May '08 Notes from Norm — Norm Clarke Column

Saturday 5-10-08

	Tiger hunting for home in LV valley? The real estate community is abuzz over rumblings that Tiger Woods is reportedly house-hunting in Las Vegas. A spy tells Vegas Confidential that one of the properties Woods has interest in is The Falls, the showcase house of the 2008 Parade of Homes in The Ridges, a neighborhood next to Red Rock Country Club. The 17,195-square-foot custom home, owned by Rhonda and Mike Mona, has nine water features throughout the home, according to LasVegasParadeofHomes.com Website. O CANADA! Playboy's new Playmate of the Year, Jayde Nicole, adds a punctuation mark to "O Canada" today when she returns to her home country. A big welcome is planned in her hometown of Port Perry, Ontario, a farming and fishing community of 5,000. She's the first Canadian to take the title since Shannon Tweed in 1982. She made her first public appearance on Friday when she was introduced at the Palms' Ditch Fridays pool party. She's a vegan with a passion for chocolate and travel. "I want to visit as many countries as I can," she said, especially Bora Bora, the beaches of southern Spain and elsewhere in Europe "because they have the best desserts." Joining her on the pool stage were former Playmates Shallan Meiers, Shannon James, Heather Smith, Christine Smith and Tamara Sky, who deejayed the event. WHAT'S UP WITH CHIHULY? Renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly has been making inquiries for a tour of the Neon Boneyard, where many neon pieces from Las Vegas' past are on display. The word is he has rented out the space to photograph pieces for future inspiration. That would suggest he's been commissioned for another significant work, and with all the new multibillion projects being developed locally, it seems likely the eye-patched Seattle artist is doing a Las Vegas deal. Speculation would start with Steve Wynn's Encore, the sister tower to the Wynn Las Vegas. Wynn commissioned Chihuly to produce the $10 million floral ceiling at Bellagio 10 years ago. Because of its scope, MGM Mirage's CityCenter seems like another possibility given published reports of the project's multimillion art budget. Or maybe Echelon, which is replacing the Stardust, could be commissioning Chihuly to honor the iconic property. Chihuly is in town today to sign copies of his new book and DVD set, "Chihuly in the Hotshop" at Bellagio from 1-2 p.m. The Scene And Heard Services have been set for Dave Swan, the veteran comedian (born John Henry David Jones) who for 17 years played King Arthur in the Excalibur's "Tournament of Kings" revue. The memorial service will be at noon Tuesday at Christ Episcopal Church, 2100 S. Maryland Parkway. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in the name of Janice Jones.

Sunday 5-11-08

Mirage signing 'Talent' winner

Ventriloquist/impressionist Terry Fator, whose popularity has exploded since he won NBC's "America's Got Talent," will be introduced Tuesday at a news conference as the new headliner at The Mirage.

A 2 p.m. news conference has been scheduled, Vegas Confidential has learned.

Fator will move into the theater vacated by fellow impressionist Danny Gans, who moves to Wynn Las Vegas late this year after almost nine years at The Mirage.

How's this for irony: Fator told me last November, after he signed a 15-show deal with the Las Vegas Hilton, that seeing Gans perform was the turning point of his career.

About 21/2 years ago, during a car ride from Las Vegas to Butte, Mont., the ventriloquist began singing a Garth Brooks song. His manager, John Raymond, a Butte native, interjected, "Have you ever seen Danny Gans?"

Fator hadn't, but on his next trip to Vegas, he attended Gans' show and the light bulb went off. No dummy, Fator switched from doing comedy with his eight characters to singing impressions with them.

After winning "America's Got Talent" last summer, he became a YouTube sensation.

As of Saturday, his breakthrough appearance on the NBC show had registered 10.5 million visits on YouTube, when his pig-tailed character Emma Taylor sang Etta James' classic "At Last." View it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnVDHzUAj30

The Scene And Heard

Was Shaquille O'Neal making a statement Friday when he showed up at The Bank nightclub at Bellagio. O'Neal is among the celebrity investors in The Bank's main rival, Pure nightclub at Caesars Palace.

Rumors have been flying that some of the celebrity investors, who include O'Neal, Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf and Celine Dion, are pulling out over image concerns after a February IRS raid at Pure and Pure Management Group's headquarters. ...

A member of the "Jersey Boys" cast slipped and fell during the first act Friday, and his understudy finished the show. Erich Bergen, who plays Bob Gaudio of The Four Seasons, "banged up his knee," according to a spokesman for the show. "If he's not back tonight, he'll be back early next week." Understudy Mike Backes stepped in....

If that wasn't TV talk show host Dr. Phil McGraw, who was it? Wayne Crane, marketing director of Hawaiian Tropic Zone at Planet Hollywood Resort, said a man who identified himself as a Light Group security guard called to say he was bringing in Dr. Phil last weekend. The man who looked like Dr. Phil declined photo requests, except for one with an HTZ employee. Louis DiCenzo, who handles publicity for Dr. Phil, said the talk show host was not in Las Vegas last weekend. Alex Acuna, public relations director for Light Group, said security for his company would not take a celebrity to a non-Light property.


Monday 5-12-08

Owner Jay-Z says 40/40 Club is fine Music giant Jay-Z is taking the offensive in an attempt to dispel rumors that his 4-month-old 40/40 Club in Las Vegas is in trouble. The best-selling rapper, in an e-mail response, said his relationship with multibillionaire landlord Sheldon Adelson is "positive." Jay-Z's latest 40/40 Club has been beset by rumors and speculation since it opened New Year's Eve in Adelson's new Palazzo. "Our landlords are great, and we respect their input," Jay-Z said in the e-mail. His New York-based publicist Ron Berkowitz suggested the media inquiries are being fueled by competitors and disgruntled employees. "We are high profile and targets for rumors and false accusations," Berkowitz said. One of the more recent rumors had Adelson reportedly upset after visiting the club. "No, not true at all," said Jay-Z. "He actually appeared very pleased, and a week after that visit, he held his grand-opening party at the club. He has only been there twice (and I) would love to have him back. I'd move walls if he so desired." He added, "We have met our financial projections well above our expectations. Business is great. We have conquered all the operational goals and are pleased with the results." Adelson, the third-richest man in the United States, has been embroiled in a dispute with the owners of Tao nightclub and restaurant over what was to be a sister nightclub in Palazzo. ROONEY SIN CITY-BOUND London's Fleet Street gossip hounds are atwitter over the Sin City bachelor party planned by English soccer star Wayne Rooney, one of Europe's most scrutinized athletes. The 22-year-old Manchester United standout is flying to Las Vegas on May 26 with 30 lads, including teammates and boxer Ricky Hatton. Rooney is getting married June 12. Rooney and Las Vegas figure to be an interesting marriage. In 2006, his six-figure gambling losses made headlines, adding to his bad-boy reputation. Some fans have yet to forgive him for losing his temper and getting kicked out of a 2006 World Cup game that ended in a 1-0 win for Portugal. Rooney's Las Vegas ties include Planet Hollywood founder Robert Earl, who owns the Everton Football Club, Rooney's former team. Four years ago, Rooney turned down Everton's $90,000-a-week offer and went to soccer giant Manchester United, winners of a furious bidding that cost them $46 million. Rooney and his lads are reportedly staying at Bellagio. The Scene And Heard Tina Sinatra will participate in Tuesday's unveiling of a U.S. Postal Service stamp commemorating her father on the 10th anniversary of his death. The ceremony will be at the main alcove of the dancing fountains on Las Vegas Boulevard. Her sister, Nancy, and brother, Frank Sinatra Jr., will attend a ceremony in New York, and Frank Jr. will be in Hoboken, N.J., their father's hometown, for another tribute. Also attending will be Henderson resident Willy Rizzo, son of Jilly Rizzo, the longtime pal of Frank Sinatra.

Tuesday 5-13-08

Norm is taking Tuesdays off

Wednesday 5-14-08

Fator finds fame, fortune

If you were having dinner at the Excalibur about 15 years ago, you might remember Texas The Band.

Those were the lean years for Terry Fator, when he brought his band to town hoping to be discovered.

Instead of overnight success, he was in for a shock.

"It was terrible. They wanted me to play dinner music at a steakhouse," said Fator, whose act included talking puppets every 10 or 15 minutes. "I do all these impressions, and they wanted background music.

"I've never been more miserable."

In those days, "We were getting between $750 to $3,000 a night and splitting it seven ways. But I wasn't making anything by the time I took care of everything. We were living off my wife's job at the vet clinic."

Las Vegas hasn't seen a rags-to-riches story such as his for some time.

After quitting his country cover band to become a full-time ventriloquist, Fator started making $20,000 a year on the county fair circuit, enough money to stay ahead of the bill collectors.

He caught a break about 21/2 years ago when he saw Danny Gans in Las Vegas. He decided to switch from a conventional ventriloquist to having his puppets do celebrity impressions "because I didn't want to be a karaoke singer anymore."

About a year ago, Terry and his wife, Melinda, decided to go all-in and take their best shot at hitting the big time.

He had canceled two months of work and she had quit her job so they could concentrate on NBC's "America's Got Talent."

By the final weeks, the Fators were tapped out. They had maxed out their credit cards and drained their bank account.

"We had to borrow from friends," he said.

When he won the $1 million prize on "America's Got Talent," he bought Melinda a big-honking wedding ring and they paid off all the bills.

Nine months later, in the same theater where he got inspiration from Gans' celebrity singing impressions, Fator was introduced at a news conference near his new home at The Mirage.

His five-year deal is worth a reported $100 million.

The Scene And Heard

The auction of Michael Jackson's Neverland, set to go on the auction block today, was canceled after the investment company Colony Capital LLC purchased the note. Colony Capital owns the Las Vegas Hilton, leading to speculation that Jackson may be launching a comeback on the 40th anniversary of Elvis Presley's historic comeback in 1969 at the Hilton. ...

Tina and Nancy Sinatra were guests of a private reception hosted by Steve and Elaine Wynn on Tuesday after taking part in the unveiling of a new 42-cent postage stamp honoring their father. At midnight, Steve Wynn gave a toast and speech just before a tribute to the legendary crooner, who died 10 years ago today. Nancy flew in from New York City to join her sister, who participated in a ceremony in front of the Bellagio's dancing fountains. Frank Sinatra and Steve Wynn were close friends. ...

It's probably not what the doctor ordered, but former NBA star Dennis Rodman is apparently celebrating his exit from rehab with his 47th birthday Friday at Torrid, the nightclub at Hawaiian Tropic Zone in Planet Hollywood Resort. Less than two weeks ago, he was arrested for domestic violence and entered a rehab facility in Florida

Ventriloquist and impressionist Terry Fator poses with his puppets Winston, left, and Emma Taylor Tuesday at The Mirage. Photo by John Locher.

Thursday 5-15-08

Jacko six degrees from LV Hilton

What do we know about the man who saved Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch from public auction?

The most tantalizing tidbit about real estate magnate Thomas Barrack Jr. is his ownership position in the Las Vegas Hilton. His giant real estate investment company, Colony Capital LLC, is a partner with Colony Resorts LVH Acquisitions LLC.

So now that Barrack has rescued the 2,700-acre Neverland property for Jackson, the Hilton appears to be well positioned if the singer returns to the stage.

Insiders I talked to Wednesday agreed on that, but, one warned, "you would be premature to assume this is any more than a business deal. I'm not saying it couldn't be more down the road, but right now it's early."

Barrack, in his early 60s, is a major player in the real estate investment world. The scouting report on him goes like this: "Known for being ahead of the curve ... specializes in investing in operating businesses that have a significant real estate component."

Barrack spent a reported $23.5 million to purchase the Neverland loan, which was held by Fortress Investment Group, a New York-based private equity and hedge fund group. Jackson had defaulted on loan payments on the Santa Barbara County property.

There's speculation already that Barrack could sell off the property piecemeal for $100 million. The big question is: What did Jackson agree to as part of the deal?

I've confirmed that Barrack, who lives in Los Angeles, recently met with Jackson in Las Vegas at the singer's new residence on Palomino Lane.

Barrack founded Colony Capital, which has invested almost $40 billion since 1991, deals that helped him rank among Forbes magazine's 400 richest Americans. He's known for taking big stakes in European luxury hotels. Colony Capital partnered with Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta when they took Station Casinos private in November 2007.

SIMON SIZZLES

The restaurant empire of "Iron Chef" Kerry Simon expands this week with the opening of Simon at Palms Place.

Like Cathouse, his months-old Luxor concept, Simon's latest has its own identity, starting with the 19-cabana pool that wraps around most of the sixth-floor restaurant.

In the planning phase, Simon and landlord George Maloof found themselves gravitating toward a 1950s style design. One of the most popular dining areas will probably be the poolside Herb Room, which gets its name from the fresh basil, rosemary, chives and cilantro being grown in an adjacent room separated by wall-to-ceiling glass.

Simon always wanted a sushi master, and Maloof loved the idea. Simon found his man: He hired Osamu Miyazawa from Okada at Wynn Las Vegas.

Simon's menu will include his signature short ribs.

"We took 'em off the menu at the Hard Rock" (where he operated Simon Kitchen & Bar for six years), he said, but Carolyn Goodman, Mayor Oscar Goodman's wife, let him know about it. "She said, 'I'll come back when you put 'em back on,' and we had 'em back on the next day."

The Scene And Heard

Former Golden Nugget co-owner Tom Breitling will have a book release party for "Double or Nothing" at Tao Las Vegas today, with a 9:30 p.m. red carpet.

Friday 5-16-08

For fans, things are just Cher-rific

For Cher fans, the universe has never been more perfectly aligned.

Having Cher finally headlining in Las Vegas at the same time as the wildly popular Cher Convention is nothing short of a harmonic convergence, says one of her biggest local fans.

"What are the odds? It's so perfect," said Larry Edwards, a longtime Tina Turner impersonator in "An Evening at La Cage" at the Riviera.

The convention, set for Aug. 11-12, will "definitely" be the biggest and best ever, he said, because "she's performing in Las Vegas, and everybody will be hoping she will come this year."

"No excuses this time; she has to show up," said Edwards, adding, diplomatically, that her schedule didn't fit in the past.

Here's how big the Cher Convention is: Two years ago there were 66 unlicensed T-shirts on sale, and Cher impersonators included two with severe English accents.

"All the Cher fans from all over the world will come because they love Las Vegas, and they love Cher," Edwards said. "It's a big convention to celebrate her music and Cher's persona."

WE'RE ALL EARS

As you may know by now, the temperamental star-in-training of the upcoming magic show at Luxor has issued an edict: Don't even think about asking for an interview with him, and there will be no mentions of his name in this space, or else.

That means we'll have to pull some rabbits out of the hat to keep you informed about the Cirque jerque.

So here's what we know: Our big-eared, eagle-eyed spies have noticed he's parking his $300,000 Rolls-Royce in a red-curbed no-parking zone at the front door of the massive warehouse where he's rehearsing his illusions.

Flying at half staff over the building, near West Lake Mead Boulevard, is a black flag with a white bunny in the middle.

That fits with months-old rumors we've heard that Cirque du Soleil was hunting for a bunny act to be part of the show, which opens in September.

Another thing, he's got people buzzing about his new leaner, muscled-up look -- and a new honey bunny after recently breaking up with Miss Nevada USA 2008 Veronica Grabowski.

Yes, after all that drama.

The Scene And Heard

It's Viva Hoff Vegas tonight when former headliner David Hasselhoff launches his new Web site at www.hasselhoff.com from a suite at Planet Hollywood Resort. He'll be going live at 8 p.m. Pacific time, midnight and 4 a.m., and the burgermeister is promising some celebrity guests. He's been in town shooting NBC's "America's Got Talent."...

Hockey legend Gordie Howe today and Saturday, from noon to 5 p.m., will be at the Field of Dreams memorabilia store at the Forum Shops at Caesars.

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