June '10 Entertainment—Z.Z. Zorn's Entertainment Tidbits Column

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June 2010
W
ow! I heard they were great, but now I can surely agree with that. Human Nature had their 1st anniversary at the IMPERIAL PALACE and an announcement was made that they have a new 2-year contract. Not only that, but the showroom in which they appear is now called THE HUMAN NATURE SHOWROOM. To celebrate all this, a special wonderful guest, Smokey Robinson who not only was there to cheer them on, but also sang with the group to the delight of the audience. Actually, Smokey Robinson discovered this remarkable group. Be sure to see them.

Human Nature with Smokey Robinson

When you see Phantom—The Las Vegas Spectacular at THE VENETIAN, so will our troops! Due to popular demand, Phantom has extended the military “ticket match” through July 4 to honor our military heroes. For every full-priced ticket purchased by the public, Phantom will donate one ticket to the men and women of Nellis and Creech Air Force Base. Phantom is committed to honoring military personnel for their bravery and dedication to the American people and is proud to once again give back to the community by offering the troops this unique opportunity to enjoy a breathtaking performance of Phantom.

The Phantom Military “ticket match” is available for full-priced tickets purchased by the public now through July 4 for performances through September 5, 2010. The code VALOR must be entered at time of purchase to count toward a ticket donation for the troops at Nellis and Creech Air Force Base.

Now this is talent! With her beautiful and unique style, international singer/songwriter Erykah Badu, makes a stop at The Pearl Concert Theater inside the PALMS on Thursday, June 24 at 8:00 p.m.

Working as a teacher and part time singer in Dallas, Erykah Badu (born Erica Wright) saw her music career take off after opening for singer D’Angelo. Her performance caught the eyes and ears of many in the music industry and although larger record labels were interested in signing her, she eventually chose to sign with the smaller Kedar Entertainment. She released her first album, Baduizm in 1997, which reached #2 on The Billboard 200 and #1 on the R&B Albums list and drew her comparisons to the classic singer Billie Holiday. The album also achieved platinum status within a month, eventually going multi-platinum. Erykah has won numerous Grammys and accolades due to her exquisite performances.

EASTSIDE CANNERY is offering a special two nights with no cover charge for “SammyShore’s Barking Mad Comedy Jam” at Marilyn’s Lounge on June 25 and 26 at 8 p.m. Dennis Blair and Dean Napolitano, two seasoned veterans, join the legendary comic on stage for two nights of madness and laughter.

Sammy Shore changed standup comedy forever when he founded The Comedy Store in Hollywood, providing a stage for some of the biggest names in entertainment such as Richard Pryor, Johnny Carson, David Letterman and Whoopi Goldberg. In a career spanning more than 50 years, Shore (now a Las Vegan) has shared the stage with numerous comedians and musicians including Bob Hope, Mel Brooks, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Tony Bennett and spent four years as the opening act for Elvis Presley’s “Comeback Tour.”

Dennis Blair is an Emmy Award-winning comedic actor, screenwriter, songwriter and author.

Dean Napolitano is known as a unique storyteller who shares hilarious stories about his Italian up-bringing. Napolitano delivers comedy through personal experiences.

‘The Scintas’ return to the SUNCOAST SHOWROOM for two Independence Day weekend performances July 3 and 4. ‘The Scintas,’ Buffalo, New York-raised brothers Joey and Frankie, sister Chrissi and “Irish Scinta” Peter O’Donnell, entertain, surprise and provide an anything-but-typical performance filled with music, comedy and impersonations. Their Las Vegas act, which got its start in a bar owned by former Buffalo Bill and present-day ESPN commentator Paul McGuire, includes “guest” improv appearances by Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, Johnny Mathis, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and others, singing songs audiences love. Collectively, they’ve dazzled sell-out crowds in Las Vegas showrooms and on the road.

A family on stage and off, ‘The Scintas’ often welcomes their mother Mary Scinta, affectionately known as “Mama Scinta,” and their brother Tony, a retired Buffalo homicide detective, and his family, as special guests at their shows. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $29.95, plus tax and convenience fees and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 702.636.7075.

The music and culture from the decade of the 1970s returns to downtown Las Vegas as FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE presents the “Summer of the ’70s” festival and free concert series. The 102-day promotion runs through Labor Day Weekend.

Throughout the summer, headliners and tribute bands will bring back the music of the ’70s, everything from classic rock to disco. The Little River Band will be featured on July 3, during the Fourth of July Weekend, Blue Oyster Cult will play August 14 and Jefferson Starship will rock Sept. 4 during Labor Day Weekend. Jefferson Starship’s return performance from last summer is part of the band’s 40th anniversary tour.

Also, during the “Summer of the ’70s,” an Ultimate Elvis Weekend will feature the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest on July 23 and July 24. The winner of the contest qualifies to compete in the 2010 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest presented by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) in Memphis during Elvis Week, Aug. 10–16. In addition, the winner of Las Vegas’ Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist preliminary contest gets a $2,500 cash prize and a Graceland getaway package.

Along with the free concerts, “Summer of the ’70s” will present a free stage show “Fremont Street Fever”—performing Thursday through Monday at 9:15 p.m., 10:15 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. on the 1st Street Stage. Fremont Street Experience will also host 10 weeks of tribute bands that will showcase legendary groups like The Rolling Stones, STYX, Eagles, KISS, Deep Purple, Fleetwood Mac, Journey, Heart, AC/DC, and a ’70s Classic Rock Tribute by Platinum Rockers, recreating the hits of Foreigner, Boston, Led Zeppelin, and Van Halen. The tribute bands will play Tuesdays through Saturdays nightly on the 3rd Street Stage.

Liberace’s 91st Birthday was observed with a week-long festive celebration sponsored by the Liberace Museum and Foundation. The Liberace Foundation & Museum commemorated the birthday of Mr. Showmanship, celebrated entertainer and pianist Liberace, with a week long variety of concerts, autograph signings and a birthday cake. I attended the LIBERACE Finale Birthday Celebration in the Cabaret Showroom on the last day and what a great concert it was. The Concert Celebration had pianist extraordinaire, Christopher Joel Carter IV. performing and acting as M.C. along with special guest performers, Phyllis Bell, John Kaye, Danny Wright and Domenick Allen (from the group, Foreigner) with his gorgeous wife, Leigh Zimmerman (The Producers) and their 10-year-old, very talented, adorable daughter Cayleigh Capaldi.

Guests took advantage of the discounted admission price of $3.50, the admission charged when the museum first opened its doors in 1979. Liberace’s wax figure was on temporary loan courtesy of Madame Tussauds. Liberace, born May 16, 1919, would have been 91 years of age.

Performers at
Liberace’s Cabaret Showroom
Christopher Joel Carter IV
playing Liberace’s Piano

Many events are happening at Liberace’s Caberet Showroom:

“Liberace and Me,” starring Philip Fortenberry, an extraordinary artist and renowned pianist, improvisational composer and cast member of "Jersey Boys,"—1 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays Tickets are $17.50.

Valeri Glava: Violinist—1 p.m. Thursdays Tickets: $15.

Another Suitcase in Another Hall: “The Works of Andrew Lloyd Weber”—featuring performances by cast members of Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular and RagTag. Sunday, June 20 7–9 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door

Danny Wright and Susan Haller: “Red Silk”—Wright’s contemporary piano and soothing style fit with Haller’s lyrics. They will provide an evening sure to entertain audiences of all ages. Saturday, June 26, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

Movies at the Museum—12:30 p.m. Mondays and Fridays Tickets are $10. Screening of one of Liberace’s movies and lunch from the Liberace Café. Price is $10 and includes a sandwich, chips, drink and dessert. To schedule, call 702.798.5595, ext. 21.

The Liberace Museum offers complimentary shuttle service to and from several Las Vegas Strip hotels daily. Participating hotels include Bally’s, Bellagio, Treasure Island, The Mirage, Flamingo and Excalibur. A full shuttle schedule is available online.

The Liberace Foundation & Museum offers annual memberships which include unlimited admission to The Liberace Museum for one year, invitation to the Member’s Only Open House and a 20% discount on purchases at the gift shop and café. To purchase a membership, visit www.liberace.org or call 702.798.5595.

THE JEWELRY SHOW CONVENTION was in town and media and VIP’s were invited to two delightful events.

The first was THOMAS SEBO’s event that was held at his new store location in the VENETIAN’s Grand Canal Shoppes. A Red Carpet included Nicky Hilton and Olivia Palermo. Afterwards TAO niteclub was the place to be for an after party. Sterling silver maestro and international jewelry designer Thomas Sabo with his innovative ideas and consistent success, has developed the Thomas Sabo brand into one of the leading lifestyle products for men and women. His sterling silver jewelry collections containing distinctive accessories and watches continually thrills the fashion world.

Thomas Sebo (center)
Nicky Hilton at Thomas Sebo
New Store Opening

The next night, SIMON G. JEWELRY presented “Summer Soiree” a star-studded musical evening at the VENETIAN’S Pool Deck. The event was hosted by Melissa Rycroft who introduced musical performances by R&B singer Robin Thicke, emerging La Vegas country artist CJ Goldner, Dr. Hollywood and a performance by “90210” actress and singer, Jessica Lowndes. The celebrated evening featured the launch of SIMON G’s line of jewelry to benefit Global Green U.S.A.

Among celebrities attending the event were: Reality TV star from “The Real Housewives of New York City,” Kelly Benison; professional poker player, Annie Duke; celebrity socialite, Brittney Gastineau; actresses, Finola Hughes and Erin Lucas; actor Gilles Marini (TV Brothers and Sisters); personalities, Giuliani and Bill Rancho; actress from the “Twilight” saga movies, Nikki Reed; from “She’s Out of My League,” actress, Kristen Titter; legendary football star, Warren Sapp; Dancing With the Stars pro, Anna Trebunskaya; and actress, Emily VanCamp.

Simon G with Z.Z.
Gilles Marini (TV star Brothers and Sisters) dancing at Simon G’s event

Beautiful models in balloons in the pool at Simon G’s event

Food, drinks, great entertainment where Robin Thicke tore the house down with his hit song (and my theme in case you don’t know that I am the Dr. Ruth of Las Vegas) Sex Therapy, and huge balloons with beautiful girls in them floating on the large pool. I met and conversed with interesting people from all parts of the world. Vegas sure knows how to treat their visiting conventioneers by putting on great events for them.

Soul vocal group, The Spinners, perform their collection of timeless R&B hits in ‘The Club’ at CANNERY CASINO Saturday, June 26 at 8 p.m. Renowned for their smooth harmonies and outstanding stage presence, The Spinners have been nominated for six Grammys, inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and earned 12 gold records.

Rain Nightclub and PALMS Casino will host the ultimate retro-inspired roller skating disco party “Down & Derby” at 10 p.m. on Thursday, June 24. The national skating phenomenon rolls into Las Vegas’ mega-nightclub to throw a dance party featuring DJ Nugget and Bonics and resident skate guard DJ SHR3D controlling the roller disco rink’s turntables.

“Down & Derby,” the interactive events have been tearing up roller rinks in NYC, Pittsburgh, Pomona and Los Angeles, combining décor reminiscent of a ’70s roller disco with attendees participating by wearing fashion attire of the era. DJs known for pushing the limits of mixing and music production add vibrant energy to the event with both underground and popular mixes. Upcoming 2010 event dates: July 22, Aug. 19, Sept. 23, Oct. 21, Nov. 18 and Dec. 16. Entry is $5 in advance and $15 at the door. Quad skates of every size will be available to rent for $5. Guests are welcome to bring their own roller skates to the event. For dress code information and to RSVP, please visit www.downandderby.org. Guests must be 21 and over.

MURPHY’s LAW BAR & GRILL at 1590 E. Flamingo now hosts Trivia Night every Sunday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. Guests can test their knowledge on a wide range of pop culture topics including sports, movies, music and much more. Players can team up in groups of two or more. Friends of the tavern’s Facebook page can log on prior to trivia nights to get a sneak peek of a featured question of the evening. The night’s first and second place winners receive food and beverage certificates for Murphy’s Law Bar & Grill.

Comic singing impressionist Larry G Jones is now at PLANET HOLLYWOOD’s HARMON THEATER with his one-man show. Larry’s newly refined show is now produced by Raphael Erardy who worked with the late Danny Gans for over 20 years as drummer and collaborator.

This fast-paced, fun-filled show features an all-star celebrity cast of rapid-fire voice impressions including many of Las Vegas’ biggest headliners. Cher, Elton John, Neil Diamond, Elvis, The Phantom of the Opera, and The Rat Pack are a part of the 75-plus voices Larry performs in each show.

The HARMON THEATER entrance is located next to KRAVE Nightclub on the corner of the Las Vegas Blvd. & Harmon Ave. Ticket prices for the 7 p.m. show will be $47.97 for general admission and VIP/Open bar tickets are available for $67.97. Shows will be nightly except for Sunday and Thursday.

The stars of the NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE will come together with celebrities from music, stage and screen for a celebration of hockey at the star-studded 2010 NHL Awards on Wednesday, June 23, at the Pearl Concert Theater inside the PALMS. The 2010 NHL Awards will be broadcast in high definition at 7:30 p.m. ET on VERSUS in the United States and on CBC in Canada.

Mark Wahlberg, a Boston-native and long-time hockey fan, will be attending the 2010 NHL Awards as a special guest. The Oscar-nominated actor will appear on stage during the Awards and help the League honor its Award nominees. George Stroumboulopoulos, host of CBC’s The Hour, will join Wahlberg as special guest.

Florida rockers, Shinedown, will perform. Most recently, Shinedown’s original song “Her Name is Alice” was featured on Almost Alice, the musical companion to Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland.

Grammy Award-nominated rapper Snoop Dogg is also set for a special musical performance. An avid hockey fan, as witnessed on his hit reality show “Snoop Dogg’s Fatherhood,” Snoop is a staple at NHL Stanley Cup Playoff games.

The world famous Cirque du Soleil brand will bring its artistry with a special performance from one of their seven Las Vegas productions. And, the Las Vegas cast of the smash hit Tony Award-winning musical “Jersey Boys”will also be on hand for a special live performance. The 2010 NHL Awards is certainly going to be a special event.

ROCK & RITA’S will bring its “Great American Party” to Circus Circus with a raucous grand opening celebration over Fourth of July weekend. Flair bartending, live music and festive signature dishes take center stage at the sprawling, 14,000-square-foot party spot. The team that has made Kahunaville at Treasure Island Hotel & Casino an enduring success on the Las Vegas Strip through a high-energy bar scene featuring flair bartenders and Caribbean cuisine has combined its formula with American fare and rock ’n’ roll to create Rock & Rita’s. Rock & Rita’s will feature mouthwatering menu selections and bartenders that will entertain and delight guests as they prepare and flair cocktails with a heaping side of personality.

SMASHBURGER, a fast-casual “better burger” restaurant opens its second Las Vegas location at 9109 W. Sahara Avenue. This is the second location to open in Las Vegas, the first is located at 7541 W. Lake Mead Blvd. Named for the cooking method used to create the perfect burger, Smashburgers are a one-third or half-pound ball of 100% fresh—not frozen, Certified Angus Beef smashed on a flat grill to sear in the juicy flavor. Smashburger is known for its savory burgers, but the restaurant also serves up delicious Smashchicken sandwiches, Smashdogs, and Smashsalads, with sides like veggie frites and rosemary and garlic–seasoned Smashfries. Burger lovers can pair their meals with beer, wine, Häagen-Dazs shakes and root-beer floats.

VEGAS UNCORK’d presented by Bon Appétit, the culinary world’s most extraordinary epicurean event welcomed “After Hours—Crushed: Wine that Rocks! 2010” poolside at THE PALAZZO.

Rick Faugno (Jersey Boys star) with Z.Z. at Uncork’d
Laura Prepon (That '70s Show) at UnCork’d

Barbara Fairchild Bon Appetit Editor and Chefs At Uncork’d event

Kicking off the evening’s festivities was a red carpet with world-renowned chefs and celebrities. Celebrities and VIPs walking the carpet included: winemaker Joe Bastianich, editor in chief of Bon Appetit Barbara Fairchild, actor Chazz Palminteri from A Bronx Tale, actor Rick Faugno of Jersey Boys, actress Laura Prepon of That ’70s Show, Scott Ian of Anthrax, and Six Foot Nurse.

Chazz Palminteri (A Bronx Tale) and Z.Z.

The list of star-studded Chefs in attendance was incredible as Zach Allen of Carnevino, Vince Chiyuto of Lagasse’s Stadium, Sam DeMarco of FIRST Food & Bar, Frank and Carla Pellegrino of Rao’s, Luciano Pellegrini of Valentino, Tom Moloney of Aquaknox, Scott Linquist of Dos Caminos, Rene Langer of The Country Club at Wynn, and Roberto Hernandez of Dos Caminos all came out to support this spectacular event.

The only bad thing about the event was the extreme winds that blew away food and drinks on tables. Nonetheless, it was a great event.

Prior to the event I enjoyed the remarkable performance of Chaz Palminteri in ‘A Bronx Tale.’ He will be revising his show again at the VENETIAN later this year

“LAS VEGAS WALK of STARS” honored Latin music’s finest Emilio and Gloria Estefan with the unveiling of the duo’s star. LAS VEGAS WALK of STARS memorializes the stars of yesterday and today who have made significant contributions to their fields and have helped shape Las Vegas entertainment.

Instrumental in shaping, developing and directing the careers of numerous Latin music stars—many of whom have performed in Las Vegas, Emilio Estefan is one of the most successful producers in the music industry. Emilio has also been a force behind the Latin Grammy’s, an event that has previously been held in Las Vegas.
A music superstar both in English and Spanish, Gloria Estefan has sold more than 90 million records worldwide and earned seven Grammy awards. No stranger to Las Vegas, Gloria has performed concerts at Caesars Palace.

Congratulations to the launch of the MUSIC & ARTS SOCIETY. The goal of the MUSIC & ARTS SOCIETY is to educate students in all aspects of art and music from songwriting production and mixing to design, distribution and branding, using the latest technology available to offering a wide range of training in the visual arts. Students will be trained by the best—world-class artists, producers, DJs and entrepreneurs from all areas of the art and music industries.

Our State of Nevada has certainly come into its own (not necessarily as Sin City or the old phrase “Screw Nevada”) and is surely on the minds of the entire U.S.A. with the coming elections. With our Senator Harry Reid as Majority Leader, all the big political bigwigs are visiting here. Just at this writing, former President Bill Clinton, looking lean and great visited our now illustrious city of Las Vegas.

Bill Clinton