Entertainment
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Vegas Celeb Guest Plans to Turn It Up
May, 2011
From big screen, to center stage to DJ booth, for 32-year-old Taryn Manning if it’s a form of art, she’s all over it. Beginning her lifelong passion for music when she young, Manning originally set out on a career path of becoming a professional dancer, but after continuous time spent in the background of artistic acts, she decided center stage is where she wanted to be. “I knew I was a really good actor and singer. When I was doing backup dancing gigs I was like, wait I can do what those singers are doing, I want to do that,” said Manning. “Me and my brother formed Boomkat and I learned how to play guitar and I was like, I want to be a rock star. Screw all this background dancing crap. It’s not that I feel better than anybody, it’s just, when you are in the background and you know you have a lot of talent, it just kind of drives you more and you want to be in the forefront.” It was then, in 2003 that Manning and her brother Kellin combined their musical talents and passions and formed the band Boomkat, whose music made the top Billboard hit list and was featured in multiple blockbuster movies. “Boomkat’s music a lot more experimental and less mainstream so it’s really my outlet to just play whatever the heck I want. It’s not meant for radio it’s very just, making music for the love of making music, whereas with this record and all my new stuff coming out, it was really designed for the club and international and for people to have fun and smile,” said Manning With the music industry giving them a run for their money, Kellin decided to take a break from the group for a while, Manning however, decided it was her time to keep up the pace and embark on a solo career. “My bro wanted to take a break from everything, and I’ve just proceeded to keep moving forward cause I can’t really take that time and take that break. Boomkat, we had a really good run and I really enjoyed it and I just wanted to keep the train moving while my brother takes a break,” said Manning. “I ended up riding a really amazing solo endeavor, so I’m just going to take some time to push this out.” Her new single, Turn It Up, is an electro-pop track hit iTunes May 11 and is being offered as a free download on her website until May 10. “Turn it Up! is really just a fun kind of jam. It doesn’t have a lot of deep meanings, and that’s the whole point of it, it’s kind of just a good summertime jam,” said Manning. “I just think the world is so corrupt and dark right now I wanted to put out some material that was really light and kinda easy to wrap your head around and not think about and just dance and smile.” Singing isn’t the only solo career Manning partook of in the arts industry. Since 2000, Manning has continued to pursue acting roles in major movies such as; 8 Mile, Crossroads, Hustle &; Flow, A Lot Like Love and Cold Mountain as well as roles in television shows such as Melrose Place, Law &; Order: SVU and Sons of Anarchy. “I really enjoyed my role I did with Law and Order, that was really fun and exciting ‘cause it was just a guest star role, and I’ve done several in my career, I just loved the role and I put my heart and sole into it and I then I found out I was going to be put up for an Emmy. I haven’t gotten the official nomination, but I’m up for an Emmy, I’m so excited. I was really, really, really excited about that. I’ll probably find out in a couple weeks or so, so fingers are crossed,” said Manning. With acting and music in her blood, her musical and artistic talents don’t stop there. In an effort to push her own music, Manning decided it was time to give it a shot in the DJ booth. “I’m not some crazy amazing DJ, I’m not a full time DJ it’s not my 100% love so I don’t want to take anything away from other DJs who this is their life, I mean I DJ almost like I play guitar, it just showcase really my music, and I’ve lucked out and hired to do some incredible events because I’m good at it, so it’s all really fallen into place organically,” said Manning. “I wanted to get back into DJ-ing to kinda push my own songs. It just stems from wanting to showcase my own stuff and then it’s really fun to do.” Showcasing her DJ skills in Vegas, Manning will be the headlining DJ at Blush at the Wynn this Saturday night. “I’m really looking forward to my performance, I’m really excited to be performing at the Wynn at Blush I think it’s a beautiful hotel and just to see how everybody receives my set,” said Manning. “I’m bring out a group of friends and were going to have a blast together. It’s my single kick off slash summertime kick off for my friends. “
A Crawl Worth Photographing
June, 2011
Each year, hundreds of professional and novice photographers from around the world flock to Las Vegas for the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International Convention, (WPPI). This weeklong expo includes a packed, high-energy schedule of classes, seminars, speakers and tradeshow exhibits, and while most of the photographers spend their days partaking in the scheduled convention itinerary, others choose to break away for a chance to zoom in on a photographic opportunity outside the Strip’s halls. Tuesday marked the third annual Big Pic Crawl—founded by local photographer Eric Guideng—a five-hour excursion that hosted over a dozen models in 10 settings for a marathon photo shoot. Uncertain of where the event was being held, participating photographers of all skill levels met at the MGM Grand and piled into a shuttle that carried them to Gypsy Nightclub on Paradise Road. At the club, they were given the freedom to roam from professionally lighted set to set and the opportunity to photograph whichever model they desired. “I think it’s a great way to get a variety of shots and network as well as teach and learn from others that are here,” said participating photographer Yomi Foreman from San Francisco. The models, who included Maxim model Jenny Milstead, and Crazy Horse Paris dancer and Krystle Richeson, ranged from high-fashion break-dancers in a black pool of inch-deep water to a pinup model to a woman dressed as a bride. “It’s a very artistic endeavor. We try to get everything from weddings to fashion to art—all of it,” said Guideng. “I just provide the elements; the real key is the photographers coming together and working with each other and learning from each other.” Unlike other events where models and staff are paid, the Crawl is put together solely with participant’s dues and an all-volunteer staff. Volunteers and professional photographers were set up at various points to provide tutorials and answer any questions that novice photographers might have. “I know how tough it is to start as a photographer, because I was there once. Without other photographer’s help I wouldn’t be where I am now, so I wanted to give back and return the favor,” said Christopher Thomson, a professional photographer from LA. The event cost a total of $200 per photographer and included everything found at the crawl, shuttle rides to and from the MGM, food and drinks during the event and a post-shoot afterparty at Gypsy. With a DJ, open bar and a by-now familiar location, the afterparty was a chance for the photographers, models and volunteers to relax after a long day and party with new friends. “It’s a collaborative effort,” said Guideng. “The community came together. It’s everyone’s equipment, everyone’s talent, everyone’s skills that all come together.”
It's Serious Music and the Artifice has 'Let It In'
June, 2012
The Artifice Bar in downtown Las Vegas, will be filled with the pop-rock soul sounds of Steven Roth this Wednesday night as the singer/songwriter/musician debuts his tunes in his first Vegas performance. The performance is kicking off the start of his 2012 tour and is promoting his soon-to-be-released album. “This is my first time performing in Vegas which is exciting. I booked Vegas as the first stop of the tour, which in retrospect probably not the best idea,” said Roth. Highlighting his organic, fun-natured sounds and self-written music, Roth is defining his solo career since splitting away from the pop rock group, ‘Redstone Hall’. “I liked being in a band and being with the other creative friends but at the same time there’s creative differences so it can be difficult at times,” said Roth. “As a solo artist all the creative ideas come from me, which can be challenging but I like the pace of things and I think I’m happier being solo.” A new tour and performance stop in Las Vegas aren’t the only firsts for Roth this year, soon to debut is Roth’s first full-length solo release ‘Let It In’, which will debut this fall. Almost a year of writing, brainstorming and on-and-off recording between Nashville and his home studio, this album features all of Roth’s self-written music and is, as he describes and I attest; “a breath of fresh air.” “I’m really excited about the record, I spent a lot of time on it and I think it really came out well. It has a unique voice and music sound,” said Roth. While the name Steven Roth may not be a highly recognized radio name, Roth is no rogue newbie in the world of music. With a family background of two generations of renowned Canadian pianists, a history of piano and guitar playing which sparked a life-long music obsession, Roth is also the co-owner of Los Angeles’ most acclaimed mom and pop music stores; Westwood Music. With a new modern and digital direction, Roth is working inside the walls of Westwood Music in an attempt to focus the legendary business on instrument sales, classes and repairs for the musically enthused. “The toughest part about managing all these music endeavors is keeping track of all the things I’ve gotta do and not loosing my mind,” said Roth. “My own music is by far the priority but my schedule is always changing to balance of always being in touch with the shop, working in studio and doing my thing.” Living up to his promise to himself to put his music career on the forefront, Roth has performed in LA and is now taking his music on the road with jam band presentation style. “There will be a lot of energy and fun. I like to call it controlled improve. We open up the songs and have really good musicians so we let them open up and do their thing,” said Roth. For more information on Roth or find out future tour dates visit his website StevenRothMusic.com.
Fans line up for midnight debut of final Harry Potter movie
July, 2011
Hundreds of Harry Potter fans, many dressed in character, lined up outside the movie theater at Town Square on Thursday, anxiously awaiting the final installment in the series — “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.” While theaters have their own ways of organizing the midnight rush of Harry Potter fanatics, Town Square sold reserved, assigned seats. “I think it’s a really good thing. This way you know you’re going to get in and be able to sit next to your friend,” said moviegoer Kayla-Jo Rosoff, 22. In a matter of minutes, the witching hour would take hold, bringing an end to the action-packed saga that has gripped fans for more than 15 years since J.K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter novel was released in 1997. “I’m pretty excited. I just want to see what are the differences, what they are changing from the books to the movies, but so far it’s been pretty good,” said Nancy Cardoza, 22. The first of the Harry Potter movies, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone," opened in 2001. Since then, the series has made more than $2 billion at the box office and has gained nine Oscar nominations. “This is like the end of our childhood. I’ve been going to midnight showings since the third movie; that was my first one. Since I was 11 or 12, I’ve been into it, and now I’m 22,” Rosoff said. “I’m so sad this is the last one. I don’t know what we’re going to do with ourselves now.” Sitting in line with Rosoff, Shell Stacey, 22, who bought her ticket in June, confidently predicted that the final movie will not be the end of the Harry Potter craze. “This series is going to be a classic from now on, like how ‘Star Wars’ got into popular culture. It’s going to be fantasy instead of sci-fi now,” Stacey said. “It’s literature; it’s not just a fun kid book. It’s literature with real meaningful values and themes.” Since Part 1 hit screens in late 2010, fans have anxiously waited for Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter and Emma Watson and Rupert Grint as his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley to take the big screen for Part 2 of Rowling’s seventh monumental best-selling novel. “I just rewatched the previous movie last night, so I’m ready to finish the whole thing and ready to get it done,” said Harry Potter fan Kip Zahedi, 22. Less than an hour before the screening, muggles disguised their identities, dressing as wizards and witches, sheltering their mortal guise with robes, scarves and foreheads symbolically imprinted with lightning-shaped scars. Among those in full costume was 21-year-old Val Cawley, dressed as Lily Evans, Harry Potter’s mother. “Saying we’re fans is a big understatement right there. I’m a big dork when it comes to this. I’ve actually dressed up for every movie, from the first all the way to the last. Since I was 9 years old, I’ve read all the books,” Cawley said. Desiree Wickham, 26, said she brough tissues to the theater, “because I’m going to be crying through it, I know it. I kinda hope I don’t break down crying at the same parts as I did in the book, because that’s gonna get a little bit embarrassing.”
Vegas Gets Fluffy
July, 2011
It’s Vegas, a city of endless entertainment and a slew of comedian tours. Friday night, one comedian’s reputation packed the house for a sold out show at the Terry Fator Theatre inside the Mirage. With a four-comedian warm up, audience members had an hour of prep time to get into the comedic swing of things. The start of the Fluffy Shop tour featured hilarious routines and stories from comedians: Shaun Latham, Alfred Robles, Rick Gutierrez and Noe Gonzalez. The crowd was filled with over-the-top excitement for their headlining comedian, and once Gabriel Iglecias took the stage, he received a standing ovation right off the bat. Iglecias, known as the “fluffy” comic in a Hawaiian shirt, gained his popularity through frequent appearances on Comedy Central as well as his popular one-hour televised specials, “I’m Not Fat… I’m Fluffy” and “Hot & Fluffy” and various TV appearances. For the next hour of scheduled show time and around 30 minutes past that time slot, Iglecias performed a mixture of storytelling, parodies, sound effects and routines to the audience, who was cracking up in hysterics. Iglecias’ routines included many new routines about life, friends, family and even his recent tour experience through Arizona. If it weren’t for the close quarters and heavy armrests confining audience members to their seats, the comedy enthusiasts would have been rolling in the isles from laughter. At 19 minutes over the allotted time period, fans were still demanding more, and shouting over each other with joke requests. “You guys are shouting joke requests at me like I’m a Mexican mariachi,” said Iglecias at one point of deciding which routines to tell. As he performed routines from his previous stage and TV appearances, the audience was shouting out punch lines from memory right along with Iglecias. “This is awesome you guys no the punch lines already but you still want to hear more!” said Iglecias who was also laughing at the audience response. Needless to say, with his fluffy routines, this comic was the weekend’s comedic highlight on the Strip. For more information on upcoming tour dates and details about Iglecias visit, http://www.fluffyguy.com
An Evening Extravaganza at LAVO
July, 2010
Located at the Palazzo Hotel and Casino, LAVO holds an intimate atmosphere to enjoy the night. From Italian cuisine, to cocktails, to a fun nightclub, LAVO holds all the elements to experience an enjoyable evening out in Las Vegas Guests can begin their evening with decadent Italian cuisine served in the dining room located by the front lobby. After dinner is thru relax and enjoy some mingling with others and partake in some cocktails in the lounge, then head upstairs to enjoy hours of the energetic atmosphere the LAVO nightclub has to offer. Entering the nightclub, guests head upstairs and over a bridge lined with Turkish water basins that set the mood for an evening partying in the Moroccan themed environment. Don’t be fooled by the smaller size of the nightclub, with a more intimate atmosphere than other clubs, it’s size is an ideal blend between small lounge and mega-club. The more intimate setting attracts crowds that flock to LAVO and bring enough enthusiasm to keep the evening rolling all night long. With an extensive bar and multiple table seating areas, LAVO fits quite a bit of comfort into their petite space, transforming the room into an intimate and friendly atmosphere. In addition to the fun and uplifting crowds, the music and lighting always turn the party up a notch and is full of surprises. Lasers, strobe lights, and multi-colored glows, create a fun mood to enjoy popular tunes from today’s best artists as well as the chart topping beats of the past. LAVO Features a variety of events and hosts many popular DJs, presenting guests with an atmosphere to dance the night away. The LAVO restaurant and lounge is open seven nights a week to enjoy, while the nightclub opens its doors to guests for a place to party until 4 AM every day but Monday. What the nightclub lacks in square footage, it more than makes up for in ambiance and entertainment.
From Cinemas to CinemaCon
June, 2011
While film fanatics are the first to the theaters and theater fanatics are the first to CinemaCon. This four-day event, held at Caesars Palace isn’t for the average moviegoer, but rather those involved in the movie theater experience. CinemaCon is the official convention of The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) and with a multitude of attractions and vendors set up for viewing, attendees will have a plethora of information and film previews to keep them busy while they are in town. From theater seating and sound to visual dynamics and popcorn, the tradeshow floors contained over 200 vendors offering dynamic elements and technological advances to the theater experience. “The public, once they get use to something, wants bigger and better. It’s hard to take things away, and I think the more they’re told they need bigger and better the more they’re going to want it,” said Mary Carnegie, a theater owner from Canada. “We hope to get new ideas of upcoming things, the movie industry is moving very quickly and you have to keep up with the times.” With an open floor tradeshow dedicated to everything theater, movie previews, screenings and lecture panels there is one underlying theme that can be seen throughout the convention: ‘Today, Tomorrow and the Future’, an overall look at tracking and surpassing the standard theater viewing experience. “We always try to be in the forefront, technology wise, so we want to know what’s going on, we like to be informed and like to know how to implement new technologies. We think that technology wise you need to be at the best possible level,” said Benjamin Dauhrer, Germany. CinemaCon is highlighting the technological advances that the theater industry has to offer viewers and the extent to which the technology is continuously growing. For some, it is seen as unnecessary extras, for others it is a viewing necessity and for most it is just one more piece to a multisensory experience. “All the extra technology isn’t necessary, but I think it’s just one facet and a more broad-range of entertainment available for people,” said Timothy Adams, a project manager with Interactive Attraction Technologies. Technology and theater projection elements aren’t the only highlight on the tradeshow floors. While attendees stroll from booth to booth checking out seats, screens and lightbulbs, the aroma of popcorn and theater concession stands fills the air of the Forum Ballroom. Booths of various concession vendors have kiosks set up for demonstration and food sampling throughout the ballroom exhibits. From espressos, smoothies, candy and ice cream to pizza, hot dogs and nachos, tradeshow attendees sample their way through rows of vendors in search of the best taste bud options for their cinemas. “We know that the movie going experience is more than just technology. We’ve always been trying to add more to the evening out. We have restaurants, concession stands and bars, that have always been integrated into the cinemas,” said Dauhrer. As droves of people gather around HD screens and movie previews, donning 3D glasses and munching on appetizing snacks in search of the ultimate theater experience others break away from the tradeshow floor to catch sneak-peeks at new releases to look forward to throughout 2011. Among Tuesday’s tradeshow exhibits and seminars, DreamWorks Studios and Walt Disney Studios hosted presentations for CinemaCon attendees to have a chance to preview highlights, trailers and scenes from upcoming films. Among the many films previewed at the seminars was; 'War Horse,' 'Fright Night,' 'The Help,' Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Cars 2 and Puss in Boots among others. The preview screenings don’t stop today however, a much talked about and anticipated screening is yet to come on Thursday, when Harry Potter – The Deathly Hallows Part 2 is said to be showcased, to tease movie buffs and theater owners. For more information about CinemaCon 2011 visit CinemaCon.com.
Italian DJ Provides Vegas Fan with Some Satisfaction
May, 2011
His beats are known around the world, his 2002 rise to fame came with his chart topping hit single Satisfaction and now he’s back in a Vegas DJ booth and ready to release another hit CD. Starting out in the days of vinyl spinning, Producer/DJ Benny Benassi started his career in a provincial club in northern Italy, where the club’s resident DJ taught him the ropes. In an almost overnight fashion, Benassi went from working Italian DJ to world-wide club sensation. “I DJ’d for a decade round clubs in Italy. When “Satisfaction” broke, suddenly I found myself with an international career.” This Grammy Award winning Italian DJ brought his electro house music to Vegas for a one-night performance at Marquee inside the Cosmopolitan on Friday, May 21. “I love Marquee. It’s always an exciting gig for me,” said Benassi. With a new album, Electroman, set to be released on June 7, Benassi says that in some ways, his new album is what he and his cousin Alle Benassi always wanted to do; “apply the big Benassi bass to different styles of vocals and melody from U.K. pop rock to U.S. hip-hop.” “I think our sound has evolved and there are some really strong melodies and crossover tracks,” said Benassi. Benassi will be promoting his new album in multiple ways including a U.S. tour. “There’ll be club shows and festivals. Nothing special, but I will be playing a lot of stuff from the album,” said Benassi. Benassi wouldn’t reveal if any of his new tracks would be featured prior to his Friday night’s set but from the hints he left with fans and his final overall performance, there is no doubt that his song Satisfaction has been joined with his new tunes in the effort to provide club goers some electro house music to party the night away to.
Fiery circus performer launches self down Strip
June, 2011
Las Vegas’ triple-digit temperatures weren’t the only thing heating up the Strip on Wednesday. Brian Miser, known to fans as “The Human Fuse,” took to the Strip at 8 p.m. and launched himself from a giant crossbow while engulfed in flames. Miser is the star of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s new show, “Fully Charged,” which has brought its acts to Las Vegas this week. “Las Vegas has a huge circus tradition, and we’re really excited to have the opportunity to come back to the Thomas & Mack Center, and the chance to pull a stunt this big on the Las Vegas Strip is just too good to pass up,” said ringmaster Brian Crawford Scott. Traffic was stopped momentarily on Las Vegas Boulevard in front of the Harley Davidson Café and CityCenter, where the giant crossbow was set up in the street. With crowds looking on and after a final countdown, Miser soared at 65 mph some 110 feet through the air. He landed in an air bag in the street, took a bow and, still on fire, was promptly extinguished. It was only the second time Miser has performed the stunt outside the circus; the other time was done in the streets of Manhattan. The public performance was a preview of what is to come during the week. The circus will have performances Thursday through Sunday. For more details and ticket information, call 702-739-3267.
Las Vegas has a blast during Fourth of July celebrations
July, 2011
Las Vegas residents and tourists alike turned out in droves Monday night for the largest of three nights of fireworks in the valley to mark Independence Day. Around the city, all eyes looked up as Strip and suburban casinos, as well Southern Nevada communities, launched fireworks displays for Fourth of July celebrations. In keeping with its annual tradition, five Station Casinos properties hosted fireworks that were visible across the valley. Crowds gathered at Green Valley Ranch, Red Rock Resort, Aliante Station, Fiesta Rancho and Texas Station to watch the show. At Green Valley Ranch, the sidewalks and surrounding parking lots were packed amid a communal celebration. “This is our second time out here," said Las Vegas resident Ed Armendriz. "I think it may be a new tradition." Over the course of the next nine minutes, the sky lit up with a patriotic display as radio synchronized music selections to the fireworks show. “We’ve been seeing them here at Green Valley for about three years now. It was great this year -- we were right under them almost,” said Las Vegas resident Lisa Jones. “It’s always a good fireworks show here, no complaints.” It took four days and 700 hours to set up the shows at the five locations and 100 hours to choreograph and design the shows, which use nine miles of wire, 63 firing batteries and require 317 firing cues. The city of Henderson also celebrated Independence Day on Monday night with fireworks at 9 p.m. The festivities at Basic High School featured local bands and concessions in addition to the fireworks display. Admission was free and concessions proceeds benefited Basic High’s student organizations and sports programs. In Summerlin, an estimated 40,000 people dressed in red, white and blue, and waving American flags lined the streets Monday morning to celebrate as dozens of floats meandered down Hills Center Drive in Summerlin's The Trail village. On the Strip, Mandalay Bay hosted a concert with reggae band Mystic Roots and a fireworks display at Mandalay Bay Beach. The event began at 9 p.m. and had a $25 cover charge. The Las Vegas Hilton also hosted a fireworks event Monday night, with an invitation-only viewing party at its pool. One of the largest celebrations in Southern Nevada was in Boulder City, where residents celebrated America’s independence at the Damboree festival for the 63rd year. This year’s theme was "Serving our Community & Nation." Residents lined up along Nevada Highway as floats decked out in red, white and blue worked their way along the parade route, which ended at Broadbent Memorial Park. Parade goers in a designated wet zone made it a soggy Fourth as the water fight — a time-honored Boulder City tradition — broke out. Gov. Brian Sandoval and other dignitaries were on hand to soak in the celebration. Not even Boulder City police officers were spared from a dousing from a squirt gun. The evening was capped off by a fireworks show and live music from Heels over Head at Veterans’ Memorial Park. Some celebrations had already wrapped up before the holiday officially began. The city of North Las Vegas marked the holiday Saturday night during a celebration that attracted about 40,000 residents. Caesars Palace hosted a fireworks show at 9:45 p.m. Sunday night following a 30-minute weather delay.
Page One for a Rising Star
March, 2011
After breaking into the music industry in 2010, Tino Coury is creating a name for himself and catching the attention of celebrities all over, including Eva Langoria, who says she’s his biggest fan. “My first single hit the Top 40 charts and went number 11 on Billboard and ever since, it’s been a crazy ride for me,” said Coury. The up and coming music superstar, not only walked the red carpet at Eva Langoria’s Birthday celebration, Friday night, but he also gave club-goers a surprise performance. Once inside the club, adorned with pink balloons and birthday décor, Coury performed his new single Up Against the Wall and then immediately turned and sang Happy Birthday to Eva Langoria over a 5-tiered birthday cake. Singing happy birthday to Langoria is not his only brush with celebrities. Since May 2010 when he first broke into the industry he has shared the stage with performers such as; Jason Derulo, Drake, Train, Iyaz, New Boyz, Mike Posner, Kelly Rowland, Kris Allen, and The Backstreet Boys, and the reaction he has received is more than he could have imagined. “The reception is unbelievable and they’re singing the words to my song too,” Coury said. “They know my song, you can’t really describe that feeling, it’s awesome.” The 22-year-old singer/songwriter/producer broke into the music industry after he sustained an injury that shattered his aspirations of continuing in sports. Bouncing back from his injury he invested all his efforts into another passion: music. “I always had a love for music, but never thought I’d be making it my career in any way. It was always a hobby of mine, but as I got injured my dreams of playing college football were at an end and that’s when I took it seriously and one thing led to another with me. So I kind of got into this industry and now I love it,” said Coury. With plans on releasing his next official music video at the end of the month, Coury says they are working with a lot of concept ideas at the moment and will be filming in LA shortly. “I want to keep it a secret, but the Up Against the Wall theme we’re doing has really cool ideas with it. It’s going to be this underground party that doesn’t look like anything you’ve ever seen before so its gonna be pretty crazy,” said Coury. Coury’s presence in Vegas was specifically for Langoria’s birthday event. Saturday he returned to LA to get back to work. Prior to the celebrity birthday performance, Coury was meeting fans on a promotional tour for his EP, performing at schools and other venues. “Getting out there, hitting the radio stations up, getting to see my fans in person and getting that personal connection is what it’s all about and just getting to hit different cities every day is super fun,” said Coury. Now, back in LA for a quick break before hitting the road again for more touring and performing, Coury is putting all his energy into the studio. “I just dropped my 6 song EP called Page One and I’m hitting the studio hard the next couple of months, gonna be adding on to that and getting an album out soon, probably towards the end of summer,” Coury said. “I just want to thank everyone that’s supported me so far I couldn’t be here without them and I would love the continued support and can’t wait to make more music for everyone.” While he has performed with a slew of celebrities already, when asked whom the one singer is that he would like to perform with he had an immediate response. “Bono from U2. He’s like my idol so that’d be pretty awesome,” said Coury. With the dramatic reception and abrupt rise on the charts, there is little doubt that Coury will be entertaining fans for years to come and may even get his ideal performance presence with his idol.
Humor and Wit in Front of a Brick Wall in a Neon City
April, 2011
The glitz and glam, the neon lights, the endless buffet lines, 24-hour parties and taking center stage may be the favorite part of Vegas for some, but for comedic Steve Byrne the real enjoyment of Vegas comes from something a little different; “Seeing all the gorgeous, obese, corn-fed, Mid-Western couples that roll around at a snails-pace along the strip and drink out of plastic palm trees.” Making his first appearance at Harrah’s comedy club, The Improv, Byrne will be taking center stage through May 1 to deliver his stand-up comedy routines to those craving some laughs. “I am very excited to be playing at one of the more youth-driven and smoke free casino's on the strip,” said Byrne. For six back-to-back days, Byrne will take The Improv stage, guaranteeing audiences nothing but performances full of laughs and awkward moments. In preparation of his appearance in Las Vegas, I asked Byrne a couple questions about Vegas, Comedy and his supporting acts Colin Jost and Brandon Hahn, his responses did nothing but confirm that this show will leave you laughing. For more information on Steve Byrne, his tour and appearances visit stevebyrnelive.com. NV: How did you originally get your start in comedy? SB: I was adopted by Angelina Jolie when I was a Korean orphan at age 4 and she forced me into it by age 8 to help pay the bills. She took off in movies, married Brad Pitt and now I am at The Improv Wed thru Sunday. I miss my mommy. NV: How did you get into acting? SB: The casting couch. Here is what you need...chapstick, discipline, lots of lotion and the ability to detach yourself from your current reality. NV: Which do you prefer; on screen comedy/acting or stand up? SB: I suppose stand up. It's what I am used to and what I am comfortable with. I do moonlight as a male exotic dancer with the troupe, Sparkle Motion and that is very exciting as well. NV: How do you like the venue, The Improv? SB: I love it. Give me a brick wall and I'll fend off the Latino's and their graffiti and do some jokes in front of it. NV: Do you have any other plans during your time in Vegas? SB: To be cast in Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew by Sunday. NV: Have you worked with either of the supporting acts (Brandon Hahn or Colin Jost) before? SB: I have done Brandon's radio show when I am in Vegas. He's a great comic and a really awesome DJ on KOMP. Colin Jost is a comic I met in New York City. When he's not doing stand up, he writes for Saturday Night Live. He's an awesome comic and I know the rest of the country will know who he is in a few more years. NV: How is it working with Brandon and Colin? SB: I try to do my best to point out every single flaw in their acts. I provide them with countless pages of notes. It’s more work than downtime for me but they need that extra attention to ultimately be a comedian performing for 75 senior citizens on a Wednesday who gets free chicken fingers, like me. NV: What is your all-time favorite joke? SB: My ex-girlfriend pulled a fast one on me in college when she wanted to keep me from breaking up with her, she told me she was pregnant. That was a really, really funny one! (Bitch).
© 2024, Nikki (Villoria) Emord