columbia Angels. There also are insider whispers that the curvy cuties will head Down ... Read more...
‘Absinthe’ is now a permanent (or at least open-ended) Caesars fixture
By John Katsilometes “Absinthe” is sort of like the game of baseball. Not for the excessive use of pine tar, but because of its very structure. Baseball is expected to be finite, lasting a total of nine innings. But baseball fans know that the game sometimes lasts longer, sometimes far longer, than those nine innings. Theoretically, a baseball game can last forever. Same with “Absinthe,” as we have learned just this week. “Absinthe” is about to become a permanent show ... Read more...
Photos: iCandy heats up Miracle Mile with sexy costumes and dancing
The new burlesque show iCandy is raising temperatures and eyebrows — and Vegas DeLuxe has the photos to prove it. In addition to the attractive lineup of dancers dressed in next-to-nothing, the show stars three talented singers and features more than 100 sexy, colorful costume changes for the 30 seductive choreographed routines. Opened officially this past weekend at Saxe Theater in Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops, iCandy continues the party even after the curtain comes down. Every Thursday, Friday and ... Read more...
Gene Simmons to lead Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy Camp at MGM Oct. 10-14
To celebrate its 15th anniversary, the Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy Camp has set its next event at MGM Grand from Oct. 10-14. KISS founder and singer Gene Simmons is headlining the event, and touring co-star and Las Vegas resident Vince Neil of Motley Crue will be a guest alongside Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde and Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach. Camp founder David Fishof said: “I can’t think of a better way to follow up our highly successful May camp ... Read more...
Photos: All-American Rejects rock Mandalay Bay after rainy, slow start
By Mark Adams Rainy weather put a serious damper on the All-American Rejects’ Mandalay Bay Beach show Saturday night. Concertgoers weren’t allowed access to the pool due to lightning warnings, which put the “front row” a good 50 feet away from the stage. The weather wasn’t the night’s only letdown, though. While a few of the songs performed were decent, the majority of them were subpar. The band backing frontman Tyson Ritter sounded good; their execution of the band’s many ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Tao Group scores gold at London Summer Olympics
Call it the smartest marketing ever when Tao Group Managing Partners Jason Strauss and Noah Tepperberg decided to open Club Bud, a “pop-up nightclub,” for this past weekend’s Olympic final events and Closing Ceremonies in London. LeBron James and his gold-medal Team USA teammates were there in the DJ booth jamming as Nas performed on the final night. Earlier, LeBron had welcomed Jason and Noah courtside for the gold-medal win against Spain. Among the crowd partying at Club Bud was ... Read more...
GNR’s Joint residency seeds planted on NYE; Celine’s 100th show glitch
By John Katsilometes Hard Rock Hotel officials weren’t kidding when they said that the New Year’s Eve performances by Guns N’ Roses were something of a test to see if the band could withstand a longer series of shows at the Joint. It was made official today that Axl Rose’s latest incarnation of GNR will play a dozen shows — wait, make that a dozen “mind-blowing shows,” as the news release promises — from Halloween through Nov. 24. Halloween revelers ... Read more...
Jesse Jane and Asia Akira to co-host 2013 AVN Awards at the Joint
By Don Chareunsy AVN Media Network announced this morning that adult-entertainment stars Jesse Jane and Asa Akira are co-hosting the 2013 AVN Awards at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel on Jan. 19, 2013. The 30th-anniversary awards toasts the biggest night in adult entertainment and is known as “the Oscars of Porn.” Jesse Jane, a former Hooters manager and a Hawaiian Tropic Pageant winner, rose to global fame as a Digital Playground actress. The blonde bombshell’s resume includes 2005’s ... Read more...
Guns N’ Roses taking over the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel
By Brock Radke Guns N’ Roses will play 12 shows at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel starting Oct. 31, and tickets go on sale Friday. Following up on two sold-old New Year’s Eve shows, as well as a similar multi-show residency at the Joint by Motley Crüe last year, Axl Rose’s current incarnation of the iconic rock band is set to launch “Appetite for Democracy,” a “one-of-a kind music experience” that will include “a set list created exclusively ... Read more...
Photos: Toby Keith doesn’t let it rain on his Red Rock Resort parade
By Don Chareunsy Some things in life are worth the wait. Add Toby Keith to that list. After a more than two-hour delay due to lightning and rain Saturday night, the country superstar hit the Red Rock Resort Amphitheater stage to a resounding roar from concertgoers at his “Live in Overdrive Tour” stop. It was the same roar that erupted when it was announced shortly after 10 p.m. over the intercom system inside Red Rock Resort that the concert was ... Read more...
Photos: Pitbull the showman, Havana Brown give their everything onstage
By Mark Adams Pitbull doesn’t just perform; he entertains. That was evident Friday night at Red Rock Resort Amphitheater, as the rapper, songwriter, producer and actor’s exuberant energy and catchy dance songs had the audience on their feet throughout the nearly sold-out performance. As the show was a leg of the recording artist’s “Planet Pit World Tour,” many of the tracks performed were from his successful 2011 album of the same name. Pitbull opened the concert with the album’s lead ... Read more...
Photos: Beck and the return of his ‘Mutations’ band in Pearl at the Palms
By Andrea Domanick Clad in a black fedora and a leather jacket, L.A. alt-rock deity Beck played an appropriately blues and garage-rock heavy set to a restless crowd in the Pearl at the Palms on Wednesday night. Without a new album to promote, the 90-minute set surveyed Beck’s nearly 25-year career, though ultimately favored the genre-bending artist’s more traditional rock albums like “Modern Guilt,” “Sea Change” and “Guero.” The evening’s highlight was undoubtedly the return of Beck’s touring band from ... Read more...
David Itkin is set to leave L.V. Philharmonic before new season
Whether his wand is magic is open to discussion. But David Itkin has effectively orchestrated his ouster from the Las Vegas Philharmonic, and it’s happening sooner than expected. L.V. Phil President and CEO Jeri Crawford confirmed Friday afternoon that Itkin will not take part in the 2012-13 season. On June 2, the Philharmonic announced, following a 15-0 vote among its board of trustees to seek a replacement for Itkin, that the music director of five years would be leaving the ... Read more...
Blue Woman Group? Evolving Blue Man Group increasingly androgynous
By John Katsilometes The very title of Blue Man Group indicates how the production bearing that name can be altered. You could make the Blue Men red. You could add or subtract the number of Blue Men onstage. You could instill non-Blue Man characters to the show. You could introduce a woman to the Blue Man cast. Some of that will happen when the show opens in October at the Monte Carlo. Not the coloring of Blue Man Group to ... Read more...
Norm Macdonald muses on the new ‘SNL’ and his mastery of Twitter
By John Katsilometes Norm Macdonald is possibly the most acerbic of “Weekend Update” hosts on “Saturday Night Live,” not a small feat when that list includes Chevy Chase and Dennis Miller. It also is not a small feat when you consider that Macdonald has never been much of a news junkie. His brother, Neil, is a journalist who works as a reporter for CBC News, Canada’s leading news agency. But Norm does not take sides in political debates simply because ... Read more...
Celebrity preview: Pitbull, Toby Keith, Motley Crue, KISS, Bloc Party, Rejects
It’s a rock-and-roll, hip-hop and country music weekend as hometown rocker Vince Neil leads his Motley Crue and KISS into Mandalay Bay Events Center for Saturday’s double-header rock and pyrotechnic spectacular. A third group — Britain’s the Treatment — is the opening act. “Home sweet home,” said Vince as he arrived home Thursday after a string of sold-out shows in the Southwest. The rockers head to San Diego on Sunday. KISS frontman Gene Simmons’ KISS by Monster Mini Golf will ... Read more...
Counter Intelligence: L.A. Food and Wine, Sushi Samba, Four Seasons
Hot off the grill! A four-day culinary festival organized by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck starts today in L.A., and many of our Strip chefs are making the I-15 trek to join the epicurean elite. L.A. Food and Wine continues Wolf’s 30 years of similar benefits for his favorite charity Meals on Wheels. Among the Las Vegas kings and queens of the kitchen participating: Joachim Splichal from Patina and Thomas Keller from Bouchon, both at the Venetian; Hubert Keller from Fleur ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Celine Dion’s ‘Water and a Flame’ and ‘Without Waiting’
Superstar Celine Dion plans to release the first single from her upcoming English-language album next month. The Caesars Palace headliner says two new albums will be released in November. One will be the English CD titled “Water and a Flame,” and the French-language album will be titled “Sans Attendre (Without Waiting).” DANGEROUS MAGIC: Each night on the Rio stage, off-kilter headliner magicians Penn & Teller perform a multitude of dangerous tricks. Forget catching bullets fired from guns in their mouths; ... Read more...
From bell peppers to Bellini carts, mixology goes back to the basics
By Andrea Domanick From flaming cocktails to liquid nitrogen liquor, enjoying a drink in Las Vegas can sometimes feel more like chemistry class than a night at a bar. Lately, however, mixology trends are more about offering a history lesson with a libation. It’s safe to say that mixology — the art of preparing cocktails — has cemented its place in Las Vegas’ culinary culture, and, as a result, patrons are growing increasingly curious about the origins of the elaborate ... Read more...
Mike Tyson’s knockout Broadway show to become cable TV special?
Boxing legend Mike Tyson has scored a major knockout soaring past the $1 million mark in box office sales for his limited run of “Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth — Live on Stage” one-man shows on Broadway. The Las Vegas resident got the magic number news 36 hours ago, and he is still performing through Sunday. “It has been beyond our wildest dreams and hopes, far exceeding what was originally planned,” said one New York theater insider. “Initially, we put just ... Read more...
Taylor Hicks at Indigo; Trop’s ‘Show Off Sundays’ a popular Sunday hang
By John Katsilometes We’ve reach a rarefied circumstance in Las Vegas when one of the city’s master entertainers breaks from a performance at the city’s new performing arts center to call out to a new friend — who happens to be a champion of “American Idol.” On Sunday afternoon, Clint Holmes, dazzling a couple hundred fans at Cabaret Jazz at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts, threw the spotlight over to Taylor Hicks, who became famous for winning “Idol” ... Read more...
Australian Bee Gees tribute star pays respect to the late Robin Gibb
For the first time, singer and actor David Scott from the Australian Bee Gees show at the Excalibur has talked about the recent passing of Robin Gibb, who he portrays in the tribute band. “For the past 15 years, I have impersonated him in the show, so we are particularly saddened by his death,” David said. “One moment we were happy to be celebrating our second successful year at the Excalibur, and the next we are very sad over his ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Michael Jackson birthday tribute set for 4 days in Gary
Las Vegas publicist Jerry Olivarez, who works with movie theater owner Johnny Brenden at the Palms, is masterminding four days of events honoring Michael Jackson over his Aug. 29 birthday at his Gary, Ind., birthplace. “Going Back to Indiana: Can You Feel It” is endorsed by Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson and Jackson matriarch Katherine Jackson. All three plan for it to become an annual event. Jerry tells me that the events start Aug. 29 with a candlelight tribute ceremony at ... Read more...
Robert De Niro talks ‘Last Vegas’ and Nobu Hotel in Las Vegas
Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro has revealed that his next film “Last Vegas” will be filmed on the Strip and headquartered from his new Nobu Hotel opening later this year at Caesars Palace. “It’s going to be like ‘The Hangover,’ but with guys who are older than Bradley Cooper’s buddies. Michael Douglas plays a bachelor who’s finally getting married in his retirement years. We’re taking him to Vegas for a little celebration before he walks down the aisle. It’s senior ... Read more...
‘Surf the Musical’ to close after just six weeks at Planet Hollywood
By John Katsilometes Time to pack up the boards, kids. A little more than a month after opening for previews and three weeks after its gala premiere, “Surf the Musical” has announced that it is closing at Planet Hollywood. The production’s cast and crew were notified Tuesday evening that the show would close after next Wednesday’s performance. It was a quick ride. “Surf” opened for previews June 29, a week later than intended, and its formal unveiling at Peepshow theater ... Read more...
Photos: Faith Hill, Tim McGraw at Venetian: Enjoy ‘em while you can
By John Katsilometes It did not take Faith Hill long, just two sentences, to instill a little perspective into the proceedings. “I’m so excited,” said Hill upon the announcement that her husband, the ever-hatted Tim McGraw, and she would perform at the Venetian Theater from December through April. “This is thrilling for us to be part of this extraordinary experience for this limited time.” There it is: Limited. For a couple married for 15 years, the Hill/McGraw “Soul2Soul” engagement is ... Read more...
Photos: Philippines, Mexico, U.S. rule World Hip Hop Championships
By Andrea Domanick Forty-three countries. Three thousand dancers. One-third of a point: At the 2012 World Hip Hop Dance Championships at the Orleans Arena on Sunday night, the numbers behind the competition were almost as dizzying as the dance moves. That seemingly miniscule fraction of a point helped bring home the gold for the Philippines, whose underdog dance team the Crew surprised with an adult-division win that had the packed house chanting cheers of support in Tagalog. Neutral Zone from ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Henderson teen heads to Miss America’s Outstanding Teen
A week from today, 15-year-old Henderson student and pop singer Ellie Smith will represent Nevada in the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant in Florida. Ellie arrives in Orlando on Saturday for events, preparations and rehearsals with the 53 talented, bright and beautiful girls ages 13 to 17 for the competition at Chapin Theater in the Convention Center. Here are Ellie’s official Miss America photos and a first look at the official photo of “big sister” Randi Sundquist, a UNLV who ... Read more...
Counter Intelligence: Bacchanal Buffet, Allegro, Serendipity 3, Delano
Hot off the grill! More than 500 items will be available among the nine cuisines in the show kitchens at the new $17 million Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace opening next month. Six hundred guests will be seated in the 25,000-square-foot baronial buffet designed by Japan’s Super Potato. Even the 16,000 bowls, plates and glasses are part of the decorations, with 3,600 jars filled with spices and food products framing the kitchens. Check it out. Also at Caesars, Serendipity 3 ... Read more...
Photos: Tim McGraw, Faith Hill join the Strip’s country superstar lineup
Former McDonald’s French Fries server and cashier Audrey Perry hit stardom in 1995 with the Top Five hit “Let’s Go to Vegas,” a song about persuading her boyfriend to elope on the Strip. Turns out that life imitates art and now comes true for the girl who changed her name to Faith Hill and married Tim McGraw in a barefoot wedding ceremony in October 1996 at his aunt’s home in Louisiana. The couple, who still claim the highest-grossing tour in ... Read more...
Photos: Nicki Minaj brings her super bass to Planet Hollywood’s PH Live
By Leo Marquardt Rapper and singer-songwriter Nicki Minaj brought her super bass to PH Live at Planet Hollywood on Saturday night, and with technology-driven sets and dramatic costume (and hair) changes, Minaj played to a packed house and delivered the ultra pop that made her famous. Of course, she also banged out rhymes and raps that kept the crowd begging for more. Minaj ran the gamut of her debut album “Pink Friday” and her sophomore album “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded.” ... Read more...
Photos: Seal and Macy Gray have it covered with classics at the Palms
By Andrea Domanick In a city where tribute shows and cover bands thrive, Seal and Macy Gray’s performances at the Palms on Saturday night were right at home. Both artists played songs from each of their new cover albums to a moderate, but nonetheless enthusiastic, crowd in the Pearl at the Palms. R&B songstress Gray took the stage first, her orange dress, blue boa and bedazzled mic stand a stark contrast to the middle-aged crowd’s buttoned-down look. With her backup ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: L.V.-based reality TV shows ready to roll with new seasons
Three Las Vegas-based reality TV series are ready to roll with their new seasons. First up Aug. 30 with 10 new episodes is Season 3 of the unscripted and racy Showtime hit “Gigolos.” Fan-favorite hunks-for-hire Nick Hawk, Vin Armani, Brace and Steven Gantt return, and there’s a newcomer, raven-haired Ash Armand, who replaces Jimmy Dior, who has been dropped from the cast due to legal problems. One episode will reportedly show the hi-jinks when a male client seeks to “rent ... Read more...
Photos: Sawchuck’s honeymoon vanishes as bride joins ‘Fantasy’
Like all great magicians, Murray Sawchuck, who headlines at the Tropicana, conjured up the perfect honeymoon for his new bride, gorgeous British dancer Chloe Crawford. But then their plans “vanished” when she had another dream come true: Tonight, Chloe debuts in the lineup of the topless adult show “Fantasy” at the Luxor. The celebrity magician who competed in “America’s Got Talent’s” semifinals told me: “Our work schedules are keeping us very busy in Las Vegas, and our plans for a ... Read more...
Sean Griffin of Prime talks fine dining in L.V., Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Our Vegas DeLuxe columnist Robin Leach is back from his summer vacation and resumes his ramblings with today’s Strip Scribbles. Many of our Strip and Las Vegas personalities stepped forward in his absence to pen their own words of wisdom. Our thanks to them all, but to help Robin as he starts the engines again, we take a trip to the United Arab Emirates with Bellagio’s Prime Steakhouse executive chef Sean Griffin. By Sean Griffin I’d like to take this ... Read more...
You won’t believe what comes out of the mouths of Mo5aic
Our Vegas DeLuxe columnist Robin Leach is back from his annual summer vacation and resumes his ramblings with today’s Strip Scribbles. Many of our Strip and Las Vegas personalities stepped forward in his absence to pen their own words of wisdom. Our thanks to them all, but to help Robin as he picks up speed, we have a look at the many amazing sounds of Mo5aic. By Mo5aic You can’t argue with a legend, right? Like when Tony Bennett said ... Read more...
Photos: Adrianne Curry celebrates her 30th birthday at the Encore
By Don Chareunsy Fresh from her provocative ensembles at Comic-Con 2012 in San Diego a few weeks ago, model Adrianne Curry showed off her assets again in an itsy, bitsy, teeny bikini at Encore Beach Club on Saturday in celebration of her milestone 30th birthday. The champion of Cycle 1 of the CW’s “America’s Next Top Model” and a self-proclaimed “Star Wars” fanatic (her bikini bottom is very Princess Leia-esque) was elated when a hunky lifeguard in a Darth Vader ... Read more...
Marc Savard offers 7 reasons why everyone should be hypnotized
Our Vegas DeLuxe columnist Robin Leach is home from his annual summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy all rested and recharged, but there’s unpacking and a thousand chores to catch up before resuming his Strip sleuthing. Many of our Strip and Las Vegas personalities stepped forward in his absence to pen their own words of wisdom. Our thanks to them all. We wind down our guest columnists today with comedy hypnotist Marc Savard, who performs at V Theater ... Read more...
Drive This! Entertainment owners: It’s worth the drive to dine on the Strip
Our Vegas DeLuxe columnist Robin Leach is home from his annual summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy all rested and recharged, but there’s unpacking and a thousand chores to catch up on before resuming his Strip sleuthing. Many of our Strip and Las Vegas personalities stepped forward in his absence to pen their own words of wisdom. Our thanks to them all. We wind down our guest columnists with Michael Frey and Craig Gilbert, who own Drive This! ... Read more...
Jason Shkorupa talks restaurants at the Strip’s medieval castle, pyramid
Vegas DeLuxe columnist Robin Leach is home from his annual summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy all rested and recharged, but there’s unpacking and a thousand chores to catch up on before resuming his Strip sleuthing. Many of our Strip and Las Vegas personalities stepped forward in his absence to pen their own words of wisdom. Our thanks to them all. We wind down our guest columnists with food and beverage ace Jason Shkorupa, who is spicing up ... Read more...
Photos: Cobra Starship parties and performs at Palms’ Ditch Fridays
By Don Chareunsy Good girls went bad and started singing “La la la la la” when Cobra Starship hosted, partied and performed at Ditch Fridays, the weekly adult pool party at the Palms last Friday. Frontman Gabe Saporta and cohort Victoria Asher represented the alternative band in style — he in a gray tank top and funky shorts and she in a dark blue spaghetti-strap top and denim cut-offs — and were ready for some afternoon fun. They kicked off ... Read more...
Photos: Vanilla Ice hosts at Go Pool and performs at Carnaval Court
By Don Chareunsy Rapper, TV personality and actor Vanilla Ice had double duty in Las Vegas on Saturday afternoon and evening, first hosting the daytime revelry at Go Pool in the Flamingo, then performing to a packed crowd in the nighttime heat at Carnaval Court at Harrah’s. At Go Pool, Vanilla Ice graciously signed autographs and posed for photograph after photograph after photograph with fans (kudos to him for doing so). At Carnaval, he performed his hits “Ice Ice Baby” ... Read more...
Photos: Bret Michaels of Poison rocks Fremont Street Experience
By Don Chareunsy Rocker Bret Michaels, the lead singer of 1980s hair band Poison (“Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “Nothin’ But a Good Time,” “Talk Dirty to Me” “Unskinny Bop”), performed a free concert Saturday night at downtown’s Fremont Street Experience as part of his “Get Your Rock On Tour 2012” and the continuing Rock of Vegas Summer Concert Series. Michaels in recent years has battled a brain hemorrhage and heart ailments, won Donald Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice 3” on NBC ... Read more...
Photos: EWF at HRH; Adrian Zmed’s Thai wedding; Amazing Johnathan
By John Katsilometes As the band played at high volume and danced with untrammeled energy, the aisle leading to the staged repeatedly filled with fans craning to be close. Many held iPhones aloft. They waved and pumped their fists until a security official in a black T-shirt threw a damper on the fun and led them back to their seats. This happened over and over, and I felt bad for the security detail, who was sweating in the warm music ... Read more...
Celebrity preview: Minaj, Cobra, Seal, EWF, McBride, ICandy, Macy, lingerie
For six years, the Midsummer Lingerie Masquerade poolside extravaganza at the Palms has raised temperatures — and eyebrows — with the scantily clad and curvy cuties. The wild, wicked and whimsical celebration is unparalleled with body-painted beauties, go-go fairies and mystical characters, with servers and partygoers in mysterious masks. It’s a naughty, nightlong parade of captivating cleavage adorned with G-strings, garters, stockings, bustiers and see-through baby doll nighties! All weekend, the Palms is hotter-than-hot and super-sexy. In addition to concerts ... Read more...
At Sky Combat Ace, a high roller equal loops, barrel rolls and spins
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation in sunny San Diego and La Jolla, many of our Strip and Las Vegas personalities have stepped forward in his absence to pen their own words of wisdom. Our thanks to them all. We begin to wind down our guest columnists with Richard “Tex” Coe, a real “Top Gun” fighter pilot who has brought a thrill-of-a-lifetime experience to Las Vegas. Take a ride and then check it off your bucket list! By ... Read more...
Acting like a kid is the bassline of Verdine White of Earth Wind & Fire
By John Katsilometes “Boogie Wonderland” is where Verdine White has discovered the Fountain of Youth. The forever stomping, strutting, wild-haired bassist for Earth Wind & Fire is 61 years old. He turns that age, coincidentally, on the day of this interview. “My phone’s been blowing up,” White says during a chat in some down time before EWF hits the stage at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga, Calif., just west of San Jose. “It’s ringing every two seconds. Started at 5 ... Read more...
Louis Prima Jr.: ‘Las Vegas, my hometown, there’s no place I’d rather be’
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation in sunny San Diego and La Jolla, many of our Strip and Las Vegas personalities have stepped forward in his absence to pen their own words of wisdom. Our thanks to them all. We begin to wind down our guest columnists today with one famous Las Vegas name that really shaped our Entertainment Capital of the World’s reputation: Louis Prima. By Louis Prima Jr. “What hotel do you live in?” If I ... Read more...
Artist (and newlywed) Michael Godard is Frankie Moreno’s No. 1 fan
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation in sunny San Diego and La Jolla, many of our Strip and Las Vegas personalities have stepped forward in his absence to pen their own words of wisdom. Our thanks to them all. We continue today with artist Michael Godard, who paints pop-art olives with legs and arms at his Planet Hollywood and Rio galleries. We asked him to write about himself, but his column is all about somebody else. How’s that ... Read more...
Liberace film seeks extras; chance meeting with Diceman at Peppermill
By John Katsilometes After some light blogging over the past few days (blame it on the chronicles of a European tour that is the cover of Las Vegas Weekly this week), it is high time to run the rake across the scene: • Are you especially adept at milling about in a candid sort of way? If so, a casting director for the upcoming HBO movie “Behind the Candelabra” might be interested in hiring you as an extra for the ... Read more...
Thunder From Down Under toasts 10 years of taking it off at Excalibur
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation in sunny San Diego and La Jolla, many of our Strip and Las Vegas personalities have stepped forward in his absence to pen their own words of wisdom. Our thanks to them all. We continue today with the bare-chested beefcake who love the ladies at Thunder From Down Under in Excalibur. By Thunder From Down Under The hit film “Magic Mike” starring Channing Tatum and Matthew McConaughey is shining the spotlight on ... Read more...
Tao Group and Rape Crisis Center enter partnership in Las Vegas
Our Tao Group, which has the restaurant and nightclubs Tao in The Venetian and Lavo in the Palazzo, as well as Marquee in The Cosmopolitan ...
Photos: Wet ’n’ Wild water park is ready to make a splash in Las Vegas
Families — adults and children — across the Valley are waiting with bated breath for the opening of Wet ’n’ Wild Las Vegas water park, and the wait ...
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