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Luxe Life Blog • Archive for November 2012
Celebrity preview: Shania Twain, NASCAR, Aerosmith, Sia and MMA
No sooner do the 2012 NASCAR Champion’s Week racetrack stars leave their tire marks on the Strip than another set of slower speedsters race into town. It’s a keep-fit weekend in Las Vegas with the arrival of hundreds of runners for two major events. First up Saturday morning is the Great Santa Run to benefit our beloved Opportunity Village, and that starts at Town Square. Then on Sunday, the new night run of the Zappos.com Rock N’ Roll Marathon and ... Read more...
Photos: 2012 NASCAR champions cruise the Strip in Victory Lap
By Don Chareunsy The Strip was temporary closed down Thursday afternoon for the Victory Lap of 2012 NASCAR Champion’s Week, and hard-working contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was onsite yet again for another fantastic photo gallery. NASCAR took over the Strip as Mayor Carolyn Goodman, resplendent in red, presented 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski, who was all smiles throughout the afternoon, with a Key to the City of Las Vegas. Legendary magician and MGM Grand headliner David Copperfield, ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: CeeLo’s holiday special in L.V. airs Friday; PSY at Pure
CeeLo Green’s classic holiday special he recorded four weeks ago at Peepshow Theater in Planet Hollywood begins airing Friday on the TV Guide Network and online, and “The Voice” coach and mentor wants to make it an annual holiday special. Appearing with CeeLo in the one-hour special are music legend and Caesars Palace headliner Rod Stewart, singer Eric Benet with a duet on “Silent Night” and Kermit, Miss Piggy and fellow Muppets. CeeLo’s “Magic Moment” also features 19 singers from ... Read more...
Photos: Downtown Fan Fest kicks off NASCAR Champion’s Week
By Don Chareunsy Contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was at Fremont Street Experience on Wednesday afternoon for an extraordinary photo gallery of the annual Fan Fest that kicks off NASCAR Champion’s Week in Las Vegas. Donoghue reported that the Top 12 NASCAR drivers of the year — including fan favorites Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon — were greeted by thousands of fans as they walked the red carpet at the downtown event hosted by Las Vegas Motor Speedway. ... Read more...
Winter in Venice features Culinary Clash with Emeril, Mario, more
Join us for Culinary Clash, an epic cuisine competition where chefs of our renowned restaurants battle it out in front of Doge’s Palace at the Venetian in a party atmosphere complete with a DJ, cuisine and cocktails. I will host the continuing competition alongside celebrity judges such as chefs Mario Batali, Emeril Lagasse and Sam “Sammy D” DeMarco as competitors fight one another and the clock to create dishes featuring a secret ingredient. The chefs are from our celebrated collection ... Read more...
LVH + Broadway; Clint Holmes + Cabaret; Lon Bronson + Tower of Power
By John Katsilometes We are quick, yet thorough, as we take a rake to VegasVille: • Zowie Bowie, known more commonly these days as the singularly esteemed and unseasonably bronzed Chris Phillips, is hosting the 4th annual Cadillac of Las Vegas Celebrity Benefit Show at LVH Theater at 8 p.m. Friday. The show is not to benefit Cadillac of Las Vegas, which is the event sponsor, but rather the Las Vegas arm of the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots ... Read more...
Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall to close in February for yearlong renovation
Editor’s Note: Today’s official confirmation of Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon’s renovation by Caesars Entertainment was reported as far back as July 2010 by Vegas DeLuxe. By Steve Green Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon on the Las Vegas Strip will close Feb. 4 for renovation into a boutique property and is expected to reopen in early 2014, owner Caesars Entertainment Corp. said today. Caesars has lined up $185 million in financing to renovate the 199-room property into a “lifestylez” gaming ... Read more...
L.V. chef Carla Pellegrino ousted from ‘Top Chef,’ but could she return?
Call it the squabble over squab that cost controversial Las Vegas chef Carla Pellegrino her run on “Top Chef Seattle” on Wednesday night, but wait! An intriguing Bravo promotional clip that aired shortly after her ousting reportedly gives her a chance to get back on the show. In the Last Chance Kitchen follow-up, Carla (Meatball Spot at Town Square and Bratalian in Henderson) was selected to be one of the chefs who will compete in a Last Chef Standing segment, ... Read more...
Social travel service Gogobot names Cosmopolitan world’s top hotel
By Don Chareunsy Gogobot, a global online community of 2.5 million users and travelers, has announced its first Gogobot Travelers’ Favorite Awards, and Las Vegas won big in three categories: In World’s Best Hotels and Best Hotels in North America, the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas placed 1st in both categories, while Wynn Las Vegas was 7th and 5th, respectively. And, Las Vegas was voted the 6th top travel destination in the world. Gogobot users praised the 2-year-old, 2,995-room Cosmopolitan for ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Mike Tyson, Melissa Rycroft and Miss Universe Pageant
Heavyweight boxing legend and Las Vegas resident Mike Tyson sets off on a tour Feb. 12 through April 4 of his one-man show “Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth” with stops in L.A., San Diego, Niagara Falls and everywhere in between. Mike’s show is directed by filmmaker Spike Lee, who masterminded the fighter’s successful Broadway run after its Las Vegas debut in April. My two-part, no-hold’s-barred interview with Mike was posted before his show premiered at MGM Grand. For ticketing information and ... Read more...
Preview: What’s in store for L.V. chef Carla Pellegrino on ‘Top Chef’?
Controversial “Top Chef Seattle” cheftestant Carla Pellegrino is back in the spotlight with our preview for tonight’s Episode 4 with its dreaded double-elimination on Bravo. Butchery is king as two giant slabs of beef on meat hooks await the chefs for this week’s Quickfire Challenge. For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs go back in time as they’re tasked with re-creating a 1950s menu from one of the best restaurants in the country. Push comes to shove in the kitchen as ... Read more...
Jack Wishna, 54, is remembered as a man who loved Las Vegas
By John Katsilometes We both loved Las Vegas, more than anything. That is why I got along so famously with Jack Wishna. He loved it here. I love it here. And when we had lunch together at Capital Grille at Fashion Show mall (where he always ordered the Wishna Salad), we would talk about why we loved Las Vegas. We would gaze out toward the Strip, at the gold Trump International and Wynn/Encore Las Vegas, and Jack would talk of ... Read more...
Photos: N.Y.-N.Y. presents ‘Christmas in New York’ at Broadway Theater
New York-New York has decked the Broadway Theater’s halls as it welcomes the first-ever, family-friendly holiday show “Christmas in New York.” The limited-time holiday engagement premiered Tuesday night and continues through Jan. 1 nightly at 7 and selected afternoons at 4 p.m. (dark Mondays). “The holidays are quite magical everywhere, and we are thrilled to be bringing a fabulous Christmas show to Las Vegas,” says executive producer David King. “This production is perfect for the entire family. “Featuring the season’s ... Read more...
2012 NASCAR Champion’s Week kicks off today with Fan Fest at FSE
NASCAR fans from all over the country will pack downtown Fremont Street today with all Top 12 racecar drivers together for the first time at the Fan Fest celebrating Brad Keselowski’s 2012 victory. Zany comedian Carrot Top, who is celebrating his seventh anniversary headlining at the Luxor, returns from TV and film shoots on the East Coast to host a NASCAR version of “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?” with the 12 star drivers. Las Vegas Motor Speedway is ... Read more...
Photos: Andrea Bocelli a holiday gift of opera at MGM Grand
By Don Chareunsy Italian tenor sensation Andrea Bocelli has become an annual holiday tradition in Las Vegas, performing yet another sold-out concert, “One Night in Las Vegas,” at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday night, and it was a truly global affair. Bocelli shared the stage for two hours of opera with Cuban soprano Maria Aleida (who nearly stole the show, but what soprano doesn’t), Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins (who TV viewers should recognize as the runner-up in last season’s ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: ‘Extreme Homes’ films in L.V.; Santa Run; SlotZilla
By Don Chareunsy HGTV’s hit “Extreme Homes” has filmed an episode at the home of Las Vegas couple Scott and Cindy McCombs, who own architectural accent company Realm of Design in Henderson. The uniqueness of their home caught the eyes of HGTV, including a pirate ship in the backyard, a multilevel pool for scuba diving and the use of recycled material. Their fireplace was made out of recycled glass and the custom kitchen countertop and door handles from recycled metals. ... Read more...
Photos: Human Nature ends 3 1/2 year headliner run at Imperial Palace
By Don Chareunsy The Motown-loving Australian foursome of brothers Andrew and Michael Tierney, Phil Burton and Toby Allen, collectively known as Human Nature, performed their final headliner show Sunday night at Imperial Palace after a 3 1/2 year run, and contributing photographer Erik Kabik was onsite for a photo gallery of the last performance. Kabik reported, “I caught up with the guys before the show for a few shots onstage as they celebrated with their families, the show’s producers, Imperial ... Read more...
Photos: ‘Rock of Ages’ cast rehearses at Palazzo for Dec. 18 premiere
Las Vegas dancer Allie Meixner first saw “Rock of Ages” five years ago on Broadway, and she says, “Ever since, I have been trying to get into the show.” Now the dream comes true when she performs in the musical opening Dec. 18 at the former Blue Man Group theater in the Venetian. “I am super excited, to say the least,” Allie told me on a rehearsal break. She still wears for good luck the shoes she donned as the ... Read more...
Spotlight on Canadians in L.V.: Shania Twain, Celine Dion, Cirque du Soleil
It’s nearly all Canada all week long as the country’s top morning talk show “A.M. Canada” presents the North of the Border names changing the face of the Entertainment Capital of the World. It’s five days of broadcasts up and down the Strip with the big movers and shakers. Lis Travers, executive producer, said, “We’re giving viewers an insider’s look at Las Vegas, where Canadians not only enjoy visiting but are making a tremendous impact. From Celine Dion and Shania ... Read more...
Counter Intelligence: Big days for Keller; GRS at Paris; View Wine Bar
Hot off the grill! It’s a big day for chef Thomas Keller as he celebrates the release of his fifth book, “Bouchon Bakery,” at his Venetian restaurant Bouchon tonight, then opens his retail bakery and bistro there Tuesday. His executive restaurant group pastry chef Sebastien Rouxel is the co-author, and they see it as a way to teach bread-baking skills and keep pastry making intact. The gorgeous 300+ pages have recipes of everything from puff pastry to pecan cookies with ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: New burlesque show; Coco arrives; Billy Joel concerts?
Casting for a big and “beautiful” burlesque theatrical musical headed to the Strip gets underway here today, and from everything I’ve learned, it sounds like Cher’s “Burlesque” has been adapted for the stage. It might also solve the mystery as to why lawyers for Sony execs have been threatening legal action against Las Vegas shows with the name “Burlesque.” News of this ambitious project follows just days after Steve Wynn confirmed that he’ll be launching “Funhouse,” a unique dancing show ... Read more...
NYE at Pure will be Nicki at night; CeeLo at Chateau on Dec. 30
By John Katsilometes A pair of the city’s most spacious nightclubs are welcoming 2013 with two of the biggest names in contemporary music. Pure Nightclub at Caesars Palace is holding its New Year’s Eve party with Nicki Minaj as host, according to a news release issued this morning. A top-selling recording artist whose tension with Mariah Carey on “American Idol” has caused something of a ripple among fans of that Fox show, Minaj is expected to “throw a boisterous party ... Read more...
If Team Chippendales wins ‘Race,’ duo plans to donate the $1 million
There’s heartbreak and sadness behind the success that Chippendales at the Rio dancer Jaymes Vaughan is enjoying on Season 21 of CBS’ hit global adventure “The Amazing Race” with best friend and fellow Rio headliner James Davis. Just before the worldwide trek began, Jaymes, 31, learned that his father was diagnosed with a rare cancer for which there is no cure. Last week, he took a turn for the worse, and Jaymes is praying that he can overcome the setback. ... Read more...
Photos: Rush keeps in time with ‘Clockwork Angels’ at MGM Grand
By John Katsilometes Oh, it was a long time ago that I saw my first Rush show, and the “songs off the new album” were from the just-released “Moving Pictures.” In the summer of 1981 at the Oakland Coliseum Arena, you needed to hear the songs off the new album. Performed on that tour were “Tom Sawyer,” “YYZ,” “Red Barchetta” and “Limelight,” songs the band has performed in nearly every tour since that series of ’81 shows that led to ... Read more...
Thanksgiving triumph for Carla Pellegrino on Bravo’s ‘Top Chef’
Tough as nails! Sweet as cherry pie! We got to see two sides of chef Carla Pellegrino in Wednesday night’s Thanksgiving battle in Seattle. It was the third episode of Bravo’s Season 10 of “Top Chef,” and Las Vegas chefs Tom Colicchio (MGM Grand) and Emeril Lagasse (Venetian) were judges and team leaders. Carla wound up in the bottom three from the Quickfire Challenge, which had the cheftestants make dumplings from 17 countries. Carla had Fufu from Africa and was ... Read more...
Celebrity preview: Andrea Bocelli, Bill Cosby, Rush and holiday light shows
While we’re sleeping off the rigors of overstuffing ourselves from Tom Turkey and his trimmings from Thanksgiving, big-name stars are keeping the entertainment scene wide awake, and everywhere you turn, snowflake lights are flickering brightly. The holidays are definitely here, and Black Friday becomes a massive and bizarre attraction in its own right. Sage and funnyman Bill Cosby mixes humor and advice at Treasure Island, and Andrea Bocelli soars with his songs at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Additionally, there is ... Read more...
Bob Anderson fills in the blanks when discussing Strip’s golden era
By John Katsilometes Legendary are the stories about how classic Las Vegas entertainers would finish their headlining shows at such classic hotel-casinos as Desert Inn, Sahara and Sands, then amble into late-night performances at lounges up and down the Strip. Many of these Vegas icons didn’t wade out of the casino until sunrise. The question I’ve always had is, how in the world these performers were able to manage such a staggering schedule. Venerable singing impressionist Bob Anderson, performing Friday ... Read more...
Nightclub shuttered for 3 years opens this weekend as Boulevard Theater
A new Strip theater plans to bring as many as three new, exciting shows from overseas after it officially opens next month. The former Empire Ballroom nightclub, which has been shuttered for three years, has been quietly transformed in a $10 million makeover into the Boulevard Theater. “While totally empty, the property managers kept it current and clean, and all the fire systems worked,” said General Manager John George as he gave me a walking tour. “We gutted the place, ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: VIP party with McCartney, Fogerty, Robin Williams
First it was the outrageous private party with Britney Spears, Chris Brown, Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Jamie Foxx and more that we reported exclusively this month; now three weeks later comes word of another secret celebration with Sir Paul McCartney, Robin Williams and John Fogerty pulling down the big bucks to entertain. Financial genius and investment banker David Bonderman, who runs the Texas money group that owns the majority of Caesars Entertainment, hosted 700 high-roller friends at his ... Read more...
L.V. chef Carla Pellegrino in another firestorm on ‘Top Chef Seattle’
Feisty and fiery Las Vegas chef Carla Pellegrino lives up to her new reputation as a formidable foe on another blistering episode of “Top Chef Seattle” tonight on Bravo. “Don’t call me honey or sweetie,” she yells with a four-letter word to back up her blast at two of the male chefs. She comments to the camera: “It’s very hard to be a successful woman chef. I’ve had to fight all my life. I raised my daughter. I lost my ... Read more...
Shania Twain Q+A, Part 2: Sister’s support, Marc Bouwer gowns, stage
Superstar Shania Twain has revealed that if it wasn’t for someone special in her life, she would never have agreed to the new run of “Still the One” shows at the Colosseum in Caesars Palace. On Monday in Part 1 of my interview with the Canadian country-pop princess, she credited supporters including Lionel Richie, David Foster and our hometown “Empress of Soul” Gladys Knight with helping her overcome fears to sing again. Now in Part 2 today, you’ll learn who ... Read more...
Counter Intelligence: Andrea’s at Encore, Culinary Clash, Sushi Roku
Hot off the grill! With a grab bag of taste treats that starts with a secret being revealed. It’s now well known that Steve Wynn’s English wife Andrea is getting a restaurant named for her at his Encore and that it will open Dec. 28 in time for New Year’s Eve. It replaces Switch and takes over the 2,000-square-foot dining patio alongside Surrender. Vegas DeLuxe has previously reported the newly designed 6,000-square-foot space will be a restaurant and nightlife experience. ... Read more...
Can you dig it? Muscular Dystrophy Association posts 2012 fundraising total
By John Katsilometes There was a time, not so long ago, that the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s fundraising total was beamed across a tote board as its annual Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon ended. This is not that time. The announced figure from this year’s Labor Day Weekend, a figure posted on the MDA website … sometime whenever … is $58.7 million. You have to perform some drilling to locate the document, which is dated Oct. 5 on the MDA site. ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Tim McGraw and Faith Hill contest a VIP opportunity
When Tim McGraw and Faith Hill sing at the Venetian in the limited run of Soul2Soul concerts starting Dec. 7, it will be the first time in six years they’ve performed together in a full concert. To celebrate, the Venetian and Palazzo are linked with InterContinental Alliance Resorts for a Twitter “Meet Tim and Faith” contest. The VIP experience include photos with the superstars, two tickets to the March 2, 2013, concert, round-trip airfare for two, two nights in a ... Read more...
In ‘Peepshow’ rehearsals, Coco Austin is delivering an order of shake
By John Katsilometes During a quickie visit to New York last week, I had the opportunity to meet Nicole “Coco” Austin, of “Ice Loves Coco” notoriety and the soon-to-be Bo Peep character in “Peepshow” at Planet Hollywood. The initial vibe, or, if you will, first impression from Coco is that she is a remarkably sweet and unassuming person. I didn’t know what to expect, honestly, but she was very warm and forthcoming during a rehearsal at Ripley-Grier Studios in Manhattan, ... Read more...
Photos: Mannheim Steamroller preview at Palazzo; Winter in Venice
The holidays are here, and it’s beginning to look a lot like … the official, 50-day Winter in Venice celebration kicks off tonight at the Venetian and Palazzo complete with a Strip skating rink and the premiere of the six-week run of “Mannheim Steamroller Christmas.” Three celebrities will flip the switch on the holiday lights and the majestic 65-foot Christmas tree starting at 5 p.m. today. That will trigger the nightly parade of masquerade characters and musicians led by Queen ... Read more...
Star Surveillance: Mario Lopez, Holly Madison, McEnroe moons Agassi
Stars galore continue to work and play on and off the Strip in the Entertainment Capital of the World. It was a powerhouse group at separate tables in Elizabeth Blau’s new restaurant Honey Salt on Sunday night with chef hubby Kim Canteenwalla pulling kitchen duty. I was between Andre Agassi at one table, Wynn President Marilyn Winn Spiegel at another, with casino executive Bruce Himelfarb and Mirage F&B execs nearby. Andre told me that he beat rival John McEnroe 7-5 ... Read more...
Garth Brooks: ‘I am the boss after 184 shows’ at Encore Theater in Wynn
It always started with a bare stage, a bar stool, two bottles of water and a guitar. It ended after three years of sellout concerts with country king Garth Brooks saying, “I am the boss after 184 shows.” He sang “Friends in Low Places” for the final time of the run, threw his black baseball cap in the air and lay the guitar flat on the floor. It was a poignant — and fitting — final moment of the closing ... Read more...
Shania Twain Q+A, Part 1: New L.V. life, conquering fears of singing
Country pop queen and five-time Grammy Award winner Shania Twain admits that even after 17 years of recording and performing, she’s still nervous every night she steps onstage. “I will probably always get butterflies. I would forget where I was sometimes, just out of panic. I am sure I will have that as well here in Las Vegas. Fortunately, it dissipates once I get out there,” said the Canadian superstar, who is one of the bestselling female artists in music ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Miss America hopeful faces surgery to fight cancer
It’s a story that will break your heart and make you cry. All eyes will be on the 2013 Miss America Pageant in January when beautiful Miss District of Columbia 2012 Allyn Rose competes for the title. Allyn will travel to Planet Hollywood knowing she faces drastic surgery to combat a rare form of cancer that will kill her. If 24-year-old Allyn wins the title with her artistic roller-skating, she will delay getting a double mastectomy for the year of ... Read more...
Photos: Jerry Lewis show a classic with film clips, songs, jokes, shtick
By John Katsilometes The room dips into darkness, and there is a brief quiet. Then someone sitting deep in the audience cries out, “Hey laaaadyyyy!” There is a chuckle at this inevitable calling call to tonight’s star of the show. The cameras are recording the night’s performance for a PBS special to air in March. The curtain is pulled away to reveal 17 musicians, which represent either a rather small orchestra or a rather large band. The man conducting the ... Read more...
Steve Wynn reveals new ‘Funhouse’ slated for 2013 at Encore Theater
Hotel tycoon Steve Wynn, who was among the first boosters of Cirque du Soleil’s conquest of the Strip, believes that he’s created his own show to give the giant French-Canadian entertainment company a run for its money in Las Vegas. “It’s never been seen before. It’s never been thought of before. All completely original. It was running around in my brain for so long, I could see it. It was time to come up with something completely different to Cirque ... Read more...
Team Chippendales dances through injury for first ‘Amazing Race’ win
It could easily have been a choreographed, military-style dance at Chippendales in the Rio, but this was dancing for real with soldiers from the Russian Army. The routine was one of the challenges facing contestants on Sunday night’s episode of “The Amazing Race” on CBS, and the cliffhanger to end the previous week’s first set of escapades in cold and rainy Moscow. Our Chippendale dancers Jaymes Vaughan and James Davis proved their metal — and when they go to battle, ... Read more...
Photos: George Lopez, sports stars make it a legendary night in L.V.
By Tom Donoghue, contributing photographer Friday night was quite possibly the greatest night in Las Vegas sports history in Studio Ballrooms A and B at MGM Grand, as Tony La Russa of St. Louis Cardinals and Oakland A’s coaching fame held his inaugural Leaders and Legends Gala benefiting his Animal Rescue Foundation. Comedian and actor George Lopez was the host, and approximately 300 attended the dinner and auction, but the real magic followed the dinner when La Russa invited Louis ... Read more...
Photos: ‘Twilight’ stars Angela Sarafyan, Rami Malek party at Tabu
By Don Chareunsy Angela Sarafyan and Rami Malek, two of the newest stars of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2,” celebrated the final “Twilight” film’s release by hosted at Tabu Ultra Lounge in MGM Grand on Saturday night. Sarafyan and Malek, who portray onscreen couple Tia and Benjamin, dined at Tom Colicchio’s nearby Craftsteak before making their way to Tabu. Sarafyan, in a white lace dress and black heals, and Malek, in a black jacket, tie and pants, arrived ... Read more...
Photos: ‘Twilight’ star Alex Meraz at Meatball Spot in Town Square
By Don Chareunsy “Twilight” werewolf heartthrob Alex Meraz celebrated the release of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2” with an appearance at chef Carla Pellegrino’s Meatball Spot in Town Square on Saturday night. Meraz, who arrived with wife Kim on his arm and portrays Paul in the blockbuster series (“Breaking Dawn, Part 2,” starring Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner, opened over the weekend with an estimated $141 million), wore dark jeans and a fitted black jacket. The ... Read more...
Photos: Styx’s theatrical performance at the Pearl at the Palms
Rockers Styx — Tommy Shaw, James Young, Todd Sucherman, Lawrence Gowan, Ricky Phillips and Chuck Panozzo — performed theatrical concerts at the Pearl in the Palms on Friday and Saturday nights, and contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was onsite at the rock show Friday night for his photo gallery. Styx, in what was advertised as the first concerts west of the Mississippi this year, performed “The Grand Illusion” and “Pieces of Eight” in their entirety. The group doesn’t plan on performing ... Read more...
Photos: Tyga celebrates his 23rd birthday at Tao in the Venetian
By Don Chareunsy Rapper Tyga celebrated his 23rd birthday by hosting, performing and partying at Tao in the Venetian on Saturday night, and contributing photographer Al Powers of Powers Imagery was onsite at the hotspot for the celebration. Tyga was greeted by the sounds of DJ Vice as his friends and he made their way to the nightclub. Shortly upon arrival, he was presented with a three-tier, gold-trimmed birthday cake and a server dressed as a tiger in a cage, ... Read more...
Garth Brooks’ final Wynn show: Hugs, kisses, tears, TV special, world tour
Country king Garth Brooks had tears in his eyes moments after the curtain came down on his three-year run at Encore Theater in the Wynn early this morning. I talked with him shortly after he stood center stage with his wife, singer Trisha Yearwood. They hugged, kissed, held hands and wrapped their arms around each other’s shoulders for support, but Garth didn’t actually say goodbye. “It wasn’t the best show over the three years because I was too emotional,” he ... Read more...
Celebrity preview: Garth’s goodbye, ‘Twilight’ and Agassi vs. McEnroe
Call it our Las Vegas Grand Slam: Tennis champions Andre Agassi and John McEnroe heat up their rivalry of years gone by; country king Garth Brooks ends his 3-year run at the Wynn; and the long-awaited and much-anticipated Bagatelle opens with a gala night of fun and festivities. Plus, Jerry Lewis celebrates eight decades in showbiz as the “Twilight” stars jet in to celebrate the end of their vampire saga with “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2” and Mario ... Read more...
Bravo is unleashing ‘Project Vegas,’ and odds are you’re a candidate
By John Katsilometes Bravo is making its first attempt at developing a reality TV show in VegasVille and is pretty much asking any local resident with a pulse to apply. “Project Vegas,” the working title of a heretofore mysterious reality TV series set in Las Vegas, is looking for the following (this information is from a flier trumpeting the series): “Showgirls, club promoters, moguls, models, restaurateurs, drag queens, professional gamblers, VIP service workers and everything in between.” To apply, send ... Read more...
‘Zarkana’ technical director hopes the show will last ‘forever’ at Aria
Cirque du Soleil production personnel have engineered the technical aspects of the new show “Zarkana” so that it can remain at MGM’s Aria Theater in CityCenter for at least 10 years — with an additional 5-year buffer. But David Churchill, the production technical director who orchestrated the move from New York’s Radio City Music Hall to the Strip, hopes it will be a lot longer. “We always kind of embark on a 10-year goal when we design the systems for ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Holly, Rotella talk marriage; Wynn working with Ortega
Two major exclusives today! Platinum and pregnant beauty Holly Madison and boyfriend Pasquale Rotella told me exclusively Wednesday night that they will get engaged before their daughter is born in March. “It will be quite soon,” promised the Insomniac Events chief and Electric Daisy Carnival producer. “Then we’ll get married after the baby is born when Holly is slimmed and trimmed again,” he added, proudly and playfully rubbing her baby bump. “You wouldn’t know she’s at the 6-month mark.” A ... Read more...
Tonight: Kurt Busch’s documentary, Betty Buckley and Wiz Khalifa
The definitive documentary on NASCAR outlaw and Las Vegas native Kurt Busch airs on Speed TV tonight; check out a preview from the highlights reel. It’s the story of our hero and anti-hero who went to the top of his game, then slid to the bottom with tirades against the media and fellow drivers, followed by fights — and now his climb back to the top again. Call him champion, competitor, racer, troublemaker or enigma, but there’s no doubt that ... Read more...
‘Pawn Stars’ stars meet 2012 Latin Grammy Awards at Mandalay Bay
Just what do our beloved “Pawn Stars” reality TV heroes have to do with the 2012 Latin Grammy Awards? Keep reading! For the fifth time, the Latin Grammy Awards are being held at Mandalay Bay. This year is the 13th annual show, and Caetano Veloso was honored Wednesday night as the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year. Latin superstars including two-time winner Juan Luis Guerra, Jesse & Jopy, Ricardo Arjona, Edgar Barrera, Carla Morrison, Arturo Sandoval and Ivete Sangalo ... Read more...
Carla Pellegrino lights up social media with antics on ‘Top Chef’
Television’s newest reality star is our fiery chef Carla Pellegrino, and she lit up Twitter and other social media Wednesday night with her antics on the second episode of Season 10 of “Top Chef” in Seattle on Bravo. She won kudos for her quips about wanting to be “a James Beard star chef with the best ass.” She won a legion of fans for her “you wanna kill me” line with subtitles for her Brazilian accent. She won tweets galore ... Read more...
Photos: Ethel M flips on switch at 19th Annual Holiday Cactus Lighting
The 19th Annual Holiday Cactus Lighting at Ethel M Chocolates in Henderson went off without a hitch Tuesday night. Flamingo headliner George Wallace, Zowie Bowie (with Chris Phillips singing with “Fantasy” at the Luxor star Lorena Peril for the first time) and “America’s Got Talent” winner Michael Grimm entertained the crowd. Choirs from Schofield Elementary and Coronado High School serenaded guests who took factory tours, visited balloon artists and face painters and stood in line for photographs with Santa Claus. ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: L.V. showgirls to appear in S.I. Swimsuit Edition
Our sexiest Strip showgirls will shed their glitter and their gowns to model bikinis in a beauty battle against the supermodels in February’s blockbuster Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. S.I. photographers shot 12 of our stunners in a green-screen studio set up Tuesday at our Las Vegas Convention Center, exactly as we had first reported in Wicked Whispers & Racy Rumors two weeks ago. It was all under wraps, but I have learned the lineup: Melody Sweets was one of two ... Read more...
Photos: Shania Twain’s arrival at Caesars Palace is fit for royalty
It was an arrival fit for a queen, and Shania Twain proved that she’s the reigning princess of country pop when she arrived on horseback for her official welcome at Caesars Palace this afternoon. In fact, the Canadian star followed a posse of 40 horses down a closed section of the Strip by the fountains at Caesars. She laughed: “I could have gone riding all around town all day.” Caesars Palace President Gary Selesner quipped: “ I thought you were ... Read more...
Tennis ace Andre Agassi is running a campaign, but it is not political
By John Katsilometes Andre Agassi closely follows the political process. And, the political process follows him. Agassi is more than just a tennis legend, though he is certainly that. His appeal as a potential candidate for elected office has ignited interest from both major political parties. The dance is usually a party operative makes an overture to Agassi, and he swings back with the same ease that made him one of the greatest returners-of-service in the history of the game. ... Read more...
What do you call over 100 performers at LVH? ‘Showstoppers’
By John Katsilometes Maybe they should call it “Crazy & Stressed! The Musical.” That’s Bill Fayne’s disposition lately. Crazy, stressed and, yes, musical. “I love being surrounded by my wonderful, talented friends,” says Fayne, music director and co-host of “Showstoppers” at 8 p.m. Friday at LVH Theater (tickets are $25, $40 for VIP seats in the front five rows and available at the LVH box office, on the LVH website and at RagTag Entertainment. “It’s a great outlet to get ... Read more...
Carla Pellegrino, cheftestants tackle Geoduck, crab on ‘Top Chef’ tonight
Feisty and fiery Las Vegas chef Carla Pellegrino (Meatball Spot in Town Square, Bratalian in Henderson) was among the 15 chefs who made it to Seattle for tonight’s second episode of Season 10 of Bravo’s “Top Chef.” Six cheftestants were eliminated in last week’s premiere in which Carla had to cook an omelet for chef Wolfgang Puck’s test in his Cut steakhouse in L.A. The heat in the Seattle kitchen is cranked up right from the get-go. Carla doesn’t mince ... Read more...
Blue Man Group officially premieres Monte Carlo show tonight
Tonight is the premiere of Blue Man Group’s exciting, offbeat and unique production in its new theater at the Monte Carlo. It’s their third Las Vegas home since landing on the Strip in March 2000. Back then, they began a 5-year run at the Luxor before moving to the Venetian in 2005. That residency lasted through September of this year. The men in blue literally landed after skydiving in parachutes at the Monte Carlo last month. Now that they’ve shaken ... Read more...
Terry Fator signs contract extension through 2016 at the Mirage
Three weeks ago, Vegas DeLuxe reported that headliner entertainer Terry Fator was about to sign a major contract extension for his residency at the Mirage. This morning, the unprecedented new deal was officially confirmed, and the new agreement keeps him on the Strip through 2016. The exclusive deal, as I also reported, will change his performance calendar from the current Tuesdays-through-Saturdays schedule. Starting Jan. 1, Terry will perform Mondays through Fridays, so he has weekends free for out-of-town appearances and ... Read more...
Photos: Aimee Teegarden toasts 23rd birthday at Chateau, Meatball Spot
By Don Chareunsy Actress Aimee Teegarden (“Friday Night Lights,” “Prom,” “Scream 4”), who is quickly becoming a Las Vegas regular, celebrated her belated 23rd birthday at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens in the Paris and chef Carla Pellegrino’s new hotspot Meatball Spot in Town Square over the weekend. California native Teegarden, whose birthday is Oct. 20, has made it an annual tradition to celebrate her birthday in the Entertainment Capital of the World since turning the Big 2-1. The young actress ... Read more...
‘Zarkana’ music director Nick Littlemore’s avid fan: Sir Elton John
Sir Elton John was in the midst of tackling five projects when Cirque du Soleil approached him to create the music for its new Strip spectacular “Zarkana” at Aria. The British-born superstar thought the only man capable of the task was Australian musician Nick Littlemore. “It took 3 years, 100 and something songs and a hell of a lot of gray hairs,” Nick told me opening night last Friday. “He said I could do it, which I thought was the ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Pamela Anderson to cheer on friend’s L.V.-L.A. challenge
Driving I-15 to L.A. from Las Vegas is bad enough — heavy trucks, radar police traps and frequent massive traffic tie-ups. Running it would be a next-to-impossible task. Imagine somebody using spring-loaded stilts to hop it to break a Guinness World Record. That’s the extraordinary challenge former “Zumanity” at New York-New York star Jesus “Half Animal” Villa has set for himself, and he’s been practicing since February. “My brain and heart tell me I can do it,” he told me. ... Read more...
In time for NYE shindig, Hard Rock Hotel resurrects Body English
By John Katsilometes Since January 2009, Body English has been a second language at Hard Rock Hotel. But the venerable nightclub, which has been opened for select events since closing nearly 4 years ago, is being resurrected. Announced today is the return of one of the city’s longest-established nightlife brands. Body English is officially reopening Dec. 28, and a grand return-to-flourish party is scheduled for New Year’s Eve. In a release issued this afternoon, Hard Rock Vice President of Nightlife ... Read more...
Photos: Wax figure of Rihanna unveiled at Venetian, in Hollywood
Madame Tussauds Las Vegas and Madame Tussauds Hollywood simultaneously unveiled wax figures of pop princess Rihanna this morning, and our contributing photographer Erik Kabik was onsite at the Venetian for a photo gallery. In Las Vegas, the figure showcases Rihanna’s personality and confident onstage persona with a sultry expression and a mic in hand and dressed in a head-turning and eyebrow-raising nude-colored outfit, fiery red hair, vibrant pink makeup and long black nails. The figure in Hollywood is a little ... Read more...
Musical chairs: Shania arriving, Garth departing, Tim and Faith await
As the country music guard changes in a game of musical chairs, Las Vegas gets ready to officially welcome Shania Twain and say a fond farewell to Garth Brooks — with only three days separating her arrival and his departure. And Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are waiting in the wings. Shania will literally stop Strip traffic Wednesday when she makes her grand entrance at the Strip-front fountains of Caesars Palace. The Canadian superstar starts her 2-year residency at the ... Read more...
Photos: Reggie Jackson hosts all-star fundraiser at the Cosmopolitan
By Don Chareunsy MLB legend and Baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson hosted his Eighth All-Star Celebrity Classic, a fundraiser for his Mr. October Foundation for Kids, at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Sunday, and contributing photographer Tom Donoghue and Las Vegas Sun photographer Steve Marcus were onsite for photo galleries. Cedric the Entertainer served as host of the Sunday night gala, and Jeffrey Osborne and Brian McKnight performed for the crowd. Cosmopolitan head honcho Tom McCarthy and staff ... Read more...
Recycled Percussion stepping in for Human Nature; Trop theater overhaul
By John Katsilometes Notes collected after a sweeping of the scene: • Pending the signing of a contract and the sorting out of a few details, it is a certainty that Recycled Percussion is moving into the Imperial Palace theater soon to be called the Showroom at the Quad, formerly known as Human Nature Theater because its was formerly occupied by Human Nature. Or, soon to be formerly occupied by Human Nature. Make sense? Maybe not. But know this: Recycled ... Read more...
Photos: DJ Ashba of Guns N’ Roses celebrates his 40th birthday
By Don Chareunsy Guns N’ Roses guitarist DJ Ashba celebrated his 40th birthday Saturday night before taking the stage at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel, where the band has a mini-residency, “Appetite for Democracy,” through Nov. 24, and contributing photographer Scott Harrison was onsite for a photo gallery. The Hard Rock and AEG Live presented Ashba with a custom-made, three-tiered cake featuring a rocker top hat (Ashba’s signature), guitars and roses. Band members Frank Ferrer (drums), Chris Pitman ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: ‘The Hangover Part III’ nears end of filming in Las Vegas
In the next few days, if you witness a parachutist land atop a car in downtown, which then smashes into a fire hydrant sending up cascading fountains over Fremont Street, don’t panic; the stunt is controlled so that nobody gets wet and wild. It’s one of the closing sequences set this week for “The Hangover Part III” cast and crew as filming wraps its final five days here. Inside word is that “Hangover III” will be the best of the ... Read more...
Photos: Playboy models Young, Ryan host Blondetourage at Crazy Horse III
By Don Chareunsy Playboy models Heather Rae Young and Chelsea Ryan made their argument that blondes have more fun by hosting the Blondetourage Bash at Crazy Horse III on Saturday night. The spotlight was on the buxom duo who arrived together with a group of six friends. Young wore a skin-tight black mini dress, and Ryan showcased a sheer black dress with cut-outs. After greeting nighttime revelers on the mic, the bubbly blonde bombshells ordered shots of Three Olives Loopy, ... Read more...
Cirque plots Michael Jackson show post-‘Zarkana,’ ‘Immortal’ success
Reveling in the success of the Michael Jackson touring show “Immortal,” Cirque du Soleil President Daniel Lamarre has revealed details of the full-time-residency King of Pop production set to open at Mandalay Bay in May. Daniel told me: “We are talking May 23 for the first-night of previews, with the grand gala opening June 21. The Montreal studio right now is moving and shaking with Michael Jackson rehearsals. It will be totally different from the touring show. “The tour was ... Read more...
Team Chippendales vs. synchronized swimming on CBS’ ‘Amazing Race’
Synchronized swimming should’ve been a lot easier for our Chippendales dancers Jaymes Vaughan and James Davis than the other contestants on Sunday night’s seventh episode of Season 21 of CBS’ “The Amazing Race,” but not if you haven’t learned Russian first and certainly if your dance moves are learned onstage at the Rio instead of underwater. With only six teams remaining on the Emmy Award-winning reality TV competition, the challenges are getting tougher and more complicated. The teams left Istanbul ... Read more...
The Joint produces mass ‘Hysteria’ with Def Leppard residency
By John Katsilometes If you were a major hard-rock star in the 1980s, you might want to start checking for openings on the schedule at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel. The 4,000-seat concert venue is queuing up its fourth rock residency and is again diving into the 1980s for a classic band playing a classic album. Announced today is a set of nine shows by Def Leppard spanning March and April. The Viva Hysteria residency runs from March ... Read more...
Photos: 2012 Soul Train Awards red carpet and taping at PH Live
By Don Chareunsy The 2012 Soul Train Awards red carpet and show taping took place at PH Live in Planet Hollywood on Thursday, the first day of three marking the annual celebration. Cedric the Entertainer hosted the awards, and performers and presenters included Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Jamie Foxx, Ne-Yo, Gladys Knight, Tyrese, Keri Hilson, Keyshia Cole, “Dr. J” Julius Erving, Magic Johnson, Jody Watley, Flavor Flav, Estelle, Fantasia, Ben Vereen, George Wallace and more. The awards airs Sunday, Nov. ... Read more...
Photos: Night of triumph for ‘Zarkana’ becomes the toast of the town
It was a night of triumph — and comeback — for Cirque du Soleil with the stunning premiere of its newest Las Vegas spectacle “Zarkana” on Friday evening at Aria. “I feel as if a 2,000-pound weight has been lifted off my shoulders,” Cirque President Daniel Lamarre told me while beaming at the first-night standing ovation and long applause. Daniel also was celebrating the same-day news that Cirque’s Michael Jackson “Immortal” had been named best touring musical arena show of ... Read more...
Celebrity preview: ‘Zarkana,’ Soul Train, Common, Tiesto, Estelle
The new Cirque du Soleil spectacle “Zarkana” has its Las Vegas premiere tonight, and there’s a star-studded lineup attending the surreal acrobatic spectacular. Our overview of the amazing spectacular was posted Oct. 30. Expected on the red carpet at Aria in MGM’s CityCenter: Kate Beckinsale, Neil Patrick Harris, Jessica Lowndes, Dot Jones, Aaron Paul, Matt Lanter, Edi Gathegi, Criss Angel, Siegfried & Roy, Matt Goss and Carrot Top. The cast of 70 performers will jump, tumble and spin on the ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Faith Hill’s ‘American Heart’; porn stars moving here?
It’s Faith Hill’s first new music video in nearly 5 years, and in advance of her “American Heart” being part of the upcoming “Soul2Soul” shows at the Venetian starting Dec. 7, fans will see it tonight. The five-time Grammy winner will release the video with a web event at 6 p.m. PT on FaithHill.com and Facebook.com/FaithHill. It was filmed in Nashville last month, and the amazing Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers choreography shows a side to the blonde beauty’s talents ... Read more...
Las Vegas shopping addict spent $30,000 a month for a year at Crystals
It’s difficult to believe or understand somebody spending $30,000 a month for a year shopping for luxury items at Crystals in MGM’s CityCenter. That’s $360,000 in the year since Heather Marianna moved here. It’s actually been a 10-year addiction since she became an heiress inheriting millions from her grandmother. She had such a barrage of bags (300), shelves of shoes (200) and jam-packed jewelry worth thousands that she was literally being forced out of her home. The one-time marketing executive’s ... Read more...
The end of an era: Marley Taylor is leaving Zowie Bowie
By John Katsilometes It is an end of an era in VegasVille: Zowie Bowie as we have known it officially ends Saturday. Marley Taylor, the bombshell half of the highly energized performing duo founded by Chris Phillips, is leaving the act after Saturday’s 10 p.m. performance at Fremont Street Experience’s 3rd Street Stage. Taylor’s final appearance in the act at its most recent casino venue, Rocks Lounge at Red Rock Resort, is Friday night. In July, Taylor was married in ... Read more...
Carla Pellegrino remains in the chase on Bravo’s ‘Top Chef’
Two cheftestants of the 21 competing on the premiere of Bravo’s Season 10 of “Top Chef” in Seattle were sent home Wednesday night, but our Bratalian and Meatball Spot chef Carla Pellegrino was safe. She continues the chase next week arriving in Seattle after her Los Angeles test with judge Wolfgang Puck. As we reported in our interview Wednesday, Carla had less than 1 hour to make an omelet, and on Wednesday night’s episode, Wolf defused some of the kitchen ... Read more...
Preview: Kurt Busch, NASCAR’s outlaw, talks about hitting rock bottom
The upcoming TV special on NASCAR driver Kurt Busch depicts him as a champion, a competitor, a troublemaker and an outlaw. Producers of the Speed TV special airing Nov. 15 have even titled the hourlong show about one of the sports biggest lightning rods “Kurt Busch: The Outlaw.” Kurt himself says: “It will give viewers an honest and accurate portrayal. The behind-the-scenes footage will also entertain and educate the audience about my private and public sides.” The Las Vegas native ... Read more...
Cedric, Wonder, Ne-Yo, Knight and Cole headline Soul Train Awards
To celebrate the 25th Annual Soul Train Awards, producers have expanded it into four events over a jam-packed 72 hours, and for the next three days at Planet Hollywood, it’s a celebrity powerhouse of stars, stars and more stars. Cedric the Entertainer hosts the awards, which honor the best in music, comedy and entertainment. An all-star comedy show salutes our beloved Flamingo headliner George “I’ll Be Thinking” Wallace. Comedy actor Bill Bellamy hosts a star-studded golf tournament, and the weekend ... Read more...
Counter Intelligence: Colicchio on ‘Chef’; Martorano + Deen; Romano
Hot off the grill! “Top Chef” lead judge Tom Colicchio, whose Craftsteak is at MGM Grand, prepping for tonight’s debut of Season 10 in Seattle admitted that the judges had no clue that the Emmy- winning Bravo reality TV competition would run for a decade. “I had no idea what to expect, but I figured three or four seasons” he said. “We never wanted it to be looked at as a joke or just another reality show. These are talented ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Sports Illustrated photographers to shoot L.V. showgirls
We never know until the last minute which supermodel will be on the cover of the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition; however, Vegas DeLuxe has learned exclusively that the 2013 issue will feature our gorgeous showgirls. Be they in bikinis or baubles, beads or feathers, our showgirls will give the New York-based models a good run for their money. S.I. casting agents have just about finished selecting the showgirls for layouts, and photographers arrive here next week for the shoots. ... Read more...
Photos: Carla Pellegrino competes on Season 10 of Bravo’s ‘Top Chef’
You could call tonight’s first episode of Season 10 of Bravo’s “Top Chef” a slaughterhouse for the contestants, including our beloved and sexy chef Carla Pellegrino. We do know that she almost didn’t make it when her email invitation wound up in spam. However, just after the deadline, she discovered it, and producers OK’d her late arrival. She immediately flew to L.A. and wound up in a group of five chefs asked by new judge and chef Wolfgang Puck to ... Read more...
Photos: ‘Rock of Ages’ at Venetian will be nonstop drinking, dance party
Not only will there be dancing in the aisles, but also drinking in the seats. In fact, some front-row seats will be removed so bars can be set up beside the stage, and the audience can keep the party going through the show. “Rock of Ages” arrives at the Venetian next month, and it’s all about having a fun night out. It’s a party from start to … except the producers don’t want it to finish. It will continue from ... Read more...
Lewis Black banks on his angst in return to the Mirage
By John Katsilometes Lewis Black is cranky. His crankiness coincides with the arrival of Hurricane Sandy, which is rocking New York and his home borough of Manhattan. But you expect he would be cranky regardless of the weather pattern, antagonistic and combative if the weather were sunny and 75. “I have a natural level of insanity that has served me well,” says Black, who is back at Terry Fator Theater at the Mirage on Friday and Saturday as part of ... Read more...
Counter Intelligence: Rattlecan, La Casa, Honey Salt, Keller’s ‘Souvenirs’
Hot off the grill! Chef Hubert Keller has just celebrated his new book “Souvenirs.” It has 120 amazing recipes and 300 stunning photos of his cuisine, and the 330-page tome is an intimate glimpse of his extraordinary culinary life that began when he was age 16 in France. As a teenager, he helped his mother, grandmother and brother in the kitchen of his father’s pastry shop in his home village of Ribeauville in Alsace, France. He later moved on to ... Read more...
Photos: Wolfgang Puck launches 4 wines to benefit Keep Memory Alive
Chef Wolfgang Puck is launching a collection of four California wines and earmarking the proceeds to benefit Keep Memory Alive, which raises awareness and supports the downtown Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. The award-winning chef and celebrated restaurateur flew here to unveil the master sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and red blend wines. “Wine is an essential element to a truly great dining experience” Wolf said. “Mother Nature, as always, ruled over the 2011 grape-growing season. Flavors ... Read more...
Zebra and Rocks await Michael Grimm; Lon Bronson books CD party
By John Katsilometes Call it the Ovation Shuffle, the new dance for performers boogieing venues as the showroom at Green Valley Ranch closes this month. Lon Bronson and Michael Grimm, two of the more prominent performers affected by the decision to shut down Ovation, have already booked new engagements or are about to do so. Grimm’s updated schedule is tinged in irony, as the Season 5 champion of “America’s Got Talent” is scheduled to play Zebra Lounge at the Palazzo ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: ‘Spank’ at the Rio features bondage, lust, whips, chains
The bondage and lust of the sizzling E.L. James bestseller “Fifty Shades of Grey” dominated by Mr. Dangerous will be sent up in the parody “Spank” starting tonight at the Rio. Producer Michael Mills describes the handcuffs, chains, whips and leather outfits as “a laugh-filled evening that captures all the escapist fun and absurdity of the novel. The ‘Fifty Shades’ characters are brought to life with sexy and fun musical numbers.” Holy whiplash! The summer blockbuster novel has even surpassed ... Read more...
McEnroe on Agassi: ‘He takes pride in seeing people go down in agony’
Rival tennis legends Andre Agassi and John McEnroe don’t know yet if they’ll face each other in another legendary battle when the PowerShares Series Tour hits Mandalay Bay this month. But they’ll both be fully loaded and ready for the Nov. 17 showdown, and the sports history they’ve written in the past will likely be updated again in thrilling matches. Mac is ready to get inside Agassi’s head again but knows Andre could hurt his body with those Mach 2-speed ... Read more...
Star Surveillance: Jenny McCarthy, De Niro, Douglas, Phelps, Busta
Perky pinup beauty Jenny McCarthy continued her 40th birthday celebrations in town partying at 1 OAK in the Mirage, where a birthday cake was wheeled out to 50 Cent’s birthday party anthem “In Da Club.” Hollywood icons and Oscar winners Robert De Niro and Michael Douglas took a break from filming their bachelor party bucket list movie “Last Vegas” by watching “The Beatles Love” by Cirque du Soleil at the Mirage. NFL legend Terry Bradshaw, former quarterback of the Pittsburgh ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Britney Spears to wed Jason Trawick in the spring?
We start the week with a few … WICKED WHISPERS & RACY RUMORS When I received first word well before the weekend that pop princess Britney Spears was flying here, I figured that she was getting married on yet another runaway Las Vegas trip. Not so fast! I’m reliably told that it will be soon, but not this year — probably springtime. I saw the “X Factor” judge while she was here over the weekend, and her engagement ring was ... Read more...
Spending a night with Babs and GNR is a legendary experience
By John Katsilometes It was Babs vs. Axl this weekend, and the distinction between the two is quite clear. One is a highly popular singer with a readily recognizable voice, an artist who is an establish diva with a famously devoted following, and whose live performances over the years have been unpredictable and maddeningly infrequent. The other is Barbra Streisand. Friday was the night Guns N’ Roses at the Joint ran up against Streisand at MGM Grand Garden Arena. It ... Read more...
Photos: Paris chef Robert Butler wins first World Food Championships
To determine the first World Food Championships winner, it came down to Sunday’s battle between America’s traditional favorite burger and England’s legendary sandwich. The burger lost, and chef Robert Butler at our Paris, with assistant chef Lowell McCain, was crowned champion with his two-bread encased pulled pork. Robert won $50,000 for the title on top of the $10,000 he’d won in the preliminary Best Sandwich contest that took him to the Final Table Robert was one of seven chefs competing ... Read more...
Photos: Tim McGraw, Faith Hill preview Venetian show at CMAs
There couldn’t have been a better and smarter way to promote their upcoming mini-residency at the Venetian. Country king and queen Tim McGraw and Faith Hill previewed new songs at the 2012 Country Music Association Awards last Thursday in Nashville, and more than 13.5 million viewers tuned into the 3-hour ABC special, giving the Alphabet Network the night’s big win. The platinum pair joined forces to duet for a tribute to legendary Willie Nelson. They are so much in love, ... Read more...
Team Chippendales is still in ‘The Amazing Race’ on CBS
Roaring into the sixth week of CBS’ top-rated “The Amazing Race,” our two Chippendales contestants Jaymes Vaughan and James Davis wound up continuing on their monster global trek to Istanbul, Turkey. It was a much welcomed escape from the previous week’s near collapse and exhausting challenges in Bangladesh, so much so that James and Jaymes even admitted on camera on Sunday night’s episode that “it was a delightful change.” However, their first decision to take the Metro instead of a ... Read more...
Photos: The way she is — Barbra Streisand is still brilliant at 70
By Don Chareunsy Before there was Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Britney Spears and Madonna, there was Cher, Bette Midler and the incomparable Barbra Streisand, and the Emmy-, Grammy-, Oscar- and Tony-winning superstar was the epitome of talent and elegance in her Back to Brooklyn tour stop at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Friday night. The evening’s big and looming question was would Streisand’s voice, at age 70, be strong enough to sing her classics and standards such as “Don’t Rain on ... Read more...
Photos: Eric Church, Justin Moore and Kip Moore at Mandalay Bay
By Don Chareunsy Fresh off his win for Album of the Year for “Chief” at the 2012 Country Music Association Awards in Nashville last Thursday, singer Eric Church took to the stage Saturday night as headliner of his “Blood, Sweat and Beers Tour” at Mandalay Bay Events Center. Singers Justin Moore and Kip Moore — no relation — served as Church’s opening acts. Church won the Academy of Country Music’s New Soloist of the Year Award in 2011. Justin Moore ... Read more...
VIP party in Las Vegas with Britney, Chris Brown, Paris and Kanye & Kim
Pop princess Britney Spears! New love mates Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, plus, Paris Hilton and Italian model beau River Viperi! They were among the celebrities who turned the biggest star-studded private celebration Las Vegas has ever seen into the party of the year. With R&B and rap stars Swizz Beatz, Ludacris and Chris Brown debuting their single “Everyday Birthday,” it was a mega lineup of music superstars all under a giant open-air tent. The party included a Ferris wheel, ... Read more...
Talk show host Bill Maher is part of the 47-percent solution
Politically, Bill Maher appeals to roughly half the country. But he prefers to work a full room, whether it’s on his HBO talk show “Real Time With Bill Maher” or in live performance. “I invite conflicting opinions on ‘Real Time,’ and it is one of the few shows that still do that,” said the famously left-leaning Maher, who performs Saturday and Sunday at Orleans Showroom (tickets start at $64.95 and can be purchased at the Orleans box office). “The truth ... Read more...
Celebrity preview: Streisand, Maher, MMA, World Food Championships
With superstar Barbra Streisand leading the parade, it’s a music, muscle and comedy kind of weekend. Barbra’s sentimental journey at MGM Grand Garden Arena tonight also features the pop-tenor teen trio talents of Il Volo and trumpet titan Chris Botti, who recently thrilled when he performed his one-man show at Smith Center for the Performing Arts. Rival comedy kings Tim Allen, Ray Romano and Kevin James keep laughter alive, while Bill Maher offers topical political humor for two nights at ... Read more...
Photos: Jenny McCarthy celebrates fabulous 40th, Halloween at Gallery
By Don Chareunsy Actress and comedienne Jenny McCarthy celebrated her fabulous 40th birthday and Halloween at Gallery Nightclub in Planet Hollywood on Wednesday evening. Dressed as — what else? — a sexy cougar, McCarthy, who is rumored to be in consideration for the role of Bo Peep in nearby “Peepshow,” celebrated the milestone birthday and holiday with her sister and girlfriends while enjoying Lemon Drops, Bacardi, Don Julio 1942, Corona and Moet champagne. The blonde bombshell, who has never looked ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon begins its makeover
Slowly but surely, the ambitious plans for the transformation and makeover of Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon are moving forward, and it’s almost exactly as we first wrote about exclusively in July 2010. I can confirm from top Caesars Entertainment execs that nightclub czar Victor Drai has joined them for the pitches to investors. Their road trip was successful, and Victor’s 2010 plans will come to fruition with construction starting next year for a 2014 opening. He’ll keep his successful ... Read more...
L.V. Philharmonic to give Chaplin’s ‘City Lights’ a tramp of approval
By John Katsilometes In the age of silent movies, the movies were not really so silent. There was music accompanying the dialogue so helpfully printed across the screen, and the notes were vital to conveying the film’s story to those in the theater. Charlie Chaplin understood this and used orchestral scores to great effect throughout his career. The music, in its entirety from one of his classics, “City Lights,” is being performed Saturday night by the Las Vegas Philharmonic at ... Read more...
If you want to see a show at GVR’s Ovation, make it quick
By John Katsilometes One of the city’s best live music venues is going dark. Soon. Ovation at Green Valley Ranch, home to performances by such a cavalcade of artists as Berlin, Ted Nugent, Yellow Brick Road, Michael Grimm and the Lon Bronson All-Star Band, will be closed by the end of the month. Station Casinos Vice President of Entertainment Judy Alberti said today that the final show at the venue will be Nov. 24, an appearance by popular country artist ... Read more...
Electric Daisy Carnival announces 2013 L.V. dates, Nov. 7 on-sale
By Mark Adams It’s official: Electric Daisy Carnival loves Las Vegas. Insomniac Events, producers of the massive annual electronic-music festival, has announced 2013 dates that will bring EDC to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the third straight summer, June 21-23. “Electric Daisy Carnival 2012 was really special to us,” Pasquale Rotella, Insomniac’s founder and CEO, said in a press statement. “The energy, love and sense of community surpassed anything we have ever experienced. It was humbling and inspirational.” EDC ... Read more...
‘Zarkana,’ Part 3: Cirque show focused on acrobats debuts at Aria
Editor’s Note: This is the third and final part of our series tied to tonight’s first preview performance of Cirque du Soleil’s acrobatic spectacular “Zarkana” at Aria in MGM’s CityCenter. An overview of the extraordinary production was posted Tuesday, and interviews with two principal players were posted Wednesday. Robin Leach flew to New York just before “Zarkana” packed up and began its trek here. “Zarkana” is the biggest of Cirque du Soleil’s productions to date, and writer and director Francois ... Read more...
Photos: Halloween a night of firsts in Entertainment Capital of the World
Editor’s Note: Please check back today and Friday for our 2012 Halloween coverage — reports and photo galleries! Halloween 2012 was a night of firsts on and off the Strip in Las Vegas: * There was the premiere of the Guns N’ Roses mini-residency at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel. * There was the debut industry night at the unveiling of Bagatelle Supper Club at the Tropicana. * And there was Eli Roth’s first Day of the Dead ... Read more...
Right here on our stage, ‘AGT’ resurrects Ed Sullivan’s spirit
By John Katsilometes Many readers might not remember “The Ed Sullivan Show,” as it went off the air generations ago. I never saw it in its heyday, but I do know (through the miracle of archived videotape) that the show was famous for showcasing unusual acts and artists. These oddly fascinating guests included mouse puppet sidekick Topo Gigio, hand ventriloquist (and likely the most famous of hand ventriloquists) Senor Wences and the Skating Bredos (who followed the Doors, Yul Brynner ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: MGM to open its walls on the Strip so tourists can see into the casino; Reviv hangover spa opens next month
Hard on the heels of this morning’s announcement that MGM Resorts International and AEG have officially signed a $350 million deal for a new 20,000-seat arena stadium on the Strip comes word that MGM Grand will be taking down its walls! The front façade from the famous gold lion to the north end by M&M’s World is coming down.
Criss Angel survives 'the most dangerous and frightening thing I’ve ever done in my life'
For 10 nail-biting minutes, several thousand people stood in total silence and watched magician Criss Angel inch his way, blindfolded, across two steel beams swaying 50 feet in the air. This was no illusion for the “Believe” star. No tricks, nothing hidden, no sleight of hand or wizardry to divert attention. The "Mindfreak" star, who is shooting a new series of one-hour specials for Spike TV, was in full view of the audience members, who stopped shopping at the Fashion Show mall on the Strip.
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