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The Cast Inc. honors Bill Medley
AN ORGANIZATION OF entertainers who discretely assist entertainers in need within our community is called The Cast Inc. They have been doing just that for some time now. In addition they help to establish scholarship programs for the Performing Arts and have aided local charities in their fundraising.
Much of their activities are fun events at luncheons and special events where entertainment flourishes.
A special event was held on Monday, September 11 when The Cast Inc. honored the incomparable Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers at a gala event at the SAHARA HOTEL.
 Guests were dressed to the nines and enjoyed cocktails, dinner and dancing to music provided by the 10-piece Benny Bennet Orchestra. Lovely programs designed by Michaelina Bellamy were at each table.
After dinner Michaelina started the program by singing, "God Bless the Child" with the orchestra. Then, Tony Sacca, president of The Cast Inc., asked the audience to bow their heads in silence for a few moments to remember to pay tribute to those who died on this day of September 11.
Tony talked about the mission and achievements of The Cast Inc and introduced Gene Sironen and Doug Masters. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Bill Medley must have felt complimented as impersonators Gene Sironen and Doug Masters looked and sounded as the Righteous Brothers. Solo tributes to Bobby Hatfield singing "Unchained Melody" and Bill Medley singing, "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' received a standing ovation. Sironen and Masters as the Righteous Brothers also sang "Little Latin Lupe Lu," and "Rock and Roll Heaven." Sironen and Masters have appeared periodically since 1994 as the Righteous Brothers in "Legends in Concert" at the Imperial Palace. In 1995 they received accolades from Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield who came to the IP and watched them perform in "Legends." Medley said, "These guys are so good, it's spooky."
  
A special part of the evening was a video put together by Tony Sacca and Steve Lippia of the Righteous Brothers interviews with Tony Sacca from years past. The video also showed the Righteous Brothers performing and Bill Medley performing at the current time without Bobby. Bill now performs with his lovely daughter McKenna who was there along with Bill's wife and other members of his family. A special guest sitting at the dais was Cook E. Jarr.
I have a special connection with Cook E. Jarr, as he came to Las Vegas to perform at the Sands lounge the same week as I did in 1982. In fact, at that time he was known as Cook E. Jarr and the Crumbs. One of the Crumbs, Phil, lived in the same complex as I, and I became a Cook E. Jarr and the Crumbs regular at their shows.
I also had the pleasure of meeting Bill and Bobby Hatfield backstage at the Desert Inn when my friend Ronnie's daughter Robin was one of their backup singers.
Lena Prima daughter of Louie Prima was then introduced. She spoke about her father and the Louie Prima Award for outstanding achievement in the entertainment industry that she and her mother created. Louie Prima made Las Vegas history by being one of the most outstanding Las Vegas lounge performers. Louie's daughter Lena is keeping that legacy alive with her show "Louie Prima, That's my Dad," and the Louie Prima Award. Lina introduced Bill Medley and awarded him the first LOUIE PRIMA AWARD.
 
 Bill Medley spoke about how he and Bobby Hatfield originally got together in 1962. At that time they were 'Rock and Roll.' performers. Frank Sinatra brought them to Las Vegas in 1965. They were playing the lounge at the Sands when one night Sinatra became sick and they were asked to perform in the showroom with Count Basie and Quincy Jones. As they were 'Rock and Roll' performers, they were so surprised and thrilled. Bill said he had also worked with Lena's Mom and Dad at the Sands. Bill advised entertainers that there is fine line between "Reality and Oblivion" so go after your dreams.
Mayor Oscar Goodman sent a proclamation making the next day, Sept 12 "Bill Medley Day."
Tony introduced the Cast Inc. Board of Directors and then all Cast members were asked to come up to the stage. Picture taking along with Bill Medley and his family ensued.
A grand evening was enjoyed by all.
For more information visit www.thecastinc.com.
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