July '10 Entertainment—Z.Z. Zorn's Entertainment Tidbits Column

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July 2010
W
ayne Brady is now forever enshrined at MADAME TOUSSARD’s MUSEUM at the VENETIAN as a really good lifelike statue has been erected in his image. This tribute to Wayne Brady is fittingly deserved as he is a brilliant performer showcasing his many talents in his show “Making it Up.”

At THE VENETIAN in a showroom bearing his name, Wayne Brady’s quick wit and intelligence is amazing. With his sidekick, they create storylines and acts featuring audience members that make each show uniquely different. Congratulations to Wayne Brady—a good guy and special performer I have known for many years.

Statue of Wayne Brady

Wayne with his Statue

Is Z.Z. with Wayne or his Statue?
Twenty years and still going strong! The “Tournament of Kings” at the EXCALIBUR celebrated the show’s 20th Anniversary with a special gathering to honor the cast with an unbelievable cake.

I’ve seen the show many times and always enjoy it so much. The extremely dangerous athletic showmanship is outstanding with swordplay and battles with axes while on horses. It is amazing that they are not hurt, although I’m sure there are occasions where that does happen. The entire cast is outfitted with elaborate costumes and there are great effects. The pyrotechnics, costumes, audience interaction—rooting for your Knight and good food (eaten without utensils) make this a really fun, exciting entertaining adventure.

Peter Jackson was the original founder of the show that was called “King Arthur’s Tournaments.” I knew him quite well and when he unfortunately died, I went to his funeral and witnessed an extraordinary happening that I wrote about, and all who were there will remember. A beautiful black horse that Peter loved was ridden by a “Knight” right near the casket. Every time the priest would say the name Peter Jackson, the horse that had been standing quietly, would shake and whine and ninny. This happened numerous times whenever the name Peter Jackson was mentioned, while otherwise the horse stood silently. So it wasn’t a coincidence, but an emotion experienced by the horse. Amazing!

The great Louie Anderson is leaving the LUXOR, but he will begin a new headlining residency at PALACE STATION on Tuesday, September 7 performing in what is currently Bonkerz Comedy Club Showroom.

Louie Anderson with Z.Z.
Bonkerz Comedy Club owner Joe Sanfelippo owns and operates the national chain of comedy clubs. To compliment Louie Anderson’s move, PALACE STATION will be renaming the showroom in Louie’s name. The change will also include transformation of the 250-seat room with Anderson memorabilia decorating the walls. In addition, Anderson will also be bringing his acclaimed “Standup Boot Camp,” which he co-founded with comedian Kyle Cease, to PALACE STATION. “Standup Boot Camp” is an interactive seminar where Anderson and Cease mentor aspiring comedians in every aspect of the entertainment industry, from comedic delivery to hiring the best representation.

Louie Anderson is a two-time Emmy award winner and is one of the country’s most recognized and adored comics. He was named by Comedy Central as “One of 100 Greatest Stand-Up Comedians of All Time.” Anderson’s big break came in 1984 when he appeared on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.” Relating stories about growing up in the Midwest, being one of 11 children and dealing with an alcoholic father, provided a plethora of material for the comic and audiences across the country related to his take on everyday life situations. Anderson is a multi-talented performer including television and movies and is also a bestselling author. He has written three books including the best selling first book Dear Dad: Letters from an Adult Child in 1989.

Now at the PALACE STATION Bonker’s Showroom, America’s Got Talent” finalist Grandma Lee is returning to headline July 5 through Sept. 4 nightly. Fans will have a chance to see Grandma Lee uncut and uncensored.

Las Vegas based HIV/AIDS charity GOLDEN RAINBOW held its 24th annual “Ribbon of Life” fundraising spectacular at the LAS VEGAS HILTON. Numerous singers, dancers and performers from a number of the top Las Vegas shows and theatrical organizations dazzled a crowd of 1,300 with all-original productions. There is no other show anywhere that can compare with this annual show that has almost 300 performers donating their time and special talents. $175,000 was raised to benefit GOLDEN RAINBOW’s mission to provide housing and direct financial assistance to Southern Nevadans living with HIV/AIDS and to support prevention education. Ribbon of Life “Mistress of Ceremonies” Christopher “Edie” Kenney from Zumanity really livened up the already livened up show. Kudos to everyone involved.

This summer Vegas show-goers can get tickets to The Strip’s hottest adult revue FANTASY and catch an additional show at LUXOR or EXCALIBUR for just $75. This special offer includes one ticket to FANTASY plus one ticket to Criss Angel Believe from Cirque du Soleil, Carrot Top, Menopause the Musical®, Thunder From Down Under, Tournament of Kings or Defending the Caveman. The variety of shows offers something for everyone to enjoy.

RICK’s CABARET Las Vegas is a very classy Gentleman’s Club. Local singles, couples and everyone else who enjoys this type of entertainment now have a special invite from RICK’s CABARET. RICK’s CABARET celebrates locals every month with an exclusive party where Locals with valid ID can enjoy a two-hour open bar; $150 bottles all night and gorgeous women entertaining. All events are from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday, July 1, Saturday, July 10, Tuesday, July 20 and Thursday, July 29. RICK’s CABARET is that beautiful building at 3355 Procyon Street.

Cheap Trick at PARIS
I enjoyed a wonderful evening with ‘SGT.PEPPER LIVE featuring CHEAP TRICK’ at PARIS. ‘SGT. PEPPER LIVE’ features CHEAP TRICK performing all the songs from the historic Beatles album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ as well as other significant Beatles songs from their catalog. Also included in the concert were some of Cheap Trick’s own songs. The group had successfully appeared at the LAS VEGAS HILTON last year.

The PARIS large stage had the wonderful Sgt. Pepper Symphony Orchestra playing up on a high bandstand pedestal above the stage and six male chorus members were on the left side of the high pedestal. Cheap Trick group: Robin Zander, vocals and guitarist extraordinaire, Tom Petersson—Bass & vocals, Rick Nielsen—Guitars and vocals and Daxx Nielsen (son of Rick)—Drums and vocals, performed down front on the wide stage. An interesting part of the performance was an Indian Ensemble of musicians playing authentic Indian Sitar band instruments who were sitting on a large sofa while Tom Petersson sang.

At the helm of sound production is Geoff Emerick, the renowned engineer of the classic 1967 Beatles album “Sgt. Pepper Live” The show ending with “All You Need Is Love” had the audience standing and singing along. This is quite a show for Beatles fans. Cheap Trick will return to PARIS on July 20 for an extended run.

SAMS’s TOWN HOTEL/CASINO now has a new weekly variety and music show called VARIETY TOAST of the TOWN.

Every Thursday at 2 p.m., VARIETY TOAST of the TOWN will feature well-known Las Vegas entertainers in a 75-minute variety show format. Upcoming special guests for VARIETY TOAST of the TOWN include Ronnie Rose from House of Blues Las Vegas, Mollie Tenant of Jubilee!, Tina Walsh from The Phantom of the Opera, Robin Vincent and The Swing City Dolls, George De Mott of Voce Vegas, Michael Laygo of Society of Seven, Teddy Davey of Las Vegas Tenors, Zowie Bowie and the comedy of Cork Proctor.

Musical director for VARIETY TOAST of the TOWN is Bill Fayne and Philip Mathews is co-producer. Entry is free to all B Connected Club members.

Some exciting stars will be coming to the PEARL THEATRE at THE PALMS, so get your tickets early: July 31—Toby Keith $89, $129 & $154; August 21—Billy Idol $49 & $59; August 22—Norah Jones with guest Corrine Bailey Rae $59 & 69. The Pearl Box Office is open from noon–7:00 p.m. daily.

Debauchery in the Desert storms into the PALMS when Rock super group Camp Freddy will perform their high energy set inside THE PEARL CONCERT THEATRE on Saturday, July 10 at 9 p.m. This show also serves as the world premiere of ‘TEASED,’ the new burlesque show from the creators of X Burlesque. This is a 21 and over show.

And at The Lounge at the PALMS Award-winning Playboy Comedy hosted by Cort McCown and Paul Hughes take place. Performance schedules are: July 8 through 10—Greg Proop. July 15 through 17—Matt Braunger. July 22 through 24—Nick Cannon. July 29 through 31—Dov Davidoff. Thursday and Friday 9 p.m., Saturday 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Ticket prices are $39.99* (inclusive of taxes) which includes entry into the legendary Playboy Club following the show. *Locals’ will receive a special ticket price of $19.99 for all Thursday shows.

On Wednesdays throughout the month of July at 9 p.m., Matt Donnelly’s Executive Monkeys bring a new style of improv comedy to the stage that features some of the most supreme improv comedians hailing from Upright Citizens Brigade, Second City, Improv Olympic, Peoples Improv Theatre and Improv Vegas performing a two-act 70–80 minute show.

The first set calls upon audience participation, encouraging the audience to use social media outlet Twitter via their cellular phones as the performers create characters and sketches based on the pictures and words from the tweeting audience. The suggestions are tweeted and are broadcast to an on stage screen to keep the audience up-to-speed.

The second act offers a comedic tarot reading of a celebrity guest that results in an outpour of spontaneous sketches created around the reading. Each week has a new celebrity guest. TX: $25

The Liberace Foundation & Museum is offering a discounted admission rate to beat the heat. Until Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 6, admission for adults is $10, while seniors and students may enter for $8. For $12, guests may take advantage of the “Movie at the Museum” lunch special on Mondays and Fridays, which includes the designated movie for the day, a sandwich, chips, drink and dessert. Guests may enjoy the movie and a snack for $7 or the movie alone for $5.

Singing sensation CLINT HOLMES brings his powerful voice and magnetic stage presence back to the SUNCOAST July 10 and 11. With a long history of entertaining audiences in Las Vegas, Clint is known for his six-year run in Clint Holmes at Harrah’s. Clint was named Las Vegas’ “Best Singer” four times.

Clint Holmes and Z.Z.
AT THE SUNCOAST SHOWROOM:
Internationally acclaimed entertainer, Deana Martin, pays homage to her legendary Dad, Dean Martin, while setting her own standard for exemplary showmanship in Deana Martin in a Tribute to Her Father Dean Martin at the SUNCOAST Showroom, July 24 and 25. For two evenings singing her father’s songs “Everybody Loves Somebody,” “Memories Are Made of This” and “That’s Amore,” Martin plans to capture the same magic her father and Rat Pack pals embodied.

Also at the SUNCOAST, Las Vegan Jay White, known throughout the world as a premier Neil Diamond tribute artist, will perform as Neil Diamond July 31 and August 1, at 7:30 p.m. Jay White’s physical and vocal embodiment of Diamond landed him a nearly nine year stint in Legends in Concert at the IMPERIAL PALACE. He then followed with an eight year run of 2,000 shows, at the RIVIERA performing in a solo show as Neil Diamond.

Dale Earnhardt was one of the most prominent names in NASCAR. The STRATOSPHERE Hotel & Casino has now celebrated Dale Earnhardt’s legacy far beyond the track with the purchase of the #1 of 10 limited edition 2010 Dale Earnhardt Hall of Fame Camaros.

Music icons Lesley Gore, Shirley Alston Reeves and “Little” Peggy March, Legendary Ladies of Rock & Roll, will perform their chart-topping songs at THE ORLEANS Showroom July 24 and 25, at 8 p.m.

Lesley Gore is most recognized for “It’s My Party,” a song that catapulted her to stardom in 1963 at the age of 16. With more than two-dozen hit songs to her credit, Gore’s legendary voice and music helped create the soundtrack of the ’60s. She is also an Oscar-nominated songwriter for her co-writing of “Out Here On My Own” from the 1980 film version of Fame.

Shirley Alston Reeves burst on to the music scene in 1958 as the original lead singer of The Shirelles. Their establishing hit song, “I Met Him on Sunday,” launched a string of hit recordings including “Dedicated to the One I Love,” “Tonight’s the Night,” and “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. This popular song was the first of two No. 1 singles, the second being the 1962 hit “Soldier Boy.”

“Little” Peggy March launched her career at the age of 14 when her song “I Will Follow Him” hit the airwaves in 1964 making her the youngest female artist with a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. She moved to Germany in 1969 where she was a commercial success and moved back to the U.S. in the ’80s. Songs she made popular appeared in the films Hairspray and Sister Act. Earlier this year, March began recording her first album of new original songs in more than 30 years.

Now there is a really funny guy performing at HOOTERS, and he just celebrated his 1st year anniversary there. His name is Todd Paul and his show is called ‘Fear and Laughing in Las Vegas.’ His audience participation is hilarious. He does things you would never expect. For an inexpensive show you can really have a good time. The picture below with members of the audience is an example. Todd Paul is in the center on the unicycle.

Have you been to the new Crown Nightclub located inside the RIO. The Crown Nightclub opens nightly at 10 p.m. and has weekly House Entertainment: Wednesday nights—The Movement, Asian-themed night with special guest DJs; Thursday nights—Rumba, Latin-themed night with special guest DJs; Friday and Saturday nights—Special guest DJs and Resident DJ Alpyne.

SILVERTON CASINO has quite a lineup of great musical entertainment in July.

Sugar Ray began as a funk metal band and eventually morphed their sound, mixing pop/rock with funky hip-hop and reggae grooves. Friday, July 3, 2010, at 8 p.m.

David Cassidy Saturday, July 10, 2010, at 8 p.m.

The actor, singer, songwriter and guitarist is best known for his role as Keith Partridge in the 1970’s sitcom “The Partridge Family.” David Cassidy was one of pop culture’s most celebrated teen idols at the height of his career in the 1970s and became one of the world’s highest-paid performers by age 21. Today, he continues to perform for audiences, produces, writes and will be starring in a new show on ABC Family starting this summer called “Ruby & the Rockits.”

Little Big Town Saturday, July 17, 2010, at 8 p.m.

The four-member vocal group, Little Big Town, hit the country music scene in 1998. The quartet’s second album, Road to Here, was released in 2005 and was certified platinum in the United States. Little Big Town hits include favorites “Boondocks” and “Bring it on Home.”

Kool & The Gang Friday, July 23, 2010, at 8 p.m.

Kool & the Gang formed in New Jersey in 1964 and immediately achieved great success in the R&B world. By the ’70s they broke into the mainstream as a pop-funk group with hits like “Jungle Boogie” and “Hollywood Swinging.” Later hits included favorites “Ladies Night” and “Celebration,” helping Kool & the Gang sell more than 70 million albums worldwide. Lead singer, Skip Martin has been living in Las Vegas for some time.

Better Than Ezra Saturday, July 31, 2010, at 8 p.m.

Better Than Ezra was formed by four college students at Louisiana State University in 1988. Since then, they have released 10 albums, including a greatest hits and live album. Popular hits from Better Than Ezra include “Good,” “At The Stars,” “Desperately Wanting” and “Extra Ordinary.”

Another longtime Las Vegan, Master mimic RICH LITTLE performs at The Club inside the CANNERY on Saturday, July 10 at 8 p.m. Rich is know as “The Man of a Thousand Voices” for his incredible range of impressions. He began his career booking club appearances and working as a talk-show host and disc jockey in his native Canada. Rich was “discovered” in the United States when Mel Torme asked him to make a tape for CBS’ “The Judy Garland Show” and he was signed to the show. He went on to appear alongside such notable personalities as Ed Sullivan, Jackie Gleason and Glen Campbell on TV variety shows and had his own TV variety show in the 1970s. Rich Little was an early guest host on “The Tonight Show,” making 12 appearances. He made TV appearances on “Fantasy Island,” “CHiPs,” “Hawaii Five-O,” “MacGyver” and his regular seat on “Hollywood Squares.”

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) hosts its inaugural Rockin’ Vegas for the Cure concert at B.B. King’s Blues Club on Thursday, July 15 beginning at 6:30 p.m. The night will be filled with great music, food and fundraising, featuring nine bands from around the Las Vegas Valley. The music begins at 6:30 p.m. and bands perform throughout the night. Bands include ‘Nuff Said, Fifth Avenue, Tim Scott/Brad Cordle Band, Yellow Brick Road, Dangerous Curves, Jim Buck, Desert Outlaws, Paul Shortino and B.B. King’s own PJ Barth Band. Additional entertainment will be provided by Comedian Frank Zhaborsky, balloon figures and face-painting by Steve-N-Kids and magic by Houdini’s Magic Shop.

‘Clinics In Schools’ are located on the campuses of Reynaldo Martinez Elementary, a nine-month school and Sister Cynthia Cunningham Elementary, a 12-month school. The clinics provide services completely free to any child under the age of 18 and to anyone 18 or older who is still enrolled in school.

Nu sanctuary, the distinctive new restaurant and lounge at TOWN SQUARE, offers one-of-a-kind tastings and stimulating nightlife every Wednesday evening. ‘Bite Wednesdays,’ hosted by Ketel One models feature resident DJ Fuzion spinning an eclectic mix of top 40, mash-ups and dance beats with a flavorful tasting by Executive Chef Brian Howard.

Once again fans will be able to watch all of the NBA Summer League action from Las Vegas by tuning in to NBA TV or logging on to NBA.com. The 58-game schedule tips off on Friday, July 9, and continues through Sunday, July 18, as 22 NBA teams, including the 2010 NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers and a team of NBA Development League Select players, compete at the THOMAS & MACK CENTER and the COX PAVILION on the campus of the UNIVERSITY of NEVADA LAS VEGAS (UNLV).