Vinnie Favorito, now at The FLAMINGO, has been making audiences laugh along the Las Vegas Strip for more than 10 years, and is well known for his celebrity roasting.  With quick-witted insults and outstanding improvisational skills,  Favorito has roasted many well-known celebrities including Jerry Springer, Pat O’Brien, Larry Flynt and Magic Johnson. Favorito’s comedy plays on current events and preys on the audience, where noone is safe from his relentless comic fodder. Vinnie was a crackup as he roasted presenters and winners at the annual 2008 MEATBALL AWARDS held at the PLAZA Hotel & Casino “Meatballs and lounge entertainers have more in common than you might think," says Grant Griffin, organizer of the event. "Meatballs are a quality staple—unique, fulfilling and inexpensive—just as the collection of singers, comedians and musicians of vintage Las Vegas were a staple of the entertainment industry.  As the backbone of Las Vegas show business, these performers set the standard for today's entertainers, and the indelible mark they leave, deserves to be recognized." And, that is why Las Vegas talent of yesteryear and support media were honored during the Annual Meatball Awards.

 

 

 

Vinnie Favorito was Master of Ceremonies and Vinnie and two beautiful Showgirls, Yvonne and Angelina, started the awards show as the Ned Mills band: Rick Morano, Glenn Coley, John Plows and Brian O’Shea played. This year’s IMPRESSIONIST AWARD went to Larry G. Jones. He was introduced by the incomparable Babe Pier who did his own impression of Ed Sullivan when introducing Larry. PRESS AWARD went to Mike Weatherford, introduced by Ira David Sternberg.  TELEVISION ANCHOR WOMAN AWARD: Maria Sllva (a former singer and dancer in Las Vegas) was introduced by Chris Roman UniVision V.P.  FEMALE SINGER AWARD went to Kelly Clinton who was introduced by Lorraine Hunt-Bono. Kelly performed a funny song parody about bald men that included the audience. MASTER BUTLER AWARD: Valentino Crespo was introduced by Charles LaForte. MALE SINGER OF THE YEAR, Martin Nivera introduced by Tony Ruivivar (Society of 7). The LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD was given to Edmundo “Eddie” Escobedo (El Mundo newspaper), whose long list of major accomplishments astonished the audience.

 

Not available to attend, but represented were: MAYOR OF THE YEAR AWARD: Oscar Goodman, LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Monti Rock 111, KEEPING THE SOUND ALIVE AWARD: Marvelettes and LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Thalia M. Dondero. MAGICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD: Jeff Hobson was introduced by Grammy winner, Larry Hart who sang a wonderful rendition of his original song. The LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD went to The Scintas (Las Vegas Hilton) and ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR AWARD went to Kevin Burke (‘The Caveman’ at THE GOLDEN NUGGET). Other performers were: The Vegas Tenors, Praise, Clint Holmes and Grant Griffin.  After the show, attendees consumed a meatball repast that was set up for them. A good time was had by all and some even ventured to an After Party later on at Vox Wine Lounge.

 

Steve Wyrick celebrated his 1,000^th performance inside Miracle Mile at PLANET HOLLYWOOD. After the show, the guys from Orange County Choppers, Paul Seutul Sr., Paul Teutal Jr. and Mikey Teutal of American Chopper on TLC, presented Steve Wyrick with a one-of-a-kind SW1000 Magic Chopper in front of PLANET HOLLYWOOD.  An after party was then held at HAWAIIAN TROPIC ZONE with gourmet food, decadent desserts and cocktails. Steve Wyrick has nightly performances at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., except Fridays.  What a night! Congratulations Steve!  

 

The "Lance Burton: Master Magician" show at the MONTE CARLO is currently offering two tickets for the price of one for Southern Nevada residents thru Halloween, October 31.  Even if you've seen the show before, many of the illusions have changed.  Lance Burton's newest illusion is spectacular.  He transforms $10 million in gold into a lady.

 

SAG (Screen Actors Guild) recently celebrated their 75^th anniversary with a gala at Dream Vision Studios.  The theme for the event was THEN & NOW and guests came dressed in all sorts of costuming from the ‘30’s and had a great time.  The atmosphere was that of a Speakeasy and guests had to give their secret password for entry.  The event was hosted by Women In Film. Ongoing entertainment featured emcee Cork Proctor and The Arnie Webster Band played throughout the evening. It was a special evening for me personally, as I am a former actress (Z.Z. is my stage name) and I enjoyed mingling with so many of my actor friends.  Part of the silent auction and raffles benefited the Boys and Girls club. 

As Israel embarks upon its 60th anniversary, the LAS VEGAS PHILHARMONIC honored this significant milestone with a special concert at Artemus Ham Concert Hall at UNLV and a gala Kosher VIP reception.  The concert featured a musical night filled with traditional Israeli and Jewish folk, patriotic, liturgical and Klezmer music. The audience was enthralled with the PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA and with a special performance by world-renowned mezzo-soprano Eugenie Grunewald, performing the 3rd movement of Leonard Bernstein’s Symphony No. 1 “Jeremiah.” Tenor Nathan Brian Wine and clarinetist Shelley Hanson were soloists.  Shelley Hanson’s Klezmer solo had the audience on their feet.  Four of the city’s top cantors, Cantor Daniel Friedman (Temple Beth Shalom), Cantor Marla Goldberg (Temple Sinai), Cantor Philip Goldstein (Temple Ner Tamid) and Cantor Andres Kornworcel (Midbar Kodesh Temple) delighted the audience with their renditions and The Adelson Educational Campus Choir also performed beautifully.  The celebration of Israel @ 60 was lead by Las Vegas Philharmonic music director and conductor, David Itkin.

 

The PHILHARMONIC's concert was generously supported by Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson.  This was a beautiful and unique celebration commemorating this historic occasion. Ticket sales benefited the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Educational Campus and the Las Vegas Philharmonic.  

 

 

The Motion Picture Movie Hall of Fame, in association with the Public Broadcasting Stations, is adding a new pledge drive television special to its family of PBS specials.  Long time TV personality / entertainer Tony Sacca has been asked to produce a television special based on the archives of his long time running weekly television entertainment variety show, “Entertainment Las Vegas Style” now in its 23^rd year. Tony was asked to invite a co-host that would have national recognition, extremely entertaining, and who has had a long history of appearing in Las Vegas.  Charo fit the bill.  She has appeared several times on Tony’s TV shows as well as his television Christmas special “Merry Christmas Las Vegas.” Tony Sacca and Charo will introduce different artists from different locations around Las Vegas - from The Fremont Street Experience, The Las Vegas Hilton, The Venetian, Paris and more. The show is scheduled for airing nationally beginning in November.

 

A fun and unique fund-raising event was held in the STERLING CLUB at Turnberry Place with ‘KISS MY PALETTE.’ The event benefited Project Shero (female hero), a group founded by Eileen Oser that empowers kids and celebrates women.  This event was like an amateur version of Iron Chef.  Three local celebrities, Frankie Scinta, George Bugatti (singer) and Al Frengas cooked for the woman in their lives in a creative and hilarious way.  Judges finalized the contest of the celebrity chefs endeavors and first prize went to Frankie Scinta, second prize to George Bugatti and third prize to Al Flangas.  Masters of Ceremonies for this entertaining event were John Daly and Cathy Ray.

 

Delicious food and drink was sponsored by the Charlie Palmer group, Six Tables and Rosemary’s Restaurant. In addition to the frenetic cooking, eating and drinking festivities, a silent and live auction brought in much needed funds. Project Shero began six years ago as a grassroots vision to “Create a World of Sheroes. Women and Girls of all ages who are comfortable in their own skin. The primary focus of Project Shero is education by delivering enrichment programs for girls ages 5 to 13 that build self-efficacy and provide effective tools for making powerful and positive life choices.

 

With community support, now the key program, WonderChild Workshops® – Girls, Can Dream Big Too, goes directly into the Boys & Girls Club. Celebrating Women includes honoring those remarkable females that have made a difference in the lives of many.  The first “Shero-of-the-Heart,™” the phenomenal and spirited Ms. Alice Key, now 96 years young, attended the event. Alice Key, has been an accomplished dancer, a dedicated journalist and a diligent community activist. 

 

 

Actress and model, Molly Sims, hosted an intimate luncheon at THE PALAZZO to celebrate the arrival of Chelsea Passage, BARNEY’s New York’s area for gorgeous gifts for the home. Guests of the event were treated to a private showing of Chelsea Passage and enjoyed a delicious meal of gourmet spa cuisine provided by Canyon Ranch Grill. Located on the third floor within BARNEY’s NEW YORK, Chelsea Passage features home and gift collections referencing art, culture and design.

Internationally celebrated vocalist FREDA PAYNE brings her critically acclaimed show, “A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald,” to The Club at the CANNERY October 24 and 25 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door.  FREDA PAYNE delivers the thrill of experiencing the entirety of the great Ella Fitzgerald’s career with a dazzling performance of her classic tunes.

Freda Payne’s multi-faceted career spans more than four decades and includes Broadway, concerts, television and movies. At the age of 17, the legendary Pearl Bailey gave Payne her first professional job and paved the way for an extraordinary career that has included sharing the stage with such legends as Lionel Hampton, Sammy Davis Jr., Billy Eckstein, Quincy Jones, Bill Cosby and many others.

“Raw Talent Live,” now at the SAHARA  brings a new side of entertainment to the Las Vegas Strip. The show’s intricate plot transports audience members into a virtual world through raw, interactive, adrenaline-packed performances interlaced with surreal characters and high-tech digital imaging. With 30 percent of the show performed in Spanish, “Raw Talent Live features talented dancers, singers and musicians along with live, original music.  I haven’t seen this show as yet, but interested parties can log on to RawTalent.com to learn more about the surreal world, read character profiles and performer blogs, learn more about the show and the show’s creator ND, and purchase tickets and show memorabilia.

Black Diamond, The Ultimate Tribute to KISS, performs at the CANNERY on Friday, October 31 and Saturday, November 1. The tribute act performs a wide selection of hit songs from one of the most influential groups in history. The concerts begin each night at 8 p.m. at The Club inside the CANNERY. Admission is $5 at the door.  Black Diamond recreates the magic of KISS with their signature makeup and Love Gun costumes. They also perform the classic KISS hits from 1974 to 1980 including “Rock And Roll All Night,” “Detroit Rock City,” “Love Gun,” “Hotter Than Hell,” “Shout It Out” and many more.  For the last seven years, Black Diamond has toured the world and has also opened for KISS in Dallas, Texas before the original band decided to put their makeup back on.

Bella, a healthy Dolphin calf, is swimming her way into the hearts of guests and staff alike at THE MIRAGE.  The energetic calf was born September 6 to Huf n Puf, an Atlantic bottlenose Dolphin.  Shortly after the delivery, the calf swam to the water’s surface, took her first breath and has quickly taken to her surroundings.  She is nursing well and is closely following her mother around the habitat and bonding with her. After the successful birth, THE MIRAGE held an employee contest to name the Dolphin calf.  Out of more than 600 entries, Bella was the winning name submitted by front services attendant, Tony Christopher. Christopher and a guest will enjoy The Mirage’s Dolphin Trainer for a Day Program as the prize for the creative suggestion. With this new addition, three generations of Dolphins are represented at THE MIRAGE.