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6-19-09
Angelina talks of personal future
The dark side of Cirque du Soleil?
5-28-09
Susan Boyle goes into hiding...
http://www.examiner.com/x-8991-People-Magazine-Examiner~y2009m5d29-Wheres-Susan-Boyle-gone
Christina Aguilera at Tao tonight...
http://www.examiner.com/x-3888-Las-Vegas-Celebrity-Examiner~y2009m5d29-Christina-Aguilera-brings-the-bling-loves-the-nightlife
5-26-09
Jon & Kate Gosselin release new statement:
http://www.examiner.com/x-8991-People-Magazine-Examiner~y2009m5d26-Heartbreak-for-Jon--Kate-as-they-navigate-new-roles
Tragic --Mike Tyson jetted out of Vegas quickly last night to be by his 4-year-old daughter's side as she fights for her life:
http://www.examiner.com/x-3888-Las-Vegas-Celebrity-Examiner
Tom and Katie Cruise had a memorable Memorial Day weekend:
http://www.examiner.com/x-8991-People-Magazine-Examiner
05-11-09
Playboy Covergirl Seen On Scene
Was it a mini vaca or a much needed romantic getaway?
After a heady few months working, celebrity style, Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin were spotted cuddling and clubbing in town over the weekend.
Lisa has a new book hitting stands May 19, "Rinnavation" and is currently on the cover of Playboy. Maybe it's all that yoga she practices with BFFs Kelly Rutherford and Marcia Cross that keep her Playboy perfect. She also posed for the mag in 1998 while very pregnant with her daughter, Delilah.
But the pair weren’t here to party for her latest projects. The couple were in town with their family celebrating a belated 12-year anniversary. They were married March 29, 1997.
Saturday night Lisa and Harry were spotted dining at Society Café at Encore before hitting the newly redone water works “Le Reve” at Wynn (one of the more romantic productions in town).
The couple dined on Society’s famed Grandma Rose’s meatballs and the Burata salad and nibbled on the donut bites and XXXL chocolate cake at Society for dessert in celebration of their anniversary. Then, sans the kids and parents, they held court on the patio at Blush Boutique Nightclub inside Wynn until the wee hours of the morning.
The following day, and after a bit of sleep, Lisa and Harry got the kiddies dressed for a return trip to Society for a Mother’s Day meal. They dined on the signature XL sticky buns and some other, healthier, breakfast options.
For more info: http://www.examiner.com/x-8991-People-Magazine-Examiner
Perry Hardest Working Popstress?
Katy Perry spent a lot of time in Vegas last month, working.
Her new single "Waking Up in Vegas" was shot all over town, including a faux wedding. In her new song, she sings about the bumps of riding the riot that is Sin City.
She tells PopEater.com that three years ago she and a boyfriend decided to get "fake married."
"We took all the pictures with the minister, with the fake cake, in the fake chapel and got a fake marriage certificate. We went and bought a wedding dress and a suit at a thrift store, and scanned the pictures and the certificate to my family members, my manager at the time [and] totally freaked the s--- out of them."
Maybe she learned a lesson? Perry, 24, pretty much stayed under the radar while in Vegas, mainly seen filming the video for "Waking Up in Vegas" at the Palms with local headliners, including Penn & Teller.
She didn't get shot kissing any girls or dancing on any table. Seems this pop star isn't into putting it all out there ala Britney and Lindsay.
It's Hard To Be Toni, Real or Fake
Seems it's not good to be Toni Braxton lately, or pretend to be her.
The real Toni Braxton is in trouble with her insurance company, or they with her. Seems after she backed out of her contract at the Hilton, with a healthy 9 months left to perform, her insurance company decided not to pay.
She was rushed to the hospital on April 7 of last year with chest pains due to a case of pericarditis, an inflammation of the sack surrounding the heart. She then bowed out of her contract with the Las Vegas Hilton, which she started in 2006. She was given an extension to play through 2008 just before the attack that took her out. She was told about the pericarditis after the birth of her second son, Diezel, in March of 2003.
Apparently she had set up insurance with Lloyd's of London. With them you don't mess around. The six-time Grammy winner got them to cover any performances missed. That's a hefty sum, considering.
Lloyd's is refusing, and Toni is fighting, filing a suit against the big British boys to pay for her losses, according to TMZ.com.
In other Braxton news, a faux Toni is still in jail in South America on allegations she duped the paying crowd into believing they were paying for the real deal. Not so. Trina Johnson-Finn, a Las Vegas personality impersonator, was booked to play Braxton in a concert, and all contracts state she is an impersonator and was not to be billed as the Grammy winner. But the crowd believed they were paying for the real Toni Braxton. The promoter has the money and is scott free. Johnson-Finn however is fighting for freedom in Suriname. Efforts by her husband Raymond Finn to free her or ongoing. We'll keep you posted.
Paris Immune To Swine Flu
She's inserted her size 11s into her mouth again.
Paris Hilton, who was in town last weekend to check out Britney Spears' concert, is a worldwide traveler, but she's not worried about the CDC's warnings about the pandemic swine flu.
When asked recently by TMZ what she thought of the killer flu sweeping the country, she responded, "I don't eat that."
We can all breathe easier and whip off those masks that Heidi and Spencer Pratt are sporting on their "honeymoon" in Mexico.
Paris and her boyfriend Doug Reinhardt partied hard in Vegas, hitting Lavo, Tao and XS among other nightclubs...in one night. Britney, on the other hand, was under the watchful eye of her conservators and George Maloof's peeps after her Saturday night concert. She had a low-key, booze-free party above the fray in a suite at Palms Place.
For more info: http://www.examiner.com/x-8991-People-Magazine-Examiner
04-20-09
Lindsay Lets Loose
Lindsay Lohan popped in for a surprise appearance at the opening of "Peepshow" at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Lilo posed with former Spice Girl and star of "Peepshow" Mel B.
And at the after party inside Prive she was reportedly texting a boy while hanging out with Mel, celebrity blogger Perez Hilton and the cast of the show.
Apparently she did a bit more than text and dance at the "Peepshow" after party at Prive, according to an official press release from the nightclub inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
The release states that the rehabbed actress "asked for a Vodka drink mixed with soda water and a splash of cranberry."
Draped in a low-cut black dress and burgundy shoes, she also allegedly told Mel she was ‘back on men’, according to xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />London's Daily Mail newspaper.
The 22-year-old split up with longtime gal pal Samantha Ronson earlier this month. She's since been out to prove she's over the girl, posting a spoof on www.funnyordie.com about looking for a new lover.
The pair apparently partied in Lindsay's penthouse suite after the after party. Is Lindsay preparing to pop into "Peepshow" permanently?
04-13-09
Is Pam Doing It Again?
She's been down the aisle three times, most recently with Rick Salomon in Las Vegas with a brief honeymoon at The Mirage's exclusive Mansions.
Now rumor is she and her scuba diver boytoy Jamie Padgett, who have only been dating a few months, are hinting at hitching.
Last week she talked to www.hollyscoop.com about her thrill at finding love yet again. And her kids approve!
"They just like that Mommy's happy. They're happy, Mommy's happy, we're all happy," she told Hollyscoop.
Fueling the fire was her friend Ritchie Rich, who added to Hollyscoop that he would design her wedding dress.
When she's in town, which is often, she loves Blush boutique at Wynn. The loungey atmosphere is ultra cool, and she has preferred the comfy couches next to the intimate dance floor rather than the VIP booths that ring the boutique club.
Will she be the next celeb to marry in Vegas?
Her MySpace page still lists her as single, and Tommy Lee, her first hubby, is her first Friend photo.
Hollyscoop is a fun read, and they may be on to something here.
Lindsay's Lover Looks Low
She rocked the house, but she seemed rocked from the inside out Monday night.
Famed DJ Samantha Ronson rolled into Prive nightclub inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino late last Monday to perform as the clubs celebrity DJ. While the crowd cried out in cheers for the awesome set, Ronson seemed to be checked out.
Maybe the strain of her much-publicized breakup with actress Lindsay Lohan is getting to her. Many entertainment outlets have reported that Ronson's close family asked California police about a restraining order against LiLo. But Sam is denying she wants anything to do with the restraining order, or Lindsay for that matter. Locks were changed this week on her Hollywood home, presumably to keep someone with previous access out. Lindsay told TMZ when asked about her breakup with Sam "It's not over...people take breaks...it's normal."
Well, LiLo's normal is fodder for her fans, and enemies. Stay tuned. We'll keep you informed of Samantha's next visit.
04-05-09
It's getting warmer in Vegas and the pools are beginning to throw off their winter locks and blossom as summer approaches. One of the first to open is the adult-only retreat Sapphire Pool.The Brazilian-style pool "experience" with sultry ladies dancing and liquid libations flowing promises a few fun events this summer season.
Audrina Patridge of “The Hills” ushers in the official pool season May 2. And here's a twist, all proceeds will benefit the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Also planned is a call to all local DJ’s for an exclusive contract for the summer season. Spinning the latest Top 40 and hip-hop tunes throughout the day, the winning DJ is charged with creating a stylish hip club environment under the summer sun. DJ’s interested in auditioning are directed to send a head shot, resume and demo in MP3 to sapphirepoolDJ@gmail.com. Auditions will be held April 17, 18, 24 and 25 with the final announcement at the grand opening party with Ms. Patridge.
Looking for a deal? The Sapphire Pool package includes a two-night stay in one of the Rio’s deluxe suites, admission for two to Sapphire Pool, two drinks at the hotel lounge iBar and admission for two to VooDoo Lounge located 51-stories above the Rio. Rates start at $174 and are available now on the xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Rio website under Playful Packages.
Admission for men is $30 Sunday-Thursday, $50 Fridays and Saturdays and $60 on holidays. Local ladies receive free admission and local men receive half-off admission with valid ID. Call 702.777.7709.
03-30-09
Even sweaty he's still hot.
The charismatic host of "Amazing Race" Phil Keoghan will bike into town tomorrow to meet and greet fans tomorrow from 8-9:30 a.m. at a health store in Southwest Las Vegas.
It is all part of the health nut hottie's first leg of his 3,500 mile bike Ride Across America to support and raise money for multiple sclerosis.
Keoghan will sign copies of his motivational book "No Opportunity Wasted." He must have a lot of energy, or simply need a good rest during his bike ride across the country. The fit host has to log 100 miles a day on his bike to reach New York by May 9 in time for the "Amazing Race 14" finale the next day.
Catch him quick at GNC, 4150 Blue Diamond Road tomorrow.
03-20-09
Jonas Brothers Return
They've finally picked a date! The Jonas Brothers bring their World Tour 2009 to xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Mandalay Bay Events Center August 1. Tickets go on sale next Saturday at noon.
“This tour is going to be about really connecting with our fans,” says Joe Jonas. “We’ve got new music that’s taking us in new directions plus a mind-blowing production that’s going to surprise everyone. We want to give the audience the summer concert they’re not going to ever forget.”
“The Jonas Brothers are a worldwide phenomenon,” said Jason Garner, Chief Executive Officer of Global Music at Live Nation. “In 2008 their global tour included 113 concerts and drew nearly 1.2 million fans. The band is now more popular than ever -- with a new movie, album, TV show and book -- and we are optimistic that this summer’s tour attendance will reflect that popularity.”
“The Jonas Brothers World Tour 2009” will be presented on a massive 140-foot plus stage centered in the arena so there's not a bad seat in the house. A circular water screen, multi-color laser effects, motion automated video screens, a giant crane levitating over the audience plus other surprises are promised. "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks and Honor Society will open the show. You can catch Jordin Sparks and Babyface this Saturday at Star of the Desert Arena at Buffalo Bill's in Primm. Tickets for that show are $50-$71. Call 800-386-7867.
Tickets priced at $89.50 and $69.50 for the 7:30 p.m. show. Get 'em early as they'll go fast noon March 28 at www.livenation.com, www.mandalaybay.com and all Ticketmaster Outlets. To charge by phone call 1-800-745-3000.
Dre Does Vegas
Dr. Dre has been in town about a month now, popping up at clubs and dining out, but otherwise keeping a pretty low profile.
He's at the Palms recording a new album, and friends have been coming to town. Are they collaborating?
Eminem and 50 cent flew in to town this week and not just to party. The boys were seen recording a scene for an upcoming video at Caesars Palace on Sunday. They rode an escalator with a film crew recording. Hmmm. Maybe a recreation of a scene from "Rain Man"?
50 cent took in the sexy Cirque show "Zumanity" at New York-New York with Ciara on Saturday. They must have felt surprised at the attention as they donned disguises the next night to take in Cirque's "O" at Bellagio. The couple(?) scooted in through the back door of the theater just as the lighs went down. Fifty wore an afro wig under a baseball cap worn low and sunglasses. Ciara went with a huge pair of shades and a rather large parka for the cool desert night.
02-16-09
What's He Doing In Vegas?!
Chris Brown has offered his apologies, at least what appear to be apologies. In case you missed it, here's his official statement in full, explaining his actions after allegedly beating on his girlfriend Rihanna and turning himself in to police:
"Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired. I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God's help, to emerging a better person.
"Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and/or reported in the media is wrong.
"While I would like to be able to talk about this more, until the legal issues are resolved, this is all I can say except that I have not written any messages or made any posts to Facebook, on blogs or any place else.
"Those posts or writings under my name are frauds."
So...now the 19-year-old rapper in trouble has flown from his loved ones to hole up at the Hard Rock Hotel. Maybe he brought his mama, wouldn't you? What can the beleagured boy possibly do in Vegas that will not catch the eye of the media, the police or the Los Angeles Distric t Attorney? Paddle by the pool?! Stay tuned for underage rapper sightings.
02-11-09
Vegas 4 Valentine’s Day xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
Whether your plans are to get the girls and guys together for a Valentine’s Day celebration, or share a romantic getaway with that one someone special, The Village at MonteLago Village Resort at xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Lake Las Vegas has quite a few options. From dinner and romantic gondola rides to cruising the lake, enjoying a scenic stroll or an in-room massage during your overnight stay – couples or friends can embrace the day of romance.
Here’s just a few of the specials going on in February:
* Turquoise Door offers a 10 % discount on all heart shaped jewelry, including the popular Joan Slifka heart charm bracelets. Feb. 1-14.
* Take a one-hour cruise at dusk on the lake this Valentine’s Day aboard the beautiful “La Contessa,” which includes complementary champagne. The cost is $30 for singles and $50 per couple. For more information or reservations, call 702-564-2865.
* Fun for family or couples, The Village Floating Ice Rink ends its season February 15, so you can still get that chill thrill on ice from noon to 9 p.m. Full day passes are $15 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under.
* Special room packages at at Vacation Villas Rentals and Management start at $199 with . the Valentine’s Romance Package. Couples receive deluxe accommodations for two, champagne and strawberries upon arrival, rose petal turndown service and a late check out (1:00 p.m.). Available Feb. 7-28. Call 702-566-1358.
For more information on Valentine’s Day events at Monte Lago, go to www.montelagovillage.com.
And, of course, Paris Las Vegas is pulling out the stops for those looking to inject a little, or a lot of, romance into their holiday.
A special Valentine’s Day package will be offered Feb. 13-15, which includes two tickets for the Eiffel Tower Experience, two glasses of Georges Duboeuf Saint-Amour wine,a 5x7 souvenir photo and two tickets to the “Wine 101—Uncork Your Passion” tasting on Feb. 14. The package price is $60 (half of the retail value), for two people.
Want more? The Eiffel Tower can be rented for one hour with full privacy. Additions such as long stem red roses, French champagne complete with waiter to pour the first toast, chocolate covered strawberries and special musicians to serenade couples are also available. For more information about Valentine’s Day specials at Paris’ restaurants go to www.parislasvegas.com.
Caliente Club Comes To Town
A new nightclub will open its doors Feb. 12 at the All-Suite Hotel & Casino. ND’s Fuego - The Evolution of Nightlife promises to be a multi-faceted club experience combining the elements of an interactive production with live performances.
The Latin-themed nightclub will have dancers and singers, surreal characters and elaborate costumes with a state-of-the-art backdrop.
For ticket info, upcoming talent rosters and more call 702-777-7776 or 888-746-7784 or go to www.riolasvegas.com.
01-28-09
Oh What A Night
Tao didn’t disappoint guests late last month. Dave Navarro made an entrance with his girlfriend Lindsey Hartley. He joined Tera Patrcik and her hubby Evan Seinfeld and a group of friends to host the 1st Pornstar Ball. Tera, dressed in a lacy black corset, posed for photos with Evan on the red Carpet and waved to fans. The cuddly couple revealed that it was their 5-year wedding anniversary. Dave took over the dance floor and graciously posed for photos with fans and sipped water throughout the night. Throughout the night Navarro and Seinfeld gave shout outs to each other while Tera giggled and welcomed the crowd to the Pornstar Ball. Dave showed his sentimental side when he took the mic to wish Tera and Evan a Happy Anniversary while the crowd cheered along. Wilmer Valderama rolled in around 1 a.m. with his entourage, which included MMA fighter Rampage Jackson, who seemed to still be celebrating his win from two weeks earlier against Vanderlay Silva. Instead of taking his customary spot in the VIP section, Wilmer hung out in the DJ booth and was hyping the crowd up on the mic while drinking from a squat bottle of Patron. Also in the crowd that night was Joey Fatone, who took a table in the moat section with friends. The following night saw a surprise, by Vegas standards. Super sexy star and oh-so press shy Jessica Alba planned a secret celebration for her hubby and father of her baby Cash Warren's 30th birthday party with close family and friends. She slipped past paparazzi and into the Opium Room for a feast with her cherished beloved.
Sightings
Over at SushiSamba at the Palazzo Shoppes, Amanda Bynes and a group of friends sat down to a lavish lunch.
Sporting a three-quarter sleeve pink sweater and knee-length shorts in this chilly weather, and pulling it off with her usual aplomb, she ordered a large assortment of signature Samba rolls for she and her little group of guys and gals, although one boy in particular seemed to get most of her attention. She must be over her break-up with "The Hills" reality actor Doug Reinhardt as she seemed delighted that day with her choice of lunch companions!
01-19-09
Is he for real?
Joaquin Phoenix, looking scruffy in a track suit and unkempt beard, came to town to flex his musical chops, but many are wondering if he is instead looking to ape the industry that made him famous. The Oscar-nominated star has said he has officially retired from acting last year and that his film “Two Lovers” is his last.
Music is his main artistic outlet. Well, he was nominated in 2006 in three categories in the Music Video Production Association Awards and used his own voice in the huge hit “Walk The Line.”
He has cut an album and is recording a documentary with BFF and brother-in-law Casey Affleck (Affleck, bro to Ben, was hitched to Summer Phoenix in 2006). The weighty and badly bearded xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Phoenix brought the film crew to Lavo at the Palazzo to debut his new songs to a packed club house. It wasn’t what you’d call a raving success. He rapped onstage for a few minutes, bending down to put the mic in the upturned faces of a confused crowd who didn’t know the words, obviously, to a song they could barely hear. Phoenix jumped around after ending the song, falling conveniently off the stage and onto a lounge where his friends were resting. How convenient!
Affleck also arrived late to the gig, causing Phoenix to explode. Is this real or is it a mockumentary? Stay tuned as Phoenix plans to return to Vegas to promote his new album. Hey, nobody laughed when the talented Mr. Jamie Foxx debuted his album for nearly a week while in Vegas. The crowd at Tao inside The Venetian did seem to enjoy the actor and his antics as he asked the DJ to spin a few of his singles last month and got girls on the dance floor to sing along.
01-06-09
Foxx’s Fetexml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
Jamie Foxx’s 41st birthday was a big bash at Tao inside The Venetian. Foxx, who also celebrated the release of his new album “Intuition” that night,” arrived with a few fellow friends all carrying bottles of Ciroc, given to them earlier by a good friend, music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. Foxx and 22 of his close friends and family dined inside Tao Bistro’s private dining room, ordering Chilean Sea Bass, lobster wontons and sushi among several other dishes. As is tradition at the Bistro, the servers surprised Foxx with a sizzling sparkler presentation and a birthday cake. His entourage of family and friends cheered and sang out “Happy Birthday.” The Academy-Award winner and Grammy nominated singer was touched, giving an emotional speech thanking each and everyone of his friends and family in the room, particularly his sister Deidra Dixon and his childhood friends from Texas for always being there for him.
After wiping his tears, they headed upstairs to the nightclub, where more of Jamie’s friends joined him to party at his usual VIP table on the dance floor. Foxx did as he has done in the past at Tao, he grabbed the mic and MC’d the night and sang songs from his new album. Sean “Diddy” Combs arrived and joined his friend, prompting the entire club to sing “Happy Birthday” to Foxx. The club surprised Foxx with yet another sparkler presentation and birthday cake, this time featuring his album cover. Throughout the night, Diddy and Jamie went back and forth with DJ Vice singing along to Foxx’s album and hyping up the crowd.
Avril Lavigne, with pink highlights on her hair and pink Converse hi-tops, made it to the party at 1:45 p.m. And those swelling rumors of a baby on the way? Nah. Lavigne was seen taking shots of Patron at the owner’s table on the dance floor. Diddy gave her a shout out during the wee hours as the party raged on with late-comers Chris Evans (“Fantastic Four”) and Lauren Conrad’s boyfriend actor Kyle Howard (TBS’s “My Boys).
Sushi Spot Sizzles
Sushi Samba in the Palazzo got some national attention just after New Year’s Eve, certainly more than the fizzled fireworks show on the Strip. David Spade, the guy who is almost always seen on the arm of a beautiful A-list babe after her big break up, took new gal pal (and recent former fiancé to singer Michael Bolton) Nicolette Sheridan to the new seafood hot spot the first weekend of January. While David munched on vegetable and chicken anticuchos with
a xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />california roll and diet pepsi, Nicolette enjoyed edamame,
california roll and Belvedere mojito. And the paparazzi snapped away.
The couple were affectionately friendly and casual in jeans - she in a
hoodie and he in a T-shirt. The comedian must have enjoyed himself
as he tipped the staff very well and thanked them profusely
for the food and service.
Just a few weeks earlier at Sushi Samba, Ed Kowalczyk of the band LIVE dined there the night of his performance at the Palazzo Sportsbook Bar and Grill . Kowalczyk ordered many rolls and fresh cuts off the menu and also dipped into the eatery’s extensive sake collection, ordering a bottle of Kamoizumi nigori gingo unfiltered sake. The boy loved it so much he requested a bottle be brought to his green room during the performance. Sushi Samba combines the flavors of the orient with the spice of Brazil. It’s awesome!
New Couple Alert!
The hottie from ABC's "Brothers & Sisters," actor Dave Annable, came to Tao last Friday night. With his girlfriend, "The Unborn" actress,
Odette Yustman, in tow, Annable dined on Spicy Tuna
Tartare, Buddha Chicken and Udon Beef inside Tao’s Asian Bistro.
Cuddling and cooing over each other, the couple had eyes only for
each other, and dessert. Maybe a nod to the New Year, the duo
tucked into their future luck with a signature Giant Fortune Cookie.
Not that they needed to. Annable stars in “Julie and Julia” this year
with Meryl Streep and Amy Adams and Yustman stars in “The Unborn”
with Gary Oldman.
7-07-08
Sarah Says No
The new Christian Audigier nightclub opened this weekend at Treasure Island, replacing the cheeky Tangerine nightclub. Designer Christian told many that he was planning a big opening bash for his new club. The town was atwitter with the rumored red carpet arrivals, which included the camera-shy Michael Jackson. He was a no show, no surprise there. But the other no show is making headlines coast-to-coast.
George Clooney's ex-girlfriend Sarah Larson was to make the pap walk on the red carpet, but the new face of the designer decided to stay in San Diego. Fireworks erupted in bad press locally and in the New York Post.
Who did come? Mariah Carey’s new hubby Nick Cannon, Jaime Pressly and Johnny Hallyday.
Stars Play Here
Tao at The Venetian took in some stars last Saturday night. Actor Damon Wayans was spotted dining with friends at TAO Asian Bistro. Wayans dined on Kobe Beef, crispy lobster and shrimp dumplings and assorted sushi. Just a few tables away was Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons who arrived at TAO Asian Bistro at 10 p.m. for a late dinner. No Playboy bunnies were spotted with the embattled governor. Also at TAO for the second weekend in a row was actor Billy Zane who was spotted dining with George Chanos, the former attorney general of Nevada. Zane is in town filming a mystery with Bai Ling, which is a mystery in and of itself! Odd pairing, eh?
After dinner, Zane and friends headed up to the nightclub where they enjoyed their VIP table on the dance floor. UFC lightweight champion BJ Penn and WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber were on hand at the nightclub celebrating Fight! Magazine’s one-year anniversary. Penn and Faber were also joined by UFC ring girl Arianny Celeste at their private skybox. The group enjoyed Grey Goose cocktails and shots of Patron.
At around 3 a.m., R&B singer Tyrese jumped onstage and treated the packed crowd to some of his hits. The crowd went wild as the actor and singer gave the crowd an unbelievable 45-minute performance singing some of his biggest hits including "How You Gonna Act Like That."
7-01-08
Three Nights, Many Stars
It was the usual A-list weekend at Tao June 27, with a bit of a twist at the end.
Friday night “Gossip Girl” star Ed Westwick ducked reporters’ questions on the red carpet about his rumored close-relationship with a fellow co-star to celebrate his 21st birthday inside. Westwick arrived shortly after 9:15 p.m. for dinner with 30 of his closest friends and family, most of whom had flown in from xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />New York and London. Sitting at the head of the table next to his parents under a glass display of opium pipes, the group feasted on TAO Asian Bistro favorites such as the Chilean sea bass, Kobe beef sashimi and assorted sushi platters. Westwick was given a giant round birthday cake with sparklers and looked slightly red when his table burst into a loud rendition of the “Happy Birthday” song. Later they all trouped up to Tao’s nightclub where he received a second treat, a sparkler presentation by the girls of Tao and cupcakes adorned with fresh fruit.
The following night, “Private Practice” actor Taye Diggs was spotted at a VIP table on the dance floor. Diggs arrived with a group of friends and ordered Grey Goose cocktails and shots of Patron. Just a few tables away at the owner’s table was award-winning “So You Think You Can Dance” choreographer Wade Robson partying it up with friends. xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
The weekend ended on an odd note with the sighting of actor Billy Zane dining with actress Bai Ling and her manager. Turns out the odd couple are in town for a few weeks filming “Magic Man,” a thriller to be released next year. Zane was a gentleman, thanking the staff for the service and tasty food.
6/15/08
Paris Shines For Show
Paris Hilton cruised through town with a bevy of beauties to film her new MTV show "Paris Hilton's My New BFF."
Paris received a red-carpet arrival at Tao inside The Venetian Friday night posing and primping for photographers in a stunning black vintage dress.
Already bonding with the BFFs, Paris asked the girls to share the red carpet with her, which they obviously enjoyed, smiling and squealing as they got into pose position in a semi-circle around the heiress.
The gaggle of girls sat down at the long table by Tao's signature giant Buddha and were immediately served flutes of pink champagne. Paris, ever the center of attention, ur, hostess, led the toast and said "cheers, *itches!" The group dined on assorted sushi platters, lobster wontons and chicken pad Thai. At dinner, Paris’ lil sis Nicky Hilton arrived with longtime boyfriend David Katzenberg. They dined at a separate table with Las Vegas entertainer Jeff Beacher. At another table was Paris’ boyfriend Benji Madden wearing his signature fedora hat and dark sunglasses.
After dinner, the entire group, including camera crew, headed up to the nightclub where they had a table in the moat VIP area. As Paris walked to her table, the DJ played Paris’ song "Stars Are Blind." Never one to miss a photo opportunity, Paris jumped on the catwalk that runs through the club and danced with her BFFs for the show.
After her exhausting catwalk workout, she took to her table with bottles of Patron and Grey Goose.
Benji stayed out of the limelight, chatting with Nicky and David off camera. Throughout the night Paris blew kisses at the crowd but always kept her eye on Benji. While she was partying with the contestants, ever so often she would go over to Benji to give him a kiss. Towards the end of the night the two were looking like a couple in love, constantly whispering into each other’s ears. Paris was seen sitting on Benji’s lap while he was caressing the small of her back. By 3 a.m. Paris and her crew of BFFs left Tao for The Mirage Villas, where Jeff Beacher and his crew of magicians and contortionists performed for the group.
Tonight you can catch “Dancing with the Stars’” Karina Smirnoff at Tao, where the beauty will host the Friday night party after dinner in Tao's Bistro.
No word on who will walk the red carpet, but it’s always a great show and gets underway around 10 p.m.
Janet’s Back
Tickets go on sale tomorrow for Janet Jackson’s Rock Witchu tour, her first tour in seven years. She’ll rock the Mandalay Bay Events Center September 19.
Tickets are $55.75, $100.75, $150.75 with a limited amount of Golden Circle tickets for $300.75. Pick ‘em up at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Box Office, www.livenation.com, www.mandalaybay.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge by phone call Mandalay Bay at (702) 632-7580 or TicketMaster at (702) 474-4000.
5/30/08
Back By Popular Demand
This may be if not the last then one of the last times to catch a legend in action,
“Mr. Las Vegas” Wayne Newton has booked the MGM Grand’s Hollywood Theatre for a seven-night engagement July 31 – August 6. This is the first time the “Dancing with the Stars” alum has returned to the MGM in almost 10 years. Tickets are $65 for the 8:30 p.m. shows. And they go fast as the Waniacs want their man any way they can. Call (800) 929-1111 or (702) 891-7777 or online at www.mgmgrand.com and www.ticketmaster.com.
Party Place
Proof that the beautiful people do indulge. Supermodel and Victoria’s Secret Angel Karolina Kurkova, who was in town for the May 18 Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand, basked in the sun at Tao Beach. The willowy lovely lady lounged in a VIP cabana with a few friends and ordered a Kobe burger from the Tao Beach Grill menu for lunch. Still, the sweet supermodel, who told me she creates her own scent with natural oils as she doesn’t like heavy perfumes, looked stunning in her itsy bitsy elegantly worn swimsuit.
Also at Tao recently was Josh Groban, who partied in Tao’s nightclub last Thursday with a few friends. While he may be staid onstage, this boy can dance! Groban rolled in at straight up midnight clad in jeans and a black leather coat and took a VIP table in the moat area of the nightclub stocked with Grey Goose vodka. Josh stayed for several hours dancing to the sounds of DJ Five with a few friends.
Also spotted at TAO Worship Thursday was Kansas City Chiefs player Larry Johnson, Dallas Cowboys player Terrell Owens and actress and former “Dancing With The Stars” contestant Kelly Monaco.
04-28-08
Excess Expected
When you are known for being a big partier as well as for the style in which you imbibe, you may go over the top without looking gaudy. Rapper Lil Jon has apparently done that. The hit maker presented a diamond encrusted magnum of Patron with matching silver glasses to TAO owner Jason Strauss last Saturday night at the nightclub inside The Venetian. Each silver glass is branded with Lil Jon's name, along with each of the owners' individual names. Sweet, right? Well, the gift was a gimme for Lil Jon as the glasses will remain at Tao 'til the next time he comes there to party. Yea-ah!
Also at the club, although less flashy, was "Scrubs" star Zach Braff celebrating his birthday at the club with four friends including co-star and BFF Donald Faison. The group arrived at TAO for dinner at 10pm and dined on wasabi steak and chicken satay. Also returning to Tao was regular Wilmer Valderrama who dined with eight friends including motocross racer Carey Hart, who recently split from wife rocker Pink. Afterwards both groups took separate tables on the VIP section of the dance floor, but Zach and Donald were good neighbors, walking over to give a hello to Wilmer.
Fore You
Golf fans get ready (or get your tickets now for dear old dad). The PGA TOUR's 26th annual Las Vegas event, the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, is getting ready for its 13th - 19th days of play at TPC Summerlin.
The tournament needs volunteers to donate time and talent. There is a cost, a $40 uniform fee, which includes a coveted volunteer's volunteer's official Tournament hat, golf shirt and jacket. The fee also includes lunch every day you work, a week-long Tournament badge and two tickets to the volunteer kickoff party. You'll get to play a little, check out celebrity players and assist in a much-needed charity event. For more information on how to become a 2008 volunteer, please contact Mike Zampini, Volunteer Coordinator, at 702-873-1010 or visit www.jtshrinersopen.com www.jtshrinersopen.com.
Bubble Guy Pops New Name
The Oprah show favorite, Mega Bubble Show, has changed its name back to the original title, Gazillion Bubble Show.
The creator, 16-time Guinness World Record Holder Fan Yang, impressed Oprah Winfrey recently when he attempted to go for another record by encasing a large group of people in a giant bubble.
His show at Steve Wyrick Theatre in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino blends art and science to create a shiny, happy, whimsical show. Tickets are $32.50 for general admission, $42.50 for premium seating and $69.50 for Bubble Zone VIP seating. Show times are Thursday and Friday at 3 p.m., Saturday at 11a.m., 1p.m., and 3 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Call 702-777-7794.
4-20-08
Sorry gossip lovers! I've been swamped with new clients (know all you freelancers out there understand!).
Most of the good stuff i get I can't publish on this site as it's now owned by the new clients. But, I'll be writing more about what the hell is going on with celebrity in this fine city. There are always odd things to discuss, and get some feedback from my loyal readers.
Thanks for staying tuned during this last hiatus. Check in regulary as I'll be updating two or three times a week with little tidbits and a take on the lies and tall tales of the publicity hungry stars who make Las Vegas a playground or a home.
3-14-08
Stars Give For Good Time
Friday night at TAO Las Vegas actress Bonnie Somerville, star of “Cashmere Mafia,” was hostess for a charitable evening benefiting The Art of Elysium, a non-profit organiztion bringing creative projects to children who are battling serious medical conditions.
The well coifed Bonnie arrived at 10 p.m. to a wall of photographers outside the club. After posing for pictures with friend and fellow actress Lindsay Sloane, Somerville and her half dozen gal pals sat down to dinner inside Tao Bistro. They noshed on sushi, Peking duck and other dishes but the girls were saving room for dessert. xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Somerville obviously has a sweet tooth as a large platter of Tao’s signature sweets was delivered to the table. Afterwards the group hit the dance floor VIP area where they had Grey Goose and Don Julio Tequila waiting at their table. Also spotted at the Tao Bistro on Friday was Kansas City Chiefs coach Herm Edwards dining with former coach Marty Schottenheimer and Tiki and Ronde Barber of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Fator Factor
Terry Fator. Not familiar with the name? You will be. This guy is gaining national attention in the year he’s been on the public’s radar. Fator won NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” game show last year with his ventriloquist act that includes celebrity impressions and a bit of comedy. Since then he’s headlined at the Las Vegas Hilton.
This week on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” Fator announced his contract was extended for a year.
Some of his “characters” include the voices of Garth Brooks, members of the Rat Pack, Gnarls Barkley, Etta James, Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett and, of course, Elvis.
You can catch him March 28-30 at 6 p.m. and April 23-25 at 6 p.m. Tickets range from $49-$149, with the $149 VIP price including a backstage meet-and-greet with Fator among other treats. For a full schedule go to www.lvhilton.com or call 702-732-5755 or 1-800-222-5361.
03-03-07
Among the hotties at Tao inside The Venetian this weekend was an oldie but a goodie. Regis Philbin was spotted with a group of friends, hunkered down in the Bistro trying to enjoy a quiet dinner of squab wraps and xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Peking filet. xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
But the place was hoppin’! “Gossip Girl” Chace Crawford had dinner with 12 people, including former N*SYNC star JC Chasez. The group arrived at 8:30 p.m. and ordered sushi platters and Kobe beef for dinner. Yum! They didn’t slow down after the heady meal and party atmosphere, moving onto the dance floor where they had a VIP table reserved and stocked with Grey Goose vodka.
But the star of the night was NY Giants captain, you know, that Superbowl champ, and birthday boy Michael Strahan. Damn he’s sexy. TAO went all out with a huge party for Strahan and 20 of his closest friends including Eddie Murphy's ex-wife Nicole Murphy. (Lucky girl, eh?!)
The pair dined next to each other at dinner and danced together in the nightclub afterwards. They looked very close. As he was enjoying the sounds of DJ Reach, Strahan walked over to the next table to give a hello and handshake to Crawford and Chasez. The huge star, ur, stud posed for photos with the, let’s just say shorter in stature not star power guys, to the delight of fans. Everyone partied well into the morning as another Friday in Las Vegas came to a close, or sorts.
Are You Lonely Tonight?
Were you single, or newly single, this past Valentine’s Day?
Dust off your pick up lines and pull out your do-me duds and head to Vegas for a St. Patty’s dating event that will set your head reeling, if not your heart.
The Penthouse Club Las Vegas’, (its slogan is where the magazine comes to life), and AdultFriendFinder.com, a vast adult personals-related sites, are teaming up for a St. Paddy’s pick-me-up. The Penthouse Club’s‘Key Girls’ will greet guests who want to hook up with members of the AdultFriendfinder.com. Complimentary libations for the libido, Jameson Irish Whisky to be exact, will be handed out from 7 – 9 p.m. The gentlemen’s club is new and just off the Strip at 3525 W. Russell Road. Cabbies will kindly take you over the Russell hump from the Mandalay Bay to this lush spot in the desert. For VIP reservations 702-367-6040.
02-29-07
Green Is In…
…town that is. Seth Green has been popping up all over town this past week.
Saturday night at TAO Las Vegas saw the actor making an appearance at the nightclub with six friends. The actor took his regular table, an upper skybox overlooking the packed nightclub. Seth chose Grey Goose for him and his friends and they partied into the early morning hours listening to the sounds of DJ M.O.S.
Seth also dined out with Sarah Michelle Gellar’s guy Freddie Prinze Jr. on Saturday at Maggiano’s inside the Fashion Show mall.
Guess Freddie didn’t want to get in trouble with the Missus so declined joining Seth at the tempting Tao.
One Night at Tao
Rosario Dawson took some friends to Tao at The Venetian to celebrate the release of her film “Desent”…onto DVD. This girl will party for anything. Arriving oh-so-fashionably late in a little black dress, Dawson and her gal pals sampled sushi, Chilean sea bass and Buddhachicken in the Bistro before heading to a roped off area in the moat VIP. Sipping on Tyku and dancing to DJ Berrie the group stayed into the wee hours with season two contestant of "Dancing with the Stars" Stacy Keibler and her boyfriend, actor Geoff Stults.
Clooney is a Shmoopy
OK, we get it, you’re in love. It’s not a TomKat-level show of affection, but George Clooney and his gal pal Sarah Larson made very public displays of affection during their Vegas Valentine’s weekend. They took in “Love” at the Mirage on the big heart day, meeting with the cast and posing for personal pictures after the show. The next night they took in the Crazy Horse Paris at MGM Grand, ordering Absolut and sodas. Ahhh, they share the same libation cravings. Although the nearly-nude show is a artfully crafted sight, the pair only had eyes for each other. They left through the back of the house, giving a nod and a hello to the shocked staff. George had Sarah in stitches most of the night, including physical humor with a little jig ala Ashley Simpson on “SNL.” Clooney is sexy doing anything. They danced around the fountain just outside the car pick-up and kissed as they slipped into their waiting limo. And you thought you and your Shmoopy were the cutest couple on the planet.
xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Paris Likes The Spotlight
Paris partied every night this last week in Vegas, even picking up past paramour Travis Barker Wednesday at Jet nightclub at The Mirage. The girl and Barker’s ex Shanna Moakler came to blows over the boy last year. The Barkers officially ended their marriage earlier this month.
Last year Shanna Moakler told me she was enjoying Vegas alone as Travis didn’t like to gamble and party. He apparently changed his tune.
Paris also danced with the Pussycat Dolls at Pure inside Caesars in celebration of her ongoing birthday.
Broadway Makes Another Bet
Although “The Producers” bowed out and “Mamma Mia!” is on the way out after a five-year run, the Palazzo is gambling on a good show that packs ‘em in on the Great White Way. Producers of “Jersey Boys,” which opens at the tony hotel across from The Venetian April 4, aren’t even paring down the two-hour show. Most Broadway shows that make a move to Vegas pair down the production by a song or two so that guests can get back to the tables. The Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Pick up tix online at www.venetiantickets.com.
02-12-08
What is up with Katie Rees?
List this under What Were They Thinking.
The dethroned Miss Nevada USA, who had a bit of a scurfuffle last year when pics of her nearly nude and loving it cost her her crown, showed up at The Bank at Bellagio Sunday. She was part of the “Women of the Night” awards, which The Bank gave to “xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Sin City’s sexiest movers and shakers.”
This just days after the blonde bomb was booked into the county jail early last Wednesday after throwing a fit when the popo pulled her over around 3 a.m. for a traffic violation. The poor police just wanted to cite the girl when Rees got rowdy, throwing punches, allegedly, and hurling naughty words. What moves this girl has! She seems to have the latest addiction of so many celebs out there, to attention. Also at the “awards” was Tiffany Masters, who took home an honor from the bash. Masters, who is an escort service operator, listed Rees on her Myspace page, which assisted in the offing of Rees’ crown.
01-21-08
Just a thought: I peruse the gossip sites every morning to ketchup on the fast food of celebrity cheese. People for the pics, Page Six for the NY news and leftovers, Jossip, well, it's just fun. But I find myself going to TMZ every hour to see what Starbucks or gas station Britney has popped into or perpetrated, for docu-dramas with court papers, nightclub brawls. It's lovely looky-loo format provides so much fodder. More than once I've been ahead of a lunch convo because of my TMZ education. TMZ has become so synonymous with gossip, it might become like Google, as in what you did at work today. “I TMZed half the afternoon away.”
TMZ stands for Thirty Mile Zone, the area of which they first covered. That got me thinking. As a gossip hound in Vegas, why can’t we catch the stars at a coffee shop or walking down the street in Vegas? Because everything they need while lounging high above the city – from Mary Jane to marijuana – is brought to them. Late night craving for Starbucks, call room service. Late night craving for Kitson? Call the concierge. You want it, they will get it or find it. Private elevators from suite to sit-down dinners, from N9NE at the Palms to SW steakhouse at Wynn. No wonder the stars love Vegas. And bodyguards abound, nightclubs, shopping malls, restrooms, Quizno's. It’s a 10-mile stretch of safety for stars. T(en)M (safety)Z?
1/14/08
They Make Sex Tapes On Purpose, And Party To Prove It
Adult entertainment superstars came to town for their annual frolic at the Adult Video News Awards this weekend. The girls, and boys, of consensual sex tapes made Tao their party headquarters with three separate bashes beginning last Thursday with the 3rd Annual Diva Las Vegas hosted by Tera Patrick.
Tera and her beau Evan Seinfeld popped in relatively early at 10 p.m. with a crew of 25. After a deliciously decadent dinner at Tao’s Bistro, the group moved to the nightclub, where Tera and 40 of the curvacecious and outrageous girls of adult films put on a fashion show. Also there for the ride was Tao regular Pauly Shore, who took over the mic with a bit of impromptu shtick, and UFC champ Chuck Liddell, who stumbled in around 3 a.m. Wow, little late, eh Champ?
Pauly must have liked what he saw (or maybe the crowd actually thought he was funny and he was hoping for a comeback) and returned to Tao the following night for a party hosted by adult film star Briana Banks and Hustler Lingerie. Briana arrived at 11 p.m. in a tight black skirt and spankin’ leather boots. After working the red carpet she hit the TAO catwalk, strutting and posing for fan photos while DJ Reach spun hot hits. Pauly kept to himself.
Finally, adult film superstar Stormy Daniels celebrated her big win at the 2008 AVN Awards Saturday with a party that night at Tao. Stormy won three major awards at the AVN Awards show. Sheathed in a black dress and kicky heels, she arrived with a gaggle of girls. DJ M.O.S. gave her a shout out to congratulate her just as she was showered in sparklers by the club’s staff. And guess who else was spotted at Tao, lapping up the scene? Yup, Pauly Shore as well as actress Kaley Cuoco.
1/02/08
TomKat Crazy For Sin City
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes apparently love Vegas. They came in last Sunday for dinner at SW Steakhouse inside the Wynn with star couple Victoria and David Beckham. They stayed for the Spice Girls concert, their second in two weeks, and returned Thursday to dine at Nobu inside the Hard Rock hotel. Cowboys from the National Finals Rodeo ringed the busy room, but they were so engrossed in reveling about their achievements at the rodeo and digging into platters of sashimi that they were clueless to the dark-suited Tom Cruise slipping past them to sit with his wife.
TomKat ordered yellowtail jalapeno sashimi and a Kobe beef flaming dish. The cute couple stayed through the weekend, taking in the final show of Celine Dion’s “A New Day…” at Caesars Palace Saturday night.
She’s Done It Again
It’s a new record for Pam Anderson. Just 10 weeks into her nuptials to Rick Salomon she’s filed for divorce. Her previous record was to hubby number two, Kid Rock, for four months in 2006. She filed for divorce hubby number two, Kid Rock, over Thanksgiving last year, just 4 months into their marriage. The holiday spirit must move her. Was it just a publicity stunt for her now-closed show at Planet Hollywood? The buzz on the Strip is that she’ll return to a Vegas stage, whether that includes a stripper pole is unclear. She can currently be seen in Elton John’s Vegas show “The Red Piano” at Caesars Palace, where she dances around a pole on a screen behind John in a clip filmed in 2004 by David LaChappelle, her BFF and John’s choreographer.
You can also catch her Dec. 31 when she host’s Pure nightclub’s New Year’s Eve bash at Caesar’s Palace. Stay tuned as who knows if Rick will be by her side. The rocky couple have been snapped shopping and dining in Southern California since the blonde babe filed the papers.
NYE Getting’ Hot
Over at the Palms, New Year’s Eve will sizzle with Jay-Z and guests at what is turning out to be the hottest concert hall in town. Expect loads of hip-hop stars to be attracted to this beacon of New Year’s entertainment when Jay-Z takes the stage Dec. 29 inside the Pearl. No word on whether his lovely lady of years Beyonce will join him onstage, or off. Jay-Z adds the Vegas stop to the already successful tour in support of his latest album American Gangster, which came out this year. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show are $128, $178 and $228. And they go fast, as there are only 2,500 seats in this intimate venue. Go to www.livenation.com to purchase tickets or The Pearl box office, which is open from noon – 7 p.m. daily.
12/15/07
Awards Show Night, Writer’s Bow Out
Although the Billboard Music Awards skipped its annual Vegas appearance this year, there’s still one award show that attracts a lot of attention for its star draw.
Samuel L. Jackson will host Spike TV’s big Video Game Awards at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday. The show, which airs Sunday on Spike, will be packed with players and artists from the gaming world. Sounds like a slam dunk, however with the current writer’s strike, the awards show is going on with no net, so to speak. Hopefully Mr. Jackson is an avid gamer with a spontaneous emcee style as he’ll have to wing it in front of the live and TV audiences.
The red carpet attendees include Paton Oswalt, Tony Hawk, MTV’s Tila Tequila, UFC champs Quinton Jackson and Forrest Griffin and a few other game personalities. Also the latest and greatest games for 2007 and 2008 will be highlighted.
If you happen to be in town through tomorrow, you may catch MTVs Rob Dyrdek of skateboard fame and his big BFF and bodyguard Christopher “Big Black” Boykin shooting scenes for their third season, which rolls out in January.
But tonight, Jackson will appear in front of the Luxor Hotel’s Great Sphinx with his co-stars Hayden Christensen and Rachel Bilson of their upcoming movie “Jumper.” The trio will jump out around midnight to launch the world premiere screening of the new trailer for the movie. Why the Sphinx? Christensen plays a man who can teleport anywhere, with the head of the actual Sphinx in Egypt being a favorite destination apparently as the movie’s poster and trailer both show.
Cool Christmas Cash
If you need a little extra holiday cash, get to Tao. The hot haute spot is hosting its annual Bad Santa contest Dec. 20. The 10 p.m. party lets ladies compete to be crowned “Naughtiest Santa’s Helper” for a $5,000 prize. The judge this year is the big guy himself, although he’s more familiar with strippers on poles than the North Pole. Jeff Beacher will decide who is the nicest naughtiest little lady this year. For guest list information, bottle service and table reservations, call (702) 388-8588 or email info@taolasvegas.com.
Chris Brown Comes To Town
He’s a hot ticket with big bets on how fast his show will sell out.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow for the Chris Brown show at Mandalay Bay Events Center January 4 with co-headliner Bow Wow. The 8 p.m. show includes special guests Soulja Boy, Sean Kingston, Shop Boyz, and Lil Mama. While Brown is promising big surprises in each city for the crowds of fans, his show will include his current hits “Kiss, Kiss” featuring T-Pain, and “Wall To Wall,” as well as “Run It,” and “Yo (Excuse Me Miss).”
Tickets are $69.75 and $89.75 and go on sale at 10 a.m. at Mandalay Bay’s box office and at Ticketmaster outlets.
You can also pick them up online at www.livenation.com, www.mandalaybay.com, www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Mandalay Bay at (702) 632-7580 or Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000.
12/01/07
Paisley Makes Another Vegas Date
Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10 a.m. for Brad Paisley’s Jan. 26 show at Mandalay Bay Events Center.
Paisley’s current hit “Online” hit #1 recently on the country charts, but he’s crossed over with his single last year, “Ticks.” His Hershey’s Presents Bonfires and Amplifiers Tour gets underway in Vegas at 8 p.m. with special guests Rodney Atkins and Chuck Wicks joining the award-winner.
With the Hershey’s sponsorship Paisley has been able to keep his ticket prices affordable for families and give them more show for their money.
“The sponsorship has allowed us to invest more into the technology of our show. It’s really fun and impressive to see what we have going on behind us, from an almost holographic Alison Krauss appearing, virtual fire, 56 amplifiers that turn into TVs and lots of high-res visual effects,” says Paisley. Tickets are $55 and $75 and can be purchased at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Box Office, www.livenation.com, www.mandalaybay.com and all Ticketmaster outlets or by phone Mandalay Bay at (702) 632-7580 or Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000.
Rodeo Dates
Planning on coming to town for the National Finals Rodeo, which begins next week? Aside from the action at the Thomas & Mack Center, there will be entertainment aplenty around town. Arizona Charlie’s on Decatur Boulevard presents The Kelly J. Band Dec. 4-15. Kelly J. recently completed her first CD, “A Little Bit of Both” featuring the single, “If We’re Letting Go” and she’s sung the national anthem at the NFR in past years. The Kelly J. Band will perform in the Naughty Ladies Saloon at Arizona Charlie’s Decatur. Showtimes are 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Tuesdays through Thursdays and 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Over at the Fremont Street Experience the official kickoff party for the National Finals Rodeo gets started at 6 p.m. Dec. 5.
The 21st Annual Downtown Hoedown includes Hal Ketchum, Sawyer Brown and Ray Scott joined by Las Vegas’ own rising star, Tony Marques and his band. Ray Scott starts with a show from 6-8 p.m. on the 1st Street Stage followed by Hal Ketchum from 9-11 p.m. and over on the 3rd Street Stage Tony Marques Band is from 6-8 p.m. followed by Sawyer Brown from 9-11 p.m. All concerts are free and open to the public and parking is available at the Fremont Street Experience parking garage located on the corner of Carson and 4th Streets.
Holiday Best
The JW Marriott Aquae Sulis spa is the perfect place to pamper yourself this holiday season. After a say at this cozy spa you’ll feel ready to take on any holiday surprises with aplomb. And you never know who you’ll run into there as this relaxing oasis is frequented by local celebrities and talent who want to get away from it all without the hassle of the Strip. Through Jan. 31, here are a few of the choice treatments to make you shine this season.
-- Candy Cane Scalp and Hair Treatment
A rejuvenating 80-minute scalp massage that brings life to dull winter hair.
-- Diamond Radiance Facial
Wake up tired skin and diminish those fine lines that can get deeper with seasonal stress during this high tech 50-minute facial that combats the signs of aging.
-- The Tinsel Package
Got a big party to go to? Get a customized up do and shimmering mineral makeup professionally applied during this luxurious 110-minute glamour guide. You’ll not only look and feel good, but you will learn techniques from the trained specialists at this spa.
Men can also get a relaxing massage (to help their golf game) or a facial tailored to their needs. And the gym is top-notch with the latest in machines and classes ranging from yoga to tai chi. Go to www.jwlasvegasresort.com or call (702) 869-7807 and toll-free at 877-869-8777.
10/30/07
Less Is Moore
Was that really them? Demi Moore and hot hubby Ashton Kutcher have been in town while he films “What Happens in Vegas.” There are no reports of late-night clubbing, bad behavior at area strip joints or even bad tipping on a giant dinner bill. The pair seemed to have charmed the insiders who pick up the phone and rat out whiny or weird behavior by A-listers, or they’re simply a nice married couple in town for work. But this past weekend Moore and Kutcher were caught! Playing poker at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino with Kutcher’s castmate Cameron Diaz.
Tao Takes It To Two
Tao at The Venetian celebrated its two year anniversary last Saturday with a long list of A-listers. Angie Harmon and hubby Jason Seahorn, Avril Lavigne and her hubby Deryck Whibley of Sum 41, Bobby Flay, Brooke Burns, Katharine McPhee, Haylie duff, Eve (who was also celebrating her birthday), Howie Mandel, Rosario Dawson (who brought her mom Isabelle) Ron Burkle and Cisco Adler and more came to play. The stars started off the night with a private dinner hosted by TAO owners Rich Wolf, Marc Packer, Noah Tepperberg and Jason Strauss.
After a lengthy dinner, the celebs moved to the packed dance floor to party it up and more A-listers continued to show up into the wee hours of the morning. The event was also a place for new hookups, apparently. Actress Rachael Taylor o “The Transformers” and actor Zach Levy from NBC’s latest hit “Chuck” were seen kissing on the dance floor and Kate Hudson’s ex Dax Shepherd spotted leaving TAO with “Heroes” star Kristen Bell, who also is recently single. Kate Hudson doesn’t seem to upset by her recent breakup with Shepherd. She was seen in New York recently with Dane Cook and Heath Ledger.
Two For The Show
Here’s an unlikely pair. Vince Vaughn and actor Peter Billingsley (the towhead cutie from the seasonal fave “A Christmas Story”) took in the 10:30 p.m. show of the Crazy Horse Paris at MGM Grand. The boys enjoyed the artsy topless revue that draws so many celebrities. Vaughn is a regular to the show and usually pops backstage to chat with the girls (all talented and trained dancers). But apparently he had places to be with Mr. Billingsley and left after the show ended just past midnight.
JT Scores
Justin Timberlake is bringing sexy back…into the game. The PGA Tour pegged JT to host its Las Vegas event Oct. 13-19, 2008. The boy bander joins the ranks of Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. as the 14th celeb to host the PGA Tour. In honor of this the event will be renamed the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. You can catch it at TPC Summerlin or on the Golf Channel. Timberlake will play in the Wednesday celebrity pro-am and host a concert to benefit the Shriners.
“Raising money to better children’s lives while playing golf? I can’t think of a better way to pass the time,” Timberlake said.
This year the three Tours are competing in about 110 events for approximately $340 million in prize money and have surpassed the $1 billion mark in overall charitable contributions. Go to www.pgatour.com for more info.
When do they rest?
The waitstaff at Tao Las Vegas inside the Venetian must never get a break. Celebrities file in and out of the restaurant and club every weekend and the occasional Worship Thursday. Last weekend “Dancing With The Stars” alum Mario Lopez waltzed into the Asian Bistro with new gal pal Karina Smirnoff. After a long, lovely dinner, Lopez and friends took to the dance floor inside the cavernous Tao and greeted surprised clubgoers. Worship Thursdays kick off the Tao weekend and every Saturday is a good night to grab a bite and stargaze at Tao Bistro. It’s yummy and not too too hard on the wallet.
10/29/07
Six degrees of Britney
Britney Spears. What more can be said for the ap-parent pop wreck? In the past 7 months she’s been in, and out, of rehab twice, flashed the paps, charged with misdemeanor hit-and-run, served her mama dubious legal papers, lost her kids, twice, and stumbled through a chance at a comeback in Las Vegas. In fact, Sin City seems to be a place she gets in trouble. Her first marriage, which lasted all of 55 hours in 2004, happened here. Her bodyguard was charged here for attacking a paparazzi. Her MTV comeback was squashed here as she stumbled around onstage to her first single in years, “Gimme More” and her next single includes an alleged slap at her ex with a line about how Vegas changed him into a playa while she played house alone. Maybe she shouldn’t stay here, as what happens here follows her around for life, and not in a good way.
But she’s OK. Friday night, after a long day in court getting custody secured for her two sons under 2, Britney romped through L.A. with gal pal Alli Sims. The two picked up Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo at Ketchup restaurant, where People reports Brit didn’t stop for nibbles or drinks, before moving on to Hollywood’s hot spot du jour Les Deux. Romo must have made an impression as Brit donned a quarterback uniform for Ryan Cabrera’s costume party Saturday night.
Sunday night Romo and Cabrera were spotted at Luxors LAX partying. It’s only a matter of time before Brit returns to Vegas.
When do they rest?
The waitstaff at Tao Las Vegas inside the Venetian must never get a break. Celebrities file in and out of the restaurant and club every weekend and the occasional Worship Thursday. Last weekend “Dancing With The Stars” alum Mario Lopez waltzed into the Asian Bistro with new gal pal Karina Smirnoff. After a long, lovely dinner, Lopez and friends took to the dance floor inside the cavernous Tao and greeted surprised clubgoers. Worship Thursdays kick off the Tao weekend and every Saturday is a good night to grab a bite and stargaze at Tao Bistro. It’s yummy and not too too hard on the wallet.
Pam's Big Vegas Publicity Stunt?
Las Vegas performer and TV babe Pamela Anderson tied the knot earlier this month with sex-tape entrepreneur Rick Salomon. (He was the guy who filmed “One Night In Paris” with the Hilton heiress.) He was also married to Shannon Dougherty, briefly (but then which of their marriages weren't brief. Ouch.).
But was it for the publicity? Let's just put it out there, Pammy likes attention. Now rumors are swirling that her show at Planet Hollywood, in which she's the assistant to illusionist Hans Klok in "The Beauty of Magic," is closing. She and Salomon have been spotted out 'til the wee hours of the a.m., rolling dice and sipping on gin and juice. They must be lovin' the Las Vegas lifestyle. Last week the two unwittingly walked through the set of "What Happens in Vegas," where stars Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher were getting ready to shoot at 6 a.m. Love is blind, eh?
Anderson had been hinting she is head over heels with a new guy before she tied the knot. On the “Ellen DeGeneres” show in September:
"I paid off a poker debt with sexual favors, and I fell in love," Anderson said, not revealing it was Salomon. "It's so romantic. It's romance."
After the MTV VMA’s at the Palms Sept. 9. Pam appeared publicly with her guy at Wynn’s Blush. Although she writhed around on his lap and looked seductively at the scruffy stud, they didn’t really appear to be in “true love.”
Pam was most recently married to Kid Rock, for four months last year. Her first marriage was to Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee. Lee and Kid recently tussled at the VMA’s, allegedly over their shared ex.
Pam said “I do” at the exclusive Mirage Villas between her 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. shows as Hans Klok’s assistant in his illusion show at the Planet Hollywood casino. Now the paparazzi are waiting for baby news or signs of an impending divorce/annulment. Vegas odds aren’t good.
9/17/07
Lots Of Love For Nas
Rapper Nas celebrated his birthday with a ‘50s themed party at Tao inside The Venetian last Friday night.
Nas and his talented wife Kelis had a private dinner with NBA superstar Chris Webber and some 40 guests in the Opium room. R&B group "The Stylistics" performed for the group and Nas and Kelis shared a few dances between courses of TAO's signature dishes: Chilean Sea Bass and Sushi platters. After the tasty dinner, the group settled into two cushy cabanas at the XBOX Oasis at xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />TAO Beach, where Nas was surprised with a three-tiered cake topped with a ‘50s styled jukebox and sparklers.
The happy couple embraced for several photos and partied with the rest of their crew, but not before NAS finished his game on the cabana’s Xbox. Afterwards, they moved down to the nightclub and partied. His best bud Jay-Z was a no-show, but his thoughts were with his friend. In lieu of being there, Jay-Z sent over eight bottles of his champagne, Ace of Spades, for the group.
09/10/07
Stars Came To Play
The MTV VMAs are over, but the controversy goes on about Britney Spears lackluster opening performance and Kanye West’s finger pointing. But the days before the Sunday awards show at the Palms was nothing but fun, at least over at Tao.
Friday night at Tao Hospitality Suite at The Venetian pop stars Cassie and Nelly, as well as rockers Panic! At the Disco, legend Quincy Jones and more made appearances. Quincy Jones visited daughter Kidada’s Disney Couture booth to check out her new designs. Cassie treasured her Treesje handbag so much that she took the black patent leather one but asked where she could buy the same one in blue. Panic! At the Disco boys (true gentleman as well as talented rockers) stopped by the XBOX OASIS AT TAO BEACH to play the new Halo 3 video game. They must have liked it as they carried home new XBOX consoles.
On Saturday, stars such as Ashanti, Britney Spears assistant Alli Sims, Eve, Kanye West, Kevin Connolly, Jennifer Hudson and Amerie and a laundry list of other bold-namers took home Canyon Ranch SpaClub SWAG from the Venetian Hospitality cabana as well as designer shades for Luxxotica. Brody Jenner got so excited at the Venetian suite that he picked up fellow “The Hills” castmate Lauren Conrad and swung her around, playfully bouncing her upside down as she shrieked, “Brody! Oh my gosh…Brody!” xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Castmates Whitney Port and Audrina Patridge came to play XBOX but shied away from the gifting suite because of the plethora of cameras.
That night at Tao Asian Bistro hosted Pharrell’s private VMA dinner sponsored by Samsung Gleam phones. Quincy Jones, Steve Stout, Shia Labeouf and Rihanna, stopped by, but not together. Shia arrived and stayed for about 45 minutes before leaving to attend another party. Rihanna arrived literally 5 minutes later. Rihanna stayed for about three hours. Shia returned to party with Diddy, Britney Spears and Pharrell in Tao’s nightclub. Also, Quincy Jones was spotted for the second night in a row at TAO Nightclub.
09/08/07
Christina Outed By xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Paris
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Christina Aguilera hasn't been public about her burgeoning belly, preferring to keep her baby bump under wraps. But Paris Hilton thought the world should know. At the new swank club inside Luxor, LAX, Christina was enjoying the beats by the house DJ from her VIP perch as host of the late-night party. Paris Hilton popped in around 2 a.m., walking the red carpet but ignoring reporters. Apparently she wanted to save her words for the stage. Once inside she grabbed the mic to give a shout out to the glowing hostess, making a comment about how beautiful the "Beautiful" singer looked...for a pregnant popstar. Christina, ever the professional, looked at her hubby Jordan Bratman for a beat before smiling and laughing to the cheering clubbers.
08-08-07
Grey Girls Go Wild
What didn’t happen in Vegas last weekend? Kate Walsh, formerly of ABC’s hit “Grey’s Anatomy” and so good she got her own spin off show “Private Practice,” pulled into Tao last Saturday with fellow "Grey's Anatomy" co-star Sara Ramirez and 15 girlfriends for her bachelorette party. Also there was actress Joely Fisher and Ricki Lake, with 10 girlfriends for Joely's sister, actress Tricia Leigh Fisher's bachelorette party.
Both girl groups got started early at TAO Beach during the day with VIP cabanas. Although it was purely coincidental that both bachelorettes came to party at the same place on the same day, they all got together like old friends. Joely approached Kate’s cabana for a quick hello and laughed when they realized they were all there for the same type of celebration.
Later they ate at separate large tables at the TAO Asian Bistro for dinner and gabbed between courses of sushi platters, Kobe Beef and Chicken Pad Thai. A dessert platter arrived at Kate’s table to the cheers of her girlfriends. After dinner both bachelorettes took to the dance floor with their friends. Sara and Kate hit the TAO Catwalk and danced to Jennifer Lopez' "Get Right.”
Pam Loves Vegas
Pam Anderson is singing Vegas’ praises. On her blog this week she expounded on the local health food stores and her future penthouse pad.
"Vegas has health food stores – Thank God – I think I'll survive Vegas. I really want to stay here. My kids love it ... So glamorous.” The single mom of two boys, Brandon, 11, and Dylan, 9, with former hubby Tommy Lee goes on to say, "I think old Vegas is resurfacing," she adds. "I can't wait for my panorama penthouse to be built."
Anderson is the scantily clad assistant in Hans Klok: The Beauty of Magic show at Planet Hollywood casino and hotel. She recently threw herself a big 40th birthday bash, complete with pink accents and a giant pink cake,
Earlier this year, while filming movie Blonde and Blonder with Denise Richards the two became fed up with roaming paparrazi and allegedly threw a laptop and a slew of profanities at a pack of paps. Unfortunately the busty blondes missed their original and struck an elderly woman in a wheelchair. This week the two shutterbugs who were the intended targets settled with the girls out of court relating to damages they say the actresses inflicted upon them.
Bunny Babe
Jenny McCarthy returned to her roots, as a beautiful bunny. The Playboy alum squeezed into a tight black bunny costume and got behind the green felt of a blackjack table at the Playboy Club to deal cards from 9 p.m. to midnight. Customers were appreciative, offering $3,000 in tips through the night.
The money she collected is to be donated to an autism charity. McCarthy’s young son has been diagnosed with autism.
McCarthy took to Moon nightclub after laying down her cards and partied at a VIP booth.
08-06-07
Mag Has Lots To Brag About
Stuff Magazine celebrated its annual music issue with a big blowout at TAO Beach Saturday at The Venetian.
Young Hollywood came to play in the late-afternoon sunshine. At the party were Haylie Duff,
Brody Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Jonathan Schaech, Shane West ( of "ER"), Roger Cross (from "24"), January Jones (of the new hit show "Mad Men"). The group didn’t want the party to stop, deciding to pop into Tao Bistro for dinner around 9 p.m. They dined on lobster wontons, chicken pad thai, kobe beef and assorted sushi rolls. After the big meal, they worked off the scrumptious munchies on the Tao dance floor with late-arriving bold namers model Joanna Krupa, professional BMX biker TJ Lavin, actress Alana Curry (“Days of Our Lives”) and VH1's "Celebrity Fit Club" host Ant.
Duff At Pearl
Duff’s lil’ sis Hilary is out promoting her latest album and she stops by The Pearl at the Palms Aug. 18. VH1 says Duff is “arguably the only teen pop star with the potential to rival or surpass the popularity of Britney Spears. Hmmm. Is that a good or bad thing anymore? Duff will more than likely lean on her past hits such as “Wake Up” written by Benji and her former longtime boyfriend Joel Madden from Good Charlotte as well as remixed hits from her latest album “Dignity,” which was inspired by her breakup with Madden. As has been widely reported, not long after leaving Duff Madden hooked up with Nicole Richie and is expecting his first child with Richie, who is four months along. Madden was also the fella Richie ran to after getting a DUI this Spring. Richie was sentenced to four days in jail for that spring fling down the wrong way on a California freeway. But Duff seems to be doing quite fine without Madden. The 5’ 1” actress/songstress isn’t resting on her vocal laurels. She is set to star in the upcoming “Safety Glass” with Hollywood hottie Steve Coogan. Tickets are $65 and $85 and can be picked up at any Ticketmaster or at the Palms box office. Call 702-942-7778.
Duo Power
There’s still a few seats left for the Tim McGraw and Faith Hill larger-than-life concert at MGM Grand Garden Arena tomorrow night. The two bring their acclaimed Soul2Soul Tour 2007 to the arena at 8 p.m. Saturday. The couple get together for duos and ballads as well as come out on their own to perform their top chart busters.
Last year they sold out three shows in Vegas, and this year you only get one chance to catch country’s hottest couple. Tickets are $68.25 and $125. Go to www.livenation.com, www.ticketmaster.com or any Ticketmaster location to get your tix.
House of Blues Clues
A few shows to point out that are coming to the easily accessible HOB at Mandalay Bay. Zappa Plays Zappa with Dweezil Zappa and Napoleon Murphy Brock step onstage Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $42-$65 for this inspired show that attracts a lot of serious music lovers.
The following night Sum 41 comes to HOB. The Aug. 19 show starts at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $17-$20. Call 702-632-7600 or check out www.hob.com.
07/30/07
Fergie Takes It Easy In Town
In town for Fergie’s nearly sold-out concert at The Palms’ The Pearl Saturday night was Paris and Nicky Hilton, Terri Ferguson (Fergie’s too adorable mom), Ryan Ross and Jon Walker from Panic at the Disco!, Serena Williams, Donald Faison, George Maloof, Sarah Chalke and Macy Gray. Fergie wasn’t seen at any of the parties or even taking in the glamorous life around the pool or spa.
Next up for Macy Gray, she comes to the Green Valley Ranch August 24 with The Brand New Heavies. She plays the xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Whiskey Beach (perfect summer venue) at 9 p.m. Tickets are $39.50. Gray’s been busy. She recently released the album Big on will.i.am music group/Geffen records, collaborating with other artists including Natalie Cole and Fergie on background vocals. Call 702-474-4000 or go to www.ticketmaster.com to pick up your tix. GVR has some great restaurants that won’t break the bank and drink specials throughout the summer.
Brit’s Back, And Gone
Did Britney go alone or was she pushed home?
Overheard at Fergie’s VIP after party at the Palms’ sprawling Hugh Hefner suite: “Brit’s family flew in to talk to her and she just turned around and went home. I don’t know what they said to her, but she’s gone.”
Meanwhile, it was widely reported over the weekend that Britney’s mom Lynne popped up at Caesars’ Pure to party on the main VIP stage/lounge area with friends. Britney, who flew into town Wednesday to stay at the Wynn and scuffle with paparazzi, showed up in Hollywood on Sunday with a Realtor. The investigation into her allegations that a pap got too close and hurt one of her two kids under two is still under investigation by Las Vegas Metro Police Department.
Harris Amazed In Vegas
Amazing Johnathan is quite the showman. Not only is he going on with the show with a serious heart ailment, he seems to be doing better than ever. The Sahara headliner is raking ‘em in with his no-holds-barred magic show featuring his lovely assistant Penny aka Psychic Tanya. And he’s got a Hollywood following. Neil Patrick Harris of CBS’s “How I Met Your Mother” was the latest A-lister from CA to check out the AJ show at the Sahara this week.
After the 10 p.m. show, Harris and a friend popped into Tao Asian Bistro at The Venetian for a bite. The two dined on assorted sushi, chicken dumplings, satay bass and a special sushi roll created by the chef specifically for Harris. Maybe an Emmy roll?
6/18/07
Kelly’s Summer Not So Hot
Kelly Clarkson’s camp is pulling her tour dates. The “American Idol” cutie has cancelled her September 29 show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena to “re-evaluate” her show’s size and scope. Basically, she wasn’t selling enough tickets for these big venues.
“It is mind blowing when you stop to think about what Kelly Clarkson has achieved during her young career,” said Michael Rapino, CEO of LiveNation, in a statement meant to soften the blow to Clarkson’s reputation. “But ticket sales have not been what we anticipated and we came to the realization that we had bit off more than we could chew. In the end, we are in the Kelly Clarkson business and for that reason we believe that this decision will only benefit her and her fans in the long run.”
Already bought your tix? You can get your cash back where you bought them and sign up via email at www.kellyclarkson.com for an exclusive presale offer for her next round of dates.
Second Time Around
Carlos Mencia sold-out his shows at The Pearl a few months back and is returning to the 2,500-seat venue October 20. His “Mind of Mencia” on Comedy Central has upped his appearance ante apparently, making the tickets, which go on sale June 23, a hot item. Stay tuned as he might add a date if ticket sales go as well as they expect. The comedian costs $50 and $75 to see at 7 and 10:30 p.m. Pick up tix at any Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com, at the xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Pearl or call 702-474-4000.
Love 40, Or Not
A Las Vegan player has gone national, but he has an international trail of lovelies he’s left behind.
Tennis ace Mark Philippoussis is the center of attention on NBC’s new series “Age of Love.” The bachelor-type show pits 40-something women, called “cougars,” against the 20-something “kittens” to gain the affection of the 30-year-old Las Vegas resident. The tall, dark and handsome hottie is a top tennis player from Australia, and he brings with him a past that execs aren’t talking about. The smooth operator with charm to spare once dated Paris Hilton and has been linked to Tara Reid.
6/4/07
Moore's Better For It
She hasn’t accomplished as much as others her age, even though she’s put herself in the same situations. She’s never had a DUI, hasn’t been shot by paparazzi sans an article of clothing or held up filming/missed a gig due to exhaustion. What’s her secret? Mandy Moore seems to be a well-adjusted former child star, she’s now 23, who frequents clubs and co-stars (she was tied to “Scrubs” star Zach Braff). The songstress/actress was in Vegas last week for the UFC bout at the MGM Grand. She posed for photos and signed a few autographs before hitting the town after the disappointing one-round blowout in which Quinton “Rampage” Jackson took down Chuck Liddell, the fave to win. Moore was spotted at Pure, along with Wilmer Valderrama (her ex), Kim Kardashian, David Arquette and Jackson, celebrating his big win, among other bold namers.
And Liddell seems to have found a new profession, which is good considering rumors are flying about his recent loss in the ring. He’s taken to lifting libations at area hot spots, including Tao, Fix and Pure, especially Pure. A friend of the UFC champ says he is paid to party and doesn’t drink much more than a drop at these appearances. Huh. Not to be outdone, Jackson was seen partying at Jet at the Mirage on Monday with pal Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
Money For Nothing
Brit’s got the kids in Miami, where she recently performed, or lip synched depending on your definition of perform, and took some time for R&R (and no, that’s not the name of the latest club). While she played mom for the paparazzi, her happy ex Kevin Federline flew to Vegas, again, to get his party on at Pure. Supposedly, allegedly, curiously or any other ly that applies, K-Fed is paid a minimum of $10,000 to sit back in a booth and chill at Strip spots. It does get the clubs ink, but at what cost? Seriously!
Since the former chaotic couple constantly fly into Vegas, maybe they should get a little place to keep the kids, that way they can both see them regularly.
Beyonce’s Date
Start saving up now for one of the biggest concerts in Vegas this summer. Beyoncé is bringing her 2007 world tour to MGM Grand Garden Arena August 25. "The Beyoncé Experience” will cost fans $150.75, $100.75, and $70.75. Tickets go on sale June 2 at 10 a.m. and can be bought at area Ticketmasters, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena box office or at www.livenation.com. Hot chart-climber Robin Thicke opens for the superstar.
The 411 on 311
Another big concert coming to town this summer won’t break the bank and is totally worth the bucks. Big band 311 will bring their high energy live performance to The Pearl at The Palms August 24. the hip hop/reggae/rock group take the stage at 8 p.m. Tickets are $37 for the awesome venue and go on sale June 2 at 10 a.m. Pick up tix at any Ticketmaster or go to www.ticketmaster.com.
4/6/07
1 Year, So Many Stars
Jet nightclub at The Mirage hosted a few hotties last weekend for its 1-year anniversary. Leonardo DiCaprio and his Israeli supermodel girlfriend Bar Refaeli, Woody Harrelson, Luke Wilson, Djimon Hounsou of “Blood Diamonds,” Gerard Butler of “300,” Kevin Connolly, Lukas Haas, Gregg Bello, former “Miss Nevada USA” Katie Rees, George Maloof, adult film actress Stormy Daniels (the photogs were so pleased with her arrival), and “Paradise City” star April Rawlings.
The guests partied in the VIP section with a limitless supply of Grey Goose after a fab dinner at Stack restaurant.
Earlier Saturday afternoon the hip clubers convened for a poker tourney in the Mirage poker room with Leo showing off his mad skills. He was the only celeb to make it to the final round before being knocked out by professional poker players.
Ladies Get A Night
Friday night at Tao, L.A. socialite, and occasional BFF of Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian hosts the first Princess Party at Tao at Venetian. The party celebrates women who have it all and will continue with a rotating roster of rich A-listers throughout the year. You can imagine the ladies who love to party lining up to host this new round of themed parties. No names have been released, yet. Stay tuned. For those who don’t quite have it all, Tao is knocking a bit off the price of libations with drink specials and other planned surprises throughout the evening.
Call 702-388-8588 for more info.
Brit’s Back
You’re just out of rehab and reunited with your two toddlers under two, what do you do? Of course! You go to Vegas!
Britney Spears popped up in Sin City last weekend, dining at Tao last Saturday night. The buzzed babe sported a blonde wig and hat as she dined on vegetable dumplings, a California roll and split a wasabi filet with her two dining companions. Since leaving Promises in Malibu, Britney looks toned and tan, but doesn’t seem to care about what she drinks as she sucked down the sugar-laden pop Pepsi throughout her hour-long meal.
Staying Power
Prince is prolonging his play dates at 3121 inside the Rio. He’ll play Friday and Saturday nights through the month of April. Tickets are on sale now for $125 and doors open at 8 p.m.
Call 702-777-7776 or you can pick them up at any Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com. The club, which was titled after his hit 2005 album, is a nice, intimate place to catch a good concert. Tip: If you plan to go, get your tickets early as Prince usually sells out fast.
3/31/07
Hef Kept It Up All Night
Hugh Hefner showed serious stamina Saturday night at Palms. The Playboy patriarch celebrated his 81st birthday party two weeks early with gal pals Kendra, Holly and Bridget from E! channel’s “Girls Next Door.”
The Hef hung with celeb guests Paris and Nicky Hilton, David Hasselhoff, star of “The Producers” at Paris Las Vegas, and a few starlets hoping for some face time with the big birthday boy at Moon nightclub.
He stayed with the party ‘til the wee hours, speaking with reporters and digging the boutique club’s vibe.
Nicky Hilton, although decades younger, also showed her partying prowess last weekend. Nicky took in Tao in the wee hours of Friday night/Saturday morning. She arrived around 2 a.m. with beau David Katzenberg and an entourage of 10 to celebrate Katzenberg’s b-day. The house DJ gave a shout out to the group, who took over a dance floor VIP table and ordered round after round of shots.
Two Hot
Last year they sold out three shows in Vegas, and this year you only get one chance to catch country’s hottest couple.
Tickets for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s Soul2Soul Tour 2007 go on sale tomorrow at 10 a.m. Their Aug. 4th show at MGM Grand Garden Arena is sure to sell out quickly. The couple last came to Vegas Sept. 1-3 for their 2006 tour and sold out at Mandalay Bay Events Center.
Tickets are $68.25 and $125. go to www.livenation.com, www.ticketmaster.com or any Ticketmaster location to get your tix.
Rev Up For The Race
The city is gearing up for the inaugural Vegas Grand Prix, a Champ Car auto racing league event to be held April 6-8. The 2.4-mile race in downtown Las Vegas is expected to draw fans from around the world. For more info, go to www.vegasgrandprix.com for more info.
Talent Needed
Cool Blue Entertainment will hold open auditions for model and talent between the ages of 5 and 35 today and April 6. The search runs the gamut of runway models to female vocalists for a new girl group. Those selected will be invited to attend the exclusive “Fusion Model Talent Search” on April 28 and 29. Call 702-804-2501 to book a time slot or 888-254-5075. Cool Blue Entertainment Scholarships, a $700 value, will be available for giveaways.
3-09-07
Hef’s Big Day
Holly Madison, Bridget Marquardt and Kendra Wilkinson, Hugh Hefner’s girlfriends and stars of E!’s top-rated show “The Girls Next Door,” are throwing Hef a weekend-long birthday celebration at the Palms.
This will be the first time since moving into Playboy Mansion West in 1971 that Hef will step outside his famous estate to celebrate his birthday. Of course, there will be dozens of Playmates and Bunnies to help Hef celebrate the big b-day. And, this is the first official birthday celebration of Hef’s to be made open to the public.
In October, Playboy opened the first Playboy Club in 25 years in the Palms' newly built xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Fantasy Tower.
"The Palms is really my new Playboy Mansion away from home," says Hef. "Each year gets better and I can’t think of a place I’d rather celebrate my 81st.”
On March 23, Holly, Bridget and Kendra will host the kickoff event at the exclusive penthouse nightclub Moon, which pays homage to Playboy with the iconic Rabbit Head logo as the centerpiece of its dance floor, the party will feature specialty drinks named after each girl, highlight footage from “The Girls Next Door,” and more.
On March 24, the girls will receive a celebrity star on the Brenden Theater Walk of Fame at Noon in honor of “The Girls Next Door” being the highest rated show on E!. Following the dedication ceremony, the girls will sign autographs at the Playboy Concept Boutique at the Forum Shops from 1-2 p.m.
Sly’s One Night
For one night only legendary rock band Sly and the Family Stone will perform onstage with George Wallace at his show at the Flamingo Hotel March 31.
Sly’s been seeing a bit of a resurgence in his popularity. During the 48th Grammy Awards, numerous musicians came together to pay tribute to Sly and his Family Stone.
Tickets are $99 and $125 for VIP seating, and can be purchased at the Flamingo box office. Call (702) 733-3333 or visit www.FlamingoLasVegas.com.
The Sands Of Tao
Tao is taking it outside. In May, Tao owners Marc Packer, Rich Wolf, Noah Tepperberg and Jason Strauss will unveil Tao Beach. Billed as a seductive and sophisticated Asian themed European-style beach club and nightclub it will be an extension of Tao’s Nightclub at The Venetian. Stay tuned.
O’Hurley’s Insight
John O’Hurley, star of Wynn Las Vegas’ “Spamalot” hoofs on over to the Clark County Library Theater April 19 to read from his book, “It’s Okay to Miss the Bed On the First Jump.” O’Hurley, an avid dog lover since he was a young pup himself, will share lessons he learned from his life with dogs, such as “Never Miss a Nap;” “When One Person Stops Petting You, Move On;” and “You’re Only as Big as You Think You Are.” A book signing and reception will follow the 7 p.m. talk. Books will be available for purchase at the door.
Best-selling author Amy Tan follows April 21. Go to lvccld.com for a complete list of the library district’s visiting authors.
3-03-07
Rosario Takes Home Prizexml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
Rosario Dawson came to town to win, and she did, but not at the tables. The soon-to-be 28-year-old actress won Supporting Actress of the Year at ShoWest, an annual film industry conference held in Vegas.
The gifted girl and family headed to Tao at The Venetian last week to celebrate her win as well has her upcoming b-day May 9. Looking lovely in a black dress, she and a small gathering of family and friends sampled sushi rolls and pad thai before heading to Tao’s dance floor. She took a VIP table on the dance floor and grooved to DJ Five’s hip hop sounds with her pals until the wee hours.
Palms Plays
The xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Pearl at Palms is cooking up a sweet deal. The casino joined forces with iTunes to offer music fans "Live from Las Vegas" performances, including exclusive audio and video available for purchase on the iTunes Store. The brand-spanking new $80 million concert theater The Pearl at The Palms made its iTunes debut with a performance by Evanescence on March 17. "Evanescence: Live from Las Vegas" is available exclusively on with extended song lists and behind-the-scenes interviews.
Look for more artists to flock to the Palms to take advantage of the theater’s recording abilities as well as the Palms’ iTunes hook up. For more info visit www.palms.com.
Solo Birthday Boy
Kevin Federline is returning to Las Vegas March 24 to celebrate his 29th birthday in a Pure way. Britney’s bad boy hubby but saintly soon-to-be ex is rolling into Pure nightclub at Caesars Palace with a few friends to toast the end of one year and the fresh start of another. Although Brit is out of rehab, no word on whether she’ll return to Pure, the site of her much-talked about wee-hour nap she allegedly took on New Year’s Eve, and help K-Fed celebrate. Call Pure at 731-7873. Doors open at 10 p.m. and the cover is usually $20. DJ AM, Nicole Richie and Mandy Moore’s ex, frequently spins for special guests.
Why Not?
She may already know you’re coming. Psychic Marlene Lombardi pulls into the Sunset Station just off the I-15 April 5. The psychic to the stars helps people with their personal blueprints to assist them in overcoming life’s challenges. The $19.95 ticket price for the 7:30 p.m. show makes it worth the entertainment value. Who knows? You may walk a away feeling lighter, but at least it won’t be in your wallet. Call 888-SUNSET 9.
2-25-07
The Big Os
How much mileage is Jennifer Hudson going to get out of her failed “American Idol” appearance? Not that she needs it. Go, girl, and keep goin’ ‘til they forget the past and realize you got it goin’ on!
I didn’t remember her from “American Idol” until it was mentioned, the first time, and could care less. By the 5th time, I started to wonder what assignment editor made this a to-do. Hopefully they were rewarded for this bit of info somehow because, honestly, if it wasn’t for the media no one would care about “American Idol.”
Instead of who’s going to be the next Fantasia, how long will it take to start seeing articles on “Who’s going to be the next Jennifer Hudson”? Oh, wait…Before the season even gets started the press has started.
Good luck, J Hu, you’ll need it when the media moves on. Actually, this girl seems to have so much yet the media talks about how her talent has been overshadowed by, let’s count, 1) Beyonce, 2) “American Idol,” 3) some odd Berry Gordy/Supreme thing…I'm sure now that she's won the Oscar there will be more stories. She doesn’t need luck, just a good suit of armor. I think Britney has a Teflon suit she’s obviously ditched that J Hu can use until she gets a thicker skin.
What was up with Gwyneth’s hair? She made a few self-conscious swipes to the right side of her head as she walked on stage so that her oh-so-elegant swash of blonde stayed on the left side of her head. Hiding a hickey there G’wow’eth from your randy hubby Chris Martin? She did look stunning. Ellen took a swipe at her daughter’s name. Isn’t anyone over that yet? Hello?! Her sec ‘un is named Moses. Maybe we could part the odd-name waters for a throwback to the classic names. He could grow up to be Mo-Ma, the first white classic rapper who samples bits from Spice Girls mixed with Sebastian Bach. You don’t know.
Oh Jodie, Jodie, Jodie! She comes out, looking smashing, falters, takes a cue from someone with direction at the front of the stage and gives
a stern look to the camera before graciously, although she doesn’t walk that way onto the stage, making it to the podium. All is forgiven when she opens her mouth. God, this woman can speak! Who cares what team she bats for!
She certainly carries herself like she could take a man out on third and one at home. So she walks like a 13-year-old boy, her earrings and dress complimented her eyes! Isn't that all we care about?!!
Philip Seymour Hoffman. So great. But, PS Hoffman? Get some glasses! Did he not know what he was introducing? How much time do the presenters get to prepare? I read in the NY Post that Gwyneth decided late and had to wear something off the rack. Poor sexy girl. She at least had someone to do her hair.
Aye! And we'll wait to get to this star's tresses.
What did Goddess
Streep have
strung about her neck? Honey, the ‘70s are O-ver! She’s so amazing, but she doesn’t seem to assume to need a stylist. And she shouldn’t have used Purell on her hair that morning, or at least rinsed without repeating. Did she decide to come last minute? Maybe she and PS Hoffman had to share a stylist.
Did anyone see the look that passed between Gwyneth and Penelope Cruz during Ellen’s “impromptu” vacuum scene right before Reese (lovely!) Witherspoon’s presentation? And during Reese’s pres, she finishes the line “one dirty old man” and a wolop of a boom is heard offstage. Ellen putting away her sucker? What?! They couldn’t afford a Dyson? And right after the thump the curtains behind the perfectly poised Reese sway dramatically. Did Jack stumble backstage with his sunglass-ed sight?
Let’s talk about the girls that weren't there but everyone's talking about. They’ve dabbled in the movies. Where exactly were Brit, Lin and P-on? Overshadowed? Or thankful for the redirection for a moment? Maybe Paris hosted a par-tay at her house, because God knows the paps don't know to hang out there! They sure do know how to live under the radar, don't they?!
Can’t wait to find out what they’ll do to show up the Oscar talk on the media sites!
1-22-07
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Kevin Federline has a new habit--Tao at The Venetian. Britney’s ex hit the Worship Thursday party around 12:30 a.m. looking considerably cleaned up in jeans, a white collared shirt and natty blazer. He and his entourage of 10 settled into a corner VIP booth on the dance floor and quickly ordered Greygoose for the table. DJ Five kept the crew dancing ‘til 3 a.m.
After resting (and apparently not attending the Justin Timberlake concert at the MGM Grand that night) Kev and crew returned to Tao, this time to sample the signature dishes at Tao’s Asian Bistro. K-Fed ordered xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Kobe beef, lobster wontons and chicken satay before settling into his same table on the dance floor. He returned Sunday for a bit more music and moves on the dance floor before apparently heading home to L.A.
It was a good night for Tao as David Hasselhoff, Chris Noth, Taye Diggs, Roger Cross and Harold Perrineau also chose Tao to get the Friday night party started.
Big Weekend In Feb.
The Orleans is gearing up for an action-packed weekend Feb.16-17 with entertainment including NBA All-Stars Dennis Rodman and Allen Iverson, a concert by the Black Eyed Peas and performances by comic D.L. Hughley.
Tickets range from $22-$229 for the many events happening that weekend, from the 11 a.m. match between the Harlem Globetrotters and the New York Nationals Feb. 17 to the Allen Iverson Celebrity Player’s “Playa’s Ball” that night at 11 p.m., it’s going to be a fine weekend of sports, comedy and concert.
For a full rundown of events and ticket prices go to www.orleansarena.com or call
toll free at 888-234-2334.
Singer Gets Hit
Delisco can’t get a break. The former Vegas headliner, who got his start on E! Channel’s reality show “The Entertainer,” was in New York last week to kick off his tour when two thieves were caught on security cameras extricating personal items from the singer’s suitcases backstage.
The New York Post’s Page Six reported that a Delisco rep said, the thieves have "caused us great setbacks to our travel plans."
Well, come back to Vegas Delisco, it’s safer on the Strip!
High Times At Stratosphere
The Stratosphere is rising to the club craze in Vegas. While Caesars Palace, The Venetian and Mirage grab the ink in major papers across the country with the A-list shenanigans going on in their nightclubs, the Strat has quietly stood at the end of the Strip sans serious social attractions for boldnamers.
Enter Polly Esther, the proven signature club that also owns the famed Culture Club and Nerve Ana. The first Polly Esther’s Nightclub opened in New York City in 1991 and has since expanded to San Francisco, Boca Raton, Princeton, Chicago, Washington D.C., Denver, Philadelphia, Miami’s South Beach, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, San Jose, Portland, Seattle and Montreal.
Can they do it in Vegas?
“Las Vegas is the perfect spot for a mega nightclub – Polly Esther’s Las Vegas is a natural for a city that is continually setting the bar higher,” said Artie Lesavoy, vice-president of operations for Polly Esther’s Group. “People flock to Vegas to party, and at Polly Esther’s, the party lasts for four decades. We’re bringing back disco balls, DeLoreans and Doc Martens – oh my!”
And they’ve made a smart move, putting the club just inside the tower’s main entrance at 2000 Las Vegas Boulevard So. The quad-club, broken down into 4 eras, will open in February. Stay tuned for more details and pics.
1-19-07
One Bad Boy’s Bash
Be prepared for anything Jan. 20 as dare-dude Steve-O hosts the “Jackass 2” DVD release party at Pure inside Caesars Palace. For some reason this guy attracts the ladies. He’s been linked with Nicole Richie and Jessica Simpson. The 10 p.m. red carpet arrivals will certainly be interesting as the wild guy and the Pure location equal an A-list attraction. Call 702-731-PURE or go to www.purethenightclub.com.
Show Sneaks Top Honors
“Phantom of the Opera” is a surprise hit locally. The classic musical beat out Cirque du Soleil’s “Love,” Prince’s “3121” and Blue Man Group to be named the best show of the year on the Strip by entertainment columnist Mike Weatherford at the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Maybe it was the $40 million theatre inspired by the Paris Opera House, or the Broadway caliber cast, but we were shocked that “Phantom,” which was rumored to be in trouble, came out on top. The 95-minute show is worth the $107 ticket price as every seat has a great view in this gorgeous theater.
The show, at The Venetian, is Mon. and Fri. at 7 p.m.; Tue. and Thur. at 7 and 10 p.m.; Saturday at 6 and 9 p.m. and Sunday at 5 and 8 p.m. Call The Venetian Box Office at 866-641-7469 or 702-414-9000 or at www.Venetian.com
Is She Or Isn’t She?
After all the hype that this is Celine Dion’s last year, rumors are flying that the lanky headliner may dig her heels in and stay a bit longer. On Jan. 3, Dion and her cast began the last year of performances, with the final show to be held Dec. 15.
Here’s what Dion had to say:
“The fans have been so supportive of us, and I want to thank them for taking this journey with me. Working with director Franco Dragone and a wonderful cast of the most incredible artists has given me the opportunity to interpret my music in a very different and profound way, and to share a unique experience with audiences from around the world every night,” said Celine Dion. Shwew. But she goes on… “When I began this adventure four years ago, I had no idea how magical this experience truly would be. As we prepare ourselves to say goodbye, I know this will be the best year yet.”
OK. She doesn’t plan to coast to the end, either. “A New Day…” will continue to change with the addition of new costumes and a song, “River Deep, Mountain High.” Through Jan. 21, Celine’s show will be filmed in high-def for an upcoming TV special and DVD, which will include behind-the-scenes bonus footage.
The final block of tickets for performances from August through December will go on sale March 1. Ticket prices are $87.50, $127.50, $175.00 and $225.00.
Tickets are available now for performances through June at 1-877-4-CELINE or www.ticketmaster.com, keyword "Celine Dion."
12-26-06
The Stars Don’t Stay
PURE Nightclub inside Caesars is planning a huge New Year’s weekend.
From Friday night until Sunday’s final countdown, PURE celebrates the end of a high impact year and its second anniversary with Jared Leto and Grandmaster Flash on Friday, Nick Lachey Saturday and Britney Spears on Sunday.
Vegas seems like the place to be, with Pam Anderson (Tao at Venetian), Kid Rock (Jet at The Mirage) and Dave Navarro (Tangerine at TI) popping in to host parties over the NYE weekend.
But Miami has attracted the true A-listers, from Colin Farrell, Jay-Z
and Leonardo DiCaprio. Some Vegas regs are hopping on a plane after their Saturday gigs on The Strip wrap up to fly to the Florida shore. Nick Lachey, DJ AM and Jared Leto to name just a few. (Go to
www.purethenightclub.com for more info.)
And where will Tao regular Nelly Furtado be this NYE? Mumbai, India.
"India holds a special place in my heart and I am fascinated by the
country's diversity and rich heritage," said Furtado.
Furtado’s concert is part of Nokia New Year's Eve, a global music event being held in five party capitals of the world, starting in Hong Kong's Ocean Terminal, followed by Mumbai's Andheri Stadium, the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janerio and rounding off the night in New York City.
Last-minute NYE Plans
--For those not into the celeb-hosted type of celebration this NYE
weekend, the Silverton Casino Lodge (a local fave) is offering 50
percent off every food and beverage item at all of the property’s
dining establishments through Dec. 30. Call 702-263-7777.
--And Las Vegas' Rainbow Bar & Grill is hosting a New Year's Eve All
Night Bash featuring The Skooners and The Day After for midnight
revelers. The party starts at 9 p.m., but the pay off is a free
breakfast buffet, all for $20. Tables are also available, but limited,
so for reservations call as soon as possible, 702-769-2504.
--Get a behind-the-scenes vibe at Light at Bellagio as
Cirque du Soleil performers from “Zumanity,” “O,” “KÀ,” “Love” and
“Mystère” host the evening featuring live dancing displays, countdown and champagne toast. A DJ spins hip hop, Top 40, rock ‘n’ roll and
’80s. Tickets are $150, $275 for a table reservation
Call 702-693-7111.
Bout Bash
Looking for a rough time? The Official Ultimate Fighting Championship after-party will be at rumjungle inside Mandalay Bay Dec. 30. Doors open at 11 p.m. and everyone from “Xenergy” Girl Monica, current UFC Lightweight Champion Sean "The Muscle Shark" Sherk, TUF 3 Winner Joe "Daddy" Stevenson and Top Middleweight Contender Mike “Quick” Swick, among others, will be there. Call 702-632-7408.
12-12-06
Darling Debut
Up and coming actress Zoe Saldana. Saldana, who has co-starred in such films as “Guess Who”, “Pirates Of The Caribbean” and “Center Stage”, made her Las Vegas debut at Tao inside Venetian last Friday night. The lithe lovely dined at Tao with her two sisters and boyfriend before plunking down at the owner’s table inside the nightclub. Hopefully she’ll learn from other starlets in the news lately and stay far away from the clutches of Paris Hilton, who is a Tao regular.
The Artist’s Place
Prince’s 3121 club at the Rio is bringing in the bling and the babes as
its become one of the hottest new dance hot spots to be “scene” at in
town. The club also hosts special performances inside 3121 and Dec. 27 WAR, one of the most popular funk groups of the ’70s, is set to rock.
Tickets are $31.21, of course, and can be purchased at the Rio Box
Office 702-777-7776 or at ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 8 pm.
Holiday Hot Spot
Looking to get into the holiday spirit?
Through Dec. 30, the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village, a fave
festive destination for Andre Agassi and his family, features whimsical
displays, two passenger trains, an antique carousel, parades, carnival
games and the big guy himself, Santa Claus. Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for children ages 3-12, children 2 and under are free. Open 5:30-10 p.m. nightly. Call 702-225-XMAS (9627).
B-day Boy
Jared Leto will host a party at Pure inside Caesars Dec. 29. Leto takes
a break from his music, he’s the guitarist for 30 Seconds to Mars, to
celebrate the beginning of the New Year’s Eve weekend and his 35th
birthday. He’ll then jet over to Miami’s South Beach to host a New
Year’s Eve party at Raleigh with Lenny Kravitz's cousin DJ Ruckus. For
more info on the Pure party, call 702-731-PURE.
Country Cuties
The South Point Casino Hotel & Spa offers a little something for
cowboys and cowgirls as country music stars Chris Cagle (“Chicks Dig
It”) and Jamie O’Neal (“There is No Arizona”) pop in for a one-night
only concert. Show time is 8 p.m. Dec. 29 and tickets start at $59.
Call 702-796-7111.
Hometown Girl Returns
Fresh off an appearance on the Tonight Show singing back-up for Latin superstar Paulina Rubio (Dec. 6th) and dancing behind Justin Timberlake at the Victoria Secret Fashion Show (Dec. 5th), the former Fox “So You Think You Can Dance” finalist Sandra Colton brought her perfect pipes to her hometown.
The Las Vegas native and former University of Oregon cheerleader sang the national anthem in at the Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas Bowl Dec. 21. Next up? Colton will release her just-completed album “Just Dance.”
Got Plans?
It’s that time of year again, to forget the old and start the new
(hopefully remembering what you did that night, as well!).
New Year’s Eve is always a party in Vegas, but here are a few of the
goings on in the Entertainment Capital of the World, and it's never too
early to plan your route and party preference.
America’s Party gets going at 5:30 p.m. under the canopy of the
Fremont Street Experience. The $80 ticket price includes the nationally televised, four-hour live music performance show “CD USA” with live performances from Five for Fighting, All-American Rejects,
Rockstar:SuperNova, Smash Mouth, OK Go and Chicago.
And don’t miss the specially created New Year’s Eve Viva Vision light
and sound show. Vegasexperience.com has the 411.
Surf into the New Year with The Beach Boys at the Luxor. Show starts at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $60, $80 & $100. Call 702-262-4400.
The House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay has The Dan Band, led by Dan Finnerty and seen in the movies “Old School” and “Starsky and Hutch,” at 9 p.m. Tickets are $40, $50 & $60. Call
702-632-7600.
An NYE regular, David Copperfield disappears four times New Year’s Eve, 1:30, 4, 7 & 10:30 p.m. The $97 ticket price for the 10:30 p.m. show
includes a countdown and balloon drop. Call 702-891-7777.
Hard Rock Hotel has Rock Star: Supernova at 10:30 p.m. (the band will
have to rush over from America’s Party!)
Tickets there are $100 & $250. Call 702-693-5583.
A local favorite is The Love Shack New Year’s Eve Party at 9 p.m. in
the Esplanade Ballroom of The Orleans. The $45 ticket price includes
two free drinks, party snacks and champagne toast. Call
702-365-7075.
Joe Knows
“Fear Factor” host Joe Rogan checks into House of Blues Dec. 30 for
his one-man stand-up show. Something you may not have known about the “Newsradio” alum: he is also a black belt Tae Kwon Do champion. Doors open at 11:30 p.m. Tickets are $25, $27, $30 & $35. Call 702-632-7600.
They’ve Got The Beat
ABC’s No. 1 rated reality show “Dancing with the Stars,” swings into
the Thomas & Mack Center Dec. 30 at 7:30 p.m. The all-star team
includes season one’s Joey McIntyre partnering with season three’s Kym Johnson, season two winners Drew Lachey & Cheryl Burke, Lisa Rinna & Louis Van Amstel, season three’s Joey Lawrence & Edyta Sliwinska, Willa Ford & Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Harry Hamlin pairing with Karina Smirnoff. Tickets are $45.50, $55.50 & $92. Call 702-739-3267.
Fighting Fun
UFC® World Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell is back for seconds. He will step into in the Octagon for a second time with former training partner and friend Tito Ortiz (who is now linked with Jenna Jameson!). The two 205-pound begin the battle Dec. 30 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for UFC 66. Fight time is 4:30 p.m. and tickets are $100, $200, $500, $750 & $1,000. Call 702-474-4000.
12-06-06
We just have to give a shout out to the New York Post's Liz Smith, who ran this little item today...
"I don't know what it means, but has anybody else noticed that Clay
Aiken is looking a lot like . . . k.d. lang?"
No dis on k.d., but what is all the hype about this little guy? Rosie outed him, after Kelly Ripa sweated him for putting his mitts on her mouth while he was a requested co-host with her on the ratings reeler "Live with Reigs & Kelly" on ABC. Fans love to hate him and he could easily be a candidate for the gay or nay game.
Full disclosure time: the mop-haired boy wonder once ditched me on the red carpet because...he didn't want to answer my questions about his belvoed dog for the mag I was working for, after he gushed to me about his little hound for 5 minutes. Can you believe it? Kathy Griffin, a red carpet reg and always a flailing reporter's best friend (wink, wink), saved the day and went to rassle Aiken back, but apparently he said the mag I was working for was mean to him. Hopefully, after all the bad press he's been through lately, he has a thicker skin.
12-04-06
Siegfried & Roy made a Strip appearance with thier good friend and fellow performer Lynette Chappell last night. Roy, looking quite well considering his long recovery from that tiger "incident," and friends received a standing ovation from the crowd at Gregory Popovich's Comedy Pet Theater at V Theatre inside Desert Passage at Aladdin. Popovich trains talented pooches and pussies from area animal shelters to walk high wires and other daring feats -- incident free...so far.
Maybe Brit will extend an olive branch? Pharrell Williams is hosting a Billboard Music awards after-party at Tao tonight around 11 p.m. Britney Spears apparently stood him up at a Miami studio while she was busy galavanting around town with new BFF Paris Hilton. He allegedly sent her cupcakes as a welcoming gift to the studio, whcich we assume the board techs gobbled as Brit and Paris partied 'til dawn with Lindsay Lohan in L.A.
No The Killers tonight at the Billboard Music Awards. Frontman Brandon Flowers was felled by bronchitis Saturday night at the VH1 "Big in '06" awards. But rumor has it that the Princes of England, William and Harry, want to grab the group for a summer '07 concert in honor of their mother, Princess Diana. The Killers are rumored to be the boys' favorite band. There is a morbid twist in there somewhere as the concert is to mark the 10th anniversary of Princess Diana's tragic death in Paris.
11-27-06
2 Cuties, 1 night
The peeps at TI’s Tangerine have cornered the market on hot chics. Not only does the club spotlight sultry dancers, but has hosted two of
Playboy’s hottest playmates.
The 2004 Playmate of the Year and former WWE Diva Search contestant Carmella DeCesare and 2006 Playmate of the Year Kara Monaco recently took over the club, to the delight of the crowd. The girls grooved on the dance floor. The dual dreamgirls opted for decidedly different drink choices, DeCesare sipped Grey Goose vodka and cranberry cocktails and Monaco asked only for water. Maybe a photo shoot in her near future?
Douglas’ Low Key Entry
The buxom babes over at Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce inside Mandalay Bay were in for a treat recently. Michael Douglas, alone, took in the show and the lovely cocktail servers. He behaved himself and didn’t go backstage for a meet-and-great. The dashing gentleman left soon after the short show.
Panic Stops Here
They’ve driven straight up the charts, and now return home for one
rockin’ night. Veags’ own Panic! At The Disco performs Dec. 8 at the Orleans Arena at 8 p.m. Bloc Party and Jack’s Mannequin open the show. Tickets are $30. Call 702-284-7777.
Country Still Cool
Clay Walker grooves into the Golden Nugget Dec. 7-9. The Wrangler
National Finals Rodeo is in town, so you can bet this will be a good
crowd for a great show. Tickets start at $35 for the 10 p.m. show. Call 702-386-8100.
Give, Get Goods
This may be a bit morbid for the holidays, but it’s definitely in the
spirit of the season…giving.
BODIES…The Exhibition and United Blood Services (UBS) have joined
forces to bring a blood drive to the Tropicana Hotel and Casino on Dec. 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Each person who donates to the drive will get free admission to this
rather detailed and fascinating exhibit that’s traveled the world. On
top of that, donors have a hard choice to make in a ticket to either
Folies Bergere or Xtreme Magic with Dirk Arthur. Both are
family-friendly shows and worth the trip to Vegas.
According to UBS, the holidays present an even greater demand due to fewer donations and an increase in accidents and traumas.
Get In The Mood
Once again The Four Seasons Las Vegas has put a soft spin on holiday magic. The elegant hotel hosts the annual Teddy Bear Fantasy Suite in the luxurious 3,400 square foot Presidential Suite. This is quite a
site, and certainly gets anyone in the mood for magic this season It
features more than 1,200 teddy bears and other cuddly stuffed animals from the famed FAO Schwarz toy store. The display is open daily Dec. 10-Dec. 23 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Call 702-632-5000.
11-23-06
Brit’s New BFF
Monday night at Tao new BFFs Britney Spears and Paris Hilton dined with a few old friends, including Palms owner George Maloof. They ordered the Peking duck, Chilean sea bass and a few sushi rolls. But it was the bottles of Grey Goose and Jack Daniels that drew their full attention apparently. The group picked at the yummy signature dishes between shots of vodka and Jack. Maloof footed the bill when the party left around midnight.
Jay-Z’s Jam
Last Sunday early a.m. Jay-Z strolled into Tao and took the stage to
perform songs off his new album “Kingdom Come,” which hit stores Nov. 21.
The impromptu concert kicked off at 3:30 a.m. and drew A-listers
Paris Hilton, Nicky Hilton, David Katzenberg, Kevin Connolly, Jeremy
Piven, Adrian Grenier, James Blunt, Kimberley Stewart, Kim Kardashian, Chris Rock, Ron Jeremy, Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Floyd MayweatherJr., Ashley Scott, Michael Buffer (who introduced Jay-Z with his signature “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble-style) and MTV VJ Sway whose camera crew had been following Jay-Z the whole day for a special that will air soon. After the half-hour set, the DJ
Paris’ “Stars Are Blind,” which of course brought her to the stage
where she lip-synched to the crowd.
Tao’s quite a happenin’ place.
From Stage To TV
Nathan Burton is hot, so hot that Megan Mullaly handpicked him to
appear on her new talk show not once but twice. The Desert Passage
headliner is a rising star on the Strip. Look for him in future
primetime and cable shows.
Kudos to Gordie Brown, The Venetian’s newest headliner. He was chosen to appear on “The Late Show with David Letterman” Nov. 15. We think he’s the tops!
Dish Place
Esquire Magazine’s annual “Best New Restaurant” issue announced Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand as one of the top new restaurants in the country and one of only two Las Vegas restaurants to receive this prestigious accolade.
Esquire Magazine’s food critic John Mariani has selected the nation’s
top new restaurants for more than 20 years. Mariani cites Joël
Robuchon as one of the “most exciting places to dine right now,” also
stating "until you dine here, you won't know how good French cuisine
can be."
11/14/06
He & She B-day Bashes
Nick Lachey and his girl Vanessa Minnillo, who share the same Nov. 9
b-day, came to town Nov. 10 to party at separate venues (with Nick
trekking to his lady’s fete in the, er, nick of time).
Minnillo arrived at Tao’s Asian Bistro at 7 p.m. last Friday with
friends for a dinner that included Chilean sea bass, satay chicken,
kobe beef and pad thai noodles.
After din-din the group moved to their VIP table on the dance floor,
which was pre-stocked with bottles of Greygoose. Nick came in around 1:30 a.m., casually dressed in jeans and a loose, button-down shirt.
The reason for Nick’s late arrival? He was attending his own
festivities at Pure inside Caesars.
Upon his entrance, the birthday girl ran over for a kiss and a cuddle
before the two took to the dance floor.
Nick arrived just in time as, at 1:45 a.m., the DJ spun 50 Cent's “In
Da Club” with the chorus “go shorty, it’s your birthday.” Just as the
chorus erupted, 10 cocktail girls with sparklers held high snaked
through the club with an enormous, 14x8 foot cake that read “Happy
Birthday Vanessa” in thick pink icing.
The pair danced at Tao ‘til 3 a.m., with Nick hiding behind two beefy
bodyguards to avoid the awaiting paparazzi as they left the building.
Singled Out
Madame Tussauds Las Vegas was to reveal the creation of a new
attraction this week at the wax museum—the wedding of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.
It gets better. The wax George Clooney was to stand in as best man.
But, it was not meant to be.
Apparently, somebody in one or all of these A-list camps didn’t think
this was such a great idea. In fact, was a bit peeved that they weren’t
asked for permission to use their likeness in such an intimate set-up.
So, Madame Tussauds has halted the nuptials. Pitt took the heat.
“After we announced our intentions to create what could be one of
Hollywood’s biggest weddings, we were contacted by representatives of Brad Pitt who expressed disappointment with our idea,” said Adrian Jones, general manager of Madame Tussauds Las Vegas.
“Since Madame Tussauds enjoys excellent relationships with the
celebrity community, we made our own decision not to create the wedding scene. We will unveil the new Angelina Jolie wax figure on schedule, as she has been the most requested female figure, and we do not want to disappoint our guests and her many fans.”
It’s a good bet that each of these very private, yet terribly public,
people were a bit squeamish over the idea.
This comes on the heels of Brad Pitt allegedly quarreling with Vanity
Fair over the use of his photo on the cover of this month’s artist
issue.
Shanna’s Faves
Shanna Moakler was in town recently for her hyped divorce party.
Moakler (who’s divorcing Travis Barker, who is seeing Paris Hilton, who went out with Moakler’s first child’s baby-daddy…Oscar de la Hoya) said Las Vegas is the perfect place for a newly single gal. Aside from the blackjack tables, she and her gal pals dig the production shows.
“We just saw “Love” (at The Mirage) and it was awesome,” she said. “I love them all. There’s ‘O’ and Celine and ‘Zumanity.’…There’s so much I [still] want to see, though.”
11-10-06
Boys Meet Girl
Tao always turns out a star-studded crowd. Last Saturday
Shawn Wayans popped in along with his brother Marlon and a near dozen friends and posed for pics with a few fans. Elisha Cuthbert was also at Tao. Unfazed by the boys and all the attention they were getting, she dined a few tables away from them in Tao Bistro. All went on to party on the immense dance floor.
B-Day Girl
Last year was a good one for Vanessa Minnillo--she made MTV’s TRL a hit and hooked up with hottie Nick Lachey--and she plans on kicking her 26th year off just right.
Tonight she will ring in her birthday (which was actually yesterday) as
emcee of the Las Vegas Pussycat dolls in the Dolls lounge downstairs
from Pure at Caesars. Lachey (who happens to have the same b-day as his new girl) will be in attendance as well as other
as-yet-unnamed famous friends of the couple.
Maybe they’ll jump over to Tao after the pah-tay at Pure? Doors open at 10 p.m. Minnillo takes the stage at midnight. Call 702-731-PURE.
Laugh Track
HBO & AEG Live’s second annual The Comedy Festival Nov. 14-18 inside Caesars Palace is attracting a slew of comedians. Everyone from Robin Williams and Billy Crystal to Dane Cook and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog are appearing on stages at Caesars. This year they are having a big giveaway/food fest with The Festival Village - a free and fun venue open to the public with chances to win tickets to the Comedy Festival as well as a chance to win a trip for two to Aspen, and a nightly chance to win $10,000. The fete will be co-hosted by former "American Idol" contestant and Vegas native Mikalah Gordon and "Dateline: Hollywood" film critic Woody Wittman. Comics Jamie Kennedy and Mo’Nique as well as other comics appearing at the Festival plan to stop by the Village. Go to thecomedyfestival.com for a full sked.
Tail Tale
The Playboy Club is open! The girls are gorgeous and the view is fine,
from location at the top of the Palms’ new Fantasy Tower. Gamble,
lounge, look and live it up at this must-see bunny haven.
You can get into the Playboy Club for just $20 Mon.-Thur., but expect
to pay a bit more on the weekends as the cover jumpst to $40, but
includes club-hopping privileges between the Playboy Club and Moon. The Playboy Club is open daily from 8 p.m.; Moon is open Fri.-Sun. from 10 p.m. Call 702-942-7777.
10/24/06
One Hot Night
Tao at Venetian last Friday was the place to party apparently. Pauly
Shore popped in around 1 a.m. after his comedy show over at Mandalay Bay. The bad boy (he’s quite the flirt on and off stage) belted out a few with DJ Vice, spinning tunes and playing to the capacity club crowd. Billy Corgan from the Smashing Pumpkins was seen bopping to the music.
He seemed to enjoy it as he later bended Shore’s ear a bit. Now that’s
an odd pairing.
Earlier that evening at Tao, Nick Cannon and Kim Kardashian had a joint 26th birthday bash. Sporting a sexy, clingy red dress, Kim, accompanied by the nattily dressed Nick, sat down at Tao Bistro for dinner with friends, including, of course, Paris Hilton, spotted wearing a glittery silver top and black skirt.
The entourage included Courtney Kardashian and Courtenay Semel from the show “Filthy Rich: Cattle Drive,” as well as “Girls Gone Wild” creator Joe Francis, Faye Resnick and DJ D-Wrek from the MTV show “Wild ‘N Out.”
After the tasty treats the group took over the nightclub’s VIP area
where Paris hammed it up for the club crowd, dancing on the catwalk and taking over the mic. Tao’s DJ Reach spun Paris’ version of Rod
Stewart’s “Do You Think I’m Sexy” as she lip-synched to the rapt crowd.
October In November
This show is getting some serious attention, but tickets are still
available. Blue October hits the House Of Blues Nov. 3. The band made its first TV appearance April 14, performing "Hate Me", the first
single from Foiled, on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and have taken off since. They were originally set to tour only Texas and the
Southwest but have recently extended to major cities in the States as
well as Canada, Mexico, England, Germany and the Netherlands. With the $20 ticket price, it’s no wonder the show’s doing well sales-wise as this band is sure to return with a Grammy, a need for a bigger venue
and a steeper ticket price. Call 702-632-7600.
Re-Up With Penn
If you missed it, we just have to clue you in to one of the oddest
re-nups of the year at Hard Rock last Saturday. The vow renewals between rocker Dee Snider and his wife of 25 years, Suzette, was quite the scene. Penn Jillette (Rio headliner along with his talented and terribly sweet partner Teller) officiated the ceremony held after Snider’s concert at The Joint with his band Van Helsing’s Curse.
If you didn’t catch the concert, it’s worth the trip to Vegas. It
features an 18-piece gothic rock-orchestra that performs with Snider.
As Snider narrates a chilling story, the band performs versions of
classic horror films and ominous songs with original melodies mixed in.
Boo Babe
If you still haven’t decided what to do for Halloween, Jenny McCarthy
is hosting a par-tay at Pure inside Caesars Palace. The blonde
comedienne (who most recently appeared on NBC’s “My Name Is Earl”) will keep guests on their toes with her bag of tricks and DJ Vice will spin for the guys and ghouls (you knew that was coming, right?!). There’s a $20,000 prize for best costume, too. Doors open at 10 p.m. Call 702-731-PURE.
10/18/06
Paris’ New Moves
Is Paris on a goodwill tour? On the heels of her public olive-branch
extending to former BFF Nicole Richie (does the girl do anything in
private?!) Paris put Lindsay Lohan on a private plane and flew to Vegas last weekend to party at Pure (of course) and Tao for Michelle
Trachtenberg’s b-day bash (more on that later). The daring duo walked into Trachtenberg’s dinner arm in arm and later took to the dance floor.
After a good night’s sleep, the ladies lunched and shopped before
taking a trip home to LA.
Maybe this is the start of Li Lo’s time off.
“I might take a vacation — take a year off,” Lohan has said. “I want to
travel and learn more about other cultures. The more I’ve grown up, the more I want to do that.”
She won’t need to take those quarterly trips to the hospital for
“exhaustion” after all her partying, er, working that she's known for
this past year we hope.
Birthday Girl
At Tao last Saturday, Michelle Trachtenberg turned legal with a few
pals from the higher echelon of Vegas party people. At her lavish
sit-down dinner to kick off her 21st birthday celebrations were Hilton
and Lohan James Franco, Shawn Ashmore, Regina King, hunky hotel owner George Maloof and Allison Melnick.
Trachtenberg was seen on TAO's stage with DJ Vice dancing. World
renowned producer Timbaland arrived in the wee hours of the morn, but not for the lovely Trachtenberg. The rapper was there to honor DJ
Vice's birthday, which was being celebrated last night as well.
Eva’s Return
That same night at Pure inside Caesars Palace Eva Longoria ripped up the dance floor, taking time only to take calls from, allegedly, her
on-again squeeze Tony Parker.
Longoria opened Pure’s Pussycat Dolls Lounge last year and returned to simply party like it’s 2005.
10/03/06
Nicky Plans Vegas Vacation
The Hilton sisters seem to have found a new home. On the heels of
Paris’ CD release party, Nicky Hilton will move into Pure Nightclub
Oct. 7 to celebrate her 23rd birthday. The sisters expect 100 of their
closest A-list friends, including her longterm arm candy Kevin
Connolly, Travis Barker, DJ AM and other bold namers. No word on
whether Lindsay Lohan received an invitation, but her lukewarm honey Harry Morton, the Hard Rock hottie, is expected to be in town as will her ex Wilmer Valderrama. Maybe some fireworks at Hilton's bash? There will certainly be cake and lots of opportunity to star gaze at Pure this weekend.
Squeezin’ Those Parties In
The two-year anniversary party for Tangerine Lounge &
Nightclub is Oct. 6. Nicky Hilton is flying in early to party at the TI club with Kevin Connolly as well as Eric Cubiche, Chuck Liddell, Gregory Itzin.
Wilmer Valderrama will host the fete at the burlesque club.
Before the party, the new Social House restaurant above Tangerine will throw open its doors for the stars to munch on selections from the
eclectic Pan Asian menu from up-and-coming chef Joseph Elevado. What’s really great about this spot is the view of the Strip and the “Sirens of TI” show below the 2nd-story eatery. Party starts at 9 p.m. and goes on into the wee hours of the morning.
Mia’s Night out
There are a lot of anniversaries happenin’ in Vegas. Krave at Aladdin
just reached the two-year mark with a blast of a bash. Reality show
judge Mia Michaels from “So You Think You Can Dance” popped into Krave After Hours around 4 a.m. the other night. The lithe lovely, also the choreographer for Celine Dion’s show at Caesars Palace, showed up with a few dancers from the Strip show. While they grooved on the dance floor, Michaels sipped on vodka Red Bulls and topped the night off with a shot of Patron, chilled. Krave is one of the latest hot spots to
attract the celeb crowd.
10/02/06
Mariah's Pure Pleasure
Mariah Carey teetered into town Saturday at MGM Grand. But she made a bee-line for her favorite Vegas party spot, Caesars Palace (and MGM's competition), once the curtain came down after midnight.
Maria, who played The Colosseum at Caesars two years ago, held her after party at the ever popular Pure nightclub at Caesars. While she partied on the patio most of the night, she did popped her head into the main club to give the peeps in the cheap seats a shout out.
Now, Carey is a Spago nut. In the past has held thank-you parties for her crew while in Vegas, shutting down the backroom and ordering platters of goodies and cocktails with little specialty items sent to her room. No word yet on whether she dipped into Spago at Caesars' Forum Shops, but the manager, a very sweet guy, is also a talker. We shall see.
Jackson Goes Pop
Janet Jackson was in town with honey Jermaine Dupri and...her pop, Joe Jackson, a Las Vegas res. Why drag daddy along after all these tumultuous years of press when you have a shiny new image? Anyhoo...The trio chose Tao at The Venetian to celebrate the release of her "20 Y.O." album.
Also there were the occasional Vegas visitors: Jamie Foxx, Vin Diesel, D.L. Hughley and Katherine Heigle, along with the usual: Paris Hilton (she heard the first tear of an envelope and rushed in), Lil Jon, and Steve-O, as well as the unusual: Brooke Shields and hubby Chris Henze, James Marsden, Angelina Jolie's ex Jonny Lee Miller and Andy Roddick.
9/25/06
Separation Anxiety
What’s with all the breakups lately? Before they even get started they
are tearing into each other, or at least their publicists are, in the
tabs. And we didn’t even get to do the bump watch thing with any of
them…
Jessica Simpson and John Mayer (who will perform Oct. 7 at Andre
Agassi’s Grand Slam at MGM Grand)
Aaron Carter and Keri Anne Peniche (and we were so looking forward to that trainwreck! They were “engaged” onstage at a Palms event)
Lindsay Lohan and local hottie Harry Morton (the hotel hottie who owns Pink Taco at Hard Rock and is a poolside regular)
What about those die hard young lovers who aren’t crying in their free
beers, such as Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze, Jr.? Or Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillipe?
They don’t make Vegas a regular pit stop on their party circuit. Home
seems to be where they want to eat and sleep. Watch out J Lo and Tom Cruise (both notorious lovers were in town with their
loved ones. She at Tao at Venetian for her hubby’s b-day and he at Mirage’s “The Beatles Love” for his mom’s b-day.). It appears there’s a Vegas connection you don’t want to catch!
Cruise's Face Time
Cruise is a longtime Cirque fan. He and his Ms. Holmes popped into "Ka" at MGM Grand to frolic with the talented, terribly fit, crew backstage when the two were first dating in spring of 2005. Cruise even hopped around on the backstage trampolines while the multi-national cast looked on. This time, holding Katie's hand for all to see throughout their Vegas vacation, Cruise not only had his Scientologist buddies and bodygaurds in tow, he brought along 10 fam membs for the "Love" show and follwed that with a trip to Jay Leno, also at The Mirage. In the show-hungry entourage were his children with Nicole Kidman-Cruise-Urban, Connor and Isabelle, and Tom's sis Catherine.
DJ With A Twist
Last Monday chef Hubert Keller threw a fete to honor his 2-year-old
restaurant Fleur de Lys at Mandalay Bay.
The night started off with Chris Clouse’s acoustic guitar playing to DJ
Solomon’s turntable work, which was a lovely oddity. But that’s when
the tables truly turned. Chef Keller came out as DJ Duck Confit for
only the second time in Las Vegas.
The house-music lovin’ Keller, who apparently spins records in his
makeshift basement studio after closing the restaurant each night,
joined San Francisco's Frenchy Le Freak.
DJ Duck Confit, urr, Keller, served Agua Luca Frozen Mojito Shots to
the music-loving crowd.
Barb’s Big Day
Barbra Streisand is having a hard time with her new marketing campaign. In the new issue of O, Streisand tells Oprah that: "I have found that the myth of the 'diva' is much bigger than me. If you look at the ad for my concert, the shadow is much bigger than the person."
Yes, but the prices are bigger than that! Sure, they start out at a
reasonable $100, but they soar to $1,000! She plays the MGM Grand
Garden Arena at 8 p.m. Nov. 18. Call 702-474-4000 for tickets.
9/20/06
The new CSI: Las Vegas was premiered today at the MGM Grand's Ka Theater with the amused cast of Ka looking on. The acrobats, dancers, techs and managers took in the show on the 100-foot stage that turns 180 degrees. The stage was a big part of the show's season premeire where a girl is crushed. But general stage manager Stacey Myers says that can never happen.
"Every single piece of the stage has a (foam rubber-type) pad and it will stop as soon as it (senses) anything, as soon as it just touches you," Myers said. "It's like an elevator door. It could never happen," Myers said of the show's premise.
However, the cast in general loved the show, so much so that they laughed no less than half a dozen times during the taping of the show, which is set to air 9/21 on CBS.
During the scene in which the poor, probably underpaid and certainly unknown actress is crushed below Ka's impressive stage, the true Ka crew laughed out loud. Myers attributed the giant guffaw to the fact that the safety measures in place are so stringent that such a thing could never happen.
As the media neared boredom at the end of the show's viewing (thinking it was all but over as Ka was no longer a problem considering the apparent "murder' was down graded to an accident by an enthusiastic fan) it was interesting to see them perk up as the teaser for the next week's show played out. Danny Bonaduce, who is given credit at the beginning of the show, finally makes an appearance as a dead guy with a creepy death scene. This will definitely thrill regulars and hook newbies to the show.
When a young CSI staffer claims that Siegfried & Roy's disappearing elephant trick no longer impresses him after seeing Ka's interworkings, the slew of Ka players clapped and cheered. Since S&R have been MIA on the Strip for more than 3 years, it says a lot about the duo's influence on 1) Las Vegas and 2) Hollywood players. Well, and the world. Do people still remember them? Apparently enough to where the suits in H-wood thought it was worth 5 seconds of screen time.
>> Paris’ pets poo-pooed
What’s this we hear? Paris Hilton recently drove out of Vegas with an
armful of animals after a night on the town, which most certainly
inlcuded a stop at Pure inside Caesars Palace.
Allegedly, the animal-loving heiress couldn’t get a plane to hoist her
heft of hairy friends out of Las Vegas, so she drove from Sin City to
L.A. However, there have been no reports of her purchasing any ferrets,
monkeys or miniature goats (as there was a few years ago) while in town
and the media-loving animal lovers/sellers of Las Vegas certainly would
have called that one in. So how did she get them into town? What did
she do, piss off the pilot who shunned her for the return trip?
>> We love liza
Liza Minnelli, who had to cancel her Sept. 9 appearance at the Human Rights Campaign First Annual Las Vegas Gala Dinner at the MGM Grand Conference Center where she was the keynote speaker and recipient of the National Equality Award, is impressively upbeat considering her ongoing drama-vorce from David Gest. (She apparently couldn't get back to the USA in time from her European meetings.)
Liza and Gest are battling it out in court, as well as the papers. Gest
claims Liza mentally abused him. We think just looking at his
constantly suited-self is abuse enough! Now Gest is to be, well, a guest on the British version of "I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Outta Here!" Let's see how long he lasts in the Australian outback. Take away his sunglasses and get a load of a guy without a clue!
We wish Liza the best and have our fingers crossed she’ll be back in
Vegas—in her usual top form—for her booking at the Luxor Oct. 12-14.
9/19/06
J Lo’s Low Down
Jennifer Lopez and her hubby Marc Anthony slipped into Vegas virtually unnoticed, that is until they got to Tao nightclub at The Venetian.
As the paparazzi blinded the stars with picture after picture being
snapped, the lovey dovey duo gracefully entered the cavernous club to celebrate Anthony’s 37th birthday blowout.
They dined downstairs with more than two dozen close friends (including Leah Remini, the first Suri Cruise spotter). The couple must have earned an appetite sitting in the audience of Juan Gabriel’s show over at Caesars Palace earlier that evening.
After dinner, the whole troupe trooped upstairs to the very private
Opium Room.
Carter’s Proposal
Not one for subtlety, Aaron Carter proposed to his girlfriend, Kari Ann
Peniche at Playboy's Hollywood Comedy show at the Palms this past
weekend. While Peniche, the former 2003 Miss United States Teen who lost her crown after posing for Playboy, signed autographs onstage after the show, Carter pops up to pop the question, getting down on one knee in a nod to tradition.
The 18-year-old Carter and the 22-year-old Peniche plan to tie the knot in six months. Carter stars in the reality show House of Carters
alongside his brother Nick and their three sisters this fall on E!
Eww factor: She also dated Aaron’s bro, Nick.
Magicians Make It
Local magicians have gotten one more serious accolade for their talents.
Milt Larsen, founder of The Magic Castle in Hollywood, has compiled his list of the all-time 10 greatest magicians.
Below the #1 spot held by Houdini are Siegfried & Roy and Lance Burton at spots 8 and 9 respectively. (Doug Henning came in at #4, with Larsen stating that “He proved magic would work on television. He changed the image of the old-time magician." We think standing up to a tiger onstage and surviving on the Strip for more than a decade should bring the Vegas acts to at least a number above Henning!
Shar’s Night(s) Out
Maybe she was turning it up a notch in honor of the addition to her
extended family, but Shar Jackson certainly lived it up this past week.
While in town to celebrate her b-ady, the baby mama of K-Fed’s first
two wee ones took in the Chippendales show at the Rio no less than five times. Go, girl!
Seal’s Deal
Baby daddy of two of model Heidi Klum’s three babies,
Grammy Award-Winning artist Seal performs at Montelago Village at the Lake Las Vegas Resort Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. Hopefully he won’t have to cancel to attend the birth of his second child with Klum, who is due
soon. Tickets are $49.95 & $100. Call 702-474-4000.
Ray’s Here
“Everybody Loves Raymond” star and comedian Ray Romano performs at The Mirage Sept. 30 at 10:30 p.m. and Oct. 1 at 9 p.m. Tickets are $90 at the Danny Gans Theatre. Call 702-792-5222.
9/11/06
Toni’s Trinket
Things are heating up at the Las Vegas Hilton as Toni Braxton settles
into her longterm gig.
Tickets aren’t overly high at $69 to start (and it’s a nice theater,
with nary a bad seat in the place) but the onstage accessories are
certainly pricey.
The Grammy award-winning artist was presented with a $1 million white gold, 650 carat diamond mic by the exclusive jewelry firm The Giantto Group.
She bubbled at the gift onstage as photogs snapped. Although she's been dissed in the local press for bad timing, alleged lipsynching and lackluster onstage presence, the critics have their fingers crossed she'll work out the bugs and "Unbreak" their hearts. (Ugh, had to do it. Her damn song just plays over and over in my head every time I write about her!) “Toni Braxton: Revealed” is every Tue.-Sat. at 7:30 p.m in the Flamingo Showroom. Call 702-733-3333.
Get Your Game On
More than 175 of America’s top PC and videogame players are scheduled to meet as the Aladdin Hotel plays host to the World Cyber Games USA Championship Final Sept. 15-17. Top gamers will compete for the largest prize purse in WCG USA tournament history—over $75,000—and the chance to represent their country as members of Team USA at the WCG Grand Final in Monza, Italy. WCG USA Championship doors open at noon each day and admission is free. Call 702-785-5555.
9/4/06
Dose Of Gossip
Adult Film star Jenna Jameson, who recently was immortalized in wax at Madame Tussuads at The Venetian, and UFC fight Tito Ortiz made another public appearance together, this time at Tao.
The couple arrived around midnight and snuggled into a VIP table behind the clubs packed dance floor. They danced to the sounds of NYC DJ Reach,and left arm in arm shortly after 2 a.m.
Singer Nelly Furtado then came into Tao to celebrate a friends
bachelorette party.
The gaggle of girls ordered a magnum of Greygoose vodka and had a blast dancing on the clubs catwalk. They were the last stragglers out of the club at 5 a.m.
8/26/06
Beacher Moves In On Paris
Paris Hilton, Jeff Beacher, emcee Pete Giovine, Tiny Kiss and Beacher’s cast of characters are gearing up to make Hilton’s CD release party a big one.
Never to let a moment in the spotlight pass him by, Beacher plans on
performing a stunt he’s titling the “World’s Largest Pig in a Blanket”
at 9 p.m. Aug. 29. The rotund performer will be wrapped in dough and
then dropped into a 10-foot tall vat of ketchup where he will remain
submerged holding his breath for an attempt of 10 minutes.
The festival gets started at 7 p.m. and lasts ‘til midnight, when
Beacher’s new Rockhouse Bar at Imperial Palace has its grand opening. The street festival will be held on Caesar’s Way between the Flamingo Hotel and Casino and O’Sheas Casino. The Way will be closed down and filled with kiosks of collectibles, carnival games and roaming entertainers.
After the grand-opening, guests are invited over to Pure nightclub at
Caesar’s for a rockin’ after party.
Burton’s Bow
One local magician is getting some national attention. Nathan Burton
made it to the finale of “America’s Got Talent,” and was the only
performer to appear six times on the Primetime show.
After Burton’s magical finale, host Regis Philbin gave the guy a shout
out, saying on-air "Catch Nathan Burton in Las Vegas"!
You can see “Nathan Burton’s Comedy Magic” Sat.-Thur. at 2 p.m. at the V Theater inside the Aladdin. Tickets are $27.50, $12 for children 12
and under. Call 702-932-1818.
Boys Night Out
It’s hard to be a working mom, you miss out on the little things, as
local headliner Celine Dion has realized. Her hubby Rene Angelil had the honors to take their son and Celine’s family to the Blue Man Group show on Sunday night. They did a backstage meet and greet with the performers after the show. Celine was across the street performing her show at Caesars.
Go Girl
The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, performs at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Sept. 2 at 8 p.m. The concert features opening acts Jaheim and Letoya. Tickets are $59.50, $79.50 & $95.50. Call 702-474-4000.
Ain’t They Cute?
Country’s cutest couple Faith Hill and Tim McGraw bring their Soul2Soul II Tour to the Mandalay Bay Events Center Sept. 1-3. The concert includes never before seen performances, as well as the music that has become synonymous with McGraw and Hill over the past decade. The concert begins at 9 p.m. Tickets are $75 & $125. Call 702-474-4000.
4-24-06
Paris By The Numbers
3 Hotels
2 Nights
1 Legal Boyfriend
Paris Hilton need not worry any longer about
dragging her boy toyStavros Niarchos into 21+ nightclubs. The boy
turned 21 over the weekend and the heiress flew he and 30 of his
closest pals to Vegas for a blowout weekend.
In January, Paris was perturbed when her honey wasn’t allowed into the adults-only nightclub to ring in the New Year at Tao at The Venetian because he was underage.
But she was all smiles as the couple and a large party of 20 sat down
to dinner at Fix at Bellagio. They jumped over to Light before heading to Tao, where Hayden Christiansen was already celebrating his own b-day.
The next night Paris and Stavros double-dated with her lil’ sis Nicky
and her beau Kevin Connolly. Along with, again, a huge party of
friends, the couples sat down to a huge feast in Tao’s restaurant,
presumably to lay a good foundation for the drinks yet-to-come.
After din-din, the media darlings moved to Tao’s cavernous nightclub to dance with fellow VIPs already partying NFL star Tom Brady, Alex Von Furstenberg, “7th Heaven” star David Gallagher, Chris Heinz, Gregory Smith and Theodora Richards.
They were just getting started. Party organizers Jason Strauss and Jeff Beacher brought out a 50-pound cake with 21 sparklers pushed into the icing. Accompanying the desert was a sweet slide show of Paris and Stavros doing everything aside from sitting in a tree k-I-s-s-I-n-g.
Paris was so moved, she grabbed the mike and thanked everyone for
coming.
Then she left, caravanning her posse in five stretch limos to the Hard
Rock Hotel. She sang a few singles off her new album, which the public has yet to sample, before calling it a night just before the sun rose.
Cage Craving
Nicolas Cage popped into the Hofbrauhaus on Saturday to nibble some wursts with his wife Alice Kim and children. Not as odd as you think, considering this bit of trivia: Cage is actually half-German; his
mother is dancer/choreographer Joy Vogelsang and his pop is August
Coppola, a comparative literature prof and brother to famed director
Francis Ford Coppola.
Concerts Coming
The Goo Goo Dolls will perform at the new Red Rock Station Casino,
Resort & Spa outside at the Sand Bar located in the pool area on May
13. This is a great place to hear the boys’ hits and new singles off
their latest album, Let Love In. Tickets are $69.95 and $149.50 for the
9 p.m.. Call 702-547-5300 or at stationcasinos.com. Sorry kiddies, it’s
a 21+ only show.
Pearl Jam is making an appearance at the MGM Grand Garden arena July 6th. The kicker? Sonic Youth opens! Jam’s lead singer Eddie Vedder, once the poster boy for grunge rock in the ‘90s, has gotten some bad press lately. The New York Post’s Page Six reported that Vedder was seen stumbling around after the band’s Saturday Night Live appearance this month and the throaty singer tends to down a bottle of wine while onstage. Publicity stunt for this aging band or the beginning of a bad spiral? Tickets are $51 for the 8 p.m. show. Logon to ticketmaster.com. Expect this show to sell quickly.
One Day Joe
Burger King must be feeling quite generous. All day today the
restaurant chain is offering a free cup of joe to anyone. Guests to any
Burger King will receive one 12 -ounce cup of BK JOE® regardless of a meal purchase. For restaurant locations, visit
www.bk.com/FindRestaurant.
4/10/06
Party People
Tao Las Vegas’ co-owner Jason Strauss welcomed 32 with a bevy of stars and beauties.
Strauss started the weekend birthday bash on Thursday with Nicky
Hilton, rappers Lil Jon and Ice Cube and NFL running back Steven
Jackson. Tao’s resident DJ, DJ Five, found Nicky’s guilty pleasure as
she popped onto the dance floor to grind to Britney Spears’ hit, “I’m a
Slave 4 U.” (Sorry, Nicky, you’ve been outed as a fan. Hopefully she’ll
show the same enthusiasm for the singles from her sis Paris’ new CD.)
Lil’ John took to the dance floor when DJ Five spun the rapper’s hit
with Usher, “Yeah!”
The next night got a bit more crowded as
Jay-Z, Lisa Ling, Jessica Simpson’s assistant CaCee Cobb, famed boxing ring announcer Michael Buffer, Robin Leach, poker pro Antonio “The Magician” Esfandiari and model Eve Savali were among the 50 people who dined on sushi, wasabi crusted filet mignon and lobster in the mezzanine section overlooking the 22-foot Buddha, who was adorned with a giant birthday hat, of course.
At midnight, the group moved into the nightclub’s VIP section and were joined by Paris and Nicky Hilton, Taye Diggs, Jamie-Lynn Sigler with boyfriend Scott Sartiano, Janice Dickinson, Donovan Leitch, Scott Weiland, Mekhi Phifer, Vanessa Minnillo, Isabella Miko, Shannon Elizabeth, DJ Clue, rappers Nas and his wife Kelis, Ice Cube, Young Jeezy and Fabulous.
K-Fed Opens Up
Kevin Federline’s title for his soon-to-be-released album is quite apt.
The hubby of Britney will reveal tracks from his upcoming debut album, “Playing With Fire,” April 21 inside Pure at Caesars. We hope he has a thick skin as Vegas club goers are rather raw when it comes to dishing about the tunes in clubs. Doors open at 10 p.m. The cover charge varies, but, depending on the outcome you may get your money back! Call 702-731-PURE.
She's Huge!
Maxim Magazine is celebrating its 100th issue in a big, big way. The
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has partnered with the mag to build a giant replica of the mag’s 100th cover featuring Eva
Longoria. The idea was leaked on the Internet before the April 6th
unveiling. If you want to take a personal and up close peak, the
structure is located in the desert area directly north of Buffalo
Bill’s Resort & Casino in Primm, 35 minutes south of Las Vegas near the Nevada/California state line.
Who's Next?
Let the rumbling begin! As the expired date for Celine Dion’s contract
with Caesars Palace inches near, rumors are mounting as to who will
share the space with current contract-holder Elton John.
So far the speculation rests on Madonna and Cher’s seat-filling
capabilities and creativity. After all, The Colosseum is a tempting
place for any professional performer, with one of the largest LCD
screens in the world, oodles of techno gadgets to play with onstage and a phenomenal seating arrangement that gives a good view to any guest.
I’m not placing a bet on Madge, the limey lover who has permanently
parked her little family in England apparently. But there could be a
grain of truth behind that seed of rumor about Cher. It took her three
years to end her “Farewell Tour” and the woman looks amazing for her, uh, experience in years. Numbers being thrown around to lure the lithe icon are mounting to around $60 million.
Stay tuned.
04-05-06
Odd Gathering
April 7 actor and musician Ice Cube will host and perform at Spike
TV's AutoRox, the only nationally televised awards show honoring and celebrating America's passion for the automobile. The 90-minute show, to be taped tonight beginning at 6 p.m. at the Fremont Experience in downtown Las Vegas, will air April 18 at 10-11:30 p.m. ET/PT on Spike TV. The star-studded homage to cars will feature categories including Best Luxury Car, Convertible, Sports Car, SUVs, and others. Expected at tonight's event: Pamela Anderson (also in town for an event at Caesars tomorrow night-see below), Wayne Newton, Ken Shamrock, Carlos Mencia, Keifer Sutherland and Cheech Marin, among others. Quite the eclectic guest list, huh? The 2006 show has moved from Los Angeles to the exciting streets of downtown Las Vegas. A panel of over 25 high-ranking auto industry executives, designers, media and celebrities vote on the deserving nominees.
Dance Fever
Dancing with the star champion Cheryl Burke popped into Pure
in Caesar's Palace this week. The lithe lovely took some turns around the dance floor with fellow
"Dancing with the Stars" cast member Louis Van Amstel.
And coming up at Caesars Saturday, pop persona Pamela Anderson takes the stage as a
Pussycat Doll in honor of the Pussycat Dolls Lounge one-year
anniversary. And following the 11:30 show, Anderson will saunter over to PURE for a late night party with resident spinner DJ AM.
Is The Off-Again On?
Speaking of the hot DJ AM, recent racy photos of he and former, and even more skinnier, fiancé
Nicole Richie have the gossip gurus wondering if the two are making a second go of it. Richie was in town with a few friends Saturday snacking on watercress salad at BOA Steakhouse inside the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Yeah! She's eating. She then bopped over to PURE to celebrate her on-again honey's B-day, allegedly sober. The pair are apparently on the wagon together.
Hollywood Hold'em
And the other seemingly IT spot in Vegas recently, Tao at Venetian, was the site for card-carrying members of Hollywood last weekend. Among those in attendance to the opening of the new poker room at the Venetian Hotel and Casino were
Nick Stahl, Shannon Elizabeth, Jennifer Tilly, James Van Der Beek,
Jonny Lee Miller, Rebecca Gayheart, Eric Dane, Heather McComb and
Jason Biggs. After a VIP dinner in the Tao Asian
Bistro, the guests entered the club through the private entrance. As
special guest DJ Five was spinning the hits, the stars danced the night
away as they drank from bottles of Greygoose and Patron.
Also that week, chef Bobby Flay treated his hard-working Mesa restaurant at Caesars' staff to libations and culinary creations at Tao.
Players Only
Playboy's 50th Anniversary Playmate and "World's Sexiest DJ" Colleen Shannon will be in the Playboy Concept Boutique at The Forum Shops Saturday from 3-6 p.m.
One lucky guest will be chosen to win two tickets to the Playmate of the Year
Luncheon at the Playboy Mansion next month. Call 702-851-7470.
3/27/06
Star Gets A For Understated
Britney Spears and Kevin Federline blew up Tao nightclub for his 28th birthday March 21 with a grand spectacle, including the delivery of K-Fed's cake by two, er, little women. While that news spread 'round the world, actor Justin Bartha quietly came into The Venetian hot spot for a subtle congrats party March 24.
The co-star of "Failure To Launch" hosted a get together to celebrate his new NBC series "Teachers," which debuted March 28. Bartha dined downstairs before popping into the upstairs club with 20 of his friends. Also at the club that night, NFL Hall Of Fame legends Ronnie Lott, Richard Dent and Marcus Allen.
Stiff Competition
Is xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = ST1 />Las Vegas the next place to be discovered by Hollywood? Producers seem to think so as one more movie hits town to uncover the undiscovered.
Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, producers of Hairspray and the Golden Globe and Academy Award-winning Best Picture Chicago, will have an open casting call April 8 for the upcoming feature film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical Hairspray, which plays at the Luxor.
There are three roles open, but the producers are specifically looking for a newcomer to play the lead of spunky, portly teen Tracy Turnblad.
Hairspray, the musical, is originally based on writer/director John Waters' 1988 comedy about star-struck teenagers on a local Baltimore dance show. The new version of the film will be based on New Line's hit Broadway adaptation of the film, which debuted in 2002, and went on to win eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book and Best Director.
The movie, which is being directed by Adam Shankman, is already drawing some attention with the cast that has signed on for the project, including John Travolta and Queen Latifah.
Travolta will play Edna Turnblad, made famous by Harvey Fierstein onstage, and Latifah will play Motormouth Maybelle in the film. The auditions will be at the Backstage Dance Studios II, 3425 Backstage Blvd. Complete details of the auditions are available at www.hairspraymovie.com.
A Tough Call
Hooters is also looking for a few good girls for its newly-opened "13" Martini Bar.
The open-casting call on April 4 is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
And don't worry about being nervous! The Hooters hotel staff has taken steps to ensure its applicants are comfortable. Those interviewing will be treated to a party atmosphere during the audition to make the "process cool, casual and comfortable," according to the casino's official call for girls.
A DJ and seasoned Hooters girls will be on hand to lighten the mood as well.
Interested? No experience is necessary but auditionees must have the right, um, look for the uniform. For more information call 1.866.LVHOOTS or visit www.hooterscasinohotel.com.
Rock Stars, Car Fans?
Here's a local sighting that still has us scratching our heads. Rough rockers Scott Shriner from Weezer and Dave Kushner from Velvet Revolver checked out the truly local casino The Cannery last Saturday for the fourth-annual Mad About Mopars event and performance by Al Jardine's Endless Summer Band. Jardine is a founding member of The Beach Boys.
Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, and DeSoto muscle cars are displayed throughout the weekend at The Cannery as part of this ever-growing popular event. These two went out of their way to get around town for some cars and a '60s music fest.
Fontana Sensation
Singer-songwriter Dian Diaz has been stepping on the sunny side of the street since the debut of her self-titled album March 7. The first single, "Colour Everywhere," is getting some serious play on Las Vegas' Sunny 106.5 KSNE, thanks to the FM station's morning crew Melanie and Tom. Diaz dropped by KSNE recently to give the a.m. team some props for playing her single, which is currently #26 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart. Catch Diaz at Bellagio's Fontana room (great view, excellent entertainment, relatively inexpensive), 702-693-7111.
Hip Tip For Thursdays
Tao Nightclub's worship Thursdays are drawing serious talent. Busta Rhymes recently hosted the raucous party. Last week hip-hop violinist Miri Ben-Ari broke the record as party host when more than 3,000 showed up to get the party started. New England Patriots star Tom Brady and his friends turned the dance floor into their own plaing field and partied with the throng 'til the wee hours of the morning.
Cehck out Tao's lounge nightly from 5 p.m.-4 a.m. and the nightclub Thur.-Sat., 10 p.m.-4 a.m. Call 702-388-8588.
Dapper Diners
Two of the Fab Five from the TV show "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" chose to dine at Sushi Roku inside Forum Shops at Caesars Palace recently. Jai Rodriguez and Kyan Douglas, in town for the next few weeks filming episodes for their Bravo hit , dined on delicious dishes and vowed to return to the Strip hot spot.
HOB Spot
The House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay has booked some great shows for the weekend. Tonight UB40 with Elan skips into town for an 8 p.m. show with tickets priced at $30 and up. Saturday it's The Pretenders with IV Theives for $42-$65 and Sunday night Death Cab for Cutie rocks out at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $22 and $24 day of. No April Fool's plans? Well, you won't be a fool if you pay these prices for this excellent show.
Carlos Mencia pops in for two shows next Saturday, April 1, the first at 8 p.m. and the second at 11 p.m., both priced from $27-$47. Call 702-632-7600.
Kelly's Comin'
Coming up at the Hard Rock May 4 is R. Kelly at The Joint. The 8 p.m. show is $75 for all seats. Not bad for this intimate venue, and serious songwriter. Call the box office at 702-693-5066 or the concert hotline at 702-693-5583.
2/17/06
Stars Come Out For MAGIC
It's fashion week in Las Vegas as the Men's Apparel Guild In California held their annual convention this week with a bevy of parties.
Nicky Hilton held her Chick fashion show Thursday at Bellagio's Light.
The debut of Hilton's couture collection was hosted by the wildly
popular PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur. It seems you can't order a cocktail at a Vegas nightclub these days without being offered a pomegranate libation instead.
The previous night, celebrity designers Richie Rich and Traver Rains of Heatherette hosted a party at Light with special guest host Jamie-Lynn Sigler. A-list guests included Pamela Anderson, David LaChapelle, Jenna Jameson, Tori Spelling, Carmen
Electra and Kelly Osborne.
And Tuesday Jamie Pressly, surprise star of NBC's "My Name Is Earl,"
unveiled her new collection from her J'aime clothing line at PURE
Nightclub inside Caesars Palace.
There to model the whimsical collection were 12 handpicked women,
including Adrienne Curry, winner of "America's Next Top Model."
This weekend plans to be a doozy as MAGIC winds down and the celebs wind up for a Vegas weekend off the clock. Tip for fans: check out the Palms and Hard Rock for top-notch celeb gazing this weekend.
They're Here!
If you are in Vegas this weekend, watch out for the gang from "Queer
Eye for the Straight Guy," who are in town scouting locations for its
next season. If we may be so bold as to make a few suggestions?
Definitely Craftsteak at MGM-gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. The Art of Shaving at Mandalay Place is a perfect spot for that perfect shave.
Olives at Bellagio has a great balcony overlooking the Strip and the
fountains.
And if they want to tone down the glam and sample some amazing food from local chefs some of our fave places are Tamba at Hawaiian
Marketplace and Florida Café. Simply de-lish!
It's A Match
It seems the partnership between chart-toppers Hootie & the Blowfish
and the Silverton Casino Hotel Lodge is working out well. The two have extended their relationship through New Year's Eve 2007.
"The association between Hootie & the Blowfish and the Silverton has
proven to be a lucrative relationship for both parties," said Susan
Graham, artist and media relations spokesperson for Fishco Management.
"We are excited to look ahead and explore the opportunities for both
the band and the resort in the next two years."
All glad-handing aside, Hootie has promised at least three performances per year - with
concerts scheduled for April 22, August 26 and December 31. Somebody's making some money. The band has also agreed to appear at four Silverton events, such as future celebrity Blackjack, golf and fishing charity tournaments throughout
the year.The new contract outlines further performances and appearances at the Silverton, as well as additional Hootie merchandise to be sold and displayed at the resort.
The Silverton has also brought something to the negotiation table.felt.
The casino will feature custom table game felts with the band's
well-known mugs and logo.
Visit silvertoncasino.com for more info.
02-03-06
She's Baaack
She's being labeled, generously, as an actress and recording
artist-quite a lot for an heiress just turning 25.
Paris Hilton plans to celebrate her 25th at PURE Nightclub inside
Caesars Saturday. No word on if her under-age boy toy Stavros Niarchos
will be in tow. Paris came under fire for toting her 19-year-old arm
candy along with her to TAO at Venetian New Year's Eve.
The PURE festivities will include oodles of Paris' closest friends and
a huge birthday cake and surprises are planned. DJ Sky Nellor will spin
for the party that gets underway at 11 p.m. Call 702-731-PURE.
Rockers' Night
Lenny Kravitz, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Aerosmith band members, and DJ Ruckus are scheduled to make an appearance at JET Nightclub's Lenny Kravitz after-concert party with special guests Aerosmith. The
musicians will perform Saturday at the MGM Grand Hotel at 8:00pm and then head over to JET at The Mirage. The Tickets to the Aerosmith concert with Kravitz as special guest are $55, $95 and $185. Call
702-474-4000 or visit ticketmaster.com.
Sims On Film
Molly Sims was in town this week filming for the
TNT's exclusive coverage of All-Star night from the Toyota Center in
Houston Feb. 19. Sims will be featured in a segment to air following
the Rising Stars Slam Dunk Competition. The segment will feature Sims and fellow Sports Illustrated swimsuit models taking viewers on a tour to various Las Vegas hot spots such as Mandalay Bay, The Venetian and The Forum Shops at Caesars.
The 2007 edition of the NBA All-Star Game will be played in Las Vegas.
1/16/05
Stars Traipse To Teatro
The 1st anniversary of Teatro Eurobar inside the MGM Grand was filled
to capacity with rap artists and industry A-listers.
Jermaine Dupri partied with Tyrese Gibson, Shaun Robinson, Brandi
Williams, Chingy, Nick Cannon and Jeremy Jackson. Teatro is a popular pop-in place for Paris Hilton, the boys of Maroon 5, Jenny McCarthy, Nick Lachey and occasionally Nicole Richie, when she was still with local spinner DJ AM. Or is she?
The Eurobar is intimate and exciting as the bar maids tend to pop up on the make-shift dance floor above the bar and boogey. Call 702-891-3650.
Dreamy CD
The "Le Rêve" CD launch party last month at Wynn Las Vegas drew quite a crowd. Among the guests were Louis Parenteau, president of Dragone Corporation, Benoit Jutras, composer, arranger and musical director of the soundtrack and entertainer Robin Leach. Cast members and musicians of this dreamy show also attended the swanky release party. The CD sells for $24.99 and is filled with mystic melodies, angelic vocals of the seven-piece band, including two vocalists and five musicians. Pick it up at the The Show Shop at Wynn or by phone at 702-770-3541.
At The House
Philadelphia trio G. Love & Special Sauce's laid-back, sloppy blues
sound comes to the House of Blues Jan. 20. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are nicely priced at $17 $20 and $22 for this all-ages show.
The following week on the 26th, In Flames pops into the HOB.
After leaving Ceremonial Oath in the late '80s to form In Flames,
founding member and guitarist Jesper Stromblad saw this project as a
way of expressing his songwriting creativity rather than being stuck in
the background. Opening acts Trivium, Devil Driver & Zao are a bonus
for this $17-$20 ticket. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Cake wraps up the month on the 29th with special guests Tegan & Sara,
Gogol Bordello & Eugene Mirman. This is guaranteed to be an excellent,
entertaining show so get your tickets early. Doors open at 6 p.m. and
tickets are $30, $32, $35 & $45.
Call 702-632-7600.
1/09/06
Ice-T Rounds
Hypnotist/showman Michael Johns had dinner at William B's in the
Stardust on Thursday with "Law and Order" star Ice-T, his wife Coco and
childhood friend Michael Carter. Ice and friends had just taken in
Johns show, "hypnosis Gone Wild" at the hotel and were decidedly hungry.
"That's a first-class show," Ice-T said.
Later they partied at Bellagio's Light with four bottles of Grey Goose
vodka, and about 30 women who joined the group. They must have enjoyed
it, they stayed 'til closing.
Johns, who met Ice-T at the Pimp 'n' Ho Ball at The Orleans this past
Halloween and the two became friends, said Carter and Ice-T were
working on a movie about life in the hood.
"We talked about show business. Ice-T is a cultural icon," Johns said.
And apparently a hardy partier.
After the night with Johns, Ice-T wasn't too tired to take in Penn &
Teller's show at The Rio.
Roses & Rain
The Rose Parade, which aired earlier Monday, was held in a downright
downpour, but a shining moment came for participating magician Lance
Burton. The FTD float, "Your Wish is My Command," that the Monte Carlo
headliner rode on for 2-and-a-half hours in the Pasadena rain, won the
Sweepstakes Award, which is the Grand Prize as Best Float in the Rose
Parade. This year's theme was "It's Magical" and the FTD float featured
a rather large Aladdin hovering over Burton and an intricate
Arabian-like set.
"Despite the nonstop cold rain soaking me to the bone; even knocking my
waterproof cape off, it was the children's happy faces and the spirit
of the crowd that made it all worthwhile," Burton said.
Fans along the parade route shouted one request of the magician,
please, please make the rain disappear.
Sushi Sightings
Crispin Glover sauntered into Sushi Roku Las Vegas for lunch on New
Year's Day. He kicked off his New Year's with a lovely lunch in one of
the cushy booths overlooking the Las Vegas Strip in the early
afternoon.
Later that night Shawn Wayans chose Sushi Roku for a late dinner with a
party of five. The sextet came in around 11 p.m. to munch on rolls and
some of the chef's favorite things. The eatery stayed open a bit longer
than usual to accommodate the comedian, but he was generous with his
compliments to the chef and staff, and hopefully with the tip!
Cools New Digs
Hypnotist Anthony Cools has found a new place for his mesmerizing show,
the Excalibur.
The "Anthony Cools Experience" opens on the 19th in the newly revamped
Minstrel Lounge. The little lounge has been turned in to a 305-seat
showroom just for Cools, who most recently appeared at Paris Las Vegas,
and has been named in his honor. Awwww. Catch the show Thur.-Tue. (dark
Wed.) at 9 p.m. Tickets are $45 and $55. Call 702-597-7600.
1/01/06
She sings, too?
This just in...Paris Hilton may have
a talent. Hilton has been mixing her new CD at the Palms' all-new
recording facility, Studio at the Palms. Maybe she'll head to the Hard
Rock to console her former friends former fiancé.
Hilton broke off her brief engagement with Greek shipping heir Paris
Lastis and now it seems her ex friend has followed suit. Nicole Richie
has ended her long engagement to local DJ AM, who regularly spins at
the Hard Rock. But the fractured fiances have seemingly remained
friends and appeared at regularly scheduled parties in Hollywood
together. The pair were often seen canoodling, genuinely, in public
around town. Here's hoping the best to them both. Catch DJ AM at Body
English at the Hard Rock Sat.-Sun. Cover is $30 for men, $20 for women
and local ladies free with valid ID. Open Fri.-Sun., 10:30 p.m.-4 a.m.
Call 702-693-4000.
DJ Of The World?
Speaking of Djs, Tiësto, the No. 1 DJ in the world brings his U.S. tour
to the Orleans Arena Dec. 31. The sensory production features a massive
set, the signature Tiësto LED surround DJ booth and a three-story LED
wall. In addition, the show includes massive pyrotechnics and special
effects. Show time is 8 p.m. and tickets cost $100-$275. Call
702-284-7777.
Fan Of Fish
Brandon Flowers from the Killers returned to Sushi Roku Las Vegas at
Forum Shops at Caesars with his wife. After first stumbling upon the
restaurant, which they seem to adore the location in Los Angeles, the
two ordered the
Yellowtail Sashimi with Diced Chili
Peppers. After snacking liberally from the menu, they commented that
they enjoyed the eatery better than the famed Nobu. They make the
treck from basically Boulder
City, which is about an hour round trip just to snap up the fresh
snapper.
Soprano Play
After the big comedy festival flew through town recently, "The
Sopranos" stars, Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti), Steve
Schirripa (Bobby Baccala), Vincent Curatola (Johnny Sack) and John
Ventimiglia (Artie Bucco) were brought to the Baccarat lounge by casino
host Richard Wilk after a show at the Las Vegas Hilton. The group was
given promotional chips and enjoyed a game of blackjack along with Tim
Poster and Tom Breitling from Fox's "Casino."
11-28-05
To Sir With Love
When Sir Paul McCartney comes to the MGM Grand Garden Arena Nov. 25-26,
the audience will be in for quite a treat. He has said he will sing
beloved Beatles and Wings classics along with some new material. For a
quarter-century after the break-up of the Fab Four, McCartney rarely
performed Beatles songs, but then he added them to his concert
repertoire in the mid-Nineties, flooring die-hard fans and delighting
them as well. And for those who don't know, or have simply forgotten,
after the Beatles called it quits in 1970, McCartney created his own
band called Wings that included his wife Linda and ex-Moody Blues
guitar player Denny Laine, among others.
McCartney was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990. The
world has known him as Sir Paul McCartney since Queen Elizabeth II
knighted the lad from Liverpool in 1997. Showtime is 8 p.m. both nights
and tickets cost $100, $175 and $250. Call 702-891-7777.
Sushi Scene
Sushi Roku at The Forum Shops at Caesars had some major A-list
sightings last week. Jeremy Piven of HBO's "Entourage" came in with an
entourage of his own. The eight sat down to a fabulous view of the
Strip and Omakase, in which a server creates a special menu just for
the guest.
Steve Martin also took a table with friend and fellow comedian Eric
Idle. Idle, of the famed Monty Python troupe, dined on the fresh fish
as well as the Omakase while Martin opted for the Chilean seabass in
yuzu butter sauce. Yummy.
The pair bent heads in conversation while sipping sake.
Beastie Appearance
Make plans for Dec. 2 as Beastie Boy DJ Mix Master Mike will give a
one-night only performance for Studio 54 clubgoers at the MGM Grand.
Burlesque troupe Dirty Little Secret will spice things up with an
accompanying performance. Doors open at 10 p.m. Free admission for
women. Admission for men is $10, Tue.-Thur. & $20, Fri.-Sat. (although
it's always subject to change). Call 702-891-7254
Apple Industry
Fiona Apple's latest album Extraordinary Machine has finally been
released and you can catch the controversial singer at the House of
Blues inside Mandalay Bay Nov. 30.
The singer/songwriter began playing the piano at the age of 8 and
started composing her own songs just four years later. She signed a
recording contract in 1995 in her tender teens, releasing Tidal in
1996. In 2002, word spread that Apple's newest songs would not be
released because the record company was unhappy with her songs. Doors
open at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are a bit high for the HOB (but worth it from
the buzz her album's catching in the media) at $40, $42.50, $45 & $55.
Call 702-632-7600.
11-21-05
Jenny Gets Around Vegas
For her new hit show on E!, "Party at the Palms," Jenny McCarthy is
certainly putting in some fun overtime. She recently jumped onstage at
the Lance Burton magic show at Monte Carlo to ham it up with the tall,
handsome magic man. Burton levitated the lithe lovely and floated her
offstage last week for a segment on her show.
Will Paris Return?
Teatro Euro Bar at the MGM will celebrate its one-year anniversary with
a bash after the Billboard Music Awards
Dec. 6. Last year Paris Hilton swooshed in and partied with the
pleasantly surprised band mates of Maroon 5 before gathering them up
and whisking them to a gentlemen's club. Since its debut, Usher, The
Black Eyed Peas, Nick Lachey Nicole Richie and fiancé DJ AM have sipped
a cocktail or two at the trendy Teatro.
The star-studded evening this year will be laden with smooth beats,
sensuous dance numbers and, for those looking to blow a big wad, its
signature $2,200 High Limit Kir Royale cocktail. Get there early as
A-listers will gobble up the good seats.
For reservations call 702-891-3650.
Paris On Fire
Speaking of Paris, she was in town quietly enjoying her Vegas stay last
weekend.NOT! In Paris fashion, she made tabloid headlines with a $4,000
lingerie purchase at Agent Provocateur shop at The Forum Shops at
Caesars with a crazed monkey on her back, literally, and her honey du
jour Stavros Niarchos III trashed their Hard Rock Hotel room.
Apparently Stavros and friends set fire to a room Sunday morning,
setting off the sprinklers, which flooded a handful of rooms.
Paris later pouted to pal Kelly Osbourne that she hoped her lover's
antics wouldn't reflect badly on her. Please! The Hard Rock is probably
tickled pink over all the publicity and Paris, well, she has never
turned away from any publicity, good or bad.
The heiress was in town to celebrate Osbourne's 21st birthday with a
stop at Beacher's Madhouse Saturday night. The newly acquired
mini-monkey, Baby Luv, was in and out of Hilton's clutches all weekend
as she partied around town.
Be Seen At Tao
Tao, the latest hot spot on the Strip at The Venetian, is introducing
Sutra Wednesday evenings.
Every hump-day the Tao Lounge will feature the expert music mixing of
Robert Oleysyck, one of Las Vegas' fave DJs, while Tao's delicious
sushi is served until 1 am.
Tao Lounge will offer a complimentary plate of sushi for every bottle
service reservation. Tao is open 11 p.m.-4 a.m. Call 702-388-8338.
Never To Early for NYE Plans
The Mirage will debut its latest nightclub, Jet, New Year's Eve with a
hot new host for the evening, Kid Rock. Rock brings a live deejay set
and has promised a "one-of-a-kind" countdown to midnight. Tickets are
nicely priced at $200 considering the evening and table reservations
are $300 per person with a minimum of 6 party persons. Table
reservations include a complimentary bottle of Dom Perignon champagne
and require bottle service.
Call 702-792-7900 or visit www.jetvegas.com.
11-14-05
Magic Man Or Hopeful Horn?
Could it be true? The alleged dueling duo Siegfried and Roy reportedly
want to shine under the stage lights once again.
"I will make sure of that because I am making a remarkable recovery,"
Roy Horn, 61, told the crowd at the Welk Resort Theater in Branson, MO,
where he and partner Siegfried Fischbacher went to support and promote
protégé Darren Romeo.
Since Roy's onstage incident with his fave white tiger Montecore in
October 2003, the consummate performers have focused on Roy's return to
good health.and dodging lawsuits.
A former security guard of S&R filed a lawsuit last month that
Siegfried forced the convalescing Roy to down excess medication.
Killer Find
Apparently The Killers lead singer Brandon Flowers doesn't get out
much, at least around his hometown. After opening for US at the MGM
Grand Garden Arena Saturday night, the recently-wed Flowers found Sushi
Roku in The Forum Shops at Caesars. He told the staff he'd been wowed
by the L.A. location of the famed sushi eatery, but only recently
learned about the near year-old Las Vegas location.
The previous evening, apparently not a U2 fan, Mena Suvari and a few
friends took in the view and the rolls at the restaurant.
Sirens Turn 2
The Sirens of TI turned 2 last week with a blowout party at Tangerine.
The sultry Sirens sang and danced on the hip house bar and introduced
its new cast members. Signature cocktails provided by Sex Vodka,
Captain Morgan's Tattoo Rum and Don Julio Tequila kept the crowd in a
cool mood as the new girls showed off their moves.
BOA Business
Rande and Scott Gerber looked as if they had their work mode on at BOA
Steakhouse at The Forum Shops at Caesars when they sipped on specialty
cocktails in the packed bar.
Crow Coming, Again
Newly-engaged cyclist Lance Armstrong and Sheryl Crow are coming to
Vegas (weren't they just here?!), but not for any knot-tying. The
couple is set to perform at the two-day event, "Ultimate Breakaway
Weekend" Dec. 3. Hosted by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Southern
Nevada Chapter, the weekend-long festivities will also include a
celebrity golf challenge and a soccer exhibition with U.S. National
Team players. Tickets are $500 for the 6 p.m. black-tie gala at Mandaalay Bay, where
Crow will perform. Call 702-436-4220.
11-07-05
Mrs. Smith Goes Alt-Rock
Jada Pinkett Smith has branched out from her accomplished acting career
to front a band, Wicked Wisdom.
The two-year-old band has a sound that is labeled as a fusion of heavy
metal, speed metal and funk with a melodic vocal style.
The band, consisting of Smith (vocals), Pocket Honore (lead guitar),
Phillip Fisher (drums), Rio Lawrence (bass guitar), Korel Tunador
(rhythm guitar & keys), plays the House of Blues Nov. 11 with Static-X
and Ill Nino.
The eclectic band's live show garnered major buzz recently and caught
the attention of Ozzfest tour organizer Sharon Osbourne.
"I went to see Wicked Wisdom play last April in a tiny (Los Angeles)
club at midnight, let me tell you, I was blown away," Osbourne said.
"When you see and hear Jada with her band it's apparent that she has
nothing but love and respect for this genre of music. I totally respect
that the band wants to pay their dues playing the second stage on
Ozzfest."
Tickets are $22 for the 7 p.m. show. Call 702-632-7600
Vast Laughs
Sure, the Las Vegas Strip is known for playing host to great comedians,
but the Strip has never seen a comedy onslaught on the scale of when
The Comedy Festival hits town Nov. 17-19 showcasing some of the
brightest stars in the comic universe.
Appearing onstage at Caesars Palace and nearby Strip hotels are Jerry
Seinfeld, Gary Shandling, Chris Rock, George Lopez, Dennis Miller, Ray
Romano, Dane Cook, Will Ferrell, Larry David, Al Franken, Steve Martin,
Jon Stewart, Jack Black, Ben Stiller, Martin Short, Gilbert Gottfried,
Sarah Silverman, Bill Maher, Carlos Mencia, Dave Chappelle, Susie
Essman and Pablo Francisco.
Francisco unleashes Nov. 19 at the Caesars Palace Ballroom at 10 p.m.
with Comedy Central star Carlos Mencia.
Francisco has been a cast member
on "Mad TV," was nominated Comedian of the Year by the American Comedy
Awards and starred in national
commercials for Coke and City Bank with Elton John. Pablo can be seen
regularly as the host of Latino
Laugh Festival: "The Show" on SíTV seen by over seven million people.
Watch for Pablo as the movie
reviewer on David Spade's new Comedy Central show entitled "The Show
Biz Show."
Tickets are $40.91. Call 877-TCF-FEST. For tickets to other Comedy
Festival events, visit ticketmaster.com online or call 702-474-4000.
Various packages are available and make it worth the trip to Vegas.
Roll Fever
The posh Sushi Roku in the Forum Shops is attracting a few A-listers in
town last week. Wilmer Valderama, Jon Lovitz and comedian Kevin Pollack
came in separately with friends to dine on the restaurant's signature
rolls.
Mathews Gets Blue
While in town for the vast Vegoose music festival, rocker Dave
Matthews, with family in tow, took in the Blue Man Group at its new
digs at The Venetian last week before the Vegoose festivities began.
Blue Man and Mathews played the festival last weekend that drew
thousands of music fans from around the world.
10-31-05
Tao Attracts Tommy
Tao at The Venetian is popping with personalities.
Tommy Lee and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady dined at Tao
Asian Bistro when the bad boy of rock was in town for Mix 94.1 FM's
"Bite of Las Vegas" concert event. Lee hosted the picnic party at
Desert Breeze Park Oct. 23 and hung around to apparently party at Tao.
Lee and Brady returned two days later to celebrate Lee's belated
birthday. They grandly entered floor and set up a table in the middle
of the dance floor for a birthday cake specially prepared by Chef Sam
Hazen. The gorgeous confection was topped with a sparkler candle. The
Tao server saucily danced for Tommy and fed him his cake. Among the
well-wishers was local man-about-town Robin Leach.
Also dining at the restaurant was David Arquette and rocker girl Pink
(no, not together), who worked off her meal dancing in the nightclub
upstairs.
New Star
The Las Vegas Walk of Stars recognized legendary performer and Las
Vegas resident Line Renaud at a special ceremony in October.
Mayor Oscar Goodman opened the festivities with a Proclamation of Line
Renaud Day, followed by speakers Phyllis McGuire, Siegfried
Fischbacher, Bob Maheu (former right hand man to Howard Hughes), with
Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt and the Vegas production show pioneer, Frederick
Apcar.
The legendary Renaud's many career highlights include: headliner at the
"Casino de Paris" in the Dunes hotel, five-time winner of Le Prestige
de la France (the equivalent of an Oscar), co-host of six Merv Griffin
Specials from France, hit recording artist with Capitol Records,
appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show, the Dean Martin Show, and the
Johnny Carson Show among others, and starred at the famous Moulin Rouge
in Paris. Additionally, Renaud co-produced the opening of Paris Las
Vegas with Wayne Baruch.
"Las Vegas Walk of Stars is proud to pay tribute to such an iconic
performer who has touched lives around the world," said Bob Alexander,
President of Las Vegas Walk of Stars. "Not only is she a consummate
entertainer and beloved humanitarian, but also one of Las Vegas'
treasures."
Dion Due?
Early congratulations to Caesars Palace headliner Celine Dion. The diva
and her darling boys, René Angelil and son René, 4, have called Vegas
home since her grand show opened at The Colosseum in March 2003. She
plans on adding to the family by in vitro fertilization when her
engagement at Caesars ends in 2007. She planned ahead, freezing an
embryo and storing it in a medical facility in New York until she is
ready.
"I am approaching 40 years-old, and I have to tend to that," she tells
French entertainment magazine Tele 7 Jours. "This frozen embryo that
is in New York is my child waiting to be brought to life."
Nicky Does New Year's
If you are planning come to Vegas for the city's annual New Year's Eve
blow out, book your plans in advance for one of the hottest parties
this year. PURE Nightclub will celebrate its one-year anniversary and
the dawning of the new year with celebrity couple Nicky Hilton and
Kevin Connolly and their bevy of A-list friends.
The club, recently dubbed the No. 1 club in the country by E!
Entertainment channel, a lucky bidder can also be a part of the duo's
entourage and in turn help those effected in the wake of Hurricane
Katrina.
And following the club-wide champagne toast at the stroke of Midnight,
the nonstop party at PURE will continue into the early morning hours as
partiers can dance in 2006 on the main nightclub floor, sip tantalizing
cocktails in the VIP Red Room and see Las Vegas' annual fireworks
display from the best vantage point on The Strip - PURE's 14,000
square-foot terrace featuring a panoramic view of the entire Strip.
Advance tickets for this incredible night are $200 and can be purchased
by calling 702.474.4000.
10-25-05
Paris & Friends Take Tao
Paris Hilton blew into town last week with drinking buddies Bijou
Phillips and Kimberly Stewart.
The trio traipsed into Tao at The Venetian (a stunning space, you must
check it out) and danced seductively atop the nightclub's middle runway
wall in front of 2,000 clubgoers (seriously, this place is a huge
must-see).
Camera phones popped up over the heads of the dancing crowd from party
people attempting to capture the moment.
"I'm so happy I'm single," Paris allegedly told the appreciative crowd.
Taradise Stalled
An interesting little bit of info came across my desk this week. Tara
Reid's E! show "Taradise" has reportedly been cancelled. Has been for
weeks. Blurbs about Reid's blubbering over the show's demise have
popped up in tabloids across the country. But Light at Bellagio is
holding the date for a season wrap party for "Taradise" at its shwanky
nightclub Oct. 23. The party is to be hosted by Reid herself, but the
word TENTATIVE is printed in crisp capital letters after the event
listing on Light's calendar. We won't hold our breath.
9-19-05
Pure Turns To Rockers
Dave Navarro takes over the red carpet at Pure nightclub at Caesars
tonight and turns it into Rokbar for the weekend. Rokbar, one of the
hippest spots in Los Angeles, will be rung in by Velvet Revolver's Matt
Sorum Saturday night and hosted by Suzanne Phillips and The Glam Squad
featuring LA's Rock & Republic. Call 702 702-731-PURE. Doors open at 10
p.m. Definitely a good place to star watch as Caesars will surely host
a laundry list of A-listers for the event.
"Vegas" Party Place
On Saturday night, the cast of NBC's "Las Vegas" will party at the
Palms with a launch/release party at Rain Nightclub to kick off the
release of the Season Two-Uncut and Uncensored DVD as well as the
show's third season and its first soundtrack, which debuts Sept. 27.
Whew. No word on who from the cast has RSVP'd, but the Palms is a party
destination for many of the cast, including Molly Sims, Nikki Cox, Josh
Duhamel and his gal pal Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas. Call
702-942-7777.
Small Price For Big Show
After all the rumors, it's finally happening.the Broadway hit
"Hairspray" will open at the Luxor in mid-February and tickets are
already on sale.
Tickets to"Hairspray," featuring Tony Award winning actors Harvey
Fierstein and Dick Latessa reprising their original Broadway roles, are
$50 for the preview performances Feb. 6-14. Don't expect this low
ticket price to last as the official premiere Feb. 17 will more than
likely bring a hike in prices, something along the lines of other
Broadway shows on the Strip such as "Avenue Q," which starts at $88.
Tickets are available by calling the Luxor Box Office at 800-557-7428
and online at www.Luxor.com
Cool Concert Alert
The House of blues and X107.5 Xtreme radio present Xtreme Toy Show
featuring My Chemical rRmance, Alkaline Trio & Reggie and The Full
Effect at Sam Boyd Stadium Oct. 1. Doors open at noon for this all-day
event. Tickets are priced at a very affordable $10.75. Call
702-739-3267.
Circus Time
Join the Zelzah Shrine Circus at the Thomas & Mack Center Oct. 1 at 11
a.m., 3:30 & 7:30 p.m. or Oct. 2 at 1:30 and 5:30 p.m. The
family-friendly performance features lions, dardevils, clowns,
elebphants, motorcycle stunt riders and fireworks. Tickets are $15, $17
& $25. Call 702-739-3267.
Hot Fuss About Killers
Las Vegas band The Killers rock the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino's Theater
Under the Stars Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. Rumor is the concert is a seriously
hot ticket at $42.90 and will possibly sell out.
The group's smash debut album Hot Fuss, features the hits "Mr.
Brightside" and the Grammy-nominated "Somebody Told Me." The album is
the No. 8 best-selling title of the year.
The Killers, which consist of lead singer Brandon Flowers, Mark
Stoermer, Ronnie Vannucci and Dave Keuning, are becoming the It band
with Their songs tend to deal with issues of jealousy and paranoia as
well as androgynous girlfriends and cuckolded boyfriends.
The band got its name from the fictional band in a New Order music
video. Tickets are $42.90. Call 702-693-5583.
9-10-05
Blonde Ambition
The Sirens of TI heated up over the weekend with a bit of bump and
grind from a surprise guest.
Blonde bombshell Jenny McCarthy was in town filming for her " Party At
The Palms " show and took on the ambitious role of Siren. She took
time to rehearse and get the moves and timing down for the show, which
is performed over the Sirens' Cove and aboard two ships. The
33-year-old was dutifully fitted into the barely-there costume and
performed as a sexy Siren to the delight of the tourists crowding the
sidewalk in front of the Cove..
The MTV star, who has had many shows on the semi-music channel, added a
few of her own touches to the dance moves, such as routinely smacking
her backside throughout the live performance.
Guests certainly enjoyed the surprise celebrity guest as flashes from
phones and digital cameras brightened the darkly lit Sirens' cove.
Blue, Too
The Strip will be the stage for another outdoor performance next week,
this time for the Blue Man Group. The boys are moving from their digs
at Luxor, where they've been for the past five years, to The Venetian
next month.
In honor of this they are giving a mini-concert Sept. 20 at 12:30 p.m.
in front of The Venetian. They must be pretty happy as The Venetian is
building a custom, 1,760-seat theater for the show that will open Oct.
10.
Did It Make Her Happy?
Here's one for the odd file: Sheryl Crow's concert at the Hard Rock has
been canceled, and the charity event "Night of 100 Stars" that she was
to perform in was moved from the Hard Rock to Mandalay Bay at the last
minute. Hmmmm. So, you can still catch Crow, who recently said yes to
her honey Lance Armstrong's request to wed, at the scholarship
fundraiser Oct. 22. The event begins at 7 p.m. with an elaborate pool
party at Mandalay Bay's wave pool featuring delicacies prepared by
world-class chefs from the finest Las Vegas restaurants. A silent
auction and a live auction of unique dining and travel opportunities
will also be included in the evening's activities. Net proceeds raised
will be used for college scholarships, internships and enrichment
programs for deserving area high school seniors who wish to pursue a
career as a hospitality industry professional. Tickets are $500 (hey,
it's for the kids!) or $5,000 for a table of 10. Call 702-248-3312.
Celeb Cravings
Sushi Roku is a happenin' night spot. Last week
Mark Hoppus, the lead singer of Blink182, bopped into Sushi Roku at the
Forum
Shops at Caesars for dinner. He and a few friends enjoyed the sumptuous
sushi as well as some sake and Roku's famous specialty cocktails. Tip:
Hit these hot spots mid-evening before taking in the nightlife, or
after tipping back a few at Light or Body English into the wee hours.
You'll be sure to catch a celeb or two munching away.
7-18-05
Penn, But No Ben
The World Series of Poker at the Rio All Suite Hotel this week and was
filled with A & B listers who made quite an impression on stone-faced
card sharks. James Woods, Brad Garrett, Shannon Elizabeth, Oliver
Hudson (bro to Kate Hudson), Tobey Maguire, Nicole Richie's fiancé DJ
AM and Vegas' own Penn Jillette were given a round of applause by the
onlookers.
Ben Affleck allegedly came to town to play, but reportedly had to stay
home with his new bride, who is heavy with child, Jennifer Garner.
7-11-05
Sweet Labor Of Love For Burton
Tim Burton's remake of the 1970 flick "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate
Factory" is reportedly sticking strangely close to the original book by
Roald Dahl.
In the Burton version, instead of a Golden Goose room, he's trained 40
squirrels to man the nut room. While he used computer graphics to
duplicate a lone oompah loompah wherever he needs the orange-faced
assistants, he's used 40 squirrels that were trained over 4 months to
crack nuts and place them on a moving conveyor belt. Burton, known for
going all out, also used 206,563 gallons of fake chocolate for the
candy river that runs through the factory. The giant candy lollipops
that punctuate the luscious landscape are apparently made of edible
confections. Check out "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" at Brenden
Theatres in the Palms July 15 in Imax or 35 mm. Call 702-507-4849 or
visit brendentheatres.com.
Richie Turned On By AM
Nicole Richie's been bubbling about her beaux, DJ-AM. While the
tabloids have been dishing about her diet and disappearing figure,
she's been hanging backstage at her fiance's shows, most recently at
the opening of Revolution nightclub in Fort Lauderdale. Apparently her
turn ons include reality TV and her hubby at the turntable. DJ-AM
performs at the Hard Rock's Body English. Call 702-693-5000 for
scheduled dates.
Cage Stays Over
The eclectic, Elvis collector Nicolas Cage was in town with his young, pregnant wife Alice Kim
and took in the must-see KÀ, by Cirque du Soleil at MGM Grand last Tuesday. Cage was in town for the CineVegas film fest at the Palms and stayed over for a Vegas vacation, presumably before baby makes three.
Flying Chef
Rachel Ray is flying high with her numerous books from her Food Network show, "30 Minute Meals," and made sure to stop into Flyaway Indoor Skydiving last Monday while in Las Vegas to film a segment for her hot TV spot.
The skinny, passionate, famous foodie was a "natural" at flying in the indoor tunnel, the Flyaway staff said, and tested her skills in the 22-foot high wind tunnel.
06-27-05
One Electra Night
The city begins to heat up for Fourth of July a little early. Case in point? Cutie Carmen Electra is popping in to TI's Tangerine Lounge & Nightclub for its first anniversary July 1. Electra and her dance troupe, The Bombshell Babes, will bounce onstage for a one-night-only burlesque performance at midnight to usher in the second year of this Vegas hotspot. The club has an incredible view of the Strip and clubbers can party inside or out so it makes for a perfect place to take in the fireworks on the Fourth. The club's Tangerine dancers will introduce new burlesque numbers and sultry costumes as well.
The doors open at 10 p.m. If you get there a bit early, check out the new Forum Shops. It's great people watching, and the animatronics free shows are worth the early arrival. Call 702-212-8140 for more info.
Cruise Here For Country
On the heels of Brad Paisley, Reba McEntire and Keith Urban concerts in Sin City, John Michael Montgomery sets up at Buffalo Bill's Star of the Desert Arena in Primm at 8 p.m. tonight.
Montgomery made his mark on country music with 15 No. 1 songs including
favorites like "I Swear," "I Can Love You Like That" and "The Way You
Love Me" and ballads such as "The Little Girl" and "Letters
From Home." Tickets are priced well at $33.50
and $43.50 and rooms are spacious and affordable at around $40. Call Buffalo Bill's for room rates at 1-800-FUN-STOP or visit www.primadonna.com. For tickets to Montgomery, call 702-474-4000.
Doc Holiday
Want a rock weekend in the city this summer?
Radio-friendly rock group Spin Doctors bring their funky rhythms to the Silverton Saturday.
The Spin Doctors broke onto the music scene in the summer of 1992 with
their debut studio album, "Pocketful of Kryptonite." The CD sold eight million copies and spawned the massive hits, "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong" and "Two Princes." The concert begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30.
Next at the Silverton is Rick Springfield, who played Dr. Noah Drake on "General Hospital" before winning his first Grammy in 1982 for "Jessie's Girl." The singer, actor and longtime heartthrob plays the Hideaway Theater at 8 p.m., July 9.
The room rates are competitive at the Silverton, and there's plenty to do during your downtime before the concert. Seriously. Bass Pro Shops, bass fishing, rifle range, mermaids and good eats. And that's just one corner of this sprawling locals' favorite casino. Call 702-914-8557 or visit www.silvertoncasinos.com.
Art Stop
It's finally here. The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art has partnered once again with the
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA) to present an exhibition of 34
paintings by the masters of 19th-century French painting through Jan.
2006.
The exhibition, "The Impressionist Landscape from Corot to Van Gogh,"
showcases some of the MFA's renowned European paintings beginning with
Barbizon School painters Camille Corot and Théodore Rousseau and
continuing through to the Impressionists and Postimpressionists with
Eugène Boudin, Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh, Claude
Monet, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
Hours for the exhibition are daily, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Tickets are are $15,
$12 for students, Nevada residents, and seniors 65 and over. Call
702-693-7871.
06-20-05
CineVegas Draws Attention
Eriq La Salle, Taryn Manning, John Singleton, DJ Qualls, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Paula Jai Parker, Taraji Henson and Dennis Hopper. Quite a few names for a fledgling film festival, but CineVegas has become a power house in the industry.
Since its inception in 1998, the CineVegas Film Festival has fast
become one of the hottest film festivals in the country. Through Saturday, the festival shows movies and features first-time filmmakers as well as masters of the craft. During the day, independent films,
documentaries and shorts are screened and at night Las Vegas is the
backdrop for sponsored events at the hottest nightclubs.
CineVegas opened June 10 and runs through the 18th at Brendan Theaters at the Palms
Go to cinevegas.com for a full list of the week-long festivities and movies shown.
Among its milestones, CineVegas has hosted the world premieres of such films as Spun, The Weather Underground, Poolhall Junkies and Bubba Ho-tep, as well as screenings of other great films such as Napoleon Dynamite, Gods and Monsters and Cider House Rules. Dennis Hopper serves as the chairman of the creative advisory board, which has honored such film greats as Jack Nicholson, Sean Penn, Dustin Hoffman, Holly Hunter and David Lynch. For more information call 702-992-7979.
Can You Love It?
John Michael Montgomery performs at Buffalo Bill's Star of the Desert
Arena in Primm at the California and Nevada state line at 8 p.m. June 24.
Montgomery made his mark on country music with 15 No. 1 songs including favorites like "I Swear," "I Can Love You Like That" and "The Way You Love Me." His memorable ballads such as "The Little Girl" and "Letters From Home," have made him a hot country commodity. Tickets are $33.50 and $43.50. Call 702-474-4000.
The Circus is Coming!
Coming to the rescue of humdrum happenings everywhere, the 135th
edition of The Greatest Show On Earth will sweep you "off your rump"
and have you jumping in the flash of a double cannon blast! The live
action-packed extravaganza Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus arrives at the Orleans Arena June 23-26.
The spectacle features "America's Best Clown" and comic
daredevil Bello Nock as well as the daring dynamic duo of
Brian and Tina Miser-the cannon ball couple who will be simultaneously launched at 65 miles per hour across the arena. Show times are Thur.-Sun. at 7:30 p.m., Fri.-Sun. at 3:30 p.m. and Sat.-Sun. at 11:30 a.m. Ticket prices range from $13-$75. Call 702-284-7777.
Dylan Redux
Led by singer-songwriter Jakob Dylan, The Wallflowers hit it big with the alternative "6th Avenue Heartache" from their 1996 album Bringing Down the House. Get your Wallflower fill at the House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay tonight with opening artist Kristin Hoffmann. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. June 24. Tickets are $25, $27, $35 & $40. Call 702-632-7600.
06-14-05
Vegas Version of "American Idol"
This isn't your usual "American Idol," although it's based on an American icon. Another reality show is set to hit prime time, and Las Vegas. And this reality show is a perfect fit for Vegas.
Elvis-A-Rama, the attraction that hosts more than $6 million in authentic King of Rock 'n' Roll memorabilia, will launch its
worldwide search for the ultimate Elvis tribute artist with an open
casting call August 8-9.
"Elvis started singing as a young boy at church, and made his first
singing appearance at the Mississippi-Alabama Fairgrounds," explained Elvis-A-Rama founder Chris Davidson, a serious
collector of Elvis-owned memorabilia. "We know there is a lot of young talent out there, and we would like to give them the opportunity to shine, like Elvis did."
After the pilot shoot, there will be elimination-style
events in Memphis, New York, London, Madrid, Munich, Moscow, Sydney, Tokyo, Beijing, Honolulu and Mexico City. This should be entertaining, considering the yuck-yuck and the ewww factors of Elvis impersonators from around the world.
The winner of this impressionist contest, judged by a celebrity panel, will record a song co-written by Elvis and Paul Terry King, "If I'd Only Bought Her Roses." The song was never actually recorded by the King himself. The winner will then be rewarded a "lucrative" recording contract, according to the Elvis-a-Rama owners.
A casting call for 2 hosts/hostesses for the reality show is also
being held at the 3401 Industrial Rd. location on June 24 between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Further details on the contest are available at www.elvisarama.com.
Good Dawg
In true "American Idol" news, the TV show's Randy Jackson surprised the cast of "Zumanity, Another Side of Cirque du Soleil" at New York-New York last Saturday. The newly fit Jackson, who underwent gastric bypass last year, wore a white suit and was escorting a lovely brunette. Or was it the other way around?
Film Festapalooza
CineVegas kicks off tonight at the Palms, and there's just too many movies to mention playing through to its culmination June 19th. A great spot for celebrity watching is Little Buddha or N9NE restaurant inside the Palms, grab a drink and an appetizer and keep your eyes open. CineVegas has become a star-magnet and has been compared to Robert Redford's highly successful Sundance Film Festival.
In conjunction with this growing film festival, Vegas Magazine will host its birthday bash Saturday at Whiskey Beach at Green Valley Ranch. The magazine, which turns a grand 2 this month, will turn the beach into a decadent party with guests Dennis Hopper, "Without a Trace" star Enrique Murciano and Rachel Huntley from that little movie "Mr & Mrs. Smith."
For more info on CineVegas, go to cinevegas.com.
Pop Culture
Father's Day is June 19 and Twin Creeks Steakhouse at the
Silverton is creating a hearty menu for Pop.
Specialty entrées include the black & tan chicken ($24), which serves
up 20 ounces of chicken breast, marinated for 24 hours in Bass Pale Ale
and Guinness Stout and accompanied by a Vermont cheddar twice-baked
potato and Kansas City BBQ beef ribs ($28), slow-smoked to
perfection for 12 hours over Hickory and Cherry wood, served with charred summer corn.
For dad's with big appetites, a 24-ounce bone-in rib eye smothered in a rich Kentucky Bourbon sauce and topped with crispy onions is available for $32.
Reservations are recommended. Call 702-263-7777.
06-06-05
No Wynn Situation For Jackson
As the Michael Jackson trial winds down, rumors are flying as to what's next for the King of Pop. And Vegas seems to be the target. So far New York papers have said Donald Trump was eyeing the trial-troubled star for his new Strip venture scheduled to open next summer. Now Celebrity Justice has printed an online tidbit stating that MJ would be a featured performer at the newly opened Wynn Las Vegas.
Not so, says the usually press-shy Steve Wynn.
"We have no knowledge of how this got started. It is completely
without basis," stated Steve Wynn said in a press release before the news began to circle around water coolers.
Michael Jackson and Vegas have been tied numerous times over the years. He "hid out" in Vegas when the arrest warrant for his current child-molestation charges was issued last summer. Upon returning
to Sin City, after turning himself in, MJ took the long way to get to his hotel, Green Valley Ranch, looping around the Strip and back toward his hotel in an hours-long publicized drive.
Live shots of his trip around the city in an SUV with heavily tinted windows and his pale hand waving from the window made world news. MJ was also a frequent visitor in the '90s to Wynn's Treasure Island, where he reportedly had his own suite stocked with video games.
On another note, the Jackson impersonators in shows peppering the Strip are mum about audience reaction, and some have disappeared from shows such as "Legends in Concert,"
which hasn't had an MJ impersonator for six months. But Lane Lassiter,
who has performed in the Riviera's "An Evening at La Cage" for 14 of its 20 years and survived through the ups and downs of MJ's career, said fans are still excited to watch him mimic the Man in the Mirror.
"During Michael Jackson's second crisis it seems like his fans are
defiant and shout out even louder and more often then they used to,"
Lassiter said. "Nobody has booed me or heckled me. Frank Marino (star of the show) introduces me with some Michael Jackson jokes and gets them in a laughing mood. They just want to see the King of Pop perform. This act works here, but it wouldn't work in a topless show. I do the signature Michael Jackson moves and that's what they want. Some of the shows take Michael out when the scandals break."
It seems fitting that Sin City would be so forgiving of any scandalized
star.
05-30-05
Wonder Child
"My wife might give me a baby on my birthday," Stevie Wonder proudly
and playfully told What's On writer Charles Tatum over the phone on April 19. And wouldn't you know it? Wife Kia signed, sealed and delivered the baby 24 days later, on Friday, May 13—Wonder's 55th birthday. The 22-time Grammy winner boasted of his birthday surprise to the audience that gathered to hear him sing May 21 at Mandalay Bay for Tiger Jam VIII, the annual fund-raising concert for golfer Tiger Woods' charity for disadvantaged children. If the child should ever express concern about having a Friday the 13th date of birth, Dad just might sing a few lines from his hit song "Superstition": "When you believe in things you don't understand, then you suffer/Superstition's not the way/Hey, hey."
What?! Another Cirque item? Yes, it's true. The cadre of Cirque shows seems to attract the A-listers. Eddie Murphy and Sugar Ray Leonard took in the late show of "KÀ " at MGM Grand Monday night. The
friends were in town for the finale of NBC's "The Contender," which aired live Tuesday night. These two fit and famous guys were happily escorted by their lovely wives while in Sin City.
Over at Bellagio's "O" Melissa Rivers, daughter of over-done Joan Rivers (not to say her lips could be any more perfect), was unescorted at "O" last Saturday.
Oops…She Did Vegas, Again
While in town, again, for who knows what exactly, the pop-couple du jour Britney Spears and Kevin Federline popped into "Mystere" at Treasure Island May
12. The couple, trailing two friends, indulged in popcorn and bottled water during the 11-year-old Cirque show. Brit and Kev picked up a few more friends, 20 to be exact, May 13 and attended "KA" at the MGM Grand. Britney showed
off her growing belly in a teal slip dress with plunging
neckline.
The Mom-to-be wasn't done just yet.
The following night she and the Fedster attended "Zumanity…Another Side of Cirque du Soleil" with two bodyguards and two girlfriends in tow. The Cirque people said she was "very gracious and very low-maintenance." Running a bit late, (the couple and entourage snacked on Sushi Roku at Caesars earlier that night) Brit snuck
into the theater under the radar wearing a flesh-toned baby-doll dress
with jeans.
After the late show, she perused the gift shop with its unusual souvenirs and said, "Oooh, cool this is the sexy show!"
Cirque of Life
Over at "O," Peter Gabriel and Judge Joe Brown took in the water wonder
last weekend and Gabriel went back stage to honor the cast with
autographs and photos. The next night Gabriel took his daughter to
"KÀ," later telling the cast it was the best Cirque show he'd ever seen.
He may be biased. "KÀ" creator and director,
Robert Lepage, conceived and directed Gabriel's "Secret World
Tour" in 1992, and staged his 2002 "Growing Up Live Tour" as well.
Daman Wayans also slipped into Cirque's latest creation "KÀ," which
opened just last month. Word of mouth must be pretty good!
Richie and the AM
It's been a very, very good year for DJ AM. The Los Angeles-based mixer
is planning a wedding with fiance Nicole Richie (allegedly formerly of "The Simple Life" TV
show on Fox) and has a standing gig every Saturday and Sunday at the
Hard Rock's uber hip club Body English.
Now Starbucks wants to make a DJ AM-inspired CD available exclusively
at the coffee shops worldwide.
He told the San Francisco Gate early this month that his recent rise to
tabloid stardom hasn't really been all that bothersome,
"It is what it is," Goldstein says. "It has nothing to do with me as a
person."
Catch DJ AM at Body English Sat.-Sun. 10:30 p.m.-4 a.m.
Cover is $30 for men, $20 for women and local ladies free with valid
ID. Call 702-693-4000.
La Reve On Fire!
La Reve opened at Wynn Las Vegas last week and in attendance were James
Van Der Beek and Andy Dick among other celebrities.
Midway through the performance, a fire alarm interrupted the atmosphere
of the pleasantly dark show. As the lights went up and alarms whirred,
Steve Wynn was seen running up the stairs of the theater-in-the-round.
The brief interruption didn’t break the spell of the show as it
continued unfettered.
James and Andy were hamming it up at the after party in the Wynn
Ballroom. Dick, who wanted to be left alone by the press milling about
at the party, stood on his table to get a good look at La Reve creator
Franco Dragone as he entered the packed room and gave a few words of
thanks.
The next day, Dick visited Flyaway Indoor Skydiving. The comedian and a
small gathering of friends paid close attention during the
instructional class before flying in the vertical wind tunnel.
“I've found a better way to get high in Vegas,” Dick said of his Flyaway experience. “ This rocks.”
Oh The “Zumanity!”
In other Cirque-ish news, Lost" actors Dominic Monaghan & Evangeline Lilly took in “Zumanity, Another Side of Cirque du Soleil” last Friday.
The Gigolo character Antonio Drija pointed the couple out to the crowd
and encouraged the two to get in to the mood for the show. And that
they did! Evangeline took off her T-shirt to reveal, well, another side
of Evangeline. The couple was seen kissing and snuggling throughout the
show. On Saturday, actress Annabeth Gish attended “Zumanity” with her
husband, Wade.
Movin’ On Up
The new high-rise condos peppering the Strip are becoming quite the
collector’s item, at least in celebrity circles. Britney Spears and
Kevin Federline, Toby Maguire, Leonardo DiCaprio and others have
plunked down cold hard cash for a primo penthouse. Most recently rapper
genius Eminem has joined the ranks.
Although he’s not a regular Vegas fixture, Eminem apparently digs the
city. The rapper bought a condo in the Palms new section, which opens
later this year. Eminem will join 50 Cent on a world tour, which stops
into Vegas at the Thomas & Mack July 24. Tickets are already on sale at
$75, $103 & $153. Call 702-739-3267.
HR’s Big 10 A Gain For Maguire
At Hard Rock’s big 10-year birthday bash April 29-30 big Screen hottie
Jessica Alba ran into friend Toby Maguire at the Coldplay concert and
reportedly found his recent role of pudgy performer surprising. The New
York Post’s Page Six reports she turned to friends after Maguire
plodded off and said, “He’s huge!”
Cruise Shows Holmes KA
While the celebrity rumor mill began to gather momentum Tom Cruise and
new girlfriend Katie Holmes attended the late show of KÀ on last
Saturday. After taking in the truly surreal Cirque production, the
couple visited the KÀ performers backstage. Cruise must be blissfully
happy with his 26-year-old girlfriend as he did a backflip with a
little help from two KÀ performers. He and Holmes posed for pictures
with the cast and crew for 30 minutes before leaving arm-in-arm. KA
premiered at MGM Grand in February and has become a Cruise magnet. He’s
seen the show three times in as many months. Cruise, 42. and Holmes
made international headlines (and certainly the covers of many
magazines) when they appeared together on the red carpet of the David
di Donatello Awards show in Rome following their Vegas outing.
Brit Skips Vegas Trip
Is she or isn't she? Well, whether or not she's pregnant, Britney Spears was definitely not hiding out in Vegas, as some tabloids wanted to report. But her hubby, Kevin Federline, who celebrated his 27th birthday March 21, was most definitely in, on and around town, again. Federline popped into town Friday and settled into the Hard Rock, as usual, and kept a low profile. But Saturday night saw him partying with a small entourage of mostly male friends at PURE nightclub at Caesars Palace. Federline mostly kept to himself over the past weekend. Last month, Brit flew in to snuggle with her guy while he stayed at the Hard Rock. Maybe she's air sick? Especially on morning flights? Stay tuned as this newlywed couple can't seem to stay away from Sin City.
Magician Ends Box Stunt
He’s out! Magician Nathan Burton has completed his seven-day stint
inside a life-size Plexiglas box stuffed with seven showgirls. The
magician from E! Channel’s “The Entertainer” and “V the Variety Show”
at Desert Passage at Aladdin was exhausted and a bit dehydrated after
leaving the box suspended outside the V Theater at Desert Passage. He
apparently didn’t eat or drink during the weeklong event that gained
national attention from networks such as CNN. Robin Leach hosted the
nationally televised exit of Burton from the box and shook the
magician’s hand as he was led away on a stretcher.
Stars Sold On Cirque
“Zumanity, Another Side of Cirque du Soleil” is still a star attraction
among A-listers. Last Friday night “Star Wars” creator George Lucas
surprised the cast at the 7:30 p.m. show followed by Josh Groban the
following Tuesday. Groban stayed after the performance to go backstage
and meet with the cast and crew of the show.
Scintas Score Movie Role
The Scintas welcomed the cast of “The Retirement” last week for a
two-day shoot in The Scintas Theater at the Rio.
All four Scintas, Chrissy, Frank and Joey Scinta with family friend and
dexterous drummer Peter O’Donnell appear in the film as themselves,
uttering lines with the movie’s stars Coolio, Peter Falk, George Segal,
Rip Torn and Bill Cobbs. The movie’s plot has four grumpy old men on a road trip from their retired life in Florida to Las Vegas in order to
stop one of their daughters from marrying the wrong guy. The movie is
slated to open in the fall. See The Scintas Fri.-Wed. (dark Thur.) at
7:30p.m. Tickets are $65.95. Call (702) 777-7776.
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