Wow – the past 3 weeks have been a blur. I produced Breck Wall’s Memorial Tribute Show on Sunday, February 20, 2011 in the showroom at South Point Casino. It was a huge success. I have produced many large scale fundraising events and musical theater productions, but this one topped them all. Why? Well it’s the first event I have done where I have had to deal with the Secret Service and top level security details. Three weeks prior to the event, I received a personal phone call from Senator Harry Reid in Washington DC asking if he could come and participate in the tribute because he and Breck were such long time friends – “of course,” I said. It was a big surprise to those in the audience when he was introduced and walked on stage because it was not announced ahead of time who was performing / appearing for the tribute. I have to say, both Senator Reid and Mayor Oscar Goodman are both such gracious men and spoke from their heart at the event. Both also have such lovely wives who attended with them.
George Wallace – I was recently the guest of George to see his 10pm show at the Flamingo. OMG, 2 hours of 'pee your pants' funny! Besides being one of the most talented entertainers here in Las Vegas, he is also one of the nicest guys too. Thanks for the rare interview in your dressing room too George! You all need to check out his 'I Be Thinkin' show.
Dirk Arthur – I recently saw Dirk Arthur's new magic show with the white tigers. He asked me onstage to assist with one trick - when he pulled the duck out of the wooden bucket it pissed all over me. I think I should be able to add 'Magician's Assistant' to my resume now after the duck incident. AMAZING show - you need to check it out! I don’t know who had influence or was involved in his new show, but it is SO much better than what it was at the Tropicana. It is rare to be that close to the large cats and the show is truly worth your time.
Recycled Percussion – Media night for the Recycled Percussion at the Tropicana was a huge hit. You might remember this group as the 3rd place winners on season 4 of America’s Got Talent. The group formed in 1995 as part of a high school talent competition. All their instruments are made of recycled junk they found around the neighborhood. They did a few months run at Planet Hollywood here in Las Vegas, and I also saw them last year at the Venetian as Joan Rivers’ opening act. Their new home is the Tiffany Theater at Tropicana and a fun show for all ages. You actually are handed drum sticks and old pieces of junk to bang on during the show and become guest band members for the evening.
Tower of Power – Last week I had some guests in town – Ken Prescott (former star of 42nd Street on Broadway), Dorothy Kloss (oldest working showgirl tap dancer in Guinness Book of World Records at 87 years old), and Kit Smythe (Original Ginger from Gilligan’s Island and Gertrude in Bewitched) – all four of us were the guest of Damian Costa (Entertainment Director at South Point) to see the show Tower of Power. We all loved the show and I wanted to say Thank You to Damian. Dorothy commented on how this took her back to the ‘Big Band Era’ when she started out her dancing career. There are not very many groups left performing who have such an amazing ‘horn section’ as what Tower of Power does. This year marks the groups 43rd year of performing.
Gilbert Gottfried - I ran into Gilbert backstage at the Funny Bones Charity Show a few weeks ago and decided to check out his show while he was performing in the Shimmer Lounge at the Las Vegas Hilton. I bought his Dirty Jokes CD from iTunes a few years ago and it is SOOO funny – but they are oh so dirty/raunchy/gross. His live show was – eh, not so impressive. I didn’t care too much for the first part of the show, but then he ended on a funny note with a few of the dirty jokes off of the CD. The dirtier he got, the more the audience laughed! It is interesting how someone can have a great career on one small segment (gross jokes), but then can’t seem to be that interesting when trying to deliver cleaner material. Just an interesting observation??
Dance With Me - Saw the Frank Sinatra show Dance With Me at Encore - it is probably the best show here in Las Vegas!The live orchestra, the pure digital tracks of Sinatra singing, and the beautiful choreography and dancing from the Twyla Tharp dancers make it a memorable event. When you go see the show, keep an eye on the bald headed dancer, Charlie Neshyba-Hodges, he is the 2010 Fred Astaire Award winner as the Best Male Dancer on Broadway. It is incredible to see how graceful he is and how he flies across the stage!
John Caparulo – The adult-only comedy show this past weekend at South Point was from funny man John Caparulo.You will most notably know him from his frequent appearances on the Chelsea Lately Show. He packed the South Point Showroom and had the entire audience laughing. Thanks to Damian, Carrie, and Pat who are always such gracious hosts at the South Point Showroom. Next weekend is chubby funny man Ralphie May!
Carnaval Rio de Janeiro by Gateway Arts Foundation – The popular Gateway Arts Foundation with host a program to celebrate and discover the history and culture of Brazil. The event will highlight percussionist Kurt Rasmussen on Brazilian drumming, member of Mocidade Rebelde, Brazilian martial arts called Capoeira performed by Mandinga of Las Vegas, and beautiful Samba dancers let by Cristiane Ripari. This exciting and educational event will be March 13 at 3:00pm at Grace in the Desert, 2004 Spring Gate Lane 89134. Tickets are only $15 and reservations at 702.255.0695 or check out their website at www.gatewayartsfoundation.org
