My favorite time of year. Temp in the mid-70s, blue skies, bright sunshine, though I must admit it's overcast today, but you get the picture. It's also a busy time in our town (when isn't it?) so I'll get right to it.
I usually leave any arts items until the end of the column, but this one deserves top billing. Actor Patrick Swayze and his wife, professional dancer and choreographer, Lisa Niemim, have teamed up with our Nevada Ballet Theatre for a special private screening of their recently released film, "One Last Dance."
This all came about when Patrick and Lisa were in town over the summer and paid a visit to the ballet company to meet dancers and speak to the Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre's summer students. The couple shared the trials and tribulations in the life of a dancer as well as talking about the making of their film, which is based on Lisa's award-winning play "Without a Word. "
A bond was formed between our Nevada Ballet Theatre and the couple, which resulted in an evening at The Palms on Thursday, Nov. 10. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. with a private screening of the movie followed by an after-party at ghostbar in the resort. Tickets are $75 for the movie and the after-party, and $25 for movie only. It's on a first-come, first-served basis, so get there early.
TV MAGIC
Talk about a goodwill ambassador for our town. Magician Lance Burton, who performs nightly at the Monte Carlo, gets to play himself on NBC's "Las Vegas" on Monday, Nov. 14. If that isn't enough, the likeable illusionist brings sexy actress Jenny McCarthy onstage at the Lance Burton Theatre at the resort. turns her into a magician and then levitates her and floats her offstage for her new hit show "Party at the Palms" on E! at 10 and 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16. It's all great publicity for the most exciting city in the world.
PLAYBOY CENTERFOLD
While I'm talking about sexy, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that Christine Smith, Playboy's December 2005 centerfold and hostess of Playboy's Hollywood Comedy Tour, will sign magazines on Saturday, Nov. 12, 1-3 p.m., in the race & sports book at The Palms. If you don't have a copy of the magazine, you will be able to purchase one there.
Tickets for Playboy's Hollywood Comedy Tour that same day will be on sale and you get a free magazine with your purchase. Christine will introduce Playboy's Hollywood Comedy Tour in The Lounge at the Palms. Show times are 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. Meet-and-greet and autograph signings will take place prior to show.
'TITANIC' EXTENDED
Good news from the Tropicana. "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition" has been extended through Jan. 31. This is great news for anyone who hasn't seen it and for the more than 100,000 visitors who already have. If you've never been, the exhibition includes hundreds of artifacts recovered from the wreck site telling Titanic's tragic tale, including a suitcase, a felt bowler hat, the ship's whistles and glassware etched with the logo of the elite White Star Line. Also included is the massive piece of the ship's hull known as the "Big Piece." The "Big Piece" is the largest piece of the Titanic that will, in all likelihood, ever be recovered, measuring approximately 23 feet by 12 feet and weighing about 15 tons.
The exhibition is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; last admission is at 9 p.m. Ticket prices are: adults (ages 12 to 61) $16.95, seniors (ages 62 and up) $15.95, Nevada residents $13.95 and children (age 4-11) $9.95. For more info or to reserve tickets by phone, call 702-739-2411.
FREE CONCERT
Feel like some great music? If so, catch guitar master Calvin Brooks, who will perform at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, at Whitney Ranch Recreation Center, 1575 Galleria Drive. The free concert is hosted by the City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department as part of its Coffee Shop Sunday fall concert series.
Brooks and his band will perform a variety of urban soul, down-home blues, Motown and jazz music. He has been a professional musician for more than three decades and has traveled the world performing with legendary singers such as Aretha Franklin, Martha Reeves and Lou Rawls. For additional info, call 702-267-4055. I guarantee you'll enjoy the show and you can't beat the price of admission.
10 MILLION AND COUNTING
Hey, how about this? The Las Vegas Monorail last week carried its 10 millionth passenger since its opening, despite all the problems it has endured. Paul Savoia, visiting Las Vegas from St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, became that passenger shortly after entering the fare gate where monorail officials hosted a small recognition ceremony and presented the winner with a lifetime pass on the monorail; a three-day, two-night future stay at the Sahara Hotel; two tickets to see Barry Manilow at the Las Vegas Hilton; two tickets each to "Legends in Concert" and the Auto Collection at Imperial Palace; and a golf shirt from MGM Grand Hotel. Nice gesture and good PR for them.
MEET TOP BMX RIDER
Okay, moms and dads, make sure you tell your kids about this one. Sunrise Children's Hospital will host a special public event for families, featuring exhibitions and an autograph signing by celebrity BMX Gold Medalist Mat Hoffman. The event will take place at Sunrise Children's Hospital on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 11 - 3 p.m.
I've never heard of him, but apparently Hoffman is the greatest vertical ramp rider in the history of the sport. With a resume that includes being recognized by the 2004 Guinness Book of World Records as the High Air world record holder for a BMX bike, Hoffman is a true innovator, defining the sport with the invention of more than 100 revolutionary tricks.
Hoffman will perform at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. in the south parking lot of Sunrise Children's Hospital. He will sign autographs and take pictures with kids. In addition, you'll be able to get an exclusive sneak peek at Nevada's only dedicated children's hospital before its grand opening. The hospital will raffle off five prizes each hour, ranging from bikes, helmets, scooters and skateboards to IPOD Shuffles, Play Station 2 and X Boxes. Sounds like a good time.
Good luck and I'll see you on the Strip. And don't forget to check out www.valleyblogs.com
If you have a question or a Las Vegas experience you would like to share with my readers, please e-mail me at lennylv@cox.net. Please include your full name and the city or town where you live.
