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Displaying keen perception and great insight.
She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice.
She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em.
She’s...
Claire Voyant
 Las Vegas - August 6, 2010 
Linda Eder 
Cloris Leachman 
Giovanni Marradi A big round of applause to the Suncoast for booking some of the types of unique (to Vegas) performers they were bringing in a few years ago. It was the Suncoast who brought Petula Clark back to a Las Vegas stage after 20 years away. They also talked veteran Vegas comic Shecky Greene out of semi-retirement for a weekend of sell out shows in May of 2009. Then there were acts like Linda Eder, Lorna Luft, Patti LuPone, Jimmy Hopper, the husband and wife team of Rene Taylor and Joseph Bologna, Rick Skye in Madame & Me, Robert Dubac's The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron?, who either rarely or never performed in this city. Now comes word the Cloris Leachman will bring her one woman show to the Suncoast Showroom on September 18th and 19th. Her June dates at San Francisco's Rrazz Room sold out so quickly, more performances were added immediately. Her Las Vegas engagement should generate equal interest. The 84-year-old Ms. Leachman might be called the ultimate chameleon. She was the zany, self-centered Phyllis Lindstrom on the Mary Tyler Moore series (which then spun off into her own show, Phyllis); Frau Blücher in the Mel Brooks romp, Young Frankenstein; Nurse Diesel in High Anxiety; as Madame Defarge in the segment of History of the World: Part I (1981) which parodied Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities; and the prejudiced grandmother in TV's Malcolm In The Middle. Cloris played opposite Katharine Hepburn on Broadway in As You Like It and as Nellie Forbush, the singing lead, in South Pacific. Cloris' appearance on Season 7 (2008) of ABC TV's Dancing With The Stars, was one of the highlights of the television season. She won her Best Supporting Actress Academy Award as Ruth Popper in 1971's The Last Picture Show. The Oscar joins her nine Emmys, the most ever won by an actor. While promoting her new fall series Raising Hope at the Televisions Critics Association gathering in L.A., Leachman was asked about the current adulation that 88-year-old Betty White is enjoying. "I'm so sick of Betty White," Cloris joked about her onetime Golden Girls co-star. "Never liked her." Show times for Cloris Leachman are 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $34.95 plus taxes and fees, and may be purchased at any Coast property, or by calling (702) 636-7075. Also scheduled at the Suncoast is pianist and former Las Vegas resident, Giovanni Marradi. Usually billed by just his first name, the Italian-born Giovanni had a long presence in Vegas, where he played the beautiful white grand piano in the Palace Court at Caesars Palace for more than 10 years. Giovanni began playing piano at age five, and three years later was sent to study composition and technique with Michael Cheskinov at the Russian Conservatory. In the years to follow, he emerged as a remarkably prolific composer, often writing as many as ten new songs each week. Forming his own label, NewCastle Records, he also hosted his own weekly television series, Giovanni's World of Music. His frequent appearances on cable's QVC network offered a major boost to his international visibility as well, and in one 12-minute stretch alone he sold more than 120,000 albums. In 1998, Giovanni signed with Atlantic Records, making his label debut with Destiny early the following year. Classic Nights with Giovanni was released in 1999, trailed later that same year by The Magic of Christmas DVD. To date, Giovanni has sold millions of CDs around the world. He currently has more than 30 CDs available directly through his Web site. His latest CDs are, Because I Love You and Softly. Giovanni will perform at the Suncoast, September 25th and 26th, with show times at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $19.95 plus taxes and fees. Call (702) 636-7075 for reservations. 
The Pawn Stars 
Harry Walker, Don Hill & Skip Trenier And, tomorrow morning at the Suncoast, this time in the hotel casino's Grand Ballroom, it's the Harrison family - Richard, Rick and Corey - and Chumlee, from the History Channel's Pawn Stars, who invite you to bring your gold, silver, antiques and collectibles (no firearms), where they will option to purchase your unused treasures, or maybe just tell you a story. They are not interested in diamonds, so, if you're not wearing them, leave them at home or in your safety deposit box. The popular cable series is filmed at the 22-year-old Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, located in downtown Las Vegas. General admission is $7. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more details, call the Suncoast box office at (702) 636-7075. * * * * * * * We are saddened to report that "Cousin" Harry Walker, who sang with the famed Treniers for decades, passed away on Wednesday night, August 4th. This information comes to us via Don and Gloria Hill. Don, the saxophone player with the legendary Las Vegas show band, who is mourning the loss of his close friend and colleague, tells us that a memorial for Walker will be held on August 14th, with exact time and place to be determined. We will have that information in next Friday's column. * * * * * * * Although he works with them nightly, ventriloquist/impressionist/comedian/singer, Terry Fator, is no dummy. A relative Las Vegas newcomer, the America's Got Talent season two winner has stepped up to the plate to help out Opportunity Village, whose downtown landmark thrift store was severely damaged in a fire on July 11th. Opportunity Village, founded in 1954, has grown to become Nevada's largest private, not-for-profit organization. OV serves people with intellectual disabilities, providing them with vocational training, employment and social recreation services that make their lives more productive and interesting. Through OV programs and services, people with disabilities are learning vocational skills, working in jobs throughout the community, paying taxes and living more fulfilling lives. Fator, who became the headliner at The Mirage in 2008, is committed to raising $1 million, a portion of which will be used to re-establish the downtown store. 
Terry Fator & Gang 
Waldrop & Williamson 
Mitch Miller by Norman Rockwell * * * * * * * Reminder...
By the time you are reading this, it may already be too late to get tickets, as when we made contact on Thursday, sales were brisk. Nonetheless, here's the drill. This Sunday, August 8th, Listen To Our Song - The music of Waldrop and Williamson will be presented in a 1:30 p.m. concert at the Clark County Flamingo Library, with a silent auction and reception before the show, taking place at noon. Presented by SinCityQSocials, Las Vegas' Premiere LGBT Social Network, the program will utilize actors and musicians from Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular. All proceeds from the concert, as well as the auction, will benefit Golden Rainbow, the local non-profit organization that provides housing and financial assistance to Southern Nevadans living with HIV/AIDS. Listen To Our Song, with music by composer William Waldrop (Assistant Conductor at Phantom) and lyricist Robert Williamson, is a revue of original material the songwriting team has collaborated on since meeting on the national tour of Cats three years ago. Included in the program is music from Waldrop and Williamson projects currently in development - Red Rover, Oktasha: A Legend, and Pandemic! A Mini Flusical. The cabaret-style concert will feature a cast of ten singers and dancers - John Paul Almon, Courtney Combs (who is also the choreographer), Sarah Elizabeth Combs, Bruce Ewing, Benjamin Hale, Kristen Hertzenberg, Patrick Leveque, Greg Sample, Tina Walsh, and Danielle White - and a real, live eight-piece band. Waldrop, the concert's musical director, will provide the arrangements and orchestrations for the 90-minute concert. Waldrop and Williamson say of the concert, "The revue is a fun, light-hearted show, with material that may even veer to the edge of the outrageous, but it is also introspective and serious, with both heartfelt and bittersweet moments." The two decided to put on the concert as a way for the public to get to know them and their work, and also to support Golden Rainbow. Waldrop and Williamson's original songs have been heard most recently at the Las Vegas Composer's Showcase (Liberace Museum), We Go Together (BC/EFA Benefits in St. Louis and Pittsburgh), and the ArtsRageous Festival (Aruba Hotel). One of their songs, "Beyond," was performed by the Las Vegas Men's Chorus in their recent concert, I Gotta Feeling. Tickets are $20, and it is designated, not open, seating. For reservations (if there are still seats available), call (866) 967-8167, or go to www.waldropandwilliamson.com. See you there. * * * * * * * The Chicago Blues Busters are back with a new sound. Last Friday, Mike Vaughan on vocals and guitar; young and energetic LJ Johnson on sax; the smooth brushes of Larry "Wild" Wrice; and anchor man Ernie Cosse on bass, entertained customers at The Bar, 1987 Nellis Blvd. at Lake Mead (in the Food4Less shopping center). They return tonight, from 8 p.m. to midnight. If the Blues are your thing, support live music and check out the fellows. For additional information, call The Bar at (702) 938-2272. And Scott Kolen, of the Hitchin' Post Saloon & Steakhouse, tells us that the Chicago Blues Busters will return to his place on Saturday, August 21st. Tomorrow night, the Hitchin' Post features Chris Bell & 100% Blues, and next Saturday, August 14th, it's PamE & The Crusher. As for Mr. Kolen, he has been a chef for the popular, now closed, Commander's Palace (at the Aladdin, now Planet Hollywood), the Rio's Voodoo Café, and the highly rated Bally's Sterling Brunch. In other words, this gentleman knows food...especially fine American Cuisine. While you are enjoying the entertainment, plan to have a meal at the Hitchin' Post, located at 3640 Las Vegas Blvd North, between Cheyenne and Lamb. Phone (702) 644-1220.
* * * * * * * 
Frankie Laine by Maurice Seymour 
Guy Mitchell 
Michael Kessler & Melinda Jackson Mitch Miller passed away on July 31st at the age of 99. Miller, born Mitchell William Miller on July 4th, 1911, was a musician, singer, conductor, record producer, A&R (Artists and Repertoire) man, and record company executive. Miller was one of the most influential figures in American popular music during the 1950s and early 1960s. He is sometimes thought of as the creator of what would become karaoke with his NBC-TV series, Sing Along With Mitch. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, Miller began his musical career as an accomplished player of the oboe and English horn, and recorded several highly regarded classical albums featuring his instrumental work. But, he is best remembered as a conductor, choral director, television performer and recording executive. Mitch Miller joined Mercury Records as a classical music producer and served as Mercury's head of A&R in the late '40s. He joined Columbia Records in the same capacity in 1950. He defined the Columbia style through the early 1960s, signing and producing many important artists for Columbia, including Patti Page, Frankie Laine, Johnnie Ray, Percy Faith, Ray Conniff, Jimmy Boyd, Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett and Guy Mitchell (Guy's pseudonym was based on Miller's first name). Miller helped direct the careers of artists who were already signed to the label, like Doris Day, Dinah Shore and Jo Stafford, to name just a few. Miller also discovered Aretha Franklin, and signed her to her first major recording contract. Aretha left Columbia after a few years, when the late Ahmet Ertegun of Atlantic Records promised her artistic freedom to create records outside the pop mainstream in a more rhythm-and-blues-driven direction. We are happy and proud to say that both Frankie Laine and Guy Mitchell (who had lived in Las Vegas from the 1970s, until his death in 1999 at the age of 72) were friends of Claire Voyant. We still stay in close touch with Team Frankie Laine - made up of Frankie's manager, Jimmy Marino; Laine's assistant, Mary-Jo Coombs; and Frankie's longtime musical director, Benny Hollman - as well as Guy Mitchell's widow, Betty, who now lives near one of her adult sons in Washington state. * * * * * * * Comedy magician Mac King performed a special show for thousands of Boy Scouts during the 2010 National Scout Jamboree in the Washington D.C. area last Monday, August 2nd. King performed tricks from his Las Vegas show at Harrah's, and signed autographs alongside his cousin Bill King, who illustrated Mac's recent book, Campfire Magic, after the performance. Mac King has received many accolades, including "Favorite Male Las Vegan," and "Best Bargain Show" by the Las Vegas-Review Journal 2009 "Best of Las Vegas" readers' poll, "Funniest Act in Magic Today" by Magic Magazine, Magician of the Year by The Magic Castle, and "Entertainer of the Year" by the Las Vegas Weekly "Readers Choice Awards." King, one of today's brightest and most talented magicians, takes the stage twice daily, Tuesdays through Saturdays, at 1 and 3 p.m. in the Harrah's Las Vegas Showroom Theatre. Tickets are $24.95 plus tax. Additional information on The Mac King Comedy Magic Show can be found by visiting http://www.mackingshow.com. * * * * * * * The following is the lineup for comedians appearing at Bob Kephart's Comedy Stop inside the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas during the rest of this month. August 9th through 15th, Rick Crom, Drew Thomas and headliner Al Ducharme; August 16th through 22nd, Todd Womack, Manny Oliveira and Harry Basil (headliner); August 23rd through 29th, Kevin Kramis, Chrissy Burns and headliner Quinn Dahle; and August 30th through September 5th, Cork Proctor, Hal Spear and Steve Shaffer. Comedy Stop show times are at 9 nightly, and tickets start at $19.95. For reservations, call (702) 737-2515. * * * * * * * M&M American Dance Theatre presents Dance With Me: Love Songs & Dances and Backstage Stories, at the South Point on Sunday, August 15th at 7:30. Featuring the husband and wife team of Michael Kessler and Melinda Jackson, music director Keith Thompson of Jersey Boys, his band, and 10 dancers, actors and singers from the American Dance Theatre, M&M presents an intimate look at the creation of original song and dance numbers. With songs by Gershwin, Porter, Berlin and Kern, from the Great American Songbook, to contemporary tunes by Ben E. King and Tim McGraw, Dance With Me combines great music, dynamic, romantic partner dancing, and humor, to create an evening of fun. The Las Vegas Review-Journal described the show as "Genuine romance... top notch entertainment," while the New York Times described Kessler and Jackson as "...lively...acrobatic...elegant...an evening of fun...skillful craftsmanship." Tickets are $30, $25 and $20, and may be purchased at the South Point box office, or by calling (702) 797-8055. * * * * * * * This Monday, August 9th, Las Vegas resident Clint Holmes will be honored in New York by the famed Friars Club. Comic Freddie Roman, Dean of the Friars, will serve as emcee, while entertainers Dick Capri, Lee Roy Reams, Karen Saunders, Avery Sommers, Billy Stritch, Carol Woods, Leigh Zimmerman and Mrs. Clint Holmes, Kelly Clinton, will perform. Festivities begin with hors d'oeuvres at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7, and the show at 8:30. The cost is $110 per person, plus liquor, tax and gratuity. If you plan to be New York, and want to join in on the fun, call (212) 751-7272 for reservations. 
Lee Roy Reams & Freddie Roman 
Lindsay Lohan 
Lance Burton * * * * * * * So, after serving only 13 days of her 90 day jail sentence, the trouble-plagued Lindsay Lohan was released very, very early on Monday morning (probably to try and avoid the paparazzi). How could anyone suggest that this 24-year-old spoiled brat might be receiving "special treatment"? After thumbing her nose at the law numerous times, this once promising young actress was shocked to learn she was going to jail? Why? Here is a bit of her "criminal" history. In 2006, 19-year-old Ms. Lohan was attending Alcoholic Anonymous meetings. The following January, Lohan admitted herself to a rehabilitation facility. She checked out on February 16th, after completing a 30-day stay (during which time, she continued working on a movie, returning to the facility at night). Shortly thereafter, Lohan withdrew from a film adaptation of Oscar Wilde's A Woman of No Importance. At the time, her publicist stated that Lohan needed to "focus on getting better." In April of 2007, Lohan was replaced in The Edge of Love, shortly before filming was to begin, with the director citing "insurance reasons" and Lohan later explaining that she "was going through a really bad time then." This young woman was then cast in the film adaptation of the novel, Poor Things. Four days before production was set to start, she was arrested for DUI and subsequently re-entered rehab. The film's producers initially voiced their support, and production was put on hold. Lohan was involved in a traffic accident on May 26th, 2007, when she lost control of her car and ran the vehicle up a curb. Beverly Hills police found what they preliminarily identified as a "usable" amount of cocaine in her car. After receiving treatment for minor injuries, Lohan was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence of alcohol. She subsequently entered the Promises Treatment Center rehabilitation facility, where she stayed for 45 days. Upon her release to outpatient care, the onetime straight-A student was voluntarily fitted with a SCRAM (alcohol-monitoring) bracelet. On July 24th, three weeks before filming was scheduled to resume, Lohan was arrested for a second DUI and again returned to rehabilitation. Ultimately she fell out of the project. On July 24th, less than two weeks after leaving Promises, Lohan refused a field sobriety test in Santa Monica and was taken to a police station where her blood alcohol level was found to be above the legal limit. While conducting a search, the police found a small amount of cocaine in her pocket. In August, Lohan pleaded guilty to cocaine use, driving under the influence, and driving with a suspended license. She was sentenced to one day imprisonment and 10 days' community service. She was also ordered to pay fines and complete an alcohol education program, and was given three years probation. The following month, Lohan entered Cirque Lodge Treatment Center in Sundance, Utah (her third time in rehab), staying until discharged on October 5th, 2007. Her probation was extended by an additional year in October 2009, following several instances in which Lohan failed to attend the court-ordered substance abuse treatment classes. In May of 2010, she did not appear for a scheduled DUI progress report hearing. The judge issued a bench warrant for her arrest, but rescinded the warrant after Lohan's representatives posted bail. Lohan's lawyer said her passport was stolen while she attended the Cannes Film Festival in France. At a rescheduled hearing on May 24th of this year, Lohan was ordered to attend weekly alcohol education classes, wear an alcohol-monitoring bracelet, refrain from drinking alcohol, and undergo random weekly drug tests to remain free on bail. The judge scheduled a hearing for July 6th, to determine whether Lohan had violated probation by not having attended the required number of classes to date. At that hearing, the judge determined that Lohan had indeed violated the terms of her probation and sentenced her to 90 days in jail. In addition, the judge ordered Lohan to check into an inpatient rehab program for three months after her release from jail. On July 20th, Lohan appeared in court and was taken into custody to begin her jail term. Lohan's release, 13 days later (barely a slap on the hand, in our opinion), is attributed to the fact that she was a "non-violent offender" and "to reduce jail overcrowding." Maybe Lindsay's next DUI offense will result in the deaths of some innocent people who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Just how many free passes does this person get? What a crock! * * * * * * * Magician Lance Burton's driveway is lined by the old ornamental lamp posts from the Monte Carlo Hotel. During an April windstorm, one of them was blown down and destroyed. A spin-off of The History Channel's Pawn Stars is called Restorations and stars Rick Dale who restores things. Rick decided to take on the project of restoring Lance's lamp post for the first episode of the new series. The final filming and installation will take place the week of August 7th. Also, the popular Discovery Channel game show, Cash Cab, will feature Lance and his sidekick, comic-juggler Michael Goudeau, between 7 and 8:30 p.m. during the three Las Vegas episodes on Monday, August 9th. Their winnings were divided between the Zelzah Shrine Temple and Variety Club, a children's charity. * * * * * * * 
Martin Kreloff & Laura Henkel 
John Lennon 
Frankie Valli, Linda November & Artie Schroeck East meets West pop culture sizzles when Martin Kreloff presents his "Stars and Sumos" collection at the Laura Henkel Fine Art Gallery until August 21, 2010. Kreloff began painting at the age of 12, and was primarily influenced by the emerging Pop Art scene personified by such greats as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. He is widely known for his portraits of iconic Hollywood stars, portraying them in a hard-edged, Technicolor style. Residing in Miami for many years, and informed by the Art Deco splendor of South Beach, Kreloff developed a brilliant color palette that critics dubbed "tropical noir." Gallery owner, Dr. Laura Henkel, states that "Kreloff's portraits are essential for any serious Pop Art collection. He vividly captures the essence of his subjects with the use of bold and vibrant color." Kreloff was chosen by the City of Las Vegas to create eight banners that will be used to brand the "Cultural Corridor," the first of several Urban Trails planned by the city. The project is currently being installed and will be unveiled later this year. He was also recently commissioned to create a portrait of Nevada State Senator David Parks. "Stars and Sumos" reflects Kreloff's witty and whimsical, bold and colorful style. Meet the artist this evening, from 6 to 10 p.m. Laura Henkel Fine Art gallery, 107 E. Charleston, Suite 100, Tue-Sat 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and by appointment. * * * * * * * Kenny Kerr will be doing his thing, more than likely in a gown, at Casino Pauma, outside of San Diego, when he guests in Dan Gore's Carnival Cabaret, August 12th and September 9th. * * * * * * * In last Friday's column, our reference to the closing at Planet Hollywood of Just Imagine, the John Lennon tribute show starring Tim Piper as the late Beatle, should have mentioned a hard to believe fact. In one of those "my, how time flies" moments, are we the only ones who are amazed to realize that in December, it will have been 30 years since John Lennon was shot to death outside New York's Dakota apartment building where he lived with his wife, Yoko Ono. Mark David Chapman, who was 25-years-old at the time he murdered Lennon, is serving a sentence of 20 years to life at Attica State Prison in New York. Chapman, who is now 55-years-old, has been denied parole six times. And, as long as we are talking about last week, we misunderstood the spelling (given to us verbally) of the last name of the Menopause the Musical producers (the hearing is the first thing to go...or at least it's one of the first things to go). The correct names are Kathi and Alan Glist. Sorry, you two, but, because of the mistake, your show gets another mention. You can see the Las Vegas production of Menopause at the Luxor. We also got an e-mail asking why we didn't mention that Frankie Valli was performing at Primm last weekend. The answer to that question is because we are old and forgetful. We assure you, it was an oversight and not intentional...although, we can't remember the last time that the real Jersey boy mentioned us! From magic lady, Ariann Black, comes this bit of information. In our last week's blurb on the popular Hasidic Jewish reggae artist, Matisyahu, we wondered (out loud/in print) about the fact that the religious rapper was performing at Mandalay Bay on Friday night, a time when practicing Jews are not supposed to work (or drive, or cook, etc.). Ms. Black informed us that, although we could find nothing to indicated his show time, Matisyahu, in fact, did his show at around 2 p.m., hours before sundown, when all such activity is supposed to stop...at least until sundown on Saturday evening. Thank you for clearing this up for us, Ariann. 
Ariann Black & Friend 
Matisyahu 
Michelle Johnson And speaking of Ariann Black...Many Las Vegas shows have certain age restrictions such as "Must be over 21," or "All ages welcome," but how many announce that you can bring your well-behaved, socially mature pet to see a Vegas production? Well, you can do just that when you go see magician, and animal lover, Ariann Black's Secrets at the slightly off-Strip Westin Casuarina, 160 E. Flamingo, between Las Vegas Blvd. and Koval. Show times for Secrets are Thursdays through Tuesdays at 7 p.m. (early enough for the puppies to be back home and in bed before it gets too late). Tickets are $40. Pets are admitted free when accompanied by a responsible adult. Call (702) 836-5900, ext. 6055. * * * * * * * More things coming up for singer Michelle Johnson. On Sunday, Michelle is performing with singer Marley Taylor (of Zowie Bowie fame), and trumpeter Dave Perrico, at that Italian joint that we don't mention by name. They return to the same place on August 22nd, where they will showcase their original music, which was featured on the July 7th episode of ABC's new local early show, The Morning Blend. * * * * * * * Former Las Vegan and Claire Voyant reader, Merrick Wolfe, who is currently living in San Francisco, tells us that Tony Award winners, Carol Channing and Robert Morse, along with show business veterans, Shelley Berman and George Segal, are among the guests at Comedy Talks, a rotating series of panel discussions in the classic late-night format, taking place this month at the University of San Francisco's Presentation Theater. Segal opened the series, appearing with veteran comic director-writer Paul Mazursky and comic actor Ronnie Schell on August 1st. Channing (a San Francisco native) will appear with impressionist Rich Little and stand-up comic Steve Rossi, on Sunday, August 8th at 4 p.m., and Morse, Berman and political satirist Will Durst will form the panel for August 15th at 4 p.m. "Host, Robert Strong, talks with a panel of three comedy legends about their careers, personal lives, insider gossip, and tips of the comedy trade. A Q&A period lets the audience in on the conversation, too," according to the Comedy Talks website. The Presentation Theater is located on the USF campus at 2350 Turk in San Francisco. VIP tickets include a reception with the guests after the discussion. For tickets and more information, visit comedytalks.com. Larry David has agreed to appear in San Francisco on August 15th as part of the series. 
Shelley Berman 
Adam Lambert And speaking of Merrick Wolfe, he reports attending both of Adam Lambert's sold-out concerts at the Warfield in San Francisco. "Absolutely fantastic! What an exciting showman," says Wolfe of the July 23rd and 24th performances. Some of our friends, who attended last weekend's Lambert performance at Mandalay Bay Beach, gave equally high marks to the former American Idol competitor as a talent, but stated that they would not attend a concert in this venue again. Although the tickets were "only" $40, there were no seats. Attendees either sat on blankets, stood in the pool, or stood on the "beach." For those who were smart enough to bring blankets, it didn't mean they were going to be comfortable. Since there were more folks standing than sitting, the blanket people had their view of the performance area obstructed by bodies, unless, they too, stood. So...unless one doesn't mind standing for more than two hours (as was the case with this particular show), save your money, stay home, put on a copy of Lambert's new CD, and enjoy yourself. * * * * * * * We're not surprised that the August 15th Brandon Flowers show in the Shimmer Cabaret at the Las Vegas Hilton was sold out almost immediately. In April, Flowers, best known as the front man for the Vegas-based rock band, The Killers, announced he was going to fly solo. If you are a fan of The Killers and/or Flowers, the chances of paying only $25 a ticket to see the entertainer in an up-close-and-personal venue, like the intimate Shimmer Cabaret, are pretty slim. Although tickets were limited to two per person, they were gone very quickly. It might surprise some of his fans to learn that Brandon, who grew up in Southern Nevada, did a brief stint as a bellhop at the Gold Coast. 
Brandon Flowers 
Eastside Cannery And speaking of the Hilton, Andy Williams is heading back there on December 23rd and 24th, to perform his Christmas Show. When Andy was at the Hilton last December, former Las Vegan, singer impressionist, Bob Anderson, was part of the Williams holiday offering. Tickets are $59 to $89 and go on sale at the Hilton tomorrow. * * * * * * * During the month of August, the Eastside Cannery is offering customers all kinds of perks as they celebrate their second anniversary, er, Canniversary on the Boulder Strip. All the restaurants have special offers and on August 21st, Grammy-winning R&B musician and TV host, Brian McKnight, will perform in the Casablanca Event Center. We will provide the rundown for the rest of the month in next Friday's ramblings.
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Displaying keen perception and great insight.
She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice.
She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em.
She’s...
Claire Voyant
Las Vegas - July 30, 2010
Tim Piper as John Lennon 
Menopause the Musical We blinked and it was gone. Unfortunately, other obligations kept us from seeing Just Imagine, the John Lennon tribute show starring Tim Piper, with other media-types on July 14th. We had planned to check out Piper and his take on the late Beatle in Planet Hollywood's CHI Showroom sometime within the next couple of weeks. A few days ago, it was announced that Just Imagine would have its final show last Saturday, not quite four weeks into a planned three-month run. Since we never saw the production, we can't give our opinion on the quality of the presentation. What we do know is that the producers, Mary Card and Nick LaTrenta, were very brave to try something like this (a two- or four-wall/rent the-room deal) in our current economy. Attempting to fill a 1,400-seat theater, on an ongoing basis, with a relatively unknown production, is risky, even though the concept is built around a well-known personality and mostly familiar music. Apparently, the familiar music, and legalities of its use, was a part of the problem. Maybe going up against Cirque du Soleil's Love, right across the Strip, with music by all of The Beatles, was a poor idea. Anyway, as we have said before, "if you missed it, you missed it"...and we missed it. Then there is the "Little Show That Could." With a cast of eight talented women, including alternates, last week, Menopause the Musical, produced by Kathi and Alan Glift, celebrated its 2000th show in Las Vegas. Menopause opened at the Hilton in February of 2006, where the cast presented 1534 shows in the Shimmer Cabaret, before moving over to the Luxor's Atrium Showroom in of 2009. Most of the cast - Paige O'Hara, Cheryl Spencer (who rotates in and out), Laura Lee O'Connell, Skye Miles (leaving for a short while and then returning), Sandra Benton, and Vita Corimbi (who also rotates in and out) - have been with the show since its Las Vegas debut. Annette Verdolino and Lori Hunt both joined the show while it was still at the Hilton. Stage manager, Phil Randall, has been with Menopause since its Vegas opening. The success of this small production goes to prove that you don't need a huge cast, a big orchestra, and lots of special effects to survive. You need a unique idea, a talented cast, and a target audience. Tickets range from $59.95 to $ 72.40, all inclusive. For reservation, call (702) 262-4400.
Photo caption (left to right): Laura Lee O'Connell, Kathi Glift, Skye Miles, Alan Glift, Paige O'Hara and Annette Verdolino * * * * * * * The So You Think You Can Dance tour dates have just been announced, and the popular TV series cast members will take over the, mostly unused, Theater For the performing Arts at Planet Hollywood on November 12th. Tickets, ranging from $35.71 to $52.38, went on sale at 10 a.m. today, Friday, July 30th. Most tickets are available at Ticketmaster locations, online at AEG Live.com or ticketmaster.com. Tickets subject to applicable service charges. * * * * * * * 
Michael Grimm 
Adam Lambert 
Lisa & Ron Smith Musician and current reality television talent show contestant, Michael Grimm, brings his special blend of country music roots and Southern soul to Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon for two nights only, tonight, July 30th, and tomorrow, Saturday, July 31st. The free concerts run between 9:30 p.m. and 3 a.m. in Bill's Lounge, and are open to the public. Grimm, who is still in the running on America's Got Talent, will perform four, one-hour sets during each night. Grimm's musical roots date back to when he was merely five-years-old, growing up with his grandparents in the swamplands of Mississippi. He began performing at 12. Blending country music and Southern-style soul, Grimm was writing music and playing guitar by the time he was 15. Grimm's brand new soul CD, Leave Your Hat On, was recently released. Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon, previously known as the Barbary Coast, is described as a boutique hotel that sits on the corner of Las Vegas Blvd. (the Strip) and Flamingo, one of the most famous intersections in the world. For more information, call (702) 737-2100. * * * * * * * There is lots going on this weekend. Here are reminders of some of the options...
This is It, when Kenny Loggins takes to the stage in the Amphitheater at Sunset Station, tomorrow night at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. Tickets (if there are any left) are $35, $45, $55 and $65, plus tax and fees. All ages are welcome, but minors must be accompanied by an adult 21+. And over at Caesars Palace, Lionel Richie performs tonight and tomorrow night. The world-renowned music icon, with one of the most distinctive and instantly recognizable voices in music, will bring his four decades of award winning hits to The Colosseum. As co-founder of The Commodores in 1967, Lionel experienced his first taste of success after the group signed to Motown Records in 1971, becoming one of the most popular U.S. funk bands, with "Machine Gun" and "Brick House," before creating a slew of future slow jam Richie-penned classics including "Easy," "Three Times a Lady" and "Sail On." Richie began working outside the Commodores in 1980, teaming with such names as Kenny Rogers, Diana Ross, and other popular music acts of the 1980s. In 1982, the release of his self-titled solo quadruple platinum Motown debut set Lionel on a record-breaking pathway to global superstardom. His 1983 ten-million-selling Can't Slow Down, which won a Grammy for Album of the Year, was followed by 1986's massively successful, Dancing on the Ceiling. After a period of reflection and personal growth, Lionel returned in 1992 with Back To Front, followed by 1996's Louder Than Words, 1998's Time, 2001's Renaissance, 2003's Encore, the aptly-titled The Definitive Collection, a worldwide multi-million-selling retrospective, 2004's Just For You, and 2006's Coming Home. Just Go, Richie's most recent project, is an album with a decided musical twist and has the artist working with today's hottest hit makers - Tricky Stewart & The Dream, Stargate, and Akon - to show that great talent is always timeless. Tickets for the show, jointly presented by Caesars Palace and AEG Live, run $75, $95, $125 and $175. There is also a $1000 VIP package available. To make reservations for the 8 p.m. show, call (800) 745-3000. American Idol's runner-up, Adam Lambert, performs at outdoors at Mandalay Bay Beach, tomorrow night (Saturday, July 31st) at 9. Even if it wasn't a standing only concert, we are sure it will be an SRO crowd for the often flamboyant Mr. Lambert. You can pretty much guarantee that "Glambert," as he known by his rabid fans (of which we are one), will not hold back, giving the audience more than their monies worth (tickets were $40). If you want to see and hear "vanilla," Lambert is not your man. For information on Adam's Glamnation Tour tickets (we are sure they are sold out), call (702) 632-7580. Mr. and Mrs. Smith, that would be the husband and wife team of Lisa and Ron Smith, not Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt from the 2005 film of that name, star in Back to Broadway, at the Starbright Theatre in Sun City Summerlin (2215 Thomas Ryan Blvd.), tomorrow night (Saturday, July 31st) starting at 7 p.m. The Smiths will perform selections from some of your Broadway favorites. Tickets are $15 for residents, and $18 for non-residents. Call the Starbright box office at (702) 240-1301. At The Onyx Theatre, located inside The Rack in the Commercial Center, RagTag Entertainment's presentation of Jekyll & Hyde continues through tonight and tomorrow night, with shows at 8 p.m., and Sunday, August 1st, at 5 p.m. Directed and choreographed by Giulio Scatola, the cast is made up of local pros, a number who are performers in Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular. Tickets for the remaining performances are $10. Call (702) 732-7225. 
Matisyahu 
Todd Sampson 
Andrea McArdle If these choices aren't enough for you, there is also singer Jack Jones at the South Point, tonight through Sunday. Tickets are $30 and $40. Call (702) 797-8055. Then there is talk show host Jay Leno at The Mirage, tonight and tomorrow night. For tickets, priced at $79, $89 and $99, plus taxes and fees, call (702) 792-7777. And then there is the unique Hassidic reggae performer, Matisyahu, at Mandalay Bay Beach, tonight at 9. Tickets are $44, and can be purchased by calling (702) 632-7580. We have a question. Should a nice Jewish boy be working on Shabbat? * * * * * * * Last Sunday morning, M.I.A. punk rocker, Todd Sampson, 46, died following a show at the Black Door, 4640 Paradise Road in Las Vegas. Sampson was best known as the front man for 1980s Vegas bands, The Swell, Self Abuse and Samsons Army. A musical celebration of Todd Sampson's life will take place tomorrow, July 31st at Wasted Space, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino's rock club, beginning at 9 p.m. * * * * * * * What ever happened to little Andrea McArdle, the talented singer/actress who took Broadway by storm at the age of 14, when she portrayed the red-headed little orphan, Annie, in the musical of the same name? The show was a critical and commercial smash, and Andrea became the youngest performer ever to be nominated for a Tony Award as Best Lead Actress in a Musical. She lost to co-star, Dorothy Loudon, who played the nasty orphan supervisor, Miss Hannigan, but did receive the Theater World and Outer Critics' Circle Awards for her performance. In April 1978, she opened in London's West End production. During the late 1970s and early '80s, McArdle toured with Liberace as one of his numerous protégées (Las Vegans, Domenick Allen and Denise Clemente, also were taken under Liberace's wing during the early days of their careers). We saw her with Liberace when they played the Las Vegas Hilton in the 1980s. More than thirty years later, McArdle is back in the Charles Strouse/Martin Charnin musical that made her famous, this time playing, the mean Mrs. Hannigan.
The touring company of Annie plays Raleigh's North Carolina Theatre through Sunday. And speaking of New York, and we frequently do, we would love to see something like Sondheim Unplugged happen in Las Vegas. On Mondays, throughout this last month, some of New York's most talented musical theater and cabaret singers raised their voices in Stephen Sondheim songs at The Laurie Beechman Theatre on West 42nd Street. During July, accompanied only by piano, a group of dynamic talents performed their favorites by Broadway's beloved and most prolific composer. Among the many participants, were Trevor Southworth (Naked Boys Singing!); Carey Anderson (Avenue Q, Mamma Mia); Lisa Asher (MAC & Nightlife Award Winner); Christina Bianco (Drama Desk Nominee, Forbidden Broadway); David Brian Colbert (MAC Award Winner); Natalie Douglas (MAC Award Winner); Michelle Dowdy (Hairspray); Eric Comstock's bride, Barbara Fasano (MAC /Bistro/Nightlife Award Winner); Mark Winkler's occasional singing partner, Terese Genecco (MAC & Bistro Award Winner); former Las Vegan, Eric Michael Gillett (Sweet Smell of Success, Kiss Me, Kate, MAC Award Winner); Joe Iconis (Drama Desk Nominee); David Gurland (MAC/Bistro Award Winner); Hunter Ryan Herdlicka (A Little Night Music); Becca Southworth Johnson (The After Party);Trent Armand Kendall (Into the Woods); Audrey Lavine (Rags, Carrie); Lorinda Lisitza (Nightlife Award Winner); Karen Mack (MAC Award Winner); Rob Maitner (Bistro Award Winner); Cindy Marchionda (Jeff Award Winner); Liz McCartney (South Pacific, Taboo); Susie Mosher (Hairspray); Mark Nadler, who has performed in Las Vegas before, and should come back for some encores (MAC Award Winner); Karen Oberlin (MAC Award Winner); Miles Phillips (MAC Award Winner); Shaynee Rainbolt (MAC Award Winner); Leenya Rideout (Company); Jana Robbins (Tale of the Allergist's Wife, Gypsy); Elizabeth Stanley (Company, Cry Baby, Million Dollar Quartet); Katie Thompson (Giant); Will Trice (MAC Award Winner); Jonathan Whitton (MAC Award Winner) and Lennie Watts (MAC Award Winner). Each evening was hosted by Director/Producer Phil Geoffrey Bond (MAC/Bistro/Nightlife Award Winner), with Musical Direction by Tracy Stark (MAC/Bistro Award Winner). At each performance, there were guest appearances by performers who created roles in original Sondheim musicals, including Sarah Rice (Sweeney Todd's original Johanna), Danielle Ferland (Into the Woods' original Little Red Riding Hood and Sunday in the Park with George's original Louise), Pamela Winslow Kashani (Into the Woods), Pamela Myers (Company's original Marta), and Annie Golden (Assassins original Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme). 
Mark Nadler 
Frank Sinatra 
Cork Proctor And still on the subject of The Big Apple... It was announced on Wednesday that the Frank Sinatra musical, Come Fly Away, will close its run at Broadway's Marquis Theatre on September 5th. The homage to the music of Sinatra, featuring a 19-piece band and 15 dancers, opened in March, and earned choreographer/director, Twyla Tharp, a Drama Desk award for choreography. Tharp won a Tony and Drama Desk Award for her choreography in 2002's Movin' Out, inspired by the music of Billy Joel. Beginning in May of 2011, Come Fly Away will embark on a national tour, with its first stop being in Chicago. Producers said more details on the tour will be announced later. Might a stop in Las Vegas be on the schedule? * * * * * * * Cork Proctor's recent engagement at Catch a Rising Star at the Silver Legacy in Northern Nevada was more than just another job in his 50+ year career as a stand-up comic. It was also an opportunity for him to see some longtime friends. Not only did the funny man celebrate his 78th birthday on a Reno stage last week, he was able to join 30 of his former Bishop Manogue Catholic High School classmates, for a reunion dinner. Proctor credits Father Joseph Linde, Manogue's principal, for turning the potential bad boy into "a relatively decent student." During the five nights he performed at Catch, some old pals of Cork's showed up for some laughs and to share memories. Roy Powers, who Cork describes as a maven and a mentor, came in twice. The 88-year-old gentleman was the longtime Director of Marketing, Advertising and Entertainment for Harold's Club in Reno. It was Roy who, in 1965, gave Proctor his first break as a musician (Cork was a drummer), and seven years later put him on the stage at Harold's to launch his career as a stand-up comic. Architect, Jerry Poncia, Cork's friend of 60 years, also came by for some fun, as did Judd Pierce, longtime Reno veterinarian. It was Dr. Pierce who saved the life of Cork's daughter, Kathy's beloved dog. On Sunday, Kathy, flew up to Reno to see her dad and catch his show before joining him for the motor trip taking her back to Southern California. While in Los Angeles, Proctor joined his friend, singer Loree Frazier, for a club gig, before his return to Las Vegas. * * * * * * * Singer Michelle Johnson has been, and is managing to stay, busy, busy, busy. She has been performing at the Gold Coast as part of their Gold Coast Classics afternoon series. Joining her are Billy T on keys, and Mike Tramontana on drums. Michelle says, "We have a loyal group that come to listen and dance to our music ... we are playing jazz classics." They alternate with a couple of other bands, including the Lisa Smith trio. Michelle and company usually play Tuesdays through Fridays, from 2 to 5 p.m., but on Fridays in August, the showroom will be taken over (temporarily) by Ed Matthew's Hit Parade, which moves into the Gold Coast while the Suncoast Showroom gets a facelift. Michelle's next run starts on August 17th, and she is doing the August 20th Hit Parade show as well. Recently, she had the honor of performing with Lesley Gore as part of the Legendary Ladies of Rock and Roll show at The Orleans Hotel and Casino. Lesley's hits include "It's My Party," Judy's Turn to Cry," and "You Don't Own Me," as well as the popular song "Out Here on My Own," from the '80s hit movie, Fame. The Legendary Ladies also featured Shirley Alston Reeves of the Shirelles, and Little Peggy March. In addition to Michelle, the band included singer Karen Jones on backups, Gary Olds on drums, Joey Singer on keys, Mariano Longo on synthesizer, Carl Vreeland on bass, and Steve Cantor on guitar (Steve was also the contractor). Michelle reports, "The ladies were outstanding!" Johnson also had a blast participating in a tribute to the Great Ladies of Jazz. She paid homage to Ella Fitzgerald, singing "ATisket a Tasket," "Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love)," and "How High the Moon," at the Hit Parade on July 22nd. On August 4th, Michelle will take part in Reno's Hot August Nights, when she joins Sonny Turner's Platters. We told you she was busy! * * * * * * * 
Michelle Johnson with Sonny Turner & The Platters 
Rich & Marie Little A large number of mourners showed up at Palm Mortuary on South Eastern, to pay their respects to Marie Little, wife of comic impressionist, Rich Little. Marie passed away, unexpectedly, on July 17th, at the too young age of 43. Among those who attended the services were Bill Acosta, Jeanne Bavaro, Frankie Scinta, Chrissi Scinta, Peter O'Donnell, Mama Scinta, Susan Anton & Jeff Lester, Steve Rossi, Kathy Walker, Marty Allen & Karon Kate Blackwell, Nelson Sardelli, Gordie Brown, Norm Johnson & Nancy Barr, Kathy Spehar, Duke Morgan & Candi Cazau, Annette Falcone, Dennis Bono & Lorraine Hunt Bono, Lonnie Hammargren, Josette LeBlond, and former State Legislator, the Honorable Louis A. Toomin. At the request of the family, it was suggested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Child Haven in Marie's name. We neglected to provide an address where those donations can be mailed. Send what you can to: Child Haven, 701 N. Pecos Road, Las Vegas, NV 89101. Please direct your mail to Julie Ball. And for those who wrote to ask where they could send a note of sympathy to Marie's family, the address would be 9030 W. Sahara Ave., #445, Las Vegas, NV 89117 * * * * * * * Last Sunday, Louis Prima, best known for the years he spent as a Las Vegas lounge. legend, was honored with a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The influential band leader was honored at a Sunday ceremony on Vine Street, attended by celebrities, dignitaries, fans, and his son Louis Prima Jr., and daughter, Lena Prima, who both continue the legacy of their father's music. "Louis Prima was a great entertainer and presented a great show. But more than anything else, he brought happiness to his audiences," said Bill Cosby in a congratulatory message read at the midday ceremony, which also included a concert of Prima's music by Louis Prima Jr.'s big band, The Witnesses, as well as swing-dancing fans. Prima, the late 'King of Swing,' received the 2413th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in a centennial celebration that included dancing in the street to his big-band sounds. Prima, who died in 1978, would have been 100 years old this year. 
Louis Prima 
Rich Natole * * * * * * * Last weekend, CBS' Sunday Morning featured a number of interesting, Vegas-connected segments. It seems that much (maybe all) of Sunday's stories were repeats, although, since we hadn't seen them before, they were new to us. There was a segment on Wayne Newton that featured a couple of our friends, journalist John Katsilometes, and comic impressionist, Rich Natole, and a story of artist, Willard Wigan, who creates unbelievable microscopic art. We met Mr. Wigan, who is from Birmingham, England, at a party hosted by producer Paul Stone. Some of his miniature creations were on display in the suite at the Suncoast. Wigan has Dyslexia, a learning disability, but has talented hands. He makes the sculptures out of dust particles, sugar crystals, etc. He works only around midnight, and can do some of the work only between heartbeats. They have to be seen, rather than explained. Check him out on the Internet. 
Willard Wigan 
Mac King 
Carmine Mandia * * * * * * * On Saturday, July 24th, comedy/magician Mac King's performance at a special benefit show for the Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada, raised $2,600. More than 200 people attended the event at the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Educational Campus. The money raised will help provide girls with summer adventures at Camp Foxtail. Mac, a family man, is one of the generous Las Vegas entertainers who is always glad to lend a hand, and some fig newton cookies and gold fish, for a worthy community cause. * * * * * * * Tonight and tomorrow night, starting at 8 p.m., it's Carmine Mandia's turn in Addison's Lounge at the Rampart. With Ned Mills on keyboards and Gary Olds on drums, Mandia, who performs with the Shades of Sinatra group, and is a regular at Piero's, will offer up favorites from the Great American Songbook. * * * * * * * Next Sunday, August 8th, at 1:30 p.m., SinCity Q Socials, Las Vegas' Premiere LGBT Social Network, will present the songwriting team of William Waldrop and Robert Williamson in Listen To Our Song, a concert of their original works at the Clark County Flamingo Library Theater. The concert, with music by composer Waldrop (Assistant Conductor of Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular) and lyricist Williamson, is a revue of original material the songwriting team has collaborated on since meeting on the national tour of Cats three years ago and includes music from projects currently in development - Red Rover, Oktasha: A Legend, and Pandemic! A Mini Flusical. The cabaret-style concert will feature a cast of ten singers and dancers and an eight-piece onstage band, from Phantom. Waldrop and Williamson say of the concert, "The revue is a fun, light-hearted show, with material that may even veer to the edge of the outrageous, but it is also introspective and serious, with both heartfelt and bittersweet moments." The two decided to put on the concert as a way for the public to get to know them and their work and also to support a very important cause. Williamson says, "I found out I was going to have most of the summer off, and I was excited for William and I to try and complete a lot of unfinished material." He went on to say, "At Phantom, William has access to some of the most talented performers in Las Vegas, all of whom are always eager to support a wonderful charity like Golden Rainbow." Waldrop, who will serve as the concert's musical director, will also provide arrangements and orchestrations for the 90-minute concert. Choreography is by Courtney Combs. Golden Rainbow is a local charity known for their tireless efforts in helping to support the Strip's varied and diverse performers. Their annual fundraiser, Ribbon of Life, held recently at The Las Vegas Hilton on June 13, raises approximately $200,000 each year. Golden Rainbow Executive Director Lea Clayville says, "Clark County is facing a crisis with cuts in federal funding to HIV/AIDS support services. Now is the time for Golden Rainbow to step up and fulfill our mission: when no one else can, we can. However, we can't do it without the support of our patrons, and we invite everyone to Listen To Our Song for an incredible afternoon of entertainment for a great cause." Waldrop and Williamson's songs have been heard most recently at the Las Vegas Composer's Showcase (Liberace Museum), We Go Together (BC/EFA Benefits in St. Louis and Pittsburgh), and the ArtsRageous Festival (Aruba Hotel). Their song 'Beyond' was performed by the Las Vegas Men's Chorus in their recent concert I Gotta Feeling. All proceeds from the concert, as well as the preceding silent auction, will benefit Golden Rainbow, the local non-profit organization that provides housing and financial assistance to Southern Nevadans living with HIV/AIDS. Tickets are $20. A 12 noon silent auction at the library will precede the musical program. 
Waldrop & Williamson 
Alison Arngrim * * * * * * * Did you love TV's Little House on The Prairie? Did you hate little Nellie Oleson? If you answered "yes" to either or both questions, do we have a show for you. Former child star, comic, outspoken activist, and TV Land award winner, Alison Arngrim, who played nasty Nellie, brings her one woman show, Confessions of a Prairie Bitch, to The Onyx Theatre, inside The Rack in Commercial Center, for six performances, beginning on August 5th. Best known as acid-tongued, pre-Midol meanie, Nellie, from the Michael Landon-starring series, Arngrim presents an uproarious evening of storytelling, stand-up, and multi media about life as everyone's favorite toxic pre-teen brat, complete with petticoats and ringlets. The live appearance also marks the release of Arngrim's book of the same title. Never afraid to dish the dirt on TV land, Alison lets all the secrets of Little House on the Prairie, Hollywood and much more, loose. Recalling her life and career as bitchy Nellie Oleson, Arngrim startles audiences with off-color jokes about child stars and TV icons of the 1970s and '80s. Show times are at 8 p.m., August 5th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th and 14th, with tickets priced at $25. Located near the famous Las Vegas Strip, The Onyx Theatre is Las Vegas' leading alternative theatrical and performance space for world-class and local artists. They provide a space dedicated to personal artistic expression, free minds, unrestrained entertainment and socially relevant art. The Onyx is located at 953 E. Sahara #16. For additional information, call
(702) 732-7225. * * * * * * * Las Vegan, Robert Beal, from 7zero2 Entertainment, reports that some of the crew, from Whale Wars on the Animal Planet Channel, had been staying at his home during their filming break. Shannon Mann and Fiona McCuaig, crew members of the Sea Shepherd, Laurens De Groot, crew member on the ship Ady Gil when it was rammed by the Japanese whaler ship, and Steve Roest, CEO of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, have been Vegas show hopping - seeing Blue Man Group and Jubilee! among them. Following their Vegas visit, the group returned to Riverside, California, for a benefit show August 31st, to help support their ships and to pay for their return to Antarctica in the Fall, as they continue their quest to stop the illegal whaling by the Japanese. The Captain of the Ady Gil, Pete Bethune, was captured by the Japanese and taken to Japan after his ship was destroyed. The Japanese sentenced him to two years in jail, but, because of the outrage from the animal rights people, he was released a couple of weeks ago after nine months in captivity. Beal tells us, "They are super fascinating people, so full of life and energy and it has been a joy to have them under my roof this week!" Footnote: Television personality and animal rights activist, Bob Barker, donated millions of dollars to the Sea Shepherd crew to buy their other boat. It has recently been renamed The Bob Barker. The generous Barker also paid for the helicopter!
The accompanying group photo shows (from left to right), Laurens De Groot, Robert Beal, Shannon Mann, Sergio Sierra of 7zero2 Entertainment, and Steve Roest. Not pictured was Fiona McCuaig. 
Robert Beal & Friends 
Brian McKnight * * * * * * * The city of Las Vegas invites everyone to enjoy performances of "UBUNTU - We Are All Connected ... The Essence of Life" by some of our community's talented youth on August 3rd through the 7th. All performances are free and open to the public. The program will be presented at the following times and locations, with the support of Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino, the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, and the Clark County and West Las Vegas Libraries. On Tuesday, August 3rd, 10 a.m., at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino; Wednesday, August 4th, 1 p.m., at the Clark County Library Theater, 1401 E. Flamingo Road; and Saturday, August 7th, 2 p.m., at the West Las Vegas Library Theatre, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd. The West Las Vegas Arts Center 2010 Performing & Visual Arts Summer Camp provides an opportunity for Las Vegas area youth to acquire character-building, life skills training through an eight-week, arts education program that incorporates values consistent with building strong and diverse, yet cohesive, communities. The arts center, operated by the city of Las Vegas, is the site of numerous culturally focused activities. Classes are offered in tap, hip hop, modern, ballet and African dance, youth theatre and African drum. Private lessons are offered for piano and voice. In addition to arts, the West Las Vegas Arts Center also offers Tae kwon do, music production and studio engineering classes. The next class sessions begin September 7th and Oct. 25. Advance registration is required for classes. All of these classes are value priced and affordable for a six-week session. Call the arts center for information at (702) 229-4800. * * * * * * * Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel will celebrate its two-year anniversary during the month of August. The "Canniversary" celebration will officially kick off on Sunday, August 1st, with free cupcakes and champagne in Marilyn's Lounge from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. "Canniversary" events include a performance by Grammy Award-winning Brian McKnight on Saturday, August 21st, in the Casablanca Event Center; a special casino player event on Friday, August 27th starring Rich Little, and gaming promotions and giveaways throughout the month. "We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate our two-year 'Canniversary,' and though the official anniversary date is August 28 we decided to celebrate throughout the entire month to show our guests our appreciation," said Marty Gross, vice president and general manager of Eastside Cannery Casino & Resort. "We encourage everyone to come and enjoy all the events and promotions we have planned for August. It's going to be an exciting month!" We will have more details on the Eastside Cannery's month long celebration in next Friday's column.
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Tags: Tim Piper As John Lennon Menopause The Musical Michael Grimm Adam Lambert
Displaying keen perception and great insight.
She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice.
She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em.
She’s...
Claire Voyant
Las Vegas - July 23, 2010 
Marie Litttle 
Corey Allen with James Dean 
Larry "Wild" Wrice On Wednesday, services were held for Marie Marotta Little, wife of impressionist, Rich Little, at Palm Mortuary on South Eastern in Las Vegas. Marie, who would have turned 44 last Tuesday, died on Thursday, July 15th, following a brief illness. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her mother, Tonette Marotta, and brother, Joey Marotta, both of Las Vegas. Donations to Child Haven may be made in Marie Little's name. * * * * * * * Unless you were coming of age in the 1950s (as we were), you may not have picked up on the death notice, last month, of actor/director, Corey Allen. As an actor, Allen would have been best remembered for his role as "Buzz" in the 1955 film, Rebel Without a Cause, starring James Dean and Natalie Wood. Buzz was the teen who lost his life when his car, with him in it, went over a cliff during a "chicken race" with Dean's character, "Jim Stark." Many folks, especially Southern Nevada newcomers, probably don't know that there was a Vegas connection involving the late Corey Allen, who died on June 27th, two days before his 76th birthday. He became the last surviving member of Rebel's principal cast when Dennis Hopper died on May 29th. Allen, whose real name was Alan Cohen, was the son of veteran Vegas gaming executive, Carl Cohen. Carl, who died in 1986, was a former vice president at the Sands Hotel. In 1967, he gained celebrity status for punching Frank Sinatra in the face, bloodying his nose and knocking out two front teeth. Sinatra's split with the Sands after its purchase by Howard Hughes points out how difficult the star could be. When Hughes cut off the singer's credit line, a drunken Sinatra confronted Cohen in a Sands restaurant. After Sinatra turned over a table and apparently swore at him, the usually easy-going Cohen, who weighed about 250 pounds, took a swing at Sinatra. The confrontation, and its bloody end result, made headlines around the country and still makes for good Vegas lore today. * * * * * * * From Louise Wrice comes this information...The Chicago Blues Busters are back with a new sound. You can see and enjoy Mike Vaughan on vocals and guitar, the soulful King Bartel on sax, and the smooth brushes of Larry "Wild" Wrice, tonight (Friday, July 23rd) from 8 to midnight, at The Bar, 1987 N. Nellis at Lake Mead in the Food4Less shopping center. We are told that the air conditioning at The Bar is excellent and the atmosphere, intimate. Call (702) 938-2272. Also, tomorrow night, beginning at 7, the Chicago Blues Busters will entertain at The Hitchin' Post Saloon & Steakhouse, located at 3640 Las Vegas Boulevard No. (between Cheyenne and Lamb). The Hitchin' Post has an extensive menu and guests can dine in the covered Beer Garden, kept cool during the summer with fans and misters. We understand the food is great and the service friendly. Tell Scott AND Larry "Wild" Wrice, that Cousin Claire sent you. For additional information, call (702) 644-1266. * * * * * * * 
CHAZZ - Corky, Diane & Danny 
Teller 
Aurora Snow Thanks to a still recovering from back surgery on July 6th, a wincing Nelson Sardelli, with "the show, and party, must go on" attitude, last Friday's anniversary party for the F.I.O.R.E. (Fun Italians Organizing Ridiculous Events) group was a success. In spite of the "Excessive Heat Warnings" we have been getting around here (the Health Department issues those when summer temperatures hover around 110), the F.I.O.R.E.'s 6th anniversary party drew about 70 fearless and determined fun seekers (thank you, Jackie Vernon) to last Friday's soiree (that's French for something a little fancy and a lot of fun). Mixed in among those 70 brave souls, that on this occasion welcomes the ladies, were a number of entertainers, some who got up to do their things, including singers Allen Tramont and Michaelina Bellamy, comic Peter Anthony, vocal group Chazz (Corky DiFini, whose name was accidentally misspelled in last Friday's column, Diane Ellis and Danny Calico), comic/impressionist Babe Pier, harmonica player Dr. Wilfred Krom, the musical comedy team of Linda November and Artie Schroeck (their "I Love a Piano" bit is always a winner). It was an enjoyable evening, with no ulterior motives and, as a result, a good time was had by all. * * * * * * * Bringing a new and dynamic style of improv comedy to the stage, Matt Donnelly's Executive Monkeys delivers big laughs to The Palms Lounge at 9 p.m., every Wednesday through July. Produced by Emily Jillette, wife of magician Penn Jillette of Penn and Teller fame, and some of the supreme improv comedians hailing from Upright Citizens Brigade, Second City, Improv Olympic, Peoples Improv Theatre and Improv Vegas performing a two-act 70-80 minute show. The first set calls on audience participation, encouraging them to use social media outlet Twitter via their cellular phones as the performers create characters and sketches based on the pictures and words from the tweeting audience. The suggestions are tweeted and are broadcast to an on stage screen to keep the audience up-to-speed. The second act offers a comedic tarot reading of a celebrity guest that will result in an outpour of spontaneous sketches created around the reading. Donnelly's past celebrity guests have included Robin Leach, former host of TV's Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous; actress (American Pie) and former fashion model, Shannon Elizabeth; actor/comedian/filmmaker, Paul Provenza; mixed martial artist/wrestler/actor, Randy Couture; reality TV's, Tiffany Michelle from Amazing Race, and Trishelle Cannatella from Real World Las Vegas; and even Teller, the silent half of magicians Penn and Teller. Next Wednesday's special guest is adult film star and AVN (Adult Video News) Female Performer of the Year (the "Oscars" of porn), Aurora Snow (leave the kids at home). Ticket are $25, with a special $15 price for locals. They may be purchased at the Palms Box Office. The Pearl Box Office is open Sundays through Wednesdays, from noon to 7 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 9 p.m., and Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m. For more information on upcoming shows, please call (702) 944-3200. Ms. Jillette reports that Matt Donnelly's Executive Monkeys, originally scheduled to run just in July, has been extended indefinitely and will continue their shows as long as they are doing well. * * * * * * * Reminders...
Kenny Kerr will help bartender, Darrin, and club owner, Shelly, celebrate their respective birthdays at FLEX Cocktail Lounge tomorrow night. Kerr, who is one funny dude - in or out of a gown - will emcee the party, starting at 9 p.m. Expect Go-Go Boys, food, drinks and plenty of fun. FLEX is located at 4371 W. Charleston. For additional information, call (702) 385-FLEX (3539). 
Kenny Kerr 
Charly Raymond 
Ron & Lisa Smith And over at that Italian joint on Las Vegas Blvd. So. (the place we don't mention by name), it's Ronnie Crews on Sunday, July 25th, at 10 p.m. Calling his show Blue Eyed Soul, singer Crews will be backed up by Mariano Longo, on keys and vocals (Longo also serves as musical director); Idalberto Perdomo on percussion; Paul Ringenbach on drums; Chris Coleman on bass; James Davis on guitar; Jim Spoto on sax; Charly Raymond on trumpet; and Marilyn James on vocals. Trumpet player, Raymond, is a recent transplant from the Florida area, where he spent three years as band leader/MC/soloist at the Innisbrook Resort in Tarpon Springs. For the past eighteen years, between landside engagements, he has been a featured performer/entertainer on most major cruise lines world wide. Over the years, Charly has accompanied many celebrity entertainers including Charo, Bobby Rydell, Connie Haines, Eddie Fisher, Little Anthony, The Four Lads and Joanne Castle. Connie Haines, former singer with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey, compares Charly's technique on the trumpet with that of greats, Clyde McCoy, Al Hirt, Doc Severinsen and James. He will have a couple of small solos and a lot of charts to play on Sunday night. In Back to Broadway, the handsome and talented husband and wife team of Ron and Lisa Smith will make beautiful, and sometimes humorous, music together at the Starbright Theatre next Saturday, July 31st, at 7 p.m. The first-rate musical production features songs and stories from more than 20 of the most beloved Broadway musicals of all time. Lisa and Ron will present songs from classic Broadway shows, including The Music Man, Show Boat, and 42nd Street, and introduce audience members to some of the popular musicals of the last few years, such as Wicked, Smokey Joe's Café, Les Miserables, Monty Python's Spamalot, and Jason Robert Brown's Songs for a New World. Filled with poignant and witty stories from the Broadway world, and featuring many all-time favorite tunes, Back to Broadway is a show that appeals to everyone who loves musical theater. The Starbright is located at 2225 Thomas Ryan Blvd. in Sun City Summerlin. Tickets are $15 for Sun City residents and $18 for non-residents. Tickets are on sale seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Desert Vista, Mountain Shadows and Pinnacle community centers. Tickets can also be purchased prior to show at the Starbright Box Office...unless of course they are already sold out. All ticket sales are check or cash (exact change required). No credit cards accepted. Ticket price includes LET (Live Entertainment Tax). Call (702) 240-1301 for more information and directions to the theater. * * * * * * * Here is what we know regarding the sudden departure of Derek David's Only You dinner show from Hennessey's Tavern in downtown Las Vegas. The musical revue, featuring David, Terrence Forsythe, Donald Pinkney, Arnoldo Parker and Rheda K. Solo (who all were part of The Platters, Cornell Gunter's Coasters and The Marvelettes productions that played the Sahara for almost eight years, and the trouble-plagued Wyrick Theatre for about three months), and Paul Badia at the piano, in a tribute to the Platters and other singing groups of the era, opened at Hennessey's the beginning of May, closing, with no warning, the end of June. The story we were told is that the agreement with Hennessey's called for David to pay $1500 a week for the use of the theater space, by the, hoped for, sale of 100 dinners per week. If less than 100 dinners a week were sold, Derek had to pay the difference. A complete and very well done makeover of the performance space, taking it from flashy via the previous tenant, to classy under the direction of Mrs. Derek David, businesswoman Rita Bliss. From the looks of things, the transformation came with a hefty price tag. During the two months the show ran downtown, we saw virtually no advertising for Only You. As a result, business was weak and, although they were collecting their money, Hennessey's was not happy. They opted to use their 30 day "out" clause. Rather than stay, AND pay, for another month, David decided to cut his losses and leave following the next night's show. We can't imagine what Mr. David was thinking (or not) when he decided to transport the showroom contents - stage, curtains, redone mirror-covered piano, and all the rest - not to a temporary warehouse somewhere in the city, but across the sidewalk to the floundering Kiss of Death Café. The plan was to re-launch Only You just days later in its new location. It didn't take Derek David long to realize that he had jumped from one frying pan into a much, much hotter one (as in no central air conditioning in a commercial building during triple-digit July temperatures in Las Vegas). Then, we were told, there was the fact that the owner of the Kiss of Death Café would not give up any wall space in the showroom to display some photos that were part of Only You's theatrical presentation. Knowing of the outrageously inflated ego of said café owner, one should not be surprised that he would be reluctant to do anything that would take the spotlight away from him...like move or eliminate any photos of himself to make room for something without his face in it. How come others would realize that, but Derek David didn't? So, within days after moving their showroom across the Fremont Street Experience sidewalk, it has all been moved, once again, to storage space at the popular DuBarry Fashions, a successful business owned by Derek and his wife, the lovely Rita, as they seek a new performance space. And so it goes. 
Derek David & Rita Bliss 
David Andino as Jekyll & Hyde 
Carly Thomas-Smith We hear that the Kiss of Death Café is closed tonight (this isn't the first time that has happened) due to yet more "cooling" (if you can call it that) problems. So if you had plans to go there... * * * * * * * RagTag Entertainment is proud to present their innovative, new production of the hit Broadway musical Jekyll & Hyde at Las Vegas' very own Onyx Theater, located at 953 E. Sahara Ave. #16 inside The Rack in Commercial Center, is known for it's wildly varied entertainment offerings. A true musical theatre phenomenon, Jekyll & Hyde has attracted legions of loyal fans even before the show began its smash-hit Broadway run. An evocative tale of the epic battle between good and evil, Frank Wildhorn's musical gothic thriller, with book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, Jekyll & Hyde, is based on Robert Louis Stevenson's classic story about a brilliant doctor whose experiments with human personality create a murderous counterpart. Convinced the cure for his father's mental illness lies in the separation of man's evil nature from his good, Dr. Henry Jekyll unwittingly unleashes his own dark side, wreaking havoc in the streets of late 19th century London as the savage, maniacal Edward Hyde. Experience the multi-award winning sensation that features such hit songs as "This is the Moment," "Someone Like You," and "A New Life." Beginning its run tonight (July 23rd), Jekyll & Hyde promises to be that one show that will prove to this town that theater is not only alive and kicking, but well worth supporting. Director/choreographer Giulio Scatola (no stranger to the Vegas theater scene, himself, rising from the cast of Notre Dame de Paris, to become an important cog in the Cirque Du Soleil machine), and associate director/producer, Andrew Wright (founder of RagTag and veteran actor/singer of many past productions), have re-envisioned the show as something much more akin to art than to a conventional "book musical". They say of their new creation: "The show already had the stigma of being thought of as a 'Gothic melodrama' based purely on its subject matter, which we were aware may have kept people from experiencing it before. But the story and this gorgeous music draw on you; making you want to take an almost voyeuristic peek at that world. We knew our version had to be quite different from the way it was originally conceived so that there would be no chance of it falling into melodrama. We decided to eschew any semblance of the 'literal' world of Jekyll & Hyde, and create a new one that anybody - young or old, male or female, intellectual or artistic - could identify with and escape to. It had to be sincere, it had to be grittier, and it had to inspire you to take that journey with us." Their decision led to the creation of a spectacle rich with otherworldly scenes to spark the imagination. The age-old theme of man's conflict with himself is presented in a conceptual manner, rather than a more representational one: while Jekyll voices his earnest hopes and his darkest fears, the two halves of his very own psyche argue in an athletic pas-de-deux to his heartbreaking lament; dancing couples breathe graceful life to the soaring ballads, creating lyrical tableaus that take otherwise uninteresting stage moments and turning them into a kind of visual poetry. Leave your expectations at home...this is not the Gothic thriller that theatergoers are already familiar with. Scatola and Wright have turned the show on its ear; adding and subtracting, streamlining and refining - all in an effort to present a more definitive version of the show than it's ill-received prior incarnations. The enthusiastic and magnetic cast that has been culled together for this production represents a new direction for theater: a diversity that definitely makes the overall texture of the show quite unlike other productions that has been mounted before. With vocal styles ranging from operatic to pop; a veritable rainbow of ethnicities; and experience that spans the globe, the cast and crew of RagTag's Jekyll is set to take the familiar story of the doomed Dr. Jekyll out of its stuffy Victorian world and bring it into the 21st century. David Andino, already a fixture in the local theater scene even at his young age, has taken on the demanding role of Jekyll/Hyde. Andino said of the show: "Jekyll & Hyde is that one show that gives a person the chance to play two dream roles at the same time. That's what I love most about the musical - its character work holds such potential. It's a challenging dual-role that can either make or break an actor, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I love a good challenge." And, indeed, his resume proves that his preference for challenges has landed the actor fairly substantial and wide-ranging parts, such as Rosencrantz in the comedy Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Jamie in the moving musical The Last Five Years, and Sparky in the crowd-pleasing Forever Plaid. The ever-charming soprano, Sandra Huntsman, plays Jekyll's unfortunate intended, Emma Carew. Sandra performs the role with a stately grace and illuminates the often-gloomy tale with considerable talent. She says about the hit musical: "I have been a huge fan of Jekyll & Hyde for many years and have always taken great interest in the role of Emma. It's a privilege to portray such a strong, devoted woman and to perform this beautiful, powerful music." Huntsman has recently thrilled audiences with her portrayals of such memorable characters as Miss Dorothy in Signature Productions' Thoroughly Modern Millie, the irrepressible Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, and Andrea in Once On This Island. Also an award-winning costume designer, Sandra spends her weekends as a 'professional princess,' entertaining children throughout the Valley. The wife of theater director, Steve Huntsman, her favorite performance to date is mother to four beautiful and boisterous children. The saucy 'third' of this tragic love-triangle, Lucy, is being brought to colorful life by accomplished chanteuse, Anne Barr. Anne was instantly intrigued by the show and by the character she portrays. "This is a very unique musical. It isn't afraid to be dark, to discuss and dissect human nature. Lucy is a character I've always wanted to play. She shares the theme of struggling with duality. She has a sexual front about her, but underneath she has a deep desire to love and to be loved." Barr's gift for performance has earned her plum roles, such as Patty Simcox (understudying Sandy and Rizzo) in a yearlong European tour of Grease. Her talent and charm also won audiences over as Millie in the sold-out run of Thoroughly Modern Millie at the famous Bucks County Playhouse. Rounding out the principals of Jekyll & Hyde are Michael Vojvodich as Jekyll's legal counselor and closest confidant, John Utterson, and Alex Cheney as Sir Danvers Carew, Emma's father and the only champion of Jekyll's important works. Vojvodich, who also serves as the show's musical director, has performed across the globe, putting his perfect tenor voice to good use as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, Danny Zuko in Grease, as well as being a lead performer for Stiletto Entertainment and Holland America Cruise Lines. Cheney's precise vocals have allowed him to traverse the gamut of musical theater possibilities, with roles such as Papageno in The Magic Flute, George Nowak in She Loves Me, and Pish-Tush in The Mikado. The ensemble contains familiar faces to the Vegas theater scene, many of them past cast members of critically lauded regional productions. The show will make its debut at The Onyx Theatre on Friday, July 23rd, and runs through August 1st. Showtimes on the 23rd and 24th are at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 and benefit RagTag Entertainment and Off-Strip Productions. Next Friday, July 30th, tickets are $10, with proceeds to benefit GLBT Center of Southern Nevada. There will be a Mixer with art, wine and cheese at the Center after the performance. On Saturday, July 31st, show is at 8 p.m. and Sunday, August 1st, at 5 p.m. Tickets for both performances are $10, and will also benefit the GLBT Center. RagTag Entertainment was formed with a single thought in mind: "The performing arts are for everybody, not just those who can afford them." With that single philosophy fueling our company, we have gathered performers from the Las Vegas Strip and across the country who share our vision. Their goal is to introduce, educate, and enrich children and adults to various modes of live arts through the use of music, theatre, and dance. As audiences are introduced to each art form, they are also educated in its specificities. Lastly, they enrich the lives of the communities by providing exposure to new cultures through live performances in numerous concerts, cabarets, and fully staged musicals and plays. Visit www.onyxtheatre.com or call (702) 732-7225 for tickets and info. * * * * * * * For those have inquired, and you know who you are, the next Composers Showcase will not take place until late Thursday night, August 26th. Keith Thompson, who, with Michael Brennan, Wynn Las Vegas Le Reve's musical director, came up with the idea of Las Vegas' Composers Showcase more than four years ago. Keith is the blood, sweat and tears (tears, after hearing an especially poignant or extremely funny, composition) behind the popular (primarily with late night show folk), usually, monthly gathering. The very busy Mr. Thompson will be in New York, working on IDAHO-related stuff (IDAHO, a clever musical comedy written by Thompson, had a couple of previews in Las Vegas some time back), on the last Thursday of this month, and then will be out of the city twice in August conducting God Lives In Glass (another Thompson creation) business. Also, Jersey Girl, Carly Thomas-Smith, is leaving the Vegas production of Jersey Boys ("a tragedy for me," says Keith), meaning lots of rehearsal time for her replacement, AND Thompson, leaving him lots less time to learn his own songs for the upcoming showcase. * * * * * * * 
Ziggy 
Rebecca Spencer More signs of the times...
We like ink, but if the current trend continues, newspapers and magazines may go the way of telephones with rotary dials. A couple of local examples involve the decades old What's On magazine (a publication with which we have some history) and the Las Vegas Review-Journal/Sun (where we also have some history). Less than two years ago, What's On was a magazine of some substance, with more than 160 pages, a "spine," and some experienced and qualified writers. Today, Murray Hertz's baby, originally just a TV guide, is down to 82 pages, with a "columnist" that couldn't even put together an interesting grocery list, let alone do restaurant reviews. As for the R-J, now referred to as R-J Lite, last Monday's edition, still calling itself "Nevada's Largest Newspaper," consisted of a total of 44 pages, plus the eight page Las Vegas Sun insert. We knew there was trouble when our favorite comic character, Tom Wilson's poor Ziggy, was replaced by the absolutely unfunny, often offensive, Argyle Sweater, and Mac King's weekly Magic In a Minute - showing simple tricks, using readily available household objects, and cleverly illustrated by Mac's cousin, Bill King - disappeared from the pages of the Sunday comics...all, we imagine, to save money. Since you can get just about everything you would find IN the paper, online, as far as we are concerned, the only reason to still buy the paper is for the Jumble puzzle. When that disappears, so do we. * * * * * * * Just because we live in Southern Nevada, doesn't mean we can't cover entertainment in other parts of the world, especially when it involves some of our talented friends, most with connections to Las Vegas, so...
Once again, we remind those in the Manhattan area that two of our favorites (we DO have our favorites, you know), Rebecca Spencer and Philip Fortenberry, are making their Birdland debut this Monday, July 26th. Rebecca, who created the role of Madame Giry in Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular, returns to New York City to appear in concert at the historic Birdland Jazz Club, as part of the Broadway at Birdland series presented by Jim Caruso. Rebecca will be sharing the stage with her musical director and pianist, Mr. Fortenberry. The long-time collaborators perform as solo artists and as a duo with symphonies and in major concert hall and performing arts center engagements nationally. Both have Broadway, Las Vegas and Hollywood credits, and their collaboration is a magical exchange that stimulates the mind and enriches the soul. In their Birdland debut, these two remarkable artists will perform music by Las Vegas Jersey Boys' Musical Director, Keith Thompson (Kooky Tunes), along with highlights from their celebrated recordings, and their signature art song interpretations of the American Songbook and Broadway repertoire. Rebecca recently relocated to Seattle, Washington, where she has quickly established herself in her new home base as both a working actress and concert performer. Over the past year, she has appeared as a featured guest at the Fifth Avenue Theatre's Spotlight series, acted as the Musical Consultant for A Broadway Symphonic Spectacular, produced by the Broadway Bound Children's Theatre and Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra, and co-starred in a staged reading of a new musical at the Village Theatre, where Broadway's current Next to Normal got its start. In May, she debuted a new concert as part of the Panache Jazz Series at the Blue Heron Art Center on Vashon Island. In June, Rebecca was a guest star at the historic Moore Theatre, in a concert presentation of Follies for Martin Charnin's (Annie) company, Showtunes, directed by Victor Pappas. This fall, Rebecca will co-star in The Full Monty, directed by Jerry Dixon for the Village Theatre. Rebecca has appeared regularly in concert in Las Vegas, most recently in June, and was Las Vegas Magazine's No. 1 Pick of the Month in their Datebook Calendar, and a Las Vegas City Life 'DIVA' preview pick of the week. While in Las Vegas, she served as the co-host for the Liberace Foundation Piano Competition, and was invited to perform at the 30th Anniversary Liberace Museum Gala. She was also featured in readings of Richard Oberacker's (conductor for Ka at the MGM Grand) musical, Ace, and Wayne Green's (conductor for Spamalot, that played at Wynn Las Vegas) new musical, Beyond the Abbey Gates. Her two solo recordings are Fair Warning, and Wide Awake and Dreaming, her debut solo recording which was honored with a Back Stage Bistro Award. Philip has numerous Broadway and off-Broadway shows to his credit and can be heard playing on several original Broadway cast recordings, including Side Show. In addition, he has recorded nine solo albums, and is a featured recording artist on the Watchfire Music label. He recently released a new solo recording, entitled Broadway My Way, which is now available online and in music stores. Philip holds a Master of Music degree in classical piano performance, and has performed in concert nationwide at prestigious venues from Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, to the White House. Philip is the featured Artist-in-Residence at the Liberace Museum's Cabaret Showroom in Las Vegas, where he regularly performs his critically acclaimed one-man show, Liberace and Me. In addition to his concert and recording career, Philip is currently the associate conductor for the Las Vegas production of the hit musical, Jersey Boys. Tickets for Rebecca Spencer and Philip Fortenberry Live at Birdland, show time at 7 p.m., are priced at $25 (plus a $10 food/drink minimum), and may be purchased by calling Birdland at (212) 581-3080, or through their Web site at www.BirdlandJazz.com. Birdland is located at 315 West 44th Street in Manhattan. 
Mark Winkler 
Deana Martin And while you are in the neighborhood, Mark Winkler, who performed here last Valentine's Day as a guest of the Las Vegas Jazz Socirty, will be returning to New York to perform with his friend, Terese Genecco, described in a San Francisco review, as "The love child of Judy Garland and Dean Martin," and her Little Big Band, for two shows, at 8 and 10 p.m., on July 27th. The twosome have worked up some new material that is sure to delight. Mark will be doing a full set of a mix of his tunes and some swinging standards, backed by a smoking horn section. Terese will join him for some duets. And speaking of Dean Martin...
Internationally acclaimed entertainer, Deana Martin, pays homage to her iconic dad while setting her own standard for exemplary showmanship in Deana Martin in a Tribute to Her Father Dean Martin at the Suncoast Showroom, tomorrow and Sunday (July 24th and 25th). For two evenings at the Suncoast Showroom, Martin will be singing songs from the Great American Songbook. In delivering her father's songs "Everybody Loves Somebody," "Memories Are Made of This" and "That's Amore," Martin plans to capture the same "Studio A" magic her father and Rat Pack pals embodied. Growing up surrounded by the Hollywood elite, it could be said singing is in her blood. In 2005, Ms. Martin came back to the concert stage on her tour, Deana Sings Dino, playing to sold-out crowds around the world. A year later, she released a top-selling album of jazz standards, titled Memories Are Made of This, that remained on the Top 10 charts for more than 40 weeks. Following her album and a successful tour, she used her business savvy to found Deana at Capitol Studios where she recorded her most recent album Volare. In 2009, the album burst onto the Billboard Heat Seeker chart at No. 7, Billboard's Top Jazz Albums chart at No. 22, and appeared on iTunes Top 10 chart. Like her father, Deana has found great success in many areas outside of music, including film, theater, syndicated radio, and television. In 2004, she broke ground as a writer, earning the title, "best-selling author," for her book, Memories Are Made of This: Dean Martin Through His Daughters Eye's. Deana and her husband, John Griffeth, divide their time between homes in Beverly Hills and Branson, Missouri. Suncoast showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $24.95, plus tax and convenience fees, and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at (702) 636-7075, or visiting www.suncoastcasino.com. Customers can save on convenience fees by purchasing tickets in person at Coast Casinos. * * * * * * * 
Dining With Diva Marino 
Wes Winters 
Gerry Bedknob Frank Marino will be signing copies of his new cookbook, Dining With the Diva, following his Divas Las Vegas shows at the Imperial Palace. A portion of the proceeds from this whimsical book will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Nevada. The book offers a collection of over 120 vibrant photos and delightful recipes. This unique and entertaining cookbook is sure to become a kitchen's centerpiece, with meals fit for a king...and queen! Cook books are also available for purchase at the Imperial Palace box office for $20. Divas Las Vegas plays at 7 p.m., now through August 5th, before returning to its regular showtime. Frank has entertained Las Vegas audiences for more than 25 years. Prior to opening Frank Marino's Divas Las Vegas at the Imperial Palace, he starred in An Evening at La Cage at the Riviera. Marino is an accomplished author, columnist, spokesperson and America's favorite male actress. He starred in the blockbuster hit, Miss Congeniality 2, alongside Sandra Bullock. As a long-time member of the Las Vegas community, Marino has a Las Vegas street named after him (which he jokes 'also goes both ways'), the key to the City, two stars on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars, and his own day, as proclaimed by Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman. * * * * * * * There has been a change in the musicians who back up the talented comic/impressionist/ singer Gordie Brown at the Golden Nugget. Former keyboard man, Bill DeLoach, has been replaced by Jamie Grant. * * * * * * * Want to go cruising with entertainer Wes Winters? Although the actual trip won't take place until November 1st, we want to get the word out now, before the August 1st price increase. Here's the drill. The Vegas Voice newspaper has contracted with Wes and Carnival Cruise Lines for a terrific five day roundtrip jaunt from Los Angeles to Baja, Mexico, November 1st through 5th. They have even arranged for bus transportation between Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The following are the cruise fees: Total cost, with bus transportation, from Las Vegas is Inside Cabin $539, Ocean View Cabin $579. Cost, without bus transportation, is Inside Cabin $489, Ocean View Cabin $529. If anyone desires Single Occupancy, the rate increases as follows: Inside Cabin, add $204 for a total of $743 w/bus fare, $693 cruise only. Ocean View Cabin, add $239 for a total of $818 w/bus fare, $768 cruise only. There is only one requirement - people must book through the Vegas Voice to be considered part of "Wes Winters/Vegas Voice group." As part of the group, you will be entitled to two private "command performances" by Wes; a separate, invitation-only additional meet and greet cocktail party; plus dinner with the group every night with Wes stopping by to say hello. Anyone who books directly with Carnival or any other Travel agency unfortunately will NOT be deemed part of this exclusive group. The Vegas Voice is handling all reservations, so please call their Travel Editor, Stu Cooper, and/or his wife, Sharon, at (800) 698-1101 if you have any questions, require additional information, or to reserve your spot. A $100 per person deposit is due at time of booking, which is 100% fully refundable until September 15th, when final payment is due. The ship is the Carnival Paradise, and it departs from Los Angeles at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 1st, and returns to Los Angeles at 8 a.m. on Friday, November 5th. November 2nd, the Carnival Paradise will port for the day at Catalina Island, then at Ensenada, Mexico, on Wednesday, November 3rd. Thursday, November 4th, is spent at sea, sailing back toward home. If you are planning to join in on this fun, whacky, sunny, musical, entertaining and beautiful cruise, please call to book your cabin before the end of July. On August 1st, the prices increase by $40 per person. Please note that you have to book through The Vegas Voyagers Travel Club, at (800) 698-1101, to have access to the two private Wes Winters performances and the private cocktail party for the group. * * * * * * * The performance of Tommy James & The Shondells with Felix Cavaliere's Rascals at Cannery Casino & Hotel on Saturday, August 28th at 8 p.m. has been canceled. * * * * * * * Gerry Bedknob headlines the Riviera Comedy Club, August 9th through 15th. An accomplished comedian and actor, Gerry has starred on several television shows including Seinfeld and The George Lopez Show. He has performed on VH1's Free Radio, A&E's An Evening At The Improv, and USA Network's Comedy On The Road. His film credits include The 40 Year Old Virgin, Zack and Miri Make a Porno, Death Becomes Her, and Encino Man. Felicia Michaels, who also appears, has performed her brand of stand-up comedy on MTV, A&E, Comedy Central, VH1 and Showtime. A two-time nominee of the American Comedy Award, Felicia won the award for the Funniest Female. She also wrote and directed a short film entitled, In The Weeds, which received a Cine Eagle Award. Her comedy CD, "Lewd Awakenings," is available on iTunes, and has landed her on XM Satellite's list of the top 100 jokes. Sam Kwasman began his career as a dancer in such movies as Mame with Lucille Ball and At Long Last Love with Burt Reynolds, as well as in stage musicals like The Music Man with Van Johnson, and Hello, Dolly! with Martha Raye. Kwasman says, "I'm proud to be the only actor to be cut out of the movie Airplane." Show times for the Riviera Comedy Club are 8 and 10 p.m. Tickets are $24.99 plus tax and fee. Ask about the dinner/show combinations. For more information call the Riviera Box Office at (877) 892-7469, or go to www.rivierahotel.com. All guests must be at least 18 years of age. * * * * * * * 
Randy Riggle 
Jay White as Neil Diamond At 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 28th, the Liberace Museum Cabaret will feature the nationally touring production of Nostalgia. The revue takes audiences down memory lane with a '57 Chevy remembering the times and people who changed our lives. Guests will be taken back to that fateful day at Pearl Harbor and travel through the '40s, '50s and '60s with stand-up comedian Randy Riggle as the tour guide on a trip filled with songs and laughs in this 90-minute show. Riggle entertains audiences with stories, dancing and pantomime. His observational humor is complimented with more than 50 impersonations and a special tribute to veterans. He has written for many comedians, including Jay Leno and Joan Rivers, and has served as opening act for Dennis Miller, Kenny Chesney, Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres, and Weird Al Yankovic. Randy has appeared nationally on all three major networks, and is also a regular performer at the world famous IMPROV Comedy Clubs. In Las Vegas, Randy has performed at Sam's Town, Westward Ho, Palace Station, Riviera, Flamingo and Stardust Hotels. The Nostalgia revue is accompanied by a multi-media slide presentation. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. The Liberace Museum offers daily complimentary shuttle service to and from several Las Vegas Strip hotels. Participating hotels include Bally's, Bellagio, Treasure Island, The Mirage, Flamingo and Excalibur. A full shuttle schedule is available online. Liberace Plaza, 1775 E. Tropicana Ave.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday Known throughout the world as a premier Neil Diamond tribute artist, Las Vegan Jay White will perform as Diamond at the Suncoast Showroom, July 31st and August 1st, at 7:30 p.m. Performing as the "Sweet Caroline" singer since his first professional gig at Mr. F's Supper Club in Michigan in 1982, Jay White's physical and vocal embodiment of Diamond landed him a nearly nine year stint in Legends in Concert at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas. White followed with an eight year, 2,000-show run, at the Riviera Hotel and Casino, where he performed as Diamond in his own show. White has appeared in many theaters, casinos and hotels throughout the world, has performed for President Ronald and Nancy Reagan, sung the "National Anthem" at dozens of professional sporting events, and appeared on a bill with Bob Hope for the American Legion. Jay even portrayed Diamond in the Oscar-nominated 2008 Ron Howard film, Frost/Nixon. In addition to music and performing, White is an accomplished hockey player. As a goaltender at age 21, he played in a couple of semi-professional games in the International Hockey League, and, in his 30s, Jay was a practice goalie for the IHL's Las Vegas Thunder team. Showtimes for Jay White's Suncoast performances are at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $29.95, plus tax and convenience fees and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at (702) 636-7075 or visiting www.suncoastcasino.com. Save on convenience fees by purchasing the tickets in person at Coast Casinos. * * * * * * *
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Tags: Marie Litttle Corey Allen With James Dean Larry "Wild" Wrice
Displaying keen perception and great insight.
She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice.
She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em.
She’s...
Claire Voyant
Las Vegas - July 16, 2010 Late breaking news... We are deeply saddened to report the unexpected death of Marie Marotta Little, wife of comic impressionist, Rich Little. Marie died in her sleep at her home, sometime Wednesday night. Rich and Marie, who would have turned 44 on Tuesday, were married in October of 2003. In December, Marie was honored by the Las Vegas Walk of Stars for her humanitarian work. Quoting from the LVWOS site, Mrs. Little has worked to make a difference in her community, donating funds, goods, services and time to better the lives of children in need, the homeless and abused animals she also has helped American service men and women. Little has expanded her humanitarian efforts beyond Las Vegas and into the national and global arena. Her lifetime commitment to philanthropy also propels her to encourage others to make a difference. "Let's help those in our own backyard," said Marie. "My voice is my essential tool," adds Marie, "and I will continue to convey the needs of the less fortunate to others, in hopes all who can make a difference will make a difference, too." At our deadline, funeral services had not yet been announced. Our deepest condolences to the family. * * * * * * * 
B.B. King 
Bruce "Big John" Mickelson 
Sonny Turner B.B. King's concert dates at his B.B. King's Blues Club at The Mirage, originally scheduled for August 5th and 6th, have been rescheduled for August 16th and 17th at 9:30 p.m. B.B., The King of Blues, has released more than 50 albums over the course of his career, many of them classics. King was born as Riley B. King in 1925 in Itta Bena, Mississippi (currently home to a B.B. King's Blues Club), where he would perform on street corners for dimes. King moved to Memphis, Tennessee, in 1947, and started making a name for himself shortly thereafter on WDIA radio. It was with this station that he developed the more catchy radio name - first "Beale Street Blues Boy" then shortened to "Blues Boy King" and eventually to what he is now known as, B.B. King. In the mid-'50s, King performed at a dance in Arkansas, where two men got in a fight over a woman and set the building on fire. Upon realizing his guitar was still in the building, King raced inside to save his guitar which he aptly named Lucille after the girl the fight was over. This would serve as a reminder to never fight over a woman. Since then, King's entire trademark Gibson guitars have been named Lucille. Shortly thereafter, he had his first No. 1 hit for the song "Three O'Clock Blues" and began an extensive national tour, amassing 342 one-night shows. His career took off from there and King has not looked back since. He has changed the face of blues, bringing it to the mainstream with hit songs, such as "The Thrill is Gone" "My Guitar Sings the Blues" and "Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby?," all of which he has also won Grammy Awards for. King has won numerous more Grammy's and has been inducted into both the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. At 84, he has yet to take a break, still touring where he performs more than 200 days of the year. B.B. King's Blues Club at The Mirage brings an all-in-one experience, offering music seven nights a week from funky and fast to soulful and smooth. Come for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night dining to check out Executive Chef Oscar Pena's delicious Creole cuisine, while experiencing the tunes that emanate from the in-room stage. As the night progresses, so will the music as guests turn to the dance floor to dance the night away. The house band, B.B. King's Las Vegas All Stars surpasses the standard of what many know to be a house band and friends of the King are likely to stop by at any time to join them and jam the night away. Doors open at 5 p.m. with the opening act, Grant Garland Trio, taking the stage at 6 p.m. and again at 8 p.m. Guests will be able to order dinner until 8:30 p.m. and King will take the stage at 9:30 p.m. A limited menu exclusive of ticket prices will be offered the night of the show and features a variety of four-course dinner options. Tickets for dinner-show seating are available for $75, $100 and $125 plus tax and applicable fees. A limited number of King's Court tickets are available for $150 plus tax and applicable fees, and include VIP seating and a complimentary glass of champagne. Call B.B. King's Blues Club Las Vegas at The Mirage at (702) 242-KING (5464). * * * * * * * On Thursday afternoon, July 8th, we attended a media party at Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall to introduce invited guests to Ed Mathews' latest project, Variety Talk of the Town. Ed, along with his son Philip, produce both this new venture at Sam's Town, and Hit Parade at the Suncoast as well. Jasen Woehrle, Vice President of Public Relations & Marketing at The Firm, and Boyd Gaming's Kristy Alward, did a fine job with the pre-show meet and greet. Among those we saw enjoying themselves, were (from A to Z) Domenick Allen, Jackie Brett, Jack Bulavsky, Dianne Davis, Terry Jenkins, Norm Johnson, Rod Russell, Ed and Carolie Swindle, Judy Thorburn, Mike Weatherford, Wes Winters and Adele "ZZ" Zorn. The acts for the upcoming Thursday variety shows, free for those with players cards, will change on a weekly basis. The folks that we saw entertain on the afternoon that we joined about 600 other folks in Sam's Town Live! (not all of them were invited media-types, of course) included co-hosts Robin Vincent (of Swing City Dolls) and Jack Walker. The featured acts that afternoon were, Sarah Sutter and Robert Selvin, dancers in Bally's Jubilee!; Henderson's 13-year-old singer/actress, Ellie Smith, who sang "Johnny One Note" and "Tomorrow" from Annie (Ellie played Annie at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre in St. George, Utah, last season); funny man Bruce "Big John" (the Barbeque Man) Mickelson, who had a long run in the Viva Las Vegas revue and did a great job portraying Jackie Gleason in The Great One; former Platters member, Sonny Turner, who sang "Only You," "With This Ring," and "My Prayer," accompanied by Steve Cantor on guitar. The LIVE band members backing up the musical acts were Bill Fayne (looking miraculously healthy following some serious health issues) on piano and serving as musical director, Fred Watstein on bass, Gabriel Falcon on drums, and Jim D'Arrigo on saxophone. Yesterday's offering included the amazingly talented Vita Corimbi from Menopause the Musical. Show times for Variety Talk of the Town at Sam's Town are Thursdays at 2 p.m. Some of the talent scheduled for upcoming Ed Mathews variety projects include, at Sam's Town on July 22nd: comic Pete Barbutti, vocal group Fifth Avenue, and singer Mark Giovi. At the Suncoast, on the same day, it's husband and wife vocalists, Ron and Lisa Smith, plus Voci Vegas' Mollie Tennant. On July 29th, the Suncoast Hit Parade will feature the popular storyteller, Mr. Barbutti. Also, Greg Kata, formerly of Mamma Mia! in Las Vegas, will be presenting his On With the Show Glee Club. As the Suncoast showroom will be undergoing a makeover during August and September, the Thursday afternoon shows will move over to the Gold Coast, where Variety Cavalcade will play on Friday afternoons at 2. The August 6th offering at the Gold Coast will feature Leonardo (Ned Mills) on piano, singer Mark Giovi from the Stratosphere's Bite, the harmonious quartet known as Fifth Avenue, Las Vegas Tenor Bill Fayne, and Lena Prima, Las Vegas legend Louie's singing daughter. 
Pete Barbutti 
Tony Davich 
Lee Roy Reams * * * * * * * Forgot to mention that, in last Saturday's Girls Day Out at the South Point, in addition to Frank Marino's Divas Las Vegas, soap stars Jacob Young (All My Children) and Jason Thompson (General Hospital), also participating in the afternoon festivities were the hunky guys from American Storm. The eye-candy perform at the V Theatre. Unfortunately, this information comes after the fact, so, if you missed it, you missed it. Sorry. * * * * * * * Claire Voyant fan, Jilan Ricci, wants readers to know that Tony Davich, will be filling in for busy Ronnie Rose this Sunday, July 18th from 8 to 11 p.m. at the House of Blues Courtyard inside Mandalay Bay. Tony, who was the lead singer in Enter The Night, the lavish Ted Lorenz production at the Stardust, is the front man of the classic rock band, Phoenix (playing at Rock Town in Sam's Town Live!, Friday, July 30th from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.), appears regularly with the Lon Bronson All-Star Band, and is also a regular with Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns, will front the Ronnie Rose Band during Ronnie's absence. Jilan, who may be remembered as a dancing Crazy Girl, is more than just a Tony Davich fan - she also happens to be Mrs. Tony Davich. And speaking of Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns, the popular funk, Latin, rock and jazz ensemble recently returned to The Lounge at The Palms Casino Resort, where they perform each Monday night, beginning at 10:30. Considered one of Las Vegas' crown jewels, tickets for Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns, available at the Palms Box Office or at the door, are $7 for general admission and $15 for VIP seating. This event is for those 21 and over. The Palms Casino Resort is located at 4321 W. Flamingo Road. * * * * * * * According to one of the reviews, "St. Louis' famed Muny is bringing out their heavy hitters to perform in Damn Yankees. Fan favorite, Eric Kunze, plays Joe Hardy, the young hitting phenomenon who transforms the seventh place Washington Senators into a pennant contender. Muny veteran, Lewis J. Stadlen, plays Applegate, and Lee Roy Reams, another popular Muny vet, is making his 21st Muny appearance as Van Buren." Reams played Roger DeBris in the Paris Las Vegas production of The Producers. The News-Democrat review goes on to say, "They're all pros bringing to life iconic stage characters, and know how to sell a show." The Muny is the nation's oldest and largest outdoor theater. Damn Yankees runs through Sunday. If you happen to be in the St. Louis neighborhood...well, you know the drill. * * * * * * * Tonight is the anniversary celebration for the much publicized F.I.O.R.E. group (we certainly do our share). The attendees will gather at the Italian American Social Club to toast the 6th year of the organization, where all the male members are presidents, and the purpose of the non-club club is to do no harm and just have fun. There should be plenty of that, with food, entertainment, dancing and camaraderie. Among those scheduled to perform during the evening is the newly resurrected vocal group, Chazz. The quartet is made up of Diane Ellis, Danny Calico, Corky D'Fini and new member, Joni Illi. Inspired by the Four Freshmen, Manhattan Transfer, Singers Unlimited, the Hi-Lo's, and other similar close-harmony groups. Headlining the evening is comic impressionist, Babe Pier (who opens for Bobby Rydell at the Cannery tomorrow night). We will have a "review" of the event, hopefully with a photo or two, next Friday. FIORE's esteemed leader/organizer, President Nelson Sardelli, is recovering from July 6th back surgery. Although he is still in a lot of pain, Sardelli plans to attend the festivities. He tells us that, earlier in the week, he had two inspiring phone calls from Pat Boone, with Boone sharing words of encouragement with his friend. Sardelli has been extremely moved and grateful by the caring and concern of his large circle of friends. Cast your bread upon the waters... 
Pat Boone 
Bob Flanigan 
Joni McGowan * * * * * * * Last Sunday night, we were at the South Point to see and hear the 2010 version of the famed Four Freshmen vocal group. It was in 1948, when Bob Flanigan, then a 22-year old student at Butler University in Indianapolis, joined brothers Ross and Don Barbour and Hal Kratzsch, creating a sound that would go on to inspire and influence future generations of musicians. Who knew, that 62 years later, audiences who were around in the '40s to hear the original group, plus those born decades later, would still be able to enjoy the familiar harmonies and instrumentation of the multiple Grammy Award-winning Four Freshmen. Over the course of 62 years, the names and faces of the group have changed, but the unique blend of instrumentation and voices remains the same. Today, the Four Freshmen are Bob Ferreira (bass vocals, drums, flugelhorn), Brian Eichenberger (lead vocals, bass, guitar), Curtis Calderon (second tenor, trumpet, flugelhorn) and Vince Johnson (baritone, bass, trombone, guitar). Last weekend, Flanigan, who turns 84 on August 22nd, introduced the Freshmen of 2010 to the South Point audiences who enjoyed taking a trip back in time via "Something's Gotta Give," "You Stepped Out of a Dream," "Graduation Day," "Young and Foolish," "You've Got Me Crying Again," "It's Alright With Me," "Angel Eyes," "There Will Never Be Another You," "Easy Street," "It Happened Once Before," "Poinciana," "You Made Me Love You," "I'm Guilty (of Loving You)," "Give Me the Simple Life," "Little Girl Blue," "Day By Day," "It's a Blue World," "After You've Gone," "In This Whole Wide World," Bobby Troup's "Route 66," and "Day In, Day Out." The program ended with an a cappella version of the beautiful "Their Hearts Were Full of Spring." If you like songs, with lyrics you can understand, we recommend taking a nostalgic trip back in time with the Four Freshmen. * * * * * * * Comic Cork Proctor will celebrate his 78th in Reno, where he will be performing at Catch a Rising Star from July 21st through 25th. Timing is everything. While he's in Northern Nevada creating laughs, Mr. Proctor will get the chance to have dinner tomorrow night with some of his fellow classmates from Manogue Catholic High School (circa 1952). The old folks will gather at the Reno Events Center for the occasion. If you want a good time, and you are in the vicinity of Reno, skip the reunion (unless you were a classmate) but check out Cork at Catch a Rising Star at the Silver Legacy. * * * * * * * We have been told that musician Joni McGowan has passed away. Joni was the banjo player with Wildflower, a talented trio of females that included Toni Sandoval and Teri Klover. We have been unable to get further details. If any readers can help, please make contact and we will pass the information along to our readers. * * * * * * * For those who have been inquiring (Cousin Claire being one of them), we are happy to let you know that the multi-talented Domenick Allen will finally get his own starring spot in the showroom at the Suncoast, October 2nd and 3rd. There is much more to this fellow than just as a member (with Clint Holmes, Martin Nievera and Susan Anton) of the popular musical ensemble, Vocal Soup. Calling his show It's All About the Music, Domenick will cover the type of music that has colored his career - from his years touring the world with Liberace, to his musical theater roots in both Europe and the U.S. (Blood Brothers with Helen Reddy on Broadway), to his soap opera days on Days (of Our Lives), to his time with the British-American rock band, Foreigner. Expect some special guests (possibly his singer/actress wife, Leigh Zimmerman (The Producers, Chicago the Musical, Contact), and 10-year-old daughter, Cayleigh Capaldi) to join Mr. Allen for what is sure to be a night to remember. Call (702) 636-7075 for reservations. 
Domenick Allen 
Kara Aschwege 
Valeri Glava * * * * * * * Singer/actress Nicole Pryor, with past credits in Ragtime the Musical, and who is currently in Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular, is also a much respected vocal coach. On August 15th, a number of her students will demonstrate their talents in a recital at that cliquey/snobby, unfriendly Italian joint on the south end of the Strip. Obviously, we don't like the place where this will take place, but we do like Ms. Pryor and hope that her hardworking pupils will generate an appreciative audience who will reward them properly by showing up, listening attentively and responding with genuine enthusiasm. Accompanied by Angela Chan on the piano, the performers are Devon Roberts (Lion King), singing John Lennon's "Imagine;" Rebecca Raun (Phantom - Ballerina), singing Jason Robert Brown's "I'm Not Afraid of Anything" and "When I Look At You" from Scarlet Pimpernel; Jordan Gadziak (Phantom - Ballerina), doing "Before He Cheats," recorded by Carrie Underwood, and "Taylor, The Latte Boy," written by Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich; Monique Midgett (Lion King), "Tell Him" (duet sung with Nicole Pryor) recorded by Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand, and Heart's "Alone;" Triston Sanchez (8-years-old), "I'll Be There" by Michael Jackson; Ashley St. George, the jazz standard "Cry Me A River;" Taylor Lee, "Without You" from Rent; Morgan Murphy (14-years-old), "Colors of the Wind" from Disney's Pocahontas; Ireland Ciechalski (13-years-old), "Popular" from Wicked, and Trisha Yearwood's "The Song Remembers When;" Haley-Anne Hart (12-year-old daughter of Phantom's Marcia Cope-Hart), "On My Own" from Les Miserables, and "The Climb," recorded by Miley Cyrus; and Paul Hansell (Phantom wardrobe) singing Stephen Sondheim's "Buddy's Blues" from Broadway's Follies, and "Being Alive" from Company. Show time is at noon. If you want to sit anyplace where you can see and hear the performers, we urge you to show up around 11 and order lunch. Otherwise, expect to be treated like an intruder and seated in the back of the room. Calling you-know-where to make reservations might not be a bad idea. It makes us very unhappy that we can't, with a clear conscience, recommend this place to either performers or diners/audience members. We have lots of talented friends who perform there, some sporadically and others, such as Kelly Clinton (a favorite of ours), on a regular basis. We are not the only ones who feel this business needs an emergency crash course in hospitality. * * * * * * * Funny Louie Anderson was a guest on Craig Ferguson's Late, Late Show, Tuesday night. Needless to say, he was plugging his upcoming gig at Palace Station (best known as the site that brought down O.J. Simpson - not for murder, but for robbery). Louie's last performance at the Excalibur, where he has been for more than four years, will be on August 1st. On August 7th, he will open at the West Sahara, primarily locals, hotel casino. * * * * * * * Although he is “officially retired“ after more than 30 years with Boyd Gaming, Howard Jochsberger still gets called upon when certain situations present themselves - like producing a show (Hello, Dere with bushy-haired comedian Marty Allen and his musical wife, Karon Kate Blackwell) or handling a pageant. Howard has extensive experience as a judge in many pageants. This is his 20th year with the Mrs. United States Pageant. He was a Nevada Judge for the 1993 Miss Universe Pageant held in Las Vegas. Currently, he is back in the pageant business, serving as chairman of the judges for two upcoming events. On Sunday at 7 p.m., it’s the Mrs. Nevada-America Pageant, held in the Ballroom at Texas Station. The competing women each represent a neighborhood in Las Vegas, i.e., Mrs. Clark County, Mrs. Summerlin, Mrs. Green Valley, Mrs. Blue Diamond, etc. The Mrs. United States Pageant preliminary pageant will be held in The Orleans Showroom, Wednesday, July 21st, at 7:30 p.m. The National Finals, representing each of the United States and Puerto Rico, will be held at The Orleans at 7:30 on Thursday evening. Actor/singer Jay Joseph (Touch of Mystery) will serve as host. Among the judges are Karon Kate Blackwell; former Miss Denver, Audrei-Kairen; and lyric soprano and former Dean Martin Golddigger, Marilyn O’Leary. Previous Mrs. United States winners have included Nevadans, Alicia Jacobs, TV entertainment reporter, and Michele Burke, wife of Michael Burke, who produced TV’s Baywatch series. * * * * * * * On Tuesday afternoon, we were in the audience at the Liberace Museum Cabaret for RagTag Entertainment's The Little Things You Do Together, featuring songs from A Funny Thing Happened On the Way To the Forum, Follies, Company, Sunday In the Park With George, Anyone Can Whistle, and Into the Woods, all by Stephen Sondheim, sung by members of RagTag Entertainment. The group was formed by performers from the Las Vegas Strip and throughout the country, with the idea that "the performing arts are for everybody, not just those who can afford them." These performers have gathered to share their passion and introduce the performing arts and enrich lives through various modes of performance. Throughout the year, RagTag members give free performances at schools and other venues throughout the Valley. Tuesday's talented performers were Danyel Arianna, Kara Aschwege, Tracy Blackwell, Alejandro Mendoza and Michael Vojvodich, who did a great job with some complicated material. Laurence Sobel accompanied on piano, giving his fingers quite a workout on some of those incredibly fast Sondheim melodies ("(Not) Getting Married Today" from Company, "Everybody Says Don't" from Anyone Can Whistle). Kudos to all. Also, congratulations to Laurence and Joan Sobel (Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular). They are parents of a brand new baby girl. And speaking of RagTag Entertainment, July 23rd, 24th, 30th and 31st at 8 p.m., and August 1st at 5 p.m., they will present Jekyll & Hyde, directed and choreographed by Giulio Scatola, at The Onyx Theatre in Commercial Center. For additional information, call (702) 732-7225. And speaking of the Liberace Museum, among the things to do and see and hear at the East Tropicana __ are Movies at the Museum, 12:30 p.m. Mondays and Fridays. Tickets are $12 for lunch and movie. At 1 p.m. on Thursdays, violinist Valeri Glava performs in the museum's Cabaret. Glava was born and educated in the former Soviet Union, in the Republic of Moldova. The beautiful country of Moldova is known for its fine artists and there he received an intense education in music, specializing in the violin and receiving his degree as "Violin Soloist". At the age of 25 he was a professor at the Institute of Art in Chisinau, Moldova, and traveled throughout the world performing in concert and as conductor and soloist in various orchestras. Valeri was a regular on television in his home country. He started his America career when he was invited to Branson by Yakov Smirnoff to perform at his show. He later received high awards and recognition at his own show at the Americana Theater in Branson. Valeri was named "Entertainer of the Year" "Best New Show" and "Instrumentalist of the Year". He came to live permanently in the USA in 2001 and is now a very proud American. Las Vegas was his next goal after Branson and he moved here in December of 2009. The energy and charisma of Valeri's music draws his fans back to fill their souls with his beautiful music from his worldwide repertoire. Tickets are $15. Wednesday, July 21st, at 7:30 p.m., Kaci Machacyk, a singer, dancer, actress, songwriter and local Web television host living in Las Vegas, will perform in the Cabaret. Kaci has played such diverse roles as Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Brutus in Julius Caesar, and Maude in Two Gentleman of Lebowski at the Stage Door Theater. Machacyk has also sung on national television with pop idol Deborah Gibson, and studied in Oxford with the prestigious British American Drama Academy. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. At 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays, the Cabaret hosts Liberace and Me, starring Philip Fortenberry. Guests will enjoy Philip, an extraordinary artist and renowned pianist, improvisational composer and cast member of Jersey Boys, as he performs his intimate acoustic cabaret-style piano performance, while telling the story of his career. Tickets are $17.50. For additional information, phone (702) 798-5595. The Liberace Museum offers daily complimentary shuttle service to and from several Las Vegas Strip hotels. Participating hotels include Bally's, Bellagio, Treasure Island, The Mirage, Flamingo and Excalibur. A full shuttle schedule is available online. Founded April 15, 1979, The Liberace Museum is a tribute to the great legendary entertainer and pianist Liberace. The museum houses his collections of rare and antique pianos, classic cars, famous sequined and bejeweled costume wardrobes, glittering stage jewelry, rare antiques and other treasures and memorabilia. The Cabaret Showroom at the Liberace Museum serves as a showcase for Liberace's famous nine-foot mirrored Baldwin grand piano, where talented Strip performers entertain intimate audiences. The museum is located in the Liberace Plaza, 1775 E. Tropicana Ave. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. * * * * * * * Less than eight months after opening their first Strip location, it has been announced that Hash House a Go Go will launch its second hotel casino operation at the M Resort Spa Casino in early October. The first Las Vegas restaurant (the original is in San Diego) is at 6800 West Sahara near Rainbow. The second is inside the mid-Strip Imperial Palace Hotel Casino. Hash House will bring its creative menu offerings, over-sized portions and unique presentations to the Four-Star boutique resort. "Hash House A Go Go has a loyal fan base and provides an interesting and memorable dining experience," said Anthony A. Marnell III, Chairman and CEO of the M Resort. "Our goal as a resort is to provide our guests with new and exciting options. Hash House A Go Go delivers that and will be a great addition to our existing dining options." M Resort's Hash House A Go Go will replace the resort's Red Cup Café, which will close at the end of business on Monday, July 12th to begin remodeling for the opening of Hash House A Go Go. To provide guests with a breakfast option, the resort will offer summer breakfast hours in Studio B Buffet, beginning Tuesday, July 13th. A local and tourist favorite, Hash House A Go Go's concept of twisted farm food has become a success throughout the city, since 2005. The restaurant has been featured on The Food Network's Rachael Ray's Vacation, the Travel Channel's Man v. Food, the Fine Living Network's Martha Stewart, NBC's Dr. Phil, and ABC's What Would You Do? Hash House A Go Go offers patrons an exhaustive list of breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Some of its standout, signature dishes include Sage Fried Chicken, stacked with bacon waffles, hot maple caramel reduction and crowned with fried leeks; the HH Famous Roasted Chicken Pot Pie, an upside down crust stuffed with house roasted chicken, red potato, veggies and pan gravy served with mashed potatoes; and Andy's Crispy Indiana Style Hand-Hammered Pork Tenderloin with griddled smoked mozzarella, caramelized onions, fresh spinach, Portobello mushrooms, house-charred tomato and bar b'que cream all served with horseradish mashed potatoes and grilled corn o' cobb. The restaurant also features a bar, complete with a full menu of adult beverages and creative cocktails. The first Hash House A Go Go opened in San Diego in 2000 and became an instant success. Years later, Jim Rees convinced owners of the San Diego-based restaurant to expand outside of California. With partners Bill Underhill and Jim Nyberg, RUN Restaurants was created to make way for the Hash House A Go Go opening in Las Vegas in 2005. The M Resort location will operate under the direction of Hash House A Go Go co-owner and Nevada Restaurant Association's 2009 "Nevada Restaurateur of the Year" Jim Rees. "The M Resort is a tremendous location and we couldn't be happier," said Jim Rees. "The new Hash House A Go Go will have great views of the Las Vegas Strip and of the resort's expansive pool piazza. It will certainly be a must-see restaurant destination." Hash House A Go Go brings farm-fresh food with a funky, modern twist to the locals and visitors of Las Vegas. The well-known restaurant is famous for its unusual décor and enormous portions. The restaurant has garnered dozens of local and national accolades and has been featured on the Food Network, "Martha Stewart," "Dr. Phil" and most recently, the popular Travel Channel program, "Man v. Food." For reservations or inquiries, please call the Sahara location at (702) 804-4646, the Imperial Palace location at (702) 254-4646 or visit www.hashhouseagogo.com. * * * * * * * Jim Caruso is pleased to announce the Birdland debut of Rebecca Spencer and Philip Fortenberry on Monday, July 26th, at 7 p.m. This event will be part of the long-running Broadway at Birdland concert series. Rebecca and Philip perform as solo artists and as a duo with symphonies and in major concert hall and performing arts center engagements nationally. Each performer has Broadway, Las Vegas and Hollywood credits, and their collaboration is a magical exchange that stimulates the mind and enriches the soul. In their Birdland debut, these two remarkable artists will perform music by Keith Thompson (Kooky Tunes), highlights from their award-winning CD, Wide Awake and Dreaming, and their other celebrated CD collaboration entitled, Fair Warning. Ms. Spencer co-starred in Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian, where she created the role of Madame Giry in the new $35 million dollar production under the direction of Hal Prince. She is an original Broadway cast member of Jekyll and Hyde, in which she played the principal role of Lady Beaconsfield. Her additional performances in the role of Emma Carew completed a circle that had begun eight years earlier when she created the role at the 1990 Alley Theatre world premiere. She was also in the final Toronto workshop of Ragtime, directed by Frank Galati, and can be heard on the first cast recording. In New York, Rebecca has been featured at Lyrics and Lyricists and the Ira Gershwin Centennial at Carnegie Hall, recorded for PBS, and marked her fifth ENCORES! concert at the City Center in March of 2004. She was featured at the Mabel Mercer Foundation's 2004 and 2005 NYC Cabaret Conventions, and is a 2004 Bistro Award Winner. Philip has numerous Broadway and off-Broadway shows to his credit and can be heard playing on several original Broadway Cast recordings. In addition, he has recorded nine solo albums, including his most recent solo recording entitled Broadway My Way, which is now available online and in music stores. Philip holds a Master of Music degree in classical piano performance, and has performed in concert nationwide at prestigious venues from Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, to the White House. Philip is the featured Artist-in-Residence at the Liberace Museum's Cabaret Showroom in Las Vegas, where he regularly performs his critically acclaimed one-man show, Liberace and Me. In addition to his concert and recording career, Philip is currently the associate conductor for the Las Vegas production of the hit musical, Jersey Boys. Birdland is located at 315 West 44 Street, in New York City. Show time is Monday, July 26th at 7 p.m. There is a $25 cover, and $10 food/drink minimum. For reservations, call (212) 581-3080. * * * * * * * The Performing Arts Society of Nevada presents The Return of the Dynamic Duo at the Clark County Flamingo Library Theater, 1401 E. Flamingo, 2 p.m. Sunday, July 25th. Gary Oakes and Lou Garcia are local favorites. Once again, they will delight with their old and new songs, both sung and danced. Tickets are $15 and may be ordered via phone by calling (702) 658-6741. They may also be purchased at the library box office an hour before show time. 
Gary Oakes & Lou Garcia 
Ronnie Crews 
Lesley Gore * * * * * * * Next Sunday, July 25th, Ronnie Crews will perform in An Evening of Blue Eyed Soul at that infamous South Strip Italian joint that we do not patronize and take every opportunity to ignore. Crews (no relation to Tom...oh, never mind), asked for our help so nicely, we are going to give him a break. He says, "I understand your feeling towards that establishment (the one where he is performing on the 25th). Please understand, I am new to the "scene" and this city is a hard nut to crack. I will have a seven-piece band, made up of the finest musicians in town (no names were provided). It will be a stroll down "Old School" Lane, Motown, R&B and Funk in general. I grew up listening to the Four Tops, Smokey, Little Anthony, and Stevie, to name a few, so I feel I have been schooled by the best. In my teens, I played with a band known as Menagerie out of Western Pennsylvania. We had a record out (just regional air play) in the '70s. I guess when Rap came on the scene, I got lost. I played with Kelly Clinton for seven months as her drummer/background singer at Turnberry. I got a chance to meet Clint Holmes and a few other headliners of Vegas. I also met Jerry Lopez and Jamie Hosmer, along with the majority on the Santa Fe Band. Love that sound. Now it's my chance to show this town what I have to offer. If you can help out in any way, It would be appreciated." On July 22nd, Ronnie will be a guest on the Dennis Bono Show, taped in the showroom at the South Point. Mariano Longo, who serves as Mr. Crews' producer and musical director, reports that the show will start at 10 p.m. Okay, Mr. Crews, we did our part. Hope it helps. * * * * * * * Next Saturday, July 24th at 7 p.m., and Sunday the 25th at 2 p.m., Good Vibrations: The Ultimate Tribute To The Music of the Beach Boys, will play at the Starbright Theatre in Sun City Summerlin. Previous productions of this revue at the Starbright have been sellouts. This visit should be no different. Presented by Michael Chapman and ChapQuist Entertainment, this musical journey of sun, surf, cars and girls, features impeccable harmonies with the Beach Boys' classic hits like "California Girls," "Surfing USA," "I Get Around," "Help Me Rhonda," "Fun, Fun, Fun" and many other golden-oldie favorites by the Beach Boys. This high-energy show gets the crowd on its feet as it moves to the great hits of America's most legendary band! Tickets are $15 for Sun City Summerlin residents, and $18 for non-residents. For credit card orders, call (702) 869-2064. Online Credit Card Orders: www.SHOWTIX4U.com. Please visit www.CHAPQUIST.com for more information. * * * * * * * 
Shirley Alston Reeves 
Little Peggy March 
Gary Olds & Lesley Gore Music icons Lesley Gore, Shirley Alston Reeves and "Little" Peggy March, Legendary Ladies of Rock & Roll, will perform their chart-topping songs on The Orleans Showroom stage July 24th and 25th, each evening at 8 p.m. Lesley Gore is most recognized for "It's My Party," a song that catapulted her to stardom in 1963 at the age of 16. With more than two-dozen hit songs to her credit, Gore's legendary voice and music helped create the soundtrack of the 60s. Other popular Gore songs include, "Judy's Turn to Cry," "She's A Fool," "That's the Way Boys Are" and "You Don't Own Me," just to name a few. She is also an Oscar-nominated songwriter for her co-writing of "Out Here On My Own" from the 1980 film version of Fame. Beyond years as a recording artist, Gore has appeared on the popular television programs The Donna Reed Show, Murphy Brown and Batman. Having also appeared in several musical theater productions, Gore starred on Broadway in Smokey Joe's Café in 1999 to rave reviews. Shirley Alston Reeves burst on to the music scene in 1958 as the original lead singer of The Shirelles. Their establishing hit song, "I Met Him on Sunday," launched a string of hit recordings including "Dedicated to the One I Love," "Tonight's the Night," and what might be considered their biggest hit "Will You Love Me Tomorrow," written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. This popular song was the first of two No. 1 singles, the second being the 1962 hit "Soldier Boy." "Little" Peggy March launched her career at the age of 14 when her song "I Will Follow Him" hit the airwaves in 1964 making her the youngest female artist with a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Though established singer in the United States with several hits to her name, March was gaining significant recognition in the European and Asian markets and she moved to Germany in 1969 where she was a commercial success. March moved back to the U.S. in the 80s, but in 1984, a song she co-wrote for Jermaine Jackson and Pia Zadora, "When the Rain Begins to Fall," was a No. 1 hit in Germany, France, The Netherlands and Switzerland. Songs she made popular appeared in the films Hairspray and Sister Act. Earlier this year, March began recording her first album of new original songs in more than 30 years. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $29.95, plus tax and convenience fees, and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 702.365.7075 or visiting www.orleanscasino.com. Save on convenience fees by purchasing the tickets in person at Coast Casinos. The Orleans Showroom is an 827-seat venue featuring theater-style seating. Las Vegan Gary Olds, who has worked with Ms. Gore many times since their original pairing in 2004, will be sitting behind the drum set for this next weekend's Orleans gig. Gary is also the drummer for the Gregg Austin produced The King Lives, the Hooters revue featuring Pete Willcox (Wednesdays through Sundays at 7:30 p.m.). Olds, with Tony Branco on keyboards, Steve Cantor on guitar, Mike Dubay on keyboards, and Mark Kotaska on bass, have also been working with singer Lisa Smith (Dangerous Curves, Shades of Sinatra). Tonight, The Gary Olds Trio - Chuck Hoover (Rich Little's musical director) on keys, Kenny Sieffert on bass, and Olds on drums - is providing the music for the F.I.O.R.E. group's sixth anniversary celebration held at the Italian American Social Club. * * * * * * * Not surprisingly, America's Got Talent has run a number of Las Vegas connected acts through their audition process. Known by some as The Entertainment Capital of the World, there are plenty of talented people who make their home here (as well as some who THINK they have talent, but should not be allowed to use their names and the word talent in the same sentence). Among the current locals who have already been seen on AGT are magician Murray Sawchuck; 30-year-old singer, Michael Grimm, and Antonio Restivo, whose mother, obviously, did not get the message to her little boy when she warned him not to play with fire. Restivo, would have to qualify as one of the hottest contestants auditioning for America's Got Talent. Last year, he opened his own fire-filled show, Ignite, known then as the Greek Isles (formerly called The Paddlewheel, Debbie Reynolds) and now known as Clarion Hotel and Casino. Grimm, who won over the AGT audience AND the judges (Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne, and David Hasselhoff's replacement, Howie Mandel), with his soulful version of "You Don't Know Me." If you want to see Michael Grimm perform in Las Vegas, you have a number of options to do so. Next Friday, July 23rd, he will be at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay from 9 p.m. to midnight. On Saturday night, the 24th, he will be at Green Valley Ranch Resort, 2300 Paseo Verde Parkway in Henderson. Show starts at 7:30. Join Michael inside the Ovation Room for his new CD release party! CDs will be available for purchase, so don't miss out! Monday, the 26th, will find Grimm back at the House of Blues, this time from 8 to 11 p.m. You can also see Michael Grimm with Santa Fe and The Fat City Horns on different dates at multiple locations. 
Murray Sawchuck 
Michael Grimm 
Antonio Restivo * * * * * * * Gina Eckstine and her trio will be doing some great jazz from her CD, Everything I Have Is Yours, as well as digging up some classic R&B, tonight at The Hip Kitty, 502 West 1st Street in Claremont, California. Show runs from 8 p.m. to midnight. Gina (the daughter of the late Billy Eckstine) says that The Hip Kitty is a fun place to enjoy some fondue and listen to live music. Call (909) 447-6700 for reservations or, if you are in the neighborhood, just drop in.
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Tags: B.B King Bruce "Big John" Mickelson Sonny Turner
Displaying keen perception and great insight.
She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice.
She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em.
She’s...
Claire Voyant
Las Vegas - July 9, 2010
Babe Pier 
Bobby Rydell The 6th anniversary party of the famed non-club club, F.I.O.R.E. (Fun Italians Organizing Ridiculous Events) will take place at the Italian American Social Club, 2330 E. Sahara, on Friday evening (not at lunch time, like most of the F.I.O.R.E. gatherings), July 16th, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
On July 5th, almost 50 people had indicated they would be attending what might be the social event of the season (or, at the very least, the social event of July 16th)...and none of them were using House Seats or any other discount tickets. The annual F.I.O.R.E. anniversary celebration is one of the few during the year when ladies are not only invited to join the gents, but are treated royally by being presented with flowers and chocolates. Ladies must be invited by a F.I.O.R.E. president and, as we have mentioned before, ALL of the F.I.O.R.E. gentlemen are presidents). There will be a great buffet, no host bar, live music, entertainment (F.I.O.R.E. organizer, Nelson Sardelli, informs that clean jokes from the presidents will be permitted), dancing, and surprise gifts. There will also be a special performance by a true Las Vegas icon, comic/impressionist, Babe Pier. Dress code is "Summer Elegant" (no tank tops or flip-flops, please). Cost for all of this fun is $35 per person. Spread the word. Invite your friends. Plan to join the party. Please RSVP to Gene Vitale at babyeue@aol.com as soon as possible. See you there. For more info on this organization, whose sole purpose is to have fun, check out http://www.nonclubclubfiore.com/. The esteemed leader/organizer of the F.I.O.R.E. crew, that would be the above mentioned Nelson Sardelli, had back surgery on Tuesday, the 6th. Not one to miss many parties, Sardelli plans to be back in action and in attendance for the anniversary celebration. And speaking of Babe Pier, Las Vegas' favorite, comic/impressionist will open for Bobby Rydell during Rydell's Saturday, July 17th engagement in The Club at the Cannery Casino & Hotel. Since his debut as a rock ‘n roll teen idol in the 1950s, Bobby Rydell has truly been an icon of entertainment and continues to delight audiences worldwide with his extraordinary vocal, acting and comedic talents. Throughout an amazing career that has spanned six decades, Rydell has earned his reputation as a classic performer. As a teenager, he was a hit on both screen and stage with starring roles in films such as "Bye Bye Birdie" and plays such as "West Side Story." When he was just 19, Bobby Rydell was the youngest person ever to headline New York's famous Copacabana. As a recording artist, he had 34 Top 40 Hits to place him in Billboard's Top 5 artists of his era. His hit singles include "Volare," "Wild One," "We Got Love" and "Kissin' Time." Bobby Rydell's influence on popular music, and his iconic stature as a teen superstar of his time, even inspired the producers of the musical, "Grease," to name the story's high school "Rydell High" in his honor. Currently, Bobby Rydell keeps a full schedule with regular performances in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, and headline tours around the world. Tickets are available in three levels: Prime $29.95, Patio $19.95 and Reserved $9.95, and can be purchased at the Cannery ticket sales counter located at the front desk, by calling (702) 507-5757 or online at http://www.cannerycasinos.com. * * * * * * * In last Friday's piece on the outstanding vocal group, Fifth Avenue (Rob Hyatt, Jerry Jones, Bryce Robinson and Jeff Celentano), we omitted two important things - one on purpose and the other by accident. The "on purpose" was in not identifying the six terrific musicians who played for Fifth Avenue's Sing Sing Sing! A Tribute to the Great Vocal Groups for their June 26th and 27th dates in their first gig in the Suncoast showroom. There was a good (we think) reason for that omission - we were missing the name of one of the players. Thanks to Fifth Avenue member, Jerry Jones, who responded to our SOS call while relaxing in Hawaii, we can now provide the identity of all the talented musicians - Bill Fayne (long associated with Clint Holmes) served as MD and pianist, John Wedemeyer was on guitar, Lenny Lopez, of Santa Fe fame (percussion/vocals), Jamie Hosmer (keyboards/vocals), Mike Meecham on drums, and the formerly unknown (by us), but now known, Jozef (and, yes, that's how he spells it) Bobula on bass. The accident (wea culpa) was in not giving photo credit to Ed Foster for the picture he took of Fifth Avenue, with Domenick Allen and Bill Fayne, that we used last week. (Ed also took the Fifth Avenue picture that we are using this week, so thanks, Ed). 
Fifth Avenue by Ed Foster 
Mac King On Sunday, we will be at the South Point to see The Four Freshmen create the harmonies that have inspired many vocal groups, including the Beach Boys and the above mentioned Fifth Avenue, over the past five decades. Show times are tonight through Sunday at 7:30. Tickets are a more than reasonable $15 to $25. Call (702) 797-8055 for reservations. * * * * * * * Comedy-magician Mac King announces the next installment of his Magic-in-a-Minute retail brand with the release of Lunchbox-o-Magic. Lunchbox-O-Magic contains more than 50 funny and easy-to-do magic tricks that will make your kid a lunchroom superstar. Mac stars in The Mac King Comedy Magic Show, now in its 11th year at Harrah's. "Kids get bored eating the same ol' sandwich and banana for lunch everyday" said King. "With Lunchbox-O-Magic, they can have fun turning ordinary lunch items into mealtime magic shows that will astound their friends." Created by Mac and his cousin Bill King, Lunchbox-O-Magic is a real lunchbox containing a trick thermos, flatware and sandwich bag plus other magical lunchtime props. Also included is an instruction book and DVD featuring easy how-to-do videos for tricks like Water Weight, Steel Appeal, and Salt & Pepper Separator. In June of 2004, Mac King launched "Magic In a Minute" – a Sunday comic strip that runs in major national newspapers – alongside illustrator Bill King. The success of "Magic In a Minute" led to magic toys, magic sets and instructional videos that are sold in major box retailers nationwide. King debuted his first book Great Big Ol' Book-O-Magic in 2007, a magic book which quickly became a hit among children. In 2009 Suitcase-O-Magic – a miniature suitcase filled with magic tricks and instructions – hit store shelves. Continuing the success of his bookstore endeavors, Mac King released his latest book Mac King's Campfire Magic in March 2010, followed by Mac King's Campfire Magic App for iPhone and iPad. Released in the end of May 2010, Lunchbox-O-Magic is King's latest magic set to hit store shelves. Mac King has been recognized with numerous accolades including "Favorite Male Las Vegan," and "Best Bargain Show" by the Las Vegas-Review Journal 2009 "Best of Las Vegas" readers' poll, "Funniest Act in Magic Today" by Magic Magazine, Magician of the Year by The Magic Castle, and "Entertainer of the Year" by the Las Vegas Weekly "Readers Choice Awards." King, one of today's brightest and most talented magicians, takes the stage twice daily, at 1 and 3 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays, in the Showroom Theatre at Harrah's Las Vegas. Tickets are $24.95 plus tax. Additional information on The Mac King Comedy Magic Show can be found by visiting http://www.mackingshow.com. Lunchbox-O-Magic is available exclusively at Barnes & Noble across the U.S. for $16.99. For more information regarding "Magic in a Minute" products, including Lunchbox-O-Magic, please visit http://www.mackingshop.com<. * * * * * * * One of our spies (we have them everywhere) spotted onetime child actress, Beverly Washburn - The Greatest Show On Earth, Old Yeller, The Juggler, Hans Christian Andersen, and the cult hit, Spider Baby (a musical version recently played at The Onyx in Las Vegas), among others - and Randy Carlson, Route Manager for Greenspun Media's Las Vegas Weekly magazine, lunching at the Claim Jumper near the Green Valley Ranch (and Greenspun Media offices) on Wednesday. For an interesting read on the Hollywood of yesterday, check out Beverly's book, Reel Tears, capturing memories of one of the best child crying actress' in the business. 
Beverly Washburn & Randy Carlson 
Kenny Kerr 
G.G. & Chuck Conklin * * * * * * * Hypnotist Ken Owens informs us that the incomparable comic/female impersonator Kenny Kerr will be acting as emcee/hostess and performing in Las Vegas at Flex (4347 W. Charleston Blvd.) on Saturday, July 24th at 9 p.m. The occasion is the combined birthday celebration of Flex bartender, the hospitable and funny Darrin, and the alternative nightclub's owner, Shelly. Darrin promises Go Go Boys, food and plenty of fun. For additional information, call Flex at (702) 385-3539. They are open around the clock. * * * * * * * Our musical friends, (Chris) Hudson & (Doug) Saleeby, who now make their homes in Memphis, wanted to let readers know about a cause of theirs. This year, Doug and Chris made a pledge to do all they could to spread the word about one of their favorite venues for live performance...Theatre Memphis! The theater, located on Perkins near Poplar and Southern, is offering a great deal like none they have ever presented. Anyone can be a special person to Theatre Memphis and take on Producer status. For $1,000 ($700 of that is tax deductible), donors will receive - 20 tickets, free drinks at performances, Line Producer recognition, and a special party and preview of Annie Get Your Gun on Tuesday, August 17th. The Theatre Memphis Season opens with Irving Berlin's Tony Award-winning musical, Annie Get Your Gun on August 20th. It has been regarded as the musical with the perfect score. Following this musical sensation, Edward Albee's A Delicate Balance is featured on the Next Stage. The winner of the 2007 Edgar Award for Best Mystery Play, Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure, will have audiences gripped with intrigue just in time for Halloween. To close out 2010 and get everyone in the spirit, the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, returns for the 33rd year, starring our original Scrooge, the beloved Barry Fuller. This Theatre Memphis tradition continues to fill hearts with holiday cheer. In 2011, TM will present a regional premiere of a new musical, followed by Tony Award winner, Amadeus; Tony and Academy Award-winning musical, Cabaret, Shakespeare's Richard III, and the American classic, Picnic. Theatre Memphis will close the Lohrey Stage season with the first locally produced production of George Gershwin's Crazy for You, beginning June 3rd, 2011, and continuing through June 26th. We are always very happy to help longtime friends promote a worthwhile cause. * * * * * * * Our friend, G.G. Conklin, who is entertainer Jimmy Hopper's personal assistant, is counting her blessings and giving credit to the guardian angels who watch over her. On May 1st, G.G. was involved in a freak motorcycle accident while traveling 70 mph just outside of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. With no warning, and still no cause that investigators can pinpoint, the windshield on G.G.'s Honda 1300 VTX bike cracked, causing pieces of glass to smack her in the face. Through some miracle, she was able to pull safely off to the side of the road. G.G.'s husband, Chuck, riding a little ways behind her, followed her off the road to see why his wife had stopped. When he moved around in front of her, he was horrified to see her face covered in blood. G.G. was transported to a nearby hospital where she "nearly bit the dust" three times that day, if not for God's grace." She had a face full of stitches, and, after the first of the year, will be undergoing plastic surgery. The silver lining in the dark cloud? As G.G., who has managed to maintain her sense of humor throughout this painful ordeal, asks, "What woman my age doesn't like to hear the words "laser re-surfacing?" She goes on to say, "I'm thankful to God that He spared me, and glad to know His angels know how to drive a motorcycle." We are thankful as well. As for Jimmy Hopper, the majority of his time is spent performing on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, through Spring, 2010, at The Ritz Restaurant & Garden in Newport Beach, California. Show times are 7 to 10 p.m. Seating is limited. Call (949) 720-1800. On most Friday and Saturday evenings, from 9 p.m. to midnight, Jimmy can be found entertaining guests at the Palm Terrace/The Island Hotel, also in Newport Beach. Reservations are recommended. Call (949) 759-0808. Hopper has some great national corporate engagements over the next several months, but those dates are not open to the public. 
Ai & YuKi of Zen Magic 
Ronnie Rose 
Marty Kreloff & Stars by Steve Marcus And speaking of angels and miracles...Only five days into their performance at the Saxe Theater in the Miracle Mile Mall adjacent to Planet Hollywood, two aerial artists from Zen Magic fell from their silk rope during Tuesday's 4 p.m. show. Amazingly, famed Japanese illusionists, Ai and YuKi, whose motto is "love, courage and magic," suffered only minor injuries. The duo, who have been working together for about 10 years, have been featured on Fox's Masters of Illusion and have also appeared at the world-famous Magic Castle. * * * * * * * In November, Jason Forbach, who, until recently, was one of the cast members of Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular, will be joining the national tour of Les Miserables. We wish this talented young man the best of luck on his show business journey. * * * * * * * With many entertainers crying the blues about being out of work, Ronnie Rose is "Singing the Blues" (thank you, Guy Mitchell) all around the city. For example, tonight and tomorrow night, Ronnie is in the Rampart Casino's Addison Lounge, with shows at 8 p.m. Seating is limited, so get there early. Then on Sunday night, Rose is back at the House of Blues Restaurant inside Mandalay Bay from 8 to 11. Good news...The Horn Section is back! * * * * * * * Last minute reminders...
Artist Martin Kreloff's Stars and Sumos exhibit runs at the Laura Henkel Fine Art Gallery, 107 E. Charleston Blvd., through August 21st. Call (702) 952-9656 for gallery hours. It's onetime teen idol David Cassidy at the Silverton (Blue Diamond and Las Vegas Blvd.) at 8 p.m. tomorrow. Tickets are $25. Call (702) 263-7777. And Rich Little plays The Club at the Cannery in North Las Vegas Craig Road and Losee) at the same time tomorrow night. Ticket prices for "The Man of a Thousand Voices" start at just $9.95. Call (702) 507-5757 or toll free at (866) 999-4899 for reservations. And speaking of the Cannery, the Lon Bronson All-Star Band performs in The Club, tonight from 8 to 11 p.m. Admission is $5 at the door (get there early). The group returns to The Club on August 6th, same time, same price (21 and over, please). 
Lon Bronson 
Boyz II Men Boyz II Men will perform in The Orleans Showroom, tomorrow and Sunday at 8 p.m. The contemporary rhythm and blues vocal group is best known for their emotional ballads and complex, intricate a cappella harmonies. Based on record sales of hits such as 1992's "End of the Road," "I'll Make Love To You," "On Bended Knee," and "One Sweet Day," Boyz II Men is the most successful R&B male vocal group of all time, having sold more than sixty million albums worldwide. The group won four Grammy Awards in the 1990s, and was nominated for two Grammys in 2009. These achievements were enough to earn Boyz II Men recognition as Billboard magazine's most successful musical group of the 1990s. Tickets start at $44.95 plus taxes and fees. Call (702) 365-7075 for reservations. Locals favorite, Clint Holmes performs 7:30 shows at the Suncoast, tomorrow and Sunday nights. Tickets start at $29.95 plus taxes and fees. Next week, we will have some good news regarding Clint's Vocal Soup cohort, Domenick Allen. Stay tuned. * * * * * * * Eighteen of Southern Nevada's bravest firefighters took the stage at the 11th Annual Fire & Rain Firefighter Bachelor Auction, held Saturday, June 19th at RAIN Nightclub inside The Plams Casino Resort. The event attracted roughly 550 attendees and raised $50,000 for the Firefighters of Southern Nevada Burn Foundation. Each bachelor prize package included a variety of luxurious items ranging from hotel suites and dinners for two, to show tickets, spa packages and jewelry. "A lot of hard work went into making this event a big success," said Warren Whitney, public information officer for the Firefighters of Southern Nevada Burn Foundation. "We received a tremendous amount of support from our community partners, bachelors, volunteers and those who attended our event. Thanks to their help, the Burn Foundation was able to raise $50,000 which will fund our programs and services throughout the year." The Firefighters of Southern Nevada Burn Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide assistance to burn victims and their families, assist in catastrophic events as a resource to the community, and to further educate the community of fire and life safety. The foundation consists of Las Vegas valley firefighters from Clark County Fire Department, Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, North Las Vegas Fire Department, Nellis Fire Department and Henderson Fire Department. The Burn Foundation has raised more than $1,150,000 for the Southern Nevada community since 2003 and has helped over six-dozen Las Vegas valley families, totaling more than 40,000 benefiting residents in just the past two years. For more information on the Firefighters of Southern Nevada Burn Foundation, visit www.theburnfoundation.org. In the accompanying photo, firefighter John Steele and his dancers heat up the room at the bachelor auction. 
Firefighter John Steele 
Mickey O'Neill at Blackrock in Dublin * * * * * * * We have gotten permission from the author, to share a poem that she wrote for her longtime significant other, with our readers. Titled One Last Time, this loving tribute was written by Mary O'Schwartz (real name, Mary Marcella Schwartz) for in memory of the late musician, Mickey O'Neill, on July 2, 2010. I brought you home for one last time
Just as I'd done before
I gently walked you up the stairs
And put the key into the door
Your pal was there to greet you
With his favorite ball and bone
And though he couldn't see you
He somehow knew that you were home
This day seemed so much the same
Like all other days before
But emptiness had snuck right in
And closed each and every door
But somehow without knowing how
The sadness crept right through
And filled up my empty heart
With more sorrow than I knew
I just cannot seem to comprehend
But trying hard to understand
The reason you had to go so soon
Was that God had made His plan
So I just want you to always know
That I will love you ‘til the end
And every night as I say my prayers
I'll ask God for the ache to mend
The only thing that brings me solace
In the darkness of each day
Is that you came home for one last time
And this is where you'll always stay
Even though your soul's in Heaven
With the ones that love you so
You'll always live within my heart
And from there you'll never go
Oh, Michael Gerard O'Neill
My Irish drummer man
May God grant you speed on angels' wings
And bring you peace in your Homeland
* * * * * * * Former Las Vegan, Gina Eckstine, recently did a well received concert at the Norris Center for Performing Arts in Los Angeles where she currently resides. Gina, daughter of the late, great Billy Eckstine, recently appeared with the sons of the famed Mills Brothers in a cleverly named show called "Puttin' On Heirs." Sounds like something that might work around these parts. Gina is also the musical director for the Summer Musical Theatre & Hip Hop Camp located in the West Hills section of the San Fernando Valley. 
Gina Eckstine 
Randy Couture 
Frank Marino * * * * * * * Publicist Norm Johnson passes along this information regarding Bob Kephart's upcoming lineup of comics at the Sahara's Comedy Stop. Through July 11th, it's Jimmie "JJ" Walker, Peaches Rodriquez and Erick Griffin (headliner); July 12th through 18th, Glenn Jensen, Carmen Lynch and Dan Grueter (headliner); July 19th trough 25th, Lucas Brown, James Sibley and Louis Ramey (headliner); July 26th through August 1st, Tom McTiernan, Jarrod Harris and Quinn Dahle (headliner); and August 2nd through 8th, Anton Shuford, Tina Giorgi and Jay Black (headliner). Show times are at 9 p.m., with tickets priced at $19.95 plus tax and, if required, applicable fees. Must be 18 years old to attend, with ID required. For reservations, call (702) 737-2111. * * * * * * * Upcoming guests for Matt Donnelly's Executive Monkeys performing each Wednesday inside The Lounge at the Palms include, on July 14th, Randy Couture, mixed martial artist/Greco-Roman wrestler/actor, and on the 21st, Hot Babes of Reality TV, featuring Tiffany Michelle (Amazing Race) and Trishelle Cannatella (Real World Las Vegas). Bringing a new and dynamic style of improv comedy to the stage, Matt Donnelly's Executive Monkeys, produced by Emily Jillette (wife of magic man, Penn Jillette) is sure to deliver big laughs to The Lounge every Wednesday through July featuring a weekly celebrity guest at 9 p.m. The show, which will run through the month of July, features some of the most supreme improv comedians hailing from Upright Citizens Brigade, Second City, Improv Olympic, Peoples Improv Theatre and Improv Vegas performing a two-act 70-80 minute show. Unlike any other show in Vegas, the first set calls upon audience participation, encouraging the audience to use social media outlet Twitter via their cellular phones as the performers create characters and sketches based on the pictures and words from the tweeting audience. The suggestions are tweeted and are broadcast to an on stage screen to keep the audience up-to-speed. The second act offers a comedic tarot reading of a celebrity guest that will result in an outpour of spontaneous sketches created around the reading. Ticket are on sale now and prices are $25. Tickets can be purchased at the Palms Box Office. The Pearl Box Office is open Sundays through Wednesdays from noon to 7 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 9 p.m., and Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m. For more information on upcoming shows, please call (702) 944-3200. * * * * * * * Tomorrow, the South Point will host Girls' Day Out from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Island Style event will have more than 80 booths, all featuring products and information of interest to women. Frank Marino's Divas Las Vegas, currently at the Imperial Palace, will take to the stage at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and soap stars, Jacob Young, from ABC's All My Children, and Jason Thompson of General Hospital, will appear from noon to 3. There is plenty of free parking and there is no charge to attend the event. The first 500 ladies (the Divas are not eligible) get a free gift bag, a Harvest Festival ticket, and an Island lei. We will refrain from making some kind of easy and obvious comment here. * * * * * * * SinCityQSocials, the premier social network for GLBT professionals and friends in Las Vegas, held their last week's Mix, Mingle & Meet at the Liberace Museum. The group's Trendy Tuesday ~ Martini Mixers was a hit, with a large eclectic group of people in attendance. We liked their description of the now 30-year-old museum, when they said, "The Strip may sparkle and the neon may shine, but nowhere in Las Vegas will you find a more dazzling spectacle than at the renowned Liberace Museum. Here, you'll see the magnificent, world-famous collections of pianos, cars, costumes and jewelry that established Liberace as the legendary and beloved "Mr. Showmanship." And speaking of the Liberace Museum (and we often do), if you haven't been there, to take the tour or see a show in the Cabaret, now would be a good time to plan an outing, as the museum is offering bargain admission prices through Labor Day (Monday, September 6th). Discounted admission prices are $10 for adults, and $8 for seniors 65 and older and students with a valid school ID. Children age 12 and under are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult. Admission includes an optional complimentary one-hour guided tour at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. Sunday. During July, guests may visit the Cabaret Showroom at The Museum for a screening of one of Liberace's movies and lunch from the Liberace Café. For $12, guests may enjoy the "Movie at the Museum" lunch special, which includes the designated movie for the day, a sandwich, chips, drink and dessert. As an option, visitors may view the movie and have a snack for $7, or see the movie alone for $5. On Tuesdays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. (no Wednesday shows through the summer), it's Philip Fortenberry starring in Liberace and Me. Fortenberry, an extraordinary artist and renowned pianist, improvisational composer and cast member of Jersey Boys, performs his intimate acoustic cabaret-style piano performance at the glittering Liberace Museum with performances two days a week. Fortenberry entertains with his versatile styles that encompass a wide range of musical genres. Tickets are $17.50. The Cabaret at the Liberace Museum presents The Little Things You Do Together, featuring performances by members of RagTag Entertainment. RagTag Entertainment, a group of performers from the Las Vegas Strip and throughout the country, was formed with the idea that "the performing arts are for everybody, not just those who can afford them." These performers have gathered to share their passion and introduce the performing arts and enrich lives through various modes of performance. Throughout the year, RagTag performers give free performances at schools and other venues throughout the Valley. Show is at 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 13th. Tickets for The Little Things You Do Together are $10. And, while still on the subject of the Liberace Museum, last Thursday was Composers Showcase night at the Liberace Cabaret. These monthly events are never a disappointment, and there are always plenty of surprises. Audience members, made up primarily of people from the entertainment community, never know what to expect - unless they are one of the creative contributors (songwriter or performer). Among those who shared their talent with the Standing Room Only crowd last week were local composers and songwriters, Ryan Beyer, Vita Corimbi and Phil Randall, Tish Diaz, Valeri Glava, Uli Geissendoerfer, Rylan Leo Helmuth, Jason Martinez, Richard Oberacker, Aaron Ramsey, Lee Richey, Carly Thomas Smith, Keith Thompson, William Waldrop and Robert Williamson. Vocals were provided by Christine Hudman, Jamie Karen, Brandon Matthieus, Vusi Sondiyazi, Tina Walsh, and other special guests, while the performing musicians included Eric Andrews, Darren Denman, Philip Fortenberry, James Harvey, Brycen Ingersoll, Jim McIntosh, Keith Nelson (his first time participating in the showcase), and Mark Pardy. Festivities continued at Carluccio's, after the showcase, with Uli Geissendoerfer and Paul Stevenson taking turns at the beautiful mirrored piano (Paul also sang), Valeri Glava playing violin, and Diane Ellis performing a few songs. A great late, late night experience. * * * * * * * 
Lionel Richie 
Gerry McCambridge The Mentalist World-renowned music icon Lionel Richie will bring his four decades of award winning hits to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Friday, July 30th and Saturday, the 31st. One of the most distinctive and instantly recognizable voices in music, Richie is excited to introduce fans to songs from his new album, Just Go, which is a remarkable music marriage of his timeless style and a collection of contemporary material. As co-founder of The Commodores in 1967, Richie experienced his first taste of success after the group signed to Motown Records in 1971, becoming one of the most popular U.S. funk bands with "Machine Gun" and "Brick House" before creating a slew of future slow jam Richie-penned classics with "Easy," "Three Times a Lady" and "Sail On." Richie began working outside the Commodores in 1980, with such names as Kenny Rogers, Diana Ross, and other popular music acts of the 1980s. In 1982, the release of his self-titled solo quadruple platinum Motown debut set Lionel on a record-breaking pathway to global superstardom: 1983's ten-million-selling "Can't Slow Down," which won a Grammy for Album of the Year, was followed by 1986's massively-successful "Dancing on the Ceiling." After a period of reflection and personal growth, Lionel returned in 1992 with Back To Front, followed by 1996's Louder Than Words, 1998's Time, 2001's Renaissance, 2003's Encore, the aptly-titled The Definitive Collection, a worldwide multi-million-selling retrospective, 2004's Just For You, and 2006's Coming Home. Just Go, Richie's most recent project, is an album with a decided musical twist and has Lionel working with today's hottest hitmakers - Tricky Stewart & The Dream, Stargate, and Akon - to show that great talent is always timeless. Lionel Richie's show times are Friday, July 30th, and Saturday, July 31st. Both shows begin at 8 p.m. Ticket prices are $75, $95, $125 and $175 (all prices include 10% Live Entertainment Tax), and may be purchased in person at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Box Office, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, keyword "Caesars Palace". (All Ticketmaster orders may be subject to additional service charges and fees). * * * * * * * On June 20th, Gerry McCambridge, best known as The Mentalist, celebrated his fifth year as a Las Vegas headliner. When he opened at the Rampart in 2005, it was for an anticipated three week run. Today, McCambridge has performed more than 1,100 shows in Las Vegas, first at the Rampart, then at the Stardust, followed by a stint at Hooters. McCambridge is currently at the V Theater in the Miracle Mile Mall, adjacent to Planet Hollywood. Show times are Thursdays through Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $54.99 to $65.99, all inclusive. For reservations, call (702) 260-7200. * * * * * * * 
The Killers From pianist/singer Doug Taylor, who has an ongoing gig at CityCenter, playing the beautiful purple Bösendorfer Grand in Aria's Bar Moderno, comes this late breaking item..."I played with The Killers last night at Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's rally, featuring President Barack Obama. They needed me to add piano along with the violin and cello for their unplugged performance. It was an experience of a lifetime." For those that don't know, The Killers are/were a Las Vegas-based band, made up of Brandon Flowers, Mark Stoermer, David Keuning and Ronnie Vannucci. Vannucci, the group's drummer, was not present for this performance since it was unplugged style. The violinist was Nina DiGregorio, and Rachael Brown was on cello. We hope to have some photos for next week's column.
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Tags: Babe Pier Bobby Rydell Fifth Avenue Mac King
Displaying keen perception and great insight.
She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice.
She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em.
She’s...
Claire Voyant
Las Vegas - July 2, 2010
Jerry Lee Lewis 
Bill Cosby 
Doug Saleeby, Brent Barrett & Chris Hudson The Jerry Lee Lewis concert, originally scheduled for last Wednesday, June 30th at the Rio All-Suite's Crown Theater, did not take place. It is being rescheduled for some time this fall, to coincide with the release of Lewis' latest studio album Mean Old Man (release date: August 31st, Verve/Universal Music Group). Tickets for the June 30th show will be honored for the rescheduled date to be announced soon. In trying to make amends for any inconvenience to customers with tickets to the canceled show (like those who flew in from Europe, reserved a suite at the Rio, and rented a PT Cruiser, just to see "The Killer"), Crown is offering those guests a free round of drinks the night of the rescheduled show, as well as comped entry on Thursday, July 1st, to see the Johnny Cash tribute band Cash'd Out. Somehow, we don't think this will satisfy those ticket holders, so, those who wish to receive a refund, can do so at the original point of purchase. Crown Las Vegas, that runs the Crown Theater and Crown Nightclub, is overseen by attorney and entertainment veteran Darin Feinstein who has owned and operated music venues, nightclubs and entertainment outlets for more than 10 years. In addition to purchasing the world famous Viper Room from actor Johnny Depp, Feinstein's companies have hosted more than 1,000 live shows in multiple cities nationwide. And here's another change in entertainment scheduling to be aware of...
Instead of the two Bill Cosby shows originally announced for tonight at the Treasure Island Theater, Cosby, who turns 73 on July 12th, will only perform one show, at 7 p.m. The previously scheduled second 9:30 p.m. performance has been canceled. Those who purchased tickets for the 9:30 p.m. show may call the Treasure Island box office for more information. The phone numbers are (866) 712-9308 or (702) 894-7723. * * * * * * * Most folks think of Chicago as being in Illinois, unless they think like a musical theater fan, in which case they think of Chicago as being on Broadway...or at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas (1999-2000), or, as is the case right now, touring around the country. Last week, from Thursday through Sunday, Chicago the Musical did six shows in Memphis, Tennessee's historical Orpheum Theatre. When we knew that the touring company of Chicago was going to Memphis, we practically insisted that our friends, musician/ entertainers, Chris Hudson and Doug Saleeby (with a Las Vegas history between 1975 and 1982), see the musical with our Phavorite Phantom, Brent Barrett, once again playing that scoundrel, Billy Flynn. We are pleased to say that the fellows took our advice, got to meet Brent after his performance, and this is what they had to say. "Brent came out on stage, looking handsome and striking, his strong voice and great looks were a good match for the confident Billy Flynn attorney in Chicago. He sang great and looked as handsome as anyone could look...reminding us of when we first saw John Davidson on stage. The show was great, all the talent was terrific and the dancing was tops. After the show, we went to the side door and waited for Brent... he said he was going to be out very quickly, but he did not, so we left and went down the sidewalk toward the cast party where we thought he might already be. Then as we were standing out on the sidewalk talking to other people, he came along and we hugged and introduced and then all went to the party together. He was very nice to spend time with us and we had a great time with him and everyone else there, as well. All in all, we had a great night. Thanks for getting us in touch with him. Very nice guy and very talented." Jon W. Sparks of the Memphis Commercial Appeal, wrote in his review, "Chicago style not dependent on glitz - Talent easily carries show at Orpheum." Sparks goes on to say, "The current production of "Chicago" at the Orpheum doesn't go for heaps of razzle dazzle in sets, props, costumes or special effects. That means the Fred Ebb/Bob Fosse/John Kander musical has to rely on the talent to carry the darkly witty tale of murder and ego in 1920's-era Chicago. Happily, the talent -- most are veterans in their roles -- does not disappoint. The principal actors are so strong and contrast with each other so agreeably that you don't really miss the theatrical flourishes that often accompany such productions. Bonnie Langford invested Roxie Hart, the lovelorn, murdering chorine, with enormous energy and witty charm. Langford has an impeccable sense of comedic timing, dispensing winks, nudges and high kicks with killer instincts. Velma Kelly is Roxie's competition in the homicidal dancing girl sweep-stakes, and Brenda Braxton has that role polished to a high gloss. Braxton's smooth moves and electrifying presence are backed by a voice that illustrates the power of velvet smoothness. There are few characters in theater as cocky as Billy Flynn, to whom only humility is a stranger. Brent Barrett's take on the slick attorney is spot on, with easy moves and a terrific voice. Other key roles include Tom Riis Farrell as the hapless Amos Hart, doing a nice turn in "Mister Cellophane," and Carol Woods as "Mama" Morton who sings about reciprocity with spine-tingling effect. Bravos go not only to the key players but the supporting cast as well. The choreography was not a spectacular feast of dancing but rather a platter of delectable movements, well-seasoned with jazz hands, Fosse hats and whimsical actions. In the center of it all, and talking up most of the stage, was the orchestra, sizzling with all that jazz and led by former Germantown resident Andrew Bryan, a veteran music director in theater, opera and ballet." Los Angeles' Robert Machray, who has appeared in more than 150 plays and has worked at 14 Tony Award-winning theaters, been nominated for and won numerous awards, has a B.A. from Yale and an M.F.A. from USC, and taught at USC, UCLA, UCSB, and Pasadena City College, had this to say about the John Kander and Fred Ebb musical's recent run at the Pantages. "Chicago started as a play based on real murder trials observed by Maurine Dallas Watkins back in 1926. I saw the play at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival a few years back. Later in 1975 I saw the first Broadway version, called Chicago: A Musical Vaudeville, with music by Kander and Ebb and starring Gwen Verdon, Jerry Orbach, and Chita Rivera. It was directed by Bob Fosse and ran a respectable 936 performances, some of which I saw because I sold orange drink at the theatre. When Chicago was retooled in 1996 as Chicago The Musical it became a big international hit that is still running on Broadway. The Academy Award-winning film Chicago made the musical a hit once again and reinvented the movie musical. I had seen the 1996 Broadway version with various casts and in various cities at least three more times. So is it surprising that I wasn't looking forward to the 11th National Tour that has just opened at the Pantages. I was really wrong! The production seems as fresh as when I first saw it a few years ago. This company is fantastic. Michelle Williams brings a real spunk to the starring role of Roxie Hart. She is adorable despite the fact that she plays a murderess. Terra C. MacLeod is a suitably sultry Velma and is the strongest presence on stage. Carol Woods has a powerful voice as Matron "Mama" Morton and is excellent in the role. Tom Riis Farrell is simply the best Amos Hart that I have seen. The audience loved him. One of my favorite leading men, Brent Barrett, is the slippery lawyer Billy Flynn. He also has a truly gorgeous voice. The choreography, which is inspired by the Fosse original, is as effective as always. What is most impressive is that the themes of corruption, the glorification of crime, and the violent nature of our celebrity-crazed society are as relevant as they ever were." Machray recommended seeing the 11th National Tour of Chicago The Musical while it played the Pantages in May. We would have been very surprised if Brent Barrett, who played the lead role in Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian during its first two years, received anything less than glowing reviews (much like we were when Joe Brown, formerly of the Las Vegas Sun, did in his nasty, inaccurate critique of Barrett's pops evening, You and the Night and the Music, with the Las Vegas Philharmonic at UNLV in March of last year. And more Brent Barrett news...The Broadway star is joined by singer Kim Criswell for a concert of Rodgers and Hammerstein selections as a part of England's Birmingham Symphony Orchestra's "Friday Classics" series. The event, taking place tonight, will be conducted by John Wilson. Almost everyone knows the sound of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein's music, and all your favorite melodies are here - sung by two modern legends of musical theatre. From Oklahoma!, their first collaboration in 1943, to their last in 1959 with The Sound of Music, Rodgers and Hammerstein created some of the 20th century's most attractive and enduring stage works. The concert will include songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein classics including: Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, The Sound of Music, Oklahoma!, State Fair, Flower Drum Song, Pipe Dream, and Cinderella. Brent, who played a two-year stint in the title role of Phantom- The Las Vegas Spectacular, received an Olivier Award nomination for his role in the London company of Kiss Me, Kate (which was broadcast on PBS and is now available on DVD) and his other theatrical credits include the Broadway productions of Annie Get Your Gun (opposite Reba McEntire), Chicago, Grand Hotel, Dance a Little Closer, West Side Story and Candide. Barrett received a Los Angeles Drama Critics Award for his work in the L.A. production of Chicago and has been seen Off-Broadway in Closer Than Ever, March of the Falsettos, The Death of Von Richtofen, The Time of the Cuckoo and Portrait of Jenny. His television and film appearances include Hercules, Longtime Companion, All My Children, The Producers, Another World and Guiding Light. Brent recently reprised his award-winning role of Billy Flynn in the Tony-winning musical smash Chicago at the Ambassador Theatre. He is currently playing Flynn on the national tour. As a soloist, Barrett has received national and international acclaim with the Boston Pops and the Berlin Philharmonic, and in concerts at Carnegie Hall and London's Royal Albert and Royal Festival Halls. 
Erich Bergen 
Michael Jackson Glove And speaking of Broadway-types, for those have been wondering what Erich Bergen has been up to since leaving his role as Bob Gaudio in the hit production of Jersey Boys at The Palazzo, we can fill in some of the blanks. Since leaving Jersey Boys, one (or three) of the things Erich can add to his resume, are three guest appearances on the popular CW series, Gossip Girl. He was recently back in Las Vegas, working on Vegas! The Show, including writing some original music for the new David Saxe production that opened last weekend in Saxe's self-named theater (formerly the Wyrick) at Planet Hollywood. Bergen is in the process of putting together his brand new concert act. It's already booked for September 15th at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, and September 24th at the Rrazz Room in San Francisco. Erich,is really excited about his latest project, saying "It's not a cabaret act like I did at the Liberace Cabaret, but more of a nightclub act, reminiscent of things done by variety performers like Peter Allen, Sammy Davis Jr. and others." Mr. Bergen is hoping to bring his new act to Las Vegas. We will keep you posted. And on the subject of David Saxe's show, it features choreography by Tiger Martina, a live band led by Jerry Lopez of Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns, and features a large cast of singers and dancers (including the very talented Reva Rice). This production should in no way be confused with the similarly named knock-off downtown. And speaking of Michael Jackson, last Friday, on the one year anniversary of his death, more than 200 items that once belonged to the late King of Pop were auctioned off to the highest, and we do mean HIGHEST, bidders. The Swarovski-crystal-studded glove that Jackson wore on his 1984 Victory Tour, sold for $190,000. (The winning bidder was Wanda Kelley of Los Angeles, who said she would have gone higher if need be to own that famed glove. Kelley also bought a number of Jackson's albums at the auction.) The glove had been expected to sell for between $20,000 and $30,000. The bidding was "unlike anything we've ever experienced," said Darren Julien of Julien Auctions, which ran the auction at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. A pair of Jackson's stage-worn loafers that were listed as worth $2,000 to $3,000 went for $90,000; the custom jacket that Michael wore during a Barbara Walters interview, listed at $6,000 to $8,000, sold for $120,000. One of the last autographs Jackson signed and dated (June 24, 2009, the day before his death) went for $21,000. Michael Jackson's three children will never want for money. Ironically, the Jackson estate is in much better financial shape since Michael's death. In addition to the fact that it is still generating a tremendous amount of income, without Michael's uncontrolled spending, the value is growing, unlike the debt-encumbered situation it was in prior to June of 2009. And while still on the subject of Michael Jackson...
It was reported on Monday that, "Michael Jackson's father is withdrawing his request to receive more than $15,000 a month from his late son's estate. A court filing says Joe Jackson is dropping his bid to receive a monthly allowance, opting instead to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit over his son's death. Joe Jackson filed a lawsuit in federal court on Friday against Dr. Conrad Murray, who has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the singer's death. The Jackson family patriarch was omitted from his son's will, but in November sought a stipend to pay his monthly expenses. The filing was first reported Monday by the celebrity website TMZ. Joe Jackson's filing indicates he may renew his request for a stipend later if necessary." There was a damn good reason that Michael Jackson left his father out of his will. Yes, Joe pushed his children into show business, not be earning their respect, but by using fear tactics. It is very clear that Michael didn't want his father to have anything to do with the raising of his three children, OR for Joe Jackson to benefit financially from The King of Pop's death. Joe, you should be embarrassed and ashamed for being so transparent. It isn't about your son, Michael, it's all about the Benjamins. 
Joe Jackson 
Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns * * * * * * * We have really good news for music lovers, especially those who know and appreciate the talents of Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns. The Palms Casino Resort is proud to announce that Las Vegas' musical darlings will return to The Lounge on Monday nights at 10:30, beginning July 5th. For 30 years, Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns has been one of Las Vegas' crown jewels with their "soul" purpose being "let the healing begin" with a seamless blend of funk, Latin, rock and jazz. The groups' founder and fearless leader, Jerry Lopez, describes the objective of Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns as making music that has moved, inspired and challenged the musicians of the group, while avoiding restrictions and boundaries that come along with every other paying gig. Lopez' Fat City Horns has been a staple in the music scene of Las Vegas since the '70s, playing to packed houses of music lovers and fellow esteemed musicians alike. The rhythm section is made up of Jerry on lead guitar and vocals, alongside his brother Lenny Lopez on vocals and percussion, Tony Davich and Tyriq Johnson on vocals, Rochon Westmoreland on bass, Jamie Hosmer on keyboards and vocals, Gabriel Santana Falcon on percussion, Jose "Pepe" Jimenez on drums and Dave Richardson on keyboards and handling arrangements. The six-man Fat City Horns ensemble includes Rob Mader on tenor sax, Phil Wigfall on alto sax, Jerry Merra on baritone sax, Gil Kaupp and Danny Falcone on trumpet and Nathan Tanouye on trombone and handling arrangements. With the release of their first studio album, When the Curtain Goes Up, the group is ready to show Las Vegas what it's been missing. Cover charge for Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns in The Lounge at The Palms is $10 for VIP seating (booths and tables) and $5 General Admission. The Palms Casino Resort, heralded as one of Las Vegas' hippest resorts, is an all-encompassing, one-stop destination. Owned by the Maloof family, the boutique property boasts three distinct towers and a diverse mix of bars and restaurants across a 95,000-square-foot casino. Amenities include the legendary Playboy Club; Ghostbar; Rain Nightclub; The Pearl Concert Theater; Moon Nightclub; N9NE Steakhouse; Nove Italiano; Little Buddha; Simon Restaurant & Lounge; The Palms Pool & Bungalows; Palms Spa and AMP Salon; Drift Spa & Hammam; LA Sunset Tan; Brenden Theatres, a 14-theatre Cineplex; Huntington Ink Tattoo Lounge; the Fantasy Suites, including the Hardwood Suite, the only hotel room in the world with its own basketball court; and over 60,000 square-feet of meeting space. The Palms has played host to MTV's Video Music Awards, Real World: Las Vegas and Bravo's Celebrity Poker Showdown, and E!'s Girls Next Door and Sunset Tan feature the resort on a regular basis. The Palms Casino Resort is located on Flamingo, just west of the Las Vegas Strip and I-15. For room reservation information, call toll free at (866) PALMS-RES, (866) 725-6773, or visit www.palms.com. For groups of 15 rooms or more, contact the Sales Department at (866) 725-6768. * * * * * * * Small world. Last Friday, a couple of our spies were quite surprised to see female impersonator Frank Marino and his mother having lunch at Marie Callenders on West Sahara and Cimarron. Who was at the table, dining with the mother and son Divas? It was none other than that disappearing, reappearing magician, Steve Wyrick. We wonder who picked up the check. 
Steve Wyrick 
John Byner 
Marvin & Linda Lashever And speaking of Frank Marino...If you could ask Mr. Marino, or ANY man who wears wigs, makeup, and dresses in Bob Mackie gowns and Manolo Blahnik stilettos for a living, a question, what would it be? We are going to do just that, and we need your help. Frank has consented to give honest answers to any and all inquiries, so we are urging readers to come up with questions - no holds barred, but we do request that you please watch your language. And speaking of the Imperial Palace...
If you are planning on celebrating July 4th on the Las Vegas Strip, Hash House a Go Go invites you to Join them for the best brunch in town. Their July 4th brunch menu is served from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and features, among other items, Sage Fried Chicken Benedict, Blueberry Pecan Flapjack, Griddled Banana Cinnamon French Toast and Sausage Gravy with Biscuits, or enjoy lunch selections featuring our famous one pound Stuffed Burgers, the Big O' Crispy Hand Hammered Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, the griddled Meatloaf Sandwich or one of our great entree salads. Hash House a Go Go has two great restaurants in Las Vegas, their original location t 6800 West Sahara just east of Rainbow, and their center Strip location at the Imperial Palace Hotel. If you are near the Imperial Palace, enjoy dinner after the fireworks. The IP location will be open for dinner until 11 p.m. * * * * * * * Birthday wishes to Cancer celebrants
John Byner, Bill Acosta, Bruce Zarka, Deano Noto, Joey Gian, Cook E. Jarr, Steven Lee Cowart, Cork Proctor, John Argent, Scott Humphries, Loretta Holloway, Lee Plotkin, Michael Cagle, Jeanette Shead, Jerry Herman, Philip Fortenberry, Steve Lippia, Jeanne Bavaro, Skye Dee Miles, and Ronnie Fabre, And happy anniversary to still honeymooning Marvin and Linda Lashever, who are celebrating the end of their first year of wedded bliss. And speaking of the Lashevers, they are the owners of a relatively new business called UR MailBox Services, located in southwest Las Vegas at 7835 S. Rainbow Blvd. Suite 4, just south of the intersection of Rainbow and Robindale. If you can't find what you need at this store, chances are you don't need it! Among the services that UR MailBox Services provides are, 24-hour mail box rental (with a REAL address and suite number); mail forwarding, fax receiving and customers can be called and alerted when mail or package have been delivered; copy and print services (color, black and white, digital printing, binding, laminating, collating); moving, packing and shipping supplies and packing and shipping services (they can ship anything from letters, to boxes, to a pool table!); jewelry and watch repair (including battery replacement), appraisals and design; notary services; passport photos; computer services and repair; office and conference room rental; free WiFi; license hanging; legal forms; key making; phone answering service; paper shredding; cell phone sales; business card printing; rubber stamps; name badges; USPS, DHL land Federal Express services, and you can buy stamps without waiting in line; DMV services (license renewal and transfer, plates and tags); Internet Station; UHaul Rental and even more. They do NOT offer pet spaying or neutering, or auto detailing, so if that's what you need, go elsewhere. Otherwise, check out Marvin and Linda's UR MailBox Services. * * * * * * * 
Kristofer McNeeley 
Jeff, Domenick, Bill, Clint, Rob, Bryce & Jerry Last Sunday, we joined an audience that included journalist-types Jerry Fink and John Katsilometes, musicians Doug Taylor and Lee Richey, and celebrity furrier Anna Nateece, for Jersey Boys' Kristofer McNeeley's solo show, Holding the Space, playing Sundays in the Cabaret at the Liberace Museum. Also in attendance was Mrs. Kristofer McNeeley, Ali Spuck, and five-week-old Emerson Lila McNeeley. Kristofer, playing guitar and/or accompanied by Dave Haertel on piano, paid tribute to some of his favorite contemporary songwriters - Burt Bacharach ("Any Day Now"), Billy Joel ("She's Always a Woman"), Bob Dylan ("Make You Feel My Love"), Michael Buble ("Everything"), Elton John ("Sorry Seems To Be the Hardest Word"), John Denver ("You Fill Up My Senses"), Leonard Cohen ("Hallelujah"), and winding up his afternoon spot with an appropriate, "What a Wonderful World," by Bob Thiele (as George Douglas) and George David Weiss. Kristofer performed two of his original songs, starting his set with "Dreamer," and later doing his "Baby Mine," written before Emerson's May 16th birth. Incidentally, Emerson shares her May 16th birth date with Liberace, who was born in 1919. Later that evening, we were at the Suncoast where we saw Fifth Avenue. Backed by six fine musicians, the four members of the outstanding vocal group - Rob Hyatt, Jerry Jones, Bryce Robinson and Jeff Celentano - did a history of vocal groups, starting with a video featuring Sid Caesar in a "How Music Was Born" clip from Mel Brooks' History of the World Part I, followed by tributes to the famed Buffalo Bills barbershop quartet, the Mills Brothers ("I Love Coffee," "Glow Worm"), Les Paul and Mary Ford ("How High the Moon"), Ink Spots , Del-Vikings ("Come and Go With Me"), The Marcels ("Blue Moon"), Crew Cuts ("Sh Boom"), The Diamonds ("Little Darlin"), the Jordanaires, sans Elvis ("Return to Sender," "Teddy Bear"), Hi-Los ("My Sugar Is So Refined"), Beatles ("Come Together"), Danny & The Juniors ("At the Hop"),Tokens ("The Lion Sleeps Tonight"), Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons ("Big Girls Don't Cry"), Temptations ("My Girl"), Beach Boys ("I Get Around"), Manhattan Transfer ("Birdland"), Little River Band ("Reminiscing"), a Disney medly, and even a brief homage to The Supremes. There was also a special shout out (with film footage) to the Four Freshmen, with Fifth Avenue doing a number of Freshmen hits, including "Blue World" and "In This Whole Wide World." Fifth Avenue even closed their show with "There Will Never Be Another You." Among those spotted in the audience for Fifth Avenue's Sunday night show at the Suncoast, were Cork Proctor, Judy Coco, Michelle Johnson, Janice Sands, Karen Merstik-Michaels and Margaret "Gret" Menzies from Dangerous Curves (third curve, Lisa Smith, was fighting the flu), Bob and Corrie Sachs, Mark Barrett, Toni Sandoval, and "The Golden Girls," sisters Carole Hassell and Laura Blackburn. 
Cork Proctor 
Fielding West 
Today's Four Freshmen Regarding Cork Proctor, the always funny fellow who turns 78 on the 22nd of this month, will be performing at Catch a Rising Star in Reno, from July 21st through the 25th (hope they will bake him a birthday cake). The comedian, actor, emcee, game show host, and master roaster has an encyclopedic memory for names, details, and places, enabling him to engage audience members on current affairs and pertinent subjects. Cork was dubbed "Roastmaster General of the United States" by former Speaker of the House, Tip O'Neill, Jr. Preceding Proctor onto the Catch stage will be Las Vegan Fielding West who performs there, July 13th through 18th. Fielding is not only a magician's magician but he possesses that very rare and impeccable sense of comedic timing that has landed him the opening spot for some of the biggest names in show business. A winner in the prestigious Desert Magic Seminar's Comedy Magic Competition, Fielding has opened for A-list celebrities such as Liza Minnelli, Glen Campbell, Earth, Wind & Fire, Mel Tillis, and Phyllis Diller. Catch a Rising Star is a chain of clubs launched in New York City in 1972. The original club was notable for its role in jump starting the careers of many famous entertainers, among them Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Rosie O'Donnell, David Brenner, Robert Klein, Garry Shandling, Dennis Miller, Jon Stewart, Chris Rock, Whoopi Goldberg, Ray Romano, Eddie Murphy, Ellen DeGeneres and many others. Other locations throughout the US are in Princeton, New Jersey; Twin River Casino, Rhode Island; and the new Catch A Rising Star on Broadway in New York. As for the Four Freshmen, you can see the 2010 Four Freshmen - Brian Eichenberger, Curtis Calderon, Vince Johnson, and Bob Ferreira - at the South Point on July 9th, 10th and 11th. Fans can expect to hear some of the Freshmen standards such as "Angel Eyes," "It's a Blue World," "Graduation Day" and other favorites, along with some newer songs done in the distinctive Freshmen-style. We would love to hear today's group do two of our favorites, the Spring songs - "Love Turns Winter to Spring," and "Their Hearts Were Full of Spring" - but whatever they do, we will be joyfully transported back to our high school freshmen (and sophomore and junior and senior) days of the 1950s. Tickets are $15, $20 and $25 and shows are at 7:30 p.m. We will have more on the Freshmen next Friday. * * * * * * * Next week, from Tuesday July 6th through Friday July 9th, it's Jazz at the Gold Coast! in the Gold Coast Showroom/Lounge from 2 to 5 p.m. The featured performer is Michelle Johnson, backed by Billy T. on piano and Mike Tramontana on drums. The trio will perform jazz standards for an afternoon of great music and dancing. They happily take requests. No cover. No minimum. The Gold Coast is located at 4000 West Flamingo Rd. * * * * * * * The Fremont Street Experience continues its Summer of the '70s with a weekend full of festivities for the Fourth of July. The Golden Nugget will light up the downtown sky with a beautiful fireworks display, launching from the hotel's parking garage at 10:10 p.m. tonight, July 2nd, for visitors of downtown to enjoy. On Saturday, the multi-platinum recording artists, Little River Band ("Reminiscing," "Cool Change," "Lonesome Loser," "Lady") will play on the 3rd Street Stage on Saturday, July 3rd at 9 p.m. Originating from Melbourne, Australia, Little River Band has sold over 25 million records, released 15 albums, and made 13 American Top 40 singles. Featuring Wayne Nelson, Greg Hind, Chris Marion, Rich Herring and Mel Watts, the group's recent accolades include a 2004 induction into the Australian Industry Recording Association Hall of Fame. Also, three times a night tonight and again on July 4th, Highway to Hell, the five-man AC/DC Tribute Band from Long Beach, California, will play a full AC/DC line-up, including the replicated vocals of both original lead singer Bon Scott and his successor, Brian Johnson, in mega hits like "TNT," "Dirty Deeds" and "Back in Black." The band is featured in the upcoming documentary "Rock 'N Roll Swap Meet," which highlights the underground hardcore sound of the 2006 Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet. Portions of the proceeds from video sales will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Groovy enthusiasts on Fremont can enjoy Fremont Street Fever on the 1st Street stage. The original 35-minute disco themed-production, features song and dance performances of '70s classics including "Shake Your Groove Thing," "Staying Alive" and "Funky Town," three times nightly (9:15 p.m., 10:15 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.) though July 5th. Finally, visitors can experience Viva Vision, the world's largest video screen, as it showcases special '70s themed videos nightly, augmented by virtual fireworks shows July 2nd through 5th. The lineup includes, at 8:30 p.m. - "Don McLean's American Pie," 9 p.m. - "The Doors - Strange Days in Vegas," 10 p.m. - "A Tribute to Queen," 11 p.m. - "KISS Over Vegas," Midnight - "Signs of Life by John Van Hamersveld," and 1 a.m. - "George Thorogood's Bad To The Bone." All events are provided free of charge.
Fremont Street Experience is a five-block entertainment destination located in historic downtown Las Vegas. Fremont Street Experience features Viva Vision, the world's largest video screen which is 1,500 feet long, 90 feet wide and suspended 90 feet above the urban pedestrian mall. Viva Vision features nightly spectacular light and sound shows with 12.5 million LED lights and a 550,000-watt sound system. The Experience is a one-of-a-kind venue which includes free nightly concerts and entertainment on two stages. With direct pedestrian access to 10 casinos, more than 60 restaurants and specialty retail kiosks, Fremont Street Experience attracts over 15 million annual visitors. * * * * * * * The big mystery, Triumph, is supposed to open at the Las Vegas Hilton on October 3rd. Details are being kept a secret (hope the production will live up to the non-hype) but, what we do know, for now anyway, is that tickets, priced from $34.95 to $99.95, are now on sale. The early scheduling is a bit confusing. The Hilton press releases state that the Sunday, October 3rd opening show is at 8 p.m. After that, it's 4 p.m. matinees, Sundays through Thursdays, except for Wednesdays, when the show is at 2 p.m. Then on Sundays, during football season, Triumph plays at 7 and 9:30 p.m. When we know more, so will you. * * * * * * * Celebrate summer at the Riviera Hotel and Casino Pool Parties. Enjoy the music of one of Las Vegas' favorite band, fronted by Tommy Rocker, as they offer up laid-back island style, providing the perfect tropical getaway in Las Vegas. Casino Marketing Director, Debbie Mumford says, "Tommy Rocker is a fun and extremely popular entertainer. His high-energy band performs great sing-a-longs so you can enjoy our pool parties all summer long." Food and beverages are available at poolside so you won't miss a beat. Enjoy salads, sandwiches, sides, snacks, soft drinks, and desserts as well as your favorite tropical mixed drinks and beers while taking in the fun. We invite the public to swim, lounge, mingle and enjoy the evening's festivities. Parties are at the Riviera Oasis Pool Complex, and start at 6 p.m. on July 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5, 12, 19, and September 2, 9, 16, 30. There is no charge for the pool use. Youngsters under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. For additional information, please call the Riviera Gaming Marketing Office at (702) 794-9571. * * * * * * * 
Sarah McLachlan 
Clint Holmes 
Eric Michael Gillett Lilith Fair is a concert tour and traveling music festival, founded by Canadian musician Sarah McLachlan, Nettwerk Music Group's Dan Fraser and Terry McBride, and New York talent agent Marty Diamond, which took place during the summers of 1997 to 1999. It consisted solely of female solo artists and female-led bands. Lilith Fair has raised millions for women's charities throughout North America. For years, Lilith Fair has been one of the highest grossing touring festivals in the world. Among the performers featured on the tours have been artists such as Sheryl Crow, Christina Aguilera, Erykah Badu, The Dixie Chicks, Missy Elliot, The Pretenders, Nelly Furtado, Emmylou Harris, Jewel, Queen Latifah, Indigo Girls, Tegan and Sara and, of course, Sarah McLachlan. On July 9th, the Mandalay Bay Events Center will host Lilith Fair featuring, among others, Elizaveta, The Bangles, Miranda Lambert, and Sarah McLachlan. Is there anyone who has seen Grammy Award-winning McLachlan's "Angel" community service spot, for the SPCA, that hasn't been deeply moved by the plight of abused and neglected animals? Tickets are $65.45. For more information, call Mandalay Bay at (702) 632-7777. * * * * * * * SinCityQSocials, Southern Nevada's premier social network for GLBT professionals and friends in Las Vegas, will hold its popular weekly Martini Mixer at the Liberace Museum on Tuesday, July 6th, from 7 to 10 p.m. SinCityQSocials has more than 6,000 local members. In just a few years, the organization has become Vegas' largest gay membership organization. It was named the "Best Social Group" in Las Vegas by CityLife magazine (April 2008) and QVegas magazine (December 2008). Newcomers are welcome to attend the socials. The museum, in case you missed this information elsewhere, is located at 1775 E. Tropicana at Spencer. * * * * * * * Clint Holmes brings his powerful voice back to the Suncoast Showroom on Saturday, July 10th and Sunday the 11th. Holmes' fans know him as more than just a singer. He makes every performance original, captivating audiences with his signature style. Clint recorded the Top 10 hit, "Playground In My Mind (My Name Is Michael)," in 1973. His album, Edges, produced "Feel Like Makin' Love," the romantic "Shouldn't It Be Easy By Now," the playful "Gotta Get Up," and the thought-provoking "Let My Son See Africa." Clint is known for his six-year run in Clint Holmes at Harrah's. The Las Vegas Review-Journal named Clint "Best Singer" four times, and "Entertainer of the Year" three times. He was also Atlantic City's "Entertainer of the Year" three times, and starred in Clint Holmes' Sophisticated Rhythms, a dynamic stage show that traveled through music from the 1940s to the present. His 1996 critically acclaimed musical, Comfortable Shoes, which opened in New Jersey, was a poignant and uplifting journey into Holmes' interracial family's struggle to find its identity. In 2002, an updated version of the musical opened at The Royal George Theatre in Chicago. Among the show's rave reviews, the Chicago Tribune called it "a night of fully realized theatrical entertainment." Holmes continues to partner with long-time friends, Susan Anton, Domenick Allen and Martin Nievera, for a showcase of solo performances, duets and group numbers as part of the popular Vocal Soup ensemble. In a career that began with an invitation from Joan Rivers to be her sidekick and announcer on The Late Show, Clint Holmes has proven himself a well-respected performer, even earning the honor of being the featured performer at the Democratic National Convention on the evening of Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential nomination. Also familiar to fans' ears, Holmes was the voice of Lowenbrau Beer for four years. The Suncoast show time is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available, starting from $29.95, plus tax and convenience fees, and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at (702) 636-7075 or visiting www.suncoastcasino.com. Save on convenience fees by purchasing tickets in person at any Coast Casino. * * * * * * * Onetime Las Vegan, Eric Michael Gillett, performs at Feinstein's at Loews Regency in Manhattan, July 6th through 10th. His program, called Hooray for Love, features the music of Harold Arlen. Gillett, the 2009 recipient of the Dick Gallagher Award from the Mabel Mercer Foundation, returns to Feinstein's at Loews Regency with a tribute to one of America's best loved composers. After several forays into contemporary pop, Gillett turns his attention to classic songs from the Great American Songbook. With a repertoire that includes everything from "Blues in the Night" to "Come Rain or Come Shine" and "Gotta Have Me Go With You," to "This Time the Dream's on Me" and "Get Happy", Hooray for Love-Gillett Sings Arlen promises to be a spectacular evening of song. Show times are at 8:30 p.m. Feinstein's is located at 540 Park Avenue (at 61st Street). For reservations, call (212) 339-4095. And speaking of New York...
The Rampart Casino is bringing the big city to Summerlin with the addition of the New York Deli Buffet on Thursday nights starting July 1. The New York Deli Buffet will replace the existing Thursday night Seafood Buffet and will be available from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. for $18.99. Guests of the New York Deli Buffet will be treated to an amazing variety of deli menu options including a bread display of rye, white, wheat, pumpernickel, sourdough, Kaiser rolls, bagels and other fresh breads to be heaped with sliced salami, bologna, liverwurst and assorted sliced cheeses. A carving station will offer roasted chicken, turkey breast, sugar-glazed ham, pastrami and corned beef with steam table selections including knockwurst, all-beef frankfurter and short ribs. Knishes, latkes, noodle pudding (kugel) and sauerkraut will abound with other deli staples such as baked beans and mashed potatoes. The full salad bar of the New York Deli Buffet will feature a wide selection of starter items, among them shrimp salad, smoked salmon cream cheese, whitefish salad, gefilte fish, potato salad, macaroni salad, chopped chicken liver, sliced and whole fruits. Additionally, the buffet will feature an Italian station, a Chinese station and a dessert station with rice pudding, blintzes and a gelato bar. Topping it off in style, guests will enjoy a gourmet coffee bar, New York egg creams and Dr. Brown's soda. The Rampart Buffet is open every day of the week with pricing as follows: $9.99 lunch and $13.99 dinner on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; $9.99 lunch and $18.99 Seafood Buffet on Thursdays (the current Seafood Buffet will be replaced by the New York Deli Buffet on Thursday nights starting July 1); $9.99 lunch and $15.99 t-bone and rib eye dinner night on Saturdays; champagne brunch for $14.99 on Sundays and Sunday dinner for $13.99. Children three and under eat free, and children from four to seven eat for half price. * * * * * * * Master mimic, Rich Little, will perform at The Club inside the Cannery Casino & Hotel on Saturday, July 10th at 8 p.m. Known as "The Man of a Thousand Voices" for his incredible range of impressions, Little has spent the past five decades entertaining audiences with his signature brand of humor. He began his career booking club appearances and working as a talk show host and disc jockey in his native Canada. He was "discovered" in the United States when Mel Torme asked him to make a tape for CBS' The Judy Garland Show, resulting in his being signed to the show. Little went on to appear alongside such notable personalities as Ed Sullivan, Jackie Gleason and Glen Campbell on TV variety shows. He had his own TV show in the 1970s, and was an early guest host on The Tonight Show, making 12 appearances in all. During the span of his career, Little has released nine comedy albums and starred in three HBO comedy specials. He made guest appearances in a number of popular TV series, including on Fantasy Island, CHiPs, Hawaii Five-O, MacGyver, and Hollywood Squares. In addition to the comedic aspect of his talent, Rich Little has dubbed the voices of famed actors such as Peter Sellers and Gene Kelly when the actors were unable to perform. Little lives in Las Vegas with his wife Marie, and continues to entertain audiences across America and Canada with his hilarious impressions of political figures, celebrities and the characters of our time. He also enjoys his role as an artist, doing portraits of well-known personalities from the world of entertainment and politics. Tickets for Little's Cannery Casino & Hotel's appearance are available in three price levels - Prime table $29.95, Patio table $19.95 or Reserved $9.95 - and can be purchased at the hotel's ticket sales counter, located at the front desk, by calling (702) 507-5757, toll free at (866) 999-4899, or going online at http://www.cannerycasinos.com. 
Rich & Marie Little 
David Cassidy * * * * * * * In the early '70s, swooning teenage girls could see young David Cassidy on the popular TV series, The Partridge Family, where he costarred with his stepmother, singer/actress Shirley Jones. In the 1980s and 1990s, Cassidy found himself in a number of Broadway and touring musicals, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Deamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar and Blood Brothers. In the late '90s, David became a Las Vegan, first appearing in EFX at the MGM Grand, where he took over the headline spot from the Phantom of the Opera's Michael Crawford, before getting involved, as co-producer and occasional guest star (portraying Bobby Darin), with the first Las Vegas Rat Pack tribute show at the Desert Inn and then at the Sahara. In the early 2000's, Cassidy teamed up with Sheena Easton ("Morning Train," "Sugar Walls") in At the Copa, a musical revue that played at the Rio. Next Saturday, July 10th, if you are in Southern Nevada, you can see the now 60-year-old David Cassidy performing at the Silverton Casino Hotel Lodge, in an 8 p.m. show. Tickets are $25 plus taxes and fees and may be purchased by calling (702) 263-7777.
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Tags: Jerry Lee Lewis Bill Cosby Doug Saleeby Brent Barrett & Chris Hudson
Displaying keen perception and great insight.
She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice.
She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em.
She’s...
Claire Voyant
Las Vegas - June 25, 2010 
Rebecca Spencer & Philip Fortenberry 
Nicole Pryor 
Joel Rene Summer has officially been here since Monday, but, no matter the season, things are always hot in Las Vegas! Last Sunday was a music-filled day for us. In the afternoon, we were at the Flamingo Library Theater to see the Performing Arts Society of Nevada present Seattle resident Rebecca Spencer, accompanied by the brilliant Philip Fortenberry on piano perform Waitin.' In the evening, we were at the Liberace Museum where we saw RagTag Entertainment's Andrew Lloyd Webber: Encore. What can we say. Rebecca and Philip go together like peanut butter and jelly, burgers and fries, pickles and ice cream, unicorns and glitter (and have collaborative albums to prove that). Rebecca, who portrayed Madame Giry in Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular for two years, presented an eclectic selections of both poignant and humorous songs, written by Andre and Dory Previn, Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse, Jerry Herman, Frank Wildhorn, David Shire and Richard Maltby Jr., Marvin Hamlisch, Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Stephen Flaherty, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, Jule Styne, and Las Vegans, Nicole Pryor and Keith Thompson. Phantom cast member, Bruce Ewing, joined Rebecca on stage, singing two Wildhorn selections. Philip's two piano solo numbers ("Getting' Ready Rag" from Ragtime, and an incredible medley of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein tunes from The Sound of Music, South Pacific, Carousel, Oklahoma!, and The King and I, blended with snippets from Chopin and Mozart) brought the audience to its feet. If you haven't seen Fortenberry's (he's the Associate Conductor for Jersey Boys at the Palazzo) afternoon show at the Liberace Museum, do yourself a favor... Check the museum at (702) for the Liberace and Me summer schedule). Next month, Monday, July 26th, to be exact, Spencer and Fortenberry will perform together at New York's famed Birdland for the first time. Encore, was the second Andrew Lloyd Webber program presented at the Liberace Museum by RagTag Entertainment. In March, the group performed selections from Another Suitcase In Another Hall at the museum. Accompanied by Angela Chan on piano, and Amanda Wright on cello, David Andino, Danyel Arianna, Charles Beraud, Sandra Huntsman, Aimee Wade, Alex Cheney, Michael Vojvodich, Joel Rene, Jacqueline Melendez, and Kara von Ashwege performed selections from Aspects of Love, Evita, Starlight Express, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sunset Boulevard, Cats, Whistle Down the Wind and Jesus Christ Superstar, while Phantom's Kristen Hertzenberg, Ian Jon Bourg, Andrew Ragone and Sarah Elizabeth Combs introduced songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber's latest musical, Love Never Dies. Look here for details about RagTag's upcoming Sondheim concert, as well as their production of Jekyll & Hyde. And speaking of Phantom, congratulations to the cast and crew who celebrated their fourth anniversary at The Venetian yesterday (June 24th). 
Kristofer, Ali & Emerson Lila McNeeley 
Vita Corimbi And while still on the subject of the Liberace Museum (a pretty happening place when it comes to music), this weekend marks the official opening of Holding the Space, Kristofer McNeeley's Sunday afternoon shows in the Cabaret. A cast member of the hit show Jersey Boys at the Palazzo, Kristofer will be performing a 45-minute acoustic guitar/piano set that includes his interpretations of material by some of the great singer/songwriters of the '60s, '70s and '80s - Elton John, Billy Joel, John Denver, Leonard Cohen, Burt Bacharach and Fleetwood Mac, among others. Also included in Holding the Space will be original compositions influenced by these singer/songwriters. Listeners will enjoy an afternoon of mellow, relaxing, meditative musical reflection, and an intimate look into Kristofer's journey as an artist and the music which has shaped his work as a composer. Oh yes. There is a sweet explanation regarding Kristofer's solo show and its title. Kristofer, in fact, IS Holding the Space...for his wife, singer/ actress Ali Spuck, who usually provides the Sunday afternoon entertainment at the eastside museum. These days (and nights), Ali has another job that is keeping her very busy. For the next couple of months, this new job will take priority over singing for the public at the Liberace Museum. One week before Mother's Day, at 4:16 a.m. on May 16th, Ali and Kristofer became first-time parents when their daughter, Emerson Lila McNeeley, came into the world. (See accompanying photo.) Proud papa, Kristofer McNeeley, will be Holding the Space on Sundays at 2:30, through the summer, in the Cabaret Showroom at The Liberace Museum. Tickets are $15. For reservations, call (702) 798-5595.
And then, there's one of the best kept secrets in Vegas (shhhh), the late night (starts around 10:30) monthly Composers Showcase that also takes place at the museum. Featuring the songs of local composers and songwriters, this Thursday's edition will play host to Ryan Beyer, Vita Corimbi and Phil Randall, Tish Diaz, Uli Geissendoerfer, Valeri Glava, Jason Martinez, Richard Oberacker, Aaron Ramsey, Lee Richey, Carly Thomas Smith, and Keith Thompson, whose works will be performed by Christine Hudman, Jamie Karen, Brandon Matthieus, Vusi Sondiyazi, Joan Sobel and other special guests. Instrumental accompaniment is provided by Eric Andrews, Darren Denman, Philip Fortenberry, James Harvey, Brycen Ingersoll, Jim McIntosh, Keith Nelson and Mark Pardy. The all important sound gurus are Richard Camuso and Mary McFadden. There is a $5 cover charge at the door (free with Student ID), an optional cash bar (no credit cards, please), and $5 specials at the Café. The mission of the Liberace Foundation is to help talented students pursue careers in the performing and creative arts through scholarship assistance. Right after the showcase, next door at Carluccio's piano lounge, hang out for The Late, Late Show - where the music continues until 2 a.m. Enjoy drink specials (it's late, you're driving, drink responsibly), more music around the mirror-covered piano, and socializing with old and new friends in the retro establishment. Both the Liberace Museum and Carluccio's Italian Restaurant are located at 1775 E. Tropicana at Spencer. * * * * * * * 
John C. Brown, Ed McMahon & Bart Williams 
Jimmy Hopper When we ran the photo of Bart Williams, Dixie Evans and John C. Brown in last week's column, we did not explain who John C. Brown is. John is the director (Bart is the producer) of the new, as yet unreleased, documentary film, The Last First Comic. In our feeble attempt to make it up to John, we are running another photo with him in it - this time with Bart Williams and the late Ed McMahon, who was one of those interviewed and included in The Last First Comic. * * * * * * * We just got this information...If you happen to be in the neighborhood, IL Giardino Ristorante in Virginia Beach, Virginia, will present Las Vegas favorite, singer/musician Jimmy Hopper, for two nights only, tonight and tomorrow at 10. A $10 minimum cover charge will go to benefit the ALS Association. IL Giardino is located at 910 Atlantic Avenue. Reservations are strongly suggested. Call (757) 422-6464. * * * * * * * Greg London was greeted by a full house when his ICONS revue opened for previews at the Riviera on June 17th. Among those in the audience were Steve Rossi, of Allen & Rossi fame, and master celebrity impersonator, Rich Little. A newcomer to Las Vegas, London shattered records in Reno with his critically-acclaimed 'ICONS' show, which ran for nearly three years in Sammy's Showroom at Harrah's. The hit production also ran in London's West End before moving to the U.S. Greg does about 50 musical impressions during the course of his show and was thrilled to have Little, who he considers the King of the Impressionists, as a surprise guest at his debut in Las Vegas. Produced by Bob Byers, Greg London's ICONS - Entertaining the World One Impression at a Time runs Wednesdays through Sundays at 7 p.m. in the Mardi Gras Showroom at the Riviera. Regular ticket prices are $39.99, $59.99 (preferred seating) and $69.99 (VIP), plus taxes and fees. For more information, call the Riviera Box Office toll free at (877) 892-7469, or visit www.rivierahotel.com. 
Byers, Rossi, London & Little 
Jerry Lee Lewis * * * * * * * Show business pioneer, 74-year-old rock and roller/country music singer and pianist, Jerry Lee Lewis, takes to the stage at the Rio's new 900-seat Crown Theater Las Vegas at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30th. This "Mean Old Man" (Lewis' latest single, written by Kris Kristofferson) was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and his pioneering contribution to the genre has been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Lewis No. 24 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. In 2003, they listed his box set, All Killer, No Filler: The Anthology at No. 242 on their list of 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Last October, Lewis opened the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary concert at Madison Square Garden in New York. The American music legend, best known for his greatest hits " Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On " and "Great Balls of Fire," is currently being recognized in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, Million Dollar Quartet. The new smash-hit is inspired by the famed December 4, 1956, recording session at Sun Records in Memphis that brought together four young rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Lewis for the first and only time, in what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. Tickets for Jerry Lee Lewis, aka "The Killer," at the Rio are $65.85. Purchase via thecrownvegas.com. * * * * * * * There are a number of interesting entertainment offerings taking place this weekend in Las Vegas (too much talent, too little time to see it). Music and dance fans will have to make some tough decisions. Among the things to choose from are Danny Wright and Susan Haller in Red Silk, in the Cabaret at the Liberace Museum (there's that name again) tomorrow, June 26th at 7:30 p.m. According to what we have read, pianist Danny has sold more than five million CDs since his debut album in 1986. Twice named by Billboard Magazine as a Top 10 artist in his genre, three of Wright's albums are included in Billboard's Top 10 New Age Albums. Susan has composed more than 200 original songs, as well as a number of network TV commercials, voiceover scripts, ads and media releases. As an accomplished performer, she has written and starred in numerous live stage productions, cabaret musicals and radio and TV commercials in the Seattle and Las Vegas markets. Tickets are $20 in advance, and $25 at the door. The museum is located at 1775 East Tropicana Avenue (at Spencer). For reservations, call (702) 798-5595, ext. 114. 
Susan Haller 
Frank Marino 
Michael Kessler & Melinda Jackson Also on the Saturday the 26th, it's Frank Marino and Friends in a 3 p.m. show at the Clark County Flamingo Library, 1401 E. Flamingo, followed with another performance the next afternoon at 3, this time at the West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston. Both of these shows are being done in conjunction with GLBT Pride Month and are FREE. If you have wanted to see Frank and the boys (as girls) but haven't gotten over to the Imperial Palace to see Divas Las Vegas, don't miss this chance for an afternoon of adult fun. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. Get there early! And on Sunday, at 3 p.m., it's the husband and wife team of Michael Kessler and Melinda Jackson and the M&M American Dance Theatre, a company of 10 dancers, actors and singers, in Dance With Me - Love Songs & Dances and Back Stage Stories, at the Starbright Theatre in Sun City Summerlin. Featuring Music Director, Keith Thompson of Jersey Boys, and his band, the program presents an intimate look at the creation of original song and dance numbers, with music from the Great American Songbook including Gershwin, Porter, Berlin and Kern, to contemporary tunes by Sam Cooke and Tim McGraw. Dance With Me combines great music, dynamic, romantic partner dancing, and humor, to create an afternoon of fun. "Genuine romance... top notch entertainment," says the Las Vegas Review Journal, while the New York Times called Kessler and Jackson's show, "...lively...acrobatic...elegant... an evening of fun...skillful craftsmanship." "Showstoppers!" is how the Las Vegas Sun described the music and dance program. Tickets are $17 for Sun City Summerlin residents, and $22 for non-residents. All shows at the Starbright, located at 2215 Thomas Ryan Blvd. in Sun City Summerlin, are first come, first served with no limit on the number of tickets purchased. Saving seats is prohibited. Get your tickets early so you don't miss out! If an event sells out, every attempt will be made to provide additional show times, if possible. Show tickets may be purchased at Desert Vista, Mountain Shadows and Pinnacle. All ticket prices include Live Entertainment Tax. Tickets are non-refundable. Starbright Theatre shows are open to everyone ages 12 and over. All ticket sales are check or cash (exact change required). No credit cards accepted. For up-to-date information on Starbright Theatre shows, call (702) 240-1301. Saturday and Sunday evening (June 26th and 27th) at 7:30, the energetic vocal quartet, Fifth Avenue, bring their smooth and stylistic harmonies to the Suncoast Showroom. Fifth Avenue members Rob Hyatt, Jerry Jones, Bryce Robinson and Jeff Celentano, bring together an eclectic infusion of music styles including jazz, pop, doo-wop, classic rock and roll and barbershop. They have worked with entertainment legends, Bob Hope, Bill Cosby and Jerry Lee Lewis, as well as Las Vegas icon Clint Holmes who says of the group, "Fifth Avenue swings in the most musical way. They will surprise you at every turn... Wherever they sing, I'll be there!" With brilliant vocal arrangements by Rob Hyatt, the quartet has performed in concert halls, clubs and college campuses, and as featured guest artists at major jazz festivals throughout the country. Fifth Avenue offers up refreshingly original four part vocal arrangements of timeless jazz standards, with wonderfully crafted singing...if you like the Four Freshmen, The Hi-Lo's, Manhattan Transfer, Take 6, or Singers Unlimited, you'll love Fifth Avenue. Their most recent recording 4 the Fun of It blends their signature sound with well-known standards and clever original tunes. The group is currently working on a follow-up project. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $19.95, plus tax and convenience fees and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at (702) 636-7075 or visiting www.suncoastcasino.com. Save on convenience fees by purchasing the tickets in person at any Coast Casino. The Suncoast Showroom is a 500-seat venue featuring booth and table seating. 
Fifth Avenue 
Larry Raben * * * * * * * If you, like us, had wondered about what appeared to be the successful Las Vegas career of magician Steve Wyrick, wonder no more. Check out Rick Lax's story on Wyrick in the June 17th issue of Las Vegas Weekly (if you can't locate a hard copy of the magazine, you should be able to find the tawdry tale online). We are thinking of nominating Mr. Lax for a Pulitzer Prize for his honest look at the "rise" and fall of Mr. Wyrick. For some time, one of our big questions has been, "How did this mediocre magician manage to fool so many people (investors, entertainer/tenants who rented space in his theater at Planet Hollywood), for so long?" If you have been reading this column for any length of time, you know that we had been keeping a running tab of the legitimate, talented entertainers and productions - including Ronn Lucas, Martin Nievera, Wes Winters, Aga-Boom, Lord of the Dance, Fan Yang's Mega Bubble Show, Tom Dane, Trent Carlini, Andrew Dice Clay and Rockstar: The Tribute - that came and went from the space over the almost three years the place was open. We even warned some of those thinking of taking a shot in that doomed facility. Did they listen? Hell no. Everyone thought they could be the act that broke the curse. What they failed to realize was that the "curse" was Wyrick himself. There was not one success story to come out of the Wyrick Entertainment Complex, not even the landlord himself. We met Wyrick before his first Vegas show launched at the now shuttered Lady Luck Hotel downtown. He was placing an ad for a stage crew and magician's assistants for a soon-to-open magic act. When we asked who the magician was, he responded, "Steve Wyrick." "Who is Steve Wyrick?", we inquired. "I am," informed the man from Plano, Texas. It was eye-rolling time. As far as we could see, this fellow displayed none of the qualities one would expect to find in a headliner. Wyrick lacked the charisma, enthusiasm or looks (not quirky enough to challenge a Doug Henning, or Ed Alonzo, or Kevin James, or handsome enough to give Hans Klok a run for their money) to compete with a city full of magicians, yet he survived, moving from one venue to another. A few months ago, he created his finest illusion...that of disappearing from the Vegas entertainment scene. What he left behind were lots of empty promises and piles of debt. And no one saw this coming? Someone told us they heard that Wyrick was performing magic in Canada. We hope to learn more on that subject in the next week. * * * * * * * It's another fundraiser for Family Promise and It's All About Love. That's the name of a concert by Michael Miele, taking place at 7:30 tonight on the lawn at the Boulder City Library Amphitheatre, 701 Adams Blvd. in the city by the darn. Attendees are encouraged to take a lawn chair, picnic dinner or snacks. Tickets are $20. Call Family Promise at (702) 638-8806 or (702) 339-9082. * * * * * * * Talented Larry Raben, who played Leo Bloom in The Producers at Paris Las Vegas, is wearing his director's cap these days. Larry will direct Falling for Eve... and on the eighth day, it got complicated, at The York Theatre Company (Theatre at Saint Peter's), 619 Lexington Ave. at 54th Street, July 6th through August 8th. The steamy new musical offers a second look at the world's first love story. Creation is going perfectly. Eve, curious about what lies beyond the Garden of Eden, and obsessed with the notion that something is forbidden, bites the infamous apple. Then Adam doesn't. How exactly they'll get together to create the human race is anybody's guess. Falling for Eve is a fresh and unconventional retelling of the most famous romance of all time, filled with unexpected twists and turns as Eve and Adam realize that "paradise" may not be a place after all... The book, based on David Howard's Adam Alone, is by Joe DiPietro (2010 Tony winner for Memphis), with music by Bret Simmons and lyrics by David Howard. Kim Steiner serves as music director and choreography is by Lee Martino. Falling for Eve features Jennifer Blood (Susan and God), Krystal Joy Brown (Hair), Nehal Joshi (Les Miserables), Adam Kantor (Next to Normal), Jose Llana (Spelling Bee), and Sasha Sloan (Ragtime). For ticket information, call (212) 935-5820, between noon and 6 p.m. You might be able to save a few bucks by using the code: EVEMOD. * * * * * * * 
Sardelli & Barbutti at Veterans Home 
Sardelli, Keller & Toomin at Veterans Home Organizer Nelson Sardelli reports that last Sunday's Father's Day show at the Nevada Veterans Home in Boulder City was the best one ever. Some of those participating (performing or lending a hand or moral support) in the fifth annual event included Pete Barbutti, Michaelina Belleamy, Paul Campanella, Diane Ellis, Vince Falcone, Mundane the Grate (Jac Hayden), former sheriff Jerry Keller, Linda November, Gary Olds Trio, Babe Pier, Cork Proctor, Charly Raymond, Ronnie Rose, Artie Schroeck, Charlie Shaffer, Jeannie Snow, Larry Taylor, The Great Tomsoni & Co. (John and Pam Thompson), Tommy Thompson, statesman Lou Toomin, Allen Tramont, and Fielding West. Everyone involved - Veterans Home residents and employees, and visitors alike - had a great time. And speaking of Ronnie Rose, the singer/musician will be doing his first gig at the Roma Grill, 9570 S. Eastern near Silverado, on Wednesday, June 30th, from 7 to 10 p.m. Ronnie will be backed by Vince Falcone on piano, Chris Gordan on bass, and Ryan Rose (no relation to Ronnie) on drums. Reservations are suggested if dinner is on your agenda. Call (702) 837-5600. Busy Ronnie and Vinnie Falcone can also be seen and heard at Daddy Mac's, 2920 N. Green Valley Parkway, Thursday July 1st - call (702) 272-0913; BB King's Restaurant & Nightclub at The Mirage, tonight and tomorrow night from 6:30 to 9 p.m.; and Mandalay Bay's House of Blues, tomorrow night from 8 to 11 (the horn section is back). 
Ronnie Rose 
Adam Lambert 
Lost In Reflection by Ed Dominguez * * * * * * * American Idol's Adam Lambert, with special guest, Orianthi, will perform at Mandalay Bay Beach on July 31st. Tickets are (or were, as they may be sold out by the time you read this) $40...for standing room only. * * * * * * * The public is invited to the Concrete & Sparkle: Influences Of Las Vegas Signs and Architecture Exhibit, opening on Thursday, July 1st. Meet the artists in the gallery, located next to the auditorium in the historic Fifth Street School, located at 401 S. Fourth St. The exhibit will include paintings, traditional photographs and digitally manipulated photographic work. The works of several artists who have explored the visuals of local signs and architecture will be included. The artists are sponsoring the reception. Other than during the Thursday reception, the exhibit will be open only during special events through October 24th. Featured artists will include: Linda Alterwitz, Randa Bishop, Catherine Borg, Diane Bush, Ed Dominguez, Darius Kuzmickas, Jerry Misko, Atsuko Parker and Merri Stevens. For more information about this exhibit, call (702) 229-1012. * * * * * * * The Las Vegas Media Group had a great meeting at their new location on Monday morning. Thirty-eight people showed up for the first gathering held at The Wedding Room, 3601 W. Sahara. Lisa Gioia-Acres reports there were 38 people in attendance for the luncheon get-together. Andy Martello filled in for the regular MC, Rich Friedland, and did a fine job. An unexpected treat was the presence of 85-year-old actor, Tony Curtis, who came with his friend, Gene Kilroy. Curtis, who makes his home in Henderson's Sun City Anthem, shared some of his life and career stories and had the attendees mesmerized with his anecdotes. Next meeting is Monday, July 19th. For information about the Las Vegas Media Group, call Lisa at (702) 245-9206. 
Tony Curtis & Rollie Gibbs 
Sugar Ray 
Mary Oliver * * * * * * * For those who were curious about the results of the Rubio's Big Burrito giveaway on June 3rd, PR/Media Gal, Michele Tell of Preferred Public Relations, informs us that it was a smashing success! Almost 15,000 Big Burritos Especials found their way into the tummies of those Las Vegans with enough patience to brave the long lines. For those that waited, the rewards were worth it. (Those Big Burritos normally sell for around $6.) The Las Vegas promotion results topped anyplace else in the country, by about 2,500...a record breaking number for the Rubio's company. There were lines out-the-door, from opening until the 10 p.m. closing. For those who were already Rubio's patrons, there was no question that they would wait in line. For the "newbies," who had never experienced the joys of Rubio's before, most of them have indicated they would return for MORE...and happily pay the bill. * * * * * * * The Silverton Casino Lodge kicks off summer with hot headliners for July. The Silverton is the perfect place for great music, delicious food and a weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip. First up for July is Sugar Ray, performing on Saturday, July 3rd at 8 p.m. From Orange County, California, Sugar Ray began as a funk metal band and eventually morphed their sound, mixing pop/rock with funky hip-hop and reggae grooves. With huge hits such as "Fly," "Someday" and "Every Morning," Sugar Ray has reached triple platinum levels, played Woodstock '99 and has continued to maintain their summer-loving, laid-back sound as a mainstream force since the '90s. Ticket prices are $30 plus tax and applicable fees and can be purchased at the Silverton Casino Lodge, by calling 702-263-7777 or by logging onto www.silvertoncasino.com. * * * * * * * The 2009 blockbuster film, Avatar, written and directed by James Cameron, will kick off the Freakin' Frog's Summer Movie Fest series on Monday, June 28th at 9 p.m. Enjoy freshly popped popcorn and a must-see flick every week on the Frog's big screen all Summer long! When his brother is killed in a robbery, paraplegic Marine Jake Sully decides to take his place in a mission on the distant world of Pandora. There he learns of greedy corporate figurehead Parker Selfridge's intentions of driving off the native humanoid "Na'vi" in order to mine for the precious material scattered throughout their rich woodland. In exchange for the spinal surgery that will fix his legs, Jake gathers intel for the cooperating military unit spearheaded by gung-ho Colonel Quaritch, while simultaneously attempting to infiltrate the Na'vi people with the use of an "avatar" identity. While Jake begins to bond with the native tribe and quickly falls in love with the beautiful alien Neytiri, the restless Colonel moves forward with his ruthless extermination tactics, forcing the soldier to take a stand - and fight back in an epic battle for the fate of Pandora. In the future, Jake, a paraplegic war veteran, is brought to another planet, Pandora, which is inhabited by the Na'vi, a humanoid race with their own language and culture. Those from Earth find themselves at odds with each other and the local culture. (Summary courtesy of IMDb). The Monday night movies (and popcorn) are free and open to the public. The Freakin' Frog is located at 4700 S. Maryland Parkway. For further information, call (702) 597-9702. * * * * * * * Will the mostly senior crowd, who has been showing up at Sam's Town on Thursday afternoons to sit through the taping of the Dennis Bono radio show, follow Bono to his new home at the South Point, or will they continue to go to Sam's Town on Thursdays for Ed Mathews' new Variety Toast of the Town? Variety is a musical show featuring a full live band and Las Vegas celebrities, and is free to all Coast Club slot members. Doors open at 1 p.m., and the show begins at 2. For its first show, yesterday, Clint Holmes and Domenick Allen from Vocal Soup served as hosts. Next Thursday, Ronnie Rose and Mary Oliver will act as hosts. Among the featured guests will be Suzanne Goulet and Denise Rose, who cleverly and creatively portray Liza Minnelli and Judy Garland, respectively. This Thursday, Jeff Neiman will serve as musical director. At this time, Variety Toast of the Town is scheduled to run Thursdays, through August 26th. * * * * * * * The Onyx Theatre is proud to announce that June marks the one year anniversary of the wildly outrageous smash hit, Naked Boys Singing! Put on your birthday suits and join them for a good time and a good cause. Clever and poignant, this fun-filled, full frontal musical revue leaves little to the imagination, as eight hunky singing and dancing men take to the stage wearing nothing but smiles for an unforgettable night of entertainment. Sixteen original songs explore and exploit the wonders of the male anatomy, physically and musically, from the hilarious opening number "Gratuitous Nudity," to the silly "Perky Little Porn Star," to the heartwarming, "Kris Look What You've Missed." Now in its 11th year in New York, this hilarious off-Broadway musical continues to be a runaway success in Las Vegas since locally premiering in 2009. Naked Boys Singing! is a huge hit with adult audiences from all walks of life, and has become the No. 1 destination for "girls night out" and bachelorette parties. In honor of Naked Boys Singing! celebrating its first year, the Onyx Theatre is donating 10% of all June ticket sales to Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN). Don't miss this great opportunity to support your local arts and help the fight against AIDS! * * * * * * * ABBA The Music performs some of the greatest hits in history on Sunday, June 27th at 7 p.m. at the Casablanca Event Center in Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel. The band will have guests jumping out of their seats to sing and dance along with their favorite songs from the Swedish pop phenomenon. As one of the world's best selling bands, ABBA enjoyed international success with smash hits including "Mamma Mia," "Dancing Queen," and "Take a Chance On Me." Topping the charts throughout the 1970s and '80s, ABBA released eight studio albums and enjoyed 26 No. 1 singles and numerous awards. Other hits include "One of Us," "Fernando," "Knowing Me, Knowing You" and "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)." The popular Broadway musical "Mamma Mia" is based on the music of ABBA and was made into a movie version with Meryl Streep in the lead, resurging worldwide attention to the pop group. Recently, the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Created by Camilla Hedren and Katja Nord, ABBA The Music had their breakthrough when they won a European sing and look-alike competition. With a number of original ABBA band members they have been touring the world selling out arenas such as Hollywood Bowl, Royal Albert Hall and Wembley Arena in London. The Official International ABBA Fan Club described the group as the "absolutely best ABBA since ABBA." Tickets are available now in two levels: Prime at $24.95 and Reserved at $17.95. To purchase tickets, call (702) 856-5470, visit www.eastsidecannery.com, or go to Eastside Cannery's box office located at the front desk. Ticket prices do not include tax and applicable fees. Must be 5 years or older to attend. * * * * * * * 
Martin Kreloff Stars & Sumos 
Matt Donnelly Reminder...Artist Martin Kreloff, a favorite of ours, opens his Stars and Sumos show at the Laura Henkel Fine Art Gallery, 107 E. Charleston, Suite 100, on July 1st. The exhibit, which will run through August 21st, will feature celebrity portraits and, of course, sumos. What's not to understand? Go. Have fun. Enjoy. After all, to quote Mr. Kreloff, "There's No Business Like Sumo Business." * * * * * * * Matt Donnelly's Executive Monkeys show takes over The Lounge at the Palms Casino Resort for a celebrity studded month of Wednesdays, beginning on June 30th at 9 p.m. The show, which features celebrity guests, presents some of the most supreme improv comedians hailing from Upright Citizens Brigade, Second City, Improv Olympic, Peoples Improv Theatre and Improv Vegas, performing a two-act 70 to 80-minute show. Bringing a new and dynamic style of improv comedy to the stage, Donnelly's Executive Monkeys is sure to deliver big laughs to the Palms Lounge every Wednesday. Unlike any other show in Vegas, the first set calls upon audience participation, encouraging the audience to use social media outlet Twitter via their cellular phones as the performers create characters and sketches based on the pictures and words from the tweeting audience. The suggestions are tweeted and are broadcast to an on-stage screen to keep the audience up to speed. The second act offers a comedic tarot reading of a celebrity guest that will result in spontaneous sketches created around the reading. This Wednesday, the celebrity guest will be actress, professional poker player and all-around hottie, Shannon Elizabeth. Additional celebrity guests will be announced soon. Donnelly began improvising at the age of 15 in his hometown of Red Bank, N.J., in a show called Improv Jam. Since then, he has enjoyed a rich life as an improv comic, performing with seminal improve groups in New York City since 1996, and traveling around the world. Most recently, Matt finished a run with Wayne Brady's "Making $#!t Up" at The Venetian. Before moving to Las Vegas, Matt was performing and teaching in New York City with the Upright Citizens' Brigade before really making a name for himself at the Peoples Improv Theatre in Manhattan. In addition to Brady, Matt has worked with the best in modern improv including Amy Poehler, "Truth in Comedy" author Charna Halpurn, "Improvise author Mick Napier, Improv Guru's Armando Diaz and Miles Stroth as well as many others. Tickets for Executive Monkeys are $25 and can be purchased at the Palms Box Office, open daily from noon until 7 p.m. For more information on upcoming shows, please call (702) 944-3200. Executive Monkeys is expected to run through July 28th. * * * * * * * "The Legend Returns." Just Imagine, starring Tim Piper in a tribute to John Lennon, opens in Planet Hollywood's CHI Showroom on Wednesday, June 30th. Piper, a multi-faceted, musician, actor and songwriter, has traveled the world performing music made famous by The Beatles. From his early teen years in Southern California, Piper played in numerous original and Top 40 'cover' bands, while honing his skills as a guitarist, bass player, singer and songwriter. In addition to being a member of various Beatle Tribute bands, including Revolution, Piper has distinguished himself as the pre-eminent John Lennon, with roles in the CBS production, The Linda McCartney Story, E! Channel's production of The John Lennon Story, Beatle Wives, and, more recently, as the singing voice of John Lennon for the NBC-TV Movie of the Week, In His Life -The John Lennon Story. With his band, Tim has performed at numerous special events, such as Tom Hanks' 10th wedding anniversary party, a private party for Irwin Winkler (producer of Rocky), and a pre-screening performance for the re-release debut of Yellow Submarine. Piper's other credits include, Legends In Concert (both in Las Vegas, and Internationally), Shea Stadium concert for a Mets baseball game, and even a Bob Hope Worldwide Television Special. Tim was invited to attend the inaugural "Adopt a Minefield" Charity Benefit in Beverly Hills, where he met with Beatle-legend Paul McCartney and his, then, wife, Heather Mills-McCartney, in support of their charitable efforts. McCartney told Tim and his band, "Keep up the good work, lads!" During the first week, limited seating at $39 is available. Call (702) 785-5000 for ongoing Just Imagine show schedule and ticket prices. 
Tim Piper as John Lennon 
James Taylor & Carole King 
Shelley Stepanek * * * * * * * The Carole King and James Taylor Troubadour Reunion Tour lands at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday, July 17th, with show starting at 8 p.m. This tour marks the first time in 40 years that the two beloved singer/songwriters have shared a stage together. Joining the legendary recording artists are original band mates guitarist Danny "Kootch" Kortchmar, drummer Russ Kunkel and bassist Lee Sklar, known in their own right as The Section. Carole and James' performance together at the Troubadour in November 1970 heralded her transition to solo artist after penning 22 Top 40 hits for acts including Aretha Franklin "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," to The Monkees' "Pleasant Valley Sunday," while James, who appeared on last Sunday's Oscars telecast during the in-memoriam tribute, was supporting his self-titled Apple Records release featuring classics such as "Carolina in My Mind" and "Something in the Way She Moves." King and Taylor are both multi-platinum-selling artists, Grammy winners and members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Call (702) 891-7777 to purchase tickets. * * * * * * * Shelley Stepanek has been reelected to represent the Destinations Services Association as president for two additional years. Stepanek, who owns Stagedreams, Ltd., was originally elected to the leadership position in November 2007 after having served as vice president. Stepanek said her goals are, "Establishing a close inner working relationship between all the members and opening new doors for them." Stepanek began her hospitality career as the casino-tour manager for the Dunes office in San Diego, Calif., and from 1971-1988 was a junket operator for numerous Las Vegas Strip hotels. She has owned a 1,500-passenger daily gambling ship in Biloxi, Miss., owned restaurants in San Diego and the biggest one in the state of Iowa, built and owned a Days Inn Motel in Iowa, and owned and been marketing director for a for a start-up casino company with two high-speed casino ferries between San Diego and Ensenada, Mexico. More recently, Stepanek has been an entertainment agent since 2005, co-produced shows in Aruba and Macau, and produced and co-owned the Las Vegas production of "From Russia With Love" in 2005. The following directors are also elected to serve two-year terms: Vice President, Mel Carter Greenspun Media Group; New Memberships, Monica Broglia 33 Group; Treasurer, Jan Johnson WOW Marketing/LV Catering; Web site, Dianna Arnson, CityWide Entertainment; Secretary, Harriet Bernard Ladies Day Out; and Speakers, Brenda Turner Andrea's VIP Production. Destination Services Association (DSA) is a non-profit state association made up of more than 130 working professionals representing a broad spectrum of gaming and non-gaming companies in the Southern Nevada hospitality industry.
Originally founded in 1974 as Receptive Operators Association (ROA) and later RODSA, the association's mission is to create unity among all local tourism entities, educate members, uphold the highest business ethics, and provide one voice to protect and serve the industry's future. * * * * * * * If our columns seems a bit "music heavy," that's because we like music. To quote Harry Chapin's song about "Mr. Tanner," Music was his life, it was not his livelihood, and it made him feel so happy and it made him feel so good. And he sang from his heart and he sang from his soul. He did not know how well he sang; It just made him whole., and Clint Holmes said it all in his beautiful song, "I Sing," when he sang "music heals my soul."
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Displaying keen perception and great insight.
She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice.
She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em.
She’s...
Claire Voyant
Las Vegas - June 18, 2010  Spider Baby Poster  Maria the SnakeBabe & Beverly Washburn  Pietra Sardelli as Sarah Palin Last Saturday night, we were in the audience at The Onyx for Spider Baby the Musical, while on Sunday, it was Golden Rainbow's Ribbon of Life production (the 24th) at the Hilton in the afternoon, and The Orleans for dinner at Canal Street and to see our friends in Vocal Soup at night. The quirky Spider Baby the Musical, based on the 1968 cult classic film, starring Lon Chaney Jr., was an interesting romp, made much better and more interesting during the closing night performance, thanks to the presence of actress Beverly Washburn who played Elizabeth Merrye in the movie. Spider Baby fans were happy to meet Beverly and have their pictures taken with her. She happily obliged. Among those that we spotted in the audience and backstage, were friend Randy Carlson, and entertainers Steven Lee August and his wife, Maria Gara, known as Maria the SnakeBabe. Ribbon of Life 2010 ran a little longer than two hours, with Zumanity's drag star, Christopher "Edie" Kenney, serving as "Mistress" of Ceremonies. There were more than two dozen production numbers, featuring hundreds of performers. Some of our personal show favorites included Green Valley High School's scenes from Rent; "Broken Vow," beautifully danced by Tara Foy's Elite Ballet Company; the "Red State Love Song," featuring Pietra Sardelli as the often politically incorrect, Sarah Palin; a Bob Fosse tribute; Donn Arden's Jubilee! showgirls (the last of a dying breed); and, of course, the adorable "Grease Monkeys," created by Brigid Little and made up of 44 babies (one less than two weeks old), young children and Strip show singing and dancing moms and dads. Kudos to solo vocalists Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular's Kristen Hertzenberg who sang "When He Loves Me," an original song by William Waldrop and Robert Williamson; Bobby Black of the Las Vegas Tenors who did a beautiful job on "Cry Me a River;" Jersey Boys' Travis Cloer's version of "Georgia On My Mind;" Mollie Tennant and Allison Rajcevic who sand "Changed For Good" from Wicked; and Lani Misalucha, from the Hilton's Voices, who sang "The Prayer." A special tip of the hat (although, we weren't wearing one) to the live, nine-piece onstage band, led by drummer Mark Barrett and guitar guru, Steven Lee. We had a lovely dinner at Canal Street at The Orleans (if you haven't tried this place, the next time you have a special occasion, we recommend a visit to Canal Street), followed by seeing and hearing the quartet that is known as Vocal Soup. Clint Holmes, Domenick Allen, Martin Nievera and Susan Anton were all in fine form and put on a great show. This was their first time in the 800+ Orleans showroom. From where we sat, it appeared to be an almost full house with a happy audience. We suspect Vocal Soup will be back at The Orleans very soon. Regarding the Golden Rainbow event, we have some comments. We have to say that we were very disappointed with one of the memorial ads that appeared in the Ribbon of Life program. If you have a copy of the book, check out page 58. What was supposed to be a FULL page tribute to the late Ray Jarvis, who, with his longtime partner Jerry Ritholz, was a Golden Rainbow volunteer, financial supporter and champion since 1986, instead was turned into an odd-looking (obvious mistake) half-a-page, leaving the bottom half looking noticeably empty. The photo of Ray was supposed to be about six inches tall instead of less than two, like it was run. This unfortunate error occurred in spite of the fact that, as requested, the correct size, camera-ready art work was provided. Someone was definitely asleep at the wheel in this situation. We would also suggest that, next year, Golden Rainbow do more pre-show, direct-mail advertising (they have done a much better job of that in previous years) and have more volunteers selling raffle tickets in the theater prior to the show. We saw many folks who wanted to buy tickets, waving money around that was never collected. Unfortunately, sales and dollars were lost, taking that very important "bottom line" below where it could have, and should have, been.  Ray Jarvis  Sean Hayes * * * * * * * On June 13th, Broadway honored the best-of-the-best with its annual Tony Awards ceremony. Sean Hayes, currently starring with Kristen Chenoweth in Promises, Promises at the Broadway Theatre, on Broadway and 53rd Street, and most memorable for his Emmy-winning role as "Just Jack" McFarland on Will and Grace from 1998 to 2006, served as host for the evening. For us, one of the show's highlights was seeing Bill Nolte and Christine Andreas (Light in the Piazza), who both have a history in Vegas, Bill as Franz Liebkind in The Producers at Paris Las Vegas, and Christine who performed here at the Charleston Heights Arts Center with her hubby Martin Silvestri a few years ago, in "The Best of Times" number from the Tony-winning La Cage aux Folles. * * * * * * * Here are a few ways to keep dad smiling this Sunday...
(1) Let him sleep in. (2) Only ask him to mow the lawn on the shady side of the house. And (3) Since they say that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, here are some ideas. Celebrate Dad with a special Father's Day feast at the Springs Cafe by Wolfgang Puck. The talented chefs at the Springs Café, located at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd., have created a special menu including hand-carved braised brisket, slow-roasted wild salmon, barbecue beef short ribs, Cajun peel and eat shrimp, chicken cacciatore and grilled London broil steak. Brunch includes classic favorites such as corned beef and Eggs Benedict, crunchy French toast and Applewood smoked bacon, as well as sushi and pasta stations. And don't forget the assorted breakfast pastries, delicious desserts and much more. In addition to smooth jazz, a Bloody Mary bar and a breathtaking, panoramic view of the Las Vegas Strip from the Cafe balcony, guests can enjoy the serenity found in the Preserve's Gardens and witness the Trails in full bloom. This takes place on Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $29.95 for adults, $12.50 for children, kids three and under are free. Coffee and soda are included. There is an additional $7 charge for the Bloody Mary Bar. Reservations are required. Call (702) 822-7705 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.  Springs Preserve Father's Day  Mark Nadler The Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower is celebrating Father's Day at Top of the World restaurant by enhancing their award-winning menu with an added selection of handcrafted culinary prix fixe masterpieces from Chef Claude Gaty for both lunch and dinner seatings. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will include a half-pound of slow-roasted black angus prime rib and half-pound of king crab legs served with sautéed mushroom, beef jus and roasted garlic citrus drawn butter for $38. Dinner will be served from 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. and will feature two prix fixe menu options: a one-pound slow-roasted black angus prime rib and one pound king crab legs with sautéed mushroom, beef jus and roasted garlic citrus drawn butter for $65, or a two-pound prime grade pepper crusted tomahawk bone-in rib eye with asparagus, garlic mashed potato and peppercorn sauce for $68. Dads will receive one free "Kiss the Chef" apron with any meal purchase at Top of the World (while supplies last). The 1,149-ft. Stratosphere Tower is the tallest free standing observation tower in the United States, featuring the Top of the World restaurant and highest view of the Las Vegas Strip from the Observation Deck; SkyJump Las Vegas and thrill rides, Big Shot, XScream and Insanity. The Stratosphere is the home of American Superstars and Bite shows. For more information, visit StratosphereHotel.com, call (702) 380-7777, or (800) 99-TOWER (998-6937). And in what might be THE Father's Day bargain of 2010, the Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel welcomes dads and all to celebrate Father's Day at the Cannery Row Buffet for just $5 per person. The buffet price will be $5 in effect throughout the entire day. The Cannery Row Buffet features an amazing variety of international flavors at nine serving stations. Choices range from Pacific Rim, Italian, South of the Border, American fare, southern cooking, pizza, barbecue, a full salad bar and a carving station. Sunday brunch additionally features a wide selection of breakfast favorites including eggs and omelets cooked to order. Hash House a Go Go (either the W. Sahara location or the one inside the Imperial Palace on the Strip) will feature Father's Day specials ranging from $8.25 to $20.95 that will make any dad feel like a king. In addition to the regular brunch menu the following specials will be available: Papi Chulo Hash - crispy potatoes, pork tenderloin in chipotle adobo, fresh corn, tomato, jalapeños, cilantro, fresh avocado and queso fresco all crowned with two eggs and served with a fresh tortilla; Peanut Butter and Banana Pancake with whipped cream; The Spicy Hot BBBLT - spicy jalapeño bacon on fresh milk bread with chili mayo and a choice of fries or house salad; Crispy Pork Tenderloin Quesadilla - flour tortilla filled with charred tomatoes, fresh corn, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, scrambled eggs and crispy pork; Alfonso's Lunchbox - a 1½ pound all beef hot dog topped with gourmet chorizo, fresh tomato, cheddar cheese and sliced jalapeños served with HH potato salad and a cold Tecate beer; and Felix's "Front of the TV Meal"- 14-ounce house-roasted Certified Angus Beef prime rib with au jus, served with griddled horseradish mash and fresh grilled corn. Father's Day drink specials will also be available, including the 24-ounce Bud in a Bag and special engagement beers such as HAMMS and Ommegang Hennepin, among others. Drink and meal pairing suggestions are available on the Father's Day menu as well. Limited reservation times will be offered at the Sahara location from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and at the Imperial Palace location from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. All other times will be first come, first served. For reservations or inquiries, please call the Sahara location at (702) 804-4646, the Imperial Palace location at (702) 254-4646 or visit www.hashhouseagogo.com. There's no better way to celebrate Father's Day (or any other Sunday) than enjoying Las Vegas' No. 1 musical gourmet brunch, Music & Mimosas with Wes Winters, at ENVY The Steakhouse in the non-gaming Renaissance Hotel on Paradise Road. Not only will guests enjoy a wonderful celebration, they will also be providing a much needed and loving contribution to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Las Vegas, as ENVY The Steakhouse will be donating all of its brunch proceeds to assist these children who need help. The following Sunday, June 27th, ENVY will once again donate the Music & Mimosas brunch proceeds to the local Boys and Girls Clubs. Head over to the Renaissance for incredible food, drinks, and great Las Vegas entertainment, while at the same time helping needy children in our own city. Also happening on Father's Day Sunday...Rebecca Spencer and Philip Fortenberry return to the Clark County Flamingo Library Theater on Sunday, June 20th for a 2 p.m. concert called Waitin'. Presented by the Performing Arts Society of Nevada, Rebecca, who played Madam Giry in Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular for two years, and Philip, who currently serves as assistant musical director/conductor at Jersey Boys and performs weekly in Liberace and Me in the Cabaret at the Liberace Museum, make beautiful music together. Bruce Ewing, a Phantom cast member, will also appear in the concert. Over the past year, Rebecca, who now lives in Seattle with her husband Jim D'Asaro, has appeared as a featured guest at the Fifth Avenue Theatre's Spotlight series, acted as the Musical Consultant for A Broadway Symphonic Spectacular, produced by the Broadway Bound Children's Theatre and Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra, and co-starred in a staged reading of a new musical at the Village Theatre, where Broadway's current Next to Normal got its start. In May, she debuted a new concert as part of the Panache Jazz Series at the Blue Heron Art Center on Vashon Island. On June 5th and 6th, Rebecca performed at the historic Moore Theatre, in a concert presentation of Follies. The production is a presentation of Martin Charnin's (Annie) company, Showtunes, and is directed by Victor Pappas. Rebecca's solo concert appearances will continue in July with appearances in New Hope, Pennsylvania, and her debut at Manhattan's venerable jazz club, Birdland. This fall, Rebecca will co-star in The Full Monty, directed by Jerry Dixon for the Village Theatre. Tickets for the 2 p.m. performance of WAITIN' are priced at $ 15, and may be purchased by calling the Performing Arts Society of Nevada, at (702) 658-6741. The Clark County Flamingo Library Theatre is located at 1401 East Flamingo Road in Las Vegas. Tickets will also be sold at the library box office, an hour before the concert. * * * * * * * And, in case you are asking yourself, "Where in the world is Mark Nadler?" We know the answer to that question. The multi-talented entertainer is in Adelaide, Australia, where he is in his second week of The Broadway Hootenanny at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Mark reports that he is "having a BALL," and says "I'm told I'm being googled and twittered like crazy, which I find strangely arousing." The Adelaide Cabaret Festival is an annual event held in the South Australian capital of Adelaide. It is the largest festival of its type in the world, with more than 48,000 attendees. Begun in 2000, the festival is held at the Adelaide Festival Centre in June each year, usually commencing on the long weekend of the Queen's birthday. In 2006, the festival was made up of around 200 individual shows by more than 400 performers from across Australia and the world, and grossed more than AU $1.1 million in ticket sales. The event offers unforgettable nights of music, satire, comedy, and late night booty shakin', all under the one roof at the Adelaide Festival Centre. Transformed into various sized cabaret venues, with bars, cafes, restaurants, clubs and comfy nooks, the Festival Centre will buzz with audiences enjoying drinks, food and chatting about the next best thing in cabaret. This year's festival is under the Artistic Directorship of entertainer David Campbell. For those of you who are in Oz, Nadler, who has performed in Las Vegas a number of times (but not recently enough for our tastes), will be entertaining at the festival every night through June 24th. Show times are generally from 9: 30 to 11. Tell then that Cousin Claire sent you. For more details, go to www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/adelaidecabaret. * * * * * * * Birthday greetings to Gemini (May 21 through June 21) celebrants, Jerri Spencer (Mrs. Prince Spencer), Rich Affannato, Sarasue Essenpreis, LaToya Jackson, Rebbie Jackson, Diane Ellis, Jim Hodge, Marvin Hamlisch, Bill Nolte, Sam Harris, Michael LaRocca, Nicky Pomeranz, Katrina Loncaric, Eric Floyd, Kenny Mazlow, Sharon Holmes Mandel, Dick Feeney, Liz Pero, Mel Carter, Nate Tannenbaum, Gordie Brown, Joe LaVigna, Sandy Hackett, Merrick Wolfe, Dolores Hope (Mrs. Bob Hope) who just turned 101, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Tracey E. Bregman (actress daughter of Buddy Bregman), (Pip) William Guest, Wayne Brady, Tony Curtis, Tom Jones, Siegfried Fischbacher (who spent part of his June 13th birthday at Golden Rainbow's Ribbon of Life show), Vic Damone, Paul McCartney, Barry Manilow and Wayne Brady. And happy anniversary to Eric and Wanda Dee Floyd (celebrating their 25th), Ed and Valerie Mathews (celebrating half-a-century), and Jim and Jan Seagrave.  Siegfried Fischbacher  David Parks & Martin Kreloff  Mickey O'Neill And speaking of birthdays...
Happy birthday to those musical Naked Boys over at The Onyx in Commercial Center. Today, the boys celebrate one year in Vegas...pretty amazing, considering the fact that Naked Boys Singing (and, yes, they really are naked) launched their show last June, for an expected two week run. * * * * * * * Although he didn't win in the recent Nevada primaries, we still think that Senator David Parks is a winner. Why? Because the politico has been captured on canvas by a favorite of ours, the amazing Martin Kreloff. If you have never experienced his work, Marty, as he is called by his friends, has an upcoming showing at the Laura Henkel Fine Art Gallery, at the Arts Factory, 107 E. Charleston, Suite 100. Called Stars and Sumos, the collection reflects Kreloff's witty and whimsical, contemporary style. He is best known for his portraits of classic iconic Hollywood celebrities whereby he equalizes the two extremes of fame and obscurity to present them with equal fanfare. His artwork is profoundly influenced by Miami's Art Deco tropical noir of Technicolor patterns. The show opens on July 1st and runs through August 21st. Don't miss it. For additional information, call the gallery at (702) 952-9656. We will remind readers about this exhibit again. * * * * * * * We are saddened to report the death of longtime musician, Michael "Mickey" Gerard O'Neill, who died June 14th at Sunrise Hospital following surgery. Mickey O'Neill was 61. He was born to Kathleen Downey O'Neill and Daniel O'Neill in Castleblayney, County Monaghan, Ireland, February 21, 1949. Mickey started as a drummer in Ireland, performing with several showbands while still in his teens. He had the opportunity to work with two of his favorite band mates, Jimmy and Tommy Swarbrigg of The Swarbrigg Brothers. One of the highlights of Mickey's career occurred when, at just 18, he played drums for jazz and blues legend, Joe Williams, for the troops in Libya. In 1972, Mickey came to Las Vegas to perform at the Stardust Hotel with The Royal Irish Showband, headed by Brendan Bowyer, formerly of The Big 8 in Ireland. One of the reasons that Mickey wanted to come to Las Vegas was to meet his idol, Elvis Presley, which he did. Over the years, he also met Gladys Knight and The Pips, Cary Grant, Raquel Welch, and other well-known entertainers. For three decades, Mickey played with Bowyer's group in Las Vegas, primarily at the Aladdin and then at the Barbary Coast for more than eight years. Up until recently, he continued to play gigs in town with his band mates Jimmy Conway, Michael Keane and D.J. Curtin. Mickey was preceded in death by his son, Michael John Daniel O'Neill, 21, who died July 23, 2005, as the result of an accident. Mickey O'Neill is survived by sons Alan O'Neill (Rachel) and Mark O'Neill; grandsons Dyllin and Devyn O'Neill, all from Las Vegas; his sister Mary Black (Gerry) from Castleblayney; brothers Yank, Gregory and Johnny O'Neill from Wales; numerous nieces and nephews; his longtime significant other, Mary Marcella Schwartz of Las Vegas, and many fans and friends. A service and an "Irish wake" will be held for Mickey in Ireland. A celebration of life will take place in Las Vegas at a later date.
Note: The accompanying photo, taken by Mary Schwartz, is from a St. Patrick's Day 2010 performance at Mandalay Bay. * * * * * * * We found this item while Googling on the Internet (under Duke and the Doctor, news)...
ATLANTA-Jan McBarron, M.D., N.D., the "Doctor" of the Duke & The Doctor radio show, was selected as the 2010 Clinician of the Year by the Natural Products Association (NPA). To celebrate the honor, the radio duo will host two parties in Las Vegas during NPA's annual trade show. The hosts will also do a live taping of their show in front of a live audience on June 10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For the first special event, 24 select winners of a recent radio show contest will join McBarron and her husband, Duke Liberatore-CEO of the seven-store Peachtree Natural Foods chain, at the live radio taping and a "Winners Reception" at the Tempo Lounge. "We wouldn't be where we are today if it wasn't for our listeners," Liberatore said. "It's for that reason we want to celebrate this honor with them and organized the contest as a 'thank you' to them." This is where it gets interesting...
The article goes on to say (and these are THEIR words, not ours), In addition to the Winners Reception, Duke and The Doctor will also host a VIP Party at Las Vegas Rocks Cafe on June 11. Special invitations and drink coupons will be distributed to industry friends and guests during the NPA trade show. The Las Vegas Rocks Café is owned by Vegas celebrity, Tony Sacca, a good friend of the radio hosts and himself the host of Entertainment Las Vegas Style.
Within minutes after starting their Friday evening party at the café, the potential guests had to leave the building. Why? Because, as we have been saying for months, Neonopolis, or what's left of it, has NO AIR CONDITIONING! Hey folks. This is Las Vegas. The desert. The summer. Nothing and no one can survive without air conditioning in this part of the country. The current owners of the café have been dishonest (we hate to use the ugly word "lied") about the lack of air conditioning in the facility. Weeks ago (before it got this warm), the chef/owner told some uncomfortable show goers who were fanning themselves with magazines, that the place had a problem that Friday morning but couldn't get an air conditioning repairman out until Monday. Anybody who reads the local papers knows that the primary reason that the Neonoplolis center is virtually empty, is because none of the business operator/owners could go about their daily or nightly duties in the 100 plus degree heat. Even the movie theater had to close. Hennessey's, across the sidewalk from that other place, was the beneficiary of the mass exodus of party goers last Friday. Duke and The Doctor, along with their friends, took their business over to Hennessey's. The group had themselves a nice dinner and saw Derek David's Only You revue, in nice, cool comfort. We can assure you that we are keeping an eye on this situation. So, we are sure, is David Saxe. * * * * * * * If you saw Frank Marino's Divas Las Vegas show last weekend, you must have been in Indiana as opposed to Nevada. Marino, and 16 members of the Divas cast, were performing in Boyd Gaming's 15,000 square foot Stardust Event Center at the Blue Chip Casino, Hotel and Spa in Michigan City. The boys did four shows over two nights before returning to Las Vegas and their home at the Imperial Palace. On August 7th, the boys will take off again, this time to play the Palace. No. Not THAT Palace. Caesars Palace. No. Not THAT Caesars Palace. Although the space is called The Colosseum, just like the 4000-seat venue where Celine, Cher and Elton have performed, and do perform, at the famed Las Vegas Strip property, THIS Caesars is in Windsor Ontario Canada. If you happen to be in the neighborhood, show time is at 9 p.m. * * * * * * * The LeAnn Rimes concert, originally scheduled for July 16th at Crown Theater inside the Rio, has been canceled. There is no replacement date at this time. * * * * * * *  Falcone, Sardelli, Contino & Barbutti  Nelson Sardelli & Denise Clemente And now for this week's Sardelli Section. Pietra Sardelli, daughter of man about town, Nelson Sardelli, made the front page of last Monday's Las Vegas Review-Journal. No, Pietra didn't commit a crime... unless you consider the impersonation of Sarah Palin a crime (and some folks, including her daddy, probably do!). It was Pietra whose name was the first mentioned in Doug Elfman's Golden Rainbow fundraiser follow-up (see Golden Rainbow's Ribbon of Life mention above). Continuing with Sardelli news. Add Sinco and Pete Barbutti to the list of performers volunteering their time and talent to bring smiles to the faces of the vets and staff at the Veterans' Home in Boulder City on Father's Day. There will also be a couple of second generation performers taking part in the show - Ronnie Rose's daughter, and Paul Campanella's son. Organized by Nelson Sardelli (that would be Pietra's daddy), this annual event is now in its fifth year. And, as if he doesn't already have enough to occupy his time, on June 11th, Mr. Sardelli, along with Danny & The Juniors, Vince Facone, Pete Barbutti, Dick Contino, Denise Clemente and her musician husband Chuck Foley, and Vinnie's wife Annette Falcone, traveled to Denver, Colorado, to do a charity show for the Rocky Mountain Italian Golf Association, to benefit the Saint Anthony Central Hospital and the Cancer Society. Apparently, the charitable Nelson Sardelli is not much into golf, stating "I don't even know how many innings there are in a golf game...and I live by the Las Vegas Gold Club." June's F.I.O.R.E. gathering saw 51 presidents (all the boys that participate in the non-club club are presidents) get together for lunch and good times at the Italian American Social Club. We might describe that as almost a mob, but mob is not a word we casually toss around when talking about F.I.O.R.E. Capice? The July meeting, taking place on Friday the 16th, will celebrate F.I.O.R.E.'s 6th anniversary. On a few special occasions (the anniversary party being one of them), the first ladies are, not only invited to attend (when accompanied by one of the boys), but warmly welcomed. We will have more about this upcoming social event in the next few weeks. * * * * * * * From Michelle Johnson comes this update on what is going on in her professional life...
"I have been keeping relatively busy and learning to diversify in a slow period," says Michelle. "I am grateful that I can sing in so many genres. It has really helped me to stay afloat. I have been doing recording sessions, singing standards here and there, singing with the Platters, singing in French, etc. and I have also been working on some solo projects. The Gold Coast is trying a new format in their showroom, Tuesdays through Fridays from 2 to 5 in the afternoon. They have had a loyal crown of regulars, mostly seniors, who enjoy ballroom dancing there in the afternoon, but they have replaced the large Dixieland band that was there for over 20 years (budget cuts I presume?) with smaller ensembles that alternate from week to week. Mine is one of them. Just me, Billy T on keys and Mike Tramontana on drums. It went well this past week, and I am in the Gold Coast Showroom, July 6th through 9th, and then again July 27th through 30th. We are performing standards and taking requests. Also, next Thursday. I am co-hosting Ed Matthews' Hit Parade at the Suncoast. I fly out the next day, Friday, to perform with Sonny Turner and The Platters in Sacramento. Crazy week! I am also working on my own tribute to the great lady big band singers. It should be up and running somewhere by this fall. I will keep you posted. Lastly, my book, The Chick Singer Bible, is coming along. It is about the music business from a woman's perspective (tips, anecdotes, etc.)." We say, "You go, girl!" * * * * * * *  Bob Anderson  Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers  Carlos Mencia Former Las Vegan, singer/impressionist Bob Anderson, was a guest on the Don Imus morning TV show all last week. The show is on Fox Business news. Larry Gatlin was guest hosting for Imus and Bob was doing bits him on the show each day during the week. And speaking of Larry Gatlin, he and his brothers, Steve and Rudy, will perform at The Club inside the Cannery Casino & Hotel on Saturday, July 3rd at 8 p.m. Throughout a career that has spanned four decades, country music stars, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers have been entertaining audiences from Texas to the White House with their incredible family harmony. Larry began his musical career writing songs that were recorded by legendary greats such as Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Barbra Streisand, Tom Jones, and even Elvis Presley. As a solo artist, with his brothers singing backup, Larry released two albums and landed at No. 1 on the charts with the Grammy-winning "Broken Lady." Following the success of the album, High Time, credited to "Larry Gatlin with Brothers and Friends," the Gatlin brothers formed an official trio and, in 1979, signed a group deal with Columbia Records. Their first album as Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers spawned the No. 1 hit, "All the Gold in California," and sent the brothers on the road to the thrill of their fans. The Gatlin Brothers have released more than a dozen Top 40 hits, including "Used to Be Somebody's Baby," "Denver," and "Houston (Means I'm One Day Closer to You)." Throughout the '70s and '80s, the Gatlin Brothers lit up major marquees and packed concert halls across America. Then, in 1992 after much soul searching and prayer, the brothers made a decision to stop touring. They ended with The Adios Tour, along with an accompanying album release of the same name, and it gave the boys a chance to say goodbye to their fans and for the fans to say goodbye to the Gatlin Brothers. Explains Larry, "We just thought our time in the spotlight was probably over. We had a great run and are thankful for it. We felt it was someone else's turn in the spotlight." He went on to say, "You know what Bob Dylan said...things they are a changin'." According to Larry, a promoter in Dover, Delaware, "made us an offer we couldn't understand...so we took it! Since then a popular ground swell, maybe not a large popular ground swell, but a ground swell nonetheless, has arisen that has persuaded us to do some selected dates that we are calling 'The Gatlin Brothers Never Ending Reunion Tour." Tickets for their upcoming Cannery show are available in four levels: table of four $79.95, Gold $39.95, Prime $24.95 or Reserved $14.95. Tickets can be purchased at the Cannery Casino & Hotel's ticket sales counter, located at the front desk, by calling (702) 507-5757 or online at www.cannerycasinos.com. * * * * * * * Take a break from the heat with the cool comedy of stand-up personalities Carlos Mencia, Bill Cosby and Bill Engvall at the Treasure Island Theatre. Mencia kicks things off on June 25th, Bill Cosby brings his signature comedy on July 2nd, and Engvall extends the laughs on August 13th. Mencia began his stand-up career performing at The Laugh Factory during amateur night and quickly rose to superstar status. Buscando Estrellas (the Latino version of Star Search) named Mencia "International Comedy Grand Champion," which opened the door to appearances on television shows including In Living Color and An Evening at the Improv. In early 2005, Mind of Mencia debuted on Comedy Central, which has since become one of the network's strongest shows, drawing an average 1.5 million viewers. Mind of Mencia wrapped its fourth season in late 2008. In an illustrious career defined by intelligent standup comedy, a groundbreaking 1980s hit show, and advocacy for education and good parenting, Cosby ranks as one of America's most influential stars. Known the world over for The Cosby Show, which ran from 1984 to 1992 on NBC, Cosby broke racial barriers and sent a powerful message to viewers – that the family unit and raising children matters most. A testament to his status in the world of comedy, Cosby has earned five Grammy Awards for best comedy album. What began as a shot in the dark at a Texas nightclub, quickly launched funnyman Bill Engvall to comedic superstardom. The Galveston native originally aspired to be a teacher when he discovered his gift for making people laugh. Fans and neophytes alike know Engvall from his half-hour sitcom, The Bill Engvall Show, the Blue Collar Comedy Tour featuring fellow funny men, Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy, and his 1996 Here's Your Sign comedy act. The Treasure Island Theatre Schedule has Carlos Mencia, June 25, 8 p.m., with tickets starting at $49 (Must be 18 years or older to attend); Bill Cosby, July 2, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., with tickets starting at $59; and Bill Engvall, August 13, 8 p.m., with tickets starting at $35. Tickets for each show can be purchased by calling (866) 712-9308 or (702) 894-7723. * * * * * * * Condolences to Las Vegan Tom Illi, whose mother recently passed away in Switzerland. Tom, and his wife, Joni, were on a plane the next morning, heading across the ocean. Joni is a cast member of I Know I Came In Here For Something... * * * * * * * Current and former cast members of Dick Feeney's Rat Pack Is Back!, now playing at the Plaza Hotel in downtown Las Vegas, were featured in the new Russell Brand-starring film, Get Him To the Greek. Seen in the movie, some of which was filmed here, are Drew Anthony (Carrano) as Dean, Kyle Diamond as Sammy, Brian Duprey as Frank, and Thomas R. Wallek as Joey. And speaking of Rat Packs and Rat Pack related news...
It seems that Lisa Dawn Miller's last Saturday night engagement at the Rrazz Room in San Francisco was canceled. Lisa is/was in Northern California for her husband Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack show. The show has three more performances at the Marine's Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter Street in the City By the Bay - tomorrow at 2 and 8 p.m., and Thursday, June 24th at 7 p.m. The final show is a benefit for Fleet Week. Tickets are $50. For additional information, call (415) 771-6900.
* * * * * * * Comedy legend, Louie Anderson, who will end his four year run at the Excalibur on August 1st, won't be homeless/stageless for long. He has announced that he will begin a new headlining residency at Palace Station on Tuesday, September 7th, performing in what is currently Bonkerz Comedy Club Showroom. The change in venues is spurred by the comedian's love of performing in a comedy club-style venue, while still remaining accessible to both locals and tourists alike. The new show will be family-friendly and appropriate for all ages. "I've had a great run at the Excalibur, but it's time for a change and I love the intimacy of Bonkerz, and its mix of both locals and tourists gives me more room to expand my routine," said Anderson. "I'm also excited to get to work with the club owner, Joe Sanfelippo, again after so many years - the guy is as good as they come in this industry." Sanfelippo owns and operates the national chain of Bonkerz Comedy Clubs. "We're thrilled to have a comedian of Louie Anderson's caliber headlining in our venue," said Sanfelippo. "This is a great opportunity for us to continue our success with longer running headliners, but now at a much higher level." To compliment the move, Palace Station will be renaming the showroom in Louie's honor. The change will also include transformation of the 250-seat room with Anderson memorabilia decorating the walls. In addition, Anderson will be bringing his acclaimed "Standup Boot Camp," which he co-founded with comedian Kyle Cease, to Palace Station. Standup Boot Camp is an interactive seminar where Anderson and Cease mentor aspiring comedians in every aspect of the entertainment industry, from comedic delivery to hiring the best representation. More information can be found at www.standupbootcamp.com. "For a long time we've been interested in Louie Anderson, so when he decided to make a move a few months ago, we jumped at the chance. We're ecstatic that of all the places he could headline in Vegas, he chose Palace Station," said Judy Alberti, vice president of entertainment for Station Casinos. "Comedy has been a mainstay at Palace for several years, but we've never before had someone with Louie's marquee value." Two-time Emmy Award-winner Anderson is one of the country's most recognized and adored comics and was named by Comedy Central as "One of 100 Greatest Stand-Up Comedians of All Time." His big break came in 1984, when he appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Relating stories about growing up in the Midwest, being one of 11 children, and dealing with an alcoholic father, provided a plethora of material for the comic, and audiences across the country related to his take on everyday life situations. The multi-talented performer went on to do television and movies starring in his own CBS sitcom, The Louie Show, and his own comedy specials for both HBO and Showtime, as well as several films including Coming to America opposite Eddie Murphy. The comedian/actor's resume also includes the syndicated hit series, Family Feud, and being executive producer and creator of the two-time Emmy Award-winning animated series on FOX's, Life with Louie. Anderson is also a bestselling author and has written three books including the best selling first book, Dear Dad-Letters from an Adult Child, in 1989. During an interview many years ago, radio man, the late Don Jaye, asked us which celebrity was the nicest to the media. Wayne Newton was No. 1 on our list for some time, UNTIL we met Louie Anderson. (Don Jaye died in 2001 at the age of 63.) Palace Station Hotel and Casino features a full array of gaming offerings and six full-service restaurants, including Pasta Palace, Cabo Cantina, Coco's Bakery & Restaurant, The Broiler, Feast Buffet, Oyster Bar and Food Express. Palace Station is located on Sahara, adjacent to Interstate 15, just west of the Las Vegas Strip. Call (702) 367-2411 or visit www.palacestation.com for more information.  Alycia Cooper  Bart Williams, Dixie Evans & John C. Brown  Lisa Smith And speaking of funny people...
Alycia Cooper, a former contestant on NBC's Last Comic Standing, will be headlining at The Comedy Stop at the Sahara Hotel, Monday, June 21st, through Sunday the 27th. Producer, Bob Kephart, has also booked, Mike Winfield and Will Mafori, as part of the three comedian format, each and every week. Stand-up comedienne, Cooper, wrote the Top 10s for the No. 1 radio show in Los Angeles, The Steve Harvey Morning Show, and has written for the likes of Russell Simmons, of Def Jam fame. Cooper has penned a feature length screenplay and has worked on Dr. Phil. Mafori, was born with Cerebral Palsy, but does not allow his disability to keep him from doing what he loves best, entertaining an audience. Will shares his daily experiences and unique outlook on life during his hilarious time on stage. As he remarks so often, "I'm not a disabled person who is funny, I'm a funny person who just happens to be disabled." Mike Winfield is one of the fastest rising comedians on the circuit today. Not only has he appeared on just about every television show that books comedians, but he too was on Last Comic Standing. Winfield is a first class story-teller, who uses his family life in many of his tales. Once you have seen Mike perform, you'll realize why he has been called the next stand up star. Tickets for the 9 p.m. show at the Sahara begin at $24.95, with a special $19.95 ticket for locals, with proof of residence. For reservations call the Sahara Box Office at (702) 737-2878. * * * * * * * Triumph, a new themed show written specifically for the Vegas market, will open at the Las Vegas Hilton with a grand media and VIP night on October 3rd. Triumph is based on time-travel - something that has never before been attempted on a Vegas showroom stage. It is a tale of the battle between good and evil using locations and scenes from the past, present and future. The story, much of it kept secret, is steeped in science, provided through the writings of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne and supported by technology. One scene in particular is a spectacular production number that will recreate the 1892 Chicago World's Fair, featuring the famous Ferris Wheel (largest Ferris wheel in the world) with people on board. Those people will disappear only to be taken back in time. On June 2nd, magicians Larry and Rafael (no last names are used), the two stars and creators of Triumph, made a brief appearance on The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson. We will keep readers informed on Triumph as details are released. * * * * * * * During the recent Burlesque Convention, held at the Plaza Hotel in downtown Las Vegas, actor/producer/ writer, Bart Williams, and burlesque historian, Professor Andy Davis, gave attendees a sneak peek at their new documentary film, The First Last Comic. As special guests of the annual Miss Exotic World/Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend, Williams and Davis spoke about Burlesque Comedy and showed a segment of the recently completed The Last First Comic, featuring 95-year-old top banana, Irving Benson, other burlesque comics and some of the surviving Great Ladies of Burlesque, including the remarkable Dixie Evans, who appears in the film. For your own peek at show business history, check the movie trailer on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5eC1ZKMosg. * * * * * * * Tuesday, June 22nd, through Friday the 25th, vocalist Lisa Smith (Dangerous Curves, Shades of Sinatra) will be joined by keyboard player Tony Branco and drummer Gary Olds as they present Gold Coast Standards from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino. Check out this trio for an afternoon of FABULOUS jazz, plus cocktails and dancing! Admission is free. Show your support and keep live music happening in the lounges...especially the Gold Coast Showroom/Lounge, 4000 W. Flamingo Road.  Gary Olds  Duke Morgan  Sammy Shore * * * * * * * Our car radio dial has been glued to the same station for years. That would be KJUL. We have loved the friendly and familiar sounds of many of our favorite voices - Frank Sinatra, the Four Freshmen, Michael Buble, Steve Tyrell, Elvis, Paul Anka, Petula Clark, Tony Bennett, Barbra Streisand, Neil Diamond, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Mel Torme, Carly Simon, Perry Como, Andy Williams, Linda Ronstadt, The Lettermen, Frankie Laine, and others, but one of our very favorite, dependable voices seems to be missing from the KJUL airwaves. This prompts the question - Where in the world is Duke Morgan? The award-winning radio man was like a friend, traveling with loyal listeners through Las Vegas streets during homebound traffic. It was not unusual for Duke to have well-known personalities, such as Bill Medley, Angie Dickinson, Steve Lawrence, Paul Anka, The Smothers Brothers, Donny Osmond, and Suzanne Somers on the air with him. Today, though, Morgan's voice is nowhere to be heard on KJUL. We know we are not the only ones listening for that familiar sound. Laryngitis? No. A long deserved vacation? No. Budget cuts? More than likely. We call this move, "Penny wise and pound foolish." That comforting voice could sell electric blankets to Las Vegans in August. Do we have to take up picket signs and head for Sunset Park, much like listeners did some years back when the station made a format change? We are sure there are plenty of longtime listeners who would happily do so. As for us? We are going to start making our BRING BACK DUKE signs. Whether you are a listener or an advertiser, make YOUR feelings known. Call. Write letters or e-mails. Silence indicates apathy. * * * * * * * Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel is offering its guests a special two nights with no cover charge for Sammy Shore's Barking Mad Comedy Jam at Marilyn's Lounge on June 25th and 26th at 8 p.m. Dennis Blair and Dean Napolitano, two seasoned comedy veterans, join the legendary Sammy Shore on stage for two nights of madness and laughter. Sammy changed standup comedy forever when he founded The Comedy Store in Hollywood, providing a stage for some of the biggest names in entertainment such as Richard Pryor, Johnny Carson, David Letterman and Whoopi Goldberg. In a career spanning more than 50 years, Shore has shared the stage with numerous comedians and musicians including Bob Hope, Mel Brooks, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Tony Bennett, and spent four years as the opening act for Elvis Presley's Comeback Tour. Blair is an Emmy Award-winning comedic actor, screenwriter, songwriter and author. Having appeared on The Tonight Show numerous times, Dennis is best known for his live comedy performances and musical satires. He received an Emmy for his voiceovers and writing in the animated film, Confessions of a Standup. Early in his career, Blair learned from Rodney Dangerfield, co-writing for his movies, ABC specials and comedy album, Rappin' Rodney, which was nominated for a Grammy Award. Blair has released a book and two standup comedy albums. He has opened for Tom Jones, The Beach Boys, Joan Rivers, Gloria Estefan, George Carlin and others. Blair headlines in comedy clubs, corporate events and continues to open for celebrities. Known as a unique storyteller who shares hilarious stories about his Italian up-bringing, Dean Napolitano delivers comedy through personal experiences. He has appeared on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on CBS and first started in the comedy scene working for clubs throughout Florida and the Midwest. His television credits include Three Rivers, What About Brian (ABC), Heroes (NBC), Las Vegas (NBC), The Shield (FX) Passions (NBC), Ghost Dog (PAX), From the Earth to the Moon (HBO), Mystery Files of Shelby Woo (Nickelodeon), Safe Harbor (Aaron Spelling Productions), Vamps (Victory Productions) and many more. Seats are available on a first come first serve basis, with doors opening at 7 p.m. Please visit www.eastsidecannery.com for more information.
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Tags: Spider Baby Ray Jarvis Vocal Soup
Displaying keen perception and great insight.
She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice.
She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em.
She’s...
Claire Voyant
Las Vegas - June 11, 2010 
Wes Winters 
Romano Frediani This is your final reminder - at least for these events taking place this weekend... Wes Winters is back at the Suncoast showroom tomorrow and Sunday nights at 7:30, and this time, he's All Keyed Up! It's an all new stage show, with Wes performing a variety of musical favorites, not only displaying his award-winning piano abilities, but also showcasing his dynamic vocal skills. For this weekend's shows, Wes will share the stage with his special guests, magic man Joseph Gabriel and Joseph's spectacular birds; Joseph's wife, the magical and beautiful Katalin; and juggler extraordinaire, Romano Frediani. Tickets start at $19.95, plus tax and fees. For reservations, call the Suncoast box office at (702) 636-7075. 
Golden Rainbow Ribbon of Life Golden Rainbow's Ribbon of Life takes place in the theater at the Las Vegas Hilton on Sunday, beginning at 1 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $200, but mid-week, we heard that the $25 and $100 seats were just about sold out. These annual shows, featuring the hard-working, often taken for granted, singers and dancers from the city's productions, are always very impressive. Now in its 24th year, the monies raised from Ribbon of Life go to provide housing and necessities for local HIV/AIDS victims and their families. Pietra Sardelli (there's that Sardelli name again), who will portray Sarah Palin in this year's event, says, "It's for a great cause and there's no other show like it!" Hopefully, Pietra's politically astute father, Nelson Sardelli, will forgive his daughter for the Palin takeoff. For Ribbon of Life tickets, call (702) 384-2899, contact www.Goldenrainbow.org, or call the Hilton box office at (702) 732-5755. 
Martin, Susan, Clint & Domenick And, in their first time in the 810-seat Orleans theater, it's Vocal Soup, featuring the voices of Clint Holmes, Domenick Allen, Martin Nievera and Susan Anton, with Jeff Neiman on piano and serving as musical director, delivering individual and group interpretations of a wide variety of material, including signature Vocal Soup material, including the title song "Vocal Soup" (written by Holmes and Allen), rock 'n' roll classics, hits from Foreigner, a love medley, plus popular and Broadway songs. In addition, the group will debut new numbers, giving recognizable hits the irresistible Vocal Soup twist. The repertoire of solo performances, duets and group numbers embodies the stars' shared dream of rekindling the Las Vegas tradition of entertainers coming together in an "anything can happen" atmosphere. On Tuesday afternoon, invited guests gathered for a "Meet the Members of Vocal Soup" brunch, organized by Ed Mathews and his son, Philip, along with PR man, Frank Lieberman, at Goldilocks Bakery and Restaurant, 2797 S. Maryland Parkway, in the Office Max center. Holmes, Allen, Nievera and Anton discussed their plans for this weekend's shows at The Orleans. They answered questions tossed at them from curious (and hungry) media-types. A buffet lunch was enjoyed by the guests. Vocal Soup show times are tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday at 8 p.m. Ticket prices start at $29.95 plus tax and convenience fees (save the convenience fees by purchasing tickets in person at any Coast Casino). For additional information, call (702) 636-7075. This was the first time we had been in a Goldilocks operation. We were surprised to learn that the Maryland Parkway location, which has been in operation for six years, is, at 8,000 square feet, the largest of three Las Vegas Goldilocks shops (the other two are at 9550 S. Eastern in Henderson, and 6584 N. Decatur in North Las Vegas). Friendly owners, Frank and Ruby Hao, informed us that 90% of their Las Vegas clientele are Filipinos. There are approximately 300 Goldilocks outlets in the Philippines, making them a larger presence than even McDonalds. According to Frank, all the stores are owned and run by family members. The bakery portion of Goldilocks is extensive, carrying all kinds of breads and pastries. Their specialty cakes are beautiful works of tasty art, with some of the elaborate wedding caked running into the thousands of dollars. Launched in 1966, by two sisters, Goldilocks has become a major success story. In addition to stores in the Philippines and Las Vegas, there are Goldilocks all around the world. From one branch in Los Angeles in 1976, Goldilocks has expanded to other key cities in the United States such as San Francisco, Sacramento, and San Diego, for a total of 19 U.S. stores. Its first outlet on the East Coast will soon open, with others sure to follow. Likewise, the two Goldilocks outlets in Canada will undoubtedly encourage more branches to open due to its remarkable success. Goldilocks has also tapped markets in several Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Moreover, it has received a considerable number of requests to open in the Middle East, mostly from overseas Filipino workers and expatriates. Plans are also underway to open a Goldilocks in Hawaii.
Not being very familiar with Filipino food or drink, we have to say we did have (for us) a unique experience at Goldilocks on Tuesday - it was the first time that we have ever had to chew a beverage (ice not withstanding). We think it was called "Sago." 
Goldilocks Creation 
Kelly McDonald 
Rebecca Spencer & Philip Fortenberry * * * * * * * Someone else's misfortune has proven to be a great opportunity for comic Kelly McDonald. On short notice, Kelly, a Las Vegas resident, was called upon to open for Julio Iglesias during Julio's run at the Hilton this weekend. Iglesias is one of the most popular recording artists in the world, with dozens of albums in several different languages to his credit. In 1988, Iglesias received the Grammy Award for Best Latin Singer of the Year 1987 for his album Un Hombre Solo. He has sold more than 250 million albums, and has been the recipient of more than 2600 Platinum and Gold records, a figure that no other singer has ever managed to achieve in the history of music. McDonald and Iglesias perform 8 p.m. shows in the Las Vegas Hilton Theater, through tomorrow night. Tickets are $59 - $119 (plus tax and service charge). To purchase, call the Hilton box office at (800) 222-5361. On Sunday night, Kelly McDonald will do an unbilled guest spot at Bob Kephart's Comedy Stop at the Sahara. Kelly will join his friend, fellow funnyman Cork Proctor, on Cork's last night of his current one week gig at the Comedy Stop. * * * * * * * Next Sunday, June 20th will offer a couple of interesting programs for music lovers. Because they take place at different times, but in the same part of the city, many may choose to do both...
At 2 in the afternoon, Rebecca Spencer, who created the role of Madame Giry in Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular, will be returning to Las Vegas to appear in concert on at the Flamingo Library Theatre, 1401 E. Flamingo. The debut of this newly conceived solo concert, entitled WAITIN', will also feature her long-time musical director and collaborator, Philip Fortenberry. Philip is the assistant musical director for Jersey Boys and also performs three afternoons a week in Liberace and Me, at the Liberace Museum. Rebecca's program highlights include her signature art song interpretations of the American Songbook and Broadway repertoire, as well as new compositions created specifically for her. This performance marks a return to her concert career roots, which began in Las Vegas when she debuted her solo program as part of the Brown Bag Series produced by the Performing Arts Society of Nevada. That concert was Las Vegas Magazine's No. 1 Pick of the Month in their Datebook Calendar, and earned a Las Vegas City Life 'DIVA' preview pick of the week. During the two years Rebecca lived in Las Vegas performing in Phantom, she also shared her talents in projects throughout the community. She was the first Phantom performer to appear in the Las Vegas Composers Showcase, where she regularly introduced new material by composer Keith Thompson (conductor for Jersey Boys). She served as the co-host for the Liberace Foundation Piano Competition alongside fellow cast member Bruce Ewing, and was invited to perform at the 30th Anniversary Liberace Museum Gala. She was featured in readings of Richard Oberaker's (conductor for Ka) musical Ace, and Wayne Green's (conductor for Spamalot) new musical, Beyond the Abbey Gates. Becky's charity work in Las Vegas included leading performances in the Golden Rainbow benefit concert of Jerry Springer - The Opera, conducted by Jack Gaughan, at the MGM Grand's Hollywood Theatre, several presentations of God Lives in Glass benefiting Family Promise of Las Vegas, and a CD signing and in-store performance at the Summerlin Barnes & Noble store as a benefit for the Rainbow Theatre Company, Las Vegas' nationally recognized youth theatre program. Rebecca was featured on the cover of the Las Vegas Review Journal's Neon magazine, and in their popular IMAGE fashion section. In the R-J's Theatre Chat column, upon the release of her second recording, Anthony Del Valle noted: "There's lots of talent on display at 'Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular,' but the person I can never stop watching is Rebecca Spencer." Tickets for this program are $15, and may be purchased by calling (702) 658-6741. They are also available at the library box office, an hour before show time. We urge you to reserve early for this one. That evening, RagTag Entertainment will be presenting Andrew Lloyd Webber: Encore at the Cabaret Showroom in the Liberace Museum (1775 E. Tropicana at Spencer). The show begins at 7, with doors opening at 6:30. Encore is the follow-up to the popular Another Suitcase in Another Hall program held at the Cabaret in March. The evening will not only feature top RagTag talent, such as David Andino, Sandra Huntsman, Steve Huntsman, Aimee Wade, Charles Beraud, Danyel Arianna, and Joel Rene, but Andrew Ragone, Kristen Hertzenberg, Sarah Elizabeth Combs, and Ian Jon Bourg, cast members from Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular. The show will also feature Angela Chan on piano, and Amanda Wright on cello. Encore will feature some of Andrew Lloyd Webber's greatest hits, and music from his new Phantom sequel, Love Never Dies. Tickets are $20 in advance, and $25 at the door. This should be an amazing concert. For reservations, contact the museum at (702) 798-5595. 
Kristen Hertzenberg 
Kristofer McNeeley 
Sting And speaking of the Liberace Museum, on Sunday the 13th, Kristofer McNeeley, of the Las Vegas Strip's hit show, Jersey Boys, will launch his weekly solo show in the Cabaret. The 45-minute acoustic guitar/piano set will include his interpretations of material by some of the great singer/songwriters of the '60s, '70s and '80s - including Elton John, Billy Joel, John Denver, Phil Collins, Burt Bacharach and Fleetwood Mac among others. Also included in the set will be several original compositions influenced by and in the same style as these singer/songwriters . Listeners will be invited to enjoy an afternoon of mellow, relaxing, meditative musical reflection and an intimate look into Kristofer's journey as an artist and the music which has shaped his work as a composer. As for the unusual name of his show, Holding the Space, there is a logical explanation. The Sunday spot is usually filled by Kristofer's wife, Ali Spuck and her solo show, Here I Am. The McNeeley's are the parents of a brand new baby girl, so daddy is Holding the (mommy's) Space, until she (Ali) is ready to go back to work. Show times, for Kristofer or Ali, are on Sundays at 2:30. Tickets are $15. Call the museum at (702) 798-5595. * * * * * * * Next Friday (June 18th), the multi-award winning Sting will perform his most celebrated songs, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Steven Mercurio. An Evening with Sting will take place in the MGM Grand Garden Arena beginning at 8 p.m. (doors open at 6:30). The English musician, singer-songwriter, activist, actor and philanthropist, has been at the forefront of rock and pop music for almost 40 years. He is a member of both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Tickets are $201, $86, and $51 inclusive of LET (plus $6 handling fee). * * * * * * * Apparently, Rubio's Big Burrito giveaway on June 3rd, was a Big Success. Here are a couple of comments we got from folks who took advantage of the one day Especial. "Thank you so much for sharing this. We went to Rubio's by Sunset Station. The line was humongous, but worth the wait. The Burritos were great. Sent a copy of the required online coupon to some friends. They all went too and loved it. Thank you from all of us." And "Thanks for the heads up. We took advantage of the offer and we both enjoyed our meals. Judging from the crowds at the Lake Mead site, this promotion appeared to be a hit. We had never been to Rubio's before. We will definitely go back again." * * * * * * * 
Adam of Hard Pipe Hitters 
Tempest Storm 
Gordie, not Garry Following their Tuesday night appearance at The Box Office, Las Vegas-based Hard Pipe Hitters joins California's Vultures United and Holding On To Sound (HOTS) at Boomer's Bar, 3200 Sirius Ave., tonight (Friday, June 11th) from 10 to 11:30 p.m. Hard Pipe Hitters are a hardcore punk rock band, consisting of Kiel on vocals, Adam on guitar and vocals, Greg on drums, and Frank on bass and vocals. HPH has been making their mark on the West Coast punk rock scene, with three Southern California tours under their belts, and a northwest US mini-tour in March. The group is in the process of writing the last songs for their debut album, scheduled to be recorded this spring. That's it, all you punks. Expect to see an HPH show near you!!! * * * * * * * By now, many of you have probably heard that Tempest Took a Tumble. That would be Burlesque veteran, Tempest Storm (real name Annie Blanche Banks). Last Friday night (too late for the June 4th column), while strutting her stuff at the Burlesque Convention at the downtown Plaza hotel, the 82-year-young red-head lost her balance and fell backward during her big finale number. An ambulance was called and the Georgia Peach (she was born in Eastman, Georgia) was taken to Sunrise Hospital where it was determined that she had broken her left hip and would require surgery. We have heard that the trouper is doing well. While still on the subject of downtown Las Vegas, on Saturday night, we took in Gordie Brown's show at the Golden Nugget. Gordie was in top form, and the almost full house audience was much appreciative of his talent. With the 2006 death of James Brown, Gordie "officially" became the "Hardest Working Man in Show Business." No one works harder to please an audience than Gordie Brown. Backed by Steve Swinford on guitar, Adam Shendal on drums, Bill DeLoach on keys, Andre Brunson on bass, and Joey Singer filling in for Gordie's regular piano man, Chris Hoffman, these musicians do a fine job of keeping up with the high energy Mr. Brown. Shows are normally at 7:30, although, last Saturday, the show was rescheduled for a 9 p.m. start. Tickets range from $39.95 to $99.95. We highly recommend Gordie Brown. Call (866) 946-5336 for reservations. If you have never been downtown, or haven't been down there for sometime, take the trip. Just seeing the Golden Nugget swimming pool is worth the ride, but there is more to do and see. In addition to the Fremont Street Experience - with its free shows, overhead nighttime canopy light displays, interesting kiosks and stores, and a wide variety of dining choices - in addition to Gordie Brown at the Golden Nugget, there are a number of other entertainment options that we can recommend. At the Plaza, it's Dick Feeney's Rat Pack Is Back and at Hennessey's Tavern, the newly opened musical revue, Only You, featuring David Derek. Both offer dinner shows. Fitzgeralds offers Kevin Burke's Fitz of Laughter, and the interactive murder-mystery dinner show, Marriage Can Be Murder. Steven Best & Cassandra star in Superstars of Magic, playing at the Vegas Club. We were told that another downtown establishment, with a new show (using the same show name as a Strip producer) that was supposed to open on Wednesday, has been for about a week. Whether they will reopen remains to be seen. In December, we predicted there would be major problems at this place as soon as the thermometer started moving up. * * * * * * * The Las Vegas ESPN Zone, located at New York-New York for almost 10 years, is the latest local casualty of the economic downturn. The restaurant will close on Wednesday, putting about 150 people out of work. Chicago, Baltimore, New York and Washington D.C. will also close stores, due to weak financial performance. * * * * * * * 
Brian Bromberg 
Buddy Bregman 
Louie Anderson Jazz bass payer Brian Bromberg with the It Is What It Is Band, featuring The Fat City Horns, will present a free concert at the Centennial Hills Park Amphitheatre, tomorrow (Saturday, June 12th) at 7 p.m. Vegas Jazz is proud to collaborate with The City of Las Vegas for the Jazz on the Green concert tomorrow, Saturday, June 12th, featuring acclaimed jazz bass player, Brian Bromberg, with the It Is What It Is Band - Gary Meek, sax; Tom Zink, keyboards; Will Kennedy, drums; and Alec Milstein, bass. They will be joined by special guests The Fat City Horns, a popular and well-known group of six of Las Vegas' top musicians, Gil Kaupp, Danny Falcone, Phil Wigfall, Nathan Tanouye, Jerry Merra and Rob Mader. Bromberg has earned a reputation as one of the most versatile and respected straight ahead and contemporary jazz musicians today. He has recorded 17 albums, which include more than eight Top 10 hits, some of which he composed and produced. Jazz legend Lionel Hampton referred to him as "the greatest bass player in the world." Jazz Review magazine says, "A true master of the bass...If you are looking for something new and exciting, look no further...." Nathan Tanouye did the horn arrangements on Bromberg's It Is What It Is CD. These 11 musicians playing together will definitely create a not-to-be-missed concert. The free concert begins at 7 p.m. in the Centennial Hills Park Amphitheatre, located at 7101 N. Buffalo Drive, near Deer Springs Way. Bring blankets, folding chairs and picnics to enjoy the evening comfortably. Pets and glass containers are not permitted in the amphitheatre. For more info, call (702) 229-1087 at The City of Las Vegas, or the Vegas Jazz message line at (702) 313-6778. And more jazz news...
Jazz up your weekends with The Village at Lake Las Vegas' "Jazz on the Lake" free concert series. The Village provides a relaxing environment for jazz fans to kick back and enjoy Las Vegas' top jazz artists by water's edge, Saturdays in June, from 7 to 10 p.m. Tomorrow night, it's Tommy Thompson, serving up Jazz and R&B, and on June 26th, Darrin Michaels presents smooth jazz. This takes place at The Village lakeside lawn, 15 Costa di Lago in Henderson. Concerts are free and open to the public. No coolers please. * * * * * * * When we got a recent e-mail from Buddy Bregman, we recognized his name and knew he was someone special, we just didn't know HOW special. The American musical arranger, record producer and composer has some real history in Las Vegas. He produced, directed and orchestrated the show that opened the new Frontier Hotel. The star of that show? The great Ella Fitzgerald. Bregman arranged and conducted her two biggest albums of all-time, Verve Records' Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Cole Porter Songbook, and Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Rodgers & Hart Songbook. Bregman also wrote all the musical arrangements for Jerry Lewis' solo debut at the Sands Hotel, and wrote the musical arrangements and co-produced Sammy Davis Jr.'s first solo Las Vegas show, also at the Sands. Also at the Sands, Buddy did all of Van Johnson's musical arrangements for his Las Vegas debut at that hotel. Bregman wrote the musical arrangements for Jane Powell, Eydie Gorme, and Diahann Carroll's acts, all of which played here numerous times. And, as long as we are name dropping, as a producer/director/musical arranger/composer/conductor, the Chicago-born Bregman has also worked with performers such as Alan King, Andre Previn, Andy Williams, Anita O'Day, Barbra Streisand, Betty Hutton, Bing Crosby, Bob Fosse, Bob Hope, Bobby Darin, Bobby Short, Buddy Holly, Cheryl Lee Ralph, Cindy Williams, Count Basie, Dean Martin, Debbie Reynolds, Dick Shawn, Dionne Warwick, Don Rickles, Donald Sutherland, Duke Ellington, Eddie Fisher, Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire, George Burns, Jack Benny, James Earl Jones, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jane Fonda, Jimmy Durante, John Williams, Joe Williams, Joel Grey, John Cassavetes, Mark Rydell, Johnny Carson, Jonathan Winters, Jose Greco, Judy Garland, Kay Thompson, K.C. & The Sunshine Band, Leslie Uggams, Kevin Kline, Louis Armstrong, Lucie Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Mamie Van Doren, Marcia Cross, Marge and Gower Champion, Mary Tyler Moore, Michael Keaton, Milton Berle, Miriam Makeba, Michael Crawford, Nell Carter, Oliver Reed, Oscar Peterson, Paul Anka, Peggy Lee, Peter Lawford, Quincy Jones, Ray Bolger, Rick Nelson, Rita Moreno, Ritchie Valens, Sir Michael Redgrave, Sam Cooke, Sam Butera, Stan Getz, Suzanne Somers, Theolonius Monk, Tony Bennett, Tony Perkins, Vic Damone, Victor Borge and Yves St. Laurent. In addition to his musical career, Buddy Bregman has produced and/or directed/written more than 150 hours of features/TV film and video programming in England, Europe, Canada, and the USA - from the award winning The American Civil War (BBC), to the feature film Wandering Minstrels starring Olivia Newton-John, to the comedy series, Oh Madeline (ABC) starring Madeline Kahn, to the half-hour comedy pilot, Fraud Squad (ABC). He had his own show, Buddy Bregman's Music Shop, on NBC. The very first show ever broadcast by BBC2, An Evening With Ethel Merman, was produced and directed by Buddy. The 14 episodes of the series featured a slew of International stars, including Mel Torme', Nancy Wilson, Shirley Bassey, Robert Clary, Jack Carter, Anna Maria Alberghetti, Pete Barbutti, and The Kingston Trio among them. He followed up with tribute specials to Broadway musical legends, George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hart and Rodgers & Hammerstein, with Ron Moody as "The Guide." We might also mention that Buddy is the very proud father The Young and The Restless star, Tracey E. Bregman, who has played Lauren Fenmore on the soap since the early '80s. There is way too much on Buddy to put in this column. If you want to know more about the talented Mr. Bregman, check him out on the Internet. (The only person we know who has worked with or known this many major celebrities is Patrick Kavanaugh, late of DeStefano's. Don't believe it? Just ask him.) * * * * * * * After more than four years at the Excalibur, comic Louie Anderson will wind up his engagement at the Castle on the Corner on August 1st. The very first time we saw Anderson perform in Las Vegas was in 1987. The relatively unknown funnyman was co- headlining at the Desert Inn (now the site of Wynn Las Vegas) with another relative newcomer, Roseanne Barr. As we hear it, it was Louie who encouraged Roseanne to try out at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles. The rest, as they say, is show business history. * * * * * * * As we approach our weekly deadline, here is the list of entertainers and supporters who have committed to be part of the annual Father's Day Show at the Veterans Home in Boulder City, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 20th - Vince Falcone, the Gary Olds Trio, Michaelina Bellamy, Linda November, Artie Schroeck, Babe Pier, Jerry Lopez, Cork Proctor, The Great Tomsoni & Co., Allen Tramont, Charly Raymond, Paul Campanella, Peter Anthony, Dr. George Ritter, Nathan Brian Wine, Ronnie Rose, Charlie Shaffer, Joni Illi, Nik Mastrangelo, Dr. Wilfred Krom, Thom Nelli, Tom Marth, Diane Ellis, Larry Taylor, Tommy Thompson, Robert S. Ensler, Mundane the Grate (Jac Hayden), and Lou Toomin. By the time the 20th rolls around, we expect there will be more volunteers. Despite the warm temperatures and the schlep to Boulder City, through whatever means (threats, blackmail, torture), the annual event organizer, Nelson Sardelli (there's that Sardelli name again) manages to gather together an impressive list of community-minded citizens to make the trip to the city by the darn. Mr. Sardelli reports that he is still waiting to hear back from Eddie Cantor, Marlene Dietrich, Ida Lupino, Vincent Price (who may do a duet with Michaelina), Peter Lorre, Jack Kogan, Gus Guiffre, Sabu, Turhan Bey, Judy Garland and Maria Ouspenskaya, who might join Nelson as co-host. We will have a more complete list next Friday. Stay tuned. * * * * * * * 
Beverly Washburn 
Lee Roy Reams & Mitzi Gaynor There are only two more performances of Spider Baby the Musical at The Onyx, tonight and tomorrow at 8 p.m. An authorized adaptation of Jack Hill's classic horror film, Spider Baby starring Lon Chaney Jr., Spider Baby the Musical tells the story of the Merrye family. Each member suffers from the same degenerative mental disorder which causes a loss of impulse control. Some distant relatives want to institutionalize the Merrye children and sell their land. Spider Baby the Musical deals with the extreme measures the family takes to stay together. This year, composer, Enrique Acosta, inspired by his talented cast, has expanded the show, adding four new songs and re-arranging more than half of the original songs to give the show a darker, more raw sensuality. Rumor has it that actress Beverly Washburn, who played Elizabeth Merrye in the film, will be in attendance for Saturday night's show at The Onyx. Tickets for Spider Baby the Musical are $25, and $20 for locals. The Onyx is located inside The Rack at 953 E. Sahara, Suite 16, in the Commercial Center. Call (702) 732-7225 for more details.
Parental warning: This is not a show intended for children as it depicts sexual situations and violence. * * * * * * * On Sunday, Father's Day, Mrs. Geez Southern Home Cooking Restaurant, 2605 S. Decatur at Sahara, will present a tribute show honoring the late Ali Ollie Woodson of The Temptations. Paying homage to Woodson will be Darcus; Mr. Reggie Gonzales, Vocalist Extraordinaire; Terry Forsythe (Only You) Professional Entertainer, Gospel, R&B and Jazz Recording Artist Songwriter, Arranger, Producer and Vocal Director; Barrington "BO" Henderson, Grammy winner, former lead singer with The Temptations, and lead vocalist for the hit, "Stay." Show is at 7 p.m. There is no cover. * * * * * * * Sympathies to Steve Cutler on the loss of his mother, Ruth Cutler, who passed away in Las Vegas on June 4th at the age of 83. Steve Cutler was the curator of The Casino Legends Hall of Fame at the Tropicana. * * * * * * * It's hard to believe, but Hollywood legend Mitzi Gaynor, who starred in There's No Business Like Show Business, South Pacific, The Joker is Wild (starring Frank Sinatra as the comedian/singer, Joe E. Lewis), made her very first New York City cabaret debut when she performed at Feinstein's at Loews Regency, May 18th through the 29th. According to Feinstein's publicity, the 78-year-old film actress, who calls her act, Razzle Dazzle! My Life Behind the Sequins (many of her sequined gowns were designed by Bob Mackie), "brought her "incomparable brand of showmanship to the stage in a glittering multimedia one woman tour-de-force of music and memories from her show-stopping life and career." The show featured classic elements of her fabled concert performances, interspersed with video footage culled from her television, concert and film work and rare personal photos embraced in an all new, up-to-date setting. Gaynor shared her recollections of Sinatra, Ethel Merman, Marilyn Monroe, Irving Berlin, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Howard Hughes, Marlene Dietrich and more. Tony Charmoli directed the show, which feature musical arrangements by Dick DeBenedictis and Bill Dyer. Musical director/pianist Ed Czach lead a seven-piece band; orchestrations are by Ovation Award winner, Colin R. Freeman, and Helen Hayes Award nominee, Nick DeGregorio. Mitzi Gaynor starred in 17 motion pictures, nine network television specials (garnering 17 Primetime Emmy nominations) and returned to live performing with countless concert productions nationwide for more than 40 years. For several decades, Mitzi Gaynor was a top attraction in Las Vegas, beginning in 1961 at the Flamingo, as well as other nightclub and concert venues throughout the United States and Canada. Among the audience members who turned out to see Ms. Gaynor at the Park Avenue hotspot were friend, musical theater star Lee Roy Reams (he portrayed Roger DeBris in The Producers here), and Las Vegans, Clint and Kelly Clinton Holmes. * * * * * * * It's a sign of the times we are living in today, especially in the Las Vegas hospitality world. During this past week, more than 2000 applicants auditioned and applied for restaurant and nightclub positions at Lolita's Cantina & Tequila Bar, the latest concept created by The Medusa Group. Lolita's, set to open in Town Square next month, hired 250 people. "The level of talent and expertise that we saw at our casting call was so impressive that I am confident that our service and hospitality will set a new standard in this market," said Eric DeBlasi, President and CEO of The Medusa Group. Lolita's Cantina & Tequila Bar features traditional, regional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist, fusing the style and energy of South Beach, the spirit of Baja, and the tradition of Mazatlan all under one roof to create this one-of-a-kind eatery by day, nightclub hotspot by night. Wholesome dishes are prepared with only the best in organic ingredients with proprietary sauces and salsas made fresh daily. Award-winning celebrity chef and mixologist, Carlo Cavallo has created a diverse menu of authentic Mexican specialties, regional classics and a margarita and cocktail menu that is unmatched in the area. Each margarita will be handcrafted straight up, blended or hand-shaken. Using only fresh fruits, made-to-order mixers and specialty ingredients, Lolita's Cantina will offer more than 100 different tequilas including a wide selection of 100% agave tequilas, a specialty cocktail menu and what promises to be the city's most talked-about happy hour. In Las Vegas, they will offer lunch, dinner and after-hours fare with seating available both inside the restaurant or out on the patio, where patrons can people-watch the bustle of Town Square from the second floor perch. With non-stop energy, Lolita's will feature live performers, dancers and DJs to establish Lolita's as Sin City's newest party spot. Lolita's will also have a take-out menu and catering division. Nightlife/hospitality veteran DeBlasi has owned more than 40 restaurants, nightclubs and hotels across the United States over the past two decades, and the Medusa Group is currently responsible for various development projects and several new restaurant concepts set to debut nationally in the next two years. Lolita's Cantina & Tequila Bar is located in Town Square at 6605 Las Vegas Boulevard South, For more information, please visit www.lolitascantina.com. * * * * * * * 
The Beach Boys 
Greg London On Thursday, June 17th, at 8 p.m., feel the "Good Vibrations" as The Venetian hosts a one-night-only poolside concert with The Beach Boys. While The Beach Boys mark more than 45 years of making music, the group continues to ride the crest of a wave unequalled in America's musical history. "We wanted to kick-off summer, and there's no better way of doing it than with a poolside concert by The Beach Boys," said Chris Yancey, executive director of entertainment for The Venetian and The Palazzo. "Guests can 'Catch a Wave' with the cool sounds of the Beach Boys while enjoying all the amenities of The Venetian and its luxurious pool." The Beach Boys have become synonymous with the California lifestyle since lead-singer and front man Mike Love penned the lyrics to their first hit, "Surfin'" in 1961. Since then, the band has had a string of chart-topping songs that spans nearly 30 years and includes eternal anthems of American youth: "Surfin' USA," "Surfer Girl," "Fun, Fun, Fun," "I Get Around," "California Girls," "Help Me Rhonda," "Barbara Ann," "Good Vibrations," "Wouldn't It Be Nice," "Rock and Roll Music" and "Kokomo." Throughout the course of their career, the Beach Boys have sold more than 100 million records worldwide and received 32 Platinum and Gold record awards from the Recording Industry Association of America. Ticket prices will be $25 and $45, plus additional tax and handling fees. A limited number of concert and suite packages are also available. To make reservations, visit www.venetian.com, call (702) 414-9000 or visit any Venetian Box Office. * * * * * * * Following his record-breaking two-and-a-half year run in Sammy's Showroom at Harrah's Reno, Greg London begins previews of his critically acclaimed hit show, ICONS - Entertaining the World One Impression at a Time, in the Riviera's Mardi Gras Showroom on June 16th, with the official Grand Opening set for mid-July. "You thought Las Vegas' biggest coup was Garth Brooks signing on for acoustic weekends at the Wynn?," asks London's press release. "Hardly. Garth is certainly terrific but, the country legend is just one guy. Greg London is coming to town with scores of pop culture ICONS, all channeled by the master musical impressionist himself, ready to reshape the city's entertainment landscape." Produced by Bob Byers, Jr., David DeLorenzo and Frank Visco, Greg London was voted 2009 Entertainer of the Year, and Greg London's ICONS was voted Best Show in Northern Nevada in the Nevada magazine poll. Greg London will impersonate some of the world-famous superstars and legends who have performed in Las Vegas - including Louis Armstrong, The Beach Boys, Tony Bennett, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Engelbert Humperdinck, Liberace, Barry Manilow, Dean Martin, Liza Minnelli, Dolly Parton, Luciano Pavarotti, Kenny Rogers, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, The Supremes, Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, Tina Turner , Ray Charles, Sammy Davis, Jr., Rod Stewart, Michael Jackson, Macy Gray , David Cassidy, David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks of The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Freddie Mercury/Queen, Elton John, Joe Cocker, Bruce Springsteen, Dire Straits, Eric Clapton, Jim Morrison of the Doors, ZZ Top, David Bowie, Axl Rose, Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot, Bob Dylan, Robin Gibb of The Bee Gees, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Garth Brooks, Randy Travis, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, Julio Iglesias, Tom Jones, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ozzy Osbourne, Kermit The Frog, James Bond (Sean Connery version), Austin Powers and the Phantom of the Opera. Fresh off his win for Best Adult Contemporary Song at the 2009 Hollywood Music In Media Awards (HMMA), London has been selected to co-host the third annual event at The Highlands in the Hollywood and Highland Kodak Theatre Complex on November 18th. The singer's recording of "Everything I Own" was the highest charting new artist release and highest charting release on an independent label (airplay charts) of 2009. London scored back-to-back Top 5 singles on the FMQB Adult Contemporary Radio Chart. London also made Music Connection magazine's list of Hot 100 Artists of 2009. In 2008, he appeared in the independent film comedy, The Dukes, playing a member of a washed up doo-wop group that turns to a life of crime. His cohorts are Chazz Palmenteri, two-time Academy Award nominee Peter Bogdanovich, and renowned character actor Robert Davi (Die Hard, Profiler), who wrote, directed and co-produced the film. London, who launched his live musical comedy performance career in various venues at the Pebble Beach resort, even made Clint Eastwood's day. Dirty Harry himself says of this million dollar baby, "Greg will leave you emotionally charged with a truly great performance." Show times will be 7 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Ticket prices are $39.99, $59.99 (preferred seating) and $69.99 (VIP), plus taxes and fees. On Father's Day Sunday, June 20th, dads will be admitted free. They will also receive a free ICONS coffee mug. A discount of $20 off Preferred and VIP seating is also being offered on this special day. As a sign of appreciation, through July, the first 100 active members of the military, police, firefighters and first responders, with proper ID showing their active service presented at the Riviera box office, will be admitted free to the show. For more information, call The Riviera Box Office toll free at (877) 892-7469 or visit www.rivierahotel.com. With performers and permanent shows, such as Gordie Brown, Larry G. Jones, Frank Caliendo, Jersey Boys, two Rat Pack shows, The Beatles (Love at The Mirage, plus groups such as the Fab Four), miscellaneous Elvis‘ (Trent Carlini, Pete Willcox, etc.) and Viva Elvis at CityCenter's Aria, not to mention (although that's what we're doing) Barbra and Frank - The Concert That Never Was, Legends in Concert and American Superstars to compete against, another impressionist with little name recognition in Southern Nevada, we think Greg London has his work cut out for him. We wish him luck. Illusionist Mark Bennick, who just performed at the Suncoast, is using his magical talents in a different capacity for a while. Mark is the Production Manager and Coordinator for Greg London's ICONS. 
Mark Bennick 
James Barela of BLu7 * * * * * * * The Freakin' Frog is proud to feature BLu7. The Las Vegas-based jazz quintet will be performing some very exciting and creative music throughout the summer. Appearance dates will be tonight, Friday, July 23rd and Friday, August 6th. Their music combines elements of modern jazz with world music and contemporary beats in organic and unforced manner accessible to all who listen. Evidence of this can be heard on their debut CD, Cultural Instigator, released in June of 2008. This project features eight original tunes fusing elements of jazz, flamenco, bossa-nova, R&B, industrial, hip-hop, and free jazz. Reviews have been excellent and it is clear BLu7's star is on the rise. The second track on the CD, "Kelly," has been one of the most downloaded tunes on allaboutjazz.com. "Matador," the first track, is being featured on a jazz compilation CD produced by KUNV 91.5 FM in Las Vegas. Both tunes, as well as the others, are receiving airplay on many radio, satellite, and internet radio stations around the world. BLu7 was formed in 2007 by trumpeter and composer James Barela. The members of BLu7 are Barela (trumpet, flugelhorn, EVI), EJ Delgado (guitar), Rachel Delgado (piano, Rhodes, synthesizer), Mitchell Anthony (drums) and Justin Vogel (bass). Each musician brings with them decades of experience and the creative edge to make an impact on today's jazz scene. BLu7 derives its name from the term jazz and blues musicians used for the 7th of the dominant 7th chord. In western musical theory, the dominant 7th chord causes a certain amount of tension and leans towards resolution. In jazz and blues, the "blue 7" also provides that tension/resolution, but also adds a melancholic vocal quality to the melody and improvisation. With a tip of a cap to the past, and all eyes to the future, BLu7 is poised to create change among the status quo of the jazz world. The Freakin' Frog is located at 4700 S. Maryland Parkway, across from UNLV. Music begins at 9:30 p.m. and admission is free.
Photo of James Barela by Leila Navidi
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Claire Voyant
Las Vegas - June 4, 2010 
Lee Roy Reams & Marge Champion 
Beverly Washburn in Spider Baby 
Ann-Margret On Monday, our friend, Broadway veteran and Tony and Drama Desk nominee, Lee Roy Reams, directs the 28th annual Fred and Adele Astaire Awards in Manhattan's Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College. Ben Vereen will serve as host, and Marge Champion, Sandy Duncan, Carol Lawrence, Rosie Perez, Roberta Flack, Charlotte d'Amboise and Sondra Lee will be among those who will appear at the gala, which takes place at 7:30 p.m. Each season, the Astaire Awards, which benefits Career Transition for Dancers, recognizes outstanding achievement in dance on Broadway and in film. Perez and Flack will present Emmy Award-winning "High School Musical" director and choreographer, Kenny Ortega, with the Douglas Watt Lifetime Achievement Award. The evening will feature performances by singer Robin Cofer, Evidence Dance Company and a tribute to both Ortega and Reams. Reams, who was nominated for a Tony Award for his role in 42nd Street, will perform with dancers who once worked with Fred Astaire. The 2010 Astaire Award nominees are, for Stage Categories Choreographers - Bill T. Jones (Fela!), Twyla Tharp (Come Fly Away), Sergio Trujillo (Memphis), Marcia Milgrom Dodge (Ragtime), and Steven Hoggett (American Idiot). Male Dancers - Charlie Neshyba-Hodges (Come Fly Away), Keith Roberts (Come Fly Away), John Selya (Come Fly Away), Dancing With the Stars' Maksim Chmerkovskiy (Burn the Floor), and Memphis Male Ensemble (Brad Bass, Kevin Covert, Bryan Fenkart, Rhett George, John Jellison, John Eric Parker, Jermaine R. Rembert, Ephraim Sykes, Cary Tedder, Daniel J Watts, Charlie Williams, James Brown III, and Tyron Jackson). Female Dancers - Karine Plantadit (Come Fly Away), Laura Mead (Come Fly Away), Holley Farmer (Come Fly Away), Savannah Wise (Ragtime), Nicole Chantal de Weever (Fela!), Fela! Female Ensemble (Hettie Vyrine Barnhill, Lauren de Veaux, Elasea Douglas, Rujeko Dumbutshena, Catherine Foster, Shaneeka Harrrell, Chanon Judson, Shakira Marshall, Afi McClendon, Jill Vallery, Iris Wilson, Aimee Graham Wodobode). In the Film Categories, the nominees are Choreographers (Fictional Film), Marguerite Derricks (Fame), Rob Marshal and John Deluca (Nine), and Lula Washington (Avatar). Director (Documentary Dance Film), Kenny Ortega (This is It), Frederick Wiseman (La Danse, Le Ballet de l'Opera de Paris), Ruedi Gerber (Breath Made Visible), and Adam Del Deo and James D. Stern (Every Little Step). The award was established with the cooperation of Fred Astaire to honor him and his sister, Adele, who starred with her brother in ten Broadway musicals between 1917 and 1931. Tickets and further information are available by visiting FredandAdeleAstaireAwards, e-mailing Patricia_Watt@msn.com, or calling (212) 595-0925. * * * * * * * Rumor has it that one of the cast members of the 1968 cult movie, Spider Baby, will be in the audience of Spider Baby the Musical, in for four showings at The Onyx, next Saturday. Beverly Washburn, who played Elizabeth in the comedy horror flick, subtitled The Maddest Story Ever Told, is now a Southern Nevada resident. Those of a certain age, or those who watch classic films on cable, will remember Ms. Washburn from movies such as Old Yeller, Hans Christian Andersen, The Greatest Show on Earth and The Juggler. * * * * * * * Regarding Happenings (or Frediani's, or Chianti, or Trilussa, or whatever they are calling that currently closed establishment on Green Valley Parkway, just north of Sunset, today), here is the Link (a friend sent it our way) with the explanation of what is going on over there. We have to wonder why anyone who has followed the history of the people involved would expect anything positive to come out of this. It's the same old players, just a different zip code. http://sites.google.com/site/happeningslive/home. * * * * * * *  Morgan Fairchild  Paul Pratt  Mr. Marvin Nathan TV or not TV...On Wednesday night, NBC repeated a Law and Order: Special Victims Unit episode called Bedtime. Since we missed it when it originally aired in March, it was all new to us. Joining the series regulars, Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay, were some familiar faces, a number of whom have Vegas connections. Ann-Margaret (69), who was a Vegas headliner for many years; Susan Anton (59), who lives here, was in The Great Radio City Spectacular at the Flamingo, Hairspray at the Luxor, and is currently a member of Vocal Soup; Morgan Fairchild (60) who performed as Mrs. Robinson in the touring company of The Graduate that played at the Cashman Theater in 2004; Renee Taylor (77) who appeared in shows with her hubby of 44-years, Joseph Bologna, at both the downtown Plaza and the Suncoast; and Jaclyn Smith (62) who, although to our knowledge she has never performed here, her women's clothing line and home furnishings, "headline" here at neighborhood Kmart's. * * * * * * * Due to the current economic downturn, many businesses are looking for ways to trim costs (laying off help, cutting back on services, upping prices, etc.). Then, there's Frank Marino. The producer and star of Divas Las Vegas at the Imperial Palace is actually adding more eye-candy (and costs) to his seven-month-new revue, in the way of two more boy dancers. The original six (including our personal favorite, former Naked Boys Singing cast member, Paul Pratt) will become eight to help fill up the large stage in the IP showroom. From tomorrow (Saturday) through Tuesday, Mr. Marvin "Fat Cher" Nathan will be filling in at Divas for the vacationing Steven Wayne. By the way, Frank Marino has agreed to honestly answer any questions that we might throw his way in an upcoming column. Of course, we will have our own queries, but we are also inviting readers to send in their questions for the 45-year-old female impersonator/comic/ fashion icon. Please keep it relatively clean. And speaking of Naked Boys Singing, the review, which went into The Onyx Theater on a two-week "trial," celebrates its one year anniversary this month. And, YES, as we have said many times during the last year, the boys really are naked! * * * * * * * If you missed it the first time, Hash House a Go Go Las Vegas will be featured on Rachael Ray's Vacation on the Food Network. It will air today at 8:30 and 11:30 p.m. Pacific Time.
Set your DVRs to record this episode, and tell your friends! * * * * * * * Happy 85th birthday to Las Vegas resident, actor/artist Tony Curtis, who celebrated his special day yesterday, June 3rd. * * * * * * * Tomorrow, Lynn Ross will be filling in for Larry Liso over at the new West Side Siena Deli & Restaurant. Lynn will be singing favorite standards and classic vintage pop tunes, between 7 and 11 p.m. We understand the Italian cuisine at Siena is also tops, so check out both the meals and the music at the new, 9500 W. Sahara, location. * * * * * * *  Ali "Ollie" Woodson  Tim Dunn as Dionne Warwick  Greg Kata Detroit born singer Ali "Ollie" Woodson, 58, who lead the legendary Motown quintet, The Temptations, in the '80s and '90s, restoring the group to their hit-making glory with the song "Treat Her Like A Lady," died last Sunday following an 18-month-long battle with leukemia. Woodson was not an original member of the group, which had several lineup changes since it started in the 1960s, but he played an integral part in keeping the Temptations from becoming just another nostalgia act. By the early 1980s, the Temptations were no longer posting hit after hit like they did in the 1960s and '70s with classics such as "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," "My Girl" and "I Wish It Would Rain." The group had lost original members, and in 1984, Woodson was charged with replacing Dennis Edwards, whose passionate voice defined the group during the 1970s. Woodson's voice, though similar to Edwards' with its fiery tone, was distinct in itself, and helped the group notch the R&B hits "Treat Her Like A Lady," "Sail Away" and "Lady Soul." Despite his fame, Woodson was "always a gentleman and always polite and kind to everybody. If we ever asked him to do anything, he never said, 'well, it's going to cost you.' He'd always say, 'yeah, let's go,'" said Billy Wilson, who founded the Detroit-based Motown association in the mid-1990s. "He was just a star performer. Wonderful person. Wonderful, wonderful person. He was very kind." In 2008, Woodson performed at both the Motown Museum Fundraiser and the funeral of The Four Tops' Levi Stubbs. * * * * * * * Last weekend comic impersonator Kenny Kerr acted as guest host at Dan Gore's Carnival Cabaret in Lake Tahoe. Joining him for the Memorial Day Weekend shows in Northern Nevada was Dionne Warwick look-alike, the amazing Tim Dunn. Apparently, the fellows were such a hit, they were held over, Tim until tomorrow, and Kenny, until the end of the month. * * * * * * * Jane Khaldy wants readers to know that Greg Kata, a former cast member of Mamma Mia! in Las Vegas, will present his On With the Show Glee Club at the snobby, cliquey Italian joint at the south end of Las Vegas Blvd, this Sunday at noon. If you don't mind being treated like you have broken into someone's house, or showed up at a party where you weren't wanted or expected, check out this amazing group of eight to 16-year-old kid performers on Sunday. We will have more about the On With the Show musical theater performance workshop to be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Reed Whipple Cultural Center on June 23rd. For information regarding classes or performances, contact Mr. Kata at greg@onwiththeshowlv.com. * * * * * * * Mea culpa...In last week's column, in the ongoing "Sardelli Section," we stated that, "The Whipping Man, a play that Giovanna Sardelli is directing at the Old Globe Theatre in the Balboa Park section of "Los Angeles," continues to score high marks for her." Mike Schaefer, a sharp-eyed reader from Baltimore (and sometimes Las Vegas), sent us the following message...
The Old Globe Theatre, and 1000 acre Balboa Park, are, and always have been, in SAN DIEGO, not Los Angeles; we are the town (am a native of SD) of over a million people just north of Tijuana Mexico and 120 miles south of Los Angeles. Sorry you have not had time to visit San Diego with its huge park, great shopping enclaves like La Jolla; home to the 11th Navy District; and famous for its decedents - Dr. Jonas Salk, Dr. Seuss, Ray and Joan Kroc (the McDonald's founders); Frankie Laine; boxing icon, Archie Moore; Wimbledon winner, Maureen Connelly; and Channel swimmer, Florence Chadwick. Knew them all as a city councilman. Enjoy your column, and am a Sardelli friend and F.I.O.R.E. president. Of course, Mr. Schaefer is correct. We KNOW that Balboa Park is in San Diego. We have even been there ourselves. Cousin Claire, obviously, dozed off at the keyboard. A thousand apologies to Mike Schaefer and any Southern Californians that we might have offended by, accidentally, moving the Old Globe up the highway.  Jimmy Marino, Frankie Laine & Benny Hollman  Mary-Jo Coombs And speaking of San Diego and Frankie Laine, one of our favorite singers AND people...
As we mentioned in this column more than once (and probably more than twice), at the end of March, on what would have been Mr. Rhythm's 97th birthday, he was honored in San Diego's Little Italy with the first Legend Star plaque. Hundreds of friends and fans came out to salute the hit-maker. Team Frankie Laine , headed up by Frankie's manager, Jimmy Marino and wife, Barbara; musical director, Benny Hollman; and assistant, Mary-Jo Coombs, kindly sent us some photos, taken at the event, our way. We are sharing them with you.  Marcia LoVecchio (Mrs. Frankie Laine)  Frankie Valli  Kenny Loggins * * * * * * * On July 31st, Frankie Valli returns to the Star of the Desert Arena at Primm Valley Resorts, near the California border. On the same night, Kenny Loggins will be performing at the outdoor Amphitheater at Sunset Station. This will present a dilemma for Artie Schroeck and his bride, Linda November, as the Schroeckmeister has worked with both Valli and Loggins during his long and impressive career as a musician/arranger/conductor/songwriter. Anybody got a two-headed coin? And speaking of Kenny Loggins...If you have been around these parts long enough, you may remember when Clint Holmes was headlining in the showroom at the Golden Nugget. It was in the late 1990s, and the promo TV commercial for the engagement was one of Clint, singing in the shower, while folks gathered outside his "residence" to listen. The song was Kenny Loggins' "For the First Time," available on the soundtrack of the 1996 George Clooney/ Michelle Pfeiffer romantic comedy, One Fine Day. You never know when this information might come in handy. Jeopardy! anyone? * * * * * * * Society of Seven and Jasmine Trias had a full house for their closing night at the Gold Coast. Among the audience members, we spotted the uber-talented Domenick Allen, his actress wife Leigh Zimmerman, their talented 10-year-old singing daughter Cayleigh Capaldi, Britain's young singing sensation, Ben Stone; singer-actor Steve Rossi and former Lt. Governor Lonnie Hammargren. SOS will be doing some touring and, hopefully, will soon find another home in Vegas where their fans can come see the musical comedy crew do their thing. * * * * * * *  Only You - Terrence, Paul, Donald, Derek, Rheda & Arnoldo  Mayor Oscar Goodman & Rick Faugno We recommend Derek David's Only You, the Platters/Motown/'50s and '60s musical tribute show, currently entertaining audiences at Hennessey's Tavern in downtown Las Vegas. Only You features David, Terrence Forsythe, Donald Pinkney, Arnoldo Parker and Rheda K. Solo, with Paul Badia on piano (Liberace would be envious), performing favorites in a beautiful theater space, created by the artistic Mrs. David, Rita Bliss. We will have more on the show and another part of our Fremont Street Experience in next Friday's column. For tickets to this very enjoyable show, which includes a three-course dinner, call (702) 382-4421.
* * * * * * * To coincide with National Tap Dance Day, the "World's Happiest Mayor," Oscar Goodman, officially proclaimed May 25th to be Rick Faugno Day in Las Vegas. Rick displays his triple-threat dancing, singing and acting contributions to Las Vegas through his role as the original Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys at The Palazzo, and in his critically-acclaimed one-man show, Songs My Idols Sang (and Danced). The young Broadway theater veteran was named "Best Singer" by the Las Vegas Review-Journal staff in last year's "Best of Las Vegas" poll. Faugno holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Acting and Theatre from New York University. . * * * * * * * Received this information from more than one of our pet-loving readers and agreed to pass it on...
PLEASE DO THIS FREE GOOD DEED - ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE
Hi, all you animal lovers. This is pretty simple... Please ask ten friends to ask ten others today! The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on their web site daily to meet their quota of getting free food donated every day to abused and neglected animals. It takes less than a minute (How about 20 seconds) to go to their site and click on the purple box 'fund food for animals' for free. This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/ advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising. Here's the Web site! Pass it along to people you know. (And while you're there, click on the other sites, too. You can give to a lot of good causes without spending a cent!) http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/ PLEASE TELL 10 FRIENDS!!! * * * * * * * 
Wes Winters, Katalin & Joseph Gabriel 
Larry G. Jones 
Ariann Black Reminders for next weekend of June 12th...On June 13th, it's Golden Rainbow's big AIDS fundraiser at the Hilton, while on the same weekend, pianist/singer/entertainer Wes Winters is All Keyed Up over at the Suncoast, and Vocal Soup - made up of the talented musical quartet, Clint Holmes, the above mentioned Domenick Allen, Martin Nievera and Susan Anton - a show that usually plays at the Suncoast, moves over to the 850-seat Orleans theater. Joining Winters for his show will be magicians Joseph Gabriel, the beautiful Mrs. Gabriel, Katalin, and entertainer, Romano Frediani. Romano's father just happens to be the veteran, award-winning juggler, Nino Frediani. Obviously, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. And speaking of Mr. Winters, check out his photo and blurb in the June issue of Cabaret Scenes magazine. The East Coast publication, once available locally at the now closed Tower Records, can be found at both Don't Tell Mama, at E. Fremont in downtown Las Vegas, and at the Liberace Museum on E. Tropicana. * * * * * * * For one night only, Saturday, June 12th, San Francisco's famed Rrazz Room at the Nikko Hotel will feature Lisa Dawn Miller in a 10:30 p.m. show. In Miller Sings Miller, Lisa will pay tribute to her late father, songwriter Ron Miller, who penned "For Once in My Life," "Touch Me in the Morning," "Heaven Help Us All," "Yester-me, Yester-you, Yesterday," "I've Never Been a Woman Before," "A Place in the Sun," "I've Never Been to Me," "If I Could," and many other, as yet undiscovered by the general public, treasures. If you are in Northern California next weekend, the number to call for reservations is (866) 468-3399. * * * * * * * On June 8th, comic, singing impressionist, Larry G. Jones, who has been entertaining at the Royal Resort on Convention Center Drive for about a year-and-a-half, makes a move to the Harmon Theater at Krave (adjacent to the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood). Larry's newly refined show is produced by Raphael Erardy, who worked with the late Danny Gans as drummer and collaborator for more than 20 years. This fast-paced fun-filled show features an all-star celebrity cast of rapid-fire voice impressions including many of Las Vegas' biggest headliners. Cher, Elton John, Neil Diamond, Elvis, The Phantom of the Opera, and The Rat Pack are a part of the 75 plus voices Larry performs in each show. When you throw a few comedians, Hollywood celebrities, and presidential voices in the mix, there is enough comedy and music to appeal to just about everyone. Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino's Harmon Theater is located at 3663 S. Las Vegas Blvd. The Harmon Theater entrance is located next to Krave Nightclub on the corner of Las Vegas Blvd. and Harmon Ave. Ticket prices for the 7 p.m. show will be $47.97 for general admission, and VIP/Open bar tickets are available for $67.97. Shows are dark on Sundays and Thursdays. For tickets, call (702) 836-0830 or book online at http://www.LarryGJones.com
* * * * * * * Maybe it's some kind of secret pact between magicians or maybe it's just a coincidence...we're not sure, but here's the story. In May, Master Magician Lance Burton broke his foot while performing an illusion in his show at the Monte Carlo. Surgery was required, meaning that Lance would be doing a disappearing act for a number of weeks. In the meantime, lady magician, Ariann (now being spelled with two "n"s) Black was getting ready to launch her new show, Secrets, at the Westin Casuarina. Originally scheduled to debut around the first of May, Ariann had to postpone her opening. Why? Because, like Lance Burton, Ariann broke a bone in her foot and, it too, required surgery. The foot has healed enough for Ariann to get to work, and Secrets is up and running (or walking carefully). The show has universal appeal, as it combines comedy, magic, music, dance, costumes, illusions, and good clean fun. It weaves everything into an enchanting showcase of humor and fantasy and is expected to keep audiences coming back again and again. Secrets plays at 7 p.m., every night but Wednesday, and runs about 65 minutes. Tickets are $29.95 per person, plus taxes. Please contact the hotel concierge at (702) 836-5900, ext. 6055, for ticket information and reservations. Tickets are also available at the theater door. Running time is approximately 65 minutes. * * * * * * * 
Herman Groman 
Dennis Hopper 
Rue McClanahan Herman Groman is a retired FBI Special Agent and is the current director of security at large Las Vegas casino/hotel. While in the FBI, he specialized in working deep long-term undercover operations as an undercover agent in the areas of organized crime and narcotics. He also served as the agent in charge of several high-profile public official corruption investigations. Later on in his FBI career, he was a team leader of one of the FBI Special Operations Groups. The specialized group conducted surveillances of major terrorist cell groups and their associates. He served in the infantry in Vietnam and was awarded the purple-heart and bronze star for valor. He resides in Las Vegas with his wife. They have two adult daughters and four grandchildren. Although he calls it a novel, anyone interested in the goings on behind the scenes, through the eye-in-the-sky view of casino security, might want to read Groman's book, Pigeon Spring. We intend to do just that, when we get a summer break. * * * * * * * The entertainment community has suffered a number of losses in recent weeks, two of them who had some connection to Las Vegas. Easy Rider, Dennis Hopper, who died last Saturday, following a battle with prostate cancer, was very involved locally with CineVegas. In 2003, Hopper earned the Marquee Award, the film festival's highest honor. The following year, he returned to Vegas with some of his Hollywood friends, stars like Jack Nicholson, Sean Penn and Holly Hunter, in tow. Dennis Hopper, who was 74 at the time of his death, became a chairman for the CineVegas creative advisory board. His presence, influence and involvement will be missed. Yesterday, June 3rd, Golden Girl, Rue McClanahan, died after suffering a massive stroke. For those who have been around here for at least 20 years, they may remember the saga of Bobby Berosini. A longtime Strip performer, Berosini, then part of the Lido de Paris production, was videotaped beating his young orangutans backstage at the Stardust. Needless to say, this caused an uproar from the animal-loving public and PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). Even Hollywood got in on this one. Well-known stars, including Peter Falk and Telly Savalas, were writing letters to PETA, and a few stars, including radio personality Casey Kasem and Ms. McClanahan, came to Las Vegas in the hopes of being allowed to testify against Berosini's method of "animal training." They were never given the opportunity to do so. Today, Berosini, the Stardust, and Rue McClanahan, who was 76 at the time of her death, are all a part of Vegas history. * * * * * * * 
David Loeb 
Cork Proctor 
Shades of Sinatra We don't think that the this story received enough local attention, so, thanks to David Loeb (and friends), we are putting it out there for those who might have missed the news elsewhere...
DownBeat Magazine recognizes UNLV Jazz Ensemble I as one of the nation's best for Graduate College Large Ensemble Outstanding Performance, sharing the honor with the University of Miami Frost School of Music Concert Jazz Band. This award demonstrates the comprehensive excellence of our UNLV Jazz Program. The awards, officially known as the "Student Music Awards," were announced in DownBeat's June edition, released April 27 and presented in fifteen categories in five separate divisions (junior high, high school, performing high school, college and graduate college). The DownBeat awards are considered among the most prestigious music honors nationally in the field of jazz education. This year's DownBeat competition drew a total of 856 ensemble and individual entries for all categories in all five divisions. "Winning a DownBeat SMA Award is a milestone achievement for our program," said Dave Loeb, Director of Jazz Studies and Jazz Ensembles at The University of Nevada Las Vegas. †"It is one of the highest possible awards a college jazz program can receive and we are extremely proud of our talented students." DownBeat magazine established the new graduate college division this year to differentiate between universities offering only undergraduate degrees and institutions that bestow masters and doctoral degrees. " I am particularly excited that fifteen out of the seventeen members in our current UNLV award-winning jazz ensemble are undergraduates. Our gifted students never cease to amaze me with their dedication and commitment to musical excellence and I am honored to have the opportunity to work with them." The selection method for the DownBeat magazine SMA awards is impartial with CDs identified only with an encoded number to insure complete fairness in the "blind" judging process. As a result, the judges do not know what school they are reviewing. "I am thrilled that we won this honor without bias competing against exceptional jazz programs worldwide. This should make prospective students aware of the quality musical education that is available through the UNLV Department of Music." "Rebuilding this program to national prominence was one of my original goals when I first took this position as UNLV Director of Jazz Studies." Many years ago, the UNLV Jazz Ensemble under the direction of its creator, Frank Gagliardi, won best college big band and a five-star award from DownBeat magazine for a critically acclaimed recording with guest jazz tenor saxophonist Don Menza. "While leading the Program since 2002, I've witnessed a steady increase in the accolades our students have garnered. In the past few years we've seen our students win an abundance of individual and ensemble honors at prestigious festivals including the Reno Jazz Festival and the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival. I believe these recent distinguished accomplishments place UNLV in the top echelon of university jazz programs. It is a pleasure working with my new colleague, Nathan Tanouye, Assistant Director of UNLV Jazz Ensembles and arranger of the submitted recorded material, whose contribution was absolutely essential to this success. In addition, I am grateful for the steadfast support that makes this possible from the UNLV President, the Dean of the UNLV College of Fine Arts, the Chair of the UNLV Department of Music, The Joe Williams Foundation, The Liberace Foundation, our many generous donors and the Las Vegas community. For more information about the program, please contact Dave Loeb, UNLV Director of Jazz Studies, at (702) 895-3739, or by e-mail at dave.loeb@unlv.edu. David has orchestrated for George Benson, Doc Severinsen and Miriam Makeba's performance with The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. He composed the music for the Disney Channel's "Cycling through China," and "And Thou Shalt Honor" on PBS, and has also written for Dolly Parton on Columbia Records. David is the principal pianist with The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and has accompanied artists including Garth Brooks, Peabo Bryson, Bonnie Raitt, Nell Carter, Barry Manilow, Jennifer Holiday, Curtis Mayfield, Jewel, Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams, Freddie Hubbard, and Anita O' Day. David conducted The Philadelphia Orchestra with jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater for the Marian Anderson Award Gala honoring actor Danny Glover. Mr. Loeb has performed also for the Emmy award-winning 2002 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony, Comic Relief on HBO, and The Emmy Awards. In his spare time David is the assistant professor of music at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. * * * * * * * Cork Proctor, one of the funniest stand up comedians returns to Bob Kephart's Comedy Stop at the Sahara Hotel, Monday, June 7th. He will be hosting the production which features Greg Vaccarello and Greg Morton through Sunday, June 13. And speaking of funny AARP recipients...
This weekend (Saturday and Sunday, June 5th and 6th), celebrated entertainer and Las Vegas legend Don Rickles brings his one-of-a-kind comedy back to The Orleans Showroom. Opening for Rickles is the popular Vegas act, Shades of Sinatra. What a nice opportunity for the Shades - Larry Liso, Ryan Baker, Carmine Mandia and Lisa Smith - who will have the chance to display their talent and act to about 1,600 people during the two 8 p.m. shows. Shades of Sinatra does not try to impersonate the man but instead pays tribute to Ol' Blue Eyes by blending familiar Frank Sinatra favorites with some history and humor. The Orleans is located off the Strip at 4500 W. Tropicana Avenue. Tickets are available starting from $74.95 (plus tax and convenience fees), and can be purchased by calling the Orleans Box Office at (702) 365-7075, or visiting WWW.ORLEANSCASINO.COM. Save on convenience fees by purchasing the tickets in person at any Coast Casino. * * * * * * * Bobby Vinton will regale the audience with his greatest hits at The Club inside the Cannery Casino & Hotel on Saturday, June 12th at 8 p.m. Considering, that between 1962 and 1972, Vinton had more Billboard No. 1 hits than any other male vocalist, including Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, there are plenty of hits to choose from. This amazing accomplishment prompted Billboard magazine to name him "the all-time most successful love singer of the Rock-Era." After the release of his first single, "Roses Are Red (My Love)," which spent four weeks in the number one slot on the Billboard 100 charts, Vinton's magical voice and sentimental orchestral arrangements quickly set the standard for love music. In 1963, Vinton hit No. 3 on the charts with "Blue on Blue," and then topped the charts with "Blue Velvet," and "There, I've Said It Again." The following year, Vinton recorded "Mr. Lonely," which also reached No. 1, earning him more hit records than any other male recording artist in the 1960s. His timeless love songs are recognized as standards throughout the world, and his music has retained its vitality and relevance throughout the changing eras of the music industry. Tickets are available in four levels: table of four $79.95, gold $39.95, prime $24.95 or reserved $14.95. Tickets can be purchased at the Cannery Casino & Hotel's ticket sales counter located at the front desk, by calling (702) 507-5757 or online at www.cannerycasinos.com. 
Bobby Vinton 
Ice Capades Reunion * * * * * * * We know that the Ice Capades 2010 reunion is taking place in Las Vegas on June 21st and 22nd, and, apparently much of it is happening in and around Treasure Island, also known as TI. We would be happy to print more details...IF WE HAD THEM. Readers, especially you Ice Capades Gypsies (and we know you are out there), if it isn't too late to participate, please provide information and we will pass it along to out readers. Disclaimer: The 70th Anniversary Reunion Committee of Ice Capades is not affiliated with the current owners of Ice Capades and is being independently operated by a group of alumni volunteers.
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Displaying keen perception and great insight.
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She’s...
Claire Voyant
Las Vegas - May 28, 2010
Travis & Jennifer Cloer 
Valeri Glava 
Wes Winters by Mary Millard If we had known what the month of May held in store, we might have turned off the phone and computer and never left the house, OR, taken off for some remote island with no area code. The best thing about the month was probably the Las Vegas weather - unseasonably mild for this time of year. It won't last much longer. Soon we will be dealing with triple digits, both on the thermometer and on power bills. We also took in some terrific shows, including Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular's Kristi Holden and Jersey Boys' Travis Cloer, who both performed in the Clark County Flamingo Library Theater (on separate Sundays); Society of Seven with special guest, 15-year-old singer Arshiel, at the Gold Coast; a Gershwin concert and Liberace's Birthday Week Grand Finale, both at the East Tropicana museum; and Derek David's Only You in the showroom at Hennessey's Tavern in downtown Las Vegas. We will share more about our positive experience at Hennessey's and the Only You revue, as well as a not so pleasant downtown experience, in next week's column. There was also one of our favorite Vegas things to do, the Composers Showcase, held last night at the Liberace Museum. We don't like to talk this up too much, because, although the amazingly talented people who participate in these monthly events - from the glue that holds it all together, Jersey Boys musical director Keith Thompson, who serves as host, to all of the songwriters and performers (the best in this city) - have earned their well-deserved accolades, it's standing room only for these late night doings. The intimate Cabaret was not designed to accommodate the number of people who would love to be in the audience, if not for the 10:30 p.m., or later, start times. Following the showcase, many of the attendees segued next door to Carluccio's Italian Restaurant to enjoy The Late, Late Show...where the music continued. Piano music was provided by Danny Wright and Tish Diaz. Valeri Glava, who performs in the museum on Thursdays at 1 p.m., played violin. Danny Roque and Susan Haller supplied the vocals, with audience members joining in at the appropriate time. We hope the interest in these after showcase get-togethers and intimate concerts continues and that Carluccio's genial host, John Hosier, will decide to stay open until 2 a.m. for the late, late night crowd. And, while still on the subject of the Liberace Museum, we should have mentioned in last week's column regarding the museum and Liberace Birthday Week, that it was entertainer Wes Winters who approached the powers-that-be at the time (those "powers" have changed over the years) with the idea of turning a mostly unused space in the building into a performance space. Soon after a successful 18-month History of Las Vegas exhibit in the space ended, with the help of Winters, a small showroom was created and developed. Thus began the very first series of performances to be done in the museum. Wes Winters, winner of the 2003 Liberace Play-A-Like competition, became a regular performer in the museum's showroom, where he entertained visitors for almost five years. We like to give credit where credit is due, and Mr. Winters deserves credit for the evolution of the storage space into a popular performance area. Stay tuned. We have a feeling that there will be continuing stories on the saga of the three-decades old Liberace Museum. Unfortunately, there were also a couple of dampers that we encountered on our about town outings. A casino crime (the theft of a wallet from a customers handbag at a locals casino) and a choking victim in a major hotel casino coffee shop, both involving people we know. Surprisingly, in the coffee shop incident, although help was solicited, no one, including any hotel employee, knew how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver. Luckily one of the potential victim's dining companions came to the rescue. Although she did not know how to do it correctly, what the fast-acting friend DID do, worked...saving the day and possibly a life. 
Maggi Albisani as Connie Francis 
Dionne's Hilton (Not So) Suite 
Lee DeWyze Then there was our weekend adventure at the Las Vegas Hilton, where we attended both the Saturday and Sunday night versions of the Grand Divas of Stage, featuring Dionne Warwick and Connie Francis. We had high hopes for this combination of legendary musical icons. Since we had friends who had been at the Friday night show, we knew there were some opening night problems - a lot of confusion regarding the show start time (the Hilton site said 8 p.m., while the tickets said 7:30), and an inexcusably way too-long time for the band change-over, for example. We hoped the problems would have been corrected for the next two nights. They really weren't. Perhaps the show's producer, Eric Floyd (who we consider a friend) took on more than he could comfortably handle. One thing we feel would have helped the situation would have been to have a show DIRECTOR. If there had been one, perhaps the short opening skit, featuring celebrity look-alikes, Tim Dunn as Dionne, and Maggi Albisani as Connie, would have worked (see paragraph below). What could have, and should have, been a clever bit, was squelched after the first night. The fact it didn't start until almost one hour after the expected (by some) 7:30 show time, didn't help. By then, many in the audience were in a foul mood. If that didn't have the crowd upset enough, having Floyd and his family, friends and assistants trying to fill up dead stage time REALLY got the ticket holders angry, with some even yelling to get off the stage. Also, a director would have kept people who were not critical to the show, off the stage. There was not one time, during the three nights worth of shows, that Dionne and Connie appeared on stage together. If the two chose not to join in a song or two (how about "That's What Friends Are For"?), the Goddess Empire Awards, presented after interrupting both Divas during their individual portions of the show, should have been given to the ladies after they both had finished their performances, and it should have been done with both of them on stage together. As for the performances by the two ladies, fans should have been satisfied. The hit-makers did their loved and familiar songs, which is what the audience came to hear. Did they sound like they did 50 years ago? Hell no, but no one expected them to. After all, these Divas are now 70 and 71-years old. Floyd plans to make these combinations of interesting co-headliners a regular thing, tossing out the names of possible participants, such as Carol Channing, Chita Rivera, Phyllis Diller, Diahann Carroll, Debbie Reynolds, Raquel Welch and Aretha Franklin. Personally, we think a surefire ticket-seller would involve the equally billed Diana Ross and Mary Wilson (the Supreme Wilson and her five-year-old granddaughter, Marina, were in the audience on Sunday night). For the idea to succeed (if it isn't too late already), major changes would have to take place. The two key things we would suggest, is to get that professional director on the team, and keep the producer and his family out of the spotlight. 
Liberace Museum 
Dionne Warwick & Tim Dunn 
Tim Dunn as Dionne Warwick & Dionne Based on something we saw take place outside the Hilton theater, we feel that Tony Ferretti, who filled some of the "dead time" with celebrity impressions on Saturday night ( a video on the late Lena Horne killed some of the time on Sunday night), should not be allowed to mingle with the paying customers. In an attempt to be "funny," this classless man, of mediocre talent, made fun of a disabled audience member in a wheelchair, saying "Be healed! Now you can walk." Oh my God! Keep this jerk (who we heard was Connie's boyfriend) backstage. For those who attended the Grand Divas of Stage show, but went on Saturday or Sunday, they missed another historical show business event (the main one being the pairing of Warwick and Francis in the same production) that took place on Friday night only. Although a number of stars, like Cher and Bette Midler, have used look-a-likes in their shows, this past weekend, Dionne Warwick and Tim Dunn, together, made entertainment history. Tim opened FOR Dionne and AS Dionne at the Hilton, making him the first celebrity impersonator (male/female, drag/straight) to open "live" for the individual they impersonate. Both Tim, who has been friends with Ms. Warwick for a long time, and performed as her in a number of well known revues, consider this event to be extremely special. Dionne was just as excited as Tim, telling him, "Better that it's the two of us than anyone else!" During a before-the-show rehearsal, Dionne had given her band members a "heads up," stating, "Wait until you see my Tim. He has studied every expression, gesture, and nuance of mine. It's like he's me!" After his appearance, the musicians were very gracious, telling Tim, "She wasn't kidding - you're amazing!" Dionne's oldest son, singer and Grammy Award-winner David Elliott (who is also a policeman) who did two show-stopping numbers with his mother in the show, and her youngest son, record producer, Damon Elliott, both said "It's uncanny how much you look like her. You even have the same jewelry!," while her road manager declared Tim Dunn, "The best he had EVER seen!" See accompanying photos and judge for yourself. Here's a little something that the audience didn't see or hear...
When Dionne Warwick saw her room at the Las Vegas Hilton, she was not a happy camper. How suite it wasn't. This was not the kind of accommodations that she expected or was used to. It was hoped that a trip down to the front desk would fix things. It didn't. Warwick's second room turned out to be a storage space for assorted, leftover pieces of furniture (see accompanying photo). It was at that point, that Ms. Warwick made a phone call to her friend Donald Trump. Within a short time, the poorly treated diva was in a beautiful, two-bedroom suite at Trump's Las Vegas property. Is this any way to treat a GRAND Diva? * * * * * * * On Thursday, we were informed that Happening (formerly Frediani's), the restaurant/lounge at Green Valley Parkway and Sunset in Henderson, had been padlocked. We were told that the reason was either (1) because the Henderson Justice Department closed it up as there was no valid lease, or (2) because the place was robbed. Why is it that we don't believe much of anything regarding this place? One of the former owners of the also closed DeStefano's was involved with the new Happening. That should have been a clue of what was in store. Old players. New business name. New location. Why are we not one bit surprised? * * * * * * * Tomorrow night (May 29th), the Tommy Thompson Project will perform at the Wine Walk in Town Square (located on Las Vegas Blvd., just south of Sunset) from 7 to 10 p.m. On Sunday afternoon, from 12 to 3 p.m., the group plays at the Gordon Biersch Jazz Brunch. Gordon Biersch is located on Paradise, between Flamingo and Sands/Twain. * * * * * * * 
Christina Aguilera 
Janet Jackson 
Jeneane Marie On Wednesday night, 24-year-old paint salesman, Lee DeWyze of Mt. Prospect, Illinois, was declared the new American Idol. The two-hour show marked not only the season finale, but the end of Simon Cowell's reign as the controversial judge of the popular talent reality show. Among those who showed up for the occasion, were the often dingy Paula Abdul, Joe Cocker, the group Chicago, former Doobie Brother Michael McDonald, Bret Michaels, Robin and Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees, Alice Cooper, Alanis Morissette, Christina Aguilera, seven past Idol winners (David Cook was missing) and competitors, and the never-more-beautiful, 44-year-old Janet Jackson. * * * * * * * A week from tomorrow (on June 5th), at Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View, guests at the Brews and Blues Festival can sample beers from some of the very best microbreweries, follow it up with scrumptious food, and watch the sun go down while you "get down" to some red hot blues. Each person in attendance will receive a 12-ounce commemorative mug (while supplies last) and unlimited samples of more than 70 craft brews. Food will be available for purchase at kiosks and in Wolfgang Puck's Springs Café. In addition, limited edition Brews and Blues Festival T-shirts will be available for purchase for $10. Featured brewers will include Chicago Brewing Company, Deschutes Brewery, Gordon Biersch, Grand Canyon Brewing Company, Joseph James Brewing Company, Kona Brewing Company, Left Coast Brewing Company, Redhook Ale Brewery, Rogue Ales, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Stone Brewing Co., Tenaya Creek Brewery, Triple 7 Brewpub, Big Dog's Brewing Co., Barley's Brewing Co., Boulder Dam Brewing Co., and Widmer Brothers Brewing Company. The performances kick off with a special hour of music, just for advanced ticket holders, as the Chris Tofield Band takes the stage at 3 p.m. This rest of the evening's entertainment includes (at 4 p.m.) Ronnie Rose, The Lucky Cheats at 5, the Cordle-Scott Band at 6, Jeneane Marie at 7, and Scott Rhiner & The Moanin' Blacksnakes at 8. Admission to the Springs Preserve's Brews and Blues Festival is open to guests 21 and over with valid ID. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the gate. To purchase yours, visit springspreserve.org or call (702) 822.7700. * * * * * * * And now for this week's Sardelli Section...
Pietra Sardelli, daughter of semi-retired entertainer, Nelson Sardelli, will be performing in Golden Rainbow's upcoming Ribbon of Life show at the Las Vegas Hilton, taking place on Sunday, June 13th at 1 p.m. "The only thing scarier than performing for 1600 people, is performing for 100 people in a room made for 1600," says Pietra. "Actually, playing Sarah Palin in front of my very Republican father could be scarier," laughs the bright young lady. Cast members from Jubilee!, Viva Elvis, Peepshow, Jersey Boys, Zumanity, Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular, Love, KA, and Le Reve, along with other surprise guests, will participate in Golden Rainbow's biggest fundraiser of the year. Pietra invites all to come out and support, or mock, her. Tickets, priced at $200, $150, $100, $75, $50 and $25, can be purchased by contacting the Golden Rainbow office at (702) 384-2899, or online via www.goldenrainbow.org. 
Pietra Sardelli 
Giovanna Sardelli 
Kenny Kerr Regarding Pietra's sister, Giovanna Sardelli, The Whipping Man, a play that Giovanna is directing at the Old Globe Theatre in the Balboa Park section of Los Angeles, continues to score high marks for her. A quote from the review in the Los Angeles Times (May 17) says, "The play comes down to three people talking, but director Giovanna Sardelli keeps the action so grounded in emotional truth that it never feels static." And from James Hebert, the Union-Tribune theater critic, comes this comment, "As directed with a spare intensity by Giovanna Sardelli, the work's sense of the visceral sometimes gets close to literal." The Whipping Man, directed by Ms. Sardelli, is described thusly - Moses freed the Israelites in Egypt. Lincoln liberated the Southern slaves. It might take a heavenly host of prophets and presidents to emancipate the hearts of those in The Whipping Man. Matthew Lopez's affecting, suspenseful and at times searing play strips the skin off such lofty ideas as freedom and honor to peer at the raw nerves underneath, and lay bare the cost paid for such lofty notions. The drama can be seen at Old Globe's Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre in Balboa Park, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 and 7 p.m., through June 13th. Tickets range in price from $29 to $62 and may be purchased by calling (619) 234-5623. We had a number of reader e-mails regarding Nelson Sardelli's letter to the Las Vegas Review-Journal editor (they never printed it, we did) in last Friday's column...all were positive. Since the Brazilian-born Sardelli is a naturalized citizen, and, from where we sit, his approval rating is quite high, maybe he should consider a run for a political office. If he needs to travel across the city, or even around the country, maybe he can do so on his new toy, a fancy three-wheeled "vehicle" called a Spyder Can-Am. You know what they say, "The difference between a man and a boy is the price of his toys." Mr. Sardelli has expensive toys. Also, regarding the patriotic humanitarian and letters, Sardelli received this one from Angela Metcalf, Volunteer Coordinator for the Nevada State Veterans Home...
The Residents, staff, family members, and volunteers would love it if you would be able to host the 2010 Father's Day Bash once again this year at the Nevada State Veterans Home in Boulder City. The relationship that has developed between the Home and you and your friends has been a blessing that we look forward to each year. Having the show indoors, as we did in 2009, was very successful in that we were able to keep everyone cooler and more comfortable than being outdoors. If you agree, we would have you and the entertainment in the Town Hall Dining Room once again this year. We will provide the stage and sound system, as well. I did manage to speak with Gary Olds and he is on board with the event. I hope you and your friends are available to join us once again on Father's Day, which is Sunday, June 20th, with the performance time from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please let me know if there is anything else that you need from me at this point. I look forward to working with you.
You can bet that Nelson and his loyal troops will be spending much of their Father's Day in Boulder City. Also, from Nelson Sardelli, comes this important announcement regarding the upcoming F.I.O.R.E. meeting of the non-club club. The meeting date, for June only, has been changed to the third Thursday of the month, making it on June 17th. It will take place at 11:30 a.m., at the Italian American Club, 2330 E. Sahara. President Marc Zuckerman will be the guest speaker. Marc has a most interesting background as an electrician specializing in computers and fiber optics, and a former licensed gunsmith. He has written more than 12 articles for gun magazines, "Many," according to Mr. Sardelli, "that have been read throughout the world and in parts of unoccupied Henderson." This gathering is for Men Only. To RSVP, contact Gene Vitale at Babyeue@aol.com, or Conrad Villella at Conradvillella@cox.net. * * * * * * * One of Las Vegas' longest running headliners, Kenny Kerr, is the guest host at the Carnival Cabaret in Lake Tahoe host over Memorial Day Weekend. There will be two special shows, at 8 and 10 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, May 29th). In the late 1970's, Kerr quickly rose to fame as the star of Boy-Lesque, the only female impersonator revue on the Las Vegas Strip. He has appeared in numerous films and television programs, with his most notable appearance in a co-starring with Whoopi Goldberg in The Associate. Kenny remains good friends with comedian Joan Rivers, and even opened for her in Lake Tahoe back in the 1980s. He also was the opening act for Connie Francis, during a New Year's Eve weekend at the Sahara in Las Vegas. In the past, Kerr has starred in several productions for Carnival Cabaret producer Dan Gore in Palm Springs. Tickets are $28.95 plus tax. Minors are welcome, but please be warned, the show contains adult humor. There is a one-drink minimum inside the Horizon Casino Resort's Golden Cabaret. There are nightly shows in the Golden Cabaret throughout the summer. Bethany Owen's One Voice is presented at 8 p.m., Sundays through Tuesdays. Owen, who mixes singing with standup comedy, appears as numerous female personalities, including Madonna, Patsy Cline, Marilyn Monroe and even Sarah Palin. The clever impressionist appeared in a Sid and Marty Krofft's Comedy Kings production at the Sands Hotel in the 1980s. About 25 years ago, Bethany was also the owner of a doll museum in the Liberace Plaza. Tickets for Bethany Owen are $22.95. For more information, please call the box office at (800) 683-8266 or the Horizon Casino at (775) 588-6211. Group rates and preferred seating is available. 
Bethany Owen 
Gloria Gaynor 
Nathan Tanouye * * * * * * * From Liz Lieberman comes this information...
There is a relatively new, non profit, youth ballet company called The Las Vegas Ballet Company, spearheaded by former Nevada Ballet Theater principal dancers, Kyudong Kwak and his wife, Yoomi Lee. Liz, who is on the company's board of directors, reports that Kwak and Lee formed the company from the students at their ballet school, and have achieved a really remarkable standard in less than two years. The students train in the Russian Vaganova style, and they really have a true understanding of classical ballet in its purest form. The school does not teach jazz or hip hop or tap or anything else other than Modern, for which you have to have a strong classical technique to understand and master. "The focus is entirely on classical ballet," says Lieberman, "and after watching a rehearsal last Saturday afternoon, it is really beginning to pay off! To see these budding ballerinas with such strong attack and technical expertise made me weep!" We desperately need to support the arts here in Las Vegas, and these young ballerinas are the future of dance. Students from the Nevada School of the Arts will be participating, playing live music. Performances are tomorrow, May 29th, at 2 and 7 p.m. at The Summerlin Library for the Performing Arts Center, 1771 Inner Circle Drive. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Please call (866) 967-8167 to purchase. Kyudong and his beautiful wife, Yoomi, will take the lead roles for Act II of Swan Lake, with the students appearing as corps de ballet and variations. It is a lovely alternative way to spend Saturday this Memorial Day Weekend. * * * * * * * Fremont Street Experience's "Summer of the '70s" kicks off Memorial Day Weekend with a FREE concert from the one and only Gloria Gaynor. Tomorrow (Saturday, May 29th) at 9 p.m. on downtown's 3rd Street Stage, fans will be able to sing along with the quintessential disco-era legend as she performs her blockbuster hits, including "Never Can Say Good-Bye" and "I Will Survive." "Gloria Gaynor is a perfect fit to begin the festivities for "Summer of the '70s," said Jeff Victor, president of the Fremont Street Experience. "She embodies the spirit of the decade and continues to be a prominent figure in music and entertainment." Gaynor has achieved a legendary status by recording several Top 100 hits and has a foothold in the dance music industry. Along with her induction to the Dance Music Hall of Fame in 2005, her signature hit "I Will Survive" is featured in dozens of major motion pictures and hit television shows. Also debuting on Memorial Day Weekend is "Fremont Street Fever'" an original 35-minute show full of high-energy singing and dancing featuring the most popular disco songs of the '70s, such as "Shake Your Groove Thing," "Staying Alive" and "Funky Town." Produced by Face Productions, this homage to the disco-era music of the '70s will dazzle audiences every Thursday through Monday at 9:15 p.m., 10:15 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. all summer long. The 102-day promotion will kick off Memorial Day Weekend and run through Labor Day Weekend. "Summer of the '70s" is sponsored by Corona Extra, Corona Light, Cruzan Rum, Modelo especial, Sauza Tequila Hornitos and Stoli Vodka. There will be beer and drink specials available at all outdoor bars on the Fremont Street Experience, every night throughout the summer. Also, beginning at 8 p.m. tomorrow night, it's Nathan Tanouye & The Las Vegas Jazz Connection performing in the outdoor Amphitheater at the Clark County Government Center. Nathan Tanouye has been principal trombonist for the Las Vegas Philharmonic since 1998, and has performed with such artists as Natalie Cole, Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett, The Temptations, Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli. He has played in award-winning shows such as The Producers, Hairspray, At the Copa (with David Cassidy and Sheena Easton), Storm, and Bette Midler's The Showgirl Must Go On, for which he wrote some of the orchestral arrangements. Las Vegas Jazz Connection has released three CDs, Coming Home, the latest, and two which feature big band arrangements of compositions by the late jazz master, Russ Freeman, Crossings and Remembering Russ. Starting its 20th year, the FREE Jazz in the Park concert series has become a Las Vegas tradition. Some of the biggest names in jazz have highlighted this annual series. Picnics, blankets and low back chairs are welcome, pets are not. Food and drink are available for purchase on site. All concerts start at 8 p.m. The Government Center is located at 500 S. Grand Central Parkway in downtown Las Vegas. * * * * * * * Reminder...The Platinum-selling rock artists, the Goo Goo Dolls, make a stop at The Pearl Concert Theater inside the Palms Casino Resort on Saturday, June 5th, at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.), as part of their U.S. tour. Formed in 1986, the Goo Goo Dolls released their debut, self-titled album two years later and, with the subsequent release of 1990's Hold Me Up, secured the band's place in the early '90s genre of college radio hits. The band went on to release several more albums, including A Boy Named Goo (1995), featuring the single "Name," and one of the band's most successful contributions took place in 1998 with the ballad "Iris," which appeared on the soundtrack for the movie City of Angels. "Iris" received great acclaim and became one of the band's most popular songs to-date, receiving three Grammy nominations and major market airplay. The band's next album, Dizzy Up the Girl, was released in September 1998 and sold more than three million copies and included hit singles "Slide," "Dizzy" and another Grammy nominated hit, "Black Balloon." The band released several more albums, including a CD/DVD, Live in Buffalo: July 4, 2004, and 2006's, Let Love In, which marked the band's eighth studio album. The song, "Better Days" from Let Love In, proved to be another powerful anthem for the group, and the song was used by CNN to promote recovery efforts following the devastating Hurricane Katrina. Goo Goo Dolls released two greatest hits albums, Greatest Hits: Volume 1 and Greatest Hits: Volume II, in 2007 and 2008 respectively. The bands' ninth studio album, Something for the Rest of Us, is scheduled to be released this spring. Tickets are $45, $55 & $65, plus any additional service fees. The Pearl Box Office is open from noon to 7 p.m. daily. Please visit the box office, any Ticketmaster location, call (800) 745-3000, or visit www.ticketmaster.com to purchase tickets. The Pearl is sponsored by Citi. For more information on upcoming concerts, please call (702) 942-6888. 
Goo Goo Dolls 
Kalani Kokonuts 
Viva Elvis * * * * * * * Celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Burlesque Hall of Fame, next weekend, June 3rd through 6th, at the Plaza Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas. Join a bevy of international burlesque superstars as they take the stage with the living legends of bump 'n' grind, world-class variety acts and musical artists. Recognized as the world's top showcase for international burlesque entertainers and enthusiasts, the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend attracts outstanding artists, both exotic and mainstream. Top talent scheduled to appear include: Miss Exotic World 2009 and Las Vegas native Kalani Kokonuts; Miss Exotic World 2008, Angie Pontani; Immodesty Blaize, Miss Exotic World 2007, star of British stage and TV), Whitney Biennial artist Julie Atlas Muz (Miss Exotic World 2006, Law and Order); Michelle L'amour (Miss Exotic World 2006, America's Got Talent); Dirty Martini (Miss Exotic World 2004); Kitten DeVille (Miss Exotic World 2002, Auto Focus); along with more than 100 of the world's top neo-burlesque acts. "Burlesque has truly become a worldwide phenomenon, and the performers that make it to our show are the sexiest, most talented entertainers on the planet," said Burlesque Hall of Fame representative, Luke Littell. "It's the only event of its kind, featuring both today's brightest new stars and the living legends of yester-year." The Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend also includes a Striptease Reunion, now in its 53rd year, at which newer performers can learn tricks of the trade from surviving superstars of the 1940s, '50s and '60s. "The living legends love to be there with all the wonderful girls who come from all over the world to celebrate an American tradition," said Burlesque Hall of Fame curator Dixie Evans, herself a retired dancer (dubbed "The Marilyn Monroe of Burlesque" by legendary promoter Harold Minsky). "Burlesque is much more than striptease, it combines the whole live experience of dancers, comedians and music." Among the many activities slated over the Weekend are Friday's "Titans of Tease" Burlesque Reunion Showcase and Saturday night's main event, the 20th Annual Burlesque Competition. Called the "Striptease Olympics" by the London Daily Mirror, it is the most prestigious competitive burlesque event in the world; drawing bump 'n' grind's best of the best, year after year, from Tokyo to Toronto. Titles up for the taking include: "Best Debut," "Best Group," "Best Boylesque," "Best Variety Act," and of course 2010's "Reigning Queen of Burlesque." Also scheduled is the long-awaited grand re-opening of the Burlesque Hall of Fame Museum at Emergency Arts, 520 Fremont St., #120, featuring a special ribbon-cutting ceremony with Dixie Evans and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman on Friday, June 4 at 5 p.m. But wait, there's more! The Weekend is full of fabulous music, including sets by the world's hottest Go-Go, Garage, Rockabilly, Lounge and Exotica DJs and a live performance by the amazing Austin, Texas band, Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears. Additional events include a Weekend-long Burlesque Bazaar featuring contemporary and vintage burlesque/pinup-inspired wares; the 5th Annual Pinup Safari and Cheesecake Camera Club; Keep A Breast burlesque cast sale; Pinup Pool Party hosted by Sabina Kelley (Sunday); the inaugural Hall of Fame Car Show (Sunday); Texas Tease 'Em Poker Tournament; Burlesque Hall of Fame Finishing School Master Classes and an all-star Dr. Sketchy's live drawing event. Weekend passes are $1,500 for a reserved booth (seats 5), $200/Floor (sold out), and $175/General Admission (includes admission into all Showroom activities). Individual tickets may be purchased depending on availability. Weekend passes are available online at www.ticketweb.com. The "Opening Night Burlesque Bash" featuring The Lucky Daredevil Thrill Show (Thursday), "Titans of Tease" Burlesque Reunion Showcase featuring burlesque legends (Friday), The 20th Annual Miss Exotic World Pageant featuring the worlds top teasers (Saturday), and the Closing Gala, featuring Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears (Sunday). All will take place in the Plaza Showroom at The Plaza Hotel and Casino, 1 Main Street. Entrance to all four shows is open to individual ticket and Weekend Pass holders. Special Weekend events, including after-parties and the Mimosa Beach Pinup Pool Party (Sunday), are open only to Weekend Pass holders. The Burlesque Hall of Fame is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to establish a permanent, first-rate tourist attraction and research/exhibition space for our unique collection, in hopes of inspiring, educating and entertaining the public and fostering an appreciation for the unique history and heritage of American Burlesque; including but not limited to the art, artifacts and personal histories of the art's biggest names and brightest stars. For a complete schedule of events or more information about Burlesque Weekend or The Burlesque Hall of Fame, please visit our website at www.burlesquehall.com. * * * * * * * On June 5th, Nevada Public Radio listeners and members have a rare chance to support public radio while experiencing the Strip's newest Cirque du Soleil® production, Viva ELVIS™ at ARIA Resort and Casino. Viva ELVIS™ was created in the image of and pays homage to the American icon who transformed popular music and whose name will forever be linked with the history of Las Vegas: Elvis Presley, The King of Rock 'n' Roll. A harmonious fusion of dance acrobatics and his timeless music is the backdrop for this nostalgic, modern and raw emotional experience focusing on the essential humanity of us all. A limited number of tickets for the June 5 performances at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. will benefit and must be purchased through Nevada Public Radio. Current Nevada Public Radio members and listeners can purchase as many tickets as they like for $70 to $75 less than box office prices. Different levels of seating are available for the special price of $125 for front row, $100 for Tier I seating and $75 for Tier II seating and includes a year membership with Nevada Public Radio. Tickets must be picked up at the will-call and may not be resold. To purchase tickets, call (702) 258-9895 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, or visit www.knpr.org, www.classical897.org. All proceeds benefit Nevada Public Radio. Sponsors include Cirque du Soleil®, MGM MIRAGE and Nevada Public Radio News 88.9 KNPR and Classical 89.7. Nevada Public Radio, a not-for-profit organization, is the state's premier non-commercial broadcaster of National Public Radio programming and includes News 88.9 KNPR, broadcasting national and regional news and discussion; Classical 89.7 KCNV, a network of rural translator and repeater signals: KTPH, Tonopah (91.7); KLNR, Panaca (91.7); KWPR, Lund/Ely (88.7) and KSGU, St. George (90.3), plus a statewide radio reading service for the visually impaired. Nevada Public Radio produces 10 hours a week of original content, which is also available on demand at knpr.org, including the national award-winning public affairs program KNPR's State of Nevada. Nevada Public Radio was incorporated in 1975 with its flagship station News 88.9 KNPR signing on the air in 1980. Since early 2008, Nevada Public Radio has provided digital (HD) programming with additional channels of Spanish language, contemporary eclectic music and news broadcasts. Nevada Public Radio also publishes Desert Companion™, a bi-monthly magazine. * * * * * * * The Village Lake Las Vegas hosts Movies on the Lake, in addition to their list of fun, ongoing summer activities. Beginning Thursday, June 3rd, these weekly, family-friendly movie nights are free and shown on the lawn at 8 p.m. The first hit from the big screen being shown is Hook (PG). Lake Las Vegas provides a beautiful back drop for the large movie screen set up on the lawn and moviegoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or low-back chair to use. Guests can make a night of it by enjoying a stroll through The Village shops or by having dinner at one of the many delicious restaurants before the movie begins. Other hits being shown in June will include Sherlock Holmes (PG-13) on June 10, Where the Wild Things Are (PG) on June 17 and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (PG) on June 24. The lineup continues with Star Trek (PG-13) on July 1, The Blind Side (PG-13) on July 8, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (PG) on July 15, The Goonies (PG) on July 22, and 2012 (PG-13) on July 29. New Moon (PG-13) will be shown on August 5, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (PG-13) on August 12, Up (PG) on August 19 and The Wizard of OZ (G) on August 26. All movies will be shown on the lakeside lawn at The Village which is located in Henderson at 15 Costa di Lago. Moviegoers should be advised that no coolers are allowed at these showings. The Thursday addition of Movies on the Lake creates a fun-filled weekend lineup at The Village, joining the already popular Friday Night Live lakeside music series, and Saturday night's Jazz on the Lake series. * * * * * * * Tonight, beginning at 8 p.m. (pre-show at 7), it's Dueling Pianos at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water Street, in the Water Street District. The Dueling Pianos returns to Henderson with an action-packed show that encourages audience participation through song, dance and special requests. The dynamic duo has an extraordinary musical library of songs from a variety of genres including R&B, rock, hip hop, blues and country music. Audience members of all ages will enjoy listening to musical renditions by current Top 100 acts like Maroon 5 and fan favorites from such legends as Ray Charles, Billy Joel and Elton John, as well as hits by Hannah Montana's Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers. Everyone will be on their feet for the hilarious "YMCA," "Chicken Dance" and "Hokey Pokey" dances. The City of Henderson supports the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Advanced notice may be necessary to ensure that appropriate accommodations will be provided. For additional information on our programs and entertainment, please contact us directly at (702) 267-2171. Office hours are Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
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Tags: Travis & Jennifer Cloer Valeri Glava Wes Winters
Displaying keen perception and great insight.
She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice.
She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em.
She’s...
Claire Voyant
Las Vegas - May 21, 2010 
Connie Francis 
Dionne Warwick 
A Sign of the Times There has been plenty of interest from around the country for this weekends' show in the Las Vegas Hilton's main room. Response to the billing of Connie Francis and Dionne Warwick as co-headliners, a first ever union, has resulted in 100% room occupancy at the Paradise Road hotel casino. Rick White, VP of the Hilton, says that he has "NEVER seen a production generate this kind of national press and excitement in all of his days at the Hilton." Following a week of radio and TV talk show visits by Francis, Warwick and producer Eric Floyd, Grand Divas of Stage is expected to respectably fill up the 1600-seat theater on all three nights, tonight through Sunday (May 21st through 23rd). Among those expected to attend "The Concert of the Century" are David Copperfield, Gladys Knight, Kenny Kerr, Robin Leach, Frank Marino, Lani Misalucha, Wayne Newton, Donny and Marie Osmond, Freda Payne and Mary Wilson. Tickets are $59, $79 and $99, plus applicable taxes and fees, and can be purchased by calling the Hilton at 1-800-222-5361. And speaking of Ms. Francis...AP Music Writer, Nekesa Mumbi Moody, reports, Connie Francis' classic song "Where the Boys Are" is getting a Gaga-esque update. Francis says the producer behind some of Lady Gaga's hits, and also Destiny's Child, has produced a dance remix of the torch song. "We're going to release it on the 29th of May, which is the 50th anniversary of 'Where the Boys Are,'" she said in a recent interview. The 71-year-old singer said she hadn't heard the song, but added: "I want to hear it any way it sells." Francis said she recently worked with her godson, Rob Fusari, on the remix. Fusari recently made news when he sued Gaga, claiming he was largely responsible for her success but was ditched when she got big. For this weekend's history-making Hilton engagement, Francis and Warwick will do their own sets, and then sing together at the end of the show. Francis said she's seen a change in her fans in her decades in the business. "It used to be, 'Connie, can I have your autograph for my younger sister? Connie, can I have your autograph for my wall?'" she said. "Then it was, 'Connie, can I have your autograph for my mother?' And now it's, 'Connie, can I have my autograph for my grandmother?' I hope it stops there!" * * * * * * * Reminders...
On Sunday afternoon at 2, Travis Cloer steps out of his Jersey Boys role as Frankie Valli to do his own thing as part of the Performing Arts Society of Nevada's concert series. This will take place at the Clark County Library Theater, 1401 E. Flamingo, just east of Maryland Parkway. Travis is very talented. The show should be a sell out. For reservations, call (702) 658-6741. Tickets are $15 and may also be purchased at the library box office one hour before show time. 
Travis Cloer 
Louie Prima & Keely Smith 
The Checkmates Also, on the very same afternoon (this Sunday) at 3 (we hate when this happens), it's the musical comedy, I Know I Came in Here For Something at the Starbright Theatre in Sun City Summerlin. We know about Menopause the Musical, the short-lived Hats, My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish and I'm In Therapy, and The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron - all small cast musical comedy revues with an a theme. Now comes I Know I Came In Here for Something, a four-person romp that most folks of a certain age can relate to. How many times have you gotten up out of your comfy chair, walked into another room and stood in the doorway asking yourself, "Why did I come into this room?" You're not alone. If you are middle-aged, have been middle-aged, or intend to be middle-aged, you will relate to every delightful song in this musical revue. I Know I Came in Here For Something, about the joys, thrills and horrors of being middle-aged, won rave reviews in New York's Summer Theatre. Together and apart, Las Vegas performers - Joni Illi, Jeneane Marie, Victor Moea and Tom Dyer - bring you clever songs that will keep you toe-tapping, and humor that Baby Boomers can relate to. Book and lyrics are by Carl Ritchie, with music by Wayne Moore. Laurence Sobel serves as musical director. Tickets - $15 for Sun City Summerlin residents, and $18 for non-residents - are on sale at Desert Vista, Mountain Shadows and Pinnacle community centers. For more information, call (702) 360-8340. * * * * * * * We don't even have to go back as far as the '50s, and the days (and nights) of the Mary Kaye Trio, Freddie Bell & The Bellboys, The Treniers, and Louis Prima & Keely Smith, to remember the good old days of Las Vegas lounge entertainment. Anyone who has been around, as a tourist or local, since the '70s or even into the '90s, recalls the time when just about every hotel casino had a lounge and a show band. You remember show bands - music and shtick from groups like the Vagabonds, Nitwits, Novelites, Reycards, Goofers, Characters, Happy Jesters, Winchester Cathedral, Ray Anthony & The Bookends, Dae Han Sisters , Babe Pier and Jay Orlando, Esquivel and Sun Spots, just to name a handful. Then there were those who usually took their music a little more seriously - groups and folks like The Smith Brothers, Cook E. Jarr, Wholly Smoke, Carleen Terrano, Bill Acosta, Loretta Holloway, Dondino, Hudson & Saleeby, Jerry Tiffe, Bob Anderson, Darcus, Glen Smith, John Wills, The Checkmates, Bill Acosta, Chazz, Streetcar, Tyler Murray, Ronnie David, Liz Damon and The Orient Express, Perfecto & Motion, Karen Nelson Bell (Kelly Stevens), Beverly & The Sneakers/Sidro's Armada, Brendan Bowyer's Irish Showband, Denise Clemente, and Pizazz (Frenz/Friends). Then, of course, there were the standup comics, like Don Rickles, Shecky Greene, Jackie Gayle and others, who started in the lounges before moving on to headline status. The Vegas lounges of old (and not so old), were made up of people who entertained while the audiences sat (or stood) and watched. For the most part, there was no dance floor between the performers and the drinking customers to obstruct the view. There was music, and frequently comedy, until the wee small hours of the morning, with headliners such as Johnny Carson and Bill Cosby dropping in after their shows to join groups like the Harry James band by playing drums. In the "good old days" the lounges were fun, they were free, and they were full. There was camaraderie and a connection of sorts between the paying customers and the entertainers. That's why we were very surprised and disheartened to see and hear what is going on in the Salute lounge at The Palazzo. Inside Palazzo's main showroom, is the joy of Jersey Boys, while right outside that room is a dark cloud over the Salute lounge. Here are examples of what is and isn't happening in that performance space. The musicians are discouraged from any interaction with the guests. That means no responding to song requests (even if the request comes folded up inside US currency) and no communication with the audience, before the shows, between the shows, or after the shows. What can they be thinking? No matter how good the music, why would anyone make a place that's run like Salute a regular destination on their social calendar? It appears that, for the most part, unless some smart marketing/entertainment person realizes how important this type of entertainment/socializing was to the growth of a tiny, bump-in-the-road desert town, the glory days of the Las Vegas lounges are over. May their memories linger on in the minds of those who were privileged to have experienced them, both as spectators and performers. * * * * * * * 
Danny Roque 
Beverly Washburn as Spider Baby (1968) 
Christopher-Joel Carter IV May 27th is the last Thursday of the month, and you know what (usually) happens on the last Thursday...it's Composers Showcase night. This month's lineup will feature the music of local songwriters Thaddeus and Tracey Corea, Dennis Edwards, Lee Richey, Danny Roque, Kevin Stout and The Yucca Mountain String Band, Keith Thompson, William Waldrop and Robert Williamson, and Danny Wright and Susan Haller, the delightful song stylings and vocal powers of Brandon Matthieus, Carly Thomas-Smith, Nikka Wahl and Danielle White and other special guests, plus the amazing instrumental chops of Jim Belk, Chris Davis, Tish Diaz, Paul Firak, Philip Fortenberry, Ray Pancorawicz, Dan Philippus, Joey Singer, Kevin Stout, Matt Taylor and Fred Watstein. Sound is by Richard Camuso and Mary McFadden. There is a $5 cover charge at the door (free with Student ID), a cash bar (no credit cards, please), and $5 specials at the Café. The mission of the Liberace Foundation is to help talented students pursue careers in the performing and creative arts through scholarship assistance. The Liberace Cabaret Showroom is located at 1775 E. Tropicana at Spencer, next door to Carluccio's Tivoli Gardens Restaurant. And speaking of Carluccio's...Because it appears that some showcase attendees aren't quite ready to go home afterwards, Carluccio's will stay open until 2 a.m. on Thursday for The Late, Late Show. There will be drink specials and a piano available. Those that don't write music or didn't perform at the showcase, can do a song or two right next door to the museum, "Where the music continues..." Those that DID perform are also invited to sing, or play, some more. See you there! * * * * * * * Based on the 1968 cult film, Spider Baby, The Onyx Theatre, located inside The Rack fetish store in the Commercial Center (yep, you read that right), will feature a musical version of the Jack Hill classic horror film, June 4th, 5th, 11th and 12th at 7 p.m. Spider Baby the Musical tells the story of the Merrye family. Each member suffers from the same degenerative mental disorder which causes a loss of impulse control. Some distant relatives want to institutionalize the Merrye children and sell their land. Spider Baby the Musical deals with the extreme measures the family takes to stay together. This year, composer Enrique Acosta, inspired by his talented cast, has expanded the show, adding four new songs and re-arranging more than half of the original songs to give the show a darker, more raw sensuality. This play is not intended for children, as it depicts sexual situations and violence. Tickets are $25, with a $5 discount for locals. Fans of the film might be surprised to know that actress Beverly Washburn, who portrayed Elizabeth Merrye in the Spider Baby movie, lives in Southern Nevada. Now in her 60s, Beverly is still recognizable from her childhood roles in movies such as 1957's Old Yeller with Dorothy McGuire; The Greatest Show On Earth, with Jimmy Stewart and Hans Christian Andersen with Danny Kaye (both in 1952); and The Juggler with Kirk Douglas in 1953. Beverly, who may have been the busiest child actress of her era, also had roles in just about every TV series there was, from the Jack Benny Program, Zane Grey Theater, Father Knows Best, The New Loretta Young Show, Wagon Train and The Streets of San Francisco, to Star Trek. To learn what it was like to grow up Beverly Washburn, read her story in Reel Tears. Nobody could cry reel tears like little Miss Washburn. * * * * * * * Last Sunday, we attended the Grand Finale of Liberace Birthday Week at the museum that bears the entertainer's name and much memorabilia associated with his long and successful career. Among the performers who participated in the "closing ceremonies" were pianists Christopher-Joel Carter IV (who also served as MC and filled in as accompanist for some missing piano players) and Danny Wright, violinist Mr. Valeri Glava (who performs in the Liberace Cabaret on Thursdays), and singers Phyllis Bell and John Kaye. Then, there were special guests, the Allen/Zimmerman/Capaldi family - that would be singer, pianist (and other instruments), onetime Liberace protégée, Domenick Allen; his wife, musical theater star, Leigh Zimmerman; and their 10-year-old wunderkind, Cayleigh Capaldi, who won over the audience with her solo number, "No Small Miracle," a beautiful song written by daddy and daughter. Domenick accompanied Cayleigh on piano. Ali Spuck, who has an ongoing Sunday cabaret show at the museum, was scheduled to participate, but, instead was resting up after giving birth to her, and Kristofer McNeeley's (he is one of the cast members in Jersey Boys), first child, a daughter born on Saturday, the day before Mother's Day and the birthday finale. Even if the museum's director, Tanya Combs, hadn't mentioned something about the difficulty of gathering talent to participate in this event (primarily because of work schedule conflicts), we have to wonder why singer Denise Clemente, who was a Liberace protégée years ago, and pianist/singer Wes Winters, who provided ongoing entertainment in the performance space at the museum for almost five years, were not part of the talent lineup. We are sure that both parties would have been delighted to be included in ceremonies celebrating what would have been Liberace's 91st birthday. 
Anna Nateece by Jim K. Decker 
Arshiel Calatrava In a recent article, our friend and colleague, journalist John Katsilometes, suggested that the modest turnout for much of the birthday week events "served largely as a reminder that the museum needs to relocate where there is more natural foot traffic." Kats goes on to say "This is, hopefully, the final Liberace birthday celebrated on Tropicana and Spencer. He needs a new room." We disagree. Liberace doesn't need a new room. Liberace needs more and better publicity. We think that the Liberace Museum should stay right where it is, and where it has been since 1979. This is the location that Liberace chose to house his lifetime collection of kitchy treasures. It is where he oversaw the building of the Plaza and museum. The problem with the place is not due to where it sits, but to the lack of clever, inexpensive promotion. The museum used to be one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. We think it could be again, IF (and that's a great big IF) things were handled properly over at 1775 E. Tropicana. We are sure that if longtime Liberace associates, and those who really care, or cared, about his legacy and memory (people such as Domenick Allen, Wes Winters, and Liberace's fur designer/creator, Anna Nateece) were asked their opinion, they would feel the same way that we do. Why take on high rent, traffic, parking problems and other stressful issues associated with the Strip and hotels? Many tourists want to see other areas of the city, whether it be Mt. Charleston, the dam, Red Rock, or even the Liberace Museum. The museum offers a very interesting look into the glamorous life of Mr. Showmanship as well as of Las Vegas, where Liberace performed many weeks out of the year at places like the Riviera, Las Vegas Hilton and in the Circus Maximus (that would be BC, Before Colosseum) at Caesars Palace. The unique museum (now in its 31st year) houses automobiles, costumes, jewelry and pianos all belonging to the King of Bling and used in his worldwide concerts. Fix the problem where it is, don't move the problem somewhere else. What is saved on rent, by staying in the Liberace Plaza, could be used to promote the place. Sorry if this upsets some folks at the museum that we like, but as it says at the top of this column, we calls 'em like we sees 'em. * * * * * * * If you haven't seen the Society of Seven (and we hope you have), or have seen them and want to see them again (and we hope you do), you only have a few more chances to do so...at least this time around at the Gold Coast. After only six months at the off-Strip property, the group will end their engagement at the Gold Coast on Sunday, May 30th. We hate to see the talented members of this entertaining troupe - Tony Ruivivar, Bert Sagum, Hoku Low, Wayne Wakai, Michael Lygo, Vince Mendoza and Roy Venturina - go. They will be leaving a great big hole in the local entertainment scene. We last saw the show during Mother's Day weekend, when 15-year-old Arshiel Calatrava was filling in for the vacationing Jasmine Trias. The young Hawaiian has quite a future ahead of her. Not only is she an amazing singer, Arshiel seems wise and balanced. As for SOS in general, their shows are always fun and always entertaining. We hope they will find themselves an appropriate Las Vegas show space in which to share their talent with the public. Society of Seven (SOS) combines seven talented male performers with "American Idol" star Jasmine Trias in a family-friendly high-energy variety show. SOS features comedy sketches, celebrity impersonations, dance and live music numbers. This talent-packed showcase presents a wide range of music, including everything from popular standards to Top 40 and Broadway hits. We urge you to check them out before the end of the month. Show times are Friday through Sunday at 7. Tickets start at $34.95, plus taxes and fees. Call (702) 251-3574. * * * * * * * Michelle Johnson will be performing with Sonny Turner and The Platters at a live PBS Special taping at the Benedum Center in the Cultural District of Pittsburgh, tonight. Presented by WQED, the Oldies Spectacular will feature music from the '50s to the '70s, by artists such as Ronnie Spector, Paul Revere and The Raiders, The Marcels, Lou Christie, Jay Black, The Chiffons, The Passions, The Coasters, The Cleftones, Bill Burkette and Hugh Geyer of The Vogues, The Ventures, Eddie Holman and many more. 
Sonny Turner, Michelle Johnson & The Platters 
Lon Bronson 
Diane Ellis * * * * * * * Tonight at 8, pianist Alpin Hong will bring audiences of all ages to their feet with a concert at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water Street, in the Water Street District, that combines stunning technique, emotion and humor. His extensive classical training, matched with his background in skateboarding, snowboarding, martial arts, and videogames, forms a creative force unmatched in its youthful vivacity and boundless energy. Hong will conduct a week-long residency program at Basic High School prior to his concert. He will feature some of Basic's band, orchestra and chorus students in his Friday night performance. Presented by the City of Henderson and Target, the event includes pre-show activities, such as art displays and children's make and take crafts at 7 p.m. Admission is FREE. * * * * * * * If you are reading this early enough to attend, and you are a fan of The Beatles, here's something for you. Tonight, beginning at 8, The Club at The Cannery in North Las Vegas (Craig Road and I-15) is going to present, The Beatles Let It Be and Beyond...The Solo Years!, as a part of its Concert Series. The Fab are going to play the Let It Be album in its entirety. At 9, the Lon Bronson horns will join The Fab for some solo Beatles stuff - "Jet," "It Don't Come Easy," "Uncle Albert" - tunes like that. This should be fun. The evening will be hosted by the best morning man in the business, KKLZ's Mike O'Brian. Beatles fans of all ages (5 and up) are welcome. Tickets are $10 at the door (starting at 7 p.m.) on a first come, first seating basis. Lon Bronson followers can also see Bronson and the All-Stars at the Green Valley Ranch, on the second and fourth Thursdays in June (the 10th and 24th). Doors open at 8 p.m. Admission is free. * * * * * * * On Tuesday (May 18th), Steve Green of the Las Vegas Sun reported this story...
Las Vegas magician Steve Wyrick voluntarily filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation Monday, listing assets of $93,157 against liabilities of $54.355 million. The entertainer, whose show and Steve Wyrick Theater at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood resort on the Las Vegas Strip closed Dec. 10 amid financial trouble, indicated in the filing he owns no real estate but has assets including a $44,725 2007 Porsche Carrera and more than $35,000 in "tools of the trade." Several investors and lenders are listed as creditors. The creditors include the Miracle Mile Shops, his former landlord, owed $6.623 million; businessman Byron Burke Barr in Dallas, owed $7.5 million; Chase Ventures in Dallas, owed $2 million; a Hollis Campbell/Star Mobile Homes in Crandall, Texas, owed $5 million; his former law firm, the Rycraft Law Office in Henderson, owed $100,000; and businessman Steven Tebo in Boulder, Colo., and a company he is associated with, owed $30 million. Wyrick, who lists his occupation as a self-employed entertainer, listed his current monthly income as $5,500 and said the source was "loans and gifts from mother." This compares to Wyrick's income in 2008 and 2009 of about $130,000 per year. The filing noted the Miracle Mile Shops on Jan. 15 repossessed his theater valued at $16 million and Tebo had repossessed a $250,000 motorcycle as well as pictures and posters valued at $600,000. The initial effect of the bankruptcy filing likely will be to stay proceedings in several lawsuits pending against Wyrick over past-due accounts and other matters. * * * * * * * Check out the swinging sounds of Zanzibar, next Friday and Saturday (May 28th and 29th), from 8 p.m. to midnight, in Addison's Lounge at the Rampart Hotel & Casino, 221 N. Rampart. The fellows - Joe Lepore, Hal Singer, Bob Stein, John Falbo and Scott Webb - will be joined by vocalists Diane Ellis and Sally Stewart for this engagement. Zanzibar is a favorite of visiting and local swing dancers. Join in the fun at Addison's. Call (702) 507-5900. * * * * * * * This year's Ribbon of Life 2010 spectacular will take place in the main showroom at the Las Vegas Hilton, Sunday, June 13th at 1 p.m.
The annual "Ribbon of Life" stage spectacular is Golden Rainbow's single largest source of funding. Staged each June, "Ribbon of Life" is an incredible production show featuring hundreds of singers, dancers and other performers from the best shows in Las Vegas, staging original numbers created specifically for that year's "Ribbon of Life" show. Each performer donates his or her time and talent to the production. Easily the biggest show of the year, "Ribbon of Life" is a theatrical event for all ages that leaves audiences breathless, on their feet and cheering for more. Golden Rainbow, an official 501(c)(3) non-profit, was founded in 1987 by members of the Las Vegas entertainment industry when one of their own was forced to live and die in a garage because of a lack of supportive services and financial resources. Golden Rainbow is the only HIV/AIDS service organization in Southern Nevada that provides permanent housing. Their programs also include direct financial assistance and HIV/AIDS education programs. They provide financial relief to men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, by assisting with payment of rent, mortgages, utilities, health-related costs and other life sustaining expenses. More than 80% of Golden Rainbow's funding is raised through events such as Ribbon of Life, Corporate Sponsorships and the generosity of community supporters. All of the money stays in Southern Nevadan. Tickets, priced at $200, $150, $100, $75, $50 and $25, can be purchased by contacting the Golden Rainbow office at (702) 384-2899, or online at www.goldenrainbow.org. Because of the state of the economy, and worldwide catastrophes, such as major earthquakes and other natural disasters, all seeking donations, Golden Rainbow has wisely decided make a $25 ticket available again (in the last couple of years, the bargain ticket cost was $50). For those living on a limited budget (isn't everybody?), who want to contribute to the worthy cause and see the show (even from the back of the theater), the $25 ticket gives them the opportunity to do both. * * * * * * * The touring version of Dick Feeney's Rat Pack is Back show is finishing this years' run with record ticket sales throughout the country. The National Tour, represented by the Broadway Booking Office and powerhouse agent Steven Schnepp, will conclude Memorial Day Weekend at the Trump Plaza in Atlantic City after playing more than 40 major venues this season alone. The Rat Pack is Back, created and based in Las Vegas, has been seen by more than one-million customers, in 4,700 shows in 38 states. Produced by show business veteran Feeney, and directed by Robbie Howard, the show stars Brian Duprey as Frank Sinatra, Kenny Jones as Sammy Davis Jr., Drew Anthony as Dean Martin and Mickey Joseph as Joey Bishop. The Rat Pack is Back, which recreates the "Summit at the Sands" show, circa 1960, features a full 12-piece orchestra put together by internationally renowned Lon Bronson. Now in its 12th year in Las Vegas, you can see the Rat Pack is Back, seven nights a week at 7:30 p.m. in the downtown Plaza Hotel & Casino's recreation of the famous Sands Copa Room. You can also relive the complete 1960's experience with dinner in the showroom. What happens in Las Vegas, all started with the Rat Pack. For reservations, call (702)386-2444, or visit www.ratpackisback.com. * * * * * * * 
Nelson Sardelli And now for this column's weekly Sardelli Section...
Nelson Sardelli is enjoying his new toy, a Spyder Can-Am Roadster (with a trailer on the back so he can transport his collection of past and future awards and trophies wherever he may roam). Nelson proudly admits that he refuses to accept old age gracefully. The accompanying photo confirms that. * * * * * * * Only You, the Motown-inspired dinner show starring Derek David, is up and running at Hennessey's Tavern on Fremont Street. A revival of the true nightclub dinner show, Only You invites audiences to take a trip down memory lane with some of the biggest hits ever produced in the '50s and '60s. Only You will be performed in an intimate, newly designed showroom inside Hennessey's, with a three-course dinner at 6:30 p.m., and the show starting at 8. Only You is dark on Tuesdays. "This is a resurrection of soulful music from some of the best singers in Vegas and a tribute to the original dinner show," said Derek David, 40-year member of the Platters. "Only You will fuse Motown, 50s music, 60s music and personal memories together to form a collaboration of good feelings." In addition to Derek David, Only You showcases some of the most distinctive singer/musicians in Las Vegas, Rheda K. Solo of the Marvelettes, Arnold Parker of the Platters, Terrance Forsythe, Donald Pinkney and pianist Paul Badia. Papote Varet is responsible for the choreography. Show room and costume designs for Only You is provided by the show's Executive Producer, Rita Bliss. Tickets are on sale at the Hennessey's Tavern Box Office or call 702-382-4421. Tickets will also be available online at www.Vegas.com or Prestige Ticketing 702-204-5686. * * * * * * * Jazz In The Park presents Nick Colionne at 8 p.m. tomorrow night, Saturday, May 22nd, at the Clark County Amphitheater. Colionne brings Chicago-bred music steeped in rock, jazz, blues and heavy metal. He turned professional at the age of 15, touring the country with rock bands as well as icons such as The Staples Singers and Curtis Mayfield. Although he had a jazz upbringing, Colionne became well versed in R&B, blues and heavy metal. He launched his solo career in 1994 with "It's My Turn," and has been doing well ever since. He has won the International Instrumental Artist of the Year Award at the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, and his latest CD, No Limits, was released in 2008. Starting its 20th year, the free Jazz in the Park concert series has become a Las Vegas tradition. Some of the biggest names in jazz have highlighted this annual series, taking place at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater at 500 S. Grand Central Parkway in downtown Las Vegas. Picnics, blankets and low back chairs are welcome. Food and drink are available for purchase on site. Sorry, no pets are allowed. The event is free. 
Nick Colionne 
Maria Menounos as Dolly 
Ronnie Milsap * * * * * * * Access Hollywood correspondent Maria Menounos recently visited the live show cast of Legends in Concert at Harrah's Las Vegas. A fan of Dolly Parton, Menounos took her turn in kitten heels and belted out the Parton hit "9 to 5" which was captured by the Access Hollywood cameras for a weeklong special of "Maria's Madcap Adventures" that aired during this last week. In addition to taking on the role of Parton, Menounos recorded with Justin Bieber, danced on Broadway and performed with New Kids on the Block. Access Hollywood airs in Las Vegas on KVBC Channel 3 at 12:30 p.m.
Photo Credit: Erik Kabik * * * * * * * Not surprisingly, we have received plenty of feedback following our story regarding the greedy musician who helped himself to tip money meant for the featured chick singer.
The shameful event took place at Frediani's (currently known as Happenings), on Sunday night, April 25th. The keyboard player that night apparently felt it was perfectly alright to help himself to the money in the tip jar and disperse it as he saw fit, even though the advertised performer, and the person who SHOULD have received the bulk of the funds was a well-known talented Las Vegan. The majority of the money (almost $200) was put in the tip jar by one gentleman, who was there that night only to see the singer. One of the letters we got came from some musicians who also were taken advantage of (financially) by the same scoundrel. This incident happened at a private party at DeStefano's (now closed). The party host was a good friend of one of the musicians, and chose to hold the party at DeStefano's where the music man was working because of that friendship. The pay for the four-man music group was built into the cost of the party, but the host gave the group "leader" a $100 tip that was to be divided up between the quartet. Call it "convenient amnesia," if you will, but until one of the music men "reminded" this guy about the tip, there had been no mention or attempt of sharing the pot. Since we know about two similar incidents, we have to wonder just how many other times this has occurred. Shame on the guilty party! * * * * * * * The Eastside Cannery Casablanca Event Center presents Grammy Award-winning country music singer and musician, Ronnie Milsap, next Friday, May 28th at 8 p.m. He was one of country's most popular and influential artists in the 1970s and 1980s. He was country music's first blind superstar. He was also one of the most successful country crossover singers of his time, appealing to both country and pop markets. Milsap's biggest crossover hits include "It Was Almost Like a Song," "Smokey Mountain Rain," "(There's) No Getting' Over Me," "I Wouldn't Have Missed It For the World," "Any Day Now," and "Stranger in My House," among others. Milsap is credited with 40 No. 1 hits in country music. He ranks third in number, following George Strait and Conway Twitty. Tickets are $24.95, $34.95 and $44.95, plus applicable taxes and fees. Call (702) 856-5470 for reservations. * * * * * * * If you happen to be anywhere in the vicinity of the MBar in Hollywood on Wednesday, May 26th, it's songwriter/entertainer and funnyman, Danny Roque in his latest show, Here We Go Again. As Roque describes it, "the nut falls from the tree once more." People have asked Danny and company to come back, so here they go again, as wacky as ever. Danny presents another night of fun and foolishness, performing all songs he has written. He is joined on stage by an amazingly talented group of friends and family. The band is also killer; Here are some of the folks they have played with: American Idol Band, Aretha Franklin, Disneyland Band, Andy Williams, NWA and The Cypress Hill Gang, just to name a few. Their show is guaranteed fun! Go hungry, as you'll also be dining from the MBar's great menu. The response to their last show was fantastic, so they expect to sell out again. Don't wait until the last minute to make a reservation. Danny heads up the Roque gang, with Nora, Chris and Angelica Roque on vocals; Las Vegan Tish Diaz on piano; Duane Benjamin, bass; Michael Sims, guitar; Jimmy Ford, drums; and Dwain Roque on percussion, with special guest, Gerry Higbie, on banjo. As Danny says, "Every show needs a banjo." Plan on being at the MBar to see what folks have been laughing about. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8. You must call Mbar, at (323) 856-0036, to make a reservation. You can check out their Web site at www.mbarhollywood.com. $15 Cash cover, $10 food min. The next night, Danny will drive pianist Tish Diaz back to Vegas, and will stay over to do a song or two at, what is becoming his second home, the Composers Showcase.
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Displaying keen perception and great insight.
She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice.
She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em.
She’s...
Claire Voyant
Las Vegas - May 14, 2010 
Warning Here is an important warning notice to all tourists and locals who spend any time in casinos. In this case, what we are describing happened at a Las Vegas off-Strip property. Casino crime is probably more common than we know. We have a feeling that much of it goes unreported. Anyway, here is the story. Earlier in the week, following a show and dinner in the mostly locals place, some folks we know decided to do a little gambling (doesn't everybody?). The group kind of split up, with some people playing in one part of the casino and some playing in another part. Everyone seemed to be having a good time and, although not winning any big jackpots, were holding their own. At one point, in the early morning hour, one of the players was approached from behind by a woman who said, "you dropped your credit cards." When the player asked, "what are you talking about?," the "good Samaritan" pointed to the ground where two cards were lying. Although the slot player knew that she had not dropped any credit cards (or, in this case, gift cards), she, nonetheless, bent over to pick them up, with the intention of asking the "kind stranger" to please turn them in to security. When she turned to hand her the cards, the female was gone. So was, as the player discovered about an hour later, the victim's wallet. Surveillance video shows the con artist reaching over the "pigeon," removing the billfold from her purse, and quickly exciting the casino. The ruse was not discovered until the slot player went to tip a cocktail server and found her wallet, along with its contents, missing. There are some lessons to learn from this experience and we strongly urge readers to make a mental note. Do not take your eyes off your property, even for a few seconds. Ignore a stranger who points out a $5 bill, credit cards or anything else that would cause you to let down your guard. A loud noise, someone spilling drinks anywhere near you, bullets whizzing by your head, anything that might cause you to divert your attention. Remember that there are professional criminals lurking out there, and they want your stuff. Keep your possessions in a pocket inside your coat, in a zipped bag or anywhere else where they can't be seen or, more importantly, snatched. We were also very disappointed and saddened to learn that, it seems, the primary purpose of hotel security is to protect their property, NOT the customer. Maybe we have been watching too many Vegas-themed TV shows or movies but, we always thought that an incident, like the one described, would have been seen by those on eye-in-the-sky duty, immediately relayed to casino security who would have magically appeared at the scene of the crime and taken the guilty party into custody. We can assure you, based on what we have heard, It works NOTHING like that. You have been warned. * * * * * * * 
Diana Ross 
Brian Keith 
Matsuri From May 18th through 20th, Frank Marino will be taking a short leave from his role as host/MC of Divas Las Vegas at the Imperial Palace. On May 19th, Marino, the show's star, will be sitting in an audience instead of performing on a stage, and he will be watching a Supreme diva rather than playing one. Adam Steck, of SPI Entertainment, who produces Divas as well as Louie Anderson, Thunder From Down Under and Human Nature, gifted Frank and his life partner, Alex Shannon Schechter, with tickets to see Diana Ross' Wednesday night show at Radio City Music Hall. Miss Ross is a favorite of Marino‘s, who has seen just about every Diva in captivity. To say that Frank is excited would be an understatement. Ross, the former lead singer for The Supremes, launches her More Today Than Yesterday Tour, beginning tomorrow. The 17-city trek kicks off at the Citi Performing Arts Center in Boston, MA, and concludes June 12th at The Mountain Winery in Saratoga, CA. Other stops along the way include May 27th at Chicago Theatre in Chicago, IL; and June 9th at Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, CA. According to a statement, the upcoming sessions will be backed by a live string and horn section, while Ross "will be pulling out all the stops with breathtaking costumes and stage designs." The one-month tour will pull its set list from Ross' hit-filled, 50-year career. During the first decade of her career, Ross recorded iconic hits such as "Stop! In the Name of Love" and "You Can't Hurry Love" with The Supremes. When she moved on as a solo artist in the '70s and later decades, she topped the charts with her version of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," as well as original tunes like "Touch Me in the Morning" and "Love Hangover." The singer's most recent studio album, "I Love You," was released in the U.S. in January 2007 and debuted at No. 32 on the Billboard 200. During Frank's absence, female impersonator Brian Keith will return to Vegas to do the hosting honors in Divas. The San Franciscan is a former cast member of Finochio's, one of the most well-known drag clubs in the country. It might interest audience members to know that, in his "other life," Brian is a nurse. And while we are still at the Imperial Palace, let us mention that, now through May 26th, Matsuri is offering special savings and deals just for Las Vegans. Residents can purchase tickets to enjoy Matsuri, Japan's famed "Muscle Musical," for just $15 each (two ticket maximum purchase per person). Matsuri is an action-packed, non-verbal production that showcases extreme athleticism through a series of unique variety acts. The 75-minute high-energy show features a cast of 18 Japanese athletes, performing stunts ranging from the "Human Jump Rope" and "Judo Tango," to the "Lion Dance" and "Foot Drums." Extreme variety, extreme beauty and extreme entertainment take center stage at Matsuri inside the Imperial Showroom. Show times are 4 p.m., Saturdays through Thursdays, with an 8 p.m. show on Fridays. For more information, please call (702) 794-3261 or visit www.imperialpalace.com. Tickets can be purchased at the Imperial Palace box office. In order to take advantage of the locals special, proof of Nevada residency must be provided. * * * * * * * A couple of readers sent us a copy of this ad that appeared on Craig's List last Sunday (we are printing it as it appeared online, with spelling errors intact)...
restaurant-fully equipped and open
Date: 2010-05-09, 9:40 AM
TURN KEY AND OPERATING RESTAURANT WITH FULL LIQUOR.
Beautiful 3,000+ square foot restaurant, fully equipped and open. Restaurant was just acquired but due to health reasons it must be sold or it will be closed in about a week.
Fully equiped with 12 burner range, convection ovens, two fryers, grill, walk in cooler etc. Nicely furnished. End unit with visability on Green Valley Parkway near Sunset Road. Huge hood, handicapped bathrooms, sprinklered. Rent had been re-negociated to include cam, $5,000 per month for two years, then $6,000, then add cost of living increases after that. Landlord will go 20 years and is preparing new lease. Management agreement in place for FULL LIQUOR SUPPER CLUB LICENSE Clark County jusistction. Licensee can continue as manager OR YOU CAN APPLY FOR TRANSFER, cLARK cOUNTY LICENSE FEES ARE UNDER $1,000 TO TRANSFER, YOU PAY QUARTERLY ACCORDING TO GROSS SALES. Fully stocked and ready to go.
Reply to micmerzo@live.com or call 954-579-8166, can show it on Monday, May 10th.
Your investment buys all equipment and furnishings and includes all inventory.
Location: Green Valley. it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests. We know that this was a description of the restaurant formerly known as Frediani's (and Chiante and Trilussa) and now called Happenings. Since the place had just been taken over by new owners days before the ad appeared, we were quite curious. When we spoke to someone at the restaurant, we were told that the ad was run as a "test" of sorts, to prove that the facility had value and potential. Approximately 16 inquiries were made, before the ad was taken down the next day. According to our source, the restaurant is not for sale. And still speaking of the onetime Frediani's...On Thursday, we got a call from Enrico Santorelli, one of the former owners of the Italian eatery. Mr. Santorelli requested that we inform our readers that, as soon as he got back from a music gig in California (Santorelli is a respected bass player), he did pay singer Maggi Albisani for the fine work that she had done at Frediani's (which it was called at the time) on April 25th. We are more than happy to oblige. 
Enrico Santorelli 
Connie Francis, Eric Floyd & Dionne Warwick * * * * * * * Producer Eric Floyd and his Divas of the Grand Stage, Connie Francis and Dionne Warwick, have been hitting the radio and TV talk show circuit (The Joy Behar Show, Larry King, FOX‘s Better), both here and in New York, to promote their upcoming, history-making engagement at the Las Vegas Hilton. The two ladies will perform together, for the first time ever, when they take to the Hilton stage for 8 p.m. shows on May 21st, 22nd and 23rd. Audience members can expect to hear many of the chart-topping songs made famous by the two ladies, who, coincidentally, happen to share the same birth date (December 12th). According to an Internet site, in 1960, Connie Francis became the youngest headliner to sing in Las Vegas. Tickets, which are going fast, range from $59 to $125, plus taxes and fees, for VIP seats and perks. For reservations, call (702) 732-5755 or (800) 222-5361. * * * * * * * If we were a betting woman (and sometimes we are), we would put a small wager on this possible scenario. We believe that by July (most likely sooner) we will see the closing of the downtown cafe being mishandled by the man that our esteemed mayor, one Oscar Goodman, named as Entertainment Ambassador of Las Vegas. This pretender wears that pseudo title like a Phi Beta Kappa key. The big difference here is that the key is earned, while this "honor" is a joke and an embarrassment to a community where true entertainment and real entertainers have reigned since the 1940s. This establishment uses House Seats to help attract customers. We have it on very good authority that the place is asking (or almost insisting) that its few unsuspecting patrons provide a business card in exchange for seats to different shows. If the customer doesn't have a credit card, they are asked to provide their e-mail address. It is very apparent that they are trying to build an e-mail list. There is a right way and a wrong way to do that. This is not the right way. Some friends who attended a show at the place one week ago today, found themselves uncomfortably warm and had to use a magazine to fan themselves. They were told that the air conditioning was down and would be back up and running within a few days. Don't know how long that "excuse" will work as, from what we have been told, the entire complex has no working air and hasn't had for well over a year (maybe two). If it's miserable in the place in May, what will it be like in July? Our guess is, over. * * * * * * * 
Travis Cloer 
Rebecca Spencer 
Philip Fortenberry We were in the audience at the Liberace Cabaret last Wednesday, when Travis Cloer (he plays Frankie Valli in The Palazzo's Jersey Boys) was joined by Ann Barr and special guest Sandra Huntsman for a Gershwin tribute. Travis did songs such as "A Foggy Day" and "They Can't Take That Away From Me," while Ann sang "How Long Has This Been Going On" and "Someone To Watch Over Me." Barr and Huntsman performed "In His Eyes," from Jekyll & Hyde. Presented by RagTag Entertainment, piano accompaniment was provided by Angela Chan. On Sunday, May 23rd, Cloer will step out of his Frankie Valli role once again, when the Performing Arts Society of Nevada presents the talented young man in his own show at the Clark County Library Theatre, 1401 E. Flamingo, east of Maryland Parkway. Travis, who will perform songs from his CD, Setting the Standard, as well as other classics and original material, will be joined by his Little Big Band - Keith Thompson on piano, Brian Czach on drums, Tyler Williams on bass, Dave Hart on guitar, Kevin Stout on trombone, Eric Tewalt on tenor sax, Eddie Rich on alto sax, and Glenn Colby on trumpet. Showtime is at 2 p.m. and tickets are $15. Much like Kristi Holden's recent library show, this should be a sell out. For reservations, call (702) 658-6741. * * * * * * * BackStage Bistro Award-winner and Broadway performer Rebecca Spencer ("Jekyll and Hyde") will be the final act for this season's Castle On the Hudson (400 Benedict Avenue, Tarrytown, NY). The performance will take place this Sunday, May 16th, at 8 p.m. Spencer, who portrayed Madame Giry in Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian, will be joined by her musical director, Philip Fortenberry, Broadway's most sought after pianist and associate conductor for the Las Vegas production of Jersey Boys. Her special guest star will be Broadway performer John Treacy Egan (The Producers, Little Mermaid). The evening will feature interpretations of the Broadway and American songbooks, as well as original material written specially for Ms. Spencer. Her Phantom performance prompted a review in the Las Vegas Review-Journal that read: "There's a lot of talent on display at "Phantom", but the person I can never stop watching is Rebecca Spencer." Las Vegas Magazine chose her Las Vegas concert debut as its No. 1 pick of the month. Rebecca will return to Las Vegas on June 20th for an encore performance, after her guest starring role as Solange in the Showtunes Theatre Company's production of Follies at the historic Moore Theatre in Seattle, WA. Ms. Spencer will return to the East Coast in July, with appearances scheduled at Harlan's Cabaret in New Hope, PA, as well as her Birdland debut in the Broadway at Birdland series. The Castle on the Hudson offers dinner and show packages. Overnight packages and limited advance purchase show only tickets are both available. Call (914) 631-3646 for cover/minimum information. Friends and family tickets (Concert only) are $ 20. There are ticket packages with and without dinner.
To make reservations, please call (914) 631-3646. It looks like Philip Fortenberry will be taking a little time off from his duties at Jersey Boys, as well as that mirror-encrusted Baldwin in the Cabaret at the Liberace Museum. Not only will Philip be playing for Rebecca on the 16th, today (May 15th), at 7 and 9 p.m., Philip will be performing Broadway, My Way (also available on CD) in the Bart Howard Room (composer Bart Howard wrote "Fly Me To the Moon (In Other Words)" and "Let Me Love You") at Iowa's Des Moines County Historical Society, 501 N. Fourth St. Fortenberry made his solo debut at 12, attended Julliard in NYC from age 17, and went on to serve as conductor, pianist and arranger for dozens of Broadway musicals (Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Ragtime, The Lion King, Oklahoma! and more). He has played for Laurie Beechman, Harry Connick, Jr., Barry Manilow, and Eartha Kitt, and has performed at Carnegie Hall and the White House. Philip is currently serving as the Associate Conductor for Jersey Boys in Las Vegas and tours the U.S. with his three solo concerts. When at home in Las Vegas, Philip also performs at the Liberace Museum three days a week. Fortenberry has eight CDs to his credit, the most recent, Broadway, My Way, is dedicated to his roots on the Great White Way. Thickets to see Philip Fortenberry in concert are $25. To purchase tickets, or for additional information, call (319) 753-5880. * * * * * * * 
Cynthia Robins by Martin Kreloff 
Lena Horne With his permission, we are giving readers a peek at our friend, the talented artist Martin Kreloff‘s, most recent work. Marty's latest portrait is of his dear friend, Cynthia Robins. Cynthia's other half is Chuck Hoover, the Musical Director for Rich Little. Marty's partner, Tim Olsen, tells us that Cynthia and Marty's friendship goes back to his days in San Francisco, where they met through a mutual friend in 1982. At the time, Cynthia was a real mover and shaker in the city, as she was a feature writer and columnist for the San Francisco Examiner. Her social column, Cyn City, was a must read, and she is an expert on pop culture and fashion. She has also written several books, including the best selling Barbie - Thirty Year's of America's Doll. Now joyfully retired to Las Vegas, Cynthia channels her creative energy into designing colorful jewelry of precious and semi-precious stones. This portrait of Cynthia continues Marty's recent forays into a more graphically minimalist painting style, where he relies on the symmetry between the colors that he has chosen to balance the composition of the piece. Less outlining is involved, as Marty confidently allows the relationship between the colors to play off each other directly. As is typical in a Kreloff portrait, the shapes in the hair are particularly compelling. Marty pays homage to his fascination with traditional Japanese art in the way that Cynthia's hair resembles the gently breaking waves of the Japanese master Hokusai. Some of Marty's work was on display at downtown's First Friday, May 7th. We hope you had a chance to see it. And speaking of Rich Little, Dana Stern, former Entertainment Manager at the Golden Nugget, is now working with the veteran impressionist. * * * * * * * President Barack Obama, along with many, many others, is mourning the passing of singer-actress Lena Horne, who died on May 9th at the age of 92. In a statement, Obama called the legendary Horne a most cherished entertainer who warmed hearts with her beautiful voice and dramatic on-screen performances. The president also hailed her efforts to promote justice and equality. Horne was the first black performer to tour with an all-white band, and she refused to perform for segregated audiences while entertaining soldiers during World War II. On Friday, family, friends and a star-studded roster of guests gathered to pay their respects to the late Lena Horne at the Church of Saint Ignatius Loyola in New York's Upper East Side. At the funeral mass, Horne was remembered not only for her contributions to entertainment, but for paving the way for performers of color by battling racism in her industry. The Brooklyn-born Horne got her start in show biz performing at the Cotton Club in Harlem when she was just 16. She went on to become one of the first African-American singers to perform with a major white band, as well as the first African-American actress to sign a long-term studio contract in Hollywood. Cicely Tyson, Diahann Carroll, Chita Rivera, Dionne Warwick, Vanessa Williams, Audra McDonald, former New York Mayor David Dinkins, and Horne's granddaughter, screenwriter Jenny Lumet, were among the mourners. * * * * * * * The very funny and clever Mac King recently celebrated his 10th anniversary as a headliner at Harrah's Las Vegas. Friends, including comedienne Rita Rudner, and fellow magicians, Lance Burton and Penn Jillette, attended a party to mark the impressive milestone. Nice guy King performs his Mac King, The Comedy Show, in the main showroom at Harrah's, at 1 and 3 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. Tickets, at less than $30, are one of the best entertainment bargains in the city. For reservations, call (702) 369-5111. 
Mac & Jennifer King 
Babe Pier * * * * * * * Reminders...
The grand finale to Liberace's birthday week (the popular entertainer would have turned 91 on May 16th) will take place on Sunday, with an impressive lineup of talent scheduled from 5:30 to 8 p.m., and will feature Ali Spuck, John Kaye, Phyllis Bell, and Danny Wright, with special guests, the multi-talented entertainer, Domenick Allen (Liberace protégée, member of Foreigner and daytime soap and musical theater performer); his beautiful wife, singer/dancer/actress (The Producers, Chicago the Musical, Contact) Leigh Zimmerman; and their 10-year-old singing daughter, Cayleigh Capaldi. Master of Ceremonies will be Christopher Joel Carter IV. The $25 ticket price includes the show, one complimentary glass of champagne (21 and over) and hors d'oeuvres. The museum is located at 1775 E. Tropicana, at Spencer. For additional information, call (702) 798-5595. * * * * * * * After completing their first night, of what was expected to be a six night engagement in The Palazzo's Salute Lounge, Doug Saleeby and Chris Hudson, better known as Hudson & Saleeby, and Palazzo, agreed to disagree on this one. It seems that this was not a match made in heaven. These two musician/entertainers, who had a Las Vegas history from the mid-1970s into 1982, relocated to Memphis where the popular entertainers work almost constantly. Their longtime fans hope they will be back in Vegas, at some point, to perform in a venue where everyone is more comfortable. * * * * * * * 
Dori Kotzan 
Darcus 
Harvey Goldson Happy birthday to our Taurus (April 21st to May 20th) friends, including Brian Keith, Brenda Leonard Cowart, Babe Pier, Lucy Shropshire, Howard Jochsberger, Dori Kotzan, Aurora Miller, Gloria Hill, Nancy Archer, Michael Sharon, Clint Holmes, Darcus Speed, Harvey Goldson, Don Rickles, Grant Philipo, Toni Tennille, Stephen Thorburn and Peter Gordon. And anniversary greetings to Sharon Holmes and Phil Mandel and Whitney and Marianne Phoenix. * * * * * * * We told the humble and shy Nelson Sardelli that if the Las Vegas Review-Journal didn't print his Letter to the Editor, we would. They didn't (so far), so, their loss is our gain...
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN OR MAY OFFEND:
Before you read what follows let me just say this: I came to this country in 1956. Totally legally mind you. Within 6 months I was drafted into the US Army, served, became a Veteran.... In 1961 I became a naturalized American Citizen..... But I still have an accent... (quite charming, I must add, which, incidentally, matches my extreme good looks....but that is for another conversation another time).... I definitely do not look Irish nor Swedish or Swahili ....and/but I have no trouble whatsoever with anyone, including the Police, asking me to see my identification documents....(and, please, don't give me the "Nazi crap"...that is pure and unadulterated bovine excretion). I will gladly show my ID(s)...including my CCW... to them and we all will go on our merry way. Simple as all that. I will neither be offended nor feel that my rights have been infringed upon.
It is about the Sovereignty of our country.... It is cool. Lighten up.... Big Brother already knows all he needs or care to know about you.... don't kid yourself.
SO..... LET ME SEE IF I HAVE THIS RIGHT:
IF YOU CROSS THE NORTH KOREAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU GET 12 YEARS HARD LABOR.... (and there is a possibility that they will eat your dog)
IF YOU CROSS THE IRANIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU ARE DETAINED INDEFINITELY. (and I hear... your captors may get romantically involved with your goat...if you have a goat, of course...)
IF YOU CROSS THE AFGHAN BORDER ILLEGALLY, YOU GET fatally SHOT as a warning..... and the Goat thing may also apply.
IF YOU CROSS THE SAUDI ARABIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE JAILED. .....see Iran and Afghan for the extra possible punishments.
IF YOU CROSS THE CHINESE BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU MAY NEVER BE HEARD FROM AGAIN. and you'll be asked about your dog and your neighbors cat.
IF YOU CROSS THE VENEZUELAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE BRANDED A SPY AND YOUR FATE WILL BE SEALED. .... no salsa for you.
IF YOU CROSS THE CUBAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE THROWN INTO POLITICAL PRISON TO ROT... whilst forced to listen to all those endless Fidel Castro's ranting.
IF YOU CROSS THE U.S. BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU GET:
1 - A JOB,
2 - A DRIVERS LICENSE,
3 - SOCIAL SECURITY CARD,
4 - WELFARE,
5 - FOOD STAMPS,
6 - CREDIT CARDS
7 - SUBSIDIZED RENT OR A LOAN TO BUY A HOUSE,
8 - FREE EDUCATION,
9 - FREE HEALTH CARE,
10 - A LOBBYIST IN WASHINGTON
11 - BILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF PUBLIC DOCUMENTS PRINTED IN YOUR LANGUAGE
12 - AND THE RIGHT TO CARRY OR BURN YOUR COUNTRY'S FLAG WHILE YOU PROTEST THAT YOU DON'T GET ENOUGH RESPECT ..... IS THIS A GREAT COUNTRY OR WHAT?????
I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE I HAD IT RIGHT......
Toni Tennille 
Nelson Sardelli 
Susan Haller * * * * * * * If you want a religious experience, enhanced by music, here are two options for this Sunday...
At Grace in the Desert Episcopal Church, 2004 Spring Gate Lane in Summerlin, singer/songwriter Susan Haller, and pianist Danny Wright will be featured in a program from 4 to 6 p.m. Every so often we find a pianist of pure radiant talent and generous heart, creative spirit and passionate soul. One that has the uncanny ability to entice a melody line to dance before your very eyes, then sit quietly, allowing you to breath sorrow into a safe space. Danny Wright's obvious love for children, animals, and life comes through strong fingers playing songs of intimate tenderness. He has lifted our lives with undeniably romantic instrumental prose and now has added Susan Haller's lyrics to some of his most dazzling pieces. A donation of $15 is suggested, with proceeds for the Grace in the Desert "Ministry Through the Arts Program." Danny will be autographing his CDs at the close of the show. While over at Christ Episcopal Church, 2000 Maryland Parkway (west side of the street-parking at the church), the Las Vegas Master Singers, directed by Dr. Jocelyn Jensen, will present the Opera Connection Concert on Sunday, also at 4 p.m. If you missed hearing the Master Singers singing with the Symphony last weekend, you can hear them sing some of the music performed again plus much more including soloists from the choir. Tickets are only $5 at the door of the church. Help support this excellent ensemble of musicians by attending the last concert of the season this week. * * * * * * * Reader Judy Thomas wanted to make us aware of a very worthwhile organization called Life Long Dreams, "Where talent is never too small...and dreams are never too big." A Vehicle for Hope, Courage and Determination. A Vision to Share With The World. Life Long Dreams is the home where dreams are conceived. The performing and creative arts program embraces individuals with special needs, who are often overlooked. The mission is to inspire these individuals to realize their artistic potential, enabling them to fully cultivate their talents by participating in a unique and special program. Life Long Dreams students will bring joy to your heart and inspire YOU to dream! On February 13, 2008, co-founders Cathy Warriner and Tshlene Henreid, conceived Life Long Dreams, a breakthrough performing and creative arts program that provides persons with disabilities specialized training and opportunities in the arts and entertainment industry. Words that cannot easily be expressed, find a way to come alive through participation in our performing and creative arts program. By integrating the arts with education, Life Long Dreams creates the foundation for students to develop their self-esteem and social skills. Local entertainers play an integral role in our student's growth too, helping them discover hidden talents and develop their artistic abilities. And, through specialized training in music, dance, drama, art, theater and production, students are given the opportunity to showcase their talents at various functions and public events. Life Long Dreams is bridging the gap between the disabled community and the arts/entertainment industry; creating new opportunities for individuals with special needs; and opening doors that have never before been opened. 
Tshlene Henreid & Cathy Warriner 
Spyro Gyra * * * * * * * The price is right is more than just the name of a TV game show, it is also a fair statement when it comes to Spyro Gyra's FREE 8 p.m. concert at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater Saturday (May 15th). Spyro Gyra brings sounds to the series that have made the group fan favorites for more than 30 years. It started in 1974, when bandleader and saxman Jay Beckenstein, and keyboardist Jeremy Wall developed an ensemble. Through the years, Wall made his mark as a producer, while members Scott Ambush, bass; Julio Fernandez, guitar and Tom Schuman, keyboards joined Beckenstein in the honored Spyro Gyra tradition. Genre icon, Boney James, described Spyro Gyra's music in Jazziz Magazine as combining "accessible pop qualities with happy uplifting tones, bringing together elements of jazz, Latin and R&B effortlessly and unconsciously. What they're doing with electric jazz and unique instrumentation has always had a timeless quality to me." The latest CD, Down the Wire, was released in 2009. The Jazz in the Park series, now in its 20th year, is presented by the Clark County Parks and Recreation Department. The Government Center is located at 500 S. Grand Central Parkway in downtown Las Vegas. Picnics, blankets and low back chairs are welcome. Food and drink are available for purchase on site. Sorry, no pets allowed. * * * * * * * It's The Magic and Comedy of Rory Johnston in Right Before Your Eyes, tomorrow night at 7 in the Starbright Theatre in Sun City Summerlin. Presented by Michael Chapman and ChapQuist Entertainment, this is the Starbright debut of Rory Johnston, who is considered one of the top comedy/magic acts in the world today. Rory won rave reviews as the star of both the Las Vegas production show Cabaret Circus and Bedazzled in Lake Tahoe. His numerous credits include: The Magic Castle, Magic Island, Tropicana's Comedy Stop, The Improv, The Laff Stop, Chippendales Ladies Only Club, Los Angeles Variety Arts Center, Disney World and some of the most prestigious cruise lines worldwide. A sought-after director/consultant, Rory co-wrote and directed the eight-million-dollar production The Maverick Illusion Show for Warner Bros. In addition to the stunning magic and hilarious comedy, there's also Murphy the Wonder Dog. Without giving away too much, let's just say that Murphy is a large old English sheepdog who "reads minds." Don't miss this evening of magic and fun! Tickets are $15 for residents and $18 for non residents. They are on sale (cash only) at Desert Vista, Mountain Shadows and Pinnacle community centers. To pay by credit card, call (702) 869-2064. 
Rory & Cat Johnston 
Louise DuArt * * * * * * * Over at the Las Vegas Hilton, it's funnyman and Carol Burnett's longtime sidekick, Tim Conway, with his friends, comic Chuck McCann and impressionist/comedienne, Louise DuArt, tonight and tomorrow night. For tickets, from $47.91 to $69.91, and additional information, call (702) 732-5755 or (800) 222-5361. The ever young Smother Brothers (Tom, the Yo Yo Man, is 73, and straight man, Dick, is now 70) are providing laughs at The Orleans tomorrow night and Sunday. Tickets start at $34.95 plus tax. Call (702) 365-7075.
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Tags: Diana Ross Brian Keith Matsuri Enrico Santorelli Connie Francis Eric Floyd
Displaying keen perception and great insight.
She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice.
She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em.
She’s...
Claire Voyant
Las Vegas - May 7, 2010
 Happy Mother's Day  Kristen Hertzenberg Satterwhite & Shea  Ali Spuck & Kristofer McNeeley One of the principals in Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular, Kristen Hertzenberg who plays "Christine Daae" in the show at The Venetian, is celebrating Mother's Day with her, and hubby Dana Satterwhite's, adorable 17-month old daughter, Shea Mitchell Satterwhite, while entertainers Ali Spuck (Here I Am) and husband Kristofer McNeely (Jersey Boys) anxiously await the due-any-day-now arrival of their brand new daughter. Unless nature pays an early call, Ali will have to wait until next May to officially celebrate Mother's Day, but because she is so close, we are giving her a special mention and sharing photos of both the expectant mom and dad to-be, as well as Kristen and Shea. If you ARE a mother, hope to ever be a mother, HAD a mother, or ever KNEW a mother, we hope you plan some kind of celebration in honor of the special day on Sunday, May 9th. If so, and you are lucky enough to be in Las Vegas on Mother's Day, here are some of the special things that are available to you and your family... Make mom's day extra special by taking her to ENVY The Steakhouse at the Renaissance Hotel, 3400 Paradise Road, on Sunday. From 11:30 a.m., to 2:30 p.m., enjoy a delicious buffet brunch and musical magic by pianist/singer, Wes Winters. Only $35 for what might be the best Mother's Day Buffet in Las Vegas. This is expected to be a sellout, so, if you want to be a part of the experience, call (702) 784-5716. 
Wes Winters 
Eva Longoria Parker 
Danny Wright The very unique, and fun, Hash House A Go Go will feature Mother's Day Brunch specials, ranging from $8.50 to $22.95, in addition to the mouthwatering, regular priced menu items. The specials include: Roast Chicken "Betsy" (Benny) - a fresh split biscuit with spinach, mushrooms and house roasted chicken topped with scrambled eggs and trimmed with basil pesto cream, all served with griddled mashed potatoes and fresh fruit. Add a glass of bubbly for just $5. Or select from Mama Margie's Brunch Favorite: Fresh Salmon stuffed with shrimp and served on corn mashed potatoes all crowned with sun dried tomato basil cream; Mango/ Peach Cinnamon Flapjack with whipped cream; Sally's Wild Child Mushroom Hash: Portobello, shitake, enoki and oyster mushrooms fresh shaved corn, asparagus, sun dried tomato and queso fresco on crispy potatoes with eggs-your way. fruit garnish and a buttermilk biscuit; Stella's Shrimp Quesadilla: Flour tortilla filled with scrambled eggs, sautéed shrimp, market tomato, brie cheese and griddled mash - all topped with basil pesto cream, and more. A special drink menu will also be available, including tasty treats such as blueberry margaritas, Gruet Rose sparkling wine and strawberry brambles, among others. Limited reservation times will be offered at the Sahara location (6800 W. Sahara) from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., and at the Imperial Palace location (3535 Las Vegas Blvd. South) from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. All other times will be first come, first served. For reservations or inquiries, please call the Sahara location at (702) 804-4646, or the Imperial Palace location at (702) 254-4646 or visit www.hashhouseagogo.com. The Imperial Palace location is also open for dinner until 11 p.m. And also at the Imperial Palace, Japan's top-selling production, Matsuri, is presenting a special dinner and show package for Mother's Day and a month-long, discount ticket price for Las Vegans. Matsuri is offering a complimentary buffet and show ticket for mother's with the purchase of a buffet package. General Admission buffet tickets are priced at $49.99 plus tax and handling. VIP ticket and buffet packages are $59.99 plus tax and handling. Guests wanting to see the show but forego the buffet are also eligible for a free ticket for mom with the purchase of a full-priced show ticket. Showtime on Mother's Day is 4 p.m. Just mention the Mother's Day special when purchasing tickets at the box office. Matsuri can be seen daily inside the Imperial Showroom at Imperial Palace. Show times are 4 pm Saturday - Thursday, with an 8 pm show on Fridays. For more information, please call (702) 794-3261 or visit www.imperialpalace.com. The Stratosphere Casino, Hotel and Tower is celebrating Mother's Day with a decadent spread of culinary masterpieces at Top of the World restaurant. The Grand Buffet will open at 10 a.m., with seating until 3 p.m., with regular dinner seating starting at 4 p.m. With something for everyone, Top of the World is the perfect way to say thank you to that special woman in your life. Guests can start their meal at the iced shellfish display with shrimp cocktail, Dungeness crab claws, oysters on the half shell, ahi tuna poke and lobster ceviche with assorted sauces. Antipasto selections include heirloom tomato and buffalo mozzarella with balsamic vinaigrette and basil, Mediterranean olives medley with pickled garlic, Tabouleh salad with bulgur wheat with fresh mint, grilled spring vegetables assortment, bruschetta crostinis with caponata, chili citrus Waldorf salad, baba ghanoush and tatziki, sliced tropical fruit, assorted Danish pastries and a gourmet selection of artisan bread rolls and Caesar salad. The hot station will feature roasted vegetable frittata, crab benedict vol au vent with sun dried tomato hollandaise, petite huevos rancheros with black beans and chorizo, Yukon gold potato gratin with four cheeses, apple wood smoked bacon and chicken apple sausage, seared miso marinated Scottish salmon with baby bok choy, roasted organic chicken breast "Grand-mere" style and bacon wrapped pork dijonnaise and calvados apples. At the hot action station, guests can choose a Belgian waffle with selection of gourmet toppings, ancho chili turkey breast and pepper crusted New York with choice of peppercorn sauce and red wine mushroom. A chocolate fountain with assorted fruits and treats and a selection of petite pastries at the dessert station serves as a sweet ending to the meal. The buffet is $39.99, or $42.99 served with unlimited champagne. Treat mom to a decadent dining experience at Eva Longoria Parker's elegant Beso steakhouse this Mother's Day. Beso's Executive Chef will introduce three delightful new dishes sure to please mom's palette. The Mother's Day menu, in addition to Beso's steakhouse dining menu, will be available on Sunday, May 9, from 5:30 until 11 p.m. Gorgeous outdoor patio dining options are available. For reservations, please call 702.254.BESO (2376). Beso's chilled avocado soup will tantalize the taste buds, featuring hints of grapefruit, topped with crab and micro cilantro, available for $14. A petite filet and half main lobster paired with potato cake brava, asparagus and a hollandaise sauce is a satisfying main course option, available for $42. And for a decadent and mouthwatering grand finale, Beso will offer fresh plantain crepes spiced with brown sugar and topped with brulee bananas, for $12. Longoria Parker's celebrated steakhouse, Beso, is located in Crystals, at 3720 Las Vegas Boulevard South in CityCenter. Recently named "Best New Restaurant" by the 2010 Las Vegas Review-Journal annual readers' poll, Beso features a flavorful menu with Latin influences. The dining room and patio are open Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. until 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. until midnight. The lounge is open Sunday through Tuesday from 5:30 to 11 p.m., and Wednesday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. until 2 a.m. For more information about Beso, please visit the website at www.besolasvegas.com or call (702) 254-BESO (2376). Pianist Danny Wright will be busy on Mother's Day weekend, appearing tomorrow (Saturday, May 8th) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Child Focus 7th Annual Mother's Day Tea, held at the Springs Preserve Crossroads Commons Amphitheater, 333 S. Valley View. On Sunday at 6 p.m., the Ft. Worth transplant will be performing in the Cabaret at the Liberace Museum, 1775 E. Tropicana at Spencer. 
Arshiel Calatrava with SOS 
Dangerous Curves 
ABBACADABRA At the Gold Coast, the famed show band, Society of Seven, introduces 15-year-old singer, Arshiel Calatrava, to the musical comedy act. Show times are at 7, Fridays through Sundays. For reservations, call (702) 251-3574. A perfect and appropriate Mother's Day gift will be served up tomorrow (Saturday, May 8th) at 7 p.m., in Sun City Summerlin's Starbright Theatre, by the ladies of Dangerous Curves. Girl Talk is a true potpourri of time-tested audience favorites, from classic songs by artists like the Andrews Sisters and Judy Garland, to the Billboard hits and Broadway melodies you've come to love...plus a special inspirational section dedicated to all the wonderful Moms out there. All this and more, performed by Karen Michaels, Margaret Menzies, and Lisa Smith, the fabulous girls of Dangerous Curves. Tickets are $15 for Sun City residents, and $18 for non-residents (ticket price includes LET), and may be purchased at Desert Vista, Mountain Shadows and Pinnacle community centers from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. All ticket sales are check or cash (exact change required). No credit cards accepted. Call (702) 240-1301 for more information. The Starbright Theatre is located at 2225 Thomas W. Ryan Blvd. in Sun City Summerlin. Over at the Las Vegas Hilton Theater, tomorrow and Sunday (May 8th and 9th), it's ABBACADABRA, the ultimate ABBA concert, presenting 20 of the group's greatest hits in full ABBA fashion and flair. Songs like "S.O.S.," "Super Trooper" and "Dancing Queen" are re-created with such precision, you'll swear you are listening to the originals themselves. The melodies of "Fernando" and "Chiquitita" will rekindle those feelings of first loves. "Take a Chance on Me" and "Voulez Vous" will lift you out of your seats to dance. The show is authentic in music and dress and is performed to live music that will leave you excited and melancholy, at the same time. The members of the five-and-a-half year old ABBACADABRA are Gary Raffanelli, Sandy Shelby, Fred Sampson and Lesley Green. Readers may remember Raffanelli and Selby as the musical duo known as Gary and Sandy. Performing together for 37 years, the twosome were Southern and Northern Nevada lounge favorites. Shows are at 8 p.m., with tickets priced at $29-$39 (plus tax and service charge). Please Call the Hilton Box Office at (800) 222-5361 for tickets, or click here to book online. We will let readers know about Raffanelli's non-singing life as a piano builder in next week's column. * * * * * * * 
The Edwards Twins 
Derek David's Only You 
Hudson & Saleeby From the pleasant and upbeat to the unpleasant and, in our opinion, unbelievable, comes this Las Vegas tale...
For many years, Cousin Claire has been a friend, fan and supporter of the talented Edwards Twins. We were at the, now but a memory, North Beach Café, when the identical twin brothers debut their new act - that of impersonating well-known stars. What makes these two so unique is the fact that Anthony Edwards takes on the look and persona of an assortment of male celebrities, with Elton John, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, and Stevie Wonder among them, while brother Eddie Edwards turns himself into ladies of the stage and screen, such as Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler and Cher. The twosome have done quite well for themselves, performing all around the country since joining forces professionally about two decades ago. Although both men have homes in Las Vegas, and their mother lives here, other than a couple of showcase performances in the Club Madrid at Sunset Station, Anthony and Eddie had never had any kind of ongoing Vegas show. Late last year, the duo decided that they would like to take a break from touring and find themselves a local stage where they could settle in for a while. For a short time, it seemed that they might join the Pitbull of Comedy Bobby Slayton, comic impressionist Rich Natole, and Penny Lane (a Beatles tribute revue), sharing space in the intimate upstairs venue at the Tropicana. When the Trop decided they wanted to use the former home of Bob Kephart's Comedy Stop (now conducting business at the Sahara) for something else, everyone was sent packing. The Edwards Twins went looking for another performance space, which they found at Hennessey's Tavern in downtown Las Vegas. With the help of good guy and former Boyd Gaming exec, Howard Jochsberger, they turned a vacant nondescript room in Hennessey's into a cozy little dinner-showroom and opened for business in late December. All appeared to be going well, with decent numbers, satisfied customers and good reviews from the media. In March, we were told that the fellows would be leaving "for a few months," to play some well-paying dates in and around Cape Cod, and they would be returning to Hennessey's in September or October, to pick up where they left off. For the months they were going to be gone, Anthony Edwards told us that they would be subleasing the Hennessey's theater space to singer Derek David for his show, Only You. It was suggested by us that the brothers not change the name of the room, from The Edwards Twins Showroom, to anything else, so their "brand" would still be out there for the show-going public to see. Nothing seemed amiss until we learned that the twins had no real lease agreement with Hennessey's and, therefore, could not legally sublease the space to anyone else. Nonetheless, they (or HE, depending on whose story you believe) tried to do just that. Derek David and his wife Rita were expected to pay a $2000 security deposit, plus $1000 a week, to "rent the room" at Hennessey's. They agreed to do this. The Davids plan was to redo the space to their specifications, with a classy 1940s Ciro's nightclub look, and launch their show, Only You, on Saturday, May 1st. Other than the fact that checks were not made out directly to Hennessey's, nothing about this arrangement seemed suspicious or unusual... UNTIL Hennessey's let the Davids know that they wanted them to open Only You earlier than May 1st. Why? Because, according to a Hennessey's representative, it was costing the restaurant/ brewery money while the theater space was not in operation. How could that be, if they were collecting $1000 a week in rent? It turns out that they weren't. The money was going into an Edwards Twins bank account. Derek David requested a meeting with the brothers. The meeting took place at David's office on Thursday afternoon (April 29th) at 5. Cousin Claire was asked to be there during the confrontation, but could not attend because of Friday column deadlines. Since Mr. David wanted us to be witness to the gathering, he suggested using an out of sight speaker phone so that we could eavesdrop on what took place in that office. That's what happened. For approximately 45 minutes, we listened to the conversation that took place between Derek, Rita, Hennessey's Andrew Northam, and the twins. It was evident that the brothers were caught completely off guard, both by the subject of the meeting and the fact that Mr. Northam was present. There were raised voices, claims of "a misunderstanding," and lots of denial. He wasn't renting the ROOM, claimed Anthony, but the equipment. Four thousand a month to USE lights, a soundboard and some other items? Did Mr. Edwards really think that the Davids, who are sharp business people, would agree to that, when they could BUY or use their own equipment for the job? As we had known Anthony and Eddie for more than 20 years, and had no reason (outside of some occasional exaggerations on their part), not to trust them. We were not only disappointed, but shocked at what these two (or one) tried to pull. We wanted to get an explanation on all of this and called Anthony (it is he who seems to make the business decisions for the twosome), leaving him two messages on his answering machine. We were quite surprised to get a return call from him at 11:19 p.m. on Saturday, May 1st, as earlier we had received an e-mail saying that he had just listened to the two messages we had left over the past couple of days and, because he was so busy, he would not have a chance to get back to us until the following week. We asked how things were going and what was happening in his life. According to him, everything was fine and dandy, and he was happy as a clam. When we asked specifically about downtown, Anthony continued his upbeat, positive tale and reminded us that the Davids were getting ready to open their new show that very night. When we said that we had heard there were some problems between themselves and Hennessey's and the Davids, Anthony denied that, saying everything was great. When we asked about the Thursday meeting, Anthony "didn't know what we were talking about" and denied, over and over, that he was never at a meeting with Derek, Rita and Andrew! He also let us know that all of this (whatever this is or isn't) was "none of our business." Because he had told us of his plans to return to Hennessey's, and we printed that information, we absolutely felt that it became our business. He forbid us from mentioning Derek Davids name, continued to deny any knowledge of a meeting, and told us that any relationship we ever had was over and to never call him again (we won't). He also threatened to take us to court if we wrote anything about this. Mr. Edwards should save his money on an attorney, as we have proof and witnesses that this all really happened. To tell the truth (which we always do) the conversation was frightening, as we felt we were dealing with someone with very serious mental issues. We feel that this type of behavior, and the negative publicity it might generate, could result in some serious consequences for The Edwards Twins, especially in the Las Vegas area. Apparently Anthony Edwards has never heard the saying, "It takes years to build a good reputation, and minutes to destroy it." What we still aren't clear on is whether Eddie Edwards is equally guilty in all of this, as he rarely speaks up for himself. We choose to think that he too is a victim, while some others involved in this think this is a case of "good cop, bad cop. What we know for sure is that the twins really had no intention of coming back to Hennessey's in a few months, as they gave the Davids a one year "lease" on the performance space. And the saga continues. On a more positive note, currently, the cozy cabaret/theater space at Hennessey's, never more to be known as The Edwards Twins Showroom, houses Only You, a revival of the true dinner show. Derek Davids new revue invites you to take a trip down memory lane with some of the biggest hits ever produced in the '50s and '60s. Starring David, a former member of the legendary Platters, and a collection of some of the greatest singers in Las Vegas including members of the Coasters and Marvelettes. Only You will showcase some of the most popular music in American history and dazzle audiences with such songs as "Only You," "Twilight Time," "The Great Pretender" and "What Becomes of a Broken Heart." This show will also give the audience a rare opportunity, as a never-before heard Motown-inspired track, "Obviously," will be unveiled. Only You will be performed in the intimate, newly designed showroom inside Hennessey's. "This is a resurrection of soulful music from some of the best singers in Vegas and a tribute to the original dinner show," said David, a 40-year member of the Platters. "Only You will fuse Motown, '50s music, '60s music and personal memories together to form a collaboration of good feelings." Only You showcases some of the most distinctive singers in Las Vegas - David, Rheda K. Solo of the Marvelettes, Arnold Parker of the Platters, Terrence Forsythe, Donald Pinkney, and pianist Paul Badia. Choreography is designed by the legendary Papote Varet. Show room and costume design is provided by executive producer, Baroness Rita Bliss. A three-course dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the show begins at 8 p.m. (dark on Tuesdays). Tickets are on sale at the Hennessey's Tavern Box Office, by calling (702) 382-4421, online at http://www.Vegas.com, or through Prestige Ticketing at (702) 204-5686. * * * * * * * Tomorrow at 1 p.m., there will be a memorial for the late Paul Szigety. Szigety, the producer/stage manager at the downtown Union Plaza (now known as the Plaza) during the 1970s and '80s, passed away in Las Vegas on February 1st. The service, to be held at the Community Lutheran Church, 3720 E. Tropicana Ave., in Las Vegas, will be followed by a reception at another location (maps will be available at the service), where guests will remember and share stories from the past. * * * * * * * For those who have lived in or been visiting Las Vegas since the '70s, the name Billow Blues and/or Hudson & Saleeby might be familiar. Good news. Chris Hudson and Doug Saleeby, who left our city for Memphis in 1982 to go to work for game show host, Wink Martindale, in his new restaurant/club, will be performing, in a very rare and very limited Vegas engagement at The Palazzo's Salute Lounge. The dates and hours (we hope) are from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., May 13th, 14th and 15th and 20th, 21st and 22nd. From 1975 to 1982 and their move to Tennessee, Hudson & Saleeby, an outstanding piano-playing/singing duo with beautiful harmonies, performed all over Las Vegas, including at the Riviera, Marina (now the site of the MGM Grand), the Tropicana‘s Atrium Lunge (now called Celebration), the Barge at Caesars Palace, and the Summa/Hughes properties - Sands, Desert Inn, Landmark, and Frontier- where they shared stages with acts such as Glen Smith, Billy Kay, Kelly Stevens aka Karen Nelson (Bell), and Lee Greenwood (yes, THAT Lee Greenwood!). Occasionally, the duo expanded to a small band utilizing the talents of both Paul Terry and Marty Mahoney on drums (not at the same time), and the late Steamer Adams on guitar. The piano bar, located next door to the Jersey Boys Theatre, offers nightly live entertainment featuring high-energy bands performing a variety of musical styles. Dance the night away to the sounds of rock and roll, Motown, disco, today's top hits or request your own favorites. Amid the impressive retro environment is a full-service bar and comfortable seating to relax or mingle with hottest crowd on the Las Vegas Strip. Chris and Doug say they are very excited to be back after so many years away. Get out there during one or more of their dates, and give Hudson & Saleeby a great big Las Vegas welcome! You're welcome, fellows. 
Doug Taylor 
Kristi Holden & Elizabeth Hedman And speaking of longtime Vegas music men, Doug Taylor, is playing piano at Bar Moderno in the CityCenters' ARIA. You can catch him there, Wednesdays through Sundays, from 7 to midnight, through May 23rd. When he isn't performing in places like ARIA, Taylor is much sought after for convention dates. * * * * * * * Kristi Holden's Singing Outside the Lines concert last Sunday was a winner on all fronts - the 399-seat Clark County Flamingo Library Theater was just about full, the audience got a great show, and Family Promise of Las Vegas, helping homeless families in the Valley to achieve lasting independence by mobilizing the community to provide safe shelter, meals, and support services for those in need, got some exposure for the good that they do. Between the ticket sales ($20), additional donations, and drawings for some show-themed baskets, the afternoon proved to be a financial success. If you missed this show, watch for Kristi's next turn at bat. We have a feeling that she, like Jersey Boy's Rick Faugno who has appeared in his own shows at the South Point (and who made a guest appearance in Singing Outside the Lines) could develop her own, separate from Phantom, Vegas "side show." In August, Kristi Holden will perform in a Los Angeles benefit where she will be backed by an 18-piece orchestra. We will provide more details closer to August.
Accompanying photo by Kristina Pauman of Limelight Photography. And speaking of Phantom...On Wednesday night, the 75 cast and crew members chose to celebrate Cinco de Mayo (pronounced My-O), the Mexican holiday, in their own unique and creative way. They called their celebration Cinco de Pie-O. Although everyone was supposed to contribute a pie of some sort, a few "forgot" to bring anything, but hardly anyone forgot to sample the goodies - ranging from quiche and pizza pies, to the traditional fruit and crème varieties. * * * * * * * Bernadette Peters' May 1st appearance as part of UNLV's New York Stage & Beyond series, reminds us about one of our favorite Las Vegas pairings and shows. It was August of 1989, and the place was the Crystal Room at the Desert Inn (now buried under Wynn/Encore). The co-headliners were the winsome Ms. Peters and the Boy From Oz, the late Peter Allen. We were there and have the photos to prove it. Individually, the two entertainers were top-notch. Together they were incredible. Shown with Peters and Allen, in the accompanying picture, is entertainment writer (Hollywood Reporter, Vegas Visitor), Mark Tan. Tan died in April of 1997 at the age of 60. 
Mark Tan, Peter Allen & Bernadette Peters 
Lily Tomlin & Frank Marino * * * * * * * Frank Marino and the cast of Divas Las Vegas at the Imperial Palace were very excited when they learned that comic/actress Lily Tomlin was in their audience recently. Tomlin has been a fan of Frank's for some time and took the opportunity to go see him during a visit to our city. After a show business career of more than 40 years, Lily decided that she was ready for Las Vegas and Las Vegas was ready for her. The much nominated 70-year-old Tony/Grammy/ Emmy Award-winner performed here for the first time in November, when she appeared in the Hollywood Theater at the MGM Grand. Ms. Tomlin must have liked the experience, as she just completed her third Vegas engagement. * * * * * * * On Tuesday (May 4th), comedy-magician Mac King celebrated 10 years of laughter and magic with the Mac King Comedy Magic Show at Harrah's Las Vegas. To honor this momentous occasion, Mayor Oscar Goodman declared May 4th "Mac King Day" in Las Vegas. Rick Mazer, president of Harrah's Las Vegas, presented King with a unique and appropriate cake. "Growing up in a family of magicians, magic has been my life," said King. "I am truly honored to be celebrating 10 years with The Mac King Comedy Magic Show at Harrah's Las Vegas." In the last 10 years, King has performed an incredible 5,200 shows to more than one million audience members in the main showroom at Harrah's. That translates to 2,600 days of plaid suits worn, 15,600 feet of rope used for King's famous rope trick, 270,400 playing cards, 15,600 magically appearing fig newton cookies, and 26,000 audience volunteers! As for those mysterious goldfish? Those numbers remain a secret. If you weren't one of the million people who have seen this show in the past 10 years...what are you waiting for? Show times are at 1 and 3 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. Tickets start at a reasonable $27.45. Call (702) 369-5111 for reservations. 
Mac & Jennifer King 
Liberace * * * * * * * It's Liberace Birthday Celebration Week at the museum that bears Mr. Showmanship's name. For one week only, from this Sunday through next Sunday, admission to the Liberace Museum is only $3.50, with children under 12 admitted free when accompanied by an adult. (Admission was $3.50 on the museum's opening day, April 15th, 1979.) Special expanded museum hours for the week are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Some of the weeks events include, on Mother's Day:
Abigail Varghese in the Cabaret at 12;30 p.m., Danny Wright at the piano at 1 and 6 ($20 in advance and $25 at the door for show at 6), and the Liberace film, Leapin' Lizards at 4. Monday, it's Timothy Jones and the UNLV Percussion and Marimba at 12:15, and violinist Valeri Glava at 3. Tuesday, UNLV Jazz Quartet from 10 to noon, Philip Fortenberry at the piano from 1 to 2 p.m. ($15), Glava at 2:30, Anna Nateece in Costume Gallery signing photos from 3 to 5 p.m., Liberace Movie (The World of Liberace) at 6, and Christopher Joel Carter IV playing in showroom from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Fortenberry in Liberace and Me from 1 to 2 ($15), pianist Christopher Joel Carter IV in the Costume Gallery at 3, and Travis Cloer and Ann Barr doing Gershwin at 7 p.m. (tickets $20 in advance, $25 at door). Thursday, Valeri Glava joined by Liberace Scholar Christine Riegert 1 to 2 ($10), Anna Nateece in Costume Gallery signing photos from 3 to -5, and Anna Kijanowska UNLV Faculty, Classical Piano at 6. Friday, Andy Wright UNLV String Scholars at noon, Carter in Costume Gallery at 3, Carter and Varghese in Showroom at 6. Saturday, Sirius radio broadcast (John Nash), interviewing Liberace scholars, Christopher Joel Carter IV, Philip Fortenberry, and the museum's executive staff from 10 to noon, Philip Fortenberry Show at 1 ($15), Christopher Joel Carter IV with local students in Costume Gallery at 3, and Lady "J" Huston Concert 7:30 (tickets $20 in advance, $25 at door). And rounding out the week on Sunday, May 16th, cake served in the cafe from noon to 12:30, and the Finale Celebration - with Carter, Phyllis Bell, Dave Haertel, John Kaye, Danny Wright and a special appearance by onetime Liberace protegee, quadruple-threat Domenick Allen, his wife musical theater star Leigh Zimmerman (The Producers, Chicago, Contact), and daughter, 10-year-old entertainer Cayleigh Capaldi (tickets $35, price includes complimentary champagne and hors d'oeuvres). Madame Tussauds life-size wax figure of "The King of Bling" will be on display for photo ops. There will be museum tours throughout the week and 20% off on gift shop purchases. The Liberace Museum is located at 1775 E. Tropicana Ave. (at Spencer), in Las Vegas, NV 89119. For additional information, call (702) 798-5595. 
Domenick Allen, Leigh Zimmerman & Cayleigh Capaldi 
The Four Tops * * * * * * * We got some interesting feedback following last week's item on Frediani's and the unfair dispensing of money from the tip jar. Here are a couple of the comments we received from readers. "Your story about Maggi Albisani not being paid or not even getting the money from the tip jar at Frediani's was heartbreaking. How disgusting! Thanks for exposing them." While another said, "I just read your column. Are you serious? Is that really what happened? Maggi didn't get paid and she also got stiffed on the tips? Who divvied up cash in the jar? My jaw is hanging open in disbelief." We can tell readers that days after the "guilty party' was outed, he paid Ms. Albisani $40 and apologized. There is no question in our mind that if he had not gotten backed into a corner, Maggi would have received NO money and NO apology. When we said the handwriting was on the wall, and we anticipated the demise of Frediani's, little did we know that the big change would take place within days, not months. Frediani's, as we knew it, is history. The restaurant has been sold and will now be called Happenings. We wish the new owners well and urge them to get off on the right foot and stay there. A "house cleaning" (not of dust or cobwebs, but of people) is in order. We will have more on this new venture, with some familiar names at the helm, next week. * * * * * * * Our deepest sympathies go out to Frank Rinella and, the Las Vegas Review-Journal's restaurant critic, Heidi Knapp Rinella, on the loss of their 25-year-old daughter, Aynsley. Aynsley Jean Rinella died in a single-car accident on April 10th. A gathering at St. Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 204 S. Boulder Highway in Henderson, will begin at 7 this evening. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Drivers Edge, 7435 S. Eastern, Suite 5-165, Las Vegas 89123. * * * * * * * The Four Tops, whose meteoric rise to fame began with their 1964 Motown hit "Baby I Need Your Loving," bring their soulful songs to The Orleans Showroom this weekend. One of the few groups to have hits in three consecutive decades, The Four Tops' songs were splashed across the pop and R&B music charts from the 1960s through the 1980s. "I Can't Help Myself," a 1965 R&B and pop smash, is one of Motown's longest-running chart toppers. In the years that followed, The Four Tops continued to produce anthems that defined a generation, including such favorites as "It's The Same Old Song," "Reach Out I'll Be There," "Standing in the Shadows of Love" and "Bernadette." Their extraordinary run of classics continued with "Shake Me, Wake Me," "Ain't No Woman" and "When She Was My Girl," which went to No. 1 in 1981. Over the years, The Four Tops' fame grew as they teamed with Motown's top female group, The Supremes, post-Diana Ross. Billing themselves "The Magnificent Seven" for a series of albums, they hit with a cover of "River Deep - Mountain High." Later the group partnered with "Queen of Soul" and longtime friend Aretha Franklin to produce the Top 40 R&B hit "If Ever A Love There Was." Audiences also know the tunes of The Four Tops from their R&B hit "Are You Man Enough," from the movie Shaft in Africa, and the song "Back To School Again," heard in the film Grease 2. Their final solo Top 40 hit, "Indestructible," was heard around the globe as the theme of the 1988 Summer Olympics, held in Seoul, South Korea. In 1990, with 24 Top 40 pop hits to their credit, The Four Tops were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Pegged among the greatest artists of all time by Rolling Stone, The Four Tops have performed a nearly non-stop string of tour dates, dazzling adoring fans with their signature sound. Shows are tonight (Friday, May 7th), tomorrow and Sunday at 8 p.m. Tickets are from $39.95, plus tax and convenience fees, and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at (702) 365-7075, or visiting www.orleanscasino.com. Save on convenience fees by purchasing the tickets in person at Coast Casinos. Look for local sax (and other horns) man, Steve Golden (who also plays in Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show at the Sahara), in the orchestra.
* * * * * * * 
Ronnie Rose 
Steve March Torme 
Col. Wally Carson Ronnie Rose may be "Singing the Blues" (thank you, Guy Mitchell), but it's not because he can't find work. The blues and R&B singer is busy, busy, busy. On Mondays, May 17th and 31st, from 5 to 10 p.m., Rose entertains in the upscale Range Steakhouse at Harrah's. Enjoy the Strip views, fine dining and the music of Ronnie Rose. On Thursdays, May 13th, 20th and 27th, from 7 to 10 p.m., you can find Ronnie at Daddy Mac's, 2920 N. Green Valley Parkway (near Sunset). Call (702) 272-0913 for (suggested) reservations. May 5th, 7th, and 8th, Rose is at Mandalay Bay's House of Blues Restaurant at 9 p.m. On Sundays, the 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th, he is at the same place, with shows starting at 8 p.m. * * * * * * * Tonight at 8 (pre-show at 7), the City of Henderson presents the United States Coast Guard Band, under the direction of Commander Kenneth W. Megan, in a special performance that includes star soloists, the celebrated Masters of Swing and majestic literature for wind ensemble. The concert, held at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water Street, will feature an entertaining arrangement of songs from the long-running Broadway favorite, "The Fantasticks," trumpet soloists in "Under Gypsy Skies," a collection of songs from Oscar-winning film scores, as well as works by John Philip Sousa, Jules Massenet and Samuel Barber. The U.S. Coast Guard Band is the premier ensemble of the United States Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security. In addition to annual regional tours in the United States, the Band has performed in the former Soviet Union, Canada, England, and in 2008 became the first premier American military band to tour Japan. When not traveling, the Band is based at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. * * * * * * * In a loving tribute to his father Mel Torme, the multi-talented musician, Steve March Torme, brings Totally Torme to the Suncoast Showroom for two performances, at 7:30 p.m. on May 8th and 9th. Backed by a jazz quartet, young Tormé brings the music and legend of his father to the forefront, performing songs long associated with Mel's celebrated career in the music and entertainment industry. Never-before-seen photography and video of the father and son are featured in the tribute, completing the "Totally Torme experience. Having a famous father isn't all that Steve March Torme is known for. An entertainer and recording artist in his own right, Torme's voice has been described as "seductive" and "effortless" with "a natural ability to connect with audiences." He began his recording career in the late '70s with his first LP, Lucky, followed by producing and singing on Liza Minnelli's release Tropical Nights. On a recommendation by mega-producer Quincy Jones, Torme was tapped to be one of three featured singers for the vocal group Full Swing, which released their own album and toured internationally. Following the tour, Torme left the group to pursue a solo career, releasing several recordings including, Swingin' at the Blue Moon Bar & Grille, The Night I Fell For You, The Essence of Love, So Far and Straighten Up and Fly Right, which highlights a live duet between Steve and his father, showcasing an improvised "scat" lesson between student and teacher. His latest CD, inside/out, is a set of 12 original tunes penned by Torme, where he is not only the singer, but also keyboardist and guitarist. A well-rounded entertainer, Tormé also acted in a mini-series for RAI (Italian) television, as well as a number of variety and music programs, including a three-year stint as a featured singer on $100,000 Name That Tune. He also hosted two Los Angeles-based television programs, Video 22 and Box Office America. Tormé currently hosts his own radio show, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons on the Music of Your Life network (www.musicofyourlife.com). Tickets for his Suncoast shows are available, starting from $19.95, plus tax and convenience fees, and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at (702) 365-7075 or visiting www.orleanscasino.com. Save on convenience fees by purchasing the tickets in person at any Coast Casino. * * * * * * * Who says you can't go home again? It certainly wasn't Nelson Sardelli. Mr. Sardelli, of F.I.O.R.E. (Fun Italians Organizing Ridiculous Events, although you don't have to be Italian or too ridiculous to join in the fun) fame, wants it known that, after four months of arduous negotiations, two tons of pasta and 300 gallons of cappuccino espresso, the non club club, described by many (okay, one) as "the world's classiest and most exclusive club ever" (you got a problem with that?), the non existent board of non directors of the non club club F.I.O.R.E., and the no nonsense directors of the Italian American Club, have reached an agreement which they believe is a good deal for all the parties concerned. Henceforth, the meetings and events of the non club club F.I.O.R.E. will, once again, be held at the Italian American Club, 2333 E. Sahara. The next gathering (men only, please) will be this Thursday, May 13th, at 11:30 a.m. Guest speaker will be Colonel Wally Carson (retired). This American hero will share interesting and historical stories that start here in Las Vegas in 1926 and go through World War II, Korea and Vietnam. A question and answer period will follow. Gentlemen, mark your calendars. Check out http://www.nonclubclubfiore.com/index.htm. And speaking of Nelson Sardelli, another of his family members, daughter Giovanna Sardelli, is in the news again. Although she calls New York home, the young lady is directing the West Coast premiere of Matthew Lopez's The Whipping Man, at the Old Globe Theater in San Diego, tomorrow through June 13th. Set in Virginia following the final days of the Civil War, a Jewish Confederate soldier returns to his childhood home, only to find it in ruins and occupied by his former slaves who are preparing for a Seder. Immediately after San Diego, Giovanna returns to New York City to direct a major off-Broadway play. More details on that will soon be on the way. 
Giovanna Sardelli & Matthew Lopez 
Gene Wilder * * * * * * * We especially like the new AT&T commercial, featuring Gene Wilder singing the Anthony Newley/Leslie Bricusse song, "Pure Imagination," from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Just as it is supposed to do, this 30 seconds (or even better, expanded to 60 seconds) will take you back to your childhood in a clever, creative and entertaining way. http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/watch?v=CEcvi9hzWXs&feature=topvideos * * * * * * * Let it be known throughout the land...Any press releases not received by Wednesday afternoon will either be used the following week or not at all. NO EXCEPTIONS! Signed (most respectfully), Claire Voyant
Tags: Happy Mother's Day Kristen Hertzenberg Satterwhite & Shea Ali Spuck & Kri
Displaying keen perception and great insight.
She’s a little bit naughty. She’s a little bit nice.
She calls ‘em like she sees (and hears) ‘em.
She’s...
Claire Voyant
Las Vegas - April 30/May 1, 2010 Cousin Claire got hung up yesterday, due to a hangnail.  Michael Buble  Sierra Boggess  Vita Corimbi Michael Buble fans should be delighted to learn that the young crooner will be making a rare Las Vegas appearance on August 28th, when he brings his Crazy Love Tour to the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Presented by Nordstrom, the multi-Grammy Award-winning artist will perform hits such as "Haven't Met You Yet" and "Crazy Love" on this tour. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the show starting at 8. Tickets are $95, $75 and $55. Prices include 5% Live Entertainment Tax (plus a $7 handling fee). Call (877) 880-0880 for reservations. * * * * * * * The star of Andrew Lloyd Webber's latest production, Love Never Dies, has some Vegas history. Sierra Boggess, is currently starring as Christine Daae in Love Never Dies, the sequel to Sir Andrew's The Phantom of the Opera, which officially opened at London's West End Adelphi Theatre on March 9th. Sierra, who was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, graduated from Illinois' Millikin University with a BFA in musical theater. Now 27, the young lady began her career as an understudy for Cosette on the U.S. national tour of Les Miserables. She also originated the roles of Binky and Ram Dass in the musical Princesses. Other work includes West Side Story (Maria), The Pirates of Penzance (Mabel), Sweet Charity (Charity Hope Valentine) and The Boy Friend (Polly). Sierra's big break came in June of 2006, when she got the role of Christine Daae in Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian. In 2007, she originated the role of Ariel in the Broadway adaptation of the 1989 film, The Little Mermaid, for which she received critical acclaim. Boggess ended her role as Ariel on May 31st, 2009. Her understudy, Chelsea Morgan Stock, then took over the part. In 2009, Sierra also starred in the Encores! production of Music in the Air, which ran from February 5th through 8th, at the New York City Center. * * * * * * * We missed Master Magician Lance Burton's appearance on Craig Ferguson's The Late, Late Show last night (Thursday, April 29th), as we were at the Liberace Museum, in the audience at the Composers Showcase (one of our very favorite, very special Las Vegas things-to-do). Thursday's showcase was sensational, with too many high points to mention, although we will try to identify some. Keith Thompson, who along with Michael Brennan, is the founder and guiding force behind the Composers Showcase, opened with one of his originals, "Take Me Back." He was accompanied by a number of musicians and backup singers. Vita Corimbi, always a treat for the mostly show folk audience, accompanied herself on piano doing a number called "I'm Going On a Game Show." Surprise. Surprise. She really IS going to be on a game show! We will let readers know when they can see Vita on Don't Forget the Lyrics, hosted by Sugar Ray's lead singer, Mark McGrath. We really hope she doesn't forget the lyrics. Jersey Boys' Kristofer McNeeley sang a lovely original, "Baby Mine," to his very pregnant wife, singer Ali Spuck. The Lion King's Monique Midgette sang Richard Oberacker's "You Love You" ("It don't matter who you love, as long as you love you"). Pianist Danny Wright played two beautiful original compositions, "Quietly As I Sleep" and "My Miracle." With Philip Fortenberry at the piano, soprano Joan Sobel sang Keith Thompson's inspiring, "Keep Hope Alive," and Kissy Simmons of The Lion King, backed by nine singers, gave a rousing hand-clapping, foot-stomping version of Thompson's gospel number, "I Will Walk with Jesus." It was enough to make a non-believer believe! The May edition of the Composers Showcase will launch the fifth year of one of Las Vegas' best kept secrets...the other being, "Who said ‘yes' to the idea of the profit making (although not for the city or county) Las Vegas Walk of Stars."  Kissy Simmons  Danny Wright  Lady "J" Huston A showcase newcomer is Danny Wright. Wright, who moved to Las Vegas from Fort Worth, Texas, in December, was only four when he reached up and played the theme from Dr. Zhivago on the piano in the family's living room. Recognizing an exceptional gift, his parents arranged for him to study under the respected professor, Dr. Harris Cavender. Since that time, Danny's life has consisted of his love of music, the piano and his desire to share his gift with others. His warm, outgoing personality, combined with extraordinary talent, has enabled him to touch millions of listeners through his recordings and concerts. Trained as a classical pianist, Wright composes and performs original compositions that are blended with various influences including contemporary jazz, classical and neoclassical. CD Review describes his original compositions as "...fluidly crafted, backed up by exquisite musicianship." Wright also performs his own arrangements of Christian, Broadway and film classics by well-loved composers. When not in the studio recording, Danny performs in concert, both solo and as a guest artist with pops symphonies, and has appeared in concert at top venues from the Berklee Performance Center in Boston, to the Schoenberg Hall in Los Angeles. Many of his titles charted in Billboard Magazine with Danny Wright Healer of Hearts achieving Top 10 status and reaching No. 2 and staying on the chart for months. In 2006, Danny released An Intimate Christmas with Atlantic Records. With 31 recordings and millions of albums sold, it is fair to assume that Danny Wright's music is playing somewhere around the world at any given time. Wright has sold more than five million CDs since his debut album in 1986. He has twice been named by Billboard as a Top 10 artist in his genre. Danny was brought to Las Vegas by the new Aria Hotel in City Center, where he has performed. He has also played in the Petrossian Lounge at Bellagio. Danny will perform at the Liberace Museum, today, May 1st at 1 p.m., and again on Mother's Day Sunday, the 9th, at 6 p.m. On May 16th, at 4 p.m., Wright will perform at Grace in the Desert Episcopal Church, 2004 Spring Gate Lane in Summerlin. We suggest checking out this fine musician. And speaking of the Liberace Museum, on Saturday, May 15th at 7:30 p.m., singer, songwriter, trumpeter, Lady "J" Huston, will perform there in the intimate cabaret. Originally from St. Louis, and now a Las Vegan, Lady "J" has toured with Blues Hall of Fame Inductee, Albert "Blues Boy "King, and has shared the stage with Bobby Blue Bland, Etta James, B.B. King, Bill Pinkney's Original Drifters and other International acts. Lady "J" has received many accolades, including that as 2009's Best Blues Performer Winner by the Black Music Association (BMA) of Las Vegas. She was part of Season 3's America's Got Talent All Stars which aired on NBC, attracting 25 million viewers in the U.S. and around the world. Lady "J" is referenced in the Marquis Who's Who of American Women, Who's Who in America, Who's Who in the World, and Who's Who in Finance & Business. In addition to her May 15th date at the Liberace Museum, Lady "J" can also be seen in Las Vegas at the Clark County Amphitheater, Saturday, May 1st at noon, and at the Blues Festival at Lake Las Vegas, on the same day at 6 p.m. * * * * * * * Arshiel Calatrava is a 15-year-old, straight "A" freshman from Farrington High School in Honolulu, Hi. Today, that would be impressive enough, but this young lady might be the new, young voice of the Islands. Arshiel began singing at the age of four, later taking professional lessons to hone her craft. She enjoys playing her favorite instruments, particularly the guitar and piano. She had the honor of performing with the legendary Don Ho, when the late entertainer gave Arshiel the opportunity to sing twice a week at the Beachcomber Hotel in Waikiki. In November 2008, a video of Arshiel was picked for a cameo spot on Oprah Winfrey's "Most Talented Kids." At the celebration of the 50th Statehood in August 2009, this Filipina sensation blew the audience away with her powerful rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" which was featured on KHNL news NBC. Handpicked by Hawaii's Governor Linda Lingle's office, Arshiel was invited to be the only performer at the International Women's Leadership Conference that ended the ceremony with a standing ovation. Recently she was featured on a new local television show, Entertain Me, on FOX TV network. She is currently working on her debut album. Visitors and locals alike will have the opportunity to see and hear this amazing young talent, when Rosy Cheeks Entertainment proudly presents Arshiel as a special guest with veteran entertainers, Society of Seven, over Mother's Day weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 7th through 9th. Shows are in the Gold Coast Casino showroom at 7 p.m. For these three nights, Arshiel joins SOS's seven talented male performers, filling in for American Idol star, Jasmine Trias, who is taking some time off. The family-friendly, high-energy variety show features comedy sketches, celebrity impersonations, dance and live musical numbers, including everything from popular standards and Broadway hits to Top 40 favorites. Tickets start at $34.95 plus tax and fees. For reservations, call the Gold Coast box office at (702) 251-3574.  Arshiel Calatrava  Dick Contino  Jimmy Hopper * * * * * * * We have to wonder who, for the past number of years anyway, is minding the store or, more specifically, who puts together the print ads for the local San Gennaro Feast. Cousin Claire finds it most interesting that some Italians apparently can't take care of their own. As an example...Accordion virtuosos, Dick Contino, who regularly lends his talent to the annual event, has had his name misspelled in those ads for years. At 80, Contino, often called "The World's Greatest Accordionist," continues to perform at San Gennaro and other Italian festivals around the country. He also appears frequently at the Avi Resort & Casino in Laughlin; is a frequent guest (along with the likes of Pete Barbutti, Julius LaRosa and Deana Martin) in Frankie Randall's That's Italian, the music and comedy revue that has played all around the country, including at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, Trump's Marina Hotel in Atlantic City, the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Chicago, the Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale, the Cerritos Performing Arts Center in Southern California, and the Foxwood Resort in Connecticut; and performs at places such as the yearly Cotati Accordion Festival. The 2010 festival, the 20th annual, will take place on Saturday and Sunday, August 21st and 22nd. The popular event, held outdoors, under the oak trees of the central Cotati plaza, attracts between two and three-thousand visitors a day. When she was but a girl, Cousin Claire remembers attending the taping (or whatever they did in the early ‘50s) of a radio show out of Hollywood, on which Mr. Contino was a guest. We were very impressed with his rendition of "Lady of Spain." Contino, who first entertained Las Vegas audiences at the old El Rancho in 1950, has called this city his home since 1973. We think he has more than earned the right to have his name spelled correctly. * * * * * * * Brittany Markarian, former Public Relations Manager at the Tropicana, is now Public Relations & Social Media Specialist at the Three Square Food Bank. If you are a regular reader of this column (and isn't everybody?), you probably already know that Pietra Sardelli, daughter of Nelson Sardelli, is also affiliated with Three Square. Ms. Sardelli is Three Square's On Site Events Manager. * * * * * * * We took a couple of guesses, in last weeks column, as to where Cirque du Soleil's next Las Vegas production, based on the life and career of Michael Jackson, might turn up in 2012. We named the Luxor, current home of Criss Angel's Believe, and the Monte Carlo, where magician Lance Burton will perform until early September. We would now like to add a third possibility to the mix. We are hearing stories that the Jackson-themed show, could very well find a home at Mandalay Bay, where Disney's landmark musical, The Lion King, now resides...unless the powers that be, whoever they are, decide to keep the King around longer than originally planned. Frankly, we hope that happens. * * * * * * * Former Las Vegas resident, entertainer Jimmy Hopper, headlines Street Life, the Hansen House Benefit at the Concert Venue at Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City, on Thursday, May 6th, beginning at 7;30 p.m. Hopper also performed at the 2006 and 2007 Street Life concerts. All proceeds from the concert will benefit Hansen House, two, 24-bed residential treatment halfway houses (one for men and one for women) located at 411 Aloe Street in Galloway Township, NJ. A private charitable 501(C)3 non-profit corporation, Hansen House treats the diseases of alcoholism and drug addiction, providing clients with the tools and skills needed to live productive and responsible lives. Street Life is produced by Melanie Rice and Bob Fowler, with well-known Philadelphia entertainer, Eddie Bruce, serving as Master of Ceremonies. In addition to Hopper, other featured Street Life performers include Dane Anthony, Howard Issacson, Patti Balbo, Cibon Jackson, Mia Bergmann, Paul Jost, Patty Blee, Geri Mingori, Eddie Bruce, Kristina Pruitt, Bugzy, Melanie Rice, Bob Fowle, Cathy Rocco (whose sister Connie lives in Las Vegas and is married to sportscaster, Al Bernstein), Kathy Fowler, Gina Roche, Alex Glover, Erika Schiff, Jennifer Hansen, Suze Schneider, Bob Sterling and Bobby Hunter. The inaugural concert in 2005, and the accompanying CDs, were the brainchild of Northfield's Nina Soifer. Tickets for the concert are $25 per person, and $150 for VIP seating which includes a dessert reception with the musicians after the show. Tickets may be purchased online at www.hansenhouse.org. For more information, call (609) 402-7684. The next night, Friday, May 7th, Jimmy Hopper will perform in a dinner show in the House of Blues Music Hall at Harrah's Showboat in Atlantic City. Enjoy an evening of great food and entertainment. Showboat's culinary staff is sure to delight while Hopper, a favorite Las Vegas performer, takes the stage with his trademark Rock meets Opera, Classical meets Broadway show. Space is limited for this one-night only event. Price is $75 per person, with doors opening at 6:45 p.m. and show starting at 7. For additional information, call (609) 236-BLUE (2583). * * * * * * *  Dionne Warwick  Tommy Thompson & Jeannie Snow  Charly Raymond Connie Francis and Dionne Warwick, along with producer Eric Floyd, are in New York, today through Friday, where they will make the rounds of radio and television talk shows to promote their upcoming engagement at the Las Vegas Hilton. In a musical first, Warwick and Francis will perform together when they take to the Hilton stage, May 21st through 23rd, in Floyd's Divas of Stage. On Thursday, the threesome will appear on The Joy Behar Show (9 p.m. ET on CNN's sister network, HLN). Joy Behar, for those who live in a cave on a very remote island, is also one of the hosts on ABC's all-girl daytime gabfest, The View. And speaking of the Divas of Stage, Warwick and Francis will be accompanied by a real live 25-piece orchestra that includes four saxophones, two trombones, three trumpets, guitar, bass, percussion, two keyboards, violin, viola, drums and even a harp. In addition to the ladies' own traveling rhythm sections, some of the local players are, on trumpets, Lance Aguirre, Martin King and Andy Ray; Joey Farina on trombone; Steve Johnson on tenor saxophone; Elaine Thomas, violin; Ed Paliotta, guitar; and Chris Farina playing bass. We will have the names of the Divas' traveling musicians next week. * * * * * * * Last Sunday, we were busy both day and night. In the afternoon, we made our very first visit to the Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant on Paradise Road. We were there to support statesman, Lou Toomin, who is running for Senate District 15. Lou does not call himself a politician as, "A politician and statesman differ in their connotations; politician is more often derogatory, and statesman laudatory. Politician suggests the schemes and devices of a person who engages in (esp. small) politics for party ends or for one's own advantage (as a dishonest politician), while Statesman suggests the eminent ability, foresight, and unselfish patriotic devotion of a person dealing with (esp. important or great) affairs of state (as a distinguished statesman)." It seems that Statesman Toomin has lots of friends, as the joint was jumping! There was plenty of music, led by saxophone/horn player, Tommy Thompson, with Jeannie Snow (whose first name we misspelled last week) on vocals. Band mates included Gary Olds on drums. Lots of the pros in attendance got up to do a number or two, among them Terrence Forsythe (a member of Only You, opening at Hennessey's in downtown Las Vegas tonight), Ronnie Rose, Janicey "Lady Day" Brar, and trumpet player Charly Raymond among them. And speaking of Janicey Brar, she will perform at the Catalina Bar & Grill, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood, with the United Jazz Quintet, this Wednesday, May 5th. If you love Billie Holiday, then you'll love "Lady Day" Brar impersonating one of the world's most legendary jazz artists. Janicey has won numerous awards for her tribute to Holiday, including a BMA nomination for Best Jazz Impersonation. Hear Janicey bring back the sound and aura of Billie Holiday, and hear her sing her self-penned, "Never Felt Love." Tickets are $15, plus dinner or a two drinks minimum required. Doors open for dinner 90 minutes before the first show and 30 minutes before the second show. All ticket sales are final. For more information, including show times, as well as ticket sales, call the Catalina Bar & Grill at (323) 466-2210.  Janicey "Lady Day" Brar  Maggi Albisani  Carrie Underwood On Sunday evening, we were at Frediani's in Henderson to see and hear singer Maggi Albisani. Maggi, and the musicians backing her - Joe Darro, Jimmy Racey, Robbie Robinson, and Norm Ross - did a fine job, as did some special guest singers, including handsome young San Diegan Jonathan Karrant; Joe LaVigna, "The Singing Chef;" and Victor Moea, but we have some serious issues with the disorganized operation of this establishment. Although any and all of Frediani's promo says to call for reservations, you can call and call until the cows come home (you know how long that can take), and NEVER get a real human on the phone. What you get, instead, is an answering machine. It seems pointless to leave a number in the hopes of getting a return call, as, although we left more than one pleading message, we never heard back from anybody. Therefore, we had no idea that the place would be pretty much filled up by guests who were attending a surprise birthday party for one of the restaurant‘s owners. We have no problem with that, except for the fact, the few open places, for uninvited birthday guests, were in sections where you could hear, but not see, what was happening on stage. Our group of six begrudgingly chose to stay anyway, in the hopes that when some of the party guests departed, we could move to a place where we could see as well as hear what was going on. That's what happened...more than an hour after the show started. There were about two dozen folks who came to Frediani's specifically to see Maggi, billed as "The sultry Italian singer from the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn." Among those people were producer Eric Floyd, his beautiful singer/actress wife, Wanda Dee, and their assistant, Amoura. During the performance, courtesy of the Floyds, Amoura dropped almost $200 in the tip jar in front of the piano. After the entertainment had ended, and the band members had left the building, Cousin Claire made a comment to Maggi about her generous fans making such a large contribution to her evenings' take, only to learn that the featured performer that night, Miss Albisani, had received NONE of the money that was deposited in the jar, primarily for her. We were also even MORE surprised to find out that Albisani was unable to collect her small salary for the work she did that evening. To tell a performer, AFTER, they have done their job, that they will have to wait a few days for their money, is inexcusable and unforgivable. Not that it even matters WHAT kind of a job she did, but we might mention that this lady doesn't just get up on stage and sing easy little ballads. She, to quote Donna Summer, "Works Hard for the Money!" In our eyes, unless there are some drastic changes and immediate improvements made, the handwriting is on the wall for Frediani's. We predict, as we did for both the now closed Caylix Jazz Supper Club and DeStefano's, Frediani's will cease operation within a few months. * * * * * * * If you wanted to see Carrie Underwood at The Orleans Arena on May 22nd, and you don't already have your tickets for the concert, you won't be seeing her in Las Vegas this time around. American Idol's fourth season winner, Underwood, has completely sold out the 7,500-seat arena. Since her Idol win in 2005, the 27-year-old has become a multi-platinum selling recording artist, a multiple Grammy Award-winner, was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, is a three-time Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association Female Vocalist winner, and the current ACM Entertainer of the year. She is the first ever female artist to win back-to-back Academy of Country Music (ACM) awards for Entertainer of the year (2009/2010). Proves the theory, when you snooze, you lose. * * * * * * * Reminder...
This Sunday at 2 p.m., it's Kristi Holden, Singing Outside the Lines as she performs in her own show at the Clark County Flamingo Library Theater, 1401 E. Flamingo, just east of Maryland Parkway). Kristi will be accompanied by Philip Fortenberry on piano (Philip, associate musical director for Jersey Boys, is also the musical director for Kristi's show); Don Meoli, also from Jersey Boys, on drums; Jersey Boys' Kevin Stout on guitar; Tyler Williams, from Wynn's Le Reve, on bass and upright bass; and Elizabeth Hedman, in from Los Angeles, on violin. She will be joined by some of her talented friends and fellow Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular cast mates, including Don Bellamy, Bruce Ewing, Ben Hale, Kristen Hertzenberg, Luke Lazzaro, Nicole Pryor, Andrew Ragone, Joan Sobel, and Danielle White, as well as Rick Faugno from Jersey Boys. Renown tap dancer and teacher, Tony Coppola, will be a special guest in Kristi‘s show. A $20 donation is requested, with proceeds going to benefit Family Promise of Las Vegas. For tickets or additional information, call (702) 245-0992, or visit www.FamilyPromiseLVTickets.com.  Kristi Holden  Cork Proctor * * * * * * * Got a call from Cork Proctor last Saturday night. He was between shows at Bob Kephart's Comedy Stop Café & Cabaret at the Tropicana in Atlantic City. The veteran comic has been sharing the bill with fellow funnymen, Kevin Downey Jr. and Brian McFadden, since Monday the 19th. They closed on Sunday to make room for Michael Yungcho, Alicia Cooper and Jim Carroll, in through May 2nd. Cork describes the Comedy Stop room in Atlantic City as the nicest club he has ever worked...and in his decades long career as an entertainer, he has played in plenty of them. * * * * * * * Another Reminder...
The historic downtown California Hotel and Casino will celebrate May Day with their 13th Annual Lei Day Polynesian Festival, today, May 1st, and tomorrow, Sunday, May 2nd, beginning at 9 a.m. both days. The annual Polynesian festival brings together musicians, dancers, artists, craftsmen and food and beverage vendors to showcase the very best of Hawaii. Entry to the two- day event is FREE. Throughout the festivities, a continual flow of Hawaiian and Polynesian musicians and dancers will entertain attendees. Special demonstrations and activities are also planned to highlight Hawaiian culture. Traditional Hawaiian dishes and delicacies will also be available for purchase including kalua pig, lau lau, poi, beef teriyaki sticks and hot malasadas. A special concert will be held this evening at 7:15 p.m., featuring Hawaiian recording artists Darren Benitez and Eric Lee, along with singer, television personality, and American Idol Season 2 Top 36 Finalist, Jordan Segundo. This concert is a paid event and tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Advanced tickets may be purchased at the California Hotel BConnected Players Club or by calling (702) 388-2705. On Sunday, the annual "Island Fever Block Party," will be held on the festival grounds featuring local bands and non-stop entertainment. This is a free event. Parking is available adjacent to the California Hotel and Casino (at Stewart and Main Street.) 
California Hotel May-Lei Day 
"Little" Jimmy Scott * * * * * * * One week from today, on Saturday, May 8th, Jazz in the Park, sponsored by Clark County Parks & Recreation, will present vocalist "Little" Jimmy Scott at the Clark County Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway in downtown Las Vegas. Scott has Kallmann's syndrome, a genetic condition that prevented him from reaching puberty, leaving him with a high, undeveloped voice in the contralto range, hence his nickname "Little" Jimmy Scott. He first rose to national prominence in the Lionel Hampton Band when he sang lead on the late 1940s hit "Everybody's Somebody's Fool," recorded in December 1949, and which became a top ten R&B hit in 1950. Credit on the label, however, went to a 'male vocalist', a slight to his talent and a blow to his career. A similar professional insult occurred several years later, when his vocal on "Embraceable You" with Charlie Parker, on the album One Night in Birdland, was credited to female vocalist Chubby Newsome. It was Scott's extraordinary phrasing and romantic feeling that made him a favorite singer of fellow artists like Billie Holiday, Ray Charles, Dinah Washington and Nancy Wilson. Show starts at 8 p.m. And here is a bonus. There is no charge to see Jimmy Scott.
Tags: Michael Buble Sierra Boggess Vita Corimbi Kissy Simmons Danny Wright La
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