January 2010
Idon’t know about you, but the date 2010 seems almost surreal to me, almost like Buck Rogers in the 25th Century does. But here it is and as always, with a new year, comes new hopes that all will get better. Hopefully, that will happen in 2010.
Most of us have been complaining about 2009 and are happy to see it go. A really positive thing to be happy about for Las Vegans is that we are so lucky to be living here. We have seen the horrid blizzards back East that have been so destructive to many. At this writing, so far we have been blessed with great climate for this time of the year. Hopefully this weather will continue.
Marie Osmond ‘Woman of the Year’
NEVADA BALLET THEATRE will have singer, author, television personality, Broadway performer and philanthropist Marie Osmond as its ‘Woman of the Year’ for the 2010 Black & White Ball. As one-half of the beloved singing duo “Donny & Marie,” this all-around entertainer will be honored on Saturday, January 23 at Paris Las Vegas.
Born into an internationally known entertainment family, Marie Osmond emerged on the country music scene at the tender age of 13 with her hit “Paper Roses,” making her the first female in country music history to debut with a number one record. Along with her six performing brothers, “The Osmond Brothers,” Marie was an instant sensation when she appeared on stage at a sold-out Madison Square Garden concert. She was soon touring with her famous brothers, forever changing the name of the group to “The Osmonds.” Grammy nominations for Marie as 1974’s “Best Female Country Vocal Performance” and “Best New Artist” soon followed, the beginning of the indelible mark she has made on the entertainment world. Currently, Marie and her brother Donny Osmond are performing in a long-term contract at THE FLAMINGO.
Always known for her kind-hearted nature, Marie co-founded the CHILDREN’s MIRACLE NETWORK in 1982, the largest children’s charity of its kind in the world. Through over 170 Children’s Hospitals, more than 17 million children are treated for various health issues every year. Her charity has raised over 3.6 billion dollars to date.
Past honorees of the Black & White Ball read like a who’s who of legendary women. Since 2001, NEVADA BALLET THEATRE has honored Debbie Reynolds (2001), Chita Rivera (2002), Carol Channing (2003) Celine Dion (2004), Ann-Margret (2005), Rita Rudner (2006), Paula Abdul (2007), Twyla Tharp (2008) and most recently Bette Midler (2009).
Proceeds from the evening will allow NEVADA BALLET THEATRE to continue to provide main stage productions by its professional company, quality dance training within its affiliated school, the Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre, as well as through its Education and Outreach program, Future Dance.
Jubilee!
The extravagant show Jubilee! just celebrated its 17,000 performance at BALLY’s. Donn Arden’s Jubilee! is one of the longest-running production shows on the Las Vegas Strip. Jubilee! features the most beautiful rhinestone-clad showgirls, lavish costumes, elaborate sets, world-renowned specialty acts and dynamic music. Where else can you see a live show onstage that has the sinking of the Titanic and an Earthquake during Sampson and Delilah’s time? This is the type of show that made Las Vegas shows and showgirls famous and is now the last of the shows of its kind in Las Vegas. I have always loved this show and hope it continues on and on...
Comedian Norm Crosby Supports Las Vegas Walk of Stars
On Saturday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m., veteran Las Vegas comedian Norm Crosby will appear in concert in support of the Las Vegas Walk of Stars at founder Tony Sacca’s new LAS VEGAS ROCKS CAFE (LVRC) Showroom.
Norm Crosby is a veteran comedian, who was often seen on television in the 1970s. He is best known for clean humor and his use of malapropisms, which has earned him the title, “The Master of Malaprops.” He’s also identified with fractured English.
As a stand-up comedian, Norm often opened for top Vegas entertainers such as Tom Jones and Robert Goulet, who he toured with for three years. Crosby and Goulet had their first job in Las Vegas in late 1963 at the Flamingo Hotel for four weeks. The pair also had a deal at the SAHARA. Crosby ended up with a long-term deal with the SAHARA replacing Don Rickles, who was the headliner in the SAHARA Lounge for years. He later moved into the big showrooms as a headliner.
Since 1983, Crosby has co-hosted and contributed to the annual “Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon.”
Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by calling 702-227-5872 (LVRC) or visiting the LAS VEGAS ROCKS CAFE at Neonopolis 450 Fremont Street. (Easy access parking on Fourth Street between Fremont Street and Ogden in the underground Neonopolis Parking Garage.)
“Funny Bones” Benefiting Local Dog Rescues
The PALMS and famed comedian Sammy Shore present an all-star charity fundraiser entitled “Funny Bones” benefiting local dog rescue organizations on Sunday, January 31 at 3 p.m.
The Funny Bones comedy jam boasts an all-star cast emceed by the always impressive talents of Sammy Shore, founder of LA’s famed Comedy Store and opening act for Elvis Presley; Bobby Slayton, The Pitbull of Comedy; and George Wallace, The New Mr. Vegas. Supporting Sammy’s event is Pauly Shore (Sammy’s son) comedy star of television and film and an array of talented friends, including Lance Burton, Vinnie Favorito, Frankie Scinta, Jeff Hobson, Dean Napolitano, Manny Olivera, Pam Matteson, Kathleen Dunbar and Pete Barbutti.
The funds raised from this year’s comedy jam will help three local organizations: Golden Retriever Rescue Southern Nevada, Las Vegas Basset Rescue and The Las Vegas Weimaraner Club & Rescue. These non-profit, all-volunteer organizations will use the funds for veterinary care, boarding, training and sanctuary for abandoned dogs in the community.
Funny Bones is a Las Vegas organization formed expressly to benefit dog rescues in need of assistance in the Las Vegas area. Behind Funny Bones are two passionate men Sammy Shore, founder of LA’s famed Comedy Store, and Dr. Matthew Brooks of Town Center Animal Hospital in Las Vegas. Through a personal loss, Sammy was spurred to dedicate his life to dogs in need and partnered with Dr. Brooks to create the first Funny Bones event.
Casablanca Event Center Opens at Eastside Cannery
EASTSIDE CANNERY has completed its new state-of-the-art concert venue that will feature nationally renowned artists. The Casablanca Event Center with 1,100 seats has been redesigned with new sound-reinforcement throughout the entire room to provide high quality acoustics and an innovative lighting system to create a dynamic visual backdrop for the performances.
Every month, Eastside Cannery will host a different show. Kicking-off the concert series is headliner LeAnn Rimes (January 29), The Commodores (February 27), Eddie Money with John Waite (March 20), Jenni Riviera (April 10), and Ronnie Milsap (May 15).
“Venom in Vegas”
On Jan. 17 world-renowned animal adventurer and venom expert Donald Schultz will enter a clear glass box located outside O’SHEAS CASINO where he will spend the next ten days and nights in the company of 100 deadly snakes. Sharing just a 16' x 20' enclosure, Schultz will eat, sleep and drink among a wide variety of snakes including cobras, pythons and rattlesnakes, and do it all within the view of spectators and tourists. Schultz will start with 50 snakes and have five new snakes introduced each day until the count reaches 100. He will not know who his new roommates will be until opening each double-bagged snake as it is delivered. Schultz’s quarters will include a bed and tiny frosted-glass restroom, and will be outfitted with several big-brother style cameras.
The stunt will be filmed as part of a two-hour special edition of Animal Planet’s new series WILD RECON, slated to air Feb. 9, 8 p.m. ET/PT. WILD RECON premiered earlier this month and chronicles Schultz’s adventures as he attempts to get his hands on some of the most deadly animals on the planet. During his ten-day stay, Schultz will work with the reptiles, extracting venom that will later be shipped around the world and used for venom research. In addition to milking the venomous snakes, he’ll be conducting cutting-edge tests to measure the potency of venom, the depth of fang penetration and the strike range of the world’s fastest snakes. Some of Las Vegas’ own entertainers and brave media will enter the box to be a part of the action, outfitted in a specially designed “armored” suit.
O’SHEAS CASINO will host “Venom in Vegas” in the alley that sits between O’SHEAS CASINO and MARGARITAVILLE (at the Flamingo), directly across from Caesars Palace. Filming will be 24 hours a day. [Editor&rsquos note: Photos of the event.]
Stratosphere Announces New Thrill Ride
The Stratosphere has announced the addition of their next big thrill—SkyJump Las Vegas. What will undoubtedly become one of the top tourist attractions in North America, the skyjump is best described as a “controlled freefall.” Lucky adrenaline junkies and average Joes alike, will have the opportunity to plummet 855 feet at a scream-inducing speed of up to 40 mph—all while enjoying breathtaking views of the world famous Las Vegas Strip…if they can bear to keep their eyes open. SkyJump Las Vegas will offer a way to experience thrills similar to skydiving and base jumping—with the added benefit of doing it over the Las Vegas Strip—day or night. The attraction is expected to open April of 2010, and will join three thrill rides already atop the tower: Big Shot, X-Scream and Insanity.
The Temptations Appearing at The Orleans Showroom
For more than 40 years, The Temptations have shined as pioneers of popular music with decades of smash hits and sold-out performances. Otis Williams, Bruce Williamson, Terry Weeks, Ron Tyson and Joe Herndon bring classic Motown back to THE ORLEANS SHOWROOM January 22, 23 and 24 starting at 8 p.m. each evening.
The Temptations are central characters in the history of contemporary American pop. An essential component of the original Motown machine invented by Berry Gordy, The Temptations began their musical career in Detroit in the early ’60s. In 1964, Smokey Robinson wrote and produced “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” the first major hit for The Temptations. An avalanche of hits followed, including “My Girl,” “It’s Growing,” “Since I Lost My Baby,” “Get Ready,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “Beauty Is Only Skin Deep” and “I Wish It Would Rain.”
Beyond their fabulous singing, The Temptations became known for smooth-stepping and flawless presentations. The Temptation Walk became the staple of American style, flair, flash and class. When the ’60s and ’70s turned political, The Temptations got serious. They changed their tone, dress and music with smoldering hits as “Runaway Child,” “Cloud Nine,” “I Can’t Get Next To You,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and “Psychedelic Shack.” The Temptations explosion continued in the ’80s with their appearance on Motown 25 in 1983, and roared into the ’90s with the NBC mini-series in 1998 that chronicled the group’s early days and rise to fame, earning them a coveted Emmy Award.
Harrah’s Entertainment Las Vegas Resorts
HARRAH’s ENTERTAINMENT LAS VEGAS RESORTS offer guests the excitement and value of the Las Vegas Strip, without the excessive fees. The Las Vegas properties, including PARIS LAS VEGAS, BALLY’s, RIO, CAESARS PALACE, FLAMINGO, IMPERIAL PALACE and HARRAH’s, do not impose mandatory resort fees attached to a room reservation.
The HARRAH’s ENTERTAINMENT LAS VEGAS RESORTS exclude mandatory resort fees, thus allowing guests to allocate their budget toward entertainment, dining, shopping or room upgrades rather than amenities that they may not use or desire. Many Strip resorts outside of the HARRAH’s ENTERTAINMENT LAS VEGAS portfolio of resorts have implemented such fees. In some cases, the fee may be in excess of 40 percent of the base room rate.
Resort fees range in price and services depending on the hotel and may include access to complimentary Internet, bottled water, daily newspapers or use of the property’s fitness center. The amenities may or may not be of value to the guest; however, the fee remains intact regardless of use.
Our Own Local, Michaelina Bellamy
MICHAELINA BELLAMY, one of our true great local talents, has put together an amazing Sunday afternoon opportunity for all lovers of great music. Every Sunday, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., at BUGSEY’S SPEAKEASY, (located at the southeast corner of Sahara and Jones), the sounds of a real LIVE BIG ORCHESTRA can be heard to the delight of all. Michaelina has assembled a great group of professional, accomplished musicians. Every Sunday she will feature a different professional, established singer, as well as offering some songs from her own, vast repertoire.
Minimal $10.00 donation ($5.00 if you are a student).
Also Noteworthy...
The hidden gem at The Palazzo proved to be a winner as Zine Noodles Dim Sum received the Overall Excellence Award from Chinese Restaurant News at the 6th Annual Top 100 Chinese Restaurants Award show at The VENETIAN. Zine Noodles Dim Sum, an authentic Chinese restaurant located at The PALAZZO is the first restaurant in Las Vegas to rank in the top 10 at the prestigious award ceremony.
The CUPCAKERY, Las Vegas’ premier cupcake-only bakery, opened its third Las Vegas location and first Strip location. The newest CUPCAKERY is located on the Street of Dreams at the MONTE CARLO.
The World Vibration Concert Series at the WINCHESTER CULTURAL CENTER THEATER, 3130 So. McLeod Drive launches the concert series with the Klezmer music of Meshugginah Klezmorim at 2 p.m. Jan. 24 This eclectic group of professional musicians brings its blend of “crazy jazz” to the series.
Meshugginah Klezmorim means “crazy musicians” in Yiddish, which is a direct reflection of the personalities of the professional musicians that make up the group. These players of Klezmer music have performed locally at the festivities for Israeli Independence Day, the Menorah lighting on Fremont Street with Mayor Oscar Goodman, citywide Hanukkah concerts, the Folk Life Festival and the City of Las Vegas Cultural Series at the Lloyd D. George U.S. Courthouse.
The band was brought together by violinist Lee Schreiber in 1991 and consists of D. Gause, clarinet; D.J. Sinai, keyboards and vocals; Brett Barnes, drums; and Irv Weinberger, guitar. As individuals, they have performed for such artists as Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan, Tim McGraw, Aretha Franklin and Andrea Bocelli, to name a few. Schreiber is a member of the Las Vegas Philharmonic and the Nevada Chamber Symphony as well as a violin player for numerous superstars. Gause is a professor of music at the College of Southern Nevada and plays clarinet for “Phantom of the Opera: The Las Vegas Spectacular” while Sinai is the music director for Temple Beth Shalom and Barnes and Weinberger have their master’s degrees from the University of Arkansas and University of Southern California, respectively. Tickets for the concert are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and children ages 12 and younger.
The M Resort Spa Casino is proud to introduce a new type of show to the city. Opening January 26, Martini Time with Chef Tina Martini will be the only show of its kind in Las Vegas when it debuts inside the custom-built cooking studio within the M Resort’s buffet. Similar to a network television cooking show, the 60-minute Martini Time with Chef Tina Martini treats a live audience to entertaining and educational demonstrations, complimentary food/beverage sampling and a special “handy hints” and “tasty tips” handout—a Chef Tina signature. The five-day-a-week show covers a variety of topics centering on three key areas of living healthy: nutrition, fitness and mind/body.
“Country Superstars Tribute,” a Las Vegas-based live music show which features impersonations of country music’s biggest stars backed by a live five-piece band, has been featured at WHISKEY PETE’s Showroom in Primm since ending a successful two-year run downtown on Fremont Street in July 2009. They have an after-party following performances on Friday and Saturday nights that features the show’s musicians and special guest performers.
“Country Superstars Tribute” after-party band has donated $1,000 to the Las Vegas Veteran’s Hospital, money the group collected in its tip jar during the last few months in the Whiskey Pete Showroom. The band presented a check to Dr. Kakohona, director of the Veteran’s Volunteer Services for Nevada. The Country Superstars Tribute show also features veterans Dave Hoover as Tim McGraw (U.S.M.C.—Operation Desert Storm) and Roy Hammock as Willie Nelson (U.S. Army—Korean War).
Actor and former star of the hit series, “That ’70s Show,” Wilmer Valderrama celebrated his 30th birthday at EVE, Eva Longoria Parker’s nightclub in Crystals at CityCenter. EVE is located directly above Longoria Parker’s celebrated restaurant, Beso, at the entrance at The Park across from ARIA.
When a member of the HARRAH’s ENTERTAINMENT team became aware of a group of local Marines returning from Iraq who were in need of employment, she viewed the news as a call to action to reach out to the Reserve Marines from Las Vegas (Detachment 2, Bravo Company, 6 Motor Transport Battalion) and assist with securing positions for the returning unit at Bally’s Las Vegas. In cooperation with the HARRAH’s ENTERTAINMENT employment center and internal departments, Bally’s was able to offer seven local Marines full-time front of house positions (Security and Front Desk). An additional six Marines are completing the interview and hiring process at the resort.
