September 2019 – VEGAS UNFILTERED BLOG by Sam Novak

Party with Christina Aguilera at Shade Tree’s ‘Mask Off Gala 2019’ Benefit

Fundraiser at Mansion 54 assists women, children and pets in crisis…

Please join us October 3, 2019 for an evening of celebration and commemoration in honor of 30 years of providing help, healing and hope to the women and children of the Las Vegas Valley. – The Shade Tree

Time is running out to get your tickets for the biggest benefit gala of the season. The Shade Tree presents the 30th Anniversary Mask Off Gala at downtown’s stunning Mansion 54. This year’s party commemorates three decades of hope and help provided by the volunteers and benefactors of The Shade Tree.

Known as a place for growth and brighter futures, The Shade Tree offers a safe haven and assistance for homeless/abused women, children and their pets in times of crisis. A wide array of programs is available from inclement weather sheltering to basic and acute medical care, meals, skill development, mental health services and housing.

You may recall my previous article that mentioned Noah’s Animal House, a partner program that provides sanctuary for the pets of Shade Tree residents. Noah’s Animal House recognizes the risk that pets face in volatile domestic situations, so they provide the very rare service of allowing household animals to join their companions on a journey to a better future.

As you can imagine, all of these services require funding. The Shade Tree relies on volunteers and donors for their continuous operations. This Thursday October 3rd, you can help their mission while having the absolute time of your life. Join your community’s movers, shakers and goodhearted friends at Mask Off Gala 2019.

The cast of LE REVE will perform over Mansion 54’s glass-covered pool…

Starting at 6 pm, VIP ticketholders ($400) will gain early access to a cocktail reception that features a private performance by cast members from LE REVE – THE DREAM. They’ll enjoy generous passed appetizers by Searsucker Las Vegas, a live auction, open bar by Breakthru Beverage Group and early access to the silent auction.

General admission starts at 7 pm and tickets are $200. They include the same open bar, a second performance by LE REVE, interactive art exhibits and “Taste of Downtown Las Vegas”. This presentation of foods from local restaurants features favorites from the likes of Le Thai, PublicUS, Evel Pie, Eureka!, Smashed Pig Gastropub, VegeNation and Santos Guisados Tacos & Beer.

Christina Aguilera is a sponsor and Guest of Honor at Mask Off Gala 2019…

The highlight of the evening will undoubtedly be an appearance by Guest of Honor Christina Aguilera. If you’ve been unable to attend Christina Aguilera – The Xperience at Zappos Theater, here’s your chance to get up close and personal with the musical superstar. Aguilera is a proud sponsor of The Shade Tree and her residency at Planet Hollywood donates one dollar of every ticket sold to the 24-hour-accessible emergency shelter.

Cast members of CELESTIA perform at a recent function at Mansion 54…

Mask Off Gala takes place at a beautifully-restored historic property originally known as Hartland Mansion. It’s located just off of Las Vegas Boulevard not far from the Sahara Hotel. Senior Sales Executive Anthony Salamone gave me a behind-the-scenes tour last week and shared a sneak peek at what’s in store for the gala’s guests. I can’t tell too much, but the evening is sure to be etched in the memories of every guest.

Mansion 54 is richly steeped in history from Sin City’s golden era. It’s currently used as a events venue for charitable functions, weddings, music videos, TV/movie scenes and photo shoots. You can learn more about Mansion 54 by visiting the official Facebook page or their dedicated page on the Nevada Film Office website.

The dress code for Mask Off Gala 2019 is “Semi-Formal Masquerade”. Doors open at 5:30 pm and the event runs through 10 pm. Sponsorship opportunities are available by visiting this page. Tickets to the gala are available by clicking HERE.

Mansion 54 is located at 1044 South 6th Street in Las Vegas. Free valet is provided. Street parking is discouraged due to space limitations. Organizers encourage the use of rideshare services such as LYFT and UBER.

Photos: Sam Novak, The Shade Tree, Mansion 54, Christina Aguilera via Facebook, FLO Advertising, Chris V./Kayla R./Richard N. via Yelp!

‘Atomic Saloon Show’ Brings the Wild West to the Venetian

Spiegelworld’s latest in adult variety brings the Wild West to Venetian/Palazzo…

The folks at Spiegelworld are on a roll. With the 8th anniversary of ABSINTHE fresh in our minds and OPIUM continuing to draw new fans, it was only a matter of time before the cutting-edge entertainment company would unleash another outlandish concept. Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the Atomic Saloon Show.

The latest offering from Ross Mollison and his creative team is an all-out effort. Taking over the gorgeous, little-known space once home to controversial ‘The Act’, Atomic Saloon is a fully-realized theatrical concept. The gorgeous multi-level club has been reborn as an immersive old-West saloon/hotel housing multiple bars, intimate private spaces, lush woodwork, period accents…and supposedly a top-floor brothel (more on that in a bit).

The backstory of ‘Atomic’ is as wacky as it is convoluted. The saloon’s original location in the Nevada desert was lost to nuclear testing decades ago. Proprietor “Boozy Skunkton” (Petra Massey) relocated her bar staff, working girls, entertainers and customers to a new spot inside Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes.

Apparently all of the citizens of Skunton’s former town decided to come along too, including “Reverend Peabody” (Damien Warren-Smith), his nuns, lots of cows and a few tumbleweeds. And it would seem that everyone is caught in some kind of time warp.

As luck would have it, each of the townsfolk has an amazing and sexually-charged talent…even the Mayor (Pavel Stankevich). His Honor is a wordless heart throb who wanders in and out of the show when not climbing onto a four-post apparatus to display his amazing flexibility and strength. Guitar-strumming “Blue Jackson” (Sex Tips‘ Colin Cahill) has a penchant for breaking into naughty songs between cattle stampedes, showing off a pair of swiveling hips that would make Elvis jealous.

Good girl “Sweet Cheeks” (Alina Shpynova) longs to be free of Boozy’s gentlemen-callers and run away with the saloon’s French stud “Jean-Louis” (Jérôme Simard). Their amusing attempts to escape Madam Skunton’s brothel form the wraparound plot. In between, guests are entertained by a collection of aerial, acrobatic and dance numbers that are so in-your-face that the front row is cautioned to remain seated.

Fans of Spiegelworld’s defunct Vegas Nocturne will delight in the return of Peter Harding and Suzanne Cleary, whose unforgettable “Up and Over It” has been transformed into a delightful table-slapping folk dance. Athletic model David Zongoli brings erotic flamboyance to “The Outlaw” in two separate acts, a gravity-defying pole dance and a sensual aerial striptease.

Efforts by the good Reverend to shut down Boozy’s establishment go predictably awry. So much so that the Sisters fall victim to their urges, unleashing a cavalcade of ping-pong balls into the audience (don’t ask). Rev. Peabody himself weakens under Boozy’s spell, leading to a tawdry dance that had this writer watching from between his fingers.

No Western tale would be complete without a bar brawl…and ‘Atomic Saloon Show’ unleashes a doozy.

Click HERE to continue reading…

Photos: Sam Novak, Atomic Saloon Show

‘ESCAPE FROM AREA 51’ BRINGS EXTRATERRESTRIAL BATTLES TO VEGAS

Las Vegas thrill-seekers have plenty of ways to stimulate their adrenaline pump. From skydiving to helicopter rides to a high-speed chase attraction with real police vehicles, the possibilities are endless. Now Apocalypse Vegas has added what may be the wildest adventure of them all – Escape from Area 51 – The Special Ops Experience.

The timing couldn’t be better for this all-in attraction. With so much attention being focused on that secretive military base in the desert, conspiracy theorists and alien enthusiasts have been going wild over attempts to storm the area. Escape from Area 51 gives you the chance to do it in a safe, controlled environment with real members of the military.

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Escape from Area 51 is anything but a hastily-designed tie-in. It’s the latest offering from Apocalypse Vegas, a top-rated attraction that’s been in operation for more than four years. Housed in a massive warehouse facility near Palms Casino, it contains a full-scale mock-up of a town under siege by alien forces.

Brett Sullard does his best “Col. Dutch Schaefer” from the film PREDATOR…

In order to save the citizens…and the planet…you’ll be trained in the use of military-style Airsoft firearms, learn how to collect intel, kick through doors, secure perimeters and retrieve an element that’s the key to winning the battle. But the aliens aren’t about to give up their power source willingly, so prepare to use force!

What gives Apocalypse Vegas its extreme realism is that your Operations Team Leaders (OTL’s) are genuine veterans of Special Forces. Members of the Green Berets, Army Rangers, Navy SEALs and Delta Force operations guide you through the assault from mission briefing to the actual attack.

The 90-minute experience is fully immersive, enhanced with Hollywood-style sound effects and explosive lighting, full-scale sets and a scenario that places you at the center of a big-budget action film.

Susie Q. joins us to celebrate after saving the planet…

Event coordinator Susie Q. Munoz is proud that Apocalypse Vegas provides military veterans with a new way to use their talents and skill sets:

Click HERE to continue reading…

Photos: Apocalypse Vegas, Sam Novak, Brett Sullard

‘Sex Tips’ Star Louis D’Aprile Brings On The Steam

Handsome and hunky singer/actor plays “Dan” in the outrageous romp at PARIS Casino-hotel…

You may have seen my past article for BestOfVegas.com regarding cast additions at ‘Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man’. If not, check it out here. But it’s a well-known reality that the only “constant” in Las Vegas is “change”. So not long after publishing, it was time to say farewell to Mark Gregory Melton as lead character “Dan Anderson” and welcome some new blood….and more beefcake.

Mark was great in the role but was ready to return to his singing career.

As my year ends at ‘Sex Tips’, it’s reviews from friends like Sam that keep reminding me of how grateful I am to have had this opportunity and I can’t wait to see what’s next for me here in Vegas! My LAST show at ‘Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man’ here in Vegas is Sunday September 29, 7pm! Would love to see everyone there or before then!

With Mark’s departure, the character of “Dan” was filled by Vegas resident Louis D’Aprile, best known to audiences as “Joey Vitale” in Tony and Tina’s Wedding at Bally’s. The excitement was clear when Louis posted the news on his Facebook page:

Looks like I will be taking over as Dan Anderson in “Sex Tips For Straight Women From a Gay Man” starting September 30th!!! I am beyond honored, excited and thrilled to be headlining this amazing production and can’t be more grateful to all of those involved in the casting process!

Watching my dreams come true before my eyes is truly amazing and I can’t wait to see where my career goes from here! If you need me, I’ll be submerged in my script the next two weeks!!! CHEERS!!!

If you think I was being a little sexist by introducing Louis with the above photo, you’re absolutely correct. His stunning face and steamy chiseled body automatically land him a coveted place in my Hot Guys of Vegas column. But D’Aprile’s talent and accomplishments speak for themselves.

Louis has a Bachelor’s Degree in Musical Theater from AMDA. Born and raised in New York City, he’s been bi-coastal for the past decade, taking turns in productions like Rock of Ages and even a music video for RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Violet Chachki.

Here in Sin City, Louis has become a favorite at Mark Shunock’s charity-driven Mondays Dark and at Kenny Davidsen’s Bow Tie Cabaret at Tuscany Resort. And if you’re wondering how he got such a stunning body, he’ll show you as your spinning instructor at The Ride Premium Indoor Cycling.

Louis joined an impressive list of actors and celebrities in the male lead of the Vegas production of ‘Sex Tips’. Previous performers include “Queer Eye” star Jai Rodgriguez, Douglas Katch Gray and of course, Mr. Melton. With the stellar inclusion of MaKenzie Fly and George Blick, ‘Sex Tips’ continues to be a must-see.

With all-new chemistry and character nuances. ‘Sex Tips For Straight Women From a Gay Man’ deserves a place at the top of your entertainment list.

Previous cast with Shyllon Melatti, MaKenzie Fly and Mark Gregory Melton…

Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man performs nightly (dark Wednesday). Times vary by day. For adult audiences only. VegasFool.com is currently running a special on tickets for $29 by clicking HERE.

Hot Guys of Vegas: Men of Iconic

Sin City’s newest LGBTQ nightclub is packed to the rafters with hunks…

UPDATE – This nightclub has officially closed as of October 2019

Gerry, Adam, Nick and Brad…

When Iconic Nightclub opened its doors this summer, super-hot owner Adam Simmons promised a unique experience with great drinks, superior service and innovative entertainment, all at reasonable prices. Luckily, his well-trained staff is stunning to look at, too. There are dozens of hot ladies and gentlemen at Iconic to cater to your needs, from muscular security guards to sensual go-go dancers.

Since this column is called Hot Guys of Vegas, the lovely Iconic ladies will have to sit this one out (sorry, girls). But for those of you looking to add a little beefcake to your weekend diet, here are five of my favorite all-meat selections:

NICK HUSIN – VIP Server

Stunning Nick came to the United States at the age of 18 to pursue an engineering scholarship. Born and raised on Borneo Island, he shares a hometown and handsome looks with Crazy Rich Asians actor Henry Golding. What they don’t share is Nick’s stunning physique, which is on ample display at Iconic Nightclub.

It’s okay to stare at Husin’s amazing chest and abs….he doesn’t mind one bit. It’s fair to say that he’s earned those admiring gazes with countless hours in the gym. He also follows a strict diet that sometimes includes a weakness for luscious cheesecake.

This exotic-looking stud holds the distinction of winning Mr. Muscle Beach men’s physique competition in Venice, California. Don’t you wish you could be a medal around his neck…or a trophy at his feet?

During the daylight hours, Nick flexes his intellectual muscles as a project manager for a software company. When not glued to the keyboard, he’s out in the sunshine with his four-legged pal Skippy, enjoying the rough terrain around the Las Vegas valley.

You can follow Nick Husin on Instagram by clicking HERE.

Noteworthy traits – flawless skin, sly smile, ability to rip shirts off with ease

Gerry Haro – bar manager/lead bartender

A smoothly-run bar operation is essential to the success of any nightclub. For guests at Iconic, the responsibility of beverage services falls on the broad shoulders of handsome Gerry Haro. This pinup-worthy pretty-boy is well known to the LGBTQ community and a veritable legend in Vegas gay nightlife.

It’s tough for a young man to make a name for himself in a city of this magnitude, especially hard when you grew up in a tiny central California town named Farmersville. But even at a young age, Gerry had the charisma, wisdom and looks to turn everything he attempted into gold.

With a face and body this striking, Gerry is a natural in front of the camera lens. Could a modeling career be around the corner? Only photographer Noel Dahl (whom I wrote about here) knows for sure.

Gerry’s love for the bar atmosphere also fills his days at Palace Station Casino, where he provides cool beverages for pool guests. That must be how he maintains such a nice, even tan. His shirtless shifts at Iconic allow him ample opportunity to display a firm torso enhanced with body art.

Speaking of art, Gerry’s got a secret talent that he’s eager to get back into. It’s called “Fire Poi” – a performance art with roots in Māori culture. Combining the swinging of tethered weights with music, dance and the element of fire, this is one unique talent that no doubt raises temperatures…especially when performed by a hottie of this magnitude.

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In his free time Gerry’s a bit of a homebody, taking in the occasional movie. His constant companions are a trio of gorgeous canines that form the heart and soul of his home. Can you say “Hot Dog Daddy” three times fast? If not, try “Hot Cookie”.

Get up close and personal with Gerry by following his Instagram page.

Noteworthy traits – gentle soul, rockin’ porn ‘stache

Brad Benson – bartender

In every crowd of smooth pretty-boys, there’s that one burly lumberjack who commands attention without saying a word. Iconic’s “Paul Bunyan” title goes to bartender Brad Benson, a gentle giant of a man.

Chiseled, furry and rippling with brawn, the L.A. native cuts a striking figure whenever he’s positioned at the front door. You can’t miss Brad when he’s behind the bar, either. You’ll see him upstairs at the second-level AVANT Cocktail Lounge or alongside the main dance floor/performance space, serving libations with a gentle smile and a sexy grind of the hips.

Being that Brad’s the strong silent type, it was tough to get very much info out of him. I do know that he’s a personal trainer (no surprise) who’s into weight lifting. What’s surprising is that he’s also a fine artist who works on large-scale abstract paintings.

Brad’s other large-scale work of art is his physique, which he proudly shares on his Instagram page. It won’t give you many clues into his personal life, but it certainly uncovers plenty of skin.

Thank goodness Iconic compiled this video of Brad, otherwise his lighthearted antics might remain a complete mystery to the people of Las Vegas:

Noteworthy traits – deep voice, deeper ab cuts

Adam Simmons – business owner/manager

Not many nightclub owners are also card-carrying members of the title of “Sexiest Man Alive”. But DNA Magazine included Iconic founder Adam Simmons in their 2019 salute to club owners due to his stunning hotness.

Adam is the ultimate extrovert, sharing his radiant smile and positive attitude with everyone he encounters. His entertainment background on Broadway fuels his desire to make Iconic a haven for acceptance, enjoyment and sexy thrills:

We built ICONIC in part to support the community. Come meet the sexiest, friendliest nightclub staff in all of Vegas! We love to meet new friends and party the night away! ICONIC brings you the best parties all weekend long…consistently great music, atmosphere, phenomenal shows and affordable delicious drinks! Come make some memories, hang with your friends, and enjoy the ride.

Adam jokes that he gets teased a lot for always being shirtless, but if you had this kind of body, would you want to cover it up? “Yes… that is indeed me…. My shirt collection is lacking!” says the California native.

You’ll often find Adam strolling through Iconic, making sure everything is running smoothly and all are having a great time. You’ll even spot him on the dance floor with his supportive and equally-hot husband Jason Jones. The two make a dynamic pair…and want you to be a part of the dusk-til-dawn fun at Iconic Nightclub.

Owner Adam Simmons (right) with husband Jason Jones…

Check out more steamy photos of Adam by heading to his Instagram page.

Noteworthy traits – veiny torso, dance compulsion, allergy to shirts

Honorable Mention – DJ Nick Ayler

Resident deejay Nick Ayler was featured in a previous edition of this column. You can read about chiseled Nick (and get a closer look at that hot body) by clicking HERE.

Iconic Nightclub is located at 4636 S. Wynn Road, close to Orleans Hotel Casino in the former location of SHARE. Hours are Thursday through Sunday 9pm to 6am. Visit their website for more information or to make table reservations.

‘SEX TIPS’ HEATS UP WITH THE ADDITION OF NEW STARS

There’s something funny going on inside the Anthony Cools Showroom of Paris Hotel…and it’s not just the long-running adult hypnosis show. Now in its third year at the same venue, ‘Sex Tips For Straight Women From A Gay Man’ unleashes naughty, side-splitting humor at a nonstop pace.

Based on an off-Broadway play that was itself inspired by a self-help book of the same name, ‘Sex Tips’ presents a scenario in which “Robyn”, an uptight and lonely college professional, is suddenly required to host a book club with the unfortunate acronym of RAAME (pronounced “Ram Me”).

Mark Gregory Melton as “Dan Anderson”…

Nervous but determined to succeed on her first assignment, Robyn follows a tried-and-true (albeit stuffy) method of read-and-discuss. Things immediately derail when Robyn discovers that ‘Sex Tips’ is the title of her forum’s first book. Then flamboyant guest author “Dan” rushes in like a gay force of nature, causing a panic attack for the painfully reserved host.

Myself with cast members MaKenzie Fly and Shyllon Melatti…

Things get even more complicated when Dan recruits hunky sound technician “Stefan” as his body model to demonstrate various dating and mating techniques. Naturally there’s plenty of sexual tension between Robyn and Stefan, which Dan takes full advantage of in a wide variety of amusing ways.

Click HERE to continue reading.

Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man performs nightly (dark Wednesday). Times vary by day. For adult audiences only.

International Hit ‘Blanc de Blanc’ Pops a Cork at Sahara

Sexy new burlesque show forms the cornerstone of re-imagined resort…

UPDATE: Starting October 3rd, all showtimes are moving from 7 pm to 8 pm.

The conversion of legendary Sahara Hotel Casino into SLS Las Vegas wasn’t the success that everyone had hoped for. Nor was it the north-Strip savior that many predicted. But five years of floundering later, Sahara is back with the original name, new owners and lots of improvements. And leading their entertainment line-up is the wonderful Blanc de Blanc.

Blanc de Blanc is an international hit that evokes the spirit of the finest champagnes. It’s fizzy, titillating, euphoric and oh so sophisticated. Featuring a gorgeous cast of singers, dancers, acrobats and comedians, it’s 75 minutes of fast paced, adults-only fun. The Foundry has been transformed into a lush Parisian cabaret for this production, lending an air of intimacy that few shows of this nature can achieve.

A two-level main stage is enhanced by three additional platforms, one of which becomes a balloon-filled hot tub as the show progresses. The action is all around you in the multi-level space which offers booths, cocktail tables, bar-side seats and…brace yourself…a Premium Champagne Hot Tub Experience. Yes, you can actually take a dip and sip bubbly with the cast (swimwear is required, so come prepared).

The show itself is reminiscent of Vegas Nocturne, the fantastic three-chapter Spiegelworld extravaganza that helped launch Cosmopolitan’s Rose.Rabbit.Lie in 2014. Fans of that short-lived production, which was ironically once rumored to resurface here at SLS/Sahara, will recognize cast member Spencer Novich. The rubber-bodied funnyman, who performed a similar role as “Ripley” in Vegas Nocturne, brings his unique onstage talents to Blanc de Blanc and also serves as its comedy director.

Blanc de Blanc is hosted by elegant, towering and muscular Monsieur Roméo. Clad in a tuxedo, holding his ever-present champagne flute and speaking in velvety French, the former Armani model, photographer and comedian greets guests at their seat before each performance. His sultry charisma sets the perfect tone for an evening of steamy Parisian thrills.

Monsieur Roméo has worked in the past with entertainers like Lady Gaga, Beyonce and burlesque legend Dita Von Tesse. In a post-show conversation, Roméo told me that he’s been hosting Blanc through multiple tours of Australia, New Zealand and London before bringing it to the lights of Sin City.

Show director Scott Maidment was also on hand for the evening’s performance. He watched from an upper level booth….

Click HERE to continue reading.

Photos: Sam Novak