Las Vegas Weekly

October 1, 2009 · 12:44 PM

Strip Scribbles: Justin Timberlake to teach golf to 500 kids

By Robin Leach

Justin Timberlake at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards.

Photo: The Associated Press

Mega pop star Justin Timberlake will teach golf to 500 lucky kids in a youth clinic that he’s hosting with famed professional golfer Butch Harmon. Justin’s lesson on the links is set for Oct. 11 at the TPC in Summerlin and kicks off his annual, weeklong golf tournament and concert fundraiser for Shriners Children’s Hospital.

As Vegas DeLuxe previously announced, Alice Cooper, Smokey Robinson and Kenny G are taking part in the golf tournament, and Alicia Keys, Ciara, Taylor Swift and TLC have signed on for the concert at Mandalay Bay Events Center.

*My exclusive stories on Aug. 13 and Sept. 2 about the young and old talents appearing on Jerry Springer’s live version of America’s Got Talent at Planet Hollywood starting next week has been confirmed (click HERE and HERE for the stories), and in addition to the news I broke that everybody was busy yesterday claiming as their scoop, more names have been added.

In addition to $1 million winner Kevin Skinner and opera singer Barbara Padilla, there’s drumming band Recycled Percussion, comedienne Grandma Lee, breakdancer Hairo Torres, trio the Texas Tenors, basketball dunking entertainers Acrodunk and previous season AGT musicians Nuttin’ But Strings.

*You can follow Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte’s space adventure on NASA TV HERE. And click HERE to watch all of Guy’s flight preparations for the Soyuz trip to the International Space Station. Tomorrow at 1 a.m., the flight is scheduled to approach the ISS. The actual docking should take place at 1:36 a.m. and will be followed by a news conference. At 4 a.m., the spaceflight participant hatch opening and welcoming ceremony will begin, with the first shots of Guy entering the ISS at 4:40 a.m. Click HERE for our coverage yesterday.

*I have been unable to check out the rumors reaching fever pitch that three nightclubs will close after New Year’s Eve for remodeling and updates before reopening as the tourist season picks up at springtime. Word on the nightlife circuit is that Lavo, which this weekend celebrates its first birthday, will get a makeover to reflect its highly successful Italian-themed restaurant below, plus sister nightclubs Pure in Caesars Palace and LAX in the Luxor.

*Which DJ has been crowned a new royal and landed the prestigious Friday night residency at Rain in the Palms? As joyous as the official announcement will be tomorrow, it’s still sad to think that DJ AM, born Adam Goldstein, died so young from a tragic, accidental overdose of the very drugs that were supposed to relieve the constant pain from the burns he suffered from a fatal plane crash last year.

Our colleagues at Las Vegas Weekly, whose Web site redesign launched today, reported last night that DJ Z-Trip has been named as AM’s successor -- click HERE for the story. I’ll be at dinner with Paris Hilton and Vince Neil at the Hard Rock Hotel, so I will miss the official announcement.

*Harrah’s headliner Mac King and Monte Carlo master magician Lance Burton will perform at this year’s prestigious “It’s Magic” event hosted by recent Emmy Awards host Neil Patrick Harris. It’s the highlight of a weeklong celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Magic Castle in Hollywood, the world’s most elite and famous club for magicians and magic enthusiasts and the home of The Academy of Magical Arts Inc. The event will take place on Nov. 8 at The Kodak Theater.

*L.A. Lakers starting point guard Derek Fisher signed copies of his new book Character Driven: Life, Lessons and Basketball at Emeril Lagasse’s Stadium in The Palazzo. Derek’s fans, who were excited to meet the “The Fish That Saved L.A.,” lined up outside Emeril’s new sports book, bar and grill. The four-time NBA champion smiled for photos and greeted fans and sports enthusiasts alike. The book reveals details of his relationship with Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. Read the book to discover his secret on-court ritual before he shoots a free throw!

*Every time there’s a major showbiz event, the gift-giving folks from Distinctive Assets set up a lounge with swag bags for the stars. For the third consecutive year, Distinctive Assets organized a backstage lounge for the entertainers performing at Andre Agassi’s 14th Annual Grand Slam for Children fundraiser -- but with a unique twist. The celebrities had to give back their favorite new gift nicely autographed so that it could be auctioned off and raise even more funds for our hometown hero’s Foundation for Education. Click HERE for my friend and colleague Xania Woodman’s rundown of the gifts for Las Vegas Weekly.

*Drew Gehling has been chosen to replace Erich Bergen in Jersey Boys at the Palazzo. Drew takes over the role of writer Bob Gaudio, who he portrayed in the Chicago company. Drew arrives Monday and will be in the show for one month, departing Nov. 8 when another performer arrives.

Tonight’s tips

Tonight’s the debut of former Baywatch beauty Angelica Bridges in the new-look Fantasy burlesque cabaret at the Luxor. Click HERE for our story about the Playboy and Maxim model rock singer joining the lineup. … Fashion designer Donald Pliner presents his fall collection at his store in the Caesars Palace Shops at a soiree hosted by Elaine Wynn and N9NE Group’s Jenna Morton to benefit the Las Vegas After School All-Stars. … Respected tattoo mogul Mario Barth leads the world’s top tattoo artists to the kickoff party of The Biggest Tattoo Show on Earth at Rum Jungle in Mandalay Bay. Motley Crue’s Tommy Lee will drum to accompany DJ Aoki spinning the wheels of steel, and porn princess Tera Patrick will be watching as rocker hubby Evan Seinfeld emceees the mayhem.

Tomorrow’s teases

It’s another amazing, jam-packed celebrity weekend as Courtney Love, Slash, 24 star Kiefer Sutherland and a rat pack of rowdy rockers celebrate The Mirage’s 20th anniversary, while platinum princess Paris Hilton parties at the Hard Rock Hotel and Jessica Simpson joins sister Ashlee for her birthday at MGM.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter HERE.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter HERE.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter HERE.

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