This past weekend, Las Vegas was more than just a summer hot spot for bottle service and laying poolside in a cabana. The Miss USA pageant was held at the Theatre for the Performing Arts at Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino on Sunday night.
Miss Hawaii Angela Byrd. Credit: Miss Universe L.P., LLLP/Patrick Prather.
Miss Hawaii Angela Byrd made it past the swimsuit competition and earned herself a spot in the top 10. Credit: James Otoa/EverettMaking it to the top 10 was Miss Hawaii, Angela Byrd. The 23-year-old English-Scottish Korean sauntered across the stage in a shimmery blue string bikini and nude strappy stilettos during the swimsuit competition. Then she donned an embellished off-white evening gown before she was thrown out of the competition when the judges selected the top four. Despite the loss, Byrd–who also works as a model–plans on continuing her education to become a physician assistant.
DJ Production Team: The Bangerz. From left: Nick Ngo, Goldenchyld, Cutso, Squareweezy, Replay, and G-Wrex.
As we mentioned in our Happenings This Week Post, the original winners of America’s Best Dance Crew (ABDC), the Jabbawockeez, just launched their new album Jabbawockeez MÜS.I.C. on March 1, which is now available on iTunes. It will also be available at the Monte Carlo Theater beginning Tuesday, March 15. Aren’t they a dance crew, not a music production team, you ask? Yes, but they formed a collaboration with The Bangerz to create this album, a progressive mix of electronic and hip-hop music. It consists of 14 original songs, including several tracks from their critically acclaimed show MÜS.I.C. at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, as well as their first single, “Robot Remains,” which climbed to the number seven electronic song on iTunes after its release in October 2010.
Gung Hay Fat Choy, Chuc Mung Nam Moi, and Sae Hae Bok Mani Ba Deu Se Yo!
No matter how you say it, this Lunar New Year’s is sure to be filled with plenty of red envelopes with shiny, new money, and all versions of chewy rice cake. But who knew Vegas was the place to be to kick off the Year of the Rabbit?
Bellagio’s Chinese New Year Sanctuary
WHEN: Now through March 5
WHERE: Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, 3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas
HOW: The display is complimentary to the public and open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens will be transformed from a winter wonderland into a serene sanctuary with a Chinese New Year display guided by the ancient practice of Feng Shui and celebrating the spirit of the rabbit. The centerpiece of the exhibit is a 35-foot Chinese junk boat inspired by traditional 15th century fishing vessels, created by Daniels Wood Land, Inc., best known for building full-scale replicas of The Black Pearl for Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise. A 12-foot rabbit with a luxurious coat comprised of live plants will watch over eight playing babies within a forest of bamboo trees. Nearby, the God of Prosperity, bringing good fortune and great luck to the New Year, will hold court in the entrance garden. Oversized brilliant red, silk Chinese lanterns along with a moongate wall, a symbol of mysticism and serenity, decorate the scene, as seven replica Terracotta Warriors, covered in crushed walnuts and ground carrot seeds, stand guard.
Dragon Parade at The Forum Shops at Caesars
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 3 beginning at approximately 10 am
WHERE: The Forum Shops at Caesars, Las Vegas
Join The Meadows School as they kick off the traditional dragon parade throughout The Forum Shops at Caesars. Led by senior Shannon Chen, 120 Meadows students will perform a Chinese dragon parade featuring two large and colorful dragons (powered by students), red and gold costumes (Chinese colors of joy), drums and firecrackers (to keep evil spirits away).
The 2011 Chinese New Year Treasure Hunt
WHEN: Saturday, February 19, 2011 (rain or shine), 4:30 pm (check in at 3:30)
WHERE: Hunt begins at Justin Herman Plaza in San Francisco, located at the foot of Market Street at the Embarcadero (behind the Hyatt Regency Hotel)
HOW: Ticket prices are from $30 to $40 for adults and $10 for kids under 18. For more information and ticket prices, please visit www.sftreasurehunts.com or call 415-564-9400
If you can’t make it to Vegas, try San Francisco instead. Once again, they’re putting on the largest and most popular urban sleuthing adventure in America. The Chinese New Year Treasure Hunt takes players throughout the city’s coolest neighborhoods, leading them to hidden gems commonly overlooked in the daily routine of life. From Chinatown to Telegraph Hill, look for clues and race to beat the clock against other teams. Come with your own team, or meet new friends. Oh, and best team outfit and best team name win prizes!
