From: Norm Johnson
For: Column for 02-12-2022
Along with three great friends, we picked up our tickets to see and hear Michelle Rohl perform her magical skills, with her vocal chords, and recreate not only the voice of, but the person herself, Janis Joplinin the Kozmic Blues Show—she with the husky voice and bare feet. But first we had to wait as the staff of the Smith Center searched the internet for one of our group, who had forgot the rules of needing a copy of her covid vaccines records before we could enter the facility. Well, after nearly 20 minutes, her shot record was found and we were allowed to proceed to our table inside Myron’s Cabaret Jazz.
Janice (Michelle) made her slow entrance from the back of the filled to capacity audience, singing “Move Over”: as she got to the stage and finished up her entrance with the song, “Try.” She was off and running. Over the next 70 plus minutes, and 17 songs including a fabulous drum solo by Pepe Jiminez, and a horn solo by the great Dave Perico, The remaining members of her Steller back-up band The Kozmic Blues Band are--Brian Triola - Musical Director and keyboard; Dave Maddelon, bass; Carlos Guerrero, Guitar; Dianna Johnson, background vocals; Rob Stone, alto sax, and Mark Tragesser, Baritone sax..
The order and list of songs performed so dynamically this particular evening was perfecto. I had the pleasure of seeing the original Janis in California back in the day and this was truly a treat. Of course, she covered many of the hist including the last song ever recorded by Janis—Mercedes Benz. Michelle’s “Move Over” was right on the notes, as was “Tell Mama”, “Ball and Chain”, and of course her cover of Kris Kristofferson song "Me and Bobby McGee."
Over the years I have been fortunate to watch Ms. Rohl perform in a number of various shows here in my village, Including Legends in Concert. But this show, Kozmic Blues, is definitely a winner. So, gang, the next time you read, hear, or see that Michelle Rohl will be appearing near you lock down those tickets ASAP. I guarantee you will be well entertained and going home you will be singing under your breath the words of Bobby McGee.
THIS AND THAT QUICKLY:
Known worldwide for his bold moves and ostentatious flare, legendary five-division world champion and boxing Hall of Famer Floyd “Money” Mayweather shook up the sporting world again this week with the announcement he will partner with sunglass giant Pit Viper when The Money Team Racing (TMTR) makes the long-awaited NASCAR Cup Series debut of its No. 50 Pit Viper Chevrolet at the Daytona 500 on February 20, 2022.
One of the fastest fighters in boxing history, Mayweather will have driver Kaz Grala behind the wheel of his new NASCAR NextGen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 with an engine from ECR at the 64th Annual Daytona 500, held at the iconic Daytona International Speedway in Florida.
“I love fast cars and I love to compete. I know NASCAR will not be easy, but anything easy isn't worth doing to me,” Mayweather exclaimed. “With that being said, this move into auto racing seems to be a perfect fit for the Mayweather brand.”
Kaz Grala will lead the fight on the track as TMTR’s driver for select races in 2022. Grala has already proven success at Daytona as the youngest NASCAR winner in the track’s storied history. The 23-year-old driver has finished in the top-10 in half of his NASCAR Cup Series races to date, including his debut when he drove through the field to an impressive seventh-place finish on the Daytona Road Course.
“It’s an honor to be behind the wheel for Floyd Mayweather’s entrance into NASCAR. It’s a really exciting time in our sport as it globalizes and reaches new audiences,” said Grala. “I know Floyd is here to win, and I absolutely feel that everyone involved in this program is capable of making that happen. We know we will need some time to grow together as a new organization, but I couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of building this team from the ground up.”
Calling the shots at the top of the pit box will be NASCAR Cup Series winning crew chief, Tony Eury Jr. The co-owner of TMT Racing, William Auchmoody, an associate of Mayweather’s and a longtime member of the NASCAR community, will serve as the team's general manager. Brent Johnson of ONE Entertainment will manage Brand Mayweather activations along with James “P-Reala” McNair, president of The Money Team.
“This deal has been a long time coming and we are finally at the starting line.” said Auchmoody. “Every time we thought we would be able to hit the track, something happened, including a global pandemic. One thing I have learned from Floyd Mayweather is that sometimes your best offense is a great defense and now we are here going to our first race at this year's Daytona 500. We are excited to be racing!”
StarCom Racing's Michael & Matt Kohler and Bill Woehlemann have a vested interest in the team as well. “We are extremely thankful to TMTR for the opportunity to be a part of this team and are excited to join them on this journey,” Woehlemann said.
Follow TMT Racing on Facebook and Instagram @themoneyteamracing and Twitter @tmtracing50 for chances to win TMT Racing prizes and Pit Viper merchandise.
The Orleans Showroom will bring highly acclaimed entertainers to The Orleans Hotel & Casino in February, including, Blood, Sweat & Tears and “Up, Up & Away” starring Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr.
Blood, Sweat & Tears will perform Friday, February 11. Best-known for their signature sound fusing their horn section with rock, jazz and blues, Blood, Sweat & Tears has been touring and performing their top hits for more than 50 years. The band rose to fame with the release of their self-titled, second album, which received a Grammy Award for “Album of the Year” in 1970, yielded three Top-5 singles and sold more than 4 million units. The album was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002.
Throughout the band’s musical career, Blood, Sweat & Tears went on to receive prestigious awards and recognitions, including three Grammy Awards. The band continues to tour with top-notch musicians and perform their timeless hits, including “You’re The One,” “Spinning Wheel,” “And When I Die,” “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy,” “Hi-De-Ho” and more.
Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets start at $49.95 plus tax and fees and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000; online at www.orleanscasino.com; or in-person at The Orleans. Tickets may also be purchased the day of the show (depending upon availability) at the venue box office.
“Up, Up & Away” starring Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. will appear on Saturday, February 12
. is a musical celebration of their iconic hits and tributes to musical legends, including The 5th Dimension. McCoo and Davis will perform their celebrated pop-soul classics, including “Up, Up and Away,” “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In,” “Worst That Could Happen,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” “Sweet Blindness,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” and “One Less Bell to Answer.”
McCoo and Davis, both former original members of The 5th Dimension, have long careers as recording artists, performers, and authors. The couple has won seven Grammy Awards in addition to earning 15 gold and three platinum records. In 2004, the couple authored a book celebrating more than 45 years of marriage and shared their secrets to staying happy. On television, the couple starred in the “The Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. Show,” the first variety series starring an African American musical couple.
Most recently, McCoo and Davis released their first studio album in three decades, “Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons.” Known as a human rights and freedom recording project, the album has hit the top spot-on music charts, including hitting No. 1 on the Current Album Chart. The album is receiving critical acclaim from activists, reviewers, and pop culture and music icons alike.
McCoo and Davis became the first African American couple to receive a second honor on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This summer, the duo was also seen in Questlove’s directorial debut, “Summer of Soul (...Or, when the Revolution Could Not Be Televised),” a documentary on the Harlem Cultural Festival. The film premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and won the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award.
Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets start at $36.95 plus tax and fees and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000; online at www.orleanscasino.com; or in-person at The Orleans. Tickets may also be purchased the day of the show (depending upon availability) at the venue box office. Per state and local mandates, all guests are required to wear a mask covering their mouth and nose at all live events at The Orleans, regardless of vaccination status.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) Foundation has a full calendar of March events, including the Fifth Annual Hidden Heroes Black and White Gala on Friday, March 4; K-9 Trials on Saturday, March 20; and the Fifth Annual Wonder Women of Metro Luncheon on Tuesday, March 29.
The LVMPD Foundation and The Gratitude Project hosts the Fifth Annual Hidden Heroes Black and White Gala at The Cosmopolitanof Las Vegas. The Hidden Heroes Gala celebrates and recognizes LVMPD Hidden Heroes who work to keep our citizens safe every day. These Hidden Heroes might not wear a badge, but they are committed to their community.
Presented by The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, the 2022 Hidden Hero is Fusion Watch, a 24/7 real-time crime center situated in the LMVPD Fusion Center. Fusion Watch is a virtual crime fighting unit responsible for the development and deployment of advanced technologies to prevent crime and terrorism across the Las Vegas Valley. Fusion Watch operates under the mantra that one officer behind a keyboard can be equivalent to three or more officers on the street and is responsible for initiative-taking policework and patrol watch via their network of 600+ public safety cameras.
Started in 2018 in collaboration with The Gratitude Project, the Hidden Heroes Gala benefits the LVMPD Foundation by raising important funds for LVMPD programs. For tickets and sponsor information click www.lvmpdfoundation.org.
On Sunday, March 20, the LVMPD Foundation and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department invite the public to attend the 30th Annual Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department K-9 Trials at South Point Hotel and Casino. Come and see police department K-9 Teams from all over the world compete in obedience, agility, and handler protection. Admission is FREE and gates open from 8 am – 5 pm.
The Fifth Annual Wonder Women of Metro Luncheon is Tuesday, March 29, at Caesars Palace. The event celebrates female leadership in law enforcement and in our community during Women’s History Month. This year’s Luncheon will honor a woman who demonstrates strong community leadership and will be announced at the Luncheon.
Started in August 2017, the Wonder Women of Metro Luncheon benefits the LVMPD Foundation and is a reminder to appreciate the Wonder Women in our lives who are dedicated to public safety and our community. Trailblazing women in our community who have been honored at this Luncheon as keynote speakers include Diana Bennett, Kris Engelstad McGarry, Robin Greenspun, and Nikki Fargas. Ticket and sponsor information click https://lvmpdfoundation.org/wonder-women-of-metro/
