Photo Call: Las Vegas’s 5th Annual Solo Strips

More than 400 guests packed the Absinthe Theater at Caesars Palace last night for the Fifth Annual Solo Strips to watch 15 of Las Vegas’ hottest performers strip down for solo performances. The midnight event doubled its initial goal of $10,000 raising a Vegas Solo Strips record of nearly $20,000 to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BCEFA) and Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN).

The Absinthe tent heated up with burlesque-style numbers including a steamy bathtub scene by “Sexxy The Show” creator Jennifer Romas; a blindfolded scaffold striptease by Alex Stabler and breathtaking barely there aerial performances from Alyssa Mccraw and Miguel Garcia.

Five-year Solo Strips host Bryan Chan encouraged the audience to tip the performers on stage while Showboy Cake Shop passed chocolate covered strawberries from sexy waiters in backless aprons.

Illusionist and magician Murray Sawchuck  and pro BMX rider Ricardo Laguna were spotted in the audience along with “Zowie Bowie” star Chris Phillips and Mark Shunock of “Rock of Ages.”

Director/producer and recent “Le Reve – The Dream” retiree, Ryan Lyons, first brought the show to Las Vegas five years ago and has since raised nearly $35,000 towards helping those affected by HIV/AIDS.

“It is truly an honor to have 11 successful years within the entertainment community in Las Vegas,” said Lyons. “I could not think of a better way to take my final bow than to do so with so many kind-hearted and talented individuals by my side, coming together for such a worthy cause.”

To honor the Las Vegas community, BCEFA teamed up with AFAN this year to keep funds here in Southern Nevada. AFAN’s Executive Director Antioco Carillo said, “We are honored to take part in Solo Strips this year to keep moving forward in our efforts to provide quality support within our community to the men, women and children living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.” He continued, “It’s so important to be there for one another in this fight against a disease that touches so many.”