The Katz Meow

Big “News” on the Las Vegas Strip

Celebrating Michael Jackson and more

When it comes to al things Michael Jackson in Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay is planning one “thriller” of a celebration for the late pop superstar.

At a press conference this week, the resort’s president and COO Chuck /Bowling; Cirque du Soleil President and CEO Daniel Lamarre and the Estate of Michael Jackson Co-Executor John Branca, confirmed that there will be a permanent Michael Jackson production at the property and announced new aspects of the creative relationship. Mandalay Bay’s theater, currently housing The Lion King,, will be transformed for the permanent production, slated to open in Spring 2013. Identification if the creative team of the show has also begun.

The relationship between Mandalay Bay, Cirque du Soleil and the Estate of Michael Jackson is multifaceted. First will come the Michael Jackson The IMMORTAL World Tour, which will open at the hotel on December 3, 2011 for an extended run on its North American  tour. The pop rock extravaganza is being culled from the imagination of Jamie King, who was also present at the press conference and said that rehearsals for the concert-style extravaganza will begin in three weeks. King also noted that Neverland will be the backdrop for the show. Talk about imagination!

To kick off the tour’s stop in Vegas, the first-ever Estate-authorized Fan Fest will take place for a limited time beginning December 3. Along with M.J. memorabilia, recreated sets from his videos, and a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Michael Jackson The IMMORTAL World Tour, attendees will have the chance to compete against one another in contests centered around the recently released UBISOFT video game “Michael Jackson The Experience.”

Mandalay Bay will also be the home of an interactive, state-of-the-art permanent exhibit – a collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and the Estate of Michael Jacklson --  described as being aimed at giving fans a unique encounter with Michael’s artistic genius, sense of wonder and humanitarian spirit. The two companies will also create the Michael Jackson Lounge, which will bring to life the superstar’s music in an atmosphere celebrating his career and legacy.

I had the opportunity to speak with Michael’s brother Jackie Jackson, who was also in attendance at the press conference. He told me that the family has given Cirque du Soleil and Jamie King access to everything they have concerning Michael and that while they are not involved in the creative aspects of Michael Jackson The IMMORTAL World Tour, they will have a hand in putting the permanent show together with Cirque du Soleil. I also asked him what he felt that Michaels’ true legacy is and he responded that it was the kind way he treated people. Jackie said that Michael had so much love and gratitude for his fans that he always put them first and was always thinking about them.

By the way, Michael’s famous hat and glove were at the center of the stage encased in glass during the press conference.

Speaking of kindness to people, before the April 27 performance of Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through The Hitsat The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, representatives from AEG Live and Hard Rock presented Carlos Santana with a $5,000 check made out to Three Square.  The money, enough to provide 15,000 meals for those in need, was donated to the local food bank in honor of Carlos Santana, his continued commitment to the Las Vegas community and to celebrate the show’s successful two-year run at The Joint. 

During the show, Michael Jackson’s former guitarist Orianthi, John Densmore of The Doors and Cindy Blackman Santana each sat in with Santana Band members for a song.  Orianthi sat in during a performance of “Back in Black” by AC/DC, Densmore for “Riders on the Storm” by The Doors and Blackman Santana for “Corazon Espinado”.

Heads up for a “barrel” of fun! Toby Keith will bring his Locked and Loaded Tour 2011 to the Amphitheatre at Red Rock Resort with special guest Eric Church on Saturday, Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Keith got his start in Vegas performing at Station Casinos properties and this will be his second time performing at the Amphitheatre at Red Rock Resort. Keith is now in his 18th consecutive year of having had a No. 1 single every year since his first release. The latest single from the album, “Somewhere Else,” is Keith’s favorite track on it and is currently racing up the charts.

Bruce Willis was spotted at Strip House at Planet Hollywood this past Tuesday night enjoying dinner with a group of friends inside a private dining room.

It’s back to the beach for Baywatch co-creator Michael Berk. The noted Hollywood writer and Las Vegas resident’s  latest box-office hit is Soul Surfer,  which opened earlier this month and has received an extremely rare A+ CinemaScore.

The multi Emmy award-winner and Golden Globe nominee writer/producer, whose filmography includes TV pilots, series, made for-TV movies and feature films, co-created the internationally popular BaywatchTV series. The syndicated Baywatch launched and rejuvenated numerous acting careers including Pamela Anderson, Brooke Burns, Carmen Electra, Traci Bingham, David Hasselhoff, Yasmine Bleeth, Parker Stevenson, Angie Harmon, and Eddie Cibrian. Be

As the lead writer for Soul Surfer, Berk relays the heart-felt true story of surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack in 2003 and through courage and faith came all the way back to win a surfing championship. American Idol winner and country superstar Carrie Underwood appears in the movie.

Berk is currently writing the next generation in the Baywatch phenomenon with a big budget Baywatch Feature Film for Paramount Studios and Montecito, Director Ivan Reitman’s production company

Stars and Stuff

Las Vegas kicks up its heels

April 16, 2011

The Joint was jumpin’ this past Thursday night, April 14, when the venue by that name at the Hard Rock celebrated its second anniversary. In honor of the event, the premier rock ‘n roll venue welcomed Grammy Award-winning indie rock group Arcade Fire with special guest Local Natives for a sold-out show. Before the performance, band members William Butler, Tim Kingsbury and Jeremy Gara joined Paul Davis, vice president of entertainment at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and Bobby Reynolds, vice president of booking at AEG Live, backstage to celebrate with a larger-than-life guitar cake from Freed’s Bakery of Las Vegas. Spotted enjoying the sold out show, Actor Tim Robbins was seen dancing in a VIP suite during the show while the band Mumford & Sons was spotted dancing and singing along to every song on the second floor balcony.

It’s going to be more than a walk in the park when Clark County Parks and Recreation’s Jazz in the Park concert series celebrates its 22nd year beginning next week. This year, the free series will feature Paul Taylor on April 23, Brenda Russell on May 7, Spyro Gyra on May 14, Jeff Lorber Fusion on May 21 and The Sax Pack on June 4. Seating for those with picnic baskets, blankets and low-back chairs will begin at 7 p.m. with performances beginning at 8 p.m. at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway. Food vendors also will be available on site. Parking is free.

The Empress of Soul, Gladys Knight, who is performing a multi-month engagement at the Tropicana, will be taking the Midnight Train to Washington, D.C. on Saturday, May 7. The Grammy Award-winning vocalist, who had a No. 1 hit with “Midnight Train to Georgia” nearly four decades ago, loves trains and will share her love of them on National Train Day 2011. The event commemorates the 142nd anniversary of the transcontinental railroad’s inception by bringing to life the rich history of how the railroad industry and train travel transformed America. Knight will serve as national spokesperson and host the signature event at Washington, D.C.’s acclaimed Union Station where she will open the festivities. National Train Day festivities will kick off on May 5 at the Rock’n the Rail Way concert headlined by Knight at the Beacon Theatre in New York City.

LOVE became Law when actor Jude Law attended the 7 p.m. performance of The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil at The Mirage on Thursday, April 14, 2011. The British heartthrob was accompanied by three of his children: Rafferty, Iris and Rudy. While walking to their seats, Jude couldn’t help singing along to The Beatles tunes being played throughout the theater and explained that even the kids were huge fans of the Fab Four. Also in attendance the same night at the 7 p.m. performance was English Indie/Rock band Mumford & Sons. The group perf9ormed at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas the next night and caught the performance of LOVE before continuing their tour on to famed music festival, Coachella.

The Colors of Las Vegas

Entertainment come in various shapes and hues

April 12, 2011

X marks the spot. X Burlesque, the popular adult revue at the Flamingo, has signed a contract extending its run at the hotel through 2013. The announcement was made on Thursday at the show’s fourth anniversary celebration, during which new numbers were revealed.

“We are so excited to be at Flamingo Las Vegas for another two years,” says Angela Stabile, co-producer of X Burlesque. “With the recent addition of five new numbers, our show is sexier and more energetic than ever before.” 

The show has been at the Flamingo for four years now. Co-produced by Angela and her husband, Matt, it has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the “12 Sexiest Jobs” by the E! Network. Additionally, the show recently introduced XBU: X Burlesque University, offering ladies the chance to learn the subtle and sexy art of burlesque. Taught by the talented and beautiful girls featured in the show, guests can learn artful choreography right on stage as well as how to effectively apply the same make up the dancers wear. XBU classes are offered Thursday – Saturday at 3:00 p.m. inside Bugsy’s Cabaret where X Burlesque performs. Upon completion of the 75-minute class, XBU students receive a complimentary make-up kit, professional souvenir photo and official XBU diploma. The cost per class is $34.95.

It will be a Blue world this week at Fashion Show mall. On Wednesday, April 13, from 11 a.m.-noon, Blue Man Group will officially unveil its larger-than-life, interactive 15-foot-tall statue on the Plaza at the mall on the Strip. Designed by YESCO LLC for Blue Man Group Las Vegas, the one-of-a-kind custom statue features two large, high-definition monitors and an interactive “fan cam.” The fan cam will record video of visitors and broadcast it live on one of the monitors. The second monitor will feature exclusive Blue Man Group clips and content from the show at The Palazzo.

It seems that Sugar Factory American Brasserie has Nick Hexum’s number. The 311 lead singer enjoyed a late-night supper at the venue at Paris Las Vegas on Friday night. The alternative rocker dined on ahi, turkey and beef sliders, artichoke dip, bruschetta, roast chicken and New York strip steak. Hexum sipped on hot tea throughout his meal and then ordered a Sugar Factory milkshake to polish it off. After dinner, Hexum did some shopping in Sugar Factory’s attached retail store.

Adult entertainment megastar Jenna Jameson celebrated her birthday Saturday night at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens. First, however, she had dinner at Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Paris Las Vegas with close friends and husband, UFC fighter Tito Ortiz. The birthday girl received an extra special birthday dessert of ice cream sundaes lit up with sparklers! After dinner, Jameson and her party went through the aisles of the Sugar Factory retail store, where she filled her shopping bags with tons of candy. After stocking up on sweets she headed upstairs for her birthday party at the nightclub.

ARIA was Cookin’ the other night when American Idol winner David Cookattended the late show of Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil at the resort Friday night. Accompanied by two friends, his mom and step dad, Cook came to the show to see fellow Season 7 Idol contestant and Viva ELVIS singer, Carly Smithson, perform. He and his party went backstage after the show to see Carly and meet the cast.

He was a shining presence in the dark night. Actor Gary Oldman, star of movies including The Fifth Element, The Dark Knight and the Harry Potter series attended the 7:30 p.m. performance of O by Cirque du Soleilat Bellagio Friday night. Accompanied by his two sons and a friend, they came backstage to meet the cast and crew and take a quick tour of the training rooms and wardrobe area. After posing for pictures and signing autographs, Oldman and the cast discussed his films, most notably the upcoming sequel to The Dark Knight, which he said will begin filming in May.

An addition to the latest show on the Strip will take it up, up, and away. The Gazillionaire and his cast of eccentrics have welcomed Las Vegas-born-and-raised starlet Angel Porrino to the cast of ABSINTHE, the new show at Caesars Palace. After a memorable audition on the season finale of Holly’s World, in which she co-stars on the E!,Network, Porrino was cast in the unique show and will be featured as The Weather Girl performing an exotic routine with (and in) a weather balloon.  Her first performance is scheduled for Tuesday, April 19.  

“I needed a reality star to helm my show, and I thought Angel would look better in a bikini than The Situation,” said The Gazillionaire. 

Porrino most recently filled in for best friend Holly Madison as “Bo Peep” in Planet Hollywood’s sexy show, PEEPSHOW. 

The Lion, The Which (and Who) and The Wardrobes

Chronicles of Las Vegas 

April 5, 2011

The gala opening last week of the Mob Experience at the Tropicana was exactly what its name implied—a true mob scene.

Some 1,500 invited guests showed up to tour the new 26,000-square-foot attraction boasting more than 1,000 authentic artifacts once belonging to the famous organized crime figures that helped create the city of Las Vegas. Live character actors along with holograms and video of celebrity gangster guides James Caan, Mickey Rourke, Tony Sirico and Frank Vincent help you find your way through the attraction.

At the press event the day before the opening, some “family” members and actor James Caan were present. In attendance were Millicent Siegel, daughter of Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel; Cynthia Duncan, step-granddaughter of Meyer Lansky; Vincent Spilatro, son of Tony Spilatro; Nancy Spilatro, widow of Tony Spilatro;  Carl  Manno, grandson of Sam Giancana; Janice Sachs, widow of Allan Sachs; Luellen Smiley, daughter of Allen Smiley, and Nick Micek, nephew of Tony Aiuppa.

The next night at the big party, which served Italian favorites like antipasto, risotto, baked ziti and mini calzones as well as other items, Pamela Anderson, Rita Rudner, Frank Vincent, and Tony Sirico (who played “Pauly Walnuts” on The Sopranos) were among the guests. Carrot Top showed up with restaurateur/entrepreneur Nico Santucci, who recently shot a pilot for the Bravo Network featuring Las Vegas food and wine experts and is also the featured host for Social on Wealth TV. The two toured the exhibit but did not stay for the party. Outside the huge ballroom, singer George Bugatti entertained the crowd in the lounge.

There were some other unexpected guests in the crowd as well. As I did the tour and went into a little room where there was a shovel lying on the floor, a gumba started railing at a man standing next to me about the stranger having stolen money from the mob. The actor then asked me if he should be killed or let go and, of course, I responded, “Whack him!”  I thought twice about my decision when I learned that the accused that I had just sentenced to death was the real-life grandson of Al Capone! He goes by the nickname of “Jeep.”

It was a mane event when pop princess Britney Spears took her two sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James, to see The Lion King on Sunday afternoon, all went backstage to meet the cast and when Spears’ youngest, Jayden James, met Mufasa (played by Derrick Williams), he cutely proclaimed, “Hey, I saw you dead!” in reference to Mufasa’s role in the acclaimed show. While backstage, Spears very graciously thanked ever cast member she met for a wonderful performance.
Photo Credit: Angela Weiss/Getty Images

Just upstairs that same night, country music stars, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and Steel Magnolia, celebrated with Lady Antelbellum's Hillary Scott, in town for Sunday's Academy of Country Music Awards and at Aria for a special birthday bash, celebrated at GOLD Boutique Nightclub and Lounge.

Over at The Mirage, Taylor Makakoa celebrated her Maxim feature with her husband Terry Fator at the hotel’s hotspot JET Nightclub. Makakoa danced and toasted her feature, clinking glasses of champagne with Fator. The long-legged beauty appears in Fator’s show.

Sports Illustrated

Britney, Babes and Battles in Vegas

This week was an entertainment knockout

March 28, 2011

Excitement Rain-ed supreme on March 25 at Rain Nightclub at the Palms as the resort welcomed Jive Records recording artist Britney Spears for two surprise performances. The last time she performed at the venue, back in 2003, was also a surprise. Friday night’s performances were filmed by MTV as part of an upcoming Britney Spears special that will air next week in celebration of the release of her seventh studio album, Femme Fatale, which will be out on March 29.

Spears performed songs from the album for more than 1,000 fans. Included were the singles, “Hold it Against Me,” “Till the World Ends” and “Big Fat Bass.”

“We are extremely excited to have one of the most iconic artists of all time back at the Palms. Britney’s performances were unbelievable and her fans will never forget this night,” said owner George Maloof. “We have a great relationship with MTV and feel fortunate to be a part of her upcoming special.”

Before Spears came out to perform on the stage, DJ Pauly D, the exclusive Vegas resident DJ for the Palms, warmed up the crowd and kicked off the evening with his masterful beats and explosive sounds.

Photo credit: Roderick Trestrail

Now you know why they call it Planet Hollywood. Pop diva Lady Gaga surprised guests with a special performance of “Born This Way” at Krave Nightclub inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Thursday, March 24. The night before, Debbie Gibson was seen enjoying dinner at Strip House at the hotel. That same evening, lovebirds Brad Womack and Emily Maynard from the latest season of “The Bachelor” were spotted shopping at Volcom inside Miracle Mile Shops.

They like to lead when they dance. Jabbawockeez, the world-famous dance crew currently performing their show MÜS.I.C. at the Monte Carlo, is featured in an innovative new social-media campaign for Ford’s 2011 V6 Explorer. Displaying the one-of-a-kind dance style that has established Jabbawockeez as one of the most influential crews in the dance community, the -Ford dance-off can be viewed online on Facebook and YouTube. It contains original music produced by JBWKZ Records, including “Devastating Radio” and their first album release, Robot Remains., In the campaign the V6 Jabbawockeez battles the 2010 V8 crew, proving that they have virtually the same amount of horsepower as their V8 counterparts.

Headliner entertainer Gordie Brown and the Golden Nugget have reached an agreement to extend Gordie Brown Livein a multi-year deal. Brown’s critically acclaimed show has been appearing in the recently transformed Gordie Brown Showroom since February 5, 2009.  Backed by his terrific five-piece band, Gordie Brown Live is an amazing combination of comedy, music, impressions and parody.

With this ring….the search continued for MGM Grand’s official 2011 boxing ring girls. The final  preliminary round of the Miss Knockout competition at Studio 54 inside the resort  took place as 15 sexy, bikini-clad ladies entered the contest in a bid  for the chance to make it to the grand final competition next Thursday, March 31. Inside Studio 54, the nightclub was filled from top to bottom with boxing-themed decorations. Punching bags hung from the ceiling, and the sexy Studio 54 dancers thrilled the crowd with a hot routine to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” on a stage set to look like a boxing ring.

The 15 ladies made their way on stage as Studio 54’s own DJ Loczi introduced each contestant. The ladies worked the crowd as the judges tallied up their scores and the crowd enthusiastically cast its vote for the People’s Choice award. Lucky ladies Brittany Jenee, Kristin Ratatori, Marisa Rivera, Jessica Buehler and Stacy Alexander were announced as the finalists to move on to the grand finale competition where they will have the opportunity to compete for the official Miss Knockout title, a $5,000 prize, an official contract with MGM Grand and a VIP party with their friends at Studio 54 after every boxing match. Alexander took away the coveted People’s Choice award.

Photo Credit: Bryan Haraway

Dream on—FANTASY, the steamy adult revue at the Luxor, welcomed backLorena Peril, the show’s lead vocalist, after her short hiatus. Lily Arce and Felice Garcia, the singers who filled in during Peril’s absence, will continue to fill-in as understudies for her during her days off. Garcia, by the way, is the reigning Miss Hemderson. FANTASY has also recently launched its Sexy Showgirl of the Month campaign, with calendar girl Delecia kicking off the month of March. Hailing from Memphis, Delecia has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech and Dramatic Arts from Jackson State University and, since graduating, has performed all over the world.

The old expression “you are what you eat” can make for a little confusion sometime— and mouthwateringly so. Recording artist Flo Rida, in town to perform at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at Paris Las Vegas, enjoyed a late-night dinner at the new Sugar Factory American Brasserie at the hotel on Friday night. Flo dined on the four-cheese pizza, turkey burger sliders, clam chowder and more. He especially loved the French onion soup and washed it all down with Sugar Factory's signature Lollipop Passion cocktail. Flo threw his "Hands in the Ayer" while being treated to Sugar Factory's Chocolate Lounge selections as he indulged in the red velvet fondue and King Kong sundae.

The Name Game

The stars come out to play in Vegas

March 21, 2011

Talk about hearing voices! Amazing ventriloquist Terry Fator celebrated the second anniversary of his hit show, Terry Fator: Ventriloquism in Concert, at The Mirage this past Friday night with a full house of media, VIPs, fans and guests in attendance. Besides putting on what appeared to be a brand new show, Fator announced the addition of new puppet, Berry Fabulous. Both the show and Berry were tremendous hits.

Fator began the evening with a “Phantom of the Opera” bit, bringing out Winston the Impersonating Turtle, his signature adored puppet, in a Phantom mask and having on-stage assistant Taylor Makakoa (Fator’s wife) play the role of Christine. The ensuing patter between Fator and Winston was hilarious, backed by equally hilarious video and pictures that added to the festivities. The audience laughed, clapped and cheered with each puppet that hit the stage—side-splitting video and pictures were part of their routines, too. Berry Fabulous made a major debut as he was rolled out in a large closet. When the doors opened, gold and sparkle came into view as Berry graced the stage and began his hysterically funny routine, singing songs by Judy Garland, Cher and Barbra Streisand.  

At the end of the show, President and COO of The Mirage, Felix Rappaport, surprised Fator by bringing out a tiered cake shaped like Winston. He also presented the entertainer with the key to The Mirage, along with a large card signed by The Mirage team. Audience members received a signed photo of Fator and Berry Fabulous upon exiting the theatre.

It was Sweet 16 plus 20 for actress Eva Longoria this past weekend. The stunning actress celebrated her 36th birthday with a multi-course dinner at Sugar Factory American Brasserie, dining on turkey sliders, black angus fillet, pacific salmon, pasta carbonara and more. As a special treat, Sugar Factory crafted a towering birthday cake for her, complete with gold spheres and sparklers. Longoria and her new beau, Eduardo Cruz, brother of actress Penelope Cruz, extended her birthday celebration stay in Las Vegas and caught the 7:30 p.m. performance of O by Cirque du Soleilat Bellagio Saturday night. The party goers enjoyed popcorn, soft drinks and Snickers candy bars during the show. Afterwards, they joined the cast & crew of O backstage to say hello and snap a photo. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Von Loyrangsy – Cashman Photo

Celebrities spread some LOVEover the weekend. Jennifer Love Hewitt and boyfriend Alex Beh with friends Ashton Dicke and her boyfriend A.J. attended the 9:30 pm performance of The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil at The Mirage on Friday. They were in town to celebrate Ashton’s birthday and, following the performance, the group came backstage to meet the cast. While backstage, Jennifer and Ashton asked for a tour of the Costume Department so they could get a closer look at the “Lady Madonna” rompers to see if Ashton could sew her and Jennifer matching ones in blue. Attending LOVE  on Saturday was Josh Wolf, comedian on Chelsea Lately and known for his web series The College Experiment.

PHOTO CREDIT: Ana Dobrijevic

It was all in the family when Nicky, Kathy and Rick Hilton joined Kim Richards of Bravo’s hit TV show, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and her daughter Whitney at The Venetian and The Palazzo this weekend to celebrate Kathy and Whitney’s birthdays. On Saturday, Whitney and Nicky headed to opening day of Azure Luxury Pool at The Palazzo with their friends.

PHOTO CREDIT: David Becker/WireImage

Here’s one for the book! Reality starlet and author Lauren "Lo" Bosworth and Playboy Playmates Tiffany Selby and Danielle Fornarelli enjoyed a girls' lunch at Chateau Beer Garden at Paris Las Vegas over the weekend. Bosworth celebrated the release of her first book, The Lo Down, at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens the night before.

PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Larios

This is lots more fun than keeping up with the Joneses. On Friday, Keeping Up With The Kardashians’ star Robert Kardashian celebrated his 24th birthday Sin-City-style with a birthday feast at STACK Restaurant before heading over to JET Nightclub, both located at The Mirage. Rob partied at his VIP table with close friends and family including sisters Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Malika Haqq and boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr.  Towards the end of the evening, after receiving a special birthday shout out by sister Khloe on the mic, the entire crowd joined together to sing Happy Birthday as Rob was presented with a cake in the shape of an L.A. Lakers jersey.

PHOTO CREDIT: WireImage

Making the Scene

Nightlife and Daylife—Vegas is the one city for excitement

March 14, 2011

Looks like the comedian known for Home Improvement has a new show called “home run.” The man with all the comedic tools, Tim Allen, met with press at a pre-show reception at Lagasse Stadium at The Palazzo on Friday night and then, continuing his 10-week run at The Venetian, stepped up to the plate on stage in The Venetian Showroom. The star mingled with guests on Lagasse Stasdium’s beautiful outdoor patio where all munched on bruschetta, crab cakes, buffalo wings and arancini before he left to perform. Everyone at the party then made their way into the showroom where Allen’s act—which is definitely not for kids—was a major hit with the packed house.

Instead of heading for The Hills or the Jersey Shore, stars from those popular TV series came to Las Vegas. Jersey Shore's Sammi "Sweetheart" Giancola and three friends were seen at Cabo Wabo Cantina at Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood on Friday night, enjoying chips and salsa at Sammy Hagar's Las Vegas cantina before heading over to Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at Paris Las Vegas.

Also at the cantina was Hills' star Stacie Hall celebrating her birthday with Playmate of the Month September 2009, Kimberly Phillips, and Playboy's Cybergirl and actress, Jessica Hall. The birthday crew laughed and toasted while enjoying Cabo Wabo's famous guacamole, ceviche, carne asada and Sammy's Shrimp. The gal pals were dressed to impressed and were overheard discussing plans to head to Chateau Nightclub & Gardens after their meal. Spending almost two hours at Cabo Wabo, the group told their waiter they couldn't wait to return to Hagar's hot spot.

Photo: The Hill's Stacie Hall celebrating her birthday at Cabo Wabo Cantina with and Playmate Kimberly Phillips and Playboys' Cybergirl Jessica Hall, Couture Pops from Sugar Factory in hand.

Over at Chateau, folks were celebrating an “Off the Shore” Spring Break weekend Friday night. Kicking-off the party was Jersey Shore star, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino. Wearing his signature aviator sunglasses, Sorrentino was accompanied by his older brother, Marc, and his lady friend, Marcy Depena, who is a local Las Vegan. Judging from the affection they displayed all evening, he and Depena appear to be an item. Upon entering the club from the red carpet, Sorrentino made his way to the DJ booth where he got the crowd fist-pumping to sounds by resident DJ, Hollywood,.

Also seen at Chateau were playmates Stacie and Jessica Hall. The sexy duo partied with two other female friends in a private booth, dancing on the banquette and sipping on Patron Tequila cocktails. Wilmer Valderrama was also spotted in the VIP area with two male friends, enjoying a bottle of Ketel One vodka. A few tables away, UFC’s “The Prodigy” BJ Penn was seen with friends laughing and sharing a bottle of Grey Goose.

On Saturday night, Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola celebrated her 24th birthday with Jersey Shore co-star Deena Nicole Cortese with a birthday dinner at Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Paris Las Vegas.  Giancola was presented with a lavish custom birthday cake and a massive King Kong ice cream sundae, complete with sparklers. Scott Disick was also spotted dining at the brand new restaurant with a group of companions Saturday night. The E! reality star and boyfriend of Kourtney Kardashian looked dapper in a custom-designed suit as he dined on New York strip steak and the table indulged in steak frites.

Those ladies may have gotten the clothes but  nine sexy ladies went for the “ring” when the competition for MGM Grand’s official 2011 ring girls when the second preliminary round of Miss Knockouttook place last week at Studio 54. The women showed off their fit bikini-ready bodies as they strut across the red carpet leading into the illustrious nightclub. Five of the best contenders will move on to the grand finale competition March 31, where they will vie for the ultimate title of Miss Knockout. The judges’ picks were Whitney Green, Michelle Tarajcak, Jennipher Frost and Delicia Dean. Yesiney Burgess was the “People’s Choice” winner.   

The Academy of Country Music is hosting two days of all-star concerts at the Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas during The Week Vegas Goes Country™! ACM Weekend on Fremont Street Experience will feature newcomer category nominees, special guests and headliners Ronnie Dunn and Sara Evans performing on two different stages to crowds downtown. The weekend-long party leading up to the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will be hosted by three-time ACM On-Air Personality of the Year Award winner Blair Garner, host of After MidNite with Blair Garner, and will feature Sarah Darling, Casey James, Brett Eldredge, Chris Young, Lee Brice and Sara Evans on April 1, 2011 and Thompson Square, the JaneDear Girls, Steel Magnolia, Randy Houser, Easton Corbin and Ronnie Dunn on April 2, 2011. ACM Weekend on Fremont Street Experience is sponsored by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

“Pop” goes the city

March 7, 2011

Some of Holywood’s hottest celebrities were among those who showed why they love Paris in the springtime—and all year round for that matter. We’re talking about Paris Las Vegas and two big happenings that took place at the hotel this past weekend that saw the likes of Kim Kardashian, Nick Cannon, Mel B, Whitney Port, Elaine Wynn, Josh Strickland and more gracing the property.

On Friday night, these notables were among the thousands of guests who were the first to see Chateau Nightclub & Gardens, Paris’ striking new addition to the Las Vegas Strip. As Kardashian quickly found out, the club’s Strip-side patio with views of Bellagio’s fountains is nothing less than spectacular. Elaine Wynn came in late night, meeting up with Victor Drai to get a look at Chateau.

It was Cannon, however, who took his shot at the turntables and revved up the crowd after making an elaborate entrance that surprised guests. Joining him in the DJ booth were good friends Josh Strickland, who sang along to the music, and Mel B. After Cannon’s performance, Australia’s top DJ Havana Brown, who joined Britney Spears as the featured DJ for her Circus tour, took the room for a spin, following up with an eclectic dance mix that had the entire club up on its feet and dancing, including actor Esai Morales. Special guest Drake and resident DJ Samantha Ronson hosted the official grand opening party the next night.

Photo Credits: David Becker
(Left: Kim Kardasian, Right: DJ Havana Brown)

As for Port, she celebrated her 26th birthday in an oversized VIP table where she drank Dom Perignon and danced with a large group of friends.
Friday night was also a sweet treat for celebrities and the public alike when Sugar Factory American Brasserie made its grand debut at Paris Las Vegas. Thousands of fans lined the Las Vegas Strip hoping to catch a glimpse of the packed celebrity roster Sugar Factory had in store, which included Kim Kardashian and her younger sister Kylie Jenner; reality TV star and star of PEEPSHOW, Holly Madison; Lara Croft, Josh Strickland, Mel B., Whitney Port, Simon Huck, Nick Cannon, Havana Brown, Robin Antin and Matt Goss.

Kardashian, unveiled Sugar Factory's 125-carat, one-of-a-kind, diamond-studded Couture Pop, created by Josh Pianko. Joined by her younger sister, Kylie Jenner, Kardashian then retreated inside the expansive eatery and enjoyed items such as Sugar Factory's famous "The Barbie" milkshake, ahi tuna sliders, frozen hot chocolate and more. It was sugar and “Spice Girl” Mel B as she showed off her own personally-designed Sugar Factory "Purple Passion" Couture Pop before leaving the red carpet to dine with Kardashian and Jenner.

Madison was wearing one of her own personally-designed "Holly Madison" Sugar Factory candy necklaces while Antin, renowned choreographer and creator of the famed Pussycat Doll brand, posed on the carpet with a blinged-out Couture Pop.
 
Port, celebrating her birthday as mentioned previously, was presented with a lavish, rose-pink birthday cake crafted by Sugar Factory's world-class pastry master, Chef Michael Gillet.
   
Caesars Palace headliner Matt Goss wrapped up Sugar Factory's big night. The soulful British crooner turned the swag on down the red carpet, melting the hearts of his screaming fans outside. 

Photo Credits: Denise Truscello (Left: Josh Strickland, Holly Madison and Laura Croft; Right Nick Cannon)

The town is bringing in two “big guns” this month. Celine Dion will debut her return engagement and new show in the Colosseum at Caesars Palace on March 15. The Mob Experience will have its grand opening at the Tropicana on March 29.

Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (BGFA) will be the place to be “scene” when the venue debuts its next exhibit, “A Sense of Place: Landscapes from Monet to Hockney” on April 16. Through a juxtaposition of images, “A Sense of Place” will present more than 30 artworks ranging from paintings, photographs and a video installation that contrast and compare both approach and expressionism in art. The exhibit will showcase landscapes by artists including Claude Monet, Marc Chagall, Helen Frankenthaler, David Hockney, Sylvia Plimack Mangold, Robert Rauschenberg, Christo, Vik Muniz and many others.

The 13th Annual Punk Rock Bowling Tournament and Music Festival will take place over Memorial Day Weekend (May 27-30) in downtown Las Vegas and will feature the mostinsanelineup to date. BYO Records has just confirmed the following headliners for this year’s event: Dropkick Murphys, Descendents, Cock Sparrer, Me First and The Gimme Gimmes, Bouncing Souls, Dwarves, Manic Hispanic & The Undertones, with many more bands to be announced soon. The legendary bowling tournament will once again take over Sam’s Town Casino and Gambling Hall while this year’s live shows will be held outdoors at Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas, where the intersection of 6th and Fremont will be blocked off for up to 3,500 concertgoers. The shows are all-ages, but those attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. and shows will wrap by 11 p.m., rain or shine.