Steve Harvey’s Hoodie Awards Highlights

 

		Steve Harvey’s Hoodie Awards held at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Sat, Oct 20, drew more than 10,000 fans. The Hoodie Awards, in its fifth year, has a slogan that applies to anyone: “You Don’t Have to Be Asleep to Dream.” Comedian-actor Harvey, creator of the awards show, and his partner, television-radio producer Rushion McDonald, say they will televise the awards show next year. In the meantime, BET is producing a one-hour special on the making of the show, and it is scheduled to air in November.
Steve & Meagan Harvey

          (Photo credit: Dana R. Scott)

 

The Hoodie Awards go to outstanding leaders and institutions throughout the country. Recipients come from church, business, civic and school leadership. High schools and churches receive awards for their service and excellence in their respective neighborhoods.   “It’s all about people and their beliefs, courage and commitment,” said Harvey. On a religious note, Harvey states: “I give credit to God first for making this possible. Not just for this awards show, but for our nationally syndicated radio show.”

 

Harvey and Shirley Strawberry, his radio show co-host of “The Steve Harvey Show,” speak for ten minutes on air each morning getting it right with God before discussing other topics. Harvey acknowledges that it’s hard to do on secular radio. Other comedian presenters included George Wallace and Mo’Nique. Actors presenting awards included Salli Richardson, Tachina Arnold, Anthony Hamilton and Robert Townsend.
	Pete and Mo’Nique

		(Photo credit: Dana R. Scott)
		Other media personalities and entertainers presenting included ESPN sportscaster Stephen A. Smith, talk show host Montel Williams, along with recording artists Cupid, Yolanda Adams and The O’Jays. Special guest performers were Chuck Brown, Robin Thicke, Tank and Marvin Sapp.   Congratulations go to Harvey for holding this show together with his impromptu comedy and to his partner Rushion McDonald.
The Hoodie awards show is truly the Oscars with an urban beat, recognizing those individuals and organizations from communities throughout America.

 

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VOX, The Contemporary Eatery

 

A new contemporary eatery called VOX located in Henderson, Nevada, is truly a smart-looking atmosphere for everyone from jetsetters to families. The interior is very chic and contemporary with comfortable seating featuring double-seater recliners and elegant surroundings. VOX has a cocktail area with gaming open 24hours and several other dining areas. Their cuisine ranges from the raw food category, topped by a Trio of Tartare with Yuzu-infused Scottish Salmon, Moroccan-inspired Ahi, and Hawaiian Albacore, Poke Style.

 

Delicacies include a wide assortment from Crab Cakes with Fall Apples to warm Brie. Succulent main entrees are enticing, such as the Olive Crusted Mediterranean Branzino, with Artichoke Barigoule and Riz Rouge, as well as Olive Oil Poached Alaskan Halibut.

Another interesting menu item is the Carrot-Ginger soup with Cardamom Crème Fraiche, Cilantro and Rock Shrimp. For the meat connoisseurs, Moroccan Grilled Lamb Chop is one of the popular menu items, along with Smoked Pork Loin Chops and Coffee Crusted Rib Eye. The pricing despite the elaborate setting and intricate dishes is moderate. The executive chef is Dustin Valette.

Plans for two other restaurants in Las Vegas are underway, according to General Manager Michael Goldner. VOX is located at 2630 W. Horizon Ridge Pkwy off Eastern Avenue. For more information visit www.voxwinelounge.com or call 702-407-7780.

 

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Take 1 Nightclub in the Fremont East Entertainment District

 

East Fremont Entertainment District plans for more clubs and restaurants. Take 1, one of the first nightspots in the area, caters to a variety of patrons. Every first and third Saturdays, comedian J. Reid hosts A.M.P., which stands for art music poetry.

 

The ongoing special event features a collective group of performance poets, as well as musical artists including a band to entertain guests at the special event. On Sundays, there is an afternoon jazz brunch with Larry Wilde and the Gents of Swing that attracts an eclectic set of people.

Take 1, owned by Ben Ardito, a former concert promoter who also managed clubs in Florida, has as strong belief that dinner shows can still be an attraction for the Las Vegas downtown area. Currently, blues favorite Bobby Jonz from Chicago is showcasing at the dinner shows on Fridays. For more information, visit www.take1.com or call 702-433-8253.

 

 

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Branson Leaps for Publicity

 

 

 

Richard Branson, the CEO of Virgin Airlines and founder of Virgin Records knows whereof he speaks when he introduced his new air service between San Francisco and Las Vegas in a high profile publicity act. What Branson didn’t know as well was the risk he was taking when he repelled from the top of the Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas for a publicity event recently.

 

Branson was lowered by a cable at 80 feet per minute when he lunged out with his arm throwing airline tickets. Unfortunately, he cut his hands when it hit the wall of the building, and he ripped his pants below his buttocks. Oh well, Branson landed then limped off into the hotel after his publicity stunt. George Maloof, CEO of the Palms and host of the event was there accompanied by his friends, the illusionist team of Penn and Teller. Maloof said he admired and respected Branson, which is why he allowed the stunt.

Brave as Maloof is, he said he would never have attempted it. Thrill Seekers Unlimited, the producers of the event, spoke about the stunt after the mishap.

“When you travel 80 feet per minute on a high velocity jump, you have to be careful of every movement, especially when you are next to a wall, stated Rich Hopkins the company’s CEO. Hopkins has been the driving force behind the extreme sports industry for the last 25 years.

 

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