Foie Gras Wontons

Earlier this week (Tuesday, May 15), The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas’ Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill hosted a stop on The Celebrity Chef Tour benefitting the James Beard Foundation. The exclusive dinner featured a collaborative menu by acclaimed chefs Bruce & Eric Bromberg (Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill), Jonathan Waxman (Barbuto) with the help of Jennifer Puccio of Park Tavern in San Francisco and Clayton Arakawa (Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Resort Hawaii).

Well-known dining entrepreneurs and chefs attended the event including Julie and Rick Moonan of RM Seafood and Celebrity Chef Tour President Jeff Black. Prior to dinner, guests dined on passed appetizers such as Ahi Poisson Cru, Oyster Tempura and Foie Gras Wontons. Main course offerings consisted of Lobster Salad; Toshi Special; Ribs, Wings & Rice; Shoyu and Sake Braised Pork Belly; and Meat and Potatoes. The evening was capped off with a dessert of Ginger Bread Pudding and Chateau Ste Michelle Late Harvest Riesling.

Chefs Bruce Bromberg of Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar and Grill, Jonathan Waxman of Barbuto, Jennifer Puccio of Park Tavern San Francisco and Clayton Arakawa of Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Resort Hawaii

Sponsors were comprised of the American Humane Association, Chase Family Cellars, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Creekstone Farms, Domaine Serene, Forever Cheese, Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Leidy’s, Rain Crow Ranch, Rodney Strong Vineyards, Hawaiian Hog Incorporated, Springer Mountain Farms, Wüsthof, Mercedes-Benz, Stella Artois and Visa Signature.

Julie and Rick Moonan of RM Seafood and Jeff Black of the James Beard Foundation

If you want to ensure you get tickets for Wicked, you need to be at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts Saturday morning from 7-10 AM. This is your last warning; you will want to be there…

SO MUCH HAPPENED BEFORE DOROTHY DROPPED IN

* * *

THE SMITH CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS KICKS OFF 2012/2013 BROADWAY LAS VEGAS SEASON WITH

BROADWAY’S BIGGEST BLOCKBUSTER

COMES TO LAS VEGAS– ON SALE DATE SET FOR SATURDAY, MAY 19

BY STEPHEN SCHWARTZ AND WINNIE HOLZMAN

BASED ON THE NOVEL BY GREGORY MAGUIRE

MUSICAL STAGING BY WAYNE CILENTO DIRECTED BY JOE MANTELLO

Las Vegas — WICKED, the most anticipated musical production of the 2012-2013 season will go on sale to the public on Saturday, May 19 at 7 a.m.; tickets will be exclusively available at the box office from 7-10 a.m. on-site at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts at 361 Symphony Park Avenue in Las Vegas. Beginning at 10 a.m., any remaining tickets will be available for purchase online at www.TheSmithCenter.com or by phone at 702-749-2000. There is an 8-ticket limit per patron.

Ticket buyers are invited to an exclusive box office event at The Smith Center from 7 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 19 to be among the first to purchase WICKED tickets. As part of the on-sale celebration, Sunny 106.5 KSNE will be broadcasting live on location at The Smith Center from 7 to 9 a.m., followed by a live broadcast by 96.3 KKLZ from 9 to 11 a.m. Both stations will be entertaining guests with music, fun games, and drawings to win exclusive WICKED prizes. Additionally, the first 100 people in line to make a purchase at The Smith Center will receive a gift from WICKED.

Due to pre-existing sales to subscribers and groups, there is a limited inventory of WICKED tickets to start with. Patrons are urged to purchase their tickets to WICKED early.

WICKED will play August 29 – October 7 in Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center. Ticket prices begin at $39.

Performances for WICKED the week of August 29 will be Wednesday, August 29 at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, August 30 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Friday, August, 31 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, September 1 and Sunday, September 2 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m..

Performances for WICKED September 4-Octobter 7 will be Tuesday – Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m..

WICKED, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, Disney’s Enchanted, Academy Award® winner for Pocahontas and The Prince of Egypt) and book by Winnie Holzman (“My So Called Life,” “Once And Again” and “thirtysomething”), is based on the best-selling 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire. WICKED is set to make its Las Vegas debut on August 29.

The musical is directed by two-time Tony® Award winner Joe Mantello (Take Me Out, Love! Valour! Compassion!, The Vagina Monologues) and features musical staging by Tony® Award winner Wayne Cilento (Aida, The Who’s Tommy, How To Succeed…). WICKED, winner of 35 major awards, including a Grammy® Award and 3 Tony® Awards, is the untold story of the witches of Oz. It is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the land of Oz. One – born with emerald green skin – is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

WICKED features set design by Tony® Award winning Eugene Lee (Ragtime, Show Boat, Candide, Sweeney Todd), costume design by Tony® winner Susan Hilferty (Spring Awakening, Into the Woods, Assassins), lighting design by Tony® nominee Kenneth Posner (Tony® Award winner for The Coast of Utopia, Hairspray) and sound design by Tony Meola (The Lion King). Stephen Oremus is the show’s music director. Orchestrations are by William David Brohn, with dance arrangements by James Lynn Abbott.

WICKED has “cast quite a spell” (Washington Post) throughout North America, breaking box office records in every city that it has played, including Toronto, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Philadelphia and Boston to name a few.

Called “a cultural phenomenon” by Variety, WICKED continues to thrill audiences around the world. There are currently seven productions of WICKED worldwide: New York; London; Japan; Holland; Australian/Asian Tour; and two concurrent North American National Tours.

Grammy Award-Winning Cast recording available on Decca Broadway. For more information about WICKED log on to www.wickedthemusical.com.

Vegas is a party town.  There is a party at the airport, there’s the party in the limo taking you to your hotel, there’s a party in the lobby while you are checking in to your hotel, there’s a party in your room, the newstand, any bar you stumble into or out of- heck there was even a private party with a girl I’d never seen before and will never see again in VIP at a certain rednecky nightclub on the Strip that I may or may not ever admit to.

Vegas is all about the party, so you can pardon them for being desensitized to the word a bit.  There is, however, a party that still means something in the ongoing party that is Vegas, an event that commands respect and attention.  Are you anybody in Vegas until you have attended this party?  Which party?   Which indeed.  It, of course,and  could only be, the Black and White Party.

The Black and White Party has been around Vegas  as many years as I have been alive, if you want to believe that.  That’s 26 years.   Ok, I am not 26, but not so old,  I am not going to be rolling out the lyrics of the Stones’ Sympathy for the Devil .  Let’s just say 26 years is a long time ago for Vegas.  This event started from inauspicious beginnings and is now a primo event in Vegas.  Its not a profit driven event- its a benefit, with all proceeds going to Aid for Aids of Nevada.

About that- tickets are only $35 for general admission- less than what you will throw into a slot machine on the way by to dinner.  If you want to make a deal out of it, bump up to a Benny Frank  (that’s a $100 for those of you who haven’t seen one lately; yes, realtors, I am talking to you.  My sympathies.)  for VIP access to a pre-event Reception, priority seating, and a view from the Hard Rock’s VIP ultra lounge.

The Black and White Party is an event for playing Dress Up like a Fancy person, or do the Vegas Chic thing- if you don’t know what that is, then you need to dress up.  Ok, I am a traditionalist, so saying a black and white party means you wear black and white, and that means a dinner jacket.  However, Vegas doesn’t stand on ceremony, and it is a freakin’ desert and the party is in late August, so dinner jacket is probably a bad idea.  Black slacks and white shirt for dudes is cool for Vegas.  A white shirt with some subtle black piping or black buttons would be good and classy.  I think there are a number of people who will be dressed down, but try to look like Somebody if you go.

Ladies, you have a lot more choice.   The general idea is black and white, and is not all that formal.  I would expect a lady who I would be seen with would wear a nice tea or cocktail dress.  Classy, a little dressy, but not stuffy.  That’s just my tastes, though.  They are actually pretty welcoming at this affair, but be sensible.  Actually, I am going to help you out.  An anon

ymous PR drone at Kirvin Doak  wrote this little article about going last year.  Its a nice little insight into the event.  Turns out that this isn’t about a bunch of stuffy people standing around talking about the length of their di yachts.  Many of the great acts in Vegas do their part to make this a success, performing aspects of their show.  The entertainment value is supposed to be awesome.

Details are below.  Go to the AFANLV site for some great info on what they do.

Aid for AIDS of Nevada Hosts 26^th Annual Black & White Party

at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s Nirvana Pool

WHAT:                 26^th Annual Black & White Party to benefit Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN)

WHEN:                 Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012

                                7:30 to 9 p.m. – VIP reception with early entrance option

9 p.m. to 1 a.m.  – Black & White Party

WHERE:               Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas

Nirvana Pool

4455 Paradise Rd.

Las Vegas, NV 89169

DETAILS:              Hosted by AFAN and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the Black & White Party provides a unique experience for community involvement through a night of gourmet food, expertly mixed drinks and live entertainment to benefit the largest nonprofit serving Nevada’s HIV/AIDS community.  Guests must be 21 years of age or older.

                                What began around a backyard pool with canned food and good intentions has become one of Las Vegas’ signature fundraising events. Celebrating its 26^th anniversary in 2012, the Black & White Party will astound the avant-garde crowd with an extraordinary atmosphere enhanced by Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s Beachlife surroundings.

Individuals can purchase Black & White Party tickets for $35, which provides access to the Nirvana Pool, live entertainment, and food and beverage tastings from some of Las Vegas’ best restaurants, including the Hard Rock Hotel’s premier culinary lineup. For those looking to maximize their Black & White Party experience, VIP tickets are available for $100. VIP access includes entry into an exclusive VIP reception from 7:30 to 9 p.m., an option for early entrance into the main event, and access to stunning views of the Black & White Party and Las Vegas Strip from the VIP Lounge at Hard Rock Hotel’s Breathe Pool Lounge.

All Black & White Party proceeds benefit AFAN. Individuals can purchase tickets and find additional event information by visiting www.afanlv.org.

TWEET:                 Don’t miss the hottest party of 2012! 26th Annual @AFANLV Black & White Party at @hardrockhotellv’s Nirvana Pool Aug. 25! #BWParty26

About AFAN

Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) was founded in 1984 and is the oldest and largest AIDS service organization in the state of Nevada. 2009 marked AFAN’s 25^th anniversary of practicing its unyielding commitment to the community by providing unparalleled health expertise, support and advocacy for adults and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Nevada. Over the years, AFAN has created various programs that offer consistent and comprehensive assistance including direct client service programs, food programs, prevention and education programs and community outreach.  As part of AFAN’s mission, these client service programs assist in enhancing the physical health and psychosocial wellness of the individuals they serve, while promoting dignity and improving the quality of their lives. For more information, please visit www.afanlv.org.

Keep up with AFAN events and news on Facebook and Twitter.

# # #

Media Contact:
Matt Guidish / Carolyn Linck

Kirvin Doak Communications
mguidish@kirvindoak.com / clinck@kirvindoak.com

702.737.3100

Aid for AIDS of Nevada Hosts 26^th Annual Black & White Party

at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s Nirvana Pool

WHAT:                 26^th Annual Black & White Party to benefit Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN)

WHEN:                 Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012

                                7:30 to 9 p.m. – VIP reception with early entrance option

9 p.m. to 1 a.m.  – Black & White Party

WHERE:               Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas

Nirvana Pool

4455 Paradise Rd.

Las Vegas, NV 89169

DETAILS:              Hosted by AFAN and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the Black & White Party provides a unique experience for community involvement through a night of gourmet food, expertly mixed drinks and live entertainment to benefit the largest nonprofit serving Nevada’s HIV/AIDS community.  Guests must be 21 years of age or older.

                                What began around a backyard pool with canned food and good intentions has become one of Las Vegas’ signature fundraising events. Celebrating its 26^th anniversary in 2012, the Black & White Party will astound the avant-garde crowd with an extraordinary atmosphere enhanced by Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s Beachlife surroundings.

Individuals can purchase Black & White Party tickets for $35, which provides access to the Nirvana Pool, live entertainment, and food and beverage tastings from some of Las Vegas’ best restaurants, including the Hard Rock Hotel’s premier culinary lineup. For those looking to maximize their Black & White Party experience, VIP tickets are available for $100. VIP access includes entry into an exclusive VIP reception from 7:30 to 9 p.m., an option for early entrance into the main event, and access to stunning views of the Black & White Party and Las Vegas Strip from the VIP Lounge at Hard Rock Hotel’s Breathe Pool Lounge.

All Black & White Party proceeds benefit AFAN. Individuals can purchase tickets and find additional event information by visiting www.afanlv.org.

TWEET:                 Don’t miss the hottest party of 2012! 26th Annual @AFANLV Black & White Party at @hardrockhotellv’s Nirvana Pool Aug. 25! #BWParty26

About AFAN

Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) was founded in 1984 and is the oldest and largest AIDS service organization in the state of Nevada. 2009 marked AFAN’s 25^th anniversary of practicing its unyielding commitment to the community by providing unparalleled health expertise, support and advocacy for adults and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Nevada. Over the years, AFAN has created various programs that offer consistent and comprehensive assistance including direct client service programs, food programs, prevention and education programs and community outreach.  As part of AFAN’s mission, these client service programs assist in enhancing the physical health and psychosocial wellness of the individuals they serve, while promoting dignity and improving the quality of their lives. For more information, please visit www.afanlv.org.

Keep up with AFAN events and news on Facebook and Twitter.

# # #

Media Contact:
Matt Guidish / Carolyn Linck

Kirvin Doak Communications
mguidish@kirvindoak.com / clinck@kirvindoak.com

702.737.3100