Celebs Hit Las Vegas for a Good Cause
www.lasvegasnow.com10.15.08
The PGA Tour is back in Las Vegas with a new format and a new tournament host. Justin Timberlake's goal for his Shriner's Hospital for Children Open is quite simple - "I don't have any rule, except that this should be fun. And everyone should come out and have a good time."
With fun being the name of the game, there's no one better at that than Ellen Degeneres.
"You know how people follow the Grateful Dead around? I follow Justin like that. He said he was doing this and asked me to come out and play a round and have some fun. So we flew in to have fun with this event and help out. Obviously it's a good cause," she said.
The cause is Shriner's Children's Hospitals -- the non-profit organization which works financial and physical miracles.
Justin witnessed one first hand, playing a round with an amputee, "You see what Shriner's is doing for her and see the immediate effect of that. I started learning more about it."
So he decided to put his name on the tournament and brought his celebrity friends along for the ride -- even those who don't swing the clubs so well.
"So what's better, your dancing or your golfing?" asked Berk.
"That's a tough one. They're both equally bad, so I don't know," said Ellen.
What happened on the golf course, will stay on the gold course, but the dancing is coming back, "We'll be here in November For Ellen's Really, Really Big Show."
And now, a really, really big name is attached Las Vegas's PGA Tour stop.
That Really, Really Big Show will take place at Caesar's Palace this November. The Justin Timberlake Shriner's Open begins Thursday morning at TPC Summerlin.
Comments (0) 02.05.2009. 19:11
Players, fans and host ready for Vegas stop's new look
pgatour.10.14.08
LAS VEGAS -- John Daly is used to being the man fans come out to follow each week. His gallery sizes sometimes rival Tiger Woods' and Phil Mickelson's crowds.
But, in the pro-am on Monday at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, Daly could have been invisible for all the fans cared. The girls who followed the golfers were only there to see one person -- Justin Timberlake.
Big J.D. was no match for J.T., as a handful of girls scampered to get their picture taken with Timberlake and his gal pal Jessica Biel -- she followed him to cheer him on during the pro-am -- after Timberlake's round. Rest assured, though, the PGA TOUR isn't going to become overrun with paparazzi or screaming fans.
"Justin is a traditionalist in golf now. When I first played with him, he wasn't very good. But he had just started, and he fell in love with (the game)," said Daly, who'd called his long-time friend Timberlake months ago about the event and the two decided to play together in the Monday pro-am.
Both hail from Tennessee and became friends about 10 years ago, when Timberlake first picked up the sport. Even when he was still a high handicapper, Timberlake told Daly he was going to become a good golfer.
"And he has. Now his handicap is around a six, I think, and he knows the rules, he knows the game," Daly added. "He's a great guy. We like to hang out, and it's just great to have his name on this tournament."
The fact that Timberlake lent his name to the event as tournament host meant several changes for the long-running Las Vegas affair. Now in its 26th year, the tournament had always been played on multiple courses. Timberlake wanted to move the event to one course, so this year the players will only tee it up on the 7,243-yard, par-72 TPC Summerlin that was designed by Fuzzy Zoeller and Bobby Weed in 1991 on the outskirts of Las Vegas.
Another Tennessee product, Kirk Triplett, has played in the event for 16 years and says the one-course change will be welcomed by many players.
"I'm sure (the tournament) will get different guys to this event who didn't particularly care for that format now that it's gone to one course," Triplett said. "From that standpoint, preparation is a lot easier. You get some work done at Summerlin and then maybe have more time to enjoy the town. Getting the celebrities involved is also a great idea and will bring more interest and more people to the course. It's kind of an experiment this year. We'll see what it's like. I think people will go home, will tell their friends and the tournament will grow in the future."
Fans and players will no longer have to shuttle back and forth between courses and can focus their efforts on one venue. It will also eliminate confusion about where fans can find their favorite players on which day. According to Daly, who made his first appearance at the Las Vegas tournament in 1991, it makes the entire week easier.
"I think the guys enjoy having one golf course to play. You can get used to the greens and can almost get three practice rounds in on the course instead of going to three different courses. I like what (Timberlake) did," Daly said.
The celebrities in the event, which include Timberlake, George Lopez, John O'Hurley, Josh Duhamel, Chris Kirkpatrick, Tony Potts, Amanda Beard, Janet Gretzky, Luke Wilson and Greg Kinnear, will only be playing in the Wednesday pro-am instead of the actual tournament. As Timberlake said, if the professionals are competing, he doesn't want celebrities to be in the way.
"I've eliminated too much pro-am play while the players are actually counting their scores because I just believe in that. I made a comparison...Phil (Mickelson) wasn't going to come up and try to do karaoke while I'm doing my show. So for me to chip balls out of a bunker while he's trying to win a tournament is not exactly, you know, it's a Catch 22. I think eliminating that will help the players out, as well," Timberlake said.
Given that it's the Fall Series, where many players are vying to keep their PGA TOUR cards to secure their TOUR spots for 2009, distractions aren't really an option. Even the lure and lights of Las Vegas will be (mostly) ignored during the week once the tournament starts.
But that doesn't mean some players won't enjoy every aspect of the host city.
"I think (Vegas is) part of the whole package," Triplett said. "Guys that like to come to Vegas have been coming regardless of whether they liked the format or not. Now there's really nothing to stop a TOUR player or have him think twice about coming. I suspect you'll see it become a more popular event with the TOUR players."
"These are big weeks for a lot of guys for a number of reasons," Mike Weir added. "Guys trying to keep their card, trying to move up the money list, trying to win, like anytime late in the year. It's a good golf course. Not only will you have a great time in Vegas, but it's a good golf course to play, and I think the combination of everything gets a better field here."
The 132-player field will feature seven players who participated in THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola, as well as past champions Davis Love III, Troy Matteson, Bob Estes, Paul Azinger and last year's winner George McNeill.
The other co-host of the event, the Shriners Hospitals for Children, is a network of 22 pediatric hospitals in the U.S., Canada and Mexico that provide free specialized care for orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal injuries and cleft lip and palate repair. For the second consecutive year, the Shriners Hospitals for Children will receive the proceeds from the tournament. This is the first year, though, that they are co-host of the event and will continue to be affiliated in that respect with the TOUR and Timberlake for at least four more years.
For his part, Timberlake is hoping to raise money for the Shriners Hospitals and bring attention to their cause.
"The partnership with the Shriners came about when I was trying to get involved with the PGA TOUR because I'm such a fan," Timberlake said. " We approached (the TOUR) and said if there's anything that comes up, a Pro-Am, celebrity tournament, charity tournament or anything, let us know. And the Vegas spot seemed like a good fit for me and for celebrities alike, and it was already a Pro-Am, so we tacked onto that and obviously in the process we got involved with the Shriners, who is the beneficiary of the tournament.
"So it's great. Come out for a week every October where the weather is actually good in Vegas in October and play golf and raise some money for children's hospitals."
Comments (0) 02.05.2009. 19:06
Pop star took quickly to game, plays it well
www.lasvegassun.com10.14.08
Justin Timberlake has won six Grammy Awards, his solo record debut has sold 7 million copies and he shot an 83 at Torrey Pines this year when his pal Tiger Woods proclaimed that no amateur golfer could break 100 on a U.S. Open course.
It’s hard to say which was the biggest accomplishment. But if you’ve ever picked up a 7-iron, you can’t help but be impressed by that 83 at Torrey Pines.
Actually, Timberlake shot the 83 while playing a practice round. When he was grouped in a foursome with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, NBC “Today Show” host Matt Lauer and “a regular guy from Omaha” he shot a 98 with the cameras rolling.
Only a serious golfer could break 100 on a U.S. Open course, and Timberlake is just as serious about helping the Las Vegas PGA Tour stop to break out of the doldrums and become a featured event on the fall calendar.
Here are some thoughts he expressed about the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open during a recent teleconference:
How do you expect to take this event and make it a marquee event, especially as it comes later in the year on the PGA Tour?
I would be lying if I didn’t say we’d love to make it part of the points race. But this first year around, we’ve got some cool things planned for the Pro-Am and obviously for the week with the players, their families, all the celebrities that attend. I think from the get-go, we’ve made it more enjoyable for the players. I mean, we put the tournament on the same course, so you’re going to get a lot lower scores. I think the pros are going to appreciate that.
Plus, the amateurs won’t be getting in the way of the pros when they are counting scores, right?
I just believe in that. I sort of said Phil (Mickelson) wasn’t going to come up and try to do karaoke while I’m doing my show. So for me to chip balls out of a bunker while he’s trying to win a tournament is not exactly — you know, it’s a Catch‑22. I think eliminating that will help the players out, as well.
Where did your love for golf come from and how early did you start playing?
I didn’t really fall in love with the game until I was about 21 or 22. I was on tour. Just kind of got cabin fever from playing indoor arenas three or four days in a row. My crew, my stage manager, took me out for a round of golf. I sort of remembered everything that my dad taught me when I was 10 or 11. I immediately fell in love with the game.
Is there kind of a tranquillity you can’t get anywhere else, the ability to just relax and enjoy the outdoors and everything that comes with it?
When I’m on the golf course, it seems to be the only place where I can shut it all off. I get lost in the beauty of the courses I play. I get lost in the game. That’s when it really hits you that it really is the greatest game ever played.
What’s your handicap?
That depends on who I’m playing with (laughing). No, I’m a single digit. I range, depending on the time I get to play, from an 8 to a 4.
Who would be in your dream foursome if you could only pick out of the current PGA Tour golfers?
I mean, I think anyone would put Tiger in there. I guess I’d put Tiger, you know, Phil, and probably Adam (Scott) in the same group. I thought that that was pretty cool the first couple rounds at the U.S. Open that all three of those guys played together, being they were the top three in the world.
If you could pick from celebrity golfers, athletes or actors, what would be your dream foursome?
I do enjoy playing with Sam Jackson. We always have a good time. I’d put Sam in there. Let’s see. I also enjoy playing with Andy Garcia. He’s a good friend. I’d put him in there. And then maybe somebody like Will Smith. I think we’d all have fun together.
Comments (0) 02.05.2009. 19:01
Can Lance and Lacey Outsmart Dancing's "Curse"?
www.tvguide.com
So far this season, Lance Bass and Lacey Schwimmer are getting their Dancing groove on with solid scores and untraditional moves that are earning them kudos (and a little ire). But as Season 7 is beset by a string of injuries — from Jeff Ross' cornea scratch to Misty-May Treanor's tendon-pop — they're not taking any chances.
"The stage is cursed, we all believe it now," Schwimmer told TVGuide.com at the Respect Awards. "So we stay away from that little area by the judges," she said, referring to the perilous spot where several of the show's injuries have occurred. "Seriously," she insisted, in the face of skeptical press. "Lance and I will walk around it all funny, so it's kind of scary, but we're taking extra precautions."
Safety steps that the two are considering range from the superstitious (the pair might "light some sage and throw it in the audience a little bit," Schwimmer said) to the practical: "We're stretching [Lance]. He's not very flexible, he can hardly touch his toes, but we're really taking extra precautions with him right now."
Not even four weeks into the season, Bass and Schwimmer's tandem efforts are starting to extend well beyond the dance floor. Schwimmer was attending Friday's annual award show, presented by GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) to support her star partner, who was honored for his commitment to the organization.
"No one should have to live a lie," Bass said, discussing his own experience coming out as a gay man. "That weight that is lifted off your shoulders, I can't even describe it." He came out to the public in July 2006.
Yet, after pre-season buzz about having a same-sex dance partner, Bass wouldn't have things any other way. "I could not even think about another partner besides Lacey. I'm the luckiest person."
For Schwimmer, meanwhile, the pair's recent made-for-TV smooch sealed the deal — at least, in jest. "You know, that's been dream of mine since I was a little girl," she laughed, "so I took advantage!"
With precautionary meaures, smooches and all, how far do you think the pair will go (in the competition, that is)?
Comments (0) 10.13.2008. 10:29
Justin Timberlake And Jessica Biel Step Out In Support Of Barack Obama
www.entertainmentwise.com
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel jumped on the celebrities-who-support-Barack Obama bandwagon at the Last Chance For Change rally in Las Vegas.
The Sexy Back star took to the stage and urges Americans to Vote Obama at the event.
He told the crowd: “This is not my usual stage—and I’m a little nervous. This is the first time in my life that I am endorsing a political candidate.
"I’m not here as a musician or an actor or that guy that writes songs. I’m not here as a Democrat or a Republican. I’m here as an American.”
Justin continued, “I’m not here to tell you what to think but I urge you to think. I’m supporting Barack Obama because I’m inspired by him, by his voice, his intellect, his leadership and his judgement.”
Proud girlfriend Jess joined her man on stage and looked a little teary-eyed as he spoke.
We wonder if the two will get hitched while they're in sin city...
Comments (0) 10.13.2008. 10:18
Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open celebrities
www.worldgolf.com
LAS VEGAS, Nev. The Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open will feature a list of celebrities teeing off at TPC Summerlin on Wednesday, Oct. 15 for the tournament's Celebrity Pro-Am sponsored by Golf Digest. Amanda Beard, Josh Duhamel, Josh Kelley, Chris Kirkpatrick, George Lopez and John O'Hurley will join Timberlake on the links with more celebrity names expected to be released in the coming weeks.
Timberlake enthuses, "I just want to make Wednesday an entertaining day for the fans who come out and really love the game…maybe we'll all learn something and we'll have fun in the process."
The celebrities will join an impressive list of PGA TOUR professionals who have already committed to play in Las Vegas including Mike Weir, Jesper Parnevik, Hunter Mahan and Zach Johnson.
Golf Digest VP & Publisher, Thomas J. Bair states, "We at Golf Digest are incredibly honored to sponsor the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Celebrity Pro-Am. Justin, the celebrities and the tour players will not only enjoy a tremendous day of golf, they will also be supporting a truly worthy cause. This is what golf is all about: sport, competition and giving back. We are proud to be a part of this event."
Fans are invited to join in the fun and come out and watch the celebrities compete alongside PGA TOUR professionals. THE HILL is the perfect place to see and be seen while enjoying great views of the 16th, 17th and 18th holes. THE HILL's sports bar atmosphere is complete with comfortable seating areas around 50" plasma-screen TVs for keeping up with the latest sporting events. The party kicks into high gear during Happy Hour, Oct. 15-17 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. After the evening Happy Hours on Wednesday and Thursday, a DJ will be spinning music on THE HILL to keep the party going. THE HILL is open Wednesday, October 15 - Sunday, October 19 and a limited number of tickets can be purchased for $25 per day or $125 for the week. Daily and weeklong tickets are on sale now at www.jtshrinersopen.com or by calling 702-873-1010 and event day tickets can be purchased at the gate.
About the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open: The 2008 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open kicks off a five-year commitment between the two parties to continue the tradition of a PGA TOUR event in Las Vegas. The collaboration between Shriners Hospitals and Timberlake to act as Title Sponsor and Host (respectively) promises to create a truly unique and world-class event for players and fans alike. A host of well-known golfers and celebrities will participate in the competition to help support the Shriners Hospitals' mission, while enjoying the signature flair that Las Vegas has to offer. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Join the fun Oct. 13 - 19, 2008 at TPC Summerlin where both the serious and casual golf fan will applaud as some of the best players in golf combined with Las Vegas-style entertainment are showcased. The viewing is unsurpassed at THE HILL, a 22,000-square-foot luxury entertainment pavilion overlooking the 16th, 17th and 18th holes, granting stunning views of the course, Las Vegas skyline and Red Rock Canyon.
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN OPEN: 1680 Village Center Circle, Las Vegas, NV 89134, 702-873-1010, www.jtshrinersopen.com.
Comments (0) 10.08.2008. 12:28
Lance Bass: Looking for a Sitcom
www.eonline.com
Don't look for Lance Bass to follow in Justin Timberlake's solo footsteps.
The Dancing With the Stars contestant has no plans of ever releasing his own CD.
"I would never do a solo album," he said at the One Sunset restaurant party in L.A. last Thursday. "It would be fun maybe to do a song here and there, but to put a whole album together would be so stressful and take so much time."
Besides, he added, "who knows if it would even be a success? The music industry is such a crapshoot these days."
While Bass said he's been focused more on the producing side of movie and television projects, he admitted his time on DWTS has him thinking it may be time to get back to performing. "I'm enjoying being back in front of the camera. It's nice," he said. "After this, I'm hoping to do a sitcom or something like that."
Hopefully, things in the future will go as smoothly as they have on DWTS. "The judges aren't responding the way I wanted them to respond to our style, but I think what we lack with the judges, the fans really like," Bass said of his ballroom bump-and-grinds with Lacey Schwimmer. "They want us to stay on...You know, I'm here to entertain people, not to win anything. So I guess I'm good at my job."
—Additional reporting by Dahvi Shira
Comments (0) 10.07.2008. 19:07
Fuse Provides Singers With Shot At ‘Redemption’
www.multichannel.com
Fuse will give several down-on-their-luck singers a chance at music stardom in the new reality competition series Redemption Song, debuting Oct. 29.
The series, hosted by WWE Superstar Chris Jericho, will pit 11 singers with troubled backgrounds a chance to win a record deal with Fuse/Geffen Records, according to Fuse executives.
The contestants, whose backgrounds encompass alcoholism, abandonment and/or abuse, will compete weekly in a series of transforming challenges that will test their vocal abilities, performance skills and charisma. Guest stars expected to appear on the show include Geffen Records chairman Ron Fair, hip-hop artist Shwayze, R&B star Mya and former N’Sync member Chris Kirkpatrick.
“Presenting viewers with our first-ever talent competition is an exciting way to broaden the scope of music programming Fuse provides,” said Matt Farber, executive vice president, programming, development and digital, in a statement. “Musical stardom is no easy task and Fuse was eager to provide an original, compelling competition with a talented crop of unconventional contestants, proving that everyone deserves one last chance to make a second impression in the music industry.”
Comments (0) 10.07.2008. 19:03
Former N’Sync star’s performance ‘boosts’ C-L athletics
www2.theclarionnews.com
STRATTANVILLE - The glow of Hollywood city lights found their way to Strattanville Oct. 2 as Chris Kirkpatrick of the famed, former boy-band “N-Sync,” took to the Clarion-Limestone High School stage as part of the school district’s continued fundraising efforts to keep the school’s athletic program alive.
A night of song, mixed with a sense of family and community camaraderie, filled the air.
Originally, a showcase was planned, featuring bands Copper West and Nova Celeste, which include relatives of Kirkpatrick.
However, after news of the school’s athletic program’s financial woes reached Kirkpatrick’s mother and former C-L student, Mary Eustice, things began to take a different course.
Inspired to help in any way possible, Eustice telephoned C-L Booster President, Sheila Miller, and learned of the ongoing fundraising efforts within the school’s community.
Wanting to become involved, and being a former resident with numerous C-L alum family members, the idea of a benefit concert was planned.
“When I heard the (monetary) number needed, I thought, maybe we can help with something like this,” said Eustice.
“My first reaction was: I don’t want the Lions to go away!” she exclaimed.
“The experience is just too important. In these economic times, everybody is really stressed, and they’re just trying to feed their families -- so when you go to them and say: ‘but you have to save your school,’ it’s almost overwhelming. And so, because of that, I intend to keep my hand in this, helping any way I can, up until the bitter end,” continued Eustice.
And help she did.
Fans lined the hallway during an hour-long, meet-and-greet session, held in the school’s lobby. The opportunity to purchase a photo with the singer, together with the school’s mascot, was available for $10.
All proceeds benefited the athletic fund. Between signing autographs, chatting with fans, and smiling for the camera, Kirkpatrick echoed his mother’s sentiments and explained: “We really want to raise the money needed for this cause. This is a school my mom went to, my grandma went to -- I even attended kindergarten here, so it’s a really big deal to us.”
Busy with upcoming projects such as the imminent release of his new band, Nigel’s 11, as well as voiceover work for the character “Chip Skylark” in Nickelodeon’s animated series The Fairly OddParents, Kirkpatrick was at ease and expressed genuine concern for his hometown cause.
Kirkpatrick grinned and said: “I don’t know what to expect tonight, but it’s gonna be fun.”
As the seats began to fill at the admission price of $10, there was a promise of success.
Miller beamed as she watched the crowd file in.
“Every little bit (raised) counts, and it adds up. We’re here to keep the kids in the ‘Blue and Gold’ — and we’re here to keep C-L kids participating in C-L sports — and give them all the opportunity to play; not just a few percent,” said Miller.
It was with that goal in mind that a community, with members both past and present, united together for an enjoyable evening.
Only now, they are one step closer to reaching their financial goal: save the C-L school district’s athletic program.
The total amount raised by the event was not yet available when this edition of the Clarion News went to press.
Comments (0) 10.07.2008. 18:48
JC CHASEZ IS A 'KEROSENE COWBOY'
www.ifmagazine.com
LOCATION: The Navy
THE SKINNY: Does JC Chasez's latest movie casting one-up former bandmate Lance Bass' stint on DANCING WITH THE STARS? It sure is a step up from the ex-'N Syncer's job as a judge on AMERICA'S BEST DANCE CREW.
Chasez will be appearing alongside Cam Gigandet, Shane West, and Rachael Leigh Cook in director Mario Van Peebles' upcoming KEROSENE COWBOYS.
The action thriller centers around an elite Navy attack squadron. Chasez will play one of the pilots in the squadron.
Comments (0) 10.07.2008. 18:46