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Luxe Life Blog • Archive for July 2012
Broken bones behind him, racer Gene Woods opens Sin City Speedway
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 race veteran and three-time national speed champion Gene Woods, who has opened Sin City Speedway, which is as close to the Strip as a track could possibly be. By Gene Woods Las Vegas — I came ... Read more...
Geechy Guy’s guide to good eats — the non-fancy side of L.V. dining
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 comedian Geechy Guy, who was discovered on Robin’s show “Star Search” with host Ed McMahon. Guy beat out Ray Romano way back when! Geechy was on Season 6 of “America’s Got Talent” and won Las Vegas ... Read more...
Ohno, Castroneves and Johnson early favorites of ‘DWTS’ Season 15
By Don Chareunsy Johnny Avello, the Wynn’s director of race and sports operations, has released today his first list of odds to win the new all-star season of ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars,” and Las Vegas regulars — among them former and current Strip headliners Kelly Monaco, Joey Fatone, Drew Lachey and Pamela Anderson — are in contention. Twelve contestants will be competing for the mirrored disco ball trophy, while the public will vote a 13th contestant into the competition: ... Read more...
Ovation headliner Michael Grimm’s ‘no way, no how’ house rules
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 “America’s Got Talent” winner Michael Grimm, the first-ever resident headliner at Ovation Lounge in Green Valley Ranch in Henderson. By Michael Grimm I’m going to let my fans in on a little secret. Posted on my ... Read more...
‘Absinthe’ is back in good repair at Caesars Palace
By John Katsilometes Get to “Absinthe” — pronto! Lest there be confusion or concern about our favorite tented production show, “Absinthe” is back in good repair at Caesars Palace’s Roman Plaza after missing shows Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of last week. Last Tuesday afternoon, a malfunctioning electrical system caused either heat, sparks, fire or any combination of the three, triggering the sprinkler system inside the tent. The resulting wetness forced the cancellation of five midweek performances, but the show returned ... Read more...
Photos: Thousands attend Telemundo’s Desperado at Fremont Street
Telemundo’s Saturday evening of Desperado, a night of fun and entertainment, drew thousands of people to downtown’s Fremont Street Experience, and David Tingey of Donoghue Photography was onsite for this fabulous photo gallery. Despite the heat, with temperatures hovering near triple digits, the evening’s enthusiastic performers, some in full suits that look uncomfortably hot, played to the large crowd and handed out roses and … alcohol! Spanish-language TV station Telemundo is based at Neonopolis in downtown Las Vegas. Robin Leach ... Read more...
Photos: Soulja Boy, in leopard-print hoodie, toasts 22 at Chateau
By Don Chareunsy Singer, rapper and producer Soulja Boy celebrated his 22nd birthday Friday night at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens in the Paris surrounded by close friends. Soulja Boy, aka Soulja Boy Tell’em, partied on the rooftop of Chateau Gardens, where he was presented with a birthday cake. The “Superstar” singer’s entourage enjoyed Ace of Spades and Grey Goose cocktails during the celebration. The newly blond performer and birthday boy stood out in a denim vest paired with a white ... Read more...
Photos: Kelis’ milkshake brings all the boys to Tryst at the Wynn
By Don Chareunsy Singer-songwriter Kelis hosted and performed at Tryst Nightclub in the Wynn on Friday night. Before hitting the club, she turned heads with her blinged-out ensemble: a large gold crown, a nose ring, a chunky necklace, gold bangle bracelets, glitter body dust and pumps with her champagne cocktail dress. She took the stage in front of the lagoon after 1 a.m. as the 90-foot waterfall displayed her name on the rocks and danced while performing her hits “Milkshake” ... Read more...
Ron Randazzo’s 27 years of memories at Circus Circus’ Steak House
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 Ron Randazzo, general manager of the Steak House at Circus Circus for 27 of its 30 years. By Ron Randazzo You may have heard that the Steak House turned the Big 3-0 this June, which means ... Read more...
Susan Joseph is a 35-year music and entertainment industry veteran
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 Susan Joseph, CEO and chairwoman of Las Vegas-headquartered Justice Entertainment Group. Susan is a 35-year veteran of the music and entertainment industry and has worked with music acts that have sold more than 500 million records ... Read more...
Photos: Lalas Burlesque’s pasties, power tools, classic rock at the Palms
By Andrea Domanick It’s Friday night in the dimly lit Lounge at the Palms, and there’s a din in the air as patrons sidle up to their tables with a cocktail to help break in the weekend. And that’s when a petite blonde, adorned with only a G-string, pasties and a martini glass, stumbles out from behind the curtains of the small stage and into the crowd. “Oh! Excuse me!” she giggles. “I forgot my clothes! Have you seen them?” ... Read more...
Travis Cloer, Graham Fenton’s too good to be true lives as Frankie Valli
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 Travis Cloer and Graham Fenton, who split the role of Frankie Valli in the hit musical “Jersey Boys” at the Paris. Since his first baby daughter was born in April, Travis has discovered a whole new ... Read more...
Nightlife guru Jack Colton talks supper clubs, non-Strip adventures
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 nightlife czar Jack Colton, who knows a lot about the inner workings of our thriving nightclub entertainment scene. By Jack Colton It is always a great pleasure to take the reins of Robin Leach’s column for ... Read more...
Alison Victoria, UNLV student designer turned HGTV DIY star
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 interior designer Alison Victoria, who began designing at age 10 when she asked her mom if she could tackle the basement in their new house. After completing her studies at UNLV, Alison started her career as ... Read more...
Christophe Tassan: 17 restaurants; 150,000 bottles of wine; 3,000 labels
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 Christophe Tassan, a man who takes drinking very seriously as director of wine at Mandalay Bay. You have to when you have 150,000 bottles to look after in your hotel’s 17 restaurants! By Christophe Tassan I ... Read more...
Photos: Anna Sophia Berglund hosts Bikini Beach House at Crazy Horse III
By Don Chareunsy Blonde bombshell and Playboy Playmate Anna Sophia Berglund made it a sexy Saturday night hosting the Bikini Beach House bash at Crazy Horse III Gentlemen’s Club just west of the Strip. Playboy mogul Hugh Hefner’s under-the-radar ex-girlfriend posed in a skin-tight black mini-dress — perhaps it was more of a beach wrap — and a beach ball before stripping down to a black bikini and showing off her bodacious (are we back in the 1980s?!) bikini body ... Read more...
Photos: Bree Olson parties with Mike Gonsolin at Oracle Mansion
By Don Chareunsy Adult-entertainment star Bree Olson, a fan favorite at the annual AVN/Adult Entertainment Expo in Las Vegas and Charlie Sheen’s former “goddess,” partied at the new nightlife spot Oracle Mansion on Saturday night with music producer and engineer boyfriend Mike Gonsolin, owner of Trend Def Studios in West Hollywood, Calif. Olson arrived at the weekly party Global Saturdays in a figure-hugging pink mini-dress with black accents, and Gonsolin kept it casual in a yellow V-neck T-shirt, jeans and ... Read more...
Shania Twain’s 12/12/12 contest with ‘The Talk’ at Caesars Palace
CBS’ daytime talk show “The Talk” announced Friday that it is teaming up with music superstar and soon-to-be Caesars Palace headliner Shania Twain on the “ ‘The Talk’ and Shania Twain ‘Still The One’ Contest,” in which one couple will have an opportunity to renew their wedding vows during an all-expenses-paid trip for two to Las Vegas and tickets to Shania’s concert at the Colosseum in Caesars Palace on Dec. 12, 2012 — or 12/12/12. Viewers can enter for a ... Read more...
Photos: Kelly Clarkson shines with Fray, Carolina Liar at Cosmopolitan
By Mark Adams Kelly Clarkson is a tough act to follow. The pop star has won several Grammy Awards and delivered a decade of hits, and she’s the original “American Idol” champion. And while the Fray certainly contended Friday night at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas’ Chelsea Ballroom, it was Clarkson who stole the show. The singer’s 70-minute set was flawlessly entertaining. Clarkson exhibited her versatility as a performer, jumping from ballads to poppy rock tunes while consistently belting top-notch ... Read more...
Photos: Drag veteran Frank Marino is still fabulous after 1,000 shows
By Andrea Domanick One hundred wigs, 10,000 gowns and 350,000 costume changes. By comparison, 1,000 shows seems kind of modest for a guy like Frank Marino, who celebrated the milestone for his show “Divas Las Vegas” at Imperial Palace last Saturday. Indeed, as the Las Vegas drag veteran patiently applies his makeup in the hour before show time, you wouldn’t know that the evening’s performance was different from any other. “A thousand shows to me means a new house in ... Read more...
All-star Season 15 of ‘Dancing With the Stars’ features familiar L.V. faces
By Don Chareunsy ABC on Friday announced the all-star lineup of Season 15 of “Dancing With the Stars,” and the roster features champions and fan favorites, some of whom are Las Vegas regulars. And, as with any reality TV show, there’s a twist: America will vote the 13th contestant onto the ABC juggernaut. The rundown of the 12 announced contestants: Kirstie Alley: The Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning star of “Cheers” competed in Season 12 with “Le Reve — the Dream” ... Read more...
Celebrity preview: Kelly Clarkson, Barenaked, Playmate, Cracker, Fray
By Don Chareunsy Music rules this weekend in the Entertainment Capital of the World with the wide-ranging sounds of Kelly Clarkson, Barenaked Ladies, the Fray, Cracker, Busta Rhymes, Carolina Liar, Yanni and Pia Zadora among the offerings. For the horn dogs out there, there’s a Playboy Playmate in town, while the gorgeous women (and men) of “Donn Arden’s Jubilee!”, the longest-running show on the Strip, turns the Big 3-1 on Monday. Women at least 5’8” and men 6’ — ding, ... Read more...
Q+A: Carolina Liar opens for Kelly Clarkson, The Fray at Cosmopolitan
By Mark Adams Alt-rockers Carolina Liar bring their piano-heavy rock tunes to Chelsea Ballroom at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Friday night opening for The Fray and “American Idol” Season 1 and Grammy Award winner Kelly Clarkson. I caught up with vocalist Chad Wolf about the band’s early success, the decision to leave their major record label and their most recent album, “Wild Blessed Freedom.” Mark Adams: You became a band in 2006 and had hit songs all over ... Read more...
Photos: A peek inside ‘Jubilee!’ auditions of G-strings, high kicks
By Andrea Domanick Beneath the stark house lights of Bally’s Jubilee Theater, 11 women stand chest out and chin up, beads of sweat rolling down their heavily-made-up faces. Some are in leotards and tiaras, others in G-strings and lace bras. “Kick high! And smile!” shouts Jubilee company manager Diane Palm as each of the girls in front of her attempt the choreography routine learned just minutes before. A simple request, but for the more than 30 women who auditioned for ... Read more...
Las Vegas teenager Lex Rox is aiming for pop and hip-hop stardom
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 Las Vegas teen pop sensation and UNLV Running Rebels booster Lex Rox, 15, getting ready for her time in the spotlight. By Lex Rox My first step to stardom came when I joined the youth choir ... Read more...
Adrian Zmed in cruise control as ‘Surf the Musical’ is fine-tuned
By John Katsilometes Adrian Zmed is seated in a randomly selected foldout chair at the “Peepshow” theater in Planet Hollywood. This is where “Surf the Musical” is showcased nightly except Thursday, when the beach is dark. As stagehands amble across the vast stage amassing the show’s set, a car is rolled into the middle of the scenery. It is “Surf’s” most significant set piece, an aqua-colored 1957 Ford Thunderbird convertible. The car has been beautifully restored and gleams sharply under ... Read more...
Jabbawockeez: From dancing in the streets to stardom on the Strip
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 with dancer Ben Chung of Monte Carlo headliners the Jabbawockeez, who on Aug. 5 at Orleans Arena will receive the Living Legend of Hip Hop Award — the first time in Hip Hop International’s 11-year history that a ... Read more...
Louie Anderson shares the two sides of the coin called fame
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 with heavyweight (said lovingly) TV comedian Louie Anderson, who headlines his own Comedy Club at Palace Station. By Louie Anderson Some days you are famous, and some days you used to be! I use the word “famous” because ... Read more...
Photos: Season 4 of ‘Top Chef Masters’ kicks off at the Cosmopolitan
By Don Chareunsy Season 4 of Bravo’s popular “Top Chef Masters” was filmed at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, so it was appropriate that Boulevard Pool at the Cosmopolitan would be the site of the Season 4 premiere party Wednesday night. In attendance: Season 4 host and Australian heartthrob chef Curtis Stone, “TCM” Season 4 judges Francis Lam, James Oseland and Krista Simmons, “TCM” Season 3 cheftestant Hugh Acheson, Season 3 cheftestant Mary Sue Milliken of Border Grill at Mandalay ... Read more...
Tom Zaller brought one of history’s greatest masterminds to the Strip
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 Imagine Exhibitions’ Tom Zaller, who masterminded the extraordinary showcase of “Da Vinci: the Genius — an Inspirational Exhibit” at the Venetian (he also is the new manager of the Mob Attraction at the Tropicana). By Tom ... Read more...
Angela Stabile’s successes include Flamingo’s ‘X Burlesque’ and …
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 a Las Vegas success story from Angela Stabile, the producer of “X Burlesque,” those very sexy topless glamour girls at the Flamingo. By Angela Stabile Frankie Sidoris was destined to be a rock star. When he ... Read more...
Lorena Peril lives out a fantasy in landing 49ers anthem gig
By John Katsilometes Lorena Peril is the vocalist in “Fantasy.” Last Saturday, she learned that she’ll be living one. Peril is a San Francisco native who has lived in Las Vegas since 2005. Her favorite NFL team is the San Francisco 49ers. She happens to be one of the great singers in Las Vegas, or anywhere, as the vocalist in the adult revue at the Luxor. When she’s not singing such “Fantasy” staples as “Roxanne” or “Hips Don’t Lie,” Peril ... Read more...
Malfunctioning electrical system forces cancellations of ‘Absinthe’
By John Katsilometes “Absinthe” at Caesars Palace unwittingly performed an impression of “O” on Tuesday. What a show spokeswoman describes as an electrical failure Tuesday afternoon triggered the life-safety system (sprinklers is another way to describe that system), which in turn flooded the floor of the tent that serves as home to the production at Caesars’ Roman Plaza. The dousing occurred hours before Tuesday’s scheduled performance. The dampened theater and standing water wiped out two shows Tuesday night, the lone ... Read more...
Krave moving downtown, expanding into ‘world’s largest gay nightclub’
By Joe Schoenmann A mainstay on the Las Vegas Strip for eight years, Krave nightclub, which caters to a gay and lesbian clientele, is moving downtown, where it expects to nearly triple its business. In the former 14-screen, 80,000-square-foot Galaxy 11 multiplex movie theater on the third floor of Neonopolis, on the northwest corner of Fremont Street and Las Vegas Boulevard, Krave owner Kelly Murphy said he expected to open the “world’s largest gay nightclub,” calling it Krave Massive, in ... Read more...
Gordon Ramsay Pub to replace Bradley Ogden at Caesars Palace
By Brock Radke One of the longest-running Las Vegas restaurant rumors became official today when it was announced that chef and culinary TV star Gordon Ramsay, who just opened his first restaurant on the Strip in May with Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris, will helm a second dining destination within the Caesars Entertainment empire. Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill is set to open in late 2012 at Caesars Palace in the space currently occupied by Bradley Ogden. Ogden’s restaurant, one ... Read more...
‘Cirque Mom’ Jeana Blackman and stage manager Stacey Myers of ‘Ka’
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 with “Tales From a Cirque Mom,” a story of a mother by day and by night the keeper of the “Ka” twins. Plus, the woman who keeps Cirque’s most spectacular show afloat. By Jeana Blackman Right now, I ... Read more...
New L.V. resident Jeff Timmons talks 98 Degrees, Chippendales, ‘Wired’
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 98 Degrees hit-maker and singer Jeff Timmons, who became a Las Vegas resident after his Chippendales guest run at the Rio and is now headlining at Green Valley Ranch. By Jeff Timmons I am sitting in ... Read more...
Michael Mina plans new restaurant at MGM Grand
By Ron Sylvester Michael Mina is planning a new restaurant at MGM Grand. Seablue will be closing its open kitchens and wood-fired grill Aug. 6, MGM Resorts announced today to make way for the new restaurant. Seablue opened on Oct. 27, 2003. No details about the new restaurant were released. Restaurants and other draws at Las Vegas resorts regularly reinvent themselves to remain fresh for visitors. Mina also operates Nobhill Tavern elsewhere in MGM Grand, as well as American Fish ... Read more...
How French chef and DJ Hubert Keller scored with American burgers
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 “Top Chef Masters” star and owner Hubert Keller of Fleur by Hubert Keller and Burger Bar at Mandalay Bay who also gets our four stars for his DJ skills. By Hubert Keller Some say gourmet burgers ... Read more...
From dust to dreams to PBS: Smith Center gala reaches destination
By John Katsilometes There is no point in lining up such superstars as Neil Patrick Harris, Jennifer Hudson, Joshua Bell, John Fogerty, Carole King, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Emmylou Harris if you can’t share the experience with the masses. That is the conclusion drawn from the Smith Center for the Performing Arts’ gala opening-night performance, held March 10 at Reynolds Hall. Announced last week was that the 2-hour special would air on PBS (Channel 10 on Cox Communications’ basic ... Read more...
Photos: Big Time Rush is a big time rush for young girls at Mandalay Bay
By Ron Sylvester Groups such as Big Time Rush often get tagged as a boy band to dismiss their popularity as a passing fancy for little girls. But over generations, groups such the Osmonds, the Jackson Five, New Kids on the Block and the Backstreet Boys become bookmarks of life’s memories. Hearing the songs years later rekindles times when we worried so much about concerns of so little consequence. Big Time Rush made memories for a couple thousand young girls, ... Read more...
Jonathan Fine aims to please tourists and lure them back to Las Vegas
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 with Jonathan Fine, owner and founder of Fine Entertainment Management, which includes Sting Alarm, PBR Rock Bar at Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood and Ranch House Kitchen at Town Square. By Jonathan Fine In the 1940s, my ... Read more...
Christina Olivarez of Diego: ‘Food is my career, my passion and my life’
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 Christina Olivarez, executive chef of Diego at MGM Grand who recently became the first Las Vegas chef and female to win the Food Network’s “Chopped.” By Christina Olivarez In addition to loving my restaurant, I am ... Read more...
Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, Godsmack to play Rock Vegas at Mandalay
For the second year in a row, the Strip is set to play 48-hour host to a gaggle of popular hard rock acts and thousands of hard rock fans. Just don’t call this year’s event the 48 Hours Festival. That’s sooooo 2011. The new event, called Rock Vegas, will take place at Mandalay Bay Events Center on Friday, Sept. 28, and Saturday, Sept. 29. Set to perform: Shinedown, Godsmack, Staind, Papa Roach, P.O.D., Adelitas Way, New Medicine, Deuce and Redlight ... Read more...
AFAN reveals its Black & White Party’s ‘Right to Wear Red’ honorees
By Mark Adams Although the dress code for AFAN’s annual Black & White Party is pretty self-explanatory, the search for an outfit became slightly more difficult for a few partygoers. That’s because a dozen attendees will stand out in scarlet among the fundraiser’s usual mass of people, as AFAN has given 12 local philanthropists the “Right to Wear Red.” “We asked the staff here at AFAN to remember who was always constantly supporting the organization,” says AFAN Executive Director Antioco ... Read more...
Flamingo headliner George Wallace on dining and thrills in Las Vegas
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 very funny Flamingo headliner comedian and observer of life’s strangeness, George Wallace. By George Wallace Hello, Las Vegas! Greetings from “The New Mr. Vegas” George Wallace. Why do we love our city so much? If ... Read more...
How does Steve Benjamin, Joel Robuchon’s right-hand man, de-stress?
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, many of our Strip and Las personalities have stepped forward in his absence to pen their own words of wisdom. Our thanks to them all. We continue today with Steve Benjamin, executive chef of L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand, chef Robuchon’s right-hand man and a food star in his own right. By Steve Benjamin I dreamed of becoming a chef ever since I began ... Read more...
Diane Palm keeps the showgirls of ‘Jubilee!’ at the right height and in line
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 with Diane Palm, company manager of “Jubilee!,” the longest-running Las Vegas stage spectacular now in its 30th year and stronger than ever. Before stepping into the position of company manager, Diane performed in “Jubilee!” as one of the ... Read more...
Three years of fame has changed the life of Corey Harrison of ‘Pawn Stars’
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 “Pawn Stars” star Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison. By Corey Harrison Fame is a two-sided thing. You could never have told me three years ago when this whole crazy ride started what it would be like. Everyone ... Read more...
Photos: Stripper-journalist Sarah Tressler hosts, dances at Crazy Horse III
By Don Chareunsy Stripper and former Houston Chronicle reporter Sarah Tressler hosted a meet-and-greet and performed as a guest dancer at Crazy Horse III on Friday night. Tressler arrived at Crazy Horse III in a low-cut, embroidered, white lace bra, a tight, white skirt, a fitted gray blazer, a silver bowtie and sparkling, sky-high Christian Louboutin stilettos, posed for photographs and talked with fans while signing copies of her book “Diary of an Angry Stripper.” For her topless performance, Tressler, ... Read more...
Abracadabra! Exclusive photos: Murray Sawchuck weds Chloe Crawford
When magician Murray Sawchuck and his beautiful stage assistant Chloe Louise Crawford tied the knot in a secret surprise wedding Friday night, it was truly a magical affair. The groom and bride have known each other for five years in traveling the world with his magic act and now as headliner at the new Tropicana. “We finally decided to tie the knot,” the “America’s Got Talent” semifinalist told me exclusively. A small group of close friends, Las Vegas magicians and ... Read more...
Ohio trio New Hollow opens for Big Time Rush tonight at Mandalay Bay
By Don Chareunsy The Ohio pop trio New Hollow — teens Mick Clouse (lead vocalist and guitarist), Chad Blashford (drummer and rapper) and Evan West (lead vocalist, bassist and keyboardist) — have years to go before they can have their first beer. In fact, they’re not even old enough to vote, but they are old enough to open for Big Time Rush at Mandalay Bay Events Center tonight. Clouse, 17, Blashford, 16, and West, 17, have already found chart success ... Read more...
Celebrity preview: Porrino, Tosh, Sublime, Willie Nelson, Big Time Rush
By Don Chareunsy This very weekend in the Entertainment Capital of the World, one can be a little bit country and a little bit … comedy, as it is a country music and comedy showdown. Yee-haw vs. LOLOLOL. The controversial Daniel Tosh is back again, as are fan favorite Jerry Seinfeld and the legendary Bill Cosby. The legendary Willie Nelson, proud to be an American Lee Greenwood and Crystal Gayle and Joe Nichols face off. Do you think tequila makes ... Read more...
Lorena Peril and Tracey Day of ‘Fantasy’ reveal a few sexy secrets
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 “Fantasy” headliner and knockout singer Lorena Peril and the show’s dance captain, topless temptress Tracey Day. By Lorena Peril What do you do when you work in a show produced by Anita Mann? Everything you can! ... Read more...
Harrah’s headliner Mac King reveals the secret to a great practical joke
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 Harrah’s headliner comedy magician Mac King, who has many a trick up his sleeve. By Mac King Howdy, I’m Mac King, and I have a comedy magic show at Harrah’s here in Las Vegas. In my ... Read more...
Zoe Thrall is prepared for anything in running Palms recording studio
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 Zoe Thrall, the lucky lady who delivers superstar hits in the Studio at the Palms. By Zoe Thrall Ahhh, life in the recording studio. I know what you’re thinking … rubbing elbows with artists embarking on ... Read more...
Las Vegas’ Imagine Dragons prove they can pack — and take — a punch
By John Katsilometes The time-honored rock adage is, always keep your eye on the bassist. Maybe that is not an adage so much as an advised course of action. Tucked nondescriptly in the band’s rhythm section, the bass player keeps the rudder steady while the lead guitarist and vocalist bask in the spotlight. But Ben McKee of Imagine Dragons is no such bassist. As a founding member of the Las Vegas-rooted rock band, which made its national TV debut Monday ... Read more...
Summer, fall beauty tips from hair guru to the stars Michael Boychuck
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 hair guru to the stars Michael Boychuck, who with his salon Color at Caesars Palace and his new LifeSpa + Salon by Michael Boychuck is the only man free to run his hands through Paris Hilton’s ... Read more...
Chef Steve Martorano’s journey from South Philly to food stardom
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 self-trained chef Steve Martorano, who not only made mom’s meatballs famous, but also DJs the disco hits while he cooks them at his popular Cafe Martorano in the Rio. By Steve Martorano Yo Cuz! Steve Martorano ... Read more...
The Who hits the Joint in February; Cee Lo targets same for ‘Loberace’
By John Katsilometes Those thirsting for information about the Who’s U.S. tour and Cee Lo Green’s postponed “Loberace” production at Planet Hollywood should read on: • The Who is stopping in Las Vegas during its just-announced “Quadrophenia” U.S. tour. Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend announced the upcoming tour during a news conference that streamed live on the Internet today. The band plays the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel on Feb. 8, with tickets starting at $99.50 and going on ... Read more...
‘Day of Asian Cinema’ takes center stage at fifth Las Vegas Film Festival
“The Fifth Annual Las Vegas Film Festival” runs July 19-22 at the Las Vegas Hotel (LVH), formerly the Hilton. Visit LVFilmFest.com for a complete schedule of events, list of films, ticket prices and more. In a city devoted to glitz, glamor and gaming, some might say that the world of film is best left to Hollywood. Milo Kostelecky disagrees. “Our arts community is ripe with opportunity right now. We have so many different cultures in town, and film, maybe more ... Read more...
First Food & Bar to be featured on Cooking Channel’s ‘Unique Eats’
By Ron Sylvester First Food & Bar will be featured this weekend on the Cooking Channel’s “Unique Eats,” and chef Sam DeMarco’s 4-year-old restaurant in the Palazzo will be offering free samples during the airing of the program Sunday night. Billed as a “neighborhood bar” inside the world’s largest resort, First Food & Bar will be showing the program from 7 to 8 p.m. Sunday. It will be offering samples of the two dishes featured on the show: “BBQ Pulled ... Read more...
Hit after hit, success after success for Imperial Palace’s Human Nature
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 with the four-man Australian singing group Human Nature, who take a breath from headlining at Imperial Palace to look back at an amazing first six months of 2012. This year has started as one of the most amazing ... Read more...
Magician Nathan Burton is popping up on TV around the world
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 Flamingo headliner magician Nathan Burton, who has been globe-hopping for some interesting TV appearances. By Nathan Burton It’s incredibly nice of Robin Leach to trust me to fill his shoes. How he conjures up each day ... Read more...
Chef Kerry Simon talks David Bowie, Debbie Harry, ‘Iron Chef,’ KGB
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 “Iron Chef” winner Kerry Simon, who in addition to his hit L.A. restaurants also has Kerry’s Gourmet Burgers in Harrah’s and Simon in Palms Place with its wildly popular Sunday pajama brunch. By Kerry Simon Robin ... Read more...
How Tatyana Khomyakova’s Bettie Page Clothing was born in Las Vegas
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 Tatyana Khomyakova, founder and designer of Bettie Page Clothing headquartered at Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops. Bettie Page Clothing has stores throughout the U.S. and sells to hundreds of boutiques the world over. It’s a story ... Read more...
Review: K.D. Lang and the Siss Boom Bang at Smith Center’s Reynolds Hall
By Andrea Domanick “During this next song, some of the ladies in the audience might feel a pulling sensation toward the stage,” said K.D. Lang during her recent tour stop in Las Vegas. “That’s because this banjo I have right here is a real chick magnet!” Lang may have been joking, but within minutes, dozens of the coiffed, cardigan-wearing middle-aged women in the audience flocked to the foot of the stage, shrieking and casting off garments at Lang as she ... Read more...
Photos: Stifler is the best Las Vegas show you don’t know about
By John Katsilometes OK, I will owe to the obvious: Stifler? I just met ’er (hashtag-SheckyKats)! That’s an inside joke, but Stifler is an entirely insiders’ experience. Backstory: Saturday night erupted, Mount Vesuvius-like, in the Lounge at the Palms. This is where, on occasional Saturdays, an unbilled, quasi-organized showcase under the mysterious title Stifler is held forth around 11:30 p.m. At the center of the manic performance are Frankie Moreno and a few members of his band that headline Wednesdays ... Read more...
Coachella festival is setting sail for the Bahamas and Jamaica?!
By Andrea Domanick Music festivals in the desert are so passé: Coachella organizer Goldenvoice announced Tuesday that it’s taking the acclaimed desert music and arts festival to the sea with a new concert cruise event dubbed the S.S. Coachella. (And don’t worry, water haters; 2013’s already-sold-out Indio, California, weekends are still happening as scheduled.) The inaugural voyage will feature two separate cruises,on which identical lineups of popular Coachella artists will perform. Both cruises leave from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with the ... Read more...
Cee Lo’s ‘Loberace’ at Planet Hollywood is postponed until 2013
By John Katsilometes To enjoy this bling, wait until 2013. Cee Lo Green’s “Loberace,” scheduled to begin Aug. 29 at Planet Hollywood’s “Peepshow” theater, has been postponed until an unspecified time in ’13. Green’s manager, Blue Edwards, confirmed today via e-mail that the show will be pushed back until next year. No dates have yet been provided as to when “Loberace,” a dazzling production that is to be a nod to the garish staging of Liberace’s performances in Las Vegas, ... Read more...
Richard Harrison of ‘Pawn Stars’ lends McCarran chair to museum
By Dave Toplikar Wearing sunglasses and a no-nonsense air of authority, Richard “The Old Man” Harrison from TV’s “Pawn Stars” made his way Tuesday morning into the Clark County Commission chambers to be honored — and to leave behind a couple of gifts. One was a check for $1,000 for the Clark County Museum. And the other was the loan of a piece of historical furniture for the museum — the U.S. Senate floor chair used from 1933 to 1954 ... Read more...
Alexandra Epstein: Year of Downtown with renovations, new businesses
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 with the woman who sits at the center of everything new downtown: Alexandra Epstein, executive vice president of the El Cortez. By Alexandra Epstein Whether talking about new beacons of culture, such as the incredible Smith Center for ... Read more...
South Point tells David Cassidy: Wait until next year
By John Katsilometes It’s an offer only a daydream believer could have envisioned. David Cassidy is attempting to atone for his regretful appearance at South Point on July 1. According to published reports and from first-hand witnesses of the performance, an evidently addled Cassidy flubbed lyrics as he began a tribute to the late Davy Jones and barked at audience members to “shut up!” as they groaned their displeasure. Dozens of fans walked out, prompting Cassidy to issue a lengthy ... Read more...
Terry Fator shares 12 fun facts about his headliner show at the Mirage
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 Mirage headliner, ventriloquist and entertainer Terry Fator, who, although he is a man of 100 voices, actually only has one when it comes down to the numbers. By Terry Fator Las Vegas is all about the ... Read more...
Las Vegas is a shopper’s paradise, reality TV star Laura Croft says
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 reality TV personality Laura Croft’s occasional series of fashion fun. By Laura Croft Las Vegas is referred to as Vegas, Sin City and the Entertainment Capital of the World, but that doesn’t even begin to describe ... Read more...
Daren Libonati has brought Grateful Dead, MMA, NBA, soccer to town
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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. Today, we welcome Daren Libonati, Justice Entertainment Group’s president who served as executive director of UNLV’s three special-events venues: the Thomas & Mack Center, Sam Boyd Stadium and Cox Pavilion. From National Finals Rodeo to Vegoose, supercross, Arena Bowl and ... Read more...
It’s madness and mayhem with The Gazillionaire and Penny Pibbets
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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 with outrageous observations from The Gazillionaire and Penny Pibbets, two stars of “Absinthe,” the exotic and erotic hit adult circus at Caesars Palace that has just been renewed through at least October 2013 and possibly October 2014. By ... Read more...
Liberace Foundation is bracing for a resurgence of ‘Mr. Showmanship’
By John Katsilometes The man himself has been dead for 25 years, and the Las Vegas museum he founded that houses his famous costumes, pianos, jewelry and other personal effects closed two years ago. But the specter of Liberace continues to stride onstage for curtain calls. A movie about “Mr. Showmanship” is being filmed, and producers have been in Las Vegas looking for a splash of flash. This week, a pair of Liberace’s famous vehicles were loaded on a flatbed ... Read more...
Photos: Il Divo ready to make fans swoon at Colosseum for two nights
By Don Chareunsy David Miller hails from Colorado, Urs Buhler from Switzerland, Sebastien Izambard from France and Carlos Marin from Spain, but fans across the world know the four men as Il Divo, the operatic pop vocal foursome created by Simon Cowell who have sold more than 26 million albums. Il Divo — “divine male performer” in Italian, but there is no Italian singer in the group, although they do sing in the language — hits the Colosseum at Caesars ... Read more...
Taylor Hicks makes his fans proud in Indigo Lounge at Bally’s
By Don Chareunsy Once an “American Idol” winner, always an “American Idol” winner. Season 5 champion Taylor Hicks’ soulful voice, charm and, well, endearingly awkward dancing are on full display in his eight-week headlining run at Indigo Lounge in Bally’s. The show started right on time at 7 p.m., and for the next 90 minutes, Hicks’ voice, harmonica and tambourine shared the spotlight with his solid and high-energy five-man band. Hicks and Co. could easily fill House of Blues at ... Read more...
Celebrity preview: Diddy, The Sitch, Aretha Franklin, Il Divo, K.D. Lang
By Don Chareunsy The Entertainment Capital of the World morphs into the Culture Capital of the World this weekend, with music legends Aretha Franklin, Stephen Sondheim and K.D. Lang sharing the spotlight with global heartthrobs Il Divo. But if they aren’t your cup of tea, and beer or soda is more in your wheelhouse, also in town: Demi Lovato with Hot Chelle Rae and Aaron Lewis of Staind. It’s been a while, hasn’t it? For sports fans, the NBA Summer ... Read more...
‘Phantom,’ Part 2: Fans say, ‘We’re going to come back one more time!’
On Wednesday, we posted my talk with the four principals of “Phantom — the Las Vegas Spectacular” at the Venetian — Tony Award-winning Anthony Crivello (Phantom), Kristi Holden (Christine Daae), Andrew Ragone (Raoul) and Tina Walsh (Madam Giri) — about their bittersweet feelings about the musical celebrating its sixth anniversary last month, yet is closing Sept. 2. The second part of our conversation continues today. Robin Leach: Are audiences coming back in droves because they know you’re coming to the ... Read more...
Photos: Hard Rock Hotel ready to snap and crackle with Vinyl
By John Katsilometes Outside, the Hard Rock Hotel sound system is playing the Bryan Adams 1984 hit “Cuts Like a Knife.” Inside, workers are carving a new entertainment enclave. The space is called Vinyl, and as Hard Rock Hotel Vice President of Entertainment Paul Davis says, the name is to evoke the organic warmth — and even the crackle and pop — of the new venue. “We’re after that shred of legitimacy, that rawness and gritty feel of the music, ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: ‘DWTS’ rumors, ‘MythBusters,’ Olympics, Chocolat
By Don Chareunsy Robin Leach is on vacation in Italy, but he is still keeping tabs on Las Vegas. He reports strong rumors that Carson Kressley, now appearing in “Dancing With the Stars: Live in Las Vegas” at the Tropicana, will be part of the ABC juggernaut’s all-star-reunion Season 15 premiere in September. Also onboard, Joey Lawrence, who recently bared his biceps with Chippendales at the Rio as a guest host and singer. And Maria Menounos, who fought bravely against ... Read more...
The boys are back in town for the NBA Summer League at UNLV
Editor’s Note: While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, many of our Strip personalities have stepped forward in his absence to pen their own words of wisdom. Our thanks to them all. We continue with an inside look at the stars and the teams in this year’s NBA Summer League that starts Friday at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion at UNLV. By Warren LeGarie and Albert Hall Weeeeeeeee’re baaaaaaccckkkk!!! Hello, ... Read more...
‘American Idol’ invites Jerry Lewis as a judge for Season 12
In what could be one of the more delicious pairings in the history of television, producers of “American Idol” have contacted Jerry Lewis about the possibility of joining the judging panel for the show’s 12th season. Lewis spokeswoman Candi Cazau reports that a package describing the requirements for judging the show has been sent to Lewis’ office in Las Vegas. Lewis and his assistant, Jeff Lowe (who has stepped in as Lewis’ former assistant, David Jackson, left the entertainment legend ... Read more...
Aretha Franklin is still singing and loving life at 70 — er, 55!
Music legend Aretha Franklin certainly has R-E-S-P-E-C-T, and not only because she’s beloved as the Queen of Soul. The lovely lady was named #1 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time and received an honorary doctorate of music from Princeton, only one of six to date. But one of the greatest stars of our time who was the first woman honored by the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame has one dream remaining: She wants ... Read more...
‘Phantom,’ Part 1: Bittersweet 6th anniversary as musical ends Sept. 2
It was a bittersweet moment as the cast of “Phantom — the Las Vegas Spectacular” at the Venetian celebrated the musical’s sixth anniversary last month under the shadow of closing Sept. 2. My not-so-easy task was to talk about the happiness of the 2,614th show and simultaneously the sadness of the nearing final curtain. I met the show’s four principals backstage: Tony Award-winning Anthony Crivello (Phantom), Kristi Holden (Christine Daae), Andrew Ragone (Raoul) and Tina Walsh (Madam Giri). Here’s the ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Tyson, Ramsay, Pinkberry and NBA Summer League
By Don Chareunsy Journalists never truly go on vacation. Robin Leach reports from New York City today while en route to his annual vacation in Italy: Mike Tyson’s Broadway success with the Spike Lee-directed “Undisputed Truth,” which had its world premiere at MGM Grand, is assured. Producers have already extended the run an extra week due to ticket demand and blocked off the theater for two additional weeks in the event of another sellout. Additionally, Tyson has agreed to a ... Read more...
Myron Martin on the first 100 days of the Smith Center’s revolution
Editor’s Note: While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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. The second day of guest columns continues with Flamingo headliner Donny Osmond and Myron Martin, president of the downtown Smith Center for the Performing Arts that has revolutionized the cultural, arts and entertainment scene in Las Vegas since ... Read more...
Donny Osmond by the numbers: 60 albums, 50 years in showbiz
Editor’s Note: While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, 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. The second day of guest columns starts with Flamingo headliner and pop star supremo Donny Osmond as he celebrates a banner year even after 50 years in show business. By Donny Osmond Robin, Thank you for the privilege ... Read more...
Photos: DJ Alesso celebrates The Big 2-1 at Botero Supper Club, XS
By Don Chareunsy For a group of budding and young journalists, The Big 2-1 wasn’t particularly special or over the top. But for DJ Alesso, the milestone celebration was at XS, one of the most celebrated nightclubs in the world, at Steve Wynn’s Encore on Monday night. The wunderkind is one of the youngest DJs on XS’ roster of 36 electronic dance music residents and celebrated with his BFFs from Sweden. Alesso et al kicked off Monday night dining at ... Read more...
Photos: XS celebrates Fourth of July weekend with Avicii, Kobe, Tito
By Don Chareunsy DJ Avicii was the star spangled music attraction as Hollywood and sports celebrities packed into XS in Steve Wynn’s Encore on Saturday night as part of the hotel’s Independence Week celebrations, and the nightclub was at capacity as partygoers were still in town from the midweek Fourth of July and International Fight Week. The crowd included UFC fan favorite Tito Ortiz with his wife Jenna Jameson. Ortiz, who lost to Forrest Griffin in UFC 148 in his ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: WSOP, ‘The Situation,’ ‘Bizarre Foods,’ Frank Marino
By Don Chareunsy The numbers are in for the 2012 World Series of Poker, and they are jaw dropping. This year, 6,598 players took part in the Main Event, down from 6,865 last year. However, consider Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte’s $48 million Big One for One Drop poker fundraiser, and the total prize pool easily surpassed $200 million for the first time (it was the eighth consecutive year that the purse eclipsed $100 million). The Main Event of ... Read more...
Jesse Waits explains the staying power of electronic dance music
Editor’s Note: While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, many of our Strip and Las Vegas personalities have stepped forward in his absence to pen their own words of wisdom. Our first day starts with Rick Harrison of “Pawn Stars” and this column about the growing and lasting influence of electronic dance music and its star DJs taking over the Las Vegas nightclub scene. Who better than Tryst and XS chief Jesse Waits ... Read more...
Photos: Shoot for 2013 ‘Fantasy’ calendar in Las Vegas is hot, hot, hot
Hot was definitely the word of the day, hot because the temperature in my car read 124 degrees(!) when I pulled up to the “Fantasy” glamour girls photo shoot location Monday afternoon. Hot because the blonde and brunette beauties were filming under bright lights and glaring reflectors that pushed up the reading even higher. And hot because the bronzed bikini bodies were, ahem, just that. It was the annual two-day sexy shoot of the Luxor’s fabulous “Fantasy” females, and Vegas ... Read more...
Rick Harrison of ‘Pawn Stars’ talks losing weight, his wedding, Bieber
Editor’s Note: While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, many of our Strip and Las Vegas personalities have stepped forward in his absence to pen their own words of wisdom. We kick off today with “Pawn Stars” hero Rick Harrison. By Rick Harrison Three years in for “Pawn Stars.” And I thought it would only last maybe a season, if we were lucky. I have been fortunate enough to be on David Letterman, ... Read more...
Star Surveillance: It’s one ‘Love’ for Bono; NBA stars; UFC stars; LMFAO
U2 frontman Bono, wife Ali and daughter Eve celebrating her 21st birthday watched “The Beatles’ Love” by Cirque du Soleil at the Mirage. It was his first time, and he sang and danced along to the Fab Four’s music. Backstage, he complimented the cast and crew on the breakaway Volkswagen and playfully asked when Cirque was going to make a show based on the music of U2. Celebrities at STK in the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas included 2012 NBA MVP ... Read more...
Exclusive: Holly Madison’s plans after ‘Peepshow’? Staying put and a baby
For the first time, platinum blonde beauty Holly Madison has talked candidly about her plans after she brings her run as the headliner in “Peepshow” at Planet Hollywood to a close Dec. 30: She says that she wants to use the time to have a baby and raise a family even if she doesn’t get married. In an exclusive interview, her first conversation since the news of her decision to wrap up her nearly four-year run in the topless burlesque, ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: A fond farewell to a wonderful friend, Ernest Borgnine
A sad loss as a wonderful man departs. Academy Award-winning actor Ernest Borgnine died Sunday, and I remember him fondly. My former “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous talent booker Karen Cadle brought him to Las Vegas last November, and we caught up at the Forum Shops in Caesars Palace during an autograph show. I was friends with Ernie and his wife Tova for 30-plus years starting in the early 1980s. Karen emailed me this morning: “I was so lucky ... Read more...
Counter Intelligence: Bon Appetit vs. Food & Wine, World Pastry Forum
It seems as if Las Vegas is finally being acknowledged as a dining and celebrity chef Mecca because yet another monster food festival is on its way. Last Thursday, I told you about the new World Food Championships with Adam Richman, and we’ve reported on Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appetit. Now I’ve learned that “Top Chef” judge Gail Simmons is leading a rival, three-day All Star Chefs Weekend for her Food & Wine Magazine at MGM Resorts properties from Oct. ... Read more...
100th episode of Travel Channel’s ‘Bizarre Foods’ in L.V. airs tonight
Two-time James Beard Award winner Andrew Zimmern kicks off his Season 6 of eight 1-hour episodes of the Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods America” tonight with the 100th episode set here in Las Vegas. Cameras filmed the adventurous culinary explorer as he showed the unusual cuisine found in the Entertainment Capital of the World; we posted our interview with Andrew on Feb. 22. Andrew’s advice remains the same: “If it looks good, eat it!” To commemorate the milestone, the Travel Channel ... Read more...
Photos: Rob Dyrdek celebrates his belated 38th birthday at the Bank
By Don Chareunsy Skateboarder and reality TV star Rob Dyrdek celebrated his belated 38th birthday at the Bank Nightclub in the Bellagio on Friday night. The birthday weekend started with dinner at chef Akira Back’s nearby Yellowtail before heading over to the Bank. After a night of drinking, dancing and birthday cake at the Bank, Dyrdek, who turned 38 on June 28, and his friends enjoyed a Saturday in the sun at Liquid Pool Lounge in Aria, where his reality ... Read more...
Aerosmith, Green Day, No Doubt to play 2012 iHeartRadio Music Festival
By Spencer Patterson Out to prove that last year’s collection of massive names was no fluke, the Las Vegas-bound iHeartRadio Music Festival revealed its 2012 lineup today, with Aerosmith, Green Day, No Doubt, Swedish House Mafia, Deadmau5, Taylor Swift, Usher and Rihanna among the stars on the bill. The two-day festival, scheduled for September 21 and 22 at MGM Grand Garden Arena, is also set to include Mary J. Blige, Bon Jovi, Calvin Harris, Brad Paisley, Lil Wayne, Linkin Park, ... Read more...
Photos: B.o.B leads Saturday night Sunrise Sessions at Hyde Bellagio
By Don Chareunsy Six-time Grammy Award-nominated songwriter and rapper B.o.B performed at Hyde Bellagio on Saturday night. B.o.B arrived at the nightclub behind the Bellagio Fountains wearing shades with gold trim, a backward baseball cap, a T-shirt with the logo and word “victory” on it and bright, salmon-colored denim. B.o.B. posed for photographs on the arrivals carpet and stopped to take a few photographs with fans before heading inside. B.o.B and his entourage made their way to a VIP booth ... Read more...
Photos: Liddell, Celeste host UFC Fight Week Party at Palms
By Don Chareunsy UFC Hall of Famer and legend Chuck Liddell and fellow UFC stars “Sugar” Rashad Evans, Arianny Celeste and other UFC Octagon Girls hosted the official UFC Fight Week Pool Party at the Palms Pool & Bungalows at the Palms last Thursday. MMA fan favorite Liddell kept it super casual and pool party appropriate in a green Headrush T-shirt and gray board shorts and was flanked by Celeste and fellow bikini babes Brittney Palmer, Rachelle Leah, Kenda Perez, ... Read more...
Photos: Chael Sonnen, B.J. Penn host parties at MGM Grand’s Tabu
By Don Chareunsy On Friday night, retired MMA star B.J. Penn, the only fighter to win a UFC lightweight and welterweight title, hosted a pre-fight party at Tabu Ultra Lounge in MGM Grand, while UFC middleweight fighter Chael Sonnen hosted his after-party Saturday immediately after his UFC 148 Main Event second-round TKO loss to Anderson Silva. Penn kept it casual in a gray polo and jeans walking the arrivals carpet as family members, including his mother Lorraine and his Aunty ... Read more...
Photos: LeBron James hosts NBA championship celebration at Tao
By Don Chareunsy Miami Heat star LeBron James hosted his official championship celebration at Tao in the Venetian on Saturday night. The NBA champion donned a pair of dressy Billionaire Boys Club sweat pants with suspenders and his trademark spectacles and dined at the restaurants with friends, including other Team USA teammates in town to train for the 2012 London Summer Olympics. After dinner, the group took over a VIP section on the dance floor upstairs in the nightclub. The ... Read more...
Photos: Kevin Hart celebrates his 32nd birthday at Gallery Nightclub
By Don Chareunsy Actor and comedian Kevin Hart celebrated his 32nd birthday at Gallery Nightclub in Planet Hollywood last Thursday night. The handsome funnyman, dressed in black jeans and a camouflage-style T-shirt, arrived at the nightclub around midnight with a large group of friends. Hart, who recently won a BET Award for Best Actor for his leading-man role in the hit “Think Like A Man,” and his friends enjoyed Ciroc Peach and Ciroc Coconut and Moet & Chandon Imperial Nectar ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Goretorium, ‘Evil Dead the Musical,’ Angel, Zappos
Gore, terror and blood are the new tourist attractions coming to the Strip, so it’s the ghouls, ghosts and scary surprises of Halloween every night of the year. Bloody Marys take on a whole new meaning — with its own to-go bar. Director Eli Roth’s Goretorium opening in September promises “the most terrorizing haunt of a lifetime.” “The Goretorium will be a destination for horror fans and tourists from around the world 365 days a year,” Eli said. “We are ... Read more...
Photos: Jason Derulo, with Jordin Sparks, at Rao’s, Celine, Venus, Pure
By Don Chareunsy Singer Jason Derulo’s latest visit to Las Vegas was jam-packed and included his girlfriend “American Idol” Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks. The R&B heartthrob capped his weekend Saturday night hosting and performing at Pure in Caesars Palace. Jason arrived at the hotspot holding hands with Jordin and posed for photographers on the arrivals carpet as fans screamed their names. The couple were seen cuddling and kissing in their VIP booth on Pure’s main stage before Jason took ... Read more...
Photos: Moves like Jagger? Moves like Foster the People at Cosmo
By Jack Houston If given the choice, Foster the People would probably return to the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas every four months for the rest of their career. Saturday night’s performance at Boulevard Pool marked their fourth performance at the resort in less than two years, and the sold-out concert dispelled any notion that their most recent appearance could be considered overkill. Given the band’s relative ubiquity in Las Vegas since debuting at Book & Stage in March 2011, there ... Read more...
Maggie Mancuso will always be just Darling to ‘Andy Griffith Show’ fans
By John Katsilometes It’s the night before Independence Day at Bootlegger Bistro. The crowd is thin, and the conversation light, sullen enough that you can hear the tinkling of glasses and silverware from neighboring tables. In the far-off corner of the dimly lit restaurant, Lorraine Hunt-Bono is singing “Misty.” “I feel like I’m clinging to a cloud I can’t understand,” she sings, smoothly, as pianist Gus Mancuso plays delicately behind her. “I get misty, just holding your hand.” Maggie Mancuso ... Read more...
‘Magic Mike’ stripped: L.V. hunks bare all about life as a male stripper
By Andrea Domanick Fans of men, muscles and mischief flocked to movie theaters last weekend for the opening of the highly anticipated Steven Soderbergh dramedy “Magic Mike.” It tells the story of Mike (Channing Tatum) and Adam “the Kid” (Alex Pettyfer) as they navigate the pleasures and pitfalls of working in a Tampa, Fla.-based male strip revue. But how does the film’s tale of oiled abs and excess compare to the real-life gig? I invited Chippendales performer and 11-year stripping ... Read more...
Gretchen Rossi will be ‘Unbreakable’ with gay fans tonight at Krave
The last time blonde bombshell Gretchen Rossi of “The Real Housewives of Orange County” was in Las Vegas, she stripped down to stockings, high heels and a bustier as a guest Pussycat Doll in the Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Saloon in Gallery Nightclub at Planet Hollywood. This weekend, she plans to keep her clothes on even though she says that her sexy image will still shine through. Gretchen is set to premiere her single “Unbreakable” at Krave in Planet Hollywood’s Miracle ... Read more...
Could it be a $26 million-plus poker week for L.V.’s Antonio Esfandiari?
Incredibly, even after winning the $18-million-plus richest poker prize in history, Las Vegas resident and poker pro Antonio Esfandiari will return to the Rio tables this weekend for back-to-back play in the World Series of Poker’s Main Event. If he wins again, it could wind up being a $26 million-plus week for the man appropriately nicknamed “The Magician.” Antonio risked the $1 million entry fee of Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte’s the Big One for One Drop for the ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Adam Richman, World Food Championships in L.V.
Producers of the Nov. 1-4 World Food Championships to be held in Las Vegas say it will be the highest-stakes food competition in the world. Full details are not yet known, but I’ve learned that the four-day event will be hosted by “Man vs. Food” star Adam Richman at the Paris and will showcase 25 top U.S. chefs competing with 20 top local chefs in a probable one-hour network TV special. It’s a $300,000 battle to crown champions in multiple ... Read more...
Celebrity preview: Four days of UFC, WSOP, LeBron, Foster, ‘Housewives’
Two giant poker events this weekend bring the 43rd Annual World Series of Poker to a close. What started out with six players in 1970 has turned into the game’s grandest spectacle, with more than 75,000 entrants competing for more than $192 million and the sport’s most prized possession: a WSOP bracelet. This year in front of ESPN cameras, there will have been 61 tournaments with buy-ins of $500 to $1 million. An astounding 480 poker tables are set up ... Read more...
Photos: New Miss Nevada Pageant winners prepare for national contests
UNLV student Randi Sundquist, 22, as the newly crowned Miss Nevada, starts her preparations today for the 2013 Miss America Pageant on Jan. 12 at Planet Hollywood and airing on ABC. Randi won the title Tuesday night at the Casablanca Casino and Resort in Mesquite along with Henderson’s 15-year-old singing phenomenon Ellie Smith, who was crowned Miss Nevada’s Outstanding Teen. Ellie flies next month to Orlando to compete in the Miss America Outstanding Teen competition. Our thanks to Las Vegas ... Read more...
Las Vegas’ Antonio Esfandiari wins $18 million, platinum bracelet at Rio
Las Vegas poker prince Antonio Esfandiari lived up to his “Magician” nickname tonight when he pulled off the trick of his life winning $18,346,673 in Guy Laliberte’s charity tournament the Big One for One Drop at the Rio. In the final head-to-head matchup, Antonio out-conjured Britain’s Sam Trickett —an appropriate name — who will fly back to England with the second-place $10,112,001. Guy, the founder of Cirque du Soleil, and his pal Bobby Baldwin, head honcho at MGM’s CityCenter, made ... Read more...
UNLV student Randi Sundquist new Miss Nevada; plus, Miss Nevada Teen
Judges selected Randi Sundquist, a UNLV student who is a former Miss Greater Las Vegas pageant queen, tonight as Miss Nevada 2012. The 22-year-old Elko native will represent the Silver State on Jan. 12 at the 2013 Miss America Pageant at Planet Hollywood and airing on ABC. Randi won the state competition against 11 hopefuls at the Casablanca casino resort in Mesquite. It was her second attempt at the title; last year, she was third runner-up to Alana Lee, who ... Read more...
Can the carefree ‘Surf’ avoid a wipeout at Planet Hollywood?
By John Katsilometes Ever tried surfing? It’s an uneasy practice. For every successful glide through the pipe, there are dozens of graceless nosedives to the drink. Hopefully, for those who yearn for ambitious Las Vegas production shows, “Surf the Musical” won’t go all Greg Brady as it opens at Planet Hollywood. “Surf” is being staged in the same theater where “Peepshow” disrobes (tickets are $144, $104, $84 and $64, absent fees). The show bumped back its original date for previews ... Read more...
Today and Fourth of July in L.V.: fireworks, barbecues, concerts, UFC
Here is the Royal Robin Rundown of events on the third and Fourth of July in town: TUESDAY, JULY 3 Donny and Marie Osmond celebrate Independence Day with a special matinee show at 4 p.m. in addition to their 7:30 p.m. performance, and ticket prices for the holiday are discounted $25 for locals. Singer and Songwriters Hall of Famer Don Mclean, the master of “American Pie,” performs at LVH. UFC 148 combatants Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen hold a press ... Read more...
Photos: The revered and respected Red, White and Blue
The Stars and Stripes! The Red, White and Blue! Old Glory! Whatever we call it, the flag of the United States is revered and respected, and as we get ready to celebrate another Independence Day on Wednesday, we reflect on contributing photographer Tom Donoghue’s portfolio of his precious patriotic portraits shot entirely in and around Las Vegas. The first flag with just 13 alternate red-and-white stripes and 13 white stars in a blue field dates to June 14, 1777, and ... Read more...
Photos: One Drop’s Exceptional Eight gunning for $18 million win at Rio
It was a long, brutal and nerve-wracking 12-hour Monday, and today’s extravaganza will be even more intense as eight exceptional men try to outplay one another in the Big One for One Drop poker tournament at the Rio to win the largest-ever prize purse in a sports event. More than $40 million is in the pool, with $18,346,673 going to the champion. That man could be Guy Laliberte, the founder of Cirque du Soleil with its seven shows here on ... Read more...
Photos: Earl of Sandwich opens at the Palms with Holly, Joey, Ricardo
Planet Hollywood founder Robert Earl is a master at working his celebrity black book whenever he opens a project, and on Monday two more of his Earl of Sandwich cafes opened simultaneously in Las Vegas and Atlantic City with an all-star turnout to join the 24 he already has across the country. Whoever would have thought Britain’s humble school kids’ and working man’s lunch — slices of meat between bread — would have caught on so big on foreign shores? ... Read more...
Photos: Donald Driver, ‘DWTS’ and ‘Housewives’ stars at Wynn, Encore
By Don Chareunsy Green Bay Packers wide receiver and “Dancing With the Stars” Season 14 champion Donald Driver was in the Entertainment Capital of the World on Friday for his 10th Annual Donald Driver Celebrity Golf Tournament, and he celebrated with celebrity friends at Wynn Las Vegas. The party began with dinner at the new Mizumi as Driver and his wife Betina Driver received guests including ESPN’s Ed Werder and Linda Cohen, actor Glynn Turman, actress Dawn Lewis, Seattle Seahawks ... Read more...
Photos: Mary Carey celebrates ‘Red, White and Boobs’ at Crazy Horse III
By Don Chareunsy Adult-film star and California gubernatorial candidate Mary Carey hosted the “3rd Annual Red, White and Boobs Bash” at Crazy Horse III on Saturday night, and Scott Harrison was on duty for this tough and patriotic assignment for a photo gallery. All eyes were on the, well, buxom blonde bombshell, who commanded attention in a — what else? — low-cut, curve-hugging white dress with — what else? — sky-high red stilettos. While making her way through the gentlemen’s ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Carla Pellegrino spices it up in and outside the kitchen
With two restaurants operating on high burner, chef Carla Pellegrino is one of the sexiest girls at the grill in town, and before she “vanished” to take part in six weeks of filming a top-secret reality TV show, photographer Denise Truscello captured her in some high-fashion poses. Vegas DeLuxe has a first look, and you have to admit that the photographs are as sexy as the spices in her spaghetti sauce! Carla had 250 pounds of pasta delivered to Denise’s ... Read more...
Zowie Bowie’s Marley Taylor weds during surprise engagement trip
Marley Taylor’s birthday celebration in Arizona with new boyfriend bass player Chris de Herrera turned out to be an engagement proposal — followed by an instant wedding ceremony! It was all part of a fast romance for the blonde bombshell singer and one half of the music duo Zowie Bowie. Marley was most recently romantically linked with trumpet player Dave Perrico, who performs his “Pop Evolution” weekly at South Point with new singer Naomi Mauro. “It was a shock to ... Read more...
Marcy Playground, Gin Blossoms, Lit, Sugar Ray, Everclear at Mandalay Bay
By Mark Adams If you were at Mandalay Bay Beach on Saturday night, you may have been confused about what decade it was, as five notable bands of the 1990s gathered at the Strip hotel’s oasis for the third stop of their arena-heavy Summerland Tour. The nostalgic lineup consisted of Marcy Playground, Gin Blossoms, Lit, Sugar Ray and Everclear. If you were a fan of Top 40 music from 1992 to 1999, this show was a must-see. Nostalgia has a ... Read more...
Tyson-Holyfield ear conversation turns saucy on Twitter
By John Katsilometes Fifteen years after Mike Tyson gnawed Evander Holyfield’s ear at MGM Grand, the two are joking on Twitter about the incident. At the center of the exchange is a new condiment being marketed by Holyfield. The back-and-forth between the two fanned out in a series of tweets on Friday. From his @Holyfield Twitter page, Holyfield posted, “My Real Deal BBQ Sauce will make u wanna take a bite out of someone’s ear! Ask @MikeTyson — Luv ya ... Read more...
Photos: Brian Rast in 1st place, Phil Hellmuth in 2nd at One Drop at Rio
To watch 11 men slowly lose $1 million each is a humbling experience even to a man like me accustomed to some pretty big numbers! Bobby Baldwin, MGM Resorts’ CityCenter chief, was right on with his prediction minutes before poker play began at the Rio on Sunday afternoon in Guy Laliberte’s the Big One for One Drop charity tournament: “Ten to 12 will go on the first day,” he told me. Today, 37 remain of the 48 who started out ... Read more...
Photos: 2007 Playmate of the Year Sara Underwood hosts at Tabu
By Don Chareunsy 2007 Playboy Playmate of the Year, model and actress Sara Underwood was the hostess with the mostess at Tabu Ultra Lounge in MGM Grand on Friday night. Before the blonde bombshell’s nightclub duties, Underwood and a group of friends dined at nearby Shibuya. Underwood set off the Friday night lights of the red carpet just before midnight in a curve-hugging black dress and matching black pumps with gold studs. Underwood posed for photographs and talked with fans ... Read more...
Alana Lee: My year representing Nevada in the Miss America Pageant
Twelve pageant hopefuls begin a two-day quest today for the title of Miss Nevada in the Miss America Pageant, and Tuesday night, Alana Lee ends her year’s reign as Miss Nevada 2011, turning over her crown to the winner who will compete in the 2013 Miss America Pageant at Planet Hollywood in January. The Silver State events are being held at the Casablanca resort in Mesquite, with swimsuit, evening gown, fitness wear, talent and judges’ questioning. We will have full ... Read more...
If you can’t play the bagpipes, Martin Short is a suitable substitute
The answer is slightly salty. I speak of Martin Short’s thumb and what it tastes like. This is information culled after playing Short like a set of bagpipes during his two shows at the Mirage this weekend. In this skit, we both wore kilts and tams as his piano player, Jeff Babko, played a Scottish number across the keyboard. We marched toward each other from either side of the stage. We bowed to each other, then to the audience. Short ... Read more...
Rick Salomon (of Pamela and Paris fame) competes in One Drop at Rio
Porn peddler Rick Salomon, who was wed here to pinup Playmate and actress Pamela Anderson for 80 days and released a video of his sex antics with one-time girlfriend Paris Hilton, bets $1 million today in hopes of winning $18 million. Rick is one of 48 poker players sitting down at the World Series of Poker charity event the Big One for One Drop at the Rio organized by Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte for a shot at the ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Holly's new wedding date; Jonas Brothers video; Trump's new (and very, very wealthy) partners
Reality television’s Holly Madison, who now calls Vegas home, has settled on Sept. 10 for her California wedding to "baby daddy" Pasquale Rotella, the promoter of this weekend’s giant Electric Daisy Carnival here.
Miss USA no match for NBA Finals; Donald Trump explains moving his pageants out of Vegas
The 51 glamorous girls of Donald Trump’s Miss USA pageant Sunday at Planet Hollywood were outscored and outpointed in the TV ratings war by the San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat.
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