My Mohegan Sun Journal—January 2010
Ijust finished a juggernaut trip to Mohegan Sun. It started at the airport in Las Vegas. There was a predicted blizzard for New England, but I was going to see this through like the US Mail—“rain nor sleet nor snow.” It’s a long flight, close to 6 hours, but flying gives me “quiet time,” especially this trip. Clarence Collins and I fly together usually, but like I mentioned in a previous column, Clarence flew East days earlier to visit a friend of ours who was just released from the hospital. That is the kind of guy Clarence Collins is.
Everything went somewhat smoothly for me, but as I was in the limo finally heading to Mohegan Sun I was feeling a little gun-shy. LA&TIs haven’t performed at the Wolf Den in over 18 months, and I could not understand why we were not re-booked sooner. We always draw a huge crowd and we also attract “high rollers.” I decided to write it off to the ’09 bad economy. Then as I walked into Mohegan Sun at 1:30 a.m., the greeting I received from the doorman to the check-in desk was so outstanding, I can’t tell you.
For me, it was a long New Year’s Day traveling. The Wolf Den concert wasn’t until the following evening, the 2nd—I had time. I like to walk so I walk every chance I get. The Mohegan Sun people (working and customers) were so exceptional. I was greeted everywhere and congratulated by everyone I ran into. Even though our induction into the Rock HOF was back in April, people still congratulate us. It’s great. It’s a one-or-a-kind gift that keeps on giving. We are so appreciative of our induction and the show at MSG.
The snow was coming down and I wondered if it would affect our show. It didn’t. Our Wolf Den show was a complete success. We were good that night, we wowed them and man that was all the confirmation I needed. The warmth that I felt upon arrival continued throughout our entire stay. I was so touched by the Mohegan Sun welcome, and now a week later, I appreciate it more. From the folks at the front desk to the bellmen, it was like “coming home again (to your family) in the best of all ways.” The Mohegan Sun management went out of their way to welcome our return. It was a wait worth waiting.
Are you familiar with Mohegan Sun, Connecticut? Well, in case you are not, it is in Uncasville, CT very close to the border of Rhode Island. In fact, you have to fly into Providence, RI. The show limo was there waiting although my flight was late flying from Las Vegas to Cleveland and then, onto Providence. With the bad weather in the Midwest and New England, my flight was detained in Cleveland for de-icing. Then, the gate announcement came, we would be delayed 15 minutes and then, minutes later, it was upped to 30 minutes. No big deal but then, another announcement said we would be delayed another 30 minutes while the ground crew replaced a faulty fuel gauge.
Finally, “those 30 minutes” turned into almost an hour. Originally, I was due to fly into Providence at 9 p.m., but by the time we really landed it was close to midnight. My bags arrived and the limo headed south to Mohegan Sun where I finally arrived in Uncasville at 1:30 a.m. I was travel-weary. It’s snowing. Then, boom, “TLC” the people at Mohegan Sun offered and the packed Wolf Den the next night was all the proof I needed.
Carol Murcko, who works for Mohegan Sun’s management, and Bob Yalen, the Wolf Den’s entertainment director, made my storm-weathered trip a fleeting memory. Their hospitality was overwhelming. They went out of their way to make sure I was OK and settled in. They deserve a special thank you since they took such good care of me.
Show day it was snowing and by late morning, it was snowing like crazy. As I gazed out the window, I thought about the term “global warming.” I’m looking at a CT blizzard and I hear on the news about the seriousness of global warming. It just didn’t fit.
Our Wolf Den show was a complete success despite the weather outside. Our return to Mohegan Sun was a winner and although I had concerns, unlike the Connecticut snow, it melted on impact. Call me insecure if you will, but when you draw a huge audience time after time, not to be re-booked makes you question why. I’m back in Las Vegas now, and I admit, it’s good to be home. But Mohegan Sun—Connecticut is a “home away from home” for Little Anthony & The Imperials and that puts a smile on my face.
Our President and Terrorist Justice?
In previous columns, I have discussed our leader, President Obama and his decisions. As we start the New Year, I have to call them as I see them. I cannot understand why our President wants to treat terrorists like they have committed individual crimes. As I see it, we are at war against international terror. These individuals are part of a terrorist organization and they have declared war on everything we stand for. Why give them American rights? They will only try to make a mockery out of “justice” we decide on.
Please Mr. President re-evaluate trying these terrorists as “enemy combatants of war” and not like every day run-of-mill criminals. Our American rights were fought for and earned. Look at the scrolls listing our military and civilian dead and you can estimate the price paid. Why are we allowing these terrorists to use our legal system? Our process of law and what we stand for is everything they hate—ironic they benefit from what they hate.
Why do terrorists have any American rights at all? They declared war on our way of life and President Obama has cited “we are at war.” Yet the arrested terrorists are being afforded the same rights that any American citizen is entitled to. I have to ask why?
If we are at war then why aren’t they facing a military tribunal? I have heard that if we did so, the terrorists would use that against us in their future propaganda. They are going to use it against us no matter what—civil trial or military tribunal. It makes no difference you see. They want us to die and we are concerned about their legal rights. Huh?
Granted this is the opinion of just one American, but Mr. President, I don’t think I am alone in that informed opinion. Isn’t a majority supposed to rule? I believe if you held a popular vote, it would be a landslide leaning toward “we are at war.”
To any terrorists who might read this, here is a fair warning. Remember what our previous American war adversaries soon discovered: you can hit us where it hurts, but we will come back even stronger. I think the reference was “awakening the sleeping giant.”
One Bad Doctor Doesn’t Always Lead To Another
As Michael Jackson’s former doctor, Dr. Conrad is about to be brought up on charges in regard to Michael’s overdose death. Thankfully, not all doctors are alike. Maybe it is the times we live in, but all we ever hear about is the negative side of things. Michael’s doctor violated his oath and facilitated the untimely passing of one of America’s great entertainers. That is a sad fact, but one bad doctor doesn’t necessarily lead to another.
On a good note, I for one would like to include a short mention of thanks to my doctor, Dr. Kevin Sinai. I had a severe cold and since I had shows to do, it was a concern. Dr. Sinai put me at ease though and before leaving for Mohegan Sun, he treated my cold in a professionally quick and doctored manner.
By the time I arrived in Connecticut, my sore throat and sniffles were long gone. Was it a miracle cure? Hell no. He was just doing what any good doctor should do—he treated his patient professionally and successfully. So with that said, one bad doctor should not spoil it for all doctors. Next time you have an ailment or even a cold, thank your doctor for being a solution to your problem and let our justice system deal with the “Dr. Feelgoods.” “Feelgood doctors” inflict pain on us all, when you think about it. R.I.P. Michael.
Canada (And April) Here We Come Again
April is only three months away which means Spring is near. We are heading to Canada and although it could be freezing up there, “the spring thaw” is so close you can feel it.
We tour Canada fairly regularly—maybe twice a year—and although there is a lot of traveling, we get to see old and new audiences from one part of country to the other.
I live in warm Las Vegas, however I love performing in (often) cold Canada. Growing up in New York you have both, but at this point in my life, I’ll take warm Vegas any day...
Heading to Canada gives The Imperials and me quality time on the road. We’re long-time buddies and that is rare nowadays. Sure, our Canadian taxes are high in regard to the anticipated Canadian income but the audiences who live in “the north country” are one of the best in the world. We do some of our best shows in Canada thanks to the audiences there.
To show you how crazy routing can sometimes be, we have a concert in South Florida and then head up the East coast to the other side of the American-Canadian border the next day to begin a “Canadian casino mini-tour,” at the Niagara Fallsview casino.
We start in Naples, Florida and then head north to (slowly I turn—sorry I could not resist that line) Niagara Falls, Canada. Here are the dates:
April
8 — Naples, FL. Philharmonic Center For The Arts
9–10 — Niagara Falls, ON. Niagara Fallsview, Ontario
12 — Winnipeg. ON. McPhillips Street Casino
13 — Moose Jaw, SK. Mae Wilson Theatre
15 — Regina, SK. Casino Regina Show Lounge
16 — Coquitlam, BC. Boulevard Casino
PS:
There is another date (back in the US), but we can not announce it until the venue formerly announces it. What I can tell you is that artists like Streisand and ZZ Top perform there and it is one of the most prestigious concert entertainment rooms in the country. It’s classy and elegant and we’re planning something special for this show. Stay tuned…
