Archive for June, 2010

Wayne Brady is, without question, a star. He can prove it too! You do not get your very own wax replica in Madame Tussauds World Famous Wax Museum, without becoming someone of importance. Last week Brady stood next to a large structure, covered with a red sheet, in the museum located in The Venetian Hotel, as a gang of media and VIPs gathered to see the unveiling of the Wayne Brady wax likeness. He stood across from the likenesses of The Rat Pack and next to an early replica of Tom Jones. Nearby stood a dynamic Muhammad Ali. Brady was in good company.

Brady has returned to The Venetian, where he headlined for a couple of years, along with his comedy/improv partner, Jonathan Mangum. “Making it Up,” produced by BASE Entertainment, will continue to do just that, “make it up” each and every night, as they go.

“Las Vegas and The Venetian have been a great home base these past three years, and I love giving audiences a show unlike any other on The Strip,” Brady said. “No two shows are ever the same, as my partner, Jonathan, and I stage a new form of old school showbiz and make each show a one-of-a-kind experience.”

“Making it Up” can be seen over select performance dates, including tonight through Monday, June 28, and July 1-5. To make a reservation or view the performance schedule, visit www.venetian.com. Tickets range in price from $49, $69 and $89 plus tax and fees. There are also a limited number of VIP tickets available.

Alycia Cooper, a contestant on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” has made it to the semi-finals on the hit show, which will air next week. Cooper is currently headlining at The Comedy Stop at the Sahara Hotel, through Sunday, June 27. Producer, Bob Kephart, has also booked, Mike Winfield and Will Marfori, as part of his standard three new headline comedians each and every week.

Stand-up comedienne, Alycia Cooper, wrote the “Top 10’s” 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,” “Wanda Does It,” “Bands Reunited,” “The Magic Hour,” “The Grown Up” and “The Parkers.” Alycia has been featured in “Essence Magazine” as a comedienne to watch, and has been the warm up act for ‘Girlfriends” and “Wanda at Large.” Her stand up credits include BETs “Comicview,” “BET Live,” “Oh Drama” and of course, as a contestant on, “Last Comic Standing.”

Will Marfori knows what it is like to be disabled, having been born with Cerebral Palsy. But, Marfori 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 was also 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 9:00 p.m. show in the Sahara Theater begin at $24.95, with a special $19.95 ticket for locals, with proof of residence. For reservations call the Sahara Box Office, 702-737-2878.

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A good friend of this writer, Shelley Stepanek, has been re-elected as President of Destination Services Association, and will serve as such for the next two years. Stepanek, who owns Stagedreams, Ltd., was originally elected to the leadership position in November, 2007. Recently Shelley has been an entertainment agent and has been kept busy co-producing shows in Aruba and Macau, and produced and co-owned the show, “From Russia With Love” which did quite well at a local downtown casino. Congratulations friend.

Sammy Shore, one of the funniest stand up comedians working today (and he is no youngster, gang), will be doing his thing at the Eastside Cannery on Boulder Highway, this Friday and Saturday, June 25-26. The show, “Sammy Shore’s Barking Mad Comedy Jam,” not only has Shore tossing out great stories and one-liners, but also features at least two of his comedy friends.

One thing about Sammy, and his show, is it is one of the cleanest shows you’ll ever see today. Yes, you heard me right. There is no use of the famous F word, or other words in that particular dictionary. Sammy, who worked as the opening act for Elvis for a number of years, and was one of the few who could make Elvis roll on the floor from laughing so darn hard, believes that comedy can be funny using words that are found in the regular American dictionary. I agree with him and I just happen to love his form of making people laugh. He’s old school!

A quick reminder that The Corner Gallery, in historic Boulder City (where my sculptures are on display), will host a First Thursday gathering on July 1, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Wood cut artist, Rainer Bertrams, will be on hand to demonstrate his works of art, and hostess, Christina Frausto, will serve free wine and light fare.

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

As many of you readers know, I am a huge fan of the Big Band era and the Golden Oldies. At one time, in my youthful days, however, following my service in the Korean War, I was actually a die-hard Rock’n Roller. I couldn’t get enough of the loud music. Night after night in, San Diego, California, and later in Hollywood, you would find me hanging out at various nightclubs, where we actually danced in contests for money. I even appeared in a few movies as a jitterbug dancer. What I’m leading up to is simple: We, Nancy Barr and this writer, attended Sgt. Pepper Live featuring Cheap Trick last Saturday evening at the Paris Hotel & Casino.

I remember Cheap Trick from a couple of their early recordings in the ‘70s. Over the years (as I grew older and my hearing became more delicate), I moved away from even listening to any Hard Rock style of music. I was also not a huge fan of the Beatles (I know, I know I have sinned), but I did enjoy a few of their songs. Nancy was definitely a big Beatles fan.

It was a packed house inside the Paris Las Vegas Theatre, as Cheap Trick returned to Las Vegas in their celebration of the iconic Beatles’ album. The group had previously appeared at the Las Vegas Hilton on Paradise, where they did fantastic business. The over-sized Paris stage worked well for this presentation, as the Sgt. Pepper Symphony Orchestra (strings and all) were set up on a bandstand pedestal, I would guess about 15 feet above the stage. Cheap Trick had the front and were pretty well spaced out, which may have led to one of the sound problems. Yes, even with my tender ears, I noticed the problems.

Oh, yes, about mid-way through the show, out slid a large sofa with a group of musicians playing authentic Indian Sitar band instruments, with Tom Petersson, 60, featured. What I did find of interest was how lead guitarist, Rick Nielsen, 64, (the original member of the group when it was first formed as, “Fuse” in 1967 with Petersson), would spin his guitar picks out into the audience. The various colored picks were attached (I guess with glue) to his mic stand, and there had to be hundreds of them. I’m again guessing, this has to be one of Nielsen’s gimmicks, besides being considered one of the greatest lead guitarists in the country. Robin Zander, 57, has been with Cheap Trick as lead vocalists and rhythm guitarist since 1972, is without question, a great Rock’n Roll singer. The drummer, Daxx Nielsen, is the son of Rick.

We were sitting a wee bit too close for my comfort and hearing, but we stayed as long as I could handle it. It is definitely a wonderful show for those who enjoy their music a little on the loud side. If you are a Hard Rock aficionado, then this is definitely a show for you to see. If you are a true Beatles fan (and most people are), then you’ll really enjoy this performance. The remaining June dates are Friday, June 18 and 25, and Tuesday, June 22 and 29. They return to Paris on July 20. Tickets range from $75 to $250 plus tax and fees.

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Just In: Rich Little, one of the good guys, has inked a deal with the Cannery Casino & Hotel, to perform in The Club, Saturday, July 10 at 8 p.m. The last time Rich performed in our little village (he and his wife, Marie, are Las Vegas residents) was a couple of years ago at the Golden Nugget. At that time, Little had to pull out of the deal, because of an unexpected illness (they’re all unexpected, duh?). The last time I talked to Rich, he was in New Mexico breaking in a new one-man show on the late great movie star, Jimmy Stewart. I’ll let you know what he’ll be doing at the Cannery as soon as I talk to him.

This Sunday, at the Boulder City Veterans Home, the annual Father’s Day Show produced by Nelson Sardelli, will have more than 33 performers donating their time and talents to entertain the residents and the general public. The following is a list of those confirmed to appear: Vince Falcone, Gary Olds Trio, Michaelina, Artie Schroeck, Pete Barbutti, Babe Pier, Jerry Lopez, Genevieve, 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 Tailor, Tommy Thompson, Robert Ensler, Mundane the Grate, Sinco, Lou Toomin, and of course, Nelson Sardelli. Nelson wanted to make sure everyone is aware this show is open to the public and it’s free. The program is scheduled to get underway at 10:00 a.m. and will go until at least 2:00 p.m.

Well, gang, that’s about it for this week. I’m outta here!

Was invited to attend a very special stage show, by a group of residents (most of whom I would say are members of AARP) in the community known as Sun City Anthem Las Vegas. A friend of this writer, Annette Falcone (yes her husband is the famous Conductor to the Stars, Vince Falcone), who would be performing in the extravaganza, extended the invitation, and a group of us showed up Saturday evening.

The title of the show was, “Magic Moments…A Classic Trip.” And, let me tell you, it definitely was a classic trip through time. With a 10-minute intermission, the production ran nearly three hours, which is my only complaint: War & Peace (the 1956 movie) ran nearly four hours and that was a classic!

The Sun City Anthem Performing Arts Club (you must live in Anthem to be a member) uses this particular venue every year as a fundraiser, and it does very well—raising thousands of dollars which is used for future productions. George Gingerelli conceived and directed the production with Julia Dodson, co-director. What they took on was an unbelievable task, but they pulled it together, and came out with a performance that was fabulous.

I will not even try to name everyone of importance, because they were all important. There were 38 people ranging from stage management to make-up behind the scenes. A total of 15 men and women took care of making sure everyone was ushered to their seats, during the three nights and Sunday afternoon performances.

The first scene sets up the entire evening as Professor Fullercrap and his assistant, Ann Sain, meet with a group of reporters to discuss their newly discovered way to, “Time Travel.” I am purposely not using personal names as every actor, singer, and musician were tremendously important to each and every scene—beginning with the scene from the movie, “Patton” (1970), where the General stood in front of the American Flag and spoke to his troops on June 5, 1944, the day before D-Day. Between that speech and the final sketch from the 1984 music video,” Thriller,” a total of 29 sketches were presented. Some were small presentations, such as “Singing in the Rain,” from the 1952 movie, to extravaganzas like the musical bits from “Les Miserables,” to a great “A Chorus Line,” and “Fiddler on the Roof.”

What I’m trying to say is that you don’t have to go to Los Angeles or New York to see some great moments in time. It’s right here, once a year in Anthem, and let me tell you, these senior citizens are terrific and have more energy than a group of teenagers. Just hope that next year they remember that time is important to us Senior Citizens in the audience, too!

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“The Mob” is coming back to take charge of a small portion of the famous Tropicana Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. Yep, gang, you read it right, “The Mob” is back!

Anchored by the largest collection of authentic artifacts, memorabilia, photos and videos of organized crime ever assembled, The Las Vegas Mob Experience” will be an attraction unlike any other, anywhere! The Experience is scheduled to open in December 2010, where the Titanic display was once anchored. It will use the latest in “interactive entertainment technology” to immerse guests in a presentation of the rise and fall of organized crime. Guests will make their way through a theatrical, interactive setting that promises intrigue, mystery and suspense. The special effects, used to present this never before seen content, will set a new standard for attractions such as museums and exhibits worldwide, according to its spokesperson.

What also sets this apart from any other venue, is that guests will also have the opportunity to meet the “family members,” of a number of the men and women, who will be highlighted throughout the Experience. More on this as time closes in on the opening. Needless to say, it should be quite an Experience for young and old alike. I am personally looking forward to the holograms.

Don’t forget to head for The Orleans Showroom this Saturday and Sunday, to see four of the finest entertainers do their thing. Vocal Soup, consisting of Clint Holmes, Susan Anton, Domenick Allen and Martin Nievera, will be grooving and crooning for more than 90 minutes on stage, beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are priced from $33.00 to $55.00 plus tax.

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

Every Father’s Day, this year it’s Sunday, June 20, Nelson Sardelli, he of the talented Sardelli clan, gathers a group of his friends and heads for the Boulder City Veterans Home, where they set up their equipment and entertain the veterans. This year is no exception. Sardelli has roped in some 25 volunteers, who will sing, play a musical instrument or just be there to joke with the vets. The latest list of volunteers are: Vince Falcone, The Gary Olds Trio, Michaelina, Linda November, Artie Schroeck, Babe Pier, Jerry Lopez, Genevieve, Cork Proctor (who will be at the Comedy Stop at the Sahara Hotel beginning Monday, June 7), Allen Tramont, Charly Raymond, Paul Campanella, Peter Anthony, Dr. George Ritter, Nathan Brian Wine, Ronnie Rose, Charlie Schaffer, Joni Illi, Nik Mastrangelo, Dr. Wilfred Krom, Thom Nelli, Tom Marth, Diane Ellis, Lou Toomin and your host, Nelson Sardelli.

The party gets underway at 10:00 a.m. and is scheduled to end around 2:00 p.m., but usually runs over.

Cork Proctor, one of the funniest stand up comedians from the fabulous era of the ‘60s to the early ‘80s, returns to Bob Kephart’s Comedy Stop at the Sahara Hotel, Monday, June 7. He will be hosting the production which features Greg Vaccarello and Greg Morton through Sunday, June 13.

I first ran into Proctor back in the late ‘60s, when he was practically the talk of Las Vegas. Cork was opening for a lot of the big stars who appeared on the Strip (far too many to name in this column). Whenever there was a “Roast,” Proctor was sure to be the first to answer the call. He was soon recognized and dubbed with the honor of being named “Roast master General of the United States,” by former Speaker of the House, Tip O’Neal.

My next run-in with Proctor was in 1977, when he was hired as the opening act, for a then fairly unknown Elvis impersonator, Johnny Harra. Harra was performing in the lounge, downtown, at the Mint Hotel, when Elvis Presley died. There was a mad scramble, by a lot of entertainment buyers to find the perfect Elvis, and to exploit the Elvis mystic that was sure to follow. We, Stephanie Lopes (she was the entertainment buyer for the Silverbird Hotel) and myself (I was the Public Relations Director), had been previously pitched on the young impersonator, and was not interested at the time. But, when the news of Elvis’ death broke, we immediately signed Harra to a contract to appear at the Silverbird.

Everything was running pretty smooth. We were getting SRO attendance twice every night (in those days performers did two shows a night, six nights a week). We would change opening acts every now and then, and, this one particular night, Proctor was the new opening act for the show. Well, sitting in the audience was not only Lopes and this writer, but the owner of the hotel, Major Riddle, and the general manager, Gene Lucas. Proctor had been gaining a reputation as a rough comedian, and would often go off on a tangent and bad mouth a hotel, etc. On this night, Cork Proctor went too far over the edge, and I was instructed to fire him immediately. Carme, a friend of the hotel stepped in and performed the second show. Cork was gone and Carme stayed on until Harra was fired, which is another story.

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Geeze, it’s hard to believe that June is already here. Wow, how time does fly when you’re having fun. Vocal Soup, one of my favorite new groups, has moved from the smaller Suncoast Hotel/Casino showroom, to the much larger showroom at The Orleans for their June 12-13 engagement.

Following multiple sold out performances in 2009 (when the group was first formed), long-time friends and performers Clint Holmes, Susan Anton, Domenick Allen and Martin Nievera, will be back together and singing their songs over the weekend. Holmes came up with the idea of creating the old Las Vegas tradition of entertainers coming together to have fun in an “anything can happen” atmosphere.

I remember when the great vaudeville star, Hank Henry, was working at the old Hacienda Hotel (where the Mandalay Bay Hotel now stands) and then at the Silver Slipper (it was next door to the Frontier Hotel/Casino). Every star on the Strip would stop by at least once during their stay in town, to see the master at work, and to have a few laughs. When they were in town performing at the Sands, Frank Sinatra and the guys in the Rat Pack were almost always in the Slipper after their show. And the fun would last until the sun came up, and then Dean Martin would yell out, “Golf Time,” and away they would go. Gosh, those were the fun days.

Back to Vocal Soup and what the performers will be doing. The show will feature a variety of musical genres, including rock ‘n roll, hits from Foreigner (Allen was a member of the famous group), popular songs and standards, Broadway classics and originals, including their theme song, “Vocal Soup.” Showtime is 8 p.m. and tickets are available from $29.95 plus tax and fees.  For reservations call (702) 365-7075.

Here is a follow up note on the letter I got from Susan Schooley, a lady in Cutler Bay, FL., who was quite upset with the Las Vegas Walk of Stars. She and a group were the original investors who put up the $15,000 for their favorite Las Vegas entertainer, Bobby Darin, to have a star.  During a recent visit, Susan and some of her friends visited the star, and to their horror found it in poor shape. She wrote me after reading one of my columns, asking who is responsible for the upkeep of the stars. I forwarded the note to Tony Sacca, who also has a star and is a member of the committee.

I have been informed that the committee will be replacing, not only Darin’s star, but about five others that were in bad shape. It was explained that the person who was responsible for installing the stars, had not allowed the cement to cure properly. He has since been replaced.

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