Archive for March, 2010

As many of you are aware, this reporter has been very fortunate to meet, and get to know, many important people in this crazy world of ours. I rubbed shoulders and worked with some of the best, from former heavyweight champions Joe Louis to Muhammad Ali, to Presidents including George H.W. Bush (our 41^st President) and Jimmy Carter (our 39^th President). I’ve met and hung out with many celebrities, from Robert Goulet, Sammy Davis, Jr., The Man himself (Frank Sinatra) to Bill Cosby and Robert Culp.

The unexpected death of Culp on Wednesday reminded me of a strange week I had in 1970, when I was working for a public relations firm in Las Vegas.  A group of investors from Boston had been given the rights to build the first gambling casino in downtown Athens, Greece. They contacted our firm and asked if we could handle the Grand Opening, and could we get some celebrities to attend. Well, of course, we could and we were given the contract. Our job was to get 20 to 30 celebrities and columnists to spend a week in Greece. How tough is that? We ended up with 23 big name stars and journalists including Culp, Cosby, Lloyd Bridges, Donald O’Connor, Tippi Hedren, Sheldon Leonard and Robert Ryan to name a few.

We chartered an American Airlines jet from Los Angeles to Boston, where we stayed for two days. A huge party was held at a major Boston hotel, where a real red carpet awaited the arrival of the stars. It was truly a gala! We also attended another private party at a famous fish house (can’t remember the name of the hotel or the fish house, sorry about that), where we were given the royal treatment and some of the biggest darn Lobsters I had ever seen. Culp and Cosby were still hot from their television series, “I Spy,” which had just ended after a three year run. And, two nicer people would be hard to find excep,t for perhaps, Mr. Bridges and his wife, Dorothy.

I remember waiting for the arrival of the various limos, which were bringing the celebrities to the Los Angeles International Airport. Cosby arrived, I believe with his wife, Camille, and Culp was with his wife, France Nuyen (a beautiful French-born actress). The Bridge’s arrived with their sons, Beau and Jeff (who had come along to see their parents off). It was quite an emotional scene, when both sons reached around their father, hugged him and then kissed him on the cheek. Lloyd returned the hug and kiss (this was absolutely a new experience for me, seeing two adult men kissing each other on the cheeks)

While in Greece, Bridges visited the United States Naval base in Athens, after the Gala opening, and took Culp and Cosby with him. From what I was told later, they (Culp and Cosby), had more fun at the naval base, than they had the rest of their visit in Athens. Everyone was housed in the new Athens Hilton Hotel and the Grand Opening was fantastic.

Oh, yeah, lest I forget, on the trip over from Boston to Athens, we flew on a chartered Olympic Airlines jet (owned by the late Aristotle Onassis). Believe it or not, we ran out of liquor midway over the Atlantic Ocean, and we were stuck having to drink the only booze left on the jet, a very powerful Greek drink, Ouzo. Needless to say, we were feeling no pain as we departed the jet to go through customs. But, I must say, everyone enjoyed their week in Athens.

One night, after the Gala opening, Mr. Onassis invited everyone to have dinner at a nightclub he owned, near a beautiful lake just outside of town. Entertainment included a band, singers and some dancers. Well, just as they started dancing, the waiters brought piles of white plates to all the tables (it was a private party by the way). We were told to start tossing the plates towards the dance floor. To this day, I have no idea how or why this custom was started. We did as we were asked, and the floor was soon a pile of broken plates. We were also invited, on another evening, aboard Onassis’ huge yacht, which was anchored in the harbor. Mrs. Onassis (Jacqueline Kennedy) was the most gracious hostess and greeted everyone as we boarded the ship from the motorboats.

Oh, yes, the casino was sold to a group of new investors after the third day of its opening. I also received a very nice bonus upon returning to Las Vegas.

I thought you would enjoy this little bit of my history. Let me know if you would like to hear more short stories about my many encounters, etc.

Robert Culp, August 16, 1930—March 24, 2010.

Well, gang, that’s about it for another week. I’m outa here!

My good friend, Bob Kephart, producer of the Comedy Stop at the Sahara Hotel, called the other day and gave me a rundown on the comics for this coming week. Kephart, for those who are unfamiliar with the name, is the founder of the Comedy Stop at the Tropicana Hotel/Casino, Atlantic City, where it has been for more than 26 solid years. In 1992, Bob opened the Comedy Stop at the Las Vegas Tropicana Hotel, where the club remained, doing two shows nightly, for more than 18 years. In July 2009, the Comedy Stop moved to the Congo Room at the Sahara Hotel.

One of the major reasons the Comedy Stop has been so successful, both here in our village, and Atlantic City, is that Kephart maintains a hands-on approach to his clubs, and possesses “a gift” for being able to spot raw comedic talent when he sees it. Bob has taken such unknowns as Ray Romano, Brett Butler, Rosie O’Donnell and Drew Carey, to name just a few, and helped them develop their acts. Of course, the above mentioned stars went on to television and comedy stardom.

Over the years, Kephart’s reputation for running a tight club, and for giving up-and-coming young comedians a chance to work, has grown to such an extent that he no longer is out there searching for talent to work his clubs.

“In the beginning, it was really hard lining up good comics,” Kephart said. “Now that I’ve had clubs running very successfully, for all these years, my reputation has also grown. Now I have them knocking at my door searching me out.”

With all the performers he has lined up over the years, Bob is in the enviable position of being able to present a rotating cast of comedians, without compromising quality. The Comedy Stop is now located in the Sahara Showroom on the casino level (two weeks ago they moved from the upstairs Congo Room) with its regular 9 p.m. nightly show. Kephart continues to maintain his policy of three headline comedians every week, seven-nights a week.

Opening Monday, March 22, and performing through March 28, will be Comic Magician, Michael Finney, Tommy Blaze and Anton Shuford. Finney earned one of the highest honors in the field of magic by the Academy of Arts, when he was named “Comedy Magician of the Year,” in ceremonies held in Hollywood, Calif. In 1986, Michael was a finalist on Star Search, and in 1987 was presented the Silver Lion’s Head Award from Siegfried & Roy for his “Comedy and Magic.” He has been on just about every television show possible, from HBO to two NBC specials hosted by John Ritter: “World’s Greatest Magic” and “World’s Wildest Magic.”

Tommy Blaze has been called America’s premiere relationship comic. For more than two decades, he has entertained audiences from all walks of life. Blaze has performed in such diverse arenas as television, film, comedy clubs, colleges, military bases, casinos, cruise ships and churches. You name the club, and Tommy has been there. “A funny Dr. Phil and probably more accurate,” a reviewer from the Tampa Tribune wrote.

Penn State graduate and U.S. Navy veteran, Anton Shuford, started his comedy career in 2002. After serving his time in the Navy, and trying a regular 9 to 5 job, which turned out to be negative, he decided to try his hand at comedy. Once he stepped on stage for the first time in Philadelphia’s Laff House Comedy Club, he knew was finally home. In 2009 he was the winner of Philly’s “Funniest Person” contest.

The Comedy Stop in the Sahara Showroom gets the laughs going at 9 p.m. nightly. For reservations or information, call the Sahara Box Office at (702)
737-2878.

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY:

My baby, “The Mint 400,” returns again this month for the third year, after a lengthy absence due to “lost interest” by various promoters. The current promoters seem to be doing a few things right, and have, according to its Web site, nearly reached its goal of 250 entries. Mel Larson and I (this writer created the off-road race, and Larson helped it grow to national prominence for more than four years) have not been asked to participate by the local promoters. I guess they figure it’s better to ignore the past and go with the future.

The same can be said about the “Off Road Hall of Fame,” in Reno Nevada. It appears to this writer, and a number of other early off-road participants, that to be recognized and voted into the “Hall,” takes kissing someone’s butt. God forbid, you ever had an argument with one of the “so called” off road dignitaries. That’s the “kiss of death!” They seem not to care about the few, real pioneers, who helped the sport grow. All they care about, in my opinion, is their personal friends getting into the “Hall.” Forget the actual dreamers, let’s get this guy or that person (they were nice people or good racers, or officials, etc.) inducted into the “Hall.” Certain off-road officials (supposedly big wheels in the sport today) do not want to have a few of the real “dreamers” inducted.  As for me, I’ve received plenty of recognition from around the world, and am constantly being interviewed, as is Larson, about the Mint 400. And, just for the record, I hadn’t even heard of the “Hall” until a couple of years ago, when one of my daughters told me about it. It’s not that we, Mel and myself, wouldn’t accept an invitation from the “Hall,” but neither of us, honestly, ever expects to get a phone call from them. Enough said!

Frank Sinatra, Jr. will be at the Suncoast Hotel/Casino the weekend of April 10-11. The 20-piece band will be conducted by Terry Woodson, with Junior, singing a ton of his father’s hits. We, personally, enjoy seeing the youngster (he’s 66) perform those great arrangements. Tickets begin at $29.95 plus tax. Call (702) 636-7075 for more information.

Did you get a chance to watch the “Red Carpet” arrivals on TV, during the build-up to the Oscars a couple of weeks ago? I couldn’t believe what I saw happen. One of the great stars of the past (I guess I’m on a historic trip this week), Mickey Rooney was totally ignored by the interviewers. What a shame! Not only is he one of the oldest living stars (he is 89-years young, and has been a working performer since he was 2-years old), but was awarded an Honorary Oscar in 1983, for his 50 years in movies. Mickey was nominated four times for an Academy Award; has had four Emmy nominations with one win; two Golden Globe awards and has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I guess it just doesn’t pay to get old?

Well, gang, enough stirring of the pot this week. I’m outa here!

Hey, gang, because I was unable to attend the special benefit held at the Suncoast Hotel & Casino, last Saturday afternoon for my friend Bill Fayne, I asked another friend to take notes and write a story for me.  Michelle Rohl, who has been a professional singer for a number of years in our little village, including a few years with Clint Holmes, where Fayne held forth as Holmes conductor and personal friend since the two met in college, agreed to help. The following is her report.

A BENEFIT FOR A FRIEND
The sold out tribute to Bill Fayne, Saturday, March 6, was one of the most generous afternoons I have ever experienced. It started with a beautiful gesture on the part of Fayne’s good friends, and show co-hosts Clint and Kelly Clinton Holmes, who spearheaded the fund raiser. The Suncoast stood tall, by donating the showroom and covering all costs involved backstage and staff for the event. Domenick Allen, who has worked with Holmes (and thereby with Fayne) over the years, took on the responsibilities of musical director. Brian Czach and his, “Czach Attack Band,” volunteered as the core band, with other musicians sitting in when needed. All the entertainers and musicians donated their time, plus everyone purchased a ticket since there were no complimentary ones.

Robin Leach toasted the audience with his famous “Champagne Wishes,” and the show was on. And, for the next three hours, Bill Fayne’s friends did what they always do: entertain for a friend in need.

Clint and Kelly Holmes kicked it into high gear by opening with Michael Jackson’s, “The Way You Make Me Feel” and “I Just Can’t Stop Lovin’ You.” I really loved those songs, and especially the way they sang them as a duet. It was a perfect opening.

Terry Fator came on stage with his character, “Dougie” in tow, who is very reminiscent of your most annoying neighbor. Fator and his friend were really funny and the ventriloquism was impressive. Pete Barbutti came out and informed everyone that Louie Anderson is lost somewhere in Las Vegas, so “I’ll be filling in for him.” Anderson arrived and immediately joined Barbutti, explaining that he had driven to the South Point Casino instead of the  which made for some great jabs (by Barbutti) and laughs, which of course the SRO audience enjoyed.

Three of my favorite Las Vegas girl singers, Sandra Benton, Vita Corimbi and Skye Dee Miles, from the cast of “Menopause—The Musical,” performed a dramatic and soulful version of The Beatles’, “Let It Be.” The three wailed in soulful style and finished off with a beautiful harmony, just as it should be—with lots of love. It was a very moving and dramatic version that got a great response from the crowd. Rick Faugno, a very accomplished singer/dancer, brought down the house with his “Dancin’ Man” number.

One of my favorite moments in the show (there were lots of those favorite moments), was when three of my all-time male vocalists joined forces: Jerry Lopez, Tony Davich and Jamie Hosmer, to sing one of Lopez’ original songs, “Let Me Come Back Home.” Awesome alto saxophonist and solo artist, Phil Wigfall, joined the trio with a fantastic solo. “Le Me Come Back Home” is a beautifully written ballad and was, again, a highlight for me.

The classy and cool, Lance Burton let the audience in on the fact that the reason we were all there, was because Fayne loved magic. Burton then taught everyone how to make a great magic trick look easy (for him, yeah, but the rest of us, no way)! Creator of “Diva Las Vegas,” Michelle Johnson, sang a great arrangement of “Smile.” Mark Giovi (one of the original Las Vegas Tenors with Bill) sang a powerful original, “Young Angels.” Kelly Clinton returned to the stage as her hilarious character, Joe Joe Spaghetti Moretti. You have to love Kelly, she is so amazing. The vocal group, “Fifth Avenue,” performed a tight and funny at times, rendition of “Something’s Coming.”

Domenick Allen, who was the musical director for the event (and a very close friend of Fayne, and is a member of Vocal Soup) performed a medley of Billy Joel songs, but with some new words inserted which were at times, funny or touching, and even a slight “roast” of Bill and his new health situation: “This is a time to remember, all your friends have come together, this day to hold on to, and we came because we want to sing you a song…” It was absolutely brilliant. Another moving moment was when Allen’s daughter, Cayleigh Capaldi, performed. The nine-year-old sang with a grace and style of a seasoned professional. Cayleigh did a beautiful song about children, penned by Dominick, “No Small Miracle.” Another member of Vocal Soup, Susan Anton, sang a very dramatic, “If I Can Dream.”

Lena Prima brought a lot of energy along, which only a Prima could do, with her cool vocals. Prima belted out a version of her father’s (Louie Prima), most memorable hit, “Jump, Jive & Wail.” Tom Steele wailed on the saxophone, intermixed with, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.”  The Las Vegas Tenors performed with grace and style, singing a great theme song for their buddy, “You Raise Me Up.” Frankie Scinta jokingly informed the audience that the reason we (the entertainers, etc.) were there, was because Bill loves Barry Manilow, and then sang, “This One’s For You.” Tina Walsh, Clint and sister, Gail Holmes, sang “Breath,” a song from Clint’s original Broadway bound musical. The words and music are brilliant, and gives one a snapshot into the life and times of Clint Holmes. Clint followed up with a passionate version of “I Sing,” another one of my favorites. Other special guest’s appearances were made by the “Swing City Dolls,” Ronnie Rose, “Oh What a Night,” Vince Falcone, “Dangerous Curves,” consisting of Karen Merstik-Michaels, Lisa Smith and Margaret Menzies Gonzales. And, of course, yours truly, Michelle Rohl.

Bill Fayne came on stage and joked, “Where’s the Mayor? I thought, for sure, I would at least get a plaque commemorating the day…” Fayne went on to thank everyone before singing, “Here’s to Life,” which brought tears to many, including my eyes.

The show, after three hours of fantastic entertainment, closed with the entire cast on stage singing, “That’s What Friends Are For.”

As of this writing, Clint estimated that the show generated a little more than $20,000 for his friend of 27 plus years. I (Norm, the regular writer) just wish I could’ve been there to see the smile on my friends’ face, as he watched fellow entertainers do what they do best for a friend in need—entertain a loyal and loving Las Vegas audience. I also want to really thank Ms. Rohl for taking time away from her daughter, to write this very comprehensive column for me. Thanks Michelle.

That’s it for this week. I’m outa here!

I was invited, along with about a dozen other media types, by my good friend, Steve Dacri, to watch his one-man show in the Shimmer Showroom at the Hilton Hotel. Dacri is a Master Magician, and is considered by many of his peers as one of the top three up close and personal magicians in the country today! And, I must say, after watching him work once again in front of a huge audience, there is no question he well deserves the title.

Dacri, however,  almost didn’t make it to the show a week ago Wednesday. In January, he returned to his home in Las Vegas, following an extensive tour in the east, and was not feeling well. After a few days of lounging around the home, continuing to feel bad, his wife, Jan, said enough is enough; let’s go to the doctor. The rest as they (I’ve always wanted to know who they really are) say is history. He underwent emergency colon surgery where they removed a couple miles of his colon (kidding) and pronounced him clear of the big “C” word. He is good to go now, thank God.

Steve has been doing his “In Your Face” magic act for umpteen years actually ever since he was six, growing up in Worchester, Mass. His first trick was from a “Mandrake the Magician.” magic set given to him  by his parents, Ever since that first trick, Dacri knew that one day he would be performing on thousands of stages around the world. He studied under the tutelage of some of the greatest sleight-of-hand artists in the world: Tony Slydini; Dai Vernon (known as “The Professor”), The Spongeball King, Al Goshman; and the renowned Frank Garcia.

While on the Spongeball influence, I would venture to say that there is none better at the trick working today than Dacri. Allen Funt, who at one time was on national television with a great and funny little show called, “Candid Camera,” used Steve to be part of a gag on a frustrated new secretary for the great magician “Blackstone.” You’ll actually see this bit of magic on the two screens set up inside the theater as the opening act. It is pure magic and very hilarious. By the way, the screens are used during his show so that the audience can watch his hands via the magic of television.

Dacri is so fast with his hands, that you’ll try to catch him, but will never succeed. In one amazing trick with an actual (I say actual, because many acts use plants in the audience) Steve takes a ring from a lady (that night) and does some tricks with his magic purse, etc. To make a long trick short, he loses the ring. Wow, the lady at first laughs, but then gets a wee bit upset.  The comedy is there, with her face, his supposedly frustration and the audience wondering just where the ring has gone. I can not tell you the ending, but let’s just say it’s amazing.  The man with the magic hands was presented with a very high honor, when, on April 29, 2002, was given the title of, “Member of the Inner Circle with Gold Star,” a designation reserved for the elite of the magic world. Steve was presented with this prestigious award in London by President of the Magic Circle, Michael Bailey. Dacri has won many other awards over the years, and is also most proud of the two “Merlin Awards” presented to him in 2008 and 2009.

Steve Dacri and his “In Your Face” show appears in the Shimmer Showroom at the Hilton every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $49 plus tax and fees. For reservations call (800) 222-5361.

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY:

A nice thing happened to a friend of mine a couple of week’s back, while impressionist Bob Anderson was performing in The Club at the Cannery Hotel/Casino in North Las Vegas. Vince Falcone, who has conducted for the best in the world from The Man himself (Frank Sinatra) to Steve Lawrence, etc., and is known as “The Conductor to the Stars,’ is also Anderson’s conductor. Well, this particular evening this writer had set Vince up for a surprise. Mrs. Robert (Vera) Goulet, Nancy Barr, Peter and Barbara Justl accompanied me to the show as part of the surprise. Peter Justl is a fine architect (he was working on the Boyd Gaming project, ‘Echelon” when the construction was put on hold) and oil painter. Peter has done a number of special portraits for his friends over the years, and had just completed doing one for Falcone at the request of Vinnie’s wife, Annette. Vince had no idea what was coming next.

As Anderson was introducing members of the band, he turned to the side of the stage and waved, telling Falcone that someone was here to see him. To make a short story, shorter, Peter walked out on stage with the portrait. You could’ve hit Vince with a sledge hammer and it wouldn’t have fazed him. He was totally surprised and honored.

It was fun surprising a friend. Anderson, in a special tribute to Mrs. Goulet, performed his unbelievable impression of her late husband, singing “If Ever I Would Leave You,”  which was beautifully done. Bob Anderson is a master on stage as a singing impressionist. There is none better and he should be performing 52 weeks a year in Las Vegas, rather than Branson.

Well, my man, Mark Martin, didn’t quite make it to the checkered flag in time to take first place during the running of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Shelby American 400 last Sunday,   but he did finish fifth. As mentioned in last weeks column, the eventual winner was the favorite to win, Jimmy Johnson in his Lowe’s sponsored Chevy.  The speedway was nearly 100 percent full on Sunday and I would guess more than 100,000 attended the Saturday race. Heck, there was even another 40 to 50,000 watching practice and qualifying on Friday. It was truly a great weekend of racing.

Danica Patrick, who was the big attraction on Saturday during the Nationwide race, showed she could duel it out with the big boys, and was holding her own when another driver screwed up, She had nowhere to go but crash. Patrick will now concentrate her driving skills with the Indy Racing League for a couple of months.

Well, gang, that’s about it for another week