May '09 Notes from Norm — Norm Clarke Column

Saturday 05-23-09

Local bullfights will be bloodless

Cheers of "¡Ole!" will be echoing through crowds at the South Point Arena come September.

The city that prides itself in offering a bold buffet of entertainment is adding bullfighting -- the bloodless kind.

Organizers are planning a mid-week announcement on what is believed to be the first bloodless bullfights in Las Vegas

They will be held over six days, starting Sept. 14 at the South Point Arena, where the announcement will be made at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

A publicist said organizers believe it has been more than 40 years since bullfights were held in Las Vegas.

The matador lineup includes Mexico's Eulalio Lopez, better known as "El Zotoluco." He has been a featured bullfighter at Tijuana's bullring.

The first dates will be held Sept. 14-15, a Monday and Tuesday, leading into Mexican Independence Day festivities on the 16th. The second run will be Sept. 27-30.

HEY, AREN'T YOU ...?

Local TV producer Allen Fawcett was in his element the other night while mingling with the cast at "The Lion King" after-party at Mix atop Mandalay Bay.

A Las Vegas resident since 2004, Fawcett starred in four Broadway musicals, including the original New York productions of "Shenandoah," "Rex," "King of Hearts," and the American premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." He played Joseph for about nine months in the early 1980s.

From there he hosted and wrote 134 episodes of the 1980s comedy lip-sync game show "Puttin' on the Hits," produced by Dick Clark.

Fans of "General Hospital" will recall him as Swedish heartthrob Lars Hansen. He played Kelly McGrath on "The Edge of Night."

Fawcett is in the process of creating, producing and hosting a Las Vegas-based show titled "Let's Do Vegas TV." It is due to air in mid-summer.

The Scene And Heard

An electrician died from injuries related to a fall after Tom Jones' show Wednesday at the MGM Grand's Hollywood Theatre. Alan Feldman, vice president of communications for MGM Mirage, confirmed the accident Friday. He said the victim, who was not identified, worked for an outside company. ...

Andre Agassi had to cancel as a speaker at the Danny Gans memorial on Thursday, due to a bout with bronchitis. ...

The Palms' Rain nightclub will be heating up June 6 when 17 local men walk the runway at the 10th Annual Fire & Rain Firefighter Bachelor Auction. Fire station dinners will also be available for auction and raffle. Proceeds go to the Firefighters of Southern Nevada Burn Foundation. Doors open at 6 p.m. To purchase tickets visit www.theburnfoundation.org. For more information call 702-416-6767. ...

Sightings

University of Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino, betting the ponies Friday at Mandalay Bay race and sports book. ...

At the Palms' "Ditch Fridays" Memorial weekend kickoff: pro sports stars Terrell Owens, Willie Parker, Dwight Freeney, Shawne Merriman, Willis McGahee, Drew Gooden, Juwan Howard, Michael Finley and Rashad Dion McCants. ...

Kendra Wilkinson, her fiancé, Hank Baskett of the Philadelphia Eagles, and former Mansion mate Holly Madison, poolside at Wet Republic (MGM Grand) on Friday. ... R&B singer Tank, having lunch at Wolfgang Puck's Chinois (Forum Shops at Caesars) on Friday. ... Veteran actor Chazz Palminteri, with local film producer Trent Othick at Lavo and Tao on Thursday. Othick is a co-producer of Palminteri's one-man show "A Bronx Tale," which wraps up its national tour in Denver June 9-21. ...

New Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and San Francisco 49ers cornerback Reggie Smith at Poetry nightclub (Forum Shops) on Friday. ... At the studios at Odds On Records in Henderson on Friday: Aussie Michael Johns, "American Idol" finalist," singing guest vocals on Air Supply's "Hold On," which will appear on their new album. He later joined Air Supply's Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock on stage at The Orleans. ... "

Hollywood Madam" Heidi Fleiss, having lunch at Wolfgang Puck's Chinois (Forum Shops at Caesars) on Thursday. ... Sports legends Orel Hershiser and Mike Tyson, at Casa Di Amore on separate nights this week

Sunday 05-24-09

Emergency halts Whoopi's show

The first show in Danny Gans' former theater didn't make it to the end.

During Whoopi Goldberg's closing minutes, a male patron suffered an apparent seizure near the front of the Encore Theater, according to several witnesses.

Goldberg stopped her show when ushers began tending to the man, who was near Steve and Elaine Wynn, who had arrived arm in arm.

After a minute or two, Goldberg called it a night, telling the audience it was best that she allowed the guest to be assisted.

It happened a little more than an hour into the 8 p.m. show, said local hairstylist Robert Aganza.

A Wynn representative said the condition of the man was not known. "It's not something they usually let us release. Unfortunately, medical issues are common occurrence in theaters. We understand he was talking when the medical people arrived."

Goldberg was the first act in the theater since the May 1 death of the veteran headliner, who died at age 52.

Gans' memorial was held in the theater on Thursday.

Aganza said that as he filed out, he heard showgoers saying "they felt like there was curse on the room. Silly talk like that."

SHAWN KING'S WILD TRIP

Larry King's wife, Shawn, almost had to cancel out of attending Gans' memorial for health reasons.

On her Twitter site Saturday, she wrote that she had the symptoms of the flu, and because of her fear of swine flu, she took the anti-viral drug Tamiflu and almost heeded the advice of several friends, including Gans' manager Chip Lightman, to stay home.

But, she wrote, "something inside was gnawing at me ... Danny was my friend. Had 2 go."

A singer, she was scheduled to open Gans' show for him on May 1, the day he died.

In fact, one of the last notes he wrote to himself was a reminder that he left in his quick-change room -- two words on a sticky note: "Shawn King."

After being stuck in security Thursday morning in Los Angeles, and worrying that she was going to miss the flight, she ran barefoot to the plane, with her shoes in her hands. She was running so late that the airline had given up her seat, but she was able to get it back.

When she arrived in Las Vegas, Steve Wynn had sent a Rolls Royce to pick her up.

Her headache was getting worse and she almost didn't make it to the start of the memorial. It took another barefoot dash, past shops and through the casino, but she made it to her front row seat just in time, joining her father, Karl Engemann and Marie Osmond. Engemann is Marie's longtime manager.

King praised Gans' children -- Amy, 21, Andrew, 19 and Emily, 14 -- for their "beautiful, heartfelt, gut wrenching, and comforting words."

After the 3 p.m. memorial, King was feeling so ill she returned to her room and decided to stay the night, and she got a shot from a physician. Wynn even called to see how she was, she wrote.

She had a 5 a.m. wake-up and made it home for a birthday breakfast with the Kings' youngest son, Cannon, who turned 9 on Friday.

The Scene And Heard

The Mirage marquee has a new addition: a video announcing the arrival of "Beacher's Madhouse." Producer Jeff Beacher and his dozen or so speciality acts are booked once a month in a new 1,200-seat theater, starting this fall. Beacher was back in the news earlier this month for threatening to sue Luxor headliner Criss Angel over a cat. Beacher's attorney, Robert Reynolds, wrote a letter to Angel saying Beacher gave the cat to a female friend to cat-sit while both of his parents battled serious illnesses and later died. Beacher wants the cat back.

Sightings

At the UFC event at MGM Grand Garden on Saturday: "Bionic Woman" Lindsay Wagner and "Girls Next Door" star Holly Madison.


Monday 05-25-09

Clint Holmes joins lineup for Obama Las Vegas entertainer Clint Holmes has been added to the glitterati lineup for Tuesday's political fundraiser featuring President Barack Obama. Holmes is joining Caesars Palace headliner Bette Midler, Harrah's headliner Rita Rudner, and singer Sheryl Crow. Holmes, who has been headlining in Las Vegas for most of the past decade, is singing the National Anthem at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. It will be the third president he has performed for and the third time he's sung for Obama. The president is making his first visit to Las Vegas since being elected. He's here to boost the re-election effort of Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and repay the swing state for turning Democratic. Holmes was the first African-American in the U.S. Army Chorus, which sang at all the official functions during his two years with the group. That was during the early years of the Nixon administration. He also sang for President George H.W. Bush during a TV special at the White House. He sang for Obama twice during his presidential campaign stops at Cashman Field and Henderson. During a personal meeting with Obama at the rally in Henderson, Holmes' wife, Kelly Clinton, reminded her husband to tell Obama one of their favorite family show business stories. Holmes recounted the night he was headlining at the Suncoast late last year. He told the crowd his family history. "My mother is a white British opera singer, my father was a black jazz singer, which makes me," pausing, "Barack Obama." From the audience a woman's voice was heard saying "I wish." It was his 93-year-old mother, Audrey. Obama, said Holmes, was "the only candidate I really got involved with, believed in and campaigned for." The Scene And Heard Four-time NFL All-Pro tight end Jeremy Shockey was rushed to a Las Vegas hospital Sunday, after reportedly suffering from dehydration while partying at Rehab, the Hard Rock Hotel's pool venue. Shockey, the former University of Miami star who was the New York Giants' No. 1 pick in 2002, was treated and released. ... CNN political reporter Ed Henry was in the audience for Whoopi Goldberg's show at Encore Theatre on Saturday. He sent me a Twitter early Sunday saying she opened with a moment of silence for the late Danny Gans. Goldberg's daughter and granddaughter were in the crowd, Henry added. Henry is in town to cover Obama's appearance at Tuesday's political fundraiser. ... Las Vegas resident Leigh Zimmerman, who played Ulla, the leggy Swedish sex siren in Mel Brooks' Las Vegas version of "The Producers," is playing Velma in London's West End staging of "Chicago" for six weeks. Sightings Professional dancers Edyta Sliwinska and Alec Mazo from "Dancing With the Stars," at the 10:30 p.m. performance of "Peepshow" Saturday at Planet Hollywood Resort. After the show they went backstage to visit their friend Kelly Monaco who won the first season of "Dancing with the Stars" with Mazo. ... Cheech & Chong, checking out the Flight of the Conchords' sold-out show in The Joint ( Hard Rock Hotel) after their show Saturday at the Palms. ... Rudner added a bonus to her Friday show at Harrah's. After informing the audience that she was joining Midler and Crow at the Reid fundraiser at Caesars Palace, Rudner asked the audience to help her as she practiced her jokes. ... At Jet (The Mirage) on Saturday: Wes Welker of the New England Patriots, Stephen Cooper and Shaun Phillips of the San Diego Chargers, Panic at the Disco band members, including lead guitarist Ryan Ross, drummer Spencer Smith, and bassist Jon Walker. Rapper Soulja Boy Tell 'Em gave a special performance of "Crank That (Soulja Boy)." ... At N9NE Steakhouse (Palms) on Saturday: Dane Cook, Shockey, Paul Pierce, Sam Cassell, Drew Gooden, Michael Finley, Steven Jackson, Juwan Howard, and Andre Johnson ... At Moon (Palms): running backs Sammy Morris and Larry Johnson ... Staying at the Trump International Hotel this weekend: UFC star Rashad Evans, who lost to Lyoto Machida in the UFC event at MGM Grand Garden arena on Saturday, and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Bernard Berrian.

Tuesday 05-26-09

Norm took the day off

Wednesday 05-27-09

Obama invited to Hardwood Suites

Everybody wants to talk hoops and make points with President Barack Obama.

The basketball-loving commander-in-chief got an offer he'll likely take a pass on during his first visit as president.

George Maloof, owner of the Palms hotel-casino, invited Obama to stay at the hotel's Hardwood Suites, where everyone from George Clooney to Shaquille O'Neal and Britney Spears to Kid Rock have shot baskets.

"He said he had heard about the suites. He thought a game of 'HORSE' would be a lot of fun," added Maloof, who met Obama at a pre-event reception with a major-donor group that included Elaine Wynn, Jenna Morton of N9NE Group and brother Phil Maloof, president of the Maloof family's music and entertainment division.

That's probably on the list of photo ops that aren't going to happen.

"Phil asked him who we (the Maloof-owned Sacramento Kings) should take in the NBA draft," George Maloof said. "He liked Blake Griffin, of course; (Hasheem) Thabeet from Connecticut and he loved the kid from Memphis -- Tyreke Evans," the consensus national freshman of the year choice.

Wynn, a big basketball fan, joined the hoop talk, too.

The president made it clear he was itching to watch some of the Cleveland-Orlando NBA battle, said George Maloof, who met Obama for the first time.

The Maloofs weren't the only Las Vegans to make a play for some one-on-one with the president.

UNLV's basketball program put out word through the local media they hoped Obama would stop in to meet head coach Lon Kruger for a shoot-around.

The Scene And Heard

According to a British tabloid report, singing sensation Susan Boyle has accepted Donny Osmond's invitation to see the "Donny & Marie Show" at the Flamingo. One problem: that's news to Donny, his publicist said Tuesday. ...

The 58-member staff at Gulfstream General Dynamics was eager to hear what Obama was going to say as far as helping Las Vegas get back on its feet. The company, which services a ton of corporate jets, has lost almost one-third of its work force since the economic downturn, and Obama's comments about corporate excess that put a chill in corporate trips here.

"He scared a lot of people and put a big hurt on the corporate jet world," said Dave Foster, a senior tech mechanic, who could see Air Force One parked across the runways at McCarran International Airport. ...

Lance Burton's return to the stage at the Monte Carlo has been delayed until June 23. He's on the mend after breaking a bone in his right foot during his May 7 show. ...

Cast members and musicians from "Jersey Boys" will participate tonight in a new cabaret concept at the Liberace Museum, 1775 East Tropicana Avenue. "VS -- A Rock Cabaret" will showcase local talent from the Strip. All proceeds benefit the Liberace Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts. Performers will include Erich Bergen and Kristofer McNeeley from "Jersey Boys," Bobby Black from the Las Vegas Tenors and Melanie Taylor from "Ultimate Manilow: The Hits." Ticket information: (702) 798-5595 Ext. 14. ...

Stephen Belafonte, the demanding hubbie of Spice Girl Mel B, is wearing out his welcome at Planet Hollywood Resort. I hear Belafonte got tossed out of Privé nightclub over the weekend after a run-in with security. Word has it he's been "acting like he owns Planet Hollywood," expecting free food and special treatment. ...

Sightings

ESPN's Kenny Mayne, producing a segment with a Tiger Woods impersonator at the Flamingo backjack table on Tuesday. In the segment showing "Tiger" playing blackjack, his caddy jumps on a chair and tries to wave off the casino "eye in the sky" cameras. It's a spoof of Woods' real-life caddy who often has to keep photographers at bay during tournament play. The segment will air on SportsCenter next month. ... Philadelphia Flyers captain Mike Richards, a finalist for the Selke Award for top defenseman, at Simon at Palms Place on Tuesday. ... All-Pro NFL running back Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings, dining at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab (Forum Shops at Caesars). ... "Peepshow" co-star Kelly Monaco, being serenaded by cast mates on her 33rd birthday Saturday at the Palms Pool & Bungalows.

Thursday 05-28-09

First-grader has whole lot of firsts

Rita Rudner's 7-year-old daughter, Molly, not only got to meet her first president, but she might be meeting the first kids.

The first-grader was introduced to President Barack Obama during his fundraising appearance Tuesday for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., at Caesars Palace.

Molly's big day almost didn't happen.

"When we got to take our picture with the president, they didn't want to allow my daughter in (the room) because she was a security risk," said Molly's mother.

She added, "She's rambunctious, but she's never been classified as a security risk."

After making it past the security ring, Molly got the VIP treatment from the president.

"He was very sweet with her," said the proud mom, "and he invited her to play in the playground at the White House."

Molly's response: "When are we going?"

Rudner, who has been headlining on the Strip since 2000 at New York-New York and currently at Harrah's, served as the emcee of the fundraiser. Caesars headliner Bette Midler, Sheryl Crow and Clint Holmes also entertained the crowd of 4,000 at The Colosseum.

After Rudner's opening line -- "Isn't it refreshing to have a president who is funny intentionally?" -- she later added, "Nancy Pelosi was going to be here, but she claims no one told her about it."

Midler, who, like the president, grew up in Hawaii, presented Obama with a ukulele for his daughters, Malia, who turns 11 on July 4, and Sasha, who turns 8 on June 7.

Obama, after staying the night in a 22,000-square-foot suite in the Forum Tower, worked out at Caesars' Qua Baths and Spa, which were closed to the public.

A big basketball fan, he saw a TV backstage after the fundraiser and watched the last four minutes of the Cleveland-Orlando NBA playoff game.

Later, he ordered a steak from Nero's, Caesars steakhouse, a spy said.

Before leaving Caesars, Obama stopped in the room service department to thank the staff and pose for photos.

CLINTON BACK AT BOOTLEGGER

Former Elvis Choir member Kelly Clinton is returning to the Bootlegger Bistro on Mondays starting June 1, this time with an open-mic cabaret show.

Clinton, who hosted celebrity karaoke on Mondays for three-plus years at the club, hopes to turn her show into a weekly showcase for established and upcoming talent.

She was 19 when she was discovered at Frank Link's showcase at the Maxim.

"There's not a lot of places where you can do this now, and there's so many talented people out there," she said.

The opening-night lineup includes Susan Anton; Domenick Allen, former lead singer of Foreigner; Clinton's husband, Holmes; and the Las Vegas Tenors. Showtime is 9 p.m.

The Scene And Heard

The casting team of ABC's popular parenting series "Supernanny" will be in Las Vegas through Friday to meet local mom and dad candidates for the premiere episode of "Super-Manny." The new show features child behaviorist Mike Ruggles. For more information, call 1-877-626-6984 or visit the Web site www.supernanny.com. ...

Reader David Frankie pointed out in an e-mail that George Shirley was the first African-American in the U.S. Army Chorus, joining in 1956. Holmes indicated in an interview this week that he believed he was the first, in the late 1960s.

Sightings

Steve Wynn, British girlfriend Andrea Hissom, Hollywood director Brett Ratner and CNN senior White House correspondent Ed Henry dining at Sinatra (Encore) on Tuesday night. ... At Moon (Palms) on Tuesday: Mike Richards, Nelly, San Diego Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips, Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs, rapper Too Short and UFC legend Chuck Liddell. ... Actor Jamie Kennedy, at Lavo (Palazzo) on Tuesday, celebrating his 39th birthday with girlfriend Jennifer Love Hewitt. Also at Lavo: Kevin Federline and girlfriend Victoria Prince. ... Erin Brockovich, dining at Hank's Fine Steaks and Martinis at Green Valley Ranch on Tuesday.

Friday 05-29-09

Rat Pack fan has 'Ocean's 7' idea

Music producer Jermaine Dupri is on a mission to bring back The Rat Pack vibe.

Dupri, Janet Jackson's longtime beau, wants to see Las Vegas return to the era when the coolest dudes in town wore tuxes and suits.

He has recruited Usher and Nelly into a group Dupri has dubbed "Ocean's 7," after the Rat Pack movie, "Ocean's Eleven," starring Frank Sinatra (as Danny Ocean), Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford.

"Las Vegas is begging for a new breath of energy," Dupri told me in a telephone interview. "I think a lot of people want to see Vegas go back to what it was."

Dupri, usually in a white tuxedo with a black bow tie, and his crew have been the talk of the Las Vegas club scene, with their impromptu singing performances, a la the Rat Pack.

He's hoping to add Bow Wow and "the right girl to play the Ocean's Girl. The big debate with Bow Wow is that he won't dress up. He's 21," said Dupri.

Others in the group include music producer Bryan-Michael Cox, singer/songwriter Trey Songz and four-time Grammy winner Johnta Austin ("the Sinatra of the group," said Dupri), and Tyrone Davis, Dupri's personal assistant.

The new-image idea came together earlier this year when Dupri was producing Usher's new album at the Palms recording studios. Somebody in the group wore a suit one night, and a couple nights later "everybody came in all dressed up and we all went to Lavo. It felt nice."

Dupri's mix tape of the group comes out Friday at www.global14.com. Dupri has big plans for "Ocean's 7:an album, a movie and "the ultimate is a show in Vegas."

MEDIA UPDATE

Jay Leno told entertainment reporter Alicia Jacobs at NBC affiliate KVBC-TV, Channel 3, that he'll have a big surprise during his final "Tonight Show" tonight. His guests include his successor, Conan O'Brien, and singer-songwriter James Taylor. The latter will be Leno's final guest after a 17-year run, a la Bette Midler being Johnny Carson's last guest. ...

Las Vegas Sands chief Sheldon Adelson, in an interview with free-lance writer Steve Friess (VegasHappensHere.com), is blaming the company's crash on former LVS president Bill Weidner, who resigned in March. "Would I have done anything different? Yes, I would've fired Bill Weidner a long time ago. He created a financing situation that was completely inappropriate. Now we're getting financing that's more appropriate." ...

Mike Gilmartin has been named director of public relations at Pure Management Group. He previously headed PR at The Stratosphere for 8 1/2 years. Andy Levey is PMG's new director of relationship marketing. Levey recently married Elizabeth Share, who was understudy for the role of Sophie in the Las Vegas "Mamma Mia!" production at Mandalay Bay. Share just made her Broadway debut this month with "Mamma Mia!" in the role of Sophie.

The Scene And Heard

Singing sensation Robin Thicke and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Chaka Khan will perform at the NHL Awards on June 18 at the Palms. Also attending will be Snoop Dogg, Michael Buble and actors William Fichtner, Tricia Helfer and Lauren Holly.

May I Recommend...

A Las Vegas-style old-fashioned car wash -- featuring the dancers of Sapphire -- will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today to benefit United Way of Nevada. Located in the Rio's pavilion lot off Twain, near the entrance to the 40th World Series of Poker, the event will include a dunk tank and a McFadden's Irish Pub food booth. Cost: $5 for exterior wash.

Sightings

Cher impersonator Tiny Bubbles, a 450-pound drag queen, was voted best Joan Rivers look-alike at Annie Duke's Hard Rock Hotel poker benefit Wednesday that featured 20 Rivers impersonators. Frank Marino, who headlined as Rivers in "An Evening at La Cage" at the Riviera for two decades, walked the red carpet with Duke, who finished second in "Celebrity Apprentice" to Rivers. Rivers labeled poker players as "white trash" and "mafia" during "Apprentice." ... Country music star Bryan White, taking in the "Donny & Marie" show Wednesday night at the Flamingo. ... Carlos Santana, having chicken fried steak and eggs at Mr. Lucky's (Hard Rock Hotel) for the seventh time in a row on Thursday. ... Baseball free agent Frank Thomas, celebrating his 42nd birthday Wednesday at N9NE Steakhouse (Palms)

Order Vegas Confidential: Sinsational Celebrity Tales

Norm Clarke's newest book, Vegas Confidential: Sinsational Celebrity Tales ($12.95, Stephens Press, February 2008), dishes up a feast from Sin City's Ace Insider on celeb's club hopping, spending sprees, outrageous behavior, feuds and meltdowns, and the best (and worst) tippers.