Who is the funniest person in the world? Do you think there is one? Well to answer both questions, all you have to do is go the New Tropicana Resort anytime from Monday, April 13 through Sunday, April 19, and purchase a ticket to the Laugh Factory and see for yourself. That’s right, gang, Las Vegas will be hosting the “Funniest Person in the World,” when Ismo Leikola of Finland appears at the Laugh Factory.
Leikola won the World Competition which was determined by fans voting while they watched a group of comedians from around the world on streaming Internet compete in 2014. When the votes were counted, Leikola had gathered 158,945 votes, while Saad Haroon of Pakistan captured second place with 59,213 votes. Appearing with Leikola will be Jackson Perdue, with John Clark hosting the two nightly shows at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $34.95 and $44.95 plus fees.
Leikola won $10,000 and a national comedy tour. The competition was the brainchild of Laugh Factory owner Jamie Masada, who plans to make it an annual event. He said he hopes it can show the world that if people from different countries laugh together they can set aside other differences.
Ismo is the most internationally successful stand up-comedian to come out of Finland, having not only won his present title, but in 2003, Leikola won Finland’s, “Best Newcomer in Stand Up award.” His career continued to grow over the years, and included four one-man show concert hall tours and appearances on numerous TV shows, two DVD releases, and three comedy song singles. Ismo is also a six time winner of the, “Audience Favorite Comedian Award,” at the largest annual stand up festival in Finland. The Finnish media has been following Ismo’s career for many years.
In addition to his productive career in Finland, Ismo has built an international presence by performing at various festivals and respected professional comedy clubs around the world. His unique style, disarming presence and sharp punchlines have been welcomed with excellent international reviews along with excited audience feedback in several countries.
Jackson Perdue started his comedy career in Hollywood at the World Famous Comedy Store and Laugh Factory, where he honed his craft in comedic storytelling by watching and learning the mechanics and art of stand-up comedy from the best comedians around the country. As a Japanese-American raised in Arkansas, Perdue used his unique upbringing to create distinct comedy material about various topics including family matters, news headlines and the mixing of cultures.
John Clark is a stand-up comedian who lives in California and is originally from the East Coast. Growing up, Clark lived in 15 different states, went to five middle schools and four high schools. Thoroughly confused at this point, Clark found the stage and has never looked back. Clark’s energetic, honest and playful take on life has delighted audiences all over the country.
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Now through April 17, the LAPD End of Watch Memorial Wall will be on display at Treasure Island in Siren’s Cove. The travelling exhibit is dedicated to the 207 Los Angeles Police Department officers who have fallen in the line of duty. The End of Watch memorial wall features all six LAPD badges in chronological order, surrounded by the names of all 207 officers. Two names have been added since the project began.
Constructed of stainless steel and glass and illuminated with LED lights, more than 40 people and 18 greater Los Angeles area companies contributed to building the memorial. The main badge assembly weights more than 100 pounds and requires at least three people to manage safely. Admission is free and retired LAPD officers and memorial staff will be on site to answer visitors’ questions.
This year’s, UNLVino will be celebrating more than 40 years in the Las Vegas community. The time-honored event raises scholarship funds for UNLV’s Hotel College through a weekend of spectacular culinary soirees, including: Bubble-Licious inside the Venetian Las Vegas’ Doge’s Palace Plaza – Thursday. April 16: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
To kick off the weekend’s festivities, UNLVino will uncork a variety of champagnes and sparkling wines at Bubble-Licious. Guests will enjoy small bites from The Venetian and Palazzo’s B&B Ristorante; Bouchon; Carlo’s Bakery; Delmonico Steakhouse; Lagasse’s Stadium; Otto Enoteca Pizzeria; SUSHISAMBA; Table 10 and Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, as well as db Brasserie from Chef Daniel Boulud, who will be honored with the Dom Pérignon Award of Excellence at the event.
Highly acclaimed vocalist Chadwick Johnson will be the special guest artist for the opening evening, and will serenade guests with smooth renditions of a variety of selections from the “Great American Songbook,” to top 40 hits, and some great jazz classics. Tickets for UNLVino at the Venetian are $125 in advance; $150 at the door.
Sake Fever will take place inside the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa Pool – Friday, April 17: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. This year UNLVino brings back the fan-favorite Sake Fever, showcasing a variety of sakes, Japanese spirits and cocktails from Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada’s Master Mixologists, Francesco Lafranconi and J.R. Starkus. Cuisine from some of the city’s top restaurants and chefs will be featured, including: 8 Noodle Bar; Aburiya Raku; District One; Double Barrel Roadhouse; Hearthstone Kitchen & Cellar; Chef Heather Zheng; J Karaoke Bistro; Kabuki Japanese Restaurant; Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ; Lucky Foo’s Restaurant & Bar; Mercadito; Monta Ramen; Pot Liquor Contemporary American Smokehouse; T-Bones Chophouse; Tonkatsu Kiyoshi; Yusho Japanese Grill & Noodle House; Zen Curry and Zenshin Asian Restaurant.
UNLV’s Don Snyder will be recognized for his leadership and the world’s first rock ‘n’ roll Rat Pack tribute band, Franks & Deans, will energize the crowd with a live performance. Tickets are $100 in advance; $125 at the door.
The Grand Tasting will be held at Paris Las Vegas’ Grand Ballroom – Saturday, April 18: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. returning to Paris Las Vegas’ Grand Ballroom, UNLVino’s Grand Tasting will delight guests with a collection of premium beverages and a fresh entertainment lineup, including a performance by famed modern jazz musician, Frankie Moreno. Chef Steve Martorano will be honored for his culinary accomplishments and bold Italian-American restaurant style, as the weekend’s main event indulges guests with delectable cuisine from UNLV’s culinary students and celebrated Vegas restaurants, such as Andre’s Restaurant & Lounge; Burger Bar; D.O.C.G.; DW Bistro; Fleur by Hubert Keller; Herbs and Rye; JinJu Chocolates; Makers & Finders Coffee; MTO Café; O Face Doughnuts; Scarpetta and the Goodwich. Tickets are $125 in advance; $150 at the door.
UNLVino was co-founded in 1974 by the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration and Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada, the two organizations which continue to sponsor it today. Over the past four decades, UNLVino has raised several million dollars for scholarships and other academic developmental needs of UNLV students. UNLVino is differentiated through unparalleled, hands-on student experiences at all levels of event planning, execution and promotion, as well as the impactful funds raised each year – all testaments to the celebratory weekend’s broader purpose – scholarship. For more information, please visit www.UNLVino.com and follow UNLVino on Twitter @UNLVinoVegas.
Neal Reid, a published writer for more than 20 years, has been named media relations manager at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the speedway announced recently. In his new role, Reid will help publicize events at all LVMS facilities including the Bullring and The Strip, assist with the speedway’s social media efforts, maintain and edit the speedway’s website and oversee all publications. Reid comes to LVMS after spending the last four years as a full-time freelance writer in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he wrote for a multitude of publications that included USA Today, Newsday, the Colorado Springs Gazette, Denver Post, MLB.com, ESPN.com and ESPNW.com.
An Auburn University journalism graduate, Reid is also a longtime Associated Press contributor and covered everything from Air Force football and basketball to the UFC for the worldwide news agency. Neal spent six years doing media relations work for the Ladies Professional Golf Association from 1998-2004 in Daytona Beach, Fla., where he rose to the title of senior media relations coordinator. He was editor of the ProRodeo Sports News – the official national publication of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association – for five years before embarking on his full-time freelance writing career. “Neal has an extensive background in both journalism and media relations, which makes him a perfect addition to our media relations team here at LVMS,” said Jeff Motley, LVMS vice president of public relations. “He has worked on local, national and international levels as a journalist, and he will play a key role as we continue to position Las Vegas Motor Speedway as one of the world’s most prominent sports facilities.”
Well, gang, that’s about it for this week.