NEVADA BALLET THEATRE NAMES GLOBAL POP ICON AND BROADWAY STAR
AS ITS 2025 WOMAN OF THE YEAR FOR THE 41st ANNUAL BLACK & WHITE BALL
SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 2025 • ENCORE LAS VEGAS
Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) is pleased to announce that internationally recognized superstar Debbie Gibson will be honored as its 2025 “Woman of the Year” for the 41st Annual Black & White Ball. In a career spanning nearly four decades, Gibson will be celebrated for her numerous achievements in music, theater, and philanthropy on Saturday, March 29 at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas. This star-studded affair is NBT’s largest annual fundraiser and one of the city’s most beloved charitable and society events.
Boasting an important history of honoring female trailblazers beginning with Elaine Wynn in 1985, Gibson now joins an impressive list of internationally-recognized female entertainers who have been celebrated by NBT for their artistic achievements, philanthropic contributions and connection to Las Vegas including Debbie Reynolds, Chita Rivera, Celine Dion, Rita Rudner, Paula Abdul, Marie Osmond, Priscilla Presley, Mitzi Gaynor, Debbie Allen, Olivia Newton-John, Giada De Laurentiis, Rita Moreno, Shania Twain, and most recently, Carrie Ann Inaba.
“Debbie Gibson’s contributions to the entertainment sphere are immense and her generous spirit has impacted countless charities,” said NBT President & CEO, Beth Barbre. “We look forward to a spectacular evening honoring her life and career as we share our mission of changing lives through dance.”
“I am incredibly honoured to be celebrated by Nevada Ballet Theatre which shares my vision of empowering underserved youth in the arts.” said Debbie Gibson. “I’m grateful to stand among those who have shared this honor and to contribute to its legacy. As a Las Vegas local, I look forward to celebrating the transformative power of the arts and to give back to my community.”
Gibson rose to fame in the late 1980’s as a teenage pop sensation, becoming the youngest artist to write, produce, and perform a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with her song “Foolish Beat.” Her debut album, Out of the Blue (1987), generated several international hits, including “Only in My Dreams” and “Shake Your Love,” earning her platinum status and catapulting her into global fame. Her sophomore album Electric Youth (1989) went to #1 as did her single “Lost In Your Eyes”. Over the years, Gibson has sold over 16 million albums worldwide and earned countless awards.
In addition to her pop music triumphs, Gibson has starred in theater productions such as Les Misérables, Grease, Funny Girl, and Cabaret on both Broadway and the West End. Beyond the spotlight, she dedicates her time to mentoring young performers, being an active advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and to many charitable causes in education, wellness, support for individuals living with Lyme disease and various dog rescues.
Proceeds from The Black & White Ball support all areas of NBT including its Professional Company and main stage productions at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts; its affiliated dance institution, the School of Nevada Ballet Theatre; and its successful Community Education Department that provides over 20,000 students a year with free in-school dance classes, scholarship opportunities, and access to essential arts education programs.
For information regarding table sales and tickets, please visit www.nevadaballet.org or contact NBT’s events office at 702.243.2623 ext. 258.
Debbie Gibson, a true pop phenomenon, burst onto the scene at just 16, etching her name in history with the Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper “Foolish Beat.” She became the youngest artist to write, produce, and perform a number one hit—she is STILL the youngest female, a record that has remained unbroken for over 30 years. Her unparalleled talent has translated into over 16 million album sales and a prolific theatrical career spanning 17 musicals, from Broadway’s Les Misérables to the West End’s Grease.
In 2019, Gibson graced the stage alongside New Kids on The Block on The Mixtape Arena Tour. The following year, her single “Girls Night Out” soared to number four on the U.S. Billboard and U.K. Music Week charts. And 2021 marked the release of her first pop album in two decades, “The Body Remembers,” climbing to an impressive number two on the Apple Pop Sales Chart. Her music video for “Love Don’t Care” has over a million views on YouTube. In 2022, Gibson embarked on a solo U.S. tour for “The Body Remembers” and commemorated the 35th anniversary of her debut album “Out of the Blue” with sold-out shows in NYC. She also delighted fans with her first full-length holiday album, “Winterlicious.”
Keeping the excitement alive, she recently revealed a book deal with Gallery for her forthcoming motivational memoir. No stranger to starring in television movies for Hallmark, Gibson can proudly add executive producer to one of the first LGBTQ+ inclusive movies on the network entitled “Notes of Autumn.” This year, she has been celebrating the 35th Anniversary of her No. 1 hit “Lost In Your Eyes” and No. 1 album “Electric Youth” with a brand new “Electric Youth” Newstalgia Remix by Tracy Young and special anniversary concerts around the world. Gibson’s annual “Winterlicious” holiday tradition returns in December with residencies in Los Angeles and New York and two additional shows this year in Florida. Then get ready for a night of romance and timeless hits in 2025 because Gibson is bringing her “Love Songs” tour to select cities in North America. For more information on tour dates and tickets visit www.DebbieGibsonOfficial.com.
ABOUT NEVADA BALLET THEATRE
For over five decades, Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) has enriched the lives of the people of Las Vegas through professional Ballet productions, an affiliated School offering the highest level of dance training and outstanding education programs for underserved youth. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit performing arts organization and the largest professional ballet company and dance School in the state, Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) has been a cultural force since its first performance over 50 years ago. The mission of NBT is to educate and inspire statewide, regional and national audiences and vitally impact community life through professional company productions, dance training and Community Education. NBT is the Resident Ballet Company of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts.
Enchanting Elegance: Nevada Ballet Theatre Presents ‘Cinderella’
This version of the story was performed by the Nevada Ballet Theater, under the creative direction of choreographer, Ben Stevenson, O.B.E. with a musical score by Sergei Prokofiev.
Nevada Ballet’s version of Cinderella was breathtaking and the costumes were stunning. The set was designed by Thomas Boyd and Starbird Productions, and costumes were designed by Patty McGarity. The layers of backgrounds created a detailed and immersive experience for each of the story’s settings from any seat in the audience, and the costumes in this production were absolutely stunning.
Every act of this ballet was truly captivating thanks to the incredible performances by the company’s dancers and the Nevada Ballet Orchestra. On opening night, the titular character was danced by Jaime Derocker, alongside Robert Fulton as The Prince. Especially memorable was the moment when Cinderella arrives at the ball and is greeted by The Prince, who takes her hand as she descends the stairs at the entryway entirely en pointe.
Jack Grohmann and Cameron Kesten took on the roles of the stepsisters, adding several moments of comedic relief while still showcasing impressive dancing and acting, throughout the performance. Christina Ghiardi’s performance as the Fairy Godmother, along with Fairy Spring’s Betsy Lucas, Fairy Summer’s Rebecca Haftl, Fairy Autumn’s Mirella Costa Neto, and Fairy Winter’s Brooke Lyness included some of the most mesmerizing group choreography sequences I’ve seen in this type of ballet. Leo Mcgrath, whose role of The Jester brought with it unexpected moments of awe, especially through the character’s leaps and stage presence.
Cinderella was a breathtaking experience absolutely stunning and beautifully done in every way. By far one of the best Ballet’s, I have seen so far.
Here are some tips before showtime: Arrive early and take advantage of photo opportunities and grab a bite to eat at the following Dining Partners:
-1228 Main
1228 S. Main Street, Las Vegas NV 89104
1228mainlv.com (702) 602-0531
-Westgate Las Vegas Edge Steakhouse
3000 Paradise RD., Las Vegas, NV 89109
westgateresorts.com (702) 732-5277
-The Pepper Club
921 S Main St., Las Vegas, NV 89101
thepepperclub.com (725) 228-2393
-Triple George Grill
201 N3rd St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
triplegeorgegrill.com (702) 384-2761
-VIC’S Las Vegas
Symphony Park, Downtown Las Vegas, 355 Promenade Place
vicslasvegas.com (725) 755-5299
-Veranda
3960 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas South
fourseasons.com/lasvegas (702) 632-5121
For more information and upcoming show visit https://nevadaballet.org
Headliner Terry Fator receives key to city of Las Vegas
Terry Fator: One Man, A hundred Voices, A Thousand Laughs! received the key to the city this week in recognition of his work over the years.
Mayor Carolyn Goodman proclaimed Tuesday, June 18, as Terry Fator Day in Las Vegas to recognize the superstar headliner. Goodman presented Fator and his sidekick, Winston the turtle, with the key to Las Vegas.
The presentation came as Fator opened his new show, “Terry Fator: One Man, a Hundred Voices, a Thousand Laughs!” at The STRAT.
Fator has been a mainstay on the Strip since winning the second season of “America’s Got Talent.”
“It has been a privilege to call Las Vegas home for more than 15 years and to bring so many voices to life every night on stage for my incredible audiences,” he said in a statement.
Visit TerryFator.com to learn more about the show and to purchase tickets.
LEGENDS IN CONCERT CELEBRATES FOUR DECADES IN LEGENDARY FASHION WITH A SPECTACULAR ALL-NEW LAS VEGAS PRODUCTION
What started in 1983 as just a six-week engagement at the Imperial Palace, Legends in Concert became the longest-running show in Las Vegas history. Come join the celebration of four decades of legendary entertainment with over 22,000 performances and counting for a once in a lifetime concert event. 100 percent live vocals in this tribute to the greatest women of music. With music spanning more than four decades, these Divas will showcase the best of the best together all on one stage. To celebrate this special 40th anniversary engagement at The Orleans Hotel and Casino June 26 through July 8, a special $40 ticket is available using code LIC40.
The crowned winner of Jimmy Fallon’s Clash of the Cover Bands®, Karen Hester takes the stage as the beloved Dolly Parton working “9 to 5”, and known for some of the greatest songs of all-time. A very special highlight will be a duet of “I Will Always Love You” with both Dolly & Whitney Houston for the first time on stage. Whitney will be portrayed by Jazmine with a mesmerizing tribute to the voice of a generation with the vocal prowess and passion that is the “Greatest Love of All.” With her distinctive contralto singing voice, Cher will be performed by Annika Starander Weaver and will “Turn Back Time” as fans celebrate together the music of this timeless diva. Lady Gaga will also join the cast with Tierney Allen embodying all that is Mother Monster and performing a duet never seen before with the one and only Cher. These Divas are sure to captivate you with their live vocals and stunning performances. Taking this show to the highest Diva Level will be Las Vegas’ most famous Diva, Frank Marino, who makes his return as Celebrity Host with his portrayal of Joan Rivers, the pioneer of women in comedy.
“We are thrilled to celebrate Las Vegas history together at The Orleans Hotel and Casino with this dream cast and all the legendary fans that have supported our production for over four decades,” said Mark Mercer, VP Legends in Concert’s Special Engagements.
“I am so excited to once again be part of Legends in Concert as it makes history in Las Vegas as being the Longest Running Show ever. Their 40-year run has simultaneously coincided with my 39-year run as Las Vegas’s Longest Running Headliner proving that the art of celebrity impersonation is still alive and well in Sin City. Working alongside all the talented tribute artists, live band, producers, directors, crew, and management staff of Legends is always a real treat to return to the Orleans Showroom Stage where I filmed my reality show Last Laugh in Vegas is just the cherry on top,” said Frank Marino.
Legends in Concert continues to celebrate the world’s most famous and influential icons giving audiences an extraordinary chance to experience the most captivating live music, fashion and memories of these true legends live on one stage. The acclaimed production also dazzles fans with historic showgirl costumes curated directly from iconic Vegas productions of the past, creating a special tribute to the showgirl glamour that is synonymous with the Entertainment Capital of the World.
Since its debut in 1983, Legends in Concert has earned countless entertainment industry awards including “Show of the Year,” “Entertainers of the Year,” “Grand Slam,” and the prestigious “Show of Shows” awarded by the International Press Association and was most recently awarded the 2018 “Casino Production Show of the Year,” at the sixth annual Casino Entertainment Awards, presented by The Global Gaming Expo (G2E).
Legends in Concert Ticket Pricing and Performance Schedule at The Orleans:
Legends in Concert performs this very special engagement for only 11 must-see shows beginning Monday, June 26 through Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the Orleans Showroom. Tickets start at $52 plus taxes and fees. Showtimes are 9pm Thursday through Monday, and 7pm Tuesday & Wednesday (dark Sunday). A VIP Experience with preferred seating and a special Meet and Greet with photo opportunity after the show is available. Tickets can be purchased at the Orleans Box Office or online at ticketmaster.com. To celebrate this special 40th anniversary engagement, a special $40 ticket is available using Code: LIC40.
About Legends in Concert
Legends in Concert is celebrating 40 years of success this year and claims the title of longest-running show in Las Vegas. Owned and operated by On Stage Enterprises, Legends in Concert debuted in 1983 and has continued to mesmerize fans for close to four decades on the Las Vegas Strip. Packed with all-star talent and powerhouse vocals from some of the world’s top tribute artists, the legendary show entertains audiences of all ages. The tribute artists perform using their own natural voices and are backed by a live band that rocks the house with vivacious back-up singers, dancers and sensational showgirls who bring the performances to life. In addition to Las Vegas, On Stage produces Legends in Concert productions in such markets as Atlantic City, Branson, Myrtle Beach, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Long Island, Atlanta, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Pennsylvania, Niagara Falls, in Waikiki at the Royal Hawaiian Theater, Melbourne, Australia, and on the high seas aboard the Norwegian PEARL and more.
For more information about Legends in Concert, visit LEGENDSINCONCERT.COM and connect on Facebook, Twitterand Instagram.
Lighthouse Immersive Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios New Production to Debut in Las Vegas March 30
Walt Disney Animation Studios recently announced that it will collaborate with Lighthouse Immersive Studios, the producers of the blockbuster Immersive Van Gogh, to develop Disney Animation: Immersive Experience, which is going to Lighthouse ArtSpace venues across North America in late 2022/early 2023. Tickets for the Las Vegas presentation will go on sale Thursday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m. PST at disneyimmersive.com.
Walt Disney Animation Studios recently announced that it will collaborate with Lighthouse Immersive Studios, the producers of the blockbuster Immersive Van Gogh, to develop Disney Animation: Immersive Experience, which is going to Lighthouse ArtSpace venues across North America in late 2022/early 2023. Tickets for the Las Vegas presentation will go on sale Thursday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m. PST at disneyimmersive.com. This one-of-a-kind immersive experience will debut at Lighthouse ArtSpace Las Vegas (at The Shops at Crystals, 3720 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89158) on March 30.
Creating iconic animated stories for all ages for nearly a century, Walt Disney Animation Studios will join forces with North America’s top creator of experiential projection exhibitions to present the music and artistry within Disney Animation’s canon of films—from hits of today like Encanto, Zootopia and Frozen, to all of the classics including The Lion King, Peter Pan and Pinocchio.Audiences will feel like they’ve entered the incredible worlds of beloved Disney characters and become one with them.
The opening dates for other North American cities are as follows:
· Toronto | Dec. 21, 2022
· Cleveland | Jan. 19, 2023
· Nashville | Feb. 9, 2023
· Detroit | Feb. 9, 2023
· Denver | Feb. 16, 2023
· Boston | Feb. 23, 2023
· San Antonio | Feb. 28, 2023
· Minneapolis | March 23, 2023
· Columbus | April 6, 2023
Additional cities are currently being scheduled and Tokyo will be the first city outside of North America to receive Disney Animation: Immersive Experience.
“The collaboration with Lighthouse Immersive is a first for Disney Animation,” said Clark Spencer, president, Walt Disney Animation Studios and two-time Academy Award®-winner (Encanto, Zootopia). “It’s a dream to bring the best of animated storytelling together with the top experts in the immersive art experience. We can’t wait for audiences around the world, of all ages, to experience the great moments from our legacy of feature films in this incredible way.”
“Like so many of us, I have a life-long love of Disney films,” said Lighthouse Immersive founder Corey Ross. “I’ve grown up with them since childhood and so has my family. The work lends itself brilliantly to the immersive experience and I am confident this program will give our guests the opportunity to be engulfed in the world of Disney, making them feel like they’re standing next to their favorite characters and seeing the world through their eyes.”
The creative team for the Disney Animation: Immersive Experience is led by Oscar®-winning producer J. Miles Dale (Best Picture 2018 –The Shape of Water) who said, “Trailblazing in a new medium is always exciting, and this is truly going to be the most challenging and rewarding project of my career. Being entrusted with Disney’s rich archive of animation is a great honor, but also a tremendous responsibility. With such a wealth of material and a treasure trove of memorable characters, it will be a thrill to bring the work of all the great Disney animators and performers to life in a 360-degree immersive environment.” Mexico City-based Cocolab is working with Dale and the Creative Legacy team at Walt Disney Animation Studios to develop the program for Lighthouse Immersive Studios. Special Projects Producer Dorothy McKim (Oscar-nominated, Get A Horse!) is spearheading the project for Disney Animation.
The audience experience will be further enhanced by Lighthouse Immersive’s Global Creative Director David Korins, (Tony Award®-nominee whose credits include more than 20 Broadway shows including Hamilton, and an Emmy Award® winner for Grease Live). Korins will develop never-before-seen interactive lobby elements that guests can enjoy before or after entering the gallery.
Ross captures the excitement both Disney and Lighthouse Immersive feel for the project as he describes how it begins: “Just imagine journeying through Zootopia with Judy Hopps, diving to the ocean floor with Ariel, flying on a magic carpet with Aladdin, and stepping into Casita with Mirabel and the family Madrigal. This is where the Disney Animation: Immersive Experience will take you.”
Collaborating with Lighthouse Immersive is the Creative Legacy team of Walt Disney Animation Studios, helping bring their library of films to audiences in a manner never before experienced.
ABOUT WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS:
Combining masterful artistry and storytelling with groundbreaking technology, Walt Disney Animation Studios is a filmmaker-driven animation studio responsible for creating some of the most beloved films ever made. WDAS continues to build on its rich legacy of innovation and creativity, from the first fully-animated feature film, 1937’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, to 2019’s Frozen 2, the biggest animated film of all time, to our 60th animated feature, the Academy Award®-winning Encanto. Among the studio’s timeless creations are Pinocchio, Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Frozen, Big Hero 6 and Zootopia.
ABOUT LIGHTHOUSE IMMERSIVE:
Lighthouse Immersive creates, produces and distributes innovative digital immersive art experiences through its experiential multiplex digital art galleries, aiming to cultivate community and creativity through large-scale events and exhibitions of all art forms. Lighthouse Immersive has produced the world premieres of Immersive Van Gogh, Immersive Frida Kahlo, Immersive King Tut and Immersive Klimt: Revolution in more than 21 North American cities, including Toronto, New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Boston and Denver, and is currently expanding into additional markets. To date, they have sold over 5 million tickets to Immersive Van Gogh across North America, with Artnet calling it “one of the largest coordinated art phenomena of all time.”
ENCHANT’ WORLD’S LARGEST CHRISTMAS LIGHT EXTRAVAGANZA ANNOUNCES SPECTACULAR OUTDOOR EVENT AT RESORTS WORLD LAS VEGAS “ENCHANT ON THE STRIP”
Enchant, producers of the world’s largest Christmas light experience, andResorts World Las Vegas, the Strip’s newest resort, announced plans to brighten the holiday season in Las Vegas with over four million outdoor lights—bringing a special edition of America’s fastest-growing live-holiday event to Las Vegas Boulevard for the first time billed as “Enchant on the Strip”.
“We’re thrilled that Resorts World Las Vegas will be home to Enchant this season as we bring our brand of holiday excitement to the Strip for the very first time,” said Kevin Johnston, founder and CEO of Enchant. “We hope to become an annual tradition. Christmas in Vegas is never going to be the same, and we look forward to hosting thousands of guests visiting ‘Enchant on the Strip’.”
Tickets for “Enchant on the Strip” will go on sale Thursday, Sept. 15. The event officially opens on Saturday, Nov. 19 and will continue operation through Jan. 1. The spectacle will span over ten acres—more than three football fields— across the Resorts World Las Vegas property. In addition to featuring a one-of-a-kind immersive walk-thru light maze experience and a 100-foot-tall holiday tree, the event will also include ice skating, live entertainment, Santa visits, interactive games and a holiday marketplace featuring local artisans. Specialty cocktails and culinary offerings will also be available from the array of Resorts World restaurants.
“Bringing Enchant to Resorts World allows us to offer a fun holiday experience for our guests and locals alike,” said Scott Sibella, president of Resorts World Las Vegas. “With our spectacular lineup of live entertainment and unmatched hospitality, this exciting partnership will make our property the place to be this holiday season.”
The event is nationally sponsored this year by Hallmark Channel. The popular television network will offer a variety of branded experiences including a Hallmark Channel “Cozy Christmas Corner” for guests to relax and recharge, photo opportunities, and a chance for fans to win a trip to the set of a Hallmark Channel movie.
In addition to the Resorts World Las Vegas location, Enchant is confirmed to return – by popular local demand—to its original location at the Las Vegas Ballpark making Las Vegas the only city to host two Enchant event locations.
This year Enchant will light up 8 cities across the country from coast to coast, with the Resorts World Las Vegas location opening November 19 and all additional locations opening the following week on November 25.
For tickets, room packages and more information on Enchant on the Strip at Resorts World Las Vegas visit www.rwlasvegas.com or www.enchantchristmas.com.
The Nutcracker
“Winter’s Most Festive Spectacle!”
Las Vegas’ favorite holiday tradition returns once again fill your season with gorgeous beauty and sparkling cheer. Happy Holidays, indeed!
Choreographed by James Canfield, NBT’s The Nutcracker is a magical journey through a larger than life world filled with waltzing flowers, nimble fairies, and moonlit snow. Glittering holiday joy abounds as Clara and her handsome Prince travel from the warmth of her family home to a land of toy soldiers, mischievous rodents and exotic visitors from faraway lands.
Have a group of 10 or more? Contact NBT Group Sales today at (702) 243-2623 for information on priority seating, special discounts and exclusive experiences.
As a courtesy to our ticket holders, no children under 3 years of age are admitted to the performances.
The Las Vegas strip was buzzing with laughter courtesy of two of Off-Broadway’s biggest hits, the award-winning NEWSical The Musical and the fan-favorite, A Musical About Star Wars, which both opened last night at The V Theater, located at The Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood. The audience was filled with many familiar Las Vegas faces, Tom D’Angora, Michael D’Angora and, star of stage and screen, Catherine Hickland, among others.
Both shows feature cast members from the Off-Broadway productions. Returning to Las Vegas with NEWSical are Emmy Award winner Kristen Alderson (One Life to Live, General Hospital), Taylor Crousore and Carly Sakolove. They are joined by Dylan Hartwell who starred in the Off-Broadway run for many years. Crousore, who co-wrote the book to A Musical About Star Wars, will be performing in both shows along with Sakolove who will be joining the musical in the role of Emily. Rounding out A Musical About Star Wars is Gregory Sullivan.
NEWSical The Musical is the always changing musical comedy of all the news that’s fit to spoof. Through sketches and original musical numbers, the show mocks and parodies everything from the lowest depths of reality television to the highest office in the land. The long-running musical broke Off-Broadway records, won the Off-Broadway Alliance Award, received Senate and Mayoral Proclamations for its contribution to New York entertainment and political scenes, as well as welcomed several celebrity guests to the cast, such as Perez Hilton, Kandi Burress, Cheri Oteri, Jackee Harry, and La Toya Jackson, during its decade long run.
Last spring NEWSical The Musical made headlines in Sin City after a sold-out, limited run at The Majestic Repertory in the Las Vegas Arts District. Tackling such topics as Adele’s ill-fated Vegas residency and “family-friendly” Vegas.
Whether you love or loathe the Star Wars franchise, you’re guaranteed to laugh your asteroid off at A Musical About Star Wars, which hilariously looks at fandom, nerd culture, cosplay, and of course, the biggest film franchise in history. The show-within-a-show follows two moronic super fans, Scott and Taylor, as they attempt to perform their (very unauthorized and very homemade) “Star Wars musical” in hopes of catching the eye of the Comic Con presenters. However, dark forces are looming over their production…and her name is Emily, a local actress of questionable talents who has a lot to say about “boys whipping out their lightsabers.”
Both shows are produced by Tony nominated producer, Tom D’Angora. Tom was recently represented in Vegas with Naked Boys Singing (winner, BroadwayWorld.com/Las Vegas – Best New Musical) which just celebrated its first year on the boards. In New York, D’Angora was a Co-Producer on the recent Broadway Revival of Caroline, or Change and the Broadway bound Barry Manilow musical Harmony. Both shows are co-directed by D’Angora along with Mark Waldrop (NEWSical) and Michael D’Angora (A Musical About Star Wars). NEWSical was created and written by Rick Crom. A Musical About Star Wars features music and lyrics by Billy Recce and book by Tom D’Angora and Taylor Crousore.
A Musical About Star Wars and NEWSical The Musical Ticket Information:
A Musical About Star Wars performs Thursday through Sunday at 4:30 pm. Tickets range from $79.98-$119.98 for VIP seating (all tickets are subject to a $9.99 box office fee). All ages are welcome.
NEWSical The Musical performs Tuesday through Sunday at 6pm. Tickets range from $79.98-$119.98 for VIP seating (all tickets are subject to a $9.99 box office fee). Recommended for ages 12+ but OK with parental consent. Both productions perform at The V Theater located inside The Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, (3663 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109). For tickets visit www.VTheater.com
THE IMMERSIVE NUTCRACKER, A WINTER MIRACLE, PRESENTED BY THE PRODUCERS OF THE ORIGINAL IMMERSIVE VAN GOGH, TO BRING HOLIDAY MAGIC TO LIGHTHOUSE ARTSPACE LAS VEGAS THIS WINTER
“Magic awaits in the new Immersive Nutcracker experience”
Immersive Nutcracker is an ideal family outing, featuring whimsical animated characters alongside footage of professional ballet dancers. This joyful 30-minute immersive experience is an ideal outlet to introduce young children to the art of ballet and the captivating storytelling that often accompanies it. Set to the sweeping music of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Immersive Nutcracker encompasses visitors in over 500,000 cubic feet of projections composed of over 1 million frames of video, curating a grand immersive display that relays the tale of The Nutcracker from opening to finale. The projection features beloved scenes set to their classical scores like “The March of the Toys,” “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and more.
Based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s 1816 fairy tale The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, The Nutcracker has become a holiday classic, taking the form of ballets, films and more. The Immersive Nutcracker, A Winter Miracle is the newest rendition of this timeless classic, using the latest projection mapping technology to chronicle Marie and her beloved toy nutcracker who comes to life to battle the Mouse King and then takes her on an enchanting adventure across a holiday-themed dreamscape.
“Like so many others, I have grown up with the tradition of enjoying the Nutcracker story,” says Producer Svetlana Dvoretsky. “This production does not replace any of those classics, but it provides a family-friendly experience that pays homage to the story’s ballet roots.”
Immersive Nutcracker is slated to premiere Nov. 19, 2022 in the following 11 cities across North America just in time for the holiday season.
- Boston
- Chicago
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Kansas City
- Los Angeles
- Nashville
- Las Vegas
- Phoenix
- San Antonio
Five fantasy-filled worlds await audiences in The Immersive Nutcracker, A Winter Miracle, lovingly designed by Storywall Entertainment’s creative and technical teams. World-renowned ballet dancers Denis Rodkin (principal dancer) and Eleonora Sevenard (leading soloist) perform expert choreography amid the brilliant animations; with young Canadian talents Elizabeth Pivovar and Alexander Marinosyan playing young Marie and her brother Fritz – all surrounding the audience in 360-degree, three-dimensional splendor.
The Immersive Nutcracker, A Winter Miracle, is a Storywall Entertainment production presented by Lighthouse Immersive.
Tickets for The Immersive Nutcracker, A Winter Miracle start at $29.99 and will go on sale to the public at 3 p.m. on Aug. 26, 2022. Family packs are 10% off per ticket and must be purchased in bundles of four tickets or more. For more information, visit immersive-nutcracker.com. Follow the exhibit on Facebook and Instagram@nutcrackerimmersive.
ABOUT STORYWALL ENTERTAINMENT
Storywall Entertainment, headquartered in Canada, has brought together the best creative professionals from around the world. The Immersive Nutcracker, A Winter Miracle is the first project from the company.
ABOUT LIGHTHOUSE IMMERSIVE
Lighthouse Immersive creates, produces and distributes innovative digital immersive art experiences through its experiential entertainment multiplex digital art galleries, aiming to cultivate community and creativity through large-scale events and exhibitions of all art forms. Lighthouse Immersive offers versatile spaces for creators to present their work while engaging audiences in unique art experiences that encourage dialogue and inspire new artistic creations. Lighthouse Immersive has produced the world premiere of Immersive Van Gogh, Immersive Frida Kahlo and Immersive Klimt: Revolution to more than 21 North American cities. Recognized as the leader in immersive art experiences, Lighthouse Immersive custom-designs each of their venues, named Lighthouse ArtSpace, to distinctly envelop the various architectural settings they inhabit, it operates galleries in a range of historic venues including refurbished industrial and retail spaces.
Since 2021, the company has opened or is opening 24 new galleries in North American cities including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Boston and Denver, and is currently expanding into additional markets. To date, Lighthouse Immersive has sold over 5 million tickets to Immersive Van Gogh across North America, with Artnet calling it “one of the largest coordinated art phenomena of all time.”
Particle Ink: Speed of Dark
Now Open Downtown Las Vegas Art District
Each “Speed of Dark” experience lasts approximately one hour and will take place on Wednesdays through Sundays at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Particle Ink: Speed of Dark,” an original, immersive experience bringing visitors through a portal into the 2.5th dimension. Sprung from the inventive minds of The LightPoets, “Speed of Dark” is a mind-bending mixed reality installation with live performances.
Revealing a rupture in the Particle Ink Metaverse, where the virtual world blends into the physical world, “Speed of Dark” invites visitors to explore an abandoned warehouse that contains a portal into the 2.5th dimension. Otherwise invisible, the in-between realm of the 2.5th is that liminal space between waking and sleeping, where the rabbit waits before being pulled out of the hat and where ideas reside waiting to be found.
Inside The LightHouse visitors encounter an otherworldly realm inhabited by characters made of pure light. On crossing the threshold into the place where the veil between dimensions is thinnest, guests will find themselves within the pages of a living graphic novel-a world created with ink and paper by a grieving Artist. Whimsical illustrations leap from the walls to foretell events that will forever change the lives of the Artist and his wife Lilith. A place of pure magic and captivating performance, “Speed of Dark” offers every visitor an opportunity for personal, intimate interactive exploration.
Located at The LightHouse, on 918 S. Main Street in the Las Vegas Arts District.
Illuminarium Las Vegas Now Open at Area15
The Illuminarium launched at Area15 on April 21 and includes a restaurant from Chef Kim Canteenwalla and hospitality veteran Elizabeth Blau. Serving kicked-up comfort dishes. At Illuminarium, visitors leave reality behind to enter a virtual world. The 36,000-square-foot entertainment complex includes three experiences listed below.
- WILD: A Safari Experience will transport adventure seekers to Africa through on-location cinematic content. From the “Big Five” game animals to the rare silverback mountain gorillas, WILD showcases the beauty and splendor of majestic animals in their native habitats across South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. Complementing the exotic sights of a safari, visitors will be fully immersed in authentic sounds and scents like never before.
- SPACE: A Journey to the Moon & Beyond will take guests on an exhilarating journey across the universe. SPACE is a giant leap into the unknown, touring guests throughout the solar system, including a technicolor flight through the nebula, an opportunity to personally kick up dust on the moon, observe a futuristic space colony, see planets at an extraordinary scale and weave through an asteroid belt close to Saturn’s rings.
- O’KEEFFE: One Hundred Flowers will take guests on an immersive experience of color, texture, scent and interactivity through the iconic floral paintings of Georgia O’Keeffe, who is known as the ‘Mother of American Modernism.’ Inspired by the best-selling art book, the show brings the beauty of these works to life by amplifying the images on an unprecedented scale, to create a stimulating art experience that transports audiences directly into living paintings.
Illuminarium Las Vegas will be open daily at 11 a.m. with last entry at 7 p.m. for daytime admission. Evening programming at Illuminarium begins nightly at 8 p.m. for adults 21+. For more information and to purchase tickets, guests may visit illuminarium.com/lasvegas. Visitors may join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
National Geographic's Rarely Seen: Photographs of the Extraordinary
Now at Bally’s Las Vegas
National Geographic’s Rarely Seen: Photographs of the Extraordinary features 50 striking images shot by some of the world’s finest photographers of places, events, natural phenomena, and man-made heirlooms – seldom seen by human eyes.
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.
Price: $27.50-$31.50 for adults/$18.50-$21.50 for children ages 4-12/Free for children 3 and under
Type: Attractions
Chippendales Celebrates Fist-Pumping 20th Anniversary at Rio Las Vegas with "Jersey Shore" Star Vinny Guadagnino Returning as Celebrity Host for Third Time
(Photos Credit: Denise Truscello)
Chippendales welcomed the return of “Jersey Shore” star Vinny Guadagnino (“Vinny G.”) as the special celebrity guest host for a third residency with a red-carpet event on Friday, March 11, 2022. The return also coincides with Chippendales celebrating its 20th anniversary at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Tickets are currently on sale at Chippendales.com.
“I am so grateful to Chippendales and the fans for really making me feel like I belong on this stage and in Vegas,” said Vinny G. of his return to Chippendales. “The best part about doing this show is that it’s a family here and everyone welcomed me back as if I never left, including the fans.”
Guadagnino’s return was met with screams of joy as he once again stepped on stage and into the shower scene that made his last appearance “baring all” break the internet. Guadagnino credits his physique to his Keto diet and creative workouts due to gyms being closed during the quarantine.
“I would go on runs and started riding my bike but when it got cold, I started jump roping a lot,” said Guadagnino. This new workout has inspired his new Instagram account, @vinnyjumps, and is incorporated into his Chippendales performance.
In addition to steaming up the stage with his shower scene, Guadagnino personally invited fellow Vegas headliner, Lady Gaga to the show as his “dream guest” to watch him in action on stage.
“Lady Gaga has got to come to Chippendales,” says Guadagnino. “It’s right up her alley – I’ll even give her a lap dance – I’ll do whatever I can to get her here!”
The 20th anniversary celebration was held at the Flirt Lounge inside the Chippendales Theatre Complex at the Rio where Vinny G. and the cast of Chippendales mingled with partygoers who enjoyed small bites provided by Guy Fieri’s El Burro Borracho, as well as cocktails.
Other celebrities who have donned the iconic cuffs and collar costume include international super model Tyson Beckford, Dancing with the Stars and America’s Next Top Model champion, Nyle DiMarco, everyone’s favorite Beverly Hills 90210 childhood crush, Ian Ziering, celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, DWTS celeb Tony Dovolani and actor/singer Joey Lawrence.
Every naughty fantasy you can imagine comes to life in a dynamic, immersive environment, perfect for any Girls Night Out occasion. Women looking to celebrate their bestie’s bachelorette party in Las Vegas, their big birthday bash or just a wild night out, Chippendales shows are the ultimate way to let loose and have fun.
About Vinny Guadagnino:
Vinny Guadanino is one of the most recognized lifestyle personalities and digital influencers. Vinny rose to fame on MTV’s “Jersey Shore” which initially ran for six seasons and was the highest rated series in the history of MTV. He can be seen on the reboot of the hit franchise, “Jersey Shore Family Vacation,” which has already been picked up for two seasons. Last year he and his “bromance,” Pauly D. starred on the hit MTV series, “Double Shot at Love,” and in a comedic travelogue series at Cooking Channel, “Vinny and Ma Eat America.” Also, an accomplished author, Vinny has written the best-selling cookbook, The Keto Guido Cookbook, as well as his New York Times Best Seller, Control the Crazy.
Chippendales Performance Schedule at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino:
Chippendales performs nightly at 8:00 p.m., with additional shows on Friday and Saturday at 10:30 p.m. (dark Monday and Tuesday). Vinny Guadagnino’s limited engagement runs Friday, March 11 through Sunday, April 10 (Friday through Sunday performances). Tickets range from $59.95 – $149.95 (+ taxes and fees) and can be purchased by calling (702) 777-7776 or by visiting www.Chippendales.com.
Past Events
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children Hosted it's 5th Annual Wine Women & Shoes to Support the Community of Hope and Healing
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, a community of hope and healing, hosted its 5th Annual Wine Women & Shoes fundraiser sponsored by Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar to support programs for abused, neglected, and homeless children and youth.
The event took place at the M Resort Pavilion inside M Resort on Sunday, October 3, 2021.
The event took off with a wine tasting and appetizers followed by a brunch, boutique shopping, a silent auction, a Key to the Closet raffle, and Best in Shoe contest, as well as a fashion show featuring European fashion brand Anne Fontaine.
Guests were in invited to participate in the Best in Shoe contest, which included categories for: Most Fabulous Overall for Men, Most Fabulous Overall for Women, Most Outrageous, and Sexiest Shoe.
Live performances included Zowie Bowie with singer Christina Amato, John Di Domenico as Austin Powers, and Tenors of Rock’s Jimmy Denning. The event was emceed by Ashely Burney, Founder and President of Heart to Heart and a St. Jude’s Ranch for Children’s Board Trustee.
Wine Women & Shoes events are held nation-wide; St. Jude’s Ranch for Children is the only charity with the rights to produce this special event in the state of Nevada. A blend of fashion, compassion, and putting the “fun” in fundraiser.
ABOUT ST. JUDE’S RANCH FOR CHILDREN
For nearly 55 years, St. Jude’s Ranch for Children has been a community of healing and hope. The 501(c)3 non-profit organization helps children and young adults, ages zero to 25, who have been abused, neglected, exploited, and/or homeless, by providing safety, stability, and healing in a caring environment. St. Jude’s Ranch for Children offers customized therapy, high-quality residential and transitional housing programs, and numerous supportive services, as well as opportunities to keep families and siblings together and spend time together when separated in foster care. The charity’s ultimate focus is to break the cycle of abuse and help children and young people become thriving positive members of the community. For more information visit stjudesranch.org or get social @StJudesRanch for Facebook and Twitter or stjudesranchforchildren on Instagram.
The Birthday Cake
On June 11, the Mob Museum in Las Vegas hosted an invite-only VIP premiere of the movie “The Birthday Cake,” starring Shiloh Fernandez, Penn Badgley, Ewan McGregor, Val Kilmer, Lorraine Bracco, Ashley Benson, Aldis Hodge, Emory Cohen, Vincent Pastore and Jeremy Allen White and more.
“The Birthday Cake” takes place one fateful evening in the life of Gio, the son of a murdered mobster and the nephew of Brooklyn mob boss, Angelo. On the 10th anniversary of his father’s mysterious death, Gio carries on the family tradition of bringing a cake his mother baked to this uncle’s house for a celebration. Two hours into the night, Gio’s life is forever changed as he begins to piece together what really happened to his father and ultimately comes face to face with the type of violence he has managed to avoid his whole life.
27 – A MUSICAL ADVENTURE OPENS AT VIRGIN HOTELS LAS VEGAS
They changed the music, then they changed the world. 27 – A Musical Adventure honors the music icons gone too soon at the age of 27: Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Robert Johnson, Jim Morrison, and Amy Winehouse. Set to debut at its new home inside 24 Oxford beginning May 19, 2021, tickets are on sale now for the all-new residency at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, part of Curio Collection by Hilton.
Throughout the show, the audience is taken on a retrospective journey of sight and sound, showcasing each artist’s respective contributions to our musical landscape. The show culminates with the artists all performing together on one stage in a rock concert like no other.
“27 has been in the works for more than 15 years. The show received a tremendous response across multiple generations when it debuted at the Troubadour, and we are excited about the residency at the new Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Virgin is synonymous with music, so we think it’s a great fit,” said Ramy El-Batrawi of Hen Entertainment and co-writer/co-producer of 27 – A Musical Adventure.
“We are excited to be able to announce that live entertainment is back,” said Gary Scott, COO of JC Hospitality, owner of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. “27 – A Musical Adventure inside 24 Oxford will highlight the talents of performers who bring the legendary artists to life and we’re proud for this rock retrospective show to kickoff off our entertainment lineup.”
Tickets for 27 – A Musical Adventure are on sale now with ticket prices starting at $65 plus tax and fees. Performances will be Wednesday through Sunday at 8:30 p.m. starting May 19, 2021. The show is open to ages 6 and up. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1019515/27-las-vegas-24-oxford-residency or https://ticketbat.com.
About 27 – A Musical Adventure
27 – A Musical Adventure first debuted at L.A.’s legendary Troubadour on March 10, 2020 to a standing room only crowd of more than 400 that danced and cheered for more than two hours as top tribute artists and studio musicians brought the legends of rock back to life. Narrated by actor and television personality John O’Hurley, 27 – A Musical Adventure is co-produced and co-written by Ramy El-Batrawi and James D’Alessandro, and Musical Director Erik Himel. Vocal coach to the stars Roger Love rounds out the team as Vocal Director. For more information, visit https://27show.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram @27showvegas.
The Las Vegas Wedding Chamber of Commerce celebrates five years of industry togetherness along with rebound of weddings to Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Wedding Chamber of Commerce (LVWCC), in partnership with the Office of the County Clerk, threw a birthday party of all parties as it celebrated five years of uniting the wedding industry and continuing into a year of growth, as the city and industry rebounds in the midst of the Covid pandemic.
In addition to an all-out party at the The SkyPod at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod, which included unlimited thrill rides, and a presentation from True Love Knots Founder Maria Romano on “Loving Your Way to the Top.” Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, birthday dessert and two drinks each, in addition to a full bar.
Also in attendance:
Jason Whaley, LVWCC President and Owner of Smash Booth Interactive Photo Studios as well as County Clerk Lynn Marie Goya. Office of the County Clerk, The STRAT, Ana Studios, Vegas Weddings, Smash Booth Interactive Photo Studios, Balloons with a Twist and Rolling In Dough Bakery.
About the Las Vegas Wedding Chamber of Commerce:
The Las Vegas Wedding Chamber of Commerce is a public/private partnership between the Las Vegas wedding industry and the Office of the County Clerk designed to promote wedding tourism in the Wedding Capital of the World. It serves as a member resource for education, media opportunities, camaraderie and more. For more information, including a directory of qualified wedding professionals, visit weddingchamber.vegas.
EXTRAVAGANZA – The Vegas Spectacular
This extravaganza of passion and thrills features sensual performances that showcase the captivating talents of over 30 of the most talented, sexy and breathtaking artists from around the world – including dancers, acrobats, aerialists, skaters, ventriloquists, comedians and, the return of the iconic showgirl to the legendary Jubilee Theatre. Beautiful feats of strength and flexibility will make you gasp while the spectacular sets, massive LED screens and state-of-the-art holograms (which include some of Las Vegas’ most famous headliners, from Elvis to Frank Sinatra, among others), will take your breath away.
Add to this some of the most glamorous costumes and sizzling dance numbers that will take the audience on a visual whirlwind as they follow the show’s hero on his mysterious journey through the best of Las Vegas entertainment. From the return of the heart-stopping “Globe of Death” motorcycle act to a stage filled with aerialists, acrobats, dancers and, the iconic Las Vegas showgirls, audiences are sure to feel the passion in this gorgeous, sexy and unforgettable revue ! – “EXTRAVAGANZA”!
“EXTRAVAGANZA” was created and directed by famed director Hanoch Rosènn, who has brought Las Vegas the award-winning, family-friendly show, “WOW – The Vegas Spectacular,” which recently celebrated its 1000th show and two-year anniversary at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. Rosènn is known worldwide for his extravagant and large-scale productions – including “Festigal” where he directed Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot in her stage-acting debut in 2008.
“Following the success of ‘WOW,’ and the way the city embraced the show, I am thrilled to bring ‘EXTRAVAGANZA’ to Las Vegas!” says creator, Hanoch Rosènn. “The show is my homage to this amazing city – bringing not only tremendous and unique performers from all over the world – but, also, some of the most iconic and thrilling acts, as well as, the return of the classic showgirls, who made the Jubilee Theatre home for so many decades.”
“EXTRAVAGANZA – The Vegas Spectacular” Performance Schedule:
and Tickets can be viewed and purchased at Extravaganza-Vegas.com, the Bally’s Las Vegas Box Office, Ticketmaster, BalllysLasVegas.com or by calling 702-777-7776.
AREA15, WORLD’S FIRST PURPOSE-BUILT ART, ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX, NOW OPEN IN LAS VEGAS
Pictures by S.P – Entertainment Hollywood
AREA15, the world’s first purpose-built experiential art and entertainment complex, opened to the public on Thursday, Sept. 17, and reservations for opening weekend were fully booked within 24 hours of being released. While AREA15 is free to enter, pre-registration and masks are required at this time to manage capacities and ensure a safe environment for all guests.
The brand-new venue welcomed its first guests following an opening ceremony helmed by Chief Executive Officer Winston Fisher and Chief Creative Officer Michael Beneville, who also serves as co-founder and CEO of Beneville Studios. Otherworldly art cars, billowing plumes of colored smoke and an eclectic mix of AREA15 ambassadors and performers joined the executives for the opening moment.
Located in the heart of Las Vegas and minutes from the Strip, AREA15 offers immersive activations, monumental art installations, socially-distanced activations, extraordinary design elements, unique retail, ground-breaking technology, bars, eateries and much more. The complex also houses 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space with more than 800 free parking spaces.
In addition to Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, which opens in early 2021, many more experiences will open in the coming months, including Lost Spirits Distillery, Dueling Axes, Emporium Bar and Arcade, Wink World, The Beast Food Hall by Todd English, Rocket Fizz candy shop, and the Intel Innovation Hub. In the coming weeks, AREA15 will continue to reveal new information about even more experiences coming to its campus, including the urban golf simulation Five Iron Golf, and immersive virtual reality experience, Virtualis.
Experiences open now include:
- Art Island – The first-ever permanent gallery for the exhibition of large-scale, commercially available, festival-inspired artwork. A full list of the art on view may be found here.
- Birdly Virtual Reality Experience – Birdly mimics every aspect of the avian experience: from the wind beneath your wings to a bird’s-eye view of some of the richest landscapes in the digital world. Guests take a spin through the skies of New York or Singapore, explore prehistoric worlds, or test their flying skills in a futuristic racing game.
- Emack & Bolios – Boston-based Emack & Bolios makes its west coast debut at AREA15, serving ice cream, yogurt, homemade fudge and chocolate, micro-brewed sodas, vegan selections, and more.
- Gallerie 360 inside The Portal – A fully immersive audio and visual experience featuring world-renowned digital artists inside AREA15’s 360-degree projection mapped room, which doubles as a unique event space.
- Haley’s Comet – Created by Walltopia, Haley’s Comet is the first indoor, electric dual-track suspension ride in the United States. Taking thrill seekers for an exhilarating, bird’s-eye view of the unique art in The SPINE, this glider-ride positions two riders against one another in a race to the finish, reaching 8 miles per hour.
- Oddwood – Designed by Las Vegas entrepreneur Ryan Doherty of Corner Bar Management Group, giving inspiration to its name, at the heart of Oddwood will be the ever-changing, nearly 23-foot-high Japanese maple tree built by Color + Light A dramatic 28-feet-long by 17-feet-wide canopy with more than 5,000 twinkling LED lights will create the romantic, enchanting vibe in the space. Oddwood will serve a wide variety of premium beers and cocktails.
- Sanctuary by Ibuku Design Studio – Made from bamboo that’s been carefully selected from the islands of Bali and Java, Santuary offers a tranquil place to gather, rest and reflect. Taking its inspiration from the conical shape of a volcano, this earthy, airy dome is made from all-natural materials, acting as a living organism complete with lush plant life. Sanctuary is also available for private event bookings.
- Shogyo Mujo by Bart Kresa Studio and Joshua Harker – Welcoming guests as they enter the portal into AREA15, Shogyo Mujo is an interactive, 12-foot tall skull covered in 3D projection mapping and synched to music. It ventures into the fourth dimension, that of time, to give each guest a unique different experiene based on where, when, and how they view the piece.
- The Beast Pop-up Food Experience – AREA15’s outdoor event space, A-Lot, will be transformed into a one-of-a-kind outdoor dining experience. Guests will eat and drink under the desert stars surrounded by monumental art sculptures and art cars.
- The SPINE – The backbone tying everything together, The SPINE provides an ever-changing corridor filled with one-of-a-kind art installations, engaging brand activations, unique commerce and inspiring food and beverage offerings.
- Valyrian Steel by Henry Chang Design – Located in the heart of The SPINE, Valyrian Steel is a kinetic art car that is part Mad Max, part Mars Rover.
- Wild Muse Boutique – A unique retail bazaar inside The SPINE, Wild Muse Boutique features one-of-a-kind, handcrafted, sustainable apparel, accessories, art, and eco-friendly health and wellness products from both local and global creators.
AREA15 will follow the latest recommendations of leading health experts and government authorities, including the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And true to the insatiable hunger for all things inventive and groundbreaking, AREA15 will be using cutting-edge, state-of-the-art technology to help implement these recommendations, including an AI-driven thermal scanning platform that screens temperature accurately and non-invasively, detects the absence of a mask, and alerts staff when social distancing thresholds are not being met.
ABOUT AREA15
AREA15, located minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, is the world’s first purpose-built experiential entertainment complex offering live events, immersive activations, monumental art installations, extraordinary design elements, unique retail, ground-breaking technology, bars and eateries and much more. With a growing collection of dynamic destinations including Emporium, Oddwood, Dueling Axes, Lost Spirits Distillery, Wink World, The Beast Food Hall by Todd English and its anchor experience, Meow Wolf Las Vegas. AREA15’s ever-changing art, retail and entertainment attractions will draw locals and tourists of all ages when it opens in September 2020. AREA15 represents a collaborative venture between real estate development firm Fisher Brothers and creative agency Beneville Studios, both of New York. For more information visit www.AREA15.com.
24th Annual Power of Love Gala Honors Neil Diamond
Keep Memory Alive’s 24th annual Power of Love gala at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday, March 7 brought top artists and performers Billy Ray Cyrus, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Kelsey Grammer, Sammy Hagar, Derek Hough, Chris Isaak, Jimmy Kimmel, Katlyn Nichols, Greg Phillinganes and more together to honor music legend Neil Diamond and raise crucial funds and awareness for Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.
Also in attendance were Paula Abdul, star of E!’s hit TV show “Botched” Paul Nassif, M.D., “Bar Rescue” star Jon Taffer, British singer Matt Goss, jeweler Steven Lagos, chef Hubert Keller, magician Hans Klok, photocomposer Ryszard Horowitz and owner Mark Davis, president Marc Badain and coach Jon Gruden of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Paying tribute to Diamond’s iconic music, Cyrus opened the show with a rousing performance of “I’m a Believer,” followed by Isaak’s cover of “Solitary Man.” Hough introduced Edmonds and Nichols’ soulful rendition of “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,” before Grammer announced Hagar’s performance of “Thank the Lord for the Nighttime.”
Keep Memory Alive Founder and Chairman Larry Ruvo and Kimmel presented Diamond with an award in honor of his impactful musical contributions to the world, followed by a proclamation of March 7 as “Neil Diamond Day” in Las Vegas.
Kimmel added, “I love Las Vegas and I love Neil Diamond. Not only do I love Neil, but my parents love him, my friends love him, my children love him.
Neil Diamond is an amazing songwriter and singer and I think you will agree that no Jewish man looks better in sequins than Neil Diamond.”
Diamond said, “I’m feeling great. This is an important thing they’re doing and I feel honored to be part of it and take part in it.”
Diamond then took to the stage, delivering a surprise mini concert of his hits including, “Hello Again,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “Love on Rocks,” “I Am…I Said” and “September Morn.” The audience jumped to their feet and sang along for a finale of “Sweet Caroline,” as Cyrus, Hagar, Isaak, Kimmel and Nichols joined him on stage. Marking his first live performance since announcing his retirement from touring in 2018 due to his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease,
Celebrity chefs Wolfgang Puck and Masaharu Morimoto prepared exquisite cuisine paired with wines from Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, followed by a showstopping dessert from MGM Grand Pastry Team that featured a cocktail wrapped with cotton candy.
Guests bid on exceptional experiences and items during the silent and live auctions, including a private dinner with Vegas Golden Knights goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, lunch with David Beckham in Miami, a seven-day cruise off the coast of Australia aboard a superyacht and a luxury suite for the Las Vegas Raiders season home opener.
The evening generated the majority of annual revenue for Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health to provide service, care and resources for patients and their caregivers in the fight against neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases; multiple system atrophy; frontotemporal dementia and related disorders; multiple sclerosis and more. There is a chance to help raise money each year, so make sure to save the date for the 25th annual Power of Love gala happening on May 22, 2021 at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Grand Opening of Chosun Hwaro & Nara Teppan Korean BBQ Restaurant at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.
The restaurant marks the first U.S. restaurant from parent company Ebadom, which already operates more than 200 restaurants in Korea and China.
One side of the restaurant that sits on Harmon Avenue next to Nacho Daddy and Buffalo Wild Wings offers Korean barbecue grilled at the table. Chosun Hwaro features overhead air vents at each seat in the dining room, where staff prepare Korean galbi dishes using brisket, prime rib-eye steak, short ribs, and pork belly. Diners can order bibimbap, a kimchi stew with pork, and buckwheat noodle dishes, along with sushi, rolls, and sashimi.
The other side of the 13,000-square-foot dining room features Nara Teppan with “thrilling teppanyaki shows” hosted by staff juggling cutlery and preparing dishes. The $58 Nara special features filet mignon, chicken, and lobster.
Diners on either side can order sushi, sashimi, and sushi rolls such as the volcanic yellowtail roll with spicy yellowtail, cucumber, micro cilantro, sliced jalapeño, and ponzu sauce or a creamy crunch roll with cream cheese, avocado, shrimp tempura, crab, eel sauce, and sweet mayo.
Both sides also offer a full soju and sake menu. Specialty cocktails include the Knight’s Voyage made with Tanqueray Rangpur gin, Aperol, house-made orange bitters, and lemon juice.
Chosun Hwaro & Nara Teppan, Miracle Mile Shops, 3663 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-369-9637. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Frites Las Vegas Opens with a Sword Being Pulled out of a Large Potato.
Frites Las Vegas opened with quite a spectacle. After a traditional ribbon cutting and proclamation from County Commissioner Naft naming June 26 Frites Las Vegas Day, Frites Founder Lincoln Spoor pulled the almighty sword from…a very large potato!
Located at the Castle Walk Food Court at Excalibur, complete with a counter dressed up like a food truck.
Frites worked on dozens of potatoes and cuts before opting for triangular-shaped fries, based on the shape of Toblerone candy bars, to get the optimal crunch. The fries then go into a beef tallow, much like old school McDonald’s fries, for the crunch factor. Vegetarians and vegans to get their fries cooked in peanut oil.
“We have created flavor profiles with a nod to Americana nostalgia yet with a sophisticated international flair,” the company says. Options teased so far include an everything bagel variety and churro fries.
The restaurant also plans to serve a variety of sauces, ranging from sweet, savory, and chunky, to smooth and sultry.
While not scheduled to debut at the opening, malts, and milkshakes will be part of the future menu once the restaurant gets up and running, as is delivery service.
8th Annual Bones and Booze
Las Vegas Natural History Museum presented “Bones and Booze” on Friday, June 21, 2019 at Las Vegas Natural History Museum Downtown Las Vegas. The soirée was filled with small bites, refreshments, and entertainment donated by downtown Las Vegas businesses. Proceeds assist in furthering the mission of the Las Vegas Natural History Museum; to inspire, through educational exhibits and programs, a better understanding and appreciation of the natural world, the sciences, and ourselves.
For more information visit https://www.lvnhm.org
Marriage Can Be Murder.
An award winning interactive comedy murder mystery dinner show, where the actors are planted among the unsuspecting guests! The longest running dinner show in Vegas is now downtown at the D Hotel & Casino. Marriage Can Be Murder is considered “The most fun show in Vegas!” it’s hilarious and entertaining.
The show includes a 3-course meal (vegetarian option available) while trying to figure out who the murderer is. Non-alcoholic beverages are included. Upgrade to add VIP seating plus an alcoholic beverage and a souvenir T-shirt.
For times and ticket visit:
2019 Hopped Taco Throwdown
TACO lovers united for the 3rd Annual “Hopped Taco Throwdown” at Zappos Headquaters.
Tacos and craft beer triumphantly rejoiced together in an all-inclusive culinary and beer experience created by Motley Brews. Culinary tastemakers from Las Vegas represented both the beer and culinary world and hand-selected to participate in a wildly innovative experience that only Motley Brews delivered
More info: http://hoppedtaco.com/
Celebrity jeweller Le Vian stages 20th anniversary Chocolate Diamonds® catwalk fundraiser in Las Vegas raising almost $500,000 for children's and cancer charities
Las Vegas: American jeweler to the stars, Le Vian, has celebrated 20 years of its record-busting Chocolate Diamonds® with a glittering retrospective catwalk, which also portrayed 7 trends Le Vian believes will rock the jewellery world in 2020, while raising almost $500,000 for children’s and cancer charities
Le Vian models sashayed down the runway in a packed Las Vegas ballroom at the Venetian Hotel on Sun 2 June in a catwalk show that looked both to the past and the future, with an audience of top retailers and superfan Le Vian collectors.
The evening’s proceedings included two impromptu ovations. One for the man who pledged $175,000 (matched dollar for dollar by Le Vian) in exchange for nothing more than a balloon and a rose. The highlight of the night however was for one of the serving staff – a single father – who was so moved by the stories of the evening that he stopped work and through tears, explained that he wished to pledge $200 in honour of his father who had died in his 50s from cancer. He has since been offered a job by the billionaire top donor of the night.
Le Vian Chocolate Diamonds® is a trademarked brand of natural fancy colour brown diamonds which denote a superior quality of brown diamonds.
The Le Vian Chocolate Diamonds® story involves two world-firsts:
– Le Vian is the world’s only company that has succeeded in legally acquiring the right to name a diamond. Registering the trademark for Chocolate Diamonds® took 8 years in the US and a further 1 year to extend the rights to Europe, China, India and dozens of other countries.
– Le Vian is the only jewellery brand worldwide with the right to emit a chocolate scent from a jewellery store. The Chocolate Diamonds® scent took 18 months to produce using one of the world’s most experienced perfumeries and is one of only 13 scents to be registered as a trademark on the planet and the only one on earth to ever achieve trademark registration in jewellery.
Catwalk looks reflected the 20 year journey of Chocolate Diamond® delicacies spanning Vanilla Gold® and Strawberry Gold® settings, Chocolate Diamond® timepieces, the Chocolate Weddings collection and the more recent winning combination of Chocolate Diamonds® and Nude Diamonds™ – a chronicle of success all achieved against a backdrop of A-list celebrity wearers including Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga and Rihanna (who wears Chocolate Diamond® earrings in her newest ad campaign for Fenty Beauty).
The Le Vian catwalk also revealed the following 2020 trends:
Trend of the year: Bold Gold – glossy and brushed gold giving diamonds a wearable feel, against a backdrop of growing demand for gold as a preserver of wealth
Theme of the year: Heavenly Halos– Keeping the central stones in the spotlight including GemLinks™, Baguette Frenzy™ and Taj Mahal™
Cut of the year: Pear-shaped– From central stones to carefully positioned gems that become a butterfly or the petal of a four leafed clover
Diamond of the year: Chocolate Diamonds® and Nude Diamonds™ – the perfect combination of neutral tones including the 20th anniversary XX Gladiator design
Gem of the year: Emeralds – a symbol of prosperity, rebirth and serenity. 2020 sees the Le Vian Costa Smerelda Emerald™as gem of the year
Fall 2019 colour: Berrylicious Reds and Blues– Two of America’s favourite colours.
Think Passion Ruby™, Blueberry Tanzanite™and Cornflower Ceylon Sapphire™
Spring 2020 colour: Le Vian Nature Greens – The arrival of spring inspires Mint Julep Quartz™, Pistachio Diopside®, Forest Green Tsavorite™ and Costa Smerelda Emeralds™
Feature of the year: Phenomena– The eye-catching effects of iridescence, translucency and matrix structures in Cat’s Eye Alexandrite which changes colour dependent on light, and Peacock Aquaprase™
For more information visit https://www.levian.com
2019 Epicurean Affair
It’s that time of the year again to enjoy an evening poolside at The Las Vegas Epicurean Affair. This years event took place on Thursday, May 19th at the Red Rock Resort & Casino. The Las Vegas Epicurean Affair, sponsored by the Nevada Restaurant Association, gathered the city’s finest restaurants, nightclubs, and beverage vendors for this tasty event and featured the most savory cuisines and refreshing cocktails Las Vegas has to offer.
Some of the restaurants included: Scotch 80 Prime, TAO Las Vegas, Beauty & Essex, Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill, Hank’s Fine Steaks & Martinis, Mint Indian Bistro, b.B.d.’s beers burgers desserts, Shake Shack and many more.
Event proceeds support the Nevada Restaurant Association’s educational and scholarship programs, including ProStart ®, a national high school culinary skill and restaurant management program. In Nevada, more than 2600 students in 33 schools take part in the program, which teaches students the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the food service industry.
nvrestaurants.com
Savors Of The Strip
Come with an appetite!
It was such a wonderful delicious experience to take the “Savors of the Strip” by Lipsmacking Foodie Tours on Thursday, May 9th in Las Vegas.
The tour began in front of the arched waterfall outside the Aria Resort & Casino and included 4 top restaurants, and a little bit of history. As we stopped at Retrospecs & Co. located at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas were we got a tour of old preserved sunglasses, manufactured during the 1870s-1970s. (An interesting perk)
The first stop was BARDOT Brasserie, which served us:
ECARGOTS BARDOT
Wild burgundy snails, Toasted hazelnuts chartreuse garlic butter, Puff pastry shells.
KING CRAB CAESAR
Belgian endive, Wild caught king crab, Parmesan bread crumb, Caper aioli, Herbed bread cumbs.
ROASTED FRENCH CHICKEN DIP
Gruyere cheese, Mushroom bread pudding, Greenbeans, Vin jaune au jus
Our second stop was Julian Serrano, which served us Tapas and Paella.
PAELLA
Valenciana, chicken, Spanish pork choizo, Vegetables, saffron
TAPAS
Spanish croquetas, Chicken bechamel, Tuna cones, Ahi tartare cucumbers, Cripy won ton, Avocado, Ponzu, Stuffed dates, Nedjool dates, Goat cheese, Bacon, Apple puree.
The third stop was Estiatorio Milos (my favorite) which served us a delicious Greek Salad, Octopus and Milos Special.
THE GREEK SALAD
Vine ripe tomatoes, Extra virgin olive oil, Barreel-Aged feta.
OCTOPUS
Sushi quality mediterranean octopus grilled, Santorini fava.
MILOS SPECIAL
Lightly Fried Zucchini, Eggplant, Tzatziki & Kefalograviera Cheese
The finally stop was Cucina by Wolfgang Puck which served us delicious yummy sweats with a choice of coffee.
LIMONCELLO PANNA COTTA
House made limoncello, Amaretti cookie crumble
TIRAMISU
Expresso Soaked Ladyfingers, Mascarpone mousse
CANNOLI
Pistachio ricotta cream filling
CREMOSO
Brownie, hazelnut crunch, dark chocolate mousse
This tour is great for Locals and Tourists who want to experience some of the Top Restaurants, Las Vegas has to offer.
ABOUT LIPSMACKIN FOODIE TOURS:
VEGAS UNCORK’D BY BON APPÉTIT COMMENCES WITH A BURST OF CHAMPAGNE AT THE CEREMONIAL SABER OFF Chef Bruce Bromberg Kicked Off the Iconic Las Vegas Culinary Festival at Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
The 13th annual Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit, presented by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, started with a splash as some of the biggest names in the culinary world united at the Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Joined by more than 30 iconic chefs including Masaharu Morimoto, Roy Choi, Frankie Pellegrino Jr., Michelle Tribble, Greg Sherry, Angelo Auriana, Timon Balloo, Mark LoRusso and Stephen Hopcraft, Chef Bruce Bromberg sabered a magnum of champagne to kick off the weekend of festivities at Caesars Entertainment, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, MGM Resorts International, The Venetian Resort and Wynn Las Vegas.
Hosts Adam Rapoport, Editor in Chief of Bon Appétit, Eric Gillin, Chief Business Officer of The Lifestyle Division at Condé Nast, Bree McKenney, Head of Marketing for The Lifestyle Division at Condé Nast, Simon Pettigrew, Senior Vice President of Resort Operations for The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, and Fletch Brunelle, Vice President of Marketing, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority raised a toast to thank the chefs, resort partners and brands for their continued support of the Las Vegas culinary scene.
Recognized as one of the country’s top food, wine and spirits festivals, the four-day event featured some of the world’s greatest culinary talent including returning favorites Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Gordon Ramsay, Giada De Laurentiis, Guy Fieri, Lorena Garcia, Nobu Matsuhisa, Lisa Guy Savoy, Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, Julian Serrano, Michael Mina and Susan Feniger to name a few.
LEGENDARY CHEFS GATHER AT VEGAS UNCORK’D BY BON APPÉTIT’S 13TH ANNUAL GRAND TASTING EVENT, MAY 10
The world’s most sought-after chefs, sommeliers and mixologists from Caesars Entertainment, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, MGM Resorts International, The Venetian Resort and Wynn Las Vegas came together to showcase their extraordinary talents during the Grand Tasting at the 13th annual Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit. This year’s epicurean indulgence returned to the dramatic 5-acre Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis at Caesars Palace and featured more than 50 award-winning chefs as well as more than 100 of the best wines and spirits from around the world.
Chefs and special guests at the Grand Tasting red carpet included:
- Lisa Vanderpump, Gordon Ramsay, Giada De Laurentiis, Guy Fieri, Nobu Matsuhisa, Frank Pellegrino Jr., Steve Martorano, Greg and Marc Sherry and Guy Savoy of Caesars Entertainment
- Stephen Hopcraft of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
- Will Guidara, Roy Choi, Masaharu Morimoto, Susan Feniger, Shawn McClain, Michael Mina, Diane Mina, Arturo Corpuz, Philippe Angibeau, Florent Cheveau and Adam Arencibia of MGM Resorts International
- Lorena Garcia, Kim Canteenwalla, Juyoung Kang, Evan Hosaka, Olivier Dubreuil, Christian Tetedoie, Claude Le Tohic, Steve Benjamin, Simone Bregardis, Alan Ji, Lee Man Sing, Timon Balloo, Joel Versola, Matteo Ferdinandi, Angelo Auriana and Daniel Yang of The Venetian Resort
- Mark LoRusso of Wynn Las Vegas
- Charles Phan, Shaun King, Haruhiko Takeshita, Kiko Ojeda, Michael Ingino, Miguel A. Rivera and David Mangual of The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace
- Fletch Brunelle, Vice President of Marketing, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
- Eric Gillin, Chief Business Officer, The Lifestyle Division, Condé Nast
- Bree McKenney, Head of Marketing, The Lifestyle Division, Condé Nast
- Adam Rapoport, Editor in Chief, Bon Appétit
- Alex Delany, Associate Web Editor, Bon Appétit
- Andy Baraghani, Senior Food Editor, Bon Appétit
- Christina Chaey, Associate Editor, Bon Appétit
- Rachel Karten, Associate Director of Social Media, Bon Appétit
- Paulie Dibner, Director of Editorial Operations, Condé Nast Traveler
- Mayer Rus, West Coast Editor, Architectural Digest
- Whembely Sewell, Executive Editor, them.
- Mark Anthony Green, Special Projects Editor, GQ
- Benjy Hansen-Bundy, Senior Associate Editor, GQ
- Jeffrey Tousey, Social Media Director, Vanity Fair
- Chris Legaspi, Menswear Editor, Vanity Fair
3rd Annual Picnic at The Park
The third annual Picnic at The Park where some of the most notable chefs in the industry including Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Michael Mina, Masaharu Morimoto, Roy Choi, Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, Susan Feniger, Julian Serrano, Shawn McClain, and MGM Grand executive pastry chef Florent Cheveau came together to offer creative twists on classic al fresco dining along with carefully paired wine curated by Master Sommelier Jason Smith, cocktails by Mixologist Craig Schoettler, and a variety of beer. The outdoor dining and entertainment district was stocked with each chef’s creation including sweet corn from Masaharu Morimoto, Japanese wagyu Thai beef salad from Jean-Georges Vongerichten, beef short ribs from Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, tandoori kampachi with butter chicken oysters from Michael Mina, apricot lacquered jidori chicken from Shawn McClain, and boquerones en vinaigrette from Julian Serrano, among other delectable options.
About Bon Appétit
Bon Appétit is where food and culture meet. The award-winning No. 1 food lifestyle brand covers food through the lens of cooking, fashion, travel, technology, design, and home. As the leading arbiter of taste, its home-grown talent and tireless dedication to recipe testing separates it from the competition by miles. Bon Appétit has been named to Advertising Age’s A-List for eight consecutive years, including Magazine of the Year 2013 and 2017, Brand of the Year 2015, and Digital and Video recognition in 2019, and has been named to Adweek’s Hot List every year since 2012, including Hottest Food Magazine in 2013, 2017 and 2018. Bon Appétit has also been nominated for 32 National Magazine Awards in the past six years, including wins in 2014 for General Excellence and Photography, in 2017 for General Excellence, and in 2019 for Social Media. For more, visit www.bonappetit.com.
About the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is charged with marketing Southern Nevada as a tourism and convention destination worldwide and also with operating the Las Vegas Convention Center. With nearly 150,000 hotel rooms in Las Vegas alone and more than 11 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space citywide, the LVCVA’s mission centers on attracting ever increasing numbers of leisure and business visitors to the area. Download the virtual reality app, Vegas VR, to experience Las Vegas from your iPhone or Android by visiting http://www.vrtv.vegas/. For more information, go to www.lvcva.com or www.visitlasvegas.com.
HELP of Southern Nevada's celebrated Derby in the Desert with a Twist of Lime!
HELP of Southern Nevada celebrated Derby in the Desert on May 4, at MacKenzie River Pizza inside City National Arena. The event included signature cocktails, delicious bites and an amzing door prize. As well as a best hat contest.
HELP of Southern Nevada was started by the Junior League of Las Vegas and was incorporated in 1970. It is a 501 (c) (3) organization that has grown exponentially since the inception, from an organization that served fewer than three hundred people a year, to one that will serve tens of thousands unduplicated people in a fiscal year.
HELP of Southern Nevada responds to the changing needs of our growing community. We strategically expand our programs and refine our service delivery systems to better serve the poor, the homeless and those in crisis who come to us as a place of last resort. We pride ourselves on being 100% local and 100% accountable and engaging other organizations through collaboration to achieve maximum impact with the services we provide and the clients we serve.
3rd Annual Wine Woman & Shoes
St Jude’s Ranch for Children “Wine Women & Shoes” hosted it’s 3 rd Annual benefit honoring Linda Faiss on Sunday, April 28th. The event started of with a Wine Tasting and Culinary Bites, Silent Auction and Best in Shoe Contest followed by an opening Performance, Brunch, honoree Presentation, Live Auction, Fashion Show and Winner announcements. Jason Feinberg served as emcee for the afternoon.
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children wasn’t a place so much as a dream in the mind of one well-meaning man. ”What if we could build a place for neglected children?” He wondered. “How much good could we do?”
A lot! For 50 years, St. Jude’s Ranch has provided a safe, nurturing home with therapeutic residential treatment services to thousands of abused and neglected children in Nevada. St. Jude’s Ranch has made and continues to make a difference by creating new lives with new hope for these children.
It all began with Father Jack Adam, an Episcopalian priest, who envisioned a place where neglected children could feel loved. He named the place after St. Jude, the Patron Saint of Desperate Causes. At first, Father Adam’s project seemed to be one of those desperate causes, but that changed in 1966 when several members of the community stepped in to help.
Claudine and Shelby Williams assisted with fundraising and organized a successful gala called the “Nite of Stars.” With the help of Forrest Duke, the entertainment columnist at the Las Vegas Review Journal, they convinced stars including Jack Benny, Shecky Greene, Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra to perform. Held November 15, 1966, at the Riviera Hotel, the event was a great success, raising more than $30,000.
Alvin Wartman, an attorney in Boulder City, persuaded City fathers to provide 40 acres of land for a campus. The Sisters of Charity, an order of nuns based in Bristol, England, agreed to care for the children. Builders, contractors and tradesmen offered to help develop the property.
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children was instituted in 1966, construction began in 1967 and later that year, Eddie – a boy from Elko, Nevada – became the first resident. The Ranch wasn’t big or fancy, but the kind people of Southern Nevada quickly embraced the organization and its mission.
The St. Jude’s Ranch Women’s Auxiliary was established and became the largest and most active support group in the Las Vegas area with more than 300 members. Publicity that had surrounded the Nite of Stars helped bring new supporters to the Ranch family.
Under the leadership of Father Herbert Ward, Executive Director from 1970-2000, St. Jude’s Ranch became one of Southern Nevada’s most visible and successful nonprofit organizations. Over time, the organization grew and expanded its programs into two locations in Las Vegas, offering related services such as housing for homeless families and singles, employment and education assistance, sibling preservation for families separated in foster care and family support services to provide caregivers skills and resources they need before children are removed from the home.
Today, our campus is a community landmark and an important part of life in Boulder City. Not only do we continue to serve the needs of abused and neglected children and young adults in Southern Nevada, we give tours of our campus, maintain a Thrift Store that is open to the public seven days a week and conduct weddings in our beautiful chapel.
Crossings and New Crossings, our transitional living programs for homeless youth and families, and Child Focus, our sibling preservation program, are both located in Las Vegas.
Even though there have been changes over the years, St. Jude’s Ranch has remained true to its mission: rescuing abused, abandoned and neglected children and providing a safe, nurturing and therapeutic home for them.
45th Annual UNLVino
UNLVino, proudly sponsored by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Nevada since the event’s inception, returned for its 45th year as Las Vegas’ longest running wine and food festival. Benefitting the students of UNLV’s Harrah College of Hospitality, this highly anticipated event returned for three incredible nights.
Bubble-Licous
Bubble-Licious, which is the first event in the UNLVino series, featured champagne, sparkling wines and award-winning restaurants from The Venetian and The Palazzo’s outstanding collection.
UNLVino was confounded in 1974 by the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration and Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada, now operating as Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. Over the past four decades, UNLVino has raised several million dollars for scholarships and other academic developmental needs of UNLV students. UNLVino is differentiated through unparalleled, hands-on student experiences at all levels of even planning, execution and promotion, as well as the impactful funds raised each year – all testaments to the celebratory weekend’s broader purpose – scholarship.
Sake Fever
Night two officially open the evening celebration, with traditional Japanese drummers, Japanese swordsmen, themed characters and UNLV Rebel Girls paraded through the resort’s casino and led guests to the entrance of the event. Japanese warriors with samurai swords performed alongside the traditional Japanese drummers. Guests also enjoyed the Great Tuna Cutting by Naked Fish’s of the 300-lb tuna, a celebration that has come to be known by guests of Sake Fever. Following the ceremony, a DJ spun upbeat tracks alongside the evening’s emcee, Ron Cabildo, while attendees worked their way around the beautiful resort pool under the beautiful Las Vegas sky to enjoy Japanese spirits, sake and more as well as Asian-inspired cuisine from restaurants in Las Vegas.
To further commemorate the evening, Michael Severino, Ian Staller and Larry Ruvo (all of SGWSNV), as well as Mr. Lee of Lee’s Discount Liquors and Stowe Shoemaker of UNLV Harrah College of Hospitality, all took part of the Sake Barrel Ceremony, a tradition of the event since its inception. Following the ceremony, Severino, Shoemaker and a UNLV student of the UNLVino Class presented Mr. Lee with the Dom Pérignon Award of Excellence for his incredible contribution to our community.
Grand Tasting
UNLVino concludes on Saturday, April 13 with the Grand Tasting at The Mirage Events Center. This final event honored Nicole Brisson of Eataly Las Vegas and featured premium selections of wine, spirits, craft beer and other beverages and over 20 award-winning restaurants, as well as special performance by Legends In Concert.
Vanderpump Cocktail Garden Officially Debuts at Caesars Palace
anderpump was joined by some of her famous friends for a star-studded opening, including Camille Grammer, Lance Bass and the cast of “Vanderpump Rules.” In true Vanderpump-fashion, Caesars Palace’s iconic fountains were turned pink and all of the resort’s signature roman statues were adorned with pink roses in homage to the newest member of the Caesars Palace family.
It is such an honor that Caesars Palace asked us to partner with them on this venture- we were thrilled to become part of the Caesars Family,” said Lisa Vanderpump. “We have created a unique, decadent space with a majestic feel where guests can relax in a sexy garden oasis. From the design and ambiance (featuring the incredible Nick Alain lighting, fixtures and furniture) to the selection of light bites and cocktails, I am proud of what we created and hope everyone will enjoy the experience as much as we do!”
With design inspiration from Vanderpump, husband Ken Todd, and designer Nick Alain, the stunning space welcomes guests with an indoor patio featuring an al fresco-style garden with 16-ft. olive trees and romantic lighting fixtures. The romance continues as the lounge inside elegantly fuses natural elements with industrial décor, including Lisa’s signature feminine touch with contrasting masculine details. With plush seating throughout, and a space that transports guests into a decadent destination, Vanderpump Cocktail Garden is perfect for a casual gathering or big night out.
Vanderpump Cocktail Garden focuses on innovative craft cocktails including The Checkmate Bitch (Stoli hot vodka, Chacho jalapeno vodka, fresh pineapple, grapefruit liqueur, vanilla citrus, angostura bitters and pink peppercorns), Please Her, Caesar! (Vanderpump vodka, Rosé Champagne, blackberry, elderflower, lemon, aquafaba), and Matcha Matcha Man Vanderpump vodka, matcha, fresh mint, lemon, ginger liqueur, aquafaba). Favorites are sure to include the English Pimms Cup and the stunningly purple Giggy Tonic. Don’t forget to end the night on a high note with a cocktail from the ‘Naughty Nightcaps’ portion of the menu.
Along with a diverse selection of beverages, the lounge also offers guests small bites, shareable plates and Instagram-worthy desserts. On the savory end, menu highlights include Ahi Tuna Tartare in Plantain Tacos (chili ginger citrus glaze, avocado, crispy capers), Grilled Cheese Tasting (whipped Brie & Gruyere, naan, thyme, Asian pear, rosemary ham), Roasted Red & Golden Beets with Goat Cheese, Lobster & Avocado Naan Flatbread and Provencal Phyllo Cigars (wild mushroom and walnut / sausage ham, and peppadew, green goddess crème fraîche). For those with a sweet tooth, you can’t miss the Vanderpump Rosé Cake for Two (Rosé infused sponge cake, strawberry buttercream).
“We are incredibly proud to see this project and partnership with Lisa Vanderpump come to life,” said Gary Selesner, regional president of Caesars Palace. “Vanderpump and her team together with our team have created an exceptional space that perfectly brings together the Los Angeles flair with the extravagance of the Strip, and we know it will quickly become a favorite of our guests.”
Vanderpump joins Caesars Palace’s eclectic lineup of celebrity restaurants including Gordon Ramsay HELL’S KITCHEN, Restaurant Guy Savoy, Pronto by Giada, Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill and MR CHOW. Vanderpump Cocktail Garden is open daily from 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Reserve your VIP package today, visit: vanderpump.uvtix.com. For more information, visit: VanderpumpVegas.com.
THE HIGHEST CONCENTRATION OF BAR OWNERS AND OPERATORS ATTENDED QUESTEX’S NIGHTCLUB & BAR SHOW 2019
America’s Largest Bar Expo celebrates 35 years in 2020 and returns to Las Vegas March 30 – April 1
Questex’s 34th annual Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show set records during 2019 delivering the highest concentration of bar owners and operators during the three-day convention at the Las Vegas Convention Center, March 25 – 27. North America’s premier bar and nightlife industry conference and expo featured over 400 exhibitors, 82 conference sessions, the first-ever Live Bar, hosted by Bob Peters, and the inaugural F&B Innovation Conference – along with product launches, keynote sessions, bootcamps, certification sessions and a series of educational workshops.
“This year’s Nightclub & Bar Show had a remarkable turn out, and I don’t just mean in terms of attendance,” said Paul Miller, CEO of Questex. “Our speakers brought an incredible amount of knowledge, energy and material to the conference sessions for attendees to apply to their businesses. In addition, the chefs and mixologists set the bar high for what professionals should expect to see in the future – and so did our exhibitors as they debuted new products and showcased the future of the industry.”
In response to current trends and the growth in the industry, the 2019 Nightclub & Bar Show brought to the floor a Live Bar, hosted by Bob Peters of Creative Cocktails Consulting LLC. Attendees were treated to custom cocktails made on-site featuring new spirits and innovative technology such as Ripples Maker machine, which created custom designs on cocktails. In addition, the third edition of the F&B Innovation Center offered the first-ever Conference Series, led by Executive Chef and Owner of Duffified Experience Group, Brian Duffy. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with accomplished chefs from Food Network hit series such as Food Network Star, Guy’s Grocery Games, Cutthroat Kitchen, Chef Wanted, The Great Food Truck Race, and Beat Bobby Flay, – along with FOX series Hell’s Kitchen and Paramount Network’s Bar Rescue while learning how to re-energize brands, find exciting ways to increase traffic and boost revenue, and mitigate the challenges presented by disruptors.
Leading this year’s conference sessions were keynote speakers Jon Taffer, Jim Meehan and Tanisha Robison. With more than 80 sessions over the three-days, attendees had direct access to the industry’s premier leaders allowing them to strengthen their brands and get ahead of the trends. Session highlights were “Understanding the Psychology Behind Guest Experiences,” “Personalizing Your Bar Experience,” “The Food Delivery Challenge,” “Sustainability in Bars,” “Secret to the Get the Restaurant/Bar You Want,” and “Handling Special Dietary Needs.”
On Tuesday, March 26, the expo floor opened with the hottest names in the food and beverage industry with a star-studded red carpet and ribbon cutting ceremony lead by Chairman of the Nightclub & Bar Show and star of Paramount Network’s hit TV series Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer. Also spotted on the red carpet was former professional football player and cornerback, Mark McMillian of the Washington Redskins, and Vanderpump Rules star and TomTom partner, Tom Sandoval.
The spotlight shined on the last two days of the convention inside the exhibit floor where thousands of products spanning all facets of the industry: bar equipment, spirits, craft beer, alcohol-free beverages and mixers, furnishings, technology, food, venue equipment, glassware, décor, menu designs, social media, apparel, lighting and more lined the expo floor. New exhibitors to the 2019 Nightclub & Bar Show included Cannabiniers / Two Roots Brewing with the world’s first de-alcoholized cannabis infused craft beer; Glyph debuting the world’s first molecular commercial whiskey; and Cutting Edge Axe Throwing Builders featuring brand new axe throwing lanes, LED targets and customization options.
As the largest annual bar and nightlife convention, the 2019 Nightclub & Bar Show spanned throughout the city with offsite trainings, networking opportunities and nightlife events at Las Vegas’ hottest venues and businesses including On the Record at Park MGM, Marquee Nightclub and Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, JEWEL Nightclub at ARIA Resort & Casino and Intrigue Nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas.
The Nightclub & Bar Show will celebrate a milestone year in 2020 with its 35th anniversary at the Las Vegas Convention Center March 30 – April 1. For updates throughout the year, visit www.ncbshow.com.
