Las Vegas Weekly

May 20, 2010 · 3:31 PM

Strip Scribbles: Hometown hero Ne-Yo says, ‘Be a gentleman’

By Robin Leach

Ne-Yo unveils his Boys & Girls Clubs sign on May 20, 2010.

Photo: Scott Harrison/Retna/www.harrisonphotos.com

Our hometown hero and Boys & Girls Clubs alumnus Ne-Yo unveiled a Boys & Girls Clubs billboard this morning featuring his childhood picture and the inspirational message “Be a gentleman” near the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. The Grammy Award-winning singer joins some 25 prominent alumni in a campaign to increase public awareness about the issues facing today’s youths and to send a call-to-action urging Americans to help youths “Be Great.”

As part of today’s events, Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas is hosting a preview of the Ralph and Betty Engelstad Clubhouse from 5 to 7 p.m.; it officially opens June 7. The Engelstad Family Foundation provided $5 million to build the facility, endow the clubhouse in perpetuity and provide higher education scholarships to Las Vegas youths.

Other club alumni joining Ne-Yo in the “Be Great” campaign include Denzel Washington, Muhammad Ali, Ashanti, Wesley Clark, Bill Clinton, Bill Cosby, Cuba Gooding Jr., Michael Jordan, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Queen Latifah, Mario Lopez, John Mellencamp, Edward James Olmos, Shaquille O’Neal, Smokey Robinson, Jimmy Rollins, Martin Sheen, John Singleton, Ruben Studdard, Usher, Courtney B. Vance, Mark Wahlberg and Kerry Washington.

WICKED WHISPERS & RACY RUMORS

Is the stage being set for one of the ugliest legal battles ever with warring partners under the same roof in our hotel and entertainment business? The hostility is so bad that the former best buddies aren’t even talking to each other -- and that’s doubly difficult when their names are so inextricably linked in the success of their nearly 10-year-old operations. A lawsuit is quietly underway and depositions are being ordered. Folks: This has to be resolved and settled before it leaks out! Take a deep breath and pause. Las Vegas doesn’t need you at each other’s throats, nor do you. At the center of the controversy is the exclusive nature of the partnership contracts, but when one of the folks decided to open a venue in a rival hotel, fireworks exploded. “ It’s really bad, really ugly,” I was reliably told.

*The Mirage headliner Terry Fator, the cast of Human Nature and Mayor Oscar Goodman joined together to promote National Travel & Tourism Week and the benefits for our economy. Terry and Human Nature performed during the event, which was attended by outstanding employees in the hospitality industry who were recognized with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s Hospitality Hero Award.

STAR SURVEILLANCE

Maroon 5 was spotted at Lavo in the Palazzo. Frontman Adam Levine serenaded girlfriend model Anne V throughout the night, and the group danced, took photos and enjoyed Grey Goose cocktails, Coronas and Patron shots. Also at Lavo: Al Harrington of the New York Knicks, who stuck to water but danced to the sounds of DJ Five. … The Cabana Candy Party was held last night at Carey Hart’s Wasted Space in the Hard Rock Hotel. A bunch of girls showed up to watch The Fight Club Ring Girl Competition. Three lucky ladies were named winners to be ring girls in Fight Club 4 at The Joint on June 16.

*There was an early morning sense of deja vu -- I woke to the old Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous theme music on NBC’s Today. My pal Matt Lauer even referenced the show that ran for 14 seasons -- and then tackled an amazing repossession-on-the-increase story focusing on the highest of high-end items. Amazing what the wealthy are letting go of these days.

*Comedian Russell Brand and actor Jonah Hill will be on the red carpet for a screening of their movie Get Him to the Greek at Planet Hollywood, but guest co-star Sean “P. Diddy” Combs won’t make it. Twitter and Facebook followers will take part in a tweet up at Strip House there for two hours before the screening to win prizes. Scenes were shot here on the Strip, and here’s the official trailer on YouTube.

UPCOMING DATES

*Tomorrow morning bright and early, please support the Fourth Annual Henry Prendes Charity Golf Classic at Black Mountain Golf and Country Club. At 7:45 a.m., a Police Department helicopter will drop 1,000 pre-numbered golf balls over the driving range, with the person gathering up Top 3 winning balls receiving the cash prize. It’s to honor Metro Police Sgt. Henry Prendes, who was slain in the line of duty. His widow Dawn vowed to start a camp for underprivileged youth and is now developing a 14-acre parcel in Cedar City, Utah. Proceeds also will be donated to the Injured Police Officers Fund.

*At 10 a.m. tomorrow, a 14-year dream finally comes true with the red ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. One thousand biodegradable balloons will be released in a tribute. On hand will be Larry Ruvo, founder; Mayor Oscar Goodman; Sen. John Ensign, Dr. Toby Cosgrove, president; and Dr. Randy Schiffer, medical director of Cleveland Clinic. The gala party is Saturday night.

*Ten prominent female business leaders will conduct “The Ultimate Interview’ workshop at the 3rd Annual Tzedakah (charity) Luncheon on Sunday at the brain center to help Las Vegas residents get back to work. Project Ezra, which is run by Jewish Family Services Agency, helps unemployed workers refine job search tools and techniques along with counseling and emergency aid to pair employers with candidates. In its first year, Project Ezra placed 279 people from the 500 they set out to assist. It’s the first brunch at the clinic and is open to the public.

TONIGHT’S TIPS

Award-winning Playboy Comedy hosts Cort McCown and Paul Hughes welcome the incredibly sexy and very funny comedienne April Macie for a three-day run at the Palms. A regular guest of Howard Stern’s, she’s been voted the funniest and hottest comedian in America and was a finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing. April’s sexy stories and off-color humor are so vivid that she makes guys blush as bright as her red hair!

TOMORROW’S TEASES

As Carrie Underwood arrives in a weekend that also includes Styx and Steve Miller Band, Strip star Terry Fator and Holly Madison go to the dogs. It’s the Animal Foundation’s annual Best in Show, where 60-plus darling doggies will parade in the hopes of being adopted.

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 at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

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